bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder in Taiwan
Authors: Huang M.‐C. , Lu M.‐L. , Tsai C.‐J. , Chen P.‐Y. , Chiu C.‐C. , Jian D.‐L. , Lin K.‐M. , Chen C.‐H.
Published: May 2009

Objective:  Because of ethnic differences in metabolic syndrome (MS) criteria, this study aimed to investigate the MS prevalence among patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder in Taiwan.

Method:  We recruited 650 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder from 36 psychiatric institutions. The MS prevalence was assessed based on the modified Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III criteria for Asians.

Results:  The overall MS prevalence was 34.9%, with 38.9% in female and 31.5% in male patients respectively. The difference of MS prevalence between our sample and the general population was marked in male patients under 40 years of age and in female patients under 50 years old. Body mass index ≥24 and age over 40 years old are two important risk factors of MS. Female and polypharmacy had marginal significance with the presence of MS.

Conclusion:  Patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder in Taiwan had a high prevalence of MS, which appeared early in their lives.
Glycosphingolipid Requirements for Endosome‐to‐Golgi Transport of Shiga Toxin
Authors: Raa Hilde , Grimmer Stine , Schwudke Dominik , Bergan Jonas , Wälchli Sébastien , Skotland Tore , Shevchenko Andrej , Sandvig Kirsten
Published: May 2009

Shiga toxin binds to globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) receptors on the target cell surface. To enter the cytosol, Shiga toxin is dependent on endocytic uptake, retrograde transport to the Golgi apparatus and further to the endoplasmic reticulum before translocation of the enzymatically active moiety to the cytosol. Here, we have investigated the importance of newly synthesized glycosphingolipids for the uptake and intracellular transport of Shiga toxin in HEp‐2 cells. Inhibition of glycosphingolipid synthesis by treatment with either PDMP or Fumonisin B1 for 24–48 h strongly reduced the transport of Gb3‐bound Shiga toxin from endosomes to the Golgi apparatus. This was associated with a change in localization of sorting nexins 1 and 2, and accompanied by a protection against the toxin. In contrast, there was no effect on transport or toxicity of the plant toxin ricin. High‐resolution mass spectrometry revealed a 2‐fold reduction in Gb3 at conditions giving a 10‐fold inhibition of Shiga toxin transport to the Golgi. Furthermore, mass spectrometry showed that the treatment with PDMP (DL‐threo‐1‐phenyl‐2‐decanoylamino‐3‐morpholino‐1‐propanol) and Fumonisin B1 among other changes of the lipidome, affected the relative content of the different glycosphingolipid species. The largest depletion was observed for the hexosylceramide species with the N‐amidated fatty acid 16:0, whereas hexosylceramide species with 24:1 were less affected. Quantitative lipid profiling with mass spectrometry demonstrated that PDMP did not influence the content of sphingomyelins, phospholipids and plasmalogens. In contrast, Fumonisin B1 affected the amount and composition of sphingomyelin and glycolipids and altered the profiles of phospholipids and plasmalogens.
Ulcerative colitis associated with Takayasu's arteritis in a child
Authors: Balamtekin Necati , Gürakan Figen , Ozen Seza , Oguz Bena , Talim Beril
Published: May 2009

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic inflammatory diseases of unknown aetiology, and their coexistence is very rare.

A 14‐year‐old Turkish girl presented with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and weight loss. UC was diagnosed based on physical examination and laboratory investigations and was confirmed by colonoscopic biopsies. TA developed approximately 1 year later, and was diagnosed with angiography performed for ongoing severe abdominal pain in spite of well‐controlled UC.

Patients suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases such as UC must be investigated for other inflammatory diseases such as TA, especially if the response to immunosuppressant therapy is unsatisfactory.

Conclusion:  Findings from our patients suggest that paediatricians must remain alert to the possibility of abdominal vasculitis in patients with UC and unresolved abdominal pain in spite of clinical remission.
Differential diagnosis of acute central nervous system infections in children using modern microbiological methods
Authors: Huttunen Pasi , Lappalainen Maija , Salo Eeva , Lönnqvist Tuula , Jokela Pia , Hyypiä Timo , Peltola Heikki
Published: May 2009

Aim:  Except bacterial meningitis, the agents causing acute central nervous system (CNS) infections in children are disclosed in only approximately half of the cases, and even less in encephalitis. We studied the potential of modern microbiological assays to improve this poor situation.

Methods:  In a prospective study during 3 years, all children attending hospital with suspected CNS infection were examined using a wide collection of microbiological tests using samples from the cerebrospinal fluid, serum, nasal swabs and stool.

Results:  Among 213 patients, 66 (31%) cases suggested CNS infection and specific aetiology was identified in 56 patients. Of these microbiologically confirmed cases, viral meningitis/encephalitis was diagnosed in 25 (45%), bacterial meningitis in 21 (38%) and neuroborreliosis in 9 (16%) cases while 1child had fungal infection. In meningitis patients, the causative agent was identified in 85% (35/41) cases and in encephalitis in 75% (12/16). The most common bacteria were Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcous pneumonie and Neisseria meningitidis, while the most frequently detected viruses were enteroviruses and varicella zoster virus.

Conclusion:  In 75% to 85% of paediatric CNS infections, specific microbiological diagnosis was obtained with modern laboratory techniques. The results pose a basis for prudent approach to these potentially serious diseases.
Mixing Media: Critical Approaches to Cinematic Modernism
Authors: Fielding Heather
Published: May 2009

This essay maps the current state of scholarship on modernist literature and cinema in the interest of defining the methodological issues at stake and outlining the most promising directions for future research. After tracing the recent history of critical approaches to modernist literature and cinema, the essay focuses on new books by Susan McCabe and David Trotter, whose work clarifies major trends in scholarship because they explicitly articulate methodological propositions that other critics tend to take for granted. Their work poses important questions about what counts as evidence that a literary text is structured ‘like’ a cinematic text, about what such resemblances and affinities mean, and about medium specificity as a historical category in modernism and as a critical presupposition. The essay ultimately suggests that criticism on cinematic modernism in literature has the potential to challenge the basic categories of literary studies, by destabilizing the boundaries between media and opening up the possibility that modernist literature actuallyiscinematic.
Effectiveness of Two Cushions in the Prevention of Heel Pressure Ulcers
Authors: Heyneman Alexander , Vanderwee Katrien , Grypdonck Mieke , Defloor Tom
Published: May 2009

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of two cushions in the prevention of heel pressure ulcers in a geriatric population.

Background: Heel pressure ulcers are a major problem in nursing practice. Several measures for the prevention of heel pressure ulcers are discussed in the literature, but the effectiveness of the different types of cushions in the prevention of heel pressure ulcers is poorly studied.

Methods: In this comparative study, two different cushions to prevent heel pressure ulcers were investigated: a wedge‐shaped, bedwide, viscoelastic foam cushion and an ordinary pillow. All patients were lying on a viscoelastic foam mattress and were repositioned every 4 hours.

Sample: One hundred sixty‐two patients over 75 years of age.

Results: The incidence of heel pressure ulcers grades 2–4 was 1.9% in the wedge‐shaped cushion group and was 10.2% in the pillow group. The patients in the wedge‐shaped cushion group developed significantly fewer heel pressure ulcers (p = 0.03). Patients with a wedge‐shaped cushion under the lower legs had an 85% less chance in developing a heel pressure ulcer (p = 0.02). The median time to develop a heel pressure ulcer was 4.0 days (IQR = 3.0–5.0) in the wedge‐shaped cushion group and 3.5 days (IQR = 1.0–5.8) in the pillow group (p = 0.61). The probability to remain pressure ulcer‐free at the heels was significantly higher in the wedge‐shaped cushion group (p = 0.008).

Conclusion: The study provides evidence that a wedge‐shaped, bedwide, viscoelastic foam cushion decreases the risk of developing a heel pressure ulcer compared with the use of a pillow.
Ultrastructural Changes of Penile Cavernous Tissue in Multiple Sclerotic Rats
Authors: Jiang Jun , He Yanzheng , Jiang Rui
Published: May 2009

Introduction

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the important risk factors resulting in erectile dysfunction (ED). The ultrastructure of corpus cavernous of the penis have an important role in the mechanism of erection.

Aim

It is suggested that different medical conditions produce similar degenerative tissue responses. We investigated the ultrastructural changes of penile cavernous tissue and its association with ED in multiple sclerotic rats.

Methods

After induction of multiple sclerosis in rat, maximum intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICPmax/MAP) in the severity multiple sclerotic rats (group A),moderate multiple sclerotic rats (group C), and age-matched control rat (group B) were observed and compared. The ultrastructure of the penile cavernous tissue was studied by transmission electron microscope. Expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in penile tissue were examined immunohistochemically.

Main Outcome Measures

Severity MS (score 3) not only significantly decrease the ICPmax/MAP × 100 and the expression of nNOS, but also might affect the ultrastructure of the penis.

Results

The ICPmax/MAP × 100 in group A was significantly less than in group B and group C at 3 V (5.65 ± 1.78, 20.49 ± 5.84, and 12.78 ± 5.76, respectively) and at 5 V (6.70 ± 1.39, 23.66 ± 5.19, and 16.95 ± 3.31, respectively) stimulation voltage, respectively (P < 0.05). Significant ultrastructral pathological changes characterized by degeneration and demyelination singularly in Schwann cells without significant ultrastructural change of smooth muscle cells and endothelium cells were observed in penile cavernous tissue of group A rats.

Conclusions

The function of penile erection is affected by MS, and the ultrastructural pathological changes of the penile cavernous tissue may be one of the important mechanisms of ED caused by severity MS.
Further Psychometric Validation of the Sexual Life Quality Questionnaire for Men with Erectile Dysfunction and Their Partners on a Modified Spanish Language Version
Authors: Gutiérrez Pedro , Hernández Pablo , Sanz Emilio , Cardeñosa Oscar , Mas Manuel
Published: May 2009

Introduction

Although erectile dysfunction (ED) is known to hamper quality of life (QoL) of afflicted men and their partners, there are few validated instruments for assessing the couple’s sexual QoL. The Sexual Life Quality of Life Questionnaire (SLQQ) was developed in the United States for this purpose, and so it has been used in clinical studies. Yet, the original description did not address some important psychometric properties included in the Food and Drug Administration 2006 guidance for patient-reported outcome instruments.

Aims

The aims of this study were to validate a Spanish language version of the modified SLQQ (mSLQQ), and to evaluate on it those psychometric properties lacking in the seminal description, namely discriminant validity and test–retest stability.

Methods

Psychometric validation of the translated SLQQ was conducted on 164 ED patients and their sexual partners, and 60 age-matched non-dysfunctional couples. At baseline, all subjects completed the mSLQQ QoL and the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaires, and the men the International Index of Erectile Function. Two weeks later, ED patients abstaining from any ED medication and their partners repeated the mSLQQ QoL (104 valid couples). Oral medication for ED was then prescribed. Four weeks thereafter, they completed the QoL and treatment satisfaction scales of the SLQQ.

Main Outcome Measures

The mSLQQ QoL scores of men and women at different times for psychometric analyses.

Results

Cronbach α coefficients indicated good internal consistency. Large differences between control and ED couples, and close association with ED severity demonstrated discriminant and convergent validity, respectively. High intra-class correlation coefficients and similar mean scores at first and second visits substantiated test–retest stability. Significant increases after treatment with robust effect size demonstrated sensitivity to change in both patients and partners.

Conclusions

This adaptation of the SLQQ shows psychometric properties comparable to the original description. The additional properties demonstrated here fully validate the mSLQQ as a tool for evaluating sexual QoL in ED patients and their partners.
Estradiol Ameliorates Diabetes-Induced Changes in Vaginal Structure of db/db Mouse Model
Authors: Cushman Tulay T. , Kim Noel , Hoyt Richard , Traish Abdulmaged
Published: May 2009

Introduction

Women with diabetes experience diminished genital arousal, reduced vaginal lubrication, vaginal atrophy, dyspareunia, and increased infections. Limited studies are available investigating the effects of diabetic complications on the vagina.

Aims

The goals of this study were to investigate type 2 diabetes-induced changes in vaginal structure, and to determine if estradiol treatment ameliorates these changes.

Methods

Eight-week-old female diabetic (db/db) mice (strain BKS.Cg-m+/+Leprdb/J) and age-matched control normoglycemic female littermates were used to investigate the effects of type 2 diabetes on vaginal tissue structural integrity. Diabetic animals were divided into two subgroups: diabetic treated with vehicle only and diabetic treated with pellets containing estradiol. At 16 weeks, the animals were sacrificed, and the vaginal tissues were excised and analyzed by histological and immunohistochemical methods to assess diabetes-induced changes in vaginal tissue and the extent by which these parameters are restored by estradiol treatment.

Main Outcome Measures

The effects of type 2 diabetes and estradiol supplementation were investigated on vaginal histoarchitecture.

Results

Diabetic animals exhibited high blood glucose levels (>600 mg/dL), increased body weight (43.0 ± 6.0 g vs. 24.4 ± 2.0 g), and reduced plasma estradiol levels (65.5 ± 6.6 pg/mL vs. 80.77 ± 13.2 pg/mL) when compared to control animals. Diabetes resulted in significant thinning of the epithelium (P ≤ 0.05), marked decrease in the muscularis area (P ≤ 0.05), distinct truncation of elastic fibers, and significant reduction of the nitrergic immunoreactive nerve fibers (P ≤ 0.05). Treatment of diabetic animals with estradiol restored epithelial thickness (P ≤ 0.05), muscularis area (P ≤ 0.05), and elastic fiber distribution, and partially restored the density of nitrergic nerve fibers.

Conclusions

The data in this study demonstrate that type 2 diabetes disrupts vaginal structural integrity and that estradiol supplementation ameliorates the diabetes-induced vaginal pathology.
PREDICTION OF HONEY SHELF LIFE
Authors: FALLICO BIAGIO , ARENA ELENA , ZAPPALA MARIO
Published: May 2009

Fourteen commercial honey samples of different botanical origin (acacia, chestnut, citrus, eucalyptus, multifloral) were stored for up to 18 months at room temperature. Both 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and diastase were evaluated and kinetics carried out. The highest HMF increase was in citrus and eucalyptus honeys at 3 mg/kg/month; the lowest in chestnut at 0.256 mg/kg/month. The highest diastase deactivation was in eucalyptus honey at 0.485 DU/kg/month; the lowest was in chestnut at 0.258 DU/kg/month. Honey shelf life was estimated for both indices, HMF and diastase, using a Bayesian approach. The results show that commercial honey shelf life depends on botanical origin as well as processing. Except chestnut, all other honeys showed shorter shelf lives than the declared one (usually 36 months). The shortest values, 15 months, were for citrus and eucalyptus honeys. The longest, 20 months, was for acacia and multifloral honeys.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Both kinetic equations and results of simulations can be used to estimate, for quality control purposes as well as regulation requirements, the most probable value of shelf life for a specific honey.
A Couple‐Based Approach to the Reduction of PTSD Avoidance Symptoms: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Sautter Frederic J. , Glynn Shirley M. , Thompson Karin E. , Franklin Laurel , Han Xiaotong
Published: May 2009

This study reports preliminary findings regarding the feasibility and efficacy of a novel couple‐based treatment, named Strategic Approach Therapy (SAT), for reducing avoidance symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Six male Vietnam combat veterans diagnosed with PTSD and their cohabitating marital partners participated in 10 weeks of SAT treatment. Self‐report, clinician ratings, and partner ratings of PTSD symptoms were obtained before the first session and after the tenth session of treatment. Veterans reported statistically significant reductions in self‐reported, clinician‐rated, and partner‐rated effortful avoidance, emotional numbing, and overall PTSD severity. These data indicate that SAT offers promise as an effective treatment for PTSD avoidance symptoms.
Cilnidipine: A New Generation Ca2+ Channel Blocker with Inhibitory Action on Sympathetic Neurotransmitter Release
Authors: Takahara Akira
Published: May 2009

Cilnidipine is a unique Ca2+ channel blocker with an inhibitory action on the sympathetic N‐type Ca2+ channels, which is used for patients with hypertension in Japan. Cilnidipine has been clarified to exert antisympathetic actions in various examinations from cell to human levels, in contrast to classical Ca2+ channel blockers. Furthermore, renoprotective and neuroprotective effects as well as cardioprotective action of cilnidipine have been demonstrated in clinical practice or animal examinations. After the introduction of nifedipine as an antihypertensive drug, many Ca2+ channel blockers with long‐lasting action for blood pressure have been developed to minimize sympathetic reflex during antihypertensive therapy, which have been divided into three groups; namely, first, second, and third generation based on their pharmacokinetic profiles. Since cilnidipine directly inhibits the sympathetic neurotransmitter release by N‐type Ca2+ channel‐blocking property, the drug can be expected as fourth generation, providing an effective strategy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Ventricular Assist Device Therapy
Authors: Sayer Gabriel , Naka Yoshifumi , Jorde Ulrich P.
Published: May 2009

Ventricular assist devices are an important therapeutic option for advanced congestive heart failure. A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) can be implanted as a bridge to transplantation or for the purpose of destination therapy. LVADs improve end‐organ function and reduce morbidity and mortality in appropriately selected patients. The development of axial flow pumps has overcome many of the limitations of the first‐generation pulsatile flow LVADs. However, many complications of LVAD therapy remain. Treating these complications requires an understanding of LVAD physiology. Ongoing research is directed at reducing the incidence of many of these complications and may allow for wider use of LVADs.
ThiaZolidineDiones and the Influence of Media Adverse Reporting on Prescribing Attitudes in PraCTice (TZD‐IMPACT) Study
Authors: George Jacob , Hannah Stuart , Lang Chim C.
Published: May 2009

Prescribing behavior may be linked to media influence rather than to scientific evidence. Recently, the oral diabetic drug class of thiazolidinedione has been under the spotlight because of concerns over their cardiovascular safety. We have therefore conducted an electronic questionnaire survey among prescribing physicians in Tayside, Scotland to evaluate the prescribing attitudes and knowledge of the available evidence regarding the cardiovascular safety of thiazolidinedione use. Nationally representative prescribing data thoughout Scotland and Tayside from the IMS Health RSA dataset were also examined. Prescriptions for rosiglitazone alone or in combination with metformin have steadily decreased since the publication of a meta‐analysis suggesting harm from rosiglitazone. This was mirrored by a gradual increase in prescriptions of pioglitazone. However, when questioned, the majority of doctors rate the level of information received regarding drug safety information on thiazolidinediones to be low with 68% of respondents scoring 5 or less (scale 1–10) on the level of information received. The source of information regarding drug safety warning was highly varied ranging from journals (21%), scientific meetings (19%) and the news media (15%). The findings of this study clearly show a need to disseminate reliable drug safety information more effectively to prescribers.
Natality Estimates for the Canadian Indians by Stable Population Models, 1900–1969
Authors: Romaniuk A. , Piché V.
Published: May 2009

Après avoir démontré que les données officielles sur les taux de naissance de la population indienne avant 1960 sont largement inadéquates, les auteurs utilisent deux méthodes indirectes pour obtenir des estimés fiables de ces taux. La première méthode se sert des donnees disponibles sur la distribution de la population par classe d'âge depuis 1900 tandis que la seconde utilise les données du recensement de 1961 sur l'ensemble des naissances selon l'âge de la mere. On analyse dans les deux cas, les données sous‐jacentes et on déduit les estimés, à partir de modèles qui postulent une population stable.

Les meilleurs estimés obtenus permettent de croire que le taux de natalité des Indiens est demeuré relativement stable dans le passé, au niveau de 50 naissances par 1,000 individus. On note cependant, un déclin constant de la fécondité depuis 1960. Ainsi le taux de natalité est passé de 46.0 pour 1000 en 1961 à 36.8 en 1969. Cette tendance peut être interpretee comme une evolution fondamentale dans la démographie de ce groupe ethnique.

After having shown that official series of birth rates for the Indian population prior to 1960 suffer from considerable deficiencies, two indirect methods are applied to arrive at some trustworthy estimates of these rates. Use is made, in the one case, of the age distribution data available since 1900, and, in the other case, of 1961 census data on children ever‐born to women by age. In both instances stable population models are used for analysing the underlying data and for deriving the estimates.

According to the best obtained estimates, the birth‐rate for the Indian population seems to have remained relatively stable in the past, at a level close to 50 per 1000 persons. A gradual decline in fertility has been taking place since about 1960. Thus the birth‐rate has dropped from 46.0 in 1961 to 36.8 in 1969, the latest available figure. This trend may be regarded as a major development in the demography of this ethnic group which is, in many respects, unique in the Canadian context.
Mammalian Expression of Infrared Fluorescent Proteins Engineered from a Bacterial Phytochrome
Authors: Shu Xiaokun , Royant Antoine , Lin Michael Z. , Aguilera Todd A. , Lev-Ram Varda , Steinbach Paul A. , Tsien Roger Y.
Published: May 2009

Infrared Vision

Proteins from jellyfish and corals that fluoresce in the visible wavelength range have revolutionized optical imaging of cells. However, these wavelengths are absorbed by hemoglobin, water, and lipids and the proteins are thus not appropriate for deep-tissue imaging. Now

Shu
et al.

(p.
804
) have engineered a bacteriophytochrome from
Deinococcus radiodurans
that incorporates biliverdin as the chromophore, to fluoresce with excitation and emission spectra of 648 and 708 nanometers, respectively. These infrared fluorescent proteins are expressed well in mammalian cells and mice, and can be used for whole-body imaging.
High-Throughput Sequencing of the Zebrafish Antibody Repertoire
Authors: Weinstein Joshua A. , Jiang Ning , White Richard A. , Fisher Daniel S. , Quake Stephen R.
Published: May 2009

Antibody Repertoire Revealed

Antibodies produced by B cells protect us against infection by a wide array of pathogens. Such wide-ranging responses are possible because the specific domain of the antibody that binds to the invader is highly variable owing to the somatic recombination of an inherited set of gene segments that encode the antibody molecule. Although antibody diversity within an individual organism is well-established, the specific antibody repertoire of an individual organism has not been characterized. Using high-throughput sequencing technology,

Weinstein
et al.

(p.
807
) characterized the diversity of the antigen-binding domain of the antibody heavy chain in zebrafish. The antibody repertoire of individual fish covered at least 50% of the possible gene combinations. Although the specific gene combinations differed between fish, a similar frequency distribution of the repertoire was observed. Unexpected examples of evolutionary conversion were also seen, with the same antibody observed in different animals.
N-Doping of Graphene Through Electrothermal Reactions with Ammonia
Authors: Wang Xinran , Li Xiaolin , Zhang Li , Yoon Youngki , Weber Peter K. , Wang Hailiang , Guo Jing , Dai Hongjie
Published: May 2009

Negatively Doped Graphene Nanoribbons

The potential applications in electronic devices of graphene (single atom, thick layers of graphite) would be even greater if it can be accessed in both p- and n-doped forms. Graphene nanoribbons (long strips only tens of nanometers in width) are readily p-doped by adsorbates from the ambient atmosphere.

Wang
et al.

(p.
768
) show that when graphene nano-ribbons are electrically heated in an ammonia atmosphere, nitrogen is incorporated mainly at the edges of the ribbon and creates an n-type material. Field-effect transistors that operate at room temperature can be made from this material.
A Gene Necessary for Reproductive Suppression in Termites
Authors: Korb Judith , Weil Tobias , Hoffmann Katharina , Foster Kevin R. , Rehli Michael
Published: May 2009

Knocking out the
Neofem2
gene in queen termites illicits pre-reproductive behavior in workers.
Basin-Scale Coherence in Phenology of Shrimps and Phytoplankton in the North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Koeller P. , Fuentes-Yaco C. , Platt T. , Sathyendranath S. , Richards A. , Ouellet P. , Orr D. , Skúladóttir U. , Wieland K. , Savard L. , Aschan M.
Published: May 2009

Fine-Tuning Fisheries

The past decade has seen a tremendous increase in our understanding of how climate anomalies affect hydrographic properties in North Atlantic Shelf ecosystems, but less about how these events impact organisms.

Koeller
et al.

(p.
791
, see the Perspective by

Greene
et al.

) measured the egg incubation and hatching times of an important fisheries resource, the pink North Atlantic shrimp, at a variety of locations and compared them to the timing of the local spring phytoplankton bloom. Shrimp reproduction was determined locally by bottom-water temperatures and was not directly coupled with the spring bloom. While the local bottom temperatures and bloom timing are well-matched in general, and match egg hatching to food availability, this evolved relationship can be decoupled by interannual variability and climate change.
To Nibble at Plant Resistance Proteins
Authors: Takken F. L. W. , Tameling W. I. L.
Published: May 2009

To intercept invading microbes that threaten growth and reproduction, plants evolved a sophisticated innate immune system. Recognition of specialized pathogens is mediated by resistance proteins that function as molecular switches. Pathogen perception by these multidomain proteins seems to trigger a series of conformational changes dependent on nucleotide exchange. The activated resistance protein switches on host defenses, often culminating in the death of infected cells. Given their control over life and death, activity of these proteins requires tight regulation that involves intramolecular interactions between the various domains.
Human Inhumanity
Cruelty
Human Evil and the Human Brain

by Kathleen Taylor

Oxford University Press, New York, 2009. 349 pp. $34.95, £16.99. ISBN 9780199552627.
Authors: Ak Prashanth
Published: May 2009

Taylor explores how knowledge of how the human brain works might help us to understand, and tackle the problems of, cruel behaviors.
An Invasive Plant Paradox
Authors: Rout Marnie E. , Callaway Ragan M.
Published: May 2009

One reason that invasive plants may thrive in new environments is their interactions with soil microbes that increase nitrogen cycling.
Next-Generation Communication
Authors: Bisseling Ton , Dangl Jeffery L. , Schulze-Lefert Paul
Published: May 2009

In the past decade, there have been major advances in our understanding of the molecular interplay between plants and various classes of microbial pathogens (bacteria, fungi, oomycetes, viruses, and nematodes) and microbial symbionts (rhizobia or mycorrhizal fungi). These fundamental insights, reviewed in a special section in this issue (p. 741), provide a conceptual framework for rational human intervention through the breeding or engineering of crops for durable and broad-spectrum disease resistance. However, such engineered plants will eventually be deployed into soils of varying geochemistry that harbor a staggering diversity of microbes. Many of these microbes can associate intimately with crops or other plants in natural habitats. A deeper understanding of plant-associated microbial communities is likely to offer exciting opportunities for controlling plant growth and pathogen burden in sustainable agricultural settings over the next two decades.
A History Lesson for Stem Cells
Authors: Wilson James M.
Published: May 2009

Factors that led to the decline of gene therapy at the turn of the century should be considered by the stem cell community to avoid a similar outcome.
Devilish Dilemmas Surround Pandemic Flu Vaccine
Authors: Enserink Martin , Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: May 2009

If and when a pandemic of H1N1 swine flu hits, vaccines might be the world's best hope for softening the blow. But major uncertainties cloud the prospects for vaccines against the new strain.
Army Bans Pathogen Work at Lab After Security Lapse
Authors: Bhattacharjee Yudhijit
Published: May 2009

The U.S. Army's unprecedented decision to ban one of its premier biodefense labs from conducting any work involving dangerous pathogens has left some two dozen researchers unable to continue high-profile research projects such as developing a vaccine against brucellosis and testing ways to rapidly detect biowarfare agents.
DOE Commits $777 Million to Apply Basic Science to Urgent Problems
Authors: Kintisch Eli
Published: May 2009

The Department of Energy (DOE) hopes its new Energy Frontier Research Centers will bridge the gap between basic and applied work in energy research.
Fermi Data Dim Dark-Matter Claim
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: May 2009

Data from a new satellite appear to stick a pin in a previous claim that a balloon experiment may have spotted dark matter.
A Deeply Scarred Land
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: May 2009

Rock and mudslides in Sichuan have buried vast forested areas, ruined farmland, and disrupted the habitats of pandas and golden monkeys; the recovery will take decades.
Going the Distance to Uncover The Roots of Trade in the Near East
Authors: Lawler Andrew
Published: May 2009

Archaeologists are revealing the “invisible exports” of the world's first civilizations: textiles, silk, and stone shipped to ordinary people rather than elites.
A Reprieve—and Risk
Authors: Lawler Andrew
Published: May 2009

The mission to give the Hubble Space Telescope a new lease on life is just the tail end of a long and bitter battle waged by scientists, who won critical support from politicians and the public, after a previous mission was canceled in the wake of the Columbia disaster.
Life Science Technologies: Molecular Diagnostics: Personalizing Personalized Medicine
Authors: Perkel Jeffrey M.
Published: May 2009

Thirteen years after Roche launched the industry with a test for HIV load based on transcript abundance, molecular diagnostics is in full flower. A $3.3 billion market growing at 17 percent annually, the field includes assays for disease predisposition, screening, diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring, and predicting treatment efficacy, using markers ranging from SNPs to methylcytosine, messenger RNA to microRNA. Bringing digital power to traditional analog medicine, the field "is absolutely going to revolutionize health care," says Harry Glorikian, managing partner at Scientia Advisors. "I believe it with every fiber in my being."
Phylogenetically Distinct
Staphylococcus aureus
Lineage Prevalent among Indigenous Communities in Northern Australia
Authors: Ng Jacklyn W. S. , Holt Deborah C. , Lilliebridge Rachael A. , Stephens Alex J. , Huygens Flavia , Tong Steven Y. C. , Currie Bart J. , Giffard Philip M.
Published: May 2009

The aim was to determine the evolutionary position of the
Staphylococcus aureus
clonal complex 75 (CC75) that is prevalent in tropical northern Australia. Sequencing of
gap
,
rpoB
,
sodA
,
tuf
, and
hsp60
and the multilocus sequence typing loci revealed a clear separation between conventional
S
.
aureus
and CC75 and significant diversity within CC75.
Molecular Characterization of a New
Tetratrichomonas
Species in a Patient with Empyema
Authors: Mantini Cléa , Souppart Laetitia , Noël Christophe , Duong Thanh Hai , Mornet Michel , Carroger Guy , Dupont Pierre , Masseret Elodie , Goustille Julien , Capron Monique , Duboucher Christophe , Dei-Cas Eduardo , Viscogliosi Eric
Published: May 2009

A new
Tetratrichomonas
species was identified by molecular and phylogenetic approaches in the pleural fluid from a patient with encysted empyema leading to dyspnea. This observation raised the questions of the real prevalence of pulmonary trichomonosis in humans, the zoonotic potential of trichomonads, and the existence of human-host-adapted strains.
Occurrence, Population Structure, and Antimicrobial Resistance of Enterococci in Marginal and Apical Periodontitis
Authors: Sun Jinglu , Song Xiaobo , Kristiansen Bjørn Erik , Kjæreng Anne , Willems Rob J. L. , Eriksen Harald M. , Sundsfjord Arnfinn , Sollid Johanna E.
Published: May 2009

Subgingival plaque samples and root canal samples were collected from 2,839 marginal periodontitis (MP) patients and 21 apical periodontitis (AP) patients.
Enterococcus
species were identified by a series of phenotypic and genotypic tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility assays were performed by an agar disk diffusion test. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST), eBURST, and minimum spanning tree were used for enterococcal genetic clustering and population analysis.
Enterococcus faecalis
was recovered from 3.7% MP patients and 9.5% AP patients, and
Enterococcus faecium
was recovered from 0.04% MP patients. Enterococci were detected more often in older male patients.
E
.
faecalis
isolates of MP were found resistant to tetracycline (49.1%), erythromycin (8.5%), trimethoprim (2.8%), and gentamicin (1.9%), while one AP isolate was resistant to tetracycline. A total of 40 sequence types (STs) were resolved in 108
E
.
faecalis
isolates. Comparison with
E
.
faecalis
international MLST database revealed that 27 STs were previously found, 13 STs were novel, and several major clonal complexes in the database were also found in MP isolates. The tetracycline-resistant isolates distributed mainly in the major clonal complexes and singletons, whereas the erythromycin-resistant isolates were more dispersed. Although the rate of occurrence of enterococci recovered in the MP and AP samples was low, 50% of these isolates are resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent, which is most often tetracycline. This implies that subgingival
E
.
faecalis
might represent a reservoir of resistance to tetracycline and erythromycin. The subgingival
E
.
faecalis
isolates show high genetic diversity but are grouped, in general, with the known isolates from the international database.
Development and Assessment of a Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay for Quantification of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 DNA
Authors: Beloukas A. , Paraskevis D. , Haida C. , Sypsa V. , Hatzakis A.
Published: May 2009

