bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uterine infection with bovine herpesvirus type 4 in dairy cows
Authors: Klamminger S , Prunner I , Giuliodori MJ , Drillich M
Published: November 2016

Contents

Diseases of the reproductive tract are a frequent problem in dairy herds. Herpesviruses are uterine pathogens also involved in other clinical diseases; for example, bovine herpesvirus type 4 BoHV‐4 induces abortion, enteritis, metritis, pneumonia and vaginitis, but it can also be detected in healthy cows. The role of BoHV‐4 in the development of clinical endometritis (CE) or subclinical endometritis (SE) has not clearly been described. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of uterine BoHV‐4 infection and its relationship with clinical, bacteriological and cytological findings in dairy cows 20–30 days after calving. The experiment was performed as a completely randomized block design, with farm (n = 10) as blocking criterion and with cow (n = 397) as the experimental unit. Logistic regression models were used to assess the effect of BoHV‐4 infection on CE, SE and reproductive performance. Proportion of cows infected with BoHV‐4 was 5.8% (n = 23/397). BoHV‐4 was isolated in 11.0% (n = 12/109), 4.8% (n = 4/84) and 3.6% (n = 7/194) of cows diagnosed as CE, SE or healthy, respectively. A logistic model revealed that BoHV‐4 infection showed a tendency to increase the risk for CE (AOR = 2.17; p = .10) but significantly reduced both, the odds for artificial insemination within 80 days post‐partum (dpp) (AOR = 0.37; p = .035) and for pregnancy within 200 dpp (AOR = 0.13; p = .004). Furthermore, BoHV‐4 infection increased the chance for intrauterine infection with Trueperella pyogenes (AOR = 5.55; p < .001) and vice versa (AOR = 5.79, p < .001). In conclusion, BoHV‐4 infection is associated with reduced chances for insemination and pregnancy by 200 dpp and showed a trend to be associated with increased risk for CE. Furthermore, BoHV‐4 and Trueperella pyogenes infections are strongly related.
Expression pattern of HIF1alpha and vasohibins during follicle maturation and corpus luteum function in the bovine ovary
Authors: Berisha B , Schams D , Rodler D , Sinowatz F , Pfaffl MW
Published: November 2016

Contents

The aim of this study was to characterize expression patterns of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1alpha (HIF1A) and vasohibin family members (VASH1 and VASH2) during different stages of ovarian function in cow. Experiment 1: Antral follicle classification occurred by follicle size and estradiol‐17beta (E2) concentration in the follicular fluid into 5 groups (<0.5, 0.5–5, 5–40, 40–180 and >180 E2 ng/ml). Experiment 2: Corpora lutea (CL) were assigned to the following stages: days 1–2, 3–4, 5–7, 8–12, 13–16 and >18 (after regression) of oestrous cycle and of pregnancy (months 1–2, 3–4, 6–7, >8). Experiment 3: Cows on days 8–12 were injected with a prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF) analogue and CL were collected before and 0.5, 2, 4, 12, 24, 48 and 64 hr after PGF injection. Expression of mRNA was measured by qPCR, steroid hormone concentration by EIA and localization by immunohistochemistry. HIF1A mRNA expression in our study increases significantly in follicles during final maturation. The highest HIF1A mRNA expression was detected during the early luteal phase, followed by a significant decrease afterwards. In contrast, the mRNA of vasohibins in small follicle was high, followed by a continuous and significant downregulation in preovulatory follicles. The obtained results show a remarkable inverse expression and localization pattern of HIF1A and vasohibins during different stages of ovarian function in cow. These results lead to the assumption that the examined factors are involved in the local mechanisms regulating angiogenesis and that the interactions between proangiogenic (HIF1A) and antiangiogenic (vasohibins) factors impact all stages of bovine ovary function.
miRNA and piRNA expression profiles of breeder cock testes detected by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Wu SR , Guo W , Li YL , Ren XC , Lei XY , Li XY , Yao JH , Yang XJ
Published: November 2016

Contents

miRNAs are small non‐coding regulatory RNAs that play key roles in diverse biological processes. In this study, we used the Solexa sequencing technique to profile miRNAs in breeder cock testes to illustrate their functions. A total of 663 co‐expressed miRNAs and 3,180 co‐expressed piRNAs were detected in three libraries. Based on Mir‐X™ miRNA qRT‐PCR, three miRNAs representing low, medium and high expression levels according to the sequencing results were selected randomly to validate the miRNAs' expression profiles. Results suggested that the miRNA expression profiles data could represent actual miRNA expression levels. Moreover, target genes prediction of the co‐expressed miRNAs and further Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were performed, which revealed that some candidate miRNAs were involved in the regulation of the spermatogenesis process, spermatozoa function and testicular metabolism. In conclusion, we provided a useful resource for further elucidation of the miRNAs' regulatory role in spermatogenesis, contributing to a preliminary database for functional and molecular mechanistic studies in testicular metabolism, spermatogenesis and other testes functions.
Two‐Timing Hypothesis, Distinguished Limits, Drifts, and Pseudo‐Diffusion for Oscillating Flows
Authors: Vladimirov V. A.
Published: November 2016

