bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety and utility of surveillance biopsies in pediatric kidney transplant patients
Authors: Nazario Maritere , Nicoara Oana , Becton Lauren , Self Sally , Hill Jeanne , Mack Elizabeth , Evans Melissa , Twombley Katherine 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThere is currently no way to diagnose a rejection before a change in serum creatinine. This had led some to start doing SB, but little data exist on the utility and safety of SB in pediatric patients. There is also little known on practice patterns of pediatric nephrologists. A retrospective review of pediatric kidney transplant SB between January 2013 and January 2017 at a single center was performed. A survey went to the PedNeph email list. There were 47 SB; 15 at 6 months, 12 at 1 year, 13 at 2 years, and 7 at 3 years. There were 3 minor (1 gross hematuria and 2 hematomas) and no major complications. On 6‐month SB, 1 had SC 1A ACR (6.7%) with no BR ACR. On the 12‐month SB, there were 5 with SCBR ACR (41.7%) and 1 with SC AMR (8.3%). On the 2‐year SB, there were 4 that had SCBR ACR (30.8%), and 1 with SC AMR (7.7%). On the 3‐year SB, 1 had chronic transplant glomerulitis (14.3%). The survey showed that 34.3% of pediatric nephrologists perform SB. SB can be performed safely. By early identification of histological lesions, SB gives us an opportunity for individualized immunosuppressive regimens that may prevent chronic allograft dysfunction and improve long‐term graft outcome.
Characterization of transcriptional complexity during pre‐implantation development of the yak (Bos grunniens) using RNA‐Seq
Authors: Zi X‐D , Luo B , Xia W , Zheng Y‐C , Xiong X‐R , Li J , Zhong J‐C , Zhu J‐J , Zhang Z‐F 
Published: March 2018

ContentsThe objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism that regulates pre‐implantation development of the yak (Bos grunniens). We determined the transcriptomes of in vitro‐produced yak embryos at two‐cell, four‐cell, eight‐cell stages, and morula and blastocyst using the Illumina RNA‐seq for the first time. We obtained 47.36–50.86 million clean reads for each stage, of which, 85.65%–90.02% reads were covered in the reference genome. A total of 17,368 genes were expressed during the two‐cell stage to blastocyst of the yak, of which 7,236 genes were co‐expressed at all stages, whereas 10,132 genes were stage‐specific expression. Transcripts from 9,827 to 14,893 different genes were detected in various developmental stages. When |log2 ratio| ≥ 1 and q‐value <0.05 were set as thresholds for identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs), we detected a total of 6,922–10,555 DEGs between any two consecutive stages. The GO distributions of these DEGs were classified into three categories: biological processes (23 terms), cellular components (22 terms) and molecular functions (22 terms). Pathway analysis revealed 310 pathways of the DEGs that were operative in early pre‐implantation yak development, of which 32 were the significantly enriched pathways. In conclusion, this is the first report to investigate the mechanism that regulates yak embryonic development using high‐throughput sequencing, which provides a comprehensive framework of transcriptome landscapes of yak pre‐implantation embryos.
D‐immunized blood donors who are female and who possess at least one HLA‐DRB1*15 allele show a propensity for high serum RhIG production
Authors: Tan Joanne C.G. , Yuan Fang Fang , Daley Jackie , Marks Katherine , Flower Robert L. , Dyer Wayne B. 
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUNDD– individuals with previous D‐incompatible pregnancies and/or blood transfusions, as well as those who are actively immunized with small‐volume D+ red blood cells (RBCs), are stimulated to produce RhIG. Many factors could influence the stimulation of immunoglobulin production in response to foreign antigen (such as antigen immunogenicity and genetic factors), and it is unknown whether genetic markers could potentially identify responder anti‐D donors.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSAnti‐D donors were assigned a responder profile based on their serum RhIG levels (n = 431). A subset of donors (n = 272) had DNA extracted for polymerase chain reaction genotyping assays for target genes in antigen presentation and pathogen recognition receptors (TLR2, TLR4, CD14, FcγRIIA, and the MHC Class II locus HLA‐DRB1). Statistical tests for associations between anti‐D donor responder profiles and genetic factors were performed.RESULTSA large proportion of our donors (38.7%) were classified as nonresponder donors, despite receiving multiple D+ RBC immunizations, whereas female sex was significantly associated with an all‐responder profile (p < 0.001). The presence of the DRB1*15 allele and absence of the DRB1*04 allele were more likely to be associated with a responder anti‐D donor, although not significantly after Bonferroni correction. A combination of the DRB1*15 allele and female sex was significantly associated with an anti‐D donor responder profile.CONCLUSIONThis study has identified female sex and the HLA‐DRB1*15 allele as potentially useful markers that could be used to screen donors before entry into D immunization programs.
A pilot serosurvey of Babesia microti in Chinese blood donors
Authors: Bloch E. M. , Yang Y. , He M. , Tonnetti L. , Liu Y. , Wang J. , Guo Y. , Li H. , Leiby D. A. , Shan H. ,   ISBT TTID Working Party Parasite Subgroup
Published: March 2018

