bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and assessment of a novel real‐time PCR assay for quantitation of hepatitis D virus RNA to study viral kinetics in chronic hepatitis D
Authors: Katsoulidou A. , Manesis E. , Rokka C. , Issaris C. , Pagoni A. , Sypsa V. , Hatzakis A. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryHepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection is a usually severe type of viral hepatitis associated with increased mortality and rapid evolution to cirrhosis. Currently, treatment is limited to extended interferon administration and measurement of HDV RNA blood levels is essential to judge the response. The aim of this study was to develop a highly sensitive and reproducible real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (real‐time RT‐PCR) for the quantitation of circulating HDV RNA of all clades (1–8), and assess its usefulness in the follow‐up of patients. The amplification was combined with molecular beacon technology using the LightCycler 2.0 system. The assay was specific and showed linearity over a wide range from 13 to 13 × 1010 copies/mL. The 95% detection limit was 43.2 copies/mL. Intra‐assay reproducibility, as expressed by the coefficient of variation, ranged from 1.84 to 18.61%, whereas the corresponding estimates for the inter‐assay variability ranged from 0.57 to 10.18%. Finally, the dynamic profiles of six patients regarding virological (HDV RNA, HBV DNA), biochemical and serological data were constructed. We were able to observe that most patients who were treated with an interferon‐based regime showed a significant reduction in delta viremia. In conclusion, our real‐time RT‐PCR for HDV RNA quantification combines high sensitivity and reproducibility in a high dynamic range, can provide important information for patient management and can be a useful tool for monitoring the response to antiviral therapies.
Early adjuvant use of nonopioids associated with reduced odds of serious postoperative opioid adverse events and need for rescue in children
Authors: Voepel‐Lewis Terri , Wagner Deborah , Burke Constance , Tait Alan R. , Hemberg Jennifer , Pechlivanidis Elsa , Malviya Shobha , Talsma AkkeNeel 
Published: September 2012

SummaryObjectivesExamine factors associated with opioid adverse drug events (ADE) in children.Specific AimsExamine whether adjuvant nonopioid use is associated with a decreased probability of opioid‐ADEs and need for rescue.BackgroundOpioid‐ADEs contribute to serious preventable harm for hospitalized children. Adjuvant nonopioid use may mitigate opioid risk postoperatively, yet few studies support this notion.MethodThis nested case–control study included children who required intervention or rescue from opioid‐ADEs and procedure‐matched controls. Data were recorded from medical records and primary outcomes included serious opioid‐ADEs (over‐sedation and respiratory depression) and need for rescue (e.g., naloxone, rapid response team). Hierarchical logistic regression (HLR) models examined relationships between factors and opioid‐ADEs. Early clinical signs and symptoms of deterioration were examined.ResultsTwenty five children with opioid‐ADEs and 98 children without events were included. ASA‐PS remained an independent risk factor (odds ratio, 2.56 [1.09, 6.03]; P = 0.031), while adjuvant nonopioids a risk reduction factor for opioid‐ADEs (OR, 0.16 [0.05, 0.47]; P = 0.001) and need for rescue (0.14 [0.04, 0.47]; P = 0.001). Supplemental oxygen use at PACU discharge was associated with an increased odds of opioid‐ADEs (OR, 3.72 [1.35, 10.23]; P = 0.007) and need for rescue (5.5 [1.7, 17.82]; P = 0.002).ConclusionsFindings from this study suggest that strategies such as early use of adjuvant nonopioids may reduce risk of opioid‐ADEs postoperatively. Furthermore, children who require supplemental oxygen early postoperatively may be at heightened risk of later events.
CXCR7 mediates SDF1‐induced melanocyte migration
Authors: Lee Eunkyung , Han Jiyeon , Kim Kwangmi , Choi Hyunjung , Cho Eun‐Gyung , Lee Tae Ryong 
Published: September 2012

SummaryMelanoblasts are derived from the neural crest and migrate to the dermal/epidermal border of skin and hair bulges. Although melanoblast migration during embryogenesis has been well investigated, there are only a few reports regarding the migration of mature melanocytes. Here, we demonstrate that a chemokine, stromal‐derived factor‐1 (SDF1, also known as CXCL12), and one of its receptor CXCR7 regulate normal human epidermal melanocyte (NHEM) migration. We found that SDF1 induces the directional migration of NHEMs. Interestingly, although both CXCR4 and CXCR7 are expressed in NHEMs, blockade of CXCR4 using a CXCR4‐specific neutralizing antibody did not exert any influence on the SDF1‐induced migration of NHEMs, whereas blockade of CXCR7 using a CXCR7‐specific neutralizing antibody did influence migration. Furthermore, SDF1‐induced NHEMs migration exhibited the early hallmark events of CXCR7 signaling associated with MAP kinase activation. It is known that the phosphorylation of ERK through CXCR7 signaling is mediated by β‐arrestins. The treatment of NHEMs with SDF1 resulted in the phosphorylation of ERK in a β‐arrestin 2‐dependent manner. These results suggest that melanocytes may have a unique mechanism of migration via SDF1/CXCR7 signaling that is different from that of other cell types.
Development of new in vivo imaging methodology and system for the rapid and quantitative evaluation of the visual appearance of facial skin firmness
Authors: Miyamoto Kukizo , Nagasawa Hitomi , Inoue Yasuko , Nakaoka Kenichi , Hirano Ayaka , Kawada Akira 
Published: September 2012

Background/aimsLack of firmness is a key sign of skin aging, but there are no methods for quantifying the firmness of facial skin as perceived visually. The objective of this study was to develop a convenient and accurate method for this purpose.MethodsA compact imaging system (Magic Ring®) was developed to capture images of facial skin. By using an image‐analysis algorithm, the number of facial lines and their direction were analyzed to give an index termed the ‘Ageless Vector’. Correlations between the Ageless Vector and visually perceived facial skin firmness, mechanical skin firmness (R5), and actual age were examined for 108 Asian females. The technique was also used to assess the effects of a 14‐day skin‐moisturization regimen in 47 Asian female volunteers.ResultsThe Ageless Vector showed highly significant correlation with visually perceived skin firmness (r = 0.816) and significant correlation with mechanical skin firmness (R5) (r = –0.775). Skin moisturization significantly improved both the Ageless Vector (P < 0.05) and the visual grading of apparent skin firmness.ConclusionsWe confirmed by two clinical studies that the imaging methodology using the Ageless Vector and the Magic Ring facial‐imaging system was sufficiently sensitive to permit the measurement of apparent visible skin firmness and that it is an excellent method suitable for practical in vivo applications.
Mass distribution and moments of inertia in the outer shells of the Earth
Authors: Caputo Michele , Caputo Riccardo 
Published: September 2012

Terra Nova, 25, 38–47, 2013AbstractDifferent mass distributions within the lithosphere and the sub‐lithospheric mantle have been considered here to calculate the moment of inertia of the outer shell of the Earth relative to many different axes. In particular, we seek for the maximum moment of inertia, MMI, which represents the theoretical rotation axis that the outer shell of the Earth should attain for maintaining equilibrium. For the present‐day distribution of mass at depth, we consider the most updated crustal, lithospheric and sub‐lithospheric models satisfying general geological and geophysical laws. When considering only the lithospheric shell, as if it were fully independent from the sub‐lithospheric mantle (i.e. totally decoupled), our numerical results show the complete lack of equilibrium in terms of moment of inertia with respect to the present‐day rotation axis. In further calculations, we also included the sub‐lithospheric mantle assuming different density values as well as different compensation depths. Among the numerous tests, the mass distribution models showing theoretical axes of rotation closest to the present‐day one are those obtained with a compensation depth of 400 km. The possible implications of these results in terms of westward plates drift and depth of possible decoupling layers within the mantle are discussed.
Arabidopsis wat1 (walls are thin1)‐mediated resistance to the bacterial vascular pathogen, Ralstonia solanacearum, is accompanied by cross‐regulation of salicylic acid and tryptophan metabolism
Authors: Denancé Nicolas , Ranocha Philippe , Oria Nicolas , Barlet Xavier , Rivière Marie‐Pierre , Yadeta Koste A. , Hoffmann Laurent , Perreau François , Clément Gilles , Maia‐Grondard Alessandra , van den Berg Grardy C.M. , Savelli Bruno , Fournier Sylvie , Aubert Yann , Pelletier Sandra , Thomma Bart P.H.J. , Molina Antonio , Jouanin Lise , Marco Yves , Goffner Deborah 
Published: September 2012

