bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of oral fluid collection methods for the molecular detection of hepatitis B virus
Authors: Portilho MM , Mendonça ACF , Marques VA , Nabuco LC , Villela‐Nogueira CA , Ivantes CAP , Lewis‐Ximenez LL , Lampe E , Villar LM 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundThis study aims to compare the efficiency of four oral fluid collection methods (Salivette, FTA Card, spitting and DNA‐Sal) to detect HBV DNA by qualitative PCR.Materials and MethodsSeventy‐four individuals (32 HBV reactive and 42 with no HBV markers) donated serum and oral fluid. In‐house qualitative PCR to detect HBV was used for both samples and commercial quantitative PCR for serum.ResultsHBV DNA was detected in all serum samples from HBV‐infected individuals, and it was not detected in control group. HBV DNA from HBV group was detected in 17 samples collected with Salivette device, 16 samples collected by FTA Card device, 16 samples collected from spitting and 13 samples collected by DNA‐Sal device. Samples that corresponded to a higher viral load in their paired serum sample could be detected using all oral fluid collection methods, but Salivette collection device yielded the largest numbers of positive samples and had a wide range of viral load that was detected.ConclusionIt was possible to detect HBV DNA using all devices tested, but higher number of positive samples was observed when samples were collected using Salivette device, which shows high concordance to viral load observed in the paired serum samples.
Development of a quantitative assessment method of pigmentary skin disease using ultraviolet optical imaging
Authors: Lee Onseok , Park Sunup , Kim Jaeyoung , Oh Chilhwan 
Published: May 2017

Background/PurposeThe visual scoring method has been used as a subjective evaluation of pigmentary skin disorders. Severity of pigmentary skin disease, especially melasma, is evaluated using a visual scoring method, the MASI (melasma area severity index). This study differentiates between epidermal and dermal pigmented disease. The study was undertaken to determine methods to quantitatively measure the severity of pigmentary skin disorders under ultraviolet illumination.MethodsThe optical imaging system consists of illumination (white LED, UV‐A lamp) and image acquisition (DSLR camera, air cooling CMOS CCD camera). Each camera is equipped with a polarizing filter to remove glare. To analyze images of visible and UV light, images are divided into frontal, cheek, and chin regions of melasma patients. Each image must undergo image processing. To reduce the curvature error in facial contours, a gradient mask is used.ResultsThe new method of segmentation of front and lateral facial images is more objective for face‐area‐measurement than the MASI score. Image analysis of darkness and homogeneity is adequate to quantify the conventional MASI score. Under visible light, active lesion margins appear in both epidermal and dermal melanin, whereas melanin is found in the epidermis under UV light.ConclusionThis study objectively analyzes severity of melasma and attempts to develop new methods of image analysis with ultraviolet optical imaging equipment. Based on the results of this study, our optical imaging system could be used as a valuable tool to assess the severity of pigmentary skin disease.
Reflectance confocal microscopy analysis of equivocal melanocytic lesions with severe regression
Authors: Agozzino M. , Ferrari A. , Cota C. , Franceschini C. , Buccini P. , Eibenshutz L. , Ardigò M. 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundThe differential diagnosis between regressing nevi and melanoma might be challenging; regressing areas can represent a confounding factor for the diagnosis and the histology still remain mandatory to rule out melanoma. Reflectance confocal microscopy may add valuable information by revealing features suggestive of the nature of the melanocytic proliferation.ObjectiveTo assess the impact of confocal microscopy in the management of regressive melanocytic lesions.MethodsThe dermoscopic analysis of 92 melanocytic lesions showing that more than 30% of regressions have been retrospectively considered, among them, 32 melanocytic lesions with a 7 check point list ≥3 they were assessed at the rcm and subsequently excised. For each selected lesion, dermoscopic features of regression (white scar‐like areas, blue areas, blue white areas), distribution of regressing areas (central, peripheral, or both) and the percentage of regression have been examined by an expert in dermoscopy, blinded to the histological and confocal diagnosis. Subsequently, two experts in confocal microscopy revaluated, blinded from histology, RCM images.ResultsOf the 32 lesions analyzed, 23 (71.5%) were diagnosed histologically as nevi, and 9 (28.5%) as melanomas. 26 of 32 lesions (81.5%) exhibited regression >50% of the overall. On RCM, 11 lesions have been interpreted as malignant and 21 as benign. On RCM the majority of nevi exhibited regular architecture without cytological atypia. Epidermal disarray, pagetoid infiltration, disarranged dermo‐epidermal junction architecture and atypical nests were considered as suspicious for malignancy. Good concordance between confocal readers has been detected.ConclusionA combined dermoscopic/confocal approach can be used for the management of lesions exhibiting dermoscopic features of regression in order to provide a more conclusive pre‐histological diagnosis avoiding a high number of unnecessary excisions. Limits of this study were represented by the relatively small number of lesions and the retrospective approach. Further, prospective studies on a larger number of cases, will be necessary in order to compare the efficacy of dermoscopy alone versus dermoscopy in combination with RCM for the evaluation of regression, suspected pigmented lesions.
