bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
No evidence of Epstein–Barr virus association with Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Shaw Maren , Warren Simon , Groben Pamela , Gulley Margaret L. 
Published: September 2006

Background:  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive tumor of cutaneous neuroendocrine cells with a reported 13‐fold increased incidence in immunocompromised patients, raising the possibility that it is driven by an oncogenic virus. Additionally, Merkel cell hyperplasia is seen in the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐driven process oral hairy leukoplakia, and EBV is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of several other malignancies.Objective:  We tested the hypothesis that EBV is involved in MCC.Methods:  We employed EBV‐encoded RNA in situ hybridization (ISH), lytic EBV ISH, latent membrane protein 1 immunohistochemistry, and BamH1Z leftward reading frame 1 immunohistochemistry to detect and localize EBV in paraffin sections of MCC from five patients as well as seven other cutaneous tumors and positive controls for EBV infection.Results:  Positive controls reacted appropriately. However, there was no evidence of latent or lytic EBV in any of the MCC biopsies or other cutaneous tumors.Conclusion:  Our findings suggest that EBV is not associated with MCC.
Cytokeratin 15 expression in neoplasms with sebaceous differentiation
Authors: Misago Noriyuki , Narisawa Yutaka 
Published: September 2006

Background:  Recent studies have demonstrated that the cytokeratin 15 (CK15)‐positive stem cells located in the hair follicle bulge are also involved in sebaceous gland renewal. No previous studies have dealt with the CK15 expression in sebaceous neoplasms.Methods:  We studied the CK15 expression in 30 sebaceous neoplasms including 10 sebaceomas (sebaceoma defined as a distinct benign neoplasm with sebaceous differentiation), 10 sebaceous neoplasms of Muir–Torre syndrome, and 10 sebaceous carcinomas, in addition to that in the mantles of normal hair follicles.Results:  CK15 was positive in the undifferentiated sebocytes of the mantles. All 10 sebaceomas showed CK15 expression in the basaloid, germinative cells. Both sebaceous neoplasms in Muir–Torre syndrome and sebaceous carcinomas demonstrated negative or only a focal positive reaction, including the occasional aberrant expression in matured sebocytes, to CK15.Conclusions:  CK15 may be a useful marker for stem cells with a sebaceous fate, and a constant CK15 expression in sebaceomas supported the hypothesis that sebaceoma is a benign neoplasm of sebaceous germinative cells in the mantles. The similar staining pattern of CK15 between sebaceous neoplasms in Muir–Torre syndrome and sebaceous carcinomas may be one piece of evidence supporting the hypothesis that most sebaceous neoplasms in Muir–Torre syndrome are low‐grade sebaceous carcinomas.
Chromogenic in situ hybridization analysis of melastatin mRNA expression in melanomas from American Joint Committee on Cancer stage I and II patients with recurrent melanoma
Authors: Hammock L. , Cohen C. , Carlson G. , Murray D. , Ross J. S. , Sheehan C. , Nazir T. M. , Carlson J. A. 
Published: September 2006

Objective:  To determine whether loss of melastatin (MLSN) is a universal phenomenon in American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage I and II melanoma patients who experienced recurrence.Material and methods:  Paraffin blocks of primary melanomas (PMs) were retrieved from 30 patients who had a negative sentinel lymph node biopsy and developed recurrent melanoma (AJCC stage I and II). Chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) methods were utilized to evaluate the expression of MLSN mRNA. These results were correlated with clinicopathologic data.Results:  Variable, heterogeneous expression of MLSN mRNA was identified in normal, in situ and invasive melanocytes within and between cases. For the invasive PM component, 24 (80%) had focal, regional or complete loss of MLSN mRNA. The remaining 20% had either regional or total partial downregulation of MLSN mRNA. Intact MLSN mRNA expression was present regionally in 14/30 (47%), with mean relative tumor area of 38%, range 5–85%. Increasing loss of MLSN mRNA significantly correlated with increasing tumor depth and microsatellites (r = 0.1/0.4, p = 0.04). However, thin, AJCC T stage 1a PM had higher relative mean loss than intermediate AJCC T stage 2a/2b/3a thickness PM (65% vs. 34%/48%/25%). Increasing loss of MLSN mRNA significantly impacted on disease free survival (DFS) by multivariate analysis (58 vs. 0% 2 years DFS, ≤ 75 vs. >75% mRNA loss, p = 0.02). Decreased overall survival significantly correlated with increasing age and vascular invasion on multivariate analysis.Conclusion:  Extensive loss of MLSN in PM correlated with aggressive metastatic melanoma. Ancillary testing for MLSN mRNA expression by CISH could offer a means to more accurately identify AJCC stage I and II patients at risk for metastatic disease, who could benefit from adjuvant therapy.
Dense fimbrial meshwork enhances Porphyromonas gingivalis adhesiveness: a scanning electron microscopic study
Authors: Hongo H. , Takano H. , Morita M. 
Published: September 2006

