bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Origin, acquisition and diversification of heritable bacterial endosymbionts in louse flies and bat flies
Authors: Duron Olivier , Schneppat Ulrich E. , Berthomieu Arnaud , Goodman Steven M. , Droz Boris , Paupy Christophe , Obame Nkoghe Judicaël , Rahola Nil , Tortosa Pablo 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe γ‐proteobacterium Arsenophonus and its close relatives (Arsenophonus and like organisms, ALOs) are emerging as a novel clade of endosymbionts, which are exceptionally widespread in insects. The biology of ALOs is, however, in most cases entirely unknown, and it is unclear how these endosymbionts spread across insect populations. Here, we investigate this aspect through the examination of the presence, the diversity and the evolutionary history of ALOs in 25 related species of blood‐feeding flies: tsetse flies (Glossinidae), louse flies (Hippoboscidae) and bat flies (Nycteribiidae and Streblidae). While these endosymbionts were not found in tsetse flies, we identify louse flies and bat flies as harbouring the highest diversity of ALO strains reported to date, including a novel ALO clade, as well as Arsenophonus and the recently described Candidatus Aschnera chinzeii. We further show that the origin of ALO endosymbioses extends deep into the evolutionary past of louse flies and bat flies, and that it probably played a major role in the ecological specialization of their hosts. The evolutionary history of ALOs is notably complex and was shaped by both vertical transmission and horizontal transfers with frequent host turnover and apparent symbiont replacement in host lineages. In particular, ALOs have evolved repeatedly and independently close relationships with diverse groups of louse flies and bat flies, as well as phylogenetically more distant insect families, suggesting that ALO endosymbioses are exceptionally dynamic systems.
Freedom in Relationship: Joseph Ratzinger and Alexander Schmemann in Dialogue
Authors: Kaethler Andrew T. J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractJoseph Ratzinger and Alexander Schmemann, representing West and East respectively, share similar views of personhood and freedom. This similarity is evidenced both in their constructive construal of Christian freedom, and their destructive dismantling of secular freedom. According to both theologians, Christian freedom is grounded in a relational anthropology in which the human person images God's relational freedom as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In contrast, secular understandings of freedom place freedom in antinomic relationship with authority. In other words, Christian freedom is ontological, and secular freedom is ‘external’. There are differences between Ratzinger and Schmemann, yet the differences do not divide. This essay concludes that their various emphases are brought together via the three-fold office of Christ—prophet, priest, and king—to provide a robust and ecumenical expression of Christian freedom.
Serial analysis of serum cardiac troponin I changes and correlation with clinical findings in 46 dogs with mitral valve disease
Authors: Polizopoulou Zoe S. , Koutinas Christos K. , Dasopoulou Anastasia , Patsikas Michael , York Malcolm , Roman Ian , Gandhi Mitul , Patel Sonal , Koutinas Alexander F. , O'Brien Peter J. 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundCardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a biomarker correlated with the severity of myocardial injury. It is hypothesized that serial assessment ofcTnIcould provide information about the disease progression in chronic heart failure.ObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to correlate serial serumcTnIconcentrations with clinical scoring and select diagnostic imaging findings in dogs managed for mitral valve degeneration (MVD) for a period of 6 months.MethodsClient‐owned dogs withMVDwere prospectively recruited for the study. The dogs were allocated into 3 groups (I,II,III) according to the severity of their clinical signs based on the classification suggested by the International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council. During the 6‐month study period, serum specimens for biochemical testing were obtained biweekly, clinical progression and response to treatment were also evaluated biweekly, and radiographic reevaluation was performed every 2 months.ResultsA total of 46 dogs were evaluated. There was a marked decrease incTnIvalues during the first 2 weeks after initial diagnosis, more pronounced in group III, and corresponding to the initiation of therapy and clinical stabilization of animals. SerumcTnIwas significantly different (P < .05) among the 3 dog groups throughout the study period. The interaction between Group and Period was significant in group III, indicating an upwardcTnItrend evident in severely affected animals. A positive correlation was demonstrated in all groups between serumcTnIand clinical scoring.ConclusionLong‐term management of MVD in dogs could benefit from the serial measurement ofcTnI.
