bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Carba NP Test for Carbapenemase Detection
Authors: Österblad Monica , Hakanen Antti J. , Jalava Jari
Published: September 2014

The Carba NP test was evaluated against a panel of 61 carbapenemase-producing bacterial species (15 producing class A carbapenemases, 15 producing class D carbapenemases, and 31 producing metallo-β-lactamases) and against 111 isolates with non-wild-type carbapenem susceptibility but not producing carbapenemase. Carbapenemase production was verified by PCR and UV-spectrophotometric measurement of imipenem hydrolysis. No false positives were seen, but there were consistent problems with the detection of OXA-48-like enzymes and also some rarer class A enzymes.
Intra- and Extracellular Activities of Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole against Susceptible and Multidrug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Davies Forsman L. , Schön T. , Simonsson U. S. H. , Bruchfeld J. , Larsson M. , Juréen P. , Sturegård E. , Giske C. G. , Ängeby K.
Published: September 2014

We investigated the activity of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT) against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, the pathogen that causes tuberculosis (TB). The MIC distribution of SXT was 0.125/2.4 to 2/38 mg/liter for the 100 isolates tested, including multi- and extensively drug-resistant isolates (MDR/XDR-TB), whereas the intracellular MIC
90
of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) for the pansusceptible strain H37Rv was 76 mg/liter. In an exploratory analysis using a ratio of the unbound area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h over MIC (
f
AUC
0–24
/MIC) using ≥25 as a potential target, the cumulative fraction response was ≥90% at doses of ≥2,400 mg of SMX. SXT is a potential treatment option for MDR/XDR-TB.
A Novel High-Throughput Cell-Based Assay Aimed at Identifying Inhibitors of DNA Metabolism in Bacteria
Authors: Fan Jun , de Jonge Boudewijn L. M. , MacCormack Kathy , Sriram Shubha , McLaughlin Robert E. , Plant Helen , Preston Marian , Fleming Paul R. , Albert Robert , Foulk Melinda , Mills Scott D.
Published: September 2014

Bacterial biosensor strains can be useful tools for the discovery and characterization of antibacterial compounds. A plasmid-based reporter vector containing a transcriptional fusion between the
recA
promoter and green fluorescence protein gene was introduced into an
Escherichia coli
Δ
tolC
strain to create a biosensor strain that selectively senses inhibitors of DNA metabolism via the SOS response. The strain was used to develop a high-throughput assay to identify new inhibitors of DNA metabolism. Screening of the AstraZeneca compound library with this strain identified known inhibitors of DNA metabolism, as well as novel chemotypes. The cellular target of one novel series was elucidated as DNA gyrase through genetic characterization of laboratory-generated resistant mutants followed by 50% inhibitory concentration measurements in a DNA gyrase activity assay. These studies validated the use of this antibiotic biosensor strain to identify novel selective inhibitors of DNA metabolism by high-throughput screening.
bla
NDM-5
Carried by an IncX3 Plasmid in Escherichia coli Sequence Type 167
Authors: Yang Ping , Xie Yi , Feng Ping , Zong Zhiyong
Published: September 2014

bla
NDM-5
was found in
Escherichia coli
strain 0215 from a Chinese patient without travel history. Genomic sequencing and conjugation experiments were performed. Strain 0215 belonged to sequence type 167 (ST167) and had other resistance determinants, including
bla
TEM-135
,
bla
CTX-M-14
, and
aac
(
6
′)-
Ib. bla
NDM-5
was carried by a 47-kb self-transmissible IncX3 plasmid and was in a complex genetic context similar to that of
bla
NDM-1
on IncX3 plasmids. IncX3 plasmids might have emerged as a common vehicle mediating the spread of
bla
NDM
.
Pantothenate and Pantetheine Antagonize the Antitubercular Activity of Pyrazinamide
Authors: Dillon Nicholas A. , Peterson Nicholas D. , Rosen Brandon C. , Baughn Anthony D.
Published: September 2014

Pyrazinamide (PZA) is a first-line tuberculosis drug that inhibits the growth of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
via an as yet undefined mechanism. An
M. tuberculosis
laboratory strain that was auxotrophic for pantothenate was found to be insensitive to PZA and to the active form, pyrazinoic acid (POA). To determine whether this phenotype was strain or condition specific, the effect of pantothenate supplementation on PZA activity was assessed using prototrophic strains of
M. tuberculosis
. It was found that pantothenate and other β-alanine-containing metabolites abolished PZA and POA susceptibility, suggesting that POA might selectively target pantothenate synthesis. However, when the pantothenate-auxotrophic strain was cultivated using a subantagonistic concentration of pantetheine in lieu of pantothenate, susceptibility to PZA and POA was restored. In addition, we found that β-alanine could not antagonize PZA and POA activity against the pantothenate-auxotrophic strain, indicating that the antagonism is specific to pantothenate. Moreover, pantothenate-mediated antagonism was observed for structurally related compounds, including
n
-propyl pyrazinoate, 5-chloropyrazinamide, and nicotinamide, but not for nicotinic acid or isoniazid. Taken together, these data demonstrate that while pantothenate can interfere with the action of PZA, pantothenate synthesis is not directly targeted by PZA. Our findings suggest that targeting of pantothenate synthesis has the potential to enhance PZA efficacy and possibly to restore PZA susceptibility in isolates with
panD
-linked resistance.
Lactate Dehydrogenase Is the Key Enzyme for Pneumococcal Pyruvate Metabolism and Pneumococcal Survival in Blood
Authors: Gaspar Paula , Al-Bayati Firas A. Y. , Andrew Peter W. , Neves Ana Rute , Yesilkaya Hasan
Published: September 2014

