bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kaspersky Lab: from Russia with anti-virus
Authors: Kshetri Nir
Published: October 2011

Subject area

International Business, International Entrepreneurship, International Marketing.

Study level/applicability

Advanced undergraduate and graduate students are the primary audience. The case can also be used in executive classes with emerging economies as a focus.

Case overview

Kaspersky Lab is a provider of information technology (IT) security products such as anti-virus, anti-spam and network security software. It is Russia's largest software company and the only Russian firm that ranked among the world's top 100 software companies. This case presents several interesting features of the company and its environment. The foci of the case are on potential barriers facing firms based in emerging economies in their internationalization initiatives and negative country of origin effects associated with emerging economies.

Expected learning outcomes

The learning objectives of this case include:

To identify internal and external sources of competitive advantage for a developing world originated successful entrepreneurial firm.

To assess the potential barriers facing an emerging economy-based firm in the internationalization process and analyse whether such barriers differ across economies of various characteristics.

To evaluate whether the natures of obstacles and challenges faced by an emerging economy-based firm is different in a newly evolving industry.

To analyze how an emerging economy-based firm can overcome some of the barriers to internationalization.
Predictors of coping in a group of Turkish patients with physical disability
Authors: Kara Belgüzar , Açıkel Cengiz Han
Published: October 2011

Aim and objective.  To describe coping strategies used and determine the influence of demographic/health‐related variables and perceived social support to the prediction of coping strategies in patients with physical disabilities.

Background.  The period of psychosocial adaptation following a physical disability is very stressful. The use of effective coping strategies may be helpful in adapting to disability. However, no information is available about the coping strategies used by Turkish patients with physical disability.

Design.  The study was designed as a cross‐sectional survey. The data were obtained from 51 patients with physical disability in a rehabilitation centre in Ankara, Turkey between May 2004–September 2005.

Methods.  Data were collected using a questionnaire form, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and the Coping Strategy Indicator. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, Mann–Whitney U tests, Kruskal–Wallis test, chi‐square test, Pearson’s correlation coefficients and stepwise multivariate regression analysis were conducted.

Results.  The most frequently used coping strategy was problem‐solving, followed by avoidance coping and seeking social support. Significant predictors of overall coping strategies were age, financial status, the caregiver’s presence and perceived social support, after controlling for specific variables.

Conclusions.  This study demonstrated that patients who were older and had a caregiver were more likely to use problem‐solving strategy. Seeking social support was more common among patients who had a caregiver and those with more perceived support from friends, whereas patients who had financial difficulties used more avoidance coping.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Better understanding the coping strategies used by individuals with physical disabilities and factors affecting coping is provide interventions that reduce the stress and support their adaptation. Nurses should be aware of the factors that affect to coping strategies used to deal with stress.
Effect of mandibular position on three‐dimensional shape of the oropharynx in seated posture
Authors: FURUYA J. , TAMADA Y. , SUZUKI T.
Published: October 2011

Summary  Dysphagia rehabilitation in the elderly includes direct therapy to alter the three‐dimensional shape of the oropharynx so that food boluses can pass safely through the poorly functioning pharynx. Alteration of the mandibular position is thought to affect oropharyngeal shape, but this relationship remains poorly understood. We therefore studied the relationship between mandibular position and three‐dimensional shape of the oropharynx in the seated posture normal for feeding. Ten healthy, dentate subjects participated (average age, 28·1 years). Experimental mandibular positions were the intercuspal position, bite‐raised position and mandible‐advanced position. The oropharynx was scanned in a 90° seated posture using dental cone‐beam computed tomography, and the effects of changes in mandibular position were analysed after obtaining oropharyngeal volume, height, sectional area, average sectional area of oropharynx and the position of the epiglottis. Oropharyngeal volume and average sectional area increased significantly in the mandible‐advanced position compared with other mandibular positions. Notably, the volume and average sectional area of the inferior part of the oropharynx increased significantly. Oropharyngeal height and sectional area at the base of the epiglottis showed no significant difference in bite‐raised position and mandible‐advanced position compared with intercuspal position. The position of the epiglottis moved significantly forward in the mandible‐advanced position. The results of this study show that in a seated posture, volume of the oropharynx increases as a result of changes in the mandible‐advanced position. The increase in oropharyngeal volume demands greater muscular constriction to generate swallowing pressure and could lead to a decrease in reserve capacity of swallowing.
Arthrocentesis with or without additional drugs in temporomandibular joint inflammatory‐degenerative disease: comparison of six treatment protocols*
Authors: MANFREDINI D. , RANCITELLI D. , FERRONATO G. , GUARDA‐NARDINI L.
Published: October 2011

Summary  The aim of the present pilot investigation was to compare the effectiveness of six treatment protocols providing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrocentesis with or without additional drugs to manage symptoms in patients with inflammatory‐degenerative TMJ disease. A consecutive series of 72 patients with TMJ osteoarthritis (axis group IIIb) with pain lasting from more than 6 months were randomly assigned to one of the groups receiving the following treatment protocols: single‐session two‐needle arthrocentesis (A), single‐session two‐needle arthrocentesis plus corticosteroid (B), single‐session two‐needle arthrocentesis plus low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA) (C), single‐session two‐needle arthrocentesis plus high molecular weight HA (D), 5 weekly two‐needle arthrocenteses plus low molecular weight HA (E) and 5 weekly single‐needle arthrocenteses plus low molecular weight HA (F). At the 3‐month follow‐up, improvement with respect to mean baseline values was recorded in all the five treatment groups completing the protocol. No significant differences emerged between groups in any outcome variable. The protocol providing five sessions of two‐needle arthrocenteses plus low molecular weight HA allowed achieving the highest improvement in almost all the outcome variables. Findings suggested that no statistically significant differences existed between the treatment groups. The clinical significance of these findings needs to be tested with future studies on larger samples with longer follow‐up periods.
Community‐based alternative breeding plans for indigenous sheep breeds in four agro‐ecological zones of Ethiopia
Authors: Mirkena T. , Duguma G. , Willam A. , Wurzinger M. , Haile A. , Rischkowsky B. , Okeyo A.M. , Tibbo M. , Solkner J.
Published: October 2011

Based on the results of participatory approaches to define traits in the breeding objectives, four scenarios of ram selection and ram use were compared via deterministic modelling of breeding plans for community‐based sheep breeding programmes in four diverse agro‐ecological regions of Ethiopia. The regions (and production systems) were Afar (pastoral/agro‐pastoral), Bonga and Horro (both mixed crop‐livestock) and Menz (sheep‐barley). The schemes or scenarios differed in terms of selection intensity and duration of ram use. The predicted genetic gains per year in yearling weight (kilograms) were comparable across the schemes but differed among the breeds and ranged from 0.399 to 0.440 in Afar, 0.813 to 0.894 in Bonga, 0.850 to 0.940 in Horro, and 0.616 to 0.699 in Menz. The genetic gains per year in number of lambs born per ewe bred ranged from 0.009 to 0.010 in both Bonga and Horro. The predicted genetic gain in the proportion of lambs weaned per ewe joined was nearly comparable in all breeds ranging from 0.008 to 0.011. The genetic gain per year in milk yield of Afar breed was in the order of 0.018 to 0.020 kg, while the genetic gain per generation for greasy fleece weight (kg) ranged from 0.016 to 0.024 in Menz. Generally, strong selection and shorter duration of ram use for breeding were the preferred options. The expected genetic gains are satisfactory but largely rely on accurate and continuous pedigree and performance recording.
Ionized hypocalcemia as a prognostic indicator in dogs following trauma
Authors: Holowaychuk Marie K. , Monteith Gabrielle
Published: October 2011

Objective

To determine the incidence of ionized hypocalcemia (iHCa) in dogs with blunt and penetrating traumatic injuries upon presentation to a hospital, and to determine the association of iHCa with mortality, duration of hospitalization, and requirement for intensive care therapies.

Design

Retrospective study (January 2007–December 2008).

Setting

University veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals

Eighty‐eight dogs admitted to the ICU within 24 hours of a traumatic event and with assessment of a venous blood gas sample, including ionized calcium, at hospital admission.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Most dogs (72%) sustained injuries as a result of a motor vehicle accident. iHCa (<1.25 mmol/L [<2.50 mEq/L]) was present in 14 of 88 dogs (16%). Dogs with abdominal trauma were significantly more likely to have iHCa (P = 0.020) than dogs with other injuries. Dogs with iHCa spent significantly longer time in the hospital (P = 0.036) and ICU (P = 0.005), and were more likely to require oxygen supplementation (P = 0.048), synthetic colloids (P = 0.020), vasopressors (P = 0.0043), and blood transfusions (P < 0.0001). Six of 14 dogs (43%) with iHCa demonstrated clinical signs consistent with hypocalcemia during the course of hospitalization, and calcium gluconate was administered intravenously to one dog. Overall mortality was 16% (14/88) and dogs with iHCa were significantly less likely to survive (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The incidence of iHCa upon hospital admission in this group of dogs with blunt and penetrating trauma is similar to the incidence of iHCa in critically ill dogs. Findings further suggest that dogs with iHCa are more severely injured and subsequently require increased intensive care therapies and have a lower likelihood of survival compared to dogs with normocalcemia. Ionized calcium concentration may therefore be a useful prognostic indicator in dogs with blunt and penetrating traumatic injuries.
Stress and burnout in postgraduate dental education
Authors: Divaris K. , Polychronopoulou A. , Taoufik K. , Katsaros C. , Eliades T.
Published: October 2011

Introduction:  High levels of stress and burnout have been documented among dental students and practicing dentists, but evidence among dental residents and postgraduate students is lacking.

Materials and methods:  Ninety‐nine postgraduate students enrolled in clinical, non‐clinical and PhD programmes in the Athens University School of Dentistry completed the Graduate Dental Environment Stress (GDES) questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Perceived stress was measured in two domains, academic (GDES‐A) and clinical (GDES‐C) and burnout was measured using the scales of emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalisation (DP) and personal accomplishment (PA). Analyses relied on descriptive, univariate and multivariate methods based on ANOVA and generalised linear models.

Results:  Participants’ mean age was 30 years; two‐thirds were women and practised dentistry independently of their graduate studies. Residents in clinical programmes reported significantly higher levels of perceived stress compared to non‐clinical and PhD students (P < 0.05). There were no gender differences in perceived stress. Forty per cent of respondents were burnout ‘cases’ on the EE scale, while this proportion was 38% for reduced PA and smaller, 13% for DP. Perceived stress was positively correlated with all burnout dimensions, whereas independent dental practice and higher age had a protective effect.

