bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Culture Conditions on Microorganism Identification by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Valentine Nancy , Wunschel Sharon , Wunschel David , Petersen Catherine , Wahl Karen 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been used to identify bacteria based upon protein signatures. This research shows that while some different proteins are produced by vegetative bacteria when they are cultured in different growth media, positive identification with MALDI-TOF MS is still possible with the protocol established at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (K. H. Jarman, S. T. Cebula, A. J. Saenz, C. E. Petersen, N. B. Valentine, M. T. Kingsley, and K. L. Wahl, Anal. Chem.
72:
1217-1223, 2000). A core set of small proteins remain constant under at least four different culture media conditions and blood agar plates, including minimal medium M9, rich media, tryptic soy broth (TSB) or Luria-Bertani (LB) broth, and blood agar plates, such that analysis of the intact cells by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry allows for consistent identification.
Novel Keratinase from
Bacillus subtilis
S14 Exhibiting Remarkable Dehairing Capabilities
Authors: Macedo Alexandre J. , da Silva Walter O. Beys , Gava Renata , Driemeier David , Henriques João Antonio Pêgas , Termignoni Carlos 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT

We report the isolation of a keratinolytic-producing
Bacillus subtilis
strain and the characterization of the exceptional dehairing properties of its subtilisin-like keratinase. This enzyme can be an alternative to sodium sulfide, the major pollutant from tanneries, and may completely replace it. Its unique nonactivity upon collagen enhances its industrial potential.
Use of Artificial Neural Networks To Accurately Identify
Cryptosporidium
Oocyst and
Giardia
Cyst Images
Authors: Widmer Kenneth W. , Srikumar Deepak , Pillai Suresh D. 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT

Cryptosporidium parvum
and
Giardia lamblia
are protozoa capable of causing gastrointestinal diseases. Currently, these organisms are identified using immunofluorescent antibody (IFA)-based microscopy, and identification requires trained individuals for final confirmation. Since artificial neural networks (ANN) can provide an automated means of identification, thereby reducing human errors related to misidentification, ANN were developed to identify
Cryptosporidium
oocyst and
Giardia
cyst images. Digitized images of
C. parvum
oocysts and
G. lamblia
cysts stained with various commercial IFA reagents were used as positive controls. The images were captured using a color digital camera at 400× (total magnification), processed, and converted into a binary numerical array. A variety of “negative” images were also captured and processed. The ANN were developed using these images and a rigorous training and testing protocol. The
Cryptosporidium
oocyst ANN were trained with 1,586 images, while
Giardia
cyst ANN were trained with 2,431 images. After training, the best-performing ANN were selected based on an initial testing performance against 100 images (50 positive and 50 negative images). The networks were validated against previously “unseen” images of 500
Cryptosporidium
oocysts (250 positive, 250 negative) and 282
Giardia
cysts (232 positive, 50 negative). The selected ANNs correctly identified 91.8 and 99.6% of the
Cryptosporidium
oocyst and
Giardia
cyst images, respectively. These results indicate that ANN technology can be an alternate to having trained personnel for detecting these pathogens and can be a boon to underdeveloped regions of the world where there is a chronic shortage of adequately skilled individuals to detect these pathogens.
Rectal Carriage of Enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
O157 in Slaughtered Cattle
Authors: Low J. Christopher , McKendrick Iain J. , McKechnie Caroline , Fenlon David , Naylor Stuart W. , Currie Carol , Smith David G. E. , Allison Lesley , Gally David L. 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT

Escherichia coli
O157:H7 is an important cause of diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, and potentially fatal human illness. Cattle are considered a primary reservoir of infection, and recent experimental evidence has indicated that the terminal rectum is the principal site of bacterial carriage. To test this finding in naturally colonized animals, intact rectum samples from 267 cattle in 24 separate lots were obtained immediately after slaughter, and fecal material and mucosal surfaces were cultured for
E. coli
O157 by direct and enrichment methods. Two locations, 1 and 15 cm proximal to the recto-anal junction, were tested. In total, 35 animals were positive for
E. coli
O157 at at least one of the sites and 232 animals were negative as determined by all tests. The frequency of isolation and the numbers of
E. coli
O157 cells were higher at the site closer to the recto-anal junction, confirming our previous experimental findings. We defined low- and high-level carriers as animals with
E. coli
O157 levels of <1 × 10
3
CFU g
−1
or <1 × 10
3
CFU ml
−1
and animals with
E. coli
O157 levels of ≥1 × 10
3
CFU g
−1
or ≥1 × 10
3
CFU ml
−1
in feces or tissues, respectively. High-level carriage was detected in 3.7% of the animals (95% confidence interval, 1.8 to 6.8%), and carriage on the mucosal surface of the terminal rectum was associated with high-level fecal excretion. In summary, our results support previous work demonstrating that the mucosal epithelium in the bovine terminal rectum is an important site for
E. coli
O157 carriage in cattle. The data also support the hypothesis that high-level fecal shedding (≥1 × 10
3
CFU g of feces
−1
) of enterohemorrhagic
E. coli
O157 results from colonization of this site.
