bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calreticulin as a hydrophilic chimeric molecular adjuvant enhances IgG responses to the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus
Authors: Qiu Xiang , Hong Chao , Li Yue , Bao Wanrong , Gao Xiao‐Ming 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTFragment 450–650 of the spike (S) protein (S450–650) of severe acute respiratory syndrome‐associated coronavirus (SARS‐CoV) contains epitopes capable of being recognized by convalescent sera of SARS patients. Vaccination of mice with recombinant S450–650 (rS450–650) can induce Abs against SARS‐CoV, although the titer is relatively low. In the present study, a fusion protein linking a fragment (residues 39–272) of murine calreticulin (CRT) to S450–650 in a prokaryotic expression system was created. Compared with target antigen alone, the recombinant fusion product (rS450–650‐CRT) has much improved hydrophilicity and immunogenicity. The S450–650‐specific IgG Abs of BALB/c mice subcutaneously immunized with rS450–650‐CRT were in substantially higher titer (approximately fivefold more). Furthermore, the fusion protein, but not rS450–650 alone, was able to elicit S450–650‐specific IgG responses in T cell deficient nude mice. Given that rCRT/39–272 can drive the maturation of bone‐marrow‐derived dendritic cells, directly activate macrophages and B cells, and also elicit helper T cell responses in vivo, we propose that fragment 39–272 of CRT is an effective molecular adjuvant capable of enhancing target Ag‐specific humoral responses in both a T cell‐dependent and independent manner. Fusion protein rS450–650‐CRT is a potential candidate vaccine against SARS‐CoV infection.
Chronic inflammation as predictor of 1‐year hospitalization and mortality in elderly population
Authors: de Gonzalo‐Calvo David , de Luxán‐Delgado Beatriz , Martínez‐Camblor Pablo , Rodríguez‐González Susana , García‐Macia Marina , Suárez Francisco M. , Solano Juan J. , Rodríguez‐Colunga María J. , Coto‐Montes Ana 
Published: April 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (10): 1037–1046AbstractBackground  Systemic low‐grade inflammation is thought to be associated with an increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes in elderly population. We tested this notion with the goal of identifying useful potential biomarkers of 1‐year hospitalization and mortality in the elderly population.Design  A total of 120 institutionalized older subjects were enrolled as participants in this study, including 90 women and 30 men (ranging in age from 68 to 105 years), selected from Santa Teresa nursing home (Oviedo, Spain). We studied functional status, morbidity, socio‐demographic characteristics and several inflammation and inflammation‐related markers.Results  The study included 95 non‐hospitalized participants and 23 participants with at least one hospitalization during 1 year (19% of subjects). The study also included 100 survivors and 19 participants who died during the 1‐year study (16% of subjects). In logistic regression models adjusted by age, sex, anti‐inflammatory drug use and morbid conditions, high levels of interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1ra) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) were associated with hospitalization and death at 1 year. Elevated levels of tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) were also associated with an increased risk of death at 1 year after adjusting for the same potential confounders. Multivariate logistic regression models showed that elevated serum levels of IL‐1ra were intimately associated with 1‐year subsequent hospitalization and mortality in aged subjects after adjusting for age, sex, anti‐inflammatory drug use and morbid conditions.Conclusions  Current data suggest that IL‐1ra is a predictor of 1‐year hospitalization and mortality in the elderly population.
