bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metagenomic analysis of the microbial community associated with the coral Porites astreoides
Authors: Wegley Linda , Edwards Robert , Rodriguez‐Brito Beltran , Liu Hong , Rohwer Forest 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe coral holobiont is a dynamic assemblage of the coral animal, zooxanthellae, endolithic algae and fungi, Bacteria,Archaea and viruses. Zooxanthellae and some Bacteria form relatively stable and species‐specific associations with corals. Other associations are less specific; coral‐associated Archaea differ from those in the water column, but the same archaeal species may be found on different coral species. It has been hypothesized that the coral animal can adapt to differing ecological niches by ‘switching’ its microbial associates. In the case of corals and zooxanthellae, this has been termed adaptive bleaching and it has important implications for carbon cycling within the coral holobiont and ultimately the survival of coral reefs. However, the roles of other components of the coral holobiont are essentially unknown. To better understand these other coral associates, a fractionation procedure was used to separate the microbes, mitochondria and viruses from the coral animal cells and zooxanthellae. The resulting metagenomic DNA was sequenced using pyrosequencing. Fungi, Bacteria and phage were the most commonly identified organisms in the metagenome. Three of the four fungal phyla were represented, including a wide diversity of fungal genes involved in carbon and nitrogen metabolism, suggesting that the endolithic community is more important than previously appreciated. In particular, the data suggested that endolithic fungi could be converting nitrate and nitrite to ammonia, which would enable fixed nitrogen to cycle within the coral holobiont. The most prominent bacterial groups were Proteobacteria (68%), Firmicutes (10%), Cyanobacteria (7%) and Actinobacteria (6%). Functionally, the bacterial community was primarily heterotrophic and included a number of pathways for the degradation of aromatic compounds, the most abundant being the homogentisate pathway. The most abundant phage family was the ssDNA Microphage and most of the eukaryotic viruses were most closely related to those known to infect aquatic organisms. This study provides a metabolic and taxonomic snapshot of microbes associated with the reef‐building coral Porites astreoides and presents a basis for understanding how coral–microbial interactions structure the holobiont and coral reefs.
Exploration of intraclonal adaptation mechanisms of Pseudomonas brassicacearum facing cadmium toxicity
Authors: Pagès Delphine , Sanchez Lisa , Conrod Sandrine , Gidrol Xavier , Fekete Agnes , Schmitt‐Kopplin Philippe , Heulin Thierry , Achouak Wafa 
Published: July 2007

Summary Pseudomonas brassicacearum forms phenotypic variants in vitro as well as in planta during root colonization under natural conditions, leading to subpopulations (phase I and II cells) that differ in colony morphology and production of exoenzymes/secondary metabolites. The maximal concentration of cadmium allowing both variants growth was 25 μM; however, phase II cells accumulated fivefold higher Cd than phase I cells, even though both variants showed the same growth rate and kinetics, comprising a long stasis period (50 h). The whole transcriptome analysis of both variants in response to Cd was investigated using the home‐made DNA microarrays. This analysis revealed completely different adaptation mechanisms developed by each variant to withstand and grow in the presence of the toxic. A re‐organization of the cell wall to limit Cd entrance was noticed for phase I cells, as genes encoding levan exopolymers were downregulated at the expense of an upregulation of genes encoding alginate, and an upregulation of transporters such as cadA, and a downregulation of copper transporters. Phase II cells were unable to prevent Cd entrance and recruited genes under the control of oxyR and soxR regulation to face osmotic and oxidant stresses generated by Cd. Putrescine and spermidine metabolism appeared to play a central role in Cd tolerance. Microarray data were validated by biological analyses such as motility, oxidative stress assay, metabolite profiling with ICR‐FT/MS and UPLC, capillary electrophoresis analysis of biogenic amines.
