bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular Epidemiology of Pediatric Pneumococcal Empyema from 2001 to 2007 in Utah
Authors: Byington Carrie L. , Hulten Kristina G. , Ampofo Krow , Sheng Xiaoming , Pavia Andrew T. , Blaschke Anne J. , Pettigrew Melinda , Korgenski Kent , Daly Judy , Mason Edward O. 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT

Utah had a high rate of pediatric pneumococcal empyema (PPE) prior to licensure of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV-7) in 2000. The majority (62%) of PPE cases was due to nonvaccine serotypes, primarily
Streptococcus pneumoniae
serotype 1, multilocus sequence type (MLST) 227. PPE in Utah children has increased over the last decade. It is unclear whether the increase was due to serotype replacement or switch. In this study, we describe the incidence and molecular epidemiology of PPE by MLST in Utah children after the licensure of PCV-7. Empyema rates increased from 8.5/100,000 children in the state of Utah in 2001 to 12.5/100,000 children in 2007 (
P
= 0.006). Ninety-eight percent was due to nonvaccine serotypes (
P
< 0.001 when compared to the pre-PCV-7 period). PPE was primarily due to serotypes 1, 3, 19A, and 7F, with MLST demonstrating sequence types (ST) that were commonly present in the United States prior to licensure of PCV-7. Serotype switch was not documented. Replacement disease with common ST of serotypes 1,3, 7F, and 19A rather than serotype switch was responsible for the increase in PPE in Utah children.
Genetic Diversity of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Isolates from a Tertiary Care Tuberculosis Hospital in South Korea
Authors: Shamputa Isdore Chola , Lee Jongseok , Allix-Béguec Caroline , Cho Eun-Jin , Lee Ji-im , Rajan Vignesh , Lee Eun Gae , Min Jin Hong , Carroll Matthew W. , Goldfeder Lisa C. , Kim Jin Hee , Kang Hyung Seok , Hwang Soohee , Eum Seok-Yong , Park Seung Kyu , Lee Hyeyoung , Supply Philip , Cho Sang-Nae , Via Laura E. , Barry Clifton E. 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis (TB) remains an immense public health problem in the Republic of Korea despite a more than fivefold decrease in the prevalence of the disease over the last 3 decades. The rise in drug-resistant TB has compounded the situation. We analyzed 208 clinical isolates of
M. tuberculosis
from the National Masan Tuberculosis Hospital by spoligotyping, IS
6110
restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and 24-locus-based mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) typing to assess the diversity and transmission dynamics of the tubercle bacilli in the Republic of Korea. The majority of the isolates (97.1%) belonged to the Beijing genotype. Cluster analysis by MIRU-VNTR yielded a low clustering rate of 22.3%, with most of the clusters comprising isolates with diverse drug resistance patterns. The discriminatory capacity of the typing methods was high for RFLP and MIRU-VNTR (allelic diversity [
h
] = 0.99) but low for spoligotyping (
h
= 0.31). Although analysis of 19 MIRU-VNTR loci was needed to achieve maximum discrimination, an informative set of 8 loci (960, 1955, 2163b, 2165, 2996, 3192, 4052, and 4348) (
h
= 0.98) that was able to differentiate most of the closely related strains was identified. These findings suggest that 24-locus-based MIRU-VNTR typing is a likely suitable alternative to RFLP to differentiate clinical isolates in this setting, which is dominated by
M. tuberculosis
Beijing strains. Within the study limits, our results also suggest that the problem of drug-resistant TB in the Republic of Korea may be largely due to acquired resistance as opposed to transmission.
ICP27 Phosphorylation Site Mutants Are Defective in Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Replication and Gene Expression
Authors: Rojas Santos , Corbin-Lickfett Kara A. , Escudero-Paunetto Laurimar , Sandri-Goldin Rozanne M. 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT
Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) protein ICP27 is a multifunctional regulatory protein that is posttranslationally modified by phosphorylation during viral infection. ICP27 has been shown to be phosphorylated on three serine residues, specifically serine residues 16 and 18, which are within casein kinase 2 (CK2) sites, and serine residue 114, which is within a protein kinase A (PKA) site. Phosphorylation is an important regulatory mechanism that is reversible and controls many signaling pathways, protein-protein interactions, and protein subcellular localization. To determine the role of phosphorylation in modulating the activities of ICP27, we constructed phosphorylation site mutations at each of the three serine residues. Single, double, and triple viral mutants were created in which alanine or glutamic acid was substituted for serines 16, 18, and 114. ICP27 phosphorylation site mutants were defective in viral replication and viral gene expression. Notably, ICP4-containing replication compartment formation was severely compromised, with the appearance of small ring-like structures that persisted even at late times after infection. Neither the colocalization of ICP27 with RNA polymerase II nor the formation of Hsc70 nuclear foci was observed during infection with the phosphorylation site mutants, both of which occur during wild-type HSV-1 infection. These data indicate that several key events in which ICP27 plays a role are curtailed during infection with ICP27 phosphorylation site mutants.
Induction of Protective Immunity against Murine Gammaherpesvirus 68 Infection in the Absence of Viral Latency
Authors: Jia Qingmei , Freeman Michael L. , Yager Eric J. , McHardy Ian , Tong Leming , Martinez-Guzman DeeAnn , Rickabaugh Tammy , Hwang Seungmin , Blackman Marcia A. , Sun Ren , Wu Ting-Ting 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT
Human gammaherpesviruses, Epstein-Barr virus, and human herpesvirus 8/Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus are important pathogens associated with diseases, including lymphomas and other malignancies. Murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) is used as an experimental model system to study the host immune control of infection and explore novel vaccine strategies based on latency-deficient live viruses. We studied the properties and the potential of a recombinant MHV-68 (AC-RTA) in which the genes required for persistent infection were replaced by a constitutively expressed viral transcription activator, RTA, which dictates the virus to lytic replication. After intranasal infection of mice, replication of AC-RTA in the lung was attenuated, and no AC-RTA virus or viral DNA was detected in the isolated splenocytes, indicating a lack of latency in the spleen. Infection of the AC-RTA virus elicited both cellular immune responses and virus-specific IgG at a level comparable to that elicited by infection of the wild-type virus. Importantly, vaccination of AC-RTA was able to protect mice against subsequent challenge by the wild-type MHV-68. AC-RTA provides a vaccine strategy for preventing infection of human gammaherpesviruses. Furthermore, our results suggest that immunity to the major latent antigens is not required for protection.
Activation of the N-Terminally Truncated Form of the Stk Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Sf-Stk by Friend Virus-Encoded gp55 Is Mediated by Cysteine Residues in the Ecotropic Domain of gp55 and the Extracellular Domain of Sf-Stk
Authors: He Shihan , Ni Shuang , Hegde Shailaja , Wang Xin , Sharda Daniel R. , August Avery , Paulson Robert F. , Hankey Pamela A. 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT

Friend virus induces an erythroleukemia in susceptible mice that is initiated by the interaction of the Friend virus-encoded glycoprotein gp55 with the erythropoietin (Epo) receptor and the product of the host
Fv2
gene, a naturally occurring truncated form of the Stk receptor tyrosine kinase (Sf-Stk). We have previously demonstrated that the activation of Sf-Stk, recruitment of a Grb2/Gab2/Stat3 signaling complex, and induction of Pu.1 expression by Stat3 are required for the development of the early stage of Friend disease both
in vitro
and
in vivo
. Here we demonstrate that the interaction of gp55 with Sf-Stk is dependent on cysteine residues in the ecotropic domain of gp55 and the extracellular domain of Sf-Stk. Point mutation of these cysteine residues or deletion of these domains inhibits the ability of gp55 to interact with Sf-Stk, resulting in the inability of these proteins to promote the Epo-independent growth of erythroid progenitor cells. We also demonstrate that the interaction of gp55 with Sf-Stk does not promote dimerization of Sf-Stk but results in enhanced phosphorylation of Sf-Stk and the relocalization of Sf-Stk from the cytosol to the plasma membrane. Finally, we demonstrate that a constitutively active form of Sf-Stk (Sf-StkM330T), as well as its human counterpart, Sf-Ron, promotes Epo-independent colony formation in the absence of gp55 and that this response is also dependent on the cysteines in the extracellular domains of Sf-StkM330T and Sf-Ron. These data suggest that the cysteines in the extracellular domains of Sf-Stk and Sf-Ron may also mediate the interaction of these truncated receptors with other cellular factors that regulate their ability to promote cytokine-independent growth.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Authors: Fritschi Cynthia , Quinn Laurie , Penckofer Sue , Surdyk Patricia M. 
Published: December 2009

Purpose The purpose of this descriptive study was to document the experience of wearing a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device in women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The availability of CGM has provided patients and clinicians with the opportunity to describe the immediate effects of diet, exercise, and medications on blood glucose levels; however, there are few data examining patients’ experiences and acceptability of using CGM. Methods Thirty-five women with T2DM wore a CGM for 3 days. Semistructured interviews were conducted to capture the self-described experience of wearing a CGM. Three open-ended questions were used to guide the participants’ self-reflection. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed. Results The women verbalized both positive and negative aspects of needing to check their blood glucose more frequently and wearing the monitor. After viewing the results, most women were surprised by the magnitude and frequency of blood glucose excursions. They immediately examined their behaviors during the time they wore the CGM. Independent problem-solving skills became apparent as they attempted to identify reasons for hyperglycemia by retracing food intake, physical activity, and stress experiences during the period of CGM. Most important, the majority of women stated they were interested in changing their diabetes-related self-care behaviors, especially eating and exercise behaviors, after reviewing their CGM results. Conclusions CGM is generally acceptable to women with T2DM and offers patients and their health care practitioners a possible alternative to routine glucose monitoring for assessing the effects of real-life events on blood glucose levels.
Successful administration of a low dose of calcium nadroparin in patients suffering from pulmonary embolism and brain metastases: a report of two cases
Authors: Vitale F V , Rotondo Stefano , Sessa Edoardo , Antonelli Giovanna , Colina Paolo , Parisi Alessandra , Giamo Valentina , Ferraù Francesco 
Published: December 2009

Objective. To focus on the optimal management of thromboembolic complication in patients who have undergone chemotherapy with concomitant brain metastases and referred to a Division of Clinical Oncology. Background. Thromboembolic diseases are common events in cancer patients due to clotting activation by tumor cells. On the other hand, brain metastases are common complication of systemic cancers. Postmortem studies show that a quarter of patients dying from cancer have intracranial metastases. Brain metastases and pulmonary embolism are life-threatening conditions because of the risk of fatal endocranic hypertension and severe dyspnea. Calcium nadroparin is a low molecular weight heparin usually administered in patient with venous thromboembolism at a dose level of 180 IU/kg/daily. Case summaries. The authors report the cases of two patients with intracranial metastases and pulmonary embolism-related dyspnea successfully treated with low dose of calcium nadroparin. A patient suffering from metastatic breast cancer and another one with metastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer were recently referred to our department because of severe dyspnea occurring during chemotherapy treatment. Both patients had cerebellar intracranial metastases. Massive pulmonary embolisms were shown by means of the computerized tomography. Despite the administration of a lower heparin dose than the usual one, around three-quarters of the calcium nadroparin daily conventional dose, quickly regressed dyspnea. Significant pulmonary embolism regression was revealed with computerized tomography scan within 8 weeks from the beginning of the thromboembolic complications. None of the patients showed any heparin treatment-related complications. Conclusion. The authors conclude that, with regard to cancer patients carrying brain metastases who require anti-coagulant therapy, increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage should be kept in mind. An initial low molecular weight heparin dose reduction could be effective, and safely administered, also in case of pulmonary embolism with severe dyspnea.
Current challenges in European oncology pharmacy practice
Authors: Hoppe-Tichy Torsten 
Published: December 2009

