bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral fluid and hepatitis A, B and C: A literature review
Authors: Mahboobi Nima , Porter Stephen R. , Karayiannis Peter , Alavian Seyed Moayed
Published: December 2011

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 505–516

Background and aims:  Viral hepatitis is a significant global health problem that, depending upon the virus, affects individuals of the developing and/or developed world. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in whether oral fluids can be considered as a source of viral hepatitis transmission and whether oral fluid, in particular, whole saliva, may be a useful source for viral detection as part of the diagnosis and monitoring of viral hepatitis. The aim of this article was to review current data concerning the possible carriage of the hepatitis A, B and C viruses within saliva and gingival crevicular fluid. Such knowledge will indicate if (i) oral fluid is a possible source of infection and (ii) whether oral fluid can be used for diagnosis and monitoring of viral hepatitis.

Data and sources:  A literature search was conducted using PubMed (Medline), EMBASE/Excerpta medica, the Cochrane database and Scopus. The results were limited to published material after 2000. Relevant material was evaluated and reviewed.

Conclusion:  There is some evidence that hepatitis viruses A, B and C are present in oral fluids, particularly whole saliva and gingival crevicular fluid and may thus be possible sources of viral detection in clinical diagnosis and monitoring. However, the data are inconsistent and warrant the need for well‐planned longitudinal studies to explore the precise frequency of oral carriage of such viruses and to determine the virological and host factors that may influence the oral presence of hepatitis A, B and C viruses.
Including the p53 ELAV‐like protein‐binding site in vector cassettes enhances transgene expression in rat submandibular gland
Authors: Zheng C , Baum BJ
Published: December 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 477–484

Objective:  ELAV‐like proteins regulate mRNA stability and/or translation. We evaluated whether inclusion of binding sites for ELAV‐like HuR proteins in vector cassettes could improve transgene expression in the salivary gland.

Methods:  Western blots and immunofluorescence staining were used to determine whether HuR protein was expressed in salivary cells and tissue. HuR binding sites were inserted into the pACEF1α–luc‐BGH expression plasmid. Cell lines were transfected with plasmids in vitro and luciferase expression measured. Rat submandibular glands were transfected in vivo with plasmids containing ELAV‐like HuR protein‐binding sites. An adenoviral vector with p53 ELAV‐like HuR protein‐binding site was generated and also tested in vivo. Four unique 29mer HuR shRNA constructs were used in A5 cells to evaluate whether there was a specific interaction between HuR protein and the p53 HuR protein‐binding site.

Results:  Salivary cells express HuR protein. Inclusion of the p53 ELAV‐like HuR protein‐binding site resulted in high luciferase activity in salivary cells in vitro, with similar results in vivo. In vitro shRNA data demonstrated that the high luciferase activity was mediated by the interaction between HuR protein and the p53 HuR protein‐binding site. The AdEF1α‐luc‐p53BGH, including this binding site, mediated very high luciferase activity, ∼4‐fold that seen with the CMV promoter, in rat submandibular glands.

Conclusions:  Including the p53 ELAV‐like protein‐binding site in transgene cassettes may enhance therapeutic vectors intended for use with salivary glands.
Manualized Treatment Programs for FSD: Research Challenges and Recommendations
Authors: Hucker Alice , McCabe Marita P.
Published: December 2011

Introduction

The use of manualized treatment programs offers a useful research framework for assessing psychotherapeutic interventions for female sexual dysfunctions (FSDs), but it does not address all issues related to methodological rigor and replication, and raises new research issues in need of discussion.

Aims

The goals of this manuscript are to review the literature on treatment trials utilizing manualized psychotherapy treatments for FSD and to explore the benefits and research issues associated with the flexible use of treatment manuals.

Methods

The method used was the review of the relevant literature.

Results

While the use of manualized treatments for FSDs can address certain methodological issues inherent in psychotherapy research, flexibility in manual administration is necessary in order to allow tailoring for individual needs that can be beneficial to both the participant and the research. The flexible use of manuals, as opposed to strict manual adherence, may also be more relevant for clinical utility.

Conclusions

In order to administer manualized treatments for FSDs with appropriate flexibility, while also maximizing internal validity and replicability, the authors recommend that predetermined decision rules be utilized to guide individual tailoring, that potential gaps in the manual be identified and addressed, and that differing levels of motivation and readiness for treatment be taken into consideration in the treatment protocol.
A Pivotal Role of Lumbar Spinothalamic Cells in the Regulation of Ejaculation via Intraspinal Connections
Authors: Staudt Michael D. , Truitt William A. , McKenna Kevin E. , de Oliveira Cleusa V.R. , Lehman Michael N. , Coolen Lique M.
Published: December 2011

Introduction

A population of lumbar spinothalamic cells (LSt cells) has been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in ejaculatory behavior and comprise a critical component of the spinal ejaculation generator. LSt cells are hypothesized to regulate ejaculation via their projections to autonomic and motor neurons in the lumbosacral spinal cord.

Aim

The current study tested the hypothesis that ejaculatory reflexes are dependent on LSt cells via projections within the lumbosacral spinal cord.

