bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Activity of Four Antimicrobial Agents against North American Isolates of Porcine Serpulina Pilosicoli
Authors: Duhamel Gerald E. , Kinyon Joann M. , Mathiesen Michelle R. , Murphy Dorothy P. , Walter Don
Published: May 2011

Porcine colonic spirochetosis is a nonfatal diarrheal disease that affects pigs during the growing and finishing stages of production. The disease is caused by Serpulina pilosicoli, a newly recognized species of pathogenic intestinal spirochete. Antimicrobial therapy aimed at reducing the infection may be helpful in controlling spirochetal diarrhea. In this study, the in vitro antimicrobial susceptibilities of the reference isolate S. pilosicoli P43/6/78 from the United Kingdom and 19 field isolates obtained from pigs in Canada ( n = 5) and the United States ( n = 14) were determined against the antimicrobial agents carbadox, gentamicin, lincomycin, and tiamulin, all of which are commonly used for control of the related pathogenic intestinal spirochete S. hyodysenteriae. Additionally, the susceptibility or resistance of each isolate against each antimicrobial agent was estimated on the basis of available data on the in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility breakpoints of S. hyodysenteriae. Each isolate was identified on the basis of phenotypic and genotypic markers, and the minimum inhibitory concentration of each antimicrobial agent was determined by the agar-dilution method. All the isolates were susceptible to carbadox and tiamulin. The percentages of isolates susceptible, intermediate, and resistant to lincomycin were 42.1%, 42.1%, and 15.8%, respectively. Slightly less than half of the isolates (47.4%) were susceptible to gentamicin, and the remainder (52.6%) were resistant. Implementation of rational control measures to reduce infection by S. pilosicoli should improve overall health and productivity in swine herds.
Evaluation of Low Sodium: Potassium Ratios in Dogs
Authors: Roth Lois , Tyler Ronald D.
Published: May 2011

The results of general chemistry profiles of canine patients from Angell Memorial Animal Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, during 1993 were reviewed for low (<24) serum sodium: potassium (Na:K) ratios. Thirty-seven dogs had low Na:K ratios. The medical records for 34 these patients were available and sufficiently complete to identify conditions that were associated with low Na:K ratios. Of these 34 dogs, 8 (24%) had hypoadrenocorticism, and 14 had renal disease. Twenty-two of the 34 (65%) had Na:K ratios between 24 and 20. Of these 22 dogs, 9 (41%) had renal or urinary tract disease, and 2 (9%) had hypoadrenocorticism. Other diagnoses in this group included pancreatic disease (3), disseminated neoplasia (3), circulatory disturbance (2), pyometra (1), mushroom poisoning (1), and behavior problem (1). Eight of 34 dogs had Na:K ratios between 19.9 and 15. Of these 8 dogs, 4 (50%) had urinary tract disease, 2 had hypoadrenocorticism, 1 had pancreatic disease, and 1 had severe anemia and hypoproteinemia due to severe parasitism. All of the 4 dogs with Na:K ratios < 15 had hypoadrenocorticism, and 1 of these 4 had concurrent renal failure. In all dogs, serum potassium concentration was above the laboratory's reference range, but sodium was below the laboratory's reference range in only 18 dogs (53%). Two of the 8 (25%) dogs with hypoadrenocorticism had serum sodium concentrations within the laboratory's reference range. In this population, low Na:K ratios were invariably associated with hyperkalemia but not always with hyponatremia. Although numerous conditions were associated with a low Na:K ratio, renal disease was the most common. Hypoadrenocorticism was present in only 13% of dogs with Na:K ratios between 24 and 15 but was present in all dogs with Na:K ratios < 15.
Western Immunoblot Analysis for Distinguishing Vaccination and Infection Status with Borrelia Burgdorferi (Lyme Disease) in Dogs
Authors: Gauthier David T. , Mansfield Linda S.
Published: May 2011

Serodiagnosis of Lyme borreliosis in dogs is complicated by the use of commercially available Lyme disease vaccines that may cross-react with certain diagnostic assays. Western immunoblotting may be used to distinguish between dogs naturally exposed and those vaccinated against Borrelia burgdorferi. Because current vaccines are not 100% efficacious and dogs may be vaccinated after natural exposure, certain dogs may show serum antibody responses against both natural and vaccine exposure (dual status). In this study, samples from 17 nonexposed, 17 B. burgdorferi-bacterin vaccinated, 13 naturally exposed, and 8 dual-status dogs were tested by western immunoblot to determine if dual-status dogs could be reliably differentiated from naturally infected or vaccinated dogs. Reaction to outer surface protein A antigen of B. burgdorferi (31 kD) was a consistent marker for vaccination, appearing in all samples from vaccinate and dual-status dogs and in no samples from single-status naturally exposed dogs. Antibodies to 4 bands, at 80, 39, 29, and 28 kD, were present in all naturally infected and dual-status dogs. No samples from vaccinated or nonexposed dogs were reactive to all 4 of these bands simultaneously. Thus, vaccine and natural exposure produce differing antibody responses, whereas dual-status dogs produced the full antibody response of both types of exposure.
Factors Influencing the Isolation of Mycobacterium Avium Subsp. Paratuberculosis from Bovine Fecal Samples
Authors: Kalis C. H. J. , Hesselink J. W. , Russchen E. W. , Barkema H. W. , Collins M. T. , Visser I. J. R.
Published: May 2011

