bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does rumination mediate the relationship between mindfulness and depressive relapse?
Authors: Kearns Nicole P. , Shawyer Frances , Brooker Joanne E. , Graham Annette L. , Enticott Joanne C. , Martin Paul R. , Meadows Graham N.
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Major depressive disorder is a significant mental illness that is highly likely to recur, particularly after three or more previous episodes. Increased mindfulness and decreased rumination have both been associated with decreased depressive relapse. The aim of this study was to investigate whether rumination mediates the relationship between mindfulness and depressive relapse.

Design

This prospective design involved a secondary data analysis for identifying causal mechanisms using mediation analysis.

Methods

This study was embedded in a pragmatic randomized controlled trial of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in which 203 participants (165 females, 38 males; mean age: 48 years), with a history of at least three previous episodes of depression, completed measures of mindfulness, rumination, and depressive relapse over a 2‐year follow‐up period. Specific components of mindfulness and rumination, being nonjudging and brooding, respectively, were also explored.

Results

While higher mindfulness scores predicted reductions in rumination and depressive relapse, the relationship between mindfulness and relapse was not found to be mediated by rumination, although there appeared to be a trend.

Conclusions

Our results strengthen the argument that mindfulness may be important in preventing relapse but that rumination is not a significant mediator of its effects. The study was adequately powered to detect medium mediation effects, but it is possible that smaller effects were present but not detected.

Practitioner points

Mindfulness may be one of several components of MBCT contributing to prevention of depressive relapse.

Although the original rationale for MBCT rested largely on a model of relapse causally linked to rumination, our findings suggest that the mechanism by which mindfulness impacts relapse is more complex than a simple effect on rumination.
Bullous pemphigoid after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Kato Keisuke , Koike Kazutoshi , Kobayashi Chie , Iijima Shigeruko , Hashimoto Takashi , Tsuchida Masahiro
Published: June 2015

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune skin disorder characterized by subepidermal blisters due to deposit of autoantibody against dermal basement membrane protein. It has been reported that BP can occur after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We describe a patient with BP having autoantibody against BP180 after unrelated‐donor HSCT against T lymphoblastic leukemia. The patient was treated with steroid leading to complete resolution of BP, but T lymphoblastic leukemia progressed rapidly after steroid hormone treatment. Given that immunosuppressant may reduce graft‐versus‐tumor effect, immunomodulatory agents such as nicotinamide and tetracycline, erythromycin, and immunoglobulin may be appropriate as soon as typical blister lesions are seen after HSCT.
Current incidence of clinical kernicterus in preterm infants in Japan
Authors: Morioka Ichiro , Nakamura Hajime , Koda Tsubasa , Yokota Tomoyuki , Okada Hitoshi , Katayama Yoshinori , Kunikata Tetsuya , Kondo Masatoshi , Nakamura Makoto , Hosono Shigeharu , Yasuda Saneyuki , Yokoyama Naoki , Wada Hiroshi , Itoh Susumu , Funato Masahisa , Yamauchi Yoshitada , Lee Yong Kye , Yonetani Masahiko
Published: June 2015

Clinical kernicterus in preterm infants has recently been reported in Japan, diagnosed on the basis of clinical findings during the neonatal and infancy periods. We investigated the incidence of clinical kernicterus in preterm infants <30 weeks gestational age (GA) based on a nationwide survey conducted in 233 certified educational facilities for neonatologists. The numbers of infants admitted and infants who died within 14 days after birth during 2011, and the number of infants who subsequently developed clinical kernicterus, were recorded. A total of 2720 infants were analyzed, representing 59% (2720/4623) of all preterm live births <30 weeks GA in Japan in 2011. Of these, 159 (5.8%) died within 14 days after birth, similar to the national rate. Five infants developed clinical kernicterus in infancy (5/2720, 0.18%). The current incidence of clinical kernicterus in Japan is therefore estimated at 1.8 per 1000 live births <30 weeks GA.
Cat‐scratch disease with severe pleuritis in a 6‐year‐old girl
Authors: Kimura Sasagu , Hasegawa Shunji , Yanagihara Masashi , Inoue Hirofumi , Matsushige Takeshi , Tsuneoka Hidehiro , Ichiyama Takashi , Ohga Shouichi
Published: June 2015

We present the case of a 6‐year‐old girl with cat‐scratch disease (CSD), who developed severe pleuritis without lymphadenitis. Bartonella henselae DNA was detected on real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of whole blood. This is the first report of CSD diagnosed on real‐time PCR using whole blood.
Design and Conduct of an Internet‐Based Preconception Cohort Study in North America: Pregnancy Study Online
Authors: Wise Lauren A. , Rothman Kenneth J. , Mikkelsen Ellen M. , Stanford Joseph B. , Wesselink Amelia K. , McKinnon Craig , Gruschow Siobhan M. , Horgan Casie E. , Wiley Aleta S. , Hahn Kristen A. , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Hatch Elizabeth E.
Published: June 2015

Background

We launched the Boston University Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO) to assess the feasibility of carrying out an Internet‐based preconception cohort study in the US and Canada.

Methods

We recruited female participants age 21–45 and their male partners through Internet advertisements, word of mouth, and flyers. Female participants were randomised with 50% probability to receive a subscription to FertilityFriend.com (FF), a web‐based programme that collects real‐time data on menstrual characteristics. We compared recruitment methods within PRESTO, assessed the cost‐efficiency of PRESTO relative to its Danish counterpart (Snart‐Gravid), and validated retrospectively reported date of last menstrual period (LMP) against the FF data.

