bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of BMI across the life course in the relationship between age at menarche and diabetes, in a British Birth Cohort
Authors: Pierce M. B. , Kuh D. , Hardy R.
Published: October 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 600–603 (2012)

Aims  Previous research showing an inverse association between age of menarche and adult diabetes relied on recalled age at menarche and did not adjust for BMI across the life course. We investigated the relationship between age at menarche and diabetes, and whether childhood, adolescent or adult BMI attenuates this relationship.

Methods  We used data from the Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development, a British birth cohort study of men and women born in 1946, with contemporaneous recording of the age of menarche, BMI at 2, 7, 15 and 20–53 years and diabetes status to 53 years.

Results  A significant inverse relationship between age at menarche and diabetes [hazard ratio = 0.73 per year older age at menarche (95% CI 0.56–0.96), P = 0.02] was attenuated by adjustment for adult BMI [hazard ratio 0.85 (95% CI 0.65–1.10), P = 0.2]. The effect of age at menarche on Type 2 diabetes was very similar to that for all types of diabetes. Attenuation of the association between age at menarche and diabetes was also observed with BMI at 15 years, but less so with BMI measured earlier in childhood.

Conclusions  Earlier age at menarche is associated with a higher risk of diabetes, and specifically Type 2 diabetes, in later life, which is most strongly attenuated by adolescent and adult adiposity. Early menarche may be clinically useful in identifying women who are at risk of later adiposity and so of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Bedside monitoring of blood ketone for management of diabetic ketoacidosis: proceed with care
Authors: Loh T. P. , Saw S. , Sethi S. K.
Published: October 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 827–828 (2012)
Editorial comment on ‘5 year experience with incobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin®) the first botulinum toxin drug free of complexing proteins’
Authors: Aoki K. R.
Published: October 2011

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
Dementia quality of life instrument – construct and concurrent validity in patients with mild to moderate dementia
Authors: Voigt‐Radloff S. , Leonhart R. , Schützwohl M. , Jurjanz L. , Reuster T. , Gerner A. , Marschner K. , van Nes F. , Graff M. , Vernooij‐Dassen M. , Rikkert M. O. , Holthoff V. , Hüll M.
Published: October 2011

Background and purpose:  To translate the Dementia quality of life instrument (DQoL) into German and assess its construct and concurrent validity in community‐dwelling people with mild to moderate dementia.

Methods:  Dementia quality of life instrument data of two pooled samples (n = 287) were analysed regarding ceiling and floor effects, internal consistency, factor reliability and correlations with corresponding scales on quality of life (Quality of Life in Alzheimer‘s Disease and SF‐12), cognition (Mini‐Mental State Examination, Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale – cognitive), depression (Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia) and activities of daily living (Interview of Deterioration in Daily Living Activities in Dementia).

Results:  We found no floor effects (<2%), minor ceiling effects (1–11%), moderate to good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α: 0.6–0.8) and factor reliability (0.6–0.8), moderate correlations with self‐rated scales of quality of life (Spearman coefficient: 0.3–0.6) and no or minor correlations with scores for cognition, depression or activities of daily living (r < 0.3). The original five‐factor model could not be confirmed.

Conclusion:  The DQoL can be used in dementia research for assessing positive and negative affect, feelings of belonging and self‐esteem. The findings suggest further research to improve the structure of the scales aesthetics, feelings of belonging and self‐esteem.
European neuroborreliosis: neuropsychological findings 30 months post‐treatment
Authors: Eikeland R. , Ljøstad U. , Mygland Å. , Herlofson K. , Løhaugen G. C.
Published: October 2011

Background:  The aim of this study was to compare neuropsychological (NP) functioning in patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) 30 months after treatment to matched controls.

Methods:  We tested 50 patients with LNB and 50 controls with the trail‐making test (TMT), Stroop test, digit symbol test, and California Verbal Learning test (CVLT). A global NP sumscore was calculated to express the number of low scores on 23 NP subtasks.

Results:  Mean scores were lower amongst LNB‐treated patients than amongst controls on tasks assessing attention/executive functions: (Stroop test 4: 77.6 vs. 67.0, P = 0.015), response/processing speed (TMT 5: 23.4 vs. 19.2, P = 0.004), visual memory (digit symbol recall: 6.6 vs. 7.2, P = 0.038), and verbal memory (CVLT list B: 4.68 vs. 5.50, P = 0.003). The proportion of patients and controls with NP sumscores within one SD from the mean in the control group (defined as normal) and between one and two SD (defined as deficit) were similar, but more LNB‐treated patients than controls had a sumscore more than two SD from the mean (defined as impairment) (8 vs. 1, P = 0.014).

Conclusions:  As a group, LNB‐treated patients scored lower on four NP subtasks assessing processing speed, visual and verbal memory, and executive/attention functions, as compared to matched controls. The distribution of NP dysfunctions indicates that most LNB‐treated patients perform comparable to controls, whilst a small subgroup have a debilitating long‐term course with cognitive problems.
The serum ferritin level is an important predictor of hemorrhagic transformation in acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Choi K.‐H. , Park M.‐S. , Kim J.‐T. , Nam T.‐S. , Choi S.‐M. , Kim B.‐C. , Kim M.‐K. , Cho K.‐H.
Published: October 2011

Background and purpose:  Because hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is associated with morbidity and mortality, we need a better understanding of the factors that predict HT after ischaemic stroke. HT is a well‐known factor that limits the use of thrombolytics and it negates the effect of treatment. This study investigated whether a high serum ferritin level is associated with HT in acute ischaemic stroke.