Immune activation and increased IL‐21R expression are associated with the loss of memory B cells during HIV‐1 infection
Authors: Ruffin N. , Lantto R. , Pensieroso S. , Sammicheli S. , Hejdeman B. , Rethi B. , Chiodi F. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract.  Ruffin N, Lantto R, Pensieroso S, Sammicheli S, Hejdeman B, Rethi B, Chiodi F (Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm; and South Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden). Immune activation and increased IL‐21R expression are associated with the loss of memory B cells during HIV‐1 infection. J Intern Med 2012; 272: 492–503.Objectives.  Microbial translocation and chronic immune activation were previously shown to be associated with impairment of T cell functions and disease progression during infection with human immunodeficiency virus type‐1 (HIV‐1); however, their impact on B cell function and number remains unknown. By measuring markers of immune activation and molecules involved in apoptosis regulation, we have evaluated the association between microbial translocation and loss of memory B cells in HIV‐1‐infected patients.Methods.  Markers of activation [the interleukin‐21 receptor (IL‐21R) and CD38] and apoptosis (Bim, Bcl‐2 and annexin V) were measured in B cell subpopulations by multicolour flow cytometry. Levels of soluble CD14 (sCD14) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), measures of microbial translocation, were determined in plasma. Purified B cells were also exposed in vitro to Toll‐like receptor (TLR) ligands.Results.  IL‐21R expression was higher in cells from HIV‐1‐infected patients, compared with control subjects, with the highest levels in nontreated patients. An inverse correlation was observed between IL‐21R expression and percentages of circulating resting memory (RM) B cells. IL‐21R‐positive memory B cells were also more susceptible to spontaneous apoptosis and displayed lower levels of Bcl‐2. It is interesting that the levels of sCD14, which are increased during HIV‐1 infection, were correlated with decreased percentages of RM B cells and high IL‐21R expression. In the plasma of HIV‐1‐infected individuals, a correlation was found between sCD14 and LPS levels. TLR activation of B cells in vitro resulted in IL‐21R up‐regulation.Conclusions.  Microbial translocation and the associated immune activation during HIV‐1 infection may lead to high expression levels of the IL‐21R activation marker in RM B cells, a feature associated with increased apoptosis and a reduced number of these cells in the circulation.
Schizophyllum commune as an emerging fungal pathogen: a review and report of two cases
Authors: Chowdhary A. , Randhawa H. S. , Gaur S. N. , Agarwal K. , Kathuria S. , Roy P. , Klaassen C. H. , Meis J. F. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryWe report Schizophyllum commune as the aetiological agent of one case each of allergic broncho‐pulmonary mycosis (ABPM) and pulmonary fungal ball, and present a literature review. The fungus was characterised by clamp connections, hyphal spicules, and formation of basidiocarps with basidiospores. The phenotypic identification was confirmed by sequencing of the ITS region. To‐date, ABPM and pulmonary fungal ball to S. commune have been reported exclusively from Japan and North America respectively. Of the 71 globally reported cases due to S. commune, 45 (63%) were bronchopulmonary, 22 (31%) sinusitis and 4 extrapulmonary. Taken together, cases of bronchopulmonary disease and sinusitis numbered 67 (94%), indicating the respiratory tract as the primary target of disease. Concerning the country‐wise distribution, Japan topped the list with 33 cases (46%), followed by Iran – 7 cases (10%), U.S.A. – 6 cases (9%), and a lower prevalence of 1.4–6% for the remaining 12 countries. The preponderance of the disease in Japan may be attributed to its greater awareness vis‐à‐vis that in other countries rather than to any geographical/climatic factors. We believe that the burden of S. commune‐incited disease is currently underestimated, warranting comprehensive prospective studies to determine its prevalence.
New experimental set‐up to approach pipeline fracture behaviour by three‐point bending specimens
Authors: MINOTTI M. , SALVINI P. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTA new experimental set‐up for drop weight tear tests is proposed. Its principal characteristic is the adoption of inclined supports driving the hinges connected to the specimen. This choice accomplishes the need that the specimen was subjected to a persistent stress field in the ligament, thus approaching the stress field experienced by a crack propagating in a pipeline. This set‐up requires a proper processing of the data that is accurately explained in the paper. The tests are conducted under a quasi‐static loading but the method has been designed to apply in dynamic tests.
Acinetobacter, Aeromonas and Trichococcus populations dominate the microbial community within urban sewer infrastructure
Authors: VandeWalle J. L. , Goetz G. W. , Huse S. M. , Morrison H. G. , Sogin M. L. , Hoffmann R. G. , Yan K. , McLellan S. L. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryWe evaluated the population structure and temporal dynamics of the dominant community members within sewage influent from two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Milwaukee, WI. We generated > 1.1 M bacterial pyrotag sequences from the V6 hypervariable region of 16S rRNA genes from 38 influent samples and two samples taken upstream in the sanitary sewer system. Only a small fraction of pyrotags from influent samples (∼ 15%) matched sequences from human faecal samples. The faecal components of the sewage samples included enriched pyrotag populations from Lactococcus and Enterobacteriaceae relative to their fractional representation in human faecal samples. In contrast to the large number of distinct pyrotags that represent faecal bacteria such as Lachnospiraceae and Bacteroides, only one or two unique V6 sequences represented Acinetobacter, Aeromonas and Trichococcus, which collectively account for nearly 35% of the total sewage community. Two dominant Acinetobacter V6 pyrotags (designated Acineto tag 1 and Acineto tag 2) fluctuated inversely with a seasonal pattern over a 3‐year period, suggesting two distinct Acinetobacter populations respond differently to ecological forcings in the system. A single nucleotide change in the V6 pyrotags accounted for the difference in these populations and corresponded to two phylogenetically distinct clades based on full‐length sequences. Analysis of wavelet functions, derived from a mathematical model of temporal fluctuations, demonstrated that other abundant sewer associated populations including Trichococcus and Aeromonas had temporal patterns similar to either Acineto tag 1 or Acineto tag 2. Populations with related temporal fluctuations were found to significantly correlate with the same WWTP variables (5‐day BOD, flow, ammonia, total phosphorous and suspended solids). These findings illustrate that small differences in V6 sequences can represent phylogenetically and ecologically distinct taxa. This work provides insight into microbial community composition and dynamics within the defined environment of urban sewer infrastructure.
