bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving detection of first‐episode psychosis by mental health‐care services using a self‐report questionnaire
Authors: Boonstra Nynke , Wunderink Lex , Sytema Sjoerd , Wiersma Durk
Published: November 2009

Objective: To examine the utility of the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE)‐42, a self‐report questionnaire, to improve detection of first‐episode psychosis in new referrals to mental health services.

Method: At first contact with mental health‐care services patients were asked to complete the CAPE‐42 and were then routinely diagnosed by a clinician. Standard diagnoses were obtained by means of the mini‐Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry.

Results: Of the 246 included patients, 26 (10.6%) were diagnosed with psychosis according to the mini‐Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry. Only 10 of them were recognized by clinical routine, and 16 psychotic patients were not properly identified. Using an optimal cut‐off of 50 on the frequency or distress dimension of the positive subscale of the CAPE‐42 detected 14 of these misdiagnosed patients. The sensitivity of the CAPE‐42 at this cut‐off point was 77.5 and the specificity 70.5.

Conclusion: Systematic screening of patients using a self‐report questionnaire for psychotic symptoms improves routine detection of psychotic patients when they first come into contact with mental health services.
Review of the operational definition for first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Breitborde Nicholas J. K. , Srihari Vinod H. , Woods Scott W.
Published: November 2009

Aim: Given the growing interest in the study of first‐episode psychosis, clinical and research programmes would benefit from a conceptual clarification of how to operationalize ‘first‐episode psychosis’. We review the variety of definitions in use and discuss their relative merits with respect to both clinical (e.g. early treatment) and research (e.g. obtaining meaningfully homogeneous populations) agendas.

Methods: We completed a selective review of the literature to investigate how first‐episode psychosis was operationally defined.

Results: Operational definitions for ‘first‐episode psychosis’ fall largely into three categories: (i) first treatment contact; (ii) duration of antipsychotic medication use; and (iii) duration of psychosis. Each definitional category contains a number of underlying assumptions that contribute to the strengths and weaknesses of the definition.

Conclusions: The term ‘first‐episode psychosis’ as used within clinical and research settings is misleading regardless of which operational definition is used. This term is typically used to refer to individuals early in the course of a psychotic illness or treatment rather than individuals who are truly in the midst of a first ‘episode’ of illness. The alternative of ‘recent‐onset psychosis’ with related definitions based on ‘duration of psychosis’ is proposed. Based on this review, we provide suggestions with regard to the overarching pragmatic consideration of setting up a clinical service that can attract and assemble a population of early psychosis patients for the related purposes of treatment and research.
Long‐Distance Romantic Couples: An Attachment Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Carole Pistole M.
Published: November 2009

This article provides an attachment theoretical perspective of long‐distance romantic relationships (LDRs). Attachment applies specifically to the separation‐reunion cycle that is an inherent aspect of LDRs. Attachment theory components and normative functioning are presented along with illustrative examples from LDR reports to demonstrate the theory’s relevance. Counseling implications, related to proximity maintenance and separation protest, the attachment‐caregiving interface, and other issues (e.g., culture), are followed by research considerations and the conclusion.
Does Affirmative Training Matter? Assessing CFT Students’ Beliefs About Sexual Orientation and Their Level of Affirmative Training
Authors: Rock Monica , Carlson Thomas Stone , McGeorge Christi R.
Published: November 2009

This study examined couple and family therapy (CFT) students’ beliefs about sexual orientation, their self‐reported competency working with lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) clients, and the level of affirmative training students received in their CFT programs. One hundred and ninety students from accredited CFT programs completed the study. While participants reported feeling only somewhat competent to work with LGB clients and less than half reported receiving any training on affirmative therapy, the majority of the participants did appear to hold positive attitudes toward LGB clients. The results support the literature arguing for CFT programs to include specific training on affirmative therapy practices, as the level of affirmative training was directly related to participants’ self‐reported clinical competency working with LGB clients.
Testing a new two‐dimensional flood modelling system: analytical tests and application to a flood event
Authors: Lhomme J. , Gutierrez‐Andres J. , Weisgerber A. , Davison M. , Mulet‐Marti J. , Cooper A. , Gouldby B.
Published: November 2009

Detailed testing of a new two‐dimensional hydraulic modelling system is presented. The methodology consists of applying the hydraulic model to a set of theoretical tests, for which analytical solutions are known, and then comparing a model simulation with a real flood event. The water‐at‐rest test, three dam‐break tests and the Seiche test constitute the set of tests with analytic solutions. The flood event is the Boscastle 2004 flood, for which observed water levels are available. The model yields results that compare closely with the analytical solutions in all of the tests, except for the Seiche test. When applied to the real flood event, the simulated maximum levels are close to the observed levels. Comparisons with two similar commercial software packages show similar results between the models.
Two dimensional model analysis of flash‐flood processes: application to the Boscastle event
Authors: Roca M. , Davison M.
Published: November 2009

