bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Reappraisal of Stroke Mortality Trends in Brazil (1979–2009)
Authors: Lotufo Paulo A. , Goulart Alessandra C. , Fernandes Tiotrefis G. , Benseñor Isabela M. 
Published: February 2012

Background Brazil has one of the highest cerebrovascular death rates in the Western Hemisphere. We investigated temporal trends according to gender and stroke subtypes. Methods We analyzed mortality rates between 1979 and 2009 for different stroke subtypes. Data were stratified by gender and age (35–74 years). The annual percent change and significant changes in the trends were identified with Poisson regression. Results After excluding deaths due to sequel from stroke for men, the annual percent changes (95% confidence intervals) were as follows: 1979–1984, 0·7 (−0·8 to 2·1); 1984–1994, −1·8 (−2·4 to −1·2); 1994–2007, −5·0 (−5·4 to −4·7); and 2007–2009, −0·8 (−7·0 to 5·8). For women, the annual percent changes were as follows: 1979–1994, −1·9 (−2·2 to −1·6); 1994–1997, −7·5 (−14·0 to −0·6); 1997–2007, −4·0 (−4·6 to −3·3); and 2007–2009, 1·6 (−5·5 to 9·2). For the 2006–2009 period, the average annual percent change (95% confidence interval) for all strokes was −3·1 (−3·3 to −2·9) for men and −2·9 (−3·1 to −2·8) for women. For the same period, the average annual percent change of death rates for stroke subtypes were, for men and women, respectively: intracerebral hemorrhage, −4·0 (−4·9 to −3·1) and −2·9 (−3·4 to −2·3); and ischemic stroke, −3·2 (−3·3 to −3·0) and −1·4 (−2·0 to −0·9). Conclusion Stroke mortality rates are declining in Brazil for all stroke subtypes.
Museums and Philosophy – Of Art, and Many Other Things Part II
Authors: Gaskell Ivan 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis two‐part article examines the very limited engagement by philosophers with museums, and proposes analysis under six headings: cultural variety, taxonomy, and epistemology in Part I, and teleology, ethics, and therapeutics and aesthetics in Part II. The article establishes that fundamental categories of museums established in the 19th century – of art, of anthropology, of history, of natural history, of science and technology – still persist. Among them, it distinguishes between hegemonic (predominantly Western) and subaltern (minority or Indigenous) museums worldwide. It argues that relations between hegemonic and subaltern museums are often agonistic, and are compromised by claims of universalism on the part of proponents of the former. The article observes that most discussion of museums focuses exclusively and misleadingly on their public exhibition function, and contends that scholarship – not exhibition – is central to all museums. However, that predominantly taxonomic scholarship, while innovative and central to a dominant epistemology based on the observation of tangible things in the 19th century, was compromised by the epistemic shift to abstraction and experimentation in the 20th, which resulted in a loss of initiative and authority. Although epistemological changes currently in progress favor a renewed attention to tangible things as complex matrices to which museums ought to contribute significantly, the fundamental taxonomy of museums by collection type is a clog on the ability of museum scholars to engage with and themselves produce big ideas. In order to function well as sites of scholarship in the future, museums will have to be far more adaptable and attentive to a wider range of things and ideas (including Indigenous ideas incompatible with Western assumptions) than their existing collection divisions permit.
Clotrimazole and enilconazole distribution within the frontal sinuses and nasal cavity of nine dogs with sinonasal aspergillosis
Authors: Sharman M. , Lenard Z. , Hosgood G. , Mansfield C. 
Published: February 2012

Objectives:Multiple topical treatments are often required for clinical cure of mycotic rhinosinusitis in dogs. The objective of this study was to describe the distribution and retention of enilconazole and clotrimazole solutions using a temporary trephination protocol.Methods:Nine client‐owned dogs diagnosed with mycotic rhinosinusitis between March 2008 and December 2009 were prospectively enrolled and were sequentially allocated to receive treatment with either clotrimazole (1% in polyethylene glycol) or enilconazole (10% solution), after imaging and rhinoscopic assessment. Both frontal sinuses were trephined, debrided and flushed with saline. Infusion was administered via frontal sinuses with dogs in sternal recumbency and computed tomography (CT) performed 5 minutes after completion. Distribution was scored 1 to 4 at the canine tooth, premolar 4, cribriform plate and frontal sinus on both sides, for a maximum score of 32.Results:Distribution of antifungal agents to all regions of the nasal cavity and frontal sinuses was achievable, but varied considerably. Retention was poor in 10 of 18 regions assessed.ClinicalSignificance:Distribution of antifungal agents within the frontal sinuses is achievable using temporary trephination; however, distribution is variable and retention is often poor.
