bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carriage of methicillin-resistant staphylococci by healthy companion animals in the US
Authors: Davis J.A. , Jackson C.R. , Fedorka-Cray P.J. , Barrett J.B. , Brousse J.H. , Gustafson J. , Kucher M.
Published: April 2014

Antimicrobial-resistant staphylococci have been associated with wounded or ill companion animals, but little is known about the prevalence of resistant staphylococci among healthy animals. In this study, 276 healthy dogs and cats from veterinary clinics were tested for the presence of antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus spp. Isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility and the presence of select resistance genes, and typed using Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius were also characterized using multilocus sequence typing (MLST), spa typing and SCCmec typing. Approximately 5% (14/276) of the animals were positive by enrichment for five species of staphylococci [Staph. aureus (n = 11), Staph. pseudintermedius (n = 4), Staphylococcus sciuri (n = 6), Staphylococcus simulans (n = 1) and Staphylococcus warneri (n = 1)]. Seventy-eight per cent (18/23) of staphylococci were resistant to oxacillin and also multidrug resistant (resistance to ≥ 2 antimicrobials). All Staph. aureus isolates were mecA+ and blaZ+, SCCmec type II, spa type t002, ST5 and clonal using PFGE. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius were SCCmec type IV or V, spa type t06 and ST170; two of the isolates were pvl+. These results suggest that healthy companion animals may be a reservoir of multidrug-resistant staphylococci, which may be transferred to owners and others who handle companion animals.

Significance and Impact of the Study

In this study, antimicrobial-resistant coagulase-negative and coagulase-positive staphylococci were isolated from various body sites on healthy dogs and cats. Resistance to 14 antimicrobials was observed including resistance to oxacillin; the majority of staphylococci were also multidrug resistant. Results from this study suggest that healthy dogs and cats may act as reservoirs of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria that may be transferred to people by simple interaction with the animals. Such carriage poses an underlying risk of infection, which should be considered during handling of healthy dogs and cats by pet owners and veterinary personnel.
Impact of spatial resolution on results of esophageal high‐resolution manometry
Authors: De Schepper H. U. , Kessing B. F. , Weijenborg P. W. , Oors J. M. , Smout A. J. P. M. , Bredenoord A. J.
Published: April 2014

Background

The Chicago classification for esophageal motility disorders was designed for a 36‐channel manometry system with sensors spaced at 1 cm. However, many motility laboratories outside the USA use catheters with a lower resolution in the segments outside the esophagogastric junction. Our aim was to investigate the effect of spatial resolution on the Chicago metrics and diagnosis.

Methods

In 20 healthy volunteers and 47 patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms, high‐resolution manometric studies of the esophagus were retrospectively reanalyzed using the original 1‐cm spacing in the segments outside the 7‐cm esophagogastric junction segment, and again after manually increasing the spacing between sensors to 2, 3, and 4 cm (above the lower esophageal sphincter region). Measurements were analyzed in random order and the investigator was blinded to the outcome of the analyses performed in another resolution of the same patient. Intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICC) and Kappa values were determined.

Key Results

There was a very strong correlation between the 1‐cm and 2‐cm analysis for all Chicago metrics studied in healthy volunteers (ICCs: distal contractile integral 0.998; contractile front velocity (CFV) 0.964; distal latency 0.919; peristaltic break size 0.941). The 2‐cm spacing analysis also correlated very well with the 1‐cm analysis for the different Chicago diagnoses obtained in the patients (Kappa values ranging from 0.665 to 1.000). When the sensor spacing was increased to 3 and 4 cm, the correlation was reduced to moderate for the Chicago metrics, especially for break size and CFV of peristalsis.

Conclusions & Inferences

The Chicago classification for esophageal motility disorders is still valid and the same normal values can be used when catheters with a slightly lower resolution are used (i.e., 2‐cm vs 1‐cm spacing). For larger sensor intervals, the classification and the normal values will need to be adjusted.
If The US And Japan Don't Deter China, Dominos Will Fall
Authors: FUNABASHI YOICHI
Published: April 2014

Despite grand visions of a cosmopolitan planet living in peace, the first globalization at the turn of the 20th century descended into World War I as the old empires scrambled to preserve themselves as others sought self‐determination. Powers on the losing end of that war reasserted themselves in yet another worldwide calamity within decades.

After World War II, in the early 1950s, with the victorious American‐led alliance in the driver's seat, institutions such as the United Nations and the Bretton Woods arrangements created a global stability that enabled peace, prosperity and the “rise of the rest.”

In 2014, the world order is shifting again with the rise of China reviving in Asia the very kind of nationalist rivalries that led Europe to war twice in the 20th century.

Will we be able to build new institutions that accommodate the new powershift without resorting to war, or will the second globalization collapse as well? Top strategists from the US, Japan and China respond to this momentous question.
The Middle Kingdom and the Coming World Disorder
Authors: LI ERIC X.
Published: April 2014

Despite grand visions of a cosmopolitan planet living in peace, the first globalization at the turn of the 20th century descended into World War I as the old empires scrambled to preserve themselves as others sought self‐determination. Powers on the losing end of that war reasserted themselves in yet another worldwide calamity within decades.

