bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Herpesvirus Saimiri Episomal Persistence Is Maintained via Interaction between Open Reading Frame 73 and the Cellular Chromosome-Associated Protein MeCP2
Authors: Griffiths Rhoswyn , Whitehouse Adrian 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT

Herpesvirus saimiri (HVS) is the prototype gamma-2 herpesvirus, which naturally infects the squirrel monkey
Saimiri sciureus
, causing an asymptomatic but persistent infection. The latent phase of gamma-2 herpesviruses is characterized by their ability to persist in a dividing cell population while expressing a limited subset of latency-associated genes. In HVS only three genes, open reading frame 71 (ORF71), ORF72, and ORF73, are expressed from a polycistronic mRNA. ORF73 has been shown to be the only gene essential for HVS episomal maintenance and can therefore be functionally compared to the human gammaherpesvirus latency-associated proteins, EBNA-1 and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA). HVS ORF73 is the positional homologue of KSHV LANA and, although it shares limited sequence homology, has significant structural and functional similarities. Investigation of KSHV LANA has demonstrated that it is able to mediate KSHV episomal persistence by tethering the KSHV episome to host mitotic chromosomes via interactions with cellular chromosome-associated proteins. These include associations with core and linker histones, several bromodomain proteins, and the chromosome-associated proteins methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) and DEK. Here we show that HVS ORF73 associates with MeCP2 via a 72-amino-acid domain within the ORF73 C terminus. Furthermore, we have assessed the functional significance of this interaction, using a variety of techniques including small hairpin RNA knockdown, and show that association between ORF73 and MeCP2 is essential for HVS chromosomal attachment and episomal persistence.
Bluetongue Virus Entry into Cells
Authors: Forzan Mario , Marsh Mark , Roy Polly 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT

Bluetongue virus
(BTV) is a member of the
Orbivirus
genus within the
Reoviridae
family. Like those of other members of the family, BTV particles are nonenveloped and contain two distinct capsids, namely, an outer capsid and an inner capsid or core. The two outer capsid proteins, VP2 and VP5, are involved in BTV entry into cells and in the delivery of the transcriptionally active core to the target cell cytoplasm. However, very little is known about the precise mechanism of BTV entry. In this report, using RNA interference, we demonstrate that inhibition of the clathrin-dependent endocytic pathway correlates with reduced BTV internalization and subsequent replication. Furthermore, by using the ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin A1, we show that exposure of the virus to acidic pH is required for productive infection. Moreover, microscopic analysis of cells incubated with BTV indicated that the virus is internalized into early endosomes, where separation of the outer capsid and inner core occurs. Together, our data indicate that BTV undergoes low-pH-induced penetration in early endosomes following clathrin-mediated endocytosis from the plasma membrane, supporting a stepwise model for BTV entry and penetration.
Efficiency of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Postentry Infection Processes: Evidence against Disproportionate Numbers of Defective Virions
Authors: Thomas James A. , Ott David E. , Gorelick Robert J. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT
The vast majority of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 particles are claimed to be noninfectious, but there is disagreement as to whether they are defective or simply lack the opportunity to initiate an infection. We have examined the efficiencies of reverse transcription and integration and find that approximately 1 of every 8 virions that initiate reverse transcription form proviruses, a quantity significantly different from the commonly reported ratio of 1 in 1,000. In addition, results from two different infectivity assays demonstrate that the titers are not equivalent to the number of infectious particles. The apparent predominance of noninfectious particles is due to infrequent occurrences of successful virus-cell interactions.
Ageing and the gut
Authors: D'Souza A L 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
The current concepts on diagnosis, clinical features, and management of common gastrointestinal conditions in the elderly population, taking into account physiological aspects of ageing, are evaluated. Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are discussed with an emphasis on oesophageal problems, Helicobacter pylori infection, malabsorption, diverticular disease, and cancer. GI problems are acquiring greater importance in hospitals and in the community and their incidence is increasing. Newer treatments have less impact on patients' wellbeing and meticulously planned investigation and treatment is needed. Careful selection of patients and application of modern techniques has improved survival and outcomes, with comparable results to those in younger age groups.
Inappropriate prescribing of proton pump inhibitors in primary care
Authors: Batuwitage Bisanth Thushila , Kingham Jeremy G C , Morgan Nia Emma , Bartlett Ruth Louise 
Published: February 2007

Abstract

Objectives
To determine if an educational intervention initiated in secondary care can influence prescribing of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in the community.

