bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review
Authors: Little Donald P.
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

Muhammad and the Origins of Islam, F.E. Peters

Islamic Thought:23 Years: A Study of the Prophetic Career of Mohammad cAli Dashti, F.R.C. Bagley, translator
Review
Authors: Aman Mohammed M.
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

Al‐Kuwait: Dirasa fi aliyat al‐dawla al‐qutriyah wal‐sultah wal‐mujtama', Shafiq Ghabra

Min tada'iyat ihtilal al‐Kuwait, Shafiq Ghabra
Hebrew Prose and Poetry
Authors: Mazor Yair
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

Agnon vehatzimhonut (Agnon and Vegetarianism), Rena Lee

Jardin D'Eden Jardins D'Espagne, Masha Itzhaki and Michel Gare
Books about the Middle East for Young Children
Authors: Aman Mary Jo , Library Golda Meir
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

Golden Windows and Other Stories of Jerusalem Adèle Geras

The Hundredth Name Shulamith Levey Oppenheim, Illustrated byMichael Hays

When Solomon Was King, Sheila McGill‐Callahan Illustrated by Stephen T. Johnson

Lebanon: New Light in an Ancient Lan, Elsa Marston

Lebanon, Leila Merrell Foster

Iran in Pictures
War and Diplomacy in the Middle East
Authors: Aman Mohammed M.
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

The Politics of Diplomacy: Revolution, War and Peace, 1989–1992, James A. Baker, III, with Thomas M. DeFrank

The Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait: Saddam Hussein, his state and International Power Politics, Mussallam Ali Musallam
Review
Authors: Rigsbee W. Lynn
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

America and the Persian Gulf: The Third Party Dimension in World Politics, Steve A. Yetiv

The Sultanate of Oman: A Twentieth Century History, Miriam Joyce
Contemporary Studies of the Science of Hadith
Authors: Haron Muhammed
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

Hadith Literature: Its Origin, Development and Special Features: Muhammed Zudayr Siddiqi

An Introduction to the Hadith: John Burton
Two Surveys of Islamic Civilization
Authors: Arkoun Mohammed
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

The Jihad in Classical and Modern Islam: Rudolph Peters

The Last Great Muslim Empires: History of the Muslim World: Hans J. Kissling et al
Two Books Review
Authors: Gallagher Nancy
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

Doria Shafik Egyptian Feminist: A Woman Apart: Cynthia Nelson

The Mobilization of Muslim Women in Egypt: Ghada Hashem Talhami
Sabriya: Damascus Bitter Sweet: Ulfat Idilbi, Peter Clark, translator
Authors: Hibbard Allen
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

Lina: A Portrait Of A Damascene Girl: Samar Attar
Tender is the Nocturnal Lament
Authors: Mazor Yair
Published: March 2010

“Behold, the bleak, rocky towering mountains are deadly dry. Please, do bestow a sign upon them.” (Amos Oz, “Strange Fire”)
Bibliometric Indicators of the Scholarly Productivity of Researchers and Scientists in Kuwait as Documented by Citation to Their Published Works
Authors: Aman Mohammed M.
Published: March 2010

The study uses the bibliometric method of research to examine the productivity of academic scientists and re searchers in Kuwait. The Institute for Scientific Information's Arts and Humanities Index, Social Science Index, and Science Citation Index are surveyed to gather the data by department and year from 1986 through 1995. Analysis of Kuwaiti cited papers show the majority of journals (35%) which cited Kuwaiti institutions are published in the U.S. Analysis of the papers published in 1994 revealed that Kuwaiti's participation in the international scientific literature is higher than those of their colleagues from Morocco or Egypt. The data is discussed in light of theories of bibliometrics and the Bradford Law of Scattering.
Socio‐Psychological Structure of the Kuwaiti Society After the Gulf War
Authors: Naser Fahad Al
Published: March 2010

This study investigates the socio‐psychological changes, which the 1990 Gulf war had afflicted on the Kuwaiti society. Specifically, the objective of the paper is fourfold: first, to uncover the positive and negative effects of the socio‐psychological factors of the invasion and assess their consequences on the whole society; second, to quantify the extent and content of the problem; third, to scan the perimeter of the crisis and introduce the measures undertaken by the people and the government to combat the negative effects; and finally, to scrutinize the research techniques and refine the theoretical explanations that have been utilized in reaching the results of the study. In general, this paper documents the endeavor, which the State of Kuwait has achieved so far in alleviating the socio‐psychological ills of the Iraqi aggression.
Challenging “Islamic Fundamentalism”
Authors: Perry Glenn E.
Published: March 2010

The Challenge of Fundamentalism: Political Islam and the New World Disorder, Bassam Tibi. Comparative Studies in Religion and Society Series #9, Mark Juergensmeyer, editor.

Against Islamic Extremism: The Writings of Muhammad Sacid al‐cAshmawy. Carolyn Fluehr‐Lobban, editor.

