bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chitinase expression in parotid glands of non‐obese diabetic mice
Authors: Fukushima T , Nashida T , Haga‐Tsujimura M , Mataga I
Published: January 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 506–512

Objective:  This investigation was a basal study that used a mouse model of xerostomia to identify protein biomarkers of xerostomia in saliva. We identified genes expressed differently in parotid glands from non‐obese diabetic mice with diabetes and those from control mice; subsequently, we investigated expression of the proteins encoded by these genes in parotid glands and saliva.

Materials and Methods:  DNA microarray and real‐time PCR analyses were performed to detect differences between NOD/ShiJcl and C57BL/6JJcl (control) female mice in gene expression from parotid glands or parotid acinar cells. Subsequently, protein expression was assessed using immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Similarly, enzyme activity in saliva was assessed using zymography.

Results:  Based on gene expression analyses, Chia expression was higher in diabetic mice than non‐diabetic mice and control mice; similarly, expression of chitinase, the protein encoded by Chia, was higher in diabetic mice. Saliva from NOD/ShiJcl mice had more chitinase than saliva from control mice.

Conclusions:  Chitinase was highly expressed in parotid acinar cells from diabetic mice compared with non‐diabetic and control mice. Increased chitinase expression and enzyme activity may characterize the autoimmune diabetes in mice; however, further investigation is required to assess its use as a biomarker of xerostomia in humans.
β‐Phenethyl isothiocyanate induces death receptor 5 to induce apoptosis in human oral cancer cells via p38
Authors: Huong LD , Shin J‐A , Choi E‐S , Cho N‐P , Kim HM , Leem D‐H , Cho S‐D
Published: January 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 513–519

Objectives:  β‐Phenylethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) has been demonstrated to fight many types of cancers through various molecular pathways. In this study, we focused on its effect on the induction of apoptosis to inhibit cell growth and molecular mechanism in oral cancer.

Materials and methods:  3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(2,4‐disulfophenyl)‐2‐(4 sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium (MTS) assay was used to examine cell viability. The apoptotic effect was investigated using 4′‐6‐Diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) staining or Western blotting. Inhibitors were used to determine the molecular target and mechanism of PEITC‐mediated apoptosis.

Results:  β‐Phenylethyl isothiocyanate inhibited the growth of HN22 human oral cancer cells and induced caspase‐dependent apoptosis in HN22 cells as evidenced by nuclear fragmentation and the activation of caspase 3. It increased cleaved caspase 8, truncated BID, and death receptor 5 (DR5) through the activation of p38 MAPK. This result was confirmed by blockage of PEITC‐induced cleavages of Poly(ADP‐ribose) Polymerase, caspase‐3, caspase‐8, and DR5 by p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580. We also found that PEITC activated p38 and augmented DR5 to induce apoptosis in other human oral cancer cells.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that DR5 is a potential molecular target for PEITC‐induced apoptosis in oral cancer via p38 MAPK.
Effect of humoral factors from hPDLSCs on the biologic activity of hABCs
Authors: Park J‐C , Lee S‐M , Kim JC , Yun J‐H , Cho K‐S , Im G‐I , Kim B‐S , Kim C‐S
Published: January 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 537–547

Objective:  The human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) and human alveolar bone–derived stromal cells (hABCs) seem to be closely involved in the maintenance of alveolar bone in an anatomically indirect manner; however, there is little study on this matter. Therefore, the effect of hPDLSCs on the osteoclastogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic differentiation of hABCs was evaluated, focusing on the humoral factors released by hPDLSCs.

Materials and methods:  Human periodontal ligament stem cells and hABCs were isolated and characterized. hPDLSCs were indirectly cocultured to observe the in vitro effect of humoral factors released from hPDLSCs on the osteoclastogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic differentiation of hABCs. Human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) were utilized as positive control.

Results:  Isolated cells demonstrated the presence of stem cells within. Indirect coculture of hPDLSCs greatly inhibited osteoclastogenesis by hABCs. Osteogenesis/adipogenesis of hABCs was also inhibited by indirect coculture with hPDLSC. The magnitude of regulatory effect from hPDLSCs was significantly greater than that of hGFs.

Conclusions:  Humoral factors released from hPDLSCs seemed to modulate the differentiation of hABCs, and the osteoclastogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic differentiation of hABCs was all inhibited, suggesting the potential role of hPDLSCs in the maintenance of the alveolar bone.
APPLICATION OF ETHNOGRAPHY AND CONJOINT ANALYSIS TO DETERMINE KEY CONSUMER ATTRIBUTES FOR LATTE‐STYLE COFFEE BEVERAGES
Authors: JERVIS S.M. , LOPETCHARAT K. , DRAKE M.A.
Published: January 2012

