bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visualization of Cu2+ uptake and release in plant cells by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy
Authors: Hötzer Benjamin , Ivanov Rumen , Brumbarova Tzvetina , Bauer Petra , Jung Gregor
Published: November 2011

A principal objective in life sciences is the visualization of biochemical processes. Fluorescence‐based techniques are widely used to demonstrate transport of relevant substances across cellular membranes. In this paper we report a novel noninvasive, real‐time fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy method for visualizing uptake and release of divalent copper ions (Cu2+) in vivo. For this purpose, we employed a green fluorescent protein (GFP) form able to change its fluorescence lifetime upon Cu2+ binding. We demonstrate that this technique is selective for Cu2+. We show the reversible decrease of the fluorescence lifetime of GFP from 2.2 to 1.6 ns in Escherichia coli and from 1.8 to 1.3 ns in root cells of Arabidopsis after the addition of Cu2+. Cu2+ uptake of epidermal tobacco cells leads to a drop of the GFP lifetime from 2.5 to 2.2 ns. In summary, the spatially resolved visualization of Cu2+ distribution in vivo is demonstrated in prokaryote and eukaryote cells.
Guanine nucleotides differentially modulate backbone dynamics of the STAS domain of the SulP/SLC26 transport protein Rv1739c of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Sharma Alok K. , Ye Liwen , Alper Seth L. , Rigby Alan C.
Published: November 2011

Enzymatic catalysis and protein signaling are dynamic processes that involve local and/or global conformational changes occurring across a broad range of time scales. 1H‐15N relaxation NMR provides a comprehensive understanding of protein backbone dynamics both in the apo (unliganded) and ligand‐bound conformations, enabling both fast and slow internal motions of individual amino acid residues to be observed. We recently reported the structure and nucleotide binding properties of the sulfate transporter and anti‐sigma factor antagonist (STAS) domain of Rv1739c, a SulP anion transporter protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In the present study, we report 1H‐15N NMR backbone dynamics measurements [longitudinal (T1), transverse (T2) and steady‐state ({1H}‐15N) heteronuclear NOE] of the Rv1739c STAS domain, in the absence and presence of saturating concentrations of GTP and GDP. Analysis of measured relaxation data and estimated dynamic parameters indicated distinct features differentiating the binding of GTP and GDP to Rv1739c STAS. The 9.55 ns overall rotational correlation time of Rv1739c STAS increased to 10.48 ns in the presence of GTP, and to 13.25 ns in the presence of GDP, indicating significant nucleotide‐induced conformational changes. These conformational changes were accompanied by slow time scale (μs to ms) motions in discrete regions of the protein, as reflected by guanine nucleotide‐induced changes in relaxation parameters. The observed nucleotide‐specific alterations in the relaxation properties of individual STAS residues reflect an increased molecular anisotropy and/or the emergence of conformational equilibria governing functional properties of the STAS domain.
Histo‐blood group gene polymorphisms as potential genetic modifiers of the development of coronary artery lesions in patients with Kawasaki disease
Authors: Yamamura K. , Ihara K. , Ikeda K. , Nagata H. , Mizuno Y. , Hara T.
Published: November 2011

Abnormal immunological responses to certain microbial agents may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease (KD). The association studies between histo‐blood group genes (Lewis and ABO blood types) and various types of infectious diseases or vasculopathy have been carried out based on the fact that glycosylated antigens could directly mediate microbial infections. We attempted to clarify the role of blood type antigens in the development of KD and coronary artery lesions in KD patients. The subjects included 164 KD patients enrolled from 1998 to 2003 (1st group), 232 patients from 2004 to 2009 (2nd group), and 223 healthy children and 118 patients with growth hormone deficiency as controls. The genotyping of the FUT2 and FUT3 genes, and ABO genotypes, was determined with the TaqMan SNP assay and allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction. No significant differences were observed in the genotypes and allele frequencies of the FUT2 and FUT3 genes between the groups. The frequency of the BB blood genotype was significantly higher in KD patients with coronary artery lesions in the 1st and 2nd groups than in the controls (17% and 14% vs. 5%, P = 0.0020). This is the first report to investigate the roles of ABO and Lewis blood types in the development of KD, and in the formation of coronary artery lesions in KD patients. These data suggest that the ABO blood type may play a role in the development of coronary artery lesions in KD patients.
Air‐breathing Behavior of the Jeju Fish Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus in Amazonian Streams
Authors: de Lima Filho João Alves , Martins Jhany , Arruda Rafael , Carvalho Lucélia Nobre
Published: November 2011

The breathing behavior of the jeju fish Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus has been the focus of several studies in recent decades. Few of these studies, however, have described how the fish's air breathing functions in natural environments. We examined changes in the behavior of H. unitaeniatus during daily variations in the dissolved‐oxygen (DO) content of the water in Amazonian streams. We recorded the mean time intervals between instances when the fish breached the water surface to take in atmospheric air and the variation in the DO concentrations. We also observed the number of individual fish that breached the surface together as well as their territory‐forming behavior. We recorded the individual and collective anti‐predator strategies in the presence of a potential predator, experimentally testing the capacity of H. unitaeniatus to recognize the shape of a predator. The results indicated that as the DO concentration decreased, the individuals of H. unitaeniatus tended to breach the water surface at shorter time intervals, which increased their exposure to predators. To minimize the risks from this longer exposure time, the species tends to adopt anti‐predator strategies individually or as a group. In well‐lit locations, the fish recognized the predator's silhouette, left their territory and took a longer time to return. We provide an original contribution to the understanding of the anti‐predatory tactics of the species by describing the behavior of group formation and territory definition as a tool to maximize efficiency in the defense against predators, a behavior that until now was an unknown strategy for this species.
Pulsations in M dwarf stars
Authors: Rodríguez-López C. , MacDonald J. , Moya A.
Published: November 2011

