bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collagen hydrolysate intake improves the loss of epidermal barrier function and skin elasticity induced by UVB irradiation in hairless mice
Authors: Oba Chisato , Ohara Hiroki , Morifuji Masashi , Ito Kyoko , Ichikawa Satomi , Kawahata Keiko , Koga Jinichiro
Published: July 2013

Background

Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation induces serious damage to the skin. Collagen hydrolysate and collagen‐derived peptides have effects on skin function in vivo and in vitro. However, few studies have investigated changes in the epidermal barrier or dermal elasticity caused by UVB. Here, we investigated the loss of epidermal barrier function and skin elasticity induced by UVB irradiation in hairless mice fed collagen hydrolysate.

Methods

Mice were orally administered collagen hydrolysate, in a single dose (20 mJ/cm2) or repeated doses (10–30 mJ/cm2, 3 times/week for 6 weeks), and the dorsal skin was exposed to UVB. Skin measurements and histological and analytical studies were performed.

Results

In control mice, a single UVB irradiation induced epidermal barrier dysfunction including an increase in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), epidermal hyperplasia, and a decrease in stratum corneum water content. Administration of collagen hydrolysate significantly decreased TEWL and epidermal thickness and increased stratum corneum water content. Repeated UVB irradiation decreased skin elasticity and dermal hyaluronic acid (HA) content in control mice, whereas collagen hydrolysate significantly suppressed both the increase in TEWL and the decrease in stratum corneum water content and improved skin elasticity and dermal HA content.

Conclusions

Collagen hydrolysate administration affects epidermal barrier function and dermal skin elasticity.
Metal-Backed Glenoid Prostheses
Authors: Maccioni Cristóbal B. , Sonnabend David
Published: June 2013

Despite the theoretical advantages of uncemented glenoid prostheses, clinical experience with uncemented metal-backed glenoids (MBG) has been disappointing to date. MBG design features have varied widely and, unlike the systematic ‘generational’ refinement of cemented glenoid prostheses, MBG design has been haphazard and unsystematic. The advent of reverse prostheses has rekindled interest in MBGs that allow ‘exchange’ from ‘anatomic’ to ‘reverse’ without baseplate removal. Recent designs, based on earlier prostheses, have proven excellent medium-term results, and there are now some specific indications for the use of MBGs. Further refinements are expected.
Epitope Specificity of Cross‐Clade Neutralizing Sera from Chinese HIV‐1‐Positive Individuals
Authors: Song H. , Chu Y. , Zhang H. , Wang X. , Zhang T. , Qiu M. , Wu H. , Wu Z.
Published: June 2013

Induction of broadly neutralizing antibody is considered important for an effective HIV‐1 vaccine. Identification and characterization of broadly neutralizing antibodies in HIV‐1‐infected patients will facilitate our understanding of the immune correlates to protection and the design of an effective prophylactic vaccine. A number of studies to probe the specificity of antibodies in broadly neutralizing sera in the United States and Europe have been reported. However, little is known about and would be interesting to investigate the immunological characteristics of HIV‐1‐positive sera in China where non‐clade B viruses are prevalent and the circulating viral subtypes are distinct and more complex than both the United States and Europe. Here, we screened 80 Chinese HIV‐1‐positive sera against a minipanel of pseudoviruses representing various circulating HIV‐1 subtypes in China and identified 8 cross‐clade neutralizing sera (CNsera). Immunological characterization of the sera showed that gp120‐targeting antibodies with multiple epitope specificities contributed to the cross‐clade neutralizing activity of these CNsera. V3‐directed antibodies were prevalent in these CNsera, but did not mainly contribute to their neutralization breath and potency while CD4bs‐specific, 2F5‐ and 4E10‐like antibodies were rarely detected. 2G12‐like neutralizing antibodies were more frequently detected in HIV‐1 patients from China where recombinant subtype viruses are prevalent than in United States and Europe. One broadly neutralizing serum (Serum 45) was identified to contain antibodies with unknown epitope specificities that were sensitive to terminal glycan modifications on virus Env and insensitive to N160K mutagenesis, and correlated with the cross‐clade neutralization activity of Serum 45.
Challenging The Tritope Model of T cell Receptor Structure–Function Relationships with Classical Data on ‘Super’ and ‘Allo‐MHC’ Antigens
Authors: Cohn M.
Published: June 2013

The response of the immune system to allo‐MHC‐encoded antigens and Mls ‘superantigens’ has been experimentally analysed in detail, but the data have not been coupled to a theoretical framework. It should therefore be instructive to see how well the newly proposed Tritope Model of TCR structure–function relationships deals with the signalling interactions between the TCR and the above antigens. We will pay heed to William Bateson's admonition, ‘treasure the exceptions’, by showing how a meaningful theory interrogates the data with the same validity that the data interrogate the theory. The concordances, as well as the contradictions, with the Tritope Model are a test of its heuristic value.
Detrital zircon geochronology of Palaeozoic Novaya Zemlya – a key to understanding the basement of the Barents Shelf
Authors: Lorenz Henning , Gee David G. , Korago Evgeny , Kovaleva Galina , McClelland William C. , Gilotti Jane A. , Frei Dirk
Published: June 2013

