bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Two Noninvasive Devices for Measurement of Central Systolic Blood Pressure With Invasive Measurement During Cardiac Catheterization
Authors: Ott Christian , Haetinger Siegberto , Schneider Markus P. , Pauschinger Matthias , Schmieder Roland E. 
Published: July 2012

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012; 14:575–579. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Recently, a new device for noninvasive assessment of central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) (BPro device with A‐Pulse) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, but available data are limited. In 52 patients undergoing invasive elective cardiac evaluation, central hemodynamics were measured invasively. Immediately thereafter, radial artery waveforms were sampled by two noninvasive techniques, the BPro and, as a comparator, the SphygmoCor System. Then, central hemodynamics were measured invasively for a second time. The invasively recorded cSBP (137±27 mm Hg) did not differ with both noninvasively assessed cSBP by BPro (136±21 mm Hg, P=.627 vs invasive cSBP) and by SphygmoCor (136 ± 23 mm Hg, P=.694 vs invasive cSBP) and correlated highly between invasively recorded and both noninvasively assessed cSBP. However, using Bland‐Altman plots, spreading of compared data of both devices can be found (BPro: 0.87±13 mm Hg vs invasive cSBP; SphygmoCor: 0.77±14 mm Hg vs invasive cSBP). There was an excellent correlation of both noninvasive devices for the calculation of cSBP (r=0.961, P<.001). cSBP differed by only 0.1±6 mm Hg (P=.913) between the two noninvasive devices. Therefore, both noninvasive devices showed an accurate agreement in cSBP compared with invasively measured cSBP.
Early intervention in eating disorders: a parent group approach
Authors: Nicholls Dasha E. , Yi Irene 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAim: Early intervention in eating disorders (EDs) has been a neglected area. Peak onset is in adolescence, suggesting that early intervention should include parents. We synthesize findings from five key theoretical domains, and present pilot data from a phase‐specific early intervention for new onset EDs in young people.Methods: From literature searches, we reviewed current knowledge on risk factors for EDs; ED prevention in young people; the evidence base for treatment for young people with EDs; early intervention in other mental health fields; and parenting interventions. Based on these findings, we devised and piloted a parent group intervention.Results: Presenting features are typically parental concern about changes in eating behaviour and/or weight loss. There is a delay between symptom onset and help seeking, by which time the illness is well established. Early intervention should therefore target parents and be delivered at secondary rather than primary care. Effective treatments favour family‐focused interventions with parental responsibility for symptom management. We hypothesized that a parents' group might be effective for addressing the specific emotional experience of parents in the early stages and their relative lack of knowledge and understanding. Pilot data show significant improvements in knowledge, skills, confidence, understanding and their child's adherence to meal plans as a result of a 6‐week parent group intervention.Conclusion: A parent group intervention addressing themes identified from risk factor, prevention and treatment research is a potentially promising approach to early intervention for EDs. The impact of the intervention on patient outcome needs evaluation.
Biomarkers for systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Herbst Ronald , Liu Zheng , Jallal Bahija , Yao Yihong 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIn recent years, biomarkers have shown significant promise in helping decision‐making in drug development. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complicated and highly heterogeneous disease that involves all organs. Only one drug, belimumab, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat SLE during the last 50 years and there remains a high unmet medical need to develop new and effective therapies to benefit different patient populations in SLE. Due to the extreme heterogeneity of the disease and the complex and rigorous process to validate individual biomarkers, there is currently a very limited number of consensus biomarkers to aid the treatment decision‐making in SLE. This review provides a snapshot of some biomarkers in the field that have the potential to make a big impact on drug development and/or treatment decisions by physicians. These include: type I interferon (IFN) gene signature as a pharmacodynamic marker and potential predictive marker for anti‐type I IFN therapy; anti‐double stranded DNA as a disease marker and potential predictive marker for flares; the complements and neutrophil signatures as disease marker of SLE; and TWEAK (a tumor necrosis factor family member produced by macrophages) and MCP‐1 as potential markers to predict renal flares. Most of these markers need carefully planned and prospective studies with high statistical power to confirm their respective utilities. With the development and application of powerful new technologies, more successful biomarkers will emerge in SLE. This could improve the management of patients in the clinic and facilitate the development of novel and more effective therapeutics for this difficult‐to‐treat disease.
