bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protective Immunity in Mice Achieved with Dry Powder Formulation and Alternative Delivery of Plague F1-V Vaccine
Authors: Huang Joanne , D'Souza Ajit J. , Alarcon Jason B. , Mikszta John A. , Ford Brandi M. , Ferriter Matthew S. , Evans Michelle , Stewart Todd , Amemiya Kei , Ulrich Robert G. , Sullivan Vincent J. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

The potential use of
Yersinia pestis
as a bioterror agent is a great concern. Development of a stable powder vaccine against
Y. pestis
and administration of the vaccine by minimally invasive methods could provide an alternative to the traditional liquid formulation and intramuscular injection. We evaluated a spray-freeze-dried powder vaccine containing a recombinant F1-V fusion protein of
Y. pestis
for vaccination against plaque in a mouse model. Mice were immunized with reconstituted spray-freeze-dried F1-V powder via intramuscular injection, microneedle-based intradermal delivery, or noninvasive intranasal administration. By intramuscular injection, the reconstituted powder induced serum antibody responses and provided protection against lethal subcutaneous challenge with 1,000 50% lethal doses of
Y. pestis
at levels equivalent to those elicited by unprocessed liquid formulations (70 to 90% protection). The feasibility of intradermal and intranasal delivery of reconstituted powder F1-V vaccine was also demonstrated. Overall, microneedle-based intradermal delivery was shown to be similar in efficacy to intramuscular injection, while intranasal administration required an extra dose of vaccine to achieve similar protection. In addition, the results suggest that seroconversion against F1 may be a better predictor of protection against
Y. pestis
challenge than seroconversion against either F1-V or V. In summary, we demonstrate the preclinical feasibility of using a reconstituted powder F1-V formulation and microneedle-based intradermal delivery to provide protective immunity against plague in a mouse model. Intranasal delivery, while feasible, was less effective than injection in this study. The potential use of these alternative delivery methods and a powder vaccine formulation may result in substantial health and economic benefits.
Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology of Human Parainfluenza Virus 4 Infections in Hong Kong: Subtype 4B as Common as Subtype 4A
Authors: Lau Susanna K. P. , Li Kenneth S. M. , Chau Kam-yu , So Lok-yee , Lee Rodney A. , Lau Yu-lung , Chan Kwok-hung , Lim Wilina W. L. , Woo Patrick C. Y. , Yuen Kwok-yung 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT
In this 1-year study, 35 (1.2%) of 2,912 nasopharyngeal aspirates were positive for human parainfluenza virus 4 (HPIV4) by reverse transcription-PCR. Patients with HPIV4 infection were mainly young children and immunocompromised adults. In contrast to the reported predominance of HPIV4A infection, molecular subtyping revealed that 15 (44%) cases were caused by HPIV4B.
Pilot Study of Association of Bacteria on Breast Implants with Capsular Contracture
Authors: Del Pozo Jose L. , Tran Nho V. , Petty Paul M. , Johnson Craig H. , Walsh Molly F. , Bite Uldis , Clay Ricky P. , Mandrekar Jayawant N. , Piper Kerryl E. , Steckelberg James M. , Patel Robin 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Capsular contracture is the most common and frustrating complication in women who have undergone breast implantation. Its cause and, accordingly, treatment and prevention remain to be elucidated fully. The aim of this prospective observational pilot study was to test the hypothesis that the presence of bacteria on breast implants is associated with capsular contracture. We prospectively studied consecutive patients who underwent breast implant removal for reasons other than overt infection at the Mayo Clinic from February through September 2008. Removed breast implants were processed using a vortexing/sonication procedure and then subjected to semiquantitative culture. Twenty-seven of the 45 implants collected were removed due to significant capsular contracture, among which 9 (33%) had ≥20 CFU bacteria/10 ml sonicate fluid; 18 were removed for reasons other than significant capsular contracture, among which 1 (5%) had ≥20 CFU/10 ml sonicate fluid (
P
= 0.034).
