bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Granulomatous responses in larval taeniid infections
Authors: Díaz Á. , Sagasti C. , Casaravilla C. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryGranulomas are responses to persistent nonliving bodies or pathogens, centrally featuring specialized macrophage forms called epithelioid and multinucleated giant cells. The larval stages of the cestode parasites of theTaeniidaefamily (Taenia,Echinococcus) develop for years in fixed tissue sites in mammals. In consequence, they are targets of granulomatous responses. The information on tissue responses to larval taeniids is fragmented among host and parasite species and scattered over many decades. We attempt to draw an integrated picture of these responses in solid tissues. The intensity of inflammation around live parasites spans a spectrum from minimal to high, parasite vitality correlating with low inflammation. The low end of the inflammatory spectrum features collagen capsules proximal to the parasites and moderate distal infiltration. The middle of the spectrum is dominated by classical granulomatous responses, whereas the high end features massive eosinophil invasions. Across the range of parasite species, much observational evidence suggests that eosinophils are highly effective at killing larval taeniids in solid tissues, before and during chronic granulomatous responses. The evidence available also suggests that these parasites are adapted to inhibit host granulomatous responses, in part through the exacerbation of host regulatory mechanisms including regulatory T cells andTGF‐β.
Producing Compliant Polluters: Seed Companies and Nitrogen Fertilizer Application in U.S. Corn Agriculture
Authors: Stuart Diana , Houser Matthew 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe majority of research to date has attributed the pollution problems associated with agriculture to the independent decisions of individual farmers; in this article, we illustrate how seed companies' subtle forms of coercion encourage farmers to become compliant polluters. We focus on corn farmers in the midwestern United States, whose management decisions have become increasingly controlled by seed companies. Beyond obvious forms of control, seed companies influence farmers in ways that are less apparent. Drawing from Foucault's concept of disciplinary power, we explore how seed companies have encouraged farmers to increase their application of nitrogen fertilizer through disciplinary mechanisms that naturalize the imposition of constraints. We argue that seed companies employ disciplinary techniques related to the biology of the seed, the product life cycle, and knowledge. While most farmers believe their fertilizer decisions are made independently, these disciplinary techniques compel farmers to increase nitrogen fertilizer application, resulting in increased water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Examining the visual processing patterns of lonely adults
Authors: Bangee Munirah , Qualter Pamela 
Published: March 2018

Prior research has shown that loneliness is associated with hypervigilance to social threats, with eye‐tracking research showing lonely people display a specific attentional bias when viewing social rejection and social exclusion video footage (Bangee, Harris, Bridges, Rotenberg & Qualter, 2014; Qualter, Rotenberg, Barrett et al., 2013). The current study uses eye‐tracker methodology to examine whether that attentional bias extends to negative emotional faces and negative social non‐rejecting stimuli, or whether it could be explained only as a specific bias to social rejection/exclusion. It is important to establish whether loneliness relates to a specific or general attention bias because it may explain the maintenance of loneliness. Participants (N = 43, F = 35, Mage = 20 years and 2 months, SD = 3 months) took part in three tasks, where they viewed different social information: Task 1 – slides displaying four faces each with different emotions (anger, afraid, happy and neutral), Task 2 – slides displaying sixteen faces with varying ratios expressing happiness and anger, and Task 3 – slides displaying four visual scenes (socially rejecting, physically threatening, socially positive, neutral). For all three tasks, eye movements were recorded in real time with an eye‐tracker. Results showed no association between loneliness and viewing patterns of facial expressions, but an association between loneliness and hypervigilant viewing of social rejecting stimuli. The findings indicate that lonely adults do not have a generalised hypervigilance to social threat, but have, instead, a specific attentional bias to rejection information in social contexts. Implications of the findings for interventions are discussed.
Single‐center outbreak of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in heart transplant recipients
Authors: Veronese Giacomo , Ammirati Enrico , Moioli Maria Cristina , Baldan Rossella , Orcese Carlo Andrea , De Rezende Gisele , Veronese Silvio , Masciocco Gabriella , Perna Enrico , Travi Giovanna , Puoti Massimo , Cipriani Manlio , Tiberi Simon , Cirillo Daniela , Frigerio Maria 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundPneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) outbreaks are described in solid organ transplant recipients. Few reports suggest interhuman transmission with important infection control implications. We described a large PJP outbreak in heart transplant (HTx) recipients.MethodsSix cases of PJP occurred in HTx recipients within 10 months in our hospital. Demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment and outcomes were described. To identify contacts among individuals a review of all dates of out‐patient visits and patient hospitalizations was performed. Cross exposure was also investigated using genotyping on PJ isolates.ResultsAt the time of PJP‐related hospitalization, patients' mean age was 49 ± standard deviation 4 years, median time from HTx was 8 (25%‐75% interquartile range [Q1‐Q3] 5‐12) months and none of the cases were on prophylaxis. At PJP‐related admission, 5 patients had CMV reactivation, of whom 4 were on antiviral preemptive treatment. Median in‐hospital stay was 30 (Q1‐Q3, 28‐48) days; and 2 cases required intensive care unit admission. All patients survived beyond 2 years. Transmission map analysis suggested interhuman transmission in all cases (presumed incubation period, median 90 [Q1‐Q3, 64‐91] days). Genotyping was performed in 4 cases, demonstrating the same PJ strain in 3 cases.ConclusionsWe described a large PJP cluster among HTx recipients, supporting the nosocomial acquisition of PJP through interhuman transmission. Based on this experience, extended prophylaxis for more than 6 months after HTx could be considered in specific settings. Further work is required to understand its optimal duration and timing based on individual risk factor profiles and to define standardized countermeasures to prevent and limit PJP outbreaks.
Platelet transfusion is not associated with increased mortality or morbidity in patients undergoing cardiac surgery
Authors: Ninkovic Slavisa , McQuilten Zoe , Gotmaker Robert , Newcomb Andrew E. , Cole‐Sinclair Merrole F. 
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUNDTransfusion of platelets is common in cardiac surgery, and while there are guidelines for their use, there are concerns about potential risks. We aimed to assess the impact of platelet transfusion on mortality, thrombosis, and infection in this patient group.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA retrospective cohort study of all patients at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne who underwent a first cardiac surgery procedure from June 2001 to June 2014 was conducted. A propensity‐weighted analysis was performed to examine the association between intraoperative platelet transfusion and outcomes.RESULTSA total of 5233 patients met inclusion criteria, and 531 (10.15%) received intraoperative platelet transfusion (median two platelet doses, interquartile range, 1‐17). Patients receiving platelets were older, had higher body mass index, lower rates of diabetes and dyslipidemia, higher rates of infective endocarditis, recent myocardial infarction and unstable angina, and exposure to aspirin or clopidogrel. On univariable analysis, platelet transfusion was associated with increased 30‐day mortality (2.4% vs. 10.55%, p < 0.001), return to theatre for bleeding (3.23% vs. 13.37%, p < 0.001), and rates of any infection (9.26% vs. 19.17%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, platelet transfusion was not associated with increased risk of 30‐day mortality or infective complications. Platelet transfusion was associated with higher rates of return to theatre (relative risk [RR], 2.46; confidence interval [CI], 1.42, 4.04; p = 0.001) and decreased risk of thromboembolic events (RR, 0.28; CI, 0.15, 0.51; p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONPlatelet transfusion was not associated with increased mortality or infective complications following first cardiac surgery. Further prospective studies are required to identify patients most likely to benefit from platelet transfusion.
Bilateral retinoschisis in a dog: A veterinary clinical application for optical coherence tomography
Authors: Schaefer Elizabeth A. F. , Whiting Rebecca E. H. , Pearce Jacqueline W. , Grahn Bruce H. , Hamm Charles W. , Moore Cecil P. , Narfström Kristina L. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA 11‐year‐old neutered male Labrador retriever‐cross dog was presented to the University of Missouri‐Columbia Veterinary Ophthalmology Service for subtle visual deficits. Indirect ophthalmoscopy revealed a smooth, bullous elevation in the superior‐temporal retina OU. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) performed OU showed inner retinal separation consistent with retinoschisis. Electroretinography (ERG) revealed markedly reduced b‐wave amplitudes in the more severely affected eye (OD) compared with the less severely affected eye (OS). The most notable reductions were in the rod response and 30‐Hz flicker b‐waves OD which were approximately 50% of the corresponding amplitudes OS. Implicit times, particularly the a‐wave implicit times, were noticeably longer OD compared with OS. Lesions remained unchanged over 4 months at which time the dog was humanely euthanized for reasons unrelated to the ocular disease. Significant light microscopic ocular findings were bilateral superior temporal peripheral retinoschisis. The separation of the retinal tissue was similar between eyes and effectively divided the outer plexiform layer. In addition, thinning of the surrounding retinal layers was present. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case of canine retinoschisis diagnosed with OCT, evaluated with electroretinography, and confirmed with light microscopic examination. History, clinical, and diagnostic findings, with the absence of disease progression over time, are analogous with cases of acquired senile retinoschisis in humans.
Relationship between corneal sensitivity, corneal thickness, corneal diameter, and intraocular pressure in normal cats and cats with congenital glaucoma
Authors: Telle Mary R. , Chen Nickolas , Shinsako Daniel , Kiland Julie A. , Oikawa Kazuya , Møller Trane Ralph , McLellan Gillian J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the effect of feline congenital glaucoma (FCG) on corneal sensitivity, and relationships between corneal sensitivity, central corneal thickness (CT), and corneal diameter (CD).Animals and ProceduresCorneal sensitivity (estimated by corneal touch threshold [CTT] using Cochet‐Bonnet esthesiometry); CT using ultrasonic pachymetry; intraocular pressure (IOP) using rebound tonometry; and maximal horizontal CD were measured in 16 normal and 14 FCG cats, both males and females, aged 7 months‐3.5 years. All procedures complied with an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee‐approved protocol. Data were analyzed by linear regression: paired Student's t tests for between‐eye comparisons, and unpaired Student's t tests for comparisons between groups. Relationships between parameters were evaluated by Pearson correlation coefficients and linear mixed effects modeling. For statistical tests, with the exception of values that were Benjamini‐Hochberg adjusted for multiple comparisons, P‐values < 0.05 were considered significant.ResultsMean CTT and CT values were lower in FCG eyes relative to normal eyes, but differences were not statistically significant. Mean CD was significantly larger in FCG eyes relative to normal eyes, and there was a significant negative correlation between CD and CTT in FCG (r = −0.8564, corrected P = 0.005). These associations were confirmed in linear mixed effects models.ConclusionsEyes with FCG have significantly larger CDs when compared with normal eyes, and larger CDs correlated with decreased corneal sensitivity in this group. Further studies are warranted to explore the effect of buphthalmos and corneal enlargement on corneal sensitivity and innervation in feline subjects with chronic glaucoma.
Implementation of an Evidence‐Based Practice Nursing Handover Tool in Intensive Care Using the Knowledge‐to‐Action Framework
Authors: Spooner Amy J. , Aitken Leanne M. , Chaboyer Wendy 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTBackgroundMiscommunication during handover has been linked to adverse patient events and is an international patient safety priority. Despite the development of handover resources, standardized handover tools for nursing team leaders (TLs) in intensive care are limited.AimsThe study aim was to implement and evaluate an evidence‐based electronic minimum data set for nursing TL shift‐to‐shift handover in the intensive care unit using the knowledge‐to‐action (KTA) framework.MethodsThis study was conducted in a 21‐bed medical‐surgical intensive care unit in Queensland, Australia. Senior registered nurses involved in TL handover were recruited. Three phases of the KTA framework (select, tailor, and implement interventions; monitor knowledge use; and evaluate outcomes) guided the implementation and evaluation process. A postimplementation practice audit and survey were carried out to determine nursing TL use and perceptions of the electronic minimum data set 3 months after implementation. Results are presented using descriptive statistics (median, IQR, frequency, and percentage).ResultsOverall (86%, n = 49), TLs’ use of the electronic minimum data set for handover and communication regarding patient plan increased. Key content items, however, were absent from handovers and additional documentation was required alongside the minimum data set to conduct handover. Of the TLs surveyed (n = 35), those receiving handover perceived the electronic minimum data set more positively than TLs giving handover (n = 35). Benefits to using the electronic minimum data set included the patient content (48%), suitability for short‐stay patients (16%), decreased time updating (12%), and printing the tool (12%). Almost half of the participants, however, found the minimum data set contained irrelevant information, reported difficulties navigating and locating relevant information, and pertinent information was missing. Suggestions for improvement focused on modifications to the electronic handover interface.Linking Evidence to ActionPrior to developing and implementing electronic handover tools, adequate infrastructure is required to support knowledge translation and ensure clinician and organizational needs are met.