The objective of this study was to examine and compare ethnography and conjoint analysis to identify the factors that influence choice of latte‐style coffee beverages. Ethnographical data were collected at four of the top producers of latte‐style beverages. Attributes measured by the conjoint survey included location of purchase, milk type, fat content, sweetener type and additional flavor. Consumer responses (n = 721) from the conjoint survey showed that the most important attributes in determining latte beverage purchase intent were location and milk type, followed by fat content, sweetener and additional flavor. Segmentation of respondents based upon patterns in utility scores showed three distinct groups. Segment 1 (n = 185) called the “indulgents” was influenced by milk type and sweetener type. Segment 2 (n = 200), “location consumers,” was influenced by a coffee house. Segment 3 (n = 336), “health conscious,” was calorie and health conscious. Ethnographical observations identified and described the consumer segments based upon patterns of behaviors and were in alignment with consumer responses to survey questions. Ethnography coupled with choice‐based conjoint provided a robust technique for understanding consumer choices of latte‐style coffee beverages.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Choice‐based conjoint analysis is a quantitative survey technique designed to collect large amounts of information from consumers in a realistic scenario format. Ethnography is a qualitative research tool that provides insight to consumer consumption and purchase behaviors that may not be readily acquired by quantitative approaches. These behaviors can be just as important as the product attributes themselves in determining liking and purchase. Coffee companies will be able to utilize the results to better target the attributes that are driving consumer choice.
Molecular Dynamics in Drug Design: New Generations of Compstatin Analogs
Authors: Tamamis Phanourios , López de Victoria Aliana , Gorham Ronald D. , Bellows‐Peterson Meghan L. , Pierou Panayiota , Floudas Christodoulos A. , Morikis Dimitrios , Archontis Georgios
Published: January 2012

We report the computational and rational design of new generations of potential peptide‐based inhibitors of the complement protein C3 from the compstatin family. The binding efficacy of the peptides is tested by extensive molecular dynamics‐based structural and physicochemical analysis, using 32 atomic detail trajectories in explicit water for 22 peptides bound to human, rat or mouse target protein C3, with a total of 257 ns. The criteria for the new design are: (i) optimization for C3 affinity and for the balance between hydrophobicity and polarity to improve solubility compared to known compstatin analogs; and (ii) development of dual specificity, human‐rat/mouse C3 inhibitors, which could be used in animal disease models. Three of the new analogs are analyzed in more detail as they possess strong and novel binding characteristics and are promising candidates for further optimization. This work paves the way for the development of an improved therapeutic for age‐related macular degeneration, and other complement system‐mediated diseases, compared to known compstatin variants.
Identification of Novel HIV‐1 Integrase Inhibitors Using Shape‐Based Screening, QSAR, and Docking Approach
Authors: Gupta Pawan , Garg Prabha , Roy Nilanjan
Published: January 2012

The objective of this study is to identify novel HIV‐1 integrase (IN) inhibitors. Here, shape‐based screening and QSAR have been successfully implemented to identify the novel inhibitors for HIV‐1 IN, and in silico validation is performed by docking studies. The 2D QSAR model of benzodithiazine derivatives was built using genetic function approximation (GFA) method with good internal (cross‐validated r2 = 0.852) and external prediction (). Best docking pose of highly active molecule of the benzodithiazine derivatives was used as a template for shape‐based screening of ZINC database. Toxicity prediction was also performed using Deductive Estimation of Risk from Existing Knowledge (DEREK) program to filter non‐toxic molecules. Inhibitory activities of screened non‐toxic molecules were predicted using derived QSAR models. Active, non‐toxic screened molecules were also docked into the active site of HIV‐1 IN using AutoDock and dock program. Some molecules docked similarly as highly active molecule of the benzodithiazine derivatives. These molecules also followed the same docking interactions in both the programs. Finally, four benzodithiazine derivatives were identified as novel HIV‐1 integrase inhibitors based on QSAR predictions and docking interactions. ADME properties of these molecules were also computed using Discovery Studio.
Use of the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) for Evaluating Treatment Outcomes With TMJMD Patients: A Preliminary Study1
Authors: INGRAM MEGAN , CHOI YUN HEE , HAGGARD ROB , DOUGALL ANGELA LIEGEY , GATCHEL ROBERT J. , BUSCHANG PETER , CHIU CHUNG‐YI
Published: January 2012

Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMJMD) is one of the most prevalent types of musculoskeletal disorders. The major goal of the study was to more objectively quantify clinically meaningful relief for TMJMD treatment outcomes by using the new metric of minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Pre‐ to post‐treatment changes on a number of self‐report measures were evaluated in a cohort of 101 acute TMJMD patients. An anchor‐based MCID approach was employed, with an objective chewing performance measure serving as the clinical outcome of interest. Using a Receiver Operating Curve analysis, it was found that the Physical Component Scale (PCS) of the SF‐36 was the most robust self‐report measure to use as the MCID in a TMJMD patient population.
Longitudinal Assessment of Cognitive and Psychosocial Functioning After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: Exploring Disaster Impact on Middle‐Aged, Older, and Oldest‐Old Adults
Authors: CHERRY KATIE E. , BROWN JENNIFER SILVA , MARKS LOREN D. , GALEA SANDRO , VOLAUFOVA JULIA , LEFANTE CHRISTINA , SU L. JOSEPH , WELSH DAVID A. , JAZWINSKI S. MICHAL ,   LOUISIANA HEALTHY AGING STUDY
Published: January 2012

The authors examined the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on cognitive and psychosocial functioning in a lifespan sample of adults 6–14 months after the storms. Participants were recruited from the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study. Most were assessed during the immediate impact period and retested for this study. Analyses of pre‐ and post‐disaster cognitive data confirmed that storm‐related decrements in working memory for middle‐aged and older adults observed in the immediate impact period had returned to pre‐hurricane levels in the post‐disaster recovery period. Middle‐aged adults reported more storm‐related stressors and greater levels of stress than the two older groups at both waves of testing. These results are consistent with a burden perspective on post‐disaster psychological reactions.
Brown Bears (Ursus arctos) Seem Resistant to Atherosclerosis ­Despite Highly Elevated Plasma Lipids during Hibernation and Active State
Authors: Arinell Karin , Sahdo Berolla , Evans Alina L. , Arnemo Jon M. , Baandrup Ulrik , Fröbert Ole
Published: January 2012