Antimicrobial Activity of Lauric Arginate‐Coated Polylactic Acid Films against Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium on Cooked Sliced Ham
Authors: Theinsathid Pornpun , Visessanguan Wonnop , Kruenate Jittiporn , Kingcha Yutthana , Keeratipibul Suwimon 
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  A novel type of environmentally friendly packaging with antibacterial activity was developed from lauric arginate (LAE)‐coating of polylactic acid (PLA) films after surface activation using a corona discharge. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)‐based analysis of the LAE/PLA films confirmed the successful coating of LAE on the PLA surface. The mechanical properties of the LAE/PLA films with different levels of LAE‐coating (0% to 2.6%[w/w]) were essentially the same as those of the neat PLA film. The antibacterial activity of the LAE/PLA films against Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) was confirmed by a qualitative modified agar diffusion assay and quantitative JIS Z 2801:2000 method. Using the LAE/PLA film as a food‐contact antimicrobial packaging for cooked cured ham, as a model system, suggested a potential application to inhibit L. monocytogenes and S. Typhimurium on ham with a 0.07% (w/w) LAE coating on the PLA when high transparency is required, as evidenced from the 2 to 3 log CFU/tested film lower pathogen growth after 7 d storage but even greater antibacterial activity is obtained with a LAE coating level of 2.6% (w/w) but at the cost of a reduced transparency of the finished product. This article shows how we can simply develop functional green packaging of PLA for food with effective and efficient antimicrobial activity by use of LAE coating on the surface via corona discharge.Practical Application:  The effectiveness of an innovative antimicrobial LAE‐coated PLA film against foodborne pathogens was demonstrated. Importantly, the application of the LAE to form the LAE‐coated PLA film can be customized within current film manufacturing lines.
Clinical differences between early‐ and late‐onset social anxiety disorders
Authors: Lim Se‐Won , Ha Juwon , Shin Young‐Chul , Shin Dong‐Won , Bae Seung‐Min , Oh Kang‐Seob 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAim: The aim of this study was to elucidate the clinical differences between early‐ and late‐onset social anxiety disorder (SAD) in the Korean population.Methods: Three hundred and eighty‐seven outpatients diagnosed with SAD participated in this study. Confirmation of SAD diagnosis was based on the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. All subjects completed the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale and anxiety‐trait‐related scales such as the Anxiety Sensitivity Index, Retrospective Self‐Report of Inhibition, Trait Form of the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory.Results: The early‐onset group (n = 209) consisted of subjects aged up to 18 years at the time of onset, whereas the late‐onset group (n = 178) consisted of subjects older than 18 years at the time of onset. Early‐onset SAD patients were more likely to have the generalized subtype and to visit clinics with chief complaints other than social anxiety symptoms. They exhibited more severe symptoms and higher behavioural inhibitions. After adjusting for age and symptom severity, behavioural inhibition was the only significant difference between the two groups. The degree of behavioural inhibitions was associated with earlier onset age.Conclusion: Symptom severity and behavioural inhibitions, especially in social/school situations, were clinical characteristics that differentiated between early‐ and late‐onset SAD.
A bile‐inducible membrane protein mediates bifidobacterial bile resistance
Authors: Ruiz Lorena , O'Connell‐Motherway Mary , Zomer Aldert , de los Reyes‐Gavilán Clara G. , Margolles Abelardo , van Sinderen Douwe 
Published: February 2012

SummaryBbr_0838 from Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003 is predicted to encode a 683 residue membrane protein, containing both a permease domain that displays similarity to transporters belonging to the major facilitator superfamily, as well as a CBS (cystathionine beta synthase) domain. The high level of similarity to bile efflux pumps from other bifidobacteria suggests a significant and general role for Bbr_0838 in bile tolerance. Bbr_0838 transcription was shown to be monocistronic and strongly induced upon exposure to bile. Further analysis delineated the transcriptional start site and the minimal region required for promoter activity and bile regulation. Insertional inactivation of Bbr_0838 in B. breve UCC2003 resulted in a strain, UCC2003:838800, which exhibited reduced survival upon cholate exposure as compared with the parent strain, a phenotype that was reversed when a functional, plasmid‐encoded Bbr_0838 gene was introduced into UCC2003:838800. Transcriptome analysis of UCC2003:838800 grown in the presence or absence of bile demonstrated that transcription of Bbr_0832, which is predicted to encode a macrolide efflux transporter gene, was significantly increased in the presence of bile, representing a likely compensatory mechanism for bile removal in the absence of Bbr_0838. This study represents the first in‐depth analysis of a bile‐inducible locus in bifidobacteria, identifying a key gene relevant for bifidobacterial bile tolerance.
