bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Vascular Puncture for Evaluation of Curtovirus Resistance in Chile Pepper and Tomato
Authors: Sedano Melina , Lam Nhan , Escobar Ismael , Cross Teresa , Hanson Stephen F. , Creamer Rebecca
Published: December 2011

Curtoviruses cause severe damage to tomatoes and peppers. Functional field resistance to curtoviruses in these plants is desirable but difficult to produce and difficult to screen for because it is time‐consuming and resistance could be achieved by developing resistance either to the virus or to insect feeding. To improve and speed curtovirus resistance testing in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants, two puncture methods were developed and compared to leafhopper inoculation and feeding preference assays. The two puncture methods were adapted to introduce a modified Agrobacterium tumefaciens plasmid carrying a recombinant curtovirus into the meristem tissue of tomato plants and into newly germinated chile pepper seedlings. The puncture techniques were used to screen for resistance to curtoviruses in chile pepper and tomato breeding lines and varieties. Similarly, the peppers and tomatoes were assayed for curtovirus resistance using leafhopper inoculation and feeding preference, which was assessed by stylet sheath staining. Virus infection by puncture and leafhopper feeding was monitored using PCR and ELISA. ELISA was performed using an antibody to bacterially expressed coat protein. While pepper cvs Tabasco, NuMex Las Cruces cayenne and New Mexico 6‐4 were infected using both puncture and leafhopper inoculation methods, New Mexico 6‐4 had higher infection rates than the other two cultivars. Stylet sheath staining results suggest that leafhoppers prefer to feed on New Mexico 6‐4 rather than Tabasco and NuMex Las Cruces cayenne. Eight tomato cultivars were infected using meristem removal injection inoculation. Three tomatoes cultivars (CVF‐11, Saladmaster and Supersteak) were infected using leafhopper inoculation, although stylet sheath staining results suggested that the first two cultivars were not preferred by the insect vector. Our results suggest that puncture methods and leafhopper inoculation are successful in resistance screening, and both methods should be used as part of screening, because they assess different types of resistance.
‘In Vitro’ Capacitation and Further ‘In Vitro’ Progesterone‐Induced Acrosome Exocytosis are Linked to Specific Changes in the Expression and Acrosome Location of Protein Phosphorylation in Serine Residues of Boar Spermatozoa
Authors: Ramió‐Lluch L , Fernández‐Novell JM , Peña A , Ramírez A , Concha II , Rodríguez‐Gil JE
Published: December 2011

Contents

The aim of this study is to determine changes in the expression and location of protein serine phosphorylation (pSer) during ‘in vitro’ capacitation (IVC) and ‘in vitro’ acrosome exocytosis (IVAE) in boar spermatozoa. This was performed in both mono‐ and bi‐dimensional analyses of protein expression through Western blot, as well as through immunocytochemistry. Furthermore, IVC was induced through incubation in an IVC medium, and afterwards, progesterone‐induced IVAE was performed. The mono‐dimensional Western blot analysis showed the presence of a predominant pSer band of approximately 70–75 kDa, which was accompanied by fainter bands, especially three with molecular weights of approximately 50, 35 and 32 kDa. Neither IVC nor IVAE significantly modified this pattern. Bi‐dimensional analyses showed a more complex pattern, with at least five protein clusters. The attainment of IVC caused the disappearance of the proteins with the highest molecular weight concomitantly with the appearance of pSer proteins of 75‐kDa/pI 9.5 and 80‐kDa/pI 10. The induction of IVAE caused the appearance of new pSer proteins of a 75‐kDa/pI 6.5–7.5 and 75‐kDa/pI 10. Immunocytochemistry showed that the main pSer expression in boar expression before the attainment of IVC was located at the midpiece. The IVC induced the appearance of acrosomal pSer, which was greatly increased during IVAE. Our results indicate that the changes in serine protein phosphorylation associated with IVC and IVAE comprise not only the appearance of specific phosphorylated proteins, such as the pSer‐75 kDa, but also changes in pI and displacements in the sperm location of phosphorylated proteins, like the specific acrosomal pSer signal induced during IVC.
Multiple cerebral infarcts with a few vasculitic lesions in the chronic stage of cerebral amyloid angiopathy‐related inflammation
Authors: Sakai Kenji , Hayashi Shintaro , Sanpei Kazuhiro , Yamada Masahito , Takahashi Hitoshi
Published: December 2011

We report a 75‐year‐old man with a 3.5‐year history of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)‐related inflammation. His initial symptom was headache and sensory aphasia appeared 1 month later. Brain MRI revealed features compatible with meningoencephalitis involving the right frontal, parietal and temporooccipital lobes. A brain biopsy sample from the right parietal lobe showed thickening of the leptomeninges, and granulomatous vasculitis with multinucleated giant cells and vascular Aβ deposits. No vascular lesions were evident by cerebral angiography. Serological examination revealed an elevated level of proteinase 3 anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (PR3‐ANCA). The patient was treated with corticosteroids, but this was only partially and temporarily effective. Autopsy revealed marked leptomeningeal thickening with inflammatory cell infiltrates and hemosiderin deposits, many superficial predominantly small infarcts at various stages in the cerebral cortex and only a few cerebral active vasculitic lesions. Immunohistochemically, CAA showing widespread Aβ‐positive blood vessels with double‐barrel formations was demonstrated. In conclusion, we consider that, although the association of PR3‐ANCA with the pathogenesis of Aβ‐associated vasculitis remained unclear, the present case represents a rare example of CAA‐related inflammation at the chronic stage.
Pathologic study of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 cases from India
Authors: Shelke Vijay N. , Kolhapure Raju M. , Kadam Dilip , Sangle Shashi , Chadha Mandeep C. , Basu Atanu , Mishra Akhilesh C.
Published: December 2011

The pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 originated in Mexico and rapidly spread to the United States and many other countries. India reported the first pandemic influenza case in May 2009. Autopsy studies describing the pathology of pandemic influenza infection in humans have appeared in the literature and most of these were from Western countries. We present the clinicopathologic features in 46 fatal cases with confirmed pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus infection during August 2009 to October 2010. Postmortem needle biopsy tissues were examined for histopathological changes and distribution of virus antigen by immunohistochemistry. The results are comparable with previous autopsy studies. Diffuse alveolar damage was the consistent finding in the lung tissues. However, underlying medical conditions were not noted in the cases from present study. Consistent presence of viral antigen was noted in the bronchiolar epithelium without any reference to the duration of illness. This study also emphasizes the use of the postmortem needle biopsy technique whenever an autopsy is not possible.
Inside the complex regulation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa chaperone usher systems
Authors: Giraud Caroline , de Bentzmann Sophie
Published: December 2011

Pseudomonas aeruginosa assembles several cell surface‐associated organelles, including those of the chaperone usher (CU) pathway. Five different CU loci have been identified and characterized in various strains of P. aeruginosa. However, their potential functional redundancy, particularly in biofilm formation, is supported by the control of their expression by a complex and specific regulatory network. Here, we review recent findings relating to this network. The control exerted by this network involves transcriptional repressors and activators, a phase‐variable mechanism, a second intracellular messenger (c‐di‐GMP) and chemosensory and two‐component systems.
Adding saxagliptin to extended‐release metformin vs. uptitrating metformin dosage
Authors: Fonseca V. , Zhu T. , Karyekar C. , Hirshberg B.
Published: December 2011

Aim: To investigate whether patients taking metformin for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have improved glycaemic control without compromising tolerability by adding an agent with a complementary mechanism of action vs. uptitrating metformin.

Methods: Adults with T2DM and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) between 7.0 and 10.5% receiving metformin extended release (XR) 1500 mg/day for ≥8 weeks were randomized to receive saxagliptin 5 mg added to metformin XR 1500 mg (n = 138) or metformin XR uptitrated to 2000 mg/day (n = 144). Endpoints were change from baseline to week 18 in HbA1c (primary), 120‐min postprandial glucose (PPG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and the proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7%.

Results: At week 18, the adjusted mean reduction from baseline HbA1c was −0.88% for saxagliptin + metformin XR and −0.35% for uptitrated metformin XR (difference, −0.52%; p < 0.0001). For 120‐min PPG and FPG, differences in adjusted mean change from baseline between saxagliptin + metformin XR and uptitrated metformin XR were −1.3 mmol/l (−23.32 mg/dl) (p = 0.0013) and −0.73 mmol/l (−13.18 mg/dl) (p = 0.0030), respectively. More patients achieved HbA1c <7.0% with saxagliptin + metformin XR than with uptitrated metformin XR (37.2 vs. 26.1%; p = 0.0459). The proportions of patients experiencing any adverse events (AEs) were generally similar between groups; neither group showed any notable difference in hypoglycaemia or gastrointestinal AEs.

Conclusion: Adding saxagliptin to metformin XR provided superior glycaemic control compared with uptitrating metformin XR without the emergence of additional safety concerns (Clinical Trials.gov registration: NCT00960076).
Comparative effectiveness of cryotherapy vs brachytherapy for localised prostate cancer
Authors: Williams Stephen B. , Lei Yin , Nguyen Paul L. , Gu Xiangmei , Lipsitz Stuart R. , Yu Hua‐Yin , Kowalczyk Keith J. , Hu Jim C.
Published: December 2011

Study Type – Therapy (prospective cohort)

Level of Evidence 2a

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Despite the increased popularity of emerging therapies for localised prostate cancer, such as cryotherapy and brachytherapy, outcomes data remains sparse beyond single‐centre comparative studies.

The present study identified that although less costly, cryotherapy was associated with more urinary and ED complications and a greater need for salvage ADT. Conversely, cryotherapy was associated with fewer bowel complications. Patients and providers alike should consider these population‐based outcomes when discussing therapeutic options for localised prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To compare prostate cryotherapy vs brachytherapy outcomes and costs, as despite the greater popularity of these emerging therapies for localised prostate cancer, outcomes data remains sparse beyond single‐centre comparative studies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Observational study of 10 928 men who underwent primary cryotherapy (943 patients) or brachytherapy (9985) with ≥2 years of follow‐up using USA Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER‐) Medicare linked data.

Weighted propensity score methods were used.

RESULTS

Use of cryotherapy increased four‐fold whereas brachytherapy utilization remained the same from 2001 to 2005 (P < 0.001). Men who underwent cryotherapy vs brachytherapy were older (P < 0.001), more likely to be Black (P < 0.001), less likely to live in areas of higher education (P < 0.001), less likely to live in areas with greater income (P < 0.001), and were more likely to live in urban vs rural areas (P= 0.007).

