bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SERVICE INTEGRATION IN THE RISK MANAGEMENT COURSE
Authors: Bajtelsmit Vickie L.
Published: August 2008

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explain the concept and application of service learning in higher education and to outline a method for integrating a community service project into the risk management curriculum.
Differences in the Inflammatory Response between Patients with and Those without Diabetes Mellitus after Coronary Stenting
Authors: PAIVA MARIA SANALI M. O. , SERRANO, Jr CARLOS V. , NICOLAU JOSÉ CARLOS , JALBUT BRUNA O. , FERNANDES JULIANO L. , DE LEMOS JAMES A. , BLOTTA MARIA HELOÍSA S. L. , DE OLIVEIRA RÔMULO T. D. , DE OLIVEIRA ITAMAR R. , DE OLIVEIRA LUDMILLA DA A. R. R. , RAMIRES JOSÉ ANTÔNIO F.
Published: August 2008

Background: Patients with diabetes mellitus who undergo coronary stenting are at increased risk of restenosis. It is known that inflammation plays a crucial role in restenosis.

Objective: We assessed the inflammatory response to elective coronary stent implantation (CSI) in stable diabetic and nondiabetic patients.

Methods: C‐reactive protein (CRP), soluble (s) P‐selectin, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)‐1 plasma levels were determined in diabetic (n = 51) and nondiabetic (n = 56) patients before and 48 hours and 4 weeks after bare metal stenting (BMS).

Results: Diabetic patients presented significantly higher inflammatory marker levels before and after CSI. Nonetheless, diabetic and nondiabetic patients had postintervention peak of markers attained within 48 hours. At baseline, diabetic and nondiabetic patients presented CRP levels of 5.0 ± 20.1 (P ≤ 0.04) and 3.8 ± 9.4 μg/ml and, at 48 hours postintervention, 22.0 ± 20.2 (P = 0.001; P = 0.002) and 12.6 ± 11.3 (P ≤ 0.0001) μg/ml. Regarding sP‐selectin, diabetic and nondiabetic patients obtained levels of, at baseline, 182 ± 118 (P ≤ 0.04) and 105 ± 48 ng/ml and, at 48 hours, 455 ± 290 (P = 0.001; P ≤ 0.01) and 215 ± 120 (P ≤ 0.04) ng/ml. For diabetic and nondiabetic patients, sICAM‐1 levels were, at baseline, 248 ± 98 (P ≤ 0.04) and 199 ± 94 ng/ml and, at 48 hours, 601 ± 201 (P = 0.001; P ≤ 0.01) and 283 ± 220 (P = 0.001) ng/ml. At 4 weeks, for all patients, markers returned to preprocedural levels: versus before PCI: *P = 0.001, §P ≤ 0.0001; versus nondiabetic patients: #P ≤ 0.04, ¶P = 0.002, ϒP ≤ 0.01.

Conclusions: Diabetic and nondiabetic patients exhibited a temporal inflammatory response after an elective BMS. However, diabetic patients present higher preprocedural levels of CRP, sP‐selectin, and sICAM‐1 and reveal a further exacerbated inflammatory response after intervention. The differences in inflammatory response may have implications in restenosis within these two sets of patients.
Remodelling of human osteoarthritic cartilage by FGF‐2, alone or combined with Sox9 via rAAV gene transfer
Authors: Cucchiarini Magali , Terwilliger Ernest F. , Kohn Dieter , Madry Henning
Published: August 2008

Compensating for the loss of extracellular cartilage matrix, as well as counteracting the alterations of the chondrocyte phenotype in osteoarthritis are of key importance to develop effective therapeutic strategies against this disorder. In the present study, we analysed the benefits of applying a potent gene combination to remodel human osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage. We employed the promising recombinant adeno‐associated virus (rAAV) vector to deliver the mitogenic fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF‐2) factor, alone or simultaneously with the transcription factor Sox9 as a key activator of matrix synthesis, to human normal and OA articular chondrocytes. We evaluated the effects of single (FGF‐2) or combined (FGF‐2/SOX9) transgene expression upon the regenerative activities of chondrocytes in three‐dimensional cultures in vitro and in cartilage explants in situ. Single overexpression of FGF‐2 enhanced the survival and proliferation of both normal and OA chondrocytes, without stimulating the matrix synthetic processes in the increased pools of cells. The mitogenic properties of FGF‐2 were maintained when SOX9 was co‐overexpressed and concomitant with an increase in the production of proteoglycans and type‐II collagen, suggesting that the transcription factor was capable of counterbalancing the effects of FGF‐2 on matrix accumulation. Also important, expression of type‐X collagen, a marker of hypertrophy strongly decreased following treatment by the candidate vectors. Most remarkably, the levels of activities achieved in co‐treated human OA cartilage were similar to or higher than those observed in normal cartilage. The present findings show that combined expression of candidate factors in OA cartilage can re‐establish key features of normal cartilage and prevent the pathological shift of metabolic homeostasis. These data provide further motivation to develop coupled gene transfer approaches via rAAV for the treatment of human OA.
The effect of bias on the magnitude of clinical outcomes in periodontology: a pilot study
Authors: Fenwick Julie , Needleman Ian G. , Moles David R.
Published: August 2008

Aim: To investigate potential effect of bias on magnitude of outcomes.

Material and Methods: Randomized‐controlled trials (RCTs) from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched. Methodological quality of RCTs was assessed in terms of allocation concealment and examiner masking. Meta‐regression analyses were used to determine associations between the quality assessments and magnitude of treatment outcomes on probing depth and attachment level.

