bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From comfort to pain: Neural basis of ocular surface sensations
Authors: BELMONTE C 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe exposed surface of the eye is richly innervated by sensory nerve fibers originated at trigeminal ganglion neurons. They reach the cornea and bulbar conjunctiva as thin myelinated or unmyelinated nerve fibers lacking of morphological terminal specialization. However, electrophysiological studies have shown that sensory neurons innervating the eye are functionally heterogeneous. Based upon their response to specific stimuli, different functional types of sensory nerve fibers have been identified in the cornea and bulbar conjunctiva. Mechanonociceptor fibers (~20% of the total) react only to mechanical forces; polymodal nociceptor fibers (~70%) respond to mechanical forces but also to heat, exogenous chemical irritants and endogenous inflammatory mediators. Cold‐sensitive fibers (~10‐15%) display an ongoing impulse activity at basal corneal temperatures and increase markedly their firing frequency with moderate cooling. Differences in transduction capacity among ocular sensory fibers are attributable to the variable expression of different types of transduction channels (members of the TRP superfamily, ASICs, 2P domain K channels..) HCN channels and of voltage‐dependent Na+ K+ and Ca2+ channels. Under pathological conditions (inflammation, surgical injury, dryness of the ocular surface) activity of ocular sensory nerve fibers changes markedly as the result of short‐term changes in ion channel expression secondary to local release of inflammatory agents and growth factors, and of long‐lasting modifications in gene expression. This leads to the development of spontaneous activity and of abnormal responsiveness to natural stimuli. Each of the functional types of corneal sensory fibers can be stimulated selectively in humans, using an instrument (the Belmonte esthesiometer) that delivers gas pulses of variable flow at neutral temperature (mechanical stimuli), CO2 concentrations (acidic stimuli) and cooled or warmed air at subthreshold flow levels (cold and heat stimuli) onto the ocular surface. Stimulation of the different functional populations of nerve fibers of the ocular surface evokes a specific quality of sensation that includes a variable component of unpleasantness. The relationship between activation of the different classes of ocular surface sensory fibers under normal and pathological conditions and the quality of the experienced sensation is now being elucidated. In addition to their role in the production of conscious innocuous and noxious sensations referred to the eye surface, sensory fibers appear to play a role in the maintenance of the ocular surface homeostasis, including basal and reflex modulation of tearing and trophic maintenance of corneal and conjunctival tissues. Supported by grants BFU2005‐08741 and CONSOLIDER‐INGENIO 2010 CSD2007‐00023 from the Government of Spain.
Oesophageal electrocardiography in healthy horses
Authors: Verheyen T. , Decloedt A. , De Clercq D. , Sys S. , Van Loon G. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryReasons for performing study: In human medicine, oesophageal electrocardiography (ECG) is a well‐established technique that magnifies P waves with respect to the QRS complex.Objectives: To investigate the feasibility of oesophageal ECG recording in horses and its ability to produce larger P waves compared with base‐apex and unipolar recordings.Methods: Bipolar and unipolar ECG were performed using oesophageal and surface electrodes. Oesophageal ECG was obtained from 6 different recording configurations at different oesophageal depths. Amplitudes of P, Q, R, S and T waves were measured from 3 different cardiac cycles for each recording configuration and depth.Results: Oesophageal ECG was feasible in all horses. For all oesophageal recording configurations, significantly larger P waves were recorded from a depth that equalled ‘height of the withers + 10 cm’ (HW+10) than from any other depth. P/QRSmagn, the ratio between the P wave and QRS complex magnitudes, was largest for intraoesophageal recordings with an interelectrode distance of 10 cm, at HW+10, where it was significantly larger than base‐apex and unipolar recordings. Base‐apex recording resulted in significantly smaller P waves than all other recording configurations and significantly smaller P/QRSmagn ratios than all other recording configurations except one combined oesophageal‐surface recording (E/Slow).Conclusions: Oesophageal ECG recording is feasible in horses and effective in magnifying P wave amplitude.Potential relevance: The procedure is promising for diagnosis of supraventricular tachydysrhythmias and might be used in electrophysiological studies and for cardiac pacing.