Background and ObjectivesBabesia spp. are tick‐borne, intraerythrocytic protozoan parasites, several of which are transfusion‐transmissible. Transfusion‐transmitted babesiosis poses serious risk to a diverse patient population, including neonates, patients aged >50 years, the asplenic and the immunocompromised that are over‐represented among transfusion recipients. Despite reports of B. microti and B. venatorum in People's Republic of China (PRC), no surveillance of blood donors for Babesia has previously been undertaken. We sought to determine the rates of B. microti seroreactivity in a sample of blood donors in the PRC.Materials and MethodsA pilot serosurvey was conducted of community blood donors (n = 1000) who donated July–August 2016 at Mudanjiang Blood Center (Heilongjiang Province) using indirect fluorescent antibody testing for antibodies against B. microti. The slides were prepared using B. microti‐infected hamster blood. Samples that were initially positive to a titre of 64 were subjected to repeat IFA testing. Final seroreactivity was based on repeat reactivity to ≥64.ResultsA total of 1000 individual donor samples were evaluated, comprising 888 whole blood and 112 platelet donations. Thirteen of 1000 (1·3%) donors were seroreactive for B. microti [8 (0·8%) and five (0·05%) at titres of 64 and 128, respectively].ConclusionOur preliminary findings support the need for expanded Babesia surveillance in Chinese blood donors, replete with molecular evaluation, to evaluate the risk to the blood supply.
The Cortisol Awakening Response: Association With Training Load in Endurance Runners
Authors: Anderson Travis , Lane Amy R. , Hackney Anthony C. 
Published: March 2018

The cortisol awakening response (CAR) is commonly used as a marker of psychological stress; however, it is unknown whether CAR is affected by regular physical-exercise-induced stress. Purpose: To assess the relationship between training load and CAR. Methods: Recreational endurance athletes were recruited from local running clubs. Subjects (n = 15) completed training logs for 2 wk, with various training loads, including psychometric analysis (Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes). Subjects provided saliva samples each day immediately after waking and 30 min postwaking. Samples were analyzed for cortisol concentration via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and subsequently were analyzed for CAR and CAR%. Daily training load was calculated and analyzed as training impulse. Simple linear regression was used to assess the relationship between CAR and training impulse. Results: CAR (r2 = .352, P = .025) and CAR% (r2 = .373, P = .012) both showed a significant negative relationship with training load. Conclusions: These results suggest that CAR is affected by regular exercise training loads in recreational athletes. It is recommended that future CAR research control for fitness level and exercise training load in physically active populations.
Bioimpedance Vector Analysis of Elite, Subelite, and Low-Level Male Volleyball Players
Authors: Campa Francesco , Toselli Stefania 
Published: March 2018

Purpose: To establish a specific player profile on body-composition parameters and to provide a data set of bioelectric impedances values for male volleyball players. Methods: The study included 201 athletes (age 26.1 [5.4] y, height 191.9 [9.7] cm, weight 86.8 [10.8] kg) registered in the Italian volleyball divisions. The athletes were divided into 3 groups: The elite group comprised 75 players participating in the 1st (Super Lega) division, the subelite group included 65 athletes performing in the 2nd (Serie A2) division, and the low-level group included 61 players participating in the 3rd (Serie B) division. Bioelectric impedance, body weight, and height of the athletes were measured in the second half of the competitive season. In addition, bioelectrical impedance vector analysis was performed. Results: The elite group showed a greater amount of fat-free mass (FFM) and total body water (TBW) and a lower fat mass (FM) than the subelite group (P < .05). In addition, the elite players were taller and heavier and had a higher FFM, FM, TBW, and body cellular mass than the low-level athletes (P < .05). Finally, the mean impedance vectors of the elite group significantly differed from those measured in the normal population and in the other 2 groups (P < .05). Conclusions: This study provides an original data set of body-composition and bioelectric impedance reference values of elite male volleyball players. The results might be useful for interpretation of individual bioimpedance vectors and for defining target regions for volleyball players.
Planned Load Reduction Versus Fixed Load: A Strategy to Reduce the Perception of Effort With Similar Improvements in Hypertrophy and Strength
Authors: Lima Bruce M. , Amancio Rafael S. , Gonçalves Diacre S. , Koch Alexander J. , Curty Victor M. , Machado Marco 
Published: March 2018

