bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuberculosis, bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccination, and allergic disease: Findings from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Phase Two
Authors: Flohr Carsten , Nagel Gabriele , Weinmayr Gudrun , Kleiner Andrea , Williams Hywel C. , Aït‐Khaled Nadia , Strachan David P. ,   the ISAAC Phase Two Study Group
Published: December 2011

To cite this article: Flohr C, Nagel G, Weinmayr G, Kleiner A, Williams HC, Aït‐Khaled N, Strachan DP, the ISAAC Phase Two Study Group. Tuberculosis, bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccination, and allergic disease: Findings from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Phase Two. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2012: 23: 324–331.

Some have suggested a protective effect of tuberculosis (TB) infection on allergic disease risk, but few studies have examined the association between the two. We therefore investigated whether TB disease and bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination in early life protect against allergic disease. Information on allergic disease symptoms, past TB disease, and BCG vaccination as well as potential confounding factors was gathered by parental questionnaire from a randomly selected subset of 23,901 8‐ to 12‐yr‐old schoolchildren in 20 centers in both developed and developing countries. Children were also physically examined for flexural eczema and underwent skin prick testing. Pooled odds ratio (OR) estimates and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) across study centers were calculated, using random effects meta‐analysis models. There were 245 (1.0%) reported cases of TB disease, and 66.3% (15,857) of all children received the BCG vaccine. Asthma, hay fever, and flexural eczema symptoms in the past year as well as flexural eczema on skin examination were all positively linked to a history of TB (adjusted pooled OR ‘wheeze in the past year’ = 2.27, 95% CI 1.52–3.41; adjusted pooled OR ‘hay fever symptoms in the past year’ = 2.23, 1.22–4.09; adjusted pooled OR ‘flexural eczema symptoms in the past year’ = 3.21, 2.01–5.12; adjusted pooled OR ‘flexural eczema on skin examination’ = 4.04, 1.71–9.56). Even higher risk estimates were seen for severe asthma and eczema symptoms [adjusted OR = 4.02 (2.17–7.47) and adjusted OR = 6.31 (2.19–18.17), respectively]. There was no significant association between past TB and skin prick test positivity (adjusted pooled OR = 1.32, 0.87–2.02). BCG vaccination during the first year of life was also not associated with any of the allergy outcomes. We found a uniform positive association between TB and all allergic disease outcomes, including eczema on skin examination. As this was a cross‐sectional study, it is unclear whether this positive association is attributable to a causal relationship, and further longitudinal studies are required.
Propofol reduces early post‐operative pain after gynecological laparoscopy
Authors: LI M. , MEI W. , WANG P. , YU Y. , QIAN W. , ZHANG Z. G. , TIAN Y. K.
Published: December 2011

Background

There is some evidence that propofol may reduce post‐operative pain. However, the results on the analgesic effects of propofol are inconsistent. Thus, we hypothesized that propofol reduces acute pain if confounding factors like opioids are avoided.

Methods

In this prospective, randomized, subject‐ and assessor‐blind, parallel‐group, head‐to‐head comparative study, 90 American Society of Anesthesiologists I or II females underwent elective laparoscopies were randomized to receive either propofol‐based (PR), or sevoflurane‐based (SR), or sevoflurane‐propofol‐based anesthesia (SPR). Pain score at rest assessed by a numerical rating scale at 0.5 h after surgery was the primary outcome. The secondary outcomes included pain score at 1 and 24 h post‐operatively, duration of post‐anesthesia care units stay (PACU), incidence of post‐operative nausea and vomiting, incidence of shivering, and post‐operative quality of recovery score (QoR‐40) within the first 24 h post‐operatively.

Results

No patients received rescue analgesia. The pain score at 0.5 h post‐operatively was less in group PR when compared with group SR (0.7 ± 1.4 vs. 2.1 ± 1.8; P = 0.010) or group SPR (0.7 ± 1.4 vs. 2.1 ± 2.2; P = 0.008). Group PR was also associated with shorter PACU stay than group SR (21.8 ± 5.7 vs. 26.2 ± 6.9; P = 0.050) or group SPR (21.8 ± 5.7 vs. 27.8 ± 8.9; P = 0.005). Intraoperative bispectral index values, hemodynamic values and post‐operative QoR‐40 scores did not differ among the three groups.

Conclusions

Propofol anesthesia was associated with significantly less pain at 0.5 and 1 h after surgery in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopies with planned opioid‐free post‐operative analgesia.
Residents and ICU nurses get reliable static and dynamic haemodynamic assessments with aortic oesophageal Doppler
Authors: ROBERT J. M. , FLOCCARD B. , CROZON J. , BOYLE E. M. , LEVRAT A. , GUILLAUME C. , BENATIR F. , FAURE A. , MARCOTTE G. , HAUTIN E. , ALLAOUCHICHE B.
Published: December 2011

Background

Aortic oesophageal Doppler (ODM) allows continuous non‐invasive haemodynamic monitoring. We tested to confirm if residents and nurses were able to reposition oesophageal probe (OP), obtain aortic blood flow of good quality and so perform reliable static and dynamic haemodynamic assessments.

