bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissemination of the Fosfomycin Resistance Gene
fosA3
with CTX-M β-Lactamase Genes and
rmtB
Carried on IncFII Plasmids among Escherichia coli Isolates from Pets in China
Authors: Hou Jianxia , Huang Xianhui , Deng Yuting , He Liangying , Yang Tong , Zeng Zhenling , Chen Zhangliu , Liu Jian-Hua
Published: January 2012

The presence and characterization of plasmid-mediated fosfomycin resistance determinants among
Escherichia coli
isolates collected from pets in China between 2006 and 2010 were investigated. Twenty-nine isolates (9.0%) were positive for
fosA3
, and all of them were CTX-M producers. The
fosA3
genes were flanked by IS
26
and were localized on F2:A−:B− plasmids or on very similar F33:A−:B− plasmids carrying both
bla
CTX-M-65
and
rmtB
. These findings indicate that the
fosA3
gene may be coselected by antimicrobials other than fosfomycin.
Determinants of Quinolone versus Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Use for Outpatient Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Stuck Anna K. , Täuber Martin G. , Schabel Maria , Lehmann Thomas , Suter Herbert , Mühlemann Kathrin
Published: January 2012

Quinolones are increasingly favored over trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) for empirical treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI). This is associated with increasing resistance toward this broad-spectrum group of antibiotics. Our objective is to describe the prescribing patterns and identify determinants of the choice between TMP-SMX and quinolones for outpatient UTI treatment in Switzerland. An ongoing national Sentinel surveillance system was used to study 11,799 antibiotic prescriptions for UTI in adult outpatients and associated physician and patient factors between 2006 and 2008, to compare the prescription of quinolones versus that of TMP-SMX for treatment of UTI. Most UTI episodes were diagnosed as cystitis (90%). TMP-SMX was prescribed for one-fifth (22%) of UTIs. Independent predictors for prescribing quinolones were pyelonephritis and physicians with low thresholds for prescribing antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections (“high prescribers”), whereas female patients were more likely to receive TMP-SMX. High-prescribing physicians also more often cared for patients who themselves favor antibiotic treatment (
P
< 0.001). Quinolones are commonly prescribed to outpatients with UTI. Nonclinical factors influence the choice of quinolones versus TMP-SMX, which may provide opportunities for interventions to improve prescribing patterns and control quinolone resistance.
First National Survey of Antibiotic Susceptibility of the Bacteroides fragilis Group: Emerging Resistance to Carbapenems in Argentina
Authors: Fernández-Canigia Liliana , Litterio Mirta , Legaria María C. , Castello Liliana , Predari Silvia C. , Di Martino Ana , Rossetti Adelaida , Rollet Raquel , Carloni Graciela , Bianchini Hebe , Cejas Daniela , Radice Marcela , Gutkind Gabriel ,   the Anaerobe Surveillance Team
Published: January 2012

The antibiotic susceptibility rates of 363 clinical
Bacteroides fragilis
group isolates collected from 17 centers in Argentina during the period from 2006 to 2009 were as follows: piperacillin-tazobactam, 99%; ampicillin-sulbactam, 92%; cefoxitin, 72%; tigecycline, 100%; moxifloxacin, 91%; and clindamycin, 52%. No metronidazole resistance was detected in these isolates during this time period. Resistance to imipenem, doripenem, and ertapenem was observed in 1.1%, 1.6%, and 2.3% of
B. fragilis
group strains, respectively.
B. fragilis
species showed a resistance profile of 1.5% to imipenem, 1.9% to doripenem, and 2.4% to ertapenem. This is the first report of carbapenem resistance in Argentina. The
cfiA
gene was present in 8 out of 23 isolates, all of them belonging to the
B. fragilis
species and displaying reduced susceptibility or resistance to carbapenems (MICs ≥ 4 μg/ml). Three out of eight
cfiA
-positive isolates were fully resistant to carbapenems, while 5 out of 8 isolates showed low-level resistance (MICs, 4 to 8 μg/ml). The inhibition by EDTA was a good predictor of the presence of metallo-β-lactamases in the fully resistant
B. fragilis
strains, but discrepant results were observed for low-level resistant isolates.
B. fragilis
was more susceptible to antimicrobial agents than other
Bacteroides
species.
Bacteroides vulgatus
species was the most resistant to ampicillin-sulbactam and piperacillin-tazobactam, and
B. thetaiotaomicron/ovatus
strains showed the highest level of resistance to carbapenems, with an unknown resistance mechanism.
B. vulgatus
and the uncommon non-
Bacteroides fragilis
species were the most resistant to moxifloxacin, showing an overall resistance rate of 15.1%.
Temporal Interplay between Efflux Pumps and Target Mutations in Development of Antibiotic Resistance in Escherichia coli
Authors: Singh Renu , Swick Michelle C. , Ledesma Kimberly R. , Yang Zhen , Hu Ming , Zechiedrich Lynn , Tam Vincent H.
Published: January 2012

