bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acceptability of hepatitis C virus testing methods among injecting drug users
Authors: WHITE BETHANY , DAY CAROLYN , THEIN HLA HLA , DOAB ANNA , BATES ANNA , HOLDEN JOANNE , VAN BEEK INGRID , MAHER LISA
Published: May 2008

Introduction and Aims. The acceptability of testing methods and procedures has implications for uptake of blood‐borne virus screening in sentinel samples of injecting drug users (IDUs) likely to participate in surveillance. The aim of the current study was to determine the acceptability of three methods of hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing among injecting drug users (IDUs): oral fluid, capillary blood and venous blood sampling. Design and Methods. A cross‐sectional survey of IDUs was conducted in inner‐city Sydney in 2005 for a laboratory validation study of HCV antibody testing. Participants were tested using the three different specimen collection methods and asked about the acceptability of each method and a particular preference documented. Results. Two‐hundred and twenty‐nine IDUs participated in the study. Before and after specimen collection, the acceptability of all three collection methods for HCV testing was high (>85%). Oral fluid remained the preferred method after sample collection, with females (65%) significantly more likely than males (49%) to report a preference (unadjusted odds ratio 2.0; 95% confidence interval 1.1–3.5, p = 0.03) for that method. Discussion and Conclusions. Findings suggest that oral fluid testing is an acceptable and preferred alternative for HCV testing among IDUs. However, concerns reported by participants in the study indicate that information and education regarding the nature and diagnostic value of oral fluid testing is necessary prior to its implementation for surveillance purposes among this population.
Growing Wealth and Growing Pains: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore
Authors: Tan Susan , Fung Daniel , Hung Se-fong , Rey Joseph
Published: May 2008

Objective: Several Asian regions have undergone a dramatic transformation, some becoming very affluent. This paper aims to ascertain how countries that are becoming wealthy have dealt with child and adolescent mental health issues.

Method: Population health status, child and adolescent mental health services, child psychiatry training, the number of child psychiatrists and related matters were examined in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore.

Results: Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore are ethnically, religiously, socially and politically very different. In spite of considerable wealth and a growing recognition that mental health problems in the young are increasing, they face similar problems – lack of access to treatment due to a dearth of services and a lack of child psychiatrists (2.5, 0.5 and 2.8 per million people, respectively).

Conclusions: Because the number of child psychiatrists is so small, their ability to provide services, advocate, train, maintain a professional identity, and deal with future crises is very limited. Other rapidly developing countries can learn from this experience and should take action early to prevent a similar outcome.
The Adolescent Intensive Management Team: An Intensive Outreach Mental Health Service for High-Risk Adolescents
Authors: Assan Ben , Burchell Peter , Chia Andrew , Coffey Catherine , Floreani Sophie , Weir Jennifer , Wingenfeld Hammond Sabine , Woods Barbara
Published: May 2008

Objective: The aim of this paper was to describe the Adolescent Intensive Management (AIM) team at the Austin Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), a unique model of intensive outreach service with high-risk and difficult-to-engage adolescents, and describe the profile of clients referred to it.

Method: This study used a retrospective review of clients’ data, collected through file audit, over a 12-month period.

Results: The result of the study showed that a 100% retention rate of adolescents with complex social, emotional and mental health needs is possible in a flexible and multi-system approach to service provision.

Conclusion: Clients referred to the CAMHS’ AIM team displayed a pattern of multiple risk factors and comorbidities. Low caseload of 8–10 clients per clinician allowed flexibility and a level of intensity to make any necessary changes in service provision to better suit the client's needs. The majority of clients showed improvement in functioning following intervention by the team.
Microcirculatory Dysfunction in Cardiac Syndrome X: Role of Abnormal Blood Rheology
Authors: Lee Byoung Kwon , Durairaj Azhil , Mehra Anilkumar , Wenby Rosalinda B. , Meiselman Herbert J. , Alexy Tamas
Published: May 2008

Objective: Cardiac syndrome X (CSX) is of clinical interest, yet the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. It is well known that elevated blood viscosity and red blood cell (RBC) aggregation can adversely affect microcirculatory blood flow. The present study was designed to explore whether CSX is associated with abnormalities of blood rheology.

Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 152 adult angina patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography; geometric and flow‐velocity data were obtained. Rheologic measurements were performed in a blinded manner; 21 subjects were later identified with CSX. Hemorheologic and clinical laboratory data were compared to 21 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls.

Results: CSX patients had markedly abnormal blood rheology: (1) higher RBC aggregation and aggregability as judged by erythrocyte sedimentation rate and Myrenne indices at stasis and low shear (p < 0.001) and (2) elevated hematocrit‐corrected blood viscosity, plasma viscosity (p < 0.001), and yield stress (p < 0.01). White blood cell counts and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels were significantly elevated in CSX; coronary‐flow velocities were below normal.