We present the results of the first theoretical non-radial, non-adiabatic pulsational study of M dwarf stellar models with masses in the range 0.1–0.5 M⊙. We find the fundamental radial mode to be unstable due to an ε mechanism, caused by deuterium (D) burning for the young 0.1 and 0.2 M⊙ models, by non-equilibrium He3 burning for the 0.2 and 0.25 M⊙ models of 104 Myr and by a flux-blocking mechanism for the partially convective 0.4 and 0.5 M⊙ models once they reach the age of 500 Myr. The periods of the overstable modes excited by the D burning are in the range 4.2–5.2 h for the 0.1 M⊙ models and is of the order of 8.4 h for the 0.2 M⊙ models. The periods of the modes excited by He3 burning and flux blocking are in the range 23–40 min. The more massive and oldest models are more promising for the observational detection of pulsations as their ratio of instability e-folding time to age is more favourable.
Using critical incident interviews to identify the mental health knowledge, skills and attitudes of entry‐level dietitians
Authors: DOWDING Kerryn , ASH Susan , SHAKESPEARE‐FINCH Jane
Published: November 2011

Aim:  This paper aims to explore new graduates' experience working with clients with mental health issues using critical incident interviews.

Methods:  The qualitative research techniques were based on phenomenology. A purposive sample of 19 new graduate dietitians was drawn from a range of work settings and locations throughout Australia. Data were gathered using 30‐minute critical incident interviews. Audiotaped data were transcribed, coded to identify common themes, compared for congruence and then categorised into knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Results:  New graduates encountered a range of situations involving a variety of mental health, wellbeing, dietetic and clinical issues. Common themes revealed that graduates felt under‐prepared to deal with these situations. Themes also highlighted the mental health knowledge, skills and attitudes required for entry‐level dietitians, which then informed the review of the National Competency Standards for Entry‐Level Dietitians.

Conclusion:  New graduates encounter a variety of mental health and wellbeing issues in their everyday practice and therefore require training to address these situations competently.
Cooking skills are important competencies for promoting healthy eating in an urban Indigenous health service
Authors: FOLEY Wendy , SPURR Sally , LENOY Leah , DE JONG Maree , FICHERA Rebecca
Published: November 2011

Aim:  A recent article in this journal asked whether cooking should be a dietetic competency and recommended finding dietitians’ views on the use of cooking skills interventions as nutrition education. This article presents views about the value of cooking skills in the work of nutrition professionals and students working in an urban Indigenous health service.

Methods:  We reflect on our experience facilitating a series of practical cooking workshops in adult Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups and the importance of cooking skills for professionals promoting nutrition in community contexts.

Results:  Cooking skills were essential for facilitating practical workshops to promote healthy cooking and eating among urban community groups. The workshops provided participants with new cooking ideas, opportunities to cook new recipes and some unfamiliar ingredients as well as learning new cooking skills. These enabled participants to be more confident preparing healthy meals at home. Cooking skills enhanced the processes of both effective community engagement and nutrition promotion.

Conclusion:  Cooking interventions make an important contribution to promoting nutrition in urban Indigenous contexts and cooking skills are therefore important competencies for nutrition and dietetic professionals delivering practical community nutrition programs.
Influence of food cost on diet quality and risk factors for chronic disease: A systematic review
Authors: LEE Jia Hwa , RALSTON Robin A. , TRUBY Helen
Published: November 2011

Aim:  To undertake a systematic literature review to examine the effect of food cost on diet quality and risk factors for chronic disease, specifically focusing on diet‐related lifestyle diseases affecting the Australian population.

Methods:  A search of six databases resulted in the inclusion of one systematic review, three cohort studies, 41 cross‐sectional studies and four modelling studies in this review.

Results:  Between 2000 and 2006, the price of healthy foods has increased more than the price of less healthy foods. Healthy Food Access Basket surveys show that a healthy diet may often be unaffordable for low‐ and average‐income households. Diets of higher energy density were associated with lower diet cost, whereas diets of higher nutrient density and nutritional quality were associated with higher diet cost. Recent studies report an inverse association between food price and food consumption. Consequently, an increase in food cost was associated with a significant reduction in weight, waist circumference, body mass index, obesity and insulin resistance.

Conclusions:  Manipulation of food cost may alter food consumption and therefore risk factors for chronic disease. Further longitudinal studies investigating the impact of pricing strategies on diet quality and disease risk are needed.
Exploring weight status, dietary intake and acculturation in South Asian women living in Brisbane, Queensland
Authors: GALLEGOS Danielle , NASIM Sumaira
Published: November 2011

Aim:  To investigate the relationship between socio‐demographic characteristics, acculturation, weight status and dietary intake among a group of women from India and Pakistan living in Brisbane, Australia.