Weight gain after childhood traumatic brain injury: a matter of concern
Authors: JOURDAN CLAIRE , BRUGEL DOMINIQUE , HUBEAUX KATELYNE , TOURE HANNA , LAURENT‐VANNIER ANNE , CHEVIGNARD MATHILDE 
Published: April 2012

Aim  The aim of the study was to assess weight changes after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children and the factors influencing them.Method  We conducted a longitudinal observational study of children with TBI of mixed severity who were consecutively admitted to one rehabilitation department (39 children; 23 males, 16 females; median age 8y 7mo; 25th to 75th centiles 3y 7mo–11y 6mo). Weight and height before TBI were obtained from the children’s records and were measured monthly for 1 year after TBI. Body mass index (BMI) and BMI z‐scores were calculated, and pre‐TBI values were compared with the final values using paired tests. Linear mixed‐effect interaction models were used to assess the effect of various factors on z‐score evolution.Results  Z‐score curves revealed early weight loss followed by a rapid increase in weight. The mean BMI gain over the period under study was 0.9kg/m² (p < 0.001) and the mean z‐score gain was 0.4 (p = 0.006). Six children had become overweight by the time of final assessment. Factors associated with a greater rate of increase in the post‐TBI z‐score were mobility restriction, male sex, and older age. Global pre‐ to post‐TBI weight gain was significantly higher in males (z‐score 0.7). Pituitary hormonal testing was available for 17 children at 3 months and for 27 at 1 year. Growth hormone deficiency was detected in one child.Interpretation  Weight gain of children during the first year after TBI was rapid and excessive. Male sex was a risk factor for excessive weight gain.
Metabolism of deoxypyrimidines and deoxypyrimidine antiviral analogs in isolated brain mitochondria
Authors: McCann Kathleen A. , Williams David W. , McKee Edward E. 
Published: April 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 126–137.AbstractThe goal of this project was to characterize deoxypyrimidine salvage pathways used to maintain deoxynucleoside triphosphate pools in isolated brain mitochondria and to determine the extent that antiviral pyrimidine analogs utilize or affect these pathways. Mitochondria from rat brains were incubated in media with labeled and unlabeled deoxynucleosides and deoxynucleoside analogs. Products were analyzed by HPLC coupled to an inline UV monitor and liquid scintillation counter. Isolated mitochondria transported thymidine and deoxycytidine into the matrix, and readily phosphorylated both of these to mono‐, di‐, and tri‐phosphate nucleotides. Rates of phosphorylation were much higher than rates observed in mitochondria from heart and liver. Deoxyuridine was phosphorylated much more slowly than thymidine and only to dUMP. 3′‐azido‐3′‐deoxythymidine, zidovudine (AZT), an antiviral thymidine analog, was phosphorylated to AZT‐MP as readily as thymidine was phosphorylated to TMP, but little if any AZT‐DP or AZT‐TP was observed. AZT at 5.5 ± 1.7 μM was shown to inhibit thymidine phosphorylation by 50%, but was not observed to inhibit deoxycytidine phosphorylation except at levels > 100 μM. Stavudine and lamivudine were inert when incubated with isolated brain mitochondria. The kinetics of phosphorylation of thymidine, dC, and AZT were significantly different in brain mitochondria compared to mitochondria from liver and heart.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome following chemotherapy with oxaliplatin and a fluoropyrimidine: A case report and literature review
Authors: FEMIA Giuseppe , HARDY Todd A , SPIES Judith M , HORVATH Lisa G 
Published: April 2012

AbstractPosterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neuro‐radiological syndrome characterized by seizures, altered level of consciousness and visual disturbance. PRES is associated with hyperintense lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) most commonly seen in the posterior regions. In most cases symptoms and radiological lesions are reversible. The aims of this article are: (i) to review the literature for all cases involving oxaliplatin, fluoropyrimidine and bevacizumab and (ii) highlight the increasing number of cases attributed to anti‐neoplastic agents. An in‐depth literature review was conducted by utilizing Pubmed's MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases. We found that there have been nine cases of PRES associated with oxaliplatin or fluoropyrimidine therapy; five cases also involved therapy with bevacizumab. Eight of the nine patients made a full recovery with a complete resolution of MRI changes. This is the first Australian case of PRES following treatment with oxaliplatin and a fluoropyrimidine and only the second case reported in which the patient did not recover despite appropriate medical management. It appears that PRES maybe more commonly associated with multi‐agent therapies and although reversible in most cases, PRES may result in adverse outcomes despite rapid intervention.
