bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adenovirus Infections in Hospitalized Patients in Israel: Epidemiology and Molecular Characterization
Authors: Mandelboim Michal , Dror Pnina , Azar Roberto , Bromberg Michal , Mendelson Ella 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTAdenoviruses can cause a broad spectrum of clinical diseases, most of which are self-limited. However, adenovirus infection can occasionally result in severe or lethal infection. Fifty-five adenovirus serotypes are known today, and they are classified into 7 subgroups (subgroups A to G). Here we examined 282 samples derived from hospitalized patients in Israel (September 2006 to August 2008) who were diagnosed as suffering from adenovirus infections. We used a recently described PCR amplification method and subsequent sequencing to identify the adenovirus. In addition, we studied the medical charts of 106 hospitalized patients from Sheba Medical Center in Israel. The most prevalent adenovirus serotypes found were serotypes 1 (22.8%), 2 (19.2%), 7 (18%), and 3 (14%). In addition, we identified several serotypes that have not been identified previously in Israel. Overall, serotypes of subgroup B were found to be approximately 4 times more prevalent among immunocompromised children than among generally healthy children (52.6%;P< 0.007). The realization that the virus subtypes are different among healthy and immunocompromised patients may lead to more efficient treatment of adenovirus infections among immunocompromised children in the future.
False-Positive Cryptococcal Antigen Test Associated with Use of BBL Port-A-Cul Transport Vials
Authors: Wilson Deborah A. , Sholtis Mary , Parshall Sharon , Hall Gerri S. , Procop Gary W. 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT
A total of 52 residual CSF and serum specimens, which were originally negative with the Cryptococcal Antigen Latex Agglutination System (CALAS), were shown to become falsely positive after placement in BBL Port-A-Cul anaerobic transport vials. This transport device, although excellent for specimen transportation for subsequent culture, should not be used if cryptococcal antigen testing is needed.
Can We Use Imipenem and Meropenem Vitek 2 MICs for Detection of Suspected KPC and Other-Carbapenemase Producers among Species of Enterobacteriaceae?
Authors: Pasteran Fernando , Lucero Celeste , Soloaga Rolando , Rapoport Melina , Corso Alejandra 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT

Imipenem and meropenem Vitek 2 MICs were evaluated for a panel of 104
Enterobacteriaceae
for identification of carbapenemase producers. The sensitivity and specificity values for the new CLSI interpretative criteria (CLSI document M100-S20-U, 2010) were 98% and 83% for imipenem and 76% and 83% for meropenem, respectively. We propose an algorithm that is highly sensitive (98%) and specific (94%) for carbapenemase screening based on the combined use of imipenem and meropenem MICs.
Most Cases of Cryptococcal Meningitis in HIV-Uninfected Patients in Vietnam Are Due to a Distinct Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism-Defined Cluster of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii VN1
Authors: Day Jeremy N. , Hoang Thu N. , Duong Anh V. , Hong Chau T. T. , Diep Pham T. , Campbell James I. , Sieu Tran P. M. , Hien Tran T. , Bui Tien , Boni Maciej F. , Lalloo David G. , Carter Dee , Baker Stephen , Farrar Jeremy J. 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT

Cryptococcal disease most commonly occurs in patients with an underlying immune deficit, most commonly HIV infection, and is due to
Cryptococcus neoformans
var.
grubii
. Occasionally disease due to this variety occurs in apparently immunocompetent patients. The relationship between strains infecting immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients is not clear. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis was used to characterize the relationship between strains infecting HIV-infected and uninfected patients. Isolates from 51 HIV-uninfected patients and 100 HIV-infected patients with cryptococcal meningitis were compared.
C. neoformans
var.
grubii
VNI was responsible for infections in 73% of HIV-uninfected and 100% of HIV-infected patients. AFLP analysis defined two distinct clusters, VNIγ and VNIδ. The majority (84%) of isolates from HIV-uninfected patients were VNIγ, compared with only 38% of isolates from HIV-infected patients (odds ratio, 8.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.04 to 26.6;
P
< 0.0001). In HIV-uninfected patients, underlying disease was less frequent in those with VNIγ infections. Two clusters of
C. neoformans
var.
grubii
VN1 are responsible for the majority of cases of cryptococcal meningitis in Vietnam. The distribution of these clusters differs according to the immune status of the host.
Enhancing Gonococcal Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance: a Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection of Penicillinase-Producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae by Use of Noncultured Clinical Samples
Authors: Goire Namraj , Freeman Kevin , Tapsall John W. , Lambert Stephen B. , Nissen Michael D. , Sloots Theo P. , Whiley David M. 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT

With increasing concerns regarding diminishing treatment options for gonorrhea, maintaining the efficacy of currently used treatments and ensuring optimal
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
antimicrobial resistance surveillance are of the utmost importance. Penicillin is still used to treat gonorrhea in some parts of the world. In this study, we developed and validated a real-time PCR assay for the detection of penicillinase-producing
N. gonorrhoeae
(PPNG) in noncultured clinical samples with the aim of enhancing penicillin resistance surveillance. The assay (PPNG-PCR2) was designed to be an indirect marker of penicillinase activity, by targeting a region of sequence predicted to be conserved across all
N. gonorrhoeae
plasmid types harboring the beta-lactamase gene while not specifically targeting the actual beta-lactamase-encoding sequence. The assay was evaluated by using a total of 118
N. gonorrhoeae
clinical isolates and 1,194 clinical specimens, including 239
N. gonorrhoeae
-positive clinical samples from which
N. gonorrhoeae
cells were isolated and for which phenotypic penicillinase results are available. Overall, the PPNG-PCR2 assay provided 100% sensitivity and 98.7% specificity compared to bacterial culture results for the detection of PPNG in clinical specimens. PPNG-PCR2 false-positive results, presumably due to cross-reactions with unrelated bacterial species, were observed for up to 1.3% of clinical samples but could be distinguished on the basis of high cycle threshold values. In tandem with phenotypic surveillance, the PPNG-PCR2 assay has the potential to provide enhanced epidemiological surveillance of
N. gonorrhoeae
penicillin resistance and is of particular relevance to regions where penicillin is still used to treat gonorrhea.
The Capacity of UL49.5 Proteins To Inhibit TAP Is Widely Distributed among Members of the Genus
Varicellovirus
Authors: Verweij Marieke C. , Lipińska Andrea D. , Koppers-Lalic Danijela , van Leeuwen Wouter F. , Cohen Jeffrey I. , Kinchington Paul R. , Messaoudi Ilhem , Bieńkowska-Szewczyk Krystyna , Ressing Maaike E. , Rijsewijk Frans A. M. , Wiertz Emmanuel J. H. J. 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT

The lifelong infection by varicelloviruses is characterized by a fine balance between the host immune response and immune evasion strategies used by these viruses. Virus-derived peptides are presented to cytotoxic T lymphocytes by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. The transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) transports the peptides from the cytosol into the endoplasmic reticulum, where the loading of MHC-I molecules occurs. The varicelloviruses bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1), pseudorabies virus, and equid herpesviruses 1 and 4 have been found to encode a UL49.5 protein that inhibits TAP-mediated peptide transport. To investigate to what extent UL49.5-mediated TAP inhibition is conserved within the family of
Alphaherpesvirinae
, the homologs of another five varicelloviruses, one mardivirus, and one iltovirus were studied. The UL49.5 proteins of BoHV-5, bubaline herpesvirus 1, cervid herpesvirus 1, and felid herpesvirus 1 were identified as potent TAP inhibitors. The varicella-zoster virus and simian varicellovirus UL49.5 proteins fail to block TAP; this is not due to the absence of viral cofactors that might assist in this process, since cells infected with these viruses did not show reduced TAP function either. The UL49.5 homologs of the mardivirus Marek's disease virus 1 and the iltovirus infectious laryngotracheitis virus did not block TAP, suggesting that the capacity to inhibit TAP via UL49.5 has been acquired by varicelloviruses only. A phylogenetic analysis of viruses that inhibit TAP through their UL49.5 proteins reveals an interesting hereditary pattern, pointing toward the presence of this capacity in defined clades within the genus
Varicellovirus
.
Inclusion of the Central Exon of Parvovirus B19 Precursor mRNA Is Determined by Multiple Splicing Enhancers in both the Exon and the Downstream Intron
Authors: Guan Wuxiang , Cheng Fang , Huang Qinfeng , Kleiboeker Steve , Qiu Jianming 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT

Alternative splicing of the precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) of human parvovirus B19 (B19V) plays a key role in posttranscriptional regulation of B19V gene expression. We report that the central exon of the B19V pre-mRNA is defined by three GAA motif-containing exonic splicing enhancers and a G/GU-rich intronic splicing enhancer that lies adjacent to the second donor site. Moreover, targeting of morpholino antisense oligonucleotides to the two splicing enhancers surrounding the second donor site led to a significant reduction in splicing at this donor site during B19V infection of permissive CD36
+
erythroid progenitor cells.
Antiviral Activity of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Gag-Specific Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Targeting Is Not Necessarily Intrinsically Superior to Envelope Targeting
Authors: Chen Diana Y. , Balamurugan Arumugam , Ng Hwee L. , Yang Otto O. 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT

Across several cohorts, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Gag- and Env-specific CD8
+
T lymphocyte (CTL) responses have demonstrated inverse and positive correlations, respectively, to viremia. The mechanism has been proposed to be superior antiviral activity of Gag-specific CTLs in general. Addressing this hypothesis, we created two HIV-1 constructs with an epitope translocated from Gag (SLYNTVATL, SL9) to Env, thereby switching the protein source of the epitope. A virus expressing SL9 in Env was similar to the original virus in susceptibility to SL9-specific CTLS. This finding suggests that Env targeting is not intrinsically inferior to Gag targeting for CTL antiviral activity.
A PDI Family Network Acts Distinctly and Coordinately with ERp29 To Facilitate Polyomavirus Infection
Authors: Walczak Christopher P. , Tsai Billy 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-to-cytosol membrane transport is a decisive infection step for the murine polyomavirus (Py). We previously determined that ERp29, a protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) member, extrudes the Py VP1 C-terminal arm to initiate ER membrane penetration. This reaction requires disruption of Py's disulfide bonds. Here, we found that the PDI family members ERp57, PDI, and ERp72 facilitate virus infection. However, while all three proteins disrupt Py's disulfide bonds
in vitro
, only ERp57 and PDI operate in concert with ERp29 to unfold the VP1 C-terminal arm. An alkylated Py cannot stimulate infection, implying a pivotal role of viral free cysteines during infection. Consistent with this, we found that although PDI and ERp72 reduce Py, ERp57 principally isomerizes the virus
in vitro
, a reaction that requires viral free cysteines. Our mutagenesis study subsequently identified VP1 C11 and C15 as important for infection, suggesting a role for these residues during isomerization. C11 and C15 also act together to stabilize interpentamer interactions for a subset of the virus pentamers, likely because some of these residues form interpentamer disulfide bonds. This study reveals how a PDI family functions coordinately and distinctly to promote Py infection and pinpoints a role of viral cysteines in this process.
Targeting the p38 MAPK Pathway Inhibits Irinotecan Resistance in Colon Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Paillas Salomé , Boissière Florence , Bibeau Fréderic , Denouel Amélie , Mollevi Caroline , Causse Annick , Denis Vincent , Vezzio-Vié Nadia , Marzi Laetitia , Cortijo Cédric , Ait-Arsa Imade , Askari Nadav , Pourquier Philippe , Martineau Pierre , Del Rio Maguy , Gongora Céline 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Despite recent advances in the treatment of colon cancer, tumor resistance is a frequent cause of chemotherapy failure. To better elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in resistance to irinotecan (and its active metabolite SN38), we established SN38-resistant clones derived from HCT-116 and SW48 cell lines. These clones show various levels (6- to 60-fold) of resistance to SN-38 and display enhanced levels of activated MAPK p38 as compared with the corresponding parental cells. Because four different isoforms of p38 have been described, we then studied the effect of p38 overexpression or downregulation of each isoform on cell sensivity to SN38 and found that both α and β isoforms are involved in the development of resistance to SN38. In this line, we show that cell treatment with SB202190, which inhibits p38α and p38β, enhanced the cytotoxic activity of SN38. Moreover, p38 inhibition sensitized tumor cells derived from both SN38-sensitive and -resistant HCT116 cells to irinotecan treatment in xenograft models. Finally, we detected less phosphorylated p38 in primary colon cancer of patients sensitive to irinotecan-based treatment, compared with nonresponder patients. This indicates that enhanced level of phosphorylated p38 could predict the absence of clinical response to irinotecan. Altogether, our results show that the p38 MAPK pathway is involved in irinotecan sensitivity and suggest that phosphorylated p38 expression level could be used as a marker of clinical resistance to irinotecan. They further suggest that targeting the p38 pathway may be a potential strategy to overcome resistance to irinotecan-based chemotherapies in colorectal cancer. Cancer Res; 71(3); 1041–9. ©2010 AACR.
Targeting Wnt Signaling in Colon Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: de Sousa E. Melo Felipe , Vermeulen Louis , Richel Dick , Medema Jan Paul 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
The identification of cancer stem cell (CSC) populations in virtually all tumor types has widespread clinical consequences. CSCs are suggested to be the only cells within malignancies endowed with tumorigenic capacity and are, therefore, directly implicated in therapy resistance and minimal residual disease. The genetic and molecular mechanisms sustaining CSCs are only currently emerging. For instance, aberrant activation of the Wnt signaling pathway is crucial for many cancer types and especially those of the gastrointestinal tract. Indeed, Wnt signaling activity was shown to designate colon CSCs and is, therefore, an attractive target for new therapeutics. Here, we review some of the latest developments that have been achieved to inhibit the Wnt pathway in the context of colon CSCs. Moreover, we discuss some of the pitfalls that can be anticipated and present new opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Clin Cancer Res; 17(4); 647–53. ©2010 AACR.
Revising Irish history: The Northern Ireland conflict and the war of ideas
Authors: Perry Robert 
Published: December 2010