The emergence of resistance presents a debilitating change in the management of infectious diseases. Currently, the temporal relationship and interplay between various mechanisms of drug resistance are not well understood. A thorough understanding of the resistance development process is needed to facilitate rational design of countermeasure strategies. Using an
in vitro
hollow-fiber infection model that simulates human drug treatment, we examined the appearance of efflux pump (
acrAB
) overexpression and target topoisomerase gene (
gyrA
and
parC
) mutations over time in the emergence of quinolone resistance in
Escherichia coli
. Drug-resistant isolates recovered early (24 h) had 2- to 8-fold elevation in the MIC due to
acrAB
overexpression, but no point mutations were noted. In contrast, high-level (≥64× MIC) resistant isolates with target site mutations (
gyrA
S83L with or without
parC
E84K) were selected more readily after 120 h, and regression of
acrAB
overexpression was observed at 240 h. Using a similar dosing selection pressure, the emergence of levofloxacin resistance was delayed in a strain with
acrAB
deleted compared to the isogenic parent. The role of efflux pumps in bacterial resistance development may have been underappreciated. Our data revealed the interplay between two mechanisms of quinolone resistance and provided a new mechanistic framework in the development of high-level resistance. Early low-level levofloxacin resistance conferred by
acrAB
overexpression preceded and facilitated high-level resistance development mediated by target site mutation(s). If this interpretation is correct, then these findings represent a paradigm shift in the way quinolone resistance is thought to develop.
Transfer of bacterial production based on labile carbon to higher trophic levels in an oligotrophic pelagic system
Authors: Faithfull Carolyn , Huss Magnus , Vrede Tobias , Karlsson Jan , Bergström Ann-Kristin
Published: January 2012

Additions of labile organic carbon (C) enhanced bacterial production (BP) and were associated with increases in crustacean zooplankton and planktivorous fish biomasses. This was shown in a mesocosm experiment where we traced the contribution of BP to zooplankton and fish using stable isotopes and labile glucose-C as a biomarker. BP increased with glucose-C addition, and all zooplankton and fish incorporated some glucose-C. However, the effect of labile-C addition on zooplankton was taxa-dependant, as although cladocerans incorporated the most labile-C, increased BP did not affect cladoceran biomass. Instead, calanoid copepod biomass increased with glucose addition. This suggests that the ability to selectively graze on high quality food, such as bacterial grazing protists capable of trophic upgrading, had a stronger positive effect on calanoid copepods biomass than unselective grazing on bacteria and protists had on cladoceran biomass. Higher BP was associated with increased survival and population growth of young-of-the-year perch ( Perca fluviatilis ) when stocked at high densities, which suggested that BP had a density-dependant positive effect on fish growth.
Histone H3 methylation patterns in Brassica nigra, Brassica juncea, and Brassica carinata species
Authors: Braszewska-Zalewska Agnieszka , Dziurlikowska Alina , Maluszynska Jolanta
Published: January 2012

Core histones are subjected to various post-translational modifications, and one of them, most intensively studied in plants, is the methylation of histone H3. In the majority of analyzed plant species, dimethylation of H3 at lysine 9 (H3K9me2) is detected in heterochromatin domains, whereas methylation of H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me2) is detected in euchromatin domains. The distribution of H3K9me2 in the interphase nucleus seems to be correlated with genome size, chromatin organization, but also with tissue specificity. In this paper, we present the analysis of the pattern and level of histone H3 methylation for two allotetraploid and one diploid Brassica species. We have found that the pattern of H3K9me2 in interphase nuclei from root meristematic tissue is comparable within the analyzed species and includes both heterochromatin and euchromatin, but the level of modification differs not only among species but even among nuclei in the same phase of the cell cycle within one species. Moreover, the differences in the level of H3K9me2 are not directly coupled with DNA content in the nuclei and are probably tissue specific.
Systemic hemodynamic function in humans with type 1 diabetes treated with protein kinase Cβ inhibition and renin–angiotensin system blockade: a pilot study
Authors: Cherney David Z.I. , Reich Heather N. , Scholey James W. , Lai Vesta , Slorach Cameron , Zinman Bernard , Bradley Timothy J.
Published: January 2012

The protein kinase Cβ (PKCβ) system has been implicated in the deleterious vascular responses to hyperglycemia and angiotensin II (Ang II) in experimental models of diabetes (DM). Whether these interactions are important in humans is unknown. Flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD) was measured during clamped euglycemia and hyperglycemia, before and after randomization to PKCβ inhibition (ruboxistaurin; RBX, 32 mg daily, n = 13) or a placebo (n = 7) for 8 weeks in renin–angiotensin system (RAS) blockade-treated subjects with type 1 DM. Blood pressure responses to infused Ang II were measured before and after randomization to RBX or a placebo. The RBX and placebo groups displayed similar clinical characteristics. Before RBX, FMD declined in response to hyperglycemia (6.8% ± 2.8% to 4.9% ± 1.8%). This effect was reversed after treatment with RBX (5.6% ± 3.1% to 6.0% ± 1.6% (within-group change, p = 0.009 (ANOVA)). No changes were observed in the placebo group. Infused Ang II was associated with hypertensive responses in the RBX and placebo groups (p < 0.05 (ANOVA)), and RBX did not influence this effect. In conclusion, RBX blunted the effect of hyperglycemia on FMD, suggesting that PKCβ may modulate endothelial function in type 1 DM. The lack of effect on Ang II responses suggests that PKCβ inhibition may act through non-RAS pathways in humans with DM.
Low efficiency of functional translation of ouabain-resistant α2-Na+,K+-ATPase mRNA in C7-MDCK epithelial cells
Authors: Akimova Olga A. , Van Huysse James , Tremblay Johanne , Orlov Sergei N.
Published: January 2012