Streptococcus pneumoniae
is a fermentative microorganism and causes serious diseases in humans, including otitis media, bacteremia, meningitis, and pneumonia. However, the mechanisms enabling pneumococcal survival in the host and causing disease in different tissues are incompletely understood. The available evidence indicates a strong link between the central metabolism and pneumococcal virulence. To further our knowledge on pneumococcal virulence, we investigated the role of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), which converts pyruvate to lactate and is an essential enzyme for redox balance, in the pneumococcal central metabolism and virulence using an isogenic
ldh
mutant. Loss of LDH led to a dramatic reduction of the growth rate, pinpointing the key role of this enzyme in fermentative metabolism. The pattern of end products was altered, and lactate production was totally blocked. The fermentation profile was confirmed by
in vivo
nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements of glucose metabolism in nongrowing cell suspensions of the
ldh
mutant. In this strain, a bottleneck in the fermentative steps is evident from the accumulation of pyruvate, revealing LDH as the most efficient enzyme in pyruvate conversion. An increase in ethanol production was also observed, indicating that in the absence of LDH the redox balance is maintained through alcohol dehydrogenase activity. We also found that the absence of LDH renders the pneumococci avirulent after intravenous infection and leads to a significant reduction in virulence in a model of pneumonia that develops after intranasal infection, likely due to a decrease in energy generation and virulence gene expression.
Human Antibodies to PhtD, PcpA, and Ply Reduce Adherence to Human Lung Epithelial Cells and Murine Nasopharyngeal Colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Kaur Ravinder , Surendran Naveen , Ochs Martina , Pichichero Michael E.
Published: September 2014

Streptococcus pneumoniae
adherence to human epithelial cells (HECs) is the first step in pathogenesis leading to infections. We sought to determine the role of human antibodies against
S. pneumoniae
protein vaccine candidates PhtD, PcpA, and Ply in preventing adherence to lung HECs
in vitro
and mouse nasopharyngeal (NP) colonization
in vivo
. Human anti-PhtD, -PcpA, and -Ply antibodies were purified and Fab fragments generated. Fabs were used to test inhibition of adherence of TIGR4 and nonencapsulated strain RX1 to A549 lung HECs. The roles of individual proteins in adherence were tested using isogenic mutants of strain TIGR4. Anti-PhtD, -PcpA, and -Ply human antibodies were assessed for their ability to inhibit NP colonization
in vivo
by passive transfer of human antibody in a murine model. Human antibodies generated against PhtD and PcpA caused a decrease in adherence to A549 cells (
P
< 0.05). Anti-PhtD but not anti-PcpA antibodies showed a protective role against mouse NP colonization. To our surprise, anti-Ply antibodies also caused a significant (
P
< 0.05) reduction in
S. pneumoniae
colonization. Our results support the potential of PhtD, PcpA, and Ply protein vaccine candidates as alternatives to conjugate vaccines to prevent non-serotype-specific
S. pneumoniae
colonization and invasive infection.
Antibodies to Staphylococcus aureus Serotype 8 Capsular Polysaccharide React with and Protect against Serotype 5 and 8 Isolates
Authors: Park Saeyoung , Gerber Sabina , Lee Jean C.
Published: September 2014

Most
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates produce either a serotype 5 (CP5) or 8 (CP8) capsular polysaccharide, and the CP antigens are targets for vaccine development. Since CP5 and CP8 have similar trisaccharide repeating units, it is important to identify an epitope shared by both CP5 and CP8. To characterize cross-reactivity between CP5 and CP8, the immunogenicity of CP5 and CP8 conjugate vaccines in mice and rabbits was evaluated by serological assays. Immune sera were also tested for functional activity by
in vitro
opsonophagocytic-killing assays and a murine bacteremia model. Antibodies to the CP5-cross-reactive material 197 (CRM197) conjugate vaccine bound only to purified CP5. In contrast, antibodies to the CP8-CRM conjugate vaccine reacted with CP8 and (to a lesser extent) CP5. De-O-acetylation of CP5 increased its reactivity with CP8 antibodies. Moreover, CP8 antibodies bound to
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
O11 lipopolysaccharide, which has a trisaccharide repeating unit similar to that of the
S. aureus
CPs. CP8-CRM antibodies mediated
in vitro
opsonophagocytic killing of
S. aureus
expressing CP5 or CP8, whereas CP5-CRM antibodies were serotype specific. Passive immunization with antiserum to CP5-CRM or CP8-CRM protected mice against bacteremia induced by a serotype 5
S. aureus
isolate, suggesting that CP8-CRM elicits antibodies cross-reactive to CP5. The identification of epitopes shared by CP5 and CP8 may inform the rational design of a vaccine to protect against infections caused by CP5- or CP8-producing strains of
S. aureus
.
Toll-Like Receptor-Triggered Calcium Mobilization Protects Mice against Bacterial Infection through Extracellular ATP Release
Authors: Ren Hua , Teng Yunfei , Tan Binghe , Zhang Xiaoyu , Jiang Wei , Liu Mingyao , Jiang Wenzheng , Du Bing , Qian Min
Published: September 2014

