bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severe immune haemolytic anaemia due to ceftriaxone in a patient with congenital nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Reis Boto Maria Leonor , Sandes Ana Rita , Brites Anabela , Silva Susana , Stone Rosário , Almeida Margarida
Published: March 2011

Aim:  To describe the first case of ceftriaxone‐related haemolysis in a patient with congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS).

Background:  Severe haemolysis caused by an immune reaction to ceftriaxone has mostly been described in patients with underlying haematological or immune dysfunction.

Case report:  The authors present a 20‐month‐old boy with CNS of the Finnish type with several previous severe infections treated with ceftriaxone, admitted for suspected sepsis. Following ceftriaxone administration he developed shock secondary to an acute haemolytic reaction, with severe anaemia. Hypersensitivity to ceftriaxone was documented through positive agglutination tests.

Conclusion:  Onset of haemolysis following ceftriaxone administration, particularly in a patient previously exposed to the drug, must raise the suspicion of a possible immune reaction.
Clinical Evaluation of Split‐Crest Technique with Ultrasonic Bone Surgery for Narrow Ridge Expansion: Status of Soft and Hard Tissues and Implant Success
Authors: Anitua Eduardo , Begoña Leire , Orive Gorka
Published: March 2011

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the split‐crest technique with ultrasonic bone surgery for implant placement in patients with narrow ridges, focusing on the status of soft and hard tissues and on implant success rate, at least 6 months after implant loading.

Materials and Methods: During September 2007 and November 2008, 15 patients received 37 implants (BTI implants) with split‐crest surgical procedure using ultrasonic bone surgery. Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF®) was applied during split crest procedure to promote tissue regeneration. Implant surfaces were humidified with PRGF to accelerate osseointegration. Patients were recalled for a final clinical evaluation at least 6 months after implant loading. Clinical assessment included the status of soft and hard tissues around implants, and implants' success rate.

Results: Thirty‐seven implants in 15 patients were evaluated between July 2009 and January 2010. The status of soft tissues was very good, showing adequate plaque index, bleeding index, and probing depth values. Success rate of implants at the end of follow‐up (between 11 and 28 months after insertion) was 100%. Bone ridge was measured and compared at final examination showing a mean ridge expansion of 3.35 mm (SD: 0.34).

Conclusions: Split‐crest with ultrasonic bone surgery can be considered an effective and safe procedure for narrow ridge expansion.
Effect of Autologous Growth Factors in Maxillary Sinus Augmentation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Del Fabbro Massimo , Bortolin Monica , Taschieri Silvio , Weinstein Roberto L.
Published: March 2011

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to systematically evaluate the effect of autogenous platelet concentrates on the clinical and histomorphometric outcomes of maxillary sinus augmentation.

Materials and Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched using a combination of specific search terms. Furthermore, a hand searching of the relevant journals and of the bibliographies of reviews was performed. Prospective comparative clinical studies were included. Implant survival and histomorphometric outcomes were evaluated.

Results: Twelve studies were included. Four hundred forty‐five sinus floor augmentation procedures were considered. No difference in implant survival was reported between test and control groups. Six studies reported a beneficial effect of platelet concentrates based on histomorphometric outcomes, while another six studies found no significant effect. A large heterogeneity was found regarding study design, surgical techniques, graft materials, clinical and histomorphometric outcome variables, and methods for preparing platelet concentrates. Favorable effects on soft tissue healing and postoperative discomfort reduction were often reported but not quantified.

Conclusions: A clear advantage of platelet concentrates could not be evidenced. Standardization in the experimental design is needed in order to detect the true effect of platelet concentrates in maxillary sinus augmentation procedure, especially regarding postoperative quality of life.
Implants Inserted with Low Insertion Torque Values for Intraoral Welded Full‐Arch Prosthesis: 1‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Degidi Marco , Daprile Giuseppe , Piattelli Adriano
Published: March 2011

Objectives: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the osteointegration and crestal bone remodeling after 1 year around implants for intraoral welded immediate full‐arch prosthesis inserted with low insertion torque (IT) values.

Material and Methods: The study was conducted from June 2008 to September 2010. Patients were eligible for the study if they needed an immediate intraoral welded implant‐supported full‐arch fixed prosthesis and received three or more implants with an IT ≤20 Ncm and two or more implants with IT ≥25 and ≤50. For each implant, peak IT was recorded during insertion surgery; periapical x‐rays were taken at the time of surgery and again after 12 months. Finally, it was recorded whether an implant was lost or removed (within 12 months from insertion surgery).

Results: Thirteen patients were included in the study; the prosthesis presented the following number of implants: nine with six implants and four with seven implants. A totand al of 82 implants were inserted: 51 implants presented an IT ≤20 Ncm (test group), 31 implants presented an IT ≥25 and ≤50 Ncm (control group). Each prosthesis presented at least three test implants and two control implants. The survival rate after 1 year was 98% for the test and 100% for the control group. The mean distance between the fixture‐abutment junction and the bone crest was 0.1 ± 0.8 mm for test and 0.2 ± 0.5 mm for control group at implant insertion. After 12 months, it was 0.7 ± 0.9 mm for test group and 0.8 ± 0.6 mm for control group. The differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, the results suggested that rigid framework splinting can be a viable technique to improve success rate of implants with low primary stability using immediate loading protocols for full‐arch prosthesis.
On the alignment of debris discs and their host stars' rotation axis — implications for spin-orbit misalignment in exoplanetary systems
Authors: Watson C. A. , Littlefair S. P. , Diamond C. , Cameron A. Collier , Fitzsimmons A. , Simpson E. , Moulds V. , Pollacco D.
Published: March 2011

