bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microfacies and diagenesis of older Pleistocene (pre‐last glacial maximum) reef deposits, Great Barrier Reef, Australia (IODP Expedition 325): A quantitative approach
Authors: Gischler Eberhard , Thomas Alex L. , Droxler André W. , Webster Jody M. , Yokoyama Yusuke , Schöne Bernd R.
Published: February 2013

During Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 325, 34 holes were drilled along five transects in front of the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, penetrating some 700 m of late Pleistocene reef deposits (post‐glacial; largely 20 to 10 kyr bp) in water depths of 42 to 127 m. In seven holes, drilled in water depths of 42 to 92 m on three transects, older Pleistocene (older than last glacial maximum, >20 kyr bp) reef deposits were recovered from lower core sections. In this study, facies, diagenetic features, mineralogy and stable isotope geochemistry of 100 samples from six of the latter holes were investigated and quantified. Lithologies are dominated by grain‐supported textures, and were to a large part deposited in high‐energy, reef or reef slope environments. Quantitative analyses allow 11 microfacies to be defined, including mixed skeletal packstone and grainstone, mudstone‐wackestone, coral packstone, coral grainstone, coralline algal grainstone, coral‐algal packstone, coralline algal packstone, Halimeda grainstone, microbialite and caliche. Microbialites, that are common in cavities of younger, post‐glacial deposits, are rare in pre‐last glacial maximum core sections, possibly due to a lack of open framework suitable for colonization by microbes. In pre‐last glacial maximum deposits of holes M0032A and M0033A (>20 kyr bp), marine diagenetic features are dominant; samples consist largely of aragonite and high‐magnesium calcite. Holes M0042A and M0057A, which contain the oldest rocks (>169 kyr bp), are characterized by meteoric diagenesis and samples mostly consist of low‐magnesium calcite. Holes M0042A, M0055A and M0056A (>30 kyr bp), and a horizon in the upper part of hole M0057A, contain both marine and meteoric diagenetic features. However, only one change from marine to meteoric pore water is recorded in contrast with the changes in diagenetic environment that might be inferred from the sea‐level history. Values of stable isotopes of oxygen and carbon are consistent with these findings. Samples from holes M0032A and M0033A reflect largely positive values (δ18O: −1 to +1‰ and δ13C: +1 to +4‰), whereas those from holes M0042A and M0057A are negative (δ18O: −4 to +2‰ and δ13C: −8 to +2‰). Holes M0055A and M0056A provide intermediate values, with slightly positive δ13C, and negative δ18O values. The type and intensity of meteroric diagenesis appears to have been controlled both by age and depth, i.e. the time available for diagenetic alteration, and reflects the relation between reef deposition and sea‐level change.
UDP‐sugar pyrophosphorylase is essential for arabinose and xylose recycling, and is required during vegetative and reproductive growth in Arabidopsis
Authors: Geserick Claudia , Tenhaken Raimund
Published: February 2013

Numerous nucleotide sugars are needed in plants to synthesize cell wall polymers and glycoproteins. The de novo synthesis of nucleotide sugars is of major importance. During growth, however, some polymers are broken down to monosaccharides. Reactivation of these sugars into nucleotide sugars occurs in two steps: first, by a substrate‐specific sugar‐1‐kinase and, second, by UDP‐sugar‐pyrophosphorylase (USP), which has broad substrate specificity. A knock‐out of the USP gene results in non‐fertile pollen. By using various genetic complementation approaches we obtained a strong (>95%) knock‐down line in USP that allowed us to investigate the physiological role of the enzyme during the life cycle. Mutant plants show an arabinose reduction in the cell wall, and accumulate mainly two sugars, arabinose and xylose, in the cytoplasm. The arabinogalactanproteins in usp mutants show no significant reduction in size. USP is also part of the myo‐inositol oxygenation pathway to UDP‐glucuronic acid; however, free glucuronic acid does not accumulate in cells, suggesting alternative conversion pathways of this monosaccharide. The knock‐down plants are mostly sterile because of the improper formation of anthers and pollen sacks.
Multilocus Sequence Typing and FlaA Sequencing Reveal the Genetic Stability of Campylobacter jejuni Enrichment during Coculture with Acanthamoeba polyphaga
Authors: Griekspoor Petra , Olofsson Jenny , Axelsson-Olsson Diana , Waldenstrï¿½m Jonas , Olsen Bjï¿½rn
Published: February 2013

Low concentrations of
Campylobacter jejuni
cells in environmental samples make them difficult to study with conventional culture methods. Here, we show that enrichment by amoeba cocultures works well with low-concentration samples and that this method can be combined with molecular techniques without loss of genetic specificity.
Pathogenicity of Dodecyltrimethylammonium Chloride-Resistant Salmonella enterica
Authors: Kautz Megan J. M. , Dvorzhinskiy Aleksey , Frye Jonathan G. , Stevenson Natalie , Herson Diane S.
Published: February 2013

