bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rationale and methodology for a multicentre randomised trial of fibrinolysis for pulmonary embolism that includes quality of life outcomes
Authors: Kline Jeffrey A , Hernandez Jackeline , Hogg Melanie M , Jones Alan E , Courtney D Mark , Kabrhel Christopher , Nordenholz Kristen E , Diercks Deborah B , Rondina Matthew T , Klinger James R
Published: November 2013

Background

Submassive pulmonary embolism (PE) has a low mortality rate but can degrade functional capacity.

Objective

The present study aims to provide rationale, methodology, and initial findings of a multicentre, randomised trial of fibrinolysis for PE that used a composite end‐point, including quality of life measures.

Methods

This investigator‐initiated study was funded by a contract between a corporate partner and the investigator's hospital (the prime site). The investigator was the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sponsor. The prime site subcontracted, indemnified, and trained consortia members. Consenting, normotensive patients with PE and right ventricular strain (by echocardiography or biomarkers) received low‐molecular‐weight heparin and random assignment to a single bolus of tenecteplase or placebo in double‐blinded fashion. The outcomes were: (i) in‐hospital rate of intubation, vasopressor support, and major haemorrhage, or (ii) at 90 days, death, recurrent PE, or composite that defined poor quality of life (echocardiography, 6 min walk test and surveys). The planned sample size was n = 200.

Results

Eight sites enrolled 87 patients over 5 years. The ratio of patients screened for each enrolled was 7.4 to 1, equating to 11 h screening time per patient enrolled. Primary barrier to enrolment was the cost of screening. Two patients died (2.5%, 95%CI [0–8%]), one developed shock, but 18 (22%, 95%CI: [13–30%]) had a poor quality of life.

Conclusions

An investigator‐initiated, FDA‐regulated, multicentre trial of fibrinolysis for submassive PE was conducted, but was limited by screening costs and a low mortality rate. Quality of life measurements might represent a more important patient‐centred end‐point.
Review article: Evacuating hospitals in Australia: What lessons can we learn from the world literature?
Authors: Rojek Amanda , Little Mark
Published: November 2013

The creation of hospitals safe from disaster is an area of increasing public policy. The vulnerability of hospitals to damage and destruction during an event has profound implications for the health of a community. Although hospital evacuations do occur in Australia, their prevalence is unknown and what leads to a successful evacuation is poorly understood. This article reviewed the worldwide hospital evacuation literature to determine the prevalence of hospital evacuations and common precipitants for evacuation. Factors leading to safe evacuation and areas of ongoing challenge were identified. The findings highlight the need for more structured and detailed reporting of hospital responses to disaster. A number of lessons can be learned from hospitals that have experienced evacuation. Most critically, all hospitals must have a practised, detailed hospital evacuation plan existing before an impending threat. There are also areas for improvement in the areas of assessing the risk to the facility, communications, leadership, logistics, staffing and planning. These lessons should be included into comprehensive, detailed evacuation plans for all Australian hospitals, supported by a national framework that standardises planning and response.
‘A General and Distinct View of Nature in Miniature’: Mechanical Explanations of Natural Knowledge c.1760
Authors: GRANT FLORENCE
Published: November 2013

The course of experimental philosophy was an important new genre for the representation of natural knowledge in eighteenth‐century Britain and Europe. It was a complex, multimedia genre with a variety of possible forms, but we know little about its characteristics and affinities with other kinds of representation. This article uses a collection of instruments, books and manuscripts made for George III in the early 1760s to show how contemporary ideas about geometry, rhetoric, poetry and cognition provided a conceptual framework for re‐making natural knowledge in new social contexts.
Nature, Nation and Nostalgia: Narratives of Natural History in Spanish and British America (1750‐1800)
Authors: COWIE HELEN , GRAY KATHRYN
Published: November 2013

This article studies natural history narratives in the eighteenth‐century Atlantic world. Focusing on two key texts, Juan de Velasco's Historia del Reyno de Quito and Hector St John de Crèvecoeur's Letters from an American Farmer, it examines the close relationship between natural knowledge and national identity. We consider some of the tensions that emerged between European and American writers of natural history during this period and situate these narratives of natural history within a wider critique of travel‐writing and representations of the Americas. We focus, in particular, on the textual devices employed to confer credibility on Creole natural histories.
Comparison of different sets of instruments for laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery in a surgical simulator with novices
Authors: Wang Dong , Shi Long‐Qing , Wang Jing‐Min , Jiang Xiao‐Hua , Ji Zhen‐Ling
Published: November 2013

Background

Given the parallel entry of working instruments through a single incision in laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery, loss of triangulation in the abdominal cavity and counteracting movements of the instruments are inevitable obstacles. Some specially designed devices have emerged to ameliorate these challenges.

Methods

Twenty‐four novice participants were randomized into four groups using assigned instruments, conventional straight instruments, single‐curved instruments, double‐curved instruments and articulating instruments, respectively, to perform two basic tasks (peg transferring and pattern cutting) 14 times in a modified simulator. A test of the tasks and a resection of the intestine segment of a rat were performed. The task scores and evaluation of intraoperative skills during the resection of the intestine segment were recorded. The instrument of modified National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA‐TLX) was completed.