Na+,K+-ATPase is a heterodimer consisting of catalytic α1–α4 and regulatory β1–β3 subunits. Recently, we reported that transfection with ouabain-resistant α1R-Na+,K+-ATPase rescues renal epithelial C7-MDCK cells exclusively expressing the ouabain-sensitive α1S-isoform from the cytotoxic action of ouabain. To explore the role of α2 subunit in ion transport and cytotoxic action of ouabain, we compared the effect of ouabain on K+(86Rb) influx and the survival of ouabain-treated C7-MDCK cells stably transfected with α1R- and α2R-Na+,K+-ATPase. α2R mRNA in transfected cells was ∼8-fold more abundant than α1R mRNA, whereas immunoreactive α2R protein content was 5-fold lower than endogenous α1S protein. A concentration of 10 µmol/L ouabain led to complete inhibition of86Rb influx both in mock- and α2R-transfected cells, whereas maximal inhibition of86Rb influx in α1R-transfectd cells was observed at 1000 µmol/L ouabain. In contrast to the massive death of mock- and α2R-transfected cells exposed to 3 µmol/L ouabain , α1R-cells survived after 24 h incubation with 1000 µmol/L ouabain. Thus, our results show that unlike α1R, the presence of α2R-Na+,K+-ATPase subunit mRNA and immunoreactive protein does not contribute to Na+/K+pump activity, and does not rescue C7-MDCK cells from the cytotoxic action of ouabain. Our results also suggest that the lack of impact of transfected α2-Na+,K+-ATPase on Na+/K+pump activity and cell survival can be attributed to the low efficiency of its translation and (or) delivery to the plasma membrane of renal epithelial cells.
ON THE CIRCUIT-SIZE OF INVERSES
Authors: BIRGET J. C.
Published: January 2012

We reprove a result of Boppana and Lagarias: If [Formula: see text] then there exists a partial function f that is computable by a polynomial-size family of circuits, but no inverse of f is computable by a polynomial-size family of circuits. We strengthen this result by showing, if [Formula: see text], that there exist length-preserving total functions that are one-way by circuit size and that are computable in uniform polynomial time. We also prove, if [Formula: see text], that there exist polynomially balanced total surjective functions that are one-way by circuit size; here non-uniformity is used.
THE GREEN FUNCTION OF THE KLEIN–GORDON EQUATION IN BLACK-HOLE COORDINATES
Authors: MARTINEZ-MORALES JOSE L.
Published: January 2012

The Green function of the Klein–Gordon equation in black-hole coordinates is calculated. This function is a sum on the harmonic modes of the sphere. The first term is a double integration on the spectrum of energy, and the momentum of the particle. Far from the horizon, the double integration is approximated by an integration on a line defined by the relation of energy and momentum of a free particle. Assumptions of time-independence and radial symmetry are made.
STIGMERGIC LANDMARK OPTIMIZATION
Authors: LEMMENS N. , TUYLS K.
Published: January 2012

In this paper we present three Swarm Intelligence algorithms which we evaluate on the complex foraging task domain. Each of the algorithms draws inspiration from biologic bee foraging/nest-site selection behavior. The main focus will be on the third algorithm, namely STIGMERGIC LANDMARK FORAGING which is a novel hybrid approach. It combines the high performance of bee-inspired navigation with ant-inspired recruitment. More precisely, navigation is based on Path Integration which results in vectors indicating the distance and direction to a destination. Recruitment only occurs at key locations (i.e., landmarks) inside of the environment. Each landmark contains a collection of vectors with which visiting agents can find their way to a certain goal or to another landmark in an unknown environment. Each vector represents a local segment of a global route. In contrast to ant-inspired recruitment, no attracting or repelling pheromone is used to indicate where to go and how worthwhile a route is in comparison to other routes. Instead, each vector in a landmark has a certain strength indicating how worthwhile it is. In analogy to ant-inspired recruitment, vector strength can be reinforced by visiting agents. Moreover, vector strength decays over time. In the end, this results in optimal routes to destinations. STIGMERGIC LANDMARK FORAGING proves to be very efficient in terms of building and adapting solutions.
Internal Noise Caused by the Memory
Authors: Fichtner Karl-Heinz , Fichtner Lars , Inoue Kei , Ohya Masanori
Published: January 2012

In modern brain research, an internal noise caused by the memory is represented by the output of EEG-measurement. However, based on classical models specialists in EEG-mapping cannot explain the observed properties of the internal noise. In this paper using the quantum models we consider the asymptotic behaviour of the internal noise caused by the memory.
DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES BETWEEN PATENTS, REGISTERED DESIGNS AND COPYRIGHTS: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM THE NETHERLANDS
Authors: MOL MISCHA C. , MASUREL ENNO
Published: January 2012

Most of the literature on intellectual property protection focuses on patenting and neglects alternatives, such as registered designs and copyrights. The literature that includes these alternatives generally treats them as nominal alternatives, and ignores the fact that copyrights are cheaper and easier to obtain than patents or registered designs, which would make it more sensible to treat them as ordinal. However, this ordinal behaviour could not be confirmed on the Dutch 2006 Community Innovation Survey dataset. Treating our protection variable as multinomial confirmed the influences on patenting found in the literature, but showed registered designs and copyrights to behave differently.
A taxonomy of models used in the design process
Authors: Mendel Joanne
Published: January 2012

Models help bridge the gap between observing and making---especially when systems are involved (as in designing for interaction, service, and evolution). This forum introduces new models, links them to existing models, and describes their histories and why they matter.

