bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Semen-Derived Enhancer of Viral Infection (SEVI) Binds Bacteria, Enhances Bacterial Phagocytosis by Macrophages, and Can Protect against Vaginal Infection by a Sexually Transmitted Bacterial Pathogen
Authors: Easterhoff David , Ontiveros Fernando , Brooks Lauren R. , Kim Yoel , Ross Brittany , Silva Jharon N. , Olsen Joanna S. , Feng Changyong , Hardy Dwight J. , Dunman Paul M. , Dewhurst Stephen 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTThe semen-derived enhancer of viral infection (SEVI) is a positively charged amyloid fibril that is derived from a self-assembling proteolytic cleavage fragment of prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP248-286). SEVI efficiently facilitates HIV-1 infectionin vitro, but its normal physiologic function remains unknown. In light of the fact that other amyloidogenic peptides have been shown to possess direct antibacterial activity, we investigated whether SEVI could inhibit bacterial growth. Neither SEVI fibrils nor the unassembled PAP248-286peptide had significant direct antibacterial activityin vitro. However, SEVI fibrils bound to both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coliandNeisseria gonorrhoeae) bacteria, in a charge-dependent fashion. Furthermore, SEVI fibrils but not the monomeric PAP248-286peptide promoted bacterial aggregation and enhanced the phagocytosis of bacteria by primary human macrophages. SEVI also enhanced binding of bacteria to macrophages and the subsequent release of bacterially induced proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], interleukin-6 [IL-6], and IL-1β). Finally, SEVI fibrils inhibited murine vaginal colonization withNeisseria gonorrhoeae. These findings demonstrate that SEVI has indirect antimicrobial activity and that this activity is dependent on both the cationic charge and the fibrillar nature of SEVI.
Plasmodium coatneyi in Rhesus Macaques Replicates the Multisystemic Dysfunction of Severe Malaria in Humans
Authors: Moreno Alberto , Cabrera-Mora Monica , Garcia AnaPatricia , Orkin Jack , Strobert Elizabeth , Barnwell John W. , Galinski Mary R. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTSevere malaria, a leading cause of mortality among children and nonimmune adults, is a multisystemic disorder characterized by complex clinical syndromes that are mechanistically poorly understood. The interplay of various parasite and host factors is critical in the pathophysiology of severe malaria. However, knowledge regarding the pathophysiological mechanisms and pathways leading to the multisystemic disorders of severe malaria in humans is limited. Here, we systematically investigate infections withPlasmodium coatneyi, a simian malaria parasite that closely mimics the biological characteristics ofP. falciparum, and develop baseline data and protocols for studying erythrocyte turnover and severe malaria in greater depth. We show that rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) experimentally infected withP. coatneyidevelop anemia, coagulopathy, and renal and metabolic dysfunction. The clinical course of acute infections required suppressive antimalaria chemotherapy, fluid support, and whole-blood transfusion, mimicking the standard of care for the management of severe malaria cases in humans. Subsequent infections in the same animals progressed with a mild illness in comparison, suggesting that immunity played a role in reducing the severity of the disease. Our results demonstrate thatP. coatneyiinfection in rhesus macaques can serve as a highly relevant model to investigate the physiological pathways and molecular mechanisms of malaria pathogenesis in naïve and immune individuals. Together with high-throughput postgenomic technologies, such investigations hold promise for the identification of new clinical interventions and adjunctive therapies.
