bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Microbiological Features of a Cystic Fibrosis Patient Chronically Colonized with Pandoraea sputorum Identified by Combining 16S rRNA Sequencing and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Fernández-Olmos A. , Morosini M. I. , Lamas A. , García-Castillo M. , García-García L. , Cantón R. , Máiz L.
Published: December 2011

Clonal isolates identified as various nonfermentative Gram-negative bacilli over a 5-year period from sputum cultures of a 30-year-old cystic fibrosis patient were successfully reidentified as
Pandoraea sputorum
by combining 16S rRNA sequencing and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Decreased lung function improved after 1 year of azithromycin and inhaled 7%-hypertonic saline treatment.
First Reports of Human Rotavirus G8P[4] Gastroenteritis in the United States
Authors: Weinberg Geoffrey A. , Payne Daniel C. , Teel Elizabeth N. , Mijatovic-Rustempasic Slavica , Bowen Michael D. , Wikswo Mary , Gentsch Jon R. , Parashar Umesh D.
Published: December 2011

In 2009, three children were hospitalized in Rochester, NY, with sequence-confirmed G8P[4] rotavirus gastroenteritis—the first U.S. detection of this uncommon strain more typically found in Africa. Continued monitoring of G8P[4] and other rotavirus genotypes not represented in current vaccines is essential to assess whether vaccination will result in an increase in prevalence of these strains.
A New Real-Time PCR Assay for Improved Detection of the Parasite Babesia microti
Authors: Teal Allen E. , Habura Andrea , Ennis Jill , Keithly Janet S. , Madison-Antenucci Susan
Published: December 2011

Babesiosis is an emerging zoonosis with important public health implications, as the incidence of the disease has risen dramatically over the past decade. Because the current gold standard for detection of
Babesia
is microscopic examination of blood smears, accurate identification requires trained personnel. Species in the genus cannot be distinguished microscopically, and
Babesia
can also be confused with the early trophozoite stage (ring forms) of
Plasmodium
parasites. To allow more accurate diagnosis in a format that is accessible to a wider variety of laboratories, we developed a real-time PCR assay targeting the 18S rRNA gene of
Babesia microti
, the dominant babesiosis pathogen in the United States. The real-time PCR is performed on DNA extracted from whole-blood specimens and detects
Babesia microti
with a limit of detection of ∼100 gene copies in 5 μl of blood. The real-time PCR assay was shown to be 100% specific when tested against a panel of 24 organisms consisting of
Babesia microti
, other
Babesia
species,
Plasmodium
species, tick-borne and other pathogenic bacteria, and other blood-borne parasites. The results using clinical specimens show that the assay can detect infections of lower parasitemia than can be detected by microscopic examination. This method is therefore a rapid, sensitive, and accurate method for detection of
Babesia microti
in patient specimens.
Human Papillomavirus Type-Specific Prevalence in Women with Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasm in Western China
Authors: Li Jinke , Mei Jie , Wang Xuedong , Hu Lina , Lin Yong , Yang Pei
Published: December 2011

Human papillomavirus (HPV) type-specific prevalence was studied in 600 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasm in western China by GenoArray test. HPV-16 and -58 were the most prevalent types, with prevalences of 37.8% and 21.8%, respectively. HPV-18 and -45 were uncommon types. The results show different type distributions from that of other regions, which is important evidence for the selection of future genotypes in HPV vaccines in western China.
Declining Incidence of Candidemia in a Tertiary Inpatient Pediatric Population
Authors: Ota Kaede V. , McGowan Karin L.
Published: December 2011

We examined the incidence of candidemia,
Candida
species distribution, and antifungal susceptibility patterns in a pediatric institution. We identified 301 episodes of candidemia from 2001 to 2010 inclusive. Annual incidence decreased from 0.68 to 0.12 cases/1,000 patient days between 2004 and 2010.
Candida albicans
was the most common species, followed by
C. parapsilosis
. All isolates tested were susceptible to amphotericin B and caspofungin, but 11% were resistant or dose-dependently susceptible to fluconazole.
Productive Replication and Evolution of HIV-1 in Ferret Cells
Authors: Fadel Hind J. , Saenz Dyana T. , Guevara Rebekah , von Messling Veronika , Peretz Mary , Poeschla Eric M.
Published: December 2011