Hugh Dubberly, Editor
"Understanding our online communication processes" by Munmun De Choudhury with Danielle H. Lee as coordinator
Authors: De Choudhury Munmun
Published: January 2012

This article presents an overview of the dissertation work entitled "Analyzing the Dynamics of Communication in Online Social Networks", by Munmun De Choudhury. It was completed in 2011 at the Arizona State University, Tempe, under the supervision of Prof. Hari Sundaram. The dissertation deals with the analysis of interpersonal communication dynamics in online social networks and social media. Communication dynamics have been of interest to researchers from multi-faceted domains over the past several decades. However, today we are faced with several modern capabilities encompassing a host of social media websites. This research is geared towards developing methods, tools and frameworks towards understanding and addressing the associated challenges of making sense of the modern online communication processes. We believe that this research can make significant contribution into a better understanding of how we communicate online and how it is redefining our collective sociological behavior.
A quantitative analysis of WWW, hypertext and JCDL conferences in the last decade
Authors: Bergamaschi Reinaldo A. , Rezende Rodrigo Carvalho , De Oliveira Henrique Przibisczki , Kumon Akihito
Published: January 2012

Using the database of articles available in the Odysci Academic Search Engine, we generated statistics and metrics for three conferences of interest to the SIGWEB community, namely WWW, Hypertext & Hypermedia and JCDL, for the last decade. We also computed the PageRank metric for all papers in these three conferences in the last decade and plotted their variation with the publication year. The graphs presented here are indicative of the variations of the quality of these conferences over the years, and how they compare in numbers. However, these graphs are not supposed to be interpreted as absolute quality measures. Difference in range of topics and target audience in these conferences make direct comparisons less meaningful. Still the evolution of the metrics do indicate trends in each conference's quality that may be used to help plan future conferences.
Report on the SIGIR workshop on "entertain me"
Authors: Belkin Nicholas J. , Clarke Charles L.A. , Gao Ning , Kamps Jaap , Karlgren Jussi
Published: January 2012

Searchers with a complex information need typically slice-and-dice their problem into several queries and subqueries, and laboriously combine the answers post hoc to solve their tasks. Consider planning a social event at the last day of SIGIR, in the unknown city of Beijing, factoring in distances, timing, and preferences on budget, cuisine, and entertainment. A system supporting the entire search episode should "know" a lot, either from profiles or implicit information, or from explicit information in the query or from feedback. This may lead to the (interactive) construction of a complexly structured query, but sometimes the most obvious query for a complex need is dead simple: entertain me. Rather than returning ten-blue-lines in response to a 2.4-word query, the desired system should support searchers during their whole task or search episode, by iteratively constructing a complex query or search strategy, by exploring the result-space at every stage, and by combining the partial answers into a coherent whole.

The workshop brought together a varied group of researchers covering both user and system centered approaches, who worked together on the problem and potential solutions. There was a strong feeling that we made substantial progress. First, there was general optimism on the wealth of contextual information that can be derived from context or natural interactions without the need for obstrusive explicit feedback. Second, the task of "contextual suggestions"--matching specific types of results against rich profiles--was identified as a manageable first step, and concrete plans for such as track were discussed in the aftermath of the workshop. Third, the identified dimensions of variation--such as the level of engagement, or user versus system initiative--give clear suggestions of the types of input a searcher is willing or able to give and the type of response expected from a system.
Breast and Abdominal Adipose Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Stage-Specific Embryonic Antigen 4 Expression
Authors: Maddox Jacquelyn R. , Ludlow Katherine D. , Li Feng , Niyibizi Christopher
Published: January 2012

We assessed human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) harvested from breast and abdominal adipose tissues enriched in embryonic stage-specific antigen (SSEA-4) expression for osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation in comparison to a mixed cell population. Human adipose was obtained from abdominal and breast tissues of females undergoing gastric bypass and breast reduction, respectively. SSEA-4-expressing cells were enriched from the mixed cell population by magnetic cell sorting and expanded in culture. The results showed that freshly isolated cells from breast and abdominal tissues based on adipose from 3 patients comprised 12 and 10% SSEA-4+ cells, respectively. At passage 0, 48% of the cells from breast adipose tissue were positive for SSEA-4 while 12% of the cells from abdominal adipose tissue were positive for this antigen. The level of SSEA-4-expressing cells remained relatively constant with passaging; SSEA-4-expressing cells from breast tissue comprised 45% of the total while 27% of the cells from abdominal adipose tissue expressed SSEA-4 at passage 5. Cells sorted for SSEA-4 expression exhibited a higher potential for differentiation toward osteogenic and adipogenc cell lineages in vitro when compared to a mixed population. Interestingly, SSEA-4 expression was lost upon differentiation, suggesting that the antigen marks a subpopulation of MSCs. Taken together, the data demonstrate that breast adipose tissue is highly enriched in a subpopulation of MSCs expressing SSEA-4 and suggest that SSEA-4 may be a marker of a subpopulation of MSCs with high potential for osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation.
Clostridium difficile Toxins: Mediators of Inflammation
Authors: Shen Aimee
Published: January 2012

