bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect on the breech and tail characteristics of Merino lambs of varying the duration of application of occlusive plastic clips as an alternative to mulesing
Authors: Evans IB , Lawton PW , Sergeant E , Lloyd JB 
Published: June 2012

ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to determine the minimum duration of clip application required to increase the size of the perineal and tail bare areas and reduce breech wrinkle, dag or urine stain scores of Merino lambs.MethodThe study was conducted on a single farm in western New South Wales using 491 unmulesed lambs of a plain body type (9–14 weeks of age; mean (±SD) bodyweight 26.9 ± 5.0 kg; 82% wrinkle score 1 or 2) randomly allocated into 10 groups. Groups 1–9 included 39–46 lambs treated with the clips, which were removed at 1–7, 10 or 14 days, respectively, after application. Group 10 comprised 53 lambs that were unclipped, unmulesed controls. Visual scores, bare area measurements and bodyweights were assessed before and at 28 and 60 days following clip application.ResultsClips increased the size of the perineal and tail bare areas if left on the lambs for a minimum of 4–6 days. The increases in the size of the perineal and tail bare areas were similar to the results of previous studies. This indicates that the clips performed as expected, despite the current study being conducted on lambs with a plain body type.ConclusionWhen used as an alternative to mulesing, clips should remain on lambs for a minimum of 4–6 days to effectively increase the size of the perineal and tail bare areas. Further research is required to determine the degree of protection against flystrike provided by the clip method.
High Salt Intake and Stroke: Meta‐analysis of the Epidemiologic Evidence
Authors: Li Xiu‐Yang , Cai Xian‐Lei , Bian Ping‐Da , Hu Liu‐Ru 
Published: June 2012

SummaryResearch on the potential impact of high salt intake on health has grown rapidly over the last decades. Recent studies have suggested that high salt intake could also be associated with adverse effects on cardiovascular system. The review evaluated the current level of epidemiologic evidence on the association between the level of habitual salt intake and stroke outcome. We also suggest further research direction. There were 21 independent samples from 12 studies, with 225,693 participants (follow‐up, 3–19 years) and 8135 stroke events. High salt intake was associated with risk of stroke event (pooled odd ratio [OR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19–1.51), stroke death (1.40; 1.21–1.63) and stroke onset (1.11; 1.00–1.24), ischemic stroke death (2.15; 1.57–2.95), not associated with risk of ischemic stroke onset (1.07, 0.95–1.2), with no significant evidence of publication bias. High salt intake is associated with significantly increased risk of stroke event. Further research should be directed toward clarifying and quantifying these possible effects and generating testable hypotheses on plausible biologic mechanisms.
Seroepidemiology of Polioviruses among University Students in Northern Italy
Authors: Baldo Vincenzo , Baldovin Tatjana , Cocchio Silvia , Lazzari Roberta , Saracino Elena , Bertoncello Chiara , Buja Alessandra , Trevisan Andrea 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTThe widespread use of poliovirus vaccination schemes has led to a marked decline in the incidence of paralytic poliomyelitis worldwide, but wild poliovirus is still endemic in some developing countries, and in 2009 a total of 23 countries reported at least 1 case of poliomyelitis caused by wild-strain polio viruses. A serological survey was thus conducted on the immunological status against polioviruses of 318 young adults, classified by their country of origin. Immunity to poliomyelitis was assessed by neutralizing antibody titration in tissues cultured on microplates. The rate of seronegativity (≤1:8) in the study population was 26.7% for poliovirus type 1, 7.2% for type 2, and 22.6% for type 3. In our sample of 318 individuals, 219 (68.9%) were Italian and 99 (31.1%) were from outside the European Union (EU). The proportion of cases found seropositive to polioviruses 1 and 3 decreased significantly with older age; this age-related decrease was more evident in the Italian group than among the non-EU subjects. Any risk of the wild virus recurring and causing paralytic poliomyelitis must be prevented, keeping Europe polio free by means of appropriate immunological protection, until polio has been conclusively eradicated all over the world. Judging from our findings, it may be worth considering administering a fifth dose of polio vaccine to adolescents.