Extracellular ATP (eATP), released as a “danger signal” by injured or stressed cells, plays an important role in the regulation of immune responses, but the relationship between ATP release and innate immune responses is still uncertain. In this study, we demonstrated that ATP was released through Toll-like receptor (TLR)-associated signaling in both
Escherichia coli
-infected mice and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- or Pam3CSK4-treated macrophages. This ATP release could be blocked completely only by
N
-ethylmaleimide (NEM), not by carbenoxolone (CBX), flufenamic acid (FFA), or probenecid, suggesting the key role of exocytosis in this process. Furthermore, LPS-induced ATP release could also be reduced dramatically through suppressing calcium mobilization by use of U73122, caffeine, and thapsigargin (TG). In addition, the secretion of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and CCL-2 was enhanced significantly by ATP, in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of bacteria was also promoted significantly by ATP stimulation. Furthermore, extracellular ATP reduced the number of invading bacteria and protected mice from peritonitis by activating purinergic receptors. Mechanistically, phosphorylation of AKT and ERK was overtly increased by ATP in antibacterial immune responses. Accordingly, if we blocked the P2X- and P2Y-associated signaling pathway by using suramin and pyridoxal phosphate-6-azo(benzene-2,4-disulfonic acid), tetrasodium salt (PPADS), the ATP-enhanced immune response was restrained significantly. Taken together, our findings reveal an internal relationship between danger signals and TLR signaling in innate immune responses, which suggests a potential therapeutic significance of calcium mobilization-mediated ATP release in infectious diseases.
Assessment of radiocaesium accumulation by hatchery-reared salmonids after the Fukushima nuclear accident
Authors: Yamamoto Shoichiro , Mutou Kouji , Nakamura Hidefumi , Miyamoto Kouta , Uchida Kazuo , Takagi Kaori , Fujimoto Ken , Kaeriyama Hideki , Ono Tsuneo
Published: September 2014

To understand the process of radiocaesium uptake in salmonids after the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, a lake caging experiment and two captive-rearing experiments with controlled radiocaesium concentrations of water and feed were conducted in and around Lake Chuzenji, central Honshu Island, Japan (160 km from the station). Substantial accumulations of radiocaesium were confirmed in muscle of hatchery-reared kokanee (Oncorhynchus nerka) and masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou) after release into the cages, indicating that radionuclide contamination of fish is an ongoing process, 1.5 years after the nuclear accident. Two captive experiments, controlling water and feed radiocaesium levels, showed that direct radiocaesium transfer from water (43 mBq·L–1) in Lake Chuzenji to muscle tissue was undetected, at least during the ∼90-day experimental period, whereas a rapid increase in radiocaesium levels was observed when fish were cultured using radiocaesium-contaminated pellets. The results revealed that radiocaesium contamination in salmonids is mainly via the food chain and that direct intake from water via the skin, gut, and (or) gills has no major direct impact on muscle tissue concentrations.
The effects of hydropattern and predator communities on amphibian occupancy
Authors: Amburgey S.M. , Bailey L.L. , Murphy M. , Muths E. , Funk W.C.
Published: September 2014

Complex, interactive ecological constraints regulate species distributions, and understanding these factors is crucial for predicting species persistence. We used occupancy analysis, which corrects for imperfect detection, to test the importance of abiotic and biotic habitat and landscape factors on probability of occupancy by Boreal Chorus Frog (Pseudacris maculata (Agassiz, 1850)) tadpoles. We hypothesized that hydropattern and predators are primarily important because they affect desiccation and predation risk and can interact in ways difficult to predict. We surveyed 62 wetland sites across an elevational gradient in Colorado, USA, and modeled patterns in P. maculata occupancy. Tadpoles were most frequently present in intermediate-length hydropattern systems with lower desiccation risk and no predatory fish because of occasional drying. Pseudacris maculata occupancy had a strong negative relationship with fish presence, while tadpoles, odonate larvae, and Barred Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma mavortium mavortium Baird, 1850) frequently co-occurred. Dry seasonal conditions will likely result in fewer intermediate-length hydropattern ponds available for amphibian breeding. We hypothesize that this will force P. maculata to breed in habitats with fish. As habitats shrink, predators that co-occur with P. maculata are expected to concentrate in the remaining habitat and increase predation risk for developing tadpoles (assuming predators are similarly constricted in their habitat use as amphibians are).
Adaptive Control of Parkinson's State Based on a Nonlinear Computational Model with Unknown Parameters
Authors: Su Fei , Wang Jiang , Deng Bin , Wei Xi-Le , Chen Ying-Yuan , Liu Chen , Li Hui-Yan
Published: September 2014

The objective here is to explore the use of adaptive input–output feedback linearization method to achieve an improved deep brain stimulation (DBS) algorithm for closed-loop control of Parkinson's state. The control law is based on a highly nonlinear computational model of Parkinson's disease (PD) with unknown parameters. The restoration of thalamic relay reliability is formulated as the desired outcome of the adaptive control methodology, and the DBS waveform is the control input. The control input is adjusted in real time according to estimates of unknown parameters as well as the feedback signal. Simulation results show that the proposed adaptive control algorithm succeeds in restoring the relay reliability of the thalamus, and at the same time achieves accurate estimation of unknown parameters. Our findings point to the potential value of adaptive control approach that could be used to regulate DBS waveform in more effective treatment of PD.
First-principles studies of phase transition and structural stability of SrC2 under pressure
Authors: Lu Yi-Lin , Zhao Hui
Published: September 2014

Pressure-induced phase transitions in SrC 2 are investigated using the first-principles plane wave pseudopotential method within the generalized gradient approximation. The phase transition from monoclinic phase ( CaC 2-II-type, space group C2/c) to trigonal ( CaC 2-VII-type, space group [Formula: see text]) structure is predicted to occur at 10.4 GPa. The high-pressure phase is thermodynamic, mechanically and dynamically stable, as verified by the calculations of its formation energy, elastic stiffness constants and phonon dispersion. Further the electronic analysis predicates this high-pressure phase to be an insulator. When increasing pressure, the ionic bond between C and Sr is strengthened, as well is the covalent bond between C and C , however, the increase of the ionic interaction between Sr and C preponderates over that of the covalent bond interaction, so the gap is narrowed.
PREDICTION OF LONG BONE FRACTURES VIA RECONSTRUCTION OF PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS USING MULTI-BODY SYSTEM AND FE MODELS
Authors: WANG BINGYU , YANG JIKUANG , DIETMAR OTTE , PENG YONG
Published: September 2014

This study aimed at prediction of long bone fractures and analysis of lower extremity injury mechanisms in real world passenger car to pedestrian collision. For this purpose, two cases of car to pedestrian accidents with detail recorded lower extremity injuries were reconstructed using Multi-body system (MBS) and Finite element (FE) models. The MBS models were used to determine lower extremity impact conditions, such as impact velocity, contact location as well as impact orientation. Furthermore, impact conditions were used to define initial boundary conditions in the simulation of lower extremity colliding with car front end using FE models. The bending moment and von Mises stress distributions of long bone were calculated in FE model to evaluate long bone fracture risks. Then, injury outcomes from simulations were compared with hospital recorded injury data. The simulation results of long bone fracture were consistent with the injury pattern and positions from hospital records. Moreover, the calculated fracture moments of tibia and fibula shaft as well as femur neck region were 310.8, 21.4 and 304.7 Nm, respectively. The FE model is capable to reproduce the dynamic injury process and is an effective tool to demonstrate the dynamic response of the injury and to predict the risk of long bone fractures.
Formal modeling of a system of chemical reactions under uncertainty
Authors: Ghosh Krishnendu , Schlipf John
Published: September 2014

We describe a novel formalism representing a system of chemical reactions, with imprecise rates of reactions and concentrations of chemicals, and describe a model reduction method, pruning, based on the chemical properties. We present two algorithms, midpoint approximation and interval approximation, for construction of efficient model abstractions with uncertainty in data. We evaluate computational feasibility by posing queries in computation tree logic (CTL) on a prototype of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway.
My path to becoming an accessibility researcher
Authors: Ladner Richard E.
Published: September 2014

Because I started out in mathematics and theoretical computer science I am often asked how I got involved in accessibility research and in trying to increase the participation of people with disabilities in computing fields. In this article I will try to explain the why and how of becoming an accessibility researcher and why it is so important to include people with disabilities as accessibility researchers. In the process, I will describe the research that I and my students and colleagues at the University of Washington have pursued including our most recent work.
Early response markers from video games for rehabilitation strategies
Authors: Davison Richard , Graziadio Sara , Shalabi Kholood , Ushaw Gary , Morgan Graham , Eyre Janet
Published: September 2014

Stroke commonly leads to partial or complete paralysis of one side of the body and there is limited availability of therapists to provide rehabilitation. It is a priority therefore to identify the most effective rehabilitation strategies and/or pharmacotherapies. Motor learning, the essential process underpinning rehabilitation, can be assessed more quickly and robustly than outcomes from rehabilitation. In this paper we describe a proof of concept system utilising a commodity input device to play a bespoke video game to measure the critical components of motor learning. We demonstrate that we can detect how simple changes in therapist instruction significantly change motor performance and learning. Although video games have been shown to aid in rehabilitation, this is the first time video games have been used to derive early response markers, based on the measurement of performance and motor learning, for use in the evaluation of the efficacy of a rehabilitation strategy.
Dna Hla‐Drbi Analysis In Children Of Positive Mothers And Estimated Risk Of Vertical Hiv Transmission
Authors: Greggio N. A. , Cameran M. , Giaquinto C. , Zacchello F. , Koroliukt D. , Colizz V.
Published: September 2014

RFLP HLA‐DRB I analysis was performed on a total of 83 children born from HIV ‐infected mothers, 35 of whom were shown to be HIV ‐infected, while 48 reverted from seropositivity to seronegativity, indicating that they were not infected. Moreover, 89 healthy children were used as controls. It has been found that DRBI‐14a and DRBI‐13a.4 alleles were not present in the HIV‐infected children, but were found in the sero‐reverted (HIV‐uninfected) children (in the proportion of 9·6 per cent and 5·3 per cent, respectively), and in the controls (5·6 per cent and 3·9 per cent, respectively). The possible correlation between DR and risk of HIV transmission from mother to baby was analysed considering every single allele, estimated by the ratio between the number of infected children and the number of all children born from seropositive mothers. There was also introduced a statistic G for the control of ’statistical validity’ of data.
ABO Genotyping of Complete Hydatidiform Moles
Authors: Fisher R. A. , Johnson P. H. , Povey S. , Hopkinson D. A. , Lawler S. D.
Published: September 2014