The Novaya Zemlya fold‐and‐thrust‐belt is the northern continuation of the late Palaeozoic Uralide Orogen. Little is known about its deeper structure and the basement history of the adjacent Barents and Kara shelves. Based on geological evidence and detrital zircon analysis of 28 samples from the northeastern and stratigraphically deepest part of the archipelago, we demonstrate that Cambro‐Ordovician turbidite‐dominated deposition was almost exclusively sourced from rocks consolidated during the Timanian orogeny (Timanian basement). A profound change in provenance occurred near the end of the Ordovician. Over 90% of the zircons from Silurian and about 80% from Devonian strata have ages characteristic of the Sveconorwegian Orogen, implying uplift of these rocks in the vicinity of Novaya Zemlya. The presence of Sveconorwegian and Grenvillian rocks in the high Arctic suggests revision of recent reconstructions of the Rodinia supercontinent, its break‐up and subsequent Caledonian orogeny.
Factors predisposing to wrong blood in tube incidents: a year's experience in the North East of England
Authors: Varey A. , Tinegate H. , Robertson J. , Watson D. , Iqbal A.
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Wrong blood in tube (WBIT) describes a transfusion sample collected from one patient but labelled with the identification details of a different patient.

These incidents have the potential to result in catastrophic harm to patients. In 2011, the Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) organisation received 469 reports of WBIT across the UK.

What this study adds

This was a prospective study of WBIT which collected information not only on the frequency of WBIT but also risk factors.

Method

All hospitals in the North East region of England submitted details of known WBITs during a 12‐month period starting from July 2011, including the time of day and location where samples were taken, the job title and competency of the sample taker, and how the WBIT was identified. Where possible, the sampler was interviewed to determine reasons for the WBIT.

RESULTS

There were 48 WBITs, giving a corrected incidence of 1 : 2717 repeat transfusion samples. Doctors were responsible for 24 of 45 WBITs where the identity of the sampler was known. The rate as a proportion of samples was highest in medicine and paediatric specialties. The commonest risk factor for WBIT was labelling away from the bedside (44%).

Conclusions

These findings support, and add to, the data collected by SHOT. If our figures are representative of the whole of the UK, then over 1160 WBITs will occur each year, justifying SHOT's concerns that WBITs are under reported. Interventions are needed to ensure labelling of transfusion samples is always carried out at the patient's side.
The effects, safety and acceptability of compact, pre‐filled, autodisable injection devices when delivered by lay health workers
Authors: Glenton Claire , Khanna Rajesh , Morgan Chris , Nilsen Elin Strømme
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To systematically assess (i) the effects and safety and (ii) the acceptability of using lay health workers (LHWs) to deliver vaccines and medicines to mothers and children through compact pre‐filled autodisable devices (CPADs).

Methods

We searched electronic databases and grey literature. For the systematic review of effects and safety, we sought randomised and non‐randomised controlled trials, controlled before–after studies and interrupted time series studies. For the systematic review of acceptability, we sought qualitative studies. Two researchers independently carried out data extraction, study quality assessment and thematic analysis of the qualitative data.

Results

No studies met our criteria for the review exploring the effects and safety of using LHWs to deliver CPADs. For the acceptability review, six qualitative studies assessed the acceptability of using LHWs to deliver hepatitis B vaccine, tetanus toxoid vaccine, gentamicin or oxytocin using Uniject™ devices. All studies took place in low‐ or middle‐income countries and explored the perceptions of community members, LHWs, supervisors, health professionals or programme managers. Most of the studies were of low quality. Recipients generally accepted the intervention. Most health professionals were confident that LHWs could deliver the intervention with sufficient training and supervision, but some had problems delivering supervision. The LHWs perceived Uniject™ as effective and important and were motivated by positive responses from the community. However, some LHWs feared the consequences if harm should come to recipients.

Conclusions

Evidence of the effects and safety of using CPADs delivered by LHWs is lacking. Evidence regarding acceptability suggests that this intervention may be acceptable although LHWs may feel vulnerable to blame.
Oxytocin projections to the nucleus of the solitary tract contribute to the increased meal‐related satiety responses in primary adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Uchoa Ernane Torres , Zahm Daniel S. , de Carvalho Borges Beatriz , Rorato Rodrigo , Antunes‐Rodrigues Jose , Elias Lucila L. K.
Published: June 2013

New findings

What is the central question of this study?

Adrenalectomy‐induced hypophagia is related to enhanced activation of satiety responses in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) and is reversed by oxytocin receptor antagonist. The potential role of hypothalamic oxytocin projections to the NTS in the satiety‐related responses following adrenalectomy has not been reported.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Our study shows that adrenalectomy increases oxytocin projections to the NTS, and oxytocin receptor antagonist reverses the increased activation of NTS neurons induced by feeding after adrenalectomy. These data indicate that oxytocin pathways to the NTS contribute to higher satiety‐related responses, indicating that oxytocin is a mediator of hypophagia following adrenalectomy through its stimulatory effects on the NTS.