Results: Thirty‐five RCTs were identified from five systematic reviews. Adequate allocation concealment and examiner masking were found in 24% and 64% of trials respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the magnitude of treatment outcomes comparing adequate versus inadequate or unclear allocation concealment, nor comparing adequate and inadequately examiner masked trials. However, a retrospective power calculation indicated 265 RCTs would be needed to demonstrate a statistically significant effect for the impact of bias on CAL as an outcome measure for a 0.5 mm exaggeration of mean difference between test and control.

Conclusions: There is insufficient evidence to support or refute the theory that the bias from improper methods of allocation concealment and examiner masking affect the magnitude of clinical outcomes in periodontology trials. The pilot data provide a baseline for sample size calculations in future research.
Spatial patterning of habitat for Oncorhynchus mykiss in a system of intermittent and perennial streams
Authors: Boughton D. A. , Fish H. , Pope J. , Holt G.
Published: August 2008

Abstract –  The salmonid Oncorhynchus mykiss tends to inhabit forested or snow‐fed streams having cold reliable flows, but in the California chaparral they inhabit rain‐fed stream networks with extensive areas of intermittent flow. We hypothesised that hydrological mechanisms in such watersheds tend to spatially segregate spawning and over‐summering habitats, and tested the hypothesis using observations from a series of tributaries in a pristine watershed. Consistent with the hypothesis, reaches with suitably sized spawning gravels tended to occur in intermittent tributaries, and also the perennial mainstem (which was too warm for over‐summering). In early summer, juvenile O. mykiss (<10 cm) occurred at similar densities in the intermittent and perennial tributaries, but larger fish had greater densities in perennial tributaries. Large wood debris would be expected to mitigate the spatial segregation of habitats somewhat, but was scarce, though stream‐side outcrops appeared to partially compensate by forcing gravel bars in high‐gradient channels.
Crucial role of peripheral κ‐opioid receptors in a model of periodontal disease in rats
Authors: Pacheco C. M. F. , Queiroz‐Junior C. M. , Maltos K. L. M. , Caliari M. V. , Pacheco D. F. , Duarte I. D. G. , Francischi J. N.
Published: August 2008

Background and Objective: Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the tooth supporting tissues, the periodontium. Opioids have been shown to account for the relief of various chronic and acute inflammatory conditions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the participation of peripheral opioid receptors in development of periodontal disease.

Material and Methods: Morphine and selective agonists and antagonists of opioid receptors were used in an experimental model of ligature‐induced periodontal disease in rats. To evaluate the development of disease, the loss of fiber attachment, alveolar bone and number of cells in periodontal tissues were assessed. Measurements of these indicators were obtained by morphometric analysis of histological sections of periodontal‐diseased tissues stained with hematoxylin and eosin.

Results: Local administration of either morphine or a selective κ‐opioid agonist for three consecutive days from the onset of periodontal disease reduced the loss of periodontal tissues, without changing the number of leukocytes in inflamed periodontium. Nor‐binaltorphimine, a selective κ‐antagonist, reversed the beneficial effects of both morphine and the compound U‐50,488 in this model. The use of either an agonist or an antagonist of δ‐opioid receptors, however, did not affect disease progression.

Conclusion: Our results showed that the beneficial effect of opioids in periodontal disease depended mainly on the activation of specific κ‐opioid receptors located in the periphery. Activation of such receptors could be considered in the management of periodontal disease, since it would not present the classical central side‐effects associated with opioid use.
Naringenin inhibits human osteoclastogenesis and osteoclastic bone resorption
Authors: La V. D. , Tanabe S. , Grenier D.
Published: August 2008

Background and Objective:  Naringenin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, possesses a wide range of pharmacological properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of naringenin on human osteoclastogenesis and osteoclastic bone resorption.

Material and Methods:  Naringenin was tested in a human osteoclastogenesis model using primary osteoclast precursor cells activated by receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF) for 6 days. Osteoclastogenesis was assessed by determining the number of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)‐stained multinuclear cells, while the secretion of factors involved in osteoclastogenesis was assessed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. The effect of naringenin on bone resorption was investigated using an OsteoAssay human bone plate coupled with an immunoassay to evaluate the release of helical peptide 620–633 from the α1 chain of type I collagen.

Results:  Naringenin was non‐toxic at the highest concentration used (50 μg/ml). Naringenin (10, 25 and 50 μg/ml) significantly inhibited osteoclastogenesis (by 29 ± 5, 57 ± 8 and 96 ± 1%, respectively). Naringenin also markedly inhibited the secretion of interleukin (IL)‐1α (by 59%), IL‐23 (by 87%) and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (by 58%). Lastly, naringenin (10, 25 and 50 μg/ml) significantly decreased the release of helical peptide 620–633, an indicator of bone resorption activity (by 44 ± 0.5, 73 ± 0.5 and 86 ± 1%, respectively).

