bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity and Distribution of
Anaeromyxobacter
Strains in a Uranium-Contaminated Subsurface Environment with a Nonuniform Groundwater Flow
Authors: Thomas Sara H. , Padilla-Crespo Elizabeth , Jardine Phillip M. , Sanford Robert A. , Löffler Frank E.
Published: April 2009

Versaphilic
Anaeromyxobacter dehalogenans
strains implicated in hexavalent uranium reduction and immobilization are present in the fractured saprolite subsurface environment at the U.S. Department of Energy Integrated Field-Scale Subsurface Research Challenge (IFC) site near Oak Ridge, TN. To provide insight into the in situ distribution of
Anaeromyxobacter
strains in this system with a nonuniform groundwater flow, 16S rRNA gene-targeted primers and linear hybridization (TaqMan) probes were designed for Oak Ridge IFC
Anaeromyxobacter
isolates FRC-D1 and FRC-W, along with an
Anaeromyxobacter
genus-targeted probe and primer set. Multiplex quantitative real-time PCR (mqPCR) was applied to samples collected from Oak Ridge IFC site areas 1 and 3, which are not connected by the primary groundwater flow paths; however, transport between them through cross-plane fractures is hypothesized. Strain FRC-W accounted for more than 10% of the total quantifiable
Anaeromyxobacter
community in area 1 soils, while strain FRC-D1 was not detected. In FeOOH-amended enrichment cultures derived from area 1 site materials, strain FRC-D1 accounted for 30 to 90% of the total
Anaeromyxobacter
community, demonstrating that this strain was present in situ in area 1. The area 3 total
Anaeromyxobacter
abundance exceeded that of area 1 by 3 to 5 orders of magnitude, but neither strain FRC-W- nor FRC-D1-like sequences were quantifiable in any of the 33 area 3 groundwater or sediment samples tested. The
Anaeromyxobacter
community in area 3 increased from <10
5
cells/g sediment outside the ethanol biostimulation treatment zone to 10
8
cells/g sediment near the injection well, and 16S rRNA gene clone library analysis revealed that representatives of a novel phylogenetic cluster dominated the area 3
Anaeromyxobacter
community inside the treatment loop. The combined applications of genus- and strain-level mqPCR approaches along with clone libraries provided novel information on patterns of microbial variability within a bacterial group relevant to uranium bioremediation.
Insect-Specific Polyketide Synthases (PKSs), Potential PKS-Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetase Hybrids, and Novel PKS Clades in Tropical Fungi
Authors: Amnuaykanjanasin Alongkorn , Phonghanpot Suranat , Sengpanich Nattapong , Cheevadhanarak Supapon , Tanticharoen Morakot
Published: April 2009

Polyketides draw much attention because of their potential use in pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications. This study identifies an abundant pool of polyketide synthase (PKS) genes from local isolates of tropical fungi found in Thailand in three different ecological niches: insect pathogens, marine inhabitants, and lichen mutualists. We detected 149 PKS genes from 48 fungi using PCR with PKS-specific degenerate primers. We identified and classified 283 additional PKS genes from 13 fungal genomes. Phylogenetic analysis of all these PKS sequences the comprising ketosynthase (KS) conserved region and the KS-acyltransferase interdomain region yielded results very similar to those for phylogenies of the KS domain and suggested a number of remarkable points. (i) Twelve PKS genes amplified from 12 different insect-pathogenic fungi form a tight cluster, although along with two PKS genes extracted from genomes of
Aspergillus niger
and
Aspergillus terreus
, in reducing clade III. Some of these insect-specific fungal PKSs are nearly identical. (ii) We identified 38 new PKS-nonribosomal peptide synthetase hybrid genes in reducing clade II. (iii) Four distinct clades were discovered with more than 75% bootstrap support. We propose to designate the novel clade D1 with 100% bootstrap support “reducing clade V.” The newly cloned PKS genes from these tropical fungi should provide useful and diverse genetic resources for future research on the characterization of polyketide compounds synthesized by these enzymes.
Gene Expression Induced in
Escherichia coli
O157:H7 upon Exposure to Model Apple Juice
Authors: Bergholz Teresa M. , Vanaja Sivapriya Kailasan , Whittam Thomas S.
Published: April 2009

Escherichia coli
O157:H7 has caused serious outbreaks of food-borne illness via transmission in a variety of food vehicles, including unpasteurized apple juice, dried salami, and spinach. To understand how this pathogen responds to the multiple stresses of the food environment, we compared global transcription patterns before and after exposure to model apple juice. Transcriptomes of mid-exponential- and stationary-phase cells were evaluated after 10 min in model apple juice (pH 3.5) using microarrays probing 4,886 open reading frames. A total of 331 genes were significantly induced upon exposure of cells to model apple juice, including genes involved in the acid, osmotic, and oxidative stress responses as well as the envelope stress response. Acid and osmotic stress response genes, including
asr, osmC, osmB
, and
osmY
, were significantly induced in response to model apple juice. Multiple envelope stress responses were activated as evidenced by increased expression of CpxR and Rcs phosphorelay-controlled genes. Genes controlled by CpxR (
cpxP, degP
, and
htpX
) were significantly induced 2- to 15-fold upon exposure to apple juice. Inactivation of CpxRA resulted in a significant decrease in survival of O157:H7 in model apple juice compared to the isogenic parent strain. Of the 331 genes induced in model apple juice, 104 are O157-specific genes, including those encoding type three secretion effectors (
espJ, espB, espM2, espL3
, and
espZ
). Elucidating the response of O157:H7 to acidic foods provides insight into how this pathogen is able to survive in food matrices and how exposure to foods influences subsequent transmission and virulence.
Bacillus anthracisEdema Toxin Impairs Neutrophil Actin-Based Motility
Authors: Szarowicz Sarah E. , During Russell L. , Li Wei , Quinn Conrad P. , Tang Wei-Jen , Southwick Frederick S.
Published: April 2009

