bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active Generations: An Intergenerational Approach to Preventing Childhood Obesity
Authors: Werner Danilea , Teufel James , Holtgrave Peter L. , Brown Stephen L.
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: Over the last 3 decades, US obesity rates have increased dramatically as more children and more adults become obese. This study explores an innovative program, Active Generations, an intergenerational nutrition education and activity program implemented in out‐of‐school environments (after school and summer camps). It utilizes older adult volunteers to implement a version of the evidence‐based childhood obesity prevention program, Coordinated Approach to Child Health, in 8 US cities.

METHODS: Approximately 760 children in third‐ to fifth‐grade participated in Active Generations, a 10‐lesson, intergenerational, childhood obesity prevention program. Children completed an age‐appropriate survey instrument, the Active Generations survey (AGS). The AGS is a valid and reliable, self‐administered, self‐report, paper‐and‐pencil survey designed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. It was administered by trained volunteers on the first day and last day of the program. Constructs assessed included physical activity, nutrition, and media use.

RESULTS: Students significantly increased their reported fruit and vegetable consumption post‐program. For example, the percentage of students reporting eating 3 or more servings of vegetables per day was 16% greater post‐program. Students were more likely to report reading food labels and greater confidence that they could participate in physical activity. They also significantly decreased their daily screen time.

CONCLUSIONS: Active Generations is a promising childhood obesity prevention program.
Does Grade Level Relate to School‐Based Youth Health Center Utilization Among Male Youth? Quantitative Findings From a Mixed‐Methods Study in Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Gahagan Jacqueline C. , Jason Timothy , Leduc Derek
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: Male adolescents underutilize youth health centers' (YHC) services despite facing a variety of significant health issues. The purpose of our study was to explore adolescent males' perceptions of health service needs, utilization of YHC services, and barriers and facilitators for such utilization as a function of school grade among a sample of males from rural Nova Scotia in Canada.

METHODS: A 76‐item self‐completion survey was developed to obtain quantitative data on male students' use and perceptions of YHCs. The survey was pilot tested in June of 2009 and subsequently revised for readability and layout purposes. In October 2009, the revised survey was administrated to male youth in grades 10‐12 at 4 high schools in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

RESULTS: Although more than 50% of the participants reported that they would be comfortable using the YHC in their school, only 16.5% had ever accessed the center, and only 5% indicated frequent use. Differences according to grade were noted, especially regarding knowledge of YHCs and intention to use a variety of YHC services.

CONCLUSIONS: School‐based YHCs are becoming more common as a means of responding to adolescent health needs. Despite experiencing numerous health challenges, male youth continue to underutilize these services. Multisectoral health promotion strategies are needed, especially in higher grades, to help create an environment that encourages utilization of YHCs.
The Use of Animal as Models: Ethical Considerations
Authors: Levy Neil
Published: June 2012

The use of animals in scientific research is highly controversial. Older justifications, which referred to an immense gulf between human beings and other animals, can no longer be sustained in the face of a large body of scientific evidence concerning the similarities between human beings and other animals. The probability is very high that they are like us in many important ways, including in having a capacity to suffer. Because animals may suffer during research, their use must be justified. An appropriate justification will require that researchers can demonstrate that the expected benefits of the research, in terms of pure knowledge and medical applications, outweigh the suffering imposed. However, while the infliction of suffering on animal models must meet stringent conditions, research which involves the (painless) death of animals is often easier to justify, since few animals other than human beings possess the psychological capacities required to care about their future.
The Influence of Stroke Risk Factors and Comorbidities on Assessment of Stroke Therapies in Humans and Animals
Authors: Ankolekar Sandeep , Rewell Sarah , Howells David W. , Bath Philip M. W.
Published: June 2012

The main driving force behind the assessment of novel pharmacological agents in animal models of stroke is to deliver new drugs to treat the human disease rather than to increase knowledge of stroke pathophysiology. There are numerous animal models of the ischaemic process and it appears that the same processes operate in humans. Yet, despite these similarities, the drugs that appear effective in animal models have not worked in clinical trials. To date, tissue plasminogen activator is the only drug that has been successfully used at the bedside in hyperacute stroke management. Several reasons have been put forth to explain this, but the failure to consider comorbidities and risk factors common in older people is an important one. In this article, we review the impact of the risk factors most studied in animal models of acute stroke and highlight the parallels with human stroke, and, where possible, their influence on evaluation of therapeutic strategies.
Improving the Efficiency of the Development of Drugs for Stroke
Authors: Howells David W. , Sena Emily S. , O'Collins Victoria , Macleod Malcolm R.
Published: June 2012

The mortality and morbidity associated with stroke makes the development of new drugs a research priority. Recent unsuccessful clinical trials have reduced enthusiasm for the development of neuroprotective drugs. Here, we use empirical evidence derived from systematic reviews of stroke drug development to identify stages of drug development which might be improved. We then propose exemplar strategies which may be helpful, along with some basic economic modelling of what the impact of such strategies might be. This suggests that relatively straightforward measures might reduce the costs of drug development by $5.8 bn or 31%.
Arguments in Health Geography: On Sub‐Disciplinary Progress, Observation, Translation
Authors: Andrews Gavin J. , Evans Joshua , Dunn James R. , Masuda Jeffrey R.
Published: June 2012

