bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Rasamsonia argillacea Complex Species Colonization Revealed by PCR Amplification of Repetitive DNA Sequences in Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Mouhajir Abdelmounaim , Matray Olivier , Giraud Sandrine , Mély Laurent , Marguet Christophe , Sermet-Gaudelus Isabelle , Le Gal Solène , Labbé Franck , Person Christine , Troussier Françoise , Ballet Jean-Jacques , Gargala Gilles , Zouhair Rachid , Bougnoux Marie-Elisabeth , Bouchara Jean-Philippe , Favennec Loïc 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

The aim of this work was to document molecular epidemiology of
Rasamsonia argillacea
species complex isolates from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. In this work, 116 isolates belonging to this species complex and collected from 26 CF patients and one patient with chronic granulomatous disease were characterized using PCR amplification assays of repetitive DNA sequences and electrophoretic separation of amplicons (rep-PCR). Data revealed a clustering consistent with molecular species identification. A single species was recovered from most patients.
Rasamsonia aegroticola
was the most common species, followed by
R. argillacea sensu stricto
and
R. piperina
, while
R. eburnea
was not identified. Of 29 genotypes, 7 were shared by distinct patients while 22 were patient specific. In each clinical sample, most isolates exhibited an identical genotype. Genotyping of isolates recovered from sequential samples from the same patient confirmed the capability of
R. aegroticola
and
R. argillacea
isolates to chronically colonize the airways. A unique genotype was recovered from two siblings during a 6-month period. In the other cases, a largely dominant genotype was detected. Present results which support the use of rep-PCR for both identification and genotyping for the
R. argillacea
species complex provide the first molecular evidence of chronic airway colonization by these fungi in CF patients.
Application of Mass Spectrometry Technology to Early Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Infections
Authors: Mery Alexandre , Sendid Boualem , François Nadine , Cornu Marjorie , Poissy Julien , Guerardel Yann , Poulain Daniel 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

We recently developed a mass spectrometry (MS) procedure based on the detection of a serum disaccharide (MS-DS) in patients with invasive candidiasis (IC). Here, we compare the performance of MS-DS for the diagnosis of IC, invasive aspergillosis (IA), and mucormycosis (MM) with those of commercially available antigen detection tests. This retrospective study included 48 patients (23 IC patients [74 serum samples], 15 IA patients [40 serum samples], and 10 MM patients [15 serum samples]) and 49 appropriate controls (102 serum samples). MS-DS, mannan (Mnn), galactomannan (GM), and (1,3)-β-
d
-glucan (BDG) were detected by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) MS, Platelia, and Fungitell assays, respectively. For IC, the sensitivity and specificity of the MS-DS index, BDG detection, and Mnn detection were 62% and 84%, 82% and 60%, and 33% and 94% per serum sample and 83% and 69%, 96% and 31%, and 39% and 86% per patient, respectively. For IA, the corresponding values in comparison to BDG and GM detection were 83% and 81%, 62% and 95%, and 62% and 100% per serum sample and 93% and 76%, 87% and 90%, and 93% and 100% per patient, respectively. Nine of the 10 MM patients had a positive MS-DS result. MS-DS gave an early diagnosis in IC (73% positivity before blood culture), IA (positive before GM detection in six patients), and MM (positivity mainly preceded the date of diagnosis) patients. For IC, persisting MS-DS was associated with a poor prognosis. The different biomarkers were rarely detected simultaneously, suggesting different kinetics of release and clearance. For IA, MS-DS provided better complementation to GM monitoring than BDG monitoring. MS-DS detects panfungal molecules circulating during invasive fungal infections. The performance of MS-DS compared favorably with those of biological tests currently recommended for monitoring at-risk patients. Further validation of this test in multicenter studies is required.
Alteration of a Second Putative Fusion Peptide of Structural Glycoprotein E2 of Classical Swine Fever Virus Alters Virus Replication and Virulence in Swine
Authors: Holinka L. G. , Largo E. , Gladue D. P. , O'Donnell V. , Risatti G. R. , Nieva J. L. , Borca M. V. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

