bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF OBSERVER ON THE DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF LOW‐FIELD MRI FOR DETECTING CANINE MENISCAL TEARS
Authors: Böttcher Peter , Armbrust Laura , Blond Laurent , Brühschwein Andreas , Gavin Patrick R. , Gielen Ingrid , Hecht Silke , Jurina Konrad , Kneissl Sibylle , Konar Martin , Pujol Esteban , Robinson Andrew , Schaefer Susan L. , Theyse Lars F. H. , Wigger Antje , Ludewig Eberhard
Published: March 2013

Low‐field MRI (lfMRI) has become increasingly accepted as a method for diagnosing canine meniscal tears in clinical practice. However, observer effects on diagnostic accuracy have not been previously reported. In this study, 50 consecutive stifle joints with clinical and radiologic evidence of cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency were investigated by lfMRI and arthroscopy. Fifteen observers who had varying levels of experience and who were unaware of arthroscopic findings independently reviewed lfMRI studies and recorded whether lateral and medial meniscal tears were present. Diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV)) was determined for each observer and median values were calculated for all observers, using arthroscopy as the reference standard. Interrater agreement was determined based on intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis. Observer level of experience was compared with diagnostic sensitivity and specificity using correlation analysis. Based on pooled data for all observers, median sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for lfMRI diagnosis of lateral meniscal tears were 0.00, 0.94, 0.05, and 0.94, respectively. Median sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for medial meniscal tears were 0.74, 0.89, 0.83, and 0.79, respectively. Interrater agreement for all menisci was fair (0.51). Menisci were less consistently scored as having no tears (ICC = 0.13) than those scored as having tears (ICC = 0.50). No significant correlations between observer experience and diagnostic sensitivity/specificity were identified. Findings indicated that the accuracy of lfMRI for diagnosing canine meniscal tears was poor to fair and observer‐dependent. Future studies are needed to develop standardized and widely accepted lfMRI criteria for diagnosing meniscal tears.
PROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF A 5 × 4 Gy PRESCRIPTION FOR PALLIATION OF CANINE NASAL TUMORS
Authors: Tan‐Coleman Birgitte , Lyons Jarred , Lewis Craig , Rosenberg Mona , Ruiz Azucena
Published: March 2013

We evaluated the efficacy of palliative radiation therapy using 5 × 4Gy given daily in 18 dogs with nasal tumors. Dogs with malignant nasal tumors were evaluated for response rate, response duration, and survival. Seventy‐eight percent of the dogs achieved complete resolution of clinical signs, and 16.5% had partial resolution of their signs. Overall median response duration for all dogs was 178 days after one course of radiation therapy. Six dogs received a second course of therapy when their disease progressed using the same daily 5 × 4Gy scheme, and all six responded for a median time of 129.5 days for an overall median survival time in these six dogs of 309 days. Based on these results, a radiation prescription of 5 × 4Gy appears to be useful palliatively in dogs with a malignant nasal tumor.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—BILATERAL ABNORMAL OSSIFICATION OF THE SUPRAGLENOID TUBERCLE AND CRANIAL GLENOID CAVITY IN AN ENGLISH SETTER
Authors: De Simone Antonio , Gernone Floriana , Ricciardi Mario
Published: March 2013

An 8‐month‐old intact male English Setter was presented with bilateral shoulder lameness. Radiographic and CT examinations demonstrated bilateral irregular margination and separation of the supraglenoid tubercle from the scapula, with involvement of the cranial articular surface of the glenoid cavity. After 30 days of cage rest, complete fusion of proximal portions of both supraglenoid tubercles and persistent un‐united cranial portions of both glenoid cavities were evident. Histopathologic findings from biopsies of glenoid cavity defects were consistent with osteochondrosis or focal chondrodysplasia.
Exploring the effects of seasonality and chemical pollution on the hepatopancreas transcriptome of the Manila clam
Authors: Milan Massimo , Ferraresso Serena , Ciofi Claudio , Chelazzi Guido , Carrer Claudio , Ferrari Giorgio , Pavan Lino , Patarnello Tomaso , Bargelloni Luca
Published: March 2013

The assessment of marine environmental health is a complex but fundamental task both for ecosystem conservation and food safety related to the human consumption of marine products. Manila clams inhabiting the Venice Lagoon constitute an excellent case study for evaluating the effects of complex mixtures of industrial and urban effluents on aquatic organisms. Clams were collected in different seasons at four locations within the Venice Lagoon. The sampling sites were characterized by a range of pollutant concentrations and included Porto Marghera, a highly polluted industrial area where clam harvesting for human consumption is strictly forbidden. Pooled soft tissues were subjected to mass spectroscopy analysis to measure the concentrations of PCDDs/PCDFs/PCBs‐DL, PCBs, PBDEs, HCB and PAHs, and pooled digestive gland samples were used for gene expression profiling. While seasonal variation was found to be responsible for the largest proportion of transcriptional changes, significance analysis of microarrays quantitative correlation analysis identified 162 transcripts that were correlated with at least one class of chemicals measured in the samples from the four different sampling sites. Prediction Analysis of Microarrays (PAM) identified a minimal set of seven genes that correctly assigned samples collected in the restricted polluted area (Porto Marghera), independent of the season in which they were collected. An integrated approach combining transcriptomics and chemical analyses of the Manila clam provided a global picture of how Manila clams respond to complex mixtures of xenobiotics and their interplay with other biotic and abiotic factors. We were also able to identify gene expression signatures for different classes of chemicals and a set of robust biomarkers of exposure to these chemicals.
Fuzzy‐Entropy Neural Network Freeway Incident Duration Modeling with Single and Competing Uncertainties
Authors: Vlahogianni Eleni I. , Karlaftis Matthew G.
Published: March 2013

