bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quasiexperimental Study of the Effects of Antibiotic Use, Gastric Acid-Suppressive Agents, and Infection Control Practices on the Incidence of
Clostridium difficile
-Associated Diarrhea in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Aldeyab Mamoon A. , Harbarth Stephan , Vernaz Nathalie , Kearney Mary P. , Scott Michael G. , Funston Chris , Savage Karen , Kelly Denise , Aldiab Motasem A. , McElnay James C.
Published: March 2009

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of antimicrobial drug use, gastric acid-suppressive agent use, and infection control practices on the incidence of
Clostridium difficile
-associated diarrhea (CDAD) in a 426-bed general teaching hospital in Northern Ireland. The study was retrospective and ecological in design. A multivariate autoregressive integrated moving average (time-series analysis) model was built to relate CDAD incidence with antibiotic use, gastric acid-suppressive agent use, and infection control practices within the hospital over a 5-year period (February 2002 to March 2007). The findings of this study showed that temporal variation in CDAD incidence followed temporal variations in expanded-spectrum cephalosporin use (average delay = 2 months; variation of CDAD incidence = 0.01/100 bed-days), broad-spectrum cephalosporin use (average delay = 2 months; variation of CDAD incidence = 0.02/100 bed-days), fluoroquinolone use (average delay = 3 months; variation of CDAD incidence = 0.004/100 bed-days), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid use (average delay = 1 month; variation of CDAD incidence = 0.002/100 bed-days), and macrolide use (average delay = 5 months; variation of CDAD incidence = 0.002/100 bed-days). Temporal relationships were also observed between CDAD incidence and use of histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs; average delay = 1 month; variation of CDAD incidence = 0.001/100 bed-days). The model explained 78% of the variance in the monthly incidence of CDAD. The findings of this study highlight a temporal relationship between certain classes of antibiotics, H2RAs, and CDAD incidence. The results of this research can help hospitals to set priorities for restricting the use of specific antibiotic classes, based on the size-effect of each class and the delay necessary to observe an effect.
Mechanisms of the Hepatic Acute-Phase Response during Bacterial Pneumonia
Authors: Quinton Lee J. , Jones Matthew R. , Robson Bryanne E. , Mizgerd Joseph P.
Published: March 2009

The acute-phase response is characterized by increased circulating levels of acute-phase proteins (APPs) generated by the liver. During bacterial pneumonia, APPs correlate with the severity of disease, serve as biomarkers, and are functionally significant. The kinetics and regulatory mechanisms of APP induction in the liver during lung infection have yet to be defined. Here we show that APP mRNA transcription is induced in the livers of mice whose lungs are infected with either
Escherichia coli
or
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, and that in both cases this induction occurs in tandem with activation in the liver of the transcription factors signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and NF-κB RelA. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) deficiency inhibited the activation of STAT3 and the induction of select APPs in the livers of pneumonic mice. Furthermore, liver RelA activation and APP induction were reduced for mice lacking all signaling receptors for tumor necrosis factor alpha and IL-1. In a murine hepatocyte cell line, knockdown of either STAT3 or RelA by small interfering RNA inhibited cytokine induction of the APP serum amyloid A-1, demonstrating that both transcription factors were independently essential for the expression of this gene. These data suggest that during pneumonia caused by gram-negative or gram-positive bacteria, the expression of APPs in the liver depends on STAT3 activation by IL-6 and on RelA activation by early-response cytokines. These signaling axes may be critical for integrating systemic responses to local infection, balancing antibacterial host defenses and inflammatory injury during acute bacterial pneumonia.
Resistance ofHaemophilus influenzaeto Reactive Nitrogen Donors and Gamma Interferon-Stimulated Macrophages Requires the Formate-Dependent Nitrite Reductase Regulator-ActivatedytfEGene
Authors: Harrington Jane C. , Wong Sandy M. S. , Rosadini Charles V. , Garifulin Oleg , Boyartchuk Victor , Akerley Brian J.
Published: March 2009

Haemophilus influenzaeefficiently colonizes and persists at the human nasopharyngeal mucosa, causing disease when it spreads to other sites. Nitric oxide (NO) represents a major antimicrobial defense deployed by host cells in locations colonized byH. influenzaeduring pathogenesis that are likely to vary in oxygen levels. Formate-dependent nitrite reductase regulator (FNR) is an oxygen-sensitive regulator in several bacterial pathogens. We report thatfnrofH. influenzaeis required for anaerobic defense against exposure to NO donors and to resist NO-dependent effects of gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-activated murine bone marrow-derived macrophages. To understand the mechanism of resistance, we investigated the role of FNR-regulated genes in defense against NO sources. Expression analysis revealed FNR-dependent activation ofnrfA,dmsA,napA, andytfE. Nonpolar deletion mutants ofnrfAandytfEexhibited sensitivity to NO donors, and theytfEgene was more critical for survival. Compared to the wild-type strain, theytfEmutant exhibited decreased survival when exposed to macrophages, a defect that was more pronounced after prior stimulation of macrophages with IFN-γ or lipopolysaccharide. Complementation restored survival of the mutant to the level in the parental strain. Increased sensitivity of theytfEmutant relative to that of the parent was abrogated by treatment of macrophages with a NO synthase inhibitor, implicating YtfE in resistance to a NO-dependent pathway. These results identify a requirement for FNR in positive control ofytfEand indicate a critical role forytfEin resistance ofH. influenzaeto reactive nitrogen species and the antibacterial effects of macrophages.
Role of HrpA in Biofilm Formation of
Neisseria meningitidis
and Regulation of the
hrpBAS
Transcripts
Authors: Neil R. Brock , Apicella Michael A.
Published: March 2009