A rodent or other small animal model for HIV-1 has not been forthcoming, with the principal obstacles being species-specific restriction mechanisms and deficits in HIV-1 dependency factors. Some Carnivorans may harbor comparatively fewer impediments. For example, in contrast to mice, the domestic cat genome encodes essential nonreceptor HIV-1 dependency factors. All Feliformia species and at least one Caniformia species also lack a major lentiviral restriction mechanism (TRIM5α/TRIMCyp proteins). Here we investigated cells from two species in another carnivore family, the Mustelidae, for permissiveness to the HIV-1 life cycle.
Mustela putorius furo
(domesticated ferret) primary cells and cell lines did not restrict HIV-1, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV), or N-tropic murine leukemia virus (MLV) postentry and supported late HIV-1 life cycle steps comparably to human cells. The ferret TRIM5α gene exon 8, which encodes the B30.2 domain, was found to be pseudogenized. Strikingly, ferret (but not mink) cells engineered to express human HIV-1 entry receptors supported productive spreading replication, amplification, and serial passage of wild-type HIV-1. Nevertheless, produced virions had relatively reduced infectivity and the virus accrued G→A hypermutations, consistent with APOBEC3 protein pressure. Ferret cell-passaged HIV-1 also evolved amino acid changes in the capsid cyclophilin A binding loop. We conclude that the genome of this carnivore can provide essential nonreceptor HIV-1 dependency factors and that ferret APOBEC3 proteins with activity against HIV-1 are likely. Even so, unlike in cat cells, HIV-1 can replicate in ferret cells without
vif
substitution. The virus evolves in this novel nonprimate cell adaptive landscape. We suggest that further characterization of HIV-1 adaptation in ferret cells and delineation of Mustelidae restriction factor repertoires are warranted, with a view to the potential for an HIV-1 animal model.
Attenuation of Neurovirulence, Biodistribution, and Shedding of a Poliovirus:Rhinovirus Chimera after Intrathalamic Inoculation in Macaca fascicularis
Authors: Dobrikova Elena Y. , Goetz Christian , Walters Robert W. , Lawson Sarah K. , Peggins James O. , Muszynski Karen , Ruppel Sheryl , Poole Karyol , Giardina Steven L. , Vela Eric M. , Estep James E. , Gromeier Matthias
Published: December 2011

A dependence of poliovirus on an unorthodox translation initiation mode can be targeted selectively to drive viral protein synthesis and cytotoxicity in malignant cells. Transformed cells are naturally susceptible to poliovirus, due to widespread ectopic upregulation of the poliovirus receptor, Necl-5, in ectodermal/neuroectodermal cancers. Viral tumor cell killing and the host immunologic response it engenders produce potent, lasting antineoplastic effects in animal tumor models. Clinical application of this principle depends on unequivocal demonstration of safety in primate models for paralytic poliomyelitis. We conducted extensive dose-range-finding, toxicity, biodistribution, shedding, and neutralizing antibody studies of the prototype oncolytic poliovirus recombinant, PVS-RIPO, after intrathalamic inoculation inMacaca fascicularis. These studies suggest that intracerebral PVS-RIPO inoculation does not lead to viral propagation in the central nervous system (CNS), does not cause histopathological CNS lesions or neurological symptoms that can be attributed to the virus, is not associated with extraneural virus dissemination or replication and does not induce shedding of virus with stool. Intrathalamic PVS-RIPO inoculation induced neutralizing antibody responses against poliovirus serotype 1 in all animals studied.
The Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) Tegument Protein UL94 Is Essential for Secondary Envelopment of HCMV Virions
Authors: Phillips Stacia L. , Bresnahan Wade A.
Published: December 2011

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) virions are structurally complex, and the mechanisms by which they are assembled are poorly understood. However, several tegument proteins are known to be essential for proper particle assembly and maturation. Despite intense investigation, the function of many tegument proteins remains unknown. The HCMV UL94 gene is conserved among all herpesviruses and encodes a virion protein of unknown function. We demonstrate here that UL94 is a tegument protein that is expressed with true-late kinetics and localizes to the viral assembly complex during infection. To elucidate the function of UL94, we constructed a UL94-null mutant, designated UL94stop. This mutant is completely defective for replication, demonstrating that UL94 is essential. Phenotypic analysis of the UL94stop mutant shows that in the absence of UL94, viral gene expression and genome synthesis occur at wild-type levels. However, analysis of the localization of viral proteins to the cytoplasmic assembly complex shows that the essential tegument protein UL99 (pp28) exhibits aberrant localization in cells infected with the UL94stop mutant. Finally, we show that there is a complete block in secondary envelopment in the absence of UL94. Taken together, our data suggest that UL94 functions late in infection to direct UL99 to the assembly complex, thereby facilitating secondary envelopment of virions.
Immune Correlates of Herpes Zoster in HIV-Infected Children and Youth
Authors: Weinberg Adriana , Huang Sharon , Song Lin-Ye , Fenton Terry , Williams Paige , Patterson Julie , Tovar-Salazar Adriana , Levin Myron J.
Published: December 2011

To identify immunologic factors that modulate the risk of herpes zoster (HZ), we compared varicella-zoster virus (VZV)-specific and nonspecific T-cell subpopulations of 47 HIV-infected children before they developed HZ with those of 141 VZV-positive HZ-negative matched controls. Compared with controls, HZ cases had lower VZV-specific CD8
+
CD107a
+
cell percentages independently of CD4
+
percentages or HIV loads, suggesting that VZV-specific cytotoxic T cells are protective against HZ. In contrast, high nonspecific regulatory and activated T cells were associated with an increased risk of HZ.
The G-Patch Domain of Mason-Pfizer Monkey Virus Is a Part of Reverse Transcriptase
Authors: Křížová Ivana , Hadravová Romana , Štokrová Jitka , Günterová Jana , Doležal Michal , Ruml Tomáš , Rumlová Michaela , Pichová Iva
Published: December 2011

Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV), like some other betaretroviruses, encodes a G-patch domain (GPD). This glycine-rich domain, which has been predicted to be an RNA binding module, is invariably localized at the 3′ end of the
pro
gene upstream of the
pro-pol
ribosomal frameshift sequence of genomic RNAs of betaretroviruses. Following two ribosomal frameshift events and the translation of viral mRNA, the GPD is present in both Gag-Pro and Gag-Pro-Pol polyproteins. During the maturation of the Gag-Pro polyprotein, the GPD transiently remains a C-terminal part of the protease (PR), from which it is then detached by PR itself. The destiny of the Gag-Pro-Pol-encoded GPD remains to be determined. The function of the GPD in the retroviral life cycle is unknown. To elucidate the role of the GPD in the M-PMV replication cycle, alanine-scanning mutational analysis of its most highly conserved residues was performed. A series of individual mutations as well as the deletion of the entire GPD had no effect on M-PMV assembly, polyprotein processing, and RNA incorporation. However, a reduction of the reverse transcriptase (RT) activity, resulting in a drop in M-PMV infectivity, was determined for all GPD mutants. Immunoprecipitation experiments suggested that the GPD is a part of RT and participates in its function. These data indicate that the M-PMV GPD functions as a part of reverse transcriptase rather than protease.
αVβ3-Integrin Relocalizes nectin1 and Routes Herpes Simplex Virus to Lipid Rafts
Authors: Gianni Tatiana , Campadelli-Fiume Gabriella
Published: December 2011

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) enters cells by fusion at plasma membranes or endosomes. Cellular factors route the virus to different pathways. αVβ3-integrin directs HSV to a lipid raft and acidic endosome pathway. We report that infection mediated by nectin1 plus αVβ3-integrin exhibits the same characteristics as entry mediated by raft-located forms of nectin. αVβ3-integrin relocalizes nectin1 to lipid rafts, independently of virus. Thus, HSV routing to the lipid raft-dependent pathway is consequent to the integrin-induced relocalization of nectin1. Inhibition by the Na+/H+ exchanger 5-(
N
-ethyl-
N
-isopropyl)amirolide suggests that αVβ3-integrin overexpression favors HSV macropinocytic uptake in some cells but not in others.
The Cellular Protein SPT6 Is Required for Efficient Replication of Human Cytomegalovirus
Authors: Cygnar Daniel , Hagemeier Stacy , Kronemann Daniel , Bresnahan Wade A.
Published: December 2011

The human cytomegalovirus tegument protein UL69 has been shown to be required for efficient viral replication at low multiplicities of infection. Several functions have been associated with UL69, including its ability to regulate cell cycle progression, translation, and the export of viral transcripts from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. However, it remains unclear which, if any, of these activities contribute to the phenotype observed with the UL69 deletion mutant. UL69 has been shown to interact with the cellular protein SPT6. The functional significance of this interaction has never been examined in the context of an infection. To address this, we generated UL69 mutant viruses that were unable to interact with SPT6 and determined what effect these mutations had on virus replication. Abolishing UL69's ability to interact with the SPT6 protein inhibited virus replication to levels indistinguishable from those observed following infection with the UL69 deletion mutant. Surprisingly, abolishing UL69's interaction with SPT6 also resulted in the impairment of UL69 shuttling activity. Finally, we demonstrate that inhibition of SPT6 expression by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown inhibits wild-type virus replication. Taken together, our results demonstrate that UL69's ability to interact with SPT6 plays a critical role in viral replication.
Intrinsic functional deficits associated with increased risk of ankle injuries: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Witchalls Jeremy , Blanch Peter , Waddington Gordon , Adams Roger
Published: December 2011

Background

A history of ankle injury is known to be associated with an increased risk of future injuries. Prevention of a first-time injury to an ankle will also prevent subsequent re-injury; yet these participants are often overlooked in reports of preventive testing. Determining the functional deficits which promote injury risk in all ankles, through studies inclusive of previously injured and never injured ankles, will enable training to be directed at improving known deficits in all sports participants.

Objective

To review studies investigating the measurement of intrinsic functions in healthy ankles and assess their predictive value for injury.

Method

Systematic review and meta-analysis of journal articles from selected electronic databases. Using all papers that included sufficient data for extraction in any paradigm, the authors pooled results for measures of strength, postural control, proprioception, muscle reaction time in response to perturbation, range of movement and ligament stability.

Results

Thirteen papers were found with adequate data reporting to allow calculation of pooled standardised mean difference (SMD) or pooled RR. The following are all associated with an increased risk of ankle injury: higher postural sway (SMD=0.693, 95% CI=0.151 to 1.235, p=0.012), being in the lower postural stability group (RR=2.06, 95% CI=1.364 to 3.111, p=0.001), lower inversion proprioception (0.573, 0.244 to 0.902, <0.001), higher concentric plantar flexion strength at faster speeds (0.372, 0.092 to 0.652, 0.009) and lower eccentric eversion strength at slower speeds (0.337, 0.117 to 0.557, 0.003).

Conclusion

There is a set of intrinsic functional and structural ankle deficits associated with significantly increased risk of ankle injury. These findings will enable clinicians and sports trainers to measure and train specific deficits in sports people for the prevention of ankle injury.
Physical inactivity is a risk factor for physical activity-related injuries in children
Authors: Bloemers Frank , Collard Dorine , Paw Mai Chin A , Van Mechelen Willem , Twisk Jos , Verhagen Evert
Published: December 2011

Objectives

To describe the risk factors associated with injuries resulting from physical education (PE), leisure time physical activity (leisure time PA) and sports in 9–12-year-old children.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Primary schools.

Participants

Nine hundred and ninety-five children aged 9–12 years.

