bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Microwave Heating during Alkaline‐Cooking of Aflatoxin Contaminated Maize
Authors: Pérez‐Flores G.C. , Moreno‐Martínez E. , Méndez‐Albores A.
Published: January 2011

Abstract:  To evaluate the effectiveness of maize detoxification achieved with a modified tortilla‐making process (MTMP), maize contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and aflatoxin B2 (AFB2) at levels of 22.46, 69.62, and 141.48 ng/g (AFB1+ AFB2) was processed into tortillas. Aflatoxin content was determined according to the 991.31 AOAC official method. Based on the results obtained with spiked samples (0.78 to 25 ng/g), the mean recovery was 92%, with a standard error of 1.2, and a coefficient variation value of 4.4%. The MTMP caused 68, 80, and an 84% decrease in aflatoxin content, respectively. Extract acidification (as occurs during digestion) prior to mycotoxin quantification caused some reformation of the aflatoxin structure in tortillas (up to 3%). According to these results, the MTMP seems to be safe for decontamination since a low percentage of the initial aflatoxin concentration can be reverted to the original fluorescent form upon acidification.

Practical Application:  The potential presence of aflatoxins in maize destined for human consumption is a serious problem to the Mexican food supply, as these toxic compounds may persist during the traditional alkaline‐process for tortilla elaboration. Consequently, new detoxification procedures are needed that eliminate or at least minimize the aflatoxin risk, through lowering aflatoxin concentration in maize‐based products. Under these considerations, the use of MTMP is recommended, since it has definite advantages including non‐production of wastewater and reduced energy/time consumption.
Preparation of a Lactobacillus Plantarum Starter Culture for Cucumber Fermentations That Can Meet Kosher Guidelines
Authors: Pérez‐Díaz I.M. , McFeeters R.F.
Published: January 2011

Abstract:  A method is described for growth of a Lactobacillus plantarum starter culture in jars of commercially available pasteurized fresh‐pack kosher dill cucumbers so that jars can be used to inoculate commercial scale cucumber fermentation tanks. A procedure is also described to transfer lactic acid bacteria from frozen storage in MRS broth into cucumber juice and commercial jars of kosher dill cucumbers so that a selected strain of lactic acid bacteria can be kosher certified for commercial fermentations in processing plants that operate under kosher certification. The strain of L. plantarum used in these experiments grew to maximum cell numbers in 4 d at 20 to 25 °C and then maintained viable cell numbers for 2 wk at >108 CFU/mL so the culture was suitable for inoculation of fermentation tanks. Refrigeration of jars of culture after they grow to maximum numbers minimizes die‐off of cells sufficiently so that a pure culture can be maintained by aseptically transferring brine containing viable bacteria to a new pH‐adjusted jar only once every 4 mo.

Practical Application:  This report describes a method to prepare a lactic acid bacteria starter culture suitable for kosher vegetable fermentations.
Improvements in the Shelf Life of Commercial Corn Dry Masa Flour (CMF) by Reducing Lipid Oxidation
Authors: Márquez‐Castillo A. , Vidal‐Quintanar R.L.
Published: January 2011

Abstract:  To improve the shelf life of commercial nixtamalized corn dry masa flour (CMF), the modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) was used. Pouches (20 × 20 cm) of ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH) with 180 g of CMF were stored at 55 °C, and aw of 0.45; under Light and Dark conditions, antioxidants (0.02% TBHQ), Vacuum, and N2 and CO2, and used as treatments. Thereafter, changes in their linoleic acid (LA) concentration by GC, peroxide (PV), and anisidine values (p‐A), which were monitored for 180 d. EVOH showed a significantly lower consumption of LA by autoxidation (11.7%± 0.2% in 117 d) than polyethylene film (70.5%± 0.3% in 113 d) under the same storage temperature. The elimination of oxygen by vacuum in each pouch allowed a low consumption (16.4%± 0.1%) of LA. PV (14.5 ± 0.09 mEq/kg of fat), and p‐A (63 ± 0.16 mmol/kg) were low, and generated over 121 d of storage. CMF stored under MAP had 100% protection against oxidation of LA.

Practical Application:  A combination of Vacuum and EVOH packaging extended the shelf life of CMF to 108 d with only 10% of LA loss. For retail stores, the EVOH packaging will reduce lipid oxidation of CMF and safety related to off odors and flavors from the oxidation of tortillas will increase dramatically.
Small intestinal ganglioneuromatosis in a dog
Authors: Hazell KLA , Reeves MP , Swift IM
Published: January 2011

A 6‐week‐old Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross was presented with a 4‐week history of vomiting and small bowel diarrhoea. Abdominal ultrasound showed thickening of the distal jejunum and ileum. The dog underwent two exploratory laparotomies, during which grossly abnormal sections of intestine were resected. The patient developed septic peritonitis 48 h after the second surgery, caused by dehiscence of an intestinal anastomosis, and was euthanased. All intestinal tissue samples were examined histopathologically and a diagnosis of gastrointestinal ganglioneuromatosis was made. Intestinal ganglioneuromatosis is rare and this case represents a novel occurrence in the small intestine of a dog.
Ernest Arthur Kendall: his life in peace and war
Authors: Faragher Trevor
Published: January 2011

