bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual reproduction in Sarcotragus spinosulus from two different shallow environments
Authors: Maria Mercurio , Giuseppe Corriero , Miriam Gherardi , Rossella Baldacconi , Gaino Elda
Published: June 2013

The reproductive cycle of the demosponge Sarcotragus spinosulus from two different shallow environments (La Pierta and La Strea) of the Ionian coasts of Apulia (SE Italy) was studied from February 2006 to February 2007 in 20 tagged specimens. The sponge is viviparous. All the monitored specimens showed sexual reproduction, even if the process usually involved small portions of the sponge tissue. Most of the specimens showed hermaphroditism, with contemporaneous production of oocytes and spermatic cysts in the same reproductive season. Young oocytes occurred from June to September in specimens from La Pierta and from June to October in those from La Strea. Large mature eggs, measuring up to 200 μm, showed a peak in August to September, concomitant with the appearance of spermatic cysts, whose density values were about 100 times higher than those estimated for female elements. At La Pierta, embryos were present for 11 months, whereas at La Strea they were very scarce during the first 4 months of observation, with the results that there was a significant difference in the production of embryos between the two groups of sponges. Embryo development occurred in patches inside the choanosomal region. Cleavage started in September and led in June to a solid stereoblastula, which, only at La Pierta, produced parenchymella larva (371.3 + 31.3 μm on average) from June to July. In the specimens from La Strea, larvae were never observed. The slight differences in the reproductive cycle between the two groups of sponges may be explained in the light of the major variability of the environmental parameters which could have affected the specimens from La Strea negatively.
Folding Paper Swans, Modeling Lives
Authors: Mazuz Keren
Published: June 2013

This article examines the practices of folding paper swans by Filipina migrants employed as live‐in caregivers for elderly, dying patients in Israel. These practices create a microsystem model of adjustment through precise, small‐scale, and repetitive movements. This microsystem synchronizes a tripartite process: the swan's process of construction, the patient's process of decay, and the caregiver's process of self‐creation. In the short term, the microsystem is sustained, but in the long term, the microsystem contains within it the seeds of its own self‐destruction, as the patient eventually dies, the caregiver is reassigned to another patient or deported, and the swans are gifted. Therefore, the swan folding expands both medical anthropology understanding of caregiving as a ritual and the phenomenology of global caregivers who use immediately accessible materials—paper and glue—as an imaginative tool for ordering their daily experiences as dislocated and marginalized workers.
Functional genotypes are associated with commensal Escherichia coli strain abundance within‐host individuals and populations
Authors: Blyton Michaela D. J. , Banks Sam C. , Peakall Rod , Gordon David M.
Published: June 2013

The selective pressures that determine genotype abundance and distribution frequently vary between ecological levels. Thus, it is often unclear whether the same functional genotypes will become abundant at different levels and how selection acting at these different scales is linked. In this study, we examined whether particular functional genotypes, defined by the presence or absence of 34 genes, of commensal Escherichia coli strains were associated with within‐host abundance and/or host population abundance in a wild population of 54 adult mountain brushtail possums (Trichosurus cunninghami). Our results revealed that there was a positive correlation between a strain's relative abundance within individuals and the strain's abundance in the host population. We also found that strain abundance at both ecological levels was predicted by the same group of functional genes (agn43, focH, micH47, iroN, ygiL, ompT, kspmT2 and K1) that had associated patterns of occurrence. We propose that direct selection on the same functional genes at both levels may in part be responsible for the observed correlation between the ecological levels. However, a potential link between abundance within the host and excretion rate may also contribute.
Gene expression modulation and the molecular mechanisms involved in Nelfinavir resistance in Leishmania donovani axenic amastigotes
Authors: Kumar Pranav , Lodge Robert , Raymond Frédéric , Ritt Jean‐François , Jalaguier Pascal , Corbeil Jacques , Ouellette Marc , Tremblay Michel J.
Published: June 2013

Drug resistance is a major public health challenge in leishmaniasis chemotherapy, particularly in the case of emerging Leishmania/HIV‐1 co‐infections. We have delineated the mechanism of cell death induced by the HIV‐1 protease inhibitor, Nelfinavir, in the Leishmania parasite. In order to further study Nelfinavir–Leishmania interactions, we selected Nelfinavir‐resistant axenic amastigotes in vitro and characterized them. RNA expression profiling analyses and comparative genomic hybridizations of closely related Leishmania species were used as a screening tool to compare Nelfinavir‐resistant and ‐sensitive parasites in order to identify candidate genes involved in drug resistance. Microarray analyses of Nelfinavir‐resistant and ‐sensitive Leishmania amastigotes suggest that parasites regulate mRNA levels either by modulating gene copy numbers through chromosome aneuploidy, or gene deletion/duplication by homologous recombination. Interestingly, supernumerary chromosomes 6 and 11 in the resistant parasites lead to upregulation of the ABC class of transporters. Transporter assays using radiolabelled Nelfinavir suggest a greater drug accumulation in the resistant parasites and in a time‐dependent manner. Furthermore, high‐resolution electron microscopy and measurements of intracellular polyphosphate levels showed an increased number of cytoplasmic vesicular compartments known as acidocalcisomes in Nelfinavir‐resistant parasites. Together these results suggest that Nelfinavir is rapidly and dramatically sequestered in drug‐induced intracellular vesicles.
A common pathway for O‐linked protein‐glycosylation and synthesis of capsule in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Lees‐Miller Robert G. , Iwashkiw Jeremy A. , Scott Nichollas E. , Seper Andrea , Vinogradov Evgeny , Schild Stefan , Feldman Mario F.
Published: June 2013

