bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International comparative analyses of healthcare risk management
Authors: Sun Niuyun , Wang Li , Zhou Jun , Yuan Qiang , Zhang Zongjiu , Li Youping , Liang Minghui , Cheng Lan , Gao Guangming , Cui Xiaohui
Published: February 2011

Objective Interpretation of the growing body of global literature on health care risk is compromised by a lack of common understanding and language. This series of articles aims to comprehensively compare laws and regulations, institutional management, and administration of incidence reporting systems on medical risk management in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and Taiwan, so as to provide evidence and recommendations for health care risk management policy in China.

Methods We searched the official websites of the healthcare risk management agencies of the four countries and one district for laws, regulatory documents, research reports, reviews and evaluation forms concerned with healthcare risk management and assessment. Descriptive comparative analysis was performed on relevant documents.

Results A total of 146 documents were included in this study, including 2 laws (1.4%), 17 policy documents (11.6%), 41 guidance documents (28.1%), 37 reviews (25.3%), and 49 documents giving general information (33.6%). The United States government implemented one law and one rule of patient safety management, while the United Kingdom and Australia each issued professional guidances on patient safety improvement. The four countries implemented patient safety management policy on four different levels: national, state/province, hospital, and non‐governmental organization.

Conclusion The four countries and one district adopted four levels of patient safety management, and the administration modes can be divided into an “NGO‐led mode” represented by the United States and Canada and a “government‐led mode” represented by the United Kingdom, Australia, and Taiwan.
Fatal Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza A Virus Infection in a Pennsylvania Domestic Cat
Authors: Campagnolo E. R. , Rankin J. T. , Daverio S. A. , Hunt E. A. , Lute J. R. , Tewari D. , Acland H. M. , Ostrowski S. R. , Moll M. E. , Urdaneta V. V. , Ostroff S. M.
Published: February 2011

We report the earliest recognized fatality associated with laboratory‐confirmed pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) influenza in a domestic cat in the United States. The 12‐year old, indoor cat died on 6 November 2009 after exposure to multiple family members who had been ill with influenza‐like illness during the peak period of the fall wave of pH1N1 in Pennsylvania during late October 2009. The clinical presentation, history, radiographic, laboratory and necropsy findings are presented to assist veterinary care providers in understanding the features of this disease in cats and the potential for transmission of infection to pets from infected humans.
Corynebacterium ulcerans from Diseased Wild Boars
Authors: Contzen M. , Sting R. , Blazey B. , Rau J.
Published: February 2011

Two Corynebacterium strains were isolated from lymph nodes of wild boars showing severe alterations caused by caseous lymphadenitis. The wild boars came from different districts in southern Germany; one was found dead, the other had been shot. The two Corynebacterium strains obtained were both positive for phospholipase D. Further analysis of biochemical profiles did not allow unambiguous differentiation between Corynebacterium ulcerans and Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy as well as partial sequencing of the genes for 16S rRNA and RNA polymerase beta subunit (rpoB) clearly identified both strains as Corynebacterium ulcerans. The tox gene for diphtheria toxin (DT) could be detected in both porcine isolates by PCR. Partial DNA sequencing of this tox gene showed significant differences from sequences described for other Corynebacterium ulcerans strains and a higher degree of similarity to that of Corynebacterium diphtheria. Production of diphtheria toxin could not be detected. These results indicate that wild game could be a reservoir for zoonotic Corynebacterium ulcerans.
Chlamydophila felisin Cats – Are the Stray Cats Dangerous Source of Infection?
Authors: Halánová M. , Sulinová Z. , Čisláková L. , Trbolová A. , Páleník Ľ. , Weissová T. , Halán M. , Kalinová Z. , Holičková M.
Published: February 2011

Chlamydophila felisis a causative agent of acute or chronic conjunctivitis, and pneumonia in cats. Natural transmission mostly occurs consequently to close contact with other infected cats, their aerosol and fomites. We have examined 93 cats with symptoms of acute or chronic conjunctivitis, from Košice region in Slovakia, during the period of 2 years. Conjunctival samples were obtained from 55 domestic cats (59.14%) and 38 stray cats (40.86%). Of the total number of 93 examined animals, 42 cats were positive, which represents 45.16% overall positivity. Out of the 42 positive cats, 25 cats were stray and 17 positive cats were classified as domestic, which means that of 38 stray cats, 25 were positive (which represented 65.78% positivity) and of 55 domestic cats, 17 were positive (positivity was 30.90%). Our results showed that cats, especially stray cats, could be a dangerous source of chlamydiosis for humans.
Serum biochemical analytes in captive Amazonian manatees (Trichechus inunguis)
Authors: de Mello Daniela Magalhães Drummond , da Silva Vera , Rosas Fernando
Published: February 2011

Background: Establishment of reference values for serum biochemical analytes is important for monitoring health and physiological status of captive animals.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure and report ranges for serum biochemical analytes in Amazonian manatees (Trichechus inunguis).

Methods: Blood samples were collected from 24 healthy captive Amazonian manatees that comprised a mixture of adults, subadults, and calves and males and females; serum analytes were measured and analyzed using a dry reagent bench‐top chemical analyzer. Comparisons were made between sexes and with previously published values of closely related species.

