bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of bone marrow mononuclear cells delivered through a graft vessel for patients with previous myocardial infarction and chronic heart failure: an echocardiographic study of left ventricular remodeling.
Authors: Duan Fujian , Qi Zhi , Liu Sheng , Lu Xiuzhang , Wang Hao , Gao Yiming , Wang Jianpeng
Published: June 2015

Aims: The graft of stem cells to treat ischemic cardiomyopathy is popular in many clinical trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of isolated coronary artery bypass graft combined with bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNC) delivered through graft vessels to improve left ventricular remodeling of patients with previous myocardial infarc- tion and chronic heart failure using echocardiography. Material and methods: Patients with previous myocardial infarction and chronic heart failure were randomly allocated to one of the two groups: CABG only (18 patients), or CABG with BMMNC transplantation (24 patients). Echocardiographic parameters were measured on B-mode imaging, 3D imaging and color flow imaging. Results Post-operative LVEDD (end-diastolic dimension of left ventricle), LVESD (end-systolic dimension of left ventricle), LVEDV (end-diastolic volume of left ventricle), LVESV (end-systolic volume of left ventricle), LVEDVI (LVEDV indexed to body surface area), LVESVI (LVESV indexed to body surface area), LV-mass (mass of left ventricle) and LV- massI (LV-mass indexed to body surface area) were significantly improved compared with those obtained prior to operation in CABG+BMMNC group (al p0.05). Postoperative mitral regurgitation score was not significantly different from those prior to opera- tion in both groups (al p>0.05). In Chi-square tests, LVEDD, LVESD, LVEDV, LVESV, LVEDVI, LVESVI, LV-mass, LV- massI were determinants of the left ventricular remodeling. Conclusion: The improvement of left ventricular remodeling in CABG+BMMNC group was better than in the CABG group and this improvement was verified by echocardiography.
Characterization and staging of rectal tumors: endoscopic ultrasound versus MRI / CT. Pictorial essay.
Authors: Badea Radu , Gersak Mariana M. , Dudea Sorin M. , Graur Florin , Al Hajjar Nadim , Furcea Luminita
Published: June 2015

Endoscopic ultrasound is recommended for rectal cancer staging. Transrectal ultrasound approach is able to overcome one of the limitations of this technique regarding circumferential rectal stenosis. Prior intrarectal administration of a small amount of fluid contrast agent optimizes the method, making it easier to distinguish the layers of the rectal wall and tumor formation. Endoscopic ultrasound focuses on the gray-scale mode. Additional procedures provide useful information for tu- mor assessment: Doppler ultrasound helps identify chaotic intratumoral vascularization; 3D ultrasound allows the assessment and accurate measurement of the tumor; elastography can identify focal tumor dysplasia within adenomas; contrast-enhanced ultrasound allows characterization of tumor microvasculature. Even if they are not as accurate in distinguishing rectal wall lay- ers, cross-sectional imaging techniques (CT, MRI) can identify the anatomical relationships of advanced locoregional cancers, as well as possible distant metastasis. This paper aims at illustrating the main pathological aspects of endoscopic ultrasound multimodal examination useful for cancer staging.
The utility of ultrasound for surgical spinal decompression
Authors: Alaqeel Ahmed , Abou Al-Shaar Hussam , Alaqeel Alaa , Al-Habib Amro
Published: June 2015

Surgery is routinely performed to decompress the spinal cord. While a number of imaging modalities are currently used in the perioperative setting of surgical spinal cord decompression including computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound (US) usage is relatively new. Therefore, only a few studies in the literature describe its value in the periop- erative setting. US is a simple, safe, rapid, non-invasive, and inexpensive modality that constitutes a potential alternative when other modalities are not suitable or unavailable. It enables surgeons to generate high-resolution real-time images that can aid in diagnosing pathologies, guiding surgeries, and evaluating surgical outcomes. This review discusses the present literature and utility of pre-, intra-, and post-operative US in patients undergoing surgical spinal decompression. We also delineate three cases in which US was utilized at King Saud University hospital, which is considered one of the first centers in our region to report the use of US to guide treatment in spine surgery.
Plastic reconstruction of fetal anatomy using three-dimensional ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging scan data in a giant cervical teratoma. Case report.
Authors: Werner Heron , Lopes Jorge , Tonni Gabriele , Araujo Junior Edward
Published: June 2015

Cervical teratoma is a rare congenital tumor that tends to be large and is usually solid/cystic. Estimation of the degree of tracheal compression or distortion allows multidisciplinary planning for delivery and neonatal resuscitation. We present a case of prenatal diagnosis of cervical teratoma at 29 weeks of gestation. The use of a physical model from 3D ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging improved the understanding of spatial relationships of fetal anomaly and the adjacent structures, permitting better parent counselling. This technology can be used for educational purposes and as a method for parents to visualize their unborn baby.
Variable sonographic spectrum of parathyroid adenoma with a novel ultrasound finding: dual concentric echo sign
Authors: Acar Turker , Ozbek Suha Sureyya , Ertan Yesim , Kavukcu Gulgun , Tuncyurek Muge , Icoz Recep Gokhan , Akyildiz Mehmet Mahir , Makay Ozer , Acar Seval
Published: June 2015

