bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptual fusion of polyphonic pitch in cochlear implant users
Authors: Donnelly Patrick J. , Guo Benjamin Z. , Limb Charles J.
Published: December 2009

In music, multiple pitches often occur simultaneously, an essential feature of harmony. In the present study, the authors assessed the ability of cochlear implant (CI) users to perceive polyphonic pitch. Acoustically presented stimuli consisted of one, two, or three superposed tones with different fundamental frequencies (f0). The normal hearing control group obtained significantly higher mean scores than the CI group. CI users performed near chance levels in recognizing two- and three-pitch stimuli, and demonstrated perceptual fusion of multiple pitches as single-pitch units. These results suggest that limitations in polyphonic pitch perception may significantly impair music perception in CI users.
A Bayesian approach to modal decomposition in ocean acoustics
Authors: Michalopoulou Zoi-Heleni
Published: December 2009

A Bayesian approach is developed for modal decomposition from time-frequency representations of broadband acoustic signals propagating in underwater media. The goal is to obtain accurate estimates and posterior probability distributions of modal frequencies arriving at a specific time and their corresponding amplitudes, which can be employed for geoacoustic inversion. The proposed approach, optimized via Gibbs sampling, provides uncertainty information on modal characteristics via the posterior distributions, typically unavailable from traditional methods.
GABAergic Hub Neurons Orchestrate Synchrony in Developing Hippocampal Networks
Authors: Bonifazi P. , Goldin M. , Picardo M. A. , Jorquera I. , Cattani A. , Bianconi G. , Represa A. , Ben-Ari Y. , Cossart R.
Published: December 2009

Coordinating Neuronal Assemblies

Theoretical models predict the existence of so-called hub neurons—highly connected cells that strongly influence the synchronization of spiking activity in a large group of neurons. However, experimental evidence for the existence of these neuronal hubs is lacking.

Bonifazi
et al.

(p.
1419
) used high-resolution, two-photon calcium imaging to measure spontaneous calcium fluctuations in hundreds of neurons simultaneously and determined the relative timing of these fluctuations. Examination of functional connectivity maps, based on temporal correlation measurements, revealed a subpopulation of GABAergic hub neurons displaying a remarkably widespread axonal arborization that orchestrated network synchrony in developing hippocampal networks. Spontaneous network synchronizations in developing hippocampus caused giant depolarizing potentials in individual neurons, and manipulating the spike activity in potential hub cells influenced network activity.
How Plant Cells Go to Sleep for a Long, Long Time
Authors: Sussman Michael R. , Phillips George N.
Published: December 2009

Crystal structures reveal the conformational change elicited when the plant hormone abscisic acid binds to its receptor.
International Centers and Donors Warily Eye Sweeping Changes
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: December 2009

The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research is facing what could be the biggest shakeup in its 38-year history as its delegates are about to vote to convert CGIAR from a voluntary association into a legal entity with power over a trust fund so it can enforce systemwide priorities.
Sea-Floor Study Gives Plumes From the Deep Mantle a Boost
Authors: Kerr Richard A.
Published: December 2009

On page
1388
of this week's issue of
Science
, eight researchers offer the most detailed seismic imaging yet as evidence for a so-called mantle plume beneath the world's most iconic hot spot, the island of Hawaii. The quality of the data and the apparent Hawaiian plume's resemblance to theorists' expectations have won some cautious support for the work.
European Union Selects Unknown For Top Science Post
Authors: Enserink Martin
Published: December 2009

Two women have been tapped to head the European Union's efforts on science and climate over the next 5 years, one virtually unknown to scientists and science policymakers and the other almost an international celebrity.
Seroprevalences to Viral Pathogens in Free-Ranging and Captive Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) on Namibian Farmland
Authors: Thalwitzer Susanne , Wachter Bettina , Robert Nadia , Wibbelt Gudrun , Müller Thomas , Lonzer Johann , Meli Marina L. , Bay Gert , Hofer Heribert , Lutz Hans
Published: December 2009

Cheetah populations are diminishing rapidly in their natural habitat. One reason for their decline is thought to be a high susceptibility to (infectious) diseases because cheetahs in zoos suffer from high disease-induced mortality. Data on the health status of free-ranging cheetahs are scarce, and little is known about their exposure and susceptibility to infectious diseases. We determined seroprevalences to nine key viruses (feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus, feline parvovirus, feline coronavirus, canine distemper virus, feline immunodeficiency virus [FIV], puma lentivirus, feline leukemia virus, and rabies virus) in 68 free-ranging cheetahs on east-central Namibian farmland, 24 nonvaccinated Namibian captive cheetahs, and several other wild carnivore species and conducted necropsies of cheetahs and other wild carnivores. Eight of 11 other wild carnivores were seropositive for at least one of the viruses, including the first record of an FIV-like infection in a wild felid west of the Kalahari, the caracal (Felis caracal). Seroprevalences of the free-ranging cheetahs were below 5% for all nine viruses, which is significantly lower than seroprevalences in nonvaccinated captive cheetahs and those for five of seven viruses in previously studied free-ranging cheetahs from north-central Namibia (L. Munson, L. Marker, E. Dubovi, J. A. Spencer, J. F. Evermann, and S. J. O'Brien, J. Wildl. Dis.40:23-31, 2004). There was no clinical or pathological evidence of infectious diseases in living or dead cheetahs. The results suggest that while free-ranging wild carnivores may be a source of pathogens, the distribution of seroprevalences across studies mirrored local human population density and factors associated with human habitation, probably reflecting contact opportunities with (nonvaccinated) domestic and feral cats and dogs. They also suggest that Namibian cheetahs respond effectively to viral challenges, encouraging consistent and sustainable conservation efforts.
Effector Functions of Camelid Heavy-Chain Antibodies in Immunity to West Nile Virus
Authors: Daley L. P. , Kutzler M. A. , Bennett B. W. , Smith M. C. , Glaser A. L. , Appleton J. A.
Published: December 2009

Three classes of IgG have been described for camelids. IgG1 has a conventional four-chain structure, while IgG2 and IgG3 do not incorporate light chains. The structures and antigen-binding affinities of the so-called heavy-chain classes have been studied in detail; however, their regulation and effector functions are largely undefined. The aim of this study was to examine the participation of conventional and heavy-chain IgG antibodies in the camelid immune defense directed against West Nile virus (WNV). We found that natural infection or vaccination with killed WNV induced IgG1 and IgG3. Vaccination also induced IgG1 and IgG3; IgG2 was produced during the anamnestic response to vaccination. When purified IgGs were tested in plaque-reduction neutralization titer (PRNT) tests, IgG3 demonstrated PRNT activities comparable to those of conventional IgG1. In contrast, IgG2 demonstrated only suboptimal activity at the highest concentrations tested. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that macrophages bound IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3. Furthermore, subneutralizing concentrations of all three isotypes enhanced WNV infection of cultured macrophages. Our results document distinctions in regulation and function between camelid heavy-chain isotypes. The reduced size and distinct structure of IgG3 did not negatively impact its capacity to neutralize virus. In contrast, IgG2 appeared to be less efficient in neutralization. This information advances our understanding of these unusual antibodies in ways that can be applied in the development of effective vaccines for camelids.
Multilocus Sequence Analysis for Typing
Leptospira interrogans
and
Leptospira kirschneri
Authors: Leon Albertine , Pronost Stéphane , Fortier Guillaume , Andre-Fontaine Geneviève , Leclercq Roland
Published: December 2009

Fifty-three strains belonging to the pathogenic species
Leptospira interrogans
and
Leptospira kirschneri
were analyzed by multilocus sequence analysis. The species formed two distinct branches. In the
L. interrogans
branch, the phylogenetic tree clustered the strains into three subgroups. Genogroups and serogroups were superimposed but not strictly.
Emergence of a New Multidrug-Resistant Serotype X Variant in an Epidemic Clone of
Shigella flexneri
Authors: Ye Changyun , Lan Ruiting , Xia Shengli , Zhang Jin , Sun Qiangzheng , Zhang Shaomin , Jing Huaiqi , Wang Lei , Li Zhenjun , Zhou Zhemin , Zhao Ailan , Cui Zhigang , Cao Jingjing , Jin Dong , Huang Lili , Wang Yiting , Luo Xia , Bai Xuemei , Wang Yan , Wang Ping , Xu Qiang , Xu Jianguo
Published: December 2009

Shigella
spp. are the causative agent of shigellosis with
S
higella flexneri
serotype 2a being the most prevalent in developing countries. Epidemiological surveillance in China found that a new serotype of
S. flexneri
appeared in 2001 and replaced serotype 2a in 2003 as the most prevalent serotype in Henan Province. The new serotype also became the dominant serotype in 7 of the 10 other provinces under surveillance in China by 2007. The serotype was identified as a variant of serotype X. It differs from serotype X by agglutination to the monovalent anti-IV type antiserum and the group antigen-specific monoclonal antibody MASF IV-I. Genome sequencing of a serotype X variant isolate, 2002017, showed that it acquired a
Shigella
serotype conversion island, also as an SfX bacteriophage, containing
gtr
genes for type X-specific glucosylation. Multilocus sequence typing of 15 genes from 37 serotype X variant isolates and 69 isolates of eight other serotypes, 1a, 2a, 2b, 3a, 4a, 5b, X, and Y, found that all belong to a new sequence type (ST), ST91. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed 154 pulse types with 655
S. flexneri
isolates analyzed and identified 57 serotype switching events. The data suggest that
S. flexneri
epidemics in China have been caused by a single epidemic clone, ST91, with frequent serotype switching to evade infection-induced immunity to serotypes to which the population was exposed previously. The clone has also acquired resistance to multiple antibiotics. These findings underscore the challenges to the current vaccine development and control strategies for shigellosis.
Identification of a New Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Strain That Cannot Be Assigned to Any Known
spa
Type
Authors: Reischauer Maria , Bernkopf Marie , Webersinke Christine
Published: December 2009

spa
typing is a method used in molecular typing of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA). Due to the lack of an amplification product in one of 55 MRSA cases, a new PCR setup, which allows an indicative description of a previously unknown type, was performed.
Clinical and Microbial Characteristics of Invasive
Streptococcus pyogenes
Disease in New Caledonia, a Region in Oceania with a High Incidence of Acute Rheumatic Fever
Authors: Le Hello S. , Doloy A. , Baumann F. , Roques N. , Coudene P. , Rouchon B. , Lacassin F. , Bouvet A.
Published: December 2009

New Caledonia is an archipelago in the South Pacific with a high prevalence of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. Conducted in 2006, this study aimed at characterizing clinical manifestations and microbial features of isolates obtained from invasive
Streptococcus pyogenes
disease. Clinical and demographic data were collected prospectively. Isolates were biotyped, T typed,
emm
sequenced, and tested for antibiotic susceptibility. Detection of the
speA
,
speB
,
speC
, and
ssa
genes was also carried out. The estimated annual incidence of invasive
S. pyogenes
disease in 2006 was high at 38 cases/100,000 inhabitants in New Caledonia. Invasive isolates were obtained from 90 patients with necrotizing fasciitis (41 cases), bacteremia with no identified focus (12 cases), myositis (10 cases), septic arthritis (9 cases), erysipelas (8 cases), postpartum infection (4 cases), myelitis and osteomyelitis (3 cases), severe pneumonia (2 cases), and endocarditis (1 case). The most frequent associated comorbidities were skin lesions (71%) and obesity (29%). Thirty-one different
emm
types were identified, and the following six accounted for 54% of the isolates:
emm
15 (15.5%),
emm
92 (12.2%),
emm
106 (8.9%),
emm
74 (6.7%),
emm
89 (5.6%), and
emm
109 (5.6%). The
speA
,
speC
, and
ssa
genes were expressed at different frequencies in the various
emm
types. The first epidemiological study of invasive
S
.
pyogenes
disease in New Caledonia highlights that
emm
type distribution is particular and should be taken into account in the development of an appropriate vaccine. These findings support the prevention of pyoderma and other cutaneous lesions in order to limit the development of both invasive disease and poststreptococcal sequelae in the South Pacific.
Rapid Identification of Bacteria in Positive Blood Culture Broths by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Stevenson Lindsay G. , Drake Steven K. , Murray Patrick R.
Published: December 2009

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry is a rapid, accurate method for identifying bacteria and fungi recovered on agar culture media. We report herein a method for the direct identification of bacteria in positive blood culture broths by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. A total of 212 positive cultures were examined, representing 32 genera and 60 species or groups. The identification of bacterial isolates by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was compared with biochemical testing, and discrepancies were resolved by gene sequencing. No identification (spectral score of <1.7) was obtained for 42 (19.8%) of the isolates, due most commonly to insufficient numbers of bacteria in the blood culture broth. Of the bacteria with a spectral score of ≥1.7, 162 (95.3%) of 170 isolates were correctly identified. All 8 isolates of
Streptococcus mitis
were misidentified as being
Streptococcus pneumoniae
isolates. This method provides a rapid, accurate, definitive identification of bacteria within 1 h of detection in positive blood cultures with the caveat that the identification of
S. pneumoniae
would have to be confirmed by an alternative test.
Depletion of Virion-Associated Divalent Cations Induces Parvovirus Minute Virus of Mice To Eject Its Genome in a 3′-to-5′ Direction from an Otherwise Intact Viral Particle
Authors: Cotmore Susan F. , Hafenstein Susan , Tattersall Peter
Published: December 2009

We describe a structural rearrangement that can occur in parvovirus minute virus of mice (MVMp) virions following prolonged exposure to buffers containing 0.5 mM EDTA. Such particles remain stable at 4°C but undergo a conformational shift upon heating to 37°C at pH 7.2 that leads to the ejection of much of the viral genome in a 3′-to-5′ direction, leaving the DNA tightly associated with the otherwise intact capsid. This rearrangement can be prevented by the addition of 1 mM CaCl
2
or MgCl
2
prior to incubation at 37°C, suggesting that readily accessible divalent cation binding sites in the particle are critical for genome retention. Uncoating was not seen following the incubation of virions at pH 5.5 and 37°C or at pH 7.2 and 37°C in particles with subgenomic DNA, suggesting that pressure exerted by the full-length genome may influence this process. Uncoated genomes support complementary-strand synthesis by T7 DNA polymerase, but synthesis aborts upstream of the right-hand end, which remains capsid associated. We conclude that viral genomes are positioned so that their 3′ termini and coding sequences can be released from intact particles at physiological temperatures by a limited conformational rearrangement. In the presence of divalent cations, incremental heating between 45°C and 65°C induces structural transitions that first lead to the extrusion of VP1 N termini, followed by genome exposure. However, in cation-depleted virions, the sequence of these shifts is blurred. Moreover, cation-depleted particles that have been induced to eject their genomes at 37°C continue to sequester their VP1 N termini within the intact capsid, suggesting that these two extrusion events represent separable processes.
Intergenotypic Replacement of Lyssavirus Matrix Proteins Demonstrates the Role of Lyssavirus M Proteins in Intracellular Virus Accumulation
Authors: Finke Stefan , Granzow Harald , Hurst Jose , Pollin Reiko , Mettenleiter Thomas C.
Published: December 2009

Lyssavirus assembly depends on the matrix protein (M). We compared lyssavirus M proteins from different genotypes for their ability to support assembly and egress of genotype 1 rabies virus (RABV). Transcomplementation of M-deficient RABV with M from European bat lyssavirus (EBLV) types 1 and 2 reduced the release of infectious virus. Stable introduction of the heterogenotypic M proteins into RABV led to chimeric viruses with reduced virus release and intracellular accumulation of virus genomes. Although the chimeras indicated genotype-specific evolution of M, rapid selection of a compensatory mutant suggested conserved mechanisms of lyssavirus assembly and the requirement for only few adaptive mutations to fit the heterogenotypic M to a RABV backbone. Whereas the compensatory mutant replicated to similar infectious titers as RABV M-expressing virus, ultrastructural analysis revealed that both nonadapted EBLV M chimeras and the compensatory mutant differed from RABV M expressing viruses in the lack of intracellular viruslike structures that are enveloped and accumulate in cisterna of the degranulated and dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum compartment. Moreover, all viruses were able to bud at the plasma membrane. Since the lack of the intracellular viruslike structures correlated with the type of M protein but not with the efficiency of virus release, we hypothesize that the M proteins of EBLV-1 and RABV differ in their target membranes for virus assembly. Although the biological function of intracellular assembly and accumulation of viruslike structures in the endoplasmic reticulum remain unclear, the observed differences could contribute to diverse host tropism or pathogenicity.
Leflunomide Inhibition of BK Virus Replication in Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells
Authors: Bernhoff Eva , Tylden Garth D. , Kjerpeseth Lars J. , Gutteberg Tore J. , Hirsch Hans H. , Rinaldo Christine H.
Published: December 2009

The immunomodulatory drug leflunomide is frequently used for treating polyomavirus-associated nephropathy, yet its antiviral mechanism is unclear. We characterized the effects of the active leflunomide metabolite A771726 (LEF-A) on the polyomavirus BK (BKV) life cycle in human renal tubular epithelial cells. LEF-A at 10 μg/ml reduced the extracellular BKV load by 90% (IC90) but with significant host cytostatic effects. BKV genome replication, late protein expression, and virion assembly and release were inhibited with visible disruption of the nuclear replication architecture. Both host cell and antiviral effects were largely reversed by uridine addition, implicating nonspecific pyrimidine depletion as the major anti-BKV mechanism of leflunomide.
Membrane Orientation of the Human Papillomavirus Type 16 E5 Oncoprotein
Authors: Krawczyk Ewa , Suprynowicz Frank A. , Sudarshan Sawali R. , Schlegel Richard
Published: December 2009

The E5 protein of human papillomavirus type 16 is a small, hydrophobic protein that localizes predominantly to membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). To define the orientation of E5 in these membranes, we employed a differential, detergent permeabilization technique that makes use of the ability of low concentrations of digitonin to selectively permeabilize the plasma membrane and saponin to permeabilize all cellular membranes. We then generated a biologically active E5 protein that was epitope tagged at both its N and C termini and determined the accessibility of these termini to antibodies in the presence and absence of detergents. In both COS cells and human ectocervical cells, the C terminus of E5 was exposed to the cytoplasm, whereas the N terminus was restricted to the lumen of the ER. Finally, the deletion of the E5 third transmembrane domain (and terminal hydrophilic amino acids) resulted in a protein with its C terminus in the ER lumen. Taken together, these topology findings are compatible with a model of E5 being a 3-pass transmembrane protein and with studies demonstrating its C terminus interacting with cytoplasmic proteins.
Coronavirus Nucleocapsid Protein Facilitates Template Switching and Is Required for Efficient Transcription
Authors: Zúñiga Sonia , Cruz Jazmina L. G. , Sola Isabel , Mateos-Gómez Pedro A. , Palacio Lorena , Enjuanes Luis
Published: December 2009

Purified nucleocapsid protein (N protein) from transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) enhanced hammerhead ribozyme self-cleavage and favored nucleic acid annealing, properties that define RNA chaperones, as previously reported. Several TGEV N-protein deletion mutants were expressed in
Escherichia coli
and purified, and their RNA binding ability and RNA chaperone activity were evaluated. The smallest N-protein domain analyzed with RNA chaperone activity, facilitating DNA and RNA annealing, contained the central unstructured region (amino acids 117 to 268). Interestingly, N protein and its deletion mutants with RNA chaperone activity enhanced template switching in a retrovirus-derived heterologous system, reinforcing the concept that TGEV N protein is an RNA chaperone that could be involved in template switching. This result is in agreement with the observation that
in vivo
, N protein is not necessary for TGEV replication, but it is required for efficient transcription.
Analysis of Naturally Occurring Avian Bornavirus Infection and Transmission during an Outbreak of Proventricular Dilatation Disease among Captive Psittacine Birds
Authors: Kistler Amy L. , Smith Jeanne M. , Greninger Alexander L. , DeRisi Joseph L. , Ganem Don
Published: December 2009

A proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) outbreak provided the opportunity to investigate the transmissibility of avian Bornavirus (ABV) and its linkage to PDD under natural conditions. Upon exposure to a bird with a fatal case of PDD, 10 birds became symptomatic and died. ABV2 RNA was recovered from available tissues. Further screening revealed that 12/46 exposed birds were ABV2+. Three chicks boarded at this aviary developed PDD. They harbored the same ABV2 isolate and transmitted it to five of eight chicks in their home aviary. These findings demonstrate that ABV infection precedes the development of PDD. ABV-specific Western blotting and reverse transcription-PCR indicate that ABV2 is not strictly neurotropic.
β-2 Agonists in sport: are the anti-doping rules meeting the needs of asthmatic athletes?
Authors: Orellana J Naranjo , Márquez M D Carranza
Published: December 2009

Objectives

(a) To review the methacholine tests performed in our laboratory up until 2008; (b) to compare them with previously reported data in 2006 and (c) to examine if the anti-doping rules are meeting the needs of asthmatic athletes who really need bronchodilator treatment.

Methods

Between April 2004 and September 2008, 89 high-level athletes were examined in our laboratory in order to obtain an abbreviated therapeutic use exemption for β-2 agonists. Of these, 50 men (23.31 (7.05) years) and 23 women (20.68 (5.94) years) performed a methacholine inhalation test with increasing concentrations of methacholine (0.025, 0.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 25 mg/ml) until a fall of 20% in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was achieved.

Results

31 candidates (42.5%) had a provocative concentration causing a 20% fall in FEV1(PC20) <2 mg/ml; 12 (16.4%) were between 2 and 4 mg/ml; 8 (11%) between 4.1 and 8 mg/ml and 22 candidates (30.1%) had a PC20>8 mg/ml. Seven of the 73 candidates had an obstructive pattern in the spirometry at rest, demonstrated by a FEV1% <70% but with a FEV1>70% of the reference value.

Conclusions

The anti-doping regulations with respect to β-2 agonists need to be reviewed, and measures should be adopted to include a fall of 70% in FEV1% as an obstruction criterion to indicate a bronchodilation test and to extend the criterion for a positive methacholine test to a PC20of 8 mg/ml.
The limits to exercise performance and the future of fatigue research
Authors: Marino F E , Gard M , Drinkwater E J
Published: December 2009

The study of human fatigue stretches back centuries and remains a significant part of medical and social discourse. In the exercise sciences fatigue is routinely related to the ability to produce muscle force or to the recovery from force decrements. However, the study of fatigue has by virtue of the experimental paradigm excluded the subjective sense a person attributes to an event or experience, thus reducing our overall understanding of the fatigue process. Modern studies report the causes of fatigue as either central or peripheral in origin. Although useful, this dichotomy can also exclude the individual subjective assessment. Furthermore, adhering dogmatically to set parameters is likely limiting the advancement of our understanding. A more realistic paradigm would permit the individual to use the sensory cues to adjust the effort along with the fatigue process rather than rely purely on feedback mechanisms. Therefore, bringing feedforward mechanisms of the brain into fatigue research perhaps represents the next phase in the unravelling of the fatigue process.
Falls, poisonings, burns, and road traffic injuries in urban Peruvian children and adolescents: a community based study
Authors: Donroe J , Gilman R H , Brugge D , Mwamburi M , Moore D A J
Published: December 2009

Objectives:

To identify individual and household characteristics associated with serious falls, poisonings, burns and road traffic injuries (RTIs) for children in Lima, Peru.

Methods:

5061 households consisting of 10 210 children were included in this community based, cross-sectional study in San Juan de Miraflores (SJM), a low income, urban district of Lima, Peru. Households were eligible if there was a consenting adult and at least one resident child aged ⩽18 years. A door to door survey was conducted in SJM, collecting childhood injury, demographic, and socioeconomic data. Analysis was done at the individual and household level for injuries severe enough to have required medical consultation.

Results:

The greatest burden of injury was from falls and RTIs. For individuals, male gender and age were the most important predictors of injuries. Households in which multiple injuries were reported were more likely to be poor (odds ratio (OR) 1.66, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.22) and overcrowded (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.94). The occurrence of serious falls, poisonings, burns, and pedestrian RTIs significantly increased the likelihood of a second serious injury in the home (adjusted ORs ranged between 1.88 and 2.99).

Conclusion:

All children from households in which an unintentional injury has occurred appear to have an increased likelihood of future injury; such high risk households may be readily identifiable in the clinical setting. Interventions in this environment designed to prevent subsequent injuries merit further investigation.
A randomised controlled feasibility trial of alcohol consumption and the ability to appropriately use a firearm
Authors: Carr B G , Wiebe D J , Richmond T S , Cheney R , Branas C C
Published: December 2009

Objective:

To show the feasibility of using a controlled trial to investigate the effect of alcohol on firearm use.

Methods:

Randomised, blinded, placebo-controlled trial in the Firearm Usage and Safety Experiments (FUSE) Lab. Treatment subjects (male, 21–40-year-old, non-habitual drinkers, with no professional firearms training) received alcohol; control subjects received placebo alcohol. The AIS PRISim Firearm Simulator, including real pistols retrofitted to discharge compressed air cartridges that simulate firearm recoil and sound, was used to measure firearm performance. Accuracy and speed for target shooting, reaction time scenarios, and scenarios requiring judgement about when to use a gun were measured.

Results:

12 subjects enrolled in the trial, completing 160 training scenarios. All subjects in the alcohol arm reached target alcohol level. 33% of placebo subjects reported alcohol consumption. Mechanical malfunction of the simulator occurred in 9 of 160 (5.6%) scenarios. Intoxicated subjects were less accurate, slower to fire in reaction time scenarios, and quicker to fire in scenarios requiring judgement relative to controls.

Conclusions:

The feasibility of a randomised, controlled trial exploring the relationship between alcohol consumption and firearm use was shown. The hypothesis that alcohol consumption worsens accuracy and retards judgement about when to use a gun should be tested. Larger trials could inform policies regarding firearm use while intoxicated.
Seasonal variation in hospital admission for road traffic injuries in England: analysis of hospital statistics
Authors: Gill M , Goldacre M J
Published: December 2009

Objective:

To report on seasonal variation in hospital admissions for traffic injuries to car and truck occupants, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Methods:

Descriptive study of hospital admission statistics in England, 1999–2004. Main outcome measures: national average monthly admissions for injury; severity of injury, defined as death in hospital or a hospital admission lasting four days or more.

Results:

Admissions for car occupants were highest in the winter months but seasonal variation was not great (highest and lowest months: December, 16% above monthly average; June, 5% below). There was a summer peak and winter trough in admissions for adult cyclists (June, 34% above average; December, 27% below) and motorcyclists (August, 33% above average; January, 43% below). Admissions for child pedestrians were highest in late spring and lowest in mid-winter (May, 24% above average; December, 28% below). By contrast, admissions for adult pedestrians were higher in winter than summer (December, 33% above average; July, 17% below). From April to September, there were more admissions for pedestrians and cyclists in England (44 875 in the six years of the study) than for car occupants (34 582). For cyclists, proportionally more injuries in the winter months were severe. Severity of injuries to car occupants did not show seasonal variation.

Conclusions:

The public health “toll” of traffic injuries, measured as total numbers of people injured, varies substantially by season. Although it is important to reduce all injuries, the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, as unprotected road users, needs particular attention.
Non-fatal burn is a major cause of illness: findings from the largest community-based national survey in Bangladesh
Authors: Mashreky S R , Rahman A , Chowdhury S M , Khan T F , Svanström L , Rahman F
Published: December 2009

Objective:

To examine the incidence and characteristics of non-fatal burn injury in Bangladesh.

Methods:

A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and December 2003 in Bangladesh. Nationally representative data were collected from 171 366 rural and urban households, with a total sample size of 819 429.

Results:

The incidence of non-fatal burns was 166.3 per 100 000 per year. The rate was higher in females than in males (RR 1.15; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.27). Children less than 5 years of age were at much higher risk of burn injury than those older than 5 years (RR 7.05; 95% CI 6.35 to 7.8). Rural people were at more than three times higher risk of burn. The average number of days absent from school due to burn injury was 21.64 (SD 19.64); the average number of workdays lost was 22.96 (SD 35.94). The average duration of assistance required in daily living activities was 17.26 (SD 20.34) days. The hospitalisation rate was 12.6 per 100 000 population per year. The mean duration of hospital stay was 15.88 (SD 20.47) days. The rate of permanent disability was 2.6 per 100 000 population-years.

Conclusion:

Burn is a major cause of morbidity, disability, school absence, and workday loss. Young children, females, and rural dwellers are at highest risk. Home is the most risky place for children and females in terms of burn injury risk. To halt this devastating health issue, a national strategy and programme for burn prevention must be developed.
Who owns the roads? How motorised traffic discourages walking and bicycling
Authors: Jacobsen P L , Racioppi F , Rutter H
Published: December 2009

Objective:

To examine the impact of traffic on levels of walking and bicycling.

Method:

Review of the literature of medical, public health, city planning, public administration and traffic engineering.

Results:

The real and perceived danger and discomfort imposed by traffic discourage walking and bicycling. Accurately or not, pedestrians and bicyclists judge injury risk and respond accordingly. Although it can be difficult to measure these effects, observed behaviour provides good evidence for these effects, with the strongest association being an inverse correlation between volumes and speeds of traffic and levels of walking and cycling.

Conclusion:

Interventions to reduce traffic speed and volume are likely to promote walking and bicycling and thus result in public health gains.
Pharmacological activation of the p53 pathway in haematological malignancies
Authors: Saha Manujendra N , Micallef Johann , Qiu Lugui , Chang Hong
Published: December 2009

p53gene mutations are rarely detected at diagnosis in common haematological cancers such as multiple myeloma (MM), acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and Hodgkin's disease (HD), although their prevalence may increase with progression to more aggressive or advanced stages. Therapeutic induction of p53 might therefore be particularly suitable for the treatment of haematological malignancies. Some of the anti-tumour activity of current chemotherapeutics has been derived from activation of p53. However, until recently it was unknown whether p53 signalling is functional in certain haematological cancers including MM and if p53 activity is sufficient to trigger an apoptotic response. With the recent discovery of nutlins, which represent the first highly selective small molecule inhibitors of the p53–MDM2 interaction, pharmacological tools are now available to induce p53 irrespective of upstream signalling defects, and to functionally analyse the downstream p53 pathway in primary leukaemia and lymphoma cells. Combination therapy is emerging as a key factor, and development of non-genotoxic combinations seems very promising for tackling the problems of toxicity and resistance. This review will highlight recent findings in the research into molecules capable of modulating p53 protein activities and mechanisms that activate the p53 pathway, restoring response to therapy in haematological malignancies.
A new method to determine laterality of mobile telephone use in adolescents
Authors: Inyang Imo , Benke Geza , McKenzie Ray , Wolfe Rory , Abramson Michael J
Published: December 2009

Objectives

As more children use mobile (cellular) telephones, public anxiety grows about the possible adverse health effects of radiofrequency (RF) exposure upon developing nervous systems. Most epidemiological studies investigating the health effects of mobile telephones have relied on self-reports from questionnaires. While there are some validation studies investigating the accuracy of self-reported mobile phone use in adults and adolescents, self-reported laterality of use has not been validated at any age. Although this study mainly sought to validate the accuracy of self-reported laterality of mobile telephone use in adolescents, investigation also covered number and duration of calls.

Methods

We monitored 455 calls in 30 students, mean age (SD) 14 (0.4) years. For 1 week, participants used hardware modified phones (HMPs) which logged dosimetric parameters such as laterality (side of head), date, number and duration of calls. These ‘gold standard’ measurements were compared with questionnaire self-reported laterality and estimated typical weekly phone use.

Results

Agreement between HMPs and self-reported laterality was modest (κ=0.3, 95% CI 0.0 to 0.6). Concordance between HMP measured and self-reported number of calls was fair (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)=0.38, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.69), but poor for duration (ICC=0.01, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.37) with wide limits of agreement for both.

Conclusions

These results suggest that adolescent self-reported laterality was of limited validity. Adolescent self-reported phone use by number and duration of calls was generally inaccurate but comparable to recent adult studies. Epidemiological studies of mobile phone use based on self-reported information may underestimate true associations with health effects.
Non-invasive diagnosis of chronic beryllium disease in workers exposed to hazardous dust in Israel
Authors: Fireman E , Mazor O , Kramer M , Priel I , Lerman Y
Published: December 2009

Objectives

Chronic beryllium disease (CBD) is caused by prolonged occupational exposure to beryllium and is characterised by various clinical presentations, mostly pulmonary. The inflammatory process involves non-caseous granulomas and proliferation of CD4+ cells. CBD is diagnosed by lung biopsy showing tissue granuloma formation, and by the beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) for past exposure and sensitisation to beryllium. The induced sputum (IS) technique was developed for diagnosing asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and interstitial lung diseases. A CD4/CD8 ratio >2.5 in T cells from IS is a positive result for granulomatous lung diseases. We previously revealed that dental technicians are exposed to excessive levels of beryllium. The efficacy of IS (CD4/CD8 >2.5) and BeLPT in diagnosing CBD in 17 workplaces where beryllium was present was evaluated.

Methods

All consecutive patients with a clinical suspicion of CBD referred to our institution for diagnosis and management were enrolled. Results of the gold standard lung biopsy with BeLPT were compared to the non-invasive IS+BeLPT. Kappa and McNemar tests evaluated agreement levels. Correlations between demographic and clinical parameters and a confirmed diagnosis of CBD were analysed.

Results

The two approaches were compared in 57 of 98 subjects. There was a high level of agreement (κ 0.920) between IS+BeLPT and biopsy+BeLPT. IS+BeLPT had a specificity of 97.3% and sensitivity of 87.5%. 21 of 87 exposed workers (24%) had CBD, of whom 12 were dental technicians (p=0.044 dental technicians versus all other occupations).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that the CD4/CD8 ratio in IS together with positive/negative BeLPT findings can be used in diagnosing CBD.
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE LIPID AND WATER CONTENT OF THE THYMUS GLAND IN ALBINO RATS BEARING WALKER CARCINOMA 256
Authors: Boyd Eldon M. , Fontaine Valmore , Hill J. Gilbert
Published: December 2009

The investigation was designed to measure hydrolipotropic variations in the thymus gland of albino rats bearing Walker carcinoma 256. This was done upon 27 pairs of littermate albino rats, one of each pair inoculated and one not inoculated with Walker carcinoma 256. The life history of the tumor was evenly represented in the series. Tumor growth was found to be accompanied by a statistically significant increase in total body weight, due to water retention, and decrease in the weight of the thymus gland. The total amount of water, dry weight, total lipid, neutral fat, total fatty acids, free cholesterol, and phospholipid were significantly less in the thymus gland of tumor-bearing albino rats. The concentrations, per unit dry weight, of total lipid, neutral fat, and total fatty acids in the thymus gland were not significantly affected by tumor growth. The similar concentrations of water, total cholesterol, free cholesterol, and phospholipid were significantly increased in the thymus gland of tumor-bearing albino rats. These changes indicated a hydrolipotropic effect of the tumor upon the thymus gland. A pyramidal, up-and-down, change in the concentrations of phospholipid and the three cholesterol fractions in the thymus gland at T/RC coefficients of 30 to 60, together with a marked loss of weight by the gland, suggested the effect upon the thymus gland of factor(s) other than the hydrolipotropic influence.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE THYROID GLAND ON THE ISLETS OF LANGERHANS AND THE PANCREAS
Authors: Kinash B. , Haist R. E.
Published: December 2009

When sufficiently large amounts of desiccated thyroid gland were administered to intact or hypophysectomized rats there was an increase in the weight of the pancreas, weight of the islets of Langerhans, and islet weight per unit of body weight. In intact rats the concentration of islet tissue in the pancreas was not significantly altered, but in hypophysectomized animals the concentration of islet tissue in the pancreas was reduced because of the large increase in pancreas weight. The great reduction in pancreas weight occasioned by hypophysectomy was to a large extent prevented by the administration of desiccated thyroid gland.
EXERCISE AND TEMPERATURE REGULATION IN LEMMINGS AND RABBITS
Authors: Hart J. S. , Heroux O.
Published: December 2009

Oxygen consumption and body temperatures were determined in lemmings at environmental temperatures from 20 °C. to −10 °C. and in rabbits from 20 °C. to −50 °C. Body insulation indices were estimated as the ratio [Formula: see text]. In both species, increase in activity and decrease in temperature led to increases in oxygen consumption that were additive over the temperature range. Oxygen increments of work were independent of environmental temperature in the absence of progressive hypothermia. Work led to increases in body temperature at the upper environmental temperatures and to decreases in body temperature at the lower temperatures. In extreme cold, rabbits became progressively hypothermic during work and there was a decline in oxygen consumption. Body temperatures started to fall at environmental temperatures 18 °C. higher in working than in resting rabbits. Insulation was lower in working than in resting animals. During exercise there appears to be a readjustment of body temperature, insulation, and heat loss until thermal equilibrium is established. The regulation of heat production, within limits, seems to be independent of body-temperature changes during exercise.
EFFECTS OF α-METHYL-DL-TRYPTOPHAN ON THE OXIDATION OF TRYPTOPHAN
Authors: Sourkes T. L. , Townsend Edith
Published: December 2009

α-Methyl-DL-tryptophan (AMT) inhibits the oxidation of DL-tryptophan by isotonic suspensions of rat liver, and the oxidation of L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine, DL-phenylalanine, and DL-methionine by cobra venom. The oxidation of L-tryptophan is accompanied by the appearance of a yellow color in the reaction mixtures. AMT also inhibits the formation of kynurenine, detected by its specific absorption at 360 mμ and by diazotization, from L-tryptophan. It protects the kynurenine-forming enzyme system against the inactivation which occurs in the absence of substrate. When injected into the rat, AMT, like tryptophan, causes an adaptive increase in the tryptophan peroxidase–oxidase complex. AMT is not oxidized by the liver and venom preparations used.
RELIABILITY OF THE RIBOFLAVIN EXCRETION TECHNIQUE IN DETERMINING AVAILABILITY OF COATED TABLETS
Authors: Chapman D. G. , Campbell J. A.
Published: December 2009

Further studies have been carried out to assess the reliability of the human bio-assay technique using the excretion of riboflavin to estimate the availability of sugar-coated tablets. Using eight individuals, it has been shown that for 1, 3, and 5 mgm. amounts of riboflavin the excretion is the same whether these amounts are taken as a single dose or in 10 small doses totalling the same amount. For doses of riboflavin of 1, 3, 5, 7.5, and 10 mgm. a linear relationship was found to exist between the amount ingested and excreted. The equation for this dose response line was found to be y = 0.580x − 0.610. The intercept − 0.610 was significantly different from zero, indicating that the line did not pass through the origin. The results furnish further evidence of the validity of the urinary excretion of riboflavin for determining the physiological availability of coated tablets.
THE PREPARATION OF L-α-GLYCERYLPHOSPHORYLCHOLINE FROM LECITHINS
Authors: Tattrie N. H. , McArthur C. S.
Published: December 2009

Investigation of the hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholines (lecithins) in hot aqueous alcohol under the influence of mercuric chloride has shown that glycerylphosphorylcholine is formed and that neither racemization nor migration of the phosphorylcholine moiety occurs. The fatty acids are split off much more rapidly than is choline and as a consequence appreciable amounts of glycerylphosphorylcholine are formed. On the basis of these observations a procedure was devised for the hydrolysis of crude lecithin and the isolation of glycerylphosphorylcholine in a yield of 69%. The product was identified as L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine by analysis of its cadmium chloride complex, and comparison of its optical rotation with that of the synthetic compound of known configuration. Recovery of the diester from this complex was accomplished through removal of the inorganic salt by ion-exchange resins and the free L-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine was crystallized from 99% ethanol.
STUDIES ON HUMAN ADRENAL STEROIDS: 1. THE EFFECT OF CORTICOTROPIN ON COMPONENTS OF THE FREE AND CONJUGATED PLASMA C2l ADRENAL STEROID FRACTIONS
Authors: Southcott C. M. , Gandossi S. K. , Barker A. D. , Bandy H. E. , McIntosh Hamish , Darrach Marvin
Published: December 2009

The free and conjugated adrenal steroid fractions of peripheral plasma from12 normal human males were studied. Specimens were withdrawn before and after the administration of corticotropin. Hydrocortisone was identified chemically and some evidence was obtained for the presence of corticosterone. Hydrocortisone levels showed a marked but variable increase after corticotropin treatment. In some cases the administration of corticotropin resulted in the appearance of an unconjugated compound which may have been a tetrahydro derivative of cortisone or hydrocortisone. A method for studying the conjugated fraction was developed and preliminary data indicated that four components were present in some specimens after hydrolysis with β-glucuronidase. The level of these conjugates appeared to increase after treatment with corticotropin. In general, the response to a given dose of corticotropin showed considerable individual variation in the plasma levels of the components of both the free and conjugated corticosteroid fractions.
THE CONSTITUENTS OF COD LIVER WITH VITAMIN B12 ACTIVITY FOR LACTOBACILLUS LEICHMANNII
Authors: Truscott Beryl , Hoogland P. L.
Published: December 2009

The identity of the compounds that together form the total microbiological vitamin B12 activity of cod-liver residue was determined by a fractionation procedure involving ion exchange, countercurrent distribution, partition chromatography, and microbiological assay. The presence of cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, and the desoxyribosides of thymine, uracil, hypoxanthine, xanthine, and guanine was demonstrated. The total vitamin B12 activity, as determined by microbiological assay with Lactobacillus leichmannii, and its distribution in cod-liver residue, were very similar to those of beef liver. Cod-liver residues may be used to replace beef liver in vitamin B12 preparations.
TRANSBUCCAL HYPOPHYSECTOMY IN THE DOG
Authors: Markowitz J. , Archibald J.
Published: December 2009

The canine pituitary gland is immersed in a vascular lagoon comprising the circular sinus. A practical technique is described for its complete transbuccal extirpation. The operation can be almost bloodless if one uses tamponade with topical thrombinR.