Methods
A prospective study of PPI use in patients admitted to medical wards in a university hospital. A simple educational intervention was employed to reduce inappropriate prescribing of PPIs in the community.

Results
In the pre-intervention analysis 66/271 (24%) patients were receiving treatment with a PPI prescribed in the community. In 36/66 (54%) patients the PPI had been prescribed inappropriately. Six months after the intervention 91/344 (26%) patients were prescribed a PPI in the community. In only 45 of these 91 (49%) patients was there a recommended indication.

Conclusion
The intervention used in this study had no effect on the proportion of patients taking a PPI at the time of hospital admission or on the appropriateness of prescribing in the community.
Seasonal Variability of the South Equatorial Current Bifurcation in the Atlantic Ocean: A Numerical Study
Authors: Rodrigues Regina R. , Rothstein Lewis M. , Wimbush Mark 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
In this study, a reduced-gravity, primitive equation OGCM is used to investigate the seasonal variability of the bifurcation of the South Equatorial Current (SEC) into the Brazil Current (BC) to the south and the North Brazil Undercurrent/Current (NBUC/NBC) system to the north. Annual mean meridional velocity averaged within a 2° longitude band off the South American coast shows that the SEC bifurcation occurs at about 10°–14°S near the surface, shifting poleward with increasing depth, reaching 27°S at 1000 m, in both observations and model. The bifurcation latitude reaches its southernmost position in July (∼17°S in the top 200 m) and its northernmost position in November (∼13°S in the top 200 m). The model results show that most of the seasonal variability of the bifurcation latitude in the upper thermocline is associated with changes in the local wind stress curl due to the annual north–south excursion of the marine ITCZ complex. As the SEC bifurcation latitude moves south (north) the NBUC transport increases (decreases) and the BC transport decreases (increases). The remote forcing (i.e., westward propagation of anomalies) appears to have a smaller impact on the seasonal variability of the bifurcation in the upper thermocline.
Long-term T-cell reconstitution after hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in primary T-cell–immunodeficient patients is associated with myeloid chimerism and possibly the primary disease phenotype
Authors: Cavazzana-Calvo Marina , Carlier Frédérique , Le Deist Françoise , Morillon Estelle , Taupin Pierre , Gautier David , Radford-Weiss Isabelle , Caillat-Zucman Sophie , Neven Bénédicte , Blanche Stephane , Cheynier Rémi , Fischer Alain , Hacein-Bey-Abina Salima 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe studied T-cell reconstitution in 31 primary T-cell–immunodeficient patients who had undergone hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) over 10 years previously. In 19 patients, there was no evidence of myeloid chimerism because little or no myeloablation had been performed. Given this context, we sought factors associated with good long-term T-cell reconstitution. We found that all patients having undergone full myeloablation had donor myeloid cells and persistent thymopoiesis, as evidenced by the presence of naive T cells carrying T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs). In 9 patients with host myeloid chimerism, sustained thymic output was also observed and appeared to be associated with γc deficiency. It is therefore possible that the complete absence of thymic progenitors characterizing this condition created a more favorable environment for thymic seeding by a population of early progenitor cells with the potential for self-renewal, thus enabling long-term (> 10 years) T-cell production.
PD-1 up-regulation is correlated with HIV-specific memory CD8+ T-cell exhaustion in typical progressors but not in long-term nonprogressors
Authors: Zhang Ji-Yuan , Zhang Zheng , Wang Xicheng , Fu Jun-Liang , Yao Jinxia , Jiao Yanmei , Chen Liangen , Zhang Hui , Wei Jianan , Jin Lei , Shi Ming , Gao George Fu , Wu Hao , Wang Fu-Sheng 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
