bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of underlying comorbidities as risk factors for symptomatic human hepatitis E virus infection
Authors: Zhang S. , Chen C. , Peng J. , Li X. , Zhang D. , Yan J. , Zhang Y. , Lu C. , Xun J. , Li W. , Ling Y. , Huang Y. , Chen L. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryBackgroundSymptomatic Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection occurs in few infected subjects, and the risk factors are not completely known.AimTo explore the risk factors for adverse clinical outcomes in acute HEV infections.MethodsA large retrospective study was conducted. The baseline characteristics, clinical outcomes, and laboratory data of 512 acute HEV infection cases were analysed using logistic regression models.ResultsAll patients exhibited autochthonous sporadic HEV infections, and most were elderly. Their symptoms varied from asymptomatic to severe liver diseases. In all, 215 patients (42.0%) had liver failure and/or decompensation, and 45 (8.2%) patients died within 3 months. Nearly 60% of patients had underlying chronic liver diseases (CLDs), 20% were cirrhotic, and various extrahepatic underlying comorbidities were common. The logistic regression analysis revealed that underlying CLDs, especially cirrhosis, were closely associated with disease severity (OR = 8.78, P < 0.001) but not with mortality in patients with severe liver diseases. In addition to the known factors, including an old age, the male gender and CLDs, we identified pre‐existing extrahepatic tumours, diabetes, and chronic respiratory and renal diseases as novel independent predictors for adverse clinical outcomes. Importantly, patients without these four extrahepatic comorbidities showed a much lower mortality rate (4.2%, P < 0.001) than patients with one (18.5%) or more comorbidities (34.5%).ConclusionsPrevious comorbidities, including tumours, diabetes, and chronic liver, lung and kidney diseases, were independent risk factors for adverse outcomes, especially mortality, in acute HEV infections. This study provides valuable data for improving the prevention and control of HEV infection.
Low immunoglobulin E flags two distinct types of immune dysregulation
Authors: Elkuch M , Greiff V , Berger C T , Bouchenaki M , Daikeler T , Bircher A , Navarini A A , Heijnen I , Recher M 
Published: January 2017

Summary
During the last two decades, hyper-immunoglobulin (Ig)E syndromes have been characterized clinically and molecularly in patients with genetically determined primary immunodeficiencies. However, the detection of low IgE levels, defined here as below detection limit in the routine clinical immunology laboratory, has received little attention. We analysed the association of serum IgA, IgM and IgG levels (including IgG subclasses) with low, normal or high serum IgE levels in patients evaluated in a single-centre out-patient immunodeficiency and allergy clinic. The correlation of serum IgE levels with IgG subclasses depended on the clinical phenotype. In patients with immunodeficiencies, IgE correlated with IgG2 and IgG4 but not with IgG3. In contrast, in patients referred for signs of allergy, IgE correlated with IgG3 but not with IgG2. A low IgE result was associated with low IgG3 and IgG4 in allergy referrals, while immunodeficiency referrals with a low IgE result had significantly lower IgG1, IgG2 and IgG4 levels. Hierarchical clustering of non-IgE immunoglobulin profiles (IgM, IgA, IgG, IgG1–4) validated that non-IgE immunoglobulin levels predict the clinic referral, i.e. phenotype, of low-IgE patients. These results suggesto guide the clinical management of patients with low serum IgE levels.
Bufalin, a bufanolide steroid from the parotoid glands of the Chinese toad, inhibits L‐type Ca2+ channels and contractility in rat ventricular myocytes
Authors: Song Tao , Chu Xi , Zhang Xuan , Song Qiongtao , Zhang Ying , Zhang Yuanyuan , Han Xue , Zhang Jianping , Chu Li 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBufalin is a bufanolide steroid compound in Chan Su. Chan Su is a traditional Chinese medicine prepared from the dried white secretion of the auricular and skin glands of toads and has been used as an oriental drug. However, the effect of bufalin on cardiac function and its underlying cellular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we explore the cellular mechanisms of bufalin on myocardial protection via the whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording and video‐based edge detection system. Exposure to bufalin resulted in a concentration‐dependent blockade of ICa‐L, with the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 60 μm and the maximal inhibitory effect of 71.50 ± 2.67%. Bufalin at 100 μm reduced cell shortening by 33.83 ± 4.01%. Bufalin restrained L‐type Ca2+ channels conductance, and contractility in rat ventricular myocytes. Thus, the protective effects of bufalin on the heart may be determined by the inhibitory effect on ICa‐L and the negative inotropic action caused by the decrease of intracellular Ca2+ in rat myocardial cells.
Life threatening nutritional deficiencies in a dialysis patient
Authors: Aziz Fahad , Chaudhary Kunal 
Published: January 2017

