bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Europe-Wide Meta-Analysis of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato Prevalence in Questing Ixodes ricinus Ticks
Authors: Strnad Martin , Hönig Václav , Růžek Daniel , Grubhoffer Libor , Rego Ryan O. M. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

Lyme borreliosis is the most common zoonotic disease transmitted by ticks in Europe and North America. Despite having multiple tick vectors, the causative agent,
Borrelia burgdorferi
sensu lato
, is vectored mainly by
Ixodes ricinus
in Europe. In the present study, we aimed to review and summarize the existing data published from 2010 to 2016 concerning the prevalence of
B. burgdorferi sensu lato
spirochetes in questing
I. ricinus
ticks. The primary focus was to evaluate the infection rate of these bacteria in ticks, accounting for tick stage, adult tick gender, region, and detection method, as well as to investigate any changes in prevalence over time. The data obtained were compared to the findings of a previous metastudy. The literature search identified data from 23 countries, with 115,028 ticks, in total, inspected for infection with
B. burgdorferi sensu lato
. We showed that the infection rate was significantly higher in adults than in nymphs and in females than in males. We found significant differences between European regions, with the highest infection rates in Central Europe. The most common genospecies were
B. afzelii
and
B. garinii
, despite a negative correlation of their prevalence rates. No statistically significant differences were found among the prevalence rates determined by conventional PCR, nested PCR, and real-time PCR.

IMPORTANCE
Borrelia burgdorferi
sensu lato
is a pathogenic bacterium whose clinical manifestations are associated with Lyme borreliosis. This vector-borne disease is a major public health concern in Europe and North America and may lead to severe arthritic, cardiovascular, and neurological complications if left untreated. Although pathogen prevalence is considered an important predictor of infection risk, solitary isolated data have only limited value. Here we provide summarized information about the prevalence of
B. burgdorferi sensu lato
spirochetes among host-seeking
Ixodes ricinus
ticks, the principal tick vector of borreliae in Europe. We compare the new results with previously published data in order to evaluate any changing trends in tick infection.
Measuring ability to assess claims about treatment effects: a latent trait analysis of items from the ‘Claim Evaluation Tools’ database using Rasch modelling
Authors: Austvoll-Dahlgren Astrid , Guttersrud Øystein , Nsangi Allen , Semakula Daniel , Oxman Andrew D 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundThe Claim Evaluation Tools database contains multiple-choice items for measuring people’s ability to apply the key concepts they need to know to be able to assess treatment claims. We assessed items from the database using Rasch analysis to develop an outcome measure to be used in two randomised trials in Uganda. Rasch analysis is a form of psychometric testing relying on Item Response Theory. It is a dynamic way of developing outcome measures that are valid and reliable.ObjectivesTo assess the validity, reliability and responsiveness of 88 items addressing 22 key concepts using Rasch analysis.ParticipantsWe administrated four sets of multiple-choice items in English to 1114 people in Uganda and Norway, of which 685 were children and 429 were adults (including 171 health professionals). We scored all items dichotomously. We explored summary and individual fit statistics using the RUMM2030 analysis package. We used SPSS to perform distractor analysis.ResultsMost items conformed well to the Rasch model, but some items needed revision. Overall, the four item sets had satisfactory reliability. We did not identify significant response dependence between any pairs of items and, overall, the magnitude of multidimensionality in the data was acceptable. The items had a high level of difficulty.ConclusionMost of the items conformed well to the Rasch model’s expectations. Following revision of some items, we concluded that most of the items were suitable for use in an outcome measure for evaluating the ability of children or adults to assess treatment claims.
The SUPER study: protocol for a randomised controlled trial comparing follicle-stimulating hormone and clomiphene citrate for ovarian stimulation in intrauterine insemination
Authors: Danhof NA , van Wely M , Koks CAM , Gianotten J , de Bruin JP , Cohlen BJ , van der Ham DP , Klijn NF , van Hooff MHA , Broekmans FJM , Fleischer K , Janssen CAH , Rijn van Weert JM , van Disseldorp J , Twisk M , Traas M , Verberg MFG , Pelinck MJ , Visser J , Perquin DAM , Boks DES , Verhoeve HR , van Heteren CF , Mol BWJ , Repping S , van der Veen F , Mochtar MH 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo study the effectiveness of four cycles of intrauterine insemination (IUI) with ovarian stimulation (OS) by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or by clomiphene citrate (CC), and adherence to strict cancellation criteria.SettingRandomised controlled trial among 22 secondary and tertiary fertility clinics in the Netherlands.Participants732 women from couples diagnosed with unexplained or mild male subfertility and an unfavourable prognosis according to the model of Hunault of natural conception.InterventionsFour cycles of IUI–OS within a time horizon of 6 months comparing FSH 75 IU with CC 100 mg. The primary outcome is ongoing pregnancy conceived within 6 months after randomisation, defined as a positive heartbeat at 12 weeks of gestation. Secondary outcomes are cancellation rates, number of cycles with a monofollicular or with multifollicular growth, number of follicles >14 mm at the time of ovulation triggering, time to ongoing pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, live birth and multiple pregnancy. We will also assess if biomarkers such as female age, body mass index, smoking status, antral follicle count and endometrial aspect and thickness can be used as treatment selection markers.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by the Medical Ethical Committee of the Academic Medical Centre and from the Dutch Central Committee on Research involving Human Subjects (CCMO NL 43131-018-13). Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international scientific meetings.Trial registration numberNTR4057.
Summit of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet underlain by thick ice-crystal fabric layers linked to glacial–interglacial environmental change
Authors: Wang Bangbing , Sun Bo , Martin Carlos , Ferraccioli Fausto , Steinhage Daniel , Cui Xiangbin , Siegert Martin J. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Ice cores in Antarctica and Greenland reveal ice-crystal fabrics that can be softer under simple shear compared with isotropic ice. Owing to the sparseness of ice cores in regions away from the ice divide, we currently lack information about the spatial distribution of ice fabrics and its association with ice flow. Radio-wave reflections are influenced by ice-crystal alignments, allowing them to be tracked provided reflections are recorded simultaneously in orthogonal orientations (polarimetric measurements). Here, we image spatial variations in the thickness and extent of ice fabric across Dome A in East Antarctica, by interpreting polarimetric radar data. We identify four prominent fabric units, each several hundred metres thick, extending over hundreds of square kilometres. By tracing internal ice-sheet layering to the Vostok ice core, we are able to determine the approximate depth–age profile at Dome A. The fabric units correlate with glacial–interglacial cycles, most noticeably revealing crystal alignment contrasts between the Eemian and the glacial episodes before and after. The anisotropy within these fabric layers has a spatial pattern determined by ice flow over subglacial topography.
Right atrial pressure and venous return during cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Moller Per W. , Winkler Bernhard , Hurni Samuel , Heinisch Paul Philipp , Bloch Andreas , Sondergaard Soren , Jakob Stephan M. , Takala Jukka , Berger David 
Published: May 2017

