bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arginase II inhibition prevents nitrate tolerance
Authors: Khong SML , Andrews KL , Huynh NN , Venardos K , Aprico A , Michell DL , Zarei M , Moe KT , Dusting GJ , Kaye DM , Chin‐Dusting JPF
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Nitrate tolerance, the loss of vascular responsiveness with continued use of nitrates, remains incompletely understood and is a limitation of these therapeutic agents. Vascular superoxide, generated by uncoupled endothelial NOS (eNOS), may play a role. As arginase competes with eNOS for L‐arginine and may exacerbate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), we hypothesized that arginase inhibition might reduce nitrate tolerance.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Vasodilator responses were measured in aorta from C57Bl/6 and arginase II knockout (argII –/–) mice using myography. Uncoupling of eNOS, determined as eNOS monomer : dimer ratio, was assessed using low‐temperature SDS‐PAGE and ROS levels were measured using L‐012 and lucigenin‐enhanced chemiluminescence.

KEY RESULTS Repeated application of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) on aorta isolated from C57Bl/6 mice produced a 32‐fold rightward shift of the concentration–response curve. However this rightward shift (or resultant tolerance) was not observed in the presence of the arginase inhibitor (s)‐(2‐boronethyl)‐L‐cysteine HCl (BEC; 100 µM) nor in aorta isolated from argII –/– mice. Similar findings were obtained after inducing nitrate tolerance in vivo. Repeated administration of GTN in human umbilical vein endothelial cells induced uncoupling of eNOS from its dimeric state and increased ROS levels, which were reduced with arginase inhibition and exogenous L‐arginine. Aortae from GTN tolerant C57Bl/6 mice exhibited increased arginase activity and ROS production, whereas vessels from argII –/– mice did not.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Arginase II removal prevents nitrate tolerance. This may be due to decreased uncoupling of eNOS and consequent ROS production.
Life history traits and damage potential of an invasive pest Brontispa longissima (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on Satakentia liukiuensis
Authors: TAKANO Shun‐ichiro , TAKASU Keiji , FUSHIMI Tsutomu , ICHIKI Ryoko T. , NAKAMURA Satoshi
Published: January 2012

The coconut hispine beetle Brontispa longissima has been causing serious damage to the coconut palm Cocos nucifera in the Pacific, and Southeast and East Asia. This beetle also attacks Satakentia liukiuensis, an endemic palm on Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands, Japan. To assess the potential impact of B. longissima on S. liukiuensis, we examined the development period, survival rate, egg production and body size of B. longissima on S. liukiuensis at 22–31°C and consumption of S. liukiuensis leaf at 28°C. We also examined these life history traits on C. nucifera at 28°C to compare with those on S. liukiuensis. Brontispa longissima completed their development and reproduced on S. liukiuensis at 22–30°C. Linear regression analysis was used to estimate the effective cumulative temperature (k) as 891.2 degree‐days, and the lower developmental threshold as 13.3°C. On the basis of these values and monthly average temperatures on Ishigaki Island, it was estimated that B. longissima has four generations per year on the island. Satakentia liukiuensis was less suitable for B. longissima than C. nucifera in terms of immature survival, development time, resultant adult size and reproduction. The low quality of S. liukiuensis as a host‐plant may prevent the outbreak of B. longissima, which has not occurred yet on Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands.
Constraining peak P–T conditions in UHP eclogites: calculated phase equilibria in kyanite‐ and phengite‐bearing eclogite of the Tromsø Nappe, Norway
Authors: JANÁK M. , RAVNA E. J. K. , KULLERUD K.
Published: January 2012