AbstractNutritional deficiencies are very common among the patient on chronic hemodialysis. But they can be easily overlooked or misdiagnosed. Deficiencies of trace elements and phosphorous is rare among this patient population but if neglected can lead to catastrophic effects. We describe a case report of a patient with ESRD recently started on outpatient maintenance hemodialysis, who presented with life threatening muscular weakness with respiratory failure requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. On initial workup, it was unclear what the cause of her weakness was, however, further investigations showed undetectable phosphorous levels as well as very low levels of trace elements. Replacement of these compounds to normal levels led to marked improvement in the clinical picture. On further evaluation, the patient was also found to be profoundly depressed with poor appetite even prior to initiation of hemodialysis. This case report highlights the importance of early diagnosis of depression and malnutrition in patients on chronic hemodialysis, as severe depression can contribute to malnutrition and life threatening deficiencies of organic as well as inorganic compounds, which may cause life threatening complications as evidenced in this patient.
Gender and the management of climate‐related risks in Northern Thailand
Authors: Lebel Louis , Lebel Phimphakan , Lebel Boripat 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn much past research on the sustainability of natural resource management, gender was either ignored or women were essentialised as care‐takers or victims. Recent programmes on disaster risk reduction and adaptation to climate change seem to be retracing these myths. There is a need for more critical research on how gender influences the experience and management of climate‐related risks. This paper draws on a set of earlier studies to explore the influences of gender on climate risk management by farming households in northern Thailand. We find that women fish farmers perceived greater climate‐related risks to profits, and this corresponded with attaching greater importance to risk management practices at the farm and community levels. Women and men crop farmers had very similar perceptions of changing drought risks. Research on the roles of women in community‐level water management, and gendered social norms suggest that it will be more difficult for women to reduce risks to their farms at the larger, collective, scales than it is for men. This study shows that gender can influence risk‐taking and decision‐making and therefore should be taken into account when strengthening climate risk management practices or designing adaptation interventions.
Three‐year analysis of repeated laboratory tests for the markers total cholesterol, ferritin, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folate, in a large research and teaching hospital in Italy
Authors: Lanzoni Monica , Fornili Marco , Felicetta Irene , Maiavacca Rita , Biganzoli Elia , Castaldi Silvana 
Published: January 2017

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesThe increasing number of diagnostic tests requests all over the world is a problem that can partially be explained by inappropriate testing. Impact on the total costs of health systems becomes relevant when tests are performed in a large amount. In this paper, retesting of total cholesterol, ferritin, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and folate is assessed.MethodsThe Quality Unit of Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano (Fondazione) decided to perform a first assessment of the appropriate use of the laboratory tests cholesterol, ferritin, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and folate focusing on the retesting interval for the same patient in the time period January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2014, in every care setting. The minimum retesting intervals were chosen following the ACB recommendations.The Fondazione is a research and teaching hospital with 3 emergency units (adult, pediatric, and obstetric), kidney, liver, lung, cornea, and bone marrow transplant centers and a medical school. Record linkage of laboratory records selected for the time interval January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2014, was applied using tax code. For each marker, the distribution of retesting intervals was evaluated for every year and the total period. With the same record linkage variable, requests on inpatients were identified from hospital discharge records. A cost analysis of inappropriate retesting was performed for every test.ResultsWe examined 466 035 requests for 113 019 patients. Proportions of tests judged potentially inappropriate varied between 8.1% for 1,25‐dihydroxy vitamin D and 37.1% for total cholesterol. The rates of inappropriate tests from year to year never showed significant decrease, and the maximum increase corresponded to an odds ratio of 1.85 (95% CI, 1.36‐2.51) for 1,25‐dihydroxy vitamin D from 2012 to 2013. Calculated loss of money was approximately €500 000 in the 3 years.ConclusionsInappropriate requests represent a waste of time and money resources. Our analysis highlighted economically unacceptable rates of inappropriate retesting, with no evidence of decreasing trend. Actions to raise awareness in clinicians or automated electronic solutions are necessary to limit unnecessary test repetitions.
Coronary Procedures After TAVI With the Self‐Expanding Aortic Bioprosthesis Medtronic CoreValve™, Not an Easy Matter
Authors: Boukantar Madjid , Gallet Romain , Mouillet Gauthier , Belarbi Abdelkaoui , Rubimbura Vladimir , Ternacle Julien , Dubois‐Rande Jean‐Luc , Teiger Emmanuel 
Published: January 2017

