bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Specific Interaction between Mycobacterium tuberculosis Lipoprotein‐derived Peptides and Target Cells Inhibits Mycobacterial Entry In Vitro
Authors: Ocampo Marisol , Curtidor Hernando , Vanegas Magnolia , Patarroyo Manuel A. , Patarroyo Manuel E. 
Published: July 2014

Tuberculosis (TB) continues being one of the diseases having the greatest mortality rates around the world, 8.7 million cases having been reported in 2011. An efficient vaccine against TB having a great impact on public health is an urgent need. Usually, selecting antigens for vaccines has been based on proteins having immunogenic properties for patients suffering TB and having had promising results in mice and non‐human primates. Our approach has been based on a functional approach involving the pathogen–host interaction in the search for antigens to be included in designing an efficient, minimal, subunit‐based anti‐TB vaccine. This means that Mycobacterium tuberculosis has mainly been involved in studies and that lipoproteins represent an important kind of protein on the cell envelope which can also contribute towards this pathogen's virulence. This study has assessed the expression of four lipoproteins from M. tuberculosis H37Rv, that is, Rv1411c (LprG), Rv1911c (LppC), Rv2270 (LppN) and Rv3763 (LpqH), and the possible biological activity of peptides derived from these. Five peptides were found for these proteins which had high specific binding to both alveolar A549 epithelial cells and U937 monocyte‐derived macrophages which were able to significantly inhibit mycobacterial entry to these cells in vitro.
Two‐year‐old children but not domestic dogs understand communicative intentions without language, gestures, or gaze
Authors: Moore Richard , Mueller Bettina , Kaminski Juliane , Tomasello Michael 
Published: July 2014

AbstractInfants can see someone pointing to one of two buckets and infer that the toy they are seeking is hidden inside. Great apes do not succeed in this task, but, surprisingly, domestic dogs do. However, whether children and dogs understand these communicative acts in the same way is not yet known. To test this possibility, an experimenter did not point, look, or extend any part of her body towards either bucket, but instead lifted and shook one via a centrally pulled rope. She did this either intentionally or accidentally, and did or did not address her act to the subject using ostensive cues. Young 2‐year‐old children but not dogs understood the experimenter's act in intentional conditions. While ostensive pulling of the rope made no difference to children's success, it actually hindered dogs' performance. We conclude that while human children may be capable of inferring communicative intent from a wide variety actions, so long as these actions are performed intentionally, dogs are likely to be less flexible in this respect. Their understanding of communicative intention may be more dependent upon bodily markers of communicative intent, including gaze, orientation, extended limbs, and vocalizations. This may be because humans have come under selective pressure to develop skills for communicating with absent interlocutors – where bodily co‐presence is not possible.
Role of Bladder Neck and Urethral Sphincter Dysfunction in Men with Persistent Bothersome Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms after α‐1 Blocker Treatment
Authors: KE Qian‐Sheng , JIANG Yuan‐Hong , KUO Hann‐Chorng 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveTo analyze the video‐urodynamic results of voiding dysfunction in men of all ages with bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) after α‐1 adrenoceptor blocker therapy.MethodsA total of 930 consecutive men over 45 years of age with LUTS who were failure treated with α‐1 blocker therapy for at least one month were retrospectively studied. Patients underwent video‐urodynamic studies to evaluate the cause of lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). Clinical symptoms, prostatic measurements, and video‐urodynamic findings were compared among different LUTD groups.ResultsAfter video‐urodynamic studies, 653 (70.2%) men were diagnosed with voiding dysfunction and 277 (29.8%) were with bladder dysfunction. Among patients with voiding dysfunction, bladder neck dysfunction (BND) occurred in 242 (37.1%), benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) in 298 (45.6%), and poor relaxation of the external sphincter (PRES) in 113 (17.3%). The symptom score did not differ significantly among the three subgroups. The mean age, total prostate volume (TPV), transition zone index, and prostate‐specific antigen were also significantly higher in BPO patients compared with the other two subgroups, but no difference was noted between BND and PRES patients. BPO patients had significantly higher voiding pressure, higher Abrams‐Griffiths number, lower Qmax, and a higher rate of detrusor overactivity than did patients in the other two subgroups.ConclusionBladder neck dysfunction and PRES play important roles in male LUTS. In men younger than 70 years with small TPV and persistent LUTS after α‐1 blocker therapy, video‐urodynamic studies should be performed to make an accurate diagnosis before invasive surgery is planned.
Pathological phenotypes and in vivo DNA cleavage by unrestrained activity of a phosphorothioate‐based restriction system in Salmonella
Authors: Cao Bo , Cheng Qiuxiang , Gu Chen , Yao Fen , DeMott Michael S. , Zheng Xiaoqing , Deng Zixin , Dedon Peter C. , You Delin 
Published: July 2014

