bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amerindian Livelihoods, Outside Interventions, and Poverty Traps in the Ecuadorian Amazon
Authors: Rudel Thomas K. , Katan Tuntiak , Horowitz Bruce
Published: April 2013

Recent efforts to explain the persistence of rural poverty have made frequent use of the concept of poverty traps, understood as self‐reinforcing poverty. The dynamic dimension of the poverty trap concept makes it a potentially useful tool for understanding conditions of persistent poverty, especially in circumstances where outside interventions “shock” the system with the intention of ending poverty and disadvantage. This article describes one such effort among a populous group of lowland Amerindians, the Shuar of Ecuador's Amazon region. Three small household surveys conducted at different times during the last 25 years suggest that the Shuar, despite having obtained access to land through a combination of their own efforts and outside interventions, have become enmeshed in a natural‐resource‐degrading poverty trap. Mestizos with land in the same region avoided this trap only by emigrating in large numbers. Secure access to land did not prevent the emergence of a poverty trap among the Shuar in large part because smallholders in Latin America faced difficult macrosociological and ecological conditions during the last decades of the twentieth century.
From ‘Imagined’ to ‘Virtual Communities’: Greek‐Turkish Encounters in Cyberspace
Authors: Theodorelis‐Rigas Haris
Published: April 2013

The pivotal role played by Computer‐Mediated Communications (CMCs) as mobilization tools for social movements as diverse as the ‘Arab Spring’, the Iranian ‘Green Revolution’, and the 2008 Greek ‘December Riots’, has rekindled academic interest in the internet as a field of sociological research. Drawing on new media and nationalism studies, this article approaches a particular type of CMC as a ‘virtual community’. By examining the context of post‐1999 Greek‐Turkish reconciliation, it is argued that these virtual communities have offered significant breathing space for individuals who are ready to revisit, discuss, and negotiate the constitutive boundaries of modernity's ‘imagined communities’, and are therefore conducive to the Greek‐Turkish rapprochement.
Altered sleep in Borderline Personality Disorder in relation to the core dimensions of psychopathology
Authors: Simor Péter , Horváth Klára
Published: April 2013

The aim of the study was to review the literature regarding sleep disturbances in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and to relate the reported sleep alterations to the underlying core dimensions of BPD pathology. We present a qualitative and theoretical review regarding the empirical studies that investigated objective and subjective sleep quality in BPD and in different psychiatric conditions showing high co‐morbidity with this disorder. We show that disturbed sleep including sleep fragmentation, alterations in Slow Wave Sleep and REM sleep, and dysphoric dreaming are prevalent symptoms in BPD. We provide a framework relating the specific sleep alterations to the core dimensions of BPD pathology in order to clarify the inconsistencies of the different findings. The specific sleep disturbances in BPD seem to be related to different dimensions of psychopathological functioning and may have detrimental consequences on waking affect and cognition. Investigating disturbed sleep in BPD in relation to waking symptoms and underlying neural functioning would shed more light on the nature of this complex disorder. Moreover, a stronger emphasis on sleep disturbances would enrich the treatment protocols of BPD.
Positional differences and aging changes in Japanese woman epidermal thickness and corneous thickness determined by OCT (optical coherence tomography)
Authors: Tsugita Tetsuya , Nishijima Takafumi , Kitahara Takashi , Takema Yoshinori
Published: April 2013

Background/purpose

A number of studies of the internal structure of Japanese woman's skin are now performed by means of optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a technique capable of visualizing the internal structure in a non‐invasive manner.

Methods

We measured the epidermal and corneous thicknesses at 11 sites in 116 healthy female volunteers aged from teens to sixties to examine possible positional differences and aging changes.

Results

The epidermal thickness determined at the 11 sites averaged 68.6 ± 23.0 μm (mean ± SD) and the corneous thickness averaged 14.1 ± 1.80 μm, the values of which were thinner than those presented in conventional textbooks on the subject. It was also revealed that, with advancing age, the epidermal thickness becomes less at some sites but showed no change at other sites, and the comparison between age groups suggested that a thinning trend is generally observed up to the thirties with no continuous changes thereafter.

Conclusion

Aging changes in the epidermis appeared to occur in the granular to basal layers, and the results obtained by OCT, which can viably determine the skin thickness, seemed to be very important for understanding the skin more accurately.
The skin aging index: a new approach for documenting anti‐aging products or procedures
Authors: Nkengne Alex , Roure Romain , Rossi Ana Beatriz , Bertin Christiane
Published: April 2013

Objective

The overall appearance of an aged skin is characterized by a combination of several attributes such as wrinkles, brown spots and sagging. Our objective was to develop and validate a statistical framework to assess the overall anti‐ageing benefits of products/procedures.

Method

Different skin attributes were evaluated by a clinical grader and combined using a Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The Skin Ageing Index was defined as the normalized projection of the clinical grading values on the first PCA axis. Several Skin Indexes were built by grouping specific parameters related to a skin condition such as overall ageing, wrinkles and sagging.

The method was validated following two steps. Firstly, a clinical study was performed on 173 Caucasian women and the correlation between the Skin Indexes and the volunteers' real and perceived age was estimated. Secondly, a double‐blinded placebo‐controlled randomized study was performed on 87 Caucasian women to assess the efficacy of an anti‐wrinkle cream containing retinol, hyaluronic acid and dihydroxymethylchromone. Facial wrinkles were clinically evaluated and a Wrinkle Index was built.

