bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergence and Outbreaks of CTX-M β-Lactamase-Producing
Escherichia coli
and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Strains in a Tunisian Hospital
Authors: Mamlouk Kelthoum , Boutiba-Ben Boubaker Ilhem , Gautier Valérie , Vimont Sophie , Picard Bertrand , Ben Redjeb Saida , Arlet Guillaume
Published: November 2006

Sixty-two isolates of
Enterobacteriaceae
(35
Escherichia coli
and 27
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolates) producing CTX-M-type β-lactamases were collected between March 2000 and June 2003 in different wards of Charles Nicolle Hospital in Tunis (Tunisia). Sequencing identified the
bla
CTX-M-15
determinant in 55 isolates and
bla
CTX-M-16
in 7 isolates. The CTX-M-15-producing strains were isolated in several wards and consisted mainly of two successive clonal groups of
E. coli
and a major clonal group of
K. pneumoniae
. The second clonal group of
E. coli
belonged to phylogenetic group B2 and harbored more virulence factors than the first clonal group. Among the 22 transconjugants or electroporants obtained with selected
E. coli
and
K. pneumoniae
CTX-M-15-producing strains, a predominant plasmid restriction pattern was obtained with 17 isolates. The four CTX-M-16-producing strains of
E. coli
yielded the same pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern, while the three CTX-M-16-producing strains of
K. pneumoniae
yielded two different PFGE patterns. All of the CTX-M-16-producing isolates were recovered in the pediatric ward and had the same plasmid restriction pattern.
The
Escherichia coli argW-dsdCXA
Genetic Island Is Highly Variable, and
E. coli
K1 Strains Commonly Possess Two Copies of
dsdCXA
Authors: Moritz Rebecca L. , Welch Rodney A.
Published: November 2006

The genome sequences of
Escherichia coli
pathotypes reveal extensive genetic variability in the
argW-dsdCXA
island. Interestingly, the archetype
E. coli
K1 neonatal meningitis strain, strain RS218, has two copies of the
dsdCXA
genes for
d
-serine utilization at the
argW
and
leuX
islands. Because the human brain contains
d
-serine, an epidemiological study emphasizing K1 isolates surveyed the
dsdCXA
copy number and function. Forty of 41 (97.5%) independent
E. coli
K1 isolates could utilize
d
-serine. Southern blot hybridization revealed physical variability within the
argW
-
dsdC
region, even among 22
E. coli
O18:K1:H7 isolates. In addition, 30 of 41 K1 strains, including 21 of 22 O18:K1:H7 isolates, had two
dsdCXA
loci. Mutational analysis indicated that each of the
dsdA
genes is functional in a rifampin-resistant mutant of RS218, mutant E44. The high percentage of K1 strains that can use
d
-serine is in striking contrast to our previous observation that only 4 of 74 (5%) isolates in the diarrheagenic
E. coli
(DEC) collection have this activity. The genome sequence of diarrheagenic
E. coli
isolates indicates that the
csrRAKB
genes for sucrose utilization are often substituted for
dsdC
and a portion of
dsdX
present at the
argW-dsdCXA
island of extraintestinal isolates. Among DEC isolates there is a reciprocal pattern of sucrose fermentation versus
d
-serine utilization. The ability to use
d
-serine is a trait strongly selected for among
E. coli
K1 strains, which have the ability to infect a wide range of extraintestinal sites. Conversely, diarrheagenic
E. coli
pathotypes appear to have substituted sucrose for
d
-serine as a potential nutrient.
Identification of
Clostridium
Species and DNA Fingerprinting of
Clostridium perfringens
by Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis
Authors: Keto-Timonen Riikka , Heikinheimo Annamari , Eerola Erkki , Korkeala Hannu
Published: November 2006

An amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) method was applied to 129 strains representing 24 different
Clostridium
species, with special emphasis on pathogenic clostridia of medical or veterinary interest, to assess the potential of AFLP for identification of clostridia. In addition, the ability of the same AFLP protocol to type clostridia at the strain level was assessed by focusing on
Clostridium perfringens
strains. All strains were typeable by AFLP, so the method seemed to overcome the problem of extracellular DNase production. AFLP differentiated all
Clostridium
species tested, except for
Clostridium ramosum
and
Clostridium limosum
, which clustered together with a 45% similarity level. Other
Clostridium
species were divided into species-specific clusters or occupied separate positions. Wide genetic diversity was observed among
Clostridium botulinum
strains, which were divided into seven species-specific clusters. The same AFLP protocol was also suitable for typing
C. perfringens
at the strain level. A total of 29 different AFLP types were identified for 37 strains of
C. perfringens
; strains initially originating from the same isolate showed identical fingerprinting patterns and were distinguished from unrelated strains. AFLP proved to be a highly reproducible, easy-to-perform, and relatively fast method which enables high throughput of samples and can serve in the generation of identification libraries. These results indicate that the AFLP method provides a promising tool for the identification and characterization of
Clostridium
species.
Detection of Multiple Noroviruses Associated with an International Gastroenteritis Outbreak Linked to Oyster Consumption
Authors: Le Guyader Françoise S. , Bon Fabienne , DeMedici Dario , Parnaudeau Sylvain , Bertone Alessandra , Crudeli Silvia , Doyle Aoife , Zidane Mohamed , Suffredini Elisabetta , Kohli Evelyne , Maddalo Francesco , Monini Marina , Gallay Anne , Pommepuy Monique , Pothier Pierre , Ruggeri Franco M.
Published: November 2006

