bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of full genomic sequences among different genotypes of dengue virus type 3
Authors: King Chwan-Chuen , Chao Day-Yu , Chien Li-Jung , Chang Gwong-Jen J , Lin Ting-Hsiang , Wu Yin-Chang , Huang Jyh-Hsiung 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Background
Although the previous study demonstrated the envelope protein of dengue viruses is under purifying selection pressure, little is known about the genetic differences of full-length viral genomes of DENV-3. In our study, complete genomic sequencing of DENV-3 strains collected from different geographical locations and isolation years were determined and the sequence diversity as well as selection pressure sites in the DENV genome other than within the E gene were also analyzed.

Results
Using maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches, our phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Taiwan's indigenous DENV-3 isolated from 1994 and 1998 dengue/DHF epidemics and one 1999 sporadic case were of the three different genotypes – I, II, and III, each associated with DENV-3 circulating in Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka, respectively. Sequence diversity and selection pressure of different genomic regions among DENV-3 different genotypes was further examined to understand the global DENV-3 evolution. The highest nucleotide sequence diversity among the fully sequenced DENV-3 strains was found in the nonstructural protein 2A (mean ± SD: 5.84 ± 0.54) and envelope protein gene regions (mean ± SD: 5.04 ± 0.32). Further analysis found that positive selection pressure of DENV-3 may occur in the non-structural protein 1 gene region and the positive selection site was detected at position 178 of the NS1 gene.

Conclusion
Our study confirmed that the envelope protein is under purifying selection pressure although it presented higher sequence diversity. The detection of positive selection pressure in the non-structural protein along genotype II indicated that DENV-3 originated from Southeast Asia needs to monitor the emergence of DENV strains with epidemic potential for better epidemic prevention and vaccine development.
N-methylisatin-beta-thiosemicarbazone derivative (SCH 16) is an inhibitor of Japanese encephalitis virus infection in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Sebastian Liba , Desai Anita , Shampur Madhusudana N , Perumal Yogeeswari , Sriram D , Vasanthapuram Ravi 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Background
During the early and mid part of 20th century, several reports described the therapeutic effects of N-methylisatin-β-Thiosemicarbazone (MIBT) against pox viruses, Maloney leukemia viruses and recently against HIV. However, their ability to inhibit flavivirus replication has not been investigated. Hence the present study was designed to evaluate the antiviral activity of 14 MIBT derivatives against Flaviviruses that are prevalent in India such as Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV), Dengue-2 (Den-2) and West Nile viruses (WNV).

Results
Amongst the fourteen Mannich bases of MIBT derivatives tested one compound – SCH 16 was able to completely inhibit in vitro Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and West Nile virus (WNV) replication. However no antiviral activity of SCH 16 was noted against Den-2 virus replication. This compound was able to inhibit 50% of the plaques (IC50) produced by JEV and WNV at a concentration of 16 μgm/ml (0.000025 μM) and 4 μgm/ml (0.000006 μM) respectively. Furthermore, SCH 16 at a concentration of 500 mg/kg body weight administered by oral route twice daily was able to completely (100%) prevent mortality in mice challenged with 50LD50 JEV by the peripheral route. Our experiments to understand the mechanism of action suggest that SCH 16 inhibited JEV replication at the level of early protein translation.

Conclusion
Only one of the 14 isatin derivatives -SCH 16 exhibited antiviral action on JEV and WNV virus infection in vitro. SCH 16 was also found to completely inhibit JEV replication in vivo in a mouse model challenged peripherally with 50LD50 of the virus. These results warrant further research and development on SCH 16 as a possible therapeutic agent.
Neuro Emotional Technique for the treatment of trigger point sensitivity in chronic neck pain sufferers: A controlled clinical trial
Authors: Bablis Peter , Pollard Henry , Bonello Rod 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Background

Trigger points have been shown to be active in many myofascial pain syndromes. Treatment of trigger point pain and dysfunction may be explained through the mechanisms of central and peripheral paradigms. This study aimed to investigate whether the mind/body treatment of Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) could significantly relieve pain sensitivity of trigger points presenting in a cohort of chronic neck pain sufferers.

