bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystal Structure of the Cowpox Virus-Encoded NKG2D Ligand OMCP
Authors: Lazear Eric , Peterson Lance W. , Nelson Chris A. , Fremont Daved H.
Published: November 2012

The NKG2D receptor is expressed on the surface of NK, T, and macrophage lineage cells and plays an important role in antiviral and antitumor immunity. To evade NKG2D recognition, herpesviruses block the expression of NKG2D ligands on the surface of infected cells using a diverse repertoire of sabotage methods. Cowpox and monkeypox viruses have taken an alternate approach by encoding a soluble NKG2D ligand, the orthopoxvirus major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-like protein (OMCP), which can block NKG2D-mediated cytotoxicity. This approach has the advantage of targeting a single conserved receptor instead of numerous host ligands that exhibit significant sequence diversity. Here, we show that OMCP binds the NKG2D homodimer as a monomer and competitively blocks host ligand engagement. We have also determined the 2.25-Å-resolution crystal structure of OMCP from the cowpox virus Brighton Red strain, revealing a truncated MHC class I-like platform domain consisting of a beta sheet flanked with two antiparallel alpha helices. OMCP is generally similar in structure to known host NKG2D ligands but has notable variations in regions typically used to engage NKG2D. Additionally, the determinants responsible for the 14-fold-higher affinity of OMCP for human than for murine NKG2D were mapped to a single loop in the NKG2D ligand-binding pocket.
Epigenetic Silencing of Antiviral Genes Renders Clones of Huh-7 Cells Permissive for Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Authors: Chen Qiuyue , Denard Bray , Huang Hua , Ye Jin
Published: November 2012

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) does not replicate efficiently in wild-type human hepatoma Huh-7 cells, but it replicates robustly in certain subclones of Huh-7 cells. Previously, we demonstrated that silencing of cyclic AMP (cAMP) response element binding protein 3-like 1 (
CREB3L1
), a cellular transcription factor that inhibits HCV replication, allows HCV to replicate in HRP1 cells, a subclone of Huh-7 cells permissive for HCV replication. Here we show that silencing of myxovirus resistant 1 (
MX1
), a known interferon-induced antiviral gene, is responsible for HRP4 cells, another subclone of Huh-7 cells, being permissive for HCV replication. Both
CREB3L1
and
MX1
are epigenetically silenced through DNA methylation in HRP1 and HRP4 cells, respectively. We further demonstrate that Huh-7 cells exist as a mixed population of cells with distinct patterns of gene methylation and HCV replicates in subpopulations of Huh-7 cells that have antiviral genes epigenetically silenced by DNA hypermethylation. Our results demonstrate that understanding the mechanism through which subclones of Huh-7 cells become permissive for HCV replication is crucial for studying their interaction with HCV.
Functional and Structural Characterization of Neutralizing Epitopes of Measles Virus Hemagglutinin Protein
Authors: Tahara Maino , Ito Yuri , Brindley Melinda A. , Ma Xuemin , He Jilan , Xu Songtao , Fukuhara Hideo , Sakai Kouji , Komase Katsuhiro , Rota Paul A. , Plemper Richard K. , Maenaka Katsumi , Takeda Makoto
Published: November 2012

Effective vaccination programs have dramatically reduced the number of measles-related deaths globally. Although all the available data suggest that measles eradication is biologically feasible, a structural and biochemical basis for the single serotype nature of measles virus (MV) remains to be provided. The hemagglutinin (H) protein, which binds to two discrete proteinaceous receptors, is the major neutralizing target. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) recognizing distinct epitopes on the H protein were characterized using recombinant MVs encoding the H gene from different MV genotypes. The effects of various mutations on neutralization by MAbs and virus fitness were also analyzed, identifying the location of five epitopes on the H protein structure. Our data in the present study demonstrated that the H protein of MV possesses at least two conserved effective neutralizing epitopes. One, which is a previously recognized epitope, is located near the receptor-binding site (RBS), and thus MAbs that recognize this epitope blocked the receptor binding of the H protein, whereas the other epitope is located at the position distant from the RBS. Thus, a MAb that recognizes this epitope did not inhibit the receptor binding of the H protein, rather interfered with the hemagglutinin-fusion (H-F) interaction. This epitope was suggested to play a key role for formation of a higher order of an H-F protein oligomeric structure. Our data also identified one nonconserved effective neutralizing epitope. The epitope has been masked by an
N
-linked sugar modification in some genotype MV strains. These data would contribute to our understanding of the antigenicity of MV and support the global elimination program of measles.
Comprehensive Mutational Analysis Reveals p6
Gag
Phosphorylation To Be Dispensable for HIV-1 Morphogenesis and Replication
Authors: Radestock Benjamin , Morales Ivonne , Rahman Sheikh Abdul , Radau Sonja , Glass Bärbel , Zahedi René Peiman , Müller Barbara , Kräusslich Hans-Georg
Published: November 2012