An international outbreak linked to oyster consumption involving a group of over 200 people in Italy and 127 total subjects in 13 smaller clusters in France was analyzed using epidemiological and clinical data and shellfish samples. Environmental information from the oyster-producing area, located in a lagoon in southern France, was collected to investigate the possible events leading to the contamination. Virologic analyses were conducted by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) using the same primer sets for both clinical and environmental samples. After sequencing, the data were analyzed through the database operated by the scientific network FoodBorne Viruses in Europe. The existence of an international collaboration between laboratories was critical to rapidly connect the data and to fully interpret the results, since it was not obvious that one food could be the link because of the diversity of the several norovirus strains involved in the different cases. It was also demonstrated that heavy rain was responsible for the accidental contamination of seafood, leading to a concentration of up to hundreds of genomic copies per oyster as detected by real-time RT-PCR.
Increased Vancomycin MICs for
Staphylococcus aureus
Clinical Isolates from a University Hospital during a 5-Year Period
Authors: Wang Guiqing , Hindler Janet F. , Ward Kevin W. , Bruckner David A.
Published: November 2006

Staphylococcus aureus
is one of the most commonly isolated organisms in nosocomial infections. While the prevalence of methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) continues to increase worldwide, there is concern about an increase in vancomycin MICs among
S. aureus
strains. The prevalence of MRSA and vancomycin MIC trends in
S. aureus
from patients in a university hospital were analyzed. Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI, formerly NCCLS) reference broth microdilution MIC testing was performed on all clinically relevant
S. aureus
isolates from January 2000 through December 2004. A total of 6,003
S. aureus
isolates were analyzed. No vancomycin-resistant
S. aureus
isolates were detected. One MRSA isolate had a vancomycin MIC of 8 μg/ml and was confirmed as vancomycin-intermediate
S. aureus
. Among the 6,002 remaining isolates, a shift in vancomycin MICs from ≤0.5 to 1.0 μg/ml was observed during the 5-year period. The percentage of
S. aureus
isolates with a vancomycin MIC of 1 μg/ml in 2004 was significantly higher than the percentage of isolates in 2000 (70.4% versus 19.9%;
P
< 0.01). This vancomycin MIC shift was more notable in methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
. Our 5 years of routine testing of clinical isolates using the CLSI reference broth microdilution MIC method demonstrated a tendency toward decreasing susceptibility to vancomycin in
S. aureus
.
Influence of Disk Separation Distance on Accuracy of the Disk Approximation Test for Detection of Inducible Clindamycin Resistance inStaphylococcusspp
Authors: O'Sullivan Matthew V. N. , Cai Yongwei , Kong Fanrong , Zeng Xianyu , Gilbert Gwendolyn L.
Published: November 2006

We undertook this study to assess the accuracy of the clindamycin-erythromycin disk approximation test (D-test) for detection of inducible clindamycin resistance inStaphylococcusspp. One hundred sixty-threeStaphylococcus aureusand 68 coagulase-negativeStaphylococcus(CoNS) spp. which were erythromycin nonsusceptible but clindamycin susceptible were tested using the D-test performed at both 15-mm and 22-mm disk separations and compared with genotyping as the “gold standard.” The rate of inducible clindamycin resistance was 96.3% forS. aureusand 33.8% for CoNS spp. The sensitivities of the D-tests performed at 15 mm and 22 mm were 100% and 87.7%, respectively, and specificities were 100% for both. The use of 22-mm disk separation for the D-test to detect inducible clindamycin resistance results in an unacceptably high very major error rate (12.3%). All isolates with false-negative results harbored theermAgene, and the majority were methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus. False-negative results were associated with smaller clindamycin zone sizes and double-edged zones. We recommend using a disk separation distance of ≤15 mm. There is wide geographic variation in the rates of inducible clindamycin resistance, and each laboratory should determine the local rate before deciding whether to either perform the D-test routinely or else report that all erythromycin-resistantS. aureusisolates are also clindamycin resistant.
Association of Ocular Toxoplasmosis with Type I
Toxoplasma gondii
Strains: Direct Genotyping from Peripheral Blood Samples
Authors: Switaj Karolina , Master Adam , Borkowski Piotr Karol , Skrzypczak Magdalena , Wojciechowicz Jacek , Zaborowski Piotr
Published: November 2006

Toxoplasma gondii
strains were genotyped directly from blood samples of patients with ocular toxoplasmosis. Analysis of nontranscribed spacer 2 revealed that all detected strains belonged to type I, suggesting an association of ocular toxoplasmosis with this type. The method shows the usefulness of blood samples for genotyping in ocular toxoplasmosis.
SCHEME FOR DIRECT MEASURING QUASIPROBABILITY DISTRIBUTIONS OF N TRAPPED IONS IN THE DISPERSIVE REGIME
Authors: YANG WEN-XING , XIE XIAO-TAO , LUO FANG-FANG
Published: November 2006

In this letter, a procedure is proposed for reconstructing the motional quantum state of N trapped ions. Unlike other previous schemes, the present scheme works in the dispersive regime in the presence of dissipation. In our scheme, we show that it is possible to directly measure the quasiprobability distribution function corresponding to the motional coherent state in a trapped-ion system subjected to dissipation. We also provide an example of a motional Schrödinger cat state reconstruction to exemplify our procedure.
MODELING AND HOMOGENIZING A PROBLEM OF ABSORPTION/DESORPTION IN POROUS MEDIA
Authors: MIKELIĆ ANDRO , PRIMICERIO MARIO
Published: November 2006

