bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of pre-existing orthopoxvirus-specific immunity on the performance of Modified Vaccinia virus Ankara-based influenza vaccines
Authors: Altenburg Arwen F. , van Trierum Stella E. , de Bruin Erwin , de Meulder Dennis , van de Sandt Carolien E. , van der Klis Fiona R. M. , Fouchier Ron A. M. , Koopmans Marion P. G. , Rimmelzwaan Guus F. , de Vries Rory D. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe replication-deficient orthopoxvirus modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) is a promising vaccine vector against various pathogens and has an excellent safety record. However, pre-existing vector-specific immunity is frequently suggested to be a drawback of MVA-based vaccines. To address this issue, mice were vaccinated with MVA-based influenza vaccines in the presence or absence of orthopoxvirus-specific immunity. Importantly, protective efficacy of an MVA-based influenza vaccine against a homologous challenge was not impaired in the presence of orthopoxvirus-specific pre-existing immunity. Nonetheless, orthopoxvirus-specific pre-existing immunity reduced the induction of antigen-specific antibodies under specific conditions and completely prevented induction of antigen-specific T cell responses by rMVA-based vaccination. Notably, antibodies induced by vaccinia virus vaccination, both in mice and humans, were not capable of neutralizing MVA. Thus, when using rMVA-based vaccines it is important to consider the main correlate of protection induced by the vaccine, the vaccine dose and the orthopoxvirus immune status of vaccine recipients.
A traditional evolutionary history of foot-and-mouth disease viruses in Southeast Asia challenged by analyses of non-structural protein coding sequences
Authors: Brito Barbara , Pauszek Steven J. , Hartwig Ethan J. , Smoliga George R. , Vu Le T. , Dong Pham V. , Stenfeldt Carolina , Rodriguez Luis L. , King Donald P. , Knowles Nick J. , Bachanek-Bankowska Katarzyna , Long Ngo T. , Dung Do H. , Arzt Jonathan 
Published: April 2018

AbstractRecombination of rapidly evolving RNA-viruses provides an important mechanism for diversification, spread, and emergence of new variants with enhanced fitness. Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) causes an important transboundary disease of livestock that is endemic to most countries in Asia and Africa. Maintenance and spread of FMDV are driven by periods of dominance of specific viral lineages. Current understanding of the molecular epidemiology of FMDV lineages is generally based on the phylogenetic relationship of the capsid-encoding genes, with less attention to the process of recombination and evolution of non-structural proteins. In this study, the putative recombination breakpoints of FMDVs endemic to Southeast Asia were determined using full-open reading frame sequences. Subsequently, the lineages’ divergence times of recombination-free genome regions were estimated. These analyses revealed a close relationship between two of the earliest endemic viral lineages that appear unrelated when only considering the phylogeny of their capsid proteins. Contrastingly, one lineage, named O/CATHAY, known for having a particular host predilection (pigs) has evolved independently. Additionally, intra-lineage recombination occurred at different breakpoints compared to the inter-lineage process. These results provide new insights about FMDV recombination patterns and the evolutionary interdependence of FMDV serotypes and lineages.
Genetic diversity in the endangered terrestrial orchid Cypripedium japonicum in East Asia: Insights into population history and implications for conservation
Authors: Tian Huai Zhen , Han Li Xia , Zhang Jun Li , Li Xing Lin , Kawahara Takayuki , Yukawa Tomohisa , López-Pujol Jordi , Kumar Pankaj , Chung Myong Gi , Chung Mi Yoon 
Published: April 2018

AbstractLittle is known about levels and patterns of genetic diversity for the entire range of endangered orchids native to China, Korea, and Japan. In this study, we focus on Cypripedium japonicum and suggest three hypotheses: 1) that genetic drift has been a primary evolutionary force; 2) that populations in central and western China harbor higher levels of genetic variation relative to those from eastern China; and 3) that C. japonicum in China maintains the highest genetic variation among the three countries. Using ISSR and SCoT markers, we investigated genetic diversity in 17 populations to test the three hypotheses. As anticipated, we found low levels of genetic diversity at the species level with substantially high degree of genetic divergence, which can be mainly attributed to random genetic drift. Chinese populations harbor the highest within-population genetic variation, which tends to increase from east to west. We also found a close relationship between Korean populations and central/western Chinese populations. Historical rarity coupled with limited gene flow seems to be important factors for shaping genetic diversity and structure of C. japonicum. Our results indicate that the mountain areas in central and western China were likely refugia at the Last Glacial Maximum.
Longitudinal two-photon imaging in somatosensory cortex of behaving mice reveals dendritic spine formation enhancement by subchronic administration of low-dose ketamine
Authors: Pryazhnikov Evgeny , Mugantseva Ekaterina , Casarotto Plinio , Kolikova Julia , Fred Senem Merve , Toptunov Dmytro , Afzalov Ramil , Hotulainen Pirta , Voikar Vootele , Terry-Lorenzo Ryan , Engel Sharon , Kirov Sergei , Castren Eero , Khiroug Leonard 
Published: April 2018

AbstractKetamine, a well-known anesthetic, has recently attracted renewed attention as a fast-acting antidepressant. A single dose of ketamine induces rapid synaptogenesis, which may underlie its antidepressant effect. To test whether repeated exposure to ketamine triggers sustained synaptogenesis, we administered a sub-anesthetic dose of ketamine (10 mg/kg i.p.) once-daily for 5 days, and repeatedly imaged dendritic spines of the YFP-expressing pyramidal neurons in somatosensory cortex of awake female mice using in vivo two-photon microscopy. We found that the spine formation rate became significantly higher at 72–132 h after the first ketamine injection (but not at 6–24 h), while the rate of elimination of pre-existing spines remained unchanged. In contrast to the net gain of spines observed in ketamine-treated mice, the vehicle-injected control mice exhibited a net loss typical for young-adult animals undergoing synapse pruning. Ketamine-induced spinogenesis was correlated with increased PSD-95 and phosphorylated actin, consistent with formation of new synapses. Moreover, structural synaptic plasticity caused by ketamine was paralleled by a significant improvement in the nest building behavioral assay. Taken together, our data show that subchronic low-dose ketamine induces a sustained shift towards spine formation.
Bats enhance their call identities to solve the cocktail party problem
Authors: Hase Kazuma , Kadoya Yukimi , Maitani Yosuke , Miyamoto Takara , Kobayasi Kohta I , Hiryu Shizuko 
Published: April 2018

AbstractEcholocating bats need to solve the problem of signal jamming by conspecifics when they are in a group. However, while several mechanisms have been suggested, it remains unclear how bats avoid confusion between their own echoes and interfering sounds in a complex acoustic environment. Here, we fixed on-board microphones onto individual frequency-modulating bats flying in groups. We found that group members broaden the inter-individual differences in the terminal frequencies of pulses, thereby decreasing the similarity of pulses among individuals. To understand what features most affect similarity between pulses, we calculated the similarity of signals mimicking pulses. We found that the similarity between those artificial signals was decreased most by manipulation of terminal frequency. These results demonstrate that the signal jamming problem is solved by this simple strategy, which may be universally used by animals that use active sensing, such as echolocating bats and electric fish, thereby transcending species and sensory modalities.
The Prevalence of Speech and Language Disorders in French-Speaking Preschool Children From Yaoundé (Cameroon)
Authors: Tchoungui Oyono Lilly , Pascoe Michelle , Singh Shajila 
Published: April 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of speech and language disorders in French-speaking preschool-age children in Yaoundé, the capital city of Cameroon.MethodA total of 460 participants aged 3–5 years were recruited from the 7 communes of Yaoundé using a 2-stage cluster sampling method. Speech and language assessment was undertaken using a standardized speech and language test, the Evaluation du Langage Oral (Khomsi, 2001), which was purposefully renormed on the sample. A predetermined cutoff of 2SDs below the normative mean was applied to identify articulation, expressive language, and receptive language disorders. Fluency and voice disorders were identified using clinical judgment by a speech-language pathologist.ResultsOverall prevalence was calculated as follows: speech disorders, 14.7%; language disorders, 4.3%; and speech and language disorders, 17.1%. In terms of disorders, prevalence findings were as follows: articulation disorders, 3.6%; expressive language disorders, 1.3%; receptive language disorders, 3%; fluency disorders, 8.4%; and voice disorders, 3.6%.ConclusionPrevalence figures are higher than those reported for other countries and emphasize the urgent need to develop speech and language services for the Cameroonian population.
The Role of Language in Nonlinguistic Stimuli: Comparing Inhibition in Children With Language Impairment
Authors: Roebuck Hettie , Sindberg Heidi , Weismer Susan Ellis 
Published: April 2018

