bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nodal proteins are target antigens in Guillain‐Barré syndrome
Authors: Devaux Jérôme J. , Odaka Masaaki , Yuki Nobuhiro
Published: March 2012

Neurofascin‐186 (NF186), neuronal cell adhesion molecule (NrCAM), and gliomedin are adhesion molecules playing a central role in the formation of nodes of Ranvier. In Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS), immune attack toward the nodes may participate in the disabilities. Autoantibodies to NF186 and gliomedin have been detected in a rat model of GBS. Here, we investigated the prevalence of antibodies against nodal adhesion molecules in patients with GBS or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Sera from 100 GBS patients, 50 CIDP patients, 80 disease controls, and 50 healthy controls were tested for their ability to bind the nodes of Ranvier. To characterize the antigens, we performed cell binding assays against NF186, gliomedin, contactin, and NrCAM. We found that 43% of patients with GBS and 30% of patients with CIDP showed IgG fixation at nodes or paranodes. In eight patients with GBS or CIDP, we identified that IgG antibodies recognized the native extracellular domain of NF186, gliomedin, or contactin. Also, 29 patients showed IgM against nodal adhesion molecules. However, we did not detect IgM fixation at nodes or paranodes. Antibodies to gliomedin or NF186 were mostly detected in demyelinating and axonal GBS, respectively. The adsorption of the antibodies to their soluble antigens abolished IgG deposition at nodes and paranodes in nerves, indicating these were specific to NF186, gliomedin, and contactin. In conclusion, gliomedin, NF186, and contactin are novel target antigens in GBS. At nodes, additional epitopes are also the targets of IgG. These results suggest that antibody attack against nodal antigens participates in the etiology of GBS.
Expanding the differential diagnosis of inherited neuropathies with non‐uniform conduction: Andermann syndrome
Authors: Lourenço Charles M. , Dupré Nicolas , Rivière Jean‐Baptiste , Rouleau Guy A. , Marques Vanessa D. , Genari Adriana B. , Santos Antonio C. , Barreira Amilton A. , Marques Wilson
Published: March 2012

Uniform conduction slowing has been considered a characteristic of inherited demyelinating neuropathies. We present an 18‐year‐old girl, born from first cousins, that presented a late motor and psychological development, cerebellar ataxia, facial diplegia, abnormal eye movement, scoliosis, and corpus callosum agenesis, whose compound muscle action potentials were slowed and dispersed. A mutation was found on KCC3 gene, confirming Andermann syndrome, a disease that must be included in the differential diagnosis of inherited neuropathies with non‐uniform conduction slowing.
Heterogeneous spectrum of neuropathies in Waldenström's macroglobulinemia: a diagnostic strategy to optimize their management
Authors: Viala Karine , Stojkovic Tanya , Doncker Anne‐Violaine , Maisonobe Thierry , Lenglet Timothée , Bruneteau Gaëlle , Musset Lucile , Neil Jean , Léger Jean‐Marc , Leblond Véronique
Published: March 2012

Neuropathy in Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) is very heterogeneous. We retrospectively studied 40 patients with WM and neuropathy to analyze the different presentations and mechanisms encountered and to propose a diagnostic strategy. Twenty‐five patients (62.5%) had axonal neuropathy, related to the following mechanisms: amyloid neuropathy (n = 5), cryoglobulinemic neuropathy (n = 5), neuropathy associated with tumoral infiltration (n = 2), vasculitic neuropathy (n = 2), a clinical motor neuropathy possibly of dysimmune origin (n = 6), or an unclassified mechanism (n = 5). A demyelinating pattern was observed in 15 patients, 10 having anti‐myelin‐associated glycoprotein (anti‐MAG) antibodies and 5 having neuropathy related to chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. On the basis of these results, we propose a diagnostic strategy combining: (1) an EMG to distinguish between a demyelinating and an axonal pattern; (2) measurement of anti‐MAG and anti‐ganglioside antibodies; (3) screening for “red flag” features to orientate further investigations. This strategy may help clinicians to identify the mechanism of neuropathy in order to adapt the therapeutic strategy.
Single‐nucleotide polymorphism of transient axonal glycoprotein‐1 and its correlation with clinical features and prognosis in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Pang Shirley Y. Y. , Chan Koon‐Ho , Mak Windsor W. W. , Kung Michelle H. W. , Lee Chi‐Nam , Tsoi Tak‐Hong , Yip Edwin K. K. , Ho Shu‐Leong
Published: March 2012

The single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2275697 in the transient axonal glycoprotein‐1 (TAG‐1) gene was reported to be associated with responsiveness to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). However, it is not known if this SNP is associated with long‐term prognosis. We examined the case records of 32 Chinese CIDP patients. The overall response rate to IVIG, prednisolone, or plasmapheresis was 83%. After 5.4 years, 57% of patients were on maintenance immunotherapy. Patients with higher modified Rankin score and more prolonged distal motor latencies in the upper limbs on presentation had a higher risk (odds ratio [OR] 3.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23–12.11 and OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.07, respectively) of being on maintenance immunotherapy. Blood samples from 24 patients and 147 controls were examined for their genotypes of four non‐synonymous SNPs (rs41264871, rs36074532, rs5611135, and rs2275697) in the coding region of TAG‐1. The G allelic frequency of rs2275697 was similar between CIDP patients and controls (56% and 50%, respectively) and was not associated with treatment responsiveness, treatment dependence, disability, or mortality.
Enterprise and Inequality: A Study of Avon in South Africa
Authors: Scott Linda , Dolan Catherine , Johnstone–Louis Mary , Sugden Kimberly , Wu Maryalice
Published: March 2012