Kyanite‐ and phengite‐bearing eclogites have better potential to constrain the peak metamorphic P–T conditions from phase equilibria between garnet + omphacite + kyanite + phengite + quartz/coesite than common, mostly bimineralic (garnet + omphacite) eclogites, as exemplified by this study. Textural relationships, conventional geothermobarometry and thermodynamic modelling have been used to constrain the metamorphic evolution of the Tromsdalstind eclogite from the Tromsø Nappe, one of the biggest exposures of eclogite in the Scandinavian Caledonides. The phase relationships demonstrate that the rock progressively dehydrated, resulting in breakdown of amphibole and zoisite at increasing pressure. The peak‐pressure mineral assemblage was garnet + omphacite + kyanite + phengite + coesite, inferred from polycrystalline quartz included in radially fractured omphacite. This omphacite, with up to 37 mol.% of jadeite and 3% of the Ca‐Eskola component, contains oriented rods of silica composition. Garnet shows higher grossular (XGrs = 0.25–0.29), but lower pyrope‐content (XPrp = 0. 37–0.39) in the core than the rim, while phengite contains up to 3.5 Si pfu. The compositional isopleths for garnet core, phengite and omphacite constrain the P–T conditions to 3.2–3.5 GPa and 720–800 °C, in good agreement with the results obtained from conventional geothermobarometry (3.2–3.5 GPa & 730–780 °C). Peak‐pressure assemblage is variably overprinted by symplectites of diopside + plagioclase after omphacite, biotite and plagioclase after phengite, and sapphirine + spinel + corundum + plagioclase after kyanite. Exhumation from ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) conditions to 1.3–1.5 GPa at 740–770 °C is constrained by the garnet rim (XCaGrt = 0.18–0.21) and symplectite clinopyroxene (XNaCpx = 0.13–0.21), and to 0.5–0.7 GPa at 700–800 °C by sapphirine (XMg = 0.86–0.87) and spinel (XMg = 0.60–0.62) compositional isopleths. UHP metamorphism in the Tromsø Nappe is more widespread than previously known. Available data suggest that UHP eclogites were uplifted to lower crustal levels rapidly, within a short time interval (452–449 Ma) prior to the Scandian collision between Laurentia and Baltica. The Tromsø Nappe as the highest tectonic unit of the North Norwegian Caledonides is considered to be of Laurentian origin and UHP metamorphism could have resulted from subduction along the Laurentian continental margin. An alternative is that the Tromsø Nappe belonged to a continental margin of Baltica, which had already been subducted before the terminal Scandian collision, and was emplaced as an out‐of‐sequence thrust during the Scandian lateral transport of nappes.
Gastrostomy Tube Feeding in Children with Epidermolysis Bullosa: Consideration of Key Issues
Authors: Haynes Lesley , Mellerio Jemima E. , Martinez Anna E.
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Complications of severe forms of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) almost invariably lead to chronic malnutrition, jeopardizing immune status, growth, iron status, bone health, wound healing, and quality of life. Although gastrostomy tube (G‐tube) feeding has successfully addressed the difficulties of providing nutrition and medications in some children attending our center, others have developed problems such as abdominal distension, poor feed tolerance, and leakage of gastric contents with persistent localized skin ulceration, posing enormous challenges to skin management and nutritional maintenance. Suspicions that G‐tube placement and feeding cause or exacerbate these problems has led to a decline in placements at our center over the last 10 years. We therefore recognized that it should not be rejected without due consideration of why some patients seem more prone to complications than others. Thus, information on selected issues and outcomes of G‐tube placement was obtained from records of 66 patients undergoing surgery between 1989 and 2008. The complex interrelationships of the sequelae of severe EB, changes in practice over 20 years and lack of data for patients treated early in the series make it impossible to draw firm conclusions at this stage, however, our scrutiny provides valuable information on which to base debate and future studies. It also offers well as useful insights for fellow professionals involved in nutrition support in children with severe EB.
Decreased levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in the remitted state of unipolar depressive disorder
Authors: Hasselbalch B. J. , Knorr U. , Bennike B. , Hasselbalch S. G. , Søndergaard M. H. Greisen , Vedel Kessing L.
Published: January 2012

Hasselbalch BJ, Knorr U, Bennike B, Hasselbalch SG, Greisen Søndergaard MH, Vedel Kessing L. Decreased levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in the remitted state of unipolar depressive disorder.

Objective:  Decreased levels of peripheral brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been associated with depression. It is uncertain whether abnormally low levels of BDNF in blood are present beyond the depressive state and whether levels of BDNF are associated with the course of clinical illness.

Method:  Whole‐blood BDNF levels were measured in blood samples from patients with unipolar disorder in a sustained state of clinical remission and in a healthy control group. Participants were recruited via Danish registers, a method that benefits from the opportunity to obtain well‐matched community‐based samples as well as providing a high diagnostic validity of the patient sample.

Results:  A total of 85 patients and 50 controls were included in the study. In multiple linear regression analyses, including the covariates age, gender, 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores, body‐mass index, education, smoking and physical exercise, patients with unipolar depressive disorder had decreased levels of BDNF compared to healthy control individuals [B = −7.4, 95% CI (−11.2, −3.7),  = 0.21 P < 0.001]. No association between course of clinical illness and BDNF levels was present.

Conclusion:  Whole‐blood BDNF levels seem to be decreased in patients remitted from unipolar depressive disorder, suggesting that neurotrophic changes may exist beyond the depressive state.
Local administration of insulin‐like growth factor‐I(IGF‐I) stimulates tendon collagen synthesis in humans
Authors: Hansen M. , Boesen A. , Holm L. , Flyvbjerg A. , Langberg H. , Kjaer M.
Published: January 2012

Collagen is the predominant structural protein in tendons and ligaments, and can be controlled by hormonal changes. In animals, injections of insulin‐like growth factorI(IGF‐I) has been shown to increase collagen synthesis in tendons and ligaments and to improve structural tissue healing, but the effect of localIGF‐Iadministration on tendon collagen synthesis in human has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to study whether local injections ofIGF‐Iwould have a stimulating effect on tendon collagen synthesis. Twelve healthy nonsmoking men [age 62 ± 1 years (mean ± SEM),BMI27 ± 1] participated. Two injections of either human recombinantIGF‐I(0.1 mL Increlex©) or saline (control) into each patellar tendon were performed 24‐h apart, respectively. Tendon collagen fractional synthesis rate (FSR) was measured by stable isotope technique in the hours after the second injection. Simultaneously, interstitial peritendinous (IGF‐I) and [procollagen typeI N‐terminal propeptide (PINP)], as a marker for typeIcollagen synthesis, were determined by microdialysis technique. Tendon collagenFSRandPINPwere significantly higher in theIGF‐Ileg compared with the control leg (P < 0.05). In conclusion, localIGF‐Iadministration can directly enhance tendon collagen synthesis both within and around the human tendon tissue.
Effects of photoperiod on the secretion of growth hormone in female goats
Authors: JIN Jin , YAEGASHI Tomoyoshi , SAWAI Ken , HASHIZUME Tsutomu
Published: January 2012

