bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age‐dependent changes in Ca2+homeostasis in peripheral neurones: implications for changes in function
Authors: Buchholz John N. , Behringer Erik J. , Pottorf William J. , Pearce William J. , Vanterpool Conwin K. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryCalcium ions represent universal second messengers within neuronal cells integrating multiple cellular functions, such as release of neurotransmitters, gene expression, proliferation, excitability, and regulation of cell death or apoptotic pathways. The magnitude, duration and shape of stimulation‐evoked intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) transients are determined by a complex interplay of mechanisms that modulate stimulation‐evoked rises in [Ca2+]i that occur with normal neuronal function. Disruption of any of these mechanisms may have implications for the function and health of peripheral neurones during the aging process. This review focuses on the impact of advancing age on the overall function of peripheral adrenergic neurones and how these changes in function may be linked to age‐related changes in modulation of [Ca2+]i regulation. The data in this review suggest that normal aging in peripheral autonomic neurones is a subtle process and does not always result in dramatic deterioration in their function. We present studies that support the idea that in order to maintain cell viability peripheral neurones are able to compensate for an age‐related decline in the function of at least one of the neuronal calcium‐buffering systems, smooth endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPases, by increased function of other calcium‐buffering systems, namely, the mitochondria and plasmalemma calcium extrusion. Increased mitochondrial calcium uptake may represent a ‘weak point’ in cellular compensation as this over time may contribute to cell death. In addition, we present more recent studies on [Ca2+]i regulation in the form of the modulation of release of calcium from smooth endoplasmic reticulum calcium stores. These studies suggest that the contribution of the release of calcium from smooth endoplasmic reticulum calcium stores is altered with age through a combination of altered ryanodine receptor levels and modulation of these receptors by neuronal nitric oxide containing neurones.
Cadmium‐Induced Enteropathy in Domestic Cocks: A Biochemical and Histological Study after Subchronic Exposure
Authors: Berzina Nadezhda , Markovs Jurijs , Isajevs Sergejs , Apsite Mirdza , Smirnova Galina 
Published: May 2007

Abstract: The biochemical and histological sequelae resulting from a diet containing 50.20 mg cadmium/kg were studied in Lohmann brown cockerels from hatching until 30 days of age. The additional cadmium chloride (CdCl2) to the diet induced the formation of lipid peroxides, which via a chain reaction led to accumulation of malondialdehyde in intestinal mucosa. At the end of the study (after 30 days of cadmium exposure) total protein and metallothionein levels in the intestinal mucosa and the relative ileal and duodenal weight increased. Histological data show that CdCl2causes an increase in number of goblet cells and granular lymphocytes in the intestinal mucosa. Down‐regulation of the serotonin‐positive cells in the cadmium‐treated animals was observed. Growth retardation (by 27%) occurred in chicken fed the cadmium‐enriched diet for 30 days. Cadmium accumulation in the intestine was markedly higher (154 times) in the cadmium‐treated animals compared to the control group. Cadmium induced a decrease in zinc (but not copper) content in intestinal mucosa. We suggest that cadmium uptake triggers an inflammatory and secretory response in chicken small intestine.
Dynamic blood pressure control and middle cerebral artery mean blood velocity variability at rest and during exercise in humans
Authors: Ogoh S. , Dalsgaard M. K. , Secher N. H. , Raven P. B. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAims:  Cardiac failure and ischaemic heart disease patients receive standard of care cardiac β1‐adrenergic blockade medication. Such medication reduces cardiac output and cerebral blood flow. It is unknown whether the β1‐adrenergic blockade‐induced reduction of cardiac output in the presence of an exercise‐induced reduction in cardiac–arterial baroreflex gain affects cerebral blood flow variability. This study evaluated the influence of cardiac output variability on beat‐to‐beat middle cerebral artery mean blood velocity (MCA Vmean) during exercise with and without cardiac β1‐adrenergic blockade.Methods:  Eight men (22 ± 1 years; mean ± SE) performed 15 min bouts of moderate (105 ± 11 W) and heavy (162 ± 8 W) intensity cycling before and after cardio‐selective β1‐adrenergic blockade (0.15 mg kg−1 metoprolol). The relationship between changes in cardiac output or mean arterial pressure (MAP) and MCA Vmean as well as cardiac–arterial baroreflex gain were evaluated using transfer function analysis.Results:  Both exercise intensities decreased the low frequency (LF) transfer function gain between cardiac output and MCA Vmean (P < 0.05) with no significant influence of β1‐blockade. In contrast, the LF transfer function gain between MAP and MCA Vmean remained stable also with no significant influence of metoprolol (P > 0.05). The LF transfer function gain between MAP and HR, an index of cardiac–arterial baroreflex gain, decreased from rest to heavy exercise with and without β1‐blockade (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  These findings suggest that the exercise intensity related reduction in cardiac–arterial baroreflex function at its operating point does not influence the dynamic control of MCA Vmean, even when the ability of exercise‐induced increase in cardiac output is reduced by cardiac β1‐adrenergic blockade.