Background and Objective:  The aim of this study was to determine how the fimbriae of Porphyromonas gingivalis function in plaque formation.Material and Methods:  We used scanning electron microscopy to examine aggregates and hemaggregates of fimbria‐rich ATCC33277 (parent) and fimbra‐poor OZ6301C (pgmA‐knockout, mutant) strains of P. gingivalis. We also assessed the hemagglutination activity of the two strains as an indicator of P. gingivalis adhesiveness.Results:  Aggregates of P. gingivalis were composed of bacterial chains and clusters. Rich fimbriae projecting from cells of the parent strain tended to bunch and form a dense meshwork among bacterial cells. In contrast, cells of the mutant strain projected fewer fimbriae and the meshwork was looser. Hemaggregates including cells of the parent strain contained a detached, dense fimbrial meshwork that adhered to erythrocytes. Hemaggregates comprising cells of the mutant strain included bacterial chains and clusters that adhered to erythrocytes by shorter fimbriae than those of the parent strain. The hemagglutination titer of the parent strain was 10‐fold higher than that of the mutant strain, although the number of fimbriae per cell of the parent strain was only double that of the mutant strain.Conclusion:  The results indicate that P. gingivalis adhesiveness is prominently enhanced by the dense fimbrial meshwork. Thus, the virulence of P. gingivalis is increased by the presence of rich fimbriae.
Hegel's Metaphysics: Changing the Debate
Authors: Kreines James 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThere are two general approaches to Hegel's theoretical philosophy which are broadly popular in recent work. Debate between them is often characterized, by both sides, as a dispute between those favoring a more traditional “metaphysical” approach and those favoring a newer “non‐metaphysical” approach. But I argue that the most important and compelling points made by both sides are actually independent of the idea of a “non‐metaphysical” interpretation of Hegel, which is itself simply unconvincing. The most promising directions for future research, for those on both sides of recent debates, will require recognizing that Hegel's theoretical philosophy includes a metaphysics, and engaging new debates about the specific character of that metaphysics.
Echinococcus granulosus in northern Queensland
Authors: BANKS DJD , COPEMAN DB , SKERRATT LF , MOLINA EC 
Published: September 2006

Objective  To determine the prevalence and geographical distribution of hydatidosis and investigate factors that might be expected to influence the prevalence of hydatids in cattle in Queensland north of the Tropic of Capricorn. To determine the effect of natural levels of infection on carcase weight and subsequent economic loss.Procedure  An abattoir survey conducted in 1981 provided information on the distribution, prevalence and viability of hydatid cysts in cattle from all shires north of the Tropic of Capricorn in Queensland.Livers, lungs and spleens from 10,382 cattle were palpated at abattoirs in Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton to detect hydatid cysts. Prevalence of infection in cattle in each shire was estimated from results of the abattoir study together with reports of infection in a further 22,185 cattle obtained from abattoir records. Linear modelling was used to define the effect of geographical origin, age, breed and sex on prevalence of infection. Differences in the weights of carcases between infected and non‐infected cattle of the same age, sex, breed and property of origin were examined. The economic loss to the beef industry in the region surveyed was estimated.Results  Cattle infected with hydatids originated almost entirely from regions to the east of the Great Dividing Range. The mean prevalence inside this zone was 28% compared with 3% in other areas. Viable protoscoleces were found in 0.7% of cysts. Geographical origin and age of the cattle were the most significant factors influencing prevalence. Infection with hydatids had no effect on carcase weight. Economic loss was limited to that associated with condemnations of organs at meat inspection, estimated to be $0.5 million per annum in 1981 and $6 million in 2004. The distribution of hydatids in Queensland north of the Tropic of Capricorn corresponded most closely with the distribution of small wallabies such as Macropus dorsalis (black‐striped wallaby), M parryi (whiptail wallaby) and M rufogriseus (red‐necked wallaby).Conclusions  It was concluded that cattle are not an important part of maintaining the life‐cycle of E granulosus in Queensland north of the Tropic of Capricorn. Within the endemic zone, which is almost all to the east of the Great Dividing Range, the local pattern of bovine echinococcosis is most likely to be determined by the presence or absence of small species of wallaby such as M dorsalis, M parryi and M rufogriseus.
Serum and plasma cardiac troponin I concentrations in clinically normal Thoroughbreds in training in Australia
Authors: BEGG LM , HOFFMANN KL , BEGG AP 
Published: September 2006

