bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolomics evaluation of early‐storage red blood cell rejuvenation at 4°C and 37°C
Authors: Gehrke Sarah , Srinivasan Amudan J. , Culp‐Hill Rachel , Reisz Julie A. , Ansari Andrea , Gray Alan , Landrigan Matthew , Welsby Ian , D'Alessandro Angelo 
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUNDRefrigerated red blood cell (RBC) storage results in the progressive accumulation of biochemical and morphological alterations collectively referred to as the storage lesion. Storage‐induced metabolic alterations can be in part reversed by rejuvenation practices. However, rejuvenation requires an incubation step of RBCs for 1 hour at 37°C, limiting the practicality of providing “on‐demand,” rejuvenated RBCs. We tested the hypothesis that the addition of rejuvenation solution early in storage as an adjunct additive solution would prevent—in a time window consistent with the average age of units transfused to sickle cell recipients at Duke (15 days)—many of the adverse biochemical changes that can be reversed via standard rejuvenation, while obviating the incubation step.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSMetabolomics analyses were performed on cells and supernatants from AS‐1 RBC units (n = 4), stored for 15 days. Units were split into pediatric bag aliquots and stored at 4°C. These were untreated controls, washed with or without rejuvenation, performed under either standard (37°C) or cold (4°C) conditions.RESULTSAll three treatments removed most metabolic storage by‐products from RBC supernatants. However, only standard and cold rejuvenation provided significant metabolic benefits as judged by the reactivation of glycolysis and regeneration of adenosine triphosphate and 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate. Improvements in energy metabolism also translated into increased capacity to restore the total glutathione pool and regenerate oxidized vitamin C in its reduced (ascorbate) form.CONCLUSIONCold and standard rejuvenation of 15‐day‐old RBCs primes energy and redox metabolism of stored RBCs, while providing a logistic advantage for routine blood bank processing workflows.
Evaluation of the placement and maintenance of central venous jugular catheters in critically ill dogs and cats
Authors: Reminga Christin L. , Silverstein Deborah C. , Drobatz Kenneth J. , Clarke Dana L. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo describe problems noted during central venous jugular catheter (CVJC) placement, conditions associated with unsuccessful catheterization, and CVJC maintenance complications.DesignProspective observational study from September 2014 to September 2015.SettingUniversity veterinary teaching hospital.AnimalsTwenty‐seven dogs and 20 cats hospitalized in a veterinary ICU. Patients were excluded if previously hospitalized with a CVJC or lacked sufficient data.InterventionsNone.Measurements and Main ResultsNinety‐one percent of indwelling CVJCs were placed successfully (43/47, 95% CI: 80%, 98%). Procedural‐related difficulties that resulted in the inability to place a CVJC totaled 18/63 (28.6%, 95% CI: 18%, 41%) and included the inability to puncture the vessel (10), hematoma (6), malposition (1), and dislodgement (1). Procedural complications occurred in 24/47 patients (51%, 95% CI: 36%, 66%) and included cardiac dysrhythmias (13), hematoma (6), CVJC placement failure (4), and malposition (1). Risk factors associated with multiple catheterization attempts included increased age (7.5 years [± 4.2] vs 10.6 years [± 4.1], P = 0.04), smaller size (8.0 kg [0.6–51.9 kg] vs 4.4 kg [2.6–6.8 kg], P < 0.01) and thinner body condition score (median 5/9 [2/9–9/9] vs 4/9 [2/9–7/9], P = 0.04). The risk factor associated with dysrhythmias was smaller patient size (6.8 kg [2.6–51.9 kg] vs 4.8 kg [0.6–29.5 kg], P = 0.04). Eighteen indwelling complications occurred in 14 patients and included mechanical obstruction (7), skin irritation (6), malposition (4), and inflammation (1). Risk factors for indwelling complications included longer dwell time (5 days [2–30] vs 3 days [1–10], P < 0.01) and the administration of an irritant medication (P = 0.02).ConclusionsComplications were documented in the placement and maintenance of CVJCs in critically ill patients with a low incidence of life‐threatening sequelae. Risk factors associated with both unsuccessful CVJC placement and indwelling CVJC complications were identified.
