bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution of killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor genes in Roma from Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Petlichkovski A. , Djulejic E. , Trajkov D. , Efinska‐Mladenovska O. , Hristomanova S. , Kirijas M. , Senev A. , Spiroski M. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryThe aim of this study was to analyze Killer Ig‐Like Receptor (KIR) gene polymorphisms in Roma people from Republic of Macedonia. The studied sample consists of 103 healthy unrelated individuals, aged 20–45 years. All individuals are of Roma origin, residents of different geographical regions (Gostivar, Skopje, and Kochani). The population genetics analysis package, Arlequin, was used for analysis of the data. We found that all 16 KIR genes were observed in the Roma individuals and framework genes (KIR3DL3, KIR3DP1, KIR‐ 2DL4, and KIR3DL2) were present in all individuals. The frequencies of other KIR genes were: KIR2DP1 (1), KIR2DL1 (0.961), KIR2DL2 (0.544), KIR2DL3 (0.874), KIR2DL5 (0.311), KIR3DL1 (0.990), KIR‐ 2DS1 (0.330), KIR2DS2 (0.553), KIR2DS3 (0.359), KIR2DS4 (0.981), KIR2DS5 (0.291), and KIR3DS1 (0.379). The results of tested linkage disequilibrium (LD) among KIR genes demonstrated that KIR genes present a wide range of linkage disequilibrium. The obtained results for KIR genes and genotype frequencies in Macedonian Roma individuals can be used for anthropological comparisons.
Cryofiltration in the Treatment of Cryoglobulinemia and HLA Antibody‐Incompatible Transplantation
Authors: Sinha Devan , Lambie Mark , Krishnan Nithya , McSorley Kath , Hamer Rizwan , Lowe Dave , Briggs David , Fletcher Simon , Zehnder Daniel , Higgins Rob M 
Published: September 2011

AbstractCryofiltration is a technique in which plasma is separated from blood and chilled, leading to the formation of “cryogel”, a composite of heparin, fibronectin, fibrinogen, immunoglobulins, and other proteins. This is retained by further filtration and plasma is returned to the patient. There may be a role for cryofiltration in the treatment of cryoglobulinemia or where the application of other forms of plasmapheresis or immunoadsorption is limited. Five patients received six courses of cryofiltration. Two patients had cryoglobulinemia and three were treated before HLA antibody‐incompatible renal transplantation. The treatment was associated with few adverse effects, and it was possible to treat up to 120 mL/kg plasma per session. There was a good clinical response in four patients. One patient was switched back to double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) because cryofiltration seemed to remove HLA antibodies less effectively, but the other two transplants have excellent function. In the cryoglobulinemia patients there was excellent clearance of cryoglobulins during each treatment (mean decrease of 78.2 (SD 14.1)% per treatment). Compared with DFPP, fewer immunoglobulins were removed and the mean percentage reductions in immunoglobulin G per treatment were 36.0 (4.0)% for cryoglobulinemia and 59.2 (2.5)% for DFPP (P < 0.01), with respective mean plasma volumes of 64.2 (10.3) and 71.1 (6.8) mL/kg treated. Cryofiltration offers a treatment choice in patients with cryoglobulinemia and in those who may not be able to tolerate high‐volume DFPP. The technique used in the patients described here was less effective than DFPP; however, use of an alternative fractionator and treatment of higher plasma volumes may enhance the efficiency of cryofiltration.
How the effects of resonant absorption on black hole reflection spectra can mimic high-velocity outflows
Authors: Gallo L. C. , Fabian A. C. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT
Narrow absorption lines seen in the 2–10 keV spectra of active galaxies and Galactic black holes are normally attributed to iron in high-velocity outflows or inflows. We consider the possibility that such features could arise naturally in the accretion disc. Resonant absorption by highly ionized iron (e.g. Fe xxvi and Fe xxv) in an optically thin plasma that is located above the disc and rotating with it could reproduce narrow features in the reflection component of the spectrum as it emerges from the disc. Depending on the inclination of the disc and the exact geometry of the hot plasma (e.g. whether it blanket the disc or a ring), apparently narrow absorption features could be detected between 4 and 10 keV. Such an explanation requires no high-velocity outflow/inflow and is consistent with a reflection-based interpretation for accreting black holes systems.
