bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Levels of Soluble CD163 and Severity of Malaria in Children in Ghana
Authors: Kusi Kwadwo A. , Gyan Ben A. , Goka Bamenla Q. , Dodoo Daniel , Obeng-Adjei George , Troye-Blomberg Marita , Akanmori Bartholomew D. , Adjimani Jonathan P. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT

CD163 is an acute-phase-regulated monocyte/macrophage membrane receptor expressed late in inflammation. It is involved in the haptoglobin-mediated removal of free hemoglobin from plasma, has been identified as a naturally soluble plasma glycoprotein with potential anti-inflammatory properties, and is possibly linked to an individual's haptoglobin phenotype. High levels of soluble CD163 (sCD163) in a malaria episode may therefore downregulate inflammation and curb disease severity. In order to verify this, the relationships between sCD163 levels, malaria severity, and selected inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], interleukin-6 [IL-6], and IL-10) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using plasma samples obtained from pediatric malaria patients with uncomplicated malaria (UM [
n
= 38]), cerebral malaria (CM [
n
= 52]), and severe malarial anemia (SA [
n
= 55]) during two consecutive malaria transmission seasons (2002 and 2003). Median sCD163 levels were higher in UM (11.9 μg/ml) patients than in SA (7.7 μg/ml;
P
= 0.010) and CM (8.0 μg/ml;
P
= 0.031) patients. Levels of sCD163 were also higher in all patient groups than in a group of 81 age-matched healthy controls. The higher sCD163/TNF-α ratio in UM patients, coupled with the fact that sCD163 levels correlated with TNF-α levels in UM patients but not in CM and SA patients, suggests inflammatory dysregulation in the complicated cases. The study showed that sCD163 levels are elevated during acute malaria. High sCD163 levels in UM patients may be due to the induction of higher-level anti-inflammatory responses, enabling them to avoid disease complications. It is also possible that UM patients simply lost their CD163 receptors from macrophages in inflammatory sites while complicated-malaria patients still had their receptors attached to activated macrophages, reflecting ongoing and higher-level inflammation associated with complicated malaria.
Molecular Diagnosis of
Saksenaea vasiformis
Cutaneous Infection after Scorpion Sting in an Immunocompetent Adolescent
Authors: Lechevalier Pauline , Hermoso Dea Garcia , Carol Agnes , Bonacorsi Stephane , Ferkdadji Latifa , Fitoussi Franck , Lortholary Olivier , Bourrillon Antoine , Faye Albert , Dannaoui Eric , Angoulvant Francois 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT

We report the first case of cutaneous mucormycosis after a scorpion sting in Tunisia. Histopathology showed broad aseptate hyphae suggestive of a Zygomycete.
Saksenaea vasiformis
was identified by PCR amplification and sequencing of the fungal DNA on a cutaneous biopsy. Successful treatment was obtained by surgery and liposomal amphotericin B.
Characterization of
Staphylococcus aureus
Isolates from Nasal Cultures Collected from Individuals in the United States in 2001 to 2004
Authors: Tenover Fred C. , McAllister Sigrid , Fosheim Gregory , McDougal Linda K. , Carey Roberta B. , Limbago Brandi , Lonsway David , Patel Jean B. , Kuehnert Matthew J. , Gorwitz Rachel 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT

This study characterizes methicillin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
(MSSA) and methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) isolates recovered from nasal cultures of noninstitutionalized individuals in the United States obtained in 2001 to 2004 as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Every tenth MSSA isolate and all MRSA isolates were typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), screened for multiple toxin genes, and tested for susceptibility to 14 antimicrobial agents. USA200, USA600, and USA900 were the predominant PFGE types among MSSA isolates in both the 2001 to 2002 and the 2003 to 2004 time periods, although they accounted for only 51.3% of 316 MSSA isolates typed in 2001 and 2002 and only 43.4% of 237 MSSA isolates typed in 2003 and 2004. In contrast, USA100, USA800, and USA700 accounted for 80.0% of the 75 MRSA isolates typed in 2001 and 2002, while USA100, USA800, and USA300 accounted for 78.4% of 134 MRSA isolates typed in 2003 and 2004. The proportion of MRSA isolates that were USA300 increased significantly from the first to the second time period (
P
= 0.03). Most USA200 isolates (both MSSA and MRSA) carried the gene for toxic shock syndrome toxin; however, carriage of the genes encoding Panton-Valentine leukocidin, while common among MRSA of PFGE type USA300, was rare among MSSA USA300 in both time periods. Most MSSA isolates remained susceptible to all antimicrobial agents except erythromycin (79.1 and 76.0% susceptibilities in the 2001 to 2002 and the 2003 to 2004 periods, respectively). In contrast, the proportions of MRSA isolates that were susceptible to chloramphenicol, clindamycin, and erythromycin were lower in 2003 and 2004 than in 2001 and 2002, although none of these differences was statistically significant.
