bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ENTREPRENEURIAL HUMAN CAPITAL AND MICRO AND SMALL BUSINESS IN LAO PDR
Authors: ONPHANHDALA Phanhpakit , SURUGA Terukazu
Published: May 2010

This paper examines the determinants of performance in 1,776 micro and small enterprises that represent all industry sectors and geographical regions in Lao PDR. Although considerable resources are being directed toward promotion schemes in the country, empirical research on this subject is very limited. This study provides concrete insights into development strategies, particularly investment in basic education. The impact of business experience is small and insignificant. The differences between urban and rural, and Lao and ethnic minorities are narrowing in the younger generation, but still remain very large. The difference between male and female entrepreneurs found in most reports is rejected regardless of region, groups, and generation. These findings would help to formulate further efforts attempting to promote this sector.
TOWARD GREENER DIALYSIS: A CASE STUDY TO ILLUSTRATE AND ENCOURAGE THE SALVAGE OF REJECT WATER
Authors: Connor Andrew , Milne Steve , Owen Andrew , Boyle Gerard , Mortimer Frances , Stevens Paul
Published: May 2010

Climate change is now considered to be a major global public health concern. However, the very provision of health care itself has a significant impact upon the environment. Action must be taken to reduce this impact. Water is a precious and finite natural resource. Vast quantities of high‐grade water are required to provide haemodialysis. The reverse osmosis systems used in the purification process reject approximately two‐thirds of the water presented to them. Therefore, around 250 litres of ‘reject water’ result from the production of the dialysate required for one treatment. This good quality reject water is lost‐to‐drain in the vast majority of centres worldwide. Simple methodologies exist to recycle this water for alternative purposes. We describe here a case study of the only UK renal service we know to have implemented such water‐saving methodologies. We outline the benefits in terms of financial and environmental savings.
CORONARY REVASCULARISATION IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PART 1: STABLE CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
Authors: Seddon Mike , Curzen Nick
Published: May 2010

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a high burden of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death. Detection and treatment of coronary artery disease in CKD patients has been hampered by the limitations of screening tests, the lack of direct evidence for therapeutic interventions in this specific population, and concerns about therapy‐related adverse effects. However, these patients potentially have much to gain from conventional strategies used in the general population. This review summarises the current evidence regarding the treatment of coronary artery disease in patients with CKD, with the focus on coronary revascularisation by percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting.
CORONARY REVASCULARISATION IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PART II: ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROMES
Authors: Seddon Mike , Curzen Nick
Published: May 2010

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a high burden of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death. Management of patients with CKD presenting with acute coronary syndromes is more complex than in the general population, due to greater diagnostic uncertainty and the lack of direct evidence for therapeutic interventions in this specific population, coupled with concerns about therapy‐related adverse effects. However, these patients potentially have much to gain from conventional revascularisation strategies used in the general population. This review summarises the current evidence regarding the treatment of patients with CKD presenting with acute coronary syndromes, in particular with respect to coronary revascularisation strategies.
HEART FAILURE AND CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: AN INTEGRATED CARE APPROACH
Authors: Jenkins Karen , Kirk Mary
Published: May 2010

Renal impairment may be evident at any stage of heart failure (CHF). Up to 30% of patients with heart failure have abnormal renal function. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be a complication of heart failure and chronic heart disease can be a consequence of CKD. Members of the multidisciplinary team, such as nurses, dieticians and physiotherapists should be encouraged to maximise their knowledge and skills across disease areas to influence and improve outcomes of those with CKD and CHF. In particular management of fluid balance, blood pressure control/monitoring, discussion of blood results and reduction of cardiovascular risk factors. Close monitoring and effective management of modifiable cardiac risk factors, such as diabetes and hypertension can reduce onset and slow progression of CKD. This can be done by applying the key principles of good practice, such as communication between healthcare professionals, patient education and empowerment alongside early identification and management of symptoms of CKD and CHF.
INFLUENCE OF DIALYSIS THERAPIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CARDIAC DISEASE IN CKD
Authors: Odudu Aghogho , McIntyre Chris
Published: May 2010

It is well recognised that dialysis patients suffer excess morbidity and mortality and that this is mainly due to cardiac failure and sudden cardiac death rather than conventional risk factors. Dialysis patients are primed by a number of structural, functional and microcirculatory abnormalities to experience demand myocardial ischaemia. We have shown that haemodialysis induces repetitive myocardial ischaemia in the majority of patients. In this way, haemodialysis itself may contribute to the development of heart failure and the risk of sudden death. There is recent appreciation that peritoneal dialysis is also capable of exerting short‐term effects on cardiovascular performance through mechanisms both mutual and exclusive to haemodialysis. The aim of this paper is to give an appreciation of the possibility that modification of the dialysis procedure is capable of improving treatment tolerability and has the potential to reduce the excessive rates of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Axillary Artery Pseudoaneurysm following Severely Displaced Proximal Humerus Fracture: Delayed Presentation and Management
Authors: Kurien Thomas , Tambe Amol , Clark David I.
Published: May 2010

Delayed presentation of axillary artery injuries after displaced proximal humeral fractures are rare. We present a report on an 88 year old female who developed a pseudoanersym of the axillary artery 3 weeks after a proximal humeral fracture and a novel approach to the management of this potentially limb and life threatening complication.
Idiopathic Sternoclavicular Osteomyelitis Masquerading as a Pyomyositis Medically Managed with Antibiotics and Hyperbaric Oxygen
Authors: Felwick Richard , Farrar Mark , Parry Sally
Published: May 2010