We consider a convection–diffusion problem in a porous medium saturated by a solution of a chemical substance A in water. A nonlinear non-equilibrium kinetics of absorption/desorption of A on the porous matrix is assumed. We assume that the chemical substance can be transported by ionic exchange through the walls of an array of parallel tubes in which the solution flows at a prescribed velocity. The well-posedness of the problem is proved under different boundary conditions. If the array of tubes is periodic, we homogenize the problem and prove that there exists a unique solution to the homogenized problem, in which the terms of interaction due to chemical exchange through the walls of the tubes are cast in the differential equation.
DECAY PROPERTY OF REGULARITY-LOSS TYPE AND APPLICATION TO SOME NONLINEAR HYPERBOLIC–ELLIPTIC SYSTEM
Authors: HOSONO TAKAFUMI , KAWASHIMA SHUICHI
Published: November 2006

We discuss the global solvability and asymptotic behavior of solutions to the Cauchy problem for some nonlinear hyperbolic–elliptic system with a fourth-order elliptic part. This system is a modified version of the simplest radiating gas model and verifies a decay property of regularity-loss type. Such a dissipative structure also appears in the dissipative Timoshenko system studied by Rivera and Racke. This dissipative property is very weak in high frequency region and causes the difficulty in deriving the desired a priori estimates for global solutions to the nonlinear problem. In fact, it turns out that the usual energy method does not work well. We overcome this difficulty by employing a time-weighted energy method which is combined with the optimal decay for lower order derivatives of solutions, and we establish a global existence and asymptotic decay result. Furthermore, we show that the solution has an asymptotic self-similar profile described by the Burgers equation as time tends to infinity.
Viscosity approximation fixed points for nonexpansive and "Equation missing" -accretive operators
Authors: Chen Rudong , Zhu Zhichuan
Published: November 2006

Let "Equation missing" be a real reflexive Banach space, let "Equation missing" be a closed convex subset of "Equation missing", and let "Equation missing" be an "Equation missing"-accretive operator with a zero. Consider the iterative method that generates the sequence "Equation missing" by the algorithm "Equation missing" where "Equation missing" and "Equation missing" are two sequences satisfying certain conditions, "Equation missing" denotes the resolvent "Equation missing" for "Equation missing", and let "Equation missing" be a fixed contractive mapping. The strong convergence of the algorithm "Equation missing" is proved assuming that "Equation missing" has a weakly continuous duality map.
3D Brain Segmentation Using Dual‐Front Active Contours with Optional User Interaction
Authors: Li Hua , Yezzi Anthony , Cohen Laurent D.
Published: November 2006

Important attributes of 3D brain cortex segmentation algorithms include robustness, accuracy, computational efficiency, and facilitation of user interaction, yet few algorithms incorporate all of these traits. Manual segmentation is highly accurate but tedious and laborious. Most automatic techniques, while less demanding on the user, are much less accurate. It would be useful to employ a fast automatic segmentation procedure to do most of the work but still allow an expert user to interactively guide the segmentation to ensure an accurate final result. We propose a novel 3D brain cortex segmentation procedure utilizing dual‐front active contours which minimize image‐based energies in a manner that yields flexibly global minimizers based on active regions. Region‐based information and boundary‐based information may be combined flexibly in the evolution potentials for accurate segmentation results. The resulting scheme is not only more robust but much faster and allows the user to guide the final segmentation through simple mouse clicks which add extra seed points. Due to the flexibly global nature of the dual‐front evolution model, single mouse clicks yield corrections to the segmentation that extend far beyond their initial locations, thus minimizing the user effort. Results on 15 simulated and 20 real 3D brain images demonstrate the robustness, accuracy, and speed of our scheme compared with other methods.
Strong convergence of approximation fixed points for nonexpansivenonself‐mapping
Authors: Chen Rudong , Zhu Zhichuan
Published: November 2006

Let C be a closed convex subset of a uniformly smooth Banach
space E, and T : C → E a nonexpansive nonself‐mapping satisfying the weakly inwardness condition such that F(T) ≠ ∅, and f : C → C a fixed contractive mapping. For t ∈ (0, 1), the implicit iterative sequence {xt} is defined by xt = P(tf(xt) + (1 − t)Txt), the explicit iterative sequence {xn} is given by xn+1 = P(αnf(xn) + (1 − αn)Txn), where αn ∈ (0, 1) and P is a sunny nonexpansive retraction of E onto C.
We prove that {xt} strongly converges to a fixed point of T
as t → 0, and {xn} strongly converges to a fixed point of T as αn satisfying appropriate conditions. The results presented extend and improve the corresponding results of Hong‐Kun Xu (2004) and Yisheng Song and Rudong Chen (2006).
Fuzzy TL‐uniform spaces
Authors: Hashem Khaled A. , Morsi Nehad N.
Published: November 2006

The main purpose of this paper is to introduce a new structure
that is a fuzzy TL‐uniform space. We show that our structure
generates a fuzzy topological space, precisely, a fuzzy
T‐locality space. Also, we deduce the concept of level
uniformities of a fuzzy TL‐uniformity. We connect the category
of fuzzy TL‐uniform spaces with the category of uniform spaces.
We establish a necessary and sufficient condition, under which a
fuzzy TL‐uniformity is probabilistic pseudometrizable. Finally,
we define a functor from the category of fuzzy TL‐uniform spaces
into the category of fuzzy T‐locality spaces and we show that it
preserves optimal lifts.
On sandwich theorems for some classes of analytic functions
Authors: Shanmugam T. N. , Sivasubramanian S. , Silverman H.
Published: November 2006

