bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro modeling of perineuronal nets: hyaluronan synthase and link protein are necessary for their formation and integrity
Authors: Kwok Jessica C. F. , Carulli Daniela , Fawcett James W. 
Published: June 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 1447–1459.AbstractWe have previously shown that all perineuronal nets (PNNs) bearing neurons express a hyaluronan synthase (HAS), a link protein (usually cartilage link protein‐1; Crtl1) and a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (usually aggrecan). Animal lacking Crtl1 in the CNS lacks normal PNNs. PNNs are implicated in the control of neuronal plasticity, and interventions to modulate PNN formation will be useful for manipulating plasticity. We have developed an in vitro model which demonstrates how the structural components of PNNs trigger their formation, using human embryonic kidney cells, which do not normally produce a pericellular matrix. Expression of HAS3 leads to the production of a diffuse matrix. It was converted into a compact PNN‐like structure when the cells also expressed Crtl1 and aggrecan. This matrix was stained by Wisteria floribunda, contained Crtl1 and aggrecan, and like PNNs, could only be solubilized in 6 M urea. In the absence of hyaluronan produced by HAS3, aggrecan and Crtl1 dissipated into the medium, but when the cells were transfected to produce a hyaluronan matrix, Crtl1 and aggrecan were incorporated into it. Cells lacking any one of these molecules showed impaired integrity of the PNNs. Cells expressing HAS3 and Crtl1 were able to incorporate exogenous aggrecan into their pericellular matrix.
Hot topics in stem cells and self‐renewal: 2010
Authors: Sharpless Norman E. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryIn many tissues, mammalian aging is associated with a decline in the replicative and functional capacity of somatic stem cells and other self‐renewing compartments. Understanding the basis of this decline is a major goal of aging research. In particular, therapeutic approaches to ameliorate or reverse the age‐associated loss of stem function could be of use in clinical geriatrics. Such approaches include attempts to protect stem cells from age‐promoting damage, to ‘rejuvenate’ stem cells through the use of pharmacologic agents that mitigate aging‐induced alterations in signaling, and to replace lost stem cells through regenerative medicine approaches. Some headway has been made in each of these arenas over the last 18 months including advances in the production of donor‐specific totipotent stem cells through induced pluripotency (iPS), gains in our understanding of how tumor suppressor signaling is controlled in self‐renewing compartments to regulate aging, and further demonstration of extracellular ‘milieu’ factors that perturb stem cell function with age. This period has also been marked by the recent award of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for elucidation of telomeres and telomerase, a topic of critical importance to stem cell aging.
Reliability of the Respiratory Movement Measuring Instrument, RMMI
Authors: Olsén Monika Fagevik , Romberg Karin 
Published: June 2010

SummaryIntroduction:  A new instrument to measure breathing movements, Respiratory Movement Measuring Instrument (RMMI), has been developed. There is still a lack of knowledge about the reliability of the instrument.Objectives:  The aim was to investigate reliability of the RMMI.Methods:  In this trial, RMMI (ReMo Inc. Keldnaholt, Reykjavik, Iceland) was used. Inter‐ and intrarater reliability was performed on 30 volunteers who were tested three times in the supine position. Two of the tests were performed by one of the authors and the third test by the other. Intrasubject reliability was tested on 10 volunteers 12 times randomly during 1 h. Intra‐instrument reliability was performed by measuring 12 solid surfaces where the instrument was placed horizontally against a couch or vertically against a chair.Results:  Intra‐rater reliability: The correlations were moderate to strong (r = 0·54–0·94) except for the left lower thoracic position r = 0·35. Inter‐rater reliability: The correlations were strong (r = 0·71–0·99) except for the left lower thoracic position r = 0·35. The strongest correlations were seen on the tests on abdominal breathing movements. Intra subject reliability: The over‐all difference within and between the participants and test was non‐significant (P = 0·98). The average difference between the tests was 1·4 mm. Intra instrument: The differences between the measurements were small (mean 0·15 mm). The over‐all difference was non‐significant (P = 0·79).Conclusion:  The RMMI is a reliable instrument and usable in both clinical practice and research.