Results: Medians and ranges (minimum–maximum) of values for the analytes were: lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), 151 (111–278) U/L (n=20); creatine kinase, 144 (76–315) U/L (n=11); alanine aminotransferase, 10 (2–28) U/L (n=18); aspartate aminotransferase, 14 (5–28) U/L (n=21); γ‐glutamyltransferase, 47 (36–73) U/L (n=21); amylase, 1428 (1010–1874) U/L (n=21); alkaline phosphatase, 73 (36–141) U/L (n=19); total protein, 6.8 (6.2–8.0) g/dL (n=24); albumin, 3.3 (2.6–4.1) g/dL (n=21); cholesterol, 188 (101–399) mg/dL (n=21); triglycerides, 126 (60–236) mg/dL (n=21); glucose, 47 (22–69) mg/dL (n=21); urea, 43 (21–69) mg/dL (n=21); uric acid, 1.1 (0.5–1.8) mg/dL (n=22); creatinine, 2.2 (1.5–3.3) mg/dL (n=22); total bilirubin, 0.2 (0.2–2.0) mg/dL (n=21); calcium, 12.7 (10.2–18.6) mg/dL (n=24); iron, 282 (207–457) μg/dL (n=13); and magnesium, 6.9 (4.3–8.9) mg/dL (n=20). With the exception of LDH, no differences were observed between sexes.

Conclusions: The ranges obtained in this study provide important preliminary estimates for concentrations and activities of serum analytes in Amazonian manatees until a larger reference interval study can be conducted.
Initiation/Response/Follow‐Up, and Response to Intervention: Combining Two Models to Improve Teacher and Student Performance
Authors: Miao Pei , Heining‐Boynton Audrey L.
Published: February 2011

Abstract: The communication pattern of Initiation/Response/Follow‐Up (IRF) has long been an important instructional sequence in language classrooms. When language teachers combine IRF with the Response to Intervention (RTI) approach, they create a powerful model to evaluate student oral practice and self‐assess effectiveness in creating language communities in the classroom. This study reports the analysis of IRF that took place in two foreign language immersion classrooms. Two immersion teachers and a total of 102 students participated. The study also documents the RTI of the participating teachers as they collaboratively analyzed the IRF patterns. The results of the study revealed that combining IRF and RTI can have positive effects on instructional delivery and increased student discourse.
An Examination of Culture Knowledge: A Study of L2 Teachers' and Teacher Educators' Beliefs and Practices
Authors: Byrd David R. , Hlas Anne Cummings , Watzke John , Valencia Maria Fernanda Montes
Published: February 2011

Abstract:Historically, culture has not been emphasized as much as linguistic features in the teaching of second languages, but the introduction of the National Standards has provided an opportunity for a shift in this trend. This study surveyed 415 world language teachers and 64 teacher educators about the extent to which the culture standard is a focus of teaching and the motivators and barriers in maintaining culture knowledge. Using descriptive statistical analysis, survey results suggest that both groups share some concerns, motivations, and barriers to teaching culture, but they also differ in significant areas. The article concludes with some potential implications for teacher education programs as well as suggestions for continued professional development for teachers related to culture knowledge.
Hijama (cupping): a review of the evidence
Authors: AlBedah Abdullah , Khalil Mohamed , Elolemy Ahmed , Elsubai Ibrahim , Khalil Asim
Published: February 2011

Hijama means cupping, but in Arab and Muslim culture it refers to wet cupping. At present, there is much controversy around the practice of wet cupping. To evaluate the current scientific evidence for Hijama, specifically wet cupping, we searched for relevant literature using CAM on PubMed, ACP journal club, Cochrane controlled trials register, Cochrane database of systematic reviews, Cochrane methodology register, database of abstracts of reviews of effects, health technology assessment database, Journals@Ovid, MEDLINE and the NHS economic evaluation database. Three systematic reviews investigated the effectiveness of wet and dry cupping. Two of the reviews found some evidence of effectiveness for cupping and pain. Favourable effects were reported for wet cupping when used as an adjuvant to conventional drugs. The third systematic review found very little evidence of effectiveness for cupping and stroke rehabilitation. Other clinical and observational studies were of limited quality. Few randomised controlled trials have examined the effectiveness of cupping (specifically wet cupping), and those that have been published were generally of low quality, with many limitations.
Relax, it is only IBS?
Authors: Ingvar M
Published: February 2011

Shinozaki M, Kanazawa M, Kano M, Endo Y, Nakaya N, Hongo M, Fukudo S.

Effect of autogenic training on general improvement in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2010; 35: 189–98.
An inexpensive and accessible exercise regime significantly improves balance and reduces injuries in the elderly
Authors: Dunlop RA
Published: February 2011

Wu G, Keyes L, Callas P, Ren X, Bookchin B.

Comparison of telecommunication, community, and home‐based tai chi exercise programs on compliance and effectiveness in elders at risk for falls.

Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2010; 91: 849–56.
Integrative approach for tinnitus: potential for qigong
Authors: Marc I , Langguth B , Biesinger E
Published: February 2011

Biesinger E, Kipman U, Schätz S, Langguth B.

Qigong for the treatment of tinnitus: a prospective randomized controlled study.