Conclusions:  High rates of burnout manifestations were detected among this sample of Greek postgraduate dental students. Perceived stress correlated with burnout and was more pronounced among those enrolled in clinical residency compared to non‐clinical and PhD programmes.
Extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway is involved in inhibition of myogenic differentiation of myoblasts by hypoxia
Authors: Li Xiang , Wang Xu , Zhang Peng , Zhu Lingling , Zhao Tong , Liu Shuhong , Wu Yan , Chen Xiaoping , Fan Ming
Published: October 2011

Oxygen conditions influence a variety of biological processes of cells, including alterations in cellular growth, survival and differentiation. However, there have been few studies on the effects of hypoxia on proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts. In this study, we observed the effects of hypoxia (3% O2) on myogenic differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts and sought a possible mechanism involved in the regulation of myogenic differentiation of myoblasts by hypoxia. The expression of myosin heavy chain was detected by immunocytochemistry staining and Western blot analysis. The expression of muscle regulatory transcription factors was examined by RT‐PCR analysis and Western blot analysis. The activity of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK1/2) was investigated by forced expression of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1(E)) and using Western blot analysis. We found that hypoxia inhibited myogenic differentiation of myoblasts. The expression of muscle regulatory transcription factors was downregulated by hypoxia in C2C12 myoblasts. During the inhibition of myogenic differentiation by hypoxia, ERK1/2 activation was suppressed, and increasing ERK1/2 activity by forced expression of MEK1(E) could partly reverse the inhibition of myogenic differentiation by hypoxia. These results suggest that the ERK1/2–mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway might be a possible mechanism involved in the inhibition of myogenic differentiation by hypoxia.
Enrichment and Characterization of an Autotrophic Ammonia-Oxidizing Archaeon of Mesophilic Crenarchaeal Group I.1a from an Agricultural Soil
Authors: Jung Man-Young , Park Soo-Je , Min Deullae , Kim Jin-Seog , Rijpstra W. Irene C. , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S. , Kim Geun-Joong , Madsen Eugene L. , Rhee Sung-Keun
Published: October 2011

Soil nitrification is an important process for agricultural productivity and environmental pollution. Though one cultivated representative of ammonia-oxidizing
Archaea
from soil has been described, additional representatives warrant characterization. We describe an ammonia-oxidizing archaeon (strain MY1) in a highly enriched culture derived from agricultural soil. Fluorescence
in situ
hybridization microscopy showed that, after 2 years of enrichment, the culture was composed of >90% archaeal cells. Clone libraries of both 16S rRNA and archaeal
amoA
genes featured a single sequence each. No bacterial
amoA
genes could be detected by PCR. A [
13
C]bicarbonate assimilation assay showed stoichiometric incorporation of
13
C into
Archaea
-specific glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers. Strain MY1 falls phylogenetically within crenarchaeal group I.1a; sequence comparisons to “
Candidatus
Nitrosopumilus maritimus” revealed 96.9% 16S rRNA and 89.2%
amoA
gene similarities. Completed growth assays showed strain MY1 to be chemoautotrophic, mesophilic (optimum at 25°C), neutrophilic (optimum at pH 6.5 to 7.0), and nonhalophilic (optimum at 0.2 to 0.4% salinity). Kinetic respirometry assays showed that strain MY1's affinities for ammonia and oxygen were much higher than those of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB). The yield of the greenhouse gas N
2
O in the strain MY1 culture was lower but comparable to that of soil AOB. We propose that this new soil ammonia-oxidizing archaeon be designated “
Candidatus
Nitrosoarchaeum koreensis.”
Listeria monocytogenes Strains Selected on Ciprofloxacin or the Disinfectant Benzalkonium Chloride Exhibit Reduced Susceptibility to Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin, Benzalkonium Chloride, and Other Toxic Compounds
Authors: Rakic-Martinez Mira , Drevets Douglas A. , Dutta Vikrant , Katic Vera , Kathariou Sophia
Published: October 2011

Listeria monocytogenes
is a leading agent for severe food-borne illness and death in the United States and other nations. Even though drug resistance has not yet threatened therapeutic interventions for listeriosis, selective pressure associated with exposure to antibiotics and disinfectants may result in reduced susceptibility to these agents. In this study, selection of several
L. monocytogenes
strains on either ciprofloxacin (2 μg/ml) or the quaternary ammonium disinfectant benzalkonium chloride (BC; 10 μg/ml) led to derivatives with increased MICs not only to these agents but also to several other toxic compounds, including gentamicin, the dye ethidium bromide, and the chemotherapeutic drug tetraphenylphosphonium chloride. The spectrum of compounds to which these derivatives exhibited reduced susceptibility was the same regardless of whether they were selected on ciprofloxacin or on BC. Inclusion of strains harboring the large plasmid pLM80 revealed that MICs to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin did not differ between the parental and plasmid-cured strains. However, ciprofloxacin-selected derivatives of pLM80-harboring strains had higher MICs than those derived from the plasmid-cured strains. Susceptibility to the antimicrobials was partially restored in the presence of the potent efflux inhibitor reserpine. Taken together, these data suggest that mutations in efflux systems are responsible for the multidrug resistance phenotype of strains selected on ciprofloxacin or BC.
A Novel Hydrolase Identified by Genomic-Proteomic Analysis of Phenylurea Herbicide Mineralization by Variovorax sp. Strain SRS16
Authors: Bers Karolien , Leroy Baptiste , Breugelmans Philip , Albers Pieter , Lavigne Rob , Sørensen Sebastian R. , Aamand Jens , De Mot René , Wattiez Ruddy , Springael Dirk
Published: October 2011

The soil bacterial isolateVariovoraxsp. strain SRS16 mineralizes the phenylurea herbicide linuron. The proposed pathway initiates with hydrolysis of linuron to 3,4-dichloroaniline (DCA) andN,O-dimethylhydroxylamine, followed by conversion of DCA to Krebs cycle intermediates. Differential proteomic analysis showed a linuron-dependent upregulation of several enzymes that fit into this pathway, including an amidase (LibA), a multicomponent chloroaniline dioxygenase, and enzymes associated with a modified chlorocatecholortho-cleavage pathway. Purified LibA is a monomeric linuron hydrolase of ∼55 kDa with aKmand aVmaxfor linuron of 5.8 μM and 0.16 nmol min−1, respectively. This novel member of the amidase signature family is unrelated to phenylurea-hydrolyzing enzymes from Gram-positive bacteria and lacks activity toward other tested phenylurea herbicides. Orthologues oflibAare present in all other tested linuron-degradingVariovoraxstrains with the exception ofVariovoraxstrains WDL1 and PBS-H4, suggesting divergent evolution of the linuron catabolic pathway in differentVariovoraxstrains. The organization of the linuron degradation genes identified in the draft SRS16 genome sequence indicates that gene patchwork assembly is at the origin of the pathway. Transcription analysis suggests that a catabolic intermediate, rather than linuron itself, acts as effector in activation of the pathway. Our study provides the first report on the genetic organization of a bacterial pathway for complete mineralization of a phenylurea herbicide and the first report on a linuron hydrolase in Gram-negative bacteria.
Butyric Acid- and Dimethyl Disulfide-Assimilating Microorganisms in a Biofilter Treating Air Emissions from a Livestock Facility
Authors: Kristiansen Anja , Lindholst Sabine , Feilberg Anders , Nielsen Per H. , Neufeld Josh D. , Nielsen Jeppe L.
Published: October 2011

Biofiltration has proven an efficient tool for the elimination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ammonia from livestock facilities, thereby reducing nuisance odors and ammonia emissions to the local environment. The active microbial communities comprising these filter biofilms have not been well characterized. In this study, a trickle biofilter treating air from a pig facility was investigated and proved efficient in removing carboxylic acids (>70% reduction), mainly attributed to the primary filter section within which reduced organic sulfur compounds were also depleted (up to 50%). The secondary filter eliminated several aromatic compounds: phenol (81%),
p
-cresol (89%), 4-ethylphenol (68%), indole (48%), and skatole (69%). The active butyric acid degrading bacterial community of an air filter sample was identified by DNA stable-isotope probing (DNA-SIP) and microautoradiography, combined with fluorescence
in situ
hybridization (MAR-FISH). The predominant 16S rRNA gene sequences from a clone library derived from “heavy” DNA from [
13
C
4
]butyric acid incubations were
Microbacterium
,
Gordonia
,
Dietzia
,
Rhodococcus
,
Propionibacterium
, and
Janibacter
, all from the
Actinobacteria. Actinobacteria
were confirmed and quantified by MAR-FISH as being the major bacterial phylum assimilating butyric acid along with several
Burkholderiales
-related
Betaproteobacteria
. The active bacterial community assimilating dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) was characterized by DNA-SIP and MAR-FISH and found to be associated with the
Actinobacteria
, along with a few representatives of
Flavobacteria
and
Sphingobacteria
. Interestingly, ammonia-oxidizing
Betaproteobacteria
were also implicated in DMDS degradation, as were fungi. Thus, multiple isotope-based methods provided complementary data, enabling high-resolution identification and quantitative assessments of odor-eliminating
Actinobacteria
-dominated populations of these biofilter environments.
Inactivation of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Degradation and Removal of Cellulose from STEC Surfaces by Using Selected Enzymatic and Chemical Treatments
Authors: Park Yoen Ju , Chen Jinru
Published: October 2011

Some Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) strains produce extracellular cellulose, a long polymer of glucose with β-1-4 glycosidic bonds. This study evaluated the efficacies of selected enzymatic and chemical treatments in inactivating STEC and degrading/removing the cellulose on STEC surfaces. Six cellulose-producing STEC strains were treated with cellulase (0.51 to 3.83 U/15 ml), acetic and lactic acids (2 and 4%), as well as an acidic and alkaline sanitizer (manufacturers' recommended concentrations) under appropriate conditions. Following each treatment, residual amounts of cellulose and surviving populations of STEC were determined. Treatments with acetic and lactic acids significantly (
P
< 0.05) reduced the populations of STEC, and those with lactic acid also significantly decreased the amounts of cellulose on STEC. The residual amounts of cellulose on STEC positively correlated to the surviving populations of STEC after the treatments with the organic acids (
r
= 0.64 to 0.94), and the significance of the correlations ranged from 83 to 99%. Treatments with cellulase and the sanitizers both degraded cellulose. However, treatments with cellulase had no influence on the fate of STEC, and those with the sanitizers reduced STEC cell populations to undetectable levels. Thus, the correlations between the residual amounts of cellulose and the surviving populations of STEC caused by these two treatments were not observed. The results suggest that the selected enzymatic and chemical agents degraded and removed the cellulose on STEC surfaces, and the treatments with organic acids and sanitizers also inactivated STEC cells. The amounts of cellulose produced by STEC strains appear to affect their susceptibilities to certain sanitizing treatments.
Presence of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli ST678/O104:H4 in France Prior to 2011
Authors: Monecke Stefan , Mariani-Kurkdjian Patricia , Bingen Edouard , Weill François-Xavier , Balière Charlotte , Slickers Peter , Ehricht Ralf
Published: October 2011

Two isolates of enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
(EHEC) O104:H4 were isolated in France in 2004 and 2009. Both were characterized and compared to the strain which caused the German outbreak in 2011 and to other O104:H4 strains. This suggests that different O104:H4 EHEC strains were present several years prior to the 2011 outbreak.
Lack of Correlation between Virus Barosensitivity and the Presence of a Viral Envelope during Inactivation of Human Rotavirus, Vesicular Stomatitis Virus, and Avian Metapneumovirus by High-Pressure Processing
Authors: Lou Fangfei , Neetoo Hudaa , Li Junan , Chen Haiqiang , Li Jianrong
Published: October 2011

High-pressure processing (HPP) is a nonthermal technology that has been shown to effectively inactivate a wide range of microorganisms. However, the effectiveness of HPP on inactivation of viruses is relatively less well understood. We systematically investigated the effects of intrinsic (pH) and processing (pressure, time, and temperature) parameters on the pressure inactivation of a nonenveloped virus (human rotavirus [HRV]) and two enveloped viruses (vesicular stomatitis virus [VSV] and avian metapneumovirus [aMPV]). We demonstrated that HPP can efficiently inactivate all tested viruses under optimal conditions, although the pressure susceptibilities and the roles of temperature and pH substantially varied among these viruses regardless of the presence of a viral envelope. We found that VSV was much more stable than most food-borne viruses, whereas aMPV was highly susceptible to HPP. When viruses were held for 2 min under 350 MPa at 4°C, 1.1-log, 3.9-log, and 5.0-log virus reductions were achieved for VSV, HRV, and aMPV, respectively. Both VSV and aMPV were more susceptible to HPP at higher temperature and lower pH. In contrast, HRV was more easily inactivated at higher pH, although temperature did not have a significant impact on inactivation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the damage of virion structure by disruption of the viral envelope and/or capsid is the primary mechanism underlying HPP-induced viral inactivation. In addition, VSV glycoprotein remained antigenic although VSV was completely inactivated. Taken together, our findings suggest that HPP is a promising technology to eliminate viral contaminants in high-risk foods, water, and other fomites.
AmpH, a Bifunctional
dd
-Endopeptidase and
dd
-Carboxypeptidase of Escherichia coli
Authors: González-Leiza Silvia M. , de Pedro Miguel A. , Ayala Juan A.
Published: October 2011

In
Escherichia coli
, low-molecular-mass penicillin-binding proteins (LMM PBPs) are important for correct cell morphogenesis. These enzymes display
dd
-carboxypeptidase and/or
dd
-endopeptidase activities associated with maturation and remodeling of peptidoglycan (PG). AmpH has been classified as an AmpH-type class C LMM PBP, a group closely related to AmpC β-lactamases. AmpH has been associated with PG recycling, although its enzymatic activity remained uncharacterized until now. Construction and purification of His-tagged AmpH from
E. coli
permitted a detailed study of its enzymatic properties. The N-terminal export signal of AmpH is processed, but the protein remains membrane associated. The PBP nature of AmpH was demonstrated by its ability to bind the β-lactams Bocillin FL (a fluorescent penicillin) and cefmetazole.
In vitro
assays with AmpH and specific muropeptides demonstrated that AmpH is a bifunctional
dd
–endopeptidase and
dd
-carboxypeptidase. Indeed, the enzyme cleaved the cross-linked dimers tetrapentapeptide (D45) and tetratetrapeptide (D44) with efficiencies (
k
cat
/

K
m

) of 1,200 M
−1
s
−1
and 670 M
−1
s
−1
, respectively, and removed the terminal
d
-alanine from muropeptides with a C-terminal
d
-Ala-
d
-Ala dipeptide. Both
dd
-peptidase activities were inhibited by 40 μM cefmetazole. AmpH also displayed a weak β-lactamase activity for nitrocefin of 1.4 × 10
−3
nmol/μg protein/min, 1/1,000 the rate obtained for AmpC under the same conditions. AmpH was also active on purified sacculi, exhibiting the bifunctional character that was seen with pure muropeptides. The wide substrate spectrum of the
dd
-peptidase activities associated with AmpH supports a role for this protein in PG remodeling or recycling.
Clinical Utility of Electrodermal Activity at Acupuncture Points: A Narrative Review
Authors: Colbert Agatha P , Spaulding Keith P , Ahn Andrew C , Cutro Janet A
Published: October 2011

Objectives

To provide an in-depth analysis of seven well-reported studies that examined electrodermal activity (EDA) at acupuncture points with regard to three commonly held tenets of acupuncture: (1) EDA at pathology-related acupuncture points is distinguishable from non-pathology-related acupuncture points; (2) EDA at acupuncture points can assist in diagnosing and monitoring therapeutic progress; and (3) EDA at acupuncture points is able to identify substances that are either therapeutically beneficial or toxic to an individual.

Methods

Seven of 29 studies that scored >50% on their quality of reporting 54 essential technical and clinical details of EDA testing in human patients were identified from a previous literature review. Fourteen categories of data were extracted from these seven studies for further discussion.

Results

Two studies compared EDA at pathology-related auricular acupuncture points to non-pathology-related sites. Two studies correlated EDA measurements at sites other than auricular acupuncture points with the presence of specific medical conditions. The final three studies assessed changes in EDA at acupuncture points on the fingers and toes when different substances were placed in the electrical circuit with the patient.

Conclusions

This review highlights the heterogeneity of approaches to EDA assessments and the discrepancies between common clinical practice and the scientific evidence to support that practice. It also provides pilot data that suggest EDA testing at auricular acupuncture points may distinguish pathology-related acupuncture points from non-pathology-related points; decreased skin conductance correlates with tiredness or low energy; and EDA testing at the Jing-Well acupuncture points, on the tips of the fingers and toes, may assist in monitoring effectiveness of acupuncture treatment. The evidence does not support the use of VEGA testing for allergic status.
Expert conference on cancer pain assessment and classification—the need for international consensus: working proposals on international standards
Authors: Kaasa Stein , Apolone Giovanni , Klepstad Pål , Loge Jon Håvard , Hjermstad Marianne Jensen , Corli Oscar , Strasser Florian , Heiskanen Tarja , Costantini Massimo , Zagonel Vittorina , Groenvold Mogens , Fainsinger Robin , Jensen Mark P , Farrar John T , McQuay Henry , Rothrock Nan E , Cleary James , Deguines Catherine , Caraceni Augusto
Published: October 2011

An increasing number of cancer patients live longer, and palliative care has become an important part of their treatment. Symptoms are often inadequately assessed and managed. A significant challenge in clinical trials is to control for the variability of the samples being studied. To overcome this problem, classification systems have been developed in order to characterise and stratify patients by grouping them according to major common characteristics. The lack of agreed methods for the assessment and classification of cancer pain has been clearly indicated in clinical trials and in clinical practice and may be one possible explanation for the inadequate treatment of cancer pain. This was the background to an international expert meeting arranged in September 2009 in Milan, Italy. The primary aims were to produce recommendations on how to assess and classify cancer pain and to recommend a strategy for the further development, validation and implementation of an international cancer pain classification and assessment system. The recommendations consisted of two basic working proposals, nine specific working proposals and seven recommendations for the further development of a cancer pain classification system. Examples of specific working proposals were to include pain intensity, pain mechanism, breakthrough pain and psychological distress as the core domains in this classification of cancer pain and to measure pain intensity with a 0–10 numerical rating scale with ‘no pain’ and ‘pain as bad as you can imagine’ as anchors. The proposed name for this international standard is Cancer Pain Assessment and Classification System (CPACS).
CT angiography spot sign predicts in-hospital mortality in patients with secondary intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Delgado Almandoz Josser E , Kelly Hillary R , Schaefer Pamela W , Brouwers H Bart , Yoo Albert J , Stone Michael J , Goldstein Joshua N , Rosand Jonathan , Lev Michael H , Gonzalez R Gilberto , Romero Javier M
Published: October 2011

Background and objective

The presence of active contrast extravasation during CT angiography, the spot sign, is a potent predictor of in-hospital mortality in patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, its predictive value in patients with ICH due to a vascular abnormality, secondary ICH (SICH), is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical and radiological predictors of a spot sign and in-hospital mortality in patients with SICH.

Methods

Two experienced readers independently reviewed CT angiograms performed on 215 consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department with SICH over a 10-year period to assess the presence of spot signs according to strict radiological criteria. Differences in reader interpretation were resolved by consensus. Medical records were reviewed for baseline clinical characteristics and in-hospital mortality. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the clinical and radiological predictors of a spot sign and in-hospital mortality in patients with SICH.

Results

Spot signs were identified in 31 of 215 patients with SICH (14.4%), four of which were delayed spot signs (12.9%). Spot signs were most common in patients with arteriovenous fistulas (42%), Moyamoya (40%), elevated admission blood glucose (23%) and large intraventricular hemorrhage volumes (29%). Spot signs were most predictive of in-hospital mortality in patients with aneurysms of the anterior cerebral artery (100%) and anterior communicating artery (75%). In univariate analysis, the presence of a spot sign significantly increased the risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with SICH (38.7%, OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.0 to 4.9, p=0.0497). However, in multivariate logistic regression analysis the admission Glasgow Coma Scale was the only independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in patients with SICH (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.6 to 5.1, p=0.0004).

Conclusion

The spot sign identifies patients with SICH at increased risk of in-hospital mortality. However, the admission Glasgow Coma Scale was the only independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in this cohort of patients with SICH.
Proteostasis and REDOX state in the heart
Authors: Christians Elisabeth S. , Benjamin Ivor J.
Published: October 2011

Force-generating contractile cells of the myocardium must achieve and maintain their primary function as an efficient mechanical pump over the life span of the organism. Because only half of the cardiomyocytes can be replaced during the entire human life span, the maintenance strategy elicited by cardiac cells relies on uninterrupted renewal of their components, including proteins whose specialized functions constitute this complex and sophisticated contractile apparatus. Thus cardiac proteins are continuously synthesized and degraded to ensure proteome homeostasis, also termed “proteostasis.” Once synthesized, proteins undergo additional folding, posttranslational modifications, and trafficking and/or become involved in protein-protein or protein-DNA interactions to exert their functions. This includes key transient interactions of cardiac proteins with molecular chaperones, which assist with quality control at multiple levels to prevent misfolding or to facilitate degradation. Importantly, cardiac proteome maintenance depends on the cellular environment and, in particular, the reduction-oxidation (REDOX) state, which is significantly different among cardiac organelles (e.g., mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum). Taking into account the high metabolic activity for oxygen consumption and ATP production by mitochondria, it is a challenge for cardiac cells to maintain the REDOX state while preventing either excessive oxidative or reductive stress. A perturbed REDOX environment can affect protein handling and conformation (e.g., disulfide bonds), disrupt key structure-function relationships, and trigger a pathogenic cascade of protein aggregation, decreased cell survival, and increased organ dysfunction. This review covers current knowledge regarding the general domain of REDOX state and protein folding, specifically in cardiomyocytes under normal-healthy conditions and during disease states associated with morbidity and mortality in humans.
Sex differences in the development of airway epithelial tolerance to naphthalene
Authors: Sutherland K. M. , Edwards P. C. , Combs T. J. , Van Winkle L. S.
Published: October 2011

Exposure to air pollution has been linked to pulmonary diseases. Naphthalene (NA), an abundant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in tobacco smoke and urban air, is a model toxicant for air pollution effects in the lung. Repeated exposures to NA in male mice result in tolerance, defined as the emergence of a resistant cell phenotype after prior exposure. Tolerance has not been studied in females. Females have sex differences in airway epithelial responses and in the prevalence of certain airway diseases. Male and female mice were exposed to a tolerance-inducing regimen of NA, and lungs were examined by airway level to characterize the cellular changes associated with repeated NA exposure and to assess the expression of genes and proteins involved in NA bioactivation and detoxification. The airway epithelium in treated males resembled that of controls. Females in the tolerant state were characterized by dense populations of ciliated cells in midlevel, distal, and bifurcating airways and a lower abundance of Clara cells at all airway levels. Cytotoxicity following a secondary challenge dose was also greater in females than males. Furthermore, females had decreased gene/protein expression of CYP2F2, a P-450 that metabolizes NA to a toxic epoxide, and glutamate-cysteine ligase, the rate-limiting enzyme in glutathione synthesis, than NA-tolerant males at all airway levels examined. We conclude that, while females develop tolerance, sex differences exist in the tolerant state by airway level, and females remain more susceptible than males to repeated exposures to NA.
Altered expression of tight junction molecules in alveolar septa in lung injury and fibrosis
Authors: Ohta Hiromitsu , Chiba Shigeki , Ebina Masahito , Furuse Mikio , Nukiwa Toshihiro
Published: October 2011

The dysfunction of alveolar barriers is a critical factor in the development of lung injury and subsequent fibrosis, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. To clarify the pathogenic roles of tight junctions in lung injury and fibrosis, we examined the altered expression of claudins, the major components of tight junctions, in the lungs of disease models with pulmonary fibrosis. Among the 24 known claudins, claudin-1, claudin-3, claudin-4, claudin-7, and claudin-10 were identified as components of airway tight junctions. Claudin-5 and claudin-18 were identified as components of alveolar tight junctions and were expressed in endothelial and alveolar epithelial cells, respectively. In experimental bleomycin-induced lung injury, the levels of mRNA encoding tight junction proteins were reduced, particularly those of claudin-18. The integrity of the epithelial tight junctions was disturbed in the fibrotic lesions 14 days after the intraperitoneal instillation of bleomycin. These results suggest that bleomycin mainly injured alveolar epithelial cells and impaired alveolar barrier function. In addition, we analyzed the influence of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a critical mediator of pulmonary fibrosis that is upregulated after bleomycin-induced lung injury, on tight junctions in vitro. The addition of TGF-β decreased the expression of claudin-5 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and disrupted the tight junctions of epithelial cells (A549). These results suggest that bleomycin-induced lung injury causes pathogenic alterations in tight junctions and that such alterations seem to be induced by TGF-β.
POEMS Syndrome Diagnosed 10 Years after Disabling Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Nguyen Viet H.
Published: October 2011

Peripheral neuropathy is characterized as a generalized, relatively homogeneous process affecting many peripheral nerves and predominantly affecting distal nerves. The epidemiology of peripheral neuropathy is limited since the disease presents with varying etiology, pathology, and severity. Toxic, inflammatory, hereditary, and infectious factors can cause damage to the peripheral nerves resulting in peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is most commonly caused by diabetes, alcohol, HIV infection, and malignancy. We report a case of a 42-year-old female with 10-year history of progressively worsening peripheral neuropathy, hypothyroidism, and skin changes who presents with dyspnea secondary to recurrent pleural and pericardial effusions. Prior to her arrival, her peripheral neuropathy was believed to be secondary to chronic demyelinating inflammatory polyneuropathy (CDIP) given elevated protein in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) which was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and corticosteroids. Unfortunately, her peripheral neuropathy did not have any improvement. Incidentally, patient was found to have splenomegaly and papilledema on physical exam. Serum protein electrophoresis showed a monoclonal pattern of IgA lambda. Patient met the diagnostic criteria for POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, and skin changes) syndrome. An underlying diagnosis of POEMS syndrome should be considered in patients with chronic debilitating neuropathy and an elevated protein in the CSF.
Role of Factor Xa Inhibitors in Cancer-Associated Thrombosis: Any New Data?
Authors: Zalpour Ali , Kroll Michael H. , Afshar-Kharghan Vahid , Yusuf Syed Wamique , Escalante Carmen
Published: October 2011

The association between cancer and venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been well documented in the literature. Prevention and treatment of VTE in cancer patients is imperative. Typically, the mainstay regimen for VTE prevention and treatment has been anticoagulation therapy, unless contraindicated. This therapy consists of unfractionated heparin (UFH), low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), factor Xa inhibitor, or vitamin K antagonist (VKA). Current guidelines recommend LMWH over VKA for the treatment of VTE in cancer patients. Factor-specific anticoagulants have been proven safe and effective, and recently factor Xa inhibitors have emerged as a treatment alternative to heparins and VKA. Currently, three factor Xa inhibitors have been identified: fondaparinux (the only one approved so far by the US Food and Drug Administration), idraparinux (in clinical trials), and idrabiotaparinux (in clinical trials). This paper will examine the role of these agents, focusing on fondaparinux, for the prevention and treatment of VTE in cancer patients.
The Utilization of Triton X‐100 for Enhanced Two‐Dimensional Liquid‐Phase Proteomics
Authors: Kim Mina , Lee Sang-Hee , Min Jiho , Kobayashi Fumihisa , Um Hyun-Ju , Kim Yang-Hoon
Published: October 2011

One of the main challenges in proteomics lies in obtaining a high level of reproducible fractionation of the protein samples. Automated two‐dimensional liquid phase fractionation (PF2D) system manufactured by Beckman Coulter provides a process well suited for proteome studies. However, the protein recovery efficiency of such system is low when a protocol recommended by the manufacturer is used for metaproteome profiling of environmental sample. In search of an alternative method that can overcome existing limitations, this study replaced manufacturer′s buffers with Triton X‐100 during the PF2D evaluation of Escherichia coli K12. Three different Triton X‐100 concentrations—0.1%, 0.15%, and 0.2%—were used for the first‐dimension protein profiling. As the first‐dimension result was at its best in the presence of 0.15% Triton X‐100, second‐dimension protein fractionation was performed using 0.15% Triton X‐100 and the standard buffers. When 0.15% Triton X‐100 was used, protein recovery increased as much as tenfold. The elution reliability of 0.15% Triton X‐100 determined with ribonuclease A, insulin, α‐lactalbumin, trypsin inhibitor, and cholecystokinin (CCK) affirmed Triton X‐100 at 15% can outperform the standard buffers without having adverse effects on samples. This novel use of 0.15% Triton X‐100 for PF2D can lead to greater research possibilities in the field of proteomics.
Meshless Local Petrov-Galerkin Method for 3D Steady-State Heat Conduction Problems
Authors: Mahmoodabadi M. J. , Abedzadeh Maafi R. , Bagheri A. , Baradaran G. H.
Published: October 2011

The Meshless Local Petrov-Galerkin (MLPG) method is applied for solving the three-dimensional steady state heat conduction problems. This method is a truly meshless approach; also neither the nodal connectivity nor the background mesh is required for solving the initial boundary-value problems. The penalty method is adopted to enforce the essential boundary conditions. The moving least squares (MLS) approximation is used for interpolation schemes and the Heviside step function is chosen for representing the test function. The numerical results are compared with the exact solutions of the problem and Finite Difference Method (FDM). This comparison illustrates the accuracy as well as the capability of this method.
Improvement of Bioremediation Performance for the Degradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Contaminated Sediments
Authors: Rocchetti Laura , Beolchini Francesca , Ciani Maurizio , Dell'Anno Antonio
Published: October 2011

Microcosm bioremediation strategies were applied to sediments contaminated with hydrocarbons. Experiments were performed in aerobic conditions in a single-step treatment and in a two-step anaerobic-aerobic treatment. In aerobic conditions, either inorganic nutrients or composts were added to the microcosms, while, in the first anaerobic phase of the two-step experiment, acetate and/or allochthonous sulfate-reducing bacteria were used. After the treatment under anaerobic conditions, samples were exposed to aerobic conditions in the presence of compost. In the aerobic treatments, 81% hydrocarbon biodegradation was observed after 43 days in the presence of inorganic nutrients. In aerobic conditions in the presence of mature compost, hydrocarbon biodegradation was 51% after 43 days of treatment, whereas it was 47% after 21 days with fresh compost. The two-step experiment allowed us to obtain a hydrocarbon degradation of 91%, after a first anaerobic step with an inoculum of sulfate-reducing prokaryotes.