bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PnrA, a new nitroreductase‐family enzyme in the TNT‐degrading strain Pseudomonas putida JLR11
Authors: Caballero Antonio , Lázaro Juan J. , Ramos Juan L. , Esteve‐Núñez Abraham 
Published: July 2005

SummaryNitroreductases are a group of proteins that catalyse pyridine nucleotide‐dependent reduction of nitroaromatics compounds, showing significant human health and environmental implications. In this study we have identified the nitroreductase‐family enzymes PnrA and PnrB from the TNT‐degrading strain Pseudomonas putida. The enzyme encoded by the pnrA gene was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified to homogeneity and shown to be a flavoprotein that used 2 mol of NADPH to reduce 1 mol of  2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT) to 4‐hydroxylamine‐2,6‐dinitrotoluene, using a ping‐pong bi‐bi mechanism. The PnrA enzyme also recognized as substrates as a number of other nitroaromatic compounds, i.e. 2,4‐dinitrotoluene, 3‐nitrotoluene, 3‐ and 4‐nitrobenzoate, 3,5‐dinitrobenzamide and 3,5‐dinitroaniline expanding the substrates profile from previously described nitroreductases. However, TNT resulted to be the most efficient substrate examined according to the Vmax/Km parameter. Expression analysis of pnrA‐ and pnrB‐mRNA isolated from cells growing on different nitrogen sources suggested that expression of both genes was constitutive and that its level of expression was relatively constant regardless of the growth substrate. This is in agreement with enzyme‐specific activity determined with cells growing with different N‐sources.
The impact of mutations in the quorum sensing systems of Aeromonas hydrophila, Vibrio anguillarum and Vibrio harveyi on their virulence towards gnotobiotically cultured Artemia franciscana
Authors: Defoirdt Tom , Bossier Peter , Sorgeloos Patrick , Verstraete Willy 
Published: July 2005

SummaryDisruption of quorum sensing, bacterial cell‐to‐cell communication by means of small signal molecules, has been suggested as a new anti‐infective strategy for aquaculture. However, data about the impact of quorum sensing on the virulence of aquatic pathogens are scarce. In this study, a model system using gnotobiotically cultured Artemia franciscana was developed in order to determine the impact of mutations in the quorum sensing systems of Aeromonas hydrophila, Vibrio anguillarum and V. harveyi on their virulence. Mutations in the autoinducer 2 (AI‐2) synthase gene luxS, the AI‐2 receptor gene luxP or the response regulator gene luxO of the dual channel quorum sensing system of V. harveyi abolished virulence of the strain towards Artemia. Moreover, the addition of an exogenous source of AI‐2 could restore the virulence of an AI‐2 non‐producing mutant. In contrast, none of the mutations in either the acylated homoserine lactone (AHL)‐mediated component of the V. harveyi system or the quorum sensing systems of Ae. hydrophila and V. anguillarum had an impact on virulence of these bacteria towards Artemia. Our results indicate that disruption of quorum sensing could be a good alternative strategy to combat infections caused by V. harveyi.
Characterization of purple sulfur bacteria from the South Andros Black Hole cave system: highlights taxonomic problems for ecological studies among the genera Allochromatium and Thiocapsa
Authors: Herbert Rodney A. , Ranchou‐Peyruse Anthony , Duran Robert , Guyoneaud Rémy , Schwabe Stephanie 
Published: July 2005

SummaryA dense 1 m thick layer of phototrophic purple sulfur bacteria is present at the pycnocline (17.8 m depth) in the meromictic South Andros Black Hole cave system (Bahamas). Two purple sulfur bacteria present in samples collected from this layer have been identified as belonging to the family Chromatiaceae. One isolate (BH‐1), pink coloured, is non‐motile, non‐gas vacuolated, 2–3 µm in diameter and surrounded by a capsule. The other isolates (BH‐2 and BH‐2.4), reddish‐brown coloured, are small celled (4 µm × 2 µm), motile by means of a single polar flagellum. In both isolates (BH‐1 and BH‐2), the intracellular photosynthetic membranes are of the vesicular type and bacteriochlorophyll a and carotenoids of the normal spirilloxanthin series are present. Both isolates grow well in the presence of sulfide and carbon dioxide in the light. During photoautotrophic growth sulfur globules are stored intracellularily as intermediate oxidation products. According to the 16S rRNA gene sequence data the isolates belong to the genera Thiocapsa and Allochromatium. However, at the species level a number of inconsistencies exist between the phenotypic and phylogenetic data, highlighting taxonomic problems within these genera. These inconsistencies may have implications for microbiologists studying the ecology of anoxygenic phototrophs. For ecologists studying the functioning of an ecosystem it may not be particularily important to know whether a specific isolate belongs to one species or another. However, if one wants to study the role of different populations within a particular functional group then the species concept is important. This study demonstrates that further work is still required on the taxonomy of purple sulfur bacteria in order that microbial ecologists are able to accurately identify a population/species isolated from hitherto undescribed aquatic ecosystems.