J Psychosom Res 2010; 69: 299–304.
Is tai chi exercise programme beneficial for patients with coronary artery disease?
Authors: Lee MS , Koo M
Published: February 2011

Chang RY, Koo M, Kan CB, Yu ZR, Chu IT, Hsu CT, Chen CY.

Effect of tai chi rehabilitation on heart rate responses in patients with coronary artery disease.

Am J Chin Med 2010; 38: 461–72.
Tai chi qigong may improve health‐related QoL in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Lee MS , Chan AWK , Lee A , Suen LKP , Tam WWS
Published: February 2011

Chan AWK, Lee A, Suen LKP, Tam WS.

Effectiveness of a Tai chi Qigong program in promoting health‐related quality of life and perceived social support in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease clients.

Qual Life Res 2010; 19: 653–64.
Meta‐analysis of Chinese herbs for diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Izzo AA , Chen M , Xie C
Published: February 2011

Chen M, Zheng H, Yin LP, Xie CG.

Is oral administration of Chinese herbal medicine effective and safe as an adjunctive therapy for managing diabetic foot ulcers? A systematic review and meta‐analysis.

J Altern Complement Med 2010; 16: 889–98.
Are chiropractors effective back specialists?
Authors: Ernst E
Published: February 2011

Walker BF, French SD, Grant W, Green S.

Combined chiropractic interventions for low back pain.

Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2010; 4: CD 005427.
Benefits of intravenous fish oil after gastrointestinal cancer surgery
Authors: Rotblatt M
Published: February 2011

Jiang ZM, Wilmore DW, Wang XR, Wei JM, Zhang ZT, Gu ZY, Wang S, Han SM, Jiang H, Yu K.

Randomized clinical trial of intravenous soybean oil alone versus soybean oil plus fish oil emulsion after gastrointestinal cancer surgery.

Br J Surg 2010; 97: 804–9.
Possible effect of acupuncture in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Rose L , Wong VC
Published: February 2011

Wong VC, Sun JG.

Randomized controlled trial of acupuncture versus sham acupuncture in autism spectrum disorder.

J Altern Complement Med 2010; 16: 545–53.
A blueprint for placebo‐controlled double‐blind studies of complex, individualised interventions
Authors: Ernst E , Furst DE
Published: February 2011

Furst DE, Venkatraman MM, Krishna Swamy BG, McGann M, Booth‐Laforce C, Ram Manohar P, Sarin R, Mahapatra A, Krishna Kumar PR.

Well controlled, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials of classical Ayurvedic treatment are possible in rheumatoid arthritis.

Ann Rheum Dis 2010; Epub ahead of print.
Integrative paediatrics: a Dutch experience
Authors: von Rosenstiel Inès A , Schats Winnie , Bongers Karlien , Jong Miek C
Published: February 2011

Background  In 2003 a paediatric integrative medicine (IM) clinic was established in the Slotervaart Hospital, the Netherlands. The clinic provides advice and treatment to inpatient and outpatient children, using a shared‐care model with complementary therapists. The clinic also provides a limited range of evidence‐based complementary modalities for inpatient children, aimed at decreasing pain, fear and stress.

Objective  To describe the successful integration of CAM and IM within a paediatric department of a Dutch teaching hospital.

Materials and methods  The clinic was set up through the special interest of the head of the paediatric department, with support from fellow paediatricians, medical specialists, nurses, other staff and hospital board members. A shared‐care model with complementary therapists was developed for the outpatient population.

Results  The clinic is currently run by paediatricians trained in several complementary modalities, and a group of carefully selected and licensed naturopaths, Ayurvedic practitioners, hypnotherapists, massage therapists, homeopaths, osteopaths, acupuncturists and integrative psychology counsellors. There is close collaboration with the medical librarian who maintains a database of IM literature and provides up‐to‐date evidence‐based literature on specific IM topics.

Conclusions  The clinic enjoys a special position in the Dutch healthcare system, but faces specific and unique challenges. Recruitment and retention of physicians and nurses, who are both knowledgeable and skilled in IM, is an important goal for the continuation of the clinic. Two areas need to be closely addressed in the near future: financial viability and a regulatory framework for CAM practitioners in collaborative hospital settings.
The widening scope of mentalizing: A discussion
Authors: Fonagy Peter , Bateman Anthony , Bateman Alexandra
Published: February 2011

The editors of this special issue have commissioned us to bring together some of the conceptual and empirical research presented in six intriguing papers that illustrate the widening scope of mentalization. Our discussion will look at each paper in turn, but bring ideas and findings from the other papers into focus when relevant.
Verbal elaboration of distinct affect categories and BPD symptoms
Authors: Lecours Serge , Bouchard Marc‐André
Published: February 2011

Objectives. The present study explores the relationship between the mentalization of distinct affect categories and the severity of borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms. Mentalization is assessed by both the level of verbal elaboration (VE) achieved by discrete affects (explicit mentalization) and the proportion of these individual affects in verbal expression (implicit mentalization).

Design and methods. Sixty‐four outpatients completed a series of questionnaires and took part in an interview designed to produce eight relationship episodes that involved four basic emotions: sadness, joy, anger, and fear (two of each). Affect mentalization was assessed with the Grille de l’Élaboration Verbale de l’Affect (GEVA), an observer‐rated measure of levels of elaboration of verbalized affect, and the measure of affect content (MAC), which identifies the content of the verbalized affect (e.g., anger). Diagnostic criteria were obtained with the BPD scale of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV (SCID‐II) questionnaire. Alexithymia was assessed with the 20‐item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS‐20).