Propionibacterium
species, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and
Corynebacterium
species were the microorganisms isolated. The results of this study demonstrate that there is a significant association between capsular contracture and the presence of bacteria on the implant. The role of these bacteria in the pathogenesis of capsular contracture deserves further study.
Staphylococcal Interspersed Repeat Unit Typing of
Staphylococcus aureus
: Evaluation of a New Multilocus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis Typing Method
Authors: Conceição Teresa , Aires de Sousa Marta , de Lencastre Hermínia 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

The present study evaluates the performance of the staphylococcal interspersed repeat unit (SIRU) method applied to a diverse collection of 104
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates previously characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE),
spa
typing, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
typing for methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
. The SIRU method distributed the 104 strains into 81 SIRU profiles that could be clustered into 12 groups and 29 singletons. The discriminatory power of the method at the profile level, translated by Simpson's index of diversity (SID), was similar to that of PFGE subtyping (SID = 99.23% versus 99.85%) and slightly higher than that of
spa
typing (SID = 97.61%). At the group level, the SIRU SID (93.24%) was lower than that of PFGE typing (95.41%) but higher than that of MLST (SID = 91.77%). The adjusted Rand (AR) coefficient showed that SIRU typing at the group level had the highest congruence with MLST (AR = 0.5736) and with clonal complex (CC) (AR = 0.4963) but the lowest congruence with PFGE subtype (AR = 0.0242). The Wallace coefficient indicated that in the present collection, two strains with the same SIRU profile have a 100% probability of belonging to the same CC, a 90% probability of sharing the same
spa
type, and an 83% probability of being classified in the same sequence type. The high discriminatory power of the SIRU method, along with its apparent concordance with MLST results, makes it potentially valuable for
S. aureus
short-term epidemiological investigations and population dynamics as well.
Analysis Identifying Common and Distinct Sequences among Texas Clinical Strains of
Mycoplasma genitalium
Authors: Musatovova Oxana , Baseman Joel B. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Mycoplasma genitalium
is a human bacterial pathogen linked to urethritis and other sexually transmitted diseases. Here, we assessed the incidence of
M. genitalium
infection in patients attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic in San Antonio, TX, by use of diagnostic real-time PCR. Overall, 16.8% of women and 15.1% of men were found
M. genitalium
positive. Regions of the
mgpB
gene, which encodes the MgPa adhesin, were amplified from positive clinical specimens and evaluated for sequence variability, which demonstrated transmission of the pathogen between sexual partners. Follow-up analysis of a subset of patient specimens revealed reinfection by a different strain of
M. genitalium
, indicating the absence of protective immunity. Eighteen DNA sequence variants were obtained and compared with all other available clinical sequences. Detailed analysis revealed silent mutations of six amino acid residues within the encoded region of the MgPa adhesin in numerous clinical strains. In addition, missense mutations of limited numbers of amino acids were observed. Alignment of putative amino acid sequences revealed the simultaneous occurrence of several mutations and the existence of identical or similar protein variants in strains from different locations.
High Frequency and Diversity of Rearrangements in Polyomavirus BK Noncoding Regulatory Regions Cloned from Urine and Plasma of Israeli Renal Transplant Patients and Evidence for a New Genetic Subtype
Authors: Perets Tsachi Tsadok , Silberstein Ilana , Rubinov Jana , Sarid Ronit , Mendelson Ella , Shulman Lester M. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT
Polyomavirus BK (BKV) establishes latent infection in various human tissues, including the kidney. Reactivation following renal transplantation (RT) may cause BKV-associated nephropathy, leading to graft loss. BKV reactivation is often associated with extensive rearrangements in the BKV noncoding regulatory region (NCRR). We explored the formation and predominance of the rearrangements versus the diversity of the rearrangements by cloning and characterizing PCR-amplified NCRR sequences from six Israeli RT patients. We found a high frequency and a high degree of diversity of rearrangements: NCRRs that contained major rearrangements (mrNCRRs), including large insertions and deletions, were detected in 0 to 100% of the clones from individual samples (mean, 50% and 67% in plasma and urine, respectively). In addition, we found a high frequency of mrNCRRs that contained single-nucleotide variations (snvNCRRs) among identical mrNCRRs and archetype clones. mrNCRRs were present in plasma and in concomitantly collected urine samples, but for each patient, only a subset of the mrNCRRs and snvNCRRs were present in both compartments at the same time and/or in subsequent samples from the same compartment. Some mrNCRRs were observed over several months, indicating the continuous replication of the viral genomes carrying them. Phylogenetic analysis based on the snvNCRR in the archetype clones grouped isolates from four of the patients into a new subgroup of genotype IV. Genotypes Ib-1 and Ib-2 were also found. Isolates from two patients had NCRRs from two genotypes, one concurrently with a RT and one after a second RT. Our study prompts further investigation of the functional consequences of NCRR rearrangements to assess their biological significance and their putative role in disease progression and prognosis.