Thymidine Kinase Sequence Analysis of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Strains Present in Different Compartments in an Atypical Impetiginous Rash on the Lesional Skin of a Burn Patient
Authors: Werdin Frank , Rennekampff Hans-Oliver , Schaller Hans-Eberhard , Jahn Gerhard , Hamprecht Klaus 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT
We report the case of a 23-year-old male burn patient with an unusual herpes simplex virus (HSV) skin manifestation. The clinical symptoms and results of HSV type 1 (HSV-1) UL23 polymorphism analysis from saliva and lesional skin underscores the need for performing molecular analysis of HSV-1 infections in burned patients presenting unusual skin lesions.
Detection of KPC-2 in a Clinical Isolate of
Proteus mirabilis
and First Reported Description of Carbapenemase Resistance Caused by a KPC β-Lactamase in
P. mirabilis
Authors: Tibbetts R. , Frye J. G. , Marschall J. , Warren D. , Dunne W. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT

An isolate of
Proteus mirabilis
recovered from blood cultures of a diabetic patient was shown to be resistant to imipenem, meropenem, and ertapenem by disk diffusion susceptibility testing. Amplification of whole-cell and/or plasmid DNA recovered from the isolate with primers specific for the
bla
KPC
carbapenemase gene produced an amplicon of the expected size which was confirmed to be
bla
KPC-2
by sequence analysis. Transformation of a susceptible
Escherichia coli
host with plasmid preparations from the isolate generated a transformant for which the MICs of all of the carbapenems tested were increased three- to fourfold. We believe this to be the first report of carbapenem resistance in
P
.
mirabilis
caused by the acquisition of
bla
KPC
.
Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Facilitates West Nile Virus Entry into the Brain
Authors: Wang Penghua , Dai Jianfeng , Bai Fengwei , Kong Kok-Fai , Wong Susan J. , Montgomery Ruth R. , Madri Joseph A. , Fikrig Erol 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTWest Nile virus (WNV) is the most-common cause of mosquito-borne encephalitis in the United States. Invasion of the brain by WNV is influenced by viral and host factors, and the molecular mechanism underlying disruption of the blood-brain barrier is likely multifactorial. Here we show that matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) is involved in WNV entry into the brain by enhancing blood-brain barrier permeability. Murine MMP9 expression was induced in the circulation shortly after WNV infection, and the protein levels remained high even when viremia subsided. In the murine brain, MMP9 expression and its enzymatic activity were upregulated and MMP9 was shown to partly localize to the blood vessels. Interestingly, we also found that cerebrospinal fluid from patients suffering from WNV contained increased MMP9 levels. The peripheral viremia and expression of host cytokines were not altered inMMP9−/−mice; however, these animals were protected from lethal WNV challenge. The resistance ofMMP9−/−mice to WNV infection correlated with an intact blood-brain barrier since immunoglobulin G, Evans blue leakage into brain, and type IV collagen degradation were markedly reduced in theMMP9−/−mice compared with their levels in controls. Consistent with this, the brain viral loads, selected inflammatory cytokines, and leukocyte infiltrates were significantly reduced in theMMP9−/−mice compared to their levels in wild-type mice. These data suggest that MMP9 plays a role in mediating WNV entry into the central nervous system and that strategies to interrupt this process may influence the course of West Nile encephalitis.