The purpose of this present paper is to derive some
subordination and superordination results for certain normalized
analytic functions in the open unit disk. Relevant connections of
the results, which are presented in the paper, with various known
results are also considered.
Parabolic inequalities in L1 as limits of renormalized equations
Authors: Azelmat K. , Kbiri Alaoui M. , Meskine D. , Souissi A.
Published: November 2006

The paper deals with the existence of solutions of some parabolic
bilateral problems approximated by the renormalized solutions of
some parabolic equations.
More on rc‐Lindelöf sets and almost rc‐Lindelöf sets
Authors: Sarsak Mohammad S.
Published: November 2006

We study new properties and characterizations of rc‐Lindelöf sets and almost rc‐Lindelöf sets; a special interest is given to the mapping properties of such sets. We also obtain some product theorems concerning rc‐Lindelöf spaces.
Unbounded C*‐seminorms, biweights, and  *‐representations of partial  *‐algebras: A review
Authors: Trapani Camillo
Published: November 2006

The notion of (unbounded) C*‐seminorms plays a relevant role in the representation theory of  *‐algebras and partial  *‐algebras. A rather complete analysis of the case of  *‐algebras has given rise to a series of interesting concepts like that of semifinite
C*‐seminorm and spectral C*‐seminorm that give information on the properties of
 *‐representations of the given  *‐algebra and also on the structure of the  *‐algebra itself, in particular when
is endowed with a locally convex topology. Some of these results extend to partial  *‐algebras too. The state of the art on this topic is reviewed in this paper, where the possibility of constructing unbounded C*‐seminorms from certain families of positive sesquilinear forms, called biweights, on a (partial)
 *‐algebra is also discussed.
EPR and Fluorescence Spectroscopy in the Photodegradation Study of Arabian and Colombian Crude Oils
Authors: Guedes Carmen L. B. , Di Mauro Eduardo , De Campos Ariana , Mazzochin Leandro F. , Bragagnolo Gislaine M. , De Melo Fernando A. , Piccinato Marilene T.
Published: November 2006

EPR and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to evaluate the degradation of crude oils of different origins that were submitted to photochemical weathering under tropical conditions. The EPR spectra obtained showed signals of the paramagnetic species: the vanadyl VO2+ ion and organic free radicals. A decrease in linewidth of free
radical signals was observed for both oils irradiated for 100 hours with sunlight of 350
W/m2. The reduction in the linewidth of the free radical of 9.8% in Arabian oil and 18.5% in Colombian oil, as well as the decrease in radical numbers, indicated photochemical degradation, especially in Colombian oil. The linewidth narrowing corresponding to free radicals in the irradiated oils occurred due to the rearrangement among radicals and aromatic carbon consumption. The irradiated oils showed a reduction in the relative intensity of fluorescence of the aromatics with high molecular mass, polar aromatics, and asphaltene. The fluorescent fraction was reduced by 61% in Arabian oil and 72% in Colombian oil, corresponding to photochemical degradation of crude oil aromatic compounds.
Biological Inhibitory Effects of the Chinese Herb Danggui on Brain Astrocytoma
Authors: Lee Wei-Hwa , Jin Jong-Shiaw , Tsai Wen-Chiuan , Chen Yu-Ting , Chang Wen-Liang , Yao Chen-Wen , Sheu Lia-Fa , Chen Ann
Published: November 2006

Objective: Previous studies have demonstrated the utility of the traditional Chinese herb danggui in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia. Our aim was to examine whether it might similarly be used to treat glioblastoma multiforme. Methods: The lipid-soluble active ingredients of danggui were extracted with acetone (AS-AC) or chlorophenol (AS-CH) and their antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects were studiedin vitro on cultured GBM 8401 cells and in vivoon tumors in nude mice. Results: After a 24-hour treatment, either AS-AC or AS-CH at a lower (50 µg/ml) and a higher concentration (100 µg/ml) significantly inhibited the proliferative activity of GBM 8401 cultured cells by 30–50%, as well as the expression of cathepsin B and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In nude mice, the growth of the tumor was inhibited by 30% by AS-CH or AS-AC (20 mg/kg; p < 0.05) and by 60% by AS-CH or AS-AC (60 mg/kg; p < 0.05). AS-AC and AS-CH also significantly inhibited microvessel formation in the tumors of nude mice. Conclusions: Danggui may inhibit tumor growth by reducing the level of VEGF and the proapoptotic protein, cathepsin B. Thus, danggui may be useful in the treatment of high-grade astrocytomas.
Congeneric and (Essentially) Tau-Equivalent Estimates of Score Reliability
Authors: Graham James M.
Published: November 2006

Coefficient alpha, the most commonly used estimate of internal consistency, is often considered a lower bound estimate of reliability, though the extent of its underestimation is not typically known. Many researchers are unaware that coefficient alpha is based on the essentially tau-equivalent measurement model. It is the violation of the assumptions required by this measurement model that are often responsible for coefficient alpha's underestimation of reliability. This article presents a hierarchy of measurement models that can be used to estimate reliability and illustrates a procedure by which structural equation modeling can be used to test the fit of these models to a set of data. Test and data characteristics that can influence the extent to which the assumption of tau-equivalence is violated are discussed. Both heuristic and applied examples are used to augment the discussion.
Factor Structure of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fourth Edition Among Referred Students
Authors: Watkins Marley W. , Wilson Sharise M. , Kotz Kasey M. , Carbone Maria C. , Babula Teresa
Published: November 2006