Methods:  Cross‐sectional survey of a convenience sample of 22 women that collected: socio‐demographic details; levels of acculturation; food intake using a specifically designed food frequency questionnaire and food diary; and anthropometric measurements. Data were compared with women from South Australia.

Results:  Women had a mean age of 38 years (24–50) and had been in Australia for an average of 4 years (1–25). Half (50%) of the women were categorised as overweight or obese and over two‐thirds (68%) had a waist measurement indicative of a high risk of chronic disease. A higher proportion of women from Pakistan were overweight and obese compared with Indian women. Women in this sample appeared to have a higher consumption of dairy, bread and cereals, vegetables and baked goods/snacks and were more likely to consume full‐fat milk compared with other Australian women. Breakfast was the meal most likely to have been ‘Australianised’.

Conclusion:  Despite the results not reaching statistical significance, these findings do point to areas worthy of further investigation. These include the relationship between acculturation factors with dietary intake and the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Given the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in this small sample, there appears to be a need to investigate diet and physical activity in specific groups to inform the development of culturally relevant chronic disease identification and management programmes.
Optimising single‐visit disinfection with supplementary approaches: A quest for predictability
Authors: Siqueira Jr José F. , Rôças Isabela N.
Published: November 2011

Reduction of the bacterial populations to levels compatible with periradicular tissue healing is the primary microbiological goal of the endodontic treatment of teeth with apical periodontitis. New systems and substances have been proposed to improve root canal disinfection either by replacing conventional chemomechanical procedures or by supplementing their effects. This review focuses on supplementary approaches for optimised single‐visit disinfection (OSD). The main OSD strategies reviewed include: final rinse with chlorhexidine, MTAD or iodine potassium iodide; sonic or ultrasonic activation of NaOCl; and photodynamic therapy. It is concluded that some OSD approaches may have the potential to improve disinfection in a single visit, but most of the results so far represent low‐level evidence. There is no consistent clinical evidence showing that any of these OSD approaches can predictably reduce the bacterial bioburden in infected root canals to levels significantly below that achieved by chemomechanical procedures and to the point of eliminating the need for an antimicrobial inter‐appointment medication. Therefore, while expediting disinfection is a goal that has been pursued, there is a need for the currently proposed protocols to be consistently evaluated for clinical effectiveness or new ones to be devised and tested before OSD is considered a predictable approach.
Association of X‐prolyl aminopeptidase 1 rs17095355 polymorphism with biliary atresia in Thai children
Authors: Kaewkiattiyot Sarannut , Honsawek Sittisak , Vejchapipat Paisarn , Chongsrisawat Voranush , Poovorawan Yong
Published: November 2011

Aim:  To investigate XPNPEP1 rs17095355 polymorphism in biliary atresia (BA) patients and to determine whether there is an association between XPNPEP1 gene polymorphism and susceptibility to BA in a Thai population.

Methods:  A total of 124 cases of BA and 114 controls were genotyped for XPNPEP1 rs17095355 polymorphism. The XPNPEP1 rs17095355 C/T genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing. Allele and genotype frequencies were established by directed counting from the sequences.

Results:  Genotype distributions for the XPNPEP1 rs17095355 polymorphism tested were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium for both control and study groups. There were no significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies of the single nucleotide polymorphism between controls and Thai children with BA. Genotype frequencies of rs17095355 of T/T in BA were higher than those of controls (34.68% and 16.67%, P < 0.002). Also, the T allele frequencies of BA were higher than those of controls (56.85% and 42.98%, P < 0.003).

Conclusion:  The association between XPNPEP1 rs17095355 polymorphism and BA has been demonstrated, particularly with the T allele. We hypothesize that the XPNPEP1 rs17095355 polymorphism confers increased susceptibility to the disease.
Development of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after a 14‐year follow‐up of a patient with primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis
Authors: Kawaguchi Takumi , Kaji Ryohei , Horiuchi Hiroyuki , Shirono Tomotake , Ishida Yusuke , Okabe Yoshinobu , Itou Minoru , Mitsuyama Keiichi , Akiba Jun , Nakashima Osamu , Yano Hirohisa , Kage Masayoshi , Harada Masaru , Sakisaka Shotaro , Sata Michio
Published: November 2011

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is one of the life‐threatening complications of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). However, the incidence of ICC in Japanese PSC patients is low, and the association between the development of ICC and morbidity duration of PSC is largely unknown. Here, we describe a case of ICC that developed after a long‐term follow‐up of a patient with PSC and ulcerative colitis (UC). At the age of 10 years, the patient was first diagnosed with UC and its remission was achieved with systemic steroid therapy. Since then, he was routinely followed‐up. At the age of 19 years, laboratory tests showed abnormalities in liver function parameters, and the patient was diagnosed with PSC. Although treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid improved the abnormalities in serum levels of biliary enzymes and no PSC‐related symptoms were seen for 13 years, calculous cholecystitis frequently occurred in the patient since the age of 32 years. He developed ICC, which expressed some hepatic progenitor cell markers such as CD133, neural cell adhesion molecule, keratin 7, and keratin 19 at the age of 33 years. ICC was treated by curative partial hepatectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy with gemcitabine. Eight months later, however, the patient developed multiple metastases in the abdominal lymph nodes and lungs, and died 21 months after the onset of ICC. Here, we report a case of ICC that developed after a 14‐year follow‐up of a patient with PSC and UC.
Examining non‐racial segregation: A micro‐ecological approach
Authors: Orr Russell , McKeown Shelley , Cairns Ed , Stringer Maurice
Published: November 2011

