bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stroke Education Needs of African American Women
Authors: Beal Claudia C. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of African American women about stroke and examine their health information seeking practices outside of medical encounters.Design and SampleAn exploratory‐descriptive qualitative study was conducted with 48 women of age 35 years and older recruited from four Black churches.MeasuresData were collected during focus groups and analyzed with qualitative content analysis.ResultsMost of what participants knew about stroke came from interaction with family members or acquaintances that had strokes rather than stroke campaigns or health providers. There was confusion about the multiple symptoms of stroke, and information about stroke symptoms may not provide meaningful symptom representations. Information about breast cancer was more readily available than information about stroke. The internet, other women, and television programs were main source of health information outside of medical encounters. There was uncertainty how to assess the trustworthiness of internet health sites.ConclusionsThe results suggest that culturally sensitive stroke education for African American women should include stories of women with stroke and provide experiential and visual depictions of stroke warning signs. Group forums, television, and web‐based education may be acceptable ways to communicate stroke information to African American women.
Effect of Post‐Thaw Addition of Seminal Plasma on Motility, Viability and Chromatin Integrity of Cryopreserved Donkey Jack (Equus asinus) Spermatozoa
Authors: Sabatini C , Mari G , Mislei B , Love CC , Panzani D , Camillo F , Rota A 
Published: September 2014

ContentsPregnancy rates in donkeys after artificial insemination with cryopreserved semen are still low, compared to the horse species. Addition of autologous seminal plasma to frozen‐thawed semen appeared to improve pregnancy rates. The aims of this study were to evaluate (1) sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity after thawing (T0) and after one and 2 h (T1 and T2) of post‐thaw incubation in either 0% (SP0) or 70% (SP70) autologous seminal plasma and (2) sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity and DNA quality (%COMP‐αt) after thawing (T0) and after 2 and 4 h (T2 and T4) of post‐thaw incubation in either 0% (SP0), 5% (SP5) or 20% (SP20) homologous seminal plasma. In experiment 1, seminal plasma decreased total and progressive sperm motility and plasma membrane intact spermatozoa immediately after dilution and at all following time points (p < 0.05). In experiment 2, total and progressive motility did not differ between treatments immediately after dilution and between SP0 and SP5 at T2, while they were lower in both SP5 and SP20 than in SP0 at T4. Plasma membrane intact sperm cells did not differ between SP0 and SP5 and were lower in SP20 at all time points. DNA quality was not affected by treatment immediately after dilution and was significantly worse for SP20 after 4 h of incubation (p < 0.05). The post‐thaw addition of seminal plasma at the tested concentrations did not improve donkey frozen semen characteristics in vitro over time.
Interleukin-10- and Transforming Growth Factor β-Independent Regulation of CD8+T Cells Expressing Type 1 and Type 2 Cytokines in Human Lymphatic Filariasis
Authors: Anuradha Rajamanickam , George Parakkal Jovvian , Kumaran Paul , Nutman Thomas B. , Babu Subash 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTLymphatic filariasis is known to be associated with diminished CD4+Th1 and elevated CD4+Th2 responses to parasite-specific antigens. The roles of cytokine-expressing CD8+T cells in immune responses to filarial infections are not well defined. To study the roles of CD8+T cells expressing type 1, type 2, and type 17 cytokines in filarial infections, we examined the frequencies of these cells in clinically asymptomatic, patently infected (INF) individuals, directlyex vivoand in response to parasite or nonparasite antigens; these frequencies were compared with the results for individuals with filarial lymphedema (i.e., clinical pathology [CP]) and those without active infection or pathology (i.e., endemic normal [EN]). INF individuals exhibited significant decreases in the frequencies of CD8+T cells expressing tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), gamma interferon (IFN-γ), and interleukin-22 (IL-22) at baseline and/or in response to filarial antigens, compared with CP and EN individuals. In contrast, the same individuals exhibited significant increases in the frequencies of CD8+T cells expressing IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-13, and IL-21, compared with CP and/or EN individuals. Curative treatment resulted in significantly increased frequencies of CD8+T cells expressing IL-2 and significantly decreased frequencies of CD8+T cells expressing type 2 cytokines. Finally, the regulation of these responses appears to be independent of IL-10 and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), since blockade of IL-10 or TGF-β signaling did not significantly alter the frequencies of type 1 or type 2 cytokine-expressing CD8+T cells. Our findings suggest that alterations in the frequencies of cytokine-expressing CD8+T cells are characteristic features of lymphatic filarial infections.
