bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of educational intervention on implementation of tobacco counselling among oral health professionals: a cluster‐randomized community trial
Authors: Amemori Masamitsu , Virtanen Jorma , Korhonen Tellervo , Kinnunen Taru H. , Murtomaa Heikki
Published: August 2012

Objectives

Tobacco use adversely affects oral health. Clinical guidelines recommend that oral health professionals promote tobacco abstinence and provide patients who use tobacco with brief tobacco use cessation counselling. Research shows that these guidelines are seldom implemented successfully. This study aimed to evaluate two interventions to enhance tobacco use prevention and cessation (TUPAC) counselling among oral health professionals in Finland.

Methods

We used a cluster‐randomized community trial to test educational and fee‐for‐service interventions in enhancing TUPAC counselling among a sample of dentists (n = 73) and dental hygienists (n = 22) in Finland. Educational intervention consisted of 1 day of training, including lectures, interactive sessions, multimedia demonstrations and a role play session with standard patient cases. Fee‐for‐service intervention consisted of monetary compensation for providing tobacco use prevention or cessation counselling. TUPAC counselling procedures provided were reported and measured using an electronic dental records system. In data analysis, intent‐to‐treat principles were followed at both individual and cluster levels. Descriptive analysis included chi‐square and t‐tests. A general linear model for repeated measures was used to compare the outcome measures by intervention group.

Results

Of 95 providers, 73 participated (76.8%). In preventive counselling, there was no statistically significant time effect or group‐by‐time interaction. In cessation counselling, statistically significant group‐by‐time interaction was found after a 6‐month follow‐up (F = 2.31; P = 0.007), indicating that counselling activity increased significantly in intervention groups. On average, dental hygienists showed greater activity in tobacco prevention (F = 12.13; P = 0.001) and cessation counselling (F = 30.19; P < 0.001) than did dentists. In addition, cessation counselling showed a statistically significant provider‐by‐group‐by‐time interaction (F = 5.95; P < 0.001), indicating that interventions to enhance cessation counselling were more effective among dental hygienists.

Conclusions

Educational intervention yielded positive short‐term effects on cessation counselling, but not on preventive counselling. Adding a fee‐for‐service to education failed to significantly improve TUPAC counselling performance. Other approaches than monetary incentives may be needed to enhance the effectiveness of educational intervention. Further studies with focus on how to achieve long‐term changes in TUPAC counselling activity among oral health professionals are needed.
Comparison of the transcutaneous bilirubinometers BiliCheck and Minolta JM‐103 in preterm neonates
Authors: Ebbesen Finn , Vandborg Pernille K , Trydal Torleif
Published: August 2012

Aim:  To investigate the trueness and uncertainty of two transcutaneous bilirubinometers BiliCheck and Minolta JM‐103 in preterm infants; establish cut‐off values for the transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) level, indicating the need for total serum bilirubin (TsB) measurement; and estimate how many blood samples could be saved.

Methods:  In 133 neonates with gestational ages 28+0–34+6 weeks, 239 measurements of TcB by BiliCheck (TcB(B)) and JM‐103 (TcB(M)) and of TsB were performed.

Results:  Median TsB of the first samples was 160 (range, 53–293) μmol/L, whereas median TcB(B) was 12 μmol/L (8%) lower and TcB(M) 67 μmol/L (40%) lower. TcB(B) underestimated TsB for TsB ≥180μmol/L. All TcB(M) values, except one, underestimated TsB. The underestimation increased with increasing TsB. Multiple regression analysis showed that post‐natal age and ethnicity were confounding factors for TcB(M); none were found for TcB(B). The uncertainty was the same for the two instruments. By using cut‐off values of 70% of the phototherapy limit for TcB(B) and 35% for TcB(M), the sensitivity of the screening would be 95% and 97%, and 36% and 24% of the blood samples could be saved, respectively.

Conclusion:  TcB determined with JM‐103 gave values much lower than those obtained with BiliCheck. The underestimation of TsB increased with increasing concentrations. By using transcutaneous bilirubinometers in preterm neonates, 24–36% of the blood samples could be saved.
Beyond genotype to phenotype: why the phenotype of an individual cannot always be predicted from their genome sequence and the environment that they experience
Authors: Burga Alejandro , Lehner Ben
Published: August 2012

One promise of personalized medicine is that it will be possible to make useful predictions about the phenotypes of individuals from their complete genome sequences (e.g. concerning their susceptibility to disease). However, to what extent is knowledge about an individual's genotype, together with information about the environment that they have experienced, sufficient to predict phenotypic variation? In the present review, we argue that, although the ‘typical’ phenotypic outcome of an individual's genome can be predicted, it is much more difficult to predict the actual outcome for a particular individual. We highlight three reasons for this. First, the outcome of mutations can be influenced by random (stochastic) processes. Second, genetic variation present in one generation can influence phenotypic traits in the next generation, even if individuals do not inherit this variation. Third, the environment experienced by one generation can influence phenotypic variation in the next generation. These contributions to phenotypic variation have long been appreciated by quantitative geneticists, although they have only recently been studied at the molecular level. Taken together, they mean that, in many cases, the genotypes of individuals and the environment that they experience may not be sufficient to determine their phenotypes. A more comprehensive genotype‐to‐phenotype model will be required to make accurate predictions about the biology of individuals.
Influence of Serum in Hemodialysis Patients on the Expression of Intestinal and Hepatic Transporters for the Excretion of Pravastatin
Authors: Tsujimoto Masayuki , Hatozaki Daisuke , Shima Daisuke , Yokota Hitoshi , Furukubo Taku , Izumi Satoshi , Yamakawa Tomoyuki , Minegaki Tetsuya , Nishiguchi Kohshi
Published: August 2012