Conclusions: Abnormal hemorheologic parameters exist in subjects with CSX and may contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease, presumably via adversely affecting blood flow in the coronary microcirculation. Therapeutic measures aimed at normalizing blood rheology and hence microcirculatory flow should be explored.
Inhibition of Angiogenesis by High Salt Diet is Associated with Impaired Muscle Performance Following Chronic Muscle Stimulation
Authors: Petersen Matthew C. , Greene Andrew S.
Published: May 2008

Objective: High dietary salt has been demonstrated to inhibit angiogenesis in skeletal muscle. The purpose of this study was to determine whether high salt impairs steady state muscle performance following a chronic stimulation protocol.

Methods: Sprague‐Dawley rats were placed on a control diet (CD, 0.4% NaCl) or high salt diet (HSD, 4.0% NaCl) prior to implantation of an electrical muscle stimulator. In chronically stimulated animals, hind limb muscles were stimulated to contract eight hours daily for seven days. Sham animals received a stimulator that was never activated.

Results: Following chronic stimulation, tibialis anterior (TA) muscles of animals on CD demonstrated an 84.6% increase in force of contraction at the end of an acute stimulation bout relative to sham animals fed CD. Decreased muscle fatigue was associated with an increase in capillaries per TA fiber (C:F). Chronic stimulation in HSD rats induced a smaller improvement (52.2%) in final force compared to HSD sham rats. This impairment of muscle performance in high salt‐fed rats correlated with inhibited angiogenesis. Infusion of angiotensin II in HSD animals restored angiogenesis and muscle fatigue to CD levels.

Conclusions: This study suggests that angiogenic inhibition by high salt is associated with impaired skeletal muscle performance following chronic stimulation.
Retinal Vascular Caliber and the Long‐Term Risk of Diabetes and Impaired Fasting Glucose: The Blue Mountains Eye Study
Authors: Kifley Annette , Wang Jie Jin , Cugati Sudha , Wong Tien Y. , Mitchell Paul
Published: May 2008

Objective: To assess the associations of retinal vessel caliber with the 10‐year incidence of diabetes and impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Methods: The Blue Mountains Eye Study is a population based cohort study of Australian residents aged at least 49 years, with baseline examinations conducted during 1992–4. Retinal arteriolar and venular calibers were measured and summarized from baseline digitized images in 3368 participants. Diabetes was defined as a physician‐diagnosis of diabetes or fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL and IFG as fasting blood glucose 109 to 125 mg/dL. Ten year incidence of diabetes and IFG was defined from 5‐ and 10‐year follow up data. Results: After adjusting for age and gender, wider retinal venular caliber was associated with an increased incidence of diabetes and IFG. These associations were not significant after controlling for baseline glucose, body mass index and other factors. In persons 49–70 years of age at baseline, however, the association of wider retinal venular caliber and incident IFG persisted after further controlling for other factors (OR, 1.53, 95% CI, 1.11–2.12). Retinal arteriolar caliber was not associated with incident diabetes or IFG. Conclusions: This study suggests that wider retinal venular caliber was associated with higher risk of IFG in middle‐aged persons.
Bridging the gap: can impairment‐based therapy for anomia have an impact at the psycho‐social level?
Authors: Best Wendy , Greenwood Alison , Grassly Jennie , Hickin Julie
Published: May 2008

Background: Studies of therapy with people with aphasia tend to use impairment‐based and functional measures of outcome. The views of participants are not formally evaluated. Current health and socialcare practice requires intervention to be explicitly client‐centred and evidence‐based. It is therefore important to investigate the broader effects of speech and language therapy.

Aims: To explore the outcome of a therapy for anomia using the Communication Disability Profile (CDP), focusing particularly on participants' ratings of ‘activity’.

Methods & Procedures: Overall eight people with aphasia and their conversation partners participated in the study. There was a range of severity and type of aphasia. Following two baselines (at least 8 weeks apart), there were two phases of therapy for anomia each lasting 8 weeks. This first involved the use of spoken and written cues to aid word finding. The second encouraged the use of targeted words in connected speech and conversation. Eight weeks later, after no further therapy, participants were reassessed.

Outcomes & Results: Participants' word finding in picture‐naming improved significantly, as did their activity ratings. The relationship between the group's word‐retrieval scores and CDP activity ratings over the course of the study tended towards significance, although there was considerable variation across individuals. Furthermore, all participants rated participation in activities requiring communication higher at the end than the start of the project.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that therapy which targets word retrieval can have an impact on people with aphasia's views of their communicative activity and life participation. The findings support therapists' clinical insight that impairment‐based interventions can effect change beyond scores on language tests.
Cognitive approach to assessing pragmatic language comprehension in children with specific language impairment
Authors: Ryder Nuala , Leinonen Eeva , Schulz Joerg
Published: May 2008

Background:Pragmatic language impairment in children with specific language impairment has proved difficult to assess, and the nature of their abilities to comprehend pragmatic meaning has not been fully investigated.

Aims:To develop both a cognitive approach to pragmatic language assessment based on Relevance Theory and an assessment tool for identifying a group of children with pragmatic language impairment from within an specific language impairment group.

Methods & Procedures:The authors focused on Relevance Theory's view of the role of context in pragmatic language comprehension using questions of increasing pragmatic complexity in different verbal contexts (scenarios with and without pictures and a story with supporting pictures). The performances of the children with and without pragmatic impairment on the most pragmatically demanding Implicature questions were examined. This study included 99 children: 27 with specific language impairment (including nine pragmatically impaired children) and two groups of typically developing children (32 children aged 5–6 years and 40 children aged 7–11 years).

Outcomes & Results:The specific language impairment group performed similarly to their peers when utilizing context in inferring referents, inferring semantic meaning, and generating Implicatures, only when the answer was provided by pictorial context. Both the children with specific language impairment and the 5–6 year olds were not yet competent at utilizing verbal context when answering the most pragmatically demanding questions (targeting Implicature). On these questions the children with pragmatic language impairment performed significantly poorer than the rest of the specific language impairment group and performance scores on Implicature questions were found to identify accurately the children with pragmatic language impairment from the rest of the specific language impairment group (sensitivity = 89%).

Conclusions:Children's ability to infer and integrate information in the comprehension of pragmatic meaning was found to be influenced by the available context. As children become more competent they are able to utilize verbal context and integrate information. Children with specific language impairment and those with pragmatic language impairment were found to be developmentally delayed at making inferences, but children with pragmatic language impairment had particular difficulty in integrating contextual information. Findings support the view that a cognitive approach to assessing pragmatic comprehension deficits could provide clinicians with a useful tool.
Perceptions of speech‐pathology and audiology students concerning death and dying: a preliminary study
Authors: Rivers Kenyatta O. , Perkins Rosalie A. , Carson Cecyle P.
Published: May 2008

Background: Formal training in dealing with death and dying issues is not a standard content area in communication sciences and disorders programmes' curricula. At the same time, it cannot be presumed that pre‐professional students' personal background equips them to deal with these issues.

Aim: To investigate the perceptions of pre‐professional speech–language pathology and audiology students' need for formal training in death and dying issues.

Methods & Procedures: Participants were 230 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in communication sciences and disorders courses in a southern, metropolitan university, in the USA. A questionnaire developed by the researchers was given. Post‐hoc analyses were conducted.

Outcomes & Results: Results indicated that participants desired training in the area of death and dying before entering the professional world, even though they rated themselves to be fairly knowledgeable about the topic. Preferred methods for acquiring knowledge about death and dying were personal and professional experiences, followed by consulting professional resources, classroom instruction, and talking to professionals who are familiar with death and dying.

Conclusions: Education in death and dying is needed by pre‐professional, speech–language pathology and audiology students who appear to be at risk for professional obstacles and emotional trauma from the death of their patients.
Bone sialoprotein plays a functional role in bone formation and osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Malaval Luc , Wade-Guéye Ndéyé Marième , Boudiffa Maya , Fei Jia , Zirngibl Ralph , Chen Frieda , Laroche Norbert , Roux Jean-Paul , Burt-Pichat Brigitte , Duboeuf François , Boivin Georges , Jurdic Pierre , Lafage-Proust Marie-Hélène , Amédée Joëlle , Vico Laurence , Rossant Janet , Aubin Jane E.
Published: May 2008

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteopontin (OPN) are both highly expressed in bone, but their functional specificities are unknown. OPN knockout (−/−) mice do not lose bone in a model of hindlimb disuse (tail suspension), showing the importance of OPN in bone remodeling. We report that BSP−/− mice are viable and breed normally, but their weight and size are lower than wild-type (WT) mice. Bone is undermineralized in fetuses and young adults, but not in older (≥12 mo) BSP−/− mice. At 4 mo, BSP−/− mice display thinner cortical bones than WT, but greater trabecular bone volume with very low bone formation rate, which indicates reduced resorption, as confirmed by lower osteoclast surfaces. Although the frequency of total colonies and committed osteoblast colonies is the same, fewer mineralized colonies expressing decreased levels of osteoblast markers form in BSP−/− versus WT bone marrow stromal cultures. BSP−/− hematopoietic progenitors form fewer osteoclasts, but their resorptive activity on dentin is normal. Tail-suspended BSP−/− mice lose bone in hindlimbs, as expected. In conclusion, BSP deficiency impairs bone growth and mineralization, concomitant with dramatically reduced bone formation. It does not, however, prevent the bone loss resulting from loss of mechanical stimulation, a phenotype that is clearly different from OPN−/− mice.
The tumor suppressor semaphorin 3B triggers a prometastatic program mediated by interleukin 8 and the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Rolny Charlotte , Capparuccia Lorena , Casazza Andrea , Mazzone Massimiliano , Vallario Antonella , Cignetti Alessandro , Medico Enzo , Carmeliet Peter , Comoglio Paolo M. , Tamagnone Luca
Published: May 2008

