bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic and molecular characterization of equine H3N8 influenza viruses from Greece (2003 and 2007): Evidence for reassortment between evolutionary lineages
Authors: Bountouri Maria , Fragkiadaki Eirini , Ntafis Vasileios , Kanellos Theo , Xylouri Eftychia 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Background
For first time in Greece equine influenza virus infection was confirmed, by isolation and molecular analysis, as the cause of clinical respiratory disease among unvaccinated horses during 2003 and 2007 outbreaks.

Methods
Equine influenza virus (EIV) H3N8 was isolated in MDCK cells from 30 nasal swabs from horses with acute respiratory disease, which were tested positive by Directigen Flu A. Isolation was confirmed by haemagglutination assay and RT-PCR assay of the M, HA and NA gene.

Results
HA sequences of the Greek isolates appeared to be more closely related to viruses isolated in early 1990s in Europe. These results suggested that viruses with fewer changes than those on the main evolutionary lineage may continue to circulate. On the other hand, analysis of deduced NA amino acid sequences were more closely related to viruses isolated in outbreaks in Europe and Asia during 2003-2007. Phylogenetic analysis characterized the Greek isolates as a member of the Eurasian lineage by the haemagglutinin (HA) protein alignment, but appeared to be a member of the Florida sublineage clade 2 by the neuraminidase (NA) protein sequence suggesting that reassortment might be a possible explanation.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that the Greek strains represent an example of "frozen evolution" and probably reassortment between genetically distinct co-circulated strains. Therefore expanding current equine influenza surveillance efforts is a necessity.
Reduced Spinal Microglial Activation and Neuropathic Pain after Nerve Injury in Mice Lacking all Three Nitric Oxide Synthases
Authors: Kuboyama Kazuya , Tsuda Makoto , Tsutsui Masato , Toyohara Yumiko , Tozaki-Saitoh Hidetoshi , Shimokawa Hiroaki , Yanagihara Nobuyuki , Inoue Kazuhide 
Published: July 2011

Background: Several studies have investigated the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in acute and chronic pain using mice lacking a single NO synthase (NOS) gene among the three isoforms: neuronal (nNOS), inducible (iNOS) and endothelial (eNOS). However, the precise role of NOS/NO in pain states remains to be determined owing to the substantial compensatory interactions among the NOS isoforms. Therefore, in this study, we used mice lacking all three NOS genes ( n/i/e/NOS−/− mice) and investigated the behavioral phenotypes in a series of acute and chronic pain assays. Results: In a model of tissue injury-induced pain, evoked by intraplantar injection of formalin, both iNOS−/− and n/i/eNOS−/− mice exhibited attenuations of pain behaviors in the second phase compared with that in wild-type mice. In a model of neuropathic pain, nerve injury-induced behavioral and cellular responses (tactile allodynia, spinal microglial activation and Src-family kinase phosphorylation) were reduced in n/i/eNOS−/− but not iNOS−/− mice. Tactile allodynia after nerve injury was improved by acute pharmacological inhibition of all NOSs and nNOS. Furthermore, in MG-5 cells (a microglial cell-line), interferon-γ enhanced NOSs and Mac-1 mRNA expression, and the Mac-1 mRNA increase was suppressed by L-NAME co-treatment. Conversely, the NO donor, sodium nitroprusside, markedly increased mRNA expression of Mac-1, interleukin-6, toll-like receptor 4 and P2X4 receptor. Conclusions: Our results provide evidence that the NOS/NO pathway contributes to behavioral pain responses evoked by tissue injury and nerve injury. In particular, nNOS may be important for spinal microglial activation and tactile allodynia after nerve injury.
Vascular pathology in multiple sclerosis: mind boosting or myth busting?
Authors: Waschbisch Anne , Manzel Arndt , Linker Ralf A , Lee De-Hyung 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe investigation of central nervous system vascular changes in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is a time-honored concept. Yet, recent reports on changes in venous cerebrospinal outflow, the advent of new magnetic resonance imaging techniques and the investigation of immunomodulatory properties of several vascular mediators on the molecular level have added new excitement to hypotheses centering around vascular pathology as determining factor in the pathophysiology of MS. Here we critically review the concept of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency in MS patients and describe new imaging techniques including perfusion weighted imaging, susceptibility weighted imaging and diffusion weighted imaging which reveal central nervous system hypoperfusion, perivascular iron deposition and diffuse structural changes in the MS brain. On a molecular basis, vascular mediators represent interesting targets connecting vascular pathology with immunomodulation. In summary, the relation of venous changes to the pathophysiology of MS may not be as simple as initially described and it certainly seems awkward to think of the complex disease MS solely as result of a simple venous outflow obstruction. Yet, the investigation of new vascular concepts as one variable in the pathophysiology of the autoimmune attack seems very worthwhile and may add to a better understanding of this devastating disorder.
Detection and differentiation of bacterial spores in a mineral matrix by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and chemometrical data treatment
Authors: Brandes Ammann Andrea , Brandl Helmut 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Background
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) has been used as analytical tool in chemistry for many years. In addition, FTIR can also be applied as a rapid and non-invasive method to detect and identify microorganisms. The specific and fingerprint-like spectra allow - under optimal conditions - discrimination down to the species level. The aim of this study was to develop a fast and reproducible non-molecular method to differentiate pure samples of Bacillus spores originating from different species as well as to identify spores in a simple matrix, such as the clay mineral, bentonite.