Multi‐drug resistant strains of Acinetobacter baumannii are increasingly being isolated in hospitals worldwide. Among the virulence factors identified in this bacterium there is a general O‐glycosylation system that appears to be important for biofilm formation and virulence, and the capsular polysaccharide, which is essential for resistance to complement killing. In this work, we identified a locus that is responsible for the synthesis of the O‐pentasaccharide found on the glycoproteins. Besides the enzymes required for the assembly of the glycan, additional proteins typically involved in polymerization and transport of capsule were identified within or adjacently to the locus. Mutagenesis of PglC, the initiating glycosyltransferase prevented the synthesis of both glycoproteins and capsule, resulting in abnormal biofilm structures and attenuated virulence in mice. These results, together with the structural analysis of A. baumannii 17978 capsular polysaccharide via NMR, demonstrated that the pentasaccharides that decorate the glycoproteins are also the building blocks for capsule biosynthesis. Two linked subunits, but not longer glycan chains, were detected on proteins via MS. The discovery of a bifurcated pathway for O‐glycosylation and capsule synthesis not only provides insight into the biology of A. baumannii but also identifies potential novel candidates for intervention against this emerging pathogen.
Valosin‐containing protein immunoreactivity in tauopathies, synucleinopathies, polyglutamine diseases and intranuclear inclusion body disease
Authors: Mori Fumiaki , Tanji Kunikazu , Toyoshima Yasuko , Sasaki Hidenao , Yoshida Mari , Kakita Akiyoshi , Takahashi Hitoshi , Wakabayashi Koichi
Published: June 2013

Valosin‐containing protein (VCP) is associated with multiple cellular functions, including ubiquitin‐dependent protein degradation. Mutations in VCP are known to cause inclusion body myopathy with Paget's disease and frontotemporal dementia and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS; ALS14), both of which are characterized by trans‐activation response DNA protein 43 (TDP‐43)‐positive neuronal cytoplasmic and nuclear inclusions. Recently, immunoreactivity for fALS‐associated proteins (TDP‐43, fused in sarcoma (FUS), optineurin and ubiquilin‐2) were reported to be present in cytoplasmic and nuclear inclusions in various neurodegenerative diseases. However, the extent and frequency of VCP‐immunoreactive structures in these neurodegenerative diseases are uncertain. We immunohistochemically examined the brains of 72 cases with neurodegenerative diseases and five control cases. VCP immunoreactivity was present in Lewy bodies in Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, and neuronal nuclear inclusions in five polyglutamine diseases and intranuclear inclusion body disease, as well as in Marinesco bodies in aged control subjects. However, other neuronal and glial cytoplasmic inclusions in tauopathies and TDP‐43 proteinopathies were unstained. These findings suggest that VCP may have common mechanisms in the formation or degradation of cytoplasmic and nuclear inclusions of neurons, but not of glial cells, in several neurodegenerative conditions.
Histopathological and clonal study of combined lobular and ductal carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Tazaki Eri , Shishido‐Hara Yukiko , Mizutani Natsuko , Nomura Sachiyo , Isaka Hirotsugu , Ito Hiroki , Imi Kentaro , Imoto Shigeru , Kamma Hiroshi
Published: June 2013

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) clinically constitutes a risk factor for the subsequent development of either invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) or invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). In order to approach the possibility of this common precursor of both ILC and IDC, we investigated combined lobular and ductal carcinomas. Thirty‐two cases of lobular carcinoma were picked up out of 773 cases of operated breast carcinomas. The histopathological detailed re‐examination using immunostain of E‐cadherin and β‐catenin revealed a rather high frequency of combined lobular carcinomas than previous reports. Clinicopathologically, combined lobular carcinomas were younger and smaller than pure lobular carcinomas, and the cytological atypia was relatively low. These results suggested that combined lobular carcinomas could be detected in the earlier stage of breast cancer. Furthermore, the lobular and ductal components of combined carcinomas coexisted in the neighborhood and were distributed contiguously. The immunohistochemical phenotypes of both components were accorded in most combined cases. A genetic analysis using methylation‐specific PCR on the HUMARA gene demonstrated that the same allele was inactivated in both lobular and ductal components in all detectable cases of combined carcinoma. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that both lobular and ductal components of combined carcinomas are clonal and derived from the LCIS as the common precursor lesion, which may contradict the conventional concept that the lobular and ductal carcinomas arise from distinct differentiation pathways.
Bi‐directional roles of bone morphogenetic proteins in cancer: Another molecular Jekyll and Hyde?
Authors: Ehata Shogo , Yokoyama Yuichiro , Takahashi Kei , Miyazono Kohei
Published: June 2013