Parasitic Nematode-Induced Modulation of Body Weight and Associated Metabolic Dysfunction in Mouse Models of Obesity
Authors: Yang Zhonghan , Grinchuk Viktoriya , Smith Allen , Qin Bolin , Bohl Jennifer A. , Sun Rex , Notari Luigi , Zhang Zhongyan , Sesaki Hiromi , Urban Joseph F. , Shea-Donohue Terez , Zhao Aiping 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Obesity is associated with a chronic low-grade inflammation characterized by increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines that are implicated in disrupted metabolic homeostasis. Parasitic nematode infection induces a polarized Th2 cytokine response and has been explored to treat autoimmune diseases. We investigated the effects of nematode infection against obesity and the associated metabolic dysfunction. Infection of RIP2-Opa1KO mice or C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) with
Nippostrongylus brasiliensis
decreased weight gain and was associated with improved glucose metabolism. Infection of obese mice fed the HFD reduced body weight and adipose tissue mass, ameliorated hepatic steatosis associated with a decreased expression of key lipogenic enzymes/mediators, and improved glucose metabolism, accompanied by changes in the profile of metabolic hormones. The infection resulted in a phenotypic change in adipose tissue macrophages that was characterized by upregulation of alternative activation markers. Interleukin-13 (IL-13) activation of the STAT6 signaling pathway was required for the infection-induced attenuation of steatosis but not for improved glucose metabolism, whereas weight loss was attributed to both IL-13/STAT6-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Parasitic nematode infection has both preventive and therapeutic effects against the development of obesity and associated features of metabolic dysfunction in mice.
The Fimbrial Protein FlfA from Gallibacterium anatis Is a Virulence Factor and Vaccine Candidate
Authors: Bager Ragnhild J. , Nesta Barbara , Pors Susanne E. , Soriani Marco , Serino Laura , Boyce John D. , Adler Ben , Bojesen Anders M. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

The Gram-negative bacterium
Gallibacterium anatis
is a major cause of salpingitis and peritonitis in egg-laying chickens, leading to decreased egg production worldwide. Widespread multidrug resistance largely prevents treatment of this organism using traditional antimicrobial agents, while antigenic diversity hampers disease prevention by classical vaccines. Thus, insight into its pathogenesis and knowledge about important virulence factors is urgently required. A key event during the colonization and invasion of mucosal surfaces is adherence, and recently, at least three F17-like fimbrial gene clusters were identified in the genomes of several
G. anatis
strains. The objective of this study was to characterize the putative F17-like fimbrial subunit protein FlfA from
G. anatis
12656-12 and determine its importance for virulence.
In vitro
expression and surface exposure of FlfA was demonstrated by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy. The predicted function of FlfA as a fimbrial subunit protein was confirmed by immunogold electron microscopy. An
flfA
deletion mutant (Δ
flfA
) was generated in
G. anatis
12656-12, and importantly, this mutant was significantly attenuated in the natural chicken host. Furthermore, protection against
G. anatis
12656-12 could be induced by immunizing chickens with recombinant FlfA. Finally,
in vitro
expression of FlfA homologs was observed in a genetically diverse set of
G. anatis
strains, suggesting the potential of FlfA as a serotype-independent vaccine candidate This is the first study describing a fimbrial subunit protein of
G. anatis
with a clear potential as a vaccine antigen.
Identification of Multilocus Genetic Heterogeneity in Anaplasma marginale subsp. centrale and Its Restriction following Tick-Borne Transmission
Authors: Herndon David R. , Ueti Massaro W. , Reif Kathryn E. , Noh Susan M. , Brayton Kelly A. , Agnes Joseph T. , Palmer Guy H. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Anaplasma marginale
subsp.
centrale
was the first vaccine used to protect against a rickettsial disease and is still in widespread use a century later. As its use preceded development of either cryopreservation or cell culture, the vaccine strain was maintained for decades by sequential passage among donor animals, excluding the natural tick-borne transmission cycle that provides a selective pressure or population “bottleneck.” We demonstrated that the vaccine strain is genetically heterogeneous at 46 chromosomal loci and that heterogeneity was maintained upon inoculation into recipient animals. The number of variants per site ranged from 2 to 11 with a mean of 2.8/locus and a mode and median of 2/locus; variants included single-nucleotide polymorphisms, insertions/deletions, polynucleotide tracts, and different numbers of perfect repeats. The genetic heterogeneity is highly unlikely to be a result of strain contamination based on analysis using a panel of eight gene markers with a high power for strain discrimination. In contrast, heterogeneity appears to be a result of genetic drift in the absence of the restriction of tick passage. Heterogeneity could be reduced following tick passage, and the reduced heterogeneity could be maintained in sequential intravenous and tick-borne passages. The reduction in vaccine strain heterogeneity following tick passage did not confer an enhanced transmission phenotype, indicating that a stochastically determined population bottleneck was likely responsible as opposed to a positive selective pressure. These findings demonstrate the plasticity of an otherwise highly constrained genome and highlight the role of natural transmission cycles in shaping and maintaining the bacterial genome.
