bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immune Responses of Mice with Different Genetic Backgrounds to Improved Multiepitope, Multitarget Malaria Vaccine Candidate Antigen FALVAC-1A
Authors: Kaba S. A. , Price A. , Zhou Z. , Sundaram V. , Schnake P. , Goldman I. F. , Lal A. A. , Udhayakumar V. , Todd C. W. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTFALVAC-1A is a second-generation multitarget, multiepitope synthetic candidate vaccine againstPlasmodium falciparum, incorporating elements designed to yield a stable and immunogenic molecule. Characteristics of the immunogenicity of FALVAC-1A were evaluated in congenic (H-2b, H-2k, andH-2d) and outbred strains of mice. The influences of four adjuvants (aluminum phosphate, QS-21, Montanide ISA-720, and copolymer CRL-1005) on different aspects of the immune response were also assessed. FALVAC-1A generated strong antibody responses in all mouse strains. The highest mean enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) antibody concentrations against FALVAC-1A were observed in the outbred ICR mice, followed by B10.BR, B10.D2, and C57BL/6 mice, though this order varied for the different adjuvants, with no statistical differences between mouse strains. In all mouse strains, the highest anti-FALVAC-1A antibody titers in ELISAs were induced by FALVAC-1A in copolymer and ISA-720 formulations, followed by QS-21 and AlPO4. These antibodies were of all four subclasses, though immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) predominated, with the exception of FALVAC-1A with the QS-21 adjuvant, which induced predominantly IgG2c responses. Both sporozoites and blood stages ofP. falciparumwere recognized by anti-FALVAC-1A sera in the immunofluorescence assay. In addition to antibody, cellular immune responses were detected; these responses were studied by examining spleen cells producing gamma interferon and interleukin-4 in enzyme-linked immunospot assays. In summary, FALVAC-1A was found to be highly immunogenic and elicited functionally relevant antibodies that can recognize sporozoites and blood-stage parasites in diverse genetic backgrounds.
Phase I Study of a Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2) DNA Vaccine Administered to Healthy, HSV-2-Seronegative Adults by a Needle-Free Injection System
Authors: Cattamanchi Ashok , Posavad Christine M. , Wald Anna , Baine Yaela , Moses Jennifer , Higgins Terry J. , Ginsberg Richard , Ciccarelli Richard , Corey Lawrence , Koelle David M. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTWe conducted a double-blind, vehicle-controlled, dose escalation safety and immunogenicity trial of a candidate herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) surface glycoprotein D2 (gD2) DNA vaccine administered by use of a needle-free device. Sixty-two healthy adults were randomized using a 4:1 vaccine-to-placebo ratio. Half of the participants were HSV-1 seronegative, and all were HSV-2 seronegative. Vaccine doses included 100 μg, 300 μg, 1,000 μg or 3,000 μg of a plasmid expressing the gD2 protein. Subjects received vaccine at 0, 4, 8, and 24 weeks. Some subjects received an additional 1,000-μg boost at 52 weeks. We found that the vaccine was safe and well tolerated, with most adverse events being local site reactions. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. gD2-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte and lymphoproliferation responses were detected 2 weeks after the third vaccine injection in one of four HSV-1-seronegative, HSV-2-seronegative participants who received 3,000 μg of vaccine. A DNA-based vaccination strategy against HSV-2 appears to be safe and may generate a vaccine-specific cellular immune response, but high vaccine doses are likely needed to elicit an immune response in most vaccinees.
Plastic Polymers for Efficient DNA Microarray Hybridization: Application to Microbiological Diagnostics
