niryuu/sni-each-converted huggingface dataset:
Non-human primates (NHPs) are used to model human disease owing to their remarkably similar genomes, physiology, and immune systems. Recently, there has been an increased interest in modeling tuberculosis (TB) in NHPs. Macaques are susceptible to infection with different strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), producing the full spectrum of disease conditions, including latent infection, chronic progressive infection, and acute TB, depending on the route and dose of infection. Clearly, NHPs are an excellent model of human TB. While the initial aim of the NHP model was to allow preclinical testing of candidate vaccines and drugs, it is now also being used to study pathogenesis and immune correlates of protection. Recent advances in this field are discussed in this review. Key questions such as the effect of hypoxia on the biology of Mtb and the basis of reactivation of latent TB can now be investigated through the use of this model.
Output: The non-human primate model of tuberculosis
Poyang Lake is situated within the East Asian Flyway, a migratory corridor for waterfowl that also encompasses Guangdong Province, China, the epicenter of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1. The lake is the largest freshwater body in China and a significant congregation site for waterfowl; however, surrounding rice fields and poultry grazing have created an overlap with wild waterbirds, a situation conducive to avian influenza transmission. Reports of HPAI H5N1 in healthy wild ducks at Poyang Lake have raised concerns about the potential of resilient freeranging birds to disseminate the virus. Yet the role wild ducks play in connecting regions of HPAI H5N1 outbreak in Asia is hindered by a lack of information about their migratory ecology. During 2007-08 we marked wild ducks at Poyang Lake with satellite transmitters to examine the location and timing of spring migration and identify any spatiotemporal relationship with HPAI H5N1 outbreaks. Species included the Eurasian wigeon (Anas penelope), northern pintail (Anas acuta), K
Output: Migration of Waterfowl in the East Asian Flyway and Spatial Relationship to HPAI H5N1 Outbreaks HHS Public Access
• Longer time from diagnosis to definitive surgery (TTDS) is associated with increased melanoma-specific mortality; in this study, Black patients have longer TTDS for melanoma after controlling for sociodemographic factors, and these differences persist for each insurance, Stage I-III melanoma, and for time to immunotherapy. • Targeted interventions to improve TTDS for Black melanoma patients are important in improving outcomes. ABSTRACT Background: Longer time from diagnosis to definitive surgery (TTDS) is associated with increased melanoma-specific mortality. Although Black patients present with later stage melanoma and have worse survival than non-Hispanic white (NHW) patients, the association between race and TTDS is unknown. Objective: To investigate racial differences in time to melanoma treatment. Methods: Retrospective review of the National Cancer Database (2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011)(2012) (2013) (2014)(2015). Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of race with TTDS controlling for sociodemographic/disease characteristics. Of the 233,982 melanoma patients identified, 1,221 (0.52%) were Black. Black patients had longer TTDS for stage I-III melanoma (p<0.001) and time to immunotherapy (p=0.01), but not for TTDS for stage IV melanoma or time to chemotherapy (p>0.05 for both). Controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, Black patients had over twice the odds of having TTDS between 41-60 days, over three times the odds of having TTDS between 61-90 days, and over five times the odds of having TTDS over 90 days. Racial differences in TTDS persisted within each insurance type. Patients with Medicaid had the longest TTDS (mean 60.4 days), and those with private insurance had the shortest TTDS (mean 44.6 days; p<0.001 for both). Conclusions: Targeted approaches to improve TTDS for Black patients are integral in reducing racial disparities in melanoma outcomes.
Output: Journal Pre-proof Racial Differences in Time to Treatment for Melanoma Racial Differences in Time to Treatment for Melanoma
Vuvuzelas, the plastic blowing horns used by sports fans, recently achieved international recognition during the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament in South Africa. We hypothesised that vuvuzelas might facilitate the generation and dissemination of respiratory aerosols. To investigate the quantity and size of aerosols emitted when the instrument is played, eight healthy volunteers were asked to blow a vuvuzela. For each individual the concentration of particles in expelled air was measured using a six channel laser particle counter and the duration of blowing and velocity of air leaving the vuvuzela were recorded. To allow comparison with other activities undertaken at sports events each individual was also asked to shout and the measurements were repeated while using a paper cone to confine the exhaled air. Triplicate measurements were taken for each individual. The mean peak particle counts were 658610 3 per litre for the vuvuzela and 3.7610 3 per litre for shouting, representing a mean log 10 difference of 2.20 (95% CI: 2.03,2.36; p,0.001). The majority (.97%) of particles captured from either the vuvuzela or shouting were between 0.5 and 5 microns in diameter. Mean peak airflows recorded for the vuvuzela and shouting were 6.1 and 1.8 litres per second respectively. We conclude that plastic blowing horns (vuvuzelas) have the capacity to propel extremely large numbers of aerosols into the atmosphere of a size able to penetrate the lower lung. Some respiratory pathogens are spread via contaminated aerosols emitted by infected persons. Further investigation is required to assess the potential of the vuvuzela to contribute to the transmission of aerosol borne diseases. We recommend, as a precautionary measure, that people with respiratory infections should be advised not to blow their vuvuzela in enclosed spaces and where there is a risk of infecting others.
