bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A retrospective study of vector‐borne disease prevalence in dogs with proteinuria: Southeastern United States
Authors: Purswell Emily K. , Lashnits Erin W. , Breitschwerdt Edward B. , Vaden Shelly L. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundProteinuria is a risk factor for progressive kidney injury in dogs. Enhanced understanding of potential associations between canine vector‐borne diseases (CVBD) and proteinuria is needed.ObjectivesTo determine the proportion of evaluated proteinuric dogs exposed to ≥1 CVBD, includingBabesiaspp.,Ehrlichiaspp., spotted‐fever groupRickettsia,Bartonellaspp.,Anaplasmaspp., hemotropicMycoplasmaspp.,Borrelia burgdorferi, andDirofilaria immitis, and to determine if demographic or clinicopathologic differences exist between proteinuric dogs exposed to CVBD versus proteinuric dogs with no evidence of CVBD exposure.AnimalsTwo‐hundred nine proteinuric dogs, concurrently tested for CVBD, which were examined at a single academic veterinary hospital between January 2008 and December 2015.MethodsRetrospective cross‐sectional study. Demographic, clinicopathologic, and CVBD test results were extracted from medical records. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess associations between CVBD and selected variables.ResultsBased on serology and polymerase chain reaction testing, 34% of proteinuric dogs (72/209) were exposed to ≥1 CVBD. Exposure toRickettsiaspp. (19%),Ehrlichiaspp. (12%), andB.burgdorferi(9%) were most common. The CVBD exposure was lower in dogs tested in autumn or spring, higher in intact dogs, and higher in dogs with lower serum albumin and higher serum creatinine concentrations.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceExposure to CVBD, particularly exposure toRickettsiaspp.,Ehrlichiaspp., andB.burgdorferiwas found in proteinuric dogs from the southeast United States. Additional controlled prospective studies examining a potential causal relationship between CVBD and proteinuria are warranted.
What makes bacterial pathogens so sticky?
Authors: Viela Felipe , Mathelié‐Guinlet Marion , Viljoen Albertus , Dufrêne Yves F. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPathogenic bacteria use a variety of cell surface adhesins to promote binding to host tissues and protein‐coated biomaterials, as well as cell–cell aggregation. These cellular interactions represent the first essential step that leads to host colonization and infection. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has greatly contributed to increase our understanding of the specific interactions at play during microbial adhesion, down to the single‐molecule level. A key asset of AFM is that adhesive interactions are studied under mechanical force, which is highly relevant as surface‐attached pathogens are often exposed to physical stresses in the human body. These studies have identified sophisticated binding mechanisms in adhesins, which represent promising new targets for antiadhesion therapy.
Influence of MicroRNA‐141 on Inhibition of the Proliferation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Steroid‐Induced Osteonecrosis via SOX11
Authors: Meng Chen‐yang , Xue Fei , Zhao Zhen‐qun , Hao Ting , Guo Shi‐bing , Feng Wei 
Published: January 2020

ObjectiveTo investigate whether miR‐141 and the sex determination region of Y chromosome box 11 (SOX11) play roles in steroid‐induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (SANFH), and to explore whether miR‐141 could target SOX11 to influence the proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC).MethodsBone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) were isolated and cultured from 4‐week‐old Sprague Dawley rats. A flow cytometry assay was performed to identify BMSC. BMSC were divided into two groups: a control group and a dexamethasone (DEX) group. BMSC were transfected by miR‐141 mimic, miR‐141 inhibitor, and SOX11. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was performed to investigate the mRNA expression of miR‐141 and SOX11. The results were used to determine the effect of transfection and to verify the expression in each group and the association between miR‐141 and SOX11. Luciferase reporter assay revealed the targeted binding site between miR‐141 and the 3′‐untranslated region of SOX11 mRNA. MTT assays were performed to investigate the proliferation of BMSC in the miR‐141 mimic, miR‐141 inhibitor, and SOX11 groups.ResultThe results of the flow cytometry assay suggested that cells were positive for CD29 and CD90 while negative for CD45. This meant that the isolated and cultured cells were not hematopoietic stem cells. In addition, cell transfection was successful based on the expression of miR‐141 and SOX11. According to the results of real‐time PCR assay, the mRNA expression of miR‐141 in SANFH was upregulated (4.117 ± 0.042 vs 1 ± 0.027, P < 0.001), while SOX11 was downregulated (0.611 ± 0.055 vs 1 ± 0.027, P < 0.001) compared with the control group. Based on the results of the luciferase experiment, MiR‐141 could directly target the expression of SOX11. Inhibition of miR‐141 could upregulate the expression of SOX11 (2.623 ± 0.220 vs 1 ± 0.095, P < 0.001) according to the results of a real‐time PCR assay. MiR‐141 inhibited the proliferation of BMSC (0.618 ± 0.092 vs 1.004 ± 0.082, P < 0.001), while suppression of miR‐141 increased the proliferation of BMSC (0.960 ± 0.095 vs 0.742 ± 0.091, P < 0.001). Furthermore, according to the results of the MTT assay, SOX11 promoted the proliferation of BMSC (1.064 ± 0.093 vs 0.747 ± 0.090, P < 0.001).ConclusionMiR‐141 inhibited the proliferation of BMSC in SANFH by targeting SOX11. Inhibition of miR‐141 upregulated the expression of SOX11 and promoted the proliferation of BMSC. MiR‐141 and SOX11 could be new targets for investigating the mechanism of SANFH.
SlGRAS4 mediates a novel regulatory pathway promoting chilling tolerance in tomato
Authors: Liu Yudong , Shi Yuan , Zhu Ning , Zhong Silin , Bouzayen Mondher , Li Zhengguo 
Published: January 2020

SummaryTomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants are cold‐sensitive, and the fruit are susceptible to postharvest chilling injury when stored at low temperature. However, the mechanisms underlying cold stress responses in tomato are poorly understood. We demonstrate that SlGRAS4, encoding a transcription factor induced by low temperature, promotes chilling tolerance in tomato leaves and fruit. Combined genome‐wide ChIP‐seq and RNA‐seq approaches identified among cold stress‐associated genes those being direct targets of SlGRAS4 and protein studies revealed that SlGRAS4 forms a homodimer to self‐activate its own promoter. SlGRAS4 can also directly bind tomato SlCBF promoters to activate their transcription without inducing any growth retardation. The study identifies the SlGRAS4‐regulon as a new cold response pathway conferring cold stress tolerance in tomato independently of the ICE1‐CBF pathway. This provides new track for breeding strategies aiming to improve chilling tolerance of cultivated tomatoes and to preserve sensory qualities of tomato fruit often deteriorated by storage at low temperatures.
Altered expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells, forkhead box P3, and immune‐suppressive genes in regulatory T cells of generalized vitiligo patients
Authors: Giri Prashant S. , Dwivedi Mitesh , Laddha Naresh C. , Begum Rasheedunnisa , Bharti Ankit H. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe study was aimed to analyze expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATs), forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), and their associated genes (sCTLA4, flCTLA4, IL10, TGFB, IL2, IL4, CD25) in regulatory T cells (Tregs) of 48 generalized vitiligo (GV) patients and 45 unaffected controls. The transcripts of NFATC1 to NFATC4, FOXP3, IL10, flCTLA4 (p < .0001), NFAT5 (p = .0003), sCTLA4 (p = .001), and FOXP3 protein in Tregs and plasma IL‐10 levels were reduced significantly (p < .0001) in GV Tregs compared to controls. The FOXP3 promoter polymorphisms [rs3761548(C > A), rs3761547(A > G), and rs2232365(A > G)] revealed significantly decreased FOXP3 protein levels in patients' Tregs with susceptible AA, GG, and GG genotypes (p < .0001, p = .028, p = .022, respectively). The active vitiligo Tregs showed reduced levels of NFATC3, NFATC4, NFAT5, FOXP3, TGFB, and flCTLA4 transcripts (p = .0005, p = .0003, p = .0002, p = .020, p < .0001, p = .006, respectively) and FOXP3 and TGF‐β proteins (p = .0394 and p = .0013) compared to stable vitiligo. Early‐onset patients (1–20 years) demonstrated decreased IL‐10, sCTLA‐4, flCTLA‐4, TGFB, and FOXP3 transcripts and FOXP3 protein as compared to late‐onset patients (41–60 years) (p = .001, p = .003, p = .009, p = .005, p = .038, p = .0226, respectively). Overall, our results for the first time suggest a likely role of NFATs and FOXP3 together with Treg immune‐suppressive genes in GV pathogenesis and disease progression, warranting additional investigations.