To introduce the sub‐discipline of health geography and its developing interests, this paper initially reviews the different forms of arguments mounted by researchers. First, arguments on the nature and progress of inquiry that speak to directions, concepts, theories and methods. Second, using health care settings, public health and environmental health as illustrations, arguments that interpret and explain health and health care in different ways. A final series of discussions takes the theme of arguments further in terms of how they might affect change in the world. Specifically, health geography is situated within four broad movements currently unfolding in the larger disciplines to which it contributes. With regard to the parent discipline of human geography, the ‘policy turn’ and more generally the idea of ‘public geography’. With regard to the health sciences, Evidenced‐Based Health Care and Knowledge Translation.
Latino Fathers and Their Children
Authors: Cabrera Natasha J. , Bradley Robert H.
Published: June 2012

This article examines Latino fathers and their influence on child well‐being in light of recent demographic, cultural, and social shifts. Through use of a heuristic model of father involvement, this study found great heterogeneity in the way Latino fathers are engaged with their offspring and at least suggests an emerging hybrid that blends traditional with more modern views of parenting. Findings imply that a father's personal characteristics and experiences (such as cultural values and beliefs, immigration experience, motivation to parent, and financial, social, and human capital) and quality of his relationships (coparenting and couple) are important correlates of involvement with his children. There appear to be multiple mechanisms linking aspects of paternal involvement to child outcomes, including the quality of the mother–father and parent–child relationship and the father's own interactions (language input, supportiveness) with the child. These findings are considered in the context of methodological, conceptual, and measurement challenges that future studies should address.
The Paleo‐Proterozoic High Heat Production Richardson Granite, Great Bear Magmatic Zone, Northwest Territories, Canada: Source of U for Port Radium?
Authors: SOMARIN Alireza K. , MUMIN A. Hamid
Published: June 2012

Airborne radiometric survey and field studies outlined a large, elongate, high‐level plutonic suite within the Richardson pluton south of the Contact Lake Belt in the Great Bear Magmatic Zone, Northwest Territories, Canada. In terms of content of radioactive elements, the Richardson pluton is composed of two distinct granite types, low heat production (LHP) and high heat production (HHP). Uranium content in the LHP and HHP granites ranges from 3.0 to 4.9 ppm and 6.5 to 24.6 ppm, respectively, showing similarity of the LHP granite to average granites. Geochemical studies indicate that there is a genetic relationship between these two types of granite; the LHP granite was the early product of magma crystallization, whereas the HHP granite is the result of extensive crystal fractionation of biotite, plagioclase and apatite. The presence of magmatic fluorite in granite suggests that high fluorine content lowered the liquidus temperature of magma causing lower temperature fractionation during ascent to high crustal levels, which increased U and Th concentrations in the resultant HHP granite. Weak U mineralization occurs locally as discontinuous quartz ± hematite ± pitchblende veins and veinlets within the HHP granite. Stronger U mineralization (U ± Ag ± Ni ± Co ± Cu) occurred in the past‐producing Contact Lake and Port Radium deposits. It appears that such mineralization may have had a spatial and temporal genetic‐paragenetic relationship with the HHP granite.
A comprehensive analysis of hemoglobin variants by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
Authors: Szuberski J. , Oliveira J. L. , Hoyer J. D.
Published: June 2012

Introduction

High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is a method commonly used for the detection of hemoglobin (Hb) variants. In addition to providing precise quantitation of Hb A2 and Hb F, the reported retention time and peak shape of a high number of hemoglobin (Hb) variants are very helpful for presumptive identification. However, there is a scarcity of summarized data in the literature of the mobility of Hb variants on this method.

Methods

A total of 383 Hb variants were studied on the Bio‐Rad Variant ™ Classic HPLC instrument. Hb variant identification used a number of methods, including confirmation by DNA sequencing in at least one case for all alpha and beta chain Hb variants.

Results

Retention time data and the number of occurrences of each Hb variant were obtained. This showed that rare Hb variants can have similar retention times to the five most common alpha or beta chain Hb variants.

Conclusion

HPLC is a very powerful tool in the evaluation of Hb variants, particularly when combined with other methods. However, it should not be used as a stand‐alone method for definitive identification of Hb variants.
The effect of instrumentation and laboratory site on the accuracy of the APTT‐based heparin therapeutic range
Authors: Marlar R. A. , Gausman J. N.
Published: June 2012

Background

Monitoring of unfractionated heparin therapy by activated partial thromboplastin time using the ex vivo method for determining the heparin therapeutic range (HTR) is the standard of practice. Many extrinsic and intrinsic factors influence accuracy of the HTR. This study investigates the affect of instrumentation and laboratory site on the accuracy of the ex vivo
HTR method.

Methods

Patients on unfractionated heparin are used to determine the HTR by published guidelines. Various instruments and different laboratories are compared to investigate the affect of these variables on the HTR.

Results

The HTR is the same when the same model of instrument or even different models (same methodology) are used in the same laboratory. However, a significant clinical difference is observed when different hospital laboratories using same lot and instrument model are compared.

