bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF PRECOOLING METHODS FOR THE STORAGE OF MANGOES (MANGIFERA INDICA L. CV. AMRAPALI)
Authors: RAVINDRA MENON REKHA , GOSWAMI T.K. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT Precooling is an important postharvest unit operation for tropical fruits like mangoes because of its short postharvest life. Even though it is desirable that the precooling process be as fast as possible, the cooling should not result in any chilling injury to the fruits. Liquid nitrogen (LN2) is a cooling medium with ample potential for use in precooling operations because of its high cooling capacity and inertness of the vaporized nitrogen gas; however, its severe cold temperatures raise concerns on the possibility of chilling injury to the fruits. Hence, the present study was undertaken to compare a system where LN2 was employed in combination with mechanical refrigeration system as the cooling medium, in comparison to common precooling techniques for mangoes (cv. Amrapali) like hydrocooling and air cooling. The precooling performances were compared for the cooling rate, and cooling coefficient and fruit quality were assessed in terms of fruit firmness, color and chilling injury indices. The pH, total soluble solids and titratable acidity of the ripened fruits subjected to the different precooling techniques were also compared. The results of the study indicated that the LN2 system (LN2 flow rate: 20.5 kg/h; average gas temperature: –85C) had no adverse effect on the quality of the fruits, and improved the cooling coefficient of the air cooling process by 40%. Hence, judicious design of the system and control of exposure time would help in realizing the potential of LN2 in precooling operations for fruits, which would be practically useful in technologies like control atmosphere storage system in particular. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSLiquid nitrogen (LN2) has ample potential as a refrigerant because of its excellent refrigeration capacity. The use of LN2 in cooling of horticultural produce is especially beneficial in techniques like controlled atmosphere storage, where it is desirable to have a lower oxygen concentration in the storage space. Because LN2 cooling has a high expansion ratio, during its vaporization, it also displaces the oxygen gas from the storage space. However, the use of LN2 as a refrigerant in precooling operations for fruits and vegetables is limited because of concerns of the very cold temperature of the cryogenic liquid resulting in chilling injury to the produce. The present study helps to address the same concerns and proves that if the system is so designed to avoid direct contact between LN2 and the fruits, its refrigerant potential can be successfully tapped.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Nelson Peter T. , Wang Wang‐Xia , Rajeev Bernard W. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAging‐related neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are the culmination of many different genetic and environmental influences. Prior studies have shown that RNAs are pathologically altered during the inexorable course of some NDs. Recent evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) may be a contributing factor in neurodegeneration. miRNAs are brain‐enriched, small (∼22 nucleotides) non‐coding RNAs that participate in mRNA translational regulation. Although discovered in the framework of worm development, miRNAs are now appreciated to play a dynamic role in many mammalian brain‐related biochemical pathways, including neuroplasticity and stress responses. Research about miRNAs in the context of neurodegeneration is accumulating rapidly, and the goal of this review is to provide perspective for these new data that may be helpful to specialists in either field. An overview is provided about the normal functions for miRNAs, including some of the newer concepts related to the human brain. Recently published studies pertaining to the roles of miRNAs in NDs––including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and triplet repeat disorders—are described. Finally, a discussion is included with theoretical syntheses and possible future directions in exploring the nexus between miRNA and ND research.
Intraocular pressure control over 24 hours using travoprost and timolol fixed combination administered in the morning or evening in primary open‐angle and exfoliative glaucoma
Authors: Konstas Anastasios G. P. , Tsironi Sevasti , Vakalis Athanasios N. , Nasr Mayssa B. , Stewart Jeanette A. , Nelson Lindsay A. , Stewart William C. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP) control over 24 hours using travoprost and timolol fixed combination (TTFC) administered in the morning or evening in primary open‐angle and exfoliative glaucoma.Methods:  Patients were randomized to TTFC administered in either the morning or evening for 8 weeks. Previously treated patients underwent an untreated washout period of 4−6 weeks, after which baseline IOP was required to be > 25 mm Hg and < 38 mmHg (in two readings taken at 10.00 ± 1 hours). During the treatment period, IOP was measured at 10.00, 14.00, 18.00, 22.00, 02.00 and 06.00 hours. Patients were then treated with the opposite dosing regimen for 8 weeks and IOP measurements were repeated.Results:  In 32 subjects who completed the study, the untreated baseline IOP following washout was 27.7 ± 3.5 mmHg. Both dosing regimens reduced IOP from baseline at each time‐point and throughout the 24‐hour diurnal curve (p < 0.0001). When treatments were compared directly, evening dosing (18.4 ± 3.3 mmHg) provided a statistically significant lower 24‐hour curve than morning dosing (19.2 ± 3.5 mmHg; p = 0.001). Evening dosing also resulted in a lower 24‐hour IOP fluctuation (3.8 ± 1.6 mmHg) than morning dosing (5.1 ± 1.6 mmHg; p = 0.0002) and lower peak IOP (p = 0.0003).Conclusions:  Both morning and evening administration of TTFC provide effective 24‐hour IOP reduction, but evening dosing demonstrates better 24‐hour pressure control.
