bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation between longitudinal strain analysis and coronary microvascular dysfunction in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Sucato Vincenzo , Galassi Alfredo Ruggero , Novo Salvatore , Saladino Antonino , Evola Salvatore , Novo Giuseppina 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate in patients with microvascular angina and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, the speckle‐tracking echocardiography, and longitudinal myocardial strain to evaluate the possible presence of alterations in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients compared with a control population. We also investigated the correlation between the longitudinal strain analysis and the TIMI frame count after coronary angiography.MethodsOur study was performed on a population 41 patients with microvascular angina that underwent coronary angiography and speckle‐tracking echocardiography. We divided the sample into two categories: patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (n‐21) and patients without heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (n‐20). We calculated TIMI frame count indices for each patient based on angiographic images.ResultsPatients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction had reduced global longitudinal strain values (−17.88) compared with the total control population, and this reduction was statistically significant (P = .028). This reduction was more marked in patients who had a significantly increased TIMI frame count. Therefore, a statistically significant correlation was observed between TIMI frame count and global longitudinal strain.ConclusionOur results show that cardiac contractile mechanics are altered in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction at a subclinical level hard to identifiable with conventional echocardiography. The dysfunction of the microcirculation and the consequent alteration of the TIMI frame count probably results in a reduction of myocardial performance.
A simple and efficient workflow for generation of knock‐in mutations in Jurkat T cells using CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Borowicz Paweł , Chan Hanna , Medina Daniel , Gumpelmair Simon , Kjelstrup Hanna , Spurkland Anne 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCRISPR/Cas9 is a powerful gene‐editing tool allowing for specific gene manipulation at targeted sites in the genome. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated gene editing to introduce single amino acid mutations into proteins involved in T cell receptor signalling pathways. Knock‐in mutations were introduced in Jurkat T cells by homologous directed repair using single‐stranded oligodeoxynucleotides. Specifically, we aimed to create targeted mutations at two loci within LCK, a constitutively expressed gene, and at three loci within SH2D2A, whose expression is induced upon T cell activation. Here, we present a simple workflow that can be applied by any laboratory equipped for cell culture work, utilizing basic flow cytometry, Western blotting and PCR techniques. Our data reveal that gene editing may be locus‐dependent and can vary between target sites, also within a gene. In our two targeted genes, on average 2% of the clones harboured homozygous mutations as assessed by allele‐specific PCR and subsequent sequencing. We highlight the importance of decreasing the clonal heterogeneity and developing robust screening methods to accurately select for correct knock‐in mutations. Our workflow may be employed in other immune cell lines and acts as a useful approach for decoding functional mechanisms of proteins of interest.
Blade Vibration Stress Determination Method Based on Blade Tip Timing Simulator and Finite Element Method
Authors: Zhang Xiaojie , Wang Yanrong , Jiang Xianghua , Gao Shimin 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Blade tip timing (BTT) measurement technology is more widely used to determine the vibrational stress of rotating blades and play an important role for blade service life prediction. The dynamic blade displacements can be measured by tip timing sensors, and then be converted to blade stress by the modal shape information from finite element method (FEM) analysis. However, there are always two uncertainties between the measured displacements by BTT and the modal shape by FEM analysis. First, the effective positions detected by sensors may shift from where they expected due to the deformation of the blade. This deviation may yield calibration factors with deceptions, which will present an inaccurate correlation for the blade stress level and the tip displacement. Second, when vibrating, blade tip would actually oscillate around the equilibrium position both in circumferential and axial direction, while the sensors can only detect the movements along the circumference direction and neglect the other. This causes the measured displacements to be different from the actual displacements. To deal with these two problems, a novel method based on the vibration amplitudes of blade tip along axial direction is proposed to identify the effective detected position. The vibration stress of the whole blade then can be determined by linking the modified displacements to the mode shape information from finite element (FE) predictions. This method is validated by a numerical BTT simulator, which is trying to simulate the actual testing process of BTT measurement. Both synchronous and asynchronous vibrations are discussed to illustrate the applicability of this method. Moreover, sensitivity analysis is performed to identify the uncertainties from the vibration amplitude and mode shape inaccuracies. Results demonstrate the great potential of the method for vibration stress determination.
