bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Congenital rubella syndrome with death from interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Mizuno Yoshifumi , Yokoi Kyoko , Suzuki Satoshi 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThere was a rubella epidemic in Japan in 2012–2013, which led to an increased number infants being born with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Symptoms of CRS are varied and include cataracts, congenital heart disease, and hearing impairment, but case reports of CRS complicated by interstitial pneumonia are rare. We report the case of a patient with CRS who died of respiratory failure caused by interstitial pneumonia. Thrombocytopenia had been present for approximately 1 month after birth, and the patient presented with sudden lung hemorrhage at 64 days old. Thereafter, respiratory condition deteriorated, and the patient died at 107 days old. Given that infants with CRS who have thrombocytopenia and interstitial pneumonia have a high risk of death, they should be monitored carefully for potential complications.
Administration of G‐CSF from day +6 post‐allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children and adolescents accelerates neutrophil engraftment but does not appear to have an impact on cost savings
Authors: O'Rafferty Ciara , O'Brien Mairead , Smyth Elaine , Keane Sinead , Robinson Hillary , Lynam Paul , O'Marcaigh Aengus , Smith Owen P. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractG‐CSF post‐allogeneic HSCT accelerates neutrophil engraftment, but evidence that it impacts on cost‐related outcomes is lacking. We performed a retrospective child and adolescent single‐center cohort study examining G‐CSF administration from Day +6 of allogeneic HSCT vs. ad hoc G‐CSF use where clinically indicated. Forty consecutive children and adolescents undergoing allogeneic HSCT were included. End‐points were as follows: time to engraftment; incidence of acute and chronic GvHD; number of patients alive at Day +100; 180‐day TRM; post‐transplant days in hospital; and cost of antimicrobials, TPN, and G‐CSF usage. Neutrophil engraftment occurred earlier in the group that received G‐CSF from Day +6. There was no difference between groups in any of the other end‐points with the following exception: the cost of GCSF was significantly higher in the D + 6 G‐CSF group. However, median G‐CSF cost in this group amounted to only €280. There was a trend towards reduced cost of antimicrobials in the D + 6 G‐CSF group, although this did not reach significance (p = 0.13). The median cost per patient of antimicrobial agents between groups differed by €1116. This study demonstrated the administration of G‐CSF on Day +6 in pediatric HSCT to be safe. A further study using a larger cohort of patients is warranted to ascertain its true clinico‐economic value.
Deconstructing the Gains from Trade: Selection of Industries vs Reallocation of Workers
Authors: Bolatto Stefano , Sbracia Massimo 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn a Ricardian model with general distributions of industry efficiencies, the welfare gains from trade can be decomposed into a selection and a reallocation effect. The former is the change in average efficiency as a result of the selection of industries that survive international competition. The latter is the rise in the weight of exporting industries in production, owing to the reallocation of workers from non‐exporting industries. This decomposition, which is hard to calculate in the general case, simplifies dramatically with Fréchet‐distributed efficiencies, providing easy‐to‐quantify model‐based measures of these two effects. Selection (reallocation) turns out to matter mostly when welfare gains are small (large).
Pre‐transplant soluble CD30 in combination with total DSA but not pre‐transplant C1q‐DSA predicts antibody‐mediated graft loss in presensitized high‐risk kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Schaefer S. M. , Süsal C. , Opelz G. , Döhler B. , Becker L. E. , Klein K. , Sickmüller S. , Waldherr R. , Macher‐Goeppinger S. , Schemmer P. , Beimler J. , Zeier M. , Morath C. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPresensitized kidney transplant recipients are at high‐risk for early antibody‐mediated rejection. We studied the impact of pre‐ and post‐transplant donor‐specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies (DSA) and T‐cell‐activation on the occurrence of antibody‐mediated rejection episodes (AMR) and graft loss (AMR‐GL) in a unique cohort of 80 desensitized high‐risk kidney transplant recipients. Patients with pre‐transplant DSA demonstrated more AMR episodes than patients without DSA, but did not show a significantly increased rate of AMR‐GL. The rates of AMR and AMR‐GL were not significantly increased in patients with complement split product (C1q)‐binding pre‐transplant DSA. Pre‐transplant C1q‐DSA became undetectable post‐transplant in 11 of 13 (85%) patients; 2 (18%) of these 11 patients showed AMR but no AMR‐GL. In contrast, the post‐transplant presence of C1q‐DSA was associated with significantly higher rates of AMR (86 vs 33 vs 0%; P < 0.001) and AMR‐GL (86 vs 0 vs 0%; log‐rank P < 0.001) compared with post‐transplant DSA without C1q‐binding or the absence of DSA. Patients with both pre‐transplant DSA and evidence of pre‐transplant T‐cell‐activation as indicated by soluble CD30‐positivity showed a significantly increased risk for AMR‐GL [HR = 11.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.68–73.4; log‐rank P = 0.013]. In these high‐risk patients, AMR‐GL was associated with total DSA in combination with T‐cell‐activation pre‐transplant, and de novo or persistent C1q‐binding DSA post‐transplant.