Avon's apparent success in using entrepreneurship to help women escape poverty, as well as its staying power in circumstances where similar efforts have failed, has captured the attention of the international development community. This study, the first independent empirical investigation, reports that in South Africa, Avon helps some impoverished women earn a better income and inspires empowerment among them. The authors introduce a new theory, pragmatist feminism, to integrate past work on women's entrepreneurship and argue that feminist scholars should reexamine the histories of the market democracies for replicable innovations that may have empowered women.
Not Simply “In Their Heads”: Individual Differences Associated With Victimization and Health1
Authors: KNACK JENNIFER M. , IYER PRIYA A. , JENSEN‐CAMPBELL LAURI A.
Published: March 2012

Research has not examined whether victimization predicts health after controlling for personality differences associated with victimization and health. In Study 1, college students (N = 1182) completed surveys assessing victimization, health, and personality. In Study 2, college students (N = 69) participated in a short‐term longitudinal study that examined whether (a) victimization would predict health changes; (b) increases in victimization would lead to increased health problems; and (c) fall health would predict spring victimization when personality was considered. After controlling for individual differences, we found victimization predicted health outcomes (Study 1) and health problems over time (Study 2). These findings suggest the victimization–health link may occur because of physiological changes, rather than personality differences associated with victimization and health.
Second‐Generation Leader Categorization Research: How Subordinates' Self‐ and Typical Leader Perceptions Moderate Leader Categorization Effects
Authors: VAN QUAQUEBEKE NIELS , VAN KNIPPENBERG DAAN
Published: March 2012

Leader categorization theory proposes that the more leaders match their subordinates' cognitive image (prototype) of an ideal leader the easier it is for subordinates to “categorize” them as leaders and consequently follow their leadership. Based on self‐concept research, we extend this perspective and argue that the relationship assumed in leader categorization theory should be stronger when subordinates perceive themselves to represent the ideal leader prototype. Further, this moderating effect should be stronger when subordinates perceive the ideal leader prototype to not only be an abstract ideal category, but one that is generally also met in reality; i.e., when it is met by typical leaders. Findings of a cross‐sectional study with employees in Germany (N = 297) support both predictions.
Control of large institutional scabies outbreaks
Authors: Stoevesandt Johanna , Carlé Lydia , Leverkus Martin , Hamm Henning
Published: March 2012

Background: Scabies outbreaks in community facilities may reach large dimensions and take a protracted course. Highly contagious crusted scabies is a major cause of nosocomial outbreaks.

Patients and methods: On the occasion of an extensive scabies outbreak in a north Bavarian sheltered workshop and its associated residential homes with over 500 exposed individuals, a multifaceted control strategy was developed and pursued. Knowledge from a comprehensive review of the literature was utilized.

Results: Our successful scabies elimination concept includes: 1) Careful organization (formation of an outbreak management team, registration and information of all exposed individuals, prospective time management, financial calculation); 2) simultaneous clinical examination of all individuals at risk; 3) synchronous topical treatment of all exposed individuals with permethrin 5 % cream on day 0, repeated treatment of proven and doubtful cases on days 1 and 14; systemic treatment of selected cases with oral ivermectin; 4) decontamination and quarantine measures; 5) follow‐up investigations and repeated treatment if indicated.

Conclusions: Management of large institutional scabies outbreaks requires a high degree of motivation, communication skills and perseverance.
Older adolescents' perceptions and intentions regarding Do‐It‐Yourself Genetic Assessment services
Authors: Mackert Michael , Rew Lynn , Bonevac Daniel , Champlin Sara
Published: March 2012

Purpose.  The purpose of this research was to investigate older adolescents' perceptions of Do‐It‐Yourself Genetic Assessment (DIYGA) services online and factors that influence their intentions to utilize DIYGA services.

Design and Methods.  A convenience sample of 111 undergraduate students completed an online survey based on the Theory of Planned Behavior.

Results.  Most respondents (80.4%) had not heard of DIYGA services. Predictors of intentions to use DIYGA services included attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived risk of developing a genetic disorder.

Practice Implications.  Nurses are in a unique position to provide much‐needed education and guidance to adolescents about genetic testing, particularly given mass media sources were the primary sources of information among these adolescents.
Expatriate accompanying partners: the males speak
Authors: Cole Nina D
Published: March 2012

This field study of 45 male expatriate accompanying partners in the Asia Pacific region explored the issues they face in their unique role. The results showed that these male partners were comfortable with their role in female breadwinner families, although people around them found it difficult to understand their status. Eighty‐five percent of the male partners faced career challenges while accompanying a female expatriate on international assignment, yet only 21% of them received employer‐provided employment assistance. Male partners felt particularly isolated because of their small numbers. The male partners identified their greatest needs as being for male expatriate partner groups and for employment networking contacts.
HR on the line: human resource managers' contribution to organisational value and workplace performance
Authors: Gollan Paul J
Published: March 2012