It is known that the lipid‐lowering agent pravastatin, which is not metabolized by cytochrome P450, is eliminated as an unchanged drug in bile and urine. It is interesting to note that the non‐renal clearance of pravastatin in end‐stage renal failure patients is decreased compared with that of healthy volunteers. This study investigated the influence of uremic serum and toxins on the transport mechanisms of pravastatin to elucidate the cause of decreased non‐renal clearance in end‐stage renal failure patients. Caco‐2 and Hep3B cells were used as models of intestinal epithelial cells and hepatocytes respectively. Normal and uremic serum were deproteinized by treatment with methanol. 3‐Carboxy‐4‐methyl‐5propyl‐2‐furanpropanoic acid (CMPF), hippuric acid, indole‐3‐acetic acid, 3‐indoxyl sulfate, and p‐cresol were chosen as uremic toxins. Uremic serum‐treated Caco‐2 cells exhibited significantly increased accumulation of pravastatin and significantly decreased expression of MRP2 mRNA compared with normal serum‐treated Caco‐2 cells. In addition, the expression of MRP2 mRNA tended to decrease in cells treated with CMPF, indole‐3‐acetic acid, or 3‐indoxyl sulfate. Uremic serum‐treated Hep3B cells showed a significantly decreased initial uptake rate of pravastatin; furthermore, the expressions of OATP1B1 and OATP2B1 mRNA were decreased compared to normal serum‐treated Hep3B cells. These results suggest that the decrease in the non‐renal clearance of pravastatin in end‐stage renal failure patients is partly induced by the downregulation of intestinal MRP2 and hepatic OATP1B1 and/or OATP2B1 by various uremic toxins in end‐stage renal failure patients.
Regional Citrate Anticoagulation for High Volume Continuous Venovenous Hemodialysis in Surgical Patients With High Bleeding Risk
Authors: Kalb Robert , Kram Rainer , Morgera Stanislao , Slowinski Torsten , Kindgen‐Milles Detlef
Published: August 2012

Acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy occurs in up to 10% of all intensive care unit patients. Those who are hemodynamically unstable are often treated with continuous renal replacement therapy requiring continuous anticoagulation of the extracorporeal circuit. This is usually achieved by infusion of unfractionated heparin, which subsequently increases the risk of bleeding. To avoid systemic anticoagulation for continuous renal replacement therapy, regional anticoagulation with citrate has been introduced. We studied safety and efficacy of regional citrate anticoagulation for continuous venovenous hemodialysis in surgical patients requiring high dialysis doses. This was an observational prospective study in a 40‐bed surgical intensive care unit at a university hospital. During a 12‐month study period, all consecutive critically ill patients with high risk of bleeding requiring continuous renal replacement therapy continuous renal replacement therapy were treated with citrate anticoagulation for continuous venovenous hemodialysis. Prescribed dialysis dose was 45 mL/kg per h with a 10% increase for expected downtime. We studied filter lifetime, delivered dialysis dose, control of acid–base status, bleeding episodes, and adverse effects, that is, citrate intolerance. The total number of filters analyzed in 75 patients was 100. Mean (± standard deviation) filter running time was 78 ± 25 h. Fifty‐one circuits had to be renewed because of extended filter running time (96 ± 18 h), 33 discontinued for reasons not related to renal replacement therapy (62 ± 19 h), and 13 due to filter clotting (58 ± 18 h). The mean dialysis dose during the first 72 h was 49 ± 14 mL/kg per h. Overall, acid–base status after 72 h was well controlled in 62% of patients, metabolic alkalosis (pH > 7.45) occurred in 29%, and metabolic acidosis (pH < 7.35) in 9%. In one patient, treatment was stopped because of citrate accumulation. Citrate intoxication or overt bleeding episodes were not observed. Regional citrate anticoagulation for continuous venovenous hemodialysis is a safe and effective method to deliver a high dialysis dose in critically ill patients with a high risk of bleeding. Filter patency was excellent, acid–base status was well controlled, and clinically relevant adverse effects were not observed. Therefore, citrate anticoagulated continuous venovenous hemodialysis is a useful treatment option for patients with acute kidney injury requiring high dialysis doses and at risk of bleeding.
Relating Prenatal Testosterone Exposure to Postnatal Behavior in Typically Developing Children: Methods and Findings
Authors: Constantinescu Mihaela , Hines Melissa
Published: August 2012

Testosterone levels during early development influence subsequent sex‐typical behavior. These influences were initially identified in experimental research on nonhuman species. Additional research—primarily investigating individuals exposed to atypical hormone environments due to genetic disorders or maternal treatment with hormones during pregnancy—suggested that testosterone also influences the development of sex‐typical behavior in humans. There is also interest in identifying relations between normal variability in the early hormone environment and normal variability in subsequent behavior. This article reviews studies that have assessed prenatal testosterone exposure in typically developing children using amniotic fluid sampling or maternal blood sampling. It concludes that both these approaches are promising, but both require larger samples than those used in most studies to date. Recommendations for future research also include using outcome measures that show sex differences, analyzing data within each sex, considering the time of day (as well as the time of gestation) when samples were taken, and reporting all the measures evaluated, not just those showing significant effects.
Protective Properties of Novel S‐Acyl‐Glutathione Thioesters Against Ultraviolet‐induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Wright Daniel , Zampagni Mariagioia , Evangelisti Elisa , Conti Simona , D'Adamio Giampiero , Goti Andrea , Becatti Matteo , Fiorillo Claudia , Taddei Niccolò , Cecchi Cristina , Liguri Gianfranco
Published: August 2012

