bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of Circulating Galactomannan in Serum Samples for Diagnosis ofPenicillium marneffeiInfection and Cryptococcosis among Patients Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Huang Yu-Tsung , Hung Chien-Ching , Liao Chun-Hsing , Sun Hsin-Yun , Chang Shan-Chwen , Chen Yee-Chun 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTGalactomannan (GM) is a heteropolysaccharide in the cell walls of mostAspergillusandPenicilliumspecies. Cross-reactivity ofCryptococcus neoformansgalactoxylomannan in anAspergillusGM test has also been reported. In this study, we used a PlateliaAspergillusenzyme immunoassay kit (Bio-Rad) to test serum samples obtained from 48 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients (15 with penicilliosis [7 with fungemia alone, 4 with cavitary lung lesions alone, 3 with both fungemia and cavitary lung lesions, and 1 with disseminated disease], 22 with cryptococcosis [11 with fungemia alone, 5 with cavitary lung lesions, 3 with both, and 3 with meningitis alone], and 11 without any invasive fungal infection [control]) for GM levels. None of the patients had aspergillosis or concurrent use of piperacillin-tazobactam or amoxicillin-clavulanate. The median time between diagnosis of fungal infection and collection of serum samples was 0 days for penicilliosis and 1.5 days for cryptococcosis. Of patients with penicilliosis, cryptococcosis, and controls, 73.3%, 13.6%, and 9%, respectively, had GM optical density (OD) indices of >0.5 (P= 0.0001). GM OD indices were higher for penicilliosis (median OD index, 4.419; range, 0.158 to >20) than for cryptococcosis (median, 0.247; range, 0.112 to 3.849) cases (P< 0.001). Patients with fungemic penicilliosis had higher OD indices (median, 10.628; range, 0.401 to >20) than patients with nonfungemic penicilliosis (median, 0.378; range, 0.158 to 4.419) and patients with cryptococcemia (median, 0.231; range, 0.112 to 1.168) (P< 0.001). Of the 15 patients with cavitary lung lesions, those with penicilliosis had higher antigen levels (median OD index, 1.641; range, 0.247 to >20) than those with cryptococcosis (median, 0.227; range, 0.112 to 3.849) (P= 0.011). This study showed that the GM OD index was significantly elevated for HIV patients with penicilliosis. The use of the GM antigen assay may facilitate earlier diagnosis ofPenicillium marneffeiinfection for HIV-infected patients in areas of endemicity.
PCR-Based Identification of Common Colonization Factor Antigens of Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
Authors: Ghosal Abhisek , Bhowmick Rudra , Nandy Ranjan Kumar , Ramamurthy T. , Chatterjee Nabendu Sekhar 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT

Colonization factor antigens (CFAs) of enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) have been classified into several groups based on their distinct antigenicity. We describe here a PCR-based method to detect common CFAs of ETEC, which were characterized using conventional serology. This PCR assay is simple and sensitive for the detection of expressed CFA genes.
Molecular Evidence of a New Strain of
Ehrlichia canis
from South America
Authors: Vinasco Javier , Li Olga , Alvarado Arnaldo , Diaz Diego , Hoyos Luis , Tabachi Luis , Sirigireddy Kamesh , Ferguson Carolyn , Moro Manuel H. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT

Blood samples from dogs with clinical signs compatible with ehrlichiosis were examined for infection of
Ehrlichia canis
using PCR, multiplex real-time PCR, and DNA sequencing analysis. Eleven of 25 samples were positive for a new strain of
E. canis
. This is the first molecular identification of
E. canis
infection in dogs from Peru.
Serotype 1 and 2 Bovine Noroviruses Are Endemic in Cattle in the United Kingdom and Germany
Authors: Oliver S. L. , Wood E. , Asobayire E. , Wathes D. C. , Brickell J. S. , Elschner M. , Otto P. , Lambden P. R. , Clarke I. N. , Bridger J. C. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT
The genomically and antigenically distinct bovine noroviruses Bo/Jena/1980/DE and Bo/Newbury2/1976/UK have been associated with calf diarrhea. In the present seroprevalence study, both were found to be endemic in cattle from Germany and the United Kingdom, a finding in contrast to previous virus prevalence studies. They were less common than group A rotaviruses, particularly in calves, suggesting a different epidemiology.
Quantitative Analysis of the Binding of Simian Virus 40 Large T Antigen to DNA
Authors: Fradet-Turcotte Amélie , Vincent Caroline , Joubert Simon , Bullock Peter A. , Archambault Jacques 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT
SV40 large T antigen (T-ag) is a multifunctional protein that successively binds to 5′-GAGGC-3′ sequences in the viral origin of replication, melts the origin, unwinds DNA ahead of the replication fork, and interacts with host DNA replication factors to promote replication of the simian virus 40 genome. The transition of T-ag from a sequence-specific binding protein to a nonspecific helicase involves its assembly into a double hexamer whose formation is likely dictated by the propensity of T-ag to oligomerize and its relative affinities for the origin as well as for nonspecific double- and single-stranded DNA. In this study, we used a sensitive assay based on fluorescence anisotropy to measure the affinities of wild-type and mutant forms of the T-ag origin-binding domain (OBD), and of a larger fragment containing the N-terminal domain (N260), for different DNA substrates. We report that the N-terminal domain does not contribute to binding affinity but reduces the propensity of the OBD to self-associate. We found that the OBD binds with different affinities to its four sites in the origin and determined a consensus binding site by systematic mutagenesis of the 5′-GAGGC-3′ sequence and of the residue downstream of it, which also contributes to affinity. Interestingly, the OBD also binds to single-stranded DNA with an ∼10-fold higher affinity than to nonspecific duplex DNA and in a mutually exclusive manner. Finally, we provide evidence that the sequence specificity of full-length T-ag is lower than that of the OBD. These results provide a quantitative basis onto which to anchor our understanding of the interaction of T-ag with the origin and its assembly into a double hexamer.
A Rapid Progressor-Specific Variant Clone of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Replicates Efficiently In Vivo Only in the Absence of Immune Reponses
Authors: Kuwata Takeo , Byrum Russell , Whitted Sonya , Goeken Robert , Buckler-White Alicia , Plishka Ronald , Iyengar Ranjini , Hirsch Vanessa M. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT

A subset of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected macaques progresses rapidly to disease with transient SIV-specific immune responses and high viral loads. Unique SIV variants with convergent Env mutations evolve in these rapid progressor (RP) macaques. To address the pathogenic significance of RP-specific variants, we generated infectious molecular clones from the terminal-phase plasma of an RP macaque. Inoculation of macaques with a representative clone, SIVsmH635FC, resulted in a persistent viremia, comparable to that produced by pathogenic SIVsmE543-3, and a chronic disease with progressive loss of CD4
+
T cells. However, SIVsmH635FC did not reproduce the rapid-disease phenomenon. Molecular analyses of viruses from these macaques revealed rapid reversion to the wild-type SIVsmE543-3 sequence at two RP-specific sites and slower reversion at another three sites. SIVsmH635FC infection was not sufficient to cause rapid progression even following coinoculation with SIVsmE543-3, despite acute depletion of memory CD4
+
T cells. SIVsmH635FC competed efficiently during primary infection in the coinoculated macaques, but SIVsmE543-3 predominated after the development of SIV-specific immune responses. These data suggest that the replication fitness of the RP variant was similar to that of SIVsmE543-3 in a naïve host; however, SIVsmH635FC was at a disadvantage following the development of SIV-specific immune responses. Consistent with these findings, neutralization assays revealed that SIVsmH635FC was highly sensitive to neutralization but that the parental SIVsmE543-3 strain was highly resistant. This study suggests that the evolution of RP-specific variants is the result of replication in a severely immunocompromised host, rather than the direct cause of rapid progression.