A number of studies in both South Africa and the United States of America have indicated the presence of an ‘informal’ segregation that is active in everyday life spaces and which is resistant to changes in macro level social policy. This research has however been conducted in societies where segregation and division has been based on skin colour. We sought to adapt a micro‐ecological technique for use in a non‐racially segregated setting, in this case lecture theatres at a University in Northern Ireland. Using seat numbers to examine seating patterns we found that levels of segregation persisted throughout a semester. The success of this methodology in capturing this information has far‐reaching implications for the future study of the micro‐ecology of contact.
Co‐witness information influences whether a witness is likely to choose from a lineup
Authors: Levett Lora M.
Published: November 2011

Purpose. Much crime is witnessed by more than one eyewitness, and witnesses may learn information about other witness's decisions throughout the identification and trial process. The objective of this paper was to investigate whether hearing about a co‐witness's type of lineup decision and subsequent confidence level affects another witness's type of lineup choice.

Methods. A total of 304 undergraduate students watched a crime video with a confederate co‐witness. After the video, the witnesses completed an identification task. Prior to completing the task, the participant learned that the confederate co‐witness either chose from or rejected the lineup and was subsequently confident or not confident in that decision (or heard no co‐witness information). Participants completed the identification task using either a target present (TP) or target absent (TA) lineup.

Results. Overall, those who heard the co‐witness chose from the lineup were more likely to choose from the lineup than those who heard no co‐witness information or who heard the co‐witness rejected the lineup. In addition, witnesses who chose from the lineup and heard the co‐witness chose from or rejected the lineup expressed more confidence in that choice if the co‐witness was more confident versus if the co‐witness was less confident.

Conclusions. In cases of multiple witnesses, identification decisions may not be independent pieces of evidence. Therefore, it is important that police separate co‐witnesses throughout the identification process.
Climate Sensitivity Estimated from Temperature Reconstructions of the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Schmittner Andreas , Urban Nathan M. , Shakun Jeremy D. , Mahowald Natalie M. , Clark Peter U. , Bartlein Patrick J. , Mix Alan C. , Rosell-Melé Antoni
Published: November 2011

Last Glacial Maximum temperature reconstructions and model simulations can constrain the equilibrium climate sensitivity.
Direct Redox Regulation of F-Actin Assembly and Disassembly by Mical
Authors: Hung Ruei-Jiun , Pak Chi W. , Terman Jonathan R.
Published: November 2011

A protein involved in redox signaling disassembles actin filaments and alters their reassembly.
Reversing Bacterial Resistance to Antibiotics by Phage-Mediated Delivery of Dominant Sensitive Genes
Authors: Edgar Rotem , Friedman Nir , Molshanski-Mor Shahar , Qimron Udi
Published: November 2011

Pathogen resistance to antibiotics is a rapidly growing problem, leading to an urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents. Unfortunately, development of new antibiotics faces numerous obstacles, and a method that resensitizes pathogens to approved antibiotics therefore holds key advantages. We present a proof of principle for a system that restores antibiotic efficiency by reversing pathogen resistance. This system uses temperate phages to introduce, by lysogenization, the genes
rpsL
and
gyrA
conferring sensitivity in a dominant fashion to two antibiotics, streptomycin and nalidixic acid, respectively. Unique selective pressure is generated to enrich for bacteria that harbor the phages carrying the sensitizing constructs. This selection pressure is based on a toxic compound, tellurite, and therefore does not forfeit any antibiotic for the sensitization procedure. We further demonstrate a possible way of reducing undesirable recombination events by synthesizing dominant sensitive genes with major barriers to homologous recombination. Such synthesis does not significantly reduce the gene's sensitization ability. Unlike conventional bacteriophage therapy, the system does not rely on the phage's ability to kill pathogens in the infected host, but instead, on its ability to deliver genetic constructs into the bacteria and thus render them sensitive to antibiotics prior to host infection. We believe that transfer of the sensitizing cassette by the constructed phage will significantly enrich for antibiotic-treatable pathogens on hospital surfaces. Broad usage of the proposed system, in contrast to antibiotics and phage therapy, will potentially change the nature of nosocomial infections toward being more susceptible to antibiotics rather than more resistant.
Modified
mariner
Transposons for Random Inducible-Expression Insertions and Transcriptional Reporter Fusion Insertions in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Pozsgai Eric R. , Blair Kris M. , Kearns Daniel B.
Published: November 2011

Transposons are mobile genetic elements bounded by insertion sequences that are recognized by a specific mobilizing transposase enzyme. The transposase may mobilize not only the insertion sequences but also intervening DNA.
mariner
is a particularly efficient transposon for the random chromosomal integration of genes and insertional mutagenesis. Here, we modify an existing
mariner
transposon, TnYLB, such that it can easily be genetically manipulated and introduced into
Bacillus subtilis
. We generate a series of three new
mariner
derivatives that mobilize spectinomycin, chloramphenicol, and kanamycin antibiotic resistance cassettes. Furthermore, we generate a series of transposons with a strong, outward-oriented, optionally isopropyl-β-
d
-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG)-inducible promoter for the random overexpression of neighboring genes and a series of transposons with a promoterless
lacZ
gene for the random generation of transcriptional reporter fusions. We note that the modification of the base transposon is not restricted to
B. subtilis
and should be applicable to any
mariner
-compatible host organism, provided that
in vitro
mutagenesis or an
in vivo
species-specific delivery vector is employed.
Microsporidial Keratitis in Patients with Hot Springs Exposure
Authors: Fan Nai-Wen , Wu Chih-Chiau , Chen Te-Li , Yu Wei-Kuang , Chen Chien-Pei , Lee Shui-Mei , Lin Pei-Yu
Published: November 2011