Aims: To review the detailed gray-scale and Doppler ultrasonography features of histologically proven parathyroid adenomas (PAs) evaluated with high-end ultrasonography devices and to present a novel ultrasonography finding called the dual concentric echo sign in PA with histopathologic correlation which was encountered during detailed analysis. Material and methods: Fifty-six PAs with histopathological result were enrolled. The longest dimension, shape, distance to skin surface, internal echo and Doppler US features obtained with high-end US devices were evaluated. Results: PAs had variable range of shape including oval, irregular, fusiform, lobulated, crescent-shaped, and nodular configuration. In nine patients the lesions were shown to have cystic components and calcifications were seen in four cases. Dual concentric echo sign was detected in 18% PAs. Histological reevaluation of this subgroup demonstrated significantly increased edema (p<0.01), and ectatic vessels (p=0.02) in the central part of the lesion compared to the rest of the PAs. Conclusions: The results of the study led to the conclusion that PAs have variable gray-scale and Doppler findings. Typical sonographic features like ovoid shape, homogeneously hypoechoic pattern may not be present in all PAs. Dual concentric echo sign which is a novel sonographic pattern may be suggestive of a PA
Green Synthesis of Silver and Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Using Euphorbia prostrata Extract Shows Shift from Apoptosis to G
0
/G
1
Arrest followed by Necrotic Cell Death in Leishmania donovani
Authors: Zahir Abdul Abduz , Chauhan Indira Singh , Bagavan Asokan , Kamaraj Chinnaperumal , Elango Gandhi , Shankar Jai , Arjaria Nidhi , Roopan Selvaraj Mohana , Rahuman Abdul Abdul , Singh Neeloo
Published: June 2015

The aim of the present study was to synthesize silver (Ag) and titanium dioxide (TiO
2
) nanoparticles (NPs) using green synthesis from aqueous leaf extract of
Euphorbia prostrata
as antileishmanial agents and to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of induced cell death.
In vitro
antileishmanial activity of synthesized NPs was tested against promastigotes of
Leishmania donovani
by alamarBlue and propidium iodide uptake assays. Antileishmanial activity of synthesized NPs on intracellular amastigotes was assessed by Giemsa staining. The leishmanicidal effect of synthesized Ag NPs was further confirmed by DNA fragmentation assay and by cell cycle progression and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the treated parasites. TEM analysis of the synthesized Ag NPs showed a spherical shape with an average size of 12.82 ± 2.50 nm, and in comparison to synthesized TiO
2
NPs, synthesized Ag NPs were found to be most active against
Leishmania
parasites after 24 h exposure, with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC
50
) of 14.94 μg/ml and 3.89 μg/ml in promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes, respectively. A significant increase in G
0
/G
1
phase of the cell cycle with a subsequent decrease in S (synthesis) and G
2
/M phases compared to controls was observed. The growth-inhibitory effect of synthesized Ag NPs was attributed to increased length of S phase. A decreased reactive oxygen species level was also observed, which could be responsible for the caspase-independent shift from apoptosis (G
0
/G
1
arrest) to massive necrosis. High-molecular-weight DNA fragmentation as a positive consequence of necrotic cell death was also visualized. We also report that the unique trypanothione/trypanothione reductase (TR) system of
Leishmania
cells was significantly inhibited by synthesized Ag NPs. The green-synthesized Ag NPs may provide promising leads for the development of cost-effective and safer alternative treatment against visceral leishmaniasis.
Molecular Analysis of the
embCAB
Locus and
embR
Gene Involved in Ethambutol Resistance in Clinical Isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in France
Authors: Brossier Florence , Sougakoff Wladimir , Bernard Christine , Petrou Matthieu , Adeyema Karine , Pham Anne , Amy de la Breteque Diane , Vallet Marine , Jarlier Vincent , Sola Christophe , Veziris Nicolas
Published: June 2015

Modification of codon 306 in
embB
is regarded as the main mechanism leading to ethambutol (ETB) resistance in clinical isolates of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. However, numerous mutations elsewhere in the
embCAB
locus and in
embR
, a putative transcriptional activator of this locus, have been reported to be involved in ETB resistance. Here, we investigated the diversity of nucleotide variations observed in
embCAB
and
embR
in
M. tuberculosis
complex isolates from France. These regions were sequenced in 71 ETB-resistant (ETB-R) and 60 ETB-susceptible (ETB-S) clinical isolates of known phylogenetic lineages. The 131 isolates had 12 mutations corresponding to phylogenetic markers. Among the 60 ETB-S isolates, only 3 (5%) had nonsynonymous mutations that were not phylogenetic markers. Among the 71 ETB-R isolates, 98% had mutations in
embCAB
that likely contribute to ETB resistance: 70% had mutations located in
embB
codon 306, 406, or 497; 13% had mutations located outside these three positions between codons 296 and 426; and 15% had mutations corresponding to mutations in the
embC-embA
intergenic region. We found a strong association between resistance to ETB and the presence of mutations in
embB
and the
embC-embA
intergenic region (
P
< 0.001). In contrast, the mutations detected in
embC
and
embA
were not involved in ETB resistance, and no mutation was detected in
embR
. These results strongly suggest that the sensitivity of diagnostic assays for detecting ETB resistance based on testing of
embB
codon 306 can be increased by testing of the
embB
region between codons 296 and 497 and by including the
embC-embA
intergenic region between positions −8 and −21.
Altered Competitive Fitness, Antimicrobial Susceptibility, and Cellular Morphology in a Triclosan-Induced Small-Colony Variant of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Forbes Sarah , Latimer Joe , Bazaid Abdulrahman , McBain Andrew J.
Published: June 2015

