bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reference intervals for haematological variables during normal pregnancy and postpartum in 434 healthy Danish women
Authors: Milman Nils , Bergholt Thomas , Byg Keld‐Erik , Eriksen Lisbeth , Hvas Anne‐Mette
Published: June 2007

Aim:  To report reference intervals for haematological variables during normal pregnancy and postpartum.

Material and methods:  The series comprised 434 healthy ethnic Danish women with a normal pregnancy ≥37 wk duration and a normal delivery with newborns weight >2500 g. Blood samples were obtained at 18, 32 and 39 wk gestation and at 8 wk postpartum. The following variables were analysed: Haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Hct), blood erythrocyte count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, white cell count, platelet count, erythrocyte folate, plasma folate, plasma cobalamin, plasma methylmalonic acid, plasma total homocysteine, serum ferritin, serum soluble transferrin receptor and plasma creatinine. Reference intervals were calculated using log10‐transformed values (which showed normal distributions) as mean ± 1.96 × SD.

Results:  The lower reference value for Hb during pregnancy was 6.45 mmol/L (105 g/L) and 7.3 mmol/L (118 g/L) postpartum. The lower reference value for Hct was 0.31 in pregnancy and 0.35 postpartum. There was a gradual decline in the lower reference value for erythrocyte folate during pregnancy and postpartum from 0.46 to 0.29 μmol/L and in plasma folate from 6 to 4 nmol/L. Lower reference value for plasma cobalamin declined during pregnancy from 96 to 71 pmol/L, but increased postpartum to 148 pmol/L. Upper reference value for plasma homocysteine increased gradually during pregnancy and postpartum from 11.0 to 20.6 μmol/L. Geometric mean serum ferritin at 18 wk gestation was 32 μg/L. Plasma creatinine values were low during pregnancy and displayed a significant increase postpartum.

Conclusion:  The characteristic changes occurring in haematological indices during pregnancy and postpartum are described in this study. The results may be used as reference values in the assessment of health status of pregnant women with a similar socio‐economic and racial background.
Skin infiltration of CD56bright CD16‐ natural killer cells in a case of X‐SCID with Omenn syndrome‐like manifestations
Authors: Shibata Fumie , Toma Tomoko , Wada Taizo , Inoue Masayuki , Tone Yumi , Ohta Kazuhide , Kasahara Yoshihito , Sano Fumie , Kimura Mitsuaki , Ikeno Mitsuru , Koizumi Shoichi , Yachie Akihiro
Published: June 2007

We observed a patient with X‐linked severe combined immunodeficiency (X‐SCID) with Omenn syndrome‐like manifestations. X‐linked inheritance, absence of CD132 expression and impaired response to interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) indicated that the case is typical of X‐SCID due to γc defect. However, this case was unusual in that circulating natural killer (NK) cells were increased and nearly half of these NK cells exhibited the CD56bright CD16− phenotype. A missense mutation was found within exon 5 of the IL2RG gene. The identical mutation was detected within NK, CD4+ T and B cells. Engraftment of maternally derived NK cells or gene reversion was ruled out. The erythroderma‐like skin lesion was characterized by infiltration of the dermis by CD56bright NK cells admixed with CD1a+ dendritic cells (DC). Expression of mRNA for inflammatory cytokines was significantly enhanced within the skin. This may be the first human case to demonstrate that close cell‐to‐cell contact between DC and NK cells provides an effective alternative pathway for NK cell differentiation/activation in vivo.
Topical methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy for the treatment of folliculitis
Authors: Horn Michael , Wolf Peter
Published: June 2007

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been found to be effective for the treatment of acne vulgaris. We now wish to present a case series of seven patients who were successfully treated for chronic folliculitis with PDT after photosensitization with topical methyl aminolevulinate. The folliculitis had occurred in areas of acne‐prone skin of the patients, mainly after long‐term administration of antibiotics.
Father-Daughter and Father-Son Family Business Management Transfer Comparison: Family FIRO Model Application
Authors: Haberman Heather , Danes Sharon M.
Published: June 2007

The purpose of the study was to investigate power structures and interactions among father-daughter and father-son family business decision teams experiencing management transfer. Analytic induction was the methodology used to test the family FIRO theory. Support was found for the theoretical premise of sequential and developmental relationships among the three dimensions (inclusion, control, and integration). The women in the father-son business experienced feelings of exclusion, incidents of higher conflict among family members, which produced less shared meaning, and lower levels of integration among family members. On the other hand, women in the father-daughter business experienced feelings of inclusion, resulting in lower conflict that created high levels of shared meaning, collaboration, and integration among family members. In management transfer consultations, if the entire family business decision team is not included in information gathering, and if the decision team is not observed interacting as a group, with individuals being allowed to confidentially confirm or refute the group interaction data, biased information may be obtained. For more successful adaptations in management transfers, power structures and interactions need to be reconstructed; failure to do so leads to confusion and conflict, resulting in distrust and lack of fellowship within the management decision team.
Succession in Small and Medium-Sized Family Businesses: Toward a Typology of Predecessor Roles During and After Instatement of the Successor
Authors: Cadieux Louise
Published: June 2007

