bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The generation of nisin variants with enhanced activity against specific Gram‐positive pathogens
Authors: Field Des , Connor Paula M. O. , Cotter Paul D. , Hill Colin , Ross R. Paul 
Published: May 2008

SummaryNisin is the prototype of the lantibiotic group of antimicrobial peptides. It exhibits broad spectrum inhibition of Gram‐positive bacteria including important food pathogens and clinically relevant antibiotic‐resistant bacteria. Significantly, the gene‐encoded nature of nisin means that it can be subjected to gene‐based bioengineering to generate novel derivatives. Here, we take advantage of this to generate the largest bank of randomly mutated nisin derivatives reported to date, with the ultimate aim of identifying variants with enhanced bioactivity. This approach led to the identification of a nisin‐producing strain with enhanced bioactivity against the mastitic pathogen Streptococcus agalactiae resulting from an amino acid change in the hinge region of the peptide (K22T). Prompted by this discovery, site‐directed and site‐saturation mutagenesis of the hinge region residues was employed, resulting in the identification of additional derivatives, most notably N20P, M21V and K22S, with enhanced bioactivity and specific activity against Gram‐positive pathogens including Listeria monocytogenes and/or Staphylococcus aureus. The identification of these derivatives represents a major step forward in the bioengineering of nisin, and lantibiotics in general, and confirms that peptide engineering can deliver derivatives with enhanced antimicrobial activity against specific problematic spoilage and pathogenic microbes or against Gram‐positive bacteria in general.
The glutathione‐deficient mutant pad2‐1 accumulates lower amounts of glucosinolates and is more susceptible to the insect herbivore Spodoptera littoralis
Authors: Schlaeppi Klaus , Bodenhausen Natacha , Buchala Antony , Mauch Felix , Reymond Philippe 
Published: May 2008

SummaryPlants often respond to pathogen or insect attack by inducing the synthesis of toxic compounds such as phytoalexins and glucosinolates (GS). The Arabidopsis mutant pad2‐1 has reduced levels of the phytoalexin camalexin and is known for its increased susceptibility to fungal and bacterial pathogens. We found that pad2‐1 is also more susceptible to the generalist insect Spodoptera littoralis but not to the specialist Pieris brassicae. The PAD2 gene encodes a γ‐glutamylcysteine synthetase that is involved in glutathione (GSH) synthesis, and consequently the pad2‐1 mutant contains about 20% of the GSH found in wild‐type plants. Lower GSH levels of pad2‐1 were correlated with reduced accumulation of the two major indole and aliphatic GSs of Arabidopsis, indolyl‐3‐methyl‐GS and 4‐methylsulfinylbutyl‐GS, in response to insect feeding. This effect was specific to GSH, was not complemented by treatment of pad2‐1 with the strong reducing agent dithiothreitol, and was not observed with the ascorbate‐deficient mutant vtc1‐1. In contrast to the jasmonate‐insensitive mutant coi1‐1, expression of insect‐regulated and GS biosynthesis genes was not affected in pad2‐1. Our data suggest a crucial role for GSH in GS biosynthesis and insect resistance.
Reconstructed interfollicular feline epidermis as a model for the screening of antifungal drugs againstMicrosporum canis
Authors: Tabart Jeremy , Baldo Aline , Vermout Sandy , Losson Bertrand , Mignon Bernard 
Published: May 2008