Anorexia is a common clinical manifestation of primary adrenal gland failure. Adrenalectomy (ADX)‐induced hypophagia is reversed by oxytocin (OT) receptor antagonist and is associated with increased activation of satiety‐related responses in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). This study evaluated OT projections from the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) to the NTS after ADX and the effect of pretreatment with intracerebroventricular injection of an OT receptor antagonist ([d(CH2)5,Tyr(Me)2,Orn8]‐vasotocin; OVT) on the activation of NTS neurons induced by feeding in adrenalectomized rats. Adrenalectomized animals showed higher OT labelling in the NTS than the sham and the ADX with corticosterone replacement (ADX + B) groups. Adrenalectomized animals exhibited co‐localization of the anterograde tracer Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin and OT in axons in the NTS as well as OT fibres apposing NTS neurons activated by refeeding. After vehicle pretreatment, compared with fasting, refeeding increased the numbers of Fos‐ and Fos + TH‐immunoreactive neurons in the NTS in sham, ADX and ADX + B groups, with a higher number of these immunolabelled neurons in adrenalectomized animals. Compared with fasting conditions, refeeding also increased the activation of NTS neurons in OVT‐pretreated sham, ADX and ADX + B groups, but there was no difference among the three experimental groups. These data demonstrate that OT is upregulated in projections to the NTS following ADX and that OT receptor antagonist reverses the greater activation of NTS neurons induced by feeding after ADX. The data indicate that OT pathways to the NTS contribute to higher satiety‐related responses and, thus, to reduce meal size in primary adrenal insufficiency.
Rapid Reflective Facet Characterization Using Fringe Reflection Techniques
Authors: Andraka Charles E. , Sadlon Scott , Myer Brian , Trapeznikov Kirill , Liebner Christina
Published: July 2013

Reflective mirror facets for concentrating solar power (CSP) systems have stringent requirements on the surface slope accuracy in order to provide adequate system performance. This paper presents a tool that can fully characterize facets quickly enough for 100% inspection on a production line. A facet for a CSP system, specifically a dish concentrator has a parabolic design shape. This shape will concentrate near-parallel rays from the sun to a point (or a line for trough systems). Deviations of surface slope from the design shape impact the performance of the system, either losing power that misses the target or increasing peak fluxes to undesirable levels. During development or production, accurate knowledge of facet defects can lead to improvements to lower cost or improve performance. The reported characterization system, SOFAST (Sandia Optical Fringe Analysis Slope Tool), has a computer-connected camera that images the reflective surface, which is positioned so that it reflects an active target, such as an LCD screen, to the camera. A series of fringe patterns are displayed on the screen while images are captured. Using the captured information, the reflected target location of each pixel of mirror viewed can be determined, and thus through a mathematical transformation, a surface normal map can be developed. This is then fitted to the selected model equation, and the errors from design are characterized. While similar approaches have been explored, several key developments are presented here. The combination of the display, capture, and data reduction in one system allows rapid characterization. An “electronic boresight” approach is utilized to accommodate physical equipment positioning deviations, making the system insensitive to setup errors. Up to 1.5 × 106 points are characterized on each facet. Finally, while prior automotive industry commercial systems resolve the data to shape determination, SOFAST concentrates on slope characterization and reporting, which is tailored to solar applications. SOFAST can be used for facet analysis during development. However, the real payoff is in production, where complete analysis is performed in about 10 s. With optimized coding, this could be further reduced.
Nitrogen-Diluted Methane Flames in the Near-and Far-Field
Authors: Kribs James , Moore Nancy , Hasan Tamir , Lyons Kevin
Published: July 2013

With the increased utilization of multicomponent fuels, such as natural gas and biogas, in industrial applications, there is a need to be able to effectively model and predict the properties of jet flames for mixed fuels. In addition, the interaction of these diluted fuels with outside influences (such as differing levels of coflow air) is a primary consideration. Experiments were performed on methane jet flames under the influence of varying levels of nitrogen dilution, from low Reynolds number lifted regimes to blowout, observing the influence of the nitrogen on lifted flame height and flame chemiluminesence images. These findings were analyzed and compared with existing lifted jet flame relations, such as the flammable region approximation proposed by Tieszen et al., as well as to undiluted flames. The influence of nitrogen dilution was seen to have an effect on the liftoff height of the flame, as well as the blowout velocity of the flame, but was seen to have a less pronounced effect compared with flames with coflowing air.
Search for the Exit: Voyager 1 at Heliosphere’s Border with the Galaxy
Authors: Krimigis S. M. , Decker R. B. , Roelof E. C. , Hill M. E. , Armstrong T. P. , Gloeckler G. , Hamilton D. C. , Lanzerotti L. J.
Published: June 2013

Unexpected Magnetic Highway

The heliopause is thought to separate the heliosphere (the bubble of plasma and magnetic field originating at the Sun) from interstellar plasma and magnetic field. In August last year, the Voyager 1 spacecraft, which was launched 35 years ago, was 18.5 billion kilometers away from the Sun, close to the expected location of the heliopause.

Krimigis
et al.

(p.
144
, published online 27 June) report observations of energetic ions and electrons by Voyager 1 that suggest that a sharp and distinct boundary was crossed five times over ∼30 days.

Burlaga
et al.

(p.
147
, published online 27 June) found that the magnetic field direction did not change across any of the boundary crossings, indicating that Voyager 1 had not crossed the heliopause but had entered a region in the heliosphere that serves as a magnetic highway along which low-energy ions from inside stream away and galactic cosmic rays flow in from interstellar space.

Stone
et al.

(p.
150
, published online 27 June) report the spectra of low-energy galactic cosmic rays in this unexpected region.
Cytochrome P450 Drives a HIF-Regulated Behavioral Response to Reoxygenation by
C. elegans
Authors: Ma Dengke K. , Rothe Michael , Zheng Shu , Bhatla Nikhil , Pender Corinne L. , Menzel Ralph , Horvitz H. Robert
Published: June 2013

As the Worm Squirms

Restoration of oxygen supply to cells that have been deprived of oxygen actually causes further damage to cells and tissues. Such responses, known as reperfusion injury, contribute to the deadly effects of heart attacks and strokes in humans. Lack of oxygen is sensed directly by a prolyl hydroxylase known as EGL-9 in worms and EGLN2 in mammals. Inhibition of EGL-9 can reduce damage caused by reperfusion of tissues with oxygen, but how such beneficial effects are mediated is not clear.