Effect of Runner Blade Thickness on Flow Characteristics of a Francis Turbine Model at Low Flowrates
Authors: Kim Seung-Jun , Choi Young-Seok , Cho Yong , Choi Jong-Woong , Kim Jin-Hyuk 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Francis turbines are often used for generating hydroelectric power, but their performance characteristics significantly depend on the operating conditions. In particular, interblade vortices in the passages between runner blades can occur at low flowrates, which can degrade performance, and increase vibrations and instability during operation. In a previous study, we showed that the hydraulic performance and flow characteristics depend on the flow passage area of runner blades under low-flowrate conditions. Under such operating conditions, the runner blade thickness can affect the interblade vortex characteristics, and in turn, affect the performance of the turbine. In this study, we investigated the effect of runner blade thicknesses in the presence of interblade vortices under low flowrates; steady- and unsteady-state Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations were solved using a shear stress transport as a turbulence model. The interblade vortices were described well at the near leading and trailing edges near the hub. These vortex regions showed flow separation and stagnation flow, and the interblade vortex characteristics were dependent on the high-magnitude unsteady pressures at the low-frequency region. For the same guide vane opening, at lower flowrates, higher blockage ratios reduced interblade vortex formation and unsteady pressure.
Non-axis-Symmetric Transport Characteristics of an Evaporating Water Droplet Sessile on Heated Horizontal Superhydrophobic Substrates
Authors: Peng Yikun , Li Shanshan , Pan Zhenhai 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Evaporation of sessile droplets is an important fundamental problem. The present three-dimensional numerical model considers various effects including vapor diffusion, buoyancy-driven flow, and evaporative cooling, with conjugate heat and mass transfer solved throughout the computational domain. Evaporation of a sessile water droplet with an initial volume of 3 μL is investigated on heated horizontal superhydrophobic substrates. A non-axis-symmetric rolling flow is presented inside the droplet rather than the axis-symmetric recirculation flow predicted by a two-dimensional axisymmetric model. This is because the axis-symmetric flow is not stable on heated superhydrophobic substrate and sensitive to any perturbations. The evaporative cooling along the droplet interface is observed, but the coolest point appears on the one side of the droplet instead of the droplet top owing to the rolling flow inside the droplet. Influence of relative humidity is also discussed and it indicates a stronger impact on substrates with relatively lower temperature. The present numerical study reveals the important underlying transport characteristics, which provides new insights into evaporation of water droplets resting on heated horizontal superhydrophobic substrates.
Comparison of Neutralizing and Hemagglutination-Inhibiting Antibody Responses to Influenza A Virus Vaccination of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Individuals
Authors: Benne C. A. , Kroon F. P. , Harmsen M. , Tavares L. , Kraaijeveld C. A. , De Jong J. C. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT

A neutralization enzyme immunoassay (N-EIA) was used to determine the neutralizing serum antibody titers to influenza A/Taiwan/1/86 (H1N1) and Beijing/353/89 (H3N2) viruses after vaccination of 51 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1-infected individuals and 10 healthy noninfected controls against influenza virus infection. Overall, the N-EIA titers correlated well with the hemagglutination-inhibition (HAI) titers that were observed in the same samples in a previous study (F. P. Kroon, J. T. van Dissel, J. C. de Jong, and R. van Furth, AIDS 8:469–476,1994). The N-EIA appeared to be more sensitive than the HAI test. Significantly more fourfold or higher rises in N-EIA titer and higher mean N-EIA titers occurred in HIV-infected individuals with ≥200 CD4
+
cells per μl than in those with <200 CD4
+
cells per μl.
