bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of
Clostridium
Species and DNA Fingerprinting of
Clostridium perfringens
by Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis
Authors: Keto-Timonen Riikka , Heikinheimo Annamari , Eerola Erkki , Korkeala Hannu 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

An amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) method was applied to 129 strains representing 24 different
Clostridium
species, with special emphasis on pathogenic clostridia of medical or veterinary interest, to assess the potential of AFLP for identification of clostridia. In addition, the ability of the same AFLP protocol to type clostridia at the strain level was assessed by focusing on
Clostridium perfringens
strains. All strains were typeable by AFLP, so the method seemed to overcome the problem of extracellular DNase production. AFLP differentiated all
Clostridium
species tested, except for
Clostridium ramosum
and
Clostridium limosum
, which clustered together with a 45% similarity level. Other
Clostridium
species were divided into species-specific clusters or occupied separate positions. Wide genetic diversity was observed among
Clostridium botulinum
strains, which were divided into seven species-specific clusters. The same AFLP protocol was also suitable for typing
C. perfringens
at the strain level. A total of 29 different AFLP types were identified for 37 strains of
C. perfringens
; strains initially originating from the same isolate showed identical fingerprinting patterns and were distinguished from unrelated strains. AFLP proved to be a highly reproducible, easy-to-perform, and relatively fast method which enables high throughput of samples and can serve in the generation of identification libraries. These results indicate that the AFLP method provides a promising tool for the identification and characterization of
Clostridium
species.
Detection of Multiple Noroviruses Associated with an International Gastroenteritis Outbreak Linked to Oyster Consumption
Authors: Le Guyader Françoise S. , Bon Fabienne , DeMedici Dario , Parnaudeau Sylvain , Bertone Alessandra , Crudeli Silvia , Doyle Aoife , Zidane Mohamed , Suffredini Elisabetta , Kohli Evelyne , Maddalo Francesco , Monini Marina , Gallay Anne , Pommepuy Monique , Pothier Pierre , Ruggeri Franco M. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT
An international outbreak linked to oyster consumption involving a group of over 200 people in Italy and 127 total subjects in 13 smaller clusters in France was analyzed using epidemiological and clinical data and shellfish samples. Environmental information from the oyster-producing area, located in a lagoon in southern France, was collected to investigate the possible events leading to the contamination. Virologic analyses were conducted by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) using the same primer sets for both clinical and environmental samples. After sequencing, the data were analyzed through the database operated by the scientific network FoodBorne Viruses in Europe. The existence of an international collaboration between laboratories was critical to rapidly connect the data and to fully interpret the results, since it was not obvious that one food could be the link because of the diversity of the several norovirus strains involved in the different cases. It was also demonstrated that heavy rain was responsible for the accidental contamination of seafood, leading to a concentration of up to hundreds of genomic copies per oyster as detected by real-time RT-PCR.
Increased Vancomycin MICs for
Staphylococcus aureus
Clinical Isolates from a University Hospital during a 5-Year Period
Authors: Wang Guiqing , Hindler Janet F. , Ward Kevin W. , Bruckner David A. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
is one of the most commonly isolated organisms in nosocomial infections. While the prevalence of methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) continues to increase worldwide, there is concern about an increase in vancomycin MICs among
S. aureus
strains. The prevalence of MRSA and vancomycin MIC trends in
S. aureus
from patients in a university hospital were analyzed. Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI, formerly NCCLS) reference broth microdilution MIC testing was performed on all clinically relevant
S. aureus
isolates from January 2000 through December 2004. A total of 6,003
S. aureus
isolates were analyzed. No vancomycin-resistant
S. aureus
isolates were detected. One MRSA isolate had a vancomycin MIC of 8 μg/ml and was confirmed as vancomycin-intermediate
S. aureus
. Among the 6,002 remaining isolates, a shift in vancomycin MICs from ≤0.5 to 1.0 μg/ml was observed during the 5-year period. The percentage of
S. aureus
isolates with a vancomycin MIC of 1 μg/ml in 2004 was significantly higher than the percentage of isolates in 2000 (70.4% versus 19.9%;
P
< 0.01). This vancomycin MIC shift was more notable in methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
. Our 5 years of routine testing of clinical isolates using the CLSI reference broth microdilution MIC method demonstrated a tendency toward decreasing susceptibility to vancomycin in
S. aureus
.