Ma
et al.

(p.
554
, published online 27 June) used a genetic screen in the nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
, which has a behavioral response to reoxygenation in which the animals increase their movement, to find factors that interact with EGL-9. They identified the cytochrome p450 oxygenase CYP-13A12 as such a factor. Some cytochrome p450 enzymes act on polyunsaturated fatty acids to make cellular signaling molecules known as eicosanoids. The effects of CYP-13A23 were mediated by eicosanoids. Because the regulatory pathways involved appear to be evolutionarily conserved, the results may aid understanding and management of reperfusion injury in humans.
Voyager 1 Observes Low-Energy Galactic Cosmic Rays in a Region Depleted of Heliospheric Ions
Authors: Stone E. C. , Cummings A. C. , McDonald F. B. , Heikkila B. C. , Lal N. , Webber W. R.
Published: June 2013

Unexpected Magnetic Highway

The heliopause is thought to separate the heliosphere (the bubble of plasma and magnetic field originating at the Sun) from interstellar plasma and magnetic field. In August last year, the Voyager 1 spacecraft, which was launched 35 years ago, was 18.5 billion kilometers away from the Sun, close to the expected location of the heliopause.

Krimigis
et al.

(p.
144
, published online 27 June) report observations of energetic ions and electrons by Voyager 1 that suggest that a sharp and distinct boundary was crossed five times over ∼30 days.

Burlaga
et al.

(p.
147
, published online 27 June) found that the magnetic field direction did not change across any of the boundary crossings, indicating that Voyager 1 had not crossed the heliopause but had entered a region in the heliosphere that serves as a magnetic highway along which low-energy ions from inside stream away and galactic cosmic rays flow in from interstellar space.

Stone
et al.

(p.
150
, published online 27 June) report the spectra of low-energy galactic cosmic rays in this unexpected region.
Identification of Wheat Gene
Sr35
That Confers Resistance to Ug99 Stem Rust Race Group
Authors: Saintenac Cyrille , Zhang Wenjun , Salcedo Andres , Rouse Matthew N. , Trick Harold N. , Akhunov Eduard , Dubcovsky Jorge
Published: June 2013

Resistance May Not Be Futile

Recently, Ug99, a particularly devastating strain of wheat stem rust fungus, has emerged, which could potentially threaten food security. Now, two genes have been cloned that offer resistance to Ug99.

Saintenac
et al.

(p.
783
, published online 27 June) cloned
Sr35 from Triticum monococcum
, a diploid wheat species not often cultivated.

Periyannan
et al.

(p.
786
, published online 27 June) cloned
Sr33 from Aegilops tauschii
, a diploid wild grass that contributed to the hexaploid genome of cultivated wheat. The genes both encode proteins that show features typical of other disease resistance proteins and offer opportunities to slow the pace of Ug99 progression.
Moving Beyond “Isolated” Gene Patents
Authors: Rai Arti K. , Cook-Deegan Robert
Published: June 2013

The U.S. Supreme Court decides that not all gene patents are alike—what does this mean for research, innovation, business, and patients?
Estrogen Alters the Splicing of Type 1 Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Lal Suchita , Allan Anna , Markovic Danijela , Walker Rosemary , Macartney James , Europe-Finner Nick , Tyson-Capper Alison , Grammatopoulos Dimitris K.
Published: July 2013

Altered splicing of a stress hormone receptor correlates with estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer.
Same Hormone, Different Actions
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: July 2013

Glucagon signaling in the hypothalamus limits hepatic glucose production, rather than stimulating glucose production as this hormone does in the liver.
Antibiotic Reduction Campaigns Do Not Necessarily Decrease Bacterial Resistance: the Example of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kardaś-Słoma Lidia , Boëlle Pierre-Yves , Opatowski Lulla , Guillemot Didier , Temime Laura
Published: July 2013

Interventions designed to reduce antibiotic consumption are under way worldwide. While overall reductions are often achieved, their impact on the selection of antibiotic-resistant selection cannot be assessed accurately from currently available data. We developed a mathematical model of methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MSSA and MRSA) transmission inside and outside the hospital. A systematic simulation study was then conducted with two objectives: to assess the impact of antibiotic class-specific changes during an antibiotic reduction period and to investigate the interactions between antibiotic prescription changes in the hospital and the community. The model reproduced the overall reduction in MRSA frequency in French intensive-care units (ICUs) with antibiotic consumption in France from 2002 to 2003 as an input. However, the change in MRSA frequency depended on which antibiotic classes changed the most, with the same overall 10% reduction in antibiotic use over 1 year leading to anywhere between a 69% decrease and a 52% increase in MRSA frequency in ICUs and anywhere between a 37% decrease and a 46% increase in the community. Furthermore, some combinations of antibiotic prescription changes in the hospital and the community could act in a synergistic or antagonistic way with regard to overall MRSA selection. This study shows that class-specific changes in antibiotic use, rather than overall reductions, need to be considered in order to properly anticipate the impact of an antibiotic reduction campaign. It also highlights the fact that optimal gains will be obtained by coordinating interventions in hospitals and in the community, since the effect of an intervention in a given setting may be strongly affected by exogenous factors.
Pleiotropic Effects of GacA on Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1
In Vitro
and in Soil
Authors: Seaton Sarah C. , Silby Mark W. , Levy Stuart B.
Published: June 2013