The last two steps in the succession process—the joint management and withdrawal phases—differ from preceding phases in that they mark the successor's official entry into the family business as future head and the gradual retirement of the predecessor. Alone at the helm until that point, predecessors are faced with an important period of transition in their life where their role as leader is replaced by other roles that have not yet been clearly defined in the existing literature. Using a case study research strategy, this article presents a typology of predecessor roles during and after instatement of the successor from five small and medium-sized family businesses that have successfully completed their first generational transfer.
Should the CEO Also Be Chair of the Board? An Empirical Examination of Family-Controlled Public Firms
Authors: Braun Michael , Sharma Anurag
Published: June 2007

Using the competing agency theoretic and stewardship theory perspectives, we empirically examine the relationship between CEO duality and firm performance in family-controlled public firms (FCPFs). We find that duality by itself does not influence firm performance in FCPFs. However, our results show that the relationship between duality and performance is contingent on the family's ownership stake in the firm. In nondual firms, performance is inversely related to family ownership level. Dual FCPFs do not exhibit any changes in performance dependent on family ownership levels. Our findings reveal, in short, that when family ownership is low, the separation of CEO and board chair roles is beneficial in terms of shareholder returns. Having different persons occupy the CEO and board chair positions is a useful governance control as the risk of family entrenchment increases.
Profiling adverse respiratory events and vomiting when using propofol for emergency department procedural sedation
Authors: Bell Anthony , Treston Greg , McNabb Charley , Monypenny Kathy , Cardwell Robert
Published: June 2007

Objectives: To evaluate the rate of adverse respiratory events and vomiting among ED patients undergoing procedural sedation with propofol.

Methods: This was a prospective, observational series of patients undergoing procedural sedation. Titrated i.v. propofol was administered via protocol. Fasting status was recorded.

Results: Four hundred patients undergoing sedation were enrolled. Of these 282 (70%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 66–75%) had eaten or drunken within 6 and 2 h, respectively. Median fasting times from a full meal, snack or drink were 7 h (interquartile range [IQR] 5–9 h), 6 h (IQR 4–8 h) and 4 h (IQR 2–6 h), respectively. Overall a respiratory event occurred in 86 patients (22%, 95% CI 18–26%). An airway intervention occurred in 123 patients (31%, 95% CI 26–35%). In 111 cases (90%, 95% CI 60–98%) basic airway manoeuvres were all that was required. No patients were intubated. Two patients vomited (0.5%, 95% CI 0.0–1.6%), one during sedation, one after patient became conversational. One patient developed transient laryngospasm (0.25%, 95% CI 0–1.2%) unrelated to vomiting. There were nil aspiration events (0%, 95% CI 0–0.74%).

Conclusions: Seventy per cent of patients undergoing ED procedural sedation are not fasted. No patient had a clinically evident adverse outcome. Transient respiratory events occur but can be managed with basic airway interventions making propofol a safe alternative for emergency physicians to provide emergent procedural sedation.
From emergency department to general practitioner: Evaluating emergency department communication and service to general practitioners
Authors: Lane Nigel , Bragg Matthew J
Published: June 2007

Objective:  To survey general practitioners' (GPs) opinions of communication and service received from the ED of a tertiary metropolitan hospital.

Methods:  Analysis of a postal survey form sent to 380 GPs in the hospital catchment area.

Results:  One hundred and forty‐seven completed questionnaires (39%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 34–44%) were returned. Seventy‐eight GPs (53%, 95% CI 45–61%) endorsed the current method of discharge letter delivery by patient; however, 43 (29%, 95% CI 22–37%) stated that letters were often not received. The most commonly proposed alternative to patient delivery was facsimile transmission. One hundred and thirty respondents (88%, 95% CI 83–94%) rated the overall standard of communication from ED as average or better; however, 64 (44%, 95% CI 36–52%) felt that important information was omitted from the discharge letter. One hundred and seventeen (79%, 95% CI 73–86%) GPs found the ED admitting officer role useful when referring patients. Fifty‐nine (40%, 95% CI 32–48%) respondents cited difficulties accessing investigation results. The predominant source of patient dissatisfaction reported by GPs was excess waiting times.

Conclusions:  Half of GPs surveyed supported the current system of patient delivered discharge letters and of those who did not the majority preferred faxed discharges. There was little support for email communication. GPs reported problems with the current communication system including discharge letters not reaching GPs and deficiencies in the discharge information. GP reported substantial difficulties in accessing outstanding investigation results. Most GPs felt that assessment and treatment of their patients in the ED was of above average quality, as was the overall service they received from the ED. There was GP support for the ED admitting officer role.
The FcγRIIa polymorphism influences production of interleukin‐1 by mononuclear cells
Authors: Yamamoto K. , Kobayashi T. , Sugita N. , Tai H. , Yoshie H.
Published: June 2007

The functional bi‐allelic polymorphism of immunoglobulin G (IgG) Fc receptor (FcγR) IIa influences the efficiency of human IgG2 binding. Our previous study showed that the high affinity FcγRIIa genotype (‐H/H131) was associated with periodontitis risk. As interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) is one of the major causes of periodontal tissue destruction, it is hypothesized that the FcγRIIa‐H/H131cross‐linking could induce an increased IL‐1 release by mononuclear cells. In this study, we evaluated the intracellular expressions of IL‐1β in CD14 positive cells upon stimulation with human IgG2 by flow cytometry. FcγRIIa‐H/H131 subjects exhibited a higher percentage of IL‐1β‐producing cells than FcγRIIa‐R/H131 and ‐R/R131 subjects (P < 0.05). These results support the concept that FcγRIIa genotype may affect IL‐1β production, possibly leading to interindividual differences in periodontitis risk.
IMPACT OF MAGMATISM ON PETROLEUM SYSTEMS IN THE SVERDRUP BASIN, CANADIAN ARCTIC ISLANDS, NUNAVUT: A NUMERICAL MODELLING STUDY
Authors: Jones S.F. , Wielens H. , Williamson M‐C. , Zentilli M.
Published: June 2007