AbstractA fully differentiated reconstructed interfollicular feline epidermis (RFE) was recently developedin vitro. It was shown to be relevant for the study ofMicrosporum canis–epidermal interactions. In this study, RFE was evaluated as a potential model for thein vitroscreening of drugs againstM. canis. As a preliminary step, the minimum inhibitory concentration of miconazole nitrate againstM. canisIHEM 21239 grown on Sabouraud's dextrose agar was determined to be 0.3 µg mL−1. RFE grown at the air–liquid interface was cultured for 24 h in RFE culture medium, supplemented with either miconazole (range 0.1–1 µg mL−1) or its solvent (dimethylsulfoxide). Then, RFE was inoculated in triplicate with 1 × 105M. canisarthroconidia and incubated for five additional days. To evaluate fungal growth, RFE was processed for routine histopathology, three serial sections being performed across the block at 100 µm intervals. No fungal growth was detected invading or on the surface of infected RFE in the presence of miconazole concentrations equal to or higher than 0.3 µg mL (final concentration in the culture medium). This study demonstrates that RFE is an adequate model for thein vitroscreening of drugs againstM. canisand potentially against other skin pathogens.
Effects of B‐trichothecenes on luminal glucose transport across the isolated jejunal epithelium of broiler chickens
Authors: Awad W. A. , Razzazi‐Fazeli E. , Böhm J. , Zentek J. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryTrichothecenes are closely‐related sesquiterpenoids (ring structure) with a 12, 13 epoxy ring and a variable number of hydroxyl, acetyl or other substituents. In chickens, d‐glucose and amino acid absorption occurs via carrier‐mediated transport. Recently, it has been observed that deoxynivalenol (DON) alters the gut function and impairs glucose and amino acid transport in chickens. The purpose of this work was to determine the effects of different B‐trichothecenes [DON, Nivalenol (NIV), 15‐Ac‐DON and Fusarenon X (FUS X)] on intestinal carrier‐mediated sodium co‐transport of d‐glucose in the small intestine of broiler chickens. Intestinal transport was determined by changes in the short‐circuit current (Isc), proportional to ion transmembrane flux, in the middle segment of the jejunum of broilers with the Ussing chamber technique. d‐glucose produced an increase of the Isc, and this effect was reverted by different B‐trichothecene mycotoxins, indicating that the glucose induced Isc was altered by B‐trichothecenes. The addition of glucose after pre‐incubation of the tissues with B‐trichothecenes had no effect (p > 0.05) on the Isc, suggesting that B‐trichothecenes afflicted the Na+‐d‐glucose co‐transport. However, FUX had no obvious effect on the measured parameters. It could be concluded from the present study that the glucose co‐transporter activity appears to be more sensitive to DON, NIV and 15‐Ac‐DON suppression than by FUS X in the jejunum of broilers.
Fatty acid status in captive and free‐ranging black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis)*
Authors: Clauss M. , Dierenfeld E. S. , Bigley K. E. , Wang Y. , Ghebremeskel K. , Hatt J.‐M. , Flach E. J. , Behlert O. , Castell J. C. , Streich W. J. , Bauer J. E. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe fatty acid (FA) patterns of plasma/serum triglycerides (TG), phospholipids (PL) and cholesteryl esters (CE) of captive and free‐ranging black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis) were investigated. Free‐ranging animals (n = 28) stemmed from four different regions. Captive animals sampled included specimens from North American (n = 11) and three different European facilities (n = 6). The European animals were tested on 1–4 different diets, resulting in a total of 15 blood samples. Regardless of differences between the free‐ranging animals from different regions, differences between captive and free‐ranging animals were relatively uniform: captive animals had higher overall proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), due to levels of linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n6) that were drastically increased as compared to free‐ranging animals. In contrast, levels of alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n3) were consistently lower on conventional zoo diets. n6/n3 ratios for TG, PL and CE were 1.6, 10 and 8 in samples from free‐ranging animals, respectively, as compared to 4.1–16.3, 16–148 and 40–277 in samples from captive animals. There was a distinct correlation between the proportion of grain‐based products (commercial concentrates, plain grains and bread) in the diets of the European animals and the measured levels of n6 PUFA. An animal from a facility with a very low proportion of grain products in the diet nevertheless had high LA readings, most probably due to the use of sunflower oil as 2% (dry matter basis) of its diet. One animal that received a high proportion of grass meal pellets due to an oral disease had increased ALA contents after the diet change. These results allow conclusions on the suitability of diets fed in captivity: the black rhinoceros is prone to several uncommon diseases that have been suspected to be linked to oxidative damage, possibly due to the disposition of this species to excessive iron storage. An unnatural dietary loading with PUFAs would exacerbate this problem. Additionally, n6 FAs are known as precursors of pro‐inflammatory mediators, and their overrepresentation could therefore exacerbate any inflammatory processes. Therefore, the current practice of using grain‐based feeds as major ingredients in captive rhinoceros diets is discouraged. Diet items containing ALA (a precursor of anti‐inflammatory mediators) such as, fresh grass, fresh browse, the respective silages should be included at higher levels in diets for captive black rhinoceroses. Grass meal pellets, although a good source of ALA and linked with high levels of ALA in an animal of this study, must be chosen with care for black rhinoceroses due to their particular proneness for high iron contents.
Influence of pasture on fatty acid profile of goat milk
Authors: D’Urso S. , Cutrignelli M. I. , Calabrò S. , Bovera F. , Tudisco R. , Piccolo V. , Infascelli F. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe effect of pasture on the fatty acid profile of milk was evaluated using 30 pluriparous goats, which were divided into two homogeneous groups (H and P) of 15 goats each after kidding. Group H (control) goats were housed in a stall and received alfalfa hay, while group P was led to pasture. The goats of both the groups received the same concentrate. Average milk yield did not differ statistically between the groups. The goats of the P group had significantly higher fat content in milk than those of group H (53.7 vs. 61.5 g/day, p < 0.01), while lactose content was significantly higher for group H (66.2 and 61.4 g/day, for groups H and P, respectively, p < 0.05). Among milk fatty acids, pasture significantly affected the percentages of C18:1 cis9, C18:1 trans11, octadecadienoic acid, mono‐unsaturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid. Pasture highly influenced the c9 t11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) (0.778 and 0.513 g/100 g of fat, for group P and H, respectively, p < 0.01), t10 c12 CLA (0.046 vs. 0.029 g/100 g of fat: p < 0.01, for group P and H, respectively, p < 0.01) and ΣCLA (0.84 vs. 0.56 g/100 g of fat for group P and H, respectively, p < 0.01) concentrations of milk.
Increasing ambient operating theatre temperature and wrapping in polyethylene improves admission temperature in premature infants
Authors: Kent Alison L , Williams Jeni 
Published: May 2008

