bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Absence of High Points in Story Reminiscence With Carers of People With Profound Disabilities
Authors: Grove Nicola
Published: November 2007

Abstract  Narrative, central to the interactions that take place within families, is a way that experiences are recalled and shared, family relationships are actualized, and individual and group identities are exemplified and constructed. People with profound and multiple disabilities, who function at a preverbal level of development, are highly dependent on others to provide narrative reconstructions of key events in their lives. To examine how carers relate such experiences of their offspring with profound intellectual disabilities, data were collected and analyzed from a set of interviews with parents, carers, and friends of members of a storytelling group. Structural analysis of their narratives showed that accounts of events were often not fully elaborated and lacked high points. This indicates that such carers may find it difficult to construct stories about specific events in the lives of their offspring. It is suggested that this difficulty results from an interaction between the characteristics of the individuals who lack the ability to make reference to past events and carer‐based quality of life issues. Possible reasons are related to the difficulty of sharing memories through language and the pain associated with many key lifetime caring experiences. These preliminary findings have implications for service providers who are tasked with developing effective systems of communication and supports for such carers.
Surveying Supported Employment in Finland: A Follow‐up
Authors: Saloviita Timo , Pirttimaa Raija
Published: November 2007

Abstract The longitudinal status of supported employment in Finland was examined via a 2003 nationwide survey sent to job coaches involved in supporting workers with intellectual and other disabilities. Sustained supported employment, defined as “paid work in integrated settings with ongoing supports that contained at least two on‐site visits per month at the worksite” was identified at 22 organizations that supported 52 workers. The results of the current survey were compared with those gained from similar surveys conducted in 1998, 1999, and 2001. Comparison of data over a 6‐year period showed a decline in the provision of intensive employment supports and appeared to reflect both a change in European public policy on employment supports, and a conceptual shift in supported employment from a paradigm for people with significant disabilities to a technical tool for the employment of people with limited support needs. Along with this change, supported employment agencies in Finland were found to have progressively barred people with significant disabilities from being their customers.
Improving the Transfer of Care to General Practice for People With Intellectual Disabilities: Development of a Guideline
Authors: Wullink Magda , Van Schrojenstein Lantman–de Valk Henny , Van Den Akker Marjan , Metsemakers Job , Dinant Geert‐Jan
Published: November 2007

Abstract  In the Netherlands, a public policy shift has led to a movement of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) from residential congregate care facilities to normative housing in their communities. Along with these physical transfers, medical care has also been transferred from specialty intellectual disability physicians (IDPs) associated with the residential facilities to general practitioners (GPs) native to the community. To facilitate these changes, the authors created a set of guidelines for the transfer of ID medical care. In developing these guidelines, the authors queried: (1) What elements have to be included in the draft guidelines? (2) What are the barriers to using the draft guidelines in practice and how can these barriers be overcome? and (3) What elements have to be included in the final form of the guidelines? Data for the draft guidelines were drawn from information gathered during interviews and discussions with physicians and allied workers. The guidelines call for a feasible working agreement between IDPs and GPs regarding handing over patient files containing problem lists and histories and arrangements of out‐of‐hours house calls, practice visits, medication delivery, and paramedical treatments. Inherent barriers to the implementation of the guidelines might be communication difficulties among persons involved in the transfer of care and governmental rules that fail to overcome organizational barriers.
Comparative analysis of biofilm levels in complete upper and lower dentures after brushing associated with specific denture paste and neutral soap
Authors: Salles Antônio Eduardo S. , Macedo Leandro D. , Fernandes Roseana A. G. , Silva‐Lovato Cláudia H. , Paranhos Helena de F. O.
Published: November 2007

Objectives:  The objective of this study was to compare and correlate biofilm levels in complete upper and lower prosthesis after brushing, associated with specific paste and soap, by means of computerised methodology.

Materials and methods:  Forty‐five complete denture wearers were selected and instructed to brush their prostheses (Soft Oral B 40) three times a day for 3 weeks with water (Control), specific paste for complete dentures (Corega Brite) (Experiment 1) and neutral soap (Experiment 2). The study was based on a cross‐over model and a wash‐out period was not included. For biofilm quantification, the internal surfaces were dyed (neutral red 1%), photographed (Canon EOS Digital) and the disclosed biofilm was measured with the Image Tool 2.0 software. The products were assessed by means of a questionnaire regarding their hygiene properties and acceptance.

Results:  The variance analysis indicated that the lower prostheses exhibited a mean biofilm percentage, significantly higher than the upper prostheses and that brushing with paste (Experiment 1) was more effective than soap (Experiment 2) and, in turn, this was more effective than water (Control). There was a high biofilm correlation (Pearson correlation) between both prostheses. Both products were well accepted by the patients, but the most favoured one was the paste.

Conclusions:  This was effective in controlling the biofilm and can be used preventatively in the maintenance of oral health by wearers of complete dentures. This is important where the lower prosthesis can harbour microorganisms which may act as a reservoir for other areas of the mouth and thus enhance the importance of proper hygiene.
Oral health and the elderly in Nigeria: a case for oral health promotion
Authors: Ojofeitimi Ebenezer O. , Adedigba Michael A. , Ogunbodede Eyitope O. , Fajemilehin Boluwaji R. , Adegbehingbe Bernice O.
Published: November 2007

Objectives:  To determine the prevalence of problems associated with chewing and the relationship with body mass index, the self‐reported rating of oral health and normative oral hygiene assessment among the elderly.

