bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Common β‐lactamases inhibit bacterial biofilm formation
Authors: Gallant Claude V. , Daniels Craig , Leung Jacqueline M. , Ghosh Anindya S. , Young Kevin D. , Kotra Lakshmi P. , Burrows Lori L. 
Published: September 2005

Summaryβ‐Lactamases, which evolved from bacterial penicillin‐binding proteins (PBPs) involved in peptidoglycan (PG) synthesis, confer resistance to β‐lactam antibiotics. While investigating the genetic basis of biofilm development by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, we noted that plasmid vectors encoding the common β‐lactamase marker TEM‐1 caused defects in twitching motility (mediated by type IV pili), adherence and biofilm formation without affecting growth rates. Similarly, strains of Escherichia coli carrying TEM‐1‐encoding vectors grew normally but showed reduced adherence and biofilm formation, showing this effect was not species‐specific. Introduction of otherwise identical plasmid vectors carrying tetracycline or gentamicin resistance markers had no effect on biofilm formation or twitching motility. The effect is restricted to class A and D enzymes, because expression of the class D Oxa‐3 β‐lactamase, but not class B or C β‐lactamases, impaired biofilm formation by E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Site‐directed mutagenesis of the catalytic Ser of TEM‐1, but not Oxa‐3, abolished the biofilm defect, while disruption of either TEM‐1 or Oxa‐3 expression restored wild‐type levels of biofilm formation. We hypothesized that the A and D classes of β‐lactamases, which are related to low molecular weight (LMW) PBPs, may sequester or alter the PG substrates of such enzymes and interfere with normal cell wall turnover. In support of this hypothesis, deletion of the E. coli LMW PBPs 4, 5 and 7 or combinations thereof, resulted in cumulative defects in biofilm formation, similar to those seen in β‐lactamase‐expressing transformants. Our results imply that horizontal acquisition of β‐lactamase resistance enzymes can have a phenotypic cost to bacteria by reducing their ability to form biofilms. β‐Lactamases likely affect PG remodelling, manifesting as perturbation of structures involved in bacterial adhesion that are required to initiate biofilm formation.
Trafficking determinants for PfEMP3 export and assembly under the Plasmodium falciparum‐infected red blood cell membrane
Authors: Knuepfer Ellen , Rug Melanie , Klonis Nectarios , Tilley Leann , Cowman Alan F. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryDuring the maturation of intracellular asexual stages of Plasmodium falciparum parasite‐encoded proteins are exported into the erythrocyte cytosol. A number of these parasite proteins attach to the host cell cytoskeleton and facilitate transformation of a disk‐shaped erythrocyte into a rounded and more rigid infected erythrocyte able to cytoadhere to the vasculature. Knob formation on the surface of infected erythrocytes is critical for this cytoadherence to the host endothelium. P. falciparum proteins have been identified that localize to the parasite‐infected erythrocyte membrane: the variant cytoadherence ligand erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1), the knob‐associated histidine‐rich protein (KAHRP) and the erythrocyte membrane protein 3 (PfEMP3). In this study, we have generated parasites expressing PfEMP3‐green fluorescent protein chimeras and identified domains involved in entry to the secretory pathway, export across the parasitophorous vacuolar membrane and attachment to Maurer's clefts and the erythrocyte membrane. Solubility assays, fluorescence photobleaching experiments and immunogold electron microscopy suggest that the exported chimeric proteins are trafficked in a complex rather than in vesicles. This study characterizes elements involved in the tight but transient binding of PfEMP3 to Maurer's clefts and shows that the same elements are necessary for correct assembly under the erythrocyte membrane.
Flowcytometric analysis of basophil counts in human blood and inaccuracy of hematology analyzers
Authors: Ducrest S. , Meier F. , Tschopp C. , Pavlovic R. , Dahinden C. A. 