SummaryProkaryotes protect their genomes from foreign DNA with a diversity of defence mechanisms, including a widespread restriction–modification (R–M) system involving phosphorothioate (PT) modification of the DNA backbone. Unlike classical R–M systems, highly partial PT modification of consensus motifs in bacterial genomes suggests an unusual mechanism of PT‐dependent restriction. In Salmonella enterica, PT modification is mediated by four genes dptB–E, while restriction involves additional three genes dptF–H. Here, we performed a series of studies to characterize the PT‐dependent restriction, and found that it presented several features distinct with traditional R–M systems. The presence of restriction genes in a PT‐deficient mutant was not lethal, but instead resulted in several pathological phenotypes. Subsequent transcriptional profiling revealed the expression of > 600 genes was affected by restriction enzymes in cells lacking PT, including induction of bacteriophage, SOS response and DNA repair‐related genes. These transcriptional responses are consistent with the observation that restriction enzymes caused extensive DNA cleavage in the absence of PT modifications in vivo. However, overexpression of restriction genes was lethal to the host in spite of the presence PT modifications. These results point to an unusual mechanism of PT‐dependent DNA cleavage by restriction enzymes in the face of partial PT modification.
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in two pediatric lung transplant patients on prolonged voriconazole treatment
Authors: Wong Jackson Y. , Kuzel Paul , Mullen John , Lien Dale , Mahmood Muhammad , Conrad Carol , Fiorillo Loretta 
Published: July 2014

AbstractOral voriconazole is commonly used for treatment and prophylaxis of invasive fungal disease post‐LTx. Development of cutaneous SCC has been described in adult LTx recipients, although it is extremely rare in children. We describe two Caucasian children who developed cutaneous SCC beyond three yr post‐LTx. Both developed severe photosensitivity, actinic keratosis and required curative surgical excision of the cutaneous SCC lesions. Neither patient developed metastatic lesions nor had allograft dysfunction as a result of the SCC or the change in medical treatments. The effect of voriconazole on the development of malignant skin lesions is discussed and a recommendation on dermatologic surveillance, preventive measures against phototoxicity and early treatment of SCC are provided.
Swedish pupils' suggested coping strategies if cyberbullied: Differences related to age and gender
Authors: Frisén Ann , Berne Sofia , Marin Lina 
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the coping strategies that Swedish 10 and 12 year‐olds (N = 694) suggested they would use if they were cyberbullied, with a special focus on whether there are differences in these strategies related to age and gender. The most commonly suggested coping strategy was telling someone, especially parents and teachers (70.5%). Surprisingly few of the pupils reported that they would tell a friend (2.6%). Differences in suggested coping strategies were found related to age and gender. Findings are discussed in relation to the Swedish sociocultural context as well as in relation to the implications for prevention strategies against cyberbullying.
Spillovers of Equal Treatment in Wage Offers
Authors: Kawamura Kohei , Sákovics József 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWe analyse a labour‐matching model with wage posting, where – reflecting institutional constraints – firms cannot differentiate their wage offers within certain subsets of workers. Inter alia, we find that the presence of impersonal wage offers leads to wage compression, which propagates to the wages for high productivity workers who receive personalized offers.
Effects of freezing on tissue factor activity in a thromboelastography assay
Authors: Scruggs Jennifer L. , Flatland Bente , Reed Ann 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundHuman recombinant tissue factor (TF) can be used to activate viscoelastic coagulation assays. Although the package insert indicates that TF should not be frozen, published scientific data are not available. Ability to store frozen aliquots of TF would increase laboratory efficiency and decrease costs associated with performing TF‐activated assays.ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to determine the effects of freezing and storage time on TF's ability to activate commercially available quality control material in thromboelastography (TEG).MethodsTF was diluted and frozen at −20°C and −70°C for 72 hours, one week, 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months, and used for TEG after thawing. TF activation of control material was also assessed after TF storage at room temperature for 0, 24, and 48 hours. Time to fibrin formation (R), rate of clot formation (K and angle α), and clot strength (MA) were measured, and ANOVA used to identify differences.ResultsThere were no significant differences in mean α and MA regardless of storage time or temperature. Means for R were not significantly increased at any time point after storage at room temperature or −70°C, but significant increases in mean R were observed after storage at −20°C starting after one week and continuing up to 6 months.ConclusionTF can be stored at room temperature for at least 48 hours, stored at −20°C for 72 hours, and stored at −70°C for up to 6 months without significant loss of activity for TEG.
A global optimality result using Geraghty type contraction
Authors: Choudhury Binayak S. , Maity Pranati , Konar P. 
Published: July 2014

