bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal variability in the diversity and composition of stream bacterioplankton communities
Authors: Portillo Maria C. , Anderson Suzanne P. , Fierer Noah
Published: May 2012

Bacterioplankton in freshwater streams play a critical role in stream nutrient cycling. Despite their ecological importance, the temporal variability in the structure of stream bacterioplankton communities remains understudied. We investigated the composition and temporal variability of stream bacterial communities and the influence of physicochemical parameters on these communities. We used barcoded pyrosequencing to survey bacterial communities in 107 streamwater samples collected from four locations in the Colorado Rocky Mountains from September 2008 to November 2009. The four sampled locations harboured distinct communities yet, at each sampling location, there was pronounced temporal variability in both community composition and alpha diversity levels. These temporal shifts in bacterioplankton community structure were not seasonal; rather, their diversity and composition appeared to be driven by intermittent changes in various streamwater biogeochemical conditions. Bacterial communities varied independently of time, as indicated by the observation that communities in samples collected close together in time were no more similar than those collected months apart. The temporal turnover in community composition was higher than observed in most previously studied microbial, plant or animal communities, highlighting the importance of stochastic processes and disturbance events in structuring these communities over time. Detailed temporal sampling is important if the objective is to monitor microbial community dynamics in pulsed ecosystems like streams.
Are postoperative complications more common following colon and rectal surgery in patients with chronic kidney disease?
Authors: Canedo J. , Ricciardi K. , DaSilva G. , Rosen L. , Weiss E. G. , Wexner S. D.
Published: May 2012

Aim  According to National Kidney Foundation guidelines, early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be detected through the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). We assessed complications following colorectal surgery (CRS) in patients with CKD Stages 3 and 4, as defined by the eGFR.

Method  Patients with CKD were identified within our database. Patients with an eGFR of 15–59 ml/min (CKD Stages 3 and 4) formed the CKD group and were compared with American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score‐matched controls with an eGFR of ≥ 60 ml/min. Assessments included demographics, comorbidity, ASA score, operative details and 30‐day postoperative outcome.

Results  Seventy patients in the CKD group were matched with 70 controls. ASA scores and length of stay did not differ significantly between the groups. CKD patients were older (mean age 76.5 years vs 71.1 years; P < 0.001) and had a lower mean body mass index (24.3 vs 28.2; P < 0.001) compared with controls. Compared with the CKD group, the mean operation time was longer in the control group (181.5 min vs 151.6 min; P = 0.02) and the estimated blood loss was greater (232 ml vs 165 ml; P = 0.004). Postoperative infection was more common in the CKD group (60%vs 40%; P = 0.01). There were no significant differences in reoperation rates, 30‐day readmissions or the incidence of acute renal failure (ARF).

Conclusion  Patients with CKD Stages 3 and 4 had a higher incidence of postoperative infections than matched controls after colorectal surgery. ARF developed in 18.6% of patients. Preoperative optimization should include adequate hydration and assessment of potentially nephrotoxic substances for bowel preparation, preoperative antibiotics and pain control.
THE PERSISTENCE OF INCOME POVERTY AND LIFESTYLE DEPRIVATION: EVIDENCE FROM ITALY
Authors: Devicienti Francesco , Gualtieri Valentina , Rossi Mariacristina
Published: May 2012

This article estimates poverty persistence over an individual's lifetime, using two definitions: income poverty and a multidimensional index of lifestyle deprivation. We stress the ability of the two definitions to provide a generally consistent characterization of poverty persistence risks faced by various population subgroups, but also the additional insights to be gained by analysing the two definitions in parallel in a longitudinal context. The results of multiple‐spell hazard rate models highlight the weaknesses of the Italian labour market, the insufficiencies of the existing social security system, and the deep territorial dualism in generating persistent poverty for certain groups of the population.
Cannabidiol inhibits angiogenesis by multiple mechanisms
Authors: Solinas M , Massi P , Cantelmo AR , Cattaneo MG , Cammarota R , Bartolini D , Cinquina V , Valenti M , Vicentini LM , Noonan DM , Albini A , Parolaro D
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Several studies have demonstrated anti‐proliferative and pro‐apoptotic actions of cannabinoids on various tumours, together with their anti‐angiogenic properties. The non‐psychoactive cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) effectively inhibits the growth of different types of tumours in vitro and in vivo and down‐regulates some pro‐angiogenic signals produced by glioma cells. As its anti‐angiogenic properties have not been thoroughly investigated to date, and given its very favourable pharmacological and toxicological profile, here, we evaluated the ability of CBD to modulate tumour angiogenesis.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Firstly, we evaluated the effect of CBD on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation and viability – through [3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay and FACS analysis – and in vitro motility – both in a classical Boyden chamber test and in a wound‐healing assay. We next investigated CBD effects on different angiogenesis‐related proteins released by HUVECs, using an angiogenesis array kit and an ELISA directed at MMP2. Then we evaluated its effects on in vitro angiogenesis in treated HUVECs invading a Matrigel layer and in HUVEC spheroids embedded into collagen gels, and further characterized its effects in vivo using a Matrigel sponge model of angiogenesis in C57/BL6 mice.

