bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Angiographic and Procedural Correlates of Stent Thrombosis after Intracoronary Implantation of Drug‐Eluting Stents
Authors: ROY PROBAL , TORGUSON REBECCA , OKABE TERUO , SLOTTOW TINA L. PINTO , STEINBERG DANIEL H. , SMITH KIMBERLY , XUE ZHENYI , SATLER LOWELL F. , PICHARD AUGUSTO D. , WAKSMAN RON 
Published: September 2007

Background:
Stent thrombosis (ST) following the implantation of drug‐eluting stents (DES) remains the major limitation of this new technology. The identification of modifiable correlates of ST may help reduce this catastrophic event.
Methods:
This was a retrospective, single‐center, lesion‐based study. A cohort of 45 consecutive lesions (35 patients) initially treated with successful DES implantation from May 2003 to February 2005 that re‐presented with ST within 12 months was identified. This cohort was compared to a control group of 1,620 unselected lesions (1,187 patients) that were successfully treated with DES implantation and which remained free of ST. Comparison of angiographic and procedural features was made between the ST and no‐ST groups, and logistic regression analysis was then performed to identify independent correlates of ST. For the purposes of the study only definite ST events (angiographically or autopsy proven) were considered.
Results:
Independent angiographic predictors of cumulative ST at 12 months were left anterior descending (LAD) artery (OR: 1.91, CI: 1.01–3.59, P = 0.045), bifurcation (OR: 2.43, CI: 1.06–5.56, P = 0.035), and in‐stent restenotic (OR: 2.64, CI: 1.12–6.25, P = 0.027) lesions. Procedural predictors were number of stents per lesion (OR: 2.30, CI: 1.29–4.11, P = 0.005) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance (OR: 0.45, CI: 0.24–0.84, P = 0.013). Correlates of subacute events were LAD artery, proximal segment, and lack of IVUS guidance. Correlates of late ST were bifurcation and in‐stent restenotic lesions.
Conclusions:
Angiographic and procedural correlates of subacute and late ST after DES implantation differ. Lack of IVUS guidance was the only modifiable predictor identified. Treatment of bifurcation and restenotic lesions was predictive of late events.
Ability of oral bacteria to induce tissue‐destructive molecules from human neutrophils
Authors: Shin J , Ji S , Choi Y 
Published: September 2007

Aim:  The induction of tissue‐destructive molecules from neutrophils by periodontopathic bacteria has been suggested as one of the mechanisms of periodontal destruction. The aim of this study was to determine whether the ability to stimulate neutrophils is an authentic characteristic of periodontopathic bacteria.Methods:  We evaluated, along with phagocytosis, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (MMP‐8), and interleukin‐1β by neutrophils in response to non‐periodontopathic Streptococcus sanguinis and periodontopathic bacteria Fusobacterium nucleatum and Treponema denticola, in the absence or presence of antibodies. Phagocytosis, the death of neutrophils, and intracellular ROS production were measured by flow cytometry and the concentrations of MMP‐8 and interleukin‐1β secreted into medium were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results:  S. sanguinis and F. nucleatum induced greater production of ROS, MMP‐8, and interleukin‐1β than did T. denticola. The levels of tissue‐destructive molecules produced by neutrophils had a positive correlation with phagocytosis. Opsonization of bacteria with antibodies significantly increased phagocytosis and ROS production and release, thus increasing both bacterial clearance and potential tissue damage.Conclusion:  The ability of oral bacteria to induce tissue‐destructive molecules from neutrophils is not an inherent characteristic of periodontopathic bacteria, which would provide a new insight into the role of neutrophils in periodontal destruction.
Survey regarding the status of senior physicians in German dermatology clinics
Authors: Mrowietz Ulrich , Rott Silja 
Published: September 2007

