bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The
Cryptosporidium
Oocyst Wall Protein Is a Member of a Multigene Family and Has a Homolog in
Toxoplasma
Authors: Templeton Thomas J. , Lancto Cheryl A. , Vigdorovich Vladimir , Liu Chang , London Nicole R. , Hadsall Kelly Z. , Abrahamsen Mitchell S. 
Published: January 2004

ABSTRACT

Coccidian parasites are transmitted via a fecal oocyst stage that is exceptionally resistant to environmental stress and harsh chemical treatments, which allows parasites to stably persist outside a host. Because of its oocyst durability
Cryptosporidium parvum
is a significant water- and food-borne pathogen of humans, as well as animals of agricultural importance. To date, only one apicomplexan oocyst membrane protein has been identified,
Cryptosporidium
oocyst wall protein 1 (COWP1). COWP1 has a highly cysteine-rich periodicity due to arrays of two apicomplexan-specific motifs, designated the type I and type II domains. In this study, exhaustive BLAST screening of a complete
C. parvum
genome sequence database resulted in identification of eight additional genes encoding similar arrays of cysteine-rich type I and/or type II domains. Transcript expression analysis revealed that all COWP genes are abundantly expressed at a time when developing oocysts are observed, roughly 48 to 72 h after inoculation of in vitro cultures. A monoclonal antibody recognizing COWP8 specifically localized to the
C. parvum
oocyst wall, supporting the hypothesis that multiple COWPs play a role in the oocyst wall structure. BLAST screening of the
Toxoplasma gondii
genome sequence database resulted in identification of a gene encoding at least one COWP homolog (
Tg
OWP1), and this multiexon sequence information was used to isolate a full-length cDNA. Exhaustive screening of
Plasmodium
sp. genome sequence databases by using COWP genes as BLAST queries failed to detect similar proteins in
Plasmodium
. We therefore propose that the COWP family of proteins have a structural role in apicomplexan species that produce durable shed cysts capable of surviving environmental stress.
Enhanced Replication ofLeishmania amazonensisAmastigotes in Gamma Interferon-Stimulated Murine Macrophages: Implications for the Pathogenesis of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: Qi Hai , Ji Jiaxiang , Wanasen Nanchaya , Soong Lynn 
Published: January 2004

ABSTRACTDuringLeishmania majorinfection in mice, gamma interferon (IFN-γ) plays an essential role in controlling parasite growth and disease progression. In studies designed to ascertain the role of IFN-γ inLeishmania amazonensisinfection, we were surprised to find that IFN-γ could promoteL. amazonensisamastigote replication in macrophages (MΦs), although it activated MΦs to kill promastigotes. The replication-promoting effect of IFN-γ on amastigotes was independent of the source and genetic background of MΦs, was apparently not affected by surface opsonization of amastigotes, was not mediated by interleukin-10 or transforming growth factor β, and was observed at different temperatures. Consistent with the different fates of promastigotes and amastigotes in IFN-γ-stimulated MΦs,L. amazonensis-specific Th1 transfer helped recipient mice controlL. amazonensisinfection established by promastigotes but notL. amazonensisinfection established by amastigotes. On the other hand, IFN-γ could stimulate MΦs to limit amastigote replication when it was coupled with lipopolysaccharides but not when it was coupled with tumor necrosis factor alpha. Thus, IFN-γ may play a bidirectional role at the level of parasite-MΦ interactions; when it is optimally coupled with other factors, it has a protective effect against infection, and in the absence of such synergy it promotes amastigote growth. These results reveal a quite unexpected aspect of theL. amazonensisparasite and have important implications for understanding the pathogenesis of the disease and for developing vaccines and immunotherapies.
Salmonella entericaSerovar Typhimurium RamA, Intracellular Oxidative Stress Response, and Bacterial Virulence
Authors: van der Straaten Tahar , Zulianello Laurence , van Diepen Angela , Granger Donald L. , Janssen Riny , van Dissel Jaap T. 
Published: January 2004