Linking Global Climate Models to an Integrated Hydrologic Model: Using an Individual Station Downscaling Approach
Authors: Mejia John F. , Huntington Justin , Hatchett Benjamin , Koracin Darko , Niswonger Richard G. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract:This paper implements an individual station‐based downscaled approach based on a quantil–quantile bias correction mapping to further downscale regional gridded simulated output into individual station locations. We describe and propose a framework to optimize the usefulness of this downscaling approach over small watersheds in mountain regions, where downscale gridded data (∼10km) is still too coarse for use in sub‐regional hydrologic simulation studies. Two regional downscaled data sets were downscaled to individual station locations: the Desert Research Institute‐Regional Climate Model based on the Weather Research and Forecasting model (DRI‐RCM; 12 km resolution); and the US Bureau of Reclamation Bias‐Corrected Spatial Disaggregation (BCSD; 12 km resolution). We applied the station‐based downscaled data in the integrated hydrologic model, GSFLOW, as adapted to the Incline Creek watersheds in the northeastern Lake Tahoe basin. Hydrologic model results showed that the proposed downscaled approach provides reasonable downscaled climate data that can be used to evaluate sub‐regional scale hydrologic processes.
Intranational Cooperation and Conflict over Freshwater: Examples from the Western United States
Authors: Eidem Nathan T. , Fesler Kristel J. , Wolf Aaron T. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract:From the Klamath basin in the Pacific Northwest to the Jordan basin in the Middle East, water conflicts can be disruptive, and affect a wide range of stakeholders, often with varying interests. As competition between water users and water use sectors increases, the potential for conflict increases, especially when governing institutions differ (Jarvis et al. 2005). However, research has shown that cooperation is more prevalent than conflict in international river basins (Wolf 1998; Wolf et al. 2003). As the demand for water approaches or meets available supply, intranational conflicts may increase (Postel and Wolf 2001). This paper explores cooperative and conflictive behavior over freshwater at two intranational scales in the western United States. Incidents of cooperation and conflict were collected and coded using a standardized classification system and compiled into event databases. As was found in international river basins, cooperation is more common than conflict in intranational settings.
In Vitro
Activities of the New Antitubercular Agents PA-824 and BTZ043 against Nocardia brasiliensis
Authors: Vera-Cabrera Lucio , Campos-Rivera Mayra Paola , Gonzalez-Martinez Norma Alejandra , Ocampo-Candiani Jorge , Cole Stewart T. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT

The
in vitro
activity of PA-824 and BTZ043 against 30
Nocardia brasiliensis
isolates was tested. The MIC
50
and MIC
90
values for PA-824 were both >64 μg/ml. The same values for BTZ043 were 0.125 and 0.250 μg/ml. Given the MIC values for benzothiazinone (BTZ) compounds, we consider them good candidates to be tested
in vivo
against
N. brasiliensis
.
