bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First time molecular detection and phylogenetic relationships of torque teno sus virus 1 and 2 in domestic pigs in Uganda: further evidence for a global distribution
Authors: Brink Matilda , Ståhl Karl , Masembe Charles , Okurut Ademun Rose , Berg Mikael , Blomström Anne-Lie 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Torque teno sus virus 1 (TTSuV1) and 2 (TTSuV2) are small, single-stranded circular DNA viruses belonging to the Anelloviridae family. Available studies clearly show that both viruses are widely distributed in the pig populations in America, Europe and Asia, although the impact of the infection is still unclear. Currently, the situation in domestic pig populations on the African continent is not known. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible presence of the two viruses in domestic pigs in Uganda, and describe the phylogenetic relationships to those in the rest of the world.

Results
Ninety-five serum samples from six districts in Uganda were used, and PCR using TTSuV1 and 2 specific primers for the UTR region was run for viral nucleic acid detection. The positive samples were sequenced, and phylogenetic analyses performed in order to compare the Ugandan sequences with sequences from other parts of the world. The prevalence of TTSuV1 and 2 in the selected domestic pigs were estimated at 16.8% and 48.4% respectively, with co-infection found in 13.7%. The sequence identity was 90-100% between the Ugandan TTSuV1; and 63-100% between the Ugandan TTSuV2 sequences.

Conclusion
This is the first report on the presence of TTSuV1 and 2 in domestic pigs in Uganda. These results highlight the importance of screening for emerging viruses given the globalisation of human activities.
RNA interference targeting virion core protein ORF095 inhibits Goatpox virus replication in Vero cells
Authors: Zhao Zhixun , Wu Guohua , Zhu Xueliang , Yan Xinmin , Dou Yongxi , Li Jian , Zhu Haixia , Zhang Qiang , Cai Xuepeng 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Goatpox is an economically important disease in goat and sheep-producing areas of the world. Many vaccine strategies developed to control the disease are not yet completely successful. Hairpin expression vectors have been used to induce gene silencing in a large number of studies on viruses. However, none of these studies has been attempted to study GTPV. In the interest of exploiting improved methods to control goat pox, it is participated that RNAi may provide effective protection against GTPV. In this study we show the suppression of Goatpox virus (GTPV) replication via knockdown of virion core protein using RNA interference.

Results
Four short interfering RNA (siRNA) sequences (siRNA-61, siRNA-70, siRNA-165 and siRNA-296) against a region of GTPV ORF095 were selected. Sense and antisense siRNA-encoding sequences separated by a hairpin loop sequence were designed as short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression cassettes under the control of a human U6 promoter. ORF095 amplicon was generated using PCR, and then cloned into pEGFP-N1 vector, named as p095/EGFP. p095/EGFP and each of the siRNA expression cassettes (p61, p70, p165 and p296) were co-transfected into BHK-21 cells. Fluorescence detection, flow cytometric analysis, retro transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and real time PCR were used to check the efficiency of RNAi. The results showed that the ORF095-specific siRNA-70 effectively down-regulated the expression of ORF095. When Vero cells were transfected with shRNA expression vectors (p61/GFP, p70/GFP, p165/GFP and p296/GFP) and then infected with GTPV, GTPV-ORF095-70 was found to be the most effective inhibition site in decreasing cytopathic effect (CPE) induced by GTPV. The results presented here indicated that DNA-based siRNA could effectively inhibit the replication of GTPV (approximately 463. 5-fold reduction of viral titers) on Vero cells.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates that vector-based shRNA methodology can effectively inhibit GTPV replication on Vero cells. Simultaneously, this work represents a strategy for controlling goatpox, potentially facilitating new experimental approaches in the analysis of both viral and cellular gene functions during of GTPV infection.
Ruminal microbe of biohydrogenation of trans-vaccenic acid to stearic acid in vitro
Authors: Li Dan , Wang Jia Qi , Bu Deng Pan 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Optimization of the unsaturated fatty acid composition of ruminant milk and meat is desirable. Alteration of the milk and fatty acid profile was previously attempted by the management of ruminal microbial biohydrogenation. The aim of this study was to identify the group of ruminal trans-vaccenic acid (trans-11 C18:1, t-VA) hydrogenating bacteria by combining enrichment studies in vitro.

Methods
The enrichment culture growing on t-VA was obtained by successive transfers in medium containing t-VA. Fatty acids were detected by gas chromatograph and changes in the microbial composition during enrichment were analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Prominent DGGE bands of the enrichment cultures were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results
The growth of ruminal t-VA hydrogenating bacteria was monitored through the process of culture transfer according to the accumulation of stearic acid (C18:0, SA) and ratio of the substrate (t-VA) transformed to the product (SA). A significant part of the retrieved 16S rRNA gene sequences was most similar to those of uncultured bacteria. Bacteria corresponding to predominant DGGE bands in t-VA enrichment cultures clustered with t-VA biohydrogenated bacteria within Group B.

Conclusions
This study provides more insight into the pathway of biohydrogenation. It also may be important to control the production of t-VA, which has metabolic and physiological benefits, through management of ruminal biohydrogenation bacterium.
Anti-citrullinated fibronectin antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis are associated with human leukocyte antigen-DRB1shared epitope alleles
Authors: van Beers Joyce JBC , Willemze Annemiek , Stammen-Vogelzangs Judith , Drijfhout Jan W , Toes René EM , M Pruijn Ger J 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Introduction

Fibronectin is one of the most abundant proteins present in the inflamed joint. Here, we characterized the citrullination of fibronectin in the joints of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and studied the prevalence, epitope specificity and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) association of autoantibodies against citrullinated fibronectin in RA.

Methods

Citrullinated residues in fibronectin isolated from RA patient synovial fluid were identified by mass spectrometry. The corresponding citrullinated and non-citrullinated peptides were synthesized and used to analyze the presence of autoantibodies to these peptides in RA sera and sera from other diseases and healthy controls by ELISA. The data were compared with risk factors like shared epitope HLA alleles and smoking, and with clinical features.

Results

Five citrullinated residues were identified in fibronectin from RA synovial fluid. RA sera reacted in a citrulline-dependent manner with two out of four citrullinated fibronectin peptides, one of which contains two adjacent citrulline residues, in contrast to non-RA sera, which were not reactive. The most frequently recognized peptide (FN-Cit1035,1036, LTVGLTXXGQPRQY, in which × represents citrulline) was primarily targeted by anti-CCP (cyclic citrullinated peptide) 2-positive RA patients. Anti-FN-Cit1035,1036 autoantibodies were detected in 50% of established anti-CCP2-positive RA patients and in 45% of such patients from a early arthritis clinic. These antibodies appeared to be predominantly of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) isotype and to be associated with HLA shared epitope alleles (odds ratio = 2.11).

Conclusions

Fibronectin in the inflamed synovia of RA patients can be citrullinated at least at five positions. Together with the flanking amino acids, three of these citrullinated residues comprise two epitopes recognized by RA autoantibodies. Anti-citrullinated fibronectin peptide antibodies are associated with HLA shared epitope alleles.
Early recognition of the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) pneumonia by chest ultrasound
Authors: Testa Americo , Soldati Gino , Copetti Roberto , Giannuzzi Rosangela , Portale Grazia , Gentiloni-Silveri Nicolò 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Introduction
The clinical picture of the pandemic influenza A (H1N1)v ranges from a self-limiting afebrile infection to a rapidly progressive pneumonia. Prompt diagnosis and well-timed treatment are recommended. Chest radiography (CRx) often fails to detect the early interstitial stage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of bedside chest ultrasonography (US) in the early management of the 2009 influenza A (H1N1)v infection.

Methods
98 patients who arrived in the Emergency Department complaining of influenza-like symptoms were enrolled in the study. Patients not displaying symptoms of acute respiratory distress were discharged without further investigations. Among patients with clinical suggestion of a community-acquired pneumonia, cases encountering other diagnoses or comorbidities were excluded from the study. Clinical history, laboratory tests, CRx, and computed tomography (CT) scan, if indicated, contributed to define the diagnosis of pneumonia in the remaining patients. Chest US was performed by an emergency physician, looking for presence of interstitial syndrome, alveolar consolidation, pleural line abnormalities, and pleural effusion, in 34 patients with a final diagnosis of pneumonia, in 16 having normal initial CRx, and in 33 without pneumonia, as controls.