ABSTRACTEscherichia coliandSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium have evolved genetic systems, such as thesoxR/SandmarAregulons, to detoxify reactive oxygen species, like superoxide, which are formed as by-products of metabolism. Superoxide also serves as a microbicidal effector mechanism of the host's phagocytes. Here, we investigate whether regulatory genes other thansoxR/SandmarAare active in response to oxidative stress inSalmonellaand may function as virulence determinants. We identified a bacterial gene, which was designatedramA(342 bp) and mapped at 13.1 min on theSalmonellachromosome, that, when overexpressed on a plasmid inE. coliorSalmonella, confers a pleiotropic phenotype characterized by increased resistance to the redox-cycling agent menadione and to multiple unrelated antibiotics. TheramAgene is present inSalmonellaserovars but is absent inE. coli.The gene product displays 37 to 52% homology to the transcriptional activatorssoxR/SandmarAand 80 to 100% identity to a multidrug resistance gene inKlebsiella pneumoniaeandSalmonella entericaserovar Paratyphi A. Although aramA soxR/Sdouble null mutant is highly susceptible to intracellular superoxide generated by menadione and displays decreased Mn-superoxide dismutase activity, intracellular survival of this mutant within macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells and in vivo replication in the spleens in Ityrmice are not affected. We concluded that despite its role in the protective response of the bacteria to oxidative stress in vitro, the newly identifiedramAgene, together withsoxR/S, does not play a role in initial replication ofSalmonellain the organs of mice.
Vesicourethral Anastomotic Strictures after Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy: The Experience of a Single Institution
Authors: Kostakopoulos Athanasios , Argiropoulos Vassilios , Protogerou Vassilios , Tekerlekis Panagiotis , Melekos Michalis 
Published: January 2004

<i>Objective: </i>Stricture of the vesicourethral anastomosis remains a well-documented complication after radical retropubic prostatectomy. <i>Materials and Methods:</i> We performed a retrospective study of 294 patients with prostate cancer who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy. Possible correlations between anastomotic stricture formation, tumor stage, positive surgical margins, number of anastomotic sutures, bladder neck preservation, urine leakage, previous prostate surgery and/or intraoperative blood loss were examined. <i>Results:</i> An anastomotic stricture was found in 18 cases (6%) requiring some kind of treatment. In 10 patients (56%), the bladder neck stricture occurred within 3 months after surgery, in 5 (28%) at 4–12 months after surgery and in 3 (16%) more than 12 months after surgery. Intraoperative blood loss (>1,000 ml) was found to be significantly correlated with urinary leakage (p < 0.001) and both correlated with anastomotic stricture formation (p < 0.005). <i>Conclusion:</i> Excessive intraoperative blood loss (>1,000 ml) and urine leakage was found to be significantly correlated to the formation of anastomotic stricture following radical retropubic prostatectomy.
Ongoing and Planned Trials of Antiplatelet Therapy in the Acute and Long-Term Management of Patients with Ischaemic Brain Syndromes: Setting a New Standard of Care
Authors: Hankey Graeme J. 
Published: January 2004