Conclusions

The ex vivo method for HTR is the best protocol currently available. The HTR should be determined and averaged on all of the same method instruments used in the laboratory. However, determination of the HTR in different laboratories should not be shared.
Do flood risk perceptions provide useful insights for flood risk management? Findings from central Vietnam
Authors: Bubeck P. , Botzen W.J.W. , Suu L.T.T. , Aerts J.C.J.H.
Published: June 2012

Following the renewed attention for non‐structural flood risk reduction measures implemented at the household level, there has been an increased interest in individual flood risk perceptions. The reason for this is the commonly‐made assumption that flood risk perceptions drive the motivation of individuals to undertake flood risk mitigation measures, as well as the public's demand for flood protection, and therefore provide useful insights for flood risk management. This study empirically examines these assumptions by presenting data from a survey conducted among 300 households in central Vietnam. The main implications for flood risk communication and the stimulation of precautionary behaviour are that the current predominant focus on flood risk perceptions in the academic literature, and risk communication policy is not supported. Hence, the study provides an important contribution to the existing literature that mainly studies flood risk perceptions in developed countries.
Potentials and limitations of natural flood retention by forested land in headwater catchments: evidence from experimental and model studies
Authors: Wahren A. , Schwärzel K. , Feger K.‐H.
Published: June 2012

Assessment of catchments water retention potential in the landscape is a common part of management plans as components of integrated flood risk management strategies. For forest land use, it has been stated that the promotion of sustainable forest management and the increase of forest land via afforestation will considerably improve flood retention. Notably, the latter should be efficient to re‐establish the natural water retention potential in anthropogenically disturbed river basins and to decrease the human‐made contribution to flood generation. However, due to obvious physical limitations (such as soil depth, porosity, and conductivity) and the frequent lack of available land for forest expansion, the role of afforestation in flood mitigation has been a topic of strong debate. This study assesses the ‘forest effect’ based on model calculations and suggests visualisations to communicate the results. For a catchment (6.8 ha) and two well‐founded land‐use scenarios, it could be shown that the peak reduction for flood events varies from 3% to 70% and is highly related to the event characteristics (especially pre‐event soil moisture). The cross compliance to other protection aims (i.e. water quality and soil protection) is part of the considerations.
Cataract prevalence and prevention in Europe: a literature review
Authors: Prokofyeva Elena , Wegener Alfred , Zrenner Eberhart
Published: June 2012

This literature review is aimed at the evaluation of the potential for cataract prevention in Europe. It was performed using PubMed with Mesh and free‐text terms. Studies included were (i) performed on a population of Caucasian origin at an age range of 40–95 years, (ii) cataract was clinically verified, (iii) drug record of prescriptions, their indication, a record of every diagnosis, dosage and quantity of prescribed medicine were available, (iv) sample size >300 and (v) published between 1990 and 2009. The results of 29 articles were reviewed. Former [3.75 (2.26–6.21)] or current smoking [2.34 (1.07–5.15)], diabetes of duration >10 years [2.72 (1.72–4.28)], asthma or chronic bronchitis [2.04 (1.04–3.81)], and cardiovascular disease [1.96 (1.22–3.14)] increased the risk of cataract. Cataract was more common in patients taking chlorpromazine during ≥90 days with a dosage ≥300 mg [8.8 (3.1–25.1)] and corticosteroids >5 years [3.25 (1.39–7.58)] in a daily dose >1600 mg [1.69 (1.17–2.43)]. Intake of a multivitamin/mineral formulation [2.00 (1.35–2.98)] or corticosteroids [2.12 (1.93–2.33)] also increased the risk of cataract. Corticosteroids applied orally [3.25 (1.39–7.58)], parenteral [1.56 (1.34–1.82)] or inhalational [1.58 (1.46–1.71)] lead to cataract more frequently than those applied topically: nasal [1.33 (1.21–1.45)], ear [1.31 (1.19–1.45)] or skin [1.43 (1.36–1.50)]. Outpatient cataract surgery was negatively associated with total cataract surgery costs, and chlorpromazine, corticosteroids and multivitamin/mineral formation increase the risk of posterior subcapsular cataract dependent on dose, treatment application and duration. This review presented a comprehensive overview of specific and general cataract risk factors and an update on most recent experimental studies and randomized control trials directed at cataract prevention.
Correlates of Life Satisfaction among Aging Veterans
Authors: Seligowski Antonia V. , Pless Kaiser Anica , King Lynda A. , King Daniel W. , Potter Carrie , Spiro III Avron
Published: June 2012

Background: The purpose of this study was to document the associations of stressors (combat exposure, retirement concerns, and late‐life stressful events), personal resources (social support, sense of mastery, and positive appraisal of military experiences), and functional health (both physical and mental) with life satisfaction in older veterans. Methods: Participants were 562 male combat veterans (mean age = 70). Self‐report questionnaires were administered via mail survey. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed. Results: Each step of the regression analysis demonstrated a significant contribution to variance in life satisfaction (48% in total). Although stressors were significant when entered as a set, their influence dissipated in the presence of personal resources and functional health. For the full model, seven of 11 independent variables were unique and significant predictors, including all personal resource factors and both functional health indices. Sense of mastery was most potent. Conclusions: Even in the presence of stressors, personal resources and functional health appear to serve protective roles in explaining levels of life satisfaction among aging veterans.
Campylobacter Cross‐Contamination of Chicken Products at an Abattoir
Authors: Sasaki Y. , Maruyama N. , Zou B. , Haruna M. , Kusukawa M. , Murakami M. , Asai T. , Tsujiyama Y. , Yamada Y.
Published: June 2012