The relevance of right atrial pressure (RAP) as the backpressure for venous return (QVR) and mean systemic filling pressure as upstream pressure is controversial during dynamic changes of circulation. To examine the immediate response of QVR (sum of caval vein flows) to changes in RAP and pump function, we used a closed-chest, central cannulation, heart bypass porcine preparation ( n = 10) with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Mean systemic filling pressure was determined by clamping extracorporeal membrane oxygenation tubing with open or closed arteriovenous shunt at euvolemia, volume expansion (9.75 ml/kg hydroxyethyl starch), and hypovolemia (bleeding 19.5 ml/kg after volume expansion). The responses of RAP and QVR were studied using variable pump speed at constant airway pressure (PAW) and constant pump speed at variable PAW. Within each volume state, the immediate changes in QVR and RAP could be described with a single linear regression, regardless of whether RAP was altered by pump speed or PAW ( r2 = 0.586–0.984). RAP was inversely proportional to pump speed from zero to maximum flow ( r2 = 0.859–0.999). Changing PAW caused immediate, transient, directionally opposite changes in RAP and QVR (RAP: P ≤ 0.002 and QVR: P ≤ 0.001), where the initial response was proportional to the change in QVR driving pressure. Changes in PAW generated volume shifts into and out of the right atrium, but their effect on upstream pressure was negligible. Our findings support the concept that RAP acts as backpressure to QVR and that Guyton’s model of circulatory equilibrium qualitatively predicts the dynamic response from changing RAP. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Venous return responds immediately to changes in right atrial pressure. Concomitant volume shifts within the systemic circulation due to an imbalance between cardiac output and venous return have negligible effects on mean systemic filling pressure. Guyton’s model of circulatory equilibrium can qualitatively predict the resulting changes in dynamic conditions with right atrial pressure as backpressure to venous return.
Variability in coronary artery anatomy affects consistency of cardiac damage after myocardial infarction in mice
Authors: Chen Jiqiu , Ceholski Delaine K. , Liang Lifan , Fish Kenneth , Hajjar Roger J. 
Published: May 2017