Authors: Zhao Zhengshan , Peytavi Régis , Diaz-Quijada Gerardo A. , Picard Francois J. , Huletsky Ann , Leblanc Éric , Frenette Johanne , Boivin Guy , Veres Teodor , Dumoulin Michel M. , Bergeron Michel G. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT
Fabrication of microarray devices using traditional glass slides is not easily adaptable to integration into microfluidic systems. There is thus a need for the development of polymeric materials showing a high hybridization signal-to-background ratio, enabling sensitive detection of microbial pathogens. We have developed such plastic supports suitable for highly sensitive DNA microarray hybridizations. The proof of concept of this microarray technology was done through the detection of four human respiratory viruses that were amplified and labeled with a fluorescent dye via a sensitive reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) assay. The performance of the microarray hybridization with plastic supports made of PMMA [poly(methylmethacrylate)]-VSUVT or Zeonor 1060R was compared to that with high-quality glass slide microarrays by using both passive and microfluidic hybridization systems. Specific hybridization signal-to-background ratios comparable to that obtained with high-quality commercial glass slides were achieved with both polymeric substrates. Microarray hybridizations demonstrated an analytical sensitivity equivalent to approximately 100 viral genome copies per RT-PCR, which is at least 100-fold higher than the sensitivities of previously reported DNA hybridizations on plastic supports. Testing of these plastic polymers using a microfluidic microarray hybridization platform also showed results that were comparable to those with glass supports. In conclusion, PMMA-VSUVT and Zeonor 1060R are both suitable for highly sensitive microarray hybridizations.
GenoType MTBDR
plus
Assay for Molecular Detection of Rifampin and Isoniazid Resistance in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Strains and Clinical Samples
Authors: Lacoma A. , Garcia-Sierra N. , Prat C. , Ruiz-Manzano J. , Haba L. , Rosés S. , Maldonado J. , Domínguez J. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the GenoType MTBDR
plus
assay (Hain Lifescience GmbH, Nehren, Germany) for its ability to detect resistance to rifampin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
clinical strains and directly in clinical samples. A total of 62 clinical strains characterized with the Bactec 460TB system were included. For the INH-resistant strains, the MIC was measured and sequencing was performed. Sixty-five clinical samples from 28 patients (39 smear-positive samples and 26 smear-negative samples) were also tested directly. The corresponding isolates of the clinical specimens were studied with the Bactec 460TB system. The overall rates of concordance of the MTBDR
plus
assay and the Bactec 460TB system for the detection of RIF and INH susceptibility in clinical strains were 98.3% (61/62) and 79% (49/62), respectively. The rate of concordance between the Bactec 460TB system and the MTBDR
plus
test for the detection of INH resistance in the group of 27 strains with low-level resistance was 62.9% (17/27), and that for the detection of INH resistance in the group of 21 strains with high-level resistance was 85.71% (18/21). Valid test results were obtained for 78.45% (51/65) of the clinical samples tested. The rates of concordance between both assays for the detection of drug resistance in these samples were 98% (50/51) for RIF and 96.2% (49/51) for INH. Taking into account only one sample per patient, the overall rate of concordance between both tests was 92.85% (26/28). The GenoType MTBDR
plus
assay is easy to perform and is a useful tool for the management of tuberculosis, as it allows the detection of resistance to RIF and INH in
M. tuberculosis
strains and also in clinical samples.
Nonutility of Repeat Laboratory Testing for Detection of
Clostridium difficile
by Use of PCR or Enzyme Immunoassay
Authors: Aichinger Elisabeth , Schleck Cathy D. , Harmsen William S. , Nyre Lisa M. , Patel Robin 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT

The diagnostic gains of repeat testing for
Clostridium difficile
by enzyme immunoassay and PCR (i.e., initial negative result followed by positive result) within a 7-day period were 1.9 and 1.7%, respectively. There is little value of repeat testing for
C. difficile
by enzyme immunoassay or PCR.
Comparison of Three Commercial Methods for Rapid Detection of
Clostridium difficile
Toxins A and B from Fecal Specimens
Authors: Alcalá L. , Sánchez-Cambronero L. , Catalán M. P. , Sánchez-Somolinos M. , Peláez M. T. , Marín M. , Bouza E. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT

Three rapid enzyme immunoassays (X/pect
Clostridium difficile
Toxin A/B test, Wampole Tox A/B Quik Chek, and ImmunoCard Toxins A&B) were compared for the diagnosis of
Clostridium difficile
infection. Of the 367 stool specimens tested, 102 (27.8%) were positive for toxigenic
C. difficile
when a combination of direct cytotoxicity assay and cytotoxic culture was used as the gold standard. Sensitivity/specificity values were 49.0%/95.8%, 54.9%/95.5%, and 66.7%/95.1%, respectively. The median times to test five stool specimens were 28, 30, and 24 min, respectively. The ImmunoCard test was the quickest and most sensitive test of the three enzyme immunoassays evaluated.
Validation of 24-Hour Fluconazole MIC Readings versus the CLSI 48-Hour Broth Microdilution Reference Method: Results from a Global
Candida
Antifungal Surveillance Program
Authors: Pfaller M. A. , Boyken L. B. , Hollis R. J. , Kroeger J. , Messer S. A. , Tendolkar S. , Diekema D. J. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT

We performed 24- and 48-h MIC determinations and disk diffusion testing of fluconazole against more than 11,000 clinical isolates of
Candida
species. By using the reference MIC breakpoints, the categorical agreement between the 24-h and reference 48-h broth microdilution results ranged from 93.8% (all
Candida
species) to 94.9% (all
Candida
species minus
Candida krusei
), with only 0.1% very major errors (VME). The essential agreement (within 2 log
2
dilutions) between the 24-h and 48-h results was 99.6%. The categorical agreement between the 24-h disk diffusion results and the 24-h MIC results, using the previously established breakpoints, was 94.4%, with 0.1% VME. Both the MIC and the disk diffusion results obtained for fluconazole after only 24 h of incubation may be used to determine the susceptibilities of
Candida
spp. to this widely used antifungal agent.
Sociodemographic differences in triggers to quit smoking: findings from a national survey
Authors: Vangeli E , West R 
Published: September 2008

Objective:Reasons for quitting smoking and triggers that finally precipitate a quit attempt are not necessarily the same thing. We sought to assess variation in reported triggers of attempts to stop smoking as a function of age, gender and socioeconomic status.Methods:Cross-sectional household survey in England. A total of 2441 smokers and ex-smokers aged 16 and over, who reported making at least one serious quit attempt in the last 12 months, were recruited. The main outcome measure was participants’ responses to the question “Whatfinallytriggered your most recent quit attempt?”. Respondents selected from a list of options or specified a trigger not on the list.Results:In the event, smokers typically reported as triggers similar factors as have previously been reported as “reasons”. “A concern about future health problems” (28.5%) was the most commonly cited trigger followed by “health problems I had at the time” (18%) and then “a decision that smoking was too expensive” (12.2%). The most common external trigger was advice from a health professional (5.6%). Future health concern was more common in smokers with higher socioeconomic status (SES), whereas cost and current health problems were more often cited by lower SES smokers. Younger smokers were more likely to report their quit attempt being triggered by a TV advertisement while older smokers were more likely to cite advice from a health professional. Concern about future health problems was cited less often by 16 to 24 year olds and those aged 65+ than those aged 25 to 64 years.Conclusions:There are significant differences in reported triggers for quit attempts as a function of sociodemographic factors. Most notably, smokers with higher SES are more likely to report concern about future health whereas those from lower SES are more likely to cite cost and current health problems.
Urate Oxidase in Primates
Authors: Christen P. , Peacock W. C. , Christen Anita E. , Wacker W. E. C. 
Published: September 2008

Several genera of New World monkeys have high uric acid concentration in serum and urine comparable to man and the great apes. Like man these animals lack urate oxidase activity in liver tissue. The purine metabolism of these nonhuman primates appears to be similar to that of man as exemplified by fasting-induced hyperuricemia.
Old World monkeys and prosimians have low uric acid concentration in serum and urine. The urate oxidase activity of prosimian liver is remarkably stable whereas that of Old World monkeys was found to be quite unstable, perhaps reflecting the gradual degeneration of this enzyme in primate phylogenesis.
Luteinizing Hormone Levels in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Blakley G. A. 
Published: September 2008

Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were measured, using a bio-assay system, for three species of non-human primates. All experimental subjects were mature, depletion cycling, non-pregnant females. Following several base line cycles, daily vaginal smears and urine were collected. Gonadotropins were extracted by the kaolin-acetone method. Ovarian ascorbic acid depletion test was used to determine the μg equivalents of LH in 32 h urine samples.
Cyclic range of LH for M. mulatto was 1.4 to 6.3 μg, for Papio papio 0.4 to 5.5 μg, and Pongo pygmaeus 1.2 to 3.6 μg. Luteinizing hormone peaks appeared after ovulation as determined by the vaginal cytology in the P. pygmaeus and the M. mulatto. The midcycle peak of LH correlated well with the eosinophilic cell peak in the P. papio.
Supernumerary Nipples in the Baboon (Papio cynocephalus)
Authors: Buss D. H. , Hamner J. E. 
Published: September 2008