Results

The task scores of the groups using single‐curved instruments and articulating instruments were better than the other two groups on the simulator tasks, consistent with the evaluation of intraoperative skills during the resection of intestine segment. As the proficiency with the instruments increased, the task scores improved, as demonstrated by the learning curve. The workload measured by the modified NASA‐TLX tool demonstrated that the groups using articulating instruments and double‐curved instruments had a heavier workload in most of the categories compared with the other two groups.

Conclusions

Single‐curved and articulating instruments are more effective than conventional straight and double‐curved devices, and are favourable in laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery for novice learners.
Devising a competency‐based continuing professional development programme to meet the needs of on‐call consultant paediatricians
Authors: Wekell Per , Aspegren Knut , Holmgren Daniel
Published: November 2013

Aim

To define the clinical competencies currently required by on‐call consultant paediatricians in Sweden and to describe how these competencies can be acquired by using an outcome‐based continuing professional development (CPD) programme.

Methods

The overall aims and objectives of the programme were formulated to meet the current responsibilities of an on‐call consultant. It was delineated during a precourse needs assessment of 26 consultants, before being implemented with 16 participants, using a variety of learning, assessment and evaluation methods.

Results

The precourse needs assessment identified 217 clinical situations and 17 themes, and 139 subthemes were developed. During the programme evaluation, carried out using a reflective questionnaire, participants stated that they had improved their understanding of the role of, and demands on, the on‐call consultant. They had also felt more confident on‐call, had built a network of colleagues and updated their knowledge in relevant fields.

Conclusion

We defined and implemented a competency‐based CPD programme to meet the changing demands faced by on‐call consultant paediatricians. The aims and objectives of the programme were formulated according to a needs assessment among consultant paediatricians active in on‐call services. Evaluation of the programme indicates that participants moved in the direction of the overall objectives.
Face, content, construct and concurrent validity of dry laboratory exercises for robotic training using a global assessment tool
Authors: Ramos Patrick , Montez Jeremy , Tripp Adrian , Ng Casey K. , Gill Inderbir S. , Hung Andrew J.
Published: November 2013

Objectives

To evaluate robotic dry laboratory (dry lab) exercises in terms of their face, content, construct and concurrent validities.

To evaluate the applicability of the Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS) tool to assess dry lab performance.

Materials and Methods

Participants were prospectively categorized into two groups: robotic novice (no cases as primary surgeon) and robotic expert (≥30 cases).

Participants completed three virtual reality (VR) exercises using the da Vinci Skills Simulator (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA), as well as corresponding dry lab versions of each exercise (Mimic Technologies, Seattle, WA, USA) on the da Vinci Surgical System.

Simulator performance was assessed by metrics measured on the simulator. Dry lab performance was blindly video‐evaluated by expert review using the six‐metric GEARS tool.

Participants completed a post‐study questionnaire (to evaluate face and content validity).

A Wilcoxon non‐parametric test was used to compare performance between groups (construct validity) and Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess simulation to dry lab performance (concurrent validity).

Results

The mean number of robotic cases experienced for novices was 0 and for experts the mean (range) was 200 (30–2000) cases.

Expert surgeons found the dry lab exercises both ‘realistic’ (median [range] score 8 [4–10] out of 10) and ‘very useful’ for training of residents (median [range] score 9 [5–10] out of 10).

Overall, expert surgeons completed all dry lab tasks more efficiently (P < 0.001) and effectively (GEARS total score P < 0.001) than novices. In addition, experts outperformed novices in each individual GEARS metric (P < 0.001).

Finally, in comparing dry lab with simulator performance, there was a moderate correlation overall (r = 0.54, P < 0.001). Most simulator metrics correlated moderately to strongly with corresponding GEARS metrics (r = 0.54, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The robotic dry lab exercises in the present study have face, content, construct and concurrent validity with the corresponding VR tasks.

Until now, the assessment of dry lab exercises has been limited to basic metrics (i.e. time to completion and error avoidance). For the first time, we have shown it is feasibile to apply a global assessment tool (GEARS) to dry lab training.
The background to this themed issue on neuropeptides
Authors: Keeble Julie
Published: November 2013

A meeting of the British Pharmacological Society in association with the European Neuropeptide Club and Americal Summer Neuropeptide Conference in June 2012 led to this themed issue on neuropetides. A wide range of neuropeptides are discussed, in various physiological and pathophysiological conditions, with respect to their upstream and downstream pathways. It is clear, at this point in time, that targeting neuropeptides has therapeutic potential in pathologies ranging from migraine to obesity. It is also clear from the reviews in this issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology that there is still so much to learn.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Neuropeptides. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2013.170.issue‐7
Dutch Disease, factor mobility, and the Alberta Effect: the case of federations
Authors: Raveh Ohad
Published: November 2013

Do reduced costs of factor mobility mitigate Dutch Disease effects to the extent that they are reversed? The case of federations provides an indication they do. We observe resource blessing (curse) effects at the provincial (federal) level, and argue the difference in outcomes stems from the difference in factor mobility costs. We construct a simple tax competition model which shows that if factor mobility costs are sufficiently low, a resource‐boom triggers an Alberta Effect that mitigates, and possibly reverses, Dutch Disease symptoms. The paper concludes with empirical evidence for the main implications of the model.
Interferon‐alpha and interferon‐gamma modulate Fas‐mediated apoptosis in mitomycin‐C‐resistant human Tenon's fibroblasts
Authors: Wang Xiao Yang , Crowston Jonathan G , White Andrew JR , Zoellner Hans , Healey Paul R
Published: November 2013

Background

The aim of the study was to investigate, using a native mitomycin‐C‐resistant human Tenon's fibroblast cell line, the possibility that interferon‐alpha and gamma could be used with Fas agonists as an alternative anti‐fibrotic strategy to mitomycin‐C in trabeculectomy.

