bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Salmonella Typhi OmpS1 and OmpS2 porins are potent protective immunogens with adjuvant properties
Authors: Moreno‐Eutimio Mario A. , Tenorio‐Calvo Alejandra , Pastelin‐Palacios Rodolfo , Perez‐Shibayama Christian , Gil‐Cruz Cristina , López‐Santiago Rubén , Baeza Isabel , Fernández‐Mora Marcos , Bonifaz Laura , Isibasi Armando , Calva Edmundo , López‐Macías Constantino 
Published: February 2013

SummarySalmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) is the causal agent of typhoid fever, a disease that primarily affects developing countries. Various antigens from this bacterium have been reported to be targets of the immune response. Recently, the S. Typhi genome has been shown to encode two porins – OmpS1 and OmpS2 – which are expressed at low levels under in vitro culture conditions. In this study, we demonstrate that immunizing mice with either OmpS1 or OmpS2 induced production of specific, long‐term antibody titres and conferred protection against S. Typhi challenge; in particular, OmpS1 was more immunogenic and conferred greater protective effects than OmpS2. We also found that OmpS1 is a Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist, whereas OmpS2 is a TLR2 and TLR4 agonist. Both porins induced the production of tumour necrosis factor and interleukin‐6, and OmpS2 was also able to induce interleukin‐10 production. Furthermore, OmpS1 induced the over‐expression of MHC II molecules in dendritic cells and OmpS2 induced the over‐expression of CD40 molecules in macrophages and dendritic cells. Co‐immunization of OmpS1 or OmpS2 with ovalbumin (OVA) increased anti‐OVA antibody titres, the duration and isotype diversity of the OVA‐specific antibody response, and the proliferation of T lymphocytes. These porins also had adjuvant effects on the antibody response when co‐immunized with either the Vi capsular antigen from S. Typhi or inactivated 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus [A(H1N1)pdm09]. Taken together, the data indicate that OmpS1 and OmpS2, despite being expressed at low levels under in vitro culture conditions, are potent protective immunogens with intrinsic adjuvant properties.
Temporal dynamics of inducible anti‐herbivory defenses in the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum (Phaeophyceae)1
Authors: Flöthe Carla R. , Molis Markus 
Published: February 2013