Numerical modelling is used to investigate for the first time the interactions between a petroleum system and sill intrusion in the NE Sverdrup Basin, Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Although hydrocarbonexploration has been successful in the western Sverdrup Basin, the results in the NE part of thebasin have been disappointing, despite the presence of suitable Mesozoic source rocks, migrationpaths and structural/stratigraphic traps, many involving evaporites. This was explained by (i) theformation of structural traps during basin inversion in the Eocene, after the main phase ofhydrocarbon generation, and/or (ii) the presence of evaporite diapirs locally modifying the geothermalgradient, leading to thermal overmaturity of hydrocarbons. This study is the first attempt at modellingthe intrusion of Cretaceous sills in the east‐central Sverdrup Basin, and to investigate how theymay have affected the petroleum system.

A one‐dimensional numerical model, constructed using PetroMod9.0®, investigates the effectsof rifting and magmatic events on the thermal history and on petroleum generation at the DepotPoint L‐24 well, eastern Axel Heiberg Island (79°23′40″N, 85°44′22″W). The thermal history isconstrained by vitrinite reflectance and fission‐track data, and by the tectonic history. The simulationidentifies the time intervals during which hydrocarbons were generated, and illustrates the interplaybetween hydrocarbon production and igneous activity at the time of sill intrusion during the EarlyCretaceous. The comparison of the petroleum and magmatic systems in the context of previouslyproposed models of basin evolution and renewed tectonism was an essential step in the interpretationof the results from the Depot Point L‐24 well.

The model results show that an episode of minor renewed rifting and widespread sill intrusionin the Early Cretaceous occurred after hydrocarbon generation ceased at about 220 Ma in theHare Fiord and Van Hauen Formations. We conclude that the generation potential of these deeperformations in the eastern Sverdrup Basin was not likely to have been affected by the intrusion ofmafic sills during the Early Cretaceous. However, the model suggests that in shallower sourcerocks such as the Blaa Mountain Formation, rapid generation of natural gas occurred at 125 Ma, contemporaneous with tectonic rejuvenation and sill intrusion in the east‐central Sverdrup Basin.A sensitivity study shows that the emplacement of sills increased the hydrocarbon generation ratesin the Blaa Mountain Formation, and facilitated the production of gas rather than oil.
The 2007 WHO Classification of Nervous System Tumors: Newly Recognized Members of the Mixed Glioneuronal Group
Authors: Rosenblum Marc K.
Published: June 2007

The clinical and pathologic features of two glioneuronal neoplasms newly incorporated in the 2007 revision of the WHO classification of nervous system tumors are reviewed. These are the papillary glioneuronal tumor and the rosette‐forming glioneuronal tumor of the fourth ventricle.
Newly Codified Glial Neoplasms of the 2007 WHO Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System: Angiocentric Glioma, Pilomyxoid Astrocytoma and Pituicytoma
Authors: Brat Daniel J. , Scheithauer Bernd W. , Fuller Gregory N. , Tihan Tarik
Published: June 2007

The 4th edition of the WHO Classification of Tumours of the Nervous System (WHO 2007) introduces changes that reflect both the recognition of new brain tumour types and a better understanding of neoplastic behavior. Three new tumours, angiocentric glioma (AG), pilomyxoid astrocytoma (PMA), and pituicytoma are added to the section on gliomas. AG is a slowly growing cerebral tumour that typically presents with seizures in children and young adults. It is characterized by monomorphous, bipolar tumour cells with a striking perivascular growth pattern. Although the ‘cell of origin’ of AG is not clear, ultrastructural evidence points to an ependymal derivation. Typically, AG can be cured by total resection, and is designated WHO grade I. PMA is a solid, circumscribed tumour occurring mainly in the hypothalamic region of young children. It is composed of a monomorphous population of bipolar tumour cells within a rich myxoid background, with a conspicuous anglocentric arrangement. While PMA is considered a more aggressive variant of pilocytic astrocytoma, this relationship awaits further clarification. The PMA has been designated WHO grade II. The pituicytoma, involves the posterior pituitary and/or its stalk and affects adults. It is solid in architecture, composed of spindle cells and presumably derived from pituicytes. Pituicytomas are indolent tumours, and are designated WHO grade I.
Is Who Delivers the Treatment More Important than the Treatment Itself? The Role of The Therapist in Common Factors
Authors: Blow Adrian J. , Sprenkle Douglas H. , Davis Sean D.
Published: June 2007

In this article, we discuss the role of the therapist in change in couple and family therapy. We argue that the therapist is a key change ingredient in most successful therapy. We situate our discussion in the common factors debate and show how both broad and narrow common factor views involve the therapist as a central force. We review the research findings on the role of the therapist, highlight the strengths and weaknesses of this literature, and provide directions for future research. We then use this review as a foundation for our recommendations for theory integration, training, and practice.
What Clients of Couple Therapy Model Developers and Their Former Students Say About Change, Part I: Model‐Dependent Common Factors Across Three Models
Authors: Davis Sean D. , Piercy Fred P.
Published: June 2007