Distribution of CCR5Δ32 in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Children and Its Relationship to Disease Course
Authors: Bakshi Saroj S. , Zhang Linqi , Ho David , Than Soe , Pahwa Savita G. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT

Homozygosity for a 32-bp deletion in the CCR5 gene (CCR5Δ32) has been shown to confer resistance to infection with the macrophage-tropic strain of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1. We examined the distribution of CCR5Δ32 in 47 children (age range, 1.5 to 19 years), of whom 43 were infected with HIV, by the perinatal route (
n
= 41) or by the intravenous route (
n
= 2). The infected patients were classified as rapid progressors (RP) (
n
= 7) (CDC category C3 or death by 2 years of age), non-rapid progressors (NRP) (
n
= 17) (survival for ≥8 years after infection), or intermediate (
n
= 19). CCR5Δ32 heterozygosity was found in two HIV-infected children, both NRP. None of the subjects were homozygous for CCR5Δ32, and the remaining children had no evidence of CCR5Δ32. The presence of CCR5Δ32 heterozygosity in 4.8% of this, predominantly non-Caucasian population is consistent with the published distribution of the mutation. The finding that CCR5Δ32 was present only in NRP and not in any RP is in agreement with previous reports suggesting that heterozygosity for CCR5Δ32 may confer limited protection from disease progression.
Cytokine Production in Cell Culture by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Immunocompetent Hosts
Authors: Katial Rohit K. , Sachanandani Doris , Pinney Carolyn , Lieberman Michael M. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTThe production of interleukin 2 (IL-2) gamma interferon, IL-4, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), TNF-β, IL-5, and IL-10 in vitro by peripheral blood mononuclear cells cultured from healthy immunocompetent subjects after mitogen stimulation was determined. The mitogens used were concanavalin A, phytohemagglutinin, pokeweed mitogen, andStaphylococcus aureusCowen. The results obtained provide a normal range for the production of these cytokines under specified conditions in vitro.
Enhancement of Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity of Neonatal Cells by Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-12
Authors: Nguyen Quoc H. , Roberts Robert L. , Ank Bonnie J. , Lin Syh-Jae , Lau Casey K. , Stiehm E. Richard 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTNewborn infants are more susceptible to infections due in part to deficiencies in the cytotoxic functions of their lymphocytes. We investigated the ability of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-12 to enhance the cytotoxicity of neonatal (cord blood) and adult mononuclear cells (MNCs) in both natural killer (NK) cell and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) assays. The cytotoxic activity of cord blood MNCs was less than 50% that of adult MNCs in most assays prior to exposure to cytokines. Incubation with IL-2 (100 U/ml) or IL-12 (1 ng/ml) for 18 h increased the NK cell activity (using K562 target cells) of both cord blood and adult MNCs, and the combination of IL-2 and IL-12 increased cord blood cytotoxicity threefold, making the cytotoxicity of cord blood cells equivalent to that of adult cells treated with the same cytokines. In ADCC assays with chicken erythrocyte targets, the combination of IL-2 and IL-12 increased the cytotoxicities of both cord blood and adult MNCs, with greater enhancement again seen with cord blood cells. In assays with NK cell-resistant CEM cells coated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gp120 antigen in the presence of hyperimmune anti-HIV immunoglobulin, ADCC of cord blood MNCs was about 50% that of adult MNCs; ADCC of cord blood MNCs increased two- to threefold with the addition of IL-2 and IL-12, whereas ADCC of adult MNCs did not increase. Incubation of cord blood cells, but not adult cells, with IL-2 or IL-12 for 1 week increased the percentage of CD16+/CD56+cells two- to fivefold and enhanced ADCC activity. Thus, IL-2 and IL-12 greatly enhance both the NK cell and ADCC activities of neonatal MNCs and increase the number of NK cells in longer-term culture.
