bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Humoral Immune Response in Dogs Naturally Infected withBorrelia burgdorferiSensu Lato and in Dogs after Immunization with aBorreliaVaccine
Authors: Leschnik Michael W. , Kirtz Georges , Khanakah Gelas , Duscher Georg , Leidinger Ernst , Thalhammer Johann G. , Joachim Anja , Stanek Gerold 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTLyme arthritis in dogs can be induced under experimental and natural conditions. However, the veterinary relevance of canine borreliosis is still under extensive investigation. The prevalence of symptoms is clearly low, although the risk of tick exposure is high. Current research focuses on case definitions, methods for diagnosing clinical disease in dogs, and discrimination between an immune response to a natural infection and an immune response to vaccination. In this experimental study, 23 dogs raised under tick-free conditions were allocated to two groups. The 11 dogs in the first group were vaccinated with a commercial borrelia vaccine and subsequently developed detectable antibody titers. The 12 dogs in the second group were walked on two consecutive days in an area where ticks were endemic. On day 5 after exposure, engorged ticks were removed from the 12 dogs and were analyzed forBorreliaDNA by a real-time PCR assay. Blood samples were taken before exposure/vaccination and at defined time points thereafter. Antibody responses were evaluated using an immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and Western blotting. Seven dogs from whichBorrelia-positive ticks were removed seroconverted and developed individual immune responses. Blood and urine samples taken from the tick-exposed group at weeks 1 and 3 for real-time PCR analysis and culture were always negative for bacterial DNA. In conclusion, despite serological evidence of infection/immunization, no clinical signs of disease were observed. The antibody patterns in a single Western blot did not permit differentiation between the different antigen sources (vaccine versus natural infection). However, repeated Western blot analyses may be useful for the confirmation of infection or vaccination status, since the time courses of the levels of specific antibodies seem to be different.
Cytokine Protein Expression Levels in Tracheobronchial Lymph Node Homogenates of Pigs Infected with Pseudorabies Virus
Authors: Miller Laura C. , Zanella Eraldo L. , Waters W. Ray , Lager Kelly M. 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTPseudorabies virus (PRV) is a neurotropic alphaherpesvirus that produces fatal encephalitis in newborn pigs, respiratory disorders in fattening pigs, and reproductive failure in sows. Following primary infection of the respiratory tract, PRV can develop into a systemic infection with dispersion of the virus via the lymphatic system that involves mononuclear cells in tracheobronchial lymph nodes (TBLNs). The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the pathogenesis and to determine the early immune cytokine profiles in TBLNs following experimental infection with a feral swine PRV isolate at 1, 3, 6, and 14 days postinfection (dpi). Forty healthy pigs were purchased from a PRV-negative herd. Twenty pigs received the Florida strain isolate (FS268) of feral swine PRV intranasally, and 20 uninfected controls received a sham inoculum. Compared to the levels in the controls, the levels of alpha interferon (IFN-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-12, and IFN-γ were increased in TBLN homogenates from PRV-infected pigs at 1 dpi, whereas the IL-18 levels were decreased from 3 to 6 dpi. The protein levels of IL-4 and IL-10 did not differ between the controls and the PRV-infected pigs at any time point. Flow cytometric analysis of TBLN homogenates of PRV-infected pigs and the controls revealed increases in the percentages of B cells at 6 dpi, CD4+cells at 14 dpi, and CD25 expression in TBLN homogenates (in the total mononuclear fraction and on B cells) in the PRV-infected pigs. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that a feral PRV in commercial swine can modulate the host's early immune response to allow the virus to establish an infection.
Pilot Study of Whole-Blood Gamma Interferon Response to the
Vibrio cholerae
Toxin B Subunit and Resistance to Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
-Associated Diarrhea
Authors: Flores Jose , DuPont Herbert L. , Paredes-Paredes Mercedes , Aguirre-Garcia M. Magdalena , Rojas Araceli , Gonzalez Alexei , Okhuysen Pablo C. 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT

Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC), which produces heat-labile toxin (LT), is a common cause of travelers' diarrhea (TD). The B subunit of ETEC LT is immunologically related to the B subunit of
Vibrio cholerae
toxin (CT). In this pilot study we evaluated the whole-blood gamma interferon response to CT B in 17 U.S. adults traveling to Mexico. Only one of nine subjects who demonstrated a cellular immune response as determined by whole-blood gamma interferon production to CT B on arrival to Mexico developed diarrhea, whereas five of eight without a cellular response developed diarrhea. Markers of the cellular immune response to ETEC LT could help in identifying individuals immune to ETEC LT, and these markers deserve additional study.
Beneficial Dysregulation of the Time Course of Inflammatory Mediators in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Factor-Deficient Mice
Authors: Srinivasan Sreedevi , Leeman Susan E. , Amar Salomon 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTTo begin to understand the surprising survival of macrophage-specific lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor alpha factor-deficient (macLITAF−/−) animals after a lethal dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as reported earlier, the present follow-up study focuses on the role of LITAF in the regulation of inflammatory cytokines secreted in response to lethal or sublethal doses of LPS administered to wild-type (WT) and macLITAF−/−mice. A time course study of kinase expression in peritoneal macrophages revealed increased phosphorylation of prosurvival kinases Akt, Erk1/2, and ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) in macLITAF−/−mice compared to that in WT mice (n= 8), confirming their role in LPS-mediated diseases. macLITAF−/−mice (n= 8) survived a lethal dose of LPS plusd-galactosamine (d-GalN), expressing lower serum levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines than the WT levels. To extend our knowledge on LPS-induced inflammatory events, an effective sublethal dose of LPS was administered to the animals (n= 14). WT animals exhibited an acute inflammatory response that decreased after 4 h. Interestingly, macLITAF−/−mice exhibited an initial delay in the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines that peaked after 8 h and reached WT levels after 18 h. Anti-inflammatory cytokine secretions were initially delayed but increased after 4 h and remained elevated compared to WT levels, even after 18 h. Our results demonstrate that LITAF deficiencyin vivoaffects cytokines other than TNF-α and influences the balance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, which protects the animals from the deleterious effects of an LPS-induced inflammatory response, resulting in a beneficial host regulation of inflammatory cytokines and in enhanced survival. Therapeutic intervention aimed at reducing LITAF via kinase modulators may prove useful in preventing LPS-induced mortality.
Simultaneous Cocirculation of Both European Varicella-Zoster Virus Genotypes (E1 and E2) in Mexico City
Authors: Rodríguez-Castillo Araceli , Vaughan Gilberto , Ramírez-González José Ernesto , Escobar-Gutiérrez Alejandro 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT
Full-length genome analysis of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) has shown that viral strains can be classified into seven different genotypes: European (E), Mosaic (M), and Japanese (J), and the E and M genotypes can be further subclassified into E1, E2, and M1 through 4, respectively. The distribution of the main VZV genotypes in Mexico was described earlier, demonstrating the predominance of E genotype, although other genotypes (M1 and M4) were also identified. However, no information regarding the circulation of either E genotype in the country is available. In the present study, we confirm the presence of both E1 and E2 genotypes in the country and explore the possibility of coinfection as the triggering factor for increased virulence among severe cases. A total of 61 different European VZV isolates collected in the Mexico City metropolitan area from 2005 to 2006 were typed by using a PCR method based on genotype-specific primer amplification. Fifty isolates belonged to the E1 genotype, and the eleven remaining samples were classified as E2 genotypes. No coinfection with both E genotypes was identified among these specimens. We provide here new information on the distribution of VZV genotypes circulating in Mexico City.
Multicenter Comparison of the ISO Standard 20776-1 and the Serial 2-Fold Dilution Procedures To Dilute Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Antifungal Agents for Susceptibility Testing
Authors: Gomez-Lopez Alicia , Arendrup Maiken Cavling , Lass-Floerl Cornelia , Rodriguez-Tudela Juan-Luis , Cuenca-Estrella Manuel 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT
A multicenter study was conducted to assess the accuracy of the ISO standard 20776-1 and the serial 2-fold dilution procedures for antifungal susceptibility testing. Fluconazole trays can be accurately prepared by following ISO and serial dilution schemes. However, itraconazole trays showed a significant lack of reproducibility that was independent of which method was followed.
Performance of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry for Identification of Bacterial Strains Routinely Isolated in a Clinical Microbiology Laboratory
Authors: Bizzini A. , Durussel C. , Bille J. , Greub G. , Prod'hom G. 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT
Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has recently been introduced in diagnostic microbiology laboratories for the identification of bacterial and yeast strains isolated from clinical samples. In the present study, we prospectively compared MALDI-TOF MS to the conventional phenotypic method for the identification of routine isolates. Colonies were analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS either by direct deposition on the target plate or after a formic acid-acetonitrile extraction step if no valid result was initially obtained. Among 1,371 isolates identified by conventional methods, 1,278 (93.2%) were putatively identified to the species level by MALDI-TOF MS and 73 (5.3%) were identified to the genus level, but no reliable identification was obtained for 20 (1.5%). Among the 1,278 isolates identified to the species level by MALDI-TOF MS, 63 (4.9%) discordant results were initially identified. Most discordant results (42/63) were due to systematic database-related taxonomical differences, 14 were explained by poor discrimination of the MALDI-TOF MS spectra obtained, and 7 were due to errors in the initial conventional identification. An extraction step was required to obtain a valid MALDI-TOF MS identification for 25.6% of the 1,278 valid isolates. In conclusion, our results show that MALDI-TOF MS is a fast and reliable technique which has the potential to replace conventional phenotypic identification for most bacterial strains routinely isolated in clinical microbiology laboratories.
Disseminated
Scedosporium
/
Pseudallescheria
Infection after Double-Lung Transplantation in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Morio Florent , Horeau-Langlard Delphine , Gay-Andrieu Françoise , Talarmin Jean-Philippe , Haloun Alain , Treilhaud Michelle , Despins Philippe , Jossic Frédérique , Nourry Laurence , Danner-Boucher Isabelle , Pattier Sabine , Bouchara Jean-Philippe , Le Pape Patrice , Miegeville Michel 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT

We report a case of disseminated
Scedosporium
/
Pseudallescheria
infection due to
P
seudallescheria boydii
sensu stricto after lung transplantation in a patient with cystic fibrosis. Dissemination occurred under voriconazole. Despite surgery and combination therapy with voriconazole, caspofungin, and terbinafine, the patient died 8 months after transplantation. Previously reported cases are reviewed.
New Polymorphic Microsatellite Markers Able To Distinguish among
Candida parapsilosis
Sensu Stricto Isolates
Authors: Sabino Raquel , Sampaio Paula , Rosado Laura , Stevens David A. , Clemons Karl V. , Pais Célia 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT

Among the
Candida
species causing bloodstream infections,
Candida parapsilosis
is one of the most frequently isolated. The objective of the present work was the identification of new microsatellite loci able to distinguish among
C. parapsilosis
isolates. DNA sequences with trinucleotide repeats were selected from the
C. parapsilosis
genome database. PCR primer sets flanking the microsatellite repeats were designed and tested with 20 independent isolates. On the basis of the amplification efficiency, specificity, and observed polymorphism, four of the sequences were selected for strain typing. Two hundred thirty-three independent
C. parapsilosis
sensu stricto isolates were genotyped by using these markers. The polymorphic loci exhibited from 20 to 42 alleles and 39 to 92 genotypes. In a multiplex analysis, 192 genotypes were obtained and the combined discriminatory power of the four microsatellites was 0.99. Reproducibility was demonstrated by submission of subcultures of 4 isolates each, in triplicate, interspersed with unique numbers among a group of 30 isolates for blind testing. Comparison of the genotypes obtained by microsatellite analysis and those obtained by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA analysis, restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, and internal transcribed sequence grouping was performed and showed that the microsatellite method could distinguish individual isolates; none of the other methods could do that. Related species,
C. orthopsilosis
and
C. metapsilosis
, were not confused with
C. parapsilosis
sensu stricto. These new microsatellites are a valuable tool for use for the differentiation of
C. parapsilosis
sensu stricto strains, vital in epidemiology to answer questions of strain relatedness and determine pathways of transmission.
Identification and Genotyping of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Complex Species by Use of a SNaPshot Minisequencing-Based Assay
Authors: Bouakaze C. , Keyser C. , de Martino S. J. , Sougakoff W. , Veziris N. , Dabernat H. , Ludes B. 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to investigate the use of the SNaPshot minisequencing method for the identification of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTBC) isolates to the species level and for further genotyping of
M. tuberculosis
isolates. We developed an innovative strategy based on two multiplex allele-specific minisequencing assays that allowed detection of eight species-specific and eight lineage-specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Each assay consisted of an eightplex PCR amplification, followed by an eightplex minisequencing reaction with the SNaPshot multiplex kit (Applied Biosystems) and, finally, analysis of the extension products by capillary electrophoresis. The whole strategy was developed with a panel of 56 MTBC strains and 15 negative controls. All MTBC strains tested except one
M. africanum
clinical isolate were accurately identified to the species level, and all
M. tuberculosis
isolates were successfully further genotyped. This two-step strategy based on SNaPshot minisequencing allows the simultaneous differentiation of closely related members of the MTBC, the distinction between principal genetic groups, and the characterization of
