bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Possible Laboratory Contamination Leads to Incorrect Reporting of Vibrio cholerae O1 and Initiates an Outbreak Response
Authors: Smith Anthony M. , Keddy Karen H. , Ismail Husna , Tau Nomsa , Sooka Arvinda , Archer Brett N. , Thomas Juno , Crisp Noreen 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Vibrio cholerae
O1 in a river water specimen in South Africa was reported, and a public health response followed in order to prevent an outbreak. Further investigation determined this to be a pseudoalert of
V. cholerae
O1, possibly linked to laboratory contamination. Following culture of bacteria from the water specimen, the testing laboratory possibly contaminated the culture with a
V. cholerae
O1 reference strain and then mistakenly reported isolation of
V. cholerae
O1.
Effectiveness of an Integrated Real-Time PCR Method for Detection of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex in Smear-Negative Extrapulmonary Samples in an Area of Low Tuberculosis Prevalence
Authors: Moure Raquel , Martín Rogelio , Alcaide Fernando 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Early extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) diagnosis is particularly difficult. Among 108 smear-negative extrapulmonary samples showing a positive culture for
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (43 body fluids and 65 nonliquid specimens), 63 (58.3%) were positive with the Xpert MTB/RIF assay (GX). GX sensitivity was quite low for samples from sterile locations (especially for pleural fluids: 26.9%) but high for some nonliquid samples, like abscess aspirates (76.5%). In summary, GX may be a useful tool to be considered for EPTB diagnosis.
Crystal Structure of the Japanese Encephalitis Virus Envelope Protein
Authors: Luca Vincent C. , AbiMansour Jad , Nelson Christopher A. , Fremont Daved H. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is the leading global cause of viral encephalitis. The JEV envelope protein (E) facilitates cellular attachment and membrane fusion and is the primary target of neutralizing antibodies. We have determined the 2.1-Å resolution crystal structure of the JEV E ectodomain refolded from bacterial inclusion bodies. The E protein possesses the three domains characteristic of flavivirus envelopes and epitope mapping of neutralizing antibodies onto the structure reveals determinants that correspond to the domain I lateral ridge, fusion loop, domain III lateral ridge, and domain I-II hinge. While monomeric in solution, JEV E assembles as an antiparallel dimer in the crystal lattice organized in a highly similar fashion as seen in cryo-electron microscopy models of mature flavivirus virions. The dimer interface, however, is remarkably small and lacks many of the domain II contacts observed in other flavivirus E homodimers. In addition, uniquely conserved histidines within the JEV serocomplex suggest that pH-mediated structural transitions may be aided by lateral interactions outside the dimer interface in the icosahedral virion. Our results suggest that variation in dimer structure and stability may significantly influence the assembly, receptor interaction, and uncoating of virions.
Role of β-Catenin and TCF/LEF Family Members in Transcriptional Activity of HIV in Astrocytes
Authors: Narasipura Srinivas D. , Henderson Lisa J. , Fu Sidney W. , Chen Liang , Kashanchi Fatah , Al-Harthi Lena 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT
The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is involved in diverse cell functions governing development and disease. β-Catenin, a central mediator of this pathway, binds to members of the TCF/LEF family of transcription factors to modulate hundreds of genes. Active Wnt/β-catenin/TCF-4 signaling plays a significant role in repression of HIV-1 replication in multiple cell targets, including astrocytes. To determine the mechanism by which active β-catenin/TCF-4 leads to inhibition of HIV replication, we knocked down β-catenin or TCF/LEF members in primary astrocytes and astrocytomas transiently transfected with an HIV long terminal repeat (LTR)-luciferase reporter that contained an integrated copy of the HIV LTR-luciferase construct. Knockdown of either β-catenin or TCF-4 induced LTR activity by 2- to 3-fold under both the episomal and integrated conditions. This knockdown also increased presence of serine 2-phosphorylated RNA polymerase II (Pol II) on the HIV LTR as well as enhanced its processivity. Knockdown of β-catenin/TCF-4 also impacted tethering of other transcription factors on the HIV promoter. Specifically, knockdown of TCF-4 enhanced binding of C/EBPβ, C/EBPδ, and NF-κB to the HIV LTR, while β-catenin knockdown increased binding of C/EBPβ and C/EBPδ but had no effect on NF-κB. Approximately 150 genes in astrocytes were impacted by β-catenin knockdown, including genes involved in inflammation/immunity, uptake/transport, vesicular transport/exocytosis, apoptosis/cellular stress, and cytoskeleton/trafficking. These findings indicate that modulation of the β-catenin/TCF-4 axis impacts the basal level of HIV transcription in astrocytes, which may drive low level/persistent HIV in astrocytes that can contribute to ongoing neuroinflammation, and this axis also has profound effects on astrocyte biology.
Enhancement of Hepatitis B Virus Replication by Androgen and Its Receptor in Mice
Authors: Tian Yongjun , Kuo Cheng-fu , Chen Wen-ling , Ou Jing-hsiung James 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important pathogen that chronically infects more men than women. To understand the molecular mechanism of this gender disparity, we analyzed HBV replication in transgenic mice that carried the HBV genome with or without the ability to express the HBV X protein (HBx). We found that gender had no effect on HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), DNA, and RNA levels in mice before puberty, but its effect on HBV after puberty was apparent, with HBV replicating approximately twice more efficiently in male mice than in female mice whether or not HBx was expressed. The castration of male mice resulted in a reduction of HBV HBsAg, DNA, and RNA levels, which could be partially restored by the injection of the androgen agonist R1881, indicating a positive role of androgen in HBV replication. The introduction of HBV genomic DNA and androgen receptor (AR) short hairpin RNA (shRNA) into the liver of naïve mice by hydrodynamic injection revealed that the effect of androgen on HBV was dependent on its receptor, which apparently could also stimulate HBV replication via an androgen-independent pathway. Further studies indicated that the two previously identified androgen response elements (AREs) in the HBV genome could indeed mediate the effect of androgen on HBV RNA transcription and DNA replication
in vivo
. These effects of androgen and its receptor on HBV thus provide an explanation for why men have a higher risk of HBV infection than women.
Regional patterns in mercury and selenium concentrations of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) and bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) in the Pacific Ocean
Authors: Ferriss Bridget E. , Essington Timothy E. 
Published: December 2011

