bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genotypic and Phenotypic Characterization of Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Isolates Misidentified as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by the BD GeneOhm MRSA Assay
Authors: Stamper Paul D. , Louie Lisa , Wong Henry , Simor Andrew E. , Farley Jason E. , Carroll Karen C. 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT

Twenty-three nasal swab samples that tested positive for methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) on initial testing by the BD GeneOhm MRSA assay (BD-MRSA PCR; BD GeneOhm, San Diego, CA) were culture positive only for methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
(MSSA) from an enrichment broth. The 23 recovered isolates were confirmed as MSSA by a variety of phenotypic methods, including the BD Phoenix automated microbiology system (BD Diagnostics, Sparks, MD), oxacillin screening agar (BD Diagnostics), BBL CHROMagar MRSA (BD Diagnostics), and a PBP2′ assay (Denka Seiken Co., Tokyo, Japan); susceptibilities were determined by using Mueller-Hinton agar with oxacillin. All were positive by
nuc
PCR, specific for
S. aureus
, but negative for
mecA
with one exception. Isolates were characterized by using multiplex PCR methodology to determine structural types and variants (SCC
mec
typing); additional PCRs were performed for the detection of the
ccr
and
mec
complexes, the junkyard regions as well as the Panton-Valentine leukocidin. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was used to determine clonality. One phenotypic MSSA isolate contained an intact SCC
mec
. Twelve MSSA isolates tested positive for MRSA by the BD-MRSA PCR because of amplification of the
mec
priming site flanking the SCC insertion point, although these isolates lacked
mecA
. The 10 remaining isolates were not MRSA and tested as MSSA by phenotypic and genotypic assays. In our patient population, diagnostic and surveillance testing and subsequent infection control practices may be impacted by the frequency of these excision events when using the BD-MRSA PCR for MRSA detection.
A Rab11- and Microtubule-Dependent Mechanism for Cytoplasmic Transport of Influenza A Virus Viral RNA
Authors: Amorim Maria Joao , Bruce Emily A. , Read Eliot K. C. , Foeglein Ágnes , Mahen Robert , Stuart Amanda D. , Digard Paul 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT

The viral RNA (vRNA) genome of influenza A virus is replicated in the nucleus, exported to the cytoplasm as ribonucleoproteins (RNPs), and trafficked to the plasma membrane through uncertain means. Using fluorescent
in situ
hybridization to detect vRNA as well as the live cell imaging of fluorescently labeled RNPs, we show that an early event in vRNA cytoplasmic trafficking involves accumulation near the microtubule organizing center in multiple cell types and viral strains. Here, RNPs colocalized with Rab11, a pericentriolar recycling endosome marker. Cytoplasmic RNP localization was perturbed by inhibitors of vesicular trafficking, microtubules, or the short interfering RNA-mediated depletion of Rab11. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged RNPs in living cells demonstrated rapid, bidirectional, and saltatory movement, which is characteristic of microtubule-based transport, and also cotrafficked with fluorescent Rab11. Coprecipitation experiments showed an interaction between RNPs and the GTP-bound form of Rab11, potentially mediated via the PB2 subunit of the polymerase. We propose that influenza virus RNPs are routed from the nucleus to the pericentriolar recycling endosome (RE), where they access a Rab11-dependent vesicular transport pathway to the cell periphery.
IL-15 and Type I Interferon Are Required for Activation of Tumoricidal NK Cells by Virus-Infected Dendritic Cells
Authors: Boudreau Jeanette E. , Stephenson Kyle B. , Wang Fuan , Ashkar Ali A. , Mossman Karen L. , Lenz Laurel L. , Rosenthal Kenneth L. , Bramson Jonathan L. , Lichty Brian D. , Wan Yonghong 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
There is increasing evidence that natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in antitumor immunity following dendritic cell (DC) vaccination. Little is known, however, about the optimal stimulation of DCs that favors NK activation in tumor-bearing hosts. In this study, we demonstrate that treatment with toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands and infection with a mutant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV-ΔM51) both induced DC maturation. Further, inoculation of these DCs led to robust NK-mediated protection against tumor challenge. Strikingly, only VSV-ΔM51-infected DCs were capable of suppressing the growth of established tumors, suggesting that additional signals provided by viral infection may be required to activate tumoricidal NK cells in tumor-bearing hosts. VSV-ΔM51 infection of DCs induced greater type I interferon (IFN I) production than TLR ligand treatment, and disruption of the IFN I pathway in DCs eliminated their ability to induce NK activation and tumor protection. However, further studies indicated that IFN I alone was not sufficient to activate NK cells, especially in the presence of a tumor, and DC-derived IL-15 was additionally required for tumoricidal NK activation. These results suggest that induction of IFN I by VSV-ΔM51 allows DCs to overcome tumor-associated immunosuppression and facilitate IL-15–mediated priming of tumoricidal NK cells. Thus, the mode of DC maturation should be carefully considered when designing DC-based cancer immunotherapies. Cancer Res; 71(7); 2497–506. ©2011 AACR.
Phase I Study of NGR-hTNF, a Selective Vascular Targeting Agent, in Combination with Cisplatin in Refractory Solid Tumors
Authors: Gregorc Vanesa , De Braud Filippo G. , De Pas Tommaso M. , Scalamogna Roberto , Citterio Giovanni , Milani Alessandra , Boselli Sabrina , Catania Chiara , Donadoni Giovanni , Rossoni Gilda , Ghio Domenico , Spitaleri Gianluca , Ammannati Cristina , Colombi Scialini , Caligaris-Cappio Federico , Lambiase Antonio , Bordignon Claudio 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Purpose: NGR-hTNF exploits the tumor-homing peptide asparagine-glycine-arginine (NGR) for selectively targeting TNF-α to an aminopeptidase N overexpressed on cancer endothelial cells. Preclinical synergism with cisplatin was displayed even at low doses. This study primarily aimed to explore the safety of low-dose NGR-hTNF combined with cisplatin in resistant/refractory malignancies. Secondary aims included pharmacokinetics (PKs), pharmacodynamics, and activity.
Experimental Design: NGR-hTNF was escalated using a doubling-dose scheme (0.2–0.4–0.8–1.6 μg/m2) in combination with fixed-dose of cisplatin (80 mg/m2), both given intravenously once every three weeks. PKs and circulating TNF-receptors (sTNF-Rs) were assessed over the first three cycles.
Results: Globally, 22 patients (12 pretreated with platinum) received a range of one to ten cycles. Consistently with the low-dose range tested, maximum-tolerated dose was not reached. No dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were observed at 0.2 (n = 4) and 0.4 μg/m2 (n = 3). One DLT (grade 3 infusion-related reaction) was observed at 0.8 μg/m2. This dose cohort was expanded to six patients without further DLTs. No DLTs were noted also at 1.6 μg/m2 (n = 3). NGR-hTNF exposure increased dose-proportionally without apparent PK interactions with cisplatin. No shedding of sTNF-Rs was detected up to 0.8 μg/m2. At the dose level of 0.8 μg/m2, expanded to 12 patients for activity assessment, a platinum-pretreated lung cancer patient achieved a partial response lasting more than six months and five patients maintained stable disease for a median time of 5.9 months.
Conclusions: The combination of NGR-hTNF 0.8 μg/m2 with cisplatin 80 mg/m2 showed favorable toxicity profile and promising antitumor activity. Clin Cancer Res; 17(7); 1964–72. ©2011 AACR.
Optimization of the piston geometry of a diesel engine using a two-spray-angle nozzle
Authors: Dolak J , Reitz R D 
Published: February 2011

The objective of this research was to optimize a light-duty diesel engine in order to minimize the soot, nitrogen oxide (NO x), carbon monoxide (CO), and unburned hydrocarbon emissions, and the peak pressure rise rate while minimizing the gross indicated specific fuel consumption (GISFC) in a low-oxygen low-temperature environment. The variables considered were the injection timings, the fractional amount of fuel per injection, the swirl, and the piston geometry. The KIVA-CHEMKIN code (a multi-dimensional computational fluid dynamics program with detailed chemistry) was used and was coupled to a multi-objective genetic algorithm, together with an automated grid generator. A unique two-spray-angle nozzle (2SAN) was explored. This nozzle allows both the lower and the upper portions of the bowl to be targeted simultaneously. With the 2SAN, stepped-bowl piston, and split-injection strategy, the NO x and soot emissions and the GISFC were further reduced in comparison with well-performing cases that used a single-hole nozzle (SHN) with two injections. The soot and NO x emissions were reduced by 67 per cent and 63 per cent respectively while the fuel consumption was improved by nearly 4 per cent. The second-injection timing was also varied with the selected case and compared with the well-performing SHN cases. This showed that the GISFC did not depend on the second-SOI timing as much as in the SHN cases. This leads to greater flexibility as to when the second SOI can occur. The 2SAN case performed particularly well with a highly diluted intake charge with an early second injection. Soot was further reduced while maintaining the GISFC. The last part of the study explored the benefits of the 2SAN at midload conditions (10.5 bar) at both 2000 r/min and 4000 r/min. The 2SAN reduced CO emissions by 20 per cent and 50 per cent for the low-speed and high-speed cases respectively. This research shows the importance of the bowl geometry, spray targeting, injection timing, split fuel amounts, and swirl on the emissions and fuel efficiency in direct-injection diesel engines.
Conditional HIF-1 induction produces multistage neovascularization with stage-specific sensitivity to VEGFR inhibitors and myeloid cell independence
Authors: Oladipupo Sunday S. , Hu Song , Santeford Andrea C. , Yao Junjie , Kovalski Joanna R. , Shohet Ralph V. , Maslov Konstantin , Wang Lihong V. , Arbeit Jeffrey M. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractNeovascularization is a crucial component of tumor growth and ischemia. Although prior work primarily used disease models, delineation of neovascularization in the absence of disease can reveal intrinsic mechanisms of microvessel regulation amenable to manipulation in illness. We created a conditional model of epithelial HIF-1 induction in adult mice (TetON-HIF-1 mice). Longitudinal photoacoustic microscopy (L-PAM) was coincidentally developed for noninvasive, label-free serial imaging of red blood cell-perfused vasculature in the same mouse for weeks to months. TetON-HIF-1 mice evidenced 3 stages of neovascularization: development, maintenance, and transgene-dependent regression. Regression occurred despite extensive and tight pericyte coverage. L-PAM mapped microvascular architecture and quantified volumetric changes in neocapillary morphogenesis, arteriovenous remodeling, and microvessel regression. Developmental stage endothelial proliferation down-regulation was associated with a DNA damage checkpoint consisting of p53, p21, and endothelial γ-H2AX induction. The neovasculature was temporally responsive to VEGFR2 immuno-blockade, with the developmental stage sensitive, and the maintenance stage resistant, to DC101 treatment. L-PAM analysis also pinpointed microvessels ablated or resistant to VEGFR2 immuno-blockade. HIF-1–recruited myeloid cells did not mediate VEGFR2 inhibitor resistance. Thus, HIF-1 neovascularization in the absence of disease is self-regulated via cell autonomous endothelial checkpoints, and resistant to angiogenesis inhibitors independent of myeloid cells.
Functional genomics of the horn fly, Haematobia irritans (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Torres Lorena , Almazán Consuelo , Ayllón Nieves , Galindo Ruth C , Rosario-Cruz Rodrigo , Quiroz-Romero Héctor , de la Fuente José 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe horn fly,Haematobia irritans(Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Muscidae) is one of the most important ectoparasites of pastured cattle. Horn flies infestations reduce cattle weight gain and milk production. Additionally, horn flies are mechanical vectors of different pathogens that cause disease in cattle. The aim of this study was to conduct a functional genomics study in female horn flies using Expressed Sequence Tags (EST) analysis and RNA interference (RNAi).ResultsA cDNA library was made from whole abdominal tissues collected from partially fed adult female horn flies. High quality horn fly ESTs (2,160) were sequenced and assembled into 992 unigenes (178 contigs and 814 singlets) representing molecular functions such as serine proteases, cell metabolism, mitochondrial function, transcription and translation, transport, chromatin structure, vitellogenesis, cytoskeleton, DNA replication, cell response to stress and infection, cell proliferation and cell-cell interactions, intracellular trafficking and secretion, and development. Functional analyses were conducted using RNAi for the first time in horn flies. Gene knockdown by RNAi resulted in higher horn fly mortality (protease inhibitor functional group), reduced oviposition (vitellogenin, ferritin and vATPase groups) or both (immune response and 5'-NUC groups) when compared to controls. Silencing of ubiquitination ESTs did not affect horn fly mortality and ovisposition while gene knockdown in the ferritin and vATPse functional groups reduced mortality when compared to controls.ConclusionsThese results advanced the molecular characterization of this important ectoparasite and suggested candidate protective antigens for the development of vaccines for the control of horn fly infestations.
Assessment of phytochemical content, polyphenolic composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Leguminosae medicinal plants in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Chew Yik Ling , Ling Chan Elaine Wan , Tan Pei Ling , Lim Yau Yan , Stanslas Johnson , Goh Joo Kheng 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Many medicinal plants from Leguminosae family can be found easily in Malaysia. These plants have been used as traditional medicines by local ethnic groups, where they are prepared as decoction, pastes for wound infections, and some have been eaten as salad. This paper focused on the assessment of antioxidant potential, antibacterial activity and classes of phytochemicals of nine plants from the Leguminosae family.