Methods

Sixty participants presenting to a private chiropractic clinic with chronic cervical pain as their primary complaint were sequentially allocated into treatment and control groups. Participants in the treatment group received a short course of Neuro Emotional Technique that consists of muscle testing, general semantics and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The control group received a sham NET protocol. Outcome measurements included pain assessment utilizing a visual analog scale and a pressure gauge algometer. Pain sensitivity was measured at four trigger point locations: suboccipital region (S); levator scapulae region (LS); sternocleidomastoid region (SCM) and temporomandibular region (TMJ). For each outcome measurement and each trigger point, we calculated the change in measurement between pre- and post- treatment. We then examined the relationships between these measurement changes and six independent variables (i.e. treatment group and the above five additional participant variables) using forward stepwise General Linear Model.

Results

The visual analog scale (0 to 10) had an improvement of 7.6 at S, 7.2 at LS, 7.5 at SCM and 7.1 at the TMJ in the treatment group compared with no improvement of at S, and an improvement of 0.04 at LS, 0.1 at SCM and 0.1 at the TMJ point in the control group, (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

After a short course of NET treatment, measurements of visual analog scale and pressure algometer recordings of four trigger point locations in a cohort of chronic neck pain sufferers were significantly improved when compared to a control group which received a sham protocol of NET. Chronic neck pain sufferers may benefit from NET treatment in the relief of trigger point sensitivity. Further research including long-term randomised controlled trials for the effect of NET on chronic neck pain, and other chronic pain syndromes are recommended.

Trial Registration

This trial has been registered and allocated the Australian Clinical Trials Registry (ACTR) number ACTRN012607000358448. The ACTR has met the requirements of the ICMJE's trials registration policy and is an ICMJE acceptable registry.
Activation of NOD2 in vivo induces IL-1β production in the eye via caspase-1 but results in ocular inflammation independently of IL-1 signaling
Authors: Rosenzweig H L , Martin T M , Planck S R , Galster K , Jann M M , Davey M P , Kobayashi K , Flavell R A , Rosenbaum J T 
Published: May 2008

AbstractNucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) belongs to the emerging Nod-like receptor (NLR) family considered important in innate immunity. Mutations in NOD2 cause Blau syndrome, an inherited inflammation of eye, joints, and skin. Mutations in a homologous region of another NLR member, NALP3, cause autoinflammation, wherein IL-1β plays a critical role. Here, we tested the hypothesis that IL-1β is a downstream mediator of NOD2-dependent ocular inflammation. We used a mouse model of NOD2-dependent ocular inflammation induced by muramyl dipeptide (MDP), the minimal bacterial motif sensed by NOD2. We report that MDP-induced ocular inflammation generates IL-1β and IL-18 within the eye in a NOD2- and caspase-1-dependent manner. Surprisingly, two critical measures of ocular inflammation, leukocyte rolling and leukocyte intravascular adherence, appear to be completely independent of IL-1 signaling effects, as caspase-1 and IL-1R1-deficient mice still developed ocular inflammation in response to MDP. In contrast to the eye, a diminished neutrophil response was observed in an in vivo model of MDP-induced peritonitis in caspase-1-deficient mice, suggesting that IL-1β is not essential in NOD2-dependent ocular inflammation, but it is involved, in part, in systemic inflammation triggered by NOD2 activation. This disparity may be influenced by IL-1R antagonist (IL-1Ra), as we observed differential IL-1Ra levels in the eye versus plasma at baseline levels and in response to MDP treatment. This report reveals a new in vivo function of NOD2 within the eye yet importantly, distinguishes NOD2-dependent from NALP3-dependent inflammation, as ocular inflammation in mice occurred independently of IL-1β.
Cytokines, leptin, and stress-induced thymic atrophy
Authors: Gruver Amanda L , Sempowski Gregory D 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThymopoiesis is essential for development and maintenance of a robust and healthy immune system. Acute thymic atrophy is a complication of many infections, environmental stressors, clinical preparative regimens, and cancer treatments used today. This undesirable sequela can decrease host ability to reconstitute the peripheral T cell repertoire and respond to new antigens. Currently, there are no treatments available to protect against acute thymic atrophy or accelerate recovery, thus leaving the immune system compromised during acute stress events. Several useful murine models are available for mechanistic studies of acute thymic atrophy, including a sepsis model of endotoxin-induced thymic involution. We have identified the IL-6 cytokine gene family members (i.e., leukemia inhibitory factor, IL-6, and oncostatin M) as thymosuppressive agents by the observation that they can acutely involute the thymus when injected into a young, healthy mouse. We have gone on to explore the role of thymosuppressive cytokines and specifically defined a corticosteroid-dependent mechanism of action for the leukemia inhibitory factor in acute thymic atrophy. We also have identified leptin as a novel, thymostimulatory agent that can protect against endotoxin-induced acute thymic atrophy. This review will highlight mechanisms of stress-induced thymic involution and focus on thymosuppressive agents involved in atrophy induction and thymostimulatory agents that may be exploited for therapeutic use.
Aging, microglial cell priming, and the discordant central inflammatory response to signals from the peripheral immune system
Authors: Dilger Ryan N , Johnson Rodney W 
Published: May 2008