KEY RESULTS CBD induced HUVEC cytostasis without inducing apoptosis, inhibited HUVEC migration, invasion and sprouting in vitro, and angiogenesis in vivo in Matrigel sponges. These effects were associated with the down‐modulation of several angiogenesis‐related molecules.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This study reveals that CBD inhibits angiogenesis by multiple mechanisms. Its dual effect on both tumour and endothelial cells supports the hypothesis that CBD has potential as an effective agent in cancer therapy.
Photochemical inactivation of chikungunya virus in plasma and platelets using the Mirasol pathogen reduction technology system
Authors: Vanlandingham Dana L. , Keil Shawn D. , Horne Kate McElroy , Pyles Richard , Goodrich Raymond P. , Higgs Stephen
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a reemerging mosquito‐borne virus that has been responsible for a number of large‐scale epidemics as well as imported cases covering a wide geographical range. As a blood‐borne virus capable of mounting a high‐titer viremia in infected humans, CHIKV was included on a list of risk agents for transfusion and organ transplant by the AABB Transfusion‐Transmitted Diseases Committee. Therefore, we evaluated the ability of the Mirasol pathogen reduction technology (PRT) system (CaridianBCT Biotechnologies) to inactivate live virus in contaminated plasma and platelet (PLT) samples.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Plasma, PLTs, and phosphate‐buffered saline controls were spiked with CHIKV and treated with riboflavin and varying doses of ultraviolet (UV) light using the Mirasol PRT system. Samples were tested before and after treatment for cytotoxicity, interference, and virus titer by titration and quantitative real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS: A significant reduction in CHIKV titer of greater than 99% was recorded after treatment of plasma or PLTs with the Mirasol PRT system, and the titer reduction was directly proportional to the UV dose delivered to the samples. No cytotoxicity of interference was observed in any sample at any treatment dose.

CONCLUSION: These data indicate that the Mirasol PRT system efficiently inactivated live CHIKV in plasma and PLTs and could therefore potentially be used to prevent CHIKV transmission through the blood supply.
Hand eczema: prevalence and risk factors of hand eczema in a population of 2274 healthcare workers
Authors: Ibler Kristina S. , Jemec Gregor B. E. , Flyvholm Mari‐Ann , Diepgen Thomas L. , Jensen Askel , Agner Tove
Published: May 2012

Background. Healthcare workers are at increased risk of developing hand eczema.

Objectives. To investigate the prevalence and severity of self‐reported hand eczema, and to relate the findings to demographic data, occupation, medical speciality, wards, shifts, and working hours.

Patients/materials/methods. A survey of 3181 healthcare workers was performed. Data were analysed with logistic regression. Data on sick leave and notification to the authorities were obtained.

Results. The response rate was 71% (2274 of 3181). The 1‐year prevalence of hand eczema was 21%, and was positively associated with atopic dermatitis, younger age, male sex (male doctors), and working hours. Eighty nine per cent of subjects reported mild/moderate lesions. Atopic dermatitis was the only factor significantly related to severity. Sick leave was reported by 8% of subjects, and notification to the authorities by 12%.

Conclusions. The 21% prevalence of hand eczema in healthcare workers is double the prevalence in the background population. Eleven per cent of hand eczema patients reported severe/very severe eczema. No significant differences were found between professions or medical specialities with respect to prevalence or severity, but cultural differences between professions with respect to coping with the eczema were significant. Atopic dermatitis was related to increased prevalence and severity, and preventive efforts should be made for healthcare workers with atopic dermatitis.
Biomarkers of Coagulation, Inflammation, and Angiogenesis are Independently Associated with Preeclampsia
Authors: Boij Roland , Svensson Judit , Nilsson‐Ekdahl Kristina , Sandholm Kerstin , Lindahl Tomas L. , Palonek Elzbieta , Garle Mats , Berg Göran , Ernerudh Jan , Jenmalm Maria , Matthiesen Leif
Published: May 2012

Problem

Although preeclampsia has been associated with inflammation, coagulation, and angiogenesis, their correlation and relative contribution are unknown.

Method of Study

About 114 women with preeclampsia, 31 with early onset (EOP) and 83 with late onset preeclampsia (LOP), and 100 normal pregnant controls were included. A broad panel of 32 biomarkers reflecting coagulation, inflammation, and angiogenesis was analyzed.

Results

Preeclampsia was associated with decreased antithrombin, IL‐4 and placental growth factor levels and with increased C3a, pentraxin‐3, and sFlt‐1 levels, with more marked differences in the EOP group. The Th1‐associated chemokines CXCL10 and CXCL11 were significantly higher in the preeclampsia and EOP group than in controls, respectively. No correlations between the biomarkers were found in preeclampsia. Multivariate logistic regression tests confirmed the results.

Conclusions

Cytokines, chemokines and complement activation seem to be part of a Th1‐like inflammatory reaction in preeclampsia, most pronounced in EOP, where chemokines may be more useful than cytokines as biomarkers. Biomarkers were not correlated suggesting partly independent or in time separated mechanisms.
In vivo Multiphoton Microscopy Technique to Reveal the Physiology of the Mouse Placenta
Authors: Zenclussen Ana C. , Olivieri David N. , Dustin Michael L. , Tadokoro Carlos E.
Published: May 2012

Problem

Pregnancy is a challenge to the maternal immune system as it must defend the body against pathogens while at the same time develop immune tolerance against the fetus growing inside the uterus. Despite ex vivo techniques being used to understand these processes, in vivo techniques are missing.