Evidence for cosmic evolution in the spin of the most massive black holes
Authors: Martínez-Sansigre Alejo , Rawlings Steve 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT
We use results from simulations of the production of magnetohydrodynamic jets around black holes to derive the cosmic spin history of the most massive black holes. We assume that the efficiency of jet production is a monotonic function of spin , as given by the simulations, and that the accretion flow geometry is similarly thick for quasars accreting close to the Eddington ratio and for low-excitation radio galaxies accreting at very small Eddington rates. We use the ratio of the comoving densities of the jet power to the radiated accretion power associated with supermassive black holes with m•≳ 108 M⊙ to estimate the cosmic history of the characteristic spin . The evolution of this ratio, which increases with decreasing z, is consistent with a picture where the z∼ 0 active galactic nuclei have typically higher spins than those at z∼ 2 (with typical values –0.95 and ∼0.0–0.25, respectively). We discuss the implications in terms of the relative importance of accretion and mergers in the growth of supermassive black holes with m•≳ 108 M⊙.
X-ray evidence for the accretion disc–outflow connection in 3C 111
Authors: Tombesi F. , Sambruna R. M. , Reeves J. N. , Reynolds C. S. , Braito V. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT
We present the spectral analysis of three Suzaku X-ray Imaging Spectrometer observations of 3C 111 requested to monitor the predicted variability of its ultrafast outflow on ∼7 d time-scales. We detect an ionized iron emission line in the first observation and a blueshifted absorption line in the second, when the flux is ∼30 per cent higher. The location of the material is constrained at &lt;0.006 pc from the variability. Detailed modelling supports an identification with ionized reflection off the accretion disc at ∼20–100rg from the black hole and a highly ionized and massive ultrafast outflow with velocity ∼0.1c, respectively. The outflow is most probably accelerated by radiation pressure, but additional magnetic thrust cannot be excluded. The measured high outflow rate and mechanical energy support the claims that disc outflows may have a significant feedback role. This work provides the first direct evidence for an accretion disc–outflow connection in a radio-loud active galactic nucleus, possibly linked also to the jet activity.
Canine intracranial neoplasia: clinical risk factors for development of epileptic seizures
Authors: Schwartz M. , Lamb C. R. , Brodbelt D. C. , Volk H. A. 
Published: September 2011

Objectives: To identify clinical risk factors for seizures in dogs with intracranial neoplasia.Methods: A cross‐sectional retrospective study of 68 dogs with histopathologically confirmed primary or secondary intracranial neoplasia, complete clinical history and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was conducted. Signalment and clinical history were retrieved from clinical records and magnetic resonance images of the brain were re‐evaluated. Prevalence of findings was compared between dogs with and without seizures.Results: Forty‐two dogs had tumour‐related seizures, the remaining 26 were seizure‐free. Tumour types included meningioma (23 dogs with and 5 without seizures), glioma (9 dogs with and 6 without seizures), choroid plexus tumour (2 dogs without seizures), neuroblastoma (1 dog with seizures) and metastatic/invasive tumours including lymphoma (9 dogs with and 13 without seizures). On the basis of multi‐variable logistic regression analysis, risk factors for seizures associated with intracranial neoplasia were magnetic resonance imaging findings consistent with the presence of neoplastic tissue in frontal lobe [odds ratio (OR) 9·61; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2·59 to 35·61], marked gadolinium enhancement (OR 10·41; 95% CI 2·07 to 52·30) and magnetic resonance imaging findings of subfalcine and/or subtentorial herniation (OR 3·88; 95% CI 1·10 to 13·71).ClinicalSignificance: Dogs with primary or secondary intracranial neoplasia are at risk of seizures, particularly those with tumours that affect the frontal lobe, enhance markedly with gadolinium, or cause subfalcine and/or subtentorial herniation.
Vascular endothelial growth factor plasma levels before and after treatment of neovascular age‐related macular degeneration with bevacizumab or ranibizumab
Authors: Carneiro Ângela M. , Costa Raquel , Falcão Manuel S. , Barthelmes Daniel , Mendonça Luis S. , Fonseca Sofia L. , Gonçalves Rita , Gonçalves Conceição , Falcão‐Reis Fernando M. , Soares Raquel 
Published: September 2011

Abstract.Purpose: To evaluate the changes of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plasma levels after intravitreal injections of ranibizumab or bevacizumab in patients with exudative age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).Methods: Forty‐three patients with exudative AMD and 19 age‐ and sex‐matched control patients without chorioretinal diseases were studied. Nineteen patients were treated with intravitreal ranibizumab 0.5 mg, 24 with intravitreal bevacizumab 1.25 mg. Blood samples were collected just before the first injection, and 28 days after three initial consecutive injections performed in 4‐weekly intervals (loading dose). Concentration of VEGF in the plasma was measured by ELISA.Results: At baseline, the median VEGF concentrations in controls were 180.97 pg/ml, in the bevacizumab group 189.72 pg/ml and in the ranibizumab group 191.36 pg/ml. VEGF plasma concentrations in patients with wet AMD were comparable to controls (p = 0.225). Twenty‐eight days after the third injection, a significant reduction of 42% in the median VEGF plasma levels was found in bevacizumab‐treated patients (109.97 pg/ml; p = 0.0002) but not in ranibizumab‐treated patients (189.97 pg/ml; p = 0.198) where a reduction of 0.7% in the median value was found.Conclusions: Intravitreal bevacizumab significantly reduced VEGF plasma levels until 28 days after intravitreal injection in patients with exudative AMD. Ranibizumab did not achieve a significant plasma VEGF reduction at the same time‐point. These findings alert to the potential systemic safety differences between the two drugs after intravitreal administration.
TNFα suppresses IFNγ‐induced MHC class II expression on retinal pigmented epithelial cells cultures
Authors: Makhoul Maya , Bruyns Catherine , Edimo William's Elong , Relvas Lia Judice , Bazewicz Magdalena , Koch Philippe , Caspers Laure , Willermain François 
Published: September 2011

Abstract.Purpose:  One major consequence of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell activation during autoimmune uveitis is the induction of MHC II molecules expression at their surface. IFNγ is regarded as the main cytokine involved in this induction. As TNFα plays a central role in autoimmune uveitis, we investigated its effects on IFNγ‐mediated MHC II induction on RPE cells.Methods:  Retinal pigment epithelium cells (ARPE‐19) were stimulated with IFNγ, TNFα and the anti‐TNFα antibody infliximab. The expression of MHCII and ICAM‐1 was analysed by flow cytometry. The activation and expression of IRF‐1 and STAT‐1, two proteins involved in IFNγ‐signalling pathway, were analysed by WB. Class II transactivator (CIITA) expression was monitored by qRT‐PCR and immunoprecipitation.Results:  TNFα inhibits IFNγ‐induced MHC II expression on ARPE cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Infliximab completely reverses the inhibitory effect of TNFα. We did not observe an inhibitory effect of TNFα on the expression of ICAM‐1 induced by IFNγ. Similarly, IFNγ‐induced STAT1 phosphorylation and IRF1 expression were not affected by TNFα. On the contrary, we found that TNFα suppresses IFNγ‐induced CIITA mRNA accumulation and protein expression.Conclusion:  TNFα inhibits IFNγ‐induced MHC II expression in RPE cells. This inhibitory effect was reversed by infliximab and was not because of a global inhibition of IFNγ ‐mediated RPE cell activation but rather to a specific down‐regulation of CIITA expression. Those findings are consistent with the role of TNFα in the resolution of inflammation and might help to elucidate the complex development of autoimmune uveitis.
Impaired activities of cyclic adenosine monophosphate‐responsive element binding protein, protein kinase A and calcium‐independent phospholipase A2 are involved in deteriorated regeneration of cirrhotic liver after partial hepatectomy in rats
Authors: Zhao Gang , Wakabayashi Rie , Shimoda Shinya , Fukunaga Yumi , Kumagai Michiaki , Tanaka Masao , Nakano Kenji 
Published: September 2011

Aims:  This study is to elucidate whether cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)‐mediated signal is involved in lower regenerative potential of cirrhotic liver.Methods:  Hepatic cAMP concentration, activities of protein kinase A (PKA), c‐AMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) and Ca2+‐independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2) and regeneration rate were compared between rats with thioacetamide‐induced cirrhotic and normal livers after two‐third hepatectomy.Results:  The liver regeneration estimated by the rates of [3H]‐thymidine incorporation and staining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen was significantly lower in the cirrhotic group. CREB, PKA and iPLA2 activities, assessed by western blots and electromobility shift assay, were significantly impaired after hepatectomy in the cirrhosis group. PKA and iPLA2 silencing by siRNA transfection significantly inhibited CREB activity and cell growth in transformed hepatocytes in vitro.Conclusions:  CREB dysfunction, mediated by PKA and iPLA2 suppression, may be involved in the deteriorated liver regeneration in the cirrhotic rats.