It has been widely thought that measuring the misalignment angle between the orbital plane of a transiting exoplanet and the spin of its host star was a good discriminator between different migration processes for hot-Jupiters. Specifically, well-aligned hot-Jupiter systems (as measured by the Rossiter–McLaughlin effect) were thought to have formed via migration through interaction with a viscous disc, while misaligned systems were thought to have undergone a more violent dynamical history. These conclusions were based on the assumption that the planet-forming disc was well-aligned with the host star. Recent work by a number of authors has challenged this assumption by proposing mechanisms that act to drive the star–disc interaction out of alignment during the pre-main-sequence phase. We have estimated the stellar rotation axis of a sample of stars which host spatially resolved debris discs. Comparison of our derived stellar rotation axis inclination angles with the geometrically measured debris–disc inclinations shows no evidence for a misalignment between the two.
Diagnosing timing error in WMAP data
Authors: Liu Hao , Xiong Shao-Lin , Li Ti-Pei
Published: March 2011

The Doppler dipole signal dominates the cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropy maps obtained by the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) mission, and plays a key role throughout the data processing. Previously, we discovered a timing asynchronism of −25.6ms between the timestamps of the spacecraft attitude and radiometer output in the original raw WMAP time-ordered data (TOD), which, if not corrected during data processing, would generate an artificial quadrupole component (l= 2) in recovered CMB maps (Liu, Xiong & Li 2010). Recently, Roukema (2010b) proves that there does exist a timing offset-induced error corresponding to about −25.6ms in the WMAP calibrated TOD, by studying the fluctuation variance per pixel in the temperature map recovered from the TOD as a function of assumed timing offset. Here, we find evidence directly in the WMAP TOD for such an uncorrected timing error, which possibly occurred in calculating the Doppler dipole signal during the WMAP team's TOD data processing. The amplitude is highly significant and is consistent with previous work. We also show that the uncorrected timing offset can lead the WMAP CMB quadrupole to be substantially overestimated.
Is Distance to Provider a Barrier to Care for Medicaid Patients With Breast, Colorectal, or Lung Cancer?
Authors: Scoggins John F. , Fedorenko Catherine R. , Donahue Sara M. A. , Buchwald Dedra , Blough David K. , Ramsey Scott D.
Published: March 2011

Purpose: Distance to provider might be an important barrier to timely diagnosis and treatment for cancer patients who qualify for Medicaid coverage. Whether driving time or driving distance is a better indicator of travel burden is also of interest.

Methods: Driving distances and times from patient residence to primary care provider were calculated for 3,917 breast, colorectal (CRC) and lung cancer Medicaid patients in Washington State from 1997 to 2003 using MapQuest.com. We fitted regression models of stage at diagnosis and time‐to‐treatment (number of days between diagnosis and surgery) to test the hypothesis that travel burden is associated with timely diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Findings: Later stage at diagnosis for breast cancer Medicaid patients is associated with travel burden (OR = 1.488 per 100 driving miles, P= .037 and OR = 1.270 per driving hour, P= .016). Time‐to‐treatment after diagnosis of CRC is also associated with travel burden (14.57 days per 100 driving miles, P= .002 and 5.86 days per driving hour, P= .018).

Conclusions: Although travel burden is associated with timely diagnosis and treatment for some types of cancer, we did not find evidence that driving time was, in general, better at predicting timeliness of cancer diagnosis and treatment than driving distance. More intensive efforts at early detection of breast cancer and early treatment of CRC for Medicaid patients who live in remote areas may be needed.
Experimental transmission of avian‐like swine H1N1 influenza virus between immunologically naïve and vaccinated pigs
Authors: Lloyd Lucy E. , Jonczyk Magdalena , Jervis Carley M. , Flack Deborah J. , Lyall John , Foote Alasdair , Mumford Jennifer A. , Brown Ian H. , Wood James L. , Elton Debra M.
Published: March 2011

Please cite this paper as: Lloyd et al. (2011) Experimental transmission of avian‐like swine H1N1 influenza virus between immunologically naïve and vaccinated pigs. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 5(5), 357–364.

Background  Infection of pigs with swine influenza has been studied experimentally and in the field; however, little information is available on the natural transmission of this virus in pigs. Two studies in an experimental transmission model are presented here, one in immunologically naïve and one in a combination of vaccinated and naïve pigs.

Objectives  To investigate the transmission of a recent ‘avian‐like’ swine H1N1 influenza virus in naive piglets, to assess the antibody response to a commercially available vaccine and to determine the efficiency of transmission in pigs after vaccination.

Methods  Transmission chains were initiated by intranasal challenge of two immunologically naïve pigs. Animals were monitored daily for clinical signs and virus shedding. Pairs of pigs were sequentially co‐housed, and once virus was detected in recipients, prior donors were removed. In the vaccination study, piglets were vaccinated and circulating antibody levels were monitored by haemagglutination inhibition assay. To study transmission in vaccinates, a pair of infected immunologically naïve animals was co‐housed with vaccinated recipient pigs and further pairs of vaccinates were added sequentially as above. The chain was completed by the addition of naive pigs.