M. tuberculosis
isolates into one of the seven prominent SNP cluster groups (SCGs) and could be a useful tool for diagnostic and epidemiological purposes.
Genetic and Antigenic Characterization of Newly Isolated Bovine Toroviruses from Japanese Cattle
Authors: Ito Toshihiro , Katayama Shigeji , Okada Nobutaka , Masubuchi Katsuo , Fukuyama Shin-ichi , Shimizu Mitsugu 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTTorovirus, a member of theCoronaviridaefamily, is a gastrointestinal infectious agent that has been identified in humans, cattle, pigs, and equines. Toroviruses, except equine torovirus, are difficult to propagate in cell culture; indeed, to date, only the Aichi/2004 strain of bovine torovirus (BToV) has been isolated among the human, bovine, and porcine toroviruses. In the present study, four cytopathogenic BToVs were isolated from diarrheal feces of the cattle using the HRT-18 cell line, and their genetic and antigenic properties were compared. The cytopathogenic features of BToV isolates in HRT-18 cells were similar to those of the Aichi/2004 strain. However, none of the isolates showed cytopathogenic effects in the HRT-18 cells of different origin, suggesting that one significant factor contributing to the cytopathogenicity of BToV depends on properties of the HRT-18 cells themselves. All BToVs isolated were able to agglutinate mouse, but not chicken, erythrocytes, while they lacked receptor-destroying enzyme activity. Analysis of the N terminus of the spike gene showed that three isolates, but not the Gifu-2007TI/E strain, were phylogenetically located in cluster 1 and its analogs and revealed high cross-reactivity with each other, as demonstrated by neutralization (NT) and hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assays. The Gifu-2007TI/E strain was classified close to cluster 2 and exhibited relatively low cross-reactivity with these viruses; however, the difference was not sufficient to classify BToVs into serotypes, suggesting that at least two subtypes distinguishable by the structure of the N terminus of the spike gene and that both NT and HI tests may be exist.
Molecular Epidemiology of Vancomycin-Resistant
Enterococcus faecium
: a Prospective, Multicenter Study in South American Hospitals
Authors: Panesso Diana , Reyes Jinnethe , Rincón Sandra , Díaz Lorena , Galloway-Peña Jessica , Zurita Jeannete , Carrillo Carlos , Merentes Altagracia , Guzmán Manuel , Adachi Javier A. , Murray Barbara E. , Arias Cesar A. 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT

Enterococcus faecium
has emerged as an important nosocomial pathogen worldwide, and this trend has been associated with the dissemination of a genetic lineage designated clonal cluster 17 (CC17). Enterococcal isolates were collected prospectively (2006 to 2008) from 32 hospitals in Colombia, Ecuador, Perú, and Venezuela and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Genotyping was performed with all vancomycin-resistant
E. faecium
(VREfm) isolates by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing. All VREfm isolates were evaluated for the presence of 16 putative virulence genes (14
fms
genes, the
esp
gene of
E. faecium
[

esp
Efm

], and the
hyl
gene of
E. faecium
[

hyl
Efm

]) and plasmids carrying the
fms20-fms21
(
pilA
),

hyl
Efm

, and
vanA
genes. Of 723 enterococcal isolates recovered,
E. faecalis
was the most common (78%). Vancomycin resistance was detected in 6% of the isolates (74% of which were
E. faecium
). Eleven distinct PFGE types were found among the VREfm isolates, with most belonging to sequence types 412 and 18. The

ebpA
Efm
-ebpB
Efm
-ebpC
Efm

(
pilB
) and
fms11
-
fms19
-
fms16
clusters were detected in all VREfm isolates from the region, whereas

esp
Efm

and

hyl
Efm

were detected in 69% and 23% of the isolates, respectively. The
fms20
-
fms21
(
pilA
) cluster, which encodes a putative pilus-like protein, was found on plasmids from almost all VREfm isolates and was sometimes found to coexist with

hyl
Efm

and the
vanA
gene cluster. The population genetics of VREfm in South America appear to resemble those of such strains in the United States in the early years of the CC17 epidemic. The overwhelming presence of plasmids encoding putative virulence factors and
vanA
genes suggests that
E. faecium
from the CC17 genogroup may disseminate in the region in the coming years.
Helicobacter pullorum
Outbreak in C57BL/6NTac and C3H/HeNTac Barrier-Maintained Mice
Authors: Boutin S. R. , Shen Z. , Roesch P. L. , Stiefel S. M. , Sanderson A. E. , Multari H. M. , Pridhoko E. A. , Smith J. C. , Taylor N. S. , Lohmiller J. J. , Dewhirst F. E. , Klein H. J. , Fox J. G. 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT

Helicobacter pullorum
is a bacterial pathogen in humans. By using microaerobic culture techniques,
H. pullorum
was isolated from the feces of barrier-maintained mice and identified, on the basis of biochemical, restriction fragment length polymorphism, and 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses. This finding presents an opportunity to study
H. pullorum
pathogenesis in mice.
Electron Cryotomography of Tula Hantavirus Suggests a Unique Assembly Paradigm for Enveloped Viruses
Authors: Huiskonen Juha T. , Hepojoki Jussi , Laurinmäki Pasi , Vaheri Antti , Lankinen Hilkka , Butcher Sarah J. , Grünewald Kay 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT

Hantaviruses (family
Bunyaviridae
) are rodent-borne emerging viruses that cause a serious, worldwide threat to human health. Hantavirus diseases include hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome. Virions are enveloped and contain a tripartite single-stranded negative-sense RNA genome. Two types of glycoproteins, G
N
and G
C
, are embedded in the viral membrane and form protrusions, or “spikes.” The membrane encloses a ribonucleoprotein core, which consists of the RNA segments, the nucleocapsid protein, and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Detailed information on hantavirus virion structure and glycoprotein spike composition is scarce. Here, we have studied the structures of Tula hantavirus virions using electron cryomicroscopy and tomography. Three-dimensional density maps show how the hantavirus surface glycoproteins, membrane, and ribonucleoprotein are organized. The structure of the G
N
-G
C
spike complex was solved to 3.6-nm resolution by averaging tomographic subvolumes. Each spike complex is a square-shaped assembly with 4-fold symmetry. Spike complexes formed ordered patches on the viral membrane by means of specific lateral interactions. These interactions may be sufficient for creating membrane curvature during virus budding. In conclusion, the structure and assembly principles of Tula hantavirus exemplify a unique assembly paradigm for enveloped viruses.
Comprehensive Analysis of Rhesus Lymphocryptovirus MicroRNA Expression
Authors: Riley Kasandra J.-L. , Rabinowitz Gabrielle S. , Steitz Joan A. 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT
Rhesus lymphocryptovirus (rLCV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are closely related gammaherpesviruses that infect and cause disease in rhesus monkeys and humans, respectively. Thus, rLCV is an important model system for EBV pathogenesis. Both rLCV and EBV express microRNAs (miRNAs), several conserved in sequence and genomic location. We have applied deep sequencing technology to obtain an inventory of rLCV miRNA expression in latently rLCV-infected monkey B cells. Our data confirm the presence of all previously identified mature rLCV miRNAs and have resulted in the discovery of 21 new mature miRNAs arising from previously identified precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNAs), as well as two novel pre-miRNAs (rL1-34 and rL1-35) that together generate four new mature miRNAs. Thus, the total number of rLCV-encoded pre-miRNAs is 35 and the total number of rLCV mature miRNAs is 68, the most of any virus examined. The exact 5′ and 3′ ends of all mature rLCV miRNAs were pinpointed, many showing marked sequence and length heterogeneity that could modulate function. We further demonstrate that rLCV mature miRNAs associate with Argonaute proteins in rLCV-infected B cells.