bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterisation of cDNA encoding a wheat heavy metal‐associated isoprenylated protein involved in stress responses
Authors: Zhang X. , Feng H. , Feng C. , Xu H. , Huang X. , Wang Q. , Duan X. , Wang X. , Wei G. , Huang L. , Kang Z. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn cells, metallochaperones are important proteins that safely transport metal ions. Heavy metal‐associated isoprenylated plant proteins (HIPPs) are metallochaperones that contain a metal binding domain and a CaaX isoprenylation motif at the carboxy‐terminal end. To investigate the roles of wheat heavy metal‐associated isoprenylated plant protein (TaHIPP) genes in plant development and in stress responses, we isolated cDNA encoding the wheat TaHIPP1 gene, which contains a heavy metal‐associated domain, nuclear localisation signals and an isoprenylation motif (CaaX motif). Quantitative real‐time PCR analysis indicated that the TaHIPP1 gene was differentially expressed under biotic and abiotic stresses. Specifically, TaHIPP1 expression was up‐regulated by ABA exposure or wounding. Additionally, TaHIPP1 over‐expression in yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) significantly increased the cell growth rate under Cu2+ and high salinity stresses. The nuclear localisation of the protein was confirmed with confocal laser scanning microscopy of epidermal onion cells after particle bombardment with chimeric TaHIPP1‐GFP constructs. In addition, TaHIPP1 was shown to enhance the susceptibility of wheat to Pst as determined by virus‐induced gene silencing. These data indicate that TaHIPP1 is an important component in defence signalling pathways and may play a crucial role in the defence response of wheat to biotic and certain abiotic stresses.
Association between peripheral airway function and neutrophilic inflammation in asthma
Authors: Farah Claude S. , Keulers Laurien A.B. , Hardaker Kate M. , Peters Matthew J. , Berend Norbert , Postma Dirkje S. , Salome Cheryl M. , King Gregory G. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground and objectiveSmall airway dysfunction is associated with asthma severity and control, but its association with airway inflammation is unknown. The aim was to determine the association between sputum inflammatory cells and the site of small airway dysfunction, measured by multiple breath nitrogen washout in convection‐dependent (Scond) and more peripheral diffusion‐dependent (Sacin) airways.MethodsFifty‐three (20–67 years) subjects with asthma on inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatment were characterized by spirometry, Scond, Sacin and induced sputum differential counts. %Predicted values for Scond and Sacin were calculated from published reference equations to adjust for the effects of age. Univariate correlations were assessed using the Spearman test. Multivariate linear regressions were performed to account for potential confounders, including age, gender, disease duration, body mass index and ICS dose.ResultsSacin (%predicted) correlated significantly with neutrophil% (rs = 0.33, P = 0.02), ICS dose (rs = −0.28, P = 0.04) and age (rs = 0.27, P = 0.05). In multivariate analysis, Sacin related only to neutrophil% (adjusted R2 = 0.18, P = 0.001). Scond (%predicted) correlated significantly only with eosinophil% (rs = 0.39, P = 0.004). There was a trend for a negative relationship with ICS dose (rs = −0.26, P = 0.06). In multivariate analysis, Scond related to eosinophil% and ICS dose independently (adjusted R2 = 0.12, P = 0.02).ConclusionsAcinar and conductive airway dysfunction is associated with different inflammatory profiles in asthmatic airways, independently of the effects of age and disease duration. The association between acinar airway dysfunction and neutrophilic airway inflammation may have implications for asthma treatment.
