bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mycobacterium neoaurum
and
Mycobacterium bacteremicum
sp. nov. as Causes of Mycobacteremia
Authors: Brown-Elliott Barbara A. , Wallace Richard J. , Petti Cathy A. , Mann Linda Bridge , McGlasson Maria , Chihara Shingo , Smith Geremy L. , Painter Patrick , Hail Daymon , Wilson Rebecca , Simmon Keith E. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT

Reference isolates of
Mycobacterium neoaurum
,
Mycobacterium aurum
, and the nonvalidated species “
Mycobacterium lacticola
” were the focus of two recent molecular taxonomic studies. On the basis of this grouping, we identified 46 clinical pigmented, rapidly growing mycobacterial isolates. By 16S rRNA gene sequencing, only two major taxa were identified:
M. neoaurum
and a previously uncharacterized “
M. neoaurum
-like” group. The
M. neoaurum
-like group exhibited only 99.7% identity to
M. neoaurum
by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and 96.5% identity to
M. neoaurum
by
rpoB
sequencing and was named
M. bacteremicum
. No clinical isolates of
M. aurum
or
M. lacticola
were identified. Of isolates with known sources, 4/8 (50%) of
M. bacteremicum
isolates and 22/34 (65%) of
M. neoaurum
isolates were recovered from blood, and 35% of these were known to be from patients with catheter-related sepsis. MIC and clinical data on these 46 isolates of
M. neoaurum
and
M. bacteremicum
along with a review of 16 previously reported cases of infection with the
M. neoaurum-M. lacticola
group demonstrated that the isolates were highly susceptible to all drugs tested except clarithromycin, and most clinical cases were successfully treated. The clarithromycin resistance suggested the presence of an inducible
erm
gene reported in other species of rapidly growing mycobacteria. Sequencing studies are currently required to identify these two species. Strain ATCC 25791 (originally submitted as an example of
Mycobacterium aurum
) is proposed to be the type strain of
M. bacteremicum
.
Genotyping of
Toxoplasma gondii
Isolates with 15 Microsatellite Markers in a Single Multiplex PCR Assay
Authors: Ajzenberg Daniel , Collinet Frédéric , Mercier Aurélien , Vignoles Philippe , Dardé Marie-Laure 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT

We developed an easy-to-use method for genotyping
Toxoplasma gondii
isolates in a single multiplex PCR assay with 15 microsatellite markers. This method was validated by testing 26 reference isolates that had been characterized with other sets of markers.
Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus-Like Nucleotide Sequences in Canine and Feline Mammary Tumors
Authors: Hsu Wei-Li , Lin Hsing-Yi , Chiou Shyan-Song , Chang Chao-Chin , Wang Szu-Pong , Lin Kuan-Hsun , Chulakasian Songkhla , Wong Min-Liang , Chang Shih-Chieh 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT
Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) has been speculated to be involved in human breast cancer. Companion animals, dogs, and cats with intimate human contacts may contribute to the transmission of MMTV between mouse and human. The aim of this study was to detect MMTV-like nucleotide sequences in canine and feline mammary tumors by nested PCR. Results showed that the presence of MMTV-like env and LTR sequences in canine malignant mammary tumors was 3.49% (3/86) and 18.60% (16/86), respectively. For feline malignant mammary tumors, the presence of both env and LTR sequences was found to be 22.22% (2/9). Nevertheless, the MMTV-like LTR and env sequences also were detected in normal mammary glands of dogs and cats. In comparisons of the MMTV-like DNA sequences of our findings to those of NIH 3T3 (MMTV-positive murine cell line) and human breast cancer cells, the sequence similarities ranged from 94 to 98%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that intermixing among sequences identified from tissues of different hosts, i.e., mouse, dog, cat, and human, indicated the MMTV-like DNA existing in these hosts. Moreover, the env transcript was detected in 1 of the 19 MMTV-positive samples by reverse transcription-PCR. Taken together, our study provides evidence for the existence and expression of MMTV-like sequences in neoplastic and normal mammary glands of dogs and cats.
Concurrent Isolation of Chikungunya Virus and Dengue Virus from a Patient with Coinfection Resulting from a Trip to Singapore
Authors: Chang Shu-Fen , Su Chien-Ling , Shu Pei-Yun , Yang Cheng-Fen , Liao Tsai-Ling , Cheng Chia-Hsin , Hu Huai-Chin , Huang Jyh-Hsiung 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT
We report two cases of imported infection in patients who had returned to Taiwan from Singapore: one was coinfected with chikungunya virus and dengue virus type 2, and the other was infected with the same dengue virus. Both viruses were successfully isolated from the coinfected case by using antibody neutralization and a plaque purification technique.
Constraints on HIV-1 Diversity from Protein Structure
Authors: Woo Jeongmin , Robertson David L. , Lovell Simon C. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT

The high rate of HIV-1 evolution contributes to immune escape, enables the virus to escape drug therapy, and may underlie the difficulty of producing an effective vaccine. Identifying constraints on HIV evolution is therefore of prime importance. To investigate this problem, we examined the relationships between sequence diversity, selection, and protein structure. We found that while there was an increase in sequence diversity over time, this variation had a tendency to be limited to specific structural regions. When individual sites were analyzed, there was, in contrast, substantial and widespread evolutionary constraint over
gag
and
env
. This constraint was present even in the highly variable envelope proteins. The evolutionary significance of an individual site is indicated by the change in selection pressure along the time course: increasing entropy indicates that the site is evolving predominantly in a more “clock”-like manner, low entropy values with no increase indicate a high degree of constraint, and high entropy values indicate a lack of constraint. Few sites display high degrees of turnover. Mapping these sites onto the three-dimensional protein structure, we found a significant difference between evolutionary rates for regions buried in the core of the protein and those on the surface. This constraint did not change over the time period analyzed and was not subtype dependent, as similar results were found for subtypes B and C. This link between sequence and structure not only demonstrates the limits of recent HIV-1 evolution but also highlights the origins of evolutionary constraint on viral change.
Comparison of E1A CR3-Dependent Transcriptional Activation across Six Different Human Adenovirus Subgroups
Authors: Ablack Jailal N. G. , Pelka Peter , Yousef Ahmed F. , Turnell Andrew S. , Grand Roger J. A. , Mymryk Joe S. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT
The largest E1A isoform of human adenovirus (Ad) includes a C-4 zinc finger domain within conserved region 3 (CR3) that is largely responsible for activating transcription of the early viral genes. CR3 interacts with multiple cellular factors, but its mechanism of action is modeled primarily on the basis of the mechanism for the prototype E1A protein of human Ad type 5. We expanded this model to include a representative member from each of the six human Ad subgroups. All CR3 domains tested were capable of transactivation. However, there were dramatic differences in their levels of transcriptional activation. Despite these functional variations, the interactions of these representative CR3s with known cellular transcriptional regulators revealed only modest differences. Four common cellular targets of all representative CR3s were identified: the proteasome component human Sug1 (hSug1)/S8, the acetyltransferases p300/CREB binding protein (CBP), the mediator component mediator complex subunit 23 (MED23) protein, and TATA binding protein (TBP). The first three factors appear to be critical for CR3 function. RNA interference against human TBP showed no significant reduction in transactivation by any CR3 tested. These results indicate that the cellular factors previously shown to be important for transactivation by Ad5 CR3 are similarly bound by the E1A proteins of other types. This was confirmed experimentally using a transcriptional squelching assay, which demonstrated that the CR3 regions of each Ad type could compete with Ad5 CR3 for limiting factors. Interestingly, a mutant of Ad5 CR3 (V147L) was capable of squelching wild-type Ad5 CR3, despite its failure to bind TBP, MED23, p300/CBP-associated factor (pCAF), or p300/CBP, suggestive of the possibility that an additional as yet unidentified cellular factor is required for transactivation by E1A CR3.
Fixed Simplex Property for Retractable Complexes
Authors: Idzik Adam , Zapart Anna 
Published: September 2010

AbstractRetractable complexes are defined in this paper. It is proved that they have the fixed simplex property for simplicial maps. This implies the theorem of Wallace and the theorem of Rival and Nowakowski for finite trees: every simplicial map transforming vertices of a tree into itself has a fixed vertex or a fixed edge. This also implies the Hell and Nešetřil theorem: any endomorphism of a dismantlable graph fixes some clique. Properties of recursively contractible complexes are examined.
Thirteenth AACR Special Conference on Cancer Epigenetics
Authors: Ross Jason P. , Molloy Peter L. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
The 13th American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) Special Conference on Cancer Epigenetics was held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on January 20–23, 2010. This event heralded insights arising from the large sequencing efforts within the NIH Epigenetics Roadmap Project and the Cancer Genome Atlas Project, as well as important new discoveries in the basic biology of epigenetics and results of epigenetic drug clinical trials. A summary of the recent findings is presented here, with particular emphasis on the major themes of the conference. Cancer Res; 70(19); 7372–8. ©2010 AACR.
Facilitative interaction between angiotensin II and oxidised LDL in cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells
Authors: Mehta Jawahar L , Dayuan Li  
Published: September 2010

Background Several studies have shown that angiotensin II (Ang II) and oxidised low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) are critical factors in atherosclerosis. In this study, we examined the molecular basis of mutually facilitative interactions between Ang II and ox-LDL in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). Methods and results We observed that incubation of cultured HCAECs with Ang II (10-12 to 10-6 M) for 24 hours caused a concentration-dependent increase in the expression of mRNA and protein of a specialised receptor for ox-LDL (LOX-1). These effects of Ang II were completely blocked by pretreatment of HCAECs with candesartan (10-6 M), a specific AT1-receptor blocker, but not by PD 123319 (10-6 M), a specific AT2-receptor blocker. On the other hand, incubation of HCAECs with ox-LDL (10 and 40 µg/ml) for 24 hours progressively upregulated AT1-, but not AT 2-, receptor mRNA and protein. Pretreatment of cells with the anti-oxidant alpha-tocopherol (1—5 x 10-6 M) inhibited the upregulation of AT1-receptor expression induced by ox-LDL (p<0.05). To determine the significance of expression of AT1-receptors and LOX-1, we measured cell injury in response to Ang II and ox-LDL. Incubation of cells with both ox-LDL and Ang II synergistically increased cell injury, measured as cell viability and LDH release, compared with either ox-LDL or Ang II alone (both p<0.05). Alpha-tocopherol, as well as candesartan, attenuated cell injury in response to Ang II and ox-LDL (both p<0.05). Conclusions These observations show that Ang II upregulates a novel endothelial receptor for ox-LDL (LOX-1) gene expression and ox-LDL in turn upregulates Ang II AT 1receptor gene expression. This interaction between Ang II and ox-LDL further augments cell injury in HCAECs. These findings provide basis for the use of AT1-receptor blockers and anti-oxidants in designing therapy for atherosclerosis and myocardial ischaemia.
Prevention of atherosclerosis by specific AT1-receptor blockade with candesartan cilexetil
Authors: Papademetriou Vasilios , Mammillot Philippe , Redman Robert , Notargiacomo Aldo , Narayan Puneet , Lakshman Raj 
Published: September 2010

Several studies indicate that blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) can prevent atherosclerosis and vascular events, but the precise mechanisms involved are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of the AT 1-receptor blocker, candesartan, in the prevention of atherosclerosis in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidaemic (WHHL) rabbits and also the effect of AT1-receptor blockade in the uptake of oxidised LDL by macrophage cell cultures. In the first set of experiments, 12 WHHL rabbits were randomly assigned to three groups: placebo, atenolol 5 mg/kg daily or candesartan 2 mg/kg daily for six months. Compared with controls and atenolol-treated rabbits, candesartan treatment resulted in a significant 50—60% reduction of atherosclerotic plaque formation and a 66% reduction in cholesterol accumulation in the thoracic aorta. Studies in macrophage cultures indicated that candesartan prevented uptake of oxidised LDL-(oxLDL)-cholesterol by cultured macrophages. Candesartan inhibited the uptake of oxLDL in a dose-dependent manner, reaching a maximum inhibition of 70% at concentrations of 5.6 µg/ml. Further studies in other animal models and well-designed trials in humans are warranted to further explore the role of AT1-receptor blockade in the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Persistent effect of treatment with candesartan cilexetil on blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Skov Karin , Mogensen Susie , Mulvany Michael J 
Published: September 2010