Salmonella
infection causes a self-limiting gastroenteritis in humans but can also result in a life-threatening invasive disease, especially in old, young, and/or immunocompromised patients. The prevalence of antimicrobial and multidrug-resistant
Salmonella
has increased worldwide since the 1980s. However, the impact of antimicrobial resistance on the pathogenicity of
Salmonella
strains is not well described. In our study, a microarray was used to screen for differences in gene expression between a parental strain and a strain of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Enteritidis with reduced susceptibility (SRS) to the widely used antimicrobial sanitizer dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC). Three of the genes, associated with adhesion, invasion, and intracellular growth (
fimA
,
csgG
, and
spvR
), that showed differences in gene expression of 2-fold or greater were chosen for further study. Real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (real-time RT-PCR) was used to confirm the microarray data and to compare the expression levels of these genes in the parental strain and four independently derived SRS strains. All SRS strains showed lower levels of gene expression of
fimA
and
csgG
than those of the parental strain. Three of the four SRS strains showed lower levels of
spvR
gene expression while one SRS strain showed higher levels of
spvR
gene expression than those of the parental strain. Transmission electron microscopy determined that fimbriae were absent in the four SRS strains but copiously present in the parental strain. All four SRS strains demonstrated a significantly reduced ability to invade tissue culture cells compared to the parental strains, suggesting reduced pathogenicity of the SRS strains.
Colonization and Internalization of Salmonella enterica in Tomato Plants
Authors: Zheng Jie , Allard Sarah , Reynolds Sara , Millner Patricia , Arce Gabriela , Blodgett Robert J. , Brown Eric W.
Published: February 2013

The consumption of fresh tomatoes has been linked to numerous food-borne outbreaks involving various serovars of
Salmonella enterica
. Recent advances in our understanding of plant-microbe interactions have shown that human enteric pathogenic bacteria, including
S. enterica
, are adapted to survive in the plant environment. In this study, tomato plants (
Solanum lycopersicum
cv. Micro-Tom) grown in sandy loam soil from Virginia's eastern shore (VES) were inoculated with
S. enterica
serovars to evaluate plausible internalization routes and to determine if there is any niche fitness for certain serovars. Both infested soil and contaminated blossoms can lead to low internal levels of fruit contamination with
Salmonella. Salmonella
serovars demonstrated a great ability to survive in environments under tomato cultivation, not only in soil but also on different parts of the tomato plant. Of the five serovars investigated,
Salmonella enterica
serovars Newport and Javiana were dominant in sandy loam soil, while
Salmonella enterica
serovars Montevideo and Newport were more prevalent on leaves and blossoms. It was also observed that
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium had a poor rate of survival in all the plant parts examined here, suggesting that postharvest contamination routes are more likely in
S
. Typhimurium contamination of tomato fruit. Conversely,
S
. Newport was the most prevalent serovar recovered in both the tomato rhizosphere and phyllosphere. Plants that were recently transplanted (within 3 days) had an increase in observable internalized bacteria, suggesting that plants were more susceptible to internalization right after transplant. These findings suggest that the particular
Salmonella
serovar and the growth stage of the plant were important factors for internalization through the root system.
Differential Decay of Enterococci and Escherichia coli Originating from Two Fecal Pollution Sources
Authors: Korajkic Asja , McMinn Brian R. , Harwood Valerie J. , Shanks Orin C. , Fout G. Shay , Ashbolt Nicholas J.
Published: February 2013

Using
in situ
subtropical aquatic mesocosms, fecal source (cattle manure versus sewage) was shown to be the most important contributor to differential loss in viability of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), specifically enterococci in freshwater and
Escherichia coli
in marine habitats. In this study, sunlight exposure and indigenous aquatic microbiota were also important contributors, whose effects on FIB also differed between water types.
Roles of Different Peptide Transporters in Nutrient Acquisition in Candida albicans
Authors: Dunkel Nico , Hertlein Tobias , Franz Renate , Reuß Oliver , Sasse Christoph , Schäfer Tina , Ohlsen Knut , Morschhäuser Joachim
Published: February 2013

Fungi possess two distinct proton-coupled peptide transport systems, the dipeptide/tripeptide transporters (PTR) and the oligopeptide transporters (OPT), which enable them to utilize peptides as nutrients. In the pathogenic yeast
Candida albicans
, peptide transporters are encoded by gene families consisting of two
PTR
genes and eight
OPT
genes. To gain insight into the functions and importance of specific peptide transporters, we generated mutants lacking the two dipeptide/tripeptide transporters Ptr2 and Ptr22, as well as the five major oligopeptide transporters Opt1 to Opt5. These mutants were unable to grow in media containing peptides as the sole nitrogen source. Forced expression of individual peptide transporters in the septuple mutants showed that Ptr2 and Ptr22 could utilize all tested dipeptides as substrates but differed in their abilities to transport specific tripeptides. Interestingly, several oligopeptide transporters, which are thought to transport peptides consisting of more than three amino acids, also mediated the uptake of tripeptides. Opt1 especially turned out to be a highly flexible transporter that enabled growth on all tripeptides tested and could even utilize a dipeptide, a function that has never been ascribed to this family of peptide transporters. Despite their inability to grow on proteins or peptides, the
opt1
Δ
opt2
Δ
opt3
Δ
opt4
Δ
opt5
Δ
ptr2
Δ
ptr22
Δ septuple mutants had no
in vivo
fitness defect in a mouse model of gastrointestinal colonization. Therefore, the nutritional versatility of
C. albicans
enables it to utilize alternative nitrogen sources in this host niche, which probably contributes to its success as a commensal and pathogen in mammalian hosts.
Cellulolytic Protist Numbers Rise and Fall Dramatically in Termite Queens and Kings during Colony Foundation
Authors: Shimada Keisuke , Lo Nathan , Kitade Osamu , Wakui Akane , Maekawa Kiyoto
Published: February 2013

