bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk for the development of atherosclerosis in women with a high level of dental plaque and severe gingival inflammation
Authors: Söder B. , Yakob M.
Published: July 2007

Abstract  Introduction:  Chronic infection and inflammation are considered to be risk factors in the development of cardiovascular diseases; the chronic inflammatory and microbial burden caused by the dental plaque in these individuals may predispose them to atherosclerotic process.

Aims:  The aims were to study the involvement of a high level of dental plaque, severe gingival inflammation and periodontitis in the development of early atherosclerotic process in women.

Methods:  Forty‐six randomly chosen women with periodontitis and 21 periodontally healthy women were subjected to a comprehensive clinical oral examination, including oral hygiene status and level of gingival inflammation. Atherosclerotic risk factor analysis and carotid ultrasonography were performed. Common carotid artery intima‐media thickness (IMT) and lumen diameter were measured and intima‐media area (cIMA) was calculated. The following statistical methods were used: analysis of variance, chi‐squared tests and multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results:  There were highly significant differences between the patients and controls in the amount of dental plaque, gingival inflammation as well as bleeding on probing and pocket depth. The mean values of IMT and cIMA were significantly higher in women with periodontal disease than in controls. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified periodontitis as a principal‐independent predictor of both the common carotid artery cIMA and IMT.

Conclusions:  The present results indicate that a high amount of dental plaque, severe gingival inflammation as well as periodontitis seem to be associated with the development of atherosclerotic lesions in women already at its early and subclinical stages.
Screening for resistance against Myzus persicae and Macrosiphum euphorbiae among wild Solanum
Authors: Le Roux V. , Campan E.D.M. , Dubois F. , Vincent C. , Giordanengo P.
Published: July 2007

As a consequence of selection for productive traits, the genetic diversity of Solanum tuberosum cultivars has been drastically reduced. With the goal to develop aphid‐resistant potato cultivars, our objective was to quantify the resistance of 14 accessions belonging to five wild potato species (Solanum chomatophilum, Solanum stoloniferum stoloniferum, Solanum bukasovii, Solanum marinasense and Solanum medians) against two aphid pests, Myzus persicae and Macrosiphum euphorbiae. Aphids were reared under controlled conditions in microcages clipped on the abaxial face of mature leaves of the Solanum species. The five wild Solanum species induced more than 90% of nymph mortality in M. persicae. The mortality rate of Ma. euphorbiae was also >90% on all S. chomatophilum, S. stoloniferum and S. medians accessions and on S. bukasovii‐PI 414155. When enough adult aphids emerged, that is for Ma. euphorbiae on three S. bukasovii and three S. marinasense accessions, the prereproductive period, the adult survival and fecundity were assessed. These parameters allowed us to calculate the intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm), the finite rate of increase and the population doubling time (DT). The rm and the finite rate of increase were significantly reduced, whereas the population’s DT was significantly enhanced for most (five out of six) wild Solanum accessions. All accessions of S. chomatophilum, S. stoloniferum and S. medians and S. bukasovii‐PI 414155 were highly resistant to both M. persicae and Ma. euphorbiae. In conclusion, S. chomatophilum‐PI 310943 and ‐PI 310990, and S. stoloniferum‐PI 195167, ‐PI 201855 and ‐PI 275248, can be amenable for potato breeding programmes.
Farmers’ perceptions and knowledge of cassava pests and diseases and their approach to germplasm selection for resistance in Ghana
Authors: Manu‐Aduening J.A. , Lamboll R.I. , Mensah G. Ampong , Gibson R.W.
Published: July 2007

Cassava farmers in 10 villages in Ghana had specific names for large or colony‐forming pests but Bemisia tabaci, the relatively inconspicuous whitefly vector of cassava mosaic disease (CMD), was not mentioned and farmers used descriptors borrowed from other circumstances to identify cassava diseases, different farmers sometimes describing the same symptoms using different terms. Disease susceptibility was rarely a main reason for abandoning a landrace and few farmers were aware of the disease resistance of modern varieties although they were aware that their spreading habit enabled them to shade out weeds. While weeds were generally well controlled, CMD was common and appeared to be the main biotic constraint to cassava yields. Cassava anthracnose disease and brown leaf spot, although present, were generally not severe. In on‐farm collaborative breeding trials, high yield – an indirect measure of pest and disease resistance – was the farmers’ main selection criterion; those directly involving pest, disease or weed resistance were less commonly mentioned. Despite this, farmers selected for accessions with no or only mild CMD, perhaps through the effect CMD had on yield. These insights about farmers’ perceptions of cassava pests and diseases provide a basis for further collaborative germplasm development in Africa.
Solid‐phase Synthesis of a Peptide Derivative of Thymosin alpha1 and Initial Studies on its 99mTc‐Radiolabelling
Authors: Klimentzou Persefoni , Beck Alexander , Varvarigou Alexandra , Tsitsilonis Ourania , Voelter Wolfgang , Pirmettis Ioannis , Papadopoulos Minas , Livaniou Evangelia , Zikos Christos
Published: July 2007