Staphylococcus aureus
can produce small-colony variants (SCVs) that express various phenotypes. While their significance is unclear, SCV propagation may be influenced by relative fitness, antimicrobial susceptibility, and the underlying mechanism. We have investigated triclosan-induced generation of SCVs in six
S. aureus
strains, including methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA). Parent strains (P0) were repeatedly passaged on concentration gradients of triclosan using a solid-state exposure system to generate P10. P10 was subsequently passaged without triclosan to generate X10. Susceptibility to triclosan and 7 antibiotics was assessed at all stages. For
S. aureus
ATCC 6538, SCVs were further characterized by determining microbicide susceptibility and competitive fitness. Cellular morphology was examined using electron microscopy, and protein expression was evaluated through proteomics. Triclosan susceptibility in all SCVs (which could be generated from 4/6 strains) was markedly decreased, while antibiotic susceptibility was significantly increased in the majority of cases. An SCV of
S. aureus
ATCC 6538 exhibited significantly increased susceptibility to all tested microbicides. Cross-wall formation was impaired in this bacterium, while expression of FabI, a target of triclosan, and IsaA, a lytic transglycosylase involved in cell division, was increased. The P10 SCV was 49% less fit than P0. In summary, triclosan exposure of
S. aureus
produced SCVs in 4/6 test bacteria, with decreased triclosan susceptibility but with generally increased antibiotic susceptibility. An SCV derived from
S. aureus
ATCC 6538 showed reduced competitive fitness, potentially due to impaired cell division. In this SCV, increased FabI expression could account for reduced triclosan susceptibility, while IsaA may be upregulated in response to cell division defects.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Folate Metabolism and the Mechanistic Basis for
para
-Aminosalicylic Acid Susceptibility and Resistance
Authors: Minato Yusuke , Thiede Joshua M. , Kordus Shannon Lynn , McKlveen Edward J. , Turman Breanna J. , Baughn Anthony D.
Published: June 2015

para
-Aminosalicylic acid (PAS) entered clinical use in 1946 as the second exclusive drug for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). While PAS was initially a first-line TB drug, the introduction of more potent antitubercular agents relegated PAS to the second-line tier of agents used for the treatment of drug-resistant
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
infections. Despite the long history of PAS usage, an understanding of the molecular and biochemical mechanisms governing the susceptibility and resistance of
M. tuberculosis
to this drug has lagged behind that of most other TB drugs. Herein, we discuss previous studies that demonstrate PAS-mediated disruption of iron acquisition, as well as recent genetic, biochemical, and metabolomic studies that have revealed that PAS is a prodrug that ultimately corrupts one-carbon metabolism through inhibition of the formation of reduced folate species. We also discuss findings from laboratory and clinical isolates that link alterations in folate metabolism to PAS resistance. These advancements in our understanding of the basis of the susceptibility and resistance of
M. tuberculosis
to PAS will enable the development of novel strategies to revitalize this and other antimicrobial agents for use in the global effort to eradicate TB.
Biofilm Formation Caused by Clinical Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates Is Associated with Overexpression of the AdeFGH Efflux Pump
Authors: He Xinlong , Lu Feng , Yuan Fenglai , Jiang Donglin , Zhao Peng , Zhu Jie , Cheng Huali , Cao Jun , Lu Guozhong
Published: June 2015

Chronic wound infections are associated with biofilm formation, which in turn has been correlated with drug resistance. However, the mechanism by which bacteria form biofilms in clinical environments is not clearly understood. This study was designed to investigate the biofilm formation potency of
Acinetobacter baumannii
and the potential association of biofilm formation with genes encoding efflux pumps, quorum-sensing regulators, and outer membrane proteins. A total of 48 clinically isolated
A. baumannii
strains, identified by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR as types A-II, A-III, and A-IV, were analyzed. Three representative strains, which were designated
A. baumannii
ABR2, ABR11, and ABS17, were used to evaluate antimicrobial susceptibility, biofilm inducibility, and gene transcription (
abaI
,
adeB
,
adeG
,
adeJ
,
carO
, and
ompA
). A significant increase in the MICs of different classes of antibiotics was observed in the biofilm cells. The formation of a biofilm was significantly induced in all the representative strains exposed to levofloxacin. The levels of gene transcription varied between bacterial genotypes, antibiotics, and antibiotic concentrations. The upregulation of
adeG
correlated with biofilm induction. The consistent upregulation of
adeG
and
abaI
was detected in A-III-type
A. baumannii
in response to levofloxacin and meropenem (1/8 to 1/2× the MIC), conditions which resulted in the greatest extent of biofilm induction. This study demonstrates a potential role of the AdeFGH efflux pump in the synthesis and transport of autoinducer molecules during biofilm formation, suggesting a link between low-dose antimicrobial therapy and a high risk of biofilm infections caused by
A. baumannii
. This study provides useful information for the development of antibiofilm strategies.
Increased Vancomycin Susceptibility in Mycobacteria: a New Approach To Identify Synergistic Activity against Multidrug-Resistant Mycobacteria
Authors: Soetaert Karine , Rens Céline , Wang Xiao-Ming , De Bruyn Jacqueline , Lanéelle Marie-Antoinette , Laval Françoise , Lemassu Anne , Daffé Mamadou , Bifani Pablo , Fontaine Véronique , Lefèvre Philippe
Published: June 2015

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is wrapped in complex waxes, impermeable to most antibiotics. Comparing
Mycobacterium bovis
BCG and
M. tuberculosis
mutants that lack phthiocerol dimycocerosates (PDIM) and/or phenolic glycolipids with wild-type strains, we observed that glycopeptides strongly inhibited PDIM-deprived mycobacteria. Vancomycin together with a drug targeting lipid synthesis inhibited multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) clinical isolates. Our study puts glycopeptides in the pipeline of potential antituberculosis (TB) agents and might provide a new antimycobacterial drug-screening strategy.
Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica Phage Det7
Authors: Casjens Sherwood R. , Jacobs-Sera Deborah , Hatfull Graham F. , Hendrix Roger W.
Published: June 2015