Psychological factors related to donation behaviour among Chinese adults: results from a longitudinal investigation
Authors: Hu H. , Wang T. , Fu Q. 
Published: May 2017

SUMMARYBackground and objectivesLittle is known about the psychological factors currently influencing blood donation in China. This study investigated the structure of psychological factors and their correlation with donation behaviour of adults in a transforming city in China over a 6‐month period.MethodsParticipants were recruited in Nanjing from May 2013 to April 2014. Preliminary focus group interviews with 102 participants were conducted to generate new items for a Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) questionnaire. The questionnaires were completed by 300 participants, and responses were subjected to factor analysis. We confirmed the resulting factorial structure with 861 respondents and examined the associations between these factors and donation behaviour during the next 6 months using structural equation modelling.ResultsFactor analysis and structural equation modelling of the data supported an extended TPB model with self‐reported past donation behaviour as a covariate. After controlling for past donation behaviour, attitudes towards blood donation (β = 0·288), subjective norm (β = 0·149), self‐efficacy (β = 0·199), trust in third‐party health professionals (β = 0·237), mistrust towards blood collection agencies (BCAs) (β = −0·085) and traditional Chinese beliefs (β = −0·046) were significantly related to donation intention, whilst donation intention was positively (β = 0·212) associated with donation behaviour.ConclusionThese findings confirm that psychological factors such as attitudes are predictors of blood donation. Recruitment efforts using public information campaigns and interpersonal communications should focus on strengthening positive attitudes, increasing trust in third‐party health professionals, elevating self‐efficacy, changing traditional Chinese beliefs and relieving mistrust in blood collection agencies (BCAs).
A 30‐year systematic review and meta‐analysis of hepatitis B virus among blood donors in mainland China: revealing increase of new threats
Authors: Gao Zhan , Zhang Yu , Shan Hua , Shi Ling , Liu Jing , Xu Min , Zeng Peibin , Liu Yu , He Miao 
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUNDAlthough screening strategies have been routinely implemented in blood centers, the residual risk of transfusion‐transmitted hepatitis B virus (HBV) still poses a public health concern in China. The aim of this study is to investigate the HBV blood screening reactive rate and to illustrate the demographics of the corresponding blood donors with revealing of heterogeneity between previous studies and discovering potentially negligent threats.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSLiterature reporting the HBV screening reactive rate in Chinese blood donors was identified by systematic searching of four electronic databases. We followed the Preferred Reporting of Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines, and data manipulation and statistical analyses were performed by Stata 12.0.RESULTSOur results showed that the pooled postdonation screening reactive rate was 1.32% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28%‐1.36%) with a significant variation from 3.93% (95% CI, 3.45%‐4.40%) before 1998 to 1.22% (95% CI, 1.18%‐1.27%) after 1998 when the Blood Donation Law was implemented. Importantly, the HBV screening reactive rates were significantly higher among replacement and planned donors than among individual voluntary donors.CONCLUSIONOur results indicated blood centers in China should recruit more individual and group voluntary donors and convert more eligible first‐time donors into repeat donors to reduce the risk of transfusion‐transmitted HBV.