A derivative (1) of the immunopotentiating 28‐peptide thymosin alpha1 has been especially designed, so that it can be 99mTc‐radiolabelled, and synthesized following the Fmoc solid‐phase peptide synthesis approach. Derivative 1 contains the N‐terminal fragment Tα1[1‐14] as a bioactive segment, at the C‐terminus of which a 99mTc‐chelating moiety consisting of Nα,Nα‐dimethylglycine, serine and cysteine is linked through the Nɛ‐amino group of a ‘bifunctional’ lysine residue; the latter is indirectly anchored on the solid‐phase peptide synthesis resin through 6‐aminocaproic acid (dmGSCK{Nɛ‐Tα1[1‐14]}Aca). Synthetic derivative 1 was obtained at high overall yield (approximately 35%) and purity (>95%) and shown to be efficiently radiolabelled with 99mTc, thus resulting in the first, to our knowledge, so far reported 99mTc‐radiolabelled derivative of thymosin alpha1, which may be eventually used as a specific molecular tool for the in vitro/in vivo study of the mode of action of the parent bioactive peptide.
DNA hypermethylation and Aberrant Expression of the EMP3 Gene at 19q13.3 in Human Gliomas
Authors: Kunitz Annegret , Wolter Marietta , Van Den Boom Jörg , Felsberg Jörg , Tews Björn , Hahn Meinhard , Benner Axel , Sabel Michael , Lichter Peter , Reifenberger Guido , Von Deimling Andreas , Hartmann Christian
Published: July 2007

Allelic losses on 19q are found in the majority of oligodendroglial tumors and approximately one‐third of diffuse astrocytomas. However, the tumor suppressor genes (TSG) on 19q are still elusive. Using cDNA microarray expression profiling, EMP3 at 19q13.3 was among those genes showing the most pronounced expression differences. In line with this, other authors reported EMP3 as being epigenetically silenced in neuroblastomas and astrocytomas. To further investigate EMP3 as a TSG candidate on 19q13.3, we performed molecular analysis of this gene in 162 human gliomas. Mutation analysis did not reveal EMP3 alteration in 132 gliomas. In oligodendroglial tumors, we found that aberrant methylation in the 5′‐region of EMP3 was significantly associated with reduced mRNA expression and LOH 19q. In astrocytomas, EMP3 hypermethylation was also paralleled by reduced expression but was independent of the 19q status. EMP3 hypermethylation was detected in more than 80% of diffuse, anaplastic astrocytomas and secondary glioblastomas. Primary glioblastomas, however, mostly lacked EMP3 hypermethylation and frequently overexpressed EMP3. Our data corroborate that oligodendroglial and astrocytic gliomas often show EMP3 hypermethylation and aberrant expression. Furthermore, our findings suggest that primary and secondary glioblastomas are not only characterized by distinct genetic profiles but also differ in their epigenetic aberrations.
Longitudinal study of veterinary students and veterinarians: family and gender issues after 20 years
Authors: Heath TJ
Published: July 2007

Objective  To examine and compare some family issues and work experiences of males and females who graduated as veterinarians 15 years ago.

Procedure   Questionnaires were completed by 134 of 137 veterinarians who graduated 15 years ago, and who had been surveyed in their first and final years as students, and 1, 5, 10 and 15 years after they graduated. Comparisons were made with official statistics, information from earlier surveys in this longitudinal study, and data from a previously published national study.

Results  By 15 years after they graduated, 82% had been married or in a comparable long‐term relationship, and 23% of these were to another veterinarian. Thirteen percent of those who had been married were now separated or divorced, and 50% of them had remarried, a similar proportion to official statistics for Australians of comparable age.

Approximately 20% of both males and females were doing no veterinary work, but more males (68%) than females (37%) were doing veterinary work full time. Most who were doing veterinary work were in private practice, and of these, small animals represented 76% of the work of the males and 88% of the work of the females.

Females in private practice were more likely to be employees, especially if working part time, but those working full time were just as likely as males to be practice owners. In general males earned more than females.

Conclusion  By 15 years after graduation, the percentages of males and females doing some veterinary work are similar, although males are more likely than females to be working full time. Females and males in full time private practice are equally likely to be practice owners, but female owners and female employees earn less than comparable males. Males and females have similar attitudes to having done the veterinary course.
Combined pantethine and probucol therapy for Japanese patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Tokushige Katsutoshi , Hashimoto Etsuko , Yatsuji Satoru , Taniai Makiko , Shiratori Keiko
Published: July 2007

Aims:  To evaluate the efficacy and mechanism of combined pantethine and probucol therapy in Japanese patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver function, serum cytokines, serum adiponectin and liver biopsy findings were investigated.

Methods:  Sixteen patients with NASH and hyperlipidemia were treated with pantethine (600 mg/day) and probucol (500 mg/day) for 48 weeks.

Results:  The mean pretreatment aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were 66 IU/L and 113 IU/L, respectively, which showed a significant decrease with treatment to 33 IU/L and 51 IU/L (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05), respectively. Total cholesterol was also significantlydecreased (P < 0.01). In addition, the mean serum TGF‐beta level was significantly decreased, while the mean serum level of high molecular adiponectin was increased. In eight patients, liver biopsy was performed both before and after treatment. In four of these patients, inflammation was improved, and fibrosis was improved in two patients. No side‐effects of this treatment were noted.

Conclusion:  Combined pantethine and probucol therapy was safe and effective for Japanese NASH patients, with its efficacy being mediated through adiponectin and TGF‐beta.
Clinicopathological significance of antinuclear antibodies in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Niwa Hideki , Sasaki Motoko , Haratake Joji , Kasai Takahiko , Katayanagi Kazuyoshi , Kurumaya Hiroshi , Masuda Shinji , Minato Hiroshi , Zen You , Uchiyama Akio , Miwa Atsuo , Saito Katsuhiko , Sudo Yoshiko , Nakanuma Yasuni
Published: July 2007

Aim: Serum antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are occasionally noted in patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We examined the significance of ANA in NASH.