Results and conclusions  Transmission of the H1N1 virus was achieved through a chain of six pairs of naïve piglets and through four pairs of vaccinated animals. Transmission occurred with minimal clinical signs and, in vaccinates, at antibody levels higher than previously reported to protect against infection.
Cross‐ethnic differences in severity of symptomatology of individuals with first‐episode schizophrenia spectrum disorder
Authors: Lim Caroline S. , Subramaniam Mythily , Poon Lye Yin , Chong Siow Ann , Verma Swapna
Published: March 2011

Aims: The aims of this study were to describe the relationship between ethnicity and severity of baseline symptomatology in a sample of Asian individuals with first‐episode schizophrenia spectrum disorder, and to determine if ethnicity predicts severity of symptomatology independent of gender, duration of untreated illness, premorbid functioning, and age of illness onset.

Methods: This descriptive study included all Chinese, Malay and Indian individuals consecutively admitted into an early intervention programme for treatment of first‐episode schizophrenia spectrum disorder. Comparisons of mean scores among the three ethnic groups were performed using analysis of variance, while chi‐squared tests were used to compare proportions. Subsequent pair‐wise comparisons were performed with Bonferroni corrected statistic to examine specific ethnic group differences. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to identify factors significantly associated with the severity of different clinical dimensions of schizophrenia measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).

Results: The analyses involved 503 individuals. The mean PANSS scores were significantly different between the ethnic groups across the PANSS subscales. A post‐hoc analysis showed that Malays scored significantly higher than Chinese did across the PANSS subscales. Malays also scored significantly higher than Indians did on the negative scale and the general psychopathology scale. Being Malay compared with Chinese consistently predicted more severe positive, negative and general psychopathology symptoms.

Discussion: The results indicated that the severity of baseline symptomatology of individuals with first‐episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders differed by ethnicity. Premorbid functioning appears to act as a potential mediator of the effects of ethnicity on the severity of psychotic symptoms.
Characteristics and Genetic Analysis of the Deep‐buried Weathered‐crust Karst Hydrocarbon Reservoirs of the Lower Paleozoic Group in the Tarim Basin
Authors: Jiayu GU , Xingyang ZHANG , Hui FANG
Published: March 2011

Abstract  The genetic analysis of the deep‐buried reservoirs of the Lower Paleozoic carbonate rocks in the Tarim basin is a difficult task involving many factors. Firstly, the object of study is carbonate rocks, which have undergone a long term of modification. Secondly, the rocks are deeply buried with depths of 3800–7000 m in the Tarim basin. The primary reservoir properties formed in the deposition have been strongly modified during the deep burial process. Concurrently, the different burial depths in different areas result in diversities of burial temperature, pressure, underground water, hydrochemistry and various physicochemical changes, which further lead to differences in the diagenetic type, diagenetic property, diagenetic degree and their impacts on the reservoir properties. The Lower Paleozoic Cambrian and Ordovician carbonate reservoirs in the Tarim basin can be grouped into four types, i.e., paleo‐weathered‐crust reservoirs, reef reservoirs, buried karst reservoirs and dolomite reservoirs. This paper presents a detailed discussion on the vertical and horizontal distribution characteristics, morphological division, reservoir properties and the efficiency in accumulating hydrocarbons of the paleo‐weathered‐crust type. Furthermore, its genesis is also analyzed. We proposed that the composition of the carbonate rocks, the tectonic movement with associated fractures and fissures, the paleomorphology and paleoclimate, the sea level fluctuation, and the protection of the pores and fissures by the deep burial diagenesis and burial dissolution are the main factors controlling the formation of the paleo‐weathered‐crust reservoirs. We also consider that the petroleum exploration of the Lower Paleozoic carbonate rocks should be focused on the paleo‐weathered‐crust reservoirs.
Relationship between lipophilicity and absorption from the liver surface of paraben derivatives and antipyrine in rats
Authors: Nishida Koyo , Kobayashi Masanori , Miyamoto Hirotaka , Yoshikawa Naoki , Fumoto Shintaro , Sasaki Hitoshi , Nakamura Junzo
Published: March 2011

Objectives

The importance of drug lipophilicity on absorption from the liver surface was examined in rats using paraben derivatives, antipyrine, Sudan III, and Sudan blue.

Methods

The log partition coefficient (PC) of n-octanol/water ranged from −1.39 to 4.62. The compounds were applied to the rat liver surface using a cylindrical diffusion cell (i.d. 9 mm).

Key findings

The rate of absorption at 15 min was calculated to be 13.9% for paraben, much lower than that for its derivatives methylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben (∼80%). The obtained first-order absorption rate constant (ka) of paraben, methylparaben, propylparaben and antipyrine increased according to lipophilicity. Further lipophilicity resulted in a fall in ka, implying the importance of affinity for lipids and water in absorption from the liver surface. Thus, a compound with a log PC of around 2.5 is considered to have maximum absorbability from the rat liver surface. A good relationship (r2 = 0.97) was recognized between the log ka and log reciprocal value with the square root of molecular weight of the compounds with a log PC below 2.5.