Rapid response to intravenous vitamin K may obviate the need to transfuse prothrombin complex concentrates
Authors: Sahai Tanmay , Tavares Maria F. , Sweeney Joseph D. 
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUNDPatients on warfarin who present with bleeding or who require an urgent procedure are commonly treated with intravenous (IV) vitamin K, which is supplemented with repletion of the vitamin K factors using either plasma or a prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC). In some such cases, use of vitamin K alone could be adequate to achieve acceptable hemostasis.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSAn algorithm emphasizing the use of vitamin K alone in patients presenting with non–life‐threatening bleeding was encouraged, with repeat testing of the international normalized ratio (INR) within 5 hours. Depending on the INR result, patients received no factor repletion or plasma or PCC, as judged by the physician. Leftover samples from a separate cohort of patients with supratherapeutic INRs (INR > 4.0) were studied for clotting factor evaluation.RESULTSA total of 46 pre‐ and postinfusion INRs were evaluable from 41 patients. Median INR decreased from 5.8 to 2.5, with a median dose of 5 mg after a median time of 4.0 hours postinfusion. A total of 27 of 46 (59%) postinfusion samples showed an INR of 2.5 or less. Samples from patients with the highest INR showed the greatest decline in INR. Samples from supratherapeutic INR patients showed very high Factor VIII:C (200%) and a normal activated partial thromboplastin time in 23 of 50 (46%).CONCLUSIONUse of IV vitamin K as sole therapy for urgent partial reversal of warfarin for non–life‐threatening bleeding may provide adequate hemostasis within 5 hours, avoiding the need for clotting factor repletion.
Evaluation of canine adverse food reactions by patch testing with single proteins, single carbohydrates and commercial foods
Authors: Johansen Cornelia , Mariani Claire , Mueller Ralf S. 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundAdverse food reaction (AFR) is an important differential diagnosis for the pruritic dog. It is usually diagnosed by feeding an elimination diet with a novel protein and carbohydrate source for eight weeks followed by subsequent food provocation. A previous study demonstrated that patch testing dogs with foods had a high sensitivity and negative predictability for selection of elimination diet ingredients.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate patch testing with proteins, carbohydrates and dry commercial dog food in dogs to determine whether there was value in patch testing to aid the diagnosis of canine adverse food reaction.MethodsTwenty five privately owned dogs, with confirmedAFR, underwent provocation trials with selected food antigens and patch testing.ResultsFor proteins, carbohydrates and dry dog food the sensitivity of patch testing was 100%, 70% and 22.2%, respectively; the negative predictive values of patch testing were 100%, 79% and 72%. The positive predictive values of patch testing for proteins and carbohydrates were 75% and 74%, respectively.Conclusion and clinical importanceThis study confirmed that patch testing may be useful for the selection of a suitable protein source for an elimination diet in dogs with suspectedAFR, but not as a diagnostic tool for canineAFR. Results for proteins are more reliable than for carbohydrates and the majority of positive patch test reactions were observed with raw protein. Patch testing with commercial dog food does not seem to be useful.
Indirect computed tomography lymphangiography with aqueous contrast for evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes in dogs with tumors of the head
Authors: Grimes Janet A. , Secrest Scott A. , Northrup Nicole C. , Saba Corey F. , Schmiedt Chad W. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSentinel lymph node evaluation is widely used in human medicine to evaluate the first lymph node(s) to which a tumor drains. Sentinel lymph node biopsy allows avoidance of extensive lymphadenectomies in cases where the sentinel lymph node is negative for metastasis, thereby reducing patient morbidity. It has been shown that regional lymph nodes are not always the sentinel lymph node, thus identification and sampling of sentinel lymph nodes allows for more accurate staging, which is critical for treatment and prognostication in dogs with cancer. The objective of this prospective, pilot study was to determine if indirect computed tomography (CT) lymphangiography with aqueous contrast agent would successfully allow identification of sentinel lymph nodes in dogs with masses on the head. Eighteen dogs underwent CT lymphangiography. The sentinel lymph node was successfully identified within 3 min of contrast injection in 16 dogs (89%). Compression of lymphatic vessels from endotracheal tube ties and/or the patient's own body weight delayed or prevented identification of sentinel lymph nodes in two dogs (11%). Computed tomography lymphangiography with aqueous contrast can be used successfully to rapidly identify sentinel lymph nodes in dogs with masses on the head.