A modified procedure was used for culture of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis (Mptb) from bovine feces. Bovine fecal samples were decontaminated with NaOH, exposed to a mixture of oxalic acid and malachite green, incubated in a mixture of neomycin and amphotericin B. Decontaminated specimens were inoculated onto modified Löwenstein-Jensen medium. Specimens processed by high-speed centrifugation showed growth earlier than specimens prepared by low-speed centrifugation. However, the overall number of positive cultures at 16 weeks was not different for the 2 methods. When infected dairy herds were sampled 4 times at 6-month intervals and culture-positive cows were culled, the prevalence of infected cattle declined over time. After selective culling, the cattle left in the herds shed low numbers of Mptb, which explains why it took longer for cultures to become positive. No heifers younger than 11 months were culture positive, but heifers 13–14 months of age were more frequently culture positive than were heifers of any other age. The 16-week culture period is needed with this method to detect cattle shedding low numbers of Mptb. High-speed centrifugation of samples does not increase the efficiency of identification of animals shedding Mptb.
The Effects of Physical Threat on Team Processes During Complex Task Performance
Authors: Kamphuis Wim , Gaillard Anthony W. K. , Vogelaar Ad L. W.
Published: May 2011

Teams have become the norm for operating in dangerous and complex situations. To investigate how physical threat affects team performance, 27 three-person teams engaged in a complex planning and problem-solving task, either under physical threat or under normal conditions. Threat consisted of the possibility that during task performance the oxygen level would be reduced (which, in reality, did not occur). Team processes were measured by automated behavior recordings and questionnaires. Results confirmed that physical threat caused restrictions in information processing, more controlling leadership, less group discussions, and a reduction in coordinating and supporting behavior. These results support the propositions of the threat-rigidity thesis and extend previous research by establishing these results for physical threat and demonstrating effects on coordinating and supporting behavior as well.
Media and foreign policy: A comparative study of journalists’ perceptions of press—government relations during the six-party talks
Authors: Seo Hyunjin
Published: May 2011

This study examines journalists’ role conceptions in their coverage of diplomatic issues, based on a survey of South Korean, US, and European journalists who covered the six-party talks on North Korea’s nuclear program. The author found differences between South Korean, US, and European journalists in their perceptions of the role of journalists in the multilateral nuclear talks. Compared with US and European journalists, South Korean journalists believed more strongly that journalists are participants in the negotiation process and that news sources have significant influence on their judgments of the newsworthiness of issues related to the talks. This comparative study offers important implications for the press—government relationships in foreign affairs issues.
Making ‘The Daily Me’: Technology, economics and habit in the mainstream assimilation of personalized news
Authors: Thurman Neil
Published: May 2011

The mechanisms of personalization deployed by news websites are resulting in an increasing number of editorial decisions being taken by computer algorithms — many of which are under the control of external companies — and by end users. Despite its prevalence, personalization has yet to be addressed fully by the journalism studies literature. This study defines personalization as a distinct form of interactivity and classifies its explicit and implicit forms. Using this taxonomy, it surveys the use of personalization at 11 national news websites in the UK and USA. Research interviews bring a qualitative dimension to the analysis, acknowledging the influence that institutional contexts and journalists’ attitudes have on the adoption of technology. The study shows how: personalization informs debates on news consumption, content diversity, and the economic context for journalism; and how it challenges the continuing relevance of established theories of journalistic gate-keeping.
Global journalism for global governance? Theoretical visions, practical constraints
Authors: Hafez Kai
Published: May 2011

Global journalism and foreign news-making are generally extremely limited in agenda and scope. Except for at times of crisis and a general North—South gap that privileges the western industrial states over the rest of world, the reality of politics, society and culture, especially in faraway countries, remains fragmented and often highly distorted in most media systems around the world. After a brief reassessment of some empirical basics of existing content analyses, the following paper focuses on the much neglected question of effects and consequences of the current situation. Are the mass media around the world ready to meet the needs of cosmopolitan globalism, of modern ‘Knowledge Society’ or of ‘Global Governance’, theoretical concepts and paradigms that we often use to describe present realities and trends? Coming to a slightly pessimistic conclusion, the contribution discusses some of the major causes responsible for the situation and points to various types of possible reforms.
Your Best Self Helps Reveal Your True Self
Authors: Human Lauren J. , Biesanz Jeremy C. , Parisotto Kate L. , Dunn Elizabeth W.
Published: May 2011

How does trying to make a positive impression on others impact the accuracy of impressions? In an experimental study, the impact of positive self-presentation on the accuracy of impressions was examined by randomly assigning targets to either “put their best face forward” or to a control condition with low self-presentation demands. First, self-presenters successfully elicited more positive impressions from others, being viewed as more normative and better liked than those less motivated to self-present. Importantly, self-presenters were also viewed with greater accuracy than control targets, being perceived more in line with their self-reported distinctive personality traits and their IQ test scores. Mediational analyses were consistent with the hypothesis that self-presenters were more engaging than controls, which in turn led these individuals to be viewed with greater distinctive self–other agreement. In sum, positive self-presentation facilitates more accurate impressions, indicating that putting one’s best self forward helps reveal one’s true self.
Extensive HLA-driven viral diversity following a narrow-source HIV-1 outbreak in rural China
Authors: Dong Tao , Zhang Yonghong , Xu Ke Yi , Yan Huiping , James Ian , Peng Yanchun , Blais Marie-Eve , Gaudieri Silvana , Chen Xinyue , Lun Wenhui , Wu Hao , Qu Wen Yan , Rostron Tim , Li Ning , Mao Yu , Mallal Simon , Xu Xiaoning , McMichael Andrew , John Mina , Rowland-Jones Sarah L.
Published: May 2011