Conclusions:  Naringenin can inhibit human osteoclastogenesis and osteoclastic bone resorption. It thus holds promise as a therapeutic or preventive agent for bone‐related diseases such as periodontitis.
Posttranslational regulation of TPH1 is responsible for the nightly surge of 5‐HT output in the rat pineal gland
Authors: Huang Zheping , Liu Tiecheng , Chattoraj Asamanja , Ahmed Samreen , Wang Michael M. , Deng Jie , Sun Xing , Borjigin Jimo
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  Serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT), a precursor for melatonin production, is produced abundantly in the pineal gland of all vertebrate animals. The synthesis of 5‐HT in the pineal gland is rate limited by tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) whose activity displays a twofold increase at night. Earlier studies from our laboratory demonstrate that pineal 5‐HT secretion exhibits dynamic circadian rhythms with elevated levels during the early night, and that the increase is controlled by adrenergic signaling at night. In this study, we report that (a) 5‐HT total output from the pineal gland and TPH1 protein levels both display diurnal rhythms with a twofold increase at night; (b) stimulation of cAMP signaling elevates 5‐HT output in vivo; (c) 5‐HT total output and TPH1 protein content in rat pineal gland are both acutely inhibited by light exposure at night. Consistent with these findings, molecular analysis of TPH1 protein revealed that (a) TPH1 is phosphorylated at the serine 58 in vitro and in the night pineal gland; and (b) phosphorylation of TPH1 at this residue is required for cAMP‐enhanced TPH1 protein stability. These data support the model that increased nocturnal 5‐HT synthesis in the pineal gland is mediated by the phosphorylation of TPH1 at the serine 58, which elevates the TPH1 protein content and activity at night.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Are Anti‐Beta2‐Glycoprotein‐I Antibodies Markers for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss in Lupus Anticoagulant/Anticardiolipin Seronegative Women?
Authors: Alijotas‐Reig Jaume , Casellas‐Caro Manel , Ferrer‐Oliveras Raquel , Llurba‐Olive Elisa , Hermosilla Eduard , Vilardell‐Tarres Miquel , Cabero‐Roura Lluis
Published: August 2008

Problem  Anti‐beta2‐Glicoprotein‐1 antibodies (anti‐β2GPI‐ab) have been related to recurrent miscarriage (RM) with conflicting results. The aim was to evaluate the role of anti‐β2‐GPI‐ab as unique biological marker in RM related to antiphospholipid (aPL).

Method of study  A cohort study that included 59 cases, divided in two groups, was designed: group 1 comprised 43 pregnant women with ‘obstetric’ antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and group 2 included 16 cases with similar complaints but only having repeatedly anti‐β2‐GPI‐ab. Previous thrombosis and/or inherited thrombophilia were excluded. Lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies (aCA), anti‐β2‐GPI‐ab, and other autoantibodies were analyzed. Miscarriages, premature births, pre‐eclampsia, live births, placental and systemic thromboses were studied.

Results  No differences in previous obstetric complications were detected (P = 1.00–0.164). After the treatment, differences in number of obstetric complications were not seen (P = 1.00). Live births were similar in two groups (88.4% and 93.7%; P = 1.00). Placental thrombosis was equal in both groups, 93.3% versus 80% (P = 1.00).

Conclusion  These results suggest that anti‐β2‐GPI‐ab may be considered a biological marker for obstetric APS.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Distribution and Maturity of Dendritic Cells in Diseases of Insufficient Placentation
Authors: Scholz Christoph , Toth Bettina , Santoso Laura , Kuhn Christina , Franz Maximilian , Mayr Doris , Jeschke Udo , Friese Klaus , Schiessl Barbara
Published: August 2008

Problem  The immunological equilibrium at the feto‐maternal interphase contributes towards late gestational diseases like growth restriction (IUGR) pre‐eclampsia (PE) and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets (HELLP)‐syndrome. The state of activation of decidual dendritic cells (DC) has emerged as one of the central players influencing this immunological equilibrium.

Method of study  Paraffin‐embedded tissue sections from 27 pregnancies were immunostained for DC markers DEC‐205, DC‐SIGN, DC‐LAMP and costained for DC‐SIGN/CD56 and DC‐SIGN/ vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) ‐1 and ‐2. We investigated placental tissue of IUGR fetuses and of patients who developed PE or HELLP‐syndrome as well as placental tissue derived from normal pregnancies.

Results  We found that expression of DEC‐205 and DC‐SIGN was significantly upregulated in HELLP placentas, whereas expression of DC‐LAMP was abrogated almost entirely. Costaining showed an interaction between DC‐SIGN+ DC and natural killer cells as well as costaining of VEGFR‐1 and ‐2 and DC‐SIGN. Pre‐eclamptic and IUGR placentas showed no significant change in any of the investigated markers compared to normal controls.

Conclusion  Our data suggest a participation of DC‐mediated immunological mechanisms in HELLP syndrome.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: CXCL6 (Granulocyte Chemotactic Protein‐2): A Novel Chemokine Involved in the Innate Immune Response of the Amniotic Cavity
Authors: Mittal Pooja , Romero Roberto , Kusanovic Juan Pedro , Edwin Samuel S , Gotsch Francesca , Mazaki‐Tovi Shali , Espinoza Jimmy , Erez Offer , Nhan‐Chang Chia‐Ling , Than Nandor G , Vaisbuch Edi , Hassan Sonia S
Published: August 2008

Problem  CXCL6 is a potent pro‐inflammatory neutrophil chemoattractant and activator whose activity during pregnancy is not well‐established. The purpose of this study was to determine if CXCL6 is present in amniotic fluid (AF) and if CXCL6 concentrations in AF change with labor (pre‐term and term) or intra‐amniotic infection/inflammation (IAI).

Method of study  A cross‐sectional study was designed including the following groups: (1) mid‐trimester (n = 65); (2) term no labor (n = 20); (3) term labor (n = 44); (4) patients with pre‐term labor (PTL) with subsequent term delivery (n = 57); (5) PTL without IAI who delivered pre‐term (n = 47); and (6) PTL with IAI (n = 62). AF CXCL6 concentrations were determined by ELISA.