Posttherapeutic Cure Criteria in Chagas' Disease: Conventional Serology followed by Supplementary Serological, Parasitological, and Molecular Tests
Authors: Machado-de-Assis G. F. , Silva A. R. , Do Bem V. A. L. , Bahia M. T. , Martins-Filho O. A. , Dias J. C. P. , Albajar-Viñas P. , Torres R. M. , Lana M. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTWe performed a critical study of conventional serology, followed by supplementary serological, parasitological, and molecular tests, to assess the response to etiologic treatment of Chagas' disease. A group of 94 Chagas' disease patients treated with benznidazole at least 10 years earlier were evaluated from the laboratory and clinical points of view. When conventional serology (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA], indirect immunofluorescence [IIF], and indirect hemagglutination [IHA]) and classic criteria (consistent results with any two of the three tests) or more rigorous criteria (consistent results from the three tests) were used, 10.6% and 8.5% of patients were considered treated and cured (TC) by classic and rigorous criteria, respectively. Patients were then evaluated using supplementary (recombinant ELISA andTrypanosoma cruziexcreted-secreted antigen blotting [TESA-blot]), parasitological (hemoculture), and molecular (PCR) tests. The results of recombinant ELISA were similar to those with the rigorous criterion (three consistent test results). The TESA-blot group showed a higher percentage (21.3%) of negative results than the groups defined by either cure criterion. Hemoculture and PCR gave negative results for all treated and cured (TC) patients, regardless of the criterion used. Recombinant ELISA and TESA-blot tests showed negative results for 70% and 87.5% of the patients categorized as TC by the classic and three-test criteria, respectively. For patients with discordant conventional serology, the supplementary serological and molecular tests were the decisive factor in determining therapeutic failure. Clinical evaluation showed that 62.5% of TC patients presented with the indeterminate form of the disease. Additionally, treated patients with negative TESA-blot results should be reevaluated later with all methodologies used here to verify whether TESA-blot is a reliable way to determine early parasitological cure of Chagas' disease.
Genetic Determinants of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis among HIV-Infected Patients in Nigeria
Authors: Dinic Lana , Akande Patrick , Idigbe Emmanuel Oni , Ani Agatha , Onwujekwe Dan , Agbaji Oche , Akanbi Maxwell , Nwosu Rita , Adeniyi Bukola , Wahab Maureen , Lekuk Chindak , Kunle-Ope Chioma , Nwokoye Nkiru , Kanki Phyllis 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis (TB) is the most common opportunistic infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients and the emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is a growing problem in resource-limited settings. Adequate infrastructure for testing drug sensitivity and sufficient evidence of first-line resistance are currently unavailable in Nigeria. We collected sputum samples from HIV-infected patients enrolled in the Harvard PEPFAR/APIN Plus program over 12 months at two PEPFAR antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics in the southwest and north central regions in Nigeria. Smear-positive sputum samples were submitted for GenoType MTBDRplus testing (
n
= 415); mutations were confirmed through sequencing. Our results show high rates of DR-TB in Nigerian HIV-infected individuals (7.0% for rifampin [RIF] and 9.3% for RIF or isoniazid [INH]). Total RIF resistance indicative of MDR-TB in treatment-naive patients was 5.52%, far exceeding the World Health Organization predictions (0 to 4.3%). RIF resistance was found in 6/213 (2.8%) cases, INH resistance was found in 3/215 (1.4%) cases, and MDR-TB was found in 8/223 (3.6%) cases. We found significantly different amounts of DR-TB by location (18.18% in the south of the country versus 3.91% in the north central region [
P
< 0.01]). Furthermore, RIF resistance was genetically distinct, suggesting possible location-specific strains are responsible for the transmission of drug resistance (
P
< 0.04). Finally, GenoType MTBDRplus correctly identified the drug-resistant samples compared to sequencing in 96.8% of cases. We found that total DR-TB in HIV-infection is high and that transmission of drug-resistant TB in HIV-infected patients in Nigeria is higher than predicted.