Influence of Disk Separation Distance on Accuracy of the Disk Approximation Test for Detection of Inducible Clindamycin Resistance inStaphylococcusspp
Authors: O'Sullivan Matthew V. N. , Cai Yongwei , Kong Fanrong , Zeng Xianyu , Gilbert Gwendolyn L. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTWe undertook this study to assess the accuracy of the clindamycin-erythromycin disk approximation test (D-test) for detection of inducible clindamycin resistance inStaphylococcusspp. One hundred sixty-threeStaphylococcus aureusand 68 coagulase-negativeStaphylococcus(CoNS) spp. which were erythromycin nonsusceptible but clindamycin susceptible were tested using the D-test performed at both 15-mm and 22-mm disk separations and compared with genotyping as the “gold standard.” The rate of inducible clindamycin resistance was 96.3% forS. aureusand 33.8% for CoNS spp. The sensitivities of the D-tests performed at 15 mm and 22 mm were 100% and 87.7%, respectively, and specificities were 100% for both. The use of 22-mm disk separation for the D-test to detect inducible clindamycin resistance results in an unacceptably high very major error rate (12.3%). All isolates with false-negative results harbored theermAgene, and the majority were methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus. False-negative results were associated with smaller clindamycin zone sizes and double-edged zones. We recommend using a disk separation distance of ≤15 mm. There is wide geographic variation in the rates of inducible clindamycin resistance, and each laboratory should determine the local rate before deciding whether to either perform the D-test routinely or else report that all erythromycin-resistantS. aureusisolates are also clindamycin resistant.
Association of Ocular Toxoplasmosis with Type I
Toxoplasma gondii
Strains: Direct Genotyping from Peripheral Blood Samples
Authors: Switaj Karolina , Master Adam , Borkowski Piotr Karol , Skrzypczak Magdalena , Wojciechowicz Jacek , Zaborowski Piotr 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

Toxoplasma gondii
strains were genotyped directly from blood samples of patients with ocular toxoplasmosis. Analysis of nontranscribed spacer 2 revealed that all detected strains belonged to type I, suggesting an association of ocular toxoplasmosis with this type. The method shows the usefulness of blood samples for genotyping in ocular toxoplasmosis.
Viscosity approximation fixed points for nonexpansive and "Equation missing" -accretive operators
Authors: Chen Rudong , Zhu Zhichuan 
Published: November 2006

AbstractLet "Equation missing" be a real reflexive Banach space, let "Equation missing" be a closed convex subset of "Equation missing", and let "Equation missing" be an "Equation missing"-accretive operator with a zero. Consider the iterative method that generates the sequence "Equation missing" by the algorithm "Equation missing" where "Equation missing" and "Equation missing" are two sequences satisfying certain conditions, "Equation missing" denotes the resolvent "Equation missing" for "Equation missing", and let "Equation missing" be a fixed contractive mapping. The strong convergence of the algorithm "Equation missing" is proved assuming that "Equation missing" has a weakly continuous duality map.
Unbounded C*‐seminorms, biweights, and  *‐representations of partial  *‐algebras: A review
Authors: Trapani Camillo 
Published: November 2006

The notion of (unbounded) C*‐seminorms plays a relevant role in the representation theory of  *‐algebras and partial  *‐algebras. A rather complete analysis of the case of  *‐algebras has given rise to a series of interesting concepts like that of semifinite
C*‐seminorm and spectral C*‐seminorm that give information on the properties of
*‐representations of the given  *‐algebra and also on the structure of the  *‐algebra itself, in particular when
is endowed with a locally convex topology. Some of these results extend to partial  *‐algebras too. The state of the art on this topic is reviewed in this paper, where the possibility of constructing unbounded C*‐seminorms from certain families of positive sesquilinear forms, called biweights, on a (partial)
*‐algebra is also discussed.