Purpose: To compare muscle thickness and 10-repetition maximum (10RM) between no load reduction and load reductions during 16 wk of resistance training. Methods: A total of 21 moderately trained men (age 23.2 [4.2] y, body mass 75.1 [7.6] kg, height 175 [4] cm) were randomized into 1 of 3 exercise groups: control (CON, n = 7), all sets with 10RM load; 5% load reduction (RED 5, n = 7); and 10% load reduction (RED 10, n = 7) for set 2 and set 3. The resistance training program consisted of completing 3 sets each of biceps and Scott curls, performed to volitional fatigue 3 d·wk−1. Results: Volume load lifted over the 16 wk was similar among groups (CON, 38,495 [4397] kg; RED 5, 37,388 [3684] kg; RED 10, 42,634 [6733] kg; P = .094). Muscle thickness increased in all groups (P < .001), with no differences noted among groups (P = .976). Biceps-curl and Scott-curl 10RM increased in all groups (P < .001), with no differences noted among groups (Scott curl P = .238; biceps curl P = .401). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was significantly lower for RED 10 (6.8 [0.1]) than for CON (7.0 [0.1]; P < .001) or RED 5 (7.1 [0.1]; P = .001) for the Scott curl. RPE was significantly lower (P = .001) for the biceps curl in RED 10 (6.8 [0.3]) than in CON (7.3 [0.9]), with neither group different from RED 5 (7.0 [0.1]). Conclusions: Load reduction did not yield a difference in hypertrophy or 10RM as compared with CON. However, RED 10 induced a significantly lower RPE. Thus, load reduction may be a beneficial strategy to reduce the perception of effort during training while achieving similar improvements in hypertrophy and strength.
Teacher-Level Factors, Classroom Physical Activity Opportunities, and Children’s Physical Activity Levels
Authors: Abi Nader Patrick , Hilberg Evan , Schuna John M. , John Deborah H. , Gunter Katherine B. 
Published: March 2018

Background: Classroom-based physical activity (CBPA) breaks are a cost-effective strategy to promote physical activity (PA) at school. Despite teachers’ critical roles in sustained implementation of CBPA breaks, few studies examined the association of teacher-level factors with student PA levels, and none focused on rural schools. Methods: We monitored children’s PA levels over 4 consecutive school days at 6 rural Oregon elementary schools with Walk4Life pedometers. During the same week, teachers recorded all student PA opportunities (recess, PE, and CBPA breaks) and answered a 26-item questionnaire about factors influencing their use of CBPA breaks. Mixed-effects models were used to associate teacher-level factors and PA opportunities with children’s moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA; in minutes per day), controlling for child-level covariates. Results: When teachers valued PA, students accumulated more MVPA (1.07 min/d; P < .01) than students of teachers reporting low PA value. Students did more MVPA (1 min/d; P < .001) when teachers agreed the school operating conditions posed barriers to providing PA than when teachers disagreed that barriers existed. PE classes contributed significantly to student’s PA levels. Conclusion: Provision of PE, increasing teacher value for PA, and further investigation of how teacher-level factors relate to students’ MVPA levels during CBPA breaks at rural elementary schools are warranted.
Serine-Rich Repeat Adhesins Mediate Shear-Enhanced Streptococcal Binding to Platelets
Authors: Yakovenko Olga , Nunez Jamie , Bensing Barbara , Yu Hai , Mount Jonathan , Zeng Jie , Hawkins Jasmine , Chen Xi , Sullam Paul M. , Thomas Wendy 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

