bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical value of polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of joint tuberculosis by detecting the DNA ofMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Sun Yong‐sheng , Lou Si‐quan , Wen Jian‐min , Lv Wei‐xin , Jiao Chang‐geng , Yang Su‐min , Xu Hai‐bin
Published: January 2011

Objective: To assess the clinical value of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of joint tuberculosis (TB).

Methods: PCR was used blindly to detect the DNA ofMycobacterium tuberculosis(M.TB) in five specimens of M.TB, 5 of BCG, and 10 of other bacteria. Then, M. TB in 98 samples from patients with joint TB and 100 samples from patients with non‐tubercular joint disorders were detected by PCR, acid‐fast staining and culture,. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of PCR were calculated. The χ2 test was used for statistical analysis of the frequency of various factors. At the same time, some problems with PCR were also systematically analyzed.

Results: (1) In the “standard samples”, both M. TB and BCG showed positive while other bacteria were negative. (2) In 98 cases from patients with joint TB, 81 were positive by PCR, 6 by acid‐fast staining, and 17 by culture. In 100 cases from patients with non‐tuberculous joint disorders, 9 were positive by PCR, and none by either acid‐fast staining or culture. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive value of PCR were 82.65% (81/98), 91.00% (91/100), 86.87% (172/198), 90.00% (81/90) and 84.26% (91/108), respectively. (3) The positive rates for PCR, acid‐fast staining and culture in detection of M. TB were 82.65% (81/98), 6.12% (6/98), and 17.34% (17/98), respectively. There were statistically significant differences between the three methods (P < 0.001). (4) The process of PCR is automatic, and can be completed within 3 to 6 hours, whereas 4 to 8 weeks are required for the conventional culture of M. TB.

Conclusion: PCR is a sensitive, specific, rapid, simple and minimally invasive method for detection of M. TB in samples from joint TB, and can play an important role in early and rapid diagnosis and differential diagnosis of joint TB. But it also has some limitations, such as false positivity and false negativity.
Comparison of proximal femoral nail antirotation blade and reverse less invasive stabilization system‐distal femur systems in the treatment of proximal femoral fractures
Authors: Han Ning , Sun Gui‐xin , Li Zeng‐chun , Li Guo‐feng , Lu Qing‐you , Han Qing‐hui , Wei Xin
Published: January 2011

Objective:  To compare the effects of proximal femoral nail antirotation blade (PFNA) and reverse less invasive stabilization system‐distal femur (Liss‐DF) systems in the treatment of proximal femoral fractures.

Methods:  Between June 2007 and October 2009, 41 proximal femoral fractures were treated, 22 with PFNA (group A) and 19 with reverse LISS‐DF plates (group B). The time to starting full weight‐bearing, fracture healing time, functional recovery (Parker and Palmer mobility score), neck‐shaft angle discrepancies with the intact contralateral hip, preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores, the operation durations and amount of intraoperative bleeding were recorded and compared.

Results:  The mean follow‐up period was 11.2 months (range, 10–12 months). Compared with Group A, Group B showed a statistically longer mean time to bear full body weight and heal their fractures, but a smaller neck‐shaft angle discrepancy (all P < 0.05). The groups were similar in ASA score, operation duration, amount of intraoperative bleeding and Parker and Palmer mobility score.

Conclusion:  Both PFNA and reverse Liss‐DF were satisfactory for the treatment of proximal femoral fractures, but had different advantages. PFNA allowed earlier weight‐bearing and accelerated fracture healing. Reverse Liss‐DF more effectively avoided coxa vara and may be indicated for patients with very severe osteoporosis.
Autoimmune fulminant liver failure in adults: Experience in a Japanese center
Authors: Fujiwara Keiichi , Yasui Shin , Tawada Akinobu , Okitsu Koichiro , Yonemitsu Yutaka , Chiba Tetsuhiro , Arai Makoto , Kanda Tatsuo , Imazeki Fumio , Nakano Masayuki , Oda Shigeto , Yokosuka Osamu
Published: January 2011

Aim:  After the establishment of the international criteria of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in 1999 and the recognition of acute onset AIH, the diagnosis of patients with fulminant type of AIH came to be made. We diagnosed autoimmune fulminant liver failure based on the criteria, and discussed the etiology of fulminant hepatitis (FH) and late onset hepatic failure (LOHF), and the characteristics of autoimmune fulminant liver failure.

Methods:  We investigated the etiology of 95 consecutive adult patients with FH or LOHF admitted to our liver unit between 1990 and 2009. Clinical and biochemical features, therapies and outcomes were examined in patients with AIH after 2000.

Results:  Of 95 patients, 85 were FH and 10 LOHF. The etiology was due to viral infections in 51.6% (hepatitis A virus in 7.4%, hepatitis B virus in 43.2% and hepatitis E virus in 1.1%), AIH in 15.8%, drug allergy‐induced in 12.6%, and unknown causes in 20.0%. The rate of patients with AIH increased significantly between 2000 and 2009 compared to the rate between 1990 and 1999 (P = 0.002). In recovered patients with AIH without transplantation after 2000, coma grade was lower, alanine aminotransferase level, prothrombin time activity and alfa‐fetoprotein level were higher than in the others with statistical significance.