Ernest Arthur Kendall (1876–1938), whose father founded the first veterinary school in Australia, qualified as a veterinary surgeon, as did three of his brothers. He was commissioned in the Australian Army Veterinary Corps and fought with distinction in both the Boer War and World War I. He established an Australian Veterinary Hospital near Calais, France, in 1917. The Purple Cross Society of Victoria paid for the fit‐out and necessary material for the running of the hospital, which treated 24,300 animals before it closed in 1919. In that year, Colonel Kendall resumed his career in the Department of Agriculture Victoria, where he was appointed Chief Veterinary Officer in 1926 and Chairman of the Milk Board in 1934. He worked toward a pure milk supply, enabled the establishment of a laboratory to test milk samples, and looked forward to a well‐planned campaign for the eradication of bovine tuberculosis.
Generation of Fluorescent Adducts of Malondialdehyde and Amino Acids: Toward an Understanding of Lipofuscin¶
Authors: Chowdhury Pramit K. , Haider Mintu , Choudhury Prabir K. , Kraus George A. , Desai Meera J. , Armstrong Daniel W. , Casey Thomas A. , Rasmussen Mark A. , Petrich Jacob W.
Published: January 2011

Lipofuscin is a yellow‐brown, highly fluorescent pigment that undergoes an age‐related progressive accumulation in animal cells, mainly in postmitotic cells. It is a heterogeneous, high‐molecular weight material associated with proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. Lipofuscin is implicated in many aspects of human health, including aging, oxidative stress, macular degeneration, lipid peroxidation, atherosclerosis, dementia (Alzheimer's Disease) and diseases associated with prions. Although the fluorescent properties of lipofuscin have long been recognized, neither histologists nor chemists have yet isolated the pigments themselves or characterized their optical properties. We have prepared lipofuscinlike species by reacting malondialdehyde (MDA) with cysteine (Cys). MDA: Cys adducts 3:2 and 2:2 are two of those that have been identified among the many that were present in the reaction. Whereas previous attempts to synthesize lipofuscinlike species resulted in compounds that were either nonfluorescent or emitted principally in the blue, the MDA: Cys adducts reported in this study are not only fluorescent but also emit over a broader range.
Global Solar UV Index: Australian Measurements, Forecasts and Comparison with the UK¶
Authors: Gies Peter , Roy Colin , Javorniczky John , Henderson Stuart , Lemus‐Deschamps Lilia , Driscoll Colin
Published: January 2011

The 2002 revision of the UV index (UVI) issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Meteorological Office (WMO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) (World Health Organization [2002] Global Solar UV Index: A Practical Guide. WHO, Geneva) was motivated by the need to further standardize the use and presentation of the UVI. Awareness of the hazards of solar UV radiation (UVR) is generally high in Australia, but more effective use of the UVI will assist in promoting further changes to the population's sun exposure behavior. UVI levels for a number of cities around Australia as measured by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), covering the time period 1996‐2000, are presented. Also shown are UVI forecasts from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). Agreement between the BOM data and the measurements varies depending on the location but is within 2 UVI units approximately 75% of the time. UVI levels are supplied to the media, and in summer values in excess of 12‐14 are regularly recorded, although the more northerly locations occasionally reach 16 and 17. The factors affecting the solar UVR environment and the measured UVI are also discussed and compared against measurements from the UK.
Modeling the Anatomical Distribution of Sunlight¶
Authors: Streicher John J. , Culverhouse William C. , Dulberg Martin S. , Fornaro Robert J.
Published: January 2011

One of the major technical challenges in calculating solar irradiance on the human form has been the complexity of the surface geometry (i.e. the surface‐normal vis‐a‐vis the incident radiation). Over 80% of skin cancers occur on the face, head, neck and back of the hands. The quantification, as well as the mapping of the anatomical distribution of solar radiation on the human form, is essential if we are to study the etiology of skin cancers or cataracts or immune system suppression. Using advances in computer graphics, including high‐resolution three‐dimensional mathematical representations of the human form, the calculation of irradiance has been attained to subcentimeter precision. Lighting detail included partitioning of direct beam and diffuse skylight, shadowing effects and gradations of model surface illumination depending on model surface geometry and incident light angle. With the incorporation of ray‐tracing and irradiance algorithms, the results are not only realistic renderings but also accurate representations of the distribution of light on the subject model. The calculation of light illumination at various receptor points across the anatomy provides information about differential radiant exposure as a function of subject posture, orientation relative to the sun and sun elevation. The integration of a geodesic sun‐tracking model into the lighting module enabled simulation of specific sun exposure scenarios, with instantaneous irradiance, as well as the cumulative radiant exposure, calculated for a given latitude, date, time of day and duration. Illustration of instantaneous irradiance or cumulative radiant exposure is achieved using a false‐color rendering—mapping light intensity to color—creating irradiance or exposure isopleths. This approach may find application in the determination of the reduction in exposure that one achieves by wearing a hat, shirt or sunglasses. More fundamentally, such an analysis tool could provide improved estimates of scenario‐specific dose (i.e. absorbed radiant exposure) needed to develop dose‐response functions for sunlight‐induced disease.
Role of p38 Mitogen‐activated Protein Kinase and Caspases in UV‐B‐induced Apoptosis of Murine Peritoneal Macrophages¶
Authors: Sethi Gautam , Sodhi Ajit
Published: January 2011