Two-partner secretion systems of gram-negative organisms are utilized in adherence, invasion, and biofilm formation. The HrpAB proteins of
Neisseria meningitidis
are members of a two-partner secretion system, and HrpA is established as being important to adherence and intracellular escape. This study set out to determine the expression pattern of members of the
hrpBAS
putative operon and to find a functional role for the HrpA protein. The upregulation of these genes was found in situations of anaerobiosis and cell contact. These observations prompted the study of the function of HrpA in biofilms on human bronchial epithelial cells. HrpA mutants in encapsulated and unencapsulated NMB strains demonstrated biofilm growth equivalent to that of the wild-type strain at 6 h but a decreased ability to form biofilms at 48 h. Biofilms formed by
hrpA
mutants for 48 h on collagen-coated coverslips demonstrated significant reductions compared to those of wild-type strains. Taken together, these observations imply a role for HrpA in the biofilm structure. Further analysis demonstrated the presence of HrpA on the surface of the bacterium.
Rhinitis associated with pesticide exposure among commercial pesticide applicators in the Agricultural Health Study
Authors: Slager R E , Poole J A , LeVan T D , Sandler D P , Alavanja M C R , Hoppin J A
Published: March 2009

Objectives:

Rhinitis is common, but the risk factors are not well described. To investigate the association between current rhinitis and pesticide use, we used data from 2245 Iowa commercial pesticide applicators in the Agricultural Health Study.

Methods:

Using logistic regression models adjusted for age, education and growing up on a farm, we evaluated the association between current rhinitis and 34 pesticides used in the past year.

Results:

74% of commercial pesticide applicators reported at least one episode of rhinitis in the past year (current rhinitis). Five pesticides used in the past year were significantly positively associated with current rhinitis: the herbicides 2,4-D, glyphosate and petroleum oil, the insecticide diazinon and the fungicide benomyl. The association for 2,4-D and glyphosate was limited to individuals who used both in the past year (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.77). Both petroleum oil and diazinon showed consistent evidence of an association with rhinitis, based on both current use and exposure–response models. We saw no evidence of confounding by common agricultural rhinitis triggers such as handling grain or hay.

Conclusions:

Exposure to pesticides may increase the risk of rhinitis.
Helicobacter pyloridetection and genotyping in gastric biopsy specimens from Chennai patients (India)
Authors: Udhayakumar Gopal , Senthilkumar Cinghu , Jayanthi Venkatraman , Devaraj Niranjali , Devaraj Halagowder
Published: March 2009

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and the correlation between cagA and vacA (mid-region) genotypes with different clinical outcomes from Chennai, India, patients. Biopsies from the antrum were taken to assess the current H. pylori status by histology, rapid urease test (RUT), and PCR. The RUT and PCR analyses were carried out on a single biopsy specimen. Fasting sera were obtained from all patients and H. pylori status was determined by using ELISA. In addition, the correlations between cagA and vacA genotypes and the consequence of H. pylori infection were statistically examined. Prevalence of the cagA gene was found in 96% (90/94) of patients, and the vacA m2 subtype occurred in 60% (56/94), whereas 32% (30/94) showed the vacA m1 subtype. A significant association between the cagA and vacA m2 region (χ2 = 5.556; p < 0.01) was found in ulcer patients. The vacA m2 genotype showed a near-significant value (χ2 = 3.943; p < 0.047) in ulcer patients when compared with vacA m1. These findings suggest that H. pylori strains with the vacA m2 region were predominant in South India, especially in and around Chennai. This study also showed that PCR has a potential value for studying the cagA gene directly from biopsy specimens.
A modified suspension test for estimating the mutagenicity of samples containing free and (or) protein-bound histidine
Authors: Liu Bo , Jin Jianling , Cheng Yanfei , Zhang Huaiqiang , Gao Peiji
Published: March 2009

The Ames test has not been very effective in estimating the mutagenicity of histidine-containing samples because external free and (or) protein-bound histidine in these samples would allow the histidine auxotrophs in such test samples to grow more compared with the negative controls that were used as the reference. This could give rise to a false positive.n this study, a modified suspension mutagenicity assay (MS assay) was deveopled. The tester strains were incubated in Luria-Bertani (LB) broth containing different concentrations of traditional Chineses medicines (TCMs) until the declining phase, and the test samples were assayed to be mutagenic or not by observing whether statistically significant differences were demonstrated in the relative reversion frequencies (RRFs) between the negative control groups and the test groups. Collectively, using LB broth as the test medium and comparing the RRFs in the declining phase made this assay less influenced by the presence of histidine in the test samples.The mutagenicity of some TCMs was measured with the MS assay. The results in MS assay were consistent with those in the mammalian bone marrow chromosomal aberration test, which indicated that the MS assay was appropriate to estimate the mutagenicity of samples containing free and (or) protein-bound histidine.
Detection ofBacillus sphaericusmosquitocidal toxin genes by multiplex colony PCR
Authors: Jagtap Santosh C. , Jagtap Chandrakant B. , Kumar Pradeep , Srivastava R. B.
Published: March 2009