Anti‐herbivory defenses support persistence of seaweeds. Little is known, however, about temporal dynamics in the induction of grazer‐deterrent seaweed traits. In two induction experiments, consumption rates of the periwinkle Littorina obtusata (L.) on the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jolis were measured in 3‐d intervals. Changes in palatability of directly grazed A. nodosum were tested every 3 d with feeding assays using fresh and reconstituted seaweed pieces. Likewise, assays with fresh A. nodosum assessed changes in seaweed palatability in response to water‐borne cues from nearby grazed conspecifics. Consumption rates of L. obtusata varied significantly during the 27‐d induction phase of each experiment. Direct grazing by L. obtusata lowered palatability of fresh and reconstituted A. nodosum pieces to conspecific grazers after 15 d as well as after 6 and 12 d, respectively. After 12, 18, and 24 d, fresh A. nodosum located downstream of L. obtusata‐grazed conspecifics was significantly less palatable than A. nodosum located downstream of ungrazed conspecifics. Changes in L. obtusata consumption rates and A. nodosum palatability during both induction experiments suggest temporal variation of grazer‐deterrent responses, which may complicate experimental detection of inducible anti‐herbivory defenses.
Racial and Social Class Differences in How Parents Respond to Inadequate Achievement: Consequences for Children's Future Achievement
Authors: Robinson Keith , Harris Angel L. 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveDespite numerous studies on parental involvement in children's academic schooling, there is a dearth of knowledge on how parents respond specifically to inadequate academic performance. This study examines whether (1) racial differences exist in parenting philosophy for addressing inadequate achievement, (2) social class has implications for parenting philosophy, and (3) parents’ philosophies are consequential for children's academic achievement.MethodsUsing data from the Child Development Supplement (N = 1,041) to the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, we sort parents into two categories—those whose parenting repertoires for addressing poor achievement include punitive responses and those whose repertoires do not. We then determine whether racial differences exist between these categories and how various responses within the aforementioned categories are related to students’ academic achievement.ResultsThe findings show that white and black parents have markedly different philosophies on how to respond to inadequate performance, and these differences appear to impact children's achievement in dramatically different ways.ConclusionEducators and policymakers should pay particular attention to how parents respond to inadequate achievement as imploring parents of inadequately performing students to be more involved without providing them with some guidance might exacerbate the problem.
The effect of antenatal monthly sulphadoxine–pyrimethamine, alone or with azithromycin, on foetal and neonatal growth faltering in Malawi: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Luntamo Mari , Kulmala Teija , Cheung Yin Bun , Maleta Kenneth , Ashorn Per 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the potential to reduce foetal and neonatal growth faltering through intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) of malaria and reproductive tract infections with monthly sulphadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP), alone or with two doses of azithromycin.MethodsWe enrolled 1320 women with uncomplicated second trimester pregnancies into a randomised, partially placebo controlled, outcome assessor‐blinded clinical trial in Malawi. The participants received either two doses of SP (control), SP monthly (monthly SP) or SP monthly and azithromycin (1 g) twice (AZI‐SP). Newborn size was measured within two days of birth and infant growth at four weeks of age.ResultsBabies in the AZI‐SP group were on average (95% CI) 140 g (70–200) heavier at birth and 0.6 cm (0.2–0.9) longer at four weeks of age than control group babies. Corresponding differences between the monthly SP and control groups were 80 g (20–140) and 0.3 cm (−0.0 to 0.6). Compared with controls, babies in the AZI‐SP group had a relative risk of 0.61 (0.40–0.93) for low birthweight, 0.60 (0.44–0.81) for stunting and 0.48 (0.29–0.79) for underweight at four weeks of age. Corresponding differences were similar but smaller between the monthly SP and control groups.ConclusionsAn IPTp regimen with monthly SP given to all pregnant women is likely to increase mean birthweight and length at four weeks of age in malaria holoendemic areas. Adding azithromycin to the regimen appears to offer further benefits in reducing foetal and neonatal growth faltering.
Establishment of Cellobiose Utilization for Lipid Production in Rhodococcus opacus PD630
Authors: Hetzler Stephan , Steinbüchel Alexander 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTRhodococcus opacusPD630, which is known for its ability to accumulate large amounts of triacylglycerols (TAG), was metabolically engineered, and a cellobiose utilization pathway was introduced. Activities of β-glucosidases were determined, and recombinant strains accumulated fatty acids up to 39.5 ± 5.7% (wt/wt) of cell dry mass from cellobiose.
Biochemical and Genetic Characterization of the Enterococcus faecalis Oxaloacetate Decarboxylase Complex
Authors: Repizo Guillermo D. , Blancato Víctor S. , Mortera Pablo , Lolkema Juke S. , Magni Christian 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Enterococcus faecalis
encodes a biotin-dependent oxaloacetate decarboxylase (OAD), which is constituted by four subunits:
E. faecalis
carboxyltransferase subunit OadA (termed
Ef
-A), membrane pump
Ef
-B, biotin acceptor protein
Ef
-D, and the novel subunit
Ef
-H. Our results show that in
E. faecalis
, subunits
Ef
-A,
Ef
-D, and
Ef
-H form a cytoplasmic soluble complex (termed
Ef
-AHD) which is also associated with the membrane. In order to characterize the role of the novel
Ef
-H subunit, coexpression of
oad
genes was performed in
Escherichia coli
, showing that this subunit is vital for
Ef
-A and
Ef
-D interaction. Diminished growth of the
oadA
and
oadD
single deletion mutants in citrate-supplemented medium indicated that the activity of the complex is essential for citrate utilization. Remarkably, the
oadB
-deficient strain was still capable of growing to wild-type levels but with a delay during the citrate-consuming phase, suggesting that the soluble
Ef
-AHD complex is functional in
E. faecalis.
These results suggest that the
Ef
-AHD complex is active in its soluble form, and that it is capable of interacting in a dynamic way with the membrane-bound
Ef
-B subunit to achieve its maximal alkalinization capacity during citrate fermentation.
Activator and Repressor Functions of the Mot3 Transcription Factor in the Osmostress Response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Martínez-Montañés Fernando , Rienzo Alessandro , Poveda-Huertes Daniel , Pascual-Ahuir Amparo , Proft Markus 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Mot3 and Rox1 are transcriptional repressors of hypoxic genes. Both factors recently have been found to be involved in the adaptive response to hyperosmotic stress, with an important function in the adjustment of ergosterol biosynthesis. Here, we determine the gene expression profile of a
mot3 rox1
double mutant under acute osmostress at the genomic scale in order to identify the target genes affected by both transcription factors upon stress. Unexpectedly, we find a specific subgroup of osmostress-inducible genes to be under positive control of Mot3. These Mot3-activated stress genes also depend on the general stress activators Msn2 and Msn4. We confirm that both Mot3 and Msn4 bind directly to some promoter regions of this gene group. Furthermore, osmostress-induced binding of the Msn2 and Msn4 factors to these target promoters is severely affected by the loss of Mot3 function. The genes repressed by Mot3 and Rox1 preferentially encode proteins of the cell wall and plasma membrane. Cell conjugation was the most significantly enriched biological process which was negatively regulated by both factors and by osmotic stress. The mating response was repressed by salt stress dependent on Mot3 and Rox1 function. Taking our findings together, the Mot3 transcriptional regulator has unanticipated diverse functions in the cellular adjustment to osmotic stress, including transcriptional activation and modulation of mating efficiency.
Pulmonary Antrum Radial–Linear Ablation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Zhao Xue , Zhang Jiayou , Hu Jianqiang , Liao Dening , Zhu Yinxiang , Mei Xiang , Sheng Jun , Yuan Fang , Gui Yanping , Lu Wenliang , Dai Li , Guo Xingui , Xu Yawei , Zhang Yanzhou , He Ben , Liu Zhenguo 
Published: February 2013

