bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mind over cytokines: Crosstalk and regulation between the neuroendocrine and immune systems
Authors: Miyake Sachiko 
Published: July 2011

AbstractCrosstalk between the neuroendocrine and immune systems is essential for the maintenance of homeostasis in our bodies. Recent advances in neuroscience and immunology have elucidated the cellular and molecular basis for these bidirectional interactions. Neuronal and immune cells share a variety of neurotransmitters and cytokines as well as receptors, which enable these complex interactions. Individual hormones, neurotransmitters and neuropeptides have their own specific spatial and temporal niches, and these overlap to facilitate crosstalk with each other. The neuroendocrine system has multilevel modulatory properties that affect the functions of the immune system, contributing to both activation and suppression. Neural regulation of immune responses is accomplished systemically by hormones, regionally by innervation and locally by neurotransmitters. In turn, immune cells regulate neural function and integrity directly through cytokines or through the vagus nerve. In the present review, these complex, multifaceted interactions at the molecular level are explained based on current knowledge. (Clin. Exp. Neuroimmunol. doi: 10.1111/j.1759‐1961.2011.00023.x, January 2012)
Metadherin: An emerging key regulator of the malignant progression of multiple cancers
Authors: Liang Yajun , Fu Da , Hu Guohong 
Published: July 2011