Method of Study

To directly study these phenomena, we have developed a new microscope stage and surgical procedures for use in two‐photon microscopy, for in vivo observation of the mouse placenta.

Results

These tools and surgical procedures demonstrate fetal and maternal blood flow inside the labyrinth zone of the placenta, as well as its three dimensional structure. It was also useful to identify Plasmodium chabaudi‐infected red blood cells inside this labyrinth zone.

Conclusion

We believe this technique will represent an important contribution for expanding the available knowledge concerning cell dynamics and interactions at the fetal‐maternal interface.
Trends in breastfeeding: it is not only at the breast anymore
Authors: Geraghty Sheela R. , Sucharew Heidi , Rasmussen Kathleen M.
Published: May 2012

The past characterisations of breastfeeding as being only at the breast of the mother may no longer be applicable in the United States as mothers now frequently express their milk. We conducted a retrospective cohort study with women who visited the Cincinnati Children's Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic to understand breast milk feeding behaviours of healthy mothers and infants, which included questions specifically about breast milk expression. All 40 mothers in the cohort expressed their milk and all 40 infants were fed expressed milk. One infant was fed another mother's milk for 30 days. Two‐thirds (13/40) of infants received their mother's expressed milk at least a week after it was first expressed and 25% (10/40) of infants continued to be fed expressed breast milk after mothers had stopped expressing milk. There were 14 sequences of breast milk production by the mothers and 16 sequences of consumption by the infants. Early in the post‐partum period, mothers started expressing milk even though their infants were consuming all of the breast milk that they needed at the breast. As a result of breast milk expression by all mothers in this cohort, we observed highly variable patterns of maternal breast milk production and infant breast milk consumption, which were not necessarily synchronous within a dyad. It is now time to develop appropriate ways to characterise the production and consumption of breast milk more accurately and investigate whether these behaviours have consequences for the health of mothers and infants.
Recent Studies in Nineteenth‐Century Spiritualism
Authors: Ferguson Christine
Published: May 2012

Inaugurated some thirty years ago, the massive resurgence of scholarly interest in nineteenth‐century Spiritualism – a once‐derided heterodox movement which offered believers the opportunity to speak with the dead – continues to gain momentum as we reach the second decade of the twenty‐first century. This article examines how twenty‐first century feminist, cultural studies, post‐structuralist, and periodical studies approaches to the movement develop and differ from those of both its nineteen‐eighties recoverers and indeed its nineteenth‐century practitioners and adherents. What is at stake, intellectually, politically, and ethically, in the ways in which contemporary critics now interrogate and align transatlantic practices of mediumship and séance communication? In particular, I trace the growing challenge to the long‐ubiquitous and near‐exclusive emphasis on the movement’s feminist and proleptically radical dimensions, one which, however laudable in its progressive ambitions, has nonetheless tended to over‐homogenize Spiritualism’s chaotically diverse political and philosophical identifications and to sometimes skew our understanding of its constituency. Recent moves to republish and digitize rare works from the transatlantic Spiritualist archive have the potential to remedy this situation, not by installing an univocal Ur‐meaning for the movement, but by revealing new areas of dynamic tension and cross‐fertilization within it.
“Mock not Flesh and Blood/With Solemn Reverence”: Recovering Radical Shakespeare
Authors: Fitter Chris
Published: May 2012

Predominantly conservative construal of Shakespeare’s politics in the 19th and early twentieth century was followed by a pervasive emphasis upon his allegedly unalignable ambiguation: a conclusion largely undisturbed by New Historicist and Post‐Structuralist approaches. The discovery by major Left critics in the 1960s and 1980s of a populist Shakespeare, radical in critiques of power, effected curiously little impact upon that governing paradigm. Recognition of Shakespeare’s radicalism has subsequently begun emerging sporadically, incrementally, and almost involuntarily. Such revaluations draw strength, however, from fuller historical study of Shakespeare’s world, recognising both the radical social distress of the 1590s, and the Elizabethan inheritance of multiple lines of Tudor political dissent.
On the biomechanics of stem cell niche formation in the gut – modelling growing organoids
Authors: Buske Peter , Przybilla Jens , Loeffler Markus , Sachs Norman , Sato Toshiro , Clevers Hans , Galle Joerg
Published: May 2012