Published: October 2005

Background:  Differential leukocyte counts are of proven clinical value, but information about basophil counts in normal and disease conditions is scarce although basophils are regarded as key effector cells in allergy.Aims:  To establish and validate flowcytometric methods for counting basophils in peripheral human blood, to determine reference values, and to examine the accuracy of two widely used hematology analyzers.Methods:  Basophils were measured in whole blood by flowcytometry after staining with antibodies against the IL‐3‐receptor (CD123) or the eotaxin‐receptor (CCR3) combined with other markers used for gating or validation purposes.Results:  The basophil percentages in 95 healthy adults showed an excellent correlation between the two independent flowcytometric methods, demonstrating that both are accurate and precise. The most robust maker is CCR3, which seems to be sufficient to specifically identify basophils. Normal values of relative and absolute blood basophils counts were 0.22–1.28% and 0.014–0.087 G/L (95% reference intervals), respectively. Basophil counts measured with two hematology analyzers Coulter GEN‐S and ADVIA‐120 showed no correlation between these instruments. Comparing the data obtained by flowcytometry and the analyzers demonstrate that basophil counts of the GEN‐S are erratic, while the ADVIA‐120 gives at least an estimation of true basophil numbers.Conclusions:  We provide a solid description and validation of a novel and rapid method for the flowcytometric enumeration of basophil in whole blood. The fact that the most heavily used Hematology autoanalyzer gives completely erroneous results could explain why basophils counts have not yet received recognition as a clinically useful diagnostic marker.
Description of a new HLA‐DRB1*1104, DRB1*110403
Authors: Longhi E , Frison S , Andreini E , Favoino B , Poli F , Scalamogna M 
Published: September 2005

AbstractWe report here the exon 2 sequence of the novel HLA‐DRB1*110403 which differs from DRB1*110401 by a single synonymous nucleotide substitution at codon 78, where TAC is substituted by TAT. The variant originally identified in a Caucasoid individual was confirmed by cloning and sequencing.
Identification of five different IGHV gene families in owl monkeys (Aotus nancymaae)
Authors: Hernández E. C. , Suárez C. F. , Parra C. A. , Patarroyo M. A. , Patarroyo M. E. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractIn order to characterize immunoglobulin heavy‐chain variable (IGHV) genes in Aotus nancymaae monkeys, different mRNAs encoded by five IGHV families in this non‐human primate were molecularly analysed considering their paramount importance in antibody production in an immune response. This study reports gene products exhibiting 91% amino acid similarity with IGHV1, IGHV2, IGHV3, IGHV4 and IGHV7 human IGHV families. Our analyses suggest that the IGHV gene has several conserved characteristics in humans and A. nancymaae. Several amino acid residues that are highly conserved in all family members described in humans were also present in these families in A. nancymaae. Antibody diversity in these families has remained the same since divergence of both species. Our study continues to provide evidence supporting the use of A. nancymaae monkey as an animal model for studying antibody response.
Nomenclature for factors of the swine leukocyte antigen class II system, 2005
Authors: Smith D. M. , Lunney J. K. , Ho C.‐S. , Martens G. W. , Ando A. , Lee J. ‐H. , Schook L. , Renard C. , Chardon P. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractA systematic nomenclature for the genes and alleles of the swine major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is essential to the development and communication of research in swine immunology. The Swine Leukocyte Antigen (SLA) Nomenclature Committee of the International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG) has reviewed all of the DNA‐sequence information for MHC class II genes, available in GenBank/EMBL/DDBJ databases, and the associated published reports to develop such a systematic nomenclature. This article summarizes the proposed nomenclature, which parallels the World Health Organization's nomenclature for factors of the human MHC. The SLA class II genes expressed on the cell membrane will be noted as SLA‐DRA, SLA‐DRB1, SLA‐DQA, and SLA‐DQB1. Nomenclature assignments for all SLA class II GenBank sequences are now noted. The committee will add new SLA class II allele designations, as they are discovered, and will maintain a publicly available list of all recognized genes and alleles using the Immuno Polymorphism Database (IPD). The sequences will be available from the IPD‐MHC section of the database which contains non‐human MHC sequences (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/ipd/mhc/sla/).