The structural polyprotein Gag of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is necessary and sufficient for formation of virus-like particles. Its C-terminal p6 domain harbors short peptide motifs that facilitate virus release from the plasma membrane and mediate incorporation of the viral Vpr protein. p6 has been shown to be the major viral phosphoprotein in HIV-1-infected cells and virions, but the sites and functional relevance of p6 phosphorylation are not clear. Here, we identified phosphorylation of several serine and threonine residues in p6 in purified virus preparations using mass spectrometry. Mutation of individual candidate phosphoacceptor residues had no detectable effect on virus assembly, release, and infectivity, however, suggesting that phosphorylation of single residues may not be functionally relevant. Therefore, a comprehensive mutational analysis was conducted changing all potentially phosphorylatable amino acids in p6, except for a threonine that is part of an essential peptide motif. To avoid confounding changes in the overlapping
pol
reading frame, mutagenesis was performed in a provirus with genetically uncoupled
gag
and
pol
reading frames. An HIV-1 derivative carrying 12 amino acid changes in its p6 region, abolishing all but one potential phosphoacceptor site, showed no impairment of Gag assembly and virus release and displayed only very subtle deficiencies in viral infectivity in T-cell lines and primary lymphocytes. All mutations were stable over 2 weeks of culture in primary cells. Based on these findings, we conclude that phosphorylation of p6 is dispensable for HIV-1 assembly, release, and infectivity in tissue culture.
Sequential Seasonal H1N1 Influenza Virus Infections Protect Ferrets against Novel 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus
Authors: Carter Donald M. , Bloom Chalise E. , Nascimento Eduardo J. M. , Marques Ernesto T. A. , Craigo Jodi K. , Cherry Joshua L. , Lipman David J. , Ross Ted M.
Published: November 2012

Individuals <60 years of age had the lowest incidence of infection, with ∼25% of these people having preexisting, cross-reactive antibodies to novel 2009 H1N1 influenza. Many people >60 years old also had preexisting antibodies to novel H1N1. These observations are puzzling because the seasonal H1N1 viruses circulating during the last 60 years were not antigenically similar to novel H1N1. We therefore hypothesized that a sequence of exposures to antigenically different seasonal H1N1 viruses can elicit an antibody response that protects against novel 2009 H1N1. Ferrets were preinfected with seasonal H1N1 viruses and assessed for cross-reactive antibodies to novel H1N1. Serum from infected ferrets was assayed for cross-reactivity to both seasonal and novel 2009 H1N1 strains. These results were compared to those of ferrets that were sequentially infected with H1N1 viruses isolated prior to 1957 or more-recently isolated viruses. Following seroconversion, ferrets were challenged with novel H1N1 influenza virus and assessed for viral titers in the nasal wash, morbidity, and mortality. There was no hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) cross-reactivity in ferrets infected with any single seasonal H1N1 influenza viruses, with limited protection to challenge. However, sequential H1N1 influenza infections reduced the incidence of disease and elicited cross-reactive antibodies to novel H1N1 isolates. The amount and duration of virus shedding and the frequency of transmission following novel H1N1 challenge were reduced. Exposure to multiple seasonal H1N1 influenza viruses, and not to any single H1N1 influenza virus, elicits a breadth of antibodies that neutralize novel H1N1 even though the host was never exposed to the novel H1N1 influenza viruses.
Stress Granule Formation Induced by Measles Virus Is Protein Kinase PKR Dependent and Impaired by RNA Adenosine Deaminase ADAR1
Authors: Okonski Kristina M. , Samuel Charles E.
Published: November 2012

ADAR1, an interferon (IFN)-inducible double-stranded (ds) RNA-specific adenosine deaminase, downregulates host innate responses, including activation of the dsRNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) and induction of IFN-β mRNA. Conversely, PKR amplifies IFN-β induction by measles virus (MV) and inhibits virus protein synthesis. Formation of stress granules (SGs), cytoplasmic aggregates of stalled translation complexes and RNA-binding proteins, is a host response to virus infection mediated by translation initiation factor eIF2α phosphorylation. We examined the roles of PKR and ADAR1 in SG formation using HeLa cells stably deficient in either PKR (PKR
kd
) or ADAR1 (ADAR1
kd
) compared to control (CON
kd
) cells. Infection with either wild-type (WT) MV or an isogenic mutant lacking C protein expression (C
ko
) comparably induced formation of SG in ADAR1
kd
cells, whereas only the C
ko
mutant was an efficient inducer in control cells. Both ADAR1 and PKR colocalized with SG following infection. MV-induced; SG formation was PKR dependent but impaired by ADAR1. Complementation of ADAR1
kd
cells by expression of either p150 WT isoform or the p150 Zα (Y177A) Z-DNA-binding mutant of ADAR1 restored suppression of host responses, including SG formation and PKR activation. In contrast, neither the p110 WT isoform nor the p150 catalytic (H910A, E912A) mutant of ADAR1 complemented the ADAR1
kd
phenotype. These results further establish ADAR1 as a suppressor of host innate responses, including activation of PKR and the subsequent SG response.
Complete Genome Analysis of Three Live Attenuated Rinderpest Virus Vaccine Strains Derived through Serial Passages in Different Culture Systems
Authors: Jeoung Hye-Young , Lee Myoung-Heon , Yeh Jung-Yong , Lim Ji-Ae , Lim Seong-in , Oem Jae-Ku , Song Jae-Young , Lee Won-Ha , Park Jong-Hwan , An Dong-Jun
Published: November 2012

