bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Characterization ofMycobacterium tuberculosisIsolates from Different Regions of Bulgaria
Authors: Valcheva Violeta , Mokrousov Igor , Rastogi Nalin , Narvskaya Olga , Markova Nadya
Published: January 2008

Mycobacterium tuberculosisisolates from different regions of Bulgaria were studied by a variety of molecular typing tools. Based on spacer oligonucleotide typing (spoligotyping), the 113 strains were subdivided into 35 spoligotypes: 5 unique profiles and 15 profiles shared by two to 29 strains; the Hunter-Gaston diversity index (HGI) was 0.9. Comparison with the international database SITVIT2 at the Institut Pasteur de Guadeloupe showed the presence of two globally distributed shared types, ST53 (25.7%) and ST47 (6.2%). Nineteen (16.8%) and six (5.3%) strains belonged to the ST125 (LAM/S subfamily) and ST41 (LAM7_TUR subfamily) types described in SITVIT2 as ubiquitous/rare and ubiquitous/common types, respectively. Seven spoligoprofiles (12 strains) were not found in the database; two of them constituted new shared types. The Beijing genotype strains were not found in the studied collection in spite of close contacts with Russia in the recent and historical past. Additional subtyping by IS6110-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and 12-locus mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit (MIRU)-variable number of tandem repeat analyses were performed within selected spoligotypes. In particular, MIRU typing showed better discrimination within ST125 than IS6110-RFLP typing (HGI = 0.83 versus 0.39). A high gradient for ST125 in Bulgaria compared to its negligible presence in the global database and neighboring countries leads us to suggest a Bulgarian phylogeographic specificity of this spoligotype. To conclude, this first study of the BulgarianM. tuberculosispopulation demonstrated its heterogeneity and predominance of several worldwide-distributed and Balkan-specific spoligotypes.
Bacteremia and Infective Endocarditis Caused by a Non-Daptomycin-Susceptible, Vancomycin-Intermediate, and Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Strain in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Yu-Tsung , Hsiao Cheng-Hsiang , Liao Chun-Hsing , Lee Chung-Wei , Hsueh Po-Ren
Published: January 2008

We describe the development of nonsusceptibility to daptomycin and vancomycin during treatment for methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) bacteremia associated with infective endocarditis and probable septic thrombophlebitis in a uremic patient. MRSA bacteremia persisted during glycopeptide and subsequent daptomycin treatment but cleared after 5 days' treatment with linezolid and fusidic acid.
Evaluation of New Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Systems for TypingMycobacterium tuberculosiswith Beijing Genotype Isolates from Beijing, China
Authors: Jiao Wei Wei , Mokrousov Igor , Sun Gui Zhi , Guo Ya Jie , Vyazovaya Anna , Narvskaya Olga , Shen A Dong
Published: January 2008

The newly proposed variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) typing system, which includes a basic 15-locus set and a high-resolution 24-locus set (P. Supply et al., J. Clin. Microbiol. 44:4498-4510, 2006), demonstrated a high power for the discrimination ofMycobacterium tuberculosisisolates collected worldwide. To evaluate its ability to differentiate the Beijing genotype strains from the Beijing area in China, 72 isolates with typical Beijing or Beijing-like spacer oligonucleotide typing profiles were subjected to typing with the VNTR system (24 loci) and typing by restriction fragment polymorphism analysis with IS6110(IS6110-RFLP). Compared to the “old” 12-locus VNTR typing method, use of the 15- and 24-locus systems had a dramatically improved power to discriminate the Beijing genotype strains. A subtle difference in the Hunter-Gaston discriminatory index (HGI) between the 15-locus and the 24-locus systems resulted from only one locus, Mtub29. However, the VNTR-based clusters could be further differentiated by IS6110-RFLP (HGI by IS6110RFLP, 0.999), although in one case an IS6110cluster was subdivided by the 15-locus VNTR system. In this sense, use of the newly proposed 15-locus VNTR system along with the Mtub29 locus can serve as a first-line typing method for the epidemiological study ofM. tuberculosisisolates in Beijing, while secondary typing of clustered strains by IS6110-RFLP is still required.
Detection of Echovirus 18 in Human Breast Milk
Authors: Maus Marcela V. , Posencheg Michael A. , Geddes Kristin , Elkan Michael , Peñaranda Silvia , Oberste M. Steven , Hodinka Richard L.
Published: January 2008

We detected enteroviral RNA and cultured infectious virus from a series of banked breast milk samples from the mother of an infant with neonatal sepsis; sequencing of the enterovirus isolate identified it as echovirus type 18. In this case, it is possible that enterovirus transmission occurred through the breast milk.
Severe Necrotizing Fasciitis in a Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Patient Caused by Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Olsen Randall J. , Burns Kevin M. , Chen Liang , Kreiswirth Barry N. , Musser James M.
Published: January 2008

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is a rarely reported cause of necrotizing fasciitis. We report an unusually severe case of MRSA necrotizing fasciitis in a previously undiagnosed AIDS patient. Molecular analysis revealed that the strain had the USA300/
spa1
genotype, now an abundant cause of community-acquired MRSA infection.
Geographic and Temporal Trends in Isolation and Antifungal Susceptibility of
Candida parapsilosis
: a Global Assessment from the ARTEMIS DISK Antifungal Surveillance Program, 2001 to 2005
Authors: Pfaller M. A. , Diekema D. J. , Gibbs D. L. , Newell V. A. , Ng K. P. , Colombo A. , Finquelievich J. , Barnes R. , Wadula J.
Published: January 2008

We examined data from the ARTEMIS DISK Antifungal Surveillance Program to describe geographic and temporal trends in the isolation of
Candida parapsilosis
from clinical specimens and the in vitro susceptibilities of 9,371 isolates to fluconazole and voriconazole. We also report the in vitro susceptibility of bloodstream infection (BSI) isolates of
C. parapsilosis
to the echinocandins, anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin.
C. parapsilosis
represented 6.6% of the 141,383 isolates of
Candida
collected from 2001 to 2005 and was most common among isolates from North America (14.3%) and Latin America (9.9%). High levels of susceptibility to both fluconazole (90.8 to 95.8%) and voriconazole (95.3 to 98.1%) were observed in all geographic regions with the exception of the Africa and Middle East region (79.3 and 85.8% susceptible to fluconazole and voriconazole, respectively).
C. parapsilosis
was most often isolated from blood and skin and/or soft tissue specimens and from patients hospitalized in the medical, surgical, intensive care unit (ICU) and dermatology services. Notably, isolates from the surgical ICU were the least susceptible to fluconazole (86.3%). There was no evidence of increasing azole resistance over time among
C. parapsilosis
isolates tested from 2001 to 2005. Of BSI isolates tested against the three echinocandins, 92, 99, and 100% were inhibited by concentrations of ≤2 μg/ml of anidulafungin (621 isolates tested), caspofungin (1,447 isolates tested), and micafungin (539 isolates tested), respectively.
C. parapsilosis
is a ubiquitous pathogen that remains susceptible to the azoles and echinocandins; however, both the frequency of isolation and the resistance of
C. parapsilosis
to fluconazole and voriconazole may vary by geographic region and clinical service.
Control of Virus-Specific CD8+T-Cell Exhaustion and Immune-Mediated Pathology by E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Cbl-b during Chronic Viral Infection
Authors: Ou Rong , Zhang Menghua , Huang Lei , Moskophidis Demetrius
Published: January 2008

A characteristic feature in the immune response to many persistent viral infections is the dysfunction or deletion of antigen-specific T cells (exhaustion). This down-regulation of virus-specific T-cell response represents a critical control mechanism that exists within T-cell activation pathways to prevent lethal disease by inappropriate responses against disseminating virus infections. However, the molecular mechanisms by which the immune system determines whether to mount a full response to such infections remain largely unexplored. Here, we have established that in the murine lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) model, induction of the T-cell receptor signaling inhibitor molecule E3 ligase Cbl-b is critically involved in this decision. In particular, our data revealed that Cbl-b controls the program responsible for T-cell tolerance (exhaustion) induction during a chronic viral infection. Thus, Cbl-b−/−mice infected with a low dose of LCMV Docile mount a strong CD8+T-cell response that rapidly clears the infection, and the animals remain healthy; in contrast, down-regulation of the epitope-specific CD8+T-cell population in persistently infected Cbl-b−/−mice, compared to that in chronically infected B6 mice, was significantly delayed, and this was associated with increased morbidity and eventual death in nearly 20% of the animals. Interestingly, infection of Cbl-b−/−mice with a moderate virus dose resulted in rapid death with 100% mortality by 7 to 8 days after infection, caused by a dysregulated antiviral T-cell response, whereas the infected B6 mice survived and remained healthy. In conclusion, our results suggest that Cbl-b is critically involved in T-cell exhaustion and prevention of lethal disease.
Avian Influenza Virus A/HK/483/97(H5N1) NS1 Protein Induces Apoptosis in Human Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Lam W. Y. , Tang Julian W. , Yeung Apple C. M. , Chiu Lawrence C. M. , Sung Joseph J. Y. , Chan Paul K. S.
Published: January 2008

Avian H5N1 influenza virus causes a remarkably severe disease in humans, with an overall case fatality rate of greater than 50%. Human influenza A viruses induce apoptosis in infected cells, which can lead to organ dysfunction. To verify the role of H5N1-encoded NS1 in inducing apoptosis, the NS1 gene was cloned and expressed in human airway epithelial cells (NCI-H292 cells). The apoptotic events posttransfection were examined by a terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end-labeling assay, flow cytometric measurement of propidium iodide, annexin V staining, and Western blot analyses with antibodies specific for proapoptotic and antiapoptotic proteins. We demonstrated that the expression of H5N1 NS1 protein in NCI-H292 cells was sufficient to induce apoptotic cell death. Western blot analyses also showed that there was prominent cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and activation of caspase-3, caspase-7, and caspase-8 during the NS1-induced apoptosis. The results of caspase inhibitor assays further confirmed the involvement of caspase-dependent pathways in the NS1-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, the ability of H5N1 NS1 protein to induce apoptosis was much enhanced in cells pretreated with Fas ligand (the time posttransfection required to reach >30% apoptosis was reduced from 24 to 6 h). Furthermore, 24 h posttransfection, an increase in Fas ligand mRNA expression of about 5.6-fold was detected in cells transfected with H5N1 NS1. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the NS1 protein encoded by avian influenza A virus H5N1 induced apoptosis in human lung epithelial cells, mainly via the caspase-dependent pathway, which encourages further investigation into the potential for the NS1 protein to be a novel therapeutic target.
Vaccination of BALB/c Mice withEscherichia coli-Expressed Vaccinia Virus Proteins A27L, B5R, and D8L Protects Mice from Lethal Vaccinia Virus Challenge
Authors: Berhanu Aklile , Wilson Rebecca L. , Kirkwood-Watts Dana L. , King David S. , Warren Travis K. , Lund Susan A. , Brown Lindsay L. , Krupkin Alex K. , VanderMay Erin , Weimers Will , Honeychurch Kady M. , Grosenbach Douglas W. , Jones Kevin F. , Hruby Dennis E.
Published: January 2008

The potential threat of smallpox use in a bioterrorist attack has heightened the need to develop an effective smallpox vaccine for immunization of the general public. Vaccination with the current smallpox vaccine, Dryvax, produces protective immunity but may result in adverse reactions for some vaccinees. A subunit vaccine composed of protective vaccinia virus proteins should avoid the complications arising from live-virus vaccination and thus provide a safer alternative smallpox vaccine. In this study, we assessed the protective efficacy and immunogenicity of a multisubunit vaccine composed of the A27L and D8L proteins from the intracellular mature virus (IMV) form and the B5R protein from the extracellular enveloped virus (EEV) form of vaccinia virus. BALB/c mice were immunized withEscherichia coli-produced A27L, D8L, and B5R proteins in an adjuvant consisting of monophosphoryl lipid A and trehalose dicorynomycolate or in TiterMax Gold adjuvant. Following immunization, mice were either sacrificed for analysis of immune responses or lethally challenged by intranasal inoculation with vaccinia virus strain Western Reserve. We observed that three immunizations either with A27L, D8L, and B5R or with the A27L and B5R proteins alone induced potent neutralizing antibody responses and provided complete protection against lethal vaccinia virus challenge. Several linear B-cell epitopes within the three proteins were recognized by sera from the immunized mice. In addition, protein-specific cellular responses were detected in spleens of immunized mice by a gamma interferon enzyme-linked immunospot assay using peptides derived from each protein. Our data suggest that a subunit vaccine incorporating bacterially expressed IMV- and EEV-specific proteins can be effective in stimulating anti-vaccinia virus immune responses and providing protection against lethal virus challenge.
Cellular Restriction of Retrovirus Particle-Mediated mRNA Transfer
Authors: Galla Melanie , Schambach Axel , Towers Greg J. , Baum Christopher
Published: January 2008

Analyzing cellular restriction mechanisms provides insight into viral replication strategies, identifies targets for antiviral drug design, and is crucial for the development of novel tools for experimental or therapeutic delivery of genetic information. We have previously shown that retroviral vector mutants that are unable to initiate reverse transcription mediate a transient expression of any sequence which replaces the
gag-pol
transcription unit, a process we call retrovirus particle-mediated mRNA transfer (RMT). Here, we further examined the mechanism of RMT by testing its sensitivity to cellular restriction factors and short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs). We found that both human TRIM5α and, to a lesser extent,
Fv1
effectively restrict RMT if the RNA is delivered by a restriction-sensitive capsid. While TRIM5α restriction of RMT led to reduced levels of retroviral mRNA in target cells, restriction by Fv1 did not. Treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 partially relieved TRIM5α-mediated restriction of RMT. Finally, cells expressing shRNAs specifically targeting the retroviral mRNA inhibited RMT particles, but not reverse-transcribing particles. Retroviral mRNA may thus serve as a translation template if not used as a template for reverse transcription. Our data imply that retroviral nucleic acids become accessible to host factors, including ribosomes, as a result of particle remodeling during cytoplasmic trafficking.
Epstein-Barr Virus-Encoded LMP1 Regulates Epithelial Cell Motility and Invasion via the ERK-MAPK Pathway
Authors: Dawson Christopher W. , Laverick Louise , Morris Mhairi A. , Tramoutanis Giorgos , Young Lawrence S.
Published: January 2008

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) is an oncogenic protein which has previously been shown to engage the NF-κB, stress-activated MAP kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase), and extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK)-MAPK pathways. In this study, we demonstrate that LMP1 activates ERK-MAPK in epithelial cells via the canonical Raf-MEK-ERK-MAPK pathway but in a Ras-independent manner. In agreement with the results of a previous study (B. A. Mainou, D. N. Everly, Jr., and N. Raab-Traub, J. Virol. 81:9680-9692, 2007), we show that the ability of LMP1 to activate ERK-MAPK mapped to its CTAR1 domain, the TRAF binding domain previously implicated in PI 3-kinase activation. A role for ERK-MAPK in LMP1-induced epithelial cell motility was identified, as LMP1-expressing cells displayed increased rates of haptotactic migration compared to those of LMP1-negative cells. These data implicate the ERK-MAPK pathway in LMP1-induced effects associated with transformation, suggesting that this pathway may contribute to the oncogenicity of LMP1 through its ability to promote cell motility and to enhance the invasive properties of epithelial cells.
Complement Is an Essential Component of the Immune Response to Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors
Authors: Zaiss Anne K. , Cotter Matthew J. , White Lindsay R. , Clark Sharon A. , Wong Norman C. W. , Holers V. Michael , Bartlett Jeffrey S. , Muruve Daniel A.
Published: January 2008

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are associated with relatively mild host immune responses in vivo. Although AAV induces very weak innate immune responses, neutralizing antibodies against the vector capsid and transgene still occur. To understand further the basis of the antiviral immune response to AAV vectors, studies were performed to characterize AAV interactions with macrophages. Primary mouse macrophages and human THP-1 cells transduced in vitro using an AAV serotype 2 (AAV2) vector encoding green fluorescent protein did not result in measurable transgene expression. An assessment of internalized vector genomes showed that AAV2 vector uptake was enhanced in the presence of normal but not heat-inactivated or C3-depleted mouse/human serum. Enhanced uptake in the presence of serum coincided with increased macrophage activation as determined by the expression of NF-κB-dependent genes such as macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-8, and MIP-1β. AAV vector serotypes 1 and 8 also activated human and mouse macrophages in a serum-dependent manner. Immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated the binding of iC3b complement protein to the AAV2 capsid in human serum. AAV2 did not activate the alternative pathway of the complement cascade and lacked cofactor activity for factor I-mediated degradation of C3b to iC3b. Instead, our results suggest that the AAV capsid also binds complement regulatory protein factor H. In vivo, complement receptor 1/2- and C3-deficient mice displayed impaired humoral immunity against AAV2 vectors, with a delay in antibody development and significantly lower neutralizing antibody titers. These results show that the complement system is an essential component of the host immune response to AAV.
Expression of Transgenes from Newcastle Disease Virus with a Segmented Genome
Authors: Gao Qinshan , Park Man-Seong , Palese Peter
Published: January 2008

Paramyxoviruses belong to the
Paramyxoviridae
family of the order
Mononegavirales
. They have a nonsegmented negative-stranded RNA genome and can cause a number of diseases in humans and animals. We generated a recombinant Newcastle disease virus (NDV) possessing a two-segmented genome. Each genomic segment is flanked by authentic NDV 3′ and 5′ noncoding termini allowing for efficient replication and transcription. A reporter gene encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) was inserted into one segment, and a red fluorescent protein dsRed gene was inserted into the other segment in order to easily detect the replication and transcription of segments in infected cells. The rescued viruses grew well and were stable in embryonated chicken eggs over multiple passages. We were able to detect the expression of both reporter genes in the same cell infected with the virus possessing a segmented genome, and viral particles can contain either one or two types of RNA segments. We also rescued a two-segmented virus expressing GFP and the severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus spike S protein, which is about 200 kDa. The chimeric virus extends the coding capacity of NDV by 30%, suggesting that the two-segmented NDV can be used for development of vaccines or gene therapy vectors carrying long and multiple transgenes.
Yellow Fever Virus NS3 Plays an Essential Role in Virus Assembly Independent of Its Known Enzymatic Functions
Authors: Patkar Chinmay G. , Kuhn Richard J.
Published: January 2008

In flaviviruses it has been proposed that there is a coupling between genome replication and virion assembly and that nonstructural proteins are involved in this process. It was previously reported that mutations in yellow fever virus (YFV) nonstructural protein NS2A blocked production of infectious virus and that this block could be released by a suppressor mutation in NS3. Here, based on studies using a YFV replicon-based
trans
-packaging system as well as full-length YFV cDNA, we report that mutation of a conserved tryptophan at position 349 in the helicase domain of NS3 blocks production of infectious virus particles, revealing an as-yet-unknown role for NS3 in virus assembly. Mutation of tryptophan 349 to alanine (W349A) had no effect on viral replication, as demonstrated by wild-type levels of viral RNA amplification and protein expression in W349A-transfected cells. Although release of infectious virus was not detected, release of capsidless subviral particles was not blocked. The assembly defect in W349A could be
trans
-complemented inefficiently using BHK-REP cells (a cell line containing persistently replicating YFV replicon RNA).
trans
-complementation was also demonstrated by supplying wild-type NS2B-3 or NS3 protein alone as well as by supplying inactive NS2B-3 protein, indicating that this function of NS3 in virus assembly was independent of its known enzymatic functions.
Active β-Catenin Signaling Is an Inhibitory Pathway for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Replication in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Kumar Anvita , Zloza Andrew , Moon Randall T. , Watts Jeffrey , Tenorio Allan R. , Al-Harthi Lena
Published: January 2008

The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is involved in cell functions governing development and disease. In modeling postentry restriction of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication in astrocytes, we reported that part of this natural resistance to productive replication of HIV in astrocytes involved expression of proteins of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. We determined here whether induction of β-catenin signaling in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) can modulate HIV replication. Given that lithium is an inducer of β-catenin signaling, we used it as a tool to determine the impact of β-catenin signaling on HIV replication in PBMCs. We demonstrated that lithium inhibited the replication of T-tropic and primary isolates of HIV by >90% and did so in noncytotoxic/noncytostatic concentrations and in a β-catenin-dependent manner. Specifically, inhibiting β-catenin signaling by transfection of dominant-negative mutant constructs to either T-cell factor 4, the downstream effector of Wnt signaling, or β-catenin, the central mediator of this pathway, abrogated the ability of lithium to inhibit HIV replication. Moreover, when Wnt/β-catenin signaling was inhibited, the level of HIV replication was enhanced by fourfold. To confirm the in vivo relevance of the β-catenin pathway in repressing HIV replication, we evaluated HIV-positive antiretroviral therapy-naive patients who were on lithium therapy. These patients demonstrated a reduction in viral load, which increased as the dose of lithium was reduced. Collectively, these data indicate that β-catenin signaling is an intrinsic molecular pathway restricting HIV replication in PBMCs.
Posterior tibial tendon dislocation: a systematic review of the literature and presentation of a case
Authors: Lohrer Heinz , Nauck Tanja
Published: January 2008

Objective

In contrast to posterior tibial tendon lesions, dislocations of the posterior tibial tendon are thought to be ‘extremely rare’. Diagnostic criteria for this condition have not yet been established.

Methods

A systematic literature review revealed 61 published cases with posterior tibial tendon dislocation in 36 reports, including eight (12 patients) in French and five (7 patients) in German. We add one more case, which was complicated by a longitudinal tibial tendon tear and a lateral talar dome osteochondral lesion. Fifty-nine cases were descriptively analysed regarding initial injury, subjective symptoms, clinical presentation and findings on different imaging modalities. Treatment and outcome were additionally evaluated.

Results

58.5% of the initial injuries were induced by sport. Initially most cases were misdiagnosed (53.1%). 35.6% of the patients felt a recurrent snapping phenomenon at the medial ankle. Physical examination exhibited a cord-like structure over the medial malleolus in 58.6%, and a posterior tibial tendon (sub)luxation could be provocated in 54.2%. MRI, ultrasound and plain radiography (medial malleolar chip fracture) detected specific findings in 75.0%, 66.7% and 14.7%, respectively. Surgery was done in 83.1% of the patients using varying techniques. The authors judged the treatment result as excellent or asymptomatic in 80%, as good in 12% and as fair or moderate in 8% of the patients.

Conclusions

Posterior tibial tendon dislocation occurs more frequently than was previously thought. Misdiagnosis can be avoided, if the surgeon is aware of the condition and combines findings from history, physical investigation and imaging modalities.
Recommendations on diagnostic strategies for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
Authors:   The French CIDP Study Group
Published: January 2008

Background

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is an immune mediated treatable peripheral neuropathy, the diagnosis of which is straightforward in more than half of cases. Numerous sets of electrophysiological criteria have been published. However, in some cases, electrophysiological data are not sufficient and patients that may benefit from treatment escape accurate diagnosis.

Objective

To describe a step by step diagnostic procedure for neurologists facing a peripheral neuropathy of undetermined cause, to help make an accurate diagnosis of CIDP.

Methods

A group of French experts was established, neurologists and neurophysiologists being recruited on the basis of personal experience with patients suffering from CIDP and also on publications in the field. A full literature review was conducted on the topic of diagnostic criteria and procedures for the diagnosis of CIDP, and meetings were scheduled to reach a consensus on the best diagnostic workup in different clinical situations.

Results

Six meetings were conducted and a consensus was reached, based on the available literature and experience in the management of such patients. Discussions resulted in defining five clinical situations in which a diagnosis of CIDP may be considered, and procedures were detailed in each case, including the location of nerve biopsy and use of non-conventional electrophysiological testing and imaging procedures.

Conclusion

The guidelines in the diagnostic procedure reported here result from a consensus of French experts in the field of peripheral neuropathy and allow a diagnosis of CIDP to be made in the most frequently encountered situations. These recommendations may be of value for physicians as they rely on the rational use of available techniques in typical clinical situations.
Survival and re-establishment of vegetative fragments of eelgrass (Zostera marina)
Authors: Ewanchuk Patrick J. , Williams Susan L.
Published: January 2008

Vegetative fragmentation of clonal aquatic plants is considered a form of asexual reproduction. Although vegetative fragmentation of eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) is considered a mode of asexual reproduction and dispersal, no data exist to evaluate the potential contribution of fragments (rhizomes with meristems and green leaf shoots) to eelgrass populations. We estimated (i) the size of the fragment population relative to the size of adjacent eelgrass populations, and (ii) the potential for fragments to re-establish in eelgrass beds in Mission Bay, San Diego, Calif. We surveyed the abundance of fragments on adjacent beaches and determined the survival and growth of detached fragments and of fragments re-established in eelgrass beds after varying time spent in the water column. Although vegetative fragments occurred throughout the year, but mostly in winter, they represented a loss of <4% of the leaf shoots in adjacent eelgrass populations. Only 60% of the fragments survived in the water column after 6 weeks, and growth and survivorship of re-established fragments declined with time spent in the water column. Thus, fragmentation represents a small net loss to the eelgrass beds studied and is not a common recruitment mechanism. This result does not support the hypothesis that asexual reproduction in the form of vegetative fragments contributes to eelgrass population growth. Because successful re-establishment is improbable, vegetative fragments also are not likely to contribute substantially to eelgrass dispersal, at least in Mission Bay. Keywords: eelgrass, asexual reproduction, clone fragmentation, Zostera marina.
Spore ontogeny ofGaliella rufa(Pezizales)
Authors: Li Li-Tzu , Kimbrough James W.
Published: January 2008

Galiella is one of the genera of the dark-colored apothecial Sarcosomataceae, tribe Galielleae, with cyanophilous spore markings. Ultrastructural studies show that spore wall development of Galiella rufa is similar to the subgenus Discina of Gyromitra in Helvellaceae and to the other Sarcosomataceae, especially Plectania nannfeldtii, which both have fine secondary wall spore ornaments. The multinucleate ascospores found in G. rufa may show relationship to the Morchellaceae and the Helvellaceae. Keywords: ascospore ontogeny, Galiella, Sarcosomataceae, ultrastructure.
Stability of Parameter Estimates Derived From the Power/Time Relationship
Authors: Smith Jimmy C. , Hill David W.
Published: January 2008

The hyperbolic relationship between power output (P) and time to exhaustion (t) is described as t = W′/(P - θPA). The purpose of this study was to determine the stability of estimations of estimates of θPA and W′, said to reflect maximal sustainable power and anaerobic capacity, respectively. Thirteen women and 13 men performed five bouts of cycling exercise to exhaustion. Individual θPA and W′ were calculated from the results of these five bouts (Trial 1). These procedures were repeated (Trial 2). For both sexes, Trial 2 estimates of θPA were 5 to 6% higher than Trial 1 estimates, but they were highly correlated. Mean W′ estimates were the same in Trials 1 and 2, with higher trial-to-trial correlations in the men than in the women. Key words: critical power, power asymptote, endurance, cycle ergometry, gender
Physiological Significance of Myosin Phosphorylation in Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Grange Robert W. , Vandenboom Rene , Houston Michael E.
Published: January 2008

Each S-I or head portion of the myosin molecule in skeletal muscle contains a subunit known as the regulatory or phosphorylatable light chain (P-LC). Phosphorylation of the P-LC is mediated by the second messenger Ca2+and takes place when the muscle fibre is activated. In smooth muscle, phosphorylation of the P-LC is the principal mechanism that initiates contraction, but in skeletal muscle myosin P-LC phosphorylation is not required for contraction and a definitive role has not been established. It has been proposed that P-LC phosphorylation modulates the intrinsic nature of actin-myosin interactions, leading to force potentiation under suboptimal activation conditions. An example of this is posttetanic potentiation. This paper describes a P-LC phosphorylation induced mechanism for force enhancement during isometric contraction. In addition, it summarizes recent data revealing that P-LC phosphorylation is associated with enhanced work output of fast-twitch muscle during shortening and lengthening contractions. Key words: contractile properties, mouse muscle, human muscle, work, power
Evaluation of the VMM Turbine for Spirometry in the Applied Physiology Laboratory
Authors: Smith W. Donald F. , Cunningham David A. , Paterson Donald H. , Rechnitzer Peter A.
Published: January 2008

The volume measurement module turbine (VMM) was evaluated in 51 subjects for spirometry in applied physiology against the Stead-Wells spirometer (SW) and Wright peak flow meter (WM). The volume and flow ranges (VMM) were, FEV1 1.32 to 3.94 L (mean 2.62, confidence interval [CI] 2.46 to 2.78); forced vital capacity (FVC) 1.97 to 5.06 L (mean 3.50, CI 3.29 to 3.71); and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) 290 to 624 L∙min−1 (mean 434, CI 407 to 461). The mean difference for FEV1 was 0.09 L (CI 0.05 to 0.14), FVC 0.04 L (CI −0.02 to 0.10), and PEFR 18.0 L min−1 (CI 8.7 to 27.3) less than SW or WM. Bias with FEV1 and FVC was not significant, though PEFR demonstrated a significant proportional error. The repeatability coefficients for FEV1 and FVC were 0.18 and 0.20, comparable to the SW; but for PEFR they were greater, 58.4 versus 33.8 L∙min−1 by WM. The VMM turbine is accurate and reliable for the measurement of FEV1 and FVC over the ranges studied; however, care should be taken when interpreting PEFR. Key words: lung volumes, FEV1 FVC
Physiological Responses to Specific Maximal Exercise Tests for Cross-Country Skiing
Authors: Watts Phillip B. , Sulentic Jon Eric , Drobish Kip M. , Gibbons Timothy P. , Newbury Victoria S. , Hoffman Martin D. , Mittelstadt Scott W. , O'Hagan Kathleen P. , Clifford Philip S.
Published: January 2008

The present study attempted to quantify differences in peak physiological responses to pole-striding (PS), double poling on roller skis (DP), and diagonal striding on roller skis (DS) during maximal exercise. Six expert cross-country ski racers (3 M, 3 F) with a mean age of 20.2 ± 1.3 yrs served as subjects. Testing was conducted on a motorized ski treadmill with a tracked belt surface. Expired air was analyzed continuously via an automated open-circuit system and averaged each 20 s. Heart rate was monitored via telemetry and arterialized blood was collected within 1 min of test termination and analyzed immediately for lactate. Peak values for heart rate and blood lactate did not differ among techniques. Peak oxygen uptake was higher for PS and DS versus DP whereas no difference was found between PS and DS. The VO2peak for DP was 77 and 81% of VO2peak for PS and DS, respectively. It was concluded that despite similar peak heart rate and blood lactate values, DP elicits a lower VO2peak than DS or PS and that PS responses appear to closely reflect those of DS. Key words: exercise testing, maximum oxygen uptake, roller skiing, specificity of exercise, x-c skiing
Ergogenic Effects of Phosphate Loading: Physiological Fact or Methodological Fiction?
Authors: Tremblay Mark S. , Galloway Stuart D. , Sexsmith James R.
Published: January 2008

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) supplementation has been reported to provide ergogenic benefits, though the research findings are inconsistent. Several confounding influences may explain these results, including mode of exercise, exercise intensity, dietary intake, daily biological fluctuations, type of supplement, administered dose of the supplement, washout period, length of loading period, fitness level of subjects, blood volume alterations, and sample collection and analysis techniques. This review provides a critical analysis of the methodological difficulties that may contribute to the equivocal research findings pertaining to Pi supplementation. Key words: ergogenic aid, athletic performance, methodological critique
Exercise and Breast Cancer: Review and Critical Analysis of the Literature
Authors: Hoffman-Goetz Laurie , Husted Janice
Published: January 2008

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer and cancer mortality among Canadian women. Based on the current incidence rates, the National Cancer Institute of Canada has estimated that one in 10 women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. In an effort to control this disease, various prevention strategies have been proposed. One promising strategy involves the promotion of exercise in healthy women. It has been hypothesized that exercise may protect against breast cancer by influencing regularity of ovulatory cycles, by changing body fat composition, or by enhancing natural immunity. In this paper both the epidemiological and experimental evidence that speaks to a protective effect of exercise is reviewed. Although there are several biologically plausible mechanisms for the association, the existing epidemiological and experimental data are inconclusive due to the small number of studies and their methodological insufficiencies. However, given the enormous potential benefit of even a small protective effect of exercise, further studies designed to address the relationship between exercise and breast cancer risk are warranted. Key words: physical activity, mammary carcinogenesis, epidemiology
Effects of Exercise on Lactate Transport Into Mouse Skeletal Muscles
Authors: Bonen Arend , McCullagh Karl J. A.
Published: January 2008

Skeletal muscle lactate transport was investigated in vitro in isolated fast-twitch (EDL) and slow-twitch soleus (Sol) skeletal muscles from control and exercised mice. Exercise (23 m/min, 8% grade) reduced muscle glycogen by 37% in EDL (p < 0.05) and by 35% in Sol muscles (p < 0.05). Lactate transport measurements (45 sec) were performed after 60 min of exercise in intact EDL and Sol muscles in vitro, at differing pH (6.5 and 7.4) and differing lactate concentrations (4 and 30 mM). Lactate transport was observed to be greater in Sol than in EDL (p < 0.05). In the exercised muscles there was a small but significant increase in lactate transport (p < 0.05). Lactate transport was greater when exogenous lactate concentrations were greater (p < 0.05) and more rapid at the lower pH (p < 0.05). These studies demonstrated that lactate transport was increased with exercise. Key words: soleus, EDL, treadmill exercise
Cancer, Immune Function, and Physical Activity
Authors: Shephard Roy J. , Shek Pang N.
Published: January 2008

Despite the problems of interpreting epidemiological studies and the difficulty in developing appropriate animal models, there is growing evidence that moderate habitual physical activity can protect against certain types of neoplasm, particularly tumors of the colon and the female reproductive tract. Exercise programs also appear to have a beneficial influence on clinical course, at least in the early stages of the disease. Recent demonstration of exercise-induced changes in the activity of macrophages, natural killer cells, lymphokine activated killer cells, neutrophils, and regulating cytokines suggest that immunomodulation may contribute to the protective value of exercise. Depression of immune function, such as in HIV infection and in old age, is associated with an enhanced susceptibility to tumors; but the sites of tumorigenesis in HIV infection are not those that gain protection from physical activity. Further research is thus needed before it can be asserted that favorable exercise-induced changes in immune function have a material influence on the risks posed by various types of cancer. Key words: cytokines, exercise, macrophages, natural killer cells, neoplasms, neutrophils, training
Cardiodynamic Responses During Seated and Supine Recovery From Supramaximal Exercise
Authors: Kilgour Robert D. , Mansi James A. , Williams Paul A.
Published: January 2008

The cardiodynamic responses of 9 healthy men (mean age ± SD, 22.3 ± 2.0 yrs) were measured during seated and supine passive recovery following the Wingate Anaerobic Power Test (WAPT). Stroke index (SI) was determined noninvasively using impedance cardiographic techniques. During the initial stages of seated recovery, SI progressively increased (1 min, 60.4 ± 6.6 ml/m2; 3 min, 64.6 ± 5.9 ml/m2) and achieved peak levels by 5 min (70.5 ± 6.2 ml/m2). Between Minutes 3 and 10 of seated recovery, SI was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than the preexercise value (46.0 ± 4.0 ml/m2). A similar response pattern for SI was observed during supine recovery. The systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) decreased by 101% and 114% from preexercise baseline values after 1 min of recovery in the supine and seated postures, respectively. The persistent rise in SI during the first 10 min of passive seated recovery may be explained by the sustained attenuation in SVRI coupled with the anticipated residual myocardial inotropic effects following the WAPT. Key words: Wingate Anaerobic Power Test, postexercise, posture, stroke index, impedance cardiography
Physiological Correlates of Simulated Wheelchair Racing in Trained Quadriplegics
Authors: Bhambhani Yagesh N. , Burnham Robert S. , Wheeler Gary D. , Eriksson Peter , Holland Leona J. , Steadward Robert D.
Published: January 2008

This study examined the physiological responses during a 7.5-km simulated wheelchair race (SR) performed on rollers by 8 male quadriplegic marathon racers and analyzed the factors associated with SR time. Cardiac output (Q) was estimated during the SR using carbon dioxide rebreathing, from which stroke volume (SV) and [Formula: see text] were calculated. Subjects raced at 90 and 93% of peak oxygen uptake [Formula: see text] and peak heart rate, respectively. SR time was inversely related (p < 0.05) to peak [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], Q, and SV during the SR, but not [Formula: see text], age, and lesion level. Multiple regression analysis included only absolute SR [Formula: see text] in the equation to predict SR time: Y = −29.7X + 65.9; SE = 5.8. SR [Formula: see text] was significantly (p < 0.05) related to Q and SV but not to [Formula: see text]. These descriptive data suggest that SR performance in trained male quadriplegics might be limited by central, as opposed to peripheral, factors that determine [Formula: see text]. Key words: oxygen uptake, cardiac output, spinal cord injury
Effects of Training on Performance in Competitive Swimming
Authors: Mujika Inigo , Chatard Jean-Claude , Busso Thierry , Geyssant André , Barale Frédéric , Lacoste Lucien
Published: January 2008

The relationships between the mean intensity of a training season, training volume and frequency, and the variations in performance were studied in a group of 18 elite swimmers. Additionally, differences between the swimmers who improved their personal record of the previous year during the follow-up training season (G1R, n = 8) and those who did not (GNI, n = 10) were investigated. The improvement in performance during the follow-up season was significantly correlated with the mean intensity of the training season (r = 0.69, p < 0.01), but not with training volume or frequency. The performance improvement during the follow-up season was negatively related to the initial performance level (r = 0.90, p < 0.01). The decline in performance during detraining from the previous year was less for the GIR than for the GNI (6.21 ± 2.30% vs. 9.79 ± 2.18%, p < 0.01). The present findings suggest that training intensity is the key factor in performance improvement in a group of elite swimmers. Factors such as previous detraining and initial performance level could jeopardize success in spite of a good adaptation to training. Key words: intensity, detraining, dry land training, blood lactate, exercise
Delta Efficiency of Uphill Roller Skiing With the Double Pole and Diagonal Stride Techniques
Authors: Hoffman Martin D. , Clifford Philip S. , O'Hagan Kathleen P. , Mittelstadt Scott W. , Watts Phillip B.
Published: January 2008

Delta efficiencies for uphill roller skiing with the double pole (DP) and diagonal stride (DS) techniques were determined among 4 female and 4 male cross-country ski racers in order to examine for differences between techniques and between the sexes. Each skier roller-skied on a motorized ski-treadmill at 1.7% and 7.1% grades with both techniques at 2 to 4 different speeds. Steady-state oxygen uptake values were used to calculate the differences in metabolic requirements for roller skiing at the 2 grades (ΔE). The differences in external work rates between the 2 grades (ΔW) were calculated from the work rates for overcoming rolling resistance and elevating the transported mass against gravity. Delta efficiencies (ΔW/ΔE) ranged from 14 to 36%, were significantly greater (p < 0.001) for DS than DP, and showed a significant (p < 0.01) velocity effect for DS. Delta efficiencies were 27% greater (p < 0.05) for the women compared with the men for DP, and significant (p < 0.05) correlations were found between efficiency for DP and body mass. This suggests that the higher efficiency with DP for female skiers is at least partially due to their lower body mass. Key words: biomechanics, cross-country skiing, mechanical power, mechanical energy cost
A TAXONOMY OF TASK SCHEDULING ALGORITHMS IN THE GRID
Authors: DONG FANGPENG
Published: January 2008

One motivation of Grid computing is to aggregate the power of widely distributed resources, and provide non-trivial services to users. To achieve this goal, efficient task scheduling algorithms are essential. However, scheduling algorithms in the Grid present high diversities that need to be classified. In this paper, with the help of an abstract scheduling architecture, some key features of the task scheduling problem in the Grid are discussed, followed by a taxonomy of the scheduling algorithms. Some typical examples are given in each category to present a picture of the current research and help to find new research problems.
PHYSICS COMPLEXITY AND BIOLOGY
Authors: PARISI GIORGIO
Published: January 2008

We illustrate a physicist's point of view on the rise of Complexity Science. We analyze the change of meaning of the word "prediction" in the passage from Laplace's determinism to Statistical Mechanics. We show that an analogous change in the meaning of prediction is at the base of the Physics of complex systems.
GONE WITH THE WIND: PHYSICAL SPACES IN THE THIRD GENERATION METROPOLIS
Authors: MARTINOTTI GUIDO
Published: January 2008

This paper makes an attempt to deal with the description, and possibly the explanation, of the profound transformation of the city, and of the changes in urban experience and practices, connected with the shape of contemporary urbanization. I stress the term description, because as it occurs in all periods of fast social changes, our conceptual tools tend to become blunt before we realize that normal science keeps failing us. The city is a complex and ambiguous object, as it is constituted by two parts, or orders of facts, inextricably bound. One is visible, i.e. observable through physical wavelengths: the other is not physically visible and can be grasped only by intellectual tools. Arrangements in the second order of facts, though, are responsible for arrangements in the first one, in the sense of producing them, and these in turn affect the former ones, although in ways and in degrees that are far from being clear. In general, decoding between the two order of facts is hazardous and has not produced a set of rules widely consented upon. This is why I remain very skeptical and in some cases outright critical of models stressing continuities in the concepts of civic organization, by referring to traditional urban forms. Reminiscent of Anthony Gidden's sharp statement that the city is one of those social forms that display "a specious continuity with pre-existing social orders" (Giddens, (1990) The Consequences of Modernity, Stanford University Press, Stanford, p. 6) I will try to etch analytical tools capable to clarify at least a few processes that are shaping civic life in contemporary metropolis.