bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paediatric case report: primary antiphospholipid syndrome presented with non‐thrombotic neurological picture psychosis; treat by antidepressants alone?
Authors: SHALABY Medhat , ALHUMAYED Suliman , ALSHEHRI Amer 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe classical clinical picture of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is characterized by venous and arterial thrombosis, fetal losses and thrombocytopenia in the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies and/or lupus anticoagulant. APS can occur either as a primary disorder or secondary to a connective tissue disease, most frequently systemic lupus erythematosus. Central nervous system involvement is one of the most prominent clinical manifestations of APS, and includes thrombotic events, psychiatric features and a variety of other non‐thrombotic neurological syndromes. We present a 9‐year‐old Saudi girl who developed psychotic illness without thrombotic manifestations. Autoantibodies against cardiolipin were persistent and strongly positive while antinuclear antibodies and antibodies against double‐stranded DNA was absent. Her brain computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance arteriography and magnetic resonance venography all were normal. There was no evidence of infection, drug intake or connective tissue disorders, So a diagnosis of primary APS was likely. Starting on antipsychotics only was unsatisfactory and marked improvement occurred after combined treatment with antidepressants (imipramin 10 mg and risperidal 0.2 mg, both once daily), small‐dose aspirin (100 mg) and hydroycloroquine (100 mg) both once dialy. Unfortunately aspirin was stopped by the family and 5 months later she developed right axillary vein thrombosis. This case presented psychotic illness. Investigations revealed the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies without a thromboembolic picture, mimicking Hughes syndrome but not fulfilling the criteria needed for the diagnosis. Thus, psychosis should be appreciated as a presenting symptom for primary APS and combined treatment with antipsychotics, aspirin and antimalarials is recommended.
Type B insulin resistance in a systemic lupus erythematosus patient
Authors: OSTWAL Vikas , OAK Jyotsna 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIn type B insulin resistance and acanthosis nigricans, the insulin resistance is due to the presence of anti‐insulin receptor antibody 1. Approximately one‐third of patients with these antibodies have an associated illness such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or Sjögren's syndrome. This report describes a case wherein the patient had presented with uncontrolled diabetes and required > 3000 units of human insulin to control hyperglycemia. She also had features of SLE. There was complete recovery following treatment with steroids.
Methylophilaceae link methanol oxidation to denitrification in freshwater lake sediment as suggested by stable isotope probing and pure culture analysis
Authors: Kalyuhznaya Marina G. , Martens‐Habbena Willm , Wang Tiansong , Hackett Murray , Stolyar Sergey M. , Stahl David A. , Lidstrom Mary E. , Chistoserdova Ludmila 
Published: July 2009

SummaryIn this work we assessed the potential for the denitrification linked to methanol consumption in a microbial community inhabiting the top layer of the sediment of a pristine lake, Lake Washington in Seattle. Stable isotope probing with 13C methanol was implemented in near in situ conditions and also in the presence of added nitrate. This revealed that the bacterial population involved in methanol uptake was dominated by species belonging to the Methylophilaceae, most prominently species belonging to the genus Methylotenera. Based on relative abundance of specific phylotypes in DNA clone libraries generated from 13C labelled DNA, some of these species appear not to require nitrate to assimilate methanol while others assimilate methanol in a nitrate‐dependent fashion. A pure culture of Methylotenera mobilis strain JLW8 previously isolated from the same study site was investigated for denitrification capability. This culture was demonstrated to be able to grow on methanol when nitrate was present, in aerobic conditions, while in media supplemented with ammonium it did not grow on methanol. The denitrifying capability of this strain was further demonstrated in defined laboratory conditions, by measuring accumulation of N2O. This study provides new insights into the potential involvement of Methylophilaceae in global nitrogen cycling in natural environments and highlights the connection between global carbon and nitrogen cycles.
Gorenstein rings through face rings of manifolds
Authors: Novik Isabella , Swartz Ed 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe face ring of a homology manifold (without boundary) modulo a generic system of parameters is studied. Its socle is computed and it is verified that a particular quotient of this ring is Gorenstein. This fact is used to prove that the algebraic g-conjecture for spheres implies all enumerative consequences of its far-reaching generalization (due to Kalai) to manifolds. A special case of Kalai’s conjecture is established for homology manifolds that have a codimension-two face whose link contains many vertices.