Results

After 99 weeks of recruitment (2013–15), 2421 women enrolled; 1384 (57%) invited their male partners to participate, of whom 693 (50%) enrolled. Baseline characteristics were balanced across randomisation groups. Cohort retention was similar among those randomised vs. not randomised to FF (84% vs. 81%). At study enrolment, 56%, 22%, and 22% couples had been trying to conceive for <3, 3–5, and ≥6 months, respectively. The cost per subject enrolled was $146 (2013 US$), which was similar to our companion Danish study and half that of a traditional cohort study. Among FF users who conceived, >97% reported their LMP on the PRESTO questionnaire within 1 day of the LMP recorded via FF.

Conclusions

Use of the Internet as a method of recruitment and follow‐up in a North American preconception cohort study was feasible and cost‐effective.
Changes in Caesarean Delivery Rates in Western Australia from 1995 to 2010 by Gestational Age at Birth
Authors: Einarsdóttir Kristjana , Ball Stephen , Pereira Gavin , Griffin Christopher , Jacoby Peter , de Klerk Nick , Leonard Helen , Stanley Fiona J.
Published: June 2015

Background

The caesarean delivery rate in the developed world has been increasing. It is not well understood how caesarean delivery rates have changed by gestational age at birth in Western Australia, particularly in relation to the introduction of the early‐term delivery guidelines in Australia in 2006.

Methods

Data from the Western Australian Midwives Notification System were used to identify 193 136 singletons born to primiparous women at 34–42 weeks' gestation during 1995–2010. Caesarean delivery rates were calculated by gestational age group (34–36 weeks, 37–38 weeks, and 39–42 weeks) and stratified into pre‐labour and in‐labour caesarean delivery. The average annual per cent change (AAPC) for the caesarean delivery rates was calculated using joinpoint regression. Log‐binomial regression was used to estimate the risk of having a caesarean delivery while adjusting for maternal and antenatal factors.

Results

Caesarean delivery rates rose steadily from 1995 to 2005 (AAPC = 5.9%, [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.9, 6.9]), but stabilised since then (AAPC = 0.9%, [95% CI −1.9, 3.8]). The rate of in‐labour caesarean deliveries rose consistently from 1995 to 2010 across all gestational age groups. The pre‐labour caesarean delivery rate rise was most dominant at 37–38 weeks' gestation from 1995 to 2005 (AAPC = 6.8%, [95% CI 5.4, 8.2]), but declined during 2006–10 (AAPC = −4.5, [95% CI −6.7, −2.3]), while at the same time the rate at 39–42 weeks rose slightly.

Conclusions

The rise in pre‐labour caesarean deliveries during 1995–2005 occurred predominantly at 37–38 weeks' gestation, but declined again from 2006 to 2010. This suggests that the recently developed Australian early‐term delivery guidelines may have had some success in reducing early‐term deliveries in Western Australia.
Newborn Adipokines and Birth Outcomes
Authors: Yeung Edwina H. , McLain Alexander C. , Anderson Nancy , Lawrence David , Boghossian Nansi S. , Druschel Charlotte , Bell Erin
Published: June 2015

Background

Adipokines can serve as a measure of adipose tissue activity. Although birthweight correlates with neonatal adiposity, findings for cord blood levels of adipokines and birth outcomes have been conflicted. Therefore, we determined the cross‐sectional associations between adipokines measured in newborn dried blood spots (DBS) and birth outcomes.

Methods

The Upstate KIDS study enrolled mothers and infants from 2008 to 2010. Among infants whose parents consented to the use of residual DBS from newborn screening, 2397 singletons and 1240 twins had adipokine measurements from the Human Obesity Panel (R&D Systems) by Luminex. Odds ratios were estimated by multivariable logistic regression for risk of birth outcomes of preterm delivery (<37 weeks for singletons, <32 for twins) and small‐for‐gestational age (SGA <10th for singletons and <3rd for twins age‐ and sex‐specific percentiles) by adipokine quintiles. Generalised estimating equations were applied to account for correlations between twins.

Results

Singletons in the lowest compared with the highest quintile of adiponectin were more likely preterm (adjusted odds ratio 3.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.99, 5.34) and SGA (1.81; [95% CI 1.18, 2.77]). Similar associations were observed among twins. Resistin was associated with preterm birth (Q1 vs. Q5: 2.08; [95% CI 1.20, 3.62]) only among singletons. Adipsin had inconsistent associations after adjustment.