Qur'an, Liberation & Pluralism: An Islamic Perspective of Inter‐religious Solidarity Against Oppression, Farid Esack.
The Diwaniah: A Traditional Kuwaiti Social Institution in a Political Role
Authors: Al‐Naser Fahad
Published: March 2010

Abstracts

As sociologists try to uncover the reasons why Kuwait was not only able to endure the oppression of the Iraqi invasion and occupation but also to recover relatively rapidly, some social institutions in the country are being explored for their value in understanding the coping strategies available within the culture. One such traditional institution is the diwaniah. This informal institution in Kuwait served as a natural and largely unchallenged survival mechanism both during historical conflicts and turmoil as well as recently during the Iraqi invasion and occupation. As a culture‐wide tradition, the diwaniah, by providing the meeting places for men to discuss important political and social issues, played several significant roles during the Iraqi invasion and occupation.

In this paper, the author investigates the growth of and changes within the traditional institution of the diwaniah over the years in Kuwait, describing its structure and development, and evaluating its influence and the roles it has played in Kuwait's sociopolitical history. The study includes results of a an informal survey of the roles the diwaniah has played during the last decade in the social future of the diwaniah in Kuwait is positive and promising, because its importance and traditional influence are increasing each day. While the diwaniah is a Gulf Arab tradition, it is in Kuwait that it has maintained its strength. Kuwaitis are proud of this unique institution, they see how it helped them cope with the dangers of an occupying army, and they understand that it made possible the swift recovery after the war. Therefore, it is the wish of every Kuwaiti to preserve the diwaniah for the coming generations for the welfare of the society and the individual.
Unholy Wars: Afghanistan, America and International Terrorism: John K. Cooley
Authors: Garnham David
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

Reaping the Whirlwind: The Taliban Movement in Afghanistan: Michael Griffin
The Image of Arab and Islam in Introduction to Sociology College Textbooks in the United States
Authors: Al‐Qazzaz Ayad
Published: March 2010

Sociology textbooks play a central role in educational process of teaching Sociology. This is very obvious in an introduction course. Introduction courses tend to be very large. In major universities, sociology courses attract as many as 500 to 1000 students. The enrollees tend to be drawn from various disciplines ranging from hard core sciences to social sciences. Furthermore, many of the instructors who teach introduction to sociology tend be new, of junior ranks, and lack experience. Thus, instructors who teach introduction to sociology tend to rely heavily upon the textbook to organize their lectures and presentations in order to give an organized overview of the subject matter and present a clear picture of the essentials of the field.

Diversity1 and globalization2 are two important variables that have gained popularity and importance among sociologists, and many social scientists, in recent years. Sociologists use these tools to present and analyze sociological data and information. Thus, these two variables have significantly changed both the coverage and the presentation of introductory sociology textbooks in the last decade or so. Diversity and globalization have increased the coverage of foreign cultures and societies.

The purpose of this paper is to study the coverage of Islam and the Arabs in introductory sociology textbooks. The study will cover 20 textbooks published in the 1995–2000 by major publishing companies in the U.S. which are used at colleges and universities throughout the country. The choice of textbooks at the college level in a given course relies, in most cases, on the instructor who teaches the course. Therefore a given textbook may be used in different parts of the country. Content analysis techniques will be used to analyze and evaluate the coverage of both Islam and the Arabs.

The introductory Sociology texts will be evaluated in terms of whether they give a balanced, measured, impartial, and an objective picture of the Arabs and Muslims.
The Middle East Synchrotron Facility can bring Regional Cooperation
Authors: Khan Sameen Ahmed
Published: March 2010

Over three years ago, Germany decided to gift the BESSY‐I, a 800MeV synchrotron, fully functioning since 1982 in Berlin, to the region of Middle East. The Middle East Synchrotron better known by the acronym SESAME (Synchrotron‐light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East) will be the upgraded reincarnation of BESSY‐I. SESAME, the first synchrotron in the Middle East, is envisioned as a seed for a regional international research center, open to scientists in the region and beyond. The founders of the SESAME Project see a facility similar in purpose to the European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN) in Geneva, which brought together numerous scientists from countries that had fought each other during the two World Wars. Scientific collaboration beyond the national boundaries has been a force for peace in the cold war. An account of events leading to these very significant developments is presented.
The Sharing of Knowledge to Gain a Competitive Advantage by Small Businesses in Africa: Some critical comments
Authors: Ibrahim Eman , Britz Hannes
Published: March 2010

The application of knowledge management methods by small businesses in Africa can contribute to the continent's growth rate. Africa's wealth lies in its human resources, and in its indigenous knowledge. Investing in the intellectual development of African people, and preserving their indigenous knowledge is an important route towards sustainable development. If small African businesses learn to apply knowledge management methods — particularly the SECI model in order to preserve and use their indigenous knowledge in their local markets, they will indeed reach new horizons of competitive advantage and market profitability.
Multiple Intelligence Styles in Relation to Improved Academic Performance in Kuwaiti Middle School Reading
Authors: Al‐Balhan Eisa M.
Published: March 2010

Research was conducted with middle‐school Kuwaiti children to assess the effectiveness of student multiple intelligence styles in predicting students' improved reading skills through academic performance. A group of middle school students who had received first quarter grades and enrolled in an after‐school tutoring program were studied, with half of the students in a traditional tutoring program and the other half in a Gardner multiple intelligence style‐tutoring program. Results show that the students in the experimental group (mean = 48.99), whose multiple intelligence was applied to learning, performed better overall for the academic year than the students in the control group (mean = 45.30) who studied using traditional teaching methodology. Gender, school type, and residential living area were all analyzed within the experimental group. The experimental group results show that, with regards to grades during each quarter period, female students attending private institutions living in suburban areas had greater reading improvement.
Stateless and Citizenship Rights in the Middle East: the Case of Kuwait
Authors: Ali Yousef
Published: March 2010