Cluster complexes via semi-invariants
Authors: Igusa Kiyoshi , Orr Kent , Todorov Gordana , Weyman Jerzy 
Published: July 2009

AbstractWe define and study virtual representation spaces for vectors having both positive and negative dimensions at the vertices of a quiver without oriented cycles. We consider the natural semi-invariants on these spaces which we call virtual semi-invariants and prove that they satisfy the three basic theorems: the first fundamental theorem, the saturation theorem and the canonical decomposition theorem. In the special case of Dynkin quivers with n vertices, this gives the fundamental interrelationship between supports of the semi-invariants and the tilting triangulation of the (n−1)-sphere.
Foundations for a New Science of Learning
Authors: Meltzoff Andrew N. , Kuhl Patricia K. , Movellan Javier , Sejnowski Terrence J. 
Published: July 2009

Dissecting Dyslexia and LearningDifficulties in learning to read, despite reasonable effort and instruction, form the basis of dyslexia.Gabrieli(p.280; see the cover) now reviews the latest research into the causes of dyslexia. Neuroimaging studies may give early notice of impending dyslexia, and it is hoped that early interventions may lessen the impact of dyslexia. Learning occurs in many settings. Humans uniquely use the formalized settings of schools and curriculum. Infants and children also do plenty of learning outside these settings, often intermingling social interactions.Meltzoffet al.(p.284) survey the variety of learning contexts that people experience and discuss how recent advances in neuroscience and robotics are driving a new synthesis of learning.
Single-Antigen Serological Testing for Bovine Tuberculosis
Authors: Green Lawrence R. , Jones Cynthia C. , Sherwood Anne L. , Garkavi Inna V. , Cangelosi Gerard A. , Thacker Tyler C. , Palmer Mitchell V. , Waters W. Ray , Rathe Chris V. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

Antibody responses are useful indicators of
Mycobacterium bovis
infection of cattle. Tests for such responses often use multiple
M. bovis
antigens as detection probes. This is recommended because responses to single antigens may be too variable for consistent diagnosis. However, the use of multiple antigens increases costs and the risk of false-positive results. As an alternative, the SeraLyte-
Mbv
system detects responses to a single
M. bovis
antigen, MPB83, by using a chemiluminescent testing platform with a high degree of analytical sensitivity. Testing with the SeraLyte-
Mbv
system was conducted in a blinded fashion with sera from experimentally infected and control cattle. To assess the species specificity of the single-antigen test, the sample included sera from animals infected with
M. bovis
(
n
= 27),
M. kansasii
(
n
= 4),
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
(
n
= 11),
M. avium
subsp.
avium
(
n
= 12), and uninfected animals (
n
= 15). Upon unblinding of the results, the sensitivity of the SeraLyte-
Mbv
system relative to the results for animals with known
M. bovis
infection was 89%. Consistent with the conservation of MPB83 sequences within the genus
Mycobacterium
, all 4
M. kansasii
-infected animals tested positive with the SeraLyte-
Mbv
system and all 23
M. avium
-infected animals tested negative. Blinded analysis of 30 serum samples collected from nine animals at various time points postinfection indicated 100% sensitivity after ≥3 months postinfection. All 15 uninfected samples in the blinded sample set tested negative with the SeraLyte-
Mbv
system. Unblinded analysis of sera from an additional 895 animals in 10 accredited bovine tuberculosis-free states revealed 98% specificity overall. The results support the feasibility of single-antigen testing for bovine tuberculosis with the SeraLyte-
Mbv
system.