After World War II, in the early 1950s, with the victorious American‐led alliance in the driver's seat, institutions such as the United Nations and the Bretton Woods arrangements created a global stability that enabled peace, prosperity and the “rise of the rest.”

In 2014, the world order is shifting again with the rise of China reviving in Asia the very kind of nationalist rivalries that led Europe to war twice in the 20th century.

Will we be able to build new institutions that accommodate the new powershift without resorting to war, or will the second globalization collapse as well? Top strategists from the US, Japan and China respond to this momentous question.
China's New Foreign Policy: Not Conflict But Convergence Of Interests
Authors: XUETONG YAN
Published: April 2014

Despite grand visions of a cosmopolitan planet living in peace, the first globalization at the turn of the 20th century descended into World War I as the old empires scrambled to preserve themselves as others sought self‐determination. Powers on the losing end of that war reasserted themselves in yet another worldwide calamity within decades.

After World War II, in the early 1950s, with the victorious American‐led alliance in the driver's seat, institutions such as the United Nations and the Bretton Woods arrangements created a global stability that enabled peace, prosperity and the “rise of the rest.”

In 2014, the world order is shifting again with the rise of China reviving in Asia the very kind of nationalist rivalries that led Europe to war twice in the 20th century.

Will we be able to build new institutions that accommodate the new powershift without resorting to war, or will the second globalization collapse as well? Top strategists from the US, Japan and China respond to this momentous question.
Only A Grand Compromise Between US And China Can Reduce East Asian Tensions
Authors: YOUNG‐KWAN YOON
Published: April 2014

Despite grand visions of a cosmopolitan planet living in peace, the first globalization at the turn of the 20th century descended into World War I as the old empires scrambled to preserve themselves as others sought self‐determination. Powers on the losing end of that war reasserted themselves in yet another worldwide calamity within decades.

After World War II, in the early 1950s, with the victorious American‐led alliance in the driver's seat, institutions such as the United Nations and the Bretton Woods arrangements created a global stability that enabled peace, prosperity and the “rise of the rest.”

In 2014, the world order is shifting again with the rise of China reviving in Asia the very kind of nationalist rivalries that led Europe to war twice in the 20th century.

Will we be able to build new institutions that accommodate the new powershift without resorting to war, or will the second globalization collapse as well? Top strategists from the US, Japan and China respond to this momentous question.
A Global “Growth Map” for 2014
Authors: SPENCE MICHAEL
Published: April 2014

The great story of the last decade has been the “rise of the rest”—emerging economies such as China, Brazil, Turkey and India—to a position rivaling that of the established, advanced economies. As the aftershocks of the financial crisis of 2008–2009 continue to ripple through the global system, will the rising rest stay or track or be derailed? Some of the world's top economists examine this question in the following section.
Against Growth Market Pessimism
Authors: KHANNA PARAG
Published: April 2014

The great story of the last decade has been the “rise of the rest”—emerging economies such as China, Brazil, Turkey and India—to a position rivaling that of the established, advanced economies. As the aftershocks of the financial crisis of 2008–2009 continue to ripple through the global system, will the rising rest stay or track or be derailed? Some of the world's top economists examine this question in the following section.
The 401(k) Society
Authors: FRIEDMAN THOMAS
Published: April 2014

The double whammy of job‐displacing technological advance and wage‐deflating globalization has demoted the American middle class, even as the rich get richer from access to global markets and from their slice of profits from managing massive global financial flows. The specter of growing inequality is haunting free‐market capitalism as never before since the early days of the Industrial Revolution. What is happening? What is to be done? Top economists take a hard look at a hard reality.
Winners of Globalization: The Rich and The Chinese Middle Class. Losers: The American Middle Class
Authors: MILANOVIC BRANKO
Published: April 2014

The double whammy of job‐displacing technological advance and wage‐deflating globalization has demoted the American middle class, even as the rich get richer from access to global markets and from their slice of profits from managing massive global financial flows. The specter of growing inequality is haunting free‐market capitalism as never before since the early days of the Industrial Revolution. What is happening? What is to be done? Top economists take a hard look at a hard reality.
The quiet revolution in Asia's rice value chains
Authors: Reardon Thomas , Chen Kevin Z. , Minten Bart , Adriano Lourdes , Dao The Anh , Wang Jianying , Gupta Sunipa Das
Published: April 2014

There is a rapid transformation afoot in the rice value chain in Asia. The upstream is changing quickly—farmers are undertaking capital‐led intensification and participating in burgeoning markets for land rental, fertilizer and pesticides, irrigation water, and seed, and shifting from subsistence to small commercialized farms; in some areas landholdings are concentrating. Midstream, in wholesale and milling, there is a quiet revolution underway, with thousands of entrepreneurs investing in equipment, increasing scale, diversifying into higher quality, and the segments are undergoing consolidation and vertical coordination and integration. Mills, especially in China, are packaging and branding, and building agent networks in wholesale markets, and large mills are building direct relationships with supermarkets. The downstream retail segment is undergoing a “supermarket revolution,” again with the lead in change in China. In most cases the government is not playing a direct role in the market, but enabling this transformation through infrastructural investment. The transformation appears to be improving food security for cities by reducing margins, offering lower consumer rice prices, and increasing quality and diversity of rice. This paper discusses findings derived from unique stacked surveys of all value chain segments in seven zones, more and less developed, around Bangladesh, China, India, and Vietnam.
Translational research investigations on ATP7A: an important human copper ATPase
Authors: Kaler Stephen G.
Published: April 2014