Mercury (Hg) concentrations in high trophic level fish, such as bigeye tuna ( Thunnus obesus ) and yellowfin tuna ( Thunnus albacares ), can often exceed consumption advisories. Here we sampled 444 yellowfin and bigeye tuna to determine whether tuna Hg concentration varies regionally in the eastern and central Pacific Ocean and whether this variation corresponds to environmental characteristics that promote the bioavailability of Hg. Of the five regions sampled, we found significantly higher Hg concentrations in the eastern equatorial region (5°S–5°N; 110°W–120°W) for both species. Hg concentrations in this region were elevated by 0.22 and 0.17 µg·g–1for yellowfin and bigeye tuna, respectively, compared with Hg concentrations in the other regions. Tuna selenium concentrations, which may alter the toxicity of Hg, did not vary by region. Oceanographic data indicated that the eastern equatorial region had elevated chlorophyll a concentrations and shallow minimum oxygen depths, both of which promote Hg methylation. These findings suggest that methylation-promoting mechanisms may translate into regional variation in the Hg concentrations of highly mobile, high trophic level fish.
Seasonal shift in the effects of predators on juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) energetics
Authors: Ward Darren M. , Nislow Keith H. , Folt Carol L. 
Published: December 2011

Predator effects on prey populations are determined by the number of prey consumed and effects on the traits of surviving prey. Yet the effects of predators on prey traits are rarely evaluated in field studies. We measured the effects of predators on energetic traits (consumption and growth rates) of juvenile Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ) in a large-scale field study. Salmon fry were released at 18 sites that encompassed a wide range of predatory slimy sculpin ( Cottus cognatus ) abundance. We sampled salmon after 21 and 140 days to measure salmon growth and estimate consumption using a mass-balance model of methylmercury accumulation. Salmon population density was reduced fivefold at sites with abundant sculpin. Over the early season, salmon consumed less where sculpin were abundant, suggesting that reduced foraging under predation risk contributed to predator-caused mortality. In contrast, over the late season, salmon grew more where sculpin were abundant, suggesting that compensatory growth at reduced salmon population density moderated predator-caused mortality. Predator effects on prey energetics can drive variation in survival and growth, with important consequences for population dynamics.
Estimation du rayonnement mensuel global par jour par deux approches météorologiques en Algérie
Authors: Mesri M. , Cheknane A. , Bachari N. , Rougab I. 
Published: December 2011