Results  CXCL6 was present in all term samples, but undetectable in 64/65 mid‐trimester specimens. Patients with PTL and IAI had a significantly higher median AF CXCL6 concentration than those with PTL without IAI [228.9 pg/mL (0.0–8344.8) versus 55.7 pg/mL (0–454.4); P < 0.05] and those with PTL and term delivery [41.5 pg/mL (0–279.0); P < 0.05]. The median AF CXCL6 concentration did not change with spontaneous term labor [term no labor: 81.1 pg/mL (8.5–201.7) versus term labor: 75.2 pg/mL (6.7–378.7): P = 0.7].

Conclusion  (1) CXCL6 is detectable in AF and its concentration increases with gestational age; (2) IAI results in increased AF CXCL6 concentrations, suggesting that CXCL6 plays a role in the deployment of an inflammatory response; (3) In contrast to related chemokines, specifically IL‐8, AF CXCL6 does not appear to be involved in spontaneous term parturition. These observations are novel, and suggest a role for CXCL6 in the innate immune response to microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity.
TMD and GOHAI indices of Brazilian institutionalised and community‐dwelling elderly
Authors: Abud Maria Carolina , Dos Santos Jarbas Francisco Fernandes , Da Cunha Vicente de Paula Prisco , Marchini Leonardo
Published: August 2008

Rationale and objectives:  Considering the controversy in the literature regarding several aspects of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) in elderly populations and the absence of reliable data on elderly Brazilians in this field, this study consisted of an evaluation of TMD prevalence and the self‐perception of oral health among institutionalised and community‐dwelling elderly in São José dos Campos, Brazil.

Methods:  Two hundred and fifteen community‐dwelling and 185 institutionalised elderly people were evaluated by the Helkimo anamnestic (Ai) and clinical dysfunction (Di) indices and answered a questionnaire using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI).

Results:  The major prevalence of TMD symptoms was for the Ai0 (symptom‐free) group (69.5%), while the major prevalence of clinical signs was for the DiI (mild) group (56%). Women presented a higher AiII classification than men (χ2 test, p = 0.049). Community‐dwelling elderly presented a significantly lower Ai0 classification than the institutionalised ones (Two ratios equality test, p < 0.001). There was no relationship between the institutionalised status and the clinical dysfunction index for Di0 and DiIII classification (Two ratios equality test, p = 0.194 and 0.535 respectively). The institutionalised elderly presented greater (One‐way anova = 0.005) self‐perception of oral health (33.45) than did the community‐dwelling group (32.66). There were only weak Pearson’s correlations among the anamnestic (−33.0%) or clinical (−14.7%) findings by the TMD and GOHAI indices. Symptom‐free (Ai0) institutionalised elderly presented better scores in all GOHAI dimensions and elderly representing an absence of clinical TMD signs (Di0) presented higher GOHAI physical dimension scores in both groups.

Conclusions:  The prevalence of TMD symptoms among this sample of elderly individuals was relatively low, self‐perception of oral health was reasonable and a weak, inverse correlation was found between TMD signs and symptoms and elderly self‐perception of oral health measured by the GOHAI index.
The luminosity-iameter relations for globular clusters and dwarf spheroidal galaxies
Authors: Van Den Bergh Sidney
Published: August 2008

It is shown that globular clusters and the dwarf spheroidal companions of the Galaxy have a different distribution of flattening values and appear to occupy adjacent regions of the Mv versus log Rh plane that can be separated by what will be referred to as the Shapley line. Surprisingly, typical dwarf spheroidal companions to the Milky Way system are fainter than the average Galactic globular cluster.
caos software for use in character‐based DNA barcoding
Authors: SARKAR INDRA NEIL , PLANET PAUL J. , DESALLE ROB
Published: August 2008

The success of character‐based DNA barcoding depends on the efficient identification of diagnostic character states from molecular sequences that have been organized hierarchically (e.g. according to phylogenetic methods). Similarly, the reliability of these identified diagnostic character states must be assessed according to their ability to diagnose new sequences. Here, a set of software tools is presented that implement the previously described Characteristic Attribute Organization System for both diagnostic identification and diagnostic‐based classification. The software is publicly available from http://sarkarlab.mbl.edu/CAOS.
Characterization of single nucleotide polymorphism markers for eelgrass (Zostera marina)
Authors: FERBER STEVEN , REUSCH THORSTEN B. H. , STAM WYTZE T. , OLSEN JEANINE L.
Published: August 2008

We characterized 37 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) makers for eelgrass Zostera marina. SNP markers were developed using existing EST (expressed sequence tag)‐libraries to locate polymorphic loci and develop primers from the functional expressed genes that are deposited in The ZOSTERA database (V1.2.1). SNP loci were genotyped using a single‐base‐extension approach which facilitated high‐throughput genotyping with minimal optimization time. These markers show a wide range of variability among 25 eelgrass populations and will be useful for population genetic studies including evaluation of population structure, historical demography, and phylogeography. Potential applications include haplotype inference of physically linked SNPs and identification of genes under selection for temperature and desiccation stress.
High Infection Rate of Trichophyton verrucosum in Calves from Central Italy
Authors: Papini R. , Nardoni S. , Fanelli A. , Mancianti F.
Published: August 2008