Human cardiovascular dose–response to supplemental oxygen
Authors: Bak Z. , Sjöberg F. , Rousseau A. , Steinvall I. , Janerot‐Sjoberg B. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAim:  The aim of the study was to examine the central and peripheral cardiovascular adaptation and its coupling during increasing levels of hyperoxaemia. We hypothesized a dose‐related effect of hyperoxaemia on left ventricular performance and the vascular properties of the arterial tree.Methods:  Oscillometrically calibrated arterial subclavian pulse trace data were combined with echocardiographic recordings to obtain non‐invasive estimates of left ventricular volumes, aortic root pressure and flow data. For complementary vascular parameters and control purposes whole‐body impedance cardiography was applied. In nine (seven males) supine, resting healthy volunteers, aged 23–48 years, data was collected after 15 min of air breathing and at increasing transcutaneous oxygen tensions (20, 40 and 60 kPa), accomplished by a two group, random order and blinded hyperoxemic protocol.Results:  Left ventricular stroke volume [86 ± 13 to 75 ± 9 mL (mean ± SD)] and end‐diastolic area (19.3 ± 4.4 to 16.8 ± 4.3 cm2) declined (P < 0.05), and showed a linear, negative dose–response relationship to increasing arterial oxygen levels in a regression model. Peripheral resistance and characteristic impedance increased in a similar manner. Heart rate, left ventricular fractional area change, end‐systolic area, mean arterial pressure, arterial compliance or carbon dioxide levels did not change.Conclusion:  There is a linear dose–response relationship between arterial oxygen and cardiovascular parameters when the systemic oxygen tension increases above normal. A direct effect of supplemental oxygen on the vessels may therefore not be excluded. Proximal aortic and peripheral resistance increases from hyperoxaemia, but a decrease of venous return implies extra cardiac blood‐pooling and compensatory relaxation of the capacitance vessels.
Recombinant
Mycobacterium bovis
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Elicits Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Envelope-Specific T Lymphocytes at Mucosal Sites
Authors: Yu Jae-Sung , Peacock James W. , Jacobs William R. , Frothingham Richard , Letvin Norman L. , Liao Hua-Xin , Haynes Barton F. 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT

A successful vaccine vector for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) should induce anti-HIV-1 T-cell immune responses at mucosal sites. We have constructed recombinant
Mycobacterium bovis
bacillus Calmette-Guérin (rBCG) expressing an HIV-1 group M consensus envelope (Env) either as a surface, intracellular, or secreted protein as an immunogen. rBCG containing HIV-1
env
plasmids engineered for secretion induced optimal Env-specific T-cell gamma interferon enzyme-linked immunospot responses in murine spleen, female reproductive tract, and lungs. While rBCG-induced T-cell responses to HIV-1 envelope in spleen were lower than those induced by adenovirus prime/recombinant vaccinia virus (rAd-rVV) boost, rBCG induced comparable responses to rAd-rVV immunization in the female reproductive tract and lungs. T-cell responses induced by rBCG were primarily CD4
+
, although rBCG alone did not induce anti-HIV-1 antibody. However, rBCG could prime for a protein boost by HIV-1 envelope protein. Thus, rBCG can serve as a vector for induction of anti-HIV-1 consensus Env cellular responses at mucosal sites.