Results

All indexes were highly correlated with the real and the perceived age (0.57 ≤ Pearson R ≤ 0.92, P‐value ≤ 0.05). Finally, the Wrinkle Index provides documented evidence that the tested product significantly reduced the appearance of wrinkles versus the placebo and the baseline assessment (−23.53% after 4 weeks, −27.83% after 8 weeks).

Conclusion

Skin ageing Indexes capture information relevant to the visual transformation of facial skin with age, while providing documented product benefits. These tools may enable a simpler and more consistent comparison of anti‐ageing products/procedures.
On Mathematicians' Different Standards When Evaluating Elementary Proofs
Authors: Inglis Matthew , Mejia‐Ramos Juan Pablo , Weber Keith , Alcock Lara
Published: April 2013

In this article, we report a study in which 109 research‐active mathematicians were asked to judge the validity of a purported proof in undergraduate calculus. Significant results from our study were as follows: (a) there was substantial disagreement among mathematicians regarding whether the argument was a valid proof, (b) applied mathematicians were more likely than pure mathematicians to judge the argument valid, (c) participants who judged the argument invalid were more confident in their judgments than those who judged it valid, and (d) participants who judged the argument valid usually did not change their judgment when presented with a reason raised by other mathematicians for why the proof should be judged invalid. These findings suggest that, contrary to some claims in the literature, there is not a single standard of validity among contemporary mathematicians.
Serum protein profiles in domestic pigeons naturally infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium
Authors: Mayahi M. , Khajeh G. , Mosavari N. , Parvandar Asadollahi K. , Akhavizadegan M.A.
Published: April 2013

Background

Avian tuberculosis is an important disease affecting all species of birds and is most often caused by Mycobacterium avium or Mycobacterium genavense. Blood proteins are important diagnostic constituents in gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, and infectious diseases.

Objective

The aim of the study was to compare serum protein profiles of domestic pigeons (Columba livia var. domestica) infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium (MAA), with healthy pigeons.

Methods

Serum samples were collected from 80 pigeons with clinical signs of tuberculosis, all kept in the same loft. All birds were necropsied and cultured for mycobacteriosis; positive cultures were typed for MAA by PCR reactions targeting 16S rRNA, IS901 and IS1245. The concentration of total serum proteins was determined by the biuret method and spectrophotometry. Individual protein fractions were analyzed by cellulose acetate electrophoresis and extrapolated based on total protein concentration. For statistical analysis, the infected birds were compared with healthy pigeons.

Results

A total of 37 pigeons with culture results positive for MAA were selected and allocated to 2 groups, a culture‐positive group with macroscopic lesions of tuberculosis and another without macroscopic lesions. Six protein fractions were identified: prealbumin, albumin, alpha‐1, alpha‐2, and beta globulins and gamma globulins. Concentrations of total protein, beta globulins and gamma globulins were statistically significantly higher in the infected pigeons when compared with the control group. There were no significant differences between the groups of birds with or without macroscopic lesions.

Conclusions

Statistically significant differences in total protein, and beta and gamma globulin concentrations in all infected pigeons suggest that serum protein electrophoresis represents a nonspecific but valuable indicator for tuberculosis in pigeons.
Determination of attenuation rates of recycled water disinfection by‐products in a natural reservoir system using a laboratory‐based approach
Authors: Williams M. , Page D. , Shareef A. , Toze S. , Bartkow M. , Kookana R.
Published: April 2013

A batch test approach was used to assess the in situ attenuation by natural reservoir systems of selected disinfection by‐products (DBPs). The aim was to determine which natural attenuation processes (volatilisation, photolysis and biodegradation) dominated for selected trihalomethanes (THMs) and N‐nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), common DBPs present in reclaimed water which could be used to potentially augment drinking water supplies. Attenuation rates for THMs were found to be all very similar, with half‐lives ranging from 1.5–1.6 days for open batch tests. The dominant attenuation mechanisms for THMs were volatilisation with hydrolysis and biodegradation of potentially minor importance. NDMA had a half‐life of 3.5–4.3 days for vials exposed to light. The most important attenuation mechanism for NDMA was photolysis with volatilisation and biodegradation of minor importance. The results indicate that the selected DBPs could be effectively attenuated by a natural reservoir system such as a surface water reservoir.
What is the potential of site units applied into forestry management in Slovakia to describe production of beech stands?
Authors: Bošeľa M.
Published: April 2013

