bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety profile comparing azathioprine and mycophenolate in kidney transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus and corticosteroids
Authors: Cristelli M.P. , Tedesco‐Silva H. , Medina‐Pestana J.O. , Franco M.F. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundDebate is increasing on whether mycophenolic acid (MPA) provides survival benefits comparable to azathioprine (AZA) after renal transplantation.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study compared safety and efficacy of AZA (n = 662) vs. MPA (n = 267) in low‐immunologic‐risk kidney transplant recipients (KTR) receiving tacrolimus (TAC) and steroids between 1998 and 2007. Primary outcomes were treatment discontinuation and infection. Secondary endpoints included survival free from biopsy‐proven acute rejection, graft loss, death, and renal function.ResultsThe 5‐year survival free of treatment discontinuation was higher in the MPA compared to the AZA group (74.1% vs. 60.3%, P < 0.001). MPA was discontinued exclusively because of adverse events (16.4%), while AZA was discontinued primarily for lack of efficacy (21.2%). In univariable analysis, MPA was associated with higher incidence of total (561.5 vs. 667.5 episodes/1000 person‐year, P < 0.001), bacterial (167 vs. 158 episodes/1000 person‐years, P = 0.001), and viral infections (83.2 vs. 100.4 episodes/1000 person‐years, P = 0.001), but this association was not confirmed in multivariable analysis. Over 29% of viral infections in the AZA group occurred after conversion to MPA. A high incidence of tuberculosis was observed (2.9 episodes/1000 person‐years) with a higher incidence (but not a statistically significant difference) in the AZA group. No significant differences were found in patient survival (90% vs. 89%, P = 0.78) or graft survival (81% vs. 77.7%, P = 0.08), but infection accounted for >50% of all deaths.ConclusionThe type of antimetabolite, AZA or MPA, was not independently associated with any safety or efficacy outcome 5 years after transplantation, suggesting that AZA is still a viable option for low‐risk KTR receiving TAC and steroids.
Dedicated removal of immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgM, and Factor (F)XI/activated FXI from human plasma IgG
Authors: Wu Yu‐Wen , Champagne Jérôme , Toueille Magali , Gantier René , Burnouf Thierry 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundAdverse events can be associated with treating critically ill patients with immunoglobulin (Ig)G. Some adverse events are due to contaminants like IgA and activated Factor (F)XI. Therefore, new purification strategies are needed for dedicated removal of these contaminants without impairing IgG recovery.Study Design and MethodsAn immunoglobulin fraction containing IgG, IgM, and IgA was prepared by caprylic acid precipitation of cryoprecipitate‐poor plasma. The capacities of the cation exchangers (S HyperCel and CM Ceramic HyperD F) and anion exchangers (HyperCel STAR AX and Q HyperCel) to remove IgA, IgM, and spiked FXI were tested following a design of experiment approach using microplates and chromatographic column scale‐up. FXI removal was also evaluated using Mustang S chromatographic membranes. IgG/IgG subclasses, IgA, IgM, and FXI were assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and caprylic acid, by gas chromatography.ResultsExtensive removal of IgA and IgM, but not FXI, was achieved by a two‐step chromatographic process combining S HyperCel used in the IgG binding and elution mode and HyperCel STAR AX used in the IgG flow‐through mode, providing high IgG and IgG subclass recovery (>85%), high purity (>99.5%), and efficient removal of IgA (<0.5%) and IgM (undetectable). Twenty‐six‐fold FXI removal was achieved by processing the resulting purified IgG fraction through Mustang S cation‐exchanger membranes at pH 6.0 and 12.7 mS/cm. Caprylic acid was removed by S HyperCel.ConclusionsCombining S HyperCel and HyperCel STAR AX extensively removed IgA and IgM, with good IgG recovery. Mustang® S membranes can be used for dedicated removal of FXI.