A multiplex colony PCR assay was developed for the detection of 5 genes encoding Bacillus sphaericus mosquito larvicidal toxins, namely binA, binB, mtx1, mtx2, and mtx3. Primers designed for these 5 genes yielded specific PCR amplicons of the expected size from type cultures of B. sphaericus. This method of detecting multiple toxin genes by colony PCR in a single tube reaction is a simple, rapid, and economical technique for identification of highly toxic environmental B. sphaericus isolates.
Biofilm evidence and the microbial diversity of horse wounds
Authors: Cochrane Christine A. , Freeman Karen , Woods Emma , Welsby Sarah , Percival Steven L.
Published: March 2009

Evidence of biofilms in human chronic wounds are thought to be responsible for preventing healing in a timely manner. However, biofilm evidence in horse wounds has not yet been documented. Consequently, this study aimed to determine whether biofilms could be detected in wounds, and to investigate the microbiology of chronic wounds in horses. Prior to analysis, wound surfaces were irrigated with 5 mL of sterile saline to remove debris. All wounds were swabbed twice (1 cm2area) using sterile cotton-tipped swabs. In addition to this, 2 tissue biopsies were taken to investigate evidence of biofilm and the microbiology richness of the wounds. All swabs and 1 biopsy sample were transported to the laboratory in Robertson’s cooked meat broth. Traditional culturable techniques and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis with PCR were utilized to identify common bacteria isolated in all wounds. Following analysis of a number of the biopsy samples, biofilms could be clearly seen. The most common bacteria isolated from each wound analysed included Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Staphylococcus epidermidis , Serratia marcescens , Enterococcus faecalis , and Providencia rettgeri . Sequencing of the 16S ribosmonal DNAs, selected on the basis of DGGE profiling, enabled identification of bacterial species not identified using culturable technology. This study is the first to identify biofilms in the chronic wounds of horses. In addition, this study also demonstrated the importance of combining DGGE–PCR with culture techniques to provide better microbiology analysis of chronic wounds.
Isolation and identification of tyramine-producing enterococci from human fecal samples
Authors: Ladero Victor , Fernández María , Alvarez Miguel A.
Published: March 2009

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are recognized as a group of important microorganisms because of their crucial role in food fermentation and their contribution to the maintenance of health homeostasis, as natural inhabitants of the human mucosa. However, the metabolic activities of some strains, such as the ability to synthesize biogenic amines (BAs), can be detrimental to human health. BAs are low molecular weight compounds synthesized by the enzymatic decarboxylation of amino acids. Tyramine, one of the most biologically active BAs, is produced by certain strains of LAB related to food fermentations. Since no data are available as to whether tyramine originates exclusively from food intake, or, like polyamines, could be formed by gut bacteria, this study was focused on the isolation of tyramine-producing LAB from human feces. Different strains of Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis able to produce tyramine in culture conditions were isolated.
Extraction of membrane cholesterol disrupts caveolae and impairs serotonergic (5-HT2A) and histaminergic (H1) responses in bovine airway smooth muscle: role of Rho-kinase
Authors: Sommer Bettina , Montaño Luis M. , Carbajal Verónica , Flores-Soto Edgar , Ortega Alicia , Ramírez-Oseguera Ricardo , Irles Claudine , El-Yazbi Ahmed F. , Cho Woo Jung , Daniel Edwin E.
Published: March 2009

Some receptors and signaling molecules, such as Rho-kinase (ROCK), localize in caveolae. We asked whether the function of histamine receptors (H1) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) receptors (5-HT2A) in bovine tracheal smooth muscle are modified after caveolae disruption and if so, whether the altered ROCK activity plays a role in this modification. Methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD), used to deplete membrane cholesterol, was shown to disrupt caveolae and diminish sustained contractions to histamine (∼80%), 5-HT (100%), α-methyl-5-HT (100%), and KCl (∼30%). Cholesterol-loaded MβCD (CL-MβCD) restored the responses to KCl and partially restored the responses to agonists. ROCK inhibition by Y-27632 diminished contractions to histamine (∼85%) and 5-HT (∼59%). 5-HT or histamine stimulation augmented ROCK activity. These increases were reduced by MβCD and partially reestablished by CL-MβCD. The increase in intracellular Ca2+that was induced by both agonists was reduced by MβCD. The presence of caveolin-1 (Cav-1), H1, 5-HT2A, and ROCK1 was corroborated by immunoblotting of membrane fractions from sucrose gradients and by confocal microscopy. H1receptors coimmunoprecipitated with Cav-1 in caveolar and noncaveolar membrane fractions, whereas 5-HT2Areceptors appeared to be restricted to noncaveolar membrane fractions. We conclude that caveolar and cholesterol integrity are indispensable for the proper functionality of the H1and 5-HT2Areceptors through their Rho/ROCK signaling.
Effect of stimulation frequency on force, net power output, and fatigue in mouse soleus muscle in vitro
Authors: Vassilakos George , James Rob. S. , Cox Valerie M.
Published: March 2009

