bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory Effects of Edwardsiella ictaluri Lipopolysaccharide Modifications in Catfish Gut
Authors: Santander Javier , Kilbourne Jacquelyn , Park Jie-Yeun , Martin Taylor , Loh Amanda , Diaz Ignacia , Rojas Robert , Segovia Cristopher , DeNardo Dale , Curtiss Roy 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTBacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are structural components of the outer membranes of Gram-negative bacteria and also are potent inducers of inflammation in mammals. Higher vertebrates are extremely sensitive to LPS, but lower vertebrates, like fish, are resistant to their systemic toxic effects. However, the effects of LPS on the fish intestinal mucosa remain unknown.Edwardsiella ictaluriis a primitive member of theEnterobacteriaceaefamily that causes enteric septicemia in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus).E. ictaluriinfects and colonizes deep lymphoid tissues upon oral or immersion infection. Both gut and olfactory organs are the primary sites of invasion. At the systemic level,E. ictaluripathogenesis is relatively well characterized, but our knowledge aboutE. ictaluriintestinal interaction is limited. Recently, we observed thatE. ictalurioligo-polysaccharide (O-PS) LPS mutants have differential effects on the intestinal epithelia of orally inoculated catfish. Here we evaluate the effects ofE. ictaluriO-PS LPS mutants by using a novel catfish intestinal loop model and compare it to the rabbit ileal loop model inoculated withSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium LPS. We found evident differences in rabbit ileal loop and catfish ileal loop responses toE. ictaluriandS. Typhimurium LPS. We determined that catfish respond toE. ictaluriLPS but not toS. Typhimurium LPS. We also determined thatE. ictaluriinhibits cytokine production and induces disruption of the intestinal fish epithelia in an O-PS-dependent fashion. TheE. ictaluriwild type and ΔwibTLPS mutant caused intestinal tissue damage and inhibited proinflammatory cytokine synthesis, in contrast toE. ictaluriΔgneand ΔugdLPS mutants. We concluded that theE. ictaluriO-PS subunits play a major role during pathogenesis, since they influence the recognition of the LPS by the intestinal mucosal immune system of the catfish. The LPS structure ofE. ictalurimutants is needed to understand the mechanism of interaction.
Complex Immune Cell Interplay in the Gamma Interferon Response during Toxoplasma gondii Infection
Authors: Sturge Carolyn R. , Yarovinsky Felix 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTToxoplasma gondiiis an obligate intracellular parasite of clinical importance, especially in immunocompromised patients. Investigations into the immune response to the parasite found that T cells are the primary effector cells regulating gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-mediated host resistance. However, recent studies have revealed a critical role for the innate immune system in mediating host defense independently of the T cell responses to the parasite. This body of knowledge is put into perspective by the unifying theme that immunity to the protozoan parasite requires a strong IFN-γ host response. In the following review, we discuss the role of IFN-γ-producing cells and the signals that regulate IFN-γ production duringT. gondiiinfection.
Plasmid CDS5 Influences Infectivity and Virulence in a Mouse Model of Chlamydia trachomatis Urogenital Infection
Authors: Ramsey K. H. , Schripsema J. H. , Smith B. J. , Wang Y. , Jham B. C. , O'Hagan K. P. , Thomson N. R. , Murthy A. K. , Skilton R. J. , Chu P. , Clarke I. N. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

The native plasmid of both
Chlamydia muridarum
and
Chlamydia trachomatis
has been shown to control virulence and infectivity in mice and in lower primates. We recently described the development of a plasmid-based genetic transformation protocol for
Chlamydia trachomatis
that for the first time provides a platform for the molecular dissection of the function of the chlamydial plasmid and its individual genes or coding sequences (CDS). In the present study, we transformed a plasmid-free lymphogranuloma venereum isolate of
C. trachomatis
, serovar L2, with either the original shuttle vector (pGFP::SW2) or a derivative of pGFP::SW2 carrying a deletion of the plasmid CDS5 gene (pCDS5KO). Female mice were inoculated with these strains either intravaginally or transcervically. We found that transformation of the plasmid-free isolate with the intact pGFP::SW2 vector significantly enhanced infectivity and induction of host inflammatory responses compared to the plasmid-free parental isolate. Transformation with pCDS5KO resulted in infection courses and inflammatory responses not significantly different from those observed in mice infected with the plasmid-free isolate. These results indicate a critical role of plasmid CDS5 in
in vivo
fitness and in induction of inflammatory responses. To our knowledge, these are the first
in vivo
observations ascribing infectivity and virulence to a specific plasmid gene.
IraL Is an RssB Anti-adaptor That Stabilizes RpoS during Logarithmic Phase Growth in Escherichia coli and
Shigella
Authors: Hryckowian Andrew J. , Battesti Aurelia , Lemke Justin J. , Meyer Zachary C. , Welch Rodney A. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

RpoS (σ
S
), the general stress response sigma factor, directs the expression of genes under a variety of stressful conditions. Control of the cellular σ
S
concentration is critical for appropriately scaled σ
S
-dependent gene expression. One way to maintain appropriate levels of σ
S
is to regulate its stability. Indeed, σ
S
degradation is catalyzed by the ClpXP protease and the recognition of σ
S
by ClpXP depends on the adaptor protein RssB. Three anti-adaptors (IraD, IraM, and IraP) exist in
Escherichia coli
K-12; each interacts with RssB and
i
nhibits
R
ssB
a
ctivity under different stress conditions, thereby stabilizing σ
S
. Unlike K-12, some
E. coli
isolates, including uropathogenic
E. coli
strain CFT073, show comparable cellular levels of σ
S
during the logarithmic and stationary growth phases, suggesting that there are differences in the regulation of σ
S
levels among
E. coli
strains. Here, we describe IraL, an RssB anti-adaptor that stabilizes σ
S
during logarithmic phase growth in CFT073 and other
E. coli
and
Shigella
strains. By immunoblot analyses, we show that IraL affects the levels and stability of σ
S
during logarithmic phase growth. By computational and PCR-based analyses, we reveal that
iraL
is found in many
E. coli
pathotypes but not in laboratory-adapted strains. Finally, by bacterial two-hybrid and copurification analyses, we demonstrate that IraL interacts with RssB by a mechanism distinct from that used by other characterized anti-adaptors. We introduce a fourth RssB anti-adaptor found in
E. coli
species and suggest that differences in the regulation of σ
S
levels may contribute to host and niche specificity in pathogenic and nonpathogenic
E. coli
strains.

IMPORTANCE
Bacteria must cope with a variety of environmental conditions in order to survive. RpoS (σ
S
), the general stress response sigma factor, directs the expression of many genes under stressful conditions in both pathogenic and nonpathogenic
Escherichia coli
strains. The regulation of σ
S
levels and activity allows appropriately scaled σ
S
-dependent gene expression. Here, we describe IraL, an RssB anti-adaptor that, unlike previously described anti-adaptors, stabilizes σ
S
during the logarithmic growth phase in the absence of additional stress. We also demonstrate that
iraL
is found in a large number of
E. coli
and
Shigella
isolates. These data suggest that strains containing
iraL
are able to initiate σ
S
-dependent gene expression under conditions under which strains without
iraL
cannot. Therefore, IraL-mediated σ
S
stabilization may contribute to host and niche specificity in
E. coli
.
Spatial-Temporal Survey and Occupancy-Abundance Modeling To Predict Bacterial Community Dynamics in the Drinking Water Microbiome
Authors: Pinto Ameet J. , Schroeder Joanna , Lunn Mary , Sloan William , Raskin Lutgarde 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
Bacterial communities migrate continuously from the drinking water treatment plant through the drinking water distribution system and into our built environment. Understanding bacterial dynamics in the distribution system is critical to ensuring that safe drinking water is being supplied to customers. We present a 15-month survey of bacterial community dynamics in the drinking water system of Ann Arbor, MI. By sampling the water leaving the treatment plant and at nine points in the distribution system, we show that the bacterial community spatial dynamics of distance decay and dispersivity conform to the layout of the drinking water distribution system. However, the patterns in spatial dynamics were weaker than those for the temporal trends, which exhibited seasonal cycling correlating with temperature and source water use patterns and also demonstrated reproducibility on an annual time scale. The temporal trends were driven by two seasonal bacterial clusters consisting of multiple taxa with different networks of association within the larger drinking water bacterial community. Finally, we show that the Ann Arbor data set robustly conforms to previously described interspecific occupancy abundance models that link the relative abundance of a taxon to the frequency of its detection. Relying on these insights, we propose a predictive framework for microbial management in drinking water systems. Further, we recommend that long-term microbial observatories that collect high-resolution, spatially distributed, multiyear time series of community composition and environmental variables be established to enable the development and testing of the predictive framework.

IMPORTANCE
Safe and regulation-compliant drinking water may contain up to millions of microorganisms per liter, representing phylogenetically diverse groups of bacteria, archaea, and eukarya that affect public health, water infrastructure, and the aesthetic quality of water. The ability to predict the dynamics of the drinking water microbiome will ensure that microbial contamination risks can be better managed. Through a spatial-temporal survey of drinking water bacterial communities, we present novel insights into their spatial and temporal community dynamics and recommend steps to link these insights in a predictive framework for microbial management of drinking water systems. Such a predictive framework will not only help to eliminate microbial risks but also help to modify existing water quality monitoring efforts and make them more resource efficient. Further, a predictive framework for microbial management will be critical if we are to fully anticipate the risks and benefits of the beneficial manipulation of the drinking water microbiome.
MTBP Is Overexpressed in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Contributes to Its Growth and Survival
Authors: Grieb Brian C. , Chen Xi , Eischen Christine M. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a clinically aggressive subtype of breast cancer commonly resistant to therapeutics that have been successful in increasing survival in patients with estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) and HER2+ breast cancer. As such, identifying factors that contribute to poor patient outcomes and mediate the growth and survival of TNBC cells remain important areas of investigation. MTBP (MDM2-binding protein), a gene linked to cellular proliferation and a transcriptional target of the MYC oncogene, is overexpressed in human malignancies, yet its contribution to cancer remains unresolved. Evaluation of mRNA expression and copy number variation data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) revealed that MTBP is commonly overexpressed in breast cancer and 19% show amplification of MTBP. Increased transcript or gene amplification of MTBP significantly correlated with reduced breast cancer patient survival. Further analysis revealed that while MTBP mRNA is overexpressed in both ER+ and HER2+ breast cancers, its expression is highest in TNBC. MTBP mRNA and protein levels were also significantly elevated in a panel of human TNBC cell lines. Knockdown of MTBP in TNBC cells induced apoptosis and significantly reduced TNBC cell growth and soft agar colony formation, which was rescued by expression of shRNA-resistant Mtbp. Notably, inducible knockdown of MTBP expression significantly impaired TNBC tumor growth, in vivo, including in established tumors. Thus, these data emphasize that MTBP is important for the growth and survival of TNBC and warrants further investigation as a potential novel therapeutic target.
Implications: MTBP significantly contributes to breast cancer survival and is a potential novel therapeutic target in TNBC. Mol Cancer Res; 12(9); 1216–24. ©2014 AACR.
Inhibition of Endometrial Cancer by n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Preclinical Models
Authors: Zheng Hang , Tang Hongjun , Liu Miao , He Minhong , Lai Pinglin , Dong Heling , Lin Jun , Jia Chunhong , Zhong Mei , Dai Yifan , Bai Xiaochun , Wang Liping 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Although preclinical and epidemiologic studies have shown the importance of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the prevention of hormone-responsive cancers such as breast cancer, evidence of the association between n-3 PUFAs and endometrial cancer risk is limited and no previous study has examined the effect of n-3 PUFAs on endometrial cancer in cellular and animal models. In this study, we demonstrated that docosahexenoic acid (DHA) dose- and time-dependently inhibited endometrial cancer cell proliferation, colony formation, and migration and promoted apoptosis. Dietary n-3 PUFAs efficiently prevented endometrial cancer cell growth in xenograft models. Moreover, ectopic expression of fat-1, a desaturase, catalyzed the conversion of n-6 to n-3 PUFAs and produced n-3 PUFAs endogenously, also suppressed endometrial tumor cell growth and migration, and potentiated apoptosis in endometrial cancer cell lines. Interestingly, implanted endometrial cancer cells were unable to grow in fat-1 transgenic SCID mice. Further study revealed that mTOR signaling, which plays an essential role in cell proliferation and endometrial tumorigenesis, is a target of n-3 PUFAs. Exogenous or endogenous n-3 PUFAs efficiently suppressed both mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2 in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, both dietary n-3 PUFAs and transgenic expression of fat-1 in mice effectively repressed mTORC1/2 signaling and endometrial growth elicited by unopposed estrogen. Taken together, our findings provide comprehensive preclinical evidences that n-3 PUFAs efficiently prevent endometrial cancer and establish mTORC1/2 as a target of n-3 PUFAs. Cancer Prev Res; 7(8); 824–34. ©2014 AACR.
Assessment of MAGE-A Expression in Resected Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer in Relation to Clinicopathologic Features and Mutational Status of EGFR and KRAS
Authors: Ayyoub Maha , Memeo Lorenzo , Álvarez-Fernández Emilio , Colarossi Cristina , Costanzo Rosario , Aiello Eleonora , Martinetti Daniela , Valmori Danila 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major public health problem, accounting for more cancer-related deaths than any other cancer. Both immunotherapy, based on the expression of tumor-specific antigens, and targeted therapy, based on the presence of oncogenic mutations, are under development for NSCLC. In this study, we analyzed the expression of MAGE-A, a cancer–testis antigen, in tumors from a cohort of patients with resected NSCLC with respect to their clinicopathologic characteristics and their mutational status for the EGFR and KRAS genes. We found MAGE-A expression by IHC in 43% of the tumors. MAGE-A expression was significantly more frequent in squamous tumors than in adenocarcinomas, did not correlate with disease stage, but was correlated significantly with high tumor grade and worse survival. EGFR and KRAS mutations were present in adenocarcinomas, but not in squamous tumors. Whereas the presence of EGFR mutations did not seem to affect survival, the presence of KRAS mutations was associated with early-stage disease and better survival. MAGE-A expression was absent from adenocarcinomas with KRAS mutations, but not significantly different in tumors with or without EGFR mutations. Together, the reported results provide guidance for the design of combination therapies in patients with NSCLC. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(10); 943–8. ©2014 AACR.
Ischemic Burden by 3-Dimensional Myocardial Perfusion Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Jogiya Roy , Morton Geraint , De Silva Kalpa , Reyes Eliana , Hachamovitch Rory , Kozerke Sebastian , Nagel Eike , Underwood S. Richard , Plein Sven 
Published: May 2014

Background—

The extent and severity of ischemia on myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) is commonly used to risk-stratify patients with coronary artery disease. Estimation of ischemic burden by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) with conventional 2-dimensional myocardial perfusion methods is limited by incomplete cardiac coverage. More recently developed 3-dimensional (3D) myocardial perfusion CMR, however, provides whole-heart coverage. The aim of this study was to compare ischemic burden on 3D myocardial perfusion CMR with
99m
Tc-tetrofosmin MPS.

Methods and Results—

Forty-five patients who had undergone clinically indicated MPS underwent rest and adenosine stress 3D myocardial perfusion and late gadolinium enhancement CMR. Summed stress and rest scores were calculated for MPS and CMR using a 17-segment model and expressed as a percentage of the maximal possible score. Ischemic burden was defined as the difference between stress and rest scores. 3D myocardial perfusion CMR and MPS agreed in 38 of the 45 patients for the detection of any inducible ischemia. The mean ischemic burden for MPS and CMR was similar (7.5±8.9% versus 6.8±9.5%, respectively,
P
=0.82) with a strong correlation between techniques (rs=0.70,
P
<0.001). In a subset of 33 patients who underwent clinically indicated invasive coronary angiography, sensitivities and specificities of the 2 techniques to detect angiographic coronary artery disease were similar (McNemar
P
=0.45).

Conclusions—
3D myocardial perfusion CMR is an alternative to MPS for detecting the presence and rating the severity of ischemia.
The tardigrade fauna of Australian marine caves:<br />With descriptions of nine new species of Arthrotardigrada
Authors: JØRGENSEN ASLAK , BOESGAARD TOM M. , MØBJERG NADJA , KRISTENSEN REINHARDT M. 
Published: May 2014

Marine caves are known to support a rich macrofauna; however, few studies have focused on meiofauna. Marine cave meiofaunal tardigrades have been reported from Japan and the Mediterranean Sea and a preliminary list of species including a redescription of Actinarctus neretinus Grimaldi de Zio, D’Addabbo Gallo, Morone De Lucia, Vaccarella and Grimaldi, 1982 was reported from Fish Rock Cave and Jim’s Cave on the coast of Australia. This study is the fourth in a series describing the unique meiofauna in two Australian submarine caves located off the coast of New South Wales, describing nine new species. Only 67 tardigrades were collected from the two caves, yet these contained a high diversity of at least 16 different species which are quite different in the two caves. The fauna includes nine arthrotardigrade genera: Actinarctus, Batillipes, Dipodarctus, Halechiniscus, Raiarctus, Styraconyx, Tanarctus, Tholoarctus, and Wingstrandarctus. This fauna is different from that reported for the high energy beaches along the East Coast of Australia. We describe nine new species comprising a single batillipedid and eight halechiniscids: Batillipes solitarius nov. sp., Dipodarctus australiensis nov. sp., Dipodarctus susannae nov. sp., Raiarctus jesperi nov. sp., Raiarctus katrinae nov. sp., Tanarctus hirsutospinosus nov. sp., Tholoarctus oleseni nov. sp., Wingstrandarctus stinae nov. sp. and Wingstrandarctus unsculptus nov. sp.
Hospitalizations of nursing home residents with dementia in the last month of life: Results from a nationwide survey
Authors: Houttekier Dirk , Vandervoort An , Van den Block Lieve , van der Steen Jenny T , Vander Stichele Robert , Deliens Luc 
Published: May 2014

Background: Hospitalizations of nursing home residents with dementia may not be uncommon. However, evidence from epidemiological studies outside the United States and knowledge about the circumstances of hospitalizations are lacking. Aim: To examine the proportion of nursing home residents with dementia hospitalized in the last month of life and factors associated with hospitalization. Design: The design is stratified cluster sampling survey. Nurses retrospectively registered demographic and dementia-related information about deceased residents with dementia. This included information about hospitalizations, persons involved in hospitalization decisions and type and content of information transferred when hospitalized. Setting/participants: Nursing home residents dying with dementia in Belgium (Flanders) in 2010. Results: In the final month of life, 19.5% of nursing home residents dying with dementia ( N = 198) were hospitalized, including 4.6% admitted to an intensive care unit. For 12.2% of residents dying with dementia, a do-not-hospitalize advance directive was present, for 57.0%, a do-not-hospitalize general physician–order. Residents without a do-not-hospitalize general physician–order were more likely of being hospitalized (adjusted odds ratio: 3.4; 95% confidence interval: 1.3–8.7). None of the hospitalizations occurred at the request of the resident; 37% were at the request of relatives; curative or life-prolonging treatments were the most frequent reasons given. Information about the resident’s nursing care or medical treatment was transferred in almost all hospitalizations, information about wishes and preferences for future care in 19%. Conclusion: Hospitalization in Belgian nursing home residents with dementia in the last month of life was common. Documentation of do-not-hospitalize physician-orders in the resident’s medical files may prevent hospitalizations.
Serum creatinine measurements: evaluation of a questionnaire according to the ESUR guidelines
Authors: Zähringer Caroline , Potthast Silke , Tyndall Anthony Joseph , Bongartz Georg , Hohmann Joachim 
Published: May 2014

Background The European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) propose measurements of serum creatinine levels in patients undergoing contrast-enhanced studies with a high probability of impaired renal function and therefore with a higher risk of CIN and NSF. Purpose To determine whether the recommended questionnaire is able to select these patients. Material and Methods Over a time period of 10 months the questionnaire was conducted in 1389 patients (725 women, 654 men) before contrast administration for computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. Serum creatinine (SCr) measurements and calculation of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values were performed when one or more answers were positive. Eighty-one patients were excluded due to incomplete data. Statistical evaluation of the questionnaire was done retrospectively. Results Four hundred and ninety-nine patients (38%) gave one or more positive answers to the questionnaire. Of these, 71 (14%) had an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, 31 (6%) had an eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2, and five (1%) had an eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Only the question concerning previous renal disease showed a significant correlation to an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 ( P < 0.05) and <45 mL/min/1.73 m2. Slight correlations with some other risk factors (renal disease, family history of renal disease, arterial hypertension with medication, analgetic medication with nephrotoxic drugs) were found for either a threshold of 60 or 45 mL/min/1.73 m2. In addition, there was a positive correlation with patient age. Conclusion We propose to reduce the questionnaire to a smaller number of risk factors and consider a point-of-care (POC) SCr measurement for all patients aged >70 years without a recent eGFR value while referred for CT. For MRI a SCr measurement is not mandatory while using medium and lowest risk contrast agents.