Comparative Evaluation of the Immune Responses and Protection Engendered by LC16m8 and Dryvax Smallpox Vaccines in a Mouse Model
Authors: Meseda Clement A. , Mayer Anne E. , Kumar Arunima , Garcia Alonzo D. , Campbell Joseph , Listrani Paul , Manischewitz Jody , King Lisa R. , Golding Hana , Merchlinsky Michael , Weir Jerry P. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

The immune response elicited by LC16m8, a candidate smallpox vaccine that was developed in Japan by cold selection during serial passage of the Lister vaccine virus in primary rabbit kidney cells, was compared to Dryvax in a mouse model. LC16m8 carries a mutation resulting in the truncation of the B5 protein, an important neutralizing target of the extracellular envelope form of vaccinia virus (EV). LC16m8 elicited a broad-spectrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) response that neutralized both EV and the intracellular mature form of vaccinia virus and provoked cell-mediated immune responses, including the activation of CD4
+
and CD8
+
cells, similarly to Dryvax. Mice inoculated with LC16m8 had detectable but low levels of anti-B5 IgG compared to Dryvax, but both Dryvax and LC16m8 sera neutralized vaccinia virus EV in vitro. A truncated B5 protein (∼8 kDa) was expressed abundantly in LC16m8-infected cells, and both murine immune sera and human vaccinia virus immunoglobulin recognized the truncated recombinant B5 protein in antigen-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. At a high-dose intranasal challenge (100 or 250 50% lethal doses), LC16m8 and Dryvax conferred similar levels of protection against vaccinia virus strain WR postvaccination. Taken together, the results extend our current understanding of the protective immune responses elicited by LC16m8 and indicate that the relative efficacy in a mouse model rivals that of previously licensed smallpox vaccines.
Oral Immunization with AttenuatedSalmonella entericaSerovar Typhimurium EncodingCryptosporidium parvumCp23 and Cp40 Antigens Induces a Specific Immune Response in Mice
Authors: Benitez Alvaro J. , McNair Nina , Mead Jan R. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTAttenuatedSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium vaccine strain SL3261 was used as an antigen delivery system for the oral immunization of mice against twoCryptosporidium parvumantigens, Cp23 and Cp40. Each antigen was subcloned into the pTECH1 vector system, which allows them to be expressed as fusion proteins with highly immunogenic fragment C of tetanus toxin under the control of the anaerobically induciblenirBpromoter. The recombinant vector was introduced intoSalmonellaTyphimurium vaccine strain SL3261, and the stable soluble expression of the chimeric protein was evaluated and confirmed by Western blotting with polyclonalC. parvumantisera. Mice were inoculated orally with a single dose of SL3261/pTECH-Cp23 or Cp40, respectively, and plasmid stability was demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. Specific serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against the Cp23 or Cp40 antigen were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay 35 days after immunization. Also, serum IgA and mucosal (feces) IgA antibodies were detected in 30% of the mice immunized with Cp23. In addition, prime-boosting with Cp23 and Cp40 DNA vaccine vectors followed bySalmonellaimmunization significantly increased antibody responses to both antigens. Our data show that a single oral inoculation with recombinantS. Typhimurium SL3261 can induce specific antibody responses to the Cp23 or Cp40 antigen fromC. parvumin mice, suggesting that recombinantSalmonellais a feasible delivery system for a vaccine againstC. parvuminfection.
Towards Identification of the Mechanisms of Action of Parasite-Derived Peptide GK1 on the Immunogenicity of an Influenza Vaccine
Authors: Segura-Velázquez René , Fragoso Gladis , Sciutto Edda , Sarukhan Adelaida 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

Previous studies have shown that the synthetic peptide GK1, derived from
Taenia crassiceps
cysticerci, enhances the immunogenicity of the commercial inactivated influenza vaccine Fluzone in both young and aged mice. In particular, antibody responses were much improved. Since GK1 is a peptide and is rapidly cleared from the body, it offers the possibility to improve vaccine performance without undesirable effects. This study was therefore designed to understand the mechanisms of action involved in the adjuvant properties of GK1. For this, transgenic mice expressing a T-cell receptor specific for an epitope from the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) protein were employed. The GK1 peptide significantly increased the in vivo proliferative response of HA-specific CD4
+
T cells when it was coimmunized with the HA epitope. Dendritic cells treated in vitro with GK1 were capable of enhancing T-cell activation. Furthermore, in synergy with lipopolysaccharide, GK1 enhanced the expression of major histocompatibility complex class II and costimulatory molecules of dendritic cells and promoted the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines upon antigen-driven T-cell interaction. These data provide important insights into the mechanism that underlies the GK1 adjuvant capacity observed previously and underline the feasibility of using the transgenic mouse model described herein as a tool for investigation of the modes of action of different influenza vaccine adjuvants.