Eroding the Boundaries of Cognition: Implications of Embodiment1
Authors: Anderson Michael L. , Richardson Michael J. , Chemero Anthony 
Published: July 2012

AbstractTo accept that cognition is embodied is to question many of the beliefs traditionally held by cognitive scientists. One key question regards the localization of cognitive faculties. Here we argue that for cognition to be embodied and sometimes embedded, means that the cognitive faculty cannot be localized in a brain area alone. We review recent research on neural reuse, the 1/f structure of human activity, tool use, group cognition, and social coordination dynamics that we believe demonstrates how the boundary between the different areas of the brain, the brain and body, and the body and environment is not only blurred but indeterminate. In turn, we propose that cognition is supported by a nested structure of task‐specific synergies, which are softly assembled from a variety of neural, bodily, and environmental components (including other individuals), and exhibit interaction dominant dynamics.
Formation of the first oxidized iron in the solar system
Authors: GROSSMAN Lawrence , FEDKIN Alexei V. , SIMON Steven B. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract–For fayalite formation times of several thousand years, and systems enriched in water by a factor of ten relative to solar composition, 1 μm radius olivine grains could reach 2 mole% fayalite and 0.1 μm grains 5 mole% by nebular condensation, well short of the values appropriate for precursors of most chondrules and the values found in the matrices of unequilibrated ordinary chondrites. Even 10 μm olivine crystals could reach 30 mole% fayalite above 1100 K in solar gas if condensation of metallic nickel‐iron were delayed sufficiently by supersaturation. Consideration of the surface tensions of several phases with equilibrium condensation temperatures above that of metallic iron shows that, even if they were supersaturated, they would still nucleate homogeneously above the equilibrium condensation temperature of metallic iron. This phenomenon would have provided nuclei for heterogeneous nucleation of metallic nickel‐iron, thus preventing the latter from supersaturating significantly and preventing olivine from becoming fayalitic. Unless a way is found to make nebular regions far more oxidizing than in existing models, it is unlikely that chondrule precursors or the matrix olivine grains of unequilibrated ordinary chondrites obtained their fayalite contents by condensation processes. Perhaps stabilization of FeO occurred after condensation of water ice and accretion of icy planetesimals, during heating of the planetesimals and/or in hot, dense, water‐rich vapor plumes generated by impacts on them. This would imply that FeO is a relatively young feature of nebular materials.
The Cryptococcus neoformans Capsule: a Sword and a Shield
Authors: O'Meara Teresa R. , Alspaugh J. Andrew 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARY

The human fungal pathogen
Cryptococcus neoformans
is characterized by its ability to induce a distinct polysaccharide capsule in response to a number of host-specific environmental stimuli. The induction of capsule is a complex biological process encompassing regulation at multiple steps, including the biosynthesis, transport, and maintenance of the polysaccharide at the cell surface. By precisely regulating the composition of its cell surface and secreted polysaccharides,
C. neoformans
has developed intricate ways to establish chronic infection and dormancy in the human host. The plasticity of the capsule structure in response to various host conditions also underscores the complex relationship between host and parasite. Much of this precise regulation of capsule is achieved through the transcriptional responses of multiple conserved signaling pathways that have been coopted to regulate this
C. neoformans
-specific virulence-associated phenotype. This review focuses on specific host stimuli that trigger the activation of the signal transduction cascades and on the downstream transcriptional responses that are required for robust encapsulation around the cell.