Development of an Analytical Design Tool for Monolithic Emission Control Catalysts and Application to Nano-Textured Substrate System
Authors: Baker Chad A. , Osman Emiroglu Alaattin , Mallick Rehan , Ezekoye Ofodike A. , Shi Li , Hall Matthew J. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
An analytical transport/reaction model was developed to simulate the catalytic performance of ZnO nanowires as a catalyst support. ZnO nanowires were chosen because they have easily characterized, controllable features and a spatially uniform morphology. The analytical model couples convection in the catalyst flow channel with reaction and diffusion in the porous substrate material; it was developed to show that a simple analytical model with physics-based mass transport and empirical kinetics can be used to capture the essential physics involved in catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons. The model was effective at predicting species conversion efficiency over a range of temperature and flow rate. The model clarifies the relationship between advection, bulk diffusion, pore diffusion, and kinetics. The model was used to optimize the geometry of the experimental catalyst for which it predicted that maximum species conversion density for fixed catalyst surface occurred at a channel height of 520 μm.
Plant-Derived Decapeptide OSIP108 Interferes with Candida albicans Biofilm Formation without Affecting Cell Viability
Authors: Delattin Nicolas , De Brucker Katrijn , Craik David J. , Cheneval Olivier , Fröhlich Mirjam , Veber Matija , Girandon Lenart , Davis Talya R. , Weeks Anne E. , Kumamoto Carol A. , Cos Paul , Coenye Tom , De Coninck Barbara , Cammue Bruno P. A. , Thevissen Karin 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT

We previously identified a decapeptide from the model plant
Arabidopsis thaliana
, OSIP108, which is induced upon fungal pathogen infection. In this study, we demonstrated that OSIP108 interferes with biofilm formation of the fungal pathogen
Candida albicans
without affecting the viability or growth of
C. albicans
cells. OSIP108 displayed no cytotoxicity against various human cell lines. Furthermore, OSIP108 enhanced the activity of the antifungal agents amphotericin B and caspofungin
in vitro
and
in vivo
in a
Caenorhabditis elegans-C. albicans
biofilm infection model. These data point to the potential use of OSIP108 in combination therapy with conventional antifungal agents. In a first attempt to unravel its mode of action, we screened a library of 137 homozygous
C. albicans
mutants, affected in genes encoding cell wall proteins or transcription factors important for biofilm formation, for altered OSIP108 sensitivity. We identified 9 OSIP108-tolerant
C. albicans
mutants that were defective in either components important for cell wall integrity or the yeast-to-hypha transition. In line with these findings, we demonstrated that OSIP108 activates the
C. albicans
cell wall integrity pathway and that its antibiofilm activity can be blocked by compounds inhibiting the yeast-to-hypha transition. Furthermore, we found that OSIP108 is predominantly localized at the
C. albicans
cell surface. These data point to interference of OSIP108 with cell wall-related processes of
C. albicans
, resulting in impaired biofilm formation.
Polyethylene Glycol-Based Hydrogels for Controlled Release of the Antimicrobial Subtilosin for Prophylaxis of Bacterial Vaginosis
Authors: Sundara Rajan Sujata , Cavera Veronica L. , Zhang Xiaoping , Singh Yashveer , Chikindas Michael L. , Sinko Patrick J. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT

Current treatment options for bacterial vaginosis (BV) have been shown to be inadequate at preventing recurrence and do not provide protection against associated infections, such as that with HIV. This study examines the feasibility of incorporating the antimicrobial peptide subtilosin within covalently cross-linked polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based hydrogels for vaginal administration. The PEG-based hydrogels (4% and 6% [wt/vol]) provided a two-phase release of subtilosin, with an initial rapid release rate of 4.0 μg/h (0 to 12 h) followed by a slow, sustained release rate of 0.26 μg/h (12 to 120 h). The subtilosin-containing hydrogels inhibited the growth of the major BV-associated pathogen
Gardnerella vaginalis
with a reduction of 8 log
10
CFU/ml with hydrogels containing ≥15 μg entrapped subtilosin. In addition, the growth of four common species of vaginal lactobacilli was not significantly inhibited in the presence of the subtilosin-containing hydrogels. The above findings demonstrate the potential application of vaginal subtilosin-containing hydrogels for prophylaxis of BV.