Of 463 baboons (Papio cynocephalus) examined, 1 had a twin nipple and 4 had supernumerary nipples on the milk line’ posterior to one or other of the normal nipples.
The size of the extra nipples appeared related to the size of, but not the distance from, the normal nipples. No other relationships were found. The histologic picture of 1 supernumerary nipple and its associated mammary tissue was normal for a non-Iactating female baboon.
Adult Male-Infant Relations among Baboons (Papio anubis)
Authors: Ransom T. W. , Ransom B. S. 
Published: September 2008

Among nonhuman primate social groups there exist long-lasting relationships between individual animals. These relationships, or bonds, are expressed in both friendly and antagonistic interactions, and include consort preferences, supportive relationships, and mother-infant, sibling, pair and peer bonds. The field observer has available information on certain classes of developing relationships, those of the maturing infant with members of the troop. These relationships appear to be highly influential in directing the processes of social development and ultimately, adult bond formation.
Based on over 2,500 h of observation of two troops of free-ranging, forest-living baboons in the Gombe National Park, this paper presents a discussion of several types of repetitive, intense interactions which can occur between infants and adult males. The timing, frequency and emotional affect of these interactions suggest that they may be most influential in directing the maturing infant into appropriate roles and relationships as an adult.
The Annual Reproductive Cycle of an African Monkey (Cercopithecus mitis kolbi Neuman)
Authors: Omar A. , Vos A. De 
Published: September 2008

Reproductive activities in the sykes monkey are seasonal and associated with changes in the amount of rainfall. Conceptions and births were confined to discrete dry periods of the year while pregnancy and lactation proceeded when rainfall was high.
54.5% of the population was breeding.
Evolution of the Marked Chromosomes of Primates Experimental Evidence for Pericentric Inversion
Authors: Egozcue J. 
Published: September 2008

A study of the marked chromosomes in a culture of amniotic tissue from Macaca mulatta provided experimental evidence that the metacentric marked chromosomes now found in Alouatta and Aouts may have originated by pericentric inversion of marked chromosomes of the type seen in Ateles, Saimiri and several genera of Old World monkeys.
The use of the term ‘marked’ is also discussed. Some authors prefer to define these chromosomes as ‘markers’. However, the term ‘marker’ is usually applied to chromosomes with structural abnormalities. For that reason, it is proposed that the term ‘marked’ be retained to define normal chromosomes with such morphological characteristics so they can always be identified.
Le comportement social de la Mone de Lowe (Cercopithecus camp belli lowei)
Authors: Hunkeler C. , Bourlière F. , Bertrand M. 
Published: September 2008

The social position of the various age and sex categories within a wild troop of Cercopithecus campbellilowei has been studied, and quantitative data on the occurrence of some behavior patterns are provided.
The spontaneous departure of troop members was observed 3 times in 2 years. It appeared to be correlated with the physical and social maturation of subadult males and the occurrence of the birth season.
Social Behavior Comparison in Laboratory-Reared Stumptail and Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Chamove A. S. 
Published: September 2008

No differences in social behavior during the first year of life were found in comparisons of two quadrats of each macaque type when controlling for adult-related differences by rearing infants with one another.
No support was found for reports of feral stumptails being more affiliative or less assertive. Another group of rhesus tested in a larger enclosure were more assertive and more fearful when compared with rhesus in a small test cage.
A New Omomyid Primate from the Wasatch Formation of Southern Wyoming
Authors: Savage Donald E. , Waters Barbara T. 
Published: September 2008