Background—
Substrate abnormality in pulmonary vein (PV) antrum plays a critical role in mechanism of atrial fibrillation (AF). The present study compares the strategy of PV antrum radial–linear (PAR) ablation to encircling PV isolation for paroxysmal AF.

Methods and Results—

A total of 86 patients with paroxysmal AF were randomly assigned to PAR ablation group or PV isolation group. The average procedure time was 161±21 minutes in PAR ablation group and 199±39 minutes in PV isolation group (
P
<0.01). The average fluoroscopy time was 25±5 minutes in PAR ablation group and 32±9 minutes in PV isolation group (
P
<0.001). At 14 (15–12) months of follow-up after single procedure, 31 of 42 (74%) patients in PAR ablation group and 22 of 44 patients (50%) in PV isolation group had no recurrence of AF off antiarrhythmic drug (
P
=0.0249); and 36 of 42 patients (86%) in PAR ablation group and 26 of 44 patients (59%) in PV isolation group had no recurrence of AF with antiarrhythmic drug (
P
=0.006). In addition, PAR ablation resulted in greater reduction of left atrial diameter than encircling PV isolation. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that only ablation strategy was independently associated with AF recurrence (hazard ratio, 0.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.12–0.78;
P
=0.013). No major adverse event related to the procedures occurred.

Conclusions—
This study suggests that PAR ablation is a potentially effective strategy for treatment of paroxysmal AF warranting further investigation.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.chictr.org
; Unique identifier: ChiCTR-TRC-11001191.
Donor-derived CMV-specific T cells reduce the requirement for CMV-directed pharmacotherapy after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Blyth Emily , Clancy Leighton , Simms Renee , Ma Chun K. K. , Burgess Jane , Deo Shivashni , Byth Karen , Dubosq Ming-Celine , Shaw Peter J. , Micklethwaite Kenneth P. , Gottlieb David J. 
Published: February 2013

Key Points
Infusion of CMV-specific T cells early posttransplant does not increase acute or chronic graft-versus-host disease. CMV-specific T cells early posttransplant reduce the need for pharmacotherapy without increased rates of CMV-related organ damage.
Prevalence and comorbidity of diabetes mellitus among non-institutionalized older adults in Germany - results of the national telephone health interview survey ‘German Health Update (GEDA)’ 2009
Authors: Du Yong , Heidemann Christin , Gößwald Antje , Schmich Patrick , Scheidt-Nave Christa 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Despite the major public health impact of diabetes, recent population-based data regarding its prevalence and comorbidity are sparse.

Methods
The prevalence and comorbidity of diabetes mellitus were analyzed in a nationally representative sample (N = 9133) of the non-institutionalized German adult population aged 50 years and older. Information on physician-diagnosed diabetes and 20 other chronic health conditions was collected as part of the national telephone health interview survey ‘German Health Update (GEDA)’ 2009. Overall, 51.2% of contacted persons participated. Among persons with diabetes, diabetes severity was defined according to the type and number of diabetes-concordant conditions: no diabetes-concordant condition (grade 1); hypertension and/or hyperlipidemia only (grade 2); one comorbidity likely to represent diabetes-related micro- or macrovascular end-organ damage (grade 3); several such comorbidities (grade 4). Determinants of diabetes severity were analyzed by multivariable ordinal regression.