Semaphorins are a large family of evolutionarily conserved morphogenetic molecules originally identified for their repelling role in axonal guidance. Intriguingly, semaphorins have recently been implicated in cancer progression (Neufeld, G., T. Lange, A. Varshavsky, and O. Kessler. 2007. Adv. Exp. Med. Biol. 600:118–131). In particular, semaphorin 3B (SEMA3B) is considered a putative tumor suppressor, and yet we found that it is expressed at high levels in many invasive and metastatic human cancers. By investigating experimental tumor models, we confirmed that SEMA3B expression inhibited tumor growth, whereas metastatic dissemination was surprisingly increased. We found that SEMA3B induced the production of interleukin (IL) 8 by tumor cells by activating the p38–mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in a neuropilin 1–dependent manner. Silencing the expression of endogenous SEMA3B in tumor cells impaired IL-8 transcription. The release of IL-8, in turn, induced the recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages and metastatic dissemination to the lung, which could be rescued by blocking IL-8 with neutralizing antibodies. In conclusion, we report that SEMA3B exerts unexpected functions in cancer progression by fostering a prometastatic environment through elevated IL-8 secretion and recruitment of macrophages coupled to the suppression of tumor growth.
Yoga Practice for the Management of Type II Diabetes Mellitus in Adults: A systematic Review
Authors: Aljasir Badr , Bryson Maggie , Al-shehri Bandar
Published: May 2008

The effect of practicing yoga for the management of type II Diabetes was assessed in this systematic review through searching related electronic databases and the grey literature to the end of May 2007 using Ovid. All randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) comparing yoga practice with other type of intervention or with regular practice or both, were included regardless of language or type of publication. Each study was assessed for quality by two independent reviewers. Mean difference was used for summarizing the effect of each study outcomes with 95% confidence intervals. Pooling of the studies did not take place due to the wide clinical variation between the studies. Publication bias was assessed by statistical methods. Five trials with 363 participants met the inclusion criteria with medium to high risk of bias and different intervention characteristics. The studies’ results show improvement in outcomes among patients with diabetes type II. These improvements were mainly among short term or immediate diabetes outcomes and not all were statistically significant. The results were inconclusive and not significant for the long‐term outcomes. No adverse effects were reported in any of the included studies. Short‐term benefits for patients with diabetes may be achieved from practicing yoga. Further research is needed in this area. Factors like quality of the trials and other methodological issues should be improved by large randomized control trials with allocation concealment to assess the effectiveness of yoga on diabetes type II. A definitive recommendation for physicians to encourage their patients to practice yoga cannot be reached at present.
Use, Attitudes and Knowledge of Complementary and Alternative Drugs (CADs) among Pregnant Women: A Preliminary Survey in Tuscany
Authors: Lapi Francesco , Vannacci Alfredo , Moschini Martina , Cipollini Fabrizio , Morsuillo Maria , Gallo Eugenia , Banchelli Grazia , Cecchi Enrica , Di Pirro Marina , Giovannini Maria Grazia , Cariglia Maria Teresa , Gori Luigi , Firenzuoli Fabio , Mugelli Alessandro
Published: May 2008

To explore pregnant women′s use, attitudes, knowledge and beliefs of complementary and alternative drugs (CADs) defined as products manufactured from herbs or with a natural origin. A preliminary survey was conducted among 172 pregnant women in their third trimester of pregnancy, consecutively recruited in two obstetrical settings; 15 women were randomly selected to compute a test-to-retest analysis. Response rate was 87.2%. Test-to-retest analysis showed a questionnaire′s reproducibility exceeding a K‐value of 0.7 for all items. Mean age was 32.4 ± 0.4 years; most women were nulliparae (62.7%). The majority of subjects (68%) declared to have used one or more CADs during their lifetime; 48% of pregnant women reported taking at least one CAD previously and during the current pregnancy. Women′s habitual use of CADs meant they were at higher risk of taking CADs also during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio = 10.8; 95% confidence interval: 4.7–25.0). Moreover, 59.1% of the subjects were unable to correctly identify the type of CADs they were using. The majority of women resorted to gynecologists as the primary information source for CADs during pregnancy, while they mainly referred to herbalists when not pregnant. Habitual use of CADs seems to be a strong predictor for their ingestion also during pregnancy; in addition most subjects were unable to correctly identify the products they were taking. In the light of the scanty data concerning the safety of CADs during pregnancy, these preliminary results confirm the need to investigate thoroughly the situation of pregnant women and CADs consumption.
Global Switches and Fine-Tuning—ABA Modulates Plant Pathogen Defense
Authors: Asselbergh Bob , De Vleesschauwer David , Höfte Monica
Published: May 2008

Plants are obliged to defend themselves against a wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses. Complex regulatory signaling networks mount an appropriate defense response depending on the type of stress that is perceived. In response to abiotic stresses such as drought, cold, and salinity, the function of abscisic acid (ABA) is well documented: elevation of plant ABA levels and activation of ABA-responsive signaling result in regulation of stomatal aperture and expression of stress-responsive genes. In response to pathogens, the role of ABA is more obscure and is a research topic that has long been overlooked. This article aims to evaluate and review the reported modes of ABA action on pathogen defense and highlight recent advances in deciphering the complex role of ABA in plant–pathogen interactions. The proposed mechanisms responsible for positive or negative effects of ABA on pathogen defense are discussed, as well as the regulation of ABA signaling and in planta ABA concentrations by beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, the fast-growing number of reports that characterize antagonistic and synergistic interactions between abiotic and biotic stress responses point to ABA as an essential component in integrating and fine-tuning abiotic and biotic stress-response signaling networks.
WRR4 Encodes a TIR-NB-LRR Protein That Confers Broad-Spectrum White Rust Resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana to Four Physiological Races of Albugo candida
Authors: Borhan M. Hossein , Gunn Nick , Cooper Abigail , Gulden Sigrun , Tör Mahmut , Rimmer S. Roger , Holub Eric B.
Published: May 2008

