bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In VitroandIn VivoStudies of Monoclonal Antibodies with Prominent Bactericidal Activity against Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia mallei
Authors: Zhang Shimin , Feng Shaw-Huey , Li Bingjie , Kim Hyung-Yong , Rodriguez Joe , Tsai Shien , Lo Shyh-Ching 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTOur laboratory has developed more than a hundred mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) againstBurkholderia pseudomalleiandBurkholderia mallei. These antibodies have been categorized into different groups based on their specificities and the biochemical natures of their target antigens. The current study first examined the bactericidal activities of a number of these MAbs by anin vitroopsonic assay. Then, thein vivoprotective efficacy of selected MAbs was evaluated using BALB/c mice challenged intranasally with a lethal dose of the bacteria. The opsonic assay using dimethyl sulfoxide-treated human HL-60 cells as phagocytes revealed that 19 out of 47 tested MAbs (40%) have prominent bactericidal activities againstB. pseudomalleiand/orB. mallei. Interestingly, all MAbs with strong opsonic activities are those with specificity against either the capsular polysaccharides (PS) or the lipopolysaccharides (LPS) of the bacteria. On the other hand, none of the MAbs reacting to bacterial proteins or glycoproteins showed prominent bactericidal activity. Further study revealed that the antigenic epitopes on either the capsular PS or LPS molecules were readily available for binding in intact bacteria, while the epitopes on proteins/glycoproteins were less accessible to the MAbs. Ourin vivostudy showed that four MAbs reactive to either the capsular PS or LPS were highly effective in protecting mice against lethal bacterial challenge. The result is compatible with that of ourin vitrostudy. The MAbs with the highest protective efficacy are those reactive to either the capsular PS or LPS of theBurkholderiabacteria.
Genome Sequence of “Pedosphaera parvula” Ellin514, an Aerobic Verrucomicrobial Isolate from Pasture Soil
Authors: Kant Ravi , van Passel Mark W. J. , Sangwan Parveen , Palva Airi , Lucas Susan , Copeland Alex , Lapidus Alla , Glavina del Rio Tijana , Dalin Eileen , Tice Hope , Bruce David , Goodwin Lynne , Pitluck Sam , Chertkov Olga , Larimer Frank W. , Land Miriam L. , Hauser Loren , Brettin Thomas S. , Detter John C. , Han Shunsheng , de Vos Willem M. , Janssen Peter H. , Smidt Hauke 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

“
Pedosphaera parvula
” Ellin514 is an aerobically grown verrucomicrobial isolate from pasture soil. It is one of the few cultured representatives of subdivision 3 of the phylum
Verrucomicrobia
. Members of this group are widespread in terrestrial environments.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Thermophilic Bacterium Exiguobacterium sp. AT1b
Authors: Vishnivetskaya Tatiana A. , Lucas Susan , Copeland Alex , Lapidus Alla , Glavina del Rio Tijana , Dalin E. , Tice Hope , Bruce David C. , Goodwin Lynne A. , Pitluck Sam , Saunders E. , Brettin Tom , Detter Chris , Han Cliff , Larimer Frank , Land Miriam L. , Hauser Loren J. , Kyrpides Nikos C. , Ovchinnikova Galina , Kathariou Sophia , Ramaley Robert F. , Rodrigues Debora F. , Hendrix Christie , Richardson Paul , Tiedje James M. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