Isolation and Characterization of Signermycin B, an Antibiotic That Targets the Dimerization Domain of Histidine Kinase WalK
Authors: Watanabe Takafumi , Igarashi Masayuki , Okajima Toshihide , Ishii Eiji , Kino Hirokazu , Hatano Masaki , Sawa Ryuichi , Umekita Maya , Kimura Tomoyuki , Okamoto Sho , Eguchi Yoko , Akamatsu Yuzuru , Utsumi Ryutaro 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT

The WalK (histidine kinase)/WalR (response regulator) two-component signal transduction system is a master regulatory system for cell wall metabolism and growth. This system is conserved in low G+C Gram-positive bacteria, including
Bacillus subtilis
,
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Enterococcus faecalis
, and
Streptococcus mutans
. In this study, we found the first antibiotic that functions as a WalK inhibitor (signermycin B) by screening 10,000
Streptomyces
extracts. The chemical structure (C
23
H
35
NO
4
; molecular weight, 389.5) comprises a tetramic acid moiety and a decalin ring. Signermycin B exhibited antimicrobial activity, with MIC values ranging from 3.13 μg/ml (8 μM) to 6.25 μg/ml (16 μM) against Gram-positive bacteria that possess the WalK/WalR two-component signal transduction system, including the drug-resistant bacteria methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
and vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecalis
. The half-maximal inhibitory concentrations of signermycin B against WalK in these organisms ranged from 37 to 61 μM. To determine the mechanism of action of signermycin B, surface plasmon resonance response analysis with the two WalK domains of
Bacillus subtilis
and competition assay with ATP were performed. The results showed that signermycin B binds to the dimerization domain but not the ATP-binding domain of WalK. In the presence of the cross-linker glutaraldehyde, signermycin B did not cause protein aggregation but interfered with the cross-linking of WalK dimers. These results suggest that signermycin B targets the conserved dimerization domain of WalK to inhibit autophosphorylation. In
Bacillus subtilis
and
Staphylococcus aureus
, signermycin B preferentially controlled the WalR regulon, thereby inhibiting cell division. These phenotypes are consistent with those of cells starved for the WalK/WalR system.
Etravirine Concentrations in the Cervicovaginal Compartment in HIV-1-Infected Women Receiving Etravirine-Containing Antiretroviral Therapy: DIVA 02 Study
Authors: Clavel C. , Peytavin G. , Tubiana R. , Soulié C. , Courbon E. , Crenn-Hebert C. , Ichou H. , Blanc C. , Schneider L. , Katlama C. , Marcelin A.-G. , Mandelbrot L. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTWe studied the penetration of etravirine and HIV shedding in the genital tract among 12 HIV-1-infected women receiving an etravirine-containing regimen who had <40 copies/ml blood plasma (BP) HIV RNA. None of the cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) samples showed detectable HIV RNA. Median etravirine concentrations were 663 ng/ml in BP and 857 ng/ml in CVF, with a CVF/BP etravirine ratio of approximately 1.2. This good penetration of etravirine may contribute to the control of viral replication in the female genital tract.
Complete Genome Sequence of Canine Papillomavirus Type 9
Authors: Yuan Hang , Luff Jennifer , Zhou Dan , Wang Jingang , Affolter Verena , Moore Peter , Schlegel Richard 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT
Papillomaviruses are nonenveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses that are associated with both benign and malignant tumors in animals and humans. We report the complete genome sequence of canine papillomavirus type 9 isolated from a solitary pigmented plaque on a mixed-breed bloodhound.
ENERGY β-CONFORMAL CHANGE IN FINSLER GEOMETRY
Authors: SOLEIMAN A. 
Published: April 2012

The present paper deals with an intrinsic generalization of the conformal change and energy β-change on a Finsler manifold (M.L.), namely the energy β-conformal change ([Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text] being a concurrent π-vector field and σ(x) is a function on M). The relation between the two Barthel connections Γ and [Formula: see text], corresponding to this change, is found. This relation, together with the fact that the Cartan and the Barthel connections have the same horizontal and vertical projectors, enable us to study the energy β-conformal change of the fundamental linear connection in Finsler geometry: the Cartan connection, the Berwald connection, the Chern connection and the Hashiguchi connection. Moreover, the change of their curvature tensors is obtained. It should be pointed out that the present work is formulated in a prospective modern coordinate-free form.
AN APPROXIMATE SOLUTION OF THE JAYNES–CUMMINGS MODEL WITH DISSIPATION II: ANOTHER APPROACH
Authors: FUJII KAZUYUKI , SUZUKI TATSUO 
Published: April 2012

In the preceding paper (arXiv: 1103.0329 [quant-ph]) we treated the Jaynes–Cummings model with dissipation and gave an approximate solution to the master equation for the density operator under the general setting by making use of the Zassenhaus expansion. However, to obtain a compact form of the approximate solution (which is in general complicated infinite series) is very hard when an initial condition is given. To overcome this difficulty we develop another approach and obtain a compact approximate solution when some initial condition is given.