Det7 is a
Myoviridae
bacteriophage that gains entry into its
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium host cells by adsorbing to O-antigen polysaccharide. We report here the complete 157,498-bp sequence of its genome. Det7, together with its Vi01-like relatives, are distantly related to phage T4.
Complete Genome Sequences of Chikungunya Virus Strains Isolated in Mexico: First Detection of Imported and Autochthonous Cases
Authors: Díaz-Quiñonez José Alberto , Ortiz-Alcántara Joanna , Fragoso-Fonseca David Esaú , Garcés-Ayala Fabiola , Escobar-Escamilla Noé , Vázquez-Pichardo Mauricio , Núñez-León Alma , Torres-Rodríguez María de la Luz , Torres-Longoria Belem , López-Martínez Irma , Ruíz-Matus Cuitláhuac , Kuri-Morales Pablo , Ramírez-González José Ernesto
Published: June 2015

The mosquito-borne chikungunya virus, an alphavirus of the
Togaviridae
family, is responsible for acute polyarthralgia epidemics. Here, we report the complete genome sequences of two chikungunya virus strains, InDRE04 and InDRE51, identified in the Mexican states of Jalisco and Chiapas in 2014. Phylogenetic analysis showed that both strains belong to the Asian genotype.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Polyhydroxyalkanoate-Producing Bacterium Burkholderia sacchari LMG 19450 Isolated from Brazilian Sugarcane Plantation Soil
Authors: Alexandrino Paulo Moises Raduan , Mendonça Thatiane Teixeira , Guamán Bautista Linda Priscila , Cherix Juliano , Lozano-Sakalauskas Gabriela Cazonato , Fujita André , Ramos Filho Edmar , Long Paul , Padilla Gabriel , Taciro Marilda Keico , Gomez José Gregório Cabrera , Silva Luiziana Ferreira
Published: June 2015

Burkholderia sacchari
LMG 19450, isolated from the soil of a sugarcane plantation in Brazil, accumulates large amounts of polyhydroxyalkanoates from sucrose, xylose, other carbohydrates, and organic acids. We present the draft genome sequence of this industrially relevant bacterium, which is 7.2 Mb in size and has a G+C content of 64%.
Extreme Sensory Complexity Encoded in the 10-Megabase Draft Genome Sequence of the Chromatically Acclimating Cyanobacterium
Tolypothrix
sp. PCC 7601
Authors: Yerrapragada Shaila , Shukla Animesh , Hallsworth-Pepin Kymberlie , Choi Kwangmin , Wollam Aye , Clifton Sandra , Qin Xiang , Muzny Donna , Raghuraman Sriram , Ashki Haleh , Uzman Akif , Highlander Sarah K. , Fryszczyn Bartlomiej G. , Fox George E. , Tirumalai Madhan R. , Liu Yamei , Kim Sun , Kehoe David M. , Weinstock George M.
Published: June 2015

Tolypothrix
sp. PCC 7601 is a freshwater filamentous cyanobacterium with complex responses to environmental conditions. Here, we present its 9.96-Mbp draft genome sequence, containing 10,065 putative protein-coding sequences, including 305 predicted two-component system proteins and 27 putative phytochrome-class photoreceptors, the most such proteins in any sequenced genome.
Complete Genome Sequence of Cyanobacterium
Geminocystis
sp. Strain NIES-3708, Which Performs Type II Complementary Chromatic Acclimation
Authors: Hirose Yuu , Katayama Mitsunori , Ohtsubo Yoshiyuki , Misawa Naomi , Iioka Erica , Suda Wataru , Oshima Kenshiro , Hanaoka Mitsumasa , Tanaka Kan , Eki Toshihiko , Ikeuchi Masahiko , Kikuchi Yo , Ishida Makoto , Hattori Masahira
Published: June 2015

To explore the variation of the light-regulated genes during complementary chromatic acclimation (CCA), we determined the complete genome sequence of the cyanobacterium
Geminocystis
sp. strain NIES-3708. Within the light-regulated operon for CCA, we found genes for phycoerythrin but not phycocyanin, suggesting that this cyanobacterium modulates phycoerythrin composition only (type II CCA).
Draft Genome Sequence of Bordetella bronchiseptica KU1201, the First Isolation Source of Arylmalonate Decarboxylase
Authors: Yoshida Shosuke , Enoki Junichi , Hemmi Risa , Kourist Robert , Kawakami Norifumi , Miyamoto Kenji
Published: June 2015

The analysis of the 6.8-Mbp draft genome sequence of the phenylmalonate-assimilating bacterium
Bordetella bronchiseptica
KU1201 identified 6,358 protein-coding sequences. This will give us an insight into the catabolic variability of this strain for aromatic compounds, along with the roles of arylmalonate decarboxylases in nature.
Genome Sequences of
Pseudoalteromonas
Strains ATCC BAA-314, ATCC 70018, and ATCC 70019
Authors: Givan Scott A. , Zhou Ming-Yi , Bromert Karen , Bivens Nathan , Chapman Linda Fleet
Published: June 2015

