bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive performance in arctic‐nesting geese is influenced by environmental conditions during the wintering, breeding and migration seasons
Authors: Trinder Mark N. , Hassell David , Votier Stephen
Published: May 2009

Arctic regions are expected to experience pronounced changes in climate during the current century. Large numbers of waterfowl breed in these regions, and any climate induced changes are likely to have consequences for their demographics. Moreover, environmental changes experienced during migration and on the wintering grounds may also have impacts but remain poorly understood.

We investigate the role of climate variation during breeding, migration and wintering, while controlling for possible effects of mammalian predation and density dependence on the reproduction of Svalbard breeding barnacle geeseBranta leucopsisusing 40 years of observations.

Breeding success was significantly positively correlated with temperature on both the wintering grounds (Scotland) and breeding grounds (Svalbard), but negatively correlated with the number of days of strong cross‐winds during the northward migration period. These factors remained significant when controlling for a strong negative effect of population size.

Goose reproduction on Svalbard was also linked to fluctuations in arctic foxAlopex lagopuspopulations occurring elsewhere in the arctic. This reveals the importance of mammalian predation, which may vary as a non‐linear function of conditions within the wider arctic region.

Climate predictions were used to project barnacle goose reproduction and hence the population until 2050. These simulations suggest the population will grow at between 1% and 2.7% per year, in response to increasing temperatures. However, it is harder to predict how changes in other factors, such as reductions in sea ice, may impact on arctic breeding birds.
Guidelines for procedural pain in the newborn
Authors: Lago Paola , Garetti Elisabetta , Merazzi Daniele , Pieragostini Luisa , Ancora Gina , Pirelli Anna , Bellieni Carlo Valerio ,   on behalf of the Pain Study Group of the Italian Society of Neonatology
Published: May 2009

Despite accumulating evidence that procedural pain experienced by newborn infants may have acute and even long‐term detrimental effects on their subsequent behaviour and neurological outcome, pain control and prevention remain controversial issues. Our aim was to develop guidelines based on evidence and clinical practice for preventing and controlling neonatal procedural pain in the light of the evidence‐based recommendations contained in the SIGN classification. A panel of expert neonatologists used systematic review, data synthesis and open discussion to reach a consensus on the level of evidence supported by the literature or customs in clinical practice and to describe a global analgesic management, considering pharmacological, non‐pharmacological, behavioural and environmental measures for each invasive procedure. There is strong evidence to support some analgesic measures, e.g. sucrose or breast milk for minor invasive procedures, and combinations of drugs for tracheal intubation. Many other pain control measures used during chest tube placement and removal, screening and treatment for ROP, or for postoperative pain, are still based not on evidence, but on good practice or expert opinions.

Conclusion: These guidelines should help improving the health care professional's awareness of the need to adequately manage procedural pain in neonates, based on the strongest evidence currently available.
Passive induction of hypothermia during transport of asphyxiated infants: a risk of excessive cooling
Authors: Hallberg Boubou , Olson Linus , Bartocci Marco , Edqvist Ingela , Blennow Mats
Published: May 2009

Background: Induced mild hypothermia is an emerging therapy that has been shown to reduce the combined outcome of death or severe neurodevelopmental disabilities in asphyxiated full‐term infants if started within 6 h after birth.

Aim: To study the feasibility and safety of inducing hypothermia in asphyxiated infants already at the referring hospital by stopping active warming.

Methods: Temperatures during passive induction of hypothermia were prospectively collected from transported asphyxiated infants.

Results: Between December 2006 and April 2008, 37 infants of the total birth cohort of 40 350 fulfilled the criteria for hypothermia treatment. Eighteen of 34 infants treated with induced hypothermia were outborn. The rectal temperatures of the infants were 33.0–36.4°C before transport and 31.0–36.5°C on arrival. Six of the infants had a sub‐therapeutic (<33.0°C) rectal temperature on arrival.

Conclusion: Passive induction of hypothermia by turning off active warming devices is possible, making an earlier start of hypothermia achievable. However, there is a substantial risk of unintended excessive cooling; therefore, continuous monitoring of the central temperature is mandatory when such a strategy is used.
Changes in Sexual Expression as Result of Defoliation and Environment in a Monoecious Shrub in Mexico: Implications for Pollination
Authors: Arceo‐Gómez Gerardo , Parra‐Tabla Víctor , Navarro Jorge
Published: May 2009

Folivory may indirectly impact plant reproduction through changes in sexual expression (i.e., number or proportion of male and female flowers produced), which influence plant–pollinator interactions via changes in pollinator preference or efficiency. This study is an experimental evaluation of the effect that defoliation has on sex expression in the monoecious shrubCnidoscolus aconitifolius, how such effect varies across sites, as well as how such changes indirectly affect pollinator visitation rates. The present study used three populations ofC. aconitifolius, each one located in a different site in Yucatán (México): pasture, deciduous forest and subdeciduous medium height forest and three levels of defoliation: 50 percent, 100 percent, and a control (no damage). Results showed that defoliation reduced significantly the total number of male flowers produced in two of the sites. Defoliation did not impact female flower production or the proportion of female flowers produced. Finally, floral visit rates were not affected by defoliation via changes in sexual expression and neither by site or by the interaction site × defoliation. Findings showed that defoliation had an effect on sex expression inC. aconitifolius, although apparently this change did not affect the plant–pollinator interactions.
The effects of nurse practitioner cultural competence on Latina patient satisfaction
Authors: Castro Anabell , Ruiz Ester
Published: May 2009

Purpose: To explore the relationship between degree of cultural competence in nurse practitioners (NPs) and measures of patient satisfaction among Latinas.