This article examines Kuwaiti citizens' views towards expanding citizenship rights to disenfranchised groups. Using survey data from 1581 Kuwaiti citizens in 1998, the author focused on the influence of Kuwaitis' social statuses, cultural affiliations, social networks and religious beliefs. Are attitudes toward inclusion specific to the national origin of the excluded? It was found that variables connoting status decrease support for the stateless. Cultural adherence to Islamic nationalism and Pan‐Arabism and those who follow the media regularly positively influence support for the stateless. These findings suggest that citizens' attitudes about inclusion/exclusion are specific to the national origin of the dis‐enfranchised.
The Economic Role of the State in the Classical Islamic Literature: The Views of Ibn Taimiyah
Authors: Al‐Foul Bassam Abu , Soliman Mohamed
Published: March 2010

This paper explores the economic writings of Ibn Taimiyah, particularly his views on the economic role of the state. In so doing, it offers some explanations to the “great gap” puzzle posed by Schumpeter, and introduces the reader to a model of the medieval Arab and Islamic economic thoughts.
International Political System and the Westphalian Paradigm: a Call for Revision
Authors: Saeidi Shereen
Published: March 2010

This analysis examines the political documentation of the Amarna letters, which date back to the mid‐fourteenth century B.C.E. This analysis will illustrate that a viable functioning international relations systems existed long before the Westphalia treaties (1648), which typically stand as the marker for the beginning of international relations. In order to examine this hypothesis, literature written about the Amarna period was examined for evidence of six defining indicators of international relations. This literature was applied in conjunction with the actual letters, providing the general tool of analysis. The analysis revealed that a fully‐functioning international relations system existed during the Amarna period, consisting of actors, polarity, international law, diplomacy, foreign policy, territorial expansion, trade, and alliance building. These finding do not mark insignificant the Westphalian treaties, their claims, or their symbolic importance. The main implication here is that the international relations field, as well as others, needs to acknowledge that much of what is considered “modern” in international relations actually developed in ancient Mesopotamia. Continuing refusal to account for the disparity between historical assumptions and reality will limit the scope of knowledge regarding international dilemmas considerably.
Who am I without Exile?: on Mahmûd Darwîsh's Later Poetics of Exile
Authors: Huri Yair
Published: March 2010

Who am I after these paths of exodus? I own a boulder that bears my name on a tall bluff overlooking what has come to an end. Seven hundred years escort me beyond the city walls. Time turns around in vain to save my past from a moment that gives birth to the history of my exile in others and in myself. Mahmûd Darwish, “Be a String, Water, to my Guitar”

Our eyes and ears refused obedience the princes of our senses proudly chose exile Zbigniew Herbert, “The Power of Taste”

Writing is impossible without some kind of exile Julia Kristeva
The Political Poetry of Le Roi Jones (Amiri Baraka) and Mudhafar Al‐ Nawwab: a Comparative Perspective
Authors: Gohar Saddik M.
Published: March 2010

This paper critically examines selected texts from the political poetry of the African American poet, Le Roi Jones (Amiri Baraka) and the dissident Iraqi poet, Mudhafar Al‐Nawwab, in order to underline the radical aesthetics operative in their poetry and emphasize their condemnation of the hegemonic forces which attempted to dominate the African American community and the Arab World. Illuminating common areas of interest that link these two poets together, the paper explores their attitudes toward the aggressive and inhuman policies advocated by racist and repressive agencies in the United States and the Arab World which sought to brutalize their nations. The paper also illustrates their points of view toward major issues such as oppression, struggle, and identity, in addition to their efforts to revolutionize the collective consciousness of African American and Arab people at times of national crises and political turmoil.
Moral and Legal Perspectives on Palestine: a Review Essay
Authors: Perry Glenn E.
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

Speaking the Truth: Zionism, Israel, and Occupation: by Michael Prior, ed.; foreword by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

The Case for Palestine: an International Law Perspective: by John Quigley

Palestinians Born in Exile: Diaspora and the Search for a Homeland: by Juliane Hammer
Underlying Causes of Violence in the Middle East
Authors: Salih K. O.
Published: March 2010

In the last five decades the Middle East has been the scene of very intensive conflict, violence and terror. The magnitude of violence has intensified following the events of September 11, 2001. There has been an outpouring of writing and scholarship that focuses on the analysis of this phenomenon. This paper attempts to reveal the major factors that have contributed to the state of violence in the Middle East. The paper argues that the failure of most of the Middle Eastern regimes to widen the arena of political participation, as well as their inabilities to improve the socio‐economic conditions of the masses, has been the major cause for violence. Adding to this the US global strategy to fight terror, and subsequently the invasion of Iraq, as well as the failure to reconcile the Palestinian issue also precipitated the state of violence in the Middle East. It is only after redressing the socio‐economic and political grievances of the masses, and finding remedies to both the Palestinian and Iraqi issues that we can contemplate the idea of a peaceful and stable Middle East. In this article, the author will attempt to address each of these factors.
The Voting Behavior of Kuwaiti Citizens in the 2006 Parliamentary Elections: an Analytical Field Study
Authors: Gharaibeh Mazen K.
Published: March 2010

This study was designed to investigate the voting behavior of the Kuwaiti citizens during the Parliamentary elections that took place in 2006. In a more specific way, the study tried to answer some questions related to the theoretical framework of voting behavior. These questions were concerned with who voted, and for whom? And why did they select that candidate? The study proceeded to scrutinize the factors that influenced the voter to choose candidates from certain tendencies.