An approach for predicting incident durations that are susceptible to severe congestion, the occurrence of secondary incidents, and their joint effect is proposed. First, a fuzzy entropy feature selection methodology is applied to determine redundant factors and rank factor importance with respect to their contribution on the predictability of incident duration. Second, neural network models for incident duration prediction with single and competing uncertainties are developed. The results indicate that alignment, collision type, and downstream geometry may be considered as redundant when modeling incident duration. Rainfall intensity is a highly contributing feature, while lane volume, number of blocked lanes, as well as number of vehicles involved in the incident are among the top ranking factors for determining the extent of duration. Finally, the joint consideration of severe congestion and secondary incident occurrence may improve the generalization power of the prediction models.
Effect of growth temperature on the electron flow for photorespiration in leaves of tobacco grown in the field
Authors: Zhang Wei , Huang Wei , Yang Qiu‐Yun , Zhang Shi‐Bao , Hu Hong
Published: March 2013

Photorespiration has been indicated as an important mechanism for maintaining CO2 assimilation and alleviating photodamage under conditions of high light and low CO2. We tested the hypothesis that plants grown under a high temperature had greater electron flow for photorespiration compared with those grown under a relative low temperature. Responses of photosynthetic electron flow and CO2 assimilation to incident light intensity and intercellular CO2 concentration were examined in leaves of tobacco cultivar ‘k326’. Plants were cultivated at three sites with different ambient temperatures (Zhengzhou, Zunyi and Jiangchuan). Under high light, plants grown in Zhengzhou (with the highest growth temperature in the three sites) showed higher effective quantum yield of photosystem II and total electron flow through photosystem II than that in Zunyi and Jiangchuan. However, regardless of light intensity and intercellular CO2 status, there were no significant differences among sites in the photosynthetic CO2 assimilation rate or electron flow devoted to the carboxylation of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate (RuBP). As a result, plants grown at high temperature showed higher electron flow devoted to oxygenation of RuBP than plants grown at low temperature. These results suggested that enhancement of electron flow for photorespiration is an important strategy in tobacco for acclimating to high growth temperature.
Case–Control Study of Eczema in Relation to IL4Rα Genetic Polymorphisms in Japanese Women: The Kyushu Okinawa Maternal and Child Health Study
Authors: Miyake Y. , Tanaka K. , Arakawa M.
Published: March 2013

Epidemiological research on the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL4Rα gene and eczema is sparse. We investigated the associations between IL4Rα SNPs rs1805011, rs1805015 and rs1801275 and risk of eczema in young adult Japanese women. Included were 188 women who met the criteria of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) for eczema. Controls were 635 women without eczema according to the ISAAC criteria who also had not been diagnosed with asthma, atopic eczema and/or allergic rhinitis by a doctor. Adjustment was made for age, region of residence, number of children, smoking and education. Under the additive model, SNP rs1805011 was significantly related to eczema: the adjusted OR was 0.55 (95% CI: 0.31−0.99). SNP rs1805015 was significantly associated with eczema in the additive and dominant models: the adjusted ORs were 0.55 (95% CI: 0.30−0.98) and 0.55 (95% CI: 0.30−0.997), respectively. There was no significant association between SNP rs1801275 and eczema. None of the haplotypes were significantly related to eczema. Significant associations between SNPs rs1805011 and rs1805015 and eczema were reported in women who had never smoked, but not in those who had ever smoked; the multiplicative interactions, however, were not significant. This is the first study to demonstrate significant associations between IL4Rα SNPs rs1805011 and rs1805015 and eczema. We do not find evidence for interactions affecting eczema between IL4Rα SNPs and smoking.
Anomalous far‐field geodetic signature related to the 2009 L'Aquila (central Italy) earthquake
Authors: Atzori Simone , Chiarabba Claudio , Devoti Roberto , Bonano Manuela , Lanari Riccardo
Published: March 2013

The broad availability of geodetic measurements for the Mw 6.3 April 6th 2009 L'Aquila earthquake allowed an unprecedented description of the co‐ and post‐seismic ground deformations, leading to the definition of the Paganica fault geometry and kinematics. Through DInSAR, we found, in a wide area of 20 kilometres on the Paganica hangingwall, a further displacement up to 7 cm, which might have occurred in the earthquake proximity. In this study, we explore the possibility of the co‐, post‐ and pre‐seismic alternative scenarios. Although our data are not sufficient to undoubtedly prove that this signal occurred before the main event, this seems to be the most likely hypothesis based on tectonics constraints and image acquisition times. The nature of this deformation remains unclear, but we speculate that deep fluids played a role. These results can drive ad hoc requirements for future space‐based missions and design of the GPS network.
Transitive RNA silencing signals induce cytosine methylation of a transgenic but not an endogenous target
Authors: Vermeersch Leen , De Winne Nancy , Nolf Jonah , Bleys Annick , Kovařík Aleš , Depicker Ann
Published: March 2013