Compensatory and decompensatory alterations in cardiomyocyte Ca2+ dynamics in hearts with diastolic dysfunction following aortic banding
Authors: Gattoni Sara , Røe Åsmund Treu , Aronsen Jan Magnus , Sjaastad Ivar , Louch William E. , Smith Nicolas P. , Niederer Steven A. 
Published: May 2017

Key points
At the cellular level cardiac hypertrophy causes remodelling, leading to changes in ionic channel, pump and exchanger densities and kinetics.
Previous studies have focused on quantifying changes in channels, pumps and exchangers without quantitatively linking these changes with emergent cellular scale functionality.
Two biophysical cardiac cell models were created, parameterized and validated and are able to simulate electrophysiology and calcium dynamics in myocytes from control sham operated rats and aortic‐banded rats exhibiting diastolic dysfunction.
The contribution of each ionic pathway to the calcium kinetics was calculated, identifying the L‐type Ca2+ channel and sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ATPase as the principal regulators of systolic and diastolic Ca2+, respectively.
Results show that the ability to dynamically change systolic Ca2+, through changes in expression of key Ca2+ modelling protein densities, is drastically reduced following the aortic banding procedure; however the cells are able to compensate Ca2+ homeostasis in an efficient way to minimize systolic dysfunction.
AbstractElevated left ventricular afterload leads to myocardial hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, cellular remodelling and compromised calcium dynamics. At the cellular scale this remodelling of the ionic channels, pumps and exchangers gives rise to changes in the Ca2+ transient. However, the relative roles of the underlying subcellular processes and the positive or negative impact of each remodelling mechanism are not fully understood. Biophysical cardiac cell models were created to simulate electrophysiology and calcium dynamics in myocytes from control rats (SHAM) and aortic‐banded rats exhibiting diastolic dysfunction. The model parameters and framework were validated and the fitted parameters demonstrated to be unique for explaining our experimental data. The contribution of each ionic pathway to the calcium kinetics was calculated, identifying the L‐type Ca2+ channel (LCC) and the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase (SERCA) as the principal regulators of systolic and diastolic Ca2+, respectively. In the aortic banding model, the sensitivity of systolic Ca2+ to LCC density and diastolic Ca2+ to SERCA density decreased by 16‐fold and increased by 23%, respectively, relative to the SHAM model. The energy cost of ionic homeostasis is maintained across the two models. The models predict that changes in ionic pathway densities in compensated aortic banding rats maintain Ca2+ function and efficiency. The ability to dynamically alter systolic function is significantly diminished, while the capacity to maintain diastolic Ca2+ is moderately increased.
The Myxobacterial Metabolite Soraphen A Inhibits HIV-1 by Reducing Virus Production and Altering Virion Composition
Authors: Fleta-Soriano Eric , Smutná Katarína , Martínez Javier P. , Lorca Oró Cristina , Sadiq S. Kashif , Mirambeau Gilles , Lopez-Iglesias Carmen , Bosch Marta , Pol Albert , Brönstrup Mark , Diez Juana , Meyerhans Andreas 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT
Soraphen A is a myxobacterial metabolite that blocks the acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase of the host and was previously identified as a novel HIV inhibitor. Here, we report that soraphen A acts by reducing virus production and altering the gp120 virion content, impacting entry capacity and infectivity. These effects are partially reversed by addition of palmitic acid, suggesting that inhibition of HIV envelope palmitoylation is one of the mechanisms of antiviral action.
In Vivo
11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Inhibition in Posaconazole-Induced Hypertension and Hypokalemia
Authors: Thompson George R. , Chang Diana , Wittenberg Rebecca R. , McHardy Ian , Semrad Alison 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT
We describe a case of apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME) secondary to posaconazole therapy and suggest the biochemical mechanism. Clinical and laboratory investigation confirmed 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibition and withholding therapy led to a resolution of all clinical and laboratory abnormalities. Posaconazole was later restarted at a lower dose and prevented recurrence of this syndrome. Additional studies are necessary to determine the frequency of posaconazole-induced AME and whether other azole antifungals can be associated with this phenomenon.