Strategies to improve efficacy and safety of a novel class of antiviral hyper‐activation‐limiting therapeutic agents: the VS411 model HIV/AIDS
Authors: De Forni D , Stevens MR , Lori F 
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEAntiviral hyper‐activation‐limiting therapeutic agents (AV‐HALTs) are a novel experimental drug class designed to both decrease viral replication and down‐regulate excessive immune system activation for the treatment of chronic infections, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. VS411, a first‐in‐class AV‐HALT, is a single‐dosage form combining didanosine (ddI, 400 mg), an antiviral (AV), and hydroxyurea (HU, 600 mg), a cytostatic agent, designed to provide a slow release of ddI to reduce its maximal plasma concentration (Cmax) to potentially reduce toxicity while maintaining total daily exposure (AUC) and the AV activity.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHThis was a pilot phase I, open‐label, randomized, single‐dose, four‐way crossover trial to investigate the fasted and non‐fasted residual variance of AUC,Cmaxand the oral bioavailability of ddI and HU, co‐formulated as VS411, and administered as two different fixed‐dose combination formulations compared to commercially available ddI (Videx EC) and HU (Hydrea) when given simultaneously.KEY RESULTSFormulation VS411‐2 had a favourable safety profile, displayed a clear trend for lower ddICmax(P= 0.0603) compared to Videx EC, and the 90% confidence intervals around the least square means ratio ofCmaxdid not include 100%. ddI AUC∞was not significantly decreased compared to Videx EC. HU pharmacokinetic parameters were essentially identical to Hydrea, although there was a decrease in HU exposure under fed versus fasted conditions.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSA phase IIa trial utilizing VS411‐2 formulation has been fielded to identify the optimal doses of HU plus ddI as an AV‐HALT for the treatment of HIV disease.
Mitochondrial monoamine oxidase‐A‐mediated hydrogen peroxide generation enhances 5‐hydroxytryptamine‐induced contraction of rat basilar artery
Authors: Poon Christina Chui Wa , Seto Sai Wang , Au Alice Lai Shan , Zhang Qian , Li Rachel Wai Sum , Lee Wayne Yuk Wai , Leung George Pak Heng , Kong Siu Kai , Yeung John Hok Keung , Ngai Sai Ming , Ho Ho Pui , Lee Simon Ming Yuen , Chan Shun Wan , Kwan Yiu Wa 
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEWe evaluated the role(s) of monoamine oxidase (MAO)‐mediated H2O2generation on 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT)‐induced tension development of isolated basilar artery of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHBasilar artery (endothelium‐denuded) was isolated for tension measurement and Western blots. Enzymically dissociated single myocytes from basilar arteries were used for patch‐clamp electrophysiological and confocal microscopic studies.KEY RESULTSUnder resting tension, 5‐HT elicited a concentration‐dependent tension development with a greater sensitivity (with unchanged maximum tension development) in SHR compared with WKY (EC50: 28.4 ± 4.1 nM vs. 98.2 ± 9.4 nM). The exaggerated component of 5‐HT‐induced tension development in SHR was eradicated by polyethylene glycol‐catalase, clorgyline and citalopram whereas exogenously applied H2O2enhanced the 5‐HT‐elicited tension development in WKY. A greater protein expression of MAO‐A was detected in basilar arteries from SHR than in those from WKY. In single myocytes and the entire basilar artery, 5‐HT generated (clorgyline‐sensitive) a greater amount of H2O2in SHR compared with WKY. Whole‐cell iberiotoxin‐sensitive Ca2+‐activated K+(BKCa) amplitude measured in myocytes of SHR was approximately threefold greater than that in WKY (at +60 mV: 7.61 ± 0.89 pA·pF−1vs. 2.61 ± 0.66 pA·pF−1). In SHR myocytes, 5‐HT caused a greater inhibition (clorgyline‐, polyethylene glycol‐catalase‐ and reduced glutathione‐sensitive) of BKCaamplitude than in those from WKY.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS5‐HT caused an increased generation of mitochondrial H2O2via MAO‐A‐mediated 5‐HT metabolism, which caused a greater inhibition of BKCagating in basilar artery myocytes, leading to exaggerated basilar artery tension development in SHR.
In Memory of the Father: Laurence S. Moss
Authors: Moss Joshua Louis 
Published: June 2010

AbstractA personal reflection on the life and philosophy of the late Laurence S. Moss (former editor of the AJES) by his son, Joshua Louis Moss. Mixing personal anecdote with a general academic analysis, Moss informally examines his father's intellectual beginnings in the 1960s drawn from the lectures of Ludwig Von Mises, and traces this through his father's development of innovative teaching techniques like the incorporation of stage magic. Moss examines his father's intellectual contrarianism and canonical skepticism as key developmental foundations used to build his father's academic and pedagogical approach. Moss examines his father's interest in expanding economics through a cross‐disciplinary approach utilizing philosophy, history, sociology, and performance studies through his father's innovative examination of points of contact between the principles of stage magic and the principles of economic theory.
Franz Oppenheimer's (1864–1943) Social Economic Approach to Health
Authors: Backhaus Ursula 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe idea of scholarly synthesis was central to the founders of the American Journal of Economics and Sociology. Franz Oppenheimer (1864–1943) in fact impersonated the idea of scholarly synthesis. Being the son of a Reformist rabbi—these religious roots provided the impulse for his work—he started out as a physician in the industrial suburbs of Berlin; his diagnosis was that he faced social and not medical disease, which consequently brought him to the study of economics. But unlike many mainstream economists today, he insisted on the necessary cooperation between economists and sociologists, ideally in one person. His chair in Frankfurt, showing his own handwriting, was denominated for economic theory and sociology. In this article, I show his contributions with respect to economic aspects of health. These are not well known. Part of the reason is that the field of health economics as it is taught now is very narrow. Therefore, Oppenheimer's health economic contributions tend to be overlooked.
CD8‐positive granulomatous mycosis fungoides: a case report with review of the literature
Authors: Ishida Mitsuaki , Hotta Machiko , Takikita‐Suzuki Mikiko , Kojima Fumiyoshi , Okabe Hidetoshi 
Published: June 2010

Granulomatous mycosis fungoides (GMF) represents an uncommon variant of mycosis fungoides (MF) characterized by the presence of an associated granulomatous reaction. Most cases of GMF are CD4 positive, and CD8 positive cases are extremely rare. Herein, we report a case of CD8‐positive GMF. A 75‐year‐old Japanese woman presented with brownish maculae on the trunk and upper and lower extremities. She had been diagnosed with MF, and most of the eruption improved by psoralen ultraviolet A therapy. However, the eruption relapsed and gradually expanded 5 months prior to her visit to our hospital. Histopathology showed an atypical lymphocytic infiltrate in the dermis accompanied by granulomatous reaction with multinucleated giant cells. Epidermotropism was evident and elastophagocytosis was also found. Immunohistochemically, the atypical lymphocytes expressed βF1, CD3 and CD8, and some of the atypical lymphocytes were also T cell intracellular antigen‐1 positive. These findings were consistent with CD8‐positive GMF. The dermatopathological diagnosis of GMF is challenging in some cases because of the prominent secondary granulomatous reaction. Therefore, when dermatopathologists diagnose granulomatous skin lesions, GMF should also be considered. In addition, the prognosis of GMF, especially CD8‐positive GMF, is still controversial. Additional studies are required to clarify the clinicopathological features of CD8‐positive GMF.Ishida M, Hotta M, Takikita‐Suzuki M, Kojima F, Okabe H. CD8‐positive granulomatous mycosis fungoides: a case report with review of the literature.
Reconstituting Organ-Level Lung Functions on a Chip
Authors: Huh Dongeun , Matthews Benjamin D. , Mammoto Akiko , Montoya-Zavala Martín , Hsin Hong Yuan , Ingber Donald E. 
Published: June 2010

Just BreatheDesign of artificial systems that mimic in vivo organs could provide a better alternative for understanding mechanisms underlying physiological responses than current cell-based models or animal tests.Huhet al.(p.1662) have created a tissue-tissue interface of human-cultured epithelial cells and endothelial cells together, with extracellular matrix in a device that models the alveolar-capillary interface of the human lung. The device mimicked physiological organ-level functions, including pathogen-induced inflammatory responses and responses to cytokine exposure. Breathing-type movements affected acute pulmonary cell toxicity and proinflammatory activity of widely used nanoparticulates.
Molecular Identification ofEntamoebaspp. in Captive Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Levecke B. , Dreesen Leentje , Dorny Pierre , Verweij Jaco J. , Vercammen Francis , Casaert Stijn , Vercruysse Jozef , Geldhof Peter 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACTThis study describes the molecular identification of 520Entamoeba-positive fecal samples from a large and diverse population of captive nonhuman primates (NHP). The results revealed the presence ofEntamoeba histolytica(NHP variant only),E. dispar,E. moshkovskii,E. hartmanni,E. coli, andE. polecki-like organisms.