Pseudomonas
species can exhibit phenotypic variation resulting from
gacS
or
gacA
mutation.
P. fluorescens
Pf0-1 is a
gacA
mutant and exhibits pleiotropic changes following the introduction of a functional allele. GacA enhances biofilm development while reducing dissemination in soil, suggesting that alternative Gac phenotypes enable
Pseudomonas
sp. to exploit varied environments.
Identification and Characterization of a Mucilaginibacter sp. Strain QM49 β-Glucosidase and Its Use in the Production of the Pharmaceutically Active Minor Ginsenosides (
S
)-Rh
1
and (
S
)-Rg
2
Authors: Cui Chang-Hao , Liu Qing-Mei , Kim Jin-Kwang , Sung Bong-Hyun , Kim Song-Gun , Kim Sun-Chang , Im Wan-Taek
Published: June 2013

Here, we isolated and characterized a new ginsenoside-transforming β-glucosidase (BglQM) from
Mucilaginibacter
sp. strain QM49 that shows biotransformation activity for various major ginsenosides. The gene responsible for this activity,
bglQM
, consists of 2,346 bp and is predicted to encode 781 amino acid residues. This enzyme has a molecular mass of 85.6 kDa. Sequence analysis of BglQM revealed that it could be classified into glycoside hydrolase family 3. The enzyme was overexpressed in
Escherichia coli
BL21(DE3) using a maltose binding protein (MBP)-fused pMAL-c2x vector system containing the tobacco etch virus (TEV) proteolytic cleavage site. Overexpressed recombinant BglQM could efficiently transform the protopanaxatriol-type ginsenosides Re and Rg
1
into (
S
)-Rg
2
and (
S
)-Rh
1
, respectively, by hydrolyzing one glucose moiety attached to the C-20 position at pH 8.0 and 30°C. The

K
m

values for
p
-nitrophenyl-β-
d
-glucopyranoside, Re, and Rg
1
were 37.0 ± 0.4 μM and 3.22 ± 0.15 and 1.48 ± 0.09 mM, respectively, and the
V
max
values were 33.4 ± 0.6 μmol min
−1
mg
−1
of protein and 19.2 ± 0.2 and 28.8 ± 0.27 nmol min
−1
mg
−1
of protein, respectively. A crude protopanaxatriol-type ginsenoside mixture (PPTGM) was treated with BglQM, followed by silica column purification, to produce (
S
)-Rh
1
and (
S
)-Rg
2
at chromatographic purities of 98% ± 0.5% and 97% ± 1.2%, respectively. This is the first report of gram-scale production of (
S
)-Rh
1
and (
S
)-Rg
2
from PPTGM using a novel ginsenoside-transforming β-glucosidase of glycoside hydrolase family 3.
Host Association of Cryptosporidium parvum Populations Infecting Domestic Ruminants in Spain
Authors: Quílez Joaquín , Vergara-Castiblanco Claudia , Monteagudo Luis , del Cacho Emilio , Sánchez-Acedo Caridad
Published: June 2013

A stock of 148
Cryptosporidium parvum
DNA extracts from lambs and goat kids selected from a previous study examining the occurrence of
Cryptosporidium
species and GP60 subtypes in diarrheic lambs and goat kids in northeastern Spain was further characterized by a multilocus fragment typing approach with six mini- and microsatellite loci. Various degrees of polymorphism were seen at all but the MS5 locus, although all markers exhibited two major alleles accounting for more than 75% of isolates. A total of 56 multilocus subtypes (MLTs) from lambs (48 MLTs) and goat kids (11 MLTs) were identified. Individual isolates with mixed MLTs were detected on more than 25% of the farms, but most MLTs (33) were distinctive for individual farms, revealing the endemicity of cryptosporidial infections on sheep and goat farms. Comparison with a previous study in calves in northern Spain using the same six-locus subtyping scheme showed the presence of host-associated alleles, differences in the identity of major alleles, and very little overlap in MLTs between
C. parvum
isolates from lambs and those from calves (1 MLT) or isolates from lambs and those from goat kids (3 MLTs). The Hunter-Gaston index of the multilocus technique was 0.976 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.970 to 0.982), which supports its high discriminatory power for strain typing and epidemiological tracking. Population analyses revealed the presence of two host-associated subpopulations showing epidemic clonality among the
C. parvum
isolates infecting calves and lambs/goat kids, respectively, although evidence of genetic flow between the two subpopulations was also detected.
Indigenous Microbiota and Habitat Influence Escherichia coli Survival More than Sunlight in Simulated Aquatic Environments
Authors: Korajkic Asja , Wanjugi Pauline , Harwood Valerie J.
Published: June 2013