Methods: We compared clinicopathological features in patients with ANA‐positive NASH (n = 35) and ANA‐negative NASH (n = 36). Inflammatory cell profiles and the distribution of oxidative stress markers were also examined immunohistochemically.

Results: ANA‐positive NASH was significantly associated with female gender (P = 0.005), high degree of portal inflammation (P = 0.039), interface activity (P = 0.036) and hepatocellular ballooning (P = 0.0008). In addition, ANA of high titer (320‐fold or more) was significantly associated with the histological grade and stage of NASH (P = 0.02). The degree of steatosis wais rather mild in the high‐titer ANA group(P = 0.01). The analysis of inflammatory cell profiles revealed that CD3‐positive T cells were predominant and plasma cells were rather few in the portal area and hepatic lobules in both ANA‐positive and ANA‐negative groups. There was no difference in the distribution of oxidative stress markers between ANA‐positive and ANA‐negative groups.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the presence of ANA may be related to the progression of NASH and that a different type of autoimmune mechanism may be involved in the pathogenesis of NASH with ANA, compared to the pathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis.
Functional Antibodies to the O-Acetylated Pneumococcal Serotype 15B Capsular Polysaccharide Have Low Cross-Reactivities with Serotype 15C
Authors: Rajam Gowrisankar , Carlone George M. , Romero-Steiner Sandra
Published: July 2007

The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide (Ps) vaccine offer protection against vaccine serotypes, but its cross-protection against vaccine-related serotypes is variable. We have demonstrated that the functional antibodies to serotype 15B are specific to the O-acetylated 15B-Ps and that they have low cross-reactivity with serotype 15C. Demonstration of functionally cross-reactive antibodies to vaccine-related serotypes is important for surveillance and vaccine development.
Subgroup Prevalence and Genotype Circulation Patterns of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Belgium during Ten Successive Epidemic Seasons
Authors: Zlateva Kalina T. , Vijgen Leen , Dekeersmaeker Nathalie , Naranjo Cecilia , Van Ranst Marc
Published: July 2007

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is the leading viral cause of severe respiratory illness for infants and young children worldwide. Two major antigenic groups (A and B) of HRSV exist, and viruses from both subgroups can cocirculate during epidemics; however, their frequencies might differ between seasons. The subgroup prevalence and genotype distribution patterns of HRSV strains were investigated in a community in Belgium during 10 successive epidemic seasons (1996 to 2006). A regular 3-year cyclic pattern of subgroup dominance was observed, consisting of two predominant HRSV-A seasons, followed by a single HRSV-B-dominant year. HRSV infections with both subgroups were more prevalent among children younger than 6 months and had a peak incidence in December. The most frequently detected genotypes were GA5 and GB13, the latter including strains with the 60-nucleotide duplication in the G gene. Furthermore, GA5 remained the dominant HRSV genotype in two consecutive epidemic seasons twice during the study period. Additional variability was detected among the GB13 isolates, due to the usage of a novel termination codon in the G gene. Dual infections with both HRSV subgroups were detected for 9 patients, and subsequent infections with the heterologous HRSV subgroup were documented for 15 patients. Among five patients with homologous reinfections, only one was caused by HRSV-B. Our results support the hypothesis that the overall prevalence of HRSV-A over HRSV-B could be due to a more-transient subgroup A-specific immune protection.
The Amino Acid Residues at Positions 120 to 123 Are Crucial for the Antigenicity of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen
Authors: Tian Yongjun , Xu Yang , Zhang Zhenhua , Meng Zhongji , Qin Li , Lu Mengji , Yang Dongliang
Published: July 2007

The major hydrophilic region (MHR) of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) harbors conformational B-cell epitopes and is the major target of neutralizing antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs). Mutant HBsAg (mtHBsAg) with amino acid substitutions such as G145R is known to affect the binding of specific anti-HB antibodies and their detection by conventional diagnostic assays. In the present study, we focused on the role of the amino acid positions 120 to 123, which are around MHR 2 according to the spectrum of recently identified, naturally occurring mtHBsAg. Strikingly, the amino acid substitution K122I abolished the reactivity of HBsAg in all immunoassays tested so far. Also, mtHBsAg G145R could be clearly detected with four different enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays that were based on monoclonal anti-HB antibodies (MAbs) with high affinity. Positive immunofluorescence staining of mtHBsAg K122I was achieved only by polyclonal anti-HBs, while all MAbs tested failed. mtHBsAg T123N showed a low reactivity in immunoassays and appeared to be secretion defective. The amino acid substitution P120T reduced the binding of anti-HBs but did not completely prevent the detection of mtHBsAg by anti-HB MAbs. The testing of naturally occurring mtHBsAg confirmed that the presence of amino acid substitutions within the region of 120 to 123 is strongly associated with impaired detection in immunoassays. In conclusion, MHR 2 is essential for HBsAg antigenicity, a fact that has not been recognized before.
Molecular Typing of Beta-Hemolytic Streptococci from Two Patients with Lower-Limb Cellulitis: Identical Isolates from Toe Web and Blood Specimens
Authors: Hilmarsdóttir Ingibjörg , Valsdóttir Freyja
Published: July 2007