E2, the major envelope glycoprotein of classical swine fever virus (CSFV), is involved in several critical virus functions, including cell attachment, host range susceptibility, and virulence in natural hosts. Functional structural analysis of E2 based on a Wimley-White interfacial hydrophobicity distribution predicted the involvement of a loop (residues 864 to 881) stabilized by a disulfide bond (
869
CKWGGNWTCV
878
, named FPII) in establishing interactions with the host cell membrane. This loop further contains an
872
GG
873
dipeptide, as well as two aromatic residues (
871
W and
875
W) accessible to solvent. Reverse genetics utilizing a full-length infectious clone of the highly virulent CSFV strain Brescia (BICv) was used to evaluate how amino acid substitutions within FPII may affect replication of BICv
in vitro
and virus virulence in swine. Recombinant CSFVs containing mutations in different residues of FPII were constructed. A particular construct, harboring amino acid substitutions W871T, W875D, and V878T (FPII.2), demonstrated a significantly decreased ability to replicate in a swine cell line (SK6) and swine macrophage primary cell cultures. Interestingly, mutated virus FPII.2 was completely attenuated in pigs. Also, animals infected with FPII.2 virus were protected against virulent challenge with Brescia virus at 21 days postvaccination. Supporting a role for the E2 the loop from residues 864 to 881 in membrane fusion, only synthetic peptides that were based on the native E2 functional sequence were competent for insertion into model membranes and perturbation of their integrity, and this functionality was lost in synthetic peptides harboring amino acid substitutions W871T, W875D, and V878T in FPII.2.

IMPORTANCE
This report describes the identification and characterization of a putative fusion peptide (FP) in the major structural protein E2 of classical swine fever virus (CSFV). The FP identification was performed by functional structural analysis of E2. We characterized the functional significance of this FP by using artificial membranes. Replacement of critical amino acid residues within the FP radically alters how it interacts with the artificial membranes. When we introduced the same mutations into the viral sequence, there was a reduction in replication in cell cultures, and when we infected domestic swine, the natural host of CSFV host, we observed that the virus was now completely attenuated in swine. In addition, the virus mutant that was attenuated
in vivo
efficiently protected pigs against wild-type virus. These results provide the proof of principle to support as a strategy for vaccine development the discovery and manipulation of FPs.
Cell-Cell Sensing of Viral Infection by Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells
Authors: Webster Brian , Assil Sonia , Dreux Marlène 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT
All cells possess signaling pathways designed to trigger antiviral responses, notably characterized by type I interferon (IFN) production, upon recognition of invading viruses. Especially, host sensors recognize viral nucleic acids. Nonetheless, virtually all viruses have evolved potent strategies that preclude host responses within the infected cells. The plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) is an immune cell type known as a robust type I IFN producer in response to viral infection. Evidence suggests that such functionality of the pDCs participates in viral clearance. Nonetheless, their contribution, which is likely complex and varies depending on the pathogen, is still enigmatic for many viruses. pDCs are not permissive to most viral infections, and consistently, recent examples suggest that pDCs respond to immunostimulatory viral RNA transferred via noninfectious and/or noncanonical viral/cellular carriers. Therefore, the pDC response likely bypasses innate signaling blockages induced by virus within infected cells. Importantly, the requirement for cell-cell contact is increasingly recognized as a hallmark of the pDC-mediated antiviral state, triggered by evolutionarily divergent RNA viruses.
Integrative Genome-Scale Analysis Identifies Epigenetic Mechanisms of Transcriptional Deregulation in Unfavorable Neuroblastomas
Authors: Henrich Kai-Oliver , Bender Sebastian , Saadati Maral , Dreidax Daniel , Gartlgruber Moritz , Shao Chunxuan , Herrmann Carl , Wiesenfarth Manuel , Parzonka Martha , Wehrmann Lea , Fischer Matthias , Duffy David J. , Bell Emma , Torkov Alica , Schmezer Peter , Plass Christoph , Höfer Thomas , Benner Axel , Pfister Stefan M. , Westermann Frank 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
The broad clinical spectrum of neuroblastoma ranges from spontaneous regression to rapid progression despite intensive multimodal therapy. This diversity is not fully explained by known genetic aberrations, suggesting the possibility of epigenetic involvement in pathogenesis. In pursuit of this hypothesis, we took an integrative approach to analyze the methylomes, transcriptomes, and copy number variations in 105 cases of neuroblastoma, complemented by primary tumor- and cell line–derived global histone modification analyses and epigenetic drug treatment in vitro. We found that DNA methylation patterns identify divergent patient subgroups with respect to survival and clinicobiologic variables, including amplified MYCN. Transcriptome integration and histone modification–based definition of enhancer elements revealed intragenic enhancer methylation as a mechanism for high-risk–associated transcriptional deregulation. Furthermore, in high-risk neuroblastomas, we obtained evidence for cooperation between PRC2 activity and DNA methylation in blocking tumor-suppressive differentiation programs. Notably, these programs could be re-activated by combination treatments, which targeted both PRC2 and DNA methylation. Overall, our results illuminate how epigenetic deregulation contributes to neuroblastoma pathogenesis, with novel implications for its diagnosis and therapy. Cancer Res; 76(18); 5523–37. ©2016 AACR.
Clinical and laboratory tests for the diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Nagler Michael , Bakchoul Tamam 
Published: September 2016

