bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a Quantitative Serological Assay for Diagnosing Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Fujiuchi Satoru , Fujita Yuka , Suzuki Hokuto , Doushita Kazushi , Kuroda Hikaru , Takahashi Masaaki , Yamazaki Yasuhiro , Tsuji Tadakatsu , Fujikane Toshiaki , Osanai Shinobu , Sasaki Takaaki , Ohsaki Yoshinobu 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of a quantitative
Aspergillus
IgG assay for diagnosing chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. We examined
Aspergillus
-specific IgG levels in patients who met the following criteria: (i) chronic (duration of >3 months) pulmonary or systemic symptoms, (ii) radiological evidence of a progressive (over months or years) pulmonary lesion with surrounding inflammation, and (iii) no major discernible immunocompromising factors. Anti-
Aspergillus
IgG serum levels were retrospectively analyzed according to defined classifications. Mean
Aspergillus
IgG levels were significantly higher in the proven group than those in the possible and control groups (
P
< 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the
Aspergillus
IgG cutoff value for diagnosing proven cases was 50 mg of antigen-specific antibodies/liter (area under the curve, 0.94; sensitivity, 0.98; specificity, 0.84). The sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing proven cases using this cutoff were 0.77 and 0.78, respectively. The positive rates of
Aspergillus
IgG in the proven and possible groups were 97.9% and 39.2%, respectively, whereas that of the control group was 6.6%. The quantitative
Aspergillus
IgG assay offers reliable sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing chronic pulmonary aspergillosis and may be an alternative to the conventional precipitin test.
The Essential Human Cytomegalovirus Proteins pUL77 and pUL93 Are Structural Components Necessary for Viral Genome Encapsidation
Authors: Borst Eva Maria , Bauerfeind Rudolf , Binz Anne , Stephan Thomas Min , Neuber Sebastian , Wagner Karen , Steinbrück Lars , Sodeik Beate , Lenac Roviš Tihana , Jonjić Stipan , Messerle Martin 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT
Several essential viral proteins are proposed to participate in genome encapsidation of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), among them pUL77 and pUL93, which remain largely uncharacterized. To gain insight into their properties, we generated an HCMV mutant expressing a pUL77-monomeric enhanced green fluorescent protein (mGFP) fusion protein and a pUL93-specific antibody. Immunoblotting demonstrated that both proteins are incorporated into capsids and virions. Conversely to data suggesting internal translation initiation sites within the UL93 open reading frame (ORF), we provide evidence that pUL93 synthesis commences at the first start codon. In infected cells, pUL77-mGFP was found in nuclear replication compartments and dot-like structures, colocalizing with capsid proteins. Immunogold labeling of nuclear capsids revealed that pUL77 is present on A, B, and C capsids. Pulldown of pUL77-mGFP revealed copurification of pUL93, indicating interaction between these proteins, which still occurred when capsid formation was prevented. Correct subnuclear distribution of pUL77-mGFP required pUL93 as well as the major capsid protein (and thus probably the presence of capsids), but not the tegument protein pp150 or the encapsidation protein pUL52, demonstrating that pUL77 nuclear targeting occurs independently of the formation of DNA-filled capsids. When pUL77 or pUL93 was missing, generation of unit-length genomes was not observed, and only empty B capsids were produced. Taken together, these results show that pUL77 and pUL93 are capsid constituents needed for HCMV genome encapsidation. Therefore, the task of pUL77 seems to differ from that of its alphaherpesvirus orthologue pUL25, which exerts its function subsequent to genome cleavage-packaging.

