bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sequential therapy with entecavir and PEG‐INF in patients affected by chronic hepatitis B and high levels of HBV‐DNA with non‐D genotypes
Authors: Boglione L. , D'Avolio A. , Cariti G. , Milia M. G. , Simiele M. , De Nicolò A. , Ghisetti V. , Di Perri G. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryComplete eradication of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is rarely achieved. Treatment options include currently available nucleos(t)ide analogues and pegylated interferon. The aim of our exploratory study was to assess the effectiveness of sequential therapy for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) vs the current standard of care. We evaluated an association with entecavir and pegylated interferon alfa‐2a (PEG‐IFN) in 20 patients with hepatitis B, high HBV viremia and genotypes A, B, C and E. Patients received entecavir alone for 12 weeks, then entecavir and PEG‐IFN for 12 weeks, lastly PEG‐IFN alone for 36 weeks. The results were compared with 20 patients (control group) treated in the past with 48 weeks of PEG‐IFN monotherapy. Our results show that complete sustained virological response (SVR) and partial SVR were, respectively, 60% and 80% in the study group and 10% and 30% in the control group; anti‐HBe seroconversion rate were 76.9% vs 15%, and anti‐HBs seroconversion were 20% vs 0%, respectively. We found a correlation among different genotypes and virological and serological outcomes – genotype C has a better virological response, while genotype A had a better serological response, and E genotype had a poor response. These results show that a sequential approach is a promising strategy of treatment in patients with CHB and high viremia in comparison with PEG‐IFN monotherapy. The E genotype seems to have the worse rate of response and requires other treatment strategies.
Habitat‐specific shape variation in the carapace of the crab Cyrtograpsus angulatus
Authors: Idaszkin Y. L. , Márquez F. , Nocera A. C. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractDifferent environmental and sex conditions induce phenotypic responses (behavioural, morphological and physiological) in many species. The crab Cyrtograpsus angulatus inhabits contrasting intertidal habitats, such as rocky shores and salt marshes, where they are exposed to a wide diversity of predators. However, their anti‐predator responses differ substantially between these two habitats: while crabs in the salt marshes use or built burrows or they simply hide by burying in the sediment into the tidal channels, on rocky shores they find shelter below rocks, inside crevices or under seaweeds in tidal pools. Considering that refuges in salt marshes can be adjusted by the crabs according to their size and the morphology, while in rocky shores they have to fit in the available refuges, we expect that the body shape differs between individuals from each intertidal habitat. In order to test this hypothesis, we collected male and female crabs from a salt marsh and a rocky shore, separated by 3 km, in San José Gulf, Patagonia, and compared the carapace shapes using geometric morphometric methods. The results showed that carapace shape variation is explained by the interaction between sex and habitats. In both sexes, the mean carapace shape on the rocky shore is more slender and more lengthened than in the salt marsh individuals. Furthermore, the posterior margin of the female carapaces was wider than that of male carapaces, which were slender and more rounded posterolaterally, independent of the intertidal habitat.
Transient Paralysis Shortly after Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion
Authors: Zhang Ji‐dong , Xia Qun , Ji Ning , Liu Yan‐cheng , Han Yue , Ning Shang‐long 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveTo report three cases of transient paralysis shortly after (within 4 hours) anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF), and investigate the possible causes.MethodsClinical and radiological data of three cases (two men and one woman, aged 41–61 years) were analyzed retrospectively. All three patients underwent ACCF for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. The decompressed segments were located in C5, C6 and C5 + C6–7 discs, respectively. Paralysis occurred from 30 minutes to 4 hours after surgery. In two cases the paralysis was complete; it was incomplete in the third. All patients received immediate dehydration, neurotrophic drugs and high‐dose methylprednisolone therapy upon recognition of their paralysis. Meanwhile, cervical MRIs were performed and showed no significant hematomas compressing the cervical spinal cord; spinal cord edema was clearly evident in all cases.ResultsIn two cases the paralysis resolved within 2 hours of diagnosis and immediate medication. In the third case, because the neurological symptoms were incompletely resolved 24 hours after beginning medication, a second laminoplasty was performed. During decompression, tremendous pressure was released from the cervical spinal cord. The neurological symptoms had resolved completely by 1 week after decompression.ConclusionThe precise cause for transient paralysis after these anterior cervical surgeries is not yet clear. Spinal cord ischemia‐reperfusion injury is generally regarded as the most likely cause. Therefore, a combination of cervical spinal cord edema and limited anterior decompression space may have been the main contributing factors to the paralysis reported here. Early diagnosis and early intervention to relieve the paralysis can restore spinal cord function and result in a satisfactory prognosis.