Recent epidemiological features of the zoonotic dermatophyte Trichophyton verrucosum were investigated in 294 calves from 20 farms located in Central Italy. By the combination of microscopic examinations and fungal cultures, the total prevalence rate of T. verrucosum infection was found to be high, with 87.7% of samples yielding positive results and 100% of farms being infected. Farm to farm prevalence of infection varied from 25% to 100% of the examined calves. Prevalence rates were higher in females than males (91.6% versus 84%), in >3–≤6 than >6–≤9 month old calves (89.8% versus 85.7%), in purebred than in crossbred (88.5% versus 81.8%), and in symptomatic than asymptomatic ones (95.7% versus 80.4%). T. verrucosum was as prevalent in semi‐intensive as in intensive breeding system (88.2% versus 87.6%) but more prevalent in calves raised for meat rather than milk production (91.1% versus 84.9%), and reared under conventional than organic production management system (89.3% versus 82.6%). Prevalence rates were also higher when the cattle present in the farm were of mixed origin, rather than when the whole stock was purchased or was born in the farm (92% versus 88.2% and 85.7%), when other cattle in the farm were showing skin signs (90% versus 84.2%), and at least one case of human ringworm was recorded in the farm (90.9% versus 86.1%). No statistically significant association was found. Therefore, T. verrucosum infection may be more widespread in calves from Central Italy than it was previously thought to be. Calves of any sex, breed, age, and of any of the farm condition considered, are highly exposed to the risk of infection. As calves may play a considerable role as reservoirs of the infection, our results highlight the need to determine the incidence and the importance of T. verrucosum ringworm in personnel involved with cattle care in Italy and elsewhere.
Risk Factors Associated with the Presence of ViableListeria monocytogenesin Bulk Tank Milk from US Dairies
Authors: Antognoli M. C. , Lombard J. E. , Wagner B. A. , McCluskey B. J. , Van Kessel J. S. , Karns J. S.
Published: August 2008

The objective of the study was to screen a large number of herd management practices and herd characteristics from US dairies to identify herd‐level risk factors associated with the presence ofListeria monocytogenesin bulk tank milk (BTM). A total of 71 variables was univariately evaluated for their association with the presence ofL. monocytogenesin BTM. Results from the univariate analysis indicated that using automatic take offs and having an open herd management increased the risk of BTM contamination withL. monocytogenes, while storing manure in outside pens not accessible to cattle decreased the risk. These variables, however, were not sustained in the multivariable model, which indicated that the presence ofL. monocytogenesin BTM was significantly associated with region of the country (farms in the southeast and northeast were six and four times more likely respectively, to have BTM contamination than farms in the west) and number of milking cows (herds with >500 milking cows were five times more likely to have BTM contamination than herds with <100 milking cows). In conclusion, our results suggest that risk factors associated with BTM contamination are different depending on the geographical region and herd size of the operation.
The First Specific Detection of a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (H5N1) in Ivory Coast
Authors: Couacy‐Hymann E. , Danho T. , Keita D. , Bodjo S. C. , Kouakou C. , Koffi Y. M. , Beudje F. , Tripodi A. , De Benedictis P. , Cattoli G.
Published: August 2008

The Virology Laboratory of the Central Laboratory of Animal Diseases in Ivory Coast at Bingerville received samples of wild and domestic avian species between February and December 2006. An RT‐PCR technique was used to test for avian influenza (AI) and highly pathogenic AI subtype viruses. Among 2125 samples, 16 were type A positive; of which, 12 were later confirmed to be H5N1. Fifteen of these 16 type A positive samples were inoculated into the chorioallantoic cavity of 11‐day‐old embryonated hens’ eggs for virus isolation. Eight produced virus with hemagglutination titres from 1/64 to 1/512. The 4/16 M‐RT‐PCR positive samples, which were H5N1 negative, were shown to be H7 subtype negative. The diagnostic efficiency of the laboratory for the surveillance of H5N1 in Ivory Coast was demonstrated. The positive cases of H5N1 were from a sparrowhawk (Accipter nisus); live market poultry and in free‐range poultry, where the mortality rate was approximately 20% (2/10) and 96.7% (29/30) respectively. Currently, investigations into intensive poultry farms have proved negative for H5N1. No human cases have been reported this time.
Optical Negative Refraction in Bulk Metamaterials of Nanowires
Authors: Yao Jie , Liu Zhaowei , Liu Yongmin , Wang Yuan , Sun Cheng , Bartal Guy , Stacy Angelica M. , Zhang Xiang
Published: August 2008

Negative refraction in metamaterials has generated great excitement in the scientific community. Although negative refraction has been realized in microwave and infrared by using metamaterials and by using two-dimensional waveguide structures, creation of a bulk metamaterial showing negative refraction at visible frequency has not been successful, mainly because of the significant resonance losses and fabrication difficulties. We report bulk metamaterials made of nanowires that show such negative refraction for all incident angles in the visible region. Moreover, the negative refraction occurs far from any resonance, resulting in a low-loss and a broad-band propagation at visible frequencies. These remarkable properties can substantially affect applications such as imaging, three-dimensional light manipulation, and optical communication.
Density Multiplication and Improved Lithography by Directed Block Copolymer Assembly
Authors: Ruiz Ricardo , Kang Huiman , Detcheverry François A. , Dobisz Elizabeth , Kercher Dan S. , Albrecht Thomas R. , de Pablo Juan J. , Nealey Paul F.
Published: August 2008

Self-assembling materials spontaneously form structures at length scales of interest in nanotechnology. In the particular case of block copolymers, the thermodynamic driving forces for self-assembly are small, and low-energy defects can get easily trapped. We directed the assembly of defect-free arrays of isolated block copolymer domains at densities up to 1 terabit per square inch on chemically patterned surfaces. In comparing the assembled structures to the chemical pattern, the density is increased by a factor of four, the size is reduced by a factor of two, and the dimensional uniformity is vastly improved.
The Contribution of Single Synapses to Sensory Representation in Vivo
Authors: Arenz Alexander , Silver R. Angus , Schaefer Andreas T. , Margrie Troy W.
Published: August 2008

