bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in low frequency ambient noise for a site 80 km off the Oregon coast over approximately four years ending August 2020
Authors: Dahl Peter H. , Harrington Michael , Dall'Osto David R.
Published: June 2021

Approximately 4 years of underwater noise data recorded from the Regional Cabled Array (RCA) network, at the site known as Hydrate Ridge, is studied for purposes of examining long term trends. The data originate from station HYS14 located on the seabed at a depth of approximately 800 m and 80 km offshore of Newport, OR. The sample rate is 200 Hz, setting to the analysis limit to less than 100 Hz. A distinctive feature of the data is the sound pressure level in the frequency range of 20 Hz that reflects the migratory timing of fin whales, which peaks near the start of the new year, and reaches a minimum around June. There is a suggestion that the level between 10 and 70 Hz attributable shipping activity, is reduced in the spring of 2020 by about 2 dB relative the three prior years, possibly owing reducing economic activity linked with Covid-19. At the time of this writing independent verification of with shipping data is ongoing. [This study was partially supported by U.S. Office of Naval Research and by the UW Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean and Ecosystem Studies (CICOES).]
Disordered Eating, Development of Menstrual Irregularity, and Reduced Bone Mass Change After a 3-Year Follow-Up In Female Adolescent Endurance Runners
Authors: Barrack Michelle T. , Van Loan Marta D. , Rauh Mitchell , Nichols Jeanne F.
Published: June 2021

This prospective study evaluated the 3-year change in menstrual function and bone mass among 40 female adolescent endurance runners (age 15.9 ± 1.0 years) according to baseline disordered eating status. Three years after initial data collection, runners underwent follow-up measures including the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire and a survey evaluating menstrual function, running training, injury history, and prior sports participation. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure bone mineral density and body composition. Runners with a weight concern, shape concern, or global score ≥4.0 or reporting >1 pathologic behavior in the past 28 days were classified with disordered eating. Compared with runners with normal Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire scores at baseline, runners with disordered eating at baseline reported fewer menstrual cycles/year (6.4 ± 4.5 vs. 10.5 ± 2.8, p = .005), more years of amenorrhea (1.6 ± 1.4 vs. 0.3 ± 0.5, p = .03), and a higher proportion of menstrual irregularity (75.0% vs. 31.3%, p = .02) and failed to increase lumbar spine or total hip bone mineral density at the 3-year follow-up. In a multivariate model including body mass index and menstrual cycles in the past year at baseline, baseline shape concern score (B = −0.57, p value = .001) was inversely related to the annual number of menstrual cycles between assessments. Weight concern score (B = −0.40, p value = .005) was inversely associated with lumbar spine bone mineral density Z-score change between assessments according to a multivariate model adjusting for age and body mass index. These finding support associations between disordered eating at baseline and future menstrual irregularities or reduced accrual of lumbar spine bone mass in female adolescent endurance runners.
Response to Comment on “Individual heterozygosity predicts translocation success in threatened desert tortoises”
Authors: Scott Peter A. , Allison Linda J. , Field Kimberleigh J. , Averill-Murray Roy C. , Shaffer H. Bradley
Published: June 2021

Hansson
et al
. argue that our main finding could provide an overly simplistic metric for maximizing genetic rescue. They agree that translocating the most genetically diverse individuals led to a large increase in translocated tortoise survival, but recommend instead moving individuals that have low genetic load and the greatest representation of metapopulation diversity. Their recommendation is based on specific model assumptions and fitness effects that are often unknown and are not generalizable to many endangered species applications.
Antibody sugars are bittersweet
Authors: de Alwis Ruklanthi , Ooi Eng Eong
Published: June 2021

Antibodies that lack specific sugar modifications can worsen acute viral diseases
A LoCK at the T cell dock
Authors: Horkova Veronika , Stepanek Ondrej
Published: June 2021

Topology of T cell receptor–antigen binding constrains T cell activation
Age-dependent resistance of human alveolar macrophages to herpes simplex virus
Authors: Mintz L , Drew W L , Hoo R , Finley T N
Published: June 2021

Studies in mice demonstrate an age-dependent susceptibility to disseminated herpesvirus infection which is mediated. at least in part, by a defect in macrophage antiviral function. We examined the growth of herpes simplex virus within human alveolar macrophages obtained by bronchopulmonary lavage from neonates, adults with a variety of immunosuppressive disorders, and healthy adult volunteers. At 24 h postinfection, mean viral titers in neonatal macrophages increased 19-fold over adsorbed virus levels, a highly significant increase when compared to either immunosuppressed or normal adult macrophages (P less than 0.0005). These findings indicate that human macrophages, like those of mice, exhibit age-dependent permissiveness for the replication of herpes simplex virus. This permissiveness may at least partially account for the clinical observation that human newborns are highly susceptible to disseminated herpes simplex virus infections, whereas adults are not.
Immune responses of goats persistently infected with caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus
Authors: Adams D S , Crawford T B , Banks K L , McGuire T C , Perryman L E
Published: June 2021

Eight cesarean-derived goat kids were inoculated with caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV), and proliferative responses of their peripheral blood mononuclear cells to mitogens and CAEV antigen were monitored for 9 months. Antibody specific for CAEV was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Five cesarean-derived noninfected goats were tested simultaneously. Significant differences between the infected and control mononuclear cell proliferation reactions to CAEV began 14 days post-inoculation and continued in a fluctuant manner until 134 days post-inoculation. The magnitude of the proliferative reaction steadily increased in infected goats until the end of the experiment at 271 days post-inoculation. Responses to mitogens were not significantly different between infected and control goats. Virus-inoculated goats produced CAEV-specific antibody that reached a maximum level between 49 and 77 days post-inoculation and then declined to lower levels through 271 days post-inoculation. The virus-inoculated goats developed mild but characteristic clinical evidence of caprine arthritis-encephalitis, and CAEV was reisolated from four goats at 286 days post-inoculation. The five control goats developed neither an anti-CAEV immune response nor clinical disease, and CAEV could not be reisolated from them.
Relationship between germination of Candida albicans and increased adherence to human buccal epithelial cells
Authors: Kimura L H , Pearsall N N
Published: June 2021

A strong correlation was shown between germination and increased adherence of Candida albicans to human buccal epithelial cells, indicating that germination or other changes in the fungi accompanying germination were responsible for enhanced adherence. Partial inhibition of germination by cysteine resulted in a comparably lower adherence. Preferential adherence of germinated fungi occurred in competition assays with nongerminated and germinated fungi. The enhanced adherence to human mucosal cells of germinated C albicans could represent one mechanism contributing to the pathogenicity of the organism.
Infective Toxoplasma gondii trophozoites attenuated by ultraviolet irradiation
Authors: Grimwood B G
Published: June 2021

Both the virulence and infectivity of Toxoplasma gondii trophozoites are affected by increasing fluences of ultraviolet irradiation. All mice received unirradiated virulent trophozoites intraperitoneally died in an average of 5 days. All mice inoculated with trophozoites irradiated with 20 J m-2 died in an average of 8 days. Fluences of 35, 55, and 70 J m-2 resulted in 90, 20 and 0% deaths, respectively. Fluences up to 720 M m-2 did not increase the number of nonviable trophozoites. The minimum fluence which prevented mouse deaths (70 J m-2) also prevented trophozoite proliferation in baby hamster kidney (BHK-21) cell cultures. Minimum fluence-irradiated trophozoites attached to or entered BHK-21 cells or both at a rate similar to that for controls. BHK-21 cells fixed and stained 18 h after inoculation with unirradiated trophozoites contained both single and multiple trophozoites. In contrast, cell cultures inoculated with minimum fluence-irradiated trophozoites contained only single, nonreplicated trophozoites. No proliferation of trophozoites in these cultures was found as long as observed, 14 days after inoculation. Fluences of ultraviolet irradiation can therefore be determined which allow infection of cells but prevent trophozoite proliferation.
Defect of In Vitro Digestive Ability of Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes in Paracoccidioidomycosis
Authors: Goihman-Yahr Mauricio , Essenfeld-Yahr Ervin , De Albornoz María C. , Yarzábal Luis , De Gómez MaríA H. , Martín Blanca San , Ocanto Ana , Gil Francisco , Convit Jacinto
Published: June 2021

Selected functions of polymorphonuclear leukocytes were studied in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis (South American blastomycosis), in healthy control individuals, and in patients with diseases unrelated to paracoccidioidomycosis. Patients with paracoccidioidomycosis were also evaluated by standard immunological techniques. Phagocytosis and digestion of
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
yeastlike cells in vitro was estimated by an original method. It was based on the appearance of phagocytosed
P. brasiliensis
in preparations stained by a modification of the Papanicolaou method and examined with phase-contrast optics. Interpretation of such findings was confirmed by electron microscopy. Two strains of
P. brasiliensis
were used. Strain 8506 was freshly isolated from a patient. Strain Pb9 was known to be nonpathogenic and to have a peculiar cell wall composition. Yeastlike cells of the Pb9 strain were digested significantly better than those of strain 8506. A higher number of leukocytes per fungus cells led to a higher proportion of digested
P. brasiliensis.
Leukocytes from patients with paracoccidioidomycosis phagocytosed the fungus in a normal way, but had a significant lower ability to digest it in vitro. When individual cases were analyzed, there was an excellent correlation between clinical evolution and digestive ability of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. There was good correlation between both of these and immunological parameters. Leukocytes from all groups behaved comparably in tests of general leukocyte function and in their abilities to kill and digest
Candida albicans.
Our results indicate that, as a group, polymorphonuclear leukocytes from patients with paracoccidioidomycosis had a significant, rather specific, defect in their in vitro digestive capacity against phagocytosed
P. brasiliensis.
There was also an inverse correlation between strain pathogenicity and its susceptibility to in vitro digestion by polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Our findings are concordant with and relevant to clinical reality.
In vitro response of alveolar macrophages to infection with Coccidioides immitis
Authors: Beaman L , Holmberg C A
Published: June 2021

Alveolar macrophages obtained from rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) by bronchial lavage were observed to phagocytize endospores and arthrospores of Coccidioides immitis. When the macrophages were subsequently maintained in vitro, the phagocytized spores developed into spherules. There was no significant reduction in the viability of C. immitis after phagocytosis by macrophages from normal macaques, nor was killing induced by the addition of immune serum, complement, or lung lining material obtained from the bronchial lavage fluid. The inability of the macrophages to kill C. immitis may in part be explained by the observation that C. immitis appeared to inhibit fusion of the phagosomes containing the fungal spores with the lysosomes within the macrophages.
Pathogenicity of Mycoplasma pulmonis in ependymal organ culture
Authors: Kohn D F , Chinookoswong N
Published: June 2021

Ependymal organ culture was used as a model to study the effect of Mycoplasma pulmonis on the ciliated ependyma of the rat. Reduced ciliary activity or ciliostasis occurred 48 to 72 h after infection. Scanning electron microscopy showed that numerous organisms were associated with the cytoplasmic membrane of host cells beginning at 24 h, and transmission electron microscopy indicated that M. pulmonis cytadsorbs to the cell surface. Lesions observed in the organ cultures were limited to changes at the cell surface. These changes included reduction in microvilli density, matting of cilia into bundles, collapse of the cilia onto the cell surface, deciliation of the ependymal cells, and flattening of the cell surface. The results indicated that the response of the ependymal cell to M. pulmonis is similar to that which occurrs in Mycoplasma-infected tracheal and oviduct organ culture systems.
Presence of a virulence-associated plasmid in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
Authors: Gemski P , Lazere J R , Casey T , Wohlhieter J A
Published: June 2021

We have shown that Yersinia pseudotuberculosis can possess plasmids which are similar in size and function to the previously described Vwa plasmids of Y. enterocolitica. These plasmids are associated with the production of V and W antigens (calcium dependency) and pathogenicity of the organism. Further investigation of these plasmids from Y. pseudotuberculosis and Y. enterocolitica with restriction endonucleases revealed significant differences in their fragmentation pattern.
Differences in attachment between herpes simplex type 1 and type 2 viruses to neurons and glial cells
Authors: Vahlne A , Svennerholm B , Sandberg M , Hamberger A , Lycke E
Published: June 2021

Fractions of nerve cell perikarya, synaptosomes, and astrocytic glia were prepared from human, monkey , rabbit, rat, and mouse brain tissue. The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) binding capacity of these fractions was studied. Pretreatment of fractions with one type of HSV and the subsequent testing of adsorption of homotypic and heterotypic virus ws employed to reveal type selectivity of virus binding receptors. A higher density of HSV-1 than of HSV-2 selective receptors was found on synaptosomes and glial cells, except with mouse-derived preparations. Synaptosomal and glial cell preparations of mouse brains adsorbed both types of HSV well. Little or no adsorption was observed with HSV-1 and HSV-2 to neuronal perikarya. The type selectivity of HSV binding receptors on brain cells ws demonstrated on preparations of human synaptosomes and mouse glial cells. Some possible implications of the observations on the HSV infection of the nervous system are discussed.
Evaluation of three strains of influenza A virus in humans and in owl, cebus, and squirrel monkeys
Authors: Murphy B R , Sly D L , Hosier N T , London W T , Chanock R M
Published: June 2021

The virulence of three cloned influenza A viruses was compared in humans and in three readily available species of nonhuman primates (owl, squirrel, and cebus monkeys) in an attempt to identify a species of monkey that could be used to investigate the genetic basis of attenuation of influenza A viruses for humans. Three influenza A viruses from two subtypes, i.e., the A/Udorn/72 (H3N2), A/Alaska/77 (H3H2), and A/Hong Kong/77 (H1H1) viruses, produced febrile influenzal illness in humans. Squirrel monkeys developed mild upper respiratory tract illness in response to each of the three viruses. Illness was accompanied by a high level of virus shedding; each of nine squirrel monkeys that shed equal to or greater than 10(5.0) 50% tissue culture infective doses of virus became ill, whereas those that shed less remained well. In contrast, the cebus and owl monkeys remained clinically well despite infection with each of the three viruses. Thus, squirrel monkeys appear to be moderately permissive primate hosts in which to investigate the genetic basis of virulence of human influenza A viruses.
Effects of human complement component 1 inactivator on neutrophil chemotaxis and chemotactic deactivation
Authors: Patrick R A , Hollers J C , Liu D Y , Giese B H , Smith C W
Published: June 2021

This study was undertaken to ascertain the relationship between complement-derived chemotactic factors and complement component 1 inactivator (C1INA) enhancement of neutrophil chemotaxis. Studies were also designed to determine whether the C1s- reactive or binding site on C1INA was functional in altering chemotactic responsiveness of neutrophilic leukocyes. Chemotaxis was assessed by determining cell migration in micropore filters. C1INA was found to enhance the chemotactic response to zymosan-activated plasma, C5a, and N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-phenylalanine and to bring the response of chemotactically deactivated cells to normal. In contrast, C1INA inhibited the chemotactic response to trypsin and EAC4oxy2-activated C3. Complexes of C1INA and C1s- failed to mediate the usual C1INA-enhanced response. Artificially produced C5-deficient plasma, when treated with zymosan, failed to support chemotaxis or to produce chemotactic deactivation. C1INA was without effect when this activated plasma was used as a source of chemotactic factors. We conclude from these data that C1INA enhancement of neutrophil chemotaxis to activated plasma is associated with C5-derived chemotactic fragments. The effects of C1INA are apparently related to the C1s- reactive or binding site(s) on the C1INA molecule. We suggest that C1INA may play a homeostatic role in neutrophil chemotaxis.
Natural and immune cytolysis of canine distemper virus-infected target cells
Authors: Shek W R , Schultz R D , Appel M J
Published: June 2021

Natural and immune cytolysis of canine distemper virus (CDV)-infected target cells in vitro is described. Lymphocytes expressing natural cytotoxicity were found in specific-pathogen-free beagle dogs and in beagle-coonhound crosses before vaccination with CDV and indefinitely after vaccination, when the ephemeral immune lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity (ILMC) had declined. In contrast to the natural lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity, the ILMC was genetically restricted, could not be blocked by CDV-specific antibody, and was effective against measles virus-infected as well as CDV-infectd target cells. Lymphocyte populations were depleted of Fc receptor and surface immunoglobulin-bearing cells by rosetting techniques and tested in comparison. An antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity was demostrated against CDV-infected target cells that were preincubated with CDV antibody when Fc receptor-bearing lymphocytes were not removed. The ILMC was measurable for approximately 10 days beginning at 6 days post-vaccination. In contrast, CDV antibody measured by virus neutralization and humoral cytotoxicity was detectable by 6 days postvaccination and persisted at peak levels for at least 5 months.
Acute Starvation Protects Mice Against
Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Wing Edward J. , Young James B.
Published: June 2021

We investigated the effect of starvation on the course of
Listeria monocytogenes
infections in mice. Mice starved for 24, 48, or 72 h and then inoculated with a lethal dose of
L. monocytogenes
showed significantly less mortality than mice not starved (i.e., fed mice). The protective effect of 48 or 72 h of starvation began immediately after the starvation period and persisted for at least 48 h. Starved, infected mice had significantly fewer
L. monocytogenes
cells in their spleens 2, 3, and 4 days after infection than did fed mice. Neither changes in T-lymphocyte function nor serum factors appeared to be responsible for the protective effect. Delayed hypersensitivity responses to
L. monocytogenes
antigen were smaller in starved mice than in fed mice. Adoptive transfer of spleen cells from nonimmune starved mice did not protect against
L. monocytogenes
. Additional studies indicated that the serum of starved mice did not inhibit multiplication of
L. monocytogenes
in vitro, nor was it able to transfer protection against
L. monocytogenes
to normal mice. In contrast, peritoneal macrophages from starved mice inhibited deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis of P815 tumor cells compared with macrophages from control mice. Therefore, the resistance of starved mice to
L. monocytogenes
is most likely due to nonspecific factors, one of which may be activation of macrophages.
Microflora and chemical composition of dental plaque from subjects with hereditary fructose intolerance
Authors: Hoover C I , Newbrun E , Mettraux G , Graf H
Published: June 2021

We compared the microbiological and chemical composition of dental plaque from subjects with hereditary fructose intolerance who restrict their dietary sugar intake with that of control subjects who do not. The two groups showed no significant differences in chemical composition of plaque: the mean protein, carbohydrate, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate contents were similar. Dental plaque from both groups contained similar numbers of total colony-forming units per microgram of plaque protein, and Streptococcus sanguis, an indigenous nonpathogen, was isolated with equal frequency from plaque samples of both groups. However, potentially odontopathic Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus were isolated three to four times more frequently from plaque samples of control subjects than from plaque samples of subjects with hereditary fructose intolerance. Clearly, diet (sucrose in particular) influences the colonization and multiplication of specific cariogenic organisms in dental plaque.
Extent of Peptide Cross-Linking in the Peptidoglycan of
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Rosenthal R. S. , Wright R. M. , Sinha R. K.
Published: June 2021

The extent of peptide cross-linking in peptidoglycan (PG) isolated from various strains of
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
was examined. Purified PG, specifically labeled in the peptide moiety with [
3
H]diaminopimelic acid (DAP) and labeled in the glycan with [
14
C]glucosamine and [
14
C]muramic acid, was digested completely with Chalaropsis B muramidase. Gel filtration of the digest on connected columns of Sephadex G-50 and G-25 revealed four well-defined peaks corresponding to soluble PG fragments and containing a constant ratio of
3
H to
14
C. On the basis of (i)

K
D

values, (ii) amino acid composition, (iii) free amino group analysis of [
3
H]DAP residues, (iv) borohydride reduction, (v) the β-elimination reaction, (vi) high-voltage electrophoresis, and (vii) paper chromatography in various solvents, the PG fragments were identified as un-cross-linked disaccharide peptide monomer, typical of chemotype I PG, and the corresponding peptide cross-linked dimers, trimers, and tetramers. The percent cross-linking of PG basically reflects the percentage of DAP residues that are involved in peptide cross-linking bonds. This value was estimated from the distribution of labeled fragments that resulted from the enzymatic digestion of PG and was confirmed by the analysis of free amino groups in [
3
H]DAP of intact PG. Although there were subtle, strain- and medium-dependent differences in percent cross-linking, these values varied only over a relatively narrow range (36 to 44%). The percent cross-linking of PG in the prototype strain, RD
5
, grown in a standard gonococcal medium (LGCB
+
) was 41.0 ± 2.0%. This is a relatively high degree of peptide cross-linking for a gram-negative bacterium. We also confirmed previous observations that the extent of PG cross-linking among isogenic gonococci was higher in strains, e.g., FA140 and FA136, carrying loci that govern increased resistance to multiple drugs.
Bactericidal activity of human lactoferrin: sensitivity of a variety of microorganisms
Authors: Arnold R R , Brewer M , Gauthier J J
Published: June 2021

Lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein that has been detected in secretions that bathe human mucosal tissues. Previous studies have shown that, when this protein is in the iron-free state, it is capable of a direct bactericidal effect on Streptococcus mutans and Vibrio cholerae. The present study demonstrates variable susceptibilities for a variety of different microorganisms. The list of susceptible organisms includes gram-positive and gram-negative microbes, rods and cocci, facultative anaerobes, and aerotolerant anaerobes. Similar morphological and physiological types are represented among the lalctoferrin-resistant bacteria. S. mutans was more resistant to lactoferrin when grown on a sucrose-contaning medium than when it was grown on brain heart infusion broth without added scurose. When a lactoferrin-sensitive, avirulent strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae was passed through mice, the resultant virulent culture became lactoferrin resistant. Since organisms of the same species and even of the same strain (S. pneumoniae) can differ in susceptibility to lactoferrin, it appears that accessibility to the lactoferrin target site may account for differences in susceptibility. It appears that there may be a relation between virulence and resistance to lactoferrin.
Modified coagglutination procedure for the serological grouping of streptococci
Authors: Carlson J R , McCarthy L R
Published: June 2021

Cowan I staphylococci coated with antisera to streptococcal groups A, B, C, D, F, and G were used as coagglutination reagents in a modified coagglutination procedure (MCAP). Streptococcal group antigens were extracted with a Streptomyces albus-lysozyme enzyme mixture for 30 min at 55 degrees C and centrifuged, and the supernatant was tested by slide coagglutination. Positive coagglutination reactions occurred within 30 s. The cell pellets from overnight broth cultures and colonies taken directly from sheep blood agar plates were tested and compared with the results of the Lancefield capillary precipitin method. Of the 102 strains of broth-grown cells tested, 100 were grouped by the MCAP and the Lancefield capillary precipitin method. The remaining two isolates were serologically identified only by the MCAP. Of the original 102 strains, 97 were tested by MCAP after extraction of five well-isolated colonies from a sheep blood agar plate. When this latter method was used, 95.9% of the strains were correctly identified. Nonspecific reactions were observed only while testing the MCAP with the direct plate assay. These cross-reactions were remedied promptly by either absorption or dilution of the antisera involved. The MCAP was found to be a rapid and reliable technique for the serological grouping of streptococci.
Tyrosine degradation in presumptive identification of Peptostreptococcus anaerobius
Authors: Babcock J B
Published: June 2021

A new tyrosine medium was developed and evaluated for the differentiation of Peptostreptococcus anaerobius from other anaerobic, gram-positive cocci. The strains included 159 originating from clinical specimens and 13 reference strains received from other workers in the field. Only one strain of each species was included in the study from multiple cultures from the same patient. This medium is simple to prepare and can be used in a small clinical laboratory. One hundred seventy-two strains of anaerobic gram-positive cocci were grown and evaluated with the new tyrosine medium; 36 strains (100%) of P. anaerobius degradated the tyrosine crystals when incubated at 37 degrees C under anaerobic conditions in a GasPak jar (Baltimore Biological Laboratory) for approximately 72 h. On the other hand, 135 of 136 other anaerobic gram-positive cocci were negative for tyrosine degradation, but grew on the tyrosine agar plate when incubated anaerobically. The single strain that degraded tyrosine was 1 of the 13 isolates of Peptostreptococcus micros studied.
Antibodies detectable by counterimmunoelectrophoresis against Bacteroides antigens in serum of patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Helphingstine C J , Hentges D J , Campbell B J , Butt J , Barrett J T
Published: June 2021

Heat-extracted antigens from seven species of Bacteroides were used in passive hemagglutination and counterimmunoelectrophoretic tests. Sera from 87 normal persons (group I) and 15 patients with ulcerative colitis (group II) were of low and equal reactivity in passive hemagglutination tests; all positive tests were eliminated by 2-mercaptoethanol reduction of the sera. When these same sera were tested by counterimmunoelectrophoresis with six of the Bacteroides antigens, no significant difference in the percentage of positive reactions was noted. However, using the chi-square test, the seventh antigen, prepared from Bacteroides vulgatus, successfully distinguished the two populations at the 0.025 level. Counterimmunoelectrophoretic tests with the B. vulgatus antigen also provided a means to separate the patients in group II with active disease from those in remission at a P value of 0.01. All the sera from 12 patients with defined Crohn's disease activity indexes reacted with the B. vulgatus antigen in counterimmunoelectrophoretic tests. Reduction and alkylation of patient sera with 2-mercaptoethanol and iodoacetamide removed detectable antibody in 78% of the samples, which suggested a dominant role of immunoglobulin M in the response to Bacteroides antigens.
Pooling Method for Screening Large Numbers of
Escherichia coli
for Production of Heat-Stable Enterotoxin, and Its Application in Field Studies
Authors: Byers Patricia A. , DuPont Herbert L.
Published: June 2021

A modified suckling mouse assay was developed for use in field studies whereby five
E. coli
isolates could be tested as a pool for heat-stable enterotoxin.
Comparison of cynomolgus and rhesus monkey kidney cells for recovery of viruses from clinical specimens
Authors: Clark J , Schley C , Irvine K , McIntosh K
Published: June 2021

In a study of virus recovery from clinical specimens, cynomolgus monkey kidney cells demonstrated sensitivity equivalent or slightly superior to rhesus kidney cells for siolation of myxo- and paramyxoviruses, adenoviruses, and enteroviruses.
Precise Species Identification for Acinetobacter: a Genome-Based Study with Description of Two Novel Acinetobacter Species
Authors: Qin Jiayuan , Feng Yu , Lü Xiaoju , Zong Zhiyong
Published: June 2021

Acinetobacter
species are widely distributed in nature and are of important ecological significance and clinical relevance. In this study, first, we significantly update the taxonomy of
Acinetobacter
by reporting two novel
Acinetobacter
species, namely,
Acinetobacter tianfuensis
and
Acinetobacter rongchengensis
, and by identifying
Acinetobacter portensis
as a synonym of
Acinetobacter pullorum
.
Anatomical variant of physeal blood supply to the fibula
Authors: Mantelakis Angelos , Mughal Maleeha , Man Julian , Roblin Paul
Published: June 2021

Vascularised epiphysial fibula bone transfers in the paediatric population provides a solution to growth suppression in extremity reconstruction. We report a case of an anatomical variant to the epiphysial blood supply that has never been reported in literature. A 6-year-old girl underwent a free vascularised fibula flap for reconstruction of her right humerous following osteosarcoma resection. While identifying and dissecting the recurrent epiphysial branch, a large branch from the peroneal artery was identified which directly entered the head of the fibula. No dominant supply from the anterior tibial (AT) vessels to the head of the fibula was seen. This led to the need for a bipedicled flap with diaphyseal supply from the AT vessels and the epiphysial transfer based on the peroneal artery. The patient made an uneventful recovery from the procedure. The same technique may be used by surgeons that may encounter this unique variant in clinical practice.
Permanent IVC filter strut penetration into an abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Lee Juehea , Roche-Nagle Graham
Published: June 2021

An 85-year-old man with a known history of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) presented to a vascular surgery clinic with a severely swollen, tender and erythematous left leg. An urgent CT angiogram demonstrated a left-sided, proximal deep vein thrombosis, and a permanent, Bird’s Nest inferior vena cava (IVC) filter (Cook, Inc., Bloomington, Ind.) penetrating his AAA. The patient was treated with a course of apixaban 5 mg two times per day and the decision was made to closely observe his IVC filter and AAA, given his numerous comorbidities and age. This case highlights the unique considerations associated with an approach to permanent IVC filter complications among patients with AAAs.
Nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a neonatal unit in Botswana: chronic overcrowding meets a novel pathogen
Authors: Nakstad Britt , Kaang Thato , Gezmu Alemayehu Mekonnen , Strysko Jonathan
Published: June 2021

We describe a cluster of six SARS-CoV-2 infections occurring in a crowded neonatal unit in Botswana, including presumed transmission among mothers, postnatal mother-to-neonate transmission and three neonate-to-healthcare worker transmissions. The affected neonate, born at 25 weeks’ gestation weighing 785 g, had a positive SARS-CoV-2 test at 3 weeks of age which coincided with new onset of hypoxaemia and worsening respiratory distress. Because no isolation facility could accommodate both patient and mother, they were separated for 10 days, during which time the patient was switched from breastmilk to formula. Her subsequent clinical course was marked by several weeks of supplemental oxygen, sepsis-like presentations requiring additional antibiotics and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Despite these complications, adequate growth was achieved likely due to early initiation of nutrition. This nosocomial cluster highlights the vulnerabilities of neonates, caregivers and healthcare workers in an overcrowded environment, and underscores the importance of uninterrupted bonding and breast feeding, even during a pandemic.
Effect of disease duration on the association between serum albumin and mucosal healing in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Yagi Sen , Furukawa Shinya , Shiraishi Kana , Hashimoto Yu , Tange Kazuhiro , Mori Kenichirou , Ninomiya Tomoyuki , Suzuki Seiyuu , Shibata Naozumi , Murakami Hidehiro , Ohashi Katsuhisa , Hasebe Aki , Tomida Hideomi , Yamamoto Yasunori , Takeshita Eiji , Ikeda Yoshio , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: June 2021

Objective

Serum albumin is used as a marker of acute inflammation. Several studies have addressed the association between serum albumin and clinical outcome in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). While mucosal healing (MH) has been indicated as the therapeutic goal for UC, the association between serum albumin and MH remains unclear. We evaluated this issue in patients with UC overall and explored whether duration of UC affected this association.

Design

This cross-sectional study recruited consecutive patients with UC. Study subjects consisted of 273 Japanese patients with UC. Serum albumin was divided into tertiles based on its distribution in all study subjects. One endoscopy specialist was responsible for measuring partial MH and MH, which were defined as a Mayo endoscopic subscore of 0–1 and 0, respectively. The association between serum albumin and clinical outcomes was assessed by multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Rates of clinical remission, partial MH and MH were 57.9%, 63% and 26%, respectively. Only high serum albumin (>4.4 mg/dL) was significantly positively associated with MH (OR 2.29 (95% CI: 1.03 to 5.29), p for trend=0.043). In patients with short UC duration (<7 years) only, high serum albumin was significantly positively associated with MH and clinical remission. In patients with long UC duration (≥7 years), in contrast, no association between serum albumin and clinical outcomes was found.

Conclusion

In Japanese patients with UC, serum albumin was significantly positively associated with MH. In patients with short UC duration, serum albumin might be a useful complementary marker for MH.
Use of behavioural activation to manage pain: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Walsh Sandra , Jones Martin , Gray Richard John , Gillam Marianne , Gunn Kate M , Barker Trevor , Eshetie Tesfahun , Moseley G Lorimer
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Chronic pain is a distressing condition and often poorly treated and managed. Psychological therapies are considered first-line intervention for people with chronic pain. Common psychological therapies require extensive clinician training and specialist qualifications. One approach that does not need lengthy training nor specialist qualification, but has empirical support in other health domains, is behavioural activation (BA). BA seeks to increase engagement in behaviours that are valued by the person and progress through behaviours that can increase mood and develop skills that build satisfying routines. BA can help people to manage their condition through scheduling behaviours, promoting routine and mastery over their condition. The extent to which BA has been used to support people living with chronic pain is not clear.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review aims to identify published studies describing the application of BA to support people living with chronic pain. To map the evidence regarding BA and chronic pain, including the study type and the associated evidence, a scoping review was adopted. The search will be conducted in bibliographic databases, clinical trial registries and grey literature. No date limits will be applied to the search strategy. Screening of titles and abstracts, and full-text screening, will be independently undertaken by two investigators using Covidence software. Any disagreement between investigators will be resolved by a third investigator. Data from included publications will be extracted using a customised data extraction tool.

Ethics and dissemination

The scoping review is an analysis of existing data and therefore ethics approval is not required. The findings of this scoping review will further our understanding of how BA has been used to support people living with chronic pain and inform future training and education programmes in this area.
Platform study of genotyping-guided precision medicine for rare solid tumours: a study protocol for a phase II, non-randomised, 18-month, open-label, multiarm, single-centre clinical trial testing the safety and efficacy of multiple Chinese-approved targeted drugs and PD-1 inhibitors in the treatment of metastatic rare tumours
Authors: Wang Shuhang , Huang Hui-Yao , Wu Dawei , Fang Hong , Ying Jianming , Bai Ying , Yu Yue , Fang Yuan , Jiang Ning , Sun Chao , Yu Anqi , Fan Qi , Xing Shujun , Ni Yufen , Zhang Wei , Wu Chenhua , Ji Xinqian , Wang Hui , Guo Yaqian , Tang Qiyu , Wang Yuan , Tang Yu , Li Ning
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Limited clinical studies have been conducted on rare solid tumours, and there are few guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment, including experiences with targeted therapy and immunotherapy, of rare solid tumours in China, resulting in limited treatment options and poor outcomes. This study first proposes a definition of rare tumours and is designed to test the preliminary efficacy of targeted and immunotherapy drugs for the treatment of rare tumours.

Methods and analysis

This is a phase II, open-label, non-randomised, multiarm, single-centre clinical trial in patients with advanced rare solid tumours who failed standard treatment; the study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of targeted drugs in patients with advanced rare solid tumours with corresponding actionable alterations, as well as the safety and efficacy of immune checkpoint (programmed death receptor inhibitor 1, PD-1) inhibitors in patients with advanced rare solid tumours without actionable alterations. Patients with advanced rare tumours who fail standardised treatment and carry actionable alterations (Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, ALK gene fusions, ROS-1 gene fusions, C-MET gene amplifications/mutations, BRAF mutations, CDKN2A mutations, BRCA1/2 mutations, HER-2 mutations/overexpressions/amplifications or C-KIT mutations) will be enrolled in the targeted therapy arm and be given the corresponding targeted drugs. Patients without actionable alterations will be enrolled in the PD-1 inhibitor arm and be treated with sintilimab. After the patients treated with vemurafenib, niraparib and palbociclib acquire resistance, they will receive combination treatment with sintilimab or atezolizumab. With the use of Simon’s two-stage Minimax design, and the sample size was estimated to be 770. The primary endpoint of this study is the objective response rate. The secondary endpoints are progression-free survival in the targeted treatment group and single-agent immunotherapy group; the duration of response in the targeted therapy and single-agent immunotherapy groups; durable clinical benefit in the single-agent immunotherapy group; and the incidence of adverse events.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained from the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (ID: 20/132-2328). The results from this study will be actively disseminated through manuscript publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration numbers

NCT04423185; ChiCTR2000039310.
Gender difference in unmet need for assistance with activities of daily living among disabled seniors in China : a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Na , Li Xin , Deng Min , Wang Chang Qing , Zhou Chengchao
Published: June 2021

Objectives

This study explores the gender difference in unmet need for assistance with activities of daily living among older adults with disabilities in China.

Design

Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the gender difference and identify influential factors among disabled male and female seniors.

Setting

23 provinces throughout China.

Participants

A total of 1700 disabled seniors were included in the analysis.

Results

Of 1700 respondents, 619 (36.4%) were disabled male seniors. Overall, the possibility of unmet need for activity of daily living assistance among disabled female seniors was significantly lower than that among male group (OR 0.728; 95% CI 0.559 to 0.948) than males. Family care resources, economic status and loneliness were influential factors among disabled seniors regardless of genders. Furthermore, disabled female seniors from rural area (p=0.011), whose primary caregiver was willing to take care of them (p=0.022), whose community could provide daily life service (p=0.002) were more likely to have unmet need. Meanwhile, disabled female seniors whose community could provide medical service(p=0.001) were less likely to report unmet need.

Conclusions

The study showed that disabled male seniors were more likely to experience unmet need compared with female ones. Reducing unmet need for assistance with activities of daily living among disabled seniors and existing gender disparities therefore requires not only universal strategy, but also targeted policies which should be made or modified for disabled seniors of different genders.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic social restriction measures on people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases in the UK: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Smith Toby O , Belderson Pippa , Dainty Jack R , Birt Linda , Durrant Karen , Chipping Jacqueline R , Tsigarides Jordan , Yates Max , Naughton Felix , Werry Sarah , Notley Caitlin , Shepstone Lee , MacGregor Alex J
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To determine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic social restriction measures on people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and to explore how people adapted to these measures over time.

Design

Mixed-methods investigation comprising a national online longitudinal survey and embedded qualitative study.

Setting

UK online survey and interviews with community-dwelling individuals in the East of England.

Participants

People in the UK with RMDs were invited to participate in an online survey. A subsection of respondents were invited to participate in the embedded qualitative study.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The online survey, completed fortnightly over 10 weeks from April 2020 to August 2020, investigated changes in symptoms, social isolation and loneliness, resilience and optimism. Qualitative interviews were undertaken assessing participant’s perspectives on changes in symptoms, exercising, managing instrumental tasks such a shopping, medication and treatment regimens and how they experienced changes in their social networks.

Results

703 people with RMDs completed the online survey. These people frequently reported a deterioration in symptoms as a result of COVID-19 pandemic social restrictions (52% reported increase vs 6% reported a decrease). This was significantly worse for those aged 18–60 years compared with older participants (p=0.017). The qualitative findings from 26 individuals with RMDs suggest that the greatest change in daily life was experienced by those in employment. Although some retired people reported reduced opportunity for exercise outside their homes, they did not face the many competing demands experienced by employed people and people with children at home.

Conclusions

People with RMDs reported a deterioration in symptoms when COVID-19 pandemic social restriction measures were enforced. This was worse for working-aged people. Consideration of this at-risk group, specifically for the promotion of physical activity, changing home-working practices and awareness of healthcare provision is important, as social restrictions continue in the UK.