bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biological Variability of C‐Reactive Protein and Specific Canine Pancreatic Lipase Immunoreactivity in Apparently Healthy Dogs
Authors: Carney P.C. , Ruaux C.G. , Suchodolski J.S. , Steiner J.M. 
Published: May 2011

Background: C‐reactive protein (CRP) and specific canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (Spec cPL) are biomarkers of generalized or nonspecific inflammation and pancreatic inflammation in dogs, respectively. The extent of inter‐ and intraindividual variation over time of these analytes is not well defined in dogs. The minimal critical difference for sequential determinations of these markers (ie, the smallest change necessary to represent physiological change rather than biological variation), has not been defined.Objectives: To determine the inter‐ and intraindividual variability (CVG and CVI) and minimal critical difference for sequential determinations of serum CRP and Spec cPL concentrations in apparently healthy dogs.Animals: Eleven apparently healthy dogs owned by staff or students at a veterinary teaching hospital.Methods: Blood was collected repeatedly at varying intervals over 12 weeks. CRP and Spec cPL concentrations were determined with commercially available assays. Indices of inter‐, intraindividual, and assay variability and 1‐sided minimal critical differences for sequential concentrations were calculated.Results: For CRP, CVG was 90.8%, CVI was 115.5%, and the analytical variability (CVA) was 6.3%; the index of individuality was 0.74, and 1‐sided critical difference was 269.9%. For Spec cPL, CVG= 49.48%, CVI= 193.8%, CVA= 8.4%, index of individuality = 0.24, and 1‐sided critical difference was 452.6%.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: A population‐based reference range is appropriate for Spec cPL, but questionable for CRP in dogs. Large changes in serial measurements of Spec cPL are necessary to infer clinical importance, more modest changes in CRP are likely to be meaningful.
Idiopathic Cystitis in Domestic Cats—Beyond the Lower Urinary Tract
Authors: Buffington C.A.T. 
Published: May 2011

Signs of lower urinary tract (LUT) disease in domestic cats can be acute or chronic, and can result from variable combinations of abnormalities within the lumen of the LUT, the parenchyma of the LUT itself, or other organ system(s) that then lead to LUT dysfunction. In the majority of cats with chronic signs of LUT dysfunction, no specific underlying cause can be confirmed after standard clinical evaluation of the LUT, so these cats typically are classified as having idiopathic cystitis. A syndrome in human beings commonly known as interstitial cystitis (IC) shares many features in common with these cats, permitting comparisons between the two species. A wide range of similarities in abnormalities has been identified between these syndromes outside as well as inside the LUT. A variety of potential familial and developmental risk factors also have been identified. These results have permitted generation of the hypothesis that some of these people have a disorder affecting the LUT rather than a disorder of the LUT. This perspective has suggested alternative diagnostic strategies and novel approaches to treatment, at least in cats. The purpose of this review is to summarize research investigations into the various abnormalities present in cats, to compare some of these findings with those identified in human beings, and to discuss how they might modify perceptions about the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of cats with this disease.Dedication: I dedicate this contribution to Professor Dennis J. Chew, whose collaboration, patience, and support made it all possible.
Tai chi/qigong improves selected indicators of metabolic syndrome, QoL, depression and perceived stress
Authors: Posadzki P 
Published: May 2011

Liu X, Miller YD, Burton NW, Brown WJ. A preliminary study of the effects of Tai Chi and Qigong medical exercise on indicators of metabolic syndrome, glycaemic control, health‐related quality of life, and psychological health in adults with elevated blood glucose. Br J Sports Med 2010; 44: 704–9.
Large trial finds acupuncture effective for chronic shoulder pain
Authors: Linde K 
Published: May 2011

Molsberger AF, Schneider T, Gotthardt H, Drabik A. German randomized acupuncture trial for chronic shoulder pain (GRASP) – a pragmatic, controlled, patient‐blinded, multi‐centre trial in an outpatient care environment. Pain 2010; 151: 146–154.
Does acupuncture improve pregnancy rate in sub‐fertile women undergoing frozen–thawed embryo transfer cycles?
Authors: Liu J , Ng EHY 
Published: May 2011

So EWS, Ng EHY, Wong YY, Yeung WSB, Ho PC. Acupuncture for frozen‐thawed embryo transfer cycles: a double‐blind randomized controlled trial. Reprod Biomed Online 2010; 20: 814–21.
Complementary and alternative medicine's opposition to measles immunisation continues
Authors: Ernst Edzard 
Published: May 2011

AbstractComplementary and alternative medicine has a long tradition of opposition against immunisation. The aim of this article is to determine whether chiropractors, homeopaths and naturopaths advise parents through websites not to immunise their children against measles. A search of the Internet was conducted employing the search engine Google. The contents of the first 12 websites for each of the three categories (i.e. chiropractic, homeopathy and naturopathy) were printed and analysed according to predefined criteria. Of the 36 websites identified, only two offered advice in favour of conventional immunisation; three sites presented information that was considered neutral. The remaining sites did not recommend immunisation and most promoted anti‐immunisation attitudes. It appears that the anti‐immunisation stance of these healthcare professionals does not seem to be abating. As this position is likely to affect immunisation‐rates, it is recommended that effective ways of dealing with this problem be found.
Expression of CD25highRegulatory T Cells and PD-1 in Gastric Infiltrating CD4+T Lymphocytes in Patients with Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Wu Yi-Ying , Chen Jiunn-Horng , Kao Jung-Ta , Liu Kuo-Ching , Lai Chih-Ho , Wang Yuan-Min , Hsieh Chin-Tung , Tzen Jason T. C. , Hsu Ping-Ning 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTWe observed by flow cytometry that the frequency of both gastric infiltrating Tregs and PD-1-positive CD4 T cells is correlated with the density ofHelicobacter pylori, suggesting that cellular immunity against this pathogen is inhibited.
Performance of the BioPlex 2200 Multiplexing Immunoassay Platform for the Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Specific Antibodies in African Settings
Authors: LeGoff Jérôme , Grésenguet Gérard , Gody Chrysostome , Longo Jean De Dieu , Khonde Nzambi , Weiss Helen A. , Mayaud Philippe , Bélec Laurent ,   the ANRS 12-12 Study Group
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTThe BioPlex platform was evaluated for the detection of herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) antibodies in sub-Saharan Africa individuals in comparison to clinicovirological standards and compared to HerpeSelect. The sensitivities and specificities were, respectively, 88.9% and 93.5% for BioPlex and 89.9% and 92.7% for HerpeSelect. The agreement between both assays was 95.7%.
Development of a New Chlamydiales-Specific Real-Time PCR and Its Application to Respiratory Clinical Samples
Authors: Lienard Julia , Croxatto Antony , Aeby Sebastien , Jaton Katia , Posfay-Barbe Klara , Gervaix Alain , Greub Gilbert 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT

Originally composed of the single family
Chlamydiaceae
, the
Chlamydiales
order has extended considerably over the last several decades.
Chlamydia
-related bacteria were added and classified into six different families and family-level lineages: the
Criblamydiaceae
,
Parachlamydiaceae
,
Piscichlamydiaceae
,
Rhabdochlamydiaceae
,
Simkaniaceae
, and
Waddliaceae
. While several members of the
Chlamydiaceae
family are known pathogens, recent studies showed diverse associations of
Chlamydia
-related bacteria with human and animal infections. Some of these latter bacteria might be of medical importance since, given their ability to replicate in free-living amoebae, they may also replicate efficiently in other phagocytic cells, including cells of the innate immune system. Thus, a new
Chlamydiales
-specific real-time PCR targeting the conserved 16S rRNA gene was developed. This new molecular tool can detect at least five DNA copies and show very high specificity without cross-amplification from other bacterial clade DNA. The new PCR was validated with 128 clinical samples positive or negative for
Chlamydia trachomatis
or
C. pneumoniae
. Of 65 positive samples, 61 (93.8%) were found to be positive with the new PCR. The four discordant samples, retested with the original test, were determined to be negative or below detection limits. Then, the new PCR was applied to 422 nasopharyngeal swabs taken from children with or without pneumonia; a total of 48 (11.4%) samples were determined to be positive, and 45 of these were successfully sequenced. The majority of the sequences corresponded to
Chlamydia
-related bacteria and especially to members of the
Parachlamydiaceae
family.
Finer Snapshot of Circulating Mycobacterium tuberculosis Genotypes in Guadeloupe, Martinique, and French Guiana
Authors: Millet Julie , Laurent William , Zozio Thierry , Rastogi Nalin 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT

This study shows the benefit of spoligotyping coupled to mycobacterial interspersed repetitive-unit (MIRU) typing to pinpoint circulating
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
genotypes in Guadeloupe, Martinique, and French Guiana. We hereby propose reduced 4-locus and 6-locus subsets for LAM and Haarlem lineage strains that predominate in South America and the Caribbean, retaining 99.35% and 99.64% of the total discriminatory power of the 12-locus scheme, respectively.
Ultrasensitive Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus A1762T/G1764A Mutant by a SimpleProbe PCR Using a Wild-Type-Selective PCR Blocker and a Primer-Blocker-Probe Partial-Overlap Approach
Authors: Nie Hui , Evans Alison A. , London W. Thomas , Block Timothy M. , Ren Xiangdong David 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrying the A1762T/G1764A double mutation in the basal core promoter (BCP) region is associated with HBe antigen seroconversion and increased risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Quantification of the mutant viruses may help in predicting the risk of HCC. However, the viral genome tends to have nucleotide polymorphism, which makes it difficult to design hybridization-based assays including real-time PCR. Ultrasensitive quantification of the mutant viruses at the early developmental stage is even more challenging, as the mutant is masked by excessive amounts of the wild-type (WT) viruses. In this study, we developed a selective inhibitory PCR (siPCR) using a locked nucleic acid-based PCR blocker to selectively inhibit the amplification of the WT viral DNA but not the mutant DNA. At the end of siPCR, the proportion of the mutant could be increased by about 10,000-fold, making the mutant more readily detectable by downstream applications such as real-time PCR and DNA sequencing. We also describe a primer-probe partial overlap approach which significantly simplified the melting curve patterns and minimized the influence of viral genome polymorphism on assay accuracy. Analysis of 62 patient samples showed a complete match of the melting curve patterns with the sequencing results. More than 97% of HBV BCP sequences in the GenBank database can be correctly identified by the melting curve analysis. The combination of siPCR and the SimpleProbe real-time PCR enabled mutant quantification in the presence of a 100,000-fold excess of the WT DNA.
Apoptotic and Antiapoptotic Activity of L Protein of Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus
Authors: Stavrou Spyridon , Ghadge Ghanashyam , Roos Raymond P. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT
Cellular apoptosis induced by viral genes can play a critical role in determining virulence as well as viral persistence. This form of cell death has been of interest with respect to Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) because the GDVII strain and members of the GDVII subgroup are highly neurovirulent, while the DA strain and members of the TO subgroup induce a chronic progressive inflammatory demyelination with persistence of the virus in the central nervous system. The TMEV L protein has been identified as important in the pathogenesis of Theiler's virus-induced demyelinating disease (TMEV-IDD). We now show that DA L is apoptotic following transfection of L expression constructs or following DA virus infection of HeLa cells; the apoptotic activity depends on the presence of the serine/threonine domain of L, especially a serine at amino acid 57. In contrast, GDVII L has little apoptotic activity following transfection of L expression constructs in HeLa cells and is antiapoptotic following GDVII infection of HeLa cells. Of note, both DA and GDVII L cleave caspase-3 in BHK-21 cells, although neither implements the full apoptotic machinery in this cell type as manifested by the induction of terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. The differences in apoptotic activities of DA and GDVII L in varied cell types may play an important role in TMEV subgroup-specific disease phenotypes.
Activity of Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies, Including PG9, PG16, and VRC01, against Recently Transmitted Subtype B HIV-1 Variants from Early and Late in the Epidemic
Authors: Euler Zelda , Bunnik Evelien M. , Burger Judith A. , Boeser-Nunnink Brigitte D. M. , Grijsen Marlous L. , Prins Jan M. , Schuitemaker Hanneke 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT

For the development of a neutralizing antibody-based human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vaccine, it is important to characterize which antibody specificities are most effective against currently circulating HIV-1 variants. We recently reported that HIV-1 has become more resistant to antibody neutralization over the course of the epidemic, and we here explore whether this increased neutralization resistance is also observed for the newly identified broadly neutralizing antibodies (BrNAbs) PG9, PG16, and VRC01. Furthermore, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the neutralizing sensitivity of currently circulating recently transmitted subtype B viruses to the currently most known BrNAbs. Virus variants isolated less than 6 months after seroconversion from individuals who seroconverted between 2003 and 2006 (
n
= 21) were significantly more resistant to neutralization by VRC01 than viruses from individuals who seroconverted between 1985 and 1989 (
n
= 14). In addition, viruses from contemporary seroconverters tended to be more resistant to neutralization by PG16, which coincided with the presence of more mutations at positions in the viral envelope that may potentially influence neutralization by this antibody. Despite this increased neutralization resistance, all recently transmitted viruses from contemporary seroconverters were sensitive to at least one BrNAb at concentrations of ≤5 μg/ml, with PG9, PG16, and VRC01 showing the greatest breadth of neutralization at lower concentrations. These results suggest that a vaccine capable of eliciting multiple BrNAb specificities will be necessary for protection of the population against HIV-1 infection.
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 pUL34 Plays a Critical Role in Cell-to-Cell Spread of Virus in Addition to Its Role in Virus Replication
Authors: Haugo Alison C. , Szpara Moriah L. , Parsons Lance , Enquist Lynn W. , Roller Richard J. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) pUL34 plays a critical role in virus replication by mediating egress of nucleocapsids from the infected cell nucleus. We have identified a mutation in pUL34 (Y68A) that produces a major defect in virus replication and impaired nuclear egress but also profoundly inhibits cell-to-cell spread and trafficking of gE. Virion release to the extracellular medium is not affected by the Y68A mutation, indicating that the mutation specifically inhibits cell-to-cell spread. We isolated extragenic suppressors of the Y68A plaque formation defect and mapped them by a combination of high-throughput Illumina sequencing and PCR-based screening. We found that suppression is highly correlated with a nonsense mutation in the US9 gene, which plays a critical role in cell-to-cell spread of HSV-1 in neurons. The US9 mutation alone is not sufficient to suppress the Y68A spread phenotype, indicating a likely role for multiple viral factors.
Single Amino Acid Changes in the Virus Capsid Permit Coxsackievirus B3 To Bind Decay-Accelerating Factor
Authors: Pan Jieyan , Narayanan Bhargavi , Shah Shardule , Yoder Joshua D. , Cifuente Javier O. , Hafenstein Susan , Bergelson Jeffrey M. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT
Many coxsackievirus B isolates bind to human decay-accelerating factor (DAF) as well as to the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR). The first-described DAF-binding isolate, coxsackievirus B3 (CB3)-RD, was obtained during passage of the prototype strain CB3-Nancy on RD cells, which express DAF but very little CAR. CB3-RD binds to human DAF, whereas CB3-Nancy does not. To determine the molecular basis for the specific interaction of CB3-RD with DAF, we produced cDNA clones encoding both CB3-RD and CB3-Nancy and mutated each of the sites at which the RD and Nancy sequences diverged. We found that a single amino acid change, the replacement of a glutamate within VP3 (VP3-234E) with a glutamine residue (Q), conferred upon CB3-Nancy the capacity to bind DAF and to infect RD cells. Readaptation of molecularly cloned CB3-Nancy to RD cells selected for a new virus with the same VP3-234Q residue. In experiments with CB3-H3, another virus isolate that does not bind measurably to DAF, adaptation to RD cells resulted in a DAF-binding isolate with a single amino acid change within VP2 (VP2-138 N to D). Both VP3-234Q and VP2-138D were required for binding of CB3-RD to DAF. In the structure of the CB3-RD-DAF complex determined by cryo-electron microscopy, both VP3-234Q and VP2-138D are located at the contact site between the virus and DAF.
PA Residues in the 2009 H1N1 Pandemic Influenza Virus Enhance Avian Influenza Virus Polymerase Activity in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Bussey Kendra A. , Desmet Emily A. , Mattiacio Jonelle L. , Hamilton Alice , Bradel-Tretheway Birgit , Bussey Howard E. , Kim Baek , Dewhurst Stephen , Takimoto Toru 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT
The 2009 pandemic influenza virus (pH1N1) is a swine-origin reassortant containing human, avian, and swine influenza genes. We have previously shown that the polymerase complex of the pH1N1 strain A/California/04/2009 (Cal) is highly active in mammalian 293T cells, despite the avian origin of both its PA and PB2. In this study, we analyzed the polymerase residues that are responsible for high pH1N1 polymerase activity in the mammalian host. Characterization of polymerase complexes containing various combinations of Cal and avian influenza virus A/chicken/Nanchang/3-120/01 (H3N2) (Nan) by reporter gene assay indicates that Cal PA, but not PB2, is a major contributing factor to high Cal polymerase activity in 293T cells. In particular, Cal PA significantly activates the otherwise inactive Nan polymerase at 37 and 39°C but not at the lower temperature of 34°C. Further analysis using site-directed mutagenesis showed that the Cal PA residues 85I, 186S, and 336M contribute to enhanced activity of the Cal polymerase. Recombinant A/WSN/33 (H1N1) (WSN) viruses containing Nan NP and polymerase (PA, PB1, PB2) genes with individual mutations in PA at residues 85, 186, and 336 produced higher levels of viral protein than the virus containing wild-type (WT) Nan PA. Interestingly, compared to the WT, the virus containing the 85I mutation grew faster in human A549 cells and the 336M mutation most significantly enhanced pathogenicity in a mouse model, among the three PA mutations tested. Our results suggest that multiple mutations in PA, which were rarely present in previous influenza isolates, are involved in mammalian adaptation and pathogenicity of the 2009 pH1N1.
Gammaretroviral Integration into Nucleosomal Target DNA
In Vivo
Authors: Roth Shoshannah L. , Malani Nirav , Bushman Frederic D. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT

Some of the earliest studies of retroviral integration targeting reported that sites of gammaretroviral DNA integration were positively correlated with DNase I-hypersensitive sites in chromatin. This led to the suggestion that open chromatin was favorable for integration. More recent deep sequencing experiments confirmed that gammaretroviral integration sites and DNase I cleavage sites are associated in genome-wide surveys. Paradoxically,
in vitro
studies of integration show that nucleosomal DNA is actually favored over naked DNA, raising the question of whether integration target DNA in chromosomes is wrapped in nucleosomes or nucleosome free. In this study we examined gammaretroviral integration by infecting primary human CD4
+
T lymphocytes with a murine leukemia virus (MLV)-based retroviral vector or xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV), and isolated 32,585 unique integration sites using ligation-mediated PCR and 454 pyrosequencing. CD4
+
T lymphocytes were chosen for study because of the particularly dense genome-wide mapping of chromatin features available for comparison. Analysis relative to predicted nucleosome positions showed that gammaretroviruses direct integration into outward-facing major grooves on nucleosome-wrapped DNA, similar to the integration pattern of HIV. Also, a suite of histone modifications correlated with gene activity are positively associated with integration by both MLV and XMRV. Thus, we conclude that favored integration near DNase I-hypersensitive sites does not imply that integration takes place exclusively in nucleosome-free regions.
A Host-Specific, Temperature-Sensitive Translation Defect Determines the Attenuation Phenotype of a Human Rhinovirus/Poliovirus Chimera, PV1(RIPO)
Authors: Jahan Nusrat , Wimmer Eckard , Mueller Steffen 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT

By using a rhinosvirus/poliovirus type 1 chimera, PV1(RIPO), with the cognate internal ribosome entry site (IRES) of human rhinovirus type 2 (HRV2), we set out to shed light on the mechanism by which this variant expresses its attenuated phenotype in poliovirus-sensitive, CD155 transgenic (tg) mice and cynomolgus monkeys. Here we report that replication of PV1(RIPO) is restricted not only in human cells of neuronal origin, as was reported previously, but also in cells of murine origin at physiological temperature. This block in replication was enhanced at 39.5°C but, remarkably, it was absent at 33°C. PV1(RIPO) variants that overcame the replication block were derived by serial passage under restrictive conditions in either mouse cells or human neuronal cells. All adapting mutations mapped to the 5′-nontranslated region of PV1(RIPO). Variants selected in mouse cells, but not in human neuronal cells, exhibited increased mouse neurovirulence
in vivo
. The observed strong mouse-specific defect of PV1(RIPO) at nonpermissive temperature correlated with the translational activity of the HRV2 IRES in this chimeric virus. These unexpected results must be kept in mind when poliovirus variants are tested in CD155 tg mice for their neurovirulent potential, particularly in assays of live attenuated oral poliovirus vaccine lots. Virulence may be masked by adverse species-specific conditions in mouse cells that may not allow accurate prediction of neurovirulence in the human host. Thus, novel poliovirus variants in line for possible development of human vaccines must be tested in nonhuman primates.