Hibernation is an extreme physiological challenge for the brown bear (Ursus arctos) in which metabolism is based mainly on lipids. The study objective was to compare plasma lipids in hibernating and active free‐ranging brown bears and relate them to arterial histopathology. Blood was drawn from seven immobilized free‐ranging brown bears (three females, 2–3 years old) during hibernation in February and from the same bears while active in June and analyzed by enzymatic and automated hematology methods within 48 hours of sampling. Left anterior descending coronary arteries and aortic arches from 12 bears (six females, 1.5–12 years old) killed in hunting were examined by histopathology. Total plasma cholesterol decreased from hibernation to the active period (11.08 ± 1.04 mmol/L vs. 7.89 ± 1.96 mmol/L, P= 0.0028) as did triglyceride (3.16 ± 0.62 mmol/L vs. 1.44 ± 0.27 mmol/L, P= 0.00012) and LDL cholesterol (4.30 ± 0.71 mmol/L vs. 2.02 ± 1.03 mmol/L, P= 0.0075), whereas HDL cholesterol was unchanged. No atherosclerosis, fatty streaks, foam cell infiltration, or inflammation were seen in any arterial samples. Brown bears tolerate elevated cholesterol levels, obesity, physical inactivity, and circulatory slow flow during hibernation without signs of ­atherosclerosis. This species might serve as a reverse translational model for atherosclerosis resistance. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume 5: 269–272
Farmers' perspectives for the development of a bioenergy industry in Ireland
Authors: Augustenborg Cara A. , Finnan John , McBennett Leah , Connolly Vivienne , Priegnitz Uta , Müller Christoph
Published: January 2012

A survey of Irish farmers was conducted to identify farmers’ opinions on energy crop production and to characterize potential adopters of energy crop cultivation in Ireland. One hundred and seventy‐two surveys were completed from 25 counties in Ireland. Miscanthus (48%) and grass (30%) were the preferred crops for adoption of energy crop production. Potential adopters described themselves as having a significantly greater level of knowledge of energy crop production compared with other respondents. The results indicate that lack of interest in adopting energy crop production may be due to lack of knowledge regarding the economic benefits of adoption and the variety of energy crops available for cultivation in Ireland. The establishment of long‐term contracts and government schemes were identified as important requirements for the development of bioenergy crop production in Ireland. Energy crop adoption was not limited to farmers undertaking specific farm enterprises. Farmers were motivated to adopt energy crop production for both economic and environmental benefits. These results are the first to provide valuable information on the perspectives of potential adopters of bioenergy crop production in Ireland for the promotion and implementation of a national bioenergy industry. Policy requirements and outreach strategies to encourage adoption of energy crops by agricultural producers are suggested.
Projection of the future EU forest CO2 sink as affected by recent bioenergy policies using two advanced forest management models
Authors: Böttcher Hannes , Verkerk Pieter Johannes , Gusti Mykola , HavlÍk Petr , Grassi Giacomo
Published: January 2012

Forests of the European Union (EU) have been intensively managed for decades, and they have formed a significant sink for carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere over the past 50 years. The reasons for this behavior are multiple, among them are: forest aging, area expansion, increasing plant productivity due to environmental changes of many kinds, and, most importantly, the growth rates of European forest having been higher than harvest rates. EU countries have agreed to reduce total emissions of GHG by 20% in 2020 compared to 1990, excluding the forest sink.

A relevant question for climate policy is: how long will the current sink of EU forests be maintained in the near future? And could it be affected by other mitigation measures such as bioenergy? In this article we assess tradeoffs of bioenergy use and carbon sequestration at large scale and describe results of the comparison of two advanced forest management models that are used to project CO2 emissions and removals from EU forests until 2030. EFISCEN, a detailed statistical matrix model and G4M, a geographically explicit economic forestry model, use scenarios of future harvest rates and forest growth information to estimate the future carbon balance of forest biomass. Two scenarios were assessed: the EU baseline scenario and the EU reference scenario (including additional bioenergy and climate policies).

Our projections suggest a significant decline of the sink until 2030 in the baseline scenario of about 25–40% (or 65–125 Mt CO2) compared to the models’ 2010 estimate. Including additional bioenergy targets of EU member states has an effect on the development of this sink, which is not accounted in the EU emission reduction target. A sensitivity analysis was performed on the role of future wood demand and proved the importance of this driver for the future sink development.
Potential for Pet Animals to Harbour Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus When Residing with Human MRSA Patients
Authors: Morris D. O. , Lautenbach E. , Zaoutis T. , Leckerman K. , Edelstein P. H. , Rankin S. C.
Published: January 2012