SummaryInactivation of Arabidopsis WAT1 (Walls Are Thin1), a gene required for secondary cell‐wall deposition, conferred broad‐spectrum resistance to vascular pathogens, including the bacteria Ralstonia solanacearum and Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, and the fungi Verticillium dahliae and Verticillium albo‐atrum. Introduction of NahG, the bacterial salicylic acid (SA)‐degrading salicylate hydroxylase gene, into the wat1 mutant restored full susceptibility to both R. solanacearum and X. campestris pv. campestris. Moreover, SA content was constitutively higher in wat1 roots, further supporting a role for SA in wat1‐mediated resistance to vascular pathogens. By combining transcriptomic and metabolomic data, we demonstrated a general repression of indole metabolism in wat1‐1 roots as shown by constitutive down‐regulation of several genes encoding proteins of the indole glucosinolate biosynthetic pathway and reduced amounts of tryptophan (Trp), indole‐3‐acetic acid and neoglucobrassicin, the major form of indole glucosinolate in roots. Furthermore, the susceptibility of the wat1 mutant to R. solanacearum was partially restored when crossed with either the trp5 mutant, an over‐accumulator of Trp, or Pro35S:AFB1‐myc, in which indole‐3‐acetic acid signaling is constitutively activated. Our original hypothesis placed cell‐wall modifications at the heart of the wat1 resistance phenotype. However, the results presented here suggest a mechanism involving root‐localized metabolic channeling away from indole metabolites to SA as a central feature of wat1 resistance to R. solanacearum.
Long‐range correlations in motor unit discharge times at low forces are modulated by visual gain and age
Authors: Jordan Kimberlee , Jesunathadas Mark , Sarchet Derek M. , Enoka Roger M. 
Published: September 2012

New findings
What is the central question of this study?Changes in visual gain do not influence the time‐dependent structure of motor unit discharge variability in young adults; however, the influence of visual gain on the regularity of motor unit discharge times in old adults is unknown.
What is the main finding and its importance?We examined the association between visual information and the size and temporal structure of the variability in index finger force and motor unit discharge times when young and old adults performed isometric contractions with a hand muscle. We showed that the regularity with which motor units discharged action potentials decreased with increased gain of visual feedback, regardless of age.
The purpose of this investigation was to examine the association between visual information and the size and temporal structure of the variability in index finger force and motor unit discharge times when young and old adults performed isometric contractions with a hand muscle. Single motor units (n= 32) in the first dorsal interosseus muscle were recorded as subjects [16 young (18–35 years old) and 16 old (≥70 years old)] exerted a constant abduction force with the index finger during 60 s isometric contractions. The target force was displayed on a monitor in front of the subjects, and they were asked to match the index finger force to a target force. The amount of visual feedback, or gain of the signal, was varied between 24 (low gain) and 1175 pixels N−1 (high gain). In addition, some trials were performed in the absence of visual feedback. The dependent variables were the variability (standard deviation and coefficient of variation) and the regularity (detrended fluctuation analysis self‐similarity parameter, α) of motor unit discharge times and the abduction force. Motor unit discharge times became less regular with an increase in visual feedback gain for both young and old adults, whereas motor unit discharge variability was not influenced by changes in visual gain. The regularity of motor unit discharge times was less for old adults than for young adults, but the variability was greater for old adults. However, there was a significant association between the regularity of motor unit discharge times and the regularity of force for the old adults, but not the young adults. These observations suggest that adjustments in the synaptic inputs delivered to motor neurons with changes in the visual gain differed for young and old adults.
Synergistic Effects of High Hydrostatic Pressure, Mild Heating, and Amino Acids on Germination and Inactivation of Clostridium sporogenes Spores
Authors: Ishimori Takateru , Takahashi Katsutoshi , Goto Masato , Nakagawa Suguru , Kasai Yoshiaki , Konagaya Yukifumi , Batori Hiroshi , Kobayashi Atsushi , Urakami Hiroshi 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

The synergistic effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP), mild heating, and amino acids on the germination of
Clostridium sporogenes
spores were examined by determining the number of surviving spores that returned to vegetative growth after pasteurization following these treatments. Pressurization at 200 MPa at a temperature higher than 40°C and treatment with some of the 19
l
-amino acids at 10 mM or higher synergistically facilitated germination. When one of these factors was omitted, the level of germination was insignificant. Pressures of 100 and 400 MPa were less effective than 200 MPa. The spores were effectively inactivated by between 1.8 and 4.8 logs by pasteurization at 80°C after pressurization at 200 MPa at 45°C for 120 min with one of the amino acids with moderate hydrophobicity, such as Leu, Phe, Cys Met, Ala, Gly, or Ser. However, other amino acids showed poor inactivation effects of less than 0.9 logs. Spores in solutions containing 80 mM of either Leu, Phe, Cys, Met, Ala, Gly, or Ser were successfully inactivated by pasteurization by more than 5.4 logs after pressurization at 200 MPa at 70°C for 15 to 120 min. Ala and Met reduced the spore viability by 2.8 and 1.8 logs, respectively, by pasteurization at a concentration of 1 mM under 200 MPa at 70°C. These results indicate that germination of the spores is facilitated by a combination of high hydrostatic pressure, mild heating, and amino acids.
Germination and Amplification of Anthrax Spores by Soil-Dwelling Amoebas
Authors: Dey Rafik , Hoffman Paul S. , Glomski Ian J. 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

While anthrax is typically associated with bioterrorism, in many parts of the world the anthrax bacillus (
Bacillus anthracis
) is endemic in soils, where it causes sporadic disease in livestock. These soils are typically rich in organic matter and calcium that promote survival of resilient
B. anthracis
spores. Outbreaks of anthrax tend to occur in warm weather following rains that are believed to concentrate spores in low-lying areas where runoff collects. It has been concluded that elevated spore concentrations are not the result of vegetative growth as
B. anthracis
competes poorly against indigenous bacteria. Here, we test an alternative hypothesis in which amoebas, common in moist soils and pools of standing water, serve as amplifiers of
B. anthracis
spores by enabling germination and intracellular multiplication. Under simulated environmental conditions, we show that
B. anthracis
germinates and multiplies within
Acanthamoeba castellanii
. The growth kinetics of a fully virulent
B. anthracis
Ames strain (containing both the pX01 and pX02 virulence plasmids) and vaccine strain Sterne (containing only pX01) inoculated as spores in coculture with
A. castellanii
showed a nearly 50-fold increase in spore numbers after 72 h. In contrast, the plasmidless strain 9131 showed little growth, demonstrating that plasmid pX01 is essential for growth within
A. castellanii
. Electron and time-lapse fluorescence microscopy revealed that spores germinate within amoebal phagosomes, vegetative bacilli undergo multiplication, and, following demise of the amoebas, bacilli sporulate in the extracellular milieu. This analysis supports our hypothesis that amoebas contribute to the persistence and amplification of
B. anthracis
in natural environments.
Evidence that Cryptosporidium parvum Populations Are Panmictic and Unstructured in the Upper Midwest of the United States
Authors: Herges Grant R. , Widmer Giovanni , Clark Mark E. , Khan Eakalak , Giddings Catherine W. , Brewer Matt , McEvoy John M. 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

Cryptosporidium parvum
is a zoonotic protozoan parasite that causes cryptosporidiosis, an infectious diarrheal disease primarily affecting humans and neonatal ruminants. Understanding the transmission dynamics of
C. parvum
, particularly the specific contributions of zoonotic and anthroponotic transmission, is critical to the control of this pathogen. This study used a population genetics approach to better understand the transmission of
C. parvum
in the Upper Midwest United States. A total of 254
C. parvum
isolates from cases of human cryptosporidiosis in Minnesota and Wisconsin and diarrheic calves in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota were genotyped at eight polymorphic loci. Isolates with a complete profile from all eight loci (
n
= 212) were used to derive a multilocus genotype (MLT), which was used in population genetic analyses. Among the 94 MLTs identified, 60 were represented by a single isolate. Approximately 20% of isolates belonged to MLT 2, a group that included both human and cattle isolates. Population analyses revealed a predominantly panmictic population with no apparent geographic or host substructuring.
Comparison of Methods for Evaluation of the Bactericidal Activity of Copper-Sputtered Surfaces against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Rio Laura , Kusiak-Nejman Ewelina , Kiwi John , Bétrisey Bertrand , Pulgarin César , Trampuz Andrej , Bizzini Alain 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