Aim:  To improve admission temperatures of preterm infants ≤31 weeks gestation by increasing the ambient temperature in the operating theatre and wrapping in polyethylene wrap at caesarean section.Methods:  A review of admission temperature of infants with gestational age ≤31 weeks from January 2000 to July 2002 was performed. Between October 2002 and 2003 the ambient operating theatre temperature was increased to 26–28°C for deliveries ≤27 weeks gestation and to 25°C for deliveries ≥28 weeks gestation. From September 2004 to December 2005 the ambient theatre temperature was increased along with wrapping infants in polyethylene. A clinical audit cycle review of admission temperatures and early morbidity and mortality was undertaken.Results:  156 premature infants were included, 42 <28 weeks and 114 28–31 weeks gestation. The mean admission temperature in <28 weeks infants prior to intervention was 35.3°C, after increasing ambient theatre temperature 35.9°C, and after increasing ambient temperature and using polyethylene wrap 37.0°C (P < 0.0001). For infants 28–31 weeks the mean admission temperatures in the three epochs were 36.3°C, 36.5°C and 36.6°C, respectively (P = 0.002). There was no statistically significant difference in: total days of ventilation or oxygen, definite necrotising enterocolitis, intraventricular haemorrhage grade 3 or 4 or survival.Conclusions:  Increasing the ambient temperature in the operating theatre and wrapping premature infants in polyethylene wrap improves admission temperature. Further studies are required to determine whether these interventions are associated with improved outcome in the premature neonate.
Outcomes of management decisions by parents for their infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome born with and without a prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Tibballs James , Cantwell‐Bartl Annie 
Published: May 2008

Aim:  To study the influence of a prenatal diagnosis on parental choice of treatment for infants born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).Methods:  Retrospective review of medical records of infants admitted to a paediatric tertiary hospital 1983–2004 with a diagnosis of HLHS.Results:  A total of 201 infants had HLHS diagnosed by echocardiography after birth with 129 subsequently undergoing surgery and 72 non‐surgical management (compassionate/comfort care). When the diagnosis of HLHS was made prenatally, 68 of 71 (96%) infants underwent surgery whereas when the diagnosis was made post‐natally 61 of 130 (47%) infants underwent surgery. Prenatal diagnosis was significantly associated with a parental choice of surgery (P < 0.001). Among 72 infants managed non‐surgically, compassionate care was chosen by parents for 49 (68%) despite being fit for surgery, 20 (28%) were deemed unfit for surgery and in three (4%) the reasons for non‐surgical management were unknown. Of the total 178 infants considered fit for surgery, 68 (38%) had had a prenatal diagnosis and 110 (62%) did not. Of 20 considered unfit for surgery, none had had a prenatal diagnosis. A prenatal diagnosis was significantly associated with fitness for surgery (P < 0.001).Conclusions:  Approximately half of parents chose non‐surgical management (compassionate care) of their infant if the diagnosis was post‐natal. Although most parents of infants born with a prenatal diagnosis of HLHS chose surgical management of their infant, this is the likely influence of termination of pregnancy for this condition. Lack of prenatal diagnosis compromised fitness for surgery.
Estimating the number of New Zealand children with a physical disability
Authors: Clark Phillipa , Gerrard Danielle 
Published: May 2008