HIV-1 Entry in SupT1-R5, CEM-ss, and Primary CD4+T Cells Occurs at the Plasma Membrane and Does Not Require Endocytosis
Authors: Herold Nikolas , Anders-Ößwein Maria , Glass Bärbel , Eckhardt Manon , Müller Barbara , Kräusslich Hans-Georg 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTCytoplasmic entry of HIV-1 requires binding of the viral glycoproteins to the cellular receptor and coreceptor, leading to fusion of viral and cellular membranes. Early studies suggested that productive HIV-1 infection occurs by direct fusion at the plasma membrane. Endocytotic uptake of HIV-1 was frequently observed but was considered to constitute an unspecific dead-end pathway. More recent evidence suggested that endocytosis contributes to productive HIV-1 entry and may even represent the predominant or exclusive route of infection. We have analyzed HIV-1 binding, endocytosis, cytoplasmic entry, and infection in T-cell lines and in primary CD4+T cells. Efficient cell binding and endocytosis required viral glycoproteins and CD4, but not the coreceptor. The contribution of endocytosis to cytoplasmic entry and infection was assessed by two strategies: (i) expression of dominant negative dynamin-2 was measured and was found to efficiently block HIV-1 endocytosis but to not affect fusion or productive infection. (ii) Making use of the fact that HIV-1 fusion is blocked at temperatures below 23°C, cells were incubated with HIV-1 at 22°C for various times, and endocytosis was quantified by parallel analysis of transferrin and fluorescent HIV-1 uptake. Subsequently, entry at the plasma membrane was blocked by high concentrations of the peptidic fusion inhibitor T-20, which does not reach previously endocytosed particles. HIV-1 infection was scored after cells were shifted to 37°C in the presence of T-20. These experiments revealed that productive HIV-1 entry occurs predominantly at the plasma membrane in SupT1-R5, CEM-ss, and primary CD4+T cells, with little, if any, contribution coming from endocytosed virions.IMPORTANCEHIV-1, like all enveloped viruses, reaches the cytoplasm by fusion of the viral and cellular membranes. Many viruses enter the cytoplasm by endosomal uptake and fusion from the endosome, while cell entry can also occur by direct fusion at the plasma membrane in some cases. Conflicting evidence regarding the site of HIV-1 fusion has been reported, with some studies claiming that fusion occurs predominantly at the plasma membrane, while others have suggested predominant or even exclusive fusion from the endosome. We have revisited HIV-1 entry using a T-cell line that exhibits HIV-1 endocytosis dependent on the viral glycoproteins and the cellular CD4 receptor; results with this cell line were confirmed for another T-cell line and primary CD4+T cells. Our studies show that fusion and productive entry occur predominantly at the plasma membrane, and we conclude that endocytosis is dispensable for HIV-1 infectivity in these T-cell lines and in primary CD4+T cells.
Exonuclease Domain of the Lassa Virus Nucleoprotein Is Critical To Avoid RIG-I Signaling and To Inhibit the Innate Immune Response
Authors: Reynard Stéphanie , Russier Marion , Fizet Alexandra , Carnec Xavier , Baize Sylvain 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT
Lassa virus (LASV), which causes a viral hemorrhagic fever, inhibits the innate immune response. The exonuclease (ExoN) domain of its nucleoprotein (NP) is implicated in the suppression of retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) signaling. We show here that a LASV in which ExoN function has been abolished strongly activates innate immunity and that this effect is dependent on RIG-I signaling. These results highlight the key role of NP ExoN function in the immune evasion that occurs during LASV infection.