Conclusions

The rate of absorption of a drug from the liver surface could be estimated from physicochemical properties such as lipophilicity and molecular weight.
What is the best model for girls and boys faced with a standardized mathematics evaluation situation: A hardworking role model or a gifted role model?
Authors: Bagès Céline , Martinot Delphine
Published: March 2011

Same‐gender role models are likely to improve girls’ math performance. This field experiment examined whether the explanation given for a role model's success also influence children's math performance. Fifth graders were presented with a female or a male role model before a difficult math test and were informed about the cause of his/her math success (effort vs. ability vs. no explanation). The results showed that the gender of a hardworking role model did not influence math performance. In contrast, when the role model's success was not explained or explained by abilities, children performed better with the female role model than with the male role model. The hardworking role model and the female role model allowed reducing stereotype threat among girls.
Methodologies on Hull Girder Ultimate Strength Assessment of FPSOS
Authors: Wang Xiaozhi , Sun Haihong , Yao Tetsuya , Fujikubo Masahiko , Basu Roger
Published: March 2011

Floating production, storage, and offloading systems (FPSOs) have been widely used for the development of offshore oil and gas fields because of their many attractive features. They are mostly ship-shaped and either converted from existing tankers or purpose-built. However, FPSOs have their own unique characteristics, including various operational requirements. In addition to that, the expectation of safety and economic aspects of FPSOs require an optimized structure to be designed. This calls for reliable structural assessment methodologies. One of the most important aspects of FPSO structural design and assessment is the hull girder ultimate strength. In this paper, different methodologies of hull girder ultimate strength assessment will be introduced and numerical calculations of hull girder ultimate strength will be presented based on six different FPSO designs. The results will then be analyzed in terms of their differences, and conclusions will be made based upon reliable methodologies for hull girder ultimate strength assessment of FPSOs.
Performance Measure of Residual Vibration Control
Authors: Kang Chul-Goo
Published: March 2011

The robustness of residual vibration control, such as input shaping, has conventionally been evaluated from the ratio of residual vibration amplitude with input shaping to that without input shaping at the time of the final impulse. However, in that robustness evaluation, vibration-suppressing speed due to each residual vibration control has not been considered, which is also an important aspect of residual vibration control. In this paper, a performance measure including robustness to modeling errors and the effect of vibration-suppressing speed is defined, and the validity of the performance measure is demonstrated by simulations and experimental works.
The Property and Performance Differences Between Catalyst Coated Membrane and Catalyst Coated Diffusion Media
Authors: Fultz Derek W. , Chuang Po-Ya Abel
Published: March 2011

Two fuel cell architectures, differing only by the surfaces onto which the electrodes were applied, have been analyzed to determine the root causes of dissimilarities in performance. The basic proton exchange membrane fuel cell is comprised of the proton transporting membrane, platinum-containing anode and cathode electrodes, porous carbon fiber gas diffusion media (GDM), and flow fields that deliver the reactant hydrogen and air flows. As no optimal cell design currently exists, there is a degree of latitude regarding component assembly and structure. Catalyst coated diffusion media (CCDM) refers to a cell architecture option where the electrode layers are coated on the GDM layers and then hot pressed to the membrane. Catalyst coated membrane (CCM) refers to an architecture where the electrodes are transferred directly onto the membrane. A cell with CCDM architecture has tightly bonded interfaces throughout the assembly, which can result in lower thermal and electrical contact resistances. Considering the fuel cell as a 1D thermal system, the through-plane thermal resistance was observed to decrease by 5–10% when comparing CCDM to CCM architectures. This suggests that the thermal contact resistance at the electrode interfaces was significantly reduced in the hot-press process. In addition, the electrical contact resistances between the electrode and GDM were observed to be significantly reduced with a CCDM architecture. This study shows that these effects, which have a potential to increase performance, can be attributed to the hot-press lamination process and use of CCDM architecture.
Spontaneous Ferroelectric Order in a Bent-Core Smectic Liquid Crystal of Fluid Orthorhombic Layers
Authors: Reddy R. Amaranatha , Zhu Chenhui , Shao Renfan , Korblova Eva , Gong Tao , Shen Yongqiang , Garcia Edgardo , Glaser Matthew A. , Maclennan Joseph E. , Walba David M. , Clark Noel A.
Published: March 2011

The ferroelectric properties of bent-core liquid crystalline molecules emerge from ordering within the smectic layers.
Thermochronometry Reveals Headward Propagation of Erosion in an Alpine Landscape
Authors: Shuster David L. , Cuffey Kurt M. , Sanders Johnny W. , Balco Greg
Published: March 2011

Glacial troughs in New Zealand mountains developed by propagation of erosion up valleys.
Beyond Predictions: Biodiversity Conservation in a Changing Climate
Authors: Dawson Terence P. , Jackson Stephen T. , House Joanna I. , Prentice Iain Colin , Mace Georgina M.
Published: March 2011

Climate change is predicted to become a major threat to biodiversity in the 21st century, but accurate predictions and effective solutions have proved difficult to formulate. Alarming predictions have come from a rather narrow methodological base, but a new, integrated science of climate-change biodiversity assessment is emerging, based on multiple sources and approaches. Drawing on evidence from paleoecological observations, recent phenological and microevolutionary responses, experiments, and computational models, we review the insights that different approaches bring to anticipating and managing the biodiversity consequences of climate change, including the extent of species’ natural resilience. We introduce a framework that uses information from different sources to identify vulnerability and to support the design of conservation responses. Although much of the information reviewed is on species, our framework and conclusions are also applicable to ecosystems, habitats, ecological communities, and genetic diversity, whether terrestrial, marine, or fresh water.
Danger, Microbes, and Homeostasis
Authors: Lazzaro Brian P. , Rolff Jens
Published: March 2011

