bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increase in low‐birth‐weight infants in Japan and associated risk factors, 1980–2000
Authors: Takimoto Hidemi , Yokoyama Tetsuji , Yoshiike Nobuo , Fukuoka Hideoki 
Published: July 2005

AbstractAim: To investigate possible factors related to the recent rise in prevalence of low‐birth‐weight (LBW) infants in Japan.Methods: A data set comprising 11 746 infants from the Children and Infant Growth Surveys (1980, 1990, and 2000) was analyzed.Results: The proportion of LBW infants was 4.2% in 1980, 6.1% in 1990, and 8.3% in 2000. The maternal smoking prevalence increased from 6.5% in 1990 to 10.9% in 2000. When multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to estimate the risk for LBW from 1990 to 2000, the following were selected as independent factors: preterm delivery, early term delivery, female sex of the infant, maternal primiparity, multiple gestation, maternal short stature, older maternal age (>24 years), and maternal smoking. The population attributable fraction (PAF) of preterm plus early term delivery and multiple gestations to LBW was 85.1% in 1990, and 89.3% in 2000. The PAF of maternal smoking was 6.4% in 1990, and 7.4% in 2000.Conclusions: The increase in preterm deliveries and multiple gestations were found to be the important factors  with  regard  to  the  increase  in  LBW  infants  in  Japan.  The  increased  prevalence  of  maternal  smoking was not substantially associated with the increase in LBW infants.
Real‐time 3‐D sonographic observation of fetal facial expression
Authors: Hata Toshiyuki , Kanenishi Kenji , Akiyama Masashi , Tanaka Hirokazu , Kimura Kuniko 
Published: July 2005

AbstractAim: There have been a few reports about 3‐D sonographic observation of fetal movements using dynamic 3‐D sonography. However, dynamic 3‐D sonography is not real‐time, the frame rate being in the region of 4–6 frames per second depending on the size of the region of interest and the number of lines employed. Recently, a new faster 3‐D sonography, which acquires up to 28 frames per second, has become available. Using this system, we studied a full range of fetal facial expressions during pregnancy.Methods: A total of 17 normal fetuses in 16 pregnancies (15 singletons and one twin) at 20–38 weeks’ gestation was studied using a transabdominal real‐time 3‐D ultrasound machine. This 3‐D ultrasound machine proved capable of providing continuous 3‐D sonographic images every 0.05 and 0.035 s. The fetal face was monitored for 15 min for each subject.Results: Fetal eyelid movement (fetal blinking) was observed in three of 17 fetuses (17.6%). Double blinking was identified in one fetus at 38 weeks. Various types of mouth movement (yawning, a little opening, chewing, and subtle lip movement) could be observed in nine of 17 fetuses (52.9%). In the course of yawn‐like opening of the mouth, tongue movements such as tongue thrust and tongue click were clearly shown in three fetuses (17.6%). A lingula movement was also identified in the course of tongue movement.Conclusion: Real‐time 3‐D sonography provides a novel means for evaluation of fetal movement, particularly fetal facial expression, in the second and third trimesters. Real‐time 3‐D sonography might be an important modality in future fetal behavior research and in evaluation of fetal well‐being.
Expression of the endothelial cell differentiation gene 7 (EDG‐7), a lysophosphatidic acid receptor, in ovarian tumor
Authors: Nakamoto Tsuyoshi , Yasuda Katsuhiko , Yasuhara Masahiro , Yoshimura Tomoo , Kinoshita Teruki , Nakajima Tatsuya , Okada Hidetaka , Ikuta Akiko , Kanzaki Hideharu 
Published: July 2005