Basic Residues in the Mason-Pfizer Monkey Virus Gag Matrix Domain Regulate Intracellular Trafficking and Capsid-Membrane Interactions
Authors: Stansell Elizabeth , Apkarian Robert , Haubova Sarka , Diehl William E. , Tytler Ewan M. , Hunter Eric 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT
Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV) capsids that have assembled in the cytoplasm must be transported to and associate with the plasma membrane prior to being enveloped by a lipid bilayer during viral release. Structural studies have identified a positive-charge density on the membrane-proximal surface of the matrix (MA) protein component of the Gag polyprotein. To investigate if basic amino acids in MA play a role in intracellular transport and capsid-membrane interactions, mutants were constructed in which lysine and arginine residues (R10, K16, K20, R22, K25, K27, K33, and K39) potentially exposed on the capsid surface were replaced singly and in pairs by alanine. A majority of the charge substitution mutants were released less efficiently than the wild type. Electron microscopy of mutant Gag-expressing cells revealed four distinct phenotypes: K16A and K20A immature capsids accumulated on and budded into intracellular vesicles; R10A, K27A, and R22A capsid transport was arrested at the cellular cortical actin network, while K25A immature capsids were dispersed throughout the cytoplasm and appeared to be defective at an earlier stage of intracellular transport; and the remaining mutant (K33A and K39A) capsids accumulated at the inner surface of the plasma membrane. All mutants that released virions exhibited near-wild-type infectivity in a single-round assay. Thus, basic amino acids in the M-PMV MA define both cellular location and efficiency of virus release.
Vaccine Platform for Prevention of Tuberculosis and Mother-to-Child Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 through Breastfeeding
Authors: Im Eung-Jun , Saubi Narcís , Virgili Goretti , Sander Clare , Teoh Denise , Gatell Jose M. , McShane Helen , Joseph Joan , Hanke Tomáš 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTMost children in Africa receive their vaccine against tuberculosis at birth. Those infants born to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-positive mothers are at high risk of acquiring HIV-1 infection through breastfeeding in the first weeks of their lives. Thus, the development of a vaccine which would protect newborns against both of these major global killers is a logical yet highly scientifically, ethically, and practically challenging aim. Here, a recombinant lysine auxotroph ofMycobacterium bovisbacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), a BCG strain that is safer than those currently used and expresses an African HIV-1 clade-derived immunogen, was generated and shown to be stable and to induce durable, high-quality HIV-1-specific CD4+- and CD8+-T-cell responses. Furthermore, when the recombinant BCG vaccine was used in a priming-boosting regimen with heterologous components, the HIV-1-specific responses provided protection against surrogate virus challenge, and the recombinant BCG vaccine alone protected against aerosol challenge withM. tuberculosis. Thus, inserting an HIV-1-derived immunogen into the scheduled BCG vaccine delivered at or soon after birth may prime HIV-1-specific responses, which can be boosted by natural exposure to HIV-1 in the breast milk and/or by a heterologous vaccine such as recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara delivering the same immunogen, and decrease mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 during breastfeeding.
Gag Influences Transformation by Abelson Murine Leukemia Virus and Suppresses Nuclear Localization of the v-Abl Protein
Authors: Yi Chae-Ryun , Rosenberg Naomi 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT
Like the v-Onc proteins encoded by many transforming retroviruses, the v-Abl protein is expressed as a Gag-Onc fusion. Although the Gag-derived myristoylation signal targets the v-Abl protein to the plasma membrane, the protein contains the entire MA and p12 sequences and a small number of CA-derived residues. To understand the role of Gag sequences in transformation, mutants lacking portions of these sequences were examined for the effects of these deletions on v-Abl function and localization. Deletion of the N-terminal third of p12 or all of p12 enhanced the transformation of both pre-B cells and NIH 3T3 cells. In contrast, deletions in MA or a deletion removing all of Gag except the first 34 amino acids important for myristoylation highly compromised the ability to transform either cell type. Although all of the mutant proteins retained kinase activity, those defective in transformation were reduced in their ability to activate Erk, suggesting a role for Gag sequences in v-Abl signaling. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that a v-Abl protein retaining only the first 34 amino acids of Gag localized to the nucleus. These data indicate that Gag sequences are important for normal v-Abl signaling and that they suppress nuclear localization of the molecule.
Crystal Structure of Lysine Sulfonamide Inhibitor Reveals the Displacement of the Conserved Flap Water Molecule in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Protease
Authors: Nalam Madhavi N. L. , Peeters Anik , Jonckers Tim H. M. , Dierynck Inge , Schiffer Celia A. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) protease has been continuously evolving and developing resistance to all of the protease inhibitors. This requires the development of new inhibitors that bind to the protease in a novel fashion. Most of the inhibitors that are on the market are peptidomimetics, where a conserved water molecule mediates hydrogen bonding interactions between the inhibitors and the flaps of the protease. Recently a new class of inhibitors, lysine sulfonamides, was developed to combat the resistant variants of HIV protease. Here we report the crystal structure of a lysine sulfonamide. This inhibitor binds to the active site of HIV-1 protease in a novel manner, displacing the conserved water and making extensive hydrogen bonds with every region of the active site.
Altered Expression of the Early Mitotic Checkpoint Protein, CHFR, in Breast Cancers: Implications for Tumor Suppression
Authors: Privette Lisa M. , González Maria E. , Ding Lei , Kleer Celina G. , Petty Elizabeth M. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
Checkpoint with FHA and Ring Finger (CHFR) is hypothesized to mediate a delay in cell cycle progression early in mitosis in response to microtubule stress, independent of the spindle assembly checkpoint. As a potential regulator of cell cycle progression, CHFR naturally becomes an interesting target for understanding cancer cells. In recent years, there has been increasing evidence supporting the role of CHFR as a tumor suppressor, most of which report loss of expression, occasionally due to promoter hypermethylation, in cancers compared with patient-matched normal tissues. We studied both a panel of breast cancer cell lines as well as primary tissue samples from breast cancer patients to investigate CHFR as a relevant tumor suppressor in breast cancer and to determine whether CHFR expression was associated with clinical and pathologic variables. We report that 41% of cell lines and 36% of patient samples showed low or negative CHFR protein expression or staining. In addition, lack of CHFR detection was associated with increased tumor size and weakly correlated with estrogen receptor–negative tumors from patients. To study the effects of low CHFR expression in vitro, we stably expressed a short hairpin RNA construct targeting CHFR in two lines of immortalized human mammary epithelial cells. Notably, decreased CHFR expression resulted in the acquisition of many phenotypes associated with malignant progression, including accelerated growth rates, higher mitotic index, enhanced invasiveness, increased motility, greater aneuploidy, and amplified colony formation in soft agar, further supporting the role of CHFR as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer. [Cancer Res 2007;67(13):6064–74]
Political Elite Circulation: Implications for Leadership Diversity and Democratic Regime Stability in Ghana
Authors: Svanikier Johanna Odonkor 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis article proposes that elite theory is at the heart of understanding political conflict in Africa. A case study of Ghana analyses the historical origins of elite conflict in Ghana before and after independence. The article links high levels of political elite circulation resulting from the transformation of traditional social structures with high levels of political elite differentiation and instability in the post-colonial era. Since 1992 Ghana's new liberal democratic regime has flourished. There are indications that there is a gradual increase in unity amongst competing political elites. Diversity amongst political elites has resulted in greater representation at the leadership level. These factors may explain the sustained period of political stability and the gradual deepening of liberal democracy in Ghana.
Asia and the Prospects for World Order
Authors: Clark Joseph S. 
Published: June 2007

Three critical unsolved problems, Asian as well as global, confront the world: peace, population, and pollution. Non-violence, economic development, and social justice are needed to solve these problems, which are global in their scope. World order is a workable system of war prevention conceived on a global basis. International institutions capable of keeping the peace are required to achieve it. There are six major Asian countries or areas capable of affecting developments in Asia: Japan, mainland China, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, and the Middle East complex. Of these, only Japan, Israel, and possibly Indonesia are capable of creative action in the sense used by Arnold J. Toynbee. In many Asian areas, hate between adjacent countries is so great that constructive moves for peace are unlikely. Thus, Asia desperately needs world order but is not likely to contribute much toward its achievement. World order, if it comes, will result from widespread disarmament of the super- and middle-sized powers, the growth concurrently of an international peace force, and the creation of international institutions with power to prevent violence and administer justice. Leadership must come from the Soviet Union and the United States, hopefully through the United Nations, or from amplification of the treaties of General and Complete Disarmament filed by the United States and the Soviet Union at Geneva in 1962. China can be disregarded for the time being as a paper tiger. The Soviet Union is more likely to contribute to world order than the United States, which has become a militaristic nation since the end of World War II. The Germanization of the United States springs from a powerful and highly respected elite corps of military officers who manipulate the youth of the nation through conscription. Much of this is due to the unnecessary involvement of the United States on the land mass of Asia. Withdrawal of American forces from Asia is the place to start in the search for world order.