In this paper we prove two proximity point results for finding the distance between two sets. Unlike the best approximation theorems they provide with globally optimal values. Here our approach is to reduce the problem to that of finding optimal approximate solutions of some fixed point equations. We use Geraghty type contractive inequalities in our theorem. Two illustrative examples are given.
Classification Algorithm for Subspecies Identification within the Mycobacterium abscessus Species, Based on Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Fangous Marie-Sarah , Mougari Faiza , Gouriou Stéphanie , Calvez Elodie , Raskine Laurent , Cambau Emmanuelle , Payan Christopher , Héry-Arnaud Geneviève 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium abscessus
, as a species, has been increasingly implicated in respiratory infections, notably in cystic fibrosis patients. The species comprises 3 subspecies, which can be difficult to identify. Since they differ in antibiotic susceptibility and clinical relevance, developing a routine diagnostic tool discriminating
Mycobacterium abscessus
at the subspecies level is a real challenge. Forty-three
Mycobacterium abscessus
species isolates, previously identified by multilocus sequence typing, were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). A subspecies identification algorithm, based on five discriminating peaks, was drawn up and validated by blind identification of a further 49 strains, 94% of which (
n
= 46) were correctly identified. Two
M. abscessus
subsp.
massiliense
strains were misidentified as
M. abscessus
subsp.
abscessus
, and for 1 other strain identification failed. Inter- and intralaboratory reproducibility tests were conclusive. This study presents, for the first time, a classification algorithm for MALDI-TOF MS identification of the 3
M. abscessus
subspecies. MALDI-TOF MS proved effective in discriminating within the
M. abscessus
species and might be easily integrated into the workflow of microbiology labs.
Detecting Clostridium difficile Spores from Inanimate Surfaces of the Hospital Environment: Which Method Is Best?
Authors: Claro Tânia , Daniels Stephen , Humphreys Hilary 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