The mechanisms of ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B)‐induced apoptosis and the role of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) were investigated in murine peritoneal macrophages. Exposure of murine peritoneal macrophages to UV‐B irradiation induced rapid apoptosis concurrent with DNA fragmentation and activation of caspase‐3 but did not activate caspase‐1. UV‐B irradiation (100 mJ/cm2) also induced expression of phospho‐p38 and ‐c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) MAPK; however, no significant expression of phospho‐p42/44 was observed 120 min after exposure. Pretreatment of macrophages with a p38 MAPK inhibitor, 4‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐5‐(4‐pyridyl)‐1H‐imidazole (SB202190), and a caspase‐3 inhibitor, N‐acetyl‐Asp‐Glu‐Val‐Asp‐CHO, suppressed UV‐B irradiation‐induced apoptosis as observed by DNA laddering and DNA fragmentation estimation quantitatively. Pretreatment with caspase‐1 inhibitor, N‐acetyl‐Tyr‐Val‐Ala‐Asp‐CHO, had no effect. UV‐B‐induced caspase‐3 activation resulted in the cleavage of poly‐(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP), which was inhibited by the caspase‐3 inhibitor. SB202190 pretreatment also prevented activation of caspase‐3 and the cleavage of PARP. However, the caspase‐3 and ‐1 inhibitors did not affect UV‐B‐induced expression of phospho‐p38 and ‐JNK. These results suggest that activation of p38 MAPK upstream of caspases might play an important role in the apoptotic process of macrophages exposed to UV‐B irradiation.
Effects of UVR and UVR‐induced Cytokines on Production of Extracellular Matrix Proteins and Proteases by Dermal Fibroblasts Cultured in Collagen Gels¶
Authors: Kossodo Sylvie , Wong Wen‐Rou , Simon Gabriel , Kochevar Irene E.
Published: January 2011

Synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and their degradation by matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are part of the dermal remodeling resulting from chronic exposure of skin to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). We have compared two alternative mechanisms for these responses, namely, a direct mechanism in which UV‐B or UV‐A is absorbed by fibroblasts and an indirect mechanism in which cytokines, produced in skin in response to UVR, stimulate production of the ECM proteins and MMP. These studies were carried out on human dermal fibroblasts grown in contracted, free‐floating 9 day old collagen gels as a dermal equivalent. Synthesis of tropoelastin, collagen, fibrillin, MMP‐1, ‐2, ‐3 and ‐9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP)‐1 and ‐2 were measured. Tropoelastin, collagen and fibrillin levels were stable between days 4 and 10, and MMP and TIMP decreased by day 10. Neither UV‐B (2.5–50 mJ/cm2) nor UV‐A (2–12 J/cm2) altered synthesis of ECM proteins, but UV‐A increased MMP‐1 and ‐3 production. Tropoelastin synthesis increased in response to transforming growth factor‐β1 (5 ng/mL) treatment. Both interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α (10 ng/mL) decreased fibrillin messenger RNA levels but increased MMP‐1, ‐3 and ‐9 synthesis markedly. Collagen synthesis was not modulated by UV‐B, UV‐A or cytokine treatment. These results indicate that certain cytokines may have greater effects on production of ECM proteins and MMP than absorption of UV‐B and UV‐A by fibroblasts grown in dermal equivalents and suggest that the former pathway may play a role in the dermal remodeling in photoaged skin.
Calcium Is Involved in Photomovement of Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803¶
Authors: Moon Yoon‐Jung , Park Young Mok , Chung Young‐Ho , Choi Jong‐Soon
Published: January 2011

The unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (Syn6803) exhibits photomovement through gliding motility. For a better understanding of photomovement in Syn6803, we examined the effects of Ca2+ on photoorientation and motility using a computer‐assisted videomicroscope motion analysis system. When calcium ion was chelated from the basic motility medium by adding 0.5 mM ethylene glycol‐bis‐(β‐aminoethyl ether)‐N, N, N', N'‐tetraacetic acid (EGTA), the photoorientation was completely inhibited, whereas the gliding motility remained approximately 70% of the control. Photoorientation impaired by EGTA was nearly recovered within 30 min upon addition of 1 mM Ca2+. The recovery of photoorientation by Ca2+ was mimicked by either Mn2+ or Mg2+ but not by Ba2+ or Sr2+. Lanthanum ion at 10 μM completely inhibited both phototactic orientation and gliding motility of Syn6803. Furthermore, pimozide (voltage‐gated L‐type calcium channel inhibitor), orthovanadate (calcium efflux blocker) and A23187 (calcium ionophore) partially inhibited phototactic orientation and gliding motility. Interestingly, photoorientation was prevented with increasing concentrations of calmodulin antagonist such as trifluoperazine (TFP) and chlorpromazine, but gliding motility was inhibited in proportion to the concentration of TFP. The results we present strongly indicate that Ca2+ plays a significant role in regulating the photomovement of Syn6803.
Two Conceptions of Technical Malfunction
Authors: JESPERSEN BJØRN , CARRARA MASSIMILIANO
Published: January 2011

The topic of this paper is the notion of technical (as opposed to biological) malfunction. It is shown how to form the property being a malfunctioning F from the property F and the property modifier malfunctioning (a mapping taking a property to a property). We present two interpretations of malfunctioning. Both interpretations agree that a malfunctioning F lacks the dispositional property of functioning as an F. However, its subsective interpretation entails that malfunctioning Fs are Fs, whereas its privative interpretation entails that malfunctioning Fs are not Fs. We chart various of their respective logical consequences and discuss some of the philosophical implications of both interpretations.
Performance Effects Related to the Sequence of Integration of Healthcare Technologies
Authors: Angst Corey M. , Devaraj Sarv , Queenan Carrie C. , Greenwood Brad
Published: January 2011