The aim of the present study was to clarify the effect of photoperiod on the secretion of growth hormone (GH) in goats. Adult female goats were kept at 20°C with an 8‐h or 16‐h photoperiod, and secretory patterns of GH for 4 h (12.00 to 16.00 hours) were compared. In addition, the goats were kept under a 16‐h photoperiod and orally administered saline (controls) or melatonin, and the effects of melatonin on the secretion of GH were examined. GH was secreted in a pulsatile manner. There were no significant differences in pulse frequency between the 8‐ and 16‐h photoperiods; however, GH pulse amplitude tended to be greater in the group with the 16‐h photoperiod (P = 0.1), and mean GH concentrations were significantly greater in the 16‐h photoperiod (P < 0.05). The GH‐releasing response to GH‐releasing hormone (GHRH) was also significantly greater for the 16‐h photoperiod (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in GH pulse frequency between the saline‐ and melatonin‐treated groups. However, GH pulse amplitude and mean GH concentrations were significantly greater in the saline‐treated group (P < 0.05). The present results show that a long photoperiod enhances the secretion of GH, and melatonin modifies GH secretion in female goats.
Feeding Aspergillus awamori reduces skeletal muscle protein breakdown and stimulates growth in broilers
Authors: SALEH Ahmed A. , EID Yahya Z. , EBEID Tarek A. , OHTSUKA Akira , YAMAMOTO Masahiro , HAYASHI Kunioki
Published: January 2012

This study was conducted to show that dietary supplementation of a fungus, Aspergillus awamori called Koji in Japan, reduces skeletal muscle protein breakdown and stimulates growth in broiler chickens. A total of 30 chicks at 15 days of age was divided into control and two treatment groups (10 birds per treatment). Control group was fed basal diet and treatment groups were fed the basal diets supplemented with A. awamori at levels of 0.05% and 0.2%. The birds were raised for 12 days from 15 to 27 days of age and then the effect on growth, organ weights and plasma 3‐methylhistidine concentration and digestibilities of protein and energy was evaluated. The messenger RNAs (mRNAs) of atrogin‐1, ubiquitin, proteasome, m‐calpain, µ‐calpain, β‐actin, myosin and pax‐7 in the breast muscle were also measured. Body weight gain and breast muscle weight were increased, although feed intake was decreased by the fungus and thus feed efficiency was increased. Protein and energy digestibilities were increased. Furthermore, plasma 3‐methylhistidine concentration was decreased by the fungus. The mRNAs of atrogin‐1, ubiquitin, proteasome, m‐calpain and µ‐calpain were all decreased. The mRNA of β‐actin but not myosin and pax‐7 was slightly increased by the fungus. In conclusion, feeding A. awamori improves growth performance because skeletal muscle proteolytic activity is reduced and digestibilities of energy and protein are increased.
Role of dietary patterns, sedentary behaviour and overweight on the longitudinal development of childhood constipation: the Generation R study
Authors: Kiefte‐de Jong Jessica C. , de Vries Jeanne H. , Escher Johanna C. , Jaddoe Vincent W.V. , Hofman Albert , Raat Hein , Moll Henriette A.
Published: January 2012

The influence of childhood nutrition on the development of constipation beyond the period of weaning and breastfeeding is relatively understudied. In addition, eating patterns in childhood can be highly correlated with overweight and sedentary behaviour, which may also have an influence on constipation. The aim of this study was to assess whether common dietary patterns, sedentary behaviour and childhood overweight are associated with constipation in childhood. The study was embedded in a population‐based prospective birth cohort. Information on dietary intake was obtained by a food frequency questionnaire at the child's age of 14 months (n = 2420). The adherence scores on a ‘Health conscious’ and ‘Western‐like’ diet were extracted from principal component analysis. At the age of 24, 36 and 48 months, information on constipation and sedentary behaviour, and weight and height was obtained by parental‐derived questionnaires and from the child health centres, respectively. Adherence to a ‘Western‐like’ dietary pattern was associated with a higher prevalence of constipation up to 48 months [adjusted odds ratio (aOR); 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.39; 1.02–1.87], which was not mediated by overweight or sedentary behaviour. Adherence to a ‘Health Conscious’ dietary pattern was only associated at short term, with a lower prevalence of constipation at 24 months (aOR; 95%CI: 0.65; 0.44–0.96). No association was found between overweight, sedentary behaviour and constipation. Our results suggest that specific dietary patterns in early childhood could be associated with higher or lower risks for constipation, but these effects are time‐dependent. Overweight and sedentary behaviour seem to not have a major role on constipation in childhood.
Provision of weight management advice for obese women during pregnancy: a survey of current practice and midwives' views on future approaches
Authors: Macleod Maureen , Gregor Amy , Barnett Carol , Magee Elizabeth , Thompson Joyce , Anderson Annie S.
Published: January 2012

A semi‐structured, web‐based questionnaire was developed to survey midwives (n = 241) employed by NHS Tayside, UK, to identify current practice and views on weight management of obese women during pregnancy and the puerperium. A total of 78 (32%) midwives submitted responses following email invitation. Most respondents (79%) reported always calculating women's body mass index (BMI) at booking, with 73% routinely explaining the BMI category. In terms of future practice for obese women, although few respondents (15%) currently offer personalised advice regarding weight management based on a woman's diet and physical activity levels, 77% of respondents thought such advice would be appropriate and 69% thought it could possibly be feasible to offer such advice. The respondents viewed weight management to be of importance and felt that universal advice is appropriate, but confidence in discussing weight management and knowledge of the subject was low. Strategies to improve midwife confidence and weight management services should include training, ongoing support and definition of the midwife's role within the multidisciplinary team to support practice in the future.
Dynamics of oscillatory phenotypes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae reveal a network of genome‐wide transcriptional oscillators
Authors: Chin Shwe L. , Marcus Ian M. , Klevecz Robert R. , Li Caroline M.
Published: January 2012