The effect of community-based health insurance schemes on utilization of healthcare services in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol of quantitative evidence
Authors: Likka Melaku Haile , Handalo Dejene Melese , Weldsilase Yetnayet Abebe , Sinkie Shimeles Ololo 
Published: March 2018

Review question/objective:
The objective of this systematic review is to identify, appraise and synthesize evidence to establish the effectiveness of community-based health insurance (CBHI) schemes in enhancing the utilization of healthcare services among their members in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Specifically, the review objective is to determine if individuals or households enrolled in CBHI schemes in LMICs utilize healthcare services (outpatient visits, hospital admissions, emergency visits, maternal and child healthcare services, or any other services involving the schemes) more frequently than those not included in CBHI schemes.
The patient/significant other experience of physical restraint in acute care settings: a qualitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Lockwood Craig , Stannard Daphne , Munn Zachary , Porritt Kylie , Carrier Judith , Rittenmeyer Leslie , Bjerrum Merete , Salmond Susan 
Published: March 2018

Review question:
The overarching question for this qualitative systematic review is: What meanings are attributed to the experience of physical restraint among adult patients or their significant others in acute care hospitals? Specifically the review will seek to answer two questions:How do adults who have or are being restrained experience this intervention?How do family/significant others who visit an adult inpatient who is or has been restrained experience the intervention?
Signaling by a Conserved Quorum Sensing Pathway Contributes to Growth
Ex Vivo
and Oropharyngeal Colonization of Human Pathogen Group A Streptococcus
Authors: Makthal Nishanth , Do Hackwon , VanderWal Arica R. , Olsen Randall J. , Musser James M. , Kumaraswami Muthiah 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

Bacterial virulence factor production is a highly coordinated process. The temporal pattern of bacterial gene expression varies in different host anatomic sites to overcome niche-specific challenges. The human pathogen group A streptococcus (GAS) produces a potent secreted protease, SpeB, that is crucial for pathogenesis. Recently, we discovered that a quorum sensing pathway comprised of a leaderless short peptide, SpeB-inducing peptide (SIP), and a cytosolic global regulator, RopB, controls
speB
expression in concert with bacterial population density. The SIP signaling pathway is active
in vivo
and contributes significantly to GAS invasive infections. In the current study, we investigated the role of the SIP signaling pathway in GAS-host interactions during oropharyngeal colonization. The SIP signaling pathway is functional during growth
ex vivo
in human saliva. SIP-mediated
speB
expression plays a crucial role in GAS colonization of the mouse oropharynx. GAS employs a distinct pattern of SpeB production during growth
ex vivo
in saliva that includes a transient burst of
speB
expression during early stages of growth coupled with sustained levels of secreted SpeB protein. SpeB production aids GAS survival by degrading LL37, an abundant human antimicrobial peptide. We found that SIP signaling occurs during growth in human blood
ex viv
o. Moreover, the SIP signaling pathway is critical for GAS survival in blood. SIP-dependent
speB
regulation is functional in strains of diverse
emm
types, indicating that SIP signaling is a conserved virulence regulatory mechanism. Our discoveries have implications for future translational studies.