Outcome of hepatectomy in super‐elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yamada Shinichiro , Shimada Mitsuo , Miyake Hidenori , Utsunomiya Tohru , Morine Yuji , Imura Satoru , Ikemoto Tetsuya , Mori Hiroki , Hanaoka Jun , Iwahashi Shuichi , Saito Yu 
Published: February 2012

Aim:  The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of super‐elderly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients aged 80 years or more who underwent hepatectomy and to clarify whether elderly patients with HCC benefit from hepatectomy.Methods:  Between March 1992 and December 2008, 278 patients who underwent curative hepatectomy for HCC were investigated. Super‐elderly patients were defined as those aged 80 years or more. Clinicopathological data and outcomes after hepatectomy were compared between super‐elderly and non‐super‐elderly groups.Results:  Preoperative parameters, such as biochemical examinations, and liver function tests in the non‐super‐elderly group were comparable with those of the super‐elderly group (n = 11). Exceptionally, albumin level in the super‐elderly group was lower than that in the non‐super‐elderly group (P = 0.03). Surgical data and the prevalence of postoperative complications did not differ significantly between the two groups. No mortality was observed in the super‐elderly and non‐super‐elderly group.Conclusions:  Hepatectomy for HCC was a feasible option even in super elderly patients aged 80 years or older with accurate selection.
Evaluation of a wireless ambulatory capsule (SmartPill®) to measure gastrointestinal tract pH, luminal pressure and temperature, and transit time in ponies
Authors: STOKES A. M. , LAVIE N. L. , KEOWEN M. L. , GASCHEN L. , GASCHEN F. P. , BARTHEL D. , ANDREWS F. M. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryReasons for performing study: This study investigated the use of a wireless ambulatory capsule (WAC; SmartPill® pH.p GI Monitoring System) to determine WAC‐gastric emptying time (GET) in ponies.Objectives: To measure WAC‐GET and compare it to those findings with GET assessed by nuclear scintigraphy (S‐GET).Hypothesis: WAC‐GET will be slower than S‐GET, but will be significantly correlated.Methods: Seven healthy adult mixed‐breed pony mares were used in this study. Feed was withheld for 12 h prior to the WAC administration. After administration, a complete‐feed diet was fed to allow the WAC to pass into the stomach. Luminal pH, temperature and pressure were collected by a modified receiver secured to the pony. Once the pH reached a value of ≥8.0, it was determined that gastric emptying had occurred, and ponies were fed grass hay. After 5 days, data were downloaded and analysed using proprietary software. During the second period of the study, after at least 2 weeks, 4 of the ponies underwent a standard S‐GET test.Results: The WAC was successfully administered, and data were collected from all ponies. The mean percentage of data packets collected by the receiver was 84.9 ± 3.51% (range 66.8–95.1%). Mean WAC‐GET was 7.38 h (range 0.15–46.65 h). Mean gastric pH was 4.75 (range 2.07–6.99). Mean small intestinal transit time was 4.6 h. The mean pH for the small intestine was 8.0. The mean S‐GET time (in hours) when 10% of the radioactive feed is present in the stomach (T‐90%) was 2.3 h. The S‐GET did not correlate significantly with the WAC‐GET.Conclusions and potential relevance: The WAC was safely administered to ponies, and data were collected using a modified receiver. The WAC‐GET varied considerably between ponies, but was ≤3 h in 5 of the 6 ponies. The WAC used in this study provided a noninvasive technique that produced novel information about the pony gastrointestinal tract, but owing to the substantial variability in GET values and long transit time it may not be a reliable clinical tool at this time.