A high number of site units have been recognized so far in Slovakia region. Site units are to reflect diverse ecological condition and production capability of different sites. In Slovakia, there is a huge number of management units (forest site type, management units of forest site types) and ecological site units (forest site type groups), but more detailed and objective analysis and comparison of their ecological and production properties have not been performed yet. The main aim of this paper is thusq quantification of beech growth potential in selected basic and forestry-applied site units used in Slovakia forest management. Data collected within National Forest Inventory in Slovakia (2005–2006) were used for the analysis. Regression models of mean stand diameter and mean stand height were developed. Intercept of models were compared between sites using the t-test. Site units were merged into several groups in terms of beech growth – As for the altitudinal vegetation zones, three groups were identified, in which the beech productivity was rather homogenous. 3rd, 4th, and 5th altitudinal vegetation zones were grouped into the first group. The second group (2nd AVZ) includes poorer sites at lower altitudes (low precipitation as a limiting factor) with lower beech productivity. The third group includes sites at higher altitudes (6th AVZ), where the temperature limits beech growth. In terms of soil properties, two or three groups can be recognized. The first one includes hemioligotrophic and heminitrophilous sites, while the calciphile sites showed lower beech growth potential.
Isotropic three‐dimensional MRI‐Fricke‐infused gel dosimetry
Authors: Cho Nai‐Yu , Huang Sung‐Cheng , Chung Wen‐Yuh , Guo Wan‐Yuo , Chu Woei‐Chyn
Published: April 2013

Purpose:

Fricke‐infused gel has been shown to be a simple and attainable method for the conformal measurement of absorbed radiation dose. Nevertheless, its accuracy is seriously hindered by the irreversible ferric ion diffusion during magnetic resonance imaging, particularly when three‐dimensional (3D) dose measurement in radiosurgery is considered. In this study, the authors developed a fast three‐dimensional spin‐echo based Fricke gel dosimetry technique to reduce the adverse effects of ferric ion diffusion and to obtain an accurate isotropic 3D dose measurement.

Methods:

A skull shaped phantom containing Fricke‐infused gel was irradiated using Leksell Gamma Knife. The rapid image‐based dosimetry technique was applied with the use of a 3D fast spin‐echo magnetic resonance imaging sequence. The authors mathematically derived and experimentally validated the correlations between dose‐response characteristics and parameters of the 3D fast spin‐echo MR imaging sequence. Absorbed dose profiles were assessed and compared to the calculated profiles given by the Gamma Knife treatment planning system. Coefficient of variance (CV%) and coefficient of determination (R2) were used to evaluate the precision of dose‐response curve estimation. The agreement between the measured and the planned 3D dose distributions was quantified by gamma‐index analysis of two acceptance criteria.

Results:

Proper magnetic resonance imaging parameters were explored to render an accurate three‐dimensional absorbed dose mapping with a 1 mm3 isotropic image resolution. The efficacy of the dose‐response estimation was approved by an R2 > 0.99 and an average CV% of 1.6%. Average gamma pass‐rate between the experimentally measured and GammaPlan calculated dose distributions were 83.8% and 99.7% for 2%/2 and 3%/3 mm criteria, respectively.

Conclusions:

With the designed MR imaging sequence and parameters, total 3D MR acquisition time was confined to within 20 min postirradiation, during which time ferric ion diffusion effects were negligible, thus enabling an accurate 3D radiation dose measurement.
Photon counting spectral breast CT: Effect of adaptive filtration on CT numbers, noise, and contrast to noise ratio
Authors: Silkwood Justin D. , Matthews Kenneth L. , Shikhaliev Polad M.
Published: April 2013

Purpose:

Photon counting spectral (PCS) computed tomography (CT) shows promise for breast imaging. An issue with current photon‐counting detectors is low count rate capabilities, artifacts resulting from nonuniform count rate across the field of view, and suboptimal spectral information. These issues are addressed in part by using tissue‐equivalent adaptive filtration of the x‐ray beam. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of adaptive filtration on different aspects of PCS breast CT.

Methods:

The theoretical formulation for the filter shape was derived for different filter materials and evaluated by simulation and an experimental prototype of the filter was fabricated from a tissue‐like material (acrylic). The PCS CT images of a glandular breast phantom with adipose and iodine contrast elements were simulated at 40, 60, 90, and 120 kVp tube voltages, with and without adaptive filter. The CT numbers, CT noise, and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) were compared for spectral CT images acquired with and without adaptive filters. Similar comparison was made for material‐decomposed PCS CT images.

Results:

The adaptive filter improved the uniformity of CT numbers, CT noise, and CNR in both ordinary and material decomposed PCS CT images. At the same tube output the average CT noise with adaptive filter, although uniform, was higher than the average noise without adaptive filter due to x‐ray absorption by the filter. Increasing tube output, so that average skin exposure with the adaptive filter was same as without filter, made the noise with adaptive filter comparable to or lower than that without adaptive filter. Similar effects were observed when energy weighting was applied, and when material decompositions were performed using energy selective CT data.

Conclusions:

An adaptive filter decreases count rate requirements to the photon counting detectors which enables PCS breast CT based on commercially available detector technologies. Adaptive filter also improves image quality in PCS breast CT by decreasing beam hardening artifacts and by eliminating spatial nonuniformities of CT numbers, noise, and CNR.
Interactions Between the Nucleus Accumbens and Auditory Cortices Predict Music Reward Value
Authors: Salimpoor Valorie N. , van den Bosch Iris , Kovacevic Natasa , McIntosh Anthony Randal , Dagher Alain , Zatorre Robert J.
Published: April 2013

Music Was My First Love

Why do human beings enjoy music?

Salimpoor
et al.

