bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Specific Recognition and Cleavage of the Plus-Strand Primer by Reverse Transcriptase
Authors: Atwood-Moore Angela , Ejebe Kenechi , Levin Henry L. 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACT
Reverse transcriptases (RTs) of retroviruses and long terminal repeat (LTR)-retrotransposons possess DNA polymerase and RNase H activities. During reverse transcription these activities are necessary for the programmed sequence of events that include template switching and primer processing. Integrase then inserts the completed cDNA into the genome of the host cell. The RT of the LTR-retrotransposon Tf1 was subjected to random mutagenesis, and the resulting transposons were screened with genetic assays to test which mutations reduced reverse transcription and which inhibited integration. We identified a cluster of mutations in the RNase H domain of RT that were surprising because they blocked integration without reducing cDNA levels. The results of immunoblots demonstrated that these mutations did not reduce levels of RT or integrase. DNA blots showed that the mutations did not lower the amounts of full-length cDNA. The sequences of the 3′ ends of the cDNA revealed that mutations within the cluster in RNase H specifically reduced the removal of the polypurine tract (PPT) primer from the ends of the cDNA. These results indicate that primer removal is not a necessary component of reverse transcription. The residues mutated in Tf1 RNase H are conserved in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and make direct contact with DNA opposite the PPT. Thus, our results identify a conserved element in RT that contacts the PPT and is specifically required for PPT removal.
CD8+and CD20+Lymphocytes Cooperate To Control Acute Simian Immunodeficiency Virus/Human Immunodeficiency Virus Chimeric Virus Infections in Rhesus Monkeys: Modulation by Major Histocompatibility Complex Genotype
Authors: Mao Hanwen , Lafont Bernard A. P. , Igarashi Tatsuhiko , Nishimura Yoshiaki , Brown Charlie , Hirsch Vanessa , Buckler-White Alicia , Sadjadpour Reza , Martin Malcolm A. 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACTWe have previously described two isogenic molecularly cloned simian immunodeficiency virus/human immunodeficiency virus chimeric viruses (SHIVs) that differ from one another by 9 amino acids and direct distinct clinical outcomes in inoculated rhesus monkeys. SHIVDH12R-Clone 7, like other highly pathogenic CXCR4-tropic SHIVs, induces rapid and complete depletions of CD4+T lymphocytes and immunodeficiency in infected animals. In contrast, macaques inoculated with SHIVDH12R-Clone 8experience only partial and transient losses of CD4+T cells, show prompt control of their viremia, and remain healthy for periods of time extending for up to 4 years. The contributions of CD8+and CD20+lymphocytes in suppressing the replication of the attenuated SHIVDH12R-Clone 8and maintaining a prolonged asymptomatic clinical course was assessed by treating animals with monoclonal antibodies that deplete each lymphocyte subset at the time of virus inoculation. The absence of either CD8+or CD20+cells during the SHIVDH12R-Clone 8acute infection resulted in the rapid, complete, and irreversible loss of CD4+T cells; sustained high levels of postpeak plasma viremia; and symptomatic disease in Mamu-A*01-negative Indian rhesus monkeys. In Mamu-A*01-positive animals, however, the aggressive, highly pathogenic phenotype was observed only in macaques depleted of CD8+cells; SHIVDH12R-Clone 8was effectively controlled in Mamu-A*01-positive monkeys in the absence of B lymphocytes. Taken together, these results indicate that both CD8+and CD20+B cells contribute to the control of primate lentiviral infection in Mamu-A*01-negative macaques. Furthermore, the major histocompatibility complex genotype of an infected animal, as exemplified by the Mamu-A*01 allele in this study, has the additional capacity to shift the balance of the composite immune response.
A Hydrophobic Domain in the Large Envelope Protein Is Essential for Fusion of Duck Hepatitis B Virus at the Late Endosome
Authors: Chojnacki J. , Anderson D. A. , Grgacic E. V. L. 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACT
The duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) envelope is comprised of two transmembrane (TM) proteins, the large (L) and the small (S), that assemble into virions and subviral particles. Secondary-structure predictions indicate that L and S have three α-helical, membrane-spanning domains, with TM1 predicted to act as the fusion peptide following endocytosis of DHBV into the hepatocyte. We used bafilomycin A1 during infection of primary duck hepatocytes to show that DHBV must be trafficked from the early to the late endosome for fusion to occur. Alanine substitution mutations in TM1 of L and S, which lowered TM1 hydrophobicity, were used to examine the role of TM1 in infectivity. The high hydrophobicity of the TM1 domain of L, but not of S, was shown to be essential for virus infection at a step downstream of receptor binding and virus internalization. Using wild-type and mutant synthetic peptides, we demonstrate that the hydrophobicity of this domain is required for the aggregation and the lipid mixing of phospholipid vesicles, supporting the role of TM1 as the fusion peptide. While lipid mixing occurred at pH 7, the kinetics of insertion of the fusion peptide was increased at pH 5, consistent with the location of DHBV in the late-endosome compartment and previous studies of the nonessential role of low pH for infectivity. Exchange of the TM1 of DHBV with that of hepatitis B virus yielded functional, infectious DHBV particles, suggesting that TM1 of all of the hepadnaviruses act similarly in the fusion mechanism.
Common Ancestry of Herpesviruses and Tailed DNA Bacteriophages
Authors: Baker Matthew L. , Jiang Wen , Rixon Frazer J. , Chiu Wah 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACT

Comparative analysis of capsid protein structures in the eukaryote-infecting herpesviruses (
Herpesviridae
) and the prokaryote-infecting tailed DNA bacteriophages (
Caudovirales
) revealed a characteristic fold that is restricted to these two virus lineages and is indicative of common ancestry. This fold not only serves as a major architectural element in capsid stability but also enables the conformational flexibility observed during viral assembly and maturation. On the basis of this and other emerging relationships, it seems increasingly likely that the very diverse collection of extant viruses may have arisen from a relatively small number of primordial progenitors.
Breaking an Absolute Species Barrier: Transgenic Mice Expressing the Mink PrP Gene Are Susceptible to Transmissible Mink Encephalopathy
Authors: Windl O. , Buchholz M. , Neubauer A. , Schulz-Schaeffer W. , Groschup M. , Walter S. , Arendt S. , Neumann M. , Voss A. K. , Kretzschmar H. A. 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACT

Transmissible mink encephalopathy (TME) is a rare disease of the North American mink, which has never been successfully transmitted to laboratory mice. We generated transgenic mice expressing the mink prion protein (PrP) and inoculated them with TME or the mouse-adapted scrapie strain 79A. TME infected mink PrP-transgenic mice on a murine PrP knockout background. The absolute species barrier between the infectious agent of TME and mice was therefore broken. Following TME and 79A infection of mice carrying both mink and murine PrP
C
, only proteinase-resistant PrP homologous to the incoming agent was detectable. The presence of the murine PrP
C
prolonged the incubation time of TME substantially.
Activation of p21-Activated Kinase 2 by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Nef Induces Merlin Phosphorylation
Authors: Wei Bangdong L. , Arora Vivek K. , Raney Alexa , Kuo Lillian S. , Xiao Guang-Hui , O'Neill Eduardo , Testa Joseph R. , Foster John L. , Garcia J. Victor 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACT
The accessory human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) protein Nef activates the autophosphorylation activity of p21-activated kinase 2 (PAK2). Merlin, a cellular substrate of PAK2, is homologous to the ezrin-radixin-moesin family and plays a critical role in Rac signaling. To assess the possible impact on host cell metabolism of Nef-induced PAK2 activation, we investigated the phosphorylation of merlin in Nef expressing cells. Here we report that Nef induces merlin phosphorylation in multiple cell lines independently of protein kinase A. This intracellular phosphorylation of merlin directly correlates with in vitro assay of the autophosphorylation activity of Nef-activated PAK2. Importantly, merlin phosphorylation induced by Nef was also observed in human primary T cells. The finding that Nef induces phosphorylation of the key signaling molecule merlin suggests several possible roles for PAK2 activation in HIV pathogenesis.
Human Metapneumovirus Induces a Profile of Lung Cytokines Distinct from That of Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Authors: Guerrero-Plata Antonieta , Casola Antonella , Garofalo Roberto P. 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACT
Lung cytokine and chemokine production by BALB/c mice infected with human metapneumovirus (hMPV) was compared to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-infected mice. hMPV infection induced lower levels of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha but was a more potent inducer of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and triggered a more sustained production of the CXC chemokine KC compared to RSV. hMPV was a stronger inducer of both alpha interferon (IFN-α) and IFN-γ responses than RSV. In regard to immunomodulatory cytokines, hMPV failed to induce detectable IL-10 or IL-12p70 but was a potent inducer of IL-12 p40 subunit. The implications for hMPV pathogenesis are discussed.
Evolution of Cyclophilin A and
TRIMCyp
Retrotransposition in New World Primates
Authors: Ribeiro Ieda P. , Menezes Albert N. , Moreira Miguel A. M. , Bonvicino Cibele R. , Seuánez Héctor N. , Soares Marcelo A. 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACT

Host cell factors modulate retroviral infections. Among those, cyclophilin A (CypA) promotes virus infectivity by facilitating virus uncoating or capsid unfolding or by preventing retroviral capsid interaction with cellular restriction factors. In
Aotus
species, a retrotransposed copy of
CypA
inserted into the tripartite motif 5 (
TRIM5
) gene encodes a fusion protein which may block human immunodeficiency virus type 1 by targeting the incoming virus to ubiquitin-ligated degradation or by interfering with normal uncoating of the incoming particle, rendering those monkeys resistant to infection. In this study, we have extensively analyzed representative specimens from all New World primate genera and shown that the retrotransposed
CypA
copy is only present in
Aotus
. We have shown that this inserted copy diverged from its original counterpart and that this occurred prior to
Aotus
radiation, although no positive selection was observed. Finally, our data underscores the need for a precise taxonomic identification of primate species used as models for retroviral infections and novel antiviral approaches.
Four Thousand Forgotten Generations: The Longue Durée in African History Challenges Mission, Theology and Piety
Authors: Jenkins Paul 
Published: November 2005

AbstractWith a few notable exceptions the history of Christianity in the regions of Black Africa begins around 1800 or later. The bulk of missiological work on the continent naturally concentrates on the 10 generations in which evangelisation has taken place and churches have grown. But the human race has a history of 4–5,000 generations in Africa. Is it possible to build a bridge between the missiological concern with recent Christian history, and the long perspectives which the continent offers the general historian? The author essays a Christian approach to the millennia in which African populations, with little input from outside, have survived by the quality of their knowledge of, and thinking about, their environment – the ability humans always had to observe and to ratiocinate. He argues that over 4–5,000 generations humans in Africa have practised what we call science, interleaved with what we call religion. This view gives missiologists a basis for a positive approach to pre-Christian belief and ritual in Africa, but challenges us also to ask if Christian practice there has paid enough attention to traditional centres of intellectual articulation among its peoples.
A Theological Reflection on 'The Baptism into the Deep' and its Missiological Implications for the Asian Catholic Church
Authors: Fung Jojo 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThis article represents a germinal effort in the field of contextual theology in Malaysia and employs a critical correlation method, facilitating an interface between the indigenous cultures and the Christian faith. At the onset of the theological reflection, this article identifies as its locus theologicus the kenotic experience of 'baptism in the deep' sacred mysteries of life, although this practice has been preceded by other renowned Asian theologians and amongst them, Aloysius Pieris of Sri Lanka no less. This 'epiphanic moment' is made possible through a reputable shaman who ritualized one of the religious beliefs and cultural practices of the Muruts, an indigenous people living near the Southwestern border of Sabah (former British North Borneo) and Northern Kalimantan on the Borneo Island. Yet this baptismal experience is all the more poignant because of the apparent poverty of a believing Murut community who embodies a little known spirituality of the marginalized poor in Asia. For reasons of its social marginality and subliminal sacrality, the corpus of the Muruts' beliefs and practices is described (for want of a better term) in the meantime as the subaltern spirituality of suspect. However, in correlating a context-specific religious experience to the papal teaching Novo Millennio Ineuunte, especially with regard to its underlying mission theology epitomized by the Lucan phrase 'put out in the deep' (Luke 5:4), its inadequacy becomes evident when transposed to Asia, a continent that abounds with pluriform yet distinctive cosmologies, cultures, psychologies and spiritualities. What is proposed as central to 'doing mission' in Asia is a dialogic process that involves a