Data sources: A descriptive correlational design was used to examine the degree of cultural competence in NPs and measures of patient satisfaction among Latinas. A convenience sample of 15 licensed NPs from 11 different clinics in a large southwestern city completed two self‐administered questionnaires. A convenience sample of 218 Latina patients completed three self‐administered questionnaires available in both English and Spanish. Descriptive statistics and correlations were used to analyze the data.

Conclusions: Latina patients reported greater satisfaction with NPs of Latina origin who were certified, had received cultural competence training, could speak Spanish, and had attended master’s level programs. Latina patients were also most satisfied with decreased clinic waiting time. The two NPs with the highest levels of cultural competency scores were non‐Latinas. Noticeable differences were found in the amount of cultural competence exhibited by NPs.

Implications for practice: The provision of culturally competent care leads to negotiation, mutual exchange of information, increased compliance, and improved patient‐provider communication. Similarly, patient satisfaction with care is associated with increased compliance and greater continuity of care. Employers seeking to meet the healthcare demands of a growing Latino population must look at extrinsic values such as NPs’ certification, cultural competence training, education, and ability to speak Spanish.
Russian Legal Culture: An Analysis of Adaptive Response to an Institutional Transplant
Authors: Kurkchiyan Marina
Published: May 2009

This article is an inquiry into Russian legal culture and is based on the assumption that any institution transplanted from one social environment to another will be reinterpreted and reshaped, so that it can be accepted into the receiving society. The process of adaptation creates an opportunity to examine the receiving society's established practices and way of thinking. To demonstrate their effects, this article explores the author's research findings carried out in two Russian towns where institutions of media self‐regulation were set up. The findings are analyzed comparatively in order to identify how the key players in the two towns interpreted the initial ideas, established procedures and rules for the newly set up institutions, and defined the roles that were attributed to them. The results of the two‐city case study are then used to interpret some specifics of the internal logic of the local legal culture.
Why the Japanese Law School System Was Established: Co‐optation as a Defensive Tactic in the Face of Global Pressures
Authors: Saegusa Mayumi
Published: May 2009

In the face of pressures to expand the rule of law, in 2004, Japan introduced a new law school system in order to produce more and better qualified lawyers. This article explains why the new law school system solution was selected from among other alternatives such as reforming the national bar exam, abolishing mandatory legal training, reforming existing legal education, or redefining the jurisdiction of lawyers. I argue that the law school system was adopted because the legal establishment co‐opted pro‐law school scholars and other reformists. Although American‐style law schools have been introduced in Japan, power has not yet shifted entirely from the legal establishment to the pro‐law school scholars; while the legal establishment may no longer have absolute control of the Japanese judicial arena, it remains powerful because it successfully co‐opted pro‐American elites into judicial reform. By analyzing the case of the Japanese law school system, this article indicates that transplants of global institutions may often be more symbolic than practical due to co‐optation tactics used by powerful local actors.
Everyday Family Life: Dimensions, Approaches, and Current Challenges
Authors: Rönkä Anna , Korvela Pirjo
Published: May 2009

The aim of this systematic literature review was to identify, categorize, and evaluate the empirical research that has been conducted on everyday family life. Fifty‐three empirically based articles focusing on everyday family life were included in the analysis, which focused on the conceptual, empirical, and theoretical content. According to our review, everyday family life comprises three dimensions: emotions, actions, and temporality. It is a continuously constructed process in which family members transmit emotions, engage in activities, and schedule timetables in the course of interactions with each other and with the wider social context. Three empirical or theoretical approaches were identified: the emotion transmission approach, the cultural activity approach, and the constructionist approach, all of which adopt research methods and concepts sensitive to daily fluctuations.
Coxiella burnetiiSurvives in Monocytes from Patients with Q Fever Endocarditis: Involvement of Tumor Necrosis Factor
Authors: Dellacasagrande Jérôme , Ghigo Eric , Capo Christian , Raoult Didier , Mege Jean-Louis
Published: May 2009