Methods

Prospective observational study assessing ODM measurements were obtained by six residents and three nurses after they have participated in training. Measured (aortic diameter) and calculated haemodynamic data [indexed stroke volume (SVI), cardiac index] were directly obtained from ODM, after residents and nurses repositioned the OP. In a second group of patients, we tested the ability of residents and nurses to detect rapid haemodynamic changes after a passive leg raising. SVI comparison was the primary end point. Statistical analysis was performed using the method of Bland and Altman.

Results

Sixty‐six haemodynamic measurements were performed on 42 patients. Mean bias for SVI between the skilled physician and residents, and between the skilled physician and nurses were −0.9 ± 5.2 ml/m2 (P = 0.15), with a percentage error of 31%, and 0.9 ± 5.1 ml/m2 (P = 0.14), with a percentage error of 33%, respectively. There was an excellent correlation for SVI between the physician and residents (r = 0.9; P < 0.0001) and between the physician and nurses (r = 0.9; P < 0.0001). Induced changes in SVI measured by residents and nurses strongly followed those of our skilled physician.

Conclusion

Residents and nurses get reliable static and dynamic haemodynamic assessments with ODM compared to our skilled physician.
Reversed Sex Change in The Haremic Protogynous Hawkfish Cirrhitichthys falco in Natural Conditions
Authors: Kadota Tatsuru , Osato Jun , Nagata Ken , Sakai Yoichi
Published: December 2011

Bi‐directional sex change has recently been reported in a range of reef fishes, including haremic species that were earlier thought to be protogynous (female to male). However, the occurrence of this phenomenon and the social conditions driving the reversion of males to females (reversed sex change) have been poorly documented under natural conditions. Reversed sex change is predicted to occur in low‐density populations where facultative monogamy is common. However, few studies have evaluated this over a long period in such populations. We documented the occurrence of bi‐directional sex change during a 3‐yr demographic survey of a population characterised by small harem sizes in haremic hawkfish Cirrhitichthys falco. New males were derived following a change in sex of functional females (secondary males; n = 3) and juveniles always matured first as females (n = 3). Thus, C. falco exhibited a typical protogynous sexual pattern, consistent with a range of haremic fish species. We observed reversed sex change in two males. In both cases, all the females disappeared from their harems and the neighbouring males expanded their territories to encompass the territories of the sex changers. However, bachelor males did not always revert to females. A dominant male experienced bachelor status twice but regained mating opportunities following the immigration of a female into his territory or by taking a female from a neighbouring harem. Thus, we conclude that bachelor males use reversed sex change as a facultative tactic to regain reproductive status in a haremic mating system. In addition, we discuss the influence of harem size upon occurrence of reversed sex change.
On the Distinctively Human: Two Perspectives on the Evolution of Language and Conscious Mind
Authors: KIVINEN OSMO , PIIROINEN TERO
Published: December 2011

In this paper, two alternative naturalistic standpoints on the relations between language, human consciousness and social life are contrasted. The first, dubbed “intrinsic naturalism,” is advocated among others by the realist philosopher John Searle; it starts with intrinsic intentionality and consciousness emerging from the brain, explains language as an outgrowth of consciousness and ends with institutional reality being created by language‐use. That standpoint leans on what may be described as the standard interpretation of Darwinian evolution. The other type of naturalism, in contrast, making use of the concept of evolutionary niches, suggests that the search for the explanatory mechanisms of language and consciousness should begin with the human community (of social action), because that is the cultural niche for everything distinctively human to evolve, including language and human consciousness.
Fathering and mothering in the family system: linking marital hostility and aggression in adopted toddlers
Authors: Stover Carla Smith , Connell Christian M. , Leve Leslie D. , Neiderhiser Jenae M. , Shaw Daniel S. , Scaramella Laura V. , Conger Rand , Reiss David
Published: December 2011

Background:  Previous studies have linked marital conflict, parenting, and externalizing problems in early childhood. However, these studies have not examined whether genes account for these links nor have they examined whether contextual factors such as parental personality or financial distress might account for links between marital conflict and parenting. We used an adoption design to allow for a clear examination of environmental impact rather than shared genes of parents and children, and assessments of parental personality and financial strain to assess the effects of context on relationships between marriage and parenting of both mothers and fathers.

Method:  Participants were 308 adoption‐linked families comprised of an adopted child, her/his biological mother (BM), adoptive mother (AM) and adoptive father (AF). BMs were assessed 3–6 and 18 months postpartum and adoptive families were assessed when the child was 18 and 27 months old. Structural equations models were used to examine associations between marital hostility, fathers’ and mothers’ parenting hostility, and child aggressive behavior at 27 months of age. In addition, the contribution of financial strain and adoptive parent personality traits was examined to determine the associations with the spillover of marital hostility to hostile parenting.

Results:  A hostile marital relationship was significantly associated with hostile parenting in fathers and mothers, which were associated with aggressive behavior in toddlers. Subjective financial strain was uniquely associated with marital hostility and child aggression. Antisocial personality traits were related to a more hostile/conflicted marital relationship and to hostile parenting.