“
Mycobacterium tilburgii
,” a Newly Described, Uncultivated Opportunistic Pathogen
Authors: Palmore Tara N. , Shea Yvonne R. , Conville Patricia S. , Witebsky Frank G. , Anderson Victoria L. , Rupp Hodge Irene P. , Holland Steven M. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Molecular methods are increasingly used to identify pathogens that are difficult to cultivate. We report a case of disseminated infection with “
Mycobacterium tilburgii
,” a proposed species that has never been cultivated. The case illustrates the diagnostic utility of sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene directly from clinical specimens.
Oseltamivir-Resistant Influenza A Viruses Circulating in Japan
Authors: Tamura Daisuke , Mitamura Keiko , Yamazaki Masahiko , Fujino Motoko , Nirasawa Mari , Kimura Kazuhiro , Kiso Maki , Shimizu Hideaki , Kawakami Chiharu , Hiroi Satoshi , Takahashi Kazuro , Hata Mami , Minagawa Hiroko , Kimura Yoshiaki , Kaneda Satoko , Sugita Shigeo , Horimoto Taisuke , Sugaya Norio , Kawaoka Yoshihiro 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Surveillance studies of the influenza viruses circulating in Europe and other countries in 2007 and 2008 have revealed rates of resistance to oseltamivir of up to 67% among H1N1 viruses. In the present study, we examined 202 clinical samples obtained from patients infected with H1N1 virus in Japan in 2007 and 2008 for oseltamivir resistance and found that three were oseltamivir resistant (1.5%). The 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC
50
s), as measured by a sialidase inhibition assay with these drug-resistant viruses, were >100-fold higher than those of the nonresistant viruses (median IC
50
, 12.6 nmol/liter). The His274Tyr (strain N2 numbering) mutation of the neuraminidase protein, which is known to confer oseltamivir resistance, was detected in these three isolates. Phylogenetic analysis showed that one virus belonged to a lineage that is composed of drug-resistant viruses isolated in Europe and North America and that the other two viruses independently emerged in Japan. Continued surveillance studies are necessary to observe whether these viruses will persist.
Dynamic Bargaining and the Prospects for Learning in the Petroleum Industry: The Case of Kazakhstan
Authors: Hosman Laura 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis article examines the bargaining interface between petroleum-rich developing countries and large multinational corporations, with an application to the case of Kazakhstan, formerly a Soviet Republic. In the analytic narrative tradition, this article combines a case study with an extensive form game, applying Theodore Moran's dynamic bargaining theory, which posits that, over time and through repeated interaction, developing countries do better for themselves, incrementally improving their outcomes through bargaining and strategic interaction, thereby advancing along a learning curve. The application of this theory is systematized through the utilization of game theory; an extensive game modeled on strategic, iterated bargaining behavior between the two actors is introduced. This dynamic game allows for the recalculation of strategies based on the players' revealed moves, allowing for the concept of learning while doing. The game is then applied to Kazakhstan's particular situation. The application of Moran's theory through the use of a generalizable game provides a method for resource-rich developing countries—particularly those in the nascent stages of developing these industries—to systematize the negotiation process and accelerate their ascent on a bargaining learning curve.