Endocarditis is the most frequent form of chronic Q fever, an infectious disease caused byCoxiella burnetii. As this obligate intracellular bacterium inhabits monocytes and macrophages, we wondered if pathogenesis of Q fever endocarditis is related to defective intracellular killing ofC. burnetiiby monocytes. Monocytes from healthy controls eliminated virulentC. burnetiiwithin 3 days. In contrast, monocytes from patients with ongoing Q fever endocarditis were unable to eliminate bacteria even after 6 days. In patients who were cured of endocarditis, the monocyte infection was close to that of control monocytes. This killing deficiency was not the consequence of generalized functional impairment, since patient monocytes eliminated avirulentC. burnetiias did control cells. The addition of supernatants ofC. burnetii-stimulated monocytes from patients with ongoing endocarditis to control monocytes enabled them to supportC. burnetiisurvival, suggesting that some soluble factor is responsible for bacterial survival. This factor was related to tumor necrosis factor (TNF): expression of TNF mRNA and TNF release were increased in response toC. burnetiiin patients with ongoing endocarditis compared to cured patients and healthy controls. In addition, neutralizing anti-TNF antibodies decreasedC. burnetiiinternalization, an early step of bacterial killing, in monocytes from patients with ongoing endocarditis but did not affect delayed steps of intracellular killing. We suggest that Q fever-associated activation of monocytes allows the survival ofC. burnetiiby modulating early phases of microbial killing.
Inhibition of Human NK Cell Function by Valinomycin, a Toxin fromStreptomyces griseusin Indoor Air
Authors: Paananen Auli , Mikkola Raimo , Sareneva Timo , Matikainen Sampsa , Andersson Maria , Julkunen Ilkka , Salkinoja-Salonen Mirja S. , Timonen Tuomo
Published: May 2009

Streptomyces griseusstrains isolated from indoor dust have been shown to synthesize valinomycin. In this report, we show that human peripheral blood lymphocytes treated with small doses (30 ng ml−1) of pure valinomycin or high-pressure liquid chromatography-pure valinomycin fromS. griseusquickly show mitochondrial swelling and reduced NK cell activity. Larger doses (>100 ng/ml−1) induced NK cell apoptosis within 2 days. Within 2 h, the toxin at 100 ng ml−1dramatically inhibited interleukin-15 (IL-15)- and IL-18-induced granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production by NK cells. However, IFN-γ production induced by a combination of IL-15 and IL-18 was somewhat less sensitive to valinomycin, suggesting a protective effect of the cytokine combination against valinomycin. Thus, valinomycin in very small doses may profoundly alter the immune response by reducing NK cell cytotoxicity and cytokine production.
Cytolethal Distending Toxin Sequence and Activity in the Enterohepatic PathogenHelicobacter hepaticus
Authors: Young Vincent B. , Knox Kimberly A. , Schauer David B.
Published: May 2009

Little is known about the molecular pathogenesis of hepatitis and enterocolitis caused by enterohepaticHelicobacterspecies. Sonicates of the murine pathogenHelicobacter hepaticuswere found to cause progressive cell distension, accumulation of filamentous actin, and G2/M cell cycle arrest in HeLa cell monolayers. The genes encoding this cytotoxic activity were cloned fromH. hepaticus. Three open reading frames with closest homology tocdtA,cdtB, andcdtCfromCampylobacter jejuniwere identified. Sonicates of a laboratory strain ofEscherichia colicarrying the clonedcdtABCgene cluster fromH. hepaticusreproduced the cytotoxic activities seen with sonicates ofH. hepaticus. Cytolethal distending toxin activity is a potential virulence determinant ofH. hepaticusthat may play a role in the pathogenesis ofHelicobacter-associated hepatitis and enterocolitis.
Differences in Resistance of C57BL/6 and C57BL/10 Mice to Infection byMycobacterium aviumAre Independent of Gamma Interferon
Authors: Appelberg Rui , Leal Irene S. , Pais Teresa F. , Pedrosa Jorge , Flórido Manuela
Published: May 2009

After infection with a low-virulence strain ofMycobacterium avium, C57BL/6 and C57BL/10 mice had clear differences in the control of the infection in their livers and spleens. This difference in susceptibility was not associated with differences in theH-2complex. It was dependent on the activity of CD4+T cells but unrelated to the ability of these cells to secrete gamma interferon or to the development of delayed-type hypersensitivity responses at 3 weeks of infection. It was associated with lower total numbers of CD4+cells present in infected spleens and was related to an earlier induction of protective T cells, as measured by adoptive-transfer assays. These data further strengthen the notion of gamma-interferon-independent mechanisms of protection against mycobacteria.
Invasion and Intracellular Survival of
Burkholderia cepacia
Authors: Martin Daniel W. , Mohr Christian D.
Published: May 2009

Burkholderia cepacia
has emerged as an important pulmonary pathogen in immunocompromised patients and in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Little is known about the virulence factors and pathogenesis of
B. cepacia
, although the persistent and sometimes invasive infections caused by
B. cepacia
suggest that the organism possesses mechanisms for both cellular invasion and evasion of the host immune response. In this study, cultured human cells were used to analyze the invasion and intracellular survival of
B. cepacia
J2315, a highly transmissible clinical isolate responsible for morbidity and mortality in CF patients. Quantitative invasion and intracellular growth assays demonstrated that
B. cepacia
J2315 was able to enter, survive, and replicate intracellularly in U937-derived macrophages and A549 pulmonary epithelial cells. Transmission electron microscopy of infected macrophages confirmed the presence of intracellular
B. cepacia
and showed that intracellular bacteria were contained within membrane-bound vacuoles. An environmental isolate of
B. cepacia
, strain J2540, was also examined for its ability to invade and survive intracellularly in cultured human cells. J2540 entered cultured macrophages with an invasion frequency similar to that of the clinical strain, but it was less invasive than the clinical strain in epithelial cells. In marked contrast to the clinical strain, the environmental isolate was unable to survive or replicate intracellularly in either cultured macrophages or epithelial cells. Invasion and intracellular survival may play important roles in the ability of virulent strains of
B. cepacia
to evade the host immune response and cause persistent infections in CF patients.
In VitroBrucella suisInfection Prevents the Programmed Cell Death of Human Monocytic Cells
Authors: Gross Antoine , Terraza Annie , Ouahrani-Bettache Safia , Liautard Jean-Pierre , Dornand Jacques
Published: May 2009