Conclusions:  Results clarify mechanisms that may account for the success of early parent–child prevention programs that include a focus on parental economic strain and personality in addition to parent training.
Lecithoceridae (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea) of New Guinea, Part VI:Lecithocera sublunataspecies complex
Authors: PARK Kyu‐Tek
Published: December 2011

This is the sixth part in a series on the family Lecithoceridae (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea) of New Guinea. The complex of five sibling species ofLecithocera sublunataDiakonoff is defined, describing further three new species:L. pseudolunatasp. nov.,L. fascitialasp. nov. andL. niptanensissp. nov., and comparing them to another related species,L. tenella(Turner), comb. nov. from Australia. Images of adults, labial palpi, and male and female genitalia are given. A key to species related toL. sublunatais provided.
Description and ecological traits of a new species of Pitydiplosis (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) that induces leaf galls on Pueraria (Fabaceae) in East Asia, with a possible diversification scenario of intraspecific groups
Authors: YUKAWA Junichi , IKENAGA Hiroshi , SATO Shinsuke , TOKUDA Makoto , GANAHA‐KIKUMURA Tomoko , UECHI Nami , MATSUO Kazunori , MISHIMA Misako , TUNG Gene‐Sheng , PAIK Jong‐Cheol , REN Bao‐Qing , DONG Xiao‐Yu
Published: December 2011

A gall midge that induces thick lenticular galls on leaflets of Pueraria species (Fabaceae) in Japan, mainland China, Taiwan and South Korea is described as Pitydiplosis puerariae sp. nov. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Tanaostigmodes puerariae (Hymenoptera: Tanaostigmatidae), described earlier from mainland China as an inducer of the lenticular gall, is regarded to be an inquiline. Pitydiplosis puerariae is distinguishable from the only known congener, the Nearctic Pitydiplosis packardi, by the male genitalia with entire aedeagus and with hypoproct that is as long as cerci and bilobed with a U‐shaped emargination. DNA sequencing data indicate the existence of three genetically different intraspecific groups: (i) “YNT‐montana group” induces galls on Pueraria montana on the Yaeyama Islands, Japan and in northern Taiwan; (ii) “CT‐montana group” on P. montana in central Taiwan; (iii) and “JCK‐lobata group” on Pueraria lobata in mainland China, South Korea and Japan north of Okinoerabu Island. A possible diversification scenario of the three groups is hypothesized based on DNA sequencing data and geohistorical information. A distribution gap of the gall midge on five islands between Tokunoshima and Ishigaki Islands, Japan was confirmed by intensive field surveys. Ecological traits and adult behavior of Pity. puerariae are also described. Its possibility as a potential biological control agent against P. lobata seems counter‐indicated.
Can simplified design methods for domestic rainwater harvesting systems produce realistic water‐saving and financial predictions?
Authors: Roebuck Richard M. , Oltean‐Dumbrava Crina , Tait Simon
Published: December 2011

Rainwater harvesting systems are a recognised approach for reducing reliance on potable mains supply. Many domestic systems are designed and assessed using simplified approaches that can be applied with little prior information. Oversimplification of the physical processes involved and ad hoc consideration of associated costs means that the results produced by these simplified methods are of questionable accuracy. This paper looks at three popular simplified approaches and compares the predicted water‐saving and financial performance with that of a more detailed simulation model, which includes explicit consideration of the physical processes and associated system costs. The simplified approaches predict significantly higher water and financial savings compared with the detailed model. Consequently it is recommended that simplified approaches should not be relied upon and greater preference should be given to the use of more detailed simulations that explicitly consider the important physical processes and include a thorough assessment of costs.
Optimizing Hydraulic Fracture to Manage Sand Production by Predicting Critical Drawdown Pressure in Gas Well
Authors: Rahman M. Motiur , Rahman M. Khalilur
Published: December 2011

Sand control by hydraulic fracturing in high permeable gas formation is becoming an increasingly popular completion option. This improves the well’s productivity as well as manages the sand production. So, optimizing the treatment parameters for hydraulic fracturing, which can prevent most unfavorable effects, one of them being sand production, is now a critical process to be programmed systematically with all realistic design constraints. This paper describes the development of an integrated program with global optimization algorithms that optimize all treatment parameters simultaneously; maximizing objective function (net present value) and satisfying newly modeled design constraints. These constraints are formulated as functions of treatment parameters, fracture geometry, and mechanical and petrophysical properties of the reservoir, so that the critical conditions that induce sand production and other unfavorable effects do not become active. One of the important constraints is the critical drawdown pressure (CDP) relating to sand production. A genetic-evolutionary computing algorithm is integrated to solve the constrained treatment design problem that it finds optimum values for treatment parameters and fracture geometry that are formation compatible. The capability of the integrated model is demonstrated by application to a hypothetical gas reservoir and predicting the production and CDP over a number of years, helping sand control. When compared with the proposed model, the traditional model violates some important constraints.
Investigation of the Effect of Growth From Low to High Biomass Concentration Inside a Photobioreactor on Hydrodynamic Properties of Scenedesmus obliquus
Authors: Le Evan , Park Chanwoo , Hiibel Sage
Published: December 2011

