bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization of clinical isolates of herpes simplex virus type 1 collected in a tertiary‐care hospital in Dublin, Ireland
Authors: Rose Lisa , Crowley Brendan 
Published: March 2013

AbstractHerpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) is a ubiquitous human pathogen. While there has been extensive research into the evolutionary relationships among herpesviruses, there is little data on the evolutionary relationship of HSV‐1 based on sequence analysis of clinical isolates. The present study aims to be the first to document the molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity and frequency of recombination of HSV‐1 (n = 42) clinical isolates in Ireland. The entire 1,171 bp of the gI‐1 gene and 717 bp of the gG‐1 gene of 42 clinical Irish isolates were amplified, sequenced and the phylogenies reconstructed. Putative recombinants were examined using bootscan analysis. Phylogenetic reconstruction of the nucleotide sequence alignments of the entire genes of amplified glycoproteins gI and gG suggested that three distinct HSV‐1 genogroups were circulating in the Irish population. At least 15 HSV‐1 intergenic recombinants with a recombination point between gI and gG, and 11 HSV‐1 intragenic recombinants were detected. There was no evident association between genetic group and gender, disease recurrence or anatomical site of infection. Genital isolates (n = 30) belonged to all genogroups. However, two HSV‐1 isolates, Irl 31 and Irl32, from a patient with severe mucocutaneous infection nonresponsive to acyclovir and isolated over a prolonged period were both intragenic and intergenic recombinants. The detection of variability and recombination in gG and gI genes of both HSV‐1 may provide a mechanism to evade the host immune response thereby maintaining the viral genome. The variability and recombination detected may also have implications for the detection, diagnosis and treatment of HSV. J. Med. Virol. 85:839–844, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sequence variation of human papillomavirus Type 31 long control region: Phylogenetic and functional implications
Authors: Ferenczi Annamária , Gyöngyösi Eszter , Szalmás Anita , Hernádi Zoltán , Tóth Zoltán , Kónya József , Veress György 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAbout one‐third of human papillomavirus (HPV) types infect the anogenital tract. High‐risk genital HPV types (such as HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, and 35) are linked causally to the development of cervical cancer. The long control region (LCR) of the HPV genome regulates the replication and transcription of the viral genome. In this study, the functional significance of nucleotide sequence variation within the LCR of HPV 31 was investigated. The LCR was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from 41 HPV 31 positive cervical samples of Hungarian women. A phylogenetic tree constructed from the nucleotide sequences of the LCR variants revealed the presence of three intratypic variant lineages of HPV 31, in accordance with previous results. In order to explore the functional consequences of sequence variation in the LCR of HPV 31, selected LCR variants were cloned into a luciferase reporter vector, transfected into C33‐A cells and tested in luciferase reporter assays. Significant differences were found between the transcriptional activities of HPV 31 LCR variants belonging to different variant lineages. As the LCR is governing the transcription of the E6 and E7 oncogenes, the differences in the transcriptional activities of LCR variants may be associated with differences in their oncogenic potential. J. Med. Virol. 85:852–859, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of the anti‐HBV activity of HLP1–23, a human lactoferrin‐derived peptide
Authors: Florian Paula E. , Macovei Alina , Lazar Catalin , Milac Adina L. , Sokolowska Izabela , Darie Costel C. , Evans Robert W. , Roseanu Anca , Branza‐Nichita Norica 
Published: March 2013

AbstractLactoferrin (Lf) was shown to exhibit its antiviral activity at an early phase of viral infection and a mechanism whereby the protein interacts with host cell surface molecules has been suggested. In this study, human Lf (HLf) and seven HLf‐derived synthetic peptides (HLP) corresponding to the N‐terminal domain of the native protein (1–47 amino acids sequence) were assayed for their capacity to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and replication using the HepaRG and HepG2.2.2.15 cell lines. Of the series tested, four peptides showed 40–75% inhibition of HBV infection in HepaRG cells, HLP1–23, containing the GRRRR cationic cluster, being the most potent. Interestingly, this cluster is one of the two glycosaminoglycan binding sites of the native HLf involved in its antiviral activity; however, the mechanism of the HLP1–23 action was different from that of the full‐length protein, the peptide inhibiting HBV infection when pre‐incubated with the virus, while no effect was observed on the target cells. It is suggested that the cationic cluster is sufficient for the peptide to interact stably with negatively charged residues on the virion envelope, while the absence of the second glycosaminoglycan binding site prevents its efficient attachment to the cells. In conclusion, this peptide may constitute a non‐toxic approach for potential clinical applications in inhibiting HBV entry by neutralizing the viral particles. J. Med. Virol. 