Determinants of Raft Partitioning of the Helicobacter pylori Pore-Forming Toxin VacA
Authors: Raghunathan Krishnan , Foegeding Nora J. , Campbell Anne M. , Cover Timothy L. , Ohi Melanie D. , Kenworthy Anne K. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

Helicobacter pylori
, a Gram-negative bacterium, is a well-known risk factor for gastric cancer.
H. pylori
vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA) is a secreted pore-forming toxin that induces a wide range of cellular responses. Like many other bacterial toxins, VacA has been hypothesized to utilize lipid rafts to gain entry into host cells. Here, we used giant plasma membrane vesicles (GPMVs) as a model system to understand the preferential partitioning of VacA into lipid rafts. We show that a wild-type (WT) toxin predominantly associates with the raft phase. Acid activation of VacA enhances binding of the toxin to GPMVs but is not required for raft partitioning. VacA mutant proteins with alterations at the amino terminus (resulting in impaired membrane channel formation) and a nonoligomerizing VacA mutant protein retain the ability to preferentially associate with lipid rafts. Consistent with these results, the isolated VacA p55 domain was capable of binding to lipid rafts. We conclude that the affinity of VacA for rafts is independent of its capacity to oligomerize or form membrane channels.
Rapid Arbitrary PCR Insertion Libraries, a New Tool for Defining Bacterial Promoter Regions
Authors: Matson Jyl S. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

In this issue, Hustmyer and colleagues (C. M. Hustmyer, C. A. Simpson, S. G. Olney, M. L. Bochman, and J. C. van Kessel, J Bacteriol 200:e00724-17, 2018) describe a new method for rapidly generating reporter libraries. This technique,
r
apid
a
rbitrary PCR
i
nsertion
l
ibraries (RAIL), uses arbitrary PCR and isothermal DNA assembly to insert random fragments of promoter regions into reporter plasmids, resulting in libraries that can be screened to identify regions required for gene expression. This technique will likely be useful for a number of different genetic applications.
Depletion of the Insulator Protein CTCF Results in Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Reactivation
In Vivo
Authors: Washington Shannan D. , Edenfield Samantha I. , Lieux Caroline , Watson Zachary L. , Taasan Sean M. , Dhummakupt Adit , Bloom David C. , Neumann Donna M. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT
Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) establishes a lifelong latent infection in host peripheral neurons, including the neurons of the trigeminal ganglia (TG). HSV-1 can reactivate from neurons to cause recurrent infection. During latency, the insulator protein CTCF occupies DNA binding sites on the HSV-1 genome, and these sites have been previously characterized as functional enhancer-blocking insulators. Previously, CTCF was found to be dissociated from wild-type virus postreactivation but not in mutants that do not reactivate, indicating that CTCF eviction may also be an important component of reactivation. To further elucidate the role of CTCF in reactivation of HSV-1, we used recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors to deliver a small interfering RNA targeting CTCF to peripheral neurons latent with HSV-1 in rabbit TG. Our data show that CTCF depletion resulted in long-term and persistent shedding of infectious virus in the cornea and increased ICP0 expression in the ganglia, indicating that CTCF depletion facilitates HSV-1 reactivation.

IMPORTANCE
Increasing evidence has shown that the insulator protein CTCF regulates gene expression of DNA viruses, including the gammaherpesviruses. While CTCF occupation and insulator function control gene expression in DNA viruses, CTCF eviction has been correlated to increased lytic gene expression and the dissolution of transcriptional domains. Our previous data have shown that in the alphaherpesvirus HSV-1, CTCF was found to be dissociated from the HSV-1 genome postreactivation, further indicating a global role for CTCF eviction in the transition from latency to reactivation in HSV-1 genomes. Using an rAAV8, we targeted HSV-1-infected peripheral neurons for CTCF depletion to show that CTCF depletion precedes the shedding of infectious virus and increased lytic gene expression
in vivo
, providing the first evidence that CTCF depletion facilitates HSV-1 reactivation.