Results
We investigated spores from pure cultures of seven different Bacillus species by FTIR in reflection or transmission mode followed by chemometrical data treatment. All species investigated (B. atrophaeus, B. brevis, B. circulans, B. lentus, B. megaterium, B. subtilis, B. thuringiensis) are typical aerobic soil-borne spore formers. Additionally, a solid matrix (bentonite) and mixtures of benonite with spores of B. megaterium at various wt/wt ratios were included in the study. Both hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis of the spectra along with multidimensional scaling allowed the discrimination of different species and spore-matrix-mixtures.

Conclusions
Our results show that FTIR spectroscopy is a fast method for species-level discrimination of Bacillus spores. Spores were still detectable in the presence of the clay mineral bentonite. Even a tenfold excess of bentonite (corresponding to 2.1 × 1010 colony forming units per gram of mineral matrix) still resulted in an unambiguous identification of B. megaterium spores.
Severe Cortisol Deficiency Associated with Reversible Growth Hormone Deficiency in Two Infants: What Is the Link?
Authors: McEachern Rebecca , Drouin Jacques , Metherell Louise , Huot Céline , Van Vliet Guy , Deal Cheri 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Context:
Hypoglycemia is potentially life-threatening, especially in infants, and can be due to congenital cortisol and/or GH deficiency (GHD).

Case Illustration:
Two full-term infants had undetectable cortisol levels, but also low GH levels, at the time of severe hypoglycemia. GHD persisted for several months, even after cortisol replacement.

Methods:
Targeted molecular investigations were performed and revealed homozygous inactivating mutations in MRAP (MIM ID 609196) in patient 1 and in TPIT (MIM ID 604614) in patient 2. Because GHD is not part of the MRAP or TPIT phenotypes, we performed GH stimulation tests. These revealed that GHD had resolved by 8 months (patient 1) and 3 yr (patient 2) of glucocorticoid replacement. GH replacement was therefore stopped, hypoglycemia did not recur, and over the subsequent 10 yr, growth and puberty have proceeded normally.

Conclusions:
1) Physiological glucocorticoid levels appear to be required for the development and function of the somatotrophs during infancy. 2) Eucortisolism, like euthyroidism, is required for the proper evaluation of GH secretory capacity. 3) The metabolic effect of GH replacement is essential for the maintenance of normoglycemia, especially in infants. And 4) targeted molecular investigations are a powerful tool to clarify the diagnosis in severely ill infants and to reevaluate the specific treatment they need.
Variants in STAT5B Associate with Serum TC and LDL-C Levels
Authors: Kornfeld Jan-Wilhelm , Isaacs Aaron , Vitart Veronique , Pospisilik J. Andrew , Meitinger Thomas , Gyllensten Ulf , Wilson James F. , Rudan Igor , Campbell Harry , Penninger Josef M. , Sexl Veronika , Moriggl Richard , van Duijn Cornelia , Pramstaller Peter P. , Hicks Andrew A. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Context:
Known genetic variants influencing serum lipid levels do not adequately account for the observed population variability of these phenotypes. The GH/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway is an evolutionary conserved system that exerts strong effects on metabolism, including that of lipids.

