bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inter‐Laboratory Assessment of PrPSc Typing in Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease: A Western Blot Study within the NeuroPrion Consortium
Authors: Parchi Piero , Notari Silvio , Weber Petra , Schimmel Heinz , Budka Herbert , Ferrer Isidre , Haik Stéphane , Hauw Jean‐Jacques , Head Mark W , Ironside James W , Limido Lucia , Rodriguez Agustin , Ströbel Thomas , Tagliavini Fabrizio , Kretzschmar Hans A.
Published: July 2008

Molecular typing is of considerable importance for the surveillance and epidemiology of human transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). It relies on the detection of distinct protease‐resistant prion protein (PrPSc) core fragments that differ in molecular mass and/or glycoform ratio. In this collaborative study, we tested the inter‐laboratory agreement in TSE molecular typing. Sixteen characterized brain specimens from sporadic TSEs and variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (vCJD) cases were distributed blindly to seven laboratories for molecular characterization by a defined protocol and classification. Agreement between laboratories in the classification of samples was excellent. In particular, there were no differences in the distinction between PrPSc type 1, type 2A, and type 2B with one exception, which eventually was identified as a case with types 1 and 2 co‐occurrence. This shows that the general technique and particular classification system used here are robust and represent a reliable basis for diagnostic and epidemiologic purposes. The subtle further distinction of subtypes among type 1 and type 2 groups requires high‐sensitivity gel electrophoresis protocols that are unsuitable for routine diagnostic needs and must be reserved for research investigations. Further research is necessary on the identification and significance of co‐occurrence of PrPSc types 1 and 2 within one brain.
Effect of Relative Humidity on Coating Efficiency in Nonelectrostatic and Electrostatic Coating
Authors: Xu Y. , Barringer S.A.
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT:  Fifteen food powders were coated on aluminum targets at 0, + 25, and –25 kV using corona electrostatic coating at 20% to 80% relative humidity (RH). The effect of RH on 3 losses, that is, targeting loss, coating loss, and transportation loss, which contribute to coating efficiency, was studied. RH had no effect on targeting loss in either nonelectrostatic or electrostatic coating. In nonelectrostatic coating, increasing RH increased coating loss for powders with particle size ≥ 297 μm, but had no effect on powders ≤ 227 μm. Large powders were free‐flowing and clumped with increasing RH, and then rolled off the targets, resulting in high coating loss. RH had no effect on nonelectrostatic transportation loss for all powders, except for very high absolute humidity when capillary forces dominated. Electrostatic charging efficiency and powder resistivity decreased with increasing RH. Electrostatic coating loss for salts increased with increasing RH. At high RH, powder resistivity decreases, increasing the charge decay rate, which decreases electrostatic adhesion. Electrostatic coating loss for powders other than salts, whose resistivities are much higher than salts, was not affected by RH until 80% RH. Electrostatic transportation loss for powders other than proteins was not affected by RH. There was no significant difference between positive and negative electrostatic transfer efficiency and adhesion, except for transfer efficiency of soy protein and pork gelatin, whose high positive tribocharging values cause higher positive electrostatic transfer efficiency. A 20% to 60% RH is recommended for both nonelectrostatic and electrostatic coating.
Haematological values from a Gambian cohort – possible reference range for a West African population
Authors: ADETIFA I. M. O. , HILL P. C. , JEFFRIES D. J. , JACKSON‐SILLAH D. , IBANGA H. B. , BAH G. , DONKOR S. , CORRAH T. , ADEGBOLA R. A.
Published: July 2008

The objective of this study was to establish haematological reference ranges for the West African subregion using a Gambian cohort. We analysed full blood counts from 1279 subjects aged ≥1 year. Anthropometric and body composition measurements were performed. Haematological mean values, medians and 90% reference values were calculated and related to malnutrition in children and thinness and/or obesity in adults. Haemoglobin (Hb) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) significantly increased with age (P < 0.00001). There were gender‐related changes in Hb from 15 years of age (P = 0.001) and for MCV only in adults (P = 0.0002). Hb was significantly reduced in underweight and stunted children (P = 0.0001 and 0.0002, respectively) but was unaffected by thinness or obesity in adults. White blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts were highest under 5 years and declined significantly with age (P < 0.0001 and 0.0001). While, there were no gender‐related differences with WBC, there were higher WBC counts in underweight (P = 0.0001) and stunted (P < 0.0001) children. Adult females had significantly higher mean platelet counts compared with males (P = 0.006). The mean and median values of haematological parameters in The Gambia are similar to other standards but the 90% reference range for each parameter encompasses lower values when compared with Western standards.
A Bayesian Multiple Comparison Procedure for Order‐Restricted Mixed Models
Authors: Shang Junfeng , Cavanaugh Joseph E. , Wright Farroll T.
Published: July 2008

