bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intranasal delivery of transforming growth factor-beta1 in mice after stroke reduces infarct volume and increases neurogenesis in the subventricular zone
Authors: Ma Minmin , Ma Yuping , Yi Xueming , Guo Ruibing , Zhu Wusheng , Fan Xinying , Xu Gelin , Frey William H , Liu Xinfeng 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
The effect of neurotrophic factors in enhancing stroke-induced neurogenesis in the adult subventricular zone (SVZ) is limited by their poor blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability.
Intranasal administration is a noninvasive and valid method for delivery of neuropeptides into the brain, to bypass the BBB. We investigated the effect of treatment with intranasal transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) on neurogenesis in the adult mouse SVZ following focal ischemia. The modified Neurological Severity Scores (NSS) test was used to evaluate neurological function, and infarct volumes were determined from hematoxylin-stained sections. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) labeling was performed at 7 days after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Immunohistochemistry was used to detect bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and neuron- or glia-specific markers for identifying neurogenesis in the SVZ at 7, 14, 21, 28 days after MCAO.

Results
Intranasal treatment of TGF-β1 shows significant improvement in neurological function and reduction of infarct volume compared with control animals. TGF-β1 treated mice had significantly less TUNEL-positive cells in the ipsilateral striatum than that in control groups. The number of BrdU-incorporated cells in the SVZ and striatum was significantly increased in the TGF-β1 treated group compared with control animals at each time point. In addition, numbers of BrdU- labeled cells coexpressed with the migrating neuroblast marker doublecortin (DCX) and the mature neuronal marker neuronal nuclei (NeuN) were significantly increased after intranasal delivery of TGF-β1, while only a few BrdU labeled cells co-stained with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP).

Conclusion
Intranasal administration of TGF-β1 reduces infarct volume, improves functional recovery and enhances neurogenesis in mice after stroke. Intranasal TGF-β1 may have therapeutic potential for cerebrovascular disorders.
Risk factors for developing a cutaneous injection-related infection among injection drug users: a cohort study
Authors: Lloyd-Smith Elisa , Wood Evan , Zhang Ruth , Tyndall Mark W , Montaner Julio SG , Kerr Thomas 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Cutaneous injection-related infections (CIRI), such as abscesses and cellulitis, are common and preventable among injection drug users (IDU). However, risk factors for CIRI have not been well described in the literature. We sought to characterize the risk factors for current CIRI among individuals who use North America's first supervised injection facility (SIF).

Methods
A longitudinal analysis of factors associated with developing a CIRI among participants enrolled in the Scientific Evaluation of Supervised Injecting (SEOSI) cohort between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2005 was conducted using generalized linear mixed-effects modelling.

Results
In total, 1065 participants were eligible for this study. The proportion of participants with a CIRI remained under 10% during the study period. In a multivariate generalized linear mixed-effects model, female sex (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.68 [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.16–2.43]), unstable housing (AOR = 1.49 [95% CI: 1.10–2.03]), borrowing a used syringe (AOR = 1.60 [95% CI: 1.03–2.48]), requiring help injecting (AOR = 1.42 [95% CI: 1.03–1.94]), and injecting cocaine daily (AOR = 1.41 [95% CI: 1.02–1.95]) were associated with an increased risk of having a CIRI.

Conclusion
CIRI were common among a subset of IDU in this study, including females, those injecting cocaine daily, living in unstable housing, requiring help injecting or borrowing syringes. In order to reduce the burden of morbidity associated with CIRI, targeted interventions that address a range of factors, including social and environmental conditions, are needed.
Interpreting results of cluster surveys in emergency settings: is the LQAS test the best option?
