bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arsenate transport and reduction in the hyper‐tolerant fungus Aspergillus sp. P37
Authors: Cánovas David , Mukhopadhyay Rita , Rosen Barry P. , De Lorenzo Víctor 
Published: October 2003

Summary Aspergillus sp. P37 is able to grow at arsenate concentrations of 0.2 M – more than 20‐fold higher than that withstood by reference microorganisms such Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus nidulans. This paper examines the transport of arsenate and phosphate and the reduction of arsenate in Aspergillus sp. P37. These properties were compared with the corresponding properties of the archetype strain Aspergillus nidulans TS1. Both uptake and efflux of arsenate were inhibited by carbonyl cyanide‐p‐trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone, suggesting that the transport system(s) is(are) membrane‐potential dependent. As uptake of arsenate and phosphate are higher in Aspergillus sp. P37 than in A. nidulans, the increase in arsenate resistance cannot be accounted for by a change in uptake. Cells of both strains loaded with arsenic slowly released the oxyanion. Speciation of the arsenic in the medium showed an enhanced level of arsenate reduction in Aspergillus sp. P37. These data suggest that increased arsenate reduction is at least in part responsible for the hyper‐tolerant phenotype of this fungus.
Isolation of Halobacterium salinarum retrieved directly from halite brine inclusions
Authors: Mormile Melanie R. , Biesen Michelle A. , Gutierrez M. Carmen , Ventosa Antonio , Pavlovich Justin B. , Onstott Tullis C. , Fredrickson James K. 
Published: October 2003

SummaryHalite crystals were selected from a 186 m subsurface core taken from the Badwater salt pan, Death Valley, California to ascertain if halophilic Archaea and their associated 16S rDNA can survive over several tens of thousands of years. Using a combined microscope microdrill/micropipette system, fluids from brine inclusions were aseptically extracted from primary, hopper texture, halite crystals from 8 and 85 metres below the surface (mbls). U‐Th disequilibrium dating indicates that these halite layers were deposited at 9600 and 97 000 years before present (ybp) respectively. Extracted inclusions were used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis with haloarchaea‐specific 16S rDNA primers or placed into haloarchaea culture medium. Enrichment cultures were obtained from 97 kyr halite crystal inclusion fluid and haloarchaea‐containing prepared crystals (positive controls), whereas inclusions from crystals of 9.6 kyr halite and the haloarchaea‐free halite crystals (negative controls) resulted in no growth. Phylogenetic analysis (16S rDNA) of the 97 kyr isolate, designated BBH 001, revealed a homology of 100% with Halobacterium salinarum. DNA–DNA hybridization experiments confirmed that BBH 001 was closely related to H. salinarum (81–75% hybridization) and its ascription to this haloarchaea species. The described method of retrieving particle‐containing brine from fluid inclusions offers a robust approach for assessing the antiquity of microorganisms associated with evaporites.
The significance of organic carbon compounds for in situ metabolism and chemotaxis of phototrophic consortia
Authors: Glaeser Jens , Overmann Jörg 
Published: October 2003

SummaryThe significance of organic carbon substrates for the chemotaxis and physiology of phototrophic consortia was investigated in a dense chemocline community of Pelochromatium roseum. For the first time, the monopolar monotrichous flagellation of the central bacterium could be visualized. In situ, intact motile P. roseum consortia were strongly attracted by sulphide and 2‐oxoglutarate, which indicated a potential role of these compounds in the metabolism of P. roseum. In chemocline water samples, 2‐[14C(U)]‐oxoglutarate was utilized at nanomolar concentrations (half saturation constant of uptake Kt£ 10–40 nM), and at a maximum uptake rate of Vmax ª 6 nM h−1. The calculated turnover of 2‐oxoglutarate at in situ concentrations was ∼6 h. Microautoradiography of chemocline water samples revealed that 87.5% of the P. roseum consortia incorporated 2‐oxoglutarate when both light and sulphide were present, whereas uptake was detected in less than 1.4% of the consortia if either light or sulphide were absent. Because the green sulphur bacterial epibionts in P. roseum have been shown to grow autotrophically, 2‐oxoglutarate most likely is taken up and utilized by the central bacterium. Thus, our results indicate that incorporation of 2‐oxoglutarate by the central bacterium is regulated by the metabolic state of the green sulphur bacterial epibionts.
Phylogenetic analysis of the microbial populations in the wild herbivore gastrointestinal tract: insights into an unexplored niche
Authors: Nelson Karen E. , Zinder Stephen H. , Hance Ioana , Burr Patrick , Odongo David , Wasawo Delia , Odenyo Agnes , Bishop Richard 
Published: October 2003