Conclusion:  AIH is not a rare cause of FH and LOHF, and the number of patients with unknown causes would surely decrease in concert with the precise diagnosis of AIH.
+49A/G polymorphism of cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen 4 gene in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Miyake Yasuhiro , Ikeda Fusao , Takaki Akinobu , Nouso Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Kazuhide
Published: January 2011

Aim:  Recently, the associations of +49A/G polymorphisms of cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA‐4) gene with the susceptibility to type 1 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) have been reported; however these associations are yet to be fully elucidated. This study aimed to identify the associations of CTLA‐4 gene +49A/G polymorphisms with the susceptibility to type 1 AIH and PBC by using a meta‐analysis.

Methods:  PubMed was searched by using the following keywords: “autoimmune hepatitis AND (polymorphism OR polymorphisms)” or “primary biliary cirrhosis AND (polymorphism OR polymorphisms)”. Meta‐analyses of five studies including 526 patients with type 1 AIH and 631 controls and seven studies including 1500 patients with PBC and 2345 controls were performed.

Results:  For type 1 AIH, the odds ratio (OR) of G allele was 1.26 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–1.51] although G/G homozygosity was not associated with the susceptibility to type 1 AIH. On the other hand, the OR of A/A homozygosity for type 1 AIH was 0.66 (95% CI 0.50–0.86). For PBC, the OR of G allele was 1.20 (95% CI 1.06–1.34). Furthermore, G/G homozygosity was significantly associated with the susceptibility to PBC (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.01–1.66). The OR of A/A homozygosity for PBC was 0.81 (95% CI 0.70–0.94).

Conclusions:  This study suggests that CTLA‐4 gene +49A/G polymorphisms may be associated with the susceptibility to type 1 AIH and PBC. Especially, while G/G genotype may be associated with the susceptibility to PBC, A/A genotype may be protective against type 1 AIH and PBC.
Disturbance of isotope systematics during experimental shock and thermal metamorphism of a lunar basalt with implications for Martian meteorite chronology
Authors: GAFFNEY Amy M. , BORG Lars E. , ASMEROM Yemane , SHEARER Charles K. , BURGER Paul V.
Published: January 2011

Abstract– To better determine the effects of impact‐related processes on radiometric chronometers in meteorites, we undertook an isotopic study of experimentally shocked and heated samples of lunar basalt 10017. Shock experiments at 55 GPa were completed on one subsample, and a second subsample was heated in an evacuated quartz tube at 1000 °C for 170 h. A third subsample was maintained as a control. Samarium‐neodymium, Rb‐Sr, 238U‐206Pb, and 206Pb‐207Pb isotopic analyses were completed on mineral fractions (leached and unleached), leached whole rocks, and complementary acid leachates. Disturbance in the shocked and heated samples was evaluated through comparison of their isochron diagrams with those of the control sample. The Sm‐Nd isotope system was the least disturbed, the Rb‐Sr isotope system was more disturbed, and the 238U‐206Pb and 206Pb‐207Pb isotope systems were the most disturbed by shock and annealing. Samples that experienced extended heating demonstrated greater isotopic disturbances than shocked samples. In some cases, the true crystallization age was preserved, and in others, age information was degraded or destroyed. In no case did the experiments generate isochrons that maintained linearity while being rotated or completely reset. Although our results show that neither experimental shock nor thermal metamorphism alone can account for the discordant ages represented by different isotope systems in some Martian meteorites, we postulate that shock metamorphism may render a meteorite more susceptible than its unshocked counterpart to subsequent disturbance during extended impact‐related heating or aqueous alteration. The combination of these processes may result in the disparate chronometric information preserved in some meteorites.
Caries experience in 15‐year‐old school children in Bangalore with inherited taste sensitivity levels to 6‐n‐propylthiouracil: an observational study
Authors: Jyothirmai Jaddu , Naganandini Sampathkumar , Aradhya Shankar
Published: January 2011

Aim: The relationship between sugar consumption and caries has been researched extensively for many years. The individual drive for the consumption of sweet food is controlled by a variety of biologic, psychologic, and sociologic factors. Sweet preference has been linked to bitter taste sensitivity to 6‐n‐propylthiouracil, a heritable trait. The present study investigates the association between inherited taste sensitivity to 6‐n‐popylthiouracil and dental caries experience in 15‐year‐old school children.

Methods: Two hundred 15‐year‐old school children from randomly selected schools in Bangalore, India, participated in the study. Data were collected regarding demographic factors and socioeconomic status by personal interviews with the children. Sensitivity to 6‐n‐propylthiouracil was determined using Tepper filter paper method, and the responses were recorded on the labeled magnitude scale. Each child was examined thoroughly for oral hygiene status and caries experience. Appropriate statistical tests, such as chi‐squared test, Fisher’s exact test, and Kruskal–Wallis test, were used to analyze the data.

Results: Non‐tasters were significantly associated with caries experience (P < 0.001). The decayed component in non‐tasters (3.43 ± 2.18) was statistically significant when compared to tasters (2.86 ± 1.58 medium tasters, 1.50 ± 0.55 supertasters).