Consumption of raw or undercooked poultry products contaminated with Campylobacter has been identified as a risk factor for human campylobacteriosis. We determined whether slaughtering of Campylobacter‐positive flocks was associated with contamination of chicken products derived from Campylobacter‐negative flocks slaughtered at the same abattoir. The presence of Campylobacter was investigated in 22 broiler farms 1 week prior to slaughter and in one abattoir on nine separate slaughter days. A total of 600 bulk packed chicken products were tested, with 198 (33.0%) of the products found to be Campylobacter positive. Of the 350 chicken products originating from Campylobacter‐positive flocks, 180 (51.1%) were contaminated with the bacteria. In contrast, only 18 (7.2%) of 250 chicken products derived from Campylobacter‐negative flocks were contaminated. In 14 of these 18 products, the Campylobacter isolates were identical to isolates obtained from the flock slaughtered immediately prior to the Campylobacter‐negative flock. Notably, on 4/6 slaughter days, Campylobacter‐negative flocks were slaughtered prior to the positive flocks, and Campylobacter was absent from all chicken products originating from the negative flocks. These results suggest that implementation of logistic slaughter (where Campylobacter‐negative flocks are slaughter first) significantly decreases the prevalence of Campylobacter‐positive chicken products.
Trends in general and abdominal obesity among Chinese children and adolescents 1993–2009
Authors: Liang Y‐J. , Xi B. , Song A‐Q. , Liu J‐X. , Mi J.
Published: June 2012

Objective

This study aimed to examine the secular trends in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), and the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among Chinese children and adolescents from 1993 to 2009.

Methods

Data were obtained from the China Health and Nutrition Survey conducted from 1993 to 2009. 9693 children and adolescents aged 6–17 years were included in this study, with their height, weight and WC measured. General obesity was defined using the BMI cut‐offs for overweight recommended by the International Obesity Task Force, and abdominal obesity was assessed when a WC is above the 90th percentile for gender and age.

Results

Among the total participants, mean BMI and WC increased significantly over the period 1993–2009: BMI increased from 17.6 to 17.8 kg m−2, and WC increased from 61.4 to 63.1 cm (both increases P < 0.001). The prevalence of general obesity and abdominal obesity increased significantly over the period: general obesity (including overweight) rose from 6.1% to 13.1% and abdominal obesity from 4.9% to 11.7% (both increases P < 0.001). WC and abdominal obesity increased at a relatively higher rate than BMI and general obesity. Upward trends in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity were observed in all subgroups of gender, age and region (all increases P < 0.05), except for abdominal obesity in girls aged 13–17 years (P = 0.102).

Conclusion

General and abdominal obesity increased significantly over the past 17 years in Chinese children.
An Experimental Study on the Process Monitoring of Resin Transfer Molded Composite Structures Using Fiber Optic Sensors
Authors: Yildiz Mehmet , Ozdemir Nazli G. , Bektas Gokhan , Keulen Casey J. , Boz Talha , Sengun Ege F. , Ozturk Cem , Menceloglu Yusuf Z. , Suleman Afzal
Published: June 2012

Research conducted on in situ process monitoring of resin transfer molded composites with fiber optic sensors is presented. A laboratory scale resin transfer molding (RTM) apparatus was designed and built with the capability of embedding fiber optic sensors and visually observing the resin filling process. Both fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and etched fiber (EF) sensors are embedded into glass fiber reinforcements in the RTM mold and used to monitor the resin flow front and cure. The cure cycle of the resin system utilized in this work is also studied using a Fresnel reflection refractometer (FRR) sensor. The results of this study show that both the FBG and EF sensors can be used efficiently for flow and cure monitoring of the RTM process. The experimental results of the EF and FRR sensors agree with those of the FBG sensors for cure monitoring.
Wnt Preserves Telomeres
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: June 2012

Wnt signaling through β-catenin promotes genetic stability by stimulating the production of telomerase.
DNAzyme Targeting c-
jun
Suppresses Skin Cancer Growth
Authors: Cai Hong , Santiago Fernando S. , Prado-Lourenco Leonel , Wang Bo , Patrikakis Margaret , Davenport Miles P. , Maghzal Ghassan J. , Stocker Roland , Parish Christopher R. , Chong Beng H. , Lieschke Graham J. , Wong Tak-Wah , Chesterman Colin N. , Francis Douglas J. , Moloney Fergal J. , Barnetson Ross St.C. , Halliday Gary M. , Khachigian Levon M.
Published: June 2012

Catalytic DNA molecules that target the transcription factor c-
jun
inhibit skin cancer growth in mice.
Resurrecting DNAzymes as Sequence-Specific Therapeutics
Authors: Rossi John J.
Published: June 2012

In a skin cancer model, intratumoral injection of an mRNA-cleaving DNA enzyme inhibited tumor growth with benign pharmacodynamics.
A Molecular Bandage for Diseased Muscle
Authors: Burkin Dean J. , Wuebbles Ryan D.
Published: June 2012

MG53 promotes sarcolemmal repair in the
mdx
mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Weisleder
et al
., this issue) and identifies a new protein therapeutic for muscle disease.
Not Enough Myocytes? Use Fibroblasts!
Authors: Nahrendorf Matthias
Published: June 2012

Reprogramming cardiac fibroblasts to a myocyte fate improves heart function after myocardial infarction in mice.
The ART of Movers and Shakers
Authors: Barnabas Ruanne V.
Published: June 2012