Indications for laparoscopic surgery for Crohn's disease using the Vienna Classification
Authors: Okabayashi K. , Hasegawa H. , Watanabe M. , Nishibori H. , Ishii Y. , Hibi T. , Kitajima M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjective  The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical outcome of laparoscopic surgery for Crohn's disease and clarify the indications using the Vienna Classification.Method  Between September 1994 and July 2004, 107 patients with Crohn's disease underwent 124 procedures. Of these, 91 laparoscopic procedures formed the basis of this study. The Vienna Classification, which consists of three subgroups – age at diagnosis (A1‐2), location (L1‐4) and behaviour (B1‐3) – was applied to compare the conversion to open surgery and incidence of postoperative complications.Results  Conversion to open surgery was necessary in 12 (13.2%) patients. Major and minor postoperative complications occurred in five (5.5%) and 13 (19.8%) patients respectively. The conversion rate, major and total complications in the B3L3/4 subgroup were significantly greater than in the other subgroups. Multivariate analysis showed that B3L3/4 was the only predictive factor for all complications. However, the incidence of major and all complications in the B3L3/4 subgroup did not differ between the open and laparoscopic surgery groups.Conclusion  Laparoscopic surgery for Crohn's disease is the procedure of choice for all uncomplicated cases (B2L1‐4, B3L1/2). For patients in the complicated group (B3L3/4), laparoscopy is also feasible and justified; however, the surgeon must be aware of the propensity for higher rate of conversion.
Internet information on colorectal cancer: commercialization and lack of quality control
Authors: Sajid M. S. , Iftikhar M. , Monteiro R. S. , Miles A. F. W. , Woods W. G. A. , Baig M. K. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjective  The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the internet as a source of information for colorectal cancer (CRC).Method  Six of the most common search engines (Yahoo, Google, MSN search, Alta Vista, Excite and Lycos) were used for the search of the generic term ‘CRC’. First 300 links were analysed and classified by information type, provider, readership and commercial orientation.Results  The average time delay was 1.70 s before matches were located. A total of 3.2827 million matches on CRC were found using the six search engines ranging from 700 (Excite) to 1 417 000 (Lycos) websites. Approximately 50% of the links were based on information from textbooks or governmental websites. Commercial companies giving information about private hospitals and products provided over 50% of the websites on CRC. The distribution of target readers was uneven, although a majority of websites were delivering CRC information to public and patients. Readability of information was difficult to comprehend by the public.Conclusion  The internet is becoming an essential tool for disseminating information about CRC to consumers. Half of the links on CRC are commercially oriented, containing information on goods or private health services. Less than 1% information is being provided by professional societies. To provide relevant CRC information, key consensus criteria for evaluating healthcare‐related websites have to be established. There is an urgent need for CRC information on the internet to be regulated through the establishment of government‐funded organizations (e.g. NHS) or professional societies (e.g. ACPGBI).
Salacia oblonga root decreases cardiac hypertrophy in Zucker diabetic fatty rats: inhibition of cardiac expression of angiotensin II type 1 receptor
Authors: Huang T. H. , He L. , Qin Q. , Yang Q. , Peng G. , Harada M. , Qi Y. , Yamahara J. , Roufogalis B. D. , Li Y. 
Published: July 2007

Aims:  We investigated the effect of the water extract of Salacia oblonga (SOE), an ayurvedic antidiabetic and antiobesity medicine, on obesity and diabetes‐associated cardiac hypertrophy and discuss the role of modulation of cardiac angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1) expression in the effect.Methods:  SOE (100 mg/kg) was given orally to male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats for 7 weeks. At the end‐point of the treatment, the hearts and left ventricles were weighed, cardiomyocyte cross‐sectional areas were measured, and cardiac gene profiles were analysed. On the other hand, angiotensin II–stimulated embryonic rat heart–derived H9c2 cells and neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts were pretreated with SOE and one of its prominent components mangiferin (MA), respectively. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) mRNA expression and protein synthesis and [3H]thymidine incorporation were determined.Results:  SOE‐treated ZDF rats showed less cardiac hypertrophy (decrease in weights of the hearts and left ventricles and reduced cardiomyocyte cross‐sectional areas). SOE treatment suppressed cardiac overexpression of ANP, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and AT1 mRNAs and AT1 protein in ZDF rats. SOE (50–100 μg/ml) and MA (25 μmol) suppressed angiotensin II–induced ANP mRNA overexpression and protein synthesis in H9c2 cells. They also inhibited angiotensin II–stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation by cardiac fibroblasts.Conclusions:  Our findings demonstrate that SOE decreases cardiac hypertrophy in ZDF rats, at least in part by inhibiting cardiac AT1 overexpression. These studies provide insights into a potential cardioprotective role of a traditional herb, which supports further clinical evaluation in obesity and diabetes‐associated cardiac hypertrophy.