An uncommon cause of back pain in pregnancy
Authors: Vadivelu R , Green T P , Bhatt R 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
Back pain is a major cause of disability worldwide. A case of a 29 year old Caucasian woman with low back pain secondary to an uncommon benign condition called osteitis condensans ilii is presented and the literature is reviewed. Limited information in the literature combined with poor awareness across the specialty and among the primary care physicians leads to an extensive investigation and misdiagnosis of this benign condition. This report emphasis the salient features and the differential diagnosis in diagnosing and managing this rare condition.
Treatment of scabies: newer perspectives
Authors: Karthikeyan K 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
Scabies is a common dermatological problem managed by general physicians, family physicians, and dermatologists. Scabies manifests itself in various forms in different individuals. The treatment of scabies has undergone developments with the evolution of new treatment strategies and antiectoparasitic drugs. The advent of drugs such as permethrin and ivermectin has revolutionised treatment. Management of scabies not only includes prescribing the drugs but also educating patients properly about the method of application of the drug. Treatment failures may result for various reasons and must be managed appropriately.
Active inflammatory bowel disease and coronary artery dissection
Authors: Srinivas M , Basumani P , Muthusamy R , Wheeldon N 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
The case of a young woman with flare-up of Crohn’s disease, who had an acute myocardial infarction due to the spontaneous dissection of the left anterior descending coronary artery, is reported. The literature on this rare condition is reviewed and a mechanism postulated for spontaneous coronary artery dissection in inflammatory bowel disease.
Irreversible sensorineural hearing loss due to clarithromycin
Authors: Coulston J , Balaratnam N 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
Clarithromycin is a commonly used advanced generation macrolide. This case study reviews a case of an 81 year old woman who developed sensorineural deafness in the right ear after the start of low dose oral clarithromycin for an infective exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Despite cessation of this drug after only three days, the sensorineural deafness was found to be irreversible.
Reversible sensorineural deafness secondary to macrolides has previously been described and evidence in the literature shows that a dose related phenomenon occurs. Research has indicated that transient dysfunction of the outer hair cells could be the possible mechanism.
In this case, however, the patient experienced an irreversible sensorineural deafness associated with the start of low dose oral clarithromycin. This is a side effect profile that has not previously been reported.
Neurological channelopathies
Authors: Graves T D , Hanna M G 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
Ion channels are membrane-bound proteins that perform key functions in virtually all human cells. Such channels are critically important for the normal function of the excitable tissues of the nervous system, such as muscle and brain. Until relatively recently it was considered that dysfunction of ion channels in the nervous system would be incompatible with life. However, an increasing number of human diseases associated with dysfunctional ion channels are now recognised. Such neurological channelopathies are frequently genetically determined but may also arise through autoimmune mechanisms. In this article clinical, genetic, immunological, and electrophysiological aspects of this expanding group of neurological disorders are reviewed. Clinical situations in which a neurological channelopathy should enter into the differential diagnosis are highlighted. Some practical guidance on how to investigate and treat this complex group of disorders is also included.