(p.
216
) combined behavioral economics with brain scanning to explore how a piece of music is considered rewarding to an individual when it is heard for the first time. They discovered that neural activity in the mesolimbic striatum during listening to a novel piece of music was the best predictor of the money listeners were willing to spend on buying the piece. These observations implicate sensory cortical areas in reward processing, which the authors attribute to the aesthetic nature of the judgment.
The Lower Limb and Mechanics of Walking in
Australopithecus sediba
Authors: DeSilva Jeremy M. , Holt Kenneth G. , Churchill Steven E. , Carlson Kristian J. , Walker Christopher S. , Zipfel Bernhard , Berger Lee R.
Published: April 2013

The discovery of a relatively complete
Australopithecus sediba
adult female skeleton permits a detailed locomotor analysis in which joint systems can be integrated to form a comprehensive picture of gait kinematics in this late australopith. Here we describe the lower limb anatomy of
Au. sediba
and hypothesize that this species walked with a fully extended leg and with an inverted foot during the swing phase of bipedal walking. Initial contact of the lateral foot with the ground resulted in a large pronatory torque around the joints of the foot that caused extreme medial weight transfer (hyperpronation) into the toe-off phase of the gait cycle (late pronation). These bipedal mechanics are different from those often reconstructed for other australopiths and suggest that there may have been several forms of bipedalism during the Plio-Pleistocene.
Dental Morphology and the Phylogenetic “Place” of
Australopithecus sediba
Authors: Irish Joel D. , Guatelli-Steinberg Debbie , Legge Scott S. , de Ruiter Darryl J. , Berger Lee R.
Published: April 2013

To characterize further the
Australopithecus sediba
hypodigm, we describe 22 dental traits in specimens MH1 and MH2. Like other skeletal elements, the teeth present a mosaic of primitive and derived features. The new nonmetric data are then qualitatively and phenetically compared with those in eight other African hominin samples, before cladistic analyses using a gorilla outgroup. There is some distinction, largely driven by contrasting molar traits, from East African australopiths. However,
Au. sediba
links with
Au. africanus
to form a South African australopith clade. These species present five apomorphies, including shared expressions of Carabelli’s upper first molar (UM1) and protostylid lower first molar (LM1). Five synapomorphies are also evident between them and monophyletic
Homo habilis/rudolfensis
+
H. erectus
. Finally, a South African australopith +
Homo
clade is supported by four shared derived states, including identical LM1 cusp 7 expression.
Infrared Absorption Spectrum of the Simplest Criegee Intermediate CH
2
OO
Authors: Su Yu-Te , Huang Yu-Hsuan , Witek Henryk A. , Lee Yuan-Pern
Published: April 2013

More Criegee Sightings

The reaction of ozone with unsaturated hydrocarbons produces short-lived molecules termed Criegee intermediates. The simplest such molecule, H
2
CO
2
, was recently detected and monitored in the laboratory.

Su
et al.

(p.
174
; see the Perspective by

Vereecken

) have obtained its vibrational spectrum, which could ultimately enable direct measurements of its reactivity in the atmosphere.

Taatjes
et al.

(p.
177
; see the Perspective by

Vereecken

) report on the laboratory preparation and reactivity of the next heavier Criegee intermediate, which bears a methyl group in place of one of the hydrogen atoms.
Mosaic Morphology in the Thorax of
Australopithecus sediba
Authors: Schmid Peter , Churchill Steven E. , Nalla Shahed , Weissen Eveline , Carlson Kristian J. , de Ruiter Darryl J. , Berger Lee R.
Published: April 2013

The shape of the thorax of early hominins has been a point of contention for more than 30 years. Owing to the generally fragmentary nature of fossil hominin ribs, few specimens have been recovered that have rib remains complete enough to allow accurate reassembly of thoracic shape, thus leaving open the question of when the cylindrical-shaped chest of humans and their immediate ancestors evolved. The ribs of
Australopithecus sediba
exhibit a mediolaterally narrow, ape-like upper thoracic shape, which is unlike the broad upper thorax of
Homo
that has been related to the locomotor pattern of endurance walking and running. The lower thorax, however, appears less laterally flared than that of apes and more closely approximates the morphology found in humans.
Direct Measurements of Conformer-Dependent Reactivity of the Criegee Intermediate CH
3
CHOO
Authors: Taatjes Craig A. , Welz Oliver , Eskola Arkke J. , Savee John D. , Scheer Adam M. , Shallcross Dudley E. , Rotavera Brandon , Lee Edmond P. F. , Dyke John M. , Mok Daniel K. W. , Osborn David L. , Percival Carl J.
Published: April 2013

More Criegee Sightings

The reaction of ozone with unsaturated hydrocarbons produces short-lived molecules termed Criegee intermediates. The simplest such molecule, H
2
CO
2
, was recently detected and monitored in the laboratory.

Su
et al.

(p.
174
; see the Perspective by

Vereecken

) have obtained its vibrational spectrum, which could ultimately enable direct measurements of its reactivity in the atmosphere.

Taatjes
et al.

(p.
177
; see the Perspective by

Vereecken

) report on the laboratory preparation and reactivity of the next heavier Criegee intermediate, which bears a methyl group in place of one of the hydrogen atoms.
Latency-Associated Degradation of the MRP1 Drug Transporter During Latent Human Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Weekes Michael P. , Tan Shireen Y. L. , Poole Emma , Talbot Suzanne , Antrobus Robin , Smith Duncan L. , Montag Christina , Gygi Steven P. , Sinclair John H. , Lehner Paul J.
Published: April 2013

Hide-and-Seek Virus

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) establishes latent infection in human progenitor dendritic cells, causing significant morbidity and mortality on reactivation, which may occur in transplantation patients who are immunosuppressed. Neither detection nor selective removal of rare latent HCMV-infected cells has been possible.