Aims:  To estimate the number of New Zealand children who have a physical disability, and to describe this group in relation to sex, age, ethnic group and severity.Methods:  We used data collected by Statistics New Zealand's Household Disability Survey 2001. Within the estimated 90 000 children aged 0–14 years with a disability as described in Disability Counts 2001, we identified a subgroup using information on the use of equipment suggestive of mobility disability, the numbers estimated to be in receipt of or in need of physiotherapy and/or occupational therapy, and the small number needing ramps or similar modifications.Results:  An estimated 14 500 children had a physical disability. This equates to an estimated 1.7% of the New Zealand population of children aged 0–14 years. Fifty‐seven per cent were boys. An estimated 9600 were New Zealand‐European, 3800 Maori and 600 Samoan. Approximately half were of moderate severity as defined by Statistics New Zealand. An estimated 9500 had a multiple disability.Conclusions:  The rate is somewhat higher than in studies from countries where only locomotor disability is described, but similar to rates where other types of disability such as dexterity disability are included. This may reflect the fact that within our group are children who in other countries would have been described as having a dexterity or a self‐help disability. It would be useful if future New Zealand data collection could attempt to separate these subgroups in order to allow better forward planning of health, education and family support services.
Reliability of pubertal self‐assessment in Hong Kong Chinese children
Authors: Chan Noel PT , Sung Rita YT , Kong Alice PS , Goggins William B , So Hung K , Nelson E Anthony S 
Published: May 2008

Aim:  To validate a Tanner stages self‐assessment questionnaire using gender‐specific line drawings and brief explanatory text in Chinese.Methods:  Design: A cross sectional study design. Setting: One primary and two secondary schools. Participants: 172 boys and 182 girls aged between 8 and 18 years. Main outcome measures: Students' self‐assessments of pubertal maturation were compared with assessments made by a same gender rater using visual depiction physical examination. Raters' physical examinations were performed after the children had answered the self‐assessment questionnaire individually and in private. Raters were blinded to the self‐assessment results. Accuracy rates and weighted kappa statistic were used to evaluate the degree of agreement between children and raters.Results:  Substantial to almost perfect agreement was found between self‐ and rater's assessments of breast development and pubic hair growth in girls [weighted kappa 0.72 (P < 0.0001, 95% CI 0.66, 0.79) and 0.83 (P < 0.0001, 95% CI 0.78, 0.87) respectively]. Moderate to substantial agreement was found between self‐ and rater's assessments of male genital development and pubic hair growth [weighted kappa 0.58 (P < 0.0001, 95% CI 0.48, 0.68) and 0.80 (P < 0.0001, 95% CI 0.74, 0.86) respectively]. Most agreements between self‐ and rater's assessments differed by only one Tanner stage. Agreement was higher for girls than boys. Girls tended to overestimate their breast stages and boys tended to underestimate their genitalia development.Conclusion:  This study confirms that a Tanner pubertal self‐assessment questionnaire with line drawings and explanatory Chinese text can reliably estimate sexual maturation status in Hong Kong Chinese children.
Hypertension and microalbuminuria in children with congenital solitary kidneys
Authors: Schreuder Michiel F , Langemeijer Millie E , Bökenkamp Arend , Delemarre‐Van de Waal Henriette A , Van Wijk Joanna AE 
Published: May 2008

