bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mutation of a LysR-Type Regulator of Antifungal Activity Results in a Growth Advantage in Stationary Phase Phenotype in
Pseudomonas aureofaciens
PA147-2
Authors: Silby Mark W. , Giddens Stephen R. , Mahanty H. Khris 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT

The growth advantage in stationary phase (GASP) phenotype was shown to be present in two mutants lacking the antifungal phenotype (Af
−
mutants) of
Pseudomonas aureofaciens
PA147-2. Complementation demonstrated a correlation between GASP and the antifungal defect in one strain but not in the second. Sequence analysis revealed the Af
−
GASP strain had a mutation in a gene (
finR
) encoding a LysR-type regulator. Antifungal-minus mutants arose in starved cultures, and those aged cultures had increased fitness. Taken together, the results show that there are at least two paths to the GASP phenotype in
P. aureofaciens
, one of which results in a concomitant loss of the antifungal phenotype.
Molecular Characterization of Resistance-Nodulation-Division Transporters from Solvent- and Drug-Resistant Bacteria in Petroleum-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Meguro Norika , Kodama Yumiko , Gallegos Maria-Trinidad , Watanabe Kazuya 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT
PCR assays for analyzing resistance-nodulation-division transporters from solvent- and drug-resistant bacteria in soil were developed. Sequence analysis of amplicons showed that the PCR successfully retrieved transporter gene fragments from soil. Most of the genes retrieved from petroleum-contaminated soils formed a cluster (cluster PCS) that was distantly related to known transporter genes. Competitive PCR showed that the abundance of PCS genes is increased in petroleum-contaminated soil.
High-Level Overproduction of His-Tagged
Tth
DNA Polymerase in
Thermus thermophilus
Authors: Moreno Renata , Haro Amparo , Castellanos Angel , Berenguer José 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT

A new plasmid for the overexpression of His-tagged thermozymes in
Thermus thermophilus
was developed. With this plasmid, soluble and active histidine-tagged DNA polymerase from
T. thermophilus
was overproduced in larger amounts in the thermophile than in
Escherichia coli.
The protein purified from the thermophile was active in PCR.
Heart and mind: (2) psychotropic and cardiovascular therapeutics
Authors: Shah S U , Iqbal Z , White A , White S 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
There is a plausible biological basis for the association between psychiatric morbidity and cardiovascular disease. Anxiety, panic disorder, and depression are common in patients with coronary heart disease and hypertension. Despite this evidence there is poor recognition of anxiety disorders and depression in primary care and hospital medical practice. Concern also surrounds the use of psychotropic drugs in patients with cardiovascular disease. In the first of the two articles on this subject, we highlighted the current evidence regarding the association between cardiovascular and psychotropic conditions. In this second article, we discuss the interaction of the drugs used in the management of these two varied but commonly coexistent group of diseases as well as their relative effects on either system. Finally, we summarise the data regarding the safe use of these medications based on the recommendations from the currently available evidence.
Reactivation of old scars: inevitably sarcoid
Authors: Sorabjee J S , Garje R 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
Reactivation of pre-existing scars, as a manifestation of cutaneous sarcoidosis, is uncommon and the clinical significance of this odd symptom often remains unrecognised. In the appropriate setting a skin biopsy may serve to establish the diagnosis of sarcoidosis and avoid more invasive attempts at obtaining tissue. The case of a 72 year old man with remote reactivation of multiple cutaneous scars associated with a febrile illness, malaise, and hilar adenopathy is reported. A scar biopsy revealed multiple non-caseating granulomas and established the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. A short course of steroids was successful in causing regression of symptoms and cutaneous inflammation. Regression of inflammation in the scar provides a simple way to monitor response to treatment in this multisystem disease.
Postprandial dysmetabolism and cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Tushuizen M E , Diamant M , Heine R J 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
The worldwide prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus has reached epidemic proportions. The so-called traditional risk factors cannot fully explain the excessive cardiovascular disease risk of type 2 diabetic patients. Numerous studies indicate that postprandial metabolic derangements, most notably hyperglycaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia, which are exaggerated and prolonged in type 2 diabetes, are important cardiovascular disease risk factors since they induce oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunctions. This review discusses the current evidence showing that postprandial dysmetabolism may indeed constitute an important cardiovascular disease risk factor as well as the mechanisms underlying this association. Finally, some possible therapeutic options and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Arrhythmias in an athlete: the effect of de-training
Authors: Obel O A , Davidson C 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
A 53 year old athlete with a history of severe palpitations and lightheadedness presented for a second opinion. He was found to exhibit very frequent atrial ectopy, frequent runs of symptomatic atrial tachyarrhythmia, and sinus bradycardia at rest. During exercise testing, his tachyarrhythmias increased in relation to the duration and intensity of exercise. A therapeutic trial of de-training was suggested. As a result, his symptoms completely resolved with a marked reduction in the frequency of atrial arrhythmia. Repeat exercise testing revealed an excellent exercise tolerance with no atrial ectopy. De-training should be considered when athletes present with arrhythmias.
Antiprothrombin antibodies detected in two different assay systems
Authors: Atsumi Tatsuya , Koike Takao , Hughes Graham R. V. , Khamashta Munther A. , Bertolaccini Maria Laura 
Published: January 2005

