bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toll-Like Receptor 2 in Serum: a Potential Diagnostic Marker of Prosthetic Joint Infection?
Authors: Galliera Emanuela , Drago Lorenzo , Vassena Christian , Romanò Carlo , Gioia Marazzi Monica , Salcito Lucia , Corsi Romanelli Massimiliano M. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT
Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a severe complication of arthroplasty and is still lacking diagnostic gold standards. PJI patients display high Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) serum levels, correlating with canonical inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein [CRP], interleukin 6 [IL-6], tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], and IL-1). Therefore, TLR2 serum levels could be considered a new potential diagnostic tool in the early detection of PJI.
Comparative Analysis of Hepatitis B Virus Polymerase Sequences Required for Viral RNA Binding, RNA Packaging, and Protein Priming
Authors: Jones Scott A. , Clark Daniel N. , Cao Feng , Tavis John E. , Hu Jianming 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis B virus replicates a DNA genome through reverse transcription of a pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) by using a multifunctional polymerase (HP). A critical function of HP is its specific association with a viral RNA signal, termed ε (Hε), located on pgRNA, which is required for specific packaging of pgRNA into viral nucleocapsids and initiation of viral reverse transcription. HP initiates reverse transcription by using itself as a protein primer (protein priming) and Hε as the obligatory template. HP is made up of four domains, including the terminal protein (TP), the spacer, the reverse transcriptase (RT), and the RNase H domains. A recently developed, Hε-dependent,
in vitro
protein priming assay was used in this study to demonstrate that almost the entire TP and RT domains and most of the RNase H domain were required for protein priming. Specific residues within TP, RT, and the spacer were identified as being critical for HP-Hε binding and/or protein priming. Comparison of HP sequence requirements for Hε binding, pgRNA packaging, and protein priming allowed the classification of the HP mutants into five groups, each with distinct effects on these complex and related processes. Detailed characterization of HP requirements for these related and essential functions of HP will further elucidate the mechanisms of its multiple functions and aid in the targeting of these functions for antiviral therapy.
Processing of the L1 52/55k Protein by the Adenovirus Protease: a New Substrate and New Insights into Virion Maturation
Authors: Pérez-Berná Ana J. , Mangel Walter F. , McGrath William J. , Graziano Vito , Flint Jane , San Martín Carmen 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

Late in adenovirus assembly, the viral protease (AVP) becomes activated and cleaves multiple copies of three capsid and three core proteins. Proteolytic maturation is an absolute requirement to render the viral particle infectious. We show here that the L1 52/55k protein, which is present in empty capsids but not in mature virions and is required for genome packaging, is the seventh substrate for AVP. A new estimate on its copy number indicates that there are about 50 molecules of the L1 52/55k protein in the immature virus particle. Using a quasi-
in vivo
situation, i.e., the addition of recombinant AVP to mildly disrupted immature virus particles, we show that cleavage of L1 52/55k is DNA dependent, as is the cleavage of the other viral precursor proteins, and occurs at multiple sites, many not conforming to AVP consensus cleavage sites. Proteolytic processing of L1 52/55k disrupts its interactions with other capsid and core proteins, providing a mechanism for its removal during viral maturation. Our results support a model in which the role of L1 52/55k protein during assembly consists in tethering the viral core to the icosahedral shell and in which maturation proceeds simultaneously with packaging, before the viral particle is sealed.
Equine Tetherin Blocks Retrovirus Release and Its Activity Is Antagonized by Equine Infectious Anemia Virus Envelope Protein
Authors: Yin Xin , Hu Zhe , Gu Qinyong , Wu Xingliang , Zheng Yong-Hui , Wei Ping , Wang Xiaojun 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT
Human tetherin is a host restriction factor that inhibits replication of enveloped viruses by blocking viral release. Tetherin has an unusual topology that includes an N-terminal cytoplasmic tail, a single transmembrane domain, an extracellular domain, and a C-terminal glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. Tetherin is not well conserved across species, so it inhibits viral replication in a species-specific manner. Thus, studies of tetherin activities from different species provide an important tool for understanding its antiviral mechanism. Here, we report cloning of equine tetherin and characterization of its antiviral activity. Equine tetherin shares 53%, 40%, 36%, and 34% amino acid sequence identity with feline, human, simian, and murine tetherins, respectively. Like the feline tetherin, equine tetherin has a shorter N-terminal domain than human tetherin. Equine tetherin is localized on the cell surface and strongly blocks human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), and equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) release from virus-producing cells. The antiviral activity of equine tetherin is neutralized by EIAV envelope protein, but not by the HIV-1 accessory protein Vpu, which is a human tetherin antagonist, and EIAV envelope protein does not counteract human tetherin. These results shed new light on our understanding of the species-specific tetherin antiviral mechanism.
Intermediate vaginal flora and bacterial vaginosis are associated with the same factors: findings from an exploratory analysis among female sex workers in Africa and India
Authors: Guédou Fernand A , Van Damme Lut , Deese Jennifer , Crucitti Tania , Mirembe Florence , Solomon Suniti , Becker Marissa , Alary Michel 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesSeveral recent studies suggest that intermediate vaginal flora (IVF) is associated with similar adverse health outcomes as bacterial vaginosis (BV). Yet, it is still unknown if IVF and BV share the same correlates. We conducted a cross-sectional and exploratory analysis of data from women screened prior to enrolment in a microbicide trial to estimate BV and IVF prevalence and examine their respective correlates.MethodsParticipants were interviewed, examined and provided blood and genital samples for the diagnosis of IVF and BV (using Nugent score) and other reproductive tract infections. Polytomous logistic regressions were used in estimating respective ORs of IVF and BV, in relation to each potential risk factor.ResultsAmong 1367 women, BV and IVF prevalences were 47.6% (95% CI 45.0% to 50.3%) and 19.2% (95% CI 17.1% to 21.2%), respectively. Multivariate polytomous analysis of IVF and BV showed that they were generally associated with the same factors. The respective adjusted ORs were for HIV 1.98 (95% CI 1.37 to 2.86) and 1.62 (95% CI 1.20 to 2.20) (p=0.2248), for gonorrhoea 1.25 (95% CI 0.64 to 2.4) and 2.01 (95% CI 1.19 to 3.49) (p=0.0906), for trichomoniasis 3.26 (95% CI 1.71 to 6.31) and 2.39 (95% CI 1.37 to 4.33) (p=0.2630), for candidiasis 0.52 (95% CI 0.36 to 0.75) and 0.59 (95% CI 0.44 to 0.78) (p=0.5288), and for hormonal contraception 0.65 (95% CI 0.40 to 1.04) and 0.62 (95% CI 0.43 to 0.90) (p=0.8819). In addition, the association between vaginal flora abnormalities and factors such as younger age, HIV, gonorrhoea trichomoniasis and candidiasis were modified by the study site (all p for interaction ≤0.05).ConclusionsIVF has almost the same correlates as BV. The relationship between some factors and vaginal flora abnormalities may be site-specific.
Evaluation of Modeling Water-Vapor-Weighted Mean Tropospheric Temperature for GNSS-Integrated Water Vapor Estimates in Brazil
Authors: Sapucci Luiz F. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMeteorological application of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data over Brazil has increased significantly in recent years, motivated by the significant amount of investment from research agencies. Several projects have, among their principal objectives, the monitoring of humidity over Brazilian territory. These research projects require integrated water vapor (IWV) values with maximum quality, and, accordingly, appropriate data from the installed meteorological stations, together with the GNSS antennas, have been used. The model that is applied to estimate the water-vapor-weighted mean tropospheric temperature (Tm) is a source of uncertainty in the estimate of IWV values using the ground-based GNSS receivers in Brazil. Two global models and one algorithm for Tm, developed through the use of radiosondes, numerical weather prediction products, and 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40), as well as two regional models, were evaluated using a dataset of ~78 000 radiosonde profiles collected at 22 stations in Brazil during a 12-yr period (1999–2010). The regional models (denoted the Brazilian and regional models) were developed with the use of multivariate statistical analysis using ~90 000 radiosonde profiles launched at 12 stations over a 32-yr period (1961–93). The main conclusion is that the Brazilian model and two global models exhibit similar performance if the complete dataset and the entire period are taken into consideration. However, for seasonal and local variations of the Tm values, the Brazilian model was better than the other two models for most stations. The Tm values from ERA-40 present no bias, but their scatter is larger than that in the other models.
Two-Dimensional Rotorcraft Downwash Flow Field Measurements by Lidar-Based Wind Scanners with Agile Beam Steering
Authors: Sjöholm Mikael , Angelou Nikolas , Hansen Per , Hansen Kasper Hjorth , Mikkelsen Torben , Haga Steinar , Silgjerd Jon Arne , Starsmore Neil 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
A major risk to helicopters is the unexpected encounter of degraded visual environments in close-to-ground operations, where a loss of visibility often is caused by clouds of dust (brownout) or snow (whiteout) stirred up by intense downwash. The understanding of the phenomenon is limited, and there is a need for instruments that can measure flow fields on scales larger than a few meters with good resolution. This paper reports on the use of synchronized continuous-wave Doppler lidars for rotorcraft downwash flow field studies.
Built from a modified ZephIR wind lidar and a double-prism arrangement for agile beam steering, a wind scanner—WindScanner—has been developed at the Department of Wind Energy at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) Risø campus. The WindScanner measures the line-of-sight component of the airflow remotely and by rapid steering, the line-of-sight direction and the focus position; all points in space within a cone with a full opening angle of 120° can be reached from about 8 m out to some hundred meters depending on the range resolution required.
The first two-dimensional mean wind fields measured in a horizontal plane and in a vertical plane below a hovering search and rescue helicopter are presented. Since the line-of-sight directions of the two synchronized WindScanners were scanned within the plane of interest, the influence of the wind component perpendicular to the plane was avoided. The results also demonstrate the possibilities within less demanding flows encountered within complex terrain and wind-energy-related research for which the WindScanner technology primarily has been developed.
The Astroglial Reaction along the Mouse Cochlear Nerve following Inner Ear Damage
Authors: Hu Zhengqing , Zhang Baofu , Luo Xuemei , Zhang Lei , Wang Jue , Bojrab Dennis , Jiang Hui 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveDetermine how the astroglial cells of the peripheral and central nervous system transitional zone (PCTZ) react to sensorineural hearing loss using a mouse cochlear nerve model.Study DesignProspective, basic science.SettingResearch laboratory.Subjects and MethodsNeomycin was injected into the mouse inner ear to cause chemically induced hearing loss. Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were used to determine hearing threshold shifts after neomycin treatment. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of proteins specific for hair cells, spiral ganglion neurons, astrocytes, and the myelin components of both oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells.ResultsABR threshold shifts and immunofluorescence results supported that hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons were damaged in neomycin‐treated mice. Immunofluorescence showed the peripheral and central nervous system (PNS and CNS) transitional zone of the cochlear nerve at the interface of the myelin components of the PNS and CNS. In the control mice, the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was observed proximally to the PCTZ closer to the CNS, which is their normal location. However, in neomycin‐treated animals the expression of GFAP was detected distally to the PCTZ and was found close to the spiral lamina level in the basal cochlear turn, suggesting that GFAP‐expressing astrocytes migrated across the PCTZ and reached the PNS.ConclusionThe GFAP positive astrocyte processes extended across the PCTZ along the mouse cochlear nerve following chemically induced sensorineural hearing loss.
Magnetic resonance imaging tracking of ultra small superparamagnetic iron oxide labeled rabbit dendritic cells
Authors: Zhou Jing , Yang Fuyuan , Zhou Quan , Yang Kanrong , Chen Wenli 
Published: November 2013

Dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in atherosclerosis plaque formation, but the mechanism has not been elucidated clearly. This study is designed to establish a method for tracing DCs in vivo facilitating the investigation of the DCs’ specific roles in atherosclerosis. Rabbit DCs labeled by different concentrations of ultra small superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) were injected into atherosclerosis rabbit model and traced with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results showed that USPIO labeling nearly have no cytotoxicity to DCs in low concentrations (<500 µg/mL) but induced some decrease of cell viability at high concentrations (>500 µg/mL). Moreover, USPIO labeling, from 200 to 2000 µg/mL, caused a dose-dependent decrease of the mitochondrial membrane potential in DCs. The high labeling concentration (2000 µg/mL) triggered necrosis instead of apoptosis in DCs. By T2WI and fs T2WI sequence imaging comparison, DCs were found to exist in rabbit abdominal artery plaques after 24 h of transplantation and in spleen after one week detected by Prussian blue staining of tissue sections. We concluded that about 200 µg/mL USPIO is ideal to effectively label DCs for MRI tracing in vivo without a threat to cell viability. Combining USPIO labeling and MRI to track the movement of injected DCs in vivo is a feasible method.
Inhibitory FcγRIIb (CD32b) becomes activated by therapeutic mAb in both cis and trans and drives internalization according to antibody specificity
Authors: Vaughan Andrew T. , Iriyama Chisako , Beers Stephen A. , Chan Claude H. T. , Lim Sean H. , Williams Emily L. , Shah Vallari , Roghanian Ali , Frendéus Bjorn , Glennie Martin J. , Cragg Mark S. 
Published: November 2013