Hosts may modulate their immune response by measuring a combination of signals from pathogens and damaged tissue.
The C-Terminal Domain of RNA Polymerase II Is Modified by Site-Specific Methylation
Authors: Sims Robert J. , Rojas Luis Alejandro , Beck David , Bonasio Roberto , Schüller Roland , Drury William J. , Eick Dirk , Reinberg Danny
Published: March 2011

The expression of small nuclear RNAs and small nucleolar RNAs is regulated by modification at a single arginine residue.
An Innate Role for IL-17
Authors: Dominguez-Villar Margarita , Hafler David A.
Published: March 2011

Human genetic mutations point to a cytokine as critical for fighting a fungal infection.
George Bugliarello (1927–2011)
Authors: Juran Ilan , Falcocchio John
Published: March 2011

The creative vision of a civil engineer to turn universities into driving forces of innovation spawned new design concepts for inner-city renewal, industrial parks, and sustainable cities.
LIFE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES: Lab Devices Get Smaller, More Intuitive, Less Expensive
Authors: Harding Anne
Published: March 2011

New instruments that are easier to use, take up less space, and do more work are changing research labs for the better.
Artificial Leaf Turns Sunlight Into a Cheap Energy Source
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: March 2011

For the first time, researchers have created a potentially cheap, practical artificial leaf that uses sunlight to knit chemical bonds.
Army Missed Warning Signs About Alleged Anthrax Mailer
Authors: Bhattacharjee Yudhijit
Published: March 2011

A new report detailing the mental health problems of U.S. Army researcher Bruce Ivins, the alleged perpetrator of the 2001 anthrax attacks, blames the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases for not scrutinizing Ivins's background adequately before hiring him and providing him with the security clearances that allowed him to work with anthrax.
The Rise of Animal Law
Authors: Miller Greg
Published: March 2011

Will growing interest in how the legal system deals with animals ultimately lead to changes for researchers?
Girth and the Gut (Bacteria)
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: March 2011

Mouse and human studies are beginning to clarify the role gut bacteria play in obesity.
A DNA Vaccine for Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Delivered by Intramuscular Electroporation Elicits High Levels of Neutralizing Antibodies in Multiple Animal Models and Provides Protective Immunity to Mice and Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Dupuy Lesley C. , Richards Michelle J. , Ellefsen Barry , Chau Lillian , Luxembourg Alain , Hannaman Drew , Livingston Brian D. , Schmaljohn Connie S.
Published: March 2011

We evaluated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a DNA vaccine expressing codon-optimized envelope glycoprotein genes of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) when delivered by intramuscular electroporation. Mice vaccinated with the DNA vaccine developed robust VEEV-neutralizing antibody responses that were comparable to those observed after administration of the live-attenuated VEEV vaccine TC-83 and were completely protected from a lethal aerosol VEEV challenge. The DNA vaccine also elicited strong neutralizing antibody responses in rabbits that persisted at high levels for at least 6 months and could be boosted by a single additional electroporation administration of the DNA performed approximately 6 months after the initial vaccinations. Cynomolgus macaques that received the vaccine by intramuscular electroporation developed substantial neutralizing antibody responses and after an aerosol challenge had no detectable serum viremia and had reduced febrile reactions, lymphopenia, and clinical signs of disease compared to those of negative-control macaques. Taken together, our results demonstrate that this DNA vaccine provides a potent means of protecting against VEEV infections and represents an attractive candidate for further development.
Diagnostic Potential of an Enzyme-Linked Immunospot Assay in Tuberculous Pericarditis
Authors: Bathoorn E. , Limburg A. , Bouwman J. J. , Bossink A. W. , Thijsen S. F.
Published: March 2011

Tuberculous pericarditis is a rare disease in developed countries. The diagnosis is difficult to set since there are no robust rapid tests, and culture of pericardial fluid forMycobacterium tuberculosisis often negative. T-SPOT.TB, an enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) test, measures the gamma interferon response of lymphocytes against tuberculosis antigens and can be performed on blood and body fluids. We describe a patient with tuberculous pericarditis for which the diagnosis was rapidly set by positive T-SPOT.TBresults, which were confirmed by isolation ofMycobacterium tuberculosisin pericardial fluid culture. We performed a literature search to assess the diagnostic potential of ELISPOT testing in tuberculous pericarditis. The limited data on this subject indicate that T-SPOT.TBaids in diagnosing active tuberculosis (TB) infection and results in a more rapid decision to start antituberculosis treatment. Enumerating TB-specific lymphocytes and testing blood/compartmental fluid simultaneously can provide useful information on active tuberculous pericarditis.
Outer Membrane Protein Complex of Meningococcus Enhances the Antipolysaccharide Antibody Response to Pneumococcal Polysaccharide–CRM197Conjugate Vaccine
Authors: Lai Zengzu , Schreiber John R.
Published: March 2011