AbstractAim: Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) has received attention as a mitogen because the physiologically active lipid stimulates ovarian cancer cell growth by interacting with specific receptors, the endothelial cell differentiation gene (EDG) family. In the present study, we have investigated the expression of EDG‐7 mRNA, part of the EDG family, in both human ovarian cancers and established human ovarian cancer cell lines.Methods: RNA was extracted from six ovarian cancer cell lines and multiple cancerous and normal ovarian tissues. The expression of EDG‐7 mRNA was measured using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and northern blotting, using reduced glyceraldehyde‐phosphate dehydrogenase and S26 as internal controls.Results: Of the cell lines tested, EDG‐7 mRNA was expressed most intensely in CRL‐11731 and CRL‐1572 and at a lesser but still substantial level in CRL‐11732. The expression of EDG‐7 mRNA was limited in MCAS, CRL‐11730 and TYKnu. In the ovarian cancer tissues, EDG‐7 mRNA was expressed most highly in endometrioid adenocarcinoma and serous cystadenocarcinoma. The expression of EDG‐7 mRNA was limited in clear cell adenocarcinoma and undetectable in mucinous cystadenocarcinoma.Conclusions: The intense EDG‐7 expression in ovarian cancers suggests that the relation between LPA and EDG‐7 (an LPA receptor) is involved in cancer cell growth and proliferation in some histologic subtypes of ovarian cancer.
Temporal stability of aquatic food webs: partitioning the effects of species diversity, species composition and enrichment
Authors: Steiner Christopher F. , Long Zachary T. , Krumins Jennifer A. , Morin Peter J. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractTheory predicts that species diversity can enhance stability of community‐level biomass while simultaneously decreasing population‐level stability. Enrichment can theoretically destabilize communities but effects may become weaker with increasing diversity because of the inclusion of consumer‐resistant prey. Few experiments using direct manipulations of species diversity have tested these predictions. We used laboratory‐based aquatic food webs to examine the effects of species composition, diversity and enrichment on temporal variability of population‐ and community‐level biomass. We found weak effects of enrichment on population‐ and community‐level stability. However, diversity enhanced community‐level stability while species composition had no influence. In contrast, composition effects outweighed diversity effects when stability was measured at the population level. We found no negative effects of diversity on population‐level stability, in opposition to theory. Our results indicate that diversity can enhance stability in multitrophic systems, but effects vary with the scale of biological organization at which stability is measured.
Swarmer cell differentiation in Proteus mirabilis
Authors: Rather Philip N. 
Published: July 2005

SummaryUnder the appropriate environmental conditions, the Gram‐negative bacterium Proteus mirabilis undergoes a remarkable differentiation to form a distinct cell type called a swarmer cell. The swarmer cell is characterized by a 20‐ to 40‐fold increase in both cell length and the number of flagella per cell. Environmental conditions required for swarmer cell differentiation include: surface contact, inhibition of flagellar rotation, a sufficient cell density and cell‐to‐cell signalling. The differentiated swarmer cell is then able to carry out a highly ordered population migration termed swarming. Genetic analysis of the swarming process has revealed that a large variety of distinct loci are required for this differentiation including: genes involved in regulation, lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan synthesis, cell division, ATP production, putrescine biosynthesis, proteolysis and cell shape determination. The process of swarming is important medically because the expression of virulence genes and the ability to invade cells are coupled to the differentiated swarmer cell. In this review, the genetic and environmental requirements for swarmer cell differentiation will be outlined. In addition, the role  of  the  differentiated  swarmer  cell  in  virulence and its possible role in biofilm formation will be discussed.
Bacterial dynamics in spring water of alpine karst aquifers indicates the presence of stable autochthonous microbial endokarst communities
Authors: Farnleitner Andreas H. , Wilhartitz Ines , Ryzinska Gabriela , Kirschner Alexander K. T. , Stadler Hermann , Burtscher Martina M. , Hornek Romana , Szewzyk Ulrich , Herndl Gerhard , Mach Robert L. 
Published: July 2005

SummarySpring water of two alpine karst aquifers differing in hydrogeology but of nearby catchments were investigated for their bacterial population dynamics. Dolomite karst aquifer spring 1 (DKAS 1) represents a dolomitic‐limestone karst aquifer spring showing high average water residence time and relative constant flow. Limestone karst aquifer spring 2 (LKAS 2) constitutes a typical limestone karst aquifer spring with a dynamic hydrological regime and discharge. Dolomite karst aquifer spring 1 yielded constantly lower cell counts and biomasses (median of 15 × 106 cells l−1 and 0.22 µg C l−1) as the LKAS 2 (median of 63 × 106 cells l−1 and 1.1 µg C l−1) and distribution of morphotypes and mean cell volumes was also different between the considered systems, indicating the influence of hydrogeology on microbial spring water quality. Molecular bacterial V3 16S‐rDNA profiles revealed remarkable constancy within each spring water throughout the investigation period. Time course analysis of a flood event in LKAS 2 further supported the trend of the temporal constancy of the microbial community. Except for one case, retrieval of partial and full length 16S rDNA gene sequences from the relative constant DKAS 1 revealed similarities to presently known sequences between 80% to 96%, supporting the discreteness of the microbial populations. The gathered results provide first evidence for the presence of autochthonous microbial endokarst communities (AMEC). Recovery of AMEC may be considered of relevance for the understanding of alpine karst aquifer biogeochemistry and ecology, which is of interest as many alpine and mountainous karst springs are important water resources throughout the world.
Intraocular peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a dog
Authors: Sato Tsuneo , Yamamoto Atsuko , Shibuya Hisashi , Sudo Hiroshi , Shirai Wataru , Amemori Takashi 
Published: July 2005