Conclusions

This large population‐based study demonstrates that newborn DBS‐measured adipokines are associated with birth outcomes, particularly preterm birth and SGA among those with lower adiponectin levels regardless of plurality.
The Role of Cell Death in the Pathogenesis of SLE: Is Pyroptosis the Missing Link?
Authors: Magna M. , Pisetsky D. S.
Published: June 2015

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypic autoimmune disease characterized by the production of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) in association with systemic inflammation and organ damage. In addition to genetic factors, a contribution of infection to disease induction has been proposed. In the pathogenesis of lupus, immune complexes of ANAs with nuclear antigens can form and both deposit in the tissue and stimulate cytokine production to intensify inflammation. As such, the extracellular release of nuclear antigens to form pathogenic immune complexes is an important step in the pathway to disease. This release has been considered the consequence of cell death, with apoptotic cells the relevant source of nuclear material. While apoptosis could serve this role, other death forms may act similarly. Among these death forms, pyroptosis, which can be induced by inflammasome activation during infection, has features suggesting involvement in lupus. Thus, unlike apoptosis, pyroptosis is a pro‐inflammatory process. Furthermore, pyroptosis leads to the release of intracellular contents including HMGB1 and ATP, both of which can act as DAMPs (death associated molecular patterns) to stimulate further inflammation. Importantly, pyroptosis can lead to the release of intact nuclei, suggesting a relationship to events in the formation of LE cells. While the role of pyroptosis in SLE is hypothetical at this time, further analysis of this death form should provide new insights into lupus pathogenesis and provide the missing link between infection and the initiation of lupus by products of dead and dying cells.
Bedrock bedding, landsliding and erosional budgets in the Central European Alps
Authors: Cruz Nunes Fábio , Delunel Romain , Schlunegger Fritz , Akçar Naki , Kubik Peter W.
Published: June 2015

We explore the controls of the litho‐tectonic architecture on the erosional flux in the 370‐km2 Glogn basin (European Alps). In this basin, the bedding and schistosity of the bedrock dip parallel to the topographic slope on the NW valley flank, leading to a non‐dip slope situation on the opposite SE valley side. While the dip slope condition has promoted the occurrence of landslides (e.g. the c. 30‐km2 deep‐seated Lumnezia landslide), the opposite non‐dip slope side of the valley hosts >100‐m‐deeply incised tributary streams. 10Be concentrations of stream sediments yield catchment‐averaged denudation rates that vary between 0.27 ± 0.03 and 2.19 ± 0.37 mm a−1, while the spatially averaged denudation rate of the entire basin is 1.99 ± 0.34 mm a−1. Our 10Be‐based approach reveals that the Lumnezia landslide front contributes c. 30–65% of the entire sediment budget, although it covers <5% of the Glogn basin. This suggests a primary control of the bedrock bedding on erosion rates and processes.
A reassessment of Eocene parrotlike fossils indicates a previously undetected radiation of zygodactyl stem group representatives of passerines (Passeriformes)
Authors: Mayr Gerald
Published: June 2015

In the past years, various Eocene fossil birds were described as stem group representatives of the zygodactyl Psittaciformes (parrots). These birds show quite disparate morphologies, which cast some doubt on the correct assignment of all of them to the psittaciform stem group. A reassessment of their affinities is further needed, because it was recently proposed that among extant birds, Psittaciformes and Passeriformes (passerines) form a clade and that passerines possibly derived from a zygodactyl ancestor. Here, phylogenetic analyses are performed, which for the first time also include representatives of the Zygodactylidae, the extinct zygodactyl sister taxon of the Passeriformes. The early Eocene Psittacopes was originally described as a stem group representative of Psittaciformes. However, none of the present analyses supported psittaciform affinities for Psittacopes and instead recovered this taxon in a clade together with zygodactylids and passerines. Also part of this clade are the early Eocene taxa Pumiliornis and Morsoravis, and it is detailed that Psittacopes and the long‐beaked and presumably nectarivorous Pumiliornis, with which it has not yet been compared, are very similar in their postcranial osteology. The present analysis corroborates the hypothesis of a zygodactyl stem species of passerines. To account for these results, Psittacopes is here assigned to a new higher‐level taxon and a new name is also introduced for the clade including Zygodactylidae and Passeriformes.
Exploration of metastability and hidden phases in correlated electron crystals visualized by femtosecond optical doping and electron crystallography
Authors: Han Tzong-Ru T. , Zhou Faran , Malliakas Christos D. , Duxbury Phillip M. , Mahanti Subhendra D. , Kanatzidis Mercouri G. , Ruan Chong-Yu
Published: June 2015

Using femtosecond photodoping and crystallography to explore metastable and hidden quantum phases in tantalum disulfide.
Warm oceanographic anomalies and fishing pressure drive seabird nesting north
Authors: Velarde Enriqueta , Ezcurra Exequiel , Horn Michael H. , Patton Robert T.
Published: June 2015

Since 2000, Elegant Terns have begun migrating northward in the face of warm oceanographic anomalies.
Unraveling the complexity of iron oxides at high pressure and temperature: Synthesis of Fe
5
O
6
Authors: Lavina Barbara , Meng Yue
Published: June 2015

A novel iron oxide obtained at mantle’s conditions could play a critical role in processes shaping planets from their interiors.
Sacrificial amphiphiles: Eco-friendly chemical herders as oil spill mitigation chemicals
Authors: Gupta Deeksha , Sarker Bivas , Thadikaran Keith , John Vijay , Maldarelli Charles , John George
Published: June 2015

Eco-friendly chemical herders treat crude oil spills.
A Caleosin-Like Protein with Peroxygenase Activity Mediates Aspergillus flavus Development, Aflatoxin Accumulation, and Seed Infection
Authors: Hanano Abdulsamie , Almousally Ibrahem , Shaban Mouhnad , Blee Elizabeth
Published: June 2015