Genetic and environmental factors are well‐studied influences on phenotype; however, time is a variable that is rarely considered when studying changes in cellular phenotype. Time‐resolved microarray data revealed genome‐wide transcriptional oscillation in a yeast continuous culture system with ∼ 2 and ∼ 4 h periods. We mapped the global patterns of transcriptional oscillations into a 3D map to represent different cellular phenotypes of redox cycles. This map shows the dynamic nature of gene expression in that transcripts are ordered and coupled to each other through time and concentration space. Although cells differed in oscillation periods, transcripts involved in certain processes were conserved in a deterministic way. When oscillation period lengthened, the peak to trough ratio of transcripts increased and the fraction of cells in the unbudded (G0/G1) phase of the cell division cycle increased. Decreasing the glucose level in the culture medium was one way to increase the redox cycle, possibly from changes in metabolic flux. The period may be responding to lower glucose levels by increasing the fraction of cells in G1 and reducing S‐phase gating so that cells can spend more time in catabolic processes. Our results support that gene transcripts are coordinated with metabolic functions and the cell division cycle.
Non healing leg ulcer infected with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: first reported case from India
Authors: Nag Falguni , De Abhishek , Banerjee Kokila , Chatterjee Gobinda
Published: January 2012

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a recently described organism which was mainly reported either in nosocomial setup, or in immunosuppresed individuals. This was rarely reported as cutaneous pathogenic organism causing cellulitis‐like lesion, paronychia, mucocutaneous ulcers and ecthyma gangrenosum in immunocompromised individuals. Here we describe a case of leg ulcer caused by S. maltophilia in an immuno‐competent patient. The infection was possibly community acquired as the patient had no exposure to hospital environment. The bacillus was sensitive to cotrimoxazole and levofloxacin, and the patient was successfully treated with cotrimoxazole. Our case is unique not only because it is probably the first ever case of leg ulcer caused by S. maltophilia, but also because of its unusual occurrence in immunocompetent patient.
Effects of non contact low‐frequency ultrasound on healing of suspected deep tissue injury: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Honaker Jeremy S , Forston Michael R , Davis Emily A , Wiesner Michelle M , Morgan Jennifer A
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of non contact low‐frequency ultrasound on the healing of suspected deep tissue injury (SDTI). Participants were adults ranging in age from 28 to 93 years old, with multiple diagnoses including anaemia, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Data were examined retrospectively on 85 patients (intervention group = 43 and non intervention group = 42) with 127 SDTI (intervention group = 64 and non intervention group = 63). Participants in both groups received standard of care for treating pressure ulcers. A severity score was used to assess SDTI severity before treatment and healing/progression after treatment. This scale measures surface area, wound colour/tissue assessment, and skin integrity with potential scores of 3 to 18 (higher scores indicate greater severity). A significant difference in changes in wound severity was found (t = 5·67, P < 0.000). Difference in mean change scores was 2·52 on the 3–18 severity scale. The decrease in wound severity for the intervention group was 1·45. Severity in the non intervention group increased by 1·06. This exploratory study of the effect of the non contact low‐frequency ultrasound provides initial findings that support its use with SDTI.
Absence of nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐containing protein 2 variants in patients with leprosy and tuberculosis
Authors: Singh V. , Gaur R. , Mittal M. , Biswas S. K. , Das R. , Girdhar B. K. , Bajaj B. , Katoch V. M. , Kumar A. , Mohanty K. K.
Published: January 2012

Crohn’s disease‐associated NOD 2 variants (Arg702Trp and 3020insC) were found to be monomorphic (wild), and 7 subjects were heterozygous for Gly908Arg SNP in 263 patients with tuberculosis, 260 patients with leprosy and 270 healthy controls residing in northern Indian states. This is the first report to suggest the minimal role of these variants in susceptibility/resistance to TB and leprosy in this population.
In vitro assessment of ruminal fermentation characteristics of tropical browse mixtures supplemented with yeast
Authors: Wambui Caroline C. , Ando Sada , Abdulrazak Shaukat A. , Osuga Isaac M. , Ichinohe Toshiyoshi
Published: January 2012

An in vitro ruminal gas production study was conducted to assess the effect of yeast supplementation on rumen fermentation of tanniniferous tropical browse mixtures prepared by mixing Berchemia discolor with Acacia brevispica, Acacia elatior, Acacia mellifera, Balanites aegyptiaca, Grewia bicolor or Zizyphus mucronata in a 1:1 dry weight ratio. The six browse mixtures were incubated with buffered rumen fluid alone or supplemented with dried Japanese Sake yeast (JSY) or polyethylene glycol (PEG). Ruminal gas production characteristics were evaluated using the Gompertz equation. The JSY addition increased gas production volume (P < 0.05) and numerically increased the maximum gas production rate constant. Time to reach the maximum gas production rate was shortened by PEG addition as compared to the JSY and control treatments. It is possible that JSY promoted the rumen microbial activity in addition to forming complexes with tannins thereby upgrading the in vitro ruminal digestion of tropical browse mixtures.
Regionalizing ecological moisture levels and groundwater levels in grassland areas using thermal remote sensing
Authors: Kaiser Thomas , Wehrhan Marc , Werner Armin , Sommer Michael
Published: January 2012