ObjectivesTo evaluate the feasibility of coronary procedures after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with the CoreValve™ device.BackgroundDue to its design, CoreValve™ prosthesis may interfere with coronary procedures. Data on this issue are sparse.MethodsBetween 2007 and 2015, 550 patients underwent CoreValve™ TAVI in our hospital. Among them, 16 underwent coronary angiogram after TAVI and were included in our retrospective study. For each patient, we compared the characteristics of coronary angiograms performed before and after TAVI.ResultsCoronary angiogram was deemed successful in 9 patients. The mean number of different catheters used in attempts to cannulate the coronary arteries was 3.6 ± 1.4 and the rate of selective intubation was low. Fluoroscopy time (13.2 ± 5.8 vs. 7.2 ± 4.6 min, P = 0.003), dose area product (5,347 ± 4,919 vs. 3,433 ± 3,420 cGy/m2, P = 0.004), and contrast volume (157.7 ± 69.6 vs. 108.3 ± 42.6 mL, P = 0.006) were more important in coronary angiograms performed after CoreValve™ implantation. Percutaneous coronary intervention was successfully performed in 6 out of 7 patients who required it.ConclusionCoronary procedures after CoreValve™ TAVI are feasible, but challenging. This problem is currently rare but will be more common as the indications of TAVI are expanded to younger patients with longer life expectancies. Recommendations for post‐TAVI coronary procedures are needed, particularly for centers unfamiliar with the management of post‐TAVI patients.
Fiscal Incidence in Ghana
Authors: Younger Stephen D. , Osei‐Assibey Eric , Oppong Felix 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWe use methods developed by the Commitment to Equity Institute to assess the effects of government taxation, social spending and indirect subsidies on poverty and inequality in Ghana. We also simulate several policy reforms to assess their distributional consequences. Results show that, although the country has some very progressive taxes and well‐targeted expenditures, the extent of fiscal redistribution is small, but about what one would expect given Ghana's income level and relatively low initial inequality. Results for poverty reduction are less encouraging: were it not for the in‐kind benefits from health and education spending, the overall effect of government spending and taxation would actually increase poverty in Ghana. Eliminating energy subsidies and at the same time reallocating part of the savings to well‐targeted transfer programs could lower the fiscal deficit while reducing inequality and protecting the poor.
A Gly65Val substitution in an actin, GhACT_LI1, disrupts cell polarity and F‐actin organization resulting in dwarf, lintless cotton plants
Authors: Thyssen Gregory N. , Fang David D. , Turley Rickie B. , Florane Christopher B. , Li Ping , Mattison Christopher P. , Naoumkina Marina 
Published: January 2017