Caleosins are a small family of calcium-binding proteins endowed with peroxygenase activity in plants. Caleosin-like genes are present in fungi; however, their functions have not been reported yet. In this work, we identify a plant caleosin-like protein in
Aspergillus flavus
that is highly expressed during the early stages of spore germination. A recombinant purified 32-kDa caleosin-like protein supported peroxygenase activities, including co-oxidation reactions and reduction of polyunsaturated fatty acid hydroperoxides. Deletion of the caleosin gene prevented fungal development. Alternatively, silencing of the gene led to the increased accumulation of endogenous polyunsaturated fatty acid hydroperoxides and antioxidant activities but to a reduction of fungal growth and conidium formation. Two key genes of the aflatoxin biosynthesis pathway,
aflR
and
aflD
, were downregulated in the strains in which
A. flavus
PXG
(
AfPXG
) was silenced, leading to reduced aflatoxin B1 production
in vitro
. Application of caleosin/peroxygenase-derived oxylipins restored the wild-type phenotype in the strains in which
AfPXG
was silenced.
PXG
-deficient
A. flavus
strains were severely compromised in their capacity to infect maize seeds and to produce aflatoxin. Our results uncover a new branch of the fungal oxylipin pathway and may lead to the development of novel targets for controlling fungal disease.
AguR, a Transmembrane Transcription Activator of the Putrescine Biosynthesis Operon in Lactococcus lactis, Acts in Response to the Agmatine Concentration
Authors: Linares Daniel M. , del Rio Beatriz , Redruello Begoña , Ladero Victor , Martin M. Cruz , de Jong Anne , Kuipers Oscar P. , Fernandez Maria , Alvarez Miguel A.
Published: June 2015

Dairy industry fermentative processes mostly use
Lactococcus lactis
as a starter. However, some dairy
L. lactis
strains produce putrescine, a biogenic amine that raises food safety and spoilage concerns, via the agmatine deiminase (AGDI) pathway. The enzymatic activities responsible for putrescine biosynthesis in this bacterium are encoded by the AGDI gene cluster. The role of the catabolic genes
aguB
,
aguD
,
aguA
, and
aguC
has been studied, but knowledge regarding the role of
aguR
(the first gene in the cluster) remains limited. In the present work,
aguR
was found to be a very low level constitutively expressed gene that is essential for putrescine biosynthesis and is transcribed independently of the polycistronic mRNA encoding the catabolic genes (
aguBDAC
). In response to agmatine, AguR acts as a transcriptional activator of the
aguB
promoter (P

aguB

), which drives the transcription of the
aguBDAC
operon. Inverted sequences required for P

aguB

activity were identified by deletion analysis. Further work indicated that AguR is a transmembrane protein which might function as a one-component signal transduction system that senses the agmatine concentration of the medium and, accordingly, regulates the transcription of the
aguBDAC
operon through a C-terminal cytoplasmic DNA-binding domain typically found in LuxR-like proteins.
Cable Bacteria in Freshwater Sediments
Authors: Risgaard-Petersen Nils , Kristiansen Michael , Frederiksen Rasmus B. , Dittmer Anders Lindequist , Bjerg Jesper Tataru , Trojan Daniela , Schreiber Lars , Damgaard Lars Riis , Schramm Andreas , Nielsen Lars Peter
Published: June 2015

In marine sediments cathodic oxygen reduction at the sediment surface can be coupled to anodic sulfide oxidation in deeper anoxic layers through electrical currents mediated by filamentous, multicellular bacteria of theDesulfobulbaceaefamily, the so-called cable bacteria. Until now, cable bacteria have only been reported from marine environments. In this study, we demonstrate that cable bacteria also occur in freshwater sediments. In a first step, homogenized sediment collected from the freshwater stream Giber Å, Denmark, was incubated in the laboratory. After 2 weeks, pH signatures and electric fields indicated electron transfer between vertically separated anodic and cathodic half-reactions. Fluorescencein situhybridization revealed the presence ofDesulfobulbaceaefilaments. In addition,in situmeasurements of oxygen, pH, and electric potential distributions in the waterlogged banks of Giber Å demonstrated the presence of distant electric redox coupling in naturally occurring freshwater sediment. At the same site, filamentousDesulfobulbaceaewith cable bacterium morphology were found to be present. Their 16S rRNA gene sequence placed them as a distinct sister group to the known marine cable bacteria, with the genusDesulfobulbusas the closest cultured lineage. The results of the present study indicate that electric currents mediated by cable bacteria could be important for the biogeochemistry in many more environments than anticipated thus far and suggest a common evolutionary origin of the cable phenotype withinDesulfobulbaceaewith subsequent diversification into a freshwater and a marine lineage.
Clostridium botulinum Group II Isolate Phylogenomic Profiling Using Whole-Genome Sequence Data
Authors: Weedmark K. A. , Mabon P. , Hayden K. L. , Lambert D. , Van Domselaar G. , Austin J. W. , Corbett C. R.
Published: June 2015

Clostridium botulinum
group II isolates (
n
= 163) from different geographic regions, outbreaks, and neurotoxin types and subtypes were characterized
in silico
using whole-genome sequence data. Two clusters representing a variety of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) types and subtypes were identified by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and core single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. While one cluster included BoNT/B4/F6/E9 and nontoxigenic members, the other comprised a wide variety of different BoNT/E subtype isolates and a nontoxigenic strain.
In silico
MLST and core SNP methods were consistent in terms of clade-level isolate classification; however, core SNP analysis showed higher resolution capability. Furthermore, core SNP analysis correctly distinguished isolates by outbreak and location. This study illustrated the utility of next-generation sequence-based typing approaches for isolate characterization and source attribution and identified discrete SNP loci and MLST alleles for isolate comparison.
Phenotypic and Phylogenetic Identification of Coliform Bacteria Obtained Using 12 Coliform Methods Approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Authors: Zhang Ya , Hong Pei-Ying , LeChevallier Mark W. , Liu Wen-Tso
Published: June 2015