Site‐specific soil moisture and groundwater levels are key input parameters for ecological modeling. Obtaining such information in a comprehensive manner is difficult for large regions. We studied a floodplain region in the Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany, to examine the degree to which the average depth of groundwater tables can be derived from surface temperatures obtained by the ASTER radiospectrometer (spatial resolution of 90 m per pixel). A floristic ecological indicator representing the site‐specific moisture level was applied to develop a proxy between the thermal satellite data and groundwater table depth. The use of spring scenes (late April to early May) from 2 years proved to be well suited for minimizing the effects of weather and land use. Vegetation surveys along transects that were 2 m wide across the pixel diagonals allowed for the calculation of average ‘ecological moisture values’ of pixel‐sites by applying ‘Ellenberg‐numbers’. These values were used to calibrate the satellite data locally. There was a close relationship between surface temperature and the average ecological moisture value (R2 = 0.73). Average ecological moisture values were highly indicative of the average groundwater levels during a 7‐year measurement series (R2 = 0.93). Satellite‐supported thermal data from spring were suitable for estimating the average groundwater levels of low‐lying grasslands on a larger scale. Ecological moisture values from the transect surveys effectively allowed the incorporation of relief heterogeneity within the thermal grid and the establishment of the correlation between thermal data and average groundwater table depth. Regression functions were used to produce a map of groundwater levels at the study site.
Evaluating the genotype × nitrogen fertilization interaction on the nutritive value of the first crop in timothy (Phleum pratense L.) clones
Authors: Ashikaga Kazunori , Tanaka Tsuneki , Fujii Hiroki , Deguchi Kenzaburo , Iida Kenji
Published: January 2012

Improvement of the nutritive value of timothy (Phleum pratense L.) through breeding should result in enhanced livestock productivity. This study evaluated the effect of genotype (G) × nitrogen (N) fertilization interaction (G × N) on the nutritive value of the first crop of timothy in northern Japan. Five traits, the contents of low‐digestible fiber (Ob), water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC), mono‐ and disaccharides and fructan and the ratio of Ob to organic cell wall (OCW), were investigated as quality traits for 16 clones under three N rates (3, 7 and 11 g N m–2 as low, standard and high levels, respectively). The G × N effects were non‐significant in all the traits despite the significant main effects of G and N in all or most of the traits. Coinciding with this, there were significant correlations among the three N rates for Ob, WSC, fructan contents and Ob/OCW ratio. Correlations between the low and high N rates showed weaker trends than those between the standard and low N rates or between the standard and high N rates in three of the five traits. Fructan content showed small standard deviations and ranges, indicating the difficulty of using it as a selection index for evaluating the genetic variation. The results suggest that, for the Ob and WSC contents and the Ob/OCW ratio as the desirable traits, the relative ranking of genotypes is almost consistent across different N application levels and selections for the traits at the standard N level are of potential use for effective improvement of the nutritive value of timothy.
A review of actinic keratosis for the nurse practitioner: Diagnosis, treatment, and clinical pearls
Authors: Englert Christopher , Hughes Brittney
Published: January 2012

Purpose: To describe key points in the diagnosis and treatment of and patient education for actinic keratosis.

Data sources: Selected review of scientific literature.

Conclusions: Actinic keratosis is a common skin lesion seen in primary care that results from exposure to ultraviolet light. Accurate and timely diagnosis is essential to prevent progression to squamous cell carcinoma.

Implications for practice: Nurse practitioners can make a positive impact on patients' health by promoting treatment adherence and follow‐up in primary care.
Conserving Cotton‐top tamarins Saguinus oedipus through effective captive management, public engagement and in situ conservation efforts
Authors: Savage A. , Guillen R.
Published: January 2012

The Cotton‐top tamarin Saguinus oedipus is a Critically Endangered primate found only in Colombia. While a popular exhibit animal in zoos and an important research subject in the study of colon cancer and reproductive biology and behaviour, efforts to create a self‐sustaining captive‐breeding population for this species have been very successful. With the wealth of information on biology, captive management and status in the wild, efforts are now focused on ensuring that Cotton‐top tamarins continue to remain in the wild. With large‐scale development threatening some of the last remaining forested areas for the species and its popularity in the illegal pet trade, compounded by the constant extraction of forest resources by impoverished communities, strategies are needed to protect this species effectively for the future. Here, an overview is presented of the successful, multidisciplinary conservation programme developed by Proyecto Tití to involve local communities, national and international agencies, and the conservation community in the long‐term protection of Colombia's most threatened species.
Evaluation of vertical traction radiography for predicting the outcome of moderate to severe rigid scoliosis correction
Authors: Zhao Yu , Qiu Gui‐xing , Wang Yi‐peng , Shen Jian‐xiong , Zhao Hong , Li Ye , Jiang Yu , Li Xiang , Chang Xiao
Published: January 2012

Objective:  To determine the efficacy of imaging patients in a state of traction (“traction imaging”) for selection of upper and lower vertebrae to undergo instrumentation (UIV and LIV, respectively) to correct moderate to severe, rigid scoliosis.