This article examines the professional identity and role of human resource managers in fostering and implementing strategies that encourage high workplace performance. Workplace performance affects Australian competitiveness and this is the first detailed empirical analysis of Australian HR managers that combines case studies and survey methods. This research seeks to provide more in‐depth knowledge and understanding of HR managers and line managers and how the HR function can contribute to high workplace performance. Overall this research suggests that while the HR function is likely to change in the future, its role is not diminishing in organisational decision‐making. In particular, the HR function appears to provide an important function in providing the balance between behaviours and performance.
A KINETIC APPROACH TO SAPONIN EXTRACTION DURING WASHING OF QUINOA (CHENOPODIUM QUINOA WILLD.) SEEDS
Authors: QUISPE‐FUENTES ISSIS , VEGA‐GÁLVEZ ANTONIO , MIRANDA MARGARITA , LEMUS‐MONDACA ROBERTO , LOZANO MARIBEL , AH‐HEN KONG
Published: March 2012

The aim of this work was to show that the leaching process of saponins from quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) seeds during washing with water, as is generally practiced by people in South America, can be modeled using mathematical expressions related to Fick's second law. Experimental data were obtained through batch extraction with a ratio of quinoa to water of 1:10 under constant agitation for processing time between 15 and 120 min at 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60C. It was found that residual saponin concentration in the quinoa seeds decreased as washing temperature increased. Leaching rate followed the Arrhenius relationship, with calculated effective saponin diffusion coefficient between (5.05 ± 0.15) × 10−10 and (32.50 ± 1.65) × 10−10 m2/s as the temperature increased from 20 to 60C. Several mathematical models to describe the kinetic behavior of the leaching process were analyzed. The modified Henderson–Pabis model had the best fit quality as shown by statistical analysis.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

During processing of quinoa for human consumption, a washing process is necessary to remove most of the bitter saponins found in the seeds, as this type of saponin is considered to be a serious antinutritional factor. For industrial scale‐up of this processing step, leaching behavior of the saponin is of crucial importance to find the best design parameters and the most cost‐effective process conditions. This helps reduce energy waste and optimize water flow rate in a continuous washing process. The present study used well‐known models to explain saponins' leaching kinetics from the quinoa seeds with water at different temperatures. The best mathematical model with its justification was also determined, which is generally the most economical way to proceed.
BACKWASHING OF TUBULAR CERAMIC MICROFILTERS FOULED WITH MILK PROTEIN ISOLATE FEEDS
Authors: HEAD LAURA E. , BIRD MICHAEL R.
Published: March 2012

The effect of BW upon the operational performance of a tubular ceramic membrane was investigated for the MF of a high solids content (15 wt %) MPI feed inoculated with Bacillus mycoides spores. Three tubular ceramic Membralox™ (Pall Filtration, Bazet, France) MF membranes of pore sizes 0.8, 2.0 and 12.0 µm pore diameters were tested. A 10‐s backflush every 5 min was found to be the most effective protocol during filtration experiments. Membrane cleaning using a combination of a long rinsing backflush at 1 bar, and acid and alkali steps without BW were found to be most effective after MPI filtration. Application of this protocol resulted in a flux recovery of 99.6%.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Pasteurization is an energy intensive process that can also affect the organoleptic properties of milk and dairy products. MF offers the possibility of replacing a thermal process with a physical (size exclusion) based one and is particularly attractive when the bacterial removal challenge involves thermophiles that resist heat treatment. While the application of MF for filtering low viscosity diary feeds is relatively well established, the filtration of high solids content, high viscosity feeds has not become well established because of low fluxes and poor transmission of solids. This article extends previous work in our laboratory that demonstrated the viability of this technology for bacterial removal from high solids content diary feeds. Here, the effect of membrane BW during both filtration and cleaning cycles is quantified, and a BW protocol is optimized. This is essential information for the practical operation of a membrane unit for this filtration application.
An Empirical Analysis of the Effect of Financial Distress on Trade Credit
Authors: Molina Carlos A. , Preve Lorenzo A.
Published: March 2012

This paper studies the use of supplier's trade credit by firms in financial distress. Trade credit represents a large portion of firms’ short‐term financing and plays an important role in financial distress. We find that firms in financial distress use a significantly larger amount of trade credit to substitute for alternative sources of financing. Firms that are smaller, with less market power, and with more unique products tend to use more trade credit financing when in distress. We also find that firms that significantly increase their trade payables when in financial distress, experience an additional drop of at least 11% in sales and profitability growth over the previously documented 21% average drop for financially troubled firms.
Is Chapter 11 Efficient?
Authors: Aivazian Varouj A. , Zhou Simiao
Published: March 2012

The efficiency of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process is examined by estimating the impact of Chapter 11 filings on the operating performance of bankrupt firms. We control for firm‐level heterogeneity in prefiling characteristics using matching methods to select benchmark firms comparable to filing firms. We compare bankrupt firms’ operating performances with those of matched nonbankrupt firms. Our results challenge the contention that Chapter 11 is an inefficient, debtor‐friendly mechanism that rehabilitates economically nonviable firms. We demonstrate that firms that file under Chapter 11 perform no worse and, if anything, better than comparable nonfiling firms.
Accidental death and the rule of joint and several liability
Authors: Carvell Daniel , Currie Janet , MacLeod W. Bentley
Published: March 2012

Most U.S. states have enacted JSL reform, the move from a regime of joint and several liability (JSL) that allows plaintiffs to claim full recovery from any one of multiple defendants to one where defendants are held liable only for the harm they cause. Contrary to previous theoretical work, we show that JSL reform can increase precaution by judgment proof agent by giving “deep pockets” an incentive to reduce their own liability by bringing judgment‐proof agents into court. This result can help explain our empirical findings showing that JSL reform reduces death rates (and hence increase precaution) for many types of accidents. Together, these results highlight the role that litigation costs and judgment‐proof agents play in the functioning of the American tort system.
Demand shocks, capacity coordination, and industry performance: lessons from an economic laboratory
Authors: Hampton Kyle , Sherstyuk Katerina
Published: March 2012