The reported fate of
Escherichia coli
in the environment ranges from extended persistence to rapid decline. Incomplete understanding of factors that influence survival hinders risk assessment and modeling of the fate of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and pathogens. FIB persistence in subtropical aquatic environments was explored in outdoor mesocosms inoculated with five
E. coli
strains. The manipulated environmental factors were (i) presence or absence of indigenous microbiota (attained by natural, disinfected, and cycloheximide treatments), (ii) freshwater versus seawater, and (iii) water column versus sediment matrices. When indigenous microbes were removed (disinfected),
E. coli
concentrations decreased little despite exposure to sunlight. Conversely, under conditions that included the indigenous microbiota (natural), significantly greater declines in
E. coli
occurred regardless of the habitat. The presence of indigenous microbiota and matrix significantly influenced
E. coli
decline, but their relative importance differed in freshwater versus seawater. Cycloheximide, which inhibits protein synthesis in eukaryotes, significantly diminished the magnitude of
E. coli
decline in water but not in sediments. The inactivation of protozoa and bacterial competitors (disinfected) caused a greater decline in
E. coli
than cycloheximide alone in water and sediments. These results indicate that the autochthonous microbiota are an important contributor to the decline of
E. coli
in fresh and seawater subtropical systems, but their relative contribution is habitat dependent. This work advances our understanding of how interactions with autochthonous microbiota influence the fate of
E. coli
in aquatic environments and provides the framework for studies of the ecology of enteric pathogens and other allochthonous bacteria in similar environments.
Disruption of Cell-to-Cell Signaling Does Not Abolish the Antagonism of Phaeobacter gallaeciensis toward the Fish Pathogen Vibrio anguillarum in Algal Systems
Authors: Prol García M. J. , D'Alvise P. W. , Gram L.
Published: June 2013

Quorum sensing (QS) regulates
Phaeobacter gallaeciensis
antagonism in broth systems; however, we demonstrate here that QS is not important for antagonism in algal cultures. QS mutants reduced
Vibrio anguillarum
to the same extent as the wild type. Consequently, a combination of probiotic
Phaeobacter
and QS inhibitors is a feasible strategy for aquaculture disease control.
HylA, an Alternative Hydrolase for Initiation of Catabolism of the Phenylurea Herbicide Linuron in Variovorax sp. Strains
Authors: Bers K. , Batisson I. , Proost P. , Wattiez R. , De Mot R. , Springael D.
Published: June 2013

Variovoraxsp. strain WDL1, which mineralizes the phenylurea herbicide linuron, expresses a novel linuron-hydrolyzing enzyme, HylA, that converts linuron to 3,4-dichloroaniline (DCA). The enzyme is distinct from the linuron hydrolase LibA enzyme recently identified in other linuron-mineralizingVariovoraxstrains and from phenylurea-hydrolyzing enzymes (PuhA, PuhB) found in Gram-positive bacteria. The dimeric enzyme belongs to a separate family of hydrolases and differs inKm, temperature optimum, and phenylurea herbicide substrate range. Within the metal-dependent amidohydrolase superfamily, HylA and PuhA/PuhB belong to two distinct protein families, while LibA is a member of the unrelated amidase signature family. ThehylAgene was identified in a draft genome sequence of strain WDL1. The involvement ofhylAin linuron degradation by strain WDL1 is inferred from its absence in spontaneous WDL1 mutants defective in linuron hydrolysis and its presence in linuron-degradingVariovoraxstrains that lacklibA. In strain WDL1, thehylAgene is combined with catabolic gene modules encoding the downstream pathways for DCA degradation, which are very similar to those present inVariovoraxsp. SRS16, which containslibA. Our results show that the expansion of a DCA catabolic pathway toward linuron degradation inVariovoraxcan involve different but isofunctional linuron hydrolysis genes encoding proteins that belong to evolutionary unrelated hydrolase families. This may be explained by divergent evolution and the independent acquisition of the corresponding genetic modules.
Detection of the Emerging Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O26:H11/H
−
Sequence Type 29 (ST29) Clone in Human Patients and Healthy Cattle in Switzerland
Authors: Zweifel Claudio , Cernela Nicole , Stephan Roger
Published: June 2013

Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
O26:H11/H
−
strains showing the characteristics of the emerging human-pathogenic ST29 clone (
stx
2a
+
only,
eae
+
, plasmid gene profile
hlyA
+
etpD
+
) were detected from human patients and healthy cattle, indicating a possible reservoir. Sheep also appear to shed strains related to the new pathogenic clone O26:H11/H
−
(ST29,
stx
1a
+
only,
eae
+
, plasmid gene profile
hlyA
+
etpD
+
).
Draft Genome Sequence of Methylomicrobium buryatense Strain 5G, a Haloalkaline-Tolerant Methanotrophic Bacterium
Authors: Khmelenina Valentina N. , Beck David A. C. , Munk Christine , Davenport Karen , Daligault Hajnalka , Erkkila Tracy , Goodwin Lynne , Gu Wei , Lo Chien-Chi , Scholz Matthew , Teshima Hazuki , Xu Yan , Chain Patrick , Bringel Francoise , Vuilleumier Stéphane , DiSpirito Alan , Dunfield Peter , Jetten Mike S. M. , Klotz Martin G. , Knief Claudia , Murrell J. Colin , Op den Camp Huub J. M. , Sakai Yasuyoshi , Semrau Jeremy , Svenning Mette , Stein Lisa Y. , Trotsenko Yuri A. , Kalyuzhnaya Marina G.
Published: June 2013

Robust growth of the gammaproteobacterium
Methylomicrobium buryatense
strain 5G on methane makes it an attractive system for CH
4
-based biocatalysis. Here we present a draft genome sequence of the strain that will provide a valuable framework for metabolic engineering of the core pathways for the production of valuable chemicals from methane.
Genome Sequences of a Novel HIV-1 Circulating Recombinant Form (CRF61_BC) Identified among Heterosexuals in China
Authors: Li Xingguang , Ning Chuanyi , He Xiang , Yang Yao , Li Fan , Xing Hui , Hong Kunxue , Yang Rongge , Shao Yiming
Published: June 2013

