bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Moral Gradation of Media of Deception
Authors: Cohen Shlomo 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA central debate in the ethics of deception concerns the moral comparison among the three media through which deception is executed: lying, falsely implicating, or nonlinguistic deception. The two prominent views are that lying is morally worse or that the choice of medium is morally insignificant. This article refutes both and argues for a new position. The article first presents a theory on the moral significance of the medium of deception as such: it argues that the medium of communication affects the reliability of beliefs formed through it, which amounts to gradations in the warrant of truth of different media. Breach of lower warrant of truth is a lesser breach of trust; it therefore deserves lighter condemnation. Consequently, the article shows that, morally speaking, lying is either worse than or equal to falsely implicating and that there is no a priori gradation between nonlinguistic deception and the two linguistic media.
Pathogen reduction combined with rapid diagnostic tests to reduce the risk of transfusion‐transmitted infections in Uganda
Authors: Butler Elissa K. , McCullough Jeffrey 
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUNDBlood safety and transfusion‐transmitted infections (TTIs) are a major concern in low‐resource areas. Laboratory screening of donors, a key contributor to blood safety, is usually done by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods, which use expensive reagents and necessitate complex instruments and sophisticated laboratory staff. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are less expensive and easier to perform but have less sensitivity. Pathogen reduction technology (PRT) reduces transfusion transmission of malaria and may be effective in decreasing other TTIs. We explored the potential to improve blood safety by combining PRT and RDTs in comparison with current ELISA testing.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe identified the sensitivity of RDTs available in Uganda and the sensitivity of currently used ELISA. Data from a riboflavin‐and‐UV–based photochemical treatment PRT were used. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and malaria were studied. Probability models were developed for estimation of the number of infectious units of blood for each of these four infections using either current ELISA or the combination of RDT and PRT.RESULTSCompared to currently used ELISA, the combination of RDTs and PRT could reduce the rate of infectious units by 100, 20, 98, and 83% for HIV, HBV, HCV, and malaria, respectively, and would prevent use of 758 units of infectious blood per 10,000 units transfused.CONCLUSIONThe combination of RDTs and PRT may improve blood safety in low‐resource areas.
Changes in plasma unit distributions to hospitals over a 10‐year period
Authors: Seheult Jansen N. , Shaz Beth , Bravo Marjorie , Croxon Harry , Devine Dana , Doncaster Cheryl , Field Stephen , Flanagan Peter , Germain Marc , Grégoire Yves , Kamel Hany , Karafin Matthew , Kelting Nancy , Lewis Marc , O'Brien Cath , Murphy Michael F. , Rossmann Susan , Sayers Merlyn , Shinar Eilat , Takanashi Minoko , Titlestad Kjell , Yazer Mark H. ,   the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusions (BEST) Collaborative
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUNDThere are many influences on a hospital's demand for plasma. Pharmaceuticals are now being administered for many indications instead of plasma, although trauma resuscitation now emphasizes increased and early intervention with plasma. This multinational study evaluated changes in blood center plasma unit distributions over a 10‐year period.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSData on the total number and the ABO groups of plasma unit distributions were obtained from nine American blood collectors (ABCs) and nine national or provincial blood services (NPBS) from 2007 through 2016. Plasma distributions to trauma hospitals by five ABCs and four NPBS were also analyzed.RESULTSThe overall number of plasma unit distributions from ABCs decreased by 23.1% from 2007 to 2016, but the relative proportion of distributed AB plasma units increased during the same period. The NPBS (excluding the Japanese Red Cross [JRC]) also had a 35.4% decrease in the overall number of plasma unit distributions with an increase in the relative proportion of AB plasma distributions between 2007 and 2016. The JRC, however, reported an increase in the overall number of plasma distributions by 13.5% in 2016 compared to 2007. The proportion of low‐titer A plasma distributions increased to 1.6% of total plasma distributions by ABCs in 2016. There was a trend of distributing increasing proportions of group AB plasma units to trauma hospitals over the 10‐year period.CONCLUSIONAlthough the number of plasma unit distributions has decreased at many blood collectors over time, the proportion of AB units has increased at both ABCs and NPBS.
Iron deficiency and preoperative anaemia in patients scheduled for elective hip‐ and knee arthroplasty – an observational study
Authors: Jans Ø. , Nielsen C. S. , Khan N. , Gromov K. , Troelsen A. , Husted H. 
Published: February 2018

Background and objectivesPreoperative anaemia is prevalent in elderly patients scheduled for major orthopaedic surgery and is associated with increased transfusion risk and postoperative morbidity. New guidelines recommend preoperative correction of anaemia and iron deficiency in all patients with a Hb < 13 g/dl. However, iron deficiency and other causes of preoperative anaemia in hip‐ (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty are only sparsely studied.Materials and MethodsPreoperative Hb and iron status were prospectively collected from 882 unselected elective fast‐track THA/TKA patients and analysed according to both WHO anaemia criteria (Hb < 12 g/dl females, <13 g/dl males) and Hb < 13 g/dl for both genders. Iron deficiency (ID) and other possible anaemia causes were classified by ferritin, transferrin saturation, P‐cobalamin, P‐folate, C‐reactive protein and creatinine.ResultsNinety‐five (10·8%) and 243 (27·6%) of the study population were WHO anaemic or had a Hb < 13 g/dl, respectively. Transfusion was more common in anaemic vs. non‐anaemic patients 43 vs. 13%; (P < 0·001), and in patients with Hb < 13 g/dl vs. Hb > 13 g/dl 28 vs. 11% (P < 0·001). 154 (17·5%) of all patients had ID, and ID was the most common cause of anaemia with a prevalence of 41% in WHO anaemic patients and 33% in patients with Hb < 13 g/dl. A further 19 (20%) and 46 (19%) patients, respectively, had evidence of iron sequestration.ConclusionAnaemia is prevalent prior to THA and TKA with iron deficiency as the most common and reversible cause.
Frequency of an accessory popliteal efferent lymphatic pathway in dogs
Authors: Mayer Monique N. , Sweet Katherine A. , Patsikas Michael N. , Sukut Sally L. , Waldner Cheryl L. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractStaging and therapeutic planning for dogs with malignant disease in the popliteal lymph node are based on the expected patterns of lymphatic drainage from the lymph node. The medial iliac lymph nodes are known to receive efferent lymph from the popliteal lymph node; however, an accessory popliteal efferent pathway with direct connection to the sacral lymph nodes has also been less frequently reported. The primary objective of this prospective, anatomic study was to describe the frequency of various patterns of lymphatic drainage of the popliteal lymph node. With informed client consent, 50 adult dogs with no known disease of the lymphatic system underwent computed tomographic lymphography after ultrasound‐guided, percutaneous injection of 350 mg/ml iohexol into a popliteal lymph node. In all 50 dogs, the popliteal lymph node drained directly to the ipsilateral medial iliac lymph node through multiple lymphatic vessels that coursed along the medial thigh. In 26% (13/50) of dogs, efferent vessels also drained from the popliteal lymph node directly to the internal iliac and/or sacral lymph nodes, coursing laterally through the gluteal region and passing over the dorsal aspect of the pelvis. Lymphatic connections between the right and left medial iliac and right and left internal iliac lymph nodes were found. Based on our findings, the internal iliac and sacral lymph nodes should be considered when staging or planning therapy for dogs with malignant disease in the popliteal lymph node.
Low RMRratio as a Surrogate Marker for Energy Deficiency, the Choice of Predictive Equation Vital for Correctly Identifying Male and Female Ballet Dancers at Risk
Authors: Staal Sarah , Sjödin Anders , Fahrenholtz Ida , Bonnesen Karen , Melin Anna Katarina 
Published: February 2018