The current definition of coliform bacteria is method dependent, and when different culture-based methods are used, discrepancies in results can occur and affect the accuracy of identification of true coliforms. This study used an alternative approach to the identification of true coliforms by combining the phenotypic traits of the coliform isolates and the phylogenetic affiliation of 16S rRNA gene sequences with the use of
lacZ
and
uidA
genes. A collection of 1,404 isolates detected by 12 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved coliform-testing methods were characterized based on their phylogenetic affiliations and responses to their original isolation media and lauryl tryptose broth, m-Endo, and MI agar media. Isolates were phylogenetically classified into 32 true-coliform, or targeted
Enterobacteriaceae
(TE), groups and 14 noncoliform, or nontargeted
Enterobacteriaceae
(NTE), groups. It was shown statistically that detecting true-positive (TP) events is more challenging than detecting true-negative (TN) events. Furthermore, most false-negative (FN) events were associated with four TE groups (i.e.,
Serratia
group I and the
Providencia
,
Proteus
, and
Morganella
groups) and most false-positive (FP) events with two NTE groups, the
Aeromonas
and
Plesiomonas
groups. In
Escherichia coli
testing, 18 out of 145
E. coli
isolates identified by enzymatic methods were validated as FN. The reasons behind the FP and FN reactions could be explained through analysis of the
lacZ
and
uidA
genes. Overall, combining the analyses of the 16S rRNA,
lacZ
, and
uidA
genes with the growth responses of TE and NTE on culture-based media is an effective way to evaluate the performance of coliform detection methods.
Development of Spatial Distribution Patterns by Biofilm Cells
Authors: Haagensen Janus A. J. , Hansen Susse K. , Christensen Bjarke B. , Pamp Sünje J. , Molin Søren
Published: June 2015

Confined spatial patterns of microbial distribution are prevalent in nature, such as in microbial mats, soil communities, and water stream biofilms. The symbiotic two-species consortium of
Pseudomonas putida
and
Acinetobacter
sp. strain C6, originally isolated from a creosote-polluted aquifer, has evolved a distinct spatial organization in the laboratory that is characterized by an increased fitness and productivity. In this consortium,
P. putida
is reliant on microcolonies formed by
Acinetobacter
sp. C6, to which it attaches. Here we describe the processes that lead to the microcolony pattern by
Acinetobacter
sp. C6. Ecological spatial pattern analyses revealed that the microcolonies were not entirely randomly distributed and instead were arranged in a uniform pattern. Detailed time-lapse confocal microscopy at the single-cell level demonstrated that the spatial pattern was the result of an intriguing self-organization: small multicellular clusters moved along the surface to fuse with one another to form microcolonies. This active distribution capability was dependent on environmental factors (carbon source and oxygen) and historical contingency (formation of phenotypic variants). The findings of this study are discussed in the context of species distribution patterns observed in macroecology, and we summarize observations about the processes involved in coadaptation between
P. putida
and
Acinetobacter
sp. C6. Our results contribute to an understanding of spatial species distribution patterns as they are observed in nature, as well as the ecology of engineered communities that have the potential for enhanced and sustainable bioprocessing capacity.
Evaluation of a New Environmental Sampling Protocol for Detection of Human Norovirus on Inanimate Surfaces
Authors: Park Geun Woo , Lee David , Treffiletti Aimee , Hrsak Mario , Shugart Jill , Vinjé Jan
Published: June 2015

Inanimate surfaces are regarded as key vehicles for the spread of human norovirus during outbreaks. ISO method 15216 involves the use of cotton swabs for environmental sampling from food surfaces and fomites for the detection of norovirus genogroup I (GI) and GII. We evaluated the effects of the virus drying time (1, 8, 24, or 48 h), swab material (cotton, polyester, rayon, macrofoam, or an antistatic wipe), surface (stainless steel or a toilet seat), and area of the swabbed surface (25.8 cm
2
to 645.0 cm
2
) on the recovery of human norovirus. Macrofoam swabs produced the highest rate of recovery of norovirus from surfaces as large as 645 cm
2
. The rates of recovery ranged from 2.2 to 36.0% for virus seeded on stainless-steel coupons (645.0 cm
2
) to 1.2 to 33.6% for toilet seat surfaces (700 cm
2
), with detection limits of 3.5 log
10
and 4.0 log
10
RNA copies. We used macrofoam swabs to collect environmental samples from several case cabins and common areas of a cruise ship where passengers had reported viral gastroenteritis symptoms. Seventeen (18.5%) of 92 samples tested positive for norovirus GII, and 4 samples could be sequenced and had identical GII.1 sequences. The viral loads of the swab samples from the cabins of the sick passengers ranged from 80 to 31,217 RNA copies, compared with 16 to 113 RNA copies for swab samples from public spaces. In conclusion, our swab protocol for norovirus may be a useful tool for outbreak investigations when no clinical samples are available to confirm the etiology.
The Centriole Cartwheel Protein SAS-6 in Trypanosoma brucei Is Required for Probasal Body Biogenesis and Flagellum Assembly
Authors: Hu Huiqing , Liu Yi , Zhou Qing , Siegel Sara , Li Ziyin
Published: June 2015

