bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathogenicity and Phenotypic Characterization of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Isolates from a Birth Cohort of Children in Rural Egypt
Authors: Mansour Adel , Shaheen Hind I. , Amine Mohamed , Hassan Khaled , Sanders John W. , Riddle Mark S. , Armstrong Adam W. , Svennerholm Ann-Mari , Sebeny Peter J. , Klena John D. , Young Sylvia Y. N. , Frenck Robert W. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT

Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) has consistently been the predominant bacterial cause of diarrhea in many birth cohort- and hospital-based studies conducted in Egypt. We evaluated the pathogenicity of ETEC isolates in a birth cohort of children living in a rural community in Egypt. Between 2004 and 2007, we enrolled and followed 348 children starting at birth until their second year of life. A stool sample and two rectal swabs were collected from children during twice-weekly visits when they presented with diarrhea and were collected every 2 weeks if no diarrhea was reported. From routine stool cultures, five
E. coli
-like colonies were screened for ETEC enterotoxins using a GM1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The isolates were screened against a panel of 12 colonization factor antigens (CFAs) by a dot blot assay. A nested case-control study evaluated the association between initial or repeat excretion of ETEC and the occurrences of diarrhea. The pathogenicity of ETEC was estimated in symptomatic children compared to that in asymptomatic controls. ETEC was significantly associated with diarrhea (crude odds ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24 to 1.52). The distribution of ETEC enterotoxins varied between the symptomatic children (44.2% heat-labile toxin [LT], 38.5% heat-stable toxin [ST], and 17.3% LT/ST) and asymptomatic children (55.5% LT, 34.6% ST, and 9.9% LT/ST) (
P
< 0.001). The CFAs CFA/I (
n
= 61), CS3 (
n
= 8), CS1 plus CS3 (
n
= 24), CS2 plus CS3 (
n
= 18), CS6 (
n
= 45), CS5 plus CS6 (
n
= 11), CS7 (
n
= 25), and CS14 (
n
= 32) were frequently detected in symptomatic children, while CS6 (
n
= 66), CS12 (
n
= 51), CFA/I (
n
= 43), and CS14 (
n
= 20) were detected at higher frequencies among asymptomatic children. While all toxin phenotypes were associated with diarrheal disease after the initial exposure, only ST and LT/ST-expressing ETEC isolates (
P
< 0.0001) were associated with disease in repeat infections. The role of enterotoxins and pathogenicity during repeat ETEC infections appears to be variable and dependent on the coexpression of specific CFAs.
Primary Cerebral Alveolar Echinococcosis: Mycology to the Rescue
Authors: Debourgogne Anne , Goehringer François , Umhang Gérald , Gauchotte Guillaume , Hénard Sandrine , Boué Franck , May Thierry , Machouart Marie 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT
A case of primary cerebral alveolar echinococcosis with a favorable outcome is reported. A universal fungal PCR enabled this diagnosis, while the initial serological analysis remained noncontributive.
Aerosolized Rift Valley Fever Virus Causes Fatal Encephalitis in African Green Monkeys and Common Marmosets
Authors: Hartman Amy L. , Powell Diana S. , Bethel Laura M. , Caroline Amy L. , Schmid Richard J. , Oury Tim , Reed Douglas S. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a veterinary and human disease in Africa and the Middle East. The causative agent, RVF virus (RVFV), can be naturally transmitted by mosquito, direct contact, or aerosol. We sought to develop a nonhuman primate (NHP) model of severe RVF in humans to better understand the pathogenesis of RVF and to use for evaluation of medical countermeasures. NHP from four different species were exposed to aerosols containing RVFV. Both cynomolgus and rhesus macaques developed mild fevers after inhalation of RVFV, but no other clinical signs were noted and no macaque succumbed to RVFV infection. In contrast, both marmosets and African green monkeys (AGM) proved susceptible to aerosolized RVF virus. Fever onset was earlier with the marmosets and had a biphasic pattern similar to what has been reported in humans. Beginning around day 8 to day 10 postexposure, clinical signs consistent with encephalitis were noted in both AGM and marmosets; animals of both species succumbed between days 9 and 11 postexposure. Marmosets were susceptible to lower doses of RVFV than AGM. Histological examination confirmed viral meningoencephalitis in both species. Hematological analyses indicated a drop in platelet counts in both AGM and marmosets suggestive of thrombosis, as well as leukocytosis that consisted mostly of granulocytes. Both AGM and marmosets would serve as useful models of aerosol infection with RVFV.
Innate Immune Response Induced by Baculovirus Attenuates Transgene Expression in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Ono Chikako , Ninomiya Akinori , Yamamoto Satomi , Abe Takayuki , Wen Xiauyu , Fukuhara Takasuke , Sasai Miwa , Yamamoto Masahiro , Saitoh Tatsuya , Satoh Takashi , Kawai Taro , Ishii Ken J. , Akira Shizuo , Okamoto Toru , Matsuura Yoshiharu 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT

The baculovirus
Autographa californica
nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcNPV) has been widely used to achieve a high level of foreign gene expression in insect cells, as well as for efficient gene transduction into mammalian cells without any replication. In addition to permitting efficient gene delivery, baculovirus has been shown to induce host innate immune responses in various mammalian cells and in mice. In this study, we examined the effects of the innate immune responses on gene expression by recombinant baculoviruses in cultured cells. The reporter gene expression in IRF3-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) infected with the recombinant baculovirus was shown to be enhanced in accordance with the suppression of beta interferon (IFN-β) production. Furthermore, efficient gene transduction by the recombinant baculovirus was achieved in MEFs deficient for stimulator of interferon genes (STING), TANK binding kinase 1 (TBK1), IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), or IFN-β promoter stimulator 1 (IPS-1), but not in those deficient for IRF7, MyD88, or Z-DNA binding protein 1 (ZBP1)/DAI. Enhancement of gene expression by the recombinant baculovirus was also observed in human hepatoma cell lines replicating hepatitis C virus (HCV), in which innate immunity was impaired by the cleavage of IPS-1 by the viral protease. In addition, infection with the recombinant baculovirus expressing the BH3-only protein, BIM
S
, a potent inducer of apoptosis, resulted in a selective cell death in the HCV replicon cells. These results indicate that innate immune responses induced by infection with baculovirus attenuate transgene expression, and this characteristic might be useful for a selective gene transduction into cells with impaired innate immunity arising from infection with various viruses.
Specific Nucleoprotein Residues Affect Influenza Virus Morphology
Authors: Bialas Kristy M. , Bussey Kendra A. , Stone Raychel L. , Takimoto Toru 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT
Influenza virus strains are often pleiomorphic, a characteristic that is largely attributed to specific residues in matrix protein 1 (M1). Although the mechanism by which M1 controls virion morphology has not yet been defined, it is suggested that the M1 interaction with other viral proteins plays an important role. In this study, we rescued recombinant virus WSN-AichiM1 containing the spherical A/WSN/33 (WSN) backbone and the M1 protein from A/Aichi/2/68 (Aichi). Aichi M1 differs from WSN M1 by 7 amino acids but includes those identified to be responsible for filamentous virion formation. Interestingly, Aichi virus produced spherical virions, while WSN-AichiM1 exhibited a long filamentous morphology, as detected by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. Additional incorporation of Aichi nucleoprotein (NP) but not the hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), or M2 gene to WSN-AichiM1 abrogated filamentous virion formation, suggesting that specific M1-NP interactions affect virion morphology. Further characterization of viruses containing WSN/Aichi chimeric NPs identified residues 214, 217, and 253 of Aichi NP as necessary and sufficient for the formation of spherical virions. NP residues 214 and 217 localize at the minor groove between the two opposite-polarity NP helical strands of viral ribonucleocapsids, and residue 253 also localizes near the surface of the groove. These findings indicate that NP plays a critical role in influenza virus morphology, possibly through its interaction with the M1 layer during virus budding.
Single versus multiple-family intervention in childhood overweight—Finnmark Activity School: a randomised trial
Authors: Kokkvoll Ane , Grimsgaard Sameline , Ødegaard Rønnaug , Flægstad Trond , Njølstad Inger 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveTo compare a new comprehensive lifestyle programme performed in groups of families with overweight (included obese) children with a more conventional single-family programme. The study design and interim anthropometrical results after 12 months are presented.DesignAltogether 97 overweight and obese children aged 6–12 years with body mass index (BMI) corresponding to cut-off point ≥27.5 in adults were included. Study participants were randomised to multiple-family intervention (MUFI) or single-family intervention (SIFI) in a parallel design. MUFI comprised a 3-day inpatient programme at the hospital with other families and a multidisciplinary team, follow-up visits in their hometown individually and in groups, organised physical activity twice weekly and a 4-day family camp after 6 months. SIFI comprised individual counselling by paediatric nurse, paediatric consultant and nutritionist at the hospital and follow-up by public health nurse in the community. Solution focused approach was applied in both interventions. Primary outcome measures were change in BMI kg/m2 and BMI SD score (BMI SDS).ResultsBMI increased by 0.37 units in the MUFI compared to 0.77 units in the SIFI (p=0.18). BMI SDS decreased by 0.16 units in the MUFI group compared to 0.07 units in the SIFI group (p=0.07). Secondary endpoint waist circumference decreased 0.94 cm in the multiple-family group and increased 0.95 cm in the single-family group, p=0.04.ConclusionsInterim analysis after 12 months showed no between-group difference in terms of BMI or BMI SDS. The MUFI group had a significant decrease in waist circumference compared to the SIFI group.The trial is registeredat http://www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00872807)