Real-Time PCR for Determining Capsular Serotypes of
Haemophilus influenzae
Authors: Maaroufi Younes , De Bruyne Jean-Marc , Heymans Corine , Crokaert Françoise 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT

A two-step real-time PCR assay targeting all six capsulation loci of
Haemophilus influenzae
(i.e., serotypes a to f) was developed and compared with a previously published qualitative PCR assay by using 131
H. influenzae
clinical isolates. There was a 98.5% concordance between the two tests. The sensitivity of detection of capsular type-specific reference strains of
H. influenzae
a to c (10
1
CFU/PCR) was higher than that for type e (10
3
CFU/PCR) and types d and f (10
4
CFU/PCR), and a broader dynamic range was obtained (5 to 8 log
10
units). No cross-reaction was observed with bacteria commonly isolated from the respiratory tract. We showed that both PCR assays are more reliable than slide agglutination serotyping. The real-time PCR-based assay seems to be an alternative of choice for the epidemiological follow-up of
H. influenzae
invasive infections.
Enterohepatic
Helicobacter
Species Are Prevalent in Mice from Commercial and Academic Institutions in Asia, Europe, and North America
Authors: Taylor Nancy S. , Xu Shilu , Nambiar Prashant , Dewhirst Floyd E. , Fox James G. 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT

The discovery of
Helicobacter hepaticus
and its role in hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma, typhlocolitis, and lower-bowel carcinoma in murine colonies was followed by the isolation and characterization of other
Helicobacter
spp. involved in enterohepatic disease. Colonization of mouse colonies with members of the family
Helicobacteriaceae
has become an increasing concern for the research community. From 2001 to 2005, shipments of selected gift mice from other institutions and mice received from specified commercial vendors were screened for
Helicobacter
spp. by culture of cecal tissue. The identities of the isolates were confirmed by genus-specific PCR, followed by species-specific PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was performed if the species identity was not apparent. The survey included 79 mice from 34 sources: 2 commercial sources and 16 research sources from the United States and 1 commercial source and 15 research sources from Canada, Europe, or Asia.
Helicobacter
spp. were cultured from the ceca of 62 of 79 mice. No
Helicobacter
spp. were found in mice from advertised
Helicobacter
-free production areas from two U.S. vendors. Multiple
Helicobacter
spp. were found in mice from one vendor's acknowledged
Helicobacter
-infected production area. The European commercial vendor had mice infected with novel
Helicobacter
sp. strain MIT 96-1001. Of the U.S. academic institutions, 6 of 16 (37%) had mice infected with
Helicobacter hepaticus
; but monoinfection with
H. bilis
,
H. mastomyrinus
,
H. rodentium
, and MIT 96-1001 was also encountered, as were mice infected simultaneously with two
Helicobacter
spp. Non-U.S. academic institutions had mice that were either monoinfected with
H. hepaticus
, monoinfected with seven other
Helicobacter
spp., or infected with a combination of
Helicobacter
spp. This survey indicates that 30 of 34 (88%) commercial and academic institutions in Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the United States have mouse colonies infected with
Helicobacter
spp. Mice from 20 of the 34 institutions (59%) were most commonly colonized with
H. hepaticus
alone or in combination with other
Helicobacter
spp. These results indicate that a broad range of
Helicobacter
spp. infect mouse research colonies. The potential impact of these organisms on in vivo experiments continues to be an important issue for mice being used for biomedical research.
Meningitis Due toGemella haemolysansin a Pediatric Case
Authors: Anil Murat , Ozkalay Nisel , Helvaci Mehmet , Agus Neval , Guler Ozlem , Dikerler Aysu , Kanar Berat 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTGemella haemolysansis a rare pathogen in cases of bacterial meningitis. We present a case of meningitis due toG. haemolysansin a 17-month-old boy. This is the first reported case ofGemellameningitis in a child. The patient completely recovered following intravenous therapy with linezolid and chloramphenicol.
Simultaneous Detection and High-Throughput Identification of a Panel of RNA Viruses Causing Respiratory Tract Infections
Authors: Li Haijing , McCormac Melinda A. , Estes R. Wray , Sefers Susan E. , Dare Ryan K. , Chappell James D. , Erdman Dean D. , Wright Peter F. , Tang Yi-Wei 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT
Clinical presentations for viral respiratory tract infections are often nonspecific, and a rapid, high-throughput laboratory technique that can detect a panel of common viral pathogens is clinically desirable. We evaluated two multiplex reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) products coupled with microarray-based systems for simultaneous detection of common respiratory tract viral pathogens. The NGEN respiratory virus analyte-specific assay (Nanogen, San Diego, CA) detects influenza A virus (Flu-A) and Flu-B, parainfluenza virus 1 (PIV-1), PIV-2, and PIV-3, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), while the ResPlex II assay (Genaco Biomedical Products, Inc., Huntsville, AL) detects Flu-A, Flu-B, PIV-1, PIV-2, PIV-3, PIV-4, RSV, human metapneumovirus (hMPV), rhinoviruses (RhVs), enteroviruses (EnVs), and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (CoV). A total of 360 frozen respiratory specimens collected for a full year were tested, and results were compared to those obtained with a combined reference standard of cell culture and monoplex real-time TaqMan RT-PCR assays. NGEN and ResPlex II gave comparable sensitivities for Flu-A (82.8 to 86.2%), Flu-B (90.0 to 100.0%), PIV-1 (87.5 to 93.8%), PIV-3 (66.7 to 72.2%), and RSV (63.3 to 73.3%); both assays achieved excellent specificities (99.1 to 100.0%) for these five common viruses. The ResPlex II assay detected hMPV in 13 (3.6%) specimens, with a sensitivity of 80.0% and specificity of 99.7%. The ResPlex II assay also differentiated RSV-A and RSV-B and gave positive results for RhV and EnV in 31 (8.6%) and 19 (5.3%) specimens, respectively. PIV-2, PIV-4, and SARS CoV were not detected in the specimens tested. The two systems can process 80 (NGEN) and 96 (ResPlex II) tests per run, with a hands-on time of approximately 60 min and test turnaround times of 6 h (ResPlex II) and 9 h (NGEN). Multiple-panel testing detected an additional unsuspected 9 (3.4%) PIV-1 and 10 (3.7%) PIV-3 infections. While test sensitivities for RSV and PIV-3 need improvement, both the NGEN and ResPlex II assays provide user-friendly and high-throughput tools for simultaneous detection and identification of a panel of common respiratory viral pathogens in a single test format. The multiplex approach enhances diagnosis through detection of respiratory viral etiologic agents in cases in which the presence of the agent was not suspected and a test was not ordered by the clinicians.
Molecular Epidemiology of Rotavirus in Central and Southeastern Europe
Authors: Tcheremenskaia Olga , Marucci Gianluca , De Petris Simona , Ruggeri Franco Maria , Dovecar Darja , Sternak Suncanica Ljubin , Matyasova Irena , Dhimolea Majlinda Kota , Mladenova Zornitsa , Fiore Lucia 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT
A surveillance network was implemented by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità of Rome in collaboration with laboratories of virology in Czech Republic, Slovenia, Croatia, Albania, and Bulgaria. About 1,500 rotavirus-positive stool samples were collected from children with severe gastroenteritis admitted to hospitals or outpatient wards between 2004 and 2006. The G and P genotypes were determined by reverse transcription-nested PCR. Significant differences were found in the geographical distributions of rotavirus genotypes between countries participating in the study. The prevalence of “common” G/P combinations, G1P[8], G3P[8], G4P[8], and G2P[4], ranged between 50 and 85%. The G9 genotype, which is emerging worldwide, was identified in 2 to 35% of all samples depending on the country. Unusual combinations, such as G1 or G4 associated with P[4] or G2 with P[8], which may have arisen by reassortment between human strains, were found in samples from 3 to 20% of patients. The uncommon genotypes G8P[8] and G10P[6], which may have an animal origin, were also identified. Double infections with two rotavirus strains were observed in between 1.7 and 14% of cases studied. Our findings might implicate challenges for rotavirus vaccine implementation in a wide geographic area of the Balkans and Central-Eastern Europe and underscore the importance of extensive strain surveillance for success in vaccine development.
Contribution of Polymorphisms in
ankA
,
gltA
, and
groESL
in Defining Genetic Variants of
Anaplasma phagocytophilum
Authors: Shukla Sanjay K. , Aswani Vijay , Stockwell Patrick J. , Reed Kurt D. 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT

Analysis of several nucleotide polymorphisms in polymorphic genes (
ankA
,
gltA
, and
groESL
) from 16S rRNA gene-based genetic variants of
Anaplasma phagocytophilum
from dogs in the western United States defined at least two sets of multigene polymorphisms to further characterize these variants. The multigene polymorphism approach holds promise for development of a genotyping scheme for this important pathogen.