In more than 40 years since copper deficiency was delineated in pediatric subjects with Menkes disease, remarkable advances in our understanding of the clinical, biochemical, and molecular aspects of the human copper transporter ATP7A have emerged. Mutations in the gene encoding this multitasking molecule are now implicated in at least two other distinctive phenotypes: occipital horn syndrome and ATP7A‐related isolated distal motor neuropathy. Several other novel inherited disorders of copper metabolism have been identified in the past several years, aided by advances in human gene mapping and automated DNA sequencing. In this paper, I review the history and evolution of our understanding of disorders caused by impaired ATP7A function, and outline future challenges.
Trends in the incidence of and survival rates for oral cavity cancer in the Korean population
Authors: Choi SW , Moon E‐K , Park JY , Jung K‐W , Oh C‐M , Kong H‐J , Won Y‐J
Published: April 2014

Objective

This study assessed trends in the incidence of and survival rates for oral cavity cancer in the Korean population.

Materials and Methods

Data from the Korea Central Cancer Registry were extracted for 10 282 patients diagnosed with oral cavity cancer (C01‐C06) between 1999 and 2010 to evaluate the age‐standardised incidence rate, annual percentage change (APC) and 5‐year relative survival rate (RSR) according to gender and age.

Results

In males, the incidence rate slightly decreased [APC of −0.2% (P = 0.6427)]; in females, the incidence rate increased [APC of 3.1% (P < 0.05)]. In males and females, the incidence of oral tongue cancer (C02) significantly increased [APC of 2.2% and 4.1%, respectively (P < 0.05)]. This increase in oral tongue cancer incidence was most prominent in the younger age group (<40 years, APC = 6.1%, P < 0.05). The incidence of buccal cheek cancer increased only among males [APC of 4.8% (P < 0.05)]. The 5‐year RSR improved from 42.7% (1993–1995) to 59.5% (2006–2010), corresponding to an increase of 16.8% from 1993 to 2010 (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The incidence of oral cavity cancer in females increased, whereas it stabilised or decreased in males. However, the incidence of oral tongue cancer increased in both males and females, especially in the younger age group.
SERVANT LEADERSHIP, TRUST, AND THE ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT OF PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYEES IN CHINA
Authors: MIAO QING , NEWMAN ALEXANDER , SCHWARZ GARY , XU LIN
Published: April 2014

So‐called servant leaders strive selflessly and altruistically to assist others before themselves, work to develop their followers' greatest potential, and seek to benefit the wider community. This article examines the trust‐based mechanisms by which servant leadership influences organizational commitment in the Chinese public sector, using data from a survey of civil servants. Quantitative analysis shows that servant leadership strongly influences affective and normative commitment, while having no impact on continuance commitment. Furthermore, we find that affective trust rather than cognitive trust is the mechanism by which servant leadership induces higher levels of commitment. Our findings suggest that in a time of decreasing confidence levels in public leaders, servant leadership behaviour may be used to re‐establish trust and create legitimacy for the Chinese civil service.
Diagnostic challenge of large congenital liver cyst in the newborn
Authors: Viswanathan Sreekanth , Kumar Deepak
Published: April 2014

Liver cysts in the newborn often pose significant diagnostic challenges. Described herein is a case of large congenital liver cyst that was difficult to diagnose both antenatally and postnatally and which was later diagnosed as Caroli disease.
Primary ciliary dyskinesia diagnosed on nasal mucosal biopsy in two newborns
Authors: Yasuhara Jun , Yamada Yuji , Hara Kaori , Suhara Rieko , Hattori Yujiro , Yamaguchi Tetsuji , Mizuno Yusuke , Kizu Rika , Bamba Masahiro
Published: April 2014

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetic disease that causes abnormalities in ciliary structure and/or function. Ciliated cells line the upper and lower respiratory tracts and the Eustachian tube. Impairment of mucus clearance at these sites leads to sinusitis, repeated pulmonary infections, bronchiectasis, and chronic otitis media. Situs inversus occurs randomly in approximately 50% of subjects with PCD. The triad of situs inversus, bronchiectasis and sinusitis is known as Kartagener syndrome. PCD is usually an autosomal recessive disease, but occasional instances of X‐linked transmission have been reported. Specific diagnosis requires examination of ciliary function or structure on light and electron microscopy. Early diagnosis and respiratory management are important in order to prevent the development of bronchiectasis and deterioration in lung function. We report early diagnosis of PCD on nasal mucosal biopsy in two newborns who presented with prolonged respiratory distress and rhinorrhea.
Accuracy of telediagnosis of fetal heart disease using ultrasound images transmitted via the Internet
Authors: Hishitani Takashi , Fujimoto Yoshitaka , Saito Yukinori , Sugamoto Kenji , Hoshino Kenji , Ogawa Kiyoshi
Published: April 2014