The genomes of three South Korean Rinderpest virus vaccine strains (L72, LA77, and LA96) were analyzed in order to investigate their genetic variability. These three vaccine strains were all derived from the same virus strain origin (Fusan) through repeated passages in different culture systems. The full genome length of the three strains was 15,882 nucleotides, and the sequence similarity between the three South Korean RPV strains at the nucleotide level was 98.1 to 98.9%. The genetic distance between Nakamura III, L72, LA77, LA96, and LATC06 and the Kabete strain was greater than that between the Fusan and Kabete strains for the P, V, and C genes. The difference in pathogenicity among these strains might be due to the V gene, which has a positive (>1) selection ratio based on the analysis of synonymous (
dS
) and nonsynonymous (
dN
) substitution rates (
dN
/
dS
ratio [ω]).
Minimum Requirements for Bluetongue Virus Primary Replication
In Vivo
Authors: Matsuo Eiko , Roy Polly
Published: November 2012

The replication mechanism of bluetongue virus (BTV) has been studied by an
in vivo
reverse genetics (RG) system identifying the importance of certain BTV proteins for primary replication of the virus. However, a unique
in vitro
cell-free virus assembly system was subsequently developed, showing that it did not require the same set of viral components, which is indicative of differences in these two systems. Here, we studied the
in vivo
primary replicase complex more in-depth to determine the minimum components of the complex. We showed that while NS2 is an essential component of the primary replication stage during BTV infection, NS1 is not an essential component but may play a role in enhancing BTV protein synthesis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that VP7, a major structural protein of the inner core, is not required for primary replication but appears to stabilize the replicase complex. In contrast, VP3, the other major structural core protein, is an essential component of the complex, together with the three minor enzymatic proteins (VP1, VP4, and VP6) of the core. In addition, our data have demonstrated that the smallest minor protein, VP6, which is known to possess an RNA-dependent helicase activity, may also act as an RNA translocator during assembly of the primary replicase complex.
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Isolation of a Novel Rearranged Porcine Circovirus Type 2
Authors: Wen Libin , He Kongwang , Li Bin , Wang Xiaomin , Guo Rong li , Yu Zhengyu , Mao Aihua , Ni Yanxiu , Zhang Xuehan , Zhou Junming , Lv Lixin , Jiang Jieyuan
Published: November 2012

Here, we present the first report of a novel rearranged porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) strain named BIV, isolated from both
in vitro
and
in vivo
sources. The complete circular genome of BIV is 896 nucleotides in length. The data will help us to update current knowledge of the replication of PCV2 viruses in cell culture and of their molecular evolution, as well as their diagnosis.
Complete Genome Sequence of Hepatitis E Virus from Rabbits in the United States
Authors: Cossaboom Caitlin M. , Córdoba Laura , Cao Dianjun , Ni Yan-Yan , Meng Xiang-Jin
Published: November 2012

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a single-strand positive-sense RNA virus in the family
Hepeviridae
. The disease caused by HEV, hepatitis E, is an important public health problem in developing countries of Asia and Africa and is also endemic in many industrialized countries, including the United States. HEV has been identified from several other animal species in addition to humans, including the pig, chicken, mongoose, deer, rabbit, ferret, bat, and fish. Here we report the complete genome sequence of the first strain of HEV from rabbits in the United States. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses revealed that the U.S. rabbit HEV is a distant member of the zoonotic genotype 3 HEV, thus raising a concern for potential zoonotic human infection. A unique 90-nucleotide insertion within the X domain of the ORF1 was identified in the rabbit HEV, and this insertion may play a role in the species tropism of HEV.
Antiviral Therapy Can Reverse the Development of Immune Senescence in Elderly Mice with Latent Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Beswick Mark , Pachnio Annette , Lauder Sarah N. , Sweet Clive , Moss Paul A.
Published: November 2012

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection leads to the development of adaptive and humoral immune responses that are among the largest for any pathogen, and intriguingly, the magnitude of the immune response increases with age, a phenomenon termed “memory inflation.” Elevated CMV-specific immunity has been correlated with an increased mortality rate in elderly individuals and with impaired vaccination responses. The latent phase of CMV infection is characterized by intermittent episodes of subclinical viral reactivation and the production of immunogenic transcripts that may maintain memory inflation of virus-specific cytotoxic lymphocytes. However, the relative importance of CMV reactivation in the development of memory inflation is uncertain, as is the potential for antiviral treatment to reverse this effect. Here, we administered valaciclovir for up to 12 months in mice with established murine CMV (MCMV) infection. Treatment reduced the magnitude of the MCMV-specific CD8
+
T-lymphocyte response by 80%, and the residual MCMV tetramer-specific lymphocytes exhibited a less differentiated phenotype. In addition, latent MCMV infection suppressed the proportion of naïve CD8
+
T cells by 60% compared to antiviral-treated mice or MCMV-negative animals. Furthermore, treatment led to a reduction in influenza A viral loads following a challenge in elderly MCMV-infected animals and also reduced the differentiation of influenza virus-specific cytotoxic lymphocytes. These observations demonstrate that MCMV-specific memory inflation is maintained by viral replication and that therapeutic intervention could lead to improved immune function.
Complete Genome Sequence of an Enterovirus 80 Strain Isolated in China
Authors: Tao Zexin , Cui Ning , Liu Guifang , Chen Peng , Xu Aiqiang , Song Lizhi , Ji Feng , Wang Haiyan , Song Yanyan
Published: November 2012