The aim of this paper is: using the two‐timing method to study and classify the multiplicity of distinguished limits and asymptotic solutions for the advection equation with a general oscillating velocity field. Our results are:

the dimensionless advection equation that contains two independent small parameters, which represent the ratio of two characteristic time‐scales and the spatial amplitude of oscillations; the related scaling of the variables and parameters uses the Strouhal number;

an infinite sequence of distinguished limits has been identified; this sequence corresponds to the successive degenerations of a drift velocity;

we have derived the averaged equations and the oscillatory equations for the first four distinguished limits; derivations are performed up to the fourth orders in small parameters;

we have shown, that each distinguished limit generates an infinite number of parametric solutions; these solutions differ from each other by the slow time‐scale and the amplitude of the prescribed velocity;

we have discovered the inevitable presence of pseudo‐diffusion terms in the averaged equations, pseudo‐diffusion appears as a Lie derivative of the averaged tensor of quadratic displacements; we have analyzed the matrix of pseudo‐diffusion coefficients and have established its degenerated form and hyperbolic character; however, for one‐dimensional cases, the pseudo‐diffusion can appear as ordinary diffusion;

the averaged equations for four different types of oscillating velocity fields have been considered as the examples of different drifts and pseudo‐diffusion;

our main methodological result is the introduction of a logical order into the area and classification of an infinite number of asymptotic solutions; we hope that it can help in the study of the similar problems for more complex systems;

our study can be used as a test for the validity of the two‐timing hypothesis, because in our calculations we do not employ any additional assumptions.
The physical environment, activity and interaction in residential care facilities for older people: a comparative case study
Authors: Nordin Susanna , McKee Kevin , Wallinder Maria , von Koch Lena , Wijk Helle , Elf Marie
Published: November 2016

The physical environment is of particular importance for supporting activities and interactions among older people living in residential care facilities (RCFs) who spend most of their time inside the facility. More knowledge is needed regarding the complex relationships between older people and environmental aspects in long‐term care. The present study aimed to explore how the physical environment influences resident activities and interactions at two RCFs by using a mixed‐method approach. Environmental assessments were conducted via the Swedish version of the Sheffield Care Environment Assessment Matrix (S‐SCEAM), and resident activities, interactions and locations were assessed through an adapted version of the Dementia Care Mapping (DCM). The Observed Emotion Rating Scale (OERS) was used to assess residents’ affective states. Field notes and walk‐along interviews were also used. Findings indicate that the design of the physical environment influenced the residents’ activities and interactions. Private apartments and dining areas showed high environmental quality at both RCFs, whereas the overall layout had lower quality. Safety was highly supported. Despite high environmental quality in general, several factors restricted resident activities. To optimise care for older people, the design process must clearly focus on accessible environments that provide options for residents to use the facility independently.
The Clinical Relevance of Antifibrillarin (anti‐U3‐RNP) Autoantibodies in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Tall F. , Dechomet M. , Riviere S. , Cottin V. , Ballot E. , Tiev K. P. , Montin R. , Morin C. , Chantran Y. , Grange C. , Jullien D. , Ninet J. , Chretien P. , Cabane J. , Fabien N. , Johanet C.
Published: November 2016

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease associated with several antinuclear autoantibodies useful to diagnosis and prognosis. The aim of the present multicentric study was to determine the clinical relevance of antifibrillarin autoantibodies (AFA) in patients with SSc. The clinical features of 37 patients with SSc positive for AFA (AFA+) and 139 SSc patients without AFA (AFA−) were collected retrospectively from medical records to enable a comparison between AFA− and AFA+ patients. Antifibrillarin autoantibodies were screened by an indirect immunofluorescence technique using HEp2 cells and identified by an in‐house Western blot technique and/or an EliA test. Comparing AFA+ and AFA− patients, AFA+ patients were significantly younger at disease onset (36.9 versus 42.9; P = 0.02), more frequently male (P = 0.02) and of Afro‐Caribbean descent (65% versus 7.7%; P < 0.001). At diagnosis, the Rodnan skin score evaluating the cutaneous manifestations was higher (13.3 versus 8.7; P = 0.01) and myositis was also more common in the AFA+ group (31.4% versus 12.2%; P < 0.01). Patients with AFA+ were not associated with diffuse cutaneous SSc or with lung involvement and no difference in survival was observed. Antifibrillarin autoantibodies are associated with patients of Afro‐Caribbean origin and can identify patients with SSc who are younger at disease onset and display a higher prevalence of myositis.
Knowledge and Precaution. On Organic Farmers Assessment of New Technology
Authors: Lassen Jesper , Oelofse Myles
Published: November 2016

Organic farming is under constant pressure to reinvent itself by adopting new technologies. This article examines the role of precaution in organic farmers’ assessments of new technologies, and asks how their assessments draw on different types of knowledge. The article further explores how knowledge type compares to the role of knowledge and precaution expressed in the principles of organic farming as defined by the organic movement organisation, IFOAM. Results from a study of the introduction of sewage sludge as an alternative source of nutrients in organic agriculture are presented. Empirically, this case‐study builds on the analysis of five focus groups made up of Danish organic farmers. While some farmers called for precaution, supporting this with claims about lacking knowledge, others trusted the authorities and accepted sewage sludge provided it was officially approved for organic use. Our analysis suggests that when assessing new technologies Danish organic farmers rely on scientific knowledge and do not automatically draw on the experiential knowledge they possess and employ in other contexts. It is concluded that if IFOAM wishes include farmers’ experiential knowledge as a basis for decisions about precaution, there is a need to develop instruments making it possible to tap into this knowledge.
Individual Differences and Political Contexts –The Role of Personality Traits and Direct Democracy in Explaining Political Protest
Authors: Ackermann Kathrin
Published: November 2016