Methods:  Seven hundred and fifty‐two consecutive patients with acute ischaemic stroke within 24 h after a vascular event were enrolled. HT was diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) and the HT was classified into hemorrhagic infarction (HI) type 1, 2 and parenchymal hematoma (PH) type 1, 2. HT was also classified into no HT, asymptomatic HT, minor symptomatic HT (sHT), and major sHT.

Results:  Computed tomography or MR showed HT in 90 patients (HI in 58 and PH in 32; asymptomatic in 53, minor symptomatic in 23 and major symptomatic in 14). The ferritin levels were higher in the patients who developed HT, PH and sHT. After adjustment for confounding variables, multivariate analysis showed that a high ferritin level remained an independent predictor of HT in the patients with acute ischaemic stroke (P < 0.001). Serum ferritin levels higher than 171.8 ng/ml were independently associated with sHT.

Conclusions:  This study suggests that a high ferritin level is an important predictor of HT, PH, and sHT in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. Lowering the ferritin level with iron‐modifying agents or using free radical scavengers could be helpful to prevent HT in ischaemic stroke.
Association between hearing and vision impairments in older adults
Authors: Schneck Marilyn E , Lott Lori A , Haegerstrom‐Portnoy Gunilla , Brabyn John A
Published: October 2011

Citation information: Schneck ME, Lott LA, Haegerstrom‐Portnoy G & Brabyn JA. Association between hearing and vision impairments in older adults. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2011. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00876.x

Purpose:  To determine which, if any, vision variables are associated with moderate bilateral hearing loss in an elderly population.

Methods:  Four hundred and forty‐six subjects completed a hearing screening in conjunction with measurements on a variety of vision tests including high contrast acuity, low contrast acuity measured under a variety of lighting conditions, contrast sensitivity, stereopsis, and colour vision. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between various vision variables and hearing impairment while controlling for demographic and other co‐morbid conditions.

Results:  In this sample of older adults with a mean age of 79.9 years, 5.4% of individuals were moderately visually impaired (binocular high contrast VA worse than 0.54 logMAR, Snellen equivalent 6/21 or 20/70) and 12.8% were moderately bilaterally hearing impaired (hearing none of the 40 dB tones at 500, 2000 or 4000 Hz in either ear). Three measures of low contrast acuity, but not high contrast acuity or other vision measures, were significantly associated with hearing loss when controlling for age, cataract surgery history, glaucoma history and self reported stroke, all of which were significantly associated with hearing loss, although the association of glaucoma with hearing loss was negative.

Conclusions:  Poorer vision for low contrast targets was associated with an increased risk of hearing impairment in older adults. Audiologists and optometrists should enquire about the other sense in cases in which a deficit is measured as individuals with dual sensory loss are at a marked disadvantage in daily life.
Ventilator waveform interpretation in mechanically ventilated small animals
Authors: Corona Terry M. , Aumann Marcel
Published: October 2011

Objective

To review the topic of ventilator waveforms analysis with emphasis on interpretation of ventilator waveforms and their use in the management and monitoring of mechanically ventilated small animal patients.

Data sources

Human clinical studies, scientific reviews, and textbooks, as well as veterinary textbooks and clinical examples of ventilator waveforms in mechanically ventilated dogs.

Ventilator waveforms are graphic representations of data collected from the ventilator and reflect patient‐ventilator interactions. The 4 parameters pressure, volume, flow, and time are most descriptive of mechanical ventilation. Typically, 3 different graphs, also referred to as scalars, consisting of pressure versus time, volume versus time, and flow versus time, with time always plotted on the x‐axis, are used. Changes in the ventilator settings as well as in the characteristics of the lungs such as airway resistance (Raw) and respiratory system compliance (Crs) can be recognized from specific variations in the waveforms. Flow‐volume and pressure‐volume loops provide additional information about changes in lung function. Patient‐ventilator dyssynchrony is a common problem during mechanical ventilation and can lead to patient discomfort and an increased work of breathing. Ventilator waveforms are helpful to identify dyssynchrony, which can be divided into trigger, flow, cycle, and expiratory dyssynchrony. Ventilator waveforms allow the clinician to assess changes in respiratory mechanics, and can be useful in monitoring the progression of disease pathology and response to therapy. Adjustments in ventilator settings based on proper analysis and interpretation of these waveforms can help the clinician to optimize ventilation therapy.

Conclusions

Ventilator waveforms are graphic representations of patient‐ventilator interactions. Proper interpretation of ventilator waveforms affords the critical care clinician a better understanding of the patient's respiratory function, response to therapy, and causes for patient‐ventilator dyssynchrony. Ventilator waveform interpretation is an important tool in the assessment and management of mechanically ventilated small animal patients.
A review of current indications, adverse effects, and administration recommendations for intravenous immunoglobulin
Authors: Spurlock Nicole K. , Prittie Jennifer E.
Published: October 2011

Objective

To review and summarize the body of literature regarding human intravenous immunoglobulin (hIVIG) therapy in veterinary medicine. Mechanism of action, usage in human medicine, adverse effects of therapy, implications for veterinary use, and administration recommendations are discussed.