A new omomyid primate, Arapahovius gazini, is represented by many jaws and teeth and a few tarsal bones from a 15-meter stratigraphic interval at the base of the uppermost one-third of the Main Body of the Wasatch Formation, south-central Wyoming, USA. This primate is a conspicuous element in a faunule which lived at about the same time as the fauna of the Lysite Member of the Wind River Formation, estimated to be in the interval 52-50 million years before present.
Individuals referable to the new omomyid are chiefly specialized by the intricate corrugation of enamel on the occlusal surfaces of their incisors, premolars and molars and by relatively molariform posterior lower premolars. These specializations may be interpreted as adaptation toward a more herbivorous-frugivorous diet. The tarsal bones referred to Arapahovius suggest that animals in this genus were habitual leapers. This new omomyid bears ‘omomyine' and 'anaptomorphine' characters and may have been derived from an earlier Wasatchian (earliest Eocene) 'anaptomorphine' such as Tetonoides pearcei Gazin. Arapahovius seems to have had no phylogenetic successors.
Modalités de l’occupation de I’espace et relations interindividuelles chez un prosimien nocturne malgache (Microcebus murinus)
Authors: Pagès-Feuillade E. 
Published: September 2008

Five male and four female grey lesser mouse lemurs, Microcebus murinus, were trapped with Sherman traps in the Forestry Reserve of Ampijoroa, near Majunga, N.W.Madagascar and equipped with individual radio-transmitters with a range of 220–300 m. These 9 individuals were then followed and observed (alternatively or simultaneously) for a total of 30 nights spread over a period of 6 weeks (26 September to 11 November 1985).
In this dry deciduous forest zone, the subpopulation of 9 M. murinus observed occupied a total area of 7 ha. The home ranges of 4 males were significantly larger than those of 4 females (means: 3.2 ± 0.2 and 1.8 ± 0.1 ha, respectively). Nevertheless, because of the larger degree of overlap between home ranges of males, the available mean area per individual did not differ greatly between the sexes (a total of 5.5 ha for 4 males, with 65 % overlap, versus a total of 4.2 ha for 4 females, with only 44% overlap). Overlapping of all nine home ranges produced a ‘common zone’ in the centre of the study area, where meetings between animals of either sex took place. This pattern can be interpreted as representing a pregregarious form of social structure.
During nocturnal activity, the animals foraged individually, though an average of 11 % of time was spent less than 10 m away from a conspecific. The tendency for dispersion of individuals was most pronounced during foraging for insects, when travel speeds were also relatively high. The most obvious social interactions occurred when females were on their way back to a common nest, calling and following each other. Such behaviour was not exhibited by males, even by those that shared a nest. Away from the nest, physical contacts were rare and brief. During the few days preceding oestrus, females were approached by several males, without agonistic interactions between males being observed at this period. Most observed agonistic interactions were initiated by females and directed against males.
Resistance of an indigenous biological system against expansion of the invasive nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, in cool areas of Japan
Authors: Jikumaru Shota , Togashi Katsumi 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is the pathogen associated with pine wilt disease
(PWD), an infectious disease of pine trees transmitted by cerambycid beetles
of the genus Monochamus. Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is an invasive species,
whilst B. mucronatus is a native congener and non-pathogenic to pine trees
in Japan. To provide experiment evidence of the biotic and/or abiotic
resistance to PWD expansion in a cool area of Japan, we inoculated B.
xylophilus into healthy pine trees in a Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora)
stand with the indigenous pine tree-B. mucronatus-insect vector system
before invasion of B. xylophilus in 1993 and 1994. Extremely cool air
temperature with high precipitation and extremely high air temperature with
low precipitation were observed in the summers of the 2 years of
inoculation, respectively. The cool summer induced a low incidence of PWD
and delayed disease development, resulting in the replacement of B.
xylophilus by B. mucronatus within diseased trees and the emergence of
Monochamus saltuarius beetles carrying B. mucronatus from the trees 2 years
after the inoculation. The hot summer induced disease development in trees
in the year of inoculation, but such diseased trees did not become infection
sources because of the lack of M. alternatus, whose oviposition was
synchronised with the period of disease development in pine trees. This
study indicated that biotic factors were important in the inhibitory
mechanism in a pine forest against the spread of PWD in the stand. Relevant
biotic factors were the lack of M. alternatus and the presence of M.
saltuarius carrying B. mucronatus.