Authors: Bilukha Oleg O , Blanton Curtis 
Published: December 2008

AbstractCluster surveys are commonly used in humanitarian emergencies to measure health and nutrition indicators. Deitchler et al. have proposed to use Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) hypothesis testing in cluster surveys to classify the prevalence of global acute malnutrition as exceeding or not exceeding the pre-established thresholds. Field practitioners and decision-makers must clearly understand the meaning and implications of using this test in interpreting survey results to make programmatic decisions. We demonstrate that the LQAS test–as proposed by Deitchler et al. – is prone to producing false-positive results and thus is likely to suggest interventions in situations where interventions may not be needed. As an alternative, to provide more useful information for decision-making, we suggest reporting the probability of an indicator's exceeding the threshold as a direct measure of "risk". Such probability can be easily determined in field settings by using a simple spreadsheet calculator. The "risk" of exceeding the threshold can then be considered in the context of other aggravating and protective factors to make informed programmatic decisions.
An unusual presentation of atrial myxoma in an elderly patient: a case report
Authors: Biswas Anneka , Thakur Ashish K 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Left atrial myxoma is the most common intracardiac tumour. It could be seen in patients between 3–83 years of age, with the majority presenting in fifth decade of life as sporadic cases (90%) and second decade as familial cases (10%) [1]. It is an important source of central nervous system embolism [2]. Elderly patients often present with non specific symptoms that are often overlooked in the absence of a supporting cardiac history which makes an early diagnosis challenging. This case report discusses an unusual presentation of left atrial myxoma in an elderly patient.
Severe Pseudomembranous Colitis After Moxifloxacin Use: A Case Series
Authors: Gallagher Jason C , Du Jennifer K , Rose Christina 
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE To describe the illnesses of 4 patients who developed severe pseudomembranous colitis after receiving moxifloxacin. CASE SUMMARY Four patients received moxifloxacin for pulmonary infections prior to developing positive Clostridium difficile toxin assays; all 4 later died from complications associated with C. difficile–associated disease (CDAD). Three patients developed CDAD while outpatients, although all of them had recent hospitalizations and their disease was presumed to be hospital related. All patients presented with diffuse abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea. The patients were all treated surgically with total abdominal colectomies and medically with metronidazole. DISCUSSION Recent reports have highlighted the connection between fluoroquinolones and CDAD, in contrast to historical studies and assumptions. Evidence in the literature about differences in the propensity of various fluoroquinolones to cause CDAD is conflicting. The Naranjo probability scale revealed a probable relationship between moxifloxacin and CDAD for 3 patients, and a possible relationship for 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS Our cases highlight the need for vigilance in monitoring patients for signs of CDAD when using any antibiotic, including moxifloxacin. Patients with suspected severe CDAD need to be managed aggressively to avoid poor outcomes.
Characterizing Pathways of Invasive Plant Spread to Alaska: I. Propagules from Container-Grown Ornamentals
Authors: Conn Jeffery S. , Stockdale Casie A. , Morgan Jenny C. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractTo determine the extent and nature of container-grown plant soil as a pathway for introduction of exotic plant species to Alaska, soil from container-grown ornamentals was obtained from vendors and was incubated in the greenhouse. Fifty-four plant species were identified growing in containers or germinating from the soil, and included Canada thistle—a prohibited weed in Alaska—and nine other species listed as invasive in Alaska. The number of species and estimated seed bank were very low for soil from vegetable starts/herbs and herbaceous bedding plants (< 2 seedlings/L soil), but was greater for soil from containers containing woody plants, especially balled and burlapped ornamentals (20 seedlings/L soil). Container alien plant seed bank size was strongly related to type of soil. Potting (soil-less) soil contained 1.2 germinating seeds/L, soil-based soil 5.5 seeds/L, and mineral soil 18.7 seeds/L. Growers and vendors were variables that also influenced the size of the container seed bank, suggesting that weed management practiced during production and at the point of sale can greatly influence seed banks of ornamental containers.