Factor analysis was applied to the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) scores of 432 Pennsylvania students referred for evaluation for special education services to determine the factor structure of the WISC-IV with this population. A first-order, four-factor oblique solution that mirrored that found in the WISC-IV normative sample was supported. When transformed to an orthogonalized higher order model, the general factor accounted for the greatest amount of common (75.7%) and total (46.7%) variance. In contrast, the largest contribution by a first-order factor (Verbal Comprehension) was 6.5% of total variance. It was recommended that interpretation of the WISC-IV not discount the strong general factor.
Behavioral Ethics in Organizations: A Review
Authors: Treviño Linda K. , Weaver Gary R. , Reynolds Scott J.
Published: November 2006

The importance of ethical behavior to an organization has never been more apparent, and in recent years researchers have generated a great deal of knowledge about the management of individual ethical behavior in organizations. We review this literature and attempt to provide a coherent portrait of the current state of the field. We discuss individual, group, and organizational influences and consider gaps in current knowledge and obstacles that limit our understanding. We conclude by offering directions for future research on behavioral ethics in organizations.
Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus in multicase families from Saudi Arabia: comparison of clinical and laboratory variables with sporadic cases
Authors: Al-Mayouf S M , Al Sonbul A
Published: November 2006

The object of this study was to compare patients with familial versus sporadic systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with respect to clinical, laboratory variables and outcome. The familial SLE group comprised 12 patients while the comparative group comprised 24 patients selected by systemic sampling from our pediatric rheumatology clinic database. Those patients are listed according to the date of referral, which represents a sampling frame. The first patient was chosen randomly and subsequent patients were chosen at intervals of three. The two groups were compared with respect to: demographic information, age of onset of SLE, disease and follow up duration, clinical and laboratory variables and outcome. The patients from the familial group were younger and had an earlier age of onset of disease ( P 0.03, 0.001 respectively). Seven patients with familial SLE were from the eastern region of Saudi Arabia ( P 0.006). The two groups were comparable with respect to gender, disease duration and follow-up. At diagnosis, the discoid rash was more frequent in the familial group ( P 0.03) while other clinical and laboratory variables including disease activity as measured by SLEDAI did not show significant differences. The mean dose of steroid and use of other immunosuppressive therapy were similar in both groups. Three patients from the familial group died; two of them had unusual complications (one patient had transverse myelitis and pancreatic pesudocyst and the other one had extensive pyoderma gangerunosum). All patients from the sporadic group are alive in stable condition but one patient had severe central nervous system disease. Familial SLE patients tend to be younger and more likely to have discoid rash, in addition a marked difference in the origin of patients was noted. These differences may be helpful in identifying SLE patients with a stronger genetic predisposition. The mortality among familial SLE patients is more frequent which may reflect the disease severity.
Acute reactions to chemotherapy agents
Authors: de Lemos Mário L
Published: November 2006

Acute reactions occur infrequently with chemotherapy agents. However, selected drugs have been known to be associated with severe hyper-sensitivity reactions, infusion reactions and other acute adverse events. The British Columbia Cancer Agency recently updated the list of selected drugs associated with hypersensitivity reactions and the minimum time that immediate physician coverage is needed.
Management of hand-foot syndrome induced by capecitabine
Authors: Gressett Sarah M , Stanford Brad L , Hardwicke Fred
Published: November 2006

Introduction. Capecitabine (Xeloda®) is a systemic prodrug of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), which is administered in an oral formulation. Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) has proven to be a chronic dose-limiting toxicity of capecitabine, leading to significant morbidity in patients receiving this agent. The purpose of this review is to define the pathophysiology, risk factors, incidence and management of capecitabine-induced HFS.

Methods. Literature for this review article was collected from the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, and the proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) confined to the years 1995-2006. The following key terms were used in the search: hand-foot syndrome, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, capecitabine, Xeloda®, colorectal cancer, and metastatic breast cancer.

Results. HFS associated with capecitabine is a serious dose-limiting toxicity. Incidence of grade 3/4 toxicity is of extreme significance, and introduces the need for dose reductions and/or interruptions in capecitabine therapy. Drug-related therapies studied include topical emollients and creams, systemic and topical corticosteroids, nicotine patch, vitamin E, pyridoxine, and COX-2 inhibitors. However, due to the lack of randomized, controlled trials with these therapies, the current mainstay of treatment for the management of this toxicity is interruption of therapy and, if necessary, dose reduction.