We verified the feasibility of telediagnosis of fetal disease by (i) grading telediagnosis by a pediatric cardiologist into five confidence levels; and (ii) comparison of fetal telediagnosis with hands‐on fetal diagnosis or postnatal diagnosis. In 114 patients suspected of having heart disease (real time, n = 15; recorded image transmission, n = 99), 79 patients were in level 5 (excellent), 17 in level 4 (good), eight in level 3 (fair), 10 in level 2 (poor), and no patients in level 1 (bad). The average was 4.5, and in 96 patients (84% of all) telediagnosis was accurate (above 4), whereas in 18 patients it was inaccurate (level 2 or 3). In re‐examination of 25 patients, telediagnosis was confirmed in patients in level 4 and 5, whereas heart disease was missed in patients in levels 2 or 3. The correct diagnosis matched the high confidence level of a specialist based on recognizable transmitted images.
Efficacy of micafungin in pediatric immunocompromised patients with invasive fungal infection
Authors: Hashii Yoshiko , Kusuki Shigenori , Takizawa Sachiko , Tokimasa Sadao , Ohta Hideaki , Hara Junichi , Ozono Keiichi
Published: April 2014

Background

Micafungin, an antifungal echinocandin, has been indicated for pediatric patients with invasive fungal infection (IFI) in Japan and Europe. Its efficacy in immunocompromised pediatric patients with IFI, however, has not been fully investigated.

Methods

The safety and efficacy of micafungin as an antifungal therapy were analyzed in nine consecutive severe immunocompromised patients with IFI.

Results

Three patients with proven or probable Candida infections had complete response to micafungin therapy. Of the other six patients with proven, probable or possible Aspergillus infection, four had complete response and one had partial response to micafungin treatment. No severe adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

In this small series, micafungin was effective for IFI caused by both Candida and Aspergillus species and no severe adverse events were observed in these immunocompromised patients.
Branchio‐oto‐renal syndrome: Comprehensive review based on nationwide surveillance in Japan
Authors: Morisada Naoya , Nozu Kandai , Iijima Kazumoto
Published: April 2014

Branchio‐oto‐renal (BOR) syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by branchiogenic malformation, hearing loss and renal anomalies. The prevalence of BOR syndrome is 1/40 000 in Western countries, and nationwide surveillance in 2009–2010 identified approximately 250 BOR patients in Japan. Three causative genes for BOR syndrome have been reported thus far: EYA1, SIX1, and SIX5, but the causative genes for approximately half of all BOR patients remain unknown. This review article discusses the epidemiology, clinical symptoms, genetic background and management of BOR syndrome.
Population‐based study of esophageal and small intestinal atresia/stenosis
Authors: Takahashi Daijiro , Hiroma Takehiko , Takamizawa Shigeru , Nakamura Tomohiko
Published: April 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of esophageal atresia/stenosis and small intestinal atresia/stenosis in Nagano, Japan, together with associated anomalies, prenatal diagnosis and survival.

Methods

A population‐based cohort study of the prevalence of esophageal atresia/stenosis and small intestinal atresia/stenosis was conducted in Nagano in January 1993–December 2011. The Mann–Whitney test, χ2 test and Kruskal–Wallis test were used to compare variables. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In total, 74 cases of esophageal atresia/stenosis and 87 cases of small intestinal atresia/stenosis (31 duodenal, 56 jejuno‐ileal) were identified. Prevalences were 1.97 for esophageal atresia/stenosis and 2.23 for small intestinal atresia/stenosis (0.83 for duodenal atresia/stenosis and 1.49 for jejuno‐ileal atresia/stenosis) per 10 000 births, respectively. The prevalence of esophageal atresia/stenosis increased significantly from 1993–2001 to 2002–2011 (relative risk [RR], 1.6), as did the prevalences of duodenal atresia/stenosis (RR, 2.2) and jejuno‐ileal atresia/stenosis (RR, 3.1). Chromosomal anomalies, particularly trisomy 21, were seen significantly more often in association with duodenal atresia/stenosis (55%) than with esophageal atresia/stenosis (28%, P < 0.01) or jejuno‐ileal atresia/stenosis (2%, P < 0.01). The proportion of patients associated with prenatally diagnosed chromosomal anomaly was higher compared to postnatal diagnosis (P < 0.01) in the esophageal atresia/stenosis group.

Conclusion

The prevalence of esophageal and small intestinal atresia/stenosis increased significantly from 1993–2001 to 2002–2011. Prenatally diagnosed esophageal atresia/stenosis is associated with multiple anomalies, particularly chromosomal anomalies, compared to other small intestine atresia/stenosis.
Population Health: Modest Glycaemic Improvements in a Pregnant Cohort with Mild Glucose Intolerance Decreased Adverse Outcomes
Authors: Berggren Erica K. , Boggess Kim A. , Jonsson Funk Michele
Published: April 2014

Background

Adverse perinatal outcomes are common with pregnancy‐related mild glucose intolerance. The perinatal impact of improving this population's health, instead of individual health, has not been quantified.

Methods

We estimated this impact among women with mild glucose intolerance, delivered at The University of North Carolina Women's Hospital from April 1996 to May 2010. We compared observed with predicted risks of perinatal outcomes after simulating a cohort with a one standard deviation decrease in each glucose value. We estimated absolute and adjusted risks, relative risks, and risk differences with Poisson regression and bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals [CI].