What is wrong with the regulatory T cells and foetomaternal tolerance in women with recurrent miscarriages?
Authors: Craenmehr M. H. C. , Heidt S. , Eikmans M. , Claas F. H. J. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCouples of whom the woman has had a miscarriage have two major concerns: the cause and possible risk of recurrence. Unfortunately, a significant proportion of cases of recurrent miscarriage (RM) remain unexplained despite detailed investigation. Because data suggest that regulatory T cells (Treg) are involved in the maternal acceptance of the allogeneic foetus, RM could possibly be explained by a disturbance of the Treg network. The possible role of Tregs in RM is described in this review, as well as their potential application in diagnostics and therapeutic intervention trials.
Use of n‐of‐1 (single patient) trials to assess the effect of age of transfused blood on health‐related quality of life in transfusion‐dependent patients
Authors: Hsia Cyrus C. , Mahon Jeffrey L. , Seitelbach Maayan , Chia Justin , Zou Guangyong , Chin‐Yee Ian H. 
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUNDThe impact of age of red blood cells on health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in patients who require chronic transfusions is not known. We assessed this using n‐of‐1 trials in patient populations where large randomized trials have not been done to date.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSChronically transfusion‐dependent adult patients were randomly assigned over time to four fresh (<7 days of storage) and four standard‐issue (up to 42 days of storage) blood transfusions in prospective double‐blinded multicrossover studies (n‐of‐1 trials). HRQL questionnaires were completed before and at 24 hours after each transfusion. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels were measured before each subsequent transfusion.RESULTSTwenty transfusion‐dependent patients were enrolled, of whom nine (five myelodysplastic syndromes, two myelofibrosis, one β‐thalassemia major, one Diamond‐Blackfan anemia) completed at least six transfusions. Mean ages of fresh and standard‐issue blood transfused were 4.0 and 23.2 days, respectively. There were no significant differences in the effect of standard and fresh blood on follow‐up Hb levels or the eight HRQL dimensions assessed in all analyses.CONCLUSIONSIn chronically transfused patients, there were no significant differences in HRQL or Hb levels between fresh versus standard blood. While larger trials are needed, these results support current practices in hospital blood transfusion laboratories using a first‐in, first‐out model of blood utilization for these transfusion‐dependent patients. Use of n‐of‐1 trials to determine the benefits of transfusions in single patients appears to be feasible.
Efficacy and safety of electrochemotherapy combined with peritumoral IL‐12 gene electrotransfer of canine mast cell tumours
Authors: Cemazar M. , Ambrozic Avgustin J. , Pavlin D. , Sersa G. , Poli A. , Krhac Levacic A. , Tesic N. , Lampreht Tratar U. , Rak M. , Tozon N. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractElectrochemotherapy combined with peritumoral interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) gene electrotransfer was used for treatment of mast cell tumours in 18 client‐owned dogs. Local tumour control, recurrence rate, as well as safety of combined therapy were evaluated. One month after the therapy, no side effects were recorded and good local tumour control was observed with high complete responses rate which even increased during the observation period to 72%. IL‐12 gene electrotransfer resulted in 78% of patients with detectable serum IFN‐γ and/or IL‐12 levels. In the treated tumours vascular changes as well as minimal T‐lymphocytes infiltration was observed. After 1 week, the plasmid DNA was not detected intra‐ or peritumorally and no horizontal gene transfer was observed. In summary, our study demonstrates high antitumour efficacy of electrochemotherapy combined with IL‐12 electrotransfer, which also prevented recurrences or distant metastases, as well as its safety and feasibility in treatment of canine mast cell tumours.