IMPORTANCE
The essential HCMV proteins pUL77 and pUL93 were suggested to be involved in viral genome cleavage-packaging but are poorly characterized both biochemically and functionally. By producing a monoclonal antibody against pUL93 and generating an HCMV mutant in which pUL77 is fused to a fluorescent protein, we show that pUL77 and pUL93 are capsid constituents, with pUL77 being similarly abundant on all capsid types. Each protein is required for genome encapsidation, as the absence of either pUL77 or pUL93 results in a genome packaging defect with the formation of empty capsids only. This distinguishes pUL77 from its alphaherpesvirus orthologue pUL25, which is enriched on DNA-filled capsids and exerts its function after the viral DNA is packaged. Our data for the first time describe an HCMV mutant with a fluorescent capsid and provide insight into the roles of pUL77 and pUL93, thus contributing to a better understanding of the HCMV encapsidation network.
Curved versusStraight Stem UncementedTotal Hip ArthroplastyOsteoarthritisMulticenter trial (CUSTOM): design of a prospective blinded randomised controlled multicentre trial
Authors: van Beers Loes W A H , van Oldenrijk Jakob , Scholtes Vanessa A B , Geerdink Carel H , Niers Bob B A M , Runne Wouter , Bhandari Mohit , Poolman Rudolf W 
Published: March 2016

IntroductionAnswering the demands of an increasingly young and active patient population, recent developments in total hip arthroplasty (THA) have shifted towards minimising tissue damage. The Collum Femoris Preserving (CFP) stem was developed to preserve the trochanteric region of the femur, which potentially preserves the insertion of the gluteus musculature. This might accelerate early postoperative rehabilitation and improve functional outcome. Currently the functional results of the CFP stem have not been compared with conventional straight stems in a randomised controlled trial (RCT). The primary purpose of this trial is to compare the functional result of CFP stem THA with conventional uncemented straight stem THA, measured by the Dutch Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) at 3-month follow-up.MethodsA prospective blinded multicentre RCT will be performed. We aim to recruit 150 patients. The patients will be randomly allocated to a THA with a straight or a curved stem. All patients, research assistants, clinical assessors and investigators will be blinded for the type of prosthesis for 5 years. Clinical assessments and roentgenograms will be taken preoperative, at 6 weeks after surgery, at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years after surgery. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) will be obtained at the same follow-up moments. In addition, the PROMs will also be sent to the patients at 3 and 6 months after surgery. The HOOS at 3-month follow-up will be our primary outcome.Ethics and disseminationThis trial will be performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. A local ethics committee has approved this trial. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participating patients. All serious adverse events will be reported to the ethics committee.ResultsResults will be submitted for publication to an orthopaedics related journal.Trial registration numberNTR1560.
Can potential for dark cutting be predicted by phenotype? Relationship between sex, carcass characteristics, and the incidence of dark cutting beef
Authors: Mahmood Shahid , Basarab John A. , Dixon Walter T. , Bruce Heather L. 
Published: March 2016

Recent research indicated that reduced carcass muscling and weight are associated with beef dark cutting. Existing data from a single farm (44 heifers, 136 steers) from three normal beef quality grades (Canada AAA, AA, A) and the dark cutting grade (Canada B4) (n = 35, 106, 28, and 11, respectively) were used to identify relationships between sex, live animal, and carcass characteristics and the incidence of dark cutting. Categorical modelling showed a trend (P = 0.106) for heifer carcasses to have a greater probability [11.36 ± 4.78% standard error of the mean (SEM)] of dark cutting than carcasses from steers (4.4 ± 1.76% SEM). Mixed model analysis of variance indicated dark cutting heifers weighed less than cattle from normal grades at weaning (P = 0.0229) and slaughter (P = 0.0295). Logistic regression revealed that the probability of each carcass grade occurring was influenced by dry matter intake (DMI) (P = 0.0034), and the probability of dark cutting was lowest (P = 0.0286) in cattle with carcasses greater than 300 kg. Results suggested that cattle at risk of dark cutting may be identified by weight, average daily gain (ADG), and feed intake.
Optical properties of Yb-doped LaB6 from first-principles calculation
Authors: Chao Luomeng , Bao Lihong , Wei Wei , Tegus O. 
Published: March 2016

