bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differences in hepatitis C virus prevalence and clearance by mode of acquisition among men who have sex with men
Authors: Seaberg E. C. , Witt M. D. , Jacobson L. P. , Detels R. , Rinaldo C. R. , Young S. , Phair J. P. , Thio C. L. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryWe examined the characteristics associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody (anti‐HCV) prevalence and HCV clearance between injection drug using (IDU) and non‐IDU men who have sex with men (MSM). Stored serum and plasma samples were tested for anti‐HCV and HCV RNA to determine the HCV status of 6925 MSM at enrolment into the Multicentre AIDS Cohort Study (MACS). Prevalence and clearance ratios were calculated to determine the characteristics associated with HCV prevalence and clearance. Multivariable analyses were performed using Poisson regression methods with robust variance estimation. Anti‐HCV prevalence was significantly higher among IDU than among non‐IDU MSM (42.9% vs 4.0%), while clearance was significantly lower among IDU MSM (11.5% vs 34.5% among non‐IDU MSM). HIV infection, Black race, and older age were independently associated with higher prevalence in both groups, while smoking, transfusion history, and syphilis were significantly associated with prevalence only among non‐IDU MSM. The rs12979860‐C/C genotype was the only characteristic independently associated with HCV clearance in both groups, but the effects of both rs12979860‐C/C genotype [clearance ratio (CR) = 4.16 IDUs vs 1.71 non‐IDUs; P = 0.03] and HBsAg positivity (CR = 5.06 IDUs vs 1.62 non‐IDUs; P = 0.03) were significantly larger among IDU MSM. HIV infection was independently associated with lower HCV clearance only among non‐IDU MSM (CR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.40–0.87). IDU MSM have higher anti‐HCV prevalence and lower HCV clearance than non‐IDU MSM. Differences in the factors associated with HCV clearance suggest that the mechanisms driving the response to HCV may differ according to the mode of acquisition.
Watchful waiting: role of disease progression on uncertainty and depressive symptoms in patients with chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Colagreco J. P. , Bailey D. E. , Fitzpatrick J. J. , Musil C. M. , Afdhal N. H. , Lai M. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryBackground and Aims: New therapies for HCV are rapidly emerging and providers are advising select patients to defer treatment and elect ‘watchful waiting’. During the watchful waiting period, patients have been shown to have high rates of illness uncertainty and depression. We sought to answer the question of whether reassuring histological data (showing minimal fibrosis or no fibrosis progression over time) is associated with less illness uncertainty and depressive symptoms. Methods: This was a single‐centre outpatient prospective cohort study to determine whether stage of fibrosis, fibrosis progression and reasons for treatment deferral were related to illness uncertainty and depressive symptoms in patients following watchful waiting. Results: Illness uncertainty was significantly related to depressive symptoms (r = 0.49, P < 0.01). More than half of the participants (54%) had moderate levels of uncertainty. About 40% of the participants were at risk for clinical depression (21.7% at mild to moderate risk and 18.5% at high risk). Treatment naïve subjects had lower mean scores on both the CES‐D (depressive symptoms measure) and the MUIS‐A (illness uncertainty measure) total score, MUIS‐A Ambiguity subscale and MUIS‐A Inconsistency subscale than subjects who failed treatment or were interferon intolerant or ineligible. Surprisingly, liver fibrosis stage and progression were not significantly associated with overall illness uncertainty or depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Patients with chronic hepatitis C on watchful waiting are at high risk for significant illness uncertainty and depressive symptoms. Reassuring histological data does not seem to correlate with less uncertainty or depressive symptoms.
Peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia
Authors: Bredenoord A. J. , Rösch T. , Fockens P. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundTreatment of achalasia is complicated by symptom recurrence and a significant risk for severe complications. Endoscopic myotomy was developed in the search for a highly efficacious treatment with lower risks. Since its introduction in 2010, several centers have adopted the technique and published excellent short‐term results of open label series. Randomized trials with long‐term endpoint comparing per‐oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) with the established treatments such as balloon dilation and surgical myotomy are now warranted, before POEM can be regarded as the routine clinical care for achalasia patients.PurposeThis review describes the development, technical aspects, efficacy, and complications of POEM.
A multicenter study of primary graft failure after infant heart transplantation: Impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on outcomes
Authors: Kaushal S. , Matthews K. L. , Garcia X. , Wehman B. , Riddle E. , Ying Z. , Nubani R. , Canter C. E. , Morrow W. R. , Huddleston C. B. , Backer C. L. , Pahl E. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPrimary graft failure is the major cause of mortality in infant HTx. The aim of this study was to characterize the indication and outcomes of infants requiring ECMO support due to primary graft failure after HTx. We performed a retrospective review of all infants (<1 yr) who underwent Htx from three institutions. From 1999 to 2008, 92 infants (<1 yr) received Htx. Sixteen children (17%) required ECMO after Htx due to low cardiac output syndrome. Eleven (69%) infants were successfully weaned off ECMO, and 9 (56%) infants were discharged with a mean follow‐up of 2.3 ± 2.5 yr. Mean duration of ECMO in survivors was 5.4 days (2–7 days) compared with eight days (2–10 days) in non‐survivors (p = NS). The five‐yr survival rate for all patients was 75%; however, the five‐yr survival rate was 40% in the ECMO cohort vs. 80% in the non‐ECMO cohort (p = 0.0001). Graft function within one month post‐Htx was similar and normal between ECMO and non‐ECMO groups (shortening fraction = 42 ± 3 vs. 40 ± 2, p = NS). For infants, ECMO support for primary graft failure had a lower short‐term and long‐term survival rate vs. non‐ECMO patients. Duration of ECMO did not adversely impact graft function and is an acceptable therapy for infants after HTx for low cardiac output syndrome.
Near‐visible light and UV photoprotection in the treatment of melasma: a double‐blind randomized trial
Authors: Castanedo‐Cazares Juan Pablo , Hernandez‐Blanco Diana , Carlos‐Ortega Blanca , Fuentes‐Ahumada Cornelia , Torres‐Álvarez Bertha 
Published: November 2013

SummaryBackgroundMelasma is an acquired hyperpigmentation on sun‐exposed areas. Multiple approaches are used to treat it, but all include broad ultraviolet (UV)‐spectrum sunscreens. Visible light (VL) can induce pigmentary changes similar to those caused by UV radiation on darker‐skinned patients.ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of sunscreen with broad‐spectrum UV protection that contains iron oxide as a VL‐absorbing pigment (UV‐VL) compared with a regular UV‐only broad‐spectrum sunscreen for melasma patients exposed to intense solar conditions.MethodsSixty‐eight patients with melasma were randomized in two groups to receive either UV‐VL sunscreen or UV‐only sunscreen, both with sun protection factor ≥ 50, over 8 weeks. All patients received 4% hydroquinone as a depigmenting treatment. At onset and at conclusion of the study, they were assessed by the Melasma Activity and Severity Index (MASI; a subjective scale), colorimetry (L*) and histological analysis of melanin.ResultsSixty‐one patients concluded the study. At 8 weeks, the UV‐VL group showed 15%, 28% and 4% greater improvements than the UV‐only group in MASI scores, colorimetric values and melanin assessments, respectively.ConclusionsUV‐VL sunscreen enhances the depigmenting efficacy of hydroquinone compared with UV‐only sunscreen in treatment of melasma. These findings suggest a role for VL in melasma pathogenesis.
Comments on ‘Geomechanical and Geochemical Evidence of Piezonuclear Fission Reactions in the Earth's Crust’ by A. Carpinteri and A. Manuello
Authors: Bardi U. , Comoretto G. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTIn ‘Geomechanical and Geochemical Evidence of Piezonuclear Fission Reactions in the Earth's Crust' [Carpinteri and Manuello, Strain (2011) 47(2), 267], the authors claim that the composition of the Earth's crust and of its atmosphere can be explained by hypothetical piezonuclear reactions. We argue that these claims are contrary to the known experimental evidence of the energy balance of the nuclear reactions involved, and we report a detailed criticism of the claims of the paper.
Aberrant gene expression in the Arabidopsis SULTR1;2 mutants suggests a possible regulatory role for this sulfate transporter in response to sulfur nutrient status
Authors: Zhang Bo , Pasini Rita , Dan Hanbin , Joshi Naveen , Zhao Yihong , Leustek Thomas , Zheng Zhi‐Liang 
Published: November 2013

SummarySulfur is required for the biosynthesis of cysteine, methionine and numerous other metabolites, and thus is critical for cellular metabolism and various growth and developmental processes. Plants are able to sense their physiological state with respect to sulfur availability, but the sensor remains to be identified. Here we report the isolation and characterization of two novel allelic mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana, sel1‐15 and sel1‐16, which show increased expression of a sulfur deficiency‐activated gene β‐glucosidase 28 (BGLU28). The mutants, which represent two different missense alleles of SULTR1;2, which encodes a high‐affinity sulfate transporter, are defective in sulfate transport and as a result have a lower cellular sulfate level. However, when treated with a very high dose of sulfate, sel1‐15 and sel1‐16 accumulated similar amounts of internal sulfate and its metabolite glutathione (GSH) to wild‐type, but showed higher expression of BGLU28 and other sulfur deficiency‐activated genes than wild‐type. Reduced sensitivity to inhibition of gene expression was also observed in the sel1 mutants when fed with the sulfate metabolites Cys and GSH. In addition, a SULTR1;2 knockout allele also exhibits reduced inhibition in response to sulfate, Cys and GSH, consistent with the phenotype of sel1‐15 and sel1‐16. Taken together, the genetic evidence suggests that, in addition to its known function as a high‐affinity sulfate transporter, SULTR1;2 may have a regulatory role in response to sulfur nutrient status. The possibility that SULTR1;2 may function as a sensor of sulfur status or a component of a sulfur sensory mechanism is discussed.
Endocarditis Caused by Rhodotorula Infection
Authors: Simon Matthew S. , Somersan Selin , Singh Harjot K. , Hartman Barry , Wickes Brian L. , Jenkins Stephen G. , Walsh Thomas J. , Schuetz Audrey N. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTRhodotorulais an emerging opportunistic fungal pathogen that is rarely reported to cause endocarditis. We describe a case involving a patient who developed endocarditis due toRhodotorula mucilaginosaandStaphylococcus epidermidis, proven by culture and histopathology. The case illustrates the unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges relevant toRhodotorulaspp.
Prevalence of Sequence Types among Clinical and Environmental Isolates of Legionella pneumophila Serogroup 1 in the United States from 1982 to 2012
Authors: Kozak-Muiznieks Natalia A. , Lucas Claressa E. , Brown Ellen , Pondo Tracy , Taylor Thomas H. , Frace Michael , Miskowski Diane , Winchell Jonas M. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

Since the establishment of sequence-based typing as the gold standard for DNA-based typing of
Legionella pneumophila
, the
Legionella
laboratory at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has conducted routine sequence-based typing (SBT) analysis of all incoming
L. pneumophila
serogroup 1 (Lp1) isolates to identify potential links between cases and to better understand genetic diversity and clonal expansion among
L. pneumophila
bacteria. Retrospective genotyping of Lp1 isolates from sporadic cases and Legionnaires' disease (LD) outbreaks deposited into the CDC reference collection since 1982 has been completed. For this study, we compared the distribution of sequence types (STs) among Lp1 isolates implicated in 26 outbreaks in the United States, 571 clinical isolates from sporadic cases of LD in the United States, and 149 environmental isolates with no known association with LD. The Lp1 isolates under study had been deposited into our collection between 1982 and 2012. We identified 17 outbreak-associated STs, 153 sporadic STs, and 49 environmental STs. We observed that Lp1 STs from outbreaks and sporadic cases are more similar to each other than either group is to environmental STs. The most frequent ST for both sporadic and environmental isolates was ST1, accounting for 25% and 49% of the total number of isolates, respectively. The STs shared by both outbreak-associated and sporadic Lp1 included ST1, ST35, ST36, ST37, and ST222. The STs most commonly found in sporadic and outbreak-associated Lp1 populations may have an increased ability to cause disease and thus may require special attention when detected.
Bacteremia Caused by Microbacterium binotii in a Patient with Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Buss Sarah N. , Starlin Richard , Iwen Peter C. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

Microbacterium
species are non-spore-forming, Gram-positive rods rarely associated with human disease. In this report, we describe the first case of bacteremia caused by
Microbacterium binotii
in a patient with sickle cell anemia. The utility of using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis along with phenotypic methods for identification is shown.
Plasmid Copy Number and Disease Severity in Naturally Occurring Ocular Chlamydia trachomatis Infection
Authors: Last Anna R. , Roberts Chrissy h. , Cassama Eunice , Nabicassa Meno , Molina-Gonzalez Sandra , Burr Sarah E. , Mabey David C. W. , Bailey Robin L. , Holland Martin J. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

The
Chlamydia trachomatis
plasmid is a virulence factor. Plasmid copy number,
C. trachomatis
load and disease severity were assessed in a treatment-naive population where trachoma is hyperendemic. By using droplet digital PCR, plasmid copy number was found to be stable (median, 5.34 [range, 1 to 18]) and there were no associations with
C. trachomatis
load or disease severity.
Detection of Intestinal Protozoa in the Clinical Laboratory
Authors: McHardy Ian H. , Wu Max , Shimizu-Cohen Robyn , Couturier Marc Roger , Humphries Romney M. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTDespite recent advances in diagnostic technology, microscopic examination of stool specimens remains central to the diagnosis of most pathogenic intestinal protozoa. Microscopy is, however, labor-intensive and requires a skilled technologist. New, highly sensitive diagnostic methods have been developed for protozoa endemic to developed countries, includingGiardia lamblia(syn.G. intestinalis/G. duodenalis) andCryptosporidiumspp., using technologies that, if expanded, could effectively complement or even replace microscopic approaches. To date, the scope of such novel technologies is limited and may not include common protozoa such asDientamoeba fragilis,Entamoeba histolytica, orCyclospora cayetanensis. This minireview describes canonical approaches for the detection of pathogenic intestinal protozoa, while highlighting recent developments and FDA-approved tools for clinical diagnosis of common intestinal protozoa.
Comparison of Characteristics of Patients Infected by Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, and Campylobacter fetus
Authors: Bessède Emilie , Lehours Philippe , Labadi Leila , Bakiri Sarah , Mégraud Francis 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

A large database of
Campylobacter
isolates precisely identified at the species level was used to compare patients' characteristics. In a multivariate analysis,
Campylobacter coli
was found more often in older patients and in patients having traveled abroad and less often in summertime than
Campylobacter jejuni
.
Campylobacter fetus
infection occurred in much older patients and in hospitalized patients with a systemic disease.
Analysis of Early Dengue Virus Infection in Mice as Modulated by Aedes aegypti Probing
Authors: McCracken M. K. , Christofferson R. C. , Chisenhall D. M. , Mores C. N. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

Dengue virus (DENV), the etiologic agent of dengue fever, is transmitted during probing of human skin by infected-mosquito bite. The expectorated viral inoculum also contains an assortment of mosquito salivary proteins that have been shown to modulate host hemostasis and innate immune responses. To examine the potential role of mosquito probing in DENV establishment within the vertebrate host, we inoculated mice intradermally with DENV serotype 2 strain 1232 at sites where
Aedes aegypti
had or had not probed immediately prior. We assayed these sites 3 h postinoculation with transcript arrays for the Toll-like receptor (TLR), RIG-I-like receptor, and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways of the innate immune system. We then chose TLR7, transcription factor p65 (RelA), gamma interferon (IFN-γ), and IFN-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) from the arrays for further investigation and assayed these transcripts at 10 min, 3 h, and 6 h postinoculation. The transcripts for TLR7, RelA, IFN-γ, and IP-10 were significantly downregulated between 2- and 3-fold in the group subjected to mosquito probing relative to the virus-only inoculation group at 3 h postinoculation. A reduction in these transcripts could indicate reduced DENV recognition and antigen presentation and diminished inhibition of viral replication and spread. Further, mosquito probing resulted in viremia titers significantly higher than those in mice that did not receive probing.
A. aegypti
probing has a significant effect on the innate immune response to DENV infection and generates an early immune environment more permissive to the establishment of infection.
Adenovirus Death Protein (ADP) Is Required for Lytic Infection of Human Lymphocytes
Authors: Murali V. K. , Ornelles D. A. , Gooding L. R. , Wilms H. T. , Huang W. , Tollefson A. E. , Wold W. S. M. , Garnett-Benson C. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT
The adenovirus death protein (ADP) is expressed at late times during a lytic infection of species C adenoviruses. ADP promotes the release of progeny virus by accelerating the lysis and death of the host cell. Since some human lymphocytes survive while maintaining a persistent infection with species C adenovirus, we compared ADP expression in these cells with ADP expression in lymphocytes that proceed with a lytic infection. Levels of ADP were low in KE37 and BJAB cells, which support a persistent infection. In contrast, levels of ADP mRNA and protein were higher in Jurkat cells, which proceed with a lytic infection. Epithelial cells infected with an ADP-overexpressing virus died more quickly than epithelial cells infected with an ADP-deleted virus. However, KE37, and BJAB cells remained viable after infection with the ADP-overexpressing virus. Although the levels of ADP mRNA increased in KE37 and BJAB cells infected with the ADP-overexpressing virus, the fraction of cells with detectable ADP was unchanged, suggesting that the control of ADP expression differs between epithelial and lymphocytic cells. When infected with an ADP-deleted adenovirus, Jurkat cells survived and maintained viral DNA for greater than 1 month. These findings are consistent with the notion that the level of ADP expression determines whether lymphocytic cells proceed with a lytic or a persistent adenovirus infection.
Mapping of Betapapillomavirus Human Papillomavirus 5 Transcription and Characterization of Viral-Genome Replication Function
Authors: Sankovski Eve , Männik Andres , Geimanen Jelizaveta , Ustav Ene , Ustav Mart 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT
Betapapillomavirus replication and transcription have not been studied in detail because of a lack of suitable cellular systems supporting human papillomavirus (HPV) genome replication. We have recently shown that the human osteosarcoma cell line U2OS provides a useful environment for the genome replication of many different HPVs, including the betapapillomaviruses HPV5 and HPV8. Using mutational analysis and complementation assay, we demonstrated herein that the viral early proteins E1 and E2 are viral transfactors that are necessary and sufficient for HPV5 genome replication. We also identified four HPV5 early promoter regions with transcription start sites (TSSs) at nucleotides (nt) 184/191, 460, 840, and 1254, respectively, and the HPV late promoter with a TSS at nt 7640. In addition, we mapped the HPV5 early polyadenylation cleavage sites via 3′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (3′RACE) to nt 4457 and 4475. In total, 14 different viral mRNA species, originating from the HPV5 genome, were mapped in U2OS cells during transient and stable replication. The main splicing donor and acceptor sites identified herein are consistent with the data previously obtained in HPV5-positive skin lesions. In addition, we identified novel E8 open reading frame (ORF)-containing transcripts (E8^E1C and E8^E2C) expressed from the HPV5 genome. Similar to several other papillomaviruses, the product of the E8^E2C mRNA acts as a repressor of viral genome replication.
Intracellular Dynamics of HIV Infection
Authors: Petravic Janka , Ellenberg Paula , Chan Ming-Liang , Paukovics Geza , Smyth Redmond P. , Mak Johnson , Davenport Miles P. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

Early studies of HIV infection dynamics suggested that virus-producing HIV-infected cells had an average half-life of approximately 1 day. However, whether this average behavior is reflective of the dynamics of individual infected cells is unclear. Here, we use HIV-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) constructs and flow cytometry sorting to explore the dynamics of cell infection, viral protein production, and cell death
in vitro
. By following the numbers of productively infected cells expressing EGFP over time, we show that infected cell death slows down over time. Although infected cell death
in vivo
could be very different, our results suggest that the constant decay of cell numbers observed
in vivo
during antiretroviral treatment could reflect a balance of cell death and delayed viral protein production. We observe no correlation between viral protein production and death rate of productively infected cells, showing that viral protein production is not likely to be the sole determinant of the death of HIV-infected cells. Finally, we show that all observed features can be reproduced by a simple model in which infected cells have broad distributions of productive life spans, times to start viral protein production, and viral protein production rates. This broad spectrum of the level and timing of viral protein production provides new insights into the behavior and characteristics of HIV-infected cells.