bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Selection of Quinolone-Resistant
Escherichia coli
Strains in Fecal Flora of Patients Receiving Quinolone Therapy
Authors: Yagci D. , Yoruk F. , Azap A. , Memikoglu O. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT

Patients taking quinolones as inpatients (
n
= 55) or outpatients (
n
= 40) and newly hospitalized patients who were not on quinolone therapy (
n
= 41) were assessed for fecal carriage of quinolone-resistant
Escherichia coli
(QREC) strains before and after therapy/hospitalization. Fluoroquinolone use in the previous 6 months was found to be a risk factor for QREC carriage before therapy/hospitalization. The prevalence of QREC strains in fecal flora increased steadily with the duration of quinolone therapy.
Deep complex morphophysiological dormancy in Sanicula europaea (Apiaceae) fits a recurring pattern of dormancy types in genera with an Arcto-Tertiary distribution
Authors: Vandelook F. , Van Assche J. A. 
Published: December 2008

Genus Sanicula encompasses about 40 species, mainly from temperate deciduous forests and exhibiting an Arcto-Tertiary relict distribution. It has previously been shown that stasis in physiological traits, such as seed dormancy, can occur in genera with an Arcto-Tertiary disjunct distribution. The aim of this study was to determine the requirements for dormancy break and seed germination in the Eurasian woodland herb Sanicula europaea L. Comparing our results with other Apiaceae in a phylogenetic and biogeographic framework enables us to determine whether stasis in seed dormancy has occurred in Sanicula. Experiments under natural conditions showed that the embryo elongates within the seed during winter, when temperatures are low. Seeds of S. europaea germinated immediately after growth of the embryo was completed, and seedlings subsequently emerged when temperatures had risen in spring. A series of tests under temperature-controlled conditions revealed that growth of the embryo and physiological dormancy break occur simultaneously at low temperatures (5 °C), irrespective of a pre-treatment at high temperatures. These results contrast with the dormancy traits of several eastern North American Sanicula species, which presumably require a high temperature pre-treatment before chilling becomes effective. This geographical distribution pattern of seed dormancy traits has also been established independently in several other Arcto-Tertiary relict genera.
Trichomycetes from lentic and lotic aquatic habitats in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Strongman D. B. , White Merlin M. 
Published: December 2008

Fungi and protists make up an ecological group, trichomycetes, that inhabit the guts of invertebrates, mostly aquatic insects. Trichomycetes are reported herein from arthropods collected in lotic habitats (fast flowing streams) and lentic environments (ponds, ditches, seeps, and lakes) from 11 sites in Algonquin Park and 6 other sites in Ontario, Canada. Thirty-two trichomycete species were recovered, including 7 new species: Legeriomyces algonquinensis , Legeriosimilis leptocerci , Legeriosimilis whitneyi , and Paramoebidium umbonatum are described from mayfly nymphs (Ephemeroptera); Pennella digitata and Glotzia incilis from black fly and midge larvae (Diptera), respectively; and Arundinula opeongoensis from a crayfish (Crustacea). Legeriomyces rarus Lichtw. & M.C. Williams and Stachylina penetralis Lichtw. are new North American records, and seven species are documented for the first time in Canada. More common and widely distributed trichomycete species such as Harpella melusinae Léger & Duboscq and Smittium culicis Manier, were also recovered. Most previous studies on trichomycetes have been done primarily in lotic environments but clearly lentic systems (e.g., ponds and lakes) harbour diverse arthropod communities and further exploration of these habitats will continue to increase our knowledge of trichomycete diversity.
Dark septate endophytes (DSE) of the Phialocephala fortinii s.l. – Acephala applanata species complex in tree roots: classification, population biology, and ecology
Authors: Grünig Christoph R. , Queloz Valentin , Sieber Thomas N. , Holdenrieder Ottmar 
Published: December 2008