The immunoreceptor PD-1 is significantly up-regulated on exhausted CD8+ T cells during chronic viral infections such as HIV-1. However, it remains unknown whether PD-1 expression on CD8+ T cells differs between typical progressors (TPs) and long-term nonprogressors (LTNPs). In this report, we examined PD-1 expression on HIV-specific CD8+ T cells from 63 adults with chronic HIV infection. We found that LTNPs exhibited functional HIV-specific memory CD8+ T cells with markedly lower PD-1 expression. TPs, in contrast, showed significantly up-regulated PD-1 expression that was closely correlated with a reduction in CD4 T-cell number and an elevation in plasma viral load. Importantly, PD-1 up-regulation was also associated with reduced perforin and IFN-γ production, as well as decreased HIV-specific effector memory CD8+ T-cell proliferation in TPs but not LTNPs. Blocking PD-1/PD-L1 interactions efficiently restored HIV-specific CD8+ T-cell effector function and proliferation. Taken together, these findings confirm the hypothesis that high PD-1 up-regulation mediates HIV-specific CD8+ T-cell exhaustion. Blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway may represent a new therapeutic option for this disease and provide more insight into immune pathogenesis in LTNPs.
Midgut epithelial endocrine cells are a rich source of the neuropeptides APSGFLGMRamide (Cancer borealis tachykinin-related peptide Ia) and GYRKPPFNGSIFamide (Gly1-SIFamide) in the crabs Cancer borealis, Cancer magister and Cancer productus
Authors: Christie Andrew E. , Kutz-Naber Kimberly K. , Stemmler Elizabeth A. , Klein Alexandra , Messinger Daniel I. , Goiney Christopher C. , Conterato Anna J. , Bruns Emily A. , Hsu Yun-Wei A. , Li Lingjun , Dickinson Patsy S. 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARY
Over a quarter of a century ago, Mykles described the presence of putative endocrine cells in the midgut epithelium of the crab Cancer magister(Mykles, 1979). In the years that have followed, these cells have been largely ignored and nothing is known about their hormone content or the functions they play in this species. Here,we used a combination of immunohistochemistry and mass spectrometric techniques to investigate these questions. Using immunohistochemistry, we identified both SIFamide- and tachykinin-related peptide (TRP)-like immunopositive cells in the midgut epithelium of C. magister, as well as in that of Cancer borealis and Cancer productus. In each species, the SIFamide-like labeling was restricted to the anterior portion of the midgut, including the paired anterior midgut caeca, whereas the TRP-like immunoreactivity predominated in the posterior midgut and the posterior midgut caecum. Regardless of location, label or species, the morphology of the immunopositive cells matched that of the putative endocrine cells characterized ultrastructurally by Mykles(Mykles, 1979). Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-Fourier transform mass spectrometry identified the peptides responsible for the immunoreactivities as GYRKPPFNGSIFamide (Gly1-SIFamide) and APSGFLGMRamide [Cancer borealis tachykinin-related peptide Ia (CabTRP Ia)], respectively, both of which are known neuropeptides of Cancer species. Although the function of these midgut-derived peptides remains unknown, we found that both Gly1-SIFamide and CabTRP Ia were released when the midgut was exposed to high-potassium saline. In addition, CabTRP Ia was detectable in the hemolymph of crabs that had been held without food for several days, but not in that of fed animals, paralleling results that were attributed to TRP release from midgut endocrine cells in insects. Thus, one function that midgut-derived CabTRP Ia may play in Cancer species is paracrine/hormonal control of feeding-related behavior, as has been postulated for TRPs released from homologous cells in insects.
Trajectories of recovery of quality of life in women after an acute cardiac event
Authors: Worcester Marian Una Christine , Murphy Barbara Mary , Elliott Peter Clifford , Le Grande Michael Richard , Higgins Rosemary Olive , Goble Alan James , Roberts Susan Barbara 
Published: February 2007