Antigen Targeting to Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II with Streptococcal Mitogenic Exotoxin Z-2 M1, a Superantigen-Based Vaccine Carrier
Authors: Radcliff Fiona J. , Loh Jacelyn M. S. , Ha Birgit , Schuhbauer Diana , McCluskey James , Fraser John D. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTStreptococcal mitogenic exotoxin Z-2 (SMEZ-2) is a streptococcal superantigen that primarily stimulates human T cells bearing Vβ8 and mouse T cells bearing Vβ11. Mutagenesis of T cell receptor (TCR)-binding residues (W75L, K182Q, D42C) produced a mutant called M1 that was >105-fold less active toward human peripheral blood lymphocytes and splenocytes from transgenic mice that express human CD4 and either human HLA-DR3-DQ2 or HLA-DR4-DQ8. Similarly, cytokine production in response to M1 in lymphocyte culture was rendered undetectable, and no change in the frequency of Vβ11-bearing T cells in mice receiving M1 was observed. M1 toxoid was tested as a potential vaccine conjugate. Vaccination with 1 to 10 μg M1 conjugated to ovalbumin (M1-ovalbumin) resulted in more rapid and quantitatively higher levels of anti-ovalbumin IgG, with endpoint titers being 1,000- to 10,000-fold greater than those in animals immunized with unconjugated ovalbumin. Substantially higher levels of anti-ovalbumin IgG were observed in mice transgenic for human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II. Substitution of M1 with an MHC class II binding mutant (DM) eliminated enhanced immunity, suggesting that M1 enhanced the delivery of antigen via MHC class II-positive antigen-presenting cells that predominate within lymphoid tissue. Immunization of animals with a conjugate consisting of M1 and ovalbumin peptide from positions 323 to 339 generated levels of anti-peptide IgG 100-fold higher than those in animals immunized with peptide alone. Coupling of a TCR-defective superantigen toxoid presents a new strategy for conjugate vaccines with the additional benefit of targeted delivery to MHC class II-bearing cells.
The Presence of Alpha Interferon at the Time of Infection Alters the Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus
Authors: Brockmeier Susan L. , Loving Crystal L. , Nelson Eric A. , Miller Laura C. , Nicholson Tracy L. , Register Karen B. , Grubman Marvin J. , Brough Douglas E. , Kehrli Marcus E. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTPorcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is one of the most devastating and costly diseases to the swine industry worldwide. Overall, the adaptive immune response to PRRS virus (PRRSV) is weak, which results in delayed elimination of virus from the host and inferior vaccine protection. PRRSV has been shown to induce a meager alpha interferon (IFN-α) response, and we hypothesized that elevated IFN-α levels early in infection would shorten the induction time and increase elements of the adaptive immune response. To test this, we measured both antibody and cell-mediated immunity in pigs after the administration of a nonreplicating human adenovirus type 5 vector expressing porcine IFN-α (Ad5–pIFN-α) at the time of PRRSV infection and compared the results to those for pigs infected with PRRSV alone. Viremia was delayed, and there was a decrease in viral load in the sera of pigs administered the Ad5–pIFN-α. Although seroconversion was slightly delayed in pigs receiving Ad5–pIFN-α, probably due to the early reduction in viral replication, little difference in the overall or neutralizing antibody response was seen. However, there was an increase in the number of virus-specific IFN-γ-secreting cells detected in the pigs receiving Ad5–pIFN-α, as well as an altered cytokine profile in the lung at 14 days postinfection, indicating that the presence of IFN-α at the time of infection can alter innate and adaptive immune responses to PRRSV.
Glutamate Dehydrogenase Is Highly Conserved among Clostridium difficile Ribotypes
Authors: Carman R. J. , Wickham K. N. , Chen L. , Lawrence A. M. , Boone J. H. , Wilkins T. D. , Kerkering T. M. , Lyerly D. M. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

gluD
was highly conserved and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) was readily expressed
in vitro
by all 77
Clostridium difficile
ribotypes assayed. All ribotypes, including ARL 002, ARL 027, and ARL 106, were reactive in assays that detect
C. difficile
GDH.
Species Identification of Clinical Prevotella Isolates by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wybo Ingrid , Soetens Oriane , De Bel Annelies , Echahidi Fedoua , Vancutsem Ellen , Vandoorslaer Kristof , Piérard Denis 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

The performance of matrix-assisted laser desorption–ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for species identification of
Prevotella
was evaluated and compared with 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Using a Bruker database, 62.7% of the 102 clinical isolates were identified to the species level and 73.5% to the genus level. Extension of the commercial database improved these figures to, respectively, 83.3% and 89.2%. MALDI-TOF MS identification of
Prevotella
is reliable but needs a more extensive database.