This retrospective study included 10 eyes of 9 patients diagnosed with microsporidial keratitis. All of them were known to contract this disease after taking baths in hot springs. The disease was diagnosed based on detecting microsporidia in corneal scrapings using Gram stain and the modified Kinyoun's acid-fast stain. The specimens from the last six patients were subjected to PCR and then sequencing. All of them revealed that the microorganism identified has a high similarity to
Vittaforma corneae
. Repeated debridement of the epithelial lesions successfully eradicated the microsporidial infection in all nine patients.
Leishmania (Viannia) Species Identification on Clinical Samples from Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Patients in Peru: Assessment of a Molecular Stepwise Approach
Authors: Veland Nicolas , Boggild Andrea K. , Valencia Cristian , Valencia Braulio M. , Llanos-Cuentas Alejandro , Van der Auwera Gert , Dujardin Jean-Claude , Arevalo Jorge
Published: November 2011

We present an algorithm based on three PCR assays for
Leishmania
(
Viannia
) species identification and assessed its performance using 70 specimens from Peruvian patients. The succession of the assayed targets can be ordered according to species prevalence. Sequential progression through the algorithm reduced the number of samples here studied by approximately 30% after each step.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Transmission in a Country with Low Tuberculosis Incidence: Role of Immigration and HIV Infection
Authors: Fenner Lukas , Gagneux Sebastien , Helbling Peter , Battegay Manuel , Rieder Hans L. , Pfyffer Gaby E. , Zwahlen Marcel , Furrer Hansjakob , Siegrist Hans H. , Fehr Jan , Dolina Marisa , Calmy Alexandra , Stucki David , Jaton Katia , Janssens Jean-Paul , Stalder Jesica Mazza , Bodmer Thomas , Ninet Beatrice , Böttger Erik C. , Egger Matthias , Barth J. , Battegay M. , Bernasconi E. , Böni J. , Bucher H. C. , Burton-Jeangros A. Calmy , Cavassini M. , Cellerai C. , Egger M. , Elzi L. , Fehr J. , Fellay J. , Flepp M. , Francioli P. , Furrer H. , Fux C. A. , Gorgievski M. , Günthard H. , Haerry D. , Hasse B. , Hirschel B. , Hirsch H. H. , Hirschel B. , Hoffmann M. , Hösli I. , Kahlert C. , Kaiser L. , Kaiser O. , Kind C. , Klimkait T. , Kovari H. , Ledergerber B. , Lugano A. P. , Martinetti G. , Martinez de Tejada B. , Metzner K. , Müller N. , Nadal D. , Pantaleo G. , Rauch A. , Regenass S. , Rickenbach M. , Rudin C. , Schmid P. , Schultze D. , Schöni-Affolter F. , Schüpbach J. , Speck R. , Taffé P. , Tarr P. , Telenti A. , Trkola A. , Vernazza P. , Weber R. , Yerly S.
Published: November 2011

Immigrants from high-burden countries and HIV-coinfected individuals are risk groups for tuberculosis (TB) in countries with low TB incidence. Therefore, we studied their role in transmission of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
in Switzerland. We included all TB patients from the Swiss HIV Cohort and a sample of patients from the national TB registry. We identified molecular clusters by spoligotyping and mycobacterial interspersed repetitive-unit–variable-number tandem-repeat (MIRU-VNTR) analysis and used weighted logistic regression adjusted for age and sex to identify risk factors for clustering, taking sampling proportions into account. In total, we analyzed 520 TB cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2008; 401 were foreign born, and 113 were HIV coinfected. The Euro-American
M. tuberculosis
lineage dominated throughout the study period (378 strains; 72.7%), with no evidence for another lineage, such as the Beijing genotype, emerging. We identified 35 molecular clusters with 90 patients, indicating recent transmission; 31 clusters involved foreign-born patients, and 15 involved HIV-infected patients. Birth origin was not associated with clustering (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73 to 3.43;
P
= 0.25, comparing Swiss-born with foreign-born patients), but clustering was reduced in HIV-infected patients (aOR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.93;
P
= 0.030). Cavitary disease, male sex, and younger age were all associated with molecular clustering. In conclusion, most TB patients in Switzerland were foreign born, but transmission of
M. tuberculosis
was not more common among immigrants and was reduced in HIV-infected patients followed up in the national HIV cohort study. Continued access to health services and clinical follow-up will be essential to control TB in this population.
Molecular Characterization of Newly EmergedblaKPC-2-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Singapore
Authors: Balm Michelle N. D. , Ngan Grace , Jureen Roland , Lin Raymond T. P. , Teo Jeanette
Published: November 2011

