bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of N-Linked Glycosylation of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus GP5 on Virus Infectivity, Antigenicity, and Ability To Induce Neutralizing Antibodies
Authors: Ansari Israrul H. , Kwon Byungjoon , Osorio Fernando A. , Pattnaik Asit K. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) glycoprotein 5 (GP5) is the most abundant envelope glycoprotein and a major inducer of neutralizing antibodies in vivo. Three putative N-linked glycosylation sites (N34, N44, and N51) are located on the GP5 ectodomain, where a major neutralization epitope also exists. To determine which of these putative sites are used for glycosylation and the role of the glycan moieties in the neutralizing antibody response, we generated a panel of GP5 mutants containing amino acid substitutions at these sites. Biochemical studies with expressed wild-type (wt) and mutant proteins revealed that the mature GP5 contains high-mannose-type sugar moieties at all three sites. These mutations were subsequently incorporated into a full-length cDNA clone. Our data demonstrate that mutations involving residue N44 did not result in infectious progeny production, indicating that N44 is the most critical amino acid residue for infectivity. Viruses carrying mutations at N34, N51, and N34/51 grew to lower titers than the wt PRRSV. In serum neutralization assays, the mutant viruses exhibited enhanced sensitivity to neutralization by wt PRRSV-specific antibodies. Furthermore, inoculation of pigs with the mutant viruses induced significantly higher levels of neutralizing antibodies against the mutant as well as the wt PRRSV, suggesting that the loss of glycan residues in the ectodomain of GP5 enhances both the sensitivity of these viruses to in vitro neutralization and the immunogenicity of the nearby neutralization epitope. These results should have great significance for development of PRRSV vaccines of enhanced protective efficacy.
The Products of the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Immediate-Early U
S
1/U
S
1.5 Genes Downregulate Levels of S-Phase-Specific Cyclins and Facilitate Virus Replication in S-Phase Vero Cells
Authors: Orlando Joseph S. , Astor Todd L. , Rundle Scott A. , Schaffer Priscilla A. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT

Herpes simplex virus type 1 ICP22
−
/U
S
1.5
−
mutants initiate viral gene expression in all cells; however, in most cell types, the replication process stalls due to an inability to express γ
2
late proteins. Although the function of ICP22/U
S
1.5 has not been established, it has been suggested that these proteins activate, induce, or repress the activity of cellular proteins during infection. In this study, we hypothesized that cell cycle-associated proteins are targets of ICP22/U
S
1.5. For this purpose, we first isolated and characterized an ICP22
−
/U
S
1.5
−
mutant virus, 22/n199. Like other ICP22
−
/U
S
1.5
−
mutants, 22/n199 replicates in a cell-type-specific manner and fails to induce efficient γ
2
late gene expression in restrictive cells. Although synchronization of restrictive human embryonic lung cells in each phase of the cell cycle did not overcome the growth restrictions of 22/n199, synchronization of permissive Vero cells in S phase rendered them less able to support 22/n199 plaque formation and replication. Consistent with this finding, expression of cellular S-phase cyclins was altered in an ICP22/U
S
1.5-dependent manner specifically when S-phase Vero cells were infected. Collectively, these observations support the notion that ICP22/U
S
1.5 deregulates the cell cycle upon infection of S-phase permissive cells by altering expression of key cell cycle regulatory proteins either directly or indirectly.
Functional Analysis of the Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Cyclization ElementsIndicates Major Differences between Mosquito-Borne and Tick-Borne Flaviviruses
Authors: Kofler Regina M. , Hoenninger Verena M. , Thurner Caroline , Mandl Christian W. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT
The linear, positive-stranded RNA genome of flaviviruses is thought to
adopt a circularized conformation via interactions of short
complementary sequence elements located within its terminal regions.