Corneal fibrosarcoma in a cat
Authors: Strong Travis D. , Tangeman Sarah , Ben‐Shlomo Gil , Haynes Joseph , Allbaugh Rachel A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPurposeTo present the clinicopathologic features of a Domestic Short‐haired cat with spontaneous, intermediate‐grade corneal fibrosarcoma, possibly secondary to chronic corneal irritation associated with a corneal sequestrum.MethodsA 12‐year‐old, spayed female Domestic Short‐haired cat was evaluated for a slowly growing, pink, exophytic mass affecting the left cornea. The cat had presented 6 years previously for bilateral brown corneal sequestra, as well as 3 years previously for a small pale growth on the left cornea hypothesized to be an epithelial inclusion cyst and a corneal ulcer affecting the right eye. Incisional biopsy of the corneal mass indicated intermediate‐grade corneal fibrosarcoma within the corneal stroma. Owing to the potential for malignant behavior, the left globe was enucleated. Routine systemic staging was performed prior to surgery with no evidence of metastasis.ResultsDefinitive diagnosis of corneal fibrosarcoma was made through histopathologic examination of the incisional biopsy. There was an elevated mitotic index, indicating an intermediate‐grade phenotype. Histopathology of the enucleated globe substantiated the initial findings, and complete tumor resection was confirmed. Subjacent to the corneal fibrosarcoma, there was a region of necrotic tissue suggestive of a corneal sequestrum. Six months after diagnosis and enucleation, the patient remained healthy with no signs of local spread or distant metastasis.ConclusionsTo the authors' knowledge, this is the first documented case of a corneal fibrosarcoma in a cat.
Modulation of afferent nerve activity by prostaglandin E2 upon urinary bladder distension in rats
Authors: Kuga Nahoko , Tanioka Asao , Hagihara Koichiro , Kawai Tomoyuki 
Published: February 2016

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?
It has been widely assumed that C fibres innervating the bladder are mainly excited in overactive bladder syndrome. However, it remains unclear whether Aδ fibres are also activated in pathological conditions.

What is the main finding and its importance?
We found that a certain population of Aδ fibres, which become active specifically at a bladder pressure of more than 15 cmH2O in normal conditions, showed increased excitability in conditions of prostaglandin E2‐induced overactive bladder. This result suggests that a certain population of Aδ fibres, together with C fibres, triggers pathophysiological activity.

In overactive bladder syndrome, afferent C fibres innervating the bladder show an increased activity level. However, it remains unclear whether all C fibres are highly activated and whether Aδ fibres, the other type of bladder afferent fibre, are also involved in pathological conditions. To address these questions, we analysed the relationship between bladder pressure and single‐unit firing patterns of afferent nerves in the left L6 dorsal roots in living rats. The recorded fibres were classified as Aδ fibres or C fibres based on the response to 0.3 μm tetrodotoxin. Certain populations of both Aδ fibres and C fibres were activated at bladder pressures below 15 cmH2O (classified as low‐threshold fibres), indicating their potential contribution to detection of normal bladder filling. Intravesical administration of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) induced hyperexcitation in approximately half of such C fibres, whereas the activity patterns of low‐threshold Aδ fibres were unchanged. All fibres, regardless of type, which were almost silent in control conditions (classified as high‐threshold fibres), were activated by application of PGE2. Notably, the firing patterns of Aδ fibres, rather than C fibres, were highly time locked to PGE2‐induced micro‐oscillation of bladder pressure. These modulatory effects of PGE2 on Aδ fibres and C fibres might trigger pathophysiological activity together in overactive bladder syndrome.