Mixed
Convection From a Convectively Heated Vertical Plate to a Fluid With Internal Heat
Generation
Authors: Makinde O. D. , Aziz A. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
A numerical approach has been adopted to study steady mixed convection from the right face of a vertical plate of finite thickness. Cold fluid flowing over the right face of the plate contains a heat generation that decays exponentially with a dimensionless distance from the wall. The left face of the plate is in contact with a hot flowing fluid. The heating process on that side is characterized by a convective boundary condition that takes into account the conduction resistance of the plate as well as a possible contact resistance between the hot fluid and the left face of the plate. Using a pseudo similarity approach, the continuity, momentum, and energy equations for mixed convective flow over the right face of the plate are transformed into a set of coupled ordinary differential equations. It is found that for a true similarity solution, the convective heat transfer coefficient associated with the hot fluid must be proportional to x−1/2, and both the thermal expansion coefficient and the internal heat generation rate for the cold fluid must be proportional to x−1, where x is the upward distance along the plate. The equations give local similarity solutions. The effects of local Grashof number (defined to represent a mixed convection parameter), Prandtl number, Biot number, and the internal heat generation parameter on the velocity and temperature profiles are illustrated and interpreted in physical terms. The present results agree closely with the existing results for the special cases of the problem. This close agreement lends support to the validity of the present analysis and the accuracy of the numerical computations. The paper also contains a table in which the data for the local skin friction and local Nusselt number are provided for various combination values of the parameters that govern the momentum and energy transport in the mixed boundary layer.
Altered Eosinophil Proteome in a Patient with Hypereosinophilia from Acute Fascioliasis
Authors: Straub Christof , Burnham Jason P. , White A. Clinton , Pazdrak Konrad , Sanchez Cesar , Watanabe Luis Carlos , Kurosky Alexander , Montes Martín 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTWe used comparative proteomics to analyze eosinophils from a patient with hypereosinophilia due to fascioliasis. Using 2-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, we demonstrated that the eosinophil proteome was significantly altered compared to those of healthy controls.
Use of Dried-Blood-Spot Samples and In-House Assays To Identify Antiretroviral Drug Resistance in HIV-Infected Children in Resource-Constrained Settings
Authors: Ziemniak Carrie , Mengistu Yohannes , Ruff Andrea , Chen Ya-Hui , Khaki Leila , Bedri Abubaker , Simen Birgitte B. , Palumbo Paul , Eshleman Susan H. , Persaud Deborah 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTMonitoring HIV drug resistance is an important component of the World Health Organization's global HIV program. HIV drug resistance testing is optimal with commercially available clinically validated test kits using plasma; however, that type of testing may not be feasible or affordable in resource-constrained settings. HIV genotyping from dried blood spots (DBS) with noncommercial (in-house) assays may facilitate the capture of HIV drug resistance outcomes in resource-constrained settings but has had varying rates of success. With in-house assays for HIV reverse transcriptase, we evaluated the yield of genotyping DBS samples collected from HIV-infected children who were enrolled in two clinical trials conducted in sub-Saharan Africa (median HIV viral load, 5.88 log10HIV RNA copies/ml; range, 4.04 to 6.99). Overall, HIV genotypes were obtained for 94 (89.5%) of 105 samples tested (95% and 84% from clinical trials #1 and #2, respectively); however, successful analysis of 15 (16.1%) of the 94 samples required repeat testing using a different set of primers on previously synthesized cDNA. The yield of genotyping was lower on the DBS that were stored suboptimally from clinical trial #2 (56% versus 88% for optimally stored). Concordance with plasma genotypes derived using a clinically validated, commercial kit-based assay (ViroSeq HIV-1 genotyping system) was also assessed in a subset of children with paired testing. For 34 samples with paired DBS and plasma genotypes, there was 100% concordance for major drug resistance mutations. DBS genotyping using in-house assays provides an alternative for antiretroviral drug resistance testing in children in resource-constrained regions but may require region-specific optimization before widespread use.