It has been suggested that the ABO blood group of a patient and her partner influence the clinical outcome for patients having a pregnancy with a complete hydatidiform mole (CHM). Since CHM lack red blood Cells, it has not previously been possible to type CHM serologically and investigate the relationship between the blood group of the CHM and that of the patient. In the present study we have demonstrated the feasibility of using molecular genotyping to determine the ABO genotype of CHM, the ABO genotype being consistent with the androgenetic origin of CHM in all cases. In the series of 48 cases of CHM, the requirement for chemotherapy was not significantly different in those patients with a CHM of like blood group compared with those with a CHM of unlike blood group.
Differences in the Cardiometabolic Control in Type 2 Diabetes according to Gender and the Presence of Cardiovascular Disease: Results from the eControl Study
Authors: Franch-Nadal Josep , Mata-Cases Manel , Vinagre Irene , Patitucci Flor , Hermosilla Eduard , Casellas Aina , Bolivar Bonaventura , Mauricio Dídac
Published: September 2014

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess differences in the control and treatment of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF: HbA1c, blood pressure [BP], LDL-cholesterol, body mass index, and smoking habit) according to gender and the presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Catalonia, Spain. The study included available data from electronic medical records for a total of 286,791 patients. After controlling for sex, age, diabetes duration, and treatment received, both men and women with prior CVD had worse cardiometabolic control than patients without previous CVD; women with prior CVD had worse overall control of CVRFs than men except for smoking; and women without prior CVD were only better than men at controlling smoking and BP, with no significant differences in glycemic control. Finally, although the proportion of women treated with lipid-lowering medications was similar to (with prior CVD) or even higher (without CVD) than men, LDL-cholesterol levels were remarkably uncontrolled in both women with and women without CVD. The results stress the need to implement measures to better prevent and treat CVRF in the subgroup of diabetic women, specifically with more intensive statin treatment in those with CVD.
Powering the Immune System: Mitochondria in Immune Function and Deficiency
Authors: Walker Melissa A. , Volpi Stefano , Sims Katherine B. , Walter Jolan E. , Traggiai Elisabetta
Published: September 2014

Mitochondria are critical subcellular organelles that are required for several metabolic processes, including oxidative phosphorylation, as well as signaling and tissue-specific processes. Current understanding of the role of mitochondria in both the innate and adaptive immune systems is expanding. Concurrently, immunodeficiencies arising from perturbation of mitochondrial elements are increasingly recognized. Recent observations of immune dysfunction and increased incidence of infection in patients with primary mitochondrial disorders further support an important role for mitochondria in the proper function of the immune system. Here we review current findings.
Is the Frequency Content of the Calls in North American Treefrogs Limited by Their Larynges?
Authors: Gridi-Papp Marcos
Published: September 2014

A high diversity of mating calls is found among frogs. The calls of most species, however, are simple, in comparison to those of mammals and birds. In order to determine if the mechanics of the larynx could explain the simplicity of treefrog calls, the larynges of euthanized males were activated with airflow. Laryngeal airflow, sound frequency, and sound intensity showed a positive direct relationship with the driving air pressure. While the natural calls of the studied species exhibit minimal frequency modulation, their larynges produced about an octave of frequency modulation in response to varying pulmonary pressure. Natural advertisement calls are produced near the higher extreme of frequency obtained in the laboratory and at a slightly higher intensity (6 dB). Natural calls also exhibit fewer harmonics than artificial ones, because the larynges were activated with the mouth of the animal open. The results revealed that treefrog larynges allow them to produce calls spanning a much greater range of frequencies than observed in nature; therefore, the simplicity of the calls is not due to a limited frequency range of laryngeal output. Low frequencies are produced at low intensities, however, and this could explain why treefrogs concentrate their calling at the high frequencies.
Symptoms and Association with Health Outcomes in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Results of a US Patient Survey
Authors: Williams Angela E. , Vietri Jeffrey T. , Isherwood Gina , Flor Armando
Published: September 2014

Background. A variety of symptoms have been reported, but the prevalence of specific symptoms in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), how they are related to one another, and their impact on patient reported outcomes is not well understood.Objective. To describe how symptoms of RRMS cooccur and their impact on patient-reported outcomes.Methods. Individuals who reported a physician diagnosis of RRMS in a large general health survey in the United States indicated the symptoms they experience because of RRMS and completed validated scales, including the work productivity and activity impairment questionnaire and either the SF-12v2 or SF-36v2. Symptom clusters were identified through hierarchical cluster analysis, and the relationship between clusters and outcomes was assessed through regression.Results. Fatigue, difficulty walking, and numbness were the most commonly reported symptoms. Seven symptom clusters were identified, and several were significantly related to patient reported outcomes. Pain, muscle spasms, and stiffness formed a cluster strongly related to physical quality of life; depression was strongly related to mental quality of life and cognitive difficulty was associated with work impairment.Conclusions. Symptoms in RRMS show a strong relationship with quality of life and should be taken into consideration in treatment decisions and evaluation of treatment success.
Aspiration of Barium Contrast
Authors: Fuentes Santos Cristina , Steen Bárbara
Published: September 2014