Unraveling the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Nasopharyngeal Bacterial Community Structure
Authors: de Steenhuijsen Piters Wouter A. A. , Bogaert Debby 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

The upper respiratory tract is colonized by a diverse array of commensal bacteria that harbor potential pathogens, such as
Streptococcus pneumoniae
. As long as the local microbial ecosystem—also called “microbiome”—is in balance, these potentially pathogenic bacterial residents cause no harm to the host. However, similar to macrobiological ecosystems, when the bacterial community structure gets perturbed, potential pathogens can overtake the niche and cause mild to severe infections. Recent studies using next-generation sequencing show that
S. pneumoniae
, as well as other potential pathogens, might be kept at bay by certain commensal bacteria, including
Corynebacterium
and
Dolosigranulum
spp. Bomar and colleagues are the first to explore a specific biological mechanism contributing to the antagonistic interaction between
Corynebacterium accolens
and
S. pneumoniae
in vitro [L. Bomar, S. D. Brugger, B. H. Yost, S. S. Davies, K. P. Lemon, mBio 7(1):e01725-15, 2016, doi:10.1128/mBio.01725-15]. The authors comprehensively show that
C. accolens
is capable of hydrolyzing host triacylglycerols into free fatty acids, which display antipneumococcal properties, suggesting that these bacteria might contribute to the containment of pneumococcus. This work exemplifies how molecular epidemiological findings can lay the foundation for mechanistic studies to elucidate the host-microbe and microbial interspecies interactions underlying the bacterial community structure. Next, translation of these results to an
in vivo
setting seems necessary to unveil the magnitude and importance of the observed effect in its natural, polymicrobial setting.
Reconstruction of the Evolutionary History and Dispersal of Usutu Virus, a Neglected Emerging Arbovirus in Europe and Africa
Authors: Engel Dimitri , Jöst Hanna , Wink Michael , Börstler Jessica , Bosch Stefan , Garigliany Mutien-Marie , Jöst Artur , Czajka Christina , Lühken Renke , Ziegler Ute , Groschup Martin H. , Pfeffer Martin , Becker Norbert , Cadar Daniel , Schmidt-Chanasit Jonas 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

Usutu virus (USUV), one of the most neglected Old World encephalitic flaviviruses, causes epizootics among wild and captive birds and sporadic infection in humans. The dynamics of USUV spread and evolution in its natural hosts are unknown. Here, we present the phylogeny and evolutionary history of all available USUV strains, including 77 newly sequenced complete genomes from a variety of host species at a temporal and spatial scaled resolution. The results showed that USUV can be classified into six distinct lineages and that the most recent common ancestor of the recent European epizootics emerged in Africa at least 500 years ago. We demonstrated that USUV was introduced regularly from Africa into Europe in the last 50 years, and the genetic diversity of European lineages is shaped primarily by
in situ
evolution, while the African lineages have been driven by extensive gene flow. Most of the amino acid changes are deleterious polymorphisms removed by purifying selection, with adaptive evolution restricted to the NS5 gene and several others evolving under episodic directional selection, indicating that the ecological or immunological factors were mostly the key determinants of USUV dispersal and outbreaks. Host-specific mutations have been detected, while the host transition analysis identified mosquitoes as the most likely origin of the common ancestor and birds as the source of the recent European USUV lineages. Our results suggest that the major migratory bird flyways could predict the continental and intercontinental dispersal patterns of USUV and that migratory birds might act as potential long-distance dispersal vehicles.

IMPORTANCE
Usutu virus (USUV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus of the Japanese encephalitis virus antigenic group, caused massive bird die-offs, mostly in Europe. There is increasing evidence that USUV appears to be pathogenic for humans, becoming a potential public health problem. The emergence of USUV in Europe allows us to understand how an arbovirus spreads, adapts, and evolves in a naive environment. Thus, understanding the epidemiological and evolutionary processes that contribute to the emergence, maintenance, and further spread of viral diseases is the
sine qua non
to develop and implement surveillance strategies for their control. In this work, we performed an expansive phylogeographic and evolutionary analysis of USUV using all published sequences and those generated during this study. Subsequently, we described the genetic traits, reconstructed the potential pattern of geographic spread between continents/countries of the identified viral lineages and the drivers of viral migration, and traced the origin of outbreaks and transition events between different hosts.
Medication-related burden and patients’ lived experience with medicine: a systematic review and metasynthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed A , Moles Rebekah J , Chen Timothy F 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveTo explore medication-related burden (MRB) and patients’ lived experience with medicines (PLEM) without regard to particular medication therapies or medical conditions.DesignSystematic review and metasynthesis of qualitative studies.Data sourcesMEDLINE, EMBASE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, PsycINFO, Global health, CINAHL and Web of Science were searched from January 2000 to August 2014 using medication burden and patients’ lived experience terms.Synthesis methodsSynthesis was undertaken following metaethnography methods and a comparative thematic analysis technique.Results34 articles from 12 countries with a total of 1144 participants were included. 3 major inter-related themes emerged central to PLEM: MRB, medication related beliefs and medication taking practice. The negative impact of MRB, due to its interference on patients’ daily lives and effects on well-being, its influence on patients’ beliefs and behaviours, and a potential risk for drug-related problems (DRPs) was evident. This resulted in non-adherence and poorer outcomes (unachieved therapeutic goals and damage to patients’ health). Patients who experienced MRB interference in their life over time begin to juggle their medicines. Others continue their medicines despite experiencing MRB resulting in compromised physical, social or psychological well-being.ConclusionsThere is a shared commonality of PLEM among the studies. MRB plays a central role in influencing patients’ health and well-being, beliefs and behaviour towards medicines. Given the complexity of MRB and its impact evident from this review, there is a need for healthcare practitioners to have insight into PLEM in therapeutic care plans. Understanding PLEM is an opportunity for practitioners to identify particular MRBs that patients encounter, and provide individualised care through selection of therapeutic care plans that suit a patient's life. This may assist in helping to achieve patients’ medication-related needs, and improve medication therapy and health outcomes.
Mannose-binding lectin deficiency and predisposition to recurrent infection in adults
Authors: Holdaway Jenny , Deacock Sarah , Williams Peter , Karim Yousuf 
Published: February 2016

AimsThe effects of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) deficiency are well known in children and in those with a compromised immune system. However, its effects in adults are debateable, with little research having been carried out in the UK regarding infection risk in otherwise healthy adults with an MBL deficiency.MethodsUsing an ELISA, we investigated the prevalence of MBL deficiency in both healthy adults and those with recurrent infection. The aim was to determine first if there was a disparity in MBL levels between the two groups and second to investigate the effect of severe deficiency.ResultsOverall, the difference between the two groups for MBL level was found not to be statistically significant (p=0.203); however, there was a higher prevalence of severe deficiency (MBL<75 ng/mL) in the patients with recurrent infection (p=0.03).ConclusionsIt was concluded that there is justified reason for continuing to perform the MBL test in adult patients suffering recurrent infection.
Computer-based-limited and personalised education management maximise appropriateness of vitamin D, vitamin B12 and folate retesting
Authors: Pelloso Michela , Basso Daniela , Padoan Andrea , Fogar Paola , Plebani Mario 
Published: February 2016

AimTo identify the best management strategy for improving the appropriateness of vitamin D, vitamin B12 and folate retesting.MethodsThe study was conducted between 3 November 2012 and 8 June 2015, with inpatients and outpatients being considered separately. After an observational reference period (3 November 2012 to 14 September 2013), an information technology (IT)-based permissive strategy (16 September 2013 to 27 July 2014) followed by a limiting strategy was used to manage the demand for inpatient retesting. For outpatients, an educational strategy period (28 July 2014 to 16 December 2014) with direct contact between medical personnel and general practitioners (GPs) was followed by a post-educational period without any restriction. Data from a total of 66 496 patients for vitamin D, 14 618 for vitamin B12 and 14 445 for folate were retrieved from the laboratory IT system. The main outcomes measures were inappropriate vitamin D, vitamin B12 and folate retesting. The minimal retesting intervals were 90 (vitamin D) or 180 days (vitamin B12 and folate).ResultsIn the absence of a laboratory demand strategy, the frequency of inappropriate retesting for vitamin D, vitamin B12 and folate was 60%, 94% and 93%, respectively, for inpatients, and 27%, 87% and 87%, respectively, for outpatients. A limiting IT-based demand management strategy reduced inappropriate retesting for vitamin D (36%), but not for vitamin B12 and folate. The educational strategy was followed by a reduction in inappropriate retesting among outpatients (16% for vitamin D, 72% for vitamin B12 and folate).ConclusionsLaboratory demand management based on an IT-limiting management strategy or on education of the referring physicians appears helpful in maximising appropriate retesting.