Induction of the GαqSignaling Cascade by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Envelope Is Required for Virus Entry
Authors: Harmon Brooke , Ratner Lee 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTBinding of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein (Env) with the primary receptor CD4 and one of two coreceptors, CXCR4 or CCR5, activates a signaling cascade resulting in Rac-1 GTPase activation and stimulation of actin cytoskeletal reorganizations critical for HIV-1-mediated membrane fusion. The mechanism by which HIV-1 Env induces Rac-1 activation and subsequent actin cytoskeleton rearrangement is unknown. In this study, we show that Env-mediated Rac-1 activation is dependent on the activation of Gαqand its downstream targets. Fusion and Rac-1 activation are mediated by Gαqand phospholipase C (PLC), as shown by attenuation of fusion and Rac-1 activation in cells either expressing small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting Gαqor treated with the PLC inhibitor U73122. Rac-1 activation and fusion were also blocked by multiple protein kinase C inhibitors, by inhibitors of intracellular Ca2+release, by Pyk2-targeted siRNA, and by the Ras inhibitorS-trans,trans-farnesylthiosalicylic acid (FTS). Fusion was blocked without altering cell viability or cell surface localization of CD4 and CCR5. Similar results were obtained when cell fusion was induced by Env expressed on viral and cellular membranes and when cell lines or primary cells were the target. Treatment with inhibitors and siRNA specific for Gαior Gαssignaling mediators had no effect on Env-mediated Rac-1 activation or cell fusion, indicating that the Gαqpathway alone is responsible. These results could provide a new focus for therapeutic intervention with drugs targeting host signaling mediators rather than viral molecules, a strategy which is less likely to result in resistance.
Human Endogenous Retrovirus K (HML-2) Elements in the Plasma of People with Lymphoma and Breast Cancer
Authors: Contreras-Galindo Rafael , Kaplan Mark H. , Leissner Philippe , Verjat Thibault , Ferlenghi Ilaria , Bagnoli Fabio , Giusti Fabiola , Dosik Michael H. , Hayes Daniel F. , Gitlin Scott D. , Markovitz David M. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTActively replicating endogenous retroviruses entered the human genome millions of years ago and became a stable part of the inherited genetic material. They subsequently acquired multiple mutations, leading to the assumption that these viruses no longer replicate. However, certain human tumor cell lines have been shown to release endogenous retroviral particles. Here we show that RNA from human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) (HML-2), a relatively recent entrant into the human genome, can be found in very high titers in the plasma of patients with lymphomas and breast cancer as measured by either reverse transcriptase PCR or nucleic acid sequence-based amplification. Further, these titers drop dramatically with cancer treatment. We also demonstrate the presence of reverse transcriptase and viral RNA in plasma fractions that contain both immature and correctly processed HERV-K (HML-2) Gag and envelope proteins. Finally, using immunoelectron microscopy, we show the presence of HERV-K (HML-2) virus-like particles in the plasma of lymphoma patients. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that elements of the endogenous retrovirus HERV-K (HML-2) can be found in the blood of modern-day humans with certain cancers.
Enzootic Nasal Tumor Virus Envelope Requires a Very Acidic pH for Fusion Activation and Infection
Authors: Côté Marceline , Kucharski Thomas J. , Liu Shan-Lu 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT
Enzootic nasal tumor virus (ENTV) is a close relative of jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV), and the two viruses use the same receptor, hyaluronidase 2 (Hyal2), for cell entry. We report here that, unlike the JSRV envelope (Env) protein, the ENTV Env protein does not induce cell fusion at pHs of 5.0 and above but requires a much lower pH (4.0 to 4.5) for fusion to occur. The entry of ENTV Env pseudovirions was substantially inhibited by bafilomycin A1 (BafA1) but was surprisingly enhanced by lysosomotropic agents and lysosomal protease inhibitors following a 4- to 6-h treatment period; of note, prolonged treatment with BafA1 or ammonium chloride completely blocked ENTV entry. Unlike typical pH-dependent viruses, ENTV Env pseudovirions were virtually resistant to inactivation at a low pH (4.5 or 5.0). Using chimeras formed from ENTV and JSRV Env proteins, we demonstrated that the transmembrane (TM) subunit of ENTV Env is primarily responsible for its unusually low pH requirement for fusion but found that the surface (SU) subunit of ENTV Env also critically influences its relatively low and pH-dependent fusion activity. Furthermore, the poor infectivity of ENTV pseudovirions in human cells was significantly improved by either replacing the SU subunit of ENTV Env with that of JSRV Env or overexpressing the functional Hyal2 receptor in target cells, suggesting that ENTV SU-Hyal2 interaction is likely to be the limiting step for viral infectivity. Collectively, our data reveal that the fusogenicity of ENTV Env is intrinsically lower than that of JSRV Env and that ENTV requires a more acidic pH for fusion, which may occur in an intracellular compartment(s) distinct from that used by JSRV.