Building on a growing literature concerned with the link between psychological dispositions and political protest behavior, we argue that this relationship is not universal, but rather depends on contextual factors. Political context factors are able to alter the meaning and understanding of participatory repertoires. This, in turn, leads to differential effects of personality on participation. We argue that direct democracy constitutes such a political context that can act as moderating factor with regard to protest participation. In order to test this interaction between person and situation empirically, we conduct a subnational comparative analysis of the Swiss cantons. Hierarchical regression models reveal that the personality traits openness to experience and extraversion affect protest behavior directly. Most importantly, however, the link between openness to experience and protest participation is significantly moderated by direct democracy. This provides evidence for variance in the situational expression of personality traits.
A novel HLA‐B*18 allele, HLA‐B*18:124, identified in a German volunteer bone marrow donor
Authors: Sidahmed A. M. E. , Mohamed T. , Stamm L. , Khan F. , Berka N.
Published: November 2016

HLA‐B*18:124 differs from B*18:01:01:02 by a single substitution in exon 4.
HLA‐DR polymorphisms influence in vivo responses to staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome toxin‐1 in a transgenic mouse model
Authors: Krogman A. , Tilahun A. , David C. S. , Chowdhary V. R. , Alexander M. P. , Rajagopalan G.
Published: November 2016

Toxic shock syndrome toxin‐1 (TSST‐1) is a potent superantigen produced by Staphylococcus aureus. In addition to menstrual and nonmenstrual toxic shock syndromes, TSST‐1 is also implicated in the immunopathogenesis of pneumonia, infective endocarditis, neonatal exanthematous disease, and atopic dermatitis among others. Superantigens first bind to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules and then activate a large proportion of T cells by cross‐linking their T cell receptor. As binding to MHC class II molecules is a critical step in the robust activation of the immune system by TSST‐1 and other superantigens, polymorphic variations between different HLA‐DR alleles could potentially influence the magnitude of immune activation and immunopathology caused by TSST‐1. As TSST‐1 is highly toxic to humans and given that multiple variations of alleles of HLA‐DR and HLA‐DQ are expressed in each individual, it is difficult to determine how HLA‐DR polymorphisms quantitatively and qualitatively impact immune activation caused by TSST‐1 in humans. However, such investigations can be conducted on transgenic mice lacking all endogenous MHC class II molecules and expressing specific HLA class II alleles. Therefore, transgenic mice expressing different HLA‐DRB1 alleles (HLA‐DRB1*15:01, HLA‐DRB1*15:02, HLA‐DRB1*03:01, HLA‐DRB1*04:01), and sharing HLA‐A1*01:01 chain, were systemically challenged with purified TSST‐1 and multiple immune parameters were assessed. Among the HLA‐DR alleles, mice expressing HLA‐DRB1*15:01 allele elicited a significantly higher serum cytokine/chemokine response; greater splenic T cell expansion and most severe organ pathology. Our study highlights the potential utility of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) transgenic mice in understanding the impact of HLA polymorphisms on the outcomes of diseases caused by TSST‐1 and other superantigens.
Identification of DPB1*581:01, a novel HLA‐DPB1 allele in a Chinese Mongolian individual
Authors: Liu S. , Xu X. , Sun M. , Yao Y. , Shi L.
Published: November 2016

HLA‐DPB1*581:01 differs from DPB1*41:01:01 at codon 57, substituting codon GAG for GAC in exon 2.
Poor immune reconstitution is associated with symptomaticBKpolyomavirus viruria in allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Abudayyeh Ala , Hamdi Amir , Abdelrahim Maen , Lin Heather , Page Valda D. , Rondon Gabriela , Andersson Borje S. , Afrough Aimaz , Martinez Charles S. , Tarrand Jeffrey J. , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P. , Marin David , Gaber A. Osama , Oran Betul , Chemaly Roy F. , Ahmed Sairah , Abudayyeh Islam , Olson Amanda , Jones Roy , Popat Uday , Champlin Richard E. , Shpall Elizabeth J. , Rezvani Katayoun
Published: November 2016

Background

BKpolyomavirus (BKPyV) infections are known indicators of immune suppression in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients; they can lead to hemorrhagic cystitis, ureteral stenosis, renal dysfunction, and prolonged hospital stays. In this study, we determined transplant‐associated variables and immune parameters that can predict for the risk ofBKPyV viruria. We hypothesized thatBKPyV infection is a marker of poor immune recovery.

Methods

We analyzed all engrafted patients undergoing first allogeneicHSCTatMDAnderson Cancer Center in Houston between January 2004 and December 2012. We evaluated their immune parameters and their transplant‐associated factors.BKPyV positivity was defined asBKPyV detection in urine by polymerase chain reaction testing. Cox proportional hazards model, as well as competing risk analysis method using subdistribution hazard models with death as competing risk, were applied to assess risk ofBKPyV viruria.