Characterization of
bla
OXA-143
Variants in Acinetobacter baumannii and Acinetobacter pittii
Authors: Zander Esther , Bonnin Rémy A. , Seifert Harald , Higgins Paul G. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT

The acquired carbapenem-hydrolyzing oxacillinase (OXA) OXA-143 has thus far been detected only in
Acinetobacter baumannii
isolates from Brazil. The aim of this study was to characterize three OXA-143 variants: OXA-231 and OXA-253 from carbapenem-resistant
A. baumannii
isolates and OXA-255 in a carbapenem-susceptible
Acinetobacter pittii
isolate originating from Brazil, Honduras, and the United States, respectively. The 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) technique identified the same transcription initiation site for all
bla
OXA-143-like
genes and revealed differences in the putative promoter regions. However, all cloned OXA-143 variants conferred carbapenem resistance on
A. baumannii
ATCC 17978 and OXA-255 conferred carbapenem resistance on
A. pittii
SH024, which was correlated with
bla
OXA-255
gene expression. This is the first description of OXA-143-like outside
A. baumannii
. Detection of OXA-143-like in the United States and Honduras indicates its dissemination through the American continent.
Identification of Cryptosporidium parvum Active Chemical Series by Repurposing the Open Access Malaria Box
Authors: Bessoff Kovi , Spangenberg Thomas , Foderaro Jenna E. , Jumani Rajiv S. , Ward Gary E. , Huston Christopher D. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT

The apicomplexan parasites
Cryptosporidium parvum
and
Cryptosporidium hominis
are major etiologic agents of human cryptosporidiosis. The infection is typically self-limited in immunocompetent adults, but it can cause chronic fulminant diarrhea in immunocompromised patients and malnutrition and stunting in children. Nitazoxanide, the current standard of care for cryptosporidiosis, is only partially efficacious for children and is no more effective than a placebo for AIDS patients. Unfortunately, financial obstacles to drug discovery for diseases that disproportionately affect low-income countries and technical limitations associated with studies of
Cryptosporidium
biology impede the development of better drugs for treating cryptosporidiosis. Using a cell-based high-throughput screen, we queried the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) Open Access Malaria Box for activity against
C. parvum
. We identified 3 novel chemical series derived from the quinolin-8-ol, allopurinol-based, and 2,4-diamino-quinazoline chemical scaffolds that exhibited submicromolar potency against
C. parvum
. Potency was conserved in a subset of compounds from each scaffold with varied physicochemical properties, and two of the scaffolds identified exhibit more rapid inhibition of
C. parvum
growth than nitazoxanide, making them excellent candidates for further development. The 2,4-diamino-quinazoline and allopurinol-based compounds were also potent growth inhibitors of the related apicomplexan parasite
Toxoplasma gondii
, and a good correlation was observed in the relative activities of the compounds in the allopurinol-based series against
T. gondii
and
C. parvum
. Taken together, these data illustrate the utility of the Open Access Malaria Box as a source of both potential leads for drug development and chemical probes to elucidate basic biological processes in
C. parvum
and other apicomplexan parasites.
NBTI 5463 Is a Novel Bacterial Type II Topoisomerase Inhibitor with Activity against Gram-Negative Bacteria and
In Vivo
Efficacy
Authors: Dougherty Thomas J. , Nayar Asha , Newman Joseph V. , Hopkins Sussie , Stone Gregory G. , Johnstone Michele , Shapiro Adam B. , Cronin Mark , Reck Folkert , Ehmann David E. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT

The need for new antibiotics that address serious Gram-negative infections is well recognized. Our efforts with a series of novel bacterial type II topoisomerase inhibitors (NBTIs) led to the discovery of NBTI 5463, an agent with improved activity over other NBTIs against Gram-negative bacteria, in particular against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(F. Reck, D. E. Ehmann, T. J. Dougherty, J. V. Newman, S. Hopkins, G. Stone, N. Agrawal, P. Ciaccio, J. McNulty, H. Barthlow, J. O'Donnell, K. Goteti, J. Breen, J. Comita-Prevoir, M. Cornebise, M. Cronin, C. J. Eyermann, B. Geng, G. R. Carr, L. Pandarinathan, X. Tang, A. Cottone, L. Zhao, N. Bezdenejnih-Snyder, submitted for publication). In the present work, NBTI 5463 demonstrated promising activity against a broad range of Gram-negative pathogens. In contrast to fluoroquinolones, the compound did not form a double-strand DNA cleavable complex with
Escherichia coli
DNA gyrase and DNA, but it was a potent inhibitor of both DNA gyrase and
E. coli
topoisomerase IV catalytic activities. In studies with
P. aeruginosa
, NBTI 5463 was bactericidal. Resistant mutants arose at a low rate, and the mutations were found exclusively in the
nfxB
gene, a regulator of the MexCD-OprJ efflux system. Levofloxacin-selected resistance mutations in GyrA did not result in decreased susceptibility to NBTI 5463. Animal infection studies demonstrated that NBTI 5463 was efficacious in mouse models of lung, thigh, and ascending urinary tract infections.