Intermittent Cyclic Mechanical Tension‐induced Down‐regulation of Ectonucleotide Pyrophosphatase Phosphodiesterase 1 Gene Expression is Mainly Dependent on TGF‐β1 in End‐plate Chondrocytes
Authors: Xu Hong‐guang , Li Zi‐rui , Wang Hong , Liu Ping , Xiang Sheng‐nan , Wang Chuang‐dong , Zhang Xiao‐ling 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase phosphodiesterase‐1(ENPP‐1) expression and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1) of end‐plate chondrocytes after stimulation with intermittent cyclic mechanical tension (ICMT) by using an FX‐4000T Flexercell Tension Plus unit.MethodsRat end‐plate chondrocytes were cultured and ICMT (strain at 0.5 Hz sinusoidal curve at 10% elongation) applied for 7 days for 4 h/day and cultured for a further 2 days. End‐plate chondrocytes were also exposed to 10 ng/mL of TGF‐β1. Then, using small interfering RNA technology, small interfering TGF‐β1 (siTGF‐β1) was transfected. Expression of ENPP‐1 and TGF‐β1 was measured by real‐time reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and western blotting.ResultsExpression of both ENPP‐1 and TGF‐β1 was up‐regulated after ICMT. Both RT‐PCR and western blot showed that ENPP‐1 expression decreases with siRNA TGF‐β1 after 3% elongation 40 min, and cultured for an additional 2 days.ConclusionIt was found that down‐regulation of ENPP‐1 gene expression induced by ICMT is likely dependent on TGF‐β1 in end‐plate chondrocytes.
Photoaging of human retinal pigment epithelium is accompanied by oxidative modifications of its eumelanin
Authors: Ito Shosuke , Pilat Anna , Gerwat Wolfram , Skumatz Christine M. B. , Ito Miho , Kiyono Atsumi , Zadlo Andrzej , Nakanishi Yukiko , Kolbe Ludger , Burke Janice M. , Sarna Tadeusz , Wakamatsu Kazumasa 
Published: February 2013

SummaryAlthough photodegradation of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) melanin may contribute to the etiology of age‐related macular degeneration, the molecular mechanisms of this phenomenon and the structural changes of the modified melanin remain unknown. Recently, we found that the ratio of pyrrole‐2,3,4,5‐tetracarboxylic acid (PTeCA) to pyrrole‐2,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid (PTCA) is a marker for the heat‐induced cross‐linking of eumelanin. In this study, we examined UVA‐induced changes in synthetic eumelanins to confirm the usefulness of the PTeCA/PTCA ratio as an indicator of photo‐oxidation and compared changes in various melanin markers and their ratios in human melanocytes exposed to UVA, in isolated bovine RPE melanosomes exposed to strong blue light and in human RPE cells from donors of various ages. The results indicate that the PTeCA/PTCA ratio is a sensitive marker for the oxidation of eumelanin exposed to UVA or blue light and that eumelanin and pheomelanin in human RPE cells undergo extensive structural modifications due to the life‐long exposure to blue light.
Attentional capture during visual search is attenuated by target predictability: Evidence from the N2pc, Pd, and topographic segmentation
Authors: Burra Nicolas , Kerzel Dirk 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAttentional capture by salient distractors has been confirmed by the occurrence of an N2pc to the salient distractor. To clarify some failures to replicate this finding, we varied target predictability to induce different search modes. In the unpredictable target condition, the target shape varied randomly from trial to trial, favoring singleton detection mode. In the predictable target condition, the target shape remained the same in a block of trials, favoring feature search mode. With unpredictable targets, we observed an N2pc toward the salient color distractor, confirming attentional capture in singleton search mode. With predictable targets, there was no N2pc to the salient distractor, but a distractor positivity (Pd), suggesting distractor suppression. Also, differences emerged in the topographic segmentation of N2pc and Pd. Further, the amplitude of the N2pc toward the target was larger with predictable than with unpredictable targets.