Identification of the First VIM Metallo-β-Lactamase-Producing Multiresistant
Aeromonas hydrophila
Strain
Authors: Libisch Balázs , Giske Christian G. , Kovács Bogáta , Tóth Tamás G. , Füzi Miklós 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

A VIM metallo-β-lactamase-producing
Aeromonas hydrophila
strain carrying an integron-borne
bla
VIM-4
gene was isolated from a cirrhotic patient's fecal sample in a Budapest hospital. The variable region of this integron is identical with that of a previously characterized integron from
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
clinical isolates in Pécs in southern Hungary.
Evaluation of Rubella Virus Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM Assays with the New Vidia Instrument
Authors: Medici Maria Cristina , Martinelli Monica , Albonetti Valeria , Chezzi Carlo , Dettori Giuseppe 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT
For rubella virus immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM detection, Vidia assays were compared to Vidas, AxSYM, and Liaison assays with 419 serum samples. Only Vidia produced a sensitivity of 100% for IgG and IgM. Vidia specificities were 98.4% for IgG and 99.8% for IgM, versus Vidas specificities of 100 and 99.3%. Vidia IgG and IgM assays performed equally well.
Repetitive-Sequence-Based PCR Using the DiversiLab System for Identification of
Aspergillus
Species
Authors: Hansen Dewey , Healy Mimi , Reece Kristy , Smith Cheryl , Woods Gail L. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

Repetitive-sequence-based PCR (rep-PCR) using the DiversiLab system was investigated for identification of
Aspergillus
. Ninety-five clinical isolates, identified by conventional methods, and five ATCC strains were tested. Sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) was performed on 2 isolates with discrepant rep-PCR and conventional results and 15 randomly selected outlier isolates. One isolate not identified by sequencing was excluded from analysis. After resolving discrepancies, all but one
A. glaucus
strain had ≥85% similarity to one or more strains of the same
Aspergillus
species in the mold database, thereby providing accurate identification. No isolate was misidentified.
Detection of Pathogenic
Leptospira
Bacteria in Pinniped Populations via PCR and Identification of a Source of Transmission for Zoonotic Leptospirosis in the Marine Environment
Authors: Cameron Caroline E. , Zuerner Richard L. , Raverty Stephen , Colegrove Kathleen M. , Norman Stephanie A. , Lambourn Dyanna M. , Jeffries Steven J. , Gulland Frances M. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

Leptospirosis, caused by the spirochete
Leptospira
, is a geographically widespread disease that affects a broad range of mammals, including marine mammals. Among pinniped populations, periodic epizootics of leptospirosis are responsible for significant die-offs. Along the west coast of North America, the most recent leptospirosis epizootic occurred in 2004, during which samples were collected from cases ranging from California to British Columbia. The primary objective of this study was to use this well-defined sample set to determine the feasibility of using PCR techniques to diagnose
Leptospira
infection among pinniped populations in comparison with diagnostic methodologies commonly used for marine mammals. Successful amplification was achieved from a variety of samples, including freshly collected urine, urine stored at −80°C for less than 6 months, and kidney (freshly collected, frozen, and decomposed), as well as feces- and urine-contaminated sand collected in the vicinity of a live-stranded animal. Pathological examination of tissue collected from
Leptospira
-infected animals revealed the presence of leptospiral antigen in the kidneys. The use of species-specific primer pairs revealed a pattern of host specificity for
Leptospira interrogans
in sea lions and
Leptospira kirschneri
in elephant seals. These studies indicate PCR is a sensitive and specific diagnostic tool for the detection of
Leptospira
infection in pinnipeds and reveal a potential source for epizootic, enzootic, and zoonotic spread of leptospirosis in a marine environment.
Dynamic Transmission of NumerousAnaplasma phagocytophilumGenotypes among Lambs in an Infected Sheep Flock in an Area of Anaplasmosis Endemicity
Authors: Ladbury Georgia A. F. , Stuen Snorre , Thomas Rachael , Bown Kevin J. , Woldehiwet Zerai , Granquist Erik G. , Bergström Karin , Birtles Richard J. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTThe transmission dynamics ofAnaplasma phagocytophilumstrains circulating within juvenile members of a sheep flock grazing on anIxodes ricinus-infested pasture in southern Norway were monitored. PCR-based detection of the bacterialp44fragments in the blood of 16 lambs sampled weekly for 16 weeks following their release into pasture revealed rickettsemia in all animals, with an increasing proportion of infected animals as the survey progressed. Comparison of partialmsp4sequences obtained from infected blood samples revealed 24 distinct genotypes, some of which were repeatedly encountered, occurring in up to six sheep over a 14-week period, whereas others were observed only once. Individual sheep were infected by up to five distinct genotypes, with a specific genotype being encountered for between one and three consecutive weeks, and in some sheep, genotypes detected early in the study were also present in later samples. In general, detection ofA. phagocytophilumby PCR correlated well with the observation of infected neutrophils in blood smears. Together these results reveal a previously unrecognized diversity ofA. phagocytophilumstrains simultaneously circulating within an infected population in an area of endemicity and are consistent with a remarkably dynamic transmission of strains among infected animals.
Comparison of Stool Antigen Detection Kits to PCR for Diagnosis of Amebiasis
Authors: Stark D. , van Hal S. , Fotedar R. , Butcher A. , Marriott D. , Ellis J. , Harkness J. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

The present study was conducted to compare two stool antigen detection kits with PCR for the diagnosis of
Entamoeba histolytica
infections by using fecal specimens submitted to the Department of Microbiology at St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, and the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science, Adelaide, Australia. A total of 279 stool samples containing the E complex (
E. histolytica
,
Entamoeba dispar
, and
Entamoeba moshkovskii
) were included in this study. The stool specimens were tested by using two commercially produced enzyme immunoassays (the Entamoeba CELISA PATH and TechLab
E. histolytica
II kits) to detect antigens of
E. histolytica
. DNA was extracted from all of the samples with a Qiagen DNA stool mini kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany), and a PCR targeting the small-subunit ribosomal DNA was performed on all of the samples. When PCR was used as a reference standard, the CELISA PATH kit showed 28% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The TechLab ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) kit did not prove to be useful in detecting
E. histolytica
, as it failed to identify any of the
E. histolytica
samples which were positive by PCR. With the TechLab kit, cross-reactivity was observed for three specimens, one of which was positive for both
E. dispar
and
E. moshkovskii
while the other two samples contained
E. moshkovskii
. Quantitative assessment of the PCR and ELISA results obtained showed that the ELISA kits were 1,000 to 10,000 times less sensitive, and our results show that the CELISA PATH kit and the TechLab ELISA are not useful for the detection of
E. histolytica
in stool samples from patients in geographical regions where this parasite is not endemic.