Results

Among 3217 women, mean (SD) 1‐h screening result was 157 (16) mg/dL; 3‐h diagnostic results were 81 (10), 154 (28), 130 (25), and 104 (26) mg/dL for fasting, 1‐h, 2‐h, and 3‐h, respectively. Compared with observed, predicted risks decreased for preeclampsia (9.1% vs. 6.6%, risk ratio [RR] 0.73 [95% CI 0.60, 0.88]), caesarean delivery (30.1% vs. 26.4%, RR 0.88 [95% CI 0.81, 0.96]), preterm birth (13.0% vs. 9.8%, RR 0.75 [95% CI 0.64, 0.87]), birthweight >4000 g (13.4% vs. 10.5%, RR 0.78 [95% CI 0.67, 0.90]), and shoulder dystocia (3.5% vs. 2.2%, RR 0.61 [95% CI 0.46, 0.83]).

Conclusions

Modestly improved population distribution of glucose tolerance in pregnancies affected by mild glucose intolerance translated to meaningful improvements in perinatal outcomes.
Characterization of two tartary buckwheat R2R3‐MYB transcription factors and their regulation of proanthocyanidin biosynthesis
Authors: Bai Yue‐Chen , Li Cheng‐Lei , Zhang Jin‐Wen , Li Shuang‐Jiang , Luo Xiao‐Peng , Yao Hui‐Peng , Chen Hui , Zhao Hai‐Xia , Park Sang‐Un , Wu Qi
Published: April 2014

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) contains high concentrations of flavonoids. The flavonoids are mainly represented by rutin, anthocyanins and proanthocyanins in tartary buckwheat. R2R3‐type MYB transcription factors (TFs) play key roles in the transcriptional regulation of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. In this study, two TF genes, FtMYB1 and FtMYB2, were isolated from F. tataricum and characterized. The results of bioinformatic analysis indicated that the putative FtMYB1 and FtMYB2 proteins belonged to the R2R3‐MYB family and displayed a high degree of similarity with TaMYB14 and AtMYB123/TT2. In vitro and in vivo evidence both showed the two proteins were located in the nucleus and exhibited transcriptional activation activities. During florescence, both FtMYB1 and FtMYB2 were more highly expressed in the flowers than any other organ. The overexpression of FtMYB1 and FtMYB2 significantly enhanced the accumulation of proanthocyanidins (PAs) and showed a strong effect on the target genes' expression in Nicotiana tabacum. The expression of dihydroflavonol‐4‐reductase (DFR) was upregulated to 5.6‐fold higher than that of control, and the expression level was lower for flavonol synthase (FLS). To our knowledge, this is the first functional characterization of two MYB TFs from F. tataricum that control the PA pathway.
Predictors of the pathogenicity of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus nosocomial pneumonia
Authors: Nagaoka Kentaro , Yanagihara Katsunori , Harada Yosuke , Yamada Koichi , Migiyama Yohei , Morinaga Yoshitomo , Izumikawa Koichi , Kakeya Hiroshi , Yamamoto Yoshihiro , Nishimura Masaharu , Kohno Shigeru
Published: April 2014

Background and objective

The clinical characteristics of patients with nosocomial pneumonia (NP) associated with methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection are not well characterized.

Methods

Three hundred and thirty‐seven consecutive patients with MRSA isolation from respiratory specimens who attended our hospital between April 2007 and March 2011 were enrolled. Patients characteristics diagnosed with ‘true’ MRSA‐NP were described with regards to clinical, microbiological features, radiological features and genetic characteristics of the isolates. The diagnosis of ‘true’ MRSA‐NP was confirmed by anti‐MRSA treatment effects, Gram‐staining or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid culture.

Results

Thirty‐six patients were diagnosed with ‘true’ MRSA‐NP, whereas 34 were diagnosed with NP with MRSA colonization. Patients with a MRSA‐NP had a Pneumonia Patient Outcomes Research Team score of 5 (58.3% vs 23.5%), single cultivation of MRSA (83.3% vs 38.2%), MRSA quantitative cultivation yielding more than 106 CFU/mL (80.6% vs 47.1%), radiological findings other than lobar pneumonia (66.7% vs 26.5%), and a history of head, neck, oesophageal or stomach surgery (30.6% vs 11.8%). These factors were shown to be independent predictors of the pathogenicity of ‘true’ MRSA‐NP by multivariate analysis (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

‘True’ MRSA‐NP shows distinct clinical and radiological features from NP with MRSA colonization.
Socio-Economic Inequalities in Bodily Pain Over the Life Cycle: Longitudinal Evidence from Australia, Britain and Germany
Authors: Schurer Stefanie , Shields Michael A. , Jones Andrew M.
Published: April 2014

We document the extent of socio-economic status (SES) inequalities in bodily pain in Australia, Britain and Germany, with a particular focus on whether such inequalities widen over the life course. Random-effects logistic and kernel regressions are used to estimate odds ratios of experiencing severe pain by income, educational qualification and occupational status, and to graph age–pain profiles, while accounting for individual heterogeneity. Cohort level regression analysis is used to control for cohort effects. Low SES is consistently related to higher levels of bodily pain in each country and inequalities widen with increasing age. The odds of experiencing severe bodily pain for individuals in the lowest, relative to the highest, household income quartile is up to two times higher, whereas the odds for those with minimum relative to university education are up to three times higher. For each country, the odds of experiencing severe pain by machine operators are around three times higher than for professionals. Maximum levels, and maximum SES differences in pain, are both reached at around age 60 years, with the differentials ranging between 0.2 and 0.7 of sample standard deviations. No convergence of pain profiles is observed by age 70 years. Controlling for cohort effects in the Australian data confirms the results from the age group analysis. Taken together these results suggest that low SES and manual work have cumulative health effects over the life cycle.
Time Varying Ratings in Association Football: the All-Time Greatest Team is..
Authors: Baker Rose D. , McHale Ian G.
Published: April 2014