Methods

A clinically resistant and in vitro verified mitomycin‐C‐resistant human Tenon's fibroblast cell line was pretreated with interferon‐alpha and interferon‐gamma for 48 h before stimulation with an agonistic Fas antibody (CH11) for 2 days to induce cell death. Cell death assays were undertaken. Changes in apoptosis‐related proteins were determined by flow cytometry and Western blot.

Results

Pretreatment with interferon‐alpha or interferon‐gamma for 48 h increased Fas, Fas‐associated protein with death domain and caspase‐8 expression. Protein expression was further increased by combined exposure to interferon‐alpha and gamma. Pretreatment with cytokines had no effect on Fas‐L and Bcl‐2. Interferon‐alpha alone did not change the rate of induced cell death. A combination of interferon‐alpha and gamma synergistically increased the sensitivity of mitomycin‐C‐resistant human Tenon's fibroblast cell line to induced cell death. An antagonistic anti‐Fas antibody (ZB4) completely blocked induced cell death. Broad caspase inhibitors specific for caspases‐8 and ‐3 reduced induced deaths in interferon pretreated mitomycin‐C‐resistant human Tenon's fibroblast cell line in a dose‐dependent manner.

Conclusions

Interferon‐alpha and interferon‐gamma render mitomycin‐C‐resistant human Tenon's fibroblast cell line sensitive to Fas‐mediated apoptosis. The mechanism involves increased death‐inducing signalling complex formation by upregulation of Fas, Fas‐associated protein with death domain and caspase‐8 expression.
Scalable Realistic Rendering with Many‐Light Methods
Authors: Dachsbacher Carsten , Křivánek Jaroslav , Hašan Miloš , Arbree Adam , Walter Bruce , Novák Jan
Published: November 2013

Recent years have seen increasing attention and significant progress in many‐light rendering, a class of methods for efficient computation of global illumination. The many‐light formulation offers a unified mathematical framework for the problem reducing the full lighting transport simulation to the calculation of the direct illumination from many virtual light sources. These methods are unrivaled in their scalability: they are able to produce plausible images in a fraction of a second but also converge to the full solution over time. In this state‐of‐the‐art report, we give an easy‐to‐follow, introductory tutorial of the many‐light theory; provide a comprehensive, unified survey of the topic with a comparison of the main algorithms; discuss limitations regarding materials and light transport phenomena and present a vision to motivate and guide future research. We will cover both the fundamental concepts as well as improvements, extensions and applications of many‐light rendering.
Quality assurance for care of melanoma patients based on guideline‐derived quality indicators and certification
Authors: Follmann Markus , Schadendorf Dirk , Kochs Corinna , Buchberger Barbara , Winter Anna , Wesselmann Simone
Published: November 2013

Background and objectives

In 2013 the first German S‐3 guidelines on the diagnosis, treatment, and follow‐up of melanoma were published in the framework of the German Guideline Program on Oncology. Quality indicators were developed at the same time as the guideline development process in order to implement the guideline recommendations.

Patients and methods

A multidisciplinary, interprofessional working group developed quality indicators following a standardized process.

Results

Twelve quality indicators directly linked to guideline recommendations were generated and agreed on by consensus. They were integrated into the catalogue of requirements for dermato‐oncological centers certified by the German Cancer Society.

Conclusions

The close cooperation between the guideline group and commission for certification allowed the guideline contents to be implemented in the form of quality indicators in everyday clinical practice. Adherence to the guidelines is required and continuously evaluated as part of certification.
Exploring functional concerns in help‐seeking youth: a qualitative study
Authors: Cairns Alice , Dark Frances , Kavanagh David , McPhail Steven
Published: November 2013

Aim

This study aimed to explore the functional concerns of help‐seeking young people 12–25 years of age.

Method

Semistructured interviews with n = 10 young people seeking help from a youth mental health clinic were conducted. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis. Results were verified by member checking.

Results

Participants identified reasons for seeking help, with the main themes being relationships, emotional management, risk‐taking behaviour and difficulties with employment. There appeared to be a difference between the concerns of the older, post‐school‐age group and the younger participants.

Conclusion

Young people are able to identify their functional concerns and reasons for seeking help from mental health services. Understanding the concerns of these young people provides weight to the model of youth‐specific mental health services. Future work examining concerns of 12–25 year olds should ensure adequate representation of the older group as their needs and concerns seem to differ from those of younger participants in this study. Post‐school‐age youth seem to be under‐represented in existing literature in this field. However, a limitation with this study is the small sample sizes once the cohort is divided by age. Future studies with a larger, more detailed examination of the needs and concerns of this population are warranted to inform service delivery advancements and clarify the difference in needs between the post‐school and current school attendee groups.
Inbreeding Avoidance in Male Primates: A Response to Female Mate Choice?
Authors: Tennenhouse Erica M.
Published: November 2013