Enterovirus 80 (EV80) is a newly identified serotype of the species
Human enterovirus B
. An EV80 strain designated HZ01/SD/CHN/2004 was isolated from an acute flaccid paralysis case in Shandong, China, in 2004. Complete genome comparison revealed 79.5% similarity with the prototype strain and an insertion of 36 nucleotides in the 3′ end of the VP1 coding region. Intertypic recombination with other serotypes was observed. This is the first report of the complete genome of EV80 in China.
Complete Genome Sequence Analysis of a Duck Circovirus from Guangxi Pockmark Ducks
Authors: Xie Liji , Xie Zhixun , Zhao Guangyuan , Liu Jiabo , Pang Yaoshan , Deng Xianwen , Xie Zhiqin , Fan Qing
Published: November 2012

We report here the complete genomic sequence of a novel duck circovirus (DuCV) strain, GX1104, isolated from Guangxi pockmark ducks in Guangxi, China. The whole nucleotide sequence had the highest homology (97.2%) with the sequence of strain TC/2002 (GenBank accession number
AY394721.1
) and had a low homology (76.8% to 78.6%) with the sequences of other strains isolated from China, Germany, and the United States. This report will help to understand the epidemiology and molecular characteristics of Guangxi pockmark duck circovirus in southern China.
Genome Sequence of a Monoreassortant H1N1 Swine Influenza Virus Isolated from a Pig in Hungary
Authors: Bányai Krisztián , Kovács Eszter , Tóth Ádám György , Biksi Imre , Szentpáli-Gavallér Katalin , Bálint Ádám , Dencső László , Dán Ádám
Published: November 2012

The genome of a porcine H1N1 influenza A strain is reported in this study. The strain proved to be a monoreassortant strain with a typical porcine N1 gene on the genetic backbone of the pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus strain. Monitoring of descendants of the pandemic 2009 H1N1 strain is needed because of concerns that more-virulent strains may emerge in forthcoming epidemic seasons.
Complete Genome Sequence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus Bacteriophage vB_VpaM_MAR
Authors: Alanis Villa Argentina , Kropinski Andrew M. , Abbasifar Reza , Griffiths Mansel W.
Published: November 2012

Vibrio parahaemolyticus
is a major pathogen that is mainly associated with seafood and is a global food safety issue. Our objective was to isolate and completely sequence a specific phage against this bacterium. Phage vB_VpaM_MAR is able to lyse 76% of the
V. parahaemolyticus
strains tested. MAR belongs to the
Myoviridae
family and has a genome comprised of double-stranded DNA with a size of 41,351 bp, a G+C content of 51.3%, and 62 open reading frames (ORFs). Bioinformatic analysis showed that phage MAR is closely related to
Vibrio
phages VHML, VP58.5, and VP882 and
Halomonas aquamarina
phage ΦHAP-1.
Complete Genomic Sequence of a Muscovy Duck-Origin Reticuloendotheliosis Virus from China
Authors: Jiang Tiantian , Lu Xinhao , Yuan Yuan , Zheng Lisha , Shi Jiajian , Zhang Dabing
Published: November 2012

The complete proviral sequence of a Muscovy duck-origin reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) associated with spontaneously occurring neoplastic disease in 2011 in Zhejiang province, China, was determined. Comparative sequence analyses indicate that the present REV is most closely related to the chicken-origin REV isolate HLJR0901 and the goose-origin isolate Goose/3410/06. These findings suggest that chickens or geese may transmit the REV to Muscovy ducks.
Unstable Polymerase-Nucleoprotein Interaction Is Not Responsible for Avian Influenza Virus Polymerase Restriction in Human Cells
Authors: Cauldwell Anna V. , Moncorgé Olivier , Barclay Wendy S.
Published: November 2012

Avian-origin influenza virus polymerase activity can be dramatically increased in human cells with the PB2 E627K mutation. Previously, others have proposed that this mutation increases the stability of the viral ribonucleoprotein complex (vRNP) measured by the interaction between PB2 and NP. However, we demonstrate here that a variety of PB2 adaptive mutations, including E627K, do not enhance the stability of the vRNP but rather increase the amount of replicated RNA that results in more PB2-NP coprecipitation.
Seasonal Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine Does Not Protect against Newly Emerging Variants of Influenza A (H3N2v) Virus in Ferrets
Authors: Houser Katherine V. , Katz Jacqueline M. , Tumpey Terrence M.
Published: November 2012

The recent increase in human cases of influenza A H3N2 variant virus [A(H3N2)v] highlights the need to assess whether seasonal influenza vaccination provides cross-protection against A(H3N2)v virus. Our data demonstrate that the 2011-2012 trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) protected ferrets against homologous H3N2 virus challenge but provided minimal to no protection against A(H3N2)v virus. The complete absence of specific hemagglutination inhibition antibody response to A(H3N2)v is consistent with the poor cross-protection observed among TIV-immune animals.
Atypical ‘benign behaviour’ of eyelid sebaceous carcinoma
Authors: Alves Samuel , Silva Filipe , Ferreira Mara , Cabral João
Published: November 2012