Bacteria can survive on hospital textiles and surfaces, from which they can be disseminated, representing a source of health care-associated infections (HCAIs). Surfaces containing copper (Cu), which is known for its bactericidal properties, could be an efficient way to lower the burden of potential pathogens. The antimicrobial activity of Cu-sputtered polyester surfaces, obtained by direct-current magnetron sputtering (DCMS), against methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) was tested. The Cu-polyester microstructure was characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy to determine the microstructure of the Cu nanoparticles and by profilometry to assess the thickness of the layers. Sputtering at 300 mA for 160 s led to a Cu film thickness of 20 nm (100 Cu layers) containing 0.209% (wt/wt) polyester. The viability of MRSA strain ATCC 43300 on Cu-sputtered polyester was evaluated by four methods: (i) mechanical detachment, (ii) microcalorimetry, (iii) direct transfer onto plates, and (iv) stereomicroscopy. The low efficacy of mechanical detachment impeded bacterial viability estimations. Microcalorimetry provided only semiquantitative results. Direct transfer onto plates and stereomicroscopy seemed to be the most suitable methods to evaluate the bacterial inactivation potential of Cu-sputtered polyester surfaces, since they presented the least experimental bias. Cu-polyester samples sputtered for 160 s by DCMS were further tested against 10 clinical MRSA isolates and showed a high level of bactericidal activity, with a 4-log
10
reduction in the initial MRSA load (10
6
CFU) within 1 h. Cu-sputtered polyester surfaces might be of use to prevent the transmission of HCAI pathogens.
Sequential Use of Nitrogen Compounds by Saccharomyces cerevisiae during Wine Fermentation: a Model Based on Kinetic and Regulation Characteristics of Nitrogen Permeases
Authors: Crépin Lucie , Nidelet Thibault , Sanchez Isabelle , Dequin Sylvie , Camarasa Carole 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTThe efficiency of nitrogen use is a key determinant of the completion of alcoholic fermentation. We analyzed the kinetics of consumption of 18 nitrogen compounds by 14Saccharomyces cerevisiaestrains of various origins in a synthetic medium that mimicked a grape must. The kinetic profiles of total nitrogen consumption were diverse, but the order of nitrogen source consumption was similar for all strains. The nitrogen compounds could be classified into three groups, according to their order of use: prematurely consumed (Lys), early consumed (Asp, Thr, Glu, Leu, His, Met, Ile, Ser, Gln, and Phe), and late consumed (ammonium, Val, Arg, Ala, Trp, and Tyr). The initial concentrations of these compounds did not alter the order in which they were consumed, except for arginine and ammonium. Early consumed amino acids are transported by specific permeases under Ssy1p-Ptr3p-Ssy5 (SPS)-mediated control that are expressed at the beginning of consumption. Most nitrogen compounds consumed late are transported by permeases under nitrogen catabolite repression (NCR), and others (Val, Trp, and Tyr) are transported by SPS-regulated low-affinity permeases. Therefore, the kinetic characteristics of transporters, as well as SPS and NCR, are likely key factors controlling the temporal sequence of consumption of nitrogen compounds and constitute a system highly conserved inS. cerevisiaespecies. This work sheds new light on the mechanistic basis of the sequential use of different nitrogen compounds in complex environments.
The
pmr
Gene, Encoding a Ca
2+
-ATPase, Is Required for Calcium and Manganese Homeostasis and Normal Development of Hyphae and Conidia in Neurospora crassa
Authors: Bowman Barry J. , Abreu Stephen , Johl Jessica K. , Bowman Emma Jean 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

The
pmr
gene is predicted to encode a Ca
2+
-ATPase in the secretory pathway. We examined two strains of
Neurospora crassa
that lacked PMR: the Δ
pmr
strain, in which
pmr
was completely deleted, and

pmr
RIP

, in which the gene was extensively mutated. Both strains had identical, complex phenotypes. Compared to the wild type, these strains required high concentrations of calcium or manganese for optimal growth and had highly branched, slow-growing hyphae. They conidiated poorly, and the shape and size of the conidia were abnormal. Calcium accumulated in the Δ
pmr
strains to only 20% of the wild-type level. High concentrations of MnCl
2
(1 to 5 mM) in growth medium partially suppressed the morphological defects but did not alter the defect in calcium accumulation. The Δ
pmr
Δ
nca-2
double mutant (
nca-2
encodes a Ca
2+
-ATPase in the plasma membrane) accumulated 8-fold more calcium than the wild type, and the morphology of the hyphae was more similar to that of wild-type hyphae. Previous experiments failed to show a function for
nca-1
, which encodes a SERCA-type Ca
2+
-ATPase in the endoplasmic reticulum (B. J. Bowman, S. Abreu, E. Margolles-Clark, M. Draskovic, and E. J. Bowman, Eukaryot. Cell 10:654-661, 2011). The
pmr

RIP

Δ
nca-1
double mutant accumulated small amounts of calcium, like the Δ
pmr
strain, but exhibited even more extreme morphological defects. Thus, PMR can apparently replace NCA-1 in the endoplasmic reticulum, but NCA-1 cannot replace PMR. The morphological defects in the Δ
pmr
strain are likely caused, in part, by insufficient concentrations of calcium and manganese in the Golgi compartment; however, PMR is also needed to accumulate normal levels of calcium in the whole cell.