In vitro culture of intestinal tissue has been attempted for decades. Only recently did Sato et al. [Sato, T., Vries, R. G., Snippert, H. J., van de Wetering, M., Barker, N., Stange, D. E., van Es, J. H., Abo, A., Kujala, P., Peters, P. J., et al. (2009) Nature459, 262–265] succeed in establishing long‐term intestinal culture, demonstrating that cells expressing the Lgr5 gene can give rise to organoids with crypt‐like domains similar to those found in vivo. In these cultures, Paneth cells provide essential signals supporting stem cell function. We have recently developed an individual cell‐based computational model of the intestinal tissue [Buske, P., Galle, J., Barker, N., Aust, G., Clevers, H. & Loeffler, M. (2011) PLoS Comput Biol7, e1001045]. The model is capable of quantitatively reproducing a comprehensive set of experimental data on intestinal cell organization. Here, we present a significant extension of this model that allows simulation of intestinal organoid formation in silico. For this purpose, we introduce a flexible basal membrane that assigns a bending modulus to the organoid surface. This membrane may be re‐organized by cells attached to it depending on their differentiation status. Accordingly, the morphology of the epithelium is self‐organized. We hypothesize that local tissue curvature is a key regulatory factor in stem cell organization in the intestinal tissue by controlling Paneth cell specification. In simulation studies, our model closely resembles the spatio‐temporal organization of intestinal organoids. According to our results, proliferation‐induced shape fluctuations are sufficient to induce crypt‐like domains, and spontaneous tissue curvature induced by Paneth cells can control cell number ratios. Thus, stem cell expansion in an organoid depends sensitively on its biomechanics. We suggest a number of experiments that will enable new insights into mechano‐transduction in the intestine, and suggest model extensions in the field of gland formation.
Prognostic factors in vitrectomy for lamellar macular hole assessed by spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Lee Christopher S. , Koh Hyoung J. , Lim Hyung T. , Lee Kyu S. , Lee Sung C.
Published: May 2012

Purpose:  To evaluate the association between the macular structure on spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐CT) and visual outcome after vitrectomy for lamellar macular hole (LMH).

Methods:  Best‐corrected visual acuity (VA) and SD‐OCT images of the macula were assessed before and after surgery in 30 eyes of 30 patients with a LMH. Preoperative VA and SD‐OCT features were investigated as predictors of surgical outcome.

Results:  Mean patient age was 65 years with female predominance (77%). Visual acuity improved in 19 eyes (63%) with an overall mean improvement of 1 Snellen line (from 20/65 to 20/50; p = 0.002) at a mean of 18 months after vitrectomy. Subgroup analysis showed that statistically significant visual benefit was only observed in patients with an intact photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction (p = 0.003), with foveal thickness bigger than 100 μm (p = 0.004) and with initial VA better than 20/100 (p = 0.003). The most efficient model to predict final VA was the combination of preoperative VA and the presence or absence of IS/OS disruption (r2 = 0.77, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:  Poor initial VA, the presence of a disrupted IS/OS junction or a thin fovea on preoperative SD‐OCT predicted poor vision outcome after LMH surgery.
Chloroplast DNA phylogeography of Primula ovalifolia in central and adjacent southwestern China: Past gradual expansion and geographical isolation
Authors: XIE Xiu‐Feng , YAN Hai‐Fei , WANG Feng‐Ying , GE Xue‐Jun , HU Chi‐Ming , HAO Gang
Published: May 2012

Abstract  To investigate the mechanisms responsible for the high diversity in central and adjacent southwestern China, we inferred the phylogeographic history of Primula ovalifolia from chloroplast DNA data. One hundred and thirty five individuals from 13 natural populations (including one Primula tardiflora population) were analyzed. A total of 23 haplotypes were identified. Most of them were exclusive to a single population. Strong phylogeography structure was detected, with NST (0.936) significantly higher than GST (0.784). Phylogenetic analysis showed that all haplotypes were clustered into three lineages (clades I, II, and III). High genetic diversity was revealed, possibly due to the interglacial contraction and glacial expansion. The three identified lineages may have undergone different historical processes after the mid‐Pleistocene, due to their early divergent time. Multiple refugia were inferred for the three lineages. Pleistocene climatic oscillations, combined with the complex local topography, were responsible for the strong phylogeographic pattern of P. ovalifolia. Our analysis supports the hypothesis that the central and adjacent southwestern region of China was an important refugium for the survival, persistence, and further speciation of most East Asia flora, which has led to high species diversity in this region.
The Structures of COPI-Coated Vesicles Reveal Alternate Coatomer Conformations and Interactions
Authors: Faini Marco , Prinz Simone , Beck Rainer , Schorb Martin , Riches James D. , Bacia Kirsten , Brügger Britta , Wieland Felix T. , Briggs John A. G.
Published: May 2012

COPy Coat

COPI-coated vesicles are responsible for intracellular vesicular transport both within the Golgi and between the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum. By applying subtomogram averaging from cryoelectron tomography data,

Faini
et al.