Clostridium difficile is a significant problem in hospital settings as the most common cause of nosocomial diarrhea worldwide. C. difficile infections (CDIs) are characterized by an acute intestinal inflammatory response with neutrophil infiltration. These symptoms are primarily caused by the glucosylating toxins, TcdA and TcdB. In the past decade, the frequency and severity of CDIs have increased markedly due to the emergence of so-called hypervirulent strains that overproduce cytotoxic glucosylating toxins relative to historical strains. In addition, these strains produce a third toxin, binary toxin or C. difficile transferase (CDT), that may contribute to hypervirulence. Both the glucosylating toxins and CDT covalently modify target cell proteins to cause disassembly of the actin cytoskeleton and induce severe inflammation. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the mechanisms by which glucosylating toxins and CDT disrupt target cell function, alter host physiology and stimulate immune responses.
Treatment of Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors with Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy
Authors: van Vliet Esther I. , Teunissen Jaap J.M. , Kam Boen L.R. , de Jong Marion , Krenning Eric P. , Kwekkeboom Dik J.
Published: January 2012

The primary treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEPNETs) is surgery with curative intent or debulking of the tumor mass. In case of metastatic disease, cytoreductive options are limited. A relatively new therapeutic modality, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with radiolabeled somatostatin analogs, is currently available in a number of mostly European centers. Complete and partial responses obtained after treatment with [90Y-DOTA⁰,Tyr3]octreotide are in the same range as after treatment with [177Lu-DOTA⁰,Tyr3]octreotate (i.e. 10–30%). However, significant nephrotoxicity has been observed after treatment with [90Y-DOTA⁰,Tyr3]octreotide. Options to improve PRRT may include combinations of radioactive labeled somatostatin analogs, intra-arterial administration, and the use of radiosensitizing drugs combined with PRRT. Other therapeutic applications of PRRT may include additional therapy cycles in patients with progressive disease after benefit from initial therapy, PRRT in adjuvant or neoadjuvant setting, or PRRT combined with new targeted therapies, such as sunitinib or everolimus. Randomized clinical trials comparing PRRT with other treatment modalities, or comparing various radioactive labeled somatostatin analogs should be undertaken to determine the best treatment options and treatment sequelae for patients with GEPNETs.
The impact of gender on early ill-health retirement in people with heart disease and depression
Authors: Paradise Matt B , Naismith Sharon L , Davenport Tracey A , Hickie Ian B , Glozier Nick S
Published: January 2012

Objective: Depression and heart disease are major causes of early ill-health retirement. The effect of comorbid depression on the award of ill-health retirement in those with heart disease is unclear, however, and may differ by gender. Given the deleterious effects of ill-health retirement, identifying at-risk groups is important for guiding targeted interventions.

Method: We retrospectively analysed baseline data of 20,655 participants from the 45 and Up Study (New South Wales, Australia), who had fully retired between the ages of 45 and 64. We examined the associations of depression and heart disease with ill-health retirement and then adjusted for the presence of common confounders. We then restricted the sample to the 1165 individuals with heart disease prior to retirement, to determine the impact of comorbid depression on IHR and analysed whether there was a differential impact by gender.

Results: In the complete sample, 3836 out of 20,655 (18.6%) of the participants retired early due to ill health. Prior heart disease and depression were both independently and strongly associated with ill-health retirement. Those who retired due to ill health were also more likely to be men, less educated, report greater physical disability and were younger at retirement. Among the 1165 for whom heart disease predated any form of retirement, 40% retired due to ill health. Comorbid depression prior to ill-health retirement was strongly associated with an increased risk of this IHR in women (odds ratio = 2.85; 95% confidence interval = 1.20–6.77, p = 0.01), but not in men (interaction term, p = 0.045).

Conclusions: Ill-health retirement is common in those with heart disease. Women appear to be particularly susceptible to the effects of comorbid depression. Given the policy emphasis on reducing the number of people leaving the workforce early, women with early heart disease may represent a particular group in whom interventions designed to detect and treat comorbid depression should be targeted.
Changes in psychological distress in Australian adults between 1995 and 2011
Authors: Jorm Anthony F , Reavley Nicola J
Published: January 2012

Objective: To monitor changes in psychological distress in Australia over a 16-year period during which the availability of mental health services was increasing.

Method: Data on psychological distress using the 4-NS scale were analysed from national surveys of adults carried out in 1995, 2003–04 and 2011.

Results: No change in psychological distress was found.