Inhalation anthrax results in high-grade bacteremia and is accompanied by a delay in the rise of the peripheral polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) count and a paucity of PMNs in the infected pleural fluid and mediastinum. Edema toxin (ET) is one of the majorBacillus anthracisvirulence factors and consists of the adenylate cyclase edema factor (EF) and protective antigen (PA). Relatively low concentrations of ET (100 to 500 ng/ml of PA and EF) significantly impair human PMN chemokinesis, chemotaxis, and ability to polarize. These changes are accompanied by a reduction in chemoattractant-stimulated PMN actin assembly. ET also causes a significant decrease inListeria monocytogenesintracellular actin-based motility within HeLa cells. These defects in actin assembly are accompanied by a >50-fold increase in intracellular cyclic AMP and a >4-fold increase in the phosphorylation of protein kinase A. We have previously shown that anthrax lethal toxin (LT) also impairs neutrophil actin-based motility (R. L. During, W. Li, B. Hao, J. M. Koenig, D. S. Stephens, C. P. Quinn, and F. S. Southwick, J. Infect. Dis. 192:837-845, 2005), and we now find that LT combined with ET causes an additive inhibition of PMN chemokinesis, polarization, chemotaxis, and FMLP (N-formyl-met-leu-phe)-induced actin assembly. We conclude that ET alone or combined with LT impairs PMN actin assembly, resulting in paralysis of PMN chemotaxis.
Examination of
Campylobacter jejuni
Putative Adhesins Leads to the Identification of a New Protein, Designated FlpA, Required for Chicken Colonization
Authors: Flanagan Rebecca C. , Neal-McKinney Jason M. , Dhillon A. Singh , Miller William G. , Konkel Michael E.
Published: April 2009

Campylobacter jejuni
colonization of chickens is presumably dependent upon multiple surface-exposed proteins termed adhesins. Putative
C. jejuni
adhesins include CadF, CapA, JlpA, major outer membrane protein, PEB1, Cj1279c, and Cj1349c. We examined the genetic relatedness of 97
C. jejuni
isolates recovered from human, poultry, bovine, porcine, ovine, and canine sources by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and examined their profile of putative adhesin-encoding genes by dot blot hybridization. To assess the individual contribution of each protein in bacterium-host cell adherence, the
C. jejuni
genes encoding the putative adhesins were disrupted by insertional mutagenesis. The phenotype of each mutant was judged by performing in vitro cell adherence assays with chicken LMH hepatocellular carcinoma epithelial cells and in vivo colonization assays with broiler chicks. MLST analysis indicated that the
C. jejuni
isolates utilized in this study were genetically diverse. Dot blot hybridization revealed that the
C. jejuni
genes encoding the putative adhesins, with the exception of
capA
, were conserved among the isolates. The
C. jejuni
CadF, CapA, Cj1279c, and Cj1349c proteins were found to play a significant role in the bacterium's in vitro adherence to chicken epithelial cells, while CadF, PEB1, and Cj1279c were determined to play a significant role in the bacterium's in vivo colonization of broiler chicks. Collectively, the data indicate that Cj1279c is a novel adhesin. Because Cj1279c harbors fibronectin type III domains, we designated the protein FlpA, for
f
ibronectin-
l
ike
p
rotein
A
.
The Pic Protease of Enteroaggregative
Escherichia coli
Promotes Intestinal Colonization and Growth in the Presence of Mucin
Authors: Harrington Susan M. , Sheikh Jalaluddin , Henderson Ian R. , Ruiz-Perez Fernando , Cohen Paul S. , Nataro James P.
Published: April 2009

Enteroaggregative
Escherichia coli
(EAEC) is increasingly being recognized as a cause of diarrheal disease in diverse populations. No small animal model is currently available to study this pathogen. We report here that conventional mice orally inoculated with prototype EAEC strain 042 generally became colonized, though the abundance of organisms cultured from their stool varied substantially among individual animals. In contrast, mice whose water contained 5 g/liter streptomycin consistently became colonized at high levels (ca. 10
8
CFU/g of stool). Neither conventional nor streptomycin-treated mice developed clinical signs or histopathologic abnormalities. Using specific mutants in competition with the wild-type strain, we evaluated the contribution of several putative EAEC virulence factors to colonization of streptomycin-treated mice. Our data suggest that the dispersin surface protein and Pic, a serine protease autotransporter secreted by EAEC and
Shigella flexneri
, promote colonization of the mouse. In contrast, we found no role for the aggregative adherence fimbriae, the transcriptional activator AggR, or the surface factor termed Air (entero
a
ggregative
i
mmunoglobulin
r
epeat protein). To study Pic further, we constructed a single nucleotide mutation in strain 042 which altered only the Pic catalytic serine (strain 042PicS258A). Fractionation of the tissue at 24 h and 3 days demonstrated an approximate 3-log
10
difference between 042 and 042PicS258A in the lumen and mucus layer and adherent to tissue. Strains 042 and 042PicS258A adhered similarly to mouse tissue ex vivo. While no growth differences were observed in a continuous-flow anaerobic intestinal simulator system, the wild-type strain exhibited a growth advantage over 042PicS258A in a culture of cecal mucus and in cecal contents in vitro; this difference was manifest only after 6 h of growth. Moreover, enhanced growth of the wild type was observed in comparison with that of the mutant in minimal medium containing mucin but not in the absence of mucin. The data suggest a novel metabolic role for the Pic mucinase in EAEC colonization.
Genome Sequence of the Anaerobic, Thermophilic, and Cellulolytic Bacterium “
Anaerocellum thermophilum
” DSM 6725
Authors: Kataeva Irina A. , Yang Sung-Jae , Dam Phuongan , Poole Farris L. , Yin Yanbin , Zhou Fengfeng , Chou Wen-chi , Xu Ying , Goodwin Lynne , Sims David R. , Detter John C. , Hauser Loren J. , Westpheling Janet , Adams Michael W. W.
Published: April 2009