(p.
1451
, published online 24 May) were able to describe the complete three-dimensional structure for COPI-coated vesicles generated in a cell-free, membrane-budding reaction. The structures of multiple individual vesicles reveal assembly principles based on interactions that, unlike those for clathrin-coated vesicles, are not regular: The basic subunit can undergo significant conformational changes and assemble with different stoichiometries. This variability may allow the regulation of membrane curvature and vesicle size. Furthermore, forming a complete closed coat was not required to produce budded vesicles.
Draft Genome Sequences for Clostridium thermocellum Wild-Type Strain YS and Derived Cellulose Adhesion-Defective Mutant Strain AD2
Authors: Brown Steven D. , Lamed Raphael , Morag Ely , Borovok Ilya , Shoham Yuval , Klingeman Dawn M. , Johnson Courtney M. , Yang Zamin , Land Miriam L. , Utturkar Sagar M. , Keller Martin , Bayer Edward A.
Published: May 2012

Clostridium thermocellum
wild-type strain YS is an anaerobic, thermophilic, cellulolytic bacterium capable of directly converting cellulosic substrates into ethanol. Strain YS and a derived cellulose adhesion-defective mutant strain, AD2, played pivotal roles in describing the original cellulosome concept. We present their draft genome sequences.
Genome Sequence of Cold-Adapted Pseudomonas mandelii Strain JR-1
Authors: Jang Sei-Heon , Kim Junsung , Kim Junyoung , Hong Seunghee , Lee ChangWoo
Published: May 2012

Pseudomonas mandelii
is a cold-adapted bacterium that can grow at 4°C but not at 37°C. Here we report the draft genome sequence of
P. mandelii
strain JR-1.
Understanding patient choices for attending sexually transmitted infection testing services: a qualitative study
Authors: Llewellyn Carrie , Pollard Alex , Miners Alec , Richardson Daniel , Fisher Martin , Cairns John , Smith Helen
Published: May 2012

Objectives

To establish which aspects of sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing services are important to STI testing service users.

Methods

10 focus groups consisting of previous or existing users of STI testing services were conducted in community settings in the south east of England. Groups were quota sampled based on age, gender and sexual orientation. Data were analysed using Framework Analysis.

Results

65 respondents (58% men) participated. Perceived expertise of staff was the key reason for attendance at genitourinary medicine services rather than general practice. Although some respondents voiced a willingness to test for STIs within general practice, the apparent limited range of tests available in general practice and the perceived lack of expertise around sexual health appeared to discourage attendance at general practice. The decision of where to test for STIs was also influenced by past experience of testing, existing relationships with general practice, method of receiving test results and whether the patient had other medical conditions such as HIV.

Conclusions

No one type of STI testing service is suitable for all patients. This is recognised by policymakers, and it now requires commissioners and providers to make services outside of genitourinary medicine clinics more acceptable and attractive to patients, in particular to address the perceived lack of expertise and limited range of STIs tests available at alternative testing sites.
Selective breeding: making the welfare consequences clear
Authors: Kirkwood James K.
Published: May 2012

In February, the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) launched a new website, www.ufaw.org.uk/geneticwelfareproblems.php, to provide potential pet owners with information about the welfare consequences of hereditary problems in companion animals. Here, James Kirkwood, UFAW's chief executive and scientific director, discusses why the charity felt that such a resource was needed
Early Neonatal Special Care Units and Their Scientific Achievements
Authors: Obladen Michael
Published: May 2012

Treatment of sick neonates originated in maternity and foundling hospitals in the 19th century. Nosocomial infections and difficult logistics of wet-nursing prevented admission of neonates in most children’s hospitals well into the 20th century. In this article, 31 hospitals are described, all located in large cities, in which preterm and sick neonates were treated before the Great Depression. Even though mostly initiated by private charity, these institutions performed research right from the start. Topics included warming and feeding preterm infants, collecting and distributing human milk, developing and storing breast milk substitutes, prevention of rickets and nosocomial infections, maternal and public education regarding infection control, pathoanatomic characterisation of diseases and malformations and epidemiologic studies of infant mortality. These pioneering hospitals, their founding dates, researchers and classic publications are presented in a table.
Absence of Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Carriage or Infection in a Cohort of 300 Men Who Have Sex with Men Attending an Inner-City Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic in Paris, France
Authors: Fouéré Sébastien , Dion Pierre-Luc , Casin Isabelle , Zouakh-Agsous Myriem , Bonhomme Philippe , Del-Giudice Pascal , Janier Michel , Chosidow Olivier
Published: May 2012

Background: Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (caMRSA) skin and soft-tissue infections are a major cause for concern. Communities of men who have sex with men (MSM) in the USA being prone to caMRSA epidemics, we investigated whether MSM attending our sexually transmitted disease clinic were carriers of or infected by caMRSA. Methods: 300 MSM were prospectively recruited, interrogated and examined. Swabs of their nares and of their pubic and perineal skin were taken and cultured. Results: No evidence of carriage or infection by caMRSA was found. Nasal carriage of methicillin-sensitive S. aureus was within French estimates. Perineal carriage significantly correlated with the number of sexual partners. Conclusion: Although caMRSA carriage or infection does not seem to affect Paris MSM, prospective sampling may not be the best method to monitor them. The correlation between number of partners and perineal carriage suggests that thorough hygiene after intercourse could limit the spread of S. aureus in MSM with multiple partners.
Edoxaban administration following enoxaparin: A pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and tolerability assessment in human subjects
Authors: Matsushima Nobuko , Halim Abdel-Baset , He Ling , Zhang George , Lee Frank , Worland Valerie , Mendell Jeanne , Zahir Hamim
Published: May 2012