SummaryActin polymerizes to form part of the cytoskeleton and organize polar growth in all eukaryotic cells. Species with numerous actin genes are especially useful for the dissection of actin molecular function due to redundancy and neofunctionalization. Here, we investigated the role of a cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) actin gene in the organization of actin filaments in lobed cotyledon pavement cells and the highly elongated single‐celled trichomes that comprise cotton lint fibers. Using mapping‐by‐sequencing, virus‐induced gene silencing, and molecular modeling, we identified the causative mutation of the dominant dwarf Ligon lintless Li1 short fiber mutant as a single Gly65Val amino acid substitution in a polymerization domain of an actin gene, GhACT_LI1 (Gh_D04G0865). We observed altered cell morphology and disrupted organization of F‐actin in Li1 plant cells by confocal microscopy. Mutant leaf cells lacked interdigitation of lobes and F‐actin did not uniformly decorate the nuclear envelope. While wild‐type lint fiber trichome cells contained long longitudinal actin cables, the short Li1 fiber cells accumulated disoriented transverse cables. The polymerization‐defective Gly65Val allele in Li1 plants likely disrupts processive elongation of F‐actin, resulting in a disorganized cytoskeleton and reduced cell polarity, which likely accounts for the dominant gene action and diverse pleiotropic effects associated with the Li1 mutation. Lastly, we propose a model to account for these effects, and underscore the roles of actin organization in determining plant cell polarity, shape and plant growth.
Ghrelin ameliorates blood–brain barrier disruption during systemic hypoxia
Authors: Mohaddes Gisou , Abdolalizadeh Jalal , Babri Shirin , Hossienzadeh Fezzeh 
Published: January 2017

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Is an anti‐oedematous effect of ghrelin associated with increased expression of tight junction proteins in the hypoxic brain?

What is the main finding and its importance?
We showed that injection of ghrelin during acute and chronic systemic hypoxia is associated with increased expression of tight junction proteins and protection of the blood–brain barrier. Ghrelin appears to be a new therapeutic strategy for protection of the blood–brain barrier from disruption and prevention of brain oedema in hypoxic conditions.

The blood–brain barrier, which serves to protect the homeostasis of the CNS, is formed by tight junction proteins. Several studies have indicated that systemic hypoxia leads to cerebral oedema through disruption of tight junction proteins, such as occludin and zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1). According to our previous studies, ghrelin attenuates cerebral oedema in the hypoxic brain. However, the mechanism is not completely understood. The present study was designed to determine the effect of ghrelin on occludin and ZO‐1 in the hypoxic brain. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into acute and chronic control, acute or chronic hypoxia, and ghrelin‐treated acute or chronic hypoxia groups. Hypoxic groups were kept in a hypoxic chamber (10–11% O2) for 2 (acute) or 10 days (chronic). Effects of ghrelin on occludin and ZO‐1 protein levels were assessed using Western blotting. Western blot analysis revealed that the protein expression of ZO‐1 and occludin decreased significantly in acute and chronic hypoxia. Ghrelin significantly increased ZO‐1 protein expression in both acute and chronic hypoxia (P < 0.05). Ghrelin also increased occludin protein expression in chronic hypoxia (P < 0.05) but did not effectively change it in acute hypoxia. Our data showed that ghrelin injection maintains occludin and ZO‐1 tight junction proteins, which may improve the integrity of the blood–brain barrier in hypoxic conditions.
Visualization of Brushing in “Shibo” Production of Hand-Made Japanese Paper
Authors: Nojima Shinji , Yoshikawa Takashi , Imajo Akihiko , Tsujinaka Takeshi 
Published: January 2017