Intertriginous toe webs harboring cellulitis-causing bacteria constitute a risk factor for lower-limb cellulitis. Molecular typing of
Streptococcus pyogenes
and
S. dysgalactiae
subsp.
equisimilis
isolates from blood and toe webs of two cellulitis patients revealed identical strains for each species. This finding supports the role of toe webs as a potential site of entry for cellulitis pathogens.
Stability of Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem Repeats in
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Hopkins K. L. , Maguire C. , Best E. , Liebana E. , Threlfall E. J.
Published: July 2007

Variable-number tandem repeats (VNTRs) may evolve so rapidly that multiple profiles emerge during an outbreak. A total of 190 isolates from eight
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium outbreaks and 15 isolates from seven patients were analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and VNTR typing. Small changes in loci were noted; otherwise, the VNTR profiles were stable during the course of the outbreaks.
Development and Application of a Novel Peptide Nucleic Acid Probe for the Specific Detection ofHelicobacter pyloriin Gastric Biopsy Specimens
Authors: Guimarães N. , Azevedo N. F. , Figueiredo C. , Keevil C. W. , Vieira M. J.
Published: July 2007

In this work, a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method for the rapid detection ofHelicobacter pyloriusing a novel peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probe is reported. Laboratory testing with several different bacterial species, including otherHelicobacterspp., has shown that this probe is highly specific forH. pyloristrains. In addition, the PNA FISH method has been successfully adapted for detection of the pathogen in paraffin-embedded gastric biopsy specimens.
Real-Time PCR Assay for Rapid Detection and Analysis of PfCRT Haplotypes of Chloroquine-Resistant
Plasmodium falciparum
Isolates from India
Authors: Keen Jessica , Farcas Gabriella A. , Zhong Kathleen , Yohanna Seychelle , Dunne Michael W. , Kain Kevin C.
Published: July 2007

Chloroquine-resistant
Plasmodium falciparum
(CRPF) malaria isolates in Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa share the same
Plasmodium falciparum
chloroquine resistance transporter (PfCRT) haplotype (CVIET; amino acids 72 to 76). It is believed that CRPF malaria emerged in Southeast Asia and spread to sub-Saharan Africa via the Indian subcontinent. Based on this assumption, we hypothesized that CRPF isolates in India should possess the same drug resistance haplotype (PfCRT haplotype CVIET) as
P. falciparum
isolates in Southeast Asia and Africa and that the prevalence of CRPF may be higher and more widespread in India than appreciated. To test this postulate, we utilized a standardized real-time PCR assay to assess the prevalence and distribution of PfCRT haplotypes in
P. falciparum
isolates (
n
= 406) collected from Western, Central, and Eastern states in India and compared them to isolates from South America and Africa. Based on the proportion of isolates possessing the molecular marker K76T, the prevalence of chloroquine resistance was high in all five regions of India studied (91%), as well as in Uganda (98%) and Suriname (100%). All isolates from Suriname contained the chloroquine-resistant SVMNT haplotype typical of South American isolates, and 98% of isolates from Uganda possessed the chloroquine-resistant CVIET haplotype characteristic of Southeast Asian/African strains. However, of 246
P. falciparum
isolates from across India that contained the molecular marker for chloroquine resistance, 81% contained the SVMNT haplotype. In conclusion, the prevalence of CRPF malaria was high in geographically dispersed regions of India, and the primary haplotype observed, SVMNT, did not support a presumed geographic spread from contiguous Southeast Asia.
Community-Acquired Lung Abscess Caused by
Legionella micdadei
in a Myeloma Patient Receiving Thalidomide Treatment
Authors: Girard Louis P. , Gregson Daniel B.
Published: July 2007

Legionella infection causes 2 to 14% of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
Legionella micdadei
constitutes <1% of these infections. We describe a case of cavitary
L. micdadei
CAP in a myeloma patient receiving thalidomide treatment. The importance of considering pneumonia and problems in diagnosing pneumonia caused by
L. micdadei
in this patient population are reviewed.
Defect of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 2 Gag Assembly in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Morikawa Yuko , Goto Toshiyuki , Yasuoka Daisuke , Momose Fumitaka , Matano Tetsuro
Published: July 2007

We have previously shown that the expression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Gag protein in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
spheroplasts produces Gag virus-like particles (VLPs) at the plasma membrane, indicating that yeast has all the host factors necessary for HIV-1 Gag assembly. Here we expand the study by using diverse primate lentiviral Gags and show that yeast does not support the production of HIV-2 or simian immunodeficiency virus SIVmac Gag VLPs but allows the production of SIVagm and SIVmnd Gag VLPs. Particle budding was observed at the surfaces of cells expressing SIVagm and SIVmnd Gags, but cells expressing HIV-2 and SIVmac Gags showed only membrane-ruffling structures, although they were accompanied with electron-dense submembrane layers, suggesting arrest at an early stage of particle budding. Comparison of HIV-1 and HIV-2 Gag expression revealed broadly equivalent levels of intracellular Gag expression and Gag N-terminal myristoylation in yeast. Both Gags showed the same membrane-binding ability and were incorporated into lipid raft fractions at a physiological concentration of salt. HIV-2 Gag, however, failed to form a high-order multimer and easily dissociated from the membrane, phenomena which were not observed in higher eukaryotic cells. A series of chimeric Gags between HIV-1 and HIV-2 and Gag mutants with amino acid substitutions revealed that a defined region in helix 2 of HIV-2 MA (located on the membrane-binding surface of MA) affects higher-order Gag assembly and particle production in yeast. Together, these data suggest that yeast may lack a host factor(s) for HIV-2 and SIVmac Gag assembly.
Evidence of Intragenic Recombination in G1 Rotavirus VP7 Genes
Authors: Phan Tung Gia , Okitsu Shoko , Maneekarn Niwat , Ushijima Hiroshi
Published: July 2007