We report the case of a patient who presented with erythema and swelling over the chest and neck following chiropractic spinal manipulation. Staphylococcus aureus pyomyositis of the right sternocleidomastoid was initially diagnosed, although subsequent magnetic resonance imaging confirmed sepsis arising from the sternoclavicular joint. This was treated successfully with a prolonged course of intravenous antibiotics and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Sternoclavicular osteomyelitis is usually managed with surgical resection and rarely medically. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a sternoclavicular osteomyelitis successfully managed with a combination of antibiotics and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
A Kinematic Assessment of Normal Elbow Movement in Activities of Modern Day Living
Authors: Sinha Apurv , Nazar Muhammad A. , Moorehead John , Bhalaik Vijay , Brownson Peter
Published: May 2010

Background

The range of functional elbow movement has previously been studied. The data obtained have been used to provide an objective basis for the determination of disability, to determine the optimum position for elbow splinting arthrodesis and to assist in the design of elbow prostheses. The present study aimed to evaluate the functional range of elbow movement as applied to a predetermined list of activities of daily living, which might be considered relevant to modern day life. This includes the use of computers and driving, which has not been studied earlier.

Methods

Twenty normal volunteers were studied and the range of elbow motion required for specific activities was recorded by means of a ‘Polhemus Fastrak’ magnetic tracking measurement system. The results obtained suggests that the functional range of elbow flexion is from 1.33° to 146.57° and the rotation arc is from 56° of pronation to 104° of supination.

Conclusion

This data compliments the work previously carried out, and defines the functional range of movement for some of the common activities of daily living.
Origin of kamacite, schreibersite, and perryite in metal‐sulfide nodules of the enstatite chondrite Sahara 97072 (EH3)
Authors: LEHNER Stephen W. , BUSECK Peter R. , McDONOUGH William F.
Published: May 2010

Abstract–  Perryite [(Fe,Ni)x(Si,P)y], schreibersite [(Fe,Ni)3P], and kamacite (αFeNi) are constituent minerals of the metal‐sulfide nodules in the Sahara 97072 (EH3) enstatite chondrite meteorite. We have measured concentrations of Ni, Cu, Ga, Au, Ir, Ru, and Pd in these minerals with laser ablation, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). We also measured their Fe, Ni, P, Si, and Co concentrations with electron microprobe. In kamacite, ratios of Ru/Ir, Pd/Ir, and Pd/Ru cluster around their respective CI values and all elements analyzed plot near the intersection of the equilibrium condensation trajectory versus Ni and the respective CI ratios. In schreibersite, the Pd/Ru ratio is near the CI value and perryite contains significant Cu, Ga, and Pd. We propose that schreibersite and perryite formed separately near the condensation temperatures of P and Si in a reduced gas and were incorporated into Fe‐Ni alloy. Upon further cooling, sulfidation of Fe in kamacite resulted in the formation of additional perryite at the sulfide interface. Still later, transient heating re‐melted this perryite near the Fe‐FeS eutectic temperature during partial melting of the metal‐sulfide nodules. The metal‐sulfide nodules are pre‐accretionary objects that retain CI ratios of most siderophile elements, although they have experienced transient heating events.
Neuronal nitric oxide synthase within paraventricular nucleus: blood pressure and baroreflex in two‐kidney, one‐clip hypertensive rats
Authors: Rossi Noreen F. , Maliszewska‐Scislo Maria , Chen Haiping , Black Stephen M. , Sharma Shruti , Ravikov Ruslan , Augustyniak Robert A.
Published: May 2010

The renin–angiotensin system is activated in the early phase of two‐kidney, one‐clip (2K‐1C) hypertension. The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) integrates inputs regulating sympathetic outflow. The PVN receives inputs from plasma angiotensin II via projections from circumventricular organs and from renal afferent nerves transmitted via the nucleus tractus solitarii. Nitric oxide within the PVN may exert a sympathoinhibitory effect. These studies tested whether decreasing endogenous nitric oxide by introducing dominant negative (DN) constructs for neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) into PVN chronically augments hypertension and/or modulates baroreflex function. Male 6‐week‐old Sprague–Dawley rats underwent sham surgery or right renal artery clipping and placement of radiotelemetry transmitters. One week later, the PVN was injected bilaterally with 250 nl artificial cerebrospinal fluid containing 250 ng μl−1 of RSV β‐galactosidase (β‐Gal), cytomegalovirus (CMV) wild‐type (WT nNOS), or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) haeme domain or RSV haemeRedF (DN nNOS). Haemodynamics were monitored for 5 weeks. Then left renal nerve electrodes were placed, and 2 days later the rats underwent baroreflex testing in the conscious state. The rise in mean arterial pressure (MAP) was significantly potentiated in the DN nNOS 2K‐1C group beyond 15 days after PVN injection. By day 35, MAP in the 2K‐1C groups was 152 ± 6.3 (β‐Gal), 155.1 ± 6.6 (WT nNOS) and 179 ± 5.4 mmHg (DN nNOS; P < 0.01 versus all other groups). Sham‐clipped rats remained normotensive. All groups displayed progressive bradycardia over time that was attenuated in the DN nNOS 2K‐1C group. Baroreflex curves shifted to higher pressures, and baroreflex sensitivity of heart rate was diminished to a similar extent in all groups of 2K‐1C rats. The baroreflex response of renal sympathetic nerve activity was preserved. The PVN tissue from DN nNOS rats had decreased dimerization of nNOS and generation of total nitric oxide. These findings indicate that chronic interference of nNOS dimerization required for generation of nitric oxide within the PVN potentiates the increase of blood pressure by modulating the sympathoexcitation that accompanies renovascular hypertension.
Network Diversity and Economic Development
Authors: Eagle Nathan , Macy Michael , Claxton Rob
Published: May 2010