Data Sources

Current human and veterinary peer‐reviewed medical literature including original research articles and scientific reviews.

Human Data Synthesis

There are currently 6 labeled uses forhIVIGin human medicine, but preparations are used off‐label to successfully treat multiple immune‐mediated conditions. To maximize the potential ofhIVIGuse in animals and identify areas deficient in research, a review of the current literature is warranted.

Veterinary Data Synthesis

Investigation ofhIVIGtherapy in veterinary patients has been limited to the subjects of immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP), Evan's syndrome, cutaneous disease, myasthenia gravis (MG), and sudden acquired retinal degeneration (SARDS). Proponents of veterinaryhIVIGuse believe administration may reduce transfusion requirements and decrease hospitalization time.

Conclusion

Immunoglobulin (Ig) has not been shown to decrease transfusion requirements inIMHApatients, but shows great promise for treatment ofITPand dermatological diseases. Although serial transfusion ofhIVIGis employed in human medicine, repeated transfusion is not recommended in animals due to risk of severe allergic reaction. Other potential adverse effects of transfusion include delayed hypersensitivity reactions, thromboembolism, renal failure, hypotension, and aseptic meningitis.
Overview and controversies in the medical management of pit viper envenomation in the dog
Authors: Armentano Robert A. , Schaer Michael
Published: October 2011

Objective

To provide a review and update on the medical management of pit viper envenomation in dogs.

Etiology

Pit viper snake (Crotalidae) envenomation in dogs is a common emergency in the United States. At least 50 enzymes contribute to snake venom potency that causes soft tissue damage, vasculotoxicity, coagulopathy, cytotoxicity, and necrosis.

Diagnosis

Snakebite envenomation may be identified by fang puncture wounds but primarily as a focal site with a rapid onset of severe swelling, hemorrhage, pain, and potentially necrosis. Crotalid venom causes hematologic abnormalities, local tissue damage, hypotension, and occasionally neurological impairment. The most marked hematologic abnormalities include thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, and various forms of coagulopathy, including defibrination without disseminated intravascular coagulation (in North America), summarized as a venom‐induced coagulopathy.

Therapy

The mainstay of treatment includes intravenous crystalloid fluid therapy, antivenom, and analgesic medications. Currently available antivenom products include a mixed polyvalent Antivenin (Crotalidae) Polyvalent (ACPa), and Crotalinae polyvalent immune Fab (Crofabb). There are products from Mexico and Costa Rica that have limited availability, a similar imported Fab product (Antivipmync), and a polyspecific antivenom (Polyvet‐ICPd), respectively. Glucocorticoids, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antihistamines are not included in the majority of recommended treatment protocols by world authorities; however, there are some reports that describe their use. Antimicrobial therapy and blood products are used only when clinically indicated. There is a vaccine available, but at present, it is of unknown efficacy because of a lack of documented scientific information.

Prognosis

Mortality from North American crotalid envenomation is generally rare and is influenced by several variables, including the amount of venom injected, the size and species of snake, the size of the victim, the location of the bite, time elapsed until treatment, and the therapy initiated. Mortality rates range from 1% to 30%.
Clinical safety evaluation of F(ab′)2 antivenom (Crotalus durissus – Bothrops asper) administration in dogs
Authors: Woods Craig , Young David
Published: October 2011

Background

Antivenoms consisting of selective antigen binding antibody fragments, or F(ab′)2, are becoming more popular in human and veterinary medicine, owing to their preferred kinetics, tissue distribution, and removal of the Fc binding portion of IgG. Consequences of antivenom administration can include acute and delayed reactions, dependent, in part, on the antivenom's donor source, purity, and composition. This study evaluated an equine‐derived polyvalent F(ab′)2 pit viper antivenom in healthy dogs of various size, age, and breed under controlled conditions. Dogs were allocated into 6 treatment groups (n = 10 per group) based on weight (3 weight groups) and dose (2 dose groups) and administered F(ab′)2 antivenom over 1 hour by IV infusion. Dogs were observed for adverse events at 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours after administration and blood was collected for CBC and serum biochemistry before and at 24 hours postadministration.

Key Findings

No abnormalities were noted in the 3‐vial group. In the 6‐vial group, 3 dogs developed mild self‐limiting edema around the head or neck, suggestive of a type 1 hypersensitivity, while another dog vomited and developed mild hypocalcemia at 24 hours, reflecting a 13% reaction rate at high doses. However, no dogs exhibited clinical signs of hypocalcemia or had any severe adverse events. CBC remained normal in all groups.

Significance

This study demonstrated that the polyvalent F(ab′)2 pit viper antivenom is well tolerated in dogs given large doses in a short period of time.
A review of stress‐related mucosal disease
Authors: Monnig Andrea A. , Prittie Jennifer E.
Published: October 2011

Objective

To review and summarize the human and veterinary literature regarding stress‐related mucosal disease (SRMD) pathogenesis, patient risk factors, and therapeutic options for prophylaxis and treatment.