SummaryThe group of senior physicians/assistant medical directors between chairman and residents is in a major focus regarding current changes in the medical system in Germany. The manifold clinical tasks clearly underline the importance of senior physicians as key players; they are neither so regarded nor paid accordingly. In addition senior physicians are responsible for education of residents. To gain insight into the current situation of senior physicians in dermatology information was acquired by a detailed questionnaire. The return‐rate of 44.7% was considerably higher than in comparable surveys. The responses show a high degree of satisfaction with medical work, position and interaction with chairman and staff. Most critical was the increasing administrative work and the low salary.This is the first survey in a medical subspecialty among senior physicians in Germany. After the planned new pay schedule is instituted and restructuring of professorships in academic institutions is completed, the survey will be repeated.
Association of TLR2 gene Arg753Gln polymorphism with urinary tract infection in children
Authors: Tabel Y. , Berdeli A. , Mir S. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryThe aim of this study is to investigate Arg753Gln allele polymorphisms of toll‐like receptor‐2 (TLR2) gene distribution, allele frequency in urinary tract infection (UTI) and genotype–phenotype association of TLR2 gene in children with UTI. The polymorphism was investigated in 124 children with UTI (22 boys and 102 girls; mean age 5.81 ± 3.47 years) with direct DNA sequencing‐based method. TLR2 gene Arg753Gln allele frequency was higher in the patient group when compared with control group (OR 3.14, 95%CI 1.53–6.44, P < 0.001). The frequency of the Arg753Gln allele was significantly higher in gram‐positive group than in gram‐negative group (OR 7.64, 95%CI 2.80–20.81, P < 0.001). The frequency of UTI was found significantly higher in the Arg753Gln allele carriers of TLR2 gene than the non‐carriers (OR 4.94, 95%CI 1.09–22.33, P < 0.05). Similarly, the incidence of asymptomatic UTI was also found significantly higher in the group carrying Arg753Gln allele (OR 3.73, 95%Cl 1.54–9.04, P < 0.05). As a result, we suggest that TLR2 gene could be the predisposing factor for urinary tract infection. Additionally, we observed that subjects carrying the TLR2 Arg753Gln allele had higher risk of urinary tract infection with gram‐positive pathogens, history of more than two attacks of UTI and asymptomatic UTI.
The polymorphism and haplotype analysis of HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐DRB1 genes of population in Jiangsu province of China
Authors: Miao K. R. , Pan Q. Q. , Tang R. C. , Zhou X. P. , Fan S. , Wang X. Y. , Zhao X. , Xue M. , Zhou X. Y. , Wang C. Y. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryThe polymorphism of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐A, ‐B and ‐DRB1 genes and their computed haplotype analysis results from a population of Jiangsu province of China are presented here. The data consist of 20 248 unrelated peripheral blood stem cell donors in Jiangsu Branch of Chinese National Marrow Donor Program registry. In total, 18 different HLA‐A alleles, 34 different HLA‐B alleles and 13 different HLA‐DRB1 alleles were found in Jiangsu Han population. The most frequent alleles in HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐DRB1 loci were A*02 (29.55%), B*15 (14.40%), and DRB1*09 (16.15%), respectively. The most common haplotype in A‐B‐DRB1 loci was A*30‐B*13‐ DRB1*07 (6.92%), in A‐B loci was A*30‐B*13 (8.05%), in B‐DRB1 loci was B*13‐DRB1*07 (8.17%), and in A‐DRB1 loci was A*02‐DRB1*09 (8.30%). The dendrogram study indicated that the distribution of HLA genes in Jiangsu Han population, as expected, represented a mixture of Northern and Southern Han population in China. These findings could shade new lights in population genetics and anthropology studies of Han‐Chinese.
Mitigating selection in HLA‐B27 not confirmed
Authors: Müller B. , Pavesio C. , Eggert M. , Neek G. , Mitchison N. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryThe existence of a small, discrete group of HLA‐B27 promoters, potentially able to mitigate the deleterious effect of this allele, has not been confirmed.
Effect of Caspofungin on Metabolite Profiles of
Aspergillus
Species Determined by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Plummer R. , Bodkin J. , Power D. , Pantarat N. , Bubb W. A. , Kuchel P. W. , Sorrell T. C. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT

Invasive aspergillosis remains a potentially life-threatening infection, the incidence of which is increasing. Current methods used to determine the susceptibilities of
Aspergillus
strains to antifungal drugs are often unreliable. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy can identify the metabolic complement of microorganisms while monitoring nutrient utilization from the incubation medium. We used 600-MHz
1
H NMR spectroscopy to monitor the metabolic responses of five
Aspergillus
species cultured in RPMI 1640-2% glucose-morpholinepropanesulfonate buffer to various concentrations of the antifungal drugs amphotericin B (AMB) and caspofungin. The metabolic endpoint (MEP) was determined from nutrient and metabolite resonances, measured as a function of the drug concentration, and was defined as a ≥50% reduction in nutrient consumption or metabolite production. MICs were evaluated by a modification of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute broth microdilution method M27-A, and minimal effective concentrations (MECs) were determined by microscopic examination of fungal hyphae. For AMB, the MEPs coincided with the MICs. For caspofungin, the MEPs agreed with the MECs for several
Aspergillus
strains, but the effect of drug pressure was more complex for others. Expansion of the MEP definition to include any significant changes in metabolite production resulted in agreement with the MEC in most cases. Paradoxical metabolic responses were observed for several
Aspergillus
strains at either high or low caspofungin concentrations and for one
Aspergillus terreus
strain with AMB. NMR spectroscopy proved to be a powerful tool for detecting the subtle effects of drug pressure on fungal metabolism and has the potential to provide an alternative method for determining the susceptibilities of
Aspergillus
species to antifungal drugs.
Effects of Serum on In Vitro Susceptibility Testing of Echinocandins
Authors: Odabasi Zekaver , Paetznick Victor , Rex John H. , Ostrosky-Zeichner Luis 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTThe effects of protein binding on the activities of caspofungin, anidulafungin, and micafungin were evaluated againstCandidaandAspergillusspecies. Adding human serum sharply increased the MICs of micafungin and anidulafungin and modestly affected the MIC of caspofungin. The increase in MICs does not appear consistent with the rate of protein binding for the three compounds.
Protective Properties and Surface Localization ofPlasmodium falciparumEnolase
Authors: Pal-Bhowmick Ipsita , Mehta Monika , Coppens Isabelle , Sharma Shobhona , Jarori Gotam K. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTThe enolase protein of the human malarial parasitePlasmodium falciparumhas recently been characterized. Apart from its glycolytic function, enolase has also been shown to possess antigenic properties and to be present on the cell wall of certain invasive organisms, such asCandida albicans. In order to assess whether enolase ofP. falciparumis also antigenic, sera from residents of a region of Eastern India where malaria is endemic were tested against the recombinantP. falciparumenolase (r-Pfen) protein. About 96% of immune adult sera samples reacted with r-Pfen over and above the seronegative controls. Rabbit anti-r-Pfen antibodies inhibited the growth of in vitro cultures ofP. falciparum. Mice immunized with r-Pfen showed protection against a challenge with the 17XL lethal strain of the mouse malarial parasitePlasmodium yoelii. The antibodies raised against r-Pfen were specific forPlasmodiumand did not react to the host tissues. Immunofluorescence as well as electron microscopic examinations revealed localization of the enolase protein on the merozoite cell surface. These observations establish malaria enolase to be a potential protective antigen.
Direct Microscopic Quantification of Dynamics of
Plasmodium berghei
Sporozoite Transmission from Mosquitoes to Mice
Authors: Jin Yamei , Kebaier Chahnaz , Vanderberg Jerome 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT

The number of malaria sporozoites delivered to a host by mosquitoes is thought to have a significant influence on the subsequent course of the infection in the mammalian host. We did studies with
Anopheles stephensi
mosquitoes with salivary gland infections of
Plasmodium berghei
sporozoites expressing a red fluorescent protein. After individual mosquitoes fed on an ear pinna or the ventral abdomen of a mouse, fluorescence microscopy was used to count numbers of sporozoites. Mosquitoes allowed to feed on the ear for periods of 3 versus 15 min deposited means of 281 versus 452 sporozoites, respectively, into the skin; this may have epidemiological implications because mosquitoes can feed for longer periods of time on sleeping hosts. Mosquitoes feeding on the ventral abdomen injected sporozoites not only into the skin but also into the underlying peritoneal musculature. Although mosquitoes injected fewer sporozoites into the abdominal tissues, more of these were reingested into the mosquito midgut, probably a consequence of easier access to blood intake from the abdominal area. The most consistent parameter of sporozoite transmission dynamics under all conditions of mosquito probing and feeding was the relatively slow release rate of sporozoites (∼1 to 2.5 per second) from the mosquito proboscis. The numbers of sporozoites introduced into the host by mosquitoes and the transmission efficiencies of sporozoite delivery are multifactorial phenomena that vary with length of probing time, skin site being fed upon, and numbers of sporozoites within the salivary glands.
Roles of Serine Accumulation and Catabolism in the Colonization of the Murine Urinary Tract by
Escherichia coli
CFT073
Authors: Anfora Andrew T. , Haugen Brian J. , Roesch Paula , Redford Peter , Welch Rodney A. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT

A
d
-serine deaminase (DsdA) mutant of uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
strain CFT073 has a hypercolonization phenotype in a murine model of urinary tract infection (UTI) due to increased virulence gene expression by an unknown mechanism (B. J. Haugen et al., Infect. Immun. 75:278-289, 2007). DsdC is a
d
-serine-dependent activator of
dsdXA
transcription. DsdC may regulate the virulence genes responsible for hypercolonization. The loss of DsdA leads to increased intracellular accumulation of
d
-serine. In this study we show that deletion of the genes encoding
l
-serine deaminases SdaA and SdaB resulted in a mutant that accumulates higher intracellular levels of
l
-serine than CFT073. CFT073
sdaA sdaB
has a mild competitive colonization defect whereas a CFT073
dsdA sdaA sdaB
triple mutant shows a greater loss in competitive colonization ability. Thus, the inability to generate serine-specific catabolic products does not result in hypercolonization and the ability to catabolize serine represents a positive physiological trait during murine UTI. CFT073
dsdC
and CFT073
dsdC dsdA
mutants continue to outcompete the wild type in the UTI model. These results confirm that loss of DsdA activity results in the hypercolonization phenotype and that DsdC does not play a direct role in the elevated-colonization phenotype. Interestingly, a CFT073
dsdA
mutant with deletions of
d
-serine transporter genes
dsdX
and
cycA
shows wild-type colonization levels of the bladder but is attenuated for kidney colonization. Thus,
d
-serine acts as a signal for hypercolonization and virulence gene expression by CFT073
dsdA
, whereas overall catabolism of serine represents a positive
Escherichia coli
fitness trait during UTI.
Relative Contributions of
Enterococcus faecalis
OG1RF Sortase-Encoding Genes,
srtA
and
bps
(
srtC
), to Biofilm Formation and a Murine Model of Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Kemp Kelvin D. , Singh Kavindra V. , Nallapareddy Sreedhar R. , Murray Barbara E. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT

Deletion mutants of the two sortase genes of
Enterococcus faecalis
OG1RF were constructed.
srtC
(renamed here
bps
for
b
iofilm and
p
ilus-associated
s
ortase) was previously shown to be necessary for the production of Ebp pili and important for biofilm formation and endocarditis. Here, we report that a
srtA
deletion mutant showed a small (5%) yet significant (
P
= 0.037) reduction in biofilm relative to OG1RF, while a Δ
srtA
Δ
bps
double mutant showed a much greater reduction (74% versus OG1RF and 44% versus the Δ
bps
mutant). In a murine urinary tract infection (UTI), the 50% infective doses of both the Δ
srtA
Δ
bps
and Δ
bps
mutants were ∼2 log
10
greater than that of OG1RF or the Δ
srtA
mutant. Similarly, ∼2 log
10
fewer bacteria were recovered from the kidneys after infection with the Δ
bps
mutant (
P
= 0.017) and the Δ
srtA
Δ
bps
double mutant (
P
= 0.022) compared to wild-type strain OG1RF. In a competition UTI, the Δ
bps
mutant was slightly, but not significantly, less attenuated than the Δ
srtA
Δ
bps
double mutant. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis with Ebp-specific antibodies confirmed that a minority of OG1RF cells express Ebp pili on their surface in vitro and that Bps has a major role in Ebp pilus biogenesis but also indicated a function for SrtA in surface localization of the pilus subunit protein EbpA. In conclusion, deletion of
bps
had a major effect on virulence in murine UTIs, as well as biofilm; deletion of
srtA
from OG1RF had little effect on these phenotypes, but its deletion from a
bps
mutant had a pronounced effect on biofilm, suggesting that Bps and/or the proteins it anchors may compensate for the loss of some SrtA function(s).
Recombinant Exosporium Protein BclA of
Bacillus anthracis
Is Effective as a Booster for Mice Primed with Suboptimal Amounts of Protective Antigen
Authors: Brahmbhatt Trupti N. , Darnell Stephen C. , Carvalho Humberto M. , Sanz Patrick , Kang Tae J. , Bull Robert L. , Rasmussen Susan B. , Cross Alan S. , O'Brien Alison D. 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACT

Bacillus collagen-like protein of anthracis (BclA) is an immunodominant glycoprotein located on the exosporium of
Bacillus anthracis
. We hypothesized that antibodies to this spore surface antigen are largely responsible for the augmented immunity to anthrax that has been reported for animals vaccinated with inactivated spores and protective antigen (PA) compared to vaccination with PA alone. To test this theory, we first evaluated the capacity of recombinant, histidine-tagged, nonglycosylated BclA (rBclA) given with adjuvant to protect A/J mice against 10 times the 50% lethal dose of Sterne strain spores introduced subcutaneously. Although the animals elicited anti-rBclA antibodies and showed a slight but statistically significant prolongation in the mean time to death (MTD), none of the mice survived. Similarly, rabbit anti-rBclA immunoglobulin G (IgG) administered intraperitoneally to mice before spore inoculation increased the MTD statistically significantly but afforded protection to only 1 of 10 animals. However, all mice that received suboptimal amounts of recombinant PA and that then received rBclA 2 weeks later survived spore challenge. Additionally, anti-rBclA IgG, compared to anti-PA IgG, promoted a sevenfold-greater uptake of opsonized spores by mouse macrophages and markedly decreased intramacrophage spore germination. Since BclA has some sequence similarity to human collagen, we also tested the extent of binding of anti-rBclA antibodies to human collagen types I, III, and V and found no discernible cross-reactivity. Taken together, these results support the concept of rBclA as being a safe and effective boost for a PA-primed individual against anthrax and further suggest that such rBclA-enhanced protection occurs by the induction of spore-opsonizing and germination-inhibiting antibodies.
Distribution and Physiology of ABC-Type Transporters Contributing to Multidrug Resistance in Bacteria
Authors: Lubelski Jacek , Konings Wil N. , Driessen Arnold J. M. 
Published: September 2007

SUMMARYMembrane proteins responsible for the active efflux of structurally and functionally unrelated drugs were first characterized in higher eukaryotes. To date, a vast number of transporters contributing to multidrug resistance (MDR transporters) have been reported for a large variety of organisms. Predictions about the functions of genes in the growing number of sequenced genomes indicate that MDR transporters are ubiquitous in nature. The majority of described MDR transporters in bacteria use ion motive force, while only a few systems have been shown to rely on ATP hydrolysis. However, recent reports on MDR proteins from gram-positive organisms, as well as genome analysis, indicate that the role of ABC-type MDR transporters in bacterial drug resistance might be underestimated. Detailed structural and mechanistic analyses of these proteins can help to understand their molecular mode of action and may eventually lead to the development of new strategies to counteract their actions, thereby increasing the effectiveness of drug-based therapies. This review focuses on recent advances in the analysis of ABC-type MDR transporters in bacteria.
Regulation of Vacuolar pH and Its Modulation by Some Microbial Species
Authors: Huynh Kassidy K. , Grinstein Sergio 
Published: September 2007

SUMMARYTo survive within the host, pathogens such asMycobacterium tuberculosisandHelicobacter pylorineed to evade the immune response and find a protected niche where they are not exposed to microbicidal effectors. The pH of the microenvironment surrounding the pathogen plays a critical role in dictating the organism's fate. Specifically, the acidic pH of the endocytic organelles and phagosomes not only can affect bacterial growth directly but also promotes a variety of host microbicidal responses. The development of mechanisms to avoid or resist the acidic environment generated by host cells is therefore crucial to the survival of many pathogens. Here we review the processes that underlie the generation of organellar acidification and discuss strategies employed by pathogens to circumvent it, usingM. tuberculosisandH. pylorias examples.
Genomics ofActinobacteria: Tracing the Evolutionary History of an Ancient Phylum
Authors: Ventura Marco , Canchaya Carlos , Tauch Andreas , Chandra Govind , Fitzgerald Gerald F. , Chater Keith F. , van Sinderen Douwe 
Published: September 2007

SUMMARYActinobacteriaconstitute one of the largest phyla amongBacteriaand represent gram-positive bacteria with a high G+C content in their DNA. This bacterial group includes microorganisms exhibiting a wide spectrum of morphologies, from coccoid to fragmenting hyphal forms, as well as possessing highly variable physiological and metabolic properties. Furthermore,Actinobacteriamembers have adopted different lifestyles, and can be pathogens (e.g.,Corynebacterium,Mycobacterium,Nocardia,Tropheryma, andPropionibacterium), soil inhabitants (Streptomyces), plant commensals (Leifsonia), or gastrointestinal commensals (Bifidobacterium). The divergence ofActinobacteriafrom other bacteria is ancient, making it impossible to identify the phylogenetically closest bacterial group toActinobacteria. Genome sequence analysis has revolutionized every aspect of bacterial biology by enhancing the understanding of the genetics, physiology, and evolutionary development of bacteria. Various actinobacterial genomes have been sequenced, revealing a wide genomic heterogeneity probably as a reflection of their biodiversity. This review provides an account of the recent explosion of actinobacterial genomics data and an attempt to place this in a biological and evolutionary context.