Nous présentons une méthode d’estimation de la moyenne mensuelle du rayonnement global reçu au sol par jour sous un ciel clair et moyen. Elle permet de valider des modèles météorologiques cités dans la littérature. Ces derniers utilisent des relations qui permettent de transformer les données mesurées d’insolation en flux global d’irradiation solaire. Ceci est en parfaite adéquation avec la nature du réseau de mesures algérien, caractérisé par une faible densité de stations radiométriques, mais qui fournit des données de durée d’ensoleillement. Notre étude prend en charge deux modèles : le modèle d’Angstrom et le modèle de Coppolino. Les résultats obtenus montrent que ce dernier modèle permet de prédire la moyenne mensuelle du rayonnement journalier avec une bonne fiabilité.
New Insights into Molecular Mechanisms of Sunitinib-Associated Side Effects
Authors: Aparicio-Gallego Guadalupe , Blanco Moisés , Figueroa Angélica , García-Campelo Rosario , Valladares-Ayerbes Manuel , Grande-Pulido Enrique , Antón-Aparicio Luis 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The introduction of targeted therapy represents a major advance in the treatment of tumor progression. Targeted agents are a novel therapeutic approach developed to disrupt different cellular signaling pathways. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib specifically blocks multiple tyrosine kinase receptors that are involved in the progression of many tumors. Sunitinib is the current standard of care in first-line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma, and it is approved in imatinib-intolerant and imatinib-refractory gastrointestinal stromal tumors. However, it is increasingly evident that sunitinib may display collateral effects on other proteins beyond its main target receptors, eliciting undesirable and unexpected adverse events. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying these undesirable sunitinib-associated side effects will help physicians to maximize efficacy of sunitinib and minimize adverse events. Here, we focus on new insights into molecular mechanisms that may mediate sunitinib-associated adverse events. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(12); 2215–23. ©2011 AACR.
The E6 Oncoprotein from HPV16 Enhances the Canonical Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway in Skin Epidermis In Vivo
Authors: Bonilla-Delgado José , Bulut Gülay , Liu Xuefeng , Cortés-Malagón Enoc M. , Schlegel Richard , Flores-Maldonado Catalina , Contreras Rubén G. , Chung Sang-Hyuk , Lambert Paul F. , Üren Aykut , Gariglio Patricio 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The contribution of the Wnt signaling pathway to human papilloma virus (HPV)-induced carcinogenesis is poorly understood. In high-grade dysplastic lesions that are caused by high-risk HPVs (HR-HPV), β-catenin is often located in the cell nucleus, which suggests that Wnt pathway may be involved in the development of HPV-related carcinomas. Most of the oncogenic potential of HR-HPVs resides on the PDZ-binding domain of E6 protein. We hypothesized that the PDZ-binding domain of the HPV16-E6 oncoprotein induces the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin due to its capacity to degrade PDZ-containing cellular targets. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the staining pattern of β-catenin in the skin epidermis of transgenic mice expressing the full-length E6 oncoprotein (K14E6 mice) and measured LacZ gene expression in K14E6 mice that were crossed with a strain expressing LacZ that was knocked into the Axin2 locus (Axin2+/LacZ mice). Here, we show that the E6 oncoprotein enhances the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin, the accumulation of cellular β-catenin–responsive genes, and the expression of LacZ. None of these effects were observed when a truncated E6 oncoprotein that lacks the PDZ-binding domain was expressed alone (K14E6ΔPDZ mice) or in combination with Axin2+/LacZ. Conversely, cotransfection with either E6 or E6ΔPDZ similarly enhanced canonical Wnt signaling in short-term in vitro assays that used a luciferase Wnt/β-catenin/TCF-dependent promoter. We propose that the activation of canonical Wnt signaling could be induced by the HPV16-E6 oncoprotein; however, the participation of the E6 PDZ-binding domain seems to be important in in vivo models only. Mol Cancer Res; 10(2); 250–8. ©2011 AACR.
Efficiency assessment of real estate cadastral offices using DEA
Authors: Ferrera José Manuel Cordero , Chaparro Francisco Pedraja , Jiménez Javier Salinas 
Published: December 2011