“
Anaerocellum thermophilum
” DSM 6725 is a strictly anaerobic bacterium that grows optimally at 75°C. It uses a variety of polysaccharides, including crystalline cellulose and untreated plant biomass, and has potential utility in biomass conversion. Here we report its complete genome sequence of 2.97 Mb, which is contained within one chromosome and two plasmids (of 8.3 and 3.6 kb). The genome encodes a broad set of cellulolytic enzymes, transporters, and pathways for sugar utilization and compared to those of other saccharolytic, anaerobic thermophiles is most similar to that of
Caldicellulosiruptor saccharolyticus
DSM 8903.
The Propeptide of the Metalloprotease ofListeria monocytogenesControls Compartmentalization of the Zymogen during Intracellular Infection
Authors: O'Neil Heather S. , Forster Brian M. , Roberts Kari L. , Chambers Andrew J. , Bitar Alan Pavinski , Marquis Hélène
Published: April 2009

Integral to the virulence of the intracellular bacterial pathogenListeria monocytogenesis its metalloprotease (Mpl). Mpl regulates the activity and compartmentalization of the bacterial broad-range phospholipase C (PC-PLC). Mpl is secreted as a proprotein that undergoes intramolecular autocatalysis to release its catalytic domain. In related proteases, the propeptide serves as a folding catalyst and can act either incisor intrans. Propeptides can also influence protein compartmentalization and intracellular trafficking or decrease folding kinetics. In this study, we aimed to determine the role of the Mpl propeptide by monitoring the behavior of Mpl synthesized in the absence of its propeptide (MplΔpro) and of two Mpl single-site mutants with unstable propeptides: Mpl(H75V) and Mpl(H95L). We observed that all three Mpl mutants mediate PC-PLC activation when bacteria are grown on semisolid medium, but to a lesser extent than wild-type Mpl, indicating that, although not essential, the propeptide enhances the production of active Mpl. However, the mutant proteins were not functional in infected cells, as determined by monitoring PC-PLC maturation and compartmentalization. This defect could not be rescued by providing the propeptide intransto themplΔpro mutant. We tested the compartmentalization of Mpl during intracellular infection and observed that the mutant Mpl species were aberrantly secreted in the cytosol of infected cells. These data indicated that the propeptide of Mpl serves to maintain bacterium-associated Mpl and that this localization is essential to the function of Mpl during intracellular infection.
Growth Phase and Metal-Dependent Transcriptional Regulation of thefecAGenes inHelicobacter pylori
Authors: Danielli Alberto , Romagnoli Simona , Roncarati Davide , Costantino Lorenzo , Delany Isabel , Scarlato Vincenzo
Published: April 2009

Balancing metal uptake is essential for maintaining a proper intracellular metal concentration. Here, we report the transcriptional control exerted by the two metal-responsive regulators ofHelicobacter pylori, Fur (iron-dependent ferric uptake regulator) and NikR (nickel-responsive regulator), on the three copies of thefecAgenes present in this species. By monitoring the patterns of transcription throughout growth and in response to nickel, iron, and a metal chelator, we found that the expression of the threefecAgenes is temporally regulated, responds to metals in different ways, and is selectively controlled by either one of the two regulators.fecA1is expressed at a constant level throughout growth, and its expression is iron sensitive; the expression offecA2is mainly off, with minor expression coming up in late exponential phase. In contrast, the expression offecA3is maximal in early exponential phase, gradually decreases with time, and is repressed by nickel. The direct roles of Fur and NikR were studied both in vitro, by mapping the binding sites of each regulator on the promoter regions via DNase I footprinting analysis, and in vivo, by using primer extension analyses of thefecAtranscripts infurandnikRdeletion strains. Overall, the results show that the expression of eachfecAgene is finely tuned in response to metal availability, as well as during the bacterial growth phase, suggesting specific and dedicated functions for the three distinct FecA homologues.
Analysis of TenBrucellaGenomes Reveals Evidence for Horizontal Gene Transfer Despite a Preferred Intracellular Lifestyle
Authors: Wattam Alice R. , Williams Kelly P. , Snyder Eric E. , Almeida Nalvo F. , Shukla Maulik , Dickerman A. W. , Crasta O. R. , Kenyon R. , Lu J. , Shallom J. M. , Yoo H. , Ficht T. A. , Tsolis R. M. , Munk C. , Tapia R. , Han C. S. , Detter J. C. , Bruce D. , Brettin T. S. , Sobral Bruno W. , Boyle Stephen M. , Setubal João C.
Published: April 2009

