bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biofilm Mode of Growth of
Streptococcus intermedius
Favored by a Competence-Stimulating Signaling Peptide
Authors: Petersen Fernanda C. , Pecharki Daniele , Scheie Anne A. 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACT

Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria use quorum sensing to coordinate population behavior. In several streptococci, quorum sensing mediated by competence-stimulating peptides (CSP) is associated with development of competence for transformation. We show here that a synthetic CSP favored the biofilm mode of growth of
Streptococcus intermedius
without affecting the rate of culture growth.
Extensive Genomic Polymorphism within
Mycobacterium avium
Authors: Semret Makeda , Zhai Gary , Mostowy Serge , Cleto Cynthia , Alexander David , Cangelosi Gerard , Cousins Debby , Collins Desmond M. , van Soolingen Dick , Behr Marcel A. 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACT

We have initiated comparative genomic analysis of
Mycobacterium avium
subspecies by DNA microarray, uncovering 14 large sequence polymorphisms (LSPs) comprising over 700 kb that distinguish
M. avium
subsp.
avium
from
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
. Genes predicted to encode metabolic pathways were overrepresented in the LSPs, and analysis revealed a polymorphism within the mycobactin biosynthesis operon that potentially explains the in vitro mycobactin dependence of
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
.
The Business of Information
Authors: Dorabjee Shaida 
Published: September 2004

In a recent book on knowledge management, information professionals are urged to transform and brace themselves for a more active and dynamic role in the information and knowledge society. However are information professionals rising to the clarion call? This article takes challenging and deliberately provocative look at the role of the traditional information professional in an environment where others in information-related functions appear to take a more active part in the business, present a stronger image and ultimately may replace the role of the information professional. One of the main barriers to successful transformation that information professionals face is the need to change perceptions, behaviour and ways of working, and this theme runs throughout the article. The author highlights features relating to information work with the help of a SWOT analysis. Information professionals are also be urged to regard their service as a business in itself, and, as such, to promote and market the service, brand and if necessary re-launch the product. The need to develop traditional skills and to acquire new skills is emphasised, as is the need to use the softer skills. These initiatives together with formal professional development activities will ensure that the profession has a bright future ahead.
Biopsychological Markers of Distress in Informal Caregivers
Authors: Davis Linda Lindsey , Weaver Michael , Zamrini Edward , Stevens Alan , Kang Duck-Hee , Parker C. Richard 
Published: September 2004

Background. Thirty caregiving wives participated in a study of caregiving distress and negative mood (depressive symptoms) by making diary entries on stressful caregiving situations and collecting saliva samples 4 times a day. At the end of the 7-day study period, caregivers’ salivary cortisol production was compared with their diary entries and correlated with pencil and paper self-report scores of caregiver distress and depressive symptoms. Findings. Despite the inability to control a number of factors thought to confound cortisol production (exercise, smoking, alcohol ingestion, and prescription medications), there was a statistically significant difference between No Caregiving and Caregiving cortisol, F( 1,739) = 7.67, P = 0.006, with cortisol production higher when caregiving events occurred. However, efforts to code specific types of caregiving situations (e.g., 1 = indirect care; 4 = AD problem behavior care) did not further differentiate cortisol production. Although caregivers’ self-reports for the same 7-day period indicated they were depressed, pencil-and-paper measures of distress and negative affect were not significantly correlated with cortisol production. Conclusions and Recommendations. The finding that this caregiving group was significantly stressed by caregiving, as evidenced by increased cortisol production during caregiving episodes, verifies the importance of further exploration of specific caregiving situations as contributory factors in caregiver health and well-being. In that saliva is a relatively economical and comparatively noninvasive biological data source for community-based stress studies, methodological limitations of the study are identified and 5 recommendations are made for future biological marker studies of caregiver distress in community-based settings.
A Neuroendocrine-Based Regulatory Fatigue Model
Authors: Payne Judith K. 
Published: September 2004