Feline ocular tumors following ciliary body ablation with intravitreal gentamicin
Authors: Duke Felicia D. , Strong Travis D. , Bentley Ellison , Dubielzig Richard R. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPractitioners approach chemical ciliary body ablation (CBA) in cats with caution. In 1994, an academic letter proposed a potential link between intraocular gentamicin injections for glaucoma and the appearance of ocular tumors in cats (Veterinary and Comparative Ophthalmology, 4, 1994, 166). There is an historic perceived risk for the development of feline ocular post‐traumatic sarcoma following gentamicin ciliary body ablation, and many clinicians refrain from chemical ablation in cats for this reason. A recent study discussed the possibility of a correlation between intravitreal gentamicin and tumor promotion in dogs (Veterinary Ophthalmology, 16, 2013, 159). We searched the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin (COPLOW) database for cases of cats diagnosed with ocular tumors following ciliary body ablation. Of eight cases with historic gentamicin injection, five had malignant tumors: three post‐traumatic sarcomas and two melanomas.
How does selection of climate variables affect predictions of species distributions? A case study of three new weeds in New Zealand
Authors: Sheppard C S 
Published: May 2013

SummarySpecies distribution models are an important tool to predict potential spread of weeds. While recent progress has improved model performance, there is still concern about the validity of such models, especially when applied to novel geographical regions or climates. This study investigates how different sets of variables influence predicted distributions, considering several measures of model performance and how extrapolation to novel geographical regions may affect results. Potential distributions of three new weeds in New Zealand (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana, Psidium guajava and Schefflera actinophylla) are modelled, by training a model based on global data from native and introduced ranges and projecting it to New Zealand, using Maxent. For each species, four models were calibrated: first with a full set of 19 bioclimatic variables, then with a customised set with selection based on analysis of response curves and finally with two reduced sets of uncorrelated variables. Although AUC across all models was very high (AUC ≥ 0.9), correlations between models ranged between 0.27 and 0.98. Inclusion of all variables predicted larger areas to be suitable in the projected region, with highly unlikely predictions in some areas, especially where bioclimatic variables showed values outside the range of the training data (new environments). Conversely, minimal extrapolation and more realistic predictions of weed distributions were obtained from models including a customised set of variables, and even more so from models including only a reduced set of variables. This study shows that careful selection of variables and investigation into extrapolation are vital in generating more realistic predictions of weed distributions.
Good Syndrome, a Rare Cause of Refractory Chronic Diarrhea and Recurrent Pneumonia in a Chinese Patient after Thymectomy
Authors: Qu Junyan , Lü Xiaoju , Gao Qin , Zhang Yan 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThe diagnosis of Good syndrome is very difficult. It has various symptoms, and these symptoms can be present at different periods. In this report we present a patient with refractory chronic diarrhea, recurrent pneumonia, and dysgammaglobulinemia after thymectomy, who was finally then diagnosed with Good syndrome.
Capnocytophaga canimorsus Prosthetic Aortitis in an HIV-Positive Woman
Authors: Rougemont Mathieu , Ratib Osman , Wintsch Joëlle , Schrenzel Jacques , Hirschel Bernard 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

A 49-year-old woman with a 15-year history of HIV-hepatitis C virus coinfection had aortic valve and ascending aorta replacement in 2007. She presented with abdominal pain, episodic diarrhea, and profuse sweating in 2010. Thoracoabdominal positron emission tomography-computed tomography finally suggested infectious aortitis, a diagnosis confirmed by a blood culture positive for
Capnocytophaga canimorsus
.
Identification by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing of an Actinomyces hongkongensis Isolate Recovered from a Patient with Pelvic Actinomycosis
Authors: Flynn A. N. , Lyndon C. A. , Church D. L. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTA case ofActinomyces hongkongensispelvic actinomycosis in an adult woman is described. Conventional phenotypic tests failed to identify the Gram-positive bacillus isolated from a fluid aspirate of a pelvic abscess. The bacterium was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and analysis using the SmartGene Integrated Database Network System software.
Renal Abscess Caused by a Providencia stuartii Isolate Biochemically Misidentified as Pasteurella
Authors: Chamberland Robin R. , McElvania TeKippe Erin , Burnham Carey-Ann D. , Kennedy Donald J. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Providencia stuartii
is associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) in catheterized patients. Here we report an abscess containing
P. stuartii
in a patient with a history of UTI, renal stones, and stent placement. This organism was identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and 16S rRNA gene sequencing following biochemical identification as
Pasteurella
.
