bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural Reorganizations Control Intermolecular Conductance and Charge Trapping in Paraquat‐Tetraphenylborate Inverse Photochemical Cell
Authors: Lebedev Nikolai , Trammell Scott A. , Dressick Walter , Kedziora Gary S. , Griva Igor , Schnur Joel M. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractMiniaturization of electronic devices to the level of single molecules requires detailed understanding of the mechanisms of their operation. One of the questions here is the identification of the role of structural alterations in charge separation and stabilization in photoactive complexes. To address this question, we calculate optimized molecular and electronic structures, and optical and vibrational spectra of l,l′‐dimethyl 4,4′‐bipyridinium—bis tetraphenylborate PQ(BPh4)2 complex ab initio using density functional theory approach and compare them with the experimentally observed UV–Vis and Raman spectra of the molecules in solid‐state films. The results indicate that the association of PQ and BPh4 leads to the formation of an internally ionized structure that is accompanied by the structural reorganization of both PQ (the twisting of pyridinium rings) and BPh4 (phenyl rings rotation) moieties. The quanta of light do not seem to be directly involved in the formation of this ionized structure, but provide energy for fast recombination of the separated charges between BPh4− and PQ2+. The high efficiency of the dark charge separation and the stabilization of separated charges in the complex permit the using of PQ(BPh4)2 in various charge‐transfer devices like molecular probes, photovoltaic devices or chemical memory units.
A UVC Device for Intra‐luminal Disinfection of Catheters: In Vitro Tests on Soft Polymer Tubes Contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans
Authors: Bak Jimmy , Begovic Tanja , Bjarnsholt Thomas , Nielsen Anne 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBacterial colonization of central venous catheters (CVCs) causes severe complications in patients. As a result, developing methods to remove and prevent bacterial and fungal colonization of CVCs is imperative. Recently, we have demonstrated that disinfection by radiation of polymer tubes with UVC light is possible. In this paper we present dose–response results using a newly developed UVC disinfection device, which can be connected to a Luer catheter hub. The device was tested on soft polymer tubes contaminated with a pallet of microorganisms, including Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ca 103 CFU mL−1). The tubes were equipped with a modified catheter hub and interfaced to the disinfection device via a middle piece separating the disinfection device from the hub. The contamination lasted for 3 h prior to treatment to simulate an aseptic breach. Our results show UVC killing in a dose and time dependent manner, with no viable counts after 2 min of radiation for bacteria. Killing of C. albicans was obtained at >20 min in an UVC absorbing suspension. We believe our results to be transferable directly to the clinic, and we are currently working on a setup for clinical trial.
40Ar/39Ar Ages of the Da Lien Granite Related to the Nui Phao W Mineralization in Northern Vietnam
Authors: SANEMATSU Kenzo , ISHIHARA Shunso 
Published: June 2011

Abstract 40Ar/39Ar dating was conducted on the Da Lien granite related to greisen‐skarn type polymetallic (W‐CaF2‐Cu‐Bi‐Au) mineralization in Nui Phao, northern part of Vietnam in the South China Plate. Biotite and muscovite separates from the biotite‐muscovite granite and greisenized granite indicate four plateau ages: 82.2 ± 0.4 Ma, 82.8 ± 0.3 Ma, 81.5 ± 0.3 Ma and 82.5 ± 0.4 Ma. The plateau ages were not significantly influenced by excess 40Ar in dated minerals or by loss of radiogenic 40Ar due to hydrothermal activities. The results indicate that solidification of granite related to the polymetallic mineralization occurred in the Late Cretaceous between 82.8 Ma and 81.5 Ma.
Seizures in an Arabian foal due to suspected prolonged transient neonatal hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Schwarz B. , van den Hoven R. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryThis Case Report describes a 5‐week‐old male Arabian foal of Egyptian bloodline with generalised seizures due to hypocalcaemia. The laboratory changes in this foal were consistent with an abnormal regulation of calcium as occurs with hypoparathyroidism. Prolonged transient neonatal hypoparathyroidism as reported in man was suspected. The foal received oral calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation combined with the calcium sparing diuretic carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide. Calcium concentrations increased gradually over 6 months. In Arabian foals, especially those of Egyptian bloodline suffering suspected juvenile epilepsy, hypocalcaemia should be ruled out as a cause of seizures.
A novel treatment for dynamic laryngeal collapse associated with poll flexion: The modified checkrein
Authors: FJORDBAKK C. T. , HOLCOMBE S. , FINTL C. , CHALMERS H. , STRAND E. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryReasons for performing the study:Dynamic laryngeal collapse (DLC) associated with poll flexion is a performance limiting dynamic upper airway disorder commonly diagnosed in Coldblooded trotters. An inspiratory obstruction occurs when affected horses are driven with tension on the reins, inducing poll flexion. To date, surgical treatment and conservative management have failed to improve racing performance in affected horses.Objectives:To test the efficacy of an external device, the modified checkrein, in limiting poll flexion, diminishing laryngeal collapse and improving airway mechanics when horses are driven on a treadmill with tension on the reins and test the hypothesis that the modified checkrein will limit poll flexion thereby improving endoscopic appearance of the larynx and reduce airway obstruction in harness racehorses affected with DLC.Methods:Fourteen Norwegian Coldblooded trotter (NCT) racehorses previously diagnosed with DLC associated with poll flexion exercised on a high‐speed treadmill at speeds that resulted in heart rate >200 beats/min. Upper airway videoendoscopy recordings, tracheal pressures and video recordings of the head and neck position were collected while horses exercised with the conventional checkrein on Day 1 and the modified checkrein on Day 2.Results:The modified checkrein successfully limited poll flexion as measured by no change in head position parameters between phases of no rein tension and phases of rein tension. Endoscopic scores were significantly improved (arytenoids cartilage collapse P<0.0001; vocal fold collapse P<0.0001) and tracheal peak inspiratory pressures were significantly less negative (P = 0.0162) when horses were fitted with the modified checkrein compared to the conventional checkrein.Conclusions and potential relevance:The modified checkrein successfully limited poll flexion and also prevented upper airway obstruction in NCT horses affected with DLC associated with poll flexion. The modified checkrein seems promising in offering a method of conservative management in harness racehorses affected with this disorder.
Intravenous technetium‐99m labelled PEG‐liposomes in horses: A safety and biodistribution study
Authors: UNDERWOOD C. , VAN EPS A. W. , ROSS M. W. , LAVERMAN P. , VAN BLOOIS L. , STORM G. , SCHAER T. P. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryReasons for performing study:Liposomes are phospholipid nanoparticles that extravasate at sites of increased vascular permeability. They have potential in equine medicine for targeted drug delivery and diagnostic imaging of infectious, inflammatory and neoplastic lesions.Objectives:This study evaluates the safety and biodistribution of i.v. polyethyleneglycol(PEG) liposomes in normal horses.Methods:PEG‐liposomes were prepared by the film hydration method and labelled using99mTc‐hexamethyl‐propylene‐amine‐oxime. A single dose of 0.24 µmol/kg bwt99mTc‐PEG‐liposomes and 2.4 µmol/kg bwt unlabelled PEG‐liposomes was administered to 10 conscious horses via i.v. infusion at a rate of 6 µmol/min for the first 15 min and 60 µmol/min thereafter. Clinical parameters, haematology, plasma biochemistry and serum complement activity were monitored serially. Scintigraphic imaging was performed at 1, 12 and 21 h post infusion (PI). Six horses were subjected to euthanasia at 24 h PI. The percentage injected dose per kilogram of tissue was calculated for multiple organs. Results were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA.Results:Horses did not demonstrate adverse reactions during or after liposome infusion. There was a significant elevation in heart rate and respiratory rate at 20 and 25 min PI. No significant complement consumption was detected, although a trend for decreased total haemolytic complement values at 20 min PI was present. Scintigraphic studies revealed a prolonged vascular phase that lasted to 21 h PI, with a reproducible pattern of organ distribution. Biodistribution studies revealed the highest concentrations of radiopharmaceutical within the lung, kidney, liver and spleen.Conclusions:Intravenous liposome administration appears to be safe in horses. When administered in combination with PEG‐liposomes,99mTc‐PEG‐liposomes have long circulating characteristics and a reproducible pattern of organ distribution in horses.Potential relevance:Radiolabelled liposomes may be useful for detecting infection, inflammation and neoplasia in the horse. Liposomes have significant potential for targeted drug delivery in the horse. This study establishes the scintigraphic findings and tissue distribution of 99mTc‐PEG‐liposomes after i.v. administration in healthy horses.
Effects of acepromazine, butorphanol and buprenorphine on thermal and mechanical nociceptive thresholds in horses
Authors: LOVE E. J. , TAYLOR P. M. , MURRELL J. , WHAY H. R. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryReasons for performing study:To investigate the antinociceptive effects of buprenorphine administered in combination with acepromazine in horses and to establish an effective dose for use in a clinical environment.Objectives:To evaluate the responses to thermal and mechanical stimulation following administration of 3 doses of buprenorphine compared to positive (butorphanol) and negative (glucose) controls.Methods:Observer blinded, randomised, crossover design using 6 Thoroughbred geldings (3–10 years, 500–560 kg). Thermal and mechanical nociceptive thresholds were measured 3 times at 15 min intervals. Horses then received acepromazine 0.05 mg/kg bwt with one of 5 treatments i.v.: 5% glucose (Glu), butorphanol 100 µg/kg bwt (But) buprenorphine 5 µg/kg bwt (Bup5), buprenorphine 7.5 µg/kg bwt (Bup7.5) and buprenorphine 10 µg/kg bwt (Bup10). Thresholds were measured 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 230 min, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 24 h post treatment administration. The 95% confidence intervals for threshold temperature (ΔT) for each horse were calculated and an antinociceptive effect defined as ΔT, which was higher than the upper limit of the confidence interval. Duration of thermal antinociception was analysed using a within‐subjects ANOVA and peak mechanical thresholds with a general linear model withpost hocTukey tests. Significance was set at P<0.05.Results:Mean (± s.d.) durations of thermal antinociception following treatment administration were: Glu 0.5 (1.1), But 2.9 (2.0), Bup5 7.4 (2.3), Bup7.5 7.8 (2.7) and Bup10 9.4 (1.1) h. B5, B7.5 and B10 were significantly different from Glu and But. No serious adverse effects occurred, although determination of mechanical thresholds was confounded by locomotor stimulation.Conclusions:Administration of acepromazine and all doses of buprenorphine produced antinociception to a thermal stimulus for significantly longer than acepromazine and either butorphanol or glucose.Potential relevance:This study suggests that buprenorphine has considerable potential as an analgesic in horses and should be examined further under clinical conditions and by investigation of the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile.
Vibrio cholerae O1 Infection Induces Proinflammatory CD4+T-Cell Responses in Blood and Intestinal Mucosa of Infected Humans
Authors: Kuchta Alison , Rahman Taibur , Sennott Erica L. , Bhuyian Taufiqur R. , Uddin Taher , Rashu Rasheduzzaman , Chowdhury Fahima , Kahn Ashraf I. , Arifuzzaman Mohammad , Weil Ana A. , Podolsky Michael , LaRocque Regina C. , Ryan Edward T. , Calderwood Stephen B. , Qadri Firdausi , Harris Jason B. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTVibrio choleraeO1 is a noninvasive enteric pathogen and serves as a model for studies of mucosal immunity. Although symptomaticV. choleraeinfection induces durable protection against subsequent disease, vaccination with oral killed whole-cellV. choleraestimulates less long-lasting protection against cholera. In this study, we demonstrated that cholera induces an early proinflammatory cellular immune response that results in priming of Th1- and Th17-type cytokine responses toex vivoantigenic stimulation and an increase in the ratio of Th1 to Th2 CD4+T-cell responses. Comparable priming of Th1 and Th17 responses, with an increased ratio of Th1 to Th2 CD4+T-cell responses, was not observed in subjects who received two doses of the oral cholera vaccine Dukoral (a whole-cell cholera toxin B subunit containing [WC-CTB] vaccine). These findings suggest that naturalV. choleraeinfection induces an early, proinflammatory cellular immune response, despite the apparent lack of clinical signs of inflammation. The failure of the WC-CTB vaccine to activate equivalent, CD4+T-cell responses is a potential explanation for the shorter duration of protection following immunization with this vaccine. Additional studies are needed to determine whether these early T-cell-mediated events predict the subsequent duration of immunologic memory.
Evaluation of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry for Rapid Identification of Beta-Hemolytic Streptococci
Authors: Cherkaoui Abdessalam , Emonet Stéphane , Fernandez José , Schorderet Didier , Schrenzel Jacques 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

This study was undertaken to evaluate matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the rapid identification of beta-hemolytic streptococci. We compared Bruker Biotyper 2.0 with Vitek2 coupled to the agglutination test. MALDI-TOF MS analysis of 386 beta-hemolytic streptococcal isolates yielded high-confidence identification to the species level for all 386 isolates. The Vitek2 gave high-confidence identification to the species level for 88% of
Streptococcus agalactiae
isolates (
n
= 269/306), 92% of
Streptococcus pyogenes
isolates (
n
= 48/52), and 39% of isolates of
Streptococcus dysgalactiae
serogroups C and G (
n
= 11/28).
Prosthetic Joint Infection Caused by Mycobacterium alvei in an Elderly Patient
Authors: Lee Chen-Hsiang , You Huey-Ling , Wang Jun-Wen , Tang Ya-Fen , Liu Jien-Wei 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

We report the first case of prosthetic joint infection caused by
Mycobacterium alvei
, which was identified by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism and verified by analysis of nucleotide sequences of its amplified 16S ribosomal DNA. The pathogen was susceptible to linezolid, amikacin, ciprofloxacin, tigecycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The clinical implications are discussed.
Wide Dispersion of ST175 Clone despite High Genetic Diversity of Carbapenem-Nonsusceptible Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Strains in 16 Spanish Hospitals
Authors: García-Castillo María , del Campo Rosa , Morosini María Isabel , Riera Elena , Cabot Gabriel , Willems Rob , van Mansfeld Rosa , Oliver Antonio , Cantón Rafael 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

During the COMParative Activity of Carbapenems Testing (COMPACT) surveillance study, 448
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
clinical isolates were obtained from 16 Spanish hospitals. Nonsusceptibility (EUCAST breakpoints) to imipenem (35%), meropenem (33%), and/or doripenem (33%) was observed with 175 isolates (39%). Simultaneous resistance to these three drugs was observed with 126 of the 175 isolates (72%). Except for colistin, high resistance rates were observed among noncarbapenem antibiotics. Clonal relatedness was investigated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) with SpeI, discriminating 68 patterns. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed on 84 isolates representing different PFGE types and all participating hospitals. Thirty-nine sequence types (STs) could be distinguished, and of these, ST175 (48 isolates, 10 hospitals), ST646 (16 isolates, 4 hospitals), ST532 (13 isolates, 3 hospitals), and ST111 (13 isolates, 7 hospitals) were the most frequently encountered. Minimum-spanning tree analysis confirmed a wide dissemination of different clones among participant hospitals, particularly ST175. PFGE pattern comparison within the four most frequent STs revealed that ST175 isolates were relatively uniform, while ST646, ST532, and ST111 isolates were highly diverse, with almost every isolate belonging to a unique pulsotype, even when originating from the same center. The population of carbapenem-nonsusceptible
P. aeruginosa
isolates from 16 hospitals is highly diverse, with one ST (ST175) representing a highly conserved clone disseminated in 10 of the 16 participant hospitals. This ST175 clone should be added to the list of
P. aeruginosa
clones at high risk for epidemic spread, such as the Liverpool, Manchester, and Melbourne clones previously found in cystic fibrosis patients and ST235 in the nosocomial setting.
Comparative Evaluation of Three Automated Systems for DNA Extraction in Conjunction with Three Commercially Available Real-Time PCR Assays for Quantitation of Plasma Cytomegalovirus DNAemia in Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients
Authors: Bravo Dayana , Clari María Ángeles , Costa Elisa , Muñoz-Cobo Beatriz , Solano Carlos , José Remigia María , Navarro David 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

Limited data are available on the performance of different automated extraction platforms and commercially available quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR) methods for the quantitation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA in plasma. We compared the performance characteristics of the Abbott mSample preparation system DNA kit on the m24 SP instrument (Abbott), the High Pure viral nucleic acid kit on the COBAS AmpliPrep system (Roche), and the EZ1 Virus 2.0 kit on the BioRobot EZ1 extraction platform (Qiagen) coupled with the Abbott CMV PCR kit, the LightCycler CMV Quant kit (Roche), and the Q-CMV complete kit (Nanogen), for both plasma specimens from allogeneic stem cell transplant (Allo-SCT) recipients (
n
= 42) and the OptiQuant CMV DNA panel (AcroMetrix). The EZ1 system displayed the highest extraction efficiency over a wide range of CMV plasma DNA loads, followed by the m24 and the AmpliPrep methods. The Nanogen PCR assay yielded higher mean CMV plasma DNA values than the Abbott and the Roche PCR assays, regardless of the platform used for DNA extraction. Overall, the effects of the extraction method and the QRT-PCR used on CMV plasma DNA load measurements were less pronounced for specimens with high CMV DNA content (>10,000 copies/ml). The performance characteristics of the extraction methods and QRT-PCR assays evaluated herein for clinical samples were extensible at cell-based standards from AcroMetrix. In conclusion, different automated systems are not equally efficient for CMV DNA extraction from plasma specimens, and the plasma CMV DNA loads measured by commercially available QRT-PCRs can differ significantly. The above findings should be taken into consideration for the establishment of cutoff values for the initiation or cessation of preemptive antiviral therapies and for the interpretation of data from clinical studies in the Allo-SCT setting.
Rapid Genoserotyping Tool for Classification of Salmonella Serovars
Authors: Franklin Kristyn , Lingohr Erika J. , Yoshida Catherine , Anjum Muna , Bodrossy Levente , Clark Clifford G. , Kropinski Andrew M. , Karmali Mohamed A. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

We have developed a
Salmonella
genoserotyping array (SGSA) which rapidly generates an antigenic formula consistent with the White-Kauffmann-Le Minor scheme, currently the gold standard for
Salmonella
serotyping. A set of 287 strains representative of 133
Salmonella
serovars was assembled to validate the array and to test the array probes for accuracy, specificity, and reproducibility. Initially, 76 known serovars were utilized to validate the specificity and repeatability of the array probes and their expected probe patterns. The SGSA generated the correct serovar designations for 100% of the known subspecies I serovars tested in the validation panel and an antigenic formula consistent with that of the White-Kauffmann-Le Minor scheme for 97% of all known serovars tested. Once validated, the SGSA was assessed against a blind panel of 100
Salmonella enterica
subsp. I samples serotyped using traditional methods. In summary, the SGSA correctly identified all of the blind samples as representing
Salmonella
and successfully identified 92% of the antigens found within the unknown samples. Antigen- and serovar-specific probes, in combination with a
pepT
PCR for confirmation of
S. enterica
subsp. Enteritidis determinations, generated an antigenic formula and/or a serovar designation consistent with the White-Kauffmann-Le Minor scheme for 87% of unknown samples tested with the SGSA. Future experiments are planned to test the specificity of the array probes with other
Salmonella
serovars to demonstrate the versatility and utility of this array as a public health tool in the identification of
Salmonella
.
Hepatitis C Virus Stimulates the Phosphatidylinositol 4-Kinase III Alpha-Dependent Phosphatidylinositol 4-Phosphate Production That Is Essential for Its Replication
Authors: Berger Kristi L. , Kelly Sean M. , Jordan Tristan X. , Tartell Michael A. , Randall Glenn 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase III alpha (PI4KA) is an essential cofactor of hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication. We initiated this study to determine whether HCV directly engages PI4KA to establish its replication. PI4KA kinase activity was found to be absolutely required for HCV replication using a small interfering RNA transcomplementation assay. Moreover, HCV infection or subgenomic HCV replicons produced a dramatic increase in phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P) accumulation throughout the cytoplasm, which partially colocalized with the endoplasmic reticulum. In contrast, the majority of PI4P accumulated at the Golgi bodies in uninfected cells. The increase in PI4P was not observed after infection with UV-inactivated HCV and did not reflect changes in PI4KA protein or RNA abundance. In an analysis of U2OS cell lines with inducible expression of the HCV polyprotein or individual viral proteins, viral polyprotein expression resulted in enhanced cytoplasmic PI4P production. Increased PI4P accumulation following HCV protein expression was precluded by silencing the expression of PI4KA, but not the related PI4KB. Silencing PI4KA also resulted in aberrant agglomeration of viral replicase proteins, including NS5A, NS5B, and NS3. NS5A alone, but not other viral proteins, stimulated PI4P production
in vivo
and enhanced PI4KA kinase activity
in vitro
. Lastly, PI4KA coimmunoprecipitated with NS5A from infected Huh-7.5 cells and from dually transfected 293T cells. In sum, these results suggest that HCV NS5A modulation of PI4KA-dependent PI4P production influences replication complex formation.