Research Design and Methods:
We analyzed the association of 11 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) spanning the STAT5B/STAT5A/STAT3 locus with serum lipid levels in six European populations (n = 5162 nondiabetic individuals).

Results:
After adjustment for age, sex, alcohol use, smoking, and body mass index, we identified STAT5B variants (rs8082391 and rs8064638) in novel association with total cholesterol (TC; P = 0.001 and P = 0.002) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.002 and P = 0.004) levels. The minor alleles of these single-nucleotide polymorphisms were significantly enriched in hyperlipidemic individuals across the six discovery populations (P = 0.004 and P = 0.006). In transgenic mice deficient for hepatic STAT5A and STAT5B, reduced serum TC levels coincided with reduced hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis as demonstrated using gene expression profiling and pathway enrichment analysis.

Conclusions:
Genetic variants in STAT5B are associated with TC and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels among six populations. Mechanistically, STAT5B transcriptionally regulates hepatic cholesterol homeostasis.
Central Diabetes Insipidus as the Inaugural Manifestation of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: Natural History and Medical Evaluation of 26 Children and Adolescents
Authors: Marchand Isis , Barkaoui Mohamed Aziz , Garel Catherine , Polak Michel , Donadieu Jean ,   for the Writing Committee
Published: July 2011

AbstractContext:Isolated central diabetes insipidus (CDI) can be the first manifestation of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), creating diagnostic dilemmas such as dysgerminoma and other inflammatory lesions.Method:In 2010, the French national LCH registry had enrolled 1236 LCH patients under 18 yr of age. Isolated CDI was the initial presentation of LCH in 26 patients. We reviewed their clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features.Results:Median age at the diagnosis of CDI was 9.6 yr (1.8–16.3), and median follow-up after CDI diagnosis was 9.9 yr (3.5–26.6). In addition to CDI, two patients had visual field defects, four had secondary amenorrhea, and 11 had anterior pituitary deficiency. Cerebral imaging (including computed tomography in two cases), performed in 22 patients within 3 months of CDI diagnosis, showed pituitary stalk thickening in 14 patients, which was moderate (3.0–7 mm) in nine cases and marked (&gt;7 mm) in five cases. In eight cases, the lesion extended to the floor of the third ventricle. One child with LCH presented with a mild enlarged sellar content. During follow-up, 22 patients developed extrapituitary involvement, mainly of bone (n = 15), lung (n = 9), and skin (n = 9). Pituitary biopsy was performed in eight cases and was conclusive in six cases.Conclusions:Pituitary stalk thickening can be observed in LCH as well as lesions extending to the floor of the third ventricle. In all cases but one, the intrasellar content was not enlarged. Long-term follow-up with close attention to bone, skin, and lung disorders may lead to the diagnosis of LCH.
SDHA Immunohistochemistry Detects Germline SDHA Gene Mutations in Apparently Sporadic Paragangliomas and Pheochromocytomas
Authors: Korpershoek Esther , Favier Judith , Gaal José , Burnichon Nelly , van Gessel Bram , Oudijk Lindsey , Badoual Cécile , Gadessaud Noémie , Venisse Annabelle , Bayley Jean-Pierre , van Dooren Marieke F. , de Herder Wouter W. , Tissier Frédérique , Plouin Pierre-François , van Nederveen Francien H. , Dinjens Winand N. M. , Gimenez-Roqueplo Anne-Paule , de Krijger Ronald R. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Context:
Pheochromocytoma-paraganglioma syndrome is caused by mutations in SDHB, SDHC, and SDHD, encoding subunits of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), and in SDHAF2, required for flavination of SDHA. A recent report described a patient with an abdominal paraganglioma, immunohistochemically negative for SDHA, and identified a causal germline mutation in SDHA.

Objective:
In this study, we evaluated the significance of SDHA immunohistochemistry in the identification of new patients with SDHA mutations.

Setting:
This study was performed in the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam (The Netherlands) and the Université Paris Descartes in Paris (France).

Methods:
We investigated 316 pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas for SDHA expression. Sequence analysis of SDHA was performed on all tumors that were immunohistochemically negative for SDHA and on a subset of tumors immunohistochemically positive for SDHA.

Results:
Six tumors were immunohistochemically negative for SDHA. Four tumors from Dutch patients showed a germline c.91C→T SDHA gene mutation (p.Arg31X). Another tumor (from France) carried a germline SDHA missense mutation c.1753C→T (p.Arg585Trp). Loss of the wild-type SDHA allele was confirmed by loss of heterozygosity analysis. Sequence analysis of 35 SDHA immunohistochemically positive tumors did not reveal additional SDHA mutations.

Conclusions:
Our results demonstrate that SDHA immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded tumors can reveal the presence of SDHA germline mutations and allowed the identification of SDHA-related tumors in at least 3% of patients affected by apparently sporadic (para)sympathetic paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor Polymorphism (G−29A) Is Associated with Altered Level of Receptor Expression in Granulosa Cells
Authors: Desai Swapna S. , Achrekar Swati K. , Pathak Bhakti R. , Desai Sadhana K. , Mangoli Vijay S. , Mangoli Ranjana V. , Mahale Smita D. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Context:
Polymorphisms of the FSHR gene are associated with variable ovarian response to FSH stimulation in subjects undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. The type of ovarian response is correlated with the level of FSH receptor (FSHR) expression on granulosa cells.

Objective:
We investigated whether the polymorphism at position −29 in the promoter of the FSHR gene may contribute in altered receptor expression.

Design and patients:
FSHR polymorphism at position −29 was studied in 100 subjects undergoing IVF treatment. Association of this polymorphism with level of FSHR expression was retrospectively analyzed.

Setting:
The study was conducted at an academic research institute and private IVF clinic.

Methods:
The genotype at position −29 of the FSHR gene was studied in IVF subjects by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Total RNA and protein was extracted from granulosa cells. The relative FSHR mRNA expression was carried out by real-time PCR. The receptor protein expression was evaluated by Western blot and confocal microscopy.

Results:
The clinical and endocrinological parameters revealed that almost 72% of subjects with the AA genotype at position −29 of FSHR gene were poor ovarian responders (odds ratio 8.63, 95% confidential interval 1.84–45.79; P = 0.001). The lower cleavage intensity predicted by in silico analysis for A allele as compared with the G allele suggest the difference in the DNA-protein binding affinity. The relative expression of FSHR at mRNA and protein level was significantly reduced in subjects with AA genotype as compared with the GG genotype.