Obstacles to developing an HIV-1 vaccine include extensive viral diversity and lack of correlates of protective immunity. High mutation rates allow HIV-1 to adapt rapidly to selective forces such as antiretroviral therapy and immune pressure, including HIV-1–specific CTLs that select viral variants which escape T-cell recognition. Multiple factors contribute to HIV-1 diversity, making it difficult to disentangle the contribution of CTL selection without using complex analytical approaches. We describe an HIV-1 outbreak in 231 former plasma donors in China, where a narrow-source virus that had contaminated the donation system was apparently transmitted to many persons contemporaneously. The genetic divergence now evident in these subjects should uniquely reveal how much viral diversity at the population level is solely attributable to host factors. We found significant correlations between pair-wise divergence of viral sequences and HLA class I genotypes across epitope-length windows in HIV-1 Gag, reverse transcriptase, integrase, and Nef, corresponding to sites of 140 HLA class I allele-associated viral polymorphisms. Of all polymorphic sites across these 4 proteins, 24%-56% were sites of HLA-associated selection. These data confirm that CTL pressure has a major effect on inter-host HIV-1 viral diversity and probably represents a key element of viral control.
Exome sequencing reveals germline NPAT mutation as a candidate risk factor for Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Saarinen Silva , Aavikko Mervi , Aittomäki Kristiina , Launonen Virpi , Lehtonen Rainer , Franssila Kaarle , Lehtonen Heli J. , Kaasinen Eevi , Broderick Peter , Tarkkanen Jussi , Bain Barbara J. , Bauduer Frédéric , Ünal Ali , Swerdlow Anthony J. , Cooke Rosie , Mäkinen Markus J. , Houlston Richard , Vahteristo Pia , Aaltonen Lauri A.
Published: May 2011

A strong clustering of Hodgkin lymphoma in certain families has been long acknowledged. However, the genetic factors in the background of familial Hodgkin lymphoma are largely unknown. We have studied a family of 4 cousins with a rare subtype of the disease, nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma. We applied exome sequencing together with genome-wide linkage analysis to this family and identified a truncating germline mutation in nuclear protein, ataxia-telangiectasia locus (NPAT) gene, which segregated in the family. We also studied a large number of samples from other patients with Hodgkin lymphoma, and a germline variation leading to the deletion of serine 724 was found in several cases suggesting an elevated risk for the disease (odds ratio = 4.11; P = .018). NPAT is thus far the first gene implicated in nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma predisposition.
BCL2/BCL-XL inhibition induces apoptosis, disrupts cellular calcium homeostasis, and prevents platelet activation
Authors: Vogler Meike , Hamali Hassan A. , Sun Xiao-Ming , Bampton Edward T. W. , Dinsdale David , Snowden Roger T. , Dyer Martin J. S. , Goodall Alison H. , Cohen Gerald M.
Published: May 2011

Apoptosis in megakaryocytes results in the formation of platelets. The role of apoptotic pathways in platelet turnover and in the apoptotic-like changes seen after platelet activation is poorly understood. ABT-263 (Navitoclax), a specific inhibitor of antiapoptotic BCL2 proteins, which is currently being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of leukemia and other malignancies, induces a dose-limiting thrombocytopenia. In this study, the relationship between BCL2/BCL-XL inhibition, apoptosis, and platelet activation was investigated. Exposure to ABT-263 induced apoptosis but repressed platelet activation by physiologic agonists. Notably, ABT-263 induced an immediate calcium response in platelets and the depletion of intracellular calcium stores, indicating that on BCL2/BCL-XL inhibition platelet activation is abrogated because of a diminished calcium signaling. By comparing the effects of ABT-263 and its analog ABT-737 on platelets and leukemia cells from the same donor, we show, for the first time, that these BCL2/BCL-XL inhibitors do not offer any selective toxicity but induce apoptosis at similar concentrations in leukemia cells and platelets. However, reticulated platelets are less sensitive to apoptosis, supporting the hypothesis that treatment with ABT-263 induces a selective loss of older platelets and providing an explanation for the transient thrombocytopenia observed on ABT-263 treatment.
Genome-wide expression profiling of the response to short-term exposure to fluconazole in Cryptococcus neoformans serotype A
Authors: Florio Ada Rita , Ferrari Selene , De Carolis Elena , Torelli Riccardo , Fadda Giovanni , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Sanglard Dominique , Posteraro Brunella
Published: May 2011

Background

Fluconazole (FLC), a triazole antifungal drug, is widely used for the maintenance therapy of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis, the most common opportunistic infection in AIDS patients. In this study, we examined changes in the gene expression profile of the C. neoformans reference strain H99 (serotype A) following FLC treatment in order to investigate the adaptive cellular responses to drug stress.