High-Resolution Melting-Curve Analysis of Ligation-Mediated Real-Time PCR for Rapid Evaluation of an Epidemiological Outbreak of Extended-Spectrum-Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli
Authors: Woksepp Hanna , Jernberg Cecilia , Tärnberg Maria , Ryberg Anna , Brolund Alma , Nordvall Michaela , Olsson-Liljequist Barbro , Wisell Karin Tegmark , Monstein Hans-Jürg , Nilsson Lennart E. , Schön Thomas 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

Methods for the confirmation of nosocomial outbreaks of bacterial pathogens are complex, expensive, and time-consuming. Recently, a method based on ligation-mediated PCR (LM/PCR) using a low denaturation temperature which produces specific melting-profile patterns of DNA products has been described. Our objective was to further develop this method for real-time PCR and high-resolution melting analysis (HRM) in a single-tube system optimized in order to achieve results within 1 day. Following the optimization of LM/PCR for real-time PCR and HRM (LM/HRM), the method was applied for a nosocomial outbreak of extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing and ST131-associated
Escherichia coli
isolates (
n
= 15) and control isolates (
n
= 29), including four previous clusters. The results from LM/HRM were compared to results from pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), which served as the gold standard. All isolates from the nosocomial outbreak clustered by LM/HRM, which was confirmed by gel electrophoresis of the LM/PCR products and PFGE. Control isolates that clustered by LM/PCR (
n
= 4) but not by PFGE were resolved by confirmatory gel electrophoresis. We conclude that LM/HRM is a rapid method for the detection of nosocomial outbreaks of bacterial infections caused by ESBL-producing
E. coli
strains. It allows the analysis of isolates in a single-tube system within a day, and the discriminatory power is comparable to that of PFGE.
Cyclospora papionis, Cryptosporidium hominis, and Human-Pathogenic Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Captive Baboons in Kenya
Authors: Li Wei , Kiulia Nicholas M. , Mwenda Jason M. , Nyachieo Atunga , Taylor Maureen B. , Zhang Xichen , Xiao Lihua 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

Cyclospora papionis
,
Cryptosporidium hominis
, and
Enterocytozoon bieneusi
were detected in 42 (17.9%), 6 (2.6%), and 29 (12.3%) of 235 newly captured baboons in Kenya, respectively. Most
C. hominis
subtypes and
E. bieneusi
genotypes found have been detected in humans in the area, suggesting that cross-species transmission of cryptosporidiosis and microsporidiosis is possible.
Pandemic and Seasonal Human Influenza Virus Infections in Domestic Cats: Prevalence, Association with Respiratory Disease, and Seasonality Patterns
Authors: Ali A. , Daniels J. B. , Zhang Y. , Rodriguez-Palacios A. , Hayes-Ozello K. , Mathes L. , Lee C.-W. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT
Domestic cats have several features that make them ideal vehicles for interspecies transmission of influenza viruses; however, they have been largely overlooked as potential reservoirs or bridging hosts. In this study, we conducted serological surveillance to assess the prevalence of novel pandemic H1N1 as well as seasonal human influenza virus infections in domestic cats in Ohio. Four hundred serum samples collected from domestic cats (September 2009 to September 2010) were tested using a hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. The seroprevalences of pandemic H1N1, seasonal H1N1, and H3N2 were 22.5%, 33%, and 43.5%, respectively. In addition, a significant association between clinical feline respiratory disease and influenza virus infection was documented. In this sample of cats, the prevalence of pandemic H1N1 did not follow the seasonality pattern of seasonal H1N1 or H3N2 influenza, similar to observations in humans. Pandemic H1N1 seroprevalence did not vary in relation to ambient temperature changes, while the seroprevalence of seasonal H3N2 and H1N1 influenza viruses increased with the decline of ambient temperature. Our results highlight the high prevalence of influenza virus infection in domestic cats, a seasonality pattern of influenza virus infection comparable to that in humans, and an association of infection with clinical respiratory disease.