Among the best-known examples of mutualistic symbioses is that between lower termites and the cellulolytic flagellate protists in their hindguts. Although the symbiosis in worker termites has attracted much attention, there have been only a few studies of protists in other castes. We have performed the first examination of protist population dynamics in queens and kings during termite colony foundation. Protist numbers, as well as measurements of hindgut and reproductive tissue sizes, were undertaken at five time points over 400 days in incipient colonies ofReticulitermes speratus, as well as in other castes of mature colonies of this species. We found that protist numbers increased dramatically in both queens and kings during the first 50 days of colony foundation but began to decrease by day 100, eventually disappearing by day 400. Hindgut width followed a pattern similar to that of protist numbers, while ovary and testis widths increased significantly only at day 400. Kings were found to contain higher numbers of protists than queens in incipient colonies, which may be linked to higher levels of nutrient transfer from kings to queens than vice versa, as is known in some other termite species. Protists were found to be abundant in soldiers from mature colonies but absent in neotenics. This probably reflects feeding of soldiers by workers via proctodeal trophallaxis and of reproductives via stomodeal trophallaxis. The results reveal the dynamic nature of protist numbers during colony foundation and highlight the trade-offs that exist between reproduction and parental care during this critical phase of the termite life cycle.
Extremely Reduced Levels of Heterozygosity in the Vertebrate Pathogen Encephalitozoon cuniculi
Authors: Selman Mohammed , Sak Bohumil , Kváč Martin , Farinelli Laurent , Weiss Louis M. , Corradi Nicolas
Published: February 2013

The genomes of microsporidia in the genus
Encephalitozoon
have been extensively studied for their minimalistic features, but they have seldom been used to investigate basic characteristics of the biology of these organisms, such as their ploidy or their mode of reproduction. In the present study, we aimed to tackle this issue by mapping Illumina sequence reads against the genomes of four strains of
E. cuniculi
. This approach, combined with more conventional molecular biology techniques, resulted in the identification of heterozygosity in all strains investigated, a typical signature of a diploid nuclear state. In sharp contrast with similar studies recently performed on a distant microsporidian lineage (
Nematocida
spp.), the level of heterozygosity that we identified across the
E. cuniculi
genomes was found to be extremely low. This reductive intraindividual genetic variation could result from the long-term propagation of these strains under laboratory conditions, but we propose that it could also reflect an intrinsic capacity of these vertebrate pathogens to self-reproduce.
Identification, Localization, and Functional Implications of the Microdomain-Forming Stomatin Family in the Ciliated Protozoan Paramecium tetraurelia
Authors: Reuter Alexander T. , Stuermer Claudia A. O. , Plattner Helmut
Published: February 2013

The SPFH protein superfamily is assumed to occur universally in eukaryotes, but information from protozoa is scarce. In the
Paramecium
genome, we found only Stomatins, 20 paralogs grouped in 8 families,
STO1
to
STO8
. According to cDNA analysis, all are expressed, and molecular modeling shows the typical SPFH domain structure for all subgroups. For further analysis we used family-specific sequences for fluorescence and immunogold labeling, gene silencing, and functional tests. With all family members tested, we found a patchy localization at/near the cell surface and on vesicles. The Sto1p and Sto4p families are also associated with the contractile vacuole complex. Sto4p also makes puncta on some food vacuoles and is abundant on vesicles recycling from the release site of spent food vacuoles to the site of nascent food vacuole formation. Silencing of the STO1 family reduces mechanosensitivity (ciliary reversal upon touching an obstacle), thus suggesting relevance for positioning of mechanosensitive channels in the plasmalemma. Silencing of STO4 members increases pulsation frequency of the contractile vacuole complex and reduces phagocytotic activity of
Paramecium
cells. In summary, Sto1p and Sto4p members seem to be involved in positioning specific superficial and intracellular microdomain-based membrane components whose functions may depend on mechanosensation (extracellular stimuli and internal osmotic pressure).
Expression of
kinA
and
kinB
of Bacillus subtilis, Necessary for Sporulation Initiation, Is under Positive Stringent Transcription Control
Authors: Tojo Shigeo , Hirooka Kazutake , Fujita Yasutaro
Published: February 2013

Bacillus subtilis
cells were exposed to decoyinine to trigger stringent transcription control through inhibition of GMP synthase; amino acid starvation results in the same control through inhibition of GMP kinase by 5′-diphosphate 3′-diphosphate guanosine. The positive and negative transcription control of the stringent genes involves adenine and guanine at the transcription initiation sites, whereby they sense an increase and a decrease in the
in vivo
ATP and GTP pools, respectively. Decoyinine also induces sporulation in minimum medium. DNA microarray analysis revealed that decoyinine induced two major sensor kinase genes,
kinA
and
kinB
, involved in the phosphorelay leading to spore formation.
lacZ
fusion experiments involving the core promoter regions of
kinA
and
kinB
, whose transcription initiation bases are adenines, indicated that decoyinine induced their expression. This induction was independent of CodY and AbrB. When the adenines were replaced with guanines or cytosines, the induction by decoyinine decreased. The
in situ
replacement of the adenines with guanines actually affected this decoyinine-induced sporulation as well as massive sporulation in nutrient medium. These results imply that operation of the positive stringent transcription control of
kinA
and
kinB
, which is mediated by an increase in the ATP pool, is likely a prerequisite for the phosphorelay to transfer the phosphoryl group to Spo0A to initiate sporulation.
The Herpes Simplex Virus Host Shutoff RNase Degrades Cellular and Viral mRNAs Made before Infection but Not Viral mRNA Made after Infection
Authors: Taddeo Brunella , Zhang Weiran , Roizman Bernard
Published: February 2013

A herpes simplex virus tegument protein brought into the cell during infection and designated the virion host shutoff protein (VHS) is an endoribonuclease that degrades mRNA. The prevailing view for many years has been that the VHS-RNase does not discriminate between cellular and viral RNAs and that the viruses prevail because the accumulation of viral transcripts outpaces their degradation. Here we report the following. (i) The degradation of viral mRNA made during infection of Vero or HEp-2 cells proceeds at a much-reduced rate compared to that of cellular mRNA. In effect, viral mRNAs are largely stable, whereas cellular mRNAs are rapidly degraded or, in the case of AU-rich mRNA, cleaved and rendered dysfunctional. (ii) In contrast to viral mRNAs made after infection, viral mRNAs expressed by plasmids transfected into cells prior to infection are degraded after infection at a rate comparable to that of cellular mRNAs. Moreover, the mRNA encoded by the transfected plasmid is hyperadenylated in the infected cell. Hyperadenylation but not degradation of mRNAs is blocked by actinomycin D. The results indicate that VHS-mRNA discriminates between viral and cellular mRNA but only in the context of infection and that discrimination is not based on the sequence of the mRNA but most likely on one or more viral factors expressed in the infected cell.
Sympathetic Nervous System Responses to Acupuncture and Non-Penetrating Sham Acupuncture in Experimental Forearm Pain: A Single-Blind Randomised Descriptive Study
Authors: Paulson Krista Lynne , Shay Barbara L
Published: February 2013

Objective

To quantify the sympathetic nervous system response to acupuncture and non-penetrating sham acupuncture in volunteers with pain.

Methods

A single-blind, randomised controlled study of 36 healthy adults with no recent participation in forearm strengthening or occupations involving repeated forceful wrist motion was carried out. A fatiguing wrist extension exercise protocol was completed to induce delayed onset muscle soreness. Group 1 received no treatment, group 2 a single session of acupuncture and group 3 a single session of sham acupuncture. Outcomes included skin conductance, skin temperature and perfusion measured for 20 min before treatment, during the 15 min treatment and for 10 min after treatment.

Results

The acupuncture group showed a significant increase from baseline in ipsilateral perfusion (135%) and bilateral skin conductance (144 and 146%) and a significant decrease from baseline in bilateral distal skin temperature (98%). The acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups showed decreased ipsilateral proximal skin temperature.

Conclusions

Acupuncture appears to activate the sympathetic nervous system, indicated by a bilateral increase in skin conductance and a bilateral decrease in distal skin temperature after needle insertion. The unilateral increase in perfusion near the needle site seen with acupuncture treatment may be due to local circulatory, rather than systemic, control.
Transient neonatal Behçet's disease
Authors: Antonelou Marilina , Braha Nirit
Published: February 2013

A term neonate with a transient form of Behçet's disease (BD) is described. The mother had a 3-year history of BD treated with corticosteroids, which remained in remission during pregnancy. On day 1 of life, the neonate was noted to have papulopustular lesions of the labia and perineum. She remained clinically well and bacterial and viral infection screens were negative. The lesions disappeared within 3 weeks without scarring. No recurrence has been reported.
Food-borne botulism: still actual topic
Authors: Brola Waldemar , Fudala Malgorzata , Gacek Szymon , Gruenpeter Pawel
Published: February 2013

Even though since the mid-1990s the number of food-borne botulism cases has systematically decreased and it now occurs in Poland relatively rarely, it is still a real epidemiological problem. There are about 30 cases of botulism in Poland a year, which ranks Poland the first among the European Union. In most cases the symptomatology of botulism is typical, however it does not always fully coincide with the one described in medical manuals which emphasise the dramatic clinical course of botulism with its frequent fatal consequences. Diagnosis of botulism may be difficult because of its rare prevalence and a variable clinical course, especially in old patients. Authors of this paper describe two cases of botulism and diagnostic problems associated with it.
Disseminated cysticercosis with a right common femoral vein thrombosis
Authors: Singh Utpal Kant , Prasad Rajniti , Bhushan Prashant , Mishra Om P
Published: February 2013

Disseminated cysticercosis is an uncommon presentation of cysticercosis. Less than 10 cases of disseminated cysticercosis have been reported worldwide in children. We report the case of an 8-year-old boy with disseminated cysticercosis, who had presented with a swelling of the body for 1 month and proptosis of the eyeballs for 14 days. On examination, he had bilateral proptosis, subcutaneous nodules and hypertrophy of muscles of the limbs, neck and face. The CT cranium was normal, but the orbit showed bilateral bulky extraocular muscles heterogeneous in their whole length. The MRI cranium and whole body showed multiple non-enhancing vesicular cysts involving the brain, extraocular muscle, heart, trunk and muscles of the extremities and subcutaneous tissues. A Doppler study of the femoral vein showed thrombosis of the right common femoral vein. He was managed with corticosteroid, albendazole, phenytoin sodium, low-molecular-weight heparin followed by warfarin for 6 months and recovered completely.
Pituitary macroadenoma: a rare cause of thyrotoxic hypokalaemic periodic paralysis
Authors: Ghosh Soumik , Sahoo Ratnakar , Rao Sachin , Rath Deepak
Published: February 2013

Thyrotoxic hypokalaemic periodic palsy (THPP) is a well-recognised but under-diagnosed complication of hyperthyroidism and is commonly seen in Asian males. Patients usually present fully conscious with acute onset of severe motor weakness. Baseline investigation reveals severe hypokalaemia due to Na+/K+ATPase overactivity causing a massive influx of intracellular potassium ions. The most common cause of THPP identified in the medical literature is Graves’ disease. We report an interesting and unusual case of THPP due to previously undiagnosed hyperthyroidism secondary to a pituitary macroadenoma. The patient was consequently found to have a tumour secreting gonadotropin and thyrotropin.
Acute and chronic inflammatory responses induced by smoking in individuals susceptible and non-susceptible to development of COPD: from specific disease phenotyping towards novel therapy. Protocol of a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lo Tam Loi Adèle T , Hoonhorst Susan J M , Franciosi Lorenza , Bischoff Rainer , Hoffmann Roland F , Heijink Irene , van Oosterhout Antoon J M , Boezen H Marike , Timens Wim , Postma Dirkje S , Lammers Jan-Willem , Koenderman Leo , ten Hacken Nick H T
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous disease with pulmonary and extra-pulmonary manifestations. Although COPD is a complex disease, diagnosis and staging are still based on simple spirometry measurements. Different COPD phenotypes exist based on clinical, physiological, immunological and radiological observations. Cigarette smoking is the most important risk factor for COPD, but only 15–20% of smokers develop the disease, suggesting a genetic predisposition. Unfortunately, little is known about the pathogenesis of COPD, and even less on the very first steps that are associated with an aberrant response to smoke exposure. This study aims to investigate the underlying local and systemic inflammation of different clinical COPD phenotypes, and acute effects of cigarette smoke exposure in individuals susceptible and non-susceptible for the development of COPD. Furthermore, we will investigate mechanisms associated with corticosteroid insensitivity. Our study will provide valuable information regarding the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the natural course of COPD.

Methods and analysis

This cross-sectional study will include young and old individuals susceptible or non-susceptible to develop COPD. At a young age (18–40 years) 60 ‘party smokers’ will be included who are called susceptible or non-susceptible based on COPD prevalence in smoking family members. In addition, 30 healthy smokers (age 40–75 years) and 110 COPD patients will be included. Measurements will include questionnaires, pulmonary function, low-dose CT scanning of the lung, body composition, 6 min walking distance and biomarkers in peripheral blood, sputum, urine, exhaled breath condensate, epithelial lining fluid, bronchial brushes and biopsies. Non-biased approaches such as proteomics will be performed in blood and epithelial lining fluid.

Ethics and dissemination

This multicentre study was approved by the medical ethical committees of UMC Groningen and Utrecht, the Netherlands. The study findings will be presented at conferences and will be reported in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT00807469(study 1) andNCT00850863(study 2).
A national survey of the infrastructure and IT policies required to deliver computerised cognitive behavioural therapy in the English NHS
Authors: Andrewes Holly , Kenicer David , McClay Carrie-Anne , Williams Christopher
Published: February 2013

Objective

This study aimed to identify if patients have adequate access to Computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (cCBT) programmes in all mental health trusts across England.

Design

The primary researcher contacted a targeted sample of information technology (IT) leads in each mental health trust in England to complete the survey.

Setting

Telephone, email and postal mail were used to contact an IT lead or nominated expert from each mental health trust.

Participants

48 of the 56 IT experts from each mental health trust in England responded. The experts who were chosen had sufficient knowledge of the infrastructure, technology, policies and regulations to answer all survey questions.

Results

77% of trusts provided computers for direct patient use, with computers in all except one trust meeting the specifications to access cCBT. However, 24% of trusts acknowledged that the number of computers provided was insufficient to provide a trust-wide service. 71% stated that the bandwidth available was adequate to provide access to cCBT sites, yet for many trusts, internet speed was identified as unpredictable and variable between locations. IT policies in only 56% of the trusts allowed National Health Service (NHS) staff to directly support patients as they complete cCBT courses via emails to the patients’ personal email account. Only 37% allowed support via internet video calls, and only 9% allowed support via instant messaging services.

