bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shape, variance and integration during craniogenesis: contrasting marsupial and placental mammals
Authors: GOSWAMI A. , POLLY P. D. , MOCK O. B. , SÁNCHEZ‐VILLAGRA M. R. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractStudies of morphological integration can provide insight into developmental patterns, even in extinct taxa known only from skeletal remains, thus making them an important tool for studies of evolutionary development. However, interpreting patterns of integration and assessing their significance for organismal evolution requires detailed understanding of the developmental interactions that shape integration and how those interactions change through ontogeny. Thus far, relatively little comparative data have been produced for this important topic, and the data that do exist are overwhelmingly from humans and their close relatives or from laboratory models such as mice. Here, we compare data on shape, variance and integration through postnatal ontogeny for a placental mammal, the least shrew,Cryptotis parva, and a marsupial mammal, the gray short‐tailed opossum,Monodelphis domestica. Cranial variance decreased dramatically from early to late ontogeny inCryptotis, but remained stable through ontogeny inMonodelphis, potentially reflecting functional constraints related to the short gestation and early ossification of oral bones in marsupials. BothCryptotisandMonodelphisshowed significant changes in cranial integration through ontogeny, with a mixture of increased, decreased and stable levels of integration in different cranial regions. Of particular note is thatMonodelphisshowed an unambiguous decrease in integration of the oral region through ontogeny, potentially relating to their early ossification. Selection at different stages of development may have markedly different effects if patterns of integration change substantially through ontogeny. Our results suggest that high integration of the oral region combined with functional constraints for suckling during early postnatal ontogeny may drive the stagnant variance observed inMonodelphisand potentially other marsupials.
Charipinae fauna from New Zealand with descriptions of two new species of Alloxysta Förster (Hymenoptera: Cynipoidea: Figitidae: Charipinae)
Authors: Ferrer‐Suay Mar , Paretas‐Martínez Jordi , Selfa Jesús , Pujade‐Villar Juli 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBiologically, New Zealand is an important country for its high levels of endemism. However, the recorded fauna of Charipinae in this country included only three cosmopolitan species: Alloxysta fuscicornis (Hartig), Alloxysta victrix (Westwood) and Phaenoglyphis villosa (Hartig). Here, we describe the first endemic charipines for New Zealand: Alloxysta rubidus n. sp. and Alloxysta thorpei n. sp. This significantly increases the knowledge of cynipoid diversity in Australasia, where this hymenopteran group is very poorly known. The new species are diagnosed, described, illustrated and information about their hosts and distribution is given. Characters useful to distinguish these species are discussed. A key and distribution map to all species of New Zealand Charipinae is provided.
Early procedure‐related complications of fetal blood sampling and intrauterine transfusion for fetal anemia
Authors: JOHNSTONE‐AYLIFFE CARINA , PRIOR TOMAS , ONG CHARAS , REGAN FIONA , KUMAR SAILESH 
Published: February 2012

Abstract Objective. To review the procedure‐related complication rates following fetal blood sampling and intrauterine red cell transfusion for anaemic fetuses at a single tertiary center. Design. A retrospective study of 114 intrauterine transfusions. Setting. A single tertiary referral fetal medicine center at Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK. Sample. All cases (114) undergoing fetal blood sampling and intrauterine transfusion between January 2003 and May 2010. Methods. Early procedure‐related complications (severe fetal bradycardia requiring either abandonment of the procedure or emergency delivery, fetal death, preterm labor or rupture of membranes) were investigated by review of computerized records and individual chart review. Main outcome measures. Live birth rate, perinatal mortality, procedure‐related fetal bradycardia, preterm labor and procedure‐related spontaneous rupture of membranes. Results. The majority of cases (77.8%) were due to red cell alloimmunization, with anti‐D being the commonest cause. The live birth rate was 93.5%, with a procedure‐related fetal death rate of 0.9%. The preterm labor rate (<37 weeks’ gestation) was 3.5% only occurring in patients undergoing multiple (>3) fetal transfusions. Complications in this series did not appear to be increased the earlier the gestation at which the first transfusion took place. Conclusions. Despite a reduction in the number of cases requiring intrauterine therapy for fetal anemia, contemporary outcomes appear to be good if not improving. It is important that the experience required to manage these cases should be concentrated in fewer centers to maximize good perinatal outcome.
Institutional shrinkage: The deviant case of Swiss banking secrecy
Authors: Steinlin Simon , Trampusch Christine 
Published: February 2012

AbstractUsing the Mahoney–Thelen causal model one would expect “layering” to be the dominant kind of institutional change affecting Swiss banking secrecy. Our research into governance in Swiss banking shows that it does not fit this theoretical model. Applying deviant case analysis we have refined our understanding of institutional change. We argue that the removal of rules and the momentum of pressure should be acknowledged when explaining variations of institutional change and we suggest that the processes of shrinkage should not be ignored.
Stability of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Prions: Absence of Prion Protein Degradation by Bovine Gut Microbiota
Authors: Böhnlein C. , Groschup M. H. , Maertlbauer E. , Pichner R. , Gareis M. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryBovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is transmitted by the oral route. However, the impacts of anaerobic fermentation processes in cattle on the stability of BSE‐associated prion protein (PrPSc) are still unresolved. In this study, experiments were designed to assess the ability of complex ruminal and colonic contents of bovines to degrade BSE‐derived PrPSc. No significant decrease in PrPSc levels in BSE brain homogenates was detected by Western blotting after up to 66 h of co‐incubation with intestinal fluids. These results indicate that BSE‐associated PrPSc survive gastrointestinal digestion processes in cattle and might be excreted via faeces.
Phytosphingosine-1-Phosphate Is a Signaling Molecule Involved in Miconazole Resistance in Sessile Candida albicans Cells
Authors: Vandenbosch Davy , Bink Anna , Govaert Gilmer , Cammue Bruno P. A. , Nelis Hans J. , Thevissen Karin , Coenye Tom 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

Previous research has shown that 1% to 10% of sessile
Candida albicans
cells survive treatment with high doses of miconazole (a fungicidal imidazole). In the present study, we investigated the involvement of sphingolipid biosynthetic intermediates in this survival. We observed that the
LCB4
gene, coding for the enzyme that catalyzes the phosphorylation of dihydrosphingosine and phytosphingosine, is important in governing the miconazole resistance of sessile
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
and
C. albicans
cells. The addition of 10 nM phytosphingosine-1-phosphate (PHS-1-P) drastically reduced the intracellular miconazole concentration and significantly increased the miconazole resistance of a hypersusceptible
C. albicans
heterozygous
LCB4/lcb4
mutant, indicating a protective effect of PHS-1-P against miconazole-induced cell death in sessile cells. At this concentration of PHS-1-P, we did not observe any effect on the fluidity of the cytoplasmic membrane. The protective effect of PHS-1-P was not observed when the efflux pumps were inhibited or when tested in a mutant without functional efflux systems. Also, the addition of PHS-1-P during miconazole treatment increased the expression levels of genes coding for efflux pumps, leading to the hypothesis that PHS-1-P acts as a signaling molecule and enhances the efflux of miconazole in sessile
C. albicans
cells.
No Decrease in Susceptibility to NVC-422 in Multiple-Passage Studies with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli
Authors: D'Lima Louisa , Friedman Lisa , Wang Lu , Xu Ping , Anderson Mark , Debabov Dmitri 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

Twenty-five serial passages of
Escherichia coli
,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, and
Staphylococcus aureus
and 50 passages of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
resulted in no significant increase in NVC-422 MICs, while ciprofloxacin MICs increased 256-fold for
E. coli
and 32-fold for
P. aeruginosa
and
S. aureus
. Mupirocin, fusidic acid, and retapamulin MICs for MRSA increased 64-, 256-, and 16-fold, respectively. No cross-resistance to NVC-422 was observed with mupirocin-, fusidic acid-, and retapamulin-resistant strains.
Comparison of the Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes Associated with Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis and Vancomycin-Resistant E. faecium Bacteremia
Authors: Hayakawa Kayoko , Marchaim Dror , Martin Emily T. , Tiwari Namita , Yousuf Adnan , Sunkara Bharath , Pulluru Harish , Kotra Harikrishna , Hasan Asma , Bheemreddy Suchitha , Sheth Puja , Lee Dae-Won , Kamatam Srinivasa , Bathina Pradeep , Nanjireddy Priyanka , Chalana Indu K. , Patel Satyam , Kumar Sarwan , Vahia Amit , Ku Kimberly , Yee Victoria , Swan Jessie , Pogue Jason M. , Lephart Paul R. , Rybak Michael J. , Kaye Keith S. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

In published studies, cohorts of patients with bacteremia due to vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus
(VRE) have predominantly been infected with
Enterococcus faecium
. Little is known about the epidemiology and outcomes associated with bacteremia due to VR
Enterococcus faecalis
. A retrospective study of isolates obtained from January 2008 to October 2010 was conducted at Detroit Medical Center (DMC). Unique patients with blood cultures positive for VRE were reviewed. Outcomes were analyzed using logistic regression. During the study period, 105 cases of bacteremia due to VR
E. faecalis
and 197 cases of bacteremia due to VR
E. faecium
were identified. The mean age in the study cohort was 61.5 ± 15 years; 162 subjects (53.6%) were male. After controlling for a propensity score, bacteremia due to VR
E. faecalis
was associated with >2-fold-lower in-hospital mortality than bacteremia due to VR
E. faecium
. Interestingly, bacteremia due to VR
E. faecalis
was associated with longer hospital stay after VRE isolation, although total length of stay was similar for groups with VR
E. faecalis
and VR
E. faecium
. Bacteremia due to VR
E. faecalis
was associated with a >2-fold-lower risk for mortality than bacteremia due to VR
E. faecium
, possibly due to the availability of β-lactam therapeutics for treatment of VR
E. faecalis
.
Mannheimia haemolytica and Its Leukotoxin Cause Macrophage Extracellular Trap Formation by Bovine Macrophages
Authors: Aulik Nicole A. , Hellenbrand Katrina M. , Czuprynski Charles J. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

Human and bovine neutrophils release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are protein-studded DNA matrices capable of extracellular trapping and killing of pathogens. Recently, we reported that bovine neutrophils release NETs in response to the important respiratory pathogen
Mannheimia haemolytica
and its leukotoxin (LKT). Here, we demonstrate macrophage extracellular trap (MET) formation by bovine monocyte-derived macrophages exposed to
M. haemolytica
or its LKT. Both native fully active LKT and noncytolytic pro-LKT (produced by an
lktC
mutant of
M. haemolytica
) stimulated MET formation. Confocal and scanning electron microscopy revealed a network of DNA fibrils with colocalized histones in extracellular traps released from bovine macrophages. Formation of METs required NADPH oxidase activity, as previously demonstrated for NET formation. METs formed in response to LKT trapped and killed a portion of the
M. haemolytica
cells. Bovine alveolar macrophages, but not peripheral blood monocytes, also formed METs in response to
M. haemolytica
cells. MET formation was not restricted to bovine macrophages. We also observed MET formation by the mouse macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 and by human THP-1 cell-derived macrophages, in response to
Escherichia coli
hemolysin. The latter is a member of the repeats-in-toxin (RTX) toxin family related to the
M. haemolytica
leukotoxin. This study demonstrates that macrophages, like neutrophils, can form extracellular traps in response to bacterial pathogens and their exotoxins.
Comparative Genomics of Enterococci: Variation in Enterococcus faecalis, Clade Structure in E. faecium, and Defining Characteristics of
E
.
gallinarum
and
E
.
casseliflavus
Authors: Palmer Kelli L. , Godfrey Paul , Griggs Allison , Kos Veronica N. , Zucker Jeremy , Desjardins Christopher , Cerqueira Gustavo , Gevers Dirk , Walker Suzanne , Wortman Jennifer , Feldgarden Michael , Haas Brian , Birren Bruce , Gilmore Michael S. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

The enterococci are Gram-positive lactic acid bacteria that inhabit the gastrointestinal tracts of diverse hosts. However,
Enterococcus faecium
and
E. faecalis
have emerged as leading causes of multidrug-resistant hospital-acquired infections. The mechanism by which a well-adapted commensal evolved into a hospital pathogen is poorly understood. In this study, we examined high-quality draft genome data for evidence of key events in the evolution of the leading causes of enterococcal infections, including
E. faecalis
,
E. faecium
,
E
.
casseliflavus
, and
E
.
gallinarum
. We characterized two clades within what is currently classified as
E. faecium
and identified traits characteristic of each, including variation in operons for cell wall carbohydrate and putative capsule biosynthesis. We examined the extent of recombination between the two
E. faecium
clades and identified two strains with mosaic genomes. We determined the underlying genetics for the defining characteristics of the motile enterococci
E
.
casseliflavus
and
E
.
gallinarum
. Further, we identified species-specific traits that could be used to advance the detection of medically relevant enterococci and their identification to the species level.

IMPORTANCE
The enterococci, in particular, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, have emerged as leading causes of multidrug-resistant hospital-acquired infections. In this study, we examined genome sequence data to define traits with the potential to influence host-microbe interactions and to identify sequences and biochemical functions that could form the basis for the rapid identification of enterococcal species or lineages of importance in clinical and environmental samples.
Treatment With OPN-305, a Humanized Anti–Toll-Like Receptor-2 Antibody, Reduces Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Pigs
Authors: Arslan Fatih , Houtgraaf Jaco H. , Keogh Brian , Kazemi Kushan , de Jong Renate , McCormack William J. , O'Neill Luke A.J. , McGuirk Peter , Timmers Leo , Smeets Mirjam B. , Akeroyd Lars , Reilly Mary , Pasterkamp Gerard , de Kleijn Dominique P.V. 
Published: February 2012

Background—
Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 is an important mediator of innate immunity and ischemia/reperfusion-induced cardiac injury. We have previously shown that TLR2 inhibition reduces infarct size and improves cardiac function in mice. However, the therapeutic efficacy of a clinical grade humanized anti-TLR2 antibody, OPN-305, in a large-animal model remained to be addressed.

Methods and Results—

Pigs (n=38) underwent 75 minutes ischemia followed by 24 hours of reperfusion. Saline or OPN-305 (12.5, 6.25, or 1.56 mg/kg) was infused intravenously 15 minutes before reperfusion. Cardiac function and geometry were assessed by echocardiography. Infarct size was calculated as the percentage of the area at risk and by serum Troponin-I levels. Flow cytometry analysis revealed specific binding of OPN-305 to porcine TLR2. In vivo, OPN-305 exhibited a secondary half-life of 8±2 days. Intravenous administration of OPN-305 before reperfusion significantly reduced infarct size (45% reduction,
P
=0.041) in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, pigs treated with OPN-305 exhibited a significant preservation of systolic performance in a dose-dependent fashion, whereas saline treatment completely diminished the contractile performance of the ischemic/reperfused myocardium.

Conclusions—
OPN-305 significantly reduces infarct size and preserves cardiac function in pigs after ischemia/reperfusion injury. Hence, OPN-305 is a promising adjunctive therapeutic for patients with acute myocardial infarction.
Urinary Bisphenol A Concentration and Risk of Future Coronary Artery Disease in Apparently Healthy Men and Women
Authors: Melzer David , Osborne Nicholas J. , Henley William E. , Cipelli Riccardo , Young Anita , Money Cathryn , McCormack Paul , Luben Robert , Khaw Kay-Tee , Wareham Nicholas J. , Galloway Tamara S. 
Published: February 2012

Background—
The endocrine-disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used in food and beverage packaging. Higher urinary BPA concentrations were cross-sectionally associated with heart disease in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2004 and NHANES 2005–2006, independent of traditional risk factors.

Methods and Results—

We included 758 incident coronary artery disease (CAD) cases and 861 controls followed for 10.8 years from the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer–Norfolk UK. Respondents aged 40 to 74 years and free of CAD, stroke, or diabetes mellitus provided baseline spot urine samples. Urinary BPA concentrations (median value, 1.3 ng/mL) were low. Per-SD (4.56 ng/mL) increases in urinary BPA concentration were associated with incident CAD in age-, sex-, and urinary creatinine–adjusted models (n=1919; odds ratio=1.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.24;
P
=0.017). With CAD risk factor adjustment (including education, occupational social class, body mass index category, systolic blood pressure, lipid concentrations, and exercise), the estimate was similar but narrowly missed 2-sided significance (n=1744; odds ratio=1.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.00–1.23;
P
=0.058). Sensitivity analyses with the fully adjusted model, excluding those with early CAD (<3-year follow-up), body mass index >30, or abnormal renal function or with additional adjustment for vitamin C, C-reactive protein, or alcohol consumption, all produced similar estimates, and all showed associations at
P
≤0.05.

Conclusions—
Associations between higher BPA exposure (reflected in higher urinary concentrations) and incident CAD during >10 years of follow-up showed trends similar to previously reported cross-sectional findings in the more highly exposed NHANES respondents. Further work is needed to accurately estimate the prospective exposure-response curve and to establish the underlying mechanisms.
Incremental Reduction in Risk of Death Associated With Use of Guideline‐Recommended Therapies in Patients With Heart Failure: A Nested Case‐Control Analysis of IMPROVE HF
Authors: Fonarow Gregg C. , Albert Nancy M. , Curtis Anne B. , Gheorghiade Mihai , Liu Yang , Mehra Mandeep R. , O'Connor Christopher M. , Reynolds Dwight , Walsh Mary N. , Yancy Clyde W. 
Published: February 2012

Background
Several therapies are guideline‐recommended to reduce mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, but the incremental clinical effectiveness of these therapies has not been well studied. We aimed to evaluate the individual and incremental benefits of guideline‐recommended HF therapies associated with 24‐month survival.

Methods and Results

We performed a nested case‐control study of HF patients enrolled in IMPROVE HF. Cases were patients who died within 24 months and controls were patients who survived to 24 months, propensity‐matched 1:2 for multiple prognostic variables. Logistic regression was performed, and the attributable mortality risk from incomplete application of each evidence‐based therapy among eligible patients was calculated. A total of 1376 cases and 2752 matched controls were identified. β‐Blocker and cardiac resynchronization therapy were associated with the greatest 24‐month survival benefit (adjusted odds ratio for death 0.42, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.34–0.52; and 0.44, 95% CI, 0.29–0.67, respectively). Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators, anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation, and HF education were also associated with benefit, whereas aldosterone antagonist use was not. Incremental benefits were observed with each successive therapy, plateauing once any 4 to 5 therapies were provided (adjusted odds ratio 0.31, 95% CI, 0.23–0.42 for 5 or more versus 0/1,
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions
Individual, with a single exception, and incremental use of guideline‐recommended therapies was associated with survival benefit, with a potential plateau at 4 to 5 therapies. These data provide further rationale to implement guideline‐recommended HF therapies in the absence of contraindications to patients with HF and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.
Impact of Tropical SST on Stratospheric Planetary Waves in the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Lin Pu , Fu Qiang , Hartmann Dennis L. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
The impact of tropical sea surface temperature (SST) on stratospheric planetary waves in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) is investigated in austral spring using observed SST and reanalysis data for the past three decades. Maximum covariance analysis indicates that the tropical SST and the SH stratospheric planetary wave activity are primarily coupled through two modes. The leading two modes show the La Niña–like and the central-Pacific El Niño–like SST anomalies in their positive polarities, respectively, which each are related to enhanced stratospheric planetary wave activity. These two modes also introduce phase shifts to the stratospheric stationary planetary waves: a westward shift is seen for La Niña and an eastward shift for warm SST anomalies is seen in the central Pacific. The Eliassen–Palm fluxes associated with the two modes indicate that the anomalous stratospheric wave activity originates in the troposphere and propagates upward over the mid–high latitudes, so that the linkages between tropical SST and extratropical tropospheric circulation appear to play a key role. Furthermore, the observed circulation anomaly patterns for the two modes change rapidly from spring to summer, consistent with a sharp seasonal transition in the SH basic state. Similar SST and circulation anomaly patterns associated with the two modes are simulated in chemistry–climate models.