Colonization by methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) may be persistent in people and is horizontally transmissible. The scientific literature suggests that domestic pets may also participate in cross‐transmission of MRSA within households. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for MRSA carriage by pets residing in households with an MRSA‐infected person. From 66 households in which an MRSA‐infected patient resided, we screened 47 dogs and 52 cats using a swab protocol. Isolates from pets and humans were genotyped using two techniques and compared for concordance. Human participants completed a 22‐question survey of demographic and epidemiologic data relevant to staphylococcal transmission. Eleven of 99 pets (11.5%) representing 9 (13.6%) of households were MRSA‐positive, but in only six of these households were the human and animal‐source strains genetically concordant. Human infection by strain USA 100 was significantly associated with pet carriage [OR = 11.4 (95% CI 1.7, 76.9); P = 0.013]. Yet, for each day of delay in sampling the pet after the person’s MRSA diagnosis, the odds of isolating any type of MRSA from the pet decreased by 13.9% [(95% CI 2.6, 23.8); P = 0.017)]. It may be concluded that pets can harbour pandemic strains of MRSA while residing in a household with an infected person. However, the source of MRSA to the pet cannot always be attributed to the human patient. Moreover, the rapid attrition of the odds of obtaining a positive culture from pets over time suggests that MRSA carriage may be fleeting.
Sol–Gel Synthesis of Alumina–Titania Nanostructure Membrane: Preparation and Characterization
Authors: Akbarnezhad S. , Mousavi S. M. , Pakizeh M. , Kiani S.
Published: January 2012

In the present paper, the preparation and characterization of porous alumina–titania nanostructure membrane is described. The membrane layers consisted of an α-alumina membrane support, which was dip-coated with a composite alumina–titania top layer prepared in a sol–gel process. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that drying progress of the membrane layer is completed at about 560 °C. Scanning electron microscopy analysis displayed a smooth and defect-free layer of alumina–titania membrane after calcination at 600 °C. X-ray diffraction analysis showed the formation of gamma and orthorhombic alumina, brookite titania, and aluminium titanate (Al2TiO5) after the calcination step. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that the alumina–titania composite particle size was almost below 40 nm. The Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) surface area, average pore size, and thickness of the membrane top layer were determined to be 292 m2/g, 2.2 nm, and 4 μm, respectively.
Free Vibration of Single Layer Graphene Sheets: Lattice Structure Versus Continuum Plate Theories
Authors: Arghavan S. , Singh A. V.
Published: January 2012

Prospect of applications of graphene sheets in composites and other advanced materials have drawn attention from a broad spectrum of research fields. This paper deals with the methods to find mechanical properties of such nanoscale structures. First, the lattice structure method with the Poisson’s ratio of 0.16 and the thickness of 3.4 Å is used to obtain the Young’s moduli for the in-plane and out-of-plane deformation states. This method has the accuracy of molecular dynamics simulations and efficiency of the finite element method. The graphene sheet is modeled as a plane grid of carbon atoms taken as the nodal points, each of which carries the mass of the carbon atom and is assigned as a six degrees of freedom. The covalent bond between two adjacent carbon atoms is treated as an extremely stiff frame element with all three axial, bending, and torsional stiffness components. Subsequently, the computed Young’s moduli, approximately 0.11 TPa for bending and 1.04 TPa for the in-plane condition, are used for studying the vibrational behaviors of graphene sheets by the continuum plate theory. The natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes of various shaped single layer graphene sheet ), such as rectangular, skewed, and circular, are computed by the two methods which are found to yield very close results. Results of the well-established continuum plate theory are very consistent with the lattice structure method, which is based on accurate interatomic forces.
Fluorine contamination in yttrium-doped barium zirconate film deposited by atomic layer deposition
Authors: An Jihwan , Beom Kim Young , Sun Park Joong , Hyung Shim Joon , Gür Turgut M. , Prinz Fritz B.
Published: January 2012

The authors have investigated the change of chemical composition, crystallinity, and ionic conductivity in fluorine contaminated yttrium-doped barium zirconate (BYZ) fabricated by atomic layer deposition (ALD). It has been identified that fluorine contamination can significantly affect the conductivity of the ALD BYZ. The authors have also successfully established the relationship between process temperature and contamination and the source of fluorine contamination, which was the perfluoroelastomer O-ring used for vacuum sealing. The total removal of fluorine contamination was achieved by using all-metal sealed chamber instead of O-ring seals.
Functional and Genetic Characterization of the Tap Efflux Pump in Mycobacterium bovis BCG
Authors: Ramón-García Santiago , Mick Virginie , Dainese Elisa , Martín Carlos , Thompson Charles J. , De Rossi Edda , Manganelli Riccardo , Aínsa José A.
Published: January 2012

Efflux pumps extrude a wide variety of chemically unrelated compounds conferring multidrug resistance and participating in numerous physiological processes.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
possesses many efflux pumps, and their roles in drug resistance and physiology are actively investigated. In this work we found that
tap
mutant cells showed changes in morphology and a progressive loss of viability upon subcultivation in liquid medium. Transcriptome analysis in
Mycobacterium bovis
BCG revealed that disruption of the
Rv1258c
gene, encoding the Tap efflux pump, led to an extensive change in gene expression patterns during stationary phase, with no changes during exponential growth. In stationary phase, Tap inactivation triggered a general stress response and led to a general repression of genes involved in cell wall biosynthesis, in particular the formation of the peptidoglycan; this suggested the accumulation of an unknown Tap substrate that reaches toxic concentrations during stationary phase. We also found that both disruption and overexpression of
tap
altered susceptibility to many clinically approved antibiotics in
M. bovis
BCG. Acriflavine and tetracycline accumulation assays and carbonyl cyanide
m
-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) potentiation experiments demonstrated that this phenotype was due to an active efflux mechanism. These findings emphasize the important role of the Tap efflux pump in bacterial physiology and intrinsic drug resistance.
Fosfomycin Enhances the Active Transport of Tobramycin in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: MacLeod David L. , Velayudhan Jyoti , Kenney Thomas F. , Therrien Joseph H. , Sutherland Jennifer L. , Barker Lynn M. , Baker William R.
Published: January 2012

