bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ1) in breast milk and indicators of infant atopy in a birth cohort
Authors: Joseph Christine L. M. , Havstad Suzanne , Bobbitt Kevin , Woodcroft Kimberley , Zoratti Edward M. , Nageotte Christian , Misiak Rana , Enberg Robert , Nicholas Charlotte , Ezell Jerel M. , Ownby Dennis R. , Johnson Christine Cole 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe infant gut's ability to suppress immunologic reactions to food proteins could be influenced by levels of TGFβ in breast milk. We hypothesized that lower levels of TGFβ1 in the breast milk (BM) of mothers in the WHEALS birth cohort are associated with atopy at infant age 2–3 yrs.MethodsWe used data collected during infancy in addition to the results of skin prick tests (SPT+) and measures of specific IgE >0.35 IU/ml (spIgE) to milk, egg, and peanut at infant age 2–3 years. Infants were classified as food allergic (FA) based on parental report of infant symptoms/diagnoses and information from clinical assessments.ResultsData for 304 cohort members were analyzed. Among non‐black infants, BM‐TGFβ1 was lower for those classified as FA (vs. no FA) and those SPT+ (vs., SPT‐), geometric mean = 1100 pg/ml vs. 1417pg/ml, p = 0.081; and 1100 pg/ml vs. 1415pg/ml, p = 0.064, respectively. Among infants of non‐atopic mothers, BM‐TGFβ1 was lower for those with elevated (vs. not elevated) sIgE, geometric mean = 1347 pg/ml vs. 1651 pg/ml, p = 0.047. Using logistic regression, adjusted odds ratios describing the association of BM‐TGFβ1 to the presence of atopic indicators in the infant were in the hypothesized direction only for non‐black infants of non‐atopic mothers: aORs for FA, sIgE and SPT+ were 0.08, 0.34, and 0.26 respectively; p = 0.091, 0.13, and 0.23.ConclusionImmune benefit of BM‐TGFβ1 could inform prevention strategies. Evidence of an association appears greatly influenced by infant race and maternal atopy. More research can determine if these relationships represent a modifiable risk factor for the development of food allergy in certain subgroups.
Semidwarf gene sdk has pleiotropic effects on rice (Oryza sativa L.) plant architecture
Authors: Yang XiaoMing , Jiang Ling , Yang Chao , Li Hui , Liu LingLong , Wan JianMin 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIdeal plant architecture has become a significant objective in high‐yield rice breeding. In this study, a new semidwarf gene in sdk, a spontaneous dwarf mutant of ‘Kasalath’, was characterized and genetically mapped. The mutant has smaller panicles and seeds, reduced awns, and is 6–8 days earlier in heading than ‘Kasalath’. There was no significant difference in number (No.) of seeds and fertile seeds per panicle. Genetic analysis indicated that the dwarf character of sdk is controlled by a recessive gene, semidwarf k (sdk). From a segregating population of about 65 000 individuals, 4987 sdk‐type individuals were sampled. Gene sdk was located in a genomic region of 2622 kb flanked by markers R‐12 and R‐43 in the centromeric region of chromosome 2. The results provide an opportunity for gaining an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying sdk and opening possibilities for its use in rice breeding programmes.
Reduced daytime intramuscular blood flow in patients with restless legs syndrome/Willis–Ekbom disease
Authors: Oskarsson Eva , Wåhlin‐Larsson Britta , Ulfberg Jan 
Published: February 2014

AimThe aim of this study was to examine possible signs of impairment of the microcirculation in the lower extremities of female patients suffering from primary restless legs syndrome (RLS)/Willis–Ekbom disease.MethodsThis study was performed in eight female patients, mean age 48 years (range 21–65), diagnosed with primary RLS but otherwise healthy. Eight healthy female control subjects, mean age 47 years (range 27–64), were also included in the study. Laser Doppler flowmetry was used to determine intramuscular blood flow by placing an optical single fiber in the tibialis anterior muscle belly. The studies were performed between 08.00 and 10.00 hours and 20.00 and 22.00 hours. Blood flow was expressed in perfusion units.ResultsThe median intramuscular blood flow in the RLS patients' tibialis anterior muscles, recorded from both legs, was significantly higher in the morning, at 17.9 perfusion units, than in the evening, at 12.1 perfusion units (P = 0.004). Corresponding values for the healthy controls were 13.1 perfusion units and 12.0 perfusion units, a non‐significant difference. The relative fold changes of microcirculation in the RLS group compared to healthy age‐matched controls were 0.7 ± 0.3 and 1.1 ± 0.6, respectively (P = 0.04).ConclusionOur results suggest that in female patients with primary RLS, the microcirculation in the tibialis anterior muscle is higher in the morning compared with in the evening.
Effects of maternal depressive symptomatology during pregnancy and the postpartum period on infant–mother attachment
Authors: Ohoka Harue , Koide Takayoshi , Goto Setsuko , Murase Satomi , Kanai Atsuko , Masuda Tomoko , Aleksic Branko , Ishikawa Naoko , Furumura Kaori , Ozaki Norio 
Published: February 2014