In Asia,blaKPCdetection has been limited to East Asia and not yet seen in Southeast Asia. We report fourblaKPC-2-containingKlebsiella pneumoniaeisolates from two different hospitals in Singapore. All isolates belonged to strain type 11 (ST11) and were indistinguishable by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).blaKPC-2was located on nonconjugative plasmids and flanked by mobile genetic structures composed of a partial Tn4401transposon and a Tn3-based transposon which previously have been described only in Chinese isolates.
Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis Analysis of More than One Clinical Isolate of Campylobacter spp. from Each of 49 Patients in New Zealand
Authors: Gilpin Brent , Robson Beth , Lin Susan , Scholes Paula , On Stephen
Published: November 2011

Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis demonstrated that while 76% of patients had only one genotype of campylobacter, 10% carried two different but related genotypes (Dice coefficients > 0.78), and 14% carried at least two unrelated genotypes (Dice coefficients < 0.65). This supports the clustering of
Campylobacte
r isolates with similar PFGE patterns, highlights the need to analyze multiple isolates from both sources and patients, and confirms that caution should be exercised before epidemiological links between patients or sources are dismissed.
Emergence of New Delhi Metallo-Beta-Lactamase (NDM-1) and Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase (KPC-2) in South Africa
Authors: Brink Adrian J. , Coetzee Jennifer , Clay Cornelis G. , Sithole Sindi , Richards Guy A. , Poirel Laurent , Nordmann Patrice
Published: November 2011

This report documents emergence of New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM-1) and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC-2) in
K. pneumoniae
and
Enterobacter cloacae
in South Africa. NDM-1 producers have not been described in South Africa, and this is the first instance that KPC producers have been identified in Africa. The two patients infected with these carbapenemase-producing bacteria demised.
Occlusive concomitant dissections of the carotid and coronary arteries treated with stent placement
Authors: Orion David , Jahshan Shady , Siddiqui Adnan H
Published: November 2011

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is rare and previously was associated with a high mortality rate. Spontaneous dissection of the internal carotid artery is a cause of ischemic stroke, especially in young patients. Medical therapy allows healing of the carotid dissection in most patients, although endovascular stent placement has been reported for the treatment of selected cases. A case is reported of a patient in their late 30s who presented with a symptomatic occlusive cervical carotid artery dissection and, 7 days later, developed an acute coronary syndrome due to an occlusive dissection of the intermediate artery. Both lesions were treated with stent placement.
Effect of glycine on the cyclooxygenase pathway of the kidney arachidonic acid metabolism in a rat model of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Pérez-Torres Israel , Ibarra Blanca , Soria-Castro Elizabeth , Torrico-Lavayen Rocío , Pavón Natalia , Diaz-Diaz Eulises , Flores Pedro L. , Infante Oscar , Baños Guadalupe
Published: November 2011

The kidneys are organs that can be severely impaired by metabolic syndrome (MS). This is characterized by the association of various pathologies such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and type-2 diabetes. Glycine, a nonessential amino acid, is known to possess various protective effects in the kidney, such as a decrease in the deterioration of renal function and a reduction of the damage caused by hypoxia. In a rat model of MS, the effect of glycine on the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism was studied in isolated perfused kidney. MS was induced in Wistar rats by feeding them a 30% sucrose solution for 16 weeks. The addition of 1% glycine to their drinking water containing 30% sucrose, for 8 weeks, reduced high blood pressure, triglyceride levels, insulin concentration, homeostatis model assessment (HOMA) index, albuminuria, AA concentration in kidney homogenate, renal perfusion pressure, prostaglandin levels, PLA2expression, and COX isoform expression, compared with MS rats that did not receive the glycine supplement. Glycine receptor expression decreased significantly with MS, but glycine treatment increased it. The results suggest that in the MS model, 1% glycine treatment protects the kidney from damage provoked by the high sucrose consumption, by acting as an anti-inflammatory on the COX pathway of AA metabolism in kidney.
Flavokawain B induces apoptosis of human oral adenoid cystic cancer ACC-2 cells via up-regulation of Bim and down-regulation of Bcl-2 expression
Authors: Zhao Xi , Chao Yong-Lie , Wan Qian-Bing , Chen Xin-Min , Su Peng , Sun Jian , Tang Yaxiong
Published: November 2011