Etiology

SRMD is a common sequela of critical illness in human patients. Development of SRMD results from splanchnic hypoperfusion, reperfusion injury, and exposure of the gastric mucosa to acid, pepsin, and bile acids following breakdown of the gastric mucosal defense system. Human patients with the highest risk of stress ulceration include those with respiratory failure necessitating mechanical ventilation greater than 48 h or coagulopathy. Currently, little is known about the incidence and pathophysiology of SRMD in critically ill veterinary patients.

Diagnosis

A presumptive diagnosis can be made in high‐risk patient populations following detection of occult or gross blood in nasogastric tube aspirates, hematemesis, or melena. Definitive diagnosis is achieved via esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Lesions are localized to the acid‐producing portions of the stomach, the fundus, and body.

Therapy

Therapy is aimed at optimization of tissue perfusion and oxygenation. Pharmacologic interventions are instituted to increase intraluminal pH and augment natural gastric defenses. Histamine2‐receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, and sucralfate are the mainstays of therapy. In people, clinically significant bleeding may necessitate additional interventions (eg, packed red blood cell transfusions, endoscopic, or surgical hemostasis).

Prognosis

Mortality is increased in people with clinically significant bleeding compared to those patients who do not bleed. Institution of prophylaxis is recommended in high‐risk patients. However, no consensus exists regarding initiation of prophylaxis, preference of frontline drug class, or indication for discontinuation of therapy. The prognosis of veterinary patients with SRMD remains unknown at this time.
Photoelastic Measurement of High Stress Profiles in Ion‐Exchanged Glass
Authors: Jannotti Phillip , Subhash Ghatu , Ifju Peter , Kreski Patrick K. , Varshneya Arun K.
Published: October 2011

Photoelastic fringes were directly measured to fully characterize high magnitude, steep compressive stress gradients in an ion‐exchanged glass, trade named Ion‐Armor™. Initially, using a thick (9.9 mm) rectangular bar and circular polariscope arrangement the overall residual stress profile in a bulk specimen was determined. However, due to the relatively large thickness of the specimen, the high density of fringes (steep stress gradient) close to the edge of the specimen became too diffused to allow an accurate count of fringe order. A thinner (0.71 mm) specimen was then used along with a polarizing light microscope to enhance the fringe contrast. This arrangement yielded approximately four isochromatic fringes, representing a maximum surface compressive stress of 984 MPa, which rapidly decreased to ~300 MPa within 25 μm depth from the strengthened surface. Also, the case‐depth of the ion‐exchange process was found to be 0.8 mm. Thus, the technique was able to directly capture the extremely high residual compressive stresses generated in an ion‐exchanged glass. The current technique utilized for residual stress measurement is more objective and straightforward to implement than what is specified in ASTM standard C‐1422, particularly for those specimens having steep stress gradients just below the strengthened surface.
Adaptive transcriptional dynamics of A2 neurons and central cardiovascular control pathways
Authors: Vadigepalli Rajanikanth , Gonye Gregory E. , Paton Julian F. R. , Schwaber James S.
Published: October 2011

In order to provide an example of useful interaction between systems biology and computational neuroscience traditions, here we aim to identify the molecular response process through which elevated blood pressure induces a temporal sequence of gene expression changes. This initial response may then continually evolve as an adaptive response, altering central blood pressure set‐point control. Our approach involves using a set of 96 quantitative PCR gene assays, which represent the molecular process associated with neuronal responses to angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) activation. We use this set as a probe to search for the AT1R signalling‐triggered expression programme in individual neurons and groups of neurons involved in homeostatic regulation of cardiorespiratory function. Specifically, we focus on tissue samples from the nucleus tractus solitarii, as well as groups of A2 neurons and individual A2 cells within the nucleus tractus solitarii, and in the ventrolateral medulla and central amygdala. We assay these neural samples at rest and in response to elevated blood pressure. Analysis of the resulting high‐dimensional data set reveals a remarkable complexity and heterogeneity of the samples and of their response to changes in blood pressure. These results demonstrate differential expression programmes for each anatomically distinct neuronal group and neuronal type. Single‐cell expression analysis shows that A2 cells also are variable, and that the subset that responds to blood pressure with elevated Fos expression differs from other A2 cells. We present models of gene regulatory networks and of signalling cascades related to AT1R and broadly discuss the opportunities for valuable interactions between systems biology and computational neuroscience.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of intracellular calcium in the middle cerebral artery isolated from stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Hashimoto Terumasa , Kiya Mariko , Ohata Hisayuki , Miyazaki Takuro , Shibata Keita , Nobe Koji , Honda Kazuo
Published: October 2011