Improved metabolic control by Ipomoea batatas (Caiapo) is associated with increased adiponectin and decreased fibrinogen levels in type 2 diabetic subjects
Authors: Ludvik B. , Hanefeld M. , Pacini G. 
Published: July 2007

Aim:  The extract of the white‐skinned sweet potato Ipomoea batatas (Caiapo) has been shown to ameliorate glucose control by improving insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present study was designed to further evaluate its mode of action on insulin sensitivity over an extended period of time as well as the effects on fibrinogen and other markers of low‐grade inflammation.Methods:  In this randomized trial, 27 patients with T2DM on diet only received 4 g of Caiapo daily for 5 months; 34 patients placebo. Before and after therapy, insulin sensitivity [oral glucose insulin sensitivity (OGIS), as glucose clearance from oral glucose tolerance test], parameters of diabetes control, lipids, plasma adiponectin, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and fibrinogen were measured.Results:  Following Caiapo, we observed an increase in OGIS (293 ± 15 vs. 321 ± 12 ml/m2/min, p = 0.0072) and adiponectin (5.97 ± 0.65 to 6.63 ± 0.70 μg/ml, p = 0.013), while fibrinogen decreased from 3.83 ± 0.16 to 3.64 ± 0.18 mg/ml (p = 0.02). This was associated with an improvement in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c: 6.46 ± 0.12 vs. 6.25 ± 0.11%, p = 0.008), fasting glucose (138 ± 4 vs. 128 ± 5 mg/dl, p = 0.039) and triglycerides (2.36 ± 0.22 vs. 2.07 ± 0.25 mmol/l, p = 0.032). Body weight, lipid levels and hs‐CRP were not altered. No changes were observed in the placebo group except for HbA1c, which significantly increased from 6.25 ± 0.10 to 6.50 ± 0.12% (p = 0.0001).Conclusions:  This study confirms the beneficial effects of Caiapo on glucose and HbA1c control in patients with T2DM after 5 months follow‐up. Improvement of insulin sensitivity was accompanied by increased levels of adiponectin and a decrease in fibrinogen. Thus, Caiapo can be considered as natural insulin sensitizer with potential antiatherogenic properties.
Initial treatment with fixed‐dose combination rosiglitazone/glimepiride in patients with previously untreated type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chou H. S. , Palmer J. P. , Jones A. R. , Waterhouse B. , Ferreira‐Cornwell C. , Krebs J. , Goldstein B. J. 
Published: July 2007

Aim:  This study assessed the efficacy and safety of two different dosing regimens of fixed‐dose combination (FDC) rosiglitazone (RSG) plus glimepiride (GLIM) compared with RSG or GLIM monotherapy in drug‐naive subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods:  Drug‐naive subjects (n = 901) were enrolled into this 28‐week, double‐blind, parallel‐group study if their glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was >7.5% but ≤12%. Subjects were randomized to receive either GLIM [4 mg once daily (OD) maximal], RSG (8 mg OD maximal) or RSG/GLIM FDC regimen A (4 mg/4 mg OD maximal) or RSG/GLIM FDC regimen B (8 mg/4 mg OD maximal). Patients were assessed for efficacy and safety every 4 weeks for the first 12 weeks of the study, and at weeks 20 and 28. The primary efficacy endpoint was change in HbA1c from baseline. Key secondary endpoints included the proportion of patients achieving recommended HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) targets; change from baseline in FPG, insulin, C‐reactive protein (CRP), adiponectin, free fatty acids and lipids; and percentage change in homeostasis model assessment‐estimated insulin sensitivity and β‐cell function. Safety evaluations included adverse‐event (AE) monitoring and clinical laboratory evaluations.Results:  At week 28, both RSG/GLIM FDC regimens significantly reduced HbA1c (mean ± s.d.: −2.4 ± 1.4% FDC regimen A; −2.5 ± 1.4% FDC regimen B) to a greater extent than RSG (−1.8 ± 1.5%) or GLIM (−1.7 ± 1.4%) monotherapy (model‐adjusted mean treatment difference, p < 0.0001 vs. both RSG and GLIM). Significantly more subjects achieved HbA1c target levels of ≤6.5 and <7% with either RSG/GLIM FDC regimen compared with RSG or GLIM alone (model‐adjusted odds ratio, p < 0.0001 for both comparisons). Similarly, a significantly greater reduction in FPG levels was observed in subjects treated with the RSG/GLIM FDC [mean ± s.d. (mg/dl): −69.5 ± 57.5 FDC regimen A; −79.9 ± 56.8 FDC regimen B) compared with RSG (−56.6 ± 58.1) or GLIM (−42.2 ± 66.1) monotherapy (model‐adjusted mean treatment difference, p < 0.0001 for both comparisons). Improvement in CRP was also observed in subjects who were treated with a RSG/GLIM FDC or RSG monotherapy compared with GLIM monotherapy. RSG/GLIM FDC was generally well tolerated, with no new safety or tolerability issues identified from its monotherapy components, and a similar AE profile was observed across FDC regimens. The most commonly reported AE was hypoglycaemia, and the incidence of confirmed symptomatic hypoglycaemia (3.6–5.5%) was comparable among subjects treated with an RSG/GLIM FDC and GLIM monotherapy.Conclusions:  Compared with RSG or GLIM monotherapy, the RSG/GLIM FDC improved glycaemic control with no significant increased risk of hypoglycaemia. RSG/GLIM FDC provides an effective and well‐tolerated treatment option for drug‐naive individuals with T2DM.