Evidence Implicating Thamnostylum lucknowense as an Etiological Agent of Rhino-Orbital Mucormycosis
Authors: Xess Immaculata , Mohapatra Sarita , Shivaprakash M. R. , Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Benny Gerald L. , O'Donnell Kerry , Padhye Arvind A. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

In this report, we present a case of rhino-orbital mucormycosis in a 57-year-old female with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. The only mold cultured at 25°C, 37°C, and 40°C from a specimen of the nasal crust was identified phenotypically and independently using nuclear ribosomal DNA sequence data as
Thamnostylum lucknowense
. To our knowledge, this report presents the first data implicating this mucoraceous fungus as a mycotic agent of human infection.
Mouse Norovirus 1 Utilizes the Cytoskeleton Network To Establish Localization of the Replication Complex Proximal to the Microtubule Organizing Center
Authors: Hyde Jennifer L. , Gillespie Leah K. , Mackenzie Jason M. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

Human noroviruses (family
Caliciviridae
) are the leading cause of nonbacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. Although Human noroviruses are significant enteric pathogens, there exists no reliable vaccine or therapy to treat infected individuals. To date, attempts to cultivate Human noroviruses within the laboratory have met with little success; however, the related murine norovirus mouse norovirus 1 (MNV-1) has provided an ideal model system to study norovirus replication due to the ease with which the virus is cultivated and the ability to infect a small animal model with this virus. Previously we have identified the association between MNV-1 and components of the host secretory pathway and proposed a role for the viral open reading frame 1 proteins in the replication cycle. Here we describe for the first time a role for cytoskeletal components in early MNV-1 replication events. We show that the MNV-1 utilizes microtubules to position the replication complex adjacent to the microtubule organizing center. Chemical disruption of the microtubule network disperses the sites of MNV-1 replication throughout the cell and impairs production of viral protein and infectious virus. Furthermore, we demonstrate the ability of MNV-1 to redistribute acetylated tubulin to the replication complex and that this association is potentially mediated via the MNV-1 major structural protein, VP1. Transient expression of MNV-1 VP1 exhibited extensive colocalization with both α-tubulin and acetylated tubulin and was observed to alter the distribution of acetylated tubulin in transfected cells. This study highlights the role of the cytoskeleton in early virus replication events and demonstrates the importance of this interaction in establishing the intracellular location of MNV-1 replication complexes.
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Nef and Vpu Proteins Downregulate the Natural Killer Cell-Activating Ligand PVR
Authors: Matusali Giulia , Potestà Marina , Santoni Angela , Cerboni Cristina , Doria Margherita 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) evades the immune responses of natural killer (NK) cells through mechanisms that have been partially deciphered. Here we show that in HIV-1-infected T lymphocytes, the early viral Nef protein downmodulates PVR (CD155, Necl-5), a ligand for the activating receptor DNAM-1 (CD226) expressed by all NK cells, CD8
+
T cells, and other cell types. This novel Nef activity is conserved by Nef proteins of laboratory HIV-1 strains (NL4-3, SF2) and of a patient-derived virus, but it is not maintained by HIV-2. Nef uses the same motifs to downregulate PVR and HLA-I molecules, likely by the same mechanisms. Indeed, as previously demonstrated for HLA-I, Nef reduces the total amounts of cell-associated PVR. Optimal downregulation of cell surface PVR by Nef also requires the presence of the late viral factor Vpu. In line with PVR reduction, the NK cell-mediated lysis of T cells infected by a wild-type but not Nef-deficient virus is virtually abrogated upon blocking of both DNAM-1 and another activating receptor, NKG2D, previously shown to mediate killing of HIV-infected cells. Together, these data demonstrate that the PVR downmodulation by Nef and Vpu is a strategy evolved by HIV-1 to prevent NK cell-mediated lysis of infected cells. The PVR downregulation reported here has the potential to affect the immune responses of other DNAM-1-positive cells besides NK cells and to alter multiple PVR-mediated cellular processes, such as adhesion and migration, and may thus greatly influence HIV-1 pathogenesis.