SummaryWe evaluated the clinical significance of aPT and aPS-PT by testing for the presence of these antibodies in 212 SLE patients and in 100 healthy individuals. Results show that anti-prothrombin antibodies were found in 47% of the patients (aPT in 31% and aPS-PT in 31%). Their presence did not correlate with that of aCL, anti-β 2GPI, LA and/or anti-protein S. IgG but not IgM aPT were more frequently found in patients with thrombosis than in those without. IgG and IgM aPS-PT were also more frequent in patients with thrombosis (venous and/or arterial) than in those without. Levels of IgG aPT and IgG and IgM aPS-PT were higher in patients with thrombosis than in those without. Although aPT and aPS-PT were more frequently found in women with adverse obstetric history than in those without, the differences were not statistically significant. More significantly, 48% of the patients with aPL-related clinical features who were negative for standard tests had antiprothrombin antibodies. We can conclude that aPT and aPS-PT are frequently found in SLE. Their presence is associated with thrombosis, making these antibodies potential markers for the APS. Testing for these antibodies could be of clinical benefit in patients who are negative for the routinely used tests.
Myocardial extra-cellular matrix and its regulation by metalloproteinases and their inhibitors
Authors: Kassiri Zamaneh , Khokha Rama 
Published: January 2005

SummaryCardiovascular disease poses a major health care burden in the Western world. Following myocardial injuries, ventricular remodelling and dysfunction ensue, which can eventually culminate in heart failure. An important event in left ventricular (LV) remodelling is alteration of the extracellular matrix (ECM) integrity, the structural network that interconnects the myocardial components. The critical role of ECM remodelling in cardiac dilation and heart failure was recognized more than a decade ago, and the molecular factors responsible for this process are now being explored. Abnormal ECM turnover is primarily brought about by an imbalance in the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade ECM components, and their endogenous inhibitors, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Here we provide an overview of composition of the cardiac ECM, and alterations in ECM regulatory proteins, MMPs and TIMPs, in human heart disease. We also discuss the role of TIMPs, MMPs, and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAMs) enzymes in cardiac development and function as learned through genetically altered mouse models.
The organomercurial 4-aminophenylmercuric acetate, independent of matrix metalloproteinases, induces dose-dependent activation/ inhibition of platelet aggregation
Authors: Rosenfeldt Mathias T. , Valentino Michael , Labruzzo Salvatore , Scudder Lesley , Pavlaki Maria , Cao Jian , Vacirca Jeffrey , Bahou Wadie F. , Zucker Stanley 
Published: January 2005

SummaryMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in many biological and pathological processes including tissue remodeling, wound healing, inflammation, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Numerous publications have supported the concept that activated MMP-2 enhances agonist-induced platelet aggregation and activated MMP-9 inhibits platelet aggregation. In this study, we demonstrated that the organomercurial compound, 4-aminophenyl mercuric acetate (APMA), which is routinely employed to activate latent MMPs at a concentration of 1000 μ M, induces platelet aggregation at low concentration (5 μ M) and inhibits agonist-induced platelet aggregation at concentrations ≥ 50 μ M. Activated MMP-2, MMP-1, and MMP-9, following removal of APMA by ultrafiltration through an anisotropic membrane, exert no independent effect on platelet aggregation. Acetylsalicylic acid and BAPTA inhibited APMA-induced platelet aggregation indicating that the APMA mediated pathway of platelet activation is dependent upon thromboxane and calcium signaling. Zinc chelation with 1,10-phenanthroline, which inhibits zincdependent proteins including metalloproteinases, also abrogated platelet functional responses to APMA. Additional studies will be required to clarify the mechanism of the biphasic effect of APMA on platelet aggregation.
Soluble CD40L in peripheral artery disease
Authors: Tan Kiat , Tayebjee Muzahir , Davagnanam Indran , Moss Mark , Lip Gregory , Blann Andrew 
Published: January 2005

SummaryAlthough soluble CD40L (sCD40L, possibly derived from platelets and pro-inflammatory in vitro) may be implicated in thrombosis and haemostasis, there are little data in peripheral artery disease (PAD). We hypothesised the following: (a) that sCD40L relates to the clinical severity of PAD; and (b) that peripheral artery angioplasty acutely raises sCD40L levels. sCD40L was compared to established platelet markers soluble P selectin, platelet microparticles and platelet surface expression of CD62 and CD63. We recruited 36 healthy controls, 33 patients with intermittent claudication (IC), and 33 with symptomatically more severe critical limb is chaemia (CLI), measuring plasma markers by ELISA and membrane markers by flow cytometry. Eleven patients with CLI subsequently underwent peripheral artery angioplasty: blood was taken before and 10 minutes after the intervention. Results show that sCD40L was raised in IC at median 68 (IQR 28–333) pg/ml and in CLI at 64 (34–282) pg/mL compared to 35 (IQR 28–55) pg/ml in the healthy controls (p=0.009). Levels were no different between IC and CLI. The same distribution pattern was present for soluble P selectin, %platelets CD62+ve and CD63+ve. sCD40L failed to correlate significantly with ABPI (p=0.264), unlike %platelets CD62+ve (p=0.0032) and CD63+ve (p=0.009). Pre-angioplasty sCD40L level of 72 (35–610) ng/ml rose to 100 ng/ml (IQR=60–237)(p=0.018) post–angioplasty. Plasma sCD40L, in addition to other platelet indices, is raised in peripheral atherosclerosis and is increased by peripheral artery angioplasty, although levels seem unrelated to clinical severity. Failure to correlate with other markers suggest the platelet may not be the sole source of sCD40L, and that other cells may contribute to plasma levels.
Genetic variation within endemic Podarcis lizards from the Balearic Islands inferred from partial Cytochrome b sequences
Authors: Picornell  , Terrasa  , Ramon  , Castro  
Published: January 2005