Post‐transcriptional gene silencing of a primary target gene in plants can coincide with the production of secondary small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) of coding sequences adjacent to the target region and with de novo RNA‐directed DNA methylation (RdDM) thereof. Here, we analyzed the susceptibility of transgenic and endogenous targets to RdDM induced by primary and secondary silencing signals. In three different configurations, primary silencing signals were able to direct in trans methylation of chimeric transgenes and the CATALASE2 (CAT2) endogene; however, extensive spreading of methylation occurred only in the transgene, resulting in the methylation of the flanking CAT2 sequence, whereas methylation of the CAT2 endogene was restricted to the target region and the enclosed introns. The secondary silencing signals arising from this transgenic primary target simultaneously silenced a secondary transgene target and the CAT2 endogene, but were only capable of directing RdDM to the transgene. Our data indicate that RdDM is correlated with the in situ generation of secondary siRNAs, occurring in P35S‐driven transgenes but not in most endogenes. We conclude that although both endogenes and transgenes are equally sensitive to transitive silencing, differences exist in their susceptibility to undergo secondary RdDM.
VALIDATION OF DELAYED GADOLINIUM‐ENHANCED MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF CARTILAGE AND T2 MAPPING FOR QUANTIFYING DISTAL METACARPUS/METATARSUS CARTILAGE THICKNESS IN THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSES
Authors: Carstens Ann , Kirberger Robert M. , Dahlberg Leif E. , Prozesky Leon , Fletcher Lizelle , Lammentausta Eveliina
Published: March 2013

The purpose of this study was to determine whether delayed gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC) and T2 mapping are accurate techniques for measuring cartilage thickness in the metacarpus3/metatarsus3 (Mc3/Mt3) of Thoroughbred racehorses. Twenty‐four Mc3/Mt3 cadaver specimens were acquired from six healthy racehorses. Cartilage thickness was measured from postintra‐articular Gd‐DTPA2− images acquired using short tau inversion recovery (STIR), and proton density weighted (PDw) sequences, and compared with cartilage thickness measured from corresponding histologic images. Two observers performed each histologic measurement twice at three different sites, with measurement times spaced at least 5 days apart. Histologic cartilage thickness was measured at each of the three sites from the articular surface to the bone–cartilage interface, and from the articular surface to the mineralized cartilage interface (tidemark). Intra‐observer repeatability was good to moderate for dGEMRIC where Mc3/Mt3 cartilage was not in contact with the proximal phalanx. Where the Mc3/Mt3 cartilage was in contact with the proximal phalanx cartilage, dGEMRIC STIR and T2 mapping PDw cartilage thicknesses of Mc3/Mt3 could not be measured reliably. When measured from the articular surface to the bone–cartilage interface, histologic cartilage thickness did not differ from STIR or PDw cartilage thickness at the site where the Mc3/Mt3 cartilage surface was separated from the proximal phalanx cartilage (P > 0.05). Findings indicated that dGEMRIC STIR and T2 mapping PDw are accurate techniques for measuring Mc3/Mt3 cartilage thickness at locations where the cartilage is not in direct contact with the proximal phalanx cartilage.
ESTIMATION OF FELINE RENAL VOLUME USING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY AND ULTRASOUND
Authors: Tyson Reid , Logsdon Stacy A. , Werre Stephen R. , Daniel Gregory B.
Published: March 2013

Renal volume estimation is an important parameter for clinical evaluation of kidneys and research applications. A time efficient, repeatable, and accurate method for volume estimation is required. The purpose of this study was to describe the accuracy of ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) for estimating feline renal volume. Standardized ultrasound and CT scans were acquired for kidneys of 12 cadaver cats, in situ. Ultrasound and CT multiplanar reconstructions were used to record renal length measurements that were then used to calculate volume using the prolate ellipsoid formula for volume estimation. In addition, CT studies were reconstructed at 1 mm, 5 mm, and 1 cm, and transferred to a workstation where the renal volume was calculated using the voxel count method (hand drawn regions of interest). The reference standard kidney volume was then determined ex vivo using water displacement with the Archimedes’ principle. Ultrasound measurement of renal length accounted for approximately 87% of the variability in renal volume for the study population. The prolate ellipsoid formula exhibited proportional bias and underestimated renal volume by a median of 18.9%. Computed tomography volume estimates using the voxel count method with hand‐traced regions of interest provided the most accurate results, with increasing accuracy for smaller voxel sizes in grossly normal kidneys (–10.1 to 0.6%). Findings from this study supported the use of CT and the voxel count method for estimating feline renal volume in future clinical and research studies.
T2‐WEIGHTED MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING MEASUREMENTS OF OPTIC NERVE SHEATH DIAMETER IN DOGS WITH AND WITHOUT PRESUMED INTRACRANIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Scrivani Peter V. , Fletcher Daniel J. , Cooley Stacy D. , Rosenblatt Alana J. , Erb Hollis N.
Published: March 2013