We present a new methodology to estimate time varying team strengths of football teams. Our dynamic model allows for deterministic, rather than stochastic, evolution of team strengths. We use the model to identify the best team in England since the English Football Association was formed and match results were recorded in 1888. Our results suggest that Chelsea in 2007 were stronger than any other team has been but that Manchester United have experienced the period of most dominance.
Doors and fences: Controlling Indonesia's porous borders and policing asylum seekers
Authors: Missbach Antje
Published: April 2014

Although the partial outsourcing of state border control to non‐state actors is not a new phenomenon, Indonesia is an interesting case study. Border control in an archipelago consisting of more than 17 000 islands is particularly challenging for state authorities. In addition to contending with the exceptional geography, Indonesia's state authorities are also challenged by the political constellation with Australia in regard to irregular cross‐border movements of asylum seekers that has become a controversial issue in recent history. As an important transit country for asylum seekers and refugees en route to Australia, Indonesia's porous borders have rendered it possible to enter and exit the country relatively easily. Given Australia's political pressure and the financial incentives offered to Indonesia to act as a ‘final bulwark’ and control irregular migration flows more effectively, border control nowadays has gained more significance in Indonesia than in the past. Yet, financial constraints and, more importantly, a lack of political will to host asylum seekers in its own territories for the long term remain as obstacles. Fieldwork observations show that due to ongoing funding restrictions for state‐led border control, state‐society cooperation for border surveillance has increased. Civilians in many hotspots for irregular border crossings have been encouraged to report on ‘suspicious foreigners’. State‐society cooperation for border control, however, offers new opportunities for people smugglers to pay off civilian spies or corrupt border authorities.
Changes in N leaching and crop production as a result of measures to reduce N losses to water in a 6‐yr crop rotation
Authors: Myrbeck Å. , Stenberg M.
Published: April 2014

The effects of various measures introduced to increase nitrogen (N)‐use efficiency and reduce N losses to water in a 6‐yr crop rotation (winter wheat, spring barley, green manure, winter wheat, spring barley, spring oilseed rape) were examined with respect to N leaching, soil mineral N (SMN) accumulation and grain yield. An N‐use efficient system (NUE) with delayed tillage until late autumn and spring, direct drilling of winter wheat, earlier sowing of winter and spring crops and use of a catch crop in winter wheat was compared with a conventional system (CON) in a field experiment with six separately tile‐drained plots in south‐western Sweden during the period 1999–2011 (two crop rotation cycles). Total leaching of NO3‐N from the NUE system was significantly 46 and 33% lower than in the CON system during the first and second crop rotation cycle, respectively, with the most pronounced differences apparently related to management strategies for winter wheat. Differences in NO3‐N leaching largely reflected differences in SMN during autumn and winter. There was a tendency for lower yields in the NUE system, probably due to problems with couch grass. Overall, the measures for conserving N, when frequently used within a crop rotation, effectively reduced NO3 concentrations in drainage water and NO3‐N leaching losses, without severely affecting yield.
Virtual dissections through micro‐CT scanning: a method for non‐destructive genitalia ‘dissections’ of valuable Lepidoptera material
Authors: SIMONSEN THOMAS J. , KITCHING IAN J.
Published: April 2014

Since its first application to the field more than 10 years ago, micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) has been a state‐of‐the‐art technology in the study of insect morphology and anatomy. Despite showing great potential for various types of non‐destructive ‘dissections’, the method has, however, seen very limited use in descriptive taxonomy. Here we describe a method for carrying out virtual dissections of the genitalia in male Lepidoptera based on case studies involving the butterfly Argynnis paphia and the hawkmoth Cephonodes hylas. We demonstrate how a standard micro‐CT scanner in conjunction with freely available software can distinguish and illustrate taxonomically important characters, and propose a workflow by which valuable material (such as Linnaean types) can be made available as digital loans, and how users can subsequently carry out ‘virtual dissections’. We emphasize that micro‐CT scanning does not remove the need for real dissections and morphological expertise to confidently evaluate virtual ‘dissections’.
Weed seed germination and the light environment: Implications for weed management
Authors: Batlla Diego , Benech‐Arnold Roberto Luis
Published: April 2014

Light regulates dormancy termination and the subsequent germination in many weed species. Under field conditions, the light environment of the seeds, which is perceived mainly by photoreceptors of the phytochrome family, provides essential information for cueing germination in the proper environmental situation. The light environment's spectral composition and irradiance allow weed seeds to sense their position in the soil profile, the presence of a leaf canopy capturing light and other resources and the occurrence of soil cultivation. From an agronomical point of view, the control of germination by light represents a potentially useful step in the life cycle of weeds for developing effective control practices. The goal of this article is to place current knowledge regarding photoreceptors, physiological and molecular bases of seed responses to light and their ecological implications within the context of weed management in agricultural systems. With that final objective, the authors intend to show how a better understanding of the way in which the light environment regulates dormancy termination and the subsequent germination of weed seeds could be used to develop more accurate control practices and to improve weed management strategies.
Comparison of Different Commercial Serological Tests for the Detection ofToxoplasma gondiiAntibodies in Serum of Naturally Exposed Pigs
Authors: Steinparzer R. , Reisp K. , Grünberger B. , Köfer J. , Schmoll F. , Sattler T.
Published: April 2014