A questionnaire was designed as a tool to collect the data necessary to answer the study questions. The questionnaire included many sections, each of which was tailored to investigate a group of related variables.

For the purpose of this study, different statistical analysis techniques were manipulated to process the data. The analysis of the study data was instrumental in drawing some conclusions that can help understand the voting behavior of the Kuwaiti citizens in that election.
Caring for the Elderly in Kuwait
Authors: Al‐Qabandi Siham Ali
Published: March 2010

This article is based on the author's research investigation titled “Toward visualizing a proposal from a general practice perspective in social work to reach the social adjustment in the elderly residing the social nursing home: applied study on the old‐age home (asylum) in Sulaibikhat area in the city of Kuwait.” Caring for the elderly is a humane issue encountered by many developed and developing nations. This dilemma of caring for the elderly has increasingly spread throughout the world. United Nations statistics reveal that there are over 200 million people who were over 60 years of age in 1950. The number increased in 1975 to 350 million, and further increased to 950 million in 2000. It is expected that the number will exceed 1,100 million people by the year 2025. In Kuwait, the number of elderly people has increased rapidly. Table 1 shows the number of elderly people in the last three years, according to gender and nationality.

It is clear from the data displayed in Table 1 that there is a continuous annual increase in the number of elderly people residing in Kuwait. In light of this continuous increase and the government's interest in providing full care for the citizens, there is a great need to reconsider the status of this helpless group once again to fulfill their basic needs in accordance with the latest scientific and social development that is carried out by the country. The needs of the elderly are considered an important necessity, resulting from psychological and biological factors, as well as the nature of social relations associated with aging. Satisfying these needs will ensure the social adjustment of the elderly, while at the same time, accomplish the societal goals. Satisfying these and other emotional needs has given impetus to establishing comprehensive nursing homes in Kuwait, and shed more light on the social adjustment of the elderly residing in these homes.
Islamic Law: a Review Essay
Authors: Ahmad Imad‐ad‐Dean
Published: March 2010

Book reviewed in this article:

Crime and Punishment in Islamic Law: Theory and Practice from the Sixteenth to the Twenty‐first Century: Rudolph Peters
Marriage: An Integrated Study in the Context of Cultural Variation
Authors: Al‐Zu'abi Ali Z. , Jagdish Jisha Subin
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study is to identify the structure of marriage, with regional and local variations, in a Kuwaiti tribal community and an Indian village. It provides a rich description of life and culture of the study area in which it highlights the cultural differences between these areas. As the study progresses, it gives a comparative account of marriage and attempts to explain how the structure of marriage is shaped according to the culture. It also sheds light on how the empowerment of women has affected the institution of marriage and family. Finally, the paper shows that marriage is the basic institution in any society, regardless of the cultural variation.
Knowledge Management Approach to Performance: a United Arab Emirates Experience
Authors: Boumarafi Behdja
Published: March 2010

Knowledge management is gaining prominence in academia and practice. The need for organizations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to empower themselves through knowledge management cannot be ignored. Yet, not much empirical evidence on the subject can be found in the literature. This study investigates the effect of the following factors: organizational culture, organizational infrastructure, technical infrastructure, management support, reward and vision clarity on organizational performance in terms of efficiency, customer satisfaction, decision‐making, quality of work, and financial benefits. A questionnaire was used to collect data from general managers, functional managers, IT managers and chief knowledge officers from a variety of business companies from private and public sector drawn from Dubai Financial Market website. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results show that all investigated knowledge management dimensions are implemented in UAE organizations subject of this study. They are also significantly correlated with performance improvement except reward.
The Scientific Contributions of Arab Scientists to the International Research: a Study of the Indicators for Select Arab Countries
Authors: Elgohary Amgad
Published: March 2010

Using SCOPUS database, the research productivity of Arab researchers in five countries has been investigated. The analysis included subject, geographical and time range indicators. The relationship between the most published journals and their quality was investigated. The results revealed the leadership of Egypt among the other countries studied and discovered a great gap between scientific contributions of Arab and developed countries.
Differences in the control of breathing between Andean highlanders and lowlanders after 10 days acclimatization at 3850 m
Authors: Slessarev Marat , Mardimae Alexandra , Preiss David , Vesely Alex , Balaban Dahlia Y. , Greene Richard , Duffin James , Fisher Joseph A.
Published: March 2010