Materials and Methods:  This was a descriptive community based study carried out in three locations in Ife‐Ijesa zone (south western Nigeria). Elderly persons of 55 years and above were recruited through the religious organisations. All elderly who volunteered were assisted in completing a questionnaire on their socio‐demographic status, chewing ability, any quadrant associated with problems and self‐rating of oral health. An oral examination under a natural daylight using sterile wooden spatulae and an upright chair was carried out. The Oral Hygiene Index of Greene and Vermillion [Journal of the American Dental Association (1964) 61, p. 172] was used to determine the oral hygiene status.

Results:  The lower right quadrant had the highest frequency of complaint on difficulty with chewing (15.6%), and 44.1% of the subjects had problems with chewing. Twenty‐nine per cent rated their oral health as poor or very poor. There was a statistically significant association between the rating of oral health and the presence of calculus (p = 0.022). This was also true for oral hygiene and having any problem with chewing (p = 0.001). The self‐rating of oral health was not in agreement with that of the normative finding.

Conclusion:  Health promotion focusing on the oral health of the elderly is a significant requirement for the study population. Proper evaluation of the effectiveness of traditional dentifrices must be carried out and interventions designed to address the possibility of improper usage.
Safety of interhospital transport of cardiac patients and the need for medical escorts
Authors: Lees Michelle , Elcock Mark
Published: November 2007

Objective:  To review the safety of the current retrieval service procedures and identify factors associated with the need for a medical escort.

Methods:  Detailed retrospective chart review of the records of patients with confirmed or presumed cardiac disorders transferred for acute care by the Townsville Hospital Emergency Department retrieval service between June 2003 and December 2004.

Results:  A total of 555 charts were reviewed. During transport, 118 complications and 111 interventions occurred. In total, 414 patients required no intervention, 96 required nurse or paramedic care, and 45 needed a medical escort. Only one patient determined to need a doctor was not accompanied by one; however, 183 patients were accompanied by a doctor when no need was identified. A logistic regression model was applied to 463 patients after excluding intubated patients and those with any missing observation data. This found that the following variables were significantly predictive of events during transport requiring a doctor to be present: myocardial infarction (OR 2.48; P = 0.016; 95% CI 1.2–5.1), having received lysis (OR 3.54; P = 0.004; 95% CI 1.59–7.92), on an infusion (OR 5.06; P < 0.001; 95% CI 2.37–10.82) or history of cardiac arrest (OR 7.77; P < 0.001; 95% CI 2.9–20.77).

Conclusion:  Transport of cardiac patients by the Townsville Hospital Emergency Department retrieval service were safely staffed and performed, guided by the expert decision making and clinical support of the clinical coordinators. Patients with a provisional diagnosis at the time of referral of myocardial infarction, a history of receiving lysis or cardiac arrest, or on a drug infusion were more likely to require the expertise of a doctor during transport.
Review of mannequin‐based high‐fidelity simulation in emergency medicine
Authors: Fritz Peter Z , Gray Tim , Flanagan Brendan
Published: November 2007

The spectrum of uses of high‐fidelity simulation in emergency medicine has increased in the past 10 years and ranges from teaching isolated skills to improving complex team behaviours in critical situations. This review will describe these published uses and explore the evidence supporting the use of high‐fidelity simulation, as well as the future directions and difficulties of using this technology in our specialty.
OAXACA: BACKWARD TOWARD REVOLUTION
Authors: Weinberg Bill
Published: November 2007

The 2006 uprising in southern Mexico's Oaxaca state involved a seizure of power from below by popular organizations in the capital city and many of the rural municipalities. Although this movement has lost ground following the November repression, the state remains politically divided. The grassroots organizations—uniting in the Popular Assembly of the People of Oaxaca (APPO)—explicitly draw their model of local self‐government from the indigenous past. While Marx saw the “traditions of dead generations hanging like a nightmare on the brain of the living,” the revolutionaries of Oaxaca see their indigenous traditions—which stretch back to pre‐Columbian times—as a wellspring of their praxis. The project of building a post‐Cold War “21st century socialism” may be gestating in its purest form in Oaxaca, precisely because it is rooted in something ancient.
CRICKET, IMPERIALISM AND CLASS DOMINATION
Authors: Scalmer Sean
Published: November 2007

This article provides a long‐range analysis of the relationships between class, capitalism, and the sport of cricket. It argues that cricket embodies four broad class processes: class formation, hegemony, class struggle, and commodification. These processes have been present throughout the history of cricket, thereby helping to remake the game and its culture. Over time, cricket transformed from a means of ruling‐class formation (a gentlemen's game) and of ideological control (inculcation in elite values) to a means of subaltern mobilization and cultural pride (an expression of class struggle). However, over recent decades, the process of commodification has grown in intensity. The repackaging of cricket as a form of spectacular entertainment has increasingly stripped it of cultural power. This has undercut the operation of the other three processes and has driven radical devotees of the game into an uneasy nostalgia. In consequence, the history of cricket is not simply illuminated by class analysis, it also discloses broader dilemmas concerning the relationships between class, capitalism, and radical politics today.
COMMENTARY: A WRESTLER'S LIFE: FULL‐TIME WORKER AS INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
Authors: Schiavone Michael
Published: November 2007