A new PCR‐SSP typing method for six single‐nucleotide polymorphisms impairing the blood‐clotting cascade as well as T‐cell stimulation
Authors: Meyer M. , Czachurski D. , Hien T. , Opelz G. , Mytilineos J. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractSingle‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the genes of factor V (FV) (G1691A; exon 10), prothrombin (FII) (G20210A; 3′untranslated – region) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) (C677T; exon 4) are associated with hypercoagulability, and systematic screening of individuals being at higher risk of thrombosis has been suggested. SNPs in the 2q33 region within the genes of CD28 (+17T/C; intron 3) and CTLA4 (−318C/T; promoter and +49A/G; exon 1) are likely to affect T‐cell proliferation and antigen presentation signaling, which may lead to altered sensitivity of allograft or self‐tissue recognition and affect the incidence of autoimmune diseases. We developed primers that allow specific amplification of these six SNPs at test conditions identical with those used for HLA typing with the CTS PCR‐SSP reagents. One hundred ninety‐six healthy German Caucasian individuals were tested for the six SNPs. The genotype frequencies for all SNPs were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. There was no significant difference in the distribution of genotypes when compared to other published studies in which these SNPs were tested. The described PCR‐SSP method can be used to screen large numbers of patients for these SNPs.
No evidence for survival selection on carotenoid-based nestling coloration in great tits (Parus major)
Authors: Fitze P. S. , Tschirren B. 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
In several vertebrate species evidence supports the hypothesis that carotenoid-based coloration of adults has evolved due to sexual selection. However, in some birds already the nestlings display carotenoid-based coloration. Because the nestling's body plumage is typically moulted before the first reproductive event, sexual selection cannot explain the evolution of these carotenoid-based traits. This suggests that natural selection might be the reason for its evolution. Here we test whether the carotenoid-based nestling coloration of great tits (Parus major) predicts survival after fledging. Contrary to our expectation, the carotenoid-based plumage coloration was not related to short- nor to long-term survival in the studied population. Additionally, no prefledging selection was detectable in an earlier study. This indicates that the carotenoid-based coloration of nestling great tits is currently not under natural selection and it suggests that past selection pressures or selection acting on correlated traits may have led to its evolution.
‘Francolí’, a late flowering almond cultivar re‐classified as self‐compatible
Authors: López M. , Romero M. , Vargas F. J. , Mnejja M. , Arús P. , Batlle I. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractTo verify the compatibility behaviour of the almond cultivar ‘Francolí’ and to clarify its S genotype a combination of pollination tests, stylar ribonuclease and allele specific PCR analysis was used. ‘Francolí’ was released from IRTA's breeding programme in 1994, having been putatively raised from the cross ‘Cristomorto’ (S1S2) × ‘Gabaix’ (S10S25). This cultivar was also reported to be self‐incompatible but revealing only one S band in the zymograms after S‐RNases analysis. ‘Francolí’ sets nuts after test crossing with two S1S25 cultivars, having a different genotype from that earlier reported. ‘Francolí’ was also observed to be self‐compatible after selfing flowers in the field and in the laboratory. ‘Francolí’ was re‐assigned the S1Sf genotype after test crossing, stylar ribonuclease and PCR data analysis. After microsatellite analysis, the self‐compatible ‘Tuono’ (S1Sf) cultivar is suggested as the male parent of ‘Francolí’ instead of the earlier reported ‘Gabaix’.
Genetic mapping of the Acph1 locus in Aegilops tauschii
Authors: Kirby J. , Vinh H. T. , Reader S. M. , Dudnikov A. Ju. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe Acph1 locus of Aegilops tauschii encodes a new electrophoretically ‘fast’ acid phosphatase, whose allelic variation could well be involved in intraspecies differentiation. Genetic mapping via microsatellite (simple sequence repeat) analysis revealed that Acph1 is tightly linked with the marker Xgwm157 near the centromere region of chromosome 2.
A leaf rust resistance gene, different from Lr34, associated with leaf tip necrosis in wheat
Authors: Mishra A. N. , Kaushal K. , Yadav S. R. , Shirsekar G. S. , Pandey H. N. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe gene Lr34 has contributed to durable resistance to leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina in wheat worldwide. The closely associated leaf tip necrosis is generally used as the gene's marker. Lr34 has been postulated in many Indian bread wheat cultivars including ‘C 306’, based on the associated leaf tip necrosis and a few other field and glasshouse observations. The present study showed monogenic control of adult‐plant resistance in ‘C 306’ to leaf rust pathotype 77‐5 (121R63‐1). The F2 segregation in the crosses between ‘C 306’ and the two known carriers of Lr34, ‘Line 897’ and ‘Jupateco 73’‘R’ fitted a digenic ratio. The F3 families derived from the susceptible F2 segregants were true breeding for susceptibility, proving the absence of Lr34 in ‘C 306’. The cross between ‘Line 897’ and ‘Jupateco 73’‘R’ did not segregate for susceptibility. Resistance in the cross ‘Agra Local’ (susceptible) × ‘C 306’ was associated with leaf tip necrosis, showing that the leaf rust resistance gene in ‘C 306’ was associated with leaf tip necrosis, but was different from Lr34. This gene is being temporarily designated as Lr‘C 306’. Hence, leaf tip necrosis cannot be considered as an exclusive marker for selecting Lr34 in wheat improvement.