AbstractSequences of the cytochrome b gene were analysed for 47 samples of two species of Podarcis from the Balearic Islands (P. pityusensis from Pityuses and P. lilfordi, from Gymnesies archipelago). The average uncorrected distance between the two species studied was 9.7%. The sampled individuals from each species form reciprocally monophyletic units. Assuming an overall rate of change for cytochrome b of 2% per million years the nucleotide divergence of 9.7% ± 1.9% between P. lilfordi and P. pityusensis, could correspond to a divergence time of 4.95 ± 0.95 million years. The separation time between Gymnesies and Pityuses archipelagos according to geological hypotheses is around 5 million years, thus our results suggest the ancestors of the two present forms became isolated during this event. The most parsimonious networks suggest that currently accepted subspecies do not form monophyletic groups, and so should be reassessed. Despite our limited sampling the level of variability is much higher in P. lilfordi than P. pityusensis. Since they are sister taxa the relative age of each species is equal, therefore the differences might be due to historical population structure differences. However it seems that the forms on the islands are not genetically distinct units, implying that morphological differences are recent adaptations to their environments.
Sustained correction of disease in naive and AAV2-pretreated hemophilia B dogs: AAV2/8-mediated, liver-directed gene therapy
Authors: Wang Lili , Calcedo Roberto , Nichols Timothy C. , Bellinger Dwight A. , Dillow Aaron , Verma Inder M. , Wilson James M. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAdeno-associated virus 8 (AAV8), a new member of the AAV family isolated from nonhuman primates, is an attractive candidate for hepatic gene transfer applications because of 10- to 100-fold improved transduction efficiency in mouse liver models. Additionally, AAV8 has lesser frequency of pre-existing immunity in humans. These properties could solve some of the problems associated with AAV2 vectors. The benefits of AAV8 demonstrated in mouse models, however, have not been confirmed in larger animals. In this study, we evaluate the efficacy and safety of AAV2/8 vector in both naive and AAV2-pretreated hemophilia B dogs. Two naive hemophilia B dogs that received a single intraportal administration of AAV2/8 vector have achieved sustained expression of 10% and 26% of normal levels of canine factor IX (cFIX) for more than a year. In an AAV2-pretreated hemophilia B dog, cFIX expression increased from less than 1% to 16% of normal levels when treated with an AAV2/8 vector, and a high level of expression has lasted for more than 2 years. No significant liver toxicity or cFIX-specific antibodies have been detected in these animals. Studies here have demonstrated the safety and improved efficacy of AAV2/8 vector in large-animal models for liver-directed gene therapy.
Colorectal Cancer Prevention
Authors: Hawk Ernest T. , Levin Bernard 
Published: January 2005

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of mortality in the United States. In the United States, the cumulative lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer for both men and women is 6%. Despite advances in the management of this disease, the 5-year survival rate in the United States in only 62%. Because only 38% of patients are diagnosed when the cancers are localized to the bowel wall, it is likely that widespread implementation of screening could significantly improve the outcome. Colorectal cancer screening is cost effective, irrespective of the methods used. In addition to currently available methods (fecal occult blood, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and double contrast barium enema), computed tomographic colonography (virtual colonoscopy) and stool-based molecular screening are under development.Four classes of chemopreventive compounds have demonstrated efficacy in reducing recurrent colorectal adenomas and/or cancer in randomized, controlled trials. They are selenium, calcium carbonate, hormone replacement therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The mechanisms of action of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include inhibition of the cyclooxygenase system as well as cyclooxygenase-independent effects. Considerable effort is being expended to define chemopreventive activity, optimal dose, administration schedule, and toxicity for the coxibs in adenoma recurrence prevention trials. The threshold for tolerating toxicities is very low in asymptomatic individuals at minimally increased risk for colorectal neoplasia.
Current practice in the management of frontal sinus fractures
Authors: Swinson B.D. , Jerjes W. , Thompson G. 
Published: January 2005

Fractures of the frontal sinus are seen predominantly, although not exclusively, in young men and are usually the result of road traffic accidents or falls.These types of injury may present to either ENT, Maxillofacial, Plastic or Neurosurgery teams, and understanding of a clear management protocol is desirable for each of the specialties. The optimal management of these injuries is becoming more uniformly adopted although some areas of contention still persist. The aim of treatment has always been directed at creating a ’safe sinus’ that is not complicated by the late sequelae of infection or mucocele formation. The difficulty lies in being able to predict which patients are likely to develop these complications.The aim of this paper is to evaluate the literature and offer a rationale for the management of these injuries.
Pearls and pitfalls in the management of branchial cyst
Authors: Kadhim A.L. , Sheahan P. , Colreavy M.P. , Timon C.V. 
Published: January 2005

Introduction: Although branchial cysts may present as asymptomatic swellings, about one-third present acutely due to inflammation. The use of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and computerized tomography (CT) is controversial. The treatment of inflamed cysts is also controversial.Aims: To compare the findings of FNAB and CT between cases of branchial cysts presenting as an asymptomatic swelling, and those presenting acutely due to inflammation, and to examine the management of infected cysts.Materials and methods: Retrospective review of the medical records of 39 adult patients with histologically proven branchial cysts treated by the senior author (C.V.T.) between 1994 and 2003.Results: Twenty-eight patients presented with an asymptomatic swelling. Eleven presented acutely with inflammation. A higher incidence of indeterminate fine needle aspirates and atypical CT features were found in the inflamed group. Initial treatment in the infected group consisted of intravenous antibiotics, followed by aspiration or surgical exploration in non-resolving cases. Interval excision after six weeks was performed in all inflamed cases without complication.Conclusions: FNAB is recommended in all cystic neck lumps to rule out malignancy, but may be inconclusive, especially in inflamed cysts. Inflamed cysts are best treated with intravenous antibiotics, with or without aspiration or incision and drainage, followed by interval excision.
Hypotension as an isolated factor may not be sufficient to provoke hearing impairment
Authors: Pirodda Antonio , Ferri Gian Gaetano , Montana Teresa , Riggio Raffaella , Innocenti Grazia , Di Nino Gianfranco 
Published: January 2005

Objective: We investigated the possible role of hypotension and related autonomic phenomena in the pathogenic mechanism of sudden sensorineural hearing loss.Methods: Forty-nine patients belonging to the ASA I-II classes of anaesthesiological risk and submitted to a non-otological surgical procedure were examined. Each operation was performed under general anaesthesia by controlled hypotension technique. Hearing function of the patients was evaluated before and after surgery by means of a pure tone audiometry recorded by the same clinician with the same instrument.Results: No cases of bilateral hearing worsening were recorded after surgery.Conclusions: An induced and controlled steady hypotension under general anaesthesia did not affect the hearing function of any of the patients. It may be supposed, therefore, that an adverse effect on the cochlear oxygenation is more likely to be caused by the sympathetic changes induced by a consistent decrease of blood pressure rather than to hypotension itself.
Quantification of Antimalarial Bisthiazolium Compounds and Their Neutral Bioprecursors in Plasma by Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Nicolas Olivier , Farenc Christine , Calas Michèle , Vial Henri J , Bressolle Françoise 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
Background: A new class of antimalarial drugs targeting membrane biogenesis during intraerythrocytic Plasmodium falciparum development has been identified. The bisthiazolium salts T3 and T4 have superior in vitro and in vivo parasite-killing properties and need to be monitored.
Methods: We used a liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry method (positive mode) to quantify two bisthiazolium compounds (T3 and T4) and a related prodrug (TE4c) in human and rat plasma. Verapamil was used as internal standard. Verapamil and the TE4c compound were characterized by protonated molecules at m/z 455.7 and m/z 725.7, respectively. T3 and T4 were detected through two ions [M2+/2] at m/z 227.7 and m/z 241.8 and by their adducts with trifluoroacetic acid [M+TFA]+ at m/z 568 and m/z 596, respectively. The sample clean-up procedure involved solid-phase extraction. HPLC separation was performed on a reversed-phase column, using a water–acetonitrile gradient, with both solvents containing TFA. Stability under various conditions was also investigated.
Results: The peak-area ratios (drugs/internal standard) were linked to concentrations (6.4–1282 μg/L for T3; 6.5–1309.8 μg/L for T4; 20–2000 μg/L for TE4c) according to a quadratic equation. The accuracy ranged from 85% to 113.1%, and the imprecision from 2.2% to 15%. The mean extraction recoveries were 87%, 98%, and 80% for T3, T4, and TE4c, respectively. The lower limit of quantification was 6.4 μg/L for the two bisthiazolium compounds, whereas it was 20 μg/L for TE4c, the related lipophilic prodrug.
Conclusion: This highly specific and sensitive method is suitable for analyzing samples collected during preclinical pharmacokinetic studies in rats and to determine the percentage binding of T3 and T4 to human plasma proteins.