bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of Sulfated Glycans in Adherence of the Microsporidian
Encephalitozoon intestinalis
to Host Cells In Vitro
Authors: Hayman J. Russell , Southern Timothy R. , Nash Theodore E. 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT

Microsporidia are obligate intracellular opportunistic protists that infect a wide variety of animals, including humans, via environmentally resistant spores. Infection requires that spores be in close proximity to host cells so that the hollow polar tube can pierce the cell membrane and inject the spore contents into the cell cytoplasm. Like other eukaryotic microbes, microsporidia may use specific mechanisms for adherence in order to achieve target cell proximity and increase the likelihood of successful infection. Our data show that
Encephalitozoon intestinalis
exploits sulfated glycans such as the cell surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in selection of and attachment to host cells. When exogenous sulfated glycans are used as inhibitors in spore adherence assays,
E. intestinalis
spore adherence is reduced by as much as 88%. However, there is no inhibition when nonsulfated glycans are used, suggesting that
E. intestinalis
spores utilize sulfated host cell glycans in adherence. These studies were confirmed by exposure of host cells to xylopyranoside, which limits host cell surface GAGs, and sodium chlorate, which decreases surface sulfation. Spore adherence studies with CHO mutant cell lines that are deficient in either surface GAGs or surface heparan sulfate also confirmed the necessity of sulfated glycans. Furthermore, when spore adherence is inhibited, host cell infection is reduced, indicating a direct association between spore adherence and infectivity. These data show that
E. intestinalis
specifically adheres to target cells by way of sulfated host cell surface GAGs and that this mechanism serves to enhance infectivity.
Deletion of theSSK1Response Regulator Gene inCandida albicansContributes to Enhanced Killing by Human Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils
Authors: Du Chen , Calderone Richard , Richert John , Li Dongmei 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACTThe isolation and partial functional characterization of the two-component response regulatorSSK1gene ofCandida albicanswas previously reported. Compared to wild-type (CAF2-1) and gene-reconstituted (SSK23) strains, thessk1null strain (SSK21) was avirulent in a murine model of hematogenously disseminated candidiasis and less able to adhere to human esophageal cells. More recent data indicate that SSK21 is sensitive to 4 to 8 mM H2O2in vitro than CAF2-1 and SSK23. Furthermore, microarray studies indicate that the regulation of two classes of genes, those encoding cell wall functions and stress adaptation, are altered in thessk1mutant. In the present study, the susceptibility of strains CAF2-1, SSK21, and SSK23 to killing by human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) was assessed. Results are also described for a newly constructedssk1mutant (SSK24) in which theURA3gene is integrated into its native locus. Our results indicate that killing of SSK21 and SSK24 was significantly greater than that of CAF2-1 and SSK23 (P< 0.01). In order to determine why Ssk1p at least partially protects the organism against the killing activity of human PMNs, we compared the signal transduction activity and the inflammatory response gene profiles of PMNs infected with either the wild type or thessk1mutant. Phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases p42/44 and p38 from neutrophils infected with either CAF2-1 (wild type) or SSK21 (ssk1/ssk1) was similar, while expression and phosphorylation of the JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase was not observed following infection with either strain. On the other hand, we observed an upregulation of seven inflammatory response genes in PMNs infected with the SSK21 mutant only, while an increase in interleukin-10 expression was measured in PMNs infected with either strain. Downregulation of interleukin-2 was observed in PMNs infected with either strain. Verification of the transcriptional profiling was obtained by reverse transcription-PCR for three of the genes that were upregulated in neutrophils infected with thessk1mutant. Also, the sensitivity of strain SSK21 to human defensin-1, one of the nonoxidative, antimicrobial peptides of PMNs, was greater than that of CAF2-1, demonstrating that nonoxidative killing in PMNs may contribute to the increased susceptibility of thessk1mutant. Our results indicate that the Ssk1p response regulator protein may provide at least partial adaptive functions for the survival ofC. albicansfollowing its encounter with human neutrophils.
Large-Scale Screen Highlights the Importance of Capsule for Virulence in the Zoonotic PathogenStreptococcus iniae
Authors: Miller Jesse D. , Neely Melody N. 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACTZoonotic pathogens have the unique ability to cross the species barrier, causing disease in both humans and specific animal hosts.Streptococcus iniaeis a zoonotic pathogen of both fish and humans, and the clinical presentations ofS. iniaeinfections in fish and humans are very similar to those caused by various human-specific streptococcal pathogens. Virulence mechanisms required for infection by this pathogen of either host have yet to be determined. Using the previously reported zebrafish infectious disease model, we performed a large-scale screening to determine genes required for systemic infection. Screening 1,128 signature-tagged transposon mutants through the zebrafish model allowed identification of 41 potential mutants that were unable to survive within the host environment. Greater than 50% of the mutants that could be identified through homology searches were highly homologous to genes found in other human-specific streptococcal pathogens, while 32% were found to have no homology to any sequences found in the databases, suggesting as yet unknown gram-positive bacterial virulence factors. A large percentage of the insertions were found to be located in several putative capsule synthesis genes, an important virulence component for other systemic pathogens. Density gradient assays demonstrated that several of these putative capsule mutants have dissimilar buoyant densities, suggesting different levels of capsule synthesis. Putative capsule mutants were also less resistant to phagocytosis in whole-blood assays than wild-typeS. iniae. Our initial large-scale characterization ofS. iniaevirulence highlights the importance of the capsule for successful infection.
Inverse Associations of Human Leukocyte Antigen and Malaria Parasite Types in Two West African Populations
Authors: Young Karen , Frodsham Angela , Doumbo Ogobara K. , Gupta Sunetra , Dolo Amagana , Hu Jiang Ting , Robson Kathryn J. H. , Crisanti Andrea , Hill Adrian V. S. , Gilbert Sarah C. 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACT
Differences in allelic associations between populations continue to cause difficulties in the mapping and identification of susceptibility genes for complex polygenic diseases. Although well recognized, the basis of such interpopulation differences is poorly understood. We present an example of an inverse allelic association of an immune response genotype to an infectious disease in two neighboring West African populations. In this case, both the key environmental contributor, i.e., the malaria parasite, and a major biological mechanism are well defined. We show that this surprising result fits well with the predictions of a mathematical model describing the population genetics and dynamics of this interaction.
Management of ankle sprains: a randomised controlled trial of the treatment of inversion injuries using an elastic support bandage or an Aircast ankle brace
Authors: Boyce S H , Quigley M A , Campbell S 
Published: January 2005

Background:Lateral ligament ankle sprains are the single most common sports injury.Objective:To determine the functional outcome of the ankle joint after a moderate or severe inversion injury, comparing standard treatment with an elastic support bandage against an Aircast ankle brace.Design:Prospective, randomised controlled trial.Setting:Two accident and emergency departments.Method:Fifty patients presenting consecutively were randomised into two equal groups: one group was treated with an elastic support bandage and the other with an Aircast ankle brace. All patients were given a standardised advice sheet referring to rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Patients were reviewed after 48–72 hours, 10 days, and one month.Primary outcome measure:Ankle joint function assessed at 10 days and one month using the modified Karlsson scoring method (maximum score 90).Secondary outcome measure:The difference in ankle girth (swelling) and pain score at 10 days.Results:Seventeen patients in the elastic support bandage group (six defaulted, two excluded) and 18 patients in the Aircast ankle brace group (six defaulted, one excluded) completed the study. There were no significant differences between the two groups at presentation in terms of age (mean 35.3 and 32.6 years respectively), sex, dominant leg, left or right ankle injured, previous injury, time to presentation (median three and four hours respectively), difference in ankle girth (mean 14.5 and 14.3 mm respectively), and pain scores (mean 6.2 and 5.8 respectively). The Karlsson score was significantly higher in the Aircast ankle cast group than in the elastic bandage group at 10 days (mean 50v35, p  =  0.028, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7 to 27.7) and one month (mean 68v55, p  =  0.029, 95% CI 1.4 to 24.8) (Student’sttest). There was no difference between the groups in the secondary outcome measures (swelling, p  =  0.09; pain, p  =  0.07). When hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to correct for possible baseline confounding factors, the Aircast ankle brace group was significantly associated with higher Karlsson scores at 10 days (p  =  0.009) and one month (p  =  0.024).Conclusion:The use of an Aircast ankle brace for the treatment of lateral ligament ankle sprains produces a significant improvement in ankle joint function at both 10 days and one month compared with standard management with an elastic support bandage.
Appropriate interpretation of aerobic capacity: allometric scaling in adult and young soccer players
Authors: Chamari K , Moussa-Chamari I , Boussaïdi L , Hachana Y , Kaouech F , Wisløff U 
Published: January 2005

Objective:To compare aerobic capacity of young and adult elite soccer players using appropriate scaling procedures.Methods:Twenty four male adult (mean (SD) age 24 (2) years, weight 75.7 (7.2) kg, Vo2max66.6 (5.2) ml/lbm/min, where lbm is lean body mass in kg) and 21 youth (14 (0.4) years, 60.2 (7.3) kg, 66.5 (5.9) ml/lbm/min) elite soccer players took part in the study. Allometric equations were used to determine the relation between maximal and submaximal oxygen cost of running (running economy) and body mass.Results:Maximal and submaximal oxygen uptake increased in proportion to body mass raised to the power of 0.72 (0.04) and 0.60 (0.06) respectively. The Vo2maxof adult players was similar to that of the youth players when expressed in direct proportion to body mass—that is, ml/kg/min—but 5% higher (p<0.05) when expressed using appropriate procedures for scaling. Conversely, compared with seniors, youth players had 13% higher (p<0.001) energy cost of running—that is, poorer running economy—when expressed as ml/kg/min but not when expressed according to the scaling procedures.Conclusions:Compared with the youth soccer players, Vo2maxin the seniors was underestimated and running economy overestimated when expressed traditionally as ml/lbm/min. The study clearly shows the pitfalls in previous studies when aerobic capacity was evaluated in subjects with different body mass. It further shows that the use of scaling procedures can affect the evaluation of, and the resultant training programme to improve, aerobic capacity.
Risk factors for hamstring injuries in community level Australian football
Authors: Gabbe B J , Finch C F , Bennell K L , Wajswelner H 
Published: January 2005

Objectives:To identify risk factors for hamstring injury at the community level of Australian football.Methods:A total of 126 community level Australian football players participated in this prospective cohort study. To provide baseline measurements, they completed a questionnaire and had a musculoskeletal screen during the 2000 preseason. All were monitored over the season. Injury surveillance and exposure data were collected for the full season. Survival analysis was used to identify independent predictors of hamstring injury.Results:A hamstring injury was the first injury of the season in 20 players (16%). After adjustment for exposure, increasing age and decreased quadriceps flexibility were identified as significant independent predictors of the time to sustaining a hamstring injury. Older age (⩾23 years) was associated with an increased risk of hamstring injury (RR 3.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1 to 14.0; p  =  0.044). Players with increased quadriceps flexibility (as measured by the modified Thomas test) were less likely to sustain a hamstring injury (RR 0.3; 95% CI 0.1 to 0.8; p  =  0.022).Conclusions:The findings of this study can be used in the development of hamstring injury prevention strategies and to identify Australian football players at increased risk of hamstring injury.
Differences in sole arch indices in various sports
Authors: Aydog S T , Tetik O , Demirel H A , Doral M N 
Published: January 2005

Background:There are controversial data about the relation between foot morphology and athletic injuries of the lower extremity. Studies in soldiers have shown some relationship, whereas those involving athletes have not shown any significant relationship. The reason for these differences is not clear.Objective:To determine the effect of various sports on sole arch indices (AIs).Method:A total of 116 elite male athletes (24 soccer players, 23 wrestlers, 19 weightlifters, 30 handball players, and 20 gymnasts) and 30 non-athletic men were included in this cross sectional study. Images of both soles were taken in a podoscope and transferred to a computer using a digital still camera. AIs were calculated from the stored images.Results:The AI of the right sole of the gymnasts was significantly lower than that of the soccer players, wrestlers, and non-athletic controls (p<0.01). The AI of the right sole of the wrestlers was significantly higher than that of the soccer players, handball players, weightlifters, gymnasts, and non-athletic controls (p<0.03). The AI of the left sole of the gymnasts was significantly lower than that of the wrestlers and non-athletic controls (p<0.001). The AI of the left sole of the wrestlers was significantly higher than that of the soccer players, handball players, and gymnasts (p<0.007). The AI of both soles in handball players was significantly lower than those of the non-athletic subjects (p  =  0.049). The correlation between the AI of the left and right foot was poor in the soccer players, handball players, and wrestlers (r =  0.31, 0.69, and 0.56 respectively), but was high in the gymnasts, weightlifters, and non-athletic controls (r =  0.96, 0.88, and 0.80 respectively).Conclusion:The AIs of the gymnasts and wrestlers were significantly different from those of other sportsmen studied, and those of the gymnasts and handball players were significantly different from those of non-athletic controls.
ASYMPTOTICS OF A SPECTRAL PROBLEM ASSOCIATED WITH THE NEUMANN SIEVE
Authors: ONOFREI DANIEL , VERNESCU BOGDAN 
Published: January 2005

In this paper, we analyze the asymptotic behavior of a Stekloff spectral problem associated with the Neumann Sieve model, i.e. a three-dimensional set Ω, cut by a hyperplane Σ where each of the two-dimensional holes, ∊-periodically distributed on Σ, have diameter r∊. Depending on the asymptotic behavior of the ratios [Formula: see text] we find the limit problem of the ∊ spectral problem and prove that the sequences [Formula: see text], formed by the nth eigenvalue of the ∊ problem, converge to λn, the nth eigenvalue of the limit problem, for any n ∈ N. We also prove the weak convergence, on a subsequence, of the associated sequence of eigenvectors [Formula: see text], to an eigenvector associated with λn. When λn is a simple eigenvalue, we show that the entire sequence of the eigenvectors converges. As a consequence, similar results hold for the spectrum of the DtN map associated to this model.
Chlamydia pneumoniae induces aponecrosis in human aortic smooth muscle cells
Authors: Dumrese Claudia , Maurus Christine F , Gygi Daniel , Schneider Mårten KJ , Walch Michael , Groscurth Peter , Ziegler Urs 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
Background
The intracellular bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae is suspected to play a role in formation and progression of atherosclerosis. Many studies investigated cell death initiation versus inhibition by Chlamydia pneumoniae in established cell lines but nothing is known in primary human aortic smooth muscle cells, a cell type among others known to be involved in the formation of the atherosclerotic plaque. Type of cell death was analyzed by various methods in primary aortic smooth muscle cells after infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae to investigate a possible pathogenic link in atherosclerosis.

Results
Chlamydiae were found to be localized up to 72 h post infection in aortic smooth muscle cells either as single bacteria or inside of large inclusions. Quantification of host cell death by lactate dehydrogenase release assay revealed strictly dose and time dependent lysis for all tested isolates of Chlamydia pneumoniae. Phosphatidylserine exposure was detected by flow cytometry in Chlamydia pneumoniae infected cells. Ultrastructure of Chlamydia pneumoniae infected human aortic smooth muscle cells showed extensive membrane- and organelle damage, chromatin condensation but no nuclear fragmentation. DNA fragmentation as well as cell membrane permeability was analyzed by TUNEL and NHS-biotin staining and occurred exclusively in cells carrying Chlamydia pneumoniae spots but not in smooth muscle cells with inclusions. These morphological features of cell death were not accompanied by an activation of caspase-3 as revealed by analysis of enzyme activity but involved mitochondrial membrane depolarization as shown by TMRE uptake and release of cytochrome c from mitochondria.

Conclusion
This study provides evidence that Chlamydia pneumoniae induce a spot like infection in human aortic smooth muscle cells, which results in a chimeric cell death with both apoptotic and necrotic characteristics. This aponecrotic cell death may assist chronic inflammation in atherosclerotic blood vessels.
Immunoreactivity of the Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis 19-kDa lipoprotein
Authors: Huntley Jason FJ , Stabel Judith R , Bannantine John P 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
Background
The Mycobacterium tuberculosis 19-kDa lipoprotein has been reported to stimulate both T and B cell responses as well as induce a number of Th1 cytokines. In order to evaluate the Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis) 19-kDa lipoprotein as an immunomodulator in cattle with Johne's disease, the gene encoding the 19-kDa protein (MAP0261c) was analyzed.