Dark septate endophytes (DSE), a diverse group of ascomycetes, are dominant root colonizers in many ecosystems. The most frequent DSE in natural forest ecosystems in the Northern hemisphere belong to the Phialocephala fortinii s.l. – Acephala applanata species complex (PAC). Recently, species rank was assigned to seven cryptic species (CSP) of P. fortinii s.l.: Phialocephala fortinii s. str. C.J.K. Wang & H.E. Wilcox, Phialocephala europaea C.R. Grünig et T.N. Sieber, Phialocephala helvetica C.R. Grünig et T.N. Sieber, Phialocephala letzii C.R. Grünig et T.N. Sieber, Phialocephala subalpina C.R. Grünig et T.N. Sieber, Phialocephala turiciensis C.R. Grünig et T.N. Sieber, and Phialocephala uotolensis C.R. Grünig et T.N. Sieber. PAC species occur on all parts of the root system of trees, from mycorrhizal root tips to the stem base. Up to 80% of fine roots in forest stands can be colonized by them, and up to eight species occur sympatrically. The present work is a mixture of review and reconsideration of published work in the light of the subdivision of P. fortinii s.l. into several species. We review the current knowledge related to taxonomy, geographical distribution, population biology, and ecology of PAC species. We identified strains of P. fortinii s.l. from previously published studies to species level. The reassessment of earlier studies indicates that PAC species behave in a versatile manner along the mutualism-parasitism continuum and lifestyle designation is complicated by the use of different experimental systems. Finally we define the most promising research areas, which will contribute to elucidate the ecological role of root endophytes in general and PAC species in particular.
Let's hear it for the cliché
Authors: Cresswell Julia 
Published: December 2008

Print journalism is littered with clichés, but is it necessary always to avoid them like the plague? No, says the defender of clichédom The author of The Cat’s Pyjamas: The Penguin Book of Clichés argues that clichés can be good for you: while clichés may be poor style they are efficient forms of communication. That is why they become clichés. As Terry Pratchett puts it in Guards! Guards!, “Clichés are the spanners and the screwdrivers in the toolbox of language.” Take a really crude example of journalese, such as a headline, “Tiny tot in tug of love”. We may deplore the style, but there is no denying that readers know exactly what they are getting, and are instantly in a position to know if they want to go on reading. And she continues: clichés are both contextual and subjective. If you put the expression “run for your life” in a television drama, it is likely to be a cliché. If you are on a beach and see a tsunami sweeping towards you it is exactly what you need to yell. It would get the legs moving without any need for thought or analysis.
Will hacking help rescue the press?
Authors: Hill John 
Published: December 2008

The web is increasingly at the mercy of fraudsters and identity thieves, which could be good news for beleaguered newspapers The days of amateur computer hacking are virtually over, argues the writer. Criminal gangs have recognised that large amounts of money can be made, and while they may not have the necessary expertise, they are prepared to hire or coerce those who do. As the only way to ensure that your computer is beyond attack is to shut it down, there has to some point at which the general public consider that the financial risk of doing business through the internet is simply not worth the convenience of reduced transaction costs. If there is a general move away from internet advertising because of the risks to the vendors and their customers, the advertising industry may turn once again to the traditional, safe vehicle of the press. Where newspapers are concerned, giant web scams may be their salvation.
Change in work day step counts, wellbeing and job performance in Catalan university employees: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Puig-Ribera Anna , McKenna Jim , Gilson Nicholas , Brown Wendy J. 
Published: December 2008