Novel effective drugs are still urgently needed in the prevention and treatment of oral adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). In this study, we have assessed the antitumor potential and molecular mechanisms of flavokawain B (FKB) as a kava chalcone on the ACC-2 cell line in vitro. The results demonstrated that FKB could significantly inhibit the cell proliferation of ACC-2 in a dose-dependent manner that was associated with induced apoptosis and cell cycle G2-M arrest, and the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of flavokawain-B treatment for 48 h was estimated to be 4.69 ± 0.43 µmol/L. Mechanistically, FKB could induce the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytosol, and activate the cleavage of caspase-3 and, eventually, the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), in a dose-dependent manner, leading to marked apoptotic effect of ACC-2 cells. The apoptotic action of FKB was associated with the increased expression of proapoptotic proteins: Bim, Bax, Bak and a decreased expression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2. Among them, Bim expression was significantly induced by FKB, and knockdown of Bim expression by short-hairpin RNAs attenuated the inhibitory effect induced by FKB on ACC-2 cells. These results suggest Bim may be one of the potential transcriptional targets, and suggests the potential usefulness of FKB for the prevention and treatment of ACC.
Effect of captopril and the bradykinin–PKC pathway on ROS production in type 1 diabetic rats
Authors: Rodrigues de Araujo Glaucy , Granato de Faria Karine , Lima Wanderson Geraldo , Pádua Bruno da Cruz , Rossoni Joamyr Victor , Souza Aline Arlindo , Chianca-Júnior Deoclecio , Silva Marcelo Eustáquio , Pedrosa Maria Lucia , Chaves Miriam Martins , Costa Daniela Caldeira
Published: November 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of captopril as a promoter in modulating the oxidant–antioxidant balance in rats with type 1 diabetes, and the influence of protein kinase C (PKC) pathways in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by bradykinin in type 1 diabetic rats. This study evaluated the redox status in both the cardiac tissue and at the cellular level (neutrophils). Two concentrations of captopril were utilized: (i) 5 mg·(kg body mass)–1, which was considered a therapeutic dose; and (ii) 10 mg·(kg body mass)–1. Body mass, plasma glucose, and serum insulin were evaluated. To investigate the redox status of the cardiac tissue, we analyzed lipid peroxidation, concentration of carbonylated protein, catalase activity, and the concentration of glutathione. For a more accurate assessment of the possible antioxidant effect of captopril, we also analyzed ROS in neutrophils (in vivo), and ROS production induced by bradykinin and the influence of the PKC pathway in this production (in vitro). Our data show that the hearts of diabetic animals have increased oxidative damage, exemplified by the increased concentration of carbonylated protein and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). However, animals treated with captopril at both concentrations showed lower concentrations of carbonylated protein compared with untreated diabetic animals. We found an increase of catalase activity in the heart of diabetic rats, which was reversed by captopril treatment at both of the dosages tested. Our data showed that captopril was able to reduce ROS production in the neutrophils of diabetic rats at a dose of 10 mg captopril·(kg body mass)–1. However, the antioxidant effect of captopril is independent of bradykinin. Diabetes induces oxidative stress, and these results suggest that captopril has an antioxidant effect and can modulate the production of ROS in circulating neutrophils.
A FUZZY LINEAR PROGRAMMING-BASED CLASSIFICATION METHOD
Authors: LI AIHUA , SHI YONG , HE JING , ZHANG YANCHUN
Published: November 2011

Multiple criteria linear programming and multiple criteria quadratic programming classification models have been applied in some field in financial risk analysis and credit risk control such as credit cardholders' behavior analysis. In this paper, a fuzzy linear programming classification method with soft constraints and criteria was proposed based on the previous findings from other researchers. In this method, the satisfied result can be obtained through selecting constraint and criteria boundary variable di*, respectively. A general framework of this method is also constructed. Two real-life datasets, one from a major USA bank and the other from a database of KDD 99, are used to test the accurate rate of the proposed method. And the result shows the feasibility of this method.
TDDFT study of the UV-vis spectra of subporphyrazines and subphthalocyanines
Authors: Lamsabhi Al Mokhtar , Yáñez Manuel , Mó Otilia , Trujillo Cristina , Blanco Fernando , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero Jose , Caballero Esmeralda , Rodríguez-Morgade M. Salomé , Claessens Christian G. , Torres Tomás
Published: November 2011

The UV-vis spectra of a series of subporphyrazines, SubPz(A,R), and subphthalocyanines, SubPc(A,R) ( A = F, Cl; R = H, F, CH3, C3H7, SCH3, SC2H5 and SPh), where A is the substituent attached to the central boron atom and R is the substituent attached to the periphery of the molecule have been analyzed through the use of TD–DFT calculations in vacuum and using chloroform as a solvent. The absorption spectra depend on both, the characteristics of the substituent attached to the periphery of the molecule and the extension of the π-system on going from SubPz to the SubPc analog. These latter effects lead to a red-shift of both the Q-band and the B-band, although the effect is larger for the former, mainly due to the increase of HOMO–LUMO energy gap on going from the SubPz to the SubPc analog. The effect of the substituents R is more intricate, because the profile of the absorption spectra changes depending on whether both substituents are on the same side (uu or dd) or on opposite sides (ud) of the molecular cone. Since the three conformers are rather close in energy, the observed spectra correspond, very likely, to the sum of the spectra of all of them.
IL-17A and IL-17F Expression in B Lymphocytes
Authors: Vazquez-Tello Alejandro , Halwani Rabih , Li Rui , Nadigel Jessica , Bar-Or Amir , Mazer Bruce D. , Eidelman David H. , Al-Muhsen Saleh , Hamid Qutayba
Published: November 2011

Background: Recent evidence suggests that cells other than Th-17 lymphocytes express interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-17F and contribute to the production of these cytokines in immunologically mediated diseases. B lymphocytes are known to be an important source of cytokines in chronic inflammatory diseases. We therefore investigated the potential of human B lymphocytes to produce IL-17A and IL-17F. Methods: Highly purified B cells were obtained using a multiple-step separation procedure which included rosette depletion, adherence depletion, CD3+ cell magnetic activated depletion and CD19+ magnetic activated positive cell selection. In these CD19+ B cell fractions, CD3+/CD4+ and CD14+ cells were negligible (<0.2%), and CD8 and CD161 mRNAs were undetectable. The CD19+/CD20+ B cells were stimulated with IL-4, interferon-γ, IL-6, IL-23 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, and the expression of IL-17A and IL-17F in response to stimulation was determined by quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, Western blot, immunocytochemistry and ELISA. Results: Evidence of expression of IL-17A and IL-17F in purified B cells was obtained using RT-PCR, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy, Western immunoblotting and ELISA. Stimulation of B cells with IL-6, IL-23 or TGF-β upregulated the expression of both IL-17A and F cytokines. Conclusions: These novel findings provide evidence that cytokine-stimulated B lymphocytes could be a significant source of IL-17A and IL-17F and support the notion that these cells actively participate in immune responses via alternative mechanisms in addition to the classic release of antibodies.
Hemispherotomy or Lobectomy? The Role of Presurgical Neuroimaging in a Young Case of a Large Porencephalic Cyst with Intractable Epilepsy
Authors: Kokkinos Vasileios , Garganis Kyriakos , Kontogiannis Konstantinos , Zountsas Basilios
Published: November 2011