Intracranial hypertension is a cause of cerebral ischemia and neurologic deficits in dogs. Goals of this retrospective study were to test interobserver agreement for MRI measurements of optic nerve sheath diameter and associations between optic nerve sheath diameter, signalment data, and presumed intracranial hypertension status in a cohort of dogs. A veterinary radiologist interpreted scans of 100 dogs and dogs were assigned to groups based on presence or absence of at least two MRI characteristics of presumed intracranial hypertension. Two observers who were unaware of group status independently measured optic nerve diameter from transverse T2‐weighted sequences. Mean optic nerve sheath diameter for all dogs was 3 mm (1–4 mm). The mean difference between observers was 0.3 mm (limits of agreement, −0.4 and 1.0 mm). There was no correlation between optic nerve sheath diameter and age for either observer (r = −0.06 to 0.00) but a moderate positive correlation was observed between optic nerve sheath diameter and body weight for both observers (r = 0.70–0.76). The 22 dogs with presumed intracranial hypertension weighed less than the 78 dogs without (P = 0.02) and were more often female (P = 0.04). Dogs with presumed intracranial hypertension had a larger ratio of optic nerve sheath diameter to body weight for each observer‐side pair (P = 0.01–0.04) than dogs without. Findings indicated that the ratio of MRI optic nerve sheath diameter relative to body weight may be a repeatable predictor of intracranial hypertension in dogs.
Contribution of sympathetic activation to coronary vasodilatation during the cold pressor test in healthy men: effect of ageing
Authors: Monahan Kevin D. , Feehan Robert P. , Sinoway Lawrence I. , Gao Zhaohui
Published: March 2013

Key points

The sympathetic nervous system is an important regulator of coronary blood flow.

How ageing may effect sympathetic nervous system regulation of coronary blood flow during physiological stress is unknown.

We measured coronary vascular responses to sympathetic activation before and during systemic α‐ and β‐adrenergic receptor blockade in young and older healthy men.

Our results indicate that the normal coronary vascular response to sympathetic activation in young men is pronounced vasodilatation and that this effect is lost with advancing age, as the result of an apparent adrenergic mechanism.

These findings may help explain how acute sympathetic activation may trigger angina and coronary ischaemic events, particularly in older adults.

Abstract  The sympathetic nervous system is an important regulator of coronary blood flow. The cold pressor test (CPT) is a powerful sympathoexcitatory stressor. We tested the hypotheses that: (1) CPT‐induced sympathetic activation elicits coronary vasodilatation in young adults that is impaired with advancing age and (2) combined α‐ and β‐adrenergic blockade diminishes/abolishes these age‐related differences. Vascular responses of the left anterior descending artery to the CPT were determined by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography before (pre‐blockade) and during (post‐blockade) systemic co‐administration of α‐ and β‐adrenergic antagonists in young (n= 9; 26 ± 1 years old, mean ± SEM) and older healthy men (n= 9; 66 ± 2 years old). Coronary vascular resistance (CVR; mean arterial pressure/coronary blood velocity) was used as an index of vascular tone. CPT decreased CVR (i.e. coronary vasodilatation occurred) in young (Δ–33 ± 6%), but not older men (Δ–3 ± 4%; P < 0.05 vs. young) pre‐blockade. Adrenergic blockade abolished CPT‐induced coronary vasodilatation in young men (Δ–33 ± 6%vs. Δ 0 ± 6%, pre‐blockade vs. post‐blockade, respectively; P < 0.05) such that responses post‐blockade mirrored those of older men (Δ–3 ± 4%vs. Δ 8 ± 9%; both P > 0.05 compared to young pre‐blockade). Impaired CPT‐induced coronary vasodilatation could not be explained by a reduced stimulus for vasodilatation as group and condition effects persisted when CVR responses were expressed relative to myocardial oxygen demand (rate–pressure product). These data indicate that the normal coronary vascular response to sympathetic activation in young men is pronounced vasodilatation and this effect is lost with age as the result of an adrenergic mechanism. These findings may help explain how acute sympathoexcitation may precipitate angina and coronary ischaemic events, particularly in older adults.
Temporally pre-presented lipreading cues release speech from informational masking
Authors: Wu Chao , Cao Shuyang , Wu Xihong , Li Liang
Published: March 2013

Listeners can use temporally pre-presented content cues and concurrently presented lipreading cues to improve speech recognition under masking conditions. This study investigated whether temporally pre-presented lipreading cues also unmask speech. In a test trial, before the target sentence was co-presented with the masker, either target-matched (priming) lipreading video or static face (priming-control) video was presented in quiet. Participants’ target-recognition performance was improved by a shift from the priming-control condition to the priming condition when the masker was speech but not noise. This release from informational masking suggests a combined effect of working memory and cross-modal integration on selective attention to target speech.
The Decision to Modernize U.S. Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
Authors: Deutch John M.
Published: March 2013

The issues surrounding the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) modernization decision are addressed. Consideration is given to both Rail Garrison MX and the mobile Midgetman system. The central thesis of this article is that the flexibility and survivability of the mobile Midgetman makes this system the preferred choice for the future. A discussion of likely alternative courses of action is included—that is, doing nothing, deploying less (the current Bush Administration compromise proposal), placing Midgetman in silos, and deploying MX in multiple silos.
Rates of Tectonometamorphic Processes from Rubidium and Strontium Isotopes in Garnet
Authors: Christensen John N. , Rosenfeld John L. , DePaolo Donald J.
Published: March 2013