Persistent Replication of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus in Human Tubular Kidney Cells Selects for Adaptive Mutations in the Membrane Protein
Authors: Pacciarini Filippo , Ghezzi Silvia , Canducci Filippo , Sims Amy , Sampaolo Michela , Ferioli Elena , Clementi Massimo , Poli Guido , Conaldi Pier Giulio , Baric Ralph , Vicenzi Elisa 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a systemic disease characterized by both lung pathology and widespread extrapulmonary virus dissemination causing multiple organ injuries. In this regard, renal dysfunction is an ominous sign in patients with SARS. Indeed, clusters of SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) particles have been detected in the cytoplasm of renal tubular epithelial cells in postmortem studies, explaining the presence of infectious virus in the urine of SARS patients. In order to investigate the potential SARS-CoV kidney tropism, we have evaluated the susceptibility of human renal cells of tubular and glomerular origin to in vitro SARS-CoV infection. Immortalized cultures of differentiated proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTEC), glomerular mesangial cells (MC), and glomerular epithelial cells (podocytes) were found to express the SARS-CoV receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 on their surface. Productive infection, however, occurred only in PTEC but not in glomerular cells. A transient infection with poor virus production was observed in MC, whereas podocytes were not permissive to SARS-CoV infection. In contrast to the cytopathic infection of the Vero E6 cell line, SARS-CoV did not cause overt cytopathic effects in PTEC or MC. Of interest, PTEC, but not MC, maintained stable levels of SARS-CoV production in serial subcultures, suggesting a persistent state of infection. In this regard, a SARS-CoV variant with increased replication capacity in PTEC was selected after four serial subculture passages. This SARS-CoV variant acquired a single nonconservative amino acid change from glutamic acid (E) to alanine (A) at position 11 in the viral membrane (M) protein. The E11A point mutation was sufficient for enhanced SARS-CoV replication and persistence in PTEC when introduced in a SARS-CoV recombinant infectious clone. These findings indicate that human PTEC may represent a site of SARS-CoV productive and persistent replication favoring the emergence of viral variants with increased replication capacity, at least in these kidney cells.
Epstein-Barr Virus Latent Membrane Protein 1 Induces Expression of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor through Effects on Bcl-3 and STAT3
Authors: Kung Che-Pei , Raab-Traub Nancy 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTEpstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) activates multiple signaling pathways. Two regions, C-terminal-activating region 1 (CTAR1) and CTAR2, have been identified within the cytoplasmic carboxy terminal domain that activates NF-κB. CTAR2 activates the canonical NF-κB pathway, which includes p50/p65 complexes. CTAR1 can activate both the canonical and noncanonical pathways to produce multiple distinct NF-κB dimers, including p52/p50, p52/p65, and p50/p50. CTAR1 also uniquely upregulates the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in epithelial cells. Increased p50-Bcl-3 complexes have been detected by chromatin precipitation on the NF-κB consensus motifs within theegfrpromoter in CTAR1-expressing epithelial cells and nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. In this study, the mechanism responsible for the increase in Bcl-3 has been further investigated. The data indicate that LMP1-CTAR1 induces Bcl-3 mRNA and increases the nuclear translocation of both Bcl-3 and p50. LMP1-CTAR1 constitutively activates STAT3, and this activation was not due to the induction of interleukin 6 (IL-6). In LMP1-CTAR1-expressing cells, increased levels of activated STAT3 were detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation on STAT-binding sites located within both the promoter and the second intron of Bcl-3. A STAT3 inhibitor significantly reduced the activation of STAT3, as well as the CTAR1-mediated upregulation of Bcl-3 and EGFR. These data suggest that LMP1 activates distinct forms of NF-κB through multiple pathways. In addition to activating the canonical and noncanonical pathways, LMP1-CTAR1 constitutively activates STAT3 and increases Bcl-3. The increased nuclear Bcl-3 and p50 homodimer complexes positively regulate EGFR expression. These results indicate that LMP1 likely regulates distinct cellular genes by activating specific NF-κB pathways.