Elevated levels of mucins present in bronchiectatic airways predispose patients to bacterial infections and reduce the effectiveness of antibiotic therapies by directly inactivating antibiotics. Consequently, new antibiotics that are not inhibited by mucins are needed to treat chronic respiratory infections caused byPseudomonas aeruginosaandStaphylococcus aureus. In these studies, we demonstrate that fosfomycin synergistically enhances the activity of tobramycin in the presence of mucin. The bactericidal killing of a novel 4:1 (wt/wt) combination of fosfomycin-tobramycin (FTI) is superior (>9 log10CFU/ml) relative to its individual components fosfomycin and tobramycin. Additionally, FTI has a mutation frequency resulting in an antibiotic resistance >3 log10lower than for fosfomycin and 4 log10lower than for tobramycin forP. aeruginosa. Mechanistic studies revealed that chemical adducts are not formed, suggesting that the beneficial effects of the combination are not due to molecular modification of the components. FTI displayed time-kill kinetics similar to tobramycin and killed in a concentration-dependent fashion. The bactericidal effect resulted from inhibition of protein biosynthesis rather than cell wall biosynthesis. Studies using radiolabeled antibiotics demonstrated that tobramycin uptake was energy dependent and that fosfomycin enhanced the uptake of tobramycin inP. aeruginosain a dose-dependent manner. Lastly, mutants resistant to fosfomycin and tobramycin were auxotrophic for specific carbohydrates and amino acids, suggesting that the resistance arises from mutations in specific active transport mechanisms. Overall, these data demonstrate that fosfomycin enhances the uptake of tobramycin, resulting in increased inhibition of protein synthesis and ultimately bacterial killing.
Synergistic Activity of Ceftobiprole and Vancomycin in a Rat Model of Infective Endocarditis Caused by Methicillin-Resistant and Glycopeptide-Intermediate Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Fernandez Jeffrey , Abbanat Darren , Shang Wenchi , He Wenping , Amsler Karen , Hastings James , Queenan Anne Marie , Melton John L. , Barron Alfred M. , Flamm Robert K. , Lynch A. Simon
Published: January 2012

The therapeutic activity of ceftobiprole medocaril, the prodrug of ceftobiprole, was compared to that of vancomycin, daptomycin, and the combination of a subtherapeutic dose of ceftobiprole and vancomycin in a rat model of infective endocarditis due to methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) (ATCC 43300) or glycopeptide-intermediateStaphylococcus aureus(GISA) (NRS4 and HIP 5836) strains. The minimum bactericidal concentrations of ceftobiprole, vancomycin, and daptomycin at bacterial cell densities similar to those encountered in the cardiac vegetation in the rat endocarditis model were 2, >64, and 8 μg/ml, respectively, for MRSA ATCC 43300 and 4, >64, and 8 μg/ml, respectively, for the GISA strain. Ceftobiprole medocaril administered in doses of 100 mg/kg of body weight given intravenously (i.v.) twice a day (BID) every 8 h (q8h) (equivalent to a human therapeutic dose of ceftobiprole [500 mg given three times a day [TID]) was the most effective monotherapy, eradicating nearly 5 log10CFU/g MRSA or 6 log10CFU/g GISA organisms from the cardiac vegetation and had the highest incidence of sterile vegetation compared to the other monotherapies in the endocarditis model. Inin vitrotime-kill studies, synergistic effects were observed with ceftobiprole and vancomycin on MRSA and GISA strains, andin vivosynergy was noted with combinations of subtherapeutic doses of these agents for the same strains. Additionally, sterile vegetations were achieved in 33 and 60%, respectively, of the animals infected with MRSA ATCC 43300 or GISA NRS4 receiving ceftobiprole-vancomycin combination therapy. In summary, ceftobiprole was efficacious both as monotherapy and in combination with vancomycin in treating MRSA and GISA infections in a rat infective endocarditis model and warrants further evaluation.
Hemin Binding Protein C Is Found in Outer Membrane Vesicles and Protects Bartonella henselae against Toxic Concentrations of Hemin
Authors: Roden Julie A. , Wells Derek H. , Chomel Bruno B. , Kasten Rickie W. , Koehler Jane E.
Published: January 2012

