bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non-
Frankia
Actinomycetes Isolated from Surface-Sterilized Roots of
Casuarina equisetifolia
Fix Nitrogen
Authors: Valdés María , Pérez Néstor-Octavio , Estrada-de los Santos Paulina , Caballero-Mellado Jesús , Peña-Cabriales Juan José , Normand Philippe , Hirsch Ann M. 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT

Based on partial 16S sequences, we previously described a novel group of nonsymbiotic, acetylene reduction activity-positive actinomycetes which were isolated from surface-sterilized roots of
Casuarina equisetifolia
growing in Mexico. An amplified rRNA restriction analysis confirmed that these actinomycetes are distinct from
Frankia
, a finding substantiated by a 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis of two of the Mexican isolates. Further support for these actinomycetes being separate from
Frankia
comes from the very low DNA-DNA homology that was found. Nevertheless, the Mexican isolates may be diazotrophs based not only on their ability to grow in N-free medium and reduce acetylene to ethylene but also on the results from
15
N isotope dilution analysis and the finding that a
nifH
gene was PCR amplified. A comparison of the
nifH
sequences from the various isolates showed that they are closely related to
nifH
from
Frankia
; the similarity was 84 to 98% depending on the host specificity group. An analysis of complete 16S rRNA gene sequences demonstrated that the two strains analyzed in detail are most closely related to actinobacteria in the
Thermomonosporaceae
and the
Micromonosporaceae
.
Legionella
Species Diversity in an Acidic Biofilm Community in Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Sheehan Kathy B. , Henson Joan M. , Ferris Michael J. 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT

Legionella
species are frequently detected in aquatic environments, but their occurrence in extreme, acidic, geothermal habitats has not been explored with cultivation-independent methods. We investigated a predominately eukaryotic algal mat community in a pH 2.7 geothermal stream in Yellowstone National Park for the presence of
Legionella
and potential host amoebae. Our analyses, using PCR amplification with
Legionella
-specific primers targeting 16S rRNA genes, detected four known
Legionella
species, as well as
Legionella
sequences from species that are not represented in sequence databases, in mat samples and cultivated isolates. The nonrandom occurrence of sequences detected at lower (30°C) and higher (35 to 38°C) temperatures suggests that natural thermal gradients in the stream influence
Legionella
species distributions in this mat community. We detected only one sequence,
Legionella micdadei
, from cultivated isolates. We cultured and sequenced partial 18S rRNA gene regions from two potential hosts,
Acanthamoeba
and
Euglena
species.
Characterization of Ichthyocidal Activity of
Pfiesteria piscicida
: Dependence on the Dinospore Cell Density
Authors: Drgon Tomás , Saito Keiko , Gillevet Patrick M. , Sikaroodi Masoumeh , Whitaker Brent , Krupatkina Danara N. , Argemi Federico , Vasta Gerardo R. 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT

The ichthyocidal activity of
Pfiesteria piscicida
dinospores was examined in an aquarium bioassay format by exposing fish to either
Pfiesteria
-containing environmental sediments or clonal
P. piscicida
. The presence of
Pfiesteria
spp. and the complexity of the microbial assemblage in the bioassay were assessed by molecular approaches. Cell-free water from bioassays that yielded significant fish mortality failed to show ichthyocidal activity. Histopathological examination of moribund and dead fish failed to reveal the skin lesions reported elsewhere. Fish larvae within “cages” of variable mesh sizes were killed in those where the pore size exceeded that of
Pfiesteria
dinospores. In vitro exposure of fish larvae to clonal
P. piscicida
indicated that fish mortality was directly proportional to the dinospore cell density. Dinospores clustered around the mouth, eyes, and operculi, suggesting that fish health may be affected by their direct interaction with skin, gill epithelia, or mucous surfaces. Molecular fingerprinting revealed the presence of a very diverse microbial community of bacteria, protists, and fungi within bioassay aquaria containing environmental sediments. Some components of the microbial community were identified as potential fish pathogens, preventing the rigorous identification of
Pfiesteria
spp. as the only cause of fish death. In summary, our results strongly suggest (i) that this aquarium bioassay format, which has been extensively reported in the literature, is unsuitable to accurately assess the ichthyocidal activity of
Pfiesteria
spp. and (ii) that the ichthyocidal activity of
Pfiesteria
spp. is mostly due to direct interactions of the zoospores with fish skin and gill epithelia rather than to soluble factors.
Biocidal Activity of Formaldehyde and Nonformaldehyde Biocides toward
Mycobacterium immunogenum
and
Pseudomonas fluorescens
in Pure and Mixed Suspensions in Synthetic Metalworking Fluid and Saline
Authors: Selvaraju Suresh B. , Khan Izhar U. H. , Yadav Jagjit S. 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT

The microbicidal activity of four different biocides was studied in synthetic metalworking fluid (MWF) against
Mycobacterium immunogenum
, a suspected causative agent for hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and
Pseudomonas fluorescens
, a representative for the predominant gram-negative bacterial contaminants of MWF. The results indicated that
M. immunogenum
is more resistant than
P. fluorescens
to the tested formaldehyde-releasing biocides (Grotan and Bioban), isothiazolone (Kathon), and phenolic biocide (Preventol). Kathon was effective against mycobacteria at lower concentrations than the other three test biocides in MWF. In general, there was a marked increase in biocidal resistance of both the test organisms when present in MWF matrix compared to saline. Increased resistance of the two test organisms to biocides was observed when they were in a mixed suspension (1:1 ratio). The results indicate the protective effect of the MWF matrix against the action of commonly used biocides on the MWF-colonizing microbial species of occupational health significance, including mycobacteria.
Scarce Evidence of Yogurt Lactic Acid Bacteria in Human Feces after Daily Yogurt Consumption by Healthy Volunteers
Authors: del Campo Rosa , Bravo Daniel , Cantón Rafael , Ruiz-Garbajosa Patricia , García-Albiach Raimundo , Montesi-Libois Alejandra , Yuste Francisco-Javier , Abraira Victor , Baquero Fernando 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACTIn a double-blind prospective study including 114 healthy young volunteers, the presence in human feces of the yogurt organismsLactobacillus delbrueckiiandStreptococcus thermophilusafter repeated yogurt consumption (15 days) was analyzed by culture, specific PCR, and DNA hybridization of total fecal DNA. Detection of yogurt lactic acid bacteria in total fecal DNA by bacterial culture and PCR assay was consistently negative. DNA compatible with yogurt bacteria was found by hybridization experiments in only 10 (10.52%) of 96 individuals after consumption of fresh yogurt and in 2 (2.10%) of 96 individuals after consumption of pasteurized yogurt (P= 0.01).
Transcriptional Analysis of Genes Encoding Shiga Toxin 2 and Its Variants in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Zhang Wenlan , Bielaszewska Martina , Friedrich Alexander W. , Kuczius Thorsten , Karch Helge 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT

Six of 37 non-O157
Escherichia coli
strains possessing Shiga toxin (Stx) 2 gene variant
stx
2d
or
stx
2e
secreted no detectable Stx. These isolates produced significantly less
stx
mRNA than Stx2d, Stx2e, Stx2c, or Stx2 secretors did. Standard screening procedures miss a significant subset of
E. coli
harboring
stx
2
variants.
Maturation by LctT Is Required for Biosynthesis of Full-Length Lantibiotic Lacticin 481
Authors: Uguen Patricia , Hindré Thomas , Didelot Sandrine , Marty Christel , Haras Dominique , Le Pennec Jean-Paul , Vallée-Réhel Karine , Dufour Alain 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT
In lantibiotic lacticin 481 biosynthesis, LctT cleaves the precursor peptide and exports mature lantibiotic. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry revealed that a truncated form of lacticin 481 is produced in the absence of LctT or after cleavage site inactivation. Production of truncated lacticin 481 is 4-fold less efficient, and its specific activity is about 10-fold lower.
Molecular Diversity and Characterization of Tetracycline-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Isolates from a Poultry Processing Plant
Authors: Huys Geert , D'Haene Klaas , Van Eldere Johan , von Holy Alexander , Swings Jean 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT

DNA fingerprinting and molecular characterization showed that the tetracycline-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
population of a South African poultry processing plant comprised one or possibly several
tet
(K)-containing endemic clones that contaminated chicken and machinery surfaces at all sampled processing stages. The
tet
(K) gene was transferable by filter mating to
S. aureus
recipient 80CR5 and was located on a pT181-like plasmid.
Use of
glnQ
as a Counterselectable Marker for Creation of Allelic Exchange Mutations in Group B Streptococci
Authors: Tamura Glen S. , Bratt Debra S. , Yim Harry H. , Nittayajarn Aphakorn 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT

Efficient allelic exchange mutagenesis in group B streptococci (GBS) has been hampered by the lack of a counterselectable marker system. Growth inhibition of GBS by the glutamine analog gamma-glutamyl hydrazide requires
glnQ
. We have used this phenomenon to create a counterselectable marker system for efficient selection of allelic exchange mutants in GBS.
Discrimination Efficacy of Fecal Pollution Detection in Different Aquatic Habitats of a High-Altitude Tropical Country, Using Presumptive Coliforms,
Escherichia coli
, and
Clostridium perfringens
Spores
Authors: Byamukama Denis , Mach Robert L. , Kansiime Frank , Manafi Mohamad , Farnleitner Andreas H. 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT

The performance of rapid and practicable techniques that presumptively identify total coliforms (TC), fecal coliforms (FC),
Escherichia coli
, and
Clostridium perfringens
spores (CP) by testing them on a pollution gradient in differing aquatic habitats in a high-altitude tropical country was evaluated during a 12-month period. Site selection was based on high and low anthropogenic influence criteria of paired sites including six spring, six stream, and four lakeshore sites spread over central and eastern parts of Uganda. Unlike the chemophysical water quality, which was water source type dependent (i.e., spring, lake, or stream), fecal indicators were associated with the anthropogenic influence status of the respective sites. A total of 79% of the total variability, including all the determined four bacteriological and five chemophysical parameters, could be assigned to either a pollution, a habitat, or a metabolic activity component by principal-component analysis. Bacteriological indicators revealed significant correlations to the pollution component, reflecting that anthropogenic contamination gradients were followed. Discrimination sensitivity analysis revealed high ability of
E. coli
to differentiate between high and low levels of anthropogenic influence. CP also showed a reasonable level of discrimination, although FC and TC were found to have worse discrimination efficacy. Nonpoint influence by soil erosion could not be detected during the study period by correlation analysis, although a theoretical contamination potential existed, as investigated soils in the immediate surroundings often contained relevant concentrations of fecal indicators. The outcome of this study indicates that rapid techniques for presumptive
E. coli
and CP determination may be reliable for fecal pollution monitoring in high-altitude tropical developing countries such as those of Eastern Africa.
Membrane Adsorption with Direct Cell Culture Combined with Reverse Transcription-PCR as a Fast Method for Identifying Enteroviruses from Sewage
Authors: Papaventsis D. , Siafakas N. , Markoulatos P. , Papageorgiou G. T. , Kourtis C. , Chatzichristou E. , Economou C. , Levidiotou S. 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT
We present a new approach for the detection and identification of enteroviruses concentrated and isolated from sewage. Samples were collected from two study sites located at Nicosia and Limassol sewage treatment plants in Cyprus. Viruses were adsorbed to cellulose nitrate membrane filters, cultured directly from the membrane filters by using the VIRADEN method, and identified by reverse transcription-PCR, followed by 5′ untranslated region (5′-UTR) restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and partial sequencing of the VP1 protein coding region. Initial subgrouping based on the HpaII restriction profile showed that all of the isolates except one belonged to the same genetic subcluster. Partial VP1 sequencing revealed that most isolates belonged to serotypes coxsackie B4 (42.5%) and coxsackie Α9 (30%), whereas coxsackie B2 (17.5%) and coxsackie B1 (3%) isolates were less frequently observed. One poliovirus type 2 isolate (2.5%) of vaccine origin was also found. The HpaII digests predicted the genetic subcluster for all isolates. They also accurately differentiated the isolates as nonpolio or polio isolates. This approach seems to be very promising for environmental surveillance of enterovirus circulation and epidemiology, with all of the significant effects that this entails for public health. Partial VP1 sequencing is efficient for molecular serotyping of enteroviruses, while 5′-UTR RFLP analysis with HpaII can also be considered an asset for the initial subclassification of enterovirus isolates.
Temperature-Driven Campylobacter Seasonality in England and Wales
Authors: Louis Valérie R. , Gillespie Iain A. , O'Brien Sarah J. , Russek-Cohen Estelle , Pearson Andrew D. , Colwell Rita R. 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT
Campylobacter incidence in England and Wales between 1990 and 1999 was examined in conjunction with weather conditions. Over the 10-year interval, the average annual rate was determined to be 78.4 ± 15.0 cases per 100,000, with an upward trend. Rates were higher in males than in females, regardless of age, and highest in children less than 5 years old. Major regional differences were detected, with the highest rates in Wales and the southwest and the lowest in the southeast. The disease displayed a seasonal pattern, and increased campylobacter rates were found to be correlated with temperature. The most marked seasonal effect was observed for children under the age of 5. The seasonal pattern of campylobacter infections indicated a linkage with environmental factors rather than food sources. Therefore, public health interventions should not be restricted to food-borne approaches, and the epidemiology of the seasonal peak in human campylobacter infections may best be understood through studies in young children.
Clinical presentation and operative repair of hernia of Morgagni
Authors: Loong T P F , Kocher H M 
Published: January 2005