Most of the current production cost in algae biodiesel plants utilizing photobioreactors comes from the high energy required for pumping, CO2 transfer, mixing, and harvesting. Since pumping affects the mixing and CO2 transfer, which are the main factors in algae productivities, solutions to reduce the required energy for pumps can significantly make algae biodiesel production more economically feasible. An investigation on the effect of Scenedesmus obliquus’s growth from low to high biomass concentration inside a horizontal tubular photobioreactor to determine the impact that it has on hydrodynamic performances, which will affect cost and production efficiency, was performed. As the biomass concentration increased, the algal culture was found to remain Newtonian. Additionally, the biomass concentration (expressed in cell density) was found to have lower viscosity even at the highest concentrations evaluated at 2.48 × 108 cell/ml (1.372 × 10−3 ± 1.32 × 10−4 Pa s) compared to the Modified Bold’s 3N medium (1.408 × 10−3 ± 9.41 × 10−5 Pa s). Furthermore, the total energy consumption does not appear to depend on the S. obliquus biomass concentrations, but rather on the medium the algae grows in. The rheological properties of autotrophic algae will not have significant impact on energy requirements until technology improves so that the concentrations reach those of heterotrophic algae.
The Impact of Simplified Boundary Conditions and Aortic Arch Inclusion on CFD Simulations in the Mouse Aorta: A Comparison With Mouse-specific Reference Data
Authors: Trachet Bram , Bols Joris , De Santis Gianluca , Vandenberghe Stefaan , Loeys Bart , Segers Patrick
Published: December 2011

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations allow for calculation of a detailed flow field in the mouse aorta and can thus be used to investigate a potential link between local hemodynamics and disease development. To perform these simulations in a murine setting, one often needs to make assumptions (e.g. when mouse-specific boundary conditions are not available), but many of these assumptions have not been validated due to a lack of reference data. In this study, we present such a reference data set by combining high-frequency ultrasound and contrast-enhanced micro-CT to measure (in vivo) the time-dependent volumetric flow waveforms in the complete aorta (including seven major side branches) of 10 male ApoE -/- deficient mice on a C57Bl/6 background. In order to assess the influence of some assumptions that are commonly applied in literature, four different CFD simulations were set up for each animal: (i) imposing the measured volumetric flow waveforms, (ii) imposing the average flow fractions over all 10 animals, presented as a reference data set, (iii) imposing flow fractions calculated by Murray’s law, and (iv) restricting the geometrical model to the abdominal aorta (imposing measured flows). We found that – even if there is sometimes significant variation in the flow fractions going to a particular branch – the influence of using average flow fractions on the CFD simulations is limited and often restricted to the side branches. On the other hand, Murray’s law underestimates the fraction going to the brachiocephalic trunk and strongly overestimates the fraction going to the distal aorta, influencing the outcome of the CFD results significantly. Changing the exponential factor in Murray’s law equation from 3 to 2 (as suggested by several authors in literature) yields results that correspond much better to those obtained imposing the average flow fractions. Restricting the geometrical model to the abdominal aorta did not influence the outcome of the CFD simulations. In conclusion, the presented reference dataset can be used to impose boundary conditions in the mouse aorta in future studies, keeping in mind that they represent a subsample of the total population, i.e., relatively old, non-diseased, male C57Bl/6 ApoE -/- mice.
An All-Silicon Passive Optical Diode
Authors: Fan Li , Wang Jian , Varghese Leo T. , Shen Hao , Niu Ben , Xuan Yi , Weiner Andrew M. , Qi Minghao
Published: December 2011

A Passive Optical Diode

Electrical diodes are at the core of microelectronics. The optical equivalent, however, has been difficult to realize owing to the time-reversal symmetry of Maxwell's equations that describe electromagnetic propagation. Usually, a control input in the form of a magnetic field is required that breaks that symmetry. Such inputs are not practical for optical integrated circuits.

Fan
et al.

(p.
447
, published online 22 December) developed a silicon-based microresonator device that could control the asymmetric transmission of light through it. The passive optical diode was compatible with current complementary metal-oxide semiconductor processing technology and thus should be readily integrated into optoelectronic circuitry.
Recruitment of Members from the Rare Biosphere of Marine Bacterioplankton Communities after an Environmental Disturbance
Authors: Sjöstedt Johanna , Koch-Schmidt Per , Pontarp Mikael , Canbäck Björn , Tunlid Anders , Lundberg Per , Hagström Åke , Riemann Lasse
Published: December 2011

A bacterial community may be resistant to environmental disturbances if some of its species show metabolic flexibility and physiological tolerance to the changing conditions. Alternatively, disturbances can change the composition of the community and thereby potentially affect ecosystem processes. The impact of disturbance on the composition of bacterioplankton communities was examined in continuous seawater cultures. Bacterial assemblages from geographically closely connected areas, the Baltic Sea (salinity 7 and high dissolved organic carbon [DOC]) and Skagerrak (salinity 28 and low DOC), were exposed to gradual opposing changes in salinity and DOC over a 3-week period such that the Baltic community was exposed to Skagerrak salinity and DOC and vice versa. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and clone libraries of PCR-amplified 16S rRNA genes showed that the composition of the transplanted communities differed significantly from those held at constant salinity. Despite this, the growth yields (number of cells ml
−1
) were similar, which suggests similar levels of substrate utilization. Deep 454 pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA genes showed that the composition of the disturbed communities had changed due to the recruitment of phylotypes present in the rare biosphere of the original community. The study shows that members of the rare biosphere can become abundant in a bacterioplankton community after disturbance and that those bacteria can have important roles in maintaining ecosystem processes.
Differentiation of Xylella fastidiosa Strains via Multilocus Sequence Analysis of Environmentally Mediated Genes (MLSA-E)
Authors: Parker Jennifer K. , Havird Justin C. , De La Fuente Leonardo
Published: December 2011