Bartonellaspecies are Gram-negative, emerging bacterial pathogens found in two distinct environments. In the gut of the obligately hematophagous arthropod vector, bartonellae are exposed to concentrations of heme that are toxic to other bacteria. In the bloodstream of the mammalian host, access to heme and iron is severely restricted. Bartonellae have unusually high requirements for heme, which is their only utilizable source of iron. Although heme is essential forBartonellasurvival, little is known about genes involved in heme acquisition and detoxification. We developed a strategy for high-efficiency transposon mutagenesis to screen for genes inB. henselaeheme binding and uptake pathways. We identified aB. henselaetransposon mutant that constitutively expresses the hemin binding protein C (hbpC) gene. In the wild-type strain, transcription ofB. henselae hbpCwas upregulated at arthropod temperature (28°C), compared to mammalian temperature (37°C). In the mutant strain, temperature-dependent regulation was absent. We demonstrated that HbpC binds hemin and localizes to theB. henselaeouter membrane and outer membrane vesicles. Overexpression ofhbpCinB. henselaeincreased resistance to heme toxicity, implicating HbpC in protection ofB. henselaefrom the toxic levels of heme present in the gut of the arthropod vector. Experimental inoculation of cats withB. henselaestrains demonstrated that both constitutive expression and deletion ofhbpCaffect the ability ofB. henselaeto infect the cat host. Modulation ofhbpCexpression appears to be a strategy employed byB. henselaeto survive in the arthropod vector and the mammalian host.
Role of Acinetobactin-Mediated Iron Acquisition Functions in the Interaction of Acinetobacter baumannii Strain ATCC 19606
T
with Human Lung Epithelial Cells, Galleria mellonella Caterpillars, and Mice
Authors: Gaddy Jennifer A. , Arivett Brock A. , McConnell Michael J. , López-Rojas Rafael , Pachón Jerónimo , Actis Luis A.
Published: January 2012

Acinetobacter baumannii
, which causes serious infections in immunocompromised patients, expresses high-affinity iron acquisition functions needed for growth under iron-limiting laboratory conditions. In this study, we determined that the initial interaction of the ATCC 19606
T
type strain with A549 human alveolar epithelial cells is independent of the production of BasD and BauA, proteins needed for acinetobactin biosynthesis and transport, respectively. In contrast, these proteins are required for this strain to persist within epithelial cells and cause their apoptotic death. Infection assays using
Galleria mellonella
larvae showed that impairment of acinetobactin biosynthesis and transport functions significantly reduces the ability of ATCC 19606
T
cells to persist and kill this host, a defect that was corrected by adding inorganic iron to the inocula. The results obtained with these
ex vivo
and
in vivo
approaches were validated using a mouse sepsis model, which showed that expression of the acinetobactin-mediated iron acquisition system is critical for ATCC 19606
T
to establish an infection and kill this vertebrate host. These observations demonstrate that the virulence of the ATCC 19606
T
strain depends on the expression of a fully active acinetobactin-mediated system. Interestingly, the three models also showed that impairment of BasD production results in an intermediate virulence phenotype compared to those of the parental strain and the BauA mutant. This observation suggests that acinetobactin intermediates or precursors play a virulence role, although their contribution to iron acquisition is less relevant than that of mature acinetobactin.
Double-barrel entanglement of intracranial Enterprise stents resulting from undetected incomplete stent apposition
Authors: Heller Robert S , Safain Mina , Malek Adel M
Published: January 2012

Objective

Although intracranial stents have expanded the spectrum of aneurysms amenable to coiling, closed cell design variants can be prone to incomplete stent apposition around tightly curved arterial bends. A case is presented illustrating the technical ramifications of this phenomenon during subsequent treatment.

Clinical presentation

A 49-year-old woman who had previously undergone Enterprise (closed cell design) stent mediated coiling of a wide necked ophthalmic carotid artery aneurysm was noted to harbor residual central filling on follow-up imaging, and was scheduled for additional embolization.

Intervention

During retreatment, performed with a second concentrically placed Enterprise and further coil packing using the jailing technique, the proximal portion of the second Enterprise stent failed to expand as expected. C-arm cone beam CT (CBCT) revealed the second stent to have been navigated into and out of the orphaned lumen created by the incompletely apposed first Enterprise stent at the carotid siphon. This stent entanglement resulted in the formation of a trapped proximal double-barrel lumen in the curved segment and resolution to a single barrel lumen in the distal straight segment of the parent vessel facing the aneurysm neck.

Conclusion

Caution is urged when navigating around curved vessel segments through previously deployed intracranial stents, which may be incompletely apposed to the vessel wall, to avoid deleterious and potentially catastrophic entanglement. CBCT imaging may be helpful in delineating the spatial relationship of previously deployed intracranial stents during subsequent endovascular navigation.
Individual-based analyses reveal high repeatability in timing and location of reproduction in lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens)
Authors: Forsythe Patrick S. , Crossman James A. , Bello Nora M. , Baker Edward A. , Scribner Kim T.
Published: January 2012

Few studies have quantified the repeatability of reproductive decisions by individuals or assessed their relationship with environmental variables over multiple seasons for long-lived iteroparous fish species. Using individual-based data collected for 678 lake sturgeon ( Acipenser fulvescens ) over 8 consecutive years, we evaluated hypotheses regarding spawning periodicity and repeatability of spawning location, spawning time, and environmental cues associated with spawning. At our study site (Upper Black River, northern Michigan, USA), interspawning interval differed between males (2.3 ± 0.08 years) and females (3.7 ± 0.16 years), but was not significantly related to age. Individual spawning behavior was highly repeatable with respect to spawning time (relative day within the spawning season) for both sexes regardless of size or age, but was less repeatable, though still significant, relative to water temperature, river discharge, and lunar phase. Breeding area was also repeatable, with individuals spawning earlier in the season selecting locations further upstream than those spawning later. Repeatability in spawning times and locations suggest that subpopulation differentiation may develop among different spawning groups, even within small and spatially contiguous areas.
Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) runs and consumer fitness: growth and energy storage in stream-dwelling salmonids increase with salmon spawner density
Authors: Rinella Daniel J. , Wipfli Mark S. , Stricker Craig A. , Heintz Ron A. , Rinella Matthew J.
Published: January 2012