The
tet39
Determinant and the
msrE-mphE
Genes in Acinetobacter Plasmids Are Each Part of Discrete Modules Flanked by Inversely Oriented p
dif
(XerC-XerD) Sites
Authors: Blackwell Grace A. , Hall Ruth M. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

The
tet39
tetracycline resistance determinant and the macrolide resistance genes
msrE
and
mphE
were found in an 18.2-kb plasmid, pS30-1, recovered from a global clone 2 (GC2)
Acinetobacter baumannii
isolate from Singapore, that conferred resistance to tetracycline and erythromycin. pS30-1 also contains
mobA
and
mobC
genes encoding MOB
Q
family proteins, but attempts to mobilize pS30-1 utilizing a coresident conjugative
repAci6
plasmid were unsuccessful. Eight p
dif
sites, consisting of inversely oriented binding sites for the XerC and XerD recombinases separated by 6 bp, were detected in pS30-1. The
tet39
determinant and the
msrE-mphE
gene pair are each surrounded by two p
dif
sites in inverse orientation. Identical regions in different contexts and many previously unnoticed p
dif
sites were found in a number of different plasmids in GenBank, showing that the
tet39
and
msrE-mphE dif
modules are mobile. A putative toxin/antitoxin system, a gene encoding a serine recombinase, and open reading frames of unknown function were also part of
dif
modules in pS30-1. In general, modules with internal XerC or XerD sites alternate. Two copies of IS
Ajo2-1
(94% identical to IS
Ajo2
) in pS30-1 were inserted 5 bp from a XerC site, and this appears to be the preferred insertion site for this insertion sequence (IS) group. Apparently,
Acinetobacter
plasmids exploit the
Acinetobacter
XerC-XerD recombinases to mobilize DNA units containing resistance and other genes, via an uncharacterized mechanism. The
tet39
and
msrE-mphE dif
modules add to the
oxa24
module and the
oxa58
module redefined here, bringing the total of resistance gene-containing
dif
modules in
Acinetobacter
plasmids to four.
The Atypical Response Regulator AtvR Is a New Player in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Response to Hypoxia and Virulence
Authors: Kaihami Gilberto Hideo , Breda Leandro Carvalho Dantas , de Almeida José Roberto Fogaça , de Oliveira Pereira Thays , Nicastro Gianlucca Gonçalves , Boechat Ana Laura , de Almeida Sandro Rogério , Baldini Regina Lúcia 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTTwo-component systems are widespread in bacteria, allowing adaptation to environmental changes. The classical pathway is composed of a histidine kinase that phosphorylates an aspartate residue in the cognate response regulator (RR). RRs lacking the phosphorylatable aspartate also occur, but their function and contribution during host-pathogen interactions are poorly characterized. AtvR (PA14_26570) is the only atypical response regulator with a DNA-binding domain in the opportunistic pathogenPseudomonas aeruginosa. Macrophage infection with theatvRmutant strain resulted in higher levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha secretion as well as increased bacterial clearance compared to those for macrophages infected with the wild-type strain. In an acute pneumonia model, mice infected with theatvRmutant presented increased amounts of proinflammatory cytokines, increased neutrophil recruitment to the lungs, reductions in bacterial burdens, and higher survival rates in comparison with the findings for mice infected with the wild-type strain. Further, several genes involved in hypoxia/anoxia adaptation were upregulated uponatvRoverexpression, as seen by high-throughput transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis. In addition,atvRwas more expressed in hypoxia in the presence of nitrate and required for full expression of nitrate reductase genes, promoting bacterial growth under this condition. Thus, AtvR would be crucial for successful infection, aidingP. aeruginosasurvival under conditions of low oxygen tension in the host. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the atypical response regulator AtvR is part of the repertoire of transcriptional regulators involved in the lifestyle switch from aerobic to anaerobic conditions. This finding increases the complexity of regulation of one of the central metabolic pathways that contributes toPseudomonasubiquity and versatility.