Inbreeding often has negative fitness consequences for primates, which have led to the evolution of inbreeding avoidance strategies in a number of species. In polygynous primates, females may suffer a higher fitness cost from inbreeding than males and are thus expected to exhibit a lower tolerance for inbreeding. Nevertheless, it is apparent that inbreeding avoidance behaviours are common in both female and male polygynous primates. In this perspectives article, I review the evidence that female mate choice can lead to male inbreeding avoidance behaviours in polygynous primates. I conclude that male inbreeding avoidance may be strongly driven by female mate choice at both proximate and ultimate levels. To better understand the extent to which this pattern applies across the primate order, studies are needed on the separate effects of participating in inbred matings and producing inbred offspring on male and female lifetime reproductive success. It would also be useful to examine how inbreeding avoidance strategies vary across primate mating systems. Finally, measuring the covariance between female choice and male inbreeding avoidance behaviour, and between male inbreeding avoidance behaviour and male fitness, would help to clarify the role of female mate choice in the evolution of male inbreeding avoidance.
The degradation (by distinct pathways) of human d‐amino acid oxidase and its interacting partner pLG72 – two key proteins in d‐serine catabolism in the brain
Authors: Cappelletti Pamela , Campomenosi Paola , Pollegioni Loredano , Sacchi Silvia
Published: November 2013

Human d‐amino acid oxidase (EC 1.4.3.3; hDAAO) is a peroxisomal flavoenzyme significantly enriched in the mammalian brain. hDAAO has been proposed to play (with serine racemase; EC 5.1.1.18) an essential role in the catabolism of d‐serine, an ‘atypical’ key signalling molecule that acts as allosteric activator of the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate‐type glutamate receptor (NMDAr). hDAAO and its interacting partner pLG72 have been related to schizophrenia, a highly disabling psychiatric disorder in which a dysfunction of NMDA‐mediated neurotransmission is widely assumed to occur. We previously demonstrated that the d‐serine cellular concentration depends on hDAAO and pLG72 expression levels and that newly‐synthesized hDAAO interacts with its modulator in the cytosol, being progressively destabilized and inactivated. To obtain insight into the mechanisms regulating cellular d‐serine levels, we investigated the degradation pathways of hDAAO and pLG72 in U87 glioblastoma cells stably expressing enhanced yellow fluorescent protein‐hDAAO (peroxisomal), hDAAO‐enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (cytosolic) or pLG72‐enhanced cyan fluorescent protein (mitochondrial) proteins. hDAAO is a long‐lived protein: the peroxisomal fraction of this flavoprotein is degraded via the lysosomal/endosomal pathway (and blocking this pathway increases the cellular hDAAO activity and decreases d‐serine levels), whereas the cytosolic portion is ubiquitinated and targeted to the proteasome. By contrast, pLG72 shows a rapid turnover (t1/2 ≈ 25–40 min) and is degraded via the proteasome system, albeit not ubiquitinated. Overexpression of pLG72 increases the turnover of hDAAO, in turn playing a protective role against excessive d‐serine depletion.
Microbially enhanced dissolution of HgS in an acid mine drainage system in the California Coast Range
Authors: Jew A. D. , Behrens S. F. , Rytuba J. J. , Kappler A. , Spormann A. M. , Brown G. E.
Published: November 2013

Mercury sulfides (cinnabar and metacinnabar) are the main ores of Hg and are relatively stable under oxic conditions (Ksp = 10−54 and 10−52, respectively). However, until now their stability in the presence of micro‐organisms inhabiting acid mine drainage (AMD) systems was unknown. We tested the effects of the AMD microbial community from the inoperative Hg mine at New Idria, CA, present in sediments of an AMD settling pond adjacent to the main waste pile and in a microbial biofilm on the surface of this pond, on the solubility of crystalline HgS. A 16S rRNA gene clone library revealed that the AMD microbial community was dominated by Fe‐oxidizing (orders Ferritrophicales and Gallionellas) and S‐oxidizing bacteria (Thiomonas sp.), with smaller amounts (≤6%) being comprised of the orders Xanthomondales and Rhodospirillales. Though the order Ferritrophicales dominate the 16S rRNA clones (>60%), qPCR results of the microbial community indicate that the Thiomonas sp. represents ~55% of the total micro‐organisms in the top 1 cm of the AMD microbial community. Although supersaturated with respect to cinnabar and metacinnabar, microcosms inoculated with the AMD microbial community were capable of releasing significantly more Hg into solution compared to inactivated or abiotic controls. Four different Hg‐containing materials were tested for bacterially enhanced HgS dissolution: pure cinnabar, pure metacinnabar, mine tailings, and calcine material (processed ore). In the microcosm with metacinnabar, the presence of the AMD microbial community resulted in an increase of dissolved Hg concentrations up to 500 μg L‐1 during the first 30 days of incubation. In abiotic control microcosms, dissolved Hg concentrations did not increase above 100 ng L−1. When Hg concentrations were below 50 μg L‐1, the Fe‐oxidizing bacteria in the AMD microbial community were still capable of oxidizing Fe(II) to Fe(III) in the AMD solution, whereas concentrations above 50 μg L−1 resulted in inhibition of microbial iron oxidation. Our experiments show that the AMD microbial community contributes to the dissolution of mercury sulfide minerals. These findings have major implications for risk assessment and future management of inoperative Hg mines worldwide.
Focal nodular hyperplasia‐like lesion of the liver with focal adenoma features associated with idiopathic portal hypertension
Authors: Sugimoto Katsutoshi , Kondo Fukuo , Furuichi Yoshihiro , Oshiro Hisashi , Nagao Toshitaka , Saito Kazuhiro , Yoshida Hiroshi , Imai Yasuharu , Fukusato Toshio , Moriyasu Fuminori
Published: November 2013