Use of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry To Identify Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci and Investigate the Epidemiology of an Outbreak
Authors: Griffin Paul M. , Price Gareth R. , Schooneveldt Jacqueline M. , Schlebusch Sanmarié , Tilse Martyn H. , Urbanski Tess , Hamilton Brett , Venter Deon 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT

The control of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) has become an increasing burden on health care resources since their discovery over 20 years ago. Current techniques employed for their detection include time-consuming and laborious phenotypic methods or molecular methods requiring costly equipment and consumables and highly trained staff. An accurate, rapid diagnostic test has the ability to greatly reduce the spread of this organism, which has the ability to colonize patients for long periods, potentially even lifelong. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a technology with the ability to identify organisms in seconds and has shown promise in the identification of other forms of antimicrobial resistance in other organisms. Here we show that MALDI-TOF MS is capable of rapidly and accurately identifying
vanB
-positive
Enterococcus faecium
VRE from susceptible isolates. Internal validation of the optimal model generated produced a sensitivity of 92.4% and a specificity of 85.2%. Prospective validation results, following incorporation into the routine laboratory work flow, demonstrated a greater sensitivity and specificity at 96.7% and 98.1%, respectively. In addition, the utilization of MALDI-TOF MS to determine the relatedness of isolates contributing to an outbreak is also demonstrated.
Construction and Manipulation of a New Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Bacterial Artificial Chromosome Clone
Authors: Brulois Kevin F. , Chang Heesoon , Lee Amy Si-Ying , Ensser Armin , Wong Lai-Yee , Toth Zsolt , Lee Sun Hwa , Lee Hye-Ra , Myoung Jinjong , Ganem Don , Oh Tae-Kwang , Kim Jihyun F. , Gao Shou-Jiang , Jung Jae U. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT

Efficient genetic modification of herpesviruses such as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) has come to rely on bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) technology. In order to facilitate this approach, we generated a new KSHV BAC clone, called BAC16, derived from the rKSHV.219 virus, which stems from KSHV and Epstein-Barr virus-coinfected JSC1 primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cells. Restriction enzyme and complete sequencing data demonstrate that the KSHV of JSC1 PEL cells showed a minimal level of sequence variation across the entire viral genome compared to the complete genomic sequence of other KSHV strains. BAC16 not only stably propagated in both
Escherichia coli
and mammalian cells without apparent genetic rearrangements, but also was capable of robustly producing infectious virions (∼5 × 10
7
/ml). We also demonstrated the utility of BAC16 by generating deletion mutants of either the K3 or K5 genes, whose products are E3 ligases of the membrane-associated RING-CH (MARCH) family. While previous studies have shown that individual expression of either K3 or K5 results in efficient downregulation of the surface expression of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules, we found that K5, but not K3, was the primary factor critical for the downregulation of MHC-I surface expression during KSHV lytic reactivation or following
de novo
infection. The data presented here demonstrate the utility of BAC16 for the generation and characterization of KSHV knockout and mutant recombinants and further emphasize the importance of functional analysis of viral genes in the context of the KSHV genome besides the study of individual gene expression.
Poliovirus Infection Transiently Increases COPII Vesicle Budding
Authors: Trahey Meg , Oh Hyung Suk , Cameron Craig E. , Hay Jesse C. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT
Poliovirus (PV) requires membranes of the host cell's secretory pathway to generate replication complexes (RCs) for viral RNA synthesis. Recent work identified the intermediate compartment and the Golgi apparatus as the precursors of the replication “organelles” of PV (N. Y. Hsu et al., Cell 141:799–811, 2010). In this study, we examined the effect of PV on COPII vesicles, the secretory cargo carriers that bud from the endoplasmic reticulum and homotypically fuse to form the intermediate compartment that matures into the Golgi apparatus. We found that infection by PV results in a biphasic change in functional COPII vesicle biogenesis in cells, with an early enhancement and subsequent inhibition. Concomitant with the early increase in COPII vesicle formation, we found an increase in the membrane fraction of Sec16A, a key regulator of COPII vesicle formation. We suggest that the early burst in COPII vesicle formation detected benefits PV by increasing the precursor pool required for the formation of its RCs.