Using a randomised controlled trial design, this feasibility study assessed the impact of two walking interventions on quality of life (QoL) and job performance of Catalan university employees. A convenience sample of 70 employees completed baseline and intervention measures of step counts (Yamax SW 200 pedometer), wellbeing (SF-12 questionnaire) and work performance (Work Limitations Questionnaire) over 9 weeks. Before intervention, baseline step counts (five working days) were used to randomly allocate participants to a control ( n = 26), “walking routes” ( n = 19) and “walking while working” ( n = 25) groups. Intervention effects were evaluated by calculating differences between pre-intervention and intervention data. One-way ANOVA was used to examine differences between groups. No significant group differences were found for changes in work-day step counts, QoL or work performance. When data from the two intervention groups were pooled ( n = 44) there was a significant increase in step counts (+659 steps/day; n = 12; p < 0.01) among participants classified as `Sedentary—Low active' (0—7499 steps/day) at baseline. In contrast there was a significant decrease (—637 steps/day; p < 0.05) in those initially categorised as `Active' (> 10,000 steps/day; n = 21) and no change in those categorised as `Moderately Active' (7500—9999, n = 11). The `Sedentary—Low activity' group showed consistently greater improvements in QoL and work performance scores than the Moderate and Active groups. Initially low active participants showed the greatest increase in step counts and improved QoL and work productivity profiles. These data indicate the potential for improving QoL and job productivity through workplace walking in inactive Catalan employees.
The work plan for the newly created IUHPE Vice President for Strategy and Governance
Authors: Sparks Michael 
Published: December 2008

The position of Vice President for Strategy and Governance was created at the first full meeting of the International Union for Health Promotion and Education Board of Trustees in June 2007 in Vancouver, Canada. Specific duties were developed for the position and the newly elected Vice President developed a work plan for the period of 2007—10. This paper describes the responsibilities of the newly created Vice Presidency and the work plan developed to meet those responsibilities. The key action areas for the focus of the work of the Vice President for Strategy and Governance include: finalising the rewritten Strategic Directions for 2008—10; developing Strategic Directions for 2010—16; developing and implementing processes to improve the strategic coordination and reporting of work plans across the organisation; and broad responsibility for eliciting and working with the organisation to respond to governance issues. (Promot Educ, 2008; 15 (4): pp. 59-60)
Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 bZIP factor selectively suppresses the classical pathway of NF-κB
Authors: Zhao Tiejun , Yasunaga Jun-ichirou , Satou Yorifumi , Nakao Mitsuyoshi , Takahashi Masahiko , Fujii Masahiro , Matsuoka Masao 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAdult T-cell leukemia (ATL) is a highly aggressive T-cell malignancy caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1). The activation of NF-κB by Tax has been reported to play a crucial role in HTLV-1–induced transformation. The HTLV-1 bZIP factor (HBZ), which is encoded by an mRNA of the opposite polarity of the viral genomic RNA, is involved in both T cell proliferation and suppression of Tax-mediated viral gene transcription, suggesting that HBZ cooperates closely with Tax. In the present study, we observed that HBZ specifically suppressed NF-κB–driven transcription mediated by p65 (the classical pathway) without inhibiting the alternative NF-κB signaling pathway. In an immunoprecipitation assay, HBZ bound to p65 and diminished the DNA binding capacity of p65. In addition, HBZ induced p65 degradation through increasing the expression of the PDLIM2 gene, which encodes a ubiquitin E3 ligase for p65. Finally, HBZ actually repressed the transcription of some classical NF-κB target genes, such as IL-8, IL2RA, IRF4, VCAM-1, and VEGF. Selective suppression of the classical NF-κB pathway by HBZ renders the alternative NF-κB pathway predominant after activation of NF-κB by Tax or other stimuli, which might be critical for oncogenesis.
ESKIMO1 is a key gene involved in water economy as well as cold acclimation and salt tolerance
Authors: Bouchabke-Coussa Oumaya , Quashie Marie-Luce , Seoane-Redondo Jose , Fortabat Marie-Noelle , Gery Carine , Yu Agnes , Linderme Daphné , Trouverie Jacques , Granier Fabienne , Téoulé Evelyne , Durand-Tardif Mylène 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Drought is a major social and economic problem resulting in huge yield reduction in the field. Today's challenge is to develop plants with reduced water requirements and stable yields in fluctuating environmental conditions. Arabidopsis thaliana is an excellent model for identifying potential targets for plant breeding. Drought tolerance in the field was successfully conferred to crops by transferring genes from this model species. While involved in a plant genomics programme, which aims to identify new genes responsible for plant response to abiotic stress, we identified ESKIMO1 as a key gene involved in plant water economy as well as cold acclimation and salt tolerance.

