bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A system for the construction of targeted unmarked gene deletions in the genus Burkholderia
Authors: Flannagan Ronald S. , Linn Thomas , Valvano Miguel A. 
Published: March 2008

Summary Burkholderia species are extremely multidrug resistant, environmental bacteria with extraordinary bioremediation and biocontrol properties. At the same time, these bacteria cause serious opportunistic infections in vulnerable patient populations while some species can potentially be used as bioweapons. The complete DNA sequence of more than 10 Burkholderia genomes provides an opportunity to apply functional genomics to a collection of widely adaptable environmental bacteria thriving in diverse niches and establishing both symbiotic and pathogenic associations with many different organisms. However, extreme multidrug resistance hampers genetic manipulations in Burkholderia. We have developed and evaluated a mutagenesis system based on the homing endonuclease I‐SceI to construct targeted, non‐polar unmarked gene deletions in Burkholderia. Using the cystic fibrosis pathogen Burkholderia cenocepacia K56‐2 as a model strain, we demonstrate this system allows for clean deletions of one or more genes within an operon and also the introduction of multiple deletions in the same strain. We anticipate this tool will have widespread environmental and biomedical applications, facilitating functional genomic studies and construction of safe strains for bioremediation and biocontrol, as well as clinical applications such as live vaccines for Burkholderia and other Gram‐negative bacterial species.
Resting spore formation of aphid‐pathogenic fungus Pandora nouryi depends on the concentration of infective inoculum
Authors: Huang Zhi‐Hong , Feng Ming‐Guang 
Published: March 2008

SummaryResting spore formation of some aphid‐pathogenic Entomophthorales is important for the seasonal pattern of their prevalence and survival but this process is poorly understood. To explore the possible mechanism involved in the process, Pandora nouryi (obligate aphid pathogen) interacted with green peach aphid Myzus persicae on cabbage leaves under favourable conditions. Host nymphs showered with primary conidia of an isolate (LC50: 0.9–6.7 conidia mm−2 4–7 days post shower) from air captures in the low‐latitude plateau of China produced resting spores (azygospores), primary conidia or both spore types. Surprisingly, the proportion of mycosed cadavers forming resting spores (Pcfrs) increased sharply within the concentrations (C) of 28–240 conidia mm−2, retained high levels at 240–1760, but was zero or extremely low at 0.3–16. The Pcfrs–C relationship fit well the logistic equation Pcfrs = 0.6774/[1 + exp(3.1229–0.0270C)] (r2 = 0.975). This clarified for the first time the dependence of in vivo resting spore formation of P. nouryi upon the concentration of infective inoculum. A hypothesis is thus proposed that some sort of biochemical signals may exist in the host–pathogen interaction so that the fungal pathogen perceives the signals for prompt response to forthcoming host‐density changes by either producing conidia for infecting available hosts or forming resting spores for surviving host absence in situ.
Tyrant flycatchers coming out in the open: phylogeny and ecological radiation of Tyrannidae (Aves, Passeriformes)
Authors: Ohlson Jan , Fjeldså Jon , Ericson Per G. P. 