Purpose
There is conflicting evidence regarding if and how a deficit in executive function may be associated with developmental language impairment (LI). Nonlinguistic stimuli are now frequently used when testing executive function to avoid a language confound. However, it is possible that increased stimulus processing demands for nonlinguistic stimuli may also compound the complexity of the relationship between executive function and LI. The current study examined whether variability across nonlinguistic auditory stimuli might differentially affect inhibition and whether performance differs between children with and without language difficulties.

Method
Sixty children, aged 8–14 years, took part in the study: 20 typically developing children, 20 children with autism spectrum disorder, and 20 children with specific LI. For the purposes of assessing the role of language, children were further categorized based on language ability: 33 children with normal-language (NL) ability and 27 children with LI. Children completed a go/no-go task with 2 conditions comparing nonlinguistic auditory stimuli: 2 abstract sounds and 2 familiar sounds (duck quack and dog bark).

Results
There was no significant difference for diagnostic category. However, there was a significant interaction between language ability and condition. There was no significant difference in the NL group performance in the abstract and familiar sound conditions. In contrast, the group with LI made significantly more errors in the abstract condition compared with the familiar condition. There was no significant difference in inhibition between the NL group and the group with LI in the familiar condition; however, the group with LI made significantly more errors than the NL group in the abstract condition.

Conclusions
Caution is needed in stimuli selection when examining executive function skills because, although stimuli may be selected on the basis of being “nonlinguistic and auditory,” the type of stimuli chosen can differentially affect performance. The findings have implications for the interpretation of deficits in executive function as well as the selection of stimuli in future studies.
100 Gb/s wavelength division multiplexing four‐level pulse amplitude modulated transmission over 160 km using advanced optical fibres
Authors: Downie J.D. , Hurley J. , Nagarajan R. , Maj T. , Dong H. , Makovejs S. 
Published: April 2018

The authors compare transmission reach of 100 Gb/s four‐level pulse amplitude modulated signals over single‐span systems constructed with three optical fibre types. They demonstrate reach up to 160 km with fibres having ultra‐low attenuation, one with a large effective area.
Step-up training for colorectal and gastric ESD and the challenge of ESD training in the proximal colon: results from a German Center
Authors: Ebigbo Alanna , Probst Andreas , Römmele Christoph , Messmann Helmut 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background and study aims The endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of cancerous and precancerous lesions in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is an effective but difficult-to-learn procedure, especially for Western endoscopists. We developed a step-up training protocol and evaluated its outcome on a single endoscopist using specific performance measures.
Patients and methods The training protocol included a 12-month period of 50 observational and supervised ESD cases as well as 24 animal procedures. After completion of the protocol, ESD competency was evaluated in the first 30 independent ESD cases. Majority of lesions were located in the stomach and rectum. Performance measures included R0-resection rate, complication rate and resection speed.
Results R0 resection rate was 93 %, complication rate was 7 % and median resection speed was 6,77 cm2/h. 1 case of delayed perforation with subsequent hemicolectomy occurred in the descending colon.
Conclusion The ESD step-up training protocol used in this study on a single endoscopist showed excellent outcomes for lesions in the rectum and stomach. However, ESD training in the upper colon remains a challenge.
Risk Factors for Systemic Reduced Bone Mineral Density in
Premenopausal Female Patients with Early Untreated Rheumatoid
Arthritis
Authors: Ahmed Hamada S. , Farrag Sherif E. , Okasha Amr E. , Othman Gamal , Shady Ibrahim 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background Systemic osteoporosis (OP) is evident among patients with
early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA). This study aimed to investigate the OP risk
factors in patients with ERA and who was treatment-naïve at
inclusion.
Subjects and Methods Systemic bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar
spine (LS), femoral neck (FN) and total hip (TH) was measured in 135
treatment-naïve premenopausal females with early Rheumatoid Arthritis
(ERA). For all patients, demographic data, vitamin D status, and the specific
parameters of the disease, including disease activity, serum levels of
rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) were
evaluated.
Results T score was<−1.0 in the LS in 16.2%, in
the FN in 22.2% and in the TH in 23.7%. Among our patients,
29.6% had below normal T score at any site. Demographic characteristics,
RA duration, diseases activity did not significantly impact BMD. However,
patients with decreased BMD were more prevalent ACPA- and rheumatoid factor
(RF)-positive than patients with normal BMD. Also, high titer ACPA or RF is
associated with more marked reduction in BMD. In regression analysis, after
adjustment for possible confounders, patient stratification according to ACPA
status and RF status (into negative, low-positive and high positive) still a
significant independent variable associated with lower BMD values.
Conclusion Presence of ACPA or RF is associated with increased risk for
development of reduced systemic BMD from very early stage of rheumatoid
arthritis. Furthermore, this risk increases more with higher levels of ACPA or
RF. Measurement of BMD should be performed for ACPA- or RF-positive patients
with early RA.
Peroxisomal Disorders: Experience from a Genetic Center in North India
Authors: Angurana Suresh Kumar , Suthar Renu , Panigrahi Inusha 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDiagnosis of peroxisomal disorders (PDs) is often delayed because of unfamiliarity with the characteristic features of PDs and their genetic heterogeneity. Aim of this study was to describe clinical profiles of six children with PDs. This is a retrospective study involving six children with PDs. The patients included three males, one female, and a fetus. Three patients were diagnosed with Zellweger's syndrome, two with rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata, and one with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. These diagnoses were established based on clinical, radiological, and biochemical features (elevated very long chain fatty acids levels). Parents of all cases have been provided genetic counseling and advised of prenatal diagnosis. Diagnosis of PDs requires knowledge of characteristic clinicoradiological features, and clinical confirmation is possible with simple imaging and biochemical investigations. Molecular diagnosis is possible for selected cases.
Apolipoprotein M Protects Lipopolysaccharide-Treated Mice from Death and Organ Injury
Authors: Kurano Makoto , Tsuneyama Koichi , Morimoto Yuki , Shimizu Tomo , Jona Masahiro , Kassai Hidetoshi , Nakao Kazuki , Aiba Atsu , Yatomi Yutaka 
Published: April 2018

Objective High-density lipoprotein (HDL) has been epidemiologically shown to be associated with the outcome of sepsis. One potential mechanism is that HDL possesses pleiotropic effects, such as anti-apoptosis, some of which can be ascribed to sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) carried on HDL via apolipoprotein M (apoM). Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate the roles of apoM/S1P in the consequent lethal conditions of sepsis, such as multiple organ failure caused by severe inflammation and/or disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Methods and Results In mice treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), both plasma apoM levels and the expression of apoM in the liver and kidney were suppressed. The overexpression of apoM improved the survival rate and ameliorated the elevated plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and creatinine levels, while the knockout or knockdown of apoM deteriorated these parameters in mice treated with LPS. Treatment with VPC23019, an antagonist against S1P receptor 1 and 3, or LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, partially reversed these protective properties arising from the overexpression of apoM. The overexpression of apoM inhibited the elevation of plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, restored the phosphorylation of Akt, and induced anti-apoptotic changes in the liver, kidney and heart.
Conclusion These results suggest that apoM possesses protective properties against LPS-induced organ injuries and could potentially be introduced as a novel therapy for the severe conditions that are consequent to sepsis.
Characterisation and Some Properties of the Protein C Activator from Agkistrodon Contortrix Contortrix Venom
Authors: Exner Thomas , Vaasjoki Riita 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThe protein C activator (PCA) detectable in the venom of Agkistrodon Contortrix Contortrix (ACCV, Southern Copperhead) by specific immunochromometric assay and anticoagulant activity has been isolated and partially characterized. Chromatog raphy of the crude venom on SP-Sephadex followed by Con A Sepharose and finally on hydroxylapatite was necessary to achieve an electrophoretically – pure product. The isolated PCA is a single chain glycoprotein with strong positive charge and an apparent molecular weight of 36,000.It had an immediate-inhibiting effect on the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) of normal plasma with no noticeable eilect Oii the piOtliiumbm time, its piolonging eifect oil the APTT was dependent on protein C and il appeared to interfere with the contact mechanism rather than with factors V and VIII. It had enzymatic activity on some tripeptide chromogenic substrates sensitive to thrombin and kallikrein. When mixed with normal plasma it generated activity on substrates sensitive to activated protein C and should be useful for studies of protein C.
Thrombosis Associated with Antiphospholipid Antibodies Cannot Be Explained by Effects on Endothelial and Platelet Prostanoid Synthesis
Authors: Hasselaar Paula , Derksen Ronald H W M , Blokzijl Laya , de Groot Philip G 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThe effect of 23 antiphospholipid antibody positive SLE sera, 4 antiphospholipid antibody negative SLE sera and 17 control sera on endothelial prostacyclin and platelet thromboxane A? production was studied. Endothelial cells and platelets were stimulated with different agonists. Depending on the stimulus used, 4-19% of the SLE sera inhibited the prostacyclin release, whereas 4-28% enhanced prostacyclin production. Our data suggest that the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying decreased prostacyclin production are heterogeneous. Follow-up of two patients showed that prostacyclin inhibitory activity was variable in time. Platelet thromboxane production was normal nr increased, but never decreased in the presence of the SLE sera. An imbalance in thromboxane A2/prostacyclin ratio was present in some patients, but did not correlate with a history of thrombosis. We conclude that, in general, interference of antiphospholipid antibodies with endoihelial or platelet prostanoid synthesis does not explain the occurrence of thromboembolic manifestations in antiphospholipid antibody positive SLE patients.
Regulation of Arachidonic Acid-Dependent Ca++ Influx in Human Platelets
Authors: Bosia Amalia , Losche Wolfgang , Pannocchia Antonella , Treves Silvia , Ghigo Dario , Till Uwe , Pescarmona Gianpiero 
Published: April 2018

SummaryQuin2 was used to study the rise in cytoplasmic free calcium ([Ca++]i) and the role of prostaglandin (PG) endoperoxides/thromboxane A2 (TxA2), reduced glutathione (GSH), ADP and the glycoprotein (GP) Ilb IIIa complex in mediating [Ca++]i rise during àiachidonic acid(AA)induced platelet aggregation. Ca++mobilization, mostly due to an influx across the plasma membrane, is completely inhibited by aspirin and persists after selective blockade of TxA2 synthase by dazoxiben. GSH total depletion causes a complete aggregation block and 90% inhibition of the transient: U-46619, a stable analog of cyclic endoperoxide PGH2, stimulates [Ca++]i transient in aspirintreated or in GSH depleted platelets. ADPscavengers, ATP (which competes for the ADP receptor), and monoclonal antibodies against the GP Ilb IIIa complex reduce AAinduced Ca++ influx. Therefore, PG endoperoxides alone or a PGH2/TxA2 mimetic stimulate Ca++ influx. Synthesis of PGH2 and TxA2 depends on the availability of GSH, which acts as the reducing cofactor for the PG peroxidase activity. ADP and GP II b ill a are regulating factors of AA mediated Ca++ influx during platelet activation.
Hypopituitarism Secondary to an Arachnoid Cyst — Case Report
Authors: Cunha Eliezer , Souza Anderson , Teixeira Manoel , Figueireido Eberval 
Published: April 2018

Arachnoid cysts (ACs) are a rare condition of mass effect injury and are usually found in the Sylvian fissure. However, rarely, they can appear in the sellar area, causing symptoms of compression. Due to the mass effect, the sellar arachnoid cyst (SAC) may cause headaches, visual disturbances, hypopituitarism, precocious puberty, and the “bobble-head doll” syndrome.We present the case of JNS, 61 years old, male. The patient presented with hypotestosteronism, hypothyroidism, hypocortisolism and bitemporal hemianopsia. The magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed a mass above the pituitary gland, compatible with a SAC. A surgical excision was performed with removal of the capsule and fenestration within the subarachnoid spaces for emptying the cyst. After the procedure, the patient presented great clinical improvement. The rarity of the case calls attention to the fact that SACs should be thought of as a differential diagnosis in cases of hypopituitarism.