Main outcome measures

Injuries occurring during either PE class, leisure time PA or sports, and caused the child to at least stop the current activity were recorded prospectively. Individual weekly exposure was estimated from baseline and follow-up questionnaires. Potential risk factors were gender, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, habitual level of PA, body mass index and a motor fitness. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model was developed, accounting for clustering within schools.

Results

Gender, age and level of PA were independent significant risk factors for injury. Different modalities of PA had different injury risk factors. Most importantly, the low levels of habitual PA significantly increased injury risk.

Conclusions

The children at highest injury risk are the target audience of the contemporary PA promotion efforts. PA promotion should also focus on injury prevention.
Safety and effectiveness of emergency carotid artery stenting for a high-grade carotid stenosis with intraluminal thrombus under proximal flow control in hyperacute and acute stroke
Authors: Iwata Tomonori , Mori Takahisa , Tajiri Hiroyuki , Miyazaki Yuichi , Nakazaki Masahito
Published: December 2011

Background

A study was undertaken to investigate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of emergency carotid artery stenting (eCAS) for a high-grade carotid stenosis with intraluminal thrombus (ILT) with or without proximal flow control (PFC).

Methods

Patients with acute ischemic stroke included in the analysis were those who were admitted between 2001 and 2010 with serious neurological symptoms, without a large high-intensity area of diffusion-weighted images and who underwent eCAS for a high-grade carotid stenosis with ILT. Patients underwent eCAS without PFC until 2004 (group C) and under PFC after 2004 (group P). The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission, just before CAS and 7 days after CAS as well as the 3-month modified Rankin Scale were investigated.

Results

Fifty-six patients underwent eCAS, eight of whom had a high-grade stenosis with ILT. Four of the eight patients were in group C and four were in group P. Probable distal embolism associated with eCAS occurred in two cases in group C and in none in group P. In groups C and P the median 7-day NIHSS scores were 15 and 5, respectively (p<0.05) and the median 3-month modified Rankin Scale scores were 4 and 2, respectively (p<0.05), but there were no significant differences between the two groups in the NIHSS scores on admission and just before CAS.

Conclusion

In stroke patients with a high-grade carotid stenosis with ILT, eCAS under PFC is safer and more effective in achieving a favorable clinical outcome than eCAS without PFC.
Intracranial thrombectomy using the Solitaire stent: a historical vignette: Figure 1
Authors: Pérez Marta Aguilar , Miloslavski Elina , Fischer Sebastian , Bäzner Hansjörg , Henkes Hans
Published: December 2011

Introduction

The endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke has been revolutionized in the past years by the introduction of new devices for mechanical thrombectomy. Several tools were already available in 2008. The majority allowed the recanalization of acutely occluded intracranial arteries with acceptable levels of safety and efficacy, and with occasional failures.

Case presentation

On 3 March 2008, a 67-year-old woman was treated 3.5 h after the clinical onset of a right hemispheric stroke due to an embolic middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1 occlusion. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score prior to treatment was 10. Mechanical thrombectomy with a microbrush yielded a significant amount of thrombotic material without recanalization. Given the urgency of the situation, the uncertain outcome in the case of a persistent occlusion of the right M1 segment and the fact that no other device was available, a Solitaire stent was deployed within the occluded right M1 segment. After several minutes of incubation, the expanded stent was slowly withdrawn under continuous aspiration with instantaneous removal of the entire thrombus and complete recanalization of the right MCA with reperfusion of the whole MCA supply territory. Digital subtraction angiography showed neither peripheral emboli nor vasospasm. The patient made a complete clinical recovery with an NIHSS score of 0 at the 30 day follow-up.

Conclusion

The Solitaire stent was initially developed for the endovascular treatment of wide necked intracranial aneurysms but has been demonstrated to be safe and efficacious for intracranial thrombectomy. This was the first successful human clinical use of a Solitaire stent for this purpose and the ignition spark for the development of a whole generation of new devices, now called stent retrievers.
Stent assisted coil embolization of unruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms
Authors: Fields Jeremy D , Brambrink Lucas , Dogan Aclan , Helseth Erek K , Liu Kenneth C , Lee David S , Nesbit Gary M , Petersen Bryan D , Barnwell Stanley L
Published: December 2011

Background

Due to anatomic features, including wide necks and incorporation of important branches, endovascular coiling of middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms has proved challenging. Stent assisted embolization may increase the likelihood of successful treatment.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing stent assisted coil embolization utilizing the Neuroform stent from 2004 to 2009 were identified by hospital billing records. Procedural and clinical information—including procedure related mortality and morbidity and long term outcomes—were then obtained by retrospective chart review.

Results

Treatment was successful in 22/23 (96%) patients. Median age was 61 years and 16/22 (73%) were women. Aneurysm size was: <5 mm in 5/22 (23%); 5–9 mm in 14/22 (64%); and ≥10 mm in 3/22 (14%) patients. There were four periprocedural complications (including one stroke and one intraprocedural rupture), none associated with neurological dysfunction. Angiographic follow-up was available in 18/22 (82%) and clinical follow-up in 19/22 (86%) patients, both at a median of 1 year (mean 1.2 years) after coiling. Aneurysm occlusion was complete in 12/18 (67%), a neck remnant was present in 3/18 (17%) and persistent aneurysmal filling was present in 3/18 (17%) patients, requiring retreatment in 1/18 (6%) patient. In-stent stenosis of 50%, which was asymptomatic, occurred in 1/18 (6%) patient. No subarachnoid hemorrhages and no ischemic events related to the procedure were observed during follow-up.