During the complex interaction between an infectious agent and a host organism, the pathogen can interfere with the host cell's programmed death to its own benefit. Induction or prevention of host cell apoptosis appears to be a critical step for determining the infection outcome. Members of the gram-negative bacterial genusBrucellaare intracellular pathogens which preferentially invade monocytic cells and develop within these cells. We investigated the effect ofBrucella suisinfection on apoptosis of human monocytic phagocytes. The present study provides evidence thatBrucellainfection inhibited spontaneously occurring apoptosis in human monocytes. Prevention of monocyte apoptosis was not mediated byBrucellalipopolysaccharide and required bacterial survival within infected cells. Both invaded and noninvaded cells were protected, indicating that soluble mediators released during infection were involved in the phenomenon. Analysis ofBrucella-infected monocytes revealed specific overexpression of theA1gene, a member of thebcl-2family implicated in the survival of hematopoietic cells.Brucellainfection also rendered macrophage-like cells resistant to Fas ligand- or gamma interferon-induced apoptosis, suggesting thatBrucellainfection protected host cells from several cytotoxic processes occurring at different steps of the immune response. The present data clearly show thatBrucella suismodulated the monocyte/macrophage's apoptotic response to the advantage of the pathogen, thus preventing host cell elimination. This might represent a strategy forBrucelladevelopment in infected hosts.
Toxoplasma gondii
Infection Induces Gene Expression and Secretion of Interleukin 1 (IL-1), IL-6, Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor, and Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 by Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells
Authors: Nagineni Chandrasekharam N. , Detrick Barbara , Hooks John J.
Published: May 2009

We have used human retinal pigment epithelial (HRPE) cultures to investigate the primary cellular responses of retinal resident cells to intracellular
Toxoplasma gondii
replication. At 4 days postinoculation, when all of the cells were infected, the secretion of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) was augmented by 23-, 10-, 8-, and 5-fold, respectively, over the control. Northern and reverse transcriptase PCR analyses showed significant upregulation of steady-state levels of mRNA for IL-1β, IL-6, GM-CSF, and ICAM-1. The secretion of these molecules by HRPE cells may play a critical immunoregulatory role in the pathophysiological processes associated with
T. gondii
-induced retinochoroiditis.
Igh-6−/−(B-Cell-Deficient) Mice Fail To Mount Solid Acquired Resistance to Oral Challenge with VirulentSalmonella entericaSerovar Typhimurium and Show Impaired Th1 T-Cell Responses toSalmonellaAntigens
Authors: Mastroeni Pietro , Simmons C. , Fowler R. , Hormaeche C. E. , Dougan G.
Published: May 2009

In the present study we evaluated the role of B cells in acquired immunity toSalmonellainfection by using gene-targeted B-cell-deficient innately susceptible mice on a C57BL/6 background (Igh-6−/−).Igh-6−/−mice immunized with a live, attenuatedaroA Salmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium vaccine strain showed impaired long-term acquired resistance against the virulent serovar Typhimurium strain C5.Igh-6−/−mice were able to control a primary infection and to clear the inoculum from the reticuloendothelial system. However,Igh-6−/−mice, unlikeIgh-6+/+C57BL/6 controls, did not survive an oral challenge with strain C5 at 4 months after vaccination. Transfer of immune serum did not restore resistance inIgh-6−/−mice. Total splenocytes and purified CD4+T cells obtained fromIgh-6−/−mice 4 months after vaccination showed reduced ability to release Th1-type cytokines (interleukin 2 and gamma interferon) upon in vitro restimulation with serovar Typhimurium soluble cell extracts compared to cells obtained fromIgh-6+/+C57BL/6 control mice. Therefore, the impaired resistance to oral challenge with virulent serovar Typhimurium observed in B-cell-deficient mice, which cannot be restored by passive transfer ofSalmonella-immune serum, may be in part due to a reduced serovar Typhimurium-specific T-cell response following primary immunization.
Characterization of PaxA and Its Operon: a Cohemolytic RTX Toxin Determinant from Pathogenic
Pasteurella aerogenes
Authors: Kuhnert Peter , Heyberger-Meyer Bénédicte , Nicolet Jacques , Frey Joachim
Published: May 2009

Pasteurella aerogenes
is known as a commensal bacterium or as an opportunistic pathogen, as well as a primary pathogen found to be involved in abortion cases of humans, swine, and other mammals. Using broad-range DNA probes for bacterial RTX toxin genes, we cloned and subsequently sequenced a new operon named
paxCABD
encoding the RTX toxin PaxA in
P. aerogenes
. The
pax
operon is organized analogous to the classical RTX operons containing the activator gene
paxC
upstream of the structural toxin gene
paxA
, which is followed by the secretion protein genes
paxB
and
paxD
. The highest sequence similarity of
paxA
with known RTX toxin genes is found with
apxIIIA
(82%). PaxA is structurally similar to ApxIIIA and also shows functional analogy to ApxIIIA, since it shows cohemolytic activity with the sphingomyelinase of
Staphylococcus aureus
, known as the CAMP effect, but is devoid of direct hemolytic activity. In addition, it shows to some extent immunological cross-reactions with ApxIIIA.
P. aerogenes
isolated from various specimens showed that the
pax
operon was present in about one-third of the strains. All of the
pax
-positive strains were specifically related to swine abortion cases or septicemia of newborn piglets. These strains were also shown to produce the PaxA toxin as determined by the CAMP phenomenon, whereas none of the
pax
-negative strains did. This indicated that the PaxA toxin is involved in the pathogenic potential of
P. aerogenes
. The examined
P. aerogenes
isolates were phylogenetically analyzed by 16S rRNA gene (
rrs
) sequencing in order to confirm their species. Only a small heterogeneity (<0.5%) was observed between the
rrs
genes of the strains originating from geographically distant farms and isolated at different times.
Typing of Intimin Genes in Human and Animal Enterohemorrhagic and EnteropathogenicEscherichia coli: Characterization of a New Intimin Variant
Authors: Oswald E. , Schmidt H. , Morabito S. , Karch H. , Marchès O. , Caprioli A.
Published: May 2009

EnteropathogenicEscherichia coli(EPEC) and enterohemorrhagicE. coli(EHEC) produce the characteristic “attaching and effacing” (A/E) lesion of the brush border. Intimin, an outer membrane protein encoded byeae, is responsible for the tight association of both pathogens with the host cell. Severaleaehave been cloned from different EPEC and EHEC strains isolated from humans and animals. These sequences are conserved in the N-terminal region but highly variable in the last C-terminal 280 amino acids (aa), where the cell binding activity is localized. Based on these considerations, we developed a panel of specific primers to investigate theeaeheterogeneity of the variable 3′ region by using PCR amplification. We then investigated the distribution of the known intimin types in a large collection of EPEC and EHEC strains isolated from humans and different animal species. The existence of a yet-unknown family of intimin was suspected because several EHEC strains, isolated from human and cattle, did not react with any of the specific primer pairs, although these strains wereeaepositive when primers amplifying the conserved 5′ end were used. We then cloned and sequenced theeaepresent in one of these strains (EHEC of serotype O103:H2) and subsequently designed a PCR primer that recognizes in a specific manner the variable 3′ region of this new intimin type. This intimin, referred to as “ɛ,” was present in human and bovine EHEC strains of serogroups O8, O11, O45, O103, O121, and O165. Intimin ɛ is the largest intimin cloned to date (948 aa) and shares the greatest overall sequence identity with intimin β, although analysis of the last C-terminal 280 aa suggests a greater similarity with intimins α and γ.
The development of a walkability index: application to the Neighborhood Quality of Life Study
Authors: Frank L D , Sallis J F , Saelens B E , Leary L , Cain K , Conway T L , Hess P M
Published: May 2009

Emerging evidence supports a link between neighbourhood built environment and physical activity. Systematic methodologies for characterising neighbourhood built environment are needed that take advantage of available population information such as census-level demographics. Based on transportation and urban planning literatures, an integrated index for operationalising walkability using parcel-level information is proposed. Validity of the walkability index is examined through travel surveys among areas examined in the Neighborhood Quality of Life Study (NQLS), a study investigating built environment correlates of adults' physical activity.
Can we rely on one laboratory test in detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamases among Enterobacteriaceae? An evaluation of the Vitek 2 system and comparison with four other detection methods in Kuwait: Table 1
Authors: Dashti A A , Jadaon M M , Habeeb F M
Published: May 2009

Background and Aims:

Clinical hospitals need to correctly identify extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria in infected patients to correctly treat the patient and avoid spreading antibiotic resistance. Kuwaiti hospitals use one laboratory test for detecting ESBL bacteria. This study evaluated whether that was sufficient to detect ESBL bacteria, and compared the Vitek system with other detection systems.

Methods:

(Klebsiella pneumoniae,Escherichia coli,K oxytocaandEnterobacter cloacae) were collected from five different Kuwaiti main hospitals, all of which were flagged as ESBL-positive by the Vitek 2 system. The isolates were retested by the Vitek 2 system, and were also tested by double disc diffusion (DDD), the disc approximation test, the E-test and the MicroScan system for the detection of ESBLs.

Results:

Retesting with the Vitek system revealed 100% compatibility with the results of the source hospitals. The MicroScan system, DDD, disc approximation test and E-test could detect ESBL in 199, 192, 178 and 205 isolates, respectively.

Conclusions:

Technically, the MicroScan and Vitek 2 systems were the least demanding method to detect ESBL as it is an integral part of the routine susceptibility test card. E-test strips were reliable but the most expensive of all techniques used. The DDD test and disc approximation, while relatively inexpensive, were technically subjective. The Vitek system may be very suitable in clinical laboratories, but would be better if accompanied with another test for detection of ESBL bacteria.
Theoretical study on the scattering resonance state and isotope effect of the F + HD(H2) → HF + D(H) reactive system
Authors: Yue Hong , Lu Xi , Cai Zhengting , Sun Xiaomin
Published: May 2009

The scattering resonance state of the F + H2reactive system has been the focus of the reactive resonance or Feshbach resonance, since the reaction can generate infrared laser. The partial potential-energy surface is constructed with the ab initio method, and the formation mechanism of the scattering resonance is studied. The resonance energy is given, and the first resonance life is estimated. The F + H2and F + HD reactive systems are investigated simultaneously to study the isotope effect, and some valuable results are achieved.
Cortagine, a CRF1agonist, induces stresslike alterations of colonic function and visceral hypersensitivity in rodents primarily through peripheral pathways
Authors: Larauche Muriel , Gourcerol Guillaume , Wang Lixin , Pambukchian Karina , Brunnhuber Stefan , Adelson David W. , Rivier Jean , Million Mulugeta , Taché Yvette
Published: May 2009

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) 1 receptor (CRF1) activation in the brain is a core pathway orchestrating the stress response. Anatomical data also support the existence of CRF signaling components within the colon. We investigated the colonic response to intraperitoneal (ip) injection of cortagine, a newly developed selective CRF1peptide agonist. Colonic motor function and visceral motor response (VMR) were monitored by using a modified miniaturized pressure transducer catheter in adult conscious male Sprague-Dawley rats and C57Bl/6 mice. Colonic permeability was monitored by the Evans blue method and myenteric neurons activation by Fos immunohistochemistry. Compared with vehicle, cortagine (10 μg/kg ip) significantly decreased the distal colonic transit time by 45% without affecting gastric transit, increased distal and transverse colonic contractility by 35.6 and 66.2%, respectively, and induced a 7.1-fold increase in defecation and watery diarrhea in 50% of rats during the first hour postinjection whereas intracerebroventricular (icv) cortagine (3 μg/rat) had lesser effects. Intraperitoneal (ip) cortagine also increased colonic permeability, activated proximal and distal colonic myenteric neurons, and induced visceral hypersensitivity to a second set of phasic colorectal distention (CRD). The CRF antagonist astressin (10 μg/kg ip) abolished ip cortagine-induced hyperalgesia whereas injected icv it had no effect. In mice, cortagine (30 μg/kg ip) stimulated defecation by 7.8-fold, induced 60% incidence of diarrhea, and increased VMR to CRD. Stresslike colonic alterations induced by ip cortagine in rats and mice through restricted activation of peripheral CRF1receptors support a role for peripheral CRF1signaling as the local arm of the colonic response to stress.
Role of lysophosphatidylcholine in brush-border intestinal alkaline phosphatase release and restoration
Authors: Nakano Takanari , Inoue Ikuo , Alpers David H. , Akiba Yasutada , Katayama Shigehiro , Shinozaki Rina , Kaunitz Jonathan D. , Ohshima Susumu , Akita Masumi , Takahashi Seiichiro , Koyama Iwao , Matsushita Makoto , Komoda Tsugikazu
Published: May 2009

Intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) is a brush-border membrane ectoenzyme (BBM-IAP) that is released into the lumen (L-IAP) after a high-fat diet. We examined the effects of oil feeding and the addition of mixed-lipid micelles on the formation of L-IAP in oil-fed rat intestine, Caco-2 cell monolayers, and mouse intestinal loops. We localized IAP in the duodenum of rats fed corn oil using fluorescence microscopy with enzyme-labeled fluorescence-97 as substrate. Four hours after oil feeding, L-IAP increased ∼10-fold accompanied by the loss of BBM-IAP, consistent with BBM-IAP release. Rat IAP isozyme mRNAs progressively increased 4–6 h after oil feeding, followed by the increase of IAP activity in the subapical location at 6 h, consistent with the restoration of IAP protein. Postprandial lipid-micelle components, sodium taurocholate with or without oleic acid, mono-oleylglycerol, cholesterol, or lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) were applied singly or as mixed-lipid micelles to the apical surface of polarized Caco-2 cell monolayers. LysoPC increased L-IAP >10-fold over basal release. LysoPC released IAP into the apical medium more than other intestinal brush-border enzymes, 5′-nucleotidase, sucrase, aminopeptidase N, and lactase, without comparable lactate dehydrogenase release or cell injury. LysoPC increased human IAP mRNA levels by 1.5-fold in Caco-2 cells. Luminally applied lysoPC also increased release of IAP preferentially in mouse intestinal loops. These data show that lysoPC accelerates the formation of L-IAP from BBM-IAP, followed by enhanced IAP synthesis, suggesting the role that lysoPC might play in the turnover of brush-border proteins.
Role of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in ovine burn and smoke inhalation injury
Authors: Lange Matthias , Enkhbaatar Perenlei , Traber Daniel L. , Cox Robert A. , Jacob Sam , Mathew Babu P. , Hamahata Atsumori , Traber Lillian D. , Herndon David N. , Hawkins Hal K.
Published: May 2009

Concomitant smoke inhalation trauma in burn patients is a serious medical problem. Previous investigations in our sheep model revealed that these injuries lead to significant airway hyperemia, enhanced pulmonary fluid extravasation, and severely impaired pulmonary function. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms are still not fully understood. The lung is innervated by sensory nerves containing peptides such as substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide. Noxious stimuli in the airways can induce a neurogenic inflammatory response, which has previously been implicated in several airway diseases. Calcitonin gene-related peptide is known to be a potent vasodilator. We hypothesized that calcitonin gene-related peptide is also a mediator of the pulmonary reaction to toxic smoke and planned experiments to evaluate its role in this model. We tested the effects of pretreatment with a specific antagonist of the major receptor for calcitonin gene-related peptide (BIBN4096BS; 32 μg/kg, followed by continuous infusion of 6.4 μg·kg−1·h−1) until the animal was killed 48 h after injury in an established ovine model of burn (40% total body surface, third degree) and smoke inhalation (48 breaths, <40°C) injury. In treated animals ( n = 7), the injury-related increases in tracheal blood flow and lung lymph flow were significantly attenuated compared with untreated controls ( n = 5). Furthermore, the treatment significantly attenuated abnormalities in respiratory gas exchange. The data suggest that calcitonin gene-related peptide contributes to early airway hyperemia, transvascular fluid flux, and respiratory malfunction following ovine burn and smoke inhalation injury. Future studies will be needed to clarify the potential therapeutic benefit for patients with this injury.
Role of the respiratory muscles in acute respiratory failure of COPD: lessons from weaning failure
Authors: Tobin Martin J. , Laghi Franco , Brochard Laurent
Published: May 2009

It is problematic to withhold therapy in a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who presents with acute respiratory failure so that detailed physiological measurements can be obtained. Accordingly, most information on respiratory muscle activity in patients experiencing acute respiratory failure has been acquired by studying patients who fail a trial of weaning after a period of mechanical ventilation. Such patients experience marked increases in inspiratory muscle load consequent to increases in resistance, elastance, and intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure. Inspiratory muscle strength is reduced secondary to hyperinflation and possibly direct muscle damage and the release of inflammatory mediators. Most patients recruit both their sternomastoid and expiratory muscles, even though airflow limitation prevents the expiratory muscles from lowering lung volume. Even when acute hypercapnia is present, patients do not exhibit respiratory center depression; indeed, voluntary activation of the diaphragm, in absolute terms, is greater in hypercapnic patients than in normocapnic patients. Instead, the major mechanism of acute hypercapnia is the development of rapid shallow breathing. Despite the marked increase in mechanical load and decreased force-generating capacity of the inspiratory muscles, patients do not develop long-lasting muscle fatigue, at least over the period of a failed weaning trial. Although the disease originates within the lung parenchyma, much of the distress faced by patients with COPD, especially during acute respiratory failure, is caused by the burdens imposed on the respiratory muscles.
Effects of chronic hypoxia on soluble guanylate cyclase activity in fetal and adult ovine cerebral arteries
Authors: Pearce William J. , Williams James M. , White Charles R. , Lincoln Thomas M.
Published: May 2009

A broad variety of evidence obtained largely in pulmonary vasculature suggests that chronic hypoxia modulates vasoreactivity to nitric oxide (NO). The present study explores the general hypothesis that chronic hypoxia also modulates cerebrovascular reactivity to NO, and does so by modulating the activity of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), the primary target for NO in vascular smooth muscle. Pregnant and nonpregnant ewes were maintained at either sea level or at 3,820 m for the final 110 days of gestation, at which time middle cerebral arteries from term fetal lambs and nonpregnant adults were harvested. In both fetal and adult arteries, NO-induced vasodilatation was attenuated by chronic hypoxia and completely inhibited by 10 μM 1 H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), a selective inhibitor of sGC. sGC abundance (in ng sGC/mg protein) measured via Western immunoblots was ∼10-fold greater in fetal (17.6 ± 1.6) than adult (1.7 ± 0.3) arteries but was not affected by chronic hypoxia. The specific activity of sGC (in pmol cGMP·μg sGC−1·min−1) was similar in fetal (255 ± 64) and adult (280 ± 75) arteries and was inhibited by chronic hypoxia in both fetal (120 ± 10) and adult (132 ± 26) arteries. Rates of cGMP degradation (in pmol cGMP·mg protein−1·min−1) were similar in fetal (159 ± 59) and adult (134 ± 36) arteries but were not significantly depressed by chronic hypoxia in either fetal (115 ± 25) or adult (108 ± 25) arteries. The cGMP analog 8-( p-chlorophenylthio)-cGMP was a more potent vasorelaxant in fetal (pD2= 4.7 ± 0.1) than adult (pD2= 4.3 ± 0.1) arteries, but its ability to promote vasodilatation was not affected by chronic hypoxia in either age group. Together, these results reveal that hypoxic inhibition of NO-induced vasodilatation is attributable largely to attenuation of the specific activity of sGC and does not involve significant changes in sGC abundance, cGMP-phosphodiesterase activity, or the vasorelaxant activity of protein kinase G.
Greater systemic lipolysis in women compared with men during moderate-dose infusion of epinephrine and/or norepinephrine
Authors: Horton Tracy J. , Dow Suzanne , Armstrong Michael , Donahoo W. Troy
Published: May 2009

Women have lower circulating catecholamine levels during metabolic perturbations, such as exercise or hypoglycemia, but similar rates of systemic lipolysis. This suggests women may be more sensitive to the lipolytic action of catecholamines, while maintaining similar glucoregulatory effects. The aim of the present study, therefore, was to determine whether women have higher rates of systemic lipolysis compared with men in response to matched peripheral infusion of catecholamines, but similar rates of glucose turnover. Healthy, nonobese women ( n = 11) and men ( n = 10) were recruited and studied on 3 separate days with the following infusions: epinephrine (Epi), norepinephrine (NE), or the two combined. Tracer infusions of glycerol and glucose were used to determine systemic lipolysis and glucose turnover, respectively. Following basal measurements of substrate kinetics, the catecholamine infusion commenced, and measures of substrate kinetics continued for 60 min. Catecholamine concentrations were similarly elevated in women and men during each infusion: Epi, 182–197 pg/ml and NE, 417–507 pg/ml. There was a significant sex difference in glycerol rate of appearance and rate of disappearance with the catecholamine infusions ( P < 0.0001), mainly due to a significantly greater glycerol turnover during the first 30 min of each infusion: glycerol rate of appearance during Epi was only 268 ± 18 vs. 206 ± 21 μmol/min in women and men, respectively; during NE, only 173 ± 13 vs. 153 ± 17 μmol/min, and during Epi+NE, 303 ± 24 vs. 257 ± 21 μmol/min. No sex differences were observed in glucose kinetics under any condition. In conclusion, these data suggest that women are more sensitive to the lipolytic action of catecholamines, but have no difference in their glucoregulatory response. Thus the lower catcholamine levels observed in women vs. men during exercise and other metabolic perturbations may allow women to maintain a similar or greater level of lipid mobilization while minimizing changes in glucose turnover.
Decreased muscle ACE activity enhances functional response to endurance training in rats, without change in muscle oxidative capacity or contractile phenotype
Authors: Habouzit Estelle , Richard Hélène , Sanchez Hervé , Koulmann Nathalie , Serrurier Bernard , Monnet Rachel , Ventura-Clapier Renée , Bigard Xavier
Published: May 2009

In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that chronic ANG I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition could improve the training-induced improvement in endurance exercise performance and that this could be related to enhanced skeletal muscle metabolic efficiency. Female Wistar rats were assigned to four groups comprising animals either maintained sedentary or endurance trained (Sed and Tr, respectively), and treated or not for 10 wk with an ACE inhibitor, perindopril (2 mg·kg−1·day−1) (Per and Ct, respectively) ( n = 8 each). Trained rats underwent an 8-wk treadmill training protocol that consisted of 2 h/day running at 30 m/min on a 8% decline. Before the start of and 1 wk before the end of experimental conditioning, the running time to exhaustion of rats was measured on a treadmill. The training program led to an increase in endurance time, higher in Tr-Per than in Tr-Ct group (125% in Tr-Ct vs. 183% in Tr-Per groups, P < 0.05). Oxidative capacity, measured in saponin-permeabilized fibers of slow soleus and fast plantaris muscles, increased with training, but less in Tr-Per than in Tr-Ct rats. The training-induced increase in citrate synthase activity also was less in soleus from Tr-Per than Tr-Ct rats. The training-induced increase in the percentage of the type IIa isoform of myosin heavy chain (MHC) (45%, P < 0.05) and type IIx MHC (25%, P < 0.05) associated with decreased type IIb MHC (34%, P < 0.05) was minimized by perindopril administration. These findings demonstrate that the enhancement in physical performance observed in perindopril-treated animals cannot be explained by changes in mitochondrial respiration and/or MHC distribution within muscles involved in running exercise.
The Efficacy of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators in Heart Transplant Recipients
Authors: Tsai Vivian W. , Cooper Joshua , Garan Hasan , Natale Andrea , Ptaszek Leon M. , Ellinor Patrick T. , Hickey Kathleen , Downey Ross , Zei Paul , Hsia Henry , Wang Paul , Hunt Sharon , Haddad François , Al-Ahmad Amin
Published: May 2009

Background—

Sudden cardiac death among orthotopic heart transplant recipients is an important mechanism of death after cardiac transplantation. The role for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) in this population is not well established. This study sought to determine whether ICDs are effective in preventing Sudden cardiac death in high-risk heart transplant recipients.

Methods and Results—

We retrospectively analyzed the records of all orthotopic heart transplant patients who had ICD implantation between January 1995 and December 2005 at 5 heart transplant centers. Thirty-six patients were considered high risk for sudden cardiac death. The mean age at orthotopic heart transplant was 44�14 years, the majority being male (n=29). The mean age at ICD implantation was 52�14 years, whereas the average time from orthotopic heart transplant to ICD implant was 8 years �6 years. The main indications for ICD implantation were severe allograft vasculopathy (n=12), unexplained syncope (n=9), history of cardiac arrest (n=8), and severe left ventricular dysfunction (n=7). Twenty-two shocks were delivered to 10 patients (28%), of whom 8 (80%) received 12 appropriate shocks for either rapid ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. The shocks were effective in terminating the ventricular arrhythmias in all cases. Three (8%) patients received 10 inappropriate shocks. Underlying allograft vasculopathy was present in 100% (8 of 8) of patients who received appropriate ICD therapy.

Conclusions—

Use of ICDs after heart transplantation may be appropriate in selected high-risk patients. Further studies are needed to establish an appropriate prevention strategy in this population.