Association between oral antidiabetic use, adverse events and outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Asche C. V. , McAdam‐Marx C. , Shane‐McWhorter L. , Sheng X. , Plauschinat C. A. 
Published: July 2007

Objective:  To quantify adverse events (AEs) associated with the use of metformin (MET), sulphonylureas (SUs) and thiazolidinediones (TZDs) in a usual care setting, and to assess the relationship of AEs to treatment patterns and glycaemic response in patients with type 2 diabetes.Research design and methods:  An electronic medical record database was used to identify patients with type 2 diabetes age ≥18 years from 1996 to 2005. Patients naïve to oral antidiabetic therapy were followed for 395 days postinitiation of MET, SU or TZD treatment. AEs related to study drugs were evaluated during the follow‐up period. Baseline and follow‐up A1C levels were compared by drug regimen. Associations between the change in A1C, drug regimen changes and AEs were evaluated.Results:  A total of 14 512 patients (mean age 60.8 years, 52.9% female) were identified. During the follow‐up period, 12.7% of patients experienced an AE (8.6% MET, 15.9% SU and 19.8% TZD patients). SU and TZD patients were more likely to experience an AE than MET (p < 0.001) patients. AEs did not significantly influence A1C outcomes, although MET and SU patients experiencing an AE were more likely to add‐on therapy (odds ratio (OR) = 1.34 and OR = 1.37, respectively; p < 0.05) than those without an AE. MET patients with AEs were more likely to switch therapy (OR = 1.91; p < 0.05) than those without an AE.Conclusions:  The occurrence of AEs did not significantly impact glycaemic response to therapy. However, AEs may lead to greater treatment switches for patients receiving MET and add‐on therapy for MET‐treated and SU‐treated patients.
Retinopathy in subjects with impaired fasting glucose: the NANSY‐Eye baseline report
Authors: Tyrberg M. , Melander A. , Lövestam‐Adrian M. , Lindblad U. 
Published: July 2007

Aims:  Network for Pharmacoepidemiology (NEPI) Antidiabetes Study‐Eye is a randomized placebo‐controlled Swedish trial investigating if treatment with sulphonylurea, in addition to dietary regulation and increased exercise, delays the development of retinopathy in subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG).Methods:  Subjects were surveyed in primary care with repeated fasting blood glucose measurements. Those with a mean of two consecutive values ≥5.6 and <6.1 mmol/l were invited to participate. Baseline physical examination included blood pressure and body mass index (BMI). Fundus photos were taken in two fields using 35‐mm diafilm. The alternative classification of the Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of Diabetic Retinopathy was used to classify the retinopathy level.Results:  At baseline, 90 men and 64 women with IFG were photographed. Of these, 16 subjects (10%) had mild or very mild retinopathy. There was no difference in occurrence of retinopathy between subjects with known diagnosis of hypertension or not. However, subjects with retinopathy had significantly higher systolic (154 vs. 141 mmHg, p = 0.013) and diastolic (86 vs. 81 mmHg, p = 0.008) blood pressure levels independent of differences in age, sex and known hypertension. There was a corresponding difference in BMI, being greater in subjects with than in those without retinopathy (32.4 vs. 29.2 kg/m2, p = 0.013). There were no associations between levels of fasting blood glucose or haemoglobin A1c, on the one hand, and retinopathy, on the other.Conclusion:  Retinopathy may be present even before type 2 diabetes is manifest. It is associated with higher blood pressure levels and higher BMI values, that is, with predominant features of the metabolic syndrome.
Morphology and histology of the male reproductive system of the mangrove land crab Ucides cordatus (L.) (Crustacea, Brachyura, Ocypodidae)
Authors: Castilho G. G. , Ostrensky A. , Pie M. R. , Boeger W. A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractCastilho, G. G., Ostrensky, A., Pie, M. R. and Boeger, W. A. 2007. Morphology of the male reproductive system of the mangrove land crab Ucides cordatus (L.) (Crustacea, Brachyura, Ocypodidae) —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 88: 000–000This study provides a detailed description of the macro‐ and microscopic anatomy of the male reproductive system and the spermatogenesis of the mangrove land crab, Ucides cordatus. A total of 64 adult males were collected between December 2002 and February 2005 in mangroves of the Baía de Antonina, State of Paraná, Southern Brazil (25°25′08″S, 48°42′33″W). The reproductive system of this species is composed of the following paired symmetrical structures: testes, vasa deferentia (distal, medial and proximal portions), ejaculatory ducts and penises. During spermatogenesis, which takes place in the testes, the following developmental stages are observed: primary and secondary spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoids. Production of male gametes was continuous throughout the study period, indicating that males of this species are physiologically capable of reproducing all year long.
Nail biology and nail science
Authors: De Berker D. A. R. , André J. , Baran R. 
Published: July 2007

SynopsisThe nail plate is the permanent product of the nail matrix. Its normal appearance and growth depend on the integrity of several components: the surrounding tissues or perionychium and the bony phalanx that are contributing to the nail apparatus or nail unit.The nail is inserted proximally in an invagination practically parallel to the upper surface of the skin and laterally in the lateral nail grooves. This pocket‐like invagination has a roof, the proximal nail fold and a floor, the matrix from which the nail is derived.The germinal matrix forms the bulk of the nail plate. The proximal element forms the superficial third of the nail whereas the distal element provides its inferior two‐thirds.The ventral surface of the proximal nail fold adheres closely to the nail for a short distance and forms a gradually desquamating tissue, the cuticle, made of the stratum corneum of both the dorsal and the ventral side of the proximal nail fold. The cuticle seals and therefore protects the ungual cul‐de‐sac.The nail plate is bordered by the proximal nail fold which is continuous with the similarly structured lateral nail fold on each side. The nail bed extends from the lunula to the hyponychium. It presents with parallel longitudinal rete ridges.This area, by contrast to the matrix has a firm attachment to the nail plate and nail avulsion produces a denudation of the nail bed. Colourless, but translucent, the highly vascular connective tissue containing glomus organs transmits a pink colour through the nail.Among its multiple functions, the nail provides counterpressure to the pulp that is essential to the tactile sensation involving the fingers and to the prevention of the hypertrophy of the distal wall tissue, produced after nail loss of the great toe nail.
Three‐dimensional imaging and analysis of the surface of hair fibres using scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Tomes C. , Jones J. T. , Carr C. M. , Jones D. 
Published: July 2007

SynopsisCuticle scales are the most obvious feature of a hair fibre's outer surface and much research has focused on assessing the influence of surface topography on the associated hair fibre's properties. However, much of the research has either been qualitative or, if quantitative, employed relatively laborious analytical techniques to establish the necessary statistical robustness. In this study, we report on the application of a 3D image analysis package capable of producing 3D data from multiple 2D scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of hair fibres. Analysis of the surface profile can be carried out quickly and accurately, enabling quantification of the scale structure. To validate the novel technique and ensure that the scale heights measured were indeed accurate and reproducible, extensive calibration of the SEM and the 3d software has been performed. In addition, scale heights on a single hair have been determined by using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the results compared with analogous data produced from the same scale edges using the 3D image analysis technique. The data obtained indicate that a relatively quick, accurate and viable method to determine scale height in keratin fibres has been established. A further 3D‐SEM analysis method has been developed which allows individual scales to be monitored and for the cuticular scale height to be quantified after repeated ‘smoothing’ treatments.