Blinded Multiplex PCR Analyses of Middle Ear and Nasopharyngeal Fluids from Chinchilla Models of Single- and Mixed-Pathogen-Induced Otitis Media
Authors: Bakaletz Lauren O. , White Gregory J. , Post J. Christopher , Ehrlich Garth D. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTMultiplex PCR analyses for both bacterial and viral pathogens were conducted in a blinded manner on 33 archival specimens, of known culture status, procured from chinchilla models of both single- and mixed-pathogen-induced otitis media and from a pediatric patient. These specimens had been maintained at −70°C for up to 6 years. Experimental specimens evaluated included middle-ear effusions, nasopharyngeal lavage fluids and middle-ear lavage fluids from animals which were immunologically naive, sham-immunized or actively immunized with nontypeableHaemophilus influenzaeantigens. Sampling times used ranged from the day of bacterial or viral challenge to 42 days after challenge. Initial PCR analyses of the 33 specimens matched the traditional culture data in 24 instances (73%), correctly identifying nontypeableH. influenzae,Moraxella catarrhalis,Streptococcus pneumoniae, or adenovirus as the causative agent. A PCR-positive signal for the microbe(s) inoculated was also obtained in four animal model specimens (12%) which were culture negative. One of two culture-negative human effusions was also PCR positive. Thus, overall, results obtained by blinded PCR were 85% concordant with traditional culture methods or correctly indicated the specific pathogen introduced in four specimens that were sterile. In no instance was a false-positive signal obtained for any of the five etiologic agents being evaluated. We conclude that the multiplex PCR analyses are rapid and accurate methodologies when they are used to retrospectively evaluate diverse archival specimens of limited volume from experimental models of otitis media.
Evaluation of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Using Recombinant Major Surface Protein 5 for Serological Diagnosis of Bovine Anaplasmosis in Venezuela
Authors: Reyna-Bello Armando , Cloeckaert Axel , Vizcaíno Nieves , Gonzatti Mary I. , Aso Pedro M. , Dubray Gérard , Zygmunt Michel S. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTAn indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the serological diagnosis of bovine anaplasmosis with purified recombinant major surface protein 5 (MSP5) ofAnaplasma marginaleproduced inEscherichia coli. Serum antibody responses against MSP5 were detected in calves experimentally infected withA. marginaleas early as 21 days postinfection and reached maximum titers at 28 days postinfection. The MSP5 ELISA performed with serum samples taken from field cattle from different regions of Venezuela showed a seroprevalence of 47%, which seems to be in accordance with the reported epidemiological status of bovine anaplasmosis in Venezuela. Positive results obtained in the MSP5 ELISA were further confirmed by immunoblotting, with the recombinant MSP5 as the antigen. Thus, these results confirmed the importance of MSP5 as a suitable antigen for the serological diagnosis of bovine anaplasmosis.
Analysis of the Humoral Immune Response toChlamydiaOuter Membrane Protein 2
Authors: Mygind Per , Christiansen Gunna , Persson Kenneth , Birkelund Svend 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTThe humoral immune response toChlamydiaouter membrane protein 2 (Omp2) was studied. Omp2 is a highly genus-conserved structural protein of allChlamydiaspecies, containing a variable N-terminal fragment. To analyze where the immunogenic parts were localized, seven highly purified truncated fusion proteins constituting different regions of the protein were produced (Chlamydia pneumoniae-Omp2aa23-aa93,Chlamydia psittaci-Omp2aa23-aa94, andChlamydia trachomatis-Omp2aa23-aa84, aa87-aa547, aa23-aa182, aa167-aa434, aa420-aa547). By an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with serologically defined patient sera, Omp2 was found to be a major immunogen of bothC. pneumoniaeandC. trachomatisinfections (P≪ 0.0001). The humoral immune responses were not confined to any particular region of the Omp2 protein, and no species-specific anti-Omp2 immunoglobulins were detected.
Clinical Evaluation of a Rapid Immunochromatographic Test for the Diagnosis of Dengue Virus Infection
Authors: Sang Chew Theng , Hoon Lim Siew , Cuzzubbo Andrea , Devine Peter 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
A rapid immunochromatographic test was compared to the hemagglutination inhibition assay for separate determinations of dengue virus-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG levels in paired serum specimens from 92 patients (34 with primary dengue virus infection, 35 with secondary dengue virus infection, and 23 without dengue virus infection). The rapid test showed 99% sensitivity in the diagnosis of dengue virus infection. The majority (30 of 34 [88%]) of patients with primary infection showed positive IgM but negative IgG, while 34 of 35 (97%) patients with secondary infection showed positive IgG with or without IgM. Specificity in nonflavivirus infections was 96% (1 of 23 positive). The rapid test should be a useful aid in rapid diagnosis of dengue virus infection.
Effect of Cytokines on Anticryptococcal Activity of Human Microglial Cells
Authors: Lipovsky Myriam M. , Juliana Amadu E. , Gekker Genya , Hu Shuxian , Hoepelman Andy I. M. , Peterson Phillip K. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTThe effect of selected cytokines on the antifungal activity of human microglia was studied with encapsulated and acapsular strains ofCryptococcus neoformans. None of the cytokines tested increased the fungistatic activity of microglia, suggesting that killing of cryptococci within the central nervous system is dependent on other host defense mechanisms.
A Modified Agglutination Test forNeospora caninum: Development, Optimization, and Comparison to the Indirect Fluorescent-Antibody Test and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Authors: Packham Andrea E. , Sverlow Karen W. , Conrad Patricia A. , Loomis Emily F. , Rowe Joan D. , Anderson Mark L. , Marsh Antoinette E. , Cray Carolyn , Barr Bradd C. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTCurrent serologic tests used to detect antibodies toNeospora caninumrequire species-specific secondary antibodies, limiting the number of species that can be tested. In order to examine a wide variety of animal species that may be infected withN. caninum, a modified direct agglutination test (N-MAT) similar to theToxoplasma gondiimodified direct agglutination test (T-MAT) was developed. This test measures the direct agglutination of parasites byN. caninum-specific antibodies in serum, thus eliminating the need for secondary host-specific anti-isotype sera. The N-MAT was compared to the indirect fluorescent-antibody test (IFAT) and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a “gold standard” serum panel from species for which secondary antibodies were available (n= 547). All positive samples tested were from animals with histologically confirmed infections. Up to 16 different species were tested. The N-MAT gave a higher sensitivity (100%) and specificity (97%) than the ELISA (74 and 94%, respectively) and had a higher sensitivity but a lower specificity than the IFAT (98 and 99%, respectively). The reduced specificity of the N-MAT was due to false-positive reactions in testing fetal fluids with particulate matter or severely hemolyzed serum. Overall, the N-MAT proved to be highly sensitive and specific for both naturally and experimentally infected animals, highly reproducible between and within readers, easy to use on large sample sizes without requiring special equipment, and useful in testing serum from any species without modification.
Effect of Ovalbumin Aerosol Exposure on Colonization of the Porcine Upper Airway by
Pasteurella multocida
and Effect of Colonization on Subsequent Immune Function
Authors: Hamilton T. D. C. , Roe J. M. , Hayes C. M. , Webster A. J. F. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT

Seventy-three piglets were weaned at 1 week of age, randomly assigned to 10 groups (A to J), accommodated in stainless steel exposure chambers, and exposed continuously to a controlled environment containing aerosolized ovalbumin. The concentrations of ovalbumin dust were as follows (milligrams per cubic meter): A and F, 16.6; B and G, 8.4; C and H, 4.2; D and I, 2.1; E and J, 0. At weekly intervals, the pigs were bled via venipuncture and anesthetized for nasal lavage and tonsilar biopsies performed for subsequent bacteriologic analysis. At 2 weeks of age, the pigs in groups A to E were challenged with toxigenic
Pasteurella multocida
(10
8
CFU pig
−1
), and at 6 weeks of age, the pigs were euthanatized. At postmortem, the extent of turbinate atrophy was assessed on the snout sections by using a morphometric index. Exposure to aerial ovalbumin resulted in a dose-dependent increase in serum antiovalbumin immunoglobulin G (IgG;
P
< 0.001) and serum antiovalbumin IgA (
P
< 0.001). Exposure also caused a significant increase in the numbers of
P. multocida
organisms isolated from the upper respiratory tract (
P
< 0.001) and a corresponding increase in turbinate atrophy, as judged by the morphometric index (
P
< 0.001). Concurrent challenge with
P. multocida
and ovalbumin resulted in a significant decrease in both the IgG and IgA responses to ovalbumin (
P
< 0.001). These results show that ovalbumin exposure increases pig susceptibility to
P. multocida
colonization and that toxigenic
P. multocida
modifies the serum IgG and IgA responses to ovalbumin in the pig. Both of these effects may enhance the virulence of this respiratory pathogen and so influence the pathogenesis of atrophic rhinitis in pigs.