The Transmembrane Domain of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus ORF7b Protein Is Necessary and Sufficient for Its Retention in the Golgi Complex
Authors: Schaecher Scott R. , Diamond Michael S. , Pekosz Andrew 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTThe severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) ORF7b (also called 7b) protein is an integral membrane protein that is translated from a bicistronic open reading frame encoded within subgenomic RNA 7. When expressed independently or during virus infection, ORF7b accumulates in the Golgi compartment, colocalizing with bothcis- andtrans-Golgi markers. To identify the domains of this protein that are responsible for Golgi localization, we have generated a set of mutant proteins and analyzed their subcellular localizations by indirect immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. The N- and C-terminal sequences are dispensable, but the ORF7b transmembrane domain (TMD) is essential for Golgi compartment localization. When the TMD of human CD4 was replaced with the ORF7b TMD, the resulting chimeric protein localized to the Golgi complex. Scanning alanine mutagenesis identified two regions in the carboxy-terminal portion of the TMD that eliminated the Golgi complex localization of the chimeric CD4 proteins or ORF7b protein. Collectively, these data demonstrate that the Golgi complex retention signal of the ORF7b protein resides solely within the TMD.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Envelope gp120 Induces a Stop Signal and Virological Synapse Formation in Noninfected CD4+T Cells
Authors: Vasiliver-Shamis Gaia , Tuen Michael , Wu Teresa W. , Starr Toby , Cameron Thomas O. , Thomson Russell , Kaur Gurvinder , Liu Jianping , Visciano Maria Luisa , Li Hualin , Kumar Rajnish , Ansari Rais , Han Dong P. , Cho Michael W. , Dustin Michael L. , Hioe Catarina E. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTHuman immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected T cells form a virological synapse with noninfected CD4+T cells in order to efficiently transfer HIV-1 virions from cell to cell. The virological synapse is a specialized cellular junction that is similar in some respects to the immunological synapse involved in T-cell activation and effector functions mediated by the T-cell antigen receptor. The immunological synapse stops T-cell migration to allow a sustained interaction between T-cells and antigen-presenting cells. Here, we have asked whether HIV-1 envelope gp120 presented on a surface to mimic an HIV-1-infected cell also delivers a stop signal and if this is sufficient to induce a virological synapse. We demonstrate that HIV-1 gp120-presenting surfaces arrested the migration of primary activated CD4 T cells that occurs spontaneously in the presence of ICAM-1 and induced the formation of a virological synapse, which was characterized by segregated supramolecular structures with a central cluster of envelope surrounded by a ring of ICAM-1. The virological synapse was formed transiently, with the initiation of migration within 30 min. Thus, HIV-1 gp120-presenting surfaces induce a transient stop signal and supramolecular segregation in noninfected CD4+T cells.
Downslope Flows on a Low-Angle Slope and Their Interactions with Valley Inversions. Part II: Numerical Modeling
Authors: Zhong Shiyuan , Whiteman C. David 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
The characteristics of well-developed downslope winds observed by tethered balloon soundings at multiple locations over a low-angle slope in the Salt Lake Valley are studied using the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS). The model successfully simulated the key properties of the observed wind and temperature structure and evolution and provided insight into the forcing mechanisms. The results show that, although the slope angle is only 1.6°, the buoyancy force associated with the local temperature perturbation caused by nocturnal cooling of the slope surface is capable of producing the unusually strong and deep downslope winds observed by the tethersondes. The hypothesis that the flow is produced locally by the temperature deficit is further confirmed by analysis of the momentum budget that indicates a very small contribution from advection to the downslope mass flux. The analysis also reveals the importance of the along-slope pressure gradient force, which has been neglected by some previous investigators. On an isolated slope, the pressure gradient force, which develops as the downslope-flow layer deepens with downslope distance, is important mostly in the upper part of the downslope wind layer where it counterbalances the buoyancy force. On a slope in a valley, the pressure gradient force interacts with the valley inversion to produce intermittency in the downslope jet and may also significantly slow the flow as the inversion strengthens during the night. The simulations for two different observational nights indicate that the maximum downslope wind speed is sensitive to ambient stability, with near-neutral ambient stability yielding a stronger downslope jet than does a more stable ambient atmosphere. Sensitivity studies suggest that an increase in down-valley winds leads to a decrease in the maximum downslope wind speed and an increase in the thickness of the downslope wind layer. An increase in slope roughness, on the other hand, increases the height of the downslope jet but has little effect on other properties. The downslope wind is stronger over a gentle 1.6° slope than over a much steeper slope of 11°, mainly because of the combination of the stronger buoyancy and weaker pressure gradient over the gentle slope.