Conclusions: After all associated factors were controlled, 6‐n‐propylthiouracil taste status was the only independent variable significantly related to overall caries experience.
Hypoxia inducible factor 1α links fast‐patterned muscle activity and fast muscle phenotype in rats
Authors: Lunde Ida G. , Anton Siobhan L. , Bruusgaard Jo C. , Rana Zaheer A. , Ellefsen Stian , Gundersen Kristian
Published: January 2011

Non‐technical summary  Muscle fibres change when they are used differently, such as by exercise. Genetic studies have shown that a hyperactive form of the gene regulatory protein hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) occurs twice as often among strength‐trained athletes as in the normal population. HIF‐1α is ‘sensing’ the oxygen levels in cells, and the oxygen levels change by an order of magnitude in working muscle. We show that an ‘endurance’ type of activity reduces the level of HIF‐1α, while short intense bursts of activity increases it. When HIF‐1α was produced in higher quantities by introducing artificial genes in the muscle fibres they became larger and faster, and with a less oxidative metabolism. Thus, oxygen itself could be a trigger for changes in muscle. The composition of muscle fibres is strongly correlated to major lifestyle conditions such as diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and HIF‐1α might provide a new molecular link.
A new understanding of the first electromagnetic machine: Joseph Henry’s vibrating motor
Authors: Littman Michael G. , Stern Lucas E.
Published: January 2011

In 1831, Henry invented a battery-powered rocking-beam motor that he later described as the first electromagnetic machine. He repeatedly modified the design over his career, but only one version of a motor actually constructed by Henry is known to exist. This version is in a collection of Henry instruments at Princeton University. We found that the Princeton motor cannot have operated in the form that was displayed as early as 1884. We found evidence in several historical documents and in the instrument itself that the field magnet shown with the motor is a mistake. Instead of a single horizontal bar magnet, the motor was designed to use two elliptical magnets. We presume the error was made by whoever assembled the first public display. We modeled the dynamics of Henry’s vibrating motor and compared our results to the operation of a replica motor. Modeling provides insight into how the motor is able to vibrate indefinitely even in the presence of energy loss due to friction.
Little boxes: A simple implementation of the Greenberger, Horne, and Zeilinger result for spatial degrees of freedom
Authors: Norton John D.
Published: January 2011

A Greenberger, Horne, and Zeilinger-type construction is realized in the position properties of three particles whose wavefunctions are distributed over three two-chambered boxes. The same system is modeled more realistically using three spatially separated, singly ionized hydrogen molecules.
A novel application of a Fourier integral representation of bound states in quantum mechanics
Authors: Palma Guillermo , Raff Ulrich
Published: January 2011

A method is developed to find the bound state eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of one-dimensional and rotational symmetric three-dimensional quantum mechanical problems. The method is based on the fact that eigenfunctions of bound states are square integrable. We use this property and a judicious ansatz inspired on its asymptotic behavior to obtain a differential equation that can be solved straightforwardly using a Fourier transform. The main advantage of the method is that it avoids the traditional and tedious convergence analysis using a series representation. The method leads to an integral representation of the wave function and provides insight into concepts such as energy quantization, spectrum degeneracy, and bound states.
The static electric polarizability of a particle bound by a finite potential well
Authors: Maize M. A. , Antonacci M. A. , Marsiglio F.
Published: January 2011

We derive an expression for the static electric polarizability of a charged particle bound by a finite potential well by employing the elegant Dalgarno-Lewis perturbative technique. The derivation does not make explicit use of the continuum states, is much simpler than the usual perturbation derivation, and allows us to separate the contributions to the polarizability from the classically forbidden and classically allowed regions of the finite potential well.
The Newest Synthesis: Understanding the Interplay of Evolutionary and Ecological Dynamics
Authors: Schoener Thomas W.
Published: January 2011

The effect of ecological change on evolution has long been a focus of scientific research. The reverse—how evolutionary dynamics affect ecological traits—has only recently captured our attention, however, with the realization that evolution can occur over ecological time scales. This newly highlighted causal direction and the implied feedback loop—eco-evolutionary dynamics—is invigorating both ecologists and evolutionists and blurring the distinction between them. Despite some recent relevant studies, the importance of the evolution-to-ecology pathway across systems is still unknown. Only an extensive research effort involving multiple experimental approaches—particularly long-term field experiments—over a variety of ecological communities will provide the answer.
Penguins and Polar Bears Integrates Science and Literacy
Authors: Fries-Gaither Jessica , Lightle Kimberly
Published: January 2011

Elementary teachers find resources about the Arctic and Antarctica along with practical ideas for enhancing children's literacy skills in this online project.
The Southern Route “Out of Africa”: Evidence for an Early Expansion of Modern Humans into Arabia
Authors: Armitage Simon J. , Jasim Sabah A. , Marks Anthony E. , Parker Adrian G. , Usik Vitaly I. , Uerpmann Hans-Peter
Published: January 2011

Artifacts in eastern Arabia dating to 100,000 years ago imply that modern humans left Africa early, as climate fluctuated.
Kinetic Isotope Effects for the Reactions of Muonic Helium and Muonium with H
2
Authors: Fleming Donald G. , Arseneau Donald J. , Sukhorukov Oleksandr , Brewer Jess H. , Mielke Steven L. , Schatz George C. , Garrett Bruce C. , Peterson Kirk A. , Truhlar Donald G.
Published: January 2011

Calculated reaction rates for two hydrogen isotopes, one 36 times heavier than the other, agree with experiments at 500 kelvin.
New Views on News and Research
Authors: Norman Colin , Wills Stewart
Published: January 2011

This week,
Science
unveils two projects aimed at making our content more useful and accessible amid today's information glut: a revamp of the News section to provide a faster launch into the week's top stories, and a prototype of some new ideas for our online articles, on which we seek your feedback.
Control of DNMT1 Abundance in Epigenetic Inheritance by Acetylation, Ubiquitylation, and the Histone Code
Authors: Bronner Christian
Published: January 2011