Evaluation of Triclopyr andMycoleptodiscus terrestrisfor Control of Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)
Authors: Nelson Linda S. , Shearer Judy F. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractGrowth chamber studies were conducted using 55-L aquariums to evaluate the efficacy of the herbicide triclopyr and the fungal pathogenMycoleptodiscus terrestris, applied alone and in combination against Eurasian watermilfoil. Treatments included 0.15, 0.40, and 1.50 mg acid equivalent (ae)/L triclopyr, 0.08, 0.16, and 0.32 ml/LM. terrestris, combinations of both agents at all rates, and an untreated control. Plants were exposed to all treatments for a 24-h contact time and plant biomass (shoot and roots) was recorded 6 wk after application. For both triclopyr andM. terrestrisapplied alone, plant control increased with treatment concentration. Compared with untreated plants, 1.50 mg/L triclopyr and 0.32 ml/LM. terrestrisreduced Eurasian watermilfoil by 100 and 91%, respectively. Lower doses of herbicide or pathogen were less effective and plant recovery was observed from surviving plant tissues (stems and root crowns). AlthoughM. terrestrisat 0.08 ml/L did not significantly reduce shoot or root biomass and 0.15 mg/L triclopyr provided only 53% control of plants, combining both agents at these rates reduced Eurasian watermilfoil by 90%. Results demonstrated that integrating low doses of triclopyr with an indigenous pathogen,M. terrestris, can improve control of Eurasian watermilfoil. Lower use rates of triclopyr would minimize impacts to sensitive nontarget vegetation, reduce application costs, and may minimize impacts of label-imposed use restrictions.
Site Characteristics Determine the Success of Prescribed Burning for Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) Control
Authors: Kyser Guy B. , Doran Morgan P. , McDougald Neil K. , Orloff Steve B. , Vargas Ronald N. , Wilson Robert G. , DiTomaso Joseph M. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractMedusahead is one of the most problematic rangeland weeds in the western United States. In previous studies, prescribed burning has been used successfully to control medusahead in some situations, but burning has failed in other circumstances. In this study, trials were conducted using the same protocol at four locations in central to northern California to evaluate plant community response to two consecutive years of summer burning and to determine the conditions resulting in successful medusahead control. During 2002 through 2003 large-scale experiments were established at two low-elevation, warm-winter sites (Fresno and Yolo counties) and two higher elevation, cool-winter sites (Siskiyou and Modoc counties). Plant species cover was estimated using point-intercept transects, and biomass samples were taken in each plot. After 2 yr of burning, medusahead cover was reduced by 99, 96, and 93% for Fresno, Yolo, and Siskiyou counties, respectively, compared to unburned control plots. Other annual grasses were also reduced, but less severely, and broadleaf species increased at all three sites. In contrast, 2 yr of burning resulted in a 55% increase in medusahead at the coolest winter site in Modoc County. In the second season after the final burn, medusahead cover remained low in burned plots at Fresno and Yolo counties (1 and 12% of cover in unburned controls, respectively), but at the Siskiyou site medusahead recovered to 45% relative to untreated controls. The success of prescribed burning was correlated with biomass of annual grasses, excluding medusahead, preceding a burn treatment. It is hypothesized that greater production of combustible forage resulted in increased fire intensity and greater seed mortality in exposed inflorescences. These results demonstrate that burning can be an effective control strategy for medusahead in low elevation, warm-winter areas characterized by high annual grass biomass production, but may not be successful in semiarid cool winter areas.
Control of Impatiens glandulifera (Balsaminaceae) by Antagonists in its Invaded Range
Authors: Burkhart Karin , Nentwig Wolfgang 
Published: December 2008

AbstractField and garden experiments were performed to investigate if pathogens, generalist herbivores, or a specialist herbivore (the tortricid moth Pristerognatha fuligana) have the potential to control the invasive Himalayan balsam. Impacts of generalist herbivores and pathogenic fungi were excluded by using thiacloprid and trifloxystrobin. Results show no effect of any antagonist in the field experiment, though we found a modest impact of the combined influence of generalist herbivores and pathogenic fungi in the garden experiment, i.e., under suboptimal growing conditions. Limited information from the native area (the Himalayas) suggests a strong impact of specialist herbivores, thus confirming the enemy release hypothesis. We predict that impact studies of native specialized herbivores will clearly indicate antagonists from the native area with a strong impact on Himalayan balsam in its invaded area.