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multi‐functional cytokines, which belong to the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) family. In some cancer tissues, aberrant expression of various BMP signal components has been detected. Here, we describe the divergent roles of BMPs during the progression of cancer. BMPs exhibit various effects on both cancer cells and on tumor microenvironments. BMPs inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, with some exceptions. BMPs also induce the differentiation of certain cancer stem cells, and attenuate their aggressiveness. In parallel, BMPs play a critical role in the regulation of tumor angiogenesis and the metastasis of cancer cells. Some mouse xenograft models have revealed that cancer metastases are prevented by the inhibition of BMP signaling. Together, these findings imply that BMPs function as both suppressors and promoters of tumors in a context dependent manner. The bi‐directional characteristics of BMPs in cancer are similar to those of TGF‐β, which was previously described as a molecular ‘Jekyll and Hyde.’
Drinking Water as a Proportion of Total Human Exposure to Volatile N‐Nitrosamines
Authors: Hrudey Steve E. , Bull Richard J. , Cotruvo Joseph A. , Paoli Greg , Wilson Margaret
Published: June 2013

Some volatile N‐nitrosamines, primarily N‐nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), are recognized as products of drinking water treatment at ng/L levels and as known carcinogens. The U.S. EPA has identified the N‐nitrosamines as contaminants being considered for regulation as a group under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Nitrosamines are common dietary components, and a major database (over 18,000 drinking water samples) has recently been created under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule. A Monte Carlo modeling analysis in 2007 found that drinking water contributed less than 2.8% of ingested NDMA and less than 0.02% of total NDMA exposure when estimated endogenous formation was considered. Our analysis, based upon human blood concentrations, indicates that endogenous NDMA production is larger than expected. The blood‐based estimates are within the range that would be calculated from estimates based on daily urinary NDMA excretion and an estimate based on methylated guanine in DNA of lymphocytes from human volunteers. Our analysis of ingested NDMA from food and water based on Monte Carlo modeling with more complete data input shows that drinking water contributes a mean proportion of the lifetime average daily NDMA dose ranging from between 0.0002% and 0.001% for surface water systems using free chlorine or between 0.001% and 0.01% for surface water systems using chloramines. The proportions of average daily dose are higher for infants (zero to six months) than other age cohorts, with the highest mean up to 0.09% (upper 95th percentile of 0.3%).
Inflation and Inflation Expectations inSouthAfrica: an Attempt at Explanation
Authors: Kabundi Alain , Schaling Eric
Published: June 2013

This paper examines the relationship between inflation and inflation expectations inSouthAfrica. We use inflation expectations derived from the quarterly surveys conducted by the Bureau of Economic Research from 2001Q1 to 2011Q4 . Using these data, we estimate the model assuming that private sector expectations are a linear function of the inflation target and lagged inflation. The results indicate that economic agents' expectations largely depend on lagged inflation. This suggests that theSouthAfrican Reserve Bank (SARB) has not been successful in anchoring expectations of the private sector since the adoption of the inflation targeting (IT) regime in 2000. We also find evidence indicating that theSARB's implicit inflation target lies above the upper bound of the officialITband. Finally, it appears that theSARBhas been more concerned about output stabilisation than inflation stabilisation.
Profile of suicide in rural Cameroon: are health systems doing enough?
Authors: Keugoung Basile , Kongnyu Emmanuel Tabah , Meli Jean , Criel Bart
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To describe the characteristics of suicide and assess the capacity of health services at the district level in Cameroon to deliver quality mental health care.

Methods

The study covered the period between 1999 and 2008 and was carried out in Guidiguis health district which had a population of 145 700 inhabitants in 2008. Data collection was based on psychological autopsy methods. To collect data, we used documentary review of medical archives, semi‐structured interviews of relatives of suicide completers, a focus group discussion of health committee members and a survey to consulting nurses working at the primary health care level.

Results

Forty‐seven suicides were recorded from 1999 to 2008: 37 (78.7%) males and 10 (21.3%) females, yielding rates of reported suicides that ranged from 0.89 to 6.54 per 100 000 inhabitants. The most frequently used suicide method was the ingestion of toxic agricultural chemicals (in 76.6% of cases). According to the relatives, the suicides were due to an ongoing chronic illness (31.9%), sexual and marital conflicts (25.5%), witchcraft (14.9%), financial problems (8.5%) or unknown cause (25.5%). In 25 (53.2%) cases, suicide victims exhibited symptoms suggestive of a mental disorder but only six of the suicide committers who presented behavioural symptoms sought health care. Only two of the 15 consulting nurses were able to cite at least three symptoms of depression and were aware that depression can lead to suicide. All of the nurses acknowledged that they had never received any specific training or supervision in mental health care.

Conclusions

Suicides are not a rare event in rural settings in Cameroon. The health district capacity to provide quality mental care is almost insignificant. The integration of minimal mental health care services at the community and primary health care levels should be considered a priority in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Small fields output factors measurements and correction factors determination for several detectors for a CyberKnife® and linear accelerators equipped with microMLC and circular cones
Authors: Bassinet C. , Huet C. , Derreumaux S. , Brunet G. , Chéa M. , Baumann M. , Lacornerie T. , Gaudaire‐Josset S. , Trompier F. , Roch P. , Boisserie G. , Clairand I.
Published: June 2013

Purpose:

The use of small photon fields is now an established practice in stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy. However, due to a lack of lateral electron equilibrium and high dose gradients, it is difficult to accurately measure the dosimetric quantities required for the commissioning of such systems. Moreover, there is still no metrological dosimetric reference for this kind of beam today. In this context, the first objective of this work was to determine and to compare small fields output factors (OF) measured with different types of active detectors and passive dosimeters for three types of facilities: a CyberKnife® system, a dedicated medical linear accelerator (Novalis) equipped with m3 microMLC and circular cones, and an adaptive medical linear accelerator (Clinac 2100) equipped with an additional m3 microMLC. The second one was to determine the correction factors introduced in a recently proposed small field dosimetry formalism for different active detectors.