Effects of increasing doses of activated recombinant factor VII on haemostatic parameters in swine
Authors: Ryan Kathy L. , Delgado Angel V. , Martinez Raul S. , Uscilowicz John M. , Cortez Douglas S. , Martinowitz Uri , Pusateri Anthony E. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryThis study examined dose-response relationships between activated recombinant factorVII (rFVIIa) and (1) in vivo haemostasis and (2) in vitro measures of coagulation and platelet function. Anesthetized swine were used. Ear bleeding time (BT) was measured and blood was sampled following increasing doses of rFVIIa (0, 90, 180, 360 and 720 μg/kg; n = 6) or saline (n = 6). BT was not altered by rFVIIa. Prothrombin time (PT) using standard or pig-specific methods was decreased by rFVIIa. Activated clotting time (ACT) was decreased by rFVIIa. Thromboelastography using collagen (COLL) or pig thromboplastin (p-ThP) as agonist demonstrated shorter reaction times, shortened time to reach maximum velocity of clot formation, and increased α -angle in the presence of rFVIIa. rFVIIa dosing increased maximum velocity of clot formation when p-ThP was used to initiate the reaction but not when COLL was used. rFVIIa at the highest concentration increased maximum amplitude when COLL was used to initiate the reaction. Platelet aggregation was not altered by rFVIIa. Following completion of the dose escalation phase, a severe liver injury was produced. rFVIIa altered neither blood loss nor survival time following injury but improved mean arterial pressure. A small increase in systemic thrombin-antithrombin III complex occurred after administration of rFVIIa at doses of 180 μg/kg and above. However, there was no histological evidence of intravascular coagulation after rFVIIa administration. In summary, rFVIIa activity was detectable in vitro but did not change haemostasis in normal swine.
The ABO blood group genotype and factor VIII levels as independent risk factors for venous thromboembolism
Authors: Tirado Isabel , Soria José , Oliver Arturo , Martínez-Sánchez Elisabeth , Vallvé Cristina , Borrell Monserrat , Urrutia Teresa , Fontcuberta Jordi , Mateo José 
Published: January 2005

SummaryFactor VIII (FVIII), von Willebrand factor (vWF) and the ABO blood groups have been associated with thrombosis. The ABO locus has functional effects on vWF and FVIII levels and is genetically correlated with FVIII, vWF and thrombosis. We carried out a case-control study to assess the role of FVIII, vWF and ABO types on thrombotic risk. We analyzed 250 patients with venous thrombosis and 250 unrelated controls. FVIII, vWF and other factors related to thrombophilia were measured, ABO groups were analyzed by genotyping. FVIII and vWF were higher in non-O individuals. Group O was more frequent in the controls (44.3% v 23.3%; difference 21.1%; 95% CI: 13.0–29.3%) and Group A in patients (59.2% v. 41.5%; difference 17.7%, 95% CI: 9.1–26.4%). Individuals carrying the A1
allele had a higher risk of thrombosis (OR 2.6; 95% CI, 1.8–3.8). The risk attributed to vWF disappeared after adjusting for the ABO group. Patients with FVIII above the 90th percentile had a high thrombotic risk (adjusted OR 3.7; 95%CI, 2.1–6.5), and a high risk of recurrence (OR 2.3; 95%CI: 1.3–4.1). In conclusion, high FVIII levels and non-O blood groups, likely those with the A1
allele, are independent risk factors for venous thromboembolism and should be considered in evaluating of thrombophilia.
Fluvastatin increases the expression of adhesion molecules, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and tissue factor in HUVEC stimulated by patient IgG fractions containing antiphospholipid antibodies
Authors: Dunoyer-Geindre Sylvie , Dimitrova Yordanka , Fish Richard J. , Satta Nathalie , Reber Guido , Kruithof Egbert K.O. , de Moerloose Philippe 
Published: January 2005

SummaryThe presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA) is associated with an increased risk of recurrent thrombosis and pregnancy loss. APLA are able to activate endothelial cells (EC) and induce an increase in the expression of inflammatory marker proteins, such as leukocyte adhesion molecules, tissue factor or the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Our objective was to investigate the effect of statins on EC activation induced by APLA in vitro. IgG was purified from the plasma of six patients with APLA and from healthy controls. EC were incubated with patient IgG or with control IgG, in the presence or absence of 5μM of fluvastatin, and expression of the leukocyte adhesion molecules, VCAM-1 and E-selectin, analyzed by flow cytometry and by quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR (QRT-PCR).The expression of tissue factor and the chemokine MCP-1 was analyzed by QRT-PCR alone. Incubation of EC with patient IgG increased the expression of VCAM-1, E-selectin, tissue factor and MCP-1. Prior treatment of the cells with fluvastatin further increased the expression of these proteins. The fluvastatin effect was reversed by co-incubation with mevalonate or geranylgeranylpyrophosphate and mimicked by the geranylgeranyl transferase inhibitor GGTI-286. Our results show that in cultured human EC, statins increase the extent of inflammatory activation induced by APLA. This effect appears to be mediated by an inhibitory effect of statins on one or more geranylgeranylated protein(s).
Venous thromboembolism during pregnancy is not associated with persistent elevated activated protein C (APC) sensitivity ratio based on the endogenous thrombin potential
Authors: Gerhardt Andrea , Kluft Cornelis , Scharf Rüdiger E. , Zotz Rainer B. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryWomen who are using oral contraceptives can acquire APC resistance, measured by the effect of APC on the endogenous thrombin potential (ETP). The objective of our study was to examine whether persistentAPC resistance determined with an ETP-based normalized APC sensitivity ratio (nAPCsr) is a risk marker for venous thromboembolism in women with pregnancy-associated thromboembolism. We determined the activities of antithrombin, protein C, protein S, and performed a genetic analysis of factor V Leiden G1691A, prothrombin mutation G20210A, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutation (MTHFR C677T) in 65 women with venous thromboembolism during pregnancy or the puerperium and in 114 normal women. A significantly (p<0.05) higher nAPCsr was present in normal women using hormones, in younger women (≤ 45 yrs), and in women with carrier status of factorV Leiden. In normal women without factor V Leiden a significant (p< 0.05) negative correlation of nAPCsr with age (r= –0.39),antithrombin activity (r= –0.38),protein S activity (r= –0,26),and a significant positive correlation with hormone intake (r= 0.36) was present. nAPCsr is influenced by several coagulation parameters, which are modified by the use of oral contraceptives. Consequently, a multivariate analysis of our data did not show a significant association of nAPCsr to venous thromboembolism, neither as a continuous variable (odds ratio 0.8, 95% CI 0.6–1.1, p=0.10) nor using a cutoff value (nAPCsr cut-off 3.1: odds ratio 1.2, 95% CI 0.3–5.3, p=0.77). Our study demonstrates that nAPCsr is not a risk marker for pregnancy-associated venous thromboembolism.
Antibodies to N-homocysteinylated albumin as a marker for earlyonset coronary artery disease in men
Authors: Undas Anetta , Jankowski Milosz , Twardowska Magdalena , Padjas Agnieszka , Jakubowski Hieronim , Szczeklik Andrzej 
Published: January 2005

Summary
N-homocysteinylated (Nε-Hcy) proteins and corresponding antibodies have recently been discovered in humans and animals. Increased autoimmune response to Nε -Hcy-proteins has been reported in stroke patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether antibodies against N-homocysteinylated albumin are associated with coronary artery disease (CAD).We studied 88 male patients aged 50 years or under with angiographically documented CAD and 100 age-matched apparently healthy men as controls. Serum levels of IgG antibodies against Nε-Hcy-albumin were determined using an enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. Seropositivity to anti-Nε -Hcy-albumin antibodies was 5-fold more frequent in CAD patients than in controls (52.3 % vs 10.0 %; p<0.0001). Plasma Hcy levels in CAD patients were also significantly higher in the former than in the latter group (medians, 13.0 μ M vs 12.1 μ M; p=0.026). Importantly, 41.2% of subjects with plasma total Hcy >14.5 mM were seropositive compared with 25.5 % of normohomocysteinemic individuals (p=0.048).There was a weak correlation between anti-Nε-Hcy-albumin antibodies and Hcy levels (r=0.16; p=0.03). By multivariate logistic regression analysis, seropositivity to anti-Nε-Hcy-albumin antibodies was an independent predictor of early CAD (OR, 14.82; 95% CI, 4.47 to 49.19; p=0.00002). Interestingly, anti-Nε-Hcy-albumin antibodies were associated with C-reactive protein levels (r=0.24; p=0.002). Seropositivity to anti-Nε-Hcy-albumin antibodies showed no association with the MTHFR C677T polymorphism. Our results suggest that seropositivity to antibodies against Nε-homocysteinylated albumin is associated with early-onset CAD. An autoimmune response to Nε-Hcy-albumin may represent a novel mechanism involved in the early development of CAD.
Effect of ethnicity and gender on the incidence of venous thromboembolism in a diverse population in California in 1996
Authors: Zhou Hong , Murin Susan , Harvey Danielle , White Richard H. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryThere have been very few studies that have describe the epidemiology of first-time venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a large, ethnically diverse population. The California Discharge Data Set was used to identify a cohort of cases with incidentVTE in 1996. Cases associated with traditional provoking risk factors were identified and the remaining cases were labeled as idiopathicVTE. Direct standardization using census information was performed to compare incidence rates across races, gender, and gender within race. There were 21,002 cases with incident VTE in 1996, a crude incidence of 90 events per 100,000 adults. Thirty percent of all VTE events were pulmonary embolism. The directly standardized incidence per 100,000 California adults was 93 ± 1.7 ( ± 95% CI) in women, 85 ± 1.7 in men, 103 ± 2.1 in Caucasians, 138 ± 6.5 in African- Americans, 61 ± 2.8 in Hispanics and 29 ± 2.4 in Asian-Pacific Islanders (p<0.001 for all inter-group comparisons). After adjusting for misclassification of race, the incidence of VTE per 100,000 was 104 in Caucasians, 141 in African- Americans, 55 in Hispanics, and 21 in Asian/Pacific-Islanders. The incidence of idiopathic VTE was significantly lower among both Hispanics and Asian/Pacific-Islanders (p<0.001) than Caucasians or African-Americans. African-Americans were more likely, and Hispanics less likely, to be diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary embolism compared to Caucasians. The 28 day case-fatality rate among cases with idiopathic VTE was 2%, and it was significantly higher among African-Americans (4.1%) compared to Caucasians (1.8%, p<0.001).There are important differences in the incidence of total and idiopathicVTE and in the proportion of events diagnosed as pulmonary embolism among each of the major racial/ethnic groups in California. Further research is needed to explain these observed differences among the different racial/ethnic group.
Gender differences in the administration of prophylaxis to prevent deep venous thrombosis
Authors: Kucher Nils , Tapson Victor F. , Quiroz Rene , Mir Samy S. , Morrison Ruth B. , McKenzie David , Goldhaber Samuel Z. ,   for the DVT FREE Steering Committee
Published: January 2005

SummaryWe investigated gender differences in the prescription of prophylaxis against deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in 2,619 patients who developed acute DVT while being hospitalized for reasons other than DVT or were diagnosed with acute DVT as outpatients but who had been hospitalized within 30 days prior to DVT diagnosis. Men were 21% more likely than women to receive prophylaxis (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.03–1.43; p = 0.021) after adjusting for DVT risk factors, including surgery, trauma, prior DVT, age, and cancer.
Circulating endothelial cells
Authors: Woywodt Alexander , Bertolini Francesco , Bull Todd M. , Buyon Jill P. , Clancy Robert M. , Haubitz Marion , Hebbel Robert P. , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Mancuso Patrizia , Sampol Jose , Solovey Anna , Dignat-George Françoise , Blann Andrew D. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryRecent research has recognised new populations of non-hematopoïetic cells in the blood. One of these, circulating endothelial cells (CECs), often defined by the expression of membrane glycoprotein CD146, are rarely found in the blood in health, but raised numbers are present in a wide variety of human conditions, including inflammatory, immune, infectious, neoplastic and cardiovascular disease, and seem likely to be evidence of profound vascular insult. An additional population are endothelial progenitor cells, defined by the co-expression of endothelial and immaturity cell surface molecules and also by the ability to form colonies in vitro. Although increased numbers of CECs correlate with other markers of vascular disease, questions remain regarding the precise definition, cell biology and origin of CECs. For example, they may be damaged, necrotic or apopototic, or alive, and could possess procoagulant and/or proinflammatory properties. However, since these cells seem to be representative of in situ endothelium, their phenotype may provide useful information. Indeed, whatever their phenotype, there is growing evidence that CECs may well be a novel biomarker, the measurement of which will have utility in various clinical settings related to vascular injury. Despite this promise, progress is impeded by the diversity of methodologies used to detect these cells. Accordingly, results are sometimes inconclusive and even conflicting. Nevertheless, increased CECs predict adverse cardiovascular events in acute coronary syndromes, suggesting they may move from being simply a research index to having a role in the clinic. The objective of the present communication is to condense existing data on CECs, briefly compare them with progenitor cells, and summarise possible mechanism(s) by which they may contribute to vascular pathology.