The assembly and annotation of the draft genome sequences for
Pseudoalteromonas
strains ATCC BAA314, ATCC 700518, and ATCC 700519 reveal candidates for promoting symbiosis between
Pseudoalteromonas
strains and eukaryotes. Groups of genes generally associated with virulence are present in all three strains, suggesting that these bacteria may be pathogenic under specific circumstances.
Genome Sequence of a Carbapenem-Resistant Strain of Ralstonia mannitolilytica
Authors: Suzuki Masato , Nishio Hisaaki , Asagoe Kohsuke , Kida Kaneyuki , Suzuki Satowa , Matsui Mari , Shibayama Keigo
Published: June 2015

Ralstonia mannitolilytica
, a Gram-negative aerobic bacterium, is an opportunistic human pathogen that is becoming more common in cases of nosocomial infections. We report for the first time the whole-genome sequence analysis of
R. mannitolilytica
strain MRY14-0246, which carries the intrinsic OXA-443/OXA-22-like and OXA-444/OXA-60-like β-lactamase genes and is resistant to meropenem.
Draft Genome Sequence of Se(IV)-Reducing Bacterium Pseudomonas migulae ES3-33
Authors: Li Xuanji , Kot Witold , Wang Dan , Zheng Shixue , Wang Gejiao , Hansen Lars H. , Rensing Christopher
Published: June 2015

Pseudomonas migulaeES3-33 is a Gram-negative strain that strongly reduces Se(IV) and was isolated from a selenium mining area in Enshi, southwest China. Here we present the draft genome of this strain containing potential genes involved in selenite reduction and a large number of genes encoding resistances to copper and antibiotics.
First Complete Genome Sequence of an Emerging Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus Isolate in North America
Authors: Li Rugang , Zheng Yi , Fei Zhangjun , Ling Kai-Shu
Published: June 2015

The complete genome sequence (6,423 nucleotides [nt]) of an emerging cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) isolate on cucumber in North America was determined through deep sequencing of small (sRNA) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The virus shares 99% nucleotide sequence identity with the Asian genotype but only 90% with the European genotype.
Interleukin-7 Produced by Intestinal Epithelial Cells in Response to Citrobacter rodentium Infection Plays a Major Role in Innate Immunity against This Pathogen
Authors: Zhang Wei , Du Jiang-Yuan , Yu Qing , Jin Jun-O
Published: June 2015

Interleukin-7 (IL-7) engages multiple mechanisms to overcome chronic viral infections, but the role of IL-7 in bacterial infections, especially enteric bacterial infections, remains unclear. Here we characterized the previously unexplored role of IL-7 in the innate immune response to the attaching and effacing bacterium
Citrobacter rodentium
.
C. rodentium
infection induced IL-7 production from intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). IL-7 production from IECs in response to
C. rodentium
was dependent on gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-producing NK1.1
+
cells and IL-12. Treatment with anti-IL-7Rα antibody during
C. rodentium
infection resulted in a higher bacterial burden, enhanced intestinal damage, and greater weight loss and mortality than observed with the control IgG treatment. IEC-produced IL-7 was only essential for protective immunity against
C. rodentium
during the first 6 days after infection. An impaired bacterial clearance upon IL-7Rα blockade was associated with a significant decrease in macrophage accumulation and activation in the colon. Moreover,
C. rodentium
-induced expansion and activation of intestinal CD4
+
lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells was completely abrogated by IL-7Rα blockade. Collectively, these data demonstrate that IL-7 is produced by IECs in response to
C. rodentium
infection and plays a critical role in the protective immunity against this intestinal attaching and effacing bacterium.
Microinjection of Francisella tularensis and Listeria monocytogenes Reveals the Importance of Bacterial and Host Factors for Successful Replication
Authors: Meyer Lena , Bröms Jeanette E. , Liu Xijia , Rottenberg Martin E. , Sjöstedt Anders
Published: June 2015

Certain intracellular bacteria use the host cell cytosol as the replicative niche. Although it has been hypothesized that the successful exploitation of this compartment requires a unique metabolic adaptation, supportive evidence is lacking. For
Francisella tularensis
, many genes of the
Francisella
pathogenicity island (FPI) are essential for intracellular growth, and therefore, FPI mutants are useful tools for understanding the prerequisites of intracytosolic replication. We compared the growth of bacteria taken up by phagocytic or nonphagocytic cells with that of bacteria microinjected directly into the host cytosol, using the live vaccine strain (LVS) of
F. tularensis
; five selected FPI mutants thereof, i.e., Δ
iglA
, Δ
iglC
̧ Δ
iglG
, Δ
iglI
, and Δ
pdpE
strains; and
Listeria monocytogenes
. After uptake in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM), ASC
−/−
BMDM, MyD88
−/−
BMDM, J774 cells, or HeLa cells, LVS, Δ
pdpE
and Δ
iglG
mutants, and
L. monocytogenes
replicated efficiently in all five cell types, whereas the Δ
iglA
and Δ
iglC
mutants showed no replication. After microinjection, all 7 strains showed effective replication in J774 macrophages, ASC
−/−
BMDM, and HeLa cells. In contrast to the rapid replication in other cell types,
L. monocytogenes
showed no replication in MyD88
−/−
BMDM and LVS showed no replication in either BMDM or MyD88
−/−
BMDM after microinjection. Our data suggest that the mechanisms of bacterial uptake as well as the permissiveness of the cytosolic compartment
per se
are important factors for the intracytosolic replication. Notably, none of the investigated FPI proteins was found to be essential for intracytosolic replication after microinjection.
Brain Responses to Acupuncture Stimulation in the Prosthetic Hand of An Amputee Patient
Authors: Lee In-Seon , Jung Won-Mo , Lee Ye-Seul , Wallraven Christian , Chae Younbyoung
Published: June 2015

