bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modified Multiplex PCR Method for Detection of Pyrogenic Exotoxin Genes in Staphylococcal Isolates
Authors: Løvseth Astrid , Loncarevic Semir , Berdal Knut G. 
Published: August 2004

ABSTRACT

A modified multiplex PCR method for detection of nine
Staphylococcus aureus
enterotoxin genes (
sea
,
seb
,
sec
,
sed
,
see
,
seg
,
seh
,
sei
, and
sej
) and one form of immunoreactive toxic shock syndrome toxin based on a previously published method (S. R. Monday and G. A. Bohach, J. Clin. Microbiol.
37:
3411-3414, 1999) has been developed. The modified PCR protocol seems robust and gives reliable results.
Reemerging Threat of Epidemic Typhus in Algeria
Authors: Mokrani K. , Fournier P. E. , Dalichaouche M. , Tebbal S. , Aouati A. , Raoult D. 
Published: August 2004

ABSTRACTWe report a case of epidemic typhus in a patient from the Batna region of Algeria, who presented with generalized febrile exanthema. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by serological cross-adsorption followed by Western blotting. Our report emphasizes the threat of epidemic typhus in the highlands of Algeria.
Two Novel Clinical Presentations of
Burkholderia cepacia
Infection
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Chiranjoy , Bhargava Anudita , Ayyagari Archana 
Published: August 2004

ABSTRACT

We report two cases of multidrug-resistant
Burkholderia cepacia
(
B. cepacia
genomovar I) and
Burkholderia multivorans
causing multiple liver abscesses in a patient with bronchial asthma (case 1) and peritonitis in a patient with cirrhosis and hepatitis C virus disease (case 2), respectively. Both patients were treated successfully.
Novel Route to Enantiopure 2,2'-Diaryl-1,1'-binaphthalenes by Stereoconservative Suzuki Arylation at Positions 2 and 2'
Authors: Brath Henrich , Dubovská Margaréta , Juríček Michal , Kasák Peter , Putala Martin 
Published: July 2004

The Suzuki arylation of enantiopure 2,2'-diiodo-1,1'-binaphthalene affords the 2,2'-diarylated products in considerable yields (up to 52%), however, significantly racemized. The reversed-polarity approach, using novel enantiopure 1,1'-binaphthalene-2,2'-diyldiboronic acid, prepared either by resolution or by stereoconservative boronation, allowed, after optimization of coupling conditions, to obtain the model 2,2'-ditolylated product in good yield (56%) as well, but in addition, without impairing of enantiomeric purity (i.e. stereoconservatively). The developed synthetic approach was found to be an expedient method for the synthesis of enantiopure 2,2'-diaryl-1,1'-binaphthalenes, especially for those with electron-neutral and electron-deficient poor aryl groups. Observing that the diboronic acid decomposes by hydrodeboronation under the reaction conditions, 2-aryl-1,1'-binaphthalenes were isolated as the main products from the reaction with less reactive electron-rich aryl iodides.
BUSINESS FAMILY AND FAMILY BUSINESS: COMPLEMENTARY AND CONFLICTING VALUES
Authors: DEGADT JAN 
Published: July 2004

A family business can be defined as a business where a family exercises a significant influence over ownership and/or management. The objectives and the values of the family business and the business family can be complementary but they can also be conflicting. The entrepreneur has to take account of the wishes and objectives of his extended family and of his small family or household. An empirical research – made possible by the support of Cera Foundation - has been conducted with 1032 Belgian entrepreneurs, 501 in agriculture and 531 outside agriculture. Areas of conflict can be related to the allocation of profits and the position of individual family members in the family business. The survey shows that most entrepreneurs work very hard and spend a lot of time in the business. Only a minority of the respondents consider family values 'important', but when they do, the family gets a very high place in the hierarchy of values. Satisfaction on the job and autonomy (being one's own boss) are the most important values. Most entrepreneurs get considerable support from their husband or wife. They want to have a day of rest each week and want to leave business when their age is between 60 and 70. If a succession is possible, most prefer to have one of their children to succeed them. The succession is a process that has to be planned carefully. The interaction between the business family and the family business can have positive and negative effects, but in a market economy the competitiveness of the business must be preserved in all circumstances.
Erythroblasts secrete the nonclassical HLA-G molecule from primitive to definitive hematopoiesis
Authors: Menier Catherine , Rabreau Michèle , Challier Jean-Claude , Le Discorde Magali , Carosella Edgardo D. , Rouas-Freiss Nathalie 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe initial steps of primitive hematopoiesis and endothelial vascular formation in the human embryo remain to be defined. Here, we report the identification of a novel marker, namely the nonclassical HLA-G class I molecule, which targets both primitive erythroid cells of the yolk sac and endothelial cells from developing vessels. Moreover, HLA-G was present in its soluble form in the erythropoietic lineage in all organs sustaining primitive to definitive erythropoiesis (ie, aorta-gonad-mesonephros, liver, spleen, and bone marrow). The alternatively spliced transcript coding the soluble HLA-G5 molecule was detected in erythroid cells. The corresponding intron 4–retaining 37-kDa HLA-G5 isoform was secreted from the erythroid progenitor stage to the reticulocyte but was lost in mature erythrocytes and in endothelial cells from differentiated vessels. This study constitutes the first description of an HLA class I antigen expression on the primitive erythroid lineage and provides a way of seeking both primitive and definitive erythropoiesis using HLA-G5. This new marker, previously known by its immunotolerogeneic properties, may be involved in erythroid differentiation, angiogenesis, or both.
Amplifying cancer vaccine responses by modifying pathogenic gene programs in tumor cells
Authors: Spaner David E 
Published: July 2004

AbstractImmunosuppressive factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor-β, prostaglandin E2, interleukin (IL)-10, and IL-6, are made frequently by cancer cells. These factors, along with others, can inhibit the development and function of tumor-reactive effector T cells and the clinical results of cancer vaccines. Production of these factors by tumor cells is associated with disease progression and may represent an active immune surveillance escape mechanism. However, a number of factors appear to be made directly in response to signaling molecules, such as RAS, AKT, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, which are activated as a result of genetic events that occur during oncogenesis. Methods to overcome the negative effects of immunosuppressive factors, which are “hard wired” into gene programs of cancer cells, might then improve the results of cancer vaccines. For example, specific blocking antibodies, which recognize such factors, or kinase inhibitors, which block the signaling pathways that lead to their production, could potentially be used as vaccine adjuvants. The effects of immunosuppressive factors may also be “turned off” by cytokines with tumor suppressor properties. The enhanced clinical and immunological effects of melanoma vaccines observed after the administration of high doses of interferon-α2b provide a “proof of principle” in human patients, that agents which counter the gene programs of cancer cells, causing them to intrinsically resist tumor-reactive T cells, may improve significantly the efficacy of cancer vaccines.
Effect of a medication management training package for nurses on clinical outcomes for patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Gray Richard , Wykes Til , Edmonds Melisa , Leese Morven , Gournay Kevin 
Published: July 2004

BackgroundNon-compliance attenuates the efficacy of treatments for physical and mental disorders.AimsTo assess the effectiveness of a medication management training package for community mental health nurses (CMHNs) in improving compliance and clinical outcomes in patients with schizophrenia.MethodPragmatic randomised controlled trial. Sixty CMHNs in geographical clusters were assigned randomly to medication management training or treatment as usual. Each CMHN identified two patients on their case-load who were assessed at baseline and again after 6 months by a research worker. The primary efficacy outcome of interest was psycho-pathology, measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).ResultsNurses who had received medication management training produced a significantly greater reduction in patients' overall psychopathology compared with treatment as usual at the end of the 6-month study period (change in PANSS total scores: medication management – 16.62, treatment as usual 1.17; difference – 17.79; 95% CI – 24.12 to – 11.45; P<0.001).ConclusionsMedication management training for CMHNs is effective in improving clinical outcomes in patients with schizophrenia.
Patient-Physician Concordance: Preferences, Perceptions, and Factors Influencing the Breast Cancer Surgical Decision
Authors: Janz Nancy K. , Wren Patricia A. , Copeland Laurel A. , Lowery Julie C. , Goldfarb Sherry L. , Wilkins Edwin G. 
Published: July 2004

PurposeThis study explored patient preferences for involvement in the breast cancer treatment decision and concordance between patients' and physicians' views on decisional role. The impact of demographic and psychosocial characteristics on patients' decisional role was also examined.Patients and MethodsWomen with stage I or II breast cancer who were candidates for either mastectomy or lumpectomy were recruited from a university breast cancer treatment center. Patient interviews were obtained before meeting the surgical oncologist and again after the treatment decision was made but before surgical intervention. Clinician responses were obtained after the consultation.ResultsThe 101 participants were generally white (97%), married (80%), and well-educated. They reported moderate levels of depression and anxiety but good social support and self-efficacy in communicating with their physician. Before the consultation, 47% of women reported a preference for shared decision making; afterwards, 61% felt they had primary responsibility for the decision. Only 38% of patients agreed with the physician's assessment of how the treatment decision was made. In regression analyses, higher education was significantly associated with patients' preferred level of control (P = .01). There was a trend toward women with greater self-efficacy desiring more active decisional roles (P = .08). Patient preference for decision making did not impact time in the patient-physician encounter, but more influence did increase satisfaction.ConclusionLimited concordance between patient preference and patient perception and between patient and physician perception in how the treatment decision was made suggests the need for better communication between patient and clinician during a critical treatment encounter for breast cancer patients.
Her-2/neu Overexpression and Amplification in Uterine Papillary Serous Carcinoma
Authors: Slomovitz Brian M. , Broaddus Russell R. , Burke Thomas W. , Sneige Nour , Soliman Pamela T. , Wu Weiguo , Sun Charlotte C. , Munsell Mark F. , Gershenson David M. , Lu Karen H. 
Published: July 2004

Purpose Uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC) is an aggressive subtype of endometrial cancer characterized by early metastasis, resistance to therapy, and a high mortality rate. Little is known about the biology of these tumors. Smaller studies suggest that Her-2/neu may be involved in the tumorigenesis of this disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protein expression and gene amplification of Her-2/neu in UPSC and to determine its prognostic value. Patients and Methods Tumor tissue from 68 patients with UPSC treated at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center from 1989 to 2002 was available. Her-2/neu expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Overexpression was defined as complete membrane staining in greater than 10% of the cells. In tumors with overexpression of Her-2/neu by IHC, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed to assess gene amplification. Clinical and pathologic information was obtained from medical records. Results Twelve (18%) of 68 tumors demonstrated Her-2/neu overexpression. Of these, only two showed gene amplification. When evaluating all 68 patients, Her-2/neu overexpression was associated with a poorer overall survival (OS; P = .008). In our multivariate Cox proportional hazards models, Her-2/neu IHC overexpression, lymph node status, and stage were each associated with OS (P ≤ .05). Conclusion Positive IHC overexpression of Her-2/neu was seen in 18% of UPSCs but was rarely correlated with Her-2/neu gene amplification. Overexpression of Her-2/neu was associated with a worse overall prognosis. The use of trastuzumab (Herceptin; Genentech, South San Francisco, CA) in women with UPSC should be further evaluated in a clinical trial setting.
Characterization and expression of plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase(PMCA3) in the crayfishProcambarus clarkiiantennal gland during molting
Authors: Gao Yongping , Wheatly Michele G. 
Published: July 2004

SUMMARYThe discontinuous pattern of crustacean cuticular mineralization (the molting cycle) has emerged as a model system to study the spatial and temporal regulation of genes that code for Ca2+-transporting proteins including pumps, channels and exchangers. The plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) is potentially of significant interest due to its role in the active transport of Ca2+ across the basolateral membrane, which is required for routine maintenance of intracellular Ca2+ as well as unidirectional Ca2+ influx. Prior research has suggested that PMCA expression is upregulated during periods of elevated Ca2+ influx associated with postmolt cuticular mineralization. This paper describes the cloning, sequencing and functional characterization of a novel PMCA3 gene from the antennal gland(kidney) of the crayfish Procambarus clarkii. The complete sequence,the first obtained from a non-genetic invertebrate species, was obtained through reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) techniques. Crayfish PMCA3 consists of 4148 bp with a 3546 bp open reading frame coding for 1182 amino acid residues with a molecular mass of 130 kDa. It exhibits 77.5-80.9% identity at the mRNA level and 85.3-86.9% identity at the protein level with PMCA3 from human, mouse and rat. Membrane topography was typical of published mammalian PMCAs. Northern blot analysis of total RNA from crayfish gill, antennal gland,cardiac muscle and axial abdominal muscle revealed that a 7.5 kb species was ubiquitous. The level of PMCA3 mRNA expression in all tissues(transporting epithelia and muscle) increased significantly in pre/postmolt stages compared with relatively low abundance in intermolt. Western analysis confirmed corresponding changes in PMCA protein expression (130 kDa).
Cytotoxicity of diatom-derived oxylipins in organisms belonging to different phyla
Authors: Adolph Sven , Bach Stéphane , Blondel Marc , Cueff Anne , Moreau Marjolaine , Pohnert Georg , Poulet Serge André , Wichard Thomas , Zuccaro Alga 
Published: July 2004