Toxoplasma gondiiis the aetiological agent of the zoonotic disease toxoplasmosis and transmitted among other ways by chemically and physically untreated, that is, raw pork to humans. The detection ofToxoplasma gondiiis impossible by currently practiced meat inspection, but serological tests can be used to detectToxoplasma gondiiantibodies in pig herds and can consequently be helpful to identify potentially contaminated pork. Therefore, appropriate serological tests are required. In this study, serum samples of 1368 naturally exposed slaughter pigs from 73 Austrian farms were collected. Serum samples of at least 16 slaughter pigs per farm were tested. The prevalence ofToxoplasma gondiiantibodies in serum was measured by a commercial available modified agglutination test (MAT) and compared to three different commercial available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). TheMATdetected 6.5%,ELISAI 6.7%,ELISA II4.8% andELISA III4.3% of the pigs asToxoplasma gondiiantibody positive. The agreement, according to the kappa coefficient (κ), was substantial between theMATandELISAI (κ = 0.62),II(κ = 0.64) andIII(κ = 0.67). A better agreement was determined betweenELISAI andII(κ = 0.715),ELISAI andIII(κ = 0.747) andELISA IIandIII(κ = 0.865). At least one pig per farm was detectedToxoplasma gondiiantibody positive in 17 (23.3%) farms by theMAT, 26 (35.6%) farms byELISAI, 16 (21.9%) farms byELISA IIand 11 (15.1%) farms byELISA III. Pig farms with a high number ofToxoplasma gondiiantibody‐positive pigs or high antibody titres were identified by all of the four used serological tests. Concerning the occurrence ofToxoplasma gondiiantibodies in Austrian pig farms, a monitoring and surveillance programme would be reasonable to find high‐risk farms.
The C-Terminal SH3 Domain Contributes to the Intramolecular Inhibition of Vav Family Proteins
Authors: Barreira María , Fabbiano Salvatore , Couceiro José R. , Torreira Eva , Martínez-Torrecuadrada Jorge L. , Montoya Guillermo , Llorca Oscar , Bustelo Xosé R.
Published: April 2014

An intramolecular double-lock system prevents spurious activation of a protein involved in lymphocyte development and cancer.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 15 April 2014
Authors: Eisfeld Ann-Kathrin , de la Chapelle Albert , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: April 2014

An oncogenic microRNA drives leukemia progression by repressing apoptosis.
Shutting Down Repair to Protect
Authors: Riddihough Guy
Published: April 2014

Blocking two crucial repair factors prevents DNA repair during mitosis, which saves the cell from catastrophic chromosome fusions.
Yeasty HIPHOP
Authors: Zahn Laura
Published: April 2014

Guilt by association helps identify the chemogenomic signatures of compounds targeting yeast genes.
Ironing Out the Details with Autophagy
Authors: Berndt Jason D.
Published: April 2014

NCOA4 acts as a cargo adaptor protein to enable selective autophagy of ferritin, thereby regulating iron bioavailability.
Nuclei Sense the Force
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: April 2014

Isolated nuclei can directly sense mechanical force and stimulate the phosphorylation of a nuclear membrane protein.
More Myeloid Cells, STAT!
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: April 2014

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and mesenchymal stromal cells in the bone marrow use cytokines to respond to an acute need for more myeloid cells.
Contact Regulation of Heterogeneity
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: April 2014

Interactions with extracellular matrix alter dynamic transcriptional circuits in a cultured breast epithelial cell line, resulting in the appearance of cellular heterogeneity resembling that seen in breast tumors.
Pneumocystis jirovecii Rtt109, a Novel Drug Target for Pneumocystis Pneumonia in Immunosuppressed Humans
Authors: Dahlin Jayme L. , Kottom Theodore , Han Junhong , Zhou Hui , Walters Michael A. , Zhang Zhiguo , Limper Andrew H.
Published: April 2014