Health care that meets the needs of a mobile population has both individual and community benefits for HIV treatment and prevention.
MicroRNAs, a Macro Target in Epilepsy?
Authors: Bettegowda Chetan
Published: June 2012

Blocking a key microRNA decreases seizure frequency and reduces brain damage in a mouse model of epilepsy.
Induction of Chloramphenicol Metabolism by Phenobarbital
Authors: Palmer Darwin L. , Despopoulos Agamemnon , Rael Eppie D.
Published: June 2012

The induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes leading to more rapid metabolism of antibiotics has been demonstrated in only a few prior studies. We have studied the induction of chloramphenicol metabolism in an isolated rat liver perfusion model and in intact dogs. Using these methods, we have demonstrated that the clearance of chloramphenicol from serum is markedly increased after treatment of animals with phenobarbital. This was demonstrated to be a function of increased clearance of the drug by the liver, accompanied but not paralleled by increases in liver weight and biliary excretion by the rat liver. In intact dogs, small doses of chloramphenicol were not sufficient to demonstrate this fact, whereas a large test dose of 100 mg/kg showed markedly enhanced clearance after 1 week of oral phenobarbital administration. Prolongation of phenobarbital treatment or increased dose did not further increase the clearance, and chloramphenicol could not be demonstrated to enhance its own clearance. Human data on induction of enzymes is to date inconclusive.
Rimantadine Therapy of Influenza A Infection in Mice
Authors: Rabinovich Sergio
Published: June 2012

Eighty per cent of mice infected with a mouse-adapted strain of influenza virus died within 3 to 8 days after infection. Rimantadine given at maximum protective doses reduced mortality to 10%. This protection is dose related and can be demonstrated with doses from 4.5 to 24 mg per kg per day. Significant survival rates are shown by delaying treatment as long as 48 hr after infection. Lungs of treated mice have significantly less virus than those of controls at 24, 48, and 72 hr after infection. Antibody production as measured by hemagglutination inhibition is not different in treated and controlled mice. These results indicate that rimantadine is an effective prophylactic and therapeutic agent and that its activity is associated with decreased viral titers.
Comparative Study of Seven Cephalosporins: Susceptibility to Beta-Lactamases and Ability to Penetrate the Surface Layers of
Escherichia coli
Authors: Richmond M. H. , Wotton Sandra
Published: June 2012

The properties of cefazolin, cefoxitin, cefamandole, and cefuroxime have been compared with those of cephaloridine, cephalothin, and cephalexin. The properties included for examination are the susceptibility to a range of β-lactamases commonly encountered in gram-negative species and the ability of a β-lactam antibiotic to penetrate the outer layers of
Escherichia coli
. Of the antibiotics tested, cefamandole was the most active in its antibiotic activity but had the disadvantage that it was sensitive to hydrolysis by type IVc β-lactamase. Cefoxitin and cefuroxime were slightly less active than cefamandole but were effectively resistant to all the β-lactamases used in the test.
Specific Action of 4-Nitropyridine 1-Oxide on
Escherichia coli
K-12 Pro
+
Strains Leading to the Isolation of Proline-Requiring Mutants: Isolation and Characterization of Pro
−
Mutants
Authors: Inuzuka Manabu , Miyano Hiroshi , Tomoeda Munemitsu
Published: June 2012

A specific action of 4-nitropyridine 1-oxide on
Escherichia coli
K-12 Pro
+
strains leading to highly efficient, selective isolation of Pro
−
mutants is described. Incubation of Pro
+
cells with a sublethal concentration of 4-nitropyridine 1-oxide in Penassay broth gave Pro
−
mutants, which lacked either the biosynthetic pathway of proline from glutamic acid to glutamyl γ-phosphate (
proB
−
) or the pathway from glutamyl γ-phosphate to glutamic γ-semialdehyde (
proA
−
) or both. Pro
−
mutants, which have the metabolic block between Δ
1
pyrroline-5-carboxylate (the cyclized dehydration product of glutamic γ-semialdehyde) and proline (
proC
−
) were not found among survivors. Treatment of Pro
+
cells with
N
-methyl-
N
′-nitro-
N
-nitrosoguanidine led to isolation of all three types of Pro
−
mutants, suggesting that the action of 4-nitropyridine 1-oxide on Pro
+
cells is apparently distinct from the action of
N
-methyl-
N
′-nitro-
N
-nitrosoguanidine. F-duction and interrupted mating experiments led to determination of the correlation between proline loci and the biosynthetic pathway of proline from glutamic acid.
Inhibition of Bacteriophage Lambda, T1, and T7 Development by R Plasmids of the H Incompatibility Group
Authors: Taylor Diane E. , Grant Robert B.
Published: June 2012

R plasmids from chloramphenicol-resistant salmonella from Ontario are shown to belong to the H
2
incompatibility subgroup and to mediate a broad-spectrum, phage inhibition function.
Antiviral Activities of Acyl Derivatives of 2,2′-Anhydro-1-β-
d
-Arabinofuranosylcytosine and 1-β-
d
-Arabinofuranosylcytosine in Cell Culture
Authors: Sato Kosaburo , Nomura Akio , Moffatt John G.
Published: June 2012

Antiviral activities of acyl derivatives (3′-
O
-octanoyl and 3′-
O
-decanoyl) of 2,2′-anhydro-1-β-
d
-arabinofuranosylcytosine (cyclo-C) and 1-β-
d
-arabinofuranosylcytosine (Ara-C) were compared with other antiviral nucleosides, and some biological characteristics of the antiviral activity were investigated. Among those synthesized acyl derivatives, 3′-
O
-decanoyl ara-C was the most active against deoxyribonucleic acid viruses, with an activity comparable to that of Ara-C. Acyl derivatives of cyclo-C were somewhat less active than their Ara-C counterparts. In the value of therapeutic index, 1-β-
d
-arabinofuranosyladenine was superior to the others, followed by 5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine. In comparing the sensitivity of two serotypes of herpes simplex virus it was found that Ara-C and its ester, as well as its cyclo-C counterpart, were more active against the type 2 than the type 1 strain. The activity of 3′-
O
-decanoyl Ara-C, like that of its parent, was diminished by treatment with cytidine deaminase from mouse kidney, but 3′-
O
-decanoyl cyclo-C was resistant to this treatment. In comparative studies of 3′- and 5′-
O
-acyl Ara-C's, antivaccinia virus activity of 3′-
O
-palmitoyl Ara-C was significantly superior to its 5′-counterpart. The inhibitory activity of 5′-
O
-decanoyl Ara-C was markedly reduced by the presence of a threefold molar excess of eserine sulfate, a choline esterase inhibitor, whereas the 3′-acyl Ara-C was not affected by the inhibitor in any combination. This result indicates that enzymatic hydrolysis of the 3′-ester to Ara-C, which is inhibited by eserine sulfate, did not occur in this cell culture.
Influence of Antioxidants on the Bioactivity of Amphotericin B
Authors: Andrews Fred A. , Beggs William H. , Sarosi George A.
Published: June 2012

Four antioxidants, propyl gallate, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, and
d
-α-tocopherol acid succinate were found to stabilize amphotericin B and to prolong its antifungal activity against
Candida albicans
. Although each of the antioxidants was effective in this respect, propyl gallate and butylated hydroxyanisole were better than butylated hydroxytoluene and
d
-α-tocopherol acid succinate. None of the antioxidants alone adversely affected normal cell growth. It is suggested that amphotericin B instability is due, at least in part, to lability of the carbon-carbon double bonds of the polyene moiety toward autoxidation. By protecting the drug molecule with an antioxidant, it is possible to significantly lower the quantity of AB necessary to obtain particular antifungal effects.
Evaluation of the In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Allicin
Authors: Yamada Yasuo , Azuma Keizō
Published: June 2012

Allicin was effective in vitro against
Candida, Cryptococcus, Trichophyton, Epidermophyton
, and
Microsporum
. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of allicin against these organisms were 3.13 to 6.25 μg/ml by the agar dilution method and 1.57 to 6.25 μg/ml by the broth dilution method, using Sabouraud glucose (SG) medium. However decreased activity was demonstrated against
Aspergillus
. The MIC of allicin against various pathogenic fungi was affected considerably by differences in the experimental conditions, e.g., incubation time, inoculum size, type of medium, and medium pH. The MIC of allicin against
Candida, Cryptococcus
, and
Aspergillus
remained constant after more than 3 days of incubation, and that against
Dermatophytes
remained constant after more than 10 days of incubation. Decreasing the inoculum size increased the susceptibility to allicin. The antifungal activity of allicin was stronger on SG agar medium with a pH of 5.6 than on the same medium with a pH of 6.0 or higher. By microscopical observation, allicin induced morphological abnormalities in hyphae of
Trichophyton mentagrophytes
Morita. Percent germination of spores of the Morita strain at 24 h in SG agar medium was greatly decreased with an allicin concentration of 3.13 μg/ml, and the lethal dose for the spores was about four times higher than the fungistatic concentration. These results suggest that allicin inhibits both germination of spores and growth of hyphae.
Inducible High Resistance to Colistin in
Proteus
Strains
Authors: Shimizu Shoji , Iyobe Shizuko , Mitsuhashi Susumu
Published: June 2012

Wild-type
Proteus
strains are usually resistant to colistin. We have observed an increase in the level of colistin resistance in four clinical isolates of
P. vulgaris, P. morganii
, and
P. rettgeri
by prior treatment with subinhibitory concentrations of the drug. The enhanced resistance in these strains was lost after cultivating them in colistin-free medium, indicating that the enhanced resistance in the
Proteus
group is inducible.
In Vitro Activity of Thienamycin
Authors: Tally Francis P. , Jacobus Nilda V. , Gorbach Sherwood L.
Published: June 2012

The in vitro activity of thienamycin was tested against 135 aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The compound was highly active against resistant gram-negative bacilli and penicillin-resistant
Straphylococcus aureus
. The antianaerobic spectrum of the drug seemed to be comparable to that of metronidazole.
Combined Activity of Minocycline and Amphotericin B In Vitro Against Medically Important Yeasts
Authors: Lew Michael A. , Beckett Kevin M. , Levin Myron J.
Published: June 2012