Safety and Immunogenicity of the Merck Adenovirus Serotype 5 (MRKAd5) and MRKAd6 Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Trigene Vaccines Alone and in Combination in Healthy Adults
Authors: Harro Clayton , Sun Xiao , Stek Jon E. , Leavitt Randi Y. , Mehrotra Devan V. , Wang Fubao , Bett Andrew J. , Casimiro Danilo R. , Shiver John W. , DiNubile Mark J. , Quirk Erin 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

Preexisting immunity to adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) diminishes immune responses to vaccines using Ad5 as a vector. Alternate Ad serotypes as vaccine vectors might overcome Ad5-specific neutralizing antibodies and enhance immune responses in populations with a high prevalence of Ad5 immunity. To test this hypothesis, healthy human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seronegative adults were enrolled in a blinded, randomized, dose-escalating, placebo-controlled study. In part A, subjects with baseline Ad6 titers of ≤18 received the Merck Ad6 (MRKAd6) HIV type 1 (HIV-1) trigene vaccine at weeks 0, 4, and 26. In part B, subjects stratified by Ad5 titers (≤200 or >200) and Ad6 titers (≤18 or >18) received the MRKAd5-plus-MRKAd6 (MRKAd5+6) HIV-1 trigene vaccine at weeks 0, 4, and 26. Immunogenicity was assessed by an enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay at week 30. No serious adverse events occurred. MRKAd6 trigene vaccine recipients responded more often to Nef than to Gag or Pol. In part A, ELISPOT response rates to ≥2 vaccine antigens were 14%, 63%, and 71% at 10
9
, 10
10
, and 10
11
viral genomes (vg)/dose, respectively. All responders had positive Nef-specific ELISPOT results. In part B, Nef-ELISPOT response rates at 10
10
vg/dose of the MRKAd5+6 trigene vaccine were 50% in the low-Ad5/low-Ad6 stratum (
n
= 8), 78% in the low-Ad5/high-Ad6 stratum (
n
= 9), 75% in the high-Ad5/low-Ad6 stratum (
n
= 8), and 44% in the high-Ad5/high-Ad6 stratum (
n
= 9). The MRKAd6 and MRKAd5+6 trigene vaccines elicited dose-dependent responses predominantly to Nef and were generally well tolerated, indicating that Ad6 should be considered a candidate vector for future vaccines. Although small sample sizes limit the conclusions that can be drawn from this exploratory study, combining two Ad vectors may be a useful vaccine strategy for circumventing isolated immunity to a single Ad serotype.
Characterization of
Listeria monocytogenes
Isolates from Human Listeriosis Cases in Italy
Authors: Mammina Caterina , Aleo Aurora , Romani Cristina , Pellissier Nathalie , Nicoletti Pierluigi , Pecile Patrizia , Nastasi Antonino , Pontello Mirella M. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to characterize by serotyping, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and PCR amplification of virulence genes and markers of epidemic clones I, II, and III (ECI, ECII, and ECIII) 54 human isolates from apparently sporadic cases of infection occurring in the Lombardy region and in the province of Florence, Tuscany, Italy, in the years 1996 to 2007.
Listeria monocytogenes
isolates were provided by the clinical microbiology laboratories of the Lombardy region and the “Careggi” Hospital of Florence, Tuscany, Italy. Serotyping, PFGE after digestion with the AscI and ApaI enzymes, and PCR amplification for the
inlA
,
inlC
, and
inlJ
genes and ECI, ECII, and ECIII markers were performed according to procedures described previously. Twenty-five (46.3%)
L. monocytogenes
isolates were assigned to serotype 1/2a, 23 (42.6%) to serotype 4b, and 6 (11.1%) to serotype 1/2b. Thirty-one AscI pulsotypes were recognized among the 54 human isolates. Eleven molecular subtype clusters, of which eight included indistinguishable pulsotypes and three included closely related pulsotypes, were shared by two to seven isolates. Fifteen isolates exhibited unique AscI pulsotypes. Three groups of clustered isolates and two apparently sporadic isolates generated EC amplicons. All strains tested positive for the
inlA
,
inlC
, and
inlJ
genes. Based on the results of serotyping and molecular typing, there were 11 occasions when
L. monocytogenes
strains with the same subtype were isolated from more than one listeriosis case. A total of 39 out of 54 isolates (72.2%) were attributed to molecular subtype clusters. The results of the study suggest that routine subtyping of
L. monocytogenes
strains from human listeriosis cases could allow more-timely detection of outbreaks possibly caused by food-borne isolates from a common source and could lead to control of ongoing food exposure, thus preventing the occurrence of more cases.