Isolates of the plant pathogenXylella fastidiosaare genetically very similar, but studies on their biological traits have indicated differences in virulence and infection symptomatology. Taxonomic analyses have identified several subspecies, and phylogenetic analyses of housekeeping genes have shown broad host-based genetic differences; however, results are still inconclusive for genetic differentiation of isolates within subspecies. This study employs multilocus sequence analysis of environmentally mediated genes (MLSA-E; genes influenced by environmental factors) to investigateX. fastidiosarelationships and differentiate isolates with low genetic variability. Potential environmentally mediated genes, including host colonization and survival genes related to infection establishment, were identifieda priori. The ratio of the rate of nonsynonymous substitutions to the rate of synonymous substitutions (dN/dS) was calculated to select genes that may be under increased positive selection compared to previously studied housekeeping genes. Nine genes were sequenced from 54X. fastidiosaisolates infecting different host plants across the United States. Results of maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian phylogenetic (BP) analyses are in agreement with knownX. fastidiosasubspecies clades but show novel within-subspecies differentiation, including geographic differentiation, and provide additional information regarding host-based isolate variation and specificity.dN/dSratios of environmentally mediated genes, though <1 due to high sequence similarity, are significantly greater than housekeeping genedN/dSratios and correlate with increased sequence variability. MLSA-E can more precisely resolve relationships between closely related bacterial strains with low genetic variability, such asX. fastidiosaisolates. Discovering the genetic relationships betweenX. fastidiosaisolates will provide new insights into the epidemiology of populations ofX. fastidiosa, allowing improved disease management in economically important crops.
Engineering Escherichia coli Cells for Cellobiose Assimilation through a Phosphorolytic Mechanism
Authors: Sekar Ramanan , Shin Hyun-Dong , Chen Rachel
Published: December 2011

We report here the first engineering effort for
Escherichia coli
biocatalysts to assimilate cellobiose through a phosphorolytic mechanism. Cytoplasmic expression of the
Saccharophagus
cellobiose phosphorylase was shown to enable
E. coli
to use cellobiose. Subsequent knockout and complementation studies provided solid evidence that the endogenous LacY was responsible for the transport of cellobiose.
Rhb1 Regulates the Expression of Secreted Aspartic Protease 2 through the TOR Signaling Pathway in Candida albicans
Authors: Chen Yu-Ting , Lin Chia-Ying , Tsai Pei-Wen , Yang Cheng-Yao , Hsieh Wen-Ping , Lan Chung-Yu
Published: December 2011

Candida albicans
is a major fungal pathogen in humans. In
C. albicans
, secreted aspartyl protease 2 (Sap2) is the most highly expressed secreted aspartic protease
in vitro
and is a virulence factor. Recent research links the small GTPase Rhb1 to
C. albicans
target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling in response to nitrogen availability. The results of this study show that Rhb1 is related to cell growth through the control of
SAP2
expression when protein is the major nitrogen source. This process involves various components of the TOR signaling pathway, including Tor1 kinase and its downstream effectors. TOR signaling not only controls
SAP2
transcription but also affects Sap2 protein levels, possibly through general amino acid control. DNA microarray analysis identifies other target genes downstream of Rhb1 in addition to
SAP2
. These findings provide new insight into nutrients, Rhb1-TOR signaling, and expression of
C. albicans
virulence factor.
Pseudomonas syringae Coordinates Production of a Motility-Enabling Surfactant with Flagellar Assembly
Authors: Burch Adrien Y. , Shimada Briana K. , Mullin Sean W. A. , Dunlap Christopher A. , Bowman Michael J. , Lindow Steven E.
Published: December 2011

Using a sensitive assay, we observed low levels of an unknown surfactant produced by
Pseudomonas syringae
pv. syringae B728a that was not detected by traditional methods yet enabled swarming motility in a strain that exhibited deficient production of syringafactin, the main characterized surfactant produced by
P. syringae
. Random mutagenesis of the syringafactin-deficient strain revealed an acyltransferase with homology to
rhlA
from
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
that was required for production of this unidentified surfactant, subsequently characterized by mass spectrometry as 3-(3-hydroxyalkanoyloxy) alkanoic acid (HAA). Analysis of other mutants with altered surfactant production revealed that HAA is coordinately regulated with the late-stage flagellar gene encoding flagellin; mutations in genes involved in early flagellar assembly abolish or reduce HAA production, while mutations in flagellin or flagellin glycosylation genes increase its production. When colonizing a hydrated porous surface, the bacterium increases production of both flagellin and HAA.
P. syringae
was defective in porous-paper colonization without functional flagella and was slightly inhibited in this movement when it lacked surfactant production. Loss of HAA production in a syringafactin-deficient strain had no effect on swimming but abolished swarming motility. In contrast, a strain that lacked HAA but retained syringafactin production exhibited broad swarming tendrils, while a syringafactin-producing strain that overproduced HAA exhibited slender swarming tendrils. On the basis of further analysis of mutants altered in HAA production, we discuss its regulation in
Pseudomonas syringae
.
Determining levels of physical activity in attending physicians, resident and fellow physicians and medical students in the USA
Authors: Stanford Fatima Cody , Durkin Martin W , Blair Steven N , Powell Caroline Keller , Poston Mary Beth , Stallworth James Rast
Published: December 2011

Objective

Evidence suggests that the level of physical activity of physicians can be correlated directly with physician counselling patterns about this behaviour. Our objective was to determine if medical students, resident and fellow physicians and attending physicians meet the physical activity guidelines set forth by the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Methods

A representative cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted in June 2009–January 2010 throughout the USA (N=1949). Using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the authors gathered demographical data and information related to physical activity, the level of training, the number of work hours per week, body mass index (BMI), confidence about counselling about physical activity and frequency with which the physical activity is encouraged to his/her patients.