UV‐induced toxicity is characterized by marked oxidative stress, accompanied by the depletion of key cellular antioxidants, particularly glutathione (GSH). Replenishing cellular GSH may represent a means of counteracting UV‐induced toxicity: however, treatment with free GSH is not therapeutically effective due to its unfavorable pharmacokinetic properties. In this study, we show that S‐acyl‐glutathione (acyl‐SG) derivatives, which consist of an acyl chain (of variable length and saturation) linked via a thioester bond to GSH, increase intracellular levels of reduced GSH in primary skin fibroblasts, adenocarcinoma HeLa and neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells. Consistent with this, acyl‐SG derivatives protect against UV‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and UV‐B/C‐mediated lipid peroxidation and caspase‐3 activation in the analyzed cell lines, with unsaturated thioesters displaying a significantly greater protective effect. Taken together, our findings suggest that acyl‐SG thioesters may be therapeutically effective in the treatment of UV‐related skin disorders and oxidative stress‐mediated conditions in general.
Interactive effects of inbreeding and endocrine disruption on reproduction in a model laboratory fish
Authors: Bickley Lisa K. , Brown Andrew R. , Hosken David J. , Hamilton Patrick B. , Le Page Gareth , Paull Gregory C. , Owen Stewart F. , Tyler Charles R.
Published: August 2012

Inbreeding depression is expected to be more severe in stressful environments. However, the extent to which inbreeding affects the vulnerability of populations to environmental stressors, such as chemical exposure, remains unresolved. Here we report on the combined impacts of inbreeding and exposure to an endocrine disrupting chemical (the fungicide clotrimazole) on zebrafish (Danio rerio). We show that whilst inbreeding can negatively affect reproductive traits, not all traits are affected equally. Inbreeding depression frequently only became apparent when fish were additionally stressed by chemical exposure. Embryo viability was significantly reduced in inbred exposed fish and there was a tendency for inbred males to sire fewer offspring when in direct competition with outbred individuals. Levels of plasma 11‐ketotestosterone, a key male sex hormone, showed substantial inbreeding depression that was unaffected by addition of the fungicide. In contrast, there was no effect of inbreeding or clotrimazole exposure on egg production. Overall, our data provide evidence that stress may amplify the effects of inbreeding on key reproductive traits, particularly those associated with male fitness. This may have important implications when considering the consequences of exposure to chemical pollutants on the fitness of wild populations.
Quality and transparency of overviews of systematic reviews
Authors: Li Lun , Tian Jinhui , Tian Hongliang , Sun Rao , Liu Yali , Yang Kehu
Published: August 2012

Objective: To evaluate the reporting and methodological quality of overviews of systematic reviews.

Method: We developed an 18‐item assessment tool for overviews of systematic reviews. We then performed a systematic search for such overviews using the terms (‘overview’ AND (‘meta analys*’ OR ‘systematic review*’)) OR ‘umbrella review’ in the title. We only included those overviews that were limited to systematic reviews or meta‐analyses. Their methodological and reporting quality were assessed by two independent reviewers using the checklist, and differences were resolved by a third reviewer. Data analyses was conducted by SPSS version 15.0 for Windows.

Results: We identified 41 overviews of systematic reviews whose mean total reporting score was 10.78 (SD 3.84) and methodological score 3.05 (SD 2.09). Some important items were not adequately reported: only 69% reported defined eligibility criteria, 76% reported search strategy, 49% reported the process of review selection, 44% reported the data collection process, 5% reported evaluating the reporting quality, 46% reported evaluating methodological quality, and 20% reported assessing the evidence level for each outcome.

Conclusion: The reporting and methodological quality of overviews of systematic reviews was very poor, and there is still much room for improvement. A checklist for overviews of systematic reviews should be developed and used.
Sitagliptin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhan Mei , Xu Ting , Wu Fengbo , Tang Yao
Published: August 2012

Objective: To evaluate the benefits and harms of sitagliptin in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane central register of controlled trials (Cochrane Library). We used the method recommend by the Cochrane Collaboration to perform a meta‐analysis of RCTs of sitagliptin therapy for type 2 diabetes.

Results: Of 817 studies retrieved in the literature search, 18 were eligible for inclusion. When sitagliptin was compared with placebo there was a statistically significant reduction in haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) (MD = 0.74, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.85) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (MD = 1.20, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.38). Sitagliptin significantly improved the homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell (HOMA‐β index) (MD =–10.84, 95% CI –14.07 to –7.80) versus placebo. In participants treated with placebo, hypoglycemia adverse experiences (RR = 2.11, 95% CI 1.50 to 2.36) and serious adverse experiences (RR = 1.20, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.63) were less common. Meta‐analysis did not show a significant difference in change in FPG (MD =–0.32, 95% CI –0.76 to 0.13) or HOMA‐β index (MD = 4.42, 95% CI –1.22 to 10.07) between the sitagliptin and active control groups, but active treatments provided modestly greater reduction in HbA1c (MD =–0.20, 95% CI –0.37 to –0.03) compared with sitagliptin. No significant difference was observed between the sitagliptin and active treatments in incidence of hypoglycemia adverse experiences (RR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.14 to 1.08) or serious adverse experiences (RR = 1.15, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.65).