A young patient with a large left hemisphere porencephalic cyst underwent neuroimaging investigation (functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), EEG-fMRI, DTI tractography) during presurgical evaluation for intractable epilepsy. The functional workup showed that (a) the healthy hemisphere had undertaken language processing, primary and secondary sensory functions of bilateral upper and lower extremities, and bilateral feet motion, and (b) the porencephalic hemisphere had retained contralateral arm and shoulder motion. EEG-fMRI localized the epileptogenic area occipitally. Tractography anatomically supported the above. Neuroimaging tailored surgery into selective lobectomy, thereby preserving all sensorimotor functionality and strongly supporting its use for presurgical evaluation of patients with large hemispheric lesions.
MicroRNA-195 Promotes Apoptosis in Mouse Podocytes via Enhanced Caspase Activity Driven by BCL2 Insufficiency
Authors: Chen Yu-Qiang , Wang Xiao-Xia , Yao Xing-Mei , Zhang Dong-Liang , Yang Xu-Feng , Tian Shou-Fu , Wang Nian-Song
Published: November 2011

Background: The apoptosis of podocytes is a characteristic event in diabetic nephropathy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether microRNAs (miRNAs) affect podocyte apoptosis in diabetic circumstances. Methods: Diabetic nephropathy was induced in DBA/2 mice by intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin, and the levels of proteinuria were measured with ELISA. Apoptosis-related miRNAs were screened in isolated glomeruli. A conditionally immortalized mouse podocyte cell line was cultured in 25 mMD-glucose and either transfected with miRNA-195 (miR-195) mimics or inhibitors. The levels of BCL2 and caspase expression were determined using real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. We also measured WT-1 and synaptopodin in podocytes. Apoptosis of podocytes was assessed with Hoechst 33258 nuclear staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), and flow cytometry. Results: The expression of miR-195 was elevated in both diabetic mice with proteinuria and podocytes that were cultured in high glucose. Transfection with miR-195 reduced the protein levels of BCL2 and contributed to podocyte apoptosis via an increase in caspase-3. miR-195-treated podocytes underwent actin rearrangement and failed to synthesize sufficient levels of WT-1 and synaptopodin proteins, which suggests that the cells had suffered injuries similar to those observed in diabetic nephropathy in both humans and animal models. Conclusions: Taken together, our findings demonstrate that miR-195 promotes apoptosis of podocytes under high-glucose conditions via enhanced caspase cascades for BCL2 insufficiency. This work thus presents a meaningful approach for deciphering mechanisms, by which miRNAs participate in diabetic renal injury.
Platelet soluble CD40L and matrix metalloproteinase 9 activity are proinflammatory mediators in Behçet disease patients
Authors: López-Longo Francisco J. , Arias-Salgado Elena G. , Martín Mónica , Jiménez-Yuste Víctor , de la Rúa Ana , Bello Ihosvany , Álvarez María T. , Butta Nora V.
Published: November 2011

Platelets are the major source of plasma-soluble CD40L (sCD40L), an important inflammatory mediator. This study explored the impact of platelet-derived sCD40L on Behçet disease (BD), an autoinflammatory vasculitis. We also searched for influences by platelet matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) –2 and MMP-9, implicated in several inflammatory diseases, on CD40L shedding from platelet membrane. Platelet activation were studied by flow cytometry and aggregometry, surface expression of CD40L and platelet-leukocyte aggregates by flow cytometry, sCD40L by ELISA, cellular CD40L and CD40 levels by Western blot and MMPs activity by gelatin zymography. The effect of sCD40L on MMP9 expression was studied in cultured MEG-01 cells. Plasma and platelet-released sCD40L levels were higher in BD patients. No differences in platelet activation and in platelet-leukocyte aggregates formation were observed between BD patients and controls. Plasma and platelet MMP-9 levels were increased in BD patients, whereas there was no difference in platelet MMP-2 activity. Since a correlation between plasma sCD40L and platelet MMP-9 activity was observed, we studied the influence of sCD40L on MMP-9 levels in the megakaryoblastic cell line MEG-01. Treatment of MEG-01 cells with recombinant sCD40L increased MMP-9 but did not change MMP-2 levels. In conclusion, sCD40L release from platelets was mediated by MMP-9, and MMP-9 expression was in turn upregulated by sCD40L in the MEG-01 cell line. We conclude that platelets and megakaryocytes might participate in a positive feedback loop occurring between sCD40L and MMP-9 which would contribute to the proinflammatory state observed in BD.