Methods:  Twenty‐seven patients aged 11–21 years (average, 15.5 years) who had been treated at our institution for scoliosis of the thoracic spine between 2004 and 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were treated with the third multiple hook‐screw and rod instrumentation system. Standardized radiographic measurements (anteroposterior, sagittal, bending, fulcrum, traction) were taken and Cobb's angles, apical vertebra translation (AVT), and traction‐stable vertebrae determined.

Results:  All patients were followed for 6–36 months (average, 14.7 months). The Cobb's angles under preoperative vertical traction correlated positively with those measured postoperatively in standing anteroposterior film (P < 0.01). Preoperative AVT under vertical traction was significantly different from that measured postoperatively in standing anteroposterior film (P < 0.01). The traction radiography‐determined UIV slant angles were significantly different from those preoperatively without traction and the postoperative values, whereas traction radiography‐determined LIV values were not significantly different from those found preoperatively without traction (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:  Traction radiographic imaging is an effective, feasible preoperative assessment for determining which vertebrae are stable, designing the surgical strategy and choosing the UIV and LIV for correcting moderate to severe, rigid scoliosis.
Prognostic impact of cell type under the seventh TNM staging system in resected non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Okamoto Tatsuro , Wada Hironobu , Mizobuchi Teruaki , Hoshino Hidehisa , Moriya Yasumitsu , Yoshida Shigetoshi , Yoshino Ichiro
Published: January 2012

Objectives:  We retrospectively investigated whether histological cell type could affect patient prognosis for each stage according to the seventh edition of the TNM classification.

Patients and methods:  Clinical records of 1623 consecutive non‐small cell lung cancer patients who underwent surgery between 1990 and 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Over 92% of these patients had either adenocarcinoma (Ad; n = 1043, 64.3%) or squamous cell carcinoma (Sq; n = 452, 27.9%).

Results:  The overall 5‐year survival rates for patients of all stages with Ad, Sq, large cell carcinoma (La), and adenosquamous cell carcinoma (As) were 67%, 56%, 58%, and 41%, respectively. Ad patients experienced better survival than Sq, As, or La patients (HR: 0.66, P < 0.0001; HR: 0.38, P = 0.011; HR: 0.69, P = 0.057, respectively). Stage IA Ad patients experienced better survival than stage IA Sq patients (5‐year survival; Ad/Sq = 91%/78%, log‐rank test, P = 0.001). Such a difference was also observed among seventh‐edition TNM stage IB patients (5‐year survival; Ad/Sq = 78%/64%, log‐rank test, P = 0.048), but not for sixth‐edition stage IB patients. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that histological cell type is a significant prognostic factor among stage I ≥ T1b Ad and Sq patients.

Conclusions:  Survival after complete resection of new stage I ≥ T1b Sq patients is significantly worse than that of Ad patients, which could be partially attributed to stage migration effect in stage IB disease between the sixth and seventh editions of the TNM staging system.
Likelihood analysis of species occurrence probability from presence‐only data for modelling species distributions
Authors: Royle J. Andrew , Chandler Richard B. , Yackulic Charles , Nichols James D.
Published: January 2012

1. Understanding the factors affecting species occurrence is a pre‐eminent focus of applied ecological research. However, direct information about species occurrence is lacking for many species. Instead, researchers sometimes have to rely on so‐called presence‐only data (i.e. when no direct information about absences is available), which often results from opportunistic, unstructured sampling. maxent is a widely used software program designed to model and map species distribution using presence‐only data.

2. We provide a critical review of maxent as applied to species distribution modelling and discuss how it can lead to inferential errors. A chief concern is that maxent produces a number of poorly defined indices that are not directly related to the actual parameter of interest – the probability of occurrence (ψ). This focus on an index was motivated by the belief that it is not possible to estimate ψ from presence‐only data; however, we demonstrate that ψ is identifiable using conventional likelihood methods under the assumptions of random sampling and constant probability of species detection.

3. The model is implemented in a convenient r package which we use to apply the model to simulated data and data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey. We demonstrate that maxent produces extreme under‐predictions when compared to estimates produced by logistic regression which uses the full (presence/absence) data set. We note that maxent predictions are extremely sensitive to specification of the background prevalence, which is not objectively estimated using the maxent method.

4. As with maxent, formal model‐based inference requires a random sample of presence locations. Many presence‐only data sets, such as those based on museum records and herbarium collections, may not satisfy this assumption. However, when sampling is random, we believe that inference should be based on formal methods that facilitate inference about interpretable ecological quantities instead of vaguely defined indices.
Dynamic Modeling and Analysis of Mechanical Snubbing
Authors: Kaul Sudhir
Published: January 2012

This paper presents four alternate models of varying complexity to examine mechanical snubbing in elastomeric isolators. Although the modeling, analysis, and experimentation presented is limited to snubbing of elastomeric isolators, the models are generic and can be adapted to other snubbing mechanisms as well, such as friction snubbing. Two of the four models presented in this paper use the Bouc–Wen model in order to capture hysteresis and gradual stiffening behavior, which is generally exhibited by elastomeric snubbing systems. The other two models are relatively simplistic and do not account for a time-varying parameter to model significant hysteresis. However, these two models can still be useful for applications with a small range of excitation frequencies and for applications where the snubbing design needs to incorporate an abrupt transition in stiffness. A parameter identification technique is used to determine the variables associated with each model. The parameter identification technique is based on the use of an optimization algorithm associated with the force–displacement characterization. All four models presented in this paper capture the coupled dynamics of the isolation system and the snubbing system and are, therefore, a significant improvement upon the currently used models. The models presented are expected to facilitate the design and analysis of a passive isolation system in conjunction with the design of the snubbing system and the base frame supporting the snubbing system.
Damage Switch
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: January 2012