Objectives. Female cardiac patients' health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) during the first year after an acute cardiac event was compared with age‐weighted Australian population norms. The impact of age, event type and cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programme attendance on recovery was assessed.Methods. The short form 36‐item health survey (SF‐36) was administered to 229 women aged from 36 to 84 years consecutively admitted to 4 hospitals after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or to undergo coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABGS). Data were collected at 4 time points over 12 months. SF‐36 subscale scores were compared with age‐weighted norms for Australian women. Mplus was used to analyse growth trajectories for SF‐36 subscales.Results. Patients had impaired HRQoL at baseline (except in general health), with progressive improvement over time. Recovery to normative levels was fastest in the areas of bodily pain and mental health (by 2 months) and slowest in the area of physical functioning, and physical and emotional role limitations (by 12 months). By 4 months, general health scores had surpassed population norms. For all scales, most improvement occurred in the first 2 months, with little subsequent improvement. CABGS patients showed significantly more improvement than AMI patients in several areas, partly due to the poorer functioning of CABGS patients at baseline. Rate of improvement was not influenced by patients' age or frequency of CR attendance.Conclusion. Impairment of HRQoL in female cardiac patients is most pronounced at the time of the event, with most recovery occurring during early convalescence and full recovery in all domains by 12 months post‐event.
Synthetic studies toward shellfish toxins containing spiroacetal units
Authors: Brimble Margaret A. , Halim Rosliana 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
The synthesis of the ABC spiroacetal-containing fragment of the marine biotoxins, the pectenotoxins (PTXs), is described. The synthetic strategy involves appendage of the highly substituted tetrahydofuran C ring to the AB spiroacetal unit via stereocontrolled cyclization of a γ-hydroxyepoxide. The bis-spiroacetal moiety of the spirolide family of shellfish toxins is also described, making use of an iterative radical oxidative cyclization strategy.
Higher Concentrations of Alanine Aminotransferase within the Reference Interval Predict Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Chang Yoosoo , Ryu Seungho , Sung Eunju , Jang Yumi 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Background: In nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations are considered to be a consequence of hepatocyte damage. We performed a prospective study to examine the association between ALT within its reference interval and risk for subsequent development of NAFLD.
Methods: The study cohort comprised 5237 healthy men without diagnosed NAFLD and without increases of either ALT (≥35 U/L) or γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT; ≥40 U/L) above the reference intervals. We assessed alcohol intake via self-reporting (questionnaire) and performed biochemical tests for liver and metabolic function and abdominal ultrasonography. We used the Cox proportional hazards model to calculate the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) in the model for NAFLD.
Results: During 13 276.6 person-years of follow-up over a 4-year period, 984 new incident cases of NAFLD developed. We adjusted for age, weight change, body mass index, glucose, blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, smoking, alcohol consumption, regular exercise, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, C-reactive protein, and incident diabetes. Compared with an ALT concentration of &lt;16 U/L, aHR values (95% confidence intervals) for ALT concentrations were 1.53 (1.18–1.98), 1.66 (1.29–2.13), 1.62 (1.26–2.08), and 2.21 (1.73–2.81) for ALT concentrations of 16–18, 19–21, 22–25, and 26–34 U/L, respectively. This relationship remained significant even among normal-weight participants who were still within the reference interval of ALT and GGT at all follow-up examinations.
Conclusions: In apparently healthy, nondiabetic Korean men, increased ALT concentration, even within the reference interval, was an independent predictor of incident NAFLD.
Explaining Change in Quality of Life of Children and Adolescents With Anorectal Malformations or Hirschsprung Disease
Authors: Hartman Esther E. , Oort Frans J. , Aronson Daniel C. , Hanneman Marianne J.G. , van Heurn Ernest , de Langen Zacharias J. , Madern Gerard C. , Rieu Paul N.M.A. , van der Zee David C. , Looyaard Nic , van Silfhout-Bezemer Marina , Sprangers Mirjam A.G. 
Published: February 2007