Results

We identified a total of 2477 patients with a median age of 52 years.BKPyV viruria was manifest in 25% (n=629) of the patients. The median time from transplantation toBKPyV viruria development was 42 days among the patients who hadBKPyV viruria. On multivariate analysis, tumor type, acuteGVHD, chronicGVHD, myeloablative conditioning regimen, cord blood as the graft source,CD3+,CD4+,CD8+,CD56+,NKcounts, and low platelet count were shown to be significantly associated withBKPyV infection. These finding were further confirmed when models incorporating the competing risk of death yielded similar findings.

Conclusion

In this study, we report significant associations betweenBKPyV reactivation following allogeneicHSCTand suppressed immune variables. In addition, this study provides valuable information on the immune status ofHSCTrecipients as a predictor ofBKPyV infections that may in turn help us formulate plans for more effective prevention and treatment of this infection.
Breakthrough fungemia due to Candida fermentati with fks1p mutation under micafungin treatment in a cord blood transplant recipient
Authors: Konuma Takaaki , Takahashi Shunsuke , Kiyuna Tomohiko , Miharu Yuta , Suzuki Masato , Shibata Hiroko , Kato Seiko , Takahashi Satoshi , Tojo Arinobu
Published: November 2016

The prophylactic use of antifungal drugs in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients has revealed that the rate of non‐albicans candidemia has increased. We herein report the case of a patient with adult T‐cell leukemia who developed candidemia due to Candida fermentati during micafungin treatment after cord blood transplantation. The isolate was identified on day 47 by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal RNA gene. The sequencing of the hot spot region of fks1p of isolate revealed naturally occurring amino acid substitutions, which conferred reduced echinocandin susceptibility. This case highlights that breakthrough candidemia due to C. fermentati occurred in a patient receiving micafungin treatment.
Impact of the zero‐markup drug policy on hospitalisation expenditure in western rural China: an interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Yang Caijun , Shen Qian , Cai Wenfang , Zhu Wenwen , Li Zongjie , Wu Lina , Fang Yu
Published: November 2016

Objectives

To assess the long‐term effects of the introduction of China's zero‐markup drug policy on hospitalisation expenditure and hospitalisation expenditures after reimbursement.

Methods

An interrupted time series was used to evaluate the impact of the zero‐markup drug policy on hospitalisation expenditure and hospitalisation expenditure after reimbursement at primary health institutions in Fufeng County of Shaanxi Province, western China. Two regression models were developed. Monthly average hospitalisation expenditure and monthly average hospitalisation expenditure after reimbursement in primary health institutions were analysed covering the period 2009 through to 2013.

Results

For the monthly average hospitalisation expenditure, the increasing trend was slowed down after the introduction of the zero‐markup drug policy (coefficient = −16.49, P = 0.009). For the monthly average hospitalisation expenditure after reimbursement, the increasing trend was slowed down after the introduction of the zero‐markup drug policy (coefficient = −10.84, P = 0.064), and a significant decrease in the intercept was noted after the second intervention of changes in reimbursement schemes of the new rural cooperative medical insurance (coefficient = −220.64, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

A statistically significant absolute decrease in the level or trend of monthly average hospitalisation expenditure and monthly average hospitalisation expenditure after reimbursement was detected after the introduction of the zero‐markup drug policy in western China. However, hospitalisation expenditure and hospitalisation expenditure after reimbursement were still increasing. More effective policies are needed to prevent these costs from continuing to rise.
Crystallographic insight into the evolutionary origins of xyloglucan endotransglycosylases and endohydrolases
Authors: McGregor Nicholas , Yin Victor , Tung Ching‐Chieh , Van Petegem Filip , Brumer Harry
Published: November 2016

The xyloglucan endotransglycosylase/hydrolase (XTH) gene family encodes enzymes of central importance to plant cell wall remodeling. The evolutionary history of plant XTH gene products is incompletely understood vis‐à‐vis the larger body of bacterial endoglycanases in Glycoside Hydrolase Family 16 (GH16). To provide molecular insight into this issue, high‐resolution X‐ray crystal structures and detailed enzyme kinetics of an extant transitional plant endoglucanase (EG) were determined. Functionally intermediate between plant XTH gene products and bacterial licheninases of GH16, Vitis vinifera EG16 (VvEG16) effectively catalyzes the hydrolysis of the backbones of two dominant plant cell wall matrix glycans, xyloglucan (XyG) and β(1,3)/β(1,4)‐mixed‐linkage glucan (MLG). Crystallographic complexes with extended oligosaccharide substrates reveal the structural basis for the accommodation of both unbranched, mixed‐linked (MLG) and highly decorated, linear (XyG) polysaccharide chains in a broad, extended active‐site cleft. Structural comparison with representative bacterial licheninases, a xyloglucan endotranglycosylase (XET), and a xyloglucan endohydrolase (XEH) outline the functional ramifications of key sequence deletions and insertions across the phylogenetic landscape of GH16. Although the biological role(s) of EG16 orthologs remains to be fully resolved, the present biochemical and tertiary structural characterization provides key insight into plant cell wall enzyme evolution, which will continue to inform genomic analyses and functional studies across species.
A new clinical‐scale serum‐free xeno‐free medium efficient in ex vivo amplification of mesenchymal stromal cells does not support mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Gerby Sandie , Attebi Esther , Vlaski Marija , Ivanovic Zoran
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

We evaluated a new serum‐free, xeno‐free medium (Xuri, GE HealthCare) in ex vivo cultures for amplification of mesenchymal stromal cells (MStroC) in comparison with classical culture supplemented with fetal calf serum and basic fibroblast growth factor.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

MStroC and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) proliferative capacities were studied in bulk cultures and single‐cell cultures with assay of secondary replating capacity of individual clones. Flow‐cytometric phenotype analysis and proliferative history analysis were also performed.

RESULTS

In cultures initiated with previously amplified and cryopreserved MStroC from human marrow, Xuri medium enabled a total cell expansion fold comparable to one obtained in control fetal calf serum (FCS)‐supplemented culture. However, both the number and the proliferative capacity of colony‐forming unit–fibroblast were greatly reduced in Xuri medium cultures. This is even more evident in single‐cell cultures, where, in rare positive wells, only several cells were found in Xuri cultures, compared to abundant cell content in FCS and α‐minimal essential medium cultures. Replating these single‐cell clones in secondary cultures (FCS in both cases) revealed a total exhaustion of MSC proliferative capacity after Xuri primary culture.

CONCLUSION

Since in both conditions after a 7‐day bulk culture, similar immunophenotype and proliferative history were found when the standard MSC immunophenotype panel was employed, the loss of proliferative capacity in Xuri medium shows that it cannot maintain functional MSC population. This is a drastic example showing that the real MSC activity can be completely unrelated to the immunophenotype considered as MSC phenotype.
Staphylococcus aureuspenetrate the interkeratinocyte spaces created by skin‐infiltrating neutrophils in a mouse model of impetigo
Authors: Imanishi Ichiro , Hattori Shinpei , Hisatsune Junzo , Ide Kaori , Sugai Motoyuki , Nishifuji Koji
Published: November 2016

Background

Impetigo is a bacterial skin disease characterized by intraepidermal neutrophilic pustules. Previous studies have demonstrated that exfoliative toxin producing staphylococci are isolated in the cutaneous lesions of human and canine impetigo. However, the mechanisms of intraepidermal splitting in impetigo remain poorly understood.

Objective

To determine how staphylococci penetrate the living epidermis and create intraepidermal pustulesin vivousing a mouse model of impetigo.

Methods

ThreeStaphylococcus aureusstrains harbouring theetbgene and threeetgene negative strains were epicutaneously inoculated onto tape‐stripped mouse skin. The skin samples were subjected to time course histopathological and immunofluorescence analyses to detect intraepidermal neutrophils and infiltrating staphylococci. To determine the role of neutrophils on intraepidermal bacterial invasion, cyclophosphamide (CPA) was injected intraperitoneally into the mice to cause leucopenia before the inoculation ofetbgene positive strains.

Results

In mice inoculated withetbgene positiveS. aureus, intraepidermal pustules resembling impetigo were detected as early as 4 h post‐inoculation (hpi). Neutrophils in the epidermis were detected from 4 hpi, whereas intraepidermal staphylococci was detected from 6 hpi. The dimensions of the intraepidermal clefts created in mice inoculated withetbgene positive strains at 6 hpi were significantly larger than those in mice inoculated withetgene negative strains. InCPAtreated mice, staphylococci or neutrophils were not detected in the deep epidermis until 6 hpi.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that intraepidermal neutrophils play an important role inS. aureusinvasion into the living epidermis in a mouse model of impetigo.
Red blood cell alloimmunization in Iranian beta‐thalassemia patients: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Darvishi Parisa , Azami Milad , Sayehmiri Kourosh , Sayehmiri Fatemeh , Goodarzi Alireza , Azarkeivan Azita , Pourfathollah Ali Akbar
Published: November 2016

Background and Objectives

Red blood cell alloimmunization is associated with haemolytic reactions and severe clinical consequences. The rate of alloimmunization in multitransfused patients such as thalassaemia is high that is a major challenge. The present meta‐analysis study was conducted to determine the prevalence of alloimmunization in Iranian thalassaemia patients.

Materials and Methods

This study was conducted based on the computerized literature database. English and non‐English articles were searched from 1994 to 2015. Alloimmunization rates and 95% CI calculated by random‐effect model. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 11.2, and ArcGIS 10.3 was used for map construction.

Results

Eighteen papers from 297 studies involving 4677 patients met our inclusion criteria. The prevalence of alloimmunization in Iranian thalassaemia was 10%(CI 95%: 7–13). The most prevalent alloantibody was anti‐K (37%), followed by anti‐D (29%) and anti‐E (20%) in the country.

Conclusion

The prevalence of alloimmunization among Iranian thalassaemia has not been decreased from 1994 to 2013. In spite of detecting D antigen in pretransfusion test, the rate of anti‐D is high in our population. It shows the importance of more investigation on data on D variants. Although the rate of alloimmunization is low in Iran comparing to many other countries, there is a need to adopt some strategies to reduce alloimmunization.
Developing new pharmacotherapeutic approaches to treating sickle‐cell disease
Authors: Telen M. J.
Published: November 2016

Survival for patients with SCD has been prolonged by improvements in supportive care, including vaccinations, antibiotic prophylaxis and overall medical management, including transfusion. However, there remains only one approved, partially effective drug for sickle‐cell disease—hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide). The world desperately needs better ways of both treating and preventing the recurrent painful vaso‐occlusive episodes pathognomonic of sickle‐cell disease as well as the end‐organ damage that still leads inexorably to severely shortened life expectancies throughout the world. Based on accumulating knowledge about how the abnormal red blood cells of sickle‐cell disease cause the double scourge of acute painful episodes and progressive end‐organ damage, both pharmaceutical enterprises and individual investigators are now pursuing multiple new avenues for treating sickle‐cell disease. As a result, many compounds are in active development, both in preclinical models as well as in phase I, II and III clinical trials. These agents target many pathophysiologic processes thought to be critical in sickle‐cell disease, including the chemical and physical behaviour of haemoglobin S, cell adhesion, coagulation pathways, platelet activation, inflammatory pathway, and upregulation of haemoglobin F expression. In addition, recent explorations of the genetic variations that predispose to certain types of sickle‐cell disease‐related tissue injury, such as stroke or nephropathy, are expected to lead to the identification of drugs targeting the pathways uncovered by such work. Thus, the next five to 10 years holds a promise of new treatments for sickle‐cell disease.
Education‐based interventions to minimize sampling errors in transfusion
Authors: de Mel S. , Lim S. , Soekojo C. Y. , Thow C. , Lang S.‐P. , Lee S.‐Y. , Tan L.‐K.
Published: November 2016

Background and Objectives

Sampling errors are an important preventable cause of incorrect blood component transfusion. A variety of measures designed to minimize ‘Wrong Blood in Tube’ errors have been published, but they are often costly and difficult to implement in resource‐limited settings. The aim of our study was to describe the impact of two education‐based interventions on the rate of transfusion sampling errors at our institution.

Materials and Methods

We prospectively collected data on transfusion sampling errors between 2001 and 2014. Sampling errors were categorized as types 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. The ‘Quest’ project focusing on the education of staff on transfusion sampling was carried out in 2001. We subsequently trained nurses to perform transfusion sampling in 2008.

Results

A total of 75 sampling errors were identified during the study period. The ‘Quest’ project resulted in a reduction in sampling errors as a percentage of all type and screen (T&S) specimens received. Sampling errors comprised 0·05% of total T&S specimens in 2001 compared to 0·01% in 2007 (P = 0·014). Between 2002 and 2014, sampling errors comprised a median 0·02% of total T&S specimens received. Training of nurses in T&S sampling resulted in a reduction of type 3 sampling errors from 0·02% in 2008 to 0 in 2013, (P = 0·01).

Conclusions

Our study highlights that simple, education‐based measures can be highly effective at reducing the incidence of sampling errors. The interventions we describe maybe easily implemented in resource‐limited settings.
Supporting blood needs in patients undergoing haematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Miller J. P.
Published: November 2016

Over the past several decades, there has been an increasing use of haematopoietic cell transplantation for patients with malignant and non‐malignant blood disorders. Blood transfusion support is essential for successful patient outcomes, as recipients have unique transfusion needs both pre‐ and post‐transplantation. These needs must be carefully managed by transplant teams in partnership with the transfusion service. Patients may present to haematology clinic anaemic, thrombocytopenic and/or neutropenic related to their underlying blood disorder. They will need transfusions of blood products for support prior to transplantation. Following transplantation, multiple red blood cell and platelet transfusions may be required especially until engraftment occurs. Often there is an ABO mismatch between the donor and the recipient, and blood will need to be selected for major and minor ABO compatibility of red blood cell and plasma‐containing blood components during the peri‐transplant period. Both myeloablative and non‐myeloablative preparative regimens are immunosuppressive, so irradiated blood products should be provided to minimize the risk of transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease and cytomegalovirus‐negative patients should receive cytomegalovirus‐reduced risk blood products to prevent transfusion‐associated infection. Leucocyte‐reduced blood components are used to minimize adverse effects of transfused donor leucocytes including febrile reactions, alloimmunization and immunomodulation. Alloimmunization to red blood cell or platelet antigens may pose a challenge in the selection of compatible blood components and platelet refractoriness may develop. In short, patients undergoing haematopoietic cell transplantation require considerable blood component support and collaboration between the transfusion and clinical transplant services is essential to effectively manage their transfusion needs.
Blood donation and iron deficiency
Authors: Rigas A. S. , Pedersen O. B. , Erikstrup C. , Hjalgrim H. , Ullum H.
Published: November 2016

Iron deficiency is prevalent in blood donor populations where up to 39%, 22% and 9% of frequently donating premenopausal women, postmenopausal women and men may be iron‐deficient, respectively. Moreover, iron deficiency is a global health issue estimated to concern as many as 2·7 billion people and explain half of the cases of anaemia worldwide. Iron deficiency manifesting as anaemia could affect the developing foetus and especially cognitive development. Furthermore, iron deficiency (anaemia) may impair scholastic achievements and work productivity and increase fatigue. Moreover, iron deficiency has been associated with impaired innate and specific immunity in in vitro studies. Lastly, iron supplementation may improve endurance, athletic performance and symptoms of restless leg syndrome. However, most of the effects of iron deficiency (anaemia) have not been assessed among blood donors and no association between restless leg syndrome and ferritin levels in blood donors has been established. Blood donors are in general characterized by a good health, and studies indicate that blood donors live a healthier life and have a lower mortality compared to the general population. The underlying excellent health of blood donors needs to be carefully considered when possible health effects of blood donations are investigated. Iron deficiency is a global challenge with a high prevalence in blood donors. Any possible negative health outcome associated with iron deficiency needs to be examined in a blood donor population.
Interaction of leucocyte antibodies with endothelial cells in transfusion‐related acute lung injury
Authors: Bayat B.
Published: November 2016

Transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a severe pulmonary reaction characterized by pulmonary oedema, breathing distress and consequently hypoxia temporally associated with a blood transfusion event. In antibody‐mediated TRALI, alloantibodies reactive with recipient's neutrophils are mainly considered as responsible for lung injury. These antibodies target either human leucocyte antigens (HLAs) class I or II or human neutrophil antigens (HNAs). Antibody interaction with the cognate antigen is believed to induce neutrophil activation and sequestration, which consequently leads to endothelial damage and lung injury. Analysing the effects of these antibodies on neutrophil‐depleted animals however has challenged this dogma. Previous studies have documented that among anti‐HNA antibodies, anti‐HNA‐3a are implicated in severe and fatal TRALI. Epitopes for anti‐HNA‐3 antibodies reside on choline transporter‐like protein 2 (CTL2) which has a broad expression pattern on different cells including neutrophils and endothelial cells. In vitro as well as in vivo research has identified the binding of anti‐HNA‐3a to endothelial cells as initiator of lung injury in anti‐HNA‐3a‐mediated TRALI. Studies have also demonstrated that binding of HLA antibodies to cognate antigens expressed on endothelial cells, by triggering multiple signalling pathways, influences endothelial functions. This presentation will summarize findings on the effects of HNA and HLA antibodies binding to endothelial cells and highlight the contribution of endothelial‐reactive antibodies in the mechanism of antibody‐mediated TRALI.
Dengue virus replication by platelets
Authors: Pryzdial E. L. G. , Sutherland M. R. , Simon A. Y.
Published: November 2016

Dengue virus (DENV) causes >100 million febrile infections annually. In ~2 million of these individuals, the disease may progress into life‐threatening haemorrhagic fever or shock syndrome. Approximately 200 million high‐titre infections remain asymptomatic and are a documented risk for transfusion transmission. Interestingly, both mild and severe DENV infections result in thrombocytopenia. Well‐established DENV receptors studies have suggested that similar receptors on platelets may facilitate comparable binding. To help explain DENV‐mediated platelet pathology, indirect evidence for a DENV‐platelet interaction with possible cell entry and direct binding has been reported. Increasing evidence has established that platelets contain the necessary translational machinery to generate protein from RNA. Since DENV has an RNA genome, we hypothesized that platelets are permissive to DENV replication. Using highly purified DENV and platelets, a specific dendritic cell‐specific intercellular adhesin molecule‐3‐grabbing non‐integrin/heparan proteoglycan coreceptor binding system was identified. Demonstrating de novo virus protein and genome generation and production of infectious progeny by viable platelets now adds to the understanding of DENV‐associated thrombocytopenia. Of importance to global blood systems, donor‐derived platelet concentrates (PCs) and red‐blood‐cells units (RBCs) also replicated viral RNA. In each case, DENV underwent spontaneous logarithmic decay which was offset by the production of new virus progeny. While DENV persisted through the duration of PC and RBC storage, these data suggest the possibility that older units may be less infectious. We speculate that platelets may be active contributors to virus infection, and in the case of viruses with an RNA genome, platelets may initially serve as replication centers.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, GROSS POSTMORTEM, AND HISTOLOGICAL FINDINGS FOR SOFT TISSUES OF THE PLANTAR ASPECT OF THE TARSUS AND PROXIMAL METATARSAL REGION IN NON‐LAME HORSES
Authors: Dyson Sue , Blunden Anthony , Murray Rachel
Published: November 2016

Injuries of the plantar soft tissues of the tarsus and proximal metatarsus can be a source of lameness in horses, however published information is lacking on high field MRI characteristics of these tissues. Objectives of the current anatomic study were to (1) describe high‐field MRI features of the plantar tarsal and proximal metatarsal soft tissues; and (2) compare MRI findings with gross and histological appearances of selected structures for a sample of cadaver limbs from non‐lame horses. Single hindlimbs for 42 horses, and right and left hindlimbs for eight horses were scanned using high‐field MRI. The MRI findings were described for the 50 single limbs; and the MRI, gross postmortem and histological findings were compared for the eight pairs of hindlimbs. The superficial digital flexor tendon had uniform low signal intensity, surrounded by the flexor retinaculum of intermediate to high signal intensity on all sequences. The lateral digital flexor tendon had slightly higher signal intensity, enclosed on the plantaromedial aspects by the low signal intensity metatarsocalcaneal ligament. The accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon varied in size and signal intensity. The proximal and distal plantar ligaments, accessory ligament of the suspensory ligament, and calcaneoquartal ligament had low signal intensity. The long plantar ligament comprised a number of related parts, separated by lines of high signal intensity corresponding with fibrous septae seen in gross anatomical specimens. The plantar aspect of the ligament had uniform low signal intensity in all sequences, but the dorsal half was more heterogeneous with multifocal spots or lines of higher signal intensity.
Outbreak of Occupational Brucellosis at a Pharmaceutical Factory in Southeast China
Authors: Zhan B. D. , Wang S. Q. , Lai S. M. , Lu Y. , Shi X. G. , Cao G. P. , Hu X. L. , Zheng C. J. , Yu Z. Y. , Zhang J. M. , Fang C. F. , Gong Z. Y.
Published: November 2016