The effects of electrical stimulation frequency on force, work loop power output, and fatigue of mouse soleus muscle were investigated in vitro at 35 °C. Increasing stimulation frequency did not significantly affect maximal isometric tetanic stress (overall mean ± SD, 205 ± 16.6 kN·m–2between 70 and 160 Hz) but did significantly increase the rate of force generation. The maximal net power output during work loops significantly increased with stimulation frequency: 18.2 ± 3.7, 22.5 ± 3.3, 26.8 ± 3.7, and 28.6 ± 3.4 W·kg–1at 70, 100, 130, and 160 Hz, respectively. The stimulation frequency that was used affected the pattern of fatigue observed during work loop studies. At stimulation frequencies of 100 and 130 Hz, there were periods of mean net negative work during the fatigue tests due to a slowing of relaxation rate. In contrast, mean net work remained positive throughout the fatigue test when stimulation frequencies of 70 and 160 Hz were used. The highest cumulative work during the fatigue test was performed at 70 and 160 Hz, followed by 130 Hz, then 100 Hz. Therefore, stimulation frequency affects power output and the pattern of fatigue in mouse soleus muscle.
Impact of maternal undernutrition on diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk in adult offspring
Authors: Le Clair Caroline , Abbi Tina , Sandhu Heather , Tappia Paramjit S.
Published: March 2009

Epidemiological, clinical, and experimental observations have led to the hypothesis that the risk of developing chronic diseases in adulthood is influenced not only by genetic and adult lifestyle factors, but also by environmental factors during early life. Low birth weight, a marker of intrauterine stress, has been linked to predisposition to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. The compelling animal evidence and significant human data to support this conclusion are reviewed. Specifically, the review discusses the role of maternal nutrition before and during pregnancy, placental insufficiencies and epigenetic changes in the increased predisposition to diabetes and CVD in adult life. The impact of low birth weight and catch-up growth as they pertain to risk of disease in adult life is also discussed. In addition, adult disease risk in the overnourished fetus is also mentioned. Reference is made to some of the mechanisms of the induction of diabetes and CVD phenotype. It is proposed that fetal nutrition, growth and development through efficient maternal nutrition before and during pregnancy could constitute the basis for nutritional strategies for the primary prevention of diabetes and CVD.
Ontogenetic and sexual differences in diet in an actively foraging snake,Thamnophis proximus
Authors: Ford N. B. , Hampton P. M.
Published: March 2009

Actively foraging species of snakes often consume large numbers of small prey, which creates a high meal to snake mass ratio. Because they may also rely on speed to avoid predation, this might negatively influence survival. We examined the diet of 313 western ribbon snakes ( Thamnophis proximus Say in James, 1823), a very attenuated species, in a floodplain in northeastern Texas. Of the 142 individuals with food, adult males ate 9 prey types, followed by females with 8, and juveniles only 6. The ontogenetic increase in prey diversity was predicted. However, female ribbon snakes are larger than males and their fewer prey types may reflect a strategy where smaller prey are dropped from the diet. Seasonal activity of prey and snake class was generally correlated. Overall individual prey sizes were comparably small. However, over 50% of the snakes contained multiple prey and total meal masses were similar to the maximum prey sizes of ambush foragers. Adults stopped feeding at proportionally lower meal mass to predator mass ratios than juveniles. The benefits of rapid growth for juveniles may outweigh predation risks associated with high prey consumption, but for adults of this species, consuming lighter meals may be the most stable strategy.
Ambient temperature is more important than food availability in explaining reproductive timing of the bat Sturnira lilium (Mammalia: Chiroptera) in a montane Atlantic Forest
Authors: Mello M.A.R. , Kalko E.K.V. , Silva W.R.
Published: March 2009

Reproduction of bats is determined by a suite of endogenous and exogenous factors. Among exogenous influences, special attention has been given to the influence of food availability. However, in highland forests, severe decreases in temperature during the cold and dry season may also play an important role. In the present study we tested the influence of ambient temperature and food availability on the timing of reproduction in the frugivorous bat Sturnira lilium (E. Geoffroy, 1810). We conducted a 15-month mist-netting sampling in a mountain area of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest during which time we assessed the bats’ diet through fecal samples, monitored fruit production of the main food plants, and recorded variations in ambient temperature. Sturnira lilium fed almost exclusively on Solanaceae. Similarly to the lowlands, reproduction was bimodal, but reproductive season tended to be shorter in the highlands and peaked in the warmer months of the year. Overall, 44% to 53% of the reproductive pattern was explained by variations in ambient temperature, while the relationship with food availability was nonsignificant. We conclude that variations in ambient temperature in tropical mountains may be a stronger selection pressure than food availability in determining reproductive timing of bats.
GRAVITY LOCALIZATION ON THICK BRANES: A NUMERICAL APPROACH
Authors: BAZEIA D. , GOMES A. R. , LOSANO L.
Published: March 2009

We introduce a numerical procedure to investigate the spectrum of massive modes and its contribution for gravity localization on thick branes. After considering a model with an analytically known Schrödinger potential, we present the method and discuss its applicability. With this procedure we can study several models even when the Schrödinger potential is not known analytically. We discuss both the occurrence of localization of gravity and the correction to the Newtonian potential given by the massive modes.
CATEGORICAL FOUNDATION OF QUANTUM MECHANICS AND STRING THEORY
Authors: NICOLAIDIS A.
Published: March 2009

