bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ectopic overexpression of haem oxygenase‐1 protects kidneys from carboplatin‐mediated apoptosis
Authors: Sue Yuh‐Mou , Cheng Ching‐Feng , Chou Ying , Chang Chih‐Cheng , Lee Pei‐Shan , Juan Shu‐Hui
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We previously reported that the activation of the nuclear factor of activated T‐lymphocyte‐3 (NFAT3) by carboplatin leads to renal apoptosis as a result of oxidative stress, which is reversed by N‐acetylcysteine. Herein, we extend our previous work to provide evidence of the molecular mechanisms of haem oxygenase (HO)‐1 in protecting against injury.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Protective mechanisms of HO‐1 in carboplatin‐mediated renal apoptosis were examined in C57BL/6 mice and rat renal tubular cells (RTC) with HO‐1 induction or inactivation/knockdown.

KEY RESULTS The HO‐1, induced by cobalt protoporphyrin, protected against carboplatin‐induced renal injury in vivo. This protection was decreased by an inhibitor of HO‐1 action, tin protoporphyrin. In cultures of RTC, carboplatin‐induced apoptosis was similarly affected by HO‐1 overexpression or knockdown. Carboplatin‐mediated NFAT3 activation and apoptosis involve activation of the signalling kinases, extracellular signal regulated kinase, Jun N‐terminal kinase and protein kinase C, and such activation was reversed in cells overexpressing HO‐1. Both products of the HO‐1 reaction, CO and bilirubin, inhibited (by 30–40%) NFAT3 activation and production of the pro‐apoptotic proteins Bcl‐XS/Bax. Additionally, the activation of NFκB was markedly decreased by HO‐1 induction.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS HO‐1 and its reaction products show anti‐apoptotic effects in carboplatin‐mediated renal injury. A novel functional NFAT3 binding site identified in the rat HO‐1 promoter region was involved in producing a 1.5‐fold to 2.5‐fold increase in HO‐1 induction by carboplatin. Nevertheless, only HO‐1 overexpression and activation prior to the carboplatin challenge provided protection against carboplatin‐induced injury.
Muscarinic receptor antagonists, from folklore to pharmacology; finding drugs that actually work in asthma and COPD
Authors: Moulton Bart C , Fryer Allison D
Published: December 2010

In the lungs, parasympathetic nerves provide the dominant control of airway smooth muscle with release of acetylcholine onto M3 muscarinic receptors. Treatment of airway disease with anticholinergic drugs that block muscarinic receptors began over 2000 years ago. Pharmacologic data all indicated that antimuscarinic drugs should be highly effective in asthma but clinical results were mixed. Thus, with the discovery of effective β‐adrenergic receptor agonists the use of muscarinic antagonists declined. Lack of effectiveness of muscarinic antagonists is due to a variety of factors including unwanted side effects (ranging from dry mouth to coma) and the discovery of additional muscarinic receptor subtypes in the lungs with sometimes competing effects. Perhaps the most important problem is ineffective dosing due to poorly understood differences between routes of administration and no effective way of testing whether antagonists block receptors stimulated physiologically by acetylcholine. Newer muscarinic receptor antagonists are being developed that address the problems of side effects and receptor selectivity that appear to be quite promising in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on Respiratory Pharmacology. To view the other articles in this issue visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue‐1
Hydrogen sulphide and angiogenesis: mechanisms and applications
Authors: Szabó Csaba , Papapetropoulos Andreas
Published: December 2010

In vascular tissues, hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is mainly produced from L‐cysteine by the cystathionine gamma‐lyase (CSE) enzyme. Recent studies show that administration of H2S to endothelial cells in culture stimulates cell proliferation, migration and tube formation. In addition, administration of H2S to chicken chorioallantoic membranes stimulates blood vessel growth and branching. Furthermore, in vivo administration of H2S to mice stimulates angiogenesis, as demonstrated in the Matrigel plug assay. Pathways involved in the angiogenic response of H2S include the PI‐3K/Akt pathway, the mitogen activated protein kinase pathway, as well as ATP‐sensitive potassium channels. Indirect evidence also suggests that the recently demonstrated role of H2S as an inhibitor of phosphodiesterases may play an additional role in its pro‐angiogenic effect. The endogenous role of H2S in the angiogenic response has been demonstrated in the chicken chorioallantoic membranes, in endothelial cells in vitro and ex vivo. Importantly, the pro‐angiogenic effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (but not of fibroblast growth factor) involves the endogenous production of H2S. The pro‐angiogenic effects of H2S are also apparent in vivo: in a model of hindlimb ischaemia‐induced angiogenesis, H2S induces a marked pro‐angiogenic response; similarly, in a model of coronary ischaemia, H2S exerts angiogenic effects. Angiogenesis is crucial in the early stage of wound healing. Accordingly, topical administration of H2S promotes wound healing, whereas genetic ablation of CSE attenuates it. Pharmacological modulation of H2S‐mediated angiogenic pathways may open the door for novel therapeutic approaches.

LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed issue on Vascular Endothelium in Health and Disease. To view the other articles in this issue visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.164.issue‐3
Antagonist interaction with the human 5‐HT7receptor mediates the rapid and potent inhibition of non‐G‐protein‐stimulated adenylate cyclase activity: a novel GPCR effect
Authors: Klein MT , Teitler M
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe human 5‐hydroxytryptamine7(h5‐HT7) receptor is Gs‐coupled and stimulates the production of the intracellular signalling molecule cAMP. Previously, we reported a novel property of the h5‐HT7receptor: pseudo‐irreversible antagonists irreversibly inhibit forskolin‐stimulated (non‐receptor‐mediated) cAMP production. Herein, we sought to determine if competitive antagonists also affect forskolin‐stimulated activity and if this effect is common among other Gs‐coupled receptors.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHRecombinant cell lines expressing h5‐HT7receptors or other receptors of interest were briefly exposed to antagonists; cAMP production was then stimulated by forskolin and quantified by an immunocompetitive assay.

KEY RESULTSIn human embryonic kidney 293 cells stably expressing h5‐HT7receptors, all competitive antagonists inhibited nearly 100% of forskolin‐stimulated cAMP production. This effect was insensitive to pertussis toxin, that is, not Gi/o‐mediated. Potency to inhibit forskolin‐stimulated activity strongly correlated with h5‐HT7binding affinity (r2= 0.91), indicating that the antagonists acted through h5‐HT7receptors to inhibit forskolin. Potency and maximal effects of clozapine, a prototypical competitive h5‐HT7antagonist, were unaffected by varying forskolin concentration. Antagonist interaction with h5‐HT6, human β1, β2, and β3adrenoceptors did not inhibit forskolin's activity.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSThe inhibition of adenylate cyclase, as measured by forskolin's activity, is an underlying property of antagonist interaction with h5‐HT7receptors; however, this is not a common property of other Gs‐coupled receptors. This phenomenon may be involved in the roles played by h5‐HT7receptors in human physiology. Development of h5‐HT7antagonists that do not elicit this effect would aid in the elucidation of its mechanisms and shed light on its possible physiological relevance.
Update on neuropathies associated with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (2008–2010)
Authors: Nobile‐Orazio Eduardo
Published: December 2010

Studies on paraproteinemic neuropathies have appeared in the last 2 years improving the diagnosis of these neuropathies, clarifying their pathogenesis, and informing practice by randomized clinical trial publications. Two recent randomized controlled trials with rituximab failed to provide evidence of efficacy in primary outcome measures, despite the fact that anti‐myelin‐associated glycoprotein (MAG) antibodies were reduced in most treated patients. This discrepancy, besides inducing the search for more effective therapy for this neuropathy, indicates that some aspects on the pathogenesis of this neuropathy probably need further clarification.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy disease activity status: recommendations for clinical research standards and use in clinical practice
Authors: Gorson Kenneth C. , van Schaik Ivo N. , Merkies Ingemar S. J. , Lewis Richard A. , Barohn Richard J. , Koski Carol L. , Cornblath David R. , Hughes Richard A. C. , Hahn Angelika F. , Baumgarten Mona , Goldstein Jonathan , Katz Jonathan , Graves Michael , Parry Gareth , van Doorn Pieter A.
Published: December 2010

Defining long‐term outcomes in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) has been complicated by varying definitions of treatment response and differing scales measuring impairment or disability. An expert panel was convened to devise a CIDP Disease Activity Status (CDAS) and to classify long‐term outcome by applying it to 106 patients with a consensus diagnosis of CIDP. Sixty of these cases were graded blindly by three independent reviewers to assess inter‐rater reliability. The mean duration of follow‐up was 6.4 years (range, 3 months–23 years). Eleven percent of patients were classified as cured (stable examination and off treatment for ≥5 years), 20% were in remission (stable and off treatment for <5 years), 44% had stable active disease but required ongoing therapy for at least 1 year, 7% were improving after recent initiation of therapy, and 18% had unstable active disease (treatment naïve or treatment refractory). Excellent inter‐rater reliability was observed (kappa scores: 0.93–0.97; p < 0.0001). The CDAS is considered a simple and reproducible tool to classify patients with CIDP according to disease activity and treatment status that can be applied easily in practice and potentially to select patients for clinical trials.
Measures of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review of psychometric properties
Authors: Griffith Kathleen A. , Merkies Ingemar S. J. , Hill Elizabeth E. , Cornblath David R.
Published: December 2010

Chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) remains the principal dose‐limiting toxicity of many agents. This systematic review evaluates available CIPN measures and provides rationale for selection of measures in this field. Searches of Medline (1966–2010), CINAHL (1966–2010), Embase (1966–2010), and Cochrane (1988–2010) databases were performed. To be selected, studies had to include (1) subjects receiving peripheral neurotoxic chemotherapy for cancer and (2) a primary purpose of psychometric evaluation of CIPN measures. A modified Quality of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) tool coded psychometric study quality, with 0–7 score overall possible (higher score indicating better quality). A total of 15 studies qualified for evaluation. Overall studies were of moderate quality, with 10 of 15 receiving a 4–5 QUADAS score. Averaged quality scores for two repeatedly studied measures, Total Neuropathy Score (TNS) versions and Functional Assessment of Cancer‐Gynecologic Oncology Group, neurotoxicity (FACT/GOG‐Ntx), were 5.4 and 4.5, respectively. Two measures emerged as potentially useful for clinical trials and patient care. The FACT/GOG‐Ntx is a subjective measure of CIPN‐related quality of life (QoL). TNS clinical versions incorporate both subjective measures and objective examinations of nerve function. However, to improve QUADAS scoring, additional research is needed focusing on other psychometric aspects such as responsiveness of CIPN outcome measures.
Distribution of Th17 cells and Th1 cells in peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
Authors: Chi Li Jun , Xu Wan Hai , Zhang Zong Wen , Huang Hui Tao , Zhang Li Ming , Zhou Jin
Published: December 2010

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is an immune‐mediated demyelinating disease of the peripheral nervous system. Th17 and Th1 cells contribute to the pathogenesis of most autoimmune diseases, but little is known about their distribution and reciprocal relationship in CIDP. In this study, we analyzed the distribution of Th17, Th1, and Th17/Th1 cells in the peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The results showed that the frequency of Th17 cells was significantly higher in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMCs) and CSF of active CIDP in comparison with remitting CIDP or to other non‐inflammatory neurological diseases (ONDs), accompanied by similar findings for Th17/Th1 cells. Both active and remitting CIDP have higher percentage of Th1 cells in the CSF than OND. CSF protein levels positively correlated with the frequencies of Th17 cells either in the PBMCs or CSF of active CIDP, while there was no significant correlation with Th1 cells. In line with these observations, the levels of interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) in plasma and transcript factors retinoic acid receptor‐related orphan receptor (ROR)γt expressed by PBMCs were significantly higher in the active CIDP than remitting CIDP or OND. In summary, our preliminary findings suggest that elevated numbers of inflammatory T cells, especially for Th17 cells, might be an important determinant in the evolution of CIDP.
On the longevity of resident endoneurial macrophages in the peripheral nervous system: a study of physiological macrophage turnover in bone marrow chimeric mice
Authors: Müller Marcus , Leonhard Christine , Krauthausen Marius , Wacker Karin , Kiefer Reinhard
Published: December 2010

Macrophages are intimately involved in the pathogenesis of peripheral nervous system (PNS) disorders. Recently, we characterized a resident endoneurial macrophage population, which contributes rapidly to the endoneurial macrophage response in PNS diseases. Unlike microglial cells, resident macrophages undergo a physiological turnover of 50% in the sciatic nerve and 80% in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) within 12 weeks. Further information about the dynamics of this turnover is not available. This study examined the macrophage turnover in the sciatic nerve and DRGs over a longer period and addresses the question whether the turnover of resident macrophages is complete or whether there is a truly resident endoneurial macrophage population. We used chimeric mice carrying GFP+ bone marrow and immunohistochemistry to detect hematogenous (GFP+) endoneurial macrophages after turnover. Non‐exchanged, resident macrophages were GFP−. Quantification of GFP+ and GFP− macrophages revealed a maximal turnover of 75%, reached in DRGs after 12 weeks and in sciatic nerves after 36 weeks. GFP− long‐term resident macrophages were further characterized after sciatic nerve injury, where they participated in the early macrophage response of Wallerian degeneration. Our results point toward a small but truly resident PNS macrophage population. These macrophages are an interesting target for further characterization and might have a distinct role in peripheral nerve disease.
Imaging in vivo Neuronal Transport in Genetic Model Organisms Using Microfluidic Devices
Authors: Mondal Sudip , Ahlawat Shikha , Rau Kaustubh , Venkataraman V. , Koushika Sandhya P.
Published: December 2010

Microfluidic devices have been developed for imaging behavior and various cellular processes in Caenorhabditis elegans, but not subcellular processes requiring high spatial resolution. In neurons, essential processes such as axonal, dendritic, intraflagellar and other long‐distance transport can be studied by acquiring fast time‐lapse images of green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐tagged moving cargo. We have achieved two important goals in such in vivo studies namely, imaging several transport processes in unanesthetized intact animals and imaging very early developmental stages. We describe a microfluidic device for immobilizing C. elegans and Drosophila larvae that allows imaging without anesthetics or dissection. We observed that for certain neuronal cargoes in C. elegans, anesthetics have significant and sometimes unexpected effects on the flux. Further, imaging the transport of certain cargo in early developmental stages was possible only in the microfluidic device. Using our device we observed an increase in anterograde synaptic vesicle transport during development corresponding with synaptic growth. We also imaged Q neuroblast divisions and mitochondrial transport during early developmental stages of C. elegans and Drosophila, respectively. Our simple microfluidic device offers a useful means to image high‐resolution subcellular processes in C. elegans and Drosophila and can be readily adapted to other transparent or translucent organisms.
Quasi-periodic oscillations in XTE J1550−564: the rms–flux relation
Authors: Heil L. M. , Vaughan S. , Uttley P.
Published: December 2010

We present an analysis of the short time-scale variations in the properties of the strong (type ‘C’) quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) observed in XTE J1550−564 during its 1998 outburst. In particular, the QPO shows a correlation between absolute rms amplitude and mean source flux over time-scales shorter than ∼3 ks. A linear rms–flux relation has been observed to be a common property of broad-band noise, but here we report the first detection of rms–flux dependence in a QPO. The gradient of the rms–flux relation is correlated with the QPO peak frequency: from a strong positive correlation when the QPO peak frequency is below ∼4 Hz, through no correlation, to a strong negative correlation when the peak frequency is above 6 Hz. This is the first time a negative short term rms–flux relation has been observed in any component of the power spectrum. Previous work on both the broad-band noise and QPOs in a range of sources have suggested the presence of a filter reducing the amplitude of QPOs with increasing frequency. We attempt to remove the possible effects of this filter and find that the previously negative rms–flux relations above ∼5 Hz become constant.
Upstream thinking and health promotion planning for older adults at risk of social isolation
Authors: Wilson Donna M. , Harris Ashley , Hollis Vivien , Mohankumar Deepthi
Published: December 2010

wilson d.m., harris a., hollis v. & mohankumar d. (2010) Upstream thinking and health promotion planning for older adults at risk of social isolation. International Journal of Older People Nursing6, 282–288 doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2010.00259.x

Aims and objectives.  To raise awareness of social isolation, and provide an approach to first conceptualise and then prevent social isolation among older community‐dwelling persons.

Background.  Older adults comprise a vulnerable population for social isolation and its associated health risks.

Design.  Literature review.

Methods.  Canada’s Population Health Promotion Model was chosen as a comprehensive tool to understand and prevent social isolation. Research studies were sought to identify key health determinants and evidence‐based options for preventing social isolation.

Results.  Around 1 out of 6 older persons are socially isolated and three health determinants are of prime importance: (i) income and social status; (ii) personal health practices and coping skills and (iii) social support networks. Evidence‐based interventions targeted to these health determinants are suggested.

Conclusion.  Nurses are a key group to advocate for actions needed to prevent social isolation.

Implications for practice.  Nurses can play a vital role in minimising social isolation through a variety of educational, prevention and political lobbying activities.
A New Eusauropod Dinosaur from the Lower Cretaceous of Guangxi Province, Southern China
Authors: Jinyou MO , Xing XU , BUFFETAUT Eric
Published: December 2010

A new sauropod dinosaur,Liubangosaurus heigen. et sp. nov., is erected based on a specimen represented by five articulated middle‐caudal dorsal vertebrae, which was discovered in the Lower Cretaceous Napai Formation of Guangxi Province, southern China. This new taxon is diagnosed by a unique combination of derived features: prezygapophysis closely contacts with parapophysis, with the prdl and prpl absent; presence of cavity on the dorsal surface of the diapophysis; neural spine very low, with its distal end level with that of diapophysis; distal end of the neural spine strongly expanded laterally to form a platform; marked fossa formed between the infradiapophyseal lamina and the parapophysis; broad, flat area of featureless bone on lateral surface of neural arch; vertically directed infradiapophyseal lamina expands or bifurcates ventrally to form a inverted “Y”; highly positioned parapophyses large and tear‐drop in shape. The discovery of this new taxon increases the diversity of sauropods in China during the Early Cretaceous.
A New Basal Sauropod Dinosaur from the Lufeng Basin, Yunnan Province, Southwestern China
Authors: Junchang LÜ , KOBAYASHI Yoshitsugu , Tianguang LI , Shimin ZHONG
Published: December 2010

A new dinosaur Chuxiongosaurus lufengensis gen. et sp. nov. is erected based on a nearly complete skull. The taxon is characterized by the lacrimal perpendicular to the ventral margin of the upper jaw, which is similar to that of Thecodontosaurus; a depression present on the dorsal profile of the snout behind the naris; the rostral profile of the maxilla slopes continuously towards the rostral tip; and the presence of 25 dentary teeth. It also displays prosauropod characters such as a relatively long skull, the slope of the maxillary rostral profile, and teeth that do not have basically constricted crowns. The new specimen is more basal than Anchisaurus and represents the first basal sauropod dinosaur from the Early Jurassic of China.
Late Tremadoc and Early Floian Graptolites from Central Hunan, China
Authors: Ming LI , Hongzhen FENG , Xinxin JI , Lixia LI
Published: December 2010

Fourteen graptolite species of the Late Tremadoc and Early Floian are described from the Nanba section in the Yiyang area, Hunan Province. Among them, Paradelograptus onubensis, Kiaerograptus bulmani, K. kutchini and Paratemnograptus isolatus of the Late Tremadoc are first found in China. Based on the current graptolite materials, the correspondingly complete graptolite zones of Upper Tremadocian in China are recognized as follows (in ascending order): the Adelograptus tenellus Zone, the Aorograptus victoriae Zone, the Araneograptus murrayi Zone and the Hunnegraptus copiosus Zone. In the Nanba section, the Hunnegraptus copiosus Zone is overlain directly by the Tetragraptus approximates Zone, there is no hiatus below the base of Floian.
Bayan Obo Carbonatites: Texture Evidence from Polyphase Intrusive and Extrusive Carbonatites
Authors: Kaiyi WANG , Hongrui FAN , Kuifeng YANG , Fangfang HU , Yuguang MA
Published: December 2010

Most of the so‐called Bayan Obo fine‐grained dolomite marbles collected from the main and east orebodies show a microporphyritic texture, namely the microphenocrysts are set in a very finegrained matrix, although nearly all of them have undergone recrystallization caused either by deformation or alteration. The texture seems likely to have maintained the original features. It is known that one of the most characteristic textures of volcanic rocks is the porphyritic texture, and the microporphyritic texture is a variety in which both the phenocrysts and the matrix are only distinguishable with the microscope. Therefore, the dolomite marbles in the main and east orebodies may be related to the extrusive carbonatites. In addition, there also occur some carbonatite sills and dykes with different textures at Bayan Obo. Thus, the Bayan Obo carbonatites are polyphase intrusive and extrusive carbonatites.
Regional Metallogenesis of the Chang'an Gold Ore Deposit in Western Yunnan: Evidences from Fluid Inclusions and Stable Isotopes
Authors: Yue CHEN , Junlai LIU , Dung TRAN My , Yongchao LI , Mingming BING
Published: December 2010

The Chang'an gold ore deposit in western Yunnan is located at the southern segment of the Ailaoshan metallogenic belt. The ore bodies are preserved in fractured Ordovician sedimentary clastic rocks. The gold‐bearing minerals occur dominantly in sulfide‐quartz veins. Fluid inclusion analysis shows that the Chang'an gold ore deposit is characterized by epithermal gold mineralization at temperatures between 200°C and 280°C at a shallow crustal level. The mineralizing fluids have intermediate to low salinity (6%–18%) and low densities (0.72–1.27 g/cm3). The ore minerals have δ34S in a range from −13‰ to 3.57‰, concentrated from −2.06‰ to 3.57‰ with an average of 1.55‰. The 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204pb and 208pb/204pb values are 18.9977–19.5748, 15.7093–15.784, 39.3814–40.2004 respectively. These isotope data suggest that the ore‐forming elements were mainly derived from mixed crustal and mantle sources. The Chang'an gold ore deposit and Tongchang Cu‐Mo deposit are closely related to each other in their spatial distribution and age of formation. They have similar sources of mineralizing elements and identical ore‐forming metal elements, and show a close relationship in physical and chemical conditions of mineralization. The two deposits constitute an epithermal‐porphyry‐skarn type Cu‐Mo‐Au mineralization system in the Tongchang‐Chang'an area, which is related to the Cenozoic high‐K alkaline magmatism.
Red Clay Type Gold Deposits in China
Authors: Xiang SUN , Jun DENG , Qingfei WANG , Qingjie GONG , Liqiang YANG , Changming WANG
Published: December 2010

Red clay type gold deposits, located in the south of China, are situated not only in orogenic belts, but also in inner cratons, where climate is tropical‐subtropical with clear arid and humid. The lateritic weathering crust often can be divided into five zones, including topsoil, siliceous duricrust zone, multi‐color zone (or red clay zone in some deposits), pallid zone and saprolite zone from surface to the base rock, several of which are absent in some deposits. The base rocks are composed mainly of carbonate rocks with minor clastic rocks, intermediate‐basic volcanic rocks and intermediate‐acid and alkalic intrusions. The orebodies are mainly located in the multi‐color zone with part of them in the pallid and saprolite zones. The ore sources include orebodies of Carlin‐type gold deposits and porphyry gold deposits, as well as gold‐rich base rocks. The red clay type gold deposits experienced early‐stage endogenic gold mineralization and laterization during the Tertiary and Quaternary. The areas with endogenic gold deposits, especially Carlin‐type gold deposits and porphyry gold deposits in karst depressions on the plateau, structual erosional platforms in the middle‐lower mountains, and intermountain basins in southern China are well worth studying to trace red clay type gold deposits.
Geochemistry of the Eocene Felsic Porphyric Rocks and High‐Mg Potassic Rocks along JARSZ: Implication for the Tectonic Evolution in Eastern Tibet
Authors: Jianlin CHEN , Jifeng XU , Baodi WANG , Zhiqiang KANG
Published: December 2010

Eocene felsic porphyric rocks and the high‐Mg potassic volcanic rocks (HMPR) occur along the Jinshajiang‐Ailao Shan‐Red River shear zone (JARSZ) in eastern Tibet. Compared with the HMPR, which are generally believed to be sourced from an enriched mantle, the felsic porphyric rocks show similar K2O contents, enrichment in LREE and LILE, particularly radiogenic isotope (e.g. Sr and Nd) features much similar to the former, implying generation of the felsic porphyric rocks most likely related to the HMPR, although they both have clearly different major and trace element compositions. The close relationship in spatial‐temporal distribution and similar Sr‐Nd characteristics between the felsic porphyric rocks and HMPR in eastern Tibet indicate that both of them were possibly formed by a similar tectonic process (event). Combining the basic dikes in southern and eastern Tibet, we suggest that the break‐off of north‐dipping Neo‐Tethyan slab in southern Tibet during 50–40 Ma, triggered formation of high‐Mg potassic magma. This led to developing felsic porphyric magma production by partial melting of underplating HMPR in the lower crust, or fractionation crystallization of the high‐Mg potassic magmas. The break‐off of slab in the Eocene may also have contributed to the abundant ore‐forming material related to earlier subduction events, resulting in formation of the porphyric deposits along JARSZ in eastern Tibet.
Chronology and Geochemistry of the Nadingcuo Volcanic Rocks in the Southern Qiangtang Region of the Tibetan Plateau: Partial Melting of Remnant Ocean Crust along the Bangong‐Nujiang Suture
Authors: Baodi WANG , Jianlin CHEN , Jifeng XU , Liquan WANG , Qinggao ZENG , Yanhui DONG
Published: December 2010

The Nadingcuo high‐K calc‐alkaline rocks mainly composed of trachyte and trachyandesite are the largest outcrop area of volcanic rocks in southern Qiangtang terrane in the Tibetan plateau. However, their exact source and peterogenesis are still debated. 40Ar‐39Ar and LAM‐ICPMS zircon U‐Pb isotopic dating confirm that these rocks erupted in Eocene. In addition, the Nadingcuo volcanic rocks are characterized by high Sr/Y content ratios, similar with the adakite derived from partial melting of oceanic crust. They can be further classified as high Mg# (Mg#= 48–57) and low Mg# (Mg#= 33–42) subtypes. The Nadingcuo adakitic rocks have relatively low (87Sr/86Sr)i and high εNd(t), showing a trend of similarity to the Dongcuo ophiolite present in the Bangong‐Nujiang oceanic crust. Simple modeling indicates that the Nadingcuo adakitic rocks are a mix resulting from the basalt of Bangong‐Nujiang Ocean with 10%–20% crustal material of Lhasa terrane. On these bases we suggest that the low Mg# Nadingcuo adakitic rocks are the product of partial melting of remnant oceanic crust with small sediment, and the high Mg# rocks are the result of reaction between rising melt of remnant oceanic crust with subducted sediment and mantle wedge. Therefore, the origin of Nadingcuo adakitic rocks may be related to intracontinental subduction triggered by collision of India‐Asia during Cenozoic.
Chronology, Geochemistry and Tectonic Settings of the Hadamiao Granodiorite on the Northern Margin of the North China Platform
Authors: Baiwu HAO
Published: December 2010

The Hadamiao granodiorite, located on the northern margin of the North China platform and acting as the country rock of gold deposits in the Hadamiao region, was formed in the same age and similar tectonic settings with the Hadamiao gold deposit and the large‐scale Bilihe gold deposit in the same area. By using the LA‐ICP‐MS method, the U‐Pb age obtained is 267±1.3 Ma, which represents the crystallized age of the granodiorite, and that of the xenolithic zircon is 442.8±5 Ma. Base on the main elements, it exhibits the features of calc‐alkaline to high‐potassium calc‐alkaline series, low silicon, and quasi‐aluminous I‐type granites, and with high magnesium (Mg#=0.45–0.57) and high sodium contents (Na2O/K2O=0.98–2.29). The SREE values (81.6–110.15 ppm) are relatively low, the fractionations between LREE and HREE are obvious, showing a right‐inclined dispersion in the REE distribution diagram. Compared with the primitive mantle, the rock is relatively rich in LREE (La and Ce), LILE (K, Sr, and Th), and intensively depleted in HFSE (Ti, P, Nb and Ta). The ratios of Sr/Y and (La/Yb)N and the contents of Rb, Nb and Y are relatively low, the Sr values are high (436.35–567.26 ppm), and the Yb contents of most samples are low (1.25–1.8), which indicate the features of typical continental margin arc and adakitic rocks. According to the values of εNd(t) (–2.4 to +0.2) and ISr (0.7028–0.7083), and variations of the La/Sm ratios, the Hadamiao granodiorite was formed from mixing of the thickened molten lower crust and the mantle wedge substances. The rock was related to the southward subduction and accretion of the Paleo‐Asia Ocean in the Late Paleozoic, being Late Paleozoic magma of the continental margin arc formed on the basement of the Early Paleozoic accretion complexes, and showing a trend of turning into adakitic rocks, which indicates their great metallogenic (Au) potential.
Spatial Variations in Particle Size and Magnetite Concentration on Cedar Beach: Implications for Grain‐Sorting Processes, Western Lake Erie, Canada
Authors: Shuwei ZHANG , CIOPPA Maria T. , Shihong ZHANG
Published: December 2010

This study examined spatial variations in the concentration, grain size and heavy mineral assemblages on Cedar Beach (Lake Erie, Canada). Magnetic studies of heavy mineral‐enriched, dark‐reddish sands present on the beach showed that magnetite (~150 μm) is the dominant magnetic mineral. Surficial magnetic susceptibility values defined three zones: a lakeward region close to the water line (Zone 1), the upper swash zone (Zone 2) and the region landwards of the upper swash zone (Zone 3). Zone 2 showed the highest bulk and mass susceptibility (κ, χ) and the highest mass percentage of smaller grain‐size (<250 μm) fractions in the bulk sand sample. Susceptibility (i.e. κ and χ) values decreased and grain size coarsened from Zone 2 lakewards (into Zone 1) and landwards (into Zone 3), and correlated with the distribution of the heavy mineral assemblage, most probably reflecting preferential separation of large, less dense particles by waves and currents both along and across the beach. The eroded western section of Cedar Beach showed much higher concentrations of heavy minerals including magnetite, and finer sand grain sizes than the accreting eastern section, suggesting that magnetic techniques could be used as a rapid, cost‐effective way of examining erosion along sensitive coastline areas.
Safety and Immunogenicity of Coadministering a Combined Meningococcal Serogroup C and
Haemophilus influenzae
Type b Conjugate Vaccine with 7-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine and Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine at 12 Months of Age
Authors: Miller Elizabeth , Andrews Nick , Waight Pauline , Findlow Helen , Ashton Lindsey , England Anna , Stanford Elaine , Matheson Mary , Southern Joanna , Sheasby Elizabeth , Goldblatt David , Borrow Ray
Published: December 2010

The coadministration of the combined meningococcal serogroup C conjugate (MCC)/
Haemophilus influenzae
type b (Hib) vaccine with pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine at 12 months of age was investigated to assess the safety and immunogenicity of this regimen compared with separate administration of the conjugate vaccines. Children were randomized to receive MCC/Hib vaccine alone followed 1 month later by PCV7 with MMR vaccine or to receive all three vaccines concomitantly. Immunogenicity endpoints were MCC serum bactericidal antibody (SBA) titers of ≥8, Hib-polyribosylribitol phosphate (PRP) IgG antibody concentrations of ≥0.15 μg/ml, PCV serotype-specific IgG concentrations of ≥0.35 μg/ml, measles and mumps IgG concentrations of >120 arbitrary units (AU)/ml, and rubella IgG concentrations of ≥11 AU/ml. For safety assessment, the proportions of children with erythema, swelling, or tenderness at site of injection or fever or other systemic symptoms for 7 days after immunization were compared between regimens. No adverse consequences for either safety or immunogenicity were demonstrated when MCC/Hib vaccine was given concomitantly with PCV and MMR vaccine at 12 months of age or separately at 12 and 13 months of age. Any small differences in immunogenicity were largely in the direction of a higher response when all three vaccines were given concomitantly. For systemic symptoms, there was no evidence of an additive effect; rather, any differences between schedules showed benefit from the concomitant administration of all three vaccines, such as lower overall proportions with postvaccination fevers. The United Kingdom infant immunization schedule now recommends that these three vaccines may be offered at one visit at between 12 and 13 months of age.
Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis Genotyping of Taylorella equigenitalis Isolates Collected in the United States from 1978 to 2010
Authors: Aalsburg Alan M. , Erdman Matthew M.
Published: December 2010