Wrestling is considered “low‐brow” entertainment by many observers, and is only enjoyed by the lower socioeconomic groups. It is something that, at best, is a joke to most people. However, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)—the largest wrestling company in the world—is worth more than $1 billion U.S. and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. WWE could not survive without wrestlers under contract. However, WWE classifies its wrestlers as “independent contractors.” Thus, there is a massive power imbalance between the company and its “employees.” As they are “independent contractors,” WWE wrestlers do not get health insurance, pensions, and paid leave or other benefits that full‐time workers potentially receive. This article examines the hardships wrestlers as full‐time workers endure and challenges the notion that they are “independent contractors.”
Dynamical effects of thermal emission on asteroids
Authors: Mysen E.
Published: November 2007

An analytical model for the diurnal YORP and Yarkovsky effects is described, which reproduces the overall results from previous numerical studies. Important shape parameters are identified and general forms of the differential equations are presented. The force cosines for comet orbit solutions are modified in order to include both thermal lag and geometrical effects.
DETERMINANTS OF SECTORAL COMPOSITION IN A SMALL OPEN ECONOMY: THEORETICAL AND QUANTITATIVE INVESTIGATIONS OF THE PHILIPPINES
Authors: YUKI Kazuhiro
Published: November 2007

The Philippine economy since the 1980s has undergone shifts of production, employment, and consumption in the direction of the greater share of nontradable sectors, despite relatively stagnant economic growth. This paper examines sources of the sectoral shifts theoretically and quantitatively based on a dynamic model of a small open economy. The theoretical analysis identifies possible factors affecting the evolution of the sectoral composition: changes in sectoral total factor productivity (TFP), the tariff rate, and the terms of trade. Then, the relative importance of these factors is examined quantitatively by conducting simulations of the model calibrated to the Philippine economy.
FDI AND DOMESTIC INVESTMENT IN TAIWAN: AN ENDOGENOUS SWITCHING MODEL
Authors: LIN Hui‐lin , CHUANG Wen‐Bin
Published: November 2007

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of the FDI decision on domestic investment in the case of Taiwanese manufacturing firms. In addition, we also consider the deferral effect of the FDI decision and the role of firm size. To this end, this paper takes advantage of an endogenous switching model from which consistent estimators are obtained after correcting for the self‐selection problem. The empirical results show that the effect of these manufacturing firms’ FDI decisions on domestic investment is significant within the firms. Furthermore, a crowding‐out effect of FDI on domestic investment is found when Taiwanese firms engage in defensive FDI. Finally, FDI is found to have a positive influence on the domestic investment of the larger firms, while the influence is negative in the case of the smaller firms.
Gas Turbine Assessment for Air Management of Pressurized SOFC/GT Hybrid Systems
Authors: Traverso Alberto , Massardo Aristide , Roberts Rory A. , Brouwer Jack , Samuelsen Scott
Published: November 2007

This paper analyzes and compares transient and steady-state performance characteristics of different types of single-shaft turbo-machinery for controlling the air through a pressurized solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack that is integrated into a SOFC/GT pressurized hybrid system. Analyses are focused on the bottoming part of the cycle, where the gas turbine (GT) has the role of properly managing airflow to the SOFC stack for various loads and at different ambient conditions. Analyses were accomplished using two disparate computer programs, which each modeled a similar SOFC/GT cycle using identical generic gas turbine performance maps. The models are shown to provide consistent results, and they are used to assess: (1) the influence of SOFC exhaust composition on expander behavior for on-design conditions, (2) the off-design performance of the bypass, bleed, and variable speed controls for various part-load conditions and for different ambient conditions; (3) the features of such controls during abrupt transients such as load trip and bypass/bleed valve failure. The results show that a variable speed microturbine is the best option for off-design operation of a SOFC/GT hybrid system. For safety measures a bleed valve provides adequate control of the system during load trip. General specifications for a radial GT engine for integration with a 550kW pressurized SOFC stack are identified, which allow operation under a wide range of ambient conditions as well as several different cycle configurations.
Numerical Analysis of Current Distribution at Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Compared by Segmented Current Collector Cell
Authors: Onda Kazuo , Taniuchi Takuya , Araki Takuto , Sunakawa Daisuke
Published: November 2007