The facultative intracellular bacterial pathogenBrucellainfects a wide range of warm-blooded land and marine vertebrates and causes brucellosis. Currently, there are nine recognizedBrucellaspecies based on host preferences and phenotypic differences. The availability of 10 different genomes consisting of two chromosomes and representing six of the species allowed for a detailed comparison among themselves and relatives in the orderRhizobiales. Phylogenomic analysis of ortholog families shows limited divergence but distinct radiations, producing four clades as follows:Brucella abortus-Brucella melitensis, Brucella suis-Brucella canis, Brucella ovis, andBrucella ceti. In addition,Brucellaphylogeny does not appear to reflect the phylogeny ofBrucellaspecies' preferred hosts. About 4.6% of protein-coding genes seem to be pseudogenes, which is a relatively large fraction. OnlyB. suis1330 appears to have an intact β-ketoadipate pathway, responsible for utilization of plant-derived compounds. In contrast, this pathway in the other species is highly pseudogenized and consistent with the “domino theory” of gene death. There are distinct shared anomalous regions (SARs) found in both chromosomes as the result of horizontal gene transfer unique toBrucellaand not shared with its closest relativeOchrobactrum, a soil bacterium, suggesting their acquisition occurred in spite of a predominantly intracellular lifestyle. In particular, SAR 2-5 appears to have been acquired byBrucellaafter it became intracellular. The SARs contain many genes, including those involved in O-polysaccharide synthesis and type IV secretion, which if mutated or absent significantly affect the ability ofBrucellato survive intracellularly in the infected host.
A Survey of Acupuncture Treatments in General Practice
Authors: Joseph Peter
Published: April 2009

This paper represents a retrospective survey of the effectiveness of acupuncture in an urban General Practice setting.

Patients were treated within normal surgeries and records kept of treatments and outcomes. The paper reveals that when acupuncture is offered by a General Practitioner in the course of his normal working day, a significant number of patients can benefit without an excessive rise in workload.
Acupuncture for Back Pain in a Patient with Forestier—s Disease (Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis/Dish)
Authors: Mears Tim
Published: April 2009

Acupuncture was used to treat a 54-year-old man with low back pain and Forestier's disease. His symptoms were markedly improved with acupuncture where other treatments in the form of analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy had proved ineffective. There would appear to be no cases reported in the literature where medical acupuncture has been used to treat back pain in a patient with this condition.
Infected Compartment Syndrome after Acupuncture
Authors: Shah Nasir , Hing Caroline , Tucker Keith , Crawford Robert
Published: April 2009

We present a case of septicaemia and compartment syndrome of the leg in a diabetic patient, following acupuncture to his calf. An emergency decompression fasciotomy was performed on the patient and gram-positive cocci were grown from the posterior compartment wound swab cultures and group A streptococcus from his blood cultures. He remained in the Intensive Therapy Unit postoperatively, requiring inotropic support and intravenous antibiotics for his septicaemia. We would like to remind acupuncturists, to consider the possibility of heightened risks in immunocompromised patients.
Longer-Term Clinical and Economic Benefits of Offering Acupuncture to Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain Assessed as Suitable for Primary Care Management – 3 Month Clinical Outcomes from a Controlled Trial of 241 Patients
Authors: Macpherson H , Thomas K , Brazier J , Fitter M , Thorpe L , Campbell M , Nicholl J , Roman M , Morgan A
Published: April 2009

Objectives

To undertake a pragmatic randomised controlled trial to test the hypothesis that a population of patients with persistent low back pain, when given access to an acupuncture service, gain more relief from pain than those offered usual management only, for equal or less cost.

Methods

The study is a pragmatic randomised controlled trial (n=241). Suitable patients are identified by their general practitioners. Patients randomised to the experimental arm are offered the option of referral for up to 10 individualised treatments from one of six qualified acupuncture practitioners. The control group continues to receive usual management from their general practitioner. The primary scale used for measuring change is the Bodily Pain (SF–36) at 3 months and 12 months post randomisation. The main outcome is cost-effectiveness at 12 months.

Results

A total of 43 general practitioners participated in the trial and 241 patients were randomised. All patients randomised to the option of acupuncture chose to receive treatment. Clinical outcomes at 3 months show that the SF-36 Bodily Pain scores improved by 29.4 and 24.9 points in the acupuncture and normal management group respectively (p=0.125). Patients in the acupuncture group reported lower levels of worry at three months (p<0.001).

Conclusions

It is possible to conduct a large pragmatic randomised controlled trial of acupuncture in a primary care setting. Acupuncture is seen as an acceptable treatment by patients with low back pain. Clinical outcomes at three months suggest that the acupuncture group are in less pain than the control group.
Validating a New Sham (Placebo) Acupuncture Device: Two Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Park J , White AR , Stevinson C , Ernst E , James MA
Published: April 2009

Background

For clinical trials of acupuncture, it would be desirable to have a sham procedure that is indistinguishable from the real treatment, yet inactive. A sham needle has been designed which telescopes instead of penetrating the skin. The Park Sham Device involves an improved method of supporting the sham needle and requires validation.

Objective

To test whether the sham procedure using the new device is: 1. Indistinguishable from real needles, and 2. Inactive.