Results
All esk1 mutants were more tolerant to freezing, after acclimation, than their wild type counterpart. esk1 mutants also showed increased tolerance to mild water deficit for all traits measured. The mutant's improved tolerance to reduced water supply may be explained by its lower transpiration rate and better water use efficiency (WUE), which was assessed by carbon isotope discrimination and gas exchange measurements. esk1 alleles were also shown to be more tolerant to salt stress.
Transcriptomic analysis of one mutant line and its wild-type background was carried out. Under control watering conditions a number of genes were differentially expressed between the mutant and the wild type whereas under mild drought stress this list of genes was reduced. Among the genes that were differentially expressed between the wild type and mutant, two functional categories related to the response to stress or biotic and abiotic stimulus were over-represented. Under salt stress conditions, all gene functional categories were represented equally in both the mutant and wild type. Based on this transcriptome analysis we hypothesise that in control conditions the esk1 mutant behaves as if it was exposed to drought stress.

Conclusion
Overall our findings suggest that the ESKIMO1 gene plays a major role in plant response to water shortage and in whole plant water economy. Further experiments are being undertaken to elucidate the function of the ESKIMO1 protein and the way it modulates plant water uptake.
The INIS Study. International Neonatal Immunotherapy Study: non-specific intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for suspected or proven neonatal sepsis: an international, placebo controlled, multicentre randomised trial
Authors:   The INIS Study Collaborative Group
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Sepsis is an important cause of neonatal death and perinatal brain damage, particularly in preterm infants. While effective antibiotic treatment is essential treatment for sepsis, resistance to antibiotics is increasing. Adjuvant therapies, such as intravenous immunoglobulin, therefore offer an important additional strategy. Three Cochrane systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials in nearly 6,000 patients suggest that non-specific, polyclonal intravenous immunoglobulin is safe and reduces sepsis by about 15% when used as prophylaxis but does not reduce mortality in this situation. When intravenous immunoglobulin is used in the acute treatment of neonatal sepsis, however, there is a suggestion that it may reduce mortality by 45%. However, the existing trials of treatment were small and lacked long-term follow-up data.
This study will assess reliably whether treatment of neonatal sepsis with intravenous immunoglobulin reduces mortality and adverse neuro-developmental outcome.

Methods and design
A randomised, placebo controlled, double blind trial. Babies with suspected or proven neonatal sepsis will be randomised to receive intravenous immunoglobulin therapy or placebo.

Eligibility criteria

Babies must be receiving antibiotics and have proven or suspected serious infection AND have at least one of the following: birthweight less than 1500 g OR evidence of infection in blood culture, cerebrospinal fluid or usually sterile body fluid OR be receiving respiratory support via an endotracheal tube AND there is substantial uncertainty that intravenous immunoglobulin is indicated.

Exclusion criteria

Babies are excluded if intravenous immunoglobulin has already been given OR intravenous immunoglobulin is thought to be needed OR contra-indicated.

Trial treatment

Babies will be given either 10 ml/kg of intravenous immunoglobulin or identical placebo solution over 4–6 hours, repeated 48 hours later.

Primary outcome

Mortality or major disability at two years, corrected for gestational age.

Data collection

Data will be collected at discharge from hospital and at 2 years of age (corrected for gestation) using a parental questionnaire and a health status questionnaire completed during a face-to-face follow-up appointment with the child's paediatrician.

Trial registration
Current Controlled Trials ISCRTN94984750.
Behavior of osteoblastic cells cultured on titanium and structured zirconia surfaces
Authors: Depprich Rita , Ommerborn Michelle , Zipprich Holger , Naujoks Christian , Handschel Jörg , Wiesmann Hans-Peter , Kübler Norbert R , Meyer Ulrich 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Osseointegration is crucial for the long-term success of dental implants and depends on the tissue reaction at the tissue-implant interface. Mechanical properties and biocompatibility make zirconia a suitable material for dental implants, although surface processings are still problematic. The aim of the present study was to compare osteoblast behavior on structured zirconia and titanium surfaces under standardized conditions.

