bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
trans-Sialidase Neutralizing Antibody Detection in Trypanosoma cruzi-Infected Domestic Reservoirs
Authors: Sartor Paula A. , Cardinal Martha V. , Orozco Marcela M. , Gürtler Ricardo E. , Leguizamón M. Susana 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThe detection ofTrypanosoma cruziinfection in domestic dogs and cats is relevant to evaluating human transmission risks and the effectiveness of insecticide spraying campaigns. However, the serological assays routinely used are associated with cross-reactivity in sera from mammals infected withLeishmaniaspp. We used atrans-sialidase inhibition assay (TIA) forT. cruzidiagnosis in serum samples from 199 dogs and 57 cats from areas where these types of infections are endemic. TIA is based on the antibody neutralization of recombinanttrans-sialidase, an enzyme that is not detected in the coendemicLeishmaniaspecies orTrypanosoma rangeliparasites.T. cruziinfection was also evaluated by conventional serology (CS) (indirect immunofluorescence, indirect hemagglutination, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunochromatographic dipstick test) and xenodiagnosis. Sera from 30 dogs and 15 cats from areas where these organisms are not endemic and 5 dogs with visceral leishmaniasis were found to be nonreactive by TIA and CS. Samples from dogs and cats demonstrated 91 and 95% copositivities between TIA and CS, whereas the conegativities were 98 and 97%, respectively. Sera from xenodiagnosis-positive dogs and cats also reacted by TIA (copositivities of 97 and 83%, respectively). TIA was reactive in three CS-negative samples and was able to resolve results in two cat serum samples that were CS inconclusive. Our study is the first to describe the development oftrans-sialidase neutralizing antibodies in naturally infected dogs and cats. High CS conegativity and the absence oftrans-sialidase neutralization in dog sera from areas where leishmaniasis is not endemic and from dogs with visceral leishmaniasis support TIA specificity. The TIA may be a useful tool forT. cruzidetection in the main domestic reservoirs.
Novel Electrical Method for Early Detection of Viable Bacteria in Blood Cultures
Authors: Puttaswamy Sachidevi , Lee Byung Doo , Sengupta Shramik 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

We present a novel electrical method for detecting viable bacteria in blood cultures that is 4 to 10 times faster than continuous monitoring blood culture systems (CMBCS) like the Bactec system. Proliferating bacteria are detected via an increase in the bulk capacitance of suspensions, and the threshold concentration for detection is ∼10
4
CFU/ml (compared to ∼10
8
CFU/ml for the Bactec system).
Phenotypic, Genotypic, and Antibiotic Sensitivity Patterns of Strains Isolated from the Cholera Epidemic in Zimbabwe
Authors: Islam Mohammad S. , Mahmud Zahid H. , Ansaruzzaman Mohammad , Faruque Shah M. , Talukder Kaisar A. , Qadri Firdausi , Alam Munirul , Islam Shafiqul , Bardhan Pradip K. , Mazumder Ramendra N. , Khan Azharul I. , Ahmed Sirajuddin , Iqbal Anwarul , Chitsatso Owen , Mudzori James , Patel Sheetal , Midzi Stanley M. , Charimari Lincoln , Endtz Hubert P. , Cravioto Alejandro 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

This paper details the phenotypic, genotypic, and antibiotic sensitivity patterns of 88
Vibrio cholerae
strains from Zimbabwe. Of the 88 strains, 83 were classified as “altered El Tor” and 5 as “hybrid El Tor” strains. All of the strains were susceptible to tetracycline, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin by disc diffusion, but susceptibility to tetracycline and azithromycin diminished when observed using the MIC method.
Point-Counterpoint: Should Interferon Gamma Release Assays Become the Standard Method for Screening Patients for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infections in the United States?
Authors: Alexander Thomas S. , Miller Melissa B. , Gilligan Peter 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently published updated guidelines for the use of interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) to detect
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. This document gives a balanced analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of IGRAs. To date, these assays have not been widely adopted in the United States by clinical laboratories. We have asked two experts, Thomas Alexander of Summa Health Care, who has adopted an IGRA for
M. tuberculosis
detection in his laboratory, and Melissa Miller of UNC Hospitals, who has evaluated one but has not chosen to adopt it, to explain how each reached this decision based on their experience with the test and the data that have been published concerning IGRA.