Results

Based on the 1949 respondents, attending physicians (84.8%) and medical students (84%) were more likely than resident (73.2%) and fellow physicians (67.9%) to meet physical activity guidelines.

Conclusion

Physicians and medical students engage in more physical activity and tend to have a lower BMI than the general population. Resident and fellow physicians engage in less physical activity than attending physicians and medical students.
Hip arthroscopy for intra-articular pathology: a systematic review of outcomes with and without femoral osteoplasty
Authors: Kemp Joanne L , Collins Natalie J , Makdissi Michael , Schache Anthony G , Machotka Zuzana , Crossley Kay
Published: December 2011

Background

Arthroscopy is increasingly used to improve pain and function in athletes with hip joint pathology. Surgical techniques have evolved to utilise arthroscopic femoral osteoplasty to address potential morphological contributors to pathology.

Purpose

Investigate pain and function outcomes following hip arthroscopy with and without femoral osteoplasty in individuals with intra-articular hip pathology.

Study design

Systematic review.

Methods

A comprehensive search strategy identified studies that evaluated the outcome over at least 3 months following arthroscopy for intra-articular hip pathology, using patient-reported outcomes of pain and/or function. Methodological quality was evaluated (Downs and Black scale), and effect sizes calculated when sufficient data were available.

Results

Twenty-nine studies of moderate methodological quality were included. Of 16 studies investigating arthroscopy alone, two studies showed large effects (3.12–5.46) at 1–2 years. Pain reduction and functional improvement (median 47%) were consistently reported by the remaining 14 studies up to 10 years postsurgery. Of 15 studies investigating arthroscopy with osteoplasty, nine papers showed mostly large effects (0.78–2.93) over 6–28 months. Adverse events were minimal (7% of participants, 12 studies, predominantly transient neuropraxia (83%)).

Conclusion

Current evidence indicates that hip arthroscopy can significantly reduce pain and improve function in patients with intra-articular hip pathology. While benefits of arthroscopy alone can persist up to 10 years postsurgery, effects of osteoplasty beyond 3 years need to be established. Future studies should investigate rehabilitation in this population, and the impact of surgery on development of osteoarthritis.
ON THE CAUCHY PROBLEM FOR NON-EFFECTIVELY HYPERBOLIC OPERATORS: THE GEVREY 3 WELL-POSEDNESS
Authors: BERNARDI ENRICO , NISHITANI TATSUO
Published: December 2011

For hyperbolic differential operators P with double characteristics we study the relations between the maximal Gevrey index for the strong Gevrey well-posedness and the Hamilton map and flow of the associated principal symbol p. If the Hamilton map admits a Jordan block of size 4 on the double characteristic manifold denoted by Σ and by assuming that the Hamilton flow does not approach Σ tangentially, we proved earlier that the Cauchy problem for P is well-posed in the Gevrey class 1 ≤ s < 4 for any lower order term. In the present paper, we remove this restriction on the Hamilton flow and establish that the Cauchy problem for P is well-posed in the Gevrey class 1 ≤ s < 3 for any lower order term and we check that the Gevrey index 3 is optimal. Combining this with results already proved for the other cases, we conclude that the Hamilton map and flow completely characterizes the threshold for the strong Gevrey well-posedness and vice versa.
CONVERGENCE OF NUMERICAL SCHEMES FOR SHORT WAVE LONG WAVE INTERACTION EQUATIONS
Authors: AMORIM PAULO , FIGUEIRA MÁRIO
Published: December 2011

We consider the numerical approximation of a system of partial differential equations involving a nonlinear Schrödinger equation coupled with a hyperbolic conservation law. This system arises in models for the interaction of short and long waves. Using the compensated compactness method, we prove convergence of approximate solutions generated by semi-discrete finite volume type methods towards the unique entropy solution of the Cauchy problem. Some numerical examples are presented.
Imipramine blocks ethanol-induced ASMase activation, ceramide generation, and PP2A activation, and ameliorates hepatic steatosis in ethanol-fed mice
Authors: Liangpunsakul Suthat , Rahmini Yasmeen , Ross Ruth A. , Zhao Zhenwen , Xu Yan , Crabb David W.
Published: December 2011