Management of hand-foot syndrome induced by capecitabine
Authors: Gressett Sarah M , Stanford Brad L , Hardwicke Fred 
Published: November 2006

Introduction. Capecitabine (Xeloda®) is a systemic prodrug of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), which is administered in an oral formulation. Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) has proven to be a chronic dose-limiting toxicity of capecitabine, leading to significant morbidity in patients receiving this agent. The purpose of this review is to define the pathophysiology, risk factors, incidence and management of capecitabine-induced HFS. Methods. Literature for this review article was collected from the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, and the proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) confined to the years 1995-2006. The following key terms were used in the search: hand-foot syndrome, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, capecitabine, Xeloda®, colorectal cancer, and metastatic breast cancer. Results. HFS associated with capecitabine is a serious dose-limiting toxicity. Incidence of grade 3/4 toxicity is of extreme significance, and introduces the need for dose reductions and/or interruptions in capecitabine therapy. Drug-related therapies studied include topical emollients and creams, systemic and topical corticosteroids, nicotine patch, vitamin E, pyridoxine, and COX-2 inhibitors. However, due to the lack of randomized, controlled trials with these therapies, the current mainstay of treatment for the management of this toxicity is interruption of therapy and, if necessary, dose reduction. Conclusion. Treatment interruption or dose reduction remain the only methods shown to effectively manage HFS, but supportive measures to reduce pain and discomfort and prevent secondary infection are very important. Many other prophylactic and treatment strategies have been investigated, with pyridoxine and COX-2 inhibitors being the most promising in case reports and retrospective studies; therefore, prospective, randomized, controlled trials are needed to prove their efficacy.
Transition of H- and J-aggregate of a Cyanine Dye Based on Cation Embedded in Aggregation
Authors: Zhang Yazhou , Xiang Junfeng , Tang Yalin , Xu Guangzhi , Yan Wenpeng 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
J-aggregate of a cyanine dye induced by potassium ions from H-aggregate in solution, form a hypochromic complex by the addition of a nonionic ligand (18-crown-6 ether), and the spectral studies and NMR measurements indicate that the transition from J-aggregate to H-aggregate has been achieved.
Deactivating Germline Mutations in LEMD3 Cause Osteopoikilosis and Buschke-Ollendorff Syndrome, but Not Sporadic Melorheostosis
Authors: Mumm Steven , Wenkert Deborah , Zhang Xiafang , McAlister William H , Mier Richard J , Whyte Michael P 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Autosomal dominant OPK and BOS feature widespread foci of osteosclerotic trabeculae without or with skin lesions, respectively. Occasionally, a larger area of dense bone in OPK or BOS resembles MEL, a sporadic sclerosing disorder primarily involving cortical bone. Others, finding deactivating germline LEMD3 mutations in OPK or BOS, concluded such defects explain all three conditions. We found germline LEMD3 mutations in OPK and BOS but not in sporadic MEL.
Introduction: In 2004, others discovered that heterozygous, loss-of-function, germline mutations in the LEMD3 gene (LEMD3 or MAN1) cause both osteopoikilosis (OPK) and Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome (BOS). OPK is an autosomal dominant, usually benign, skeletal dysplasia featuring multiple, small, especially metaphyseal, oval or round, dense trabecular foci distributed symmetrically throughout the skeleton. BOS combines OPK with connective tissue nevi comprised of collagen and elastin. In some OPK and BOS families, an individual may have relatively large, asymmetric areas of dense cortical bone interpreted as melorheostosis (MEL). MEL, however, classically refers to a sporadic, troublesome skeletal dysostosis featuring large, asymmetric, “flowing hyperostosis” of long bone cortices often with overlying, constricting soft tissue abnormalities. However, a heterozygous germline mutation in LEMD3 was offered to explain MEL.
Materials and Methods: We studied 11 unrelated individuals with sclerosing bone disorders where LEMD3 mutation was a potential etiology: familial OPK (1), familial BOS (2), previously reported familial OPK with MEL (1), sporadic MEL (3), sporadic MEL with mixed-sclerosing-bone dystrophy (1), and patients with other unusual sclerosing bone disorders (3). All coding exons and adjacent mRNA splice sites for LEMD3 were amplified by PCR and sequenced using genomic DNA from leukocytes. We did not study lesional tissue from bone or skin.
Results: In the OPK family, a heterozygous nonsense mutation (c.1433T&gt;A, p.L478X) was discovered in exon 1. In the two BOS families, a heterozygous nonsense mutation (exon 1, c.1323C&gt;A, p.Y441X) and a heterozygous frame-shift mutation (exon 1, c.332_333insTC) were identified. In the individual with MEL and familial OPK, a heterozygous nonsense mutation (c.1963C&gt;T, p.R655X) was detected in exon 7. However, no LEMD3 mutation was found for any other patient, including all four with sporadic MEL.