Characterization of Cases of Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI) Presenting at an Emergency Room: Molecular and Clinical Features Differentiate Community-Onset Hospital-Associated and Community-Associated CDI in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Shin Bo-Moon , Moon Se Jin , Kim You Sun , Shin Won Chang , Yoo Hyeon Mi 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

Definition of community-onset, hospital-acquired
Clostridium difficile
infection (CO-HA-CDI) is difficult in patients presenting with diarrhea at hospitals or outpatient clinics, especially 4 to 12 weeks after the last discharge. We performed
C. difficile
stool culture for 272 diarrheic patients visiting the emergency room (ER) between January 2006 and June 2010.
C. difficile
was isolated from 36 cases (13.2%), and isolation rates increased year by year, from 10.1% in 2008 to 12.4% in 2009 and 16.7% in 2010. Among 32 toxin-positive isolates, 13 (40.6%) and 19 (59.4%) were associated with CO-HA-CDI and community-acquired CDI (CA-CDI), respectively, if cases with CDI diagnosed within 12 weeks after discharge were considered hospital associated. The majority (70%) of CO-HA-CDI cases occurred within 2 weeks after hospital discharge, although the interval from discharge to onset of symptoms was as long as 10 weeks. We found via
tcdA
and
tcdB
and repetitive sequence PCR analysis, that toxin A-positive/toxin B-positive isolates were the most prevalent in both CO-HA-CDI (53.8%) and CA-CDI (94.7%) cases. Toxin A-negative/toxin B-positive isolates were also still highly associated with HA-CDI cases but were also observed in CA-CDI cases. Younger age, fewer underlying diseases, lack of prior antibiotic use, and genetic diversity of isolates in repetitive sequence PCR were the main characteristics in CA-CDI cases visiting the ER.
Comparison of Real-Time PCR Assays for Detection of Pathogenic Leptospira spp. in Blood and Identification of Variations in Target Sequences
Authors: Bourhy Pascale , Bremont Sylvie , Zinini Farida , Giry Claude , Picardeau Mathieu 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

Leptospirosis is considered an underdiagnosed disease. Although several PCR-based methods are currently in use, there is little information on their comparability. In this study, four quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assays (SYBR green and TaqMan chemistries) targeting the
secY
,
lfb1
, and
lipL32
genes were evaluated as diagnostic assays. In our hands, these assays can detect between 10
2
and 10
3
bacteria/ml of pure culture, whole-blood, plasma, and serum samples. In three independent experiments, we found a slightly higher sensitivity of the PCR assays in plasma than in whole blood and serum. We also evaluated the specificity of the PCR assays on reference
Leptospira
strains, including newly described
Leptospira
species, and clinical isolates. No amplification was detected for DNA obtained from saprophytic or intermediate
Leptospira
species. However, among the pathogens, we identified sequence polymorphisms in target genes that result in primer and probe mismatches and affect qPCR assay performance. In conclusion, most of these assays are sensitive and specific tools for routine diagnosis of leptospirosis. However, it is important to continually evaluate and, if necessary, modify the primers and/or probes used to ensure effective detection of the circulating
Leptospira
isolates.
Electron Tomography Reveals Polyhedrin Binding and Existence of both Empty and Full Cytoplasmic Polyhedrosis Virus Particles inside Infectious Polyhedra
Authors: Chen Justin , Sun Jingchen , Atanasov Ivo , Ryazantsev Sergey , Zhou Z. Hong 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

Previous studies have described the structure of purified cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus (CPV) and that of polyhedrin protein. However, how polyhedrin molecules embed CPV particles inside infectious polyhedra is not known. By using electron tomography, we show that CPV particles are occluded within the polyhedrin crystalline lattice with a random spatial distribution and interact with the polyhedrin protein through the A-spike rather than as previously thought through the B-spike. Furthermore, both full (with RNA) and empty (no RNA) capsids were found inside polyhedra, suggesting a spontaneous RNA encapsidating process for CPV assembly
in vivo
.