Great progress has been made in the diagnosis of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) in the last few years due to the use of molecular criteria. This has allowed us to identify a new type of hepatic nodule. In this case report, we present a male patient with a hepatic nodule associated with idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) pathologically exhibiting not only the morphological features of FNH, such as ductular reactions, dilated sinusoids, major vascular abnormalities and an immunohistochemical “map‐like” pattern of glutamine synthetase (GS), but also the immunohistological features of focal HCA, such as strong expression of serum amyloid A and C‐reactive protein and weak expression of GS. As the final diagnosis, the nodule was identified as an FNH‐like lesion with focal inflammatory hepatocellular adenoma.
Cloning and expression profiling of odorant‐binding proteins in the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris
Authors: Hull J. J. , Perera O. P. , Snodgrass G. L.
Published: November 2013

In insects, the perception and discrimination of odorants requires the involvement of odorant‐binding proteins (OBPs). To gain a better molecular understanding of olfaction in the agronomic pest Lygus lineolaris (the tarnished plant bug), we used a transcriptomics‐based approach to identify potential OBPs. In total, 33 putative OBP transcripts, including the previously reported Lygus antennal protein (LAP), were identified based on the characteristic OBP Cys signature and/or sequence similarity with annotated orthologous sequences. The L. lineolaris OBP (LylinOBP) repertoire consists of 20 ‘classic’ OBPs, defined by the spacing of six conserved Cys residues, and 12 ‘Plus‐C’ OBPs, defined by the spacing of eight conserved Cys and one conserved Pro residue. Alternative splicing of OBP genes appears to contribute significantly to the multiplicity of LylinOBP sequences. Microarray‐based analysis of chemosensory tissues (antennae, legs and proboscis) revealed enrichment of 21 LylinOBP transcripts in antennae, 12 in legs, and 15 in proboscis, suggesting potential roles in olfaction and gustation respectively. PCR‐based determination of transcript abundance for a subset of the LylinOBP genes across multiple adult tissues yielded results consistent with the hybridization data.
Successful Earners and Failing Others: Transnational Orientation as Biographical Resource in the Context of Labor Migration
Authors: Nowicka Magdalena
Published: November 2013

The article discusses how post‐2004 Polish immigrants in Great Britain narrate success and failure in their lives. It identifies and analyses inter‐related narrations specific to the transnational form of migration. It considers migrants’ transnational orientation as a resource for narratively producing a successful biography. The article makes use of a biographical perspective and embeds the analysis in theories of biographical action, while adding new knowledge to the scholarship of migration. It argues that failure is relative to a normatively, locally fixed expectation of success.
Swine influenza in Norway: a distinct lineage of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus
Authors: Forberg Hilde , Hauge Anna G. , Gjerset Britt , Hungnes Olav , Kilander Anette
Published: November 2013

Background

Since the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus was first introduced to the Norwegian pig population in September 2009, it has repeatedly been detected in pigs in Norway. No other subtypes of influenza virus are circulating in Norwegian pigs.

Objective

To follow the diversity of A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses circulating in pigs in Norway and to investigate the relationship between viruses circulating in Norwegian pigs and in humans.

Methods

Between January 2011 and January 2013, nasal swabs from 507 pigs were tested for A(H1N1)pdm09 virus by real‐time RT‐PCR. The hemagglutinin (HA) gene of virus‐positive samples was sequenced and compared with publically available sequences from viruses circulating in humans at the time.

Results

Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the HA gene showed that the A(H1N1)pdm09 virus circulating in Norwegian pigs early in 2011 resembled the A(H1N1)pdm09 virus circulating in humans during this time. Viruses detected in pigs by the end of 2011 had acquired four characteristic amino acid substitutions (N31D, S84I S164F, and N473D) and formed a distinct phylogenetic group.

Conclusions

A(H1N1)pdm09 virus detected in Norwegian pigs by the end of 2011 formed a distinct genetic lineage. Also, our findings indicate that reverse‐zoonotic transmission from humans to pigs of the A(H1N1)pdm09 virus is still important.
Epidemiological survey of swine influenza A virus in the wild boar population of two Italian provinces
Authors: Foni Emanuela , Garbarino Chiara , Chiapponi Chiara , Baioni Laura , Zanni Irene , Cordioli Paolo
Published: November 2013

Objectives

An epidemiological survey was carried out in order to obtain a better understanding of the role of wild boars in the epidemiology of the influenza virus.

Design

The samples were submitted to Real‐Time PCR testing for gene M of the swine influenza virus (SIV), and virus isolation was performed from the positive PCR samples. Genome sequence analysis was performed on the isolates. Additionally, 1,977 boar sera samples were analyzed using ELISA and hemoagglutination inhibition.

Setting

Over recent years, the wild boar population has greatly increased in Italy, including in areas of high‐density industrial pig farming, where the influenza virus is widespread. From July to December 2012, wild boar lung samples were collected in the Parma and Piacenza area, in the Emilia Romagna region.

Sample

354 wild boar lung samples were collected.