Taylorella equigenitalis
is the etiologic agent of contagious equine metritis (CEM), a venereal disease of horses. A total of 82 strains of
T. equigenitalis
isolated in the United States were analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) after digestion of genomic DNA with restriction enzyme ApaI. Twenty-eight of those strains isolated from horses in the 2009 U.S. outbreak (CEM09) were further analyzed with NotI and NaeI enzymes. When ApaI alone was used for analysis, the 82 isolates clustered into 15 different genotypes that clearly defined groups of horses with known epidemiological connections. The PFGE profiles of the CEM09 isolates were indistinguishable after digestion with ApaI, NotI, and NaeI and did not match those of isolates from previous U.S. outbreaks in 1978 and 2006 or of any other isolate from the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) culture library. Coupled with the fact that the CEM09 isolates are epidemiologically related, these results suggest a common source for the outbreak not linked to previous occurrences of CEM in the United States.
Extraction of MS2 Phage RNA from Upper Respiratory Tract Specimens by Use of Flat Glass Devices
Authors: Nanassy Oliver Z. , Haydock Paul , Beck Nicola , Barker Lynn M. , Hargrave Perry , Gestwick Daniel , Lindsey Wesley C. , Reed Michael W. , Meschke J. Scott
Published: December 2010

The isolation of pure nucleic acids from clinical samples is a crucial step in the molecular diagnosis of viral infections by nucleic acid testing (NAT). In this study, novel flat glass devices (cards) were demonstrated to support the rapid and efficient extraction of nucleic acids from upper respiratory tract specimens (nasal washes and swabs). The performance of the nucleic acid extraction cards was directly compared to an existing standardized and automated platform for viral extraction from these types of specimens. The flowthrough card method improved the speed of nucleic acid purification and accommodated larger sample volumes in extraction of bacteriophage MS2 RNA from the various specimen matrices. The dynamic range and estimated sensitivity of the card extraction method for reverse transcriptase quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR)-based detection approximate those of the standardized magnetic glass bead extraction method used in this study.
Unapparent Microsporidial Infection among Immunocompetent Humans in the Czech Republic
Authors: Sak Bohumil , Brady Daniel , Pelikánová Markéta , Květoňová Dana , Rost Michael , Kostka Martin , Tolarová Věra , Hůzová Zuzana , Kváč Martin
Published: December 2010

In the present population-based study, we determined the prevalences of the most common human-pathogenic microsporidia,Encephalitozoonspp. andEnterocytozoon bieneusi, in asymptomatic healthy people living in the Czech Republic. A total of 382 males and females (ages, 1 to 84 years) living in the Czech Republic, of whom 265 were Czech nationals and 117 were foreign students, were included in a study testing for the presence of microsporidia by use of coprology and molecular methods. Single-species infections withEnterocytozoon bieneusior anEncephalitozoonsp. were detected for 9 and 136 individuals, respectively. Moreover, coinfections were detected for 14 individuals. Four genotypes of 3 human-pathogenicEncephalitozoonspp. and 7E. bieneusigenotypes, including 3 novel genotypes, were detected. Some of these were reported in humans for the first time. The highest prevalence was recorded for individuals older than 50 years and for loose, unformed stool samples. These findings clearly show that exposure to microsporidia is common among immunocompetent people and that microsporidiosis is not linked to any clinical manifestation in healthy populations.
Incidence and Epidemiology of Streptococcus pseudoporcinus in the Genital Tract
Authors: Stoner Kevin A. , Rabe Lorna K. , Austin Michele N. , Meyn Leslie A. , Hillier Sharon L.
Published: December 2010

Streptococcus pseudoporcinus
, a beta-hemolytic microorganism first isolated from the female gastrourinary tract in 2006, cross-reacts with serogrouping kits for group B
Streptococcus
(GBS) and could be misidentified in the laboratory. The epidemiologic characteristics of this species have not been reported previously, but this organism is thought to be rare. Paired vaginal and rectal samples were collected from 663 nonpregnant women enrolled in a phase II clinical vaccine trial of a GBS type III capsular polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine, and isolates initially identified as
S. pseudoporcinus
were collected for further testing. A total of 120 isolates of
S. pseudoporcinus
were recovered from 36 unique individuals with 5.4% of 663 women having this organism recovered at least once during follow-up. All of these isolates cross-reacted with a commercially available GBS serogrouping kit. Women colonized with isolates confirmed as
S. pseudoporcinus
by genotypic and phenotypic methodologies were compared to women who were not colonized to determine whether there were any significant factors associated with acquisition of
S. pseudoporcinus
. Acquisition of
S. pseudoporcinus
vaginally and/or rectally was 36 per 846.0 women-years of follow-up for an annual incidence of 4 per 100 woman-years of follow-up. Acquisition of
S. pseudoporcinus
was independently associated with black women, being 30 to 40 years of age, recent
Trichomonas vaginalis
infection, primary or recurrent genital herpes, having bacterial vaginosis by Nugent criteria, and having had two or more male sexual partners since the last visit. This study suggests that
S. pseudoporcinus
is not rare, especially among black women, and could be misidentified as GBS.
Reassessment of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Phenotype
Authors: Carmody Lisa A. , Spilker Theodore , LiPuma John J.
Published: December 2010

