bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A pilot study of total and allergen‐specific IgE serum levels during anestrous, estrous and pregnancy in healthy female dogs
Authors: Tarpataki Noémi , Thuróczy Julianna , Fischer Nina , Jacquenet Sandrine , Rostaher Ana , Richard Christelle , Zwickl Lena , Olivry Thierry , Favrot Claude 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundAllergen‐specific IgE serology is used for the determination of sensitization status in dogs with atopic dermatitis; the influence of the female reproductive cycle on the results of such methods has not been studied in dogs.ObjectivesTo compare the total and allergen‐specific IgE of healthy bitches during anestrous, estrous and pregnancy.AnimalsEight privately owned, healthy bitches.MethodsTotal and allergen‐specific IgE levels were determined in eight bitches at three different time‐points of their reproductive cycle: anestrous, estrous and pregnancy.ResultsTotal IgE was significantly decreased (median: 74%) in female dogs during pregnancy when compared to anestrous. In 14 of 216 (6%), allergen‐specific IgE test results were variably positive and negative at different stages of the reproductive cycle. This variation, however, was not related to changes in total serum IgE levels.ConclusionsTotal IgE serum levels are reduced during pregnancy in female dogs. However, results of one allergen‐specific IgE test did not appear to be markedly altered by the reproductive cycle in healthy bitches.
Performance evaluation and validation of the animal trauma triage score and modified Glasgow Coma Scale with suggested category adjustment in dogs: A VetCOT registry study
Authors: Ash Kristian , Hayes Galina M. , Goggs Robert , Sumner Julia P. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the animal trauma triage (ATT) and modified Glasgow Coma Scale (mGCS) scores as predictors of mortality outcome (death or euthanasia) in injured dogs.DesignObservational cohort study conducted from September 2013 to March 2015 with follow‐up until death or hospital discharge.SettingNine veterinary hospitals including private referral and veterinary teaching hospitals.AnimalsConsecutive sample of 3,599 dogs with complete data entries recruited into the Veterinary Committee on Trauma patient registry.InterventionsNone.Measurements and Main ResultsWe compared the predictive power (area under receiver operating characteristic [AUROC]) and calibration of the ATT and mGCS scores to their components. Overall mortality risk was 7.3% (n = 264). Incidence of head trauma was 9.5% (n = 341). The ATT score showed a linear relationship with mortality risk. Discriminatory performance of the ATT score was excellent with AUROC = 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91 to 0.94) and pseudo R2 = 0.42. Each ATT score increase of 1 point was associated with an increase in mortality odds of 2.07 (95% CI = 1.94–2.21, P < 0.001). The “eye/muscle/integument” category of the ATT showed poor discrimination (AUROC = 0.55). When this component together with the skeletal and cardiac components were omitted from calculation of the overall score, there was no loss in discriminatory capacity (AUROC = 0.92 vs 0.91, P = 0.09) compared with the full score. The mGCS showed good performance overall, but performance improved when restricted to head trauma patients (AUROC = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.79–0.90, n = 341 vs 0.82, 95% CI = 0.79–0.85, n = 3599). The motor component of the mGCS showed the best predictive performance (AUROC = 0.79 vs 0.66/0.69); however, the full score performed better than the motor component alone (P = 0.002). When assessment was restricted to patients with head injury (n = 341), the ATT score still performed better than the mGCS (AUROC = 0.90 vs 0.84, P = 0.04).ConclusionsIn external validation on a large, multicenter dataset, the ATT score showed excellent discrimination and calibration; however, a more parsimonious score calculated on only the perfusion, respiratory, and neurological categories showed equivalent performance.
Hounsfield units are a useful predictor of pleural effusion cytological type in dogs but not in cats
Authors: Woods Sarah J. , Spriet Mathieu , Safra Noa , Cissell Derek D. , Borjesson Dori L. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAll categories of pleural effusion subjectively display as soft tissue opacity on computed tomography (CT). Quantitative measurement using Hounsfield units (HU) has the potential to bring additional information regarding the nature of the fluid in a noninvasive way. The purposes of this retrospective cross‐sectional analytical study were to compare Hounsfield units of different pleural effusion categories in dogs and cats, assess association between specific cytologic parameters and Hounsfield units, and evaluate the effect of dependent vs. nondependent aspect of the effusion pool on Hounsfield unit. A total of 111 patients (74 dogs and 37 cats) with pleural effusion, that underwent thoracic CT and diagnostic thoracocentesis, were included in the study. Effusions were cytologically categorized as exudate, transudate, modified transudate, hemorrhage, or chyle. Significant differences existed in Hounsfield units between categories in dogs (P < 0.0001) but not in cats (P = 0.334). Canine chylous effusion (6.1 ± 4.7 HU (mean ± standard deviation)) and transudate (5.6 ± 2.0) were significantly lower than exudate (20.3 ± 9.5) and hemorrhage (21.4 ± 9.2). No significant differences were found between modified transudate (13.6 ± 10.3) and other categories. Significant, weak linear correlation was identified in dogs between Hounsfield units and total protein (P = 0.018, R2 = 0.089), red blood cells (P = 0.021, R2 = 0.077), and total nucleated cells (P = 0.013, R2 = 0.089). The Hounsfield units of dependent effusion was not significantly higher than the nondependent effusion, except for canine chylous effusion (P = 0.008). Fourteen Hounsfield units was identified as the most clinically useful threshold: <14 HU identified transudate or chylous effusion with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 69%. A threshold >14 HU had a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 69% for identifying exudate, modified transudate, or hemorrhage.
Sprinting for the Win: Distribution of Power Output in Women’s Professional Cycling
Authors: Peiffer Jeremiah J. , Abbiss Chris R. , Haakonssen Eric C. , Menaspà Paolo 
Published: April 2018