The recovery of
Clostridium difficile
spores from hospital surfaces was assessed using rayon swabs, flocked swabs, and contact plates. The contact plate method was less laborious, achieved higher recovery percentages, and detected spores at lower inocula than swabs. Rayon swabs were the least efficient method. However, further studies are required in health care settings.
Expansion of Genotypic Diversity and Establishment of 2009 H1N1 Pandemic-Origin Internal Genes in Pigs in China
Authors: Liang Huyi , Lam Tommy Tsan-Yuk , Fan Xiaohui , Chen Xinchun , Zeng Yu , Zhou Ji , Duan Lian , Tse Maying , Chan Chung-Hei , Li Lifeng , Leung Tak-Ying , Yip Chun-Hung , Cheung Chung-Lam , Zhou Boping , Smith David K. , Poon Leo Lit-Man , Peiris Malik , Guan Yi , Zhu Huachen 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT
Two-way transmission of influenza viruses between humans and swine has been frequently observed, and the occurrence of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza virus (pdm/09) demonstrated that swine-origin viruses could facilitate the genesis of a pandemic strain. Although multiple introductions to and reassortment in swine of the pdm/09 virus have been repeatedly reported in both Eurasia and the Americas, its long-term impact on the development of swine influenza viruses (SIVs) has not been systematically explored. Our comprehensive evolutionary studies of the complete genomes of 387 SIVs obtained from 2009 to 2012 by influenza virus surveillance in China revealed 17 reassortant genotypes with pdm/09-origin genes. Even though the entire 2009 pandemic virus and its surface genes cannot persist, its internal genes have become established and are now the predominant lineages in pigs in the region. The main persistent pdm/09-origin reassortant forms had at least five pdm/09-origin internal genes, and their surface genes were primarily of European avian-like (EA) or human H3N2-like SIV origin. These findings represent a marked change in the evolutionary patterns and ecosystem of SIVs in China. It is possible that the pdm/09-origin internal genes are in the process of replacing EA or triple-reassortant-like internal genes. These alterations in the SIV gene pool need to be continually monitored to assess changes in the potential for SIV transmission to humans.

IMPORTANCE
Shortly after the emergence of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 (pdm/09) influenza virus, it was transmitted from humans to pigs and this continues to occur around the world. Many reassortants between pdm/09-origin viruses and enzootic swine influenza viruses (SIVs) have been detected. However, the long-term impact of pdm/09-origin viruses on the SIV gene pool, which could lead to the generation of influenza viruses with the potential to infect humans, has not been systematically examined. From extensive surveillance of SIVs over a 38-month period in southern China, it was found that although neither complete pdm/09 viruses nor their surface genes could persist in pigs, their internal genes did persist. Over the survey period, these internal genes became predominant, potentially replacing those of the enzootic SIV lineages. The altered diversity of the SIV gene pool needs to be closely monitored for changes in the potential for SIV transmission to humans.
Autism Spectrum Social Stories In Schools Trial (ASSSIST): study protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial analysing clinical and cost-effectiveness of Social Stories in mainstream schools
Authors: Wright Barry , Marshall David , Collingridge Moore Danielle , Ainsworth Hannah , Hackney Lisa , Adamson Joy , Ali Shehzad , Allgar Victoria , Cook Liz , Dyson Lisa , Littlewood Elizabeth , Hargate Rebecca , McLaren Anne , McMillan Dean , Trépel Dominic , Whitehead Jo , Williams Chris 
Published: July 2014

IntroductionCurrent evidence suggests that Social Stories can be effective in tackling problem behaviours exhibited by children with autism spectrum disorder. Exploring the meaning of behaviour from a child's perspective allows stories to provide social information that is tailored to their needs. Case reports in children with autism have suggested that these stories can lead to a number of benefits including improvements in social interactions and choice making in educational settings.Methods and analysisThe feasibility of clinical and cost-effectiveness of a Social Stories toolkit will be assessed using a randomised control framework. Participants (n=50) will be randomised to either the Social Stories intervention or a comparator group where they will be read standard stories for an equivalent amount of time. Statistics will be calculated for recruitment rates, follow-up rates and attrition. Economic analysis will determine appropriate measures of generic health and resource use categories for cost-effectiveness analysis. Qualitative analysis will ascertain information on perceptions about the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention.Ethics and disseminationNational Health Service Ethics Approval (NHS; ref 11/YH/0340) for the trial protocol has been obtained along with NHS Research and Development permission from Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. All adverse events will be closely monitored, documented and reported to the study Data Monitoring Ethics Committee. At least one article in a peer reviewed journal will be published and research findings presented at relevant conferences.Trial registration numberISRCTN96286707.
Non-Single-Valley Solutions forp-Order Feigenbaum’s Type Functional Equationf(φ(x))=φp(f(x))
Authors: Zhang Min 
Published: July 2014

This work deals with Feigenbaum’s functional equationf(φ(x))=φp(f(x)),φ(0)=1,0≤φ(x)≤1,x∈ [0, 1], wherep≥2is an integer,φpis thep-fold iteration ofφ, andf(x)is a strictly increasing continuous function on[0, 1]that satisfiesf(0)=0,f(x)<x,(x∈(0, 1]). Using a constructive method, we discuss the existence of non-single-valley continuous solutions of the above equation.
Cyclosporin A Promotes Tumor Angiogenesis in a Calcineurin-Independent Manner by Increasing Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Zhou Alice Yao , Ryeom Sandra 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
The widely used immunosuppressant cyclosporin A, a potent calcineurin inhibitor, significantly increases the incidence of cancer in organ transplant patients. Calcineurin signaling is an important mediator of VEGF signaling in endothelial cells. Negative regulation of calcineurin by its endogenous inhibitor, Down Syndrome Candidate Region-1 (DSCR1), suppresses tumor growth and angiogenesis, in contrast to the effect observed after long-term cyclosporin A treatment. Despite the significance of calcineurin signaling in endothelial cells, the consequences of cyclosporin A on tumor angiogenesis have not been investigated. Using an in vivo model of skin carcinogenesis, prolonged treatment with cyclosporin A promoted tumor growth and angiogenesis. The addition of cyclosporin A to endothelial cells in vitro increased proliferation and migration in a calcineurin-independent manner and is associated with increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). Co-treatment with antioxidants significantly abrogated cyclosporin A–induced endothelial cell activation. Furthermore, mice treated with antioxidants were protected against cyclosporin A–mediated tumor progression. Taken together, these findings suggest that cyclosporin A affects endothelial cells in a calcineurin-independent manner to potentiate tumor growth by promoting tumor angiogenesis through increasing mitochondrial ROS production. This work identifies a previously undescribed mechanism underlying a significantly adverse off-target effect of cyclosporin A and suggests that co-treatment with antioxidants would inhibit the tumor-promoting effects of cyclosporin A.
Implications: Targeting the proangiogenic effects of cyclosporin A may be useful in the management of transplant-associated cancers. Mol Cancer Res; 12(11); 1663–76. ©2014 AACR.
Role of tumour necrosis factor receptor-1 and nuclear factor-κB in production of TNF-α-induced pro-inflammatory microparticles in endothelial cells
Authors: Lee Sung Kyul , Yang Seung-Hee , Kwon Il , Lee Ok-Hee , Heo Ji Hoe 
Published: July 2014

SummaryTumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is upregulated in many inflammatory diseases and is also a potent agent for microparticle (MP) generation. Here, we describe an essential role of TNF-α in the production of endothelial cell-derived microparticles (EMPs) in vivo and the function of TNF-α-induced EMPs in endothelial cells. We found that TNF-α rapidly increased blood levels of EMPs in mice. Treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with TNF-α also induced EMP formation in a time-dependent manner. Silencing of TNF receptor (TNFR)-1 or inhibition of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in HUVECs impaired the production of TNF-α-induced EMP. Incubation of HUVECs with PKH-67-stained EMPs showed that endothelial cells readily engulfed EMPs, and the engulfed TNF-α-induced EMPs promoted the expression of pro-apoptotic molecules and upregulated intercellular adhesion molecule-1 level on the cell surface, which led to monocyte adhesion. Collectively, our findings indicate that the generation of TNF-α-induced EMPs was mediated by TNFR1 or NF-κB and that EMPs can contribute to apoptosis and inflammation of endothelial cells.