The aspiration of barium contrast is a rare complication that may occur during studies of the digestive tract. Barium is an inert material that can cause anywhere from an asymptomatic mechanical obstruction to serious symptoms of respiratory distress that can result in patient death. We present the case of a 79-year-old male patient in whom we observed the presence of contrast medium residue in the lung parenchyma as an incidental finding during hospitalization. When the patient’s medical file was reviewed, images were found of a barium swallow study that the patient had undergone months earlier, and we were able to observe the exact moment of the aspiration of the contrast material. The patient had been asymptomatic since the test.
Unsuccessful Self-Enucleation in a Schizophrenic Patient
Authors: Bar-Yaakov Noam , Noy Achiron Romi , Paul Michael , Achiron Asaf
Published: September 2014

Self-enucleation is a very unusual form of self-mutilation directly linked to mental illness. In this case we present a 26-year-old schizophrenic patient who attempted to enucleate his eye with a rollerball pen. Antipsychotic therapy and emergency surgery saved the patient eye and emphasize the importance of quick response and good collaboration between psychiatric and ophthalmic teams.
In VitroActivity ofLawsonia inermis(Henna) on Some Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Suleiman Elham Abdelbasit , Mohamed Elbasheir Ahmed
Published: September 2014

The present study was conducted to investigate antifungal activity ofLawsonia inermis(Henna plant). Leaf samples of the plant were collected from Eastern Nile of Khartoum State, Sudan. Ethanol and petroleum ether extracts were obtained by maceration (cold method). The extracts were bioassayedin vitroto know their bioactivity to inhibit the growth of tested fungi. The cup-plate agar diffusion method was adopted to assess the antifungal activity of the extracts against tested yeasts, while agar incorporated method was used for other molds. Both extracts revealed antifungal activity against all yeast strains exceptPichia fabianiiwhich was found resistant to both ethanol and ether extracts. The results displayed antifungal activity against tested fungi. Minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of 5, 7.5, and 10 mg/mL was found to inhibit the growth of tested dermatophytes. The obtained results revealed antifungal activity of Henna leaves extracts which support the traditional use of Henna in therapy of fungal infections. The possibility of therapeutic use of Sudanese Henna as antifungal agent is recommended.
Effect of Ovariectomy on Stimulating Intracortical Remodeling in Rats
Authors: Li Chun Lei , Liu Xi Ling , Cai Wei Xin , Lu Weijia William , Zwahlen Roger A. , Zheng Li Wu
Published: September 2014

Objective.Technically primates and dogs represent ideal models to investigate diseases characterized by abnormal intracortical remodeling. High expenses and ethical issues, however, restrict the use of those animals in research. Rodent models have been used as alternatives instead, but their value is limited, if none, because these animals lack intracortical bone remodeling. This study aimed at investigating the effect of ovariectomy onto the stimulation of intracortical remodeling in rat mandibles.Materials and Methods.Sixteen 12-week-old Spraque-Dawly (SD) female rats were randomly assigned into two groups, receiving either ovariectomy or sham operation. All the rats were sacrificed 18 weeks postoperatively. The entire mandibles were harvested for microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) and histomorphometric assessments.Results.Micro-CT examination showed significantly decreased bone mineral density (0.95 ± 0.01 versus 1.01 ± 0.02 g/cm3,P<0.001) and bone volume (65.78 ± 5.45 versus 87.41 ± 4.12%,P<0.001) in ovariectomy group. Histomorphometric assessment detected a sixfold increased intracortical bone remodeling as well as an increased bone modeling in mandibles of ovariectomized rats.Conclusion.For the first time, to the authors’ knowledge, it was detected that ovariectomy stimulates intracortical remodeling in rat mandibles. This animal model might be of use to study various bone diseases associated with an abnormal intracortical remodeling process.
Acute Kidney Injury Induced by Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome is an Avid and Persistent Sodium-Retaining State
Authors: Vitorio Daniel , Maciel Alexandre Toledo
Published: September 2014