Standard microbiology references describe
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
as oxidase negative and variable with respect to utilization of lactose and sucrose. Analysis of a collection of 766
S. maltophilia
isolates indicated that approximately 20% are oxidase positive and that this species should be reevaluated for other phenotypes, including oxidative fermentation of lactose and sucrose.
Prevalence and Risk Factor Analysis for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Colonization in Children Attending Child Care Centers
Authors: Miller Melissa B. , Weber David J. , Goodrich Jennifer S. , Popowitch Elena B. , Poe Michele D. , Nyugen Viet , Shope Timothy R. , Foster David T. , Miller James R. , Kotch Jonathan
Published: December 2010

Children attending child care centers (CCCs) are at increased risk for infections, including those caused by methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA). Nasal colonization often precedes infection, and MRSA colonization has been associated with increased infection risk. Community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) has caused increased MRSA infections in the general population, including children. Little is known about the frequency of MRSA nasal colonization in young children, particularly in those attending CCCs where disease transmission is common. We sampled the nares of 1,163 children in 200 classrooms from 24 CCCs in North Carolina and Virginia to assess
S. aureus
colonization. MRSA strains were molecularly analyzed for staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
(SCC
mec
) type, Panton-Valentine leukocidin status, and multilocus sequence type. A case-control study was performed to identify risk factors for MRSA colonization. We found that 18.1% children were colonized with
S. aureus
and 1.3% with MRSA. Molecular analysis of the MRSA strains identified 47% as CA-MRSA and 53% as health care-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA). Although two centers had multiple children colonized with MRSA, genotyping indicated that no transmission had occurred within classrooms. The case-control study did not detect statistically significant risk factors for MRSA colonization. However, MRSA-colonized children were more likely to be nonwhite and to have increased exposure to antibiotics and skin infections in the home. Both CA-MRSA and HA-MRSA strains were found colonizing the nares of children attending CCCs. The low frequency of colonization observed highlights the need for a large multicenter study to determine risk factors for MRSA colonization and subsequent infection in this highly susceptible population.
Rapid Detection of Fluoroquinolone-Resistant and Heteroresistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Use of Sloppy Molecular Beacons and Dual Melting-Temperature Codes in a Real-Time PCR Assay
Authors: Chakravorty Soumitesh , Aladegbami Bola , Thoms Kimberley , Lee Jong Seok , Lee Eun Gae , Rajan Vignesh , Cho Eun-Jin , Kim Hyunchul , Kwak Hyunkyung , Kurepina Natalia , Cho Sang-Nae , Kreiswirth Barry , Via Laura E. , Barry Clifton E. , Alland David
Published: December 2010

Fluoroquinolones (FQ) are important second-line drugs to treat tuberculosis; however, FQ resistance is an emerging problem. Resistance has been mainly attributed to mutations in a 21-bp region of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis gyrA
gene, often called the quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR). We have developed a simple, rapid, and specific assay to detect FQ resistance-determining QRDR mutations. The assay amplifies the
M. tuberculosis gyrA
QRDR in an asymmetrical PCR followed by probing with two sloppy molecular beacons (SMBs) spanning the entire QRDR. Mutations are detected by melting temperature (

T
m

) shifts that occur when the SMBs bind to mismatched sequences. By testing DNA targets corresponding to all known QRDR mutations, we found that one or both of the SMBs produced a

T
m

shift of at least 3.6°C for each mutation, making mutation detection very robust. The assay was also able to identify mixtures of wild-type and mutant DNA, with QRDR mutants identified in samples containing as little as 5 to 10% mutant DNA. The assay was blindly validated for its ability to identify the QRDR mutations on DNA extracted from clinical
M. tuberculosis
strains. Fifty QRDR wild-type samples, 34 QRDR mutant samples, and 8 heteroresistant samples containing mixtures of wild-type and mutant DNA were analyzed. The results showed 100% concordance to conventional DNA sequencing, including a complete identification of all of the mixtures. This SMB

T
m

shift assay will be a valuable molecular tool to rapidly detect FQ resistance and to detect the emergence of FQ heteroresistance in clinical samples from tuberculosis patients.
Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Producing Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases in Spain: Microbiological and Clinical Features
Authors: de Alegría C. Ruiz , Rodríguez-Baño J. , Cano M. E. , Hernández-Bello J. R. , Calvo J. , Román E. , Díaz M. A. , Pascual A. , Martínez-Martínez L.
Published: December 2010

Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) of the CTX-M, SHV, and TEM families were recognized in 76 (67%), 31 (27%), and 6 (5%) isolates, respectively, among 162 ESBL-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(ESBL-Kp) strains obtained in a multicenter study in Spain. Predisposing factors for ESBL-Kp acquisition included invasive procedures, mechanical ventilation, and previous antimicrobial use.