Restoration of the External Caledonides, Finnmark, North Norway
Authors: Rice A. H. N. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Branch line restoration of the external Finnmark Caledonides, northern Norway, gives 232 km linear displacement of the Middle Allochthon, rising to 252 km when including thrusting-direction changes. A 108 km SSE/SE-directed deformation, mostly ductile, and 144 km ENE/ESE-directed deformation, mostly brittle, occurred. The North Varanger Region/Terrane restores to under Porsangerhalvøya, with the Trollfjorden–Komagelva Fault a possible precursor of the Kokelv Fault. Dextral offset on the Trollfjorden–Komagelva Fault was
c.
207 km. Three major sediment depositional areas are recognized: Timan Basin (including Barents Sea–Løkvikfjellet, Einovskaya–Manjunnas–Digermulen and Laksefjord sub-basins); Gaissa Basin (including Finnmark Ridge and Baltica Coast); and Gaissa Promontory. The Barents Sea–Løkvikfjellet Sub-basin comprises 15.9 km of sediments of the North Varanger Terrane. The Einovskaya–Manjunnas–Digermulen Sub-basin comprises 4 km of Rybachi Terrane sediments overlain by the Manjunnas Group (3 km) and then a Gaissa Basin equivalent succession (4.2 km). The 7.7 km-thick Laksefjord Group (Laksefjord Sub-basin) lies directly WNW of the Finnmark Ridge. Maximum clastic sedimentation (
c.
3.7 km) in the Gaissa Basin was in the NE and maximum dolomite accumulation (235 m) in the SW, where the basin closed off. The Finnmark Ridge and Baltica Coast have condensed Gaissa Basin successions. The Gaissa Promontory lies north of the Gaissa Basin, probably with the same lithostratigraphy.
Cell Fate Factor DACH1 Represses YB-1–Mediated Oncogenic Transcription and Translation
Authors: Wu Kongming , Chen Ke , Wang Chenguang , Jiao Xuanmao , Wang Liping , Zhou Jie , Wang Jing , Li Zhiping , Addya Sankar , Sorensen Poul H. , Lisanti Michael P. , Quong Andrew , Ertel Adam , Pestell Richard G. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) enhances cellular invasiveness and confers tumor cells with cancer stem cell–like characteristics, through transcriptional and translational mechanisms. The mechanisms maintaining transcriptional and translational repression of EMT and cellular invasion are poorly understood. Herein, the cell fate determination factor Dachshund (DACH1), suppressed EMT via repression of cytoplasmic translational induction of Snail by inactivating the Y box–binding protein (YB-1). In the nucleus, DACH1 antagonized YB-1–mediated oncogenic transcriptional modules governing cell invasion. DACH1 blocked YB-1–induced mammary tumor growth and EMT in mice. In basal-like breast cancer, the reduced expression of DACH1 and increased YB-1 correlated with poor metastasis-free survival. The loss of DACH1 suppression of both cytoplasmic translational and nuclear transcriptional events governing EMT and tumor invasion may contribute to poor prognosis in basal-like forms of breast cancer, a relatively aggressive disease subtype. Cancer Res; 74(3); 829–39. ©2013 AACR.
Targeting factor Xa and thrombin: impact on coagulation and beyond
Authors: Esmon Charles T. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryGreat advances have been made in recent years in understanding the haemostatic system and the molecular and cellular basis of thrombus formation. Although directly targeting factor Xa or thrombin (factor IIa) for effective anticoagulation is now well established, evidence has emerged suggesting that factor Xa and thrombin are involved in other physiological and pathophysiological cellular processes, including inflammation. These non-haemostatic activities of factor Xa and thrombin are predominantly mediated via the activation of proteinaseactivated receptors. Studies have indicated a potential role of coagulation proteins (including factor Xa and thrombin) in the progression of disease conditions such as atherothrombosis. Preclinical studies have provided evidence for the effects of direct factor Xa or direct thrombin inhibition beyond anticoagulation, including anti-inflammatory activities and atherosclerotic plaque stabilisation. In this article, the non-haemostatic activities of factor Xa and thrombin and the effects of direct inhibition of these coagulation factors on these activities are summarised. In addition, the potential roles of factor Xa and thrombin in atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis are explored and the cardiovascular profiles of rivaroxaban, apixaban and dabigatran etexilate observed in phase III clinical studies are discussed.
O “José de Arimatéia” da tradição arturiana
Authors: Furtado Antônio L. 
Published: December 2013

Enigma em texto arturiano do século XIII é investigado por meio do exame de fontes, bem como de considerações históricas e linguísticas. A obra estudada se insere na Matéria de Bretanha, representada de forma significativa na literatura portuguesa medieval.
Robotic Measurement of Arm Movements After Stroke Establishes Biomarkers of Motor Recovery
Authors: Krebs Hermano I. , Krams Michael , Agrafiotis Dimitris K. , DiBernardo Allitia , Chavez Juan C. , Littman Gary S. , Yang Eric , Byttebier Geert , Dipietro Laura , Rykman Avrielle , McArthur Kate , Hajjar Karim , Lees Kennedy R. , Volpe Bruce T. 
Published: December 2013

Background and Purpose—
Because robotic devices record the kinematics and kinetics of human movements with high resolution, we hypothesized that robotic measures collected longitudinally in patients after stroke would bear a significant relationship to standard clinical outcome measures and, therefore, might provide superior biomarkers.

Methods—
In patients with moderate-to-severe acute ischemic stroke, we used clinical scales and robotic devices to measure arm movement 7, 14, 21, 30, and 90 days after the event at 2 clinical sites. The robots are interactive devices that measure speed, position, and force so that calculated kinematic and kinetic parameters could be compared with clinical assessments.

Results—

Among 208 patients, robotic measures predicted well the clinical measures (cross-validated
R
2
of modified Rankin scale=0.60; National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale=0.63; Fugl-Meyer=0.73; Motor Power=0.75). When suitably scaled and combined by an artificial neural network, the robotic measures demonstrated greater sensitivity in measuring the recovery of patients from day 7 to day 90 (increased standardized effect=1.47).

Conclusions—
These results demonstrate that robotic measures of motor performance will more than adequately capture outcome, and the altered effect size will reduce the required sample size. Reducing sample size will likely improve study efficiency.
Revision of Siobla (Hymenoptera, Tenthredinidae) from Japan
Authors: SHINOHARA AKIHIKO , WEI MEICAI , NIU GENGYUN 
Published: December 2013

The Japanese species of the sawfly genus Siobla Cameron, 1877, are revised and keyed. The following nine species are recognized: S. apicalis Takeuchi, 1929, S. ferox (Smith, 1874), S. hirasana Takeuchi, 1929, S. jucunda (Mocsáry, 1909), S. metallica Takeuchi, 1929, S. sturmii (Klug, 1817), S. japonica, sp. nov., S. pulchra, sp. nov., and S. takeuchii, sp. nov. Siobla pacifica (Smith, 1874) is synonymized with S. sturmii. Lectotypes are designated for Macrophya ferox Smith, 1874, Macrophya pacifica Smith, 1874, Encarsioneura jucunda Mocsáry, 1909, and Siobla grandis Matsumura, 1912. Previous records of S. ruficornis (Gimmerthal, 1834) and S. villosa Malaise, 1931, from Japan have been found erroneous. Siobla jucunda is newly recorded from Japan.
Radiative Forcing of Quadrupling CO2
Authors: Zhang Minghong , Huang Yi 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAn analysis method proposed by Huang is improved and used to dissect the radiative forcing in the instantaneous quadrupling CO2 experiment from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). Multiple validation tests show that the errors in the forcing estimates are generally within 10%. The results show that quadrupling CO2, on average, induces a global-mean all-sky instantaneous top-of-the-atmosphere forcing of 5.4 W m−2, which is amended by a stratospheric adjustment of 1.9 W m−2 and a tropospheric adjustment of −0.1 W m−2. The resulting fully adjusted radiative forcing has an ensemble mean of 7.2 W m−2 and a substantial intermodel spread (maximum–minimum) of 2.4 W m−2, which results from all the forcing components, especially the instantaneous forcing and tropospheric adjustment. The fidelity of the linear decomposition of the overall radiation variation is improved when forcing is explicitly estimated for each model. A significant contribution by forcing uncertainty to the intermodel spread of the surface temperature projection is verified. The results reaffirm the importance of evaluating the radiative forcing components in climate feedback analyses.
Evaluating medically at-risk drivers: A survey of assessment practices in Canada
Authors: Vrkljan Brenda H. , Myers Anita M. , Crizzle Alexander M. , Blanchard Robin A. , Marshall Shawn C. 
Published: December 2013

Background. Assessing medical fitness to drive (FTD) can include both off- and on-road testing, although consistency of practice is unclear. Purpose. To examine actual practices being used to assess FTD at driver assessment centres (DACs) across Canada. Method. Surveys e-mailed to 90 DACs were returned by 47 assessors. Findings. The majority of respondents (89%) were occupational therapists. Assessors reported doing an average of eight FTD assessments per month (range = 1 to 40) at an average cost of $366 ( SD = $225; range = $40 to $985). Referrals came from physicians (96%), other health professionals (70%), and licensing authorities (66%). Clients with stroke, dementia, traumatic brain injury, mild cognitive impairment, and multiple sclerosis composed 62% of estimated caseloads. Assessments took 3 hr on average (range = 1.24 to 4.5 hr); 64% reported they always took clients on road regardless of clinic results. Implications. Evidence-based guidelines for training and assessment are clearly needed given the inconsistency in practice.
Characteristics, risk factors and case fatality rate of stroke in hospitalized patients in semi-urban South–South Nigeria
Authors: Okokhere Peter O , Bankole Idowu A , Erohubie Christian A 
Published: December 2013

Background: Stroke causes death and disability worldwide. Hypertension is the most prevalent risk factor. In Nigeria, studies on outcome and risk factors of stroke are from urban-based hospitals. This study aims to look at stroke outcome and the major modifiable risk factors of hospitalized stroke patients in semi-urban Nigeria. Methods: The medical records of stroke patients admitted between March 2008 and February 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. The relevant demographic, clinical and laboratory data of each patient were retrieved. Results: A total of 99 cases of stroke made up of 51 males and 48 females were reviewed. Mean age of the subjects was 66.22 ± 12.67 years. Mean systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure at presentation were 171.41 ± 39.10 mmHg and 100.44 ± 21 mmHg, respectively. About 61.6% were known hypertensives, while 31.3%, not previously known to be hypertensive, had SBP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. Overall, 85.9% of the subjects had SBP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg. In all, 46.5% had SBP ≥ 180 mmHg, and 63% of this number had SBP ≥ 200 mmHg; 42.4% had DBP ≥ 110 mmHg. Other major risk factors were hypercholesterolaemia (34.4%), diabetes mellitus (16.6%), previous cerebrovascular accident (15.2%) and smoking (9.4%). In all, 31.3% had two or more modifiable stroke risk factors. 36.4% of the subjects were comatose. Overall case fatality rate was 45.8%, 75% of the subjects with coma died, compared to 27.6% without coma ( p < 0.01). Conclusion: Mortality in our stroke patients is high. Hypertension is the commonest modifiable risk factor, and the presence of coma at presentation is associated with poor prognosis.
Introducing endourology to a developing country: how to make it sustainable
Authors: Biyani Chandra Shekhar , Bhatt Jaimin , Taylor Joby , Gobeze Aberra A , McGrath John , MacDonagh Ruaraidh 
Published: December 2013

Background: Endourological procedures are not routinely performed in low-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The problems that are involved in introducing endoscopic services are low level of medical personnel trained in endoscopic procedures and infrastructure development in these countries. Materials and methods: Recently, endourological facilities were created at the Hawassa Referral Hospital in Ethiopia. This work is the result of close collaboration between the UROLINK and the Hawassa Referral Hospital Link coordinator. Between 2010 and 2012, the UROLINK team visited Hawassa three times to set up endourological services. Results: A local surgeon has been trained in basic endoscopic procedures. Optical urethrotomy and flexible and rigid cystoscopy have been successfully introduced. We discuss the difficulties involved in such a project like initial assessment, providing equipment, maintenance of equipment, and, particularly, training of the surgical team. The follow up from the trips is short and the sustainability of the goal remains to be seen. Conclusions: The introduction of endourological services in Hawassa offers a chance of improving urological care locally. The experience of Hawassa is representative of other low-income countries and may provide valuable lessons. A few key principles (need, equipment, cost, surgical technique, and training) should be kept in mind.