White blister rust in the Brassicaceae is emerging as a superb model for exploring how plant biodiversity has channeled speciation of biotrophic parasites. The causal agents of white rust across a wide breadth of cruciferous hosts currently are named as variants of a single oomycete species, Albugo candida. The most notable examples include a major group of physiological races that each are economically destructive in a different vegetable or oilseed crop of Brassica juncea (A. candida race 2), B. rapa (race 7), or B. oleracea (race 9); or parasitic on wild crucifers such as Capsella bursa-pastoris (race 4). Arabidopsis thaliana is innately immune to these races of A. candida under natural conditions; however, it commonly hosts its own molecularly distinct subspecies of A. candida (A. candida subsp. arabidopsis). In the laboratory, we have identified several accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana (e.g.,. Ws-3) that can permit varying degrees of rust development following inoculation with A. candida races 2, 4, and 7, whereas race 9 is universally incompatible in Arabidopsis thaliana and nonrusting resistance is the most prevalent outcome of interactions with the other races. Subtle variation in resistance phenotypes is evident, observed initially with an isolate of A. candida race 4, indicating additional genetic variation. Therefore, we used the race 4 isolate for map-based cloning of the first of many expected white rust resistance (WRR) genes. This gene was designated WRR4 and encodes a cytoplasmic toll-interleukin receptor-like nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein that confers a dominant, broad-spectrum white rust resistance in the Arabidopsis thaliana accession Columbia to representative isolates of A. candida races 2, 4, 7, and 9, as verified by transgenic expression of the Columbia allele in Ws-3. The WRR4 protein requires functional expression of the lipase-like protein EDS1 but not the paralogous protein PAD4, and confers full immunity that masks an underlying nonhypersensitive incompatibility in Columbia to A. candida race 4. This residual incompatibility is independent of functional EDS1.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase-H2 from a polydnavirus induces apoptosis of insect cells
Authors: Suderman Richard J. , Pruijssers Andrea J. , Strand Michael R.
Published: May 2008

The familyPolydnaviridaeis a large group of immunosuppressive insect viruses that are symbiotically associated with parasitoid wasps. The polydnavirusMicroplitis demolitorbracovirus (MdBV) causes several alterations that disable the cellular and humoral immune defences of host insects, including apoptosis of the primary phagocytic population of circulating immune cells (haemocytes), called granulocytes. Here, we show that MdBV infection causes granulocytes in the lepidopteranSpodoptera frugiperdato apoptose. An expression screen conducted in theS. frugiperda21 cell line identified the MdBV geneptp-H2as an apoptosis inducer, as indicated by cell fragmentation, annexin V binding, mitochondrial membrane depolarization and caspase activation. PTP-H2 is a classical protein tyrosine phosphatase that has been shown previously to function as an inhibitor of phagocytosis. PTP-H2-mediated death of Sf-21 cells was blocked by the pan-caspase inhibitor benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-(O-methyl) Asp-fluoromethylketone (Z-VAD-FMK), but cells maintained in this inhibitor still exhibited a suppressed phagocytic response. Mutagenesis experiments indicated that the essential catalytic cysteine residue required for the phosphatase activity of PTP-H2 was required for apoptotic activity in Sf-21 cells. Loss of adhesion was insufficient to stimulate apoptosis of Sf-21 cells. PTP-H2 expression, however, did significantly reduce proliferation of Sf-21 cells, which could contribute to the apoptotic activity of this viral gene. Overall, our results indicate that specific genes expressed by MdBV induce apoptosis of certain insect cells and that this activity contributes to immunosuppression of hosts.
Slow cell infection, inefficient primary infection and inability to replicate in the fat body determine the host range of Thysanoplusia orichalcea nucleopolyhedrovirus
Authors: Wang Lihua , Salem Tamer Z. , Lynn Dwight E. , Cheng Xiao-Wen
Published: May 2008

Thysanoplusia orichaceamulticapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (ThorMNPV) carrying an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene expression cassette (vThGFP) was used to study host-range mechanisms. Infection kinetics showed that vThGFP replication in Sf21 cells was too slow to suppress cell growth. Wide-host-rangeAutographa californicaMNPV (AcMNPV) could speed up vThGFP infection and enhance the vThGFP infection rate in Sf21 cells. The enhancement was not due to recombination, as no recombinant virus was isolated from co-infection by plaque assay. No improvement of vThGFP infection in Sf21 was found by AcMNPV cosmid transactivation assay. However, culture medium from Sf21 cells infected with AcMNPV did enhance vThGFP replication in Sf21. Third-instar larvae ofSpodoptera frugiperda,S. exiguaandHelicoverpa zeawere not killed by feeding with vThGFP polyhedra but were killed by intrahaemocoelic injection using budded viruses (BVs). This suggested that insufficient BVs were generated during the primary infection in the midgut. vThGFP infected haemocytes, tracheae and Malpighian tubules but not fat bodies of larvae ofS. frugiperda,S. exiguaandH. zea. Third-instarS. frugiperdalarvae co-infected by injection with vThGFP and vAcDsRed2, an AcMNPV expressing a red fluorescent protein gene, showed EGFP expression in the fat body. This result suggests that vAcDsRed2 could help vThGFP to replicate in the fat body ortrans-activate EGFP expression in the fat body. All these results suggested that slow cell infection, insufficient primary infection and inability to replicate in the fat body control the host range of ThorMNPV.
Glycoprotein B switches conformation during murid herpesvirus 4 entry
Authors: Gillet Laurent , Colaco Susanna , Stevenson Philip G.
Published: May 2008

Herpesviruses are ancient pathogens that infect all vertebrates. The most conserved component of their entry machinery is glycoprotein B (gB), yet how gB functions is unclear. A striking feature of the murid herpesvirus 4 (MuHV-4) gB is its resistance to neutralization. Here, we show by direct visualization of infected cells that the MuHV-4 gB changes its conformation between extracellular virions and those in late endosomes, where capsids are released. Specifically, epitopes on its N-terminal cell-binding domain become inaccessible, whilst non-N-terminal epitopes are revealed, consistent with structural changes reported for the vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein G. Inhibitors of endosomal acidification blocked the gB conformation switch. They also blocked capsid release and the establishment of infection, implying that the gB switch is a key step in entry. Neutralizing antibodies could only partially inhibit the switch. Their need to engage a less vulnerable, upstream form of gB, because its fusion form is revealed only in endosomes, helps to explain why gB-directed MuHV-4 neutralization is so difficult.
Latency type-specific distribution of epigenetic marks at the alternative promoters Cp and Qp of Epstein–Barr virus
Authors: Fejer György , Koroknai Anita , Banati Ferenc , Györy Ildiko , Salamon Daniel , Wolf Hans , Niller Hans Helmut , Minarovits Janos
Published: May 2008

Transcripts for the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-encoded nuclear antigens are initiated at the alternative promoters Wp, Cp and Qp. Although the host cell-dependent activity of Cp is regulated by DNA methylation, Qp is unmethylated independently of its activity. Because histone modifications affect the chromatin structure, we compared the levels of diacetylated histone H3, tetraacetylated histone H4 and histone H3 dimethylated on lysine 4 (H3K4me2) at Cp and Qp, in well characterized cell lines representing the major EBV latency types. We found an activity-dependent histone code: acetylated histones marked active Cp, whereas active Qp was selectively enriched both in acetylated histones and H3K4me2. We concluded that active (but not silent) Cp and Qp are located to ‘acetylation islands’ in latent, episomal EBV genomes, similar to the active chromatin domains of the human genome.
Expression of novel genes encoded by the paramyxovirus J virus
Authors: Jack Philippa J. M. , Anderson Danielle E. , Bossart Katharine N. , Marsh Glenn A. , Yu Meng , Wang Lin-Fa
Published: May 2008

Characterization of the J virus or, in keeping with recent nomenclature recommendations, J paramyxovirus (JPV) genome revealed a unique genome structure, consisting of eight genes in the order 3′-N-P/V/C-M-F-SH-TM-G-L-5′. The small hydrophobic (SH) protein and the transmembrane (TM) protein genes are predicted to encode proteins 69 and 258 aa in size, respectively. The 4401 nt attachment (G) protein gene, much larger than most other paramyxovirus attachment protein genes sequenced to date, encodes a putative 709 aa attachment protein and contains distally a second open reading frame (ORF-X) 2115 nt long. Experiments undertaken in this study were intended to confirm the sequence-based gene allocation of JPV and to determine if proteins encoded by the SH gene, the novel TM gene and ORF-X are expressed. Northern blot analyses carried out on mRNA purified from JPV-infected cells indicated that the putative transcription initiation and termination sequences flanking the SH and TM genes are functional, consistent with their allocation as discrete genes, although a high level of read-through was observed across almost all transcriptional boundaries. Probes specific to the G protein coding region and ORF-X both identified an mRNA species corresponding to the predicted length of the G gene, confirming sequence-based predictions. While the SH and TM proteins were both detected in infected cells, no evidence was found for the expression of ORF-X. Preliminary studies indicate that the novel TM protein is a type II glycosylated integral membrane protein, orientated with its C terminus exposed at the cell surface.
Deletion or green fluorescent protein tagging of the pUL35 capsid component of pseudorabies virus impairs virus replication in cell culture and neuroinvasion in mice
Authors: Krautwald Mirjam , Maresch Christina , Klupp Barbara G. , Fuchs Walter , Mettenleiter Thomas C.
Published: May 2008

To facilitate tracing of virion movement, the non-essential capsid proteins pUL35 of herpes simplex virus type 1 and pseudorabies virus (PrV) have been tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP). However, the biological relevance of PrV pUL35 and the functionality of the fusion proteins have not yet been investigated in detail. We generated PrV mutants either lacking the 12 kDa UL35 gene product, or expressing GFP fused to the N terminus of pUL35. Remarkably, both mutants exhibited significant replication defects in rabbit kidney cells, which could be corrected in pUL35-expressing cells. After intranasal infection of mice both mutants showed delayed neuroinvasion, and survival times of the animals were extended to 3 days, compared with 2 days after wild-type infection. Thus, fusion of pUL35 with GFP resulted in a non-functional protein, which has to be considered for the use of corresponding mutants in tracing studies.
Conservation of small RNA pathways in platypus
Authors: Murchison Elizabeth P. , Kheradpour Pouya , Sachidanandam Ravi , Smith Carly , Hodges Emily , Xuan Zhenyu , Kellis Manolis , Grützner Frank , Stark Alexander , Hannon Gregory J.
Published: May 2008

Small RNA pathways play evolutionarily conserved roles in gene regulation and defense from parasitic nucleic acids. The character and expression patterns of small RNAs show conservation throughout animal lineages, but specific animal clades also show variations on these recurring themes, including species-specific small RNAs. The monotremes, with only platypus and four species of echidna as extant members, represent the basal branch of the mammalian lineage. Here, we examine the small RNA pathways of monotremes by deep sequencing of six platypus and echidna tissues. We find that highly conserved microRNA species display their signature tissue-specific expression patterns. In addition, we find a large rapidly evolving cluster of microRNAs on platypus chromosome X1, which is unique to monotremes. Platypus and echidna testes contain a robust Piwi-interacting (piRNA) system, which appears to be participating in ongoing transposon defense.
Higher immunoglobulin E antibody levels to recombinant Fel d 1 in cat‐allergic children with asthma compared with rhinoconjunctivitis
Authors: Grönlund H. , Adédoyin J. , Reininger R. , Varga E.‐M. , Zach M. , Fredriksson M. , Kronqvist M. , Szepfalusi Z. , Spitzauer S. , Grönneberg R. , Valenta R. , Hedlin G. , Van Hage M.
Published: May 2008

Background
Current diagnosis of allergy and asthma to cat is confirmed using cat dander extract (CDE). We have previously engineered a recombinant major cat allergen, rFel d 1, with properties identical to the natural molecule.

Objective
The aim of the study was to evaluate IgE and IgG4 antibodies to rFel d 1 among sera from cat‐allergic children and adults suffering from asthma and/or rhinoconjunctivitis (RC) in populations from Sweden and Austria.

Methods
Cat‐allergic children and adults from Sweden (n=27 and 31, respectively) and Austria (n=41 and 41) with RC and/or asthma were selected. Sera were tested for IgE and IgG4 antibodies to CDE and rFel d 1 by CAP, and IgE to rFel d 1 by ELISA. Healthy subjects and non‐cat‐allergic patients (n=75) were included as controls.

Results
There was a high correlation between IgE responses to rFel d 1 and CDE among the 140 patients (rs=0.85, P<0.001); however, measured levels to rFel d 1 were on average 30% higher (P<0.0001). Ninety‐eight percent of patients and none of the controls showed IgE to rFel d 1 and there was a threefold increased risk of asthma for half of the children with the highest IgE levels [odds ratio 3.23; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.19–8.79] by ELISA. IgE responses to rFel d 1 among children with asthma were higher (median 19.4 kU/L) compared with children with RC (median 6.6 kU/L, P<0.05) and adults with asthma (median 3.0 kU/L, P<0.01). Furthermore, children with asthma displayed higher IgG4 levels than the asthmatic adults.

Conclusion
A single recombinant molecule, rFel d 1, is at least as sensitive for in vitro diagnostics of cat allergy as the current extract‐based test. Elevated IgE antibody levels to Fel d 1 are suggested to be a risk factor for asthma in cat‐allergic children.
Decreased hepatic RBP4 secretion is correlated with reduced hepatic glucose production but is not associated with insulin resistance in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Bahr Matthias J. , Boeker Klaus H. W. , Manns Michael P. , Tietge Uwe J. F.
Published: May 2008

Objective  Patients with liver cirrhosis have a high incidence of insulin resistance and diabetes. This study was designed to determine circulating levels and hepatic production of retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP4) in relation to parameters of hepatic and systemic metabolism in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Design and method  Circulating RBP4 levels were measured in 19 patients with liver cirrhosis at different clinical stages of the disease and in 20 age‐, sex‐ and body mass index (BMI)‐matched controls. Hepatic production rates of RBP4 and glucose were assessed by measuring the arterial hepatic venous concentration difference together with hepatic blood flow. Insulin resistance was determined by the Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry and body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).

Results  Compared with controls, RBP4 levels in cirrhosis were decreased (8·1 ± 1·8 vs. 22·6 ± 2·4 mg/l, P < 0·001) due to decreased hepatic production (P < 0·05). RBP4 correlated with hepatic protein synthesis capacity (P < 0·01), but not with insulin resistance, energy expenditure, BMI or body fat mass. Plasma RBP4 correlated with hepatic glucose production (P < 0·05).

Conclusions  These data demonstrate that RBP4 in cirrhosis (i) is decreased due to reduced hepatic production, (ii) is not associated with insulin resistance, and (iii) might have a beneficial role by decreasing hepatic glucose production and could thus also be regarded as a hepatokine.
Thyroglobulin measurement in fine‐needle aspirate washouts: the criteria for neck node dissection for patients with thyroid cancer
Authors: Kim Min Jung , Kim Eun‐Kyung , Kim Byung Moon , Kwak Jin Young , Lee Eun Jig , Park Cheong Soo , Cheong Woong Youn , Nam Ki Hyun
Published: May 2008

Background  Several studies report that detection of thyroglobulin (Tg) in fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy washout fluid from lymph nodes identifies recurrences/metastases of differentiated papillary thyroid cancer (DPTC) in the neck with higher sensitivity and specificity than fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). However, the diagnostic FNA‐Tg cutoff values have not yet been established.

Objective  To determine an appropriate diagnostic threshold value for Tg levels in FNA washout fluid in patients with neck node metastases or recurrences of DPTC.

Design  We performed ultrasound (US)‐guided FNAC and measured Tg levels in FNA washout fluid (FNA‐Tg). Final diagnoses were confirmed by histological examination of excised specimens or by follow‐up examinations for at least 24 months.

Patients  A total of 168 ultrasonographically detected lymph nodes from 168 patients with DPTC were included.

Measurements  In comparison with FNAC, we evaluated diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of metastasis detection according to several predetermined threshold levels: 1, 10, 100 ng/ml, mean+2SD of node‐negative patients, and FNA‐Tg/serum‐Tg > 1.

Results  The diagnostic sensitivity was lowest at 77·3% for FNAC alone. The lower FNA‐Tg threshold levels showed higher diagnostic sensitivity whereas the higher FNA‐Tg showed higher specificity. In addition to the FNAC results, FNA‐Tg levels showed 95·0% sensitivity, 81·6% specificity, 92·6% in positive predictive value (PPV) and 87·0% in negative predictive value (NPV) with the threshold of FNA‐Tg level at 10 ng/ml, serum‐Tg or mean+2SD of FNA‐Tg measured in node‐negative patients. The diagnostic accuracy of FNA‐Tg was higher in neck node recurrences after thyroid surgery than in the metastasis of patients waiting for surgery.

Conclusion  FNA‐Tg measurement as well as FNAC should be performed either before or after surgery to evaluate neck node metastases or recurrences in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinomas. We recommend that the threshold values for FNA‐Tg levels should be > 10 ng/ml if the serum‐Tg level or the mean+2SD in node‐negative patients is not available for reference.
Annual occupation pattern of temperate rocky reefs by the Argentine sandperchPseudopercis semifasciatain San José Gulf Marine Park, Argentina
Authors: VENERUS L. A. , PARMA A. M. , GALVÁN D. E.
Published: May 2008

Abstract The Argentine sandperch,Pseudopercis semifasciata(Cuvier), is the target of unregulated recreational and artisanal fisheries within the northern Patagonian gulfs of Argentina. Being a reef species, the applicability of conventional large‐scale assessment and management approaches appear limited. A more suitable alternative might be offered by spatial approaches, but their effectiveness would depend on the species’ degree of mobility. Underwater visual censuses were used to study the annual occupation pattern of shallow rocky reefs byP. semifasciatato evaluate the possible occurrence of spawning migrations and the potential of reserves to protect the stocks. The abundance ofP. semifasciatawas greatest in winter, intermediate in autumn and lowest in spring and summer, but densities were relatively stable and oscillated ±17–31% around the overall mean for each reef. There was no evidence of spawning migrations as no demographic changes were observed throughout the year. Young sandperches (<1 year old) were never observed on the reefs. Implications of the results for the management of this species are discussed.
The effectiveness of mineral trioxide aggregate, calcium hydroxide and formocresol for pulpotomies in primary teeth
Authors: Moretti A. B. S. , Sakai V. T. , Oliveira T. M. , Fornetti A. P. C. , Santos C. F. , Machado M. A. A. M. , Abdo R. C. C.
Published: May 2008

Aim  To compare the effectiveness of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), calcium hydroxide (CH) and formocresol (FC) as pulp dressing agents in carious primary teeth.

Methodology  Forty‐five primary mandibular molars with dental caries in 23 children [AUTHOR QUERY: How many children?] between 5 and 9 years old were treated by a conventional pulpotomy technique. The teeth were randomly assigned to the experimental (CH or MTA) or control (FC) groups. After coronal pulp removal and haemostasis, remaining pulp tissue was covered with MTA paste or CH powder in the experimental groups. In the control group, diluted FC was placed with a cotton pellet over the pulp tissue for 5 min and removed; the pulp tissue was then covered with zinc oxide–eugenol (ZOE) paste. All teeth were restored with reinforced ZOE base and resin modified glass–ionomer cement. Clinical and radiographic successes and failures were recorded at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 month follow‐up.

Results  Forty‐three teeth were available for follow‐up. In the FC and MTA groups, 100% of the available teeth were clinically and radiographically successful at all follow‐up appointments; dentine bridge formation could be detected in 29% of the teeth treated with MTA. In the CH group, 64% of the teeth presented clinical and radiographic failures detected throughout the follow‐up period, and internal resorption was a frequent radiographic finding.

Conclusions  Mineral trioxide aggregate was superior to CH and equally as effective as FC as a pulpotomy dressing in primary mandibular molars. Internal resorption was the most common radiographic finding up to 24 month after pulpotomies performed with CH.