AimPostnatal depression has demonstrated long‐term consequences on child cognitive and emotional development; however, the link between maternal and child pathology has not been clearly identified. We conducted a prospective study using self‐rating questionnaires to clarify the association between bonding disorder and maternal mood during pregnancy and after childbirth.MethodsA total of 389 women participated in this study and completed questionnaires. Participants were asked to complete the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Mother‐to‐Infant Bonding Scale four times during pregnancy and the postpartum period.ResultsWe found statistically significant weak to moderate correlations (r = 0.14–0.39) between the EPDS and Mother‐to‐Infant Bonding Scale scores at each testing period. Women who experienced low mood tended to have stronger bonding disorder. Furthermore, the effectiveness of attachment between the mother and child was closely related to the mood of the mother as measured by the EPDS.ConclusionWe observed different patterns of bonding and maternal mood. Distinct subtypes regarding maternal mood and formation of mother‐to‐infant attachment suggests that analysis of bonding disorder should be performed considering the course of maternal depressive symptoms.
Patient and family factors associated with family accommodation in obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Gomes Juliana Braga , Van Noppen Barbara , Pato Michele , Braga Daniela Tusi , Meyer Elisabeth , Bortoncello Cristiane Flôres , Cordioli Aristides Volpato 
Published: February 2014

AimObsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) impacts family functioning as family members modify their personal and family routines, participate in rituals, and provide reassurance. These behaviors have been identified as family accommodation (FA), a phenomenon that, if ignored, may facilitate OCD symptoms and lead to poorer prognosis. Because FA has been recognized as a predictor of treatment outcome, we examined the prevalence of FA and identified patient and family sociodemographic and clinical variables associated with FA in an outpatient sample.MethodsThe study comprised 228 subjects, namely, 114 patients with OCD and 114 family members, assessed before the patients entered a 12‐session cognitive behavioral group therapy program. A multivariate linear regression model was used to control for confounding factors and to evaluate variables independently associated with FA. FA was evaluated using the Family Accommodation Scale for Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder – Interviewer Rated.ResultsFA was found to be highly prevalent among family members. Two patient factors positively associated with FA were OCD severity as measured by the Clinical Global Impressions Scale and higher scores on the Obsessions dimension of the Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory – Revised. Family members' characteristics that were positively associated with FA were higher scores on the Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory – Revised hoarding subscale and being the patient's spouse.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the early identification of patients and family members who could benefit from interventions aimed at reducing FA could improve treatment outcomes.
Semi‐Automated Registration Of Close‐Range Hyperspectral Scans Using Oriented Digital Camera Imagery And A 3d Model
Authors: Sima Aleksandra A. , Buckley Simon J. , Kurz Tobias H. , Schneider Danilo 
Published: February 2014

AbstractDiverse applications can benefit from the integration of data acquired by a new generation of close‐range imaging sensors with high‐resolution three‐dimensional (3D) geometric data. However, such integration requires increased automation and efficiency of image‐data registration to guarantee adoption by users beyond the geomatics community. This paper presents a semi‐automated method for registering terrestrial panoramic hyperspectral imagery with lidar models and conventional digital photography. The method relies on finding corresponding points between images acquired in significantly different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, from different viewpoints, and with different spatial resolution and geometric projections. Optimisation of the scale invariant feature transform (SIFT) operator was required to ensure a sufficient number of homologous points, as well as a routine for eliminating false matches. A band selection routine maximises the number of points found while minimising the input data for SIFT. Three‐dimensional object coordinates were derived in the lidar model and used as control points in a bundle block adjustment to determine the hyperspectral exterior orientation and intrinsic camera parameters. The method developed was applied to two datasets with different characteristics, and the results indicate that the proposed method is a time‐saving alternative to manual approaches.
Resource utilisation Efficiency: A South African Provincial Evaluation
Authors: van Heerden Chris , Rossouw Riaan 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to analyse the utilisation of production capacity and total under‐utilisation in order to identify weak‐performing industries across the nine South African provinces. Detecting inefficiencies within the different provinces will help to identify where sound managerial or government intervention is required, which can contribute to the future success of the New Growth Path Framework and the Strategic Integrated Projects. Using a multistage data envelopment analysis model at the subnational level, several categories of production factors are explored: intermediate demand, labour, capital, as well as taxes and subsidies. The results emphasise South Africa's weak infrastructure and the failure to effectively promote stability in managing factor inputs. The results further illustrate that industry scale efficiency for water and electricity are poorest across all provinces, highlighting the current water and energy supply concerns in South Africa and problem areas associated with the National Development Program.
Objective Evaluation of the Width of Source Ensemble in Virtual Halls
Authors: Cerdá Salvador , Giménez Alicia , Cibrián Rosa , Segura Jaume , Montell Radha , Barba Arturo 
Published: February 2014

In this work, we study the effects of the width of the sound source in several acoustical virtual room models with different topologies, sizes and uses, calibrated with commercial software. To achieve this aim, a square distribution of sound sources with variable side length has been considered. We have auralized four channels of speech signal and musical signal in three different locations in each room. By using signal processing techniques, a comparison of multisource auralizations with the ones obtained from a single source in the middle of the stage is made. Also, the variations between the usual room parameters obtained from these simulations are analyzed, in order to show the effect of the hall in the objective evaluation according to the source width.
Paper NCAD2012-72001 is available online only.
Detection of Carbapenemases by Real-Time PCR and Melt Curve Analysis on the BD Max System
Authors: Hofko Marjeta , Mischnik Alexander , Kaase Martin , Zimmermann Stefan , Dalpke Alexander H. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT
We developed a multiplex SYBR green real-time PCR for the BD Max instrument (BD Diagnostics, Sparks, MD) to detect a panel of carbapenemases. The assay was evaluated with 152 consecutive isolates sent to the German National Reference Laboratory, and 65/65 of the carbapenemase-positive and 87/87 of the carbapenemase-negative strains were identified correctly.
Association between Norovirus and Rotavirus Infection and Histo-Blood Group Antigen Types in Vietnamese Children
Authors: Trang Nguyen Van , Vu Hau ThiBich , Le Nhung ThiHong , Huang Pengwei , Jiang Xi , Anh Dang Duc 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT

Norovirus and rotavirus are the two most important causes of acute gastroenteritis in children worldwide. Both norovirus and rotavirus recognize human histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs), and multiple binding patterns for HBGAs have been reported. To explore the role of HBGAs in host susceptibility to norovirus and rotavirus, we conducted a cross-sectional study in children hospitalized with diarrhea in northern Vietnam from September 2010 through September 2012. Of 260 children with paired stool and saliva samples, 158 (61%) were classified as HBGA secretors (Le
a−b+
), 31 (12%) were nonsecretors (Le
a+b−
), and 71 (27%) were partial secretors (Le
a+b+
). Norovirus was detected in 50 patients (19%), with viral genotypes GII.3 (
n
= 28) and GII.4 (
n
= 22) being the most common. All children infected with norovirus strains of genotype GII.4 were either HBGA secretors or partial secretors. Of the 28 GII.3 cases, 12 involved HBGA secretors, 11 partial secretors, and 5 nonsecretors. A total of 85 children tested positive for rotavirus, 74 of whom were infected with genotype P[8], 5 with P[4], and 6 with P[6]; all were HBGA secretors or partial secretors. This is the first epidemiological study demonstrating in a population that HBGA phenotype is a key susceptibility factor for both norovirus and rotavirus infections in children.
Is Leclercia adecarboxylata a New and Unfamiliar Marine Pathogen?
Authors: Keren Yaniv , Keshet Doron , Eidelman Mark , Geffen Yuval , Raz-Pasteur Ayelet , Hussein Khetam 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT

Leclercia adecarboxylata
infection is rarely reported in the context of human infections. In the scant cases reported in the literature, it usually involves individuals who are immunocompromised with infections of a polymicrobial nature. Recently, data have begun to accumulate suggesting that
L. adecarboxylata
is a pathogen associated with water environments. We review the literature regarding
L. adecarboxylata
infections and present a case of cellulitis and soft-tissue infection in the foot of a healthy surfer.
A Recombinant Hendra Virus G Glycoprotein Subunit Vaccine Protects Nonhuman Primates against Hendra Virus Challenge
Authors: Mire Chad E. , Geisbert Joan B. , Agans Krystle N. , Feng Yan-Ru , Fenton Karla A. , Bossart Katharine N. , Yan Lianying , Chan Yee-Peng , Broder Christopher C. , Geisbert Thomas W. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT

Hendra virus (HeV) is a zoonotic emerging virus belonging to the family
Paramyxoviridae
. HeV causes severe and often fatal respiratory and/or neurologic disease in both animals and humans. Currently, there are no licensed vaccines or antiviral drugs approved for human use. A number of animal models have been developed for studying HeV infection, with the African green monkey (AGM) appearing to most faithfully reproduce the human disease. Here, we assessed the utility of a newly developed recombinant subunit vaccine based on the HeV attachment (G) glycoprotein in the AGM model. Four AGMs were vaccinated with two doses of the HeV vaccine (sG
HeV
) containing Alhydrogel, four AGMs received the sG
HeV
with Alhydrogel and CpG, and four control animals did not receive the sG
HeV
vaccine. Animals were challenged with a high dose of infectious HeV 21 days after the boost vaccination. None of the eight specifically vaccinated animals showed any evidence of clinical illness and survived the challenge. All four controls became severely ill with symptoms consistent with HeV infection, and three of the four animals succumbed 8 days after exposure. Success of the recombinant subunit vaccine in AGMs provides pivotal data in supporting its further preclinical development for potential human use.

IMPORTANCE
A Hendra virus attachment (G) glycoprotein subunit vaccine was tested in nonhuman primates to assess its ability to protect them from a lethal infection with Hendra virus. It was found that all vaccinated African green monkeys were completely protected against subsequent Hendra virus infection and disease. The success of this new subunit vaccine in nonhuman primates provides critical data in support of its further development for future human use.
Ultrastructural Characterization and Three-Dimensional Architecture of Replication Sites in Dengue Virus-Infected Mosquito Cells
Authors: Junjhon Jiraphan , Pennington Janice G. , Edwards Thomas J. , Perera Rushika , Lanman Jason , Kuhn Richard J. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT
During dengue virus infection of host cells, intracellular membranes are rearranged into distinct subcellular structures such as double-membrane vesicles, convoluted membranes, and tubular structures. Recent electron tomographic studies have provided a detailed three-dimensional architecture of the double-membrane vesicles, representing the sites of dengue virus replication, but temporal and spatial evidence linking membrane morphogenesis with viral RNA synthesis is lacking. Integrating techniques in electron tomography and molecular virology, we defined an early period in virus-infected mosquito cells during which the formation of a virus-modified membrane structure, the double-membrane vesicle, is proportional to the rate of viral RNA synthesis. Convoluted membranes were absent in dengue virus-infected C6/36 cells. Electron tomographic reconstructions elucidated a high-resolution view of the replication complexes inside vesicles and allowed us to identify distinct pathways of particle formation. Hence, our findings extend the structural details of dengue virus replication within mosquito cells and highlight their differences from mammalian cells.

IMPORTANCE
Dengue virus induces several distinct intracellular membrane structures within the endoplasmic reticulum of mammalian cells. These structures, including double-membrane vesicles and convoluted membranes, are linked, respectively, with viral replication and viral protein processing. However, dengue virus cycles between two disparate animal groups with differing physiologies: mammals and mosquitoes. Using techniques in electron microscopy, we examined the differences between intracellular structures induced by dengue virus in mosquito cells. Additionally, we utilized techniques in molecular virology to temporally link events in virus replication to the formation of these dengue virus-induced membrane structures.
Differential Properties of Cytomegalovirus pUL97 Kinase Isoforms Affect Viral Replication and Maribavir Susceptibility
Authors: Webel Rike , Hakki Morgan , Prichard Mark N. , Rawlinson William D. , Marschall Manfred , Chou Sunwen 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT
The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-encoded kinase pUL97 is required for efficient viral replication. Previous studies described two isoforms of pUL97, the full-length isoform (M1) and a smaller isoform likely resulting from translation initiation at codon 74 (M74). Here, we report the detection of a third pUL97 isoform during viral infection resulting from translation initiation at codon 157 (isoform M157). The consistent expression of isoform M157 as a minor component of pUL97 during infection with clinical and laboratory-adapted HCMV strains was suppressed when codon 157 was mutagenized. Viral mutants expressing specific isoforms were generated to compare their growth and drug susceptibility phenotypes, as well as pUL97 intracellular localization patterns and kinase activities. The exclusive expression of isoform M157 resulted in substantially reduced viral growth and resistance to the pUL97 inhibitor maribavir while retaining susceptibility to ganciclovir. Confocal imaging demonstrated reduced nuclear import of amino-terminal deletion isoforms compared to isoform M1. Isoform M157 showed reduced efficiency of various substrate protein interactions and autophosphorylation, whereas Rb phosphorylation was preserved. These results reveal differential properties of pUL97 isoforms that affect viral replication, with implications for the antiviral efficacy of maribavir.

IMPORTANCE
The HCMV UL97 kinase performs important functions in viral replication that are targeted by the antiviral drug maribavir. Here, we describe a naturally occurring short isoform of the kinase that when expressed by itself in a recombinant virus results in altered intracellular localization, impaired growth, and high-level resistance to maribavir compared to those of the predominant full-length counterpart. This is another factor to consider in explaining why maribavir appears to have variable antiviral activity in cell culture and
in vivo
.
MicroRNA 155 Regulates Japanese Encephalitis Virus-Induced Inflammatory Response by Targeting Src Homology 2-Containing Inositol Phosphatase 1
Authors: Thounaojam Menaka Chanu , Kundu Kiran , Kaushik Deepak Kumar , Swaroop Shalini , Mahadevan Anita , Shankar Susarla Krishna , Basu Anirban 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded small RNA molecules that regulate various cellular processes. miRNA 155 (miR-155) regulates various aspects of innate and adaptive immune responses and plays a key role in various viral infections and the resulting neuroinflammation. The present study evaluated the involvement of miR-155 in modulating
Japanese encephalitis virus
(JEV)-induced neuroinflammation. We observed that miR-155 expression was upregulated during JEV infection of mouse primary microglia, the BV-2 microglia cell line, and in both mouse and human brains.
In vitro
and
in vivo
knockdown of miR-155 minimized JEV-induced inflammatory responses. In the present study, we confirmed targeting of the Src homology 2-containing inositol phosphatase 1 (SHIP1) 3′ untranslated region (UTR) by miR-155 in the context of JEV infection. Inhibition of SHIP1 by miR-155 resulted in higher beta interferon (IFN-β) and proinflammatory cytokine production through activation of TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK-1). Based on these observations, we conclude that miR-155 modulates the neuroinflammatory response during JEV infection via negative regulation of SHIP1 expression. Thus, modulation of miR-155 could be a novel strategy to regulate JEV-induced neuroinflammation.

IMPORTANCE
Japanese encephalitis virus
(JEV), a member of the family
Flaviviridae
that causes Japanese encephalitis (JE), is the most common mosquito-borne encephalitis virus in the Asia-Pacific region. The disease is feared, as currently there are no specific antiviral drugs available. JEV targets the central nervous system, leading to high mortality and neurological and psychiatric sequelae in some of those who survive. The level of inflammation correlates well with the clinical outcome in patients. Recently, microRNA (miRNA), a single-stranded noncoding RNA, has been implicated in various brain disorders. The present study investigates the role of miRNA in JEV-induced neuroinflammation. Our results show that miRNA 155 (miR-155) targets the Src homology 2-containing inositol phosphatase 1 (SHIP1) protein and promotes inflammation by regulating the NF-κB pathway, increasing the expression of various proinflammatory cytokines and the antiviral response. Thus, miR-155 is a potential therapeutic target to develop antivirals in JE and other brain disorders where inflammation plays a significant role in disease progression.