SUMMARY
The cytotoxicity of several saturated and unsaturated marine diatom-derived aldehydes and an oxo-acid have been screened in vitro and in vivo against different organisms, such as bacteria, algae, fungi,echinoderms, molluscs and crustaceans. Conjugated unsaturated aldehydes like 2E,4E-decadienal, 2E,4E-octadienal,5E,7E-9-oxo-nonadienoic acid and 2E-decenal were active against bacteria and fungi and showed weak algicidal activity. By contrast, the saturated aldehyde decanal and the non-conjugated aldehyde 4Z-decenal had either low or no significant biological activity. In assays with oyster haemocytes, 2E,4E-decadienal exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of cytoskeleton organisation, rate of phagocytosis and oxidative burst and a dose-dependent promotion of apoptosis. A maternal diatom diet that was rich in unsaturated aldehydes induced arrest of cell division and apoptotic cell degradation in copepod embryos and larvae,respectively. This wide spectrum of physiological pathologies reflects the potent cell toxicity of diatom-derived oxylipins, in relation to their non-specific chemical reactivity towards nucleophilic biomolecules. The cytotoxic activity is conserved across six phyla, from bacteria to crustaceans. Deregulation of cell homeostasis is supposed to induce the elimination of damaged cells through apoptosis. However, efficient protection mechanisms possibly exist in unicellular organisms. Experiments with a genetically modified yeast species exhibiting elevated membrane and/or cell wall permeability suggest that this protection can be related to the inability of the oxylipin compounds to enter the cell.
Effect of water depth and water velocity upon the surfacing frequency of the bimodally respiring freshwater turtle,Rheodytes leukops
Authors: Gordos Matthew A. , Franklin Craig E. , Limpus Colin J. 
Published: July 2004

SUMMARYThis study examines the effect of increasing water depth and water velocity upon the surfacing behaviour of the bimodally respiring turtle, Rheodytes leukops. Surfacing frequency was recorded for R. leukops at varying water depths (50, 100, 150 cm) and water velocities (5, 15, 30 cm s-1) during independent trials to provide an indirect cost-benefit analysis of aquatic versus pulmonary respiration. With increasing water velocity, R. leukops decreased its surfacing frequency twentyfold, thus suggesting a heightened reliance upon aquatic gas exchange. An elevated reliance upon aquatic respiration, which presumably translates into a decreased air-breathing frequency, may be metabolically more efficient for R. leukops compared to the expenditure (i.e. time and energy)associated with air-breathing within fast-flowing riffle zones. Additionally, R. leukops at higher water velocities preferentially selected low-velocity microhabitats, presumably to avoid the metabolic expenditure associated with high water flow. Alternatively, increasing water depth had no effect upon the surfacing frequency of R. leukops, suggesting little to no change in the respiratory partitioning of the species across treatment settings. Routinely long dives (&gt;90 min) recorded for R. leukopsindicate a high reliance upon aquatic O2 uptake regardless of water depth. Moreover, metabolic and temporal costs attributed to pulmonary gas exchange within a pool-like environment were likely minimal for R. leukops, irrespective of water depth.
The effects of intense wing molt on diving in alcids and potential influences on the evolution of molt patterns
Authors: Bridge Eli S. 
Published: July 2004