Quantitative Assessment of Rotatory Instability after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Tashiro Yasutaka , Okazaki Ken , Miura Hiromasa , Matsuda Shuichi , Yasunaga Takefumi , Hashizume Makoto , Nakanishi Yoshitaka , Iwamoto Yukihide 
Published: March 2009

Background Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction successfully reduces anterior knee instability, but its effect on rotatory stability is not fully understood. In addition, a definitive method for the quantitative evaluation of rotatory instability remains to be established. Hypothesis Measurement of anterolateral tibial translation by open magnetic resonance imaging could positively correlate with the clinical grading of the pivot-shift test and would clarify residual rotatory abnormalities not shown by conventional methods for measurement of anterior stability. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods An anterior cruciate ligament—reconstructed group (n = 21) and an anterior cruciate ligament—deficient group (n = 20) were examined using a Slocum anterolateral rotatory instability test in open magnetic resonance imaging. Anterior tibial translation was measured at the medial and lateral compartments by evaluating sagittal images. Clinical knee stability was evaluated before the above measurement using the pivot-shift test, KT-2000 arthrometer, and stress radiography. A cutoff value for anterolateral tibial translation relating to pivot-shift was determined using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Results Side-to-side differences of anterolateral tibial translation correlated with clinical grade of the pivot-shift test and stress radiography but not with KT-2000 arthrometry in both groups. The cutoff value was established as 3.0 mm. Although the mean anterolateral translation showed no difference, 9 reconstructed knees revealed greater than 3 mm of anterolateral tibial translation, whereas only 3 uninjured knees did. Conclusion Measurement using an open magnetic resonance imaging successfully quantified the remaining rotatory instability in anterior cruciate ligament—reconstructed knees. Clinical Relevance This method is a useful means for quantifying anterior cruciate ligament function to stabilize tibial rotation.
Fatal Self-poisoning in the UK and the Paracetamol/Dextropropoxyphene Combination
Authors: Dwyer P.S. , Jones I.F. 
Published: March 2009

1 Coroners' files have been examined to ascertain the numbers of deaths involving self-poisoning with analgesic drugs with specific reference to the paracetamol/dextropropoxyphene combination. The period of study was 1976-1980. This report concentrates on cases in England, although reference is made to similar deaths occurring in Scotland and Northern Ireland. 2 Data have been collected extensively on a wide range of issues concerning fatal self-poisonings mainly by visiting coroners' offices in England to make direct investigation of records. 3 The total number of cases where the paracetamol/dextropropoxyphene combination can be considered as ingested in the self-poisoning episode is underestimated. The number of cases involving alcohol and/or other drugs taken together with the combination product is particularly underestimated. 4 Involvement of people aged 30 years and below comprises 32% of all cases. 5 'Gesture' overdoses comprise an estimated 14% of all cases in England. 6 An analysis of fatalities from cases where quantities in post-mortem blood of dextropropoxyphene < 1 μg/ml and paracetamol < 50 μg/ml are found and of cases where death occurs within 2 h of ingestion of the overdose has been carried out. The results are inconclusive. In most cases alcohol and/or other drugs are found to be involved. Critical inspection of coroners' files shows relatively few of these cases where the combination product is ingested on its own. 7 There is wide variability in the data available in coroners' files. In many cases data of value to this research are not recorded. Medical history and quantitative levels of drugs suspected (particularly dextropropoxyphene) are particular examples of factors which may not be recorded. 8 Office of Population, Censuses and Surveys (OPCS) mortality data are based on certified causes of death. Because of the underestimate of the involvement of this combination product and the under-reporting of other drug and/or alcohol ingestion with the combination, care must be exercised in quoting or drawing conclusions from OPCS statistics.