Design

Two subject and assessor-blind, randomized controlled trials. Study samples: Study 1: 58 patients included in a clinical trial of acupuncture for acute stroke. Study 2: 63 healthy, acupuncture naïve, adult volunteers. Intervention: Real or sham acupuncture using the Park Sham Device. Settings: 1. District general hospital, 2. University laboratory. Measurements: 1. The form of treatment that patients believed they had received 2. Experience of de-qi, as judged by three acupuncture experts.

Results

Study 1: No patient in either group believed s/he had been treated with the sham needle. Study 2: In 40 volunteers for whom experts achieved consensus, the relative risk of experiencing de-qi with real acupuncture to that with sham acupuncture was 15.38 (95% CI 2.26 to 104.86). The inter-rater reliability of all 13 experts, calculated from their judgements on 10 subjects selected by randomisation, was 0.52 (95% CI 0.19 to 0.61).

Conclusions

Results suggest that the procedure using the new Park Sham Device is both indistinguishable from real acupuncture and inactive. It is therefore a valid control for acupuncture trials. The findings also lend support to the existence of de-qi, a major concept underlying traditional Chinese acupuncture.
Effects of Electroacupuncture on Intraoperative and Postoperative Analgesic Requirement
Authors: Sim Chin-Keng , Xu Pei-Chang , Pua Hwee-Leng , Zhang Guojing , Lee Tat-Leang
Published: April 2009

Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in experimental and clinical acute pain settings. This study aims to evaluate the effect of preoperative electroacupuncture (EA) on intraoperative and postoperative analgesic (alfentanil and morphine) requirement in patients scheduled for gynaecologic lower abdominal surgery. Ninety patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group I (control group) –received placebo EA for 45 minutes before induction of general anaesthesia (GA); Group II –preoperative EA instituted 45 minutes before induction of GA; Group III – 45 minutes of postoperative EA. The Bispectral Index monitor was used intraoperatively to monitor the hypnotic effect of anaesthetic drugs, and alfentanil was titrated to maintain the blood pressure and pulse rate within ±15% of basal values. Postoperative pain was managed by intravenous morphine via a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device. Patients in Group II (0.44 ± 0.15μg/kg/min) received less alfentanil than those in Group III (0.58 ± 0.22μg/kg/min) (p=0.024), but not significantly less than those in Group I (0.51 ± 0.21μg/kg/min) (p=0.472). Postoperative morphine consumption was numerically lower in Group II compared with the other groups; however, the difference was statistically significant only during the period of 6–12 hours between Group II [0.03 (0.05) mg/kg] and Group I [0.10 (0.11) mg/kg] (p=0.015), and Group II and Group III [0.08 (0.10) mg/kg] (p=0.010). The 24-hour cumulative morphine consumption for Group II (0.52 ± 0.19mg/kg) was less than that for either Group I (0.68 ± 0.38mg/kg) or Group III (0.58 ± 0.27mg/kg), but the difference did not reach significance. In conclusion, preoperative EA leads to a reduced intraoperative alfentanil consumption, though this effect may not be specific, and has a morphine sparing effect during the early postoperative period.
Superficial versus Deep Dry Needling
Authors: Baldry Peter
Published: April 2009

Ninety percent of my patients with myofascial trigger point (MTrP) pain have this alone and are treated with superficial dry needling. Approximately 10% have concomitant MTrP pain and nerve root compression pain. These are treated with deep dry needling.

Superficial Dry Needling (SDN)

The activated and sensitised nociceptors of a MTrP cause it to be so exquisitely tender that firm pressure applied to it gives rise to a flexion withdrawal reflex (jump sign) and in some cases the utterance of an expletive (shout sign). The optimum strength of SDN at a MTrP site is the minimum necessary to abolish these two reactions. With respect to this patients are divided into strong, average and weak responders. The responsiveness of each individual is determined by trial and error. It is my practice to insert a needle (0.3mm × 30mm) into the tissues immediately overlying the MTrP to a depth of 5–10mm and to leave it in situ long enough for the two reactions to be abolished. For an average reactor this is about 30secs. For a weak reactor it is several minutes. And for a strong reactor the insertion of the needle and its immediate withdrawal is all that is required. Following treatment muscle stretching exercises should be carried out, and any steps taken to eliminate factors that might lead to the reactivation of the MTrPs.

Deep Dry Needling (DDN)

This in my practice is only used either when primary MTrP activity causes shortening of muscle sufficient enough to bring about compression of nerve roots. Or when there is nerve compression pain usually from spondylosis or disc prolapse and the secondary development of MTrP activity. Unlike SDN, DDN is a painful procedure and one which gives rise to much post-treatment soreness.
Acupuncture Mechanisms for Clinically Relevant Long-Term Effects – Reconsideration and a Hypothesis
Authors: Carlsson Christer
Published: April 2009

From the author's direct involvement in clinical research, the conclusion has been drawn that clinically relevant long-term pain relieving effects of acupuncture (>6 months) can be seen in a proportion of patients with nociceptive pain. The mechanisms behind such effects are considered in this paper. From the existing experimental data some important conclusions can be drawn: Much of the animal research only represents short-term hypoalgesia probably induced by the mechanisms behind stress-induced analgesia (SIA) and the activation of diffuse noxious inhibitory control (DNIC). Almost all experimental acupuncture research has been performed with electro-acupuncture (EA) even though therapeutic acupuncture is mostly gentle manual acupuncture (MA). Most of the experimental human acupuncture pain threshold (PT) research shows only fast and very short-term hypoalgesia, and, importantly, PT elevation in humans does not predict the clinical outcome. The effects of acupuncture may be divided into two main components – acupuncture analgesia and therapeutic acupuncture.