SUMMARYLarge and medium-sized alcids have a very intense wing molt wherein many flight feathers are shed in rapid succession and wing surface area is reduced by as much as 40%. Although these birds are rendered flightless during wing molt, they must still use their wings to propel themselves underwater. A molt-induced loss of wing area could simply reduce wing propulsion such that more muscular work would be required to maintain a given speed. Alternatively,molt could reduce drag on the wings, making a bird more penguin-like and actually enhancing diving ability. I addressed this issue by filming captive common guillemots Uria aalge and tufted puffins Fratercula cirrhata using an array of video cameras to plot the birds' movements in three dimensions. From these coordinate data I calculated swimming velocities,angles of descent and absolute depths. These values allowed me to estimate the forces due to drag and buoyancy that must be counteracted by flapping, which in turn yielded estimates of the amount of work generated during each flap as well as the average power and cost of transport. Within-bird comparisons of diving performance when wings were intact and during several stages of wing molt indicated that molt is associated with more frequent flapping, reduced displacement during the flap cycle, and possibly reduced work per flap. These negative effects on diving may explain why primary and secondary molts were offset in the birds I studied such that the period during which all of the flight feathers are effectively missing is minimized.
Expression of hypothalamic arginine vasotocin gene in response to water deprivation and sex steroid administration in female Japanese quail
Authors: Seth R. , Köhler A. , Grossmann R. , Chaturvedi C. M. 
Published: July 2004

SUMMARY
Arginine vasotocin (AVT) is a neurohypophyseal hormone involved in reproductive function and control of osmoregulation in birds. In view of the dual function of AVT, the present experiment was designed to observe the effect of water deprivation (WD) and sex steroid [estradiol benzoate (EB) and testosterone propionate (TP)] treatment independently, as well as simultaneously, on the profile/activity of the hypothalamic AVT system. WD resulted in a significant increase in plasma osmolality, sodium ion concentration and AVT concentration, but administration of sex steroids had no significant influence on these parameters. By contrast, the amount of hypothalamic AVT transcript (northern analysis) and the size of immunoreactive vasotocin (ir-AVT) neurons and hybridization signals (in the form of silver grains), representing AVT mRNA in corresponding neurons of paraventricular nuclei (PVN), increased significantly in all the treated groups compared with controls. Our findings indicate that although sex steroid administration has no effect on plasma osmolality and AVT concentration, unlike water deprivation, it may stimulate the profile/activity of AVT neurons of PVN,supporting the possibility of sex steroid receptors on these neurons. It is concluded that in quail, osmotic stress not only upregulates the expression of the AVT gene in existing neurons but also recruits many more neurons to increase the rate of AVT synthesis and secretion, while sex steroids appear to have a stimulatory effect only on the existing number of neurons and only at the level of transcription/translation and hence may influence/modulate hypothalamic AVT gene expression in response to osmotic stress. This study also suggests an interrelationship between reproduction and AVT system/function in birds.
Thermal stability and muscle efficiency in hovering orchid bees (Apidae:Euglossini)
Authors: Borrell Brendan J. , Medeiros Matthew J. 
Published: July 2004

SUMMARYTo test whether variation in muscle efficiency contributes to thermal stability during flight in the orchid bee, Euglossa imperialis, we measured CO2 production, heat loss and flight kinematics at different air temperatures (Ta). We also examined the relationship between wingbeat frequency (WBF) and Ta in five additional species of orchid bees. Mean thoracic temperature (Tth) for Eg. imperialishovering in a screened insectary and in the field was 39.3±0.77°C(mean ± 95% C.I.), and the slope of Tth on Ta was 0.57. Head and abdominal temperature excess ratios declined with Ta, indicating that Eg. imperialiswere not increasing heat dissipation from the thorax at high Ta. Elevation of Tth above Ta was correlated with WBF, but Tth alone was not. Estimates of heat production from both respirometry and heat loss experiments decreased 33% as Tarose from 24 to 34°C. Mean muscle efficiency over this temperature range was 18% assuming perfect elastic energy storage and 22% assuming zero elastic energy storage. Both efficiency estimates increased significantly as Ta rose from 24 to 34°C. In all six species examined, WBF declined significantly with Ta. These data indicate that hovering orchid bees regulate heat production through changes in wingbeat kinematics and consequent changes in energy conversion by the flight motor. Temperature-dependent variation in elastic energy storage or muscle contraction efficiency or both may contribute to the observed trends.