Conclusion. Treatment interruption or dose reduction remain the only methods shown to effectively manage HFS, but supportive measures to reduce pain and discomfort and prevent secondary infection are very important. Many other prophylactic and treatment strategies have been investigated, with pyridoxine and COX-2 inhibitors being the most promising in case reports and retrospective studies; therefore, prospective, randomized, controlled trials are needed to prove their efficacy.
Experience-Based Reflections on the Potential for Critical Practitioner Inquiry to Transform Teacher Education in Africa
Authors: Hussein Jeylan Wolyie
Published: November 2006

In Africa, administrators have inadequate scholarly debates on the type of teacher education required to bring about educational and social transformation. Most of the methodologies we use to train our teachers come from abroad and are ill suited to address the continent's problems. This reflective article describes the experiences of the author and other teacher educators with Critical Practitioner Inquiry (CPI), a teacher education program born in the south of Africa to liberate teachers and teacher educators from authoritarian views of knowledge construction. CPI makes possible what Mezirow calls perspective transformation. Experience shows that CPI promotes education as a practice of freedom. This article argues that CPI encourages practitioners to sense and transform factors that perpetuate injustice and inequality in schools, classrooms, and wider society.
Collaborative Inquiry as a Framework for Exploring Transformative Learning Online
Authors: Hanlin-Rowney Amber , Kuntzelman Ken , Lara Maria Eugenia Abad , Quinn Deborah , Roffmann Ken , Nichols Tracie Tyson , Welsh Linda
Published: November 2006

Seven adult students in a full-time, online master's degree program in human and organizational transformation at the California Institute of Integral Studies explored the question, “What transformative learning is occurring in my life right now that this online program has stimulated or supported?” A core focus of the program was transformative learning, a process that assists in widening frames of reference and transforming worldviews. Although initially choosing cooperative inquiry as the research methodology, what ultimately emerged was a multidimensional peer inquiry experience more closely fitting the definition of collaborative inquiry that drew heavily on cooperative inquiry and extended epistemology. The students engaged their inquiry question in four action and reflection cycles over 3 months, identifying key individual and group capacities and dynamics that were deep, connected, and transformative.
Transition of H- and J-aggregate of a Cyanine Dye Based on Cation Embedded in Aggregation
Authors: Zhang Yazhou , Xiang Junfeng , Tang Yalin , Xu Guangzhi , Yan Wenpeng
Published: November 2006

J-aggregate of a cyanine dye induced by potassium ions from H-aggregate in solution, form a hypochromic complex by the addition of a nonionic ligand (18-crown-6 ether), and the spectral studies and NMR measurements indicate that the transition from J-aggregate to H-aggregate has been achieved.
Deactivating Germline Mutations in LEMD3 Cause Osteopoikilosis and Buschke-Ollendorff Syndrome, but Not Sporadic Melorheostosis
Authors: Mumm Steven , Wenkert Deborah , Zhang Xiafang , McAlister William H , Mier Richard J , Whyte Michael P
Published: November 2006

Autosomal dominant OPK and BOS feature widespread foci of osteosclerotic trabeculae without or with skin lesions, respectively. Occasionally, a larger area of dense bone in OPK or BOS resembles MEL, a sporadic sclerosing disorder primarily involving cortical bone. Others, finding deactivating germline LEMD3 mutations in OPK or BOS, concluded such defects explain all three conditions. We found germline LEMD3 mutations in OPK and BOS but not in sporadic MEL.

Introduction: In 2004, others discovered that heterozygous, loss-of-function, germline mutations in the LEMD3 gene (LEMD3 or MAN1) cause both osteopoikilosis (OPK) and Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome (BOS). OPK is an autosomal dominant, usually benign, skeletal dysplasia featuring multiple, small, especially metaphyseal, oval or round, dense trabecular foci distributed symmetrically throughout the skeleton. BOS combines OPK with connective tissue nevi comprised of collagen and elastin. In some OPK and BOS families, an individual may have relatively large, asymmetric areas of dense cortical bone interpreted as melorheostosis (MEL). MEL, however, classically refers to a sporadic, troublesome skeletal dysostosis featuring large, asymmetric, “flowing hyperostosis” of long bone cortices often with overlying, constricting soft tissue abnormalities. However, a heterozygous germline mutation in LEMD3 was offered to explain MEL.

Materials and Methods: We studied 11 unrelated individuals with sclerosing bone disorders where LEMD3 mutation was a potential etiology: familial OPK (1), familial BOS (2), previously reported familial OPK with MEL (1), sporadic MEL (3), sporadic MEL with mixed-sclerosing-bone dystrophy (1), and patients with other unusual sclerosing bone disorders (3). All coding exons and adjacent mRNA splice sites for LEMD3 were amplified by PCR and sequenced using genomic DNA from leukocytes. We did not study lesional tissue from bone or skin.

Results: In the OPK family, a heterozygous nonsense mutation (c.1433T>A, p.L478X) was discovered in exon 1. In the two BOS families, a heterozygous nonsense mutation (exon 1, c.1323C>A, p.Y441X) and a heterozygous frame-shift mutation (exon 1, c.332_333insTC) were identified. In the individual with MEL and familial OPK, a heterozygous nonsense mutation (c.1963C>T, p.R655X) was detected in exon 7. However, no LEMD3 mutation was found for any other patient, including all four with sporadic MEL.

Conclusions: We confirm that OPK and BOS individuals, including those with MEL-like lesions, have heterozygous, deactivating, germline LEMD3 mutations. However, MEL remains of unknown etiology.
Impaired Angiogenesis, Early Callus Formation, and Late Stage Remodeling in Fracture Healing of Osteopontin-Deficient Mice
Authors: Duvall Craig L , Taylor W Robert , Weiss Daiana , Wojtowicz Abigail M , Guldberg Robert E
Published: November 2006

OPN is an ECM protein with diverse localization and functionality. The role of OPN during fracture healing was examined using wildtype and OPN−/− mice. Results showed that OPN plays an important role in regulation of angiogenesis, callus formation, and mechanical strength in early stages of healing and facilitates late stage bone remodeling and ECM organization.