The spatiotemporal dynamics of intracellular calcium within the middle cerebral artery (MCA) isolated from stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR‐SP) were investigated using real‐time confocal laser microscopy. At 3 months of age (prestroke), rhythmical changes in the [Ca2+]i during the tonic phase were found to precede vasomotion following application of 5‐HT, but not other stimuli. These responses were not observed at 1 month of age; moreover, the MCA lost both responses post‐stroke (5 months of age). When [Ca2+]i was analysed in arteriolar smooth muscle cells, rhythmical changes in [Ca2+]i occurred during the same cycle. Thus, these processes were synchronized. The synchronized rhythmical changes in [Ca2+]i were abolished following application of 100 nm ketanserin and 10 μm nicardipine. Treatment with 60 nm charybdotoxin and 10 μm cyclopiazonic acid also significantly reduced rhythmical elevations in [Ca2+]i. In addition, rhythmical changes in [Ca2+]i became unsynchronized following treatment with 100 μm carbenoxolone, a gap junction blocker. Connexin 45 mRNA and protein expression were both elevated in the MCA of SHR‐SP. Taken together, these findings suggest that rhythmical changes in [Ca2+]i of the MCA are dependent upon the 5‐HT2 receptor‐mediated release of calcium from intracellular stores which, in turn, activates voltage‐dependent calcium channels to enable an influx of calcium into smooth muscle cells. Subsequently, charybdotoxin‐sensitive potassium channels are activated and provide a negative feedback pathway to regulate [Ca2+]i. Moreover, the co‐ordinated synchronization of rhythmical changes in [Ca2+]i across smooth muscle cells was found to be dependent upon gap junctions.
Analysis of Clostridium botulinum Serotype E Strains by Using Multilocus Sequence Typing, Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism, Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis, and Botulinum Neurotoxin Gene Sequencing
Authors: Macdonald Thomas E. , Helma Charles H. , Shou Yulin , Valdez Yolanda E. , Ticknor Lawrence O. , Foley Brian T. , Davis Stephen W. , Hannett George E. , Kelly-Cirino Cassandra D. , Barash Jason R. , Arnon Stephen S. , Lindström Miia , Korkeala Hannu , Smith Leonard A. , Smith Theresa J. , Hill Karen K.
Published: October 2011

A total of 41
Clostridium botulinum
serotype E strains from different geographic regions, including Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Greenland, Japan, and the United States, were compared by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis, variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) analysis, and botulinum neurotoxin (
bont
) E gene sequencing. The strains, representing environmental, food-borne, and infant botulism samples collected from 1932 to 2007, were analyzed to compare serotype E strains from different geographic regions and types of botulism and to determine whether each of the strains contained the transposon-associated recombinase
rarA
, involved with
bont
/
E
insertion. MLST examination using 15 genes clustered the strains into several clades, with most members within a cluster sharing the same BoNT/E subtype (BoNT/E1, E2, E3, or E6). Sequencing of the
bont
/
E
gene identified two new variants (E7, E8) that showed regions of recombination with other E subtypes. The AFLP dendrogram clustered the 41 strains similarly to the MLST dendrogram. Strains that could not be differentiated by AFLP, MLST, or
bont
gene sequencing were further examined using three VNTR regions. Both intact and split
rarA
genes were amplified by PCR in each of the strains, and their identities were confirmed in 11 strains by amplicon sequencing. The findings suggest that (i) the
C. botulinum
serotype E strains result from the targeted insertion of the
bont
/
E
gene into genetically conserved bacteria and (ii) recombination events (not random mutations) within
bont
/
E
result in toxin variants or subtypes within strains.
Novel Probiotic Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis CECT 7210 Strain Active against Rotavirus Infections
Authors: Moreno Muñoz José Antonio , Chenoll Empar , Casinos Beatriz , Bataller Esther , Ramón Daniel , Genovés Salvador , Montava Rebeca , Ribes Juan Manuel , Buesa Javier , Fàbrega Joan , Rivero Montserrat
Published: October 2011

Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe acute gastroenteritis among children worldwide. It is well known that breast-feeding and vaccination afford infants protection. Since breast-feeding has drastically decreased in developed countries, efforts have been focused on the potential use of probiotics as preventive agents. In this study, a novel
Bifidobacterium longum
subsp.
infantis
strain was isolated from infant feces and selected, based on its capacity to inhibit
in vitro
rotavirus Wa replication (up to 36.05% infectious foci reduction) and also to protect cells from virus infection (up to 48.50% infectious foci reduction) in both MA-104 and HT-29 cell lines. Furthermore, studies using a BALB/c mouse model have proved that this strain provides preliminary
in vivo
protection against rotavirus infection. The strain has been deposited in the Spanish Type Culture Collection under the accession number CECT 7210. This novel strain has the main properties required of a probiotic, such as resistance to gastrointestinal juices, biliary salts, NaCl, and low pH, as well as adhesion to intestinal mucus and sensitivity to antibiotics. The food safety status has been confirmed by the absence of undesirable metabolite production and in acute ingestion studies of mice. Overall, these results demonstrate that
Bifidobacterium longum
subsp.
infantis
CECT 7210 can be considered a probiotic able to inhibit rotavirus infection.
Development and Application of an Enzymatic and Cell Flotation Treatment for the Recovery of Viable Microbial Cells from Environmental Matrices Such as Anaerobic Sludge
Authors: Braun Florence , Hamelin Jérôme , Gévaudan Gaëlle , Patureau Dominique
Published: October 2011