This report describes the brain responses to acupuncture in an upper limb amputee patient. A 62-year-old male had previously undergone a lower left arm amputation following an electrical accident. Using functional MRI, we investigated brain responses to acupuncture stimulation in the aforementioned amputee under three conditions: (a) intact hand, (b) prosthetic hand (used by the patient), and (c) fake fabric hand. The patient described greater de qi sensation when he received acupuncture stimulation in his prosthetic hand compared to a fake hand, with both stimulations performed in a similar manner. We found enhanced brain activation in the insula and sensorimotor cortex in response to acupuncture stimulation in the amputee's prosthetic hand, while there was only minimal activation in the visual cortex in response to acupuncture stimulation in a fake hand. The enhanced brain responses to acupuncture stimulation of the patient's prosthetic hand might be derived from cortical reorganisation, as he has been using his prosthetic hand for over 40 years. Our findings suggest the possible use of acupuncture stimulation in a prosthetic hand as an enhanced sensory feedback mechanism, which may represent a new treatment approach for phantom limb pain.
Oscillococcinum leading to angioedema, a rare adverse event
Authors: Azmi Yusra , Rao Mana , Verma Isha , Agrawal Abhinav
Published: June 2015

Oscillococcinum is an alternative medicine prepared by serial dilution of wild duck heart and liver extracts. This preparation has been labelled as a ‘non drowsy, homoeopathic medicine’ that ‘reduces the duration and severity of flu and flu-like symptoms’. Clinical evidence exists to support this claim and the product has not previously been reported to cause any serious adverse drug reactions. We bring to light, however, a case of angioedema in our patient who was using oscillococcinum for flu-like symptoms. Consumers must therefore exercise caution at the outset of allergy symptoms.
A cross-sectional study on upright heart rate and BP changing characteristics: basic data for establishing diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and orthostatic hypertension
Authors: Zhao Juan , Han Zhenhui , Zhang Xi , Du Shuxu , Liu Angie Dong , Holmberg Lukas , Li Xueying , Lin Jing , Xiong Zhenyu , Gai Yong , Yang Jinyan , Liu Ping , Tang Chaoshu , Du Junbao , Jin Hongfang
Published: June 2015

Objective

We aimed to determine upright heart rate and blood pressure (BP) changes to suggest diagnostic criteria for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and orthostatic hypertension (OHT) in Chinese children.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 1449 children and adolescents aged 6–18 years were randomly recruited from two cities in China, Kaifeng in Henan province and Anguo in Hebei province. They were divided into two groups: 844 children aged 6–12 years (group I) and 605 adolescents aged 13–18 years (group II). Heart rate and BP were recorded during an active standing test.

Results

95th percentile (P95) of δ heart rate from supine to upright was 38 bpm, with a maximum upright heart rate of 130 and 124 bpm in group I and group II, respectively. P95of δ systolic blood pressure (SBP) increase was 18 mm Hg and P95of upright SBP was 132 mm Hg in group I and 138 mm Hg in group II. P95of δ diastolic blood pressure (DBP) increase was 24 mm Hg in group I and 21 mm Hg in group II, and P95of upright DBP was 89 mm Hg in group I and 91 mm Hg in group II.

Conclusions

POTS is suggested when δ heart rate is ≥38 bpm (for easy memory, ≥40 bpm) from supine to upright, or maximum heart rate ≥130 bpm (children aged 6–12 years) and ≥125 bpm (adolescents aged 13–18 years), associated with orthostatic symptoms. OHT is suggested when δ SBP (increase) is ≥20 mm Hg, and/or δ DBP (increase) ≥25 mm Hg (in children aged 6–12 years) or ≥20 mm Hg (in adolescents aged 13–18 years) from supine to upright; or upright BP≥130/90 mm Hg (in children aged 6–12 years) or ≥140/90 mm Hg (in adolescents aged 13–18 years).
A prospective study of adverse drug reactions to antiepileptic drugs in children
Authors: Anderson Mark , Egunsola Oluwaseun , Cherrill Janine , Millward Claire , Fakis Apostolos , Choonara Imti
Published: June 2015

Objectives

To prospectively determine the nature and rate of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in children on antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and to prospectively evaluate the effect of AEDs on behaviour.

Setting

A single centre prospective observational study.

Participants

Children (<18 years old) receiving one or more AEDs for epilepsy, at each clinically determined follow-up visit.

Primary and secondary outcomes

Primary outcome was adverse reactions of AEDs. Behavioural and cognitive functions were secondary outcomes.

Results

180 children were recruited. Sodium valproate and carbamazepine were the most frequently used AEDs. A total of 114 ADRs were recorded in 56 of these children (31%). 135 children (75%) were on monotherapy. 27 of the 45 children (60%) on polytherapy had ADRs; while 29 (21%) of those on monotherapy had ADRs. The risk of ADRs was significantly lower in patients receiving monotherapy than polytherapy (RR: 0.61, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.79, p<0.0001). Behavioural problems and somnolence were the most common ADRs. 23 children had to discontinue their AED due to an ADR.

Conclusions

Behavioural problems and somnolence were the most common ADRs. Polytherapy significantly increases the likelihood of ADRs in children.

Trail registration number

EudraCT (2007-000565-37).
Factors associated with pregnancy among adolescents in low-income and lower middle-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Pradhan Rina , Wynter Karen , Fisher Jane
Published: June 2015

Background

Pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality is much more prevalent among adolescents than adults. Adolescent pregnancy is therefore a significant public health problem. Most births to adolescents (95%) occur in resource-constrained countries.