Eyelid sebaceous carcinoma is a rare tumour with slow growth and it is one of the most aggressive malignancies of the eyelid. Death rate can reach 6%. The diagnosis is often delayed because it is confused with other periocular lesions. The authors describe a case with atypical presentation, regarding rapid growth rate and exophytic aspect. Female, 78 years, presenting lower eyelid tumour with 4 months of evolution. Ophthalmological examination showed a tarsal exophytic tumour (22 mm), non-adherent to bulbar conjunctiva. She was medicated topically for 3 months, with the diagnosis of chalazio. Total excision was performed for histological diagnosis. After diagnosis of sebaceous carcinoma with specific immunohistochemical markers, and without free tumour surgical limits, a second surgery was performed with a pentagon entire thickness excision. Being a rare tumour but with a considerable morbidity and mortality; early diagnosis and treatment is essential for a good prognosis and preservation of visual function.
Unusual manifestations of Epstein-Barr virus infection in an 8-month-old male infant
Authors: Oberdorfer Peninnah , Kongthavonsakul Kritsana , Towiwat Taneeya , Klangkalya Nutchanun
Published: November 2012

Severe acute hepatitis is a rare complication of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. The authors report a case of an 8-month-old male infant who presented with subacute fever and jaundice. The physical examination showed hepatosplenomegaly and ecchymoses on his abdomen, chest wall and extremities. He received vitamin K therapy and prednisolone, and he recovered well without further complications or sequelae. Although severe acute hepatitis is a rare complication of EBV infection, clinicians should recognise this condition in order to provide a prompt treatment.
Paediatric type III dyslipidaemia: a case of vanishing hyperlipidaemia
Authors: Sarwal Gautamn , Al-Sarraf Ahmad , Frohlich Jiri
Published: November 2012

An 11-year-old girl presented with palmar and tuberoeruptive xanthomas, and elevated triglycerides and total cholesterol levels. She had an apolipoprotein E2/E2 genotype. A diagnosis of type III dyslipidaemia was made and the patient started on niacin, fenofibrate and salmon oil. At age 18, her lipid levels were well controlled with fenofibrate once weekly. At age 21, the fenofibrate was discontinued and her lipid profile has been normal for the last 4 years. This case history may be consistent with a transient dyslipidaemia.
Do structural changes (eg, collagen/matrix) explain the response to therapeutic exercises in tendinopathy: a systematic review
Authors: Drew Benjamin T , Smith Toby O , Littlewood Chris , Sturrock Ben
Published: November 2012

Background

Previous reviews have highlighted the benefit of loaded therapeutic exercise in the treatment of tendinopathy. Changes in observable structural outcomes have been suggested as a possible explanation for this response to therapeutic exercise. However, the mechanism for the efficacy of therapeutic exercise remains unclear.

Objective

To systematically review the relationship between the observable structural change and clinical outcomes following therapeutic exercise.

Data sources

An electronic search of AMED, CiNAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, PEDro and SPORTDiscus was undertaken from their inception to June 2012.

Study eligibility criteria

Any study design that incorporated observable structural outcomes and clinical outcomes when assessing the effect of therapeutic exercise on participants with tendinopathy.

Study appraisal and synthesis methods

Included studies were appraised for risk of bias using the tool developed by the Cochrane Back Review Group. Due to heterogeneity of studies, a qualitative synthesis was undertaken.

Results

Twenty articles describing 625 patients were included. Overall, there is a strong evidence to refute any observable structural change as an explanation for the response to therapeutic exercise when treated by eccentric exercise training. Moderate evidence does exist to support the response of heavy-slow resistance training (HSR).

Conclusions and implications of key findings

The available literature does not support observable structural change as an explanation for the response of therapeutic exercise except for some support from HSR. Future research should focus on indentifying other explanations including neural, biochemical and myogenic changes.

Registration Number

Registered with PROSPERO, registration number CRD42011001638.
Measurement of the radioactivity in the excreta of cats treated with iodine‐131 for hyperthyroidism
Authors: Lamb V. , Gray J. , Parkin T. , Ramsey I.
Published: November 2012

When hyperthyroidism is treated with radioiodine, up to 75 per cent of the injected dose is excreted in the faeces and urine, which poses hazards to handlers. Three groups of hyperthyroid cats were treated with 120, 150 and 200 megabecquerel (MBq) of radioiodine, and samples of faeces and urine‐soaked litter (USL) were collected over a 24‐hour period, once a week, for four weeks. The amount of radioactivity in each homogenised sample was then measured using a sodium iodide detector. Radioactivity significantly decreased in both the faecal and USL samples over the first three weeks. Regardless of dose, there was no significant difference in faecal and USL samples between weeks 3 and 4. Faecal radioactivity was generally higher than the USL, but both were variable between cats at each time point. There were some significant differences in radioactivity between doses at various time points, but these were very small compared with the differences between time points. From the results, the maximum likely exposure to a worker or owner handling the waste was calculated. For cats treated with up to 200 MBq, radioactivity levels after two weeks were such that the waste could be designated as ‘very low level waste’ (a UK statutory definition) for disposal purposes.
Epidemiological investigation of selected pigeon viral infections in Poland
Authors: A.Stenzel T. , Pestka D. , Tykałowski B. , Śmiałek M. , Koncicki A.
Published: November 2012

Due to a lack of data in regard to the spread of viral infections in Polish pigeon populations, studies were undertaken to assess the frequency of adeno‐, circo‐ and herpesvirus infections in flocks of pigeons across the entire country. In total, 107 flocks were examined, of which 61 per cent consisted of racing and 39 per cent of fancy pigeons. The flocks were divided into groups according to breed (racing and fancy pigeons) as well as physical condition (healthy and sick). In the studied pigeon flocks, the pigeon circovirus (PiCV) genetic material was the most frequently detected (44.5‐100 per cent depending on the group), pigeon herpesvirus genetic material was second in frequency (0‐30 per cent depending on the group), while genetic material of pigeon adenovirus was found only in two flocks of young birds with clinical symptoms of Young Pigeon Disease Syndrome (YPDS). The presence of fowl adenovirus (FAdV) genetic material was not detected in any of the studied flocks. Results obtained demonstrate a wide spread of circovirus in pigeon flocks in Poland, and substantiate earlier theories proposed by other authors, that immunosuppression evoked by PiCV infection is one of the main causative agents of YPDS.
Views of professionalism: a veterinary institutional perspective
Authors: Roder C. , Whittlestone K. , May S. A.
Published: November 2012

In many western countries, there has been a marked change in the demographic profile of those entering the veterinary profession, with a shift from a predominantly male to a predominantly female intake. There have been parallel changes in society, with greater emphasis on human rights and work‐life balance. It is, therefore, timely to consider what constitutes correct professional conduct for the profession, as there is the potential for problems to arise over the interpretation of ‘professionalism’ due to cultural and generational differences. A cross‐section of staff and students within one veterinary institution were invited to take part in a survey exploring their prioritisation of 10 aspects of the professional role. A cluster analysis was performed, and four distinctly different profiles were established according to the views held by the cluster members. Cluster membership was found to significantly correlate to career stage, with altruism and social justice progressively giving way to professional autonomy and dominance. All four clusters in this educational environment prioritised technical and interpersonal competences above all other aspects of the professional role.
Effects of acute exercise on appetite hormones and ad libitum energy intake in men and women
Authors: Hagobian Todd Alan , Yamashiro Megan , Hinkel-Lipsker Jake , Streder Katherine , Evero Nero , Hackney Terry
Published: November 2012

Acute exercise suppresses relative energy intake; however, it remains unclear whether this occurs in both men and women exposed to the same relative exercise treatment. Eleven healthy men (22 ± 2 years; 16% ± 6% body fat (BF); 26 ± 4 body mass index (BMI); 42.9 ± 6.5 mL·kg–1·min–1 peak oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text]O2peak)) and 10 healthy women (21 ± 2 years; 24 ± 2 BMI; 23% ± 3% BF; 39.9 ± 5.5 mL·kg–1·min–1 [Formula: see text]O2peak) rested for 60 min or exercised on a cycle ergometer at 70% [Formula: see text]O2peak until 30% of total daily energy expenditure was expended (men, expenditure = 975 ± 195 kcal in 82 ± 13 min; women, expenditure = 713 ± 86 kcal in 84 ± 17 min) in a counterbalanced, crossover fashion. Appetite hormones and appetite ratings were assessed in response to each condition. Forty minutes after both conditions, ad libitum total and relative energy intake (energy intake minus energy cost of exercise) were assessed at a buffet meal. There was no significant sex or condition effect in appetite hormones (PYY3-36, acylated ghrelin, insulin) and appetite ratings (hunger, satisfaction, fullness). Total energy intake in men was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in exercise and rest conditions (1648 ± 950, 1216 ± 633 kcal, respectively) compared with women (591 ± 183, 590 ± 231 kcal, respectively). Relative energy intake was significantly lower (P < 0.05) after exercise compared with rest in men (672 ± 827, 1133 ± 619 kcal, respectively) and women (−121 ± 243, 530 ± 233 kcal, respectively). These data highlight the effectiveness of acute exercise to suppress relative energy intake regardless of sex.
The effects of hypohydration and fatigue on neuromuscular activation performance
Authors: Minshull Claire , James Lewis
Published: November 2012

This study investigated the effects of hypohydration by fluid restriction on voluntary and evoked indices of neuromuscular performance at a functional joint angle. Measures of static volitional peak force (2–3–s maximal muscle actions) and evoked peak twitch force, electromechanical delay, and rate of force development were obtained from the knee extensors (30° knee flexion) of 10 males (age, 24 (4) years; height, 1.76 (0.10) m; body mass, 78.7 (9.13) kg (mean (SD))) prior to and immediately following 24 h of (i) euhydration (EU) and (ii) hypohydration (HYP). Neuromuscular performance was also assessed in response to a fatiguing task (3 × 30-s maximal static knee extensions) following each condition. Repeated-measures ANOVAs showed that HYP was associated with a significant 2.1% loss in body mass (p < 0.001) and a 7.8% reduction in volitional peak force (p < 0.05). Following fatigue, data indicated statistically similar levels of impairment to volitional peak force (11.6%, p < 0.01) and rate of force development (21.0%, p < 0.01) between conditions (EU; HYP). No changes to any other indices of performance were observed. The substantive hypohydration-induced deficits to muscle strength at this functional joint angle might convey a decreased performance capability and should be considered by the hypohydrated athlete. Whilst hypohydration did not affect fatigue-related performance of the knee extensors, the additive changes associated with lower baseline levels of strength performance (7.8%) and fatigue (11.6%) coupled with slower rate of muscle force production (from 0–100 ms) following fatigue may present significant challenges to the maintenance of dynamic knee joint stability, particularly at this vulnerable joint position.
Measuring slope to improve energy expenditure estimates during field-based activities
Authors: Duncan Glen E. , Lester Jonathan , Migotsky Sean , Higgins Lisa , Borriello Gaetano
Published: November 2012

This technical note describes methods to improve activity energy expenditure estimates by using a multi-sensor board (MSB) to measure slope. Ten adults walked over a 4-km (2.5-mile) course wearing an MSB and mobile calorimeter. Energy expenditure was estimated using accelerometry alone (base) and 4 methods to measure slope. The barometer and global positioning system methods improved accuracy by 11% from the base (p < 0.05) to 86% overall. Measuring slope using the MSB improves energy expenditure estimates during field-based activities.
Effect of the SORT1 low-density lipoprotein cholesterol locus is sex-specific in a fit, Canadian young-adult population
Authors: Karlos Angela , Shearer Jane , Gnatiuk Elizabeth , Onyewu Chiatogu , Many Gina , Hoffman Eric P. , Hittel Dustin S.
Published: November 2012

The SORT1 locus was originally identified by genome-wide association studies of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in adults. Although the effect sizes of this locus are relatively small, we hypothesized that a younger population would show a greater genetic effect because of fewer confounding variables. As such, we investigated the association between the SORT1 locus and LDL-C in a group of healthy young adults. Subjects (n = 122, mean age = 23.2 years) were recruited from the University of Calgary. Lipid measures and genomic DNA were collected from peripheral blood after an overnight fast. Blood pressure, percent body fat (%BF), and maximal oxygen consumption were also measured. Associations between genotype and LDL-C were investigated using linear regression. Nearly one half (42.9%) of the female and 21.7% of the male subjects had a %BF that was above a healthy range. More than one quarter of the subjects had LDL-C values that were considered nonoptimal. Although the association was not significant when both sexes were combined, a significant association was observed between the SORT1 locus (GG: 2.46 ± 0.11 mmol·L−1 vs. GT–TT: 2.06 ± 0.12 mmol·L−1, p = 0.016) and LDL-C in male subjects, with genotype explaining 3.0% of the variability in LDL-C. A high prevalence of nonoptimal LDL-C exists in this young population even though it is otherwise fit and healthy. A significant association was found between LDL-C and the minor SORT1 allele in male subjects, with an effect size larger than previously reported in older populations. SORT1 is a valuable target for identifying individuals who would most benefit from early interventions to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Theoretical investigation for the designing of novel antioxidants
Authors: Mahmood Asif , Saqib Muhammad , Ali Muhammad , Abdullah Muhammad Imran , Khalid Bilal
Published: November 2012

In this study, the antioxidant potential of salicylic acid and its derivatives was determined. O–H bond dissociation enthalpy ionization potential and spin densities were computed, which are important characteristics of antioxidants. We have designed new antioxidants on the basis of information obtained from the results of this study and a literature review. O–H bond dissociation enthalpy, ionization potential, and spin densities of designed compounds were also calculated to analyze the effect of the size of the heterocyclic ring, the electronegativity of the heteroatom, the number of hydroxyl groups, and intramolecular hydrogen bonding. The results reveal that compounds with a larger heterocyclic ring, fewer electronegative atoms, and greater number of hydroxyl groups have enhanced antioxidant activity. A comparison of bond dissociation enthalpy of designed compounds IIIA and IV with that of phenolic acid antioxidants shows that these designed compounds are potent antioxidants. From statistical analysis, it is found that for designed compounds, good correlation was found between spin density and bond dissociation enthalpy. The present theoretical investigation will provide help to understand the biological activity of salicylic acid and its derivatives for better utilization in the fields of pharmacy and the food industry. New antioxidants with better antioxidant activity can be synthesized on the basis of the results of this study.
Complexes of selected late period lanthanide(III) cations with 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid amide (DOTAM)-alkyl ligands — A new platform for the development of paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer (PARACEST) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents
Authors: Elmehriki Adam A.H. , Milne Mark , Suchý Mojmír , Bartha Robert , Hudson Robert H.E.
Published: November 2012

A series of 18 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid amide (DOTAM)-alkyl derived complexes with selected late lanthanide(III) cations (Dy3+, Tb3+, and Tm3+) has been synthesized; their magnetic properties have been evaluated and compared to those derived from DOTAM. Peralkylation of cyclen with corresponding N-iodoacetyl amines was utilized as the key step in the synthesis. Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) spectra of the complexes have been acquired at 37 °C, revealing that Tm3+-derived DOTAM-alkyl complexes possess the most favorable properties as potential paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer (PARACEST) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents.
Stratigraphy and geochemistry of the igneous rocks in the Elu Link between Hope Bay and Elu greenstone belts, northeast Slave craton: tectonic setting and implications for gold mineralization
Authors: Mvondo H. , Lentz D. , Bardoux M.
Published: November 2012

Geological investigation of the rocks in the Elu Link has provided new information on the geodynamic origin of the Neoarchean (ca. 2716–2663 Ma) Hope Bay and Elu granite–greenstone belts. Stratigraphic and geochemical features of these rocks and those of the nearby Flake Lake area in the Hope Bay belt suggest that the two greenstone belts are contiguous, having similar mafic-dominated bimodal rocks comprising abundant basalts to andesites and less common dacites and rhyolites hosting gabbroic and trondhjemite–tonalite–granodiorite (TTG) intrusions. The corresponding parental magmas, whose evolution likely occurred via fractional crystallization and juvenile crustal contamination, formed from both deep and shallow mantle sources. The basalts, andesites, gabbros, and felsic volcanic rocks are variably tholeiitic to calc-alkaline. Chondrite- and primitive mantle-normalized profiles demonstrate (1) flat to slightly fractionated heavy rare-earth element (HREE) patterns with a weak negative Eu anomaly and (2) light rare-earth element (LREE) enriched and strongly fractionated HREE patterns with variable negative to positive Eu anomalies. In contrast, TTG rocks are calc-alkaline, with strong LREE enrichment, HREE depletion, and variable positive Eu anomalies. Altogether, the rocks exhibit Nb and Ti troughs, and variable Nb/Ta, La/Ta, and Zr/Hf ratios indicative of crustal contamination. Chalcophile elements and related ore deposits in the area are inferred to be formed from hydrothermal fluids mobilized during emplacement and after crystallization of their host rocks. An extensional, high-heat-flow back-arc tectonic environment is proposed to explain the stratigraphic and geochemical characteristics and the presence of large gold resources in these greenstone belts.
Long-term trends of bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) in estuarine waters of Texas, USA
Authors: Froeschke John T. , Froeschke Bridgette F. , Stinson Charlotte M.
Published: November 2012

Increases in standardized catch per unit effort (CPUE) and mean length of bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) were observed in coastal estuaries over a 35-year period (1976–2010). Trends in abundance and size were examined using fisheries-independent data from a long-term monitoring survey in Texas, USA. Catch, effort, and environmental covariates that affect bull shark distribution were used to create a standardized index of abundance. Increases in abundance and mean length were detected, potentially due to the initiation of federal management and restrictions on the use of gill nets in nearby Louisiana, USA, waters in 1995. This study provides a long-term perspective of two important demographic indicators (abundance and mean size) of bull shark and provides an encouraging signal in the Gulf of Mexico for a species whose stock status is unknown yet considered near threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list. Continuing research is needed to gauge effects of management and environmental impacts on shark resources as well as investigations into ecosystem effects of increasing predatory density in coastal waters.
Proteomic analysis ofClostridium thermocellumATCC 27405 reveals the upregulation of an alternative transhydrogenase–malate pathway and nitrogen assimilation in cells grown on cellulose
Authors: Burton Euan , Martin Vincent J.J.
Published: November 2012

Clostridium thermocellum is a Gram-positive thermophilic anaerobic bacterium with the ability to directly convert cellulosic biomass into useful products such as ethanol and hydrogen. In this study, a quantitative comparative proteomic analysis of the organism was performed to identify proteins and biochemical pathways that are differentially utilized by the organism after growth on cellobiose or cellulose. The cytoplasmic and membrane proteomes of C. thermocellum grown on cellulose or cellobiose were quantitatively compared using a metabolic15N isotope labelling method in conjunction with nanoLC-ESI-MS/MS (liquid chromatography – electrospray ionization – tandem mass spectrometry). In total, 1255 proteins were identified in the study, and 129 of those were able to have their relative abundance per cell compared in at least one cellular compartment in response to the substrate provided. This study reveals that cells grown on cellulose increase their abundance of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase while decreasing the abundance of pyruvate dikinase and oxaloacetate decarboxylase, suggesting that the organism diverts carbon flow into a transhydrogenase–malate pathway that can increase the production of the biosynthetic intermediates NADPH and GTP. Glutamate dehydrogenase was also found to have increased abundance in cellulose-grown cells, suggesting that the assimilation of ammonia is upregulated in cells grown on the cellulosic substrates. The results illustrate a mechanism by which C. thermocellum can divert carbon into alternative pathways for the purpose of producing biosynthetic intermediates necessary to respond to growth on cellulose, including transhydrogenation of NADH to NADPH and increased nitrogen assimilation.
Noether gauge symmetry of modified teleparallel gravity minimally coupled with a canonical scalar field
Authors: Aslam Adnan , Jamil Mubasher , Momeni Davood , Myrzakulov Ratbay
Published: November 2012

This paper is devoted to the study of Noether gauge symmetries of f(T) gravity minimally coupled with a canonical scalar field. We explicitly determine the unknown functions of the theory: f(T), V(ϕ), and W(ϕ). We have shown that there are two invariants for this model, one of which defines the Hamiltonian, H, under time invariance (energy conservation) and the other is related to scaling invariance. We show that the equation of state parameter in the present model can cross the cosmological constant boundary. The behavior of the Hubble parameter in our model closely matches to that of the ΛCDM model, thus our model is an alternative to the latter.
Compositional dependence of the performance of bulk hetrojunction solar cells based on PTOPT and PCBM
Authors: Abera Newayemedhin , Tessema Genene
Published: November 2012

The compositional dependence of the performance of the blends of [3-(4-octylphenol)-2,2′-bithiophene] (PTOPT) and 6,6-phenyl-C61-butric acid methyl ester (PCBM) sandwiched between ITO/PEDOT:PSS and Al was studied. The observed dark current–voltage curves showed that the current (J) is space charge limited except at low voltages (V). The best power conversion efficiency (η) and short circuit current (JSC) were found at 72% PCBM loading. Moreover, we have observed significant reduction on the fill factor with increasing PCBM concentration due to high recombination of charge carriers. The impedances across the electrodes were discussed based on low frequency impedance analyzer measurements.