Weekes
et al.

(p.
199
) have found that the multidrug-resistant ABC transporter, multidrug resistance–associated protein-1 (MRP1) is down-regulated during latent HCMV infection. Consequently, cytotoxic MRP1-specific substrates are not exported from HCMV-infected cells and accumulate—leading to cell death, which could potentially provide a mechanism for eliminating infected cells prior to transplantation.
An Interferon Paradox
Authors: Odorizzi Pamela M. , Wherry E. John
Published: April 2013

Interferons must balance antiviral actions against immunosuppressive effects during acute and chronic infections.

[Also see Reports by

Wilson
et al.

and

Teijaro
et al.

]
Tissue Imaging Method Makes Everything Clear
Authors: Underwood Emily
Published: April 2013

Karl Deisseroth's new technique, CLARITY, may fundamentally change the way labs study and image the brain.
Two-Billion-Dollar Cosmic Ray Detector Sees Signs of
Something
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: April 2013

Physicists confirmed a previously reported excess of antiparticles from space that could emanate from dark matter.
The Mystery of Our Moon's Gravitational Bumps Solved?
Authors: Kerr Richard A.
Published: April 2013

A group of researchers reported how over millions of years, the moon's subtle adjustment to an impact might eventually create a high spot in the moon's bumpy gravitational field.
LIFE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES: An Expanding Color Palette for Biotechnology
Authors: Perkel Jeffrey M.
Published: April 2013

Think of any multiplexed biological technique. RT-PCR. DNA sequencing. Flow cytometry. Microscopy. All work on different principles. Yet all have one common factor: fluorescence. The ever-expanding variety of fluorescent molecules, nanoparticles, and proteins has expanded the palette, so to speak, of biological experimentation. The pages of research journals may be filled mostly with reds and greens, but today's researchers have literally dozens of hues available from which to choose. Such variety has expanded the spectrum of applications and instrumentation available to the research community. The future of fluorescence multiplexing has never seemed so, ahem, bright.
Optimized Multilocus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis Assay and Its Complementarity with Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis and Multilocus Sequence Typing for Listeria monocytogenes Clone Identification and Surveillance
Authors: Chenal-Francisque Viviane , Diancourt Laure , Cantinelli Thomas , Passet Virginie , Tran-Hykes Coralie , Bracq-Dieye Hélène , Leclercq Alexandre , Pourcel Christine , Lecuit Marc , Brisse Sylvain
Published: April 2013

Populations of the food-borne pathogen
Listeria monocytogenes
are genetically structured into a small number of major clonal groups, some of which have been implicated in multiple outbreaks. The goal of this study was to develop and evaluate an optimized multilocus variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) subtyping scheme for strain discrimination and clonal group identification. We evaluated 18 VNTR loci and combined the 11 best ones into two multiplexed PCR assays (MLVA-11). A collection of 255 isolates representing the diversity of clonal groups within phylogenetic lineages I and II, including representatives of epidemic clones, were analyzed by MLVA-11, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). MLVA-11 had less discriminatory power than PFGE, except for some clones, and was unable to distinguish some epidemiologically unrelated isolates. Yet it distinguished all major MLST clones and therefore constitutes a rapid method to identify epidemiologically relevant clonal groups. Given its high reproducibility and high throughput, MLVA represents a very attractive first-line screening method to alleviate the PFGE workload in outbreak investigations and listeriosis surveillance.
Identification of Clinical Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates among other Alpha and Nonhemolytic Streptococci by Use of the Vitek MS Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry System
Authors: Dubois Damien , Segonds Christine , Prere Marie-Françoise , Marty Nicole , Oswald Eric
Published: April 2013

Discrimination betweenStreptococcus pneumoniaeand its close relatives of the viridans group is a common difficulty in matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry-based identification. In the present study, the performances of the Vitek MS MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry system were assessed using 334 pneumococci, 166 otherS. mitisgroup streptococci, 184 non-S. mitisgroup streptococci, and 19 related alpha- and nonhemolytic aerobic Gram-positive catalase-negative coccal isolates. Pneumococci had been identified by means of optochin susceptibility and bile solubility or serotyping, and other isolates mainly by use of RapidID32 Strep strips. In case of discordant or low-discrimination results, genotypic methods were used. The sensitivity of the Vitek MS for the identification ofS. pneumoniaewas 99.1%, since only three bile-insoluble isolates were misidentified asStreptococcus mitis/Streptococcus oralis. Conversely, two optochin-resistant pneumococci were correctly identified (specificity, 100%). ThreeStreptococcus pseudopneumoniaeisolates were also correctly identified. Among nonpneumococcal isolates, 90.8% (n= 335) were correctly identified to the species or subspecies level and 2.4% (n= 9) at the group level. For the remaining 25 isolates, the Vitek MS proposed a bacterial species included in the list of possible species suggested by genotypic methods, except for 4 isolates which were not identified due to the absence of the species in the database. According to our study, the Vitek MS displays performance similar to that of the optochin susceptibility test for routine identification of pneumococcal isolates. Moreover, the Vitek MS is efficient for the identification of other viridans group streptococci and related isolates, provided that the species are included in the database.
The N Terminus of Andes Virus L Protein Suppresses mRNA and Protein Expression in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Heinemann Patrick , Schmidt-Chanasit Jonas , Günther Stephan
Published: April 2013