Methods

Male rats received intraspinal injections of neurotoxin saporin conjugated to substance P analog, previously shown to selectively lesion LSt cells. Two weeks later, males were anesthetized and spinal cords were transected. Subsequently, males were subjected to ejaculatory reflex paradigms, including stimulation of the dorsal penile nerve (DPN), urethrogenital stimulation or administration of D3 agonist 7-OH-DPAT. Electromyographic recordings of the bulbocavernosus muscle (BCM) were analyzed for rhythmic bursting characteristic of the expulsion phase of ejaculation. In addition, a fourth commonly used paradigm for ejaculation and erections in unanesthetized, spinal-intact male rats was utilized: the ex copula reflex paradigm.

Main Outcome Measures

LSt cell lesions were predicted to prevent rhythmic bursting of BCM following DPN, urethral, or pharmacological stimulation, and emissions in the ex copula paradigm. In contrast, LSt cell lesions were not expected to abolish erectile function as measured in the ex copula paradigm.

Results

LSt cell lesions prevented rhythmic contractions of the BCM induced by any of the ejaculatory reflex paradigms in spinalized rats. However, LSt cell lesions did not affect erectile function nor emissions determined in the ex copula reflex paradigm.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that LSt cells are essential for ejaculatory, but not erectile reflexes, as previously reported for mating animals. Moreover, LSt cells mediate ejaculation via projections within the spinal cord, presumably to autonomic and motor neurons.
Belief Ascription and Context Dependence
Authors: Hunter David
Published: December 2011

This article considers the question whether belief ascriptions exhibit context dependence. I first distinguish two potential forms of context dependence in belief ascription. Propositional context dependence (PCD) concerns what the subject believes, whereas attitudinal context dependence (ACD) concerns what it is to believe a proposition. I then discuss three potential sources of PCD and two potential sources of ACD. Given the nature of this article, my discussion will provide only an overview of these various forms and sources of context dependence. Along the way I will identify areas where continued research is needed.
Survey Article Democratic Innovations: Bringing Theory and Practice into Dialogue
Authors: Smith Graham
Published: December 2011

In recent years there has been an ‘institutional turn’ in democratic theory. This survey article focuses on a broad family of institutions: democratic innovations which aim to increase and deepen citizen participation in the political decision‐making process. Attention to the design of democratic innovations is of value to the development of both democratic theory and practice.
Modernity, Technology and the Forms of Rationality
Authors: Feenberg Andrew
Published: December 2011

Modern societies are shaped to a significant extent by socially rational institutions, arrangements, and technologies. A purely functional understanding of these rationalized structures eliminates the element of meaning from social life. Ellul, Heidegger and the Frankfurt School focused on this impoverishment and associate it with the spread of technology. But recent technology studies offer a different perspective which can be joined to the formulation of the social critique in the writings of Herbert Marcuse.
On the specificity of antibiotics targeting the large ribosomal subunit
Authors: Wilson Daniel N.
Published: December 2011

The peptidyltransferase center of the large ribosomal subunit is responsible for catalyzing peptide bonds. This active site is the target of a variety of diverse antibiotics, many of which are used clinically. The past decade has seen a plethora of structures of antibiotics in complex with the large ribosomal subunit, providing unprecedented insight into the mechanism of action of these inhibitors. Ten distinct antibiotics (chloramphenicol, clindamycin, linezolid, tiamulin, sparsomycin, and five macrolides) have been crystallized in complex with four distinct ribosomal species, three bacterial, and one archaeal. This review aims to compare these structures in order to provide insight into the conserved and species‐specific modes of interaction for particular members of each class of antibiotics. Coupled with the wealth of biochemical data, a picture is emerging defining the specific functional states of the ribosome that antibiotics preferentially target. Such mechanistic insight into antibiotic inhibition will be important for the development of the next generation of antimicrobial agents.
Are pleuromutilin antibiotics finally fit for human use?
Authors: Novak Rodger
Published: December 2011

In 1951, the first reference to the antibacterial substance pleuromutilin was made in a paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers had identified several species of the mold genus Pleurotus that inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. The elucidation of the structure in 1962 led to the initiation of a development program at Sandoz, which was followed by the approval of tiamulin in 1979 for use in veterinary medicine. Although in 2007 retapamulin became the first pleuromutilin approved for topical use in humans, it was not until 2011, exactly 60 years after the first mention of the class, that a pleuromutilin antibiotic, BC‐3781, could be tested successfully in a clinical phase II trial for systemic use in patients. This review will discuss key aspects of this antibacterial class and provide some insight into the question of why it took half a century to develop a systemic pleuromutilin for human use.
Understanding the regulatory hurdles for antibacterial drug development in the post‐Ketek world
Authors: Echols Roger M.
Published: December 2011

The antibiotic telithromycin (Ketek, Sanofi‐aventis) had two of three treatment indications withdrawn after postmarketing reports of serious and fatal adverse events. The rationale for the withdrawal of specific indications (acute bacterial sinusitis and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis), while permitting the drug to remain available for the treatment of community‐acquired pneumonia, focused on the lack of demonstrated efficacy from clinical trials that included an active control to which the investigational drug, telethromycin, was determined to be statistically noninferior. This action regarding telithromycin represents a reversal of previous FDA guidelines for the conduct of clinical trials for antibacterial treatment indications and has increased the regulatory risk for future drug development. New clinical trial guidelines have been published that will increase the time and resources required to achieve regulatory marketing approval. This paper reviews recent regulatory actions and discusses the impact these new guidelines will have on future antibacterial clinical trial designs and challenges.
Initial experience of video‐assisted thoracic surgery left upper sleeve lobectomy for lung cancer: Case report and literature review
Authors: Mei Jiandong , Pu Qiang , Liao Hu , Liu Lunxu
Published: December 2011