Stifle extension results in differential tensile forces developing between abaxial and axial components of the cranial meniscotibial ligament of the equine medial meniscus: A mechanistic explanation for meniscal tear patterns
Authors: FOWLIE J. G. , ARNOCZKY S. P. , LAVAGNINO M. , STICK J. A. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryReason for performing the study: To identify potential functional‐anatomical characteristics of the cranial horn attachment of the medial meniscus (MM) that may help explain the pathogenesis of the common tear patterns that have been reported.Hypothesis: Full extension of the stifle generates a significant increase in tensile forces within the cranial meniscotibial ligament (CrMTL) of the MM, which may predispose this structure to injury.Methods: The effect of femorotibial angle (160°, 150°, 140° and 130°) on tensile forces in the axial and abaxial components of the CrMTL was examined in 6 mature cadaver stifles using an implantable force probe. Three additional specimens were used to examine the histological structure of the CrMTL and its connection to the cranial horn of the MM.Results: Full extension of the stifle (160°) resulted in a significantly greater tensile force in the abaxial component of the CrMTL when compared with the axial component (P = 0.001). The tensile force in the abaxial component of the CrMTL increased significantly between 150° and 160° of stifle extension (P = 0.011). The CrMTL appears to be comprised of 2 functional components, which become more visually distinct as the stifle is extended. Histologically, these components are separated by a cleft of highly vascularised, less organised connective tissue, which becomes less prominent at the junction of the ligament and the cranial horn of the MM.Conclusion: A 4‐fold difference in the tensile forces in the 2 functional components of the CrMTL of the MM was observed with full extension of the stifle.Potential relevance: The functional anatomy of the CrMTL may place this region at greater risk of injury during hyperextension of the stifle and, therefore, may provide a mechanistic rationale for the commonly reported meniscal tear patterns in the horse.
Extended Safety and Efficacy Studies of the Attenuated Brucella Vaccine Candidates 16MΔvjbRand S19ΔvjbRin the Immunocompromised IRF-1−/−Mouse Model
Authors: Arenas-Gamboa A. M. , Rice-Ficht A. C. , Fan Y. , Kahl-McDonagh M. M. , Ficht T. A. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTThe global distribution of brucellosis and high incidence in certain areas of the world warrant the development of a safer and efficacious vaccine. For the past 10 years, we have focused our attention on the development of a safer, but still highly protective, live attenuated vaccine for human and animal use. We have demonstrated the safety and protective efficacy of the vaccine candidates 16MΔvjbRand S19ΔvjbRagainst homologous and heterologous challenge in multiple immunocompetent animal models, including mice and deer. In the present study, we conducted a series of experiments to determine the safety of the vaccine candidates in interferon regulatory factor-1-knockout (IRF-1−/−) mice. IRF-1−/−mice infected with either wild-typeBrucella melitensis16M or the vaccine strainBrucella abortusS19 succumb to the disease within the first 3 weeks of infection, which is characterized by a marked granulomatous and neutrophilic inflammatory response that principally targets the spleen and liver. In contrast, IRF-1−/−mice inoculated with either the 16MΔvjbRor S19ΔvjbRvaccine do not show any clinical or major pathological changes associated with vaccination. Additionally, when 16MΔvjbR- or S19ΔvjbR-vaccinated mice are challenged with wild-typeBrucella melitensis16M, the degree of colonization in multiple organs, along with associated pathological changes, is significantly reduced. These findings not only demonstrate the safety and protective efficacy of thevjbRmutant in an immunocompromised mouse model but also suggest the participation of lesser-known mechanisms in protective immunity against brucellosis.