We have investigated whether the angiotensin II type-1 (AT1) receptor antagonist, candesartan cilexetil, has a persistent effect on blood pressure even after withdrawal of treatment, as has been shown consistently for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-1). Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were divided into four groups (n=16 per group) and treated with candesartan cilexetil (high-dose: 5 mg/kg/day; middle-dose: 1 mg/kg/day; low-dose: 0.5 mg/kg/day) or control from age four weeks to 20 weeks. Normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) were also investigated. The drug was given in the drinking water, the concentration adjusted for water consumption and rat weight. Blood pressure (BP) was measured regularly by the indirect tail-cuff method during the treatment period and after treatment, from age 20 weeks to 32 weeks. At age 20 weeks, candesartan treatment had caused a slight reduction in body weight, an increase in water consumption and a reduction in heart rate. During treatment, candesartan caused a dose-dependent reduction in BP. After withdrawal of treatment, BP increased but remained lower than that of untreated control SHR for the medium- and high-dose groups throughout the follow-up period, the reduction being 8—11% at the end of follow-up. At age 32 weeks, there was no significant difference between the three candesartan-treated groups. We conclude that treatment with the AT1-receptor antagonist candesartan has a modest persistent effect on BP after withdrawal of treatment.
Efficient differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into functional CD34+ progenitor cells by combined modulation of the MEK/ERK and BMP4 signaling pathways
Authors: Park Sang-Wook , Jun Koh Young , Jeon Jongwook , Cho Yun-Hee , Jang Mi-Jin , Kang Yujung , Kim Min-Jeong , Choi Chulhee , Sook Cho Yee , Chung Hyung-Min , Young Koh Gou , Han Yong-Mahn 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into functional cell types is a crucial step in cell therapy. In the present study, we demonstrate that functional CD34+ progenitor cells can be efficiently produced from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) by combined modulation of 2 signaling pathways. A higher proportion of CD34+ cells (∼ 20%) could be derived from hPSCs by inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling and activation of bone morphogenic protein-4 (BMP4) signaling. hPSC-derived CD34+ progenitor cells further developed to endothelial and smooth muscle cells with functionality. Moreover, they contributed directly to neovasculogenesis in ischemic mouse hind limbs, thereby resulting in improved blood perfusion and limb salvage. Our results suggest that combined modulation of signaling pathways may be an efficient means of differentiating hPSCs into functional CD34+ progenitor cells.
Three novel beta-galactosidase gene mutations in Han Chinese patients with GM1 gangliosidosis are correlated with disease severity
Authors: Yang Chi-Fan , Wu Jer-Yuarn , Tsai Fuu-Jen 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Background
GM1 gangliosidosis (GM1) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease caused by deficiency of acid beta-galactosidase (GLB1; EC3.2.1.23). Here, we identify three novel mutations in the GLB1 gene from two Han Chinese patients with GM1 that appear correlated with clinical phenotype.

Methods
One of the two Han Chinese patients with GM1 presented with the juvenile form, and the other with the infantile form with cardiac involvement. Sequencing of the entire GLB1 gene revealed three novel mutations (p.H102 D, p.G494V, c.495_497delTCT), which were absent in 94 normal controls. Transient expression of cDNA encoding these variants was performed in COS-1 cells to evaluate β-galactosidase activities.

Results
The first case (patient 1) with the juvenile form contained two missense mutations, p.H102 D and p.A301V. Patient 2 diagnosed with the infantile form of the disease with cardiac involvement was compound heterozygous for p.G494V and c.495_497delTCT mutations. All mutant beta-galactosidases exhibited significantly reduced activity (12%, 0%, 0%, and 0% for p.H102 D, p.A301V, p.G494V, and c.495_497delTCT), compared with the wild-type beta-galactosidase cDNA clone. The mutations identified in patient 2 with cardiomyopathy were localized in the GLB1 gene region common to both lysosomal beta-galactosidase and elastin binding protein (EBP), and caused a deletion in the elastin-binding domain of EBP.