SummaryA rapid diagnostic work-up is required in patients with suspected heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). However, diagnosis of HIT is challenging due to a number of practical issues and methodological limitations. Many laboratory tests and a few clinical scoring systems are available but the individual characteristics and the diagnostic accuracy of these are hard to appraise. The 4Ts score is a well evaluated clinical assessment tool with the potential to rule out HIT in many patients. Still, it requires experience and is subject to a relevant inter-observer variability. Immunoassays such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays or recently developed rapid assays are able to exclude HIT in a number of patients. But, accuracy of immunoassays differs depending on type of assay, threshold, antibody specificity and even manufacturer. Due to a comparatively low positive predictive value, HIT cannot be confirmed by immunoassays alone. In addition, only some of them are immediately accessible, particularly in small laboratories. While functional assays such as the serotonin release assay (SRA) and the heparin-induced platelet activation assay (HIPA) are considered as gold standard for diagnosis of HIT, they require a highly specialised laboratory. In addition, some of them are not adequately evaluated. In clinical practice, we recommend an integrated diagnostic approach combining not only clinical assessment (the 4Ts score) but immunoassays and functional assays as well. We propose a clear diagnostic algorithm supporting clinical decision-making. Furthermore, we provide an overview of all current laboratory techniques for HIT and discuss diagnostic pathways and strategies to reduce diagnostic errors, and future perspectives.
Cryptic diversity within the narrowly endemic Lerista wilkinsi group of north Queensland—two new species (Reptilia: Scincidae)
Authors: COUPER PATRICK J. , AMEY ANDREW P. , WILMER JESSICA WORTHINGTON 
Published: September 2016

Herein we describe two new species of the skink genus Lerista from north-eastern Queensland, based on morphological and genetic data. Additionally, we redescribe L. cinerea as this species is morphologically more variable than previously suggested. We allocate these three species to the L. wilkinsi group (Greer et al. 1983) which is here identified as an endemic Queensland radiation, comprising L. ameles, L. cinerea, L. hobsoni sp. nov., L. storri, L. vanderduysi sp. nov., L. vittata and L. wilkinsi. A number of these species have strong associations with semi-evergreen vine thickets, listed as an endangered habitat under the Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999).
The Impact of Social and Financial Education on Savings Attitudes and Behavior Among Primary School Children in Uganda
Authors: Supanantaroek Suthinee , Lensink Robert , Hansen Nina 
Published: September 2016