Pneumocystis
pneumonia (PcP) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. In humans, PcP is caused by the opportunistic fungal species
Pneumocystis jirovecii
. Progress in
Pneumocystis
research has been hampered by a lack of viable
in vitro
culture methods, which limits laboratory access to human-derived organisms for drug testing. Consequently, most basic drug discovery research for
P. jirovecii
is performed using related surrogate organisms such as
Pneumocystis carinii
, which is derived from immunosuppressed rodents. While these studies provide useful insights, important questions arise about interspecies variations and the relative utility of identified anti-
Pneumocystis
agents against human
P. jirovecii
. Our recent work has identified the histone acetyltransferase (HAT) Rtt109 in
P. carinii
(i.e., PcRtt109) as a potential therapeutic target for PcP, since Rtt109 HATs are widely conserved in fungi but are absent in humans. To further address the potential utility of this target in human disease, we now demonstrate the presence of a functional Rtt109 orthologue in the clinically relevant fungal pathogen
P. jirovecii
(i.e., PjRtt109). In a fashion similar to that of
Pcrtt109
,
Pjrtt109
restores H3K56 acetylation and genotoxic resistance in
rtt109
-null yeast. Recombinant PjRtt109 is an active HAT
in vitro
, with activity comparable to that of PcRtt109 and yeast Rtt109. PjRtt109 HAT activity is also enhanced by the histone chaperone Asf1
in vitro
. PjRtt109 and PcRtt109 showed similar low micromolar sensitivities to two reported small-molecule HAT inhibitors
in vitro
. Together, these results demonstrate that PjRtt109 is a functional Rtt109 HAT, and they support the development of anti-
Pneumocystis
agents directed at Rtt109-catalyzed histone acetylation as a novel therapeutic target for human PcP.
In Vitro
Antifungal Susceptibility of Candida glabrata to Caspofungin and the Presence of
FKS
Mutations Correlate with Treatment Response in an Immunocompromised Murine Model of Invasive Infection
Authors: Fernández-Silva Fabiola , Lackner Michaela , Capilla Javier , Mayayo Emilio , Sutton Deanna , Castanheira Mariana , Fothergill Annette W. , Lass-Flörl Cornelia , Guarro Josep
Published: April 2014

It has been argued that the
in vitro
activity of caspofungin (CSP) is not a good predictor of the outcome of echinocandin treatment
in vivo
. We evaluated the
in vitro
activity of CSP and the presence of
FKS
mutations in the hot spot 1 (HS1) region of the
FKS1
and
FKS2
genes in 17 C
andida glabrata
strains with a wide range of MICs. The efficacy of CSP against systemic infections from each of the 17 strains was evaluated in a murine model. No HS1 mutations were found in the eight strains showing MICs for CSP of ≤0.5 μg/ml, but they were present in eight of the nine strains with MICs of ≥1 μg/ml, i.e., three in the
FKS1
gene and five in the
FKS2
gene. CSP was effective for treating mice infected with strains with MICs of ≤0.5 μg/ml, showed variable efficacy in animals challenged with strains with MICs of 1 μg/ml, and did not work in those with strains with MICs of >1 μg/ml. In addition, mutations, including one reported for the first time, were found outside the HS1 region in the
FKS2
gene of six strains with different MICs, but their presence did not influence drug efficacy. The
in vitro
activity of CSP was compared with that of another echinocandin, anidulafungin, suggesting that the MICs of both drugs, as well as mutations in the HS1 regions of the
FKS1
and
FKS2
genes, are predictive of outcome.
Multiplex PCR for Identification of Two Capsular Types in Epidemic KPC-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Sequence Type 258 Strains
Authors: Chen Liang , Chavda Kalyan D. , Findlay Jacqueline , Peirano Gisele , Hopkins Katie , Pitout Johann D. D. , Bonomo Robert A. , Woodford Neil , DeLeo Frank R. , Kreiswirth Barry N.
Published: April 2014

We developed a multiplex PCR assay capable of identifying two capsular polysaccharide synthesis sequence types (sequence type 258 [ST258]
cps-1
and
cps-2
) in epidemic
Klebsiella pneumoniae
ST258 strains. The assay performed with excellent sensitivity (100%) and specificity (100%) for identifying
cps
types in 60 ST258
K. pneumoniae
sequenced isolates. The screening of 419 ST258 clonal isolates revealed a significant association between
cps
type and
K. pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC) variant:
cps-1
is largely associated with KPC-2, while
cps-2
is primarily associated with KPC-3.
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Inhibits Type I Interferon- and RNase L-Mediated Host Defense To Disrupt Intestinal Epithelial Cell Barrier Function
Authors: Long Tiha M. , Nisa Shahista , Donnenberg Michael S. , Hassel Bret A.
Published: April 2014

Enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) primarily infects children in developing countries and causes diarrhea that can be deadly. EPEC pathogenesis occurs through type III secretion system (T3SS)-mediated injection of effectors into intestinal epithelial cells (IECs); these effectors alter actin dynamics, modulate the immune response, and disrupt tight junction (TJ) integrity. The resulting compromised barrier function and increased gastrointestinal (GI) permeability may be responsible for the clinical symptoms of infection. Type I interferon (IFN) mediates anti-inflammatory activities and serves essential functions in intestinal immunity and homeostasis; however, its role in the immune response to enteric pathogens, such as EPEC, and its impact on IEC barrier function have not been examined. Here, we report that IFN-β is induced following EPEC infection and regulates IEC TJ proteins to maintain barrier function. The EPEC T3SS effector NleD counteracts this protective activity by inhibiting IFN-β induction and enhancing tumor necrosis factor alpha to promote barrier disruption. The endoribonuclease RNase L is a key mediator of IFN induction and action that promotes TJ protein expression and IEC barrier integrity. EPEC infection inhibits RNase L in a T3SS-dependent manner, providing a mechanism by which EPEC evades IFN-induced antibacterial activities. This work identifies novel roles for IFN-β and RNase L in IEC barrier functions that are targeted by EPEC effectors to escape host defense mechanisms and promote virulence. The IFN-RNase L axis thus represents a potential therapeutic target for enteric infections and GI diseases involving compromised barrier function.