Methods
The surface characteristics were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In primary bovine osteoblasts attachment kinetics, proliferation rate and synthesis of bone-associated proteins were tested on different surfaces.

Results
The results demonstrated that the proliferation rate of cells was significantly higher on zirconia surfaces than on titanium surfaces (p < 0.05; Student's t-test). In contrast, attachment and adhesion strength of the primary cells was significant higher on titanium surfaces (p < 0.05; U test). No significant differences were found in the synthesis of bone-specific proteins. Ultrastructural analysis revealed phenotypic features of osteoblast-like cells on both zirconia and titanium surfaces.

Conclusion
The study demonstrates distinct effects of the surface composition on osteoblasts in culture. Zirconia improves cell proliferation significantly during the first days of culture, but it does not improve attachment and adhesion strength. Both materials do not differ with respect to protein synthesis or ultrastructural appearance of osteoblasts. Zirconium oxide may therefore be a suitable material for dental implants.
Lemierre's syndrome due to community-acquired meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection and presenting with orbital cellulitis: a case report
Authors: Kadhiravan Tamilarasu , Piramanayagam Paramasivan , Banga Amit , Gupta Rajiva , Sharma Surendra K 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Introduction
Lemierre's syndrome is septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein leading to metastatic septic complications following an oropharyngeal infection. It is usually caused by the anaerobe, Fusobacterium necrophorum. Of late, meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is increasingly being recognised as a cause of community-acquired skin and soft tissue infections. We report a rare case of Lemierre's syndrome caused by community-acquired meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection.

Case presentation
A previously healthy 16-year-old girl presented with fever of 13 days duration, painful swelling around the right eye and diplopia followed by the appearance of pulmonary infiltrates. Imaging studies confirmed the clinical suspicion of bilateral jugular venous thrombosis with septic pulmonary embolism. Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was isolated on blood cultures. The hospital course was complicated by massive haemoptysis and pulmonary aspiration necessitating mechanical ventilation. The patient subsequently made a complete recovery.

Conclusion
Lemierre's syndrome, although rare, is a potentially lethal but treatable complication of head and neck sepsis. Early clinical recognition of Lemierre's syndrome and appropriate antibiotic treatment can be life-saving. One should consider the possibility of community-acquired meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in patients with suspected Lemierre's syndrome.
Soft Tissue Sarcomas of Childhood and Adolescence: The Prognostic Role of Tumor Size in Relation to Patient Body Size
Authors: Ferrari Andrea , Miceli Rosalba , Meazza Cristina , Zaffignani Elena , Gronchi Alessandro , Piva Luigi , Collini Paola , Podda Marta , Massimino Maura , Luksch Roberto , Cefalo Graziella , Terenziani Monica , Spreafico Filippo , Polastri Daniela , Fossati-Bellani Franca , Casanova Michela , Mariani Luigi 
Published: December 2008

Purpose Tumor size is a key prognostic variable for soft tissue sarcomas (STS), and a tumor diameter of 5 cm is generally used as a cutoff for risk grouping purposes. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic effect of tumor size on overall survival and whether such an effect was influenced by the patient's size, expressed as body-surface area (BSA), in a series of 553 pediatric patients with localized STS. Patients and Methods Multivariable Cox models were used in which the effect of tumor size was adjusted for patients age, tumor site, histologic subtype, and Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study grouping, and the interaction between size and BSA was included. Results Tumor size was confirmed as a significant prognostic factor. Interaction between size and BSA meant that, for a given tumor size, the mortality increased from the larger to the smaller BSA. Conversely, the mortality risk associated with a patient with a BSA of 1.75 m2 and a 5-cm tumor was the same as for a 0.6 m2 child with a 2.8-cm tumor. Conclusion Tumor and body size are jointly informative on outcome. The risk associated with a given tumor size is not the same in patients of different body size, so it may be wrong to use the same 5-cm cutoff for tumor size in risk stratification.