bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peptide inhibition of human cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Melnik Lilia I , Garry Robert F , Morris Cindy A 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most prevalent congenital viral infection in the United States and Europe causing significant morbidity and mortality to both mother and child. HCMV is also an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised individuals, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)- infected patients with AIDS, and solid organ and allogeneic stem cell transplantation recipients. Current treatments for HCMV-associated diseases are insufficient due to the emergence of drug-induced resistance and cytotoxicity, necessitating novel approaches to limit HCMV infection. The aim of this study was to develop therapeutic peptides targeting glycoprotein B (gB), a major glycoprotein of HCMV that is highly conserved across the Herpesviridae family, that specifically inhibit fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane preventing HCMV entry and infection.

Results
Using the Wimley-White Interfacial Hydrophobicity Scale (WWIHS), several regions within gB were identified that display a high potential to interact with lipid bilayers of cell membranes and hydrophobic surfaces within proteins. The ability of synthetic peptides analogous to WWIHS-positive sequences of HCMV gB to inhibit viral infectivity was evaluated. Human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) were infected with the Towne-GFP strain of HCMV (0.5 MOI), preincubated with peptides at a range of concentrations (78 nm to 100 μM), and GFP-positive cells were visualized 48 hours post-infection by fluorescence microscopy and analyzed quantitatively by flow cytometry. Peptides that inhibited HCMV infection demonstrated different inhibitory concentration curves indicating that each peptide possesses distinct biophysical properties. Peptide 174-200 showed 80% inhibition of viral infection at a concentration of 100 μM, and 51% and 62% inhibition at concentrations of 5 μM and 2.5 μM, respectively. Peptide 233-263 inhibited infection by 97% and 92% at concentrations of 100 μM and 50 μM, respectively, and 60% at a concentration of 2.5 μM. While peptides 264-291 and 297-315, individually failed to inhibit viral infection, when combined, they showed 67% inhibition of HCMV infection at a concentration of 0.125 μM each.

Conclusions
Peptides designed to target putative fusogenic domains of gB provide a basis for the development of novel therapeutics that prevent HCMV infection.
Identification of a sub-population of B cells that proliferates after infection with epstein-barr virus
Authors: Megyola Cynthia , Ye Jianjiang , Bhaduri-McIntosh Sumita 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackgroundEpstein-Barr virus (EBV)-driven B cell proliferation is critical to its subsequent persistence in the host and is a key event in the development of EBV-associated B cell diseases. Thus, inquiry into early cellular events that precede EBV-driven proliferation of B cells is essential for understanding the processes that can lead to EBV-associated B cell diseases.MethodsInfection with high titers of EBV of mixed, primary B cells in different stages of differentiation occurs during primary EBV infection and in the setting of T cell-immunocompromise that predisposes to development of EBV-lymphoproliferative diseases. Using anex vivosystem that recapitulates these conditions of infection, we correlated expression of selected B cell-surface markers and intracellular cytokines with expression of EBV latency genes and cell proliferation.ResultsWe identified CD23, CD58, and IL6, as molecules expressed at early times after EBV-infection. EBV differentially infected B cells into two distinct sub-populations of latently infected CD23+cells: one fraction, marked as CD23hiCD58+IL6-by day 3, subsequently proliferated; another fraction, marked as CD23loCD58+, expressed IL6, a B cell growth factor, but failed to proliferate. High levels of LMP1, a critical viral oncoprotein, were expressed in individual CD23hiCD58+and CD23loCD58+cells, demonstrating that reduced levels of LMP1 did not explain the lack of proliferation of CD23loCD58+cells. Differentiation stage of B cells did not appear to govern this dichotomy in outcome either. Memory or naïve B cells did not exclusively give rise to either CD23hior IL6-expressing cells; rather memory B cells gave rise to both sub-populations of cells.ConclusionsB cells are differentially susceptible to EBV-mediated proliferation despite expression of viral gene products known to be critical for continuous B cell growth. Cellular events, in addition to viral gene expression, likely play a critical role in determining the outcome of EBV infection. By indentifying cells predicted to undergo EBV-mediated proliferation, our study provides new avenues of investigation into EBV pathogenesis.
Removal of a below knee plaster cast worn for 28 months: a case report
Authors: Ingoe Helen , Eastwood Sarah , Elson David W , Young Claire F 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Introduction
An unusual situation in which a below knee cast was removed after 28 months is reported. To the best of our knowledge no similar cases have been reported in the literature.