The capacity of minocycline to enhance the activity of amphotericin B against
Candida albicans, Torulopsis glabrata, Cryptococcus neoformans
, and non-
albicans Candida
was examined in vitro utilizing a time-killing curve technique. Synergism was apparent at 4 h with 5 of 5 strains of
C. albicans
, 8 of 8 strains of
C. neoformans
, and 1 of 12 strains of non-
albicans Candida
. Synergism was apparent at 24 h with the remaining 11 strains of non-
albicans Candida
and all 5 strains of
T. glabrata. C. neoformans
was the most susceptible of the yeasts to the minocycline-amphotericin B combination; seven strains showed a 3-log or greater reduction in colony count in 4 h and all strains showed this reduction in 24 h at amphotericin B concentrations of 0.4 μg/ml or less in the presence of minocycline.
Quantitative Assessment of Bactericidal Activities of β-Lactam Antibiotics by Agar Plate Method
Authors: Masuda Gohta , Tomioka Susumu
Published: June 2012

Quantitative bactericidal activities of β-lactam antibiotics were determined by the agar plate method. Broth cultures, of which the colony-forming units were counted before the study, were inoculated on antibiotic-containing agar plates, utilizing a 10
−3
, 10
−2
, or 10
−1
dilution or undiluted culture plated with each 0.001-ml calibrated loop. These plates were incubated at 37°C overnight, and the minimal drug concentration at which no bacterial growth was observed on the plates was defined as minimal inhibitory concentration. After this procedure, the agar surface was treated with β-lactamase spray to inactivate the antibiotic. These plates were incubated again at 37°C overnight. The minimal drug concentration at which no evidence of bacterial growth was visible on the plates (resulting in a 100% kill) was defined as minimal bactericidal concentration. The lowest concentration which reduced the number of colony-forming units to 1/1,000 that in the original inoculum (resulting in a 99.9% kill) was defined as minimal lethal concentration. When compared for
Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter
sp.,
Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis
, alpha-hemolytic streptococcus (non-enterococcal), beta-hemolytic streptococcus, and enterococcus, the minimal bactericidal concentrations were generally several fold higher than the minimal inhibitory concentrations. Minimal lethal concentrations were virtually the same as minimal inhibitory concentrations for gram-negative strains; however, for some gram-positive strains, minimal lethal concentrations were higher than minimal inhibitory concentrations.
Pharmacokinetic Properties of Netilmicin in Newborn Infants
Authors: Siegel Jane D. , McCracken George H. , Thomas Marion L. , Threlkeld Norma
Published: June 2012

Netilmicin and gentamicin susceptibilities of 258 gram-negative organisms and 25 strains of
Staphylococcus aureus
were nearly identical. The pharmacokinetic properties of netilmicin were evaluated in 101 newborn infants and related to birth weight, gestational age, chronological age, and route of administration. Mean peak serum concentrations of 5.6 to 6.9 and 7.8 to 8.4 μg/ml were observed 30 min after 3- and 4-mg/kg doses, respectively, were given intramuscularly. The peak concentrations were directly related to gestational age. The average serum half-life values varied from 3.4 to 4.7 h and in general were inversely related to birth weight, gestational age, and postnatal age. The pharmacokinetics of netilmicin in 10 infants were similar after intramuscular and intravenous administration. A comparative study of netilmicin and gentamicin in seven neonates revealed greater variability in serum concentrations of gentamicin and a shorter half-life for netilmicin. There was evidence of accumulation of netilmicin in 12 low-birth weight, premature infants who received 4-mg/kg doses for an average of 6.4 days. Serum and urine levels of netilmicin were measured up to 11 days after discontinuation of the drug. These data are well characterized by a two-compartment model. Additional studies of efficacy and long-term toxicity of netilmicin in neonates are necessary.
Large-Scale Production and Concentration of Human Lymphoid Interferon
Authors: Klein Frederick , Ricketts Robert T. , Jones William I. , DeArmon Ira A. , Temple Matthew J. , Zoon Kathryn C. , Bridgen Pamela J.
Published: June 2012

A stable and predictable production system is described for pilot plant quantities (milligram) of human lymphoid interferon, using suspension culture of an African Burkitt's lymphoma derived cell line Namalva with induction by Newcastle disease virus, B-1 strain. Cell cultures were grown in impeller-driven 50-liter fermentors with dilution of the postinduction culture using serum-free medium. High levels of dissolved oxygen were necessary for optimum cell growth. A total of 4,207 liters of interferon culture was produced in a series of 116 fermentor runs. An average yield of 3.5 log
10
international units of interferon per ml was realized before processing. Trichloroacetic acid was used to precipitate the interferon. An average of 3.35 log
10
international units of interferon per ml was recovered in the final nonpurified product.
Phosphonopeptides as Antibacterial Agents: Alaphosphin and Related Phosphonopeptides
Authors: Allen John G. , Atherton Frank R. , Hall Michael J. , Hassall Cedric H. , Holmes Simon W. , Lambert Robert W. , Nisbet Louis J. , Ringrose Peter S.
Published: June 2012

Alaphosphin,
l
-alanyl-
l
-1-aminoethylphosphonic acid, was selected from a range of phosphonopeptides for evaluation in humans on the basis of its antibacterial activity, pharmacokinetics, and stability to intestinal and kidney peptidases. In vitro, the antibacterial action was antagonized by small peptides, resulting in low activity on peptone media. On an antagonist-free medium alaphosphin was bactericidal and rapidly lysed most susceptible gram-negative bacteria, but it was largely bacteriostatic and essentially nonlytic against gram-positive organisms. Its spectrum included most strains normally isolated from urinary tract infections, but potency was greatly reduced by very high inoculum levels and by alkaline pH. Although strains of
Proteus
and
Pseudomonas
were less susceptible to alaphosphin than were other common gram-negative bacteria, like other species they formed spheroplasts when exposed under appropriate conditions. Alaphosphin was equally effective against penicillin-susceptible and -resistant strains and showed no cross-resistance with known antibiotics. Good synergy and increased bactericidal activity were demonstrated with combinations of alaphosphin and
d
-cycloserine or β-lactam antibiotics.
High-pressure liquid chromatography analysis of antibiotic susceptibility disks
Authors: Hagel R B , Waysek E H , Cort W M
Published: June 2012

