bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intergenotypic Replacement of Lyssavirus Matrix Proteins Demonstrates the Role of Lyssavirus M Proteins in Intracellular Virus Accumulation
Authors: Finke Stefan , Granzow Harald , Hurst Jose , Pollin Reiko , Mettenleiter Thomas C. 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT
Lyssavirus assembly depends on the matrix protein (M). We compared lyssavirus M proteins from different genotypes for their ability to support assembly and egress of genotype 1 rabies virus (RABV). Transcomplementation of M-deficient RABV with M from European bat lyssavirus (EBLV) types 1 and 2 reduced the release of infectious virus. Stable introduction of the heterogenotypic M proteins into RABV led to chimeric viruses with reduced virus release and intracellular accumulation of virus genomes. Although the chimeras indicated genotype-specific evolution of M, rapid selection of a compensatory mutant suggested conserved mechanisms of lyssavirus assembly and the requirement for only few adaptive mutations to fit the heterogenotypic M to a RABV backbone. Whereas the compensatory mutant replicated to similar infectious titers as RABV M-expressing virus, ultrastructural analysis revealed that both nonadapted EBLV M chimeras and the compensatory mutant differed from RABV M expressing viruses in the lack of intracellular viruslike structures that are enveloped and accumulate in cisterna of the degranulated and dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum compartment. Moreover, all viruses were able to bud at the plasma membrane. Since the lack of the intracellular viruslike structures correlated with the type of M protein but not with the efficiency of virus release, we hypothesize that the M proteins of EBLV-1 and RABV differ in their target membranes for virus assembly. Although the biological function of intracellular assembly and accumulation of viruslike structures in the endoplasmic reticulum remain unclear, the observed differences could contribute to diverse host tropism or pathogenicity.
Leflunomide Inhibition of BK Virus Replication in Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells
Authors: Bernhoff Eva , Tylden Garth D. , Kjerpeseth Lars J. , Gutteberg Tore J. , Hirsch Hans H. , Rinaldo Christine H. 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTThe immunomodulatory drug leflunomide is frequently used for treating polyomavirus-associated nephropathy, yet its antiviral mechanism is unclear. We characterized the effects of the active leflunomide metabolite A771726 (LEF-A) on the polyomavirus BK (BKV) life cycle in human renal tubular epithelial cells. LEF-A at 10 μg/ml reduced the extracellular BKV load by 90% (IC90) but with significant host cytostatic effects. BKV genome replication, late protein expression, and virion assembly and release were inhibited with visible disruption of the nuclear replication architecture. Both host cell and antiviral effects were largely reversed by uridine addition, implicating nonspecific pyrimidine depletion as the major anti-BKV mechanism of leflunomide.
Membrane Orientation of the Human Papillomavirus Type 16 E5 Oncoprotein
Authors: Krawczyk Ewa , Suprynowicz Frank A. , Sudarshan Sawali R. , Schlegel Richard 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT
The E5 protein of human papillomavirus type 16 is a small, hydrophobic protein that localizes predominantly to membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). To define the orientation of E5 in these membranes, we employed a differential, detergent permeabilization technique that makes use of the ability of low concentrations of digitonin to selectively permeabilize the plasma membrane and saponin to permeabilize all cellular membranes. We then generated a biologically active E5 protein that was epitope tagged at both its N and C termini and determined the accessibility of these termini to antibodies in the presence and absence of detergents. In both COS cells and human ectocervical cells, the C terminus of E5 was exposed to the cytoplasm, whereas the N terminus was restricted to the lumen of the ER. Finally, the deletion of the E5 third transmembrane domain (and terminal hydrophilic amino acids) resulted in a protein with its C terminus in the ER lumen. Taken together, these topology findings are compatible with a model of E5 being a 3-pass transmembrane protein and with studies demonstrating its C terminus interacting with cytoplasmic proteins.
Coronavirus Nucleocapsid Protein Facilitates Template Switching and Is Required for Efficient Transcription
Authors: Zúñiga Sonia , Cruz Jazmina L. G. , Sola Isabel , Mateos-Gómez Pedro A. , Palacio Lorena , Enjuanes Luis 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT

Purified nucleocapsid protein (N protein) from transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) enhanced hammerhead ribozyme self-cleavage and favored nucleic acid annealing, properties that define RNA chaperones, as previously reported. Several TGEV N-protein deletion mutants were expressed in
Escherichia coli
and purified, and their RNA binding ability and RNA chaperone activity were evaluated. The smallest N-protein domain analyzed with RNA chaperone activity, facilitating DNA and RNA annealing, contained the central unstructured region (amino acids 117 to 268). Interestingly, N protein and its deletion mutants with RNA chaperone activity enhanced template switching in a retrovirus-derived heterologous system, reinforcing the concept that TGEV N protein is an RNA chaperone that could be involved in template switching. This result is in agreement with the observation that
in vivo
, N protein is not necessary for TGEV replication, but it is required for efficient transcription.
Analysis of Naturally Occurring Avian Bornavirus Infection and Transmission during an Outbreak of Proventricular Dilatation Disease among Captive Psittacine Birds
Authors: Kistler Amy L. , Smith Jeanne M. , Greninger Alexander L. , DeRisi Joseph L. , Ganem Don 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTA proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) outbreak provided the opportunity to investigate the transmissibility of avian Bornavirus (ABV) and its linkage to PDD under natural conditions. Upon exposure to a bird with a fatal case of PDD, 10 birds became symptomatic and died. ABV2 RNA was recovered from available tissues. Further screening revealed that 12/46 exposed birds were ABV2+. Three chicks boarded at this aviary developed PDD. They harbored the same ABV2 isolate and transmitted it to five of eight chicks in their home aviary. These findings demonstrate that ABV infection precedes the development of PDD. ABV-specific Western blotting and reverse transcription-PCR indicate that ABV2 is not strictly neurotropic.
β-2 Agonists in sport: are the anti-doping rules meeting the needs of asthmatic athletes?
Authors: Orellana J Naranjo , Márquez M D Carranza 
Published: December 2009

Objectives(a) To review the methacholine tests performed in our laboratory up until 2008; (b) to compare them with previously reported data in 2006 and (c) to examine if the anti-doping rules are meeting the needs of asthmatic athletes who really need bronchodilator treatment.MethodsBetween April 2004 and September 2008, 89 high-level athletes were examined in our laboratory in order to obtain an abbreviated therapeutic use exemption for β-2 agonists. Of these, 50 men (23.31 (7.05) years) and 23 women (20.68 (5.94) years) performed a methacholine inhalation test with increasing concentrations of methacholine (0.025, 0.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 25 mg/ml) until a fall of 20% in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was achieved.Results31 candidates (42.5%) had a provocative concentration causing a 20% fall in FEV1(PC20) <2 mg/ml; 12 (16.4%) were between 2 and 4 mg/ml; 8 (11%) between 4.1 and 8 mg/ml and 22 candidates (30.1%) had a PC20>8 mg/ml. Seven of the 73 candidates had an obstructive pattern in the spirometry at rest, demonstrated by a FEV1% <70% but with a FEV1>70% of the reference value.ConclusionsThe anti-doping regulations with respect to β-2 agonists need to be reviewed, and measures should be adopted to include a fall of 70% in FEV1% as an obstruction criterion to indicate a bronchodilation test and to extend the criterion for a positive methacholine test to a PC20of 8 mg/ml.
Falls, poisonings, burns, and road traffic injuries in urban Peruvian children and adolescents: a community based study
Authors: Donroe J , Gilman R H , Brugge D , Mwamburi M , Moore D A J 
Published: December 2009