Power-sharing government resumed in Northern Ireland on 8 May 2007 after a historic agreement was reached between the Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Fein. Unionist Ian Paisley became First Minister and Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness, former Chief of Staff of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), became Deputy First Minister. The Provisional Republican movement has signed up to the decommissioning of weapons and policing in Northern Ireland; and hard-line Unionism has signed up to power-sharing and cross-border bodies. For the vast majority in Northern Ireland the conflict is over after almost a century of political turmoil and more than a generation of violent conflict. It is fitting, therefore, to examine the ‘war of ideas’ in the revisionist controversy that dominated Irish historiography throughout the period of this conflict. The purpose of this article is to offer an overview of this controversy. The writing on the Easter Rising of 1916 serves to illuminate the discussion and will aid in answering the issue of what the revisionist controversy is all about. In this article revisionism is defined as a re-examination of the ideological roots of current orthodoxy in response to the contemporary conflict in Northern Ireland. The article looks at how a variety of historians have reacted to this violent crisis, and how they concluded that revisionism was necessary: that is, how the deconstruction and re-evaluation of ideology and a new interpretation of history are crucial in understanding such crises of violence (and perhaps thereby defusing the tension). The article examines the nature and extent of this revisionist intellectual response. It recognizes that even though intellectuals are influenced by political conflicts, they do not necessarily follow political agendas.
Predictors of Outcome After Nonoperative and Operative Treatment of Adhesive Capsulitis
Authors: Rill Brian K. , Fleckenstein Cassie M. , Levy Martin S. , Nagesh Vinutha , Hasan Samer S. 
Published: December 2010