Jewish, Christian and Muslim theological perspectives about xenotransplantation
Authors: Paris Wayne , Seidler Rabbi Jerry H. , FitzGerald Kevin , Padela Aasim I. , Cozzi Emanuele , Cooper David K. C. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundThis paper is based on a theological symposium presented at the International Xenotransplantation Association's 14th Congress held in Baltimore, MD, September, 2017.MethodsThe information explores the Jewish, Christian and Muslim theological perceptions and perspectives about cross‐species (ie pig‐to‐human) organ transplantation, the genetic alterations required in the organ‐source pig, and their potential to influence individual acceptance of the procedure.Results/ConclusionsThis work should not be considered as the ultimate word about individual theological views, but rather as part of an ongoing conversation that will hopefully lead to wider consideration and exploration of these issues as xenotransplantation science advances towards clinical trials.
Dissemination of Clostridium difficile spores between environment and households: Dog paws and shoes
Authors: Janezic Sandra , Mlakar Sabina , Rupnik Maja 
Published: April 2018

SummaryClostridium difficile is an anaerobic, spore‐forming bacterium that causes intestinal infections. Although C. difficile is still predominantly considered as a nosocomial pathogen, there has been an increase in the number of community‐associated infections. Since C. difficile is ubiquitous and can be isolated from nearly any environment, one of the possibilities for community acquisition could be exposure to spores in the domestic environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of C. difficile spores on shoes, slippers and on dog paws and to explore the importance of these surfaces as vectors for the dissemination of C. difficile in a domestic environment. Overall, C. difficile was present in 14 (70%) of 20 households and in 31 of 90 (34%) collected samples. Shoes and slippers had the highest positivity rates, 19 of 44 (43%) and 6 of 21 (28%), respectively, followed by dog paws 6 of 25 (24%). Thirteen C. difficilePCR ribotypes were identified with half of the isolates belonging to ribotype 014/020, which is the predominant type circulating in human population and is also commonly found in the environment (e.g. soil and water) in Slovenia. In three households, identical PCR ribotypes were found on dog paws, shoes and slippers. To understand the fine‐scale genetic relatedness of these isolates, we sequenced the genomes. Low level of single nucleotide variant (SNV) differences between isolates from the same households, consistent with a recent transmission from a common source, were seen for isolates of PCR ribotype 014/020 but not for PCR ribotype 010. Our results suggest that shoe soles and dog paws could serve for the dissemination of C. difficile spores between households and environment and could contribute to community‐relevant sources for C. difficile infection in humans.
Power Output and Pacing During International Cross-Country Mountain Bike Cycling
Authors: Granier Cyril , Abbiss Chris R. , Aubry Anaël , Vauchez Yvon , Dorel Sylvain , Hausswirth Christophe , Le Meur Yann 
Published: April 2018

Purpose: To characterize the physiological profiles of elite cross-country mountain-bike (XCO-MTB) cyclists and to examine their pacing and power-output (PO) distribution during international races. Methods: Over 2 competitive seasons, 8 male XCO-MTB cyclists (VO2max 79.9 [5.2] mL·min−1·kg−1, maximal aerobic power [MAP] 411 [18] W and 6.3 [0.4] W·kg−1) regularly undertook incremental tests to assess their PO and heart rate (HR) at first and second ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2) and at VO2max. During the same period, their PO, HR, speed, and cadence were recorded over 13 international races (total of 30 recorded files). Results: Mean PO, speed, cadence, and HR during the races were 283 (22) W (4.31 [0.32] W·kg−1, 68% [5%] MAP), 19.7 (2.1) km·h−1, 68 (8) rpm, and 172 (11) beats·min−1 (91% [2%] HRmax), respectively. The average times spent below 10% of MAP, between 10% of MAP and VT1, between VT1 and VT2, between VT2 and MAP, and above MAP were 25% (5%), 21% (4%), 13% (3%), 16% (3%), and 26% (5%), respectively. Both speed and PO decreased from the start loop to lap 1 before stabilizing until the end of the race.Conclusions: Elite off-road cyclists demonstrated typical values of world-class endurance cyclists with an excellent power-to-mass ratio. This study demonstrated that XCO-MTB races are performed at higher intensities than reported in previous research and are characterized by a fast start followed by an even pace.
Impact of Accommodating Resistance in Potentiating Horizontal-Jump Performance in Professional Rugby League Players
Authors: Strokosch Alasdair , Louit Loic , Seitz Laurent , Clarke Richard , Hughes Jonathan D. 