Objectives:To identify individual and household characteristics associated with serious falls, poisonings, burns and road traffic injuries (RTIs) for children in Lima, Peru.Methods:5061 households consisting of 10 210 children were included in this community based, cross-sectional study in San Juan de Miraflores (SJM), a low income, urban district of Lima, Peru. Households were eligible if there was a consenting adult and at least one resident child aged ⩽18 years. A door to door survey was conducted in SJM, collecting childhood injury, demographic, and socioeconomic data. Analysis was done at the individual and household level for injuries severe enough to have required medical consultation.Results:The greatest burden of injury was from falls and RTIs. For individuals, male gender and age were the most important predictors of injuries. Households in which multiple injuries were reported were more likely to be poor (odds ratio (OR) 1.66, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.22) and overcrowded (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.94). The occurrence of serious falls, poisonings, burns, and pedestrian RTIs significantly increased the likelihood of a second serious injury in the home (adjusted ORs ranged between 1.88 and 2.99).Conclusion:All children from households in which an unintentional injury has occurred appear to have an increased likelihood of future injury; such high risk households may be readily identifiable in the clinical setting. Interventions in this environment designed to prevent subsequent injuries merit further investigation.
A randomised controlled feasibility trial of alcohol consumption and the ability to appropriately use a firearm
Authors: Carr B G , Wiebe D J , Richmond T S , Cheney R , Branas C C 
Published: December 2009

Objective:To show the feasibility of using a controlled trial to investigate the effect of alcohol on firearm use.Methods:Randomised, blinded, placebo-controlled trial in the Firearm Usage and Safety Experiments (FUSE) Lab. Treatment subjects (male, 21–40-year-old, non-habitual drinkers, with no professional firearms training) received alcohol; control subjects received placebo alcohol. The AIS PRISim Firearm Simulator, including real pistols retrofitted to discharge compressed air cartridges that simulate firearm recoil and sound, was used to measure firearm performance. Accuracy and speed for target shooting, reaction time scenarios, and scenarios requiring judgement about when to use a gun were measured.Results:12 subjects enrolled in the trial, completing 160 training scenarios. All subjects in the alcohol arm reached target alcohol level. 33% of placebo subjects reported alcohol consumption. Mechanical malfunction of the simulator occurred in 9 of 160 (5.6%) scenarios. Intoxicated subjects were less accurate, slower to fire in reaction time scenarios, and quicker to fire in scenarios requiring judgement relative to controls.Conclusions:The feasibility of a randomised, controlled trial exploring the relationship between alcohol consumption and firearm use was shown. The hypothesis that alcohol consumption worsens accuracy and retards judgement about when to use a gun should be tested. Larger trials could inform policies regarding firearm use while intoxicated.
Seasonal variation in hospital admission for road traffic injuries in England: analysis of hospital statistics
Authors: Gill M , Goldacre M J 
Published: December 2009

Objective:To report on seasonal variation in hospital admissions for traffic injuries to car and truck occupants, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians.Methods:Descriptive study of hospital admission statistics in England, 1999–2004. Main outcome measures: national average monthly admissions for injury; severity of injury, defined as death in hospital or a hospital admission lasting four days or more.Results:Admissions for car occupants were highest in the winter months but seasonal variation was not great (highest and lowest months: December, 16% above monthly average; June, 5% below). There was a summer peak and winter trough in admissions for adult cyclists (June, 34% above average; December, 27% below) and motorcyclists (August, 33% above average; January, 43% below). Admissions for child pedestrians were highest in late spring and lowest in mid-winter (May, 24% above average; December, 28% below). By contrast, admissions for adult pedestrians were higher in winter than summer (December, 33% above average; July, 17% below). From April to September, there were more admissions for pedestrians and cyclists in England (44 875 in the six years of the study) than for car occupants (34 582). For cyclists, proportionally more injuries in the winter months were severe. Severity of injuries to car occupants did not show seasonal variation.Conclusions:The public health “toll” of traffic injuries, measured as total numbers of people injured, varies substantially by season. Although it is important to reduce all injuries, the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, as unprotected road users, needs particular attention.
Non-fatal burn is a major cause of illness: findings from the largest community-based national survey in Bangladesh
Authors: Mashreky S R , Rahman A , Chowdhury S M , Khan T F , Svanström L , Rahman F 
Published: December 2009