The unification of quantum mechanics and general relativity remains the primary goal of theoretical physics, with string theory appearing as the only plausible unifying scheme. In the present work, in a search of the conceptual foundations of string theory, we analyze the relational logic developed by C. S. Peirce in the late 19th century. The Peircean logic has the mathematical structure of a category with the relation Rij among two individual terms Si and Sj, serving as an arrow (or morphism). We introduce a realization of the corresponding categorical algebra of compositions, which naturally gives rise to the fundamental quantum laws, thus indicating category theory as the foundation of quantum mechanics. The same relational algebra generates a number of group structures, among them W∞. The group W∞ is embodied and realized by the matrix models, themselves closely linked with string theory. It is suggested that relational logic and in general category theory may provide a new paradigm, within which to develop modern physical theories.
INSTABILITY OF THE PERTURBATION THEORETICAL CHROMODYNAMIC VACUUM
Authors: SRIVASTAVA Y. N. , PANELLA O. , WIDOM A.
Published: March 2009

The standard model of strong interactions invokes the quantum chromodynamics (QCD) of quarks and gluons interacting within a fluid. At sufficiently small length scales, the effective interactions between the color charged particles within the fluid are thought to be weak. Short distance asymptotic freedom provides the perturbation theory basis for comparisons between QCD theory and laboratory high energy scattering experiments. It is here shown that the asymptotically free vacuum has negative dissipation implicit in the color electrical conductivity. Negative dissipation implies an asymptotically free QCD negative temperature excited state amplifier unstable to decay. The qualitative experimental implications of this instability are explored.
AN ENERGETICALLY CONSISTENT VISCOUS SEDIMENTATION MODEL
Authors: DE DIEU ZABSONRÉ JEAN , LUCAS CARINE , FERNÁNDEZ-NIETO ENRIQUE
Published: March 2009

In this paper we consider a two-dimensional viscous sedimentation model which is a viscous Shallow–Water system coupled with a diffusive equation that describes the evolution of the bottom. For this model, we prove the stability of weak solutions for periodic domains and give some numerical experiments. We also discuss around various discharge quantity choices.
ON THE CONJECTURE OF KEVIN WALKER
Authors: FARBER MICHAEL , HAUSMANN JEAN-CLAUDE , SCHÜTZ DIRK
Published: March 2009

In 1985 Kevin Walker in his study of topology of polygon spaces [15] raised an interesting conjecture in the spirit of the well-known question "Can you hear the shape of a drum?" of Marc Kac. Roughly, Walker's conjecture asks if one can recover relative lengths of the bars of a linkage from intrinsic algebraic properties of the cohomology algebra of its configuration space. In this paper we prove that the conjecture is true for polygon spaces in R3. We also prove that for planar polygon spaces the conjecture holds in several modified forms: (a) if one takes into account the action of a natural involution on cohomology, (b) if the cohomology algebra of the involution's orbit space is known, or (c) if the length vector is normal. Some of our results allow the length vector to be non-generic, the corresponding polygon spaces have singularities. Our main tool is the study of the natural involution and its action on cohomology. A crucial role in our proof plays the solution of the isomorphism problem for monoidal rings due to Gubeladze.
Algorithm 891
Authors: Reid John K. , Scott Jennifer A.
Published: March 2009

Fortran_Virtual_Memory is a Fortran 95 package that provides facilities for reading from and writing to direct-access files. A buffer is used to avoid actual input/output operations whenever possible. The data may be spread over many files and for very large data sets these may be held on more than one device. We describe the design of Fortran_Virtual_Memory and comment on its use within an out-of-core sparse direct solver.
Don’t be Typecast as a Software Developer
Authors: Neville-Neil George V.
Published: March 2009

I would like to think that learning more will help me in my everyday job of writing glue and customization code at a systems integrator. But the obvious applicable knowledge is specific to tools and packages that may become obsolete or discontinued even within the lifetime of the project, and in some cases have already reached this destination.
Insulin Growth Factor-I in Protein-Energy Malnutrition during Rehabilitation in Two Nutritional Rehabilitation Centres in Burkina Faso
Authors: Kouanda S. , Doulougou B. , De Coninck V. , Habimana L. , Sondo B. , Tonglet R. , Ketelslegers J. M. , Robert A.
Published: March 2009

Objective. To investigate the relationship between IGF-I and the nutritional status of West-African children hospitalised for nutritional rehabilitation.Patients and methods. A cohort study was performed in two centres for nutritional rehabilitation and education (CREN) in Burkina Faso. Children were followed and the anthropometric data as well as the capillary blood samples were taken on the 7th and on the 14th days after their admission. IGF-I levels were determined from dried blood spots on filter paper on IGF-I RIA, after separation of the IGF-I from its binding proteins, using Sep-Pak chromatography.Results. A total of 59 children was included in the cohort. The IGF-I mean geometric values (SD) were 6.3 (1.4)μg/L on admission, 8.6 (1.8)μg/L at day 7 and 13.6 (2.0)μg/L at day 14. The differences between these values were statistically significant (P<.001). There is a significant correlation between the changes of IGF-I with the change of weight for height Z-score (P= .01).Conclusion. These results suggest that IGF-I can be considered as a potential marker to follow the nutritional status of children admitted in hospital for protein and energy malnutrition.
Effect of Sulfaphenazole on Tissue Plasminogen Activator Release in Normotensive Subjects and Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Giannarelli Chiara , Virdis Agostino , De Negri Ferdinando , Magagna Armando , Duranti Emiliano , Salvetti Antonio , Taddei Stefano
Published: March 2009

Background—

A nitric oxide–independent response, possibly mediated by hyperpolarization, regulates vascular tone, acting as a compensatory mechanism in the presence of impaired nitric oxide availability. Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP 2C9) is a source of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors and modulates tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) release from endothelial cells; however, no effect of hyperpolarization on fibrinolysis has been documented in humans. We aimed to assess the effect of sulfaphenazole, a specific CYP 2C9 inhibitor, on tPA release in normotensive subjects and patients with essential hypertension.