Purpose: To examine the power-output distribution and sprint characteristics of professional female road cyclists. Methods: A total of 31 race files, representing top 5 finishes, were collected from 7 professional female cyclists. Files were analyzed for sprint characteristics, including mean and peak power output, velocity, and duration. The final 20 min before the sprint was analyzed to determine the mean maximal power output (MMP) consistent with durations of 5, 15, 30, 60, 240, and 600 s. Throughout the race, the number of efforts for each duration exceeding 80% of its corresponding final 20-min MMP (MMP80) was determined. The number of 15-s efforts exceeding 80% of the mean final sprint power output (MSP80) was determined. Results: Sprint finishes lasted 21.8 (6.7) s with mean and peak power outputs of 679 (101) and 886 (91) W, respectively. Throughout the race, additional 5-, 15-, and 30-s efforts above MMP80 were completed in the 5th compared with the 1st–4th quintiles of the race. The 60-s efforts were greater during the 5th quintile compared with the 1st, 2nd, and 4th quintiles, and during the 3rd compared with the 4th quintile. More 240-s efforts were recorded during the 5th compared with the 1st and 4th quintiles. About 82% of the 15-s efforts above MSP80 were completed in the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th quintiles of the race. Conclusions: These data demonstrate the variable nature of women’s professional cycling and the physical demands necessary for success, thus providing information that could enhance in-race decision making and the development of race-specific training programs.
Tone it Down: How Fitness Instructors’ Motivational Comments Shape Women’s Body Satisfaction
Authors: Engeln Renee , Shavlik Margaret , Daly Colleen 
Published: April 2018

Two-hundred and three college women participated in a 16-minute strength and conditioning group fitness class. Participants were randomly assigned to a class that featured either appearance-focused motivational comments by the instructor (e.g., “Blast that cellulite!”) or function-focused comments (e.g., “Think of how strong you are getting!”). Body satisfaction from pre-test to post-test increased overall, but those in the function-focused (as opposed to appearance-focused) condition experienced a significantly greater increase in body satisfaction. A similar pattern was observed for positive affect. Additionally, those in the function-focused condition described the class in more positive terms and reported experiencing less body surveillance during the class. These findings are consistent with research suggesting that exercise can improve mood and body satisfaction, but also suggest that a more function-focused class can lead to even greater improvements. The motivational comments fitness instructors use may have a notable impact on women’s mood, body satisfaction, and body surveillance.
Antimicrobial Activity of Murepavadin Tested against Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from the United States, Europe, and China
Authors: Sader Helio S. , Dale Glenn E. , Rhomberg Paul R. , Flamm Robert K. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