Published: March 2008

Tyrant flycatchers constitute a substantial component of the land bird fauna in all South American habitats. Past interpretations of the morphological and ecological evolution in the group have been hampered by the lack of a well‐resolved hypothesis of their phylogenetic interrelationships. Here, we present a well‐resolved phylogeny based on DNA sequences from three nuclear introns for 128 taxa. Our results confirm much of the overall picture of Tyrannidae relationships, and also identify several novel relationships. The genera Onychorhynchus, Myiobius and Terenotriccus are placed outside Tyrannidae and may be more closely related to Tityridae. Tyrannidae consists of two main lineages. An expanded pipromorphine clade includes flatbills, tody‐tyrants and antpipits, and also Phylloscartes and Pogonotriccus. The spadebills, Neopipo and Tachuris are their closest relatives. The remainder of the tyrant flycatchers forms a well‐supported clade, subdivided in two large subclades, which differ consistently in foraging behaviour, the perch‐gleaning elaeniines and the sallying myiarchines, tyrannines and fluvicolines. A third clade is formed by the genera Myiotriccus, Pyrrhomyias, Hirundinea and three species currently placed in Myiophobus. Ancestral habitat reconstruction and divergence date estimation suggest that early divergence events in Tyrannida took place in a humid forest environment during the Oligocene. Large‐scale diversification in open habitats is confined to the clade consisting of the elaeniines, myiarchines, tyrannines and fluvicolines. This radiation correlates in time to the expansion of semi‐open and open habitats from the mid‐Miocene (c. 15 Mya) onwards. The pipromorphine, elaeniine and myiarchine–tyrannine–fluvicoline clades each employ distinct foraging strategies (upward striking, perch‐gleaning and sallying, respectively), but the degree of diversity in morphology and microhabitat exploitation is markedly different between these clades. While the pipromorphines and elaeniines each are remarkably homogenous in morphology and exploit a restricted range of microhabitats, the myiarchine–tyrannine–fluvicoline clade is more diverse in these respects. This greater ecological diversity, especially as manifested in their success in colonizing a wider spectrum of open habitats, appears to be connected to a greater adaptive flexibility of the search‐and‐sally foraging behaviour.
Fatty liver is an independent risk factor for the development of Type 2 diabetes in Korean adults
Authors: Kim C.‐H. , Park J.‐Y. , Lee K.‐U. , Kim J.‐H. , Kim H.‐K. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAims  To investigate whether fatty liver per se is an independent risk factor of incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Koreans.Methods  We examined the clinical and laboratory data of 5372 non‐diabetic participants (3670 men and 1702 women; age 46.8 ± 8.4 years, range 20–79 years) who underwent voluntary medical check‐ups in 2000 and follow‐up examinations in 2005.Results  Two hundred and thirty‐three participants (4.3%) developed T2DM after 5 years. Univariate analysis showed that the development of diabetes was associated with: male sex; family history of diabetes; smoking; older age; higher body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hepatic enzymes, total cholesterol and triglycerides; lower HDL cholesterol; and the presence of fatty liver on ultrasonography at baseline. In multiple logistic regression models, after adjusting for age, sex and alcohol consumption, patients with fatty liver were at significantly higher risk of developing T2DM compared to those without fatty liver [relative risk (RR) 3.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.89–5.31]. After further adjustment for smoking, BMI, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, FPG, alanine aminotransferase and ultrasonographer, fatty liver remained significantly associated with the development of T2DM (RR 1.51, 95% CI 1.04–2.20). Patients with moderate to severe fatty liver had higher risk ratios than patients with mild fatty liver. Exclusion of frequent drinkers did not attenuate the association.Conclusions  Fatty liver on ultrasonography is associated with the development of T2DM, independently of classical risk factors, in Korean adults.
Relationship between γ‐glutamyltransferase and metabolic syndrome in a Korean population
Authors: Lee M. Y. , Koh S. B. , Koh J. H. , Nam S. M. , Shin J. Y. , Shin Y. G. , Kong I. D. , Ryu S. Y. , Lee T. Y. , Park J. K. , Chung C. H. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAims  To investigate associations between γ‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) and components of metabolic syndrome (MS), insulin resistance and inflammatory markers in the Korean population.Methods  The 3508 subjects enrolled in this survey participated in the Korean Rural Genomic Cohort (KRGC) study. Written consent was obtained from the local ethical committee. Of these participants, 1437 were men (mean age 56.9 ± 7.9 years) and 2071 were women (mean age 55.8 ± 8.1 years). We measured GGT levels and various biochemical markers. To examine insulin resistance status, we used the homeostasis assessment method for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). For inflammatory marker, we used C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels.Results  Serum GGT levels were significantly higher in the MS group compared to the healthy patient group [23 (5–1403) vs. 19 (5–1920) IU/l; P = 0.01]. The prevalence of MS and adjusted relative risk were both significantly increased from the lowest to highest GGT quartiles; these results persisted after adjustments for multiple confounders. Positive correlations were established between GGT and HOMA‐IR or CRP.Conclusion  These results suggest that GGT levels may be a surrogate marker of insulin resistance, inflammation and MS.