They stole her teeth! An exploration of adults with developmental disability experiences with dental care
Authors: Salmasi Amin , Harrison Rosamund , Brondani Mario A 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTPurposeThe aim of this paper was to explore the experiences of adults with developmental disabilities (AWDD) in accessing and utilizing dental services in Vancouver, BC.MethodsParticipants were either self‐advocates or parents/caregivers who discussed their experiences in five focus group discussions with 20 participants in total (age range 17–60 years, 2 males). Each focus group lasted on average 40 minutes. Transcripts were coded for thematic analysis; the codes were organized into themes and finally into domains.ResultsSeven domains relating to the participants’ experiences with dental care were identified, and included communication, trust, and respect as provided‐based domains to the quality of the dental experience for AWDD and their parents, while financial issues, transitional services, and waiting times were system‐based barriers to access to dental care for theses AWDD. Finally, what makes for a positive dental experience was shared in terms of acknowledging parent's role as advocates and making simple accommodations to see AWDD by the dental office.ConclusionsAccess to a care provider did not necessarily equate to satisfaction with quality of experience. Efforts have to focus on establishing communication and trust with AWDD patients as key to a positive dental experience. We encourage a global discussion on the need to better incorporate dental care for special needs individuals within dental school curricula.
Tea Leaves and Southern Politics: Explaining Tea Party Support in the Region*
Authors: Hood M. V. , Kidd Quentin , Morris Irwin L. 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesOur research assesses the distinctiveness of Tea Party adherents among mobilized Republicans in the South.MethodsThe data come from an interactive voice response (IVR) survey of households containing at least one Republican primary voter across nine southern states conducted approximately one month before the 2012 presidential election. We analyze the data using multivariate logistic regression.ResultsUnlike other scholarship, we find no evidence that racial animosity drives the movement, but we do find a strong relationship between evangelicalism and Tea Party support. We also find Tea Party adherents are older, more likely to be men, less wealthy, more ideologically conservative, and more partisan than their fellow Republicans.ConclusionsTea Party supporters in the South are likely to have a significant impact on the future of the Republican Party—both in the South, and nationally. The fact that our profile of southern Tea Party supporters does not include growing segments of the electorate does not bode well for the future development of the GOP.
Molecular basis for D− Japanese: identification of novel DEL and D− alleles
Authors: Ogasawara K. , Suzuki Y. , Sasaki K. , Osabe T. , Isa K. , Tsuneyama H. , Uchikawa M. , Satake M. , Tadokoro K. 
Published: May 2015

Background and ObjectivesThe occurrence of D− is approximately 0·5% in Japanese, but DEL in apparently D− individuals is relatively common compared with that in Caucasian populations. On the basis of molecular genetics, we examined D− Japanese blood donors.MethodsA standard serological technique was used for RhD typing, and we selected 3526 D− blood samples. Genomic DNA obtained from whole blood was used for RHD analysis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. Multiplex PCR to detect all of the RHD exons and use of PCR‐sequence‐specific primer (PCR‐SSP) to detect RHD deletion (RHD*01N.01) and c.1227G>A mutation (for RHD*01EL.01) were performed.ResultsMultiplex PCR and PCR‐SSP revealed that 3091 of 3526 D− individuals (87·7%) were homozygous for RHD*01N.01, and 318 individuals (9·0%) had the RHD*01EL.01/RHD*01N.01 or RHD*01EL.01/RHD*01EL.01 genotype. The other 103 in the 3526 individuals (2·9%) had the known D‐CE‐D hybrid allele, RHD*01N.04, and the association of RHCE*Ce with RHD*01EL.01 as well as RHD*01N.04 was observed. The remaining 14 individuals had RHD*01N.01 hemizygous with one of the following alleles: RHD*01N.06 (3), RHD*01N.07 (1), RHD*04N.01 (1), RHD*DEL8 (1), RHD with c.761C>G (p.Ser254Ter) (2), RHD with c.1252T>A (p.Ter418Lysex26) (2) and apparently common RHD (4). Adsorption and elution tests with anti‐D revealed that the individuals with c.761C>G mutation were D− while the individuals with c.1252T>A mutation were DEL.ConclusionsThe RHD genotype of more than 96% of D− Japanese could be determined by conventional PCR‐SSP. In addition, we identified a novel DEL allele having c.1252T>A mutation and a novel RHD silencing allele having c.761C>G nonsense mutation.
Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity Patterns in Older Adults After Hip Fracture: A Call to Action
Authors: Fleig Lena , McAllister Megan M. , Brasher Penny , Cook Wendy L. , Guy Pierre , Puyat Joseph H. , Khan Karim M. , McKay Heather A. , Ashe Maureen C. 
Published: May 2015

Objectives:To characterize patterns of sedentary behavior and physical activity in older adults recovering from hip fracture and to determine characteristics associated with activity.Methods:Community-dwelling, Canadian adults (65 years+) who sustained hip fracture wore an accelerometer at the waist for seven days and provided information on quality of life, falls self-efficacy, cognitive functioning, and mobility.Results:There were 53 older adults (mean age [SD] 79.5 [7.8] years) enrolled in the study; 49 had valid data and demonstrated high levels of sedentary time (median [p10, p90] 591.3 [482.2, 707.2] minutes/day), low levels of light activity (186.6 [72.6, 293.7]), and MVPA (2 [0.1, 27.6]), as well as few daily steps (2467.7 [617.1, 6820.4]). Regression analyses showed that age, gender, gait speed, and time since fracture were associated with outcomes.Conclusions:Older adults have long periods of sedentary time with minimal activity. Results are a call to action to encourage people to sit less and move more.
Mycobacterium bovis BCG Vaccination Induces Divergent Proinflammatory or Regulatory T Cell Responses in Adults
Authors: Boer Mardi C. , Prins Corine , van Meijgaarden Krista E. , van Dissel Jaap T. , Ottenhoff Tom H. M. , Joosten Simone A. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTMycobacterium bovisbacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), the only currently available vaccine against tuberculosis, induces variable protection in adults. Immune correlates of protection are lacking, and analyses on cytokine-producing T cell subsets in protected versus unprotected cohorts have yielded inconsistent results. We studied the primary T cell response, both proinflammatory and regulatory T cell responses, induced by BCG vaccination in adults. Twelve healthy adult volunteers who were tuberculin skin test (TST) negative, QuantiFERON test (QFT) negative, and BCG naive were vaccinated with BCG and followed up prospectively. BCG vaccination induced an unexpectedly dichotomous immune response in this small, BCG-naive, young-adult cohort: BCG vaccination induced either gamma interferon-positive (IFN-γ+) interleukin 2-positive (IL-2+) tumor necrosis factor α-positive (TNF-α+) polyfunctional CD4+T cells concurrent with CD4+IL-17A+and CD8+IFN-γ+T cells or, in contrast, virtually absent cytokine responses with induction of CD8+regulatory T cells. Significant induction of polyfunctional CD4+IFN-γ+IL-2+TNF-α+T cells and IFN-γ production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was confined to individuals with strong immunization-induced local skin inflammation and increased serum C-reactive protein (CRP). Conversely, in individuals with mild inflammation, regulatory-like CD8+T cells were uniquely induced. Thus, BCG vaccination either induced a broad proinflammatory T cell response with local inflammatory reactogenicity or, in contrast, a predominant CD8+regulatory T cell response with mild local inflammation, poor cytokine induction, and absent polyfunctional CD4+T cells. Further detailed fine mapping of the heterogeneous host response to BCG vaccination using classical and nonclassical immune markers will enhance our understanding of the mechanisms and determinants that underlie the induction of apparently opposite immune responses and how these impact the ability of BCG to induce protective immunity to TB.
Molecular Engineering of Ghfp, the Gonococcal Orthologue of Neisseria meningitidis Factor H Binding Protein
Authors: Rippa Valentina , Santini Laura , Lo Surdo Paola , Cantini Francesca , Veggi Daniele , Gentile Maria Antonietta , Grassi Eva , Iannello Giulia , Brunelli Brunella , Ferlicca Francesca , Palmieri Emiliano , Pallaoro Michele , Aricò Beatrice , Banci Lucia , Pizza Mariagrazia , Scarselli Maria 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTKnowledge of the sequences and structures of proteins produced by microbial pathogens is continuously increasing. Besides offering the possibility of unraveling the mechanisms of pathogenesis at the molecular level, structural information provides new tools for vaccine development, such as the opportunity to improve viral and bacterial vaccine candidates by rational design. Structure-based rational design of antigens can optimize the epitope repertoire in terms of accessibility, stability, and variability. In the present study, we used epitope mapping information on the well-characterized antigen ofNeisseria meningitidisfactor H binding protein (fHbp) to engineer its gonococcal homologue, Ghfp. Meningococcal fHbp is typically classified in three distinct antigenic variants. We introduced epitopes of fHbp variant 1 onto the surface of Ghfp, which is naturally able to protect against meningococcal strains expressing fHbp of variants 2 and 3. Heterologous epitopes were successfully transplanted, as engineered Ghfp induced functional antibodies against all three fHbp variants. These results confirm that structural vaccinology represents a successful strategy for modulating immune responses, and it is a powerful tool for investigating the extension and localization of immunodominant epitopes.
Pulmonary Fungal Infection Caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatum
Authors: Dionne Brandon , Neff Luke , Lee Samuel A. , Sutton Deanna A. , Wiederhold Nathan P. , Lindner Jonathan , Fan Hongxin , Jakeman Bernadette 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Neoscytalidium dimidiatum
is a mold known to cause onychomycosis and dermatomycosis; however, it is an extremely rare cause of systemic infection. We report a case of pulmonary infection with
Neoscytalidium dimidiatum
in an immunocompromised patient and discuss
in vitro
susceptibility data from this case and previous literature.
Mycobacterium abscessus Complex Identification with Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Panagea Theofano , Pincus David H. , Grogono Dorothy , Jones Melissa , Bryant Josephine , Parkhill Julian , Floto R. Andres , Gilligan Peter 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

We determined that the Vitek MS Plus matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry using research-use-only (RUO) v.4.12 and
in vitro
-diagnostic (IVD) v.3.0 databases accurately identified 41
Mycobacterium abscessus
subsp.
abscessus
and 13
M. abscessus
subsp.
massiliense
isolates identified by whole-genome sequencing to the species but not the subspecies level, from Middlebrook 7H11 and
Burkholderia cepacia
selective agars. Peak analysis revealed three peaks potentially able to differentiate between subspecies.
Point-Counterpoint: Cervical Cancer Screening Should Be Done by Primary Human Papillomavirus Testing with Genotyping and Reflex Cytology for Women over the Age of 25 Years
Authors: Stoler Mark H. , Austin R. Marshall , Zhao Chengquan 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT
Screening for cervical cancer with cytology testing has been very effective in reducing cervical cancer in the United States. For decades, the approach was an annual Pap test. In 2000, the Hybrid Capture 2 human papillomavirus (HPV) test was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for screening women who have atypical squamous cells of underdetermined significance (ASCUS) detected by Pap test to determine the need for colposcopy. In 2003, the FDA approved expanding the use of the test to include screening performed in conjunction with a Pap test for women over the age of 30 years, referred to as “cotesting.” Cotesting allows women to extend the testing interval to 3 years if both tests have negative results. In April of 2014, the FDA approved the use of an HPV test (the cobas HPV test) for primary cervical cancer screening for women over the age of 25 years, without the need for a concomitant Pap test. The approval recommended either colposcopy or a Pap test for patients with specific high-risk HPV types detected by the HPV test. This was based on the results of the ATHENA trial, which included more than 40,000 women. Reaction to this decision has been mixed. Supporters point to the fact that the primary-screening algorithm found more disease (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3 or worse [CIN3+]) and also found it earlier than did cytology or cotesting. Moreover, the positive predictive value and positive-likelihood ratio of the primary-screening algorithm were higher than those of cytology. Opponents of the decision prefer cotesting, as this approach detects more disease than the HPV test alone. In addition, the performance of this new algorithm has not been assessed in routine clinical use. Professional organizations will need to develop guidelines that incorporate this testing algorithm. In this Point-Counterpoint, Dr. Stoler explains why he favors the primary-screening algorithm, while Drs. Austin and Zhao explain why they prefer the cotesting approach to screening for cervical cancer.