Published: April 2018

This study investigated the efficacy of deadlifts and box squats, with a combination of traditional and accommodating resistance, as a postactivation potentiating stimulus of standing broad jumps (SBJ) in a multiple-set contrast protocol. Twelve professional rugby league players (21.4 [2.5] y; 181.3 [8.3] cm, 91.9 [8.8] kg; 1-repetition-maximum [1RM] back squat/body mass 1.59 [0.21]; 1RM deadlift/body mass 2.11 [0.25]; ≥3-y resistance-training experience) performed baseline SBJ before a contrast postactivation potentiating protocol involving 2 repetitions of 85% 1RM box squat or deadlifts, loaded with a combination of traditional barbell weight (70% 1RM) and elastic-band resistance (∼15% 1RM), followed by 2 SBJs. Exercises were separated by 90 s, and 4 contrast pairs were performed in total. Using a repeated-measures design, all subjects performed the squat followed by the deadlift and finally the control (SBJ only) condition in the same order across consecutive weeks. Changes from baseline in SBJ distance were moderate for the box squat (effect size [ES] = 0.64–1.03) and deadlift (ES = 0.80–0.96) and trivial in the control condition (ES = 0.02–0.11). The magnitude of differences in postactivation potentiating effect were considered moderate (d = 0.61) for set 1, trivial for set 2 (d = 0.10) and set 3 (d = 0.05) in favor of box squats, and moderate for set 4 (d = 0.58) in favor of deadlifts. Accommodating resistance in either box squats or deadlifts is an effective means of potentiating SBJ performance across multiple sets of a contrast protocol with only 90-s rest.
Identification of Novel Mutations in LprG (
rv1411c
),
rv0521
,
rv3630
,
rv0010c
,
ppsC
, and
cyp128
Associated with Pyrazinoic Acid/Pyrazinamide Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Shi Wanliang , Chen Jiazhen , Zhang Shuo , Zhang Wenhong , Zhang Ying 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

Despite progress, the mechanisms of action and resistance of pyrazinamide (PZA) are not well understood. We characterized 109 mutants resistant to pyrazinoic acid (POA), the active form of PZA, and found that while most (
n
= 101 [93%]) mutants had
panD
mutations and 4 (4%) had
clpC1
mutations (S91G), new mutations in
lprG
(
rv1411c
) and
rv0521
(
n
= 4 [4%]),
rv3630
,
rv0010c
,
ppsC
, and
cyp128
(cytochrome P450 128) were identified, shedding new light on the mechanisms of action and resistance of PZA in
M. tuberculosis
.
TCRβ Combinatorial Immunoreceptor Expression by Neutrophils Correlates with Parasite Burden and Enhanced Phagocytosis during a Plasmodium berghei ANKA Malaria Infection
Authors: Chorazeczewski Joanna K. , Aleshnick Maya , Majam Victoria , Okoth Winter A. , Kurapova Regina , Akue Adovi , Kukuruga Mark , Kumar Sanjai , Oakley Miranda S. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTRecent studies have demonstrated that a subpopulation of neutrophils express the TCRαβ combinatorial immunoreceptor in humans and mice. Here, we report that aPlasmodium bergheiANKA murine malaria infection induces expansion of TCRβ expressing CD11b+Ly6G+neutrophils in the spleen during the early phase of infection. Measurement of TCRβ transcript and protein levels of neutrophils in wild-type versus nude andRag1knockout mice establishes that the observed expression is not a consequence of nonspecific antibody staining or passive receptor expression due to phagocytosis or trogocytosis of peripheral T cells. Remarkably, on day 3 postinfection, we observed a highly significant correlation between the proportion of neutrophils that express TCRβ and peripheral blood parasite burden. In addition, TCRβ+neutrophils phagocytose parasitized erythrocytes with 4-fold greater efficiency than TCRβ−neutrophils. Together these results signify that TCR expression by the neutrophil plays an important role in the regulation of parasite burden by enhancing the phagocytic capacity of the neutrophil.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of Aggregatibacter Species Isolated from Human Clinical Specimens and Description of Aggregatibacter kilianii sp. nov
Authors: Murra May , Lützen Lisbeth , Barut Aynur , Zbinden Reinhard , Lund Marianne , Villesen Palle , Nørskov-Lauritsen Niels 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTAggregatibacterspecies are commensal bacteria of human mucosal surfaces that are sometimes involved in serious invasive infections. During the investigation of strains cultured from various clinical specimens, we encountered a coherent group of 10 isolates that could not be allocated to any validly named species by phenotype, mass spectrometry, or partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a phylogenetic cluster related to but separate fromAggregatibacter aphrophilus. The meanin silicoDNA hybridization value for strains of the new cluster versusA. aphrophiluswas 56% (range, 53.7 to 58.0%), whereas the average nucleotide identity was 94.4% (range, 93.9 to 94.8%). The new cluster exhibited aggregative properties typical of the genusAggregatibacter. Key phenotypic tests for discrimination of the new cluster from validly namedAggregatibacterspecies are alanine-phenylalanine-proline arylamidase,N-acetylglucosamine, and β-galactosidase. The nameAggregatibacter kilianiiis proposed, with PN_528 (CCUG 70536Tor DSM 105094T) as the type strain.