Conclusions: Sitagliptin treatment for type 2 diabetes was effective and well tolerated. Sitagliptin offers a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Continued assessment in longer term studies is required to determine the role of sitagliptin in type 2 diabetes.
Petrogenesis of Grove Mountains 020090: An enriched “lherzolitic” shergottite
Authors: JIANG Yun , HSU Weibiao
Published: August 2012

Abstract–

Grove Mountains (GRV) 020090 is a “lherzolitic” shergottite found in the Grove Mountains, Antarctica. It exhibits two distinct textures: poikilitic and nonpoikilitic. In poikilitic areas, large pyroxene oikocrysts enclose subhedral olivine and chromite chadacrysts. Pyroxene oikocrysts are zoned from pigeonite cores to augite rims. In nonpoikilitic areas, olivine, pyroxene, and interstitial maskelynite occur as major phases, and minor phases include chromite and merrillite. Compared with typical “lherzolitic” shergottites, GRV 020090 contains a distinctly higher abundance of maskelynite (19 vol%). Olivine and pyroxene are more ferroan (Fa28–40, En57–72Fs24–31Wo4–14 and En46–53Fs17–21Wo26–35), and maskelynite is more alkali‐rich (Ab43–65Or2–7). The major phases, whole‐rock (estimated) and fusion crust of GRV 020090, are relatively enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE), similar to those of the geochemically enriched basaltic shergottites, but distinct from those of LREE‐depleted “lherzolitic” shergottites. Combined with a high oxygen fugacity of log fO2 = QFM − 1.41 ± 0.04 (relative to the quartz‐fayalite‐magnetite buffer), it is clear that GRV 020090 sampled from an oxidized and enriched mantle reservoir similar to those of other enriched shergottites. The calculated REE abundances and patterns of the melts in equilibrium with the cores of major phases are parallel to but higher than that of the whole rock, suggesting that GRV 020090 originated from a single parent magma and experienced progressive fractional crystallization in a closed system. The crystallization age recorded by baddeleyite is 192 ± 10 (2σ) Ma, consistent with the young internal isochron ages of enriched shergottites. Baddeleyite dating results further demonstrated that the young ages, rather than ancient ages (>4 Ga), appear to represent the crystallization of Martian surface lava flow. GRV 020090 shares many similarities with Roberts Massif (RBT) 04261/2, the first enriched “lherzolitic” shergottite. Detailed comparisons suggest that these two rocks are petrologically and geochemically closely related, and probably launch paired.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pneumonia in a southern muriqui (Brachyteles arachnoides)
Authors: Santos S.V. , Strefezzi R.F. , Pissinatti A. , Takakura C.F.H. , Kanamura C. , Duarte M.I.S. , Catão‐Dias J.L.
Published: August 2012

Background 

An adult male Brachyteles arachanoides, kept in captivity since 1990, was found dead without apparent clinical evidence.

Methods 

Necropsy report, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and ultrastructural examination were conducted.

Results 

Pulmonary syncytial cells were positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and ultrastructural examination revealed viral particles inside macrophages compatible with the Paramyxoviridae family.

Conclusions

Muriquis are susceptible to RSV pneumonia followed by respiratory distress syndrome and death.
Changes in the oligomerization potential of the division inhibitor UgtP co‐ordinate Bacillus subtilis cell size with nutrient availability
Authors: Chien An‐Chun , Zareh Shannon Kian Gharabiklou , Wang Yan Mei , Levin Petra Anne
Published: August 2012

How cells co‐ordinate size with growth and development is a major, unresolved question in cell biology. In previous work we identified the glucosyltransferase UgtP as a division inhibitor responsible for increasing the size of Bacillus subtilis cells under nutrient‐rich conditions. In nutrient‐rich medium, UgtP is distributed more or less uniformly throughout the cytoplasm and concentrated at the cell poles and/or the cytokinetic ring. Under these conditions, UgtP interacts directly with FtsZ to inhibit division and increase cell size. Conversely, under nutrient‐poor conditions, UgtP is sequestered away from FtsZ in punctate foci, and division proceeds unimpeded resulting in a reduction in average cell size. Here we report that nutrient‐dependent changes in UgtP's oligomerization potential serve as a molecular rheostat to precisely co‐ordinate B. subtilis cell size with nutrient availability. Our data indicate UgtP interacts with itself and the essential cell division protein FtsZ in a high‐affinity manner influenced in part by UDP glucose, an intracellular proxy for nutrient availability. These findings support a model in which UDP‐glc‐dependent changes in UgtP's oligomerization potential shift the equilibrium between UgtP•UgtP and UgtP•FtsZ, fine‐tuning the amount of FtsZ available for assembly into the cytokinetic ring and with it cell size.
Interspecies modulation of bacterial development through iron competition and siderophore piracy
Authors: Traxler Matthew F. , Seyedsayamdost Mohammad R. , Clardy Jon , Kolter Roberto
Published: August 2012

While soil‐dwelling actinomycetes are renowned for secreting natural products, little is known about the roles of these molecules in mediating actinomycete interactions. In a previous co‐culture screen, we found that one actinomycete, Amycolatopsis sp. AA4, inhibited aerial hyphae formation in adjacent colonies of Streptomyces coelicolor. A siderophore, amychelin, mediated this developmental arrest. Here we present genetic evidence that confirms the role of the amc locus in the production of amychelin and in the inhibition of S. coelicolor development. We further characterize the Amycolatopsis sp. AA4 – S. coelicolor interaction by examining expression of developmental and iron acquisition genes over time in co‐culture. Manipulation of iron availability and/or growth near Amycolatopsis sp. AA4 led to alterations in expression of the critical developmental gene bldN, and other key downstream genes in the S. coelicolor transcriptional cascade. In Amycolatopsis sp. AA4, siderophore genes were downregulated when grown near S. coelicolor, leading us to find that deferrioxamine E, produced by S. coelicolor, could be readily utilized by Amycolatopsis sp. AA4. Collectively these results suggest that competition for iron via siderophore piracy and species‐specific siderophores can alter patterns of gene expression and morphological differentiation during actinomycete interactions.
Biofilm production in oral Candida isolates from HIV‐positive individuals from Pune, India
Authors: Mane Arati , Kulkarni Ajinkya , Risbud Arun
Published: August 2012