The analysis of antibiotic susceptibility disks by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was investigated. Methods are presented for the potency determination of mecillinam, ampicillin, carbenicillin, and cephalothin alone and in various combinations. Good agreement between HPLC and microbiological data is observed for potency determinations with recoveries of greater than 95%. Relative standard deviations of lower than 2% are recorded for each HPLC method. HPLC methods offer improved accuracy and greater precision when compared to the standard microbiological methods of analysis for susceptibility disks.
3-Deazauridine: Inhibition of Ribonucleic Acid Virus-Induced Cytopathogenic Effects In Vitro
Authors: Shannon William M. , Arnett Gussie , Schabel Frank M.
Published: June 2012

3-Deazauridine, a synthetic analogue of uridine and a potential antitumor agent, was found to possess antiviral activity against a number of ribonucleic acid-containing animal viruses in mammalian cell culture. Inhibition of virus-induced cytopathogenic effects by 3-deazauridine was observed in cells infected with rhinovirus types 1A and 13, coxsackievirus type A21, and PR-8 influenza virus, but not in cells infected with poliovirus type 2 or echovirus type 12. The extracellular yield of progeny influenza virus was found to be significantly reduced in titer in 3-deazauridine-treated Madin-Darby canine kidney cell cultures at 12 to 24 hr after infection. Although the precise biochemical mechanism of action of this antimetabolite's antiviral activity is not known, the compound does not appear to exert a direct virucidal effect on the influenza virion itself.
Antibacterial Activity of Venom Alkaloids from the Imported Fire Ant,
Solenopsis invicta
Buren
1
Authors: Jouvenaz D. P. , Blum M. S. , MacConnell J. G.
Published: June 2012

The antibacterial properties of synthetic fire ant venom alkaloids were tested by disc-diffusion procedures against a variety of bacteria and by doubling concentrations in broth cultures of
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Escherichia coli
. Gram-positive bacteria were inhibited by lower concentrations of
trans
-2-methyl-6-
n
-undecylpiperidine,
trans
-2-methyl-6-
n
-tridecylpiperidine, and
trans
-2-methyl-6-
n
-pentadecylpiperidine than were gram-negative bacteria. A fourth alkaloid,
trans
-2-methyl-6-(
cis
-6-pentadecenyl)piperidine, which was available in minute quantity and was tested by disc-diffusion only, was ineffective against all organisms.
Inhibition of Growth of T-Strain Mycoplasmas by Hydroxamic Acids and by Aurothiomalate
Authors: Ford Denys K.
Published: June 2012

Sorbyl-, benzoyl-, and 3-amino-benzoyl hydroxamic acids inhibited the development of an alkaline
p
H by T-strain cultures grown in broth containing 0.05% urea and phenol red. The specificity of this urease inhibition was demonstrated by the inhibition, by 10
−4
m
sorbyl-hydroxamic acid, of the release of
14
CO
2
from
14
C-urea by washed T-strain mycoplasmas in 4 hr of incubation. Sorbyl-, benzoyl-, and 3-amino-benzoyl hydroxamic acids at a concentration of 10
−3
m
markedly inhibited the multiplication of T-strain 354 during 18 hr of incubation; this inhibition was not corrected by thymidine at a concentration of 500 μg per ml. Aurothiomalate was 20 times more inhibitory to
Mycoplasma hominis
DC-63 than to T-strain 354; equivalent inhibitory concentrations were 50 μg per ml for
M. hominis
and 1,200 μg per ml for T strains.
Cation Reversal of Inhibition of Growth by Valinomycin in
Streptococcus pyogenes
and
Clostridium sporogenes
Authors: Seshachalam Dutta , Frahm David H. , Ferraro Frank M.
Published: June 2012

Study of the antimicrobial spectrum of valinomycin revealed that, in addition to the gram-positive bacteria reported in literature,
Streptococcus pyogenes
and
Clostridium sporogenes
are also susceptible to this antibiotic. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the antibiotic for
S. pyogenes
grown aerobically and anaerobically did not differ markedly, negating the hypothesis that oxidative phosphorylation is involved in the mechanism of action of this antibiotic. This conclusion is further strengthened by the inhibition of growth of
C. sporogenes
, an obligate anaerobe. In a medium with a low K
+
concentration, the MIC for
S. pyogenes
was 0.02 μg/ml, the lowest ever recorded for this antibiotic. The inhibition of growth of
S. pyogenes
and
C. sporogenes
was readily reversed by addition of K
+
to the medium, indicating a compensation for net efflux of K
+
from the cells when the transmembrane potential reached equilibrium. In contrast to these bacteria,
Bacillus subtilis
was less susceptible to the antibiotic when the potassium concentration of the medium was low. The addition of potassium in the presence of valinomycin increased the inhibition of growth, which appears to result from dissipation of metabolic energy as in the mitochondrial system.