Background: Saving plays a crucial role in the process of economic growth. However, one main reason why poor people often do not save is that they lack financial knowledge. Improving the savings culture of children through financial education is a promising way to develop savings attitudes and behavior early in life. Objectives: This study is one of the first that examines the effects of social and financial education training and a children’s club developed by Aflatoun on savings attitudes and behavior among primary school children in Uganda, besides Berry, Karlan, and Pradhan. Research design: A randomized phase in approach was used by randomizing the order in which schools implemented the program (school-level randomization). The treatment group consisted of students in schools where the program was implemented, while in the control group the program was not yet implemented. The program lasted 3 months including 16 hours. We compared posttreatment variables for the treatment and control group. Subjects: Study participants included 1,746 students, of which 936 students were from 22 schools that were randomly assigned to receive the program between May and July 2011; the remaining 810 students attended 22 schools that did not implement the program during the study period. Measures: Indicators for children’s savings attitudes and behavior were key outcomes. Results: The intervention increased awareness of money, money recording, and savings attitudes. It also provides some evidence—although less robust—that the intervention increased actual savings. Conclusions: A short financial literacy and social training can improve savings attitudes and behavior of children considerably.
Development of a diagnostic sensor for measuring blood cell concentrations during haemoconcentration
Authors: Robertson Craig A. , Gourlay Terence 
Published: September 2016

Background: HemoSep® is a commercial ultrafiltration and haemoconcentration device for the concentration of residual bypass blood following surgery. This technology is capable of reducing blood loss in cardiac and other types of “clean site” procedures, including paediatric surgery. Clinical feedback suggested that the device would be enhanced by including a sensor technology capable of discerning the concentration level of the processed blood product. We sought to develop a novel sensor that can, using light absorption, give an accurate estimate of packed cell volume (PCV). Materials and methods: A sensor-housing unit was 3D printed and the factors influencing the sensor’s effectiveness – supply voltage, sensitivity and emitter intensity - were optimised. We developed a smart system, using comparator circuitry capable of visually informing the user when adequate PCV levels (⩾35%) are attained by HemoSep® blood processing, which ultimately indicates that the blood is ready for autotransfusion. Results: Our data demonstrated that the device was capable of identifying blood concentration at and beyond the 35% PCV level. The device was found to be 100% accurate at identifying concentration levels of 35% from a starting level of 20%. Discussion: The sensory capability was integrated into HemoSep’s® current device and is designed to enhance the user’s clinical experience and to optimise the benefits of HemoSep® therapy. The present study focused on laboratory studies using bovine blood. Further studies are now planned in the clinical setting to confirm the efficacy of the device.
Facial epicrania fugax: A prospective series of eight new cases
Authors: Gutiérrez-Viedma Álvaro , González-García Nuria , Yus Miguel , Jorquera Manuela , Porta-Etessam Jesús , García-Moreno Héctor , García-Azorín David , Cuadrado María-Luz 
Published: September 2016

IntroductionEpicrania fugax (EF) is a primary headache whose main feature is the dynamic character of the pain. EF pain typically moves across different dermatomes in a linear or zigzag trajectory. Recently, a facial variant of EF has been described, with the pain starting in the lower face and radiating upwards.AimWe report eight patients with an EF-type of pain of facial location and either upward or downward radiation.MethodsFor each patient, we recorded relevant demographic and clinical data. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with fast imaging employing steady state acquisition (FIESTA) was obtained in all cases for the assessment of neurovascular compression of the trigeminal nerve.ResultsThere were seven women and one man, and the mean age was 76.1 years (standard deviation, 11.3). Six patients had a paroxysmal pain starting at the lower face and moving upwards, while two patients had downward radiation. The pain always followed a fixed linear trajectory across different dermatomes. All cases had triggers, and pain intensity was consistently severe. Half of the patients had accompanying autonomic features. Neurovascular compression with imprinting over the trigeminal root on the symptomatic side was identified in three patients. All cases responded to antiepileptic drugs, and three had spontaneous remissions.ConclusionsThis series reinforces the facial variant of EF and extends the phenotype with cases of downward radiation. It also contributes to enriching the differential diagnosis of facial pain. Neurovascular compression of the trigeminal nerve may be found in some cases, although a possible pathogenic link needs further research.
Food Insecurity and the Negative Impact on Brazilian Children’s Health—Why Does Food Security Matter for Our Future Prosperity? Brazilian National Survey (PNDS 2006/07)
Authors: Poblacion Ana Paula , Cook John T. , Marín-León Leticia , Segall-Corrêa Ana Maria , Silveira Jonas A. C. , Konstantyner Tulio , Taddei José Augusto A. C. 
Published: September 2016