Human and Animal Dirofilariasis: the Emergence of a Zoonotic Mosaic
Authors: Simón Fernando , Siles-Lucas Mar , Morchón Rodrigo , González-Miguel Javier , Mellado Isabel , Carretón Elena , Montoya-Alonso Jose Alberto 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARYDirofilariasis represents a zoonotic mosaic, which includes two main filarial species (Dirofilaria immitisandD. repens) that have adapted to canine, feline, and human hosts with distinct biological and clinical implications. At the same time, bothD. immitisandD. repensare themselves hosts to symbiotic bacteria of the genusWolbachia, the study of which has resulted in a profound shift in the understanding of filarial biology, the mechanisms of the pathologies that they produce in their hosts, and issues related to dirofilariasis treatment. Moreover, because dirofilariasis is a vector-borne transmitted disease, their distribution and infection rates have undergone significant modifications influenced by global climate change. Despite advances in our knowledge ofD. immitisandD. repensand the pathologies that they inflict on different hosts, there are still many unknown aspects of dirofilariasis. This review is focused on human and animal dirofilariasis, including the basic morphology, biology, protein composition, and metabolism ofDirofilariaspecies; the climate and human behavioral factors that influence distribution dynamics; the disease pathology; the host-parasite relationship; the mechanisms involved in parasite survival; the immune response and pathogenesis; and the clinical management of human and animal infections.
Molecular Biology, Epidemiology, and Pathogenesis of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy, the JC Virus-Induced Demyelinating Disease of the Human Brain
Authors: Ferenczy Michael W. , Marshall Leslie J. , Nelson Christian D. S. , Atwood Walter J. , Nath Avindra , Khalili Kamel , Major Eugene O. 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARYProgressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a debilitating and frequently fatal central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating disease caused by JC virus (JCV), for which there is currently no effective treatment. Lytic infection of oligodendrocytes in the brain leads to their eventual destruction and progressive demyelination, resulting in multiple foci of lesions in the white matter of the brain. Before the mid-1980s, PML was a relatively rare disease, reported to occur primarily in those with underlying neoplastic conditions affecting immune function and, more rarely, in allograft recipients receiving immunosuppressive drugs. However, with the onset of the AIDS pandemic, the incidence of PML has increased dramatically. Approximately 3 to 5% of HIV-infected individuals will develop PML, which is classified as an AIDS-defining illness. In addition, the recent advent of humanized monoclonal antibody therapy for the treatment of autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and Crohn's disease has also led to an increased risk of PML as a side effect of immunotherapy. Thus, the study of JCV and the elucidation of the underlying causes of PML are important and active areas of research that may lead to new insights into immune function and host antiviral defense, as well as to potential new therapies.
Combination Therapy for Treatment of Infections with Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Tamma Pranita D. , Cosgrove Sara E. , Maragakis Lisa L. 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARYCombination antibiotic therapy for invasive infections with Gram-negative bacteria is employed in many health care facilities, especially for certain subgroups of patients, including those with neutropenia, those with infections caused byPseudomonas aeruginosa, those with ventilator-associated pneumonia, and the severely ill. An argument can be made for empiric combination therapy, as we are witnessing a rise in infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative organisms. The wisdom of continued combination therapy after an organism is isolated and antimicrobial susceptibility data are known, however, is more controversial. The available evidence suggests that the greatest benefit of combination antibiotic therapy stems from the increased likelihood of choosing an effective agent during empiric therapy, rather than exploitation ofin vitrosynergy or the prevention of resistance during definitive treatment. In this review, we summarize the available data comparing monotherapy versus combination antimicrobial therapy for the treatment of infections with Gram-negative bacteria.
Construction and Immunological Evaluation of Dual Cell Surface Display of HIV-1 Gag and Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium FliC in Lactobacillus acidophilus for Vaccine Delivery
Authors: Kajikawa Akinobu , Zhang Lin , Long Julie , Nordone Shila , Stoeker Laura , LaVoy Alora , Bumgardner Sara , Klaenhammer Todd , Dean Gregg 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Oral vaccines that elicit a mucosal immune response may be effective against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) because its transmission occurs mainly at the mucosa. The aim of this study was to construct recombinant
Lactobacillus
for oral delivery of oral vaccines against HIV-1 and to evaluate their immunogenicity. A recombinant
Lactobacillus acidophilus
strain expressing the HIV-1 Gag on the bacterial cell surface was established by fusion with the signal peptide and anchor motif of a mucus binding protein (Mub) from
L. acidophilus
with or without coexpression of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium flagellin (FliC) fused to a different Mub signal peptide and anchor. Using HEK293 cells engineered to express Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5), the biological activity of FliC on the bacterial cell surfaces was determined. The surface-exposed flagellin retained its TLR5-stimulating activity, suggesting that the recombinant strain with Gag and FliC dual display might provide a different immunopotency than the strain expressing only Gag. The immunological properties of the recombinant strains were assessed by coculture with human myeloid dendritic cells (DCs). The heterologous antigens on the cell surface affected maturation and cytokine responses of DCs. Acquired immune responses were also investigated by intragastric immunization of mice. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay showed induction of gamma interferon-producing cells at local mucosa after immunization of mice with the Gag-producing strain. Meanwhile, the immunization with
L. acidophilus
displaying both Gag and FliC resulted in an increase of Gag-specific IgA-secreting cells. These results suggested that the Gag-displaying
L. acidophilus
elicited specific immune responses and the coexistence of FliC conferred an adjuvant effect on local IgA production.
Controlled Inflammatory Responses in the Lungs Are Associated with Protection Elicited by a Pneumococcal Surface Protein A-Based Vaccine against a Lethal Respiratory Challenge with Streptococcus pneumoniae in Mice
Authors: Lima Fernanda A. , Ferreira Daniela M. , Moreno Adriana T. , Ferreira Patrícia C. D. , Palma Giovana M. P. , Ferreira Jorge M. C. , Raw Isaias , Miyaji Eliane N. , Ho Paulo L. , Oliveira Maria Leonor S. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus pneumoniae
is a pathogen of great importance worldwide. We have previously described the efficacy of a nasal vaccine composed of the pneumococcal surface protein A and the whole-cell pertussis vaccine as an adjuvant against a pneumococcal invasive challenge in mice. Spread of bacteria to the bloodstream was probably prevented by the high levels of systemic antibodies induced by the vaccine, but bacteria were only cleared from the lungs 3 weeks later, indicating that local immune responses may contribute to survival. Here we show that a strict control of inflammatory responses in lungs of vaccinated mice occurs even in the presence of high numbers of pneumococci. This response was characterized by a sharp peak of neutrophils and lymphocytes with a simultaneous decrease in macrophages in the respiratory mucosa at 12 h postchallenge. Secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) was reduced at 24 h postchallenge, and the induction of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) secretion, observed in the first hours postchallenge, was completely abolished at 24 h. Before challenge and at 12 h postchallenge, vaccinated mice displayed higher numbers of CD4
+
T, CD8
+
T, and B lymphocytes in the lungs. However, protection still occurs in the absence of each of these cells during the challenge, indicating that other effectors may be related to the prevention of lung injuries in this model. High levels of mucosal anti-PspA antibodies were maintained in vaccinated mice during the challenge, suggesting an important role in protection.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) L1 and L1-L2 Virus-Like Particle-Based Multiplex Assays for Measurement of HPV Virion Antibodies
Authors: Hernandez Brenda Y. , Ton Thien , Shvetsov Yurii B. , Goodman Marc T. , Zhu Xuemei 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTHumoral immunity to human papillomavirus (HPV) has not been fully characterized, and there is currently no standard serologic test for the measurement of HPV antibodies. Most HPV serologic assays developed to date are based on virus-like particles (VLPs) of the major HPV capsid protein, L1. We sought to compare the performance of a multiplex HPV L1 VLP-based serologic assay to that of an assay based on VLPs comprised of both L1 and the minor capsid, L2. We developed HPV L1 VLP and L1-L2 VLP-based multiplex seroassays for the detection of HPV type 16 (HPV16) and HPV18 virion binding antibodies using Luminex fluorescent bead technology. We compared the performance of these assays to that of established pseudovirion-based neutralization and L1 VLP-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).A total of 391 serum specimens from unvaccinated adult males and females were tested. The L1 and L1-L2 VLP multiplex seroassays each demonstrated substantial agreement with both the neutralization assays and the ELISAs for the detection of HPV16 antibodies (κ = 0.60 to 0.64). However, the L1-L2 VLP seroassay demonstrated better agreement with neutralization assays for the detection of HPV18 antibodies than the L1 VLP seroassay (κ = 0.74 and 0.43, respectively). L1 and L1-L2 VLP seroassays showed excellent agreement with one another for the detection of HPV16 antibodies (κ = 0.86) but only moderate agreement for HPV18 antibodies (κ = 0.44). The HPV L1-L2 VLP seroassay performs well for the concurrent measurement of HPV16 and -18 antibodies in large numbers of samples and may be extended to include other HPV types.