Footprint of APOBEC3 on the Genome of Human Retroelements
Authors: Anwar Firoz , Davenport Miles P. , Ebrahimi Diako 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Almost half of the human genome is composed of transposable elements. The genomic structures and life cycles of some of these elements suggest they are a result of waves of retroviral infection and transposition over millions of years. The reduction of retrotransposition activity in primates compared to that in nonprimates, such as mice, has been attributed to the positive selection of several antiretroviral factors, such as apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzymes. Among these, APOBEC3G is known to mutate G to A within the context of
G
G in the genome of endogenous as well as several exogenous retroelements (the underlining marks the G that is mutated). On the other hand, APOBEC3F and to a lesser extent other APOBEC3 members induce G-to-A changes within the nucleotide
G
A. It is known that these enzymes can induce deleterious mutations in the genome of retroviral sequences, but the evolution and/or inactivation of retroelements as a result of mutation by these proteins is not clear. Here, we analyze the mutation signatures of these proteins on large populations of long interspersed nuclear element (LINE), short interspersed nuclear element (SINE), and endogenous retrovirus (ERV) families in the human genome to infer possible evolutionary pressure and/or hypermutation events. Sequence context dependency of mutation by APOBEC3 allows investigation of the changes in the genome of retroelements by inspecting the depletion of G and enrichment of A within the APOBEC3 target and product motifs, respectively. Analysis of approximately 22,000 LINE-1 (L1), 24,000 SINE Alu, and 3,000 ERV sequences showed a footprint of GG→AG mutation by APOBEC3G and GA→AA mutation by other members of the APOBEC3 family (e.g., APOBEC3F) on the genome of ERV-K and ERV-1 elements but not on those of ERV-L, LINE, or SINE.
Permissive Replication of Homologous Murine Rotavirus in the Mouse Intestine Is Primarily Regulated by VP4 and NSP1
Authors: Feng Ningguo , Yasukawa Linda L. , Sen Adrish , Greenberg Harry B. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT
Homologous rotaviruses (RV) are, in general, more virulent and replicate more efficiently than heterologous RV in the intestine of the homologous host. The genetic basis for RV host range restriction is not fully understood and is likely to be multigenic. In previous studies, RV genes encoding VP3, VP4, VP7, nonstructural protein 1 (NSP1), and NSP4 have all been implicated in strain- and host species-specific infection. These studies used different RV strains, variable measurements of host range, and different animal hosts, and no clear consensus on the host range restriction determinants emerged. We used a murine model to demonstrate that enteric replication of murine RV EW is 1,000- to 10,000-fold greater than that of a simian rotavirus (RRV) in suckling mice. Intestinal replication of a series of EW × RRV reassortants was used to identify several RV genes that influenced RV replication in the intestine. The role of VP4 (encoded by gene 4) in enteric infection was strain specific. RRV VP4 reduced murine RV infectivity only slightly; however, a reassortant expressing VP4 from a bovine RV strain (UK) severely restricted intestinal replication in the suckling mice. The homologous murine EW NSP1 (encoded by gene 5) was necessary but not sufficient for promoting efficient enteric growth. Efficient enteric replication required a constellation of murine genes encoding VP3, NSP2, and NSP3 along with NSP1.
Improving the Effectiveness of Artificial MicroRNA (amiR)-Mediated Resistance against Turnip Mosaic Virus by Combining Two amiRs or by Targeting Highly Conserved Viral Genomic Regions
Authors: Lafforgue Guillaume , Martínez Fernando , Niu Qi-Wen , Chua Nam-Hai , Daròs José-Antonio , Elena Santiago F. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT
A drawback of recent antiviral therapies based on the transgenic expression of artificial microRNAs (amiRs) is the ease with which viruses generate escape mutations. Here, we show two alternative strategies for improving the effectiveness of resistance in plants. First, we expressed two amiRs complementary to independent targets in the viral genome, and second, we designed amiRs complementary to highly conserved RNA motifs in the viral genome.
Induction of Cross-Reactive Antibodies to Novel H7N9 Influenza Virus by Recombinant Newcastle Disease Virus Expressing a North American Lineage H7 Subtype Hemagglutinin
Authors: Goff Peter H. , Krammer Florian , Hai Rong , Seibert Christopher W. , Margine Irina , García-Sastre Adolfo , Palese Peter 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT
Severe human disease caused by the emerging H7N9 influenza virus in China warrants a rapid response. Here, we present a recombinant Newcastle disease virus expressing a North American lineage H7 influenza virus hemagglutinin. Sera from immunized mice were cross-reactive to a broad range of H7 subtype viruses and inhibited hemagglutination by the novel H7 hemagglutinin. Immunized mice were protected against a heterologous H7 subtype challenge, and genetic analysis suggested that cross-protective antibodies recognize conserved antigenic sites.
