bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia attributed to an intrauterine contraceptive device
Authors: Khawandanah Mohamad O. , Weiss Susan M. , Cherry Mohamad A. , Maymani Hossein , Selby George B. , Aster Richard H. , George James N. , Holter Chakrabarty Jennifer L. 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundEvans syndrome is a rare condition manifested by combined autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and thrombocytopenia or neutropenia. It is often associated with other autoimmune disorders, immunodeficiencies, and non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma.Case ReportWe describe a patient with Evans syndrome that may have been related to exposure to a polyethylene‐based intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD). A 26‐year‐old white female presented with severe, symptomatic AIHA and subsequently developed severe thrombocytopenia. She had a refractory course resistant to multiple treatments including corticosteroids, intravenous immune globulin, rituximab, splenectomy, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, eculizumab, and plasma exchange. It was then noticed that her serum autoantibody agglutinated red blood cells (RBCs) in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) but not in the absence of PEG nor when an alternative agglutination enhancing technique, low‐ionic‐strength solution, was used. Therefore, her polyethylene‐containing IUD, which was a polyethylene frame with a levonorgestrel‐releasing device, was removed. Norgestrel‐dependent, platelet (PLT)‐reactive antibodies were not identified by either flow cytometry or in vivo in a NOD/SCID mouse. Testing for PEG‐dependent antibodies was not possible. Remission, with no requirement for RBC or PLT transfusions and return of her hemoglobin and PLT counts to normal, followed removal of the IUD.ConclusionThe patient's recovery after removal of the IUD and the PEG dependence of RBC agglutination suggested a possibility that the IUD may have been a contributing factor to the etiology of Evans syndrome in this patient.
Multicentric epitheliotropic T‐cell lymphoma in an African hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)
Authors: Chung Tae‐Ho , Kim Hyo‐Jin , Choi Ul‐Soo 
Published: September 2014

AbstractA 2‐year‐old female African hedgehog was presented with a 5‐month history of pruritus, and diffuse spine and hair loss. A dermatologic examination revealed erythema, excoriation, scales, and crusting affecting the face, flanks, forelimbs, hindlimbs, and dorsal and ventral abdomen. Fine‐needle aspiration was performed and skin biopsies were taken from several lesions for cytologic and histologic evaluation. The aspirates yielded smears characterized by a monomorphic population of medium‐sized to large lymphocytes with scant to moderate amounts of clear to moderately basophilic cytoplasm and distinct nucleoli along with a low number of cytoplasmic fragments. On histopathologic examination, there were dense dermal lymphoid infiltrates invading the dermis and a monomorphic population of round cells that had infiltrated the overlying epidermis. Epitheliotropic cutaneous lymphoma was diagnosed based on morphologic features. Additional immunochemical analysis using anti‐CD3 and anti‐CD79a antibodies revealed strongCD3 expression by the tumor cells, which confirmed epitheliotropic cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. This is the first description of a multicentric pattern of epitheliotropic cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma in an African hedgehog.
Central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure in captive black‐footed penguins (Spheniscus dermersus)
Authors: Gonzalez‐Alonso‐Alegre Elisa M. , Martinez‐Nevado Eva , Caro‐Vadillo Alicia , Rodriguez‐Alvaro Alfonso 
Published: September 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the central corneal thickness (CCT) by ultrasonic pachymetry and the effect of these values on the measurements of intraocular pressures (IOP) with rebound tonometry (TonoVet®) in a captive flock of black‐footed penguins (Spheniscus dermersus). Variations inCCTby age and weight, and variations inIOPby age were compared.Animal studiedBoth eyes of 18 clinically normal black‐footed penguins (Spheniscus dermersus) were used.ProcedureTheIOPwas measured by theTonoVet®in both eyes of all the penguins.CTTmeasurements were performed 5 min later in all eyes using an ultrasound pachymeter.ResultsThe meanIOPvalues ± SDwere 31.77 ± 3.3 mm Hg (range of mean value: 24–38). The meanCCTvalues were 384.08 ± 30.9 μm (range of mean value: 319–454). There was no correlation betweenIOPandCCTvalues (P = 0.125). There was no difference inCCTmeasurements by age (P = 0.122) or weight (P = 0.779). A correlation was observed (P = 0.032) betweenIOPvalues and age. The coefficient of correlation was negative (ρ = −0.207).ConclusionsUltrasound pachymetry has shown to be a reliable and easy technique to measureCCTin penguins. No correlation was observed betweenIOPandCCTvalues in this study.IOPshowed a significant but weak decrease as age increased in the black‐footed penguin.
The eye of the red‐eared slider turtle: morphologic observations and reference values for selected ophthalmic diagnostic tests
Authors: Somma André T. , Lima Leandro , Lange Rogério R. , Turner‐Giannico Amália , Montiani‐Ferreira Fabiano 
Published: September 2014

AbstractPurposeTo perform a descriptive investigation of the red‐eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) eye, performing selected ophthalmic diagnostic tests with the aim of establishing normal reference values for this species.MethodThirty adult healthy red‐eared slider turtles were used to establish normal ophthalmic test values in this investigation. Selected ophthalmic tests included: collection of material for bacterial culture analysis, esthesiometry, intraocular pressure (IOP), A‐ and B‐mode ultrasonic biometry, fundus photography, and central corneal thickness (CCT).Results and discussionNormal parameters found for the ocular diagnostic tests were: esthesiometry: 5.84 ± 0.48 cm; IOP: 5.42 ± 1.70 mmHg; CCT: 154.5 ± 0.14 μm; palpebral fissure length: 9.71 ± 0.55 mm; modified Schirmer tear test: 2.55 ± 3.4 mm; globe axial length: 7.60 ± 0.23 mm; anterior chamber depth: 0.76 ± 0.23 mm; lens axial length: 2.45 ± 0.28 mm; vitreous chamber depth: 4.31 ± 0.42 mm. An avascular retinal pattern with nerve fibers radiating from the small white circular optic disk was observed. None of the animals had a conus papillaris. The most frequent bacteria found were Bacillus spp. (33.33%) followed by Proteus vulgaris (20.69%) and Staphylococcus aureus (18.39%). No significant differences between left and right eyes or genders were found for any of the results. Reference data and morphologic observations obtained in this investigation might help veterinary ophthalmologists to diagnose ocular diseases in the red‐eared slider turtle.
In Vitro
Combination of Voriconazole and Miltefosine against Clinically Relevant Molds
Authors: Imbert S. , Palous M. , Meyer I. , Dannaoui E. , Mazier D. , Datry A. , Fekkar A. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