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), which is triggered by many conditions in the intensive care unit, including different types of circulatory shock. One under-recognized characteristic of the SIRS-induced AKI is its avidity for sodium retention, with progressive decreases in urinary sodium concentration (NaU) and its fractional excretion (FENa). This phenomenon occurs in parallel with increases in serum creatinine, being only transitorily mitigated by diuretic use. In the present case, we report a situation of two consecutive shocks: the first shock is hemorrhagic in origin and then the second shock is a septic one in the same patient. The SIRS and AKI triggered by the first shock were not completely solved when the second shock occurred. This could be viewed as a persistent avid sodium-retaining state, which may be appreciated even during renal replacement therapy (in the absence of complete anuria) and that usually solves only after complete AKI and SIRS resolution. We suggest that decreases in NaU and FENa are major characteristics of SIRS-induced AKI, irrespective of the primary cause, and may serve as additional monitoring tools in its development and resolution.
Exercise Improves Immune Function, Antidepressive Response, and Sleep Quality in Patients with Chronic Primary Insomnia
Authors: Passos Giselle Soares , Poyares Dalva , Santana Marcos Gonçalves , Teixeira Alexandre Abílio de Souza , Lira Fábio Santos , Youngstedt Shawn D. , Santos Ronaldo Vagner Thomatieli dos , Tufik Sergio , de Mello Marco Túlio
Published: September 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of moderate aerobic exercise training on sleep, depression, cortisol, and markers of immune function in patients with chronic primary insomnia. Twenty-one sedentary participants (16 women aged 44.7 ± 9 years) with chronic primary insomnia completed a 4-month intervention of moderate aerobic exercise. Compared with baseline, polysomnographic data showed improvements following exercise training. Also observed were reductions in depression symptoms and plasma cortisol. Immunologic assays revealed a significant increase in plasma apolipoprotein A (140.9 ± 22 to 151.2 ± 22 mg/dL) and decreases in CD4 (915.6 ± 361 to 789.6 ± 310 mm3) and CD8 (532.4 ± 259 to 435.7 ± 204 mm3). Decreases in cortisol were significantly correlated with increases in total sleep time(r=-0.51)and REM sleep(r=-0.52). In summary, long-term moderate aerobic exercise training improved sleep, reduced depression and cortisol, and promoted significant changes in immunologic variables.
Synergistic Effect of Adjustments of Elastic Stockings to Maintain Reduction in Leg Volume after Mechanical Lymph Drainage
Authors: de Godoy José Maria Pereira , Lopes Pinto Renata , Pereira de Godoy Ana Carolina , de Fátima Guerreiro Godoy Maria
Published: September 2014

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of elastic compression stockings on volumetric variations of lymphedematous limbs between mechanical lymph drainage sessions. Eleven patients with Grade II leg lymphedema, regardless of etiology, were evaluated in a randomized clinical trial. The ages ranged from 47 to 83 years old with a mean of 62.4 years. Participants were submitted to mechanical lymph drainage (RAGodoy) associated with adjusted and unadjusted knee-high elastic compression stockings (20/30 Venosan). The effect of these stockings on the maintenance of volumetric reductions between sessions of lymph drainage was assessed. In all, 33 evaluations were carried out, 18 of patients using well-adjusted stockings and 15 with badly-adjusted stockings. The differences in volumes were significant (unpairedt-test;P-value < 0.0001). Adjusting the compression provided by elastic stockings according to the size of the leg has a synergistic effect in reducing volume during mechanical lymph drainage.
Prevalence, Correlates, and Prognosis of Peripheral Artery Disease in Rural Ecuador—Rationale, Protocol, andPhase IResults of a Population-Based Survey: An Atahualpa Project-Ancillary Study
Authors: Del Brutto Oscar H. , Sedler Mark J. , Mera Robertino M. , Castillo Pablo R. , Cusick Elizabeth H. , Gruen Jadry A. , Phelan Kelsie J. , Del Brutto Victor J. , Zambrano Mauricio , Brown David L.
Published: September 2014

Background. Little is known on the prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in developing countries.Study design. Population-based study in Atahualpa. InPhase I, the Edinburgh claudication questionnaire (ECQ) was used for detection of suspected symptomatic PAD; persons with a negative ECQ but a pulse pressure ≥65 mmHg were suspected of asymptomatic PAD. InPhase II, the ankle-brachial index will be used to test reliability of screening instruments and to determine PAD prevalence. InPhase III, participants will be followed up to estimate the relevance of PAD as a predictor of vascular outcomes.Results. DuringPhase I, 665 Atahualpa residents aged ≥40 years were enrolled (mean age: 59.5 ± 12.6 years, 58% women). A poor cardiovascular health status was noticed in 464 (70%) persons of which 27 (4%) had a stroke and 14 (2%) had ischemic heart disease. Forty-four subjects (7%) had suspected symptomatic PAD and 170 (26%) had suspected asymptomatic PAD. Individuals with suspected PAD were older, more often women, and had a worse cardiovascular profile than those with nonsuspected PAD.Conclusions. Prevalence of suspected PAD in this underserved population is high. Subsequent phases of this study will determine whether prompt detection of PAD is useful to reduce the incidence of catastrophic vascular diseases in the region.
Socioeconomic and Demographic Factors for Spousal Resemblance in Obesity Status and Habitual Physical Activity in the United States
Authors: Chen Hsin-Jen , Liu Yinghui , Wang Youfa
Published: September 2014

Studies suggested that the married population has an increased risk of obesity and assimilation between spouses’ body weight. We examined what factors may affect married spouses’ resemblance in weight status and habitual physical activity (HPA) and the association of obesity/HPA with spouses’ sociodemoeconomic characteristics and lifestyles. Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data of 11,403 adult married couples in the US during years 2006–2008 were used. Absolute-scale difference and relative-scale resemblance indices (correlation and kappa coefficients) in body mass index (BMI) and HPA were estimated by couples’ socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. We found that spousal difference in BMI was smaller for couples with a lower household income, for who were both unemployed, and for older spouses. Correlation coefficient between spouses’ BMI was 0.24, differing by race/ethnicity and family size. Kappa coefficient for weight status (obesity: BMI ≥ 30, overweight: 30 > BMI ≥ 25) was 0.11 and 0.35 for HPA. Never-working women’s husbands had lower odds of obesity than employed women’s husbands (OR = 0.69 (95% CI = 0.53–0.89)). Men’s unemployment status was associated with wives’ greater odds of obesity (OR = 1.31 (95% CI = 1.01–1.71)). HPA was associated with men’s employment status and income level, but not with women’s. The population representative survey showed that spousal resemblance in weight status and HPA varied with socioeconomic and demographic factors.
Antibacterial Efficacy of Iron-Oxide Nanoparticles against Biofilms on Different Biomaterial Surfaces
Authors: Thukkaram Monica , Sitaram Soundarya , Kannaiyan Sathish kumar , Subbiahdoss Guruprakash
Published: September 2014