SummaryAt present, there is little information on the phylogenetic diversity of microbial species that inhabit the gastrointestinal tracts of wildlife. To increase understanding in this area, we initiated a characterization of the bacterial diversity in the digestive tracts of three wild African ruminant species namely eland (Taurotragus oryx), Thompson's gazelle (Gazella rufifrons) and Grant's gazelle (Gazella granti), together with a domesticated ruminant species, zebu cattle (Bos indicus), and a non‐ruminant species, zebra (Equus quagga). Bacterial diversity was analysed by PCR amplification, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences. A total of 252 full‐length 16S rDNA sequences averaging 1500 base pairs (bp) in length, and an additional 27 partial sequences were obtained and subject to phylogenetic analysis. Using a 98% criterion for similarity, all except for one of the sequences were derived from distinct phylotypes. At least 24 distinct operational taxonomic units (OTU′s) could be identified, with the majority of these sequences representing hitherto uncharacterized species and genera. The sequences were generally affiliated with four major bacterial phyla, the majority being members of the Firmicutes (low G+C Gram‐positives) related to the genera Clostridium and Ruminococcus. By contrast, with earlier studies using 16S rDNA sequences to assess biodiversity in Bos taurus dairy cattle, Gram‐negative bacteria in the Bacteroidales (Prevotella‐Bacteroides group) were poorly represented. The lack of redundancy in the 16S rDNA dataset from the five African ungulate species, and the presence of novel sequences not previously described from the gastrointestinal tract of any animal species, highlights the level of diversity that exists in these ecosystems and raises the question as to the functional role of these species in the gastrointestinal tract.
Cell density related H2 consumption in relation to anoxic Fe(0) corrosion and precipitation of corrosion products by Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1
Authors: De Windt Wim , Boon Nico , Siciliano Steven D. , Verstraete Willy 
Published: October 2003