Key PointsFcγRIIb-dependent internalization of therapeutic mAbs is dependent on antibody specificity. FcγRIIb can be activated in both cis and trans configurations.
Influence of NADPH oxidase on inflammatory response in primary intestinal epithelial cells in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Ramonaite Rima , Skieceviciene Jurgita , Kiudelis Gediminas , Jonaitis Laimas , Tamelis Algimantas , Cizas Paulius , Borutaite Vilmante , Kupcinskas Limas 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of NADPH oxidase in primary intestinal epithelial cells during the active phase of UC.

Methods
The primary human colonic epithelial cells were isolated from 19 patients with mild to moderate inflammatory activity of UC and 14 controls using chelation method. The cells were cultivated under the effect of mediators. Viability of cells was assessed by fluorescent microscopy. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the cells was measured fluorimetrically using Amplex Red. Production of TNF-α cytokine by the colonic epithelial cells was analysed by ELISA.

Results
The results of our study showed that unstimulated cells of UC patients had a decreased viability, increased ROS production, but similar TNF-α level when compared to the controls. Stimulation with LPS increased hydrogen peroxide and TNF-α level in the UC group. Treatment of colonic epithelial cells with NADPH oxidase inhibitor increased cell viability decreased the levels of ROS and TNF-α in the LPS-treated cells isolated from UC patients.