Some researchers have hypothesized that factors common across therapy models are largely responsible for change. In this study we conducted semi‐structured, open‐ended qualitative interviews with three different MFT model developers (Dr. Susan M. Johnson, Emotionally Focused Therapy; Dr. Frank M. Dattilio, Cognitive‐Behavioral Therapy; and Dr. Richard C. Schwartz, Internal Family Systems Therapy), Dr. Johnson and Dr. Schwartz’s former students, and each of their former clients who had terminated therapy successfully. We examined possible common factors in our qualitative data analysis. Common factors fell into two main categories of model‐dependent factors and model‐independent factors. This article—the first of two—reviews the model‐dependent common factors, common elements found across three distinct therapies. They include common conceptualizations, common interventions, and common outcomes, each with several subcategories. We discuss the clinical, training, and research implications of the results.
What Clients of Couple Therapy Model Developers and Their Former Students Say About Change, Part II: Model‐Independent Common Factors and an Integrative Framework
Authors: Davis Sean D. , Piercy Fred P.
Published: June 2007

Proponents of the common factors movement in marriage and family therapy (MFT) suggest that, rather than specific models of therapy, elements common across models of therapy and common to the process of therapy itself are responsible for therapeutic change. This article—the second of two companion articles—reports on a study designed to further investigate common factors in couple therapy. We used grounded theory techniques to analyze data from interviews with MFT model developers Dr. Susan M. Johnson, Dr. Frank M. Dattilio, Dr. Richard C. Schwartz, former students of Dr. Johnson and Dr. Schwartz, and each of their clients who had been successful in couple therapy. This article reports model‐independent variables, that is, general aspects of therapy that are not directly related to the therapist’s model. Model‐independent categories include client variables, therapist variables, the therapeutic alliance, therapeutic process, and expectancy and motivational factors, each with several subcategories. We also present a conceptual framework that outlines how model‐dependent and model‐independent common factors may interact to produce change. We discuss our findings and proposed framework in relation to the current common factors literature in psychology and MFT. We also discuss clinical, training, and research implications.
Treating Emotion Dysregulation in a Couples Context: A Pilot Study of a Couples Skills Group Intervention
Authors: Kirby Jennifer S. , Baucom Donald H.
Published: June 2007

This article reports the development of a couple‐based intervention in which at least one partner had experienced chronic difficulties in emotion regulation, operationalized as having participated in a yearlong dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills training group. Integrating dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive‐behavioral couple therapy, this group intervention taught couples emotion regulation, communication, and problem‐solving skills, and led them through an exploration of how strong feelings affect and are affected by their relationship. The effects of treatment were evaluated in terms of relationship satisfaction and individual well‐being. Sizeable treatment effects were found in several domains, including a reduction in DBT graduates’ depressive symptoms and emotion dysregulation, and an increase in their partners’ relationship satisfaction and confidence in their graduate spouses’ ability to regulate emotions.
Preliminary Estimates of Cost‐Effectiveness for Marital Therapy
Authors: Caldwell Benjamin E. , Woolley Scott R. , Caldwell Casey J.
Published: June 2007

Cost‐effectiveness of marital therapy was examined beginning with a simple question: If government or health insurers paid for the screening and, where indicated, empirically supported treatment of 100,000 randomly selected married persons (i.e., 50,000 couples) from the general population, would the financial benefits outweigh costs? Two empirically supported forms of marital therapy, behavioral marital therapy and emotionally focused therapy, were considered in aggregate as possible treatments of choice. Marital therapy appears to be cost‐effective when paid for by government to reduce public costs of divorce or when paid for by insurers to offset the increased health‐care expenses associated with divorce. Implications and specific needs for future research to substantiate these conclusions are discussed.
Nitrogen Sources and Sinks Within the Middle Rio Grande, New Mexico1
Authors: Oelsner Gretchen P. , Brooks Paul D. , Hogan James F.
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  Relationships between discharge, land use, and nitrogen sources and sinks were developed using 5 years of synoptic sampling along a 300 km reach of the Rio Grande in central New Mexico. Average river discharge was higher during 2001 and 2005 “wet years” (15 m3/s) than during the drought years of 2002‐04 “dry years” (8.9 m3/s), but there were no differences in nitrogen loading from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) which were the largest and most consistent source of nitrogen to the river (1,330 kg/day). Average total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) concentrations remained elevated for 180 km downstream of the Albuquerque WWTP averaging 1.2 mg/l in wet years and 0.52 mg/l in dry years. Possible explanations for the constant elevated TDN concentrations downstream of the major point source include reduced nitrogen retention capacity, minimal contact with riparian or channel vegetation, large suspended sediment loads, and low algal biomass. Somewhat surprisingly, agricultural return flows had lower average nitrogen concentrations than river water originally diverted to agriculture in both wet (0.81 mg/l) and dry years (0.19 mg/l), indicating that the agricultural system is a sink for nitrogen. Lower average nitrogen concentrations in the river during the dry years can be explained by the input of agricultural returns which comprise the majority of river flow in dry years.
GIS Methodology for Quantifying Channel Change in Las Vegas, Nevada1
Authors: Buckingham Susan E. , Whitney John W.
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  This study applies spatial analyses to examine the consequences of accelerated urban expansion on a hydrologic system over a period of 24 years. Three sets of historical aerial photos are used in a GIS analysis to document the geomorphic history of Las Vegas Wash, which drains the rapidly growing Las Vegas urban area in southern Nevada. New spatial techniques are introduced to make quantitative measurements of the erosion at three specific time intervals in the hydrologic evolution of the channel and floodplain. Unlike other erosion studies that use two different elevation surfaces to assess erosion, this study used a single elevation surface to remove systematic and nonsystemic elevation errors. The spatial analysis quantifies channel changes for discrete time periods, calculates erosion volumes, and provides a foundation to examine how the specific mechanisms related to urban expansion have affected Las Vegas Wash. The erosion calculated over 24 years is the largest documented sediment loss attributed to the effect of rapid urban growth.
Physiogenomic strategies and resources to associate genes with rat models of heart, lung and blood disorders
Authors: Lee Norman H.
Published: June 2007