The extent to which synaptic activity can signal a sensory stimulus limits the information available to a neuron. We determined the contribution of individual synapses to sensory representation by recording excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in cerebellar granule cells during a time-varying, quantifiable vestibular stimulus. Vestibular-sensitive synapses faithfully reported direction and velocity, rather than position or acceleration of whole-body motion, via bidirectional modulation of EPSC frequency. The lack of short-term synaptic dynamics ensured a highly linear relationship between velocity and charge transfer, and as few as 100 synapses provided resolution approaching psychophysical limits. This indicates that highly accurate stimulus representation can be achieved by small networks and even within single neurons.
Smoke Invigoration Versus Inhibition of Clouds over the Amazon
Authors: Koren Ilan , Martins J. Vanderlei , Remer Lorraine A. , Afargan Hila
Published: August 2008

The effect of anthropogenic aerosols on clouds is one of the most important and least understood aspects of human-induced climate change. Small changes in the amount of cloud coverage can produce a climate forcing equivalent in magnitude and opposite in sign to that caused by anthropogenic greenhouse gases, and changes in cloud height can shift the effect of clouds from cooling to warming. Focusing on the Amazon, we show a smooth transition between two opposing effects of aerosols on clouds: the microphysical and the radiative. We show how a feedback between the optical properties of aerosols and the cloud fraction can modify the aerosol forcing, changing the total radiative energy and redistributing it over the atmospheric column.
In Vivo Imaging Reveals an Essential Role for Neutrophils in Leishmaniasis Transmitted by Sand Flies
Authors: Peters Nathan C. , Egen Jackson G. , Secundino Nagila , Debrabant Alain , Kimblin Nicola , Kamhawi Shaden , Lawyer Phillip , Fay Michael P. , Germain Ronald N. , Sacks David
Published: August 2008

Infection with the obligate intracellular protozoan
Leishmania
is thought to be initiated by direct parasitization of macrophages, but the early events following transmission to the skin by vector sand flies have been difficult to examine directly. Using dynamic intravital microscopy and flow cytometry, we observed a rapid and sustained neutrophilic infiltrate at localized sand fly bite sites. Invading neutrophils efficiently captured
Leishmania major
(
L.m.
) parasites early after sand fly transmission or needle inoculation, but phagocytosed
L.m.
remained viable and infected neutrophils efficiently initiated infection. Furthermore, neutrophil depletion reduced, rather than enhanced, the ability of parasites to establish productive infections. Thus,
L.m.
appears to have evolved to both evade and exploit the innate host response to sand fly bite in order to establish and promote disease.
Biohistory of the Mascarenes
Authors: Olson Storrs L.
Published: August 2008

Lost Land of the Dodo
.
By Anthony Cheke and Julian Hume
. Yale University Press, New Haven, CT, 2008. 480 pp. $55. ISBN 9780300141863. T & AD Poyser (A&C Black), London. £45. ISBN 9780713665444.

In this detailed consideration of the extinctions that followed the human arrival on the Mascarene Islands (Indian Ocean), the authors describe the complex manner in which the island ecosystems unraveled.
Multilocus Sequence Typing of
Campylobacter jejuni
Isolates from Humans, Chickens, Raw Milk, and Environmental Water in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Lévesque Simon , Frost Eric , Arbeit Robert D. , Michaud Sophie
Published: August 2008

Molecular strain typing is essential for deciphering the epidemiology of
Campylobacter jejuni
infections. We applied two different methods, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and analysis of the
flaA
short variable repeat (SVR), to 289 isolates (163 human, 56 chicken, 34 raw milk, and 36 environmental water isolates) collected in the province of Québec, Canada, over 3 years; in addition, the analysis included the pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing results for a subset of 131 isolates studied previously. MLST defined 96 sequence types (STs) and 20 clonal complexes (CCs), including 49 STs (73 isolates, 25%) and 39 alleles not previously documented in an international database. The frequency of new STs was significantly higher among water isolates than among isolates from other sources (18/36 [50%] and 55/253 [22%], respectively;
P
< 0.001). Nine of the 10 most prevalent CCs included isolates from humans and at least one other source; five CCs comprised exclusively or mostly human and chicken isolates. However, water and milk were the predominant nonhuman sources among the remaining CCs, suggesting that sporadic
C. jejuni
infections in humans may frequently arise from sources other than chickens. All three typing systems were discriminatory (discriminatory index > 0.9). Among 131 isolates analyzed by PFGE, each of the 20 types represented by two or more isolates corresponded to a single CC. In contrast, among the 14 most prevalent types detected by analysis of the
flaA
SVR (5 to 27 isolates each), 8 (57%) included isolates that represented multiple different CCs. The basis for these discordant results was uncertain. Antimicrobial resistance was randomly distributed among the CCs and appeared to be more closely related to the source of an isolate than its genotype. Although MLST is labor-intensive and expensive, it remains the single best method for the genotyping of
C. jejuni
isolates and deciphering the epidemiologic relationships among isolates.
Whole Blood as an Alternative to Plasma for Detection of Hepatitis C Virus RNA
Authors: Daniel Hubert Darius J. , David Joel , Grant Paul R. , Garson Jeremy A. , Chandy George M. , Abraham Priya
Published: August 2008

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells are reported to be one of the extrahepatic replication sites contributing to the persistence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Whole-blood and plasma samples from 61 individuals were compared as sources for the detection of HCV RNA. Forty-four of the individuals were receiving antiviral therapy, while 17 were treatment naïve. The quantitation of HCV RNA was done by a sensitive in-house real-time reverse transcription-PCR. When the viral loads in the two types of samples were compared, a correlation coefficient of 0.858 (P< 0.001) was found, indicating that plasma and whole blood are equally acceptable sources for testing for HCV RNA.
Evaluation of a New Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen Rapid Test with Improved Sensitivity
Authors: Lin Yu-Huei , Wang Yi , Loua André , Day Gwo-Jen , Qiu Yan , Nadala Elpidio Cesar B. , Allain Jean-Pierre , Lee Helen H.
Published: August 2008

A new rapid immunochromatographic assay based on the signal amplification system (SAS) has been developed by Diagnostics for the Real World (Europe) Ltd. for the detection of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) in plasma or serum specimens. The SAS format features enhanced sensitivity as a result of an increased binding valence of the detector molecules. We have now evaluated the performance of the new HBsAg rapid test (DRW-HBsAg) in comparison with a well-established commercial rapid test (Determine HBsAg; previously from Abbott Laboratories; now from Inverness Medical Innovations) and with a CE-marked enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (Hepanostika HBsAg Ultra; BioMérieux) as the gold standard. Testing of serially diluted in-house HBsAg-positive samples, the World Health Organization standard, and sensitivity and reference panels yielded an analytical sensitivity for the DRW test of 0.2 to 0.8 IU/ml across HBsAg serotypes. Evaluation with eight commercially available seroconversion panels showed that the DRW-HBsAg test detected HBsAg an average of 6.1 days (range, 3 to 8 days) earlier than the Determine assay (
P
= 0.0078). Test sensitivity was also examined with two low-titer HBsAg EIA-positive panels in Beijing, China. Whereas 100% of these samples were detected by the DRW-HBsAg test, only 15.0% (
P
< 0.0001) and 87.3% (
P
< 0.0001), respectively, were detected by the Determine HBsAg test. The performance of the DRW-HBsAg test was further evaluated with samples determined to be HBsAg positive or negative by the EIA in Conakry, Guinea, and Beijing, China. No significant difference in sensitivity between the DRW and Determine tests was apparent with the HBsAg EIA-reactive samples from Guinea (96.7% versus 94.4%, respectively) or China (99.46 versus 98.92%, respectively). The specificity of the Determine HBsAg test was slightly higher than that of DRW-HBsAg test (100 versus 99.2%, respectively) with samples from EIA-negative blood donors in China. In conclusion, the new DRW HBsAg rapid test is more sensitive than the Determine HBsAg test and is suitable for diagnostic and blood screening in resource-limited settings.
Validation of Real-Time PCR for Laboratory Diagnosis of
Acanthamoeba
Keratitis
Authors: Thompson Paul P. , Kowalski Regis P. , Shanks Robert M. Q. , Gordon Y. Jerold
Published: August 2008

Confirmation of
Acanthamoeba
keratitis by laboratory diagnosis is the first step in the treatment of this vision-threatening disease. Two real-time PCR TaqMan protocols (the Rivière and Qvarnstrom assays) were developed for the detection of genus-specific
Acanthamoeba
DNA but lacked clinical validation. We have adapted these assays for the Cepheid SmartCycler II system (i) by determining their real-time PCR limits of detection and amplification efficiencies, (ii) by determining their ability to detect trophozoites and cysts, and (iii) by testing a battery of positive and negative samples. We also examined the inhibitory effects of a number of commonly used topical ophthalmic drugs on real-time PCR. The results of the real-time PCR limit of detection and amplification efficiency of the Rivière and Qvarnstrom assays were 11.3 DNA copies/10 μl and 94% and 43.8 DNA copies/10 μl and 92%, respectively. Our extraction protocol enabled us to detect 0.7
Acanthamoeba
cysts/10 μl and 2.3
Acanthamoeba
trophozoites/10 μl by both real-time PCR assays. The overall agreement between the assays was 97.0%. The clinical sensitivity and specificity of both real-time PCR assays based on culture were 100% (7 of 7) and 100% (37 of 37), respectively. Polyhexamethylene biguanide was the only topical drug that demonstrated PCR inhibition, with a minimal inhibitory dilution of 1/640 and an amplification efficiency of 72.7%. Four clinical samples were
Acanthamoeba
culture negative and real-time PCR positive. Our results indicate that both real-time PCR assays could be used to diagnose
Acanthamoeba
keratitis. Polyhexamethylene biguanide can inhibit PCR, and we suggest that specimen collection occur prior to topical treatment to avoid possible false-negative results.
Detection of a Porcine-Like Rotavirus in a Child with Enteritis in Italy
Authors: Martella Vito , Colombrita Domenico , Lorusso Eleonora , Draghin Emanuele , Fiorentini Simona , De Grazia Simona , Bányai Kristián , Ciarlet Max , Caruso Arnaldo , Buonavoglia Canio
Published: August 2008

During a 1-year rotavirus surveillance of children hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in Brescia Hospital, Italy, a chimerical rotavirus strain, G3P[6], was detected, displaying the VP7 and VP4 genes of porcine origin and the NSP4 and VP6 genes of human origin. The reassortant nature of the virus rules out a direct zoonotic event.
Molecular Analysis of Varicella-Zoster Virus Strains Circulating in Tanzania Demonstrating the Presence of Genotype M1
Authors: Schmidt-Chanasit Jonas , Ölschläger Stephan , Günther Stephan , Jaeger Gerold , Bleymehl Karoline , Schäd Susanne G. , Heckel Gerald , Ulrich Rainer G. , Doerr Hans Wilhelm
Published: August 2008

Based on analysis of 16,392 bp encompassing the complete open reading frames (ORFs) 1, 5, 31, 36, 37, 47, 60, 62, 67, and 68 of the genome of genotype M1 varicella-zoster virus (VZV) was found in swab samples originating from eight Tanzanian zoster patients. Moreover, sequence analysis suggests recombination events between different VZV genotypes within ORFs 1, 31, 60, and 67.
Poor Performance of Universal Sample Processing Method for Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis by Smear Microscopy and Culture in Uganda
Authors: Cattamanchi Adithya , Davis J. Lucian , Worodria William , Yoo Samuel , Matovu John , Kiidha John , Nankya Florence , Kyeyune Rachel , Andama Alfred , Joloba Moses , Osmond Dennis , Hopewell Phillip , Huang Laurence
Published: August 2008

Laboratory methods to improve smear microscopy are an urgent priority for global tuberculosis control. The novel universal sample processing (USP) method has been reported to improve conventional diagnostic testing for tuberculosis while also providing inhibitor-free specimens for molecular assays. However, no studies evaluating the method in the field have been conducted. In this study, we compared the performance of the USP method to that of the standard
N
-acetyl-
l
-cysteine-NaOH (NALC) method for conventional diagnosis of tuberculosis in 252 adults admitted to Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda, with a clinical suspicion of pneumonia. A single early-morning sputum specimen collected from each patient was divided into two aliquots, each of which was assigned a random identification number. One randomly numbered specimen was processed by the USP method and the other by the NALC method. Mycobacterial cultures were more frequently negative in USP compared to NALC specimen aliquots (58% versus 43%;
P
< 0.001). There was no difference in the proportion of contaminated mycobacterial cultures (12% versus 11%;
P
= 0.87). The sensitivity and specificity of smear microscopy for the USP method were 52% and 86%, respectively, and were not significantly different from those for the NALC method (56% and 86%, respectively) using mycobacterial culture results as a reference standard. These results suggest that the USP method did not provide any significant advantage over the standard NALC method for conventional diagnosis of tuberculosis in our setting and illustrate the importance of well-designed, field-level evaluations of novel diagnostic techniques.
Evaluation of Methods for Rapid Detection of Resistance to Isoniazid and Rifampin in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Isolates Collected in the Caribbean
Authors: Akpaka Patrick Eberechi , Baboolal Shirematee , Clarke Denise , Francis Lorraine , Rastogi Nalin
Published: August 2008

The rapid identification of drug-resistant strains of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is crucial for the timely initiation of appropriate antituberculosis therapy. The performance of the Genotype MTBDRplus assay was compared with that of the Bactec 460 TB system, a “gold standard” culture-based method. The Genotype MTBDRplus assay was quicker and more cost-effective for the detection of rifampin resistance, but it was not as good for the detection of isoniazid-resistant strains in our setting.
Dynamics of the Mucosa-Associated Flora in Ulcerative Colitis Patients during Remission and Clinical Relapse
Authors: Ott Stephan J. , Plamondon Sophie , Hart Ailsa , Begun Alexander , Rehman Ateequr , Kamm Michael A. , Schreiber Stefan
Published: August 2008

The colonic mucosa-associated flora (MAF) in patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC) (
n
= 13) was investigated by examining 16S rRNA gene signatures during remission and relapse against levels for controls (
n
= 5). Baseline reduction, temporal instability, and decrease of bacterial richness toward relapse were observed for UC patients, whereas the MAF for controls was stable over time.
Evaluation of the Biomic V3 Microbiology System for Identification of Selected Species on BBL CHROMagar Orientation Agar and CHROMagar MRSA Medium
Authors: Baron Ellen Jo , D'Souza Holly , Qi Wang Andrew , Gibbs David L.
Published: August 2008

The Biomic V3 microbiology system identifies bacteria by reading the color of colonies selected by the user. For CHROMagar orientation, Biomic results agreed with conventional methods for 94% of the strains assayed. For CHROMagar MRSA, Biomic correctly identified 100% of the strains tested and did not misidentify two methicillin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
strains growing on the plates.
Amino Acid Preferences of Retroviral Proteases for Amino-Terminal Positions in a Type 1 Cleavage Site
Authors: Eizert Helga , Bander Pálma , Bagossi Péter , Sperka Tamás , Miklóssy Gabriella , Boross Péter , Weber Irene T. , Tözsér József
Published: August 2008

The specificities of the proteases of 11 retroviruses were studied using a series of oligopeptides with amino acid substitutions in the P1, P3, and P4 positions of a naturally occurring type 1 cleavage site (Val-Ser-Gln-Asn-Tyr↓Pro-Ile-Val-Gln) in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Previously, the substrate specificity of the P2 site was studied for the same representative set of retroviral proteases, which included at least one member from each of the seven genera of the family
Retroviridae
(P. Bagossi, T. Sperka, A. Fehér, J. Kádas, G. Zahuczky, G. Miklóssy, P. Boross, and J. Tözsér, J. Virol. 79:4213-4218, 2005). Our enzyme set comprised the proteases of HIV-1, HIV-2, equine infectious anemia virus, avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV), Mason-Pfizer monkey virus, mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV), Moloney murine leukemia virus, human T-lymphotropic virus type 1, bovine leukemia virus, walleye dermal sarcoma virus, and human foamy virus. Molecular models were used to interpret the similarities and differences in specificity between these retroviral proteases. The results showed that the retroviral proteases had similar preferences (Phe and Tyr) for the P1 position in this sequence context, but differences were found for the P3 and P4 positions. Importantly, the sizes of the P3 and P4 residues appear to be a major contributor for specificity. The substrate specificities correlated well with the phylogenetic tree of the retroviruses. Furthermore, while the specificities of some enzymes belonging to different genera appeared to be very similar (e.g., those of AMV and MMTV), the specificities of the primate lentiviral proteases substantially differed from that observed for a nonprimate lentiviral protease.