Case presentation
The cast was removed from the leg of a 45-year-old Caucasian woman. Significant muscle atrophy and dense skin scales were present but the underlying skin surface was relatively healthy with only small pitted 1-2 mm ulcers. No pathogenic organisms were cultured from this environment.

Conclusion
It seems likely that skin can tolerate cast immobilization for prolonged duration.
Blunt trauma as a suspected cause of delayed constrictive pericarditis: a case report
Authors: Anderson Eric M , Jaroszewski Dawn E , Arabia Francisco A 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIntroductionConstrictive pericarditis is a heterogeneous disease with many causes. Traumatic hemopericardium is an uncommon initiating cause. We report the case of a man developing constrictive pericarditis after blunt chest trauma, in order to highlight an approach to diagnosing the condition and to raise awareness of the possibility of this condition developing after blunt trauma.Case presentationA 72-year-old Caucasian man presented initially to our outpatient clinic with a one-year history of progressively worsening dyspnea, and recent onset of edema of the legs. He was later taken to the emergency department and admitted to hospital. He had previously received unsuccessful treatment from his local primary physicians for suspected respiratory disorder and cellulitis of his legs. Echocardiography showed evidence of pericardial constriction, and computed tomography revealed nodular, lobulated thickening of the pericardium and pleura bilaterally. Interventional biopsies were taken, but gave inconclusive results. Thus, as pericarditis and/or advanced malignancy were suspected, diagnostic video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed to take biopsies from the abnormal lung and pericardial tissue. Examination of these supported the diagnosis of pericarditis, as acute and chronic inflammation and fibrous thickening were found, with no evidence of malignancy. Our patient underwent cardiac catheterization, which revealed three-vessel coronary artery disease. Emergency total pericardiectomy and coronary bypass were performed. Having excluded other common initiating factors, we considered that a blunt trauma that our patient had previously sustained to his chest was the potential cause of the constrictive pericarditis.ConclusionThis was an interesting case of blunt chest trauma followed by progressive pericardial and pleural thickening. Subsequent development of chronic constrictive pericarditis occurred, requiring treatment by surgical pericardiectomy, as the clinical course of constrictive pericarditis is usually progressive without surgical intervention. Diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis remains challenging. Although uncommon, blunt trauma should be considered as a possible initiating cause. Delayed presentation of constrictive pericarditis should also be considered as a possible morbidity in a patient who has sustained blunt chest trauma. Our case also highlights the importance of performing echocardiography promptly in patients experiencing ongoing symptoms of congestive heart failure to allow earlier diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis or other cardiac disorders, and avoid unnecessary treatments.
A proteomic study of TAR-RNA binding protein (TRBP)-associated factors
Authors: Chi Ya-Hui , Semmes Oliver John , Jeang Kuan-Teh 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
The human TAR RNA-binding protein, TRBP, was first identified and cloned based on its high affinity binding to the small hairpin trans-activation responsive (TAR) RNA of HIV-1. TRBP has more recently been found to be a constituent of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) serving as a Dicer co-factor in the processing of the ~70 nucleotide pre-microRNAs(miRNAs) to 21-25 nucleotide mature miRNAs.

Findings
Using co-immunoprecipitation and protein-identification by mass spectrometry, we characterized intracellular proteins that complex with TRBP. These interacting proteins include those that have been described to act in protein synthesis, RNA modifications and processing, DNA transcription, and cell proliferation.