reciprocal mutuality of learning and unlearning, receiving and giving, enriching and critiquing. Resulting from this correlatonal interface is the enumeration of three indispensable criteria (power of distinction, sacrality of the rites of passage, rituals are efficacious), with an additional 5 theological principles (related to creation, Christ, Incarnation, Resurrection, the Spirit and sound fruits) for the re-valuation and evaluation of indigenous shamanism. These foundational principles become crucial for the subsequent explicitation of nine missiological strategies by which the Catholic Church of Asia become more efficacious in its mission amongst the indigenous peoples.
Towards a Functional Christology Among AICs in Ghana
Authors: Clarke Clifton 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThis article explores the means by which Christ is encountered and appropriated in the everyday lives of African Indigenous Church adherents in Ghana. Drawing upon an extensive Christological questionnaire that surveyed 2500 people across the ten regions of Ghana, as well as making use of the ethnographic data gathered through focus groups discussions and interviews, it seeks to understand the way Christology functions in the lives of adherents of AICs in Ghana.The study reveals that Akan AIC experience of Jesus Christ is not one that is confined to personal piety or private devotions but rather one that is shared and experienced in the public arenas of life. It appears that Akan AICs possess a functional Christology that aids life and protects from anti-life forces. They have no concept of a Christology as a mere philosophical or theological construct, they know only how to serve Christ through their daily encounter with Him through daily living. This African functional Christology reminds us that we do not find Christ in the flight of the alone to the Alone, escaping from turmoil to tranquillity, but only in the community of the banalities of ordinary life in which we need others to help us make sense of the meaning and significance of the Christ event.
Sickness at high altitude: a literature review
Authors: Brundrett G 
Published: November 2005

When some individuals spend just a few hours at low atmospheric pressure above 1,500 m (5,000 ft) - such as when climbing a mountain or flying in a plane at high altitude - they become ill. Altitude sickness studies originally concentrated on life-threatening illnesses which beset determined and athletic climbers at extreme altitudes. In recent years, however, research attention is moving towards milder forms of sickness reported by a significant proportion of the growing number of visitors to mountain and ski resorts at more moderate altitude. Some of this research is also relevant in understanding the problems experienced by passengers in newer planes that fly at a significantly higher equivalent cabin altitude, i.e. 2,440 m (8,000 ft), than earlier designs. Engineering solutions - such as enriched oxygen in enclosed spaces at altitude, or in the case of aircraft, lower cabin altitudes - are possible, but for an economic assessment to be realistic an engineer needs to identify the scale of the problem and to understand the factors determining susceptibility. This review concentrates on the problems of mountain sickness in the ordinary population at altitudes of around 3,000 m (10,000 ft); this is a problem of growing concern as ski resorts develop, mountain trekking increases in popularity, and as higher altitude cabin pressures are achieved in aircraft.
Tinnitus: an update
Authors: Roy D , Chopra R 
Published: November 2005

Tinnitus is the perceived sensation of sound in the absence of acoustic stimulation. It is the commonest otological disorder referred to either the general practitioner or ear-nose-throat surgeon. This short review examines prevalence, aetiology, associated clinical symptoms, investigations and management. Despite current usage of a vast number of treatment modalities there remains no specific cure for the condition. However, there is currently great emphasis on tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) in its management. The applications and results of TRT have, indeed, been encouraging - and are also briefly discussed here.
Hemihypertrophy
Authors: Leung A K C , Fong J H S , Leong A G 
Published: November 2005