Ballet dancers are reported to have an increased risk for energy deficiency with or without disordered eating behavior. A low ratio between measured (m) and predicted (p) resting metabolic rate (RMRratio < 0.90) is a recognized surrogate marker for energy deficiency. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of suppressed RMR using different methods to calculate pRMR and to explore associations with additional markers of energy deficiency. Female (n = 20) and male (n = 20) professional ballet dancers, 19–35 years of age, were enrolled. mRMR was assessed by respiratory calorimetry (ventilated open hood). pRMR was determined using the Cunningham and Harris–Benedict equations, and different tissue compartments derived from whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry assessment. The protocol further included assessment of body composition and bone mineral density, blood pressure, disordered eating (Eating Disorder Inventory-3), and for females, the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire. The prevalence of suppressed RMR was generally high but also clearly dependent on the method used to calculate pRMR, ranging from 25% to 80% in males and 35% to 100% in females. Five percent had low bone mineral density, whereas 10% had disordered eating and 25% had hypotension. Forty percent of females had elevated Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire score and 50% were underweight. Suppressed RMR was associated with elevated Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire score in females and with higher training volume in males. In conclusion, professional ballet dancers are at risk for energy deficiency. The number of identified dancers at risk varies greatly depending on the method used to predict RMR when using RMRratio as a marker for energy deficiency.
Incidence of Shoulder Injury in Elite Wheelchair Athletes Differ Between Sports: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Fairbairn Jessica R. , Huxel Bliven Kellie C. 
Published: February 2018

Clinical Scenario: Until recently, injury epidemiology data on elite Paralympic athletes were limited. Current data suggest high rates of shoulder injury in wheelchair athletes. Differences in shoulder injury rates between sports have not been reported in this population. Clinical Question: Is the incidence of shoulder injury in elite wheelchair athletes different between sports? Summary of Key Findings: Shoulder injury rates are high in elite wheelchair athletes, particularly in sports such as field events and fencing that require a stable base (eg, trunk, core control) from which to perform. Wheelchair racing requires repetitive motions that contribute to shoulder injuries, but rates are lower than field sports and fencing. Wheelchair curling and sledge hockey have low shoulder injury risk. Clinical Bottom Line: Shoulder injury rates vary based on sport in elite wheelchair athletes. In addition to incorporating shoulder complex specific rehabilitation for overuse shoulder injuries, clinicians should focus on core and trunk stabilization in elite wheelchair athletes competing in sports, such as field events and fencing. Strength of Recommendation: Grade C evidence exists that reports shoulder injury rates among elite wheelchair athletes differ based on sport participation.
Identification of Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi Lead Compounds with Putative Immunomodulatory Activity
Authors: Otta Dayane Andriotti , de Araújo Fernanda Fortes , de Rezende Vitor Bortolo , Souza-Fagundes Elaine Maria , Elói-Santos Silvana Maria , Costa-Silva Matheus Fernandes , Santos Raiany Araújo , Costa Heloísa Alves , Siqueira-Neto Jair Lage , Martins-Filho Olindo Assis , Teixeira-Carvalho Andréa 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

In seeking substitutions for the current Chagas disease treatment, which has several relevant side effects, new therapeutic candidates have been extensively investigated. In this context, a balanced interaction between mediators of the host immune response seems to be a key element for therapeutic success, as a proinflammatory microenvironment modulated by interleukin-10 (IL-10) is shown to be relevant to potentiate anti-
Trypanosoma cruzi
drug activity. This study aimed to identify the potential immunomodulatory activities of the anti-
T. cruzi
K777, pyronaridine (PYR), and furazolidone (FUR) compounds in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from noninfected (NI) subjects and chronic Chagas disease (CD) patients. Our results showed low cytotoxicity to PBMC populations, with 50% cytotoxic concentrations (CC
50
) of 71.0 μM (K777), 9.0 μM (PYR), and greater than 20 μM (FUR). In addition, K777 showed no impact on the exposure index (EI) of phytohemagglutinin-stimulated leukocytes (PHA), while PYR and FUR treatments induced increased EI of monocytes and T lymphocytes at late stages of apoptosis in NI subjects. Moreover, K777 induced a more prominent proinflammatory response (tumor necrosis factor alpha-positive [TNF-α
+
] CD8
+
/CD4
+
, gamma interferon-positive [IFN-γ
+
] CD4
+
/CD8
+
modulated by interleukin-10-positive [IL-10
+
] CD4
+
T/CD8
+
T) than did PYR (TNF-α
+
CD8
+
, IL-10
+
CD8
+
) and FUR (TNF-α
+
CD8
+
, IL-10
+
CD8
+
). Signature analysis of intracytoplasmic cytokines corroborated the proinflammatory/modulated (K777) and proinflammatory (PYR and FUR) profiles previously found. In conclusion, the lead compound K777 may induce beneficial changes in the immunological profile of patients presenting the chronic phase of Chagas disease and may contribute to a more effective therapy against the disease.
Time to Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Treatment Initiation in Association with Treatment Outcomes in Shanghai, China
Authors: Chen Yong , Yuan Zhengan , Shen Xin , Wu Jie , Wu Zheyuan , Xu Biao 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT
In high tuberculosis (TB)-burden countries such as China, the diagnosis of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) using conventional drug susceptibility testing (DST) takes months, making treatment delay inevitable. Poor outcomes of MDR-TB might be associated with delayed, even inappropriate, treatment. The purposes of this study were to investigate the time to MDR-TB treatment initiation and to assess the association between early treatment and treatment outcomes. Between April 2011 and December 2014, this population-based retrospective cohort study collected the demographic and clinical characteristics and the drug susceptibility profiles of all registered MDR-TB patients in Shanghai, China. The dates of TB and MDR-TB diagnoses, DST performance, and treatment initiation were extracted to calculate the times to treatment. In total, 284 of 346 MDR-TB patients were eligible for analysis, and 68.3% (194/284) had favored outcomes. The median time to treatment initiation from TB diagnosis was 172 days among those with favored outcomes and 190 days among those with poor outcomes. Treatments initiated within 60 days after performing DST (odds ratio [OR], 2.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22 to 5.36) and empirical treatments (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.01 to 4.32) were positively associated with favored outcomes. Substantial delays to MDR-TB treatment were observed when conventional DST was used. Early treatment predicted favored outcomes. Rapid diagnostic methods should be scaled up and improvements should be made in patient management and information linkage to reduce treatment delay.
Penetration of Cefotaxime into Cerebrospinal Fluid in Neonates and Young Infants
Authors: Chen Xing-Kai , Shi Hai-Yan , Leroux Stephanie , Xu Hai-Yan , Zhou Yue , Zheng Yi , Huang Xin , Li Yan , Jacqz-Aigrain Evelyne , Zhao Wei 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

Cefotaxime is the first-line treatment for meningitis in neonates and young infants. However, limited data on cefotaxime cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations in neonates and young infants were available. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the penetration of cefotaxime into CSF in neonates and young infants. Blood and CSF samples were collected from neonates and young infants treated with cefotaxime using an opportunistic pharmacokinetic sampling strategy, and concentrations were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The analysis was performed using NONMEM and R software. Thirty neonates and young infants (postmenstrual age range, 25.4 to 47.4 weeks) were included. A total of 67 plasma samples and 30 CSF samples were available for analysis. Cefotaxime plasma and CSF concentrations ranged from 2.30 to 175.42 mg/liter and from 0.39 to 25.38 mg/liter, respectively. The median ratio of the CSF concentration to the plasma concentration was 0.28 (range, 0.06 to 0.76). Monte Carlo simulation demonstrated that 88.4% and 63.9% of hypothetical neonates treated with 50 mg/kg of body weight three times a day (TID) would reach the pharmacodynamic target (the percentage of the dosing interval that the free antimicrobial drug concentration remains above the MIC, 70%) using the standard EUCAST MIC susceptibility breakpoints of 2 mg/liter and 4 mg/liter, respectively. The penetration of cefotaxime into the CSF of neonates and young infants was evaluated using an opportunistic sampling approach. A dosage regimen of 50 mg/kg TID could cover the most causative pathogens with MICs of <2 mg/liter. Individual dosage adaptation was required for more resistant bacterial strains, such as
Staphylococcus aureus
.
Polyporales Brown Rot Species Fomitopsis pinicola: Enzyme Activity Profiles, Oxalic Acid Production, and Fe
3+
-Reducing Metabolite Secretion
Authors: Shah Firoz , Mali Tuulia , Lundell Taina K. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