Results. The severity of BPD symptoms was related to lower levels of VE of sadness. It was also associated with a higher frequency of hostility directed against others. The level of VE of sadness and the proportion of hostility showed incremental predictive value of borderline symptomatology over demographic information, the presence of a depressive disorder and alexithymia.

Conclusions. These findings point to an association between the severity of BPD symptoms and a difficulty mentalizing specific affective domains largely recognized as being central to borderline pathology, namely sadness and hostility.
Metacognitive disturbances in persons with severe mental illness: Theory, correlates with psychopathology and models of psychotherapy
Authors: Lysaker Paul H. , Gumley Andrew , Dimaggio Giancarlo
Published: February 2011

Metacognition refers to the ability to think about thinking, both one's own and that of others. In this introduction to the special issue on this subject, the editors summarize preceding literature on the nature and extent of metacognitive disturbances in severe mental illness. They then summarize the proceeding seven pieces that explore models of metacognitive disturbance in severe mental illness, its correlates with psychopathology, and emerging models of psychotherapy.
Nonsolvable number fields ramified only at 3 and 5
Authors: Dembélé Lassina , Greenberg Matthew , Voight John
Published: February 2011

For p=3 and p=5, we exhibit a finite nonsolvable extension of ℚ which is ramified only at p, proving in the affirmative a conjecture of Gross. Our construction involves explicit computations with Hilbert modular forms.
Dichotomy for generic supercuspidal representations ofG2
Authors: Savin Gordan , Weissman Martin H.
Published: February 2011

The local Langlands conjectures imply that to every generic supercuspidal irreducible representation ofG2over ap-adic field, one can associate a generic supercuspidal irreducible representation of either PGSp6or PGL3. We prove this conjectural dichotomy, demonstrating a precise correspondence between certain representations ofG2and other representations of PGSp6and PGL3. This correspondence arises from theta correspondences inE6andE7, analysis of Shalika functionals, and spin L-functions. Our main result reduces the conjectural Langlands parameterization of generic supercuspidal irreducible representations ofG2to a single conjecture about the parameterization for PGSp6.
Preferential skeletal muscle myosin loss in response to mechanical silencing in a novel rat intensive care unit model: underlying mechanisms
Authors: Ochala Julien , Gustafson Ann‐Marie , Diez Monica Llano , Renaud Guillaume , Li Meishan , Aare Sudhakar , Qaisar Rizwan , Banduseela Varuna C. , Hedström Yvette , Tang Xiaorui , Dworkin Barry , Ford G. Charles , Nair K. Sreekumaran , Perera Sue , Gautel Mathias , Larsson Lars
Published: February 2011

Non‐technical summary  Wasting and severely impaired function of skeletal muscle is frequently observed in critically ill intensive care unit (ICU) patients, with negative consequences for recovery and quality of life. An experimental rat ICU model has been used to study the mechanisms underlying this unique wasting condition in neuromuscularly blocked and mechanically ventilated animals at durations varying between 6 h and 2 weeks. The complete ‘mechanical silencing’ of skeletal muscle (removal of both weight bearing and activation) resulted in a specific myopathy frequently observed in ICU patients and characterized by a preferential loss of the motor protein myosin. A highly complex and coordinated protein synthesis and degradation system was observed in the time‐resolved analyses. It is suggested the ‘mechanical silencing’ of skeletal muscle is a dominating factor triggering the specific myopathy associated with the ICU intervention, and strongly supporting the importance of interventions counteracting the complete unloading in ICU patients.
Redox homeostasis, oxidative stress and disuse muscle atrophy
Authors: Pellegrino Maria Antonietta , Desaphy Jean‐François , Brocca Lorenza , Pierno Sabata , Camerino Diana Conte , Bottinelli Roberto
Published: February 2011

Abstract  A pivotal role has been ascribed to oxidative stress in determining the imbalance between protein synthesis and degradation leading to muscle atrophy in many pathological conditions and in disuse. However, a large variability in disuse‐induced alteration of redox homeostasis through muscles, models and species emerges from the literature. Whereas the causal role of oxidative stress appears well established in the mechanical ventilation model, findings are less compelling in the hindlimb unloaded mice and very limited in humans. The mere coexistence of muscle atrophy, indirect indexes of increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and impairment of antioxidant defence systems, in fact, does not unequivocally support a causal role of oxidative stress in the phenomenon. We hypothesise that in some muscles, models and species only, due to a large redox imbalance, the leading phenomena are activation of proteolysis and massive oxidation of proteins, which would become more susceptible to degradation. In other conditions, due to a lower extent and variable time course of ROS production, different ROS‐dependent, but also ‐independent intracellular pathways might dominate determining the variable extent of atrophy and even dispensable protein oxidation. The ROS production and removal are complex and finely tuned phenomena. They are indeed important intracellular signals and redox balance maintains normal muscle homeostasis and can underlie either positive or negative adaptations to exercise. A precise approach to determine the levels of ROS in living cells in various conditions appears to be of paramount importance to define and support such hypotheses.
Beyond atrophy: redox mechanisms of muscle dysfunction in chronic inflammatory disease
Authors: Reid Michael B. , Moylan Jennifer S.
Published: February 2011