We report here the first novel HIV-1 second-generation intercirculating recombinant form 61_BC (inter-CRF61_BC), composed of two established CRFs (CRF07_BC and CRF08_BC), in China. CRF61_BC is the first CRF found among the heterosexual population in two different regions in China, suggesting the increasing significance of heterosexual transmission of HIV in China.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Moderately Halophilic Bacterium Marinobacter lipolyticus Strain SM19
Authors: Papke R. Thane , de la Haba Rafael R. , Infante-Domínguez Carmen , Pérez Dolores , Sánchez-Porro Cristina , Lapierre Pascal , Ventosa Antonio
Published: June 2013

Marinobacter lipolyticus
strain SM19, isolated from saline soil in Spain, is a moderately halophilic bacterium belonging to the class
Gammaproteobacteria
. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of this strain, which consists of a 4.0-Mb chromosome and which is able to produce the halophilic enzyme lipase LipBL.
Genome Sequence of a Novel H10N9 Avian Influenza Virus Isolated from Chickens in a Live Poultry Market in Eastern China
Authors: Su Chunhu , Chen Sujuan , Liu Xing , Xu Jing , Huang Kai , Liu Kaichun , Huang Jun , Peng Daxin , Liu Xiufan
Published: June 2013

An H10N9 avian influenza virus (AIV) strain, A/Chicken/Jiangsu/RD5/2013, was isolated in China. The hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes in this strain originated from H10N1 and H7N9 AIVs, respectively, and the other genes derived from H7N3 AIVs. Sequence analysis implies that the H10N9 AIV may be an NA gene donor for the human H7N9 influenza viruses.
Draft Genome Sequence of Streptococcus pyogenes Strain 06BA18369, a Human Pathogen Associated with Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in Northern Canada
Authors: McDonald Ryan R. , Golding George R. , Irvine James , Graham Morag R. , Tyler Shaun , Mulvey Michael R. , Levett Paul N.
Published: June 2013

We report the draft sequence of
Streptococcus pyogenes
06BA18369 (
emm
type 41.2, sequence type 579 [ST579]), isolated from a skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) mixed with
Staphylococcus aureus
. This genome provides insight into the genetic composition of
S. pyogenes
strains associated with mixed SSTIs.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Ascomycete
Phaeoacremonium aleophilum
Strain UCR-PA7, a Causal Agent of the Esca Disease Complex in Grapevines
Authors: Blanco-Ulate Barbara , Rolshausen Philippe , Cantu Dario
Published: June 2013

Grapevine infections by
Phaeoacremonium aleophilum
in association with other pathogenic fungi cause complex and economically important vascular diseases. Here we present the first draft of the
P. aleophilum
genome sequence, which comprises 624 scaffolds with a total length of 47.5 Mb (L
50
, 45; N
50
, 336 kb) and 8,926 predicted protein-coding genes.
First Draft Genome Sequence from a Member of the Genus
Agrococcus
, Isolated from Modern Microbialites
Authors: White Richard Allen , Grassa Christopher J. , Suttle Curtis A.
Published: June 2013

We report the first draft genome sequence from a member of the genus
Agrococcus
, isolated from cold thrombolytic microbialites within Pavilion Lake, British Columbia, Canada. The draft genome assembly for
Agrococcus pavilionensis
strain RW-1 has a size of 2,878,403 bp with a G+C content of 72.56%.
Complete Genome Sequence of Streptococcus suis Serotype 16 Strain TL13
Authors: Wang Kaicheng , Yao Huochun , Lu Chengping , Chen Jiming
Published: June 2013

We report here the first complete genome sequence of
Streptococcus suis
serotype 16, which has been identified to be zoonotic. The sequenced strain TL13 was isolated from a pig in China. The genome is 2,038,146 bp in length, covering 1,950 coding sequences, 53 tRNAs, and 4 rRNA loci.
Genome Sequence of Plesiomonas shigelloides Strain 302-73 (Serotype O1)
Authors: Piqué Núria , Aquilini Eleonora , Alioto Tyler , Miñana-Galbis David , Tomás Juan M.
Published: June 2013

Plesiomonas shigelloides
, the only species of the genus, is an emergent pathogenic bacterium associated with human diarrheal and extraintestinal disease. We present the whole-genome sequence analysis of the representative strain for the O1 serotype (strain 302-73), providing a tool for studying bacterial outbreaks, virulence factors, and accurate diagnostic methods.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Basidiomycetous Yeast-Like Fungus
Pseudozyma hubeiensis
SY62, Which Produces an Abundant Amount of the Biosurfactant Mannosylerythritol Lipids
Authors: Konishi Masaaki , Hatada Yuji , Horiuchi Jun-ichi
Published: June 2013

The basidiomycetous yeast-like fungus
Pseudozyma hubeiensis
strain SY62 is capable of producing an abundant amount of the glycolipid biosurfactant mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs), which are a major component of monoacetylated MEL (MEL-C). To reveal the synthetic pathway of the MELs of strain SY62, we present the 18.44-Mb draft genome sequence.
Draft Genome Sequence of Ammonia-Producing
Acinetobacter
sp. Strain MCC2139 from Dairy Effluent
Authors: Chatterjee Debasmita , Thakur Ashoke Ranjan , RayChaudhuri Shaon
Published: June 2013

We report the draft genome sequence of an ammonia-producing, esculin-hydrolyzing, catalase-positive, gram-negative bacterium,
Acinetobacter
sp. strain MCC2139. This bacterium, isolated from dairy sludge and with optimum growth at 37°C, has a genome size of 2,967,280 bp with a G+C content of 42.3%.
Genome Sequence of the Multiple-β-Lactam-Antibiotic-Resistant Bacterium
Acidovorax
sp. Strain MR-S7
Authors: Miura Takamasa , Kusada Hiroyuki , Kamagata Yoichi , Hanada Satoshi , Kimura Nobutada
Published: June 2013