Organ blood flow in response to infusion of arginine vasopressin in premature fetal sheep
Authors: Watanabe Shimpei , Matsuda Tadashi , Hanita Takushi , Ikeda Hideyuki , Koshinami Shouta , Sato Shinichi , Usuda Haruo , Saito Masatoshi , Kemp Matthew W. , Kobayashi Yoshiyasu 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundArginine vasopressin (AVP) infusion has been shown to be a useful strategy for the management of systemic perfusion failure in premature infants. Our objective was to determine the characteristics of the blood flow redistribution induced by AVP infusion in premature fetal sheep.MethodsNine sheep fetuses at 99 to 113 days of gestation were continuously infused with AVP. Measurement of blood flow to individual fetal organs was performed using a colored microsphere technique, with measurements performed at 30 min before and 90 min after the initiation of AVP infusions.ResultsThe AVP infusion significantly increased blood flow to the medulla oblongata (P < 0.05), and significantly decreased flow to the adrenal glands (from 492.0 ± 239.6 to 364.9 ± 143.3 mL/min/100 g, P < 0.05) and heart (from 592.6 ± 184.5 to 435.6 ± 137.4 mL/min/100 g, P < 0.05). The infusion significantly increased the vascular resistance in adrenal glands, kidneys, ileum, colon, heart, and cerebellum. In the brain, except for the cerebellum, no significant increase in resistance was identified.ConclusionsThere was no significant response to AVP infusion in cerebral blood flow in mid‐gestation fetal sheep. Our observations suggest that, under AVP stimulation, the blood flow to the adrenal glands and myocardium might be decreased due to an increase in vascular resistance.
Neonatal pain response to automatic lancet versus needle heel‐prick blood sampling: A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Goto Tatenobu , Inoue Takeshi , Kamiya Chinami , Kawabe Hiroyuki , Higuchi Machiko , Suyama Megumi , Goto Tomoki , Koide Wakato , Maki Kanemasa , Ushijima Katsumi , Ban Kyoko , Yamada Yasumasa 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundAutomatic lancets have been reported to be superior to manual lancets in terms of pain and treatment time. However, no studies have yet been published comparing automatic lancet and needle puncture heel‐prick blood sampling. The objective of this study was to compare the pain response and efficiency between the automatic lancet and needle at the time of heel blood sampling. The design was a randomized controlled trial. The inclusion criteria for the participants were a birthweight of ≧1,500 g and a gestational age of ≧30 weeks.MethodsThe study examined a total of 105 neonates who were randomized into an automatic lancet group (n = 53) and a needle group (n = 52). The parameters measured included blood collection time, number of calf squeezes, duration of audible crying, and the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) score. The main outcome measure was audible crying duration.ResultsThe duration of audible crying was significantly shorter in the automatic lancet group when compared to the needle group (median 3 s, interquartile range (IQR) 0–33 s vs median 39 s, IQR 5–91.5 s, P = 0.0023). The NIPS score at the time of puncture was significantly lower in the automatic lancet group than in the needle group (median 1, IQR 0–5 vs median 5, IQR 3–6, P = 0.0060). There was no significant difference in the blood collection time and the number of calf squeezes between the two groups. The automatic lancet was found to be less painful than the needle puncture in neonatal heel‐prick blood sampling with no significant difference in blood sampling time.ConclusionThe automatic lancet was found to be less painful than the needle puncture in neonatal heel‐prick blood sampling with no significant difference in blood sampling time.
Health care in post‐crisis South Europe: Inequalities in access and reform trajectories
Authors: Petmesidou Maria , Guillén Ana Marta , Pavolini Emmanuele 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe European debt crisis stimulated debate about the future of national health systems. The objective of this article is to contribute to this debate by examining any changes in the scope and content of universal coverage and underlying pattern of solidarity in South Europe. Access to health care provides the vantage point for our analysis. Inequalities in access are scrutinized along a number of dimensions by using data from various sources. Our main conclusions clearly show that the public health care systems in Italy and, particularly, in Spain weathered the crisis pretty well and retained their universalistic features. Nonetheless, rising supplemental private coverage (of an “occupational‐mutualist” type) adversely impacts access, but it is unclear how this will unfold in the near future. Tackling fragmentation through expansion and equalization of coverage, though for a comparatively “lean” basket of provisions, has been the focus of reforms in Portugal and Greece. This keeps private spending high and sustains inequalities, whereas any prospects for a stronger variant of universalism remain an open question.
Transfusion‐transmitted hepatitis C: A cluster of cases in transfusion‐dependent thalassaemia patients in Sri Lanka
Authors: Perera Shiromi , Bonsall David , Niriella Madunil A. , Allen Angela , Peries Anura C. , Nelumdeniya Udaya B. , Dissanayake Randima , Silva Ishari , de Cesare Mariateresa , Klenerman Paul , Weatherall David J. , Roberts David J. , Premawardhena Anuja P. 
Published: January 2020

SummaryObjectivesTo report the clinical and virologic epidemiology of a recent epidemic of hepatitis C in thalassaemia patients in Sri Lanka.BackgroundTransfusion‐dependent thalassaemia patients remain at risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV). Here, we report a cluster of recent HCV infections in Sri Lankan thalassaemia patients and examine the phylogenetic relationship of viral sequences.MethodsWe conducted two prospective cross‐sectional surveys of 513 patients in four Sri Lankan thalassaemia centres in 2014/2015 and re‐surveyed one centre in 2016. We screened for anti‐HCV antibodies using the CTK Biotech enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits and confirmed active infection by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) for HCV‐RNA. HCV genomes were sequenced by unbiased target enrichment.ResultsAnti‐HCV antibodies were found in 116/513 (22.6%) of patients initially tested. Active hepatitis C infection was found in 26 patients with no cases of active hepatitis B infection. Of 26 patients with HCV, two were infected with genotype 1(a), and the rest had 3(a). In a single centre (Ragama), 122 patients (120 new cases and two previously tested, but negative) were retested for anti‐HCV antibodies. 32/122 (26.2%) patients were seropositive. Twenty‐three (23/122; 18.8%) of these new cases were confirmed by HCV PCR (all genotype 3[a]).ConclusionThere is a significant cluster of recent HCV cases in multiply transfused thalassaemia patients in several centres in Sri Lanka. Most of the viruses shared a close phylogenetic relationship. The results are consistent with recent continuing transfusion‐transmitted HCV infection. Routine surveillance for HCV of chronically transfused patients is required irrespective of screening of blood products.
How to manage transfusion systems in developing countries: The Experience of Eastern and Southern Mediterranean countries
Authors: Haddad Antoine , Benajiba Mohamed , Hmida Slama , Elgemmezi Tarek , Alqudah Mohammad , Abu‐Helu Rasmi , Bou Assi Tarek , Ba Khadijetou , Chaїb Mohamed , Feghali Rita , Najjar Osama , Garraud Olivier 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo outline and analyse the national organisation, infrastructure and management of transfusion systems in countries sharing common historical, cultural and economic features and to decipher management trends, in order to potentially benchmark.BackgroundLittle is known regarding transfusion systems in Eastern/southern Mediterranean at a time international organisations are calling for the establishment of a safe and sustainable blood system.Materials and MethodsData emanating from eight Arabic‐speaking Eastern/Southern Mediterranean countries who responded to five surveys were collected and tabulated.ResultsWhile similarities in terms of supervision by national authorities, authorization of blood centres, quality control and management information system are evident, some significant divergence between these countries do exists. Only Lebanon does not possess a national blood establishment or organisation for blood supply. Blood components are fully government‐subsidised in Algeria and Mauritania. Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia have a blood supply that relies mainly on Voluntary non‐remunerated donors. Plateletpheresis is performed in all countries except Mauritania while plasmapheresis exists only in Algeria and Egypt. Morocco is the sole country outsourcing its plasma for Plasma derived products.ConclusionDespite the various challenges facing these countries, lot of progresses have been made so far in the field of transfusion medicine. Yet, nationally coordinated blood programs overviewed by national regulatory authorities and actively supported by local governments are still needed to ensure the optimum level of blood safety.
Effectiveness of video‐assisted, self‐directed, and peer‐guided learning in the acquisition of surgical skills by veterinary students
Authors: Coffman Jonathan M. , McConkey Marina J. , Colee James 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the influence of self‐directed learning, peer feedback, or expert feedback on suturing technique of novice veterinary student surgeons.Study designProspective, blinded, video feedback study.Sample populationThree groups of surgery naïve veterinary students, two groups of 37 students and one group with 36 students.MethodsEach student completed three cruciate sutures in SynDaver skin. Student performance was video recorded and scored with a validated pro forma. Students were randomly divided into three groups: (1) students critically evaluated their own performance, (2) students critically evaluated peer's performance, and (3) students received a peer's evaluation. Each student repeated the surgical task and assessed his or her own performance, guided by the pro forma. Each student received a video with individualized feedback from an expert prior to repeating the task. Scores and times were analyzed. Student and expert evaluations were compared.ResultsTask composite score, time to completion, and completion rate did not differ between groups. Student self‐assessed scores did not correlate with expert scores. Forty‐three percent and 62% of students stated that self‐feedback and peer feedback, respectively, were acceptable forms of learning, and 96% of students felt expert feedback was superior to both.ConclusionVideo‐based self‐evaluation and peer‐assisted learning were as effective as expert feedback after didactic lecture in teaching suturing technique to novice veterinary surgeons.Clinical significanceVideo‐based self‐evaluation and peer feedback were viable alternative teaching strategies to didactic lecture and expert feedback alone for instructing novice veterinary surgeons.
In vitro evaluation and in vivo use of a novel surgical stent to minimize suture pressure necrosis
Authors: Dannemiller Nicholas G. , Hendrickson Dean A. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of stents to distribute pressure when incorporated into tension‐relieving sutures.Study designAn in vitro study and case report.AnimalOne common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncates).MethodsThree novel silicone stents, a traditional stent, and a control were tested in vitro by using a suture simulator. Stent surface area was measured by using a pressure mapping sensor. Pressure was derived from the measured surface area and the downward force of the suture simulator. Novel silicone stents were also used in the closure of an incision in a bottlenose dolphin.ResultsNo difference was found in surface area or pressure among the three silicone stents (adjusted P > .05). Silicone stents yielded an average, 2.69 cm2 more surface area and 842.37 kPa less pressure compared with the control as well as 1.67 cm2 more surface area and 110.67 kPa less pressure compared with the traditional stent. The traditional stent yielded 1.02 cm2 more surface area and 731.7 kPa less pressure compared with the control. Incision site and silicone stent assessment performed postoperatively revealed no obvious pressure necrosis.ConclusionStents improved distribution of suture pressure, and novel silicone stents were more effective compared with traditional stents. Novel silicone stents appear to have preliminary clinical success in vivo.Clinical significanceOur study provides evidence that stents effectively help distribute suture pressure, and their incorporation might minimize the risk of suture pressure necrosis. Novel silicone stents should be integrated into tension‐relieving suture patterns when closing wounds and incisions, particularly in aquatic animals.
Risk factors affecting pressure ulcer healing: Impact of prescription medications
Authors: Arai Kenichi , Yamamoto Ko‐hei , Suzuki Takaaki , Mitsukawa Nobuyuki , Ishii Itsuko 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTreatment of pressure ulcers requires removing the cause as well as eliminating factors that interfere with healing. There are no reports on the effect of medications prescribed for underlying diseases on pressure ulcers. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate whether medications prescribed to patients with pressure ulcers could be a factor that influences pressure ulcer healing. We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with pressure ulcer who were admitted to Chiba University Hospital between June 2009 and June 2015. A total of 110 patients were included in this study. In univariate analysis, there were significant differences in corticosteroid use and total caloric intake. Logistic regression analysis was performed for four factors, including corticosteroid use and total caloric intake, which were significant at P < .05, plus the two factors malignancy and body mass index, which were previously reported as factors that may affect pressure ulcer healing. The results showed that corticosteroid use [odds ratio (OR) 0.205, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.046 to 0.911, P = .037] and total caloric intake [OR 1.002, 95% CI: 1.000 to 1.003, P = .006] were significant risk factors influencing pressure ulcer healing. This study revealed that use of corticosteroids and total caloric intake could be risk factors affecting pressure ulcer healing. These findings provide useful information for the management of pressure ulcer.