Main outcome measures

Wild‐boar influenza A virus infection should be studied more broadly in order to obtain a better understanding of the epidemiological role played by this species.

Results

Three SIV strains were isolated out of 12 samples that resulted positive using PCR analysis and they were identified as avian‐like SIV subtype H1N1. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences obtained from isolate A/wild boar/291320/2012 showed that it clustered with recent Italian avian‐like H1N1 SIVs isolated from domestic pigs. Sixty‐eight sera samples showed a positive titer to the isolate A/wild boar/291320/2012.

Conclusions

This study suggests that SIV actively circulates in the wild boar population in the investigated. area.
Antibiotic Resistant Group A Streptococci
Authors: Yoshioka Morimasa , Konuma Tsuneko , Kunii Toyo
Published: November 2013

A series of Streptococcus pyogenes strains, including strains isolated from patients, mutants which had acquired in vitro resistance to penicillin (Pc), mitomycin C (MC), tetracycline (TC) and chloramphenicol (CM), ultraviolet light induced α hemolytic mutants, as well as β hemolytic mutants (β mutants) derived from α hemolytic mutants (α mutants) were compared as to their antibiotic sensitivity, and physiological, biochemical and serological properties. To obtain β mutants from α mutants the following procedures were employed: (1) serial mouse passage, (2) serial serum‐broth transfers, (3) cultivation in heat‐killed cultures of parent strains, and (4) cultivation in broth containing bacterial DNA extracted from parent streptococcus cells. From the results obtained these strains could be divided into two major groups, each with two subgroups. Group 1 strains produce soluble hemolysins and are sensitive to Pc. Subgroup 1–1 strains are sensitive to other antibiotics too; subgroup 1–2 are resistant to certain antibiotics other than Pc, bacitracin and MC. Group 2 strains do not produce soluble hemolysins and resistant to Pc. Subgroup 2‐1 strains are α hemolytic on horse blood agar and subgroup 2–2 are β hemolytic on the same medium. Pc resistance in group 2 strains was more than 100‐fold higher than that of sensitive strains, and was accompanied by MC resistance, but to a lesser degree. Pc resistance in group 2 mutants could be induced by antibiotics other than Pc and also by ultraviolet irradiation. Although group 1 cells retained the characteristics of typical S. pyogenes, group 2 cells, both α and β hemolytic, lost most of the physiological, biochemical and serological properties of this species. The similarity of group 2 strains to group D or group N streptococcal strains in their general properties is discussed.
Drug Resistance of Staphylococci
Authors: Kono Megumi , Hashimoto Hajime , Mitsuhashi Susumu
Published: November 2013

According to an epidemiological survey of drug resistance in Staphylococcus aureus, it was found that there are three types of cross‐resistance to macrolide antibiotics (EM, erythromycin: OM, oleandomycin: LM, leucomycin: SP, spiramycin), i.e., resistance to EM, OM, LM, and SP, to EM and OM, and inducible resistance to “EM, OM”. In the inducible strains of S. aureus, EM and OM are active inducers, and the optimal concentrations of the inducers are 0.1 μg/ml and 1.0 μg/ml, respectively. The induction of high resistance (800 μg/ml or more) to both EM and OM occurred within 10 min exposure to 0.1 μg/ml of EM, and the resistance of induced cells was lost after overnight growth in the absence of inducer. After 1 to 3 hr exposure to 1.0 μg/ml of OM, the inducible strains acquired high resistance (100 μg/ml or more) to EM and to a lesser extent, resistance to OM, and the acquired resistance was lost when grown in antibiotic free media. When a known concentration of EM was mixed with the induced cells or with a crude extract from induced cells which had acquired high resistance to EM and OM, the antibiotic activity of EM was still retained in the mixture, indicating that the induced mixture or the extract from the induced cells was incapable of antibiotic (EM) inactivation under the test conditions.
Micromorphology of Conidiospores of Aspergillus niger by Electron Microscopy
Authors: Tsukahara Tohru , Yamada Masako , Itagaki Takako
Published: November 2013

The fine structure of conidiospores of Aspergillus niger has been studied by means of ultrathin sectioning and electron microscopy. Permanganate fixation of the conidia preserved the details of their inner structural components and enhanced the general contrast within the sections. The conidiospores are characerized by their peculiar surface structures composed of three distinct components; an outer hull, a spore coat or wall, and an intermediate space. As a consequence of the swelling of the conidia, both the outer hull and the intermediate space almost completely disappear, and a variety of the intracytoplasmic organelles becomes visible in large numbers. The mature conidia at the resting stage appear to possess a more electron‐dense cytoplasm than that of the parent hyphae of the organism. They also contain a nucleus and a few mitochondria within the cytoplasm. The significance of these structures and their relationship to the parent hyphal cells are discussed.
Improvement of the Plaque Assay of Herpes Simplex Virus in HeLa Cells
Authors: Yazaki Shigeyoshi , Taniguchi Sadako , Yoshino Kamesaburo
Published: November 2013