This article describes an approach to measuring efficiency of a set of units operating in an administrative public service context, namely real estate cadastral offices, a venue which has not been analysed previously in the reported literature. This study was madepossible thanks to the dataset provided by the Directorate General of Real Estate Cadastral Assessment and includes relevant information on regional cadastral offices in Spain over the time period 2000 to 2005. Data Envelopment Analysis and Malmquist indices were used to estimate the efficiency levels of these units. The results of these analyses revealed the existence of significant differences between average efficiency levels and the identification of efficient units throughout the period under consideration, although it is possible to detect a substantial improvement in technical efficiency for the last two years of the data collection period, when the new regulation about real estate evaluation came into effect. Likewise, the estimation of a second stage model based on bootstrap techniques highlights the importance of collaborating with other public sector agents to enhance efficiency levels. Points for practitioners This article provides an empirical analysis of units providing cadastral services in Spain using Data Envelopment Analysis. This technique is an excellent tool for professionals working in public management and administration since it is easy to implement and allows identifying the best performers among producers operating in a field, which can be considered as benchmarks for other units searching to improve their results. Ourresults confirm that the units collaborating with other public sector agents (mainly councils and notaries) accomplish enhanced performances in terms of efficiency. This evidence can be useful for policy-makers interested in reducing costs and improving the organization of administrative units.
Assessing the effects of an Intelligence Performance Regime: Quebec's Municipal Management Indicators, 1999–2010
Authors: Charbonneau Étienne 
Published: December 2011

Quebec's Municipal Management Indicators embodies what Hood (2007) described as an intelligence regime. This research tries to determine if the design of the municipal intelligence performance regime in Quebec, Canada, delivered the expected results. To answer that question, publicly available official documents, minutes of meetings, and survey data are used. The story of Quebec's regime offers a counter-example to Pollitt and colleagues’ (2010) theory that once in place, performance regimes follow a logic of escalation. The municipal intelligence regime in Quebec never moved from formative to summative; from intelligence to targets and rankings. The experience in that Canadian province offers support to Hood's (2007) model about the shortcomings of intelligence regimes. Points for practitioners The case study of a performance regime details an effort with few demands on participants. It is argued that the documented shortcomings are the result of the strategic path initially taken by decision makers, not the result of their later decisions and adjustments. Shielded from public scrutiny and without sanctions from the provincial government, most municipal managers chose not to use the indicators, not to include them in budgets and annual reports, not to compare themselves to others, and not to set targets for themselves. In a mandated regime with bottom-up and voluntary approaches, most municipalities effectively opted out.
HERS Institutes
Authors: White Judith S. 
Published: December 2011

The Problem. At this critical time, higher education needs more women prepared to assume senior leadership roles, both to fill the openings from anticipated presidential retirements and to provide higher quality decision making through more diverse perspective at all levels of leadership. The Solution. Higher Education Resource Services (HERS), founded in 1972, has provided leadership development opportunities for more than 4,300 women faculty and administrators sponsored by 1,100 institutions in the United States and abroad. HERS has recently implemented significant revisions of its signature HERS Institutes to address the new circumstances and challenges women leaders will face in guiding institutions in the decade ahead. This article examines the historical development of HERS, recent revisions, and future plans for expanding programs. The Stakeholders. Revisions to HERS Institutes suggestimplications for those developing women in HRD, conducting research on leadership development, or concerned about higher education as a new leadership cadre faces the demands of the future.
Meaningful Work, Employee Engagement, and Other Key Employee Outcomes
Authors: Fairlie Paul 
Published: December 2011

The Problem. Meaningful work is underrepresented in current models and measures of work characteristics. Ironically, past research suggests that meaningful work may have substantive impacts on employee outcomes. The current study addresses this problem by demonstrating the value of meaningful work in human resource development (HRD) practices involving employee engagement. The Solution. A web-based survey of employed North Americans ( n = 574) was conducted. Meaningful work characteristics were compared to other work characteristics as correlates and predictors of employee engagement, burnout, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and turnover cognitions. Meaningful work characteristics had the strongest relative correlations with multiple employee outcomes. They also predicted substantive variance in employee engagement while controlling for other work characteristics in regression analyses. The Stakeholders. Since meaningful work contains themes of human development (e.g., self-actualization, social impact), this variable represents an opportunity for human resource development (HRD) practitioners to increase levels of employee engagement as a strategic leverage point within organizations.
A capillary blood ammonia bedside test following glutamine load to improve the diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhosis
Authors: Ditisheim Saskia , Giostra Emiliano , Burkhard Pierre R , Goossens Nicolas , Mentha Gilles , Hadengue Antoine , Spahr Laurent 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a frequent and severe complication of cirrhosis. A single determination of ammonia in venous blood correlates poorly with neurological symptoms. Thus, a better biological marker is needed.

Aim
To make a diagnosis of HE, we explored the value of ammonia in capillary blood, an equivalent to arterial blood, measured at bedside following an oral glutamine challenge.

Methods
We included 57 patients (age 56 yrs; M/F: 37/20) with cirrhosis (alcoholic = 42; MELD score 13.8 [7-29], esophageal varices = 38) and previous episodes of HE (n = 19), but without neurological deficits at time of examination, and 13 healthy controls (age 54 yrs). After psychometric tests and capillary (ear lobe) blood ammonia measurements, 20 gr of glutamine was administered orally. Tests were repeated at 60 minutes (+ blood ammonia at 30'). Minimal HE was diagnosed if values were > 1.5 SD in at least 2 psychometric tests. Follow-up lasted 12 months.

Results
The test was well tolerated (nausea = 1; dizziness = 1). Patients showed higher values of capillary blood ammonia over time as compared to controls (0'-30'-60 minutes: 75, 117, 169 versus 52, 59, 78 umol/L, p < 0.05). At baseline, 25 patients (44%) had minimal HE, while 38 patients (67%) met the criteria for HE at 60 minutes (chi2: p < 0.01). For the diagnosis of minimal HE, using the ROC curve analysis, baseline capillary blood ammonia showed an AUC of 0.541 (CI: 0.38-0.7, p = 0.6), while at 60 minutes the AUC was 0.727 (CI: 0.58-0.87, p < 0.006). During follow-up, 18 patients (31%) developed clinical episodes of HE. At multivariate analysis, the MELD score (1.12 [1.018-1.236]), previous episodes of HE (3.2[1.069-9.58]), but not capillary blood ammonia, were independent predictors of event.

Conclusions
In patients with cirrhosis and normal neurological examination, bedside determination of ammonia in capillary blood following oral glutamine load is well tolerated and achieves a better diagnostic performance for minimal HE than basal capillary ammonia levels. However, capillary blood ammonia is a poor predictor of development of clinically overt HE.
Nocardia transvalensis keratitis: an emerging pathology among travelers returning from Asia
Authors: Trichet Elodie , Cohen-Bacrie Stéphan , Conrath John , Drancourt Michel , Hoffart Louis 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
The incidence rate of Nocardia keratitis is increasing, with new species identified thanks to molecular methods. We herein report a case of Nocardia transvalensis keratitis, illustrating this emerging pathology among travellers returning from Asia.

Case presentation
A 23-year-old man presented with a 10-week history of ocular pain, redness, and blurred vision in his right eye following a projectile foreign body impacting the cornea while motor biking in Thaïland. At presentation, a central epithelial defect with a central whitish stromal infiltrate associated with pinhead satellite infiltrates was observed. Identification with 16S rRNA PCR sequencing and microbiological culture of corneal scraping and revealed N. transvalensis as the causative organism. Treatment was initiated with intensive topical amikacin, oral ketoconazole and oral doxycycline. After a four-week treatment period, the corneal infiltrate decreased so that only a faint subepithelial opacity remained.

Conclusion

Nocardia organisms should be suspected as the causative agent of any case of keratitis in travelers returning from Asia. With appropriate therapy, Nocardia keratitis resolves, resulting in good visual outcome.