Age-Dependent IgG Subclass Responses to Plasmodium falciparum EBA-175 Are Differentially Associated with Incidence of Malaria in Mozambican Children
Authors: Dobaño Carlota , Quelhas Diana , Quintó Llorenç , Puyol Laura , Serra-Casas Elisa , Mayor Alfredo , Nhampossa Tacilta , Macete Eusebio , Aide Pedro , Mandomando Inacio , Sanz Sergi , Puniya Sanjeev K. , Singh Bijender , Gupta Puneet , Bhattacharya Arindam , Chauhan Virander S. , Aponte John J. , Chitnis Chetan E. , Alonso Pedro L. , Menéndez Clara 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Plasmodium falciparum
blood-stage antigens such as merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP-1), apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA-1), and the 175-kDa erythrocyte binding antigen (EBA-175) are considered important targets of naturally acquired immunity to malaria. However, it is not clear whether antibodies to these antigens are effectors in protection against clinical disease or mere markers of exposure. In the context of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of intermittent preventive treatment in infants conducted between 2002 and 2004, antibody responses to
Plasmodium falciparum
blood-stage antigens in a cohort of 302 Mozambican children were evaluated by immunofluorescence antibody test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at 5, 9, 12, and 24 months of age. We found that IgG subclass responses to EBA-175 were differentially associated with the incidence of malaria in the follow-up period. A double amount of cytophilic IgG1 or IgG3 was associated with a significant decrease in the incidence of malaria (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.25 to 0.97, and
P
= 0.026 and IRR = 0.44, CI = 0.19 to 0.98, and
P
= 0.037, respectively), while a double amount of noncytophilic IgG4 was significantly correlated with an increased incidence of malaria (IRR = 3.07, CI = 1.08 to 8.78,
P
= 0.020). No significant associations between antibodies to the 19-kDa fragment of MSP-1 (MSP-1
19
) or AMA-1 and incidence of malaria were found. Age, previous episodes of malaria, present infection, and neighborhood of residence were the main factors influencing levels of antibodies to all merozoite antigens. Deeper understanding of the acquisition of antibodies against vaccine target antigens in early infancy is crucial for the rational development and deployment of malaria control tools in this vulnerable population.
Comparative Evaluation of Profiles of Antibodies to Mycobacterial Capsular Polysaccharides in Tuberculosis Patients and Controls Stratified by HIV Status
Authors: Yu Xian , Prados-Rosales Rafael , Jenny-Avital Elisabeth R. , Sosa Katherine , Casadevall Arturo , Achkar Jacqueline M. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Despite the complexity of tuberculosis (TB) serology, antibodies (Abs) remain attractive biomarkers for TB. Recent evidence of a mycobacterial capsule that consists mainly of the polysaccharides arabinomannan (AM) and glucan provides new options for serologic targets. For this study, Ab responses to AM and glucan for 47 U.S. TB patients (33 HIV negative [HIV
−
], 14 HIV positive [HIV
+
]), 42 healthy controls, and 38 asymptomatic HIV
+
controls were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). The results were compared with Ab responses to the mycobacterial glycolipid cell wall antigen lipoarabinomannan (LAM) and to the proteins malate synthase (MS) and MPT51. We found that the main immunoglobulin (Ig) isotype response to polysaccharides was IgG, predominantly of subclass IgG2. IgG responses to AM were significantly higher for HIV
−
and HIV
+
TB cases than for controls (
P
, <0.0001 and <0.01, respectively); significantly higher for HIV
−
than for HIV
+
TB cases (
P
, <0.01); and significantly higher in sputum smear-positive than smear-negative patients in both HIV
−
and HIV
+
cases (
P
, 0.01 and 0.02, respectively). In both TB groups, titers of Ab to glucan were significantly lower than titers of Ab to AM (
P
, <0.0001). IgG responses to AM and MS or to AM and MPT51 did not correlate with each other in HIV
−
TB patients, while they correlated significantly in HIV
+
TB patients (
P
, 0.01 and 0.05, respectively). We conclude that Ab responses to AM could contribute to the serodiagnosis of TB, especially for HIV
−
TB patients. This study also provides new and important insights into the differences in the profiles of Abs to mycobacterial antigens between HIV
−
and HIV
+
TB patients.