This process of RNA cyclization is a crucial precondition for RNA
replication. In the case of mosquito-borne flaviviruses, highly
conserved cyclization sequences (CS) have been identified, and their
functionality has been experimentally confirmed. Here, we provide an
experimental identification of CS elements of tick-borne encephalitis
virus (TBEV). These elements, termed 5′-CS-A and
3′-CS-A, are conserved among various tick-borne flaviviruses,
but they are unrelated to the mosquito-borne CS elements and are
located at different genomic positions. The 5′-CS-A element is
situated upstream rather than downstream of the AUG start codon and, in
contrast to mosquito-borne flaviviruses, it was found that the entire
protein C coding region is not essential for TBEV replication. The
complementary 3′-CS-A element is located within the bottom stem
rather than upstream of the characteristic 3′-terminal
stem-loop structure, implying that this part of the proposed structure
cannot be formed when the genome is in its circularized conformation.
Finally, we demonstrate that the CS-A elements can also mediate their
function when the 5′-CS-A element is moved from its natural
position to one corresponding to the mosquito-borne CS. The recognition
of essential RNA elements and their differences between mosquito-borne
and tick-borne flaviviruses has practical implications for the design
of replicons in vaccine and vector development.
Expression of Baculovirus Late and Very Late Genes Depends on LEF-4, a Component of the Viral RNA Polymerase Whose Guanyltransferase Function Is Essential
Authors: Knebel-Mörsdorf Dagmar , Quadt Ilja , Li Yi , Montier Laura , Guarino Linda A. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT

Baculovirus
lef-4
encodes one subunit of the viral RNA polymerase. Here, we demonstrate the essential nature of LEF-4 by RNA interference and bacmid knockout technology. Silencing of LEF-4 in wild-type virus-infected cells suppressed expression of structural genes, while early expression was unaffected, demonstrating its essential role in late gene expression. After transfection of insect cells with
lef-4
mutant bacmid, no viral progeny was produced, further defining its central role in infection. Cotransfection with wild-type
lef-4
plasmid restored normal replication, but plasmid encoding a guanyltransferase-deficient version failed to rescue. These results emphasize the importance of the mRNA capping function of LEF-4.
Genomic Sequence of Rhesus Cytomegalovirus 180.92: Insights into the Coding Potential of Rhesus Cytomegalovirus
Authors: Rivailler Pierre , Kaur Amitinder , Johnson R. Paul , Wang Fred 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT
A pathogenic isolate of rhesus cytomegalovirus (rhCMV 180.92) was cloned, sequenced, and annotated. Comparisons with the published rhCMV 68.1 genome revealed 8 open reading frames (ORFs) in isolate 180.92 that are absent in 68.1, 10 ORFs in 68.1 that are absent in 180.92, and 34 additional ORFs that were not previously annotated. Most of the differences appear to be due to genetic rearrangements in both isolates from a region that is frequently altered in human CMV (hCMV) during in vitro passage. These results indicate that the rhCMV ORF repertoire is larger than previously recognized. Like hCMV, understanding of the complete coding capacity of rhCMV is complicated by genomic instability and may require comparisons with additional isolates in vitro and in vivo.
Maternally Derived Recombinant Human Anti-Hantavirus Monoclonal Antibodies Are Transferred to Mouse Offspring during Lactation and Neutralize Virus In Vitro
Authors: Yu Shuyang , Liang Mifang , Fan BaoLiang , Xu Hongtao , Li Chuan , Zhang Quanfu , Li Dexin , Tang Bo , Li Shijie , Dai Yunping , Wang Meili , Zheng Min , Yan Bingxue , Zhu Qinghong , Li Ning 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT
Transgenic mice expressing a recombinant human monoclonal antibody (rHMAb) against hantavirus were generated. These mice could be used as models to explore the possibilities of producing rHMAbs for therapeutic purposes. The highest concentration of the rHMAb in the milk of the transgenic females was 6.6 mg/ml. The rHMAb was also detected in the sera of pups fed by the transgenic females. Both the rHMAbs in the milk of transgenic mice and those in the sera of suckling pups were found to be active against hantaviruses, although the light chain of the antibody absorbed by the pups was modified by N-linked glycosylation.
Hepatitis B Virus Particle Formation in the Absence of Pregenomic RNA and Reverse Transcriptase
Authors: Schormann Wiebke , Kraft Anke , Ponsel Dirk , Bruss Volker 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT
Cytoplasmic hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsids are not enveloped and secreted unless the packaged RNA pregenome is reverse transcribed. The expression of the capsid protein C, together with envelope proteins in the absence of pregenomic RNA, produced normal amounts of intracellular capsids, but the secretion of virion-like particles was greatly reduced. The I97L C protein mutant, allowing immature nucleocapsid envelopment in the background of an HBV genome, did not promote the envelopment of capsids lacking a pregenome, suggesting that this mutation is not sufficient to induce secretion competence independently of the pregenome.