Murepavadin (formerly POL7080), a 14-amino-acid cyclic peptide, and comparators were tested by the broth microdilution method against 1,219
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates from 112 medical centers. Murepavadin (MIC
50/90
, 0.12/0.12 mg/liter) was 4- to 8-fold more active than colistin (MIC
50/90
, 1/1 mg/liter) and polymyxin B (MIC
50/90
, 0.5/1 mg/liter) and inhibited 99.1% of isolates at ≤0.5 mg/liter. Only 4 isolates (0.3%) exhibited murepavadin MICs of >2 mg/liter. Murepavadin was equally active against isolates from Europe, the United States, and China.
Regulation of the Synthesis and Secretion of the Iron Chelator Cyclodipeptide Pulcherriminic Acid in Bacillus licheniformis
Authors: Wang Dong , Zhan Yangyang , Cai Dongbo , Li Xiaoyun , Wang Qin , Chen Shouwen 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

The cyclodipeptide pulcherriminic acid synthesized by
Bacillus licheniformis
is an iron chelator that antagonizes certain pathogens by removing iron from the environment. But since the insoluble iron-pulcherriminic acid complex cannot act as an iron carrier as siderophores do, excessive synthesized pulcherriminic acid causes iron starvation for the producer cells. At present, the regulation of pulcherriminic acid synthesis and the mechanism by which
B. licheniformis
strikes a balance between biocontrol and self-protection from excessive iron removal remain unclear. This study provides insights into the regulatory network and explains the mechanism of pulcherriminic acid biosynthesis. The
yvmC-cypX
synthetic gene cluster was directly negatively regulated by three regulators: AbrB, YvnA, and YvmB. Within the regulatory network, YvnA expression was repressed not only by AbrB but also by iron-limiting environments, while YvmB expression was repressed by YvnA. The transporter gene
yvmA
is repressed by YvmB and is required for pulcherriminic acid secretion. The biosynthesis window is determined by the combined concentration of the three regulators in an iron-rich environment. Under iron-limiting conditions, cells close the pulcherriminic acid synthesis pathway by downregulating YvnA expression.

IMPORTANCE
The cyclodipeptides are widespread in nature and exhibit a broad variety of biological and pharmacological activities. The cyclodipeptide scaffold is synthesized by nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) and cyclodipeptide synthases (CDPSs). At present, it is clear that CDPSs use aminoacyl tRNAs as substrates to synthesize the two peptide bonds, and the pulcherriminic acid synthase YvmC is a member of the eight identified CDPSs. However, little is known about the regulation of cyclodipeptide synthesis and secretion. In this study, we show that AbrB, which is considered to be the main regulator of NRPS-dependent pathways, is also involved in the regulation of CDPS genes. However, AbrB is not the decisive factor for pulcherriminic acid synthesis, as the expression of YvnA determines the fate of pulcherriminic acid synthesis. With this information on how CDPS gene transcription is regulated, a clearer understanding of cyclodipeptide synthesis can be developed for
B. licheniformis
. Similar approaches may be used to augment our knowledge on CDPSs in other bacteria.
The Two-Component Signaling System VraSR
ss
Is Critical for Multidrug Resistance and Full Virulence in Streptococcus suis Serotype 2
Authors: Zhong Xiaojun , Zhang Yue , Zhu Yinchu , Dong Wenyang , Ma Jiale , Pan Zihao , Roy Shipra , Lu Chengping , Yao Huochun 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus suis
has received increasing attention for its involvement in severe human infections worldwide as well as in multidrug resistance. Two-component signaling systems (TCSSs) play important roles in bacterial adaptation to various environmental stimuli. In this study, we identified a novel TCSS located in
S. suis
serotype 2 (SS2), designated VraSR
SS
, which is involved in bacterial pathogenicity and susceptibility to antimicrobials. Our data demonstrated that the