AbstractA 77 year old woman who presented with an incarcerated hernia of Morgagni was successfully treated without complications. A Medline search (1996 to date) along with cross referencing was done to quantify the number of acute presentations in adults compared to children. Different investigating modalities—for example, lateral chest and abdominal radiography, contrast studies or, in difficult cases, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging—can be used to diagnose hernia of Morgagni. The favoured method of repair—laparotomy or laparoscopy—is also discussed. A total of 47 case reports on children and 93 case reports on adults were found. Fourteen percent of children (seven out of 47) presented acutely compared with 12% of adults (12 out of 93). Repair at laparotomy was the method of choice but if uncertain, laparoscopy would be a useful diagnostic tool before attempted repair. Laparoscopic repair was favoured in adults especially in non-acute cases.
Gilles de la Tourette’s syndrome and its impact in the UK
Authors: Stern J S , Burza S , Robertson M M 
Published: January 2005

AbstractGilles de la Tourette’s syndrome of chronic multiple motor and vocal tics is now acknowledged to be far more common than once thought, affecting up to 1% of schoolchildren with a wide range of severity. At the milder end of the spectrum the associated psychopathologies can in themselves impair social and educational functioning, in particular obsessive compulsive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Many patients with this condition are not being adequately served by health and education services in the UK. The epidemiology, clinical features, aetiological factors, and management of the syndrome are reviewed.
Full-length sucrose-formulated recombinant factor VIII for treatment of previously untreated or minimally treated young children with severe haemophilia A
Authors: Gill Joan , Rothschild Chantal , Manco-Johnson Marilyn , Lusher Jeanne , Kellermann Elke , Gorina Eduard , Larson Peter , Kreuz Wolfhart ,   and the International Kogenate-FS Study Group
Published: January 2005

