bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activity of Ceftaroline against Enterococcus faecium PBP5
Authors: Henry Xavier , Verlaine Oliver , Amoroso Ana , Coyette Jacques , Frère Jean-Marie , Joris Bernard 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACT

The opportunistic human pathogen
Enterococcus faecium
overproduces the low-affinity PBP5. In clinical strains, mutations in PBP5 further reduce its acylation rate by β-lactams. Previous studies have reported that ceftaroline had poor inhibitory activity against β-lactam-resistant
E. faecium
strains. In this study, we show that ceftaroline exhibits killing activity against our laboratory-derived ampicillin-resistant
E. faecium
mutant that overproduces a wild-type PBP5 and that ceftaroline inactivates PBP5 much faster than benzylpenicillin and faster than ceftobiprole.
Induction of Influx and Efflux Transporters and Cytochrome P450 3A4 in Primary Human Hepatocytes by Rifampin, Rifabutin, and Rifapentine
Authors: Williamson Beth , Dooley Kelly E. , Zhang Yuan , Back David J. , Owen Andrew 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACT

Rifampin is a potent inducer of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and transporters. Drug-drug interactions during tuberculosis treatment are common. Induction by rifapentine and rifabutin is understudied. Rifampin and rifabutin significantly induced
CYP3A4
(80-fold and 20-fold, respectively) in primary human hepatocytes. The induction was concentration dependent. Rifapentine induced CYP3A4 in hepatocytes from 3 of 6 donors. Data were also generated for ABCB1, ABCC1, ABCC2, organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1), and OATP1B3. This work serves as a basis for further study of the extent to which rifamycins induce key metabolism and transporter genes.
Adapted J6/JFH1-Based Hepatitis C Virus Recombinants with Genotype-Specific NS4A Show Similar Efficacies against Lead Protease Inhibitors, Alpha Interferon, and a Putative NS4A Inhibitor
Authors: Gottwein Judith M. , Jensen Sanne B. , Serre Stéphanie B. N. , Ghanem Lubna , Scheel Troels K. H. , Jensen Tanja B. , Krarup Henrik , Uzcategui Nathalie , Mikkelsen Lotte S. , Bukh Jens 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACT

To facilitate studies of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS4A, we aimed at developing J6/JFH1-based recombinants with genotype 1- to 7-specific NS4A proteins. We developed efficient culture systems expressing NS4A proteins of genotypes (isolates) 1a (H77 and TN), 1b (J4), 2a (J6), 4a (ED43), 5a (SA13), 6a (HK6a), and 7a (QC69), with peak infectivity titers of ∼3.5 to 4.5 log
10
focus-forming units per ml. Except for genotype 2a (J6), growth depended on adaptive mutations identified in long-term culture. Genotype 1a, 1b, and 4a recombinants were adapted by amino acid substitutions F772S (p7) and V1663A (NS4A), while 5a, 6a, and 7a recombinants required additional substitutions in the NS3 protease and/or NS4A. We demonstrated applicability of the developed recombinants for study of antivirals. Genotype 1 to 7 NS4A recombinants showed similar responses to the protease inhibitors telaprevir (VX-950), boceprevir (Sch503034), simeprevir (TMC435350), danoprevir (ITMN-191), and vaniprevir (MK-7009), to alpha interferon 2b, and to the putative NS4A inhibitor ACH-806. The efficacy of ACH-806 was lower than that of protease inhibitors and was not influenced by changes at amino acids 1042 and 1065 (in the NS3 protease), which have been suggested to mediate resistance to ACH-806 in replicons. Genotype 1a, 1b, and 2a recombinants showed viral spread under long-term treatment with ACH-806, without acquisition of resistance mutations in the NS3-NS4A region. Relatively high concentrations of ACH-806 inhibited viral assembly, but not replication, in a single-cycle production assay. The developed HCV culture systems will facilitate studies benefitting from expression of genotype-specific NS4A in a constant backbone in the context of the complete viral replication cycle, including functional studies and evaluations of the efficacy of antivirals.
Characterization of a Novel Composite Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome
mec
(SCC
mec
-SCC
cad
/
ars
/
cop
) in the Neonatal Sepsis-Associated Staphylococcus capitis Pulsotype NRCS-A
Authors: Martins Simões P. , Rasigade J.-P. , Lemriss H. , Butin M. , Ginevra C. , Lemriss S. , Goering R. V. , Ibrahimi A. , Picaud J. C. , El Kabbaj S. , Vandenesch F. , Laurent F. 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACT

Multiresistant
Staphylococcus capitis
pulsotype NRCS-A has been reported to be a major pathogen causing nosocomial bacteremia in preterm infants. We report that the NRCS-A strain CR01 harbors a novel 60.9-kb composite staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
(SCC
mec
) element, composed of an SCC
mec
with strong homologies to
Staphylococcus aureus
ST398 SCC
mec
and of an SCC
cad/ars/cop
harboring resistance genes for cadmium, arsenic, and copper. Whole-genome-based comparisons of published
S. capitis
strains suggest that strain CR01 acquired the two elements independently.
Antifungal Prophylaxis with Posaconazole in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Dose Intensification Coupled with Avoidance of Proton Pump Inhibitors Is Beneficial in Shortening Time to Effective Concentrations
Authors: Cojutti Piergiorgio , Candoni Anna , Simeone Erica , Franceschi Loretta , Fanin Renato , Pea Federico 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to assess the influence of dose frequency and the presence or absence of cotreatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on the time to a target trough concentration (
C
min
) of >700 ng/ml with posaconazole in the first 8 days of antifungal prophylaxis in hematological patients. This was a retrospective, observational study performed with 42 adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia who underwent posaconazole prophylaxis with 200 mg every 8 h (q8h) or 200 mg q6h after receiving induction chemotherapy and who had at least three subsequent therapeutic drug monitoring assessments during the first 8 days of treatment. The cohort was split into four groups (group 1, 200 mg q8h without PPI; group 2, 200 mg q8h with PPI; group 3, 200 mg q6h without PPI; group 4, 200 mg q6h with PPI). Rapid attainment of the target
C
min
was obtained only in group 3 (
P
< 0.01) (median
C
min
on day 4 of 935.5 ng/ml [interquartile range, 760.0 to 1,270.0 ng/ml] in group 3, versus 567.0 ng/ml [346 to 906 ng/ml] in group 1, 420.0 ng/ml [326.2 to 527.2 ng/ml] in group 2, and 514.0 ng/ml [403.7 to 564.7 ng/ml] in group 4). A linear accumulation of posaconazole over time was observed among patients in groups 1 and 3, regardless of the total daily dosage, differently from what occurred among those receiving PPI cotreatment (groups 2 and 4). Dose intensification (200 mg q6h) coupled with avoidance of PPI coadministration may represent a very powerful strategy to rapidly achieve effective concentrations with posaconazole in neutropenic hematological patients.
Surface Glycoproteins of an African Henipavirus Induce Syncytium Formation in a Cell Line Derived from an African Fruit Bat, Hypsignathus monstrosus
Authors: Krüger Nadine , Hoffmann Markus , Weis Michael , Drexler Jan Felix , Müller Marcel Alexander , Winter Christine , Corman Victor Max , Gützkow Tim , Drosten Christian , Maisner Andrea , Herrler Georg 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACT

Serological screening and detection of genomic RNA indicates that members of the genus
Henipavirus
are present not only in Southeast Asia but also in African fruit bats. We demonstrate that the surface glycoproteins F and G of an African henipavirus (M74) induce syncytium formation in a kidney cell line derived from an African fruit bat,
Hypsignathus monstrosus
. Despite a less broad cell tropism, the M74 glycoproteins show functional similarities to glycoproteins of Nipah virus.
North American Solitaire Stent Retriever Acute Stroke registry: post-marketing revascularization and clinical outcome results
Authors: Zaidat Osama O , Castonguay Alicia C , Gupta Rishi , Sun Chung-Huan J , Martin Coleman , Holloway William E , Mueller-Kronast Nils , English Joey D , Linfante Italo , Dabus Guilherme , Malisch Tim W , Marden Franklin A , Bozorgchami Hormozd , Xavier Andrew , Rai Ansaar T , Froehler Michael T , Badruddin Aamir , Nguyen Thanh N , Taqi M Asif , Abraham Michael G , Janardhan Vallabh , Shaltoni Hashem , Novakovic Roberta , Yoo Albert J , Abou-Chebl Alex , Chen Peng R , Britz Gavin W , Kaushal Ritesh , Nanda Ashish , Issa Mohammad A , Nogueira Raul G 
Published: September 2013

BackgroundLimited post-marketing data exist on the use of the Solitaire FR device in clinical practice. The North American Solitaire Stent Retriever Acute Stroke (NASA) registry aimed to assess the real world performance of the Solitaire FR device in contrast with the results from the SWIFT (Solitaire with the Intention for Thrombectomy) and TREVO 2 (Trevo versus Merci retrievers for thrombectomy revascularization of large vessel occlusions in acute ischemic stroke) trials.MethodsThe investigator initiated NASA registry recruited North American sites to submit retrospective angiographic and clinical outcome data on consecutive acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated with the Solitaire FR between March 2012 and February 2013. The primary outcome was a Thrombolysis in Myocardial Ischemia (TIMI) score of ≥2 or a Treatment in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score of ≥2a. Secondary outcomes were 90 day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.Results354 patients underwent treatment for AIS using the Solitaire FR device in 24 centers. Mean time from onset to groin puncture was 363.4±239 min, mean fluoroscopy time was 32.9±25.7 min, and mean procedure time was 100.9±57.8 min.Recanalization outcome:TIMI ≥2 rate of 83.3% (315/354) and TICI ≥2a rate of 87.5% (310/354) compared with the operator reported TIMI ≥2 rate of 83% in SWIFT and TICI ≥2a rate of 85% in TREVO 2.Clinical outcome:42% (132/315) of NASA patients demonstrated a 90 day mRS ≤2 compared with 37% (SWIFT) and 40% (TREVO 2). 90 day mortality was 30.2% (95/315) versus 17.2% (SWIFT) and 29% (TREVO 2).ConclusionsThe NASA registry demonstrated that the Solitaire FR device performance in clinical practice is comparable with the SWIFT and TREVO 2 trial results.
Cranial radiation exposure during cerebral catheter angiography
Authors: Chohan Muhammad Omar , Sandoval Daniel , Buchan Andrew , Murray-Krezan Cristina , Taylor Christopher L 
Published: September 2013

BackgroundRadiation exposure to patients and personnel remains a major concern in the practice of interventional radiology, with minimal literature available on exposure to the forehead and cranium.ObjectiveIn this study, we measured cranial radiation exposure to the patient, operating interventional neuroradiologist, and circulating nurse during neuroangiographic procedures. We also report the effectiveness of wearing a 0.5 mm lead equivalent cap as protection against radiation scatter.Design24 consecutive adult interventional neuroradiology procedures (six interventional, 18 diagnostic) were prospectively studied for cranial radiation exposures in the patient and personnel. Data were collected using electronic detectors and thermoluminescent dosimeters.ResultsMean fluoroscopy time for diagnostic and interventional procedures was 8.48 (SD 2.79) min and 26.80 (SD 6.57) min, respectively. Mean radiation exposure to the operator's head was 0.08 mSv, as measured on the outside of the 0.5 mm lead equivalent protective headgear. This amounts to around 150 mSv/year, far exceeding the current deterministic threshold for the lens of the eye (ie, 20 mSv/year) in high volume centers performing up to five procedures a day. When compared with doses measured on the inside of the protective skullcap, there was a statistically significant reduction in the amount of radiation received by the operator's skull.ConclusionsOur study suggests that a modern neurointerventional suite is safe when equipped with proper protective shields and personal gear. However, cranial exposure is not completely eliminated with existing protective devices and the addition of a protective skullcap eliminates this exposure to both the operator and support staff.
Treatment of 14 intracranial aneurysms with the FRED system
Authors: Diaz Orlando , Gist Taylor L , Manjarez Ginna , Orozco Fernando , Almeida Rafael 
Published: September 2013

BackgroundEndovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms via flow diversion has become increasingly popular over the past several years. The flow redirection endoluminal device (FRED; Microvention, Tustin, California, USA) system is a next generation closed cell paired stent flow diversion device.ObjectiveOur initial clinical experience with the FRED system is described. We believe this series to be the first use of the FRED system in the western hemisphere.Methods14 aneurysms were treated utilizing the FRED system in 13 patients. Post-deployment angiography and fluoro CTs were obtained in all cases.ResultsImmediate post-treatment angiography demonstrated reduced flow into all aneurysms although no long term angiographic data are yet available. The device proved technically easy to deploy and recapture after partial deployment if needed. No complications, technical or otherwise, were encountered. Radiographic visibility and ability to maintain its internal cylindrical shape in tortuous arteries, as demonstrated by fluoro CT, was at least as good as the pipeline embolization device.ConclusionsThe FRED system was technically easy to deploy with no procedural complications occurring in this first reported series of 14 aneurysms. The ability of the FRED system to be recaptured after partial deployment and to maintain its internal shape in tortuous vessels was demonstrated well. Long term clinical and angiographic follow-up along with prospective studies are now needed to ascertain the role of the FRED in intracranial aneurysm treatment.
Climatic impact on the reef biota in the Cisuralian and Guadalupian (Permian), East European Platform
Authors: Kossovaya Olga , Vachard Daniel , Izart Alain 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
As important components of extinct as well as modern reefs, the measurement of changes in the composition of reef biota is crucial in order to evaluate the influence of extrinsic factors on the marine communities. The dramatic abiotic changes in the eastern and northern Pangea was mirrored by a gradual transition from a photozoan to a heterozoan association and the appearance of cool- (temperate-) water carbonates both in reef and carbonate ramp environments. Analyses of large skeletal and microbiotic components as well as microfacies succession were used for detailed explanation of reef structure, especially for lesser-known heterozoan skeletal mounds. The youngest skeletal mounds are recognized in the Roadian. The stable isotope data demonstrated a negative oxygen shift between latest Sakmarian and late early Artinskian coinciding with the end of P2 glaciation. The multiplicative nature of the event included the series of successive changes of extrinsic factors such as ice melting in interglacial episodes, eustatic ocean level rise, change of oceanic circulation and decrease of water temperature. The late Artinskian and subsequent Kungurian climatic impacts in the Northern Hemisphere were irreversible for the photozoan biota and prevented its further development. Roadian (Guadalupian) bryonoderm extended skeletal mounds developed in rather warm-water environments.
In situ
observations and sampling of volcanic emissions with NASA and UCR unmanned aircraft, including a case study at Turrialba Volcano, Costa Rica
Authors: Pieri David , Diaz Jorge Andres , Bland Geoffrey , Fladeland Matthew , Madrigal Yetty , Corrales Ernesto , Alegria Oscar , Alan Alfredo , Realmuto Vincent , Miles Ted , Abtahi Ali 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Scientific knowledge of transient and difficult-to-access airborne volcanic emissions comes primarily from remote sensing observations, and a few
in situ
data from sporadic heroic or inadvertent airborne encounters. In the past, patchy knowledge of the composition and behaviour of such plumes from explosive volcanic eruptions, and associated drifting ash and gas clouds, have centrally contributed to unwanted and dangerous aircraft encounters that have put crews at risk and, in some cases, greatly damaged aircraft. Thus, improved knowledge of boundary conditions and plume composition, as inputs to both mass retrieval and predictive models for cloud
trajectories
, would be of benefit.

In this paper, we describe how small robotic unmanned aerial vehicles (sUAVs) can address a variety of measurements that are typically beyond the reach of, and sometimes too dangerous for, manned aircraft. The direct measurements and sampling that can be achieved by sUAVs address serious gaps in knowledge of volcanic processes, and provide important validation data for estimations of volcanogenic ash and gas concentrations gleaned using remote sensing techniques. These data, in turn, constrain key proximal and distal boundary conditions for aerosol and gas transport models on which are based a number of decisions and evaluations by hazard responders and regulatory agencies.

We briefly describe a case study from our ongoing field study at Turrialba Volcano in Costa Rica, where we are conducting an international campaign of systematic airborne
in situ
measurements of volcanogenic SO
2
and other gases, as well as aerosols, with sUAVs and aerostats (e.g. tethered balloons and kites), in conjunction with data acquisitions by the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection (ASTER) radiometer onboard the NASA Terra Earth orbital platform. To our knowledge, this is the first such
systematic in situ
UAV- and aerostat-based observation programme for SO
2
and particulates in a volcanic plume for correlation with orbital data. We preliminarily report good agreement between our UAV/aerostat and ASTER SO
2
retrievals within a 5 km radius of the volcano summit, at altitudes of up to 12 500 ft (
c.
3850 m) above sea level (asl) for concentrations within the range of 5–20 ppmv (ppm by volume). Additional work continues.
Urokinase Plasminogen Activator System–Targeted Delivery of Nanobins as a Novel Ovarian Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zhang Yilin , Kenny Hilary A. , Swindell Elden P. , Mitra Anirban K. , Hankins Patrick L. , Ahn Richard W. , Gwin Katja , Mazar Andrew P. , O'Halloran Thomas V. , Lengyel Ernst 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The urokinase system is overexpressed in epithelial ovarian cancer cells and is expressed at low levels in normal cells. To develop a platform for intracellular and targeted delivery of therapeutics in ovarian cancer, we conjugated urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) antibodies to liposomal nanobins. The arsenic trioxide–loaded nanobins had favorable physicochemical properties and the ability to bind specifically to uPA. Confocal microscopy showed that the uPA-targeted nanobins were internalized by ovarian cancer cells, whereas both inductively coupled plasma optical mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analyses confirmed more than four-fold higher uptake of targeted nanobins when compared with untargeted nanobins. In a coculture assay, the targeted nanobins showed efficient uptake in ovarian cancer cells but not in the normal primary omental mesothelial cells. Moreover, this uptake could be blocked by either downregulating uPA receptor expression in the ovarian cancer cells using short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) or by competition with free uPA or uPA antibody. In proof-of-concept experiments, mice bearing orthotopic ovarian tumors showed a greater reduction in tumor burden when treated with targeted nanobins than with untargeted nanobins (47% vs. 27%; P &lt; 0.001). The targeted nanobins more effectively inhibited tumor cell growth both in vitro and in vivo compared with untargeted nanobins, inducing caspase-mediated apoptosis and impairing stem cell marker, aldehyde dehydrogenase-1A1 (ALDH1A1), expression. Ex vivo fluorescence imaging of tumors and organs corroborated these results, showing preferential localization of the targeted nanobins to the tumor. These findings suggest that uPA-targeted nanobins capable of specifically and efficiently delivering payloads to cancer cells could serve as the foundation for a new targeted cancer therapy using protease receptors. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(12); 2628–39. ©2013 AACR.
Trumpet Augmentation and Technological Symbiosis
Authors: Thibodeau Joseph , Wanderley Marcelo M. 
Published: September 2013

This article discusses the augmentation of acoustic musical instruments, with a focus on trumpet augmentation. Augmented instruments are acoustic instruments onto which sensors have been mounted in order to provide extra sonic control variables. Trumpets make ideal candidates for augmentation because they have spare physical space on which to mount electronics and spare performer “bandwidth” with which to interact with the augmentations. In this article, underlying concepts of augmented instrument design are discussed along with a review and discussion of twelve existing augmented trumpets and five projects related to mouthpiece augmentation. Common aspects to many of these examples are identified, such as the prevalence of idiosyncratic designs, the use of buttons placed at or near the left-hand playing position, and the focus on measuring or mimicking trumpet valves. Three existing approaches to valve sensing are compared, and a novel method for sensing valve position, based on linear variable differential transformers, is introduced. Based on the review and comparison, we created an example augmented trumpet that tests the feasibility of a modular design paradigm. The results of this review of the state-of-the-art and our own research suggests future directions towards a better understanding of augmented trumpet design.
The Winter Atmospheric Response to Sea Ice Anomalies in the Barents Sea
Authors: Liptak Jessica , Strong Courtenay 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The atmospheric response to sea ice anomalies over the Barents Sea during winter was determined by boundary forcing the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM) with daily varying high and low sea ice concentration (SIC) anomalies that decreased realistically from December to February. The high- and low-SIC anomalies produced localized opposite-signed responses of surface turbulent heat flux and wind stress that decreased in magnitude and extent as winter progressed. Responses of sea level pressure (SLP) and 500-mb height evolved from localized, opposite-signed features into remarkably similar large-scale patterns resembling the negative phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Hilbert empirical orthogonal function (HEOF) analysis of the composite high-SIC and low-SIC SLP responses uncovered how they differed. The hemispheric pattern in the leading HEOF was similar for the high-SIC and low-SIC responses, but the high-SIC response cycled through the pattern once per winter, whereas the low-SIC response cycled through the pattern twice per winter. The second HEOF differed markedly between the responses, with the high-SIC response featuring zonally oriented Atlantic and Pacific wave features and the low-SIC response featuring a meridionally oriented Atlantic dipole pattern.