Conclusions
All four mutations identified in Han Chinese patients induce significant suppression of β-galactosidase activity, correlating with severity of disease and presence of cardiomyopathy.
Clinical significance of Polycomb gene expression in brain tumors
Authors: Crea Francesco , Hurt Elaine M , Farrar William L 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are crucial for neural cancer stem cell (NCSC) self-renewal. However, the relative expression levels of PcG genes in different subtypes of brain tumors, their prognostic role and their effects on cellular pathways have not been investigated. For this purpose, we queried the Oncomine database and found that 4 PcG genes (EZH2, RBBP7, SUZ12, YY1) are specifically expressed in brain tumors. EZH2 expression increases with tumor grade in adult and pediatric brain tumors, and is a poor prognostic factor. In glioblastoma, EZH2 inhibits differentiation, and activates cancer-, cell cycle- and cellular movement-related genes. In keeping with previously published data, our results suggest that EZH2 is both a prognostic factor and a promising therapy target in brain tumors.
Disability in people clinically at high risk of psychosis
Authors: Velthorst Eva , Nieman Dorien H. , Linszen Don , Becker Hiske , de Haan Lieuwe , Dingemans Peter M. , Birchwood Max , Patterson Paul , Salokangas Raimo K. R. , Heinimaa Markus , Heinz Andreas , Juckel Georg , von Reventlow Heinrich Graf , French Paul , Stevens Helen , Schultze-Lutter Frauke , Klosterkötter Joachim , Ruhrmann Stephan 
Published: September 2010

BackgroundDecline in social functioning occurs in individuals who later develop psychosis.AimsTo investigate whether baseline differences in disability are present in those who do and those who do not make a transition to psychosis in a group clinically at high risk and whether disability is a risk factor for transition.MethodProspective multicentre, naturalistic field study with an 18-month follow-up period on 245 help-seeking individuals clinically at high risk. Disability was assessed with the Disability Assessment Schedule of the World Health Organization (WHODAS–II).ResultsAt baseline, the transition group displayed significantly greater difficulties in making new friends (z =−3.40, P = 0.001), maintaining a friendship (z =−3.00, P = 0.003), dealing with people they do not know (z =−2.28, P = 0.023) and joining community activities (z =−2.0, P = 0.05) compared with the non-transition group. In Cox regression, difficulties in getting along with people significantly contributed to the prediction of transition to psychosis in our sample (β = 0.569, s.e. = 0.184, Wald = 9.548, P = 0.002, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.767, 95% CI 1.238–2.550).ConclusionsCertain domains of social disability might contribute to the prediction of psychosis in a sample clinically at high risk.
Factors influencing the decision to use hanging as a method of suicide: qualitative study
Authors: Biddle Lucy , Donovan Jenny , Owen-Smith Amanda , Potokar John , Longson Damien , Hawton Keith , Kapur Nav , Gunnell David 
Published: September 2010

BackgroundHanging is the most frequently used method of suicide in the UK and has high case fatality (>70%).AimsTo explore factors influencing the decision to use hanging.MethodSemi-structured qualitative interviews with 12 men and 10 women who had survived a near-fatal suicide attempt. Eight respondents had attempted hanging. Data were analysed thematically and with constant comparison.ResultsHanging was adopted or contemplated for two main reasons: the anticipated nature of a death from hanging; and accessibility. Those favouring hanging anticipated a certain, rapid and painless death with little awareness of dying and believed it was a ‘clean’ method that would not damage the body or leave harrowing images for others. Materials for hanging were easily accessed and respondents considered it ‘simple’ to perform without the need for planning or technical knowledge. Hanging was thus seen as the ‘quickest’ and ‘easiest’ method with few barriers to completion and sometimes adopted despite not being a first choice. Respondents who rejected hanging recognised it could be slow, painful and ‘messy’, and thought technical knowledge was needed for implementation.ConclusionsPrevention strategies should focus on countering perceptions of hanging as a clean, painless and rapid method that is easily implemented. However, care is needed in the delivery of such messages as some individuals could gain information that might facilitate fatal implementation. Detailed research needs to focus on developing and evaluating interventions that can manage this tension.
Alternative futures for the DSM revision process: iterationv.paradigm shift
Authors: Kendler Kenneth S. , First Michael B. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryTwo major approaches can be used for the up-coming revisions of DSM–V and ICD–10: an ‘iterative model’ in which incremental changes are made or a ‘paradigm shift model’ in which the existing approach is jettisoned in favour of a new nosological model. We explore each of these two approaches and conclude that although they both have strengths and limitations, our field is not currently ready for a paradigm shift.