A Bayesian hierarchical mixed model is developed for multiple comparisons under a simple order restriction. The model facilitates inferences on the successive differences of the population means, for which we choose independent prior distributions that are mixtures of an exponential distribution and a discrete distribution with its entire mass at zero. We employ Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques to obtain parameter estimates and estimates of the posterior probabilities that any two of the means are equal. The latter estimates allow one both to determine if any two means are significantly different and to test the homogeneity of all of the means. We investigate the performance of the model‐based inferences with simulated data sets, focusing on parameter estimation and successive‐mean comparisons using posterior probabilities. We then illustrate the utility of the model in an application based on data from a study designed to reduce lead blood concentrations in children with elevated levels. Our results show that the proposed hierarchical model can effectively unify parameter estimation, tests of hypotheses and multiple comparisons in one setting.
Jordanian Nurses' and Physicians' Learning Needs for Promoting Smoking Cessation
Authors: Shishani Kawkab , Nawafleh Hani , Froelicher Erika Sivarajan
Published: July 2008

Smoking causes many health problems, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease, and has devastating effects on the cardiovascular system. This study was performed to assess: (1) the prevalence of smoking among Jordanian nurses and physicians, (2) the differences in prevalence of smoking by sex, and 3) nurses' and physicians' learning needs for promoting smoking cessation. A descriptive cross‐sectional design was used. Five Jordanian hospitals were randomly selected; 164 nurses (65.3%) and 87 physicians (34.7%) participated in the study. Prevalence of smoking among nurses and physicians was 41.5%(n=66) and 43.6% (n=38), respectively, and significantly more men than women smoked (odds ratio, 5.45; confidence interval, 2.52–11.74 [P=.00]). Many Jordanian nurses and physicians do not recognize the addictive aspect of smoking, and health professionals receive no formal training in smoking cessation approaches to use with patients. Most nurses and physicians recognize that University curricula must include information about smoking cessation.
The impact of upland land management on flooding: insights from a multiscale experimental and modelling programme
Authors: Jackson B.M. , Wheater H.S. , Mcintyre N.R. , Chell J. , Francis O.J. , Frogbrook Z. , Marshall M. , Reynolds B. , Solloway I.
Published: July 2008

A programme of field experiments at the Pontbren catchment in Wales has, since autumn 2004, been examining the effects of land use change on flooding. The Pontbren catchment possesses a long history of artificial drainage of its clay soils and intensification of sheep farming. Increased flood runoff has been noted within the last decades, as has the mitigating effect of trees at field scale. To examine the local and catchment‐scale effects of land management within the catchment, including the potential advantages of planting additional trees, a multidimensional physically based model has been developed and conditioned on data from an intensely instrumented hillslope. The model is used to examine the effects of planting a small strip of trees within a hillslope. Results demonstrate that careful placement of such interventions can reduce magnitudes of flood peaks by 40% at the field scale. The challenges associated with upscaling these results to the Pontbren and Upper Severn catchments are discussed.
Challenges in urban flood management: travelling across spatial and temporal scales
Authors: Zevenbergen C. , Veerbeek W. , Gersonius B. , Van Herk S.
Published: July 2008

Urban floods cannot be managed in isolation at the city scale and responses to potential flood impacts are complicated by interlinked political, socio‐economic and environmental changes. To understand the unique features of urban flood management, a framework should be developed in which spatio‐temporal relations are further defined and investigated. This should provide clarity regarding both the feedback loops that cause vulnerability as well as those that build resilience, and how they interact across differing spatial scales. Various insights and methods from system and complexity theory could provide hands‐on methods to create such a framework. Yet the transition towards system‐based approaches is still surrounded by many unknown factors; more effort should be put into developing a roadmap towards this transition. It is argued that local‐scale pioneering and experimentation are essential in this process to encourage the cultivation of resilience through bottom‐up initiatives that can shape strategy and policy development.
Using satellite‐based rainfall estimates for streamflow modelling: Bagmati Basin
Authors: Shrestha M.S. , Artan G.A. , Bajracharya S.R. , Sharma R.R.
Published: July 2008

In this study, we have described a hydrologic modelling system that uses satellite‐based rainfall estimates and weather forecast data for the Bagmati River Basin of Nepal. The hydrologic model described is the US Geological Survey (USGS) Geospatial Stream Flow Model (GeoSFM). The GeoSFM is a spatially semidistributed, physically based hydrologic model. We have used the GeoSFM to estimate the streamflow of the Bagmati Basin at Pandhera Dovan hydrometric station. To determine the hydrologic connectivity, we have used the USGS Hydro1k DEM dataset. The model was forced by daily estimates of rainfall and evapotranspiration derived from weather model data. The rainfall estimates used for the modelling are those produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Centre and observed at ground rain gauge stations. The model parameters were estimated from globally available soil and land cover datasets – the Digital Soil Map of the World by FAO and the USGS Global Land Cover dataset. The model predicted the daily streamflow at Pandhera Dovan gauging station. The comparison of the simulated and observed flows at Pandhera Dovan showed that the GeoSFM model performed well in simulating the flows of the Bagmati Basin.
Impact of Desloratadine on Symptoms and Quality of Life in Subjects with Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria: A Multicenter, Practice‐based Study
Authors: Kim Harold , Lynde Charles
Published: July 2008

Background.  Controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of antihistamines in the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria. Second‐generation antihistamines are recommended as first‐line therapy for chronic idiopathic urticaria. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of desloratadine, a newer, nonsedating, second‐generation antihistamine, on symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria, disease severity, and quality of life (QoL).

Methods.  In an open‐label, observational, multicenter study, 348 subjects with chronic idiopathic urticaria were given 5 mg of desloratadine once daily for 2 weeks. Outcome measures included change from baseline at Day 14 using the Aerius Quality of Life Questionnaire (AEQLQ); change from baseline in pruritus score, number and maximum size of hives, sleep quality, and activity impairment; and subjects' response to therapy.