Background. The demand for pharmacy cancer services is expected to at least double over the next 10 years, as the population ages and new treatments are introduced. Safe and efficient handling of cytotoxic products minimises risks to staff and reduces medication errors. Objectives. To identify and describe strategies for coping safely and effectively with heavier workloads in the hospital oncology pharmacy, currently and in the future. Methods. The PubMed database was searched for literature on approaches to safe handling of antineoplastic agents and to decreasing medication errors in the hospital pharmacy. Articles that were judged to be of prime importance to the hospital oncologist were reviewed. These safety concepts are put into the context of contemporary hospital oncology pharmacy practice through discussion of key issues, including increased demand, the role of the pharmacist in determining the hospital formulary, and growth in patient preferences for oral chemotherapy. Recommendations on best practices are also provided, based on relevant literature and author experience. Conclusions. Efficient, safe hospital pharmacy operations can be aided by capacity planning, dose banding, and knowledge of novel products and procedures that can reduce risks to health while increasing the number of patients who are safely treated. Consideration may also be given to the economic role of oncology pharmacists in formulary development. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2010) 16: 9—18.
Expression of the neuroprotective slow Wallerian degeneration (Wld
S
) gene in non-neuronal tissues
Authors: Wishart Thomas M , Brownstein David G , Thomson Derek , Tabakova Anca M , Boothe Katherine M , Tsao Jack W , Gillingwater Thomas H 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
The slow Wallerian Degeneration (Wld

S
) gene specifically protects axonal and synaptic compartments of neurons from a wide variety of degeneration-inducing stimuli, including; traumatic injury, Parkinson's disease, demyelinating neuropathies, some forms of motor neuron disease and global cerebral ischemia. The Wld

S
gene encodes a novel Ube4b-Nmnat1 chimeric protein (WldS protein) that is responsible for conferring the neuroprotective phenotype. How the chimeric WldS protein confers neuroprotection remains controversial, but several studies have shown that expression in neurons in vivo and in vitro modifies key cellular pathways, including; NAD biosynthesis, ubiquitination, the mitochondrial proteome, cell cycle status and cell stress. Whether similar changes are induced in non-neuronal tissue and organs at a basal level in vivo remains to be determined. This may be of particular importance for the development and application of neuroprotective therapeutic strategies based around Wld

S
-mediated pathways designed for use in human patients.

Results
We have undertaken a detailed analysis of non-neuronal Wld

S
expression in Wld

S
mice, alongside gravimetric and histological analyses, to examine the influence of Wld

S
expression in non-neuronal tissues. We show that expression of Wld

S
RNA and protein are not restricted to neuronal tissue, but that the relative RNA and protein expression levels rarely correlate in these non-neuronal tissues. We show that Wld

S
mice have normal body weight and growth characteristics as well as gravimetrically and histologically normal organs, regardless of WldS protein levels. Finally, we demonstrate that previously reported Wld

S
-induced changes in cell cycle and cell stress status are neuronal-specific, not recapitulated in non-neuronal tissues at a basal level.

Conclusions
We conclude that expression of WldS protein has no adverse effects on non-neuronal tissue at a basal level in vivo, supporting the possibility of its safe use in future therapeutic strategies targeting axonal and/or synaptic compartments in patients with neurodegenerative disease. Future experiments determining whether WldS protein can modify responses to injury in non-neuronal tissue are now required.
The relationship between chronic type III acromioclavicular joint dislocation and cervical spine pain
Authors: Gumina Stefano , Carbone Stefano , Arceri Valerio , Rita Alessandro , Vestri Anna R , Postacchini Franco 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackgroundThis study was aimed at evaluating whether or not patients with chronic type III acromioclavicular dislocation develop cervical spine pain and degenerative changes more frequently than normal subjects.MethodsThe cervical spine of 34 patients with chronic type III AC dislocation was radiographically evaluated. Osteophytosis presence was registered and the narrowing of the intervertebral disc and cervical lordosis were evaluated. Subjective cervical symptoms were investigated using the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ). One-hundred healthy volunteers were recruited as a control group.ResultsThe rate and distribution of osteophytosis and narrowed intervertebral disc were similar in both of the groups. Patients with chronic AC dislocation had a lower value of cervical lordosis. NPQ score was 17.3% in patients with AC separation (100% = the worst result) and 2.2% in the control group (p < 0.05). An inverse significant nonparametric correlation was found between the NPQ value and the lordosis degree in the AC dislocation group (p = 0.001) wheras results were not correlated (p = 0.27) in the control group.ConclusionsOur study shows that chronic type III AC dislocation does not interfere with osteophytes formation or intervertebral disc narrowing, but that it may predispose cervical hypolordosis. The higher average NPQ values were observed in patients with chronic AC dislocation, especially in those that developed cervical hypolordosis.
PALB2 variants in hereditary and unselected Finnish Prostate cancer cases
Authors: Pakkanen Sanna , Wahlfors Tiina , Siltanen Sanna , Patrikainen Mimmi , Matikainen Mika P , Tammela Teuvo L J , Schleutker Johanna 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background