In order to grasp properly proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) power generation performances, it is necessary to know factors for water management such as diffusivity and electro-osmotic coefficient of water vapor through the membrane and factors for power loss such as active and resistive overpotentials. In this study, we have measured these factors to analyze our experimental results of PEMFC power generation tests by using our pseudo-two-dimensional simulation code. It considers simultaneously the mass, charge and energy conservation equations, and the equivalent electric circuit for PEMFC to give numerical distributions of hydrogen/oxygen concentrations, current density, and gas/cell-component temperatures. Various experimental conditions such as fuel and oxygen utilization rates, inlet dew-point temperature, averaged current density, and flow configuration (co- or counterflow) were changed, and all of the numerical distributions of current density agreed well with the measured distributions by segmented current collector. The current distributions were also obtained from hydrogen/oxygen concentration changes along the gas flow measured by gas chromatography. The current distributions measured by the two different methods coincided with each other, showing reliability of our measurement methods.
Rapid, Sensitive, and Specific Lateral-Flow Immunochromatographic Point-of-Care Device for Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2-Specific Immunoglobulin G Antibodies in Serum and Whole Blood
Authors: Laderman Elisabeth I. , Whitworth Emma , Dumaual Erickson , Jones Mark , Hudak Andrew , Hogrefe Wayne , Carney Jim , Groen Jan
Published: November 2007

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a common human pathogen that can cause a variety of clinical manifestations in humans. In order to provide near-patient results to allow for faster counseling and treatment, a rapid point-of-care test that is accurate and simple to use is desirable. Here, we describe the development and evaluation of an HSV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG)-specific antibody lateral-flow immunochromatographic assay (LFIA) based on colloidal gold nanoparticles. A total of 359 serum samples and 100 whole-blood samples were tested in the newly developed HSV-2 LFIA. Serum results were compared to those from the HerpeSelect HSV-2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and whole-blood sample results were compared to those of both ELISA and HerpeSelect HSV-1 and -2 immunoblotting (IB). The sensitivity of the HSV-2 LFIA compared to that of the HerpeSelect ELISA was 100% (89/89), and the specificity was 97.3% (257/264). Cross-reactivity with HSV-1 IgG-positive serum samples was observed in 2.6% (5/196) of samples, 2.9% (1/34) for rubella virus, and 6.2% (1/16) for Epstein-Barr virus. No cross-reactivity in varicella-zoster virus or cytomegalovirus IgG-positive serum samples was observed. No interference was observed from bilirubin-, triglyceride-, albumin-, or hemoglobin-spiked samples. The concordance of the LFIA results between capillary whole blood, EDTA-treated venous whole blood, heparin-treated venous whole blood, and serum was 99% (99/100). In conclusion, the LFIA for HSV-2 IgG-specific antibodies demonstrated excellent sensitivity, specificity, and concordance for both serum and whole-blood samples compared to the sensitivity, specificity, and concordance of both HSV-2 ELISA and IB.
Safety and Immunogenicity of Two Influenza Virus Subunit Vaccines, with or without MF59 Adjuvant, Administered to Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1-Seropositive and -Seronegative Adults
Authors: Durando P. , Fenoglio D. , Boschini A. , Ansaldi F. , Icardi G. , Sticchi L. , Renzoni A. , Fabbri P. , Ferrera A. , Parodi A. , Bruzzone B. , Gabutti G. , Podda A. , Del Giudice G. , Fragapane E. , Indiveri F. , Crovari P. , Gasparini R.
Published: November 2007

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare both the safety and tolerability and the humoral and cell-mediated immune responses for two influenza virus subunit vaccines, one with MF59 adjuvant (Fluad) and one without an adjuvant (Agrippal), in healthy and in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected adult individuals. To achieve this aim, an open, randomized, comparative clinical trial was performed during the 2005-2006 season. A total of 256 subjects were enrolled to receive one dose of vaccine intramuscularly. Blood samples were taken at the time of vaccination and at 1 and 3 months postvaccination. A good humoral antibody response was detected for both vaccines, meeting all the criteria of the Committee for Medical Products for Human Use. After Beyer's correction for prevaccination status, Fluad exhibited better immunogenicity than Agrippal, as shown from the analysis of the geometric mean titers, with significant differences for some virus strains; however, no definitive conclusions on the clinical significance of such results can be drawn, because the method used to estimate antibody response is currently nonstandard for influenza virus vaccines. Significant induction of an antigen-specific CD4
+
T-lymphocyte proliferative response was detected at all time points after immunization, for both the vaccines, among HIV-1-seronegative subjects. This was different from what was observed for HIV-1-infected individuals. In this group, significance was not reached at 30 days postvaccination (T30) for those immunized with Agrippal. Also when data were compared between treatment groups, a clear difference in the response at T30 was observed in favor of Fluad (
P
= 0.0002). The safety profiles of both vaccines were excellent. For HIV-1-infected individuals, no significant changes either in viremia or in the CD4
+
cell count were observed at any time point. The results showed good safety and immunogenicity for both vaccines under study for both uninfected and HIV-1-infected adults, confirming current recommendations for immunization of this high-risk category.
Protection against Shiga Toxin-ProducingEscherichia coliInfection by Transcutaneous Immunization with Shiga Toxin Subunit B
Authors: Zhu C. , Yu J. , Yang Z. , Davis K. , Rios H. , Wang B. , Glenn G. , Boedeker E. C.
Published: November 2007