Hemihypertrophy refers to asymmetry of the body to a greater degree than can be attributed to normal variation. Most causes can be diagnosed from history and physical examination. Hemihypertrophy is cosmetically unsightly and the psychological impact can be quite prolonged. This article reviews the causes and differential diagnosis of hemihyper-trophy and offers an approach to the management of this condition. Children with isolated hemihypertrophy are at increased risk for neoplasms. Periodic abdominal ultrasound examination and physical examination during infancy and childhood are recommended for early tumour detection.
The global emergency of tuberculosis: what is the cause?
Authors: Grange J M , Zumla A 
Published: November 2005

The treatment of tuberculosis is cheap and highly effective, yet worldwide the disease remains a serious cause of illness and death; so serious as to have been declared a ‘global emergency’ in 1993. It is principally a disease of poverty, with 95% of cases and 98% of deaths occurring in developing countries. The incidence of tuberculosis is increasing worldwide, partly due to poverty and inequity and partly to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, which greatly increases the risk of infection proceeding to overt disease. Around 30% of AIDS-related deaths are due to tuberculosis. The emergence of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB) is an increasing threat to tuberculosis control. Although treatable with alternative drugs, the cost is enormous and, accordingly, not undertaken in many poor nations. While the overall global incidence of MDRTB is low, it occurs in certain ‘hotspots’ including Russian prisons. Due to adverse socio-economic factors, London has not escaped the general rise in incidence and, without the introduction of active control strategies, there could be a serious epidemic as occurred in New York City ten years ago which required an enormous financial outlay for its control. In view of the global emergency of tuberculosis, the WHO ‘Stop TB’ campaign has called for the universal adoption of its directly observed therapy, short course (DOTS) strategy. Also, through the Massive Effort Against Diseases of Poverty, several international agencies are urging the establishment of effective control programmes worldwide. London should take the lead and set an example.
Tuberculosis information on the web
Authors: Abu-Amero K 
Published: November 2005

After years of decline, tuberculosis has reemerged as a serious public health problem worldwide. Factors contributing to this resurgence include the HIV epidemic and immigration of people from countries with a high incidence of tuberculosis. In 1993, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it to be a ‘global emergency’ and according to a recent WHO report, there were 7.96 million new cases in 1996, with two million deaths. Comprehensive up-to-date information is available via the Internet, which has emerged as an essential tool for information on a wide variety of subjects including tuberculosis. However, looking for the right information on tuberculosis can be laborious, especially with the enormous number of tuberculosis websites established. It is always helpful to know which ones to visit to avoid wasting valuable time. This article provides readers with a list of websites that provide information on tuberculosis. All sites quoted here have been tested and proven to be valuable and informative for both the public and scientific community alike.
Infectious diseases in air travellers arriving in the UK
Authors: Gerard E 
Published: November 2005

The ease of access to air travel and its increased popularity over the last 30 years have led to a significant incidence of imported infectious diseases and potential infectious hazards. The commonest type of illness found is acute gastroenteritis. Tuberculosis and malaria are not currently common conditions encountered in the UK, but medical vigilance is increasingly necessary as a result of these and other infectious diseases being carried by arriving air travellers. Risks of transmission to other passengers have been considered, and tuberculosis has been shown to have relatively low infectivity on commercial flights. Incidence of serious communicable disease occurring in arriving passengers is low, and should be referred to communicable disease specialists for advice on management. High standards of precautionary hygiene measures are mandatory to commercial aircraft to prevent spread of infectious agents. Disease vectors and products of animal origin pose additional potential threats to public health. Vigilance by environmental health specialists helps maintain national defences against this group of threats. Alertness to recent travel history and awareness of international public health concerns is essential for clinicians likely to encounter sick members of the travelling public. The largest commercial airports have health surveillance units, tasked with acting as a first line of defence against infectious disease. The majority of cases do not present in flight or at the airport, so they can present to any primary care clinician or emergency department. An integrated strategy for health protection will be developed in the UK with the setting up of a Health Protection Agency.