Conclusions

Patient access to cCBT in English NHS mental health trusts is limited by the inadequate number of computers provided to patients, unpredictable bandwidth speed and inconsistent IT policies, which restrict patients from receiving the support needed to maximise the success of this therapy. English NHS mental health trusts need to alter IT policy and improve resources to reduce the waiting time for psychological resources required for patients seeking this evidence-based therapy.
Cattle vaccination: decision making in herd health planning
Authors: Paton Neil
Published: February 2013

Vaccines are useful for managing risk to the farm from infectious diseases. However, there are a large number of vaccines on the market and the farmer has a large number of management tasks to complete during the calendar year. This precludes the blanket usage of vaccines due to limitations of time and resources. Several factors influence the timing and type of vaccine chosen, such as the presence or absence of endemic disease on the farm and how the different vaccines work. It must also be considered that, due to the large number of vaccines administered, the probability of adverse events is quite high and client expectation should be managed with this in mind. This article addresses the rationale for choosing the most appropriate vaccination programme to meet the farmer's needs. These thoughts should be built into the herd health plan to allow the farmer to gain the most benefit from the choice of interventions.
Blood gases, electrolytes and interpretation 1. Blood gases
Authors: McGrotty Yvonne , Brown Andrew
Published: February 2013

Blood gas analysis can give the clinician essential information on the respiratory and metabolic status of a patient. Although often considered difficult or confusing to interpret due to the abundance of chemistry, with a little practice blood gases become easy and quick to interpret. In addition, they provide a vital insight into a patient's status that will ultimately influence how a case is managed. This article discusses the approach to blood gas interpretation and focuses on the interpretation of acid‐base and oxygenation status in small animal patients. A second article, to be published in the March issue of In Practice, will discuss the role that electrolytes play in blood gas interpretation along with interpretation of ionised calcium and lactate results.
Correlates of unprotected sexual intercourse among women who inject drugs or who have sexual partners who inject drugs in St Petersburg, Russia
Authors: Abdala Nadia , Hansen Nathan B , Toussova Olga V , Krasnoselskikh Tatiana V , Verevochkin Sergei , Kozlov Andrei P , Heimer Robert
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To assess risk for unintended pregnancy, this study describes the correlates of unprotected sexual intercourse (UPSI) among women who inject illicit drugs or who have sexual partners who inject drugs in St Petersburg, Russia.

Methods

Data from a cross-sectional survey and biological test results collected between 2005 and 2008 from 202 Russian women (143 drug injectors and 59 non-drug injectors) were analysed. Multivariate regression was used to investigate the correlates of UPSI occurring at the women's last sexual act. Independent variables included socio-demographics, age at sexual debut, first sexual encounter perceived as involuntary, number of pregnancies and number of children for which the participant is the primary caretaker, heavy sporadic drinking (i.e. consuming more than five drinks in 2 hours at least twice a month), at-risk drinking per the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT-C) score, and sexually transmitted infections (HIV-1, syphilis serology,Chlamydia trachomatisandNeisseria gonorrheae).

Results

Sixty-seven percent of women reported UPSI at last intercourse. UPSI was independently associated with heavy sporadic drinking [odds ratio (OR) 2.8, 95% CI 1.2–6.6] and having been pregnant (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.1–4.6).

Conclusions

Despite the high risk for HIV acquisition or transmission and unintended pregnancy, condom use among the study population is low. Programmes to investigate and improve contraceptive use, including condom use, among this vulnerable group of women are needed. Such programmes may require identifying and targeting female reproductive health concerns and problem drinking, particularly heavy sporadic drinking, rather than conventional measures of alcohol misuse.
Disappearance of a small intracranial aneurysm as a result of vessel straightening and in-stent stenosis following use of an Enterprise vascular reconstruction device
Authors: Takemoto Koichiro , Tateshima Satoshi , Rastogi Sachin , Gonzalez Nestor , Jahan Reza , Duckwiler Gary , Vinuela Fernando
Published: February 2013

In-stent stenosis after stent-assisted coil embolization is a rare but well-known complication. A 32-year-old woman with an unruptured wide-necked left internal carotid artery (ICA) terminus aneurysm and an ipsilateral very small anterior choroidal artery aneurysm underwent stent-assisted coil embolization for the ICA terminus aneurysm. The 4-month follow-up angiography revealed diffuse in-stent stenosis and disappearance of the untreated anterior choroidal artery aneurysm, retaining the patency of the anterior choroidal artery. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate the course of in-stent stenosis and disappearance of an untreated small intracranial aneurysm as a result. We report this unique case and discuss the interesting mechanism underlying this phenomenon, and also provide a review of the relevant literature.
Veterinary career ambitions correlate with gender and past experience, with current experience influencing curricular perspectives
Authors: Kinnison T. , May S. A.
Published: February 2013