Measurement of the radial variation of the
87
Sr/
86
Sr ratio in a single crystal from a metamorphic rock can be used to determine the crystal's growth rate. That variation records the accumulation of
87
Sr from radioactive decay of
87
Rb in the rock matrix from which the crystal grew. This method can be used to study the rates of petrological processes associated with mountain building. It is applied to garnet crystals in rocks from southeast Vermont that were metamorphosed about 380 million years ago. The average growth rate measured for three garnets is 1.4
-0.45
+0.92
millimeters per million years and the average time interval of growth is 10.5 ± 4.2 million years. Garnet and its mineral inclusions provide a sequential record of temperature change, strain, and chemical reactions during metamorphism; therefore, the technique offers the potential for determination of the rates of those processes as well. The growth interval and observed amount of rotation recorded by inclusion trails in one garnet indicate that the mean shear strain rate during garnet growth was 2.4
-0.7
+1.6
× 10
-14
per second.
Plant Hybrid Zones as Sinks for Pests
Authors: Whitham Thomas G.
Published: March 2013

An 8-year study of how aphids are distributed and survive on hybrid and pure host populations showed that the more susceptible hybrid trees acted as pest sinks supporting most of the aphid population. At least 85 to 100 percent of the aphid population was concentrated on less than 3 percent of the host population, with the center of a pest's distribution being the hybrid zone of its host. The concentration of aphids on such a small segment of the host population suggested that susceptible plants not only acted as sinks in ecological time, but may also have prevented aphids from adapting to the more numerous resistant hosts in evolutionary time. This has important implications for the potential management of pest evolution in agriculture and in understanding natural pest distributions.
Cell-to-Cell Variability Analysis Dissects the Plasticity of Signaling of Common γ Chain Cytokines in T Cells
Authors: Cotari Jesse W. , Voisinne Guillaume , Dar Orly Even , Karabacak Volkan , Altan-Bonnet Grégoire
Published: March 2013

Sequestration of signaling subunits by IL-2 receptors inhibits IL-7 responsiveness in T cells.
Old Drug, New Purpose for Obesity
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: March 2013

An anti-inflammatory drug reverses disease phenotypes in obese mice by inhibiting noncanonical inflammatory mediators in liver and fat cells.
Hydrogenosome Metabolism Is the Key Target for Antiparasitic Activity of Resveratrol against Trichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Mallo Natalia , Lamas Jesús , Leiro José M.
Published: March 2013

Metronidazole (MDZ) and related 5-nitroimidazoles are the recommended drugs for treatment of trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease caused by the protozoan parasiteTrichomonas vaginalis. However, novel treatment options are needed, as recent reports have claimed resistance to these drugs inT. vaginalisisolates. In this study, we analyzed for the first time thein vitroeffects of the natural polyphenol resveratrol (RESV) onT. vaginalis. At concentrations of between 25 and 100 μM, RESV inhibited thein vitrogrowth ofT. vaginalistrophozoites; doses of 25 μM exerted a cytostatic effect, and higher doses exerted a cytotoxic effect. At these concentrations, RESV caused inhibition of the specific activity of a 120-kDa [Fe]-hydrogenase (Tvhyd). RESV did not affect Tvhyd gene expression and upregulated pyruvate-ferredoxin oxidoreductase (a hydrogenosomal enzyme) gene expression only at a high dose (100 μM). At doses of 50 to 100 μM, RESV also caused overexpression of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), a protective protein found in the hydrogenosome ofT. vaginalis. The results demonstrate the potential of RESV as an antiparasitic treatment for trichomoniasis and suggest that the mechanism of action involves induction of hydrogenosomal dysfunction. In view of the results, we propose hydrogenosomal metabolism as a key target in the design of novel antiparasitic drugs.
Effectiveness of Disinfectants Used in Hemodialysis against both Candida orthopsilosis and C. parapsilosis Sensu Stricto Biofilms
Authors: Pires Regina Helena , da Silva Julhiany de Fátima , Gomes Martins Carlos Henrique , Fusco Almeida Ana Marisa , Pienna Soares Christiane , Soares Mendes-Giannini Maria José
Published: March 2013

Biofilms have been observed in the fluid pathways of hemodialysis machines. The impacts of four biocides used for the disinfection of hemodialysis systems were tested against
Candida parapsilosis
sensu stricto and
Candida orthopsilosis
biofilms generated by isolates obtained from a hydraulic circuit that were collected in a hemodialysis unit. Acetic acid was shown to be the most effective agent against
Candida
biofilms. Strategies for effective disinfection procedures used for hemodialysis systems should also seek to kill and inhibit biofilms.
Differential Distribution of Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance Genes in Clinical Enterobacteria with Unusual Phenotypes of Quinolone Susceptibility from Argentina
Authors: Andres Patricia , Lucero Celeste , Soler-Bistué Alfonso , Guerriero Leonor , Albornoz Ezequiel , Tran Tung , Zorreguieta Angeles , Galas Marcelo , Corso Alejandra , Tolmasky Marcelo E. , Petroni Alejandro
Published: March 2013