Measuring East Asian Summer Monsoon Rainfall Contributions by Different Weather Systems over Taiwan
Authors: Wang Shih-Yu , Chen Tsing-Chang 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
The east Asian summer monsoon (EASM) is characterized by a distinct life cycle consisting of the active, break, and revival monsoon phases. Different weather systems prevail in each phase following the change of large-scale flow regime. During the active phase, midlatitude cold, dry air moving equatorward into the tropics develops eastward-propagating fronts and rainstorms. The western ridge of the North Pacific subtropical anticyclone, which leads to the break phase, suppresses the development of synoptic-scale weather systems but enhances the diurnal heating. In the revival phase, the monsoon trough displaces the anticyclonic ridge northward and increases typhoon activity. This study examines quantitative measurements of climatological rainfall contributed by these weather systems that will help to validate simulations of the EASM climate system and facilitate water management by government agencies. To accomplish this goal, rain gauge measurements in Taiwan were analyzed. It was found that in the active phase (late spring–early summer), mei-yu rainstorms forming over northern Indochina and the South China Sea contribute one-half of the total rainfall, and cold-frontal passages account for about 15%. During the synoptically inactive break spell (midsummer), rainfall is produced mainly by diurnal convection (51%) along the western mountain slopes of the island. In the revival phase (late summer–early autumn), the impacts of diurnal convection and typhoons become comparable, with each accounting for about 40% of the total rainfall. The diurnal and typhoon contributions are separated by the north–south-oriented mountain range, with more than 50% of diurnal (typhoon) rainfall over the western (eastern) half of the island. Rainfall contributions from diurnal convection over the entire summer and mei-yu rainstorms in the active monsoon phase are also significant.
Characterization of the Martian Surface Layer
Authors: Martínez Germán , Valero Francisco , Vázquez Luis 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
The authors have estimated the diurnal evolution of Monin–Obukhov length, friction velocity, temperature scale, surface heat flux, eddy-transfer coefficients for momentum and heat, and turbulent viscous dissipation rate on the Martian surface layer for a complete sol belonging to the Pathfinder mission. All these magnitudes have been derived from in situ wind and temperature measurements at around 1.3-m height and simulated ground temperature (from 0600 sol 25 to 0600 sol 26). Previously, neither values of turbulent viscous dissipation rate and eddy-transfer coefficients from in situ measurements for the Martian surface layer nor diurnal evolutions of all the previously mentioned turbulent parameters for the Pathfinder had been obtained.
Monin–Obukhov similarity theory for stratified surface layers has been applied to obtain the results. The values assigned to the surface roughness and the applied parameterization of the interfacial sublayer will be discussed in detail with respect to the results’ sensitivity to them.
The authors have found similarities concerning the order of magnitude and qualitative behavior of Monin–Obukhov length, friction velocity, and turbulent viscous dissipation rate on Earth and on Mars. However, quantities directly related to the lower Martian atmospheric density and thermal inertia, like temperature scale and hence surface heat flux, range over different orders of magnitude. Additionally, turbulent exchanges in the first few meters have been found to be just two orders of magnitude higher than the molecular ones, whereas on Earth around five orders of magnitude separate both mechanisms.
Prevalence of sleep problems in individuals with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bamer AM , Johnson KL , Amtmann D , Kraft GH 
Published: July 2008

Background Sleep disturbance in multiple sclerosis has received little research attention despite the potential influence it may have on disease impact. Objective To estimate the prevalence of sleep disorders in a large community sample of individuals with multiple sclerosis. Methods A cross-sectional self-report survey of 1063 persons with multiple sclerosis. Sleep was assessed using the Women's Health Initiative Insomnia Rating Scale and Medical Outcomes Study Sleep measure. Results The prevalence of sleep problems in multiple sclerosis is significantly higher than in the general population or other chronic diseases and may affect women with multiple sclerosis more than men. Conclusion Sleep disturbance should routinely be evaluated in patients with multiple sclerosis and new interventions developed.