This paper analyses some of the main processes that occur during a flash‐flood with a two‐dimensional (2D) model (InfoWorks RS with a 2D module). The data collated in the Valency River after an extreme rainfall event in the Boscastle area, in the north coast of Cornwall (UK) in August 2004, are used to analyse such processes. The paper focuses on blockage of structures, which clearly influences flow distribution and water levels in the floodplain and on changes in flow paths by collapse of some structures, which have a relatively local influence. Changes of channel dimensions due to geomorphological processes as scour and deposition are also studied, although their influence is reduced by the effect of bridge blockage. Understanding the processes that occur in the river during a flash‐flood contributes to the development of risk models to reduce vulnerability.
Nationalism, Ethnicity and Self‐determination: A Paradigm Shift?
Authors: Nimni Ephraim
Published: November 2009

An ongoing paradigm shift is giving birth to a more multidimensional understanding of the relationship between nationalism, sovereignty, self‐determination and democratic governance. A common element among the various versions of the new paradigm is the dispersal of democratic governance across multiple and overlapping jurisdictions. Governmental processes are no longer seen as discrete, centralised and homogenous (as in the old nation‐state model) but as asymmetrical, multilayered, multicultural and devolved into multiple jurisdictions. These changes have hardly affected the two main conceptual frameworks that dominate the study of nationalism: modernism and ethnosymbolism. As a result, these frameworks risk becoming irrelevant to the new forms of national self‐determination, asymmetrical governance and shared sovereignty. Modernism and ethnosymbolism insist that nationalism seeks to equate the nation with a sovereign state, while in reality the overwhelming majority of nations are stateless and unable to build nation states because they often inhabit territories shared with other nations. The paradigm shift occurs through the realisation that nation‐state sovereignty is no longer a feasible solution to the demands of stateless nations. Ethnosymbolism is in a much better position to adapt to the paradigm shift provided it abandons the claim that the nation state is the best shell for the nation.
From the Bronx to the Wilderness: Inari‐Sami Rap, Language Revitalisation and Contested Ethnic Stereotypes
Authors: Ridanpää Juha , Pasanen Annika
Published: November 2009

This article discusses how rap music operates as an emancipatory ‘tool’ in the processes of language preservation and the deconstruction of ethnic stereotypes. It focuses on Amoc, the first ever rap musician to use the Inari Sami language, a minority language spoken in Northern Finland with only approximately 350 remaining speakers. The case as a whole is understood as a confrontation between two opposite discursive worlds. Rap music is perceived as a representation of urbanity, whereas the ethnic Sami culture is understood as a nationally ‘othered’ discourse based on old subordinating stereotypes of primitive people living in nature, beyond civilisation. In this context Amoc represents a bridge‐builder between these two contrary worlds. This article discusses how Sami rap, as a modernised artistic practice, functions as an emancipatory ‘tool’ deconstructing the stereotypical ways of approaching ethnic heritages and thereby helping to sustain and revitalise the minority language of the Inari Sami group.
Evidence of specific inflammatory condition in nucleus tractus solitarii of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Waki Hidefumi , Gouraud Sabine S. , Maeda Masanobu , Paton Julian F. R.
Published: November 2009

Since the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) is a pivotal region for regulating the set‐point of arterial pressure, we proposed a role for it in the development of neurogenic hypertension. Recent studies have suggested that proinflammatory molecules, such as junctional adhesion molecule 1 (JAM‐1) are highly expressed in the NTS of an animal model of human essential hypertension, the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), compared with normotensive rats (Wistar–Kyoto, WKY). Moreover, we have also shown endogenous leukocyte accumulation inside capillaries within the NTS of SHR but not WKY rats. Based on this evidence, we hypothesized that gene expression of cytokines/chemokines is altered in the NTS of SHR. We have screened for abnormally expressed inflammatory mediators in the NTS of SHR using the RT2 Profiler PCR arrays, which were designed specifically to target major cytokines/chemokines. The specific PCR array revealed that seven genes were less expressed in the NTS of SHR compared with WKY rats (more than twofold differences), while only two genes were more expressed in the SHR. Moreover, we identified that some of these validated molecules exhibit important functional roles for cardiovascular homeostasis at the level of the NTS. We suggest that abnormal gene expression of proinflammatory molecules, such as JAM‐1, causes leukocyte accumulation within the vasculature in the NTS of SHR. Consequently, gene expression of specific cytokines/chemokines may be downregulated to avoid further strong inflammatory activity in the NTS of SHR at the expense of an alteration in neuronal activity that leads to cardiovascular autonomic pathology. Importantly, to allow translation of our work, these novel insights need to be assessed in hypertensive human brainstem tissue; their confirmation could lead to novel therapeutic approaches for one of the world's most prevalent diseases.
In vivo determination of collecting lymphatic vessel permeability to albumin: a role for lymphatics in exchange
Authors: Scallan Joshua P. , Huxley Virginia H.
Published: November 2009