Basidiomycota fungi in the order Polyporales are specified to decomposition of dead wood and woody debris and thereby are crucial players in the degradation of organic matter and cycling of carbon in the forest ecosystems. Polyporales wood-decaying species comprise both white rot and brown rot fungi, based on their mode of wood decay. While the white rot fungi are able to attack and decompose all the lignocellulose biopolymers, the brown rot species mainly cause the destruction of wood polysaccharides, with minor modification of the lignin units. The biochemical mechanism of brown rot decay of wood is still unclear and has been proposed to include a combination of nonenzymatic oxidation reactions and carbohydrate-active enzymes. Therefore, a linking approach is needed to dissect the fungal brown rot processes. We studied the brown rot Polyporales species
Fomitopsis pinicola
by following mycelial growth and enzyme activity patterns and generating metabolites together with Fenton-promoting Fe
3+
-reducing activity for 3 months in submerged cultures supplemented with spruce wood. Enzyme activities to degrade hemicellulose, cellulose, proteins, and chitin were produced by three Finnish isolates of
F. pinicola
. Substantial secretion of oxalic acid and a decrease in pH were notable. Aromatic compounds and metabolites were observed to accumulate in the fungal cultures, with some metabolites having Fe
3+
-reducing activity. Thus,
F. pinicola
demonstrates a pattern of strong mycelial growth leading to the active production of carbohydrate- and protein-active enzymes, together with the promotion of Fenton biochemistry. Our findings point to fungal species-level “fine-tuning” and variations in the biochemical reactions leading to the brown rot type of wood decay.

IMPORTANCE
Fomitopsis pinicola
is a common fungal species in boreal and temperate forests in the Northern Hemisphere encountered as a wood-colonizing saprotroph and tree pathogen, causing a severe brown rot type of wood degradation. However, its lignocellulose-decomposing mechanisms have remained undiscovered. Our approach was to explore both the enzymatic activities and nonenzymatic Fenton reaction-promoting activities (Fe
3+
reduction and metabolite production) by cultivating three isolates of
F. pinicola
in wood-supplemented cultures. Our findings on the simultaneous production of versatile enzyme activities, including those of endoglucanase, xylanase, β-glucosidase, chitinase, and acid peptidase, together with generation of low pH, accumulation of oxalic acid, and Fe
3+
-reducing metabolites, increase the variations of fungal brown rot decay mechanisms. Furthermore, these findings will aid us in revealing the wood decay proteomic, transcriptomic, and metabolic activities of this ecologically important forest fungal species.
Stress Response Protein BolA Influences Fitness and Promotes Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Virulence
Authors: Mil-Homens Dalila , Barahona Susana , Moreira Ricardo N. , Silva Inês J. , Pinto Sandra N. , Fialho Arsénio M. , Arraiano Cecília M. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

The intracellular pathogen
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium has emerged as a major cause of foodborne illness, representing a severe clinical and economic concern worldwide. The capacity of this pathogen to efficiently infect and survive inside the host depends on its ability to synchronize a complex network of virulence mechanisms. Therefore, the identification of new virulence determinants has become of paramount importance in the search of new targets for drug development. BolA-like proteins are widely conserved in all kingdoms of life. In
Escherichia coli
, this transcription factor has a critical regulatory role in several mechanisms that are tightly related to bacterial virulence. Therefore, in the present work we used the well-established infection model
Galleria mellonella
to evaluate the role of BolA protein in
S
. Typhimurium virulence. We have shown that BolA is an important player in
S
. Typhimurium pathogenesis. Specifically, the absence of BolA leads to a defective virulence capacity that is most likely related to the remarkable effect of this protein on
S
. Typhimurium evasion of the cellular response. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that BolA has a critical role in bacterial survival under harsh conditions since BolA conferred protection against acidic and oxidative stress. Hence, we provide evidence that BolA is a determining factor in the ability of
Salmonella
to survive and overcome host defense mechanisms, and this is an important step in progress to an understanding of the pathways underlying bacterial virulence.

IMPORTANCE
BolA has been described as an important protein for survival in the late stages of bacterial growth and under harsh environmental conditions. High levels of BolA in stationary phase and under stresses have been connected with a plethora of phenotypes, strongly suggesting its important role as a master regulator. Here, we show that BolA is a determining factor in the ability of
Salmonella
to survive and overcome host defense mechanisms, and this is an important step in progress to an understanding of the pathways underlying bacterial virulence. This work constitutes a relevant step toward an understanding of the role of BolA protein and may have an important impact on future studies in other organisms. Therefore, this study is of utmost importance for understanding the genetic and molecular bases involved in the regulation of
Salmonella
virulence and may contribute to future industrial and public health care applications.