Biofilm formation is implicated as a potential virulence factor in Candida species and carries important clinical repercussions because of their increased resistance to antifungal treatment, ability to withstand host defences and to serve as a reservoir for continuing infections. The present study was undertaken to determine the biofilm production among oral Candida isolates from HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative individuals from Pune, India. Biofilm formation was determined using the spectrophotometric or microtitre plate method in 182 Candida isolates, of which 154 were from HIV‐positive and 28 were from HIV‐negative individuals. A total of 63.2% of the Candida isolates were biofilm producers. Significantly increased biofilm forming abilities both qualitatively as well as quantitatively were observed in Candida isolates from HIV‐positive individuals (66.2%) compared to isolates from HIV‐negative ones (46.4%), (P– 0.041). Eighty‐one (59.6%) C. albicans isolates and 34 (73.9%) non –C. albicans Candida (NCAC) showed biofilm positivity. The NCAC showed significantly greater intensity of biofilm formation compared to the C. albicans, P– 0.032. Our results thus show the enhanced biofilm forming abilities of oral Candida isolates from HIV‐infected individuals compared to HIV‐uninfected ones and highlight the important role played by biofilm formation in the pathogenesis of NCAC isolates.
Identification of Mammalian Orthoreovirus Type 3 in Italian Bats
Authors: Lelli D. , Moreno A. , Lavazza A. , Bresaola M. , Canelli E. , Boniotti M. B. , Cordioli P.
Published: August 2012

Summary This study describes the isolation and molecular characterization of Mammalian orthoreovirus (MRV) in microbats. Faecal samples and dead individuals available from rehabilitation centres or collected from known roost sites were virologically tested. In total, 112 carcasses of bats found dead, and 44 faecal samples were analysed. Nineteen viral strains were isolated by in vitro cell culture from faecal and tissue samples of different bat species (Pipistrellus khulii, Tadarida teniotis, Rhinolophus hipposideros and Vespertilio murinus), and they were morphologically identified as reoviruses by negative staining electron microscopy observation. The definitive assignment of all isolates to MRV was confirmed by RT‐PCR assays targeting the L1 gene. Through a multiplex RT‐PCR assay targeting the S1 gene, we typed 15 of 19 isolates as MRV type 3. Partial L1 (416 bp) and complete S1 (1416 bp) sequences of the isolates were analysed and compared with those of reference strains obtained from GenBank, belonging to the three serotypes. Molecular analysis of the S1 gene revealed that the amino acid residues associated with neurotropism (198‐204NLAIRLP, 249I, 350D and 419E) were highly conserved among the Italian bat strains. These results suggest that potentially neurotropic MRV type 3 strains are widespread among Italian bats. Furthermore, the identification of MRV type 3 in bat species such as Pipistrellus Khulii, which is common in urban areas and known for its close contact with humans, underlines the need for vigilance.
Comparison of Different Sampling Strategies and Laboratory Methods for the Detection of C. jejuni and C. coli from Broiler Flocks at Primary Production
Authors: Vidal A. B. , Rodgers J. , Arnold M. , Clifton‐Hadley F.
Published: August 2012

Summary The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of different combinations of sample type, transport medium and culture methods for the recovery of Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli from broiler flocks at primary production. Boot swabs moistened with one of four different transport media [maximum recovery diluent (n = 120), Exeter broth (EX) (n = 120), buffered peptone water (n = 120) and modified semi‐solid Cary‐Blair (n = 120)], caecal samples (n = 40) and faecal samples (n = 120) from 40 broiler flocks were compared and sensitivity estimates obtained using a Bayesian model. Samples were cultured onto mCCDA before and after enrichment in EX and incubated microaerobically at 41.5°C. Campylobacter suspect colonies were identified to the species level by multiplex PCR. Results from the Bayesian model indicated that boot swabs after enrichment had higher sensitivity (90–94%) than caecal contents before or after enrichment (84% and 89%, respectively) and faecal samples after enrichment (82%) for the detection of Campylobacter spp., although these differences were not statistically significant. Enrichment significantly increased the sensitivity of boot swab and caecal samples for detection of Campylobacter spp. and C. jejuni, respectively. However, the enrichment of caecal samples resulted in a significant decrease in the sensitivity of these samples for detection of C. coli. There was much greater variation in the sensitivity estimates of the methods for detecting C. coli than for C. jejuni, and the ranking of methods was different between the two species. Boot swabs gave the best sensitivity values for detection of C. jejuni, and enrichment culture of faecal samples was the most sensitive method for detection of C. coli.
Mitochondrial Fission, Fusion, and Stress
Authors: Youle Richard J. , van der Bliek Alexander M.
Published: August 2012

Mitochondrial Dynamics

Mitochondria—the powerhouses of the cell—are autonomous organelles with their own genomes. Within cells, mitochondria are remarkably dynamic, continually moving around the cytoplasm and undergoing fusion and fission reactions.
Youle and van der Bliek
(p.
1062
) review the importance of mitochondrial fusion and fission in cellular responses to stress, interference with which are likely to play an important role in a variety of diseases including Parkinson's disease. In their Perspective,

Hoppins and Nunnari

explain that the endoplasmic reticulum is an active participant in mitochondrial division and discuss how mitochondrial dynamics and cell death are linked.
Comment on “Intensifying Weathering and Land Use in Iron Age Central Africa”
Authors: Neumann K. , Eggert M. K. H. , Oslisly R. , Clist B. , Denham T. , de Maret P. , Ozainne S. , Hildebrand E. , Bostoen K. , Salzmann U. , Schwartz D. , Eichhorn B. , Tchiengué B. , Höhn A.
Published: August 2012

Bayon
et al
. (Reports, 9 March 2012, p. 1219) interpreted unusually high aluminum-potassium ratio values in an Atlantic sediment core as indicating anthropogenic deforestation around 2500 years before the present (B.P.). We argue that there is no terrestrial evidence for forest destruction by humans and that the third millennium B.P. rainforest crisis can be clearly attributed mostly to climatic change.
Biogenic Potassium Salt Particles as Seeds for Secondary Organic Aerosol in the Amazon
Authors: Pöhlker Christopher , Wiedemann Kenia T. , Sinha Bärbel , Shiraiwa Manabu , Gunthe Sachin S. , Smith Mackenzie , Su Hang , Artaxo Paulo , Chen Qi , Cheng Yafang , Elbert Wolfgang , Gilles Mary K. , Kilcoyne Arthur L. D. , Moffet Ryan C. , Weigand Markus , Martin Scot T. , Pöschl Ulrich , Andreae Meinrat O.
Published: August 2012

Salty Origins of Fresh Water

Cloud droplets above the Amazonian rain forest form mostly around organic aerosols, but the source of the aerosols has been a mystery.

Pöhlker
et al.

(p.
1075
) report that particles rich in potassium salts emitted by Amazonian vegetation can act as the seeds for the growth of organic aerosol particles that function as condensation nuclei for water droplets. These specks of biogenic salts provide a surface for the condensation of low- or semi-volatile organic compounds formed by the atmospheric oxidation of isoprene and terpenes, molecules produced in great abundance by many kinds of Amazonian plants.
How the Cucumber Tendril Coils and Overwinds
Authors: Gerbode Sharon J. , Puzey Joshua R. , McCormick Andrew G. , Mahadevan L.
Published: August 2012

Curls Beget More Curls

Cucumber tendrils reach up to find an attachment, and then coil to shorten and drag the plant up toward the sunlight.

Gerbode
et al.

(p.
1087
) analyzed the biomechanics of cucumber tendril coiling. The process depends on a thin layer of cells within the tendril that becomes lignified during the coiling process. A construct of pre-strained silicon sheets, fabric ribbon, and copper wire reproduced the coiling functions in abiotic materials. Physical and mathematical models explained the peculiar response by which the cucumber tendril initially overwinds when pulled further.
Extreme Bendability of DNA Less than 100 Base Pairs Long Revealed by Single-Molecule Cyclization
Authors: Vafabakhsh Reza , Ha Taekjip
Published: August 2012

Keeping DNA Flexible

The elastic behavior of DNA is important to biological processes that involve DNA bending and looping. However, there has been considerable debate over the flexibility of DNA at lengths below the persistence length (around 150 base pairs). A widely used approximation, the wormlike chain model, predicts stiff short DNA.
Vafabakhsh and Ha
(p.
1097
; see the Perspective by

Nelson

) directly monitored cyclization of single molecules of DNA, by using a fluorescence assay, and found significant looping, with the looping rate having only weak length dependence between 67 and 105 bp, which is inconsistent with the wormlike chain model. Instead, DNA binding proteins may stabilize transiently bent or looped DNA conformations.
Vibrational Excitation Can Control Tropospheric Chemistry
Authors: Tyndall Geoffrey
Published: August 2012

Which products form during the oxidation of acetylene by hydroxyl radicals and oxygen depends on the internal excitation of a radical intermediate.
The New View of Complement
Authors: Leslie Mitch
Published: August 2012

This cascade of immune proteins has more diverse roles, and can cause more problems, in the body than once thought
Stalling Sepsis?
Authors: Leslie Mitch
Published: August 2012

Several companies have begun testing inhibitors of complement protein C5a for diseases such as atherosclerosis, and targeting the same molecule could be therapeutic for sepsis patients.
Oral Gene Application Using Chitosan-DNA Nanoparticles Induces Transferable Tolerance
Authors: Goldmann Katja , Ensminger Stephan M. , Spriewald Bernd M.
Published: August 2012

Oral tolerance is a promising approach to induce unresponsiveness to various antigens. The development of tolerogenic vaccines could be exploited in modulating the immune response in autoimmune disease and allograft rejection. In this study, we investigated a nonviral gene transfer strategy for inducing oral tolerance via antigen-encoding chitosan-DNA nanoparticles (NP). Oral application of ovalbumin (OVA)-encoding chitosan-DNA NP (OVA-NP) suppressed the OVA-specific delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response and anti-OVA antibody formation, as well as spleen cell proliferation following OVA stimulation. Cytokine expression patterns following OVA stimulationin vitroshowed a shift from a Th1 toward a Th2/Th3 response. The OVA-NP-induced tolerance was transferable from donor to naïve recipient mice via adoptive spleen cell transfer and was mediated by CD4+CD25+T cells. These findings indicate that nonviral oral gene transfer can induce regulatory T cells for antigen-specific immune modulation.
Determinants of Hepatitis A Vaccine Immunity in a Cohort of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Children Living in Switzerland
Authors: Crisinel Pierre Alex , Posfay-Barbe Klara Maria , Aebi Christoph , Cheseaux Jean-Jacques , Kahlert Christian , Rudin Christoph , Nadal David , Siegrist Claire-Anne
Published: August 2012

Vaccination in HIV-infected children is often less effective than in healthy children. The goal of this study was to assess vaccine responses to hepatitis A virus (HAV) in HIV-infected children. Children of the Swiss Mother and Child HIV Cohort Study (MoCHiV) were enrolled prospectively. Recommendations for initial, catch-up, and additional HAV immunizations were based upon baseline antibody concentrations and vaccine history. HAV IgG was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a protective cutoff value defined as ≥10 mIU/ml. Eighty-seven patients were included (median age, 11 years; range, 3.4 to 21.2 years). Forty-two patients were seropositive (48.3%) for HAV. Among 45 (51.7%) seronegative patients, 36 had not received any HAV vaccine dose and were considered naïve. Vaccine responses were assessed after the first dose in 29/35 naïve patients and after the second dose in 33/39 children (25 initially naïve patients, 4 seronegative patients, and 4 seropositive patients that had already received 1 dose of vaccine). Seroconversion was 86% after 1 dose and 97% after 2 doses, with a geometric mean concentration of 962 mIU/ml after the second dose. A baseline CD4+T cell count below 750 cells/μl significantly reduced the post-2nd-dose response (P= 0.005). Despite a high rate of seroconversion, patients with CD4+T cell counts of <750/μl had lower anti-HAV antibody concentrations. This may translate into a shorter protection time. Hence, monitoring humoral immunity may be necessary to provide supplementary doses as needed.
A Three-Dose Intramuscular Injection Schedule of Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed Generates Sustained Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses to Protective Antigen and Provides Long-Term Protection against Inhalation Anthrax in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Quinn Conrad P. , Sabourin Carol L. , Niemuth Nancy A. , Li Han , Semenova Vera A. , Rudge Thomas L. , Mayfield Heather J. , Schiffer Jarad , Mittler Robert S. , Ibegbu Chris C. , Wrammert Jens , Ahmed Rafi , Brys April M. , Hunt Robert E. , Levesque Denyse , Estep James E. , Barnewall Roy E. , Robinson David M. , Plikaytis Brian D. , Marano Nina
Published: August 2012

A 3-dose (0, 1, and 6 months) intramuscular (3-IM) priming series of a human dose (HuAVA) and dilutions of up to 1:10 of anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA) provided statistically significant levels of protection (60 to 100%) against inhalation anthrax for up to 4 years in rhesus macaques. Serum anti-protective antigen (anti-PA) IgG and lethal toxin neutralization activity (TNA) were detectable following a single injection of HuAVA or 1:5 AVA or following two injections of diluted vaccine (1:10, 1:20, or 1:40 AVA). Anti-PA and TNA were highly correlated (overallr2= 0.89 for log10-transformed data). Peak responses were seen at 6.5 months. In general, with the exception of animals receiving 1:40 AVA, serum anti-PA and TNA responses remained significantly above control levels at 28.5 months (the last time point measured for 1:20 AVA), and through 50.5 months for the HuAVA and 1:5 and 1:10 AVA groups (P< 0.05). PA-specific gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) CD4+cell frequencies and T cell stimulation indices were sustained through 50.5 months (the last time point measured). PA-specific memory B cell frequencies were highly variable but, in general, were detectable in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by 2 months, were significantly above control levels by 7 months, and remained detectable in the HuAVA and 1:5 and 1:20 AVA groups through 42 months (the last time point measured). HuAVA and diluted AVA elicited a combined Th1/Th2 response and robust immunological priming, with sustained production of high-avidity PA-specific functional antibody, long-term immune cell competence, and immunological memory (30 months for 1:20 AVA and 52 months for 1:10 AVA). Vaccinated animals surviving inhalation anthrax developed high-magnitude anamnestic anti-PA IgG and TNA responses.
Acute Infective Endocarditis Caused by Delftia acidovorans, a Rare Pathogen Complicating Intravenous Drug Use
Authors: Mahmood Saima , Taylor Kent E. , Overman Timothy L. , McCormick Malkanthie I.
Published: August 2012

Gram-negative bacilli causing infective endocarditis (IE) is rare, even in intravenous drug users. This case report underscores several clinically important aspects ofDelftia acidovoransIE: the organism's ability to cause rapid destruction of normal native valves and to cause embolic occlusion of large arteries and its resistance to all aminoglycosides.
Otitis Media and Otomastoiditis Caused by Mycobacterium massiliense (Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. bolletii)
Authors: Lee Meng-Rui , Tsai Hsih-Yeh , Cheng Aristine , Liu Chia-Ying , Huang Yu-Tsung , Liao Chun-Hsing , Liang Sheng-Kai , Lee Li-Na , Hsueh Po-Ren
Published: August 2012

We describe two patients with otologic infections caused by
Mycobacterium massiliense
(
M. abscessus
subsp.
bolletti
) which were identified using
erm
(41) PCR, 23S rRNA, and
rpoB
gene sequence analysis. They were middle-aged adults with underlying otologic diseases and were treated successfully with clarithromycin-based combination regimens for 3 and 9 months, respectively.
Usability and Performance of CHROMagar STEC Medium in Detection of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Strains
Authors: Hirvonen Jari J. , Siitonen Anja , Kaukoranta Suvi-Sirkku
Published: August 2012