While it is well established that the lymphatic vasculature is central to fluid and solute homeostasis, how it accomplishes this task is not well defined. To clarify the basic mechanisms underlying basal fluid and solute homeostasis, we assessed permeability to rat serum albumin (PRSAs) in mesenteric collecting lymphatic vessels and venules of juvenile male rats. Using the quantitative microfluorometric technique originally developed for blood capillaries, we tested the hypothesis that as a consequence of venules and collecting lymphatics sharing a common embryological origin, their PRSAs would not differ significantly. Supporting our hypothesis, the median collecting lymphatic PRSAs (3.5 ± 1.0 × 10−7 cm s−1, N= 22) did not differ significantly from the median venular PRSAs (4.0 ± 1.0 × 10−7 cm s−1, N= 8, P= 0.61). For collecting lymphatics the diffusive permeability (Pd= 2.5 × 10−7 cm s−1) was obtained from the relationship of apparent PRSAs and pressure. While the measured PRSAs, Pd and estimated hydraulic conductivity of collecting lymphatics and venules were similar, the contribution of convective coupling differs as a result of the higher hydrostatic pressure experienced by venules relative to collecting lymphatics in vivo. In summary, the data demonstrate the capacity for collecting lymphatics to act as exchange vessels, able to extravasate solute and filter fluid. As a consequence these data provide experimental support for the theory that prenodal lymphatic vessels concentrate intraluminal protein.
Novel Jet Impingement Cooling Geometry for Combustor Liner Backside Cooling
Authors: Esposito E. I. , Ekkad S. V. , Kim Yong , Dutta Partha
Published: November 2009

Impinging jets are commonly used to enhance heat transfer in modern gas turbine engines. Impinging jets used in turbine blade cooling typically operate at lower Reynolds numbers in the range of 10,000–20,000. In combustor liner cooling, the Reynolds numbers of the jets can be as high as 60,000. The present study is aimed at experimentally testing two different styles of jet impingement geometries to be used in backside combustor cooling. The higher jet Reynolds numbers lead to increased overall heat transfer characteristics, but also an increase in crossflow caused by spent air. The crossflow air has the effect of rapidly degrading the downstream jets at high jet Reynolds numbers. In an effort to increase the efficiency of the coolant air, configurations designed to reduce the harmful effects of crossflow are studied. Two main designs, a corrugated wall and extended port, are tested. Local heat transfer coefficients are obtained for each test section through a transient liquid crystal technique. Results show that both geometries reduce the crossflow induced degradation on downstream jets, but different geometries perform better at different Reynolds numbers. The extended port and corrugated wall configurations show similar benefits at the high Reynolds numbers, but at low Reynolds numbers, the extended port design increases the overall level of heat transfer. This is attributed to the developed jet velocity profile at the tube exit. The best possible explanation is that the benefit of the developed jet velocity profile diminishes as jet velocities rise and the air has lesser time to develop prior to exiting.
Simulation and Optimization of Drying of Wood Chips With Superheated Steam in a Rotary Kiln
Authors: Ghoshdastidar P. S. , Agarwal Ankit
Published: November 2009

The present work reports a computer simulation and optimization study of heat transfer in a rotary kiln used for drying and preheating wood chips with superheated steam at 1 bar. A rotary kiln employed for drying and preheating wet solids consists of a refractory lined cylindrical shell mounted at a slight incline from the horizontal plane. The kiln is slowly rotated about its longitudinal axis. Wet solids are fed into the upper end of the cylinder, and during the process, they are dried and heated by the counter-current flow of the hot gas. Finally, it is transferred to the lower end, where it reaches the desired temperature and is discharged. The heat transfer model includes radiation exchange among hot gas, refractory wall and the solid surface, transient conduction in the refractory wall, and mass and energy balances of the hot gas and solids. A finite-difference based computational heat transfer approach is used. A univariate search method has been used to obtain the minimum kiln length with respect to various kiln operating parameters subject to a constraint on the inlet gas temperature. The parametric study lent a good insight into the physics of the drying process in a rotary kiln. The optimization study reveals that for the same predicted kiln length, lower inlet steam temperature can be used, which will result in saving of energy cost.
Pool Boiling Characteristics of Carbon Nanotube Based Nanofluids Over a Horizontal Tube
Authors: Kathiravan R. , Kumar R. , Gupta A. , Chandra R. , Jain P. K.
Published: November 2009

This paper is mainly concerned about the pool boiling heat transfer behavior of multiwalled carbon nanotube (CNT) suspensions in water and water containing 9.0% by weight of sodium lauryl sulfate anionic surfactant (SDS) has been carried out. Three different concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1.0% by volume of CNT in base fluids, i.e., water and water containing 9.0% by weight of sodium lauryl SDS, were prepared and boiling experiments were conducted over a 115 mm long stainless steel horizontal tube heater of 9.0 mm outer diameter and 0.5 mm thickness. The test results show that the addition of carbon nanotubes increases the boiling heat transfer coefficient of base fluids. The enhancement of heat transfer coefficient was found at 1.75, 1.2, and 1.2 folds corresponding to 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1.0% concentration of CNT by volume in water at the critical heat flux of 961 kW/m2, 611 kW/m2, and 508 kW/m2, respectively. It was also observed that the enhancement factor was higher for lower heat fluxes, which decrease for higher heat fluxes. And also, the heat transfer coefficient enhancement in the water-CNT-surfactant nanofluids of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1.0% of CNT concentrations are found to be 1.13, 1.44, and 1.5 times that of water at the critical heat fluxes of 295 kW/m2, 231 kW/m2, and 213 kW/m2, respectively. Foaming was found over the free surface of all water-CNT-surfactant nanofluids during the boiling experiments. Furthermore, it was observed that there was no fouling over the test-section. For further confirmation, however, a long term study needs to be carried out.
Experimental Analysis of Mass Composition of R417A in Presence of Leak/Recharge in a Heat Pump Water Heater
Authors: Cao Feng , Wang Shouguo , Xing Ziwen , Li Liansheng , Shu Pengcheng
Published: November 2009

As a substitute for R22, an environmentally friendly zeotropic mixture R417A is often employed. The large glide temperature of the zeotropic mixture R417A could cause capacity and efficiency reductions due to changes in its composition after an isothermal vapor leak/recharge process. It is, therefore, necessary to predict the composition change in R417A under all leak conditions. This paper presents the experimental analysis of the mass composition of R417A in the presence of a 0–50% isothermal vapor leak/recharge in a heat pump water heater. Based on the experimental data, a simple model is proposed to describe the composition change in R417A for various leaks and recharge scenarios. The effect of composition change in the performance of a heat pump water heater is also dealt with. Experimental results show that the composition changes in R417A increase as ambient temperature decreases. Isothermal vapor leaks have a great effect on the composition of R417A and the performance of a heat pump water heater at lower temperatures. It is also found that when the ambient temperature is higher than 7°C with a 10% leak and R417A recharge, there is almost no difference in the performance of the plant with respect to the original state except that the compressor discharge temperature is lower.
An Investigation Into the Operation of the Twin-Exit Loop-Seal of a Circulating Fluidized Bed Boiler in a Thermal Power Plant and Its Design Implication
Authors: Basu Prabir , Chandel Munish , Butler James , Dutta Animesh
Published: November 2009

Loop-seal is a critical component of a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler, and yet very little information on its working or design is available in published literature. Among the limited available information, none is on twin-exit loop-seal though it is one of the most commonly used loop-seal in large commercial CFB boilers. To circulate larger amounts of solids, a twin-exit loop-seal provides larger solids flow sections. It receives solids from one standpipe but delivers it through two recycle chambers and two delivery pipes. The present research was conducted in a twin-exit loop-seal of a 3.2 MWth CFB boiler operating in a thermal power plant for cofiring purpose. Data obtained in this industrial unit were supplemented with those collected in a single-exit bench-scale loop-seal in the authors’ laboratory from the single-exit loop-seal in a 65 t/h CFB boiler and a scale model of a 30 MW CFB boiler. The effect of recycle chamber’s aeration on the solids circulation rate was studied for several particle sizes. Results suggest that the total solids circulation rate does not increase proportionately with the increase in loop-seal discharge area provided by the twin-exit loop-seals. The linear horizontal velocities of solids and the minimum aeration in the recycle chambers are comparable to those measured in a single-exit loop-seal. The implication of these new findings on the design procedure of loop-seals is discussed.
Fuzzy Expert Systems for the Diagnosis of Component and Sensor Faults
in Complex Energy Systems
Authors: Toffolo Andrea
Published: November 2009

Locating the causes of malfunctions in complex energy systems is an extremely difficult task, since more than one fault mode may produce similar and possibly undistinguishable patterns of effects. This paper shows how fuzzy expert systems can exploit the available measurements from the data acquisition system to identify different component and sensor fault modes. Real sensor data (mass flow rates, pressures, temperatures, and key operating parameters) are compared with the expected values of the same quantities that are calculated using numerical models of local subsystems. This comparison simply determines if the differences between measured and expected values are “negative,” “zero,” or “positive” in fuzzy logic terms. The final objective is to verify the existence of some patterns of these attributes that univocally identify the considered fault modes. These patterns are then implemented as the set of rules forming the knowledge base of a fuzzy expert system. The proposed diagnostic methodology is tested on the gas section of a real combined-cycle cogeneration plant, and the effect of measurement noise is also discussed.
Storage Stability of Biodiesel and Ultralow Sulfur Diesel Fuel Blends
Authors: Farahani M. , Pagé D. J. Y. S. , Turingia M. P. , Tucker B. D.
Published: November 2009

A biodiesel storage stability study was conducted on ultralow sulfur diesel fuel (ULSDF) and three biodiesel basestocks (B100) and fuel blends (B2, B5, B10, and B20). The storage stability study consisted in measuring and monitoring the changes in acid number (AN, ASTM D664-04) and kinematic viscosity (ASTM D445) over 10 months with different samples stored at 5°C, 40°C, and cyclic thermal conditions. Among the three biodiesel base fuels (B100) studied, Bio1 (from tallow) and Bio2 (from yellow grease) showed the largest increase in AN throughout 6 months of storage at 40°C while Bio3 (from canola) showed the least increase in AN. Bio1, Bio2, and Bio3 samples stored at 5°C showed very little increases in acidity after 10 month, while samples stored under thermal cycling conditions were comparable to those stored at 40°C. The AN for ULSDF and all blends between B2 and B20 for Bio1, Bio2 and Bio3 remained in the range of 0.1–0.3 mg KOH g−1 for all temperatures and throughout the storage period well below the ASTM 6751 limit of 0.5 mg KOH g−1. All blends showed a lower increase in AN than any of the base fuels. All fuels were submitted to accelerated oxidative testing, which also revealed a greater stability of the blends than for the biodiesel base fuels. Bio1 (from tallow) blends displayed a greater stability under accelerated oxidative testing while Bio2 (from yellow grease) displayed the least. The impact of storage conditions on the viscosities of all the base fuels and blends was negligible.
Influence of annealing and Ag doping on structural and optical properties of indium tin oxide thin films
Authors: Cao Chun-Bin , Xiao Lei , Song Xue-Ping , Sun Zhao-Qi
Published: November 2009

Indium tin oxide (ITO) and Ag (1.2±0.1at.%)-ITO films with the thickness of 130nm were deposited on glass substrates at room temperature by dc magnetron sputtering and postannealed at the temperature range of 200–400°C. By calculating the x-ray diffraction data, the lattice constants of all samples were obtained and the results show that the annealing led to the smaller lattice constants and the Ag doping resulted in the further lattice distortion. The refractive index n and extinction coefficient k of all samples were extracted from the transmittance spectra by means of the spectroscopic ellipsometry optimization method. Ag-ITO film annealed at 400°C has the high transmittance of 80%–90% in the visible wavelength range. Ag doping dramatically increased the extinction coefficient k of ITO films in UV wavelength range but almost without change in it in visible band. Meanwhile, by contrast with ITO films, Ag-ITO films show much higher n values than that of ITO films. Finally, the optical band gaps of all samples were determined, and it has been found that there is almost no difference of band gaps between ITO and Ag-ITO films. The reasons of the influence of annealing and Ag doping on structural and optical properties of ITO thin films are discussed.
Restoration of Norepinephrine-Modulated Contextual Memory in a Mouse Model of Down Syndrome
Authors: Salehi A. , Faizi M. , Colas D. , Valletta J. , Laguna J. , Takimoto-Kimura R. , Kleschevnikov A. , Wagner S. L. , Aisen P. , Shamloo M. , Mobley W. C.
Published: November 2009

Cognitive deficits in mice with a Down syndrome–like genetic defect can be reversed with precursors to the neurotransmitter norepinephrine.
Spreading Aches
Authors: Khidr Lily
Published: November 2009

Destructive fibroblasts migrate through the blood to invade and cripple healthy joints and spread rheumatoid arthritis.
Maternal Origins of Cancer Transmission
Authors: Khidr Lily
Published: November 2009

A leukemia cancer clone transmitted from mother to fetus appears to have bypassed the usual immunological controls.
Understanding Drug Resistance in Tuberculosis
Authors: McDonald Heather B.
Published: November 2009

Resistance to one second-line drug for TB does not necessarily imply resistance to a related drug, as previously assumed.
Recrudescent
Campylobacter jejuni
Infection in an Immunocompetent Adult following Experimental Infection with a Well-Characterized Organism
Authors: Baqar Shahida , Tribble David R. , Carmolli Marya , Sadigh Katrin , Poly Frederic , Porter Chad , Larsson Catherine J. , Pierce Kristen K. , Guerry Patricia , Darsley Michael , Kirkpatrick Beth
Published: November 2009

The recrudescence of infection with
Campylobacter jejuni
after appropriate antibiotic treatment has not been previously reported in an immunocompetent adult. We present the complete clinical, microbiologic, and immunologic evaluation of a closely monitored healthy male with recrudescent
C. jejuni
infection occurring in the absence of immunodeficiency following experimental infection with a well-characterized strain. After antibiotic treatment, the initial infection was clinically cleared and microbiologically undetectable. Subsequently, two episodes of recrudescence occurred, with no change in
in vitro
antibiotic sensitivity being detected. The immune responses of the individual were compared to those of other participants in the experimental infection study: innate immune responses, including fecal cytokines and C-reactive protein, were intact; however, measures of
Campylobacter
-specific adaptive immune responses were absent, including serum antibodies, antibody-secreting cells, and
in vitro
gamma interferon responses. No primary or secondary immunodeficiency was identified. Recrudescent
Campylobacter
infections after treatment may be more common than has previously been appreciated. This work adds to our understanding of the human immune response to natural
Campylobacter
infection and reiterates the importance of pathogen-specific adaptive immune responses to this globally important pathogen.
Detection of Antibodies against Norovirus Genogroup GIV in Carnivores
Authors: Di Martino Barbara , Marsilio Fulvio , Di Profio Federica , Lorusso Eleonora , Friedrich Klaus G. , Buonavoglia Canio , Martella Vito
Published: November 2009

Noroviruses (NoVs) resembling human NoV genotype GIV (Alphatron-like) have recently been detected in carnivores. By using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on baculovirus-expressed capsid protein VP1 of lion strain GGIV.2/Pistoia/387/06/ITA, NoV-specific antibodies were detected in cats (16.11%) and dogs (4.8%), demonstrating that these animals are exposed to infections caused by NoVs.
Elimination of False-Positive Results in a Luminex Assay for Pneumococcal Antibodies
Authors: Pickering Jerry W. , Larson Matthew T. , Martins Thomas B. , Copple Susan S. , Hill Harry R.
Published: November 2009

In our 14-valent Luminex assay for pneumococcal antibodies, we identified two groups of sera that caused false-positive results. The first group bound nonspecifically to the Luminex microspheres. The second group reacted specifically with bovine serum albumin (BSA). We describe here methods that eliminated the false-positive reactivity of both groups.
Identification of Immune Parameters To Differentiate Disease States among Sheep Infected withMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis
Authors: Gillan Sonia , O'Brien Rory , Hughes Alan D. , Griffin J. Frank T.
Published: November 2009

Johne's disease, a chronic enteritis of ruminants, is caused by infection withMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis. Three distinct forms have been observed in sheep: paucibacillary disease (PB), multibacillary disease (MB), and asymptomatic infection (AS). In this study, immune parameters for animals naturally infected withM.aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisand identifiedpostmortemas having PB, MB, or AS were compared to provide a further understanding of the immunological reactivity contributing to or resulting from these different disease states in sheep. PB was associated with strong ex vivoM.aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisantigen-stimulated gamma interferon responses, pronounced increases in CD25+T-cell frequencies in circulation, antibody production, and a B-cell population that expanded significantly uponex vivoantigenic stimulation. The MB group featured the highest antibody levels and a lack of cellular immune responsiveness to theM.aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisantigen. The AS group expressed an immunological phenotype intermediate between that for noninfected control animals and that for the PB group. The relationship between immune responses and disease severity within the PB group was investigated more closely; significant positive correlations were observed between disease severity and both the CD8+population in the circulating blood and the expression of interleukin-4 mRNA in antigen-stimulated blood samplesex vivo. Together, these data point toward distinct immune profiles in sheep that correspond to different Johne's disease states, which can be determined from circulating blood and/or from localized intestinal tract tissue samples.
Genetic Immunization Converts theTrypanosoma cruziB-Cell Mitogen Proline Racemase to an Effective Immunogen
Authors: Bryan Marianne A. , Norris Karen A.
Published: November 2009

Trypanosoma cruziis the etiologic agent of Chagas' disease. AcuteT. cruziinfection results in polyclonal B-cell activation and delayed specific humoral immunity.T. cruziproline racemase (TcPRAC), aT. cruziB-cell mitogen, may contribute to this dysfunctional humoral response. Stimulation of murine splenocytes with recombinant protein (rTcPRAC) induced B-cell proliferation, antibody secretion, interleukin-10 (IL-10) production, and upregulation of CD69 and CD86 on B cells. Marginal zone (MZ) B cells are more responsive to T-cell-independent (TI) rTcPRAC stimulation than are follicular mature (FM) B cells in terms of proliferation, antibody secretion, and IL-10 production. During experimentalT. cruziinfection, TcPRAC-specific IgG remained undetectable when responses to otherT. cruziantigens developed. Conversely, intradermal genetic immunization via gene gun (GG) delivered TcPRAC as an immunogen, generating high-titer TcPRAC-specific IgG without B-cell dysfunction. TcPRAC GG immunization led to antigen-specific splenic memory B-cell and bone marrow plasma cell formation. TcPRAC-specific IgG bound mitogenic rTcPRAC, decreasing subsequent B-cell activation. GG immunization with rTcPRAC DNA was nonmitogenic and did not affect the generation of specific IgG to anotherT. cruziantigen, complement regulatory protein (CRP). These data demonstrate the utility of genetic immunization for the conversion of a protein mitogen to an effective antigen. Furthermore, coimmunization of TcPRAC with anotherT. cruziantigen indicates the usefulness of this approach for multivalent vaccine development.
Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization ofMadurella pseudomycetomatissp. nov., a Novel Opportunistic Fungus Possibly Causing Black-Grain Mycetoma
Authors: Yan Jie , Deng Jun , Zhou Cun-Jian , Zhong Bai-Yu , Hao Fei
Published: November 2009

A case of black-grain mycetoma occurring on the lower jaw with an odontogenic origin, which to our knowledge is the first case reported in China, is presented here. The clinical manifestation, histopathological morphology, and microbiological features are described. The new species,Madurella pseudomycetomatis, isolated from the black grains discharged by this patient, was analyzed using sequence data of the multiloci of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and its ability to ferment carbohydrate as well as morphology. The analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D1/D2 hypervariable region of the 28S ribosomal gene sequences support a new species designation. Antifungal susceptibility testing was conducted, indicating thatMadurella pseudomycetomatiswas highly susceptible to itraconazole, voriconazole, and amphotericin B; moderately susceptible to terbinafine; and resistant to fluconazole and flucytosine.
Genital Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 in Women: Detection in Cervicovaginal Specimens from Gynecological Practices in the United States
Authors: Peña Kristen C. , Adelson Martin E. , Mordechai Eli , Blaho John A.
Published: November 2009

Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and -2) are significant human pathogens causing clinically indistinguishable facial and genital lesions. Recently, the number of reported genital herpes cases caused by type 1 virus has increased. Identifying the HSV type is of clinical importance to determine proper treatment, as there is no licensed vaccine or cure. We assessed, by PCR, the frequency of HSV-1 and HSV-2 present in more than 60,000 clinical cervicovaginal specimens derived from samples originating from 43 continental U.S. states. Fourteen percent were positive for HSV-1 and/or HSV-2. This likely represents subclinal shedding. It was not a measurement of the prevalence of HSV infection. While the majority were HSV-2, 32% were HSV-1. The distribution of HSV types varied between the states with the largest number of specimens, New Jersey, Florida, and Texas. Specimens from women under the age of 24 had an HSV-1 positivity rate of 47 percent. Importantly, in New Jersey, an observed age effect was the disproportionately high prevalence of genital HSV-1 in young women. This represents the largest analysis of HSV types reported and has important public health implications, particularly for younger women.
Temporal Analysis of Invasive Pneumococcal Clones from Scotland Illustrates Fluctuations in Diversity of Serotype and Genotype in the Absence of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
Authors: Jefferies J. M. , Smith A. J. , Edwards G. F. S. , McMenamin J. , Mitchell T. J. , Clarke S. C.
Published: November 2009