Network for Recovery

A long-standing theory suggests that social diversity leads to economic development. By combining the United Kingdom's telephone communication records (both landline and mobile) with information on regional economic conditions,Eagleet al.(p.1029) demonstrate that network diversity alone accounts for over three-quarters of the variance of a region's economic status. Although the data cannot be used to show causality, the association suggests that economic development and recovery may depend not solely on monetary stimulus but also on the development of a nation's social infrastructure.
Stochastic Emergence of Groupthink
Authors: Prindle Arthur , Hasty Jeff
Published: May 2010

Oscillations in the synthesis and release of a chemical signal synchronize the behavioral response of a cell population.
Battle of the Titans
Authors: Macilwain Colin
Published: May 2010

For the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Wellcome Trust, a rough decade on the stock market makes for straitened times.
Soil Type-Dependent Responses to Phenanthrene as Revealed by Determining the Diversity and Abundance of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Ring-Hydroxylating Dioxygenase Genes by Using a Novel PCR Detection System
Authors: Ding Guo-Chun , Heuer Holger , Zühlke Sebastian , Spiteller Michael , Pronk Geertje Johanna , Heister Katja , Kögel-Knabner Ingrid , Smalla Kornelia
Published: May 2010

A novel PCR primer system that targets a wide range of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon ring-hydroxylating dioxygenase (PAH-RHD
α
) genes of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was developed and used to study their abundance and diversity in two different soils in response to phenanthrene spiking. The specificities and target ranges of the primers predicted
in silico
were confirmed experimentally by cloning and sequencing of PAH-RHD
α
gene amplicons from soil DNA. Cloning and sequencing showed the dominance of
phnAc
genes in the contaminated Luvisol. In contrast, high diversity of PAH-RHD
α
genes of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was observed in the phenanthrene-spiked Cambisol. Quantitative real-time PCR based on the same primers revealed that 63 days after phenanthrene spiking, PAH-RHD
α
genes were 1 order of magnitude more abundant in the Luvisol than in the Cambisol, while they were not detected in both control soils. In conclusion, sequence analysis of the amplicons obtained confirmed the specificity of the novel primer system and revealed a soil type-dependent response of PAH-RHD
α
gene-carrying soil bacteria to phenanthrene spiking.
Diversity of Formyltetrahydrofolate Synthetases in the Guts of the Wood-Feeding Cockroach
Cryptocercus punctulatus
and the Omnivorous Cockroach
Periplaneta americana
Authors: Ottesen Elizabeth A. , Leadbetter Jared R.
Published: May 2010

We examined the diversity of a marker gene for homoacetogens in two cockroach gut microbial communities. Formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase (FTHFS or fhs) libraries prepared from a wood-feeding cockroach,
Cryptocercus punctulatus
, were dominated by sequences that affiliated with termite gut treponemes. No spirochete-like sequences were recovered from the omnivorous roach
Periplaneta americana
, which was dominated by
Firmicutes
-like sequences.
Potential of Aerobic Denitrification by
Pseudomonas stutzeri
TR2 To Reduce Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Miyahara Morio , Kim Sang-Wan , Fushinobu Shinya , Takaki Koki , Yamada Takeshi , Watanabe Akira , Miyauchi Keisuke , Endo Ginro , Wakagi Takayoshi , Shoun Hirofumi
Published: May 2010

In contrast to most denitrifiers studied so far,
Pseudomonas stutzeri
TR2 produces low levels of nitrous oxide (N
2
O) even under aerobic conditions. We compared the denitrification activity of strain TR2 with those of various denitrifiers in an artificial medium that was derived from piggery wastewater. Strain TR2 exhibited strong denitrification activity and produced little N
2
O under all conditions tested. Its growth rate under denitrifying conditions was near comparable to that under aerobic conditions, showing a sharp contrast to the lower growth rates of other denitrifiers under denitrifying conditions. Strain TR2 was tolerant to toxic nitrite, even utilizing it as a good denitrification substrate. When both nitrite and N
2
O were present, strain TR2 reduced N
2
O in preference to nitrite as the denitrification substrate. This bacterial strain was readily able to adapt to denitrifying conditions by expressing the denitrification genes for cytochrome
cd
1
nitrite reductase (NiR) (
nirS
) and nitrous oxide reductase (NoS) (
nosZ
). Interestingly,
nosZ
was constitutively expressed even under nondenitrifying, aerobic conditions, consistent with our finding that strain TR2 preferred N
2
O to nitrite. These properties of strain TR2 concerning denitrification are in sharp contrast to those of well-characterized denitrifiers. These results demonstrate that some bacterial species, such as strain TR2, have adopted a strategy for survival by preferring denitrification to oxygen respiration. The bacterium was also shown to contain the potential to reduce N
2
O emissions when applied to sewage disposal fields.
Genomic Plasticity of the Human Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans
Authors: Selmecki Anna , Forche Anja , Berman Judith
Published: May 2010