Efficient dissociation of microorganisms from their aggregate matrix is required to study the microorganisms without interaction with their native environment (e.g., biofilms, flocs, granules, etc.) and to assess their community composition through the application of molecular or microscopy techniques. To this end, we combined enzymatic treatments and a cell extraction by density gradient to efficiently recover anaerobic microorganisms from urban wastewater treatment plant sludge. The enzymes employed (amylase, cellulase, DNase, and pectinase) as a pretreatment softly disintegrated the extrapolymeric substances (EPS) interlocked with the microorganisms. The potential damaging effects of the applied procedure on bacterial and archaeal communities were assessed by studying the variations in density (using quantitative PCR), diversity (using capillary electrophoresis single-strand conformation polymorphism fingerprinting [CE-SSCP]), and activity (using a standard anaerobic activity test) of the extracted microorganisms. The protocol preserved the general capacity of the microbial community to produce methane under anaerobic conditions and its diversity; particularly the archaeal community was not affected in terms of either density or structure. This cell extraction procedure from the matrix materials offers interesting perspectives for metabolic, microscopic, and molecular assays of microbial communities present in complex matrices constituted by bioaggregates or biofilms.
Predictive Models for the Effect of Storage Temperature on Vibrio parahaemolyticus Viability and Counts of Total Viable Bacteria in Pacific Oysters (Crassostrea gigas)
Authors: Fernandez-Piquer Judith , Bowman John P. , Ross Tom , Tamplin Mark L.
Published: October 2011

Vibrio parahaemolyticusis an indigenous bacterium of marine environments. It accumulates in oysters and may reach levels that cause human illness when postharvest temperatures are not properly controlled and oysters are consumed raw or undercooked. Predictive models were produced by injecting Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) with a cocktail ofV. parahaemolyticusstrains, measuring viability rates at storage temperatures from 3.6 to 30.4°C, and fitting the data to a model to obtain parameter estimates. The models were evaluated with Pacific and Sydney Rock oysters (Saccostrea glomerata) containing natural populations ofV. parahaemolyticus. V. parahaemolyticusviability was measured by direct plating samples on thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose (TCBS) agar for injected oysters and by most probable number (MPN)-PCR for oysters containing natural populations. In parallel, total viable bacterial counts (TVC) were measured by direct plating on marine agar. Growth/inactivation rates forV. parahaemolyticuswere −0.006, −0.004, −0.005, −0.003, 0.030, 0.075, 0.095, and 0.282 log10CFU/h at 3.6, 6.2, 9.6, 12.6, 18.4, 20.0, 25.7, and 30.4°C, respectively. The growth rates for TVC were 0.015, 0.023, 0.016, 0.048, 0.055, 0.071, 0.133, and 0.135 log10CFU/h at 3.6, 6.2, 9.3, 14.9, 18.4, 20.0, 25.7, and 30.4°C, respectively. Square root and Arrhenius-type secondary models were generated forV. parahaemolyticusgrowth and inactivation kinetic data, respectively. A square root model was produced for TVC growth. Evaluation studies showed that predictive growth forV. parahaemolyticusand TVC were “fail safe.” The models can assist oyster companies and regulators in implementing management strategies to minimizeV. parahaemolyticusrisk and enhancing product quality in supply chains.
Carboxylases in Natural and Synthetic Microbial Pathways
Authors: Erb Tobias J.
Published: October 2011

Carboxylases are among the most important enzymes in the biosphere, because they catalyze a key reaction in the global carbon cycle: the fixation of inorganic carbon (CO2). This minireview discusses the physiological roles of carboxylases in different microbial pathways that range from autotrophy, carbon assimilation, and anaplerosis to biosynthetic and redox-balancing functions. In addition, the current and possible future uses of carboxylation reactions in synthetic biology are discussed. Such uses include the possible transformation of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into value-added compounds and the production of novel antibiotics.
Estimation of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis Growth Parameters: Strain Characterization and Comparison of Methods
Authors: Elguezabal Natalia , Bastida Felix , Sevilla Iker A. , González Nuria , Molina Elena , Garrido Joseba M. , Juste Ramón A.
Published: October 2011

The growth rate ofMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosiswas assessed by different methods in 7H9 medium supplemented with OADC (oleic acid, albumin, dextrose, catalase), Tween 80, and mycobactin J. Generation times and maximum specific growth rates were determined by wet weight, turbidometric measurement, viable count, and quantitative PCR (ParaTB-Kuanti; F57 gene) for 8M. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisstrains (K10, 2E, 316F, 81, 445, 764, 22G, and OVICAP 49). Strain-to-strain differences were observed in growth curves and calculated parameters. The quantification methods gave different results for each strain at specific time points. Generation times ranged from an average of 1.4 days for viable count and qPCR to approximately 10 days for wet weight and turbidometry. The wet-weight, turbidometry, and ParaTB-Kuanti qPCR methods correlated best with each other. Generally, viability has been assessed by viable count as a reference method; however, due toM. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisclumping problems and the presence of noncultivableM. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosiscells, we conclude that qPCR of a single-copy gene may be used reliably for rapid estimation ofM. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisbacterial numbers in a sample.
Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids from Coral Dinoflagellates
Authors: Rosic Nedeljka N. , Dove Sophie
Published: October 2011