We studied a collection of 105 clinical enterobacteria with unusual phenotypes of quinolone susceptibility to analyze the occurrence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) and
oqx
genes and their implications for quinolone susceptibility. The
oqxA
and
oqxB
genes were found in 31/34 (91%)
Klebsiella pneumoniae
and 1/3
Klebsiella oxytoca
isolates. However, the
oqxA
- and
oqxB
-harboring isolates lacking other known quinolone resistance determinants showed wide ranges of susceptibility to nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin. Sixty of the 105 isolates (57%) harbored at least one PMQR gene [
qnrB19
,
qnrB10
,
qnrB2
,
qnrB1
,
qnrS1
, or
aac
(
6
′)
-Ib-cr
)], belong to 8 enterobacterial species, and were disseminated throughout the country, and most of them were categorized as susceptible by the current clinical quinolone susceptibility breakpoints. We developed a disk diffusion-based method to improve the phenotypic detection of
aac
(
6
′)
-Ib-cr
. The most common PMQR genes in our collection [
qnrB19
,
qnrB10
, and
aac
(
6
′)
-Ib-cr
] were differentially distributed among enterobacterial species, and two different epidemiological settings were evident. First, the species associated with community-acquired infections (
Salmonella
spp. and
Escherichia coli
) mainly harbored
qnrB19
(a unique PMQR gene) located in small ColE1-type plasmids that might constitute its natural reservoirs.
qnrB19
was not associated with an extended-spectrum β-lactamase phenotype. Second, the species associated with hospital-acquired infections (
Enterobacter
spp.,
Klebsiella
spp., and
Serratia marcescens
) mainly harbored
qnrB10
in IS
CR1
-containing class 1 integrons that may also have
aac
(
6
′)
-Ib-cr
as a cassette within the variable region. These two PMQR genes were strongly associated with an extended-spectrum β-lactamase phenotype. Therefore, this differential distribution of PMQR genes is strongly influenced by their linkage or lack of linkage to integrons.
Meta-Analysis of Antibiotics and the Risk of Community-Associated Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Brown Kevin A. , Khanafer Nagham , Daneman Nick , Fisman David N.
Published: March 2013

The rising incidence of
Clostridium difficile
infection (CDI) could be reduced by lowering exposure to high-risk antibiotics. The objective of this study was to determine the association between antibiotic class and the risk of CDI in the community setting. The EMBASE and PubMed databases were queried without restriction to time period or language. Comparative observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) considering the impact of exposure to antibiotics on CDI risk among nonhospitalized populations were considered. We estimated pooled odds ratios (OR) for antibiotic classes using random-effect meta-analysis. Our search criteria identified 465 articles, of which 7 met inclusion criteria; all were observational studies. Five studies considered antibiotic risk relative to no antibiotic exposure: clindamycin (OR = 16.80; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 7.48 to 37.76), fluoroquinolones (OR = 5.50; 95% CI, 4.26 to 7.11), and cephalosporins, monobactams, and carbapenems (CMCs) (OR = 5.68; 95% CI, 2.12 to 15.23) had the largest effects, while macrolides (OR = 2.65; 95% CI, 1.92 to 3.64), sulfonamides and trimethoprim (OR = 1.81; 95% CI, 1.34 to 2.43), and penicillins (OR = 2.71; 95% CI, 1.75 to 4.21) had lower associations with CDI. We noted no effect of tetracyclines on CDI risk (OR = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.61 to 1.40). In the community setting, there is substantial variation in the risk of CDI associated with different antimicrobial classes. Avoidance of high-risk antibiotics (such as clindamycin, CMCs, and fluoroquinolones) in favor of lower-risk antibiotics (such as penicillins, macrolides, and tetracyclines) may help reduce the incidence of CDI.
Treatment of Refractory Mycobacterium avium Complex Lung Disease with a Moxifloxacin-Containing Regimen
Authors: Koh Won-Jung , Hong Goohyeon , Kim Su-Young , Jeong Byeong-Ho , Park Hye Yun , Jeon Kyeongman , Kwon O Jung , Lee Seung-Heon , Kim Chang Ki , Shin Sung Jae
Published: March 2013

Moxifloxacin (MXF) has
in vitro
and
in vivo
activity against
Mycobacterium avium
complex (MAC) in experimental models. However, no data are available concerning its treatment effect in patients with MAC lung disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of an MXF-containing regimen for the treatment of refractory MAC lung disease. Patients with MAC lung disease who were diagnosed between January 2002 and December 2011 were identified from our hospital database. We identified 41 patients who received MXF for ≥4 weeks for the treatment of refractory MAC lung disease. A total of 41 patients were treated with an MXF-containing regimen because of a persistent positive culture after at least 6 months of clarithromycin-based standardized antibiotic therapy. The median duration of antibiotic therapy before MXF administration was 410 days (interquartile range [IQR], 324 to 683 days). All patients had culture-positive sputum when MXF treatment was initiated. The median duration of MXF administration was 332 days (IQR, 146 to 547 days). The overall treatment success rate was 29% (12/41), and the median time to sputum conversion was 91 days (IQR, 45 to 190 days). A positive sputum acid-fast-bacillus smear at the start of treatment with MXF-containing regimens was an independent predictor of an unfavorable microbiological response. Our results indicate that MXF may improve treatment outcomes in about one-third of patients with persistently culture-positive MAC lung disease who fail to respond to clarithromycin-based standardized antibiotic treatment. Prospective studies are required to assess the clinical efficacy of MXF treatment for refractory MAC lung disease.
Granule Exocytosis of Granulysin and Granzyme B as a Potential Key Mechanism in Vaccine-Induced Immunity in Cattle against the Nematode Ostertagia ostertagi
Authors: Van Meulder Frederik , Van Coppernolle Stefanie , Borloo Jimmy , Rinaldi Manuela , Li Robert W. , Chiers Koen , Van den Broeck Wim , Vercruysse Jozef , Claerebout Edwin , Geldhof Peter
Published: March 2013