Conclusions: We confirm that OPK and BOS individuals, including those with MEL-like lesions, have heterozygous, deactivating, germline LEMD3 mutations. However, MEL remains of unknown etiology.
Impaired Angiogenesis, Early Callus Formation, and Late Stage Remodeling in Fracture Healing of Osteopontin-Deficient Mice
Authors: Duvall Craig L , Taylor W Robert , Weiss Daiana , Wojtowicz Abigail M , Guldberg Robert E 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
OPN is an ECM protein with diverse localization and functionality. The role of OPN during fracture healing was examined using wildtype and OPN−/− mice. Results showed that OPN plays an important role in regulation of angiogenesis, callus formation, and mechanical strength in early stages of healing and facilitates late stage bone remodeling and ECM organization.
Introduction: Osteopontin (OPN) is an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein with diverse localization and functionality that has been reported to play a regulatory role in both angiogenesis and osteoclastic bone remodeling, two vital processes for normal bone healing.
Materials and Methods: Bone repair in wildtype and OPN−/− mice was studied using a femoral fracture model. μCT was used for quantitative angiographic measurements at 7 and 14 days and to assess callus size and mineralization at 7, 14, 28, and 56 days. Biomechanical testing was performed on intact bones and on fracture specimens at 14, 28, and 56 days. Histology and quantitative RT-PCR were used to evaluate cellular functions related to ECM formation and bone remodeling.
Results: OPN deficiency was validated in the OPN−/− mice, which generally displayed normal levels of related ECM proteins. Intact OPN−/− bones displayed increased elastic modulus but decreased strength and ductility. Fracture neovascularization was reduced at 7 but not 14 days in OPN−/− mice. OPN−/− mice exhibited smaller fracture calluses at 7 and 14 days, as well as lower maximum torque and work to failure. At 28 days, OPN−/− mice had normal callus size but a persistent reduction in maximum torque and work to failure. Osteoclast differentiation occurred normally, but mature osteoclasts displayed reduced functionality, decreasing late stage remodeling in OPN−/− mice. Thus, at 56 days, OPN−/− fractures possessed increased callus volume, increased mechanical stiffness, and altered collagen fiber organization.
Conclusions: This study showed multiple, stage-dependent roles of OPN during fracture healing. We conclude that OPN deficiency alters the functionality of multiple cell types, resulting in delayed early vascularization, altered matrix organization and late remodeling, and reduced biomechanical properties. These findings contribute to an improved understanding of the role of OPN in vivo and provide new insight into mechanistic control of vascularization and bone regeneration during fracture repair.
Catch-and-Release Mortality of Spotted Seatrout in Texas
Authors: Stunz Gregory W. , McKee David A. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Catch and release is becoming more common as a management tool in marine recreational fisheries. Clearly, a critical factor in determining different management scenarios that use this strategy is postcapture survival. We investigated the mortality associated with catch and release in the fishery for spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus in south Texas. Specifically, this study investigated the mortality for hook-and-line-captured spotted seatrout as a function of bait type, hook type, angler skill level, and fish size. Using a variety of angling techniques, we captured 448 spotted seatrout ranging from 250 to 760 mm total length (TL) and assessed mortality in replicate field enclosures. The overall short-term mortality for all treatments was relatively low (11%); the majority of fish survived. The exception was angler skill level. Angling by novices produced a significantly higher mortality rate than angling by skilled anglers; however, mortality averaged only 18% even for inexperienced anglers. To evaluate long-term mortality, we monitored 27 spotted seatrout held in a laboratory facility for 30 d; the fish showed no signs of long-term mortality. We observed 11% mortality during the first 48 h and no mortality during the subsequent 28 d. In an attempt to increase the abundance of “trophy” (&gt;635 mm TL) spotted seatrout, Texas has adopted new slot limit regulations that allow only one trophy-size fish to be kept per person per day. We targeted larger (635–736 mm TL) fish to assess the mortality associated with this size-group. Regression analysis showed no size-related mortality. The location of hook-related injuries may be the most important factor in determining catch-and-release mortality. Anatomical hooking location was not a factor in the analyses but was treated as a component of experimental treatment level; however, we observed that mortality was typically associated with hooking location rather than angling method or bait type. These data suggest that management options involving the release of spotted seatrout, including those larger than 635 mm TL, are viable tools.