Independent roles of calcium and voltage‐dependent potassium currents in controlling spike frequency adaptation in lateral amygdala pyramidal neurons
Authors: Faber E. S. Louise , Sah Pankaj 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe calcium‐dependent afterhyperpolarization (AHP) that follows trains of action potentials is responsible for controlling action potential firing patterns in many neuronal cell types. We have previously shown that the slow AHP contributes to spike frequency adaptation in pyramidal neurons in the rat lateral amygdala. In addition, a dendritic voltage‐gated potassium current mediated by Kv1.2‐containing channels also suppresses action potential firing in these neurons. In this paper we show that this voltage‐gated potassium current and the slow AHP act together to control spike frequency adaptation in lateral amygdala pyramidal neurons. The two currents have similar effects on action potential number when firing is evoked either by depolarizing current injections or by synaptic stimulation. However, they differ in their control of firing frequency, with the voltage‐gated potassium current but not the slow AHP determining the initial frequency of action potential firing. This dual mechanism of controlling firing patterns is unique to lateral amygdala neurons and is likely to contribute to the very low levels of firing seen in lateral amygdala neurons in vivo.
Comparison of morphine and tramadol by patient‐controlled analgesia for postoperative analgesia after tonsillectomy in children
Authors: ÖZALEVLI MEHMET , ÜNLÜGENÇ HAKKI , TUNCER ÜLKÜ , GÜNEŞ YASEMIN , ÖZCENGIZ DILEK 
Published: September 2005

SummaryBackground : Tramadol is an alternative to other opioids for postoperative pain management. This prospective, randomized, double‐blind study was designed to compare the analgesic efficacy of patient‐controlled tramadol with patient‐controlled morphine for postoperative pain after tonsillectomy in children.Method : Sixty patients were allocated randomly to receive a patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) with either tramadol (T) or morphine (M), in a double‐blind randomized study. When surgery was completed and hemostasis achieved, a standardized loading dose (0.1 mg·kg−1 in group M, or 1 mg·kg−1 in group T) was given. Thereafter, the children helped themselves to bolus doses (morphine (0.02 mg·kg−1) or tramadol (0.2 mg·kg−1) with lockout times of 10 min without time limit via a PCA device. Scores for pain, sedation, nausea, and the bolus and total PCA doses, hemodynamic parameters and side effects were recorded at 5, 15, 30 min and 1, 2, 4, 6 and 24 h during PCA administration.Results : Pain scores decreased significantly with time in both groups (P < 0.05), but were lower in group M than in group T at 1, 2 and 4 h (P < 0.05). Sedation scores increased with time in both groups (P < 0.05). However there were no significant differences in sedation scores between two groups at any study period, but nausea scores were higher in M group at 4, 6 and 24 h (P < 0.05).Conclusion : Intravenous patient‐controlled tramadol is an alternative to patient‐controlled morphine for postoperative pain relief in children after tonsillectomy. Morphine gave better postoperative pain relief, but was associated with a higher incidence of nausea than tramadol.
Anesthesia management in a young child with aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase deficiency
Authors: VUTSKITS LASZLO , MENACHE CAROLINE , MANZANO SERGIO , HAENGGELI CHARLES‐ANDRÉ , HABRE WALID 
Published: September 2005

SummaryAromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is characterized by an almost complete absence of sympathetic autoregulation, because of very low levels of circulating catecholamines. Here, we report the successful management of four consecutive anesthesia procedures in a young child presenting with AADC deficiency. Our experience suggests that, with appropriate anticipation of the potential autonomic disturbances, anesthesia, at least for minor surgical and diagnostic procedures, can be conducted safely in patients with AADC deficiency.