Plaque formation by the HF strain of herpes simplex virus in HeLa cells under agar overlay was possible when a line of this strain highly adapted to HeLa cells was used, whereas the homologous strain, passaged in eggs or lowly adapted to HeLa cells did not form any visible plaques using the same technique. Experiments were performed to investigate the influence of different diluents, cellular factors and conditions of virus adsorption. It was found that 0.1% yolk‐saline could replace the ordinarily used maintenance medium as a diluent. Among three lines of S3 HeLa cells maintained in different laboratories, a subclone possessing a rapid cellular growth rate showed the highest sensitivity to the virus. Monolayers which scarcely covered the whole glass surface were most suitable for virus inoculation. Such monolayers could be stored at 20 C for 2 days before use without lowering the efficiency of plaque formation. The highest titer of virus was obtained when adsorption of inoculated virus was allowed to take place at 37 C for 2 hr. This titer was about equal to the plaque titer obtained in primary chick embryo cell cultures.
Alteration of a Host Character by Infection with RNA Phage Qβ
Authors: Miyake Tadashi , Yanagisawa Keiko , Watanabe Itaru
Published: November 2013

An F + strain of E. coli K 12, W‐2241 has a genetic constitution lac– (i+ z+ y–), str‐r. The inability of this strain to utilize lactose is due to a deletion at the y locus controlling formation of an enzyme permease and therefore, a true lac+ revertant can not be expected. The strain, however, produces many colonies on minimal lactose agar medium, when it is plated after infection with RNA phage Qβ, while much fewer colonies are observed on the same medium seeded with uninfected cells. In analyzing this phenomenon, we discovered that these LAC+ colonies were not the result of a mechanism similar to transduction but produced by a mechanism related to phage liberation, and that the colonies originated from Qβ+, const cells. The data suggest the following working hypothesis for the mechanism by which LAC+ colonies are produced in a population of W‐2241 cells infected with phage Qβ. Constitutive cells carrying Qβ produce intracellular β‐galactosidase and at the stage of phage liberation, the enzyme is liberated into the medium, hydrolyzing lactose to form glucose. Since glucose could be utilized by all of the cells on the medium, the Qβ+, const cell acts as a colony forming center. The phenomenon described in this paper shows a new type of virus‐host relationship which may have some bearing on the influence of animal or plant viruses on host tissues.
Studies on the Tuberculin Reactivity of Tuberculin‐Active Peptide
Authors: Someya Shiro , Koyama Kenjiro , Asami Nozomu , Kataoka Tetsuo , Yamamura Yuichi
Published: November 2013

A comparative study of the tuberculin potency and reactivity to TAP and PPD‐S was made in humans and guinea pigs. A comparison of reactions elicited by TAP and PPD‐S was made in two groups of guinea pigs previously inoculated with killed bacilli or with living bacilli. The tuberculin reactions produced by TAP and PPD‐S in human beings was studied in school children from rural districts. These children were divided randomly into three groups and each group was given a different amount of TAP and PPD‐S. The results obtained are as follows: (1) While relative potency of TAP was relatively much weaker than PPD‐S in guinea pigs sensitized with tubercle bacilli, in human beings the tuberculin potency of TAP was approximately 1/2 or 1/3 that of PPD‐S. (2) There was a marked difference in the tuberculin reactivity to TAP and PPD‐S between guinea pigs immunized with killed bacilli and guinea pigs immunized with living bacilli.
Changes in the Phage‐Typing Patterns of Staphylococci Following Lysogenization
Authors: Oshima Hiroshi , Kawaharada Umeko , Kasuga Tokuhiko , Mitsuhashi Susumu
Published: November 2013

The phage typing patterns of phage type 52/52A/80/81 staphylococcal strains were changed to type 80/81 and the non‐typable group by lysogenization with phages 27 and 146. When a particular strain of Staphylococcus aureus, MS1590 phage type 52/52A/80/81, was lysogenized with phage 146, type 80/81 and the non‐typable group strains were produced. According to the comparison of host range of the prophages, it has been concluded that the two strains with different phage typing patterns have different kinds of prophages.
Bovine Diarrhea Virus
Authors: Omori Tuneyoshi , Inaba Yuji , Morimoto Tomiaki , Tanaka Yoshio , Kurogi Hiroshi , Matumoto Minoru
Published: November 2013

Five strains of bovine diarrhea virus were isolated from Japanese cattle using bovine tissue cultures. These are the first isolations of this virus from Japanese cattle to be reported. Of importance is the finding that the new isolates, which are non‐cytopathogenic, induce an exaltation of Newcastle disease virus in bovine testicular cell culture. This finding has provided a laboratory tool whereby the assay of the virus and its neutralizing antibody can readily be performed.
Metabolic Study of Intracellular Killing of Bacteria by Mouse Macrophages
Authors: Nakae Taiji , Nakano Masayasu , Saito Kazuhisa
Published: November 2013

As an approach to clarify biochemically the mechanism of intracellular killing of bacteria by phagocytic cells, the effect of several metabolic inhibitors on the bactericidal activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages (MP) on ingested Salmonella enteritidis and Escherichia coli was examined. 5×10−4M iodoacetate and 10−2 M NaF added to the medium intertered significantly with the bactericidal activity of the MP, whereas sodium malonate, KCN, dinitrophenol, and anaerobiosis did not. Thus a close relation between the glycolytic pathway of MP and their bactericidal activity on ingested bacteria was demonstrated. However, oxamic acid and exclusion of external glucose, both of which significantly reduced lactate production by MP, did not affect the bactericidal activity of such cells. The lack of influence of puromycin on the bactericidal activity of MP excluded the possibility that de novo synthesis of lysosomal enzymes and bactericidal substances by the cells is necessary for accomplishment of the intracellular killing of bacteria. NaF inhibited significantly acid phosphatase and esterase activities, and iodoacetate slightly inhibited uricase activity, while sodium malonate, KCN and dinitrophenol did not exhibit any inhibitory effect on the activities of all the lysosomal enzymes examined. From these findings, the mechanism of the intracellular killing of the ingested bacteria by MP was discussed.
Isolation of Mycoplasmas from Tissue Cell Lines and Transplantable Tumor Cells
Authors: Ogata Manabu , Koshimizu Kaoru
Published: November 2013