The Royal Veterinary College's ‘Teaching Quality Survey’ was completed by 261 recent graduates (six months after graduation) from 2005 to 2011 (26.8 per cent response rate). The results were used to compare veterinarians' background information with current position and career ambition, and to investigate perceptions of curriculum balance. There was a significant difference between males' and females' current positions and career ambitions with comparatively lower percentages of females in farm animal and farm and equine practices. There was also a significant difference between individuals from different childhood areas; individuals from urban areas preferred small animal practice, in comparison to those from rural areas who are more likely to choose farm animal practices. Compared with their peers, individuals engaged in a specific area of work tend to think that their area was under‐represented in the professional curriculum. Taken alongside the feminisation and urbanisation of the profession, the results of this study indicate that food animal careers need to be promoted as an attractive option for new graduates and those going into mixed practice initially. Also, those involved in curriculum design using graduate surveys should take into account the current careers of the respondents in order to avoid biased results.
Computational studies on a high density cage compound hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane derivative
Authors: Li Xiao-Hong , Zhang Xian-Zhou
Published: February 2013

A newly designed polynitro cage compound with a framework of hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (HNIW) was investigated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The molecular structure was optimized at the B3LYP/6-31G** level. IR spectrum, heat of formation (HOF), and thermodynamic properties were also predicted. The detonation velocity and pressure were evaluated by using the Kamlet–Jacobs equations, based on the theoretical density and condensed HOF. The bond dissociation energies (BDEs) and bond orders for the weakest bonds were analyzed to investigate the thermal stability of the title compound. The results show that the first step of pyrolysis is the rupture of the N8–NO2 bond. The crystal structure obtained by molecular mechanics belongs to the P21 space group, with the following lattice parameters: Z = 2, a = 11.10 Å, b = 15.15 Å, c = 10.77 Å, ρ = 1.872 g cm−3. The designed compound has high thermal stability and good detonation properties, and is a promising high-energy-density compound.
Structure and Functions of the Bacterial Microbiota of Plants
Authors: Bulgarelli Davide , Schlaeppi Klaus , Spaepen Stijn , van Themaat Emiel Ver Loren , Schulze-Lefert Paul
Published: February 2013

Plants host distinct bacterial communities on and inside various plant organs, of which those associated with roots and the leaf surface are best characterized. The phylogenetic composition of these communities is defined by relatively few bacterial phyla, including Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. A synthesis of available data suggests a two-step selection process by which the bacterial microbiota of roots is differentiated from the surrounding soil biome. Rhizodeposition appears to fuel an initial substrate-driven community shift in the rhizosphere, which converges with host genotype–dependent fine-tuning of microbiota profiles in the selection of root endophyte assemblages. Substrate-driven selection also underlies the establishment of phyllosphere communities but takes place solely at the immediate leaf surface. Both the leaf and root microbiota contain bacteria that provide indirect pathogen protection, but root microbiota members appear to serve additional host functions through the acquisition of nutrients from soil for plant growth. Thus, the plant microbiota emerges as a fundamental trait that includes mutualism enabled through diverse biochemical mechanisms, as revealed by studies on plant growth–promoting and plant health–promoting bacteria.
Type II diabetes increases mitochondrial DNA mutations in the left ventricle of the Goto-Kakizaki diabetic rat
Authors: Hicks S. , Labinskyy N. , Piteo B. , Laurent D. , Mathew J. E. , Gupte S. A. , Edwards J. G.
Published: February 2013

Mitochondrial dysfunction has a significant role in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Mitochondrial oxidant stress has been accepted as the singular cause of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage as an underlying cause of mitochondrial dysfunction. However, separate from a direct effect on mtDNA integrity, diabetic-induced increases in oxidant stress alter mitochondrial topoisomerase function to propagate mtDNA mutations as a contributor to mitochondrial dysfunction. Both glucose-challenged neonatal cardiomyocytes and the diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat were studied. In both the GK left ventricle (LV) and in cardiomyocytes, chronically elevated glucose presentation induced a significant increase in mtDNA damage that was accompanied by decreased mitochondrial function. TTGE analysis revealed a number of base pair substitutions in the 3' end of COX3 from GK LV mtDNA that significantly altered the protein sequence. Mitochondrial topoisomerase DNA cleavage activity in isolated mitochondria was significantly increased in the GK LV compared with Wistar controls. Both hydroxycamptothecin, a topoisomerase type 1 inhibitor, and doxorubicin, a topoisomerase type 2 inhibitor, significantly exacerbated the DNA cleavage activity of isolated mitochondrial extracts indicating the presence of multiple functional topoisomerases in the mitochondria. Mitochondrial topoisomerase function was significantly altered in the presence of H2O2suggesting that separate from a direct effect on mtDNA, oxidant stress mediated type II diabetes-induced alterations of mitochondrial topoisomerase function. These findings are significant in that the activation/inhibition state of the mitochondrial topoisomerases will have important consequences for mtDNA integrity and the well being of the diabetic myocardium.
MARCKS and HSP70 interactions regulate mucin secretion by human airway epithelial cells in vitro
Authors: Fang Shijing , Crews Anne L. , Chen Wei , Park Joungjoa , Yin Qi , Ren Xiu-Rong , Adler Kenneth B.
Published: February 2013

Myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) protein has been recognized as a key regulatory molecule controlling mucin secretion by airway epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo. We recently showed that two intracellular chaperones, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and cysteine string protein (CSP), associate with MARCKS in the secretory mechanism. To elucidate more fully MARCKS-HSP70 interactions in this process, studies were performed in well-differentiated normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells maintained in air-liquid interface culture utilizing specific pharmacological inhibition of HSP70 with pyrimidinone MAL3-101 and siRNA approaches. The results indicate that HSP70 interaction with MARCKS is enhanced after exposure of the cells to the protein kinase C activator/mucin secretagogue, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Pretreatment of NHBEs with MAL3-101 attenuated in a concentration-dependent manner PMA-stimulated mucin secretion and interactions among HSP70, MARCKS, and CSP. In additional studies, trafficking of MARCKS in living NHBE cells was investigated after transfecting cells with fluorescently tagged DNA constructs: MARCKS-yellow fluorescent protein, and/or HSP70-cyan fluorescent protein. Cells were treated with PMA 48 h posttransfection, and trafficking of the constructs was examined by confocal microscopy. MARCKS translocated rapidly from plasma membrane to cytoplasm, whereas HSP70 was observed in the cytoplasm and appeared to associate with MARCKS after PMA exposure. Pretreatment of cells with either MAL3-101 or HSP70 siRNA inhibited translocation of MARCKS. These results provide evidence of a role for HSP70 in mediating mucin secretion via interactions with MARCKS and that these interactions are critical for the cytoplasmic translocation of MARCKS upon its phosphorylation.
Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Mitigation Strategies of Cognitive Deficits in Aging with HIV: Implications for Practice and Research
Authors: Vance David E.
Published: February 2013

Highly active antiretroviral therapy has given the chance to those living with HIV to keep on living, allowing them the opportunity to age and perhaps age successfully. Yet, there are severe challenges to successful aging with HIV, one of which is cognitive deficits. Nearly half of those with HIV experience cognitive deficits that can interfere with everyday functioning, medical decision making, and quality of life. Given that cognitive deficits develop with more frequency and intensity with increasing age, concerns mount that as people age with HIV, they may experience more severe cognitive deficits. These concerns become especially germane given that by 2015, 50% of those with HIV will be 50 and older, and this older cohort of adults is expected to grow. As such, this paper focuses on the etiologies of such cognitive deficits within the context of cognitive reserve and neuroplasticity. From this, evidence-based and hypothetical prevention (i.e., cognitive prescriptions), rehabilitation (i.e., speed of processing training), and mitigation (i.e., spaced retrieval method) strategies are reviewed. Implications for nursing practice and research are posited.
Cross-Diffusion-Driven Instability in a Reaction-Diffusion Harrison Predator-Prey Model
Authors: Wang Xiaoqin , Cai Yongli
Published: February 2013

We present a theoretical analysis of processes of pattern formation that involves organisms distribution and their interaction of spatially distributed population with cross-diffusion in a Harrison-type predator-prey model. We analyze the global behaviour of the model by establishing a Lyapunov function. We carry out the analytical study in detail and find out the certain conditions for Turing’s instability induced by cross-diffusion. And the numerical results reveal that, on increasing the value of the half capturing saturation constant, the sequences “spots → spot-stripe mixtures → stripes → hole-stripe mixtures → holes” are observed. The results show that the model dynamics exhibits complex pattern replication controlled by the cross-diffusion.
Fire Resistance of Sewage Sludge Ash Blended Cement Pastes
Authors: Tantawy M. A. , El-Roudi A. M. , Abdalla Elham M. , Abdelzaher M. A.
Published: February 2013

The aim of the present study is to investigate the hydration characteristics and the fire resistance of sewage sludge ash blended cement pastes by the determination of compressive strength, bulk density, and total porosity in addition to XRD and SEM techniques. Sewage sludge ash modifies the hydration of cement because of its pozzolanic reaction with portlandite favoring the formation of crosslinked fibrous calcium silicate of low Ca/Si ratio. Hence, it was concluded that thermal damage of cement pastes after the exposure to high treatment temperatures (i.e., crack formation and loss of mechanical properties) was effectively reduced with sewage sludge as content up to 20 wt% because of that the presence of crosslinked fibrous calcium silicate strengthens the cement matrix.
Gastric Electrical Stimulation for the Treatment of Obesity: From Entrainment to Bezoars—A Functional Review
Authors: Mintchev Martin P.
Published: February 2013

Growing worldwide obesity epidemic has prompted the development of two main treatment streams: (a) conservative approaches and (b) invasive techniques. However, only invasive surgical methods have delivered significant and sustainable benefits. Therefore, contemporary research exploration has focused on the development of minimally invasive gastric manipulation methods featuring a safe but reliable and long-term sustainable weight loss effect similar to the one delivered by bariatric surgeries. This antiobesity approach is based on placing external devices in the stomach ranging from electrodes for gastric electrical stimulation to temporary intraluminal bezoars for gastric volume displacement for a predetermined amount of time. The present paper examines the evolution of these techniques from invasively implantable units to completely noninvasive patient-controllable implements, from a functional, rather than from the traditional, parametric point of view. Comparative discussion over the available pilot and clinical studies related to gastric electrical stimulation outlines the promises and the fallacies of this concept as a reliable alternative anti-obesity strategy.