Competitive Incorporation of Homologous Gene Segments of Influenza A Virus into Virions
Authors: Inagaki Arisa , Goto Hideo , Kakugawa Satoshi , Ozawa Makoto , Kawaoka Yoshihiro 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT
By using two reporter protein-encoding virus-like RNAs derived from identical viral RNA (vRNA) segments, we assessed their incorporation efficiency into single progeny virions. Most plaques formed by the recombinant viruses that were generated in cells positive for both reporter genes expressed only one or the other protein. These results suggest that two virus-like RNAs encoding different reporter proteins compete for incorporation into virions, and individual influenza virions incorporate single, but not multiple, copies of homologous vRNA segments.
Identification of MW Polyomavirus, a Novel Polyomavirus in Human Stool
Authors: Siebrasse Erica A. , Reyes Alejandro , Lim Efrem S. , Zhao Guoyan , Mkakosya Rajhab S. , Manary Mark J. , Gordon Jeffrey I. , Wang David 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT

We have discovered a novel polyomavirus present in multiple human stool samples. The virus was initially identified by shotgun pyrosequencing of DNA purified from virus-like particles isolated from a stool sample collected from a healthy child from Malawi. We subsequently sequenced the virus' 4,927-bp genome, which has been provisionally named MW polyomavirus (MWPyV). The virus has genomic features characteristic of the family
Polyomaviridae
but is highly divergent from other members of this family. It is predicted to encode the large T antigen and small T antigen early proteins and the VP1, VP2, and VP3 structural proteins. A real-time PCR assay was designed and used to screen 514 stool samples from children with diarrhea in St. Louis, MO; 12 specimens were positive for MWPyV. Comparison of the whole-genome sequences of the index Malawi case and one St. Louis case demonstrated that the two strains of MWPyV varied by 5.3% at the nucleotide level. The number of polyomaviruses found in the human body continues to grow, raising the question of how many more species have yet to be identified and what roles they play in humans with and without manifest disease.
Intracytoplasmic Trapping of Influenza Virus by a Lipophilic Derivative of Aglycoristocetin
Authors: Vanderlinden Evelien , Vanstreels Els , Boons Eline , ter Veer Wouter , Huckriede Anke , Daelemans Dirk , Van Lommel Alfons , Rőth Erzsébet , Sztaricskai Ferenc , Herczegh Pàl , Naesens Lieve 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT
We report on a new anti-influenza virus agent, SA-19, a lipophilic glycopeptide derivative consisting of aglycoristocetin coupled to a phenylbenzyl-substituted cyclobutenedione. In Madin-Darby canine kidney cells infected with influenza A/H1N1, A/H3N2, or B virus, SA-19 displayed a 50% antivirally effective concentration of 0.60 μM and a selectivity index (ratio of cytotoxic versus antiviral concentration) of 112. SA-19 was 11-fold more potent than unsubstituted aglycoristocetin and was active in human and nonhuman cell lines. Virus yield at 72 h p.i. was reduced by 3.6 logs at 0.8 μM SA-19. In contrast to amantadine and oseltamivir, SA-19 did not select for resistance upon prolonged virus exposure. SA-19 was shown to inhibit an early postbinding step in virus replication. The compound had no effect on hemagglutinin (HA)-mediated membrane fusion in an HA-polykaryon assay and did not inhibit the low-pH-induced refolding of the HA in a tryptic digestion assay. However, a marked inhibitory effect on the transduction exerted by retroviral pseudoparticles carrying an HA or vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV-G) fusion protein was noted, suggesting that SA-19 targets a cellular factor with a role in influenza virus and VSV entry. Using confocal microscopy with antinucleoprotein staining, SA-19 was proven to completely prevent the influenza virus nuclear entry. This virus arrest was characterized by the formation of cytoplasmic aggregates. SA-19 appeared to disturb the endocytic uptake and trap the influenza virus in vesicles distinct from early, late, or recycling endosomes. The aglycoristocetin derivative SA-19 represents a new class of potent and broad-acting influenza virus inhibitors with potential clinical relevance.