In September 2006, the seven-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7; Prevenar) was introduced into the childhood vaccination schedule in the United Kingdom. We monitored the population of invasive pneumococci in Scotland in the 5 years preceding the introduction of PCV7 by using serogrouping, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and eBURST analysis. Here, we present a unique analysis of a complete national data set of invasive pneumococci over this time. We observed an increase in invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) caused by serotypes 1, 4, and 6 and a decrease in serogroup 14-, 19-, and 23-associated disease. Analysis of sequence type (ST) data shows a significant increase in ST306, associated with serotype 1, and a decrease in ST124, associated with serotype 14. There have also been increases in the amounts of IPD caused by ST227 (serotype 1) and ST53 (serotype 8), although these increases were not found to reach significance (
P
= 0.08 and 0.06, respectively). In the course of the study period preceding the introduction of PCV7, we observed considerable and significant changes in serogroup and clonal distribution over time.
Rapid Detection of
aac(6
′
)-Ib-cr
Quinolone Resistance Gene by Pyrosequencing
Authors: Guillard Thomas , Duval Véronique , Moret Hélène , Brasme Lucien , Vernet-Garnier Véronique , de Champs Christophe
Published: November 2009

Pyrosequencing was used to rapidly detect
aac(6
′
)-Ib
and
aac(6
′
)-Ib-cr
genes. This plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinant is increasing in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
. This method is faster and more cost-effective than the methods previously described. Sequences obtained with this pyrosequencing method showed 100% concordance with conventional sequencing.
Fusarium proliferatum
Soft Tissue Infection at the Site of a Puncture by a Plant: Recovery, Isolation, and Direct Molecular Identification
Authors: Palmore Tara N. , Shea Yvonne R. , Childs Richard W. , Sherry Richard M. , Walsh Thomas J.
Published: November 2009

After allogeneic stem cell transplantation, a 49-year-old man developed fever and inflammation at the site of a plant puncture on a finger. A hyalohyphomycete was recovered by incubating the plant spine fragment following surgery. Amplification of the internal transcribed spacer region and 5.8S rRNA, β-tubulin, and translation elongation factor coding genes identified
Fusarium proliferatum
, which was confirmed later by culture.
Factors Affecting Recovery of
Strongyloides stercoralis
Larvae: an Approach to a Newly Modified Formalin-Ether Concentration Technique for Diagnosis of Strongyloidiasis
Authors: Anamnart Witthaya , Pattanawongsa Attarat , Intapan Pewpan Maleewong , Maleewong Wanchai
Published: November 2009

To improve the diagnosis efficiency of human strongyloidiasis by using formalin-ether concentration technique (FECT), the effects of various factors on the recovery rates of
Strongyloides stercoralis
larvae were comparatively evaluated. Fresh stool and a short time exposure of larvae to formalin yielded significantly higher numbers of larvae than preserved stool and 10-min exposure. Likewise, straining through wire mesh yielded a significantly higher number of larvae recovered than straining through gauze did. In addition, centrifugation for 5 min for separation of larvae from debris yielded a significantly greater number of larvae recovered than centrifugation for 2 min did. The efficacies of the five versions of FECT with different factors-FECT 1, FECT 2, FECT 3, FECT 4, and FECT 5-were then compared. It was found that FECT 5 was 1.8, 2.0, 1.9, and 1.4 times more effective than FECT 1, FECT 2, FECT 3, and FECT 4, respectively. FECT 5 is a modified FECT method, whose modifications included using fresh stool without a preservative substance; a short-time rather than 10-min formalin exposure; and the use of wire mesh instead of gauze.
Septic Arthritis Caused by
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae
in a Prosthetic Knee Joint
Authors: Hocqueloux Laurent , Poisson Didier Marc , Sunder Simon , Guilbert Sébastien , Prazuck Thierry
Published: November 2009

We describe the third case of prosthetic infection due to
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae
. The patient, a 68-year-old woman, had had total knee arthroplasty 12 months before diagnosis. She had been in contact with swine at home. We review the seven previous reports of septic arthritis due to
E. rhusiopathiae
.
Rapid Universal Identification of Bacterial Pathogens from Clinical Cultures by Using a Novel Sloppy Molecular Beacon Melting Temperature Signature Technique
Authors: Chakravorty Soumitesh , Aladegbami Bola , Burday Michele , Levi Michael , Marras Salvatore A. E. , Shah Darshini , El-Hajj Hiyam H. , Kramer Fred Russell , Alland David
Published: November 2009