Oncolytic Specificity of Newcastle Disease Virus Is Mediated by Selectivity for Apoptosis-Resistant Cells
Authors: Mansour Mena , Palese Peter , Zamarin Dmitriy 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTNewcastle disease virus (NDV) is a negative-sense RNA virus that has been shown to possess oncolytic activity. NDV's selective replication in tumor cells has been previously suggested to be due to the lack of a proper antiviral response in these cells. Here we demonstrate that NDV possesses oncolytic activity in tumor cells capable of a robust type I interferon (IFN) response, suggesting that another mechanism underlies NDV's tumor specificity. We show that the oncolytic selectivity of NDV for tumor cells is dependent upon tumor cell resistance to apoptosis. Utilizing the human non-small-cell lung cancer cell line A549 overexpressing the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-xL, we show significant enhancement of oncolytic activity and NDV replication. Interestingly, while the Bcl-xL-overexpressing cells were resistant to apoptotic stimuli induced by chemotherapeutic agents and early viral replication, during the subsequent viral cycles, we observed a paradoxical increase in apoptosis in response to NDV. The increased oncolytic activity seen was secondary to enhanced viral replication and syncytium formation. The induction of a type I IFN response was enhanced in Bcl-xL cells. Overall, these findings propose a new mechanism for cancer cell specificity for NDV, making it an attractive anticancer agent for chemoresistant tumors with enhanced antiapoptotic activity.
Coxsackievirus Preferentially Replicates and Induces Cytopathic Effects in Undifferentiated Neural Progenitor Cells
Authors: Tsueng Ginger , Tabor-Godwin Jenna M. , Gopal Aparajita , Ruller Chelsea M. , Deline Steven , An Naili , Frausto Ricardo F. , Milner Richard , Crocker Stephen J. , Whitton J. Lindsay , Feuer Ralph 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTEnteroviruses, including coxsackieviruses, exhibit significant tropism for the central nervous system, and these viruses are commonly associated with viral meningitis and encephalitis. Previously, we described the ability of coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) to infect proliferating neuronal progenitor cells located in the neonatal subventricular zone and persist in the adult murine central nervous system (CNS). Here, we demonstrate that cultured murine neurospheres, which comprise neural stem cells and their progeny at different stages of development, were highly susceptible to CVB3 infection. Neurospheres, or neural progenitor and stem cells (NPSCs), isolated from neonatal C57BL/6 mice, supported high levels of infectious virus production and high viral protein expression levels following infection with a recombinant CVB3 expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) protein. Similarly, NPSCs isolated from neonatal actin-promoter-GFP transgenic mice (actin-GFP NPSCs) were highly susceptible to infection with a recombinant CVB3 expressing DsRed (Discosomasp. red fluorescent protein). Both nestin-positive and NG2+progenitor cells within neurospheres were shown to preferentially express high levels of viral protein as soon as 24 h postinfection (p.i.). By day 3 p.i., viral protein expression and viral titers increased dramatically in NPSCs with resultant cytopathic effects (CPE) and eventual cell death. In contrast, reduced viral replication, lower levels of CPE, and diminished viral protein expression levels were observed in NPSCs differentiated for 5 or 16 days in the presence of fetal bovine serum (FBS). Despite the presence of CPE and high levels of cell death following early CVB3 infection, surviving neurospheres were readily observed and continued to express detectable levels of viral protein as long as 37 days after initial infection. Also, CVB3 infection of actin-GFP NPSCs increased the percentage of cells expressing neuronal class III β-tubulin following their differentiation in the presence of FBS. These results suggest that neural stem cells may be preferentially targeted by CVB3 and that neurogenic regions of the CNS may support persistent viral replication in the surviving host. In addition, normal progenitor cell differentiation may be altered in the host following infection.
Virus-Induced Transient Immune Suppression and the Inhibition of T Cell Proliferation by Type I Interferon
Authors: Marshall Heather D. , Urban Stina L. , Welsh Raymond M. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTVaccine-induced memory is necessary for protective immunity to pathogens, but many viruses induce a state of transient immune suppression that might contribute to the inability of a vaccine to elicit immunity. We evaluated here the fate of bystander T cells activated by third party cognate antigens during acute viral infectionsin vivo, using distinct models to track and specifically activate HY and P14 transgenic bystander CD8 T cellsin vivoduring acute arenavirus infections of mice. Viral infections acted as stimulatory adjuvants when bystander T cells were exposed to an inflammatory milieu and cognate antigens at the beginning of infections, but bystander CD8 T cell proliferation in response to cognate antigen was inhibited 3 to 9 days after virus infection. Reduced proliferation was not dependent on Fas-FasL- or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced activation-induced cell death or on deficiencies of antigen presentation. Instead, reduced proliferation was associated with a delayed onset of division that was an intrinsic defect of T cells. Inhibition of proliferation could be simulated by exposure of T cells to the Toll-like receptor agonist and type I interferon (IFN) inducer poly(I · C). T cells lacking IFN-α/β receptors resisted both the suppressive effects of preexposure to poly(I · C) and the stimulatory effects of type I IFN, indicating that the timing of exposure to IFN can have negative or positive effects on T cell proliferation. Inhibition of T cell receptor-stimulated bystander CD8 T cell proliferation during acute viral infections may reflect the reduced ability of vaccines to elicit protective immunity when administered during an acute illness.
Receptor-Ligand Requirements for Increased NK Cell Polyfunctional Potential in Slow Progressors Infected with HIV-1 Coexpressing KIR3DL1*h/*y and HLA-B*57
Authors: Kamya Philomena , Boulet Salix , Tsoukas Christos M. , Routy Jean-Pierre , Thomas Réjean , Côté Pierre , Boulassel Mohamed-Rachid , Baril Jean-Guy , Kovacs Colin , Migueles Stephen A. , Connors Mark , Suscovich Todd J. , Brander Christian , Tremblay Cecile L. , Bernard Nicole ,   for the Canadian Cohort of HIV Infected Slow Progressors
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTCarriage of the natural killer (NK) receptor genotype KIR3DL1*h/*y with its HLA-B*57 ligand (*h/*y+B*57) is associated with slow time to AIDS and low viral load (VL). To provide a functional basis for these epidemiological observations, we assessed whether HIV-1-infected slow progressors (SP) carrying the *h/*y+B*57 compound genotype would have increased NK cell polyfunctional potential in comparison to SP with other killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR)/HLA compound genotypes and whether this enhanced polyfunctionality was dependent upon the coexpression of both KIR3DL1*h/*y and HLA-B*57. The functional potential of NK cells was investigated by stimulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells with HLA-devoid targets or single HLA transfectants. Multiparametric flow cytometry was used to detect NK cells with seven functional profiles representing all permutations of CD107a expression and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) secretion. NK cells from individuals carrying KIR3DL1 receptor–HLA-Bw4 ligand pairs had greater trifunctional responses than those from KIR3DL1 homozygotes (hmz), who were Bw6 homozygotes. NK cells from subjects carrying the *h/*y+B*57 genotypes exhibited the highest trifunctional potential, and this was dependent on cocarriage of the NK receptor and its ligand. Trifunctional cells secreted more of each function tested on a per-cell basis than each corresponding monofunctional NK subset. Although VL influenced NK functionality, individuals with defined KIR/HLA genotypes exhibited differences in NK cell polyfunctionality that could not be accounted for by VL alone. The protective effect of HLA-B*57 on slow progression to AIDS and low VL may be mediated through its interaction with KIR3DL1 alleles to educate NK cells for potent activity upon stimulation.
Evaluating the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous acetabuloplasty
Authors: Gupta Amar C , Hirsch Joshua A , Chaudhry Zeshan A , Chandra Ronil V , Pulli Benjamin , Galinsky Janice G , Hirsch Ariel E , Yoo Albert J 
Published: April 2011

PurposeTo evaluate the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous acetabuloplasty in treating the pain and disability related to metastatic lesions of the acetabulum.Materials and methodsThis institutional review board approved retrospective study examined 11 patients who underwent percutaneous acetabuloplasty in our hospital from April 2007 to June 2010. All patients gave informed consent prior to the procedure, and all records were HIPAA compliant. Chart review was performed to collect patient demographics and to assess pre- and post-treatment patient performance on the Visual Analog Scale, Functional Mobility Scale and Analgesic Scale. Paired testing comparing the pre- and post-treatment scores for each patient was performed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test.ResultsThere were 11 procedures: 10 performed under CT guidance and one using fluoroscopic guidance. There was a statistically significant decrease in patient Visual Analog Scale score (p=0.001) and Functional Mobility Scale score (p=0.03) after treatment. There was no change in median Analgesic Scale scores pre- and post-treatment although paired testing revealed a trend towards reduced analgesic use postoperatively (p=0.06). There were no clinically significant complications in this series.ConclusionPercutaneous acetabuloplasty appears to be safe and effective for improving the pain and decreased mobility secondary to metastatic lesions of the acetabulum.
Tolerance of ectomycorrhizal fungus mycelium to low temperature and freezing–thawing
Authors: Ma Dalong , Yang Guoting , Mu Liqiang , Li Chun 
Published: April 2011

Very little is known about the tolerance of ectomycorrhizal fungi to the freezing and repetitive freezing–thawing in northern coniferous forests. Isolates of Cortinarius multiformis , Russula densifolia , Suillus granulatus , and Lactarius deliciosus were exposed to a series of temperatures between +4 and –40 °C. The relative electrolyte leakage test indicated that the lethal temperature for 50% of samples was between –7.6 and –13.7 °C. Resume growth experiments showed that the 4 species of ectomycorrhizal fungi had a relatively high tolerance to the low temperatures, with L. deliciosus having the highest tolerance and C. multiformis the lowest. The repeated freezing–thawing delayed the growth of mycelium, which decreased with an increase in the number of freeze–thaw cycles.
Human Glioma Growth Is Controlled by MicroRNA-10b
Authors: Gabriely Galina , Yi Ming , Narayan Ravi S. , Niers Johanna M. , Wurdinger Thomas , Imitola Jaime , Ligon Keith L. , Kesari Santosh , Esau Christine , Stephens Robert M. , Tannous Bakhos A. , Krichevsky Anna M. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA) expression profiling studies revealed a number of miRNAs dysregulated in the malignant brain tumor glioblastoma. Molecular functions of these miRNAs in gliomagenesis are mainly unknown. We show that inhibition of miR-10b, a miRNA not expressed in human brain and strongly upregulated in both low-grade and high-grade gliomas, reduces glioma cell growth by cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. These cellular responses are mediated by augmented expression of the direct targets of miR-10b, including BCL2L11/Bim, TFAP2C/AP-2γ, CDKN1A/p21, and CDKN2A/p16, which normally protect cells from uncontrolled growth. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas expression data set reveals a strong positive correlation between numerous genes sustaining cellular growth and miR-10b levels in human glioblastomas, while proapoptotic genes anticorrelate with the expression of miR-10b. Furthermore, survival of glioblastoma patients expressing high levels of miR-10 family members is significantly reduced in comparison to patients with low miR-10 levels, indicating that miR-10 may contribute to glioma growth in vivo. Finally, inhibition of miR-10b in a mouse model of human glioma results in significant reduction of tumor growth. Altogether, our experiments validate an important role of miR-10b in gliomagenesis, reveal a novel mechanism of miR-10b–mediated regulation, and suggest the possibility of its future use as a therapeutic target in gliomas. Cancer Res; 71(10); 3563–72. ©2011 AACR.
Prevalence and epitope specificity of non-neutralising antibodies in a large cohort of haemophilia A patients without inhibitors
Authors: Chambost Hervé , Biron-Andreani Christine , Morange Pierre-Emmanuel , Combescure Christophe , Marques-Verdier Alain , Berger Claire , Schved Jean-François , Granier Claude , Lebreton Aurélien , Lapalud Priscilla , Lavigne-Lissalde Géraldine 
Published: April 2011

SummaryAntibodies (inhibitors and non-neutralising antibodies [NNA]) directed against factor VIII (FVIII) remain the main iatrogenic complication in haemophilia A (HA) patients. Inhibitors reduce FVIII procoagulant properties, whereas NNA are directed against non-functional epitopes. NNA are poorly studied and their prevalence, epitope specificity and physiopathology inadequately defined. The aim of this study was first to evaluate NNA prevalence in a French retrospective multicentric series of 210 patients without inhibitors, then to determine their epitope specificity (against the heavy chain [HC] or the light chain [LC] of FVIII) and particularly to assess the prevalence of anti-B domain NNA using specifically designed x-MAP assays. NNA occurred in 18.1% of patients (38/210) and their prevalence was not influenced by the severity of the disease. Among the 38 patients with NNA, 73.7% had anti-FVIII Abs against the HC, 13.2% against the LC and 13.2% had anti-FVIII Abs against both chains. There is thus a clear immuno-dominance of the HC of FVIII in the epitope profile of NNA, whatever the severity of HA. The proportion of NNA that recognised the B domain was 18.4% (n=7/38). A multivariate analysis did not highlight differences in NNA occurrence between patients treated with recombinant FVIII or with plasma-derived FVIII (19.6% vs. 14.9%, p=0.53).