First Worldwide Proficiency Study on Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Typing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Strains
Authors: de Beer Jessica L. , Kremer Kristin , Ködmön Csaba , Supply Philip , van Soolingen Dick ,   the Global Network for the Molecular Surveillance of Tuberculosis 2009
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Although variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) typing has gained recognition as the new standard for the DNA fingerprinting of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTBC) isolates, external quality control programs have not yet been developed. Therefore, we organized the first multicenter proficiency study on 24-locus VNTR typing. Sets of 30 DNAs of MTBC strains, including 10 duplicate DNA samples, were distributed among 37 participating laboratories in 30 different countries worldwide. Twenty-four laboratories used an in-house-adapted method with fragment sizing by gel electrophoresis or an automated DNA analyzer, nine laboratories used a commercially available kit, and four laboratories used other methods. The intra- and interlaboratory reproducibilities of VNTR typing varied from 0% to 100%, with averages of 72% and 60%, respectively. Twenty of the 37 laboratories failed to amplify particular VNTR loci; if these missing results were ignored, the number of laboratories with 100% interlaboratory reproducibility increased from 1 to 5. The average interlaboratory reproducibility of VNTR typing using a commercial kit was better (88%) than that of in-house-adapted methods using a DNA analyzer (70%) or gel electrophoresis (50%). Eleven laboratories using in-house-adapted manual typing or automated typing scored inter- and intralaboratory reproducibilities of 80% or higher, which suggests that these approaches can be used in a reliable way. In conclusion, this first multicenter study has documented the worldwide quality of VNTR typing of MTBC strains and highlights the importance of international quality control to improve genotyping in the future.
PCR Identification of Bacteria in Blood Culture Does Not Fit the Daily Workflow of a Routine Microbiology Laboratory
Authors: Karumaa Santra , Kärpänoja Pauliina , Sarkkinen Hannu 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT
We have evaluated the GenoType blood culture assay (Hain Lifescience, Nehren, Germany) for the identification of bacteria in 233 positive blood cultures and assessed its suitability in the workflow of a routine microbiology laboratory. In 68/233 (29.2%) samples, the culture result could not be confirmed by the GenoType assay due to a lack of primers in the test, multiple organisms in the sample, or inconsistency with respect to the identification by culture. Although the GenoType blood culture assay gives satisfactory results for bacteria for which primers are available, there are difficulties in applying the test in the routine microbiology laboratory.
Metastatic Complications from Staphylococcus intermedius, a Zoonotic Pathogen
Authors: Hatch Steven , Sree Aruna , Tirrell Sandra , Torres Brenda , Rothman Alan L. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Metastatic infection is an infrequent complication of non-
Staphylococcus aureus
staphylococcal infection. Here we report a case of bloodstream infection due to
Staphylococcus intermedius
. To our knowledge, ours is the only known case of metastatic infection with
S. intermedius
.
Virological Diagnosis of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Esophagitis by Quantitative Real-Time PCR Assay
Authors: Jazeron Jean-François , Barbe Coralie , Frobert Emilie , Renois Fanny , Talmud Déborah , Brixi-Benmansour Hedia , Brodard Véronique , Andréoletti Laurent , Diebold Marie-Danièle , Lévêque Nicolas 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) esophagitis diagnosis is routinely based on the endoscopic findings confirmed by histopathological examination of the esophagitis lesions. Virological diagnosis is not systematically performed and restricted to viral culture or to qualitative PCR assay from esophagitis biopsy specimens. The aim of this study was to assess the interest of quantitative real-time PCR assay in HSV-1 esophagitis diagnosis by comparing the results obtained to those of histological examination associated with immunohistochemical staining, which is considered the “gold standard.” From 53 esophagitis biopsy specimens, the PCR assay detected HSV-1 in 18 of 19 histologically proven to have herpetic esophagitis and in 9 of 34 that had esophagitis related to other causes, demonstrating sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 94.7%, 73%, 66.7%, and 96%, respectively. Interestingly, HSV-1 was not detected in 16 specimens without the histological aspect of esophagitis. The viral loads normalized per μg of total extracted DNA in each biopsy specimen detected positive by HSV PCR were then compared and appeared to be significantly higher in histopathologically positive herpetic esophagitis (median = 2.9 × 10
6
± 1.1 × 10
8
) than in histopathologically negative herpetic esophagitis (median = 3.1 × 10
3
± 6.2 × 10
3
) (
P
= 0.0009). Moreover, a receiver operating characteristics analysis revealed that a viral load threshold greater than 2.5 × 10
4
copies would allow an HSV-1 esophagitis diagnosis with a sensitivity and specificity of 83.3% and 100%, respectively. In conclusion, this work demonstrated that HSV quantitative PCR results for paraffin-embedded esophageal tissue was well correlated to histopathological findings for an HSV-1 esophagitis diagnosis and could be diagnostic through viral load assessment when histopathological results are missing or uncertain.