Mechanical stratigraphy and (palaeo-) karstification of the Murge area (Apulia, southern Italy)
Authors: Jacquemyn Carl , Swennen Rudy , Ronchi Paola 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The Cretaceous Apulia Platform, exposed in the Murge area (southern Italy), suffered intense (palaeo)karstification. This study focuses on the controlling factors of karstification with emphasis on fracturing. Mechanical stratigraphy was used to calculate the fracture density within different sedimentary sequences. Several mechanical units were defined and a characteristic relationship was found between unit thicknesses and fracture density, that is, fracture density increases if layer thickness decreases. In some of the quarries studied, sedimentary cycles are clearly present that are also reflected in the fracture density logs. The degree of karstification within a mechanical unit is proportional to the mean fracture spacing. Based on fracture orientation data extracted from LIDAR scans, different orientation clusters were observed between fractures that are karstified and fractures that are not karstified, post-dating karstification. The clusters of karstified fractures are related to the compression of the southern Apennines. The fractures became dissolution enlarged during the Pleistocene uplift caused by bulging of the Apulia Platform. This main karstification phase occurred prior to Late-Pleistocene deposition and before the formation of orthogonal fracture sets.
Reservoir characterization of an intra-orogenic Carbonates platform: Pila Spi Formation, Taq Taq oil field, Kurdistan, Iraq
Authors: Al-Qayim Basim , Othman Divan 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Outcrop studies integrated with subsurface data of core, cuttings and different well logs were used to investigate reservoir characteristics of the Middle–Late Eocene Pila Spi Formation at Taq Taq oil field of Kurdistan Region of northeastern Iraq. Reservoir studies include petrographic investigations, microfacies analyses and petrophysical evaluation in an attempt to provide an insight regarding the reservoir potential.
The Pila Spi Formation is subdivided into four distinctive lithofacies (P1–P4), characterized by dolostones, dolomitic limestones and limestones.
Several types of dolomite were recognized ranging from early diagenetic fenestral fine crystalline to late diagenetic coarse crystalline dolomite, which had positively influenced the reservoir characteristics by enhancing inter-crystalline, intra-skeletal and micro-vug porosity, especially for lithofacies units P2 and P3.
Reservoir porosity is heterogeneous in distribution and ranges from 5 to 20%. Using porosity cut-off values of 8.2%, and water saturation cut-off values of 24%, six porosity units were identified from top to bottom (PU1–PU6). The best unit is PU2 (15 m thick), which is characterized by medium crystalline dolomite mosaic with average effective porosity of 21.5%. Permeability ranges between 0.1 and 1 md.
Flow unit differentiation is discussed in term of porosity–permeability cross-plot and reservoir pore-throat classification (R35). Results indicate that most of the Pila Spi reservoir is of micro-port (matrix) flow type. However, reservoir quality enhancement is attributed to fracturing.
Characterization of karstic networks by automatic extraction of geometrical and topological parameters: comparison between observations and stochastic simulations
Authors: Fournillon A. , Abelard S. , Viseur S. , Arfib B. , Borgomano J. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Although karstic networks may have a major impact on fluid flow in reservoir characterization, they exhibit great intrinsic heterogeneity that makes their characterization very complex. This work proposes an integrated workflow to study and stochastically simulate karstic networks. This approach is based on the study of outcropping caves. Topological and geometrical parameters are automatically extracted from cave surveys. The extracted geometrical parameters are used to determine the input parameters of the stochastic simulations. These simulations utilize a structure-based, pixel-based and geostatistical approach. To check for consistency, a procedure is proposed to compare the topological and geometrical parameters of observed and simulated karst networks using multivariate analyses. The proposed integrated workflow has been successfully applied to a real case study involving karsts in Jurassic limestone from the south of France. The obtained karstic networks reproduce observed topological and geometrical parameters even when the employed simulation approach relies solely on geometrical parameters.
The history of remagnetization of sedimentary rocks: deceptions, developments and discoveries
Authors: Van Der Voo Rob , Torsvik Trond H. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Remagnetizations have been recognized ever since magnetizations in rocks were demonstrably shown to have been acquired at a much later time than the formation or deposition of the rocks themselves. There was mention of remagnetizations as early as the 1950s, and in the 1960s the concept was frequently hypothesized as an explanation for repetitions and loops in apparent polar wander paths. In this paper, remagnetization features and processes are organized by magnetic carrier: hematite, magnetite, Fe-sulphides and goethite. Selected case histories are presented which are chosen in order to reveal important diagnostics, although many origins of remagnetizations are still obscure or incompletely known.