In propensity score‐weighted analyses, cryotherapy was associated with more urinary (41.4% vs 22.2%, P < 0.001) and erectile dysfunction (ED) complications (34.7% vs 21.0%, P < 0.001) while brachytherapy was associated with more bowel complications (19.0% vs 12.1%, P < 0.001).

Cryotherapy was associated with greater use of salvage androgen deprivation therapy (ADT; 1.4 vs 0.5 per 100 person‐years, P < 0.001), suggesting worse cancer control.

Finally costs were significantly greater for brachytherapy vs cryotherapy ($16 887 vs $12 629 USA dollars, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although less costly, cryotherapy was associated with more urinary and ED complications and greater need for salvage ADT.

Conversely, cryotherapy was associated with fewer bowel complications. Patients and providers alike should consider these population‐based outcomes when discussing therapeutic options for localised prostate cancer.
The effect of financial constraints, investment policy, product market competition and corporate governance on the value of cash holdings
Authors: Chan Howard W. H. , Lu Yufei , Zhang Hong F.
Published: December 2011

This study empirically investigates the value shareholders place on excess cash holdings and how shareholders’ valuation of cash holdings is associated with financial constraints, firm growth, cash‐flow uncertainty and product market competition for Australian firms from 1990 to 2007. Our results indicate that the marginal value of cash holdings to shareholders declines with larger cash holdings and higher leverage. However, firms that are more financially constrained, that have higher growth rates and that face greater uncertainty exhibit a higher marginal value of cash holdings. These findings are consistent with the explanation that excess cash holdings are not necessarily detrimental to firm value. Firms with costly external financing and that also save more cash for current operating and future investing needs find that the market values these cash hoarding policies favourably. Finally, there is limited evidence of an association between various corporate governance measures and the value of cash holdings for a shorter sample period.
Does maternal body mass index during pregnancy influence risk of schizophrenia in the adult offspring?
Authors: Khandaker G. M. , Dibben C. R. M. , Jones P. B.
Published: December 2011

Maternal obesity in pregnancy has been linked with several adverse outcomes in offspring including schizophrenia. The rising prevalence of obesity may contribute to an increase in the number of schizophrenia cases in the near future; therefore, it warrants further exploration. We reviewed current evidence regarding maternal body mass index (BMI) in pregnancy and risk of schizophrenia in adult offspring.

We searched PubMed and Embase databases and included studies that were based on large and representative population‐based datasets. A qualitative review was undertaken due to heterogeneity between studies.

Four studies with 305 cases of schizophrenia and 24,442 controls were included. Maternal obesity (pre‐pregnant BMI over 29 or 30 compared with mothers with low or average BMI) was associated with two‐ to threefold increased risk of schizophrenia in the adult offspring in two birth cohorts. High maternal BMI at both early and late pregnancy also increased risk of schizophrenia in the offspring. Discrepant findings from one study could be attributable to sample characteristics and other factors.

The area needs more research. Future studies should take into account obstetric complications, diabetes, maternal infections and immune responses that might potentially mediate this association.
Language, Cognitive Flexibility, and Explicit False Belief Understanding: Longitudinal Analysis in Typical Development and Specific Language Impairment
Authors: Farrant Brad M. , Maybery Murray T. , Fletcher Janet
Published: December 2011

The hypothesis that language plays a role in theory‐of‐mind (ToM) development is supported by a number of lines of evidence (e.g., H. Lohmann & M. Tomasello, 2003). The current study sought to further investigate the relations between maternal language input, memory for false sentential complements, cognitive flexibility, and the development of explicit false belief understanding in 91 English‐speaking typically developing children (M age = 61.3 months) and 30 children with specific language impairment (M age = 63.0 months). Concurrent and longitudinal findings converge in supporting a model in which maternal language input predicts the child’s memory for false complements, which predicts cognitive flexibility, which in turn predicts explicit false belief understanding.
China’s Economic and Trade Development: Imbalance to Equilibrium
Authors: Yao Xianguo , Zhou Minghai
Published: December 2011

The rapid pace of China’s economic and trade development has been considered as a great success since the entry of WTO in 2001. Most recently, China has succeeded in coping with the global financial crisis and achieved a rapid V‐shaped recovery which rebounded to two digit growth rate and lead to strengthening its international status. Nevertheless, China has exposed many potential problems in face of the financial crisis which due to international and domestic unbalanced features of China’s economic operation system. The pattern of ‘China Manufacturing and World Consuming’ is a game with no winners, while the investment leaded economic development mode achieves high growth rate but without enriches its own residents. The current imbalanced economic development mode cannot be sustained and shall be changed in the future which is not only the consensus of economists at home and abroad, but also a striving goal for the Chinese government for its ‘12th Five‐Year Plan’. However, China will face great and formidable challenges by changing the economic development mode to achieve an equilibrium state.
Not Codgers in Cardigans! Female Workforce Participation and Ageing Public Services
Authors: Colley Linda
Published: December 2011

There have been remarkable changes in female labour force participation in the past century. In Australia, the first wave of change included the introduction of equal pay and the softening of attitudes towards married women at work and the second wave of change introduced anti‐discrimination legislation and family‐friendly working conditions. Arguably a third wave of change is emerging, as labour market pressures — caused in part by an ageing workforce — require further efforts to increase the participation of underrepresented groups such as women. The existing literature considers how age affects female participation but not the reverse question of how increased female participation has affected the age of the workforce. This research begins to fill this gap. Using an indicative study of an Australian public service, it explores increases in female participation and the associated increases in age in the case study public service, with a particular focus on the first wave of reforms in the 1970s and the second wave of reforms in the 1990s. The research demonstrates an association between increased female participation and the increasing age of public workforces — in a period of 25 years, the case‐study public service was transformed from being predominantly young and male to being predominantly older and female. Policymakers need to reconsider whether the ageing public workforce is a problem or simply a side effect of worthwhile employment reforms that supported female participation.
Informed Consent and the Requirement to Ensure Understanding
Authors: WALKER TOM
Published: December 2011

abstract

It is generally held that doctors and researchers have an obligation to obtain informed consent. Over time there has been a move in relation to this obligation from a requirement to disclose information to a requirement to ensure that that information is understood. Whilst this change has been resisted, in this article I argue that both sides on this matter are mistaken. When investigating what information is needed for consent to be informed we might be trying to determine what information a person would need in order to consent at all, or we might be trying to determine what information a person needs in order to make an informed choice about whether or not to consent. I argue that the obligation to ensure understanding only applies to information generated by the first type of enquiry; but that much of the information generally thought necessary in order for consent to be informed is only required if our concern is with the second type of enquiry. For this reason it is neither the case that doctors and researchers should ensure all the information they provide is understood, nor is it the case that their only obligation is to disclose it.
Glutamate receptor δ1 induces preferentially inhibitory presynaptic differentiation of cortical neurons by interacting with neurexins through cerebellin precursor protein subtypes
Authors: Yasumura Misato , Yoshida Tomoyuki , Lee Sung‐Jin , Uemura Takeshi , Joo Jae‐Yeol , Mishina Masayoshi
Published: December 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 705–716.

Glutamate receptor (GluR) δ1 is widely expressed in the developing forebrain, whereas GluRδ2 is selectively expressed in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Recently, we found that trans‐synaptic interaction of postsynaptic GluRδ2 and pre‐synaptic neurexins (NRXNs) through cerebellin precursor protein (Cbln) 1 mediates excitatory synapse formation in the cerebellum. Thus, a question arises whether GluRδ1 regulates synapse formation in the forebrain. In this study, we showed that the N‐terminal domain of GluRδ1 induced inhibitory presynaptic differentiation of some populations of cultured cortical neurons. When Cbln1 or Cbln2 was added to cultures, GluRδ1 expressed in HEK293T cells induced preferentially inhibitory presynaptic differentiation of cultured cortical neurons. The synaptogenic activity of GluRδ1 was suppressed by the addition of the extracellular domain of NRXN1α or NRXN1β containing splice segment 4. Cbln subtypes directly bound to the N‐terminal domain of GluRδ1. The synaptogenic activity of GluRδ1 in the presence of Cbln subtypes correlated well with their binding affinities. When transfected to cortical neurons, GluRδ1 stimulated inhibitory synapse formation in the presence of Cbln1 or Cbln2. These results together with differential interactions of Cbln subtypes with NRXN variants suggest that GluRδ1 induces preferentially inhibitory presynaptic differentiation of cortical neurons by interacting with NRXNs containing splice segment 4 through Cbln subtypes.
Functional diversity across space and time: trends in wader communities on British estuaries
Authors: Mendez Veronica , Gill Jennifer A. , Burton Niall H. K. , Austin Graham E. , Petchey Owen L. , Davies Richard G.
Published: December 2011

Aim British estuarine ecosystems support large populations of protected migratory waders. Understanding how wader communities vary spatially and how they may be changing temporally can greatly improve the understanding of these dynamic ecosystems. Here, we explore the variation in functional diversity (using a range of morphological and ecological traits) in order to identify the processes shaping wader communities on British estuaries and how these processes may be changing.

Location England, Wales and Scotland.

Methods We use national survey data (Wetland Bird Survey) from 1980/1981 to 2006/2007 winter to calculate functional diversity (FD) – an index that measures trait dispersion – in wader communities on 100 estuaries. We test for evidence of non‐random patterns of diversity and explore the relative importance of two key processes, environmental filtering and competition, in shaping these communities.

Results The observed FD was significantly and positively associated with species richness and to a lesser extent estuary area, followed by longitude. An increase in observed FD was observed since 1980, supported by a small but significant slope. In the majority of cases, changes in FD were mirrored by changes in species richness. Observed FD was on average lower than expected by chance, as indicated by a negative value of observed minus expected FD. However, this difference became less negative over time, with observed minus expected FD values increasing slightly, but significantly, over the study period.

Main conclusions Wader FD varies across British estuaries, and the relative influence of the processes by which communities are structured appears to be changing through time. We discuss the potential drivers underlying these patterns and the importance of identifying such drivers for the protection of wader communities.
It's About Time: The Lifespan of Information Effects in a Multiweek Campaign
Authors: Mitchell Dona‐Gene
Published: December 2011

I advance a theoretical and empirical framework that puts time and thus the temporal dynamics of candidate evaluation front and center in order to advance our understanding of the lifespan of information effects while enhancing the external validity of our experimental approaches. With these temporal properties in mind, I designed a “panel experiment” with research conducted over 12 weeks. This represents the first experimental approach to combine control over information exposure with attention to information processing throughout the course of a multiweek campaign. Against the backdrop of partisanship, empirical tests assess the ability of transient exposure to issue and character information to produce effects that endure beyond the moment the information is encountered either via memory‐based or on‐line processes. Findings reveal a remarkably limited role for enduring information effects and suggest a “rapid displacement” model of information processing where new information quickly displaces the accumulated stockpile of old information.
Clinical Characteristics of Defecation and Micturition Syncope Compared with Common Vasovagal Syncope
Authors: BAE MYUNG H. , KANG JUNG K. , KIM NA Y. , CHOI WON S. , KIM KYUN H. , PARK SUN H. , LEE JANG H. , YANG DONG H. , PARK HUN S. , CHO YONGKEUN , CHAE SHUNG C. , JUN JAE‐EUN
Published: December 2011

Background:

Little is known about the clinical characteristics of patients with situational syncope such as defecation syncope (DS) or micturition syncope (MS) compared with those with common vasovagal syncope (VVS).

Methods:

Among 680 consecutive patients, who underwent a head‐up tilt test between January 2006 and November 2010, 282 patients (40.4±16.7 years; 48.6% men) diagnosed as DS (n = 38), MS (n = 38), or common VVS (n = 208) were included.

Results:

Ages at diagnosis (38.7±17.3 vs 48.3±14.1 vs 42.0±13.8, P = 0.004) and the first syncope (33.7±18.4 vs 44.5±15.3 vs 37.5±14.6, P = 0.002) were significantly less in patients with common VVS than those with DS or MS, respectively. The patients with MS were more likely to be men (73.7%, P = 0.036), whereas patients with DS were more commonly women (73.7%). No sexual preference was observed in patients with common VVS. Body mass index was significantly lower (P = 0.047) and syncopal episodes were more recurrent (P = 0.049) in patients with common VVS than those with DS or MS. The frequency of drinking alcoholbefore syncope was significantly higher in patients with MS (39.5%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

DS tended to occur in older women, whereas MS tended to occur in middle‐aged men and drinking alcohol was an important precipitating factor for MS. However, common VVS was observed more in a thin and young population, which was more recurrent compared with those situational syncopes.

(PACE 2011;1–7)
Presenting Data: Can You Follow A Recipe?
Authors: DRUMMOND GORDON B. , TOM BRIAN D. M.
Published: December 2011

Please cite this paper as: Drummond and Tom (2012). Presenting Data: Can You Follow A Recipe? Microcirculation 19(1), 94–98.
Degradation Resistance of Cordierite Diesel Particulate Filters to Diesel Fuel Ash Deposits
Authors: Pomeroy M. J. , O'Sullivan D. , Hampshire S. , Murtagh M. J.
Published: December 2011

The thermochemical degradation resistance of a typical cordierite diesel particulate filter (DPF) material by synthetic ashes typical of those arising in practice has been investigated over the temperature range 950°C–1250°C. Differential thermal analyses and heat treatment of pressed pellets were used to characterize the melting/transformation behavior of ashes representative of typical diesel fuel (ash A) and those typical of when the catalysts ferrocene (ash FeA) and cerium carboxylate (ash CeA) were present in the fuel and to study the interaction chemistry between powdered cordierite and the ash compositions. Additional experiments involved the application of surface coverings of ash to DPF specimens. The results obtained showed that filter performance would not be compromised by ash liquefaction/sintering as long as temperatures did not exceed 900°C for ash A, 970°C for ash FeA and 1100°C for ash CeA. For long time periods, compared to the expected application durations, liquid phosphates dissolve cordierite leading to the formation of Zn and Fe aluminate spinels. Overall, the results clearly indicate that thermochemical degradation of cordierite by ashes under conditions representative of typical diesel engine systems is highly unlikely at temperatures of 1100°C and below.
Influence of VicRK and CovR on the interactions of Streptococcus mutans with phagocytes
Authors: Negrini TC , Duque C , Vizoto NL , Stipp RN , Mariano FS , Höfling JF , Graner E , Mattos‐Graner RO
Published: December 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 485–493

Objective:  Streptococcus mutans are members of the oral microbiota that are implicated in dental caries and infective endocarditis. To adapt to environmental stresses encountered during host colonization, these bacteria employ two‐component regulatory systems, which modulate global changes in gene expression. These include the systems VicRK and CovR. In this study, we investigate the influence of VicRK and CovR in S. mutans interactions with mononuclear and polymorphonuclear (PMN) phagocytes.

Methods:  Patterns of S. mutans uptake by murine macrophages were determined in strains, which differ in the production of proteins regulated by VicRK and CovR. Bacterial uptake by murine macrophages and by PMN in human blood was analyzed in vicK and covR knockout mutants obtained in strains UA159 and LT11.

Results:  Inactivation of covR did not affect uptake by macrophages, while vicK inactivation transiently reduced uptake only in LT11 (P < 0.05). In the two strains, inactivation of vicK and covR impaired uptake by PMN for a period of 1 h or more (P < 0.01–0.05). Mutant complementation with vicK or covR restored the PMN uptake phenotypes.

Conclusion:  This study indicates that VicRK and CovR regulate functions that influence bacterial susceptibility to phagocytosis, suggesting a novel role for these systems in the virulence of S. mutans.
Oral health of psychiatric patients: the nurse’s perspective
Authors: Azodo CC , Ezeja EB , Omoaregba JO , James BO
Published: December 2011

To cite this article:   Int J Dent Hygiene10, 2012; 245–249  DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2011.00537.x

Azodo CC, Ezeja EB, Omoaregba JO, James BO. Oral health of psychiatric patients: the nurse’s perspective.

Abstract:  Objective: To assess nurses’ perspectives on character, prevalence and cause of oral diseases among psychiatric patients and also their approach and suggestions in relation to the care of oral problems. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire‐based cross‐sectional survey of all cadres of nurses (n = 136) at the Federal Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria, was conducted between December 2010 and January 2011. Results: Two‐thirds (67.6%) of the respondents reported that psychiatric in‐patients in comparison with the general population have a higher occurrence of oral and dental problems. Commonly cited reasons for the poor oral health of patients included as follows: sedation for long periods, lack of care by family, psychopathological symptoms, poor access to dentists and lack of oral hygiene advice. The common oral health complaints received by the respondents included toothache, pain from the gums and inability to open the mouth. Majority (91.4%) of respondents claimed to be presently involved with oral care of psychiatric in‐patients but oral care delivery is however bedevilled with lot of barriers like uncooperativeness of patients and lack of oral care materials. Conclusion: Oral complaints received are frequent and numerate with limited palliative action rendered. Attaching dentists to psychiatric hospitals and regular training of psychiatric nurses on oral care delivery are recommended to comprehensively cater for the oral health problems of psychiatric in‐patients.
Men’s Health: Sexual Dysfunction, Physical, and Psychological Health—Is There a Link?
Authors: Tan Hui Meng , Tong Seng Fah , Ho Christopher C.K.
Published: December 2011

Introduction

Sexual dysfunction in men, such as erectile dysfunction, hypogonadism, and premature ejaculation, generates considerable attention. Its association with physical and psychological health is an issue which should be addressed seriously.

Aim

A review of the literature pertaining to the correlation between sexual dysfunction and physical and psychological health.

Methods

PubMed search for relevant publications on the association between sexual dysfunction in men and physical and psychological health.

Main Outcome Measure

Clinical and epidemiological evidence that demonstrates the association between sexual dysfunction in men and physical and psychological health.

Results

Sexual dysfunction, i.e., erectile dysfunction, hypogonadism, and premature ejaculation, has been shown to be associated with physical and psychological health. There is a strong correlation between sexual dysfunction and cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, quality of life, and depression.

Conclusion

The association between men’s sexual dysfunction and physical and psychological health is real and proven. Therefore, it should not be taken lightly but instead treated as a life-threatening medical problem.
Sexual Behavior and Oral Contraception: A Pilot Study
Authors: Battaglia Cesare , Battaglia Bruno , Mancini Fulvia , Busacchi Paolo , Paganotto Maria Chiara , Morotti Elena , Venturoli Stefano
Published: December 2011

Introduction

Oral contraceptives (OCs) induce mood and libido changes.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate in young, eumenorrheic, healthy women the sexual behavior and the genital vascular effects of an OC containing 30 µg ethinylestradiol (EE) and 3 mg drospirenone (DRSP).

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures are McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire (MFSQ), the labia minora thickness and vaginal introitus area, the pulsatility index (PI) of clitoral and labia minora arteries, and hormonal and biochemical assays.

Methods

Twenty-two adult, eumenorrheic, healthy women were administered the two-factor Italian MFSQ. The labia minora thickness was studied by two-dimensional ultrasonographic, and the clitoral and labia minora arteries were evaluated by color Doppler; three-dimensional static volumes of the vulvar area were calculated. Hormonal (estradiol, androstenedione, and testosterone) and biohumoral (sex hormone binding globulin) parameters were assayed. Subjects were studied in baseline conditions and after 3 months of therapy with an OC (Yasmin®, Bayer-Schering Italia, Milan, Italy; −30 µg EE + 3 mg DRSP).

Results

After 3-month treatment, the labia minora thickness and the vaginal introitus area significantly decreased in comparison with the baseline values, whereas the PI of the dorsal clitoral artery and the posterior labial artery significantly increased. The OC use induced a significant decrease of the two-factor Italian MFSQ score, a reduction of the number of intercourse/week, and a reduction of the frequency of orgasm during intercourse. The item 18 (pain during intercourse) worsened after OC.

Conclusions

The treatment with Yasmin® (Bayer-Schering Italia) is associated with increased pain during intercourse, with decreased libido and spontaneous arousability, and with diminished frequency of sexual intercourse and orgasm.
Selective Flexibility of Side‐Chain Residues Improves VEGFR‐2 Docking Score using AutoDock Vina
Authors: Abreu Rui M. V. , Froufe Hugo J. C. , Queiroz Maria‐João R. P. , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R.
Published: December 2011

Selective side‐chain residue flexibility is an option available on AutoDockVinadocking software. This approach is promising as it attempts to provide a more realistic ligand–protein interaction environment without an unmanageable increase in computer processing time. However, studies validating this approach are still scarce. VEGFR‐2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2), a known protein target for anti‐angiogenic agents, was used in this study. Four residues located in the VEGFR‐2 kinase site were selected and made flexible: Lys868, Glu885, Cys919, and Asp1046. The docking scores for all possible combinations of flexible residues were compared to the docking scores using a rigid conformation. The best overall docking scores were obtained using the Glu885 flexible conformation, with Pearson and Spearman rank correlation values of 0.568 and 0.543, respectively, and a 51% increase in processing time. Using different VEGFR‐2 crystal structures, a similar trend was observed with the Glu885 flexible conformation presenting best scores. This study demonstrates that careful use of selective side‐chain residue flexibility can improve AutoDock Vina docking score accuracy, without a significant increase in processing time. This methodology can be a valuable tool in drug design projects using VEGFR‐2 but will also probably be useful if applied to other protein targets.
Some supplementary methods for the analysis of WAIS‐IV index scores in neuropsychological assessment
Authors: Crawford John R. , Garthwaite Paul H. , Longman R. Stewart , Batty Abigail M.
Published: December 2011

Objectives. To develop supplementary methods for the analysis of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale‐Fourth Edition (WAIS‐IV) in neuropsychological assessment.

Design and Methods. Psychometric.

Results. The following methods are made available: (a) provision of traditional confidence intervals (CIs) on index scores, (b) expression of the endpoints of CIs as percentile ranks; (c) quantification of the number of abnormally low index scores exhibited by a case and accompanying estimate of the percentage of the normative population expected to exhibit at least this number of low scores; (d) quantification of the reliability and abnormality of index score deviations from an individual's index score mean (thereby offering an alternative to the pairwise approach to index score comparisons available in the WAIS‐IV manual); (e) provision of CIs on an individual's deviation scores or pairwise difference scores, (f) estimation of the percentage of the normative population expected to exhibit at least as many abnormal deviations or abnormal pairwise differences as a case; and (g) calculation of a case's Mahalanobis distance index (MDI), thereby providing a multivariate estimate of the overall abnormality of an index score profile. With the exception of the MDI, all the methods can be applied using tables provided in this paper. However, for ease and speed of application, and to reduce the possibility of clerical error, all the methods have also been implemented in a computer program.

Conclusions. The methods are useful for neuropsychological interpretation of the WAIS‐IV.
Plasmid‐mediated resistance to protein biosynthesis inhibitors in staphylococci
Authors: Schwarz Stefan , Feßler Andrea T. , Hauschild Tomasz , Kehrenberg Corinna , Kadlec Kristina
Published: December 2011

Protein biosynthesis inhibitors (PBIs) represent powerful antimicrobial agents for the control of bacterial infections. In staphylococci, numerous resistance genes are known to be involved in resistance to PBIs, most of which mediate resistance to a specific class/subclass of PBIs, though a few genes do confer a multidrug resistance phenotype—up to five classes/subclasses of PBIs. Plasmids play a key role in the dissemination of PBI resistance among staphylococci, as they primarily carry plasmid‐borne PBI resistance genes; however, plasmids also can be vectors for transposon‐borne PBI resistance genes. Small plasmids that carry single PBI resistance genes are widespread among staphylococci of human and animal origin. Various mechanisms exist by which they can recombine, form cointegrates, or integrate into chromosomal DNA or larger plasmids. We provide an overview of the current knowledge of plasmid‐mediated PBI resistance in staphylococci, with particular reference to the currently known PBI resistance genes, their association with mobile genetic elements, and the recombination/integration processes that control their mobility.
The oxazolidinones: past, present, and future
Authors: Shaw Karen Joy , Barbachyn Michael R.
Published: December 2011

The success of linezolid stimulated significant efforts to discover new agents in the oxazolidinone class. Over a dozen oxazolidinones have reached the clinic, but many were discontinued due to lack of differentiated potency, inadequate pharmacokinetics, and safety risks that included myelosuppression. Four oxazolidinones are currently undergoing clinical evaluation. The Trius Therapeutics compound tedizolid phosphate (formerly known as torezolid phosphate, TR‐701, DA‐7218), the most advanced, is in phase 3 clinical trials for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections. Rib‐X completed two phase 2 studies for radezolid (Rx‐01_667, RX‐1741) in uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections and community‐acquired pneumonia. Pfizer and AstraZeneca have each identified antitubercular compounds that have completed phase 1 studies: sutezolid (PNU‐100480, PF‐02341272) and AZD5847 (AZD2563), respectively. The oxazolidinones share a relatively low frequency of resistance largely due to the requirement of mutations in 23S ribosomal RNA genes. However, maintaining potency against strains carrying the mobile cfr gene poses a challenge for the oxazolidinone class, as well as other 50S ribosome inhibitors that target the peptidyl transferase center.
Advances in bipolar disorder: selected sessions from the 2011 International Conference on Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Kupfer David J. , Angst Jules , Berk Michael , Dickerson Faith , Frangou Sophia , Frank Ellen , Goldstein Benjamin I. , Harvey Allison , Laghrissi‐Thode Fouzia , Leboyer Marion , Ostacher Michael J. , Sibille Etienne , Strakowski Stephen M. , Suppes Trisha , Tohen Mauricio , Yolken Robert H. , Young L. Trevor , Zarate Carlos A.
Published: December 2011