Output: Propagation of Respiratory Aerosols by the Vuvuzela
Background: The persistence, biodistribution, and risk of integration into the host genome of any new therapeutic DNA vaccine must be established in preclinical studies. We previously developed the DNA vaccine pcDNA-CCOL2A1 encoding chicken type II collagen (CCII) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the present study, we characterized its dynamic profile, biodistribution, and potential for genomic DNA integration in normal vaccinated rodent. A real-time quantitative PCR analysis (RT-qPCR) of animals administered a single dose of pcDNA-CCOL2A1 (300 μg/kg by intramuscular injection) showed that CCOL2A1 mRNA level in the blood peaked between 2 and 6 h post-immunization and then rapidly declined, and was undetectable between day 1-42. CCOL2A1 transcript was detected at the muscle injection site on days 3-14 post-immunization. Starting from day 14, the transcript was detected in the heart, liver, lung, and kidney but not in the spleen or thymus, and was expressed only in the lung on day 28. There was no CCOL2A1 mRNA present in the testes or ovaries at any time point. Non-invasive in vivo fluorescence imaging revealed CCII protein expression from 2 h up to day 10 and from 2 h up to day 35 after administration of pcDNA-CCOL2A1 via the intravenous and intramuscular routes, respectively; the protein had disappeared by day 42. Importantly, CCOL2A1 was not integrated into the host genome. These results indicate that pcDNA-CCOL2A1 vaccine is rapidly cleared within a short period of time and is therefore safe, and merits further development as a therapeutic vaccine for RA treatment.
Output: Dynamic profiles, biodistribution and integration evaluation after intramuscular/ intravenous delivery of a novel therapeutic DNA vaccine encoding chicken type II collagen for rheumatoid arthritis in vaccinated normal rodent
MERS-coronavirus infection is currently responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality in Saudi Arabia. Understanding its burden, as an emerging infectious disease, is vital for devising appropriate control strategies. In this study, the burden of MERS-CoV was estimated over 31 months period from June 6, 2012 to January 5, 2015. The total number of patients was 835; 528 (63.2%) patients were male, 771 (92.3%) patients were ≥25 years of age, and 210 (25.1%) patients were healthcare workers. A total of 751 (89.9%) patients required hospitalization. The median duration between onset of illness and hospitalization was 2 days (interquartile range, 0-5). The median length of hospital stay was 14 days (IQR, 6-27). The overall case fatality rate was 43.1%. Basic reproductive number was 0.9. Being Saudi, non-healthcare workers, and age ≥65 years were significantly associated with higher mortality. In conclusion, MERS-CoV infection caused a substantial health burden in Saudi Arabia.
Output: JIPH-1222; No. of Pages 5
The prevalence of self-reported preventive behaviors in response to an anticipated local human-to-human H5N1 transmission outbreak and factors associated with such behaviors have not been examined. A random, anonymous, cross-sectional telephone survey of 503 Hong Kong Chinese adults. The public in Hong Kong is likely to adopt self-protective behaviors (e.g., wearing face mask in public venues (73.8%), increasing the frequency of handwashing (86.7%)) and behaviors that protect others (e.g., wearing face masks when experiencing influenza-like illness (ILI, 92.4%), immediately seeking medical consultation (94.2%), making declarations when crossing the border with ILI (87.1%), complying to quarantine policies (88.3%)). Multivariate analyses indicated that factors related to age, full-time employment, perceived susceptibility, perceived efficacy of preventive measures, perceived higher fatality as compared to SARS, perceived chance of a major local outbreak, and being worried about self/family members contracting the virus were significantly associated with the inclination to adopt self-protective measures. Similar analyses showed that education level, variables related to perceived efficacy, perceived major local outbreak and such were significantly associated with various behaviors directed towards protecting others. In the event of a human-to-human H5N1 outbreak, the public in Hong Kong is likely to adopt preventive measures that may help contain the spread of the virus in the community.
Output: BMC Infectious Diseases Anticipated and current preventive behaviors in response to an anticipated human-to-human H5N1 epidemic in the Hong Kong Chinese general population
Neosporosis, which is caused by Neospora caninum, is a well-known disease in the veterinary field. Infections in pregnant cattle lead to abortion via transplacental (congenitally from mother to fetus) transmission. In this study, a N. caninum profilin (NcPROF), was expressed in silkworm larvae by recombinant Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) bacmid and was purified from the hemolymph. Three NcPROF constructs were investigated, native NcPROF fused with an N-terminal PA tag (PA-NcPROF), PA-NcPROF fused with the signal sequence of bombyxin from B. mori (bx-PA-NcPROF), and bx-PA-NcPROF with additional C-terminal transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of GP64 from BmNPV (bx-PA-NcPROF-GP64TM). All recombinant proteins were observed extra-and intracellularly in cultured Bm5 cells and silkworm larvae. The bx-PA-NcPROF-GP64TM was partly abnormally secreted, even though it has the transmembrane domain, and only it was pelleted by ultracentrifugation, but PA-NcPROF and bx-PA-NcPROF were not. Additionally, bx-PA-NcPROF-GP64TM was successfully purified from silkworm hemolymph by anti-PA agarose beads while PA-NcPROF and bx-PA-NcPROF were not. The purified bx-PA-NcPROF-GP64TM protein bound to its receptor, mouse Toll-like receptor 11 (TLR-11), and formed unique nanoparticles. These results suggest that profilin fused with GP64TM was secreted as a nanoparticle with binding affinity to its receptor and this nanoparticle formation is advantageous for the development of vaccines to N. caninum.
Output: Secretory Nanoparticles of Neospora caninum Profilin-Fused with the Transmembrane Domain of GP64 from Silkworm Hemolymph
Diarrhea represents one of the most frequent disorders in dogs. In puppies, degradation of feces quality is associated with a reduced daily weight gain and an increased risk of death. Prevention of diarrhea in puppies requires a global approach encompassing enteropathogens, environment and management practices especially when housed in groups. The purpose of this study was to determine prevalence of enteropathogens in puppies in breeding kennels and to identify risk factors of diarrhea. Two hundred and sixty six puppies (between 5 and 14 weeks of age) from 29 French breeding kennels were included. For each kennel, data about environment, management of the kennel and puppies' characteristics (age, sex and breed) were collected. For each puppy, fecal consistency and fecal excretion of enteropathogens (viruses and parasites) was evaluated. At least one enteropathogen was identified in 77.1% of puppies and 24.8% of puppies presented abnormal feces. The main risk factor of weaning diarrhea was fecal excretion of canine parvovirus type 2 (odds ratio = 5; confidence interval 95%: 1.7-14.7). A targeted sanitary and medical prophylaxis against canine parvovirus type 2 should be implemented to decrease risk of weaning diarrhea.
Output: Risk factors of weaning diarrhea in puppies housed in breeding kennels-NC-SA license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/)
Background: ISG15 is an Ubiquitin-like protein, highly induced by Type I Interferons. Upon the cooperative activity of specific Ubiquitinating enzymes, ISG15 can be conjugated to its substrates. Increasing evidence points to a role for protein ISGylation in anti-viral and anti-tumoral defense. Principal Findings: We identified ISG15 from Old World Monkeys (OWm) as a hyper-efficient protein modifier. Western blot analysis visualized more efficient conjugation of OWmISG15 relative to HuISG15 in human (Hu), monkey and mouse (Mo) cell-lines. Moreover, the substrates of OWmISG15 identified upon Tandem Affinity Purification followed by LC-MS/MS identification largely outnumbered these of HuISG15 itself. Several Ubiquitin-Conjugating enzymes were identified as novel ISGylated substrates. Introduction of a N89D mutation in HuISG15 improved its ISGylation capacity, and additional Q31K/ T33A/D133N mutations yielded a HuISG15 variant with an ISGylation efficiency comparable to OWmISG15. Homology modeling and structural superposition situate N89 in the interaction interface with the Activating enzyme. Analysis of the UbE1L residues in this interface revealed a striking homology between OWmUbE1L and HuUbE1, the Activating enzyme of Ubiquitin. In line with this observation, we found efficient activation of AgmISG15, but not HuISG15 or MoISG15, by HuUbE1, thus providing a likely explanation for OWm hyperISGylation. Conclusions: This study discloses the poor conjugation competence of HuISG15 compared to OWmISG15 and maps the critical determinants for efficient conjugation. HyperISGylation may greatly assist ISGylation studies and may enhance its function as positive regulator of Interferon-related immune responses or as anti-tumoral modulator.
Output: HyperISGylation of Old World Monkey ISG15 in Human Cells
Using incipient lines of the Collaborative Cross (CC), a murine genetic reference population, we previously identified a quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with low SARS-CoV titer. In this study, we integrated sequence information and RNA expression of genes within the QTL to identify mucin 4 (Muc4) as a high priority candidate for controlling SARS-CoV titer in the lung. To test this hypothesis, we infected Muc4 -/mice and found that female, but not male, Muc4 -/mice developed more weight loss and disease following infection with SARS-CoV. Female Muc4 -/mice also had more difficulty breathing despite reduced lung pathology; however, no change in viral titers was observed. Comparing across viral families, studies with chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne arthralgic virus, suggests that Muc4's impact on viral pathogenesis may be widespread. Although not confirming the original titer QTL, our data identifies a role for Muc4 in the SARS-CoV disease and viral pathogenesis. Given the recent emergence of SARS-CoV-2, this work suggest that Muc4 expression plays a protective role in female mice not conserved in male mice following SARS-CoV infection. With the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak continuing, treatments that modulate or enhance Muc4 activity may provide an avenue for treatment and improved outcomes. In addition, the work highlights the importance of studying host factors including host genetics and biological sex as key parameters influencing infection and disease outcomes.
Output: Mucin 4 Protects Female Mice from Coronavirus Pathogenesis
Genetic and environmental factors jointly determine the susceptibility to develop Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Collaborative efforts during the past years achieved substantial progress in defining the genetic architecture, underlying susceptibility to MS. Similar to other autoimmune diseases, HLA-DR and HLA-DQ alleles within the HLA class II region on chromosome 6p21 are the highest-risk-conferring genes. Less-robust susceptibility effects have been identified for MHC class I alleles and for non-MHC regions. The role of environmental risk factors and their interaction with genetic susceptibility alleles are much less well defined, despite the fact that infections have long been associated with MS development. Current data suggest that infectious triggers are most likely ubiquitous, i.e., highly prevalent in the general population, and that they require a permissive genetic trait which predisposes for MS development. In this review article, we illustrate mechanisms of infection-induced immunopathologies in experimental animal models of autoimmune CNS inflammation, discuss challenges for the translation of these experimental data into human immunology research, and provide future perspectives on how novel model systems could be utilized to better define the role of viral pathogens in MS.
Output: Viral triggers of multiple sclerosis
This study aimed to assess the uptake of recommended vaccines and to identify the factors associated with the vaccines' uptake among Malaysian Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. A cross-sectional survey among Malaysian Hajj and Umrah pilgrims in 2018. The uptake of the recommended vaccines was surveyed through an anonymous self-administered questionnaire to pilgrims attending a pre-departure Hajj/Umrah orientation course. Descriptive statistics were used for elaborating the demographic characteristics and vaccines uptake of the respondents. Multiple logistic regression was used for predicting the factors associated with the vaccines' uptake. A total of 1,274 pilgrims participated in the study with a mean age (standard deviation) of 42.42 (15.6). A total of 833 (65.4%) participants were females and 232 of the participants (18.2%) had at least more than one chronic disease. The uptake of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines were 28.6% (364/1,274) and 25.4% (324/1,274), respectively. Among the 527 pilgrims who were "at increased risk" of infections, 168 (31.9%) and 184 (34.9%) received influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, respectively. Gender, marital status and occupation were the common predictors associated with vaccines uptake. The vaccination uptake among Malaysian Hajj and Umrah pilgrims is low and declining from previous years. Educating the pilgrims toward vaccine uptake is essential and exploring the barriers for vaccination.
Output: Uptake of Recommended Vaccines and Its Associated Factors Among Malaysian Pilgrims During Hajj and Umrah 2018
Ocular disorders of rabbits and rodents are caused by genetic defects, infections, nutritional deficiencies, congenital malformations, as well as environmental and management problems. Their investigation and diagnosis rely on implementation of diagnostic approaches and instrumentation used commonly for other companion animal species. Special considerations of importance include the small size of the eye in some species, necessitating use of magnification for accurate assessment, and the vulnerability of some species to complications of parenteral and even topical antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy. Copyright 9 1997 by W. B. Saunders Company.
Output: Rabbit and Rodent Ophthalmology
Respiratory bovine coronaviruses (RBCV) emerged as an infectious agent most frequently isolated from respiratory tract samples of cattle with acute respiratory tract diseases. Infectivity-neutralizing (IN) and hemagglutinin-inhibiting (HAI) antibodies induced by RBCV infections were monitored in sequential serum samples collected from cattle during a naturally evolving and experimentally monitored epizootic of shipping fever pneumonia (SFP). Cattle nasally shedding RBCV at the beginning of the epizootic started with low levels of serum IN and HAI antibodies. An increase in serum IN antibody after day 7 led to reduction of virus shedding in nasal secretions by the majority of the cattle between days 7 and 14. A substantial rise in the serum HAI antibody was observed during the initial phase among the sick but not the clinically normal cattle which were infected with RBCV. The RBCV isolation-positive cattle that developed fatal SFP had minimal serum IN and HAI antibodies during the course of disease development. Cattle that remained negative in RBCV isolation tests entered this epizootic with high levels of serum IN and HAI antibodies, which dramatically increased during the next two weeks. Protection against SFP was apparently associated with significantly higher levels of serum IN antibodies at the beginning of the epizootic. The RBCV-neutralizing activity is associated with serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), particularly the IgG2 subclass, while RBCV-specific HAI antibody is related to both serum IgG and IgM fractions.
Output: Infectivity-Neutralizing and Hemagglutinin-Inhibiting Antibody Responses to Respiratory Coronavirus Infections of Cattle in Pathogenesis of Shipping Fever Pneumonia Downloaded from
Two serological tests were used to examine the antigenic relationships between murine hepatitis viruses that cause different diseases in mice. Antisera prepared by immunization of mice with the individual viruses were tested for their ability to neutralize both the homologous immunogen and the other viruses. By a plaque reduction neutralization test, each antiserum was found to be specific for the immunizing virus; however, there was substantial cross-reactivity, indicating the viruses were closely related. By kinetic neutralization, two of the viruses tested, MHV-JtIM and MHV-2, were found to be antigenically distinct. MHV-3 and MHV-A59 were found to be antigenieally very similar but distinct. These data show that kinetic neutralization is a more precise method for determining the antigenic relationships between murine coronaviruses.
Output: Archives of Virology Antigenic Relationships of Murine Coronaviruses
One of our long-term interests is to explore the immunogenic sugar moieties that are important for "self-" and "nonself" discrimination and host immune responses. We have established a highthroughput platform of carbohydrate microarrays to facilitate these investigations. Using this technology, carbohydrate-containing macromolecules of distinct structural configurations, including polysaccharides, natural glycoconjugates, and mono-and oligosaccharides coupled to lipid, polyacrylamide, and protein carriers, have been tested for microarray construction without further chemical modification. Here, we discuss issues related to the establishment of this technology and areas that are highly promising for its application. We also provide an example to illustrate that the carbohydrate microarray is a discovery tool; it is particularly useful for identifying immunological sugar moieties, including differentially expressed complex carbohydrates of cancer cells and stem cells as well as sugar signatures of previously unrecognized microbial pathogens.
Output: Carbohydrate Microarray Technology 201 201 From: Bioarrays: From Basics to Diagnostics Edited by: K. Appasani High-Throughput Carbohydrate Microarray Technology
During the pre-community outbreak phase of the H1N1 epidemic from May 6 to June 6 2009, two studies in Hong Kong reported a moderate level of perceived susceptibility of contracting the disease (around 7.5% to 12.1% of the general population felt susceptible) and perceived severity of H1N1 (over 15% of general population believed that H1N1 is highly fatal), plus a low level of H1N1-related distress in the community (less than 5% were panicking). Misconceptions about the modes of H1N1 transmissions were common. These studies found that perceptions related to bodily damages, efficacy of frequent handwashing, non-availability of effective vaccines, chance of having a large-scale local outbreak, and mental distress due to influenza A/H1N1 were associated with frequent handwashing (1,2). Another study involving a series of cross-sectional surveys was also conducted, suggesting a generally low level of anxiety and a slight improvement in knowledge on modes of transmission throughout the epidemic. The perceived susceptibility and perceived severity of getting H1N1 were high in the early phase, but started to decline in the early pandemic phase epidemic and remained stable thereafter. Preventive behaviors like handwashing and wearing facemasks did not show significant change throughout the epidemic, while avoidance behaviors like avoiding going to crowded places declined gradually at the pandemic unfolds (3). During the early phase of the global H1N1 pandemic, other international studies reported a moderate level of distress in the U.S., a lack of preventive responses such as change in frequency of handwashing in the UK (4) and in India, plus a lack of support for governmental mitigation strategies, such as school closure in Australia (5). Other studies found that Korean college students and Italian healthcare workers washed their hands or used hand sanitizer more frequently than before the beginning of the pandemic. The Chinese general population in seven urban regions and two rural regions showed an increasing level of knowledge, but a declining level of risk perception and adoption of preventive measures, while the U.S. general population showed an increasing trend in perceived risk but a decreasing trend in prevalence of precautionary activities (6). A study in Malaysia also showed that preventive measures, fear and avoidance changed in concordance with the trend in number of reported deaths (7). Methods The study population comprised of Chinese adults (aged 18-60) who were living in Hong Kong. Seven longitudinal telephone surveys were conducted
Output: Population Responses during the Pandemic Phase of the Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 Epidemic
The close phylogenetic relationship between humans and non-human primates makes non-human primates an irreplaceable model for the study of human infectious diseases. In this study, we describe the development of a large-scale automatic multi-functional isolation chamber for use with medium-sized laboratory animals carrying infectious diseases. The isolation chamber, including the transfer chain, disinfection chain, negative air pressure isolation system, animal welfare system, and the automated system, is designed to meet all biological safety standards. To create an internal chamber environment that is completely isolated from the exterior, variable frequency drive blowers are used in the air-intake and air-exhaust system, precisely controlling the filtered air flow and providing an air-barrier protection. A double door transfer port is used to transfer material between the interior of the isolation chamber and the outside. A peracetic acid sterilizer and its associated pipeline allow for complete disinfection of the isolation chamber. All of the isolation chamber parameters can be automatically controlled by a programmable computerized menu, allowing for work with different animals in different-sized cages depending on the research project. The large-scale multi-functional isolation chamber provides a useful and safe system for working with infectious medium-sized laboratory animals in high-level bio-safety laboratories.
Output: Development of a large-scale isolation chamber system for the safe and humane care of medium-sized laboratory animals harboring infectious diseases *
A growing body of evidence suggests the non-protein coding human genome is of vital importance for human cell function. Besides small RNAs, the diverse class of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) recently came into focus. however, their relevance for infection, a major evolutionary driving force, remains elusive. Using two commercially available microarray systems, namely Ncode™ and sureprint™ G3, we identified differential expression of 42 ncRNAs during influenza A virus (IAV) infection in human lung epithelial cells. This included several classes of lncRNAs, including large intergenic ncRNAs (lincRNAs). As analyzed by qRT-PcR, expression of one lincRNA, which we termed virus inducible lincRNA (VIN), is induced by several IAV strains (h1N1, h3N2, h7N7) as well as vesicular stomatitis virus. however, we did not observe an induction of VIN by influenza B virus, treatment with RNA mimics, or IFNβ. Thus, VIN expression seems to be a specific response to certain viral infections. RNA fractionation and RNA-FIsh experiments revealed that VIN is localized to the host cell nucleus. Most importantly, we show that abolition of VIN by RNA interference restricts IAV replication and viral protein synthesis, highlighting the relevance of this lincRNA for productive IAV infection. Our observations suggest that viral pathogens interfere with the non-coding portion of the human genome, thereby guaranteeing their successful propagation, and that the expression of VIN correlates with their virulence. consequently, our study provides a novel approach for understanding virus pathogenesis in greater detail, which will enable future design of new antiviral strategies targeting the host's non-protein coding genome.
Output: Evidence for a crucial role of a host non-coding RNA in influenza A virus replication
Reports indicate that myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (mDCs and pDCs), which are key effector cells in host innate immune responses, can be infected with HIV-1 and are reduced in number and function during the chronic phase of HIV disease. Furthermore, it was recently demonstrated that a sustained loss of mDCs and pDCs occurs in SIV-infected macaques. Since loss of functional DC populations might impair innate immune responses to opportunistic microorganisms and neoplastic cells, we explored whether inoculation of naive and SIV-or SHIV-infected pigtailed macaques with the hematopoietic cytokine FLT3-ligand (FLT3-L) would expand the number of mDCs and pDCs in vivo. After the macaques received supraphysiologic doses of FLT3-L, mDCs, pDCs, and monocytes increased up to 45-fold in blood, lymph nodes, and bone marrow (BM), with DC expansion in the BM preceding mobilization in blood and lymphoid tissues. FLT3-L also increased serum levels of IL-12, at least transiently, and elicited higher surface expression of HLA-DR and the activation markers CD25 and CD69 on NK and T cells. During and after treatment of infected animals, APCs increased in number and were activated; however, CD4 þ T cell numbers, virion RNA, and anti-SIV=SHIV antibody titers remained relatively stable, suggesting that FLT3-L might be a safe modality to expand DC populations and provide therapeutic benefit during chronic lentivirus infections.
Output: Systemic Dendritic Cell Mobilization Associated with Administration of FLT3 Ligand to SIV- and SHIV-Infected Macaques
with the pathological structure of BPD, as seen in the lungs of preterm infants who died and in animal models (3, 7). As the authors note, this study was limited in that the subjects with BPD were stable outpatients younger than 3 years who did not require oxygen therapy at the time of the study. Whether their findings hold true in infants with persistent severe BPD, including those with chronic ventilator-dependent hypoxemic respiratory failure, is not clear. In addition, BPD classification was based on clinical decision making, rather than a physiologic assessment such as the oxygen reduction test (11). In an earlier article, members of this group studied DL CO and its components, DM and Vc, in full-term infants without lung disease and showed that DL CO and Vc (but not DM) correlated with the level of proangiogenic circulating hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (pCHSPCs) (12). However, this study did not include preterm infants with or without BPD. Both pCHSPCs, also referred to as circulating progenitor cells, as well as late-outgrowth endothelial colony-forming cells, are decreased in the cord blood of preterm infants who later develop moderate or severe BPD (13, 14) . Together, these findings suggest that early disruptions in the number and function of angiogenic progenitor cells, possibly by maternal complications of pregnancy known to be associated with BPD risk, may lead to impaired development of the pulmonary vasculature and sustained impaired gas exchange in preterm infants with BPD. This study shows how a physiologic assessment, such as infant pulmonary function testing, may be used in the clinical setting to provide an estimation of impaired gas exchange in preterm infants with varying degrees of lung injury. Combining functional assays such as this with measurement of pCHSPCs and other angiogenic biomarkers in the cord blood, as well as novel imaging techniques such as quantitative pulmonary magnetic resonance imaging (15), will lead to improved disease phenotyping of preterm infants at risk for BPD. Given the spectrum of disease severity among infants with severe BPD (as determined by the currently accepted diagnostic criteria), novel methods such as these will help identify preterm neonates more accurately, permit targeted therapies for the most severely affected infants, and provide quantitative evidence of the efficacy of these interventions in young children after preterm birth (16). n
Output: Jobe AH, Bancalari E. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
The adhesion of microbial pathogens to host cells is mediated by adhesins. Experimental methods used for characterizing adhesins are time-consuming and demand large resources. The availability of specialized software can rapidly aid experimenters in simplifying this problem. We have employed 105 compositional properties and artificial neural networks to develop SPAAN, which predicts the probability of a protein being an adhesin (P ad ). Results: SPAAN had optimal sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 100% on a defined test set and could identify 97.4% of known adhesins at high P ad value from a wide range of bacteria. Furthermore, SPAAN facilitated improved annotation of several proteins as adhesins. Novel adhesins were identified in 17 pathogenic organisms causing diseases in humans and plants. In the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) associated human corona virus, the spike glycoprotein and nsps (nsp2, nsp5, nsp6 and nsp7) were identified as having adhesin-like characteristics. These results offer new lead for rapid experimental testing.
Output: SPAAN: a software program for prediction of adhesins and adhesin-like proteins using neural networks
The constituents of Cimicifuga plants have been extensively investigated, and the principal metabolites are 9, 19-cyclolanostane triterpenoid glycosides, which often exhibit extensive pharmacological activities. 9, 19-Cyclolanostane triterpenoid glycosides are distributed widely in genus Cimicifuga rather than in other members of the Ranunculaceae family. So far, more than 140 cycloartane triterpene glycosides have been isolated from Cimicifuga spp.. The aim of this review was to summarize all 9, 19-cyclolanostane triterpenoid glycosides based on the available relevant scientific literatures from 2000 to 2014. Biological studies of cycloartane triterpene glycosides from Cimicifuga spp. are also discussed. [KEY WORDS] Cimicifuga spp.; 9, 19-Cyclolanostane glycosides; Chemical structure; Biological effects [CLC Number] R284, R965 [Document code] A [Article ID] 2095-6975(2016)10-0721-11 [Received on] 
Output: Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines ·Reviews· Photochemistry and pharmacology of 9, 19-cyclolanostane gly- cosides isolated from genus Cimicifuga
A mong the infl ammatory processes triggering COPD exacerbations, respiratory tract viral infections are prime suspects. Although fi rst localized in the upper-respiratory tract (URT), these infections could trigger a cascade of infl ammatory events 1,2 that lead to clinically signifi cant exacerbations. Current guidelines recommend the administration of antibiotics based mainly on clinical criteria, 1 leading inevitably to an overuse of antibiotics, which is estimated to occur in approximately 55% of all acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). 3 The participation of viral infections in AECOPD has been confi rmed in many studies. 4-7 The most recent reports using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods led to a positive detection of viral nucleic acids in 30% to 60% of AECOPD cases. 5,8-12 However, the role of recently identifi ed viruses, such as coronavirus NL63 and HKU1 and human bocavirus as well as the new human rhinoviruses C, which are reported as the most frequent ones circulating in the community, 13, 14 has not yet been fully established. Biomarkers such as procalcitonin (PCT), when elevated, have been proposed as surrogate markers of bacterial disease and, when within normal values, often are considered in clinical practice as the signature of a viral infection. Although PCT has been studied Background: Respiratory viruses frequently are recovered in the upper-respiratory tract during acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD), but their role as contributing pathogens remains unclear. The usefulness of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein as indicators of the presence or absence of viral infection in this setting also needs to be evaluated. Methods: The study was of a prospective cohort of patients with COPD admitted to the ED for AECOPD. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for 14 respiratory viruses was performed on nasopharyngeal swabs collected at admission and after recovery in stable condition. Conclusions: Prevalence of upper-respiratory viral infection, as detected from nasopharyngeal swab by RT-PCR, is high in AECOPD and low after clinical recovery, suggesting that AECOPD frequently are triggered by viral infections initiated in the upper-respiratory tract. In our study, serum procalcitonin and C-reactive protein did not discriminate virus-associated exacerbations from others. Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov; Identifi er: NCT00448604. Abbreviations: AECOPD 5 acute exacerbations of COPD; CRP 5 C-reactive protein; OR 5 odds ratio; PCR 5 polymerase chain reaction; PCT 5 procalcitonin; PEF 5 peak expiratory fl ow; RSV 5 respiratory syncytial virus; RT-PCR 5 reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction; URT 5 upper-respiratory tract
Output: Upper-Respiratory Viral Infection, Biomarkers, and COPD Exacerbations
Rhinoviruses (RVs) and respiratory enteroviruses (EVs) are leading causes of upper respiratory tract infections and among the most frequent infectious agents in humans worldwide. Both are classified in the Enterovirus genus within the Picornaviridae family and they have been assigned to seven distinct species, RV-A, B, C and EV-A, B, C, D. As viral infections of public health significance, they represent an important financial burden on health systems worldwide. However, the lack of efficient antiviral treatment or vaccines against these highly prevalent pathogens prevents an effective management of RV-related diseases. Current advances in molecular diagnostic techniques have revealed the presence of RV in the lower respiratory tract and its role in lower airway diseases is increasingly reported. In addition to an established etiological role in the common cold, these viruses demonstrate an unexpected capacity to spread to other body sites under certain conditions. Some of these viruses have received particular attention recently, such as EV-D68 that caused a large outbreak of respiratory illness in 2014, respiratory EVs from species C, or viruses within the newly-discovered RV-C species. This review provides an update of the latest findings on clinical and fundamental aspects of RV and respiratory EV, including a summary of basic knowledge of their biology.