Characterization of an Enterococcus gallinarum Isolate Carrying a Dual
vanA
and
vanB
Cassette
Authors: Eshaghi Alireza , Shahinas Dea , Li Aimin , Kariyawasam Ruwandi , Banh Philip , Desjardins Marc , Melano Roberto G. , Patel Samir N. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

The ability of vancomycin resistance determinants to be horizontally transferred within enterococci species is a concern. Identification and characterization of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in a clinical isolate have a significant impact on infection control practices. In this study, we describe a clinical isolate of
Enterococcus gallinarum
exhibiting high-level resistance to vancomycin and teicoplanin. The genetic characterization of this isolate showed the presence of
vanA
and
vanB
genes in addition to the naturally carried
vanC
gene.
vanA
was identified on pA6981, a 35,608-bp circular plasmid with significant homology to plasmid pS177. The
vanB
operon was integrated into the bacterial chromosome and showed a high level of homology to previously reported Tn
1549
and Tn
5382
. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of
E. gallinarum
carrying both
vanA
and
vanB
operons, indicating the importance of identifying the vancomycin resistance mechanism in non-
E. faecium
and non-
E. faecalis
enterococcal species.
Rift Valley Fever Virus MP-12 Vaccine Is Fully Attenuated by a Combination of Partial Attenuations in the S, M, and L Segments
Authors: Ikegami Tetsuro , Hill Terence E. , Smith Jennifer K. , Zhang Lihong , Juelich Terry L. , Gong Bin , Slack Olga A. L. , Ly Hoai J. , Lokugamage Nandadeva , Freiberg Alexander N. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTRift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic disease endemic to Africa and characterized by a high rate of abortion in ruminants and hemorrhagic fever, encephalitis, or blindness in humans. RVF is caused by Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV; familyBunyaviridae, genusPhlebovirus), which has a tripartite negative-stranded RNA genome (consisting of the S, M, and L segments). Further spread of RVF into countries where the disease is not endemic may affect the economy and public health, and vaccination is an effective approach to prevent the spread of RVFV. A live-attenuated MP-12 vaccine is one of the best-characterized RVF vaccines for safety and efficacy and is currently conditionally licensed for use for veterinary purposes in the United States. Meanwhile, as of 2015, no other RVF vaccine has been conditionally or fully licensed for use in the United States. The MP-12 strain is derived from wild-type pathogenic strain ZH548, and its genome encodes 23 mutations in the three genome segments. However, the mechanism of MP-12 attenuation remains unknown. We characterized the attenuation of wild-type pathogenic strain ZH501 carrying a mutation(s) of the MP-12 S, M, or L segment in a mouse model. Our results indicated that MP-12 is attenuated by the mutations in the S, M, and L segments, while the mutations in the M and L segments confer stronger attenuation than those in the S segment. We identified a combination of 3 amino acid changes, Y259H (Gn), R1182G (Gc), and R1029K (L), that was sufficient to attenuate ZH501. However, strain MP-12 with reversion mutations at those 3 sites was still highly attenuated. Our results indicate that MP-12 attenuation is supported by a combination of multiple partial attenuation mutations and a single reversion mutation is less likely to cause a reversion to virulence of the MP-12 vaccine.IMPORTANCERift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-transmitted viral disease that is endemic to Africa and that has the potential to spread into other countries. Vaccination is considered an effective way to prevent the disease, and the only available veterinary RVF vaccine in the United States is a live-attenuated MP-12 vaccine, which is conditionally licensed. Strain MP-12 is different from its parental pathogenic RVFV strain, strain ZH548, because of the presence of 23 mutations. This study determined the role of individual mutations in the attenuation of the MP-12 strain. We found that full attenuation of MP-12 occurs by a combination of multiple mutations. Our findings indicate that a single reversion mutation will less likely cause a major reversion to virulence of the MP-12 vaccine.