Perinatal Risk Factors for Diabetes in Later Life
Authors: Kaijser Magnus , Edstedt Bonamy Anna-Karin , Akre Olof , Cnattingius Sven , Granath Fredrik , Norman Mikael , Ekbom Anders 
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE—Low birth weight is consistently associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in adulthood, but the individual contributions from poor fetal growth and preterm birth are not known. We therefore investigated the significance of these two factors separately.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We identified a cohort of subjects born preterm or with low birth weight at term at four major delivery units in Sweden from 1925 through 1949. A comparison cohort of subjects was identified from the same source population. Of 6,425 subjects in all, 2,931 were born at &lt;37 weeks of gestation and 2,176 had a birth weight &lt;2,500 g. Disease occurrence among participants was assessed through nationwide hospital registers from 1987 through 2006.
RESULTS—During follow-up, there were 508 cases of diabetes. Low birth weight was strongly negatively associated with risk of diabetes (P for trend &lt;0.0001). Both short gestational duration and poor fetal growth were associated with later diabetes (P for trend &lt;0.0001 and &lt;0.0004, respectively). Very preterm birth (≤32 weeks of gestation at birth) was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.67 (95% CI 1.33–2.11) compared with term birth. Birth weights below 2 SDs of mean birth weight for gestational age were associated with an HR of 1.76 (1.30–2.38) compared with birth weights between the mean weight and the weight at 1 SD above the mean.
CONCLUSIONS—Our results suggest that the association between low birth weight and diabetes is due to factors associated with both poor fetal growth and short gestational age.
The rb Mutation of Peas Causes Structural and Regulatory Changes in ADP Glucose Pyrophosphorylase from Developing Embryos
Authors: Hylton Christopher , Smith Alison M. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
A mutation at the rb locus of pea (Pisum sativum L.) alters the shape, reduces the starch content, and increases the lipid and sucrose contents of the seed. These effects are probably all consequences of a reduction of up to 40-fold in the maximum catalytic activity of ADP glucose pyrophosphorylase in the developing embryo of the mutant relative to the wild type. We have investigated how the mutation brings about this reduction in activity. The purified enzyme from mutant embryos has a specific activity about 10-fold lower than that from wild-type embryos, and it is much more sensitive to the effectors inorganic phosphate and 3-phosphoglycerate than the wild-type enzyme. Both wild-type and mutant enzymes consist of polypeptides of around 50 kilodaltons. One of the polypeptides of the purified wild-type enzyme is missing from the mutant enzyme. We deduce that in the wild-type embryo this protein may interact with other subunits to confer a high specific activity and a low susceptibility to effectors on the enzyme.
Antagonism of 5‐HT1Areceptors uncovers an excitatory effect of SSRIs on 5‐HT neuronal activity, an action probably mediated by 5‐HT7receptors
Authors: Bosker Fokko J. , Folgering Joost H. A. , Gladkevich Anatoliy V. , Schmidt Anne , Van Der Hart Marieke C. G. , Sprouse Jeffrey , Den Boer Johan A. , Westerink Ben H. C. , Cremers Thomas I. F. H. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBoth microdialysis and electrophysiology were used to investigate whether another serotonin (5‐HT) receptor subtype next to the 5‐HT1Aautoreceptor is involved in the acute effects of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor on 5‐HT neuronal activity. On the basis of a previous study, we decided to investigate the involvement of the 5‐HT7receptors. Experiments were performed with the specific 5‐HT7antagonist SB 258741 and the putative 5‐HT7agonist AS19. In this study WAY 100.635 was used to block 5‐HT1Areceptors. Systemic administration of SB 258741 significantly reduced the effect of combined selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and WAY 100.635 administration on extracellular 5‐HT in the ventral hippocampus as well as 5‐HT neuronal firing in the dorsal raphe nucleus. In the microdialysis study, co‐administration of AS19 and WAY 100.635 showed a biphasic effect on extracellular 5‐HT in ventral hippocampus, hinting at opposed 5‐HT7receptor mediated effects. In the electrophysiological experiments, systemic administration of AS19 alone displayed a bell‐shaped dose–effect curve: moderately increasing 5‐HT neuronal firing at lower doses while decreasing it at higher doses. SB 258741 was capable of blocking the effect of AS19 at a low dose. This is consistent with the pharmacological profile of AS19, displaying high affinity for 5‐HT7receptors and moderate affinity for 5‐HT1Areceptors. The data are in support of an excitatory effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on 5‐HT neuronal activity mediated by 5‐HT7receptors. It can be speculated, that the restoration of 5‐HT neuronal firing upon chronic antidepressant treatment, which is generally attributed to desensitization of 5‐HT1Areceptors alone, in fact results from a shift in balance between 5‐HT1Aand 5‐HT7receptor function.