Low reliability and reproducibility in heart failure models are well established. The purpose of the present study is to explore factors that affect model consistency of myocardial infarction (MI) in mice. MI was induced by left coronary artery (LCA) ligation. The coronary artery was casted with resin and visualized with fluorescent imaging ex vivo. LCA characteristics and MI size were analyzed individually in each animal, and MI size was correlated with left ventricular (LV) function by echocardiography. Coronary anatomy varies widely in mice, posing challenges for surgical ligation and resulting in inconsistent MI size postligation. The length of coronary arterial trunk, level of bifurcation, number of branches, and territory supplied by these branches are unique in each animal. When the main LCA trunk is ligated, this results in a large MI, but when a single branch is ligated, MI size is variable due to differing levels of LCA ligation and area supplied by the branches. During the ligation procedure, nearly 40% of LCAs are not grossly visible to the surgeon. In these situations, the surgeon blindly sutures a wider and deeper area of tissue in an attempt to catch the LCA. Paradoxically, these situations have greater odds of resulting in smaller MIs. In conclusion, variation in MI size and LV function after LCA ligation in mice is difficult to avoid. Anatomic diversity of the LCA in mice leads to inconsistency in MI size and functional parameters, and this is independent of potential technical modifications made by the operator. NEW & NOTEWORTHY In the present study, we demonstrate that left coronary artery diversity in mice is one of the primary causes of variable myocardial infarction size and cardiac functional parameters in the left coronary artery ligation model. Recognition of anatomic diversity is essential to improve reliability and reproducibility in heart failure research.
Cyp2c44gene disruption is associated with increased hematopoietic stem cells: implication in chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Hashimoto Ryota , Joshi Sachindra Raj , Jiang Houli , Capdevila Jorge H. , McMurtry Ivan F. , Laniado Schwartzman Michal , Gupte Sachin A. 
Published: May 2017

We have recently demonstrated that disruption of the murine cytochrome P-450 2c44 gene ( Cyp2c44) exacerbates chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary artery remodeling and hypertension in mice. Subsequently, we serendipitously found that Cyp2c44 gene disruption also increases hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) numbers in bone marrow and blood. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate whether CYP2C44-derived eicosanoids regulate HSC proliferation/cell growth and whether increased HSCs contribute to chronic hypoxia-induced remodeling of pulmonary arteries in Cyp2c44 knockout mice. Our findings demonstrated that lack of CYP2C44 epoxygenase, which catalyzed the oxidation of arachidonic acid to epoxyeicosatrienoic (EETs) and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic (HETE) acids, increases the numbers of 1) HSCs (CD34+, CD117+, and CD133+), 2) proangiogenic (CD34+CD133+and CD34+CD117+CD133+) cells, and 3) immunogenic/inflammatory (CD34+CD11b+, CD133+CD11b+, F4/80+, CD11b+, and F4/80+CD11b+) macrophages in bone marrow and blood compared with wild-type mice. Among the various CYP2C44-derived arachidonic acids, only 15-HETE decreased CD117+cell numbers when applied to bone marrow cell cultures. Interestingly, CD133+and von Willebrand factor-positive cells, which are derived from proangiogenic stem cells, are increased in the bone marrow, blood, and lungs of mice exposed to chronic hypoxia and in remodeled and occluded pulmonary arteries of CYP2C44-deficient mice. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that CYP2C44-derived 15-HETE plays a critical role in downregulating HSC proliferation and growth, because disruption of the Cyp2c44 gene increased HSCs that potentially contribute to chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial remodeling and occlusion.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates that cytochrome P-450 2C44 plays a critical role in controlling the phenotype of hematopoietic stem cells and that when this enzyme is knocked out, stem cells are differentiated. These stem cells give rise to increased circulating monocytes and macrophages and contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary artery remodeling and hypertension.
Transgenic Expression of IL15 Improves Antiglioma Activity of IL13Rα2-CAR T Cells but Results in Antigen Loss Variants
Authors: Krenciute Giedre , Prinzing Brooke L. , Yi Zhongzhen , Wu Meng-Fen , Liu Hao , Dotti Gianpietro , Balyasnikova Irina V. , Gottschalk Stephen 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults and is virtually incurable with conventional therapies. Immunotherapy with T cells expressing GBM-specific chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) is an attractive approach to improve outcomes. Although CAR T cells targeting GBM antigens, such as IL13 receptor subunit α2 (IL13Rα2), HER2, and EGFR variant III (EGFRvIII), have had antitumor activity in preclinical models, early-phase clinical testing has demonstrated limited antiglioma activity. Transgenic expression of IL15 is an appealing strategy to enhance CAR T-cell effector function. We tested this approach in our IL13Rα2-positive glioma model in which limited IL13Rα2-CAR T-cell persistence results in recurrence of antigen-positive gliomas. T cells were genetically modified with retroviral vectors encoding IL13Rα2-CARs or IL15 (IL13Rα2-CAR.IL15 T cells). IL13Rα2-CAR.IL15 T cells recognized glioma cells in an antigen-dependent fashion, had greater proliferative capacity, and produced more cytokines after repeated stimulations in comparison with IL13Rα2-CAR T cells. No autonomous IL13Rα2-CAR.IL15 T-cell proliferation was observed; however, IL15 expression increased IL13Rα2-CAR T-cell viability in the absence of exogenous cytokines or antigen. In vivo, IL13Rα2-CAR.IL15 T cells persisted longer and had greater antiglioma activity than IL13Rα2-CAR T cells, resulting in a survival advantage. Gliomas recurring after 40 days after T-cell injection had downregulated IL13Rα2 expression, indicating that antigen loss variants occur in the setting of improved T-cell persistence. Thus, CAR T cells for GBM should not only be genetically modified to improve their proliferation and persistence, but also to target multiple antigens.
Summary: Glioblastoma responds imperfectly to immunotherapy. Transgenic expression of IL15 in T cells expressing CARs improved their proliferative capacity, persistence, and cytokine production. The emergence of antigen loss variants highlights the need to target multiple tumor antigens. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(7); 571–81. ©2017 AACR.
Coenzyme Q10 protects skeletal muscle from ischemia-reperfusion through the NF-kappa B pathway
Authors: Boroujeni Mandana Beigi , khayat Zahra Khanipour , Anbari Khatereh , Niapour Ali , Gholami Mohammadreza , Gharravi Anneh mohammad 
Published: May 2017

Objective: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CoQ10 on the inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation during ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) of skeletal muscle. Methods: For ischemia induction, the animals were anesthetized and the external iliac vessels blocked for three hours. CoQ10 or vehicle was given intraperitoneally during ischemia, just before reperfusion. Four groups received 3,7,14 and 28 days’ reperfusion, respectively, after the intraperitoneal injection of CoQ10 and four corresponding groups received vehicle only. After reperfusion, the gastrocnemius muscles were removed, fixed and stained for the analysis of edema and mast cell infiltration. Results: Immuno-histochemistry staining was performed for the detection of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and NF-κB. CoQ10-treated groups showed a significant decrease of mast cell infiltration in the gastrocnemius muscle and edema as compared with the corresponding non-treated groups. Also, CoQ10-treated groups showed a significant TNF-α and NF-κB expression decrease when compared to the corresponding non-treated controls. The results of this study showed CoQ10 administration with ischemia decreased interstitial edema, degeneration of muscle fibers and infiltration of mast cells. Conclusions: It seems that CoQ10 has inhibitory effects on NF-κB and TNF-α activation.
Assessment of aflatoxin B1 myocardial toxicity in rats: mitochondrial damage and cellular apoptosis in cardiomyocytes induced by aflatoxin B1
Authors: Ge Junhua , Yu Haichu , Li Jian , Lian Zhexun , Zhang Hongjing , Fang Hao , Qian Lusha 
Published: May 2017