Population Structure of Multi- and Extensively Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains in South Africa
Authors: Chihota Violet N. , Müller Borna , Mlambo Charmaine K. , Pillay Manormoney , Tait Marisa , Streicher Elizabeth M. , Marais Else , van der Spuy Gian D. , Hanekom Madeleine , Coetzee Gerrit , Trollip Andre , Hayes Cindy , Bosman Marlein E. , Gey van Pittius Nico C. , Victor Tommie C. , van Helden Paul D. , Warren Robin M. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Genotyping of multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
strains isolated from tuberculosis (TB) patients in four South African provinces (Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng) revealed a distinct population structure of the MDR strains in all four regions, despite the evidence of substantial human migration between these settings. In all analyzed provinces, a negative correlation between strain diversity and an increasing level of drug resistance (from MDR-TB to extensively drug-resistant TB [XDR-TB]) was observed. Strains predominating in XDR-TB in the Western and Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces were strongly associated with harboring an
inhA
promoter mutation, potentially suggesting a role of these mutations in XDR-TB development in South Africa. Approximately 50% of XDR-TB cases detected in the Western Cape were due to strains probably originating from the Eastern Cape. This situation may illustrate how failure of efficient health care delivery in one setting can burden health clinics in other areas.
Engineered Combined-Positive-Control Template for Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR in Multiple-Pathogen-Detection Assays
Authors: Kodani Maja , Winchell Jonas M. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Recently we evaluated a custom TaqMan array card (TAC) detection system, formerly known as a TaqMan low-density array (TLDA) card, for simultaneous real-time PCR identification of 21 pathogens and three control targets in duplicate from respiratory specimens (M. Kodani et al., J. Clin. Microbiol. 49:2175–2182, 2011). We engineered an adaptable and expandable system of
in vitro
RNA transcripts to serve as a combined positive control for both DNA and RNA targets in multiple-pathogen-detection technologies based on real-time reverse transcription-PCR.
HPV 9G DNA Chip: 100% Clinical Sensitivity and Specificity
Authors: An Heejung , Song Keum-Soo , Nimse Satish Balasaheb , Kim Junghoon , Nguyen Van-Thuan , Ta Van-Thao , Sayyed Danishmalik Rafiq , Kim Taisun 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT
We describe a novel HPV 9G DNA chip test for the accurate and reliable genotyping of human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV 9G DNA chip test established its efficiency in terms of a signal-to-background ratio (SBR) of 200, which is 50 times superior to commercial HPV DNA chips, and 100% target-specific hybridization at 25°C. We compared the genotyping results for the 439 clinical samples by the HPV 9G DNA chip test with the sequencing results for the MY11/GP6+ (M2) primer set-mediated PCR products. The discrimination of HPV genotypes in the 151 HPV-positive clinical samples by the HPV 9G DNA chip test were 100% identical with the sequencing analysis. The clinical sensitivities of HPV genotyping by the HPV 9G DNA chip test and a commercial HPV DNA chip test were 100% and 88%, respectively. However, the clinical specificities of HPV genotyping by the HPV 9G DNA chip test and the commercial HPV DNA chip test were 100% and 94%, respectively. The 100% clinical sensitivity and specificity of the HPV 9G DNA chip test make it a promising diagnostic tool for HPV genotyping.
Serum Galactomannan and (1→3)-β-d-Glucan Assays for Patients with Multiple Myeloma and Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia
Authors: Issa Nicolas C. , Koo Sophia , Lynch Robert C. , Gay Charline , Hammond Sarah P. , Baden Lindsey R. , Ghobrial Irene M. , Finkelman Malcolm A. , Marty Francisco M. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTWe assessed the performance of galactomannan and (1→3)-β-d-glucan in 29 serum samples from patients with multiple myeloma and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia without invasive fungal disease to address issues of false positivity and uninterpretable results previously reported among patients with these conditions. Galactomannan and (1→3)-β-d-glucan assays were not falsely elevated in any patient. (1→3)-β-d-glucan assay results were uninterpretable in 24% of patients. Patients with IgG levels of >2,000 mg/dl had higher odds of uninterpretable (1→3)-β-d-glucan results.