Edoxaban is an oral direct factor (F)Xa inhibitor in advanced stages of clinical development. The primary objective of the present study was to assess the pharmacodynamics (PD) and safety of enoxaparin 1 mg/kg followed 12 hours (h) post-dose by edoxaban 60 mg, which is the regimen being used in the phase III study of edoxaban for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (Hokusai-VTE). This was a phase I, open-label, randomised, four-period, four-treatment cross-over study. Treatments were edoxaban alone (EDOX), enoxaparin alone (ENOX), edoxaban plus enoxaparin (EDOX+ENOX), and enoxaparin followed by edox aban 12 h later (ENOX12-EDOX). Serial blood samples were collected for PD (thrombin generation, anti-FXa) and pharmacokinetic (PK) variables (edoxaban and its principal metabolite M4 by LC-MS/MS, and anti-FIIa as a surrogate of enoxaparin). The highest effect on thrombin AUC (endogenous thrombin potential, or ETP), thrombin (peak), thrombin generation lag time, and velocity index was observed for EDOX+ENOX, followed by ENOX, ENOX12-EDOX, and EDOX. The greatest effect on anti-FXa activity was observed for EDOX+ENOX, followed by ENOX12-EDOX. As expected, neither edoxaban nor enoxaparin significantly altered the PK of the other drug. There were no serious adverse events during the study. It is concluded that a 60-mg dose of edoxaban can be safely administered 12 h following enoxaparin 1 mg/ kg.
Small and large PROS1 deletions but no other types of rearrangements detected in patients with protein S deficiency
Authors: Lind-Halldén Christina , Dahlén Anna , Hillarp Andreas , Zöller Bengt , Dahlbäck Björn , Halldén Christer
Published: May 2012

Protein S deficiency is a dominantly inherited disorder that results from mutations in the PROS1 gene. Previous sequencing of the gene failed to detect mutations in eight out of 18 investigated Swedish families, whereas segregation analyses detected large deletions in three out of the eight families. The present study investigates more thoroughly for the presence of deletions but also for other types of rearrangements. FISH analysis confirmed the existence of the three previously identified large deletions, but failed to identify any other type of rearrangement among the eight analysed families. MLPA analysis of the PROS1 gene revealed two smaller deletions covering two and four exons, respectively. Thus, deletions could be found in five out of eight families where no point mutations could be found despite sequencing of the gene. Twelve additional, not previously analysed, families were subsequently analysed using MLPA. The analysis identified two smaller deletions (3 and 4 exons). Including all PS-deficient families, i.e. also the 10 families where sequencing found a causative point mutation, deletions were identified in seven out of 30 PS-deficient families. A strategy of sequencing followed by MLPA analysis in mutation-negative families identified the causative mutation in 15 out of 18 of Swedish PS-deficient families. Most deletions were different as determined by their sizes, locations and flanking haplotypes. FISH (8 families) and MLPA analysis (20 families) failed to identify other types of rearrangements.
Marked Acceleration of Atherosclerosis After
Lactobacillus casei
–Induced Coronary Arteritis in a Mouse Model of Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Chen Shuang , Lee Youngho , Crother Timothy R. , Fishbein Michael , Zhang Wenxuan , Yilmaz Atilla , Shimada Kenichi , Schulte Danica J. , Lehman Thomas J.A. , Shah Prediman K. , Arditi Moshe
Published: May 2012

Objective—

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether
Lactobacillus casei
cell wall extract–induced Kawasaki disease (KD) accelerates atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic mice.

Method and Results—

Apolipoprotein E knockout or low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice were injected with
Lactobacillus casei
cell wall extract (KD mice) or PBS, fed high-fat diet for 8 weeks, and atherosclerotic lesions in aortic sinuses, arch (AC), and whole aorta were assessed. KD mice had larger, more complex aortic lesions with abundant collagen, and both extracellular and intracellular lipid and foam cells, compared with lesions in control mice despite similar cholesterol levels. Both apolipoprotein E knockout KD and low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout KD mice showed dramatic acceleration in atherosclerosis versus controls, with increases in en face aortic atherosclerosis and plaque size in both the aortic sinuses and AC plaques. Accelerated atherosclerosis was associated with increased circulating interleukin-12p40, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, and increased macrophage, dendritic cell, and T-cell recruitment in lesions. Furthermore, daily injections of the interleukin-1Ra, which inhibits
Lactobacillus casei
cell wall extract–induced KD vasculitis, prevented the acceleration of atherosclerosis.

Conclusion—

Our results suggest an important pathophysiologic link between coronary arteritis/vasculitis in the KD mouse model and subsequent atherosclerotic acceleration, supporting the concept that a similar relation may also be present in KD patients. These results also suggest that KD in childhood may predispose to accelerated and early atherosclerosis as adults.
Association of
SCARB1
Variants With Subclinical Atherosclerosis and Incident Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Manichaikul Ani , Naj Adam C. , Herrington David , Post Wendy , Rich Stephen S. , Rodriguez Annabelle
Published: May 2012

Objective—

We previously reported a statistically significant association of
SCARB1
intronic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs10846744 with common carotid intimal-medial artery thickness in each of the 4 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis racial/ethnic groups (white, Chinese, black, and Hispanic).