Antitrust exemptions granted to businesses under extenuating circumstances are often justified by the argument that they benefit the public by helping producers adjust to otherwise difficult economic circumstances. Such exemptions may allow firms to coordinate their capacities, as was the case of the post‐September 11, 2001, antitrust immunity granted to Aloha and Hawaiian Airlines. We conduct economic laboratory experiments to determine the effects of explicit capacity coordination on oligopoly firms' abilities to adjust to negative demand shocks and on industry prices. The results suggest that capacity coordination speeds the adjustment process, but also has a clear procollusive effect on firm behavior.
The effect of learning by hiring on productivity
Authors: Parrotta Pierpaolo , Pozzoli Dario
Published: March 2012

This article focuses on the phenomenon of interfirm labor mobility as a potential channel for knowledge transfer. Using data from the Danish employer‐employee register covering the period 1995–2005, we investigate how knowledge carriers—technicians and highly educated workers recruited from a donor firm—contribute to knowledge diffusion and enhanced productivity in the hiring (recipient) firm. Structural estimation of the hiring firms' production functions shows that the impact of the recruitment of knowledge carriers on a firm's value added is an increase of 1%–2%. Several robustness checks confirm this finding.
New‐vehicle characteristics and the cost of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard
Authors: Klier Thomas , Linn Joshua
Published: March 2012

By 2016, the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard will increase by 40%. This article focuses on the medium‐run effects of fuel economy regulation. We estimate consumers' willingness to pay for vehicle characteristics. We employ a novel empirical strategy that accounts for the characteristics' endogeneity by using variation of engine models used in vehicle models. The results imply that consumers value an increase in power more than an increase in fuel economy. Simulations of the effects of an increase in the CAFE standard suggest that regulatory costs are significantly smaller in the medium run than in the short run.
Contribution to the diatom flora of Cambodia: Five new recent freshwater taxa
Authors: BLANCO Saúl , ÁLVAREZ‐BLANCO Irene , CEJUDO‐FIGUEIRAS Cristina , BÉCARES Eloy
Published: March 2012

Abstract  Cambodian aquatic ecosystems are extremely diversified and constitute major preservation targets. However, the species composition, diversity, and distribution of the inhabiting algal communities are largely unknown. During a sample collection carried out in the Angkor and Banteay Srei monuments area in 2010, several unknown diatom taxa were found in various population densities in the artificial lakes surrounding these temples. Detailed light and scanning electron microscopy observations allowed the description of five of them (Pinnularia cambodiana, P. shivae, Gomphonema angkoricum, G. paradaphnoides, and Frustulia lacus‐templi) as taxa new to science. Differential diagnostic criteria with respect to similar taxa, together with the ecological and environmental implications of these findings, are briefly discussed.
Effect of NT‐pro‐BNP Assay on Accuracy and Confidence of General Practitioners in Diagnosing Heart Failure or Respiratory Disease in Cats with Respiratory Signs
Authors: Singletary G.E. , Rush J.E. , Fox P.R. , Stepien R.L. , Oyama M.A.
Published: March 2012

Background

N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) can distinguish congestive heart failure (CHF) from primary respiratory disease in cats with respiratory signs with approximately 90% diagnostic accuracy, but the additive benefit of NT‐proBNP to improve the diagnosis obtained from conventional testing in individual cases remains unknown.

Hypothesis

NT‐proBNP will improve the diagnostic accuracy and confidence of general practice veterinarians in assessing cats with respiratory signs.

Animals

Ten cats with respiratory signs.

Methods

History, physical examination, thoracic radiographs, electrocardiogram (ECG), and biochemical analysis of 10 cats presented to the University of Pennsylvania or Tufts University with a history of respiratory signs were evaluated by 50 general practice veterinarians using an online survey tool. Participants were asked to provide (1) diagnosis of CHF or primary respiratory disease, and (2) level of confidence in their diagnosis (1, lowest to 10, highest) before and after disclosure of NT‐proBNP results. Diagnoses (CHF, n = 5; primary respiratory, n = 5) were compared to the gold standard defined as consensus opinion of 3 board‐certified cardiologists blinded to the NT‐proBNP results.

Results

Overall correctness of the practitioners was 69.2%, and significantly increased after practitioners were provided NT‐proBNP results (87.0%, P = .0039). Median practitioner confidence before NT‐proBNP disclosure was 6 (IQR, 5–8) and significantly increased after disclosure (8; IQR, 6–10; P = .0039).

Conclusions

These data indicate a relatively low accuracy and level of confidence in the diagnosis of feline respiratory signs. Use of NT‐proBNP assay in conjunction with conventional evaluation by general practitioners significantly improved their diagnostic accuracy and confidence.
The search for causes of nonhealing or recurrent ulcerative keratitis in horses
Authors: Gilger B. C.
Published: March 2012

Chronic or recurrent superficial ulcerative keratitis in horses is common and the causes of these lesions must always be searched for and identified by the clinician. Without appropriate elimination of the underlying cause, the ulcerative keratitis may not resolve, resulting in corneal scarring, decreased vision and possibly loss of the eye. Common causes of chronic or recurrent superficial ulcerative keratitis, such as infectious keratitis, should always be ruled out; however, other possible causes such as single or multiple distichiasis, should be considered.
Successful removal of a guidewire from the jugular vein of a mature horse
Authors: Nannarone S. , Falchero V. , Gialletti R. , Beccati F. , Pepe M.
Published: March 2012

This case report describes the removal of a metal guidewire that was lost accidentally in the jugular vein during the placement of an indwelling catheter. The proximal end of the guidewire was identified in the distal third of the cervical region by radiography and ultrasonography. The retained wire was removed successfully by percutaneous fluoroscopically assisted endovascular retrieval with a 4 pronged retrieval catheter.
Cardiovascular risk factors in multi‐ethnic middle school students: the HEALTHY primary prevention trial
Authors: Willi S. M. , Hirst K. , Jago R. , Buse J. , Kaufman F. , El ghormli L. , Bassin S. , Elliot D. , Hale D. E. ,   HEALTHY Study Group
Published: March 2012

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of an integrated, multi‐component, school‐based intervention programme on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among a multi‐ethnic cohort of middle school students.

Methods

HEALTHY was a cluster randomized, controlled, primary prevention trial. Middle school was the unit of randomization and intervention. Half of the schools were assigned to an intervention programme consisting of changes in the total school food environment and physical education classes, enhanced by educational outreach and behaviour change activities and promoted by a social marketing campaign consisting of reinforcing messages and images. Outcome data reported (anthropometrics, blood pressure and fasting lipid levels) were collected on a cohort of students enrolled at the start of 6th grade (∼11–12 years old) and followed to end of 8th grade (∼13–14 years old).

Results

Forty‐two middle schools were enrolled at seven field centres; 4363 students provided both informed consent and CVD data at baseline and end of study. The sample was 52.7% female, 54.5% Hispanic, 17.6% non‐Hispanic Black, 19.4% non‐Hispanic White and 8.5% other racial/ethnic combinations, and 49.6% were categorized as overweight or obese (body mass index ≥ 85th percentile) at baseline. A significant intervention effect was detected in the prevalence of hypertension in non‐Hispanic Black and White males. The intervention produced no significant changes in lipid levels.

Conclusions

The prevalence of some CVD risk factors is high in minority middle school youth, particularly males. A multi‐component, school‐based programme achieved only modest reductions in these risk factors; however, promising findings occurred in non‐Hispanic Black and White males with hypertension.
Overweight and obese teenagers: why is adolescence a critical period?
Authors: Alberga A. S. , Sigal R. J. , Goldfield G. , Prud' homme D. , Kenny G. P.
Published: March 2012

This paper discusses the critical period of adolescence and its potential role in the development and persistence of obesity. The adolescent years are characteristic of changes in body composition (location and quantity of body fat), physical fitness and decreased insulin sensitivity during puberty. This period of growth and maturation is also marked with behavioural changes in diet, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and psychological health. Physical activity and sport participation decline during adolescence especially in teenage girls, while sedentary behaviour, risk for depression and body esteem issues increase during the teenage years. These physiological and behavioural changes during adolescence warrant the attention of health practitioners to prevent the onset and continuation of obesity throughout the lifespan.
Organic Synthesis via Irradiation and Warming of Ice Grains in the Solar Nebula
Authors: Ciesla Fred J. , Sandford Scott A.
Published: March 2012

Space Organics

The origin of the organic compounds found in meteorites and interplanetary dust particles is a matter of debate. Laboratory experiments suggest that these organics were inherited from the interstellar medium and predate the existence of the solar system. By using particle-tracking models,
Ciesla and Sandford
(p. 452, published online 29 March; see the Perspective by

Nuth and Johnson

) explored the possibility that the organics could have been produced within the outer reaches of the protoplanetary disk from which the solar system planets originate. Grains within a protoplanetary disk follow irregular paths; such orbital histories subjected model particles to ultraviolet radiation and temperatures that have been shown in laboratory experiments to generate organic compounds.
The Ice Age Carbon Puzzle
Authors: Brook Edward
Published: March 2012

A carbon isotope record helps to explain why carbon dioxide concentrations change during ice age cycles.
Immune Responses and Safety after Dart or Booster Vaccination of Bison with Brucella abortus Strain RB51
Authors: Olsen S. C. , Johnson C.
Published: March 2012

One alternative for management of brucellosis in Yellowstone National Park bison (Bison bison) is vaccination of calves and yearlings. AlthoughBrucella abortusstrain RB51 vaccination protects bison against experimental challenge, the effect of booster vaccinations was unknown. This study characterized immunologic responses after dart or booster vaccination of bison withBrucella abortusstrain RB51. In two studies, 8- to 10-month-old female bison were inoculated with saline (n= 14), hand vaccinated with 1.1 × 1010to 2.0 × 1010CFU of RB51 (n= 21), or dart vaccinated with 1.8 × 1010CFU of RB51 (n= 7). A subgroup of hand vaccinates in study 1 was randomly selected for booster vaccination 15 months later with 2.2 × 1010CFU of RB51. Compared to single vaccinates, booster-vaccinated bison had greater serologic responses to RB51. However, there was a trend for antigen-specific proliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from booster vaccinates to be reduced compared to responses of PBMC from single vaccinates. PBMC from booster vaccinates tended to have greater gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production than those from single vaccinates. In general, dart vaccination with RB51 induced immunologic responses similar to those of hand vaccination. All vaccinates (single hand, dart, or booster) demonstrated greater (P< 0.05) immunologic responses at various times after vaccination than nonvaccinated bison. Booster vaccination with RB51 in early gestation did not induce abortion or fetal infection. Our data suggest that booster vaccination does not induce strong anamnestic responses. However, phenotypic data on resistance to experimental challenge are required to fully assess the effect of booster vaccination on protective immunity.
Heparin-Binding Hemagglutinin Induces IFN-γ+IL-2+IL-17+Multifunctional CD4+T Cells during Latent but Not Active Tuberculosis Disease
Authors: Loxton André G. , Black Gillian F. , Stanley Kim , Walzl Gerhard
Published: March 2012