We examined how marine-derived nutrients (MDN), in the form of spawning Pacific salmon, influenced the nutritional status and δ15N of stream-dwelling fishes. We sampled juvenile coho salmon ( Oncorhynchus kisutch ) and Dolly Varden ( Salvelinus malma ) during spring and fall from 11 south-central Alaskan streams that ranged widely in spawning salmon biomass (0.1–4.7 kg·m–2). Growth rate (as indexed by RNA–DNA ratios), energy density, and δ15N enrichment in spring-sampled fishes increased with spawner biomass, indicating the persistence of spawner effects more than 6 months after salmon spawning. Point estimates suggest that spawner effects on nutrition were substantially greater for coho salmon than Dolly Varden (268% and 175% greater for growth and energy, respectively), indicating that both species benefitted physiologically, but that juvenile coho salmon accrued more benefits than Dolly Varden. Although the data were less conclusive for fall- than spring-sampled fish, they do suggest spawner effects were also generally positive during fall, soon after salmon spawned. In a follow-up analysis where growth rate and energy density were modeled as a function of δ15N enrichment, results suggested that both increased with MDN assimilation, especially in juvenile coho salmon. Our results support the importance of salmon runs to the nutritional ecology of stream-dwelling fishes.
Nutrient status of phytoplankton across a trophic gradient in Lake Erie: evidence from new fluorescence methods
Authors: Rattan Kim J. , Taylor William D. , Smith Ralph E.H.
Published: January 2012

Variable fluorescence of chlorophyll a was measured by pulse amplitude modulated fluorometry to determine its relationship with measures of nutrient status and phytoplankton community structure in Lake Erie. In 2005, nitrogen (N) deficiency was most common in May, phosphorus (P) deficiency was most common in June, and neither were common in September. The maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) measured by pulse amplitude modulated fluorometry was lower in May and June than in September. The observed range of Fv/Fmincluded many values lower than previously reported in the lower Laurentian Great Lakes, while Fv/Fmvalues showed strong inverse correlations with indicators of N and (or) P deficiency. Community structure was also associated with nutrient status. Cyanobacteria were common at sites displaying N deficiency, while flagellates dominated P-deficient sites in all basins. N deficiency is surprising in a lake with generally high nitrate levels, but was supported by N debt, particulate C:N ratios and depressed Fv/Fm. Further work to characterize and compare results obtained with different variable fluorescence methodologies is desirable, but the present results support the belief that Fv/Fmcan characterize nutrient deficiency of phytoplankton community in this large lake.
Manipulation of growth to reduce mercury concentrations in sport fish on a whole-system scale
Authors: Lepak Jesse M. , Kinzli Kristoph-Dietrich , Fetherman Eric R. , Pate William M. , Hansen Adam G. , Gardunio Eric I. , Cathcart C. Nathan , Stacy William L. , Underwood Zachary E. , Brandt Mandi M. , Myrick Christopher A. , Johnson Brett M.
Published: January 2012

Altering food web structure has been shown to influence mercury (Hg) concentrations in sport fish. Here, we describe a whole-system manipulation designed to assess the effectiveness of stocking relatively high-quality, low-Hg prey (rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss ) as a means of increasing northern pike ( Esox lucius ) growth to reduce Hg concentrations. A replicated pond experiment served as a reference for the lake experiment and provided information to parameterize bioenergetics simulations. Results indicate that stocking relatively high-quality, low-Hg prey is a rapid and effective method to reduce sport fish Hg concentrations by up to 50% through an increase in individual northern pike biomass. Large northern pike, the fish that tend to be the most contaminated, were affected most by the manipulation. The observed declines in northern pike Hg concentrations indicate that stocking might be used to reduce Hg concentrations in sport fish prior to harvest. However, after 1 year, northern pike Hg concentrations rebounded, suggesting that reductions would be temporary without continuous stocking. Thus, perhaps the most effective method of perpetually reducing sport fish Hg concentrations would be to manage for the development of a naturally reproducing forage fish population with relatively high energy content and low Hg concentrations.
Removal of hexavalent chromium in tannery wastewater by Bacillus cereus
Authors: Zhao Changqing , Yang Qinhuan , Chen Wuyong , Teng Bo
Published: January 2012

Bacillus cereus was used to remove chromium (Cr(VI)) from medium containing tannery wastewater under different conditions. The maximum rate of Cr(VI) removal was attained at a temperature of 37 °C, pH of 7.0–9.0, and biomass of 20 g/L when the initial Cr(VI) concentration was less than 50 mg/L. Under the optimum conditions, the Cr(VI) in tannery wastewater was treated with each cellular component of B. cereus to detect its ability to reduce Cr(VI). The results showed that the removal rate of Cr(VI) for the cell-free extracts could reach 92.70%, which was close to that of the whole cells (96.85%), indicating that the Cr(VI) reductase generated by B. cereus is primarily intracellular. Additionally, during continuous culture of the B. cereus, the strain showed good consecutive growth and removal ability. After treatment of 20 mg/L Cr(VI) for 48 h, the B. cereus was observed by SEM and TEM–EDX. SEM images showed that the B. cereus used to treat Cr(VI) grew well and had a uniform cellular size. TEM–EDX analysis revealed large quantities of chromium in the B. cereus cells used to treat Cr(VI). Overall, the results presented herein demonstrate that B. cereus can be used as a new biomaterial to remove Cr(VI) from tannery wastewater.
Colonization and bioherbicidal activity on green foxtail byPseudomonas fluorescensBRG100 in a pesta formulation
Authors: Caldwell Caressa J. , Hynes Russell K. , Boyetchko Susan M. , Korber Darren R.
Published: January 2012

Pseudomonas fluorescens BRG100 produces secondary metabolites with herbicidal activity on green foxtail ( Setaria viridis ), an important weed pest in Canadian agriculture. Five gfp transformants of P. fluorescens BRG100 were compared with the wild-type isolate for green foxtail root herbicide activity, i.e., root growth suppression, doubling time, carbon utilization, and colonization of green foxtail root (proximal and distal regions). The most revealing comparison between the wild type and its gfp transformants was herbicidal activity on green foxtail. Herbicidal activity of transformant gfp-7 was not significantly different from the uninoculated control, suggesting that insertion of the gfp gene may have interfered with a gene, or genes, vital to the bioherbicide process. Doubling time, carbon utilization, and colonization of green foxtail did not differ to a great extent between the wild type and the gfp transformants, indicating their suitability as conservatively tagged organisms for subsequent colonization–herbicidal activity studies. Accordingly, a pesta granule formulation delivered transformant gfp-2 to the seed coat and roots of green foxtail. Epifluorescent and confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed the transformant gfp-2 colonized the ventral portion of the seed coat, root hairs, and all areas of the root except the root cap region, where gfp-2 presumably exerted herbicidal effects. These results suggest that P. fluorescens BRG100 has considerable potential as a bioherbicide because of its successful colonization and suppressive activity on green foxtail root growth.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi assemblages in Chernozem great groups revealed by massively parallel pyrosequencing
Authors: Dai Mulan , Hamel Chantal , St. Arnaud Marc , He Yong , Grant Cynthia , Lupwayi Newton , Janzen Henry , Malhi Sukhdev S. , Yang Xiaohong , Zhou Zhiqin
Published: January 2012

The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal resources present in wheat fields of the Canadian Prairie were explored using 454 pyrosequencing. Of the 33 dominant AM fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) found in the 76 wheat fields surveyed at anthesis in 2009, 14 clustered as Funneliformis – Rhizophagus, 16 as Claroideoglomus, and 3 as Diversisporales. An OTU of Funneliformis mosseae and one OTU of Diversisporales each accounted for approximately 16% of all AM fungal OTUs. The former was ubiquitous, and the latter was mainly restricted to the Black and Dark Brown Chernozems. AM fungal OTU community composition was better explained by the Chernozem great groups (P = 0.044) than by measured soil properties. Fifty-two percent of the AM fungal OTUs were unrelated to measured soil properties. Black Chernozems hosted the largest AM fungal OTU diversity and almost twice the number of AM fungal sequences seen in Dark Brown Chernozems, the great group ranking second for AM fungal sequence abundance. Brown Chernozems hosted the lowest AM fungal abundance and an AM fungal diversity as low as that seen in Gray soils. We concluded that Black Chernozems are most conducive to AM fungal proliferation. AM fungi are generally distributed according to Chernozem great groups in the Canadian Prairie, although some taxa are evenly distributed in all soil groups.
In-vitro characterization of the pharmacological effects induced by (–)-α-bisabolol in rat smooth muscle preparations
Authors: de Siqueira Rodrigo J.B. , Freire Walter B.S. , Vasconcelos-Silva Alfredo A. , Fonseca-Magalhães Patrícia A. , Lima Francisco J.B. , Brito Teresinha S. , Mourão Lívia T.C. , Ribeiro Ronaldo A. , Lahlou Saad , Magalhães Pedro J.C.
Published: January 2012

The present study deals with the pharmacological effects of the sesquiterpene alcohol (–)-α-bisabolol on various smooth-muscle preparations from rats. Under resting tonus, (–)-α-bisabolol (30–300 µmol/L) relaxed duodenal strips, whereas it showed biphasic effects in other preparations, contracting endothelium-intact aortic rings and urinary bladder strips, and relaxing these tissues at higher concentrations (600–1000 µmol/L). In preparations precontracted either electromechanically (by 60 mmol/L K+) or pharmacomechanically (by phenylephrine or carbachol), (–)-α-bisabolol showed only relaxing properties. The pharmacological potency of (–)-α-bisabolol was variable, being higher in mesenteric vessels, whereas it exerted relaxing activity with a lesser potency on tracheal or colonic tissues. In tissues possessing spontaneous activity, (–)-α-bisabolol completely decreased spontaneous contractions in duodenum, whereas it increased their amplitude in urinary bladder tissue. Administered in vivo, (–)-α-bisabolol attenuated the increased responses of carbachol in tracheal rings of ovalbumin-sensitized rats challenged with ovalbumin, but was without effect in the decreased responsiveness of urinary bladder strips in mice treated with ifosfamide. In summary, (–)-α-bisabolol is biologically active in smooth muscle. In some tissues, (–)-α-bisabolol preferentially relaxed contractions induced electromechanically, especially in tracheal smooth muscle. The findings from tracheal rings reveal that (–)-α-bisabolol may be an inhibitor of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels.