bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complementary laboratory indices for predicting the disease status of patients with hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Chen F. , He J. L. , Zheng M. , Zhu H. H. , Li S. P. , Wang K. , Zhang X. X. , Zhao Y. R. , Wu S. S. , Chen Z. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryTo identify complementary laboratory indices for determining the disease status of patients with hepatitis B virus. Subjects were divided into six groups: hepatitis B virus carrier, mild chronic hepatitis B, moderate chronic hepatitis B, severe chronic hepatitis B, fulminant hepatitis B and healthy controls. Serum alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin were measured by an automatic analyser. The levels of T‐cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin‐domain‐containing molecule‐3, macrophage inflammatory protein 2, neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin and inducible nitric oxide synthase were measured by ELISA. T‐cell immunoglobulin domain, mucin‐domain‐containing molecule‐3, macrophage inflammatory protein 2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase levels were significantly higher in patients with severe chronic hepatitis B compared with those in patients with mild and moderate chronic hepatitis B or fulminant hepatitis B (P < 0.05). When normal or abnormal alanine aminotransferase was present, significant differences between macrophage inflammatory protein 2 and T‐cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin‐domain‐containing molecule‐3 levels between patients with mild, moderate, severe chronic hepatitis B or fulminant hepatitis B were observed (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that T‐cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin‐domain‐containing molecule‐3 and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 could serve as alanine aminotransferase, direct bilirubin or total bilirubin complementary indices for determining the status of patients with hepatitis B.
Haemophilus influenzae acquires vitronectin via the ubiquitous Protein F to subvert host innate immunity
Authors: Su Yu‐Ching , Jalalvand Farshid , Mörgelin Matthias , Blom Anna M. , Singh Birendra , Riesbeck Kristian 
Published: February 2013

SummaryAcquisition of the complement inhibitor vitronectin (Vn) is important for the respiratory tract pathogen nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) to escape complement‐mediated killing. NTHi actively recruits Vn, and we previously showed that this interaction involves Protein E (PE). Here we describe a second Vn‐binding protein, a 30 kDa Yersinia YfeA homologue designated as Protein F (PF). An isogenic NTHi 3655Δhpf mutant devoid of PF displayed a reduced binding of Vn, and was consequently more sensitive to killing by human serum compared with the wild type. Surface expression of PF on Escherichia coli conferred binding of Vn that resulted in a serum resistant phenotype. Molecular analyses revealed that the N‐terminal of PF (Lys23‐Glu48) bound to the C‐terminal of Vn (Phe352‐Ser374) without disrupting the inhibitory role of Vn on the membrane attack complex. The PF–Vn complex actively delayed C9 deposition on PF‐expressing bacteria. Comparative studies of binding affinity and multiple mutants demonstrated that both PE and PF contribute individually to NTHi serum survival. PF was highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed in a series of randomly selected NTHi clinical isolates (n = 18). In conclusion, the multifaceted binding of Vn is beneficial for NTHi survival in serum and may contribute to successful colonization and consequently infection.
Long‐distance abscisic acid signalling under different vertical soil moisture gradients depends on bulk root water potential and average soil water content in the root zone
Authors: PUÉRTOLAS JAIME , ALCOBENDAS ROSALÍA , ALARCÓN JUAN J. , DODD IAN C. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractTo determine how root‐to‐shoot abscisic acid (ABA) signalling is regulated by vertical soil moisture gradients, root ABA concentration ([ABA]root), the fraction of root water uptake from, and root water potential of different parts of the root zone, along with bulk root water potential, were measured to test various predictive models of root xylem ABA concentration [RX‐ABA]sap. Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Nassau) were grown in soil columns and received different irrigation treatments (top and basal watering, and withholding water for varying lengths of time) to induce different vertical soil moisture gradients. Root water uptake was measured at four positions within the column by continuously recording volumetric soil water content (θv). Average θv was inversely related to bulk root water potential (Ψroot). In turn, Ψroot was correlated with both average [ABA]root and [RX‐ABA]sap. Despite large gradients in θv, [ABA]root and root water potential was homogenous within the root zone. Consequently, unlike some split‐root studies, root water uptake fraction from layers with different soil moisture did not influence xylem sap (ABA). This suggests two different patterns of ABA signalling, depending on how soil moisture heterogeneity is distributed within the root zone, which might have implications for implementing water‐saving irrigation techniques.
Supporting the Posts in Development Discourse: Under‐development, Over‐development, Post‐development
Authors: Bennett Cary 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis article seeks to introduce scholars outside of development studies to post‐development thought, and to restate its relevance and value to those working within the development field. It begins with an overview of post‐development thought and its critique of the post‐World War Two development project. Following this, specific critiques levelled at post‐development thought and various responses to these are considered. In the last section, the possibility or desirability of raising the living standards of Third World people to a level comparable to those of the First World through economically based development strategies is questioned. The article concludes by drawing attention to First World overdevelopment and the continued value of post‐development thinking in unsettling the development trajectory for either the First or Third World.
Strategically Locating Wildlife Crossing Structures for Florida Panthers Using Maximal Covering Approaches
Authors: Downs Joni , Horner Mark , Loraamm Rebecca , Anderson James , Kim Hyun , Onorato Dave 
Published: February 2013

AbstractCrossing structures are an effective method for mitigating habitat fragmentation and reducing wildlife‐vehicle collisions, although high construction costs limit the number that can be implemented in practice. Therefore, optimizing the placement of crossing structures in road networks is suggested as a strategic conservation planning method. This research explores two approaches for using the maximal covering location problem (MCLP) to determine optimal sites to install new wildlife crossing structures. The first approach is based on records of traffic mortality, while the second uses animal tracking data for the species of interest. The objective of the first is to cover the maximum number of collision sites, given a specified number of proposed structures to build, while the second covers as many animal tracking locations as possible under a similar scenario. These two approaches were used to locate potential wildlife crossing structures for endangered Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi) in Collier, Lee, and Hendry Counties, Florida, a population whose survival is threatened by excessive traffic mortality. Historical traffic mortality records and an extensive radio‐tracking dataset were used in the analyses. Although the two approaches largely select different sites for crossing structures, both models highlight key locations in the landscape where these structures can remedy traffic mortality and habitat fragmentation. These applications demonstrate how the MCLP can serve as a useful conservation planning tool when traffic mortality or animal tracking data are available to researchers.
CONSTAnT – A Conceptual Data Model for Semantic Trajectories of Moving Objects
Authors: Bogorny Vania , Renso Chiara , de Aquino Artur Ribeiro , de Lucca Siqueira Fernando , Alvares Luis Otavio 
Published: February 2013

AbstractSeveral works have been proposed in the last few years for raw trajectory data analysis, and some attempts have been made to define trajectories from a more semantic point of view. Semantic trajectory data analysis has received significant attention recently, but the formal definition of semantic trajectory, the set of aspects that should be considered to semantically enrich trajectories and a conceptual data model integrating these aspects from a broad sense is still missing. This article presents a semantic trajectory conceptual data model named CONSTAnT, which defines the most important aspects of semantic trajectories. We believe that this model will be the foundation for the design of semantic trajectory databases, where several aspects that make a trajectory “semantic” are taken into account. The proposed model includes the concepts of semantic subtrajectory, semantic points, geographical places, events, goals, environment and behavior, to create a general concept of semantic trajectory. The proposed model is the result of several years of work by the authors in an effort to add more semantics to raw trajectory data for real applications. Two application examples and different queries show the flexibility of the model for different domains.
Populus endo‐beta‐mannanase PtrMAN6 plays a role in coordinating cell wall remodeling with suppression of secondary wall thickening through generation of oligosaccharide signals
Authors: Zhao Yunjun , Song Dongliang , Sun Jiayan , Li Laigeng 
Published: February 2013

SummaryEndo‐1,4‐β‐mannanase is known to able to hydrolyze mannan‐type polysaccharides in cell wall remodeling, but its function in regulating wall thickening has been little studied. Here we show that a Populus endo‐1,4‐β‐mannanase gene, named PtrMAN6, suppresses cell wall thickening during xylem differentiation. PtrMAN6 is expressed specifically in xylem tissue and its encoded protein localizes to developing vessel cells. Overexpression of PtrMAN6 enhanced wall loosening as well as suppressed secondary wall thickening, whilst knockdown of its expression promoted secondary wall thickening. Transcriptional analysis revealed that PtrMAN6 overexpression downregulated the transcriptional program of secondary cell wall thickening, whilst PtrMAN6 knockdown upregulated transcriptional activities toward secondary wall formation. Activity of PtrMAN6 hydrolysis resulted in the generation of oligosaccharide compounds from cell wall polysaccharides. Application of the oligosaccharides resulted in cellular and transcriptional changes that were similar to those found in PtrMAN6 overexpressed transgenic plants. Overall, our results demonstrated that PtrMAN6 plays a role in hydrolysis of mannan‐type wall polysaccharides to produce oligosaccharides that may serve as signaling molecules to suppress cell wall thickening during wood xylem cell differentiation.
Biology of xenogeneic cell and organ transplantation – from bench to bedside – the new German research foundation (DFG) transregio collaborative research centre for the next 4 (ultimately 12) years
Authors: Reichart Bruno 
Published: February 2013

Discordant xenotransplantation research started in Hanover/Mariensee and in Munich in the late nineties – the latter receiving a substantial grant from the Bavarian Research Foundation. In 2003 both groups were invited by the German Research Foundation (DFG) to make a joint application to further develop xenotransplantation technology. This was peer‐reviewed, approved and continued with considerable success from 2004 to 2012. The Paul‐Ehrlich and Robert‐Koch Institutes, the official bodies responsible for microbiological safety in Germany, were subsequently included.Our unique interdisciplinary consortium combines basic scientists, animal biotechnologists and clinicians demonstrating an excellent co‐operation over the last 8 years. The tool box available to us includes pigs transgenic for human thrombomodulin, hemoxygenase‐1, A20, LEA 29Y, HLA‐E and TRAIL; key enabling technologies include gene targeting, large transgene vectors, transposon mediated transgenesis, zinc finger and TALE nuclease mediated gene targeting.In July 2012 our new Collaborative Research Centre (again supported by the DFG) commenced, continuing in the first instance to 2016 and ultimately until 2024. The strong Diabetes group at the University of Dresden, which currently runs the only successful allogeneic pancreatic islet transplantation in Germany, has now been incorporated.Our main goal is to translate preclinical studies into benefits for patients as quickly as possible. The consortium focuses on islet, cardiac and renal xenotransplantation; new biological heart valves for paediatric cases and young adults will be developed. Our endeavours will be supported by two ethicists to ensure best practice and promote public dialogue.
Differences in glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion in vitro of islets from human, nonhuman primate, and porcine origin
Authors: Mueller Kate R , Balamurugan A N , Cline Gary W , Pongratz Rebecca L , Hooper Rebecca L , Weegman Bradley P , Kitzmann Jennifer P , Taylor Michael J , Graham Melanie L , Schuurman Henk‐Jan , Papas Klearchos K 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPorcine islet xenotransplantation is considered a potential cell‐based therapy for type 1 diabetes. It is currently being evaluated in diabetic nonhuman primates (NHP) to assess safety and efficacy of the islet product. However, due to a variety of distinct differences between the respective species, including the insulin secretory characteristics of islets, the suitability and predictive value of the preclinical model in the extrapolation to the clinical setting remain a critical issue. Islets isolated from human (n = 3), NHP (n = 2), adult pig (AP, n = 3), and juvenile pig (JP, n = 4) pancreata were perifused with medium at basal glucose (2.5 mm) followed by high glucose (16.7 mm) concentrations. The total glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) was calculated from generated insulin secretion profiles. Nonhuman primate islets exhibited GSIS 3‐fold higher than AP islets, while AP and JP islets exhibited GSIS 1/3 and 1/30 of human islets, respectively. The insulin content of NHP and AP islets was similar to that of human islets, whereas that of JP islets was 1/5 of human islets. Despite the fact that human, NHP, and AP islets contain similar amounts of insulin, the much higher GSIS for NHP islets than for AP and JP islets suggests the need for increased dosing of islets from JP and AP in pig‐to‐NHP transplantation. Porcine islet xenotransplantation to humans may require significantly higher dosing given the lower GSIS of AP islets compared to human islets.
A Novel Selective LSD1/KDM1A Inhibitor Epigenetically Blocks Herpes Simplex Virus Lytic Replication and Reactivation from Latency
Authors: Liang Yu , Quenelle Debra , Vogel Jodi L. , Mascaro Cristina , Ortega Alberto , Kristie Thomas M. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Cellular processes requiring access to the DNA genome are regulated by an overlay of epigenetic modifications, including histone modification and chromatin remodeling. Similar to the cellular host, many nuclear DNA viruses that depend upon the host cell’s transcriptional machinery are also subject to the regulatory impact of chromatin assembly and modification. Infection of cells with alphaherpesviruses (herpes simplex virus [HSV] and varicella-zoster virus [VZV]) results in the deposition of nucleosomes bearing repressive histone H3K9 methylation on the viral genome. This repressive state is modulated by the recruitment of a cellular coactivator complex containing the histone H3K9 demethylase LSD1 to the viral immediate-early (IE) gene promoters. Inhibition of the activity of this enzyme results in increased repressive chromatin assembly and suppression of viral gene expression during lytic infection as well as reactivation from latency in a mouse ganglion explant model. However, available small-molecule LSD1 inhibitors are not originally designed to inhibit LSD1, but rather monoamine oxidases (MAO) in general. Thus, their specificity for and potency to LSD1 is low. In this study, a novel specific LSD1 inhibitor was identified that potently repressed HSV IE gene expression, genome replication, and reactivation from latency. Importantly, the inhibitor also suppressed primary infection of HSV
in vivo
in a mouse model. Based on common control of a number of DNA viruses by epigenetic modulation, it was also demonstrated that this LSD1 inhibitor blocks initial gene expression of the human cytomegalovirus and adenovirus type 5.

IMPORTANCE
Epigenetic mechanisms, including histone modification and chromatin remodeling, play important regulatory roles in all cellular processes requiring access to the genome. These mechanisms are often altered in disease conditions, including various cancers, and thus represent novel targets for drugs. Similarly, many viral pathogens are regulated by an epigenetic overlay that determines the outcome of infection. Therefore, these epigenetic targets also represent novel antiviral targets. Here, a novel inhibitor was identified with high specificity and potency for the histone demethylase LSD1, a critical component of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) gene expression paradigm. This inhibitor was demonstrated to have potent antiviral potential in both cultured cells and animal models. Thus, in addition to clearly demonstrating the critical role of LSD1 in regulation of HSV infection, as well as other DNA viruses, the data extends the therapeutic potential of chromatin modulation inhibitors from the focused field of oncology to the arena of antiviral agents.
Could Acupuncture at the So-Called Forbidden Points be Harmful to the Health of Pregnant Wistar Rats?
Authors: da Silva André Vilella Guerreiro , Nakamura Mary Uchiyama , da Silva João Bosco Guerreiro , Cordeiro José Antonio , Mendes Glória Elisa , Lima Luiz 
Published: February 2013

Aim This study is the second report from a single experiment planned to determine if acupuncture at LI4 and SP6, or at the sacral points, could produce any harm in the pregnancy outcome of Wistar rats, as has been hypothesised in traditional knowledge. Here, we observe if these points can be harmful to the health of pregnant Wistar rats. Methods A total of 48 pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: total control, where rats were left in cages without manipulation; anesthetised control, where rats were manipulated and anesthetised but did not receive electroacupuncture; and peripheral point and sacral point groups, where rats were anesthetised and received 6 sessions of electroacupuncture at 4 acupuncture points: LI4 and SP6, and BL27 and BL28, respectively. In the 19th day of pregnancy the rats were killed and examined. The primary endpoints were levels of glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) creatinine and histological changes of liver and kidney. Results There were no differences between the levels of biochemical parameters. No differences were also seen regarding the histopathological analysis. Conclusions We found no evidence that acupuncture at the LI4, SP6 and sacral points could be harmful to the Wistar rat dams.
Intrapancreatic accessory spleen: a misleading diagnosis
Authors: Loureiro Ana Luisa , Ferreira Alexandre Oliveira , Palmeiro Marta , Penedo José Pedro 
Published: February 2013

Intrapancreatic accessory spleens are congenital malformations that occur in roughly 2% of individuals. Most of them are innocent until found. Lately, there have been a few case reports of intrapancreatic spleen misdiagnosis leading to unnecessary pancreatic surgery. We report the case of a 64-year-old woman who had a hypervascular pancreatic nodule diagnosed on dynamic CT and MRI after an episode of acute pancreatitis. The patient's progress was followed for 18 months, repeated the CT and MRI examinations and an endoscopic ultrasonography with fine needle aspiration was performed. Neoplastic cells were not identified on cytology. Despite the stability of the lesion, a distal pancreatectomy was performed to exclude a neuroendocrinal tumour. An intrapancreatic accessory spleen was ultimately identified on histological examination.
Internalised homonegativity predicts HIV-associated risk behavior in European men who have sex with men in a 38-country cross-sectional study: some public health implications of homophobia
Authors: Ross Michael W , Berg Rigmor C , Schmidt Axel J , Hospers Harm J , Breveglieri Michele , Furegato Martina , Weatherburn Peter 
Published: February 2013

ObjectivesInternalised homonegativity (IH) is hypothesised to be associated with HIV risk behaviour and HIV testing in men who have sex with men (MSM). We sought to determine the social and individual variables associated with IH and the associations between IH and HIV-related behaviours.Design and settingWe examined IH and its predictors as part of a larger Internet-delivered, cross-sectional study on HIV and health in MSM in 38 European countries.Participants181 495 MSM, IH data analysis subsample 144 177. All participants were male, over the age of consent for homosexual activity in their country of domicile, and have had at least one homosexual contact in the past 6 months.MethodologyAn anonymous Internet-based questionnaire was disseminated in 25 languages through MSM social media, websites and organisations and responses saved to a UK-based server. IH was measured using a standardised, cross-culturally appropriate scale.ResultsThree clusters of European countries based on the level of experienced discrimination emerged. IH was predicted by country LGB (lesbian, gay and bisexual) legal climate, Gini coefficient and size of place of settlement. Lower IH was associated with degree the respondent was ‘out’ as gay to others and older age. ‘Outness’ was associated with ever having an HIV test and age, education and number of gay friends, while IH (controlling for the number of non-steady unprotected sex partners and perceived lack of control over safe sex) was associated with condom use for anal intercourse.ConclusionsIH is associated with LGB legal climate, economic development indices and urbanisation. It is also associated with ‘outness’ and with HIV risk and preventive behaviours including HIV testing, perceived control over sexual risk and condom use. Homonegative climate is associated with IH and higher levels of HIV-associated risk in MSM. Reducing IH through attention to LGB human rights may be appropriate HIV reduction intervention for MSM.
Evaluation of the UNREST questionnaire for testing the social resistance framework
Authors: Factor Roni , Kawachi Ichiro , Williams David R 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundThe recently developed social resistance framework addresses a widespread pattern whereby non-dominant minority groups, such as ethnic/racial minorities and people of low socioeconomic status, often engage in unhealthy and risky behaviours at higher rates compared with society at large. The framework suggests that power relations within society may encourage members of non-dominant minority groups to actively engage in acts of everyday resistance, which may include risky and unhealthy behaviours.MethodsThe current paper develops and psychometrically evaluates a research tool to test this innovative framework. The UNREST questionnaire measures the key concepts of the framework, along with four high-risk and unhealthy behaviours, as well as demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. A pilot survey was conducted among representative subsamples of a non-dominant group (African–Americans) and a dominant group (Caucasians).ResultsConsistent with the general premises of the framework, the evaluation of the questionnaire produced six valid and reliable scales, which were significantly correlated with some criterion-related items as well as unhealthy and risky behaviours.ConclusionsThe preliminary results of our pilot study suggest that the new tool may be useful for testing the framework. The results also provide support for the framework in general.