From Analysis to Evaluation
Authors: Schick Allen 
Published: June 2007

During the 1960's, program innovation and social analysis bloomed concurrently. Especially during the mid-years of that decade, many new social enterprises were spurred by the confident analyses of social scientists. The 1970's, however, have ushered in a period of program evaluation and public retrospection. The emphasis no longer is on building a record of program initiatives or on projecting the cost-effectiveness of prospective federal policies, but on looking backward to measure what has been accomplished by means of the activities already undertaken. The difference between analysis and evaluation is tied to the policy-making context within which social science operates. The uses of analysis are most in demand when underutilized slack resources are available, when there is a great deal of confidence in the efficacy of public action, and when policy-makers want to forge new program initiatives. When these conditions change, the dominant tone of both social science and public policy shifts to evaluation. The drainage of resources, confidence, and the will to innovate thus account for the recent rise of evaluation.
Impact of a spirometry expert system on general practitioners' decision making
Authors: Poels P. J. P. , Schermer T. R. J. , Schellekens D. P. A. , Akkermans R. P. , de Vries Robbé P. F. , Kaplan A. , Bottema B. J. A. M. , van Weel C. 
Published: June 2007

The present study assessed the impact of computerised spirometry interpretation expert support on the diagnostic achievements of general practitioners (GPs), and on GPs' decision making in diagnosing chronic respiratory disease.A cluster-randomised controlled trial was performed in 78 GPs who each completed 10 standardised paper case descriptions. Intervention consisted of support for GPs' spirometry interpretation either by an expert system (expert support group) or by sham information (control group). Agreement of GPs' diagnoses was compared with an expert panel judgement, which served as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were: additional diagnostic test rates; width of differential diagnosis; certainty of diagnosis; estimated severity of disease; referral rate; and medication or nonmedication changes. Effects were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).There were no differences between the expert support and control groups in the agreement between GPs and expert panel diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR (95% CI) 1.08 (0.70–1.66)), asthma (1.13 (0.70–1.80)), and absence of respiratory disease (1.32 (0.61–2.86)). A higher rate of additional diagnostic tests was observed in the expert support group (2.5 (1.17–5.35)).Computerised spirometry expert support had no detectable benefit on general practitioners' diagnostic achievements and the decision-making process when diagnosing chronic respiratory disease.
Recombinant human DNase nebulisation in children with cystic fibrosis: before bedtime or after waking up?
Authors: van der Giessen L. J. , Gosselink R. , Hop W. C. J. , Tiddens H. A. W. M. 
Published: June 2007

The present study focused on patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), who were on maintenance therapy with recombinant human deoxyribonuclease (rhDNase), with the aim of comparing efficacy and possible side effects of nebulisation of rhDNase when taken before bedtime with efficacy and side effects when taken after waking up.A randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, crossover study group was used. The inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) CF, 2) stable clinical condition and 3) rhDNase maintenance therapy. Patients in group I inhaled rhDNase before bedtime and a placebo after waking up in weeks 1–2. The protocol was reversed during weeks 3–4. Group II patients performed the reverse of this sequence. Patients continued with their daily routine sputum expectoration. The primary end-point was classified as the maximal instantaneous forced flow when 25% of the forced vital capacity remained to be exhaled (MEF25%). Pulmonary functions tests were performed on days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28. At 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks arterial oxygen saturation and cough frequency were measured during the night.A total of 24 patients completed the study. The mean (range) age of the patients was 13 (6–19) yrs. MEF25%, taken to be the primary end-point, did not show a significant difference between nebulisation of rhDNase before bedtime compared with when taken after waking up. Nocturnal cough, oxygen saturation, and other secondary end-points were not significantly different between the two study periods.In conclusion, the present study found that it is equally effective and safe to nebulise recombinant human deoxyribonuclease before bedtime compared with when performed after waking up in children with cystic fibrosis, who are on maintenance treatment with recombinant human deoxyribonuclease.