PALB2 1592delT mutation is associated with increased breast cancer and suggestive prostate cancer (PRCA) risk in Finland. In this study we wanted to assess if any other PALB2 variants associate to increased PRCA risk and clinically describe patients with formerly found PALB2 1592delT mutation.

Methods
Finnish families with two or more PRCA cases (n = 178) and unselected cases (n = 285) with complete clinical data were initially screened for variants in the coding region and splice sites of PALB2. Potentially interesting variants were verified in additional set of unselected cases (n = 463).

Results
From our clinically defined sample set we identified total of six variants in PALB2. No novel variants among Finnish PRCA cases were found. Clinical characteristics of the variant carriers, including the previously described family carrying PALB2 1592delT, revealed a trend towards aggressive disease, which also applied to a few non-familial cases. Hypersensitivity to mitomycin C (MMC) of lymphoblasts from individuals from the family with 1592delT revealed haploinsufficiency among carriers with altered genotype.

Conclusions
Though any of the detected PALB2 variants do not associate to PRCA in population level in Finland it cannot be ruled out that some of these variants contribute to cancer susceptibility at individual level.
Analysis of cat oocyte activation methods for the generation of feline disease models by nuclear transfer
Authors: Wang Chunmin , Swanson William F , Herrick Jason R , Lee Kiho , Machaty Zoltan 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
Somatic cell nuclear transfer in cats offers a useful tool for the generation of valuable research models. However, low birth rates after nuclear transfer hamper exploitation of the full potential of the technology. Poor embryo development after activation of the reconstructed oocytes seems to be responsible, at least in part, for the low efficiency. The objective of this study was to characterize the response of cat oocytes to various stimuli in order to fine-tune existing and possibly develop new activation methods for the generation of cat disease models by somatic cell nuclear transfer.

Methods
First, changes in the intracellular free calcium concentration [Ca2+]i in the oocytes induced by a number of artificial stimuli were characterized. The stimuli included electroporation, ethanol, ionomycin, thimerosal, strontium-chloride and sodium (Na+)-free medium. The potential of the most promising treatments (with or without subsequent incubation in the presence of cycloheximide and cytochalasin B) to stimulate oocyte activation and support development of the resultant parthenogenetic embryos was then evaluated. Finally, the most effective methods were selected to activate oocytes reconstructed during nuclear transfer with fibroblasts from mucopolysaccharidosis I- and alpha-mannosidosis-affected cats.

Results
All treatments were able to elicit a [Ca2+]i elevation in the ooplasm with various characteristics. Pronuclear formation and development up to the blastocyst stage was most efficiently triggered by electroporation (60.5 +/- 2.9 and 11.5 +/- 1.7%) and the combined thimerosal/DTT treatment (67.7 +/- 1.8 and 10.6 +/- 1.9%); incubation of the stimulated oocytes with cycloheximide and cytochalasin B had a positive effect on embryo development. When these two methods were used to activate oocytes reconstructed during nuclear transfer, up to 84.9% of the reconstructed oocytes cleaved. When the 2 to 4-cell embryos (a total of 220) were transferred into 19 recipient females, 4 animals became pregnant. All of the fetuses developed from oocytes activated by electroporation followed by cycloheximide and cytochalasin B incubation; no fetal development was detected as a result of thimerosal/DTT activation. Although heartbeats were detected in two of the cloned fetuses, no term development occurred.

Conclusion
Electroporation proved to be the most effective method for the activation of cat oocytes reconstructed by nuclear transfer. The combined thimerosal/DTT treatment followed by cycloheximide and cytochalasin B incubation triggered development effectively to the blastocyst stage; whether it is a viable option to stimulate term development of cloned cat embryos needs further investigations.