Results

Simultaneous analysis of over 6823 transcripts revealed that 476 genes were responsive to FLC. As expected up-regulation of genes involved in ergosterol biosynthesis was observed, including the azole target gene ERG11 and ERG13, ERG1, ERG7, ERG25, ERG2, ERG3 and ERG5. In addition, SRE1 which is a gene encoding a well-known regulator of sterol homeostasis in C. neoformans was up-regulated. Several other genes such as those involved in a variety of important cellular processes (i.e. lipid and fatty acid metabolism, cell wall maintenance, stress and virulence) were found to be up-regulated in response to FLC treatment. Conversely, expression of AFR1, the major transporter of azoles in C. neoformans, was not regulated by FLC.

Conclusions

Short-term exposure of C. neoformans to FLC resulted in a complex altered gene expression profile. Some of the observed changes could represent specific adaptive responses to the antifungal agent in this pathogenic yeast.
Parental willingness to pay for child safety seats in Mashad, Iran
Authors: Jarahi Lida , Karbakhsh Mojgan , Rashidian Arash
Published: May 2011

Background

Iran has one of the highest rates of road traffic crash death rates throughout the world and road traffic injuries are the leading cause of years of life lost in the country. Using child car safety seats is not mandatory by law in Iran. The purpose of this research was to determine the parental willingness to pay (WTP) for child restraints in Mashad, the second most populated city in Iran with one of the highest rates of road traffic-related deaths.

Methods

We surveyed 590 car-owner parents of kindergarten children who were willing to participate in the study in the year 2009. We asked them about the maximum amount of money they were willing to pay for car safety seats using contingent valuation method.

Results

The mean age of children was 33.5 months. The median parental WTP for CSS was about $15. Considering the real price of CSSs in Iran, only 12 percent of responders could be categorized as being willing to pay for it. Family income level was the main predictor of being willing to pay.

Conclusions

The median parental WTP was much lower than the actual price of the safety seats, and those who were of lower socio-economic class were less willing to pay. Interventions to increase low-income families' access to child safety seats such as providing free of charge or subsidized seats, renting or health insurance coverage should be considered.
Nutritional status of pre-school children from low income families
Authors: Shoeps Denise O , de Abreu Luiz Carlos , Valenti Vitor E , Nascimento Viviane G , de Oliveira Adriana G , Gallo Paulo R , Wajnsztejn Rubens , Leone Claudio
Published: May 2011

Background

We evaluated growth and nutritional status of preschool children between 2 and 6 years old from low income families from 14 daycare centers.

Methods

Cross-sectional study with 1544 children from daycare centers of Santo Andre, Brazil. Body weight (W), height (H) and body mass index (BMI) were classified according to the 2000 National Center for Health Statistics (CDC/NCHS). Cutoff points for nutritional disorders: -2 z scores and 2.5 and 10 percentiles for malnutrition risk, 85 to 95 percentile for overweight and above BMI 95 percentile for obesity. Stepwise Forward Regression method was used including age, gender, birth weight, breastfeeding duration, age of mother at birth and period of time they attended the daycare center.

Results

Children presented mean z scores of H, W and BMI above the median of the CDC/NCHS reference. Girls were taller and heavier than boys, while we observed similar BMI between both genders. The z scores tended to rise with age. A Pearson Coefficient of Correlation of 0.89 for W, 0.93 for H and 0.95 for BMI was documented indicating positive association of age with weight, height and BMI. The frequency of children below -2 z scores was lower than expected: 1.5% for W, 1.75% for H and 0% for BMI, which suggests that there were no malnourished children. The other extremity of the distribution evidenced prevalence of overweight and obesity of 16.8% and 10.8%, respectively.

Conclusion

Low income preschool children are in an advanced stage of nutritional transition with a high prevalence of overweight.
Evaluating oral health-related quality of life measure for children and preadolescents with temporomandibular disorder
Authors: Barbosa Taís S , Leme Marina S , Castelo Paula M , Gavião Maria Beatriz D
Published: May 2011

Background

Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children and adolescents with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) has not yet been measured. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of OHRQoL measure for use in children and preadolescents with signs and symptoms of TMD.

Methods

Five hundred and forty-seven students aged 8-14 years were recruited from public schools in Piracicaba, Brazil. Self-perceptions of QoL were measured using the Brazilian Portuguese versions of Child Perceptions Questionnaires (CPQ)8-10 (n = 247) and CPQ11-14 (n = 300). A single examiner, trained and calibrated for diagnosis according to the Axis I of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD), examined the participants. A self-report questionnaire assessed subjective symptoms of TMD. Intraexaminer reliability was assessed for the RDC/TMD clinical examinations using Cohen's Kappa (κ) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Criterion validity was calculated using the Spearman's correlation, construct validity using the Spearman's correlation and the Mann-Whitney test, and the magnitude of the difference between groups using effect size (ES). Reliability was determined using Cronbach's alpha, alpha if the item was deleted and corrected item-total correlation.

Results

Intraexaminer reliability values ranged from regular (κ = 0.30) to excellent (κ = 0.96) for the categorical variables and from moderate (ICC = 0.49) to substantial (ICC = 0.74) for the continuous variables. Criterion validity was supported by significant associations between both CPQ scores and pain-related questions for the TMD groups. Mean CPQ8-10 scores were slightly higher for TMD children than control children (ES = 0.43). Preadolescents with TMD had moderately higher scores than the control ones (ES = 0.62; p < 0.0001). Significant correlation between the CPQ scores and global oral health, as well as overall well-being ratings (p < 0.001) occurred, supporting the construct validity. The Cronbach's alphas were 0.93 for CPQ8-10 and 0.94 for CPQ11-14. For the overall CPQ8-10 and CPQ11-14 scales, the corrected item-total correlation coefficients ranged from 0.39-0.76 and from 0.28-0.73, respectively. The alpha coefficients did not increase when any of the items were deleted in either CPQ samples.