Skin Tolerance is Supported by the Spleen
Authors: Buettner M. , Bornemann M. , Bode U. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe repeated application of antigens results in the induction of tolerance. Lymph nodes are responsible for this reaction by producing suppressor cells. Using an in vivo transplantation model, we showed recently that stromal cells from different lymph nodes induce different cell populations for suppression, which all produce a tolerogenic phenotype. In this study, we were interested in the role of the spleen in these tolerance reactions. Therefore, tolerance was induced via feeding or injecting ovalbumin several times in control and splenectomized mice. The delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) was measured as well as the cell subset composition of the spleen. The spleen of peripherally tolerized mice showed higher proliferation activity and a specific antibody production compared with orally tolerized mice, where regulatory T cells were predominantly found. Tolerance induction after removal of the spleen resulted in a reduced DTH response in antigen fed animals, whereas skin tolerance induction failed. In conclusion, the results illustrate that lymph nodes from different areas employ their individual pathways for similar immune reactions, and the spleen is part of this reaction initiated at the peripheral site.
Increased Bronchial Density of CD25+Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells in Occupational Asthma: Relationship to Current Smoking
Authors: Sjåheim T. B. , Bjørtuft Ø. , Drabløs P. A. , Kongerud J. , Halstensen T. S. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractTo identify activated T cell subset in the asthmatic bronchia, we developed a triple‐colour immunohistofluorescence labelling technique on cryo‐section to discriminate activated CD4+CD25+ T cells, (effector T cells) from Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg). Additional coexpression of activation and proliferation markers was also examined in situ. Bronchial biopsies were taken from 20 aluminium potroom workers (12 smokers) with asthma (>12% reversibility), 15 non‐asthmatic potroom workers (7 smokers) and 10 non‐smoking, non‐exposed controls. Non‐smoking asthmatics had significantly higher subepithelial density of both Tregs, effector T cells, activated (HLA‐DR+) CD8+ and activated CD4+ T cells. Moreover, both Tregs, effector T cells and CD8+ T cells proliferated in the non‐smoking asthmatics, only. Although smoking asthmatics had no asthma‐associated increase in bronchial T cell, both had a significantly increase in effector T cell to Treg ratios. The significantly increased bronchial density of Tregs, effector T cells, proliferative T cells and activated CD8+ T cells in non‐smoking asthmatics clearly showed that both the effector T cells and the inhibitory Treg system were activated in asthma.
PCR amplification and DNA sequencing of Demodex injai from otic secretions of a dog
Authors: Milosevic Milivoj A. , Frank Linda A. , Brahmbhatt Rupal A. , Kania Stephen A. 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundThe identification of Demodex mites from dogs is usually based on morphology and location. Mites with uncharacteristic features or from unusual locations, hosts or disease manifestations could represent new species not previously described; however, this is difficult to determine based on morphology alone.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to identify and confirm Demodex injai in association with otitis externa in a dog using PCR amplification and DNA sequencing.MethodsOtic samples were obtained from a beagle in which a long‐bodied Demodex mite was identified. For comparison, Demodex mite samples were collected from a swab and scraping of the dorsal skin of a wire‐haired fox terrier and an otic sample from a dog with generalized and otic demodicosis. To identify the Demodex mite, DNA was extracted, and 16S rRNA was amplified by PCR, sequenced and compared with Demodex sequences available in public databases and from separate samples morphologically diagnosed as D. injai and Demodex canis.ResultsPCR amplification of the long‐bodied mite rRNA DNA obtained from otic samples was approximately 330 bp and was identical to that from the mite morphologically identified as D. injai obtained from the dorsal skin of a dog. Furthermore, the examined mite did not have any significant homology to any of the reported genes from Demodex spp.ConclusionsThese results confirmed that the demodex mites in this case were D. injai.
Sarcolemmal localisation of Na+/H+ exchange and Na+–HCO3− co‐transport influences the spatial regulation of intracellular pH in rat ventricular myocytes
Authors: Garciarena Carolina D. , Ma Yu‐ling , Swietach Pawel , Huc Laurence , Vaughan‐Jones Richard D. 
Published: February 2013

Key points
Acid extrusion from ventricular myocytes typically occurs via Na+/H+ exchange (NHE1) and Na+–HCO3− co‐transporters (NBC). This maintains intracellular pH at ∼7.2: The membrane distribution of these transporters is uncertain.
Immunofluorescence indicates that: NBC isoforms are located in lateral sarcolemma, intercalated discs and transverse tubules, whereas NHE1 is densely expressed at intercalated discs.
Functional experiments with detubulated myocytes indicate reduced acid extrusion on NBC but no effect on NHE1 activity, confirming exclusion of NHE1 function from transverse tubules.