Results
MAP0261c is conserved in mycobacteria, showing a 95% amino acid identity in M. avium subspecies avium, 84% in M. intracellulare and 76% in M. bovis and M. tuberculosis. MAP0261c was cloned, expressed, and purified as a fusion protein with the maltose-binding protein (MBP-19 kDa) in Escherichia coli. IFN-γ production was measured from 21 naturally infected and 9 control cattle after peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with a whole cell lysate (WCL) of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis or the recombinant MBP-19 kDa. Overall, the mean response to MBP-19 kDa was not as strong as the mean response to the WCL. By comparison, cells from control, non-infected cattle did not produce IFN-γ after stimulation with either WCL or MBP-19 kDa. To assess the humoral immune response to the 19-kDa protein, sera from cattle with clinical Johne's disease were used in immunoblot analysis. Reactivity to MBP-19 kDa protein, but not MBP alone, was observed in 9 of 14 infected cattle. Antibodies to the 19-kDa protein were not observed in 8 of 9 control cows.

Conclusions
Collectively, these results demonstrate that while the 19-kDa protein from M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis stimulates a humoral immune response and weak IFN-γ production in infected cattle, the elicited responses are not strong enough to be used in a sensitive diagnostic assay.
TLR2 modulates inflammation in zymosan-induced arthritis in mice
Authors: Frasnelli Matthias E , Tarussio David , Chobaz-Péclat Veronique , Busso Nathalie , So Alexander 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe interplay between the innate and acquired immune systems in chronic inflammation is not well documented. We have investigated the mechanisms of inflammation in murine zymosan-induced arthritis (ZIA) in the light of recent data on the roles of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and Dectin-1 in the activation of monocyte/macrophages by zymosan. The severity of inflammation, joint histology, lymphocyte proliferation and antibody production in response to zymosan were analyzed in mice deficient in TLR2 and complement C3, and the effects of Dectin-1 inhibition by laminarin were studied. In comparison with wild-type animals, TLR2-deficient mice showed a significant decrease in the early (day 1) and late phases (day 24) of joint inflammation. C3-deficient mice showed no differences in technetium uptake or histological scoring. TLR2-deficient mice also showed a significant decrease in lymph node cell proliferation in response to zymosan and a lower IgG antibody response to zymosan at day 25 in comparison with wild-type controls, indicating that TLR2 signalling has a role in the development of acquired immune responses to zymosan. Although laminarin, a soluble β-glucan, was able to significantly inhibit zymosan uptake by macrophages in vitro, it had no effect on ZIA in vivo. These results show that ZIA is more prolonged than was originally described and involves both the innate and acquired immune pathways. C3 does not seem to have a major role in this model of joint inflammation.
Myoglobin clearance by super high-flux hemofiltration in a case of severe rhabdomyolysis: a case report
Authors: Naka Toshio , Jones Daryl , Baldwin Ian , Fealy Nigel , Bates Samantha , Goehl Hermann , Morgera Stanislao , Neumayer Hans H , Bellomo Rinaldo 
Published: January 2005

Abstract
Objective
To test the ability of a novel super high-flux (SHF) membrane with a larger pore size to clear myoglobin from serum.

Setting
The intensive care unit of a university teaching hospital.

Subject
A patient with serotonin syndrome complicated by severe rhabodomyolysis and oliguric acute renal failure

Method
Initially continuous veno-venous hemofiltration was performed at 2 l/hour ultrafiltration (UF) with a standard polysulphone 1.4 m2 membrane (cutoff point, 20 kDa), followed by continuous veno-venous hemofiltration with a SHF membrane (cutoff point, 100 kDa) at 2 l/hour UF, then at 3 l/hour UF and then at 4 l/hour UF, in an attempt to clear myoglobin.

Results
The myoglobin concentration in the ultrafiltrate at 2 l/hour exchange was at least five times greater with the SHF membrane than with the conventional membrane (>100,000 μg/l versus 23,003 μg/l). The sieving coefficients with the SHF membrane at 3 l/hour UF and 4 l/hour UF were 72.2% and 68.8%, respectively. The amount of myoglobin removed with the conventional membrane was 1.1 g/day compared with 4.4–5.1 g/day for the SHF membrane. The SHF membrane achieved a clearance of up to 56.4 l/day, and achieved a reduction in serum myoglobin concentration from >100,000 μg/l to 16,542 μg/l in 48 hours.

Conclusions
SHF hemofiltration achieved a much greater clearance of myoglobin than conventional hemofiltration, and it may provide a potential modality for the treatment of myoglobinuric acute renal failure.