SummaryThe safety and efficacy of a full-length sucrose-formulated recombinant factor VIII product (rFVIII-FS; KogenateFS; Kogenate Bayer) was evaluated in previously untreated (PUPs) and minimally treated (MTP) patients with severe haemophilia A (FVIII < 2%). Patients (37 PUPs; 24 MTPs) aged 0.1–25.7 months were treated with rFVIII-FS for a cumulative of 9,141 exposure days (EDs), median 114 EDs (range 4–478), on prophylactic or on-demand therapy. Eighty-nine percent of all treated bleeding episodes were successfully treated with 1 (74%) or 2 (15%) infusions. Clinical response to first infusion for each bleeding episode was rated as ‘excellent’ in 58%, or ‘good’ in 33%, of all cases. Recombinant FVIII-FS was used in 27 surgical procedures, mainly catheter implantations, which were all conducted without bleeding complications. FVIII recovery mean values (~2%/kg/ IU) were as expected for any licensed FVIII concentrate. FVIII neutralizing antibody formation was 15% (9/60). Aside from inhibitor formation, three adverse events were rated as ‘at least possibly drug-related’ for a total drug-related adverse event rate of 0.14%. No viral seroconversions were observed. Overall, excellent safety and efficacy were demonstrated with rFVIII-FS for therapy of young children with severe haemophilia A.
CD63 modulates spreading and tyrosine phosphorylation of platelets on immobilized fibrinogen
Authors: McMillan-Ward Eileen M. , Israels Sara J. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryCD63 is a member of the tetraspanin superfamily of integral membrane proteins. Present on a variety of cells, tetraspanins can form lateral associations with integrins and may act as ‘organizers’ of multimolecular networks that modulate integrinmediated signaling, cell morphology, motility and migration. In resting platelets, CD63 is present on the membranes of dense granules and lysosomes but relocates to the plasma membrane following platelet activation and exocytosis where it associates with the platelet integrin α IIbβ 3-CD9 complex and with the actin cytoskeleton in an α IIbβ 3-dependent manner. D545, a monoclonal antibody directed at the second extracellular loop of CD63,was used to investigate the role of CD63 in platelet adhesion, spreading and tyrosine phosphorylation. Using immunofluorescence microscopy and confocal imaging, we have demonstrated that D545 does not alter adhesion of platelets to immobilized fibrinogen, but instead platelet spreading. In the presence of buffer or non-specific mouse IgG, activated platelets showed fully spread morphology, F-actin reorganization, redistribution of vinculin and extensive tyrosine phosphorylation, all of which were inhibited by D545. D545 also inhibited the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase in thrombin-activated adherent platelets. These results suggest that CD63 may modulate α IIbβ 3-dependent cytoskeletal reorganization. To identify signaling enzymes associated with CD63 that could affect this pathway, lipid kinase assays were performed on D545 immunoprecipitates. CD63 co-immunoprecipitated with a lipid kinase which, on the basis of enzymatic properties(stimulated by nonionic detergents, inhibited by adenosine), is consistent with PI 4-kinase type II. The CD63-PI 4-kinase complex was not activation- dependent as the constituents were co-purified from both resting and activated platelets. The linkage of CD63 with PI 4-kinase may result in the recruitment of this signaling enzyme to specific membrane locations in the platelet where it influences phosphoinositide-dependent signaling and platelet spreading.
Effects of human cytomegalovirus infection on the coagulation system
Authors: Gerdes Victor , Büller Harry , Squizzato Alessandro 
Published: January 2005

SummaryPathophysiological mechanisms of acute vascular thrombosis are not fully understood. It has been suggested that different infectious pathogens are responsible agents of thrombotic disorders. The infection hypothesis is supported by an increasing number of reports on the interaction between acute infection and coagulation. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is supposed to play an important role in apparently unprovoked thrombosis. We reviewed all human in vitro and in vivo studies on the influence of human CMV infection on the coagulation system, as well as all case reports of acute thrombosis during acute human CMV infection. In the published literature there is mounting evidence that human CMV may play a role in thrombotic disorders. Definitive conclusions, however, cannot be drawn, although the in vitro studies are convincing and offer insight in the pathogenesis.
The study of anaemia-related haemostasis impairment in haemodialysis patients by in vitro closure time test
Authors: Sabovic Miso , Salobir Barbara , Ponikvar Jadranka Buturovic , Cernelc Peter , Lavre Janez , Vujkovac Bojan , Zupan Irena Preloznik 
Published: January 2005

SummaryIt is known that anaemia in haemodialysis patients could contribute to haemostasis impairment. However, the precise relation between the degree of anaemia and the degree of haemostasis impairment is not known, nor the optimal level of hematocrit above which anaemia no longer disturbs haemostasis. Our study addresses these clinically relevant questions by employing in vitro closure time test, a new method in which the process of platelet adhesion and aggregation following vascular injury is simulated in vitro in samples of whole blood. We studied 63 haemodialysis patients, with 30 age-matched, healthy controls. Results show that patients with hematocrit below 0.32 (N=28) had significantly impaired primary haemostasis, in contrast to patients with hematocrit above 0.32 (N=35), as measured by both types of closure time test. A significant negative association was found between hematocrit values and closure time (CEPI cartridges: rho=–0.41, p <0.001; CADP cartridges: rho =–0.47, p <0.001). A multiple logistic regression model for predicting prolonged closure time confirmed this finding. Nonparametric curve fitting enabled estimation of the level of hematocrit at which the values of in vitro closure time in haemodialysis patients do not differ from those in the controls at approximately 0.35. ROC analysis confirmed this to be the optimal threshold for predicting prolonged closure time for both cartridges. By using in vitro closure time test, we confirmed that anaemia correlates with the severity of haemostasis impairment. We estimated the target level of hematocrit above which anaemia no longer affects haemostasis to be about 0.35.These new results (and new assay) appear to have clinical value for treating haemodialysis patients.