Postexposure Subunit Vaccination against Chronic Enteric Mycobacterial Infection in a Natural Host
Authors: Santema Wiebren , Rutten Victor , Segers Ruud , Poot Jacqueline , Hensen Selma , Heesterbeek Hans , Koets Ad 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

The control of chronic bacterial diseases with high prevalence in areas of endemicity would strongly benefit from availability of postexposure vaccines. The development of these vaccines against mycobacterial infections, such as (para)tuberculosis, is hampered by lack of experience in natural hosts. Paratuberculosis in cattle is both a mycobacterial disease of worldwide importance and a natural host model for mycobacterial infections in general. The present study showed beneficial effects of therapeutic heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) vaccination in cattle with naturally acquired chronic infection with
Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
. Vaccination-induced protection was associated with antibody responses, rather than with induction of specific T helper 1 cells. Targeted therapeutic postexposure vaccination complementary to selective use of antibiotics could be an effective approach for control of chronic mycobacterial infections.
The Interaction of Projectiles with Tissues and the Management of Ballistic Fractures
Authors: Clasper J 
Published: March 2013

Wounds to the limbs are the commonest injuries seen during armed conflict and injury results from the transfer of energy from the missile to the tissues. There are a number of factors that determine the transfer of energy, and thus the extent of wounding. These include the velocity of the missile, its shape and stability, and the tissue through which the missile passes. Many of the wounds involve bone, and because of the interaction of missiles with bone, significant fractures can occur.In many previous conflicts amputation was considered the treatment of choice for many limb injuries, but with recent advances in the management of severe open fractures, many of these limbs are now salvageable. Whilst the basic principles of the initial débridement remain unchanged, techniques of fracture stabilisation and definitive soft tissue cover have changed, and it is necessary to consider these in relation to military fractures. Definitive soft tissue closure can be safely delayed until evacuation further down the medical chain, but stabilisation of the fracture must be considered at the time of initial surgery. Many of the advances in fracture management may be unsuitable for use in a military environment due to logistical constraints. In addition it is likely that wound infection will be more common with military injuries, and this will influence the treatment.This paper considers the interaction of missiles with soft tissue and bone, and discusses possible methods of fracture stabilisation in the military environment.
Sports And Training Injuries In British Soldiers: The Colchester Garrison Sports Injury And Rehabilitation Centre
Authors: Strowbridge NF , Burgess KR 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivesTo record and analyse the injuries and conditions requiring referral to the Colchester Garrison Sports Injury and Rehabilitation Centre over a three year period, with special reference to type and site of injury, aetiology, and outcome.MethodsAn ongoing prospective study in which data on the diagnosis, cause of injury, and treatment of all patients referred to the Centre was coded and stored on a database. A total of seventeen variables were recorded.SubjectsAll patients were trained, serving soldiers in the British Army referred via their General Practitioner to the Sports Injury and Rehabilitation Centre.ResultsA total of 3921 referrals were made over the three-year period. The most common specific condition seen was low back pain (22.2%) followed by sprain of the ankle (15.1%). Lower limb conditions, both overuse and traumatic, accounted for over half (55.8%) of all referrals. Military training was the most common cause of all conditions (35.2%) followed by organised or personal sport (28.5%). In addition to medical treatment and physiotherapy, 30% of patients required formal rehabilitation.ConclusionsThis is the first full review of the data collected by the Sports Injury and Rehabilitation Centre. It defines the injury patterns for trained soldiers rather than military recruits. Low back pain is identified as a major cause of morbidity in this population. The review serves as a benchmark in the planning of injury prevention strategies and the establishment of future rehabilitation services.
The Alcohol Hangover And Its Potential Impact On The UK Armed Forces: A review Of The Literature On Post-alcohol Impairment
Authors: Barker CT 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo raise awareness within the Defence Medical Services regarding the potential effect of post-alcohol impairment / alcohol hangover.MethodLiterature relating to post-alcohol impairment / alcohol hangover, and the evidence for impairment is reviewed, with discussion relating to UK Armed Forces.ConclusionThe evidence for performance impairment during alcohol hangover is not conclusive. Until further evidence is available policy should acknowledge the potential for impaired functioning, particularly the morning after a heavy drinking session, and even when blood alcohol has returned to zero. Recommendations for clinical practice and areas for further research are presented.