Methods and Results—

Using an expanded sample of 7936 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants, phenotyped for measures of subclinical atherosclerosis, incident myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular disease, and genotyped through the SNP Health Association Resource project, we have now examined the genetic association of these phenotypes with 126 genotyped and imputed
SCARB1
SNPs. We also performed stratified analyses to examine whether
SCARB1
SNP effects differed by sex. Our analysis of the full Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis cohort provides strong evidence for the association of rs10846744 with common carotid intimal-medial thickness (
P
=1.04E-4 in combined analysis of all 4 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis racial/ethnic groups). In sex-stratified analysis, we observed statistically significant association of rs10846744 with incident cardiovascular disease events in males (
P
=0.01). Examining analytical results from the Myocardial Infarction Genetics Consortium for replication, we observed further support for the association of rs10846744 with myocardial infarction.

Conclusion—

The
SCARB1
SNP, rs10846744, exerts a major effect on subclinical atherosclerosis and incident cardiovascular disease in humans.
Angiopoietin-1 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Regulation of Leukocyte Adhesion to Endothelial Cells
Authors: Ismail Hodan , Mofarrahi Mahroo , Echavarria Raquel , Harel Sharon , Verdin Eric , Lim Hyung W. , Jin Zheng-Gen , Sun Jianxin , Zeng Huiyan , Hussain Sabah N.A.
Published: May 2012

Objective—

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells (ECs). Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) inhibits this response. Nuclear receptor-77 (Nur77) is a proangiogenic nuclear receptor. In the present study, we assessed the influence of Ang-1 and VEGF on Nur77 expression in ECs, and evaluated its role in Ang-1/VEGF-mediated leukocyte adhesion.

Methods and Results—

Expression of Nur77 was evaluated with real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting. Adhesion of leukocytes to ECs was monitored with inverted microscopy. Nur77 expression or activity was inhibited using adenoviruses expressing dominant-negative form of Nur77, retroviruses expressing Nur77 in the antisense direction, and small interfering RNA oligos. Both Ang-1 and VEGF induce Nur77 expression, by >5- and 30-fold, respectively. When combined, Ang-1 potentiates VEGF-induced Nur77 expression. Ang-1 induces Nur77 through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 pathways. VEGF induces Nur77 expression through the protein kinase D/histone deacetylase 7/myocyte enhancer factor 2 and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 pathways. VEGF induces nuclear factor-kappaB transcription factor, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and E-selectin expressions, and promotes leukocyte adhesion to ECs. Ang-1 inhibits these responses. This inhibitory effect of Ang-1 disappears when Nur77 expression is disrupted, restoring the inductive effects of VEGF on adhesion molecule expression, and increased leukocyte adhesion to ECs.

Conclusion—

Nur77 promotes anti-inflammatory effects of Ang-1, and functions as a negative feedback inhibitor of VEGF-induced EC activation.
Prediction of Cardioembolic, Arterial, and Lacunar Causes of Cryptogenic Stroke by Gene Expression and Infarct Location
Authors: Jickling Glen C. , Stamova Boryana , Ander Bradley P. , Zhan Xinhua , Liu Dazhi , Sison Shara-Mae , Verro Piero , Sharp Frank R
Published: May 2012

Background and Purpose—

The cause of ischemic stroke remains unclear, or cryptogenic, in as many as 35% of patients with stroke. Not knowing the cause of stroke restricts optimal implementation of prevention therapy and limits stroke research. We demonstrate how gene expression profiles in blood can be used in conjunction with a measure of infarct location on neuroimaging to predict a probable cause in cryptogenic stroke.

Methods—

The cause of cryptogenic stroke was predicted using previously described profiles of differentially expressed genes characteristic of patients with cardioembolic, arterial, and lacunar stroke. RNA was isolated from peripheral blood of 131 cryptogenic strokes and compared with profiles derived from 149 strokes of known cause. Each sample was run on Affymetrix U133 Plus 2.0 microarrays. Cause of cryptogenic stroke was predicted using gene expression in blood and infarct location.

Results—

Cryptogenic strokes were predicted to be 58% cardioembolic, 18% arterial, 12% lacunar, and 12% unclear etiology. Cryptogenic stroke of predicted cardioembolic etiology had more prior myocardial infarction and higher CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc scores compared with stroke of predicted arterial etiology. Predicted lacunar strokes had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures and lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale compared with predicted arterial and cardioembolic strokes. Cryptogenic strokes of unclear predicted etiology were less likely to have a prior transient ischemic attack or ischemic stroke.

Conclusions—

Gene expression in conjunction with a measure of infarct location can predict a probable cause in cryptogenic strokes. Predicted groups require further evaluation to determine whether relevant clinical, imaging, or therapeutic differences exist for each group.
The Neural Basis of Anosognosia for Spatial Neglect After Stroke
Authors: Vossel Simone , Weiss Peter H. , Eschenbeck Philipp , Saliger Jochen , Karbe Hans , Fink Gereon R.
Published: May 2012

Background and Purpose—

The present study investigated the lesion anatomy of anosognosia for visuospatial neglect resulting from right hemispheric stroke.

Methods—

In 63 patients, self-ratings of performance in paper-and-pencil tests were contrasted with external performance ratings. Lesion analysis was conducted on patient subgroups with different degrees of anosognosia but comparable visuospatial impairment.