Ostertagia ostertagiis considered one of the most economically important bovine parasites. As an alternative to anthelmintic treatment, an experimental host-protective vaccine was previously developed on the basis of ASP proteins derived from adult worms. Intramuscular injection of this vaccine, combined with QuilA as an adjuvant, significantly reduced fecal egg counts by 59%. However, the immunological mechanisms triggered by the vaccine are still unclear. Therefore, in this study, the differences in immune responses at the site of infection, i.e., the abomasal mucosa, between ASP-QuilA-vaccinated animals and QuilA-vaccinated control animals were investigated on a transcriptomic level by using a whole-genome bovine microarray combined with histological analysis. Sixty-nine genes were significantly impacted in animals protected by the vaccine, 48 of which were upregulated. A correlation study between the parasitological parameters and gene transcription levels showed that the transcription levels of two of the upregulated genes, those for granulysin (GNLY) and granzyme B (GZMB), were negatively correlated with cumulative fecal egg counts and total worm counts, respectively. Both genes were also positively correlated with each other and with another upregulated gene, that for the IgE receptor subunit (FCER1A). Surprisingly, these three genes were also correlated significantly withCMA1, which encodes a mast cell marker, and with counts of mast cells and cells previously described as globule leukocytes. Furthermore, immunohistochemical data showed thatGNLYwas present in the granules of globule leukocytes and that it was secreted in mucus. Overall, the results suggest a potential role for granule exocytosis by globule leukocytes, potentially IgE mediated, in vaccine-induced protection againstO. ostertagi.
Neutrophils Mediate Immunopathology and Negatively Regulate Protective Immune Responses during Fatal Bacterial Infection-Induced Toxic Shock
Authors: Yang Qin , Ghose Purnima , Ismail Nahed
Published: March 2013

Ehrlichia chaffeensisis an obligate intracellular bacterium that infects primarily monocytes and macrophages and causes potentially fatal human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) that mimics toxic-shock-like syndrome in immunocompetent hosts. Early recruitment of neutrophils to the sites of infection is critical for the control of bacterial infection and inflammatory responses. We recently observed rapid and sustained neutrophil recruitment at a primary site of infection (peritoneum) following lethal murine ehrlichial infection compared to innocuous ehrlichial infection. We examined here the contribution of neutrophils to protective immunity or immunopathology during infection with monocyticEhrlichia. Unexpectedly, depletion of neutrophils from lethally infected mice enhanced bacterial elimination, decreased immune-mediated pathology, and prolonged survival. Furthermore, compared to lethally infected sham controls, neutrophil depletion in infected mice resulted in amelioration of pathogenic responses, as evidenced by a decreased number of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-producing CD8+T cells, which is known to mediate immunopathology and toxic shock in a murine model of fatal ehrlichiosis. Although neutrophil depletion did not influence the number of CD4+Th1 cells and NKT cells producing gamma interferon (IFN-γ), it increased the ratio of IFN-γ- to IL-10-producing NKT cells as well as the ratio of IFN-γ to interleukin 10 (IL-10) transcripts in the liver. This may ameliorate the net suppressive effect of IL-10 on IFN-γ-mediated activation of infected macrophages and thus may account for the enhanced bacterial elimination. Finally, transcriptional analysis of gene expression in the liver indicated that neutrophils contribute to overproduction of cytokines and chemokines during fatal ehrlichiosis. In conclusion, these results revealed an unexpected role of neutrophils in supporting bacterial replication indirectly and promoting immunopathology during severe infection with an intracellular bacterium.
Isolated pulmonary valve endocarditis in a patient with aplastic anaemia
Authors: Nishanth K R , Seshadri Shubha , Pandit Vinay , Krishnanand N
Published: March 2013

A 42-year-old female patient of aplastic anaemia on maintenance blood transfusion presented with a 3-week history of fever, cough, dyspnoea and pedal oedema. Upon examination she  was found to have severe pallor, temperature of 101°F, tachycardia, bilateral pitting pedal oedema, raised jugular venous pressure, ejection systolic murmur (grade 2/6) in pulmonary area and petechiae over extensor aspect of both lower limbs. Blood investigations revealed low haemoglobin, thrombocytopaenia and mild increase in serum creatine. Chest x-ray was normal. Initial 2D trans thoracic echocardiography performed after hospital admission was normal. Antibiotics were started empirically to treat a possible underlying infection. Subsequently, three sets of blood cultures grewEnterococcus faecalis. Upon searching for the source, repeat echocardiograph done showed 2×0.5 cm vegetation on both pulmonary leaflets with severe pulmonary regurgitation, all other valves were free of vegetations. She was treated with intravenous antibiotics for the endocarditis and improved.
Smoking-related interstitial fibrosis (SRIF) and pulmonary hypertension
Authors: El-Kersh Karim , Perez Rafael L , Smith J Shaun , Fraig Mostafa
Published: March 2013