A hypothesis on the mechanisms of therapeutic acupuncture will include: Peripheral events that might improve tissue healing and give rise to local pain relief through axon reflexes, the release of neuropeptides with trophic effects, dichotomising nerve fibres and local endorphins. Spinal mechanisms, for example, gate-control, long-term depression, propriospinal inhibition and the balance between long-term depression and long-term potentiation. Supraspinal mechanisms through the descending pain inhibitory system, DNIC, the sympathetic nervous system and the HPA-axis. Is oxytocin also involved in the long-term effects? Cortical, psychological, “placebo” mechanisms from counselling, reassurance and anxiety reduction.
The role of physical activity in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yates T , Khunti K , Troughton J , Davies M
Published: April 2009

Physical activity and weight loss are considered cornerstones of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management programmes. However, there is much controversy and debate surrounding the relative importance of each of these factors in the treatment of T2DM. This review provides an overview of the evidence surrounding the relative importance of physical activity and weight loss in the management of T2DM and highlights key ways of initiating physical activity behaviour change.
Do older patients receive adequate stroke care? An experience of a neurovascular clinic
Authors: Kee Y-Y K , Brooks W , Bhalla A
Published: April 2009

Background

National guidelines and government directives have adopted policies for urgent assessment of patients with a transient ischaemic attack or minor stroke not admitted to hospital. The risk of recurrent stroke increases substantially with age, as does the potential benefit of secondary prevention. In order to develop effective strategies for older patients, it is important to identify how stroke care is currently provided for this patient group.

Methods

Between 2004 and 2006, older patients (>75 years) referred to a neurovascular clinic were compared with younger patients (⩽75 years). Sociodemographic details, clinical features, resource use and secondary prevention in a neurovascular clinic were collected.

Results

Of 379 patients referred to the clinic, 129 (34%) were given a non-stroke diagnosis. Of the remaining 250 patients, 149 (60%) were ⩽75 years. Median time from symptom onset to clinic appointment was similar for the two groups (24 (IQR 15–42) vs 24 (IQR 14–43) days; p = 0.58). Older patients were more likely to be in atrial fibrillation (10.1% vs 22.8%, p<0.001) and have lacunar stroke (34.7% vs 22.1%; p = 0.04). CT rates were similar in the two groups (27.8% vs 80.0%, p = 0.75). Scans were performed more quickly in younger patients (p<0.01). MRI scan rates were higher in younger patients (26% vs 4%, p<0.01), as was carotid Doppler imaging (92% vs 77%, p<0.01). There were no differences in prescribed secondary preventive treatments. Older patients experienced less delay for carotid endarterectomy (49 vs 90 days, p<0.01). Younger patients were more likely to be given advice on weight reduction (30.2% vs 12.9%, p<0.01) and diet (46.3% vs 31.7%, p = 0.02) than older patients.

Conclusions

Older patients were less likely to receive diagnostic investigations and lifestyle modification advice than younger patients. Guidelines need to be adopted to ensure prompt evidence-based stroke care in the outpatient setting.
Weight assessment in cardiac patients: implications for prescription of low molecular weight heparin
Authors: Spicer K , Gibson P , Bloe C , Cross S J , Leslie S J
Published: April 2009

Background

Many drugs such as low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) are administered at “patient weight adjusted” doses. Obtaining an accurate measurement of a patient’s weight may not always be possible. The aim of this study was to assess patterns and accuracy of weight estimation and implications for drug dosing.

Methods

The study comprised three parts: (1) inpatient weight documentation was reviewed over a 4 week period (January 2008); (2) a questionnaire was distributed to healthcare staff; (3) healthcare staff were asked to estimate the weight of patients. These estimates took place in three locations: the coronary care unit, cardiac catheterisation laboratory, and the cardiac outpatient department.

Results

(1) In 385 patient notes, only 192 (49.9%) had a record of the patient’s weight. The dose of LMWH was correct only 51% of the time. (2) Doctors were more likely to estimate a patient’s weight than nurses (85 vs 51%, p = 0.003). (3) 50 healthcare staff made 533 weight estimations on 182 patients. There was a tendency to overestimate the weight of lighter patients and underestimate the weight of heavier patients (p<0.001). Patients were more accurate than healthcare staff at estimating their weight (80% vs 39%, p<0.001) and female patients were more likely to be accurate than men (62% vs 44%, p = 0.035).

Conclusions

In our institution weight estimation occurs and may result in inaccurate prescription of LMWH. Estimating a patient’s weight should be discouraged but if necessary the patient reported weight is likely to be most accurate. Unless there is significant investment in improved technology to allow obese or acutely unwell patients to be weighed, the dangerous practice of weight estimation is likely to continue.
Evaluating the acute effects of oral, non-combustible potential reduced exposure products marketed to smokers
Authors: Cobb C O , Weaver M F , Eissenberg T
Published: April 2009

Background

Non-combustible potential reduced exposure products (PREPs; eg, Star Scientific's Ariva; a variety of other smokeless tobacco products) are marketed to reduce the harm associated with smoking. This marketing occurs despite an absence of objective data concerning the toxicant exposure and effects of these PREPs. Methods used to examine combustible PREPs were adapted to assess the acute effects of non-combustible PREPs for smokers.