Results—

Independent of the severity of visuospatial neglect per se, damage to the right angular and superior temporal gyrus was associated with higher levels of anosognosia.

Conclusions—

Using a novel assessment of anosognosia for spatial neglect, the present study relates stroke-induced self-awareness deficits to inferior parietal and superior temporal brain damage.
Comparison of Thermal Variance Dissipation Rates from Moored and Profiling Instruments at the Equator
Authors: Perlin A. , Moum J. N.
Published: May 2012

As a quantitative test of moored mixing measurements using χpods, a comparison experiment was conducted at 0°, 140°W in October–November 2008. The following three measurement elements were involved: (i) NOAA’s Tropical Atmosphere Ocean (TAO) mooring with five χpods, (ii) a similar mooring 9 km away with seven χpods, and (iii) Chameleon turbulence profiles at an intermediate location.

Dissipation rates of temperature variance and turbulent kinetic energy are compared. In all but 3 of 17 direct comparisons 15-day mean values of χT agreed within 95% bootstrap confidence limits computed with the conservative assumption that individual 1-min χpod averages and individual Chameleon profiles are independent. However, significant mean differences occur on 2-day averages. Averaging in time reduces the range (95%) in the observed differences at two locations from a factor of 17 at 1-day averaging time to less than a factor of 2 at 15 days, presumably reflecting the natural variability in both the turbulence and the small-scale fluid dynamics that lead to instability and turbulence.

The motion of χpod on a mooring beneath a surface buoy is complex and requires a complete motion package to define in detail. However, perfect knowledge of the motion of the sensor tip is not necessary to obtain a reasonable measure of χT. A sampling test indicated that the most important motion sensor is a pressure sensor sampled rapidly enough to resolve the surface wave–induced motion.
Harmonious passion as an explanation of the relation between signature strengths’ use and well-being at work: Test of an intervention program
Authors: Forest Jacques , Mageau Geneviève A , Crevier-Braud Laurence , Bergeron Éliane , Dubreuil Philippe , Lavigne Geneviève L
Published: May 2012

Using signature strengths at work has been shown to influence workers’ optimal functioning and well-being. However, little is known about the processes through which signature strengths lead to positive outcomes. The present research thus aimed at exploring the role of having a harmonious passion in the relation between using signature strengths and well-being. For this purpose, an intervention was developed where participants ( n = 186) completed three activities aiming at developing their knowledge and use of their signature strengths at work. The results showed (1) that the intervention successfully increased participants’ use of their signature strengths, (2) that participants from the experimental group reported a higher use of their signature strengths at the end of the study than participants from the control group, and (3) that increases in the use of signature strengths reported by participants from the experimental group were related to increases in harmonious passion, which in turn led to higher levels of well-being.
Developing a Train-the-Trainer (TTT) model for social work education in Kazakhstan
Authors: Thorning Helle , Shibusawa Tazuko , Lukens Ellen , Fang Lin
Published: May 2012

This Brief Note reports on the development, implementation, and evaluation of a Train-the-Trainer (TTT) model for training social workers in Kazakhstan. The project took place over a two-year period and included a needs assessment, community outreach, curriculum development, and training in Kazakhstan and New York. We discuss the development, implementation, and evaluation of TTT the project.
Morphology development of polypropylene cellular films for piezoelectric applications
Authors: Gilbert-Tremblay Hugues , Mighri Frej , Rodrigue Denis
Published: May 2012

In the present work, the dielectric nature of polypropylene and the softness of the cellular structure in the thickness direction of polypropylene cellular films were combined together to create a low cost and easily processable piezoelectric material. The effects of processing parameters, polymer crystallinity, filler type and concentration on the final structure of the cellular films were investigated. Three grades of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) filler having an average particle size of 0.7, 3 and 12 µm were used. An optimized cellular film was developed by biaxial stretching and inflating a film made from three hot-pressed polypropylene sheets filled with 20 wt% of calcium carbonate particles with an average size of 12 µm. The cells have an average length of 35 µm and height of 4 µm with a density ratio of 0.8. Its particle size distribution compares favorably with those available in open literature.
Quick Victories?
Authors: Gibler Douglas M. , Miller Steven V.
Published: May 2012

Recent scholarship suggests that democracies tend to fight shorter conflicts that can be easily won. This is most likely due to the accountability incentives that constrain democratic leaders. Fearing removal from office, democratic leaders will try to choose short conflicts against weaker opponents. The authors question this argument by presenting an alternative explanation for the connection between democracy and shorter disputes and victories. Building on prior works that have identified a territorial peace, this article argues that democracies often have few territorial issues over which to contend. In fact, rarely do democracies have territorial disputes with their neighbors. Thus, democracies have less difficult issues to resolve, and this makes conflict escalation less likely against neighbors. Without neighbors ready to attack the homeland, states at territorial peace can more easily choose favorable conflicts to escalate. This logic applies to all states at territorial peace, of which democratic states are just a subset. Analyses of directed-dispute dyads between 1816 and 2001 provide confirmation for our argument. Regime type does not predict conflict selection or victory once controls are added for issue salience.