Conclusion

In this small series, the technical success rate was 96%, there were no transient or permanent neurological complications and complete aneurysmal occlusion was achieved in two-thirds of treated aneurysms on follow-up angiography. These results suggest that in appropriately selected patients, stent assisted coil embolization of MCA aneurysms can be performed with a high degree of safety and acceptable durability.
EXTRACTION OF CLAN MODEL PARAMETERS FROM MULTIPLICITY DISTRIBUTIONS MEASURED IN pp COLLISIONS AT LHC ENERGIES
Authors: DUTTA S. , JASVANTLAL J. K. , DEWANTO A. , CHAN A. H. , OH C. H.
Published: December 2011

This paper presents the variation of clan model parameters nc and [Formula: see text] with energy for p–p collisions at [Formula: see text] and 2360 GeV using ALICE and CMS as the detectors. The data for multiplicity distribution was reported by the ALICE and CMS collaborations. The values of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are evaluated from the NBD fit parameters [Formula: see text] and k. Hegyi [Phys. Lett. B274, 214 (1992)] suggested an alternative method for determination of clan model parameters from void probability. A comparison of values obtained from the two methods is also done. A close agreement of values obtained from the two methods was observed for 546 GeV [Formula: see text] collisions. However for LHC data the agreement is not very well. Void probability overestimates the value of [Formula: see text] and underestimates the value of [Formula: see text] compared to that obtained from NBD. [Formula: see text] is found to increase with energy for both ALICE and CMS data. Contrary to the observation at lower energies that [Formula: see text] does not depend on energy, it is found to vary with energy. The variation of [Formula: see text] with energy is more prominent for CMS data. The results are discussed in detail. For CMS data, comparison of the results with the 7000 GeV data is also shown.
Effects of anandamide on potassium channels in rat ventricular myocytes: a suppression of Ito and augmentation of KATP channels
Authors: Li Qian , Ma Hui-Jie , Song Sheng-Li , Shi Min , Ma Hui-Juan , Li De-Pei , Zhang Yi
Published: December 2011

Anandamide is an endocannabinoid that has antiarrhythmic effects through inhibition of L-type Ca2+ channels in cardiomyocytes. In this study, we investigated the electrophysiological effects of anandamide on K+ channels in rat ventricular myocytes. Whole cell patch-clamp technique was used to record K+ currents, including transient outward potassium current ( Ito), steady-state outward potassium current ( Iss), inward rectifier potassium current ( IK1), and ATP-sensitive potassium current ( IKATP) in isolated rat cardiac ventricular myocytes. Anandamide decreased Ito while increasing IKATP in a concentration-dependent manner but had no effect on Iss and IK1 in isolated ventricular myocytes. Furthermore, anandamide shifted steady-state inactivation curve of Ito to the left and shifted the recovery curve of Ito to the right. However, neither cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor antagonist AM251 nor CB2 receptor antagonist AM630 eliminated the inhibitory effect of anandamide on Ito. In addition, blockade of CB2 receptors, but not CB1 receptors, eliminated the augmentation effect of anandamide on IKATP. These data suggest that anandamide suppresses Ito through a non-CB1 and non-CB2 receptor-mediated pathway while augmenting IKATP through CB2 receptors in ventricular myocytes.
Dynamic adhesion of eryptotic erythrocytes to endothelial cells via CXCL16/SR-PSOX
Authors: Borst Oliver , Abed Majed , Alesutan Ioana , Towhid Syeda T. , Qadri Syed M. , Föller Michael , Gawaz Meinrad , Lang Florian
Published: December 2011

Suicidal death of erythrocytes, or eryptosis, is characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling leading to phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface. Eryptosis is triggered by increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity, which may result from treatment with the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin or from energy depletion by removal of glucose. The present study tested the hypothesis that phosphatidylserine exposure at the erythrocyte surface fosters adherence to endothelial cells of the vascular wall under flow conditions at arterial shear rates and that binding of eryptotic cells to endothelial cells is mediated by the transmembrane CXC chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16). To this end, human erythrocytes were exposed to energy depletion (for 48 h) or treated with the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin (1 μM for 30 min). Phosphatidylserine exposure was quantified utilizing annexin-V binding, cell volume was estimated from forward scatter in FACS analysis, and erythrocyte adhesion to human vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC) was determined in a flow chamber model. As a result, both, ionomycin and glucose depletion, triggered eryptosis and enhanced the percentage of erythrocytes adhering to HUVEC under flow conditions at arterial shear rates. The adhesion was significantly blunted in the presence of erythrocyte phosphatidylserine-coating annexin-V (5 μl/ml), of a neutralizing antibody against endothelial CXCL16 (4 μg/ml), and following silencing of endothelial CXCL16 with small interfering RNA. The present observations demonstrate that eryptotic erythrocytes adhere to endothelial cells of the vascular wall in part by interaction of phosphatidylserine exposed at the erythrocyte surface with endothelial CXCL16.
Divergent roles of plasma osmolality and the baroreflex on sweating and skin blood flow
Authors: Lynn Aaron G. , Gagnon Daniel , Binder Konrad , Boushel Robert C. , Kenny Glen P.
Published: December 2011

Plasma hyperosmolality and baroreceptor unloading have been shown to independently influence the heat loss responses of sweating and cutaneous vasodilation. However, their combined effects remain unresolved. On four separate occasions, eight males were passively heated with a liquid-conditioned suit to 1.0°C above baseline core temperature during a resting isosmotic state (infusion of 0.9% NaCl saline) with (LBNP) and without (CON) application of lower-body negative pressure (−40 cmH2O) and during a hyperosmotic state (infusion of 3.0% NaCl saline) with (LBNP + HYP) and without (HYP) application of lower-body negative pressure. Forearm sweat rate (ventilated capsule) and skin blood flow (laser-Doppler), as well as core (esophageal) and mean skin temperatures, were measured continuously. Plasma osmolality increased by ∼10 mosmol/kgH2O during HYP and HYP + LBNP conditions, whereas it remained unchanged during CON and LBNP ( P ≤ 0.05). The change in mean body temperature (0.8 × core temperature + 0.2 × mean skin temperature) at the onset threshold for increases in cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was significantly greater during LBNP (0.56 ± 0.24°C) and HYP (0.69 ± 0.36°C) conditions compared with CON (0.28 ± 0.23°C, P ≤ 0.05). Additionally, the onset threshold for CVC during LBNP + HYP (0.88 ± 0.33°C) was significantly greater than CON and LBNP conditions ( P ≤ 0.05). In contrast, onset thresholds for sweating were not different during LBNP (0.50 ± 0.18°C) compared with CON (0.46 ± 0.26°C, P = 0.950) but were elevated ( P ≤ 0.05) similarly during HYP (0.91 ± 0.37°C) and LBNP + HYP (0.94 ± 0.40°C). Our findings show an additive effect of hyperosmolality and baroreceptor unloading on the onset threshold for increases in CVC during whole body heat stress. In contrast, the onset threshold for sweating during heat stress was only elevated by hyperosmolality with no effect of the baroreflex.
Review:Intracardiac intracellular angiotensin system in diabetes
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Yong Qian Chen , Thomas Candice M. , Baker Kenneth M.
Published: December 2011

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has mainly been categorized as a circulating and a local tissue RAS. A new component of the local system, known as the intracellular RAS, has recently been described. The intracellular RAS is defined as synthesis and action of ANG II intracellularly. This RAS appears to differ from the circulating and the local RAS, in terms of components and the mechanism of action. These differences may alter treatment strategies that target the RAS in several pathological conditions. Recent work from our laboratory has demonstrated significant upregulation of the cardiac, intracellular RAS in diabetes, which is associated with cardiac dysfunction. Here, we have reviewed evidence supporting an intracellular RAS in different cell types, ANG II's actions in cardiac cells, and its mechanism of action, focusing on the intracellular cardiac RAS in diabetes. We have discussed the significance of an intracellular RAS in cardiac pathophysiology and implications for potential therapies.
Age-related decline in label-retaining tubular cells: implication for reduced regenerative capacity after injury in the aging kidney
Authors: Miya Masaaki , Maeshima Akito , Mishima Keiichiro , Sakurai Noriyuki , Ikeuchi Hidekazu , Kuroiwa Takashi , Hiromura Keiju , Nojima Yoshihisa
Published: December 2011

Recovery after acute kidney injury is impaired in the elderly, but the precise mechanism for such age-related incompetence remains unclear. By in vivo bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling, renal progenitor cells (label-retaining cells; LRCs) were identified in tubules of normal rat kidney and were shown to be the origin of proliferating cells after injury. In the present study, the involvement of LRCs in the age-related decline of tubular recovery after injury was examined. After 1 wk of BrdU labeling followed by a 2-wk chase period, ischemia-reperfusion injury was induced in 7-wk-, 7-mo-, and 12-mo-old rats. Age-related decreases in DNA synthesis and cell proliferation in renal tubules after injury were found. The number of LRCs also significantly declined with age. At 24 h after reperfusion, the number of LRCs significantly increased in all ages of rats tested. There was no significant difference in the ratio of LRC division among rats of different ages. The area of the rat endothelial cell antigen (RECA)-1-positive capillary network declined with age. When renal tubules isolated from rats treated with BrdU label were cocultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), the number of LRCs significantly increased compared with tubules cultured without HUVEC. These data suggest that the reduced capacity of tubular regeneration in the aging kidney is partly explained by the shortage of LRC reserves. The size of the LRC pool might be regulated by the surrounding peritubular capillary network.
BIM deficiency differentially impacts the function of kidney endothelial and epithelial cells through modulation of their local microenvironment
Authors: Sheibani Nader , Morrison Margaret E. , Gurel Zafer , Park SunYoung , Sorenson Christine M.
Published: December 2011

The extracellular matrix (ECM) acts as a scaffold for kidney cellular organization. Local secretion of the ECM allows kidney cells to readily adapt to changes occurring within the kidney. In addition to providing structural support for cells, the ECM also modulates cell survival, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Although aberrant regulation of ECM proteins can play a causative role in many diseases, it is not known whether ECM production, cell adhesion, and migration are regulated in a similar manner in kidney epithelial and endothelial cells. Here, we demonstrate that lack of BIM expression differentially impacts kidney endothelial and epithelial cell ECM production, migration, and adhesion, further emphasizing the specialized role of these cell types in kidney function . Bim −/− kidney epithelial cells demonstrated decreased migration, increased adhesion, and sustained expression of osteopontin and thrombospondin-1 (TSP1). In contrast, bim −/− kidney endothelial cells demonstrated increased cell migration, and decreased expression of osteopontin and TSP1. We also observed a fivefold increase in VEGF expression in bim −/− kidney endothelial cells consistent with their increased migration and capillary morphogenesis. These cells also had decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity and nitric oxide bioavailability. Thus kidney endothelial and epithelial cells make unique contributions to the regulation of their ECM composition, with specific impact on adhesive and migratory properties that are essential for their proper function.
Fast reconfiguration of high-frequency brain networks in response to surprising changes in auditory input
Authors: Nicol Ruth M. , Chapman Sandra C. , Vértes Petra E. , Nathan Pradeep J. , Smith Marie L. , Shtyrov Yury , Bullmore Edward T.
Published: December 2011

How do human brain networks react to dynamic changes in the sensory environment? We measured rapid changes in brain network organization in response to brief, discrete, salient auditory stimuli. We estimated network topology and distance parameters in the immediate central response period, <1 s following auditory presentation of standard tones interspersed with occasional deviant tones in a mismatch-negativity (MMN) paradigm, using magnetoencephalography (MEG) to measure synchronization of high-frequency (gamma band; 33–64 Hz) oscillations in healthy volunteers. We found that global small-world parameters of the networks were conserved between the standard and deviant stimuli. However, surprising or unexpected auditory changes were associated with local changes in clustering of connections between temporal and frontal cortical areas and with increased interlobar, long-distance synchronization during the 120- to 250-ms epoch (coinciding with the MMN-evoked response). Network analysis of human MEG data can resolve fast local topological reconfiguration and more long-range synchronization of high-frequency networks as a systems-level representation of the brain's immediate response to salient stimuli in the dynamically changing sensory environment.
Direct injection of noise to the visual cortex decreases accuracy but increases decision confidence
Authors: Rahnev Dobromir A. , Maniscalco Brian , Luber Bruce , Lau Hakwan , Lisanby Sarah H.
Published: December 2011

The relationship between accuracy and confidence in psychophysical tasks traditionally has been assumed to be mainly positive, i.e., the two typically increase or decrease together. However, recent studies have reported examples of exceptions, where confidence and accuracy dissociate from each other. Explanations for such dissociations often involve dual-channel models, in which a cortical channel contributes to both accuracy and confidence, whereas a subcortical channel only contributes to accuracy. Here, we show that a single-channel model derived from signal detection theory (SDT) can also account for such dissociations. We applied transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the occipital cortex to disrupt the internal representation of a visual stimulus. The results showed that consistent with previous research, occipital TMS decreased accuracy. However, counterintuitively, it also led to an increase in confidence ratings. The data were predicted well by a single-channel SDT model, which posits that occipital TMS increased the variance of the internal stimulus distributions. A formal model comparison analysis that used information theoretic methods confirmed that this model was preferred over single-channel models, in which occipital TMS changed the signal strength or dual-channel models, which assume two different processing routes. Thus our results show that dissociations between accuracy and confidence can, at least in some cases, be accounted for by a single-channel model.
Serum Cytokine Concentrations in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis on Etanercept Therapy Who Subsequently Developed Pneumocystis Pneumonia: A Case Report
Authors: Sato Masao , Takemura Masao , Shinohe Ryuki , Shimizu Katsuji
Published: December 2011

We report a rheumatoid arthritis patient who was treated with etanercept. Serum levels of tumor-necrosis-factor- (TNF-)alpha, soluble-tumor-necrosis-factor receptor- (sTNFR-) I and -II, interleukin- (IL-) 6, and IL-1 beta were measured by ELISA before and during the course of therapy. While the serum levels of IL-6 and IL-1 beta dropped rapidly following the initiation of therapy, the concentrations of TNF-alpha and sTNFR-II steadily increased to a plateau. Although significant clinical efficacy was observed, etanercept had to be discontinued when after 12 weeks of therapy the patient was found to have pneumocystis pneumonia.
Two-Fingered Haptic Device for Robot Hand Teleoperation
Authors: Kobayashi Futoshi , Ikai George , Fukui Wataru , Kojima Fumio
Published: December 2011

A haptic feedback system is required to assist telerehabilitation with robot hand. The system should provide the reaction force measured in the robot hand to an operator. In this paper, we have developed a force feedback device that presents a reaction force to the distal segment of the operator's thumb, middle finger, and basipodite of the middle finger when the robot hand grasps an object. The device uses a shape memory alloy as an actuator, which affords a very compact, lightweight, and accurate device.
Statistical Convergence in Function Spaces
Authors: Caserta Agata , Di Maio Giuseppe , Kočinac Ljubiša D. R.
Published: December 2011

We study statistical versions of several classical kinds of convergence of sequences of functions between metric spaces (Dini, Arzelà, and Alexandroff) in different function spaces. Also, we discuss a statistical approach to recently introduced notions of strong uniform convergence and exhaustiveness.
The Operative Challenges of Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma with Vena Cava Involvement: A Report of Three Cases
Authors: Bioku Muftau Jimoh , Saliu Abdulwaid Niran , Ikuerowo Stephen Odunayo , Omisanjo Olufunmilade , Esho Julius Olusanmi
Published: December 2011

Surgical resection remains an important component in the care of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Some of the patients so managed had relief of symptoms and improved quality of life. However, palliative nephrectomies in late cases with vena cava involvement are not without challenges. An important factor to be considered for successful surgery is adequate vena cava management. We report in this paper three patients who had metastatic RCC. For over three decades now, researchers in Lagos had recorded the abysmal prognosis of advanced cases of RCC. Yet, late presentation and diagnosis still persisted in our environment. There is therefore the need to repackage our strategies aimed at early detection of this pathology and thus improved postoperative outcome.
Anaesthetic Management of a 1-Month-Old Puppy Undergoing Lateral Thoracotomy for Vascular Ring Anomaly Correction
Authors: Martin Jurado Olga , Mosing Martina , Bettschart-Wolfensberger Regula
Published: December 2011

A 1-month-old male flat-coated retriever was anaesthetized for correction of oesophageal constriction caused by a vascular ring anomaly. Anaesthesia was uneventfully induced with intravenous fentanyl, diazepam, and propofol and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen and air. An intercostal block with bupivacaine and lidocaine was performed, and additional analgesia with an infusion of fentanyl was provided. Fluid therapy consisted in 5% glucose in lactated Ringer’s solution and hetastarch 6%, which proved adequate to maintain normoglycemia and normovolemia. A lateral thoracotomy was performed, and the ligamentum arteriosum was ligated. Intraoperatively, heart rate (HR) varied between 120 and 180 beats min−1without accompanying changes in blood pressure. No arrhythmias were observed or bleeding occurred. The dog recovered uneventfully. Postoperative analgesia consisted in fentanyl infusion adjusted to the patient's requirement and metamizol. This paper describes for the first time the use of balanced anaesthesia and multimodal analgesia in a paediatric dog undergoing thoracotomy.
Metastatic Prostate Cancer Mimicking Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Authors: Randazzo Charles T. , Bernard Aaron W. , Rund Douglas A.
Published: December 2011

A 59-year-old male presented to the emergency department with a four-month progressive history of proximal muscle pain and weakness with elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. He was initially diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and admitted to the hospital. During his hospitalization he was found to have metastatic prostate cancer, which was thought to be responsible for his PMR-like syndrome. By recognizing the resemblance between metastatic malignancy and rheumatologic diseases, the emergency physician can improve diagnostic accuracy.
Weighted Strong Law of Large Numbers for Random Variables Indexed by a Sector
Authors: Matuła Przemysław , Seweryn Michał
Published: December 2011

We find necessary and sufficient conditions for the weighted strong law of large numbers for independent random variables with multidimensional indices belonging to some sector.
Growth and Identification of Bacteria inN-Halamine Dental Unit Waterline Tubing Using an Ultrapure Water Source
Authors: Porteous Nuala , Luo Jie , Hererra Monica , Schoolfield John , Sun Yuyu
Published: December 2011

This study examined bacterial growth and type on biofilm-controlling dental unit waterline (DUWL) tubing (T) and control manufacturer's tubing (C) in a laboratory DUWL model using ultrapure source water that was cycled through the lines. Sections of tubing lines were detached and examined for biofilm growth using SEM imaging at six sampling periods. Bacteria from inside surfaces of T and C, source unit, and reservoir were cultured and enumerated. At six months, organisms were molecularly identified from the alignment matches obtained from the top three BLAST searches for the 16S region. There was a 1–3 log increase in organism growth in a clean, nonsterile reservoir within an hour. Biofilm was established on the inside surfaces of C within three weeks, but not on T.Proteobacteria, andSphingomonasspp. were identified in the source reservoir and C line, and a variation of the genera was found in T line.
[Retracted] The Stability of Gauss Model Having One‐Prey and Two‐Predators
Authors: Farajzadeh A. , Doust M. H. Rahmani , Haghighifar F. , Baleanu D.
Published: December 2011

The study of the dynamics of predator‐prey interactions can be recognized as a major issue in mathematical biology. In the present paper, some Gauss predator‐prey models in which three ecologically interacting species have been considered and the behavior of their solutions in the stability aspect have been investigated. The main aim of this paper is to consider the local and global stability properties of the equilibrium points for represented systems. Finally, stability of some examples of Gauss model with one prey and two predators is discussed.
A Comparative Randomised Controlled Trial of the Effects of Brain Wave Vibration Training, Iyengar Yoga, and Mindfulness on Mood, Well-Being, and Salivary Cortisol
Authors: Bowden Deborah , Gaudry Claire , An Seung Chan , Gruzelier John
Published: December 2011

This randomised trial compared the effects of Brain Wave Vibration (BWV) training, which involves rhythmic yoga-like meditative exercises, with Iyengar yoga and Mindfulness. Iyengar provided a contrast for the physical components and mindfulness for the “mental” components of BWV. 35 healthy adults completed 10 75-minute classes of BWV, Iyengar, or Mindfulness over five weeks. Participants were assessed at pre- and postintervention for mood, sleep, mindfulness, absorption, health, memory, and salivary cortisol. Better overall mood and vitality followed both BWV and Iyengar training, while the BWV group alone had improved depression and sleep latency. Mindfulness produced a comparatively greater increase in absorption. All interventions improved stress and mindfulness, while no changes occurred in health, memory, or salivary cortisol. In conclusion, increased well-being followed training in all three practices, increased absorption was specific to Mindfulness, while BWV was unique in its benefits to depression and sleep latency, warranting further research.