Results
The 12-month prevalence of diabetes was 13.6% with no significant difference between men and women. Persons with diabetes had a significantly higher prevalence and average number of diabetes-concordant as well as diabetes-discordant comorbidities than persons without diabetes. Among persons with diabetes, 10.2%, 46.8%, 35.6% and 7.4% were classified as having severity grade 1–4, respectively. Determinants of diabetes severity included age (cumulative odds ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.07, per year) and number of discordant comorbidities (1.40, 1.25-1.55). With respect to specific discordant comorbidities, diabetes severity was correlated to depression (2.15, 1.29-3.56), respiratory disease (2.75, 1.72-4.41), musculoskeletal disease (1.53, 1.06-2.21), and severe hearing impairment (3.00, 1.21-7.41).

Conclusions
Diabetes is highly prevalent in the non-institutionalized German adult population 50 years and older. Diabetes comorbidities including diabetes-concordant and diabetes-discordant conditions need to be considered in epidemiological studies, in order to monitor disease burden and quality of diabetes care. Definitional standards of diabetes severity need to be refined and consented.
Genome-scale reconstruction and in silico analysis of Klebsiella oxytoca for 2,3-butanediol production
Authors: Park Jong Myoung , Song Hyohak , Lee Hee Jong , Seung Doyoung 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background

Klebsiella oxytoca, a Gram-negative, rod-shaped, and facultative anaerobic bacterium, is one of the most promising 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD) producers. In order to improve the metabolic performance of K. oxytoca as an efficient biofactory, it is necessary to assess its metabolic characteristics with a system-wide scope, and to optimize the metabolic pathways at a systems level. Provision of the complete genome sequence of K. oxytoca enabled the construction of genome-scale metabolic model of K. oxytoca and its in silico analyses.

Results
The genome-scale metabolic model of K. oxytoca was constructed using the annotated genome with biochemical and physiological information. The stoichiometric model, KoxGSC1457, is composed of 1,457 reactions and 1,099 metabolites. The model was further refined by applying biomass composition equations and comparing in silico results with experimental data based on constraints-based flux analyses. Then, the model was applied to in silico analyses to understand the properties of K. oxytoca and also to improve its capabilities for 2,3-BD production according to genetic and environmental perturbations. Firstly, in silico analysis, which tested the effect of augmenting the metabolic flux pool of 2,3-BD precursors, elucidated that increasing the pyruvate pool is primarily important for 2,3-BD synthesis. Secondly, we performed in silico single gene knockout simulation for 2,3-BD overproduction, and investigated the changes of the in silico flux solution space of a ldhA gene knockout mutant in comparison with that of the wild-type strain. Finally, the KoxGSC1457 model was used to optimize the oxygen levels during fermentation for 2,3-BD production.

Conclusions
The genome-scale metabolic model, KoxGSC1457, constructed in this study successfully investigated metabolic characteristics of K. oxytoca at systems level. The KoxGSC1457 model could be employed as an useful tool to analyze its metabolic capabilities, to predict its physiological responses according to environmental and genetic perturbations, and to design metabolic engineering strategies to improve its metabolic performance.
Expansion of antibody secreting cells and modulation of neutralizing antibody activity in HIV infected individuals undergoing structured treatment interruptions
Authors: Llano Anuska , Carrillo Jorge , Mothe Beatriz , Ruiz Lidia , Marfil Silvia , García Elisabet , Yuste Eloísa , Sánchez Víctor , Clotet Bonaventura , Blanco Julià , Brander Christian 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
HIV-1 infection generates numerous abnormalities in the B cell compartment which can be partly reversed by antiretroviral therapy. Our aim was to evaluate the effects that re-exposure to HIV antigens might have on the frequency and functionality of antibody secreting cells (ASC) in patients undergoing structured treatment interruptions (STI). As re-exposure to viral antigens may also boost the production of (neutralizing) antibodies, we also assessed the neutralizing activities during STI cycles.