Impaired Function of Antibodies to Pneumococcal Surface Protein A but Not to Capsular Polysaccharide in Mexican American Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Mathews Christine E. , Brown Eric L. , Martinez Perla J. , Bagaria Upasana , Nahm Moon H. , Burton Robert L. , Fisher-Hoch Susan P. , McCormick Joseph B. , Mirza Shaper 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTThe goal of the study was to determine baseline protective titers of antibodies toStreptococcus pneumoniaesurface protein A (PspA) and capsular polysaccharide in individuals with and individuals without type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 561 individuals (131 individuals with diabetes and 491 without) were screened for antibodies to PspA using a standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A subset of participants with antibodies to PspA were retested using a WHO ELISA to determine titers of antibodies to capsular polysaccharide (CPS) (serotypes 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, and 23F). Functional activity of antibodies was measured by assessing their ability to enhance complement (C3) deposition on pneumococci and promote killing of opsonized pneumococci. Titers of antibodies to protein antigens (PspA) were significantly lower in individuals with diabetes than controls without diabetes (P= 0.01), and antibodies showed a significantly reduced complement deposition ability (P= 0.02). Both antibody titers and complement deposition were negatively associated with hyperglycemia. Conversely, titers of antibodies to capsular polysaccharides were either comparable between the two groups or were significantly higher in individuals with diabetes, as was observed for CPS 14 (P= 0.05). The plasma specimens from individuals with diabetes also demonstrated a higher opsonophagocytic index against CPS serotype 14. Although we demonstrate comparable protective titers of antibodies to CPS in individuals with and individuals without diabetes, those with diabetes had lower PspA titers and poor opsonic activity strongly associated with hyperglycemia. These results suggest a link between diabetes and impairment of antibody response.
Immunostimulatory Effects of Recombinant Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Expressing Porcine Interleukin-18 in Mice and Pigs
Authors: Ogawa Yohsuke , Minagawa Yu , Shi Fang , Eguchi Masahiro , Muneta Yoshihiro , Shimoji Yoshihiro 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTInterleukin-18 (IL-18), which was originally called gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-inducing factor, has been shown to play an important role in innate and acquired immune responses. In this study, attenuatedErysipelothrix rhusiopathiaestrains were engineered to produce porcine IL-18 (poIL-18) and evaluated for their potential immunostimulatory effect in animals. Recombinant poIL-18 was successfully expressed in the recombinantE. rhusiopathiaestrains YS-1/IL-18 and KO/IL-18. The culture supernatant of YS-1/IL-18 was confirmed to induce IFN-γ production in murine splenocytesin vitro, and this production was inhibited by incubation with anti-poIL-18 monoclonal antibodies. Furthermore, more IFN-γ production was induced upon stimulation of splenocytes with concanavalin A for splenocytes from mice that were intraperitoneally inoculated with YS-1/IL-18 than for splenocytes from control mice inoculated with the parent strain YS-1. Peritoneal macrophages from mice preinoculated with YS-1/IL-18 exhibited enhanced phagocytosis ofSalmonella entericasubsp.entericaserovar Typhimurium compared with peritoneal macrophages from control mice preinoculated with YS-1. We also confirmed the immunostimulatory effect on humoral immune responses against antigens ofE. rhusiopathiaeandMycoplasma hyopneumoniaein gnotobiotic pigs that were orally preinoculated with KO/IL-18. Thus, these results provide evidence thatE. rhusiopathiaeis a promising vector for the expression of host cytokines and suggest the potential utility ofE. rhusiopathiaevector-encoded cytokines in the activation of host innate and acquired immune responses.