Complex and Dynamic Interactions between Parvovirus Capsids, Transferrin Receptors, and Antibodies Control Cell Infection and Host Range
Authors: Callaway Heather M. , Welsch Kathrin , Weichert Wendy , Allison Andrew B. , Hafenstein Susan L. , Huang Kai , Iketani Sho , Parrish Colin R. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT
Antibody and receptor binding are key virus-host interactions that control host range and determine the success of infection. Canine and feline parvovirus capsids bind the transferrin receptor type 1 (TfR) to enter host cells, and specific structural interactions appear necessary to prepare the stable capsids for infection. Here, we define the details of binding, competition, and occupancy of wild-type and mutant parvovirus capsids with purified receptors and antibodies. TfR-capsid binding interactions depended on the TfR species and varied widely, with no direct relationship between binding affinity and infection. Capsids bound feline, raccoon, and black-backed jackal TfRs at high affinity but barely bound canine TfRs, which mediated infection efficiently. TfRs from different species also occupied capsids to different levels, with an estimated 1 to 2 feline TfRs but 12 black-backed jackal TfRs binding each capsid. Multiple alanine substitutions within loop 1 on the capsid surface reduced TfR binding but substitutions within loop 3 did not, suggesting that loop 1 directly engaged the TfR and loop 3 sterically affected that interaction. Binding and competition between different TfRs and/or antibodies showed complex relationships. Both antibodies 14 and E competed capsids off TfRs, but antibody E could also compete capsids off itself and antibody 14, likely by inducing capsid structural changes. In some cases, the initial TfR or antibody binding event affected subsequent TfR binding, suggesting that capsid structure changes occur after TfR or antibody binding and may impact infection. This shows that precise, host-specific TfR-capsid interactions, beyond simple attachment, are important for successful infection.

IMPORTANCE
Host receptor binding is a key step during viral infection and may control both infection and host range. In addition to binding, some viruses require specific interactions with host receptors in order to infect, and anti-capsid antibodies can potentially disrupt these interactions, leading to neutralization. Here, we examine the interactions between parvovirus capsids, the receptors from different hosts, and anti-capsid antibodies. We show that interactions between parvovirus capsids and host-specific TfRs vary in both affinity and in the numbers of receptors bound, with complex effects on infection. In addition, antibodies binding to two sites on the capsids had different effects on TfR-capsid binding. These experiments confirm that receptor and antibody binding to parvovirus capsids are complex processes, and the infection outcome is not determined simply by the affinity of attachment.
Modern contraceptive use among HIV-infected women attending HIV care centres in Togo: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yaya Issifou , Patassi Akouda Akessiwè , Landoh Dadja Essoya , Bignandi Essodjèlouna Manani , Kolani Kanfitine , Namoro Abdel-Daim Daou , Patchali P’Niwè Massoubayo , Djalogue Lihanimpo , Ekouevi Didier Koumavi , Saka Bayaki 
Published: April 2018

IntroductionContraceptive use among HIV-infected women in Togo is poorly documented. We aim at assessing the prevalence of modern contraceptive use and associated factors among HIV-infected women in Togo.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThe study was conducted in five HIV care centres in the Centrale and Kara regions in Togo.ParticipantsWe included 461 HIV-positive women aged between 15 and 49 years and who were sexually active.Main outcome measureThe outcome variable was HIV-infected women who were using modern contraceptive methods.ResultsA total of 461 HIV-infected women were interviewed, with an average age of 34.3 (±7.1). Among them, 332 (73.1%) women reported using contraceptive methods, mostly condom alone (74.7%) or in combination with hormonal contraceptive (16.9%). In multivariate analysis, education level (primary: adjusted OR (aOR)=1.99, 95% CI (1.05 to 3.76); secondary level and higher: aOR=3.95, 95% CI (2.03 to 7.67)), WHO clinical stage (stage II: aOR=0.7, 95% CI (0.37 to 1.33)), follow-up in private care facilities (aOR=2.54, 95% CI (1.22 to 5.29)) and having a child (aOR=2.51, 95% CI (1.41 to 4.5)) were associated with higher contraceptive use, while marital status (living in union: aOR=0.45, 95% CI (0.28 to 0.74)) and WHO stages III and IV (aOR=0.47, 95% CI (0.24 to 0.94)) were associated with lower contraceptive use.ConclusionAbout three-quarters of sexually active HIV-infected women in Togo were using contraceptive methods, and private health facilities favoured this contraceptive use. It is important to strengthen the implementation of interventions to increase the incentives for HIV-infected women to use contraception in Togo.