Immune‐mediated keratitis in horses: 19 cases (1998–2004)
Authors: Gilger Brian C. , Michau Tammy Miller , Salmon Jacklyn H. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractObjective The purpose of this study is to describe clinical and histologic findings, treatment, and outcome of horses with suspected immune‐mediated keratitis (IMMK).Design Retrospective study.Animals Nineteen horses that presented to NCSU‐VTH from 1998 to 2004 with IMMK.Procedures Information retrieved from the medical records included signalment, duration of clinical signs, therapy prior to initial examination, ophthalmic abnormalities, diagnostics performed, therapy instituted, and long‐term vision.Results Nineteen horses (22 eyes) were diagnosed with IMMK. Three distinct clinical groups were identified based on the depth of the lesion in the cornea: superficial stromal (n = 11 eyes), midstromal (n = 6 eyes), or endothelial (n = 5 eyes). Horses ranged from 5 to 19 years of age, with a mean age ± SD of 11.9 ± 3.6 years. Eleven horses had 12 months or greater duration of clinical signs of corneal disease prior to referral. Overall there was a mean duration of 11.8 ± SD 8.3 months. Superficial stromal keratitis appeared as a superficial stromal cellular infiltrate with diffuse vascularization. Midstromal keratitis appeared as midstromal cellular infiltrate with mild, surrounding corneal edema and vascularization. Endothelial disease appeared as endothelial cellular infiltrate with diffuse corneal edema. In all types of IMMK, signs of uveitis or severe discomfort were not observed.Conclusions and clinical relevance Horses with superficial IMMK responded to topical medical therapy, but responded best to surgical removal of the lesion. Horses with midstromal keratitis responded to topical cyclosporine therapy. Endothelial disease was the least amenable to therapy.
Superficial keratectomy and cryosurgery as therapy for limbal neoplasms in 13 horses
Authors: Bosch Gerco , Klein Wim R. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractObjective To determine the usefulness and clinical outcome of a combined procedure of superficial keratectomy and cryosurgery as a treatment for limbal neoplasms in horses.Study design Retrospective study.Animals Thirteen horses with 14 limbal tumors.Methods Medical records of all patients with limbal tumors, referred to the Department of Equine Sciences of Utrecht University between 1995 and 2002, were retrieved. Patient data were analyzed with respect to signalment, tumor surface area and histologic diagnosis. Surgery, performed under general anesthesia, included surgical debulking of the tumor followed by cryosurgery. Long‐term follow‐up information was obtained by re‐evaluation in the clinic, by the referring veterinarian, and/or by telephone enquiry.Results Therapy was successful in 9 out of 14 eyes after the first attempt (64%); one eye needed retreatment (7%), and four eyes were eventually enucleated (29%). The mean follow‐up period was 4.8 years. The initial surface area of the tumor significantly influenced outcome (P < 0.01). Squamous cell carcinoma was the most predominant tumor type (79%). Haflinger horses accounted for 69% of the cases whereas their occurrence in the overall hospital population is approximately 5%.Conclusions and clinical relevance The described technique of superficial keratectomy and cryosurgery is a simple procedure for the treatment of limbal tumors in equine patients that does not require sophisticated equipment. Nor is it tampered by legal restriction, and appears to be effective in tumors with a small surface area (< 2 cm2). Haflinger horses seem to be predisposed for the development of ocular squamous cell carcinoma.
Surgical resection of an orbital fat prolapse in a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus)
Authors: Klauss Gia , Suedmeyer Wm. Kirk , Galle Laurence E. , Giuliano Elizabeth A. , Castaner Leilani J. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractA 23‐year‐old captive female California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) developed an inferiotemporal subconjunctival swelling of the right eye. Surgical excision of the mass was performed and a diagnosis of orbital fat prolapse was confirmed histopathologically. There was no recurrence of orbital fat prolapse at 15 months post operatively. This is the first known case of orbital fat prolapse in the California sea lion.
The effects of bimatoprost and unoprostone isopropyl on the intraocular pressure of normal cats
Authors: Bartoe Joshua T. , Davidson Harriet J. , Horton Mary T. , Jung Yoonsung , Brightman Alan H. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractObjective  To evaluate the effects on intraocular pressure (IOP), pupillary diameter (PD), blepharospasm score, conjunctival injection score, and aqueous humor flare score when either 0.03% bimatoprost solution is applied once daily or 0.15% unoprostone isopropyl solution is applied twice daily topically to the eyes of normal cats.Materials and methods  The aforementioned parameters were evaluated daily in each of 12 cats throughout the entirety of the study. During an initial 10‐day treatment phase a single eye of six of the cats was treated with 0.03% bimatoprost solution while a single eye of the remaining six cats was treated with buffered saline solution (BSS) once daily. During a second 10‐day treatment phase a single eye of six of the cats was treated with 0.15% unoprostone isopropyl solution while a single eye of the remaining six cats was treated with BSS twice daily. Contralateral eyes of all cats remained untreated at all time points.Results  Blepharospasm score, conjunctival injection score, and aqueous humor flare score never rose from a value of 0, for any eye of any cat during the study. The mean ± SD of IOP for eyes treated with 0.03% bimatoprost solution and BSS were 16.55 ± 3.06 mmHg and 18.02 ± 3.52 mmHg, respectively. The mean ± of PD for eyes treated with 0.03% bimatoprost solution and BSS were 5.7 ± 1.57 mm and 6.39 ± 1.78 mm, respectively. The mean ± SD of IOP for eyes treated with 0.15% unoprostone isopropyl solution and BSS were 15.7 ± 2.91 mmHg and 17.2 ± 2.9 mmHg, respectively. The mean ± SD of PD for eyes treated with 0.15% unoprostone isopropyl solution and BSS were 5.8 ± 1.43 mm and 6.9 ± 1.37 mm, respectively. There was no significant difference (P ≥ 0.05) in IOP or PD between eyes treated with 0.03% bimatoprost solution vs. eyes treated with BSS. Similarly, there was no significant difference (P ≥ 0.05) in IOP or PD between eyes treated with 0.15% unoprostone isopropyl solution vs. eyes treated with BSS.Conclusion  Neither once daily topical administration of 0.03% bimatoprost solution nor twice daily topical administration of 0.15% unoprostone isopropyl solution significantly affect the IOP of normal cats. Both 0.03% bimatoprost solution and 0.15% unoprostone isopropyl solution induced no significant ocular side effects in normal cats when dosed over a 10‐day treatment period.
Canine goniodysgenesis‐related glaucoma: a morphologic review of 100 cases looking at inflammation and pigment dispersion
Authors: Reilly Christopher M. , Morris Rebecca , Dubielzig Richard R. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractPurpose To investigate the role of pigment dispersion and inflammation in the pathogenesis of goniodysgenesis‐related glaucoma (GDRG).Procedures Cases of GDRG were selected when the duration of the disease was specified and there was not any confounding pathology. Cases were grouped into ≤ 7‐day (acute), and > 7‐day (chronic) durations, based on the time required to effect end‐stage retinal damage. Acute cases were further divided into < 4‐day and 4–7‐day groups to assess peracute changes. Slides were evaluated for four individual signs of pigment dispersion: segmental loss of posterior iris pigment epithelium, clumping of posterior iris pigment epithelium, pigmented cells in the trabecular meshwork or anterior chamber and preferential settling of pigmented cells in the ventral aspect of the iridocorneal angle. Slides were also evaluated for the presence of neutrophils and/or lymphoplasmacytic cells in the trabecular meshwork (TM). Differences between groups were analyzed statistically.Results Of 100 cases evaluated, 34 were ≤ 7‐days (acute) (14 < 4‐day and 20 4–7‐day) and 66 were > 7‐days (chronic) in duration. Of all globes examined, 96% had at least one sign of pigment dispersion, with no significant difference between groups. Two or more signs of pigment dispersion were present in 76% of all globes. The 4–7‐day group was significantly more likely than the < 4‐day group to have at least two signs. The difference was not significant between ≤ 7‐ and > 7‐day groups. Neutrophils were present in the TM of 86% of < 4‐day and 50% of 4–7‐day cases. Cases in the ≤ 7‐day group were significantly less likely than > 7‐day cases to have neutrophils in the TM, with 15 and 65% positive cases, respectively. Lymphoplasmacytic inflammation was present in 53% of all cases, with no significant difference between groups. Cases in the ≤ 7‐day group were significantly more likely than > 7‐day cases to have both types of inflammation.Conclusions Our results indicate that both acute inflammation and pigment dispersion may be key factors in the pathogenesis of GDRG. Pigment dispersion is prevalent at all time points and increases during the first 7 days. The finding of iris pigment epithelial loss supports the theory that pupillary block associated with iris‐lens touching may be important in the pathogenesis of GDRG.
Retinoblastoma in the eye of a llama (Llama glama)
Authors: Fugaro Michael N. , Kiupel Matti , Montiani‐Ferreira Fabiano , Hawkins Jan F. , Janovitz Evan B. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractAnimal studied A 6‐year‐old, pregnant female llama experienced a 6‐month history of epiphora, buphthalmos, and acute loss of vision in the left eye. The condition was unresponsive to topical antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory therapy and progressed to corneal rupture.Procedures Transpalpebral enucleation was performed and an intraorbital silicone prosthesis was implanted. The eye was fixed in formalin and processed according to routine paraffin technique. Sections of a mass were immunohistochemically prepared routinely and stained for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S‐antigen, and rhodopsin.Results Gross, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical analysis revealed a retinal tumor consistent with a retinoblastoma. The neoplastic tissue formed Flexner–Wintersteiner and Homer–Wright rosettes, originated from the retina, and demonstrated photoreceptor differentiation with S‐antigen and rhodopsin expression. Neoplastic cells were negative for GFAP. Four years after enucleation, the llama showed no signs of recurrent neoplasia.Conclusions This report describes the diagnosis and successful treatment of the first known retinoblastoma in a llama.
Early‐onset obsessive‐compulsive disorder: a subgroup with a specific clinical and familial pattern?
Authors: Chabane Nadia , Delorme Richard , Millet Bruno , Mouren Marie‐Christine , Leboyer Marion , Pauls David 
Published: July 2005

Background:  The familial nature of obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) has been previously demonstrated. The identification of candidate symptoms such as age at onset may help to disentangle the clinical and genetic heterogeneity of the disorder. In this study, the specificity of early‐onset OCD was investigated, focusing on the effect of gender, comorbid conditions and familial risk of tics and OCD by studying a population consisting exclusively of patients with early‐onset OCD.Methods:  One hundred and forty‐four patients having OCD were recruited in the study (108 early‐onset probands and 36 late‐onset probands). The early‐onset probands and 199 of their first‐degree relatives were investigated using structured interviews and questionnaires. This sample of early onset was mainly composed of children and adolescents (74 children and adolescents and 34 adults).Results:  The average age of onset of OCD is 9.98 ± 3.2 years. Forty‐four per cent of the probands have a comorbid tic disorder. The age‐corrected morbid risk among the first‐degree relatives is 17% for OCD and 12% for tics. Morbid risk for OCD and tics was independent of the presence of tics in probands. Only 32.6% of the probands have a positive family history of OCD.Conclusions:  These findings are consistent with other reports in the literature that the morbid risk of OCD is elevated in relatives of probands with early‐onset OCD. However, the majority of cases do not have a positive family history of OCD. This result suggests that early onset is not the only specific clinical marker for familial risk in OCD. Thus more work is needed to clearly elucidate other factors related to increased genetic vulnerability for OCD.
Show me the child at seven: the consequences of conduct problems in childhood for psychosocial functioning in adulthood
Authors: Fergusson David M. , John Horwood L. , Ridder Elizabeth M. 