Objective:To examine the incidence and characteristics of non-fatal burn injury in Bangladesh.Methods:A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and December 2003 in Bangladesh. Nationally representative data were collected from 171 366 rural and urban households, with a total sample size of 819 429.Results:The incidence of non-fatal burns was 166.3 per 100 000 per year. The rate was higher in females than in males (RR 1.15; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.27). Children less than 5 years of age were at much higher risk of burn injury than those older than 5 years (RR 7.05; 95% CI 6.35 to 7.8). Rural people were at more than three times higher risk of burn. The average number of days absent from school due to burn injury was 21.64 (SD 19.64); the average number of workdays lost was 22.96 (SD 35.94). The average duration of assistance required in daily living activities was 17.26 (SD 20.34) days. The hospitalisation rate was 12.6 per 100 000 population per year. The mean duration of hospital stay was 15.88 (SD 20.47) days. The rate of permanent disability was 2.6 per 100 000 population-years.Conclusion:Burn is a major cause of morbidity, disability, school absence, and workday loss. Young children, females, and rural dwellers are at highest risk. Home is the most risky place for children and females in terms of burn injury risk. To halt this devastating health issue, a national strategy and programme for burn prevention must be developed.
Who owns the roads? How motorised traffic discourages walking and bicycling
Authors: Jacobsen P L , Racioppi F , Rutter H 
Published: December 2009

Objective:To examine the impact of traffic on levels of walking and bicycling.Method:Review of the literature of medical, public health, city planning, public administration and traffic engineering.Results:The real and perceived danger and discomfort imposed by traffic discourage walking and bicycling. Accurately or not, pedestrians and bicyclists judge injury risk and respond accordingly. Although it can be difficult to measure these effects, observed behaviour provides good evidence for these effects, with the strongest association being an inverse correlation between volumes and speeds of traffic and levels of walking and cycling.Conclusion:Interventions to reduce traffic speed and volume are likely to promote walking and bicycling and thus result in public health gains.
A new method to determine laterality of mobile telephone use in adolescents
Authors: Inyang Imo , Benke Geza , McKenzie Ray , Wolfe Rory , Abramson Michael J 
Published: December 2009

ObjectivesAs more children use mobile (cellular) telephones, public anxiety grows about the possible adverse health effects of radiofrequency (RF) exposure upon developing nervous systems. Most epidemiological studies investigating the health effects of mobile telephones have relied on self-reports from questionnaires. While there are some validation studies investigating the accuracy of self-reported mobile phone use in adults and adolescents, self-reported laterality of use has not been validated at any age. Although this study mainly sought to validate the accuracy of self-reported laterality of mobile telephone use in adolescents, investigation also covered number and duration of calls.MethodsWe monitored 455 calls in 30 students, mean age (SD) 14 (0.4) years. For 1 week, participants used hardware modified phones (HMPs) which logged dosimetric parameters such as laterality (side of head), date, number and duration of calls. These ‘gold standard’ measurements were compared with questionnaire self-reported laterality and estimated typical weekly phone use.ResultsAgreement between HMPs and self-reported laterality was modest (κ=0.3, 95% CI 0.0 to 0.6). Concordance between HMP measured and self-reported number of calls was fair (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)=0.38, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.69), but poor for duration (ICC=0.01, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.37) with wide limits of agreement for both.ConclusionsThese results suggest that adolescent self-reported laterality was of limited validity. Adolescent self-reported phone use by number and duration of calls was generally inaccurate but comparable to recent adult studies. Epidemiological studies of mobile phone use based on self-reported information may underestimate true associations with health effects.
Non-invasive diagnosis of chronic beryllium disease in workers exposed to hazardous dust in Israel
Authors: Fireman E , Mazor O , Kramer M , Priel I , Lerman Y 
Published: December 2009

ObjectivesChronic beryllium disease (CBD) is caused by prolonged occupational exposure to beryllium and is characterised by various clinical presentations, mostly pulmonary. The inflammatory process involves non-caseous granulomas and proliferation of CD4+ cells. CBD is diagnosed by lung biopsy showing tissue granuloma formation, and by the beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) for past exposure and sensitisation to beryllium. The induced sputum (IS) technique was developed for diagnosing asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and interstitial lung diseases. A CD4/CD8 ratio >2.5 in T cells from IS is a positive result for granulomatous lung diseases. We previously revealed that dental technicians are exposed to excessive levels of beryllium. The efficacy of IS (CD4/CD8 >2.5) and BeLPT in diagnosing CBD in 17 workplaces where beryllium was present was evaluated.MethodsAll consecutive patients with a clinical suspicion of CBD referred to our institution for diagnosis and management were enrolled. Results of the gold standard lung biopsy with BeLPT were compared to the non-invasive IS+BeLPT. Kappa and McNemar tests evaluated agreement levels. Correlations between demographic and clinical parameters and a confirmed diagnosis of CBD were analysed.ResultsThe two approaches were compared in 57 of 98 subjects. There was a high level of agreement (κ 0.920) between IS+BeLPT and biopsy+BeLPT. IS+BeLPT had a specificity of 97.3% and sensitivity of 87.5%. 21 of 87 exposed workers (24%) had CBD, of whom 12 were dental technicians (p=0.044 dental technicians versus all other occupations).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that the CD4/CD8 ratio in IS together with positive/negative BeLPT findings can be used in diagnosing CBD.
Surveillance Methods for Identifying, Characterizing, and Monitoring Tobacco Products: Potential Reduced Exposure Products as an Example
Authors: O'Connor Richard J. , Cummings K. Michael , Rees Vaughan W. , Connolly Gregory N. , Norton Kaila J. , Sweanor David , Parascandola Mark , Hatsukami Dorothy K. , Shields Peter G. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractTobacco products are widely sold and marketed, yet integrated data systems for identifying, tracking, and characterizing products are lacking. Tobacco manufacturers recently have developed potential reduced exposure products (PREP) with implied or explicit health claims. Currently, a systematic approach for identifying, defining, and evaluating PREPs sold at the local, state, or national levels in the United States has not been developed. Identifying, characterizing, and monitoring new tobacco products could be greatly enhanced with a responsive surveillance system. This article critically reviews available surveillance data sources for identifying and tracking tobacco products, including PREPs, evaluating strengths and weaknesses of potential data sources in light of their reliability and validity. With the absence of regulations mandating disclosure of product-specific information, it is likely that public health officials will need to rely on a variety of imperfect data sources to help identify, characterize, and monitor tobacco products, including PREPs. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(12):3334–48)
Acculturation Differentially Predicts Smoking Cessation among Latino Men and Women
Authors: Castro Yessenia , Reitzel Lorraine R. , Businelle Michael S. , Kendzor Darla E. , Mazas Carlos A. , Li Yisheng , Cofta-Woerpel Ludmila , Wetter David W. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Objectives: The current study examined the influence of gender, acculturation indicators, and their interaction on smoking cessation among Latinos.
Methods: Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the main effects of gender, acculturation indicators, and their interactions on self-reported 7-day abstinence at 12-week follow-up among 271 Latino smokers seeking cessation counseling.
Results: Analyses revealed significant main effects for several acculturation indicators and significant interactions of gender with number of years lived in the United States, proportion of life lived in the United States, and preferred media language (all P values &lt;0.05). Follow-up analyses indicated no significant relationships between abstinence and acculturation indicators among women. Among men, abstinence rates increased with years in the United States, proportion of life in the United States, and preferred media language of English.
Conclusions: Greater acculturation predicted higher abstinence rates, but this relationship was restricted to men. This study is among the first to examine the effects of gender and acculturation on smoking abstinence among Latinos. Findings highlight the need for research focused on mechanisms underlying these relationships. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(12):3468–75)