Methods:

Small field sizes were defined either by microMLC down to 6 × 6 mm2 or by circular cones down to 4 mm in diameter. OF measurements were performed with several commercially available active detectors dedicated to measurements in small fields (high resolution diodes: IBA SFD, Sun Nuclear EDGE, PTW 60016, PTW 60017; ionizing chambers: PTW 31014 PinPoint chamber, PTW 31018 microLion liquid chamber, and PTW 60003 natural diamond). Two types of passive dosimeters were used: LiF microcubes and EBT2 radiochromic films.

Results:

Significant differences between the results obtained by several dosimetric systems were observed, particularly for the smallest field size for which the difference in the measured OF reaches more than 20%. For passive dosimeters, an excellent agreement was observed (better than 2%) between EBT2 and LiF microcubes for all OF measurements. Moreover, it has been shown that these passive dosimeters do not require correction factors and can then be used as reference dosimeters. Correction factors for the active detectors have then been determined from the mean experimental OF measured by the passive dosimeters.

Conclusions:

Four sets of correction factors needed to apply the new small field dosimetry formalism are provided for several active detectors. A protocol for small photon beams OF determination based on passive dosimeters measurements has been recently proposed to French radiotherapy treatment centers.
Time to Play Ball
Authors: Yamamoto Keith
Published: June 2013

What if baseball were organized like science? Aspiring catchers or shortstops, like students of physics or molecular biology, would be trained by professional counterparts, and top prospects with dazzling skills would turn pro without learning that by combining their specialized talents, they could create an entirely different game. Managers, owners, and marketers would seek and reward individual stars at each position but would not facilitate or nurture a team culture or even a team game. In science, traditions, policies, and bureaucracies isolate scientific disciplines and their discoveries and technologies, squandering exciting opportunities that could be empowered by merged ideas and efforts—in short, by teamwork. A recent report from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences asserts that knocking down such boundaries would reveal great new opportunities; indeed, a new game.
A Traveler's Guide to Next Generation Sequencing: Navigating the Sea of Genetic Variants
Authors: Weber Ruthild , Kahn Scott D.
Published: June 2013

Recent advances in technology and cost effectiveness of next generation sequencing has led to its progressively wider implementation in both research and clinical settings. The amount of data it produces, however, can be overwhelming—typically over three million variants per genome. The challenges for many researchers today are how to make sense of this huge volume of data in the context of the scientific question being asked, and how to identify those variants that provide meaningful and relevant information. In this webinar we will discuss current approaches to variant analysis and how they can be most effectively integrated into the next generation sequencing pipeline.
Development and Validation of an Assay To Detect Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus-Specific Neutralizing Antibody Titers in Pig Oral Fluid Samples
Authors: Ouyang Kang , Binjawadagi Basavaraj , Kittawornrat Apisit , Olsen Chris , Hiremath Jagadish , Elkalifa Nadia , Schleappi Rose , Wu Jianmin , Zimmerman Jeffrey , Renukaradhya Gourapura J.
Published: June 2013

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)-specific neutralizing antibodies (NA) are important for clearing the virus. Pen-based pig oral fluid samples for disease surveillance are gaining in importance due to the ease of collection and low cost. The aim of this study was to develop a PRRSV-specific NA assay to determine NA titers in pig oral fluid samples. At first, we standardized the PRRSV NA assay using pen-based pig oral fluid samples collected over a period of 3 months from a herd of swine that received a PRRSV modified live vaccine (PRRS-MLV), and we also used oral fluid and serum samples collected from individual boars that were vaccinated with PRRS-MLV or infected with a virulent PRRSV strain. Our results suggest that a PRRSV NA titer of >8 in oral fluid samples is virus specific and can be detected beginning at 28 days after vaccination or infection. To validate the assay, we used 104 pen-based pig oral fluid and five representative serum samples from each pen of unknown history, as well as 100 serum samples from repeatedly vaccinated sows and oral fluid samples of their respective litters belonging to four different swine-breeding farms. Our results demonstrated that PRRSV NA titers in oral fluid samples are correlated with serum sample titers, and maternally derived PRRSV-specific NA titers could be detected in litters at the time of weaning. In conclusion, we have standardized and validated the pig oral fluid-based PRRSV NA assay, which has 94.3% specificity and 90.5% repeatability. The assay can be used to monitor herd immunity against PRRSV in vaccinated and infected herds of swine.
Geographical Differences Associated with Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in Nine Gene Targets among Resistant Clinical Isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Hoshide Matt , Qian Lishi , Rodrigues Camilla , Warren Rob , Victor Tommie , Evasco Henry B. , Tupasi Thelma , Crudu Valeriu , Douglas James T.
Published: June 2013

Alternative diagnostic methods, such as sequence-based techniques, are necessary for increasing the proportion of tuberculosis cases tested for drug resistance. Despite the abundance of data on drug resistance, isolates can display phenotypic resistance but lack any distinguishable markers. Furthermore, because resistance-conferring mutations develop under antibiotic pressure, different drug regimens could favor unique single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in different geographical regions. A total of 407 isolates were collected from four geographical regions with a high prevalence of drug-resistant tuberculosis (India, Moldova, the Philippines, and South Africa). The “hot spot” or promoter sequences of nine genes (
rpoB
,
gyrA
,
gyrB
,
katG
,
inhA
promoter,
ahpC
promoter,
eis
promoter,
rrs
, and
tlyA
) associated with resistance to four types of antibiotics (rifampin, isoniazid, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides) were analyzed for markers. Four genes contributed largely to resistance (
rpoB
,
gyrA
,
rrs
, and
katG
), two genes contributed moderately to resistance (the
eis
and
inhA
promoters), and three genes contributed little or no resistance (
gyrB
,
tlyA
, and the
ahpC
promoter) in clinical isolates. Several geographical differences were found, including a double mutation in
rpoB
found in 37.1% of isolates from South Africa, the C→T mutation at position −12 of the
eis
promoter found exclusively in 60.6% of isolates from Moldova, and the G→A mutation at position −46 of the
ahpC
promoter found only in India. These differences in polymorphism frequencies emphasize the uniqueness of isolates found in different geographical regions. The inclusion of several genes provided a moderate increase in sensitivity, and elimination of the examination of other genes might increase efficiency.
First Report of Liver Abscess Caused by Salmonella enterica Serovar Dublin
Authors: Qu Fen , Fan Zhenping , Cui Enbo , Zhang Wenjin , Bao Chunmei , Chen Suming , Mao Yuanli , Zhou Dongsheng
Published: June 2013

This is the first reported case of liver abscess attributable to
Salmonella
serovar Dublin infection and also the fourth case of
Salmonella
liver abscess complicated with hepatocellular carcinoma reported since 1990. Drainage combined with intravenous antibiotics resulted in improvement, but recovery regressed again. Subsequent hepatic left lobectomy led to full recovery.
New Tetratrichomonas Species in Two Patients with Pleural Empyema
Authors: Lopez-Escamilla Eduardo , Sanchez-Aguillon Fabiola , Alatorre-Fernandez Cynthia Pamela , Aguilar-Zapata Daniel , Arroyo-Escalante Sara , Arellano Teresa , Moncada-Barron David , Romero-Valdovinos Mirza , Martinez-Hernandez Fernando , Rodriguez-Zulueta Patricia , Maravilla Pablo
Published: June 2013

Two unusual occurrences of pleural trichomonosis due to a new
Tetratrichomonas
species previously reported but not named were confirmed. In one patient,
Trichomonas tenax
and a
Tetratrichomonas
species were also detected in the oral cavity by molecular methods. We suggest that this new
Tetratrichomonas
species be named
Tetratrichomonas empyemagena
.
Human T Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 SU Residue 195 Plays a Role in Determining the Preferential CD4+T Cell Immortalization/Transformation Tropism
Authors: Kannian Priya , Fernandez Soledad , Jones Kathryn S. , Green Patrick L.
Published: June 2013

Human T lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) mainly causes adult T cell leukemia and predominantly immortalizes/transforms CD4+T cells in culture. HTLV-2 is aleukemic and predominantly immortalizes/transforms CD8+T cells in culture. We have shown previously that the viral envelope is the genetic determinant of the differential T cell tropism in culture. The surface component (SU) of the HTLV-1 envelope is responsible for binding to the cellular receptors for entry. Here, we dissect the HTLV-1 SU further to identify key domains that are involved in determining the immortalization tropism. We generated HTLV-1 envelope recombinant virus containing the HTLV-2 SU domain. HTLV-1/SU2 was capable of infecting and immortalizing freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells in culture. HTLV-1/SU2 shifted the CD4+T cell immortalization tropism of wild-type HTLV-1 (wtHTLV-1) to a CD8+T cell preference. Furthermore, a single amino acid substitution, N195D, in HTLV-1 SU (Ach.195) resulted in a shift to a CD8+T cell immortalization tropism preference. Longitudinal phenotyping analyses of thein vitrotransformation process revealed that CD4+T cells emerged as the predominant population by week 5 in wtHTLV-1 cultures, while CD8+T cells emerged as the predominant population by weeks 4 and 7 in wtHTLV-2 and Ach.195 cultures, respectively. Our results indicate that SU domain independently influences the preferential T cell immortalization tropism irrespective of the envelope counterpart transmembrane (TM) domain. We further showed that asparagine at position 195 in HTLV-1 SU is involved in determining this CD4+T cell immortalization tropism. The slower emergence of the CD8+T cell predominance in Ach.195-infected cultures suggests that other residues/domains contribute to this tropism preference.
Molecular Basis for Broad Neuraminidase Immunity: Conserved Epitopes in Seasonal and Pandemic H1N1 as Well as H5N1 Influenza Viruses
Authors: Wan Hongquan , Gao Jin , Xu Kemin , Chen Hongjun , Couzens Laura K. , Rivers Katie H. , Easterbrook Judy D. , Yang Kevin , Zhong Lei , Rajabi Mohsen , Ye Jianqiang , Sultana Ishrat , Wan Xiu-Feng , Liu Xiufan , Perez Daniel R. , Taubenberger Jeffery K. , Eichelberger Maryna C.
Published: June 2013

Influenza A viruses, including H1N1 and H5N1 subtypes, pose a serious threat to public health. Neuraminidase (NA)-related immunity contributes to protection against influenza virus infection. Antibodies to the N1 subtype provide protection against homologous and heterologous H1N1 as well as H5N1 virus challenge. Since neither the strain-specific nor conserved epitopes of N1 have been identified, we generated a panel of mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that exhibit different reactivity spectra with H1N1 and H5N1 viruses and used these MAbs to map N1 antigenic domains. We identified 12 amino acids essential for MAb binding to the NA of a recent seasonal H1N1 virus, A/Brisbane/59/2007. Of these, residues 248, 249, 250, 341, and 343 are recognized by strain-specific group A MAbs, while residues 273, 338, and 339 are within conserved epitope(s), which allows cross-reactive group B MAbs to bind the NAs of seasonal H1N1 and the 1918 and 2009 pandemic (09pdm) H1N1 as well as H5N1 viruses. A single dose of group B MAbs administered prophylactically fully protected mice against lethal challenge with seasonal and 09pdm H1N1 viruses and resulted in significant protection against the highly pathogenic wild-type H5N1 virus. Another three N1 residues (at positions 396, 397, and 456) are essential for binding of cross-reactive group E MAbs, which differ from group B MAbs in that they do not bind 09pdm H1N1 viruses. The identification of conserved N1 epitopes reveals the molecular basis for NA-mediated immunity between H1N1 and H5N1 viruses and demonstrates the potential for developing broadly protective NA-specific antibody treatments for influenza.
Development of Norwalk Virus-Specific Monoclonal Antibodies with Therapeutic Potential for the Treatment of Norwalk Virus Gastroenteritis
Authors: Chen Zhaochun , Sosnovtsev Stanislav V. , Bok Karin , Parra Gabriel I. , Makiya Michelle , Agulto Liane , Green Kim Y. , Purcell Robert H.
Published: June 2013

Passive immunoprophylaxis or immunotherapy with norovirus-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) could be a useful treatment for high-risk populations, including infants and young children, the elderly, and certain patients who are debilitated or immunocompromised. In order to obtain antinorovirus MAbs with therapeutic potential, we stimulated a strong adaptive immune response in chimpanzees to the prototype norovirus strain Norwalk virus (NV) (genogroup I.1). A combinatorial phage Fab display library derived from mRNA of the chimpanzees' bone marrow was prepared, and four distinct Fabs reactive with Norwalk recombinant virus-like particles (rVLPs) were recovered, with estimated binding affinities in the subnanomolar range. Mapping studies showed that the four Fabs recognized three different conformational epitopes in the protruding (P) domain of NV VP1, the major capsid protein. The epitope of one of the Fabs, G4, was further mapped to a specific site involving a key amino acid residue, Gly365. One additional specific Fab (F11) was recovered months later from immortalized memory B cells and partially characterized. The anti-NV Fabs were converted into full-length IgG (MAbs) with human γ1 heavy chain constant regions. The anti-NV MAbs were tested in the two available surrogate assays for Norwalk virus neutralization, which showed that the MAbs could block carbohydrate binding and inhibit hemagglutination by NV rVLP. By mixing a single MAb with live Norwalk virus prior to challenge, MAbs D8 and B7 neutralized the virus and prevented infection in a chimpanzee. Because chimpanzee immunoglobulins are virtually identical to human immunoglobulins, these chimpanzee anticapsid MAbs may have a clinical application.
Ability of lactic acid bacteria isolated from mink to remove cholesterol: in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Liu Hanlu , Yang Chenjie , Jing Yi , Li Zhipeng , Zhong Wei , Li Guangyu
Published: June 2013

This study evaluated the cholesterol-lowering property of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from mink. Two strains, Enterococcus faecium MDF1104 and Lactobacillus plantarum MDL1118, were shown to remove cholesterol from broths of natural hen egg yolk and skimmed milk. The cholesterol in hen egg yolk was reduced by 58.15% and 38% by L. plantarum and E. faecium, respectively. When the bacteria were used in combination, 48.95% (p < 0.01) of cholesterol was removed from skimmed milk. Experimental mice remained healthy when fed different doses of the LAB, and the total serum cholesterol concentration was the lowest (0.90 mmol/L) (p < 0.01) when a combination of L. plantarum and E. faecium was used. Based on our results, we suggest that L. plantarum MDL1118, E. faecium MDF1104, or a combination of the 2 strains could be considered as promising cholesterol-lowering probiotics.
Bacteriocins ofBacillus thuringiensiscan expand the potential of this bacterium to other areas rather than limit its use only as microbial insecticide
Authors: de la Fuente-Salcido Norma M. , Casados-Vázquez Luz Edith , Barboza-Corona J. Eleazar
Published: June 2013