Little is known about the structure and function of the 250-kDa L protein of hantaviruses, although it plays a central role in virus genome transcription and replication. When attempting to study Andes virus (ANDV) L protein in mammalian cells, we encountered difficulties. Even in a strong overexpression system, ANDV L protein could not be detected by immunoblotting. Deletion analysis revealed that the 534 N-terminal amino acid residues determine the low-expression phenotype. Inhibition of translation due to RNA secondary structures around the start codon, rapid proteasomal degradation, and reduced half-life time were excluded. However, ANDV L protein expression could be rescued upon mutation of the catalytic PD-E-K motif and further conserved residues of the putative endonuclease at the N terminus of the protein. In addition, wild-type ANDV L rather than expressible L mutants suppressed the level of L mRNA, as well as reporter mRNAs. Wild-type L protein also reduced the synthesis of cellular proteins in the high-molecular-weight range. Using expressible ANDV L mutants as a tool for localization studies, we show that L protein colocalizes with ANDV N and NSs but not Gc protein. A fraction of L protein also colocalized with the cellular processing (P) body component DCP1a. Overall, these data suggest that ANDV L protein possesses a highly active endonuclease at the N terminus suppressing the level of its own as well as heterologous mRNAs upon recombinant expression in mammalian cells.
Chimeric Hemagglutinin Influenza Virus Vaccine Constructs Elicit Broadly Protective Stalk-Specific Antibodies
Authors: Krammer Florian , Pica Natalie , Hai Rong , Margine Irina , Palese Peter
Published: April 2013

Current influenza virus vaccine strategies stimulate immune responses toward the globular head domain of the hemagglutinin protein in order to inhibit key steps of the virus life cycle. Because this domain is highly variable across strains, new vaccine formulations are required in most years. Here we demonstrate a novel vaccine strategy that generates immunity to the highly conserved stalk domain by using chimeric hemagglutinin constructs that express unique head and stalk combinations. By repeatedly immunizing mice with constructs that expressed the same stalk but an irrelevant head, we specifically stimulated a stalk-directed response that provided broad-based heterologous and heterosubtypic immunity in mice. Notably, our vaccination scheme provides a universal vaccine approach that protects against challenge with an H5 subtype virus. Furthermore, through
in vivo
studies using passively transferred antibodies or depletion of CD8
+
T cells, we demonstrated the critical role that humoral mechanisms of immunity play in the protection observed. The present data suggest that a vaccine strategy based on the stalk domain of the hemagglutinin protein could be used in humans to broadly protect against a variety of influenza virus subtypes.
Structure of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus Nucleocapsid Protein in Complex with Suramin Reveals Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Jiao Lianying , Ouyang Songying , Liang Mifang , Niu Fengfeng , Shaw Neil , Wu Wei , Ding Wei , Jin Cong , Peng Yao , Zhu Yanping , Zhang Fushun , Wang Tao , Li Chuan , Zuo Xiaobing , Luan Chi-Hao , Li Dexin , Liu Zhi-Jie
Published: April 2013

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome is an emerging infectious disease caused by a novel bunyavirus (SFTSV). Lack of vaccines and inadequate therapeutic treatments have made the spread of the virus a global concern. Viral nucleocapsid protein (N) is essential for its transcription and replication. Here, we present the crystal structures of N from SFTSV and its homologs from Buenaventura (BUE) and Granada (GRA) viruses. The structures reveal that phleboviral N folds into a compact core domain and an extended N-terminal arm that mediates oligomerization, such as tetramer, pentamer, and hexamer of N assemblies. Structural superimposition indicates that phleboviral N adopts a conserved architecture and uses a similar RNA encapsidation strategy as that of RVFV-N. The RNA binding cavity runs along the inner edge of the ring-like assembly. A triple mutant of SFTSV-N, R64D/K67D/K74D, almost lost its ability to bind RNA
in vitro
, is deficient in its ability to transcribe and replicate. Structural studies of the mutant reveal that both alterations in quaternary assembly and the charge distribution contribute to the loss of RNA binding. In the screening of inhibitors Suramin was identified to bind phleboviral N specifically. The complex crystal structure of SFTSV-N with Suramin was refined to a 2.30-Å resolution. Suramin was found sitting in the putative RNA binding cavity of SFTSV-N. The inhibitory effect of Suramin on SFTSV replication was confirmed in Vero cells. Therefore, a common Suramin-based therapeutic approach targeting SFTSV-N and its homologs could be developed for containing phleboviral outbreaks.
Syndecan-1 Serves as the Major Receptor for Attachment of Hepatitis C Virus to the Surfaces of Hepatocytes
Authors: Shi Qing , Jiang Jieyun , Luo Guangxiang
Published: April 2013