Purpose. To provide an overview of select existing fatigue models and propose a neuroendocrine-based regulatory fatigue model that can serve as a foundation for interventions to manage fatigue. Conceptual Framework. Biobehavioral systems based on a neuroendocrine regulatory framework. Methods. Empirical data and literature review to develop a fatigue model to serve as a foundation for interventions to manage fatigue. Conclusions. The proposed model will facilitate testing of interventions based on the premise that common neuroendocrine transmitters provide the mechanisms of fatigue in patients diagnosed with chronic illnesses, such as with cancer treatment-related fatigue. The model may also be used to identify predictors of fatigue in specific patient populations, provide guidance for clinicians in their selection of precise interventions to be implemented, and identify the effects of treatments captured in these populations. By clearly identifying the mechanisms of fatigue, we can discover which interventions are effective for particular types of fatigue.
Temperature Measurement in Critical Care Adults: A Comparison of Thermometry and Measurement Routes
Authors: Smith Linda S. 
Published: September 2004

Purpose. To describe within- and between-subject mean differences between and among temperature sites (oral, axilla, PA) and instruments. Methods. A convenience sample (N = 35) of volunteering, adult (18 years), 1st-day postcardiac surgery inpatients was obtained. Temperature-sensing instruments included Geratherm DataTherm and SolarTherm, and Abbott Opticath fiber optic PA catheters. For 21 min, simultaneous temperature readings (°C) at 4 temperature sites with 3 thermometry devices were monitored. Results. Mean difference at 21 min PA and between DataTherm axilla and PA = 0.72°C (SD 0.30); between PA and SolarTherm oral = 0.62°C (SD 0.34); and between PA and SolarTherm axilla = 0.46°C (SD 0.16). Temperature levels were not a factor relative to difference scores between study and reference devices. Conclusions. Both test devices, SolarTherm (an intermittent-use device) and DataTherm (a temperature-monitoring device), performed well, and correlated strongly with PA temperature assesments.
The Effect of Early Postoperative Physical Activity on Tissue Oxygen and Wound Healing
Authors: Whitney JoAnne D. , Parkman Sharon 
Published: September 2004