The binding of bacteria to platelets is thought to be a central event in the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis. The serine-rich repeat (SRR) glycoproteins of viridans group streptococci have been shown to mediate platelet binding
in vitro
and to contribute to virulence in animal models. However, it is not known whether SRR adhesins can mediate streptococcal binding under the high fluidic shear stress conditions present on the endocardial surface. We found that three streptococcal SRR adhesins (GspB, Hsa, and SrpA) with differing structures and sialoglycan binding specificities nevertheless exhibited similar biomechanical properties. All three adhesins mediated shear-enhanced streptococcal binding to immobilized platelets through the platelet receptor GPIbα. Shear-enhanced adhesion was manifested in three ways. First, the number of circulating streptococci binding via SRR adhesins to immobilized platelet receptors peaked at 1 dyn/cm
2
. Second, bound streptococci switched from weak rolling to strong stationary adhesion as shear stress increased to 10 dyn/cm
2
. Third, while a few streptococci detached each time the flow was increased, the majority of streptococci bound to platelets remained firmly attached through 20 to 80 dyn/cm
2
(shear levels typical of arteries and the endocardium). Thus, all three adhesins mediated shear-enhanced streptococcal binding to platelets under the flow conditions found in heart valves. The ability of the SRR adhesins to mediate shear-enhanced binding strongly suggests that they form catch bonds that are activated by tensile force and provides a mechanism for the selective targeting of bacteria to platelet receptors immobilized on the endocardial surface.
Interleukin-15-Stimulated Natural Killer Cells Clear HIV-1-Infected Cells following Latency Reversal
Ex Vivo
Authors: Garrido Carolina , Abad-Fernandez Maria , Tuyishime Marina , Pollara Justin J. , Ferrari Guido , Soriano-Sarabia Natalia , Margolis David M. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

Current efforts toward human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) eradication include approaches to augment immune recognition and elimination of persistently infected cells following latency reversal. Natural killer (NK) cells, the main effectors of the innate immune system, recognize and clear targets using different mechanisms than CD8
+
T cells, offering an alternative or complementary approach for HIV clearance strategies. We assessed the impact of interleukin 15 (IL-15) treatment on NK cell function and the potential for stimulated NK cells to clear the HIV reservoir. We measured NK cell receptor expression, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), cytotoxicity, interferon gamma (IFN-γ) production, and antiviral activity in autologous HIV replication systems. All NK cell functions were uniformly improved by IL-15, and, more importantly, IL-15-treated NK cells were able to clear latently HIV-infected cells after exposure to vorinostat, a clinically relevant latency-reversing agent. We also demonstrate that NK cells from HIV-infected individuals aviremic on antiretroviral therapy can be efficiently stimulated with IL-15. Our work opens a promising line of investigation leading to future immunotherapies to clear persistent HIV infection using NK cells.

IMPORTANCE
In the search for an HIV cure, strategies to enhance immune function to allow recognition and clearance of HIV-infected cells following latency reversal are being evaluated. Natural killer (NK) cells possess characteristics that can be exploited for immunotherapy against persistent HIV infection. We demonstrate that NK cells from HIV-positive donors can be strongly stimulated with IL-15, improving their antiviral and cytotoxic potential and, more importantly, clearing HIV-infected cells after latency reversal with a clinically relevant drug. Our results encourage further investigation to design NK cell-based immunotherapies to achieve HIV eradication.
Varicella-Zoster Virus ORF63 Protects Human Neuronal and Keratinocyte Cell Lines from Apoptosis and Changes Its Localization upon Apoptosis Induction
Authors: Gerada Chelsea , Steain Megan , McSharry Brian P. , Slobedman Barry , Abendroth Allison 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT
There are many facets of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) pathogenesis that are not fully understood, such as the mechanisms involved in the establishment of lifelong latency, reactivation, and development of serious conditions like postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Virus-encoded modulation of apoptosis has been suggested to play an important role in these processes. VZV open reading frame 63 (ORF63) has been shown to modulate apoptosis in a cell-type-specific manner, but the impact of ORF63 on cell death pathways has not been examined in isolation in the context of human cells. We sought to elucidate the effect of VZV ORF63 on apoptosis induction in human neuron and keratinocyte cell lines. VZV ORF63 was shown to protect differentiated SH-SY5Y neuronal cells against staurosporine-induced apoptosis. In addition, VZV infection did not induce high levels of apoptosis in the HaCaT human keratinocyte line, highlighting a delay in apoptosis induction. VZV ORF63 was shown to protect HaCaT cells against both staurosporine- and Fas ligand-induced apoptosis. Confocal microscopy was utilized to examine VZV ORF63 localization during apoptosis induction. In VZV infection and ORF63 expression alone, VZV ORF63 became more cytoplasmic, with aggregate formation during apoptosis induction. Taken together, this suggests that VZV ORF63 protects both differentiated SH-SY5Y cells and HaCaT cells from apoptosis induction and may mediate this effect through its localization change during apoptosis. VZV ORF63 is a prominent VZV gene product in both productive and latent infection and thus may play a critical role in VZV pathogenesis by aiding neuron and keratinocyte survival.