Objective

The aim was to review the available evidence about the factors associated with adolescent pregnancy in low-income and lower middle-income countries.

Methods

The review used the PRISMA procedure of identification, screening and eligibility of publications. PubMed, OVID MEDLINE, SCOPUS and CINAHL plus were searched systematically for peer-reviewed English language papers published before December 2013.

Findings

In total, 2005 articles were identified and 12 met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Despite varied methods, there was substantial consistency in the findings. Limited education, low socioeconomic position, insufficient access to and non-use of contraception were consistently found to be risks for pregnancy among adolescents. There was some evidence that early marriage, living in a rural area, early sexual initiation, belonging to an ethnic and religious minority group also increased the risk of adolescent pregnancy. Higher education, access to income-generating work and family support were found to protect against adolescent pregnancy.

Conclusions

In resource-constrained countries, as in well-resourced countries, low socioeconomic position appears to increase the risk of pregnancy among adolescents. Additional risks specific to these contexts include cultural traditions such as early marriage and inaccurate beliefs about contraception. It is unlikely that strategies to reduce pregnancy among women aged less than 20 years will be effective unless these are addressed directly.
Increasing active travel: results of a quasi-experimental study of an intervention to encourage walking and cycling
Authors: Keall Michael , Chapman Ralph , Howden-Chapman Philippa , Witten Karen , Abrahamse Wokje , Woodward Alistair
Published: June 2015

Background

There is increased interest in the effectiveness and cobenefits of measures to promote walking and cycling, including health gains from increased physical activity and reductions in fossil fuel use and vehicle emissions. This paper analyses the changes in walking and cycling in two New Zealand cities that accompanied public investment in infrastructure married with programmes to encourage active travel.

Method

Using a quasi-experimental two-group pre–post study design, we estimated changes in travel behaviour from baseline in 2011 to mid-programme in 2012, and postprogramme in 2013. The intervention and control cities were matched in terms of sociodemographic variables and baseline levels of walking and cycling. A face-to-face survey obtained information on walking and cycling. We also drew from the New Zealand Travel Survey, a national ongoing survey of travel behaviour, which was conducted in the study areas. Estimates from the two surveys were combined using meta-analysis techniques.

Results

The trips and physical activity were evaluated. Relative to the control cities, the odds of trips being by active modes (walking or cycling) increased by 37% (95% CI 8% to 73%) in the intervention cities between baseline and postintervention. The net proportion of trips made by active modes increased by about 30%. In terms of physical activity levels, there was little evidence of an overall change.

Discussion

Comparing the intervention cities with the matched controls, we found substantial changes in walking and cycling, and conclude that the improvements in infrastructure and associated programmes appear to have successfully arrested the general decline in active mode use evident in recent years.
Hyperthermia and hypercapnia following two intravenous injections of atracurium in a dog
Authors: Rigotti Clara , Dugdale Alex , Alderson Briony
Published: June 2015

A three month old, 5 kg American Bulldog presented with severe dyspnoea and cyanosis seven hours after being submerged in a fresh‐water paddling pool. Oxygen was supplemented using an oxygen cage, but due to worsening of the clinical signs anaesthesia was induced with 2 mg/kg of propofol and the dog's trachea was intubated. Anaesthesia was maintained with a propofol infusion and mechanical ventilation was provided with 100 per cent inspired oxygen. As the patient was consistently hypercapnic and breathing against the ventilator, atracurium was administered intravenously at 0.2 mg/kg but five minutes later, the dog became hyperthermic (40°C) and hypercapnia drastically worsened. The hyperthermia and hypercapnia slowly resolved to pre‐atracurium values with active cooling. After three hours another dose of atracurium was administered and a similar hyperthermic and hypercapnic reaction developed. Due to the inability to effectively ventilate the lungs and the poor prognosis the owners elected for euthanasia.
Comparisons of soil suction induced by evapotranspiration and transpiration ofS. heptaphylla
Authors: Garg A. , Leung A.K. , Ng C.W.W.
Published: June 2015

For a given evapotranspiration (ETr), both soil evaporation and plant transpiration (Tr) would induce soil suction. However, the relative contribution of these two processes to the amount of suction induced is not clear. The objective of this study is to quantify ETr- and Tr-induced suction by a selected tree species, Scheffllera heptaphylla, in silty sand. The relative contribution of transpiration and evaporation to the responses of suction is then explored based on observed differences in Tr- and ETr-induced suction. In total, 12 test boxes were used for testing: 10 for vegetated soil with different values of leaf area index (LAI) and root area index (RAI), while two were for bare soil as references. Each box was exposed to identical atmospheric conditions controlled in a plant room for monitoring suction responses over a week. Due to the additional effects of soil evaporation, ETr-induced suction could be 3%–47% higher than Tr-induced suction, depending on LAI. The significance of evaporation reduced substantially when LAI was higher, as relatively less radiant energy fell on the soil surface for evaporation. For a given LAI, the effects of evaporation were less significant at deeper depths within the root zone. The effects of RAI associated with root-water uptake upon transpiration were the dominant process of ETr affecting the suction responses.
Devising extended-duration schedules of enhanced resource leveling
Authors: Rahman Mohammed Abdul , Elazouni Ashraf
Published: June 2015