85:780–788, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Distribution of injected technetium99m‐labeled mesenchymal stem cells in horses with naturally occurring tendinopathy
Authors: Becerra Patricia , Valdés Vázquez Miguel A. , Dudhia Jayesh , Fiske‐Jackson Andrew R. , Neves Francisco , Hartman Neil G. , Smith Roger K.W. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate immediate cell survival and distribution following different administration routes of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into naturally occurring tendon injuries. Ten million MSCs, labeled with technetium‐99m hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime, were implanted into 13 horses with naturally occurring tendon or ligament injuries intra‐lesionally, intravenously and by regional perfusion, and traced for up to 48 h using planar gamma scintigraphy. Labeling efficiencies varied between 1.8% and 18.5% (mean 9.3%). Cells were retained in the damaged area after intra‐lesional administration but only 24% of cells were still present within the tendon after 24 h. After intravenous injection, cells largely distributed to the lung fields, with no detectable cells in the tendon lesions. Significant labeling of the tendon lesions was observed in 11/12 horses following regional perfusion but at a lower level to intra‐lesional injection. The highest cell numbers were retained after intra‐lesional injection, although with considerable cell loss, while regional perfusion may be a viable alternative for MSC delivery. Cells did not “home” to damaged tendon in large numbers after intravenous administration. Cells were detected in the lungs most frequently after intravascular administration, although with no adverse effects. Low cell retention has important implications for designing effective clinical therapies for human clinical use. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1096–1102, 2013
Manipulating vineyard nitrogen on a saline site: 1. Effect of nitrogen on growth, grape yield and nutrients of Vitis vinifera L. cv Shiraz
Authors: Bell Sally‐Jean , Francis I. Leigh 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundWith increased prevalence of saline irrigation water applied to vines worldwide, the issue of appropriate nitrogen management is of concern. Different rates of nitrogen per vine as urea were applied to Shiraz vines on own roots over four seasons in a low‐rainfall, saline growing environment.ResultsApplication of nitrogen in the vineyard early in the season not only altered the vine nitrogen status but also increased some other elements in the petioles, notably chloride and sodium but also manganese and magnesium. In contrast, nitrogen application decreased petiole phosphorus. In comparison with the majority of nitrogen studies on non‐saline sites, nitrogen‐induced growth responses were restricted under the saline conditions in this study. While some changes in canopy density in response to nitrogen were observed, this did not affect light interception in the fruit zone. Yield responses were varied and could be related to the nutritional conditions under which bud development and flowering took place.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that current best practice guidelines, in terms of rate of nitrogen applied, for correcting a nitrogen deficiency on a non‐saline site may not be appropriate for saline sites and that application of nitrogen can increase the potential for salt toxicity in vines. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Fire mediated patterns of population densities in mountain big sagebrush bird communities
Authors: Holmes Aaron L. , Robinson W. Douglas 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe employed a chronosequence approach to evaluate patterns of bird abundance in relation to post‐fire vegetation recovery in mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata vaseyana). We estimated population density for 12 species of birds within the perimeters of 4 fires that had undergone 8–20 years of vegetation recovery and on adjacent unburned areas in the northwestern Great Basin, USA. Six species showed negative responses to fire persisting up to 20 years. Two species showed positive responses with effects persisting for <20 years. Understory vegetation was similar between burned and unburned areas irrespective of recovery time, and shrub canopy cover was similar between burned and unburned sites after 20 years of recovery. Persistent reductions in bird densities lead us to conclude that shrub canopy cover alone is not a sufficient metric for predicting recovery of songbird abundances following disturbance in mountain big sagebrush. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomized trial evaluating the ability of low‐level laser therapy to improve the appearance of cellulite
Authors: Jackson Robert F. , Roche Gregory C. , Shanks Steven C. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveCellulite is present in 90% of post‐adolescent women. Several technologies have been developed for treating cellulite; however, they all involve some degree of massage or mechanical manipulation. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a low‐level laser light device employing green 532 nm diodes as a stand‐alone procedure without massage or mechanical manipulation for improving the appearance of cellulite in the thighs and buttocks.Study Design/Materials and MethodsThis double‐blind study randomized subjects to undergo treatment with the LLLT device (N = 34) or sham treatment (N = 34). During a 2‐week treatment phase, each subject received three weekly treatment sessions 2–3 days apart. During each session, the front and back of the hips, thighs, and waist were exposed for 15 minutes (30 minutes total).ResultsNineteen subjects in the LLLT group achieved a decrease of one or more stages on the Nurnberger–Muller grading scale (55.88%) versus three subjects (8.82%) in the sham‐treated group (P < 0.0001). Two LLLT‐treated subjects achieved 2‐stage improvements on the Nurnberger–Muller Scale at the 2‐week study endpoint and four did at the 6‐week follow‐up evaluation versus none of the sham‐treated subjects at either time point. Subjects treated with LLLT achieved a significant decrease in combined baseline thigh circumference at the 2‐week study endpoint and 6‐week follow‐up evaluation (for each, p < 0.0001 vs. baseline) versus no change for sham‐treated subjects. LLLT‐treated subjects also showed significant decreases in mean baseline body weight (P < 0.0005), BMI (P < 0.001), and percent BSA affected by cellulite (P < 0.0005) versus no change for any parameter among sham‐treated subjects. Most LLLT‐treated subjects (62.1%) were Very Satisfied or Somewhat Satisfied with the improvement in cellulite they received versus 25.8% of sham‐treated subjects. There were no reports of adverse events.ConclusionsLow‐level laser therapy using green 532 nm diodes is safe and effective for improving the appearance of cellulite in the thighs and buttocks. In contrast with other technologies, LLLT is effective as a stand‐alone procedure without requiring massage or mechanical manipulation. Future studies will assess the long‐term benefits of LLLT for the treatment of cellulite. Lasers Surg. Med. 45: 141–147, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Influence of Magnesium Acetate on the Structure Formation of Polystyrene‐block‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine)‐Based Integral‐Asymmetric Membranes
Authors: Gallei Markus , Rangou Sofia , Filiz Volkan , Buhr Kristian , Bolmer Sabrina , Abetz Clarissa , Abetz Volker 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe influence of magnesium acetate on the non‐solvent‐induced phase separation (NIPS) process of amphiphilic polystyrene‐block‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine)s to gain integral‐asymmetric membranes is investigated. Highly uniform pores over the large areas of the membrane can be achieved, and the average pore diameter is adjusted by varying the total molar mass of the block copolymers used. These stimuli‐responsive membranes, which are solution cast in the absence or the presence of small amounts of magnesium acetate, are directly compared, showing a remarkable effect on the pore structures and their openness. Minor salt addition is considered to influence the polarity of the solvents used in a positive manner such that the NIPS process can be improved significantly.magnified image
“One‐Pot” In Situ Formation of Gold Nanoparticles within Poly(acrylamide) Hydrogels
Authors: Dolya Natalya , Rojas Oscar , Kosmella Sabine , Tiersch Brigitte , Koetz Joachim , Kudaibergenov Sarkyt 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis paper focuses on two different strategies to incorporate gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) into the matrix of polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogels. Poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) is used as both reducing and stabilizing agent for the formation of AuNPs. In addition, the influence of an ionic liquid (IL) (i.e., 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium ethylsulfate) on the stability of the nanoparticles and their immobilization in the hydrogel is investigated The results show that AuNPs surrounded by a shell containing PEI and IL, synthesized according to the “one‐pot” approach, are much better immobilized within the PAAm hydrogel. Hereby, the IL is responsible for structural changes in the hydrogel as well as the improved stabilization and embedding of the AuNPs into the polymer gel matrix.magnified image
Effects of dietary protein to carbohydrate balance on energy intake, fat storage, and heat production in mice
Authors: Huang Xin , Hancock Dale P. , Gosby Alison K. , McMahon Aisling C. , Solon Samantha M.C. , Le Couteur David G. , Conigrave Arthur D. , Raubenheimer David , Simpson Stephen J. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjective:Protein leverage plays a role in driving increased energy intakes that may promote weight gain. The influence of the protein to carbohydrate ratio (P:C) in diets of C57BL/6J mice on total energy intake, fat storage, and thermogenesis was investigated.Design and Methods:Male mice (9 weeks old) were provided ad libitum access to one of five isocaloric diets that differed in P:C. Food intake was recorded for 12 weeks. After 16 weeks, white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) deposits were dissected, weighed, and the expression levels of key metabolic regulators were determined in BAT. In a separate cohort, body surface temperature was measured in response to 25 diets differing in protein, fat, and carbohydrate content.Results:Mice on low P:C diets (9:72 and 17:64) had greater total energy intake and increased WAT and BAT stores. Body surface temperature increased with total energy intake and with protein, fat, and carbohydrate, making similar contributions per kJ ingested. Expression of three key regulators of thermogenesis were downregulated in BAT in mice on the lowest P:C diet.Conclusions:Low‐protein diets induced sustained hyperphagia and a generalized expansion of fat stores. Increased body surface temperature on low P:C diets was consistent with diet‐induced thermogenesis (DIT) as a means to dissipate excess ingested energy on such diets, although this was not sufficient to prevent development of increased adiposity. Whether BAT was involved in DIT is not clear. Increased BAT mass on low P:C diets might suggest so, but patterns of thermogenic gene expression do not support a role for BAT in DIT, although they might reflect failure of thermogenic function with prolonged exposure to a low P:C diet.
Combined influence of leisure‐time physical activity and hip circumference on all‐cause mortality
Authors: Østergaard J.N. , Grønbæk M. , Ängquist L. , Schnohr P. , Sørensen T.I.A. , Heitmann B.L. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractHip circumference has been shown to be inversely associated with mortality. Muscle atrophy in the gluteofemoral region may be a possible explanation and thus physical activity is likely to play an important role.Objective:To estimate the combined effects of hip circumference and physical activity on mortality.Design and Methods:From the Copenhagen City Heart Study, 3,358 men and 4,350 women aged 21 to 93 years without pre‐existing diagnosis of diabetes, stroke, ischemic heart disease, or cancer in 1991‐1994 and with complete information on the variables of interest were included in the analyses. The participants were followed to 2009 in the Danish Civil Registration System, with 1.3% loss to follow‐up and 2,513 deaths. Hazard ratios (HR) were estimated for combinations of physical activity and hip circumference.Results:Hip circumference was inversely associated with mortality irrespective of being physically active or not. However, being physically active seemed to counterbalance some of the adverse health effects of a small hip circumference; when comparing inactive to active, the excess mortality at the 25th percentile of hip circumference is 40% in men (HR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.14‐1.72) and 33% in women (HR = 1.33, CI: 1.10‐1.62). These associations were observed after adjustment for waist circumference and weight change in the 6 months before the examination.Conclusion:Less effects of physical activity were found in individuals with greater hip circumferences. A small hip circumference appears hazardous to survival. However, being physically active may counterbalance some of the hazardous effects of a small hip circumference.
Adiposity‐related inflammation: Effects of pregnancy
Authors: Friis Camilla M. , Paasche Roland Marie C. , Godang Kristin , Ueland Thor , Tanbo Tom , Bollerslev Jens , Henriksen Tore 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn the nonpregnant population, there is extensive evidence of a systemic low‐grade inflammatory status in relation to excess adipose tissue. Less is known about the relation during pregnancy.Objective:Our main objective was therefore to explore the effect of pregnancy on adiposity‐related systemic inflammation.Design and Methods:This study is a longitudinal cohort study of 240 pregnant women of Scandinavian heritage at Oslo University hospital—Rikshospitalet, Norway from 2002 to 2005. The inflammatory markers (C‐reactive protein [CRP], Interleukin‐6 [IL‐6], monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 [MCP‐1], IL1‐Ra, tumor necrosis factor receptor II, and IL‐10) were measured at four timepoints during pregnancy and analyzed by enzyme immuno‐assay. The women were categorized based on BMI at inclusion (BMI <25, 25–30, and >30 kg/m2). Data were analyzed by Friedman‐test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, or Kruskal–Wallis test as appropriate.Results:Maternal adiposity was associated with significantly higher circulatory levels of several inflammatory markers (CRP, MCP‐1, IL‐6, and IL‐1Ra). However, this proinflammatory upregulation was not evident toward the end of pregnancy, as levels of CRP, MCP‐1, and IL‐6 were not any longer significantly different between the BMI categories.Conclusions:Although normal pregnancy exhibits proinflammatory features, this does not seem to have additive or synergistic effects on the inflammation associated with adiposity. On the contrary, we found that the BMI‐dependent increase in proinflammatory markers was not evident at the end of pregnancy.
The missense variation landscape of FTO, MC4R, and TMEM18 in obese children of African Ancestry
Authors: Deliard Sandra , Panossian Saarene , Mentch Frank D. , Kim Cecilia E. , Hou Cuiping , Frackelton Edward C. , Bradfield Jonathan P. , Glessner Joseph T. , Zhang Haitao , Wang Kai , Sleiman Patrick M.A. , Chiavacci Rosetta M. , Berkowitz Robert I. , Hakonarson Hakon , Zhao Jianhua , Grant Struan F.A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjective:Common variation at the loci harboring fat mass and obesity (FTO), melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R), and transmembrane protein 18 (TMEM18) is consistently reported as being statistically most strongly associated with obesity. Investigations if these loci also harbor rarer missense variants that confer substantially higher risk of common childhood obesity in African American (AA) children were conducted.Design and Methods:The exons of FTO, MC4R, and TMEM18 in an initial subset of our cohort were sequenced, that is, 200 obese (BMI≥95th percentile) and 200 lean AA children (BMI≤5th percentile). Any missense exonic variants that were uncovered went on to be further genotyped in a further 768 obese and 768 lean (BMI≤50th percentile) children of the same ethnicity.Results:A number of exonic variants were observed from our sequencing effort: seven in FTO, of which four were non‐synonymous (A163T, G182A, M400V, and A405V), thirteen in MC4R, of which six were non‐synonymous (V103I, N123S, S136A, F202L, N240S, and I251L), and four in TMEM18, of which two were non‐synonymous (P2S and V113L). Follow‐up genotyping of these missense variants revealed only one significant difference in allele frequency between cases and controls, namely with N240S in MC4R (Fisher's exact P = 0.0001).Conclusion:In summary, moderately rare missense variants within the FTO, MC4R, and TMEM18 genes observed in our study did not confer risk of common childhood obesity in African Americans except for a degree of evidence for one known loss‐of‐function variant in MC4R.