Conclusions: The data show no improvement in adult mental health during a period when the availability of pharmacological, psychological and population interventions increased. Regular population monitoring of mental health is needed in the future in order to identify emerging needs and to evaluate the impact of service improvements and preventive programmes.
Risk assessment of self- and other-directed aggression in adolescent psychiatric inpatient units
Authors: Phillips Natalie L , Stargatt Robyn , Brown Annya
Published: January 2012

Objective: To examine the predictive validity of unstructured clinical risk assessment and associated risk factors for aggression in predicting self- and other-directed aggression in the first 4 weeks of admission for patients admitted to an Australian adolescent psychiatric inpatient facility.

Method: A retrospective review of patient records was conducted at the Marian Drummond Adolescent Unit during late 2009 for the period of September 2006 to July 2009. Information collected included admission risk assessment ratings, aggressive incident reports, patient diagnoses, sex and history of aggression and self-harming behaviour.

Results: A total of 193 adolescents (aged 13–18 years old) were included in retrospective analyses. The hypothesis that unstructured clinical risk assessment would be predictive of self- and other-directed aggression was partially supported. High risk assessment scores were predictive of engagement in other-directed aggression. A history of physical aggression was also found to be predictive of engagement in other-directed aggression; however, it was not as predictive as the risk assessment rating. High risk assessment scores were not predictive of self-directed aggression. A history of engaging in one or more acts of self-harm or suicide was the most predictive of engagement in self-directed aggression during inpatient stay. Female sex also predicted engagement in self-directed aggression.

Conclusions: Based on professional expertise, prior experience and intuition, clinicians are relatively good predictors of other-directed aggression in adolescent inpatient units; however, they are less successful at predicting self-directed aggression in this population. It is possible that, unlike other-directed aggression, self-harming behaviour is heavily dependent on environmental factors and that admission to the inpatient unit removes these triggers from the individual’s environment.
The contribution of BDNF and 5-HTT polymorphisms and early life stress to the heterogeneity of major depressive disorder: A preliminary study
Authors: Quinn Candice R , Dobson-Stone Carol , Outhred Tim , Harris Anthony , Kemp Andrew H
Published: January 2012

Objective: Two reported genetic polymorphisms related to the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) and reuptake by the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) appear to contribute to depression in combination with stressful life events. The aim of the current study was to investigate the contribution of early life stress (ELS), BDNF (Val versus Met alleles) and 5-HTT polymorphisms (L versus S alleles) to melancholic ( n = 65) and non-melancholic depression ( n = 59).

Methods: A mediation approach ((G × G) × E mediation model) was employed to confirm the indirect effects of ELS on the relationship between 5-HTTPLR × BDNF polymorphism combinations and depression subtype. A series of binary logistic regressions were then conducted to determine whether genotype, ELS, and their interaction were able to predict depression subtype.

Results: Key findings indicated that BDNF and 5-HTT polymorphisms in combination with ELS contributed to the development of non-melancholic depression. An interaction between BDNF and ELS increased the risk of non-melancholia by 3.327, whereas the interaction between 5-HTT and ELS increased risk by 2.406.

Conclusion: The results support a role for genetic factors in the development of non-melancholia. The lack of findings in melancholia indicates that other mechanisms may underlie the subtype. Alternatively, null findings may reflect a Type II error associated with a small sample size. Future studies should consider further examination of differential gene–environment interactions for melancholia versus non-melancholia.
The role of alprazolam for the treatment of panic disorder in Australia
Authors: Moylan Steven , Giorlando Francesco , Nordfjærn Trond , Berk Michael
Published: January 2012

Objective: To investigate the potential impact of increasing prescription rates of alprazolam for the treatment of panic disorder (PD) in Australia through a review of efficacy, tolerability and adverse outcome literature.

Methods: Data were sourced by a literature search using MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and a manual search of scientific journals to identify relevant articles. Clinical practice guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association, National Institute of Clinical Excellence, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry were sourced. Prescription data were sourced from Australian governmental sources.

Results: Alprazolam has shown efficacy for control of PD symptoms, particularly in short-term controlled clinical trials, but is no longer recommended as a first-line pharmacological treatment due to concerns about the risks of developing tolerance, dependence and abuse potential. Almost no evidence is available comparing alprazolam to current first-line pharmacological treatment. Despite this, prescription rates are increasing. A number of potential issues including use in overdose and impact on car accidents are noted.

Conclusion: Although effective for PD symptoms in clinical trials, a number of potential issues may exist with use. Consideration of its future place in PD treatment in Australia may be warranted.
Changes in the prevalence of psychological distress and use of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications associated with comorbid chronic diseases in the adult Australian population, 2001–2008
Authors: Atlantis Evan , Sullivan Thomas , Sartorius Norman , Almeida Osvaldo P
Published: January 2012

Objective: To investigate changes in the prevalence of psychological distress and use of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications associated with comorbid chronic diseases in the adult Australian population from 2001 to 2008.

Methods: Participants were 48,359 adults aged ≥ 25 years from the 2001, 2004–05 or 2007–08 Australian National Health Surveys. Clinically significant psychological distress was determined with the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (using scores ≥ 30). Contemporaneous use of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications and the presence of chronic diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, asthma and arthritis were by self-report.