Cellular Factors Required for Lassa Virus Budding
Authors: Urata Shuzo , Noda Takeshi , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Yokosawa Hideyoshi , Yasuda Jiro 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT
It is known that Lassa virus Z protein is sufficient for the release of virus-like particles (VLPs) and that it has two L domains, PTAP and PPPY, in its C terminus. However, little is known about the cellular factor for Lassa virus budding. We examined which cellular factors are used in Lassa virus Z budding. We demonstrated that Lassa Z protein efficiently produces VLPs and uses cellular factors, Vps4A, Vps4B, and Tsg101, in budding, suggesting that Lassa virus budding uses the multivesicular body pathway functionally. Our data may provide a clue to develop an effective antiviral strategy for Lassa virus.
Comparative genomic hybridisation in malignant deciduoid mesothelioma
Authors: Scattone A , Pennella A , Gentile M , Musti M , Nazzaro P , Buonadonna A L , Marzullo A , Cavone D , Pollice L , Serio G 
Published: March 2006

Background:Malignant deciduoid mesothelioma is a rare variant of epithelioid mesothelioma. This tumour generally has poor prognosis, and can be asbestos related.Aim:To identify peculiar genetic changes responsible for critical phases in pathogenesis of malignant deciduoid mesothelioma and their prognostic relevance.Methods:Comparative genomic hybridisation was carried out in six cases of malignant pleural deciduoid mesothelioma, four sporadic and two familial. All cases were found to be asbestos related. Four patients died during follow-up and the mean survival was 29.5 (SD 14.2, range 12–43) months.Results:Genetic abnormalities were found in all the tumour tissues, the most frequent being chromosomal gains at 1p, 12q, 17, 8q, 19 and 20 and losses at 13q, 6q and 9p. Survival was found to be longer in those patients who presented a smaller number of losses (⩽2) in the tumorous chromosomes.Conclusions:Although numerous genetic changes are presented by deciduoid mesotheliomas, certain chromosomal regions are preferentially affected. The clinical outcome for this mesothelioma subtype is predicted by the number of losses.
Does End‐tidal Carbon Dioxide Monitoring Detect Respiratory Events Prior to Current Sedation Monitoring Practices?
Authors: Burton John H. , Harrah John D. , Germann Carl A. , Dillon Douglas C. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
Objectives:
The value of ventilation monitoring with end‐tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) to anticipate acute respiratory events during emergency department (ED) procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) is unclear. The authors sought to determine if ETCO2 monitoring would reveal findings indicating an acute respiratory event earlier than indicated by current monitoring practices.
Methods:
The study included a prospective convenience sample of ED patients undergoing PSA. Clinicians performed ED PSA procedures with generally accepted patient monitoring, including oxygen saturation (SpO2), and clinical ventilation assessment. A study investigator recorded ETCO2 levels and respiratory events during each PSA procedure, with clinical providers blinded to ETCO2 levels. Acute respiratory events were defined as SpO2≤92%, increases in the amount of supplemental oxygen provided, use of bag‐valve mask or oral/nasal airway for ventilatory assistance, repositioning or airway alignment maneuvers, and use of physical or verbal means to stimulate patients with depressed ventilation or apnea, and reversal agent administration.
Results:
Enrollment was stopped after independent review of 20 acute respiratory events in 60 patient sedation encounters (33%). Abnormal ETCO2 findings were documented in 36 patients (60%). Seventeen patients (85%) with acute respiratory events demonstrated ETCO2 findings indicative of hypoventilation or apnea during PSA. Abnormal ETCO2 findings were documented before changes in SpO2 or clinically observed hypoventilation in 14 patients (70%) with acute respiratory events.
Conclusions:
Abnormal ETCO2 findings were observed with many acute respiratory events. A majority of patients with acute respiratory events had ETCO2 abnormalities that occurred before oxygen desaturation or observed hypoventilation.