Among high vascular risk patients, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) reduces the relative risk of serious vascular events by about one fifth. However, because ASA fails to prevent four fifths of serious vascular events, more effective, yet equally safe and affordable, antiplatelet regimens are desired. Compared with ASA, clopidogrel alone reduces the odds of serious vascular events by about 10%, and the combination of dipyridamole and ASA reduces the odds of serious vascular events by about 6%. Combining ASA with an orally administered platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa blocker is not effective, and indeed more hazardous than ASA alone. Among patients with non-ST-segment acute coronary syndromes (ACS), the addition of an intravenously administered GP IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist to ASA reduces the risk of vascular events by about 10% compared with ASA, and the addition of clopidogrel to ASA reduces the risk of vascular events by 20% compared with ASA alone. Among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), both the addition of an intravenously administered GP IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist to ASA, and the addition of clopidogrel to ASA reduce the risk of vascular events by 30% compared with ASA alone. The greater efficacy of the combinations of ASA with clopidogrel, and ASA with an intravenously administered GP IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist, in patients with ACS and those undergoing PCI has fostered several ongoing and planned trials of these regimens in the acute and long-term management of patients with ischaemic brain syndromes. The combination of ASA and clopidogrel is being compared with ASA alone within 12 h of onset of symptoms of TIA in two trials (FASTER, ATARI), and the use of an intravenously administered GP IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist is being compared with placebo within 6 h of onset of acute ischaemic stroke in two trials (AbESST, AbESST-2). Six trials are assessing the combination of clopidogrel and ASA in the long-term management of patients with ischaemic brain syndromes due to atherothrombosis (MATCH, CHARISMA, ARCH, CARESS, SPS3) or atrial fibrillation (ACTIVE). The MATCH trial of clopidogrel and ASA versus clopidogrel alone in patients with recent TIA or ischaemic stroke is the first which is likely to report its results – in mid 2004. The combination of dipyridamole and ASA is being compared with ASA in the ESPRIT trial and with the combination of clopidogrel and ASA in the planned PRoFESS trial. These ongoing and planned clinical trials of antiplatelet therapy promise to further define the role of combination antiplatelet therapy in the acute and long-term management of patients with ischaemic brain syndromes.
Association between Major Depressive Disorder and the –1438A/G Polymorphism of the Serotonin 2A Receptor Gene
Authors: Choi Myoung-Jin , Lee Heon-Jeong , Lee Hye-Jin , Ham Byung-Joo , Cha Ji-Hyun , Ryu Seung-Ho , Lee Min-Soo 
Published: January 2004

This study investigated the possible effect of the –1438A/G single-nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HTR2A) gene on major depressive disorder (MDD) in a Korean population. This polymorphism was analyzed in 189 patients with MDD and in 148 unrelated healthy controls using a case-control design, which revealed a significant difference in the genotype distributions (χ<sup>2</sup> = 10.78, d.f. = 2, p = 0.005). The frequency of the –1438G allele was also much higher in MDD patients than in normal controls (χ<sup>2</sup> = 7.20, p = 0.007; OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.12–2.06). We also found significantly more carriers of the G allele (GG+AG genotypes) in MDD patients than in normal controls (χ<sup>2</sup> = 10.18, p = 0.001; OR = 2.46, 95% CI 1.40–4.32). Our results support the hypothesis that the –1438A/G polymorphism of the promoter region of the 5-HTR2A gene is associated with MDD patients in a Korean population.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Pantoprazole Compared with Misoprostol for the Prevention of NSAID-Related Gastrointestinal Lesions and Symptoms in Rheumatic Patients
Authors: Stupnicki T. , Dietrich K. , González-Carro P. , Straszak A. , Terjung A. , Thomas K.B. , Lühmann R. , Fischer R. 
Published: January 2004

Aim: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of pantoprazole 20 mg once daily (o.d.) with misoprostol 200 µg twice daily (b.i.d.), administered for 6 months to rheumatic patients who required long-term therapy with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and who were at increased risk of developing gastrointestinal lesions. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, multicenter, parallel group comparison study was performed with rheumatic patients (n = 515) who were likely to take NSAIDs continuously for at least 6 months. Patients were 55 years or older, at risk to develop gastrointestinal lesions, had less than five erosions/petechiae in the stomach and duodenum, no ulcers, no reflux esophagitis (endoscopy-proven), and gastrointestinal symptoms of at most moderate intensity. A minimum daily dose was defined for NSAIDs (COX-2 inhibitors were not available at the time). Patients were randomized to take either pantoprazole 20 mg o.d. (n = 257) or misoprostol 200 µg b.i.d. (n = 258) for 6 months while continuing NSAID therapy. Endoscopy was performed at baseline, 3, and 6 months. Results: Pantoprazole was superior to misoprostol (p < 0.001) with regard to ‘therapeutic failure’ (occurrence of a peptic ulcer, ten or more erosions/petechiae in the stomach/duodenum, reflux esophagitis, severe gastrointestinal symptoms, and/or ‘likely’ or ‘definitely’ related adverse event leading to study termination). Estimated remission rates at 3 and 6 months (Kaplan-Meier life-table analysis) were, respectively, 93 and 89% (pantoprazole) and 79 and 70% (misoprostol). Pantoprazole was superior to misoprostol (p = 0.005) with regard to ‘endoscopic failure’ (occurrence of a peptic ulcer, ten or more erosions/petechiae in the stomach/duodenum, or reflux esophagitis) after 6 months. Estimated remission rates at 3 and 6 months were, respectively, 98 and 95% (pantoprazole) and 95 and 86% (misoprostol). Patients discontinuing the study early due to adverse events ‘likely’ or ‘definitely’ related to the study drug accounted for 13/257 (5%) in the pantoprazole and 33/258 (13%) in the misoprostol treatment groups. Conclusion: Pantoprazole 20 mg o.d. is superior to misoprostol 200 µg b.i.d. in the prevention of NSAID-induced gastrointestinal lesions and symptoms in patients on continuous long-term treatment with NSAIDs due to rheumatic diseases and at risk to develop such lesions or symptoms.
Changes in Vascular Distensibility during Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibition Involve Bradykinin Type 2 Receptors
Authors: Aartsen Wendy M. , Hilgers R.H.P. , Schiffers P.M.H. , Daemen M.J.A.P. , De Mey J.G.R. , Smits J.F.M. 
Published: January 2004