Ballistic Fractures During The 2003 Gulf Conflict – Early Prognosis And High Complication Rate
Authors: Hinsley D E , Phillips SL , Clasper J C 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundBallistic fractures are devastating injuries often necessitating extensive reconstructive surgery or amputation, particularly if associated with high-energy transfer wounds. Infective complications are common, particularly in the austere environment encountered in war. We present the management and early outcome of these injuries with reference to the mechanism of injury and bony injury.MethodData on ballistic fractures was collected prospectively during the ‘warfighting’ phase of the 2003 Gulf Conflict, between 19th March and 20th May. Fractures were scored using the Red Cross Fracture classification and early outcome analysed.ResultsThirty-nine patients, with 50 ballistic fractures, were treated by British military surgeons. Patients were predominantly Iraqi (90%) and 50 per cent of ballistic fractures were caused by bullets. Seventeen upper limb fractures and 33 lower limb fractures were sustained. There were seven traumatic amputations, and a further 2 limbs were amputated primarily. Methods of primary stabilisation for the remaining 41 fractures were: external fixation (22%), POP (14.5%), K-wires (14.5%) traction (10%), and no stabilisation (39%).Seven individuals were evacuated early after primary surgery, hence 43 ballistic fractures were available for follow-up. 13/43 (30%) of wounds became infected, 5/43 (11.5%) were deep infections necessitating surgical drainage. There were 4 late amputations (9.5%), 3 of which had initially been managed by external fixation. Infection occurred significantly more often in gunshot fractures (10/21, 48%), wounds closed primarily – against the principles of war surgery (4/5, 80%) and intra-articular fractures (3/3, 100%) (p=0.022, 0.024 and 0.023 respectively). Differing methods of stabilisation had no bearing on the rate of postoperative infection.ConclusionBallistic fractures remain a challenge for trauma surgeons in times of war and still have a poor prognosis. Further work is required to determine the optimal treatment of these injuries during conflicts. In addition, there still seems to be a continued need to re-learn the principles of war surgery in order to minimise complications and optimise functional recovery.
An Unusual Case Of Talonavicular Dislocation With Associated Ipsilateral Foot Fractures
Authors: Ede Newton , Miller C , Malik MHA , Khan SA 
Published: March 2013

We describe a previously unreported form of a talonavicular dislocation complicated by navicular, talar neck and open calcaneal fractures.Prompt recognition and rapid reduction of fractures and dislocations gives the best possible outcome. The presence of serious distracting injuries can alter priorities, however the “lesser” injuries often lead to long term morbidity after recovery from the life-threatening injuries.
Military Cold Injury During the War in The Falkland Islands 1982: An Evaluation of Possible Risk Factors
Authors: Craig RP 
Published: March 2013

Throughout the history of war, there have been many instances when the cold has ravaged armies more effectively than their enemies. Delineated risk factors are restricted to negro origins, previous cold injury, moderate but not heavy smoking and the possession of blood group O. No attention has been directed to the possibility that abnormal blood constituents could feasibly predispose to the development of local cold injury. This study considers this possibility and investigates the potential contribution of certain components of the circulating blood which might do so. Three groups of soldiers from two of the battalions who served during the war in the Falklands Islands in 1982 were investigated. The risk factors which were sought included the presence or absence of asymptomatic cryoglobulinaemia, abnormal total protein, albumin, individual gamma globulin or complement C3 or C4 levels, plasma hyperviscosity or evidence of chronic alcoholism manifesting as high haemoglobin, PCV, RBC, MCV or gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT).No cases of cryoglobulinaemia were isolated and there was no haematological evidence to suggest that any of those men who had developed cold injury, one year before this study was performed, had abnormal circulating proteins, plasma hyperviscosity or indicators of alcohol abuse. Individual blood groups were not incriminated as a predisposing factor although the small numbers of negroes in this series fared badly.Although this investigation has excluded a range of potential risk factors which could contribute to the development of cold injury, the problem persists.Two areas of further study are needed: the first involves research into the production of better protective clothing in the form of effective cold weather boots and gloves and the second requires the delineation of those dietary and ethnic factors which allow certain communities to adapt successfully to the cold. A review of the literature in this latter area is presented.