Characterization of Clinical
Enterococcus faecalis
Small-Colony Variants
Authors: Wellinghausen Nele , Chatterjee Indranil , Berger Anja , Niederfuehr Andrea , Proctor Richard A. , Kahl Barbara C. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

In this report, we present a clinical case of chronic aortic valve endocarditis caused by
Enterococcus faecalis
small-colony variants (SCVs), with ensuing characterization of the SCV phenotype in comparison to the clonally related normal phenotype with respect to alterations in microscopic and ultrastructural morphology, growth behavior, and metabolic pathways. In contrast to the normal phenotype, light and electron microscopy of the
Enterococcus
SCVs demonstrated the presence of heterogeneous cells of different sizes with aberrant shapes. Furthermore, SCVs showed excessive production of an intercellular substance and alterations in cell division displayed by a thick, coarse cell wall and incomplete, branched, and multiple cross walls without obvious cell separation. In addition, empty “ghost” cells were visible. In growth experiments, SCVs displayed an extended lag phase with delayed entrance into the stationary phase. Interestingly, SCV cells growing under aerobic conditions did not attain the growth and viability of the normal phenotype or those of SCVs growing under microaerobic conditions, suggesting impaired growth behavior and enhanced vulnerability in the presence of oxygen. By metabolite analysis, SCVs failed to produce significant amounts of acetate or lactate under aerobic growth conditions but were able to produce lactate under microaerobic growth conditions, implicating the induction of a fermentative metabolism. In conclusion, the observed structural alterations and changes in the cellular growth and metabolic pathways facilitated the survival of
Enterococcus
SCVs under microaerobic conditions in vitro and thus presumably in vivo during endocarditis.
Quantification of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA in a Multicenter Study: Implications for Management of HCV Genotype 1-Infected Patients
Authors: Pisani Giulio , Cristiano Karen , Marino Francesco , Luciani Francesca , Bisso Guillermo M. , Mele Claudio , Adriani Daniela , Gentili Giuliano , Wirz Maria 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTAssessment of the viral load in hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1-infected patients is critical before, during, and after antiviral therapy. In patients achieving a rapid virological response at week 4 of treatment, the viral load at the baseline is considered a predictive criterion of a sustained virological response 24 weeks after the discontinuation of treatment. A ≥2-log10drop in the viral load at week 12 of treatment (early virological response) triggers the continuation of therapy. We organized a multicenter study (MS) for diagnostic laboratories involved in the quantification of HCV RNA. Commercial assays, including two based on real-time reverse transcription-PCR (TaqMan system), and in-house methods, were used by the 61 participants. The overall reproducibility of the commercial quantitative nucleic acid amplification techniques (qNAT) was acceptable. As the intermethod variability among commercial qNAT for HCV RNA was still present, the manufacturers of these test kits should join efforts to harmonize the means of quantification of HCV RNA. This study also shows that caution should be exercised when the baseline viral load is evaluated and when the 2-log10reduction after 12 weeks of therapy is interpreted. Finally, this MS confirms the higher sensitivity of the commercial qNAT based on the TaqMan system, making them the elective assays for the monitoring of therapy.
Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription-PCR Assays Specifically Detecting Bluetongue Virus Serotypes 1, 6, and 8
Authors: Hoffmann Bernd , Eschbaumer Michael , Beer Martin 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT
Bluetongue virus (BTV) is a major pathogen of ruminants. Especially serotypes 1, 6, and 8 are of concern to veterinary authorities in central Europe. This article describes highly sensitive real-time reverse transcription-PCR assays directed to BTV genome segment 2 for specific detection of BTV-1, -6, or -8 in animal samples.