Conclusions

The questionnaires are valid and reliable for use in children and preadolescents with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder.
Life-threatening aortic thrombosis in a trauma patient homozygous for factor V Leiden mutation: Case report
Authors: Tsangaris Iraklis , Tsaknis Georgios , Tsantes Argirios , Kopterides Petros , Armaganidis Apostolos
Published: May 2011

We report a case of near fatal aortic thrombosis in a trauma patient homozygous for mutation of Factor V Leiden. He responded well to vascular surgery and intensive care unit management and was discharged successfully from the hospital one month later.
Influence of the training set on the accuracy of surface EMG classification in dynamic contractions for the control of multifunction prostheses
Authors: Lorrain Thomas , Jiang Ning , Farina Dario
Published: May 2011

Background

For high usability, myo-controlled devices require robust classification schemes during dynamic contractions. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of the training data set in the performance of several pattern recognition algorithms during dynamic contractions.

Methods

A 9 class experiment was designed involving both static and dynamic situations. The performance of various feature extraction methods and classifiers was evaluated in terms of classification accuracy.

Results

It is shown that, combined with a threshold to detect the onset of the contraction, current pattern recognition algorithms used on static conditions provide relatively high classification accuracy also on dynamic situations. Moreover, the performance of the pattern recognition algorithms tested significantly improved by optimizing the choice of the training set. Finally, the results also showed that rather simple approaches for classification of time domain features provide results comparable to more complex classification methods of wavelet features.

Conclusions

Non-stationary surface EMG signals recorded during dynamic contractions can be accurately classified for the control of multi-function prostheses.
Characterization of nonstructural protein 3 of a neurovirulent Japanese encephalitis virus strain isolated from a pig
Authors: Deng Xufang , Shi Zixue , Li Shuqing , Wang Xiaodu , Qiu Yafeng , Shao Donghua , Wei Jianchao , Tong Guangzhi , Ma Zhiyong
Published: May 2011

Background

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), as a re-emerging virus that causes 10,000-15,000 human deaths from encephalitis in the world each year, has had a significant impact on public health. Pigs are the natural reservoirs of JEV and play an important role in the amplification, dispersal and epidemiology of JEV. The nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) of JEV possesses enzymatic activities of serine protease, helicase and nucleoside 5'-triphosphatase, and plays important roles in viral replication and pathogenesis.

Results

We characterized the NS3 protein of a neurovirulent strain of JEV (SH-JEV01) isolated from a field-infected pig. The NS3 gene of the JEV SH-JEV01 strain is 1857 bp in length and encodes protein of approximately 72 kDa with 99% amino acid sequence identity to that of the representative immunotype strain JaGAr 01. The NS3 protein was detectable 12 h post-infection in a mouse neuroblastoma cell line, Neuro-2a, and was distributed in the cytoplasm of cells infected with the SH-JEV01 strain of JEV. In the brain of mice infected with the SH-JEV01 strain of JEV, NS3 was detected in the cytoplasm of neuronal cells, including pyramidal neurons of the cerebrum, granule cells, small cells and Purkinje cells of the cerebellum.

Conclusions

The NS3 protein of a neurovirulent strain of JEV isolated from a pig was characterized. It is an approximately 72 kDa protein and distributed in the cytoplasm of infected cells. The Purkinje cell of the cerebellum is one of the target cells of JEV infection. Our data should provide some basic information for the study of the role of NS3 in the pathogenesis of JEV and the immune response.
Prevalence of human herpesvirus 8 infection in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sun Yu , Sun Shipeng , Li Wenli , Li Bo , Li Jinming
Published: May 2011

Background

For decades, scientists have tried to understand the environmental factors involved in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), in which viral infections was included. Previous studies have identified Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) to incite SLE. Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), another member of the gammaherpesvirus family, shares a lot in common with EBV. The characteristics of HHV-8 make it a well-suited candidate to trigger SLE.

Results

In the present study, serum samples from patients (n = 108) with diagnosed SLE and matched controls (n = 122) were collected, and the prevalence of HHV-8 was compared by a virus-specific nested PCR and a whole virus enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA). There was significant difference in the prevalence of HHV-8 DNA between SLE patients and healthy controls (11 of 107 vs 1 of 122, p = 0.001); significant difference was also found in the detection of HHV-8 antibodies (19 of 107 vs 2 of 122, p < 0.001).

We also detected the antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen (EBV-VCA) and Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA-1). Both patients and controls showed high seroprevalence with no significant difference (106 of 107 vs 119 of 122, p = 0.625).

Conclusion

Our finding indicated that there might be an association between HHV-8 and the development of SLE.
Defective interfering virus protects elderly mice from influenza
Authors: Scott Paul D , Meng Bo , Marriott Anthony C , Easton Andrew J , Dimmock Nigel J
Published: May 2011

Background

We have identified and characterised a defective-interfering (DI) influenza A virus particles containing a highly deleted segment 1 RNA that has broad-spectrum antiviral activity. In young adult mice it exerts protection against several different subtypes of influenza A virus (defined here as homologous or genetically compatible protection) and against a paramyxovirus and an influenza B virus (heterologous or genetically unrelated protection). Homologous protection is mediated by replication competition between the deleted and full-length genomes, and heterologous protection occurs through stimulation of innate immunity, especially interferon type I.