The genomic plasticity of
Candida albicans
, a commensal and common opportunistic fungal pathogen, continues to reveal unexpected surprises. Once thought to be asexual, we now know that the organism can generate genetic diversity through several mechanisms, including mating between cells of the opposite or of the same mating type and by a parasexual reduction in chromosome number that can be accompanied by recombination events (2, 12, 14, 53, 77, 115). In addition, dramatic genome changes can appear quite rapidly in mitotic cells propagated
in vitro
as well as
in vivo
. The detection of aneuploidy in other fungal pathogens isolated directly from patients (145) and from environmental samples (71) suggests that variations in chromosome organization and copy number are a common mechanism used by pathogenic fungi to rapidly generate diversity in response to stressful growth conditions, including, but not limited to, antifungal drug exposure. Since cancer cells often become polyploid and/or aneuploid, some of the lessons learned from studies of genome plasticity in
C. albicans
may provide important insights into how these processes occur in higher-eukaryotic cells exposed to stresses such as anticancer drugs.
A Sequence That Affects the Copy Number and Stability of pSW200 and ColE1
Authors: Wu Ying-Chung , Liu Shih-Tung
Published: May 2010

Pantoea stewartiiSW2 contains 13 plasmids. One of these plasmids, pSW200, has a replicon that resembles that of ColE1. This study demonstrates that pSW200 contains a 9-bp UP element, 5′-AAGATCTTC, which is located immediately upstream of the −35 box in the RNAII promoter. A transcriptional fusion study reveals that substituting this 9-bp sequence reduces the activity of the RNAII promoter by 78%. The same mutation also reduced the number of plasmid copies from 13 to 5, as well as the plasmid stability. When a similar sequence in a ColE1 derivative, pYCW301, is mutated, the copy number of the plasmid also declines from 34 to 16 per cell. Additionally, inserting this 9-bp sequence stabilizes an unstable pSW100 derivative, pSW142K, which also contains a replicon resembling that of ColE1, indicating the importance of this sequence in maintaining the stability of the plasmid. In conclusion, the 9-bp sequence upstream of the −35 box in the RNAII promoter is required for the efficient synthesis of RNAII and maintenance of the stability of the plasmids in the ColE1 family.
Cochaperone Interactions in Export of the Type III Needle Component PscF of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Plé Sophie , Job Viviana , Dessen Andréa , Attree Ina
Published: May 2010

Type III secretion (T3S) systems allow the export and translocation of bacterial effectors into the host cell cytoplasm. Secretion is accomplished by an 80-nm-long needle-like structure composed, in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, of the polymerized form of a 7-kDa protein, PscF. Two proteins, PscG and PscE, stabilize PscF within the bacterial cell before its export and polymerization. In this work we screened the 1,320-Å
2
interface between the two chaperones, PscE and PscG, by site-directed mutagenesis and determined hot spot regions that are important for T3S function
in vivo
and complex formation
in vitro
. Three amino acids in PscE and five amino acids in PscG, found to be relevant for complex formation, map to the central part of the interacting surface. Stability assays on selected mutants performed both
in vitro
on purified PscE-PscG complexes and
in vivo
on
P. aeruginosa
revealed that PscE is a cochaperone that is essential for the stability of the main chaperone, PscG. Notably, when overexpressed from a bicistronic construct, PscG and PscF compensate for the absence of PscE in cytotoxic
P. aeruginosa
. These results show that all of the information needed for needle protein stabilization and folding, its presentation to the T3 secreton, and its export is present within the sequence of the PscG chaperone.
RGD Motif of Lipoprotein T, Involved in Adhesion ofMycoplasma conjunctivaeto Lamb Synovial Tissue Cells
Authors: Zimmermann Liza , Peterhans Ernst , Frey Joachim
Published: May 2010

Lipoprotein T (LppT), a membrane-located 105-kDa lipoprotein ofMycoplasma conjunctivae, the etiological agent of infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) of domestic sheep and wild Caprinae, was characterized. LppT was shown to promote cell attachment to LSM 192 primary lamb joint synovial cells. Adhesion ofM. conjunctivaeto LSM 192 cells is inhibited by antibodies directed against LppT. The RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) motif of LppT was found to be a specific site for binding ofM. conjunctivaeto these eukaryotic host cells. Recombinant LppT fixed to polymethylmethacrylate slides binds LSM 192 cells, whereas LppT lacking the RGD site is deprived of binding capacity to LSM 192, and LppT containing RGE rather than RGD shows reduced binding. Synthetic nonapeptides derived from LppT containing RGD competitively inhibit binding of LSM 192 cells to LppT-coated slides, whereas nonapeptides containing RAD rather than RGD do not inhibit. RGD-containing, LppT-derived nonapeptides are able to directly inhibit binding ofM. conjunctivaeto LSM 192 cells by competitive inhibition, whereas the analogous nonapeptide containing RAD rather than RGD or the fibronectin-derived RGD hexapeptide has no inhibitory effect. These results reveal LppT as the first candidate of a RGD lectin inMycoplasmaspecies that is assumed to bind to β integrins.
Complete Genome Sequence Analysis of
Leuconostoc kimchii
IMSNU 11154
Authors: Oh Hyun-Myung , Cho Yong-Joon , Kim Byung Kwon , Roe Jung-Hye , Kang Sa-Ouk , Nahm Baek Hie , Jeong Gajin , Han Hong-Ui , Chun Jongsik
Published: May 2010

Leuconostoc kimchii
IMSNU 11154, isolated from kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented food, is known to be an important antimicrobial lactic acid bacterium with probiotic potential. Here we announce the complete genome sequence of
L. kimchii
IMSNU 11154 consisting of a 2,101,787-bp chromosome and five plasmids. The strain has genes for dextran formation from sucrose and for mannitol formation from fructose. Antimicrobial and antioxidative functions of
L. kimchii
IMSNU 11154 could be attributed to a leucosin B-like peptide and multiple enzymes to reduce hydrogen peroxide and oxidized thiols, respectively.
Simple Sequence Repeats and Genome Plasticity inStreptococcus agalactiae
Authors: Janulczyk Robert , Masignani Vega , Maione Domenico , Tettelin Hervé , Grandi Guido , Telford John L.
Published: May 2010

Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and their role in phase variation have been extensively studied in Gram-negative organisms, where they have been associated with antigenic variation and other adaptation strategies. In this study, we apply comparative genomics in order to find evidence of slipped-strand mispairing in the human Gram-positive pathogenStreptococcus agalactiae. In two consecutive screenings, 2,233 (650 + 1,583) SSRs were identified in our reference genome 2603V/R, and these loci were examined in seven otherS. agalactiaegenomes. A total of 56 SSR loci were found to exhibit variation, where gain or loss of repeat units was observed in at least one other genome, resulting in aberrant genotypes. Homopolymeric adenine tracts predominated among the repeats that varied. Positional analysis revealed that long polyadenine tracts were overrepresented in the 5′ ends of open reading frames (ORFs) and underrepresented in the 3′ ends. Repeat clustering in ORFs was also examined, and the highest degree of clustering was observed for a capsule biosynthesis gene and a pilus sortase. A statistical analysis of observed over expected ratios suggested a selective pressure against long homopolymeric tracts. Altered phenotypes were verified for three genes encoding surface-attached proteins, in which frameshifts or fusions led to truncation of proteins and/or affected surface localization through loss or gain of the cell wall sorting signal. The data suggest that SSRs contributes to genome plasticity inS. agalactiaebut that the bet-hedging strategy is different from Gram-negative organisms.
Comparison of Meropenem MICs and Susceptibilities for Carbapenemase-Producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Isolates by Various Testing Methods
Authors: Bulik Catharine C. , Fauntleroy Kathy A. , Jenkins Stephen G. , Abuali Mayssa , LaBombardi Vincent J. , Nicolau David P. , Kuti Joseph L.
Published: May 2010

We describe the levels of agreement between broth microdilution, Etest, Vitek 2, Sensititre, and MicroScan methods to accurately define the meropenem MIC and categorical interpretation of susceptibility against carbapenemase-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(KPC). A total of 46 clinical
K. pneumoniae
isolates with KPC genotypes, all modified Hodge test and
bla
KPC
positive, collected from two hospitals in NY were included. Results obtained by each method were compared with those from broth microdilution (the reference method), and agreement was assessed based on MICs and Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) interpretative criteria using 2010 susceptibility breakpoints. Based on broth microdilution, 0%, 2.2%, and 97.8% of the KPC isolates were classified as susceptible, intermediate, and resistant to meropenem, respectively. Results from MicroScan demonstrated the most agreement with those from broth microdilution, with 95.6% agreement based on the MIC and 2.2% classified as minor errors, and no major or very major errors. Etest demonstrated 82.6% agreement with broth microdilution MICs, a very major error rate of 2.2%, and a minor error rate of 2.2%. Vitek 2 MIC agreement was 30.4%, with a 23.9% very major error rate and a 39.1% minor error rate. Sensititre demonstrated MIC agreement for 26.1% of isolates, with a 3% very major error rate and a 26.1% minor error rate. Application of FDA breakpoints had little effect on minor error rates but increased very major error rates to 58.7% for Vitek 2 and Sensititre. Meropenem MIC results and categorical interpretations for carbapenemase-producing
K. pneumoniae
differ by methodology. Confirmation of testing results is encouraged when an accurate MIC is required for antibiotic dosing optimization.
Further Analysis of Marek's Disease Virus Horizontal Transmission Confirms That U
L
44 (gC) and U
L
13 Protein Kinase Activity Are Essential, while U
S
2 Is Nonessential
Authors: Jarosinski Keith W. , Osterrieder Nikolaus
Published: May 2010

Marek's disease virus (MDV) causes a devastating disease in chickens characterized by the development of lymphoblastoid tumors in multiple organs and is transmitted from the skin of infected chickens. We have previously reported that the U
S
2, U
L
44 (glycoprotein C [gC]), and U
L
13 genes are essential for horizontal transmission of MDV in gain-of-function studies using an a priori spread-deficient virus that was based on an infectious clone from the highly virulent RB-1B virus (pRB-1B). To precisely determine the importance of each individual gene in the process of chicken-to-chicken transmission, we used the transmission-restored clone that readily transmits horizontally and mutated each individual gene in loss-of-function experiments. Two independent U
S
2-negative mutants transmitted horizontally, eliminating U
S
2 as being essential for the process. In contrast, the absence of gC expression or mutating the invariant lysine essential for U
L
13 kinase activity abolished horizontal spread of MDV between chickens.
Multiple Pathways Involved in Porcine Parvovirus Cellular Entry and Trafficking toward the Nucleus
Authors: Boisvert Maude , Fernandes Sandra , Tijssen Peter
Published: May 2010

Porcine parvovirus (PPV) is a major cause of reproductive failure in swine. The mechanisms implicated in the first steps of infection that lead to the delivery of the PPV genome to the nucleus are poorly understood. In the present work, a panel of chemical inhibitors was used to dissect the cellular mechanisms involved in establishing a PPV infection. The results demonstrated that following binding to sialic acids on cell surface glycoproteins, the virus used both clathrin-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis pathways to gain access into cells. Virus obtained from infected cells was present either as isolated particles or as aggregates, and these two forms could be separated by low-speed centrifugation. Isolated and purified particles strongly preferred entry by clathrin-mediated endocytosis, whereas aggregates clearly favored macropinocytosis. Subsequent endosomal acidification and traffic to the late endosomes were also shown to be essential for infection. The microtubule network was found to be important during the first 10 h of infection, whereas an intact actin network was required for almost the whole viral cycle. Proteasome processing was found to be essential, and capsid proteins were ubiquitinated relatively early during infection. Taken together, these results provided new insights into the first steps of PPV infection, including the use of alternative entry pathways, unique among members of this viral family.
High Prevalence, Coinfection Rate, and Genetic Diversity of Retroviruses in Wild Red Colobus Monkeys (
Piliocolobus badius badius
) in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Leendertz Siv Aina J. , Junglen Sandra , Hedemann Claudia , Goffe Adeelia , Calvignac Sebastien , Boesch Christophe , Leendertz Fabian H.
Published: May 2010