Brucellosis is an occupational disease affecting workers in butcher shops, the milking and dairy product industry, causing more than 500 000 new cases around the world. As a national statutory B infectious disease in China, morbidity of brucellosis is rapidly increasing in recent years. We report an occupational outbreak of brucellosis infection in a pharmaceutical factory. Exposure was a result of manual operation in the process line, close contact with sheep placentas, insufficient disinfection and repeated using of protective suits and infected by aerosol dissemination. Improved preventive methods, appropriate public health measures and spread of health education would be helpful to prevent the occupational outbreak of brucellosis in future.
Potassium channels in the heart: structure, function and regulation
Authors: Grandi Eleonora , Sanguinetti Michael C. , Bartos Daniel C. , Bers Donald M. , Chen‐Izu Ye , Chiamvimonvat Nipavan , Colecraft Henry M. , Delisle Brian P. , Heijman Jordi , Navedo Manuel F. , Noskov Sergei , Proenza Catherine , Vandenberg Jamie I. , Yarov‐Yarovoy Vladimir
Published: November 2016

This paper is the outcome of the fourth UC Davis Systems Approach to Understanding Cardiac Excitation–Contraction Coupling and Arrhythmias Symposium, a biannual event that aims to bring together leading experts in subfields of cardiovascular biomedicine to focus on topics of importance to the field. The theme of the 2016 symposium was ‘K+ Channels and Regulation’. Experts in the field contributed their experimental and mathematical modelling perspectives and discussed emerging questions, controversies and challenges on the topic of cardiac K+ channels. This paper summarizes the topics of formal presentations and informal discussions from the symposium on the structural basis of voltage‐gated K+ channel function, as well as the mechanisms involved in regulation of K+ channel gating, expression and membrane localization. Given the critical role for K+ channels in determining the rate of cardiac repolarization, it is hardly surprising that essentially every aspect of K+ channel function is exquisitely regulated in cardiac myocytes. This regulation is complex and highly interrelated to other aspects of myocardial function. K+ channel regulatory mechanisms alter, and are altered by, physiological challenges, pathophysiological conditions, and pharmacological agents. An accompanying paper focuses on the integrative role of K+ channels in cardiac electrophysiology, i.e. how K+ currents shape the cardiac action potential, and how their dysfunction can lead to arrhythmias, and discusses K+ channel‐based therapeutics. A fundamental understanding of K+ channel regulatory mechanisms and disease processes is fundamental to reveal new targets for human therapy.
A Statically Unstable Passive Hopper: Design Evolution
Authors: Steinkamp Peter
Published: November 2016

I have designed a sequence of gravity-powered passive-dynamic toys. These explore locomotion in general and hopping in particular. As with walking, running, crawling, etc., for animals, locomotion in these devices is a horizontal translation by means of approximately periodic patterns of motion. These toys were developed using intuitively guided trial-and-error design iteration based on live viewing, sound sequences, and review of slow motion video. A series of statically stable mechanisms is described. A progression of designs led to the central result: a monopod hopper that repeatedly hops more than 70 steps down a ramp, without conventional feedback control, fast spinning parts, or sensing means, yet unlike the previously statically stable designs, it cannot stand still stably. This free hopping was facilitated by a special mass distribution, and a spring that allowed relative translation and rotation between the body and leg. A retrospective evaluation reveals similarities to the morphology and gaits of hopping bipeds. These toys, interesting dynamical systems in any case, highlight the possibility of a significant role of mechanical structure in locomotion.
Research on Phase Synchronization Strategies for Diesel Engines to Startup Quickly
Authors: Ren Weijun , Wu Zifeng , Yang Rong
Published: November 2016

Valid and quick phase synchronization is essential to diesel engine operation, with impacts on the starting time and emissions. This paper presents an innovative wheel shape of camshaft with four long teeth and four short teeth, which plays a fundamental role in the proposed phase synchronization strategies. A dynamic validity-check algorithm of camshaft and crankshaft sensor signals is developed as a premise. Specifically, the segment pattern matching method is used in the rapid phase synchronization strategy that is applicable given valid camshaft and crankshaft signals. A combination of trial injections and the pattern matching method is applied when either the camshaft or crankshaft sensor signal is missing in the limp home mode. Bench test results showed that phase synchronization could be realized within 180 crankshaft angles, and that the phase synchronization strategies in the limp home mode were feasible.