Recently, the 9th International Conference on Bipolar Disorder (ICBD) took place in Pittsburgh, PA, June 9–11, 2011. The conference focused on a number of important issues concerning the diagnosis of bipolar disorders across the life span, advances in neuroscience, treatment strategies for bipolar disorders, early intervention, and medical comorbidity. Several of these topics were discussed in four plenary sessions. This meeting report describes the major points of each of these sessions and included (1) strategies for moving biology forward; (2) bipolar disorder and the forthcoming new DSM‐5 nomenclature; (3) management of bipolar disorders—both theory and intervention, with an emphasis on the medical comorbidities; and, (4) a review of several key task force reports commissioned by the International Society for Bipolar Disorder (ISBD).
Efficacy of a heterologous vaccine and adjuvant in ferrets challenged with influenza virus H5N1
Authors: Vela Eric M. , Buccellato Mathew A. , Tordoff Kevin , Stark Greg , Bigger John E.
Published: December 2011

Please cite this paper as: Vela et al. (2012) Efficacy of a heterologous vaccine and adjuvant in ferrets challenged with influenza virus H5N1. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(5), 328–340.

Background  In 1997, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses caused outbreaks of disease in domestic poultry markets in Hong Kong. The virus has also been detected in infected poultry in Europe and Africa.

Objective  The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a heterologous vaccine administered with and without the aluminum hydroxide adjuvant in ferrets challenged with HPAI (A/Vietnam/1203/04).

Methods  Animals in four of the five groups were vaccinated twice 21 days apart, with two doses of a heterologous monovalent subvirion vaccine with or without an aluminum hydroxide adjuvant and challenged with a lethal target dose of A/Vietnam/1203/04.

Results  All animals vaccinated with the heterologous vaccine in combination with the aluminum hydroxide adjuvant survived a lethal challenge of A/Vietnam/1203/04. Four of the eight animals vaccinated with 30 μg of the vaccine without the adjuvant survived, while two of the eight animals vaccinated with 15 μg of the vaccine without the adjuvant survived. None of the unvaccinated control animals survived challenge. Additionally, changes in virus recovered from nasal washes and post‐mortem tissues and serology suggest vaccine efficacy.

Conclusions  Altogether, the data suggest that the heterologous vaccine in combination with the aluminum hydroxide adjuvant offers maximum protection against challenge with A/Vietnam/1203/04 when compared to the unvaccinated control animals or animals vaccinated without any adjuvant.
Effect of Curcumin on Liposome: Curcumin as a Molecular Probe for Monitoring Interaction of Ionic Liquids with 1,2‐Dipalmitoyl‐sn‐Glycero‐3‐Phosphocholine Liposome
Authors: Patra Digambara , El Khoury Elsy , Ahmadieh Diana , Darwish Shaza , Tafech Rana M.
Published: December 2011

Recent increase and wider use of ionic liquids (ILs) for various applications has drawn attention to their toxicological consequence on human health. The present study explores effects of three different kinds of widely used ILs, such as 1‐methyl‐3‐octylimidazolium chloride, 1‐buytl‐3‐methyl imadazolium tetrafluoroborate and 1‐benzyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate, on liposome properties of 1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DPPC) by applying curcumin as molecular probe. Fluorescence intensity of curcumin is reported as a novel rotor which is sensitive to viscosity and thus the fluidity of the solvent. It follows a linear relationship of log fluorescence vs viscosity as proposed by Förster–Hoffmann equation. Curcumin binds strongly to liposome. At low concentration, the lipophilic drug curcumin does not appreciably influence the phase transition temperature of DPPC but as concentration reaches high levels significantly depresses the phase transition temperature. ILs diminish membrane fluidity. 1‐methyl‐3‐octylimidazolium chloride disorders membrane properties by lowering the phase transition as is observed for higher concentration of curcumin, but 1‐buytl‐3‐methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate and 1‐benzyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate do not modify phase transition temperature perceptibly; rather they broaden the phase transition at low molar concentration ratio. The three different kinds of ILs under study behave similarly at a high IL:DPPC ratio (1:2), while they behave differently at lower ratios (1:10–1:5).
Genotype × genotype interactions between the toxic cyanobacterium Microcystis and its grazer, the waterflea Daphnia
Authors: Lemaire Veerle , Brusciotti Silvia , van Gremberghe Ineke , Vyverman Wim , Vanoverbeke Joost , De Meester Luc
Published: December 2011

Toxic algal blooms are an important problem worldwide. The literature on toxic cyanobacteria blooms in inland waters reports widely divergent results on whether zooplankton can control cyanobacteria blooms or cyanobacteria suppress zooplankton by their toxins. Here we test whether this may be due to genotype × genotype interactions, in which interactions between the large‐bodied and efficient grazer Daphnia and the widespread cyanobacterium Microcystis are not only dependent on Microcystis strain or Daphnia genotype but are specific to genotype × genotype combinations. We show that genotype × genotype interactions are important in explaining mortality in short‐time exposures of Daphnia to Microcystis. These genotype × genotype interactions may result in local coadaptation and a geographic mosaic of coevolution. Genotype × genotype interactions can explain why the literature on zooplankton–cyanobacteria interactions is seemingly inconsistent, and provide hope that zooplankton can contribute to the suppression of cyanobacteria blooms in restoration projects.