The mycobacterial heparin-binding hemagglutinin (HBHA) protein induces a potent gamma interferon (IFN-γ) response in latent tuberculosis (TB) infection and is a candidate vaccine and diagnostic antigen. We have assessed HBHA-specific intracellular IFN-γ, interleukin-2 (IL-2), and IL-17 production by CD4+T cells in TB cases and household contacts (HHCs) as well as the level of secreted IFN-γ in whole-blood culture supernatant. HHCs were further classified as tuberculin skin test (TST) positive or negative, and the group was also divided as HIV positive or negative. Our study revealed that HBHA induces multifunctional IFN-γ-, IL-2-, and IL-17-coexpressing CD4+T cells in HHCs but not in active TB cases; however, IFN-γ levels in culture supernatant did not differ between participant groups. Further studies are needed to completely understand how HBHA induces immune responses in different disease groups.
Immunogenicity of HIV Virus-Like Particles in Rhesus Macaques by Intranasal Administration
Authors: Buonaguro Luigi , Tagliamonte Maria , Visciano Maria Luisa , Andersen Hanne , Lewis Mark , Pal Ranajit , Tornesello Maria Lina , Schroeder Ulf , Hinkula Jorma , Wahren Britta , Buonaguro Franco M.
Published: March 2012

Female rhesus macaques were immunized with HIV virus-like particles (HIV-VLPs) or HIV DNA administered as sequential combinations of mucosal (intranasal) and systemic (intramuscular) routes, according to homologous or heterologous prime-boost schedules. The results show that in rhesus macaques only the sequential intranasal and intramuscular administration of HIV-VLPs, and not the intranasal alone, is able to elicit humoral immune response at the systemic as well as the vaginal level.
Analysis of the Bactericidal Response to an Experimental Neisseria meningitidis Vesicle Vaccine
Authors: Moran Elizabeth E. , Burden Robert , Labrie Joseph E. , Wen Zhiyun , Wang Xin-Min , Zollinger Wendell D. , Zhang Lan , Pinto Valerian B.
Published: March 2012

Rabbit immunogenicity studies on an experimental trivalent native outer membrane vesicle vaccine derived from three serogroup B strains were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of this vaccine at inducing an antibody response with serum bactericidal activity against meningococcal strains of other serogroups in addition to serogroup B strains. The results showed that the vaccine was capable of inducing an effective broad-based bactericidal antibody response in rabbits against a small sample ofNeisseria meningitidisstrains of serogroups C, W135, and X and, to a lesser extent, serogroups A and Y. Analysis of antibody specificity using a bactericidal depletion assay revealed that antibodies to lipooligosaccharide (LOS), PorA, and NadA induced in rabbits by the experimental trivalent outer membrane vesicle vaccine were responsible for most of the bactericidal activity against strains of the otherN. meningitidisserogroups. In the case of serogroup AN. meningitidisstrains, the outer membrane antigen NadA was primarily responsible for protection. The outer membrane antigens fHbp and OpcA were also effective in removing some bactericidal activity from the sera.
Added Value of Use of a Purified Protein Derivative-Based Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Spot Assay for Patients with Mycobacterium bovis BCG Infection after Intravesical BCG Instillations
Authors: Heemstra Karen A. , Bossink Ailko W. J. , Spermon Roan , Bouwman John J. M. , van der Kieft Robert , Thijsen Steven F. T.
Published: March 2012

In this case series, we describe four cases in which the use of gamma interferon release assays with purified protein derivative (PPD) as a stimulating antigen was able to demonstrate PPD-specific immune activation. This may help to improve the adequate diagnosis of (systemic)
Mycobacterium bovis
BCG infections after intravesical BCG instillations for bladder carcinoma.
Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine Sequencing for Genomic Typing of Neisseria meningitidis for Rapid Determination of Multiple Layers of Typing Information
Authors: Vogel Ulrich , Szczepanowski Rafael , Claus Heike , Jünemann Sebastian , Prior Karola , Harmsen Dag
Published: March 2012