First Insight into the Population Structure of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Hajoj Sahal A. M. , Zozio Thierry , Al-Rabiah Fahad , Mohammad Viquar , Al-Nasser Maryam , Sola Christophe , Rastogi Nalin 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT

This study constitutes a first attempt to describe the genetic population structure and drug resistance of the tubercle bacilli circulating in Saudi Arabia. A total of 1,505 clinical isolates of
M. tuberculosis
, isolated between 2002 and 2005 from seven regions of Saudi Arabia, were studied. The sample studied showed a male-to-female sex ratio of 1.27, with half of the cases among foreign-born individuals and 47% within the 21- to 40-year-old age group; a total resistance rate of 19.7%; and multiple drug resistance of 4.5%. Upon spoligotyping, a total of 387 individual patterns were obtained (clustering rate, 86.4%; 182 clusters containing between 2 and 130 isolates per cluster). A total of 94% of the strains matched the spoligotype patterns in an international database. Nearly 81% of the isolates in this study belonged to established phylogeographic clades: Central Asian (CAS), 22.5%; ill-defined T clade, 19.5%; East African-Indian (EAI), 13.5%; Haarlem, 7.5%; Latin American-Mediterranean, 7.2%; Beijing, 4.4%; Manu, 2.7%; X, 0.9%; and Bovis, 0.9%. Two clonal complexes with unique spoligotyping signatures (octal codes 703777707770371 and 467777377413771) specific to Saudi Arabia were identified. These belonged to the CAS and EAI clades, respectively, as confirmed upon secondary typing using mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units (MIRUs). The results obtained underline the predominance of historic clones of principal genetic group 1, which are responsible for roughly 45% of all tuberculosis cases in Saudi Arabia. The high rate of clustering observed might be an indication of rapid ongoing transmission within certain communities and/or subpopulations in Saudi Arabia; nonetheless, spoligotyping is known to overestimate clustering, and only a systematic second-line typing, such as MIRUs, coupled with a better tuberculosis registry and epidemiological investigations would allow us to know the exact rate of ongoing transmission and associated risk factors in Saudi Arabia.
Evaluation of the Colorimetric VITEK 2 Card for Identification of Gram-Negative Nonfermentative Rods: Comparison to 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Authors: Zbinden A. , Böttger E. C. , Bosshard P. P. , Zbinden R. 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT

Ninety strains of a collection of well-identified clinical isolates of gram-negative nonfermentative rods collected over a period of 5 years were evaluated using the new colorimetric VITEK 2 card. The VITEK 2 colorimetric system identified 53 (59%) of the isolates to the species level and 9 (10%) to the genus level; 28 (31%) isolates were misidentified. An algorithm combining the colorimetric VITEK 2 card and 16S rRNA gene sequencing for adequate identification of gram-negative nonfermentative rods was developed. According to this algorithm, any identification by the colorimetric VITEK 2 card other than
Achromobacter xylosoxidans
,
Acinetobacter
sp.,
Burkholderia cepacia
complex,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, and
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
should be subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing when accurate identification of nonfermentative rods is of concern.
GxxxG Motif of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Spike Glycoprotein Transmembrane Domain Is Not Involved in Trimerization and Is Not Important for Entry
Authors: Corver Jeroen , Broer Rene , van Kasteren Puck , Spaan Willy 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT
Recently, a paper was published in which it was proposed that the GxxxG motif of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus spike (S) protein transmembrane domain plays a vital role in oligomerization of the protein (E. Arbely, Z. Granot, I. Kass, J. Orly, and I. T. Arkin, Biochemistry 45:11349-11356, 2006). Here, we show that the GxxxG motif is not involved in SARS S oligomerization by trimerization analysis of S GxxxG mutant proteins. In addition, the capability of S to mediate entry of SARS S-pseudotyped particles overall was affected moderately in the mutant proteins, also arguing for a nonvital role for the GxxxG motif in SARS coronavirus entry.