Smoking-related interstitial fibrosis (SRIF) is a relatively new term used to describe chronic interstitial fibrosis that can develop in smokers. The association of SRIF with pulmonary hypertension has not been described. We present a 55-year-old man with an extensive smoking history who presented for evaluation of insidious onset of dyspnoea on exertion and hypoxaemic respiratory failure. Physical examination was unremarkable. Pulmonary function testing demonstrated a marked reduction of the diffusion capacity with no obstruction or restriction. Ventilation perfusion scan showed no evidence of thromboembolic disease. High-resolution chest CT revealed minimal biapical pleural parenchymal scarring and subtle dependent atelectasis. Serological markers for connective tissue diseases were negative. Open lung biopsy was consistent with SRIF. Vascular intimal proliferation consistent with pulmonary hypertension was also noted. Right heart catheterisation yielded mild pulmonary hypertension and treatment was initiated with tadalafil and bosentan.
Tendons – time to revisit inflammation
Authors: Rees Jonathan D , Stride Matthew , Scott Alex
Published: March 2013

It is currently widely accepted among clinicians that chronic tendinopathy is caused by a degenerative process devoid of inflammation. Current treatment strategies are focused on physical treatments, peritendinous or intratendinous injections of blood or blood products and interruption of painful stimuli. Results have been at best, moderately good and at worst a failure. The evidence for non-infammatory degenerative processes alone as the cause of tendinopathy is surprisingly weak. There is convincing evidence that the inflammatory response is a key component of chronic tendinopathy. Newer anti-inflammatory modalities may provide alternative potential opportunities in treating chronic tendinopathies and should be explored further.
Psychophysiological and neuromotor indicators of brain concussion
Authors: Le Bouthillier Éric , Caouette Michel , Guérin Fanny
Published: March 2013

Objective

Post-concussion symptoms disappear from days up to 3 months in adults after a 1st concussion. 15% of adults have persistent sequelae. The athletes have a higher probability of experiencing a second concussion and to suffer from both prolonged due to the cumulative effect of these neurological injuries. Lower cognitive and physical skills of the athlete are more documented after concussion. Specifically, the impacts of concussion on neuromotor and neurophysiological functions are investigated.

Design

Case studies.

Settings

Rehabilitation in public and private practices.

Patients

Three athletes who sustained a concussion with persistent symptoms after several months to one year.

Interventions

Measures of frequency and heart rate variability at night; percentage of cardiac reserve on daily tasks of different intensities and a neuromotor assessment were performed.

Main Outcome

All three athletes show a cardiac reactivity to a task in mismatch with the actual engineering costs of the various tasks performed and, several months to one year post-concussion. They show motor strategies disorders and slower processing of visual information.

Conclusions

Cardiac monitoring and neuromotor assessment provides additional indicators in the detection of concussion, as a complement to the neurocognitive assessment, and should be included routinely in the management concussion protocols of athletes. These data are also valuable clinically to help reduce post-concussion symptoms. However research is needed to understand their impact on the recovery of the athlete so as to promote a safe return to play.

Competing interests

Neurosport is a private pratice who offers services to athlete for post-concussion assessment and neurorehabilitation.
Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA): baseline evaluation of cognition in the athletic population
Authors: Debert C T , Benson B W , Dukelow S
Published: March 2013

Objective

To assess baseline pre-season cognitive function in a young adult athletic population using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Tool (MoCA).

Design

Baseline case series of normative data.

Setting

Sport Medicine Clinic at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Participants

Male and female athletes (n=347) were recruited from the University of Calgary varsity athletic teams, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology college teams and Canadian National sports teams. Athletes (aged 18–40 years) underwent pre-season face-to-face standardised cognitive screening interviews.

Interventions

Baseline biographical information and a pre-season MoCA test were performed.

Main Outcome Measurements

The MoCA is a one page global cognitive assessment tool with a maximum score of 30 points.

Results

All subjects had grade 12 education or greater. Fifty-nine percent of the population was male. The average age was 22.02±3.49. The overall mean MoCA score was 26.62±2.20. One hundred and one subjects (29%) scored less than 26. For contact/collision sport athletes and non-contact sport athletes the mean MoCA scores were 26.41±2.28 and 26.97±2.01 respectively. There was a significant difference (p=0.018) between the contact/collision and non-contact sport athletes scores.

Conclusions

Approximately 29% of the athletic population surveyed had MoCA scores less than what is considered normal (<26). Contact/collision sport athletes had significantly lower MoCA's scores than non-contact sport athletes. Scores less than 26 have been associated with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's dementia in other studies. Multiple factors (eg, previous concussion, non-documented head injuries, malingering, etc) may play a role in explaining the present findings.

Competing interestsNone.