Conclusion:
Poor ovarian response observed in subjects with the AA genotype at position −29 of the FSHR gene is due to reduced receptor expression.
Plasma Cell Myeloma and Related Neoplasms
Authors: Lorsbach Robert B. , Hsi Eric D. , Dogan Ahmet , Fend Falko 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Session 1 of the 2009 Workshop of the Society for Hematopathology/European Association of Haematopathology, Cleveland, OH, focused on plasma cell neoplasms. This report summarizes the salient diagnostic, clinical, and genetic features of plasma cell myeloma (PCM) and related neoplasms. Based on the cases submitted to the workshop, we highlight common diagnostic issues and unusual manifestations of plasma cell neoplasms, such as t(11;14)+ PCM, plasma cell leukemia, and nonsecretory plasmacytoma, as well as plasmablastic transformation of PCM. Additional issues repeatedly raised at the workshop included the differential diagnosis of extramedullary dissemination of PCM vs primary extramedullary plasmacytoma and plasmablastic lymphoma; systemic plasma cell neoplasms in immunocompromised people; and Epstein-Barr virus–associated plasma cell neoplasms. Difficult cases with borderline features presented by submitters emphasized the necessity of integrating clinical, immunophenotypic, and genetic features for appropriate classification of these disorders.
Clinical, Morphologic, Immunophenotypic, and Molecular Cytogenetic Assessment of CD4–/CD8– γδ T-Cell Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Chen Yi-Hua , Chadburn Amy , Evens Andrew M. , Winter Jane N. , Gordon Leo I. , Chenn Anjen , Goolsby Charles , Peterson LoAnn 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
γδ T-cell large granular lymphocytic (T-LGL) leukemia of the CD4–/CD8– subtype is rare, and data are limited in the literature. This study evaluated the clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular cytogenetic features of 7 cases of CD4–/CD8– γδ T-LGL leukemia. Although this variant shares several clinical and morphologic features with the more common T-LGL leukemias, the incidences of autoimmune hemolytic anemia and pure red cell aplasia are higher. Another striking feature observed in our study was the lack of increased large granular lymphocytes in the peripheral blood in the majority of cases despite prominent bone marrow or splenic involvement. CD4–/CD8– γδ T-LGL leukemia also displays an immunophenotype and pattern of splenic involvement overlapping with hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma. Clinically, this variant of T-LGL leukemia shows an overall indolent course, but treatment is often required in the initial stages of the disease. Awareness of these features is important for early recognition and accurate diagnosis of patients with CD4–/CD8– γδ T-LGL leukemia.
Local Displacement Transducer With Anderson Loop
Authors: Leong E. C. , Nyunt T. T. , Low K. S. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Wheatstone bridge has long been used in many strain-gauge based measuring instruments including the local displacement transducer. In this paper, an alternative circuit to the Wheatstone bridge, Anderson loop, for local displacement transducers is examined. Local displacement transducers were manufactured in an identical fashion but with different circuitries. In both circuitries, similar gain and filter were applied to the output signals. An identical experimental setup for both Anderson loop and Wheatstone bridge local displacement transducers was used in the evaluation, and, therefore, any differences in performances of the local displacement transducers are attributed to the circuitry. The range of displacement examined for the local displacement transducer was 0.4 mm. Self-heating of the strain gauges was found to occur regardless of the circuitry used when a high input current was used in the local displacement transducer with Anderson loop or a high input voltage was used in the local displacement transducer with Wheatstone bridge. The effects of self-heating of strain gauges are only evident in long duration tests. The local displacement transducer with Anderson loop was found to be twice as sensitive as that with Wheatstone bridge for similar input current. Furthermore, the local displacement transducer with Anderson loop outperformed the local displacement transducer with Wheatstone bridge in terms of lower deviation, hysteresis and repeatability errors.
New Three-Way Split Mold Design and Experimental Procedure for Testing Soft, Grouted Soils
Authors: El Mohtar Chadi S. , Rugg Dennis A. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Soil grouting has become a popular method for soil improvement in recent years. Grouting is generally intended to increase a soil’s strength, increase its liquefaction resistance, or reduce its hydraulic conductivity. Soil grouting involves the injection, permeation, or mechanical mixing of cementitious, silica, or clay grout into a soil deposit. With the increase in popularity of these methods comes the issue of testing grouted soils to verify the expected soil improvement. While some of the methods and materials mentioned result in soils that are sufficiently cemented to produce trimmable specimens that can stand under their own weight, other methods produce softer materials that are very difficult to sample or even to recreate and test in the lab. Preparing such soft samples in the laboratory poses two challenges: 1) if the specimen is prepared in the triaxial cell directly, the grouting process might not be feasible because of the porous stones and small diameter tubing in the triaxial cell; and 2) if the specimens are prepared outside the triaxial cell, soft specimens might not be able to stand under their own weight without significant strains and damage to the soil structure. This paper will thoroughly describe a three-way split mold specifically designed to accommodate the permeation and testing of soils that are too soft or too weak to be easily sampled or tested in the lab. A simple procedure outlining the use of this three-way split mold will also be described. Finally, the results from a series of consolidated undrained, monotonically loaded triaxial tests will be presented as an example of the split mold application. These tests utilized the new three-way split mold for sample preparation of loose Ottawa sand permeated with a thixotropic bentonite suspension.