EnterohemorrhagicEscherichia coli(EHEC) strains are important human food-borne pathogens. EHEC strains elaborate potent Shiga toxins (Stx1, and/or Stx2) implicated in the development of hemorrhagic colitis (HC) or hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). In this report, we evaluated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of Stx1 subunit B (StxB1) administered by transcutaneous immunization (TCI). Three groups of Dutch Belted rabbits received patches containing StxB1, StxB1 in combination withEscherichia coliheat-labile enterotoxin (LT), or LT alone. An additional group of naïve rabbits served as controls. The protective efficacy following TCI with StxB1 was assessed by challenging rabbits with a virulent Stx1-producing strain, RDEC-H19A, capable of inducing HC and HUS in rabbits. Antibodies specific to StxB1 from serum and bile samples were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and toxin neutralization test. Rabbits immunized with StxB1 demonstrated improved weight gain and reduced Stx-induced histopathology. Rabbits receiving StxB or StxB1/LT showed a significant increase in serum immunoglobulin G titers specific to StxB1 as well as toxin neutralization titers. These data demonstrated that the StxB delivered by TCI could induce significant systemic immune responses. Thus, Stx subunit B vaccine delivered by a patch for a high-risk population may be a practical approach to prevent (and/or reduce) Stx-induced pathology.
Evaluation of Endocarditis Caused by Methicillin-Susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
Developing Nonsusceptibility to Daptomycin
Authors: Sakoulas George , Rose Warren , Rybak Michael J. , Pillai Satish , Alder Jeff , Moellering Robert C. , Eliopoulos George M.
Published: November 2007

We examined sequential methicillin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates from a patient with mitral valve endocarditis recovered during persistent bacteremia on standard therapy and relapse after treatment with daptomycin. An isolate obtained after 5 days of antimicrobial therapy, but before exposure to daptomycin, showed subtle physiological changes in response to daptomycin, with significant regrowth in the daptomycin killing assay compared to the treatment-naive strain. Once daptomycin was started, the population became more heterogeneous and tested as nonsusceptible. These organisms were examined in a simulated-vegetation in vitro pharmacodynamic model, which confirmed progressive decreases in killing with daptomycin concentrations that simulate those attained in humans with 6-mg/kg of body weight daily dosing. Early surgical intervention or combination therapy or both might have prevented the loss of daptomycin susceptibility.
Virulence Genotypes and Phylogenetic Background ofEscherichia coliSerogroup O6 Isolates from Humans, Dogs, and Cats
Authors: Johnson James R. , Johnston Brian , Clabots Connie R. , Kuskowski Michael A. , Roberts Elisabeth , DebRoy Chitrita
Published: November 2007

Molecular evidence is limited for the hypothesis that humans, dogs, and cats can become colonized and infected with similar virulentEscherichia colistrains. To further assess this possibility, archivedE. coliO6 isolates (n= 130) from humans (n= 55), dogs (n= 59), and cats (n= 16), representing the three main H (flagellar) types within serogroup O6 (H1, H7, and H31), were analyzed, along with selected reference strains. Isolates underwent PCR-based phylotyping, multilocus sequence typing, PCR-based detection of 55 virulence-associated genes, and XbaI pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profiling. Three major sequence types (STs), which corresponded closely with H types, accounted for 99% of the 130 O6 isolates. Each ST included human, dog, and cat isolates; two included reference pyelonephritis isolates CFT073 (O6:K2:H1) and 536 (O6:K15:H31). Virulence genotypes overlapped considerably among host species, despite statistically significant differences between human and pet isolates. Several human and dog isolates from ST127 (O6:H31) exhibited identical virulence genotypes and highly similar PFGE profiles, consistent with cross-species exchange of specificE. coliclones. In conclusion, the close similarity in the genomic backbone and virulence genotype between certain human- and animal-sourceE. coliisolates within serogroup O6 supports the hypothesis of zoonotic potential.
Nocardia cyriacigeorgica
, an Emerging Pathogen in the United States
Authors: Schlaberg Robert , Huard Richard C. , Della-Latta Phyllis
Published: November 2007

Nocardia cyriacigeorgica
is recognized as an emerging pathogen in many parts of the world. We present the first case description of invasive
N. cyriacigeorgica
pulmonary infection in the United States identified to the species level by 16S rRNA and
hsp65
sequence analysis. A subsequent retrospective molecular screening of recent
Nocardia
clinical isolates at our New York City medical center yielded an additional six
N. cyriacigeorgica
isolates. Because routine laboratory algorithms for the phenotypic identification of
Nocardia
species are limited in practice, the true prevalence of
N. cyriacigeorgica
infections may be greater than currently appreciated. Indeed, we present evidence confirming that
N. cyriacigeorgica
is coincident with the unofficial species designation
Nocardia asteroides
complex antimicrobial susceptibility pattern type VI and distinct from the
N. asteroides
sensu stricto strain ATCC 19247
T
. As nocardial species identity can predict antimicrobial susceptibility and guide clinical management, we offer simplified phenotypic and molecular protocols to assist the identification of
N. cyriacigeorgica
.
Lasiodiplodia theobromae
Pneumonia in a Liver Transplant Recipient
Authors: Woo Patrick C. Y. , Lau Susanna K. P. , Ngan Antonio H. Y. , Tse Herman , Tung Edward T. K. , Yuen Kwok-Yung
Published: November 2007