Bacterial polysaccharides (PS) are T cell-independent antigens that do not induce immunologic memory and are poor immunogens in infants. Conjugate vaccines in which the PS is covalently linked to a carrier protein have enhanced immunogenicity that resembles that of T cell-dependent antigens. TheHaemophilus influenzaetype b (Hib) conjugate vaccine, which uses the outer membrane protein complex (OMPC) from meningococcus as a carrier protein, elicits protective levels of anti-capsular PS antibody (Ab) after a single dose, in contrast to other conjugate vaccines, which require multiple doses. We have previously shown that OMPC robustly engages Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and enhances the early anti-Hib PS Ab titer associated with an increase in TLR2-mediated induction of cytokines. We now show that the addition of OMPC to the 7-valent pneumococcal PS-CRM197conjugate vaccine during immunization significantly increases the anti-PS IgG and IgM responses to most serotypes of pneumococcus contained in the vaccine. The addition of OMPC also increased the likelihood of anti-PS IgG3 production against serotypes 4, 6B, 9V, 18C, 19F, and 23F. Splenocytes from mice who had received OMPC with the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine produced significantly more interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) than splenocytes from mice who received phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) plus the conjugate vaccine. We conclude that OMPC enhances the anti-PS Ab response to pneumococcal PS-CRM197conjugate vaccine, an effect associated with a distinct change in cytokine profile. It may be possible to reduce the number of conjugate vaccine doses required to achieve protective Ab levels by priming with adjuvants that are TLR2 ligands.
Effect on Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses of the AS03 Adjuvant System in an A/H1N1/2009 Influenza Virus Vaccine Administered to Adults during Two Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Roman François , Clément Frédéric , Dewé Walthère , Walravens Karl , Maes Cathy , Willekens Julie , De Boever Fien , Hanon Emmanuel , Leroux-Roels Geert
Published: March 2011

The influence of AS03A, a tocopherol oil-in-water emulsion-based adjuvant system, on humoral and cell-mediated responses to A/California/7/2009 H1N1 pandemic vaccine was investigated. In two observer-blind studies, a total of 261 healthy adults aged 18 to 60 years were randomized to receive either AS03A-adjuvanted H1N1 vaccine containing 3.75 μg hemagglutinin (HA) or nonadjuvanted H1N1 vaccine containing 15 or 3.75 μg HA on days 0 and 21. Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody and T-cell responses were analyzed up to day 42. A first dose of AS03A-adjuvanted vaccine (3.75 μg HA) or nonadjuvanted vaccine (15 μg HA) induced HI responses of similar magnitudes that exceeded licensure criteria (e.g., 94 to 100% with titers of ≥40). A lower response following 3.75 μg HA without adjuvant was observed (73% with titers of ≥40). Following a second dose, geometric mean HI titers at day 42 were higher for AS03A-adjuvanted vaccine (636 and 637) relative to nonadjuvanted vaccine (341 for 15 μg HA and 150 for 3.75 μg HA). Over the 42-day period, the increase in frequency of A/H1N1/2009-specific CD4+T cells was significantly higher in the adjuvanted group than in the nonadjuvanted group. There was no evidence of correlation between baseline CD4+T-cell frequencies and day 21 HI antibody titers, while there was some correlation (R= 0.35) between day 21 CD4+T-cell frequencies and day 42 HI titers. AS03Aadjuvant enhanced the humoral and CD4+T-cell-mediated responses to A/H1N1/2009 vaccine. Baseline A/H1N1/2009-specific CD4+T-cell frequencies did not predict post-dose 1 antibody responses, but there was some correlation between post-dose 1 CD4+T-cell frequencies and post-dose 2 antibody responses.
Role of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases in Peptidoglycan-Induced Expression of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase and Nitric Oxide in Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages: Extracellular Signal-Related Kinase, a Negative Regulator
Authors: Bhatt Kunal H. , Sodhi Ajit , Chakraborty Rituparna
Published: March 2011

The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the production of nitric oxide (NO) are important host defense mechanisms against pathogens in mononuclear phagocytes. The objectives of this study were to examine the roles of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and transcription factors (nuclear factor-κB [NF-κB] and activating protein 1 [AP-1]) in peptidoglycan (PGN)-induced iNOS expression and NO production in macrophages. PGN is a cell wall component of Gram-positive bacteria that stimulates inflammatory responses bothex vivoandin vivo. PGN stimulates the activation of all three classes of MAPKs, extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38mapkin macrophages, albeit with differential activation kinetics. Using a selective inhibitor of JNK (SP600125) and JNK1/2 small interfering RNA (siRNA) knocked-down macrophages, it was observed that PGN-induced iNOS and NO expression is significantly inhibited. This suggested that JNK MAPK plays an essential role in PGN-induced iNOS expression and NO production. In contrast, inhibition of the ERK pathway using PD98059 dose dependently enhanced PGN-induced iNOS expression and NO production. PGN-induced ERK activation was attenuated in ERK1/2 siRNA knocked-down macrophages; however, NO and iNOS expression were significantly enhanced. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that SP600125 inhibited PGN-induced NF-κB and AP-1 activation, whereas inhibition of the ERK pathway enhanced NF-κB activation, but with no effect on AP-1. These results indicate that the JNK MAPK positively regulate PGN-induced iNOS and NO expression by activating NF-κB and AP-1 transcription factors, whereas the ERK pathway plays a negative regulatory role via affecting NF-κB activity.
Vibrio furnissii: an Unusual Cause of Bacteremia and Skin Lesions after Ingestion of Seafood
Authors: Derber Catherine , Coudron Philip , Tarr Cheryl , Gladney Lori , Turnsek Maryann , Shankaran Shivanjali , Wong Edward
Published: March 2011

Vibrio furnissii
in the blood is rarely reported, which may explain why clinical features of bloodstream infections with this organism have not been described. We describe a patient who developed skin lesions and
V. furnissii
bacteremia and was successfully treated with fluoroquinolones.
V. furnissii
may be a serious pathogen in patients with underlying comorbidities who are exposed to seafood.
Evaluation of Analytical and Preliminary Clinical Performance of Myconostica MycAssay Aspergillus When Testing Serum Specimens for Diagnosis of Invasive Aspergillosis
Authors: White P. Lewis , Perry Michael D. , Moody Adrian , Follett Sarah A. , Morgan Gillian , Barnes Rosemary A.
Published: March 2011

Diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis remains a significant problem. PCR testing may aid diagnosis but is not yet included in disease-defining criteria due to a lack of standardization of assays and methodologies. This study investigated the analytical performance and the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the Myconostica MycAssay Aspergillus PCR (MAP) assay compared to those of a validated in-house
Aspergillus
PCR (IHP) test when testing serum specimens. Serum specimens spiked with
Aspergillus
genomic DNA had a limit of detection equivalent to 5 genomes and a linear dynamic range of 5 to >5 × 10
4
genomes for both assays. When testing clinical specimens (
n
= 170), the MAP assay had a sensitivity of 60 to 70% and a specificity of 90.5 to 100%. The IHP assay had a sensitivity of 50 to 80% and a specificity of 100%. A commercially available
Aspergillus
PCR assay provides a methodology that is standardized and reagents that are quality controlled. This facilitates multicenter evaluation of the clinical utility of PCR diagnosis. The performance of the MAP assay is comparable to that of the IHP assay and to those in previously reported studies evaluating commercial tests (galactomannan enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay).
Uncommon Neosartorya udagawae Fungus as a Causative Agent of Severe Corneal Infection
Authors: Posteraro Brunella , Mattei Romano , Trivella Fausto , Maffei Andrea , Torre Antonio , De Carolis Elena , Posteraro Patrizia , Fadda Giovanni , Sanguinetti Maurizio
Published: March 2011

We report the first documented case of a posttraumatic fungal keratitis caused byNeosartorya udagawae. The patient was empirically treated with fluconazole until a corneal scraping grew anAspergillus fumigatus-like fungus, and itraconazole therapy was then established. A sequence-based approach assigned the isolate to the species. Five months after completion of antifungal therapy, endophthalmitis occurred and orbital exenteration was necessary.
Modifications of Commercial Toxigenic Clostridium difficile PCR Resulting in Improved Economy and Workflow Efficiency
Authors: Munson Erik , Bilbo Dorothy , Paul Mary , Napierala Maureen , Hryciuk Jeanne E.
Published: March 2011

Expense inherent to molecular diagnostics may prevent laboratories from utilizing real-time PCR for
Clostridium difficile
infection. Frozen master mix and overnight aliquot modifications of the BD GeneOhm Cdiff assay failed to impact performance indices compared to the package insert protocol (
P
≥ 0.31), provided accurate results, and decreased reagent expenditure.
Rapid Molecular Strategy for Orbivirus Detection and Characterization
Authors: Palacios Gustavo , Cowled Chris , Bussetti Ana V. , Savji Nazir , Weir Richard , Wick Ivan , Travassos da Rosa Amelia , Calisher Charles H. , Tesh Robert B. , Boyle David , Lipkin W. Ian
Published: March 2011

Orbiviruses infect a wide range of hosts, including humans. The ability to detect them has been hampered by their diversity. Here we present a simple consensus reverse transcription (RT)-PCR method targeting the polymerase gene for orbivirus recognition and characterization. Phylogenetic assignment is achieved by automated Web-based sequence analysis of amplification products.
Evaluation of the Bactec MGIT 960 System in Combination with the MGIT TBc Identification Test for Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex in Respiratory Specimens
Authors: Lu Po-Liang , Yang Yuan-Chieh , Huang Su Chiao , Jenh Yi-Shan , Lin Yao-Cheng , Huang Hsin-Hui , Chang Tsung Chain
Published: March 2011

The sensitivity and specificity of the MGIT TBc identification (TBc ID) test for
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTC) detection in positive Bactec MGIT cultures were 95.2% and 99.2%, respectively. When MTC-positive results obtained from two additional molecular methods were included, the sensitivity of the MGIT TBc ID test was 85.4%, while that of culture was 95.7%.
Increase in Prevalence of Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype 6C at Eight Children's Hospitals in the United States from 1993 to 2009
Authors: Green Morgan C. , Mason Edward O. , Kaplan Sheldon L. , Lamberth Linda B. , Stovall Stephanie H. , Givner Laurence B. , Bradley John S. , Tan Tina Q. , Barson William J. , Hoffman Jill A. , Lin Philana Ling , Hulten Kristina G.
Published: March 2011