Changes in arterial stiffness and structure occur during cardiovascular diseases and can be modified by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. In the present study we investigated the role of membrane-bound ACE (t-ACE) in the regulation of arterial structure and mechanics. Large and small arteries of t-ACE–/– mice were isolated to determine the passive pressure-diameter relationship. We observed that t-ACE–/– mice exhibit a reduced arterial distensibility compared to t-ACE+/+ mice. This reduced arterial distensibility was also observed after 9 weeks of captopril treatment (80 mg/kg/ day). We hypothesized that bradykinin type 2 receptor (BK<sub>2</sub>) stimulation might be involved in the regulation of arterial stiffness. t-ACE–/– and t-ACE+/+ mice were treated with Hoe 140 (1 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. After Hoe 140 treatment, both the structural and mechanical changes observed in the t-ACE–/– carotid artery were abolished. Although Hoe 140 administration increased blood pressure in both groups by approximately 10 mm Hg, the pressure difference between the two groups did not change. Thus, t-ACE is involved in the regulation of arterial distensibility. The changes observed in t-ACE–/– mice are not caused by an altered fetal development. Moreover, it is likely that the regulation of arterial distensibility by ACE involves stimulation of the BK<sub>2</sub> receptor.
Naringenin from <i>Citrus junos</i> Has an Inhibitory Effect on Acetylcholinesterase and a Mitigating Effect on Amnesia
Authors: Heo Ho Jin , Kim Mi-Jeong , Lee Jung-Min , Choi Soo Jung , Cho Hong-Yon , Hong Bumshik , Kim Hye-Kyung , Kim Eunki , Shin Dong-Hoon 
Published: January 2004

This study was performed to identify safe and more effective acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The total methanol extract of <i>Citrus junos</i> had a significant inhibitory effect on AChE in vitro. By sequential fractionation of <i>C. junos</i>, the active component was finally identified as naringenin. Naringenin inhibited AChE activity in a dose-dependent manner. In this study, we also evaluated the anti-amnesic activity of naringenin, a major flavanone constituent isolated from <i>C. junos</i>, in vivo using ICR mice with amnesia induced by scopolamine (1 mg/kg body weight). Naringenin, when administered to mice at 4.5 mg/kg body weight, significantly ameliorated scopolamine-induced amnesia as measured in both the passive avoidance and the Y-maze test. These results suggest that naringenin may be a useful chemopreventive agent against Alzheimer’s disease.
FAITH-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES IN APPALACHIA: CONNECTING FAITH, ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN AND REFORM
Authors: Moseley Lyndsay , Feldman David Lewis 
Published: January 2004