Methods

28 overnight abstinent cigarette smokers (17 men, 14 non-white) each completed seven, Latin-squared ordered, approximately 2.5 h laboratory sessions that differed by product administered: Ariva, Marlboro Snus (Philip Morris, USA), Camel Snus (RJ Reynolds, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA), Commit nicotine lozenge (GlaxoSmithKline; 2 mg), own brand cigarettes, Quest cigarettes (Vector Tobacco; delivers very low levels of nicotine) and sham smoking (ie, puffing on an unlit cigarette). In each session, the product was administered twice (separated by 60 min), and plasma nicotine levels, expired air CO and subjective effects were assessed regularly.

Results

Non-combustible products delivered less nicotine than own brand cigarettes, did not expose smokers to CO and failed to suppress tobacco abstinence symptoms as effectively as combustible products.

Conclusions

While decreased toxicant exposure is a potential indicator of harm reduction potential, a failure to suppress abstinence symptoms suggests that currently marketed non-combustible PREPs may not be a viable harm reduction strategy for US smokers. This study demonstrates how clinical laboratory methods can be used to evaluate the short-term effects of non-combustible PREPs for smokers.
Unconfounding the effects of climate and density dependence using 60 years of data on spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias)
Authors: Taylor Ian G. , Gallucci Vincent F.
Published: April 2009

The confounded effects of changes in climate and density on a population’s demography are hard to separate for long-lived species because demographic traits are usually the aggregated result of conditions faced over years. Demographic parameters are compared for spiny dogfish ( Squalus acanthias ) in the Northeast Pacific, the longest lived and latest maturing of all sharks, using samples from the 1940s and 2000s. This 60-year interval has seen ocean temperatures rise by almost 1 °C and dogfish harvests peak above 50 000 tonnes (t)·annum–1 and then drop below 50 t·annum–1. Over this period, the age at 50% maturity for dogfish declined from 43 to 32 years, while the estimated average number of embryos per litter for a 100 cm dogfish increased from 5.9 to 6.7. Growth parameters changed significantly, with faster growth to a smaller size. Leslie matrix analysis showed that these changes could lead to an increase in population growth rate of about 1%. Comparison with published demographic parameters from the 1970s and 1980s indicated that the greatest change in demographic parameters occurred between the 1940s and 1970s, prior to the largest changes in ocean temperatures. The implications for fishing on long-lived populations during times of rapid environmental change are explored.
Modeling the impact of landscape types on the distribution of stream fish species
Authors: Gevrey Muriel , Sans-Piché Frédéric , Grenouillet Gaël , Tudesque Loïc , Lek Sovan
Published: April 2009

Modifications of the landscape adjoining streams perturb their local habitat and their biological diversity, but little quantitative information is available on land cover classes that influence the fish species individually. Data collected from 191 sites in the Adour–Garonne Basin (France) were analyzed to assess the effects of land cover on the distribution of fish species. A multimodel approach was carried out to predict fish species using land cover classes and to define the most important classes applying a hierarchical filtering based on artificial neural network method and sensitivity analysis. Firstly, using three single-class models, a selection of the land cover subclasses contributing the most was carried out for each fish species and each class. Secondly, multiclass models were built with all the previously selected subclasses to predict each species (n-selected subclass model). Finally, the percentages of contribution for artificial, agricultural, and forest areas obtained for the different model architectures (three class, n-selected subclass, and global multiclass models) were compared. The majority of the distribution of fish species was correctly predicted by the single-class models, and different land cover subclasses have been selected depending on the species. Using the n-selected subclass models, the predictive performances were globally better than those obtained with other multiclass models.
The sampling volume of trawl and acoustics: estimating availability probabilities from observations of tracked individual fish
Authors: Handegard Nils Olav , Tjøstheim Dag
Published: April 2009

The effective sampling volume of trawl and acoustics is an important parameter in fish abundance estimation surveys. This paper presents a method to compute the probability of a fish being available to the bottom trawl and the probability of it being seen on the echo sounder, given its initial position relative to the vessel path. These probabilities are then related to the calculation of the effective observational volume for trawl and acoustics, the two main tools of measuring abundance of Atlantic cod ( Gadus morhua ) and haddock ( Melanogrammus aeglefinus ). As an example, the computation is carried out for a typical vertical distribution in the Barents Sea. Our model is based on an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck model for the fish swimming trajectories, and its parameters are estimated using observations of swimming trajectories for individual fish, recorded by a split-beam echo sounder. The model itself constitutes a general method to translate observations on behaviour of individual fish to probability maps. The results indicate a typical fishing height of 20 m for the bottom trawl, but it is also shown that there is a relatively low probability of catching by the trawl what you see on the echo sounder, even for fish positioned directly in the trawl path. This is because of strong lateral movements of the fish.
Anadromous alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus) contribute marine-derived nutrients to coastal stream food webs
Authors: Walters Annika W. , Barnes Rebecca T. , Post David M.
Published: April 2009

