bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bench‐top validation testing of selected immunological and molecular Renibacterium salmoninarum diagnostic assays by comparison with quantitative bacteriological culture
Authors: Elliott D G , Applegate L J , Murray A L , Purcell M K , McKibben C L 
Published: January 2013

AbstractNo gold standard assay exhibiting error‐free classification of results has been identified for detection of Renibacterium salmoninarum, the causative agent of salmonid bacterial kidney disease. Validation of diagnostic assays for R. salmoninarum has been hindered by its unique characteristics and biology, and difficulties in locating suitable populations of reference test animals. Infection status of fish in test populations is often unknown, and it is commonly assumed that the assay yielding the most positive results has the highest diagnostic accuracy, without consideration of misclassification of results. In this research, quantification of R. salmoninarum in samples by bacteriological culture provided a standardized measure of viable bacteria to evaluate analytical performance characteristics (sensitivity, specificity and repeatability) of non‐culture assays in three matrices (phosphate‐buffered saline, ovarian fluid and kidney tissue). Non‐culture assays included polyclonal enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), direct smear fluorescent antibody technique (FAT), membrane‐filtration FAT, nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) and three real‐time quantitative PCR assays. Injection challenge of specific pathogen‐free Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum), with R. salmoninarum was used to estimate diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Results did not identify a single assay demonstrating the highest analytical and diagnostic performance characteristics, but revealed strengths and weaknesses of each test.
Multiple Levels of Social Disadvantage and Links to Obesity in Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Authors: Lee Hedwig , Harris Kathleen M. , Lee Joyce 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe rise in adolescent obesity has become a public health concern, especially because of its impact on disadvantaged youth. This article examines the role of disadvantage at the family‐, peer‐, school‐, and neighborhood‐level, to determine which contexts are related to obesity in adolescence and young adulthood.METHODSWe analyzed longitudinal data from Waves I (1994‐1995),II(1996), andIII(2001‐2002) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, a nationally representative population‐based sample of adolescents in grades 7‐12 in 1995 who were followed into young adulthood. We assessed the relationship between obesity in adolescence and young adulthood, and disadvantage (measured by low parent education in adolescence) at the family‐, peer‐, school‐, and neighborhood‐level using multilevel logistic regression.RESULTSWhen all levels of disadvantage were modeled simultaneously, school‐level disadvantage was significantly associated with obesity in adolescence for males and females and family‐level disadvantage was significantly associated with obesity in young adulthood for females.CONCLUSIONSSchools may serve as a primary setting for obesity prevention efforts. Because obesity in adolescence tracks into adulthood, it is important to consider prevention efforts at this stage in the life course, in addition to early childhood, particularly among disadvantaged populations.
Testosterone Replacement with 1% Testosterone Gel and Priapism: No Definite Risk Relationship
Authors: Burnett Arthur L. , Kan-Dobrosky Natalia , Miller Michael G. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Although testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is the preferred treatment for hypogonadism, information for patients using testosterone includes too frequent or prolonged erections as a potential side effect.

Aim
To assess the frequency and risk of priapism or related adverse events (AEs) in hypogonadal men treated with a 1% testosterone gel.

Methods
Safety and tolerability data for AndroGel 1% were assessed, including three randomized, controlled clinical trials in varying populations of hypogonadal or near hypogonadal men. Study 1 was a Phase 3 trial of AndroGel 1% 5 g, 7.5 g, or 10 g once daily for 6 months (N = 227). Study 2 was a Phase 2 trial of AndroGel 1% 7.5 g once daily titrated as needed vs. placebo for 26 weeks in men with type 2 diabetes (N = 180). Study 3 was a Phase 4 trial of AndroGel 1% 5 g once daily vs. placebo for 12 weeks in men previously unresponsive to sildenafil 100 mg monotherapy and receiving concomitant sildenafil 100 mg (N = 75). Postmarketing AndroGel pharmacovigilance reporting data from 2001 to 2011 was searched for events coded as priapism.