Aim:  According to the hyperfiltration hypothesis, a low nephron endowment will lead to hyperfiltration in the remaining glomeruli and is associated with systemic hypertension, proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis. Being born with one functioning kidney instead of two, for instance because of unilateral renal agenesis or multicystic dysplastic kidney, is a cause of congenital renal mass reduction.Methods:  In order to study the effect of congenital renal mass reduction on renal function and blood pressure, a retrospective chart review of 66 patients at the Pediatric Renal Center of the VU University Medical Center was performed. As intrauterine growth restriction is associated with a low nephron endowment, the additional effect of birthweight was also studied.Results:  A total of 50% of patients with congenital renal mass reduction is found to be hypertensive, using anti‐hypertensive drugs, and/or having microalbuminuria (>20 μg/min). Patients born small for gestational age have significantly smaller kidneys and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate than patients with a normal birthweight.Conclusions:  We conclude that microalbuminuria and/or hypertension is present in 50% of patients with congenital solitary kidneys, which warrants a systematic follow‐up of blood pressure, proteinuria and renal function in all patients with congenital solitary functioning kidneys, especially in patients with a low birthweight.
Is discontinuation of hormone replacement therapy possible for patients with late‐onset hypogonadism?
Authors: Tsujimura Akira , Takada Shingo , Matsuoka Yasuhiro , Hirai Toshiaki , Takao Tetsuya , Miyagawa Yasushi , Nonomura Norio , Okuyama Akihiko 
Published: May 2008

Objective:  The first‐line treatment for late‐onset hypogonadism (LOH) is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, whether lifetime HRT is necessary has not been settled. We evaluated LOH‐related symptoms and endocrinologic values after discontinuation of HRT in patients with LOH who had benefited from it.Methods:  Twenty‐five men (mean age 54.2 years, range 40–73) in whom HRT had been effective and who were available for follow‐up 3 months after the discontinuation of HRT were studied. LOH‐related symptoms were judged according to the Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale and other questionnaires. Laboratory and endocrinologic values and LOH‐related symptoms were assessed before HRT, at the end of HRT, and 3 months after its discontinuation.Results:  Serum testosterone levels increased significantly with HRT. However, they returned to the pretreatment levels after discontinuation of HRT. The total AMS score decreased significantly after HRT, and a significant improvement was maintained 3 months after discontinuation. The somatovegetative and psychological subscores of the AMS also improved, although the sexual subscore did not change significantly. A slight improvement was also observed in the short version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) score and the Self‐rating Depression Scale (SDS) score after HRT. However, changes in these scores did not reach statistical significance. No other changes in the endocrinologic profile and no severe adverse effects were seen.Conclusions:  Improvement in symptoms may remain after discontinuation of HRT in patients with LOH even though their endocrinologic status declines. Our findings may encourage physicians to discontinue HRT if LOH‐related symptoms have improved after several months of HRT.
Reclassification of the current tumor, node, metastasis staging in pT3 renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Fujita Tetsuo , Iwamura Masatsugu , Yanagisawa Nobuyuki , Muramoto Masatoshi , Okayasu Isao , Baba Shiro 
Published: May 2008

Objectives:  Although the tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) staging classification of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was last modified in 2002, pT3 staging has continued to be debated. It has been suggested that direct adrenal gland involvement and pT3b with pT3a should be reclassified. This study accordingly explores reclassification of the current 2002 TNM staging in pT3 RCCs.Methods:  A total of 111 patients with pT3 RCC who underwent radical nephrectomy at our institution between March 1972 and February 2006 were enrolled in this study. Histological samples were reviewed by a single pathologist. Disease‐specific survival was compared according to reclassification as pT3a with perirenal fat involvement only (pT3a‐fat), pT3a with adrenal gland involvement (pT3a‐ad), pT3b without pT3a factors (pT3b‐only), pT3b with pT3a factors (pT3b with pT3a), or pT3c.Results:  Seven patients were identified as having pT3a‐ad and 20 patients as having pT3b with pT3a. The mean disease‐specific survival times in pT3a‐fat and pT3b‐only were significantly longer: 124.1 ± 13.2 (SE) months and 70.9 ± 9.1 (SE) months, respectively, compared with 24.7 ± 6.7 (SE) months in pT3a‐ad (P = 0.0004 and 0.0010, respectively), and 25.0 ± 4.4 (SE) months in pT3b with pT3a (P = 0.0009 and 0.0032, respectively). On multivariate analysis, the presence of direct ipsilateral adrenal gland involvement was recognized as a predictor of poor prognosis (P = 0.0331).Conclusions:  Direct ipsilateral adrenal gland involvement for patients with pT3a, and perirenal fat or adrenal gland involvement for patients with pT3b should be reclassified nearly to pT4.