SummaryIn the absence of oxygen, a protective H2 film is formed around an Fe(0) surface, inhibiting the electron flow from this surface. Our study of anoxic corrosion of Fe(0) beads revealed that, in the presence of Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1, H2 removal and precipitation of Fe mineral particles on the cell surface are determining processes for corrosion. These two biologically mediated processes were governed by cell density. H2 removal by Shewanella oneidensis was detected at cell concentrations of 1.0 × 106 live cells ml−1 and higher and H2 was electron donor for denitrification of NO3–. The removal of the protective H2 layer from Fe(0) beads by Shewanella oneidensis, resulted in an increase of Fe release out of the Fe(0) beads from 153 ± 25 mg l−1 to 196 ± 7 mg l−1 after 20 h. When the cell concentration exceeded 1.0 × 108 live cells ml−1, precipitation of iron minerals on the cell surface was characteristic for the greatest percentage of MR‐1 cells, whereas micrometre‐scale iron precipitates not associated with culturable cell biomass significantly decreased in number. Addition of supernatant of a corrosion assay with high cell concentration induced metabolic activity in a corrosion assay with low cell concentration, resulting in increased H2 consumption and Fe release from Fe(0) beads. Homoserine lactone‐like molecules were detected in the supernatant by a bio‐assay, suggesting the involvement of a quorum‐sensing regulatory mechanism.
In vitro effects of ultraviolet A on histamine release from human basophils
Authors: Monfrecola G , De Paulis A , Prizio E , Russo I , Carfora M , Santoianni P , Marone G 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTBackground  As long‐wave ultraviolet (UV) radiation penetrates the dermis, connective tissue cellular components and circulating blood cells can be possible targets for solar UVA. Basophils, involved in the effector phase of the inflammatory response, play a part in skin diseases such as chronic urticaria, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, fixed drug eruption, allergic contact dermatitis, urticaria pigmentosa, systemic sclerosis and bullous pemphigoid.Objective  The evaluation of the in vitro effect of UVA on histamine release from human basophils.Methods  Basophils from healthy human volunteers were irradiated, respectively, with UVA at doses of 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 20 and 50 J/cm2 and then incubated with an anti‐IgE serum. A fluorimetric technique was employed to determine histamine release from samples: (i) incubated with 2% HClO4 (complete lysis of basophils); (ii) irradiated with increasing doses of UVA; and (iii) unirradiated (controls).Results  Histamine release was: 100% for HClO4 incubated basophils, 30% for unirradiated and anti‐IgE incubated cells (controls) and 27%, 24%, 34%, 41%, 60% and 70% for basophils irradiated with UVA doses, respectively, of 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 20 and 50 J/cm2 and incubated with anti‐IgE. Histamine releasability from irradiated samples was statistically significant (P < 0.05), in comparison with controls, at UVA doses equal to 5, 10, 20 and 50 J/cm2.Conclusions  UVA exerts, at least in vitro, a biphasic dose‐dependent action on histamine release from human basophils incubated with an anti‐IgE serum: at the lowest irradiation doses (< 5 J/cm2) it exerts an inhibitory effect and at the highest doses ( 10 J/cm2) histamine release increases significantly.
Granuloma annulare in a site of healed herpes zoster: Wolf's isotopic response
Authors: Ruocco E , Baroni A , Cutrì F Tripodi , Filioli F Grimaldi 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTA case of granuloma annulare that developed in a site of healed herpes zoster is reported. Polymerase chain reaction failed to detect VZV DNA in a biopsy specimen. The occurrence of different types of cutaneous reactions in a body area previously affected by herpes virus infection is known as Wolf's isotopic response. Pathogenesis may be due to a local neuroimmune dysregulation set off by herpesvirus‐induced lesions of dermal sensory nerve fibres.
Stressful life events, anxiety, depression and coping mechanisms in patients with Behçet's disease
Authors: Karlidag R , Unal S , Evereklioglu C , Sipahi B , Er H , Yologlu S 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTBackground  Behçet's disease is a systemic immunoinflammatory disease of young adults characterized by systemic vasculitis of arteries and veins. Although many studies have been published since its discovery in 1937, the etiopathogenesis of this unique disorder is still unclear.Objective  To assess the relationship between stress factors, psychological and somatic symptoms, and coping mechanisms in patients with Behçet's disease.Method  Thirty‐four patients with Behçet's disease and 43 control subjects were compared by using sociodemographic data collection forms, a psychosocial and environmental problems list, the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM‐D) and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS).Results  Twenty‐four patients (70.6%) defined stress factors in the first stage of the disease. Twenty‐seven (79.4%) out of 34 patients stated that the recurrence period of the disease was related to the stress factors. Fear was expressed by 10 (29.4%) patients, sadness by 11 (32.3%), and fear plus sadness by 13 (38.2%) when they first learnt the diagnosis. While coping with these emotions 14 (41.2%) revealed active‐reliance strategy. A statistically significant difference was present between the Behçet's patients and control subjects regarding TAS (P < 0.05), HAM‐D (P < 0.001) and BAI (P < 0.001) scores.Conclusion  It seems that stressful life events have important implications in both relapsing and remission periods of Behçet's disease via secondary problems.
Fabry disease: enzyme replacement therapy
Authors: Bongiorno MR , Pistone G , Aricò M 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTFabry disease is a multisystem disorder associated with wide variability in clinical expression. Fabry disease is an X‐linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of α‐galactosidase A. The enzyme defect leads to the systemic accumulation of glycosphingolipids with α‐galactosyl moieties consisting predominantly of globotriaosylceramide, galabiosylceramide and two additional glycosphingolipids.Four hemizygotes patients with a family history of Fabry disease and deficiency of the enzyme α‐galactosidase A were selected. Each patient received purified α‐galactosidase by intravenous infusion (0.2 mg/kg). The infusion was administered every 2 weeks, for 40 min, for a total of 12 months. Outcome measures include neurological manifestations (acroparaesthesia, hypohidrosis, vasomotion), kidney function, cardiac manifestations, angiokeratomas, and corneal dystrophy.α‐Galactosidase A prepared from human fibroblast is safe and well tolerated. After 12 months of therapy the mean creatinine clearance increased, there was significant improvement in the acroparaesthesias and in the hypohidrosis. Physical stigmata, such as angiokeratomas in the skin, and characteristic benign corneal abnormalities remained stable.Enzyme replacement therapy would therefore represent a significant advance in treatment of patients with Fabry disease. Enzyme replacement therapy is safe and likely to improve the prognosis of Fabry disease.
Familial urticaria pigmentosa associated with thrombocytosis as the initial symptom of systemic mastocytosis and Down's syndrome
Authors: Jappe U , Aumann V , Mittler U , Gollnick H 
Published: October 2003