Main Outcome Measures
The incidence of priapism and/or related symptoms reported as urogenital or reproductive system AEs.

Results
In the 283 men exposed to AndroGel 1% over the three trials, mean exposure ranged from 84 days to 149 days. No AEs described as priapism or related symptoms were reported in the three trials. In the postmarketing data, representing 40 million units sold, eight cases described as priapism were reported. Of the six cases with accompanying data, all were judged as possibly related to AndroGel.

Conclusions
Safety data from the clinical trials for AndroGel 1% did not report any cases of priapism, and its incidence in the postmarketing pharmacovigilance data is extremely low, indicating a minimal risk of inducing priapism.
Fungal host specificity is not a bottleneck for the germination of Pyroleae species (Ericaceae) in a Bavarian forest
Authors: Hynson Nicole A. , Weiß Michael , Preiss Katja , Gebauer Gerhard , Treseder Kathleen K. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractPlants that produce dust seeds can recruit fungi to meet their earliest requirements for carbon and other nutrients. This germination strategy, termed initial mycoheterotrophy, has been well investigated among the orchid family, but there are numerous other plant lineages that have independently evolved mycoheterotrophic germination strategies. One of these lineages is the tribe Pyroleae (Ericaceae). While the fungi associated with mature plants in Pyroleae have been fairly well documented, their mycobionts at the germination and seedling stages are largely unknown. Here, we use an in situ seed baiting experiment along with molecular fingerprinting techniques and phylogenetic tests to identify the fungi associated with seedlings of two Pyroleae species, Pyrola chlorantha and Orthilia secunda. Our results indicate that similar to adult plants, Pyroleae seedlings can associate with a suite of ectomycorrhizal fungi. Some seedlings harboured single mycobionts, while others may have been inhabited by multiple fungi. The dominant seedling mycobiont of both Pyroleae species was a fungus of unknown trophic status in the order Sebacinales. This taxon was also the only one shared among seedlings of both investigated Pyroleae species. We discuss these results juxtaposed to orchids and one additional Pyrola species in the context of ontogenetic shifts in fungal host specificity for mycoheterotrophic nutrition.
Rubisco is a small fraction of total protein in marine phytoplankton
Authors: Losh Jenna L. , Young Jodi N. , Morel François M. M. 
Published: January 2013

Summary

Ribulose 1,5 bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (Rubisco) concentrations were quantified as a proportion of total protein in eight species of microalgae. This enzyme has been assumed to be a major fraction of total protein in phytoplankton, as has been demonstrated in plants, potentially constituting a large sink for cellular nitrogen.

Representative microalgae were grown in batch and continuous cultures under nutrient‐replete, nitrogen (N)‐limited, or phosphorus (P)‐limited conditions with varying CO2. Quantitative Western blots were performed using commercially available global antibodies and protein standards. Field incubations with natural populations of organisms from the coast of California were conducted under both nutrient‐replete and N‐limited conditions with varying CO2.

In all experiments, Rubisco represented < 6% of total protein. In nutrient‐replete exponentially growing batch cultures, concentrations ranged from 2% to 6%, while in nutrient‐limited laboratory and field cultures, concentrations were < 2.5%. Rubisco generally decreased with increasing CO2 and with decreasing growth rates.

Based on a calculation of maximum Rubisco activity, these results suggest that phytoplankton contain the minimum concentration of enzyme necessary to support observed growth rates. Unlike in plants, Rubisco does not account for a major fraction of cellular N in phytoplankton.
Development of buffer methods and evaluation of pedotransfer functions to estimate pH buffer capacity of highly weathered soils
Authors: Wong M. T. F. , Webb M. J. , Wittwer K. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe pH buffer capacity of a soil (pHBC) determines the amount of lime required to raise the pH of the soil layer from its initial acid condition to an optimal pH for plant growth and the time available under current net acid addition rate (NAAR) until the soil layer acidifies to a critical pH leading to likely production losses. Accurate values of pHBC can also be used to calculate NAAR from observed changes in soil pH. In spite of its importance, there is a critical shortage of pHBC data, likely due to the long period of time needed for its direct measurement. This work aimed to develop quick, simple and reliable methods of pHBC measurement and to test these methods against a slow (7‐day) titration used as benchmark. The method developed here calculates pHBC directly from the pH buffer capacity of the buffer solution and the increase in soil pH and corresponding decrease in pH of the buffer solution following mixing and equilibration. The pHBC values calculated using Adams and Evans or modified Woodruff buffers were in accord with those measured by slow titration. Buffer methods are easily deployed in commercial and research laboratories as well as in the field. The advantage of using buffer solutions to calculate pHBC instead of lime requirement is the broad application of this soil property. The pHBC of a soil is an intrinsic property that would not be expected to need remeasurement over periods of less than decades. Recurring lime requirement can be calculated from the soil's pHBC, initial and target pH values. A large proportion of the variability in pHBC was explained by the soil organic carbon content. This relationship between pHBC and soil organic carbon content allowed us to develop local pedotransfer functions to estimate pHBC for different regions of Australia.
HLA‐G 2012 conference: the 15‐year milestone update
Authors: Loustau M. , Wiendl H. , Ferrone S. , Carosella E. D. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe non‐classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) Class I molecule HLA‐G is best known for its tolerogenic function at the maternal–fetal interface, where it protects the fetus from destruction by the immune system of its mother. Yet, HLA‐G has been the topic of intense investigations and its functions reach much further than originally believed. International conferences on HLA‐G have taken place every 3 years since 1998, and the Sixth International Conference on HLA‐G, that took place in Paris in July 2012. It counted 180 attendees from 28 countries, 35 speakers in plenary sessions, and 63 presentations of research in symposia and poster sessions, bringing new insight in HLA‐G research. Here we summarize the major advances on the function and nature of HLA‐G molecule that were reported, with particular interest on the findings in new mechanisms of action through regulatory cells, its relevance in cancer as well as in the molecular structure and functions of HLA‐G, which are key for its clinical application.
Performance of the Elecsys Rubella IgG Assay in the Diagnostic Laboratory Setting for Assessment of Immune Status
Authors: Enders Martin , Bartelt Uwe , Knotek Frank , Bunn Kristina , Strobel Sirpa , Dietz Klaus , Enders Gisela 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTRubella in early pregnancy bears a high risk for congenital defects (e.g., cataracts, hearing loss, and heart disease) and for long-term sequelae in the newborn. Despite implementation of vaccination programs in many regions, the threat of devastating consequences from congenital rubella virus infection remains and careful screening of maternal immune status before and during pregnancy helps to reduce the risk. This study compared the performance of the Elecsys Rubella IgG assay with that of other assays routinely used for screening. Samples from 1,090 women undergoing routine antenatal care were tested using the Elecsys and Enzygnost Rubella IgG assays and the hemagglutination inhibition test. Samples with hemagglutination inhibition titers of <32 (n= 148) were additionally tested using the Vidas, AxSYM, Liaison, and Architect Rubella IgG assays. Agreement of qualitative results from the Elecsys, Enzygnost, and hemagglutination inhibition assays was good in all samples. All assays showed 100.0% specificity. In samples with hemagglutination inhibition titers of <32, the Elecsys, AxSYM, and Enzygnost assays showed higher sensitivity (>90.0%) than the other immunoassays (78.6 to 82.4%). The Elecsys assay reported significantly higher rubella virus IgG levels than the other immunoassays across the whole set of 1,090 samples, with the largest bias and deviation from limits of agreement in Bland-Altman analysis. In conclusion, the Elecsys assay is highly sensitive and specific with regard to qualitative results and suitable for routine automated screening. However, given the considerable variation between quantitative results from different immunoassays, testing methods should be documented and the same assay used throughout an individual's antenatal follow-up wherever possible.
Comparison of a Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay with a Multiplex Luminex Assay for Influenza Virus Detection
Authors: Munro Sandra B. , Kuypers Jane , Jerome Keith R. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
We describe the development of a multiplex reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) with Luminex microarray hybridization for detection of influenza virus subtypes (FLULUM). Performance of FLULUM was evaluated by comparing it to our real-time RT-PCR influenza virus assay on samples collected during two influenza seasons. Both assays targeted the matrix genes of influenza virus A (FluA M) and influenza virus B (FluB M) and the hemagglutinin genes of seasonal H3N2 (H3) and H1N1 (H1) and 2009 pandemic H1N1 (2009 H1). We evaluated FLULUM on both the Luminex LX200 and the Luminex MagPix instruments. Compared to real-time PCR, FLULUM tested on 259 specimens submitted in the 2010-2011 season showed sensitivities of 97.3% for FluA M, 90.5% for 2009 H1, 96.9% for H3, and 88.9% for FluB M. No specimens were positive for seasonal H1. FLULUM tested on 806 specimens submitted in the 2011-2012 season showed a sensitivity of 100% for FluA M, 89.9% for 2009 H1, 96.4% for H3, and 95.6% for FluB M. No cross-reactivity was observed for other respiratory viruses. Analytical sensitivity was assessed by testing dilutions of specimens with high viral loads. The limits of detection of FLULUM were comparable to those of the real-time PCR assay for FluA M, FluB M, and H3. The limits of detection for seasonal H1 and 2009 H1 were 10-fold higher for the FLULUM assay compared to real-time PCR. The FLULUM is an economic assay with high clinical sensitivity and specificity. It is particularly suited to high-volume detection of influenza viruses.
The HIV-1 gp120 Major Variable Regions Modulate Cold Inactivation
Authors: Medjahed Halima , Pacheco Beatriz , Désormeaux Anik , Sodroski Joseph , Finzi Andrés 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
HIV-1 entry involves the viral envelope glycoproteins (Env gps) and receptors on the target cell. Receptor binding channels the intrinsic high potential energy of Env into the force required to fuse the membranes of virus and target cell. For some HIV-1 strains, prolonged incubation on ice decreases Env potential energy and results in functional inactivation. By characterizing chimeras between two primary clade C HIV-1 strains that differ in sensitivities to cold, soluble CD4, and neutralizing antibodies, we found that these properties were largely determined by discrete elements within the gp120 variable regions V1V2 and V3.
Diversity of Ubiquitin and ISG15 Specificity among Nairoviruses' Viral Ovarian Tumor Domain Proteases
Authors: Capodagli Glenn C. , Deaton Michelle K. , Baker Erica A. , Lumpkin Ryan J. , Pegan Scott D. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
Nairoviruses are responsible for numerous diseases that affect both humans and animal. Recent work has implicated the viral ovarian tumor domain (vOTU) as a possible nairovirus virulence factor due to its ability to edit ubiquitin (Ub) bound to cellular proteins and, at least in the case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), to cleave the Ub-like protein interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), a protein involved in the regulation of host immunity. The prospective roles of vOTUs in immune evasion have generated several questions concerning whether vOTUs act through a preserved specificity for Ub- and ISG15-conjugated proteins and where that specificity may originate. To gain insight into the substrate specificity of vOTUs, enzymological studies were conducted on vOTUs from Dugbe, CCHFV, and Erve nairoviruses. These studies revealed that vOTUs originating from different nairoviruses display a significant divergence in their preference toward Ub and ISG15. In addition, a recently identified vOTU from turnip yellow mosaic tymovirus was evaluated to elucidate any possible similarities between vOTUs originating from different viral families. Although possessing a similar preference for certain polymeric Ub moieties, its activity toward Ub in general was significantly less then those of nairoviruses. Lastly, the X-ray crystallographic structure of the vOTU from the Dugbe nairovirus was obtained in complex with Ub to reveal structural commonalities of vOTUs originating from nairoviruses. The structure suggests that divergences between nairovirus vOTUs specificity originate at the primary structural level. Comparison of this structure to that originating from CCHFV identified key residues that infer the substrate specificity of vOTUs.
Response to desmopressin is strongly dependent on F8 gene mutation type in mild and moderate haemophilia A
Authors: Stoof Sara , Sanders Yvonne , Petrij Fred , Cnossen Marjon , de Maat Moniek , Leebeek Frank , Kruip Marieke 
Published: January 2013

SummaryDesmopressin causes two- to six-fold increase of factor VIII (FVIII) in mild or moderate haemophilia A patients. However, responses are variable and little is known whether this is associated with F8 gene mutation. The study objective was to assess the relationship between F8 gene mutation and desmopressin response in haemophilia A patients. Desmopressin response (absolute and relative) was determined in 97 hemophilia A patients. Four amino acid changes (Arg2169His, Pro149Arg, Asn637Ser, and Arg612Cys) and a number of other mutations leading to an aberrant FVIII protein or FVIII deficiency were analysed. Patients with Arg2169His showed significantly lower FVIII levels before and after desmopressin compared to all other mutations (p<0.001). Pro149Arg amino acid change showed significantly lower FVIII levels 1 hour after desmopressin compared to all other mutations (p<0.005). An absolute response with FVIII ≥0.50 IU/ml after 1 hour was observed in 41% (9 of 22) of patients with Arg2169His; however, this was not sustainable after 6 hours in any of these subjects. No patients with Pro149Arg mutation (n=6) showed an absolute response with FVIII _0.50 IU/ml. Patients with other mutations showed significantly more complete and partial responses. Relative responses did not differ between mutations. Our study shows that haemophilia A patients with amino acid change Arg2169His or Pro149Arg have a decreased desmopressin response with regard to FVIII levels as compared to other mutations. Our results indicate that response to desmopressin is dependent on the F8 gene mutation type, despite the fact that multiple factors influence the desmopressin response, even within families.
A Friend’s First Words in Job 4:2
Authors: Pinker Aron 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
This paper will argue that at least Eliphaz’s opening words are within the norms of friendly and polite discourse that can be expected in the described circumstances. Unlike the prevailing view, it is being proposed that the referents in 2:4 are Job’s friends. This thesis rests on a slightly different reading of v. 4:2a (תְּלָאָה אֵלֶיךָ דַּבֵּר ?הֲנֶהַס, “Should we be silent? Speaking to you is a hardship”), and understanding v. 2:4b as being concerned with controlling the potential offensiveness of the words uttered, rather than with holding back the welled-up words.
Weight change by baseline BMI from three-year observational data: findings from the Worldwide Schizophrenia Outpatient Health Outcomes Database
Authors: Bushe Chris J , Slooff Cees J , Haddad Peter M , Karagianis Jamie L 
Published: January 2013

The aim was to explore weight and body mass index (BMI) changes by baseline BMI in patients completing three years of monotherapy with various first- and second-generation antipsychotics in a large cohort in a post hoc analysis of three-year observational data. Data were analyzed by antipsychotic and three baseline BMI bands: underweight/normal weight (BMI <25 kg/m2), overweight (25–30 kg/m2) and obese (>30 kg/m2). Baseline BMI was associated with subsequent weight change irrespective of the antipsychotic given. Specifically, a smaller proportion of patients gained ≥7% baseline bodyweight, and a greater proportion of patients lost ≥7% baseline bodyweight with increasing baseline BMI. For olanzapine (the antipsychotic associated with highest mean weight gain in the total drug cohort), the percentage of patients gaining ≥7% baseline weight was 45% (95% CI: 43–48) in the underweight/normal weight BMI cohort and 20% (95% CI: 15–27) in the obese BMI cohort; 7% (95% CI: 6–8) of the underweight/normal cohort and 19% (95% CI: 13–27) of the obese cohort lost ≥7% baseline weight. BMI has an association with the likelihood of weight gain or loss and should be considered in analyses of antipsychotic weight change.