The use of Liquid Membranes in the Multi‐Resdue Extraction of Stilbenes in a Variety of Biological Matrices and Their Detection with LC‐ES‐MS
Authors: Alfred Makudali. Msagati Titus , Muzi Nindi Mathew 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSupported liquid membrane (SLM) has been used as a sample preparation method in the simultaneous extraction of a mixture of three stilbene compounds in cow's milk, urine, bovine kidney and liver tissues matrices. The stilbene compounds analysed included, dienestrol, diethylstilbestrol and hexestrol. The liquid membrane used for trapping these compounds consisted of 5 % tri‐n‐octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) dissolved in di‐n‐hexylether/n‐undecane (1:1). The extraction efficiencies obtained after enrichment of 1 ng/L stilbenes in variety of biological matrices of milk, urine, liver, kidney and water, ranged from 60 – 70 %, 71 – 86 %, 69 – 80 %, 63 – 74 % and 72 – 93 % respectively. The detection limits obtained from urine extraction were 2.1 ng/L, 1.3 ng/L and 3.0 ng/L; from liver and kidney tissues were 2.9 ng/L, 1.6 ng/L and 3.8 ng/L and from milk was 3.2 ng/L, 2.5 ng/L and 4.3 ng/L for hexestrol, dienestrol and diethylstilbestrol respectively.
Determination of Se(IV) and Se(VI) in Italian Mineral Waters
Authors: Ferri Tommaso , Frasconi Marco 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThis paper deals with determination of selenium and analysis of its speciation in some Italian mineral waters. Selenium was determined by differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry (DPCSV) even if square wave cathodic stripping voltammetry (SWCSV) was also taken into consideration. The selenium determined in the mineral waters here investigated is not over 600 ng L‐1; in three samples, it was found below the detection limit. Analysis of speciation revealed that Se(VI) is the highly prevailing form present: only two of the examined samples revealed a detectable amount (few ng ‐1) of Se(IV). DPCSV made possible to detect, in two of the samples, the presence of a specie(s) able to interact with Se(IV). The apparent interaction constant for the adduct formation was evaluated and the species concentration determined. However, the nature of such compound(s) remains unknown.
Determination of PAHS in Dust from Shanghai by Optimized SFE and GC/MS
Authors: Ren Yu , Lian Jin‐jun , Xue Hua‐xin , Chen Jian‐min , Cheng Tian‐tao 
Published: November 2006

AbstractEPA 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were extracted from dust by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). Parameters (pressure, temperature and time) affecting the collection efficiencies of PAHs were assessed according to the extraction efficiency, and 30 MPa, 80 °C and 30 min dynamic extraction time were confirmed to be the best and simplest conditions of SFE to extract 16 priority PAHs from dust. The characterization of the extracts was carried out by gas chromatography with mass detector in selective ion mode (GC/MS/SIM). Ultrasonic extraction (USE) was used as a comparison with SFE. The results showed that the SFE method has a better efficiency than USE for the extraction of PAHs in dust. With the optimized conditions of SFE, the distribution of PAHs in dust samples in urban areas of Shanghai from Mar 10, 2005 to May 28, 2005 was investigated. The results demonstrated that traffic emission, especially from gasoline engines, was the main source of PAHs in dust of Shanghai.
Preparation and Solvent Extraction of Nickel Complex of O, O'‐Dinonyldithiophosphate and its Application to Spectrophotometric Determination of Nickel in Sediment Samples
Authors: Gümgüm Bahattin , Bi̇ri̇ci̇k Nermin , Baysal Akın , Akba Osman , Öztürk Gülşen 
Published: November 2006

AbstractNickel complex of O, O'‐dinonyldithiophosphoric acid was prepared and characterised. Solvent extraction of nickel dinonyldithiophosphate[Ni(DNDTP)2] from acidic aqueous solutions into different organic phases was investigated and concentration of nickel was determined spectrophotometrically. A simple and selective spectrophotometric method was developed and applied to sediment samples.