The use of resource management techniques is crucial to resolve conflicts and achieve the efficient utilization of resources. Particularly, resource-leveling techniques schedule activities in unconstrained-resource conditions to minimize fluctuations in resource profiles. According to the literature, resource leveling has typically been performed by considering that the original project duration remains fixed. Virtually, some extension in the project duration might be acceptable should a considerable enhancement in resource leveling be achieved. This paper enhances resource leveling through devising schedules of extended duration that exhibit resource profiles of lower fluctuation. Critical path method (CPM) networks of extended total floats are utilized to provide expanded yet definite spaces to search for schedules of lower resource fluctuation. The modified CPM networks accommodate for employing optimization models and searching optimal or near-optimal solutions. For demonstration, a genetic algorithm model was formulated to solve two case-study networks of 30 and 120 activities. The results indicate that schedules of lower fluctuation in resource profiles were obtained beyond the original networks’ duration.
Life-history characteristics and landscape attributes as drivers of genetic variation, gene flow, and fine-scale population structure in northern Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma malma) in Canada
Authors: Harris Les N. , Bajno Robert , Gallagher Colin P. , Koizumi Itsuro , Johnson Lucy K. , Howland Kimberly L. , Taylor Eric B. , Reist James D.
Published: June 2015

The northern Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma malma) displays variable life-history types and occupies freshwater habitats with varying levels of connectivity. Here, we assayed microsatellite DNA variation in northern Dolly Varden from the western Canadian Arctic to resolve landscape and life-history variables driving variation in genetic diversity and population structure. Overall, genetic variation was highest in anadromous populations and lowest in those isolated above waterfalls, with stream-resident forms intermediate between the two. Anadromous and isolated populations were genetically divergent from each other, while no genetic differentiation was detectable between sympatric anadromous and stream-resident forms. Population structure was stable over 25 years, hierarchically organized, and conformed to an isolation-by-distance pattern, but stream-isolated forms often deviated from these patterns. Gene flow occurred primarily among Yukon North Slope populations and between sympatric anadromous and resident forms. These results were sex-dependent to some extent, but were influenced more by reproductive status and life history. Our study provides novel insights into the life history, population demographic, and habitat variables that shape the distribution of genetic variation and population structure in Arctic fluvial habitats while providing a spatial context for management and conservation.
Use of depth-first search and direct search methods to optimize even-aged stand management: a case study involving maritime pine in Asturias (northwest Spain)
Authors: Arias-Rodil Manuel , Pukkala Timo , González-González José Mario , Barrio-Anta Marcos , Diéguez-Aranda Ulises
Published: June 2015

Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) is one of the most important timber species in Asturias and more generally in northwest Spain. A dynamic growth model has recently been developed for this species and region, allowing computation of the merchantable volume by two alternative methods: a disaggregation system and a stand volume ratio function. The model enables optimization of the management schedule for the species by modifying the rotation age and the number, intensity, and timing of thinning operations. The two methods of volume estimation were compared in optimization by using the depth-first search (DFS) method, and both were found to provide similar results. Because the stand volume ratio function is computationally much more efficient, it was used in the next step, in which five direct search methods were tested: Hooke and Jeeves method (HJ); differential evolution (DE); particle swarm optimization (PS); evolution strategy (ES); Nelder and Mead method (NM); the last four are population-based methods. The HJ and DE methods yielded the highest values of the objective function, slightly outperforming the results of DFS in most cases, which proved to be about 100 times slower than HJ and 30 times slower than DE. DE was more stable than HJ (standard deviation was €30.6·ha−1for HJ and €8.8·ha−1for DE) and was therefore used for subsequent evaluation of the effects of site quality, stem density, and discount rate on the optimal management schedule. Rotation age and timing of thinnings both decreased as site quality and discount rate increased. The optimal management schedules often included three heavy thinning operations. The pseudo-code of the optimization methods tested is provided in an Appendix.
Reduction of the atomic wavefunction in the Stern–Gerlach magnetic field
Authors: Devereux Michael
Published: June 2015

Observation of two separated beam spots at a detection screen downstream of a Stern–Gerlach magnet does not, in fact, demonstrate that the wavefunction of a neutral spin one-half particle has remained in a spin superposition while traveling through that magnetic field. The wavefunction may have been reduced to just one spin-direction eigenfunction, as D. Bohm suggested, by immediate momentum and energy transfer with the magnet, rather than by subsequent, which-way determination at the screen. The same two beam spots at the detector screen will result. Einsteinian relativity, and the understanding of Schrödinger evolution applicability through a static potential, forbid continuation of a spin superposition through the Stern–Gerlach field. A calculation for single wavepacket development there conforms to observations from the Stern–Gerlach experiment. And several experiments corroborate immediate reduction to a single spin eigenfunction in the magnetic field. Additionally, Ramsey’s separated, oscillating fields observations, and related experiments, do not rebut this understanding.
Nanoscale modeling of conduction heat transfer in metals using the two-temperature model
Authors: Dezfoli A.R. Ansari , Adabavazeh Z.
Published: June 2015

The goal of this study is to investigate the energy transfer in metals due to electron–phonon (lattice) interaction using the two-temperature model (TTM). In TTM, molecular dynamics simulation and classical energy equation are used to find the lattice and electronic temperatures, respectively. An initial temperature profile is considered for the electronic temperature. Then, the electronic and lattice temperatures are determined until they reach equilibrium. This means that we excite electrons with assignment an initial temperature profile and simulate the subsequent energy relaxation process. To study the phase change during simulation, the radial coordinate numbers of atoms are calculated. The results show that the excited electrons may act as a heat bath and transport energy to other parts of the lattice. The same approach can be used to gain a high level understanding in very fast heat transfer phenomena especially in laser–metal interaction.