Biofilm growth on the implant surface is the number one cause of the failure of the implants. Biofilms on implant surfaces are hard to eliminate by antibiotics due to the protection offered by the exopolymeric substances that embed the organisms in a matrix, impenetrable for most antibiotics and immune cells. Application of metals in nanoscale is considered to resolve biofilm formation. Here we studied the effect of iron-oxide nanoparticles over biofilm formation on different biomaterial surfaces and pluronic coated surfaces. Bacterial adhesion for 30 min showed significant reduction in bacterial adhesion on pluronic coated surfaces compared to other surfaces. Subsequently, bacteria were allowed to grow for 24 h in the presence of different concentrations of iron-oxide nanoparticles. A significant reduction in biofilm growth was observed in the presence of the highest concentration of iron-oxide nanoparticles on pluronic coated surfaces compared to other surfaces. Therefore, combination of polymer brush coating and iron-oxide nanoparticles could show a significant reduction in biofilm formation.
Future Changes in Surface Runoff over Korea Projected by a Regional Climate Model under A1B Scenario
Authors: Lee Ji-Woo , Ham Suryun , Hong Song-You , Yoshimura Kei , Joh Minsu
Published: September 2014

This study assesses future change of surface runoff due to climate change over Korea using a regional climate model (RCM), namely, the Global/Regional Integrated Model System (GRIMs), Regional Model Program (RMP). The RMP is forced by future climate scenario, namely, A1B of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report (AR4). The RMP satisfactorily reproduces the observed seasonal mean and variation of surface runoff for the current climate simulation. The distribution of monsoonal precipitation-related runoff is adequately captured by the RMP. In the future (2040–2070) simulation, it is shown that the increasing trend of temperature has significant impacts on the intra-annual runoff variation. The variability of runoff is increased in summer; moreover, the strengthened possibility of extreme occurrence is detected in the future climate. This study indicates that future climate projection, including surface runoff and its variability over Korea, can be adequately addressed on the RMP testbed. Furthermore, this study reflects that global warming affects local hydrological cycle by changing major water budget components. This study adduces that the importance of runoff should not be overlooked in regional climate studies, and more elaborate presentation of fresh-water cycle is needed to close hydrological circulation in RCMs.
Semiactive Self-Tuning Fuzzy Logic Control of Full Vehicle Model with MR Damper
Authors: Paksoy Mahmut , Guclu Rahmi , Cetin Saban
Published: September 2014

Intelligent controllers are studied for vibration reduction of a vehicle consisting in a semiactive suspension system with a magnetorheological(MR) damper. The vehicle is modeled with seven degrees of freedom as a full vehicle model. The semiactive suspension system consists of a linear spring and an MR damper. MR damper is modeled using Bouc-Wen hysteresis phenomenon and applied to a full vehicle model. Fuzzy Logic based controllers are designed to determine the MR damper voltage. Fuzzy Logic and Self-Tuning Fuzzy Logic controllers are applied to the semiactive suspension system. Results of the system are investigated by simulation studies in MATLAB-Simulink environment. The performance of the semiactive suspension system is analyzed with and without control. Simulation results showed that both Fuzzy Logic and Self-Tuning Fuzzy Logic controllers perform better compared to uncontrolled case. Furthermore, Self-Tuning Fuzzy Logic controller displayed a greater improvement in vibration reduction performance compared to Fuzzy Logic controller.
Effects of Hard Surface Grinding and Activation on Electroless-Nickel Plating on Cast Aluminium Alloy Substrates
Authors: Ajibola Olawale Olarewaju , Oloruntoba Daniel T. , Adewuyi Benjamin O.
Published: September 2014

This work examined effects of hard surface polishing grits and activation on electroless-nickel (EN) plating on cast aluminium alloy substrates in sodium hypophosphite baths. As-received aluminium alloy sample sourced from automobile hydraulic brake master cylinder piston was melted in electric furnace and sand cast into rod. The cast samples were polished using different grits (60 μm–1200 μm) before plating. The effects on adhesion, appearance, and quantity of EN deposits on substrates were studied. Observation shows that the quantity of EN deposit is partly dependent on the alloy type and roughness of the surface of the substrates, whereas the adhesion and brightness are not solely controlled by the degree of surface polishing. The best yield in terms of adhesion and appearance was obtained from the activation in zincate and palladium chloride solutions. Higher plating rates (g/mm2/min) of3.01E-05,2.41E-05, and2.90E-05were obtained from chromate, zincate, and chloride than8.49E-06,8.86E-06, and1.69E-05as obtained from HCl etched, NaOH, and H2O activated surfaces, respectively.