Results
Chest US was carried out without discomfort in all subjects, requiring a relatively short time (9 minutes; range, 7 to 13 minutes). An abnormal US pattern was detected in 32 of 34 patients with pneumonia (94.1%). A prevalent US pattern of interstitial syndrome was depicted in 15 of 16 patients with normal initial CRx, of whom 10 (62.5%) had a final diagnosis of viral (H1N1) pneumonia. Patients with pneumonia and abnormal initial CRx, of whom only four had a final diagnosis of viral (H1N1) pneumonia (22.2%; P < 0.05), mainly displayed an US pattern of alveolar consolidation. Finally, a positive US pattern of interstitial syndrome was found in five of 33 controls (15.1%). False negatives were found in two (5.9%) of 34 cases, and false positives, in five (15.1%) of 33 cases, with sensitivity of 94.1%, specificity of 84.8%, positive predictive value of 86.5%, and negative predictive value of 93.3%.

Conclusions
Bedside chest US represents an effective tool for diagnosing pneumonia in the Emergency Department. It can accurately provide early-stage detection of patients with (H1N1)v pneumonia having an initial normal CRx. Its routine integration into their clinical management is proposed.
A placebo-controlled, double-blind, dose-escalation study to assess the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of single and multiple intravenous infusions of AZD9773 in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock
Authors: Morris Peter E , Zeno Brian , Bernard Andrew C , Huang Xiangning , Das Shampa , Edeki Timi , Simonson Steven G , Bernard Gordon R 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), an early mediator in the systemic inflammatory response to infection, is a potential therapeutic target in sepsis. The primary objective of this study was to determine the safety and tolerability of AZD9773, an ovine, polyclonal, anti-human TNF-α Fab preparation, in patients with severe sepsis. Secondary outcomes related to pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters.

Methods
In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter Phase IIa study, patients were sequentially enrolled into five escalating-dose cohorts (single doses of 50 or 250 units/kg; multiple doses of 250 units/kg loading and 50 units/kg maintenance, 500 units/kg loading and 100 units/kg maintenance, or 750 units/kg loading and 250 units/kg maintenance). In each cohort, patients were randomized 2:1 to receive AZD9773 or placebo.

Results
Seventy patients received AZD9773 (n = 47) or placebo (n = 23). Baseline characteristics were similar across cohorts. Mean baseline APACHE score was 25.9. PK data demonstrated an approximately proportional increase in concentration with increasing dose and a terminal half-life of 20 hours. For the multiple-dose cohorts, serum TNF-α concentrations decreased to near-undetectable levels within two hours of commencing AZD9773 infusion. This suppression was maintained in most patients for the duration of treatment. AZD9773 was well tolerated. Most adverse events were of mild-to-moderate intensity and considered by the reporting investigator as unrelated to study treatment.

Conclusions
The safety, PK and PD data support the continued evaluation of AZD9773 in larger Phase IIb/III studies.
Relationship of Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 with Abnormal Glucose Metabolism and Insulin Resistance: The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: Semba Richard D. , Sun Kai , Egan Josephine M. , Crasto Candace , Carlson Olga D. , Ferrucci Luigi 
Published: February 2012

Context:
The relationship of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) with glucose metabolism and insulin resistance has not been well characterized in community-dwelling adults.

Objective:
The objective of the study was to examine the relationship of FGF21 with glucose metabolism and insulin resistance.

Design:
Serum FGF21, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glucose tolerance, and insulin resistance were measured in a cross-sectional study, 2002–2007.

Setting:
The study was the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, a natural history cohort study of aging in community-dwelling men and women.

Participants:
Seven hundred adults, mean age 63.3 yr, participated in the study.

Main Outcome Measures:
FPG, 2-h plasma glucose, homeostasis model of insulin resistance, whole-body insulin sensitivity (Matsuda index), glucose area under the curve (AUC), and insulin AUC were measured.

Results:
Overall, the median (25th and 75th percentiles) FGF21 concentration was 225 (126, 370) pg/ml. The proportion of adults with normal, impaired, and diabetic FPG was 77.0, 21.4, and 1.6%, and those with normal, impaired, and diabetic 2-h plasma glucose was 76.7, 19.1, and 4.1%, respectively. Log serum FGF21 (picograms per milliliter), per 1 sd increase, was associated with an FPG (odds ratio 1.43, 95% confidence interval 1.15, 1.77, P = 0.001) and with 2-h plasma glucose (odds ratio 1.39, 95% confidence interval 1.12, 1.73, P = 0.003), in respective multivariate, ordered logistic regression models, adjusted for potential confounders. Serum FGF21 (picograms per milliliter) was associated with the homeostasis model of insulin resistance, the Matsuda index, glucose AUC, and insulin AUC (all P &lt; 0.0001) in respective multivariable linear regression models adjusted for potential confounders.

Conclusions:
Higher serum FGF21 concentrations were associated with abnormal glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in community-dwelling adults.
Evaluation of malignant and benign renal lesions using diffusion-weighted MRI with multiple b values
Authors: Erbay Gurcan , Koc Zafer , Karadeli Elif , Kuzgunbay Barıs , Goren M Resit , Bal Nebil 
Published: February 2012

Background Limited data are available regarding the use of diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with multiple b values for characterization of renal lesions. Purpose To demonstrate and compare the diagnostic performance of DW-MRI with multiple b values for renal lesion characterization. Material and Methods Sixty-three lesions (36 malignant, 27 benign) in 60 consecutive patients (48 men, 12 women; age 60 ± 12.5 years) with solid/cystic renal lesion diagnosed after MRI were included prospectively. Single-shot echo-planar DW abdominal MRI (1.5T) was obtained using seven b values with eight apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps. Contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs), signal intensities, lesion ADCs, and lesion/normal parenchyma ADC ratios were analyzed. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis was performed. Results The mean signal intensities of malignant lesions (at b0, 50, and 200s/mm2) were significantly lower than those of benign lesions ( P < 0.05). The mean ADC values at all b value combinations of malignant lesions were significantly lower than those of benign lesions ( P < 0.000), excluding the ADC value at b50 s/mm2. ADC with all b values could better distinguish between benign and malignant lesions. A 1.35 × 10−3 mm2/s threshold ADC value permitted this distinction with 85.2% sensitivity and 65.6% specificity. The lesion/normal parenchyma ADC ratio was more effective than the lesion ADC. Conclusion In addition to the ADC value, the signal intensity curve on DW images using multiple b values could be helpful for differentiation of malignant and benign renal lesions.
Scientific study of the extent of transverse movement of the median nerve at the wrist during active wrist extension in static positions of the upper limb tension test one
Authors: Alexander Anne 
Published: February 2012

Objective. Longitudinal glide of the median nerve is affected in typical entrapment neuropathies such as carpal tunnel syndrome. The upper limb tension test one (ULTT1) is used by clinicians to assess patients’ responses to passive movements that affect the median nerve. ULTT1 is thought to mainly assess the longitudinal glide of the median nerve; however, transverse glide of the nerve at the wrist may be a more sensitive measure of an entrapment neuropathy. Method. Sixteen wrists of four male and 11 female healthy volunteers were studied with ultrasound imaging in this small original study. Images were collected in eight different combinations of shoulder, elbow and forearm posture. In each posture the wrist was moved from full flexion to 30° of extension. Results Nerve excursion from full wrist flexion to 30° of extension was mainly in a radio-dorsal direction. It ranged from a minimum of 1.8 mm (SD ± 2.0 mm) up to 3.57 mm (SD ± 1.86 mm) of transverse movement, and 0.22 mm (SD ± 0.59 mm) of volar movement to 0.96 mm (SD ± 0.76 mm) of dorsal movement. In all eight of the positions tested, forearm supination led to greater transverse movement of the nerve at the wrist. Conclusions Transverse movement of the median nerve is most marked with forearm supination, irrespective of other changes in the kinetic chain. The nerve moves dorsally in all movements except when the forearm flexors are off-loaded in elbow extension and elbow flexion. These findings confirm the transverse movement of the median nerve at the wrist, during active wrist extension within positions of the ULTT, but that the shoulder and elbow position have little impact on the degree of movement.
Fatal Acute Pulmonary Injury Associated with Everolimus
Authors: Depuydt Pieter , Nollet Joke , Benoit Dominique , Praet Marleen , Caes Frank 
Published: February 2012