AbstractRecent studies suggest that activation of the peripheral immune system elicits a discordant central (i.e., in the brain) inflammatory response in aged but otherwise healthy subjects compared with younger cohorts. A fundamental difference in the reactive state of microglial cells in the aged brain has been suggested as the basis for this discordant inflammatory response. Thus, the aging process appears to serve as a “priming” stimulus for microglia, and upon secondary stimulation with a triggering stimulus (i.e., peripheral signals communicating infection), these primed microglia release excessive quantities of proinflammatory cytokines. Subsequently, this exaggerated cytokine release elicits exaggerated behavioral changes including anorexia, hypersomnia, lethargy, decreased social interaction, and deficits in cognitive and motor function (collectively known as the sickness behavior syndrome). Whereas this reorganization of host priorities is normally adaptive in young subjects, there is a propensity for this response to be maladaptive in aged subjects, resulting in greater severity and duration of the sickness behavior syndrome. Consequently, acute bouts of cognitive impairment in elderly subjects increase the likelihood of poor self-care behaviors (i.e., anorexia, weight loss, noncompliance), which ultimately leads to higher rates of hospitalization and mortality.
Postnatal maturation of total cell content and up-regulated surface expression of Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) in polymorphonuclear leukocytes of human infants
Authors: Storm Shawn W , Mariscalco M Michele , Tosi Michael F 
Published: May 2008

AbstractMarkedly deficient expression of membrane-activated complex 1 (Mac-1; CD11b/CD18) by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) of human neonates compared with adults is well documented. To define postnatal maturation of Mac-1 expression of PMN, lysates of PMN from 21 infants, aged 1–14 months, and concurrent adult controls were assayed by ELISA for total cell content of Mac-1 and LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18), and LFA-1 content was within the normal adult range at all ages tested. Mac-1 content was ∼50% of adult levels for infants 1–2 months of age and steadily increased to reach normal adult levels by 11–12 months of age. For a separate group of 25 infants, aged 0.5–11 months, measurement of surface expression of Mac-1 and LFA-1 on activated PMN by immunofluorescence flow cytometry yielded results that were similar to those obtained by ELISA.
Inhibitory peptide analogs derived from a major uveitogenic epitope protect from antiretinal autoimmunity by inducing type 2 and regulatory T cells
Authors: Cortes Lizette M , Avichezer Dody , Silver Phyllis B , Luger Dror , Mattapallil Mary J , Chan Chi-Chao , Caspi Rachel R 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe identified inhibitory peptide analogs (IPAs), capable of immunomodulating experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU), induced in B10.RIII mice by immunization with the retinal antigen interphotoreceptor-binding protein in CFA. Alanine-substituted peptides of the major pathogenic epitope, residues 161–180, were synthesized. They were tested for immunogenicity, cross-reactivity with the native 161–180 epitope, pathogenicity, and ability to prevent EAU when given in IFA before EAU challenge with native murine (m)161–180. Two peptides, 169A and 171A, were unable to elicit disease but cross-reacted with m161–180 by lymphocyte proliferation. Mice pretreated with either of the substituted peptides failed to develop EAU after challenge with the native epitope, m161–180, and had reduced cellular responses by lymphocyte proliferation and by delayed hypersensitivity. Their cytokine response profile to m161–180 showed reduced antigen-specific IFN-γ and IL-17, whereas IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13 from IPA-protected mice were increased, and serum antibody titers to m161–180 revealed reduced IgG2a and elevated IgG1 isotypes, suggesting a Th2 shift in the response. Protection was transferable with lymphoid cells from protected donors to naïve recipients, who were subsequently immunized for EAU. Thus, IPA pretreatment prevents induction of EAU by skewing the response to a subsequent uveitogenic challenge with the native peptide to a nonpathogenic phenotype, as well as by eliciting transferable regulatory cells.
Opposing regulation of neutrophil apoptosis through the formyl peptide receptor-like 1/lipoxin A4 receptor: implications for resolution of inflammation
Authors: El Kebir Driss , József Levente , Filep János G 
Published: May 2008

AbstractNeutrophils have a central role in innate immunity, and their programmed cell death and removal are critical to the optimal expression as well as to efficient resolution of inflammation. Human neutrophils express the pleiotropic receptor formyl peptide receptor-like 1/lipoxin A4 (LXA4) receptor that binds a variety of ligands, including the acute-phase reactant serum amyloid A (SAA), the anti-inflammatory lipids LXA4 and aspirin-triggered 15-epi-LXA4 (ATL), and the glucocorticoid-inducible protein annexin 1. In addition to regulation of neutrophil activation and recruitment, these ligands have a profound influence on neutrophil survival and apoptosis with contrasting actions, mediating aggravation or resolution of the inflammatory response. Thus, annexin 1 accelerates, whereas SAA rescues human neutrophils from constitutive apoptosis by preventing mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent activation of caspase-3. Furthermore, ATL overcomes the antiapoptosis signal from SAA and redirects neutrophils to caspase-mediated cell death. We review recent developments about the molecular basis of these actions and suggest a novel mechanism by which aspirin promotes resolution of acute inflammation and tissue injury.
T cells with regulatory activity in hepatitis C virus infection: what we know and what we don’t
Authors: Dolganiuc Angela , Szabo Gyongyi 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe mechanism behind the apparent lack of effective antiviral immune response in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is poorly understood. Although multiple levels of abnormalities have been identified in innate and adaptive immunity, it remains unclear if any of the subpopulations of T cells with regulatory capacity (Tregs) contribute to the induction and maintenance of HCV persistence. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about Tregs as they relate to HCV infection.
CD13 is a novel mediator of monocytic/endothelial cell adhesion
Authors: Mina-Osorio Paola , Winnicka Beata , O’Conor Catherine , Grant Christina L , Vogel Lotte K , Rodriguez-Pinto Daniel , Holmes Kathryn V , Ortega Enrique , Shapiro Linda H 
Published: May 2008

AbstractDuring inflammation, cell surface adhesion molecules guide the adhesion and migration of circulating leukocytes across the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels to access the site of injury. The transmembrane molecule CD13 is expressed on monocytes and endothelial cells and has been shown to mediate homotypic cell adhesion, which may imply a role for CD13 in inflammatory monocyte trafficking. Here, we show that ligation and clustering of CD13 by mAb or viral ligands potently induce myeloid cell/endothelial adhesion in a signal transduction-dependent manner involving monocytic cytoskeletal rearrangement and filopodia formation. Treatment with soluble recombinant (r)CD13 blocks this CD13-dependent adhesion, and CD13 molecules from monocytic and endothelial cells are present in the same immunocomplex, suggesting a direct participation of CD13 in the adhesive interaction. This concept is strengthened by the fact that activated monocytic cells adhere to immobilized recombinant CD13. Furthermore, treatment with anti-CD13 antibodies in a murine model of peritonitis results in a decrease in leukocyte infiltration into the peritoneum, suggesting a potential role for CD13 in leukocyte trafficking in vivo. Therefore, this work supports a new direction for CD13 biology, where these cell surface molecules act as true molecular interfaces that induce and participate in critical inflammatory cell interactions.
Impacts of HIV infection on Vγ2Vδ2 T cell phenotype and function: a mechanism for reduced tumor immunity in AIDS
Authors: Cummings Jean-Saville , Cairo Cristiana , Armstrong Cheryl , Davis Charles E , Pauza C David 
Published: May 2008