Our previous data showed the inhibitory effect of ethanol on AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, which appears to be mediated, in part, through increased levels of hepatic ceramide and activation of protein phosphatase 2A (Liangpunsakul S, Sozio MS, Shin E, Zhao Z, Xu Y, Ross RA, Zeng Y, Crabb DW. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 298: G1004–G1012, 2010). The effect of ethanol on AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation was reversed by imipramine, suggesting that the generation of ceramide via acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) is stimulated by ethanol. In this study, we determined the effects of imipramine on the development of hepatic steatosis, the generation of ceramide, and downstream effects of ceramide on inflammatory, insulin, and apoptotic signaling pathways, in ethanol-fed mice. The effect of ethanol and imipramine (10 μg/g body wt ip) on ceramide levels, as well as inflammatory, insulin, and apoptotic signaling pathways, was studied in C57BL/6J mice fed the Lieber-DeCarli diet. Ethanol-fed mice developed the expected steatosis, and cotreatment with imipramine for the last 2 wk of ethanol feeding resulted in improvement in hepatic steatosis. Ethanol feeding for 4 wk induced impaired glucose tolerance compared with controls, and this was modestly improved with imipramine treatment. There was a significant decrease in total ceramide concentrations in response to imipramine in ethanol-fed mice treated with and without imipramine (287 ± 11 vs. 348 ± 12 pmol/mg tissue). The magnitude and specificity of inhibition on each ceramide species differed. A significant decrease was observed for C16 (28 ± 3 vs. 33 ± 2 pmol/mg tissue) and C24 (164 ± 9 vs. 201 ± 4 pmol/mg tissue) ceramide. Ethanol feeding increased the levels of the phosphorylated forms of ERK slightly and increased phospho-p38 and phospho-JNK substantially. The levels of phospho-p38 and phospho-JNK were reduced by treatment with imipramine. The activation of ASMase and generation of ceramide in response to ethanol feeding may underlie several effects of ethanol. ASMase inhibitors may be considered as a therapeutic target for alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis and activation of stress kinases.
Relative contribution of THTR-1 and THTR-2 in thiamin uptake by pancreatic acinar cells: studies utilizing Slc19a2 and Slc19a3 knockout mouse models
Authors: Subramanian Veedamali S. , Subramanya Sandeep B. , Said Hamid M.
Published: December 2011

Thiamin is essential for normal function of pancreatic acinar cells, and its deficiency leads to a reduction in pancreatic digestive enzymes. We have recently shown that thiamin uptake by rat pancreatic acinar cells is carrier-mediated and that both thiamin transporter (THTR)-1 and THTR-2 are expressed in these cells; little, however, is known about the relative contribution of these transporters toward total carrier-mediated thiamin uptake by these cells. We addressed this issue using a gene-specific silencing approach (siRNA) in mouse-derived pancreatic acinar 266–6 cells and Slc19a2 and Slc19a3 knockout mouse models. First we established that thiamin uptake by mouse pancreatic acinar cells is via a carrier-mediated process. We also established that these cells as well as native human pancreas express THTR-1 and THTR-2, with expression of the former (and activity of its promoter) being significantly higher than that of the latter. Using gene-specific siRNA against mouse THTR-1 and THTR-2, we observed a significant inhibition in carrier-mediated thiamin uptake by 266–6 cells in both cases. Similarly, thiamin uptake by freshly isolated primary pancreatic acinar cells of the Slc19a2 and Slc19a3 knockout mice was significantly lower than uptake by acinar cells of the respective littermates; the degree of inhibition observed in the former knockout model was greater than that of the latter. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, that both mTHTR-1 and mTHTR-2 are involved in carrier-mediated thiamin uptake by pancreatic acinar cells.
Enhanced external counterpulsation improves peripheral artery function and glucose tolerance in subjects with abnormal glucose tolerance
Authors: Martin J. S. , Beck D. T. , Aranda J. M. , Braith R. W.
Published: December 2011

Background: in coronary artery disease patients, enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) improves peripheral arterial function and nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT). We sought to evaluate the effects of EECP on outcomes of arterial function, glucose tolerance, and skeletal muscle morphology in subjects with AGT. Methods and Results: 18 subjects with AGT were randomly (2:1 ratio) assigned to receive either 7 wk (35 1-h sessions) of EECP ( n = 12) or 7 wk of standard care (control; n = 6). Peripheral vascular function, biochemical assays, glucose tolerance, and skeletal muscle morphology were evaluated before and after EECP or control. EECP increased normalized brachial artery (27%) and popliteal artery (52%) flow-mediated dilation. Plasma nitrite/nitrate (NOx) increased (30%) and 8-isoprostane-PGF-F2α, a marker of lipid peroxidation in the plasma, decreased (−23%). Fasting plasma glucose declined (−16.9 ± 5.4 mg/dl), and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) decreased (31%) following EECP. Plasma glucose 120 min after initiation of oral glucose tolerance testing decreased (−28.3 ± 7.3 mg/dl), and the whole body composite insulin sensitivity index (C-ISI) increased (21%). VEGF concentrations increased (75%), and vastus lateralis skeletal muscle biopsies demonstrated improvements in capillary density following EECP. No change was observed in cellular signaling pathways, but there was a significant increase GLUT-4 protein expression (47%) following EECP. Conclusions: our findings provide novel evidence that EECP has a beneficial effect on peripheral arterial function and glucose tolerance in subjects with AGT.
7,8-dihydroxyflavone exhibits therapeutic efficacy in a mouse model of Rett syndrome
Authors: Johnson Rebecca A. , Lam Maxine , Punzo Antonio M. , Li Hongda , Lin Benjamin R. , Ye Keqiang , Mitchell Gordon S. , Chang Qiang
Published: December 2011