Conclusions
Our study showed that bacterial endotoxins induced NADPH oxidase activation in the colonic epithelial cells. Moreover, we revealed that treatment with NADPH oxidase inhibitors had a protective effect against pro-inflammatory action of LPS in human colonic epithelium cells during inflammation.
Acceptance of disability and its predictors among stroke patients in Taiwan
Authors: Chiu Shan-Yun , Livneh Hanoch , Tsao Long-Lung , Tsai Tzung-Yi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundModern medicine has increased the survival rate for stroke patients; however, the patient’s psychosocial adaptation after stroke onset may be related to the clinical outcomes. This study aimed to investigate patients’ acceptance of disability (AOD) and its predictors in stroke patients.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used a purposive sampling method to recruit 175 stroke patients from a hospital in southern Taiwan. A structured questionnaire gathered data on respondent demographics and disease characteristics, and included the Chinese version of the AOD Scale-Revised. Factors associated with AOD were examined by a multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsThe mean AOD score was 71.72, which indicated a lower level of disease acceptance (range, 32-128). Our findings showed that patients who reported no religious beliefs, shorter disease duration, recurrent stroke episodes, and poorer physical functioning also reported lower levels of disability acceptance. These factors accounted for 38.2% of the variance in AOD among participants.ConclusionsThe findings are beneficial to healthcare providers by identifying those stroke patients with predisposition of having lower disability acceptance, which could then facilitate the provision of appropriate rehabilitation interventions within six months after the diagnosis of stroke to support their adaptation process.
Identification of the gene for β-fructofuranosidase from Ceratocystis moniliformis CMW 10134 and characterization of the enzyme expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: van Wyk Niël , Trollope Kim M , Steenkamp Emma T , Wingfield Brenda D , Volschenk Heinrich 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundβ-Fructofuranosidases (or invertases) catalyse the commercially-important biotransformation of sucrose into short-chain fructooligosaccharides with wide-scale application as a prebiotic in the functional foods and pharmaceutical industries.ResultsWe identified a β-fructofuranosidase gene (CmINV) from aCeratocystis moniliformisgenome sequence using protein homology and phylogenetic analysis. The predicted 615 amino acid protein, CmINV, grouped with an existing clade within the glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 32 and showed typical conserved motifs of this enzyme family. Heterologous expression of theCmINVgene inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeBY4742∆suc2provided further evidence that CmINV indeed functions as a β-fructofuranosidase. Firstly, expression of theCmINVgene complemented the inability of the ∆suc2deletion mutant strain ofS. cerevisiaeto grow on sucrose as sole carbohydrate source. Secondly, the recombinant protein was capable of producing short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) when incubated in the presence of 10% sucrose. Purified deglycosylated CmINV protein showed a molecular weight of ca. 66 kDa and aKmandVmaxon sucrose of 7.50 mM and 986 μmol/min/mg protein, respectively. Its optimal pH and temperature conditions were determined to be 6.0 and 62.5°C, respectively. The addition of 50 mM LiCl led to a 186% increase in CmINV activity. Another striking feature was the relatively high volumetric production of this protein inS. cerevisiaeas one mL of supernatant was calculated to contain 197 ± 6 International Units of enzyme.ConclusionThe properties of the CmINV enzyme make it an attractive alternative to other invertases being used in industry.
Promoting universal financial protection: health insurance for the poor in Georgia – a case study
Authors: Zoidze Akaki , Rukhazde Natia , Chkhatarashvili Ketevan , Gotsadze George 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
The present study focuses on the program “Medical Insurance for the Poor (MIP)” in Georgia. Under this program, the government purchased coverage from private insurance companies for vulnerable households identified through a means testing system, targeting up to 23% of the total population. The benefit package included outpatient and inpatient services with no co-payments, but had only limited outpatient drug benefits. This paper presents the results of the study on the impact of MIP on access to health services and financial protection of the MIP-targeted and general population.

Methods
With a holistic case study design, the study employed a range of quantitative and qualitative methods. The methods included document review and secondary analysis of the data obtained through the nationwide household health expenditure and utilisation surveys 2007–2010 using the difference-in-differences method.

Results
The study findings showed that MIP had a positive impact in terms of reduced expenditure for inpatient services and total household health care costs, and there was a higher probability of receiving free outpatient benefits among the MIP-insured. However, MIP insurance had almost no effect on health services utilisation and the households’ expenditure on outpatient drugs, including for those with MIP insurance, due to limited drug benefits in the package and a low claims ratio. In summary, the extended MIP coverage and increased financial access provided by the program, most likely due to the exclusion of outpatient drug coverage from the benefit package and possibly due to improper utilisation management by private insurance companies, were not able to reverse adverse effects of economic slow-down and escalating health expenditure. MIP has only cushioned the negative impact for the poorest by decreasing the poor/rich gradient in the rates of catastrophic health expenditure.

Conclusions
The recent governmental decision on major expansion of MIP coverage and inclusion of additional drug benefit will most likely significantly enhance the overall MIP impact and its potential as a viable policy instrument for achieving universal coverage. The Georgian experience presented in this paper may be useful for other low- and middle-income countries that are contemplating ways to ensure universal coverage for their populations.