Evolution of Bluetongue Virus Serotype 1 in Northern Australia over 30 Years
Authors: Boyle David B. , Amos-Ritchie Rachel , Broz Ivano , Walker Peter J. , Melville Lorna , Flanagan David , Davis Steven , Hunt Neville , Weir Richard 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

Bluetongue virus serotype 1 (BTV 1) was first isolated in Australia from cattle blood collected in 1979 at Beatrice Hill Farm (BHF), Northern Territory (NT). From long-term surveillance programs (1977 to 2011), 2,487 isolations of 10 BTV serotypes were made. The most frequently isolated serotype was BTV 1 (41%, 1,019) followed by BTV 16 (17.5%, 436) and BTV 20 (14%, 348). In 3 years, no BTVs were isolated, and in 12 years, no BTV 1 was isolated. Seventeen BTV 1 isolates were sequenced and analyzed in comparison with 10 Australian prototype serotypes. BTV 1 showed an episodic pattern of evolutionary change characterized by four distinct periods. Each period consisted primarily of slow genetic drift which was punctuated from time to time by genetic shifts generated by segment reassortment and the introduction of new genome segments. Evidence was found for coevolution of BTV genome segments. Evolutionary dynamics and selection pressure estimates showed strong temporal and clock-like molecular evolutionary dynamics of six Australian BTV genome segments. Bayesian coalescent estimates of mean substitution rates clustered in the range of 3.5 × 10
−4
to 5.3 × 10
−4
substitutions per site per year. All BTV genome segments evolved under strong purifying (negative) selection, with only three sites identified as under pervasive diversifying (positive) selection. The obligate replication in alternate hosts (insect vector and vertebrate hosts) imposed strong evolutionary constraints. The dominant mechanism generating genetic diversity of BTV 1 at BHF was through the introduction of new viruses and reassortment of genome segments with existing viruses.

IMPORTANCE
Bluetongue virus (BTV) is the causative agent of bluetongue disease in ruminants. It is a disease of concern globally and is transmitted by biting midges (
Culicoides
species). Analysis of the evolutionary and selection pressures on BTV 1 at a single surveillance site in northern Australia showed strong temporal and clock-like dynamics. Obligate replication in alternate hosts of insect and vertebrate imposed strong evolutionary constraints, with all BTV genome segments evolving under strong purifying (negative) selection. Generation of genetic diversity of BTV 1 in northern Australia is through genome segment reassortment and the introduction of new serotypes.
The stagnation of the Mexican male life expectancy in the first decade of the 21st century: the impact of homicides and diabetes mellitus
Authors: Canudas-Romo Vladimir , García-Guerrero Víctor Manuel , Echarri-Cánovas Carlos Javier 
Published: September 2014

ObjectivesIn the first decade of the 21st century, the Mexican life expectancy changed from a long trend of increase to stagnation. These changes concur with an increase in deaths by homicides that the country experienced in that decade, and an obesity epidemic that had developed over the last decades of the 20th century. We quantify the impact of causes of death on life expectancy from 2000 to 2010.MethodsTwo approaches to analyse causes of death are used: the number of life years lost due to each of the causes of death in a given year, and cause-decomposition techniques for comparisons of life expectancy from 2000 to 2010.ResultsThe apparent stagnation in life expectancy is the result of an increase in deaths by homicides and diabetes mellitus on the one hand, and the positive improvements observed in other causes of death on the other. The negative impact of homicides is particularly observed for ages 15 and 50, and for that of diabetes mellitus at ages above 45 years.ConclusionsThere is little basis for optimism regarding the future scenarios of the health of the Mexican population based on the first decade of the 21st century. Male life expectancy would have increased by 2 years if deaths by homicides and diabetes mellitus had been avoided.
Antibody against Granulin–Epithelin Precursor Sensitizes Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Chemotherapeutic Agents
Authors: Wong Nicholas C.L. , Cheung Phyllis F.Y. , Yip Chi Wai , Chan Kui Fat , Ng Irene Oi-Lin , Fan Sheung Tat , Cheung Siu Tim 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Granulin–epithelin precursor (GEP) overexpression has been shown in many cancers with functional role on growth, and recently on regulating chemoresistance and cancer stem cell (CSC) properties. Here, we investigate the combined effect of GEP antibody and chemotherapeutic agent. Combination therapy was compared with monotherapy using hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells in vitro and orthotopic liver tumor models in vivo. CD133 and related hepatic CSC marker expressions were investigated by flow cytometry. Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects and signaling mechanisms were examined by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and Western blot analysis. Secretory GEP levels in the serum and culture supernatant samples were measured by ELISA. We demonstrated that HCC cells that survived under chemotherapeutic agents showed upregulation of hepatic CSC markers CD133/GEP/ABCB5, and enhanced colony and spheroid formation abilities. Importantly, GEP antibody sensitized HCC cells to the apoptosis induced by chemotherapy for both HCC cell lines and the chemoresistant subpopulations, and counteracted the chemotherapy-induced GEP/ABCB5 expressions and Akt/Bcl-2 signaling. In human HCC orthotopic xenograft models, GEP antibody treatment alone was consistently capable of inhibiting the tumor growth. Notably, combination of GEP antibody with high dose of cisplatin resulted in the eradication of all established intrahepatic tumor in three weeks. This preclinical study demonstrated that GEP antibody sensitized HCC cells to apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutic agents. Combination treatment with GEP antibody and chemotherapeutic agent has the potential to be an effective therapeutic regimen for GEP-expressing cancers. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(12); 3001–12. ©2014 AACR.
Mutation-Specific RAS Oncogenicity Explains NRAS Codon 61 Selection in Melanoma
Authors: Burd Christin E. , Liu Wenjin , Huynh Minh V. , Waqas Meriam A. , Gillahan James E. , Clark Kelly S. , Fu Kailing , Martin Brit L. , Jeck William R. , Souroullas George P. , Darr David B. , Zedek Daniel C. , Miley Michael J. , Baguley Bruce C. , Campbell Sharon L. , Sharpless Norman E. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
NRAS mutation at codons 12, 13, or 61 is associated with transformation; yet, in melanoma, such alterations are nearly exclusive to codon 61. Here, we compared the melanoma susceptibility of an NrasQ61R knock-in allele to similarly designed KrasG12D and NrasG12D alleles. With concomitant p16INK4a inactivation, KrasG12D or NrasQ61R expression efficiently promoted melanoma in vivo, whereas NrasG12D did not. In addition, NrasQ61R mutation potently cooperated with Lkb1/Stk11 loss to induce highly metastatic disease. Functional comparisons of NrasQ61R and NrasG12D revealed little difference in the ability of these proteins to engage PI3K or RAF. Instead, NrasQ61R showed enhanced nucleotide binding, decreased intrinsic GTPase activity, and increased stability when compared with NrasG12D. This work identifies a faithful model of human NRAS-mutant melanoma, and suggests that the increased melanomagenecity of NrasQ61R over NrasG12D is due to heightened abundance of the active, GTP-bound form rather than differences in the engagement of downstream effector pathways.
Significance: This work explains the curious predominance in human melanoma of mutations of codon 61 of NRAS over other oncogenic NRAS mutations. Using conditional “knock-in” mouse models, we show that physiologic expression of NRASQ61R, but not NRASG12D, drives melanoma formation. Cancer Discov; 4(12); 1418–29. ©2014 AACR.
This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1355
Spatiotemporal Neurodynamics Underlying Internally and Externally Driven Temporal Prediction: A High Spatial Resolution ERP Study
Authors: Mento Giovanni , Tarantino Vincenza , Vallesi Antonino , Bisiacchi Patrizia Silvia 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Temporal prediction (TP) is a flexible and dynamic cognitive ability. Depending on the internal or external nature of information exploited to generate TP, distinct cognitive and brain mechanisms are engaged with the same final goal of reducing uncertainty about the future. In this study, we investigated the specific brain mechanisms involved in internally and externally driven TP. To this end, we employed an experimental paradigm purposely designed to elicit and compare externally and internally driven TP and a combined approach based on the application of a distributed source reconstruction modeling on a high spatial resolution electrophysiological data array. Specific spatiotemporal ERP signatures were identified, with significant modulation of contingent negative variation and frontal late sustained positivity in external and internal TP contexts, respectively. These different electrophysiological patterns were supported by the engagement of distinct neural networks, including a left sensorimotor and a prefrontal circuit for externally and internally driven TP, respectively.
Judith 5:5-21 ou le récit d’Akhior: les mémoires dans la construction de l’identité narrative du peuple d’Israël
Authors: Gil Roger , Bons Eberhard 
Published: September 2014

In the book of Judith, the Ammonite official Achior tries to dissuade Holofernes from engaging in war against the people of Israel. In fact, he is convinced that the God of Israel will protect his people. Achior’s description of these “mountain folk” is an example of how the identity of an entire people can be conceived. Like a single person’s identity, collective identity finds its roots in memory and, by consequence, within the various human memory systems. In particular, one can distinguish an episodic (“remembering” events or situations already experienced) and and a semantic (“knowing” about events, concepts, objects, ideas or facts) memory.
The present study attempts to describe how episodic and semantic memories contribute in constructing and narrating the identity of the people of Israel. Achior’s speech also allows for a distinction between two other facets of identity, as described by Paul Ricoeur: that of “sameness” (“idem” identity, based on uninterrupted continuity or permanence in time) and that of “selfhood” (“ipse” identity, based on self-constancy or self-maintenance). Thus, the narration of such a collective identity enables Achior to project himself into the future and to affirm that the God of Israel would protect his people against the Assyrian army.
Differences in Diabetes Self-care Activities by Race/Ethnicity and Insulin Use
Authors: Johnson Pamela Jo , Ghildayal Neha , Rockwood Todd , Everson-Rose Susan A. 
Published: September 2014

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine differences in diabetes self-care activities by race/ethnicity and insulin use. Methods Data were from the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for adults with diabetes. Outcomes included 5 diabetes self-care activities (blood glucose monitoring, foot checks, nonsmoking, physical activity, healthy eating) and 3 levels of diabetes self-care (high, moderate, low). Logistic regression models stratified by insulin use were used to estimate the odds of each self-care activity by race/ethnicity. Results Only 20% of adults had high levels of diabetes self-care, while 64% had moderate and 16% had low self-care. Racial/ethnic differences were apparent for every self-care activity among non–insulin users but only for glucose monitoring and foot checks among insulin users. Overall, American Indian / Alaska Natives had higher odds of glucose monitoring; blacks had higher odds of foot checks; and Hispanics had higher odds of not smoking compared with non-Hispanic Whites. Non-insulin-using American Indian / Alaska Natives had higher odds of foot checks, and non-insulin-using Hispanics had higher odds of fruit/vegetable consumption. Conclusions Participation in specific diabetes self-care behaviors differs by race/ethnicity and by insulin use. Yet, few adults with diabetes of any race/ethnicity engage in high levels of self-care. Findings suggest that culturally tailored messages about diabetes self-care may be needed, in addition to more effective population promotion of healthy lifestyles and risk reduction behaviors to improve diabetes control and overall health. Diabetes educators can be a catalyst for adopting a population approach to diabetes management, which requires addressing both prevention and management of diabetes for all patients.
Antiphosphatidylserine antibodies as diagnostic indicators of antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Khogeer H , Alfattani A , Al Kaff M , Al shehri T , Khojah O , Owaidah T 
Published: September 2014

Background Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune condition that is diagnosed by the presence of at least one of the clinical manifestations (thrombosis and/or pregnancy failure) and one of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) laboratory tests. The most relevant aPL are lupus anticoagulant (LA), anti-beta2 glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI) and anticardiolipin (aCL). The clinical significance of other antibodies like anti-phosphatidylserine antibodies (aPS) is still under investigation. Objectives The aim of the study was to assess the diagnostic value of aPS antibodies, and to compare their utility to that of other aPL antibodies. Methods We conducted a prospective observational study consisting of 212 patients with suspected thrombosis, pregnancy failure, or unexplained, prolonged clotting time. Data on demography, clinical presentation and autoantibody levels were assessed. Descriptive analysis, accuracy analysis, sensitivity, specificity, predictive value and likelihood ratio were calculated for aPS in comparison to other aPL. Results The diagnostic value of aPS versus other aPL antibodies revealed the high specificity of aPS (87%), with 70% of aPS-positive patients being confirmed APS. When the aPS test was used as a single test, it was effective for detection of confirmed APS cases ( p < 0.01). Among 28 confirmed primary APS cases, 75% of patients were positive for aPS ( p < 0.003). Moreover, by using aPS we detected three additional confirmed APS cases and another three probable cases. Conclusion Our findings reveal a significant association between aPS and APS, especially when used to diagnosis clinical cases with other negative aPL tests. There is an independent association between aPS and primary APS. In addition, these results demonstrated the advantages of using aPS as a diagnostic test for APS.