Methods

A single dose of the protective DI virus was administered intranasally to elderly mice at -7, -1 and +1 days relative to intranasal challenge with influenza A virus.

Results

A single dose of the DI virus given 1 or 7 days protected elderly mice, reducing a severe, sometimes fatal disease to a subclinical or mild infection. In contrast, all members of control groups treated with inactivated DI virus before challenge became extremely ill and most died. Despite the subclinical/mild nature of their infection, protected mice developed solid immunity to a second infectious challenge.

Conclusions

The defective interfering virus is effective in preventing severe influenza A in elderly mice and may offer a new approach to protection of the human population.
Human-derived IgG level as an indicator for EBV-associated lymphoma model in Hu-PBL/SCID chimeras
Authors: Tang Yunlian , He Rongfang , Zhang Yang , Liu Fang , Cheng Ailan , Wu Yimou , Gan Runliang
Published: May 2011

Background

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has a close association with various types of human lymphomas. Animal models are essential to elucidate the pathogenesis of human EBV-associated lymphomas. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the association between human IgG concentration and EBV-associated lymphoma development in huPBL/SCID mice.

Methods

Human peripheral blood lymphocytes (hu-PBL) from EBV-seropositive donors were inoculated intraperitoneally into SCID mouse. Immunohistochemical staining was used to examine differentiated antigens of tumor cells. EBV infection of the induced tumors was detected byin situhybridization. IgG concentrations in the serums of 12 SCID mice were measured by unidirectional immunodiffusion assay.

Results

21 out of 29 mice developed tumors in their body. Immunohistochemical staining showed that all induced tumors were LCA (leukocyte common antigen) positive, B-cell markers (CD20, CD79a) positive, and T-cell markers (both CD3 and CD45RO) negative. The tumors can be diagnosed as human B-cell lymphomas by these morphological and immunohistochemical features. In situ hybridization exhibited resultant tumor cells had EBV encoded small RNA-1 (EBER-1). Human-derived IgG could be found in the serum from SCID mice on the 15thday following hu-PBL transplantation, and IgG levels increased with the tumor development in 6 hu-PBL/SCID chimeras.

Conclusions

Intraperitoneal transfer of hu-PBLs from EBV+ donors to SCID mice leads to high human IgG levels in mouse serum and B cell lymphomas. Our findings suggest that increasing levels of human-derived IgG in peripheral blood from hu-PBL/SCID mice could be used to monitor EBV-related human B-cell lymphoma development in experimental animals.
Hypotonicity Modulates Tetrodotoxin-Sensitive Sodium Current in Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons
Authors: Li Lin , Liu Changjin , Chen Lei , Chen Ling
Published: May 2011

Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) play an important role in the control of membrane excitability. We previously reported that the excitability of nociceptor was increased by hypotonic stimulation. The present study tested the effect of hypotonicity on tetrodotoxin-sensitive sodium current (TTX-S current) in cultured trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons. Our data show that after hypotonic treatment, TTX-S current was increased. In the presence of hypotonicity, voltage-dependent activation curve shifted to the hyperpolarizing direction, while the voltage-dependent inactivation curve was not affected. Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4 receptor (TRPV4) activator increased TTX-S current and hypotonicity-induced increase was markedly attenuated by TRPV4 receptor blockers. We also demonstrate that inhibition of PKC attenuated hypotonicity-induced inhibition, whereas PKA system was not involved in hypotonic-response. We conclude that hypotonic stimulation enhances TTX-S current, which contributes to hypotonicity-induced nociception. TRPV4 receptor and PKC intracellular pathway are involved in the increase of TTX-S current by hypotonicity.
Estimation of lung vital capacity before and after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: a comparison of incentive spirometer and ventilometry
Authors: Pinheiro Areli Cunha , Novais Michelli Christina Magalhães , Neto Mansueto Gomes , Rodrigues Marcus Vinicius Herbst , de Souza Rodrigues Erenaldo , Aras Roque , Carvalho Vitor Oliveira
Published: May 2011

Background

Measurement of vital capacity (VC) by spirometry is the most widely used technique for lung function evaluation, however, this form of assessment is costly and further investigation of other reliable methods at lower cost is necessary. Objective: To analyze the correlation between direct vital capacity measured with ventilometer and with incentive inspirometer in patients in pre and post cardiac surgery.

Methodology

Cross-sectional comparative study with patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Respiratory parameters were evaluated through the measurement of VC performed by ventilometer and inspirometer. To analyze data normality the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was applied, for correlation the Pearson correlation coefficient was used and for comparison of variables in pre and post operative period Student's t test was adopted. We established a level of ignificance of 5%. Data was presented as an average, standard deviation and relative frequency when needed. The significance level was set at 5%.

Results

We studied 52 patients undergoing cardiac surgery, 20 patients in preoperative with VC-ventilometer: 32.95 ± 11.4 ml/kg and VC-inspirometer: 28.9 ± 11 ml/Kg, r = 0.7 p < 0.001. In the post operatory, 32 patients were evaluated with VC-ventilometer: 28.27 ± 12.48 ml/kg and VC-inspirometer: 26.98 ± 11 ml/Kg, r = 0.95 p < 0.001. Presenting a very high correlation between the evaluation forms studied.

Conclusion

There was a high correlation between DVC measures with ventilometer and incentive spirometer in pre and post CABG surgery. Despite this, arises the necessity of further studies to evaluate the repercussion of this method in lowering costs at hospitals.
Complete exon sequencing of all known Usher syndrome genes greatly improves molecular diagnosis
Authors: Bonnet Crystel , Grati M'hamed , Marlin Sandrine , Levilliers Jacqueline , Hardelin Jean-Pierre , Parodi Marine , Niasme-Grare Magali , Zelenika Diana , Délépine Marc , Feldmann Delphine , Jonard Laurence , El-Amraoui Aziz , Weil Dominique , Delobel Bruno , Vincent Christophe , Dollfus Hélène , Eliot Marie-Madeleine , David Albert , Calais Catherine , Vigneron Jacqueline , Montaut-Verient Bettina , Bonneau Dominique , Dubin Jacques , Thauvin Christel , Duvillard Alain , Francannet Christine , Mom Thierry , Lacombe Didier , Duriez Françoise , Drouin-Garraud Valérie , Thuillier-Obstoy Marie-Françoise , Sigaudy Sabine , Frances Anne-Marie , Collignon Patrick , Challe Georges , Couderc Rémy , Lathrop Mark , Sahel José-Alain , Weissenbach Jean , Petit Christine , Denoyelle Françoise
Published: May 2011

Background

Usher syndrome (USH) combines sensorineural deafness with blindness. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive mode. Early diagnosis is critical for adapted educational and patient management choices, and for genetic counseling. To date, nine causative genes have been identified for the three clinical subtypes (USH1, USH2 and USH3). Current diagnostic strategies make use of a genotyping microarray that is based on the previously reported mutations. The purpose of this study was to design a more accurate molecular diagnosis tool.

Methods

We sequenced the 366 coding exons and flanking regions of the nine known USH genes, in 54 USH patients (27 USH1, 21 USH2 and 6 USH3).

Results

Biallelic mutations were detected in 39 patients (72%) and monoallelic mutations in an additional 10 patients (18.5%). In addition to biallelic mutations in one of the USH genes, presumably pathogenic mutations in another USH gene were detected in seven patients (13%), and another patient carried monoallelic mutations in three different USH genes. Notably, none of the USH3 patients carried detectable mutations in the only known USH3 gene, whereas they all carried mutations in USH2 genes. Most importantly, the currently used microarray would have detected only 30 of the 81 different mutations that we found, of which 39 (48%) were novel.

Conclusions

Based on these results, complete exon sequencing of the currently known USH genes stands as a definite improvement for molecular diagnosis of this disease, which is of utmost importance in the perspective of gene therapy.
Clinical implementation of whole-genome array CGH as a first-tier test in 5080 pre and postnatal cases
Authors: Park Sang-Jin , Jung Eun Hye , Ryu Ran-Suk , Kang Hyun Woong , Ko Jung-Min , Kim Hyon J , Cheon Chong Kun , Hwang Sang-Hyun , Kang Ho-Young
Published: May 2011

Background

Array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) is currently the most powerful method for detecting chromosomal alterations in pre and postnatal clinical cases. In this study, we developed a BAC based array CGH analysis platform for detecting whole genome DNA copy number changes including specific micro deletion and duplication chromosomal disorders. Additionally, we report our experience with the clinical implementation of our array CGH analysis platform. Array CGH was performed on 5080 pre and postnatal clinical samples from patients referred with a variety of clinical phenotypes.

Results

A total of 4073 prenatal cases (4033 amniotic fluid and 40 chorionic villi specimens) and 1007 postnatal cases (407 peripheral blood and 600 cord blood) were studied with complete concordance between array CGH, karyotype and fluorescence in situ hybridization results. Among 75 positive prenatal cases with DNA copy number variations, 60 had an aneuploidy, seven had a deletion, and eight had a duplication. Among 39 positive postnatal cases samples, five had an aneuploidy, 23 had a deletion, and 11 had a duplication.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the utility of using our newly developed whole-genome array CGH as first-tier test in 5080 pre and postnatal cases. Array CGH has increased the ability to detect segmental deletion and duplication in patients with variable clinical features and is becoming a more powerful tool in pre and postnatal diagnostics.
Interaction of a traditional Chinese Medicine (PHY906) and CPT-11 on the inflammatory process in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Wang Ena , Bussom Scott , Chen Jinguo , Quinn Courtney , Bedognetti Davide , Lam Wing , Guan Fulan , Jiang Zaoli , Mark Yichao , Zhao Yingdong , Stroncek David F , White Jeffrey , Marincola Francesco M , Cheng Yung-Chi
Published: May 2011

Background -

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used for thousands of years to treat or prevent diseases, including cancer. Good manufacturing practices (GMP) and sophisticated product analysis (PhytomicsQC) to ensure consistency are now available allowing the assessment of its utility. Polychemical Medicines, like TCM, include chemicals with distinct tissue-dependent pharmacodynamic properties that result in tissue-specific bioactivity. Determining the mode of action of these mixtures was previously unsatisfactory; however, information rich RNA microarray technologies now allow for thorough mechanistic studies of the effects complex mixtures. PHY906 is a long used four herb TCM formula employed as an adjuvant to relieve the side effects associated with chemotherapy. Animal studies documented a decrease in global toxicity and an increase in therapeutic effectiveness of chemotherapy when combined with PHY906.