ATM-mediated phosphorylation of Mdm2 after genotoxic stress causes Mdm2 to promote, rather than inhibit, p53 activity.
Protein Kinase C δ Plays Its CARD
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: January 2012

C-type lectin receptors activate protein kinase C δ in a Syk-dependent manner to stimulate NF-κB signaling in response to fungi.
First Description of KPC-2-Producing Pseudomonas putida in Brazil
Authors: Almeida Anna C. S. , Vilela Marinalda A. , Cavalcanti Felipe L. S. , Martins Willames M. B. S. , Morais Marcos A. , Morais Marcia M. C.
Published: January 2012

This work reports the identification of the first case of a KΡC-2-producing
Pseudomonas putida
isolate (PP36) in Brazil. The PP36 isolate was resistant to all the antimicrobials tested except polymyxin B. In addition to the discovered
bla
KPC-2
gene, genetic analysis showed the presence of a class 1 integron containing the
dhfr
XVb gene and the new allele
arr-6
, which codes for resistance to rifampin. These elements were found in an IncFI 65-kb plasmid.
Involvement of the AcrAB-TolC Efflux Pump in the Resistance, Fitness, and Virulence of Enterobacter cloacae
Authors: Pérez Astrid , Poza Margarita , Fernández Ana , del Carmen Fernández Maria , Mallo Susana , Merino María , Rumbo-Feal Soraya , Cabral María P. , Bou Germán
Published: January 2012

Multidrug efflux pumps have emerged as important mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial pathogens. In order to cause infection, pathogenic bacteria require mechanisms to avoid the effects of host-produced compounds, and express efflux pumps may accomplish this task. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the inactivation of AcrAB-TolC on antimicrobial resistance, fitness, and virulence in
Enterobacter cloacae
, an opportunistic pathogen usually involved in nosocomial infections. Two different clinical isolates of
E. cloacae
were used, EcDC64 (multidrug resistance overexpressing the AcrAB-TolC efflux pump) and Jc194 (basal AcrAB-TolC expression). The
acrA
and
tolC
genes were deleted in strains EcDC64 and Jc194 to produce, respectively, EcΔ
acrA
and EcΔ
tolC
and JcΔ
acrA
and JcΔ
tolC
knockout (KO) derivatives. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed with all isolates, and we discovered that these mechanisms are involved in the resistance of
E. cloacae
to several antibiotics. Competition experiments were also performed with wild-type and isogenic KO strains. The competition index (CI), defined as the mutant/wild-type ratio, revealed that the
acrA
and
tolC
genes both affect the fitness of
E. cloacae
, as fitness was clearly reduced in the
acrA
and
tolC
KO strains. The median CI values obtained
in vitro
and
in vivo
were, respectively, 0.42 and 0.3 for EcDC64/EcΔ
acrA
, 0.24 and 0.38 for EcDC64/EcΔ
tol
C, 0.15 and 0.11 for Jc194/JcΔ
acrA
, and 0.38 and 0.39 for Jc194/JcΔ
tolC
. Use of an intraperitoneal mouse model of systemic infection revealed reduced virulence in both
E. cloacae
clinical strains when either the
acrA
or
tolC
gene was inactivated. In conclusion, the structural components of the AcrAB-TolC efflux pump appear to play a role in antibiotic resistance as well as environmental adaptation and host virulence in clinical isolates of
E. cloacae
.
Association of the Emerging Carbapenemase NDM-1 with a Bleomycin Resistance Protein in Enterobacteriaceae and Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Dortet Laurent , Nordmann Patrice , Poirel Laurent
Published: January 2012

The carbapenemase NDM-1 has been identified recently in
Enterobacteriaceae
and
Acinetobacter baumannii
as a source of multidrug resistance, including resistance to carbapenems. By analyzing the immediate genetic environment of the
bla
NDM-1
carbapenemase gene among a series of NDM-1-producing enterobacterial isolates, a novel gene (
ble
MBL
, for
ble
gene associated with the metallo-β-lactamase NDM-1) was identified. The
ble
MBL
gene encodes a novel bleomycin resistance protein (BRP), named BRP
MBL
, that shares weak similarities with known BRPs (less than 60% amino acid identity). The expression of BRP
MBL
conferred resistance to bleomycin and to bleomycin-like molecules in
Enterobacteriaceae
and
A. baumannii
. The
bla
NDM-1
and
ble
MBL
genes were coexpressed under the control of the same promoter, located upstream of the
bla
NDM-1
gene and at the extremity of the insertion sequence IS
Aba125
. Most of the NDM producers possessed the
ble
MBL
gene. Although BRP
MBL
did not modify the growth or death rates of
Escherichia coli
under experimental conditions, it suppressed the mutation rate of hypermutable
E. coli
and therefore may stabilize the plasmid-borne
bla
NDM-1
gene. This study suggests that the emerging carbapenemase NDM-1 is selected by bleomycin-like molecules, and that BRP
MBL
producers (and consequently NDM producers) are better suited to various environments.
Comparison of Four Renal Function Estimation Equations for Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Gentamicin in Geriatric Patients
Authors: Charhon Nicolas , Neely Michael N. , Bourguignon Laurent , Maire Pascal , Jelliffe Roger W. , Goutelle Sylvain
Published: January 2012

Most aminoglycoside pharmacokinetic models include an index of renal function, such as creatinine clearance, to describe drug clearance. However, the best clinical descriptor of renal function for the pharmacokinetic modeling of aminoglycosides has not been established. This analysis was based on 412 gentamicin concentrations from 92 geriatric patients who received intravenous gentamicin for various infectious diseases. Four two-compartment population models were fitted to gentamicin concentrations in a learning set of 64 patients using the nonparametric adaptive grid (NPAG) algorithm. Each model included an index of renal function, namely, the Cockcroft-Gault (CG), Jelliffe (JEL), modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD), or modified MDRD (MDRDm; adjusted to individual body surface area) equation as a covariate influencing gentamicin serum clearance. Goodness of fit and predictive performance of the four models were compared using standard criteria in both the learning set and in a validation set of 28 patients. A final analysis was performed to estimate the population pharmacokinetic parameter values of the entire 92-patient group. In the learning set, the CG-based model best fit the data, followed by JEL-, MDRD-, and MDRDm-based models, with relative reductions of the Akaike information criterion of 29.4, 20.2, 14.2, and 4.2, respectively. Bias and precision of population predictions were significantly different among the four models. In the validation set, individual predictions from the four models showed marginally different biases. The final estimation confirmed the previous results. Specifically, the CG-based model showed predictive performance that was comparable to or better than that of the MDRD-based model at each stage of the analysis. This study shows that methods used to estimate renal function should not be considered interchangeable for the model-based estimation of gentamicin concentrations.
Clinical and Microbiologic Characteristics of Cephalosporin-Resistant Escherichia coli at Three Centers in the United States
Authors: Park Yoon Soo , Adams-Haduch Jennifer M. , Shutt Kathleen A. , Yarabinec Daniel M. , Johnson Laura E. , Hingwe Ameet , Lewis James S. , Jorgensen James H. , Doi Yohei
Published: January 2012

We investigated the clinical and microbiologic features of 300 cases of cephalosporin-resistant
Escherichia coli
producing extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) or plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamase (pAmpC) at three medical centers in the United States. Solid-organ malignancy, connective tissue disease, and a recent history of surgery were more common among pAmpC-producing cases (
n
= 49), whereas urinary catheter at enrollment, diabetes, and hospitalization in the past year were more common among ESBL-producing cases (
n
= 233). The factors independently associated with clinical outcome were the following: the presence of cardiovascular disease (odds ratio [OR], 2.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29 to 6.43), intra-abdominal infection (OR, 6.35; 95% CI, 1.51 to 26.7), other or multiples sources of infection (OR, 8.12; 95% CI, 2.3 to 28.6), age of 65 years or greater (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.2 to 0.95), favorable baseline health status (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.95), and appropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy given in the first 72 h (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.88). β-Lactamase genes responsible for cephalosporin resistance were identified in 291 cases. CTX-M-type ESBLs accounted for 72.0%. Of those, 88.0% were CTX-M-15. The next most common type was CMY-type pAmpC (16.7%), followed by SHV- and TEM-type ESBLs (6.3 and 1.3%, respectively). Seven cases (2.3%) had KPC-type β-lactamase. Ertapenem, imipenem, meropenem, doripenem, piperacillin-tazobactam, amikacin, nitrofurantoin, and tigecycline were highly active, with greater than 90% of the isolates being susceptible. Cefepime was less active, with only 74.2% being susceptible due to the predominance of CTX-M-15. These findings have implications in the selection of appropriate empirical therapy when infection due to cephalosporin-resistant
E. coli
is suspected.
Novel Variants of AbaR Resistance Islands with a Common Backbone in Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates of European Clone II
Authors: Šeputienė Vaida , Povilonis Justas , Sužiedėlienė Edita
Published: January 2012

In this study, the genetic organization of three novel genomic antibiotic resistance islands (AbaRs) in
Acinetobacter baumannii
isolates belonging to group of European clone II (EC II)
comM
integrated sequences of 18-, 21-, and 23-kb resistance islands were determined. These resistance islands carry the backbone of AbaR-type transposon structures, which are composed of the transposition module coding for potential transposition proteins and other genes coding for the intact universal stress protein (
uspA
), sulfate permease (
sul
), and proteins of unknown function. The antibiotic resistance genes
strA
,
strB
,
tetB
, and
tetR
and insertion sequence CR2 element were found to be inserted into the AbaR transposons. GenBank homology searches indicated that they are closely related to the AbaR sequences found integrated in
comM
in strains of EC II (
A. baumannii
strains 1656-2 and TCDC-AB0715) and AbaR4 integrated in another location of
A. baumannii
AB0057 (EC I). All of the AbaRs showed structural similarity to the previously described AbaR4 island and share a 12,008-bp backbone. AbaRs contain Tn
1213
, Tn
2006
, and the multiple fragments which could be derived from transposons Tn
3
, Tn
10
, Tn
21
, Tn
1000
, Tn
5393
, and Tn
6020
, the insertion sequences IS
26
, IS
Aba1
, IS
Aba14
, and IS
CR2
, and the class 1 integron. Moreover, chromosomal DNA was inserted into distinct regions of the AbaR backbone. Sequence analysis suggested that the AbaR-type transposons have evolved through insertions, deletions, and homologous recombination. AbaR islands, sharing the core structure similar to AbaR4, appeared to be distributed in isolates of EC I and EC II via integration into distinct genomic sites, i.e.,
pho
and
comM
, respectively.