OBJECTIVES. The purpose of this work was to examine changes in quality of life, disease-specific functioning, and psychosocial competencies of children and adolescents (8–16 years of age) with anorectal malformations or Hirschsprung disease and to identify predictors of change in quality of life by testing an explanatory model in which background variables explained changes in quality of life via changes in disease-specific functioning and psychosocial competencies.
METHODS. Questionnaires were administered to 129 patients with anorectal malformations and 121 patients with Hirschsprung disease within a 3-year interval. Clinical and sociodemographic background variables were measured on the first occasion. Quality of life (physical and mental), disease-specific functioning (defecation-related), and psychosocial competencies (self-esteem, athletic competencies, and school attitude) were measured on both occasions.
RESULTS. Patients improved in disease-specific functioning and mental quality of life. Changes in quality of life were indeed explained by the explanatory model. Among other things, the results indicated that patients with a severe form of the disease or with additional congenital diseases showed worsening of school attitude, which in turn affected change in mental quality of life negatively.
CONCLUSIONS. Children and adolescents with anorectal malformations or Hirschsprung disease reported better quality of life over time. To improve and maintain an optimal level of children's and adolescents' quality of life, it is important to direct treatment both to reducing symptoms and enhancing psychosocial competencies, in particular by paying attention to school attitude.
Sleepless in America: Inadequate Sleep and Relationships to Health and Well-being of Our Nation's Children
Authors: Smaldone Arlene , Honig Judy C. , Byrne Mary W. 
Published: February 2007

OBJECTIVE. Our goal was to identify characteristics associated with inadequate sleep for a national random sample of elementary school–aged children (6–11 years) and adolescents (12–17 years).
METHODS. Data from 68418 participants in the 2003 National Survey of Children's Health were analyzed by using weighted bivariate and multivariate regression models. The dependent variable was report of not getting enough sleep for a child of his or her age ≥1 night of the past week. Independent variables included demographic characteristics, child health, school and other activities, and family life.
RESULTS. Parents of elementary school–aged children with inadequate sleep were more likely to report that their child was having problems at school or had a father with fair or poor health. Parents of adolescents with inadequate sleep were more likely to report that their child had an atopic condition, frequent or severe headaches, a parent with less-than-excellent emotional health, or experienced frequent parental anger. Inadequate sleep in both age groups was associated with parental report that their child usually or always displayed depressive symptomatology, family disagreements involved heated arguing, or parental concern that the child was not always safe at home, at school, or in their neighborhood.
CONCLUSIONS. Approximately 15 million American children are affected by inadequate sleep. Primary care providers should routinely identify and address inadequate sleep and its associated health, school, and family factors.
Lifetime Prevalence of Learning Disability Among US Children
Authors: Altarac Maja , Saroha Ekta 
Published: February 2007

OBJECTIVE. Our goal was to examine the lifetime prevalence of learning disability by sociodemographic and family-functioning characteristics in US children, with particular attention paid to the children with special health care needs.
METHODS. By using data from the National Survey of Children's Health, we calculated lifetime prevalence of learning disability using a question that asked whether a doctor or other health care or school professional ever told the survey respondent that the child had a learning disability. Children with and those without special health care needs were classified on the basis of how many of 5 definitional criteria for children with special health care needs they met (0–5). Bivariate and multivariate statistical methods were used to assess independent associations of selected sociodemographic and family variables with learning disability.
RESULTS. The lifetime prevalence of learning disability in US children is 9.7%. Although prevalence of learning disability is lower among average developing children (5.4%), it still affected 2.7 million children compared with 3.3 million (27.8%) children with special health care needs. As the number of definitional criteria children with special health care needs met increased from 1 to 5, so did the prevalence of learning disability (15.0%, 27.1%, 41.6%, 69.3%, and 87.8%, respectively). In the adjusted logistic regression model, in addition to the number of definitional criteria the children met, variables associated with the increased odd ratios of learning disability were lower education, all categories of poverty &lt;300% of the federal poverty level, being male, increasing age, having a 2-parent stepfamily or other family structure, being adopted, presence of a smoker, respondent's higher responses on aggravation in parenting scale, sharing ideas with the child less than very well, and never, rarely, or sometimes discussing serious disagreements calmly.
CONCLUSIONS. Although more than half of lifetime prevalence of learning disability occurred in children with special health care needs, it is a significant morbidity in average-developing children as well. Learning disabilities represent important comorbidities among children with special health care needs.