Published: July 2005

Background:  This paper seeks to extend research into the adult sequelae of childhood conduct problems by investigating the associations between conduct problems in middle childhood and psychosocial outcomes in adulthood.Method:  Data were gathered during the course of a 25‐year longitudinal study of a birth cohort of New Zealand young people. Information was collected on: a) parent and teacher reports of child conduct problems at ages 7, 8 and 9 years; b) measures of crime, substance use, mental health, sexual/partner relationships, education/employment; c) confounding factors, including childhood, family and educational characteristics.Results:  There were statistically significant associations between childhood conduct problems from 7–9 years and risks of adverse outcomes across all domains of functioning. After control for confounding factors the associations between conduct problems and education/employment outcomes became statistically non‐significant. Associations persisted for other outcomes (crime, substance dependence, mental health and sexual/partner relationships). Children in the most disturbed 5% of the cohort had rates of these outcomes that were between 1.5 and 19 times higher than rates for the least disturbed 50% of the cohort. The associations between conduct problems and adult outcomes were similar for males and females.Conclusions:  Childhood conduct problems were associated with a wide range of adverse psychosocial outcomes (crime, substance use, mental health, sexual/partner relationships) even after control for confounding factors. The results reinforce the need for greater investment into interventions to address these problems.
Psychosocial needs of boys in secure care for serious or persistent offending
Authors: Harrington R.C. , Kroll L. , Rothwell J. , McCarthy K. , Bradley D. , Bailey S. 
Published: July 2005

Background:  The mental health of child offenders who are detained in secure settings is a matter of great public and professional concern but there has been little systematic longitudinal research on the outcomes of these problems once the young person has returned to the community. The aims of the present study were to describe the psychosocial outcomes of boys in secure care and to establish if these outcomes were correlated with criminal outcomes.Method:  Prospective cohort study of 97 boys whose average age was 14 years when they were admitted to secure units in the North West of England. The boys were followed up on average 2 years later, when outcome data were obtained on 81/97 (83%) cases. The main outcome measure was a standardised assessment of mental health, social and educational needs obtained by interview with the young person and corroborated in most cases by information from informants. All data were then reviewed by experienced clinicians who made best‐estimate ratings of need ‘blind’ to the findings from the first phase of the study.Results:  The average number of needs requiring an intervention at follow‐up (mean = 3.4, sd = 3.0) was much lower than before admission to secure care (mean = 8.2, sd = 2.5) (mean difference 4.9 needs, 95% CI 4.0 to 5.7). Educational and occupational needs were particularly well dealt with. However, many mental health problems persisted or worsened. For example, 31% had a need for treatment of substance abuse, a significant increase compared with when they were in secure care (percentage difference 21%, 95% CL 9.0% to 32.7%). No mental disorder predicted subsequent offending.Conclusions:  Boys who have been in secure care continue to have a high rate of mental health problems. The mental health needs of this group are not, however, static but change over time and with changing circumstances. Services need to be designed to meet these changing needs.
Examining minor and major depression in adolescents
Authors: González‐Tejera Gloria , Canino Glorisa , Ramírez Rafael , Chávez Ligia , Shrout Patrick , Bird Hector , Bravo Milagros , Martínez‐Taboas Alfonso , Ribera Julio , Bauermeister José 
Published: July 2005

Background:  Research has shown that a large proportion of adolescents with symptoms of depression and substantial distress or impairment fail to meet the diagnostic criteria for a major depressive disorder (MDD). However, many of these undiagnosed adolescents may meet criteria for a residual category of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders‐Fourth Edition‐Text Revised (DSM‐IV‐TR), Depressive Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Minor Depression (mDEP), an example of one of these categories, allows the inclusion of sub‐threshold cases that fall below the diagnostic criteria of the five symptoms required for MDD. Minor depression in adolescence is important because it is significantly related to MDD in adulthood. The present study examines a number of risk factors, functional impairment, comorbidity and service utilization patterns associated with depression in community adolescents who met the DSM‐IV criteria for mDEP and compares their profile to adolescents who met the criteria for MDD.Method:  Puerto Rican adolescents 11 to 17 years old were selected from an island‐wide probability household sample of children ranging in age from 4 to 17. The Diagnostic Interview Schedule in Spanish (DISC IV), together with a structured protocol of risks and protective factors, and service utilization questionnaires were administered to primary caretakers and their children.Results:  Our findings indicate that youngsters with mDEP had significant impairment and used more mental health services than those with major depression. In addition, adolescents with mDEP had similar outcomes when compared to those meeting full criteria for MDD in terms of psychosocial correlates and comorbidity.Conclusions:  The results, although not definitive, suggest a need for further research in order to determine the validity of the present DSM IV diagnostic criteria for mDEP in adolescents.