Abstract  Chronic inflammatory diseases such as heart failure, cancer and arthritis have secondary effects on skeletal muscle that cause weakness and exercise intolerance. These symptoms exacerbate illness and make death more likely. Weakness is not simply a matter of muscle atrophy. Functional studies show that contractile dysfunction, i.e. a reduction in specific force, makes an equally important contribution to overall weakness. The most clearly defined mediator of contractile dysfunction is tumour necrosis factor (TNF). TNF serum levels are elevated in chronic disease, correlate with muscle weakness, and are a predictor of morbidity and mortality. Research is beginning to unravel the mechanism by which TNF depresses specific force. TNF acts via the TNFR1 receptor subtype to depress force by increasing cytosolic oxidant activity. Oxidants depress myofibrillar function, decreasing specific force without altering calcium regulation or other aspects of myofibrillar mechanics. Beyond these concepts, the intracellular mechanisms that depress specific force remain undefined. We do not know the pathway by which receptor–ligand interaction stimulates oxidant production. Nor do we know the type(s) of oxidants stimulated by TNF, their intracellular source(s), or their molecular targets. Investigators in the field are pursuing these issues with the long‐term goal of preserving muscle function in individuals afflicted by chronic disease.
The temporal relationship between non‐respiratory burst activity of expiratory laryngeal motoneurons and phrenic apnoea during stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerve in rat
Authors: Sun Qi‐Jian , Bautista Tara G. , Berkowitz Robert G. , Zhao Wen‐Jing , Pilowsky Paul M.
Published: February 2011

Non‐technical summary  Nerve fibres in the larynx detect foreign substances and elicit a stereotypical airway protective response that can be simulated by electrical stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN). In humans the response includes cough, swallowing and a cessation of breathing (apnoea). It is still unknown precisely how the central nervous system coordinates swallowing and breathing, and at which point the two vital systems converge and diverge in the brain. Here we report a temporal, sequential relationship between excitation of expiratory laryngeal motoneurons that close the larynx during swallowing, and inhibition of breathing, during stimulation of the SLN in rat. The two phenomena can be dissociated by inactivating different brain areas. This work therefore has implications for diseases such as sudden infant death syndrome and Parkinson's disease, in which incoordination of breathing and protective behaviours may result in aspiration of irritants and subsequent death or aspiration pneumonia.
Age‐related changes in skeletal muscle reactive oxygen species generation and adaptive responses to reactive oxygen species
Authors: Jackson Malcolm J. , McArdle Anne
Published: February 2011

Abstract  Skeletal muscle generates superoxide and nitric oxide at rest and this generation is increased by contractile activity. In young and adult animals and man, an increase in activities of these species and the secondary products derived from them (reactive oxygen species, ROS) stimulate redox‐sensitive signalling pathways to modify the cellular content of cytoprotective regulatory proteins such as the superoxide dismutases, catalase and heat shock proteins that prevent oxidative damage to tissues. The mechanisms underlying these adaptive responses to contraction include activation of redox‐sensitive transcription factors such as nuclear factor κB (NFκB), activator protein‐1 (AP1) and heat shock factor 1 (HSF1). During ageing all tissues, including skeletal muscle, demonstrate an accumulation of oxidative damage that may contribute to loss of tissue homeostasis. The causes of this increased oxidative damage are uncertain, but substantial data now indicate that the ability of skeletal muscle from aged organisms to respond to an increase in ROS generation by increased expression of cytoprotective proteins through activation of redox‐sensitive transcription factors is severely attenuated. This age‐related lack of physiological adaptations to the ROS induced by contractile activity appears to contribute to a loss of ROS homeostasis and increased oxidative damage in skeletal muscle.
Characterization and Quantification of Electronic and Ionic Ohmic Overpotential and Heat Generation in a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Anode
Authors: Grew Kyle N. , Izzo John R. , Chiu Wilson K. S.
Published: February 2011

The development of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with a higher efficiency and power density requires an improved understanding and treatment of the irreversibilities. Losses due to the electronic and ionic resistances, which are also known as ohmic losses in the form of Joule heating, can hinder the SOFC’s performance. Ohmic losses can result from the bulk material resistivities as well as the complexities introduced by the cell’s microstructure. In this work, two-dimensional (2D), electronic and ionic transport models are used to develop a method of quantification of the ohmic losses within the SOFC anode microstructure. This quantification is completed as a function of properties determined from a detailed microstructure characterization, namely, the tortuosity of the electronic and ionic phases, phase volume fraction, contiguity, and mean free path. A direct modeling approach at the level of the pore-scale microstructure is achieved through the use of a representative volume element (RVE) method. The correlation of these ohmic losses with the quantification of the SOFC anode microstructure are examined. It is found with this analysis that the contributions of the SOFC anode microstructure on ohmic losses can be correlated with the volume fraction, contiguity, and mean free path.
Study of a Two-Phase Flow Pump and Separator System
Authors: Gruselle François , Steimes Johan , Hendrick Patrick
Published: February 2011