Our recent studies demonstrated that apolipoprotein E mediates cell attachment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) through interactions with the cell surface heparan sulfate (HS). HS is known to covalently attach to core proteins to form heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) on the cell surface. The HSPG core proteins include the membrane-spanning syndecans (SDCs), the lycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked glypicans (GPCs), the basement membrane proteoglycan perlecan (HSPG2), and agrin. In the present study, we have profiled each of the HSPG core proteins in HCV attachment. Substantial evidence derived from our studies demonstrates that SDC1 is the major receptor protein for HCV attachment. The knockdown of SDC1 expression by small interfering RNA (siRNA)-induced gene silence resulted in a significant reduction of HCV attachment to Huh-7.5 cells and stem cell-differentiated human hepatocytes. The silence of SDC2 expression also caused a modest decrease of HCV attachment. In contrast, the siRNA-mediated knockdown of other SDCs, GPCs, HSPG2, and agrin had no effect on HCV attachment. More importantly, ectopic expression of SDC1 was able to completely restore HCV attachment to Huh-7.5 cells in which the endogenous SDC1 expression was silenced by specific siRNAs. Interestingly, mouse SDC1 is also fully functional in mediating HCV attachment when expressed in the SDC1-deficient cells, consistent with recent reports that mouse hepatocytes are also susceptible to HCV infection when expressing other key HCV receptors. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that SDC1 serves as the major receptor protein for HCV attachment to cells, providing another potential target for discovery and development of antiviral drugs against HCV.
Oral cysticercosis: a clinical dilemma
Authors: Wanjari Sangeeta Panjab , Patidar Kalpana A , Parwani Rajkumar N , Tekade Satyajitraje A
Published: April 2013

Cysticercosis is a potentially fatal parasitic disease caused by cysticercus cellulosae, the larval stage ofTaenia solium. Oral cysticercosis is a rare entity and represents difficulty in clinical diagnosis. This article reports two cases of oral cysticercosis involving buccal and labial mucosa. Both the cases presented with solitary, nodular swelling that had been clinically diagnosed as a mucocele. Histopathology of excisional biopsy revealed it to be cysticercosis. Single, cystic nodular swelling of oral cavity may be the only evidence of cysticercosis and may present first to dentist. These cases emphasise the role of dentist and thorough histopathological examination in the early diagnosis of disease that can prevent potential systemic complication.
Anaesthetic management of hip arthroplasty in an individual with trisomy 21 and Eisenmenger's syndrome
Authors: Bilak Joanna M , Saddler John
Published: April 2013

A 49-year-old man with trisomy 21 and Eisenmenger's syndrome presented for hip arthroplasty. Eisenmenger's syndrome is defined by the presence of obstructive pulmonary vascular disease secondary to long-standing left-to-right shunt causing pulmonary hypertension, eventually leading to shunt reversal in to right-to-left direction. Patients with Eisenmenger's syndrome pose a significant perioperative risk because of the physiological alterations induced by anaesthetic agents. The choice of anaesthetic technique in these patients is therefore not straightforward. A successful outcome was achieved with general anaesthesia supplemented with nerve blocks.
Capillary haemangioma of the ethmoid sinus
Authors: Lightbody Kathryn A , Wilkie Mark D , Luff David A
Published: April 2013

A middle-aged male presented with unilateral nasal blockage, reduced sense of smell and daily nosebleeds. He had a history of nasal polyps, and had undergone a left-sided polypectomy and ethmoidectomy some 10 years previously. A large polpypoid mass was visible within the right nasal cavity upon examination, with CT and MRI imaging confirming the presence of a large soft tissue abnormality with no intracranial extension. Following biopsy suggestive of angioma, the patient underwent embolisation of the mass prior to endoscopic resection. Subsequent pathology revealed the mass to be a capillary haemangioma. The man made good postoperative progress and was asymptomatic at early follow-up.
Jael syndrome: removal of a knife blade impacted in the maxillofacial region under local anaesthesia
Authors: Dominguete Paulo Roberto , Matos Bruno Figueiredo , Meyer Tufi Neder , Oliveira Lucinei Roberto
Published: April 2013

The presence of retained foreign bodies in the maxillofacial region as a consequence of penetrating injuries from knives is poorly documented in the scientific literature. This manuscript reports the case of a 30-year-old Caucasian with a knife blade lodged in the maxillofacial skeleton. Following clinical and radiographic exams, it was determined that the object had penetrated through the left nostril and nasal septum, in the direction of the right maxillary sinus, and remained impacted without causing injury to important anatomical structures. After systemic assessment and determination of the exact location of the knife blade, the object was removed in an outpatient setting under local anaesthesia. This manuscript aims to report a rare case of a transfacial penetrating injury involving a knife blade that was removed in an outpatient setting while also discussing the proper conduct and treatment options for similar cases in the context of a brief literature review.
Challenging diagnosis of a jejunal adenocarcinoma with ovarian metastasis: report of an unusual case
Authors: Huang Yang Yang , Pratt Jeremy John , Dabner Marcus , Tjhin William
Published: April 2013

We report the first documented case of ovarian metastasis from a jejunal primary adenocarcinoma in an Australian patient. The presentation was unusual, initially a suspicious abdominal nodule in the epigastric area, which turned out to be an adenocarcinoma of possible intestinal origin. Gastroscopy and colonoscopy were performed with no suspicious lesion identified. Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound imaging showed a complex pelvic mass suspicious of ovarian cancer. Laparoscopy was performed to exclude possibility of ovarian cancer and small bowel cancer. The ovarian mass showed similar features from the epigastric nodule, again suggestive of intestinal primary. Definitive diagnosis was obtained when the patient represented 2 months later with malignant bowel obstruction requiring palliative resection of the proximal jejunum. This case demonstrates the difficulty in diagnosing ovarian metastasis from a small bowel primary, which has the potential to mimic an ovarian primary tumour clinically, and a large bowel or ovarian primary pathologically.
Isolated thalamic tuberculoma presenting as ataxic hemiparesis
Authors: Sahu Ritesh , Patil Tushar B , Kori Prakash , Shukla Rakesh
Published: April 2013

Lacunar syndrome is a neurodeficit secondary to a deep cerebral lesion, usually because of microatheroma of small arteries. Ataxic hemiparesis (AH) is a lacunar syndrome with unilateral pyramidal weakness and ipsilateral ataxia. Thalamic tuberculoma, as a cause of AH, has not been previously described in the literature. We describe an elderly man who presented with left hemiparesis and ipsilateral ataxia. Clinical examination revealed upper motor neuron left facial paresis and left-sided hemiparesis. The patient had incoordination in left upper and lower limbs. Mantoux test was positive and erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated. MRI of brain showed a conglomerated hypointense lesion in the right thalamus with a peripheral hyperintensity on T1-weighted imaging and a hyperintense lesion in T2-weighted imaging with significant perilesional oedema, suggesting a tuberculoma. The patient was treated with antitubercular therapy and was symptomatically better at the 9 months follow-up.
Transethmoidal meningocele: an unusual complication of intracranial neoplasm
Authors: Singh Deepak Kumar , Singh Neha , Singh Ragini
Published: April 2013

Cranial meningoceles/encephaloceles are congenital malformations characterised by protrusion of the meninges and/or brain parenchyma because of a skull defect. Meningoceles secondary to an intracranial neoplasm have not been reported in the published literature. We report a unique case of a 42-year-old man who presented with a sudden onset of altered sensorium. Transethmoidal meningocele secondary to an intraventricular epidermoid cyst was detected on imaging.
Identification of doctors at risk of recurrent complaints: a national study of healthcare complaints in Australia
Authors: Bismark Marie M , Spittal Matthew J , Gurrin Lyle C , Ward Michael , Studdert David M
Published: April 2013

Objectives

(1) To determine the distribution of formal patient complaints across Australia's medical workforce and (2) to identify characteristics of doctors at high risk of incurring recurrent complaints.

Methods

We assembled a national sample of all 18 907 formal patient complaints filed against doctors with health service ombudsmen (‘Commissions’) in Australia over an 11-year period. We analysed the distribution of complaints among practicing doctors. We then used recurrent-event survival analysis to identify characteristics of doctors at high risk of recurrent complaints, and to estimate each individual doctor's risk of incurring future complaints.

Results

The distribution of complaints among doctors was highly skewed: 3% of Australia's medical workforce accounted for 49% of complaints and 1% accounted for a quarter of complaints. Short-term risks of recurrence varied significantly among doctors: there was a strong dose-response relationship with number of previous complaints and significant differences by doctor specialty and sex. At the practitioner level, risks varied widely, from doctors with <10% risk of further complaints within 2 years to doctors with >80% risk.

Conclusions

A small group of doctors accounts for half of all patient complaints lodged with Australian Commissions. It is feasible to predict which doctors are at high risk of incurring more complaints in the near future. Widespread use of this approach to identify high-risk doctors and target quality improvement efforts coupled with effective interventions, could help reduce adverse events and patient dissatisfaction in health systems.
Introduction of the i-gel supraglottic airway device for prehospital airway management in a UK ambulance service
Authors: Duckett Jay , Fell P , Han K , Kimber C , Taylor C
Published: April 2013

Aim

To clinically review the use of basic and advanced airway management techniques within the North East Ambulance Service National Health Service Foundation Trust (NEAS) for cardiac arrests following the introduction of the i-gel.

Method

Two retrospective clinical audits were carried out over a monthly period (May 2011 and January 2012) using electronic and paper NEAS patient records.

Results

This audit confirmed that a range of basic and/or advanced airway management techniques are being successfully used to manage the airways of cardiac arrest patients. I-gel is emerging as a popular choice for maintaining and securing the airway during prehospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Success rates for i-gel insertion are higher (94%, 92%) than endotracheal (ET) tube insertion (90%, 86%). Documentation of the airway management method was poor in 11% of the records. The Quality Improvement Officers addressed this by providing individual feedback.

Conclusions

I-gel shows a higher success rate in cardiac arrest patients compared to the ET tube. Staff who chose to use methods other than i-gel indicated this was a confidence issue when using new equipment. The re-audit indicated an upward trend in the popularity of i-gel; insertion is faster with a higher success rate, which allows the crew to progress with the other resuscitation measures more promptly. Airway soiling and aspiration beforehand have been reasons staff resort to ET intubation. It is anticipated by the authors that i-gel will emerge as the first choice of airway management device in prehospital cardiac arrests.