The performance and usability of CHROMagar STEC medium (CHROMagar Microbiology, Paris, France) for routine detection of Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) strains were examined. The ability of the medium to selectively propagate STEC strains differing by their serotypes and virulence genes was studied with a collection of diarrheagenic
E. coli
isolates (
n
= 365) consisting of 49 different serotypes and with non-STEC and other bacterial isolates (
n
= 264). A total of 272 diarrheagenic
E. coli
(75.0%) isolates covering 24 different serotypes grew on CHROMagar STEC. The highest detection sensitivities were observed within the STEC serogroups O26 (90.0%), O111 (100.0%), O121 (100.0%), O145 (100.0%), and O157 (84.9%), and growth on CHROMagar STEC was highly associated with the presence of the tellurite resistance gene (
terD
). The specificity of the medium was 98.9%. In addition, CHROMagar STEC was used in parallel with a Shiga toxin-detecting immunoassay (Ridaquick Verotoxin/O157 Combi; R-biopharm, Darmstadt, Germany) to screen fecal specimens (
n
= 47) collected from patients suffering from hemorrhagic diarrhea. Positive growth on CHROMagar STEC was confirmed by the Premier EHEC enzyme immunoassay (Meridian Bioscience, Inc., Cincinnati, OH), and discrepant results between the two screening methods were confirmed by
stx
gene-detecting PCR. All 16 of the 47 stool samples that showed positive growth on CHROMagar STEC were also positive in the confirmatory tests. CHROMagar STEC proved to be an interesting option for STEC screening, allowing good detection sensitivity and specificity and permitting strain isolation for further outbreak investigations when required.
Trafficking and Replication Patterns Reveal Splenic Macrophages as Major Targets of Dengue Virus in Mice
Authors: Prestwood Tyler R. , May Monica M. , Plummer Emily M. , Morar Malika M. , Yauch Lauren E. , Shresta Sujan
Published: August 2012

Human postmortem studies of natural dengue virus (DENV) infection have reported systemically distributed viral antigen. Although it is widely accepted that DENV infects mononuclear phagocytes, the sequence in which specific tissues and cell types are targeted remains uncharacterized. We previously reported that mice lacking alpha/beta and gamma interferon receptors permit high levels of DENV replication and show signs of systemic disease (T. R. Prestwood et al., J. Virol. 82:8411–8421, 2008). Here we demonstrate that within 6 h, DENV traffics to and replicates in both CD169+and SIGN-R1+macrophages of the splenic marginal zone or draining lymph node, respectively, following intravenous or intrafootpad inoculation. Subsequently, high levels of replication are detected in F4/80+splenic red pulp macrophages and in the bone marrow, lymph nodes, and Peyer's patches. Intravenously inoculated mice begin to succumb to dengue disease 72 h after infection, at which time viral replication occurs systemically, except in lymphoid tissues. In particular, high levels of replication occur in CD68+macrophages of the kidneys, heart, thymus, and gastrointestinal tract. Over the course of infection, proportionately large quantities of DENV traffic to the liver and spleen. However, late during infection, viral trafficking to the spleen decreases, while trafficking to the liver, thymus, and kidneys increases. The present study demonstrates that macrophage populations, initially in the spleen and other lymphoid tissues and later in nonlymphoid tissues, are major targets of DENV infectionin vivo.
High Variety of Known and New RNA and DNA Viruses of Diverse Origins in Untreated Sewage
Authors: Ng Terry Fei Fan , Marine Rachel , Wang Chunlin , Simmonds Peter , Kapusinszky Beatrix , Bodhidatta Ladaporn , Oderinde Bamidele Soji , Wommack K. Eric , Delwart Eric
Published: August 2012

Deep sequencing of untreated sewage provides an opportunity to monitor enteric infections in large populations and for high-throughput viral discovery. A metagenomics analysis of purified viral particles in untreated sewage from the United States (San Francisco, CA), Nigeria (Maiduguri), Thailand (Bangkok), and Nepal (Kathmandu) revealed sequences related to 29 eukaryotic viral families infecting vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants (BLASTx E score, <10
−4
), including known pathogens (>90% protein identities) in numerous viral families infecting humans (
Adenoviridae
,
Astroviridae
,
Caliciviridae
,
Hepeviridae
,
Parvoviridae
,
Picornaviridae
,
Picobirnaviridae
, and
Reoviridae
), plants (
Alphaflexiviridae
,
Betaflexiviridae
,
Partitiviridae
,
Sobemovirus
,
Secoviridae
,
Tombusviridae
,
Tymoviridae
,
Virgaviridae
), and insects (
Dicistroviridae
,
Nodaviridae
, and
Parvoviridae
). The full and partial genomes of a novel kobuvirus, salivirus, and sapovirus are described. A novel astrovirus (casa astrovirus) basal to those infecting mammals and birds, potentially representing a third astrovirus genus, was partially characterized. Potential new genera and families of viruses distantly related to members of the single-stranded RNA picorna-like virus superfamily were genetically characterized and named
Picalivirus
,
Secalivirus
,
Hepelivirus
,
Nedicistrovirus
,
Cadicistrovirus
, and
Niflavirus
. Phylogenetic analysis placed these highly divergent genomes near the root of the picorna-like virus superfamily, with possible vertebrate, plant, or arthropod hosts inferred from nucleotide composition analysis. Circular DNA genomes distantly related to the plant-infecting
Geminiviridae
family were named
Baminivirus
,
Nimivirus
, and
Niminivirus
. These results highlight the utility of analyzing sewage to monitor shedding of viral pathogens and the high viral diversity found in this common pollutant and provide genetic information to facilitate future studies of these newly characterized viruses.