Results: Overall, the prevalence of psychological distress was relatively stable (3.9 vs. 3.7%) between 2001 and 2008, but increased from 5.9 to 7.0% and 4.6 to 5.0% for people with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In contrast, the use of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications decreased from 7.3 to 4.8% across all disease categories. On average, the odds of psychological distress and use of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications was 1.15 to 1.59-fold and 1.10 to 1.64-fold higher, respectively, for all chronic diseases after adjustments for socio-demographic and lifestyle variables. After further adjustment for all chronic disease predictors fitted jointly, these associations decreased in strength (percentage change in the log odds ratio) by 14 to 98%. Each additional chronic disease increased the odds of both psychological distress (1.34-fold higher) and use of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications (1.40-fold higher) in a dose–response manner.

Conclusions: Although the prevalence of psychological distress changed little for adult Australians between 2001 and 2008, it increased for people with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Conversely, the reported use of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications progressively decreased for people with, and without, chronic diseases. Overall, there was a persistently higher psychopathology burden associated with each and increasing number of comorbid chronic diseases.
Emotional investment
Authors: Allen Lisa Farinelli , Babin Elizabeth A. , McEwan Bree
Published: January 2012

This study examined the utility of the investment model in understanding the experience and expression of emotion in young adult friendships (179 undergraduate students). The results provide support for the utility of the investment model components (i.e., satisfaction, investment, alternative quality, and commitment) in understanding (a) friends’ anger and guilt experiences and (b) the four types of anger expression examined (i.e., integrative assertion, passive aggression, distributive aggression, and non-assertive denial), but the model provided limited support for the four types of guilt expressions examined (i.e., apology–concession, explanations–justification, guilt appeasement, and denial–withdrawal). Support was found for the investment model’s claim that commitment serves a mediating role between the other model components (i.e., satisfaction, investment, and alternative quality) and other relational components.
Structural dynamics of the foldable stairs
Authors: Zhao Jing-Shan , Wang Jian-Yi , Chu Fu-Lei , Feng Zhi-Jing , Dai Jian S
Published: January 2012

This article proposes a structural dynamics method for foldable stairs based on transfer matrix. The stairs are made up of a number of identical scissor-like elements which are supposed to be Euler–Bernoulli beams. The dynamics of each segment beam between every two adjacent revolute joints can be precisely expressed by the transfer matrix of the segment with the variables of boundary conditions of the joints. Therefore, the structural dynamics of the whole stairs is built using the least number of variables compared with the traditional methods. In addition, this method avoids the problem of the traditional transfer-matrix method that the number of variables greatly increases when there are a huge number of cross-joints within a structure.
Kinematic and dynamic analyses of the multi-actuated mechanical press with parallel topology
Authors: Bai YongJun , Gao Feng , Guo WeiZhong , Yue Yi
Published: January 2012

This article proposes a new type of multi-actuated mechanical press with parallel topology to develop high stamping capacity. Four active limbs actuated by servomotor deliver forces and motions to moving platform, and the passive limbs are driven by moving platform to push or pull the ram. This four-input-single-output system realizes multiple actuations without causing being over-constrained. Due to infinite number of solutions for the inverse kinematics, selection of actuation schemes for given ram trajectories is more crucial. Further, the principle of virtual work is used in the inverse dynamic problem. By choosing the pose variables of moving platform as generalized coordinates to describe the manipulator system, the linear form of dynamic models is derived. A typical deep-drawing process with nominal 25,000 kN capacity and 1200 mm stroke is simulated, and the required driving torques are computed. These performance analyses provide a basis to the design of the control law or the estimation of servomotor parameters for the mechanical press.
Adjuvant immunization induces high levels of pathogenic antiphospholipid antibodies in genetically prone mice: another facet of the ASIA syndrome
Authors: Katzav A , Kivity S , Blank M , Shoenfeld Y , Chapman J
Published: January 2012

Adjuvants may induce autoimmune diseases in susceptible individuals, a phenomenon recently defined as autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA). Patients with both antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) and the genetic coagulopathy factor V Leiden (FVL) are frequently found. We therefore evaluated whether adjuvant can induce aPL in heterozygous FVL mice. aPL were measured in naïve mice and at 1 and 5 months after immunization with either complete or incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA, IFA) in FVL and control C57/B6 background mice. We defined antibody levels 3 SD above the mean of C57/B6 mice immunized with adjuvant as positive (specificity of 99%). For β2GPI-dependent aPL, 28.6% (6/21) of FVL mice 5 months after immunization with adjuvant (both IFA and CFA) were positive compared with 4.8% (1/22) of FVL mice 1 month after adjuvant and 0% of naïve FVL and C57/B6 mice (0/16, p < 0.001). aPL levels correlated with behavioral hyperactivity in the staircase test. FVL mice immunized with adjuvant did not develop β2GPI-independent aPL. We hypothesize that the FVL aPL association is not a coincidence, but that chronic coagulation defects combined with external inflammatory stimuli analogous to adjuvant may induce aPL and also antiphospholipid syndrome, thus supporting the notion of ASIA.
Vaccine model of antiphospholipid syndrome induced by tetanus vaccine
Authors: Dimitrijević L , Živković I , Stojanović M , Petrušić V , Živančević-Simonović S
Published: January 2012