Caudal injectate can be reliably imaged using portable ultrasound – a preliminary study
Authors: ROBERTS STEVEN A. , GURUSWAMY VELU , GALVEZ IGNACIO 
Published: September 2005

SummaryBackground : Correct caudal cannula placement is essential for block success and the avoidance of complications. The aim of this study was to assess the use of a saline injection test bolus with ultrasound (US) imaging to identify correct cannula placement for caudal anesthesia.Methods : A prospective observational study of 60 children undergoing caudal anesthesia. A Sonosite 180 Plus (Sonosite Inc., Bothwell, WA) was used to image the spine and look for caudal space expansion secondary to saline injection.Results : Saline test bolus correctly identified position in 96.5% of all subjects, and was 100% successful in children under 2 years of age.Conclusions : These preliminary results suggest saline test bolus under US imaging is a reliable indicator of correct cannula position for caudal block. We found it safe, quick to perform, and provided additional useful information.
Preliminary experience with oral dexmedetomidine for procedural and anesthetic premedication
Authors: ZUB DAVID , BERKENBOSCH JOHN W. , TOBIAS JOSEPH D. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryBackground : Oral premedication is often required in children to provide anxiolysis and lessen the psychological impact of hospitalization and/or procedures. We present our experience with dexmedetomidine as an oral premedicant prior to procedural sedation or anesthetic induction.Methods : We undertook a retrospective review of the anesthesia or sedation service records of patients who received oral dexmedetomidine.Results : The cohort for the study included 13 patients ranging in age from 4 to 14 years. Oral dexmedetomidine (mean dose: 2.6 ± 0.83 μg·kg−1; range 1.0–4.2 μg·kg−1) was used as premedication prior to anesthesia induction in four patients and prior to intravenous (IV) cannula placement for procedural sedation in nine patients with neurobehavioral problems. Effective sedation was achieved in 11 of 13 patients. The one patient in whom anxiolysis was not achieved received the lowest dose of dexmedetomidine (1 μg·kg−1) prior to anesthesia induction. In the other three patients, parental separation and acceptance of the mask was achieved at 20–30 min with a dose of 2.5 μg·kg−1. When used for procedural sedation, placement of an IV cannula was accomplished without difficulty in seven of eight patients with neurobehavioral disorders and with only mild resistance in the other. No complications were noted and parental satisfaction with the sedation experience was high.Conclusions : These preliminary data suggest that dexmedetomidine may be an effective oral premedicant prior to anesthesia induction or procedural sedation. We found that it was effective even in patients with neurobehavioral disorders in whom previous attempts at sedation had failed.
Amitriptyline poisoning in a 2‐year old
Authors: DEEGAN CATHERINE , O'BRIEN KAY 
Published: September 2005

SummaryWe describe a case of a 2‐year‐old boy who ingested 35 mg·kg−1 of amitriptyline. He developed central nervous system toxicity, as demonstrated by coma and seizures and cardiac toxicity (cardiac arrest) within 1 h of ingestion. The cardiac toxicity was refractory to standard therapy. His cardiac rhythm alternated between ventricular tachycardia and pulseless ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation for a period of 17 h. Following prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation and aggressive supportive management, the patient recovered both cardiovascularly and neurologically. An echocardiogram and MRI brain were subsequently performed and were normal. The patient was discharged 2 weeks later with normal cognitive, behavioral and motor function. We discuss the benefit of prolonged and effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the management of this potentially fatal poisoning.
Suspected malignant hyperthermia in a child with laminin α2 (merosin) deficiency in the absence of a triggering agent
Authors: SHUKRY MOHANAD , GURULI ZURAB V , RAMADHYANI USHA 
Published: September 2005

SummaryMalignant hyperthermia (MH) is an inherited disorder of the skeletal muscles that can be triggered by many anesthetic agents. MH has different presentations and manifestations that makes it difficult to diagnose. Patients with laminin α2 deficiency have never been reported to be susceptible to MH. We present a suspected MH episode in the absence of classic triggering agents in a 7‐year‐old boy with laminin α2 (merosin) deficiency and congenital muscular dystrophy. The episode was diagnosed using the MH clinical grading scale and responded well to prompt management with dantrolene. We conclude that patients with laminin α2 deficiency may be susceptible to MH, and early suspicion and rapid treatment is vital in the management of MH. Anesthesiologists should be prepared to treat MH in susceptible patients even in the absence of a classical triggering agent.