We deal with “Danshi” that has a special wrinkle called “Shibo” on the surface structure of the Japanese paper. Three sheets of wet papers are superimposed to make the Shibo. Wet papers are extended the slack by brushing. Superimposed wet papers are made the Shibo by especial pulling movement. This time, we investigate about the movement of brushing for extending the slack.
Subjects are two people which are wearing 18 reflecting markers on the body. An expert has manufactured Danshi for 23 years of experience and a non-expert has done less than 1 year of experience. The movement of brushing process is measured as sampling time of 100 [Hz]. We will investigate differences of the physical movement between the expert and the non-expert.
We make a hearing about the differences and work on visualization about the skill of the expert.
The method of making Shibo structure has five procedures. First, one piece of wet paper is placed on the inclined work table. Second, wrinkles of the paper are extended by brushing. Third, next wet paper is put on the first sheet, it is extended the slack again. Fourth, moreover third wet paper is put on the second sheet, it is extended the slack by brushing again. Fifth, the Shibo structures are produced by pulling in a state of three superimposed sheets.
We compared the number of brushing in each sheets. There was not difference in the number of brushing in each sheet in a non-expert. In other hand, number of brushing by the expert was two times that of first and second sheets in third sheet. The number of brushing in first and second sheets did not change by the expert. In consequence, he was a notion that important things for making the clear Shibo structure are not only extending the slack, but also pulling out the bubbles.
We divided brushing movement into eight directions. In third sheet of the expert, the number of brushing to body direction has increased over 10%. It was found that the expert removed air bubbles from the corner of the top right. Furthermore, we investigated the change of angle of the right wrist in the expert and the non-expert. It became clear that angle of the wrist is reduced when the expert is brushing forward.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns among a Large, Nationwide Cohort of Abiotrophia and Granulicatella Clinical Isolates
Authors: Prasidthrathsint Kunatum , Fisher Mark A. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns from 599
A. defectiva
,
G. adiacens
, and
G. elegans
clinical isolates were determined by broth microdilution. We observed significant differences in susceptibility across species, particularly to penicillin and ceftriaxone, and across geographical regions.
A. defectiva
was the least susceptible species overall to penicillin. All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and >90% were susceptible to levofloxacin.
Adenovirus Modulates Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling by Reprogramming ORP1L-VAP Protein Contacts for Cholesterol Transport from Endosomes to the Endoplasmic Reticulum
Authors: Cianciola Nicholas L. , Chung Stacey , Manor Danny , Carlin Cathleen R. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT
Human adenoviruses (Ads) generally cause mild self-limiting infections but can lead to serious disease and even be fatal in high-risk individuals, underscoring the importance of understanding how the virus counteracts host defense mechanisms. This study had two goals. First, we wished to determine the molecular basis of cholesterol homeostatic responses induced by the early region 3 membrane protein RIDα via its direct interaction with the sterol-binding protein ORP1L, a member of the evolutionarily conserved family of oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP)-related proteins (ORPs). Second, we wished to determine how this interaction regulates innate immunity to adenovirus. ORP1L is known to form highly dynamic contacts with endoplasmic reticulum-resident VAP proteins that regulate late endosome function under regulation of Rab7-GTP. Our studies have demonstrated that ORP1L-VAP complexes also support transport of LDL-derived cholesterol from endosomes to the endoplasmic reticulum, where it was converted to cholesteryl esters stored in lipid droplets when ORP1L was bound to RIDα. The virally induced mechanism counteracted defects in the predominant cholesterol transport pathway regulated by the late endosomal membrane protein Niemann-Pick disease type C protein 1 (NPC1) arising during early stages of viral infection. However, unlike NPC1, RIDα did not reconstitute transport to endoplasmic reticulum pools that regulate SREBP transcription factors. RIDα-induced lipid trafficking also attenuated proinflammatory signaling by Toll-like receptor 4, which has a central role in Ad pathogenesis and is known to be tightly regulated by cholesterol-rich “lipid rafts.” Collectively, these data show that RIDα utilizes ORP1L in a way that is distinct from its normal function in uninfected cells to fine-tune lipid raft cholesterol that regulates innate immunity to adenovirus in endosomes.

IMPORTANCE
Early region 3 proteins encoded by human adenoviruses that attenuate immune-mediated pathology have been a particularly rich source of information regarding intracellular protein trafficking. Our studies with the early region 3-encoded RIDα protein also provided fundamental new information regarding mechanisms of nonvesicular lipid transport and the flow of molecular information at membrane contacts between different organelles. We describe a new pathway that delivers cholesterol from endosomes to the endoplasmic reticulum, where it is esterified and stored in lipid droplets. Although lipid droplets are attracting renewed interest from the standpoint of normal physiology and human diseases, including those resulting from viral infections, experimental model systems for evaluating how and why they accumulate are still limited. Our studies also revealed an intriguing relationship between lipid droplets and innate immunity that may represent a new paradigm for viruses utilizing these organelles.