Video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) sleeve lobectomy continues to represent a great challenge to thoracic surgeons. Herein we report what we believe to be the first case of thoracoscopic left upper sleeve lobectomy for lung cancer. A 61‐year‐old male patient with centrally located lung cancer of the left upper lobe was successfully treated by this minimally invasive technique. Based on the success of the operation, we believe that VATS left upper sleeve lobectomy is also feasible, however, surgical approaches and procedures still require further improvement.
Expression of nectin 3: Novel prognostic marker of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Maniwa Yoshimasa , Nishio Wataru , Okita Yutaka , Yoshimura Masahiro
Published: December 2011

Background:  We investigated the prognostic significance of the immunoglobulin‐like cell adhesion molecule nectin‐3, a regulator of the formation of adherens junctions, in human lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods:  Tumor‐tissue samples of 127 patients with surgically resected lung adenocarcinoma were used for analysis of the proteins expression by immunohistochemistry.

Results:  Of the 127 patients, 25% showed membranous expression of nectin‐3, and others showed negative or cytoplasmic expression. Membranous expression of nectin‐3 was found to be a prognostic factor for decreased overall survival on univariate analysis (P = 0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analyses also revealed that membranous expression of nectin‐3 turned out to be an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.048). Moreover, in tumors expressing membranous nectin‐3, some tumors did not co‐localize with E‐cadherin, and the patients of such tumors showed poorer prognosis than other patients for overall survival on univariate analysis (P < 0.03). Conversely, membranous expression of nectin‐3 with E‐cadherin co‐localization was found to associate with good prognosis of patients.

Conclusion:  Membranous expression of nectin‐3 was an independent prognostic factor of lung adenocarcinoma, and it might play an important role in progression of the tumor.
Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors originating in the main bronchus
Authors: Tane Shinya , Nishio Waratu , Hashimoto Shotaro , Hokka Daisuke , Maniwa Yoshimasa , Funada Yasuhiro , Kotani Yoshikazu , Hirai Chihoko , Ohbayashi Chiho , Yoshimura Masahiro
Published: December 2011

Ewing's sarcoma family tumors (ESFT), which include Ewing's sarcoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET), have been reported to originate in a variety of sites, mostly in the extremities. Previous reports have shown ESFT originating in the thoracic region, such as chest wall and peripheral lung. We herein report the first case of the ESFT that originated in the main bronchus. Endobronchial snare resection was followed by five courses of chemotherapy (VDC‐IE; including vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide and etoposide) and sequential radiation. After the treatment, the patient's condition has improved, and he has remained disease‐free for the past year.
CAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS REDUCE ECONOMIC VULNERABILITY?
Authors: DICAPRIO ALISA , SANTOS‐PAULINO AMELIA U.
Published: December 2011

Free trade agreements between countries at different ends of the development spectrum have become increasingly common over the past decade. The impact that this type of arrangement has on trade flows has been widely modelled; however, the extent to which it can be expected to affect economic vulnerability is an aspect that has largely been overlooked. Yet as the economic distance between negotiating partners widens, the likelihood that changes in trade flows will affect the economic structure of the less developed partner increase. This paper explores the components of two prominent highly asymmetric negotiations – the Dominican Republic – Central America Free Trade Agreement and the European Union – Caribbean Forum Economic Partnership Agreement – to assess the channels through which the resulting organisation of trade may impact the vulnerability profile of the developing country partners. We find that these FTAs have the potential to address economic vulnerability in the developing country partners in ways that would not be possible in their absence.
AN ASEAN–EU FTA, REGIONAL PRODUCTION SHARING, AND REGIONAL COHESION. FOCUS ON CAMBODIA, LAOS AND MYANMAR
Authors: CHEN LURONG , CUYVERS LUDO , LOMBAERDE PHILIPPE DE , KUSUMANINGTIAS WAHYU MUKTI
Published: December 2011

This article focuses on the potential effects of an Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN)–European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar (C‐L‐M), the least developed economies of ASEAN. The authors explore how the particular structure of the ASEAN production sharing network might shed light on the transmission of effects. Gravity models for intra‐regional trade are estimated for that purpose. Whereas the existing computable general equilibrium (CGE) analyses consider C‐L‐M as one rest category, a country‐level analysis for the C‐L‐M countries is presented.

It is shown that it is not straightforward that C‐L‐M would win from an ASEAN–EU FTA. At best, marginal absolute positive effects might be expected for the C‐L‐M economies. In relative terms, an FTA is not likely to contribute to more economic (and political?) cohesion in the region. It is therefore argued that it makes sense to (re‐) connect C‐L‐M to the negotiation process.
Coupling of In-Plane Flexural, Tangential, and Shear Wave Modes of a Curved Beam
Authors: Kang B. , Riedel C. H.
Published: December 2011

In this paper, the coupling effects among three elastic wave modes, flexural, tangential, and radial shear, on the dynamics of a planar curved beam are assessed. Two sets of equations of motion governing the in-plane motion of a curved beam are derived, in a consistent manner, based on the theory of elasticity and Hamilton’s principle. The first set of equations retains all resulting linear coupling terms that includes both static and dynamic coupling among the three wave modes. In the derivation of the second set of equations, the effects of Coriolis acceleration and high-order elastic coupling terms are neglected, which leads to a set of equations without dynamic coupling terms between the tangential and shear wave modes. This second set of equations of motion is the one most commonly used in studies on thick curved beams that include the effects of centerline extensibility, rotary inertia, and shear deformation. The assessment is carried out by comparing the dynamic behavior predicted by each curved beam model in terms of the dispersion relations, frequency spectra, cutoff frequencies, natural frequencies and mode shapes, and frequency responses. In order to ensure the comparison is based on accurate results, the wave propagation technique is applied to obtain exact wave solutions. The results suggest that the contributions of the dynamic and high-order elastic coupling terms to the response of a thick curved beam are quite significant and that these coupling terms should not be neglected for an accurate analysis of a thick curved beam with a large curvature parameter.
Prediction and Measurement of Thermal Transport Across Interfaces Between Isotropic Solids and Graphitic Materials
Authors: Norris Pamela M. , Smoyer Justin L. , Duda John C. , Hopkins Patrick E.
Published: December 2011

Due to the high intrinsic thermal conductivity of carbon allotropes, there have been many attempts to incorporate such structures into existing thermal abatement technologies. In particular, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphitic materials (i.e., graphite and graphene flakes or stacks) have garnered much interest due to the combination of both their thermal and mechanical properties. However, the introduction of these carbon-based nanostructures into thermal abatement technologies greatly increases the number of interfaces per unit length within the resulting composite systems. Consequently, thermal transport in these systems is governed as much by the interfaces between the constituent materials as it is by the materials themselves. This paper reports the behavior of phononic thermal transport across interfaces between isotropic thin films and graphite substrates. Elastic and inelastic diffusive transport models are formulated to aid in the prediction of conductance at a metal-graphite interface. The temperature dependence of the thermal conductance at Au-graphite interfaces is measured via transient thermoreflectance from 78 to 400 K. It is found that different substrate surface preparations prior to thin film deposition have a significant effect on the conductance of the interface between film and substrate.
Directed assembly in epitaxial zinc oxide films on focused ion beam modified sapphire substrates
Authors: Myers Benjamin D. , Stevens Blake L. , Rożkiewicz Dorota I. , Barnett Scott A. , Dravid Vinayak P.
Published: December 2011

A new method for directed self-assembly using focused ion beam (FIB) and physical vapor deposition is presented. The high resolution and site-specific patterning capabilities of FIB are coupled with the self-assembly process in heteroepitaxial thin film growth. An efficient FIB-induced damage mechanism is exploited to pattern amorphous regions in sapphire substrates which direct the subsequent assembly of a sputter-deposited zinc oxide film. This novel approach allows for the fabrication of in-plane nano- to microscale heterostructures comprising epitaxial regions with high strain and defect density that are separated by regions of randomly oriented (in-plane) grains with much lower strain and defect density.
Terminal Developments in Ediacaran Embryology
Authors: Butterfield N. J.
Published: December 2011

Fossils previously interpreted as the earliest evidence for animals represent a simpler level of eukaryotic organization.
Revisiting a Classic
The Chemical History of a Candle
Sesquicentenary Edition

by Michael Faraday. Frank A. J. L. James, Ed.

Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2011. 202 pp. $24.95, £14.99. ISBN 9780199694914.
Authors: Yeston Jake
Published: December 2011

Faraday's final Christmas lectures for the Royal Institution became a classic work of popular science.
Does North America Hold the Roots of Mesoamerican Civilization?
Authors: Lawler Andrew
Published: December 2011

Ancient settlements in what is now Louisiana may have laid the foundation not only for the great city of Cahokia but perhaps also for Mesoamerican civilization.
Crunch Time for North Korea's Revolutionary New University
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: December 2011

The 2-year-old Pyongyang University of Science and Technology is struggling to raise funds and equip its laboratories.
Serum Hemagglutination Inhibition Activity Correlates with Protection from Gastroenteritis in Persons Infected with Norwalk Virus
Authors: Czakó Rita , Atmar Robert L. , Opekun Antone R. , Gilger Mark A. , Graham David Y. , Estes Mary K.
Published: December 2011

A hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay to assess serum antibody responses following Norwalk virus (NV) infection was developed. HAI activity increased significantly in individuals experimentally infected with NV (
n
= 18) and correlated with antibody levels measured in a histo-blood group antigen (HBGA) blocking assay. Prechallenge HAI antibody levels also correlated with protection from the development of gastroenteritis (Mann-Whitney test,
P
= 0.02). The HAI assay is another assay suitable for the detection of antibody that correlates with protection from Norwalk virus-associated disease.
High Proportion of Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates with Novel Gyrase Polymorphisms and a
gyrA
Region Associated with Fluoroquinolone Susceptibility
Authors: Devasia Rose , Blackman Amondrea , Eden Svetlana , Li Haijing , Maruri Fernanda , Shintani Ayumi , Alexander Charles , Kaiga Anne , Stratton Charles W. , Warkentin Jon , Tang Yi-Wei , Sterling Timothy R.
Published: December 2011