Stimulating NHE1 activity induces sub‐sarcolemmal [H+]i depletion (forming local pHi microdomains), particularly at intercalated discs, while stimulating NBC activity induces no pHi microdomains.
Our results provide the first demonstration that pHi in ventricular myocytes is locally controlled through selective trafficking of membrane ion transporters. NHE1 preferentially controls pHi at intercalated discs, where cell‐to‐cell gap‐junctional channels are located, while NBC influences pHi adjacent to transverse tubules, where key proteins for excitation–contraction coupling are located.
Abstract  Membrane acid extrusion by Na+/H+ exchange (NHE1) and Na+–HCO3− co‐transport (NBC) is essential for maintaining a low cytoplasmic [H+] (∼60 nm, equivalent to an intracellular pH (pHi) of 7.2). This protects myocardial function from the high chemical reactivity of H+ ions, universal end‐products of metabolism. We show here that, in rat ventricular myocytes, fluorescent antibodies map the NBC isoforms NBCe1 and NBCn1 to lateral sarcolemma, intercalated discs and transverse tubules (t‐tubules), while NHE1 is absent from t‐tubules. This unexpected difference matches functional measurements of pHi regulation (using AM‐loaded SNARF‐1, a pH fluorophore). Thus, myocyte detubulation (by transient exposure to 1.5 m formamide) reduces global acid extrusion on NBC by 40%, without affecting NHE1. Similarly, confocal pHi imaging reveals that NBC stimulation induces spatially uniform pHi recovery from acidosis, whereas NHE1 stimulation induces pHi non‐uniformity during recovery (of ∼0.1 units, for 2–3 min), particularly at the ends of the cell where intercalated discs are commonly located, and where NHE1 immunostaining is prominent. Mathematical modelling shows that this induction of local pHi microdomains is favoured by low cytoplasmic H+ mobility and long H+ diffusion distances, particularly to surface NHE1 transporters mediating high membrane flux. Our results provide the first evidence for a spatial localisation of [H+]i regulation in ventricular myocytes, suggesting that, by guarding pHi, NHE1 preferentially protects gap junctional communication at intercalated discs, while NBC locally protects t‐tubular excitation–contraction coupling.
Regulation of connexin36 gap junction channels by n‐alkanols and arachidonic acid
Authors: Marandykina Alina , Palacios‐Prado Nicolás , Rimkutė Lina , Skeberdis Vytenis A. , Bukauskas Feliksas F. 
Published: February 2013

Key points
Under control conditions only one of ∼128 connexin (Cx)36 gap junction channels assembled in junctional plaques are open at a given time. This ratio was increased several times by short carbon chain n‐alkanols and BSA, and reduced by long carbon chain n‐alkanols.
Bovine serum albumin (BSA) increased junctional conductance (gj) by removal of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) including arachidonic acid (AA) from the plasma membrane of HeLaCx36‐EGFP cells. BSA modified with 1,2‐cyclohexanedione, which does not bind PUFAs, did not affect gj.
A primary culture of pancreatic β‐cells, expressing solely Cx36, shows similar properties as HeLa transfectants, i.e. gj increases under an exposure to BSA and hexanol, while decanol and nonanol caused full uncoupling.
Methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate (MAFP) and thapsigargin, inhibitor and activator of AA synthesis, increased and reduced gj, respectively.
The gj‐enhancing effect of hexanol did not change during combined application with MAFP and BSA, whereas AA and thapsigargin reduced the potentiating effect of hexanol.
Abstract  We examined junctional conductance (gj) and its dependence on transjunctional voltage in gap junction (GJ) channels formed of wild‐type connexin36 (Cx36) or its fusion form with green fluorescent protein (Cx36‐EGFP) transfected in HeLa cells or endogenously expressed in primary culture of pancreatic β‐cells. Only a very small fraction (∼0.8%) of Cx36‐EGFP channels assembled into junctional plaques of GJs were open under control conditions. We found that short carbon chain n‐alkanols (SCCAs) increased gj, while long carbon chain n‐alkanols resulted in full uncoupling; cutoff is between heptanol and octanol. The fraction of functional channels and gj increased several fold under an exposure to SCCAs, or during reduction of endogenous levels of arachidonic acid (AA) by exposure to fatty acid‐free BSA or cytosolic phospholipase A2 inhibitors. Moreover, uncoupling caused by exogenously applied AA can be rescued by BSA, which binds AA and other polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), but not by BSA modified with 1,2‐cyclohexanedione, which does not bind AA and other PUFAs. We propose that under control conditions, Cx36 GJ channels in HeLa transfectants and β‐cells are inhibited by endogenous AA, which stabilizes a closed conformational state of the channel that leads to extremely low fraction of functional channels. In addition, SCCAs increase gj by interfering with endogenous AA‐dependent inhibition, increasing open probability and the fraction of functional channels.
Draft Genome of Klebsiella pneumoniae Sequence Type 512, a Multidrug-Resistant Strain Isolated during a Recent KPC Outbreak in Italy
Authors: Comandatore Francesco , Gaibani Paolo , Ambretti Simone , Landini Maria Paola , Daffonchio Daniele , Marone Piero , Sambri Vittorio , Bandi Claudio , Sassera Davide 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
subsp.
pneumoniae
sequence type 512 (ST512) isolated during a KPC-producer outbreak. This strain is resistant to β-lactams, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, macrolides, tetracyclines, and carbapenems but susceptible to colistin. The ST512-K30BO genome is composed of 289 contigs for 5,392,844 bp with 56.9% G+C content.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Clinical Isolates of Lactobacillus rhamnosus from Initial Stages of Dental Pulp Infection
Authors: Chen Zhiliang , Wilkins Marc R. , Hunter Neil , Nadkarni Mangala A. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Here we report the draft genomic sequences of two clinical isolates of
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
from infected dental pulps representing the initial stages of infection of pulp tissue. Based on 454 FLX+ pyrosequencing, the two clinical isolates infecting vital pulp had a genome length of 2.9 Mbp with distinct genomic signatures.
Genome Sequence of Chlamydia psittaci Strain 01DC12 Originating from Swine
Authors: Seth-Smith Helena M. B. , Sait Michelle , Sachse Konrad , Gaede Wolfgang , Longbottom David , Thomson Nicholas R. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Chlamydia psittaci
is the etiological agent of psittacosis and is a zoonotic pathogen infecting birds and a variety of mammalian hosts. Here we report the genome sequence of the porcine strain 01DC12 which is representative of a novel clade of
C. psittaci
belonging to
ompA
genotype E.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Porcine Strain Brachyspira pilosicoli P43/6/78
T
Authors: Lin Changyou , den Bakker Henk C. , Suzuki Haruo , Lefébure Tristan , Ponnala Lalit , Sun Qi , Stanhope Michael J. , Wiedmann Martin , Duhamel Gérald E. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Reported herein is the complete genome sequence of
Brachyspira pilosicoli
strain P43/6/78
T
, isolated from a pig with clinical disease. This sequence will aid in the study of genome-wide comparison among
Brachyspira
species.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Halophilic Bacterium
Halobacillus
sp. Strain BAB-2008
Authors: Joshi M. N. , Pandit A. S. , Sharma A. , Pandya R. V. , Saxena A. K. , Bagatharia S. B. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

The
Halobacillus
sp. strain BAB-2008 is a moderately halophilic, rod-shaped, Gram-positive, orange-pigmented, carotenoid-producing bacterium isolated from saline soil near Zazam-Solar Park Road, Gujarat, India. Here we present the 3.7-Mb genome sequence to provide insights into its functional genomics and potential applications for carotenoid and enzyme production.
Delayed extradural haemorrhage: a case for intracranial pressure monitoring in sedated children with traumatic brain injury within tertiary centres
Authors: Hughes Anna , Lee Conrad , Kirkham Fenella , Durnford Andrew J 
Published: February 2013

A 15-year-old girl sustained a mild isolated traumatic brain injury following a pedestrian road traffic accident. She was ventilated for head computed tomography (CT) scan which revealed no intracranial abnormalities. Ventilation was not withdrawn until 15 h later when poor neurological recovery prompted urgent repeat CT, which demonstrated a delayed extradural haemorrhage (EDH). She underwent surgical evacuation, and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring was initiated postoperatively. She developed persistently raised ICP resistant to medical therapy, prompting further CT. This showed a recurrence of the delayed EDH requiring further surgical drainage. She made a good neurological recovery. There should be a low threshold for repeat CT to exclude delayed EDH when neurological status is poor despite normal CT soon after initial primary injury. ICP monitoring should be undertaken in children and adolescents who have normal initial CT, but in whom serial neurological assessment is not possible owing to sedation.