AbstractWe and others recently identified the gene metadherin (MTDH) as a functional driver in multiple aspects of cancer progression. It is overexpressed in cancer cells originating from a variety of tissues, partially due to DNA amplification of the chromosomal 8q22 region where this gene resides. The rapidly accumulated data from MTDH studies of the past several years have documented its role in tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, survival, anchorage‐independent growth, metastasis and chemoresistance. In particular, it simultaneously helps the primary tumor cells to survive conventional chemotherapy and spread to distant organs, both of which are major contributors to cancer therapy failure and ultimately patient death. The efforts to elucidate the molecular mechanism of MTDH functions led to observations indicating its involvement in several prominent cancer‐related signaling pathways including Ras, c‐Myc, PI3K/AKT, NF‐κB, Wnt/β‐catenin, and more recently, microRNA machinery. Herein we will briefly summarize the studies that establish MTDH as a promising target for cancer therapeutics.
Risk management and comparative effectiveness research: implications of the new collaborative FDA-CMS initiative
Authors: Freeman Robert , Sparks Jeremiah , Davidson Nancy 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
The US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) expanded authority to require Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) and the increasing importance of comparative effectiveness research and reviews (CERs) under the Affordable Care Act raise a number of public policy issues for prescription drug safety. In addition, the formalization of an interface between the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the FDA to expedite early coverage of drugs, devices and diagnostics raises a number of questions about the extension of CERs into post-marketing drug surveillance requirements. In this commentary, we address the potential applications of CERs and REMS in risk-benefit assessments.
Oral Candida carriage, quantification, and species characterization in oral submucous fibrosis patients and healthy individuals
Authors: Kamat Mamata S. , Vanaki Shrinivas S. , Puranik Rudrayya S. , Puranik Surekha R. , Kaur Ramanpreet 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAim:  To determine the prevalence of oral Candida carriage, candidal quantification, and various subtypes of Candida species in oral submucous fibrosis patients and healthy individuals.Methods:  The study comprised 30 clinically‐diagnosed and ‐staged oral submucous fibrosis patients aged 20–40 years, and 20 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Buccal mucosa was sampled by sterile swab technique. Each sample was inoculated on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar and CHROMagar culture media. Candida species identification was done using the KB006 Candida identification kit.Results:  Eleven (36.67%) cases in the study group, and two (10%) cases in the control group, yielded Candida on culture. The value of CFU/mL increased with an increased duration of betel quid chewing habit. All Candida‐positive oral submucous fibrosis patients complained of a burning sensation. Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis were the most common species in the oral submucous fibrosis cases. Candida dubliniensis was isolated in both the study and control groups.Conclusions:  Our observations in this study affirm that oral submucous fibrosis favors the colonization of Candida. Mucosal alterations due to the underlying disease process or betel quid chewing, coupled with other factors, might lead to candidal colonization, even in the absence of clinically‐related mycotic manifestations.
Mucosal Immunization with a Staphylococcus aureus IsdA-Cholera Toxin A2/B Chimera Induces Antigen-Specific Th2-Type Responses in Mice
Authors: Arlian Britni M. , Tinker Juliette K. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTStaphylococcus aureusis a leading cause of opportunistic infection worldwide and a significant public health threat. The iron-regulated surface determinant A (IsdA) adhesin is essential forS. aureuscolonization on human nasal epithelial cells and plays an important role in iron acquisition and resistance to human skin defenses. Here we investigated the murine immune response to intranasal administration of a cholera toxin A2/B (CTA2/B) chimera containing IsdA. Plasmids were constructed to express the IsdA-CTA2/B chimera and control proteins inEscherichia coli. Proper construction of the chimera was verified by SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, GM1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and confocal microscopy. Groups of female BALB/c mice were mock immunized or immunized with IsdA-CTA2/B, IsdA mixed with CTA2/B, or IsdA alone, followed by one booster immunization at 10 days postpriming. Analysis of serum IgG and nasal, intestinal, and vaginal IgA suggested that mucosal immunization with IsdA-CTA2/B induces significant IsdA-specific humoral immunity. Functionalin vitroassays revealed that immune serum significantly blocks the adherence ofS. aureusto human epithelial cells. Splenocytes from mice immunized with IsdA-CTA2/B showed specific cellular proliferation and production of interleukin-4 (IL-4) afterin vitrostimulation. Immunization with IsdA-CTA2/B drove isotype switching to IgG1, indicative of a Th2-type response. Our results suggest that the immunogenicity of theS. aureusIsdA-CTA2/B chimera merits further investigation as a potential mucosal vaccine candidate.
Multiplex Method for Simultaneous Serological Detection of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus and Porcine Circovirus Type 2
Authors: Lin Kathy , Wang Chong , Murtaugh Michael P. , Ramamoorthy Sheela 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) are major contributors to the porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC). Routine serological diagnosis and surveillance play an important role in the prevention of PRDC, as it is a leading cause of economic losses to the swine industry. We herein describe an advanced microsphere-based immunoassay that permits the simultaneous detection of antibodies to PCV2 and PRRSV, thereby reducing the time and effort involved in testing. Recombinant PRRSV nucleoprotein antigen and the PCV2 capsid antigen were coupled to fluorophore-dyed beads with distinct spectral addresses. Weekly serum samples from 72 pigs that were experimentally exposed to either PCV2, PRRSV, or both PCV2 and PRRSV were used to validate the microbead assay (MBA) in comparison with the “gold standard” enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The kinetics of the PCV2- and PRRSV-specific antibody responses measured by the microbead assay were comparable to those of the standard assays; Spearman's rank correlations were 0.72 (
P
< 0.001) for PRRSV and 0.80 (
P
< 0.001) for PCV2. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were determined using field sera whose positive or negative status was determined by the standard tests. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were both 98% for PCV2 and were 91% and 93%, respectively, for PRRSV (kappa coefficients, 0.85 and 0.67 for PCV2 and PRRSV, respectively). Multiplexing did not interfere with assay performance or diagnostic sensitivity. Therefore, the described study demonstrates proof of concept for the development of more versatile and economical microbead array-based multiplex serological test panels for veterinary use.
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry-Based Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Genotyping Assay Using iPLEX Gold Technology for Identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Species and Lineages
Authors: Bouakaze C. , Keyser C. , Gonzalez A. , Sougakoff W. , Veziris N. , Dabernat H. , Jaulhac B. , Ludes B. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT

The major goal of the present study was to investigate the potential use of a novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping technology, called iPLEX Gold (Sequenom), for the simultaneous analysis of 16 SNPs that have been previously validated as useful for identification of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTBC) species and classification of MTBC isolates into distinct genetic lineages, known as principal genetic groups (PGGs) and SNP cluster groups (SCGs). In this context, we developed a 16-plex iPLEX assay based on an allele-specific-primer single-base-extension reaction using the iPLEX Gold kit (Sequenom), followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis on the commercially available Sequenom MassARRAY platform. This assay was tested on a panel of 55 well-characterized MTBC strains that were also genotyped for the same loci using the previously reported SNaPshot assay, as well as 10 non-MTBC mycobacteria and 4 bacteria not belonging to the genus
Mycobacterium
. All MTBC samples were successfully analyzed with the iPLEX assay, which yielded clear allelic data for 99.9% of the SNPs (879 out of 880). No false-positive results were obtained with the negative controls. Compared to the SNaPshot assay, the newly developed 16-plex iPLEX assay produced fully concordant results that allowed reliable differentiation of MTBC species and recognition of lineages, thus demonstrating its potential value in diagnostic, epidemiological, and evolutionary applications. Compared to the SNaPshot approach, the implementation of the iPLEX technology could offer a higher throughput and could be a more flexible and cost-effective option for microbiology laboratories.
KPC Screening by Updated BD Phoenix and Vitek 2 Automated Systems
Authors: Thomson Kenneth S. , Robledo Iraida E. , Vázquez Guillermo J. , Moland Ellen S. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT
Current BD Phoenix and Vitek 2 methodologies were assessed as screens for KPC β-lactamases. Using carbapenem MICs or expert system interpretations as screens, both systems exhibited high (97%) sensitivity in tests with 103 well-characterized Gram-negative isolates, 77 of which were KPC producers.
High Concordance between the Position-Specific Scoring Matrix and Geno2pheno Algorithms for Genotypic Interpretation of HIV-1 Tropism: V3 Length as the Major Cause of Disagreement
Authors: Seclén Eduardo , Soriano Vicente , González María M. , Gómez Sagrario , Thielen Alexander , Poveda Eva 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT
The agreement between the position-specific scoring matrix (PSSM) and geno2pheno as tools for genotypic interpretation of HIV-1 tropism using 800 clinical specimens was assessed. There was an overall concordance of 88%. Disagreement was found mostly in specimens with short V3 lengths (<35 amino acids). Thus, consideration of V3 lengths should improve the predictability of HIV-1 tropism using genotypic algorithms.
Infections Caused by Unusual Methylobacterium Species
Authors: Lai Chih-Cheng , Cheng Aristine , Liu Wei-Lun , Tan Che-Kim , Huang Yu-Tsung , Chung Kuei-Pin , Lee Meng-Rui , Hsueh Po-Ren 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT

We describe six patients with hospital-acquired bacteremia caused by
Methylobacterium
species, including
M. radiotolerans
(
n
= 2),
M. thiocyanatum
(
n
= 2),
M. aminovorans
(
n
= 1), and
M. lusitanum
(
n
= 1), which were confirmed to species level by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Among these patients, five had catheter-related bacteremia and all had favorable outcomes.
Functional Genomics Reveals the Induction of Inflammatory Response and Metalloproteinase Gene Expression during Lethal Ebola Virus Infection
Authors: Cilloniz Cristian , Ebihara Hideki , Ni Chester , Neumann Gabriele , Korth Marcus J. , Kelly Sara M. , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Feldmann Heinz , Katze Michael G. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT

Ebola virus is the etiologic agent of a lethal hemorrhagic fever in humans and nonhuman primates with mortality rates of up to 90%. Previous studies with Zaire Ebola virus (ZEBOV), mouse-adapted virus (MA-ZEBOV), and mutant viruses (ZEBOV-NP
ma
, ZEBOV-VP24
ma
, and ZEBOV-NP/VP24
ma
) allowed us to identify the mutations in viral protein 24 (VP24) and nucleoprotein (NP) responsible for acquisition of high virulence in mice. To elucidate specific molecular signatures associated with lethality, we compared global gene expression profiles in spleen samples from mice infected with these viruses and performed an extensive functional analysis. Our analysis showed that the lethal viruses (MA-ZEBOV and ZEBOV-NP/VP24
ma
) elicited a strong expression of genes 72 h after infection. In addition, we found that although the host transcriptional response to ZEBOV-VP24
ma
was nearly the same as that to ZEBOV-NP/VP24
ma
, the contribution of a mutation in the NP gene was required for a lethal phenotype. Further analysis indicated that one of the most relevant biological functions differentially regulated by the lethal viruses was the inflammatory response, as was the induction of specific metalloproteinases, which were present in our newly identify functional network that was associated with Ebola virus lethality. Our results suggest that this dysregulated proinflammatory response increased the severity of disease. Consequently, the newly discovered molecular signature could be used as the starting point for the development of new drugs and therapeutics. To our knowledge, this is the first study that clearly defines unique molecular signatures associated with Ebola virus lethality.
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Protein Kinase Us3 and Major Tegument Protein UL47 Reciprocally Regulate Their Subcellular Localization in Infected Cells
Authors: Kato Akihisa , Liu Zhuoming , Minowa Atsuko , Imai Takahiko , Tanaka Michiko , Sugimoto Ken , Nishiyama Yukihiro , Arii Jun , Kawaguchi Yasushi 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT

Us3 is a serine-threonine protein kinase encoded by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). We have identified UL47, a major virion protein, as a novel physiological substrate of Us3.
In vitro
kinase assays and systematic analysis of mutations at putative Us3 phosphorylation sites near the nuclear localization signal of UL47 showed that serine at residue 77 (Ser-77) was required for Us3 phosphorylation of UL47. Replacement of UL47 Ser-77 by alanine produced aberrant accumulation of UL47 at the nuclear rim and impaired the nuclear localization of UL47 in a significant fraction of infected cells. The same defect in UL47 localization was produced by an amino acid substitution in Us3 that inactivated its protein kinase activity. In contrast, a phosphomimetic mutation at UL47 Ser-77 restored wild-type nuclear localization. The UL47 S77A mutation also reduced viral replication in the mouse cornea and the development of herpes stromal keratitis in mice. In addition, UL47 formed a stable complex with Us3 in infected cells, and nuclear localization of Us3 was significantly impaired in the absence of UL47. These results suggested that Us3 phosphorylation of UL47 Ser-77 promoted the nuclear localization of UL47 in cell cultures and played a critical role in viral replication and pathogenesis
in vivo
. Furthermore, UL47 appeared to be required for efficient nuclear localization of Us3 in infected cells. Therefore, Us3 protein kinase and its substrate UL47 demonstrated a unique regulatory feature in that they reciprocally regulated their subcellular localization in infected cells.
When does a fetus become a person? An Israeli viewpoint
Authors: Rimon-Zarfaty Nitzan , Raz Aviad E , Hashiloni-Dolev Yael 
Published: July 2011

Background and methodology‘Biological’ and ‘human’ life or ‘personhood’ are not necessarily identical. While the Catholic Church does not separate the two, concluding that human life commences at conception, Judaism endows the fetus with personhood gradually throughout the pregnancy. Gradualism is also reflected in many Western abortion laws that prohibit ‘late abortion’. Importantly, the Israeli law does not prohibit abortion at any stage of pregnancy. To examine attitudes regarding the status of the fetus vis-a-vis its stages of development, a questionnaire presenting ten successive stages was distributed to Israeli respondents (n = 281). For each stage participants were asked to grade the fetus as having ‘personhood’ or as a ‘living organism’ on a five-point scale. Data were analysed to show frequency distribution.ResultsThe fetus gains its ascribed personhood gradually. Most of the participants perceived the fetus as a person at the stage in which the woman feels its movements. Additionally, many (especially secular respondents) evaluated the fetus as a living organism at earlier stages, thus making a distinction between the fetus as a living organism and as a person. An international comparison with English-speaking countries revealed a local ‘Israeli’ tendency to attribute personhood status to the fetus only at a relatively late stage.Discussion and conclusionsThe ‘Israeli’ fetus acquires its status gradually. This finding challenges the dichotomous conceptualisation of the fetus as ‘a person’ or ‘non-person’. The authors conclude by presenting the perceived transformation of the fetus to ‘personhood’ as being influenced by national and religious factors.
Outcome in small aneurysms (<4 mm) treated by endovascular coiling
Authors: Lum Cheemun , Narayanam Surendra Babu , Silva Leonardo , Shankar Jai , Bussiere Miguel , Dos Santos Marlise P , Lesiuk Howard 
Published: July 2011

BackgroundCoiling of small aneurysms can be technically challenging. These aspects of coiling tend to be less problematic in medium to large aneurysms as they are more accommodating of microcatheters and coils. When physicians are asked their opinion regarding aneurysm coilability in small aneurysms, the decision often lies in the operator's feeling that they could reasonably exclude the aneurysm with a complication rate similar to larger aneurysms. The purpose of our study was to investigate the feasibility, intraprocedural rupture rates and long term durability of endovascular coiling for small (≤4 mm) aneurysms compared with non-small (>4 mm) aneurysms. To control for factors such as vessel tortuosity and aneurysm location, a control group was chosen matched to the study group both in age and aneurysm location.Materials and methodsA retrospective review of 360 intracranial aneurysms coiled at our institution between 2003 and 2008 was performed. For the control group, intracranial aneurysms coiled in the same period matched to location and age were chosen.ResultsThe frequency of intraprocedural perforations was 4/34 (0.12) and 3/68 (0.04) for the small and non-small cohort, respectively (p=0.22). All patients who had a perforation in the small aneurysm groups had a good clinical outcome compared with 1/3 in the non-small group (two mortalities). The frequency of recanalization for the small and non-small groups was 3/34 (0.09) and 23/68 (0.33), respectively (p=0.006). There was no retreatments in the small aneurysm group and five (0.07) in the non-small group (p=0.116).ConclusionCoiling of small (≤4 mm) aneurysms is feasible with a reasonable complication rate. There is a non-significant increase in frequency of intraprocedural rupture with coiling of small aneurysms compared with controls matched to aneurysm location and age but this is not associated with increased morbidity. Coiling of small aneurysms leads to durable results at long term follow-up.
Polymerase chain reaction identification of a female-specific genetic marker inArceuthobium americanum(lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe) and its implications forArceuthobiumsex determination
Authors: Dwarka Arvin , Ross Friedman Cynthia M. , MacKay Mairi E. , Nelson Don 
Published: July 2011

In North America, the most widespread and speciose mistletoe is Arceuthobium M. Bieb. (dwarf mistletoes, Viscaceae), which is a dioecious parasite of conifers. Little is known about its sex determination system, and sex chromosomes have not been identified. A genetic marker for early gender discrimination in Arceuthobium would be useful in the study of sex ratios and sex determination. Here, random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis via the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to investigate genetic differences between genders in Arceuthobium americanum Nutt. ex Engelm. collected near Kamloops, British Columbia and Bélair, Manitoba. A total of 196 10-mer primers were selected for analysis of DNA from isolated male and female A. americanum somatic tissue. A ∼900 bp female-specific DNA fragment was generated with primer OPB-18 (5′-CCACAGCAGT-3′). The fragment was cloned and sequenced. Using GenBank and the basic local alignment search tool alignment software, it was determined that the first ∼300 bp of this DNA sequence shared a high degree of similarity to transposable elements (76%) and a Y-chromosome (male) fragment (75%) in Silene latifolia Poir. Sequence-characterized amplified region primers were then designed. This study has generated an efficient molecular tool to differentiate male and female A. americanum while also providing evidence indicating that A. americanum may have homomorphic, possibly protoheteromorphic, sex chromosomes.
Uptake and partitioning of simulated atmospheric N inputs inPopulus tremuloides – Pinus strobusforest mesocosms
Authors: Nave Lucas E. , Curtis Peter S. 
Published: July 2011

Canopies of forest ecosystems frequently intercept and retain >50% of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition. Atmospheric N reaching the forest floor often is retained in litter and soil pools, but if atmospheric N retained by the canopy is assimilated through foliar uptake, then N inputs may have greater effects on tree N requirements and growth than suggested by N additions to forest floors alone. To quantify foliar and root uptake of N deposition by trees and to determine patterns of within-tree N allocation, we performed a tightly controlled15N tracer experiment using constructed, seminatural forest mesocosms. Mesocosms contained seedling trees, which assimilated modest amounts of the aqueous15NH4Cl applied to their canopies and surrounding soils (10% and 14%, respectively). The seedlings allocated most of the15N that they took up to leaf biomass (40%–50%), regardless of uptake pathway. Soil pools retained >80% of the15N applied to mesocosm forest floors, with soil organic matter concentration explaining 79% of the variation in soil15N recovery across sampling depths. The low value for15N movement into biomass and its retention in soil pools suggests that atmospheric N deposition measured at a nearby forest site has no short-term effects on tree N content or growth.