The protein stability of a DNA methyltransferase is determined by acetylation and ubiquitylation.
Regulating Ras Trafficking with FKPB12
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: January 2011

By promoting Ras depalmitoylation, the prolyl isomerase FKBP12 regulates Ras trafficking and activity.
Rallying the Troops
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: January 2011

A protein complex involved in the targeting of vesicles to the plasma membrane also acts as a platform for components of the autophagy machinery.
In Vitro
Susceptibility of
Madurella mycetomatis
to Posaconazole and Terbinafine
Authors: van Belkum Alex , Fahal Ahmed H. , van de Sande Wendy W. J.
Published: January 2011

Presently, therapy of eumycetoma in Sudan is still based on surgery combined with prolonged ketoconazole therapy. This usually results in a poor clinical outcome. To determine if posaconazole and terbinafine could offer better therapeutic alternatives, the
in vitro
susceptibilities of 34
Madurella mycetomatis
strains were determined. It appeared that posaconazole was highly active against
M. mycetomatis
but terbinafine was only moderately active. Since posaconazole has an excellent safety profile, it might provide an important alternative in mycetoma therapy.
Heterogeneity of Tn
5253
-Like Composite Elements in Clinical
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Isolates
Authors: Mingoia Marina , Tili Emily , Manso Esther , Varaldo Pietro E. , Montanari Maria Pia
Published: January 2011

Several drug resistances in
Streptococcus pneumoniae
are associated with mobile genetic elements, which are loosely subdivided into a group of smaller (18- to 27-kb) and a group of larger (>50-kb) elements. While the elements of the former group, which typically carry the tetracycline resistance determinant
tet
(M) and whose prototype is Tn
916
(18 kb), have been studied extensively, the larger elements, whose prototype is Tn
5253
(∼65.5 kb), are not as well explored. Tn
5253
is a composite structure consisting of two independent conjugative transposons, Tn
5251
(which is virtually identical to Tn
916
) and Tn
5252
(∼47.5 kb), with the former inserted into the latter. Tn
5252
, which so far has only partially been sequenced, carries an integrase gene, driving its site-specific insertion into the host cell genome, and the chloramphenicol resistance
cat
pC194
determinant. This study investigated 20 clinical isolates of
S. pneumoniae
, which were selected on the basis of
cat
pC194
-mediated chloramphenicol resistance. All 20 isolates harbored a Tn
5253
-like element. The composite elements (some of which have been completely sequenced) demonstrated considerable heterogeneity that stemmed from a dual variability: in the Tn
5252
-like element, due primarily to differences in the integrase gene but also to differences in cargo genes and in the overall genetic organization, and in the Tn
916
-like element, with the possible involvement, besides Tn
916
, of a number of Tn
916
family pneumococcal elements carrying different erythromycin resistance genes. In mating experiments, only one composite element, containing a less typical Tn
916
family element, appeared to be nonmobile. Being part of a Tn
5253
-like composite element may confer on some Tn
916
-like transposons, which are apparently nontransferable as independent genetic elements, the ability to be mobilized.
Zanamivir, at 600 Milligrams Twice Daily, Inhibits Oseltamivir-Resistant 2009 Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Virus in anIn VitroHollow-Fiber Infection Model System
Authors: Brown Ashley N. , McSharry James J. , Weng Qingmei , Adams Jonathan R. , Kulawy Robert , Drusano George L.
Published: January 2011

In 2009, a novel H1N1 influenza A virus emerged and spread worldwide, initiating a pandemic. Various isolates obtained from disparate parts of the world were shown to be uniformly resistant to the adamantanes but sensitive to the neuraminidase inhibitors oseltamivir and zanamivir. Over time, resistance to oseltamivir became more prevalent among pandemic H1N1 virus isolates, while most remained susceptible to zanamivir. The government has proposed the use of intravenous (i.v.) zanamivir to treat serious influenza virus infections among hospitalized patients. To use zanamivir effectively for patients with severe influenza, it is necessary to know the optimal dose and schedule of administration of zanamivir that will inhibit the replication of oseltamivir-sensitive and -resistant influenza viruses. Therefore, we performed studies using thein vitrohollow-fiber infection model system to predict optimal dosing regimens for zanamivir against an oseltamivir-sensitive and an oseltamivir-resistant virus. Our results demonstrated that zanamivir, at a dose of 600 mg given twice a day (Q12h), inhibited the replication of oseltamivir-sensitive and oseltamivir-resistant influenza viruses throughout the course of the experiment. Thus, our findings suggest that intravenous zanamivir, at a dose of 600 mg Q12h, could be used to treat hospitalized patients suffering from serious infections with oseltamivir-sensitive or -resistant influenza viruses.
Antibiotics Cure Anthrax in Animal Models
Authors: Weiss Shay , Kobiler David , Levy Haim , Pass Avi , Ophir Yakir , Rothschild Nili , Tal Arnon , Schlomovitz Josef , Altboum Zeev
Published: January 2011