Neisseria meningitidis
causes invasive meningococcal disease in infants, toddlers, and adolescents worldwide. DNA sequence-based typing, including multilocus sequence typing, analysis of genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance, and sequence typing of vaccine antigens, has become the standard for molecular epidemiology of the organism. However, PCR of multiple targets and consecutive Sanger sequencing provide logistic constraints to reference laboratories. Taking advantage of the recent development of benchtop next-generation sequencers (NGSs) and of BIGSdb, a database accommodating and analyzing genome sequence data, we therefore explored the feasibility and accuracy of Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine (PGM) sequencing for genomic typing of meningococci. Three strains from a previous meningococcus serogroup B community outbreak were selected to compare conventional typing results with data generated by semiconductor chip-based sequencing. In addition, sequencing of the meningococcal type strain MC58 provided information about the general performance of the technology. The PGM technology generated sequence information for all target genes addressed. The results were 100% concordant with conventional typing results, with no further editing being necessary. In addition, the amount of typing information, i.e., nucleotides and target genes analyzed, could be substantially increased by the combined use of genome sequencing and BIGSdb compared to conventional methods. In the near future, affordable and fast benchtop NGS machines like the PGM might enable reference laboratories to switch to genomic typing on a routine basis. This will reduce workloads and rapidly provide information for laboratory surveillance, outbreak investigation, assessment of vaccine preventability, and antibiotic resistance gene monitoring.
Wild-Type MIC Distributions and Epidemiological Cutoff Values for Amphotericin B, Flucytosine, and Itraconazole and Candida spp. as Determined by CLSI Broth Microdilution
Authors: Pfaller M. A. , Espinel-Ingroff A. , Canton E. , Castanheira M. , Cuenca-Estrella M. , Diekema D. J. , Fothergill A. , Fuller J. , Ghannoum M. , Jones R. N , Lockhart S. R. , Martin-Mazuelos E. , Melhem M. S. C. , Ostrosky-Zeichner L. , Pappas P. , Pelaez T. , Peman J. , Rex J. , Szeszs M. W.
Published: March 2012

Clinical breakpoints (CBPs) and epidemiological cutoff values (ECVs) have been established for several
Candida
spp. and the newer triazoles and echinocandins but are not yet available for older antifungal agents, such as amphotericin B, flucytosine, or itraconazole. We determined species-specific ECVs for amphotericin B (AMB), flucytosine (FC) and itraconazole (ITR) for eight
Candida
spp. (30,221 strains) using isolates from 16 different laboratories in Brazil, Canada, Europe, and the United States, all tested by the CLSI reference microdilution method. The calculated 24- and 48-h ECVs expressed in μg/ml (and the percentages of isolates that had MICs less than or equal to the ECV) for AMB, FC, and ITR, respectively, were 2 (99.8)/2 (99.2), 0.5 (94.2)/1 (91.4), and 0.12 (95.0)/0.12 (92.9) for
C. albicans
; 2 (99.6)/2 (98.7), 0.5 (98.0)/0.5 (97.5), and 2 (95.2)/4 (93.5) for
C. glabrata
; 2 (99.7)/2 (97.3), 0.5 (98.7)/0.5 (97.8), and 05. (99.7)/0.5 (98.5) for
C. parapsilosis
; 2 (99.8)/2 (99.2), 0.5 (93.0)/1 (90.5), and 0.5 (97.8)/0.5 (93.9) for
C. tropicalis
; 2 (99.3)/4 (100.0), 32 (99.4)/32 (99.3), and 1 (99.0)/2 (100.0) for
C. krusei
; 2 (100.0)/4 (100.0), 0.5 (95.3)/1 (92.9), and 0.5 (95.8)/0.5 (98.1) for
C. lusitaniae
; −/2 (100.0), 0.5 (98.8)/0.5 (97.7), and 0.25 (97.6)/0.25 (96.9) for
C. dubliniensis
; and 2 (100.0)/2 (100.0), 1 (92.7)/−, and 1 (100.0)/2 (100.0) for
C. guilliermondii
. In the absence of species-specific CBP values, these wild-type (WT) MIC distributions and ECVs will be useful for monitoring the emergence of reduced susceptibility to these well-established antifungal agents.
Is Hepatitis C Virus Core Antigen an Adequate Marker for Community Screening?
Authors: Kuo Yuan-Hung , Chang Kuo-Chin , Wang Jing-Houng , Tsai Pei-Shan , Hung Shu-Feng , Hung Chao-Hung , Chen Chien-Hung , Lu Sheng-Nan
Published: March 2012

A new hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen (HCV Ag) assay was thought to have a good correlation with HCV RNA. The aim was to elucidate the usefulness of this HCV Ag assay in community screening. In a township where HCV is endemic, 405 residents aged 58 years or older responded to a follow-up community screening. All subjects were tested for anti-HCV (AxSYM, version 3.0; Abbott Diagnostics) and HCV Ag (Architect HCV Ag test; Abbott Diagnostics). For subjects with anti-HCV signal-to-cutoff ratios (S/CO) > 10 and/or HCV Ag > 3 fmol/liter, HCV RNA data (Taqman HCV RNA; Roche Diagnostics) were further checked. A total of 115 (28.4%) subjects had their serum HCV RNA levels measured, and 93 were HCV RNA positive. The other 290 subjects were supposed to be HCV RNA negative. HCV Ag was significantly correlated with HCV RNA according to the following equation: (log HCV RNA) = 2.08 + 1.03 (log HCV Ag) (
R
2
= 0.94;
P
< 0.001). As determined using a combination of the values for anti-HCV (S/CO > 40) and HCV Ag (>3 fmol/liter) as a cutoff to predict viremia, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 96.8%, 100%, 99.3%, 100%, and 99%, respectively. In conclusion, for a community study, HCV Ag showed good correlation with HCV RNA. In addition, anti-HCV or HCV Ag can predict HCV viremia well, while a combination of anti-HCV (>40 S/CO) and HCV Ag (>3 fmol/liter) can provide the best result validity.
Human Cytomegalovirus-Specific T-Cell Immune Reconstitution in Preemptively Treated Heart Transplant Recipients Identifies Subjects at Critical Risk for Infection
Authors: Abate Davide , Fiscon Marta , Saldan Alda , Cofano Simona , Mengoli Carlo , Sgarabotto Dino , d'Agostino Chiara , Barzon Luisa , Cusinato Riccardo , Toscano Giuseppe , Feltrin Giuseppe , Gambino Antonio , Gerosa Gino , Palù Giorgio
Published: March 2012