Output: viruses Rhinoviruses and Respiratory Enteroviruses: Not as Simple as ABC
Background: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), an emerging infectious disease introduced in South Korea in 2015, spreads quickly through hospitals, and Korea became one of the major areas affected by the disease after the Middle East region. To stop the spread of an emerging disease, it is important to practice prevention guidelines correctly. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate factors influencing preventive behavior against MERS-CoV among Korean nursing students. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire survey. Data were collected from 429 nursing students from three colleges of nursing in Korea from June 25 to July 3 in 2015. Results: Preventive behavior against MERS-CoV was affected mostly by attitude (β = .243, p b .001). Such behavior was also high in relation to the variables of perceived risk (β = .232, p b .001), older students (β = .202, p b .001), knowledge level (β = .153, p b .01), and female respondents (β = .115, p b .05). Conclusion: Preventive behavior against emerging infectious diseases such as MERS-CoV was found to be affected most significantly by attitude and risk perception. It is crucial to provide nursing students with information or knowledge, but it is also important to help those in nursing education recognize that active preventive behavior can prevent this infectious disease and stop its spread.
Output: Factors influencing preventive behavior against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus among nursing students in South Korea ☆
Background: Parallel to its technical development starting in the 1930s, electron microscopy (EM) became an important tool in basic and clinical virology. First utilized in the rapid diagnosis of smallpox, it developed to a diagnostic routine in the early 1960s using the negative staining technique. EM was applied to infected cell-cultures and also to 'dirty' specimens including urine, feces, vesicle fluid, liquor. With the implementation of molecular biological and genetic techniques, the use of diagnostic EM decreased. Objecti6es: (1) To give a perspective on future indications and possible uses by discussing the past and the present of diagnostic EM, (2) To describe the system of External Quality Assessment on EM virus diagnosis (EQA-EMV) established in 1994 by our laboratory and its achievements. Study design: EQA-EMV is run to evaluate, to confirm and to improve the quality of diagnostic EM. Two different types of specimen are sent out: (1) prepared grids to assess and train the diagnostic skills of the participants, (2) stabilized virus particle suspensions to assess preparation efficiency. Results: Diagnostic EM differs from other diagnostic tests in its rapidity and its undirected 'open view'. To emphasize these advantages, the indications for diagnostic EM are discussed, fundamental for a continuing future adaptation. Besides appropriate techniques, quality control measures are required to achieve and keep high diagnostic standards. The results from 6 years of EQA-EMV are presented. Conclusions: In the history of diagnostic EM in virology, a change in use has been seen. Starting in the 1990s and coincident with the broad introduction of 'modern' diagnostic techniques, the number Abbre6iations: EM, electron microscope, electron microscopy; EQA, external quality assessment scheme; EQA-EMV, external quality assessment scheme on EM virus diagnosis; ICTV, International Committee on the Taxonomy of Viruses; IEM, immune electron microscopy; NAT, nucleic acid amplification techniques; SPIEM, solid phase immune electron microscopy; SRNSV, small round non-structured viruses; SRSV, small round structured viruses. -6532/99/$ -see front matter © 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. PII: S 1 3 8 6 -6 5 3 2 ( 9 9 ) 0 0 0 2 7 -X S.S. Biel, H.R. Gelderblom / Journal of Clinical Virology 13 (1999) 105-119 106 of EM diagnostic labs has decreased considerably-in spite of the obvious advantages of this technique. To guarantee the continuing performance of diagnostic EM in the future, EQA runs have to be performed as with other techniques in the diagnostic armament. The growing number of participants and participating countries indicates an interest in as well as a need for this program.
Output: Diagnostic electron microscopy is still a timely and rewarding method
Around the globe, there is a great concern about controlling growth of pathogenic microorganisms for the prevention of infectious diseases. Moreover, the greater incidences of cross contamination and overuse of drugs has contributed towards the development of drug resistant microbial strains making conditions even worse. Hospital acquired infections pose one of the leading complications associated with implantation of any biomaterial after surgery and critical care. In this regard, developing non-conventional antimicrobial agents which would prevent the aforementioned causes is under the quest. The rapid development in nanoscience and nanotechnology has shown promising potential for developing novel biocidal agents that would integrate with a biomaterial to prevent bacterial colonization and biofilm formation. Metals with inherent antimicrobial properties such as silver, copper, zinc at nano scale constitute a special class of antimicrobials which have broad spectrum antimicrobial nature and pose minimum toxicity to humans. Hence, novel biomaterials that inhibit microbial growth would be of great significance to eliminate medical device/instruments associated infections. This chapter comprises the state-of-art advancements in the development of nano-antimicrobial biomaterials for biomedical applications. Several strategies have been targeted to satisfy few important concern such as enhanced long term antimicrobial activity and stability, minimize leaching of antimicrobial material and promote reuse. The proposed strategies to develop new hybrid antimicrobial biomaterials would offer a potent antibacterial solution in healthcare sector such as wound healing applications, tissue scaffolds, medical implants, surgical devices and instruments.
Output: Development of Nano-antimicrobial Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications