bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Antibodies to Four Human Coronaviruses Is Lower in Nasal Secretions than in Serum
Authors: Gorse Geoffrey J. , Patel Gira B. , Vitale Joseph N. , O'Connor Theresa Z. 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACT

Little is known about the prevalence of mucosal antibodies induced by infection with human coronaviruses (HCoV), including HCoV-229E and -OC43 and recently described strains (HCoV-NL63 and -HKU1). By enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we measured anti-HCoV IgG antibodies in serum and IgA antibodies in nasal wash specimens collected at seven U.S. sites from 105 adults aged 50 years and older (mean age, 67 ± 9 years) with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Most patients (95 [90%]) had at least one more chronic disease. More patients had serum antibody to each HCoV strain (104 [99%] had antibody to HCoV-229E, 105 [100%] had antibody to HCoV-OC43, 103 [98%] had antibody to HCoV-NL63, and 96 [91%] had antibody to HCoV-HKU1) than had antibody to each HCoV strain in nasal wash specimens (12 [11%] had antibody to HCoV-229E, 22 [22%] had antibody to HCoV-OC43, 8 [8%] had antibody to HCoV-NL63, and 31 [31%] had antibody to HCoV-HKU1), respectively (
P
< 0.0001). The proportions of subjects with IgA antibodies in nasal wash specimens and the geometric mean IgA antibody titers were statistically higher for HCoV-OC43 and -HKU1 than for HCoV-229E and -NL63. A higher proportion of patients with heart disease than not had IgA antibodies to HCoV-NL63 (6 [16%] versus 2 [3%];
P
= 0.014). Correlations were highest for serum antibody titers between group I strains (HCoV-229E and -NL63 [
r
= 0.443;
P
< 0.0001]) and between group II strains (HCoV-OC43 and -HKU1 [
r
= 0.603;
P
< 0.0001]) and not statistically significant between HCoV-NL63 and -OC43 and between HCoV-NL63 and -HKU1. Patients likely had experienced infections with more than one HCoV strain, and IgG antibodies to these HCoV strains in serum were more likely to be detected than IgA antibodies to these HCoV strains in nasal wash specimens.
Equine Neonates Have Attenuated Humoral and Cell-Mediated Immune Responses to a Killed Adjuvanted Vaccine Compared to Adult Horses
Authors: Ryan Clare , Giguère Steeve 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACTThe objectives of this study were to compare relative vaccine-specific serum immunoglobulin concentrations, vaccine-specific lymphoproliferative responses, and cytokine profiles of proliferating lymphocytes between 3-day-old foals, 3-month-old foals, and adult horses after vaccination with a killed adjuvanted vaccine. Horses were vaccinated intramuscularly twice at 3-week intervals with a vaccine containing antigens from bovine viral respiratory pathogens to avoid interference from maternal antibody. Both groups of foals and adult horses responded to the vaccine with a significant increase in vaccine-specific IgGa and IgG(T) concentrations. In contrast, only adult horses and 3-month-old foals mounted significant vaccine-specific total IgG, IgGb, and IgM responses. Vaccine-specific concentrations of IgM and IgG(T) were significantly different between all groups, with the highest concentrations occurring in adult horses, followed by 3-month-old foals and, finally, 3-day-old foals. Only the adult horses mounted significant vaccine-specific lymphoproliferative responses. Baseline gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) concentrations were significantly lower in 3-day-old foals than in adult horses. Vaccination resulted in a significant decrease in IFN-γ concentrations in adult horses and a significant decrease in IL-4 concentrations in 3-day-old foals. After vaccination, the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4 in both groups of foals was significantly higher than that in adult horses. The results of this study indicate that the humoral and lymphoproliferative immune responses to this killed adjuvanted vaccine are modest in newborn foals. Although immune responses improve with age, 3-month-old foals do not respond with the same magnitude as adult horses.
Evaluation of Molecular Assays for Rapid Detection of Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Malhotra-Kumar Surbhi , Van Heirstraeten Liesbet , Lee Andie , Abrahantes José Cortinas , Lammens Christine , Vanhommerig Evelyn , Molenberghs Geert , Aerts Marc , Harbarth Stephan , Goossens Herman 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACT

The diagnostic sensitivities of the BD GeneOhm and Cepheid Xpert assays were compared using culture on log-serial dilutions of well-characterized methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) and non-MRSA strains and on nasal and groin swabs from patients with histories of MRSA carriage. The sensitivities of GeneOhm and Xpert were high at 10
3
-CFU/ml MRSA concentrations (92.3% and 96.3%, respectively) although decreased considerably (<35%) at a 1-log-lower concentration. Unexpectedly, both assays also detected select coagulase-negative staphylococci, which requires further evaluation.
Identification of a Novel T17 Genotype of
Acanthamoeba
from Environmental Isolates and T10 Genotype Causing Keratitis in Thailand
Authors: Nuprasert Warisa , Putaporntip Chaturong , Pariyakanok Lalida , Jongwutiwes Somchai 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACT

We analyzed the nuclear small-subunit rRNA genes of
Acanthamoeba
isolates from freshwater sources (
n
= 16) and from patients (
n
= 6) in Bangkok and surrounding areas. The T10 genotype from a keratitis patient and a novel T17 genotype from water samples were diagnosed for the first time in this study.
Pacemaker Lead Endocarditis Due to Multidrug-Resistant
Corynebacterium striatum
Detected with Sonication of the Device
Authors: Oliva Alessandra , Belvisi Valeria , Iannetta Marco , Andreoni Carolina , Mascellino Maria T. , Lichtner Miriam , Vullo Vincenzo , Mastroianni Claudio M. 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACT

Corynebacterium striatum
is a commensal of human skin and has been recently recognized as an emerging pathogen. A case of nosocomial pacemaker lead endocarditis due to a multidrug-resistant
C. striatum
strain is described, highlighting the role of sonication as a diagnostic tool in cardiac device infections.
Evaluation of Spectra VRE, a New Chromogenic Agar Medium Designed To Screen for Vancomycin-Resistant
Enterococcus faecalis
and
Enterococcus faecium
Authors: Peterson Jess F. , Doern Christopher D. , Kallstrom George , Riebe Katherine M. , Sander Tara , Dunne William Michael , Ledeboer Nathan A. 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACT

Spectra VRE (Remel, Lenexa, KS) is a chromogenic medium designed to recover and differentiate vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
and
Enterococcus faecalis
(VRE). This medium was compared to bile esculin azide agar (BEAV) and was 98.2% sensitive and 99.3% specific compared to BEAV, which was 87.6% sensitive and 87.1% specific at 24 h.
Codon Optimization of Human Parvovirus B19 Capsid Genes Greatly Increases Their Expression in Nonpermissive Cells
Authors: Zhi Ning , Wan Zhihong , Liu Xiaohong , Wong Susan , Kim Dong Joo , Young Neal S. , Kajigaya Sachiko 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACT

Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is pathogenic for humans and has an extreme tropism for human erythroid progenitors. We report cell type-specific expression of the B19V capsid genes (
VP1
and
VP2
) and greatly increased B19V capsid protein production in nonpermissive cells by codon optimization. Codon usage limitation, rather than promoter type and the 3′ untranslated region of the capsid genes, appears to be a key factor in capsid protein production in nonpermissive cells. Moreover, B19 virus-like particles were successfully generated in nonpermissive cells by transient transfection of a plasmid carrying both codon-optimized
VP1
and
VP2
genes.
Fitness Disadvantage of Transitional Intermediates Contributes to Dynamic Change in the Infecting-Virus Population during Coreceptor Switch in R5 Simian/Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Macaques
Authors: Shakirzyanova Madina , Ren Wuze , Zhuang Ke , Tasca Silvana , Cheng-Mayer Cecilia 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACT

Fitness disadvantage of the transitional intermediates compared to the initial R5 viruses has been suggested to constitute one of the blockades to coreceptor switching, explaining the late appearance of X4 viruses. Using a simian model for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) coreceptor switching, we demonstrate in this study that similar molecular evolutionary pathways to coreceptor switch occur in more than one R5 simian/human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV)
SF162P3N
-infected macaque. In infected animals where multiple pathways for expansion or switch to CXCR4 coexist, fitness of the transitional intermediates in coreceptor usage efficiency influences their outgrowth and representation in the infecting virus population. Dualtropic and X4 viruses appear at different disease stages, but they have lower entry efficiency than the coexisting R5 strains, which may explain why they do not outcompete the R5 viruses. Similar observations were made in two infected macaques with coreceptor switch, providing
in vivo
evidence that fitness disadvantage is an obstacle to X4 emergence and expansion.
Nodavirus-Induced Membrane Rearrangement in Replication Complex Assembly Requires Replicase Protein A, RNA Templates, and Polymerase Activity
Authors: Kopek Benjamin G. , Settles Erik W. , Friesen Paul D. , Ahlquist Paul 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACT

Positive-strand RNA [(+)RNA] viruses invariably replicate their RNA genomes on modified intracellular membranes. In infected
Drosophila
cells, Flock House nodavirus (FHV) RNA replication complexes form on outer mitochondrial membranes inside ∼50-nm, virus-induced spherular invaginations similar to RNA replication-linked spherules induced by many (+)RNA viruses at various membranes. To better understand replication complex assembly, we studied the mechanisms of FHV spherule formation. FHV has two genomic RNAs; RNA1 encodes multifunctional RNA replication protein A and RNA interference suppressor protein B2, while RNA2 encodes the capsid proteins. Expressing genomic RNA1 without RNA2 induced mitochondrial spherules indistinguishable from those in FHV infection. RNA1 mutation showed that protein B2 was dispensable and that protein A was the only FHV protein required for spherule formation. However, expressing protein A alone only “zippered” together the surfaces of adjacent mitochondria, without inducing spherules. Thus, protein A is necessary but not sufficient for spherule formation. Coexpressing protein A plus a replication-competent FHV RNA template induced RNA replication in
trans
and membrane spherules. Moreover, spherules were not formed when replicatable FHV RNA templates were expressed with protein A bearing a single, polymerase-inactivating amino acid change or when wild-type protein A was expressed with a nonreplicatable FHV RNA template. Thus, unlike many (+)RNA viruses, the membrane-bounded compartments in which FHV RNA replication occurs are not induced solely by viral protein(s) but require viral RNA synthesis. In addition to replication complex assembly, the results have implications for nodavirus interaction with cell RNA silencing pathways and other aspects of virus control.
Quantitative and Qualitative RNA-Seq-Based Evaluation of Epstein-Barr Virus Transcription in Type I Latency Burkitt's Lymphoma Cells
Authors: Lin Zhen , Xu Guorong , Deng Nan , Taylor Christopher , Zhu Dongxiao , Flemington Erik K. 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACT
RNA-seq provides a rich source of transcriptome information with high qualitative and quantitative value. Here, we provide a pipeline for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) transcriptome analysis using RNA-seq and we apply it to two type I latency cell lines, Mutu I and Akata. This analysis revealed substantial average expression levels of many lytic genes in predominantly latent cell populations. The lytic transcripts BHLF1 and LF3 were expressed at levels greater than those for 98% of all cellular polyadenylated transcripts. Exon junction mapping accurately identified the Qp-derived EBNA1 splicing pattern, lytic gene splicing, and a complex splicing pattern within the BamHI A region.
Structural Basis of Local, pH-Dependent Conformational Changes in Glycoprotein B from Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1
Authors: Stampfer Samuel D. , Lou Huan , Cohen Gary H. , Eisenberg Roselyn J. , Heldwein Ekaterina E. 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACT
Herpesviruses enter cells by membrane fusion either at the plasma membrane or in endosomes, depending on the cell type. Glycoprotein B (gB) is a conserved component of the multiprotein herpesvirus fusion machinery and functions as a fusion protein, with two internal fusion loops, FL1 and FL2. We determined the crystal structures of the ectodomains of two FL1 mutants of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) gB to clarify whether their fusion-null phenotypes were due to global or local effects of the mutations on the structure of the gB ectodomain. Each mutant has a single point mutation of a hydrophobic residue in FL1 that eliminates the hydrophobic side chain. We found that neither mutation affected the conformation of FL1, although one mutation slightly altered the conformation of FL2, and we conclude that the fusion-null phenotype is due to the absence of a hydrophobic side chain at the mutated position. Because the ectodomains of the wild-type and the mutant forms of gB crystallized at both low and neutral pH, we were able to determine the effect of pH on gB conformation at the atomic level. For viruses that enter cells by endocytosis, the low pH of the endosome effects major conformational changes in their fusion proteins, thereby promoting fusion of the viral envelope with the endosomal membrane. We show here that upon exposure of gB to low pH, FL2 undergoes a major relocation, probably driven by protonation of a key histidine residue. Relocation of FL2, as well as additional small conformational changes in the gB ectodomain, helps explain previously noted changes in its antigenic and biochemical properties. However, no global pH-dependent changes in gB structure were detected in either the wild-type or the mutant forms of gB. Thus, low pH causes local conformational changes in gB that are very different from the large-scale fusogenic conformational changes in other viral fusion proteins. We propose that these conformational changes, albeit modest, play an important functional role during endocytic entry of HSV.
Genotypic and phenotypic characterisation of invasiveStreptococcus pneumoniaeisolates from Hungary, and coverage of the conjugate vaccines
Authors: Dobay Orsolya , Ungvári Ágnes , Kardos Szilvia , Kristóf Katalin , Hajdú Edit , Szabó Judit , Knausz Márta , Nagy Erzsébet , Rozgonyi Ferenc , Amyes Sebastian G B , Nagy Károly 
Published: October 2010

Background and aimsThe 7-valent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine (Prevenar) was introduced as a recommended (but not yet obligatory) vaccine in Hungary in April 2009 and there was a sharp increase in the number of children vaccinated. Hence there is an urgent need for in-depth epidemiological data on invasive pneumococci before vaccination becomes widespread. Such a study has never been done before in Hungary.Methods144 pneumococcal isolates, obtained from invasive infections or pneumonia, were collected from eight Hungarian diagnostic laboratories between 2000 and 2008. After confirmation of species identity, their susceptibilities to nine antibiotics were determined by Etest and agar dilution method. The serotypes and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis genotypes of the strains were also determined.ResultsIn this cohort, most of the isolates were from patients at the extreme of life. Only 1.4% of the strains were resistant to penicillin, but nearly 40% were resistant to erythromycin (mainly due to erm(B) gene). Higher incidences of resistance were found in the very young and very old. The most prevalent serotypes in the cohort in descending order were 14, 6A, 6, 6B, 23F, 3, 19F and 11A.ConclusionsResults showed a similar but not identical profile to previously examined strains causing pulmonary infections in Hungary. The serotypes could be correlated to patient groups. Furthermore, there were examples of serotype switching in strains showing identical genotype but different serotype. The study also shows a good coverage by the conjugate vaccines over the invasive pneumococcal strains in Hungary based on the detected serotypes.
Human papillomavirus prevalence in invasive cervical carcinomas in Bulgaria
Authors: Todorova I , Ganchev G , Shikova E 
Published: October 2010

BackgroundAlthough Bulgaria has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality in the EU, data on HPV type distribution are limited.AimTo determine the prevalence of HPV types 16 and 18 in archival specimens from cervical cancer cases from Bulgaria.MethodsA total of 145 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples from women with histologically proven invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix were available for this study. Detection of HPV types 16 and 18 was based on two parallel PCRs from each sample using type-specific primers for these genotypes. The quality of the extracted DNA was evaluated by PCR using PC03/PC04 β-globin-specific primers. Sections from each block were H&E stained and assessed by the study pathologist to confirm the histological diagnosis.ResultsOf the 127 β-globin-positive squamous cell carcinoma cases, 98 (77.2%) were positive for HPV16 and/or HPV18 DNA. HPV16 was the more prevalent type and was found as a single infection in 86 (67.7%) cases. HPV type 18 as a single infection was detected in eight (6.3%) cases. Four specimens (3.2%) were double infected with HPV types 16 and 18.ConclusionsHPV types 16 and 18 are important risk factors for cervical cancer in Bulgaria. These data are helpful for estimating the potential impact of HPV vaccines in Bulgaria and indicate that ∼77% of cervical cancer cases in the country are potentially preventable by vaccination with currently available prophylactic HPV16/18 vaccines.
Qualitative analysis of Camel Snus' website message board—users' product perceptions, insights and online interactions
Authors: Wackowski Olivia Ann , Lewis M Jane , Delnevo Cristine D 
Published: October 2010

BackgroundIn 2006, RJ Reynolds began test-marketing Camel Snus, a new smokeless tobacco (SLT) product. Promotion included use of a brand website, a relatively new marketing channel used by tobacco companies, which allowed visitors to learn about the product and discuss it with others on the website's message board. Our study aimed to examine early experiences with and perceptions of Camel Snus as described by board contributors and also to consider the use and benefits of the message board for both consumers and the company.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative analysis, coding each message in Atlas.Ti and analysing it for emerging themes and patterns. Messages were also coded for demographic information where evident, such as tobacco use status and geographical location. Descriptive data and illustrative quotes are presented.ResultsBoard participants described being introduced to Camel Snus through free samples. Favourable evaluations were posted by current smokers who had never tried SLT before as well as current users of other SLT brands. Messages indicated both initiation of dual product use among smokers and product substitution. Participants used the board to advise each other on how to use the product, where to get more, suggest ways RJ Reynolds could improve the product and to encourage RJ Reynolds to release it nationally.DiscussionCamel Snus has appeal for at least some smokers and SLT users. Camel Snus' website message board may have been a doubly beneficial marketing feature in both connecting product users and providing product feedback to the company during test-marketing.
On gregarious behavior inAlbertosaurusThis article is one of a series of papers published in this Special Issue on the themeAlbertosaurus.
Authors: Currie Philip J. , Eberth David A. 
Published: October 2010

One century ago, a field party from the American Museum of Natural History discovered a bonebed in the Upper Cretaceous Horseshoe Canyon Formation of Alberta, Canada. Excavations by that museum, the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, and the University of Alberta have revealed the presence of at least a dozen individuals — represented by articulated partial skeletons, associated skeletons, and disarticulated isolated elements — of Albertosaurus sarcophagus . Tyrannosaurids dominate the bonebed assemblage, which also includes an adult Hypacrosaurus altispinus , two individuals of Albertonykus borealis , and numerous other, predominantly terrestrial, vertebrates. Skeletal morphology, phylogenetic inference, monodominant bonebeds, trackway sites, and ecological inferences support the notion that some non-avian theropods were gregarious animals. And specifically in the Albertosaurus bonebed, associated geologic and taphonomic evidence do not rule out a behavioural component in this catastrophic, mass-death assemblage.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Improves Word Retrieval in Healthy and Nonfluent Aphasic Subjects
Authors: Fiori Valentina , Coccia Michela , Marinelli Chiara V. , Vecchi Veronica , Bonifazi Silvia , Ceravolo M. Gabriella , Provinciali Leandro , Tomaiuolo Francesco , Marangolo Paola 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
A number of studies have shown that modulating cortical activity by means of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) affects performances of both healthy and brain-damaged subjects. In this study, we investigated the potential of tDCS to enhance associative verbal learning in 10 healthy individuals and to improve word retrieval deficits in three patients with stroke-induced aphasia. In healthy individuals, tDCS (20 min, 1 mA) was applied over Wernicke's area (position CP5 of the International 10–20 EEG System) while they learned 20 new “words” (legal nonwords arbitrarily assigned to 20 different pictures). The healthy subjects participated in a randomized counterbalanced double-blind procedure in which they were subjected to one session of anodic tDCS over left Wernicke's area, one sham session over this location and one session of anodic tDCS stimulating the right occipito-parietal area. Each experimental session was performed during a different week (over three consecutive weeks) with 6 days of intersession interval. Over 2 weeks, three aphasic subjects participated in a randomized double-blind experiment involving intensive language training for their anomic difficulties in two tDCS conditions. Each subject participated in five consecutive daily sessions of anodic tDCS (20 min, 1 mA) and sham stimulation over Wernicke's area while they performed a picture-naming task. By the end of each week, anodic tDCS had significantly improved their accuracy on the picture-naming task. Both normal subjects and aphasic patients also had shorter naming latencies during anodic tDCS than during sham condition. At two follow-ups (1 and 3 weeks after the end of treatment), performed only in two aphasic subjects, response accuracy and reaction times were still significantly better in the anodic than in the sham condition, suggesting a long-term effect on recovery of their anomic disturbances.