bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Congenital abnormalities of the cervix in mares
Authors: Card C 
Published: February 2012

SummaryThe case report in this issue by Witte et al. (2012) is a description of an uncommon case of a short (3 cm) congenitally incompetent cervix associated with a pneumouterus in a 5‐year‐old maiden Quarter Horse mare with a normal 64 XX karyotype. Serial ultrasonographic examinations showed active ovaries of normal size with regular follicular activity.The causes of congenital cervical abnormalities may be multifold. Congenital abnormalities of the cervix may be related to sporadic accidents of development, chromosomal factors, genetic abnormalities and environmental effects on phenotype. The clinician is presented with the equid's phenotype and must be familiar with the usefulness of determining the gonadal sex, sex hormone levels, cytogenetic sex and pedigree analysis.
Improved Skin Test for Differential Diagnosis of Bovine Tuberculosis by the Addition of Rv3020c-Derived Peptides
Authors: Jones Gareth J. , Whelan Adam , Clifford Derek , Coad Mick , Vordermeier H. Martin 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTA peptide cocktail derived from the mycobacterial antigens ESAT-6, CFP-10, and Rv3615c allowed differentiation betweenMycobacterium bovis-infected and M. bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-vaccinated cattle when used as a skin test reagent for a “DIVA” test (i.e., a test capable ofdifferentiatinginfected and uninfectedvaccinatedanimals). Addition of the antigen Rv3020c improves the diagnostic sensitivity without compromising specificity in the face of BCG or Johne's disease vaccination.
β-Galactomannan and Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii Modulate the Immune Response against Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium in Porcine Intestinal Epithelial and Dendritic Cells
Authors: Badia Roger , Brufau M. Teresa , Guerrero-Zamora Ana Maria , Lizardo Rosil , Dobrescu Irina , Martin-Venegas Raquel , Ferrer Ruth , Salmon Henri , Martínez Paz , Brufau Joaquim 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium is a facultative intracellular pathogen that causes inflammation, necrosis, and diarrhea in pigs, as well as being an important source of food-borne diseases in humans. Probiotics and prebiotics are promising alternatives to antibiotics to control and prevent intestinal infections. The present work investigated a recently developed β-galactomannan (βGM) prebiotic compared to the proven probioticSaccharomyces cerevisiaevar.boulardiion porcine ileum intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) of the IPI-2I line and monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) coculturedin vitrowithSalmonella. We observed that bothS. cerevisiaevar.boulardiiand βGM inhibited the association ofSalmonellawith IECsin vitro. Our data indicated that βGM has a higher ability thanS. cerevisiaevar.boulardiito inhibitSalmonella-induced proinflammatory mRNA (cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], interleukin-1α [IL-1α], IL-6, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor [GM-CSF] and chemokines CCL2, CCL20, and CXCL8) and at protein levels (IL-6 and CXCL8). Additionally, βGM andS. cerevisiaevar.boulardiiinduced some effects on DCs that were not observed on IECs: βGM andS. cerevisiaevar.boulardiishowed slight upregulation of mRNA for TNF-α, GM-CSF, and CCR7 receptor on porcine monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs). Indeed, the addition of βGM orS. cerevisiaevar.boulardiion DCs cocultured withSalmonellashowed higher gene expression (mRNA) for TNF-α, GM-CSF, and CXCL8 compared to that of the control withSalmonella. In conclusion, the addition of βGM inhibitsSalmonella-induced proinflammatory profiles in IECs but may promote DC activation, although associated molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated.
Serological Diagnosis of Paracoccidioidomycosis through a Western Blot Technique
Authors: Perenha-Viana M. C. Z. , Gonzales I. A. A. , Brockelt S. R. , Machado L. N. C. , Svidzinski T. I. E. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTParacoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a serious infectious disease that progresses toward death if untreated. Its confirmatory diagnosis is made by the detection of the fungusParacoccidioides brasiliensisin a direct mycological examination or by histopathology. However, these techniques are of low sensitivity. Serological tests seem to be more promising. The objective of this study was to test Western blot (WB) analysis using sera from patients suspected of PCM to determine whether it represents a safe and sensitive serological technique for a rapid and effective diagnosis for this disease. Sera from 517 patients were analyzed through WB analysis and double-immunodiffusion (DID) techniques using a crude exoantigen ofP. brasiliensis339. DID gave positive reactions for 140 sera (27%) and WB for 250 sera (48.4%). All sera that had a positive reaction by DID also had a positive result with a 43-kDa glycoprotein by WB analysis. Among the 377 samples that were negative by DID, 29.1% were reactive in WB analysis. For the cutoff dilution used (1:400), a positive reaction was not observed with any of the 102 sera from patients with other diseases in regions where such diseases are endemic and 30 healthy individuals tested as negative controls. These results prove WB analysis to be a sensitive technique and suggest its inclusion among routine laboratory assays as a safe method for PCM diagnosis.