Methods and Results—

tPA release was measured in the forearm microcirculation of 56 normotensivesubjects and 57 patients with essential hypertension after bradykinin (0.015 μg · 100 mL
−1
· min
−1
) and acetylcholine (1.5 μg · 100 mL
−1
· min
−1
) infusions, with or without sulfaphenazole (0.03 μg · 100 mL
−1
· min
−1
). Bradykinin and acetylcholine infusions were repeated with
N
G
-monomethyl-
l
-arginine (L-NMMA; 100 μg · 100 mL
−1
· min
−1
) and/or sulfaphenazole. tPA release by bradykinin and acetylcholine was higher in normotensive subjects than in patients with essential hypertension (
P
<0.01). Sulfaphenazole (
P
<0.01) blunted bradykinin-induced but not acetylcholine-induced tPA release in both groups. In normotensive subjects, L-NMMA infusion reduced tPA release (
P
<0.01). When L-NMMA was coinfused with sulfaphenazole, tPA release induced by bradykinin, but not by acetylcholine, was further reduced (
P
<0.01). In patients with essential hypertension, tPA release by both agonists was unaffected by L-NMMA, but only bradykinin-induced tPA release was blunted by sulfaphenazole, alone or with L-NMMA (
P
<001).

Conclusions—

Sulfaphenazole inhibits bradykinin-induced tPA release, which suggests a modulatory role of CYP 2C9–derived endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors in tPA release in humans. In patients with essential hypertension, tPA release depends exclusively on endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor, which is an ineffective compensatory mechanism in the presence of impaired nitric oxide availability.
Resveratrol Prevents the Prohypertrophic Effects of Oxidative Stress on LKB1
Authors: Dolinsky Vernon W. , Chan Anita Y.M. , Robillard Frayne Isabelle , Light Peter E. , Des Rosiers Christine , Dyck Jason R.B.
Published: March 2009

Background—

Master regulators of protein synthesis such as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and p70S6 kinase contribute to left ventricular hypertrophy. These prohypertrophic pathways are modulated by a number of kinase cascades, including the hierarchical LKB1/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) energy-sensing pathway. Because oxidative stress inhibits the LKB1/AMPK signaling axis to promote abnormal cell growth in cancer cells, we investigated whether oxidative stress associated with hypertension also results in the inhibition of this kinase circuit to contribute to left ventricular hypertrophy.

Methods and Results—

In the spontaneously hypertensive rat, a well-established genetic model of hypertension and subsequent cardiac hypertrophy, the development of left ventricular hypertrophy is associated with an increase in the electrophilic lipid peroxidation byproduct 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE). Using isolated cardiomyocytes, we show that elevated levels of HNE result in the formation of HNE-LKB1 adducts that inhibit LKB1 and subsequent AMPK activity. Consistent with inhibition of the LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway, the mTOR/p70S6 kinase system is activated, which is permissive for cardiac myocyte cell growth. Treatment of cardiomyocytes with resveratrol prevents HNE modification of the LKB1/AMPK signaling axis and blunts the prohypertrophic p70S6 kinase response. Furthermore, administration of resveratrol to spontaneously hypertensive rats results in increased AMPK phosphorylation and activity and reduced left ventricular hypertrophy.

Conclusions—

Our data identify a molecular mechanism in the cardiomyocyte involving the oxidative stress–derived lipid peroxidation byproduct HNE and the LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway that contributes to the development of left ventricular hypertrophy. We also suggest that resveratrol may be a potential therapy for patients at risk for developing pathological cardiac hypertrophy by preventing this prohypertrophic process.
Local Inflammation and Hypoxia Abolish the Protective Anticontractile Properties of Perivascular Fat in Obese Patients
Authors: Greenstein Adam S. , Khavandi Kaivan , Withers Sarah B. , Sonoyama Kazuhiko , Clancy Olivia , Jeziorska Maria , Laing Ian , Yates Allen P. , Pemberton Philip W. , Malik Rayaz A. , Heagerty Anthony M.
Published: March 2009

Background—

Inflammation in adipose tissue has been implicated in vascular dysfunction, but the local mechanisms by which this occurs are unknown.

Methods and Results—

Small arteries with and without perivascular adipose tissue were taken from subcutaneous gluteal fat biopsy samples and studied with wire myography and immunohistochemistry. We established that healthy adipose tissue around human small arteries secretes factors that influence vasodilation by increasing nitric oxide bioavailability. However, in perivascular fat from obese subjects with metabolic syndrome (waist circumference 111±2.8 versus 91.1±3.5 cm in control subjects,
P
<0.001; insulin sensitivity 41±5.9% versus 121±18.6% in control subjects,
P
<0.001), the loss of this dilator effect was accompanied by an increase in adipocyte area (1786±346 versus 673±60 μm
2
,
P
<0.01) and immunohistochemical evidence of inflammation (tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 12.4±1.1% versus 6.7±1%,
P
<0.001). Application of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor receptor-α and interleukin-6 to perivascular fat around healthy blood vessels reduced dilator activity, resulting in the obese phenotype. These effects could be reversed with free radical scavengers or cytokine antagonists. Similarly, induction of hypoxia stimulated inflammation and resulted in loss of anticontractile capacity, which could be rescued by catalase and superoxide dismutase or cytokine antagonists. Incubation with a soluble fragment of adiponectin type 1 receptor or inhibition of nitric oxide synthase blocked the vasodilator effect of healthy perivascular adipose tissue.