Respiratory anthrax, in the absence of early antibiotic treatment, is a fatal disease. This study aimed to test the efficiency of antibiotic therapy in curing infected animals and those sick with anthrax. Postexposure prophylaxis (24 h postinfection [p.i.]) of guinea pigs infected intranasally withBacillus anthracisVollum spores with doxycycline, ofloxacin, imipenem, and gentamicin conferred protection. However, upon termination of treatment, the animals died from respiratory anthrax. Combined treatment with antibiotics and active vaccination with a protective antigen-based vaccine leads to full protection even after cessation of treatment. Delaying the initiation of antibiotic administration to over 24 h p.i. resulted in treatment of animals with anthrax exhibiting various degrees of bacteremia and toxemia. Treatment with doxycycline or ciprofloxacin cured sick guinea pigs and rabbits exhibiting bacteremia levels up to 105CFU/ml. Addition of anti-protective antigen (PA) antibodies augmented the efficiency of protection, allowing the cure of guinea pigs and rabbits with 10- to 20-fold-higher bacteremia levels, up to 7 × 105CFU/ml and 2 × 106CFU/ml, respectively. Treatment with ciprofloxacin and a monoclonal anti-PA antibody rescued rabbits with bacteremia levels up to 4 × 106CFU/ml. During antibiotic administration, all surviving animals developed a protective immune response against development of a fatal disease and subcutaneous challenge with Vollum spores. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that antibiotic treatment can prevent the development of fatal disease in respiratory-anthrax-infected animals and can cure animals after disease establishment. A therapeutic time window of 40 h to 48 h from infection to initiation of efficient antibiotic-mediated cure was observed.
NOD-Like Receptor Activation by Outer Membrane Vesicles from
Vibrio cholerae
Non-O1 Non-O139 Strains Is Modulated by the Quorum-Sensing Regulator HapR
Authors: Bielig H. , Rompikuntal P. K. , Dongre M. , Zurek B. , Lindmark B. , Ramstedt M. , Wai S. N. , Kufer T. A.
Published: January 2011

Vibrio cholerae
is an inhabitant of aquatic systems and one of the causative agents of severe dehydrating diarrhea in humans. It has also emerged as an important cause of different kinds of inflammatory responses, and in particular,
V. cholerae
strains of the non-O1 non-O139 serogroups (NOVC) have been associated with such infections in human. We analyzed the potential of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) derived from the NOVC strain V:5/04 to induce inflammatory responses in human host cells. V:5/04 OMVs were taken up by human epithelial cells and induced inflammatory responses. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated gene knockdown revealed that the inflammatory potential of NOVC OMVs was partially mediated by the nucleotide-binding domain-, leucine-rich repeat-containing family member NOD1. Physiochemical analysis of the content of these OMVs, in conjunction with NOD1 and NOD2 reporter assays in HEK293T cells, confirmed the presence of both NOD1 and NOD2 active peptidoglycan in the OMVs. Furthermore, we show that deletion of the quorum-sensing regulator HapR, which mimics an infective life style, specifically reduced the inflammatory potential of the V:5/04 OMVs and their ability to activate NOD1 and NOD2. In conclusion, our study shows that NOVC OMVs elicit immune responses mediated by NOD1 and NOD2 in mammalian host cells. Moreover, we provide evidence that the quorum-sensing machinery plays an important regulatory role in this process by attenuating the inflammatory potential of OMVs under infective conditions. This work thus identifies a new facet of how
Vibrio
affects host immune responses and defines a role for the quorum-sensing machinery in this process.
Polymicrobial Infection with Periodontal Pathogens Specifically Enhances MicroRNA miR-146a in ApoE
−/−
Mice during Experimental Periodontal Disease
Authors: Nahid Md A. , Rivera Mercedes , Lucas Alexandra , Chan Edward K. L. , Kesavalu L.
Published: January 2011

Porphyromonas gingivalis
,
Treponema denticola
, and
Tannerella forsythia
are periodontal pathogens associated with the etiology of adult periodontitis as polymicrobial infections. Recent studies demonstrated that oral infection with
P. gingivalis
induces both periodontal disease and atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic and proatherogenic ApoE
−/−
mice. In this study, we explored the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in maxillas (periodontium) and spleens isolated from ApoE
−/−
mice infected with
P. gingivalis
,
T. denticola
, and
T. forsythia
as a polymicrobial infection. miRNA expression levels, including miRNA miR-146a, and associated mRNA expression levels of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were measured in the maxillas and spleens from mice infected with periodontal pathogens and compared to those in the maxillas and spleens from sham-infected controls. Furthermore, in response to these periodontal pathogens (as mono- and polymicrobial heat-killed and live bacteria), human THP-1 monocytes demonstrated similar miRNA expression patterns, including that of miR-146a,
in vitro
. Strikingly, miR-146a had a negative correlation with TNF-α secretion
in vitro
, reducing levels of the adaptor kinases IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK-1) and TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6). Thus, our studies revealed a persistent association of miR-146a expression with these periodontal pathogens, suggesting that miR-146a may directly or indirectly modulate or alter the chronic periodontal pathology induced by these microorganisms.
Performance of Various Testing Methodologies for Detection of Heteroresistant Vancomycin-Intermediate Staphylococcus aureus in Bloodstream Isolates
Authors: van Hal Sebastian J. , Wehrhahn Michael C. , Barbagiannakos Thelma , Mercer Joanne , Chen Dehua , Paterson David L. , Gosbell Iain B.
Published: January 2011