Results.  Desloratadine significantly decreased subjects' overall condition and symptom scores from baseline to Day 14 (2.19 ± [SD] 0.66 and 1.14 ± 0.89, respectively; P < 0.0001). Desloratadine treatment significantly improved all 10 AEQLQ domain scores from baseline to Day 7 and Day 14 (P < 0.0001). Sleep disturbance scores decreased 40% from baseline to Day 7 (1.42 ± 1.03 to 0.85 ± 0.89, respectively), and interference with daily outdoor activity scores showed a 41% decrease from baseline to Day 7 (1.11 ± 0.98 to 0.66 ± 0.90) (P < 0.0001 for both). There were significant reductions in itching, size of hives, and hive score at both Days 7 and 14. Treatment resulted in moderate, marked, or complete relief of symptoms in 76.2% of subjects. Desloratadine was well tolerated, with no adverse events reported.

Conclusion.  In an open‐label, observational study, desloratadine 5 mg once daily significantly decreased symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria and improved subject QoL.
Orthodontic treatment of a patient with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: a case report
Authors: Pacheco Wellington , Marques de Sousa Araugio Rafael
Published: July 2008

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) represents a heterogeneous group of hereditary, chronic, non‐inflammatory skin pathologies. Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is characterized by sub‐lamina dura separation, due to blistering below the lamina densa of the basement membrane zone, and is associated with the absence of Type VII collagen fibers. The mouth, pharyngeal, and esophageal mucosa are compromised by scarring and tissue contraction. The purpose of this article was to present a case report on an orthodontic patient with RDEB.
Meta‐analysis: an introduction into a research process
Authors: Livingston Mark , Messura Judith , Dellinger Tracy , Holder Ray , Hyde John
Published: July 2008

Various methods for statistical analysis of data are available to clinicians and researchers. Meta‐analysis is a tool by which small, related studies are identified and, through systematic review, are combined into a common data pool for a single, larger population analysis. As with all statistical methods, there are indications and contraindications for the use of meta‐analysis. Additionally, meta‐analysis is dependent upon the quality of data applied, the bias of the test itself, and the interpretation of the results. This article will discuss these aspects of meta‐analysis, including the history of its development and usage in the scientific community, basic terminology, and a relevant literature review.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci for eastern foxsnakes (Elaphe gloydi)
Authors: ROW JEFFREY R. , SUN ZHENGXIN , CLIFFE CHRISTINA , LOUGHEED STEPHEN C.
Published: July 2008

New statistical techniques and software have improved our ability to quantify fine‐scale population structure. We isolated 11 microsatellite markers for eastern foxsnakes (Elaphe gloydi) and surveyed the variability of each using 115–136 individuals from one population in southwestern Ontario. We determined that all loci were variable and conformed to Hardy–Weinberg expectations and that no locus demonstrated linkage disequilibrium. We are using these markers to quantify the scale of gene flow, and to assess the effect of variable landscapes on connectivity and genetic diversity of three disjunct regional populations in the northern portion of the species’ range.
Microsatellite loci for the invasive colonial hydrozoan Cordylophora caspia
Authors: SCHABLE NANCY A. , KUENZI ASHLEY M. , DRAKE CARRIE A. , FOLINO‐ROREM NADINE C. , DARLING JOHN A.
Published: July 2008

Cordylophora caspia, a colonial hydrozoan native to the Ponto‐Caspian region, has become a common invader of both fresh and brackish water ecosystems of North America and Europe. We describe 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci for this species. Preliminary analyses indicate that population substructure may contribute to departures from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. In addition, new loci failed to consistently amplify Cordylophora samples known to be genetically distant from those utilized in this study, indicating the presence of cryptic diversity within the taxon.
Isolation and characterization of 21 microsatellite markers in the barn owl (Tyto alba)
Authors: BURRI R. , ANTONIAZZA S. , SIVERIO F. , KLEIN Á. , ROULIN A. , FUMAGALLI L.
Published: July 2008

We report 21 new polymorphic microsatellite markers in the European barn owl (Tyto alba). The polymorphism of the reported markers was evaluated in a population situated in western Switzerland and in another from Tenerife, Canary Islands. The number of alleles per locus varies between two and 31, and expected heterozygosity per population ranges from 0.16 to 0.95. All loci are in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and no linkage disequilibrium was detected. Two loci exhibit a null allele in the Tenerife population.
Molecular markers to determine the ecological fate of Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki
Authors: SHRINIVAS K. , KESTER K. , MARTIN P. A. W. , BROWN B.
Published: July 2008

A set of DNA markers was developed that successfully identifies Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki (Btk) when screened against other Bacillus species and subspecies. These subspecies‐specific primer sets allowed detection and characterization of Btk within an environmental background that contained many Bacillus species. Because Btk is used as an active ingredient in many commercial formulations, yet is not naturally widely distributed in North America or Europe, these markers will prove useful in investigations on the environmental persistence and ecological fate of Btk.
Isolation and characterization of 17 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the three‐toed woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus)
Authors: VÄLIMÄKI K. , JAARI S. , PIHA M. , PAKKALA T. , MERILÄ J.
Published: July 2008

We describe primers and polymerase chain reaction conditions to amplify 17 di‐, tri‐ and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci from the three‐toed woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus). The primers were tested on 26 to 30 individuals from a single population breeding in southern Finland. The developed primer pairs yielded an average of 7.6 alleles per locus (range two to 15), an average observed heterozygosity of 0.69 (range 0.07 to 0.97), and an average polymorphic information content of 0.68 (range 0.06 to 0.90).
Can a rheumatologist be a procedural specialist? The experience of an Australian rheumatologist
Authors: SMITH Malcolm D
Published: July 2008

Aim:  To describe the operating theatre‐based procedural experience of a rheumatologist in a teaching hospital environment and patient satisfaction with the procedures offered.