Health utility values associated with diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Lloyd A. , Nafees B. , Gavriel S. , Rousculp M. D. , Boye K. S. , Ahmad A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAims  Different estimates exist regarding the impact of diabetic retinopathy (DR) on health utility. A previously reported prospective observational study has reported much larger decrements in self‐reported utility than generic utility data from the UK Prospective Diabetes Study and the Lipids in Diabetes Study. The present study was designed to estimate utility loss using multiple methods.Methods  Detailed health state descriptions reflecting declining DR (five different visual acuity levels), neuropathy and nephropathy were validated with patients and used to elicit utility values from people with DR, people with diabetes and members of the UK general public using standard gamble. In addition, a larger sample of people with retinopathy completed different health‐related quality of life measures in an interview [EuroQoL (EQ‐5D), Health State Utilities Index (HUI)‐3, and National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire‐25].Results  The utility scores from the standard gamble interviews were not significantly different between the three groups. There was a decline in utility from 6/6 vision to counting fingers of −0.244. The utility data derived from the generic measures revealed an equivalent decline of −0.41 on both the EQ‐5D single index and the HUI‐3.Conclusions  This study has re‐examined the utility decrements associated with DR and has identified much larger declines in utility than previously reported. The study has also reported the utility values of patients with retinopathy as assessed by standard gamble. We believe that this may be the first study to report utility values for health states associated with vision loss which have been elicited from patients with vision loss.
Vibrotactile sense in median and ulnar nerve innervated fingers of men with Type 2 diabetes, normal or impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Dahlin L. B. , Thrainsdottir S. , Cederlund R. , Thomsen N. O. B. , Eriksson K. F. , Rosén I. , Speidel T. , Sundqvist G. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAims  To investigate vibrotactile sense (large fibre neuropathy) at different frequencies in index and little fingers (median and ulnar nerves, respectively) of subjects with diabetes, or impaired (IGT) or normal glucose tolerance (NGT).Methods  Vibration thresholds (tactilometry at seven frequencies (8, 16, 32, 64, 125, 250 and 500 Hz)) and median nerve function (electrophysiology) were examined in men (age 73.4 ± 0.12 years; n = 58, mean ± sd) with persistent NGT (n = 28) or IGT (n = 7) or with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (n = 23) for > 15 years.Results  HbA1c was increased and vibrotactile sense (sensibility index) was impaired in index and little fingers in men with T2DM. Vibration thresholds were particularly increased at 16, 250 and 500 Hz in the little finger (ulnar nerve). T2DM subjects showed electrophysiological (gold standard) signs of neuropathy in the median nerve. Although subjects with persistent IGT had higher HbA1c, vibrotactile sensation and electrophysiology remained normal. HbA1c did not correlate with vibrotactile sense or electrophysiology, but the latter two correlated with respect to Z‐score (sign of neuropathy) in forearm (NGT) and at wrist level (NGT and DM).Conclusions  Vibration thresholds are increased in the finger pulps in T2DM subjects, particularly at specific frequencies in ulnar nerve innervated finger pulps. Neuropathy is not present in IGT. Tactilometry, with a multi‐frequency approach, is a sensitive technique to screen for large fibre neuropathy in T2DM. Frequency‐related changes may mirror dysfunction of various receptors.
Six‐year incidence of lower extremity arterial disease and associated risk factors in Type 1 diabetic African‐Americans
Authors: Roy M. S. , Peng B. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAims  To report the 6‐year incidence of, and risk factors for, lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) in African‐Americans with Type 1 diabetes mellitus.Methods  African‐Americans (n = 483) with Type 1 diabetes were re‐examined 6 years after an original visit. At both visits, patients underwent a structured clinical interview which included history of amputation or leg angioplasty because of poor circulation in lower extremities; ocular examination; masked grading of seven stereoscopic fundus photographs; and blood pressure measurements. Biological tests included blood and urine assays.Results  Of the 483 patients who had a 6‐year follow‐up, 457 had no LEAD at the baseline examination. Of these 457 patients, 26 (5.7%) developed LEAD over the 6‐year follow‐up. Six‐year incidence of LEAD was significantly associated with baseline older age (P = 0.0002) and longer duration of diabetes (P < 0.0001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that baseline longer duration of diabetes, male gender, higher systolic blood pressure, retinopathy severity, and presence of foot ulcers were significant and independent risk factors for incidence of LEAD.Conclusions  Blood pressure control and prevention and treatment of foot ulcers may be helpful in reducing the morbidity associated with LEAD in African‐Americans with Type 1 diabetes.