Background: Food insecurity (FI) refers to limited or uncertain access to food resulting from financial constraints. Numerous studies have shown association between FI and adverse health outcomes among adults and children around the world, but in Brazil, such information is scarce, especially if referring to nationally representative information. Objective: To test for an independent association between FI and health outcomes. Methods: Most recent Brazilian Demographic and Health Survey using nationally representative complex probability sampling. Participants were 3923 children <5 years of age, each representing a household. Data from the validated Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale were dichotomized as food secure (food security/mild FI) or food insecure (moderate FI/severe FI). Poisson regression was used to test for associations between FI and various health indicators. Results: Models adjusted for socioeconomic and demographic variables showed that children hospitalized for pneumonia or diarrhea were 30% more prevalent in FI households (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 1.3; 1.1-1.6). Underweight children were 40% more prevalent in FI households (aPR: 1.4; 1.1-1.7). Children who didn’t eat meat and fruits and vegetables every day were 20% and 70% more prevalent in FI households (aPR: 1.2; 1.1-1.4 and aPR: 1.7; 1.3-2.3), respectively. Conclusion: Children who grow up in food-insecure households have been shown to have worse health conditions than those in food-secure households. Consequently, their human capital accumulation and work–life productivity are likely to be reduced in the future, leading them into adulthood less capable of generating sufficient income, resulting in a cycle of intergenerational poverty and FI.
Factors Affecting the Validity of Coverage Survey Reports of Receipt of Vitamin A Supplements During Child Health Days in Southwestern Burkina Faso
Authors: Ouédraogo Césaire T. , Becquey Elodie , Wilson Shelby E. , Prince Lea , Ouédraogo Amadou , Rouamba Noël , Ouédraogo Jean-Bosco , Vosti Stephen A. , Brown Kenneth H. , Hess Sonja Y. 
Published: September 2016

Background: Assessment of high-dose vitamin A supplementation (VAS) coverage often relies on postevent coverage (PEC) surveys, but the validity of these methods has rarely been evaluated. Objectives: To assess reported VAS coverage and factors associated with missed coverage and to investigate the reliability of the results. Methods: During a cross-sectional survey, 10 454 caregivers of children <27 months old were asked whether their child had received VAS in the past 6 months. During a 48-week longitudinal study of 6232 children 6 to 30 months old, caregivers were asked every 4 weeks if their child had received VAS in the past 4 weeks. Results: The cross-sectional study showed that 94.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 93.8%, 94.9%) of eligible children 6 to 26 months of age reportedly received VAS in the previous 6 months, as did 85.8% (CI: 84.5%, 87.2%) of ineligible, 0 to 5 months old children. The longitudinal study showed that 81.6% of children surveyed within 4 weeks following a VAS campaign reportedly received VAS during the campaign and 13.4% of caregivers incorrectly reported receiving VAS when no campaign had actually occurred. False-positive reporting was more likely when oral polio vaccine (OPV) was distributed during the reporting period (20.6% vs 5.4%; P < .001). Showing a photo of OPV during the interview reduced the odds ratio (OR) of false-positive reports (OR = 0.7 [0.6-0.8]). Conclusions: The PEC surveys should include children outside the target age to assess targeting efficiency, and pictures of both VAS and oral vaccines distributed during the same period should be shown during interviews to enhance reporting accuracy.