IMPORTANCE
VZV, a human-specific alphaherpesvirus, causes chicken pox during primary infection and establishes lifelong latency in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Reactivation of VZV causes shingles, which is often followed by a prolonged pain syndrome called postherpetic neuralgia. It has been suggested that the ability of the virus to modulate cell death pathways is linked to its ability to establish latency and reactivate. The significance of our research lies in investigating the ability of ORF63, a VZV gene product, to inhibit apoptosis in novel cell types crucial for VZV pathogenesis. This will allow an increased understanding of critical enigmatic components of VZV pathogenesis.
Early-onset neonatal infections in Australia and New Zealand, 2002–2012
Authors: Singh Tarun , Barnes Elizabeth H , Isaacs David 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundThe epidemiology of early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) varies over time, and requires regular surveillance.ObjectiveTo analyse data on EONS in Australia and New Zealand.MethodsRetrospective analysis of data collected longitudinally from multiple neonatal units from 2002 to 2012.ResultsOf 386 423 live births, 454 infants had EONS. The incidence rate of EONS was 1.20 per 1000 live births in 2002 and 0.83 in 2012, decreasing by 4% per year (95% CI 1% to 7%, p=0.007). Group B streptococcus (GBS) (37%) and Escherichia coli (25%) were the most prevalent organisms. The early-onset GBS (EOGBS) incidence rate was 0.43/1000 live births, with no evidence of change over time (p=0.3). Of EOGBS-infected babies, 62% were born at term compared with 8% with early-onset E. coli sepsis, p<0.0001. The mortality of E. coli early-onset sepsis (EOS) (25%) was higher than GBS (11%), but this difference in mortality was no longer significant after adjusting for gestation and birth weight. Mortality from EOS fell significantly over the study period (17% per year, 95% CI 10 to 24, p<0.0001).ConclusionsGBS was the most common cause of early sepsis, but the incidence was lower than prior to the introduction of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, and remained steady over time. The mortality of early-onset E. coli sepsis was significantly higher than GBS sepsis, but this may have been because almost all babies with E. coli were born preterm, rather than a difference in virulence.
Neighbourhood alcohol environment and injury risk: a spatial analysis of pedestrian injury in Baltimore City
Authors: Nesoff Elizabeth D , Milam Adam J , Pollack Keshia M , Curriero Frank C , Bowie Janice V , Knowlton Amy R , Gielen Andrea C , Furr-Holden Debra M 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of neighbourhood disorder around alcohol outlets to pedestrian injury risk.MethodsA spatial analysis was conducted on census block groups in Baltimore City. Data included pedestrian injury EMS records from 1 January 2014 to 15 April 2015 (n=858), off-premise alcohol outlet locations for 2014 (n=693) and neighbourhood disorder indicators and demographics. Negative binomial regression models were used to determine the relationship between alcohol outlet count and pedestrian injuries at the block group level, controlling for other neighbourhood factors. Attributable risk was calculated by comparing the total population count per census block group to the injured pedestrian count.ResultsEach one-unit increase in the number of alcohol outlets was associated with a 14.2% (95% CI 1.099 to 1.192, P<0.001) increase in the RR of neighbourhood pedestrian injury, adjusting for traffic volume, pedestrian volume, population density, per cent of vacant lots and median household income. The attributable risk was 10.4% (95% CI 7.7 to 12.7) or 88 extra injuries. Vacant lots was the only significant neighbourhood disorder indicator in the final adjusted model (RR=1.016, 95% CI 1.007 to 1.026, P=0.003). Vacant lots have not been previously investigated as possible risk factors for pedestrian injury.ConclusionsThis study identifies modifiable risk factors for pedestrian injury previously unexplored in the literature and may provide evidence for alcohol control strategies (eg, liquor store licencing, zoning and enforcement).