Cardiac troponin I is a potentially useful test to identify cardiac muscle damage in the horse. Measurements of cardiac troponin I from serum or heparinised plasma samples from 23 clinically normal Thoroughbred horses in race training were analysed through a standard Australian commercial laboratory using the ADVIA Centaur® Assay. The cardiac troponin I concentrations were < 0.15 µg/L from all samples. The test was then validated using macerated equine myocardium. Cardiac troponin I concentration may be useful in determining whether poor performance in Thoroughbred horses is related to active myocardial disease.
Quantitative Detection of the Free-Living Amoeba
Hartmannella vermiformis
in Surface Water by Using Real-Time PCR
Authors: Kuiper Melanie W. , Valster Rinske M. , Wullings Bart A. , Boonstra Harry , Smidt Hauke , van der Kooij Dick 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT

A real-time PCR-based method targeting the 18S rRNA gene was developed for the quantitative detection of
Hartmannella vermiformis
, a free-living amoeba which is a potential host for
Legionella pneumophila
in warm water systems and cooling towers. The detection specificity was validated using genomic DNA of the closely related amoeba
Hartmannella abertawensis
as a negative control and sequence analysis of amplified products from environmental samples. Real-time PCR detection of serially diluted DNA extracted from
H. vermiformis
was linear for microscopic cell counts between 1.14 × 10
−1
and 1.14 × 10
4
cells per PCR. The genome of
H. vermiformis
harbors multiple copies of the 18S rRNA gene, and an average number (with standard error) of 1,330 ± 127 copies per cell was derived from real-time PCR calibration curves for cell suspensions and plasmid DNA. No significant differences were observed between the 18S rRNA gene copy numbers for trophozoites and cysts of strain ATCC 50237 or between the copy numbers for this strain and strain KWR-1. The developed method was applied to water samples (200 ml) collected from a variety of lakes and rivers serving as sources for drinking water production in The Netherlands. Detectable populations were found in 21 of the 28 samples, with concentrations ranging from 5 to 75 cells/liter. A high degree of similarity (≥98%) was observed between sequences of clones originating from the different surface waters and between these clones and the reference strains. Hence,
H. vermiformis
, which is highly similar to strains serving as hosts for
L. pneumophila
, is a common component of the microbial community in fresh surface water.
Selecting Lactic Acid Bacteria for Their Safety and Functionality by Use of a Mouse Colitis Model
Authors: Daniel Catherine , Poiret Sabine , Goudercourt Denise , Dennin Veronique , Leyer Gregory , Pot Bruno 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT

Studies showed that specific probiotics might provide therapeutic benefits in inflammatory bowel disease. However, a rigorous screening of new probiotics is needed to study possible adverse interactions with the host, particularly when intended for administration to individuals with certain health risks. In this context, the objective of this study was to investigate the role of three lactobacilli (LAB) on intestinal inflammation and bacterial translocation using variations of the mouse model of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced acute colitis. We first compared the in vitro ability of LAB to survive gastrointestinal tract (GIT) conditions and their ability to persist in the GIT of mice following daily oral administration. As a control, we included a nonprobiotic
Lactobacillus paracasei
strain, previously isolated from an endocarditis patient. Feeding high doses of LAB strains to healthy and to TNBS-treated mice did not induce any detrimental effect or abnormal translocation of the bacteria. Oral administration of
Lactobacillus salivarius
Ls-33 had a significant preventive effect on colitis in mice, while
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lp-115 and
Lactobacillus acidophilus
NCFM did not. None of the three selected LAB strains translocated to extraintestinal organs of TNBS-treated mice. In contrast,
L. paracasei
exacerbated colitis under severe inflammatory conditions and translocated to extraintestinal organs. This study showed that evaluations of the safety and functionality of new probiotics are recommended. We conclude that not all lactobacilli have similar effects on intestinal inflammation and that selected probiotics such as
L. salivarius
Ls-33 may be considered in the prevention or treatment of intestinal inflammation.
Molecular Monitoring of the Fecal Microbiota of Healthy Human Subjects during Administration of Lactulose and
Saccharomyces boulardii
Authors: Vanhoutte Tom , De Preter Vicky , De Brandt Evie , Verbeke Kristin , Swings Jean , Huys Geert 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT

Diet is a major factor in maintaining a healthy human gastrointestinal tract, and this has triggered the development of functional foods containing a probiotic and/or prebiotic component intended to improve the host's health via modulation of the intestinal microbiota. In this study, a long-term placebo-controlled crossover feeding study in which each subject received several treatments was performed to monitor the effect of a prebiotic substrate (i.e., lactulose), a probiotic organism (i.e.,
Saccharomyces boulardii
), and their synbiotic combination on the fecal microbiota of three groups of 10 healthy human subjects differing in prebiotic dose and/or intake of placebo versus synbiotic. For this purpose, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of 16S rRNA gene amplicons was used to detect possible changes in the overall bacterial composition using the universal V
3
primer and to detect possible changes at the subpopulation level using group-specific primers targeting the
Bacteroides fragilis
subgroup, the genus
Bifidobacterium
, the
Clostridium lituseburense
group (cluster XI), and the
Clostridium coccoides-Eubacterium rectale
group (cluster XIVa). Although these populations remained fairly stable based on DGGE profiling, one pronounced change was observed in the universal fingerprint profiles after lactulose ingestion. Band position analysis and band sequencing revealed that a band appearing or intensifying following lactulose administration could be assigned to the species
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
. Subsequent analysis with real-time PCR (RT-PCR) indicated a statistically significant increase (
P
< 0.05) in total bifidobacteria in one of the three subject groups after lactulose administration, whereas a similar but nonsignificant trend was observed in the other two groups. Combined RT-PCR results from two subject groups indicated a borderline significant increase (
P
= 0.074) of
B. adolescentis
following lactulose intake. The probiotic yeast
S. boulardii
did not display any detectable universal changes in the DGGE profiles, nor did it influence the bifidobacterial levels. This study highlighted the capacity of an integrated approach consisting of DGGE analysis and RT-PCR to monitor and quantify pronounced changes in the fecal microbiota of healthy subjects upon functional food administration.
Capture and Retention of
Cryptosporidium parvum
Oocysts by
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Biofilms
Authors: Searcy Kristin E. , Packman Aaron I. , Atwill Edward R. , Harter Thomas 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT

The association of
Cryptosporidium
oocysts with biofilm communities can influence the propagation of this pathogen through both environmental systems and water treatment systems. We observed the capture and retention of
C. parvum
oocysts in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
biofilms using laboratory flow cells. Biofilms were developed in two different growth media using two different strains of
P. aeruginosa
, a wild-type strain (PAO1) and a strain that overproduces the exopolysaccharide alginate (PDO300). Confocal laser-scanning microscopy was used in conjunction with image analysis to assess the structure of the biofilms prior to introducing oocysts into the flow cells. More oocysts were captured by the biofilm-coated surfaces than the abiotic glass surface in both media. There was no significant difference in capture across the two strains of
P. aeruginosa
biofilm, but the fraction of oocysts captured was positively related to biofilm roughness and surface-area-to-volume ratio. Once captured, oocysts were retained in the biofilm for more than 24 h and were not released after a 40-fold increase in the system flow rate. We believe the capture and retention of oocysts by biofilm communities can impact the environmental transmission of
C. parvum
, and this interaction should be taken into consideration when predicting the migration of pathogens in the environment.
Removal and Inactivation of
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Biofilms by Electrolysis
Authors: Rabinovitch Christine , Stewart Philip S. 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT
Bacterial biofilms were exposed to electrolysis by making the steel substratum an electrode in a circuit including a 6-V battery. These treatments resulted in killing (2.1-log reduction) and removal (4.0-log reduction) of viable cells at the anode and cathode, respectively, within a few minutes.
Comparison of Four Different Culture Media for Isolation and Growth of Type II and Type I/III
Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
Strains Isolated from Cattle and Goats
Authors: de Juan Lucía , Álvarez Julio , Romero Beatriz , Bezos Javier , Castellanos Elena , Aranaz Alicia , Mateos Ana , Domínguez Lucas 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT

Culture is considered the definitive technique for Johne's disease diagnosis, and it is essential for later applications of certain molecular typing techniques. In this study, we have tested four solid media (Herrold's egg yolk medium [HEYM] with sodium pyruvate and mycobactin [HEYMm-SP], HEYM with mycobactin and without sodium pyruvate [HEYMm], Middlebrook 7H11 with mycobactin [Mm], and Löwenstein-Jensen with mycobactin [LJm]) for isolation of
Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
strains in 319 tissue samples from cattle herds and goat flocks. We have shown that each of the two main groups of
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
(type II and type I/III) has different requirements for growth in the culture media studied. The recommended solid media for isolation of type I/III strains are LJm and Mm, since the combination of both media allowed the recovery of all these strains. The most widespread culture medium, HEYM, is not suitable for the isolation of this group of
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
strains. Regarding the type II strains, HEYMm-SP was the medium where more strains were isolated, but the other three media are also needed in order to recover all type II strains. The incubation period is also related to the strain type. In conclusion, because the type of strain cannot be known in advance of culture, coupled with the fact that cattle and goats can be infected with both groups of strains, we recommend the use of the four solid media and the prolongation of the incubation period to more than 6 months to detect paratuberculous herds/flocks and to determine the true prevalence of the infection.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Marine, Chemolithoautotrophic, Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacterium
Nitrosococcus oceani
ATCC 19707
Authors: Klotz Martin G. , Arp Daniel J. , Chain Patrick S. G. , El-Sheikh Amal F. , Hauser Loren J. , Hommes Norman G. , Larimer Frank W. , Malfatti Stephanie A. , Norton Jeanette M. , Poret-Peterson Amisha T. , Vergez Lisa M. , Ward Bess B. 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT

The gammaproteobacterium
Nitrosococcus oceani
(ATCC 19707) is a gram-negative obligate chemolithoautotroph capable of extracting energy and reducing power from the oxidation of ammonia to nitrite. Sequencing and annotation of the genome revealed a single circular chromosome (3,481,691 bp; G+C content of 50.4%) and a plasmid (40,420 bp) that contain 3,052 and 41 candidate protein-encoding genes, respectively. The genes encoding proteins necessary for the function of known modes of lithotrophy and autotrophy were identified. Contrary to betaproteobacterial nitrifier genomes, the
N. oceani
genome contained two complete
rrn
operons. In contrast, only one copy of the genes needed to synthesize functional ammonia monooxygenase and hydroxylamine oxidoreductase, as well as the proteins that relay the extracted electrons to a terminal electron acceptor, were identified. The
N. oceani
genome contained genes for 13 complete two-component systems. The genome also contained all the genes needed to reconstruct complete central pathways, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnass and pentose phosphate pathways. The
N. oceani
genome contains the genes required to store and utilize energy from glycogen inclusion bodies and sucrose. Polyphosphate and pyrophosphate appear to be integrated in this bacterium's energy metabolism, stress tolerance, and ability to assimilate carbon via gluconeogenesis. One set of genes for type I ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase was identified, while genes necessary for methanotrophy and for carboxysome formation were not identified. The
N. oceani
genome contains two copies each of the genes or operons necessary to assemble functional complexes I and IV as well as ATP synthase (one H
+
-dependent F
0
F
1
type, one Na
+
-dependent V type).