yvqF
SS

gene, located upstream of

vraSR
SS

, shared the same promoter with the TCSS genes, which was directly regulated by VraSR
SS
, as shown in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Notably, YvqF
SS
and VraSR
SS
constitute a novel multidrug resistance module of SS2 that participates in resistance to certain groups of antimicrobials. Further analyses showed that VraSR
SS
inactivation significantly attenuated bacterial virulence in animal models, which, coupled with the significant activation of VraSR
SS
expression observed in host blood, strongly suggested that VraSR
SS
is an important regulator of SS2 pathogenicity. Indeed, RNA-sequencing analyses identified 106 genes that were differentially expressed between the wild-type and Δ

vraSR
SS

strains, including genes involved in capsular polysaccharide (CPS) biosynthesis. Subsequent studies confirmed that VraSR
SS
indirectly regulated the transcription of CPS gene clusters and, thus, controlled the CPS thickness shown by transmission electron microscopy. Decreased CPS biosynthesis caused by

vraSR
SS

deletion subsequently increased bacterial adhesion to epithelial cells and attenuated antiphagocytosis against macrophages, which partially clarified the pathogenic mechanism mediated by VraSR
SS
. Taken together, our data suggest that the novel TCSS, VraSR
SS
, plays critical roles for multidrug resistance and full virulence in SS2.
Detection of Influenza A and B Viruses and Respiratory Syncytial Virus by Use of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA)-Waived Point-of-Care Assays: a Paradigm Shift to Molecular Tests
Authors: Azar Marwan M. , Landry Marie L. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT
An accurate laboratory diagnosis of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other respiratory viruses can help to guide patient management, antiviral therapy, infection prevention strategies, and epidemiologic monitoring. Influenza has been the primary driver of rapid laboratory testing due to its morbidity and mortality across all ages, the availability of antiviral therapy, which must be given early to have an effect, and the constant threat of new pandemic strains. Over the past 30 years, there has been an evolution in viral diagnostic testing, from viral culture to rapid antigen detection, and more recently, to highly sensitive nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT), as well as a trend to testing at the point of care (POC). Simple rapid antigen immunoassays have long been the mainstay for POC testing for influenza A and B viruses and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) but have been faulted for low sensitivity. In 2015, the first POC NAAT for the detection of influenza was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ushering in a new era. In 2017, the FDA reclassified rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) from class I to class II devices with new minimum performance standards and a requirement for annual reactivity testing. Consequently, many previously available RIDTs can no longer be purchased in the United States. In this review, recent developments in Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA)-waived testing for respiratory virus infections will be presented, with the focus on currently available FDA-cleared rapid antigen and molecular tests primarily for influenza A and B viruses and RSV.
Mapping and Engineering Functional Domains of the Assembly-Activating Protein of Adeno-associated Viruses
Authors: Tse Longping V. , Moller-Tank Sven , Meganck Rita M. , Asokan Aravind 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) encode a unique assembly-activating protein (AAP) within their genomes that is essential for capsid assembly. Studies to date have focused on establishing the role of AAP as a chaperone that mediates the stability, nucleolar transport, and assembly of AAV capsid proteins. Here, we map structure-function correlates of AAP using secondary structure analysis, followed by deletion and substitutional mutagenesis of specific domains, namely, the N-terminal hydrophobic region (HR), conserved core (CC), proline-rich region (PRR), threonine/serine-rich region (T/S), and basic region (BR). First, we establish that the centrally located PRR and T/S are flexible linker domains that can either be deleted completely or replaced by heterologous functional domains that enable ancillary functions such as fluorescent imaging or increased AAP stability. We also demonstrate that the C-terminal BR domains can be substituted with heterologous nuclear or nucleolar localization sequences that display various abilities to support AAV capsid assembly. Further, by replacing the BR domain with immunoglobulin (IgG) Fc domains, we assessed AAP complexation with AAV capsid subunits and demonstrate that the hydrophobic region (HR) and the conserved core (CC) in the AAP N terminus are the sole determinants for viral protein (VP) recognition. However, VP recognition alone is not sufficient for capsid assembly. Our study sheds light on the modular structure-function correlates of AAP and provides multiple approaches to engineer AAP that might prove useful toward understanding and controlling AAV capsid assembly.