Background: Few studies regarding adhesive capsulitis have concurrently evaluated nonoperative and operative treatment. Purpose: The objectives were to evaluate the efficacy of operative and nonoperative treatment of adhesive capsulitis and to determine predictors of clinical outcome. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: At minimum 24 months’ follow-up, 85 patients underwent self-assessment using the Simple Shoulder Test (SST) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, including 24 patients treated operatively. Results: Mean number of yes responses on the SST improved from 4.0 ± 2.7 at initial presentation to 9.9 ± 2.8 at final follow-up ( P < .0001). Patients who received nonoperative treatment and patients who underwent surgery demonstrated similar improvements on the SST. For the entire cohort, forward elevation and external rotation at the side improved from 119° ± 20° to 152° ± 15° and from 29° ± 18° to 46° ± 11° ( P < .0001), respectively, between initial presentation and discharge from treatment. Internal rotation to the back improved from the gluteal area to the thoracolumbar junction ( P < .0001). Improvements in forward elevation and external rotation were greater for patients undergoing surgery. After nonoperative treatment, patients with diabetes had a lower final SST than patients without diabetes ( P < .05). For the entire cohort, initial SST predicted final SST ( P < .05), and a shorter duration of symptoms predicted a higher final ASES score ( P < .05). Younger patients ( P < .001) and those with a lower initial SST ( P < .05) were more likely to undergo surgery. Conclusions: A multimodal nonoperative treatment program is effective for most patients with adhesive capsulitis. Patients who do not improve, including those with diabetes, respond well to manipulation and arthroscopic release. Residual motion deficits at discharge from treatment do not appear to affect longer-term clinical outcome.
Assessment of Congruence and Impingement of the Hip Joint in Professional Ballet Dancers
Authors: Charbonnier Caecilia , Kolo Frank C. , Duthon Victoria B. , Magnenat-Thalmann Nadia , Becker Christoph D. , Hoffmeyer Pierre , Menetrey Jacques 
Published: December 2010

Background: Early hip osteoarthritis in dancers could be explained by femoroacetabular impingements. However, there is a lack of validated noninvasive methods and dynamic studies to ascertain impingement during motion. Moreover, it is unknown whether the femoral head and acetabulum are congruent in typical dancing positions. Hypothesis: The practice of some dancing movements could cause a loss of hip joint congruence and recurrent impingements, which could lead to early osteoarthritis. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Eleven pairs of female dancer’s hips were motion captured with an optical tracking system while performing 6 different dancing movements. The resulting computed motions were applied to patient-specific hip joint 3-dimensional models based on magnetic resonance images. While visualizing the dancer’s hip in motion, the authors detected impingements using computer-assisted techniques. The range of motion and congruence of the hip joint were also quantified in those 6 recorded dancing movements. Results: The frequency of impingement and subluxation varied with the type of movement. Four dancing movements (développé à la seconde, grand écart facial, grand écart latéral, and grand plié) seem to induce significant stress in the hip joint, according to the observed high frequency of impingement and amount of subluxation. The femoroacetabular translations were high (range, 0.93 to 6.35 mm). For almost all movements, the computed zones of impingement were mainly located in the superior or posterosuperior quadrant of the acetabulum, which was relevant with respect to radiologically diagnosed damaged zones in the labrum. All dancers’ hips were morphologically normal. Conclusion: Impingements and subluxations are frequently observed in typical ballet movements, causing cartilage hypercompression. These movements should be limited in frequency. Clinical Relevance: The present study indicates that some dancing movements could damage the hip joint, which could lead to early osteoarthritis.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Augmentation for Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Castricini Roberto , Longo Umile Giuseppe , De Benedetto Massimo , Panfoli Nicola , Pirani Piergiorgio , Zini Raul , Maffulli Nicola , Denaro Vincenzo 
Published: December 2010

Background: After reinsertion on the humerus, the rotator cuff has limited ability to heal. Growth factor augmentation has been proposed to enhance healing in such procedure. Purpose: This study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of growth factor augmentation during rotator cuff repair. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Eighty-eight patients with a rotator cuff tear were randomly assigned by a computer-generated sequence to receive arthroscopic rotator cuff repair without (n = 45) or with (n = 43) augmentation with autologous platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM). The primary end point was the postoperative difference in the Constant score between the 2 groups. The secondary end point was the integrity of the repaired rotator cuff, as evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. Analysis was on an intention-to-treat basis. Results: All the patients completed follow-up at 16 months. There was no statistically significant difference in total Constant score when comparing the results of arthroscopic repair of the 2 groups (95% confidence interval, −3.43 to 3.9) ( P = .44). There was no statistically significant difference in magnetic resonance imaging tendon score when comparing arthroscopic repair with or without PRFM ( P = .07). Conclusion: Our study does not support the use of autologous PRFM for augmentation of a double-row repair of a small or medium rotator cuff tear to improve the healing of the rotator cuff. Our results are applicable to small and medium rotator cuff tears; it is possible that PRFM may be beneficial for large and massive rotator cuff tears. Also, given the heterogeneity of PRFM preparation products available on the market, it is possible that other preparations may be more effective.