Genome Sequence of the Fungus Glarea lozoyensis: the First Genome Sequence of a Species from the Helotiaceae Family
Authors: Youssar Loubna , Grüning Björn Andreas , Erxleben Anika , Günther Stefan , Hüttel Wolfgang 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

The anamorphic fungus
Glarea lozoyensis
mutant strain 74030 is an overproducer of pneumocandin B
0
, which is chemically converted into Cancidas, a potent antibiotic against clinically important fungal pathogens. Pneumocandins are acylated, cyclic hexapeptides with unusual hydroxylated amino acids. With the
Glarea lozoyensis
genome, the first species from the large polyphyletic family
Helotiaceae
has been sequenced.
Identification of Hepatitis C Virus Transmission Using a Next-Generation Sequencing Approach
Authors: Escobar-Gutiérrez Alejandro , Vazquez-Pichardo Mauricio , Cruz-Rivera Mayra , Rivera-Osorio Pilar , Carpio-Pedroza Juan Carlos , Ruíz-Pacheco Juan Alberto , Ruiz-Tovar Karina , Vaughan Gilberto 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT
Here, we describe a transmission event of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among injection drug users. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to assess the intrahost viral genetic variation. Deep amplicon sequencing of HCV hypervariable region 1 allowed for a detailed analysis of the structure of the viral population. Establishment of the genetic relatedness between cases was accomplished by phylogenetic analysis. NGS is a powerful tool with applications in molecular epidemiology studies and outbreak investigations.
Molecular Markers for Detection and Differentiation of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax in Human Blood Samples by Pyrosequencing
Authors: Lulitanond Viraphong , Intapan Pewpan M. , Tantrawatpan Chairat , Sankuntaw Nipaporn , Sanpool Oranuch , Janwan Penchom , Maleewong Wanchai 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

PCR amplification coupled with pyrosequencing was used to measure molecular markers that could be used to detect and differentiate
Plasmodium falciparum
and
Plasmodium vivax
in human blood samples. The detection rates were in agreement with the results of Giemsa-stained film microscopy, which is the current gold standard for detection. This method provides an exciting alternative for malaria diagnosis.
Performance of Tuberculosis Drug Susceptibility Testing in U.S. Laboratories from 1994 to 2008
Authors: Angra Pawan K. , Taylor Thomas H. , Iademarco Michael F. , Metchock Beverly , Astles J. Rex , Ridderhof John C. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

We present a statistical summary of results from the Model Performance Evaluation Program (MPEP) for
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Drug Susceptibility Testing, 1994 to 2008, implemented by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). During that period, a total of 57,733 test results for culture isolates were reported by 216 participating laboratories for the first-line antituberculosis drugs used in the United States—isoniazid (INH), rifampin (RMP), ethambutol (EMB), and pyrazinamide (PZA). Using Clinical Laboratory and Standards Institute (CLSI)-recommended concentrations for one or more of three methods, agar proportion (AP), BACTEC460 (Bactec), and MGIT-960 (MGIT), yielded overall agreement of 97.0% for first-line drugs. For susceptible strains, agreement was 98.4%; for resistant strains, agreement was 91.0%, with significantly lower accuracy (chi-square test,
P
< 0.0001). For resistant strains, overall agreement by methods was 91.3% for AP, 93.0% for Bactec, and 82.6% for MGIT and by drugs was 92.2% for INH, 91.5% for RMP, 79.0% for EMB, and 97.5% for PZA. For some strains, performance by method varied significantly. Use of duplicate strains in the same shipment and repeat strains over time revealed consistent performance even for strains with higher levels of interlaboratory discordance. No overall differences in performance between laboratories were observed based on volume of testing or type of facility (e.g., health department, hospital, independent). By all methods, decreased performance was observed for strains with low-level INH resistance, RMP resistance, and EMB-resistant strains. These results demonstrate a high level of performance in detection of drug-resistant
M. tuberculosis
in U.S. laboratories.
A Noncanonical mu-1A-Binding Motif in the N Terminus of HIV-1 Nef Determines Its Ability To Downregulate Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I in T Lymphocytes
Authors: Iijima Sayuki , Lee Young-Jung , Ode Hirotaka , Arold Stefan T. , Kimura Nobuyuki , Yokoyama Masaru , Sato Hironori , Tanaka Yasuhito , Strebel Klaus , Akari Hirofumi 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT
Downregulation of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) by HIV-1 Nef protein is indispensable for evasion of protective immunity by HIV-1. Though it has been suggested that the N-terminal region of Nef contributes to the function by associating with a mu-1A subunit of adaptor protein 1, the structural basis of the interaction between Nef and mu-1A remains elusive. We found that a tripartite hydrophobic motif (Trp13/Val16/Met20) in the N terminus of Nef was required for the MHC-I downregulation. Importantly, the motif functioned as a noncanonical mu-1A-binding motif for the interaction with the tyrosine motif-binding site of the mu-1A subunit. Our findings will help understanding of how HIV-1 evades the antiviral immune response by selectively redirecting the cellular protein trafficking system.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Clones Reprogrammed via Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Transduction Contain Integrated Vector Sequences
Authors: Weltner J. , Anisimov A. , Alitalo K. , Otonkoski T. , Trokovic R. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT
Fibroblasts can be reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) by ectopic expression of key transcription factors. Current methods for the generation of integration-free iPSC are limited by the low efficiency of iPSC generation and by challenges in reprogramming methodology. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) is a potent gene delivery vehicle capable of efficient transduction of transgenic DNA into cells. rAAV stays mainly as an episome in nondividing cells, and the extent of integration is still poorly defined for various replicating cells. In this study, we aimed to induce iPSC from mouse and human fibroblasts by using rAAV vector-mediated transient delivery of reprogramming factors. We succeeded in deriving induced pluripotent stem cells from mouse but not human fibroblasts. Unexpectedly, the rAAV vector-mediated reprogramming led to frequent genomic integration of vector sequences during the reprogramming process, independent of the amount of virus used, and to persistent expression of reprogramming factors in generated iPSC clones. It thus appears that rAAV vectors are not compatible with the derivation of integration-free iPSC.
Characterization of the 55-Residue Protein Encoded by the 9S E1A mRNA of Species C Adenovirus
Authors: Miller Matthew S. , Pelka Peter , Fonseca Gregory J. , Cohen Michael J. , Kelly Jenna N. , Barr Stephen D. , Grand Roger J. A. , Turnell Andrew S. , Whyte Peter , Mymryk Joe S. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT
Early region 1A (E1A) of human adenovirus (HAdV) has been the focus of over 30 years of investigation and is required for the oncogenic capacity of HAdV in rodents. Alternative splicing of the E1A transcript generates mRNAs encoding multiple E1A proteins. The 55-residue (55R) E1A protein, which is encoded by the 9S mRNA, is particularly interesting due to the unique properties it displays relative to all other E1A isoforms. 55R E1A does not contain any of the conserved regions (CRs) present in the other E1A isoforms. The C-terminal region of the 55R E1A protein contains a unique sequence compared to all other E1A isoforms, which results from a frameshift generated by alternative splicing. The 55R E1A protein is thought to be produced preferentially at the late stages of infection. Here we report the first study to directly investigate the function of the species C HAdV 55R E1A protein during infection. Polyclonal rabbit antibodies (Abs) have been generated that are capable of immunoprecipitating HAdV-2 55R E1A. These Abs can also detect HAdV-2 55R E1A by immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence assay. These studies indicate that 55R E1A is expressed late and is localized to the cytoplasm and to the nucleus. 55R E1A was able to activate the expression of viral genes during infection and could also promote productive replication of species C HAdV. 55R E1A was also found to interact with the S8 component of the proteasome, and knockdown of S8 was detrimental to viral replication dependent on 55R E1A.
Paramyxovirus V Proteins Interact with the RNA Helicase LGP2 To Inhibit RIG-I-Dependent Interferon Induction
Authors: Childs Kay , Randall Richard , Goodbourn Stephen 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT
RIG-I and mda-5 are activated by viral RNA and stimulate type I interferon production. Laboratory of genetics and physiology 2 (LGP2) shares homology with RIG-I and mda-5 but lacks the CARD domains required for signaling. The V proteins of paramyxoviruses limit interferon induction by binding mda-5 and preventing its activation; however, they do not bind RIG-I and have not been considered inhibitors of RIG-I signaling. Here we uncover a novel mechanism of RIG-I inhibition in which the V protein of parainfluenzavirus type 5 (PIV5; formerly known as simian virus type 5 [SV5]) interacts with LGP2 and cooperatively inhibits induction by RIG-I ligands. A complex between RIG-I and LGP2 is observed in the presence of PIV5-V, and we propose that this complex is refractory to activation by RIG-I ligands. The V proteins from other paramyxoviruses also bind LGP2 and demonstrate LGP2-dependent inhibition of RIG-I signaling. This is significant, because it demonstrates a general mechanism for the targeting of the RIG-I pathway by paramyxoviruses.
Transmission of Influenza B Viruses in the Guinea Pig
Authors: Pica Natalie , Chou Yi-Ying , Bouvier Nicole M. , Palese Peter 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT
Epidemic influenza is typically caused by infection with viruses of the A and B types and can result in substantial morbidity and mortality during a given season. Here we demonstrate that influenza B viruses can replicate in the upper respiratory tract of the guinea pig and that viruses of the two main lineages can be transmitted with 100% efficiency between inoculated and naïve animals in both contact and noncontact models. Our results also indicate that, like in the case for influenza A virus, transmission of influenza B viruses is enhanced at colder temperatures, providing an explanation for the seasonality of influenza epidemics in temperate climates. We therefore present, for the first time, a small animal model with which to study the underlying mechanisms of influenza B virus transmission.
Disulfide Linkages Mediating Nucleocapsid Protein Dimerization Are Not Required for Porcine Arterivirus Infectivity
Authors: Zhang Rong , Chen Chunyan , Sun Zhi , Tan Feifei , Zhuang Jinshan , Tian Debin , Tong Guangzhi , Yuan Shishan 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

The nucleocapsid (N) proteins of the North American (type II) and European (type I) genotypes of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) share only approximately 60% genetic identity, and the functionality of N in both genotypes, especially its role in virion assembly, is still poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that the ORF7 3′ untranslated region or ORF7 of type I is functional in the type II PRRSV background. Based on these results, we postulated that the cysteine at position 90 (Cys90) of the type II N protein, which corresponds to an alanine in the type I protein, is nonessential for virus infectivity. The replacement of Cys90 with alanine confirmed this hypothesis. We then hypothesized that all of the cysteines in the N protein could be replaced by alanines. Mutational analysis revealed that, in contradiction to previously reported findings, the replacement of all of the cysteines, either singly or in combination, did not impair the growth of either type II or type I PRRSV. Treatment with the alkylating agent
N
-ethylmaleimide inhibited cysteine-mediated N dimerization in living cells but not in released virions. Additionally, bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays revealed noncovalent interactions in living cells among the N and C termini and between the N-terminal and C-terminal regions of the N proteins of both genotypes of PRRSV. These results demonstrate that the disulfide linkages mediating the N dimerization are not required for PRRSV viability and help to promote our understanding of the mechanism underlying arterivirus particle assembly.
The Coronavirus Endoribonuclease Nsp15 Interacts with Retinoblastoma Tumor Suppressor Protein
Authors: Bhardwaj Kanchan , Liu Pinghua , Leibowitz Julian L. , Kao C. Cheng 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

Coronaviruses encode an endoribonuclease, Nsp15, which has a poorly defined role in infection. Sequence analysis revealed a retinoblastoma protein-binding motif (LXCXE/D) in the majority of the Nsp15 of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and its orthologs in the alpha and beta coronaviruses. The endoribonuclease activity of the SARS-CoV Nsp15 (sNsp15) was stimulated by retinoblastoma protein (pRb)
in vitro
, and the two proteins can be coimmunoprecipitated from cellular extracts. Mutations in the pRb-binding motif rendered sNsp15 to be differentially modified by ubiquitin in cells, and cytotoxicity was observed upon its expression. Expression of the sNsp15 in cells resulted in an increased abundance of pRb in the cytoplasm, decreased overall levels of pRb, an increased proportion of cells in the S phase of the cell cycle, and an enhanced expression from a promoter normally repressed by pRb. The endoribonuclease activity of the mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) A59 Nsp15 was also increased by pRb
in vitro
, and an MHV with mutations in the LXCXE/D-motif, named vLC, exhibited a smaller plaque diameter and reduced the virus titer by ∼1 log. Overexpression of pRb delayed the viral protein production by wild-type MHV but not by vLC. This study reveals that pRb and its interaction with Nsp15 can affect coronavirus infection and adds coronaviruses to a small but growing family of RNA viruses that encode a protein to interact with pRb.
Interleukin-27 Inhibits Vaccine-Enhanced Pulmonary Disease following Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection by Regulating Cellular Memory Responses
Authors: Zeng Ruihong , Zhang Huixian , Hai Yan , Cui Yuxiu , Wei Lin , Li Na , Liu Jianxun , Li Caixia , Liu Ying 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most important cause of lower respiratory tract disease in young children. In the 1960s, infants vaccinated with formalin-inactivated RSV developed a more severe disease characterized by excessive inflammatory immunopathology in lungs upon natural RSV infection. The fear of causing the vaccine-enhanced disease (VED) is an important obstacle for development of safe and effective RSV vaccines. The recombinant vaccine candidate G1F/M2 immunization also led to VED. It has been proved that cellular memory induced by RSV vaccines contributed to VED. Interleukin-27 (IL-27) and IL-23 regulate Th1, Th17, and/or Th2 cellular immune responses. In this study, mice coimmunized with pcDNA3–IL-27 and G1F/M2 were fully protected and, importantly, did not develop vaccine-enhanced inflammatory responses and immunopathology in lungs after RSV challenge, which was correlated with moderate Th1-, suppressed Th2-, and Th17-like memory responses activated by RSV. In contrast, G1F/M2- or pcDNA3–IL-23+G1F/M2-immunized mice, in which robust Th2- and Th17-like memory responses were induced, developed enhanced pulmonary inflammation and severe immunopathology. Mice coimmunized with G1F/M2 and the two cytokine plasmids exhibited mild inflammatory responses as well as remarkable Th1-, suppressed Th2-, and Th17-like memory responses. These results suggested that Th1-, Th2-, and Th17-like memory responses and, in particular, excessive Th2- and Th17-like memory responses were closely associated with VED; IL-27 may inhibit VED following respiratory syncytial virus infection by regulating cellular memory responses.
Does somatic illness explain the association between common mental disorder and elevated mortality? Findings from extended follow-up of study members in the UK Health and Lifestyle Survey: Table 1
Authors: Batty G David , Hamer Mark , Der Geoff 
Published: February 2012

BackgroundCommon mental disorder (psychological distress) is associated with an increased risk of disease-specific mortality. Given that physical illness is related to both exposure and outcome, it may explain this relation through confounding or mediation.MethodsThe authors used a 20-year follow-up of the UK Health and Lifestyle Survey (6127 men and women) in which common mental disorder was ascertained at baseline using the 30 item General Health Questionnaire and physical illness using a range of enquiries. Study members were an average of 45.2 years (SD 17.0) at study induction.ResultsIn age-adjusted analyses, a 1 SD increase in common mental disorder score was associated with an elevated risk of mortality outcomes coronary heart disease (CHD) in men (HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.27), CHD in women (1.33, 1.16 to 1.51); plus, in men and women combined, stroke (1.13, 0.96 to 1.30), respiratory disease (1.31, 1.15 to 1.48), lung cancer (1.11, 0.92 to 1.33), ‘other’ cancer (1.14, 1.03 to 1.26) and all causes (1.18, 1.12 to 1.23). Controlling for prior physical illness effectively eliminated the common mental disorder–mortality relation in all analyses with the exception of CHD in women.ConclusionThat physical illness largely explains the link between common mental disorder and mortality in the present cohort is compatible with either a confounding or mediation explanation.