The Aero-Thermo-Mechanics (ATM) Department of ULB (Université Libre de Bruxelles) is developing an original system to pump and separate a two-phase flow. Many applications need to extract a certain phase of a multiphase flow: oil extraction, flow in nuclear pumps, flow in aircraft lubrication systems, pulp and paper processing, etc. The main objective of this study is to obtain a lightweight, compact, and efficient system that can both extract the gas of a two-phase flow and increase the pressure of the liquid phase. Prototypes with different designs were first tested at ULB on a specific test bench using water and air. The current prototype is a kind of axial-centrifugal pump. The axial part is used to separate the two phases of the flow and to collect, in the centrifugal part, the liquid phase only. The test results of the water-air prototypes have allowed to identify the key design and working parameters for efficient separation and pumping. A theoretical model has also been developed to describe the behavior of these prototypes. After successful tests with water-air mixtures, the technology has been implemented for a hot oil-air mixture. The tests with oil-air mixtures are performed on the aeroengine lubrication system test bench that the ATM Department developed and continues developing for other projects. At the same time, the flow field in the pump and separator system is being studied with commercial computational fluid dynamics software packages. Several two-phase flow models are considered for this particular application.
Combination of thermodynamic model and precursor state for As and Sb incorporation behavior in GaAsSb/GaAs multiple-quantum wells
Authors: Lin Jian-Ming , Chou Li-Chang , Lin Hao-Hsiung
Published: February 2011

The competition between two group V atoms is significant in epitaxy growth and it is attributable to the higher difference of incorporation rates and the characteristics of atoms themselves. It could result such that atoms join into the lattice with difficulty, which could promote desorption of extra atoms that have escaped from among incident molecules. The authors have developed a combination for the precursor state and the associated thermodynamic model in order to describe the competition between Sb and As atoms during the pseudomorphic growth of GaAsSb/GaAs multiple-quantum wells on GaAs (100) substrates by gas-source molecular-beam epitaxy. The strain-induced incorporation coefficient due to lattice mismatch between the growing film and the substrate is also taken into account. The calculated results for the model are in good agreement with the experimental data at different substrate temperatures.
In Vitro
Interactions of Antimicrobial Combinations with Fosfomycin against KPC-2-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Protection of Resistance Development
Authors: Souli Maria , Galani Irene , Boukovalas Stefanos , Gourgoulis Michael George , Chryssouli Zoi , Kanellakopoulou Kyriaki , Panagea Theofano , Giamarellou Helen
Published: February 2011

Using time-kill methodology, we investigated the interactions of fosfomycin with meropenem or colistin or gentamicin against 17 genetically distinct
Klebsiella pneumoniae
clinical isolates carrying
bla
KPC-2
. Synergy was observed with meropenem or colistin against 64.7 and 11.8% of tested isolates, while the combination with gentamicin resulted in indifference. All studied combinations showed improved bactericidal activity, compared to fosfomycin alone and prevented the development of fosfomycin resistance in 69.2, 53.8, and 81.8% of susceptible isolates, respectively.
Azole Resistance of Aspergillus fumigatus Biofilms Is Partly Associated with Efflux Pump Activity
Authors: Rajendran Ranjith , Mowat Eilidh , McCulloch Elaine , Lappin David F. , Jones Brian , Lang Sue , Majithiya Jayesh B. , Warn Peter , Williams Craig , Ramage Gordon
Published: February 2011

This study investigated the phase-dependent expression and activity of efflux pumps in
Aspergillus fumigatus
treated with voriconazole. Fourteen strains were shown to become increasingly resistant in the 12-h (16- to 128-fold) and 24-h (>512-fold) phases compared to 8-h germlings. An Ala-Nap uptake assay demonstrated a significant increase in efflux pump activity in the 12-h and 24-h phases (
P
< 0.0001). The efflux pump activity of the 8-h germling cells was also significantly induced by voriconazole (
P
< 0.001) after 24 h of treatment. Inhibition of efflux pump activity with the competitive substrate MC-207,110 reduced the voriconazole MIC values for the
A. fumigatus
germling cells by 2- to 8-fold. Quantitative expression analysis of
AfuMDR4
mRNA transcripts showed a phase-dependent increase as the mycelial complexity increased, which was coincidental with a strain-dependent increase in azole resistance. Voriconazole also significantly induced this in a time-dependent manner (
P
< 0.001). Finally, an
in vivo
mouse biofilm model was used to evaluate efflux pump expression, and it was shown that
AfuMDR4
was constitutively expressed and significantly induced by treatment with voriconazole after 24 h (
P
< 0.01). Our results demonstrate that efflux pumps are expressed in complex
A. fumigatus
biofilm populations and that this contributes to azole resistance. Moreover, voriconazole treatment induces efflux pump expression. Collectively, these data may provide evidence for azole treatment failures in clinical cases of aspergillosis.
Impact of Dose De-Escalation and Escalation on Daptomycin's Pharmacodynamics against Clinical Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates in an
In Vitro
Model
Authors: Vidaillac Celine , Steed Molly E. , Rybak Michael J.
Published: February 2011