Conclusions
Our findings provide a proteome of factors that may cooperate with TRBP in activities such as miRNA processing and in RNA interference by the RISC complex.
Computed tomographic assessment of lung weights in trauma patients with early posttraumatic lung dysfunction
Authors: Reske Andreas W , Reske Alexander P , Heine Till , Spieth Peter M , Rau Anna , Seiwerts Matthias , Busse Harald , Gottschaldt Udo , Schreiter Dierk , Born Silvia , Gama de Abreu Marcelo , Josten Christoph , Wrigge Hermann , Amato Marcelo BP 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Quantitative computed tomography (qCT)-based assessment of total lung weight (Mlung) has the potential to differentiate atelectasis from consolidation and could thus provide valuable information for managing trauma patients fulfilling commonly used criteria for acute lung injury (ALI). We hypothesized that qCT would identify atelectasis as a frequent mimic of early posttraumatic ALI.

Methods
In this prospective observational study, Mlung was calculated by qCT in 78 mechanically ventilated trauma patients fulfilling the ALI criteria at admission. A reference interval for Mlung was derived from 74 trauma patients with morphologically and functionally normal lungs (reference). Results are given as medians with interquartile ranges.

Results
The ratio of arterial partial pressure of oxygen to the fraction of inspired oxygen was 560 (506 to 616) mmHg in reference patients and 169 (95 to 240) mmHg in ALI patients. The median reference Mlung value was 885 (771 to 973) g, and the reference interval for Mlung was 584 to 1164 g, which matched that of previous reports. Despite the significantly greater median Mlung value (1088 (862 to 1,342) g) in the ALI group, 46 (59%) ALI patients had Mlung values within the reference interval and thus most likely had atelectasis. In only 17 patients (22%), Mlung was increased to the range previously reported for ALI patients and compatible with lung consolidation. Statistically significant differences between atelectasis and consolidation patients were found for age, Lung Injury Score, Glasgow Coma Scale score, total lung volume, mass of the nonaerated lung compartment, ventilator-free days and intensive care unit-free days.

Conclusions
Atelectasis is a frequent cause of early posttraumatic lung dysfunction. Differentiation between atelectasis and consolidation from other causes of lung damage by using qCT may help to identify patients who could benefit from management strategies such as damage control surgery and lung-protective mechanical ventilation that focus on the prevention of pulmonary complications.
A comparison of early versus late initiation of renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Karvellas Constantine J , Farhat Maha R , Sajjad Imran , Mogensen Simon S , Leung Alexander A , Wald Ron , Bagshaw Sean M 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Our aim was to investigate the impact of early versus late initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT) on clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI).

Methods
Systematic review and meta-analysis were used in this study. PUBMED, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Clinical Trials, and other sources were searched in July 2010. Eligible studies selected were cohort and randomised trials that assessed timing of initiation of RRT in critically ill adults with AKI.

Results
We identified 15 unique studies (2 randomised, 4 prospective cohort, 9 retrospective cohort) out of 1,494 citations. The overall methodological quality was low. Early, compared with late therapy, was associated with a significant improvement in 28-day mortality (odds ratio (OR) 0.45; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.28 to 0.72). There was significant heterogeneity among the 15 pooled studies (I2 = 78%). In subgroup analyses, stratifying by patient population (surgical, n = 8 vs. mixed, n = 7) or study design (prospective, n = 10 vs. retrospective, n = 5), there was no impact on the overall summary estimate for mortality. Meta-regression controlling for illness severity (Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II)), baseline creatinine and urea did not impact the overall summary estimate for mortality. Of studies reporting secondary outcomes, five studies (out of seven) reported greater renal recovery, seven (out of eight) studies showed decreased duration of RRT and five (out of six) studies showed decreased ICU length of stay in the early, compared with late, RRT group. Early RRT did not; however, significantly affect the odds of dialysis dependence beyond hospitalization (OR 0.62 0.34 to 1.13, I2 = 69.6%).

Conclusions
Earlier institution of RRT in critically ill patients with AKI may have a beneficial impact on survival. However, this conclusion is based on heterogeneous studies of variable quality and only two randomised trials. In the absence of new evidence from suitably-designed randomised trials, a definitive treatment recommendation cannot be made.
Patient-oriented gene set analysis for cancer mutation data
Authors: Boca Simina M , Kinzler Kenneth W , Velculescu Victor E , Vogelstein Bert , Parmigiani Giovanni 
Published: February 2011

AbstractRecent research has revealed complex heterogeneous genomic landscapes in human cancers. However, mutations tend to occur within a core group of pathways and biological processes that can be grouped into gene sets. To better understand the significance of these pathways, we have developed an approach that initially scores each gene set at the patient rather than the gene level. In mutation analysis, these patient-oriented methods are more transparent, interpretable, and statistically powerful than traditional gene-oriented methods.
Periosteal autograft for articular cartilage defects in dogs: MR imaging and ultrasonography of the repair process
Authors: Sung Mi Sook , Jeong Chang Hoon , Lim Yeon Soo , Yoo Won Jong , Chung Soo Kyo , Jung Na Young 
Published: February 2011

BackgroundAutologous periosteal grafting is used as treatment for cartilage defects.PurposeTo assess the role of MR imaging and ultrasonography in the evaluation of the post-graft repair process with imaging and histologic correlation.Material and MethodsPeriosteal grafts obtained from the tibia of eight dogs were transplanted to the experimental cartilage defects in the femoral condyles (15 knees). The control group was comprised of three dogs (five knees). MR imaging using 4.7T and ultrasonography of the grafted specimens was performed at one, two, four, eight, and 16 weeks after transplantation. The animals were sacrificed at the time of imaging at the previously specified intervals. Histologic analysis with imaging correlation was subsequently performed.ResultsAll specimens taken from one to 16 weeks demonstrated periosteal proliferation in the graft. At one week, experimental cartilage defects were no longer present on MR imaging. Area of high signal intensity (SI) in the defect was present which corresponded to hemorrhage, edema, and fibrosis on histology. At two, four, and eight weeks, all but two graft demonstrated heterogeneous high SI on T2-weighted image, consistent with immature cartilage. At 16 weeks, all grafts showed heterogeneous isointense to adjacent cartilage on all sequences, which corresponded to dominant mature cartilage. The repair tissue near the exposed subchondral bone revealed heterogeneous high SI on T2-weighted images. This corresponded to the fibrosis with vascular penetration and edema. In the control group, no cartilage repair was noted within cartilage defects. The serial MR features of the grafted area correlated well with the histologic findings. Serial sonographic findings were not sufficient to provide the regenerated cartilage maturity.ConclusionMR imaging is capable of depicting the repair characteristics following periosteal grafting for articular cartilage defects. MR imaging may provide useful information in the assessment of the graft appearance with definite implications regarding the degree and success of incorporation.
Long-term MRI findings of patients with embolized cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Pyysalo Liisa M , Keski-Nisula Leo H , Niskakangas Tero T , Kähärä Veikko J , Öhman Juha E 
Published: February 2011

Background Long-term follow-up studies after endovascular treatment for intracranial aneurysm are still rare and inconclusive. Parenchymal infarctions related to aneurysms have mostly been studied in patients with subarachnoidal hemorrhage (SAH) but infarction rates in patients with endovascularly treated unruptured aneurysms have been little studied. Purpose To determine the frequency of permanent parenchymal lesions as detected in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients treated with endovascular coiling and to assess aneurysm-related infarctions after the initial treatment period. Material and Methods A total of 64 patients (32 with primarily ruptured aneurysms) with 69 embolized aneurysms were examined neurologically and by MRI and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) more than 9 years after the initial endovascular treatment. Results A total of 14 out of 32 (44%) SAH patients and 11 (34%) patients with unruptured aneurysms had parenchymal lesions in MRI. Infarctions were detected in 10 (31%) SAH patients and the majority (9/10, 90%) of them were aneurysm-related. All aneurysm-related infarctions were detected at the acute hospitalization stage. A total of six (55%) out of 11 infarctions in patients with unruptured aneurysms were aneurysm-related and two of them appeared after the treatment period. Patients with infarction had poorer clinical outcome than patients with no ischemic lesions in MRI. Conclusion Nineteen percent of patients with unruptured and 41% with ruptured aneurysms had aneurysm-related parenchymal lesions in MRI. Most of these were detected during acute treatment period. Aneurysm-related infarctions after treatment period are uncommon.
Bronchial artery embolization in patients with hemoptysis including follow-up
Authors: Daliri Armand , Probst Nikolaus H , Jobst Bertram , Lepper Philipp M , Kickuth Ralph , Szucs-Farkas Zsolt , Triller Juergen , Hoppe Hanno 
Published: February 2011

Background Hemoptysis can be an acute medical emergency, which can be localized angiographically and controlled by therapeutic intervention. Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of bronchial artery embolization, and including follow-up in patients with hemoptysis. Material and Methods Thirty-five vascular interventions were performed in 28 patients (nine women and 19 men, mean age 42 years, age range 20–82 years) treated for hemoptysis between January 1998 and October 2008. Underlying diseases were cystic fibrosis ( n = 9), lung cancer ( n = 6), chronic inflammatory disease ( n = 4), bronchiectasis ( n = 3), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( n = 2), and other ( n = 4). Bronchial artery embolization was performed using particles. Patients were followed up for a median of 23 months (range 1 month to 8 years). Results Bronchial artery embolization was technically successful in all patients (bleeding halted within 24 hours). Recurrent bleeding occurred in four patients with cystic fibrosis (14%) at one, 16, 19 and 48 months, respectively. Within this subset, multirecurrence bleeding occurred in one patient with cystic fibrosis. Cumulative patient survival rate was 74% at eight years. No patient died due to hemoptysis but due to underlying disease. Conclusion Bronchial artery embolization was highly effective in patients with hemoptysis. It may help to avoid surgery in patients who are poor candidates for surgery. Should hemoptysis recur in these patients, repeated embolization can be performed.
Sensorineural hearing loss: there is no correlation with isolated dysplasia of the lateral semi-circular canal on temporal bone CT
Authors: Yamashita Koji , Yoshiura Takashi , Hiwatashi Akio , Tuvshinjargal Dashjamts , Kamano Hironori , Inoguchi Takashi , Honda Hiroshi 
Published: February 2011

Background Inner ear malformations may cause sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). However, the correlation between the small lateral semi-circular canal (LSCC) and SNHL is controversial. Purpose To determine whether there is a correlation between the two using CT-based measurement. Material and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the high-resolution CT images of the temporal bone obtained from consecutive patients. A total 136 ears of 68 patients (25 men and 43 women; age range 20–85 years, mean 49.8 years) were included in this study. Patients who were clinically suspected to have otosclerosis were also excluded. Two radiologists independently measured the width and cross-sectional area of the bony island of LSCC. We evaluated the correlation between LSCC bone island width or cross-sectional area and hearing level in all cases using Pearson correlation co-efficients. In addition, we compared hearing levels among the patient group with normal-sized LSCC (≧mean-SD), small LSCC (<mean-SD) and very small LSCC (<mean-2SD) as defined by the width and cross-sectional area of the bony island using Student's t-test. Results A total 136 ears of 68 patients (25 men and 43 women; age range 20–85 years, mean 49.8 years) were included in this study. No significant correlation was shown between LSCC bony island width or cross-sectional area and hearing level (P > 0.05). No significant difference in hearing levels were found among groups of the normal-sized, small and very small LSCC (P > 0.05). Conclusion We conclude that there is no correlation between isolated small LSCC and SNHL.
Effect of acetic acid addition on chemical conversion of woods as treated by semi-flow hot-compressed water
Authors: Phaiboonsilpa Natthanon , Saka Shiro 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Effect of acetic acid (AcOH) addition on chemical conversion of Japanese beech (Fagus crenata), as a hardwood, and Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), as a softwood, was investigated in the course of treatment in a semi-flow reactor with hot-compressed water (H-CW). One-step treatment of Japanese beech was preliminarily performed to examine the effect of AcOH concentrations on the decomposition behavior at 150–290°C/10 MPa/30 min. Based on the obtained results, two-step semi-flow H-CW treatment with 1 wt% AcOH at 210°C/10 MPa/15 min (1st stage) and 260°C/10 MPa/15 min (2nd stage) was thus selected as the most appropriate treatment and a comparative study of the two woods was accordingly conducted. The differences in decomposition behavior observed between the two woods clearly proved that the addition of AcOH played an important role in enhancing the hydrolysis and decomposition of cell wall components in Japanese cedar due to the lesser amount of acetyl residue in softwood hemicelluloses and its lignin structure.