As is the case for many human disorders, cardiovascular disease is a complex ailment exhibiting a multifactorial mode of transmission. Rat models have been developed to aid in the analysis of this complex genetic and phenotypic disorder. The purpose of this brief review is to describe current gene expression profiling strategies that have been implemented to search for candidate causative genes of disease phenotypes in animal models. Strategies include integrating gene expression information with linkage analysis, expression profiling chromosome‐substituted and/or congenic rat strains, correlating gene expression with physiological data across a panel of rodent strains, and linking expression quantitative trait loci to physiological quantitative trait loci. A primary goal of these strategies is to narrow and prioritize the search for causal genes of physiological interest. Also discussed are ways to harness two recent publicly available resources that have been created to investigate the role of genes and environment on cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology.
Interactions of Ceftobiprole with β-Lactamases from Molecular Classes A to D
Authors: Queenan Anne Marie , Shang Wenchi , Kania Malgosia , Page Malcolm G. P. , Bush Karen
Published: June 2007

The interactions of ceftobiprole with purified β-lactamases from molecular classes A, B, C, and D were determined and compared with those of benzylpenicillin, cephaloridine, cefepime, and ceftazidime. Enzymes were selected from functional groups 1, 2a, 2b, 2be, 2d, 2e, and 3 to represent β-lactamases from organisms within the antibacterial spectrum of ceftobiprole. Ceftobiprole was refractory to hydrolysis by the common staphylococcal PC1 β-lactamase, the class A TEM-1 β-lactamase, and the class C AmpC β-lactamase but was labile to hydrolysis by class B, class D, and class A extended-spectrum β-lactamases. Cefepime and ceftazidime followed similar patterns. In most cases, the hydrolytic stability of a substrate correlated with the MIC for the producing organism. Ceftobiprole and cefepime generally had lower MICs than ceftazidime for AmpC-producing organisms, particularly AmpC-overexpressingEnterobacter cloacaeorganisms. However, all three cephalosporins were hydrolyzed very slowly by AmpC cephalosporinases, suggesting that factors other than β-lactamase stability contribute to lower ceftobiprole and cefepime MICs against many members of the familyEnterobacteriaceae.
Paradoxical Growth Effect of Caspofungin Observed on Biofilms and Planktonic Cells of Five Different
Candida
Species
Authors: Melo Analy S. , Colombo Arnaldo L. , Arthington-Skaggs Beth A.
Published: June 2007

The paradoxical growth (PG) of
Candida
sp. biofilms in the presence of high caspofungin (CAS) concentrations was previously unknown. We sought to characterize the PG at supra-MICs of CAS among clinical
Candida
sp. isolates grown as biofilms in 96-well polystyrene microtiter plates. The MICs of CAS were determined for 30 clinical
Candida
sp. isolates (4
Candida albicans
, 6
C. tropicalis
, 7
C. parapsilosis
, 8
C. orthopsilosis
, and 5
C. metapsilosis
isolates) when they were grown as planktonic cells and biofilms and were defined as the lowest drug concentrations that resulted in a prominent decrease in growth and a 50% reduction in metabolic activity, respectively. PG was defined as a resurgence of growth (>50% of that in the drug-free growth control well) at drug concentrations above the MIC. With the exception of
C. tropicalis
, all isolates displayed PG more frequently when they were grown as biofilms than when they grown as planktonic cells. PG was undetectable among
C. metapsilosis
isolates in planktonic cell MIC tests but was present in 100% of the isolates in biofilm MIC tests. The drug concentration and the number of drug dilutions supporting PG were higher for biofilms than for planktonic cells. Microscopic changes in cell morphology were observed among both planktonic and biofilm cells with PG. Specifically, the accumulation of enlarged, globose cells was associated with PG, and we hypothesize that CAS-induced changes in the cell wall composition may be the explanation.
In Vivo Efficacy of Ceftaroline (PPI-0903), a New Broad-Spectrum Cephalosporin, Compared with Linezolid and Vancomycin against Methicillin-Resistant and Vancomycin-Intermediate
Staphylococcus aureus
in a Rabbit Endocarditis Model
Authors: Jacqueline Cédric , Caillon Jocelyne , Le Mabecque Virginie , Miègeville Anne-Françoise , Hamel Antoine , Bugnon Denis , Ge James Yigong , Potel Gilles
Published: June 2007

Using the rabbit endocarditis model, we compared the activity of a new broad-spectrum cephalosporin, ceftaroline, with those of linezolid and vancomycin against methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
. After a 4-day treatment, ceftaroline exhibited superior bactericidal in vivo activity against resistant
S. aureus
strains and appeared to be the most effective drug against a heterogeneous glycopeptide-intermediate
S. aureus
strain.
Lesion Formation and Antibody Response Induced by Papillomatous Digital Dermatitis-Associated Spirochetes in a Murine Abscess Model
Authors: Elliott Margaret K. , Alt David P. , Zuerner Richard L.
Published: June 2007

Papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD), also known as hairy heel wart, is a growing cause of lameness of cows in the U.S. dairy industry. Farms with PDD-afflicted cows experience economic loss due to treatment costs, decreased milk production, lower reproductive efficiency, and premature culling. While the exact cause of PDD is unknown, lesion development is associated with the presence of anaerobic spirochetes. This study was undertaken to investigate the virulence and antigenic relatedness of four previously isolatedTreponema phagedenis-like spirochetes (1A, 3A, 4A, and 5B) by using a mouse abscess model with subcutaneous inoculation of 109, 1010, and 1011spirochetes. Each of the PDD isolates induced abscess formation, with strain 3A causing cutaneous ulceration. Lesion development and antibody responses were dose dependent and differed significantly from those seen with the nonpathogenic humanT. phagedenisstrain. Strains 3A, 4A, and 5B showed two-way cross-reactivity with each other and a one-way cross-reaction withT. phagedenis. Strain 5B showed one-way cross-reactivity with 1A. None of the isolates showed cross-reactivity withT. denticola. In addition, distinct differences in immunoglobulin G subclass elicitation occurred between the PDD strains andT. phagedenis. From these data, we conclude that spirochetes isolated from PDD lesions have differential virulence and antigenic traits in vivo. Continuing investigation of these properties is important for the elucidation of virulence mechanisms and antigenic targets for vaccine development.
The Chymotrypsin-Like Protease Complex ofTreponema denticolaATCC 35405 Mediates Fibrinogen Adherence and Degradation
Authors: Bamford Caroline V. , Fenno J. Christopher , Jenkinson Howard F. , Dymock David
Published: June 2007

Treponema denticolais an anaerobic spirochete strongly associated with human periodontal disease.T. denticolabacteria interact with a range of host tissue proteins, including fibronectin, laminin, and fibrinogen. The latter localizes in the extracellular matrix where tissue damage has occurred, and interactions with fibrinogen may play a key role inT. denticolacolonization of the damaged sites.T. denticolaATCC 35405 showed saturable binding of fluid-phase fibrinogen to the cell surface and saturable adherence to immobilized fibrinogen. Levels of fibrinogen binding were enhanced in the presence of the serine protease inhibitor phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride. The Aα and Bβ chains of fibrinogen, but not the γ chains, were specifically recognized byT. denticola. Following fibrinogen affinity chromatography analysis of cell surface extracts, a major fibrinogen-binding component (polypeptide molecular mass, ∼100 kDa), which also degraded fibrinogen, was purified. Upon heating at 100°C, the polypeptide was dissociated into three components (apparent molecular masses, 80, 48, and 45 kDa) that did not individually bind or degrade fibrinogen. The native 100-kDa polypeptide complex was identified as chymotrypsin-like protease (CTLP), or dentilisin. In an isogenic CTLP−mutant strain, CKE, chymotrypsin-like activity was reduced >90% compared to that in the wild type and fibrinogen binding and hydrolysis were ablated. Isogenic mutant strain MHE, deficient in the production of Msp (major surface protein), showed levels of CTLP reduced 40% relative to those in the wild type and exhibited correspondingly reduced levels of fibrinogen binding and proteolysis. Thrombin clotting times in the presence of wild-typeT. denticolacells, but not strain CKE (CTLP−) cells, were extended. These results suggest that interactions ofT. denticolawith fibrinogen, which may promote colonization and modulate hemostasis, are mediated principally by CTLP.
Developmental Stage- and Cell Cycle Number-Dependent Changes in Characteristics of
Plasmodium falciparum
-Infected Erythrocyte Adherence to Placental Chondroitin-4-Sulfate Proteoglycan
Authors: Madhunapantula SubbaRao V. , Achur Rajeshwara N. , Gowda D. Channe
Published: June 2007

The adherence of
Plasmodium falciparum
-infected red blood cells (IRBCs) in the human placenta is mediated by chondroitin-4-sulfate (C4S). Although IRBC binding to C4S has been unequivocally established, the adherence characteristics of IRBCs at different stages of parasite development and through successive parasite generations after selection for C4S adherence are not known. Here we show that IRBCs acquire a significant capacity to bind to C4S at as early as 14 h and exhibit maximum binding at 22 to 26 h postinvasion. Surprisingly, the IRBC binding ability decreases by ∼50% at the late trophozoite and schizont stages. The binding strength of the IRBCs also gradually decreases during successive generations after selection for C4S binding, and at the 32nd generation, the binding capacity was only ∼31% of that of IRBCs at the 2nd generation, suggesting that IRBCs eventually lose their C4S-adherent capacity. We also tested the susceptibility of the adhesive protein(s) on the IRBC surface to trypsin treatment at different stages of parasite development. The data show that IRBCs with late trophozoites are more resistant to trypsin treatment than those containing early trophozoites, indicating that parasite proteins expressed on the IRBC surface during trophozoite maturation partially mask accessibility of adhesive protein for binding to C4S. These data provide important insights into the expression pattern of the C4S-adhesive protein(s) on the IRBC surface, emphasizing the need for understanding the regulation of genes involved in IRBC binding to C4S. Our data also define the parasite stage at which IRBCs are suitable for studying structural interactions with C4S.
Vibrio vulnificus
Damages Macrophages during the Early Phase of Infection
Authors: Tsuchiya Takahiro , Mitsuo Eriko , Hayashi Nahoko , Hikita Yuuko , Nakao Hiroshi , Yamamoto Shigeo , Miyamoto Katsushiro , Tsujibo Hiroshi
Published: June 2007

Vibrio vulnificus
is an estuarine bacterium that can cause primary septicemia as well as serious wound infections. Generally, clinical isolates have a high lethal effect compared with environmental isolates. However, little is known about the mechanisms by which
V. vulnificus
causes disease. In this study, we compared the pathogenicity of a clinical isolate, strain M2799, with that of an environmental isolate, strain JCM3731. The clinical isolate showed 100 times higher lethality in mice than the environmental isolate. In strain M2799-inoculated mice, the number of macrophages decreased significantly, whereas there was no appreciable change in the number of macrophages in strain JCM3731-inoculated mice. The clinical isolate showed high cytotoxic activity, especially to macrophages, compared with the environmental isolate in vitro. The growth of the clinical isolate was almost completely inhibited in the presence of macrophages. Moreover, the survival rate of the clinical isolate-inoculated mice increased by recruitment of macrophages. These results indicate that
V. vulnificus
infection progresses by damage to macrophages during the early phase of infection.
Helicobacter pylori
VacA Enhances Prostaglandin E
2
Production through Induction of Cyclooxygenase 2 Expression via a p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase/Activating Transcription Factor 2 Cascade in AZ-521 Cells
Authors: Hisatsune Junzo , Yamasaki Eiki , Nakayama Masaaki , Shirasaka Daisuke , Kurazono Hisao , Katagata Yohtaro , Inoue Hiroyasu , Han Jiahuai , Sap Jan , Yahiro Kinnosuke , Moss Joel , Hirayama Toshiya
Published: June 2007

Treatment of AZ-521 cells with
Helicobacter pylori
VacA increased cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) mRNA in a time- and dose-dependent manner. A p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor, SB203580, blocked elevation of COX-2 mRNA levels, whereas PD98059, which blocks the Erk1/2 cascade, partially suppressed the increase. Consistent with involvement of p38 MAPK, VacA-induced accumulation of COX-2 mRNA was reduced in AZ-521 cells overexpressing a dominant-negative p38 MAPK (DN-p38). Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, which inhibits VacA-induced p38 MAPK activation, blocked VacA-induced COX-2 expression. In parallel with COX-2 expression, VacA increased prostaglandin E
2
(PGE
2
) production, which was inhibited by SB203580 and NS-398, a COX-2 inhibitor. VacA-induced PGE
2
production was markedly attenuated in AZ-521 cells stably expressing DN-p38. VacA increased transcription of a COX-2 promoter reporter gene and activated a COX-2 promoter containing mutated NF-κB or NF-interleukin-6 sites but not a mutated
cis
-acting replication element (CRE) site, suggesting direct involvement of the activating transcription factor 2 (ATF-2)/CREB-binding region in VacA-induced COX-2 promoter activation. The reduction of ATF-2 expression in AZ-521 cells transformed with ATF-2-small interfering RNA duplexes resulted in suppression of COX-2 expression. Thus, VacA enhances PGE
2
production by AZ-521 cells through induction of COX-2 expression via the p38 MAPK/ATF-2 cascade, leading to activation of the CRE site in the COX-2 promoter.
The Capsule Encoding theviaBLocus Reduces Interleukin-17 Expression and Mucosal Innate Responses in the Bovine Intestinal Mucosa during Infection withSalmonella entericaSerotype Typhi
Authors: Raffatellu Manuela , Santos Renato L. , Chessa Daniela , Wilson R. Paul , Winter Sebastian E. , Rossetti Carlos A. , Lawhon Sara D. , Chu Hiutung , Lau Tsang , Bevins Charles L. , Adams L. Garry , Bäumler Andreas J.
Published: June 2007

TheviaBlocus contains genes for the biosynthesis and export of the Vi capsular antigen ofSalmonella entericaserotype Typhi. Wild-type serotype Typhi induces less CXC chemokine production in tissue culture models than does an isogenicviaBmutant. Here we investigated the in vivo relevance of these observations by determining whether the presence of theviaBregion prevents inflammation in two animal models of gastroenteritis. UnlikeS. entericaserotype Typhimurium, serotype Typhi or a serotype TyphiviaBmutant did not elicit marked inflammatory changes in the streptomycin-pretreated mouse model. In contrast, infection of bovine ligated ileal loops with a serotype TyphiviaBmutant resulted in more fluid accumulation and higher expression of the chemokine growth-related oncogene alpha (GROα) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) than did infection with the serotype Typhi wild type. There was a marked upregulation of IL-17 expression in both the bovine ligated ileal loop model and the streptomycin-pretreated mouse model, suggesting that this cytokine is an important component of the inflammatory response to infection withSalmonellaserotypes. Introduction of the clonedviaBregion into serotype Typhimurium resulted in a significant reduction of GROα and IL-17 expression and in reduced fluid secretion. Our data support the idea that theviaBregion plays a role in reducing intestinal inflammation in vivo.
KINETICS OF OSTWALD RIPENING: CROSSOVER FROM WAGNER'S MODE TO THE LIFSHITZ–SLEZOV MODE
Authors: YU. GUBANOV P. , MAKSIMOV I. L. , MOROZOV V. P.
Published: June 2007

The kinetics of the Ostwald ripening in a homogeneous supersaturated solution is studied both numerically and analytically. The time evolution of the grain-size distribution function in a new phase is theoretically described, taking into account the finite value of the maximal size of a grain. Two situations are considered: the kinetics of grain growth is controlled either by the grain-monomer reaction process (an early stage) or by the monomer diffusion process (a late stage). A transition to the final distribution is shown to take place through an intermediate-asymptotical mode of the Ostwald ripening kinetics, the crossover of the kinetic indices is demonstrated, and the duration of intermediate stage is evaluated.
MICROWAVE ABSORPTION AND HIGH-FIELD JOSEPHSON MAGNETIC RESONANCE IN HIGH-Tc SUPERCONDUCTORS
Authors: BELEVTSOV L. V. , D'YACHENKO A. I. , KOSTIKOV A. A.
Published: June 2007

The possibility of high-field Josephson magnetic resonance (HFJMR) in high-T c superconductors (HTSCs) is theoretically demonstrated. The HFJMR is caused by the penetration of Abrikosov vortices into the grains in fields within H c1 ≤H<Hx (where H c1 is the first critical field and Hx is the field corresponding to vortex separation from pinning centers in the grains). The signals from microwave absorption is dependent on the ratio of grain sizes that produces junction, the anisotropy and the intergrain coupling strength. These properties can be used for investigations of HTSC macrostructures and a vortex matter.
TRAFFIC CONGESTION ANALYSIS IN COMPLEX NETWORKS BASED ON VARIOUS ROUTING STRATEGIES
Authors: GUO XUAN , LU HONGTAO
Published: June 2007

Networks, acting as infrastructure for information communication, play an important role in modern society, therefore, the elements affecting the efficiency of network traffic are worthy of deep research. In this paper, we investigate numerically the problem of traffic congestion in complex networks through the use of various routing strategies. Three types of complex networks structures, namely Poisson random networks, small-world networks and scale-free networks, are considered. Three different routing strategies are used on networks: deterministic routing strategy, preferential routing strategy and shortest path routing strategy. We evaluate the efficiency of different routing strategies on different network topologies and show how the network structures and routing strategies influence the traffic congestion status.
HOW OFTEN DOES THE PARRONDO EFFECT APPEAR?
Authors: CRISAN GLORIA CERASELA , NECHITA ELENA , TALMACIU MIHAI
Published: June 2007

It is already known that two simple losing games can derive a winning game when randomly combined. This special behaviour is known as Parrondo's Paradox, or the Parrondo effect. In this paper we estimate the volume of the parameter space that determines the Parrondo effect. In other words, how often two randomly chosen games are losing while their proper combination is leading to a winning game. Results for a typical class of relevant games indicate that the Parrondo effect is very unusual, because it appears with a probability of 0.0306%. By adding two more dimensions to the parameter space, the family of regions that exhibit the Parrondo effect is studied.
JAMMING DYNAMICS IN GRAIN MIXTURES: AN EXTENDED HYDRODYNAMIC APPROACH
Authors: SINHA SUPURNA
Published: June 2007

We study jamming in granular mixtures from the novel point of view of extended hydrodynamics. Using a hard sphere binary mixture model we predict that a few large grains are expected to get caged more effectively in a matrix of small grains compared to a few small grains in a matrix of larger ones. A similar effect has been experimentally seen in the context of colloidal mixtures.
ASSOCIATION OF URACIL WITH Zn2+ AND THE HYDRATED Zn2+: A DFT INVESTIGATION
Authors: WANG NANA , LI PING , HU YI , BU YUXIANG , WANG WEIHUA , XIE XIAOYAN
Published: June 2007

The association behaviors between Uracil and Zn 2+ in vacuum and in the presence of extra water molecules have been investigated systematically using the density functional theory (DFT). In these systems, the interaction of Zn 2+ with the carbonyl oxygen O 4 is systematically favored relative to O 2. For Uracil- Zn 2+ complexes, the more stable coordination mode among the possible complexes corresponds to the bidentate one, where the monodentate coordination mode is about 37 kcal/mol higher in energy relative to the bidentate case. Correspondingly, the stabilities of these structures are enhanced due to the formations of the four-membered chelate ring in the bidentate coordination processes. In the monodentate coordination complexes, the hydration effects are larger than those in the bidentate coordination complexes. The most basic center in the Uracil remains the same regardless of whether introducing the water molecules to Zn 2+ or not. The calculated Zn 2+ bonding energies in Uracil- Zn 2+( H 2 O ) complexes are reduced in comparison to those of the unhydrated Uracil- Zn 2+ complexes. Moreover, investigations of stepwise hydration of Zn 2+ in the most stable Uracil- Zn 2+ complex suggest that the successive hydration effect on the Zn 2+ site can enhance the strength of C = O bond in the Uracil- Zn 2+ complexes and reduce the association interaction of Uracil with Zn 2+. Additionally, the most acidic site of Uracil has been changed from N 1- to N 3– H group before and after introducing the Zn 2+ and there is a significant increase in the overall acidity of the system.
PHOTODETACHMENT ofH- NEAR A SOFT WALL
Authors: YANG GUANGCAN , ZHENG YIZHUANG , CHI XIANXING
Published: June 2007

We investigate the photodetachment of H - near an inelastic interface semiclassically. It is found that the inelasticity of an interface has significant influence on the photodetachment process. We have derived an analytical formula of the cross section of photodetachment. The spectrum of photodetachment consists of a smooth background and a sinusoidal oscillation whose frequency depends on the electronic energy, the reflection of the wall and the distance between the ion and the wall.