Methods
Retrospective study of 10 patients undergoing 3 cycles of STI with 2 weeks on and 4 weeks off HAART. ASC frequencies were determined by flow cytometry in samples obtained at the beginning and the end of STI. Neutralization capacity, total IgG concentration and anti-gp120-IgG titres were evaluated.

Results
As expected, median viral loads were higher at the end of STI compared to on-HAART time points. The level of CD27 and CD38 expressing ACS followed the same pattern; with ASC being elevated up to 16 fold in some patients (median increase of 3.5% ± 4.13). Eight out of 10 patients maintained stable total IgG levels during the study. After purifying IgG fractions from plasma, HIV-neutralizing activity was observed in the two subjects with highest anti-gp120 titers. In one of these patients the neutralizing activity remained constant while the other showed elevated neutralizing Ab after first STI and once treatment was reinitiated after the 2nd STI.

Conclusions
Our data suggest that STI and its associated transient increases in viral load drive the frequencies of ASC in an antigen-specific manner. In some subjects, this re-exposure to autologous virus boosts the presence of neutralizing antibodies, similar to what is seen after influenza vaccination. STI may not boost clinically beneficial nAb levels but offers opportunities to isolate nAb producing cells at considerably higher levels than in subjects with completely suppressed viral replication.
Functionalized Mesostructured Cellular Foams for Loading and Release of Streptomycin
Authors: Xu Shaohua , Yong Jiawey , Lai Guosong , Zhang Haili , Wu Yiwei , Yu Aimin 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Mesostructured cellular foam (MCF) materials were synthesized by microemulsion followed by functionalization with glucose or glutaraldehyde. Successful surface modification was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray small-angle diffraction, and nitrogen sorption measurements. The effect of surface chemistry of MCF on the loading and release of streptomycin sulfate was studied in detail. Results indicated that grafting with either glucose or glutaraldehyde cannot only increase the loading amount of drug from 5% to 25% but also change the drug release profile significantly. This work provided an excellent example of controlling drug release by varying the surface chemistry of the materials.
Molecular Recognitive Adsorption of Aqueous Propionic Acid on Hiroshima University Silicate-2 (HUS-2)
Authors: Tsunoji Nao , Ide Yusuke , Torii Masato , Sadakane Masahiro , Sano Tsuneji 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
A novel layered silicate, Hiroshima University Silicate-2 (HUS-2), selectively and effectively adsorbed propionic acid from water containing formic, acetic, and propionic acids.
Formation of Luminescent Organogels from Europium-based Complexes
Authors: Tsuge Akihiko , Yakeya Daisuke , Sakura Katsuhiko , Moriguchi Tetsuji , Kaneko Daisaku , Kanyama Takahide , Kawahara Takayoshi , Araki Koji 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Formation of organogels from europium(III) complexes consisting of ligands having an amide or a urea unit has been achieved; the organogels are characterized by strong red-emissions.
Zeta-Potential Investigation and Experimental Study of Nanoparticles Deposited on Rock Surface To Reduce Fines Migration
Authors: Ahmadi M.. , Habibi A.. , Pourafshary P.. , Ayatollahi S.. 
Published: February 2013

Summary
Fines migration is a noticeable problem in petroleum-production engineering. Plugging of throats in porous media occurs because of detachment of fine particles from sand surfaces. Thus, the study of interactions between fines and pore surfaces and the investigation of governing forces are important factors to consider when describing the mechanism of the fines-release process. The main types of these forces are electric double-layer repulsion (DLR) and London–van der Waals attraction (LVA). It may be possible to alter these forces with nanoparticles (NPs) as surface coatings. In comparison with repulsion forces, NPs increase the effect of attraction forces.
In this paper, we present new experiments and simple modeling to observe such properties of NPs. For this purpose, the surfaces of pores were coated with different types of NPs: magnesium oxide (MgO), silicon dioxide (SiO2), and aluminum oxide (Al2O3). A zeta-potential test was used to examine changes in the potential of the pore surfaces. Total interaction energy was then mathematically calculated to compare different states. Total interaction energy is a fitting criterion that gives proper information about the effect of different NPs on surface properties. Consequently, total interaction plots are found to be suitable tools for selecting the best coating material.
On the basis of experimental results, the magnitude of change in zeta potential for the MgO NP was 45 mV. Our model demonstrated that the magnitude of the electric DLR in comparison with the LVA of the probe and plate surface was considerably diminished when MgO NPs were used to coat the surface of the plate, which agrees completely with our experimental observation.