We report a case of
Lasiodiplodia theobromae
pneumonia in a patient who died 14 days after cadaveric-liver transplantation. His condition was complicated by
Enterococcus faecium
peritonitis. Direct microscopy analysis of the bronchoalveolar lavage specimens showed septate hyphae. A dematiaceous mold was recovered and identified as
L. theobromae
by microscopic morphology and EF1α gene sequencing.
Evaluation of a
Chlamydophila psittaci
Infection Diagnostic Platform for Zoonotic Risk Assessment
Authors: Verminnen Kristel , Duquenne Barbara , De Keukeleire David , Duim Birgitta , Pannekoek Yvonne , Braeckman Lutgart , Vanrompay Daisy
Published: November 2007

Reports on zoonotic transmission of
Chlamydophila psittaci
originating from poultry are incidentally published. During recent studies in European turkeys we isolated
C. psittaci
genotypes A, B, D, E, F, and E/B, all considered potentially dangerous for humans. This encouraged us to analyze the zoonotic risk on a Belgian turkey farm, from production onset until slaughter, using a
Chlamydophila psittaci
diagnostic platform. Twenty individually marked hens, as well as the farmer and two scientists, were monitored medically. Bioaerosol monitoring, serology, isolation, and nested PCR demonstrated chlamydiosis on the farm leading to symptomatic psittacosis in all 3 persons involved.
ompA
sequencing confirmed the zoonotic transmission of
C. psittaci
genotype A. Strangely, two different antibody microimmunofluorescence (MIF) tests remained negative in all infected persons. The results demonstrate the value of the currently used diagnostic platform in demonstrating
C. psittaci
infections in both birds and humans but raise questions regarding use of the MIF test for diagnosing human psittacosis. In addition, our results suggest the underestimation of psittacosis in the poultry industry, stressing the need for a veterinary vaccine and recommendations for zoonotic risk reduction strategies.
Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis Caused by
Acanthamoeba
Amoebae of Genotype T2 in a Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Negative Patient
Authors: Walochnik Julia , Aichelburg Alexander , Assadian Ojan , Steuer Andrea , Visvesvara Govinda , Vetter Norbert , Aspöck Horst
Published: November 2007

Acanthamoeba
amoebae of genotype T2 were identified as the causative agent of
Acanthamoeba
skin lesions and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) in a human immunodeficiency virus-negative patient with underlying tuberculosis. To our knowledge this, is the first case of GAE involving genotype T2.
Epidemiological, Molecular, and Clinical Features of Enterovirus Respiratory Infections in French Children between 1999 and 2005
Authors: Jacques Jérôme , Moret Hélène , Minette Delphine , Lévêque Nicolas , Jovenin Nicolas , Deslée Gaetan , Lebargy François , Motte Jacques , Andréoletti Laurent
Published: November 2007

Enteroviruses (EVs) can induce nonspecific respiratory tract infections in children, but their epidemiological, virological, and clinical features remain to be assessed. In the present study, we analyzed 252 EV-related infection cases (median age of subjects, 5.1 years) diagnosed among 11,509 consecutive children visiting emergency departments within a 7-year period in the north of France. EV strains were isolated from nasopharyngeal samples by viral cell culture, identified by seroneutralization assay, and genetically compared by partial amplification and sequencing of the VP1 gene. The respiratory syndromes (79 [31%] of 252 EV infections) appeared as the second most common EV-induced pediatric pathology after meningitis (111 [44%] of 252 cases) (44 versus 31%,
P
< 10
−3
), contributing to lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in 43 (54%) of 79 EV respiratory infection cases. Bronchiolitis was the most common EV-induced LRTI (34 [43%] of 79 cases,
P
< 10
−3
) occurring more often in infants aged 1 to 12 months (
P
= 0.0002), with spring-fall seasonality. Viruses ECHO 11, 6, and 13 were the more frequently identified respiratory strains (24, 13, and 11%, respectively). The VP1 gene phylogenetic analysis showed the concomitant or successive circulation of genetically distinct EV respiratory strains (species A or B) during the same month or annual epidemic period. Our findings indicated that respiratory tract infections accounted for the 30% of EV-induced pediatric pathologies, contributing to LRTIs in 54% of these cases. Moreover, the concomitant or successive circulation of genetically distinct EV strains indicated the possibility of pediatric repeated respiratory infections within the same epidemic season.
Candida nivariensis
Isolated from an Indonesian Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patient Suffering from Oropharyngeal Candidiasis
Authors: Wahyuningsih Retno , SahBandar Ivo N. , Theelen Bart , Hagen Ferry , Poot Gé , Meis Jacques F. , Rozalyani Anna , Sjam Ridhawati , Widodo Djoko , Djauzi Samsuridjal , Boekhout Teun
Published: November 2007

Candida nivariensis
was isolated from an Indonesian human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient who suffered from oropharyngeal candidiasis and was identified with molecular tools. Our isolate demonstrated low MICs to amphotericin B, flucytosine, posaconazole, caspofungin, and isavuconazole and was susceptible to fluconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole.
Genetic Diversity of
Burkholderia pseudomallei
Isolates in Australia
Authors: Cheng Allen C. , Ward Linda , Godoy Daniel , Norton Robert , Mayo Mark , Gal Daniel , Spratt Brian G. , Currie Bart J.
Published: November 2007