Methods

Acacia auriculiformis, Bauhinia kockiana, Bauhinia purpurea, Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Calliandra tergemina, Cassia surattensis, Leucaena leucocephala, Peltophorum pterocarpum, and Samanea saman were extracted with aqueous methanol and dichloromethane:methanol mixture to test for antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The Folin-Ciocalteu assay was conducted to quantify the total phenolic content and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was used to determine the free radical quenching capacity. Antibacterial activity was assessed using disc diffusion (Kirby-Bauer) assay. Screening for major classes of phytochemical was done using standard chemical tests.

Results

B. kockiana flowers and C. pulcherrima leaves contained high total phenolic content (TPC) and strong DPPH radical scavenging ability with TPC of 8280 ± 498 mg GAE/100 g, IC50 of 27.0 ± 5.0 μg/mL and TPC of 5030 ± 602 mg GAE/100 g, IC50 of 50.0 ± 5.0 μg/mL respectively. Positive correlation was observed between TPC and free radical scavenging ability. Most extracts showed antibacterial activity against Gram positive bacteria at 1 mg, while none showed activity against Gram negative bacteria at the same dose. All extracts (except Samanea saman flower) showed antibacterial activity against two strains of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with MID values ranging between 100 μg/disc and 500 μg/disc.

Conclusion
The potential source of antioxidant and antibacterial agents, especially for MRSA infection treatments were found in B. kockiana, C. pulcherrima, C. tergemina and P. pterocarpum. These preliminary results would be a guide in the selection of potential candidates for further pharmacological study and in search of new drug candidate in treating MRSA infections.
β-TrCP is dispensable for Vpu's ability to overcome the CD317/Tetherin-imposed restriction to HIV-1 release
Authors: Tervo Hanna-Mari , Homann Stefanie , Ambiel Ina , Fritz Joëlle V , Fackler Oliver T , Keppler Oliver T 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
The cellular transmembrane protein CD317/BST-2/HM1.24/Tetherin restricts HIV-1 infection by physically tethering mature virions to the surface of infected cells. HIV-1 counteracts this restriction by expressing the accessory protein Vpu, yet the mechanism of this antagonism is incompletely understood. β-TrCP is the substrate recognition domain of an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex that interacts with the di-serine motif S52/S56 in the cytoplasmic tail of Vpu to target the CD4 receptor for proteasomal degradation. Recently, it has been suggested that β-TrCP is also critically involved in Vpu's ability to overcome the CD317-mediated virion release block.

Results
To test this model, we analyzed the consequences of several experimental strategies to interfere with the Vpu-β-TrCP protein-protein interaction. Under these conditions, we studied effects of Vpu on expression and localization of CD317 and CD4, as well as on its ability to promote HIV-1 release. Our results demonstrate a strict requirement for Vpu's di-serine motif for degradation of CD4 and also CD317, reduction of cell surface exposure of CD317, and HIV-1 release enhancement. We further show a critical role of β-TrCP2, but not of the structurally related β-TrCP1 isoform, for Vpu-mediated degradation of both receptors. Most importantly, Vpu remained active in downregulating CD317 from the cell surface and in overcoming the HIV-1 release restriction in β-TrCP-depleted cells.

Conclusions
These results demonstrate that β-TrCP is not strictly required for Vpu's ability to counteract the CD317-imposed virion release block and support the relevance of cell surface down-modulation of the restriction factor as a central mechanism of Vpu antagonism. Moreover, we propose the existence of a critical, yet to be identified cellular factor that interacts with Vpu via its di-serine motif to alter the trafficking of the restriction factor.
Progress towards the eradication of Tsetse from the Loos islands, Guinea
Authors: Kagbadouno Moise S , Camara Mamadou , Bouyer Jérémy , Courtin Fabrice , Onikoyamou Mory F , Schofield Chris J , Solano Philippe 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe tsetse flyGlossina palpalis gambiensisis the main vector of sleeping sickness (Human African Trypanosomiasis - HAT) in West Africa, in particular in littoral Guinea where this disease is currently very active. The Loos islands constitute a small archipelago some 5 km from mainland Guinea, whereG. p. gambiensisis well known as a nuisance and potential disease vector by inhabitants of the three main islands, Fotoba, Room, and Kassa. The National Control Program against HAT of Guinea has decided to eradicate tsetse in Loos islands in order to sustainably protect humans and economic activities. After baseline data collection, tsetse control began on the islands in 2006. On each of the three islands a specific combination of control methods was implemented according to the entomological situation found.ResultsStarting densities before control operations were 10, 3 and 1 tsetse/trap/day in Kassa, Room and Fotoba respectively, but by July 2010, tsetse were no longer caught in any of the sentinel traps used for monitoring. The reduction rate was faster where several control methods were implemented as a combination (impregnated traps and targets ITT, selective groundspraying, epicutaneous insecticide treatment of pigs, and impregnated fences around pig pens), whereas it was slower when ITT were used as the only control method.ConclusionsThis 100% suppression is a promising step in the eradication process, butG. p. gambiensismay still occur at very low, undetectable, densities on the archipelago. Next step will consist in assessing a 0.05 probability of tsetse absence to ascertain a provisional eradication status. Throughout these operations, a key factor has been the involvement of local teams and local communities without whom such results would be impossible to obtain. Work will continue thanks to the partners involved until total eradication of the tsetse on Loos islands can be declared.
A direct product coming from a particular set of character degrees
Authors: Aziziheris Kamal 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
We prove that if G is a solvable group with cd(G) = {1, m, p, q, mp, mq}, where p and q are distinct primes and m > 1 is an integer not divisible by p or q, then G = A × B, where cd(A) = {1, p, q} and cd(B) = {1, m}. This generalizes [Lewis, J. Algebra 206: 235–260, 1998, Theorem A].
Zebrafish assessment of cognitive improvement and anxiolysis: filling the gap betweenin vitroand rodent models for drug development
Authors: Levin Edward D. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractZebrafish can provide a valuable animal model to screen potential cognitive enhancing and anxiolytic drugs. They are economical and can provide a relatively quick indication of possible functional efficacy. In as much as they have a complex nervous system and elaborate behavioral repertoire, zebrafish can provide a good intermediate model betweenin vitroreceptor and cell-based assays and classic mammalian models for drug screening. In addition, the variety of molecular tools available in zebrafish makes them outstanding models for helping to determine the neuromolecular mechanisms for psychoactive drugs. However, to use zebrafish as a translational model we must have validated, sensitive and efficient behavioral tests. In a series of studies, our lab has developed tests of cognitive function and stress response, which are sensitive to drug effects in a similar manner as rodent models and humans for cognitive enhancement and alleviating stress response. In particular, the three-chamber task for learning and memory was shown to be sensitive to the cognitive enhancing effects of nicotine and has been useful in helping to determine neural mechanisms crucial for nicotinic-induced cognitive enhancement. The novel tank diving test was shown to be a valid and efficient test of stress response. It is sensitive to the reduction in stress-related behaviors due to the amxiolytic drugs diazepam and buspirone but not chlordiazepoxide. Nicotine also causes stress alleviating effects which can be interpreted as anxiolytic effects. Zebrafish models of behavioral pharmacology can be useful to efficiently screen test compounds for drug development and can be useful in helping to determine the mechanisms crucial for new therapeutic treatments of neurobehavioral impairments.