De-escalation and escalation therapeutic strategies are commonly employed by clinicians on the basis of susceptibility results and patient response. Since no
in vitro
or
in vivo
data are currently available to support one strategy over the other for daptomycin, we attempted to evaluate the effects of dose escalation and de-escalation on daptomycin activity against methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) isolates using an
in vitro
pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model with simulated endocardial vegetations. Three clinical MRSA isolates, including one heterogeneous vancomycin-intermediate
S. aureus
(hVISA) isolate and one vancomycin-intermediate
S. aureus
(VISA) isolate, were exposed to daptomycin at 10 or 6 mg/kg of body weight/day for 8 days using a starting inoculum of ∼10
9
CFU/g of vegetations, with dose escalation and de-escalation initiated on the fourth day. Daptomycin MIC values ranged from 0.5 to 1 μg/ml. In the PK/PD model, high-dose daptomycin (10 mg/kg/day) and de-escalation simulation (10 to 6 mg/kg/day) appeared to be the most efficient regimens against the three tested isolates, exhibiting the fastest bactericidal activity (4 to 8 h) compared to that of the standard regimen of 6 mg/kg/day and the escalation therapy of 6 to 10 mg/kg/day. The differences in the numbers of CFU/g observed between dose escalation and de-escalation were significant for the hVISA strain, with the de-escalation simulation exhibiting a better killing effect than the escalation simulation (
P
< 0.024). Although our results need to be carefully considered, the use of high-dose daptomycin up front demonstrated the most efficient activity against the tested isolates. Different therapeutic scenarios including isolates with higher MICs and prolonged drug exposures are warranted to better understand the outcomes of escalation and de-escalation strategies.
Aspergillus fumigatus Strains with Mutations in the
cyp51A
Gene Do Not Always Show Phenotypic Resistance to Itraconazole, Voriconazole, or Posaconazole
Authors: Escribano Pilar , Recio Sandra , Peláez Teresa , Bouza Emilio , Guinea Jesús
Published: February 2011

We performed molecular identification of 98
Aspergillus fumigatus
complex isolates with MICs of 1 to 4 μg/ml for itraconazole and searched for the presence of mutations in
cyp51A
. Most of the isolates (91%) belonged to
A. fumigatus
sensu stricto. We found 14 different mutations in nine isolates at codons different from G54, M220, G138, G448, and L98. We report new mutations at positions 165, 262, 479, and 497 (silent). The role of these mutations should be analyzed.
In Vitro
Activity of Nifuratel on Vaginal Bacteria: Could It Be a Good Candidate for the Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis?
Authors: Togni Giuseppe , Battini Valeria , Bulgheroni Anna , Mailland Federico , Caserini Maurizio , Mendling Werner
Published: February 2011

Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by a shift of the physiological flora to a diverse spectrum of bacteria, where
Gardnerella vaginalis
and
Atopobium vaginae
are the most important markers. In this study, the antimicrobial activity of nifuratel against
G. vaginalis
,
A. vaginae
, and lactobacilli was compared with that of the two currently used antibiotics metronidazole and clindamycin. Results suggest that nifuratel has a better spectrum of activity, being highly active against
G. vaginalis
and
A. vaginae
without affecting lactobacilli.
Analysis of Murine Genetic Predisposition to Pneumococcal Infection Reveals a Critical Role of Alveolar Macrophages in Maintaining the Sterility of the Lower Respiratory Tract
Authors: Sun Keer , Gan Yan , Metzger Dennis W.
Published: February 2011

The study of pathogenic mechanisms of disease can be greatly facilitated by studying genetic differences in susceptibility to infection. In the present study, we compared the severity of pneumococcal infection in C57BL/6 (B6) and 129Sv mice. The results showed that 129Sv mice were remarkably more susceptible to pneumococcal infection than B6 mice. Bacterial clearance, proinflammatory mediators, leukocyte recruitment, and phagocyte activities were measured to examine potential immune factors associated with differences in susceptibility to pneumococcal infection. The greater susceptibility of 129Sv mice was associated only with inadequate alveolar macrophage bacterial killing, as indicated by significantly decreased initial bacterial clearance from the respiratory tract. Effective pneumococcal clearance was not dependent upon Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expression, oxidative stress, or matrix metallopeptidase 12 (MMP-12) expression. Furthermore, phagocytosis analysis suggested that the deficiency found in 129Sv alveolar macrophages was not due to a lack of bacterial recognition but, rather, to reduced bacterial uptake. In conclusion, our findings indicate a crucial role of alveolar macrophage phagocytosis during innate defense against pneumococcal infection, which may explain the association of host genetic risk factors with predisposition to pneumococcal infection.
Mitogenomic and microsatellite variation in descendants of the founder population of Newfoundland: high genetic diversity in an historically isolated population
Authors: Pope A. M. , Carr S. M. , Smith K. N. , Marshall H. D.
Published: February 2011