Simian retroviruses are precursors of all human retroviral pathogens. However, little is known about the prevalence and coinfection rates or the genetic diversity of major retroviruses—simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), simian T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (STLV-1), and simian foamy virus (SFV)—in wild populations of nonhuman primates. Such information would contribute to the understanding of the natural history of retroviruses in various host species. Here, we estimate these parameters for wild West African red colobus monkeys (
Piliocolobus badius badius
) in the Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire. We collected samples from a total of 54 red colobus monkeys; samples consisted of blood and/or internal organs from 22 monkeys and additionally muscle and other tissue samples from another 32 monkeys. PCR analyses revealed a high prevalence of SIV, STLV-1, and SFV in this population, with rates of 82%, 50%, and 86%, respectively. Forty-five percent of the monkeys were coinfected with all three viruses while another 32% were coinfected with SIV in combination with either STLV or SFV. As expected, phylogenetic analyses showed a host-specific pattern for SIV and SFV strains. In contrast, STLV-1 strains appeared to be distributed in genetically distinct and distant clades, which are unique to the Taï forest and include strains previously described from wild chimpanzees in the same area. The high prevalence of all three retroviral infections in
P. b. badius
represents a source of infection to chimpanzees and possibly to humans, who hunt them.
HIV-1 Protease Has a Genetic T-Cell Adjuvant Effect Which Is Negatively Regulated by Proteolytic Activity
Authors: Kim Kwang Soon , Jin Dong Bin , Ahn So Shin , Park Ki Seok , Seo Sang Hwan , Suh You Suk , Sung Young Chul
Published: May 2010

HIV protease (PR) mediates the processing of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) polyproteins and is necessary for the viral production. Recently, HIV PR was shown to possess both cytotoxic and chaperonelike activity. We demonstrate here that HIV PR can serve as a genetic adjuvant that enhances the HIV Env and human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA vaccine-induced T-cell response in a dose-dependent manner, only when codelivered with DNA vaccine. Interestingly, the T-cell adjuvant effects of HIV PR were increased by introducing several mutations that inhibited its proteolytic activity, indicating that the adjuvant properties were inversely correlated with its proteolytic activity. Conversely, the introduction of a mutation in the flap region of HIV PR limiting the access to the core domain of HIV PR inhibited the T-cell adjuvant effect, suggesting that the HIV PR chaperonelike activity may play a role in mediating T-cell adjuvant properties. A similar adjuvant effect was also observed in adenovirus vaccine, indicating vaccine type independency. These findings suggest that HIV PR can modulate T-cell responses elicited by a gene-based vaccine positively by inherent chaperonelike activity and negatively by its proteolytic activity.
Modelling of internal diffusion inside a catalyst particle with non-uniform radial activity profile for parallel reactions
Authors: Hanika Jiří , Ehlová Vladimíra
Published: May 2010

Numerical solution of the system of diffusion equations which describe a system of parallel reactions under the conditions of internal diffusion in a non-isotropic spherical catalyst particle was carried out in this paper. The solution of the problem was sought for various radial activity profile corresponding to the concentration profile of active component in a particle of supported catalyst and for various values of the Thiele modulus of both parallel reactions. Further, the effect of reaction order of single reactions (zeroth or first) with respect to the effectiveness factor of the internal diffusion and to the selectivity of the main reaction was investigated. It is evident from the results that the change of the activity profile in the particle has a great effect on the selectivity and on the effectiveness factor of the internal diffusion.
Synthese von (8RS,9SR,11RS,13E,15R)-(±)-1,2,3,4-tetranor-9,11,15-trihydroxy-16,16-dimethyl-18-oxa-13-prostensäure
Authors: Bartmann Wilhelm , Beck Gerhard , Fehlhaber Wolfram , Protiva Jiří
Published: May 2010

Ausgehend von (1SR,5RS,6RS,7RS)-(±)-6-((1E)-4,4-Dimethyl-3-oxo-6-oxa-1-octenyl)-7-hydroxy-2-oxabicyclo[3.3.0]octan-3-on (II) wird in einer siebenstufigen Synthese (8RS,9SR,11RS,13E,15R)-(±)-1,2,3,4-Tetranor-9,11,15-trihydroxy-16,16-dimethyl-18-oxa-13-prostensäure (XII) dargestellt. Die Saure XII ist ein urinärer Hauptmetabolit des PGE2-Analog Dimoxaprost (I).
Potential antidepressants: Saturated side chain amines derived from 6,11-dihydrodibenzo[b,e]thiepin and 4,9-dihydrothieno[2,3-c]-2-benzothiepin
Authors: Polívka Zdeněk , Valenta Vladimír , Šindelář Karel , Holubek Jiří , Buděšínský Miloš , Ryska Miroslav , Koruna Ivan , Kohoutová Jitka , Metyš Jan , Metyšová Jiřina , Valchář Martin , Protiva Miroslav
Published: May 2010

Reduction of IV with hydroiodic acid afforded almost quantitatively the spirocyclic amino sulfide VII, evidently via V and VI. The carbamate II was chlorinated with N-chlorosuccinimide, the product (XII) was reacted with phenylmagnesium bromide and then reduced with LiAlH4 to give the 6-phenyl derivative X of the antidepressant agent hydrothiadene (I). Treatment of 11-methyl-6,11-dihydrodibenzo[b,e]thiepin (XIII) with butyllithium followed by alkylation with 3-dimethylaminopropyl chloride resulted in 6-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) derivative XIV. Reaction of XIV with ethyl chloroformate and the following alkaline hydrolysis gave the 6-(3-methylaminopropyl) derivative XV (mixture of stereoisomers). Reduction of the corresponding olefinic amine and the tertiary alcohol with hydroiodic acid gave the saturated side chain amines derived from 4,9-dihydrothieno[2,3-c]-2-benzothiepin XVIII and XIX. The dihydro derivative of dithiadene XVIII (VÚFB-17 031) proved very effective in a series of tests predictive of antidepressant activity.
Detection of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide with pulsed tunable PbS1-xSex-diode lasers
Authors: Sumpf Bernd , Göring Dimitrii , Haseloff Rainer , Herrmann Karin , Tomm Jens Wolfgang
Published: May 2010

The purpose of this paper is to report our results on the detection and spectroscopic parameters of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide using high resolution linear diode laser spectroscopy with pulsed tunable PbS1-xSex homolasers. The parameters of pulsed diode lasers used in spectroscopy for various gases are discussed. The application of the diode laser spectrometer for CO gas detection at ppm level illustrates the sensitivity of the equipment.
Triterpenoid 2,3-ketols, diols and their acetates: Preparation and conformation of the ring A
Authors: Klinot Jiří , Sejbal Jan , Vystrčil Alois
Published: May 2010

19β,28-Epoxy-18α-oleanane derivatives I-III were converted into hydroxy ketones IV, VIII and X, acetoxy ketones V, VII, IX and XI, diols and their mono- and diacetates XII-XXV. Seven of the eight possible isomeric 2,3-diol monoacetates were obtained. Conformation of the ring A in these compounds has been derived from the 1H NMR and IR spectra. In 2β-acetoxy-3-ketone VII, 3α-hydroxy- and 3α-acetoxy-2-ketones VIII and IX, and in 2β,3α-diol monoacetates XVIII and XIX the ring A exists predominantly in a boat conformation.
Synthesis of 3-amino- and 3-azidoanalogs of 9-(3-hydroxy-2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)adenine (HPMPA)
Authors: Holý Antonín
Published: May 2010

1-Azidopropane-2,3-diol (IIb) reacts with p-toluenesulfonyl chloride to give the tosyl derivative IIIa which, on acid catalyzed condensation with 2,3-dihydropyran, afforded 1-azido-2-(tetrahydropyran-2-yloxy-3-(p-toluenesulfonyloxy)propane (IIIb). Treatment of adenine sodium salt with IIIb resulted in the intermediate IV which was transformed by acid hydrolysis to 9-(RS)-(3-azido-2-hydroxypropyl)adenine (V). Catalytic hydrogenation of V led to 9-(RS)-(3-amino-2-hydroxypropyl)adenine (VI). 9-(RS)-(3-Azido-2-hydroxypropyl)-N6-benzoyladenine (VII) was obtained from V by chlorotrimethylsilane/benzoyl chloride treatment. Reaction of the compound VII with dimethyl p-toluenesulfonyloxymethanephosphonate (VIII) in the presence of excess sodium hydride, followed by alkaline hydrolysis, afforded methyl 9-(3-azido-2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)adenine (IXa) which was transformed to the parent acid IXb by bromotrimethylsilane treatment. Hydrogenolysis of IXb yielded 9-(RS)-(3-amino-2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)adenine (X).
Cometathesis of methyl oleate with α-olefins
Authors: Matyska Bohumír , Dosedlová Alena , Petrusová Lidmila , Balcar Hynek
Published: May 2010

Cometathesis of methyl oleate with 1-hexene or with other α-olefins affords two new esters and two new olefins. In the case of 1-hexene these products are methyl 9-decenoate, methyl 9-tetradecenoate, 1-decene and 5-tetradecene. At the same time, the formation of the esters and olefins with shorter chains(i.e. decene and decenoate) is distinctly preffered. Obviously, the transfer of methylene group from the alkene to the ester molecule is much easier than that of the alkylidene moiety. The non-stoichiometric course of cometathesis is associated with the carbene mechanism of the reaction.
Esterification kinetics of phenol with phosphoryl trichloride
Authors: Magura Miroslav , Vojtko Ján , Zemanová Eva , Kaszonyi Alexander , Ilavský Ján
Published: May 2010

The liquid-phase esterification kinetics of phenol with POCl3 has been studied at isothermal conditions within the temperature interval from 90 to 110 °C. The esterification rate constants of the first, second, and third esterification steps and the activation energies of these steps have been calculated. The given system of competitive consecutive reactions can be described by a system of differential equations which has been solved by the Gauss-Newton optimization method of non-linear regression in the Marquardt modification. In the sequence of the first, second, and third step the esterification rate constants have been found to gradually decrease, whereas the activation energies uncrease in the same sequence.
Conformation of ring A of 19β,28-epoxy-18α-oleanan-3-one in solution and in the solid state. Crystal structure and carbon-deuterium stretching frequencies
Authors: Klinot Jiří , Podlaha Jaroslav , Podlahová Jana , Hilgard Stanislav , Klinotová Eva
Published: May 2010

The crystal structure of allobetulone (I) has been determined. The compound is orthorhombic, P212121, a = 14.824(4), b = 25.701(7), c = 6.545(2) *A, Z = 4, R = 0.050 for 2 303 observed reflections. The rings B, C, D and E assume chair conformation, the chair of the ring E being considerably deformed by the ether bridge. The five-membered ether ring exists in an envelope form. The ring A assumes a boat form of an unusual type: one half has a typical classical boat geometry with coplanar atoms C(10), C(1), C(2) and C(3) whereas the other half resembles a twist boat. This conformation does not correspond to the published physical data found in solution. The conformation of ring A in crystal and in solution was further studied using IR spectra of 2α- and 2β-deuterio derivatives of allobetulone (II and III, respectively) in the carbon-deuterium stretching vibration region. The solid phase spectra are compatible with the boat form of ring A. Comparison of the solid phase spectra with solution spectra clearly indicates a chair-boat equilibrium in solution of the 3-oxo derivatives I-III. The carbon-deuterium stretching frequencies of other deuterium-labelled triterpenoid ketones (IV-VI) and alcohols (VII-X) are also discussed.
Ab initio SCF study of the effect of Na+ and K+ ions and water on the local anaesthetic-phospholipid interaction
Authors: Remko Milan
Published: May 2010

For gaining insight into the interactions of local anaesthetics with phospholipids, ab initio molecular orbital calculations were performed using trimethylamine and phosphate as model substances. The (OH)2OPO-···H+N(CH3)3 interaction was found comparable in strength to the (OH)2OPO-···M+ (M = Na, K) interaction and considerably stronger than the (OH)2OMPO···H2O interaction. This suggests that a major role of local anaesthetics may consist in their disturbing the P-O···H2O hydrogen bonds. Such interference may be one of the possible types of interaction between local anaesthetics and the biophase, leading to a measurable pharmacological effect.
The HLB number determination of polyoxyethylene surfactants
Authors: Šilha Josef , Bareš Milan , Zeman Ivo , Šmidrkal Jan
Published: May 2010

The Hydrophile-Lipophile-Balance (HLB) numbers were evaluated on the basis of three different, commonly used methods of determination and calculation, in a series of lauric, resp. stearic acids and lauryl alcohol oxyethylenation products prepared by an alkali-catalyzed reaction in a similar scale of hydrophobe: ethylene oxide molar ratios. The results showed that, due to the different principles of the used methods, the HLB numbers were obtained with a great variance, limiting their use as parameters for estimation of the application effectiveness of non-ionic surfactants of the polyoxyethylene type. The HLB concept was not found able to consider the complicated composition of the studied types of surfactants and to provide relevant information in the already mentioned sense.
Kinetics and mechanism of reversible, base-catalyzed ring closure of 3-(methoxycarbonyl)propionanilide and O-(methoxycarbonylmethyl)-N-phenylcarbamate
Authors: Kaválek Jaromír , Macháček Vladimír , Svobodová Gabriela , Štěrba Vojeslav
Published: May 2010

The rate constants of reversible, base-catalyzed ring closure of 3-(methoxycarbonyl)propionanilide (I) and O-(methoxycarbonylmethyl)-N-phenylcarbamate (II) to 1-phenyl-2,5-pyrrolidinedione (III) and 3-phenyl-2,4-oxazolidinedione (IV), respectively, and the rates of solvolyses of the cyclization products III and IV in water and methanol have been measured. In both cases, an equilibrium is established between the starting ester and the cyclization product in methoxide solutions which is strongly shifted in favour of the starting ester. In the case of ester II in methoxide solutions, the cyclization is followed by a much slower splitting of the cyclization product to give glycolic acid anilide. The effects of the group X = NH, CH2, O, S in the esters RNHCOXCH2.COOCH3 on the rates of the cyclization and solvolysis of the cyclization products is discussed.
Electronic spectral properties of redox coenzyme pyrroloquinoline quinone: A CNDO-CI study
Authors: Krechl Jiří , Böhm Stanislav , Kuthan Josef
Published: May 2010

Electronic absorption spectra of coenzyme PQQ and its reduced form, PQQH2, were calculated by the CNDO/S-CI method. The use of 170 monoexcited configurations was found to be necessary in order to give the correct interpretation of observed UV absorption. Influence of the carboxylic group geometries on the spectra is discussed.
Chemical temporal and spatial structures in strong magnetic field
Authors: Krempaský Július , Smrčinová Miroslava
Published: May 2010

Temporal and spatial structures in the Belousov-Zhabotinskii systems in constant electric and strong magnetic fields are studied in this paper. Unlike a random generation of chemical wave center in a system without the influence of an electromagnetic field we have observed that only one wave forms in the presence of electric and magnetic fields of suitable intensity and induction. Its speed of propagation depends on the connected fields. A theory of this phenomenon has been developed and the obtained results are in a good agreement with experimentally measured dependences of the temporal period of chemical waves on electric field intensity and magnetic field induction.
Thermal and IR spectroscopic characterization of Kamotoïte
Authors: Lía Botto Irma , Cesar García Alejandro , Deliens Michel
Published: May 2010

Kamotoïte-(Y), a new uranyl and rare earth carbonate, has been studied by thermal treatment. The mineral has also been characterized by IR spectroscopy and the presence of the bidentate binding of carbonate to uranyl ion has been confirmed. Likewise, the U-O bond lenght in the uranyl group can be estimated by IR measurements.