Introduction: Osteopontin (OPN) is an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein with diverse localization and functionality that has been reported to play a regulatory role in both angiogenesis and osteoclastic bone remodeling, two vital processes for normal bone healing.

Materials and Methods: Bone repair in wildtype and OPN−/− mice was studied using a femoral fracture model. μCT was used for quantitative angiographic measurements at 7 and 14 days and to assess callus size and mineralization at 7, 14, 28, and 56 days. Biomechanical testing was performed on intact bones and on fracture specimens at 14, 28, and 56 days. Histology and quantitative RT-PCR were used to evaluate cellular functions related to ECM formation and bone remodeling.

Results: OPN deficiency was validated in the OPN−/− mice, which generally displayed normal levels of related ECM proteins. Intact OPN−/− bones displayed increased elastic modulus but decreased strength and ductility. Fracture neovascularization was reduced at 7 but not 14 days in OPN−/− mice. OPN−/− mice exhibited smaller fracture calluses at 7 and 14 days, as well as lower maximum torque and work to failure. At 28 days, OPN−/− mice had normal callus size but a persistent reduction in maximum torque and work to failure. Osteoclast differentiation occurred normally, but mature osteoclasts displayed reduced functionality, decreasing late stage remodeling in OPN−/− mice. Thus, at 56 days, OPN−/− fractures possessed increased callus volume, increased mechanical stiffness, and altered collagen fiber organization.

Conclusions: This study showed multiple, stage-dependent roles of OPN during fracture healing. We conclude that OPN deficiency alters the functionality of multiple cell types, resulting in delayed early vascularization, altered matrix organization and late remodeling, and reduced biomechanical properties. These findings contribute to an improved understanding of the role of OPN in vivo and provide new insight into mechanistic control of vascularization and bone regeneration during fracture repair.
The Language of Suicidology
Authors: Silverman Morton M.
Published: November 2006

This 2005 Louis I. Dublin Award Address explores some of the basic difficulties and controversies inherent in the development and universal acceptance of a nomenclature for suicidology. Highlighted are some of the unresolved challenges with agreeing upon a mutually exclusive set of terms to describe suicidal thoughts, intentions, motivations, and self‐destructive behaviors.
Suicide and African American Teenagers: Risk Factors and Coping Mechanisms
Authors: Spann Marisa , Molock Sherry Davis , Barksdale Crystal , Matlin Samantha , Puri Rupa
Published: November 2006

In this study we investigated whether locus of control, hopelessness, and depression were primary risk factors for suicide ideation and attempts in African American youth, and whether congruency between locus of control and religious coping style reduced suicide risk. The sample consisted of 176 African American high school students (115 females; 61 males). Multiple and logistic regression were used to determine relationships among study variables. Depression was found to mediate the relationship between hopelessness and suicidal behaviors. External locus of control led to greater risk for hopelessness and depression, with a trend in the predicted direction for suicide attempts. Religious coping style alone was not always associated with reduction of risk of suicidal behaviors, yet some evidence suggests that congruency between locus of control and religious coping style reduces risk. Results provide additional support for suicide interventions to target depressive symptoms. Results also highlight the importance of examining the role of culturally salient variables such as fatalism and religious coping style when developing intervention programs for suicide.
Catch-and-Release Mortality of Spotted Seatrout in Texas
Authors: Stunz Gregory W. , McKee David A.
Published: November 2006

Catch and release is becoming more common as a management tool in marine recreational fisheries. Clearly, a critical factor in determining different management scenarios that use this strategy is postcapture survival. We investigated the mortality associated with catch and release in the fishery for spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus in south Texas. Specifically, this study investigated the mortality for hook-and-line-captured spotted seatrout as a function of bait type, hook type, angler skill level, and fish size. Using a variety of angling techniques, we captured 448 spotted seatrout ranging from 250 to 760 mm total length (TL) and assessed mortality in replicate field enclosures. The overall short-term mortality for all treatments was relatively low (11%); the majority of fish survived. The exception was angler skill level. Angling by novices produced a significantly higher mortality rate than angling by skilled anglers; however, mortality averaged only 18% even for inexperienced anglers. To evaluate long-term mortality, we monitored 27 spotted seatrout held in a laboratory facility for 30 d; the fish showed no signs of long-term mortality. We observed 11% mortality during the first 48 h and no mortality during the subsequent 28 d. In an attempt to increase the abundance of “trophy” (>635 mm TL) spotted seatrout, Texas has adopted new slot limit regulations that allow only one trophy-size fish to be kept per person per day. We targeted larger (635–736 mm TL) fish to assess the mortality associated with this size-group. Regression analysis showed no size-related mortality. The location of hook-related injuries may be the most important factor in determining catch-and-release mortality. Anatomical hooking location was not a factor in the analyses but was treated as a component of experimental treatment level; however, we observed that mortality was typically associated with hooking location rather than angling method or bait type. These data suggest that management options involving the release of spotted seatrout, including those larger than 635 mm TL, are viable tools.
Metabolic hormones regulate insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 mRNA levels in primary cultured salmon hepatocytes; lack of inhibition by insulin
Authors: Pierce A L , Shimizu M , Felli L , Swanson P , Dickhoff W W
Published: November 2006

IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) modulate the effects of the IGFs, major stimulators of vertebrate growth and development. In mammals, IGFBP-1 inhibits the actions of IGF-I. Rapid increases in circulating IGFBP-1 occur during catabolic states. Insulin and glucocorticoids are the primary regulators of circulating IGFBP-1 in mammals. Insulin inhibits and glucocorticoids stimulate hepatocyte IGFBP-1 gene expression and production. A 22 kDa IGFBP in salmon blood also increases during catabolic states and has recently been identified as an IGFBP-1 homolog. We examined the hormonal regulation of salmon IGFBP-1 mRNA levels and protein secretion in primary cultured salmon hepatocytes. The glucocorticoid agonist dexamethasone progressively increased hepatocyte IGFBP-1 mRNA levels (eightfold) and medium IGFBP-1 immunoreactivity over concentrations comparable with stressed circulating cortisol levels (10−9–10−6 M). GH progressively reduced IGFBP-1 mRNA levels (0.3-fold) and medium IGFBP-1 immunoreactivity over physiological concentrations (5 × 10−11–5 × 10−9 M). Unexpectedly, insulin slightly increased hepatocyte IGFBP-1 mRNA (1.4-fold) and did not change medium IGFBP-1 immunoreactivity over physiological concentrations and above (10−9–10−6 M). Triiodothyronine had no effect on hepatocyte IGFBP-1 mRNA, whereas glucagon increased IGFBP-1 mRNA (2.2-fold) at supraphysiological concentrations (10−6 M). This study suggests that the major inhibitory role of insulin in the regulation of liver IGFBP-1 production in mammals is not found in salmon. However, regulation of salmon liver IGFBP-1 production by other metabolic hormones is similar to what is found in mammals.
Low blood ISG15 mRNA and progesterone levels are predictive of non-pregnant dairy cows
Authors: Han Hyungchul , Austin Kathleen J , Rempel Lea A , Hansen Thomas R
Published: November 2006

ISG15 is induced by conceptus-derived interferon-τ in the endometrium on days 15–45 of pregnancy. It was hypothesized that pregnancy induces blood cell ISG15 gene expression and that low blood ISG15 mRNA levels provide an indication of non-pregnant cows on day 18. Blood was collected either on day 18 (n = 78) or on days 15–21, 25, and 32 (n = 21; serial collection) from dairy cows following artificial insemination (AI). Plasma progesterone concentration was determined using RIA. ISG15 mRNA levels were determined using real-time PCR. Pregnancy was diagnosed on day 32 using transrectal ultrasound. ISG15 mRNA levels increased after day 16, peaked at day 20 and then declined to day 16 levels by 32 days following AI. The average pregnancy rate was 43% based on blood cell ISG15 mRNA. The average pregnancy rate was 33% based on the transrectal ultrasound. Lower levels of ISG15 mRNA or progesterone during serial collections were 100% accurate in predicting non-pregnant cows based on day 32 transrectal ultrasound. However, detection of ISG15 mRNA yielded 78% accuracy in predicting pregnant cows, while progesterone yielded 58% accuracy. Average plasma progesterone based on pregnancy status according to ultrasound was consistently higher in pregnant (> 4 ng/ml) when compared with non-pregnant cows from days 15 to 32, except on day 16. It is concluded that detection of low blood ISG15 mRNA levels during serial collection from days 17 to 25 serves as an accurate indicator of cows that are not pregnant, thus allowing re-synchronization and insemination.
The use of Liquid Membranes in the Multi‐Resdue Extraction of Stilbenes in a Variety of Biological Matrices and Their Detection with LC‐ES‐MS
Authors: Alfred Makudali. Msagati Titus , Muzi Nindi Mathew
Published: November 2006

Supported liquid membrane (SLM) has been used as a sample preparation method in the simultaneous extraction of a mixture of three stilbene compounds in cow's milk, urine, bovine kidney and liver tissues matrices. The stilbene compounds analysed included, dienestrol, diethylstilbestrol and hexestrol. The liquid membrane used for trapping these compounds consisted of 5 % tri‐n‐octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) dissolved in di‐n‐hexylether/n‐undecane (1:1). The extraction efficiencies obtained after enrichment of 1 ng/L stilbenes in variety of biological matrices of milk, urine, liver, kidney and water, ranged from 60 – 70 %, 71 – 86 %, 69 – 80 %, 63 – 74 % and 72 – 93 % respectively. The detection limits obtained from urine extraction were 2.1 ng/L, 1.3 ng/L and 3.0 ng/L; from liver and kidney tissues were 2.9 ng/L, 1.6 ng/L and 3.8 ng/L and from milk was 3.2 ng/L, 2.5 ng/L and 4.3 ng/L for hexestrol, dienestrol and diethylstilbestrol respectively.
Determination of Se(IV) and Se(VI) in Italian Mineral Waters
Authors: Ferri Tommaso , Frasconi Marco
Published: November 2006

This paper deals with determination of selenium and analysis of its speciation in some Italian mineral waters. Selenium was determined by differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry (DPCSV) even if square wave cathodic stripping voltammetry (SWCSV) was also taken into consideration. The selenium determined in the mineral waters here investigated is not over 600 ng L‐1; in three samples, it was found below the detection limit. Analysis of speciation revealed that Se(VI) is the highly prevailing form present: only two of the examined samples revealed a detectable amount (few ng ‐1) of Se(IV). DPCSV made possible to detect, in two of the samples, the presence of a specie(s) able to interact with Se(IV). The apparent interaction constant for the adduct formation was evaluated and the species concentration determined. However, the nature of such compound(s) remains unknown.