AbstractA tumor within the right globe in a 9‐year‐old Shetland sheepdog was examined pathologically. The tumor was composed of spindle or oval cells arranged in interwoven bundles with intervening collagenous or mucinous matrices. Immunohistochemically, the tumor bound antibody directed to S‐100 protein and vimentin, but not to desmin, actin smooth muscle, or neurofilament. Electron microscopy revealed that the tumor cells had poorly developed cytoplasmic processes, desmosomes between closely contiguous cells, and a discontinuous basement membrane‐like material. Based on these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as a peripheral nerve sheath tumor (PNST) histologically. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of intraocular PNST in dogs.
Serial Evaluation of Atrial Tachyarrhythmia Burden and Frequency After Implantation of a Dual‐Chamber Cardioverter‐Defibrillator
Authors: SCHWARTZMAN DAVID , GOLD MICHAEL , QUESADA AURELIO , KOEHLER JODI L. , MEHRA RAHUL , EULER DAVID E. ,   Worldwide Jewel AF‐Only Investigators
Published: July 2005

Background: We sought to characterize atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT) burden and frequency after implantation of a dual‐chamber implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (D‐ICD). Methods and Results: A total of 149 subjects underwent implantation of a D‐ICD (Jewel AF® model 7250, Medtronic, Inc.) for the primary indication of drug‐resistant AT, and were followed for at least 12 months during which device programming was constant. The device employed atrial overdrive pacing as well as shocks to terminate episodes of AT. Arrhythmia burden and frequency were evaluated during the 0‐ to 6‐month follow‐up and and 6‐ to 12‐month follow‐up intervals. A majority of subjects (62%) received a type I/III antiarrhythmic drug during follow‐up. The median arrhythmia burden decreased from 8.2 hours/month during 0–6 months to 3.3 hours/month during 6–12 months (P = 0.004); this result was driven primarily by the subgroup with persistent AT prior to device implantation. There was no significant change in the median AT frequency (2.2 vs 1.0 episodes/month). There was a significant decrease in the median shock frequency (0.32 vs 0.00 shocks/month, P = 0.003) and an increase in shock efficacy (85.5% vs 94.9%, P = 0.01). Conclusions: Device‐based treatment of AT, in association with antiarrhythmic drugs, yields a significant time‐dependent decrease in AT burden but not frequency.
Predictors of Atrial Antitachycardia Pacing Efficacy in Patients Affected by Brady‐Tachy Form of Sick Sinus Syndrome and Implanted with a DDDRP Device
Authors: BORIANI GIUSEPPE , PADELETTI LUIGI , SANTINI MASSIMO , GULIZIA MICHELE , CAPUCCI ALESSANDRO , BOTTO GIANLUCA , RICCI RENATO , MOLON GIULIO , ACCOGLI MICHELE , VICENTINI ALFREDO , BIFFI MAURO , VIMERCATI MARCO , GRAMMATICO ANDREA 
Published: July 2005

Background: Recent options to treat atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATA) include implantable devices delivering antitachycardia pacing therapies (ATP). No prospective study selected patients with higher chances of episode termination by ATP or indicated the most effective ATP use. Our aim was to study ATP efficacy in patients with brady‐tachy form of sinus node disease (SND), identifying clinical factors, ATA characteristics, and device features predicting ATP efficacy. Methods and Results: Three hundred and sixteen patients (105 M, aged 71.1 ± 8.8 years) received a DDDRP pacemaker and were prospectively followed. Median follow‐up was 18 months: 37,125 ATA episodes occurred in 217 patients; ATP treated 5,536 of them. Overall, ATP efficacy was 50.0%. A multivariate analysis identified longer arrhythmia cycle lengths (OR = 1.25; CI = 1.07‐1.47) and shorter delays to ATP delivery (OR = 0.15; CI = 0.10‐0.22) as independent predictors of ATP efficacy for episodes preceded by ≥5 minutes of sinus rhythm. Additionally, ATP efficacy for all treated episodes was predicted by lower New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (OR = 0.64; CI = 0.42‐0.98), episode classification as nonimmediate recurrence of ATA (non‐IRAT) (OR = 0.07; CI = 0.02‐0.33), absence of overlap in the device detection windows (OR = 0.54; CI = 0.32‐0.91), and flecainide treatment (OR = 2.22; CI = 1.04‐4.71). Conclusions: In patients paced for SND, multivariate analysis shows that ATP efficacy is associated to longer arrhythmia cycle lengths, shorter ATP delivery delays, NYHA class I, episode classification as non‐IRAT, absence of overlap in the atrial arrhythmia device detection windows, and flecainide treatment.
Similarities and Specificities of Fungal Keratinolytic Proteases: Comparison of Keratinases of
Paecilomyces marquandii
and
Doratomyces microsporus
to Some Known Proteases
Authors: Gradišar Helena , Friedrich Jožica , Križaj Igor , Jerala Roman 
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACT

Based on previous screening for keratinolytic nonpathogenic fungi,
Paecilomyces marquandii
and
Doratomyces microsporus
were selected for production of potent keratinases. The enzymes were purified and their main biochemical characteristics were determined (molecular masses, optimal temperature and pH for keratinolytic activity, N-terminal amino acid sequences). Studies of substrate specificity revealed that skin constituents, such as the stratum corneum, and appendages such as nail but not hair, feather, and wool were efficiently hydrolyzed by the
P. marquandii
keratinase and about 40% less by the
D. microsporus
keratinase. Hydrolysis of keratin could be increased by the presence of reducing agents. The catalytic properties of the keratinases were studied and compared to those of some known commercial proteases. The profile of the oxidized insulin B-chain digestion revealed that both keratinases, like proteinase K but not subtilisin, trypsin, or elastase, possess broad cleavage specificity with a preference for aromatic and nonpolar amino acid residues at the P-1 position. Kinetic studies were performed on a synthetic substrate, succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-
p
-nitroanilide. The keratinase of
P. marquandii
exhibited the lowest

K
m

among microbial keratinases reported in the literature, and its catalytic efficiency was high in comparison to that of
D. microsporus
keratinase and proteinase K. All three keratinolytic enzymes, the keratinases of
P. marquandii
and
D. microsporus
as well as proteinase K, were significantly more active on keratin than subtilisin, trypsin, elastase, chymotrypsin, or collagenase.
Characterization of a New Bacteriocin Operon in Sakacin P-ProducingLactobacillus sakei, Showing Strong Translational Coupling between the Bacteriocin and Immunity Genes
Authors: Mathiesen Geir , Huehne Kathrin , Kroeckel Lothar , Axelsson Lars , Eijsink Vincent G. H. 
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACTPrevious studies of genes involved in the production of sakacin P byLactobacillus sakeiLb674 revealed the presence of an inducible promoter downstream of the knownsppgene clusters. We show here that this promoter drives the expression of an operon consisting of a bacteriocin gene (sppQ), a cognate immunity gene (spiQ), another gene with an unknown function (orf4), and a pseudoimmunity gene containing a frameshift mutation (orf5). The leader peptide of the new one-peptide bacteriocin sakacin Q contains consensus elements that are typical for so-called “double-glycine” leader peptides. The mature bacteriocin shows weak similarity to the BrcA peptide of the two-peptide bacteriocin brochocin C. Sakacin Q has an antimicrobial spectrum that differs from that of sakacin P, thus expanding the antimicrobial properties of the producer strain. The genes encoding sakacin Q and its cognate immunity protein showed strong translational coupling, which was investigated in detail by analyzing the properties of a series of β-glucuronidase fusions. Our results provide experimental evidence that production of the bacteriocin and production of the cognate immunity protein are tightly coregulated at the translational level.
Influence of Fluid Shear and Microbubbles on Bacterial Detachment from a Surface
Authors: Sharma Prashant K. , Gibcus Marjon J. , van der Mei Henny C. , Busscher Henk J. 
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACT

Prevention of microbial adhesion and detachment of adhering microorganisms from surfaces is important in many environmental, industrial, and medical applications. Fluid shear is an obvious parameter for stimulating microbial detachment from surfaces, but recently it has been pointed out that a passing air-liquid interface also has potential in stimulating microbial detachment. In the present study, the ability of microbubbles to stimulate detachment of bacterial strains from a glass surface is compared with the effects of fluid flow. Adhesion and detachment of
Actinomyces naeslundii
T14V-J1,
Streptococcus oralis
J22, and their coadhering aggregates were studied on glass, mounted in a parallel plate flow chamber. High fluid wall shear rates (11,000 to 16,000 s
−1
) were established in a laminar flow regime in the absence and presence of microbubbles. Wall shear rates stimulated detachment ranging from 70% to 30% for
S. oralis
and
A. naeslundii
, respectively. Coadhering aggregates were detached up to 54%. The presence of microbubbles in the flow increased the detachment of
A. naeslundii
within 2 min of flow from 40% in the absence of microbubbles to 98%, while detachment of neither
S. oralis
nor coadhering aggregates was affected by the presence of microbubbles. In summary, extremely high fluid flows can be effective in stimulating microbial detachment, depending on the strain involved. The addition of microbubbles to the flow allows the detachment of tenaciously adhering bacteria not detached by flow alone, but not of adhering coaggregates.
Characterization of Citrate Synthase from
Geobacter sulfurreducens
and Evidence for a Family of Citrate Synthases Similar to Those of Eukaryotes throughout the
Geobacteraceae
Authors: Bond Daniel R. , Mester Tünde , Nesbø Camilla L. , Izquierdo-Lopez Andrea V. , Collart Frank L. , Lovley Derek R. 
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACT

Members of the family
Geobacteraceae
are commonly the predominant Fe(III)-reducing microorganisms in sedimentary environments, as well as on the surface of energy-harvesting electrodes, and are able to effectively couple the oxidation of acetate to the reduction of external electron acceptors. Citrate synthase activity of these organisms is of interest due to its key role in acetate metabolism. Prior sequencing of the genome of
Geobacter sulfurreducens
revealed a putative citrate synthase sequence related to the citrate synthases of eukaryotes. All citrate synthase activity in
G. sulfurreducens
could be resolved to a single 49-kDa protein via affinity chromatography. The enzyme was successfully expressed at high levels in
Escherichia coli
with similar properties as the native enzyme, and kinetic parameters were comparable to related citrate synthases (
k
cat
= 8.3 s
−1
;

K
m

= 14.1 and 4.3 μM for acetyl coenzyme A and oxaloacetate, respectively). The enzyme was dimeric and was slightly inhibited by ATP (

K
i

= 1.9 mM for acetyl coenzyme A), which is a known inhibitor for many eukaryotic, dimeric citrate synthases. NADH, an allosteric inhibitor of prokaryotic hexameric citrate synthases, did not affect enzyme activity. Unlike most prokaryotic dimeric citrate synthases, the enzyme did not have any methylcitrate synthase activity. A unique feature of the enzyme, in contrast to citrate synthases from both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, was a lack of stimulation by K
+
ions. Similar citrate synthase sequences were detected in a diversity of other
Geobacteraceae
members. This first characterization of a eukaryotic-like citrate synthase from a prokaryote provides new insight into acetate metabolism in
Geobacteraceae
members and suggests a molecular target for tracking the presence and activity of these organisms in the environment.
Azo Reductase Activity of IntactSaccharomyces cerevisiaeCells Is Dependent on the Fre1p Component of Plasma Membrane Ferric Reductase
Authors: Ramalho Patrícia A. , Paiva Sandra , Cavaco-Paulo A. , Casal Margarida , Cardoso M. Helena , Ramalho M. Teresa 
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACTUnspecific bacterial reduction of azo dyes is a process widely studied in correlation with the biological treatment of colored wastewaters, but the enzyme system associated with this bacterial capability has never been positively identified. Several ascomycete yeast strains display similar decolorizing behaviors. The yeast-mediated process requires an alternative carbon and energy source and is independent of previous exposure to the dyes. When substrate dyes are polar, their reduction is extracellular, strongly suggesting the involvement of an externally directed plasma membrane redox system. The present work demonstrates that, inSaccharomyces cerevisiae, the ferric reductase system participates in the extracellular reduction of azo dyes. TheS. cerevisiaeΔfre1and Δfre1Δfre2mutant strains, but not the Δfre2strain, showed much-reduced decolorizing capabilities. TheFRE1gene complemented the phenotype ofS. cerevisiaeΔfre1cells, restoring the ability to grow in medium without externally added iron and to decolorize the dye, following a pattern similar to the one observed in the wild-type strain. These results suggest that under the conditions tested, Fre1p is a major component of the azo reductase activity.