The G1 rotavirus is the most widespread genotype causing acute gastroenteritis in children. In an attempt to investigate the occurrence of intragenic recombination, 131 complete coding region sequences of VP7 genes of the G1 rotaviruses in GenBank were examined. Three hitherto-unreported intragenic recombinant rotaviruses were identified. It was noteworthy that two different types (interlineage and intersublineage) of intragenic recombination in rotaviruses were also found. This is the first report to demonstrate the existence of intragenic recombinations between interlineage and intersublineage in G1 rotaviruses.
Replication of Poliovirus Requires Binding of the Poly(rC) Binding Protein to the Cloverleaf as Well as to the Adjacent C-Rich Spacer Sequence between the Cloverleaf and the Internal Ribosomal Entry Site
Authors: Toyoda Hidemi , Franco David , Fujita Kentaro , Paul Aniko V. , Wimmer Eckard
Published: July 2007

The 5′ nontranslated region of poliovirus RNA contains two highly structured regions, the cloverleaf (CL) and the internal ribosomal entry site (IRES). A cellular protein, the poly(rC) binding protein (PCBP), has been reported to interact with the CL either alone or in combination with viral protein 3CD
pro
. The formation of the ternary complex is essential for RNA replication and, hence, viral proliferation. PCBP also interacts with stem-loop IV of the IRES, an event critical for the initiation of cap-independent translation. Until recently, no special function was assigned to a spacer region (nucleotides [nt] 89 to 123) located between the CL and the IRES. However, on the basis of our discovery that this region strongly affects the neurovirulent phenotype of poliovirus, we have embarked upon genetic and biochemical analyses of the spacer region, focusing on two clusters of C residues (C
93-95
and C
98-100
) that are highly conserved among entero- and rhinoviruses. Replacement of all six C residues with A residues had no effect on translation in vitro but abolished RNA replication, leading to a lethal growth phenotype of the virus in HeLa cells. Mutation of the first group of C residues (C
93-95
) resulted in slower viral growth, whereas the C
98-100
A change had no significant effect on viability. Genetic analyses of the C-rich region by extensive mutagenesis and analyses of revertants revealed that two consecutive C residues (C
94-95
) were sufficient to promote normal growth of the virus. However, there was a distinct position effect of the preferred C residues. A 142-nt-long 5′-terminal RNA fragment including the CL and spacer sequences efficiently bound PCBP, whereas no PCBP binding was observed with the CL (nt 1 to 88) alone. Binding of PCBP to the 142-nt fragment was completely ablated after the two C clusters in the spacer were mutated to A clusters. In contrast, the same mutations had no effect on the binding of 3CD
pro
to the 142-nt RNA fragment. Stepwise replacement of the C residues with A residues resulted in impaired replication that covaried with weaker binding of PCBP in vitro. We conclude that PCBP has little, if any, binding affinity for the CL itself (nt 1 to 88) but requires additional nucleotides downstream of the CL for its function as an essential cofactor in poliovirus RNA replication. These data reveal a new essential function of the spacer between the CL and the IRES in poliovirus proliferation.
Enhanced Phosphorylation of Transcription Factor Sp1 in Response to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection Is Dependent on the Ataxia Telangiectasia-Mutated Protein
Authors: Iwahori Satoko , Shirata Noriko , Kawaguchi Yasushi , Weller Sandra K. , Sato Yoshitaka , Kudoh Ayumi , Nakayama Sanae , Isomura Hiroki , Tsurumi Tatsuya
Published: July 2007

The ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) protein, a member of the related phosphatidylinositol 3-like kinase family encoded by a gene responsible for the human genetic disorder ataxia telangiectasia, regulates cellular responses to DNA damage and viral infection. It has been previously reported that herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection induces activation of protein kinase activity of ATM and hyperphosphorylation of transcription factor, Sp1. We show that ATM is intimately involved in Sp1 hyperphosphorylation during HSV-1 infection rather than individual HSV-1-encoded protein kinases. In ATM-deficient cells or cells silenced for ATM expression by short hairpin RNA targeting, hyperphosphorylation of Sp1 was prevented even as HSV-1 infection progressed. Mutational analysis of putative ATM phosphorylation sites on Sp1 and immunoblot analysis with phosphopeptide-specific Sp1 antibodies clarified that at least Ser-56 and Ser-101 residues on Sp1 became phosphorylated upon HSV-1 infection. Serine-to-alanine mutations at both sites on Sp1 considerably abolished hyperphosphorylation of Sp1 upon infection. Although ATM phosphorylated Ser-101 but not Ser-56 on Sp1 in vitro, phosphorylation of Sp1 at both sites was not detected at all upon infection in ATM-deficient cells, suggesting that cellular kinase(s) activated by ATM could be involved in phosphorylation at Ser-56. Upon viral infection, Sp1-dependent transcription in ATM expression-silenced cells was almost the same as that in ATM-intact cells, suggesting that ATM-dependent phosphorylation of Sp1 might hardly affect its transcriptional activity during the HSV-1 infection. ATM-dependent Sp1 phosphorylation appears to be a global response to various DNA damage stress including viral DNA replication.
Maturation-Dependent Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Particle Fusion Requires a Carboxyl-Terminal Region of the gp41 Cytoplasmic Tail
Authors: Jiang Jiyang , Aiken Christopher
Published: July 2007