Epstein-Barr Virus Latent Membrane Protein 2A Contributes to Anoikis Resistance through ERK Activation
Authors: Iwakiri Dai , Minamitani Takeharu , Samanta Mrinal 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with various malignancies, including epithelial cancers. In this study, we analyzed the effect of EBV infection on epithelial cells by using EBV-converted epithelial cells. In EBV-positive cells, the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway is constitutively activated. Inhibition of ERK activity leads to reduced anoikis resistance; therefore, EBV-positive cells are more resistant to anoikis, a type of apoptosis induced by cell detachment, than are EBV-negative cells. Among the viral genes expressed in EBV-positive cells, the latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) is responsible for induction of ERK-mediated anoikis resistance, although the expression level of LMP2A is much lower in EBV-positive cells than in EBV-transformed B cells. Further analysis demonstrated that LMP2A downregulation of the proanoikis mediator Bim through proteasomal degradation is dependent on the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM). These findings suggest that LMP2A-mediated ERK activation is involved in the generation of EBV-associated epithelial malignancies.
Age and Immune Status of Rhesus Macaques Impact Simian Varicella Virus Gene Expression in Sensory Ganglia
Authors: Meyer Christine , Dewane Jesse , Kerns Amelia , Haberthur Kristen , Barron Alex , Park Byung , Messaoudi Ilhem 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT
Simian varicella virus (SVV) infection of rhesus macaques (RMs) recapitulates the hallmarks of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection of humans, including the establishment of latency within the sensory ganglia. Various factors, including age and immune fitness, influence the outcome of primary VZV infection, as well as reactivation resulting in herpes zoster (HZ). To increase our understanding of the role of lymphocyte subsets in the establishment of viral latency, we analyzed the latent SVV transcriptome in juvenile RMs depleted of CD4 T, CD8 T, or CD20 B lymphocytes during acute infection. We have previously shown that SVV latency in sensory ganglia of nondepleted juvenile RMs is associated with a limited transcriptional profile. In contrast, CD4 depletion during primary infection resulted in the failure to establish a characteristic latent viral transcription profile in sensory ganglia, where we detected 68 out of 69 SVV-encoded open reading frames (ORFs). CD-depleted RMs displayed a latent transcriptional profile that included additional viral transcripts within the core region of the genome not detected in control RMs. The latent transcriptome of CD20-depleted RMs was comparable to the latent transcription in the sensory ganglia of control RMs. Lastly, we investigated the impact of age on the establishment of SVV latency. SVV gene expression was more active in ganglia from two aged RMs than in ganglia from juvenile RMs, with 25 of 69 SVV transcripts detected. Therefore, immune fitness at the time of infection modulates the establishment and/or maintenance of SVV latency.
The Autographa californica Multiple Nucleopolyhedrovirus ORF78 Is Essential for Budded Virus Production and General Occlusion Body Formation
Authors: Tao Xue Ying , Choi Jae Young , Kim Woo Jin , Lee Joo Hyun , Liu Qin , Kim Song Eun , An Saes Byeol , Lee Seok Hee , Woo Soo Dong , Jin Byung Rae , Je Yeon Ho 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

ORF78 (
ac78
) of
Autographa californica
multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) is a baculovirus core gene of unknown function. To determine the role of
ac78
in the baculovirus life cycle, an AcMNPV mutant with
ac78
deleted, Ac78KO, was constructed. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that
ac78
is a late gene in the viral life cycle. After transfection into
Spodoptera frugiperda
cells, Ac78KO produced a single-cell infection phenotype, indicating that no infectious budded viruses (BVs) were produced. The defect in BV production was also confirmed by both viral titration and Western blotting. However, viral DNA replication was unaffected, and occlusion bodies were formed. An analysis of BVs and occlusion-derived viruses (ODVs) revealed that AC78 is associated with both forms of the virions and is an envelope structural protein. Electron microscopy revealed that AC78 also plays an important role in the embedding of ODV into the occlusion body. The results of this study demonstrate that AC78 is a late virion-associated protein and is essential for the viral life cycle.