Fast food consumption and increased caloric intake: a systematic review of a trajectory towards weight gain and obesity risk
Authors: Rosenheck R. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryConsumption of fast food, which have high energy densities and glycemic loads, and expose customers to excessive portion sizes, may be greatly contributing to and escalating the rates of overweight and obesity in the USA. Whether an association exists between fast food consumption and weight gain is unclear. Sixteen studies (six cross sectional, seven prospective cohort, three experimental) meeting methodological and relevance criteria were selected for inclusion in this systematic review. While more research needs to be conducted specifically in regard to effects of fast food consumption among subpopulations such as children and adolescents, sufficient evidence exists for public health recommendations to limit fast food consumption and facilitate healthier menu selection. As the fast food industry continues to increase both domestically and abroad, the scientific findings and corresponding public health implications of the association between fast food consumption and weight are critical.
A Robust Linkage Analysis Method Using Combined Allele Sharing and Transmission Disequilibrium Information from Case‐Parent Tetrad Families
Authors: Wang J.‐Y. , Hou C.‐D. , Tai J. J. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryThere are two types of linkage information, the allele sharing information and transmission disequilibrium information, that can be extracted from case‐parent tetrad families for deriving statistics for test of linkage. By extracting allele sharing information the mean test can be derived. By extracting transmission disequilibrium information the transmission/disequilibrium test (TDT) can be derived. The power performances of the two tests are different with respect to the extent of linkage disequilibrium. The TDT is more powerful than the mean test when the extent of linkage disequilibrium is moderate to strong, but the mean test has better power performance than the TDT when linkage disequilibrium is weak. Some previous studies have proposed several post‐combination analysis methods, which combine the two tests after they are derived using the two types of linkage information respectively, to yield robust test statistics against the interference of linkage disequilibrium. Instead of adopting the post‐combination approach, in this paper we investigate the approach of using the pre‐combination idea to yield robust statistics for test of linkage. The pre‐combination methods combine the two types of linkage information first, and then use the combined information to construct robust test statistics. Simulation studies are conducted to compare the power performances of the proposed pre‐combination tests with those of the existing post‐combination methods.
Medicinal plants and the treatment of diabetes in Senegal: survey with patients
Authors: Dièye Amadou Moctar , Sarr Anna , Diop Saïd Norou , Ndiaye Mamadou , Sy Guata Yoro , Diarra Mounibé , Rajraji/Gaffary Ilham , Ndiaye/Sy Awa , Faye Babacar 
Published: March 2008

AbstractDiabetes is the most common metabolic disorder worldwide and is a major public health problem. Its frequency increases every day in all countries. However, in developing African countries, few people have access to drugs. In addition, in Africa, traditional beliefs induce people to use medicinal plants whenever they have health problems. Thus, many people in these developing countries use plants for the treatment of diabetes. Yet, few studies are focused on the knowledge and attitudes of the users on medicinal plants in Africa in general and in Senegal in particular. Hence we undertook this survey on the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of diabetes in Senegal in order to make recommendations which could contribute to the increase of the value of herbal medicines in developing countries. We did a cross‐sectional survey by direct interview at a university teaching hospital, in Dakar with a representative sample of 220 patients. Forty‐one plants were used by the patients and the two most frequently cited were Moringa oleifera Lam (65.90%) and Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich) Hochst (43.20%). Patients gave several reasons for using medicinal plants (traditional treatment: 40%, efficacy: 32%, low cost: 20%). The principal suppliers of plants were tradesmen in the market (66.8%) and traditional therapists (5%). Sixty‐five per cent of patients think that medicinal plants are efficient for the treatment of diabetes and 20% have reported adverse effects which could be caused by medicinal plants. In conclusion, many people in our study think that medicinal plants are efficient for the treatment of diabetes, which requires research work by scientists in developing countries in this field in order to prove their efficacy and innocuousness.
Factitious increases in serum testosterone concentrations related to phenylbutazone therapy
Authors: Uzzan Bernard , Dumont‐Fischer Dominique , Lahlou Najiba , Bihan Hélène , Boissier Marie‐Christophe , Alvarez Jean‐Claude , Perret Gérard‐Yves , Cohen Régis 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe report 6 additional observations of a drug/hormone assay interaction between serum testosterone and phenylbutazone intake. This interaction had been described previously only once. We discuss its potential mechanisms, based upon our experimental findings, and its clinical implications.
Antihypertensive effects of crude extracts from leaves of Echinodorus grandiflorus
Authors: Lessa Marcos Adriano , Araújo Cláudia Valéria , Kaplan Maria Auxiliadora , Pimenta Daniel , Figueiredo Maria Raquel , Tibiriçá Eduardo 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe antihypertensive action of a crude ethanolic extract (EEEG) from leaves of Echinodorus grandiflorus (Alismataceae) was investigated in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The intraperitoneal injection of increasing doses of EEEG (300–1000 mg/kg) elicited dose‐dependent reductions in mean arterial pressure (MAP) that were paralleled by reductions of cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance, reaching the maximum of 23 ± 5%, 13 ± 3% and 18 ± 4%, respectively (n = 5, P < 0.05). Comparable reductions of MAP were obtained upon i.v. administration of EEEG (3–100 mg/kg), reaching the maximum decrease of 51 ± 6% (n = 7; P < 0.001). The blockade of nitric oxide synthesis significantly reduced the hypotension induced by i.v. administration of EEEG. Moreover, the pre‐treatment of the animals with a selective antagonist of cholinergic muscarinic receptors or of platelet‐activating factor (PAF) receptors partially blunted the cardiovascular effects of EEEG. The i.v. pre‐treatment with the selective B2 bradykinin receptor antagonist HOE 140 or with indomethacin, an inhibitor of the enzyme cyclooxygenase, did not prevent the hypotensive effects induced by EEEG. Finally, the chronic oral treatment with EEEG presented a significant antihypertensive effect that was comparable to that of reference antihypertensive drugs currently used to treat arterial hypertension. It is concluded that EEEG elicits significant acute antihypertensive effects through the release of nitric oxide and the stimulation of cholinergic muscarinic and PAF receptors. Moreover, our results suggest that EEEG may be appropriate to chronic oral treatment of arterial hypertension.
Oral absorption of ampicillin: role of paracellular route vs. PepT1 transporter
Authors: Lafforgue Guylène , Arellano Cécile , Vachoux Christelle , Woodley John , Philibert Claude , Dupouy Veronique , Bousquet‐Mélou Alain , Gandia Peggy , Houin Georges 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe β‐lactam antibiotic ampicillin has a relatively poor oral bioavailability in animals and man (30–40%), and its widespread agricultural use in livestock may be contributing to the emergence of antibiotic resistance in the environment. The aim of this study was to define the absorption mechanism by which ampicillin crosses the small intestinal epithelium. The improved rat everted gut sac system was used, with an emphasis on the role of the PepT1 transporter. The absorption kinetics, effects of pH and the use of competitive substrates failed to provide any substantive evidence that the transporter played a major role in ampicillin absorption. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid enhanced the absorption, and tissue levels remained low, suggesting that paracellular transport was predominant. pH and competition studies with glycylsarcosine, the widely used PepT1 substrate, also failed to show any transporter activity. Despite evidence from studies with Caco‐2 cells that β‐lactam antibiotics are transported by the PepT1 transporter in rat small intestine, the results rather suggest that paracellular diffusion is the major mechanism of absorption, at least for β‐lactam antibiotics with poor bioavailability, such as ampicillin. We suggest that the use of Caco‐2 cells underestimates the role of the paracellular route in the absorption of hydrophilic drugs in vivo, and may exaggerate the role of influx transporters.