IMPORTANCE
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) encode a unique assembly-activating protein (AAP) within their genomes that is essential for capsid assembly. Understanding how AAP acts as a chaperone for viral assembly could help improve efficiency and potentially control this process. Our studies reveal that AAP has a modular architecture, with each module playing a distinct role and can be engineered for carrying out new functions.
Nursing workload, patient safety incidents and mortality: an observational study from Finland
Authors: Fagerström Lisbeth , Kinnunen Marina , Saarela Jan 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveTo investigate whether the daily workload per nurse (Oulu Patient Classification (OPCq)/nurse) as measured by the RAFAELA system correlates with different types of patient safety incidents and with patient mortality, and to compare the results with regressions based on the standard patients/nurse measure.SettingWe obtained data from 36 units from four Finnish hospitals. One was a tertiary acute care hospital, and the three others were secondary acute care hospitals.ParticipantsPatients’ nursing intensity (249 123 classifications), nursing resources, patient safety incidents and patient mortality were collected on a daily basis during 1 year, corresponding to 12 475 data points. Associations between OPC/nurse and patient safety incidents or mortality were estimated using unadjusted logistic regression models, and models that adjusted for ward-specific effects, and effects of day of the week, holiday and season.Primary and secondary outcome measuresMain outcome measures were patient safety incidents and death of a patient.ResultsWhen OPC/nurse was above the assumed optimal level, the adjusted odds for a patient safety incident were 1.24 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.42) that of the assumed optimal level, and 0.79 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.93) if it was below the assumed optimal level. Corresponding estimates for patient mortality were 1.43 (95% CI 1.18 to 1.73) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.60 to 1.00), respectively. As compared with the patients/nurse classification, models estimated on basis of the RAFAELA classification system generally provided larger effect sizes, greater statistical power and better model fit, although the difference was not very large. Net benefits as calculated on the basis of decision analysis did not provide any clear evidence on which measure to prefer.ConclusionsWe have demonstrated an association between daily workload per nurse and patient safety incidents and mortality. Current findings need to be replicated by future studies.
Cross-sectional study on the prevalence and predictors of pregnancy among women living in HIV discordant relationships in a rural Rakai cohort, Uganda
Authors: Nakiganda Lydia Jacenta , Agardh Anette , Asamoah Benedict Oppong 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesThis study examines the prevalence of pregnancy in serodiscordant couples and identifies predictors associated with pregnancy in rural Rakai, Uganda.Study designA population-based cross-sectional study that used data from the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS).Setting and participantsWe used data from the RCCS survey round 17 (2015–2016), which included 488 women in serodiscordant relationships. This study was conducted in Rakai district, located in south-western Uganda.Primary outcomesPregnancy status.Statistical analysisMultivariable modified Poisson regression using stepwise selection was used to determine characteristics and behaviours associated with pregnancy status.ResultsThe prevalence of pregnancy was 12% in women among serodiscordant couples. HIV-negative women in serodiscordant couples had a slightly higher pregnancy prevalence rate (13.6%) compared with HIV-positive women in serodiscordant couples (11%). Factors significantly associated with higher prevalence of pregnancy were; younger age 15–24 years (prevalence risk ratio (PRR)=4.04; 95% CI 1.72 to 9.50), middle age 25–34 years (PRR=2.49; 95% CI 1.05 to 5.89), Christian religion (PRR=2.26; 95% CI 1.41 to 3.63) and inconsistent condom use in the last 12 months (PRR=4.38, 95% CI 1.09 to 17.53). Neither HIV status nor HIV status disclosure was significantly associated with risk of getting pregnant.ConclusionNearly 12% of women in serodiscordant relationships were pregnant, highlighting the need for integrated services to prevent unintended pregnancies and reduce conceptional related risks for those choosing to conceive. Association with younger age and inconsistent condom use suggests a role for early and continued couple-based conception counselling.