The optical properties of Yb-doped LaB6 have been investigated by first-principles calculations within the framework of density functional theory. The results show that the Yb [Formula: see text] states at near Fermi surface affect their optical properties and the Yb-doping leads to a reduction of the plasmon energy of LaB6, i.e. a redshift of the position of transmission peak in the visible-near infrared region. This study offers a theoretical prediction for the design and application of Yb-doped LaB6 as an optoelectronic material.
Development of an Assay for Antibodies to Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Easy, Cheap and Specific for Crohn′s Disease
Authors: Bernstein Charles N , Orr Ken , Blanchard James F , Sargent Michael , Workman Donna 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE: To develop a serological test to measure antibodies to Saccharomyces cerevisiae in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.METHODS: An ELISA to the mannan of S cerevisiae that is commercially available was developed. Sera were tested from randomly chosen sera specimens kept frozen at the University of Manitoba Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinical and Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Clinical diagnoses were kept blinded until the assay results were finalized. One hundred thirty‐six sera were tested, including 51 with Crohn′s disease, 32 with ulcerative colitis, one with indeterminate colitis and 16 other control subjects. Thirty‐six samples were duplicates from patients already studied but were either run on separate days or drawn on different days.RESULTS: Using a cutoff of 15 binding units as a positive result, Crohn′s disease was found to have a sensitivity of 53% but a specificity of 100% compared with ulcerative colitis. Compared with all other diagnoses (including ulcerative colitis), Crohn′s disease had a sensitivity of 53% and a specificity of 96%. For patients with Crohn′s disease only, those who were anti‐S cerevisiae antibody (ASCA) positive (n=27) were significantly more likely to have proximal gastrointestinal disease and significantly less likely to have colonic or inflammatory type disease than those who were ASCA negative (n=24). The direct cost of this assay was $6.00 per positive test, and the total charge was set at $38.15.CONCLUSIONS: A reasonably inexpensive, easy and reproducible assay to assess for antibodies to S cerevisiae has been developed. Using a cutoff for positivity of 15 binding units, this test had a specificity of 100% for ruling out Crohn′s disease and a lower (60%) sensitivity compared with ulcerative colitis. This test could identify a specific phenotype of patients with Crohn′s disease as being more likely to have small bowel Crohn′s disease and less likely to have colonic (isolated) or inflammatory disease, as opposed to fibrostenotic disease or penetrating disease. The test proved reliable when assaying samples drawn or assayed on different days.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor in Patients with Three Different Stages of Chronic Liver Disease including Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Cirrhosis and Chronic Hepatitis: An Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Bilezikçi Banu , Haberal Asuman Nihan , Demirhan Beyhan 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The specific role of hepatocyte growth factor in liver disease is unknown. The presence and density of this factor in patients with three different stages of liver disease were investigated, with the aim of assessing its prognostic significance.PATIENTS AND METHODS: Liver specimens from patients with chronic hepatitis (n=20), cirrhosis (n=20), hepatocellular carcinoma (n=30) and normal livers (n=20) were immunohistochemically stained to determine the presence and density of hepatocyte growth factor.RESULTS: There were significantly more hepatocyte growth factor-positive Kupffer and Ito cells in all three diseased groups than in the control group. Also, there was significantly more positive staining in chronic hepatitis specimens than in specimens from the cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and control groups (P<0.05). The hepatoma cells in 10 of the hepatocellular carcinoma cases stained positive, but none of the hepatocytes in the chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and normal liver specimens stained. It was only possible to assess nonmalignant hepatocytes adjacent to the hepatocellular carcinoma in the four resection specimens, and no staining for hepatocyte growth factor was observed in these areas. There was no statistical association between density of hepatocyte growth factor and histological activity index in chronic hepatitis, or between density of hepatocyte growth factor and grade of hepatocellular carcinoma.CONCLUSIONS: Similar to some previous reports, this study revealed that hepatoma cells can also express this growth factor. Immunohistochemical detection of hepatocyte growth factor may prove to be a useful method of diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma in challenging cases.
Estimation of Hospital Costs for Colorectal Cancer Care for Nova Scotia
Authors: O'Brien Brian D , Brown Murray G , Kephart George 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common invasive cancer in Canada. Estimates of the costs of care allow estimation of the cost effectiveness of screening for premalignant and early disease.OBJECTIVE: To estimate, from administrative data, the hospital costs incurred by a population-based cohort of CRC cases over three years from diagnosis.DESIGN: All Nova Scotia residents with CRC who were diagnosed in 1990 were identified from the Nova Scotia Cancer Registry. These cases were linked to the administrative files of the Nova Scotia Department of Health, which contain information on diagnosis, procedures and length of stay for all admissions and day surgery visits to Nova Scotia hospitals.MEASUREMENTS: The lengths of stay and hospital-specific per diem rates were used as the measures of resource use. The costs were analyzed in terms of the extent of spread at diagnosis; the time period after diagnosis; the time period before death; and, for typical cases, the age and presence of comorbidity identified during the initial surgical admission.RESULTS: The estimated three-year hospital cost for the complete cohort of 593 cases was $9.8 million. This cost was significantly less for cases with local spread, highest in the six months around, and after diagnosis and in the final six months of life, and highest in the typical cases (patients who were older and had significant comorbid conditions).CONCLUSIONS: Hospital-specific per diem rates and lengths of stay are an approximate measure of hospital resource use.
Broadening Specificity and Enhancing Cytotoxicity of Adoptive T Cells for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Immunotherapy
Authors: Faè Damiana Antonia , Martorelli Debora , Mastorci Katy , Muraro Elena , Dal Col Jessica , Franchin Giovanni , Barzan Luigi , Comaro Elisa , Vaccher Emanuela , Rosato Antonio , Dolcetti Riccardo 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Although promising, clinical responses to adoptive immunotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) are still limited by the restricted number of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) antigens that can be targeted and their poor immunogenicity. Our previous work indicated that the immunogenic features of the NPC-associated viral antigen BARF1 may be exploited for immunotherapeutic purposes. Nevertheless, T-cell lines obtained with current protocols include only negligible numbers of BARF1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes, pointing to the need to enrich these effectors in BARF1 specificities. Considering that in B lymphocytes BARF1 is mainly a lytic EBV antigen, we tested different EBV lytic-cycle inducers (TPA/butyric acid, doxorubicin, and cisplatin) used at suboptimal concentrations for their ability to upregulate BARF1 expression in lymphoblastoid B-cell lines (LCL), the commonly used antigen-presenting cells, without compromising their survival. The LCLs treated with doxorubicin (DX-LCL) can reproducibly and efficiently generate EBV-specific effectors enriched in BARF1 specificities from both healthy donors and NPC patients. These DX-LCLs also had more pronounced immunogenic properties, including HLA class I upregulation and expression of immunogenic cell death markers, such as enhanced calreticulin exposure and HMGB1 release. In particular, doxorubicin triggers an HMGB1 autocrine/paracrine loop with its receptor, TLR4, which is also upregulated in DX-LCLs and is responsible for NF-κB activation and a delayed apoptosis that allows a prolonged stimulation of EBV-specific T-cell precursors. This protocol may thus constitute a valid alternative to the use of engineered LCLs to generate EBV-specific T-cell lines for adoptive immunotherapy, being relatively simple, easily upgradable to Good Manufacturing Practice standards, and therefore more broadly applicable. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(5); 431–40. ©2016 AACR.
Prospective, multicenter study of postoperative deep-vein thrombosis in patients with haemophilia undergoing major orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Buckner Tyler , Leavitt Andrew , Ragni Margaret , Kempton Christine , Eyster M. , Cuker Adam , Lentz Steven , Ducore Jonathan , Leissinger Cindy , Wang Mike , Key Nigel 
Published: March 2016

SummaryPerioperative clotting factor replacement is administered to reverse the inherent haemostatic defect in persons with haemophilia (PWH), potentially increasing their risk for developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) postoperatively. It was our objective to determine the prevalence of VTE in PWH undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty (THA, TKA). Patients with haemophilia A or B who underwent THA or TKA were enrolled in this prospective, multicentre observational cohort study. Lower extremity venous duplex ultrasound was performed prior to surgery and 4–6 weeks after surgery. Eleven centres enrolled 51 subjects, 46 of whom completed the study. Six subjects (13.0 %) were treated with bypass agents perioperatively; the remaining 40 subjects received factor VIII or IX replacement. Intermittent pneumatic compression devices were utilised postoperatively in 23 subjects (50 %), and four subjects (8.7 %) also received low-molecular-weight heparin prophylaxis. One subject (2.2 %) with moderate haemophilia A was diagnosed with symptomatic distal deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) on day 6 following TKA. One subject (2.2 %) with severe haemophilia A was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism on day 9 following bilateral TKA. No subjects had asymptomatic DVT. Eighteen subjects (39.1 %) had major bleeding, and three subjects (6.5 %) experienced minor bleeding. The observed prevalence of ultrasound-detectable, asymptomatic DVT in PWH following TKA or THA in this study was low, but the incidence of symptomatic VTE (4.3 %, 95 % CI, 0.5–14.8 %) appeared similar to the estimated incidence in the general population without thromboprophylaxis.
Effects of Age and Sex on Clinical Outcomes After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Relative to Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients With Triple-Vessel Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Yamaji Kyohei , Shiomi Hiroki , Morimoto Takeshi , Nakatsuma Kenji , Toyota Toshiaki , Ono Koh , Furukawa Yutaka , Nakagawa Yoshihisa , Kadota Kazushige , Ando Kenji , Shirai Shinichi , Onodera Tomoya , Watanabe Hirotoshi , Natsuaki Masahiro , Sakata Ryuzo , Hanyu Michiya , Nishiwaki Noboru , Komiya Tatsuhiko , Kimura Takeshi 
Published: March 2016

Background—
Age and sex are important considerations in the choice between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in daily clinical practice.

Methods and Results—

Of 25 816 patients enrolled in the multicenter Coronary Revascularization Demonstrating Outcome Study in Kyoto (CREDO-Kyoto; Cohort-1, n=9877; Cohort-2, n=15 939), the present study population consisted of 5651 patients (men, n=3998; women, n=1653) with triple-vessel coronary artery disease who were considered to be pertinent in comparisons of PCI with CABG (PCI, n=3165; CABG, n=2486). Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the tertiles of age: ≤65 years (n=1972), 66 to 73 years (n=1820), and ≥74 years (n=1859). The excess adjusted mortality risk of PCI relative to CABG was significant in patients ≥74 years of age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–1.79;
P
=0.006), whereas the risks were neutral in patients ≤65 years of age (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.73–1.53;
P
=0.78) and in patients 66 to 73 years of age (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.78–1.36;
P
=0.85; interaction
P
=0.003). The excess mortality risk of PCI relative to CABG was significant in men (HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.03–1.50;
P
=0.02) and trended to be significant in women (HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.98–1.84;
P
=0.07) without significant interaction between sex and the mortality risk of PCI relative to CABG (interaction
P
=0.40).

Conclusions—
There was a significant association between age and the mortality risk of PCI relative to CABG with excess risk in patients ≥74 years of age and neutral risk in younger patients. There was no significant sex-related difference in the mortality risk of PCI relative to CABG.
Reducing cardiovascular risk factors in non-selected outpatients with schizophrenia
Authors: Hansen Mette Vinther , Hjorth Peter , Kristiansen Christina Blanner , Vandborg Kirsten , Gustafsson Lea Nørgaard , Munk-Jørgensen Povl 
Published: March 2016

Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases are the most common causes of premature death in patients with schizophrenia. We aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk factors in non-selected outpatients with schizophrenia using methods proven effective in short-term trials. Furthermore, we examined whether any baseline characteristics were associated with positive outcomes. Methods: All outpatients treated for schizophrenia at two Danish hospitals were included in this 1-year follow-up study. The patients were offered health interventions both individually and in groups. Weight, waist circumference, blood glucose, serum lipids, and information on smoking and alcohol were obtained. Results: On average, small significant increases in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumferences were observed while small non-significant improvements in other cardiovascular risk factors were seen. Patients with high baseline BMI and patients with duration of treated illness beyond 2 years had significantly better intervention outcomes. Conclusions: Our results show that it was difficult to improve physical health in a group of non-selected patients with schizophrenia as part of routine care. The patients were not easily motivated to participate in the interventions, and it was difficult to monitor the recommended metabolic risk measures in the patient group. Future research should focus on simple strategies in health promotion that can be integrated into routine care.