Acidovorax
sp. strain MR-S7 was isolated from activated sludge in a treatment system for wastewater containing β-lactam antibiotic pollutants. Strain MR-S7 demonstrates multidrug resistance for various types of β-lactam antibiotics at high levels of MIC. The draft genome sequence clarified that strain MR-S7 harbors unique β-lactamase genes.
Non-pancreatic retroperitoneal pseudocyst: a benign disease with non-specific symptoms
Authors: Prabhu Raghunath , Rodrigues Gabreil , Sarma Yashdeep Sinha , Benakatti Rajendra
Published: July 2013

A 76-year-old man presented with abdominal pain and constipation for 1 month. The pain was dull aching in nature and over the right upper abdomen. He also reported decreased appetite. The patient had no previous attacks of acute pancreatitis or history of trauma. There was no history of fever or melena. On visual inspection of the abdomen, there was a mass effect protruding out of the right mid-abdomen. The mass was approximately measuring 15×15 cm, firm in consistency, non-tender, non-mobile and not moving with respiration. Haematological investigations were normal. Both amylase and lipase were within normal limits. A CT of the abdomen revealed a large well-defined thin-walled cystic lesion measuring 10.3×13.9×14.3 cm in the right lumbar and iliac region without calcification or haemorrhage. A diagnosis of retroperitoneal cyst was made and the patient was taken up for surgery. Histology of the cyst showed the absence of epithelia and was reported as pseudocyst.
Implementation of the FIFA 11+ football warm up program: How to approach and convince the Football associations to invest in prevention
Authors: Bizzini Mario , Junge Astrid , Dvorak Jiri
Published: June 2013

In the last decade, injury prevention has received a lot of attention in sports medicine, and recently international sports-governing bodies, such as the International Olympic Committee, declared the protection of the athletes’ health as one of their major objectives.

In 1994, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) established its Medical Assessment and Research Centre (F-MARC) with the aim ‘to prevent football injuries and to promote football as a health-enhancing leisure activity, improving social behaviour’. Since then, FIFA has developed and evaluated its injury-prevention programmes ‘The 11’ and ‘FIFA 11+’ have demonstrated in several scientific studies how simple exercise-based programmes can decrease the incidence of injuries in amateur football players. This paper summarises 18 years of scientific and on-field work in injury prevention by an international sports federation (FIFA), from formulating the aim to make its sport safer to the worldwide dissemination of its injury-prevention programme in amateur football.
Resilient actions in the diagnostic process and system performance
Authors: Smith Michael W , Davis Giardina Traber , Murphy Daniel R , Laxmisan Archana , Singh Hardeep
Published: June 2013

Objectives

Systemic issues can adversely affect the diagnostic process. Many system-related barriers can be masked by ‘resilient’ actions of frontline providers (ie, actions supporting the safe delivery of care in the presence of pressures that the system cannot readily adapt to). We explored system barriers and resilient actions of primary care providers (PCPs) in the diagnostic evaluation of cancer.

Methods

We conducted a secondary data analysis of interviews of PCPs involved in diagnostic evaluation of 29 lung and colorectal cancer cases. Cases covered a range of diagnostic timeliness and were analysed to identify barriers for rapid diagnostic evaluation, and PCPs’ actions involving elements of resilience addressing those barriers. We rated these actions according to whether they were usual or extraordinary for typical PCP work.

Results

Resilient actions and associated barriers were found in 59% of the cases, in all ranges of timeliness, with 40% involving actions rated as beyond typical. Most of the barriers were related to access to specialty services and coordination with patients. Many of the resilient actions involved using additional communication channels to solicit cooperation from other participants in the diagnostic process.

Discussion

Diagnostic evaluation of cancer involves several resilient actions by PCPs targeted at system deficiencies. PCPs’ actions can sometimes mitigate system barriers to diagnosis, and thereby impact the sensitivity of ‘downstream’ measures (eg, delays) in detecting barriers. While resilient actions might enable providers to mitigate system deficiencies in the short run, they can be resource intensive and potentially unsustainable. They complement, rather than substitute for, structural remedies to improve system performance. Measures to detect and fix system performance issues targeted by these resilient actions could facilitate diagnostic safety.
The place of death of patients with cancer in Kuwait
Authors: Alshemmari Salem H , Elbasmi Amani A , Alsirafy Samy A
Published: June 2013

Background

The place of death (PoD) has a significant effect on end-of-life care for patients dying of cancer. Little is known about the place of cancer deaths in our region.

Methods

To identify the PoD of patients with cancer in Kuwait, we reviewed the death certificates submitted to the Kuwait Cancer Registry in 2009.

Results

Of 611 cancer deaths, 603 (98.7%) died in hospitals and only 6 (1%) patients died at home. More than half (57.3%) of inhospital deaths were in the Kuwait Cancer Control Center. Among those for whom the exact PoD within the hospital was identified (484 patients), 116 (24%) patients died in intensive care units and 12 (2.5%) patients died in emergency rooms.

Conclusions

This almost exclusive inhospital death of patients with cancer in Kuwait is the highest ever reported. Research is needed to identify the reasons behind this pattern of PoD and to explore interventions promoting out-of-hospital death among terminally ill cancer patients in Kuwait.