Protection of Human Podocytes from Shiga Toxin 2-Induced Phosphorylation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases and Apoptosis by Human Serum Amyloid P Component
Authors: Dettmar Anne K. , Binder Elisabeth , Greiner Friederike R. , Liebau Max C. , Kurschat Christine E. , Jungraithmayr Therese C. , Saleem Moin A. , Schmitt Claus-Peter , Feifel Elisabeth , Orth-Höller Dorothea , Kemper Markus J. , Pepys Mark , Würzner Reinhard , Oh Jun 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is mainly induced by Shiga toxin 2 (Stx2)-producing
Escherichia coli
. Proteinuria can occur in the early phase of the disease, and its persistence determines the renal prognosis. Stx2 may injure podocytes and induce proteinuria. Human serum amyloid P component (SAP), a member of the pentraxin family, has been shown to protect against Stx2-induced lethality in mice
in vivo
, presumably by specific binding to the toxin. We therefore tested the hypothesis that SAP can protect against Stx2-induced injury of human podocytes. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying podocyte injury in HUS-associated proteinuria, we assessed Stx2-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and apoptosis in immortalized human podocytes and evaluated the impact of SAP on Stx2-induced damage. Human podocytes express Stx2-binding globotriaosylceramide 3. Stx2 applied to cultured podocytes was internalized and then activated p38α MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), important signaling steps in cell differentiation and apoptosis. Stx2 also activated caspase 3, resulting in an increased level of apoptosis. Coincubation of podocytes with SAP and Stx2 mitigated the effects of Stx2 and induced upregulation of antiapoptotic Bcl2. These data suggest that podocytes are a target of Stx2 and that SAP protects podocytes against Stx2-induced injury. SAP may therefore be a useful therapeutic option.
Diagnostic values of soluble mesothelin-related peptides for malignant pleural mesothelioma: updated meta-analysis
Authors: Cui Ai , Jin Xiao-Guang , Zhai Kan , Tong Zhao-Hui , Shi Huan-Zhong 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveAlthough the values of soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRPs), including mesothelin and megakaryocyte potentiating factor, in serum and/or pleural fluid for diagnosing malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) have been extensively studied, the exact diagnostic accuracy of these SMRPs remains controversial. The purpose of the present meta-analysis is to update the overall diagnostic accuracy of SMRPs in serum and, furthermore, to establish diagnostic accuracy of SMRPs in pleural fluid for MPM.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsA total of 30 articles of diagnostic studies were included in the current meta-analysis. Sensitivity, specificity and other measures of accuracy of SMRPs in serum and pleural fluid for the diagnosis of MPM were pooled using random effects models. Summary receiver operating characteristic curves were used to summarise overall test performance.ResultsThe summary estimates of sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and diagnostic OR were 0.61, 0.87, 5.71, 0.43 and 14.43, respectively, for serum and 0.79, 0.85, 4.78, 0.30 and 19.50, respectively, for pleural fluid. It was also found that megakaryocyte potentiating factor in serum had a superior diagnostic accuracy compared with mesothelin for MPM.ConclusionsSMRPs in both serum and pleural fluid are helpful markers for diagnosing MPM with similar diagnostic accuracy. The negative results of SMRP determinations are not sufficient to exclude non-MPM, and the positive test results indicate that further invasive diagnostic steps might be necessary for the diagnosis of MPM.
Depression and resilience in women with HIV and early life stress: does trauma play a mediating role? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Spies Georgina , Seedat Soraya 
Published: February 2014

ObjectivesThe present study sought to assess the relationship between depressive symptomatology and resilience among women infected with HIV and to investigate whether trauma exposure (childhood trauma, other discrete lifetime traumatic events) or the presence of post-traumatic stress symptomatology mediated this relationship.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingWestern Cape, South Africa.ParticipantsA convenience sample of 95 women infected with HIV in peri-urban communities in the Western Cape, South Africa. All women had exposure to moderate-to-severe childhood trauma as determined by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire.Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe examined the relationship between depressive symptomatology and resilience (the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale) and investigated whether trauma exposure or the presence of post-traumatic stress symptomatology mediated this relationship through the Sobel test for mediation and PLS path analysis.ResultsThere was a significant negative correlation between depressive symptomatology and resilience (p=<0.01). PLS path analysis revealed a significant direct effect between depression and resilience. On the Sobel test for mediation, distal (childhood trauma) and proximal traumatic events did not significantly mediate this association (p=> 0.05). However, post-traumatic stress symptomatology significantly mediated the relationship between depression and resilience in trauma-exposed women living with HIV.ConclusionsIn the present study, higher levels of resilience were associated with lower levels of self-reported depression. Although causal inferences are not possible, this suggests that in this sample, resilience may act as protective factor against the development of clinical depression. The results also indicate that post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), which are highly prevalent in HIV-infected and trauma exposed individuals and often comorbid with depression, may further explain and account for this relationship. Further investigation is required to determine whether early identification and treatment of PTSS in this population may ameliorate the onset and persistence of major depression.
Sociodemographic factors predicting mother's cervical screening and daughter's HPV vaccination uptake
Authors: Spencer Angela M , Roberts Stephen A , Brabin Loretta , Patnick Julietta , Verma Arpana 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundAchieving high human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage may reduce inequalities in cervical cancer prevention by mitigating the inequalities seen in the cervical screening programme. This paper assesses whether the same sociodemographic factors are associated with both cervical screening and HPV vaccination.MethodsGirls’ HPV vaccination records were linked by address to cervical screening records for their mothers in the North West of England. Index of Multiple Deprivation scores (2010) and census ethnicity data (2001) were used to investigate the association between deprivation and ethnic composition of area of residence with HPV vaccination and cervical screening uptake, along with potential differences between Primary Care Trusts (PCTs), which were responsible for vaccine delivery.ResultsDeprivation was not associated with routine (12–13-year-olds) vaccination initiation, but girls living in the most deprived quintile were significantly less likely to complete the three vaccine doses (OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.63 to 0.88). Mother–daughter pairs failing to engage in either screening or vaccination were also more likely to live in deprived areas (routine vaccination OR for most deprived quintile: 2.35; 95% CI 2.00 to 2.77). There were differences between PCTs after controlling for demographic effects (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.23 to 1.52).ConclusionsEnsuring completion of the vaccine schedule is critical for organisations responsible for vaccine delivery in order to reduce cancer risk among girls living in deprived areas. There remains a small minority of mothers and daughters from disadvantaged backgrounds who do not participate in either cervical screening or HPV vaccination.
Hidradenitis suppurativa: a common and burdensome, yet under-recognised, inflammatory skin disease
Authors: Dufour Deirdre Nathalie , Emtestam Lennart , Jemec Gregor B 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin condition that typically occurs after puberty. The primary clinical presentation is painful inflamed nodules or boils in the apocrine gland-bearing regions (armpits, genital area, groin, breasts and buttocks/anus) that progress to abscesses, sinus tracts and scarring. Severity is typically described according to three Hurley categories, with most patients having mild or moderate disease. Estimated prevalence is 1–4% worldwide and HS is three times more common in women than men. Patients’ disease burden includes intense pain, work disability and overall poor quality of life. Although the clinical signs of the disease can often be hidden by clothing, active HS is associated with a malodorous discharge that contributes to the disabling social stigma. Risk factors include smoking and obesity. Comorbidities include inflammatory bowel disease and spondyloarthropathies. The presentation of the disease is distinct, yet HS is not well-recognised except in dermatology clinics.