Previous studies showed that high levels of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) DNA are associated with a faster progression to AIDS, an increased risk of death, and a higher risk of HIV RNA rebound in patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy. Our objective was to develop and assess a highly sensitive real-time multiplex PCR assay for the quantification of HIV-1 DNA (RTMP-HIV) based on molecular beacons. HIV-1 DNA quantification was carried out by RTMP in a LightCycler 2.0 apparatus. HIV-1 DNA was quantified in parallel with CCR5 as a reference gene, and reported values are numbers of HIV-1 DNA copies/10
6
peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The clinical sensitivity of the assay was assessed for 115 newly diagnosed HIV-1-infected individuals. The analytical sensitivity was estimated to be 12.5 copies of HIV-1 DNA per 10
6
PBMCs, while the clinical sensitivity was 100%, with levels ranging from 1.23 to 4.25 log
10
HIV-1 DNA copies/10
6
PBMCs. In conclusion, we developed and assessed a new RTMP-HIV assay based on molecular beacons, using a LightCycler 2.0 instrument. This multiplex assay has comparable sensitivity, reproducibility, and accuracy to single real-time PCR assays.
Virological Response to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in Patients Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 2 (HIV-2) and in Patients Dually Infected with HIV-1 and HIV-2 in The Gambia and Emergence of Drug-Resistant Variants
Authors: Jallow Sabelle , Alabi Abraham , Sarge-Njie Ramu , Peterson Kevin , Whittle Hilton , Corrah Tumani , Jaye Assan , Cotten Matthew , Vanham Guido , McConkey Samuel J. , Rowland-Jones Sarah , Janssens Wouter
Published: May 2009

Drug design, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and drug resistance studies have focused almost exclusively on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), resulting in limited information for patients infected with HIV-2 and for those dually infected with HIV-1 and HIV-2. In this study, 20 patients, 12 infected with HIV-2 and 8 dually infected with HIV-1 and HIV-2, all treated with zidovudine (ZDV), lamivudine (3TC), and lopinavir-ritonavir (LPV/r), were followed up longitudinally for about 3 years. For 19/20 patients, viral loads were reduced to undetectable levels; the patient whose viral load remained detectable reported adverse effects associated with LPV/r that had caused him to stop taking all the drugs. HIV-2 strains containing mutations in both the protease and the reverse transcriptase gene that may confer drug resistance were observed in two patients with viral rebound, as early as 130 days (4.3 months) after the initiation of therapy. We conclude that the combination of ZDV, 3TC, and LPV/r is able to provide efficient and durable suppression of HIV-1 and HIV-2 for as long as 3 years in HIV-2-infected and dually infected patients. However, the emergence of HIV-1 and HIV-2 strains containing drug-resistant mutations can compromise the efficacy of this highly active ART.
Cohort Study of Molecular Identification and Typing of
Mycobacterium abscessus, Mycobacterium massiliense
, and
Mycobacterium bolletii
Authors: Zelazny Adrian M. , Root Jeremy M. , Shea Yvonne R. , Colombo Rhonda E. , Shamputa Isdore C. , Stock Frida , Conlan Sean , McNulty Steven , Brown-Elliott Barbara A. , Wallace Richard J. , Olivier Kenneth N. , Holland Steven M. , Sampaio Elizabeth P.
Published: May 2009

Mycobacterium abscessus
is the most common cause of rapidly growing mycobacterial chronic lung disease. Recently, two new
M. abscessus
-related species,
M. massiliense
and
M. bolletii
, have been described. Health care-associated outbreaks have recently been investigated by the use of molecular identification and typing tools; however, very little is known about the natural epidemiology and pathogenicity of
M. massiliense
or
M. bolletii
outside of outbreak situations. The differentiation of these two species from
M. abscessus
is difficult and relies on the sequencing of one or more housekeeping genes. We performed extensive molecular identification and typing of 42 clinical isolates of
M. abscessus, M. massiliense
, and
M. bolletii
from patients monitored at the NIH between 1999 and 2007. The corresponding clinical data were also examined. Partial sequencing of
rpoB, hsp65
, and
secA
led to the unambiguous identification of 26
M. abscessus
isolates, 7
M. massiliense
isolates, and 2
M. bolletii
isolates. The identification results for seven other isolates were ambiguous and warranted further sequencing and an integrated phylogenetic analysis. Strain relatedness was assessed by repetitive-sequence-based PCR (rep-PCR) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), which showed the characteristic clonal groups for each species. Five isolates with ambiguous species identities as
M. abscessus
-
M. massiliense
by
rpoB, hsp
6
5
, and
secA
sequencing clustered as a distinct group by rep-PCR and PFGE together with the
M. massiliense
type strain. Overall, the clinical manifestations of disease caused by each species were similar. In summary, a multilocus sequencing approach (not just
rpoB
partial sequencing) is required for division of
M. abscessus
and closely related species. Molecular typing complements sequence-based identification and provides information on prevalent clones with possible relevant clinical aspects.
Study Comparing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Real-Time Multiplex PCR and Hybrid Capture II INNO-LiPA v2 HPV Genotyping PCR Assays
Authors: Iftner Thomas , Germ Liesje , Swoyer Ryan , Kjaer Susanne Kruger , Breugelmans J. Gabrielle , Munk Christian , Stubenrauch Frank , Antonello Joseph , Bryan Janine T. , Taddeo Frank J.
Published: May 2009

Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA genotyping is an essential test to establish efficacy in HPV vaccine clinical trials and HPV prevalence in natural history studies. A number of HPV DNA genotyping methods have been cited in the literature, but the comparability of the outcomes from the different methods has not been well characterized. Clinically, cytology is used to establish possible HPV infection. We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of HPV multiplex PCR assays compared to those of the testing scheme of the Hybrid Capture II (HCII) assay followed by an HPV PCR/line hybridization assay (HCII-LiPA v2). SurePath residual samples were split into two aliquots. One aliquot was subjected to HCII testing followed by DNA extraction and LiPA v2 genotyping. The second aliquot was shipped to a second laboratory, where DNA was extracted and HPV multiplex PCR testing was performed. Comparisons were evaluated for 15 HPV types common in both assays. A slightly higher proportion of samples tested positive by the HPV multiplex PCR than by the HCII-LiPA v2 assay. The sensitivities of the multiplex PCR assay relative to those of the HCII-LiPA v2 assay for HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18, for example, were 0.806, 0.646, 0.920, and 0.860, respectively; the specificities were 0.986, 0.998, 0.960, and 0.986, respectively. The overall comparability of detection of the 15 HPV types was quite high. Analyses of DNA genotype testing compared to cytology results demonstrated a significant discordance between cytology-negative (normal) and HPV DNA-positive results. This demonstrates the challenges of cytological diagnosis and the possibility that a significant number of HPV-infected cells may appear cytologically normal.
Chronic Brucellosis and Persistence of
Brucella melitensis
DNA
Authors: Castaño Maria Jesús , Solera Javier
Published: May 2009

After acute brucellosis infection, symptoms persist in a minority of patients for more than 1 year. Such patients are defined as having chronic brucellosis. Since no objective laboratory methods exist to confirm the presence of chronic disease, these patients suffer delays in both diagnosis and treatment. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the usefulness of quantitative real-time PCR (Q-PCR) in the diagnosis and follow-up of these patients. Thirty-five subjects with a well-documented history of brucellosis that had been diagnosed between 2 and 33 years previously were screened by Q-PCR for the presence of
Brucella melitensis
DNA and by serological tests and blood culture. Subjects were divided into three groups: 8 (23%) focal-disease subjects, 9 (26%) nonfocal-disease subjects with subjective complaints, such as fatigue, malaise, arthralgia, and/or myalgia, and 18 (51%) asymptomatic subjects. All (100%) focal-disease patients and symptomatic nonfocal-disease patients had at least one positive Q-PCR sample. Only six (33%) of the asymptomatic subjects had Q-PCR-positive samples (
P
< 0.05). Eleven patients (five focal-disease patients and six nonfocal-disease patients with subjective complaints) received therapy during the study. For those patients who completed treatment, six (60%) still had Q-PCR-positive samples at the posttreatment follow-up. The proportion of individuals with
B. melitensis
DNA was significantly higher for symptomatic nonfocal-disease patients than for asymptomatic subjects. Therefore, Q-PCR appears to be a useful method for identifying chronic brucellosis patients.
Early Upregulation of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome-Associated Cytokines Promotes Lethal Disease in an Aged-Mouse Model of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection
Authors: Rockx Barry , Baas Tracey , Zornetzer Gregory A. , Haagmans Bart , Sheahan Timothy , Frieman Matthew , Dyer Matthew D. , Teal Thomas H. , Proll Sean , van den Brand Judith , Baric Ralph , Katze Michael G.
Published: May 2009

Several respiratory viruses, including influenza virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), produce more severe disease in the elderly, yet the molecular mechanisms governing age-related susceptibility remain poorly studied. Advanced age was significantly associated with increased SARS-related deaths, primarily due to the onset of early- and late-stage acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and pulmonary fibrosis. Infection of aged, but not young, mice with recombinant viruses bearing spike glycoproteins derived from early human or palm civet isolates resulted in death accompanied by pathological changes associated with ARDS. In aged mice, a greater number of differentially expressed genes were observed than in young mice, whose responses were significantly delayed. Differences between lethal and nonlethal virus phenotypes in aged mice could be attributed to differences in host response kinetics rather than virus kinetics. SARS-CoV infection induced a range of interferon, cytokine, and pulmonary wound-healing genes, as well as several genes associated with the onset of ARDS. Mice that died also showed unique transcriptional profiles of immune response, apoptosis, cell cycle control, and stress. Cytokines associated with ARDS were significantly upregulated in animals experiencing lung pathology and lethal disease, while the same animals experienced downregulation of the ACE2 receptor. These data suggest that the magnitude and kinetics of a disproportionately strong host innate immune response contributed to severe respiratory stress and lethality. Although the molecular mechanisms governing ARDS pathophysiology remain unknown in aged animals, these studies reveal a strategy for dissecting the genetic pathways by which SARS-CoV infection induces changes in the host response, leading to death.