Allelic Variants of the γ-Aminobutyric Acid-A Receptor α1-Subunit Gene (GABRA1) Are Not Associated with Idiopathic Gonadotropin-Dependent Precocious Puberty in Girls with and without Electroencephalographic Abnormalities
Authors: Brito Vinicius Nahime , Mendonca Berenice Bilharinho , Guilhoto Laura M. F. F. , Freitas Karina Cocco Monteiro , Arnhold Ivo J. Prado , Latronico Ana Claudia 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
Context: γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a dominant inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in the modulation of brain electric activity and puberty onset in primates. GABA inhibitory effects on GnRH neurons are mainly mediated by GABA-A receptor α1-subunit.
Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate functional mutations or polymorphisms of the GABA-A receptor α1-subunit gene (GABRA1) in girls with idiopathic gonadotropin-dependent precocious puberty (GDPP) with and without electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities.
Design: The entire coding region of GABRA1 was sequenced in all patients. Two known GABRA1 polymorphisms were investigated by GeneScan software analysis or enzymatic restriction. Seventy-three normal women were used as controls for genetic study. EEG tracings were recorded in 23 girls with GDPP and 17 girls with adequate pubertal development.
Setting: The study was performed at a university hospital.
Patients: Thirty-one girls from 28 unrelated families with idiopathic GDPP were studied.
Results: Automatic sequencing revealed no functional mutations in girls with GDPP. Seven different GABRA1 polymorphisms, including two exonic (156T&gt;C and 1323G&gt;A) and five intronic [IVS2–712(GT)n, IVS3+12A&gt;T, IVS8+45T&gt;G, IVS9+76A&gt;G, and IVS10+15G&gt;A], were found in GDPP girls and controls. Abnormal EEG tracings were found in 26% of 23 girls with GDPP, two of them with epilepsy. The genotype and allele frequencies of the GABRA1 polymorphisms were not statistically different between unrelated GDPP girls and controls or between GDPP girls with or without EEG abnormalities.
Conclusions: GABRA1 functional mutations or polymorphisms are not associated with the intrinsic mechanism of GDPP in girls with and without EEG abnormalities.
Quality of Written Reports Provided by Consultants in Restorative Dentistry to Referring General Dental Practitioners in the West Midlands
Authors: Saha Shuva , Summerwill Anthony J 
Published: March 2006

Objectives The primary objective of this study was to assess the views of general dental practitioners (GDPs) on the content, style, and readability of written reports provided by restorative consultants at a dental hospital in response to referral letters from the GDPs. The secondary objective was to determine the style of the written consultant report preferred by GDPs. Setting Referral letters received and replied to by four consultants in the restorative department at Birmingham Dental Hospital. Method The quality of written reports sent by the four consultants to 100 referring GDPs in the West Midlands area was evaluated using a postal questionnaire, which assessed 100 GDPs’ satisfaction with the content, style, and readability of the reports. To assess which format they favoured a second questionnaire was subsequently sent to the same GDPs with three versions of the original report in: (a) a standard format, (b) a summary format, and (c) a bullet point format. Results The results of the initial questionnaire revealed that 79 (96%) of practitioners were satisfied with the existing style of the reports. Following a second questionnaire in which GDPs were asked to choose which format they preferred, 61 (81%) expressed a preference for a bullet point or summary style report. Conclusion The GDPs who responded to the questionnaires felt that a bullet point format or summary style report from the consultants concerned would summarise cases more clearly and concisely than the conventional standard format letters which they had previously received. Opportunities may exist for improving the quality of consultant reply letters through the use of structured templates and/or a summary or bullet point format.