A real-time PCR assay with the ability to rapidly identify all pathogenic bacteria would have widespread medical utility. Current real-time PCR technologies cannot accomplish this task due to severe limitations in multiplexing ability. To this end, we developed a new assay system which supports very high degrees of multiplexing. We developed a new class of mismatch-tolerant “sloppy” molecular beacons, modified them to provide an extended hybridization range, and developed a multiprobe, multimelting temperature (

T
m

) signature approach to bacterial species identification. Sloppy molecular beacons were exceptionally versatile, and they were able to generate specific

T
m

values for DNA sequences that differed by as little as one nucleotide to as many as 23 polymorphisms. Combining the

T
m

values generated by several probe-target hybrids resulted in

T
m

signatures that served as highly accurate sequence identifiers. Using this method, PCR assays with as few as six sloppy molecular beacons targeting bacterial 16S rRNA gene segments could reproducibly classify 119 different sequence types of pathogenic and commensal bacteria, representing 64 genera, into 111

T
m

signature types. Blinded studies using the assay to identify the bacteria present in 270 patient-derived clinical cultures including 106 patient blood cultures showed a 95 to 97% concordance with conventional methods. Importantly, no bacteria were misidentified; rather, the few species that could not be identified were classified as “indeterminate,” resulting in an assay specificity of 100%. This approach enables highly multiplexed target detection using a simple PCR format that can transform infectious disease diagnostics and improve patient outcomes.
Potential for Erroneous Results Indicating Resistance When Using the Bactec MGIT 960 System for Testing Susceptibility of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
to Pyrazinamide
Authors: Chedore Pamela , Bertucci Lina , Wolfe Joyce , Sharma Meenu , Jamieson Frances
Published: November 2009

During susceptibility testing of 743 isolates of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
to pyrazinamide (PZA) using the Bactec 960 system, 57 (7.7%) isolates showed PZA resistance. Repeat testing of resistant isolates with the Bactec 460 reference method confirmed 33 (4.4%) of these isolates as resistant, and 24 (3.2%) were susceptible. Erroneous results for resistance with the Bactec 960 were confirmed by testing the 24 discordant isolates for pyrazinamidase and mutations in the
pncA
gene.
Detection of SHV-Type Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase in
Enterobacter
Isolates
Authors: Towne Trent G. , Lewis James S. , Herrera Monica , Wickes Brian , Jorgensen James H.
Published: November 2009

One hundred four
Enterobacter
isolates were tested by standard CLSI disk diffusion methods for detecting extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and with cefepime-clavulanate disk combinations. SHV-12 was produced by 8.7% of isolates. The cefepime-clavulanate combination provided 88% sensitivity and 91% specificity for the detection of SHV-12 ESBL.
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Nonstructural Protein 1β Modulates Host Innate Immune Response by Antagonizing IRF3 Activation
Authors: Beura Lalit K. , Sarkar Saumendra N. , Kwon Byungjoon , Subramaniam Sakthivel , Jones Clinton , Pattnaik Asit K. , Osorio Fernando A.
Published: November 2009

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection of swine leads to a serious disease characterized by a delayed and defective adaptive immune response. It is hypothesized that a suboptimal innate immune response is responsible for the disease pathogenesis. In the study presented here we tested this hypothesis and identified several nonstructural proteins (NSPs) with innate immune evasion properties encoded by the PRRS viral genome. Four of the total ten PRRSV NSPs tested were found to have strong to moderate inhibitory effects on beta interferon (IFN-β) promoter activation. The strongest inhibitory effect was exhibited by NSP1 followed by, NSP2, NSP11, and NSP4. We focused on NSP1α and NSP1β (self-cleavage products of NSP1 during virus infection) and NSP11, three NSPs with strong inhibitory activity. All of three proteins, when expressed stably in cell lines, strongly inhibited double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) signaling pathways. NSP1β was found to inhibit both IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3)- and NF-κB-dependent gene induction by dsRNA and Sendai virus. Mechanistically, the dsRNA-induced phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of IRF3 were strongly inhibited by NSP1β. Moreover, when tested in a porcine myelomonocytic cell line, NSP1β inhibited Sendai virus-mediated activation of porcine IFN-β promoter activity. We propose that this NSP1β-mediated subversion of the host innate immune response plays an important role in PRRSV pathogenesis.
Breadth of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Specific Neutralizing Activity in Sera: Clustering Analysis and Association with Clinical Variables
Authors: Doria-Rose Nicole A. , Klein Rachel M. , Daniels Marcus G. , O'Dell Sijy , Nason Martha , Lapedes Alan , Bhattacharya Tanmoy , Migueles Stephen A. , Wyatt Richard T. , Korber Bette T. , Mascola John R. , Connors Mark
Published: November 2009

Induction of antibodies that neutralize a broad range of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolates is a major goal of vaccine development. To study natural examples of broad neutralization, we analyzed sera from 103 HIV-1-infected subjects. Among progressor patients, 20% of sera neutralized more than 75% of a panel of 20 diverse viral isolates. Little activity was observed in sera from long-term nonprogressors (elite controllers). Breadth of neutralization was correlated with viral load, but not with CD4 count, history of past antiretroviral use, age, gender, race/ethnicity, or route of exposure. Clustering analysis of sera by a novel method identified a statistically robust subgrouping of sera that demonstrated broad and potent neutralization activity.