Diadromous fish are an important link between marine and freshwater food webs. Pacific salmon ( Oncorhynchus spp.) strongly impact nutrient dynamics in inland waters and anadromous alewife ( Alosa pseudoharengus ) may play a similar ecological role along the Atlantic coast. The annual spawning migration of anadromous alewife contributes, on average, 1050 g of nitrogen and 120 g of phosphorus to Bride Brook, Connecticut, USA, through excretion and mortality each year. Natural abundance stable isotope analyses indicate that this influx of marine-derived nitrogen is rapidly incorporated into the stream food web. An enriched δ15N signal, indicative of a marine origin, is present at all stream trophic levels with the greatest level of enrichment coincident with the timing of the anadromous alewife spawning migration. There was no significant effect of this nutrient influx on water chemistry, leaf decomposition, or periphyton accrual. Dam removal and fish ladder construction will allow anadromous alewife to regain access to historical freshwater spawning habitats, potentially impacting food web dynamics and nutrient cycling in coastal freshwater systems.
Relativistic-random-phase approximation calculations of atomic photoionization: what we have learned
Authors: Manson S T
Published: April 2009

The relativistic-random-phase approximation (RRPA) methodology, developed by Walter Johnson and his collaborators, has been used extensively over the past three decades to calculate various aspects of the atomic photoionization process, cross sections, and branching ratios along with dipole and nondipole contributions to the photoelectron angular distribution. In this paper, some of the progress made in our understanding of the photoionization process as a result of RRPA calculations is reviewed.PACS No.: 32.80.Fb
Calculation of QED corrections in highly charged Zn-like ions
Authors: Blundell S A
Published: April 2009

We report calculations of many-electron quantum electrodynamic (QED) effects for the 4s2 1S0–4s4p 1P1 transition in high-Z Zn-like ions with Z = 70, 74, 76, 79, 82, 83, 90, and 92. When combined with earlier relativistic many-body perturbation theory (RMBPT) calculations, good agreement is found with recent measurements, Trabert et al. (Phys. Rev. A, 70, 032506 (2004)) at the level of 1–2 experimental standard deviations. We discuss the additional QED and RMBPT calculations that it would be desirable to perform to confirm this level of agreement.PACS Nos.: 31.30.Jv, 32.30.Rj, 31.25.–v, 31.15.Ar
Precision energy-level measurements and QED of highly charged ions
Authors: Beiersdorfer P
Published: April 2009

A review is given of measurements involving the K-shell (np → 1s) transitions of hydrogenlike ions. In many experiments carried out, for example, on electron-beam ion traps and tokamaks, the calculated energies of the Lyman-series lines are utilized as calibration standards for measuring the energies of lines from more complex ions. Examples given include measurements of the transition energies of L-shell lines in neonlike ions. The Lyman lines of low-Z ions are also used as a bootstrap for measuring the contributions of quantum electrodynamics (QED) in very high-Z ions, such as U81+ and U89+. The lowest energy member of the Lyman series, Lyman-α, is commonly the target of absolute-energy measurements so as to test the reliability of the calculations of atomic structure in general and of the 1s QED terms in particular. A review of 42 measurements of 1s QED measurements indicates an apparent bias toward wanting to agree with calculations.PACS Nos.: 32.30.Rj, 31.30.Jv, 12.20.–m
Stochastic methods in atomic systems and QED
Authors: O’Connell R F
Published: April 2009

We show that treating the black-body radiation field as a heat bath enables one to utilize powerful techniques from the realm of stochastic physics (such as the fluctuation–dissipation theorem and the related radiation damping) to treat problems that could not be treated rigorously by conventional methods. We illustrate our remarks by discussing specifically the effect of temperature on atomic spectral lines, and the solution to the problem of runaway solutions in the equation of motion of a radiating electron. We also present brief discussions relating to anomalous diffusion and wave-packet spreading in a radiation field and the influence of quantum effects on the laws of thermodynamics.PACS Nos.: 31.30.jg, 05.40.–a
Relaxation effects in the photodetachment of intermediate p shells of chlorine and bromine negative ions
Authors: Radojević V , Jose J , Pradhan G B , Deshmukh P C , Manson S T
Published: April 2009

The photodetachment cross sections and angular distribution asymmetry parameters are calculated for intermediate p shells of chlorine and bromine negative ions in the relativistic random phase approximation (RRPA) to account for relativistic effects and many electron correlations, and, additionally, in the modified RRPA (RRPA-R) to account for the relaxation of the atomic core in the photodetachment process. The results of the calculations with and without the relaxation effects are compared, and it is found that the results for cross sections with and without relaxation effects in RRPA-R and RRPA are very different close to the corresponding thresholds. An attempt is made to explain the difference between the results of RRPA and RRPA-R close to the corresponding channel thresholds.PACS Nos.: 32.80.Gc, 32.80.Fb
Observation of the nuclear magnetic octupole moment of 87Rb from spectroscopic measurements of hyperfine intervals
Authors: Gerginov V , Tanner C E , Johnson W R
Published: April 2009

The magnetic octupole moment of 87Rb is determined from hyperfine intervals in the 5p 2P3/2 state measured by Ye et al. Opt. Lett. 21, 1280 (1996). Hyperfine constants A = 84.7189(22) MHz, B = 12.4942(43) MHz, and C = –0.12(09) kHz are obtained from the published measurements. The existence of a significant value for C indicates the presence of a nuclear magnetic octupole moment Ω. Combining the hyperfine constants with atomic structure calculations, we obtain Ω = –0.58(39) bμN. Second-order corrections arising from the interaction with the nearby 5p 2P1/2 state are found to be insignificant.PACS Nos.: 21.10.Ky, 32.10.Fn, 42.62.Fi