Fluoroquinolone resistance in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
can be conferred by mutations in
gyrA
or
gyrB
. The prevalence of resistance mutations outside the quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) of
gyrA
or
gyrB
is unclear, since such regions are rarely sequenced.
M. tuberculosis
isolates from 1,111 patients with newly diagnosed culture-confirmed tuberculosis diagnosed in Tennessee from 2002 to 2009 were screened for phenotypic ofloxacin resistance (>2 μg/ml). For each resistant isolate, two ofloxacin-susceptible isolates were selected: one with antecedent fluoroquinolone exposure and one without. The complete
gyrA
and
gyrB
genes were sequenced and compared with
M. tuberculosis
H37Rv. Of 25 ofloxacin-resistant isolates, 11 (44%) did not have previously reported resistance mutations. Of these, 10 had novel polymorphisms: 3 in the QRDR of
gyrA
, 1 in the QRDR of
gyrB
, and 6 outside the QRDR of
gyrA
or
gyrB
; 1 did not have any gyrase polymorphisms. Polymorphisms in
gyrA
codons 1 to 73 were more common in fluoroquinolone-susceptible than in fluoroquinolone-resistant strains (20% versus 0%;
P
= 0.016). In summary, almost half of fluoroquinolone-resistant
M. tuberculosis
isolates did not have previously described resistance mutations, which has implications for genotypic diagnostic tests.
First Isolation of Cryptococcus uzbekistanensis from an Immunocompromised Patient with Lymphoma
Authors: Powel Michael S. , Alizadeh Ash A. , Budvytiene Indre , Schaenman Joanna M. , Banaei Niaz
Published: December 2011

Cryptococcus
species are known agents of opportunistic infections in healthy and immunocompromised hosts. Here we describe the first case of
Cryptococcus uzbekistanensis
causing bone marrow infection in an elderly Asian man with undiagnosed T cell lymphoma presenting with fever of unknown origin, pancytopenia, and exposure to chicken manure.
Genetic Features Differentiating Bovine, Food, and Human Isolates of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O157 in The Netherlands
Authors: Franz Eelco , van Hoek Angela H. A. M. , van der Wal Fimme J. , de Boer Albert , Zwartkruis-Nahuis Ans , van der Zwaluw Kim , Aarts Henk J. M. , Heuvelink Annet E.
Published: December 2011

The frequency of
Escherichia coli
O157 genotypes among bovine, food, and human clinical isolates from The Netherlands was studied. Genotyping included the lineage-specific polymorphism assay (LSPA6), the Shiga-toxin-encoding bacteriophage insertion site assay (SBI), and PCR detection and/or subtyping of virulence factors and markers [
stx1
,
stx
2a
/
stx
2c
,
q21
/
Q933
,
tir
(
A255T
), and
rhsA
(
C3468G
)]. LSPA6 lineage II dominated among bovine isolates (63%), followed by lineage I/II (35.6%) and lineage I (1.4%). In contrast, the majority of the human isolates were typed as lineage I/II (77.6%), followed by lineage I (14.1%) and lineage II (8.2%). Multivariate analysis revealed that the
tir
(
A255T
) SNP and the

stx
2a
/stx

2c
gene variants were the genetic features most differentiating human from bovine isolates. Bovine and food isolates were dominated by
stx
2c
(86.4% and 65.5%, respectively). Among human isolates, the frequency of
stx
2c
was 36.5%, while the frequencies of
stx
2a
and
stx
2a
plus
stx
2c
were 41.2% and 22.4%, respectively. Bovine isolates showed equal distribution of
tir
(255A) (54.8%) and
tir
(255T) (45.2%), while human isolates were dominated by the
tir
(255T) genotype (92.9%). LSPA6 lineage I isolates were all genotype
stx
2c
and
tir
(255T), while LSPA6 lineage II was dominated by
tir
(255A) (86.4%) and
stx
2c
(90.9%). LSPA6 lineage I/II isolates were all genotype
tir
(255T) but showed more variation in
stx
2
types. The results support the hypothesis that in The Netherlands, the genotypes primarily associated with human disease form a minor subpopulation in the bovine reservoir. Comparison with published data revealed that the distribution of LSPA6 lineages among bovine and human clinical isolates differs considerably between The Netherlands and North America.
Molecular Evidence for Zoonotic Transmission of an Emergent, Highly Pathogenic Campylobacter jejuni Clone in the United States
Authors: Sahin Orhan , Fitzgerald Collette , Stroika Steven , Zhao Shaohua , Sippy Rachel J. , Kwan Patrick , Plummer Paul J. , Han Jing , Yaeger Michael J. , Zhang Qijing
Published: December 2011