Objective The number of deaths from heart disease is increasing worldwide. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a toxin produced by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, is frequently detected in improperly processed/stored human food products. While AFB1 hepatotoxicity and carcinogenic properties have been well addressed, its myocardial toxicity is poorly documented. This study aimed to investigate myocardial toxic activity of AFB1. Methods Ten rats were fed with AFB1 at a dose that did not result in acute toxic reactions for 30 days and 10 vehicle-fed rats served as controls. Transmission electron microscopy was used to assess mitochondrial damage in cardiomyocytes. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated UTP nick-end labelling assay was performed to detect apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. Western blotting was performed to measure apoptotic proteins (i.e., active caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2) in heart tissue. Results AFB1 treatment resulted in mitochondrial membrane disruption and disorganization of cristae, which are indicators of mitochondrial damage. Myocardial cell apoptosis was significantly higher after AFB1 treatment (22.07% ± 3.29%) compared with controls (6.27% ± 2.78%, P < 0.05). AFB1 treatment enhanced expression of active caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 in cardiac tissue. Conclusion Various adverse effects are exerted by AFB1 on the heart, indicating AFB1 myocardial toxicity.
Comparison of different conservative treatments for idiopathic clubfoot: Ponseti’s versus non-Ponseti’s methods
Authors: He Jin-Peng , Shao Jing Fan , Hao Yun 
Published: May 2017

Objective Various methods are applied in the clinical treatment of idiopathic clubfoot. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of different conservative treatments. Methods Studies were pooled and odds ratio (ORs) with corresponding confidence intervals were calculated for evaluation of the results, relapses, and requirement for major surgery. Results A final analysis of 1435 patients from 9 eligible studies was performed. The combined OR indicated that significantly more fair and poor results were achieved and that major surgery was required significantly more often when using non-Ponseti’s methods (OR = 3.33 and OR = 7.32, respectively), but no significant difference was detected in the occurrence of relapse (OR = 1.34). Pooled OR evaluation showed a significantly higher rate of fair and poor results, relapse, and requirement for major surgery when using Kite’s method than when using Ponseti’s method (OR = 3.93, OR = 2.53, and OR = 3.19, respectively), but no significant difference was detected between the French method and Ponseti’s method (OR = 3.01, OR = 0.72, and OR = 1.26, respectively). Conclusions This meta-analysis indicates that Ponseti’s method is safe and efficient for conservative treatment of clubfoot and decreases the number of surgical interventions required. It is recommended as the first-choice conservative treatment for idiopathic clubfoot.
Meningioma embolization with the pressure cooker technique using Squid 12
Authors: Szatmáry Zoltán , Hillman Jan , Finitsis Stephanos 
Published: May 2017

Background Preoperative meningioma embolization may be performed with microparticles or liquid embolic agents. The pressure cooker technique (PCT) has recently been described for the embolization of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Case We present the case of a 73-year-old woman with a large frontal interhemispheric meningioma that was successfully preoperatively embolized with the PCT using Squid 12, a new ethyl-vinyl alcohol copolymer embolic agent. The PCT presents considerable advantages relative to conventional embolization techniques such as deeper and faster tumor penetration and embolization of tumors with difficult vascular access, and retrograde feeling of pial afferents may be achieved. Conclusions The use of the PCT with Squid 12 may potentially increase the effectiveness of meningioma embolization, increase tumor devascularization and improve outcomes of surgical resection.
T cells lacking HDAC11 have increased effector functions and mediate enhanced alloreactivity in a murine model
Authors: Woods David M. , Woan Karrune V. , Cheng Fengdong , Sodré Andressa L. , Wang Dapeng , Wu Yongxia , Wang Zi , Chen Jie , Powers John , Pinilla-Ibarz Javier , Yu Yu , Zhang Ya , Wu Xuefeng , Zheng Xiaoyan , Weber Jeffrey , Hancock Wayne W. , Seto Edward , Villagra Alejandro , Yu Xue-Zhong , Sotomayor Eduardo M. 
Published: May 2017

Key PointsT cells from HDAC11KO mice have increased effector functions and mediate more rapid and potent GVHD. HDAC11 associates with the Eomes and Tbet gene promoter regions in resting cells and disassociates upon activation.
KRASG12D expression in lung-resident myeloid cells promotes pulmonary LCH-like neoplasm sensitive to statin treatment
Authors: Kamata Tamihiro , Giblett Susan , Pritchard Catrin 
Published: May 2017

Key PointsKRASG12D expression in mouse lung myeloid cells induces pulmonary LCH-like neoplasms. KRASG12D-induced LCH-like neoplasms are sensitive to in vivo treatment with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A inhibitor atorvastatin.