Objective: To report a case of fatal alveolar hemorrhage associated with the use of everolimus in a patient who underwent a solid organ transplant. Case Summary: In a 71-year-old cardiac transplant patient, ciclosporine was replaced with everolimus because of worsening renal function. Over the following weeks, the patient developed nonproductive cough and increasing dyspnea. His condition deteriorated to acute respiratory failure with hemoptysis, requiring hospital admission. Bilateral patchy alveolar infiltrates were apparent on chest X-ray and computed tomography. Cardiac failure was ruled out and empiric antimicrobial therapy was initiated. Additional extensive workup could not document opportunistic infection. Everolimus was discontinued and high-dose corticosteroid therapy was initiated. Despite this, the patient required invasive mechanical ventilation and died because of refractory massive hemoptysis. Autopsy revealed diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. Discussion: Everolimus is a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor approved for use as an immunosuppressant and antineoplastic agent. Its main advantage over calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus and cyclosporine) is a distinct safety profile. Although it has become clear that everolimus induces pulmonary toxicity more frequently than initially thought, most published cases thus far represented mild and reversible disease, and none was fatal. Here, we report a case of pulmonary toxicity developing over weeks following the introduction of everolimus, in which a fatal outcome could not be prevented by drug withdrawal and corticosteroid treatment. The association of everolimus and this syndrome was probable according to the Naranjo probability scale. Conclusions: This case indicates that with the increasing use of everolimus, clinicians should be aware of the rare, but life-threatening manifestation of pulmonary toxicity.
Thermal Transport Properties of Ag-Based Nanocomposites Containing MWCNTs
Authors: Inoue M. , Hayashi Y. , Takizawa H. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTVariation in thermal conductivity of Ag-based composites by introduction of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was investigated. The Ag/MWCNT nanocomposite powder was successfully prepared when appropriate surfactants were used via a sonoprocess. The nanocomposite powder was subsequently cured at 280-300 ºC in air. After curing, the thermal conductivity of the nanocomposites was compared with the electronic contribution to thermal conductivity that was estimated from experimental values of the electrical conductivity. The thermal conductivity of Ag/MWCNT nanocomposites was much higher than the electronic contribution. Therefore, the increase in thermal conductivity of the Ag-based nanocomposites is attributed to phonon transfer along the percolation network of MWCNTs.
Development of Silicon Carbide Substrates for Aerospace Applications
Authors: Abdalla Antonio J. , Damião Álvaro J. , Campos Elson , Santana Jerusa G.A. , Vicentini Marcelo C. , Trevisan Thiago A. , Inoue Henrique , Santos Marcos V.R. , Melo Francisco C.L. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTPayload and high-tech are important characteristics when the goals are aerospace applications. The development of the technologies associated to these applications has interests that transcend national boundaries and are of strategic importance to the nations. Ultra lightweight mirrors, supports and structures for optical systems are important part of this subject. This paper reports the development of SiC substrates, obtained by pressing, to be applied on embedded precision reflective optics. Different SiC granulometries, having YAG as sintering additive, were processed by: ball milling, drying and deagglomeration, sift, uniaxial and isostatic pressing, and, finally, argon atmosphere sintering at 1900°C. Different porosities were obtained according to the amount of organic material added. Into one side of the samples pellets of organic material were introduced to generate voids to reduce the weight of samples as a whole. The substrates were grinding and polished, looking for a SiC surface having low porosity, as porosity is directly related to light scattering that should be avoided on optical surfaces. Laser surface treatments were applied (using or not SiC barbotine) as a method to improve the surface quality. The samples were characterized by optical and laser confocal microscopy, roughness measurements and mechanical tests. The results are very promissory for future applications.