Campylobacter jejuniis a major zoonotic pathogen. A highly virulent, tetracycline-resistantC. jejuniclone (clone SA) has recently emerged in ruminant reservoirs and has become the predominant cause of sheep abortion in the United States. To determine whether clone SA is associated with human disease, we compared the clinical isolates of clone SA from sheep abortions with the human isolates of the PulseNet NationalCampylobacterdatabases at the CDC and the FDA using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and serotyping. The combined SmaI and KpnI PFGE pattern designations of clone SA from sheep were indistinguishable from those of 123 (9.03%) humanC. jejuniisolates (total, 1,361) in the CDC database, among which 56 were associated with sporadic infections and 67 were associated with outbreaks that occurred in multiple states from 2003 to 2010. Most of the outbreaks were attributed to raw milk, while the sources for most of the sporadic cases were unknown. All clone SA isolates examined, including PFGE-matched human isolates, belong to sequence type 8 (ST-8) by MLST and serotype HS:1,8, further indicating the clonality of the related isolates from different host species. Additionally,C. jejuniclone SA was identified in raw milk, cattle feces, the feces and bile of healthy sheep, and abortion cases of cattle and goats, indicating the broad distribution of this pathogenic clone in ruminants. These results provide strong molecular and epidemiological evidence for zoonotic transmission of this emergent clone from ruminants to humans and indicate thatC. jejuniclone SA is an important threat to public health.
Mutational Robustness of an RNA Virus Influences Sensitivity to Lethal Mutagenesis
Authors: Graci Jason D. , Gnädig Nina F. , Galarraga Jessica E. , Castro Christian , Vignuzzi Marco , Cameron Craig E.
Published: December 2011

The ability to extinguish a viral population of fixed reproductive capacity by causing small changes in the mutation rate is referred to as lethal mutagenesis and is a corollary of population genetics theory. Here we show that coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) exhibits reduced mutational robustness relative to poliovirus, manifesting in enhanced sensitivity of CVB3 to lethal mutagens that is dependent on the size of the viral population. We suggest that mutational robustness may be a useful measure of the sensitivity of a virus to lethal mutagenesis.
Interactions of the Cytoplasmic Domain of Sindbis Virus E2 with Nucleocapsid Cores Promote Alphavirus Budding
Authors: Jose Joyce , Przybyla Laralynne , Edwards Thomas J. , Perera Rushika , Burgner John W. , Kuhn Richard J.
Published: December 2011

Alphavirus budding from the plasma membrane occurs through the specific interaction of the nucleocapsid core with the cytoplasmic domain of the E2 glycoprotein (cdE2). Structural studies of the Sindbis virus capsid protein (CP) have suggested that these critical interactions are mediated by the binding of cdE2 into a hydrophobic pocket in the CP. Several molecular genetic studies have implicated amino acids Y400 and L402 in cdE2 as important for the budding of alphaviruses. In this study, we characterized the role of cdE2 residues in structural polyprotein processing, glycoprotein transport, and capsid interactions. Along with hydrophobic residues, charged residues in the N terminus of cdE2 were critical for the effective interaction of cores with cdE2, a process required for virus budding. Mutations in the C-terminal signal sequence region of cdE2 affected E2 protein transport to the plasma membrane, while nonbudding mutants that were defective in cdE2-CP interaction accumulated E2 on the plasma membrane. The interaction of cdE2 with cytoplasmic cores purified from infected cells and
in vitro
-assembled core-like particles suggests that cdE2 interacts with assembled cores to mediate budding. We hypothesize that these cdE2 interactions induce a change in the organization of the nucleocapsid core upon binding leading to particle budding and priming of the nucleocapsid cores for disassembly that is required for virus infection.
Cellular Transcription Factors Induced in Trigeminal Ganglia during Dexamethasone-Induced Reactivation from Latency Stimulate Bovine Herpesvirus 1 Productive Infection and Certain Viral Promoters
Authors: Workman Aspen , Eudy James , Smith Lynette , Frizzo da Silva Leticia , Sinani Devis , Bricker Halie , Cook Emily , Doster Alan , Jones Clinton
Published: December 2011

Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1), an alphaherpesvirinae subfamily member, establishes latency in sensory neurons. Elevated corticosteroid levels, due to stress, reproducibly triggers reactivation from latency in the field. A single intravenous injection of the synthetic corticosteroid dexamethasone (DEX) to latently infected calves consistently induces reactivation from latency. Lytic cycle viral gene expression is detected in sensory neurons within 6 h after DEX treatment of latently infected calves. These observations suggested that DEX stimulated expression of cellular genes leads to lytic cycle viral gene expression and productive infection. In this study, a commercially available assay—Bovine Gene Chip—was used to compare cellular gene expression in the trigeminal ganglia (TG) of calves latently infected with BHV-1 versus DEX-treated animals. Relative to TG prepared from latently infected calves, 11 cellular genes were induced more than 10-fold 3 h after DEX treatment. Pentraxin three, a regulator of innate immunity and neurodegeneration, was stimulated 35- to 63-fold after 3 or 6 h of DEX treatment. Two transcription factors, promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) and Slug were induced more than 15-fold 3 h after DEX treatment. PLZF or Slug stimulated productive infection 20- or 5-fold, respectively, and Slug stimulated the late glycoprotein C promoter more than 10-fold. Additional DEX-induced transcription factors also stimulated productive infection and certain viral promoters. These studies suggest that DEX-inducible cellular transcription factors and/or signaling pathways stimulate lytic cycle viral gene expression, which subsequently leads to successful reactivation from latency in a small subset of latently infected neurons.
The Ecology, Genetic Diversity, and Phylogeny of Huaiyangshan Virus in China
Authors: Zhang Yong-Zhen , Zhou Dun-Jin , Qin Xin-Cheng , Tian Jun-Hua , Xiong Yanwen , Wang Jian-Bo , Chen Xiao-Ping , Gao Dong-Ya , He Yong-Wen , Jin Dong , Sun Qiangzheng , Guo Wen-Ping , Wang Wen , Yu Bin , Li Juan , Dai Yong-An , Li Wei , Peng Jin-Song , Zhang Guo-Bin , Zhang Shaomin , Chen Xiao-Min , Wang Yan , Li Ming-Hui , Lu Xin , Ye Changyun , de Jong Menno D. , Xu Jianguo
Published: December 2011

Surveys were carried out to better understand the tick vector ecology and genetic diversity of Huaiyangshan virus (HYSV) in both regions of endemicity and regions of nonendemicity.
Haemaphysalis longicornis
ticks were dominant in regions of endemicity, while
Rhipicephalus microplus
is more abundant in regions of nonendemicity. HYSV RNA was found in human and both tick species, with greater prevalence in
H. longicornis
and lesser prevalence in
R. microplus
. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that HYSV is a novel species of the genus
Phlebovirus
.
Polymorphic Integrations of an Endogenous Gammaretrovirus in the Mule Deer Genome
Authors: Elleder Daniel , Kim Oekyung , Padhi Abinash , Bankert Jason G. , Simeonov Ivan , Schuster Stephan C. , Wittekindt Nicola E. , Motameny Susanne , Poss Mary
Published: December 2011

Endogenous retroviruses constitute a significant genomic fraction in all mammalian species. Typically they are evolutionarily old and fixed in the host species population. Here we report on a novel endogenous gammaretrovirus (CrERVγ; for cervid endogenous gammaretrovirus) in the mule deer (
Odocoileus hemionus
) that is insertionally polymorphic among individuals from the same geographical location, suggesting that it has a more recent evolutionary origin. Using PCR-based methods, we identified seven CrERVγ proviruses and demonstrated that they show various levels of insertional polymorphism in mule deer individuals. One CrERVγ provirus was detected in all mule deer sampled but was absent from white-tailed deer, indicating that this virus originally integrated after the split of the two species, which occurred approximately one million years ago. There are, on average, 100 CrERVγ copies in the mule deer genome based on quantitative PCR analysis. A CrERVγ provirus was sequenced and contained intact open reading frames (ORFs) for three virus genes. Transcripts were identified covering the entire provirus. CrERVγ forms a distinct branch of the gammaretrovirus phylogeny, with the closest relatives of CrERVγ being endogenous gammaretroviruses from sheep and pig. We demonstrated that white-tailed deer (
Odocoileus virginianus
) and elk (
Cervus canadensis
) DNA contain proviruses that are closely related to mule deer CrERVγ in a conserved region of
pol
; more distantly related sequences can be identified in the genome of another member of the
Cervidae
, the muntjac (
Muntiacus muntjak
). The discovery of a novel transcriptionally active and insertionally polymorphic retrovirus in mammals could provide a useful model system to study the dynamic interaction between the host genome and an invading retrovirus.
Hazardous drinking among patients attending a minor injuries unit: a pilot study
Authors: Patton Robert , Vohra Munazzah
Published: December 2011

Excessive alcohol consumption increases the likelihood of accidental injury. This pilot study reports on the prevalence of hazardous drinkers presenting to a minor injuries unit. The proportion of hazardous drinkers is broadly similar to that found in emergency departments, suggesting that such units could also host alcohol intervention and brief advice activities.
Investigation of the best suture pattern to close a stuffed Christmas turkey
Authors: Verwilghen D. , Busoni V. , van Galen G. , Wilke M.
Published: December 2011

Instructions on how to debone and stuff a turkey are available, but what is the best way to close it up? A randomised trial involving 15 turkeys was performed in order to evaluate skin disruption scores and cosmetic outcomes following the use of different suture patterns. Turkeys were deboned, stuffed and cooked according to guidelines of the US Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Services. After stuffing, they were randomly assigned to one of five closure groups: simple continuous Lembert; simple continuous Cushing; simple continuous Utrecht; simple continuous; or staples. Turkeys were cooked at 180°C for two hours ensuring core temperature reached 75°C. Suture line integrity was evaluated after removal of the sutures and the cosmetic aspect was graded. Before cooking, the Utrecht pattern and skin staples offered the best cosmetic result. After removal of the sutures, the skin remained intact only in the stapled group. All other suture patterns disrupted the skin after removal of the sutures, rendering the turkey less cosmetically appealing for serving. Closure of a stuffed turkey was best performed using skin staples to achieve the best cosmetic results. Using this technique you will be able to impress family and friends at a Christmas dinner, and finally show them your surgical skills.
Resistance exercise increases NF-κB activity in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Vella Luke , Caldow Marissa K. , Larsen Amy E. , Tassoni Daniella , Della Gatta Paul A. , Gran Petra , Russell Aaron P. , Cameron-Smith David
Published: December 2011