Smac Mimetics in Combination with TRAIL Selectively Target Cancer Stem Cells in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Man-si , Wang Guang-feng , Zhao Zhi-qiang , Liang Yi , Wang Heng-bang , Wu Miao-yi , Min Ping , Chen Li-zhen , Feng Qi-sheng , Bei Jin-xin , Zeng Yi-xin , Yang Dajun 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a common malignancy in Southern China. After radiotherapy and chemotherapy, a considerable proportion of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma suffered tumor relapse and metastasis. Cancer stem cells (CSC) have been shown with resistance against therapies and thus considered as the initiator of recurrence and metastasis in tumors, where the antiapoptotic property of CSCs play an important role. Smac/DIABLO is an inverse regulator for the inhibitors of apoptosis protein family (IAP), which have been involved in apoptosis. Here, the effects of Smac mimetics on the CSCs of nasopharyngeal carcinoma were studied both in vitro and in vivo, using two clones of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE2 as models. We found that one of the clones, S18, had CSC-like properties and IAPs were overexpressed. The combination of Smac mimetics and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) can reduce the percentage of SP cells and inhibit the colony- and sphere-forming abilities of S18 cells, indicating their ability to attenuate the CSCs. Moreover, in a nasopharyngeal carcinoma xenograft model, the administration of Smac mimetics in combination with TRAIL also led to the elimination of nasopharyngeal carcinoma stem cells. Furthermore, the Smac mimetics in combination with TRAIL induced the degradation of cIAP1 and XIAP and thus induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our data show that Smac mimetics exerted an antitumor effect on nasopharyngeal carcinoma cancer stem cells, and this combination treatment should be considered as a promising strategy for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(9); 1728–37. ©2013 AACR.
A Climatology of the Structure, Evolution, and Propagation of Midlatitude Cyclones in the Southeast United States
Authors: Ferreira Rosana Nieto , Hall Linwood , Rickenbach Thomas M. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The seasonal and interannual variability of the structure, evolution, and propagation of midlatitude cyclones in the southeast United States are studied using a composite analysis. In the upper levels, the composites show that the axis of the wintertime upper-level trough remains north–south oriented and propagates eastward along 40°N, while the summertime upper-level trough has a much slower propagation at a farther north latitude and an axis that is tilted in the northeast–southwest direction. Upper-level circulation changes are consistent with a shift from wintertime “cyclonic behavior” to summertime “anticyclonic behavior” midlatitude cyclones. Significant changes in the low-level structure and precipitation patterns of midlatitude cyclones ensue from these upper-level changes. While the winter composite is characterized by eastward-propagating midlatitude cyclones that extend deep into the subtropics, the summer composite is characterized by semistationary midlatitude troughs that only briefly skirt the subtropics. Wintertime precipitation occurs only in and ahead of the surface low pressure center, whereas summertime precipitation occurs in all days of the composite. As a result, over 70% (30%) of wintertime (summertime) precipitation in the Carolinas occurs on days when midlatitude cyclones are present. The wintertime composites also show that midlatitude cyclones produce more precipitation on the windward side of the Appalachians than over the Carolinas, suggesting a rain shadow effect of the mountains.
The ENSO-related variability of the structure, evolution, and propagation of midlatitude cyclones shows the presence of a more intense and southward-displaced upper-level jet, stronger midlatitude cyclones, and more intense precipitation over a larger area during El Niño than La Niña or normal years.
The Different Impact of Positive-Neutral and Negative-Neutral ENSO Regimes on Australian Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Chand Savin S. , Tory Kevin J. , McBride John L. , Wheeler Matthew C. , Dare Richard A. , Walsh Kevin J. E. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The number of tropical cyclones (TCs) in the Australian region exhibits a large variation between different ENSO regimes. While the difference in TC numbers and spatial distribution of genesis locations between the canonical El Niño and La Niña regimes is well known, the authors demonstrate that a statistically significant difference in TC numbers also exists between the recently identified negative-neutral and positive-neutral regimes. Compared to the negative-neutral and La Niña regimes, significantly fewer TCs form in the Australian region during the positive-neutral regime, particularly in the eastern subregion. This difference is attributed to concomitant changes in various large-scale environmental conditions such as sea level pressure, relative vorticity, vertical motion, and sea surface temperature.