Coral reefs are one of the most important marine ecosystems, providing habitat for approximately a quarter of all marine organisms. Within the foundation of this ecosystem, reef-building corals form mutualistic symbioses with unicellular photosynthetic dinoflagellates of the genus
Symbiodinium
. Exposure to UV radiation (UVR) (280 to 400 nm) especially when combined with thermal stress has been recognized as an important abiotic factor leading to the loss of algal symbionts from coral tissue and/or a reduction in their pigment concentration and coral bleaching. UVR may damage biological macromolecules, increase the level of mutagenesis in cells, and destabilize the symbiosis between the coral host and their dinoflagellate symbionts. In nature, corals and other marine organisms are protected from harmful UVR through several important photoprotective mechanisms that include the synthesis of UV-absorbing compounds such as mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs). MAAs are small (<400-Da), colorless, water-soluble compounds made of a cyclohexenone or cyclohexenimine chromophore that is bound to an amino acid residue or its imino alcohol. These secondary metabolites are natural biological sunscreens characterized by a maximum absorbance in the UVA and UVB ranges of 310 to 362 nm. In addition to their photoprotective role, MAAs act as antioxidants scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and suppressing singlet oxygen-induced damage. It has been proposed that MAAs are synthesized during the first part of the shikimate pathway, and recently, it has been suggested that they are synthesized in the pentose phosphate pathway. The shikimate pathway is not found in animals, but in plants and microbes, it connects the metabolism of carbohydrates to the biosynthesis of aromatic compounds. However, both the complete enzymatic pathway of MAA synthesis and the extent of their regulation by environmental conditions are not known. This minireview discusses the current knowledge of MAA synthesis, illustrates the diversity of MAA functions, and opens new perspectives for future applications of MAAs in biotechnology.
Genetic Screening of Functional Properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria in a Fermented Pearl Millet Slurry and in the Metagenome of Fermented Starchy Foods
Authors: Turpin Williams , Humblot Christèle , Guyot Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2011

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (
n
= 152) in African pearl millet slurries and in the metagenomes of amylaceous fermented foods were investigated by screening 33 genes involved in probiotic and nutritional functions. All isolates belonged to six species of the genera
Pediococcus
and
Lactobacillus
, and
Lactobacillus fermentum
was the dominant species. We screened the isolates for the abilities to survive passage through the gastrointestinal tract and to synthesize folate and riboflavin. The isolates were also tested
in vitro
for their abilities to survive exposure to bile salts and to survive at pH 2. Because the ability to hydrolyze starch confers an ecological advantage on LAB that grow in starchy matrixes as well as improving the nutritional properties of the gruels, we screened for genes involved in starch metabolism. The results showed that genes with the potential ability to survive passage through the gastrointestinal tract were widely distributed among isolates and metagenomes, whereas
in vitro
tests showed that only a limited set of isolates, mainly those belonging to
L. fermentum
, could tolerate a low pH. In contrast, the wide distribution of genes associated with bile salt tolerance, in particular
bsh
, is consistent with the high frequency of tolerance to bile salts observed. Genetic screening revealed a potential for folate and riboflavin synthesis in both isolates and metagenomes, as well as high variability among genes related to starch metabolism. Genetic screening of isolates and metagenomes from fermented foods is thus a promising approach for assessing the functional potential of food microbiotas.
Cold Spots in Neonatal Incubators Are Hot Spots for Microbial Contamination
Authors: de Goffau Marcus C. , Bergman Klasien A. , de Vries Hendrik J. , Meessen Nico E. L. , Degener John E. , van Dijl Jan Maarten , Harmsen Hermie J. M.
Published: October 2011

Thermal stability is essential for the survival and well-being of preterm neonates. This is achieved in neonatal incubators by raising the ambient temperature and humidity to sufficiently high levels. However, potentially pathogenic microorganisms also can thrive in such warm and humid environments. We therefore investigated whether the level of microbial contamination (i.e., the bacterial load) inside neonatal incubators can be predicted on the basis of their average temperature and relative humidity settings, paying special attention to local temperature differences. Swab samples were taken from the warmest and coldest spots found within Caleo incubators, and these were plated to determine the number of microbial CFU per location. In incubators with high average temperature (≥34°C) and relative humidity (≥60%) values, the level of microbial contamination was significantly higher at cold spots than at hot spots. This relates to the fact that the local equilibrium relative humidity at cold spots is sufficiently high to sustain microbial growth. The abundance of staphylococci, which are the main causative agents of late-onset sepsis in preterm neonates, was found to be elevated significantly in cold areas. These findings can be used to improve basic incubator hygiene.
Marine Bacteria from Danish Coastal Waters Show Antifouling Activity against the Marine Fouling Bacterium Pseudoalteromonas sp. Strain S91 and Zoospores of the Green Alga Ulva australis Independent of Bacteriocidal Activity
Authors: Bernbom Nete , Ng Yoke Yin , Kjelleberg Staffan , Harder Tilmann , Gram Lone
Published: October 2011

The aims of this study were to determine if marine bacteria from Danish coastal waters produce antifouling compounds and if antifouling bacteria could be ascribed to specific niches or seasons. We further assess if antibacterial effect is a good proxy for antifouling activity. We isolated 110 bacteria with anti-
Vibrio
activity from different sample types and locations during a 1-year sampling from Danish coastal waters. The strains were identified as
Pseudoalteromonas
,
Phaeobacter
, and
Vibrionaceae
based on phenotypic tests and partial 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. The numbers of bioactive bacteria were significantly higher in warmer than in colder months. While some species were isolated at all sampling locations, others were niche specific. We repeatedly isolated
Phaeobacter gallaeciensis
at surfaces from one site and
Pseudoalteromonas tunicata
at two others. Twenty-two strains, representing the major taxonomic groups, different seasons, and isolation strategies, were tested for antiadhesive effect against the marine biofilm-forming bacterium
Pseudoalteromonas
sp. strain S91 and zoospores of the green alga
Ulva australis
. The antiadhesive effects were assessed by quantifying the number of strain S91 or
Ulva
spores attaching to a preformed biofilm of each of the 22 strains. The strongest antifouling activity was found in
Pseudoalteromonas
strains. Biofilms of
Pseudoalteromonas piscicida
,
Pseudoalteromonas tunicata
, and
Pseudoalteromonas ulvae
prevented
Pseudoalteromonas
S91 from attaching to steel surfaces.
P. piscicida
killed S91 bacteria in the suspension cultures, whereas
P. tunicata
and
P. ulvae
did not; however, they did prevent adhesion by nonbactericidal mechanism(s). Seven
Pseudoalteromonas
species, including
P. piscicida
and
P. tunicata
, reduced the number of settling
Ulva
zoospores to less than 10% of the number settling on control surfaces. The antifouling
alpP
gene was detected only in
P. tunicata
strains (with purple and yellow pigmentation), so other compounds/mechanisms must be present in the other
Pseudoalteromonas
strains with antifouling activity.
Test of Direct and Indirect Effects of Agrochemicals on the Survival of Fecal Indicator Bacteria
Authors: Staley Zachery R. , Rohr Jason R. , Harwood Valerie J.
Published: October 2011

Water bodies often receive agrochemicals and animal waste carrying fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and zoonotic pathogens, but we know little about the effects of agrochemicals on these microbes. We assessed the direct effects of the pesticides atrazine, malathion, and chlorothalonil and inorganic fertilizer on
Escherichia coli
and enterococcal survival in simplified microcosms held in the dark.
E. coli
strain composition in sediments and water column were positively correlated, but none of the agrochemicals had significant direct effects on
E. coli
strain composition or on densities of culturable FIBs. In a companion study, microcosms with nondisinfected pond water and sediments were exposed to or shielded from sunlight to examine the potential indirect effects of atrazine and inorganic fertilizer on
E. coli
. The herbicide atrazine had no effect on
E. coli
in dark-exposed microcosms containing natural microbial and algal communities. However, in light-exposed microcosms, atrazine significantly lowered
E. coli
densities in the water column and significantly increased densities in the sediment compared to controls. This effect appears to be mediated by the effects of atrazine on algae, given that atrazine significantly reduced phytoplankton, which was a positive and negative predictor of
E. coli
densities in the water column and sediment, respectively. These data suggest that atrazine does not directly affect the survival of FIB, rather that it indirectly alters the distribution and abundance of
E. coli
by altering phytoplankton and periphyton communities. These results improve our understanding of the influence of agricultural practices on FIB densities in water bodies impacted by agricultural runoff.
Novel Yeast Bioassay for High-Throughput Screening of Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors
Authors: Diehl Bjoern , Hoffmann Thorsten M. , Mueller Nina C. , Burkhart Jens L. , Kazmaier Uli , Schmitt Manfred J.
Published: October 2011

Diverse malfunctions in the expression and regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are often the cause of severe human diseases, bringing the identification of specific MMP inhibitors into major focus, particularly in anticancer treatment. Here, we describe a novel bioassay based on recombinant yeast cells (
Pichia pastoris
) that express, deliver, and incorporate biologically active human MMP-2 and MMP-9 at the yeast cell surface. Using Sed1p for cell wall targeting and covalent anchorage, a highly efficient bioassay was established that allows high-throughput screening and subsequent validation of novel MMP inhibitors as potential anticancer drugs. In addition, we developed a straightforward synthesis of a new aspartate-derived MMP inhibitor active in the nM range and bearing an amino functionality that should allow the introduction of a wide range of side chains to modify the properties of these compounds.
Quest for a Realistic
In Vivo
Test Method for Antimicrobial Hand-Rub Agents: Introduction of a Low-Volume Hand Contamination Procedure
Authors: Macinga David R. , Beausoleil Christopher M. , Campbell Esther , Mulberry Gayle , Brady Ann , Edmonds Sarah L. , Arbogast James W.
Published: October 2011

A novel method has been developed for the evaluation of alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) that employs a hand contamination procedure that more closely simulates the in-use conditions of ABHR. Hands of human subjects were contaminated with 0.2 ml of a concentrated suspension of
Serratia marcescens
(ATCC 14756) to achieve baseline contamination between 8 and 9 log
10
CFU/hand while allowing product to be applied to dry hands with minimal soil load. Evaluation of 1.5 ml of an ABHR gel containing 62% ethanol produced log
10
reductions of 2.66 ± 0.96, 2.40 ± 0.50, 2.41 ± 0.61, and 2.33 ± 0.49 (means ± standard deviations) after 1, 3, 7, and 10 successive contamination/product application cycles. In a study comparing this low-volume contamination (LVC) method to ASTM E1174, product dry times were more realistic and log
10
reductions achieved by the ABHR were significantly greater when LVC was employed (
P
< 0.05). These results indicate that a novel low-volume hand contamination procedure, which more closely represents ABHR use conditions, provides more realistic estimates of in-use ABHR efficacies. Based on the LVC method, log
10
reductions produced by ABHR were strongly dependent on the test product application volume (
P
< 0.0001) but were not influenced by the alcohol concentration when it was within the range of 62 to 85% (
P
= 0.378).