Intense resistance exercise causes a significant inflammatory response. NF-κB has been identified as a prospective key transcription factor mediating the postexercise inflammatory response. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a single bout of intense resistance exercise regulates NF-κB signaling in human skeletal muscle. Muscle biopsy samples were obtained from the vastus lateralis of five recreationally active, but not strength-trained, males (21.9 ± 1.3 yr) prior to, and at 2 and 4 h following, a single bout of intense resistance exercise. A further five subjects (4 males, 1 female) (23 ± 0.89 yr) were recruited as a nonexercise control group to examine the effect of the muscle biopsy protocol on key markers of skeletal muscle inflammation. Protein levels of IκBα and phosphorylated NF-κB (p65), as well as the mRNA expression of inflammatory myokines monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), IL-6, and IL-8 were measured. Additionally, NF-κB (p65) DNA binding to the promoter regions of MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8 was investigated. IκBα protein levels decreased, while p-NF-κB (p65) protein levels increased 2 h postexercise and returned to near-baseline levels by 4-h postexercise. Immunohistochemical data verified these findings, illustrating an increase in p-NF-κB (p65) protein levels, and nuclear localization at 2 h postexercise. Furthermore, NF-κB DNA binding to MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8 promoter regions increased significantly 2 h postexercise as did mRNA levels of these myokines. No significant change was observed in the nonexercise control group. These novel data provide evidence that intense resistance exercise transiently activates NF-κB signaling in human skeletal muscle during the first few hours postexercise. These findings implicate NF-κB in the transcriptional control of myokines known to be central to the postexercise inflammatory response.
Effects of familial hemiplegic migraine type 1 mutation T666M on voltage-gated calcium channel activities in trigeminal ganglion neurons
Authors: Tao Jin , Liu Ping , Xiao Zheman , Zhao Hucheng , Gerber Benjamin R. , Cao Yu-Qing
Published: December 2011

Familial hemiplegic migraine type 1 (FHM-1), a rare hereditary form of migraine with aura and hemiparesis, serves as a good model for exploring migraine pathophysiology. The FHM-1 gene encodes the pore-forming CaV2.1 subunit of human P/Q-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs). Some FHM-1 mutations result in a decrease of whole cell P/Q-type current density in transfected cells/neurons. Questions remain as to whether and how these mutations may increase the gain of the trigeminal nociceptive pathway underlying migraine headache. Here, we investigated the effects of T666M, the most frequently occurring FHM-1 mutation, on VGCC currents and neuronal excitability in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons. We expressed human wild-type and T666M CaV2.1 subunits in cultured TG neurons from CaV2.1 knockout mice and recorded whole cell VGCC currents in transfected neurons. Currents mediated by individual VGCC subtypes were dissected according to their pharmacological and biophysical properties. TG neurons were sorted into three subpopulations based on their soma size and their affinity to isolectin B4 (IB4). We found that the T666M mutation did not affect total or surface expression of CaV2.1 proteins but caused a profound reduction of P/Q-type current in all subtypes of TG neurons. Interestingly, a compensatory increase in CaV3.2-mediated low-voltage-activated T-type currents only occurred in small IB4-negative (IB4−) TG neurons expressing T666M subunits. Current-clamp recordings showed that the T666M mutation resulted in hyperexcitability of the small IB4− TG population. Taken together, our results suggest a possible scenario through which FHM-1 mutations might increase the gain of the trigeminal nociceptive pathway.
Observed effector-independent motor learning by observing
Authors: Williams Alexandra , Gribble Paul L.
Published: December 2011

A compelling idea in cognitive neuroscience links motor control and action observation. Recent work supports the idea that a link exists not just between action observation and action planning, but between observation and motor learning. Several studies support the idea that cortical regions that underlie active motor learning also play a role in motor learning by observing. The goal of the present study was to test whether motor learning by observing is effector dependent (as in active motor learning) or effector independent (as in studies of action observation and mirror neurons). Right-handed human subjects observed a video depicting another individual learning to reach to visual targets in a force field (FF). The video showed reaching in a clockwise FF (CWFF) or a counter-clockwise FF (CCWFF), and depicted an individual reaching with the right or left arm. After observation, all subjects were asked to reach in a CWFF, using their right arm. As in our prior studies, subjects who observed a CWFF prior to the CWFF test performed better than subjects who observed a CCWFF. We show here that this effect was seen both when observers watched others reach using their right arm, and when observers watched others learning to reach using the left arm. These results suggest that information about novel forces learned through observation is represented in an effector-independent coordinate frame, and are consistent with the idea that the brain links not only observation and movement, but motor learning as well, through abstract representations of actions.
Biplot Approach for Identification of Heterotic Crosses in Linseed (Linum usitatissimumL.)
Authors: Rastogi Anu , Mishra Brij Kishore , Srivastava Mrinalini , Siddiqui Ameena , Shukla Sudhir
Published: December 2011

In India, among nonedible oilseed crops, linseed is a commercial crop having tremendous economic and industrial importance. The seed production is low due to limited resources, so the development of high-yielding lines with desirable characters is urgently needed. In the present study seven parents' half diallel data was subjected to biplot analysis to identify the heterotic crosses, genetically similar parents, and to study their interrelationship. Parent Sln-Ys with A-79 and A-03 with A-79 for capsules per plant and seed yield, parent Mukta with Sln-Ys and Mukta with BAU-45 for seeds per capsule, and parents Mukta, A-103, A-79 and A-94 for test weight had lowest correlation. Parent B [Mukta] and F [A-79] were good general combiner for all the traits. The crosses F [A-79]  ×  A [Sln-Ys] and D [A-03]  ×  F [A-79] for capsules per plant, test weight and seed yield per plant, cross D [A-03]  ×  A [Sln-Ys] for capsules per plant and test weight and cross D [A-03]  ×  F [A-79] for test weight and seed yield per plant were heterotic. None of the crosses were heterotic for seeds per capsule.