Background. Supplemented postoperative activity was compared to standard activity for effects on wound healing, subcutaneous tissue perfusion, and oxygen (PscO2 ) following hip replacement (THR). Methods. 58 patients were randomized to standard post-THR activity (N = 27) or supplemental activity (N = 31) (arm and leg exercises, walking protocol). PscO2 was measured with a microelectrode/tonometer system and perfusion determined by oxygen response. Healing was evaluated by (1) tissue cellularity, (2) mRNA for pro collagen, (3) hydroxyproline, and (4) DNA content obtained from a subcutaneous implant removed on the 7th postoperative day. Results. Activity significantly increased DNA levels, but did not increase PscO2 , perfusion, cellularity, or collagen measures. Conclusions. Healing measures were not improved with increased activity levels. However, activity did not reduce PscO2 or wound healing. The majority of patients adhered to additional activity and tolerated the protocol well. Increased activity was associated with earlier discharge, suggesting other recovery-related benefits.
Fas-ligand (CD178) and TRAIL synergistically induce apoptosis of CD40-activated chronic lymphocytic leukemia B cells
Authors: Dicker Frank , Kater Arnon P. , Fukuda Tetsuya , Kipps Thomas J. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractChronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) B cells become sensitive to Fas (CD95)–mediated apoptosis 3 to 5 days after CD40 ligation. However, CD4+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) can kill CLL B cells via a Fas-ligand (CD178)–dependent process within 24 hours after CD40 cross-linking, when ligation of CD95 alone is insufficient to induce apoptosis. In addition to CD95, CD40-activated CLL cells also express DR5, a receptor for tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) that is expressed by CD4+ CTL. In addition, CD40 ligation in vitro and in vivo induces CLL cells to express the proapoptotic protein, BH3 interacting domain death agonist (Bid), which can facilitate crosstalk between mitochondrial-dependent, apoptosis-inducing pathways and death receptors, such as death receptor 5 (DR5). To evaluate whether ligation of CD95 and/or DR5 can induce apoptosis of CD40-activated CLL cells, we generated artificial cytotoxic effector cells that express both human TRAIL and CD178 (Chinese hamster ovary [CHO]–CD178/TRAIL) or only TRAIL (CHO-TRAIL) or CD178 (CHO-CD178). CHO-CD178/TRAIL cells were significantly more effective in killing CD40-activated CLL cells than either CHO-TRAIL or CHO-CD178 and, unlike the latter, could kill CLL cells 24 hours after CD40 ligation. We conclude that CD40 ligation induces CLL cells to express the proapoptotic molecule Bid and the death receptors CD95 and DR5, the latter of which can act synergistically to induce caspase-dependent apoptosis of CD40-activated CLL B cells.
Perturbed myelo/erythropoiesis in Lyn-deficient mice is similar to that in mice lacking the inhibitory phosphatases SHP-1 and SHIP-1
Authors: Harder Kenneth W. , Quilici Cathy , Naik Edwina , Inglese Melissa , Kountouri Nicole , Turner Amanda , Zlatic Kristina , Tarlinton David M. , Hibbs Margaret L. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThe Lyn tyrosine kinase plays essential inhibitory signaling roles within hematopoietic cells by recruiting inhibitory phosphatases such as SH2-domain containing phosphatase-1 (SHP-1), SHP-2, and SH2-domain containing 5′-inositol phosphatase (SHIP-1) to the plasma membrane in response to specific stimuli. Lyn-deficient mice display a collection of hematopoietic defects, including autoimmune disease as a result of autoantibody production, and perturbations in myelopoiesis that ultimately lead to splenomegaly and myeloid neoplasia. In this study, we demonstrate that loss of Lyn results in a stem/progenitor cell-intrinsic defect leading to an age-dependent increase in myeloid, erythroid, and primitive hematopoietic progenitor numbers that is independent of autoimmune disease. Despite possessing increased numbers of erythroid progenitors, and a more robust expansion of these cells following phenylhydrazine challenge, Lyn-deficient mice are more severely affected by the chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil, revealing a greater proportion of cycling progenitors. We also show that mice lacking SHIP-1 have defects in the erythroid and myeloid compartments similar to those in mice lacking Lyn or SHP-1, suggesting an intimate relationship between Lyn, SHP-1, and SHIP-1 in regulating hematopoiesis. (Blood. 2004;104:3901-3910)
Distribution of dehydration rates generated by maximal Gardos-channel activation in normal and sickle red blood cells
Authors: Lew Virgilio L. , Tiffert Teresa , Etzion Zipora , Perdomo Deisy , Daw Nuala , Macdonald Lynn , Bookchin Robert M. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThe Ca2+-activated K+ channels of human red blood cells (RBCs) (Gardos channels, hIK1, hSK4) can mediate rapid cell dehydration, of particular relevance to the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease. Previous investigations gave widely discrepant estimates of the number of Gardos channels per RBC, from as few as 1 to 3 to as many as 300, with large cell-to-cell differences, suggesting that RBCs could differ extensively in their susceptibility to dehydration by elevated Ca2+. Here we investigated the distribution of dehydration rates induced by maximal and uniform Ca2+ loads in normal (AA) and sickle (SS) RBCs by measuring the time-dependent changes in osmotic fragility and RBC volume distributions. We found a remarkable conservation of osmotic lysis and volume distribution profiles during Ca2+-induced dehydration, indicating overall uniformity of dehydration rates among AA and SS RBCs. In light of these results, alternative interpretations were suggested for the previously proposed low estimates and heterogeneity of channel numbers per cell. The results support the view that stochastic Ca2+ permeabilization rather than Gardos-channel variation is the main determinant selecting which SS cells dehydrate through Gardos channels in each sickling episode. (Blood. 2005;105:361-367)
p53 gene deletion detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization is an adverse prognostic factor for patients with multiple myeloma following autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Chang Hong , Qi Connie , Yi Qi-Long , Reece Donna , Stewart A. Keith 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
We investigated the relevance of p53 deletions to the clinical outcome of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) treated with high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. Hemizygous p53 gene deletions were detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization in 10 of 105 (9.5%) patients studied. p53 deletions were associated with higher serum calcium (P = .0062) and creatinine (P = .013) levels, but there were no association with patient age, gender, β2-microglobulin, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, albumin or bone lytic lesions, or immunoglobulin isotype. There were no associations of p53 deletions with 13q deletions or translocations t(11;14) or t(4;14). Patients with p53 deletions had significantly shorter progression-free (median, 7.9 versus 25.7 months, P = .0324) and overall survival (median, 14.7 versus 48.1 months, P = .0008) than patients without a p53 deletion. A multivariate analysis confirmed p53 deletion was an independent prognostic factor predicting shortened progression-free (P = .0009) or overall survival (P = .0002) in patients with MM after high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. (Blood. 2005;105:358-360)
Phospholipase D1 regulates high-affinity IgE receptor-induced mast cell degranulation
Authors: Hitomi Tomohiro , Zhang Juan , Nicoletti Liliana M. , Grodzki Ana Cristina G. , Jamur Maria C. , Oliver Constance , Siraganian Reuben P. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractTo investigate the role of phospholipase D (PLD) in FcϵRI signaling, the wild-type or the catalytically inactive forms of PLD1 or PLD2 were stably overexpressed in RBL-2H3 mast cells. FcϵRI stimulation resulted in the activation of both PLD1 and PLD2. However, PLD1 was the source of most of the receptor-induced PLD activity. There was enhanced FcϵRI-induced degranulation only in cells that overexpressed the catalytically inactive PLD1. This dominant-negative PLD1 enhanced FcϵRI-induced tyrosine phosphorylations of early signaling molecules such as the receptor subunits, Syk and phospholipase C-γ which resulted in faster release of Ca2+ from intracellular sources. Therefore, PLD1 negatively regulates signals upstream of the Ca2+ response. However, FcϵRI-induced PLD activation required Syk and was downstream of the Ca2+response, suggesting that basal PLD1 activity rather than that activated by cell stimulation controlled these early signaling events. Dominant-negative PLD1 reduced the basal phosphatidic acid formation in unstimulated cells, which was accompanied by an increase in FcϵRI within the lipid rafts. These results indicate that constitutive basal PLD1 activity by regulating phosphatidic acid formation controls the early signals initiated by FcϵRI aggregation that lead to mast cell degranulation. (Blood. 2004;104:4122-4128)
Disruption of Plasmodium berghei merozoite surface protein 7 gene modulates parasite growth in vivo
Authors: Tewari Rita , Ogun Solabomi A. , Gunaratne Ruwani S. , Crisanti Andrea , Holder Anthony A. 
Published: September 2004

Abstract
Merozoite invasion of red blood cells is crucial to the development of the parasite that causes malaria. Merozoite surface proteins (MSPs) mediate the first interaction between parasite and erythrocyte. In Plasmodium falciparum, they include a complex of products from at least 3 genes (msp1, msp6, and msp7), one of which, msp7, is part of a gene family containing 3 and 6 adjacent members in Plasmodium yoelii and Plasmodium falciparum, respectively. We have identified and disrupted msp7 in the Plasmodium berghei gene family. The protein is expressed in schizonts and colocalizes with MSP1. The synthesis and processing of MSP1 was unaffected in the parasite with the disrupted gene (MSP7ko). Disruption of msp7 was not lethal but affected blood-stage parasite growth. MSP7ko parasites initially grew more slowly than wild-type parasites. However, when reticulocytes were prevalent, the rate of increase in parasitemia was similar, suggesting that MSP7ko parasites prefer to invade and grow within reticulocytes. (Blood. 2005;105:394-396)
Recombinant human activated protein C reduces human endotoxin-induced pulmonary inflammation via inhibition of neutrophil chemotaxis
Authors: Nick Jerry A. , Coldren Christopher D. , Geraci Mark W. , Poch Katie R. , Fouty Brian W. , O'Brien James , Gruber Michael , Zarini Simona , Murphy Robert C. , Kuhn Katherine , Richter Don , Kast Kelly R. , Abraham Edward 
Published: September 2004

AbstractRecombinant human activated protein C (rhAPC) is a natural anticoagulant with potentially important anti-inflammatory properties. In humans with severe sepsis, rhAPC treatment reduces mortality, but mechanisms responsible have not been well characterized. Accumulation of activated neutrophils in the lungs and other organs during severe infection contributes to sepsis-induced organ dysfunction, including acute inflammatory lung injury. Because neutrophils express an APC receptor, we hypothesized that immunomodulatory effects of rhAPC occur, in part, via modulation of neutrophil responses. To examine this issue, we performed a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study of rhAPC in a human model of endotoxin-induced pulmonary inflammation. Administration of rhAPC significantly reduced leukocyte accumulation to the airspaces, independent of pulmonary cytokine or chemokine release. Neutrophils recovered from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of volunteers receiving rhAPC demonstrated decreased chemotaxis ex vivo. Decreased neutrophil chemotaxis following exposure to rhAPC was confirmed in vitro. No differences were detected in gene expression, kinase activation, cytokine release, cell survival, or apoptosis of neutrophils recovered in the presence or absence of rhAPC. These studies demonstrate that rhAPC reduces both endotoxin-induced accumulation of leukocytes in the airspaces and neutrophil chemotaxis. These rhAPC-induced effects on neutrophil function may represent a mechanism by which rhAPC improves survival in patients with sepsis. (Blood. 2004;104:3878-3885)
Interventional bronchoscopy for tuberculous tracheobronchial stenosis
Authors: Low S-Y. , Hsu A. , Eng P. 
Published: September 2004

This study investigated the use of interventional bronchoscopic techniques in the management of patients with symptomatic tracheobronchial stenosis from tuberculosis.The current authors evaluated their experience with interventional bronchoscopic techniques in 21 consecutive patients at the Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, from November 1994 to March 2001. All patients underwent rigid bronchocopy using the Dumon rigid ventilating bronchosope under general anaesthesia. A combination of techniques was used (mechanical or balloon dilatation, Nd-YAG laser and stenting using the Dumon stent).The mean±sdincrease in luminal diameter of the tracheal lesions was from 4.5±2.5 mm pre-procedure to 11.9±1.7 mm post-procedure, whereas that for the mainstem bronchi stenosis was from 2.6±1.0 mm to 8.3±2.4 mm. All patients had immediate relief of symptoms post-intervention. Two patients who presented with acute respiratory failure could be weaned off mechanical ventilation immediately post-procedure. At the end of the study period, 52% (11 out of 21) remained asymptomatic.Bronchoscopic intervention provided immediate symptomatic relief in all of the studied patients. However, repeated sessions may be required to maintain this improvement. It is concluded that interventional bronchoscopic techniques are useful in the management of patients with tracheobronchial stenosis from tuberculosis.
Penetration of newer quinolones in the empyema fluid
Authors: Liapakis I.E. , Kottakis I. , Tzatzarakis M.N. , Tsatsakis A.M. , Pitiakoudis M.S. , Ypsilantis P. , Light R.W. , Simopoulos C.E. , Bouros D.E. 
Published: September 2004

The degree of penetration of newer quinolones into the pleural fluid has not been studied. The objective of the present study was to determine the degree to which moxifloxacin and levofloxacin penetrate into empyemic pleural fluid using a new rabbit model of empyema.An empyema was createdviathe intrapleural injection of turpentine (1 mL), followed 24 h later by instillation of 2 mL (1×1010)Escherichia colibacteria (ATCC 35218) into the pleural space of New Zealand white rabbits. After an empyema was verified by thoracentesis and pleural fluid analysis, moxifloxacin and levofloxacin (25 mg·kg−1for both,i.v.) were administered. Antibiotic levels were determined in samples of pleural fluid and in blood collected serially over 12 h. Antibiotic levels were measured using HPLC.Each of the antibiotics penetrated well into the empyemic pleural fluid. Antibiotic penetration was the greatest for moxifloxacin (area under the curve (AUC) for pleural fluid/blood (AUCPF/AUCblood) ratio=1.37) followed by levofloxacin (ratio=1.13). The time to equilibration between the pleural fluid and blood antibiotic levels was more rapid for moxifloxacin (3.9 h) than for levofloxacin (4.4 h). With moxifloxacin, the peak pleural fluid concentration (Cmax,PF) was 2.77 µg·mL−1and occurred at a time to maximum pleural fluid concentration (Tmax,PF) of 6 h after infusion and decreased thereafter. The peak blood concentration (Cmax,blood) was 4.81 µg·mL−1at 1 h after administration. With levofloxacin, the peak pleural fluid level (Cmax,PF=1.39 µg·mL−1) occurred at 6 h (Tmax,PF=6 h) after infusion. The Cmax,bloodwas 1.88 µg·mL−1at 1 h after administration.In conclusion, differences were found in the degree of penetration of the two quinolones into infected pleural fluid in rabbits. The clinical significance of these differences is unknown. More studies are needed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic parameters in the pleural space in humans.