We used Duffin's isoxic hyperoxic ( mmHg) and hypoxic ( mmHg) rebreathing tests to compare the control of breathing in eight (7 male) Andean highlanders and six (4 male) acclimatizing Caucasian lowlanders after 10 days at 3850 m. Compared to lowlanders, highlanders had an increased non‐chemoreflex drive to breathe, characterized by higher basal ventilation at both hyperoxia (10.5 ± 0.7 vs. 4.9 ± 0.5 l min−1, P= 0.002) and hypoxia (13.8 ± 1.4 vs. 5.7 ± 0.9 l min−1, P < 0.001). Highlanders had a single ventilatory sensitivity to CO2 that was lower than that of the lowlanders (P < 0.001), whose response was characterized by two ventilatory sensitivities (VeS1 and VeS2) separated by a patterning threshold. There was no difference in ventilatory recruitment thresholds (VRTs) between populations (P= 0.209). Hypoxia decreased VRT within both populations (highlanders: 36.4 ± 1.3 to 31.7 ± 0.7 mmHg, P < 0.001; lowlanders: 35.3 ± 1.3 to 28.8 ± 0.9 mmHg, P < 0.001), but it had no effect on basal ventilation (P= 0.12) or on ventilatory sensitivities in either population (P= 0.684). Within lowlanders, VeS2 was substantially greater than VeS1 at both isoxic tensions (hyperoxic: 9.9 ± 1.7 vs. 2.8 ± 0.2, P= 0.005; hypoxic: 13.2 ± 1.9 vs. 2.8 ± 0.5, P < 0.001), although hypoxia had no effect on either of the sensitivities (P= 0.192). We conclude that the control of breathing in Andean highlanders is different from that in acclimatizing lowlanders, although there are some similarities. Specifically, acclimatizing lowlanders have relatively lower non‐chemoreflex drives to breathe, increased ventilatory sensitivities to CO2, and an altered pattern of ventilatory response to CO2 with two ventilatory sensitivities separated by a patterning threshold. Similar to highlanders and unlike lowlanders at sea‐level, acclimatizing lowlanders respond to hypobaric hypoxia by decreasing their VRT instead of changing their ventilatory sensitivity to CO2.
Building Muscle Is a Pain
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: March 2010

Bradykinin released during exercise stimulates nerve growth factor production by muscle, which sensitizes pain nerves and leads to delayed muscle soreness.
Steady As She Blows
Authors: Ray L. Bryan
Published: March 2010

Models of metabolic regulation show how the stability of specific components is maintained within a varying environment.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 16 March 2010
Authors: Bennett Vann , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: March 2010

Reduction of ankyrin-B activity impairs maximal insulin release and is a risk factor for diabetes.
Caspofungin Use in Patients with Invasive Candidiasis Caused by Common Non-
albicans Candida
Species: Review of the Caspofungin Database
Authors: Colombo Arnaldo L. , Ngai Angela L. , Bourque Michael , Bradshaw Susan K. , Strohmaier Kim M. , Taylor Arlene F. , Lupinacci Robert J. , Kartsonis Nicholas A.
Published: March 2010

Increasing rates of invasive candidiasis caused by non-
albicans Candida
species have been reported worldwide. Particular concerns have been raised for
C. parapsilosis
because of reduced
in vitro
susceptibility to echinocandins. We identified 212 patients with invasive candidiasis due to non-
albicans Candida
species (≥5 cases per species) in 5 clinical trials of caspofungin monotherapy from the pharmaceutical sponsor's (Merck and Co., Inc.) database: 71 cases were caused by
C. parapsilosis
, 65 by
C. tropicalis
, 54 by
C. glabrata
, 10 by
C. krusei
, 9 by
C. guilliermondii
, and 5 by
C. lusitaniae
. One hundred sixty-seven cases caused by
C. albicans
were also identified. Efficacy was assessed at the end of caspofungin therapy. Success (favorable overall response) required favorable clinical and microbiological responses. The mean APACHE II scores were 16.5 in the non-
albicans
group and 15.7 in the
C. albicans
group. Neutropenia at study entry was more common in the non-
albicans
group (12%) than in the
C. albicans
group (5%). The median duration of caspofungin therapy was 14 days in both groups. The success rates were 77% in both groups and at least 70% for each non-
albicans
species: 74% for
C. parapsilosis
, 71% for
C. tropicalis
, 85% for
C. glabrata
, 70% for
C. krusei
, 89% for
C. guilliermondii
, and 100% for
C. lusitaniae
. The times to negative blood culture were similar for the various species. The overall mortality rates were 26% in the non-
albicans
group and 29% in the
C. albicans
group. Drug-related serious adverse events and discontinuations due to caspofungin toxicity were uncommon. Although the sample sizes were limited, caspofungin demonstrated favorable efficacy and safety profiles in the treatment of invasive candidiasis caused by the following non-
albicans Candida
species:
C. parapsilosis
,
C. tropicalis
,
C. glabrata
,
C. krusei
,
C. guilliermondii
, and
C. lusitaniae
.
Selection of Known
Plasmodium falciparum
Resistance-Mediating Polymorphisms by Artemether-Lumefantrine and Amodiaquine- Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine but Not Dihydroartemisinin- Piperaquine in Burkina Faso
Authors: Somé Anyirékun Fabrice , Séré Yves Y. , Dokomajilar Christian , Zongo Issaka , Rouamba Noël , Greenhouse Bryan , Ouédraogo Jean-Bosco , Rosenthal Philip J.
Published: March 2010

Artemether-lumefantrine (AL), dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP), and amodiaquine-sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (AQ-SP) offer excellent antimalarial efficacy but may select for parasite polymorphisms that decrease drug sensitivity. We evaluated the selection of known polymorphisms in genes encoding putative transporters (
pfcrt
and
pfmdr1
) and SP targets (
pfdhfr
and
pfdhps
) in parasites that caused new infections within 42 days of therapy for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Burkina Faso. In 559 children in 2006, 42-day genotype-uncorrected failures were seen in 31.2% with AL, 11.8% with AQ-SP, and 7.6% with DP. After prior AL therapy, selection of wild-type sequences was seen for K76T in
pfcrt
(72.7% mixed or mutant results pretreatment versus 52.1% in new infections;
P
= 0.008) and N86Y (36.0% versus 18.7%;
P
= 0.025) and Y184F (66.7% versus 45.8%;
P
= 0.009) in
pfmdr1
. After prior AQ-SP therapy, selection of mutant sequences was seen for N51I (30.8% versus 61.5%;
P
= 0.05), C59R (28.2% versus 76.9%;
P
= 0.002), and S108N (30.8% versus 76.9%;
P
= 0.005) in
pfdhfr
. After prior DP therapy, selection was not seen for K76T (72.7% versus 77.8%;
P
= 0.96) in
pfcrt
or N86Y (36.0% versus 33.3%;
P
= 0.84), Y184F (66.7% versus 77.8%;
P
= 0.39), or D1246Y (9.3% versus 0%;
P
= 0.42) in
pfmdr1
. In 378 additional treatments with DP in 2007, 42-day uncorrected failure was seen in 10.9%. After prior DP, selection was again not seen for K76T (66.7% mixed or mutant results versus 59.5%;
P
= 0.43) in
pfcrt
or N86Y (38.7% versus 40.5%;
P
= 0.85), Y184F (67.6% versus 73.0%;
P
= 0.54), or D1246Y (3.6% versus 8.1%;
P
= 0.50) in
pfmdr1
. Despite its chemical similarity, piperaquine did not select for the same polymorphisms as chloroquine or AQ, suggesting different mechanisms of resistance.
Comparative
In Vitro
Antimicrobial Activities of Torezolid (TR-700), the Active Moiety of a New Oxazolidinone, Torezolid Phosphate (TR-701), Determination of Tentative Disk Diffusion Interpretive Criteria, and Quality Control Ranges
Authors: Brown Steven D. , Traczewski Maria M.
Published: March 2010

This study assessed the spectrum of activity of torezolid (TR-700), the active moiety of torezolid phosphate (TR-701), and proposes tentative MIC and disk diffusion breakpoints as well as quality control ranges. The
in vitro
susceptibilities of 1,096 bacterial isolates, representing 23 different species or phenotypic groups, were determined for torezolid, linezolid, cefotaxime, and levofloxacin using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) broth microdilution MICs, minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs), agar dilution, and disk diffusion testing methods. Torezolid was very active against the majority of Gram-positive strains, including methicillin-susceptible and -resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MIC
50
= 0.25 μg/ml, MIC
90
≤ 0.5 μg/ml), coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS; MIC
50
= 0.25 μg/ml, MIC
90
≤ 0.5 μg/ml), enterococci (MIC
50
and MIC
90
≤ 0.5 μg/ml), and streptococci (MIC
50
and MIC
90
≤ 0.25 μg/ml). Based upon MIC
90
s, torezolid was 4-fold more active than linezolid against
S. aureus
, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and the enterococci and 8-fold more active than linezolid against the streptococci. With the use of tentative MIC breakpoints of ≤2 μg/ml for susceptibility, torezolid disk diffusion zone diameter breakpoints are proposed using a 20-μg disk. In addition, MIC quality control ranges of torezolid were determined for three CLSI-recognized standard ATCC reference strains.
Regulation of Virulence Gene Transcripts by the
Francisella novicida
Orphan Response Regulator PmrA: Role of Phosphorylation and Evidence of MglA/SspA Interaction
Authors: Bell Brian L. , Mohapatra Nrusingh P. , Gunn John S.
Published: March 2010

Francisella tularensis
subsp.
tularensis
is the etiologic agent of tularemia and has been designated a category A biothreat agent by the CDC. Tularemia is characterized by replication and dissemination within host phagocytes. Intramacrophage growth is dependent upon the regulation of
Francisella
pathogenicity island (FPI) virulence genes, which is poorly understood. Two-component regulatory systems (TCS) are widely employed by Gram-negative bacteria to monitor and respond to environmental signals. Virulent strains of
F. tularensis
subsp.
tularensis
are devoid of classical, tandemly arranged TCS genes, but orphaned members, such as that encoding the response regulator PmrA, have been identified. In the
F. novicida
model system, previous work has shown that a
pmrA
mutant shows decreased expression of FPI genes, is deficient for intramacrophage growth, and is avirulent in the mouse model. Here, we determine that phosphorylation aids PmrA binding to regulated promoters
pmrA
and the FPI-encoded
pdpD
, and KdpD is the histidine kinase primarily responsible for phosphorylation of PmrA at the aspartic acid at position 51 (D51). A strain expressing PmrA D51A retains some DNA binding but exhibits reduced expression of the PmrA regulon, is deficient for intramacrophage replication, and is attenuated in the mouse model. With regard to virulence gene induction, PmrA coprecipitates with the FPI transcription factors MglA and SspA, which bind RNA polymerase. Together, these data suggest a model of
Francisella
gene regulation that includes a TCS consisting of KdpD and PmrA. Once phosphorylated, PmrA binds to regulated gene promoters recruiting free or RNA polymerase-bound MglA and SspA to initiate FPI gene transcription.
YopJ-Promoted Cytotoxicity and Systemic Colonization Are Associated with High Levels of Murine Interleukin-18, Gamma Interferon, and Neutrophils in a Live Vaccine Model ofYersinia pseudotuberculosisInfection
Authors: Zhang Yue , Bliska James B.
Published: March 2010

SeveralYersiniaspecies have been utilized as live attenuated vaccines to prime protective immunity against yersiniae and other pathogens. A type III secretion system effector known as YopJ inY. pseudotuberculosisandY. pestisand YopP inY. enterocoliticahas been shown to regulate host immune responses to liveYersiniavaccines. YopJ/P kills macrophages and dendritic cells, reduces their production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-12 (IL-12), and promotes systemic colonization in mouse models of intestinalYersiniainfection. Furthermore, YopP activity decreases antigen presentation by dendritic cells, and ayopPmutant of a liveY. enterocoliticacarrier vaccine elicited effective priming of CD8 T cells to a heterologous antigen in mice. These results suggest that YopJ/P activity suppresses both innate and adaptive immune responses to liveYersiniavaccines. Here, a sublethal intragastric mouse infection model using wild-type and catalytically inactiveyopJmutant strains ofY. pseudotuberculosiswas developed to further investigate how YopJ action impacts innate and adaptive immune responses to a live vaccine. Surprisingly, YopJ-promoted cytotoxicity and systemic colonization were associated with significant increases in neutrophils in spleens and the proinflammatory cytokines IL-18 and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) in serum samples of mice vaccinated withY. pseudotuberculosis. Secretion of IL-18 accompanied YopJ-mediated killing of macrophages infectedex vivowithY. pseudotuberculosis, suggesting a mechanism by which this effector directly increases proinflammatory cytokine levelsin vivo. Mice vaccinated with the wild-type strain or theyopJmutant produced similar levels of antibodies toY. pseudotuberculosisantigens and were equally resistant to lethal intravenous challenge withY. pestis.The findings indicate that a proinflammatory, rather than anti-inflammatory, process accompanies YopJ-promoted cytotoxicity, leading to increased systemic colonization byY. pseudotuberculosisand potentially enhancing adaptive immunity to a live vaccine.
Bacteroides fragilisEnterotoxin Induces Human β-Defensin-2 Expression in Intestinal Epithelial Cells via a Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase/IκB Kinase/NF-κB-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Yoon Young Mee , Lee Jin Young , Yoo Doyoung , Sim Young-Suk , Kim Young-Jeon , Oh Yu-Kyoung , Kang Ju Seop , Kim Sunil , Kim Joo Sung , Kim Jung Mogg
Published: March 2010

EnterotoxigenicBacteroides fragilis(ETBF) produces an approximately 20-kDa heat-labile enterotoxin (BFT) that plays an essential role in mucosal inflammation. Although spontaneous disappearance of ETBF infection is common, little information is available on regulated expression of antibacterial factors in response to BFT stimulation. This study investigates the role of BFT in human β-defensin 2 (hBD-2) induction from intestinal epithelial cells. Stimulation of HT-29 and Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cell lines with BFT resulted in the induction of hBD-2. Activation of a reporter gene for hBD-2 was dependent on the presence of NF-κB binding sites. In contrast, suppression of AP-1 did not affect hBD-2 expression in BFT-stimulated cells. Inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) using SB203580 and small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection resulted in a significant reduction in BFT-induced IκB kinase (IKK)/NF-κB activation and hBD-2 expression. Our results suggest that a pathway including p38 MAPK, IKK, and NF-κB activation is required for hBD-2 induction in intestinal epithelial cells exposed to BFT, and may be involved in the host defense following infection with ETBF.
The
Streptococcus mutans
Serine/Threonine Kinase, PknB, Regulates Competence Development, Bacteriocin Production, and Cell Wall Metabolism
Authors: Banu Liliana Danusia , Conrads Georg , Rehrauer Hubert , Hussain Haitham , Allan Elaine , van der Ploeg Jan R.
Published: March 2010

Bacteria can detect, transmit, and react to signals from the outside world by using two-component systems (TCS) and serine-threonine kinases and phosphatases.
Streptococcus mutans
contains one serine-threonine kinase, encoded by
pknB
. A gene encoding a serine-threonine phosphatase,
pppL
, is located upstream of
pknB
. In this study, the phenotypes of
pknB
and
pppL
single mutants and a
pknB pppL
double mutant were characterized. All mutants exhibited a reduction in genetic transformability and biofilm formation, showed abnormal cell shapes, grew slower than the wild-type strain in several complex media, and exhibited reduced acid tolerance. The mutants had reduced cariogenic capacity but no significant defects in colonization in a rat caries model. Whole-genome transcriptome analysis revealed that a
pknB
mutant showed reduced expression of genes involved in bacteriocin production and genetic competence. Among the genes that were differentially regulated in the
pknB
mutant, several were likely to be involved in cell wall metabolism. One such gene, SMU.2146c, and two genes encoding bacteriocins were shown to also be downregulated in a
vicK
mutant, which encodes a sensor kinase involved in the response to oxidative stress. Collectively, the results lead us to speculate that PknB may modulate the activity of the two-component signal transduction systems VicKR and ComDE. Real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) showed that genes downregulated in the
pknB
mutant were upregulated in the
pppL
mutant, indicating that PppL serves to counteract PknB.
The Multi-Copper-Ion Oxidase CueO of
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Typhimurium Is Required for Systemic Virulence
Authors: Achard Maud E. S. , Tree Jai J. , Holden James A. , Simpfendorfer Kim R. , Wijburg Odilia L. C. , Strugnell Richard A. , Schembri Mark A. , Sweet Matthew J. , Jennings Michael P. , McEwan Alastair G.
Published: March 2010

Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium possesses a multi-copper-ion oxidase (multicopper oxidase), CueO (also known as CuiD), a periplasmic enzyme known to be required for resistance to copper ions. CueO from
S
. Typhimurium was expressed as a recombinant protein in
Escherichia coli
, and the purified protein exhibited a high cuprous oxidase activity. We have characterized an
S
. Typhimurium
cueO
mutant and confirmed that it is more sensitive to copper ions. Using a murine model of infection, it was observed that the
cueO
mutant was significantly attenuated, as indicated by reduced recovery of bacteria from liver and spleen, although there was no significant difference in recovery from Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes. However, the intracellular survival of the
cueO
mutant in unprimed or gamma-interferon-primed murine macrophages was not statistically different from that of wild-type
Salmonella
, suggesting that additional host factors are involved in clearance of the
cueO
mutant. Unlike a
cueO
mutant from
E. coli
, the
S
. Typhimurium
cueO
mutant did not show greater sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide and its sensitivity to copper ions was not affected by siderophores. Similarly, the
S
. Typhimurium
cueO
mutant was not rescued from copper ion toxicity by addition of the branched-chain amino acids and leucine.
The Human MicrosporidianEncephalitozoon hellemSynthesizes Two Spore Wall Polymorphic Proteins Useful for Epidemiological Studies
Authors: Polonais Valérie , Mazet Muriel , Wawrzyniak Ivan , Texier Catherine , Blot Nicolas , El Alaoui Hicham , Delbac Frédéric
Published: March 2010

Microsporidia are obligate intracellular fungus-related parasites considered as emerging opportunistic human pathogens. Their extracellular infective and resistance stage is a spore surrounded by a unique plasma membrane protected by a thick cell wall consisting of two layers: the electron-lucent inner endospore which contains chitin and protein components and the outer-electron-dense and mainly proteinaceous exospore. We identified the whole sequences of two spore wall proteins in the microsporidian speciesEncephalitozoon hellem, designated EhSWP1a and EhSWP1b. Isolation of the genes encoding these SWP1-like proteins was performed using degenerate oligonucleotides based on the amino acid sequence alignment of the previously reportedEncephalitozoon cuniculiandEncephalitozoon intestinalisSWP1s. Sequences lacking the 5′ and 3′ ends were then identified by PCR and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR amplifications. Theswp1aandswp1bgenes encode proteins of 509 and 533 amino acids, respectively, which present an identical N-terminal domain of 382 residues and a variable C-terminal extension mainly characterized by a 26-amino-acid (aa) deletion/insertion containing glutamate- and lysine-rich repeats. Using polyclonal antibodies raised against recombinant polypeptides, we showed that EhSWP1a and EhSWP1b appear as dithiothreitol (DTT)-soluble bands of 55 and 60 kDa in size, respectively. Immunolocalization experiments by IFA and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that both proteins are present at the onset of sporogony and are specifically located to the spore wall exospore in mature spores. Analysis of fourE. hellemhuman isolates revealed that the C-terminal regions of both EhSWP1a and EhSWP1b are polymorphic, which is of interest for epidemiological studies.
Intrapulmonary Administration of Leukotriene B4Enhances Pulmonary Host Defense against Pneumococcal Pneumonia
Authors: Mancuso Peter , Lewis Casey , Serezani Carlos Henrique , Goel Deepti , Peters-Golden Marc
Published: March 2010

Leukotriene B4(LTB4) is a potent lipid mediator of inflammation formed by the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO)-catalyzed oxidation of arachidonic acid. We have previously shown that (i) LTB4is generated during infection, (ii) its biosynthesis is essential for optimal antimicrobial host defense, (iii) LT deficiency is associated with clinical states of immunocompromise, and (iv) exogenous LTB4augments antimicrobial functions in phagocytes. Here, we sought to determine whether the administration of LTB4has therapeutic potential in a mouse model of pneumonia. Wild-type and 5-LO knockout mice were challenged withStreptococcus pneumoniaevia the intranasal route, and bacterial burdens, leukocyte counts, and cytokine levels were determined. LTB4was administered via the intraperitoneal, intravenous, and intranasal routes prior to pneumococcal infection and by aerosol 24 h following infection. Leukocytes recovered from mice givenS. pneumoniaeand treated with aerosolized LTB4were evaluated for expression levels of the p47phox subunit of NADPH oxidase. Intrapulmonary but not systemic pretreatment with LTB4significantly reduced the lungS. pneumoniaeburden in wild-type mice. Aerosolized LTB4was effective at improving lung bacterial clearance when administered postinoculation in animals with established infection and exhibited greater potency in 5-LO knockout animals, which also exhibited greater baseline susceptibility. Augmented bacterial clearance in response to LTB4was associated with enhanced monocyte recruitment and leukocyte expression of p47phox. The results of the current study in an animal model serve as a proof of concept for the potential utility of treatment with aerosolized LTB4as an immunostimulatory strategy in patients with bacterial pneumonia.