ABSTRACTMost cases of urticaria pigmentosa are confined to the skin, but visceral involvement and/or haematological abnormalities have been observed. It is still a matter of debate whether all forms of mastocytosis are true neoplasias or reactive hyperplasias. Familial inheritance of urticaria pigmentosa is rare. We report on a fraternal set with urticaria pigmentosa as part of a systemic mastocytosis. The first patient additionally revealed persistent thrombocytosis and splenomegaly. His brother developed urticaria pigmentosa, intermittent diarrhoea, hepatomegaly and asthma bronchiale associated with trisomy 21 (Down's syndrome). The association of mastocytosis with thrombocytosis has seldom been described. In our patient it preceded the development of systemic mastocytosis. The association with Down's syndrome has not been reported until now.
Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in Older Adults Residing in Long‐Term Care Facilities and in the Community
Authors: Kupronis Benjamin A. , Richards Chesley L. , Whitney Cynthia G. ,   the Active Bacterial Core Surveillance Team
Published: October 2003

Objectives: To examine the epidemiology of invasive pneumococcal disease in older adults hospitalized for invasive pneumococcal disease who are living in the community and in long‐term care facilities (LTCFs) in the United States.Design: Analysis of 2,402 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease requiring hospitalization in 2000 and 2001 that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Active Bacterial Core Surveillance collected in nine states.Setting: Hospital.Participants: Hospitalized LTCF residents and community‐living older adults in the United States.Measurements:Age‐ and residence‐specific pneumococcal disease incidence rates per 100,000 persons, case‐fatality rates, and trends in antimicrobial resistance.Results: Nationally, the rate of invasive pneumococcal disease in LTCF residents was 194.2 cases per 100,000 persons aged 65 and older and 44.6 for community‐living older adults (relative risk=4.4, 95% confidence interval (CI)=4.2–4.5). Compared with community‐living older adults, case‐fatality rates were 1.9 times higher (30.8% vs 16.0%, 95% CI=1.5–2.5). Pneumococcal strains from LTCF residents were significantly more likely to be nonsusceptible to levofloxacin than strains from community‐ living older adults (5.7% vs 0.4%, P<.001).Conclusion: Older adults living in LTCFs are at a higher risk for invasive pneumococcal disease and death than are community‐living older adults. Additionally, fluoroquinolone resistance is significantly higher in older adults living in LTCFs and may provide clues to emerging antimicrobial resistance in the general population.
Benzodiazepine Use and Physical Performance in Community‐Dwelling Older Women
Authors: Gray Shelly L. , Penninx Brenda W. J. H. , Blough David K. , Artz Margaret B. , Guralnik Jack M. , Wallace Robert B. , Buchner Dave M. , LaCroix Andrea Z. 
Published: October 2003

Objectives: To determine whether benzodiazepine use in older women increased the risk of decline in physical function.Design: A four‐year prospective cohort study.Setting: The communities of Iowa and Washington counties, Iowa.Participants: Eight hundred eighty‐five women aged 70 and older who had completed physical performance tests in 1988 and 1992.Measurements: Benzodiazepine use was determined during in‐home interviews and classified by dose, duration, indication for use, and half‐life. Physical performance tests included an assessment of standing balance, walking speed (8‐foot distance), and repeated chair raises.Results: Ninety (10.2%) reported benzodiazepine use at baseline. After adjustment for baseline physical performance score and potential confounders, benzodiazepine use was associated with a greater decline in physical performance over 4 years than nonuse (β=–1.16; standard error (SE)=0.25; P<.001). The use of higher‐than‐recommended dose was related to decline (β=–2.26; SE=0.47; P<.001), and use of lower doses was not (β=–0.53; SE=0.46; P=.246). Long‐term use (≥3 years) was related to decline (β=–1.65; SE=0.34; P<.001), whereas recent and past use were not. Similar results were obtained when restricting the sample to those without disability at baseline.Conclusion: This study provides evidence that older women who used benzodiazepines were at risk for decline in physical performance. Subgroup analyses indicated that risk was greater with use of higher‐than‐recommended doses or for long duration (≥3 years). These findings highlight the importance of using benzodiazepines at the lowest effective dose for a limited duration in older women.
Ertapenem Therapy for Community‐Acquired Pneumonia in the Elderly
Authors: Woods Gail L. , Isaacs Robin D. , McCarroll Kathleen A. , Friedland Ian R. 
Published: October 2003