Lentiviruses, including human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), typically encode fusion glycoproteins with long cytoplasmic tails (CTs). We previously reported that immature HIV-1 particles are inhibited for fusion with target cells by a mechanism requiring the 152-amino-acid CT of gp41. The gp41 CT was also shown to mediate the detergent-resistant association of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein complex with immature HIV-1 particles, indicating that the gp41 CT forms a stable complex with Gag in immature virions. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of progressive truncations and point mutations in the gp41 CT on the fusion of mature and immature HIV-1 particles with target cells. We also determined the effects of these mutations on the detergent-resistant association of gp41 with immature HIV-1 particles. Removal of the C-terminal 28 amino acids relieved the dependence of HIV-1 fusion on maturation. However, a mutant Env protein lacking this region remained associated with immature HIV-1 particles treated with nonionic detergent. Further mutational analysis of the C-terminal region of gp41 revealed two specific sequences required for maturation-dependent HIV-1 fusion. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the extreme C terminus of gp41 plays a key role in coupling HIV-1 fusion competence to virion maturation. They further indicate that the stable association of gp41 with Gag in immature virions is not sufficient for inhibition of immature HIV-1 particle fusion.
Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1) p12IDown-Modulates ICAM-1 and -2 and Reduces Adherence of Natural Killer Cells, Thereby Protecting HTLV-1-Infected Primary CD4+T Cells from Autologous Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity despite the Reduction of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Molecules on Infected Cells
Authors: Banerjee Prabal , Feuer Gerold , Barker Edward
Published: July 2007

Although natural killer (NK) cell-mediated control of viral infections is well documented, very little is known about the ability of NK cells to restrain human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection. In the current study we show that NK cells are unable to kill HTLV-1-infected primary CD4+T cells. Exposure of NK cells to interleukin-2 (IL-2) resulted in only a marginal increase in their ability to kill HTLV-1-infected primary CD4+T cells. This inability of NK cells to kill HTLV-1-infected CD4+T cells occurred despite the down-modulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules, one of the ligands for the major NK cell inhibitory receptor, by HTLV-1 p12Ion CD4+T cells. One reason for this diminished ability of NK cells to kill HTLV-1-infected cells was the decreased ability of NK cells to adhere to HTLV-1-infected cells because of HTLV-1 p12I-mediated down-modulation of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and ICAM-2. We also found that HTLV-1-infected CD4+T cells did not express ligands for NK cell activating receptors, NCR and NKG2D, although they did express ligands for NK cell coactivating receptors, NTB-A and 2B4. Thus, despite HTLV-1-mediated down-modulation of MHC-I molecules, HTLV-1-infected primary CD4+T cells avoids NK cell destruction by modulating ICAM expression and shunning the expression of ligands for activating receptors.
Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus ORF57 Protein Enhances mRNA Accumulation Independently of Effects on Nuclear RNA Export
Authors: Nekorchuk Michael , Han Zhao , Hsieh Ting-Ting , Swaminathan Sankar
Published: July 2007

The ORF57 protein expressed by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) during lytic replication is essential for KSHV virion production. ORF57 enhances gene expression by increasing accumulation of target gene mRNAs. ORF57 interacts with the cellular export factor REF and with RNA, suggesting that it may provide target mRNAs with access to REF, which mediates nuclear RNA export by binding to TAP/NXF1. A mutational analysis of ORF57 was performed to study the role of REF binding, RNA interaction, and multimerization in ORF57 function. ORF57 was shown to directly bind RNA. The ability to bind REF did not correlate with ORF57 function in enhancing mRNA accumulation. ORF57 enhanced the nuclear levels of mRNA and PAN, a nuclear KSHV RNA, and the activity of various ORF57 mutants on the levels of mRNA paralleled their ability to enhance nuclear PAN accumulation, suggesting that ORF57 may also act on messenger RNAs by export-independent effects on RNA stability. Finally, an ORF57 mutant lacking a region homologous to a nucleolar localization signal in herpesvirus saimiri was constructed. This mutant retained function, demonstrating that, unlike the ORF57 homolog in herpesvirus saimiri, nucleolar trafficking is not required for ORF57 function in enhancing mRNA accumulation.
Probing the Interaction between Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and CD134 by Using the Novel Monoclonal Antibody 7D6 and the CD134 (O×40) Ligand
Authors: Willett Brian J. , McMonagle Elizabeth L. , Logan Nicola , Spiller O. Brad , Schneider Pascal , Hosie Margaret J.
Published: July 2007

The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) targets activated CD4-positive helper T cells preferentially, inducing an AIDS-like immunodeficiency in its natural host species, the domestic cat. The primary receptor for FIV is CD134, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, and all primary viral strains tested to date use CD134 for infection. We examined the expression of CD134 in the cat using a novel anti-feline CD134 monoclonal antibody (MAb), 7D6, and showed that as in rats and humans, CD134 expression is restricted tightly to CD4+, and not CD8+, T cells, consistent with the selective targeting of these cells by FIV. However, FIV is also macrophage tropic, and in chronic infection the viral tropism broadens to include B cells and CD8+T cells. Using 7D6, we revealed CD134 expression on a B220-positive (B-cell) population and on cultured macrophages but not peripheral blood monocytes. Moreover, macrophage CD134 expression and FIV infection were enhanced by activation in response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Consistent with CD134 expression on human and murine T cells, feline CD134 was abundant on mitogen-stimulated CD4+T cells, with weaker expression on CD8+T cells, concordant with the expansion of FIV into CD8+T cells with progression of the infection. The interaction between FIV and CD134 was probed using MAb 7D6 and soluble CD134 ligand (CD134L), revealing strain-specific differences in sensitivity to both 7D6 and CD134L. Infection with isolates such as PPR and B2542 was inhibited well by both 7D6 and CD134L, suggesting a lower affinity of interaction. In contrast, GL8, CPG, and NCSU were relatively refractory to inhibition by both 7D6 and CD134L and, accordingly, may have a higher-affinity interaction with CD134, permitting infection of cells where CD134 levels are limiting.
Prevention of anterior cruciate ligament injury in the female athlete
Authors: Silvers Holly Jacinda , Mandelbaum Bert R
Published: July 2007

The relationships of gender, age and training to the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury are pivotal to developing a comprehensive neuromuscular and proprioceptive training programme to decrease ACL injuries in female athletes. A prophylactic neuromuscular and proprioceptive training programme may have direct benefit in decreasing the number of ACL injuries in female athletes. This research foundation endorses further epidemiological and biomechanical studies to determine the exact mechanism of ACL injury and the most effective intervention for decreasing ACL injuries in this high-risk population.
Effects of acute prednisolone administration on exercise endurance and metabolism
Authors: Arlettaz A , Collomp K , Portier H , Lecoq A-M , Rieth N , Le Panse B , De Ceaurriz J
Published: July 2007

Objective:

To examine whether acute glucocorticoid (GC) intake alters performance and selected hormonal and metabolic variables during submaximal exercise.

Methods:

In total, 14 recreational male athletes completed two cycling trials at 70–75% maximum O2uptake starting 3 h after an ingestion of either a lactose placebo or oral GC (20 mg of prednisolone) and continuing until exhaustion, according to a double-blind randomised protocol. Blood samples were collected at rest, after 10, 20, 30 minutes, and at exhaustion and recovery for measurement of growth hormone (GH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), prolactin, insulin, blood glucose, lactate and interleukin (IL)-6 determination.

Results:

Cycling duration was not significantly changed after GC or placebo administration (55.9 (5.2)v48.8 (2.9) minutes, respectively). A decrease in ACTH and DHEA (p<0.01) was observed with GC during all of the experiments and in IL-6 after exhaustion (p<0.05). No change in basal, exercise or recovery GH, prolactin, insulin or lactate was found between the two treatments but blood glucose was significantly higher with GC (p<0.05) at any time point.

Conclusion:

From these data, acute systemic GC administration does seem to alter some metabolic markers but did not influence performance during submaximal exercise.
Urinary isotopic analysis in the UK Armed Forces: no evidence of depleted uranium absorption in combat and other personnel in Iraq
Authors: Bland D , Rona R , Coggon David , Anderson J , Greenberg N , Hull L , Wessely S
Published: July 2007

Objectives:

To assess the distribution and risk factors of depleted uranium uptake in military personnel who had taken part in the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Methods:

Sector field inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (SF-ICP-MS) was used to determine the uranium concentration and238U/235U isotopic ratio in spot urine samples. The authors collected urine samples from four groups identified a priori as having different potential for exposure to depleted uranium. These groups were: combat personnel (n = 199); non-combat personnel (n = 96); medical personnel (n = 22); and “clean-up” personnel (n = 24) who had been involved in the maintenance, repair or clearance of potentially contaminated vehicles in Iraq. A short questionnaire was used to ascertain individual experience of circumstances in which depleted uranium exposure might have occurred.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference in the238U/235U ratio between groups. Mean ratios by group varied from 138.0 (95% CI 137.3 to 138.7) for clean-up personnel to 138.2 (95% CI 138.0 to 138.5) for combat personnel, and were close to the ratio of 137.9 for natural uranium. The two highest individual ratios (146.9 and 147.7) were retested using more accurate, multiple collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) and found to be within measurement of error of that for natural uranium. There were no significant differences in isotope ratio between participants according to self-reported circumstances of potential depleted uranium exposure.

Conclusions:

Based on measurements using a SF-ICP-MS apparatus, this study provides reassurance following concern for potential widespread depleted uranium uptake in the UK military. The rare occurrence of elevated ratios may reflect the limits of accuracy of the SF-ICP-MS apparatus and not a real increase from the natural proportions of the isotopes. Any uptake of depleted uranium among participants in this study sample would be very unlikely to have any implications for health.
NOISE INDUCED RESONANT TRANSITION BETWEEN TURING PATTERNS
Authors: ZHANG KE , WANG HONGLI , QIAO CHUN , OUYANG QI
Published: July 2007

We report a noise assisted and optimized resonant transition behavior between two metastable Turing pattern states in a piecewise FitzHu–Nagumo model. The response of the bistable Turing system to a weak periodic signal which modulates the attraction domain of the piecewise function is enhanced with the addition of noise. The quantity that measures the resonant transition between the bistable states and the periodicity of the Turing pattern shows a tent-shape dependence on the intensity of noise, which is the fingerprint of stochastic resonance. As the frequency of the signal is increased to be high enough, the coherent transition disappears.
STRUCTURAL, ELECTRICAL AND MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF Pr1-xBaxMnO3(x=0.33–0.80)
Authors: PANWAR NEERAJ , AGARWAL S. K. , BHALLA G. L. , KAUR D. , PANDYA D. K.
Published: July 2007

We report here the electrical resistivity, ac susceptibility, low field magneto-resistance (LFMR) and structural parameters of the Pr 1-x Ba x MnO 3(x= 0.33–0.80) system. Samples with 33% and 40% Ba -content exhibit two clear transitions in their resistivity-temperature behavior while signatures of higher temperature transition are also seen in the 50% Ba sample. The higher temperature transition (insulator-metal, Tp1), like in other CMR materials, results due to competition between the double exchange and super exchange mechanisms. The lower temperature broad hump (Tp2) in resistivity reflects the strain effect at the grain boundaries due to the ionic radii mismatch between Pr +3 and Ba +2. The low field magneto-resistance (at 0.15T) also corroborates the above results as MR peaks near Tp1 and increases further at lower temperatures, reflecting the contribution from the grain boundaries. Susceptibility measurements show the Curie transition (Tc) to be near Tp1 of the ρ-T data. Results are found to be consistent with the (NdBa) MnO 3 and (LaBa) MnO 3 systems. Resistivity data on the Pr 0.67 Sr 0.33 MnO 3 system, where the lower temperature transition at Tp2 is not seen due to the smaller ionic size difference of ( Pr +3– Sr +2) compared to ( Pr +3– Ba +2), also substantiate these results. The observed resistivity upturn at low temperatures is considered in terms of the ensuing localization of carriers due to the varying degree of ionic size mismatch in these systems.
THEORETICAL STUDIES ABOUT ADSORPTION ON SILICON SURFACE
Authors: HUANG YAN , CHEN XIAOSHUANG , ZHU XIAO YAN , DUAN HE , ZHOU XIAO HAO , LU WEI
Published: July 2007

In this review paper, we address the important research topic of adsorption on the silicon surface. The deposition of single Si ad-species (adatom and ad-dimer) on the p(2×2) reconstructed Si (100) surface has been simulated by the empirical tight-binding method. Using the clean and defective Si surfaces as the deposition substrates, the deposition energies are mapped out around the clean surface, dimer vacancies, steps and kink structures. The binding sites, saddle points and several possible diffusion paths are obtained from the calculated energy. With further analysis of the deposition and diffusion behaviors, the influences of the surface defects can be found. Then, by adopting the first-principle calculations, the adsorptions of the II-VI group elements on the clean and As-passivated Si (211) substrates have been calculated as the example of adsorption on the high-miller-index Si surface.
GENERIC ELECTRON MOBILITY IN SURFACE STATES ON HELIUM FILMS
Authors: KROTSCHECK E. , MILLER M. D.
Published: July 2007

We study the mobility of electrons adsorbed to thin 4 He films. Utilizing the time-dependent version of the Euler-Lagrange, hypernetted chain variational theory, we compute the inelastic scattering rate of an electron due to collisions with film excitations (third sound). We obtain an analytic result valid in the long wavelength limit. In agreement with experiment, the mobility shows oscillations due to the underlying transverse film structure. The oscillations are explicitly due to the appearance of the third sound speed in the scattering rate since the third sound speed itself oscillates in conjunction with the 4 He film structure. The mobilities tend to be higher than reported mobilities on thin films, which we attribute to substrate structure. We interpret our results as generic mobilities that are valid in the limit of perfectly smooth, structureless substrates.
QUANTUM BOLTZMANN LIQUIDS
Authors: GERNOTH K. A. , RISTIG MANFRED L. , LINDENAU THOMAS
Published: July 2007

We study homogeneous normal systems of bosons under the influence of interparticle forces with a strongly repulsive component at short relative particle-particle distances. The repulsion prevents short-ranged exchange between the bosonic constituents in the quantum fluid. Consequently, the bosons remain distinguishable at temperatures far below the classical high-temperature regime. At these low temperatures such fluids and liquids display nevertheless distinct quantum effects due to quantum-mechanical phase-phase correlations. Typical examples are liquid para-hydrogen and fluid 4 He under certain thermodynamic conditions. The study employs Correlated Density-Matrix theory and Path-Integral Monte-Carlo simulations.
VORTICITY AND ANTIVORTICITY IN SUBMICRON FERROMAGNETIC FILMS
Authors: WANG HAO , YAN M. , CAMPBELL C. E.
Published: July 2007

The existence of stable or metastable vortex and antivortex states in submicron ferromagnetic films is reviewed. Using standard simulation methods, the dynamics of an antivortex in a permalloy asteroid geometry is explored. As in the case of the vortex in similarly sized permalloy disks and squares, there is a sub-GHz frequency gyrotropic mode of the core of the antivortices, and a rich spin wave spectrum in the multi-GHz range. The spin waves are generated in the simulations by using magnetic pulses similar to those available experimentally, which have been applied to circular and square particles of similar sizes in previous research.
CORRELATIONS, COLLISION FREQUENCY AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES IN LASER EXCITED CLUSTERS
Authors: REINHOLZ H. , RAITZA T. , RÖPKE G.
Published: July 2007

Within linear response theory, the dielectric and optical properties of a charged particle system are related to equilibrium correlation functions. In particular, the dynamical conductivity and the dynamical collision frequency are expressed in terms of the current-current or force-force correlation function, which can be evaluated analytically using perturbation expansions or numerically by MD simulations. Results are given for bulk material. Furthermore, finite systems such as laser excited clusters are considered. It is shown that the collision frequency is reduced in finite systems. The interaction with the laser field is discussed with respect to the current-current correlation function which changes with time due to the expansion of the laser-irradiated cluster.