Melioidosis is caused by the gram-negative saprophytic bacterium
Burkholderia pseudomallei
, which is endemic to southeast Asia and northern Australia. We have previously found evidence of geographic localization of strains based on multilocus sequence typing (MLST). In this study, we examined the diversity of 277 isolates from northern Australia, which were resolved into 159 different sequence types. No sequence types were common to both Queensland and the Northern Territory, and there was significant differentiation between the alleles present in the two regions. The considerable diversity in sequence types contrasts with the limited diversity of alleles at MLST loci, supporting previous work suggesting a high rate of recombination relative to mutation in
B. pseudomallei
, where new sequence types are primarily generated by reassortment of existing alleles.
Characterization of the Human Herpesvirus 6 U69 Gene Product and Identification of Its Nuclear Localization Signal
Authors: Isegawa Yuji , Miyamoto Yoichi , Yasuda Yoshinari , Semi Katsunori , Tsujimura Kenji , Fukunaga Rikiro , Ohshima Atsushi , Horiguchi Yasuhiro , Yoneda Yoshihiro , Sugimoto Nakaba
Published: November 2007

To elucidate the function of the U69 protein kinase of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) in vivo, we first analyzed its subcellular localization in HHV-6-infected Molt 3 cells by using polyclonal antibodies against the U69 protein. Immunofluorescence studies showed that the U69 signal localized to the nucleus in a mesh-like pattern in both HHV-6-infected and HHV6-transfected cells. A computer program predicted two overlapping classic nuclear localization signals (NLSs) in the N-terminal region of the protein; this NLS motif is highly conserved in the N-terminal region of most of the herpesvirus protein kinases examined to date. An N-terminal deletion mutant form of the protein failed to enter the nucleus, whereas a fusion protein of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and/or glutathione S-transferase (GST) and the U69 N-terminal region was transported into the nucleus, demonstrating that the predicted N-terminal NLSs of the protein actually function as NLSs. The nuclear transport of the GST-GFP fusion protein containing the N-terminal NLS of U69 was inhibited by wheat germ agglutinin and by the Q69L Ran-GTP mutant, indicating that the U69 protein is transported into the nucleus from the cytoplasm via classic nuclear transport machinery. A cell-free import assay showed that the nuclear transport of the U69 protein was mediated by importin α/β in conjunction with the small GTPase Ran. When the import assay was performed with a low concentration of each importin-α subtype, NPI2/importin-α7 elicited more efficient transport activity than did Rch1/importin-α1 or Qip1/importin-α3. These results suggest a relationship between the localization of NPI2/importin-α7 and the cell tropism of HHV-6.
Role of Intermolecular Interactions of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Nucleoprotein in RNA Encapsidation
Authors: Zhang Xin , Green Todd J. , Tsao Jun , Qiu Shihong , Luo Ming
Published: November 2007

The crystal structure of the vesicular stomatitis virus nucleoprotein (N) in complex with RNA reveals extensive and specific intermolecular interactions among the N molecules in the 10-member oligomer. What roles these interactions play in encapsidating RNA was studied by mutagenesis of the N protein. Three N mutants intended for disruption of the intermolecular interactions were designed and coexpressed with the phosphoprotein (P) in an
Escherichia coli
system previously described (T. J. Green et al., J. Virol. 74:9515-9524, 2000). Mutants N (Δ1-22), N (Δ347-352), and N (320-324, (Ala)
5
) lost RNA encapsidation and oligomerization but still bound with P. Another mutant, N (Ser290→Trp), was able to form a stable ring-like N oligomer and bind with the P protein but was no longer able to encapsidate RNA. The crystal structure of N (Ser290→Trp) at 2.8 Å resolution showed that this mutant can maintain all the same intermolecular interactions as the wild-type N except for a slight unwinding of the N-terminal lobe. These results suggest that the intermolecular contacts among the N molecules are required for encapsidation of the viral RNA.
Infection-Enhancing and -Neutralizing Activities of Mouse Monoclonal Antibodies against Dengue Type 2 and 4 Viruses Are Controlled by Complement Levels
Authors: Yamanaka Atsushi , Kosugi Saori , Konishi Eiji
Published: November 2007

Dengue viruses are distributed widely in the tropical and subtropical areas of the world and cause dengue fever and its severer form, dengue hemorrhagic fever. While neutralizing antibodies are considered to play a major role in protection from these diseases, antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection is an important mechanism involved in disease severity, in addition to the involvement of T lymphocytes. Here, we analyzed relationships between neutralizing and enhancing activities at a clonal level using models of dengue type 2 virus (DENV2) and dengue type 4 virus (DENV4). Totals of 33 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against DENV2 and 43 against DENV4 were generated, all directed to the envelope protein. In these MAbs, enhancing activities were shown at subneutralizing doses under normal ADE assay conditions where test samples were heat inactivated. However, the inclusion of commercial rabbit complement or fresh sera from healthy humans in the ADE assay system abolished the enhancing activities of all these MAbs. The reductive effect of fresh sera on enhancing activities was significantly reduced by their heat inactivation or the use of C1q- or C3-depleted sera. In some fresh sera, enhancing activities were shown within a range of 20 to 80% of normal complement levels in a dose-dependent fashion. These results indicate that a single antibody species possesses two distinct activities (neutralizing/enhancing), which are controlled by the level of complement, suggesting the involvement of complement in dengue disease severity. Fresh human sera also tended to reduce enhancing activities more effectively in homologous than heterologous combinations of viruses (DENV2/DENV4) and MAbs (against DENV2/DENV4).
Simian Virus 40 DNA Replication Is Dependent on an Interaction between Topoisomerase I and the C-Terminal End of T Antigen
Authors: Khopde Sujata , Simmons Daniel T.
Published: November 2007

Topoisomerase I (topo I) is needed for efficient initiation of simian virus 40 (SV40) DNA replication and for the formation of completed DNA molecules. Two distinct binding sites for topo I have been previously mapped to the N-terminal (residues 83 to 160) and C-terminal (residues 602 to 708) regions of T antigen. By mutational analysis, we identified a cluster of six residues on the surface of the helicase domain at the C-terminal binding site that are necessary for efficient binding to topo I in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and far-Western blot assays. Mutant T antigens with single substitutions of these residues were unable to participate normally in SV40 DNA replication. Some mutants were completely defective in supporting DNA replication, and replication was not enhanced in the presence of added topo I. The same mutants were the ones that were severely compromised in binding topo I. Other mutants demonstrated intermediate levels of activity in the DNA replication assay and were correspondingly only partially defective in binding topo I. Mutations of nearby residues outside this cluster had no effect on DNA replication or on the ability to bind topo I. These results strongly indicate that the association of topo I with these six residues in T antigen is essential for DNA replication. These residues are located on the back edges of the T-antigen double hexamer. We propose that topo I binds to one site on each hexamer to permit the initiation of SV40 DNA replication.
New World Clade B Arenaviruses Can Use Transferrin Receptor 1 (TfR1)-Dependent and -Independent Entry Pathways, and Glycoproteins from Human Pathogenic Strains Are Associated with the Use of TfR1
Authors: Flanagan Meg L. , Oldenburg Jill , Reignier Therese , Holt Nathalia , Hamilton Genevieve A. , Martin Vanessa K. , Cannon Paula M.
Published: November 2007

Arenaviruses are rodent-borne viruses, with five members of the family capable of causing severe hemorrhagic fevers if transmitted to humans. To date, two distinct cellular receptors have been identified that are used by different pathogenic viruses, α-dystroglycan by Lassa fever virus and transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) by certain New World clade B viruses. Our previous studies have suggested that other, as-yet-unknown receptors are involved in arenavirus entry. In the present study, we examined the use of TfR1 by the glycoproteins (GPs) from a panel of New World clade B arenaviruses comprising three pathogenic and two nonpathogenic strains. Interestingly, we found that TfR1 was only used by the GPs from the pathogenic viruses, with entry of the nonpathogenic strains being TfR1 independent. The pathogenic GPs could also direct entry into cells by TfR1-independent pathways, albeit less efficiently. A comparison of the abilities of TfR1 orthologs from different species to support arenavirus entry found that the human and feline receptors were able to enhance entry of the pathogenic strains, but that neither the murine or canine forms were functional. Since the ability to use TfR1 is a characteristic feature of the human pathogens, this interaction may represent an important target in the treatment of New World hemorrhagic fevers. In addition, the ability to use TfR1 may be a useful tool to predict the likelihood that any existing or newly discovered viruses in this family could infect humans.
Subtype-Specific Conformational Differences within the V3 Region of Subtype B and Subtype C Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Env Proteins
Authors: Patel Milloni B. , Hoffman Noah G. , Swanstrom Ronald
Published: November 2007

The V3 region of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120 Env protein is a key domain in Env due to its role in interacting with the coreceptors CCR5 and CXCR4. We examined potential subtype-specific V3 region differences by comparing patterns of amino acid variability and probing for subtype-specific structures using 11 anti-V3 monoclonal antibodies (V3 MAbs). Differences between the subtypes in patterns of variability were most evident in the stem and turn regions of V3 (positions 9 to 24), with the two subtypes being very similar in the base region. The characteristics of the binding of V3 MAbs to Env proteins of the subtype B virus JR-FL and the subtype C virus BR025 suggested three patterns, as each group of MAbs recognized a specific conformation- or sequence-based epitope. Viruses pseudotyped with Env from JR-FL and BR025 were resistant to neutralization by the V3 MAbs, although the replacement of the Env V3 region of the SF162 virus with the JR-FL V3 created a pseudotyped virus that was hypersensitive to neutralization. A single mutation in V3 (H13R) made this chimeric Env selectively resistant to one group of V3 MAbs, consistent with the mAb binding properties. We hypothesize that there are intrinsic differences in V3 conformation between subtype B and subtype C that are localized to the stem and turn regions and that these differences have two important biological consequences: first, subtype B and subtype C V3 regions can have subtype-specific epitopes that will inherently limit antibody cross-reactivity, and second, V3 conformational differences may potentiate the frequent evolution of R5- into X4-tropic variants of subtype B but limit subtype C virus from using the same mechanism to evolve X4-tropic variants as efficiently.