Understanding influences on the uptake of pulmonary rehabilitation in the East of England: an Inclusive Design/mixed-methods study protocol
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Dickerson Terry , Early Frances , Fuld Jonathan , Clarkson P John 
Published: April 2018

Introduction1.2 million people in the UK have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that causes breathlessness, difficulty with daily activities, infections and hospitalisation. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), a programme of supervised exercise and education, is recommended for patients with COPD. However, only 1 in 10 of those who need it receive PR. Also, the UK National COPD Audit Programme concluded that the COPD treatment might not be accessible to people with disabilities. This paper applies an Inclusive Design approach to community-based PR service provisions. It aims to inform improvements to the PR service by identifying barriers to the uptake of PR in the COPD care journey in relation to patients’ capabilities that can affect their access to PR.Methods and analysisThe protocol includes four steps. Step 1 will involve interviews with healthcare professionals and patients to gather insight into their experiences and produce a hierarchical task analysis of the COPD care journeys. Step 2 will estimate the service exclusion: the demand of every task on patients’ capabilities will be rated by predefined scales, and the proportion of the population excluded from the service will be estimated by an exclusion calculator. Step 3 will identify the challenges of the PR service; a framework analysis will guide the data analysis of the interviews and care journey. Step 4 will propose recommendations to help patients manage their COPD care informed by the challenges identified in step 3 and refine recommendations through interviews and focus groups.Ethics and disseminationThe Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee gave the study protocol a positive ethical opinion (17/EE/0136). Study results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conferences and the British Lung Foundation networks. They will also be fed into a Research for Patient Benefit project on increasing the referral and uptake of PR.
Long-term neuroprotective effect of erythropoietin on executive functions in very preterm children (EpoKids): protocol of a prospective follow-up study
Authors: Wehrle Flavia Maria , Held Ulrike , O’Gorman Ruth Tuura , Disselhoff Vera , Schnider Barbara , Fauchère Jean-Claude , Hüppi Petra , Latal Beatrice , Hagmann Cornelia Franziska 
Published: April 2018

IntroductionPremature infants are particularly vulnerable to brain injuries with associated cognitive and behavioural deficits. The worldwide first randomised interventional multicentre trial investigating the neuroprotective effects of erythropoietin (entitled ‘Does erythropoietin improve outcome in very preterm infants?’ (NCT00413946)) included 450 very preterm infants in Switzerland. MRI at term equivalent age showed less white matter (WM) injury in the erythropoietin group compared with the placebo group. Despite these promising imaging findings, neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years showed no beneficial effect of early erythropoietin. One explanation could be that the assessment of more complex cognitive functions such as executive functions (EFs) is only possible at a later age. We hypothesise that due to improved WM development and fewer WM injuries, children born preterm treated with early erythropoietin will have better EF abilities at 7–12 years than those treated with placebo.Methods and analysis365 children who were included into the primary analysis of the original trial (NCT00413946) will be eligible in this prospective follow-up study at the age of 7–12 years. 185 children born at term will be control children. Primary outcome measures are EF abilities and processing speed, while secondary outcomes are academic performance, IQ, fine motor abilities and global brain connectivity. A comprehensive test battery will be applied to assess EFs. MRI will be performed to assess global brain connectivity. Cognitive scores and MRI measures will be compared between both groups using the Wilcoxon test. Propensity score matching will be used to balance gender, age, socioeconomic status and other potentially unbalanced variables between the children born preterm and the healthy control children.Ethics and disseminationThe cantonal ethical committee granted ethical approval for this study (KEK 2017-00521). Written consent will be obtained from the parents. Findings from this study will be disseminated via international and national conference presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals.