bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amyloid Plaques Dissociate Pentameric to Monomeric C‐Reactive Protein: A Novel Pathomechanism Driving Cortical Inflammation in Alzheimer's Disease?
Authors: Strang Frederik , Scheichl Amelie , Chen Yung‐Chih , Wang Xiaowei , Htun Nay‐Min , Bassler Nicole , Eisenhardt Steffen U. , Habersberger Jonathon , Peter Karlheinz 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBeta‐amyloid (Aβ) plaques and local inflammation are central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Although an association between circulating pentameric C‐reactive protein (pCRP) and Alzheimer's disease has been reported no pathomechanistic link has been established. We hypothesized that Aβ plaques induce the dissociation of pCRP to individual monomers (mCRP), which possess strong pro‐inflammatory properties not shared with pCRP and localizing inflammation to Alzheimer's plaques. pCRP was incubated with Aβ plaques generated in vitro and with non‐aggregated Aβ42 peptide. pCRP dissociation to mCRP was found only when co‐incubated with Aβ plaques. Furthermore, sections of frontal cortex from brains of patients with and without Alzheimer's disease were stained with antibodies specific for mCRP and pCRP. There was significantly more mCRP in the cortex of Alzheimer's disease patients (P ≤ 0.01). In contrast, there was no significant difference in pCRP staining. These findings establish that Aβ plaques possess a previously unrecognized potential to dissociate pentameric CRP to monomeric CRP. The existence of mCRP but not pCRP in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients strongly indicates that this newly described biological effect of Aβ plaques is relevant in Alzheimer pathobiology; potentially localizing and amplifying inflammation via the strong pro‐inflammatory effects of locally generated mCRP.
Magmatic Nature of Mineralizing Fluids in the Solnechnoye Sn Deposit (Russia) Deduced from Isotopic (H, O) Compositions of Tourmaline
Authors: SUSHCHEVSKAYA Tatiana , IGNATIEV Alexander , VELIVETSKAYA Tatiana 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIn this paper, we present new isotopic (H, O) data of fluids in tourmalines from the large Sn deposit at Solnechnoye (Far East Russia). These data indicate that the deposit formed by fluid‐rock interactions in a hydrothermal system where the mineralizing fluid was mainly magmatic and to a lesser extent meteoric. This is in agreement with a magmatic fluid model. Our interpretation of the new isotopic data is consistent with earlier findings of the studies on fluid‐rock interactions that magmatic fluids form larger Sn deposits than exogenic fluids. We propose that isotopic (H, O) data of fluids in tourmaline, rather than those in quartz, muscovite, or chlorite, support robust interpretation on the nature of mineralizing fluids associated with Sn deposits.
Maladaptive schemas as a mediator between social defeat and positive symptoms in young people at clinical high risk for psychosis
Authors: Stowkowy Jacqueline , Addington Jean 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim: Social defeat may be the mechanism that links past social adversities with the development of psychosis. In depression research, it is accepted that adverse early social experiences can lead to enduring cognitive vulnerabilities, characterized by negative schemas about the self and others. The aim of this study was to examine whether negative beliefs about the self and others link social defeat to early signs of psychosis.Methods: Data from a sample of individuals at high risk for developing psychosis (n = 38) were assessed using measures of social defeat and schemas.Results: High levels of social defeat and negative evaluations of the self and others were displayed. Negative beliefs mediated the relationship between social defeat and early symptoms, offering some support for the notion that maladaptive self‐beliefs play a role in the onset of psychosis.Conclusions: These results have implications for prevention because these maladaptive schemas are malleable factors for which we have effective psychological interventions.
Use of allele‐specific sequencing primers is an efficient alternative to PCR subcloning of low‐copy nuclear genes
Authors: SCHEEN ANNE‐CATHRINE , PFEIL BERNARD E. , PETRI ANNA , HEIDARI NAHID , NYLINDER STEPHAN , OXELMAN BENGT 
Published: September 2011

AbstractDirect Sanger sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐amplified nuclear genes leads to polymorphic sequences when allelic variation is present. To overcome this problem, most researchers subclone the PCR products to separate alleles. An alternative is to directly sequence the separate alleles using allele‐specific primers. We tested two methods to enhance the specificity of allele‐specific primers for use in direct sequencing: using short primers and amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) technique. By shortening the allele‐specific primer to 15–13 nucleotides, the single mismatch in the ultimate base of the primer is enough to hinder the amplification of the nontarget allele in direct sequencing and recover only the targeted allele at high accuracy. The deliberate addition of a second mismatch, as implemented in the ARMS technique, was less successful and seems better suited for allele‐specific amplification in regular PCR rather than in direct sequencing.
Development and multiplexing of microsatellite markers using pyrosequencing in the clonal plant Comarum palustre (Rosaceae)
Authors: SOMME L. , RAABOVÁ J. , JACQUEMART A. L. , RASPÉ O. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractMicrosatellites represent one of the most commonly used genetic markers for population genetic studies. Traditionally, their development is quite time consuming, requiring construction of a genomic library enriched for repeated motifs. Using pyrosequencing, a fast and cost‐effective new generation sequencing technique, we produced 24 340 862 bases in 63 860 short fragment reads, including 1170 dinucleotide motifs with a minimum of six repeats and 1383 trinucleotide motifs with a minimum of four repeats for the Marsh Cinquefoil, Comarum palustre L., an endangered marsh pioneer species. We selected 58 loci with SSR (Short Sequence Repeat) segments (at least 10 repeats) for a preliminary screening. Out of them, we screened 29 loci on a capillary sequencer after ligation in a vector and PCR using T7 forward primer labelled with FAM fluorescent dye and the specific unlabeled reverse primers. This procedure allowed us to screen large number of candidate loci with the same labelled primer and unlabelled specific primers. Finally, we characterized 20 polymorphic microsatellite markers, nine dinucleotides and 11 trinucleotides. We used these markers to assess genetic diversity and clonal structure in two Belgian populations. All loci showed a maximum of two alleles per individual, suggesting that they are from a diploid genome. One genet was detected in a newly extending population while 53 different genets in a long‐term ecologically managed population. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 6 to 14 in this old population with an expected heterozygosity, ranging from 0.5964 to 0.8278. These preliminary results show a genet size up to 7.2 m.
The efficacy of optic nerve ultrasonography for differentiating papilloedema from pseudopapilloedema in eyes with swollen optic discs
Authors: Neudorfer Meira , Ben‐Haim Maytal Siegman , Leibovitch Igal , Kesler Anat 
Published: September 2011

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the diagnostic yield of optic nerve ultrasonography (US) in distinguishing between papilloedema (swollen discs owing to raised intracranial pressure) and pseudopapilloedema.Methods:  We prospectively evaluated all patients with bilateral optic disc swelling who underwent a complete neuro‐ophthalmological examination. Suitable patients were referred for neuroimaging (computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) and lumbar puncture. They underwent optic nerve US (A‐mode and B‐mode), and the findings were compared with the final clinical assessment. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values for US distinction between true papilloedema and pseudopapilloedema were calculated and compared with those of the other imaging tests.Results:  Forty‐four patients were enrolled. Ultrasonography detected papilloedema with a high degree of sensitivity (85%) when the normal optic nerve width (ONW) was set at ≤3.3 mm, and with an even higher degree of sensitivity (95%) when the normal ONW was set at ≤3.0 mm. Ultrasonography had a high negative predictive value for detecting papilloedema: 83% when the normal ONW was set at ≤3.3 mm and 93% when it was set at ≤3.0 mm. There was a significant correlation between the US findings and the final diagnosis (p < 0.001) when the upper limit of the normal ONW was set at 3.0 mm.Conclusions:  Ultrasonography findings of the ONW correlated well with the final diagnosis of papilloedema or pseudopapilloedema, especially when the upper limit of the normal ONW was set at 3.0 mm. Ultrasonography could be a useful non‐invasive technique for differentiating papilloedema from other causes for swollen discs, such as pseudopapilloedema.
Intravitreal bevacizumab versus ranibizumab for the treatment of retinal angiomatous proliferation
Authors: Parodi Maurizio B. , Iacono Pierluigi , Menchini Francesca , Sheth Saumil , Polini Giovanni , Pittino Raffaele , Bandello Francesco 
Published: September 2011

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the effects of intravitreal bevacizumab and ranibizumab treatments in retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP).Methods:  Fifty patients affected by RAP were randomly assigned either to intravitreal bevacizumab injection (IVBI) or intravitreal ranibizumab injection (IVRI). After a loading phase including three consecutive monthly injections, the retreatment was administered in cases of persistent RAP. The primary outcome measures were the mean changes in BCVA between the two treatment groups, and the proportion of eyes gaining 1 and 3 lines at the end of the follow‐up. Secondary outcomes included central macular thickness (CMT) changes and progression to more advanced stages of RAP.Results:  Fifty patients affected by stage 1 and 2 RAP were recruited. Twenty‐six and 24 patients received IVBI and IVRI, respectively. At the baseline, mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) values were 0.59 ± 0.21 (LogMAR ± SD, approximately corresponding to 20/80 Snellen Equivalent‐SE) in IVBI group and 0.66 ± 0.33 (approximately 20/90 SE) in IVRI group with no statistical difference. At 12‐month examination, both groups showed a statistically significant improvement in the BCVA, with a final mean value of 0.43 ± 0.24 (approximately 20/54 SE) in IVBI group and 0.50 ± 0.32 (approximately 20/63 SE) in the IVRI group. A BCVA gain of 1 and 3 lines was registered in 20 and 8 eyes, respectively, in the IVBI group. Similarly, 17 and 7 eyes showed an improvement of 1 or 3 lines, respectively, in the IVRI group. The CMT reduced significantly from baseline to 12‐month examination in both groups. A lower proportion of eyes with complete pigment epithelium detachment resolution was noted in the IVBI group than in the IVRI group (40% versus 90%).Conclusions:  Our study shows that both IVBI and IVRI are equally effective in improving the BCVA over a 1‐year follow‐up in eyes affected by stage 1 and 2 RAP.
Becoming and Remaining a ‘Force for Good’– Reforming the Police in Post‐conflict Sierra Leone
Authors: Chris Charley Joseph P. , M'Cormack Freida Ibiduni 
Published: September 2011

SummaryThe Sierra Leone Police Force has its origins in the British colonial administration of the country. After Independence and with the consolidation of one‐party rule the force slid into disrepute. The outbreak of civil conflict in 1991 largely decimated the force but the gradual restoration of peace provided an opportunity for police reform. This research report covers the aspects of the political and institutional environment that helped engender change, as well as constraints faced by the reform agenda. It considers how the officers actually carried out the task at hand, and shares lessons as to what reform tactics worked and which were less successful. While several challenges remain, the reform programme, centred around local needs policing has been largely successful, hinging on – among other factors – the appointment of a British Inspector General of Police, perceived to be neutral and above political machinations, supported by a core of reform‐minded officers; long‐term external technical and financial assistance; and a conducive political environment for change.
Anxious attachment may be a vulnerability factor for developing embitterment
Authors: Blom David , van Middendorp Henriët , Geenen Rinie 
Published: September 2011

By predisposing to ego‐defensive strategies in social situations, a negative attachment history may promote embitterment. The present study identified attachment anxiety – more than attachment avoidance – as a possible vulnerability factor for the development and maintenance of embitterment. This factor should be considered in theories and in interventions of embitterment.Practitioner Points
Interventions directed at embitterment should take anxious attachment into account.
Embittered individuals with high levels of attachment anxiety should be provided a secure therapeutic environment in which defensive tendencies are no longer needed.
Relationship between Vancomycin Trough Concentrations and Nephrotoxicity: a Prospective Multicenter Trial
Authors: Bosso John A. , Nappi Jean , Rudisill Celeste , Wellein Marlea , Bookstaver P. Brandon , Swindler Jenna , Mauldin Patrick D. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

Several single-center studies have suggested that higher doses of vancomycin, aimed at producing trough concentrations of >15 mg/liter, are associated with increased risk of nephrotoxicity. We prospectively assessed the relative incidence of nephrotoxicity in relation to trough concentration in patients with documented methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) infections at seven hospitals throughout South Carolina. Adult patients receiving vancomycin for at least 72 h with at least one vancomycin trough concentration determined under steady-state conditions were prospectively studied. The relationship between vancomycin trough concentrations of >15 mg/ml and the occurrence of nephrotoxicity was assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses, controlling for age, gender, race, dose, length of therapy, use of other nephrotoxins (including contrast media), intensive care unit (ICU) residence, episodes of hypotension, and comorbidities. Nephrotoxicity was defined as an increase in serum creatinine of 0.5 mg/dl or a ≥50% increase from the baseline for two consecutive measurements. MICs of vancomycin for the MRSA isolates were also determined. A total of 288 patients were studied between February 2008 and June 2010, with approximately one-half having initial trough concentrations of ≥15 mg/ml. Nephrotoxicity was observed for 42 patients (29.6%) with trough concentrations >15 mg/ml and for 13 (8.9%) with trough concentrations of ≤15 mg/ml. Multivariate analysis revealed vancomycin trough concentrations of >15 mg/ml and race (black) as risk factors for nephrotoxicity in this population. Vancomycin trough concentrations of >15 mg/ml appear to be associated with a 3-fold increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Procalcitonin-Guided Therapy in Respiratory Tract Infections
Authors: Li Hui , Luo Yi-Feng , Blackwell Timothy S. , Xie Can-Mao 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT
Circulating procalcitonin (PCT) is a biomarker that can be used in diagnosing bacterial infections. We performed a quantitative meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials to determine whether antibiotic therapy based on PCT measurements alters clinical outcomes and antibiotic use in patients with lower respiratory tract infections. We identified studies through MEDLINE (1996 to 2010), the ISI Web of Knowledge (1996 to 2010), and Ovid. Studies that met our criteria were prospective, randomized controlled trials involving patients with respiratory tract infections. Outcomes of mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, length of hospital stay, number of antibiotic prescriptions, and duration of antibiotic treatment were evaluated. Eight studies randomizing 3,431 patients met our criteria for inclusion. Pooled analysis showed a significant reduction in number of antibiotic prescriptions and duration of antibiotic use in patients with PCT-guided antibiotic treatment compared to standard therapy. In addition, the use of PCT-guided antibiotic therapy did not impact mortality, ICU admission, or length of hospital stay in these studies. A high degree of heterogeneity was identified in 3 of 5 outcomes that were evaluated, and sensitivity analysis indicated that heterogeneity was decreased among studies using the same PCT-based treatment algorithm. In conclusion, PCT-guided antibiotic therapy in patients with respiratory tract infections appears to reduce antibiotic use without affecting overall mortality or length of stay in the hospital.
The Antibacterial Activity of Ga3+Is Influenced by Ligand Complexation as Well as the Bacterial Carbon Source
Authors: Rzhepishevska Olena , Ekstrand-Hammarström Barbro , Popp Maximilian , Björn Erik , Bucht Anders , Sjöstedt Anders , Antti Henrik , Ramstedt Madeleine 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTGallium ions have previously been shown to exhibit antibacterial and antibiofilm properties. In this study, we report differential bactericidal activities of two gallium complexes, gallium desferrioxamine B (Ga-DFOB) and gallium citrate (Ga-Cit). Modeling of gallium speciation in growth medium showed that DFOB and citrate both can prevent precipitation of Ga(OH)3, but some precipitation can occur above pH 7 with citrate. Despite this, Ga-Cit 90% inhibitory concentrations (IC90) were lower than those of Ga-DFOB for clinical isolates ofPseudomonas aeruginosaand several reference strains of other bacterial species. Treatment with Ga compounds mitigated damage inflicted on murine J774 macrophage-like cells infected withP. aeruginosaPAO1. Again, Ga-Cit showed more potent mitigation than did Ga-DFOB. Ga was also taken up more efficiently byP. aeruginosain the form of Ga-Cit than in the form of Ga-DFOB. Neither Ga-Cit nor Ga-DFOB was toxic to several human cell lines tested, and no proinflammatory activity was detected in human lung epithelial cells after exposurein vitro. Metabolomic analysis was used to delineate the effects of Ga-Cit on the bacterial cell. Exposure to Ga resulted in lower concentrations of glutamate, a key metabolite forP. aeruginosa, and of many amino acids, indicating that Ga affects various biosynthesis pathways. An altered protein expression profile in the presence of Ga-Cit suggested that some compensatory mechanisms were activated in the bacterium. Furthermore, the antibacterial effect of Ga was shown to vary depending on the carbon source, which has importance in the context of medical applications of gallium.
Analysis of Genes Encoding Penicillin-Binding Proteins in Clinical Isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Cayô Rodrigo , Rodríguez María-Cruz , Espinal Paula , Fernández-Cuenca Felipe , Ocampo-Sosa Alain A. , Pascual Álvaro , Ayala Juan A. , Vila Jordi , Martínez-Martínez Luis 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

There is limited information on the role of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) in the resistance of
Acinetobacter baumannii
to β-lactams. This study presents an analysis of the allelic variations of PBP genes in
A. baumannii
isolates. Twenty-six
A. baumannii
clinical isolates (susceptible or resistant to carbapenems) from three teaching hospitals in Spain were included. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile, clonal pattern, and genomic species identification were also evaluated. Based on the six complete genomes of
A. baumannii
, the PBP genes were identified, and primers were designed for each gene. The nucleotide sequences of the genes identified that encode PBPs and the corresponding amino acid sequences were compared with those of ATCC 17978. Seven PBP genes and one monofunctional transglycosylase (MGT) gene were identified in the six genomes, encoding (i) four high-molecular-mass proteins (two of class A, PBP1a [
ponA
] and PBP1b [
mrcB
], and two of class B, PBP2 [
pbpA
or
mrdA
] and PBP3 [
ftsI
]), (ii) three low-molecular-mass proteins (two of type 5, PBP5/6 [
dacC
] and PBP6b [
dacD
], and one of type 7 (PBP7/8 [
pbpG
]), and (iii) a monofunctional enzyme (MtgA [
mtgA
]). Hot spot mutation regions were observed, although most of the allelic changes found translated into silent mutations. The amino acid consensus sequences corresponding to the PBP genes in the genomes and the clinical isolates were highly conserved. The changes found in amino acid sequences were associated with concrete clonal patterns but were not directly related to susceptibility or resistance to β-lactams. An insertion sequence disrupting the gene encoding PBP6b was identified in an endemic carbapenem-resistant clone in one of the participant hospitals.
Molecular Characterization of Resistance to Extended-Spectrum Cephalosporins in Clinical Escherichia coli Isolates from Companion Animals in the United States
Authors: Shaheen Bashar W. , Nayak Rajesh , Foley Steven L. , Kweon Ohgew , Deck Joanna , Park Miseon , Rafii Fatemeh , Boothe Dawn M. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

Resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESC) among members of the family
Enterobacteriaceae
occurs worldwide; however, little is known about ESC resistance in
Escherichia coli
strains from companion animals. Clinical isolates of
E. coli
were collected from veterinary diagnostic laboratories throughout the United States from 2008 to 2009.
E. coli
isolates (
n
= 54) with reduced susceptibility to ceftazidime or cefotaxime (MIC ≥ 16 μg/ml) and extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL) phenotypes were analyzed. PCR and sequencing were used to detect mutations in ESBL-encoding genes and the regulatory region of the chromosomal gene
ampC
. Conjugation experiments and plasmid identification were conducted to examine the transferability of resistance to ESCs. All isolates carried the
bla
CTX-M-1
-group β-lactamase genes in addition to one or more of the following β-lactamase genes:
bla
TEM
,
bla
SHV-3
,
bla
CMY-2
,
bla
CTX-M-14-like
, and
bla
OXA-1.
Different
bla
TEM
sequence variants were detected in some isolates (
n
= 40). Three isolates harbored a
bla
TEM-181
gene with a novel mutation resulting in an Ala184Val substitution. Approximately 78% of the isolates had mutations in promoter/attenuator regions of the chromosomal gene
ampC
, one of which was a novel insertion of adenine between bases −28 and −29. Plasmids ranging in size from 11 to 233 kbp were detected in the isolates, with a common plasmid size of 93 kbp identified in 60% of isolates. Plasmid-mediated transfer of β-lactamase genes increased the MICs (≥16-fold) of ESCs for transconjugants. Replicon typing among isolates revealed the predominance of IncI and IncFIA plasmids, followed by IncFIB plasmids. This study shows the emergence of conjugative plasmid-borne ESBLs among
E. coli
strains from companion animals in the United States, which may compromise the effective therapeutic use of ESCs in veterinary medicine.