Invasive infections caused by filamentous fungi are a major threat for immunocompromised patients. Innate/acquired resistance to antifungal drugs might necessitate combination therapies. We assessed the potential combination of voriconazole with miltefosine, an original drug with antifungal activity against 33 clinically relevant mold isolates, including both azole-susceptible and -resistant
Aspergillus
. Using complete inhibition as an endpoint, interactions were indifferent for 32/33 isolates. An alternative 50% inhibition endpoint showed synergistic interactions for 14/33 isolates. Antagonism was absent.
Characterization and Epitope Mapping of the Polyclonal Antibody Repertoire Elicited by Ricin Holotoxin-Based Vaccination
Authors: Cohen Ofer , Mechaly Adva , Sabo Tamar , Alcalay Ron , Aloni-Grinstein Ronit , Seliger Nehama , Kronman Chanoch , Mazor Ohad 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTRicin, one of the most potent and lethal toxins known, is classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a select agent. Currently, there is no available antidote against ricin exposure, and the most promising therapy is based on neutralizing antibodies elicited by active vaccination or that are given passively. The aim of this study was to characterize the repertoire of anti-ricin antibodies generated in rabbits immunized with ricin toxoid. These anti-ricin antibodies exhibit an exceptionally high avidity (thiocyanate-based avidity index, 9 M) toward ricin and an apparent affinity of 1 nM. Utilizing a novel tissue culture-based assay that enables the determination of ricin activity within a short time period, we found that the anti-ricin antibodies also possess a very high neutralizing titer. In line with these findings, these antibodies conferred mice with full protection against pulmonary ricinosis when administered as a passive vaccination. Epitope mapping analysis using phage display random peptide libraries revealed that the polyclonal serum contains four immunodominant epitopes, three of which are located on the A subunit and one on the B subunit of ricin. Only two of the four epitopes were found to have a significant role in ricin neutralization. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that characterizes these immunological aspects of the polyclonal response to ricin holotoxin-based vaccination. These findings provide useful information and a possible strategy for the development and design of an improved ricin holotoxin-based vaccine.
Adeno-Associated Virus 9-Mediated Airway Expression of Antibody Protects Old and Immunodeficient Mice against Influenza Virus
Authors: Adam Virginie S. , Crosariol Marco , Kumar Sachin , Ge Moyar Q. , Czack Sarah E. , Roy Soumitra , Haczku Angela , Tretiakova Anna , Wilson James M. , Limberis Maria P. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTInfluenza causes serious and sometimes fatal disease in individuals at risk due to advanced age or immunodeficiencies. Despite progress in the development of seasonal influenza vaccines, vaccine efficacy in elderly and immunocompromised individuals remains low. We recently developed a passive immunization strategy using an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector to deliver a neutralizing anti-influenza antibody at the site of infection, the nasal airways. Here we show that young, old, and immunodeficient (severe combined immunodeficient [SCID]) mice that were treated intranasally with AAV9 vector expressing a modified version of the broadly neutralizing anti-influenza antibody FI6 were protected and exhibited no signs of disease following an intranasal challenge with the mouse-adapted H1N1 influenza strain A/Puerto Rico/8/1934(H1N1) (PR8) (Mt. Sinai strain). Nonvaccinated mice succumbed to the PR8 challenge due to severe weight loss. We propose that airway-directed AAV9 passive immunization against airborne infectious agents may be beneficial in elderly and immunocompromised patients, for whom there still exists an unmet need for effective vaccination against influenza.
Haemophilus ducreyi RpoE and CpxRA Appear To Play Distinct yet Complementary Roles in Regulation of Envelope-Related Functions
Authors: Gangaiah Dharanesh , Zhang Xinjun , Baker Beth , Fortney Kate R. , Liu Yunlong , Munson Robert S. , Spinola Stanley M. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

Haemophilus ducreyi
causes the sexually transmitted disease chancroid and a chronic limb ulceration syndrome in children. In humans,
H. ducreyi
is found in an abscess and overcomes a hostile environment to establish infection. To sense and respond to membrane stress, bacteria utilize two-component systems (TCSs) and extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factors. We previously showed that activation of CpxRA, the only intact TCS in
H. ducreyi
, does not regulate homologues of envelope protein folding factors but does downregulate genes encoding envelope-localized proteins, including many virulence determinants.
H. ducreyi
also harbors a homologue of RpoE, which is the only ECF sigma factor in the organism. To potentially understand how
H. ducreyi
responds to membrane stress, here we defined RpoE-dependent genes using transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq). We identified 180 RpoE-dependent genes, of which 98% were upregulated; a major set of these genes encodes homologues of envelope maintenance and repair factors. We also identified and validated a putative RpoE promoter consensus sequence, which was enriched in the majority of RpoE-dependent targets. Comparison of RpoE-dependent genes to those controlled by CpxR showed that each transcription factor regulated a distinct set of genes. Given that RpoE activated a large number of genes encoding envelope maintenance and repair factors and that CpxRA represses genes encoding envelope-localized proteins, these data suggest that RpoE and CpxRA appear to play distinct yet complementary roles in regulating envelope homeostasis in
H. ducreyi
.
Similar Frequencies of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates Producing KPC and VIM Carbapenemases in Diverse Genetic Clones at Tertiary-Care Hospitals in Medellín, Colombia
Authors: Vanegas Johanna M. , Cienfuegos Astrid V. , Ocampo Ana M. , López Lucelly , del Corral Helena , Roncancio Gustavo , Sierra Patricia , Echeverri-Toro Lina , Ospina Sigifredo , Maldonado Natalia , Robledo Carlos , Restrepo Andrea , Jiménez J. Natalia 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

Carbapenem-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
has become a serious health threat worldwide due to the limited options available for its treatment. Understanding its epidemiology contributes to the control of antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and molecular characteristics of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant
P. aeruginosa
isolates in five tertiary-care hospitals in Medellín, Colombia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in five tertiary-care hospitals from June 2012 to March 2014. All hospitalized patients infected by carbapenem-resistant
P. aeruginosa
were included. Clinical information was obtained from medical records. Molecular analyses included PCR for detection of
bla
VIM
,
bla
IMP
,
bla
NDM
,
bla
OXA-48
, and
bla
KPC
genes plus pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) for molecular typing. A total of 235 patients were enrolled: 91.1% of them were adults (
n
= 214), 88.1% (
n
= 207) had prior antibiotic use, and 14.9% (
n
= 35) had urinary tract infections. The
bla
VIM-2
and
bla
KPC-2
genes were detected in 13.6% (
n
= 32) and 11.5% (
n
= 27), respectively, of all isolates. Two isolates harbored both genes simultaneously. For KPC-producing isolates, PFGE revealed closely related strains within each hospital, and sequence types (STs) ST362 and ST235 and two new STs were found by MLST. With PFGE, VIM-producing isolates appeared highly diverse, and MLST revealed ST111 in four hospitals and five new STs. These results show that KPC-producing
P. aeruginosa
is currently disseminating rapidly and occurring at a frequency similar to that of VIM-producing
P. aeruginosa
isolates (approximately 1:1 ratio) in Medellín, Colombia. Diverse genetic backgrounds among resistant strains suggest an excessive antibiotic pressure resulting in the selection of resistant strains.
Clinical Evaluation of a GP5+/6+-Based Luminex Assay Having Full High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Genotyping Capability and an Internal Control
Authors: Geraets D. T. , Cuschieri K. , de Koning M. N. C. , van Doorn L. J. , Snijders P. J. F. , Meijer C. J. L. M. , Quint W. G. V. , Arbyn M. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

The LMNX genotyping kit HPV GP (LMNX) is based on the clinically validated GP5+/6+ PCR, with a genotyping readout as an alternative for the more established enzyme immunoassay (EIA) detection of 14 targeted high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types. LMNX is additionally provided with an internal control probe. Here, we present an analysis of the clinical performance of the LMNX using a sample panel and infrastructure provided by the international VALGENT (Validation of Genotyping Tests) project. This panel consisted of cervical specimens from approximately 1,000 women attending routine screening, “enriched” with 300 women with abnormal cytology. Cases were defined as women classified with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 2+ (CIN2+) (
n
= 102) or CIN3+ (
n
= 55) within the previous 18 months. Controls were women who had normal cytology results over two subsequent screening rounds at a 3-year interval (
n
= 746). The GP5+/6+-PCR EIA (EIA) was used as a comparator assay and showed sensitivities of 94.1% and 98.2% for CIN2+ and CIN3+, respectively, with a clinical specificity of 92.4% among women aged ≥30 years. The LMNX demonstrated clinical sensitivities of 96.1% for CIN2+ and of 98.2% for CIN3+ and a clinical specificity of 92.6% for women aged ≥30 years. The LMNX and EIA were in high agreement (Cohen's kappa = 0.969) for the detection of 14 hrHPVs in aggregate, and no significant difference was observed (McNemar's
P
= 0.629). The LMNX internal control detected 0.6% inadequate specimens. Based on our study results, we consider the LMNX, similarly to the EIA, useful for HPV-based cervical cancer screening.
Comparison of a Semiautomated Commercial Repetitive-Sequence-Based PCR Method with Spoligotyping, 24-Locus Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive-Unit–Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Typing, and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism-Based Analysis of IS
6110
for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Typing
Authors: Brossier F. , Sola C. , Millot G. , Jarlier V. , Veziris N. , Sougakoff W. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

Fifty-two multidrug-resistant isolates of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
representative of the currently predominant lineages in France were analyzed using repetitive-sequence-based PCR (rep-PCR) DiversiLab (DL), spoligotyping, 24-locus mycobacterial interspersed repetitive-unit–variable-number tandem-repeat typing (MIRU-VNTR), and restriction fragment length polymorphism of IS
6110
(IS
6110
-RFLP). DL, as opposed to MIRU-VNTR and IS
6110
-RFLP analysis, did not allow discrimination among half of the isolates, an indication of comparatively lower resolving power.
Human H7N9 and H5N1 Influenza Viruses Differ in Induction of Cytokines and Tissue Tropism
Authors: Meliopoulos Victoria A. , Karlsson Erik A. , Kercher Lisa , Cline Troy , Freiden Pamela , Duan Susu , Vogel Peter , Webby Richard J. , Guan Yi , Peiris Malik , Thomas Paul G. , Schultz-Cherry Stacey 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

Since emerging in 2013, the avian-origin H7N9 influenza viruses have resulted in over 400 human infections, leading to 115 deaths to date. Although the epidemiology differs from human highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza virus infections, there is a similar rapid progression to acute respiratory distress syndrome. The aim of these studies was to compare the pathological and immunological characteristics of a panel of human H7N9 and H5N1 viruses
in vitro
and
in vivo
. Although there were similarities between particular H5N1 and H7N9 viruses, including association between lethal disease and spread to the alveolar spaces and kidney, there were also strain-specific differences. Both H5N1 and H7N9 viruses are capable of causing lethal infections, with mortality correlating most strongly with wider distribution of viral antigen in the lungs, rather than with traditional measures of virus titer and host responses. Strain-specific differences included hypercytokinemia in H5N1 infections that was not seen with the H7N9 infections regardless of lethality. Conversely, H7N9 viruses showed a greater tropism for respiratory epithelium covering nasal passages and nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue than H5N1 viruses, which may explain the enhanced transmission in ferret models. Overall, these studies highlight some distinctive properties of H5N1 and H7N9 viruses in different
in vitro
and
in vivo
models.

IMPORTANCE
The novel avian-origin H7N9 pandemic represents a serious threat to public health. The ability of H7N9 to cause serious lung pathology, leading in some cases to the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome, is of particular concern. Initial reports of H7N9 infection compared them to infections caused by highly pathogenic avian (HPAI) H5N1 viruses. Thus, it is of critical importance to understand the pathology and immunological response to infection with H7N9 compared to HPAI H5N1 viruses. We compared these responses in both
in vitro
and
in vivo
models, and found that H5N1 and H7N9 infections exhibit distinct pathological, immunological, and tissue tropism differences that could explain differences in clinical disease and viral transmission.
Common Features of Mucosal and Peripheral Antibody Responses Elicited by Candidate HIV-1 Vaccines in Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Li Hualin , Stephenson Kathryn E. , Kang Zi Han , Lavine Christy L. , Seaman Michael S. , Barouch Dan H. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vaccines that elicit protective antibody responses at mucosal sites would be highly desirable. Here, we report that intramuscular immunization of candidate HIV-1 vaccine vectors and purified Env proteins elicited potent and durable humoral immune responses in colorectal mucosa in rhesus monkeys. The kinetics, isotypes, functionality, and epitope specificity of these mucosal antibody responses were similar to those of peripheral responses in serum. These data suggest a close immunological relationship between mucosal and systemic antibody responses following vaccination in primates.