Various strains of Bacillus thuringiensis are among the most successful entomopathogenic bacteria used commercially as biopesticides owing to their ability to synthesize insecticidal crystal (Cry) and cytolytic (Cyt) protein toxins during sporulation, and vegetative insecticidal (VIPs) proteins during the vegetative phase of growth. Whereas much is known about the molecular biology of Cry, Cyt, and VIPs, comparatively little is known about other proteins and metabolites synthesized by B. thuringiensis that could also have applied value. Here, we review recent reports on bacteriocins synthesized by this bacterium as they relate to antibacterial activity, molecular genetics, biophysical and biochemical properties, and methods used to separate and purify these antimicrobial peptides. We highlight the potential of bacteriocins for use as food preservatives, antibiotics, plant protection, and plant growth promoters. We suggest that B. thuringiensis could be used not only in biological control of insects but also in other agronomical and industrial areas of public interest.
THE ROLE OF UNBOUNDED TIME-SCALES IN GENERATING LONG-RANGE MEMORY IN ADDITIVE MARKOVIAN PROCESSES
Authors: MICCICHÈ SALVATORE , LILLO FABRIZIO , MANTEGNA ROSARIO N.
Published: June 2013

Any additive stationary and continuous Markovian process described by a Fokker–Planck equation can also be described in terms of a Schrödinger equation with an appropriate quantum potential. By using such analogy, it has been proved that a power-law correlated stationary Markovian process can stem from a quantum potential that (i) shows an x-2 decay for large x values and (ii) whose eigenvalue spectrum admits a null eigenvalue and a continuum part of positive eigenvalues attached to it. In this paper we show that such two features are both necessary. Specifically, we show that a potential with tails decaying like x-μ with μ < 2 gives rise to a stationary Markovian process which is not power-law autocorrelated, despite the fact that the process has an unbounded set of time scales. Moreover, we present an exactly solvable example where the potential decays as x-2 but there is a gap between the continuum spectrum of eigenvalues and the null eigenvalue. We show that the process is not power law autocorrelated, but by decreasing the gap one can arbitrarily well approximate it. A crucial role in obtaining a power-law autocorrelated process is played by the weights [Formula: see text] giving the contribution of each time-scale contribute to the autocorrelation function. In fact, we will see that such weights must behave like a power-law for small energy values λ. This is only possible if the potential VS(x) shows a x-2 decay to zero for large x values.
A COLD-ATOM RATCHET INTERPOLATING BETWEEN CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM DYNAMICS
Authors: SHRESTHA R. K. , LAM W. K. , NI J. , SUMMY G. S.
Published: June 2013

We use an atomic ratchet realized by applying short pulses of an optical standing-wave to a Bose–Einstein condensate to study the crossover between classical and quantum dynamics. The signature of the ratchet is the existence of a directed current of atoms, even though there is an absence of a net bias force. Provided that the pulse period is close to one of the resonances of the system, the ratchet behavior can be understood using a classical like theory which depends on a single variable containing many of the experimental parameters. Here we show that this theory is valid in both the true classical limit, when the pulse period is close to zero, as well as regimes when this period is close to other resonances where the usual scaled Planck's constant is nonzero. By smoothly changing the pulse period between these resonances we demonstrate how it is possible to tune the ratchet between quantum and classical types of behavior.
Recovery of Value-Added Products from Hydrothermal Carbonization of Sewage Sludge
Authors: Saetea Pannarai , Tippayawong Nakorn
Published: June 2013

This paper is about the conversion of wet waste stream into valuable products via thermal processing. Hydrothermal carbonization of sewage sludge was carried out at 200°C and 2.1 MPa in a closed reactor for 1–6 h. Main products were in solid and liquid phases. The resulting hydrochar was shown to have H/C and O/C ratios moving towards natural lignite, improved energetic content, and adsorption property in terms of iodine number. The aqueous solution was found to contain high concentration of plant food nutrients, especially nitrogen and potassium. They may be desirable for subsequent fuel and chemical production as well as applications in agriculture. The study shows that valuable products can be generated successfully from sewage sludge using hydrothermal carbonization.
Immunohistochemical Character of Hepatic Angiomyolipoma: For Its Management
Authors: Kobayashi Yuka , Kamimura Kenya , Nomoto Minoru , Sugitani Soichi , Aoyagi Yutaka
Published: June 2013

Hepatic angiomyolipoma (AML) is notoriously difficult to diagnose without an invasive surgery even with the recent development of the various imaging modalities. Additionally, recent reports showed its malignant behavior after the surgery; it is important to diagnose the character of each tumor including the possible malignant potential and determine the postoperative management for each case. For this purpose, we have reviewed reports and focused on the immunohistochemical staining with p53 and ki67 of the tumors showing the representative case of 60-year-old female. The imaging study of her tumor showed the character similar to the hepatocellular carcinoma, and she underwent the hepatectomy. The resected tumor stained positive for HMB-45 that is a marker of the AML, and 30–50% of the tumor cells were positively stained with Ki67 that is a mitotic marker. Also, the atypical epithelioid cells displayed p53 immunoreactivity. These results suggest the malignant potential of our tumor based on the previous reports; therefore the careful followup for this case is necessary for a long period whether it shows metastasis, sizing up, and so forth.
The Causative Pathogen Determines the Inflammatory Profile in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Outcome in Patients with Bacterial Meningitis
Authors: Grandgirard Denis , Gäumann Rahel , Coulibaly Boubacar , Dangy Jean-Pierre , Sie Ali , Junghanss Thomas , Schudel Hans , Pluschke Gerd , Leib Stephen L.
Published: June 2013

Background. The brain’s inflammatory response to the infecting pathogen determines the outcome of bacterial meningitis (BM), for example, the associated mortality and the extent of brain injury. The inflammatory cascade is initiated by the presence of bacteria in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) activating resident immune cells and leading to the influx of blood derived leukocytes. To elucidate the pathomechanisms behind the observed difference in outcome between different pathogens, we compared the inflammatory profile in the CSF of patients with BM caused byStreptococcus pneumonia(n=14),Neisseria meningitidis(n=22), andHaemophilus influenza(n=9).Methods. CSF inflammatory parameters, including cytokines and chemokines, MMP-9, and nitric oxide synthase activity, were assessed in a cohort of patients with BM from Burkina Faso.Results. Pneumococcal meningitis was associated with significantly higher CSF concentrations of IFN-γ, MCP-1, and the matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP-) 9. In patients with a fatal outcome, levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-1RA, IL-6, and TGF-αwere significantly higher.Conclusion. The signature of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators and the intensity of inflammatory processes in CSF are determined by the bacterial pathogen causing bacterial meningitis with pneumococcal meningitis being associated with a higher case fatality rate than meningitis caused byN. meningitidisorH. influenzae.
Angiographic Embolization of a Postpartum Vulvovaginal Hematoma in a Patient with Situs Inversus Totalis: An Effective Second-Line Treatment
Authors: Dahdouh Elias M. , Balayla Jacques , Dubé Johanne
Published: June 2013

Situs inversus totalis is a rare congenital anomaly where asymmetrical positioning of internal organs may affect the surgical and radiological management of certain conditions. Vulvovaginal hematoma is a life-threatening complication of vaginal delivery whose primary treatment usually consists of incision and drainage of the hematoma and ligation of the responsible vessels, followed by wound packing. Failure of these measures to control the bleeding was previously considered as an indication for laparotomy to perform bilateral hypogastric artery ligation and, if needed, a hysterectomy. Relative to major abdominal surgery, selective percutaneous angiographic embolization offers considerable advantages and significant less morbidity. Indeed, angiographic embolization is routinely used as a measure to control refractory pelvic bleeding, though the literature and experience in women with situs inversus totalis are scarce. In this paper, we report a case of postpartum vulvovaginal hematoma in a patient with situs inversus, refractory to conventional treatment, where arteriographic embolization was successfully used to control the bleeding. The management of this obstetrical complication and the use of this minimally invasive technique are also reviewed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature describing the feasibility of this technique in a patient with situs inversus totalis.
Determination of the Binding Parameters between Proteins and Luminol by Chemiluminescence Using Flow Injection Technique
Authors: Guo Jie , Chen Donghua , Song Zhenghua
Published: June 2013

The interaction behavior of bovine serum albumin (BSA), lysozyme (LYS), myoglobin (MB), and catalase (CAT) with luminol, respectively, was first studied by chemiluminescence (CL) using flow injection (FI) technique based on the fact that the studied proteins can enhance the CL intensity of luminol. A FI-CL model of protein-luminol interaction, lg[(I0−I)/I]=1/nlg[P]+1/nlgKa+2lgn, was constructed, and the interaction parameters of BSA, LYS, MB, and CAT with luminol were determined accordingly. The binding constants Ka are in the descending order of CAT > MB > LYS > BSA at the level of 105 to 107 L mol−1, and the number of binding sites n of luminol to BSA or LYS is around 2 and to MB or CAT is around 1. The results of thermodynamic parameters (ΔH,
ΔS,
and ΔG)
showed that the binding processes of luminol to the four proteins are spontaneous mainly through the hydrophobic force.
Pricing Options with Credit Risk in Markovian Regime-Switching Markets
Authors: Li Jinzhi , Ma Shixia
Published: June 2013

This paper investigates the valuation of European option with credit risk in a reduced form model when the stock price is driven by the so-called Markov-modulated jump-diffusion process, in which the arrival rate of rare events and the volatility rate of stock are controlled by a continuous-time Markov chain. We also assume that the interest rate and the default intensity follow the Vasicek models whose parameters are governed by the same Markov chain. We study the pricing of European option and present numerical illustrations.
Cecal Lipoma Presenting as Acute Intestinal Obstruction in an Elderly Woman: A Case Report
Authors: Kastanakis Miltiades , Anyfantakis Dimitrios , Symvoulakis Emmanouil K. , Katsougris Nikolaos , Papadomichelakis Alexandros , Kokkinos Ioannis , Petrakis George , Bobolakis Emmanouil
Published: June 2013

Colonic lipomas are rare nonepithelial tumors that are usually detected incidentally during surgery or colonoscopy. Although lipomas generally remain asymptomatic, when they exceed 2 cm of diameter they may cause abdominal pain, obstruction, or intussusception. Here we present a case of an elderly woman referred by her general practitioner to a general hospital of Crete because of acute abdominal pain along with signs of intestinal obstruction and a positive history of appetite loss. Abdominal computed tomography was performed. To marginalise the risk of malignancy, a right hemicolectomy was performed. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen confirmed the diagnosis of cecal lipoma.