AbstractHIV infection causes rapid and lasting defects in the population of Vγ2Vδ2 T cells. To fully describe the impact of HIV, we examined PBMC samples from HIV+ patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy, who had displayed prolonged viral control and CD4 counts above 300 cells/mm3. We observed lower frequencies of CD27–/CD45RA– Vγ2Vδ2 cells in HIV+ individuals when compared with controls, coupled with an increased proportion of CD45RA+ cells. These changes were common among 24 HIV+ patients and were not related to CD4 cell count or viral RNA burden. Vγ2 cells from HIV+ individuals had lower expression of Granzyme B and displayed reduced cytotoxicity against Daudi targets after in vitro stimulation. There was increased expression of FasR (CD95) on Vγ2 cells from HIV+ PBMC that may be a mechanism for depletion of Vγ2 cells during disease. In addition to the well-characterized defects in the Vγ2 repertoire and functional responses to phosphoantigen, the proportion of CD27–/CD45RA– Vγ2Vδ2 T cells after isopentenyl pyrophosphate stimulation was reduced sharply in HIV+ donors versus controls. Thus, HIV infection has multiple impacts on the circulating Vγ2Vδ2 T cell population that combine to reduce the potential effector activity in terms of tumor cytotoxicity. Changes in Vγ2Vδ2 T cells, along with concomitant effects on NK and NKT cells that also contribute to tumor surveillance, may be important factors for elevating the risk of malignancy during AIDS.
Consultant appraisal of consultant appraisal
Authors: Hegde Rekha , Hughson A.V. Mark 
Published: May 2008

Aims and MethodA postal survey was conducted to gauge opinion of consultant psychiatrists in the west of Scotland with regard to consultant appraisal.ResultsWe received 158 responses to our survey (a response rate of 77%). The results showed mixed feelings about appraisal – for example, its purpose was felt to be about the development of consultants (72%) rather than the protection of patients (53%). Practical problems were highlighted, like the provision of accurate data and the amount of time spent on the preparation for appraisal.Participation in 360-degree appraisal was scant, and no consensus on the use of outcome measures was reached.ImplicationsMore work needs to be done on the appraisal process for it to gain the full confidence of the profession.
A Century of Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium
Authors: Mayo Oliver 
Published: May 2008

AbstractHardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) is the state of the genotypic frequency of two alleles of one autosomal gene locus after one discrete generation of random mating in an indefinitely large population: if the alleles areAandawith frequenciespandq(=1-p), then the equilibrium gene frequencies are simplypandqand the equilibrium genotypic frequencies forAA,Aaandaaarep2, 2pqandq2. It was independently identified in 1908 by G. H. Hardy and W. Weinberg after earlier attempts by W. E. Castle and K. Pearson. Weinberg, well known for pioneering studies of twins, made many important contributions to genetics, especially human genetics. Existence of this equilibrium provides a reference point against which the effects of selection, linkage, mutation, inbreeding and chance can be detected and estimated. Its discovery marked the initiation of population genetics.
The Heritability of Life Events: An Adolescent Twin and Adoption Study
Authors: Bemmels Heather R. , Burt S. Alexandra , Legrand Lisa N. , Iacono William G. , McGue Matt 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAlthough life events are often conceptualized as reflecting exogenous risk factors for psychopathology, twin studies have suggested they are heritable. We undertook a mixed twin/adoption study to further explore genetic and environmental contributions to individual differences in the experience of life events. Specifically, a sample of 618 pairs of like-sex adolescent twins, 244 pairs of like-sex adopted adolescent and young adult siblings, and 128 pairs of like-sex biological siblings completed a life events interview. Events were classified as independent (not likely to have been influenced by respondent's behavior), dependent (likely to have been influenced by respondent's behavior), or familial (experienced by a family member), and then summed to form three life event scales. Variance on the scales was assumed to be a function of four factors: additive genetic effects (a2), shared environmental effects (c2), twin-specific effects (t2), and nonshared environmental effects (e2). Data were analyzed using standard biometrical models. Shared environmental effects were found to be the largest contributor to variance in familial events (c2 = .71; 95% confidence interval of .65, .76); additive genetic effects were the largest contributor to dependent events (a2 = .45; CI = .31, .58); and nonshared environmental effects were found to be the largest contributor independent events (e2 = .57; CI = .51, .64). A significant twin-specific effect was also found for independent life events, indicating that twins are more likely to be exposed to such events than non-twin biological siblings. Findings are discussed in terms of their implication for understanding the nature of psychosocial risk.