Innovative Application of Mass Spectrometry for the Characterization of Staphylococcal Enterotoxins Involved in Food Poisoning Outbreaks
Authors: Hennekinne Jacques-Antoine , Brun Virginie , De Buyser Marie-Laure , Dupuis Alain , Ostyn Annick , Dragacci Sylviane 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT
Staphylococcal poisoning is a common food-borne disease for which immunoassays to detect enterotoxins were developed, but these assays often lead to false diagnoses due to interferences or lack of specificity. Absolute quantitative mass spectrometry was for the first time successfully applied to an investigation of a staphylococcal outbreak due to coconut pearls.
The Leucine-Responsive Regulatory Protein, Lrp, Modulates Microcin J25 Intrinsic Resistance inEscherichia coliby Regulating Expression of the YojI Microcin Exporter
Authors: Socías Sergio B. , Vincent Paula A. , Salomón Raúl A. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTManyEscherichia coliK-12 strains display an intrinsic resistance to the peptide antibiotic microcin J25. In this study, we present results showing that the leucine-responsive regulatory protein, Lrp, is involved in this phenotype by acting as a positive regulator of YojI, a chromosomally encoded efflux pump which expels microcin out of cells. Exogenous leucine antagonizes the effect of Lrp, leading to a diminished expression of the pump and an increased susceptibility to microcin J25.
IscR Controls Iron-Dependent Biofilm Formation inEscherichia coliby Regulating Type I Fimbria Expression
Authors: Wu Yun , Outten F. Wayne 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTBiofilm formation is a complex developmental process regulated by multiple environmental signals. In addition to other nutrients, the transition metal iron can also regulate biofilm formation. Iron-dependent regulation of biofilm formation varies by bacterial species, and the exact regulatory pathways that control iron-dependent biofilm formation are often unknown or only partially characterized. To address this gap in our knowledge, we examined the role of iron availability in regulating biofilm formation inEscherichia coli. The results indicate that biofilm formation is repressed under low-iron conditions inE. coli. Furthermore, a key iron regulator, IscR, controls biofilm formation in response to changes in cellular Fe-S homeostasis. IscR regulates the FimE recombinase to control expression of type I fimbriae inE. coli. We propose that iron-dependent regulation of FimE via IscR leads to decreased surface attachment and biofilm dispersal under iron-limiting conditions.
Functional Mapping of
Brucella abortus
Cyclic β-1,2-Glucan Synthase: Identification of the Protein Domain Required for Cyclization
Authors: Guidolin L. Soledad , Ciocchini Andrés E. , Iñón de Iannino Nora , Ugalde Rodolfo A. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT

Cyclic β-1,2-glucans (CβG) are periplasmic homopolysaccharides that have been shown to play an important role in several symbiotic and pathogenic relationships. Cyclic β-1,2-glucan synthase (Cgs), the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of CβG, is an integral membrane polyfunctional protein that catalyzes the four enzymatic activities (initiation, elongation, phosphorolysis, and cyclization) required for the synthesis of CβG. Recently, we have identified the glycosyltransferase and the β-1,2-glucooligosaccharide phosphorylase domains of
Brucella abortus
Cgs. In this study, we performed large-scale linker-scanning mutagenesis to gain further insight into the functional domains of Cgs. This analysis allowed us to construct a functional map of the enzyme and led to the identification of the minimal region required for the catalysis of initiation and elongation reactions. In addition, we identified the Cgs region (residues 991 to 1544) as being the protein domain required for cyclization and demonstrated that upon cyclization and releasing of the CβG, one or more glucose residues remain attached to the protein intermediate that serves as a primer for the next round of CβG synthesis. Finally, our results indicate that the overall control of the degree of polymerization of CβG is the result of a balance between elongation, phosphorolysis, and cyclization reactions.