Subdominant CD8 T-Cell Epitopes Account for Protection against Cytomegalovirus Independent of Immunodomination
Authors: Holtappels Rafaela , Simon Christian O. , Munks Michael W. , Thomas Doris , Deegen Petra , Kühnapfel Birgit , Däubner Torsten , Emde Simone F. , Podlech Jürgen , Grzimek Natascha K. A. , Oehrlein-Karpi Silke A. , Hill Ann B. , Reddehase Matthias J. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTCytomegalovirus (CMV) infection continues to be a complication in recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Preexisting donor immunity is recognized as a favorable prognostic factor for the reconstitution of protective antiviral immunity mediated primarily by CD8 T cells. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of CMV-specific memory CD8 T (CD8-TM) cells is a therapeutic option for preventing CMV disease in HSCT recipients. Given the different CMV infection histories of donor and recipient, a problem may arise from an antigenic mismatch between the CMV variant that has primed donor immunity and the CMV variant acquired by the recipient. Here, we have used the BALB/c mouse model of CMV infection in the immunocompromised host to evaluate the importance of donor-recipient CMV matching in immundominant epitopes (IDEs). For this, we generated the murine CMV (mCMV) recombinant virus mCMV-ΔIDE, in which the two memory repertoire IDEs, the IE1-derived peptide 168-YPHFMPTNL-176 presented by the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecule Ldand the m164-derived peptide 257-AGPPRYSRI-265 presented by the MHC-I molecule Dd, are both functionally deleted. Upon adoptive transfer, polyclonal donor CD8-TMcells primed by mCMV-ΔIDE and the corresponding revertant virus mCMV-revΔIDE controlled infection of immunocompromised recipients with comparable efficacy and regardless of whether or not IDEs were presented in the recipients. Importantly, CD8-TMcells primed under conditions of immunodomination by IDEs protected recipients in which IDEs were absent. This shows that protection does not depend on compensatory expansion of non-IDE-specific CD8-TMcells liberated from immunodomination by the deletion of IDEs. We conclude that protection is, rather, based on the collective antiviral potential of non-IDEs independent of the presence or absence of IDE-mediated immunodomination.
Restriction of Foamy Viruses by Primate Trim5α
Authors: Yap Melvyn W. , Lindemann Dirk , Stanke Nicole , Reh Juliane , Westphal Dana , Hanenberg Helmut , Ohkura Sadayuki , Stoye Jonathan P. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT
Foamy viruses (FVs) are unconventional retroviruses with a replication strategy that is significantly different from orthoretroviruses and bears some homology to that of hepadnaviruses. Although some cellular proteins, such as APOBEC3, have been reported to block FVs, no restriction by Trim5α has been described to date. The sensitivity of three FV isolates of human-chimpanzee or prototypic (PFV), macaque (SFVmac), and feline (FFV) origin to a variety of primate Trim5αs was therefore tested. PFV and SFVmac were restricted by Trim5αs from most New World monkeys, but not from other primates, whereas FFV-based vectors were restricted by Trim5αs from the great apes gorilla and orangutan. Trim5αs from Old World monkeys did not restrict any FV isolate tested. Capuchin Trim5α was unique, as it restricted SFVmac and FFV but not PFV. Trim5α specificity for FVs was determined by the B30.2 domain, interestingly involving, in some instances, the same residues of the variable regions previously implicated as major determinants for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 restriction. FVs with chimeric Gags were made to map the viral determinants of sensitivity to restriction. The N-terminal half of the Gag molecule was found to contain the regions that control susceptibility. This region most likely corresponds to the capsid of conventional retroviruses. Due to their unique replication strategy, FVs should provide a valuable new system to examine the mechanism of retroviral restriction by Trim5α.
Critical Role of Virion-Associated Cholesterol and Sphingolipid in Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Aizaki Hideki , Morikawa Kenichi , Fukasawa Masayoshi , Hara Hiromichi , Inoue Yasushi , Tani Hideki , Saito Kyoko , Nishijima Masahiro , Hanada Kentaro , Matsuura Yoshiharu , Lai Michael M. C. , Miyamura Tatsuo , Wakita Takaji , Suzuki Tetsuro 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT
In this study, we establish that cholesterol and sphingolipid associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) particles are important for virion maturation and infectivity. In a recently developed culture system enabling study of the complete life cycle of HCV, mature virions were enriched with cholesterol as assessed by the molar ratio of cholesterol to phospholipid in virion and cell membranes. Depletion of cholesterol from the virus or hydrolysis of virion-associated sphingomyelin almost completely abolished HCV infectivity. Supplementation of cholesterol-depleted virus with exogenous cholesterol enhanced infectivity to a level equivalent to that of the untreated control. Cholesterol-depleted or sphingomyelin-hydrolyzed virus had markedly defective internalization, but no influence on cell attachment was observed. Significant portions of HCV structural proteins partitioned into cellular detergent-resistant, lipid-raft-like membranes. Combined with the observation that inhibitors of the sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway block virion production, but not RNA accumulation, in a JFH-1 isolate, our findings suggest that alteration of the lipid composition of HCV particles might be a useful approach in the design of anti-HCV therapy.