Methods -

Using a systems biology approach, we studied tumor tissue to identify reasons for the enhancement of the antitumor effect of CPT-11 (CPT-11) by PHY906 in a well-characterized pre-clinical model; the administration of PHY906 and CPT-11 to female BDF-1 mice bearing subcutaneous Colon 38 tumors.

Results -

We observed that 1) individually PHY906 and CPT-11 induce distinct alterations in tumor, liver and spleen; 2) PHY906 alone predominantly induces repression of transcription and immune-suppression in tumors; 3) these effects are reverted in the presence of CPT-11, with prevalent induction of pro-apoptotic and pro-inflammatory pathways that may favor tumor rejection.

Conclusions -

PHY906 together with CPT-11 triggers unique changes not activated by each one alone suggesting that the combination creates a unique tissue-specific response.
Impact of routine percutaneous coronary intervention after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation
Authors: Cronier Pierrick , Vignon Philippe , Bouferrache Koceila , Aegerter Philippe , Charron Cyril , Templier François , Castro Samuel , El Mahmoud Rami , Lory Cécile , Pichon Nicolas , Dubourg Olivier , Vieillard-Baron Antoine
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Since 2003, we have routinely used percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH) to treat patients < 80 years of age after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) related to ventricular fibrillation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of routine PCI in association with MTH and the potential influence of age.

Methods

We studied 111 consecutive patients resuscitated successfully following OHCA related to shock-sensitive rhythm. They were divided into five groups according to age: < 45 years (n = 22, group 1), 45 to 54 years (n = 27, group 2), 55 to 64 years (n = 22, group 3), 65 to 74 years (n = 23, group 4) and ≥75 years (n = 17, group 5). Emergency coronary angiography was performed in hemodynamically stable patients < 80 years old, regardless of the electrocardiogram pattern. MTH was targeted to a core temperature of 32°C to 34°C for 24 hours.

Results

Most patients (73%) had coronary heart disease, although its incidence in group 1 was lower than in other groups (41% versus 81%; P = 0.01). In group 1, all patients but one underwent coronary angiography, and 33% of them underwent associated PCI. In group 5, only 53% of patients underwent a coronary angiography and 44% underwent PCI. Overall in-hospital survival was 54%, ranging between 52% and 64% in groups 1 to 4 and 24% in group 5. Time from collapse to return of spontaneous circulation was associated with mortality (odds ratio (OR) = 1.05 (25th to 75th percentile range, 1.03 to 1.08); P < 0.001), whereas PCI was associated with survival (OR = 0.30 (25th to 75th percentile range, 0.11 to 0.79); P = 0.01).

Conclusions

We suggest that routine coronary angiography with potentially associated PCI may favorably alter the prognosis of resuscitated patients with stable hemodynamics who are treated with MTH after OHCA related to ventricular fibrillation. Although age was not an independent cause of death, the clinical relevance of this therapeutic strategy remains to be determined in older people.
Randomized Phase II Neoadjuvant Comparison Between Letrozole, Anastrozole, and Exemestane for Postmenopausal Women With Estrogen Receptor–Rich Stage 2 to 3 Breast Cancer: Clinical and Biomarker Outcomes and Predictive Value of the Baseline PAM50-Based Intrinsic Subtype—ACOSOG Z1031
Authors: Ellis Matthew J. , Suman Vera J. , Hoog Jeremy , Lin Li , Snider Jacqueline , Prat Aleix , Parker Joel S. , Luo Jingqin , DeSchryver Katherine , Allred D. Craig , Esserman Laura J. , Unzeitig Gary W. , Margenthaler Julie , Babiera Gildy V. , Marcom P. Kelly , Guenther Joseph M. , Watson Mark A. , Leitch Marilyn , Hunt Kelly , Olson John A.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Preoperative aromatase inhibitor (AI) treatment promotes breast-conserving surgery (BCS) for estrogen receptor (ER) –positive breast cancer. To study this treatment option, responses to three AIs were compared in a randomized phase II neoadjuvant trial designed to select agents for phase III investigations.

Patients and Methods

Three hundred seventy-seven postmenopausal women with clinical stage II to III ER-positive (Allred score 6-8) breast cancer were randomly assigned to receive neoadjuvant exemestane, letrozole, or anastrozole. The primary end point was clinical response. Secondary end points included BCS, Ki67 proliferation marker changes, the Preoperative Endocrine Prognostic Index (PEPI), and PAM50-based intrinsic subtype analysis.

Results

On the basis of clinical response rates, letrozole and anastrozole were selected for further investigation; however, no other differences in surgical outcome, PEPI score, or Ki67 suppression were detected. The BCS rate for mastectomy-only patients at presentation was 51%. PAM50 analysis identified AI-unresponsive nonluminal subtypes (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 enriched or basal-like) in 3.3% of patients. Clinical response and surgical outcomes were similar in luminal A (LumA) versus luminal B tumors; however, a PEPI of 0 (best prognostic group) was highest in the LumA subset (27.1% v 10.7%; P = .004).

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant AI treatment markedly improved surgical outcomes. Ki67 and PEPI data demonstrated that the three agents tested are biologically equivalent and therefore likely to have similar adjuvant activities. LumA tumors were more likely to have favorable biomarker characteristics after treatment; however, occasional paradoxical increases in Ki67 (12% of tumors with > 5% increase after therapy) suggest treatment-resistant cells, present in some LumA tumors, can be detected by post-treatment profiling.