Streptococcus pneumoniae
serotype 6C, which was described in 2007, causes invasive disease in adults and children. We investigated the prevalence of 6C among pediatric isolates obtained from eight children's hospitals in the United States.
S. pneumoniae
isolates were identified from a prospective multicenter study (1993 to 2009). Fifty-seven serotype 6C isolates were identified by multiplex PCR and/or Quellung reaction. Five were isolated before 2000, and the prevalence increased over time (
P
< 0.000001). The median patient age was 2.1 years (range, 0.2 to 22.5 years). Clinical presentations included bacteremia (
n
= 24), meningitis (
n
= 7), pneumonia (
n
= 4), abscess/wound (
n
= 3), mastoiditis (
n
= 2), cellulitis (
n
= 2), peritonitis (
n
= 1), septic arthritis (
n
= 1), otitis media (
n
= 10), and sinusitis (
n
= 3). By broth microdilution, 43/44 invasive serotype 6C isolates were susceptible to penicillin (median MIC, 0.015 μg/ml; range, 0.008 to 2 μg/ml); all were susceptible to ceftriaxone (median MIC, 0.015 μg/ml; range, 0.008 to 1 μg/ml). By disk diffusion, 16/44 invasive isolates (36%) were nonsusceptible to erythromycin, 19 isolates (43%) were nonsusceptible to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), and all isolates were clindamycin susceptible. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) revealed 24 sequence types (STs); 9 were new to the MLST database. The two main clonal clusters (CCs) were ST473 and single-locus variants (SLVs) (
n
= 13) and ST1292 and SLVs (
n
= 23). ST1292 and SLVs had decreased antibiotic susceptibility. Serotype 6C causes disease in children in the United States. Emerging CC1292 expressed TMP-SMX resistance and decreased susceptibility to penicillin and ceftriaxone. Continued surveillance is needed to monitor changes in serotype prevalence and possible emergence of antibiotic resistance in pediatric pneumococcal disease.
Determination of Vancomycin and Daptomycin MICs by Different Testing Methods for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kruzel Mark C. , Lewis Cole T. , Welsh Kerry J. , Lewis Evan M. , Dundas Nicola E. , Mohr John F. , Armitige Lisa Y. , Wanger Audrey
Published: March 2011

Vancomycin and daptomycin MICs from 161 isolates of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) were compared using commercial and in-house broth microdilution, Etest, and common automated methods. Vancomycin Etest MICs were higher than those of other methods, whereas the MICs for daptomycin testing were comparable. Vancomycin MICs vary depending on the testing methodology.
Acremonium kiliense: Reappraisal of Its Clinical Significance
Authors: Khan Ziauddin , Al-Obaid Khaled , Ahmad Suhail , Ghani Amal Abdel , Joseph Leena , Chandy Rachel
Published: March 2011

A case of
Acremonium kiliense
peritonitis is described. Diagnosis was established by repeated isolation of the fungus from peritoneal dialysate and by its identification on the basis of morphological characteristics and sequencing of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of ribosomal DNA (rDNA). This report and available literature suggest that
A. kiliense
may have a greater clinical significance than hitherto recognized.
Fungal Scleral Keratitis Caused by Phomopsis phoenicicola
Authors: Gajjar Devarshi U. , Pal Anuradha K. , Parmar Trilok J. , Arora Anshul I. , Ganatra Darshini A. , Kayastha Forum B. , Ghodadra Bharat K. , Vasavada Abhay R.
Published: March 2011

We report a case of scleral keratitis caused by
Phomopsis phoenicicola
. Pterygium surgery was a predisposing factor, and the patient was treated with natamycin and fluconazole eye drops and oral fluconazole. The fungus was identified by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the fungal ribosomal DNA (rDNA) locus and confirmed on the basis of its typical pycnidia and conidia.
Fusarium falciforme Vertebral Abscess and Osteomyelitis: Case Report and Molecular Classification
Authors: Edupuganti Srilatha , Rouphael Nadine , Mehta Aneesh , Eaton Molly , Heller John G. , Bressler Adam , Brandt Mary , O'Donnell Kerry
Published: March 2011

Fusarium
is a ubiquitous mold that can cause superficial infections such as keratitis and onychomycosis in immunocompetent humans; however, infections in immunocompromised hosts can be fatal. We report an unusual case of epidural abscess and vertebral osteomyelitis in a patient with an autoimmune disorder who was on long-term glucocorticoids. Multilocus DNA sequence-based typing revealed that the infection was caused by a novel three-locus haplotype of
Fusarium falciforme
designated FSSC 3+4qqq.
Spread of Pseudomonas fluorescens Due to Contaminated Drinking Water in a Bone Marrow Transplant Unit
Authors: Wong Vanessa , Levi Katrina , Baddal Buket , Turton Jane , Boswell Tim C.
Published: March 2011

Pseudomonas
infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. We present here data for the spread of
Pseudomonas fluorescens
caused by a contaminated drinking water dispenser in a bone marrow transplant unit. Over a 1-month period we observed a sharp increase in the isolation of
P. fluorescens
from weekly pharyngeal surveillance swabs. Environmental samples were taken from a variety of water sources throughout the unit. These samples were cultured on cetrimide agar medium, and isolates were epidemiologically characterized by antibiotic susceptibility patterns and molecular typing methods. Nine patients became colonized with
P. fluorescens
, and six out of the nine developed febrile neutropenia.
P. fluorescens
was cultured after the filtration of 100 ml of drinking water from one of two stand-alone chiller units supplying cooled bottled water to the bone marrow transplant unit. All other environmental samples were negative. There were no further cases of
P. fluorescens
colonization after the contaminated dispenser was removed. Molecular typing showed that all
P. fluorescens
isolates were identical by both random amplification of polymorphic DNA PCR and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. We recommend that such bottled water supplies not be used in high-risk areas or be subject to regular microbiological monitoring.
Strain-Tailored Double-Disk Synergy Test Detects Extended-Spectrum Oxacillinases in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Hocquet Didier , Dehecq Barbara , Bertrand Xavier , Plésiat Patrick
Published: March 2011

The prevalence of class D extended-spectrum oxacillinases (ES-OXAs) in ceftazidime-resistant strains of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is often underestimated by double-disk synergy tests (DDST) using clavulanate. A DDST with a customized distance between a disk of ceftazidime or cefepime and inhibitors (clavulanate and imipenem) detected 14 out of 15 different ES-OXAs.