There is a natural order to most events in life: Everything from learning to read to DNA sequences in molecular biology follows some predetermined, structured methodology that has been refined to yield improved results. Likewise, it would seem that firms could benefit by adopting and implementing technologies in some logical way so as to increase their overall performance. In this study of 555 hospitals, we investigate the order in which medical technologies are transformed into information technologies through a process of converting them from stand‐alone technologies to interoperable, integrated information systems and whether certain configurations of sequences of integration yield additional value. We find that sequence does matter and that hospitals that integrated foundational technologies first—which in this case are known to be more complex—tend to perform better. Theoretical and practical implications of this finding and others are discussed.
The Effect of Integrated Scheduling and Capacity Policies on Clinical Efficiency
Authors: White Denise L. , Froehle Craig M. , Klassen Kenneth J.
Published: January 2011

In outpatient healthcare clinics, capacity, patient flow, and scheduling are rarely managed in an integrated fashion, so a question of interest is whether clinic performance can be improved if the policies that guide these decisions are set jointly. Despite the potential importance of this issue, we find surprisingly few studies that look at how the allocation of capacity, paired with various appointment scheduling policies and different patient flow configurations, affects patient flow and clinical efficiency. In this paper, we develop an empirically based discrete‐event simulation to examine the interactions between patient appointment policies and capacity allocation policies (i.e., the number of available examination rooms) and how they jointly affect various performance measures, such as resource utilization and patient waiting time. Findings suggest that scheduling lower‐variance, shorter appointments earlier in the clinic (and, conversely, higher‐variance, longer appointments later) results in less overall patient waiting without reducing physician utilization or increasing clinic duration. Additionally, exam rooms exhibited classic bottleneck behavior: there was no effect on physician utilization by adding exam rooms beyond a certain threshold, but too few exam rooms were devastating to clinic throughput. Some significant interactions between these variables were observed, but were not influential to the level of managerial concern. Clinicians' intuition about managing capacity in healthcare settings may differ substantially from best policies.
Radiological interpretation of the navicular bone
Authors: Dyson S.
Published: January 2011

Accurate radiological interpretation of a navicular bone requires at least a true lateromedial (LM) image, dorsoproximal‐palmarodistal oblique (DPr‐PaDiO) and palmaroproximal‐palmarodistal oblique (PaPr‐PaDIO) images. Additional information is sometimes acquired from a weightbearing dorsopalmar (DPa) image. The LM image is used to assess thickness of the palmar cortex, proximal or distal extension of the palmar cortex, demarcation between the cortex and spongiosa and the presence of periarticular osteophytes. The number, size, shape and position of radiolucent zones along the distal borders of the navicular bone are assessed in a PaPr‐PaDiO image, together with the presence of central or acentric radiolucent osseous cyst‐like lesions in the spongiosa, proximal or distal border entheseophytes, distal or proximal border fragments and a fracture. The PaPr‐PaDiO image is used to identify radiolucent lesions in the palmar cortex and to confirm the thickness of the palmar cortex and the presence of a fracture, and to assess the trabecular architecture of the spongiosa. The presence of a bipartite or tripartite navicular bone is determined from DPr‐PaDiO, PaPr‐PaDiO and DPa images.
A New OCTG Strength Equation for Collapse Under External Load Only
Authors: Sun Yong-Xing , Lin Yuan-Hua , Wang Zhong-Sheng , Shi Tai-He , Liu Hong-Bin , Liao Ping , Shen Xiang-Dong
Published: January 2011

The influence of manufacturing technology and imperfections on casing collapse strength is not considered in API bulletin 5C3. In the meantime, the current casing true collapse strength cannot be predicted accurately by API bulletin 5C3. For these cases, the joint API/ISO work group ISOTC67 SC5 WG2b has proposed the current API bulletin 5C3 and presented a new collapse strength model with manufacturing imperfections, such as ovality, eccentricity, residual stress, etc., which improves the casing strength calculation accuracy and benefits much more for casing strength design rather than just using API bulletin 5C3. The study on the new ISO collapse model has found that it cannot be used to predict the collapse strength of all pipe sizes, and the current study results are greatly different from actual conditions, which is not the last goal to propose API bulletin 5C3 for the joint API/ISO work group ISOTC67 SC5 WG2b. So, based on the new ISO collapse model, a new oil country tubular goods (OCGT) strength equation, “new equation” for predicting all OCTG sizes collapse strength under external load only has been presented in this paper. Numerical and experimental comparisons show that there is a safety margin appropriate to the desired target reliability level between the predictive values calculated by the new equation and test collapse data, and the new equation calculation accuracy is higher than that of API and ISO, which will make great improvements in the casing design of deep and superdeep wells on the basis of guaranteeing casing material safety.
Development of a compact neutron source based on field ionization processes
Authors: Persaud Arun , Allen Ian , Dickinson Michael R. , Schenkel Thomas , Kapadia Rehan , Takei Kuniharu , Javey Ali
Published: January 2011

The authors report on the use of carbon nanofiber nanoemitters to ionize deuterium atoms for the generation of neutrons in a deuterium-deuterium reaction in a preloaded target. Acceleration voltages in the range of 50–80 kV are used. Field emission of electrons is investigated to characterize the emitters. The experimental setup and sample preparation are described and first data of neutron production are presented. Ongoing experiments to increase neutron production yields by optimizing the field emitter geometry and surface conditions are discussed.
Discovery of a Viral NLR Homolog that Inhibits the Inflammasome
Authors: Gregory Sean M. , Davis Beckley K. , West John A. , Taxman Debra J. , Matsuzawa Shu-ichi , Reed John C. , Ting Jenny P. Y. , Damania Blossom
Published: January 2011

A viral homolog of a host microbial sensor inhibits viral detection by the host and subsequent antiviral immunity.
Disclosing Identities in Diffuse Interstellar Bands
Authors: Oka Takeshi , McCall Benjamin J.
Published: January 2011

The linear isomer of C
3
H
2
has been proposed as the source of broad absorption bands in diffuse interstellar clouds, but it is still being debated.
Another Microbial Pathway for Acetate Assimilation
Authors: Ensign Scott A.
Published: January 2011

In a salt-loving Archaeon, a patchwork of enzymes creates a variation of the glyoxylate cycle.
Open Access Gains Support; Fees and Journal Quality Deter Submissions
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: January 2011

Scientists love open-access papers as readers, but they are less enthusiastic about submitting their papers to open-access journals, according to a new study.
A Field Back in Vogue
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: January 2011

The Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission have launched a series of programs to support training and education in nuclear sciences. Enrollments have nearly doubled since 2004, but experts say that's only enough to catch up with the demand of the last decade.
Soccer and the Art of Deception
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: January 2011

In soccer, goals have been scored and games won when free kicks were wrongly awarded because players faked collisions with opponents. A group of researchers reported at the meeting that they have found empirical support in the antics of footballers for game-theory predictions about dishonest signals.
Characterization of Infecting Strains and Superantigen-Neutralizing Antibodies in
Staphylococcus aureus
Bacteremia
Authors: Grumann Dorothee , Ruotsalainen Eeva , Kolata Julia , Kuusela Pentti , Järvinen Asko , Kontinen Vesa P. , Bröker Barbara M. , Holtfreter Silva
Published: January 2011

Staphylococcus aureus
superantigens (SAgs) are highly potent T cell mitogens. Antibodies against non-enterotoxin gene cluster (non-
egc
) SAgs are common in healthy adults, whereas neutralizing antibodies against
egc
SAgs are rare. We investigated the infecting
S. aureus
strains and the anti-SAg antibody response during
S. aureus
bacteremia (SAB). This prospective clinical study (
www.clinicaltrials.gov
,
NCT00548002
) included 43 injection drug users (IDUs) and 44 group-matched nonaddicts with SAB.
spa
genotypes and SAg gene patterns (multiplex PCR) of the
S. aureus
isolates were determined. The neutralizing capacities of sera obtained at the acute phase and the convalescent phase of SAB were tested against the SAg cocktail of the respective infecting strain and a panel of recombinant SAgs. The lineages CC59 and CC30 were more prevalent among bacteremia strains from IDUs than among strains from nonaddicts. SAg gene patterns in isolates from IDUs and nonaddicts were similar. At the acute phase of bacteremia, IDUs had more neutralizing antibodies against non-
egc
SAgs than did nonaddicts. Antibody titers frequently increased during infection. In contrast, there were no neutralizing antibodies against
egc
SAgs at disease onset and such antibodies were not induced by SAB. SAB triggers an antibody response only against non-
egc
SAgs. Preimmunization in IDU patients is probably due to previous exposure to the infecting strain.
Screening for Urinary Tract Infection with the Sysmex UF-1000i Urine Flow Cytometer
Authors: Broeren Maarten A. C. , Bahçeci Semiha , Vader Huib L. , Arents Niek L. A.
Published: January 2011

The diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) by urine culture is time-consuming and can produce up to 60 to 80% negative results. Fast screening methods that can reduce the necessity for urine cultures will have a large impact on overall turnaround time and laboratory economics. We have evaluated the detection of bacteria and leukocytes by a new urine analyzer, the UF-1000i, to identify negative urine samples that can be excluded from urine culture. In total, 1,577 urine samples were analyzed and compared to urine culture. Urine culture showed growth of ≥10
3
CFU/ml in 939 samples (60%). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves and ROC decision plots were been prepared at three different gold standard definitions of a negative urine culture: no growth, growth of bacteria at <10
4
CFU/ml, and growth of bacteria at <10
5
CFU/ml. Also, the reduction in urine cultures and the percentage of false negatives were calculated. At the most stringent gold standard definition of no growth, a chosen sensitivity of 95% resulted in a cutoff value of 26 bacteria/μl, a specificity of 43% and a reduction in urine cultures of only 20%, of which 14% were false negatives. However, at a gold standard definition of <10
5
CFU/ml and a sensitivity of 95%, the UF-1000i cutoff value was 230 bacteria/μl, the specificity was 80%, and the reduction in urine cultures was 52%, of which 0.3% were false negatives. The applicability of the UF-1000i to screen for negative urine samples strongly depends on population characteristics and the definition of a negative urine culture. In our setting, however, the low workload savings and the high percentage of false-negative results do not warrant the UF-1000i to be used as a screening analyzer.
Relapse of Enterococcus hirae Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis
Authors: Talarmin J. P. , Pineau S. , Guillouzouic A. , Boutoille D. , Giraudeau C. , Reynaud A. , Lepelletier D. , Corvec S.
Published: January 2011

Enterococcus hirae
, a Gram-positive bacterium, is a rare isolate in clinical specimens. We report an unusual case of a relapse of prosthetic valve endocarditis due to
E. hirae
6 months after the initial episode. Clonal relationship was proven by genomic analysis.
Analysis of Emergence of Quinolone-Resistant Gonococci in Greece by Combined Use of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Multiantigen Sequence Typing and Multilocus Sequence Typing
Authors: Mavroidi Angeliki , Tzelepi Eva , Siatravani Eirini , Godoy Daniel , Miriagou Vivi , Spratt Brian G.
Published: January 2011

The prevalence of quinolone-resistant
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
(QRNG) in Greece remained low from 1997 to 2003 but increased dramatically from 11% to 56% between 2004 and 2007.
N. gonorrhoeae
multiantigen sequence typing (NG-MAST) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) were used to investigate trends in quinolone resistance from 1997 to 2007 and explore the origins of the recent increase in QRNG. We characterized 295 QRNG isolates from the study period and 233 quinolone-susceptible (QS) gonococci from 2004 and 2005, when the rapid increase in QRNG occurred. From 1997 to 1999, an outbreak of QRNG was due to the dissemination of isolates of serovar Arst that belonged to two closely related genotypes. Few QRNG isolates, of diverse genotypes, were present between 2001 and 2003, whereas the sharp increase in QRNG from 2004 onwards was due to the appearance of serovar Bropyst isolates of several major NG-MAST sequence type (STs) that previously had not been identified in Greece. These isolates were shown by MLST to be variants of a single multiply antibiotic-resistant QRNG strain (ST1901) that appeared in Greece and rapidly diversified into 31 NG-MAST STs. There were no isolates of MLST ST1901 or any of the 31 NG-MAST STs among QS isolates from 2004 and 2005 or among 8 representatives of multiresistant but quinolone-susceptible serovar Bropyst isolates circulating in Greece during the 1990s, supporting the view that the recent increase in QRNG was due to importation of a QRNG strain(s) of MLST ST1901 into Greece. Recently, multiresistant QRNG isolates of ST1901 with reduced susceptibility to the newer cephalosporins have appeared in Greece.
Comparison of Aptima Trichomonas vaginalis Transcription-Mediated Amplification Assay and BD Affirm VPIII for Detection of T. vaginalis in Symptomatic Women: Performance Parameters and Epidemiological Implications
Authors: Andrea Sarah B. , Chapin Kimberle C.
Published: January 2011

Trichomonas vaginalis
is an underestimated sexually transmitted infection (STI) associated with numerous clinical sequelae. The true prevalence and clinical impact of trichomoniasis are unknown, as current methods of detection exhibit poor sensitivity compared to molecular amplification methods. Limited data exist comparing the BD Affirm VPIII hybridization assay to the Gen-Probe Aptima
T. vaginalis
(ATV) transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) assay for detection of
T. vaginalis
. In this study, specimens from 766 patients were evaluated. Specimens were retrieved consecutively from patients with vaginal complaints and/or with histories suggestive of STI. Study inclusion was dependent upon the request for and collection of both a vaginal swab for Affirm and a specimen for Aptima Combo 2 by the health care provider during the same office visit. Affirm was performed using the specific collection swab and the transport provided for the test. The ATV assay was performed on remnant Aptima Combo 2 specimens. A second ATV TMA assay, utilizing an alternate
T. vaginalis
primer and probe set, was performed on all specimens positive by the initial TMA and/or the Affirm assay. Infected-patient status was defined as positive
T. vaginalis
test results by at least 2 assays. Overall, 5.1% of subjects were positive for
T. vaginalis. T. vaginalis
was most prevalent in women who were 36 to 45 (11.9%), 51 to 60 (7.7%), and 16 to 25 (4.2%) years of age. The ATV assay was statistically more sensitive than the Affirm assay (100% versus 63.4%,
P
< 0.0001), identifying 36.6% more positive patients.
Vital Role for CD8+Cells in Controlling Retroviral Infections
Authors: Kane Melissa , Case Laure K. , Golovkina Tatyana V.
Published: January 2011

Antiviral adaptive immune defenses consist of humoral and cell-mediated responses, which together eliminate extracellular and intracellular virus. As most retrovirus-infected individuals do not raise efficient protective antivirus immune responses, the relative importance of humoral and cell-mediated responses in restraining retroviral infection is not well understood. We utilized retrovirus-resistant I/LnJ mice, which control infection with mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) and murine leukemia virus (MuLV) via an adaptive immune mechanism, to assess the contribution of cellular responses and virus-neutralizing antibodies (Abs) to the control of retroviral infection. We found that in retrovirus-infected CD8-deficient I/LnJ mice, viral titers exceed the neutralizing capability of antiviral Abs, resulting in augmented virus spread and disease induction. Thus, even in the presence of robust neutralizing Ab responses, CD8-mediated responses are essential for full protection against retroviral infection.
Human Cytomegalovirus Disrupts the Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Peptide-Loading Complex and Inhibits Tapasin Gene Transcription
Authors: Halenius Anne , Hauka Sebastian , Dölken Lars , Stindt Jan , Reinhard Henrike , Wiek Constanze , Hanenberg Helmut , Koszinowski Ulrich H. , Momburg Frank , Hengel Hartmut
Published: January 2011

Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) molecules present antigenic peptides for CD8
+
T-cell recognition. Prior to cell surface expression, proper MHC I loading is conducted by the peptide-loading complex (PLC), composed of the MHC I heavy chain (HC) and β
2
-microglobulin (β
2
m), the peptide transporter TAP, and several chaperones, including tapasin. Tapasin connects peptide-receptive MHC I molecules to the PLC, thereby facilitating loading of high-affinity peptides onto MHC I. To cope with CD8
+
T-cell responses, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) encodes several posttranslational strategies inhibiting peptide transport and MHC I biogenesis which have been studied extensively in transfected cells. Here we analyzed assembly of the PLC in naturally HCMV-infected fibroblasts throughout the protracted replication cycle. MHC I incorporation into the PLC was absent early in HCMV infection. Subsequently, tapasin neosynthesis became strongly reduced, while tapasin steady-state levels diminished only slowly in infected cells, revealing a blocked synthesis rather than degradation. Tapasin mRNA levels were continuously downregulated during infection, while
tapasin
transcripts remained stable and long-lived. Taking advantage of a novel method by which
de novo
transcribed RNA is selectively labeled and analyzed, an immediate decline of
tapasin
transcription was seen, followed by downregulation of TAP2 and TAP1 gene expression. However, upon forced expression of
tapasin
in HCMV-infected cells, repair of MHC I incorporation into the PLC was relatively inefficient, suggesting an additional level of HCMV interference. The data presented here document a two-pronged coordinated attack on tapasin function by HCMV.
The Herpes Simplex Virus Immediate-Early Ubiquitin Ligase ICP0 Induces Degradation of the ICP0 Repressor Protein E2FBP1
Authors: Fukuyo Yayoi , Horikoshi Nobuo , Ishov Alexander M. , Silverstein Saul J. , Nakajima Takuma
Published: January 2011

E2FBP1/hDRIL1, a DNA-binding A/T-rich interaction domain (ARID) family transcription factor, is expressed ubiquitously in human tissues and plays an essential role in maintaining the proliferation potential of passage-limited human fibroblasts by dissociating promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML-NBs). This effect on PML-NBs is similar to that of viral immediate-early gene products, such as infected cellular protein 0 (ICP0) from human herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), which also disrupts PML-NBs to override the intrinsic cellular defense. Here we report that E2FBP1 inhibits accumulation of ICP0 RNA and, at the same time, is degraded via ICP0's herpes ubiquitin ligase 2 (HUL-2) activity upon HSV-1 infection. These reciprocal regulatory roles of ICP0 and E2FBP1 are linked in an ARID-dependent fashion. Our results suggest that E2FBP1 functions as an intrinsic cellular defense factor in spite of its PML-NB dissociation function.
Adenovirus Virus-Associated RNAs Induce Type I Interferon Expression through a RIG-I-Mediated Pathway
Authors: Minamitani Takeharu , Iwakiri Dai , Takada Kenzo
Published: January 2011

The current study demonstrates that adenovirus virus-associated RNA (VA) is recognized by retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I), a cytosolic pattern recognition receptor, and activates RIG-I downstream signaling, leading to the induction of type I interferons (IFNs), similarly to Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA. Further analysis revealed that adenovirus infection leads to biphasic type I IFN induction at 12 to 24 h and 48 to 60 h postinfection. The later induction coincided with VA expression and was reduced by virus UV inactivation or RIG-I silencing. These results suggest that VA-mediated RIG-I activation is involved in activating innate immune responses during adenovirus infection.
Reappraisal of the Relationship between the HIV-1-Protective Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism 35 Kilobases Upstream of theHLA-CGene and Surface HLA-C Expression
Authors: Corrah Tumena W. , Goonetilleke Nilu , Kopycinski Jakub , Deeks Steven G. , Cohen Myron S. , Borrow Persephone , McMichael Andrew , Brackenridge Simon
Published: January 2011

Previous studies have found an association between a single-nucleotide polymorphism 35 kb upstream of theHLA-Clocus (−35 SNP), HLA-C expression, and HIV-1 set point viral loads. We show that the difference in HLA-C expression across −35 SNP genotypes can be attributed primarily to the very low expression of a single allelic product, HLA-Cw7, which is a common HLA type. We suggest that association of the −35 SNP and HIV-1 load manifests as a result of linkage disequilibrium of this polymorphism with both favorable and unfavorable HLA-C and -B alleles.
A Herpesvirus Virulence Factor Inhibits Dendritic Cell Maturation through Protein Phosphatase 1 and IκB Kinase
Authors: Jin Huali , Yan Zhipeng , Ma Yijie , Cao Youjia , He Bin
Published: January 2011

Dendritic cells are sentinels in innate and adaptive immunity. Upon virus infection, a complex program is in operation, which activates IκB kinase (IKK), a key regulator of inflammatory cytokines and costimulatory molecules. Here we show that the γ
1
34.5 protein, a virulence factor of herpes simplex viruses, blocks Toll-like receptor-mediated dendritic cell maturation. While the wild-type virus inhibits the induction of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, CD86, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-12, the γ
1
34.5-null mutant does not. Notably, γ
1
34.5 works in the absence of any other viral proteins. When expressed in mammalian cells, including dendritic cells, γ
1
34.5 associates with IKKα/β and inhibits NF-κB activation. This is mirrored by the inhibition of IKKα/β phosphorylation, p65/RelA phosphorylation, and nuclear translocation in response to lipopolysaccharide or poly(I:C) stimulation. Importantly, γ
1
34.5 recruits both IKKα/β and protein phosphatase 1, forming a complex that dephosphorylates two serine residues within the catalytic domains of IκB kinase. The amino-terminal domain of γ
1
34.5 interacts with IKKα/β, whereas the carboxyl-terminal domain binds to protein phosphatase 1. Deletions or mutations in either domain abolish the activity of γ
1
34.5. These results suggest that the control of IκB kinase dephosphorylation by γ
1
34.5 represents a critical viral mechanism to disrupt dendritic cell functions.
Involvement of p32 and Microtubules in Alteration of Mitochondrial Functions by Rubella Virus
Authors: Claus C. , Chey S. , Heinrich S. , Reins M. , Richardt B. , Pinkert S. , Fechner H. , Gaunitz F. , Schäfer I. , Seibel P. , Liebert U. G.
Published: January 2011

The interaction of the rubella virus (RV) capsid (C) protein and the mitochondrial p32 protein is believed to participate in virus replication. In this study, the physiological significance of the association of RV with mitochondria was investigated by silencing p32 through RNA interference. It was demonstrated that downregulation of p32 interferes with microtubule-directed redistribution of mitochondria in RV-infected cells. However, the association of the viral C protein with mitochondria was not affected. When cell lines either pretreated with respiratory chain inhibitors or cultivated under (mild) hypoxic conditions were infected with RV, viral replication was reduced in a time-dependent fashion. Additionally, RV infection induces increased activity of mitochondrial electron transport chain complex III, which was associated with an increase in the mitochondrial membrane potential. These effects are outstanding among the examples of mitochondrial alterations caused by viruses. In contrast to the preferential localization of p32 to the mitochondrial matrix in most cell lines, RV-permissive cell lines were characterized by an almost exclusive membrane association of p32. Conceivably, this contributes to p32 function(s) during RV replication. The data presented suggest that p32 fulfills an essential function for RV replication in directing trafficking of mitochondria near sites of viral replication to meet the energy demands of the virus.
Injuries patterns among professional golfers: an international survey
Authors: Barclay Caroline , West Sophie , Shoaib Qasim , Morrissey Dylan , Langdown Ben
Published: January 2011

Background

Golf is a popular sport played worldwide. The majority of professional golfers work as teaching professionals based at golf clubs. All professional players spend numerous hours on the golf course, placing themselves at increased risk of injury. There have been no recent, large studies investigating injury patterns among male and female professional golfers.

Objective

To investigate the frequency, types and mechanism of injury sustained by male and female professional golfers and to compare injury patterns between touring and teaching professionals.

Methods

Injury data was analysed from 526 professional golfers recruited through the Professional Golfers Association database. A web based survey was conducted focusing on injury frequency, location and mechanism and any subsequent time or income loss.

Results

70% of the study population were full time teaching or club professionals and 5% were full time touring players. Overall 66% had sustained an injury during their professional career and 31% had injured themselves within the last year. There were no significant gender differences (x2=0.25, P=0.62). The most frequently injured sites were lower back (44%), wrist (44%), elbow (23%), neck (20%) and shoulder (19%). Men were 2.5 times more likely to sustain a lower back injury than women (OR 2.53). There was no relationship between the number of hours spent playing golf and likelihood of injury (x2=17.30, p value=0.16). Most players took time out from playing golf (72%) and received physiotherapy following injury (83%).

Conclusion

The majority of professional golfers will sustain an injury at some point during their career. The back and wrist are the most commonly injured sites. There were no differences in the frequency or types of injury sustained by touring and teaching professional golfers.
Achilles tendon thickness, ultrasound signs and symptoms in skaters, gymnasts, elite soccer players, club athletes and healthy sedentary adults - a cross-sectional study
Authors: Perry M , Morrissey D , Emerson C , Teatino R , Shaikh Z , Mitchell S , O'Driscoll G , Ahmad M , Maffulli N
Published: January 2011

Background

Little is known about differences between various sports in terms of Achilles tendon pathology and ultrasonographic (US) findings. An improved knowledge of these differences may help to shed light on possible aetiological factors and guide multi-sport sports medicine support.

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare Achilles tendon pathology, ultrasound signs and mid-tendon thickness between healthy sedentary controls, gymnasts, skaters, athletes and soccer players.

Methodology

111 controls, 40 elite gymnasts/tumblers, 17 elite skaters, 25 elite soccer players and 25 club athletes of mean (SD) age 21.7 (10) years were recruited. The existence of lifetime and present Achilles tendon symptoms were recorded. Mid tendon longitudinal thickness, hypoechoic areas and neovascularisation were determined with high-resolution ultrasound. χ2tests were used to compare sports groups for pathology and US signs, and ANCOVA for tendon morphology.

Results

Both tendons from each participant were included in the analysis. Groups differed in terms of the existence of present symptoms (p<0.001), symptoms ever (p<0.001), hypoechoic areas (p<0.001) and neovascularity (p<0.001). After adjustment for gender, age, lifetime Achilles pathology, height and weight, the groups also differed (p<0.001) in mid tendon thickness (table 1). Posthoc tests showed significant differences in thickness between tendons of controls and gymnasts, controls and soccer players, gymnasts and skaters, gymnasts and athletes, soccer players and skaters, and soccer players and athletes.

ControlsGymnastsSkatersSoccer playersAthletesPresent symptoms (% of tendons)1.415008Past symptoms (% of tendons)7.23511.81842Hypoechoic areas (% of tendons)51005811Neovascularisation (% of tendons)0.53.801420Mid tendon thickness* (cm)0.48 (0.01)0.53 (0.01)0.437 (0.03)0.546 (0.02)0.480 (0.02)*

Estimated marginal mean (SE), adjusted to age 21.7, height 167.7cm and weight 62.8kg.

Conclusion

There were considerable intersport differences in Achilles tendon pathology and ultrasound findings. Gymnastics, athletics and soccer appeared to have higher risk of Achilles tendinopathy symptoms and ultrasound signs than skaters and controls, implying more vigilance in these sports. Gymnasts and soccer players also have greater tendon thickness, which may be related to greater pathology as all participants with present symptoms had greater tendon thickness (p=0.04).