The best screening method for detecting heteroresistant vancomycin-intermediate
Staphylococcus aureus
(hVISA) remains unclear. Using population analysis profiling utilizing the area under the concentration-time curve (PAP-AUC) as the gold standard, we screened 458 consecutive methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) bloodstream isolates to determine the most accurate and cost-effective testing strategy to detect the presence of heteroresistance. All isolates were also tested using the macromethod Etest (MET) and glycopeptide resistance detection (GRD) Etest. The MIC was determined by several methods, including standard vancomycin Etest, vancomycin broth microdilution (BMD), and Vitek2 testing. Fifty-five (12%) hVISA and 4 (1%) VISA isolates were detected by PAP-AUC. Compared to PAP-AUC, the sensitivities and specificities of MET, GRD Etest, BMD (using a MIC cutoff of ≥2 mg/liter), and standard vancomycin Etest (using a MIC cutoff of ≥2 mg/liter) were 89 and 55%, 71 and 94%, 82 and 97%, and 71 and 94%, respectively. Combination testing increased the overall testing accuracy by reducing the number of false-positive results. Cost was determined predominately by the number of PAP-AUC runs required following a screening assay. The most cost-effective strategy was BMD (using a MIC cutoff of ≥2 μg/ml) as a standalone assay or in combination with PAP-AUC, provided that BMD testing was batched. GRD Etest remained an alternative, with 71% of hVISA isolates detected. Prevalence influenced both cost and test accuracy, with results remaining unchanged for hVISA prevalences of up to 25%. Implementation of any testing strategy would therefore be dependent on balancing cost with accuracy in a given population and clinical context.
Performance and Cost Analysis of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry for Routine Identification of Yeast
Authors: Dhiman Neelam , Hall Leslie , Wohlfiel Sherri L. , Buckwalter Seanne P. , Wengenack Nancy L.
Published: January 2011

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry was compared to phenotypic testing for yeast identification. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry yielded 96.3% and 84.5% accurate species level identifications (spectral scores, ≥1.8) for 138 common and 103 archived strains of yeast. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry is accurate, rapid (5.1 min of hands-on time/identification), and cost-effective ($0.50/sample) for yeast identification in the clinical laboratory.
Isothermal Microcalorimetry To Study Drugs against Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Manneck Theresia , Braissant Olivier , Haggenmüller Yolanda , Keiser Jennifer
Published: January 2011

Alternative antischistosomal drugs are required since praziquantel is virtually the only drug available for treatment and morbidity control of schistosomiasis. Manual microscopic reading is the current “gold standard” to assess the
in vitro
antischistosomal properties of test drugs; however, it is labor-intensive, subjective, and difficult to standardize. Hence, there is a need to develop novel tools for antischistosomal drug discovery. The
in vitro
effects of praziquantel, oxamniquine, artesunate, and mefloquine on metabolic activity and parasite motility of
Schistosoma mansoni
(newly transformed schistosomula [NTS] and 49-day-old adult worms) were studied using isothermal microcalorimetry (IMC). Results were compared to morphological readouts of viability. Results obtained for the four drugs tested with phenotypic evaluation by microscopy and IMC showed a good correlation, but IMC also identified drug effects that were not visible by microscopic evaluation, and IMC precisely determined the onset of action of the test drugs. Similar sensitivities on NTS and adult schistosomes were observed for praziquantel and mefloquine, while slight differences in the drug susceptibilities of the two developmental stages were noted with oxamniquine and artesunate. IMC is a useful tool for antischistosomal drug discovery that should be further validated. In addition, our data support the use of NTS in
in vitro
antischistosomal drug assays.
Assessment of Impact of Peptide Nucleic Acid Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization for Rapid Identification of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci in the Absence of Antimicrobial Stewardship Intervention
Authors: Holtzman Carol , Whitney Dana , Barlam Tamar , Miller Nancy S.
Published: January 2011

Peptide nucleic acid fluorescence
in situ
hybridization (PNA FISH) was instituted at Boston Medical Center for the rapid identification of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS). Without active notification or antimicrobial stewardship intervention, a pre- and postimpact analysis showed no benefit of this assay with respect to the length of hospital stay or vancomycin use.
Three Cases of Severe Invasive Infections Caused by Campylobacter rectus and First Report of Fatal C. rectus Infection
Authors: Lam Jimmy Y. W. , Wu Alan K. L. , Ngai Dickson C. , Teng Jade L. L. , Wong Elsa S. Y. , Lau Susanna K. P. , Lee Rodney A. , Woo Patrick C. Y.
Published: January 2011

We report the first fatal case of
Campylobacter rectus
infection due to a subdural empyema and ruptured mycotic intracranial aneurysm and two cases of limb-threatening
C. rectus
necrotizing soft tissue and bone infection and empyema thoracis that responded to amoxicillin-clavulanate and surgical debridement and drainage. All three strains were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing.
Replication ofAvocado Sunblotch Viroidin the YeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Delan-Forino Clémentine , Maurel Marie-Christine , Torchet Claire
Published: January 2011

Viroids are the smallest known pathogenic agents. They are noncoding, single-stranded, closed-circular, “naked” RNAs, which replicate through RNA-RNA transcription. Viroids of theAvsunviroidaefamily possess a hammerhead ribozyme in their sequence, allowing self-cleavage during their replication. To date, viroids have only been detected in plant cells. Here, we investigate the replication ofAvocado sunblotch viroid(ASBVd) of theAvsunviroidaefamily in a nonconventional host, the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae. We demonstrate that ASBVd RNA strands of both polarities are able to self-cleave and to replicate in a unicellular eukaryote cell. We show that the viroid monomeric RNA is destabilized by the nuclear 3′ and the cytoplasmic 5′ RNA degradation pathways. For the first time, our results provide evidence that viroids can replicate in other organisms than plants and that yeast contains all of the essential cellular elements for the replication of ASBVd.
Prognostic significance and potential therapeutic target of VEGFR2 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Huang Jianfei , Zhang Xialing , Tang Qi , Zhang Feng , Li Yuhua , Feng Zhenqing , Zhu Jin
Published: January 2011

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) has been suggested to play an important role in solid tumours. Although several reports have shown the relationship between VEGFR2 expression and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the expression pattern of VEGFR2 in HCC parenchyma or stroma, as well as the relationship between VEGFR2 expression and clinicopathological characteristics in HCC, are yet to be satisfactorily defined.