Successful induction of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in two different non-autoimmune prone mouse strains, BALB/c and C57BL/6, was achieved by tetanus toxoid (TTd) hyperimmunization using different adjuvants (glycerol or aluminium hydroxide), and different adjuvant pretreatments (glycerol or Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)). APS had different manifestations of reproductive pathology in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice: fetal resorption (as a consequence of extreme T-cell activation obtained in the course of pretreatment), and lowering of fecundity (as a consequence of polyclonal B-cell stimulation), respectively. In BALB/c mice fetal resorption coincided with glycerol and CFA pretreatments, while in C57BL/6 mice lowering of fecundity was most obvious in CFA-pretreated mice immunized with TTd in aluminium hydroxide. Both molecular mimicry and polyclonal B-cell activation occur in APS induction, with molecular mimicry effects being dominant in BALB/c mice, and polyclonal cell activation being dominant in C57BL/6 mice. Confirmation of molecular mimicry effects, which in the condition of T-cell stimulation generated fetal resorptions in the BALB/c strain, was achieved by passive infusion of monoclonal antibody (MoAb) T-26 specific for TTd and anti-β2-glycoprotein I obtained after TTd hyperimunization. High polyclonal B-cell activation in C57BL/6 mice prevented fetal resorption but induced fecundity lowering, as was the case in passive administration of MoAb T-26 in this mouse strain. Passive infusion of anti-idiotypic MoAb Y7 into C57BL/6 mice induced fetal resorptions and confirmed the above suggestion on the protective role of polyclonal B-cell stimulation in fetal resorptions.
Autoimmune response following influenza vaccination in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic disease
Authors: Perdan-Pirkmajer K , Thallinger GG , Snoj N , Čučnik S , Žigon P , Kveder T , Logar D , Praprotnik S , Tomšič M , Sodin-Semrl S , Ambrožič A
Published: January 2012

Vaccines have undoubtedly brought overwhelming benefits to mankind and are considered safe and effective. Nevertheless, they can occasionally stimulate autoantibody production or even a recently defined syndrome known as autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA). There is scarce data regarding autoimmune response after seasonal/influenza A (H1N1) vaccine in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic disease (AIRD). The objective of our study was therefore to determine autoimmune response in a large group of AIRD patients vaccinated against seasonal and/or H1N1 influenza. We conducted a prospective cohort study with a 6-month follow-up. Two-hundred and eighteen patients with AIRD (50 vaccinated against seasonal influenza, six against H1N1, 104 against both, 58 non-vaccinated controls) and 41 apparently healthy controls (nine vaccinated against seasonal influenza, three against H1N1, 18 against both, 11 non-vaccinated controls) were included. Blood samples were taken and screened for autoantibodies [antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-extractable nuclear antigen (anti-ENA), anticardiolipin (aCL) IgG/IgM antibodies, anti-beta 2-glycoprotein I (anti-β2GPI)] at inclusion in the study, before each vaccination, 1 month after the last vaccination and 6 months after inclusion. For non-vaccinated participants (patients and healthy controls) blood samples were taken at the time of inclusion in the study and 6 months later. We report that after the administration of seasonal/H1N1 vaccine there were mostly transient changes in autoantibody production in AIRD patients and in healthy participants. However, a small subset of patients, especially ANA-positive patients, had a tendency towards anti-ENA development. Although no convincing differences between the seasonal and H1N1 vaccines were observed, our results imply that there might be a slight tendency of the H1N1 vaccine towards aCL induction. Although seasonal and H1N1 vaccines are safe and effective, they also have the potential to induce autoantibodies in selected AIRD patients and healthy adults. Follow-up of such individuals is proposed and further research is needed.
Aluminum as an adjuvant in Crohn’s disease induction
Authors: Lerner A
Published: January 2012

Alum (AlK(SO4)2) is an adjuvant commonly utilized in vaccines, and is a ubiquitous element used extensively in contemporary life. Food, air, water, waste, the earth’s surface, and pharmaceuticals all represent pathways of aluminum (Al) exposure. Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic relapsing intestinal inflammation in genetically susceptible individuals and is caused by yet unidentified environmental factors. Al is a potential factor for the induction of inflammation in CD, and its immune activities share many characteristics with the immune pathology of CD: many luminal bacterial or dietary compounds can be adsorbed to the metal surface and induce Th1 profile cytokines, shared cytokines/chemokines, co-stimulatory molecules, and intracellular pathways and stress-related molecular expression enhancement, affecting intestinal macrobiota, trans-mural granuloma formation, and colitis induction in an animal CD model. The inflammasome plays a central role in Al mode of action and in CD pathophysiology. It is suggested that Al adjuvant activity can fit between the aberrations of innate and adaptive immune responses occurring in CD. The CD mucosa is confronted with numerous inappropriate bacterial components adsorbed on the Al compound surface, constituting a pro-inflammatory supra-adjuvant. Al fits the diagnostic criteria of the newly described autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants. If a cause and effect relationship can be established, the consequences will greatly impact public health and CD prevention and management.