Objectives: To compare the efficacy and safety of ertapenem, 1 g once a day, with ceftriaxone, 1 g once a day, for treatment of the subgroup of patients aged 65 and older with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) requiring parenteral therapy.Design: Combined data from patients aged 65 and older in two randomized, double‐blind clinical trials.Setting: Eighty international centers.Participants: Eight hundred fifty‐seven treated patients, of whom 351 were aged 65 and older.Interventions: Intravenous or intramuscular ertapenem or ceftriaxone with the option to switch to oral amoxicillin‐clavulanate after at least 3 days of parenteral therapy.Measurements: Clinical efficacy was assessed at completion of parenteral therapy and 7 to 14 days after all therapy had been completed (test of cure (TOC) assessment). Bacterial eradication was assessed at the TOC visit. Safety was assessed daily during study therapy and for 14 days thereafter.Results: One hundred forty‐eight clinically evaluable patients aged 65 and older were treated with ertapenem and 125 with ceftriaxone. Pathogens were identified in 157 (57.5%) patients (the most common being Streptococcus pneumoniae), most of which were penicillin‐susceptible. Clinical cure rates were 95.9% for patients in the ertapenem group and 92.7% for patients in the ceftriaxone group at completion of parenteral therapy and 93.9% and 90.4%, respectively, at the TOC assessment. Overall bacterial eradication rates were 92.8% (77 of 83) for patients treated with ertapenem and 93.2% (69 of 74) for those treated with ceftriaxone. The most common drug‐related adverse experiences in both treatment groups were diarrhea and mild to moderate elevation of serum aminotransferase levels.Conclusion: Ertapenem 1 g once a day was highly effective for treatment of elderly patients with CAP requiring parenteral therapy and was as effective as ceftriaxone. Ertapenem was generally well tolerated, with an overall safety profile similar to ceftriaxone.
Does Delirium Increase Hospital Stay?
Authors: McCusker Jane , Cole Martin G. , Dendukuri Nandini , Belzile Eric 
Published: October 2003

Objectives: To determine the effects of prevalent and incident delirium on length of hospital stay.Design: Prospective cohort study, comparing (1) length of stay after admission in cases of prevalent delirium versus controls without prevalent delirium with (2) length of stay after diagnosis in cases of incident delirium versus controls matched by day of diagnosis.Setting: The medical services of a primary, acute care hospital.Participants: Medical admissions of patients aged 65 and older from the emergency department with delirium diagnosed during the first week in hospital. Patients admitted to intensive care or oncology and those with a primary diagnosis of stroke were excluded. A sample of those without delirium was also enrolled.Measurements: Delirium was diagnosed using the Confusion Assessment Method. Data on length of stay and diagnosis‐related groups (DRGs) were abstracted from administrative data. Measures of covariates included the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly, the Delirium Index, the instrumental activities of daily living questionnaire from the Older American Resources and Services project, the Charlson Comorbidity Index, the Clinical Severity Scale, and the Acute Physiology Score.Results: The study sample comprised 359 patients: 204 with prevalent delirium, 37 with incident delirium, and 118 without delirium. After controlling for covariates, prevalent delirium was not associated with a significantly longer hospital stay, but incident delirium was associated with an excess stay after diagnosis of 7.78 days (95% confidence interval=3.07, 12.48). Similar results were obtained using log‐transformed or DRG‐adjusted estimates of length of stay.Conclusion: In older medical inpatients, incident but not prevalent delirium is an important predictor of longer hospital stay. Interventions to prevent incident delirium may reduce length of stay.