Conclusions—

We conclude that adipocytes secrete adiponectin and provide the first functional evidence that it is a physiological modulator of local vascular tone by increasing nitric oxide bioavailability. This capacity is lost in obesity by the development of adipocyte hypertrophy, leading to hypoxia, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
Pericardial Fat, Intrathoracic Fat, and Measures of Left Ventricular Structure and Function
Authors: Fox Caroline S. , Gona Philimon , Hoffmann Udo , Porter Stacy A. , Salton Carol J. , Massaro Joseph M. , Levy Daniel , Larson Martin G. , D'Agostino Ralph B. , O'Donnell Christopher J. , Manning Warren J.
Published: March 2009

Background—

Pericardial fat has been implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity-related cardiovascular disease. Whether the associations of pericardial fat and measures of cardiac structure and function are independent of the systemic effects of obesity and visceral adiposity has not been fully explored.

Methods and Results—

Participants from the Framingham Heart Study (n=997; 54.4% women) underwent chest and abdominal computed tomography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging between 2002 and 2005. Pericardial fat, intrathoracic fat, and visceral adipose tissue quantified from multidetector computed tomography, along with body mass index and waist circumference, were examined in relation to cardiovascular magnetic resonance measures of left ventricular (LV) mass, LV end-diastolic volume, and left atrial dimension. In women, pericardial fat (
r
=0.20 to 0.35,
P
<0.001), intrathoracic fat (
r
=0.25 to 0.37,
P
<0.001), visceral adipose tissue (
r
=0.24 to 0.45,
P
<0.001), body mass index (
r
=0.36 to 0.53,
P
<0.001), and waist circumference (
r
=0.30 to 0.48,
P
<0.001) were directly correlated with LV mass, LV end-diastolic volume, and left atrial dimension. In men, pericardial fat (
r
=0.19 to 0.37,
P
<0.001), intrathoracic fat (
r
=0.17 to 0.31,
P
<0.001), visceral adipose tissue (
r
=0.19 to 0.36,
P
<0.001), body mass index (
r
=0.32 to 0.44,
P
<0.001), and waist circumference (
r
=0.34 to 0.44,
P
<0.001) were directly correlated with LV mass and left atrial dimension, but LV end-diastolic volume was not consistently associated with adiposity measures. Associations persisted after multivariable adjustment but not after additional adjustment for body weight and visceral adipose tissue, except for pericardial fat and left atrial dimension in men.

Conclusions—

Pericardial fat is correlated with cardiovascular magnetic resonance measures, but the association is not independent of or stronger than other ectopic fat stores or proxy measures of visceral adiposity. An important exception is left atrial dimension in men. These results suggest that the systemic effects of obesity on cardiac structure and function may outweigh the local pathogenic effects of pericardial fat.
Inhibition of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α–Induced Interleukin-6 Expression by Telmisartan Through Cross-Talk of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ With Nuclear Factor κB and CCAAT/Enhancer-Binding Protein-β
Authors: Tian Qingping , Miyazaki Ryohei , Ichiki Toshihiro , Imayama Ikuyo , Inanaga Keita , Ohtsubo Hideki , Yano Kotaro , Takeda Kotaro , Sunagawa Kenji
Published: March 2009

Telmisartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist, was reported to be a partial agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ. Although peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ activators have been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect, such as inhibition of cytokine production, it has not been determined whether telmisartan has such effects. We examined whether telmisartan inhibits expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a proinflammatory cytokine, in vascular smooth muscle cells. Telmisartan, but not valsartan, attenuated IL-6 mRNA expression induced by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Telmisartan decreased TNF-α–induced IL-6 mRNA and protein expression in a dose-dependent manner. Because suppression of IL-6 mRNA expression was prevented by pretreatment with GW9662, a specific peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ antagonist, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ may be involved in the process. Telmisartan suppressed IL-6 gene promoter activity induced by TNF-α. Deletion analysis suggested that the DNA segment between −150 bp and −27 bp of the IL-6 gene promoter that contains nuclear factor κB and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-β sites was responsible for telmisartan suppression. Telmisartan attenuated TNF-α–induced nuclear factor κB– and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-β–dependent gene transcription and DNA binding. Telmisartan also attenuated serum IL-6 level in TNF-α–infused mice and IL-6 production from rat aorta stimulated with TNF-α ex vivo. These data suggest that telmisartan may attenuate inflammatory process induced by TNF-α in addition to the blockade of angiotensin II type 1 receptor. Because both TNF-α and angiotensin II play important roles in atherogenesis through enhancement of vascular inflammation, telmisartan may be beneficial for treatment of not only hypertension but also vascular inflammatory change.
Defects in Cutaneous Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 and Angiotensin-(1-7) Production in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome
Authors: Stewart Julian M. , Ocon Anthony J. , Clarke Debbie , Taneja Indu , Medow Marvin S.
Published: March 2009

Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is associated with increased plasma angiotensin II (Ang II). Ang II administered in the presence of NO synthase inhibition with nitro-l-arginine (NLA) and Ang II type 1 receptor blockade with losartan produces vasodilation during local heating in controls. We tested whether this angiotensin-mediated vasodilation occurs in POTS and whether it is related to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and Ang-(1-7). We used local cutaneous heating to 42°C and laser Doppler Flowmetry to assess NO-dependent conductance at 4 calf sites in 12 low-flow POTS and in 12 control subjects 17.6 to 25.5 years of age. We perfused Ringer’s solution through intradermal microdialysis catheters and performed local heating. We perfused one catheter with NLA (10 mmol/L)+losartan (2 μg/L) and repeated heating, and NLA+losartan+Ang II (10 μmol/L), repeating heating a third time. A second catheter received NLA+losartan+Ang II, heated, perfused NLA+losartan+Ang II+DX600 (1 mmol/L; a selective ACE2 inhibitor), and reheated. A third catheter received NLA+losartan+Ang II, heated, perfused NLA+losartan+Ang II+Ang-(1-7) (100 μmol/L), and reheated. The fourth catheter received Ang-(1-7) then reheated a second time only. Angiotensin-mediated vasodilation was present in control but not POTS. Ang-mediated dilation was eliminated by DX600, indicating an ACE2-related effect. Ang-mediated vasodilation was restored in POTS by Ang-(1-7). When administered alone during locally mediated heating, Ang-(1-7) improved the NO-dependent local heating response. ACE2 effects are blunted in low-flow POTS and restored by the ACE2 product Ang-(1-7). Data imply impaired catabolism of Ang II through the ACE2 pathway. Vasoconstriction in POTS may result from a reduction in Ang-(1-7) and an increase in Ang II.
A Multiclass Classification Method Based on Decoding of Binary Classifiers
Authors: Takenouchi Takashi , Ishii Shin
Published: March 2009

In this letter, we present new methods of multiclass classification that combine multiple binary classifiers. Misclassification of each binary classifier is formulated as a bit inversion error with probabilistic models by making an analogy to the context of information transmission theory. Dependence between binary classifiers is incorporated into our model, which makes a decoder a type of Boltzmann machine. We performed experimental studies using a synthetic data set, data sets from the UCI repository, and bioinformatics data sets, and the results show that the proposed methods are superior to the existing multiclass classification methods.
Counter-hegemonic Human Rights Discourses and Migrant Rights Activism in the US and Canada
Authors: Basok Tanya
Published: March 2009

Scholarship on the dissemination of human rights norms and principles has focused predominantly on the socialization of nation-states into the values which have been widely endorsed. I argue in this article that the socialization mechanisms, discussed by such scholars as Meyer et al. (1997) and Risse and Sikkink (1999), do not capture the complex processes of the negotiation of more controversial rights. Distinguishing between hegemonic and counter-hegemonic human rights principles, I suggest that we need to explore the ways in which human rights activists advance, interpret, and negotiate counter-hegemonic human rights. Focusing on migrants' rights advocacy in the US and Canada, I argue that pro-migrant activists draw on other human rights principles that do enjoy a greater degree of recognition and/or on instrumental reasons to pressure nation-states to grant more rights to migrants.
Politics in Bangladesh
Authors: Begum Afroza
Published: March 2009

Bangladesh has been fighting a losing battle over the last 34 years with no indication of even a minimal positive impact on women's participation in the Parliament. Women represent only two per cent of the parliamentary seats. In holding ministries, their positions never exceed three per cent. Nearly 80 per cent of the Parliamentary Standing Committees have no women. The government's affirmative measure has conceived a highly flawed vision that essentially promotes disrespect for the notion of `equality' and makes women MPs `ornamental and passive beneficiaries'. In addition, the sociocultural dynamics that legitimate women's inequality have posed a serious challenge to the constitutional approach to equality, exacerbating by political requirements that force women to further remain beyond the purview of power. Given the reality, a substantial reconstruction of the whole politico-legal approach is not only desirable but also essential to combat women's disadvantaged positions in the Parliament.
Millennium Development Goal of Halving Poverty in Asia
Authors: Gaiha Raghav , Imai Katsushi , Mani Arul Nandhi
Published: March 2009

This article assesses the prospects of achieving the Millennium Development Goal of halving income poverty in Asia, and identifies policy priorities. The main findings are: (1) in East Asia, the actual growth rate exceeds that required to achieve this goal, while in South Asia, it falls short of the required rate; (2) the required rates of agricultural growth are, however, higher than the actual in both East Asia and South Asia; (3) moderate growth and reduction of income inequality will have a substantial poverty reduction impact; and, finally, (4) even modest improvements in institutional quality will reduce poverty substantially through higher incomes.
Trajectories of Delinquency among Puerto Rican Children and Adolescents at Two Sites
Authors: Maldonado-Molina Mildred M. , Piquero Alex R. , Jennings Wesley G. , Bird Hector , Canino Glorisa
Published: March 2009

This study examined the trajectories of delinquency among Puerto Rican children and adolescents in two cultural contexts. Relying on data from the Boricua Youth Study, a longitudinal study of children and youth from Bronx, New York, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, a group-based trajectory procedure estimated the number of delinquency trajectories, whether trajectories differed across contexts, and the relation of risk and protective factors to each. Five trajectories fit the Bronx sample, and four fit the San Juan sample. Differences and similarities were observed. The Bronx sample had a higher rate of delinquency and sensation seeking and violence exposure strongly discriminated offender trajectories. In San Juan, the results were substantively the same. Thus, while the youth lived in different contexts, and the nature and level of delinquency varied across the sites, the effects of most risk factors were more similar than different.