Biology of endothelium
Authors: Maruyama I 
Published: March 2009

Endothelial cells form a multifunctional cell lining that covers all of the inner surface of blood vessels and regulates several important physiological and pathological reactions. These include inflammation/immune reaction, blood vessel tonus, hemostasis/thrombosis, angiogenesis and so on. Thus, abnormalities of endothelial function may play crucial roles in the development of angitis syndrome, thrombosis/embolism, bleeding disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and neovascularization in some pathological states including tumor growth and diabetic retinopathy. Research on endothelial cells now forms a new frontier termed ‘Endotheliology’. Recent advances of the functional and structural aspects of endothelial cells are reviewed here mainly from the viewpoint of endothelial regulation of coagulation and the fibrinolytic system. First we show that the natural endothelial membrane protein thrombomodulin is localized not only on apical endothelial surface but also in caveolae. Since it has been reported that such factors involved in coagulation/fibrinolysis as tissue factor, tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), thrombin receptor and urokinase receptor are also localized in the caveolae, this membrane structure may act as a special component to regulate coagulation/fibrinolysis on the endothelial membrane surface. Next we demonstrate the signaling pathway of the thrombin receptor. Thrombin cleaves the N-terminus of the receptor as a substrate, exposing a new N-terminus. This newly exposed N-terminus acts as a ligand and activates platelets, endothelial cells and vascular smooth-muscle cells. We have identified that the signal from the thrombin receptor activates NF-κB through the activation of protein C kinase, tyrosine kinase and MAP kinase, and results in proliferation of the cells. We have also shown that the receptor is over-expressed on platelets from diabetes patients.
Atherosclerosis and the antiphospholipid syndrome: A link unravelled?
Authors: Shoenfeld Y , Harats D , George J 
Published: March 2009

Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease that involves the arterial system. Recent data suggest that immune and autoimmune factors play a dominant role in mediating the progression of atherosclerosis. Among these factors, humoral response to modified forms of LDL and heat-shock proteins has been shown to be influential. The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) entails clinical manifestations that result from a hypercoagulable state. Antibodies to phospholipids and to β2-glycoprotein I have been suggested to confer the tendency to thrombosis. In a set of recent studies, we have been able to show that generation of antiphospholipid antibodies in mice is associated with enhanced atherosclerosis. These findings imply that APS and atherosclerosis may share a common etiologic background, which may have direct implications for the management of both conditions.
Alterations of systemic and muscle iron metabolism in human subjects treated with low-dose recombinant erythropoietin
Authors: Robach Paul , Recalcati Stefania , Girelli Domenico , Gelfi Cecilia , Aachmann-Andersen Niels J. , Thomsen Jonas J. , Norgaard Anne M. , Alberghini Alessandra , Campostrini Natascia , Castagna Annalisa , Viganò Agnese , Santambrogio Paolo , Kempf Tibor , Wollert Kai C. , Moutereau Stéphane , Lundby Carsten , Cairo Gaetano 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe high iron demand associated with enhanced erythropoiesis during high-altitude hypoxia leads to skeletal muscle iron mobilization and decrease in myoglobin protein levels. To investigate the effect of enhanced erythropoiesis on systemic and muscle iron metabolism under nonhypoxic conditions, 8 healthy volunteers were treated with recombinant erythropoietin (rhEpo) for 1 month. As expected, the treatment efficiently increased erythropoiesis and stimulated bone marrow iron use. It was also associated with a prompt and considerable decrease in urinary hepcidin and a slight transient increase in GDF-15. The increased iron use and reduced hepcidin levels suggested increased iron mobilization, but the treatment was associated with increased muscle iron and L ferritin levels. The muscle expression of transferrin receptor and ferroportin was up-regulated by rhEpo administration, whereas no appreciable change in myoglobin levels was observed, which suggests unaltered muscle oxygen homeostasis. In conclusion, under rhEpo stimulation, the changes in the expression of muscle iron proteins indicate the occurrence of skeletal muscle iron accumulation despite the remarkable hepcidin suppression that may be mediated by several factors, such as rhEpo or decreased transferrin saturation or both.