Methods:  All patients who underwent operating theatre‐based procedures by the author were surveyed by postal questionnaire asking about their satisfaction with the procedures performed (graded on a five‐point Likert scale) and how long the benefits from the procedures lasted.

Results:  Patient satisfaction with organization of the procedures varied from a mean of 4.7–4.9, patient satisfaction with the procedure ranged from 4.3 to 4.7 and likelihood of having the procedure again if medically indicated ranged from 3.9 to 4.3. For the manipulation under anaesthetic shoulder group, the benefit occurred within a mean of 7.4 days (range: 2–18) and lasted for a mean of 12.3 months (range: 1–24) with five patients still having an ongoing benefit from the procedure at the time of the survey. For the multiple small joint injections group, the benefit occurred within 3.7 (0–14) days and lasted for 8.1 (0–36) months with six patients still having an ongoing benefit from the procedure at the time of the survey. For the arthroscopy group, the benefit occurred within 7.4 (0–28) days and lasted for 15.6 (0–60) months with 10 patients still having an ongoing benefit from the procedure at the time of the survey.

Conclusion:  A rheumatologist can provide a limited range of procedures in an operating theatre environment with a high level of patient satisfaction.
Antiendothelial cell antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: GHOSH Kanjaksha , PRADHAN Vandana D. , PATWARDHAN Manisha, M. , GUPTA Maya R.
Published: July 2008

Objective:  Anti‐endothelial cell antibodies (AECAs) are a heterogeneous group of antibodies against a variety of antigenic determinants on endothelial cells (EC). AECAs are known to play an immunopathogenic role in triggering EC activation, leading to vascular damage. The purpose of this study was to assess: (i) the incidence of AECAs in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with nephritis (LN) and to compare this with SLE patients without clinical evidence of nephritis; and (ii) to understand the association of AECAs with disease severity based on renal histopathological findings.

Method:  Fifty‐three clinically and histopathologically proven cases of LN were studied along with 20 patients without evidence of nephritis. AECAs were detected by immunofluorescence using cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The titres and immunoglobulin subclass of AECAs were also identified. Other autoantibodies were also detected.

Results:  In the LN group, 21 (39.6%) were AECA positive and 19 (35.8%) were antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positive. Autoantibodies to double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) were present in 49 (92.4%) cases. In patients without nephritis, seven (35%) tested positive for AECA, five for ANCA and all were antinuclear antibody (ANA) positive. Anti‐dsDNA was detected in 16 patients (80%), higher incidence of AECAs was noted in diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (41.2%) as compared to focal proliferative glomerulonephritis (37.5%) and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (33.3%). IgG‐AECA subclass was noted in 85.7% patients, IgM‐AECA and IgG + M AECA subclasses of AECA were detected in 7.1% cases. AECAs were also found to be associated with other autoantibodies such as ANA, anti‐dsDNA and ANCA.

Conclusion:  No significant differences in AECA positivity was found between SLE with and without nephritis.
Healing of ischemic skin ulcers in patients with connective tissue diseases with oral anticoagulant treatment
Authors: BALBIR‐GURMAN Alexandra , NAHIR Abraham Menachem , ROZIN Alexander , MARKOVITS Doron , SCHAPIRA Daniel , BRAUN‐MOSCOVICI Yolanda
Published: July 2008

Objective:  Ischemic skin ulcers (ISU) are a well‐known complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and are often refractory to conventional therapy. The influence of treatment with oral anticoagulants (OAC) on ISU healing in SSc patients was analysed.

Methods:  The medical records of SSc patients with ISU who were treated with OAC for at least 4 months between the years 2002–06 were reviewed.

Results:  Fifteen patients with SSc and ISU were treated with OAC. The mean achieved International Normalized Ratio was 2.2 (± 0.35). Treatment with OAC significantly reduced the pain visual analogue scale (P < 0.001), as well as the number of existing ISU (P < 0.0001). Five (35.6%) patients developed new ISU. There were no related major bleeding episodes.

Conclusion:  Treatment of ISU remains a challenge, especially in the setting of SSc. Underlying occlusive phenomena may be responsible for the failure of ISU healing. We suggest that OAC may be safe and well tolerated and, as a part of complex therapy, may contribute to ISU healing and the reduction of new ISU formation. The usefulness of fixed low‐dose OAC in patients with SSc and ISU in the absence of known coagulation abnormalities needs further evaluation.
Risk factors for avascular necrosis among Filipino patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: HAMIJOYO Laniyati , LLAMADO Lyndon J. Q. , NAVARRA Sandra V.
Published: July 2008

Aim:  To describe the clinical features and risk factors for avascular necrosis (AVN) in a cohort of Filipino patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods:  We reviewed the medical records of SLE patients with a diagnosis of AVN, seen at the University of Santo Tomas (Manila, Philippines) Section of Rheumatology, from 1995 to 2005. The diagnosis of AVN was based on clinical symptoms and confirmed by plain radiographs or magnetic resonance imaging. Possible risk factors for the development of AVN were identified. The clinical data of SLE patients without AVN were also obtained and served as controls.

Results:  Of the 540 patient charts reviewed, 43 (8.0%) patients (41 female, 2 male) with AVN were included. Out of a total of 66 joints involved, the hip was the most frequently involved. We included 93 SLE patients without AVN who were matched for age, sex and disease duration as the control group. Mean daily prednisone dose (11.9 ± 7.2 vs 9.3 ± 6.6 mg, P = 0.023), mean cumulative prednisone‐equivalent dose in first month of SLE diagnosis (1.5 ± 0.8 vs 1.3 ± 0.8 g, P = 0.011), and total cumulative prednisone‐equivalent dose (30.0 ± 2.7 vs 20.3 ± 1.9 g, P = 0.023) were higher in the AVN group than in the controls. Clinical variables significantly associated with AVN included the presence of vasculitis (OR = 4.45, 95% CI 1.65–12.18, P = 0.0007), the use of intravenous pulse steroids (OR = 2.92, 95% CI 1.21–7.08, P = 0.008), and the mean total cumulative prednisone‐equivalent dose ≥ 23.4 g (OR = 2.92, 95% CI 1.3–6.6, P = 0.007).

Conclusion:  Corticosteroid use and vasculitis were consistent risk factors seen among Filipino SLE patients who developed AVN during the course of their disease.
Musculoskeletal ultrasonography: to keep pace with progress or be left behind?
Authors: AGRAWAL Sumeet , DASGUPTA Bhaskar
Published: July 2008

Rheumatology has been witnessing dramatic developments. Improvement in our understanding of the pathogenesis of diseases and advancements in therapeutics has forced us to re‐look at our approach to the disease. The emphasis is on early recognition, proper assessment and regular follow‐up. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSUS) has emerged as a promising tool in fulfilling most of these requirements. It has proved to be of significant utility in a variety of rheumatic diseases and has been in regular use in several European countries. In this review we have discussed in detail its use in various rheumatic diseases, the upcoming developments in the field of MSUS and various issues related to its incorporation into routine care of rheumatic patients. In our opinion MSUS is the future of rheumatology and we shouldn't be left behind just because of our reluctance to understand and appreciate this fascinating technology.
Autochthonous Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens Infection in Dogs in Kuwait
Authors: Tarello W.
Published: July 2008

Human dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria repens is a rare but increasingly reported zoonosis in the Middle East. However, eligible animal reservoirs seldom have been investigated in the area until now. Seven (1.8 percent) out of 381 dogs examined in Kuwait carried D. repens microfilariae showing compatible cutaneous clinical signs and positive response to the adulticide and microfilaricide therapies. This study indicates that dogs from Kuwait are natural hosts of D. repens and therefore act as an animal reservoir for the zoonotic condition.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Free‐Ranging Mithuns (Bos frontalis) from India
Authors: Rajkhowa S. , Rajkhowa C. , Chamuah J.
Published: July 2008

Studies conducted on free‐ranging mithuns of Nagaland, India revealed that the overall seroprevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in mithun was 42% (95% CI = 33–51) when detected by modified direct agglutination test. Highest (prevalence = 57%, 95% CI = 43–71) seroprevalence was found in mithuns above 3 years of age and the lowest (prevalence = 18%, 95% CI =4–32) in mithuns of 1–2 years old. No statistically significant difference was observed between male (prevalence = 40%, 95% CI = 26–54) and female (prevalence = 44%, 95% CI = 31–57) seroprevalences. The study also revealed that the maximum number (57%) of animals with the highest titre (1 : 3200) were above 3 years of age. This is the first serological survey for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in free‐ranging mithuns from India.
The Virtue of Practical Rationality
Authors: SVAVARSDÓTTIR SIGRÚN
Published: July 2008

Practical rationality is best regarded as a virtue: an excellence in the exercise of one’s cognitive capacities in one’s practical endeavors. The author develops this idea so as to yield a Humean conception of practical rationality. Nevertheless, one of the crucial features of the approach is not distinctively Humean and sets it apart from the most familiar neo‐Humean approaches: an agent’s practical rationality has to do with the presence and form of his cognitive activity, as well as with how it engages his emotional and motivational states, rather than with the impact that his actions have on his utility or with how his actions relate to his expected utility. The approach also contrasts with full‐information accounts of rationality. The paper ends with a discussion of our interest in operating with the conception of practical rationality that emerges from this approach, even if it is so demanding that it would be humanly impossible to be perfectly practically rational.
Why Be an Anti‐Individualist?
Authors: SCHROETER LAURA
Published: July 2008

Anti‐individualists claim that concepts are individuated with an eye to purely external facts about a subject’s environment about which she may be ignorant or mistaken. This paper offers a novel reason for thinking that anti‐individualistic concepts are an ineliminable part of commonsense psychology. Our commitment to anti‐individualism, I argue, is ultimately grounded in a rational epistemic agent’s commitment to refining her own representational practices in the light of new and surprising information about her environment. Since anti‐individualism is an implicit part of responsible epistemic practices, we cannot abandon it without compromising our own epistemic agency. The story I tell about the regulation of one’s own representational practices yields a new account of the identity conditions for anti‐individualistic concepts.
MODELING FIRM SPATIAL INTERDEPENDENCE USING NATIONAL DATA COVERAGES: A REGIONAL APPLICATION TO MANURE MANAGEMENT
Authors: AILLERY MARCEL , GOLLEHON NOEL , BRENEMAN VINCE , BUCHOLTZ SHAWN
Published: July 2008

Abstract A regional modeling framework using national data series is developed to estimate the net cost of land‐applying manure under possible policy provisions to limit water‐ and air‐quality emissions. The modeling framework, applied to the Chesapeake Bay watershed, integrates GIS‐based spatial data within an optimization model to capture spatial effects at a subwatershed scale.
Stability of Colistin Methanesulfonate in Pharmaceutical Products and Solutions for Administration to Patients
Authors: Wallace Stephanie J. , Li Jian , Rayner Craig. R. , Coulthard Kingsley , Nation Roger L.
Published: July 2008

Colistin methanesulfonate (CMS) has the potential to hydrolyze in aqueous solution to liberate colistin, its microbiologically active and more toxic parent compound. While conversion of CMS to colistin in vivo is important for bactericidal activity, liberation of colistin during storage and/or use of pharmaceutical formulations may potentiate the toxicity of CMS. To date, there has been no information available regarding the stability of CMS in pharmaceutical preparations. Two commercial CMS formulations were investigated for stability with respect to colistin content, which was measured by a specific high-performance liquid chromatography method. Coly-Mycin M Parenteral (colistimethate lyophilized powder) was stable (<0.1% of CMS present as colistin) for at least 20 weeks at 4°C and 25°C at 60% relative humidity. When Coly-Mycin M was reconstituted with 2 ml of water to a CMS concentration of 200 mg/ml for injection, Coly-Mycin M was stable (<0.1% colistin formed) for at least 7 days at both 4°C and 25°C. When further diluted to 4 mg/ml in a glucose (5%) or saline (0.9%) infusion solution as directed, CMS hydrolyzed faster at 25°C (<4% colistin formed after 48 h) than at 4°C (0.3% colistin formed). The second formulation, CMS Solution for Inhalation (77.5 mg/ml), was stable at 4°C and 25°C for at least 12 months, as determined based on colistin content (<0.1%). This study demonstrated the concentration- and temperature-dependent hydrolysis of CMS. The information provided by this study has important implications for the formulation and clinical use of CMS products.
Clinical Isolates of
Aspergillus
Species Remain Fully Susceptible to Voriconazole in the Post-Voriconazole Era
Authors: Guinea Jesús , Recio Sandra , Peláez Teresa , Torres-Narbona Marta , Bouza Emilio
Published: July 2008

We studied the activity of voriconazole against 400 clinical strains of
Aspergillus
from the pre-voriconazole (1999 to 2002) and post-voriconazole (2003 to 2007) periods. Although the mean MICs of strains from the post-voriconazole period were slightly higher (0.39 versus 0.57 μg/ml;
P
< 0.001), all strains were susceptible to voriconazole and presented an MIC of ≤2 μg/ml.
Rolling Circle Amplification, a Powerful Tool for Genetic and Functional Studies of Complete Hepatitis B Virus Genomes from Low-Level Infections and for Directly Probing Covalently Closed Circular DNA
Authors: Margeridon Séverine , Carrouée-Durantel Sandra , Chemin Isabelle , Barraud Luc , Zoulim Fabien , Trépo Christian , Kay Alan
Published: July 2008

Complete characterization of the biological properties of hepatitis B virus (HBV) variants requires the generation of full-length genomes. The aim of this study was to develop new tools for the efficient full-length genome amplification of virus from samples with low viral loads. Rolling circle amplification (RCA) was used to amplify full-length HBV genomes from both sera and liver biopsy samples from chronic HBV carriers. Serum-derived relaxed circular HBV DNA could be amplified only after completion and ligation of plus-strand DNA. Covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) from liver biopsies could be amplified directly from as few as 13 copies, using RCA, followed by a full-length HBV PCR. Three serial liver biopsy samples were obtained from a lamivudine-resistant patient who cleared detectable serum HBV after adefovir dipivoxil was added to the lamivudine therapy and then seroconverted to anti-HBs. Only the genomes from the last biopsy specimen obtained after the emergence of lamivudine resistance contained the lamivudine resistance-associated mutations rtL180M and rtM204V (“rt” indicates reverse transcriptase domain). Defective genomes were also found in this biopsy sample. Genomes cloned from the liver biopsy specimens were transfected into HuH7 cells to study their replication competence and their susceptibility to lamivudine. RCA is a powerful tool for amplifying full-length HBV genomes and will be especially useful for the study of occult or inactive HBV infections and patients undergoing antiviral treatment. It can also be used to probe HBV cccDNA, the crucial intermediate in viral persistence and the archive of resistance mutations.
Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of
Bartonella
Species Isolated from Wild Rodents in Japan
Authors: Inoue Kai , Maruyama Soichi , Kabeya Hidenori , Yamada Naoyuki , Ohashi Norio , Sato Yukita , Yukawa Masayoshi , Masuzawa Toshiyuki , Kawamori Fumihiko , Kadosaka Teruki , Takada Nobuhiro , Fujita Hiromi , Kawabata Hiroki
Published: July 2008

Here, we describe for the first time the prevalence and genetic properties of
Bartonella
organisms in wild rodents in Japan. We captured 685 wild rodents throughout Japan (in 12 prefectures) and successfully isolated
Bartonella
organisms from 176 of the 685 rodents (isolation rate, 25.7%). Those
Bartonella
isolates were all obtained from the rodents captured in suburban areas (rate, 51.8%), but no organism was isolated from the animals captured in city areas. Sequence analysis of
rpoB
and
gltA
revealed that the
Bartonella
isolates obtained were classified into eight genetic groups, comprising isolates closely related to
B. grahamii
(A-I group),
B. tribocorum
and
B. elizabethae
(B-J group),
B. tribocorum
and
B. rattimassiliensis
(C-K group),
B. rattimassiliensis
(D-L group),
B. phoceensis
(F-N group),
B. taylorii
(G-O group), and probably two additional novel
Bartonella
species groups (E-M and H-P).
B. grahamii
, which is one of the potential causative agents of human neuroretinitis, was found to be predominant in Japanese rodents. In terms of the relationships between these
Bartonella
genetic groups and their rodent species, (i) the A-I, E-M, and H-P groups appear to be associated with
Apodemus speciosus
and
Apodemus argenteus
; (ii) the C-K, D-L, and F-N groups are likely implicated in
Rattus rattus
; (iii) the B-J group seems to be involved in
Apodemus
mice and
R. rattus
; and (iv) the G-O group is probably associated with
A. speciosus
and
Clethrionomys
voles. Furthermore, dual infections with two different genetic groups of bartonellae were found in
A. speciosus
and
R. rattus
. These findings suggest that the rodent in Japan might serve as a reservoir of zoonotic
Bartonella
infection.
Determination of Clonality and Relatedness of
Vibrio cholerae
Isolates by Genomic Fingerprinting, Using Long-Range Repetitive Element Sequence-Based PCR
Authors: Chokesajjawatee Nipa , Zo Young-Gun , Colwell Rita R.
Published: July 2008

A high-throughput method which is applicable for rapid screening, identification, and delineation of isolates of
Vibrio cholerae
, sensitive to genome variation, and capable of providing phylogenetic inferences enhances environmental monitoring of this bacterium. We have developed and optimized a method for genomic fingerprinting of
V. cholerae
based on long-range PCR. The method uses a primer set directed to enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequences, a high-fidelity DNA polymerase, and analysis via conventional agarose gel electrophoresis. Long (∼10 kb), highly reproducible amplicons were generated from
V. cholerae
isolates, including those from different geographical locations and historical strains isolated during the period 1931-2000. The amplicons yielded reduced variability in their densitometric band patterns to ≤10% and clonal distinction at <90% similarity. Rapid band-matching analysis was accomplished for fingerprints with ≥90% similarity, discriminating O serotypes and biotypes (classical versus El Tor) as well as pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains. Compared to genome similarity measured by DNA-DNA hybridization, the results showed good correlation (
r
= 0.7;
P
< 0.001), with five times less measurement error and without bias. The method permits both phylogenetic inference and clonal differentiation of individual
V. cholerae
strains, enables robust, high-throughput analysis, and does not require specialized equipment to perform. With access to a curated public database furnished with appropriate analytical software applications, the method should prove useful in large-scale multilaboratory surveys, especially those designed to detect specific pathogens in the natural environment.
Secretion and Transcriptional Regulation of the Latex-Clearing Protein, Lcp, by the Rubber-Degrading Bacterium
Streptomyces
sp. Strain K30
Authors: Yikmis Meral , Arenskötter Matthias , Rose Karsten , Lange Nicole , Wernsmann Henrike , Wiefel Lars , Steinbüchel Alexander
Published: July 2008

About 22,000 1-methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine- and UV-induced mutants of the rubber-degrading bacterium
Streptomyces
sp. strain K30 were characterized for the ability to produce clear zones on natural rubber latex overlay agar plates. Thirty-five mutants were defective solely in cleavage of rubber and were phenotypically complemented with the wild-type
lcp
(
l
atex
c
learing
p
rotein) gene. Sixty-nine mutants exhibited a pleiotropic phenotype and were impaired in utilization of rubber and xylan, indicating that the enzymes responsible for the initial cleavage of these polymers are exported by the same secretion pathway (Q. K. Beg, M. Kapoor, L. Mahajan, and G. S. Hoondal, Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol.
56:
326-3381, 2001; U. K. Laemmli, Nature
227:
680-685, 1970). Analysis of the amino acid sequence encoded by
lcp
revealed a twin-arginine motif, indicating that Lcp is a substrate of the twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway (K. Dilks, W. Rose, E. Hartmann, and M. Pohlschröder, J. Bacteriol.
185:
1478-1483, 2003). A
tatC
disruption mutant of
Streptomyces lividans
10-164 harboring
lcp
from
Streptomyces
sp. strain K30 was not capable of forming clear zones on rubber overlay agar plates. Moreover, Lcp and enhanced green fluorescent protein fusion proteins were detected in the supernatant. Using
Escherichia coli
having the twin-arginine motif in the signal peptide upstream of Lcp, clear evidence that Lcp is secreted was obtained. Transcriptional analysis revealed basal expression of Lcp in glucose-grown cells and that transcription of
lcp
is obviously induced in the presence of poly(
cis
-1,4-isoprene). In contrast,
oxiB
and
oxiA
, which are located directly downstream of
lcp
and putatively encode a heteromultimeric aldehyde dehydrogenase oxidizing the primary cleavage products generated by Lcp from poly(
cis
-1,4-isoprene), were expressed only in the presence of poly(
cis
-1,4-isoprene). Expression of
lcp
at a low level is thus required for sensing the polymer in the medium. Rubber degradation products may then induce the transcription of genes coding for enzymes catalyzing the later steps of poly(
cis
-1,4-isoprene) degradation and the transcription of
lcp
itself.
lcp, oxiB
, and
oxiA
seem to constitute an operon, as a polycistronic mRNA comprising these three genes was detected. The transcriptional start site of
lcp
was mapped 400 bp upstream of the
lcp
start codon.
Differential Attachment to and Subsequent Contamination of Agricultural Crops by
Salmonella enterica
Authors: Barak Jeri D. , Liang Anita , Narm Koh-Eun
Published: July 2008

U.S. salmonellosis outbreaks have occurred following consumption of tomato and cantaloupe but not lettuce. We report differential contamination among agricultural seedlings by
Salmonella enterica
via soil. Members of the family Brassicaceae had a higher incidence of outbreak than carrot, lettuce, and tomato. Once they were contaminated, phyllosphere populations were similar, except for tomato. Contamination differences exist among tomato cultivars.
Use of Atomic Force Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy for Correlative Studies of Bacterial Capsules
Authors: Stukalov Oleg , Korenevsky Anton , Beveridge Terry J. , Dutcher John R.
Published: July 2008

Bacteria can possess an outermost assembly of polysaccharide molecules, a capsule, which is attached to their cell wall. We have used two complementary, high-resolution microscopy techniques, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), to study bacterial capsules of four different gram-negative bacterial strains:
Escherichia coli
K30,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
FRD1,
Shewanella oneidensis
MR-4, and
Geobacter sulfurreducens
PCA. TEM analysis of bacterial cells using different preparative techniques (whole-cell mounts, conventional embeddings, and freeze-substitution) revealed capsules for some but not all of the strains. In contrast, the use of AFM allowed the unambiguous identification of the presence of capsules on all strains used in the present study, including those that were shown by TEM to be not encapsulated. In addition, the use of AFM phase imaging allowed the visualization of the bacterial cell within the capsule, with a depth sensitivity that decreased with increasing tapping frequency.
Evidence of Complex Transcriptional, Translational, and Posttranslational Regulation of the Extracytoplasmic Function Sigma Factor σ
E
in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Donà Valentina , Rodrigue Sébastien , Dainese Elisa , Palù Giorgio , Gaudreau Luc , Manganelli Riccardo , Provvedi Roberta
Published: July 2008

The extracytoplasmic factor (ECF) sigma factor σ
E
is one of the most studied sigma factors of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. It has been shown to be involved in virulence as well as in survival under conditions of high temperature, alkaline pH, and exposure to detergents and oxidative stress. Unlike many ECF sigma factors, σ
E
does not directly regulate the transcription of its own gene. Two promoters have been identified upstream of the
sigE
gene; one is regulated by the two-component system MprAB, while the other has been shown to be σ
H
dependent. In this paper, we further characterize the regulation of σ
E
by identifying its anti-sigma factor and a previously unknown promoter. Finally, we show that
sigE
can be translated from three different translational start codons, depending on the promoter used. Taken together, our data demonstrate that σ
E
not only is subjected to complex transcriptional regulation but is also controlled at the translational and posttranslational levels.
ON THE STABILITY OF PERIODICALLY TIME-DEPENDENT QUANTUM SYSTEMS
Authors: DUCLOS P. , SOCCORSI E. , ŠŤOVÍČEK P. , VITTOT M.
Published: July 2008

The main motivation of this article is to derive sufficient conditions for dynamical stability of periodically driven quantum systems described by a Hamiltonian H(t), i.e. conditions under which it holds true sup t ∈ ℝ|〈ψt, H(t)ψt〉| < ∞ where ψt denotes a trajectory at time t of the quantum system under consideration. We start from an analysis of the domain of the quasi-energy operator. Next, we show, under certain assumptions, that if the spectrum of the monodromy (Floquet) operator U(T, 0) is pure point then there exists a dense subspace of initial conditions for which the mean value of the energy is uniformly bounded in the course of time. Further, we show that if the propagator admits a differentiable Floquet decomposition then ‖H(t)ψt‖ is bounded in time for any initial condition ψ0, and one employs the quantum KAM algorithm to prove the existence of this type of decomposition for a fairly large class of H(t). In addition, we derive bounds uniform in time on transition probabilities between different energy levels, and we also propose an extension of this approach to the case of a higher order of differentiability of the Floquet decomposition. The procedure is demonstrated on a solvable example of the periodically time-dependent harmonic oscillator.