Rett syndrome (RTT), caused by mutations in the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 gene ( MECP2), is a debilitating autism spectrum developmental disorder predominantly affecting females. Mecp2 mutant mice have reduced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain; conditional deletion and overexpression of BDNF in the brain accelerates and slows, respectively, disease progression in Mecp2 mutant mice. Thus we tested the hypothesis that 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), a small molecule reported to activate the high affinity BDNF receptor (TrkB) in the CNS, would attenuate disease progression in Mecp2 mutant mice. Following weaning, 7,8-DHF was administered in drinking water throughout life. Treated mutant mice lived significantly longer compared with untreated mutant littermates (80 ± 4 and 66 ± 2 days, respectively). 7,8-DHF delayed body weight loss, increased neuronal nuclei size and enhanced voluntary locomotor (running wheel) distance in Mecp2 mutant mice. In addition, administration of 7,8-DHF partially improved breathing pattern irregularities and returned tidal volumes to near wild-type levels. Thus although the specific mechanisms are not completely known, 7,8-DHF appears to reduce disease symptoms in Mecp2 mutant mice and may have potential as a therapeutic treatment for RTT patients.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibition Increases Levels of Choline Kinase α and Phosphocholine Facilitating Noninvasive Imaging in Human Cancers
Authors: Beloueche-Babari Mounia , Arunan Vaitha , Troy Helen , te Poele Robert H. , Te Fong Anne-Christine Wong , Jackson L. Elizabeth , Payne Geoffrey S. , Griffiths John R. , Judson Ian R. , Workman Paul , Leach Martin O. , Chung Yuen-Li
Published: December 2011

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are currently approved for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and are in mid-late stage trials for other cancers. The HDAC inhibitors LAQ824 and SAHA increase phosphocholine (PC) levels in human colon cancer cells and tumor xenografts as observed by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). In this study, we show that belinostat, an HDAC inhibitor with an alternative chemical scaffold, also caused a rise in cellular PC content that was detectable by 1H and 31P MRS in prostate and colon carcinoma cells. In addition, 1H MRS showed an increase in branched chain amino acid and alanine concentrations. 13C-choline labeling indicated that the rise in PC resulted from increased de novo synthesis and correlated with an induction of choline kinase α expression. Furthermore, metabolic labeling experiments with 13C-glucose showed that differential glucose routing favored alanine formation at the expense of lactate production. Additional analysis revealed increases in the choline/water and phosphomonoester (including PC)/total phosphate ratios in vivo. Together, our findings provide mechanistic insights into the impact of HDAC inhibition on cancer cell metabolism and highlight PC as a candidate noninvasive imaging biomarker for monitoring the action of HDAC inhibitors. Cancer Res; 72(4); 990–1000. ©2011 AACR.
Quantitative Histological Analysis of SM22α (Transgelin) in an Adriamycin-Induced Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis Model
Authors: Wang Xingzhi , Sakatsume Minoru , Sakamaki Yuichi , Inomata Shigeru , Yamamoto Tadashi , Narita Ichiei
Published: December 2011

Background/Aims: SM22α, transgelin, has been revealed to be specifically expressed in glomerular epithelial cells and interstitial cells, according to the nature of the renal injury. In this study, quantitative analyses of SM22α positivity were performed to investigate the pathological significance of its expression. Methods: Kidney samples of adriamycin nephropathy underwent immunohistochemistry with a newly established anti-SM22α monoclonal antibody. The SM22α positivity was quantified by an image analyzer. The correlation of the histological values with biochemical data was investigated statistically. Microstructural localization of SM22α was studied by immunoelectron microscopy. Results: SM22α was expressed along the dense basal microfilaments of degenerating podocytes, and diffusely in interstitial cells. Both the extent and intensity of SM22α expression in glomerular and tubulointerstitial area were correlated with the deterioration of renal function and the severity of proteinuria. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the extent of its positivity in glomerular or tubulointerstitial area was the determinant of the amount of proteinuria or the deterioration of creatinine clearance (Ccr), respectively. Inversely, the deterioration of Ccr was the most important predictor of SM22α expression. Conclusion: SM22α expression in podocytes and interstitial cells represented the severity of proteinuria and the deterioration of renal function. SM22α expression in renal tissues might be a hallmark of kidney diseases.
Statins in Unconventional Secretion of Insulin-Degrading Enzyme and Degradation of the Amyloid-β Peptide
Authors: Glebov Konstantin , Walter Jochen
Published: December 2011

Population-based studies demonstrated that statins might decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Statins inhibit the 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme-A reductase and thereby de novo synthesis of cholesterol. Cell culture and animal studies indicated that cholesterol affects the proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein and the generation of amyloid-β (Aβ). Recently, we have demonstrated that statins can also stimulate the degradation of Aβ. The statin-induced clearance of Aβ could be attributed to increased release of the insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) via an exosome-related unconventional secretory pathway. Interestingly, this statin-induced secretion of exosome-associated IDE was independent of cellular cholesterol concentrations, but rather caused by impairment of isoprenoid biosynthesis and protein prenylation. We further identified a new hexapeptide sequence in the C-terminal region of IDE, named the SlyX motif that is critically involved in IDE secretion. Taken these findings together, the increased clearance of Aβ by stimulated secretion of IDE might contribute to the protective effects of statins against AD.