Methods

One-step real-time PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to characterise the expression of VEGFR2 in HCC using a self-made anti-VEGFR2 monoclonal antibody (A8H1).

Results

Expression of VEGFR2 in HCC cells was higher than in hepatic cells (p<0.001). Comparison of clinicopathological characteristics and immunohistochemistry by χ2test analysis showed that the high expression of VEGFR2 in HCC was related to large tumour diameter (p=0.012), poor differentiation (p=0.007), high serum α-fetoprotein (p=0.029), multifocal gross classification (p=0.007), and less than 5 years' survival (p=0.029). Kaplan–Meier survival and Cox regression analyses showed that high VEGFR2 expression (p=0.009) and stage grouping with TNM classification (p=0.004) were independent prognotic factors.

Conclusions

The efficacy of A8H1 in immunohistochemistry using HCC tissues was confirmed. There was a correlation of high VEGFR2 expression with prognostic significance in HCC. Additionally, the self-made anti-VEGFR2 monoclonal antibody could be used for future anti-HCC-targeted therapy research.
The problems with utilitarian conceptions of personhood in the abortion debate
Authors: Cox Daniel R A
Published: January 2011

This article seeks to explore utilitarian conceptions of personhood which for a long time have been employed as part of a rational moral justification for the termination of pregnancy. Michael Tooley's desires-based rights approach to personhood presented in his workAbortion and Infanticideis considered and, it is argued, is found wanting when one considers unconscious adults and their ability to desire life. This article will offer that unconscious sleeping individuals only have the potential to regain the capacity to value their own life and, as such, under Tooley's formula for personhood, temporarily lose their status as a person. Following this, John Harris's utilitarian views on the status of the sleeping adult will be considered and deconstructed to show that, like Tooley, his ascription for personhood falls down at the sleeping adult. This article illustrates that utilitarian conceptions of personhood leave the sleeping adult human devoid of the rights of a person and hence render the value of this consquentialist theory, with regard to the idea of personhood, in severe doubt. The paper argues that utilitarian conceptions of personhood do little more than obstruct the worthy debate over the morality of abortion.
A prospective randomized single-blind trial of patient comfort following vessel closure: extravascular synthetic sealant closure provides less pain than a self-tightening suture vascular compression device
Authors: Fargen Kyle M , Hoh Brian L , Mocco J
Published: January 2011

Background and purpose

The Mynx M5 (AccessClosure, Inc., Mountain View, California, USA), a novel vascular closure device (VCD) utilizing extravascular synthetic sealant, may effectively seal the arteriotomy while reducing the pain associated with arteriotomy closure seen with other VCDs. To date, no studies exist comparing the pain associated with deployment between differing VCDs as a primary end point.

Methods

A blinded, randomized controlled trial was performed comparing the Mynx and a popular VCD that utilizes a self-tightening suture, the Angio-Seal Evolution (St Jude Medical, St Paul, Minnesota, USA). Subjects were all adult patients undergoing diagnostic cerebral angiography via femoral access. Local anesthesia and intraprocedural intravenous pain medication were standardized. Pain was assessed using a horizontal visual analog scale both before and after VCD deployment.

Results

64 patients were enrolled with 32 in each treatment arm. Both pain at closure and pain increase from baseline to closure were significantly higher in the Angio-Seal group (p=0.009 and 0.002, respectively). 88% of patients receiving an Angio-Seal reported closure as the most painful part of the procedure compared with only 34% of patients receiving the Mynx (p<0.001). No adverse events were detected in either treatment arm.

Conclusions

In a blinded, randomized trial comparing the Mynx with the Angio-Seal Evolution, pain with device deployment at arteriotomy closure was significantly lower with the Mynx. The reason for the large pain gradient between groups is likely due to the presence, and absence, of compression elements within the Angio-Seal and Mynx, respectively.
Effect of cross‐fostering on transfer of maternal immunity toMycoplasma hyopneumoniaeto piglets
Authors: Bandrick M. , Pieters M. , Pijoan C. , Baidoo S. K. , Molitor T. W.
Published: January 2011

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of cross‐fostering on transfer of maternalMycoplasma hyopneumoniae‐specific humoral and cell‐mediated immunity (CMI) from gilts to piglets. Cross‐fostering, carried out within gilt pairs, was based on the gilts'M hyopneumoniaevaccination status in accordance with the following scheme: six pairs of vaccinated gilt × non‐vaccinated gilt (V × N); five pairs of non‐vaccinated gilt × vaccinated gilt (N × V); and five pairs of vaccinated gilt × vaccinated gilt (V × V). The piglets were cross‐fostered at 0, six, 12 or 20 hours after birth. Two piglets per gilt per time point were cross‐fostered (that is, eight piglets per gilt were moved) and the remaining piglets served as non‐cross‐fostered controls. In addition, four litters served as non‐cross‐fostered controls. A maximum of 10 piglets per gilt were sampled. The piglets'M hyopneumoniae‐specific humoral immunity was assessed by ELISA and their CMI was assessed by delayed‐type hypersensitivity testing.M hyopneumoniae‐specific antibodies were detected in non‐cross‐fostered piglets from vaccinated dams and from piglets cross‐fostered within the V × N gilt pair at six hours or more, and within the V × V gilt pair at all time points. Piglets cross‐fostered within the N × V gilt pair had detectableM hyopneumoniae‐specific antibodies only if they had been moved within six hours of birth. The transfer of M hyopneumoniae‐specific CMI to piglets appeared to be source‐dependent, and was detected only in piglets maintained on their vaccinated dams for at least 12 hours after birth.
CLUSTERING FINANCIAL TIME SERIES BY NETWORK COMMUNITY ANALYSIS
Authors: PICCARDI CARLO , CALATRONI LISA , BERTONI FABIO
Published: January 2011