Comparison of Ultrasonic Cleaning Schemes: A Pilot Study
Authors: Walker Natalie , Burke FJ Trevor , Palenik Charles J 
Published: March 2006

Objective Ultrasonic cleaning is an effective method for cleaning dental instruments prior to sterilisation. However, there are few studies that directly compare precleaning and ultrasonic cleaning solutions. This study evaluated the efficacy of different ultrasonic cleaning schemes. Method and Materials Twenty representative dental instruments, five of which were soiled with a mixture of blood and hydroxyapatite, were used in a series of cleaning runs. Cleaning employed a presoaking agent, ultrasonic cleaning, or a combination of both. Two presoaking agents (Non-ionic Ultrasonic Cleaning Solution and ProEZ Foaming Enzymatic Spray) plus five ultrasonic cleaners (UltraDose, General Purpose Cleaner, Co-enzyme Concentrate, Enzol Enzymatic Detergent, and Non-ionic Ultrasonic Cleaning Solution) were compared, with tap water serving as a control. There were two cleaning times: seven and 15 minutes. After rinsing, the working ends of the instruments underwent scrubbing for 20 seconds using a dental polishing brush held in a haemostat. After scrubbing, the brush and instrument were placed in a tube containing sterile saline. Vortexing of the tube lasted 30 seconds. Testing for the post-cleaning presence of blood involved Hemastix dipsticks. These sticks measure minute amounts of blood in urine and can detect as few as 35 red blood cells per ml. Comparisons of colour change were made to a standard scale followed by assignment of numeric values. Results Tap water was the poorest cleaning solution, while UltraDose was the most effective. Blood removal improved when cleaning time was increased from seven to 15 minutes. The combined effect of a presoak immersion followed by ultrasonic cleaning was the most effective cleaning scheme overall. Cleaning by either ultrasound or presoaking only was less effective. Some instruments were more difficult to clean than others. Conclusion Within the constraints of the small number of test runs performed, it was concluded that application of a presoak agent before ultrasonic cleaning produced the most effective instrument-cleaning regimen.
Diabetic Patient Compliance as a Function of Patient Counseling
Authors: Powell M. F. , de P. Burkhart V. , Lamy P. P. 
Published: March 2006

The impact of a specially designed patient education program upon the diabetes-related knowledge and compliance of insulin dependent diabetic patients was investigated. The program consisted of an audiovisual presentation, illustrated handout material, and pharmacist-patient counseling. Based on statistical considerations, 65 eligible patients were assigned systematically to a control group (Group I) and a study group (Group II) and were evaluated for compliance following a standardized protocol. Immediately following the interview, Group II patients were instructed utilizing the patient education program. Scores for initial and final evaluations of knowledge and compliance were compared using appropriate statistical procedures. The program was successful in producing improvements in both knowledge and compliance but a need for individualization of patient education efforts was indicated. Significant improvements in compliance were not observed among patients older than the mean age for study patients and those with diabetes complicated by cardiovascular and hypertensive disease.
Cost-Utility Model of Rasagiline in the Treatment of Advanced Parkinson's Disease in Finland
Authors: Hudry Joumana , Rinne Juha O , Keränen Tapani , Eckert Laurent , Cochran John M 
Published: March 2006

Background: The economic burden of Parkinson's disease (PD) is high, especially in patients experiencing motor fluctuations. Rasagiline has demonstrated efficacy against symptoms of PD in early and advanced stages of the disease. Objective: To assess the cost-utility of rasagiline and entacapone as adjunctive therapies to levodopa versus standard levodopa care in PD patients with motor fluctuations in Finland. Methods: A 2 year probabilistic Markov model with 3 health states: “25% or less off-time/day,” “greater than 25% off-time/day,” and “dead” was used. Off-time represents time awake with poor or absent motor function. Model inputs included transition probabilities from randomized clinical trials, utilities from a preference measurement study, and costs and resources from a Finnish cost-of-illness study. Effectiveness measures were quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and number of months spent with 25% or less off-time/day. Uncertainty around parameters was taken into account by Monte Carlo simulations. Results: Over 2 years from a societal perspective, rasagiline or entacapone as adjunctive therapies to levodopa showed greater effectiveness than levodopa alone at no additional costs. Benefits after 2 years were 0.13 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.17) additional QALYs and 5.2 (3.6 to 6.7) additional months for rasagiline and 0.12 (0.08 to 0.17) QALYs and 5.1 (3.5 to 6.6) months for entacapone, both in adjunct to levodopa compared with levodopa alone. Conclusions: The results of this study support the use of rasagiline and entacapone as adjunctive cost-effective alternatives to levodopa alone in PD patients with motor fluctuations in Finland. With a different mode of action, rasagiline is a valuable therapeutic alternative to entacapone at no additional charge to society.