The island of Newfoundland, the first of England’s overseas colonies, was settled from the 17th century onward by restricted numbers of English, Irish, and French immigrants, in small “outport” communities that have maintained geographic, religious, and linguistic isolation to the latest generations. To measure the extent of modification and loss of genetic variation through founder effect, drift, and inbreeding in this historically isolated population, we analyzed the complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genomes and 14 microsatellite loci from each of 27 individuals with matrilineal ancestries extending to the colonial period. Every individual has a unique mtDNA genome sequence. All but one of these genomes are assignable to one of five major (H,J,K,T, and U) or minor (I) European haplogroups. The possibility of homoplasy at single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites that define subtypes within the H haplogroup is discussed. Observed haplogroup proportions do not differ significantly from those of western Europeans or between English and Irish Newfoundlanders. The exceptional individual is a member of haplogroup A2, who appears to be the descendant of a Mi’kmaq First Nations mother and a French father, a common marriage pattern in the early settlement of Newfoundland. Microsatellite diversity is high (HE= 0.763), unstructured with respect to mtDNA haplotype or ethnicity, and there is no evidence of linkage disequilibrium. There is a small but significant degree of inbreeding (FIS= 0.0174). Collection of whole mtDNA genome data was facilitated by the use of microarray sequencing, and we describe a simple algorithm that is 99.67% efficient for sequence recovery.
Substitution pattern of the CArG element in human and mouse genomes
Authors: Shen Xia , Mao Haimei , Miao Shan
Published: February 2011

cis-Elements CArG bound by serum response factor (SRF) are presently being intensively studied, but little is known about the substitution pattern of functional CArG elements. Here, we have performed the first evolutionary analysis of CArGome in the human and mouse genome through bioinformatic methods and statistical tests. We calculated the substitution rate at each site of the functional CArG elements. The results showed that the core sites of the functional CArG elements evolved faster than did the background DNA, indicating that these sites were likely to evolve under positive selection. Moreover, a strong TATA “motif” was evident in the core region within the functional CArG elements in both human and mouse promoters. This motif could probably be a major contribution to the formation of the spatial structure, which was important for CArG-SRF recognition. Thus, the study further revealed the sequence character and substitution pattern of CArG elements and provided useful information for the study of the SRF-binding efficiencies of CArG promoters in functional assays.
A survey ofPenstemon’sgenome size
Authors: Broderick Shaun R. , Stevens Mikel R. , Geary Brad , Love Stephen L. , Jellen Eric N. , Dockter Rhyan B. , Daley Shawna L. , Lindgren Dale T.
Published: February 2011

Penstemon is the largest genus in North America with more than 270 reported species. However, little is known about its genome size. This information may be useful in developing hybrids for landscape use and for gaining insight into its current taxonomy. Using flow cytometry, we estimated the genome size of approximately 40% of the genus (115 accessions from 105 different species). Genome sizes for both reported and probable diploids range from P. dissectus 2C = 0.94 pg (1C = 462 Mbp) to P. pachyphyllus var. mucronatus 2C = 1.88 pg (1C = 919 Mbp), and the polyploids range from P. attenuatus var. attenuatus 2C = 2.35 pg (1C = 1148 Mbp) to P. digitalis 2C = 6.45 pg (1C = 3152 Mbp). Chromosome counts were done for ten previously published and four previously unreported Penstemon species (P. dissectus, P. navajoa , P. caespitosus var. desertipicti, and P. ramaleyi ). These counts were compiled with all previously published chromosome data and compared with the flow cytometry results. Ploidy within this study ranged from diploid to dodecaploid. These data were compared and contrasted with the current taxonomy of Penstemon and previously published internal transcribed spacer and chloroplast DNA phylogenetic work. Based on genome size and previous studies, reassigning P. montanus to the subgenus Penstemon and P. personatus to the subgenus Dasanthera, would better reflect the phylogeny of the genus. Furthermore, our data concur with previous studies suggesting that the subgenus Habroanthus be included in the subgenus Penstemon. The DNA content of subgenus Penstemon exhibits high plasticity and spans a sixfold increase from the smallest to the largest genome ( P. linarioides subsp. sileri and P. digitalis, respectively). Our study found flow cytometry to be useful in species identification and verification.
A peripheral governor regulates muscle contraction
Authors: MacIntosh Brian R. , Shahi M. Reza S.
Published: February 2011

Active skeletal muscles are capable of keeping the global [adenosine triphosphate (ATP)] reasonably constant during exercise, whether it is mild exercise, activating a few motor units, or all-out exercise using a substantial mass of muscle. This could only be accomplished if there were regulatory processes in place not only to replenish ATP as quickly as possible, but also to modulate the rate of ATP use when that rate threatens to exceed the rate of ATP replenishment, a situation that could lead to metabolic catastrophe. This paper proposes that there is a regulatory process or “peripheral governor” that can modulate activation of muscle to avoid metabolic catastrophe. A peripheral governor, working at the cellular level, should be able to reduce the cellular rate of ATP hydrolysis associated with muscle contraction by attenuating activation. This would necessarily cause something we call peripheral fatigue (i.e., reduced contractile response to a given stimulation). There is no doubt that peripheral fatigue occurs. It has been demonstrated in isolated muscles, in muscles in situ with no central nervous system input, and in intact human subjects performing voluntary exercise with small muscle groups or doing whole-body exercise. The regulation of muscle activation is achieved in at least 3 ways (decreasing membrane excitability, inhibiting Ca2+release through ryanodine receptors, and decreasing the availability of Ca2+in the sarcoplasmic reticulum), making this a highly redundant control system. The peripheral governor attenuates cellular activation to reduce the metabolic demand, thereby preserving ATP and the integrity of the cell.