A survey was made of mycoplasma contamination in cell lines and transplantable tumor lines maintained in laboratories in Japan. A total of 60 cell lines were tested and 52 (86.7%) of which were contaminated by mycoplasmas. These mycoplasmas were isolated from the cell lines of human origin 10/13 (77%), from monkeys 3/3 (100%), from rats 14/19 (74%) and from mice 25/25 (100%). Mycoplasmas were not found in any of the 99 samples of tumor materials. Mycoplasma colonies, upon primary isolation from cell lines, could be differentiated into three morphological types. However, all colonial types showed similar biological properties. All but one of the isolated mycoplasmas could be identified as Mycoplasma hominis type 1 by both growth inhibition tests and by fluorescent antibody technique.
Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to Desiccasion, Heat and Ultraviolet Rays in Relation to Phage Pattern
Authors: Iwasawa Yoshio , Ishihara Keizo
Published: November 2013

Resistance of staphylococci to desiccation, dry heat, wet heat and ultraviolet irradiation was studied using 128 strains obtained from patients in our surgical clinics. Staphylococci of phage group I including type 81, particularly of type 80/81, showed significantly high death rates after desiccation, dry heating, and wet heating, and significantly low death rates after ultraviolet irradiation. In contrast, group‐II strains responded inversely to these physical agents. The mean death rate of group‐III strains approximated that of group I after desiccation, dry heating, and ultraviolet irradiation, but after wet heating it was lower than that of group II. The results indicate that transmissibility of staphylococci might be influenced to a great extent by physical factors in the environment outside the body.
Studies on Pathogenic Leptospirae
Authors: Yanagihara Yasutake , Mifuchi Ichiji , Azuma Ichiro , Yamamura Yuichi
Published: November 2013

Growth of the pathogenic leptospirae, Leptospira canicola, strain Utrecht and L. icterohaemorrhagiae, strain Mikawajima, in modified Korthof's basal medium containing various lipid fractions obtained from Mycobacterium smegmatis and M. tuberculosis strain Aoyama B in place of rabbit serum, was examined. Growth of L. canicola, strain Utrecht was supported by all mycobacterial lipid fractions. The growth of L. icterohaemorrhagiae strain Mikawajima was supported by mycolic acid and mycolic acid‐containing fractions, such as chloroform extract, purified wax, wax C, wax D, cord factor, bound lipid B and bound lipid D, but not by the fractions containing unsaturated fatty acids, such as alcohol‐ether extract, and the bound lipids A and C. It is of interest that leptospiral growth was stimulated by a higher molecular fatty acid such as mycolic acid. Furthermore, distinct differences in Tween 80 requirement were found between L. canicola, strain Utrecht and L. icterohaemorrhagiae, strain Mikawajima.
Studies on Pathogenic Leptospirae
Authors: Yanagihara Yasutake , Mifuchi Ichiji
Published: November 2013

Effect of Tween 80 on the growth of Leptospira canicola strain Utrecht and L. icterohaemorrhagiae strain Mikawajima was examined. The suspension of washed leptospira was inoculated into modified Korthof's basal medium containing varied amounts of Tween 80 and cultured at 30 C. Cell numbers were counted by using Petroff‐Hausser counting chamber every other day. Optimum Tween 80 concentrations for L. canicola were 0.0125 and 0.025%. Cell counts in the second sub‐cultures reached 108 per ml the same as the primary cultures. Generation time of L. canicola in 0.025% Tween 80 medium was about 13 hours. Growth of L. icterohaemorrhagiae was inhibited at concentrations greater than 0.0125 per cent. Cell numbers increased about 4 times at concentration of 0.0000125% Tween 80. L. canicola utilizes Tween 80 as a nutrient while L. icterohaemorrhagiae appears sensitive to it. A difference of more than 1,000 times in maximal growth‐supporting concentration between L. canicola and L. icterohaemorrhagiae exists. This difference appears to be caused by difference in surface structure and metabolic requirements.
Evidence for Multiplicity Reactivation of Ultraviolet Light Irradiated Ribonucleic Acid Isolated from Tobacco Mosaic Virus
Authors: Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Hayashi Takaharu , Kiho Yukio
Published: November 2013

Multiplicity reactivation (MR) seems to take place in leaves of Nicotiana glutinosa inoculated with ultraviolet (UV) light irradiated RNA from tobacco mosaic virus (TMV‐RNA). A similar phenomenon was not observed with UV‐irradiated TMV particles. Considering MR as resulting from genetic recombination between viral genomes, a recombination mechanism, which has been difficult to prove with plant viruses, is proposed as being operative during multiplication of TMV. From the pattern of MR of TMV‐RNA, the location of the gene for the RNA replicase within a TMV‐RNA strand is discussed.