The centriole in eukaryotes functions as the cell's microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) to nucleate spindle assembly, and its biogenesis requires an evolutionarily conserved protein, SAS-6, which assembles the centriole cartwheel.
Trypanosoma brucei
, an early branching protozoan, possesses the basal body as its MTOC to nucleate flagellum biogenesis. However, little is known about the components of the basal body and their roles in basal body biogenesis and flagellum assembly. Here, we report that the
T. brucei
SAS-6 homolog, TbSAS-6, is localized to the mature basal body and the probasal body throughout the cell cycle. RNA interference (RNAi) of TbSAS-6 inhibited probasal body biogenesis, compromised flagellum assembly, and caused cytokinesis arrest. Surprisingly, overexpression of TbSAS-6 in
T. brucei
also impaired probasal body duplication and flagellum assembly, contrary to SAS-6 overexpression in humans, which produces supernumerary centrioles. Furthermore, we showed that depletion of
T. brucei
Polo-like kinase, TbPLK, or inhibition of TbPLK activity did not abolish TbSAS-6 localization to the basal body, in contrast to the essential role of Polo-like kinase in recruiting SAS-6 to centrioles in animals. Altogether, these results identified the essential role of TbSAS-6 in probasal body biogenesis and flagellum assembly and suggest the presence of a TbPLK-independent pathway governing basal body duplication in
T. brucei
.
Comparative Analysis of Transmembrane Regulators of the Filamentous Growth Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway Uncovers Functional and Regulatory Differences
Authors: Adhikari Hema , Caccamise Lauren M. , Pande Tanaya , Cullen Paul J.
Published: June 2015

Filamentous growth is a microbial differentiation response that involves the concerted action of multiple signaling pathways. In budding yeast, one pathway that regulates filamentous growth is a Cdc42p-dependent mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Several transmembrane (TM) proteins regulate the filamentous growth pathway, including the signaling mucin Msb2p, the tetraspan osmosensor Sho1p, and an adaptor Opy2p. The TM proteins were compared to identify common and unique features. Msb2p, Sho1p, and Opy2p associated by coimmunoprecipitation analysis but showed predominantly different localization patterns. The different localization patterns of the proteins resulted in part from different rates of turnover from the plasma membrane (PM). In particular, Msb2p (and Opy2p) were turned over rapidly compared to Sho1p. Msb2p signaled from the PM, and its turnover was a rate-limiting step in MAPK signaling. Genetic analysis identified unique phenotypes of cells overexpressing the TM proteins. Therefore, each TM regulator of the filamentous growth pathway has its own regulatory pattern and specific function in regulating filamentous growth. This specialization may be important for fine-tuning and potentially diversifying the filamentation response.
Burst abdomen: an unusual complication of silicosis in pregnancy
Authors: Sivabalasubramaniam Gajatheepan , Sagili Haritha , Dasari Papa , Gowda Mamatha
Published: June 2015

We present a case of silicosis in a 37-year-old pregnant woman, a second gravida with previous caesarean section. She was referred to our hospital at 42 weeks of gestation with breathlessness and oligohydramnios. She had worked in a glass and talc powder factory for 11 years and was diagnosed as having silicosis 2 years prior; she was on treatment. Following admission, she was evaluated for dyspnoea and underwent emergency Caesarean section for poor cervical dilation. She developed a burst abdomen on the third postoperative day with loops of gangrenous bowel protruding outside the abdomen. Emergency laparotomy with ileal resection and ileostomy was carried out. She was discharged on day 14 and is on follow-up. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of silicosis in pregnancy presenting with an unusual complication.
Extensive gluteal haematoma after an intracapsular hip fracture in a patient on warfarin
Authors: Al-Obaidi Bilal , Field Michael H , Al-Hadithy Nawfal , Griffiths Dylan
Published: June 2015

We describe a case of a patient on warfarin who developed an extensive haematoma after a hip hemiarthroplasty and was successfully treated with embolisation. This case highlights the importance of regular haematology input, careful consideration of a suitable surgical approach, close monitoring of postoperative wounds in patients on warfarin and the emerging role of embolisation.
Fulminant amoebic enteritis that developed in the perinatal period
Authors: Goto Mayako , Mizushima Yasuaki , Matsuoka Tetsuya
Published: June 2015

We present a case of a 30-year-old postpartum woman who delivered by caesarean section at 34 weeks. On postoperative day 9, she was admitted to our hospital in shock. Emergency abdominal surgery was performed. Massive purulent ascites collected in the abdominal cavity and was associated with intestinal necrosis, which extended from the ascending colon to one-third of the descending colon. The necrotic lesion was excised, and an artificial anus was constructed at the ileum end. A histological finding on the 15th day indicated the possibility of amoebic enteritis, and the patient was started on metronidazole therapy. The diarrhoea improved dramatically after metronidazole treatment was started. The patient was able to walk unassisted on the 45th day and was subsequently discharged. Amoebic enteritis has been thought to be epidemic in developing countries, but today, the incidence of amoebic enteritis as a sexually transmitted disease is increasing in developed countries.
Paediatric feather duvet hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Authors: Jordan Louise E , Guy Emma
Published: June 2015

A previously well 12-year-old boy was admitted with a second insidious episode of dyspnoea, dry cough, anorexia, weight loss and chest pain. At admission, he had an oxygen requirement, significantly impaired lung function and reduced exercise tolerance. Initial forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 26%; a 3 min exercise test stopped at 1 min 50 when saturations dropped to 85%. CT scan showed ground-glass nodularity with lymphadenopathy. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) forPneumocystis cariniipneumonia and viruses were negative, and microbiology results for the BAL were reported in the absence of histology. This is because at the time the BAL samples were collected, a lung biopsy was performed. The biopsy was consistent with hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Echo was normal and CT pulmonary angiography negative. After taking a thorough history, exposure to feather duvets prior to each episode was elicited. IgG of avian precipitants was raised at 10.6 mgA/L (normal <10 mgA/L). Clinical improvement began with avoidance of exposure, while the boy was an inpatient. Antigen avoidance continued on discharge. He continues to improve since discharge. The condition was diagnosed as hypersensitivity pneumonitis secondary to exposure to antigens from feather duvets.
A rapidly growing vulvar condyloma acuminatum in a young patient
Authors: Koukoura Ourania , Klados George , Strataki Maria , Daponte Alexandros
Published: June 2015

A young woman presented to the outpatient gynaecology clinic with a rapidly growing bulky tumour located at the external genitalia, which she first noticed 10 days prior to her visit. Examination revealed a 6×3 cm cauliflower-like mass located on the left genitofemoral fold. The initial biopsy had several features suggestive of a human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. A broad excision of the mass was subsequently performed. The biopsy confirmed the presence of a large condyloma acuminatum. Condyloma acuminatum is a slow-growing benign exophytic tumour that is associated with HPV infection. In cases where the tumour has aggressive features, as in our patient, the differential diagnosis has to include carcinoma or Buschke-Löwenstein tumour. The initial biopsy of the tumour in our patient, however, excluded malignancy.
Transvenous sclerotherapy of a large symptomatic orbital venous varix using a microcatheter balloon and bleomycin
Authors: Vadlamudi Venu , Gemmete Joseph J , Chaudhary Neeraj , Pandey Aditya S , Kahana Alon
Published: June 2015

An orbital venous varix is rare and can present with diplopia, proptosis, or hemorrhage. Treatment can be challenging, especially if the varix is in a posterior location within the orbit, since surgical exposure becomes difficult. A few case reports have been published describing transcatheter embolization of an orbital varix with coils, direct percutaneous injection of n-butyl cyanoacrylate glue, and the percutaneous injection of bleomycin. We present a case of a symptomatic orbital venous varix of the left inferior ophthalmic vein successfully treated with transvenous endovascular sclerotherapy using a microcatheter balloon and bleomycin.
A 37-year-old woman with refractory coeliac disease type II disease treated by stem cell transplantation
Authors: Maheshwari Pardeep Kumar , Feeley Iain , Oleary Hilary , Goulding Carol
Published: June 2015

This case study describes the disease course and treatment of a rare disorder, refractory coeliac disease. This disorder is associated with a marked increase in the risk of development of enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma. The patient in question developed coeliac symptoms despite strict adherence to a gluten-free diet, having been symptom-free for over 7 years. She presented with marked oedema of the legs and a distended abdomen. Investigations—laboratory, radiological and enteroscopy findings—were consistent with the development of refractory coeliac disease. This case illustrates the background and course of this disease, and the treatment options.
Spontaneous sphenopalatine pseudoaneurysm: recurrent epistaxis in a patient with cryptogenic vasculopathy
Authors: Goh Samantha , Ritchie Louisa , Joseph Theo , Brookes Jocelyn
Published: June 2015

We present a unique case of recurrent epistaxis secondary to a spontaneous sphenopalatine artery aneursym in a young woman. This was investigated with an external carotid artery angiogram and subsequently treated successfully with endovascular embolisation of the aneurysm.
Xanthogranulomatous oophoritis mimicking malignancy: a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Elahi Arifa Anwar , Nigam Aruna , Pujani Mukta , Batra Swaraj
Published: June 2015

Xanthogranulomatous inflammation is a chronic condition in which the affected organ is replaced by lipid-filled macrophages with plasma cells, lymphocytes and neutrophils. It is very rare in the ovaries. A case of xanthogranulomatous oophoritis in a premenopausal multiparous woman presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding and adnexal mass whose clinical and imaging findings suggested malignancy is reported.
Gynaecomastia: an unusual presenting symptom of bladder cancer
Authors: Ahmed Mashrafi , Kanji Aleem , Begum Tahmina
Published: June 2015

A 74-year-old man presented to the outpatient clinic with painful gynaecomastia. A detailed physical examination to sort out possible causes of the gynaecomastia, including intracranial tumour, liver cirrhosis, hyperthyroidism, and adrenal and testicular tumour, was negative. No offending agent was found in his medication list. A CT scan of the head and ultrasound of the scrotum did not show any mass lesion. His serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) and oestradiol levels were elevated. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed bladder wall thickening with soft tissue mass. A cystoscopic biopsy confirmed transitional cell carcinoma with muscle invasion. The patient was started on chemotherapy but responded poorly. This case report describes the β-hCG and oestradiol-secreting transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder presenting as gynaecomastia in an older man.
Getting a handle on complicated migraine
Authors: Abkur Tarig Mohammed , McGowan Enda , Kearney Hugh , Counihan Timothy J
Published: June 2015

We describe a case of a 45-year-old man who presented with a transient syndrome consisting of headache with neurological deficits. Neuroimaging including brain angiography was normal. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed an elevated protein and lymphocytic pleocytosis. The diagnosis of a syndrome of Headache and Neurological Deficits with CSF Lymphocytosis (HaNDL) was made after excluding all the other possible causes for the patient's presentation. He made an excellent recovery following a short course of naproxen sodium.
Vasotropic light-chain amyloidosis and ischaemic cholangiopathy
Authors: Johnston Emma L , Wilkinson Mark , Knisely A S
Published: June 2015

A 75-year-old woman was incidentally found to have deranged liver function tests (LFTs). She was well, apart from 2 years of dyspnoea. Investigations had revealed atrial fibrillation and a right pleural effusion, without identified aetiology. On examination, the only finding was a palpable liver edge. Initial blood and ultrasound screening suggested no cause. The patient underwent liver biopsy. Microscopy showed κ-immunoglobulin light chains deposited exclusively in portal tracts, within blood vessel and bile duct walls. This pattern, although unusual, raised the possibility of κ-light chain disease. Serum electrophoresis was normal, as were serum immunoglobulin values. Serum concentrations of κ-light chains were elevated and microscopy of aspirated bone marrow found light-chain deposits with 10% plasmacytosis. Serum amyloid P (SAP) scintigraphy demonstrated splenic uptake. Myeloma, κ-light chain, with light-chain amyloidosis was diagnosed. The patient has responded well to cyclophosphamide, bortazomib and dexamethasone chemotherapy, and her LFTs are now nearly normal.
Does valvuloarterial impedance impact prognosis after surgery for severe aortic stenosis in the elderly?
Authors: Katayama Minako , Najib Mohammad Q , Marella Punnaiah C , Temkit M'hamed H , Belohlavek Marek , Chaliki Hari P
Published: June 2015

Background

Valvuloarterial impedance (Zva) was introduced as a prognostic measure in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). However, it is unclear whether Zva has a prognostic impact on survival after surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with severe AS with preserved ejection fraction (EF).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 929 consecutive patients who had AVR. We investigated 170 elderly patients (age >65 years, mean 76 years) who had AVR secondary to severe AS (mean gradient ≥40 mm Hg; aortic valve area ≤1 cm2; peak velocity ≥4 m/s). Patients with EF <50%, greater than moderate aortic regurgitation, prior heart surgery and concomitant mitral or tricuspid valve surgery were excluded. Zva was calculated and the patients were divided into two groups; low Zva, Zva <4.3 (n=82) and high Zva, Zva ≥4.3 (n=88). The end point was all-cause of death. Survival curves were calculated according to Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

Age, prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), atrial fibrillation, symptoms, EF, E/e′ and concomitant coronary artery bypass graft were not different between the groups. Survival was not different between the groups at 5 years (70% in low Zva and 81% in high Zva; p=0.21) and for the entire follow-up period (p=0.23). Only age was a significant factor in predicting survival by multivariate analyses in Cox proportional hazards model after adjusting for Zva, CKD, atrial fibrillation and hypertension.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that preoperative Zva does not have a prognostic impact on postoperative survival in elderly patients with severe AS with preserved EF. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the controversial results.
40
Ar/
39
Ar phlogopite geochronology of lamprophyre dykes in Cornwall, UK: new age constraints on Early Permian post-collisional magmatism in the Rhenohercynian Zone, SW England
Authors: Dupuis Nicolle E. , Braid James A. , Murphy J. Brendan , Shail Robin K. , Archibald Doug A. , Nance R. Damian
Published: June 2015

The spatial and temporal association of post-collisional granites and lamprophyre dykes is a common but enigmatic relationship in many orogenic belts, including the Variscan orogenic belt of SW England. The geology of SW England has long been interpreted to reflect orogenic processes associated with the closure of the Rheic Ocean and the formation of Pangaea. The SW England peninsula is composed largely of Early Devonian to Carboniferous volcano-sedimentary successions deposited in synrift and subsequent syncollisional basins that underwent deformation and low-grade regional metamorphism during the Variscan orogeny. Voluminous Early Permian granitic magmatism (Cornubian Batholith) is considered to be broadly coeval with the emplacement of lamprophyric dykes and lamprophyric and basaltic lava flows, largely on the basis of geochronological data from lamprophyric lavas in Devon. Although published geochronological data for Cornish lamprophyre dykes are consistent with this interpretation, these data are limited largely to imprecise K–Ar whole-rock and biotite analyses, hindering the understanding of the processes responsible for their genesis and their relationship to granitic magmatism and regional Variscan tectonics.
40
Ar/
39
Ar geochronological data for four previously undated lamprophyre dykes from Cornwall, combined with published data, suggest that lamprophyre magmatism occurred between
c
. 293.6 and
c
. 285.4 Ma, supporting previous inferences that their emplacement was coeval with the Cornubian Batholith. These data provide insights into (1) the relative timing between the lamprophyres and basalts, the Cornubian batholith and post-collisional magmatism elsewhere in the European Variscides, and (2) the post-collisional processes responsible for the generation and emplacement of lamprophyres, basalts and granitoids.

Supplementary data:

Complete datasets, photomicrographs and photographs of sample locations are available online at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18838
.