Emergence and Characterization of
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Typhimurium Phage Type DT191a
Authors: Peters Tansy , Hopkins Katie L. , Lane Chris , Nair Satheesh , Wain John , de Pinna Elizabeth 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT

The emergence of a previously undefined phage type of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium, designated DT191a, occurred in England and Wales in July 2008. The new strain exhibits a number of distinctive phenotypic and genotypic features. This report provides the tools necessary to track
S
. Typhimurium DT191a globally.
Improving HIV-2 Detection by a Combination of Serological and Nucleic Acid Amplification Test Assays
Authors: Ciccaglione Anna Rita , Miceli Michela , Pisani Giulio , Bruni Roberto , Iudicone Paola , Costantino Angela , Equestre Michele , Tritarelli Elena , Marcantonio Cinzia , Tataseo Paola , Marazzi Maria Cristina , Ceffa Susanna , Paturzo Giovanna , Doro Altan Anna Maria , Magnano San Lio Massimo , Mancinelli Sandro , Ciccozzi Massimo , Lo Presti Alessandra , Rezza Giovanni , Palombi Leonardo 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT
The ability to detect HIV-2 and to discriminate between HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections was evaluated in 46 serum samples from Guinea-Bissau (GB) and Guinea-Conakry (GC) using serological tests and commercial (HIV-1) and in-house (HIV-2) real-time PCR assays. Samples were first identified as HIV-2 positive by Genie I/II assay in GB and GC. HIV positivity was detected in 44 of 46 samples by all screening and confirmatory assays. A diagnostic strategy based on Inno-LIA and HIV-1/2 RNA detection assays allowed accurate discrimination between HIV-1 and HIV-2 in 84% of single infections and confirmed 32% of double infections. In samples with double reactivity in the Inno-LIA test and no detection of both genomes, cross-reactivity likely hampered the identification of true double infections. In conclusion, the implementation of a diagnostic strategy, based on multiple specific serological tests and highly sensitive quantitative PCR assays, is recommended to ensure accurate HIV-2 diagnosis and appropriate therapy for individuals from areas in which the virus is endemic.
Evaluation of the MTBDRsl Test for Detection of Second-Line-Drug Resistance in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Kiet Vo Sy , Lan Nguyen Thi Ngoc , An Duong Duy , Dung Nguyen Huy , Hoa Dai Viet , van Vinh Chau Nguyen , Chinh Nguyen Tran , Farrar Jeremy , Caws Maxine 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT
The MTBDRsl assay (Hain Lifescience GmbH, Germany) is a new line probe assay for the detection of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB). The test simultaneously detects resistance to ethambutol, aminoglycosides/cyclic peptides, and fluoroquinolones through detection of mutations in the relevant genes. The assay format is identical to the MTBDR Hain assay. The assay was evaluated for the detection of second-line-drug resistance in Vietnamese isolates using two sample sets from the microbiology department of Pham Ngoc Thach Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, with existing conventional phenotypic drug susceptibility results for second-line drugs: 41 consecutive fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates and 21 consecutive multidrug-resistant but fluoroquinolone-sensitive isolates. The sensitivity for detection of fluoroquinolone resistance was 75.6% (31/41) (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 59.7% to 87.6%), and for kanamycin resistance, the sensitivity was 100% (5/5) (95% CI, 47.8% to 100%). The sensitivity of the test for detection of ethambutol resistance was low, consistent with previous reports, at 64.2% (34/53) (95% CI, 49.8% to 76.9%). The specificity of the test was 100% for all three drugs. These data suggest that the MTBDRsl assay is a rapid, specific test for the detection of XDR TB but should not be used exclusively to “rule out” second-line-drug resistance. Further operational evaluation is required and should be integrated with evaluations of the MTBDR test.
Systematic Internal Transcribed Spacer Sequence Analysis for Identification of Clinical Mold Isolates in Diagnostic Mycology: a 5-Year Study
Authors: Ciardo Diana E. , Lucke Katja , Imhof Alex , Bloemberg Guido V. , Böttger Erik C. 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT

The implementation of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing for routine identification of molds in the diagnostic mycology laboratory was analyzed in a 5-year study. All mold isolates (
n
= 6,900) recovered in our laboratory from 2005 to 2009 were included in this study. According to a defined work flow, which in addition to troublesome phenotypic identification takes clinical relevance into account, 233 isolates were subjected to ITS sequence analysis. Sequencing resulted in successful identification for 78.6% of the analyzed isolates (57.1% at species level, 21.5% at genus level). In comparison, extended in-depth phenotypic characterization of the isolates subjected to sequencing achieved taxonomic assignment for 47.6% of these, with a mere 13.3% at species level. Optimization of DNA extraction further improved the efficacy of molecular identification. This study is the first of its kind to testify to the systematic implementation of sequence-based identification procedures in the routine workup of mold isolates in the diagnostic mycology laboratory.
Clinical Performance of the PreTect HPV-Proofer E6/E7 mRNA Assay in Comparison with That of the Hybrid Capture 2 Test for Identification of Women at Risk of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Ratnam Samuel , Coutlee Francois , Fontaine Dan , Bentley James , Escott Nicholas , Ghatage Prafull , Gadag Veeresh , Holloway Glen , Bartellas Elias , Kum Nick , Giede Christopher , Lear Adrian 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT

Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing has a higher clinical sensitivity than cytology for the detection of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or worse (CIN 2+). However, an improvement in specificity would be desirable. As malignant transformation is induced by HPV E6/E7 oncogenes, detection of E6/E7 oncogene activity may improve specificity and be more predictive of cervical cancer risk. The PreTect HPV-Proofer assay (Proofer; Norchip) detects E6/E7 mRNA transcripts from HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, and 45 with simultaneous genotype-specific identification. The clinical performance of this assay was assessed in a cross-sectional study of women referred for colposcopy in comparison with the Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2; Qiagen) test, which detects DNA of 13 high-risk oncogenic HPV types collectively. Cervical specimens were collected in PreservCyt, and cytology was performed using the ThinPrep method (Hologic). The samples were processed for HPV detection with Proofer and HC2 and genotyping with the Linear Array method (Roche Molecular Systems). Histology-confirmed CIN 2+ served as the disease endpoint to assess the clinical performance of the tests. A total of 1,551 women were studied, and of these, 402 (25.9%) were diagnosed with CIN 2+ on histology. The Proofer assay showed a sensitivity of 78.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 74.1 to 82.1) versus 95.8% (95% CI, 93.8 to 97.8) for HC2 (
P
< 0.05) and a specificity of 75.5% (95% CI, 73.0 to 78.0) versus 39.6% (95% CI, 36.8 to 42.4), respectively (
P
< 0.05). The lower sensitivity and higher specificity of Proofer for detection of CIN 2+ can be attributed to the fact that this test detects the expression of E6/E7 genes beyond a threshold from a limited number of oncogenic HPV types. In conclusion, Proofer is more specific than HC2 in identifying women with CIN 2+ but has a lower sensitivity.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Outbreak Linked to Mineral Water Bottles in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Fast Typing by Use of High-Resolution Melting Analysis of a Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Locus
Authors: Naze F. , Jouen E. , Randriamahazo R. T. , Simac C. , Laurent P. , Blériot A. , Chiroleu F. , Gagnevin L. , Pruvost O. , Michault A. 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is an opportunistic pathogen that causes nosocomial infections in intensive care units. Determining a system of typing that is discriminatory is essential for epidemiological surveillance of
P. aeruginosa
. We developed a method for the typing of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, namely, multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) typing with high-resolution melting analysis (HRMA). The technology was used to genotype a collection of 43 environmental and clinical strains isolated during an outbreak in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) that we report. Nineteen strains isolated in other departments or outside the hospital were also tested. The genetic diversity of this collection was determined using VNTR-HRMA, with amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis as a reference. Twenty-five and 28 genotypes were identified, respectively, and both techniques produced congruent data. VNTR-HRMA established clonal relationships between the strains of
P. aeruginosa
isolated during the outbreak in the NICU and proved, for the first time, the role of mineral water as the inoculum source. VNTR typing with one primer pair in association with HRMA is highly reproducible and discriminative, easily portable among laboratories, fast, and inexpensive, and it demonstrated excellent typeability in this study. VNTR-HRMA represents a promising tool for the molecular surveillance of
P. aeruginosa
and perhaps for molecular epidemiologic analysis of other hospital infections.