AbstractChristian faith-based environmental reform efforts in Appalachia advance a framework for policy change based on the view that the roots of the contemporary environmental crisis are moral and spiritual in nature. We examine how this framework is advanced among twenty faith-based organizations in Appalachia—a region with a legacy of serious environmental problems and a strong Christian tradition. We argue that these groups call for a new paradigm for assessing the causes of environmental problems—and for alleviating them. Unlike the traditional paradigm for change, which emphasizes political alterations, faith-based initiatives in Appalachia seek to advance environmental reform by promoting a transformation of personal values, attitudes, and conduct in support of an environmental ethic of care. Furthermore, these initiatives' strategies focus on educational and other strategies that can bring about this personal transformation—and, eventually, societal change. The major assumptions promoted by the traditional paradigm are seen by these Appalachian initiatives as key reasons for continued environmental degradation, while the underlying values of the new paradigm constitute a vision for an earth-keeping community having individual and global dimensions.
THE PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE AND THE BOOK OF PROVERBS: TOWARD AN ETHIC OF ECOLOGICAL PRUDENCE IN OCEAN MANAGEMENT
Authors: Bratton Susan Power 
Published: January 2004

AbstractRecent catastrophes in environmental management, such as population collapses in oceanic fisheries, have led environmental activists and scholars to invoke the precautionary principle (PP). In its strong form, PP demands that no human-initiated change in an ecosystem be permitted unless it is certain it will do no harm; while, in its weak form, PP holds that if an action might be environmentally harmful, regulators may, on best evidence, limit human activities to avoid damaging ecosystem perturbations. Implementing PP, however, presents epistemological, logical and practical difficulties. This paper compares the function of PP to that of the Biblical Wisdom literature in encouraging ecological prudence, and argues that PP should be replaced by a series of guiding concepts, dealing with the limitations of ecological knowledge and the flaws in human character most likely to result in environmental disaster. The environmental cases analysed are from oceanic fisheries management.
THE ECOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS OF ANCESTRAL RELIGION AND RECIPROCAL EXCHANGE IN A SACRED FOREST IN KARENDI (SUMBA, INDONESIA)
Authors: Fowler Cynthia 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThis article tells the story of the sacred place named Mata Loko ("River's Source") in Karendi on the western end of the island of Sumba. This ethnographic case of an eastern Indonesian society where the traditional religion of Marapu persists sheds light on questions of how local belief systems are part of environmental adaptations. The use of sacred resources is restricted by the belief that marapu, the ancestors, are guardians of the forest and is enforced by supernatural sanctions. The ecological and religious processes that are described in this article illustrate that interactions between indigenous and world religions impact local cultural ecologies. In experimenting with their indigenous religion, Karendi people are simultaneously experimenting with traditional resource management. The Mata Loko case illustrates that the ritual management of scarce resources such as water and culturally/historically valuable resources such as bamboo is a form of conservation planning. Together cultural history, reciprocal exchange, and ancestral religion provide a framework for protecting valuable natural resources.
"Hinduism" and the History of "Religion": Protestant Presuppositions in the Critique of the Concept of Hinduism
Authors: Sweetman Will 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe claim that Hinduism is not a religion, or not a single religion, is so often repeated that it might be considered an axiom of research into the religious beliefs and practices of the Hindus, were it not typically ignored immediately after having been stated. The arguments for this claim in the work of several representative scholars are examined in order to show that they depend, implicitly or explicitly, upon a notion of religion which is too much influenced by Christian conceptions of what a religion is, a conception which, if it has not already been discarded by scholars of religion, certainly ought to be. Even where such Christian models are explicitly disavowed, the claim that Hinduism is not a religion can be shown to depend upon a particular religious conception of the nature of the world and our possible knowledge of it, which scholars of religion cannot share.
On Self-regulating Systems, Cannibals, and Cogs That Turn No Wheels: A Response to Joel Sweek
Authors: Penner Hans 
Published: January 2004

AbstractIt's nice to be quoted. It's not nice to be misrepresented. Joel Sweek does both in "Biology of religion" in a recent issue of this journal (Sweek 2002). At the risk of repeating myself one more time, I offer the following remarks on functionalism and cannibalism to correct the record. One hates to keep reinventing the wheel every generation or so, but it seems that the study of religion regularly produces "explanations" that resemble Wittgenstein's "cogs that turn no wheels".