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection represents a major threat for heart transplant recipients (HTXs). CMV-specific T cells effectively control virus infection, and thus, assessment of antiviral immune recovery may have clinical utility in identifying HTXs at risk of infection. In this study, 10 CMV-seropositive (R
+
) pretransplant patients and 48 preemptively treated R
+
HTXs were examined before and after 100 days posttransplant. Preemptive treatment is supposed to favor the immune recovery. CMV DNAemia and gamma interferon enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISPOT) assay were employed to assess the viremia and immune reconstitution. HTXs could be categorized into three groups characterized by high (>100), medium (50 to 100), and low (<50) spot levels. Early-identified high responders efficiently controlled the infection and also maintained high immunity levels after 100 days after transplant. No episodes of grade ≥2R rejection occurred in the high responders. Midresponders were identified as a group with heterogeneous trends of immune reconstitution. Low responders were 41% and 21% of HTXs before and after 100 days posttransplant, respectively. Low responders were associated with a higher incidence of infection. The effect of viremia on immune recovery was investigated: a statistically significant inverse correlation between magnitude of viremia and immune recovery emerged; in particular, each 10-fold increase in viremia (>4 log
10
DNAemia/ml) was associated with a 36% decrease of the ELISPOT assay spot levels. All episodes of high viremia (>4 log
10
DNAemia/ml) occurred from 1 to 60 days after transplant. Thus, the concomitant evaluation of viremia and CMV immune reconstitution has clinical utility in identifying HTXs at risk of infection and may represent a helpful guide in making therapeutic choices.
Detection of First- and Second-Line Drug Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Clinical Isolates by Pyrosequencing
Authors: Engström Anna , Morcillo Nora , Imperiale Belen , Hoffner Sven E. , Juréen Pontus
Published: March 2012

Conventional phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST) methods for
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
are laborious and very time-consuming. Early detection of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) is essential for prevention and control of TB transmission. We have developed a pyrosequencing method for simultaneous detection of mutations associated with resistance to rifampin, isoniazid, ethambutol, amikacin, kanamycin, capreomycin, and ofloxacin. Seven pyrosequencing assays were optimized for following loci:
rpoB
,
katG
,
embB
,
rrs
,
gyrA
, and the promoter regions of
inhA
and
eis
. The molecular method was evaluated on a panel of 290 clinical isolates of
M. tuberculosis
. In comparison to phenotypic DST, the pyrosequencing method demonstrated high specificity (100%) and sensitivity (94.6%) for detection of multidrug-resistant
M. tuberculosis
as well as high specificity (99.3%) and sensitivity (86.9%) for detection of extensively drug-resistant
M. tuberculosis
. The short turnaround time combined with multilocus sequencing of several isolates in parallel makes pyrosequencing an attractive method for drug resistance screening in
M. tuberculosis
.
Comparative Evaluation of a Prototype Chromogenic Medium (ChromID CARBA) for Detecting Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Surveillance Rectal Swabs
Authors: Vrioni Georgia , Daniil Ioannis , Voulgari Evangelia , Ranellou Kyriaki , Koumaki Vasiliki , Ghirardi Sandrine , Kimouli Maria , Zambardi Gilles , Tsakris Athanassios
Published: March 2012

Carbapenemase-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
(CPE) are an increasing problem worldwide, and rectal swab surveillance is recommended as a component of infection control programs. The performance of a prototype chromogenic medium (chromID CARBA) was evaluated and compared with media tested by four other screening methods: (i) overnight selective enrichment in 5 ml tryptic soy broth with a 10-μg ertapenem disk followed by plating onto MacConkey agar (CDC-TS), (ii) short selective enrichment in 9 ml brain heart infusion broth with a 10-μg ertapenem disk followed by plating onto chromID ESBL medium (ESBL-BH), (iii) direct plating onto chromID ESBL, and (iv) direct plating onto MacConkey agar supplemented with meropenem (1 μg/ml) (MCM). The screening methods were applied to detect CPE in 200 rectal swab specimens taken from different hospitalized patients. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility were performed by the Vitek 2 system. Carbapenem MICs were checked by Etest. Carbapenemase production was confirmed using the modified Hodge test, combined-disk tests, and PCR assays. In total, 133 presumptive CPE strains were detected. Phenotypic and genotypic assays confirmed 92 strains to be CPE (56 KPC-positive
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, 29 VIM-positive
K. pneumoniae
, and 7 KPC-positive
Enterobacter aerogenes
strains) recovered from 73 patients, while the remaining 41 strains were confirmed to be CPE negative (19 ESBL producers and 22 nonfermenters). chromID CARBA, ESBL-BH, and chromID ESBL exhibited the highest sensitivity (92.4%), followed by CDC-TS and MCM (89.1%) (
P
= 0.631). The specificity was greater for chromID CARBA (96.9%) and ESBL-BH (93.2%) than for CDC-TS (86.4%), MCM (85.2%), and chromID ESBL (84.7%) (
P
= 0.014). In conclusion, chromID CARBA was found to be a rapid and accurate culture screening method for active CPE surveillance.