Here we present the genome of strain
Exiguobacterium
sp. AT1b, a thermophilic member of the genus
Exiguobacterium
whose representatives were isolated from various environments along a thermal and physicochemical gradient. This genome was sequenced to be a comparative resource for the study of thermal adaptation with a psychroactive representative of the genus,
Exiguobacterium sibiricum
strain 255-15, that was previously sequenced by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Joint Genome Institute (JGI) (
http://genome.ornl.gov/microbial/exig/
).
Genome of Streptococcus oralis Strain Uo5
Authors: Reichmann Peter , Nuhn Michael , Denapaite Dalia , Brückner Reinhold , Henrich Bernhard , Maurer Patrick , Rieger Martin , Klages Sven , Reinhard Richard , Hakenbeck Regine 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus oralis
, a commensal species of the human oral cavity, belongs to the Mitis group of streptococci, which includes one of the major human pathogens as well,
S. pneumoniae
. We report here the first complete genome sequence of this species.
S. oralis
Uo5, a high-level penicillin- and multiple-antibiotic-resistant isolate from Hungary, is competent for genetic transformation under laboratory conditions. Comparative and functional genomics of Uo5 will be important in understanding the evolution of pathogenesis among Mitis streptococci and their potential to engage in interspecies gene transfer.
Detection of Respiratory Viruses by PCR Assay of Nasopharyngeal Swabs Stored in Skim Milk-Tryptone-Glucose-Glycerol Transport Medium
Authors: Turner Paul , Po Linda , Turner Claudia , Goldblatt David , Nosten Francois 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACT
We analyzed 129 paired nasopharyngeal aspirates (stored in viral transport medium [VTM]) and nasopharyngeal swabs (stored in skim milk-tryptone-glucose-glycerol [STGG] bacterial transport and storage medium) using PCRs to detect adenoviruses, influenza virus A or B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Overall, swabs stored in STGG medium without antimicrobials were found to be an acceptable alternative to aspirates stored in antimicrobial-containing VTM, with PCR agreement of 90.2% (kappa of 0.8).
Distinct Proteinase K-Resistant Prion Protein Fragment in Goats with No Signs of Disease in a Classical Scrapie Outbreak
Authors: Bouzalas Ilias G. , Lörtscher Florian , Dovas Chrysostomos I. , Oevermann Anna , Langeveld Jan P. M. , Papanastassopoulou Maria , Papadopoulos Orestis , Zurbriggen Andreas , Seuberlich Torsten 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACT

Considerable efforts have been directed toward the identification of small-ruminant prion diseases, i.e., classical and atypical scrapie as well as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Here we report the in-depth molecular analysis of the proteinase K-resistant prion protein core fragment (PrP
res
) in a highly scrapie-affected goat flock in Greece. The PrP
res
profile by Western immunoblotting in most animals was that of classical scrapie in sheep. However, in a series of clinically healthy goats we identified a unique C- and N-terminally truncated PrP
res
fragment, which is akin but not identical to that observed for atypical scrapie. These findings reveal novel aspects of the nature and diversity of the molecular PrP
res
phenotypes in goats and suggest that these animals display a previously unrecognized prion protein disorder.
Performance of a New MicroScan WalkAway PC30 Panel and Disk Diffusion Method for Detection of Oxacillin Resistance in Staphylococcus spp
Authors: Gallon Olivier , Pina Patrick , Gravet Alain , Laurent Frederic , Lamy Brigitte , Delarbre Jean-Marie , Doucet-Populaire F. , Decousser J. W. ,   the College de Bacteriologie Virologie Hygiene Study Group
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACT

The performance of the MicroScan WalkAway PC30 panel for detection of oxacillin resistance was evaluated by use of a collection of 420 staphylococcus isolates. The addition of a cefoxitin test (4 mg/liter) to the oxacillin MIC determination increased its raw performance for
Staphylococcus aureus
; additional data were required for coagulase-negative staphylococci.
Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization of Acinetobacter Clinical Isolates Obtained from Inmates of California Correctional Facilities
Authors: Golanbar Galarah D. , Lam Christopher K. , Chu Yi-Ming , Cueva Carla , Tan Stephanie W. , Silva Isba , Xu H. Howard 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACT

Acinetobacter
spp. increasingly have been wreaking havoc in hospitals and communities worldwide. Although much has been reported regarding
Acinetobacter
isolates responsible for nosocomial infections, little is known about these organisms in correctional facilities. In this study, we performed species identification, examined the antibiotic resistance profiles, and determined the mechanisms of resistance and clonal relationships of 123
Acinetobacter
isolates obtained from inmates of 20 California correctional facilities (CCFs). We found that 57.7% of the isolates belong to
A. baumannii
, followed by isolates of
Acinetobacter
genomic species 3 (gen. sp. 3; 23.6%) and of
Acinetobacter
gen. sp. 13TU (10.6%). Multidrug-resistant (MDR) CCF isolates were found in only six CCFs. Additionally, DNA sequences of
gyrA
and
parC
genes were consistent with fluoroquinolone (FQ) susceptibility phenotypes. Furthermore, the presence of class 1 integrons was detected in 15 CCF isolates, all of which are MDR. Integron-associated gene cassettes encode several aminoglycoside modification enzymes, which correlate with most of the aminoglycoside-resistant phenotypes. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing in the presence of Phe-Arg-β-naphthylamide dihydrochloride and 1-(1-naphthylmethyl)-piperazine indicated the involvement of efflux pumps in the FQ resistance of only a few CCF isolates. Finally, genetic profiling showed that there was no evidence of
A. baumannii
outbreaks in CCFs. Instead, our analyses revealed only limited clonal dissemination of mostly non-MDR
A. baumannii
strains in a few facilities. This study represents the first report to characterize phenotypic and molecular features of
Acinetobacter
isolates in correctional facilities, which provides a baseline for monitoring the antimicrobial resistance changes and dissemination patterns of these organisms in such specialized institutions.
Two Distinct Conformations of a Rinderpest Virus Epitope Presented by Bovine Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I N*01801: a Host Strategy To Present Featured Peptides
Authors: Li Xin , Liu Jun , Qi Jianxun , Gao Feng , Li Qirun , Li Xiaoying , Zhang Nianzhi , Xia Chun , Gao George F. 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTThe presentation of viral peptide epitopes to host cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) is crucial for adaptive cellular immunity to clear the virus infection, especially for some chronic viral infections. Indeed, hosts have developed effective strategies to achieve this goal. The ideal scenario would be that the peptide epitopes stimulate a broad spectrum of CTL responses with diversified T-cell receptor (TCR) usage (the TCR repertoire). It is believed that a diversified TCR repertoire requires a “featured” peptide to be presented by the host major histocompatibility complex (MHC). A featured peptide can be processed and presented in a number of ways. Here, using the X-ray diffraction method, the crystal structures of an antigenic peptide derived from rinderpest virus presented by bovine MHC class I N*01801 (BoLA-A11) have been solved, and two distinct conformations of the presented peptide are clearly displayed. A detailed analysis of the structure and comparative sequences revealed that the polymorphic amino acid isoleucine 73 (Ile73) is extremely flexible, allowing the MHC groove to adopt different conformations to accommodate the rinderpest virus peptide. This makes the peptide more featured by exposing different amino acids for T-cell recognition. The crystal structures also demonstrated that the N*01801 molecule has an unusually large A pocket, resulting in the special conformation of the P1 residue at the N terminus of the peptide. We propose that this strategy of host peptide presentation might be beneficial for creating a diversified TCR repertoire, which is important for a more-effective CTL response.
Anterograde Transport of Herpes Simplex Virus Capsids in Neurons by both Separate and Married Mechanisms
Authors: Wisner Todd W. , Sugimoto Ken , Howard Paul W. , Kawaguchi Yasushi , Johnson David C. 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACT
Anterograde transport of herpes simplex virus (HSV) from neuronal cell bodies into, and down, axons is a fundamentally important process for spread to other hosts. Different techniques for imaging HSV in axons have produced two models for how virus particles are transported in axons. In the Separate model, viral nucleocapsids devoid of the viral envelope and membrane glycoproteins are transported in axons. In the Married model, enveloped HSV particles (with the viral glycoproteins) encased within membrane vesicles are transported in the anterograde direction. Earlier studies of HSV-infected human neurons involving electron microscopy (EM) and immunofluorescence staining of glycoproteins and capsids supported the Separate model. However, more-recent live-cell imaging of rat, chicken, and mouse neurons produced evidence supporting the Married model. In a recent EM study, a mixture of Married (75%) and Separate (25%) HSV particles was observed. Here, we studied an HSV recombinant expressing a fluorescent form of the viral glycoprotein gB and a fluorescent capsid protein (VP26), observing that human SK-N-SH neurons contained both Separate (the majority) and Married particles. Live-cell imaging of rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neuronal axons in a chamber system (which oriented the axons) also produced evidence of Separate and Married particles. Together, our results suggest that one can observe anterograde transport of both HSV capsids and enveloped virus particles depending on which neurons are cultured and how the neurons are imaged.
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 ICP4 Forms Complexes with TFIID and Mediator in Virus-Infected Cells
Authors: Lester Jonathan T. , DeLuca Neal A. 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACT

The infected cell polypeptide 4 (ICP4) of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is a regulator of viral transcription that is required for productive infection. Since viral genes are transcribed by cellular RNA polymerase II (RNA pol II), ICP4 must interact with components of the pol II machinery to regulate viral gene expression. It has been shown previously that ICP4 interacts with TATA box-binding protein (TBP), TFIIB, and the TBP-associated factor 1 (TAF1)
in vitro
. In this study, ICP4-containing complexes were isolated from infected cells by tandem affinity purification (TAP). Forty-six proteins that copurified with ICP4 were identified by mass spectrometry. Additional copurifying proteins were identified by Western blot analysis. These included 11 components of TFIID and 4 components of the Mediator complex. The significance of the ICP4-Mediator interaction was further investigated using immunofluorescence and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Mediator was found to colocalize with ICP4 starting at early and continuing into late times of infection. In addition, Mediator was recruited to viral promoters in an ICP4-dependent manner. Taken together, the data suggest that ICP4 interacts with components of TFIID and Mediator in the context of viral infection, and this may explain the broad transactivation properties of ICP4.
Dengue Virus Type 3 Isolated from a Fatal Case with Visceral Complications Induces Enhanced Proinflammatory Responses and Apoptosis of Human Dendritic Cells
Authors: Silveira Guilherme F. , Meyer Florencia , Delfraro Adriana , Mosimann Ana Luiza P. , Coluchi Norma , Vasquez Cyntia , Probst Christian M. , Báfica André , Bordignon Juliano , dos Santos Claudia N. Duarte 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACT

A recent (2007 to 2009) dengue outbreak caused by dengue virus (DENV) in Paraguay presented unusual severe clinical outcomes associated with 50% mortality rates. Although it has been reported that inflammatory responses influence the severity of dengue virus infection (T. Pang, M. J. Cardosa, and M. G. Guzman, Immunol. Cell Biol. 85:43–45, 2007), there remains a paucity of information on virus-innate immunity interactions influencing clinical outcome. Using human dendritic cells from a major innate immune cell population as an
in vitro
model, we have investigated signature cytokine responses as well as infectivity-replicative profiles of DENV clinical isolates from either a nonfatal case of classical dengue fever (strain DENV3/290; isolated in Brazil in 2002) or a fatal case of dengue fever with visceral complications isolated in Paraguay in 2007 (strain DENV3/5532). Strain DENV3/5532 was found to display significantly higher replicative ability than DENV3/290 in monocyte-derived dendritic cells (mdDCs). In addition, compared to DENV3/290 results, mdDCs exposed to DENV3/5532 showed increased production of proinflammatory cytokines associated with higher rates of programmed cell death, as shown by annexin V staining. The observed phenotype was due to viral replication, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) appears to exert a protective effect on virus-induced mdDC apoptosis. These results suggest that the DENV3/5532 strain isolated from the fatal case replicates within human dendritic cells, modulating cell survival and synthesis of inflammatory mediators.
Retention of CD4
+
CD25
+
FoxP3
+
Regulatory T Cells in the Liver after Therapy-Induced Hepatitis C Virus Eradication in Humans
Authors: Claassen Mark A. A. , de Knegt Robert J. , Janssen Harry L. A. , Boonstra André 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACT

Following infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), in most cases immunity fails to eradicate the virus, resulting in slowly progressing immunopathology in the HCV-infected liver. We are the first to examine intrahepatic T cells and CD4
+
CD25
+
FoxP3
+
regulatory T cells (Treg) in patients chronically infected with HCV (chronic HCV patients) during and after antiviral therapy by collecting multiple aspiration biopsy samples from the liver at different time points. We found that intrahepatic Treg frequencies were increased upon alpha interferon and ribavirin administration in about 50% of chronic HCV patients, suggesting stronger regulation of intrahepatic immunity by Treg during antiviral therapy. After cessation of antiviral therapy, the frequency of intrahepatic Treg remained above baseline in the large majority of livers of individuals who successfully cleared the virus. The phenotype of those Treg that were retained in the liver months after therapy-induced clearance of HCV RNA indicated a reduced contribution of effector memory cells. Our findings, gathered by multiple samplings of the liver, indicate that successful antiviral therapy of chronic HCV patients does not lead to normalization of the local immune response to a resting state comparable to that for healthy livers. The continuous presence of high numbers of Treg, with a phenotype reflecting a relatively weak suppressive activity, suggests ongoing residual regulation of immunopathology. These findings provide important insight into the dynamics of the immune response to HCV, as well as the effect of therapy on intrahepatic immunity.
A Pilot Study of St36 Acupuncture for Infantile Colic
Authors: Skjeie Holgeir , Skonnord Trygve , Fetveit Arne , Brekke Mette 
Published: March 2011

Objective To conduct a pilot study to assess the feasibility of a proposed design of an acupuncture trial to relieve symptoms of infantile colic. Method An open randomised single-blinded controlled trial, using standardised bilateral treatment of the acupuncture point ST36. Infants fulfilling Wessel's definition of infantile colic were included. Patients were randomised to active treatment or to no-treatment control. General practitioners (GPs) educated in Western medical acupuncture did the interventions. Parents and GPs’ assistants were blinded. Active treatment was the bilateral insertion of 0.20×15 mm Seirin needles to 12 mm depth at ST36. The intervention consisted of daily treatments of 30 s duration for three consecutive workdays. Blinding was done with a red point mark on the skin and circular adhesive dressing covering. The parents were asked two blinding validation questions in the course of the study period. The primary end point was the effect of the intervention assessed as change in crying time per 24 h measured with a crying registration form. Results The authors improved the standardisation and changed the blinding procedure as a result of the pilot study. Blinding validation questions were considered necessary. The changes made in the main study protocol are discussed. Conclusion The pilot study led to important changes that were implemented into the final trial protocol. Blinding validation is essential in no-treatment controlled trials of acupuncture on infants, where the parents are blinded assessors of symptom reduction. The authors suggest that blinding validation questions, and the answers to these questions, should be reported. Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: NCT00907621.
The significance of caveolae in the glomeruli in glomerular disease
Authors: Moriyama Takahito , Tsuruta Yuki , Shimizu Ari , Itabashi Mitsuyo , Takei Takashi , Horita Shigeru , Uchida Keiko , Nitta Kosaku 
Published: March 2011

AimsThe aim of this study was to demonstrate expression of cell membrane invagination ‘caveolae’ in glomeruli and to correlate this with functional and structural characteristics of the human glomerular diseases.MethodsThe expression of caveolin-1 (Cav-1), which is the main component of caveolae, was examined in the glomeruli, and the relationship between Cav-1 expression and pathological and clinical findings was determined in 99 patients with glomerular disease and in 50 renal transplantation donors as controls.ResultsCav-1 was expressed very weakly in the controls, and the area of Cav-1 expression relative to the total glomerular area was 0.57±0.65%. However, the area of Cav-1 expression was significantly larger in each glomerular disease (IgA nephropathy, 1.05±1.36%, p<0.05; crescent glomerulonephritis, 1.86±1.19%, p<0.001; minimal change disease, 2.38±1.24%, p<0.001; focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, 2.88±2.05%, p<0.01; membranous nephritis, 4.27±2.95%, p<0.001; membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, 4.49±3.15%, p<0.001; and diabetic nephropathy, 2.45±1.52%, p<0.001; compared with the controls. Cav-1 expression was significantly decreased in glomerular disease treated with steroids. Co-localisation of Cav-1 and the endothelial marker ‘pathologische anatomie leiden-endothelium’ was prominent in an immunofluorescence study, and caveolae on the glomerular endothelial cells were observed in electron microscopy.ConclusionsThe expression of Cav-1 was significantly increased in the glomeruli of patients with glomerular disease, and it was related to urinary albumin excretion. Cav-1 expression and caveolae were observed in glomerular endothelial cells. It is hypothesised that they play a role in the recovery phase of capillary injury or endocytosis of albumin into endothelial cells. Basic research should be performed to elucidate the role played by Cav-1 and caveolae.
‘If-then’ planning in one-to-one behaviour change counselling is effective in promoting contraceptive adherence in teenagers
Authors: Martin Jilly , Slade Pauline , Sheeran Paschal , Wright Alison , Dibble Tracey 
Published: March 2011

BackgroundFamily planning clinicians were trained to provide one-to-one behaviour change counselling to deprived teenage women. They facilitated ‘if-then’ planning designed to increase adherence to contraception and to overcome potential barriers to adherence.MethodsReasons for consultation at the clinic were obtained from electronic records and compared before and after the intervention.ResultsIt was found that consultation for emergency contraception and pregnancy testing was reduced by 15% (49% vs 34%) after making if-then plans. This compared to a 4% reduction in a usual care comparison group. Changes in reasons for consultation before and after the intervention were also explored. Positive changes in behaviour were exhibited in 53% of the group who made if-then plans compared to 28% of the usual care comparison group. Changes in reasons for consultation over time were significant in the counselling group (n= 87,p= 0.035) but not in the comparison group (n= 79,p= 0.68).ConclusionThese findings provide evidence that training clinicians in psychological behaviour change techniques such as if-then planning can be effective in influencing contraceptive consultation patterns among teenage women.