Combat “Category A” Calls: Evaluating The Prehospital Timelines in a Military Trauma System
Authors: McLeod J , Hodgetts T , Mahoney P 
Published: March 2013

AimTo establish the pre-hospital timelines for seriously injured UK military casualties on OP HERRICK.PopulationAll consecutive MERT and MERT-E mobilizations from Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, between 04 May 06 and 18 Jun 07.MethodsInterrogation of MS Access database compiled from paper patient report forms for each casualty transported.Results528 patients were transported. 84.6% (456) were battle casualties. There were 192 GSW and 233 casualties with blast/fragmentation injuries. 189 of 528 (35.7%) were UK Service personnel. Median time from injury to handover at the emergency department for UK military T1 casualty subset was 99 minutes.ConclusionThe public perception of excessive timelines for pre-hospital care in Afghanistan has been distorted. The ground truth is a pre-hospital time less than one quarter of the cited 7 hours for the seriously injured subset of UK Service personnel.
Femoral Neck Stress Fractures in Military Personnel – A Case Series
Authors: Talbot JC , Cox G , Townend M , Parker PJ , Langham M 
Published: March 2013

Femoral neck stress fractures (FNSF) are uncommon, representing 5% of all stress fractures. In military personnel, FNSF represents one of the more severe complications of training, which can result in medical discharge. Clinical examination findings are often non-specific and plain radiography may be inconclusive - leading to missed or late diagnosis of FNSF. This paper highlights the significance of FNSFs in military personnel and alerts physicians to the potential diagnosis.We identified all military recruits, aged 17 to 26, who attended the Infantry Training Centre (Catterick, UK), over a four-year period from the 1st July 2002 to 30th June 2006, who had suffered a FNSF. The medical records, plain radiographs, bone scans and MRIs of the recruits were retrospectively reviewed. Of 250 stress fractures 20 were of the femoral neck; representing 8% of all stress fractures and an overall FNSF rate of 12 in 10,000 military recruits.FNSFs were most prevalent amongst Parachute Regiment recruits (1 in 250, p< 0.05). Onset of symptoms was most commonly between weeks 13 – 16 of training. The majority (17/20, 85%) of FNSFs were undisplaced, these were all treated conservatively. Three FNSFs were displaced on presentation and were treated surgically. Overall, the medical discharge rate was 40% (8/20).FNSFs are uncommon and the diagnosis remains a challenge to clinicians and requires a high index of suspicion in these young athletic individuals. In such individuals early referral for MRI is recommended, to aid prompt diagnosis and treatment and to prevent more serious sequelae.
Traumatic Quadriceps Muscle Tears Among Israeli Special Forces Soldiers
Authors: Marom Tal , Itskoviz D , Kutikov S , Naftal JMD , Ostfeld I 
Published: March 2013

Introduction: Quadriceps muscle tear, secondary to direct trauma, is an uncommon injury in a military setting. Signs and symptoms of this injury are usually non-specific and may resemble other, more common and benign overuse injuries.Patients And MethodsFive Israeli Defense Forces Special Forces soldiers who were diagnosed with partial quadriceps muscle tears, following a “low-kick” exercise, aimed to the thigh, during “hand-to-hand combat” training. Diagnosis and follow-up were made using thigh sonography.ResultsSymptoms duration before diagnosis was 20.6±9.41 days (mean± SD, range: 7-35). Two of the soldiers were found to have myositis ossificans at the affected site, a known complication of muscle trauma. Treatment regime included a long rest and intensive physiotherapy, with a gradual return to active service. Downtime from diagnosis was 55.8±17.3 days (mean±SD, range: 24-73). All patients eventually fully recovered and returned to active service.ConclusionQuadriceps muscle tear is a rare injury with a delayed presentation and diagnosis in highly motivated soldiers. Sonography facilitates diagnosis and monitoring of healing. Early diagnosis may decrease morbidity and allow earlier return to work.