In this paper, we describe a method for clustering financial time series which is based on community analysis, a recently developed approach for partitioning the nodes of a network (graph). A network with N nodes is associated to the set of N time series. The weight of the link (i, j), which quantifies the similarity between the two corresponding time series, is defined according to a metric based on symbolic time series analysis, which has recently proved effective in the context of financial time series. Then, searching for network communities allows one to identify groups of nodes (and then time series) with strong similarity. A quantitative assessment of the significance of the obtained partition is also provided. The method is applied to two distinct case-studies concerning the US and Italy Stock Exchange, respectively. In the US case, the stability of the partitions over time is also thoroughly investigated. The results favorably compare with those obtained with the standard tools typically used for clustering financial time series, such as the minimal spanning tree and the hierarchical tree.
DYNAMICS OF ONE-ELECTRON IN A ONE-DIMENSIONAL SYSTEMS WITH AN APERIODIC HOPPING DISTRIBUTION
Authors: de MOURA F. A. B. F.
Published: January 2011

In this paper, we consider the effect of an aperiodic hopping distribution on a single electron. The aperiodic sequence of hopping energies was generated by using a sinusoidal function whose phase ϕ varies as a power-law, ϕ ∝ nν, where n labels the positions along the chain. The exponent ν controls the degree of aperiodicity in the sequence hopping terms. Using the transfer matrix method, we compute the localization length within the band of allowed energies. Our numerical calculations indicate that, for an aperiodic sequence of hopping energies with ν < 1, a new phase of extended states appears in this model. For a pseudorandom hopping distribution with ν > 1, all eigenstates remain localized. In addition, we study the electronic dynamics subjected to an electric field. Our numerical calculations reveals perfect Bloch oscillations for ν < 1. The typical frequency of these oscillations agree with the semiclassical predictions.
DOUBLE POWER-LAW DEGREE DISTRIBUTION AND INFORMATIONAL ENTROPY IN URBAN ROAD NETWORKS
Authors: JIANG JIAN , METZ FRÉDÉRIC , BECK CHRISTOPHE , LEFEVRE SÉBASTIEN , CHEN JINCAN , WANG QIUPING A. , PEZERIL MICHEL
Published: January 2011

The double power-law function, p(x) ~ 1/(xb + cxd) where x is the degree of one node, and b, c, d are parameters, is used to fit the degree distribution of urban road network of Le Mans city in France. It is called "double power-law" since it behaves as two power laws respectively, in large and small degree region with a crossing in-between. The position of the crossing point is derived as a function of the three parameters. The probabilistic uncertainty of this law is studied with two possible information measures: a generalized measure called varentropy and the Shannon entropy formula.
CELLULAR AUTOMATA MODELS OF EVACUATION ON STAIRCASE-LIKE GEOMETRIES
Authors: MROWINSKI MACIEJ J. , KOSINSKI ROBERT A.
Published: January 2011

In this work, the authors study two models of pedestrians' movement. The models are based on cellular automata with static floor fields and additional transition rules — namely random movement and a form of pressure. The authors investigate, through numerical simulations, the process of evacuation on staircase-like geometries similar to the ones in multiple-floor buildings. Average evacuation time, average number of moving pedestrians and density diagrams are used to determine the critical properties of the models. Both models exhibit rapid changes in their behaviour when control parameters are beyond certain critical values.
DELAY BEFORE SYNCHRONIZATION AND ITS ROLE IN LATENCY OF SENSORY AWARENESS
Authors: PEEL ADÈLE , JENSEN HENRIK JELDTOFT
Published: January 2011

Here we show that for coupled-map systems, the length of the transient prior to synchronization is both dependent on the coupling strength and dynamics of connections: systems with fixed connections and with no self-coupling display quasi-instantaneous synchronization. Too strong tendency for synchronization would in terms of brain dynamics be expected to be a pathological case. We relate how the time to synchrony depends on coupling strength and connection dynamics to the latency between neuronal stimulation and conscious awareness. We suggest that this latency can be identified with the delay before a threshold level of synchrony is achieved between distinct regions within the brain, as suggested by recent empirical evidence, in which case the latency can easily be understood as the inevitable delay before such synchrony build-ups. This is demonstrated here through the study of simplistic coupled-map models.
EXTENDING THE PARAMETER INTERVAL IN THE LOGISTIC MAP WITH MEMORY
Authors: ALONSO-SANZ RAMÓN
Published: January 2011

When memory is endowed in the dynamics of the logistic map, its parameter may reach, without diverging, values than are greater than its upper limit in the ahistoric, conventional formulation. A numerical study is made in this study on the dynamics of the logistic map with memory mT: xT+1= λmT(1-mT), when λ > 4.0 or λ < -2.0.