bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolomic profiling in umbilical venous plasma reveals effects of dietary rumen‐protected arginine or N‐carbamylglutamate supplementation in nutrient‐restricted Hu sheep during pregnancy
Authors: Sun L , Zhang H , Fan Y , Guo Y , Zhang G , Nie H , Wang F 
Published: February 2017

ContentsMaternal nutrient restriction during pregnancy is a major problem worldwide for human and animal production. Arginine (Arg) is critical to health, growth and reproduction. N‐carbamylglutamate (NCG), a key enzyme in arginine synthesis, is not extensively degraded in rumen. The aim of this study was to investigate ameliorating effects of rumen‐protected arginine (RP‐Arg) and NCG supplementation on dietary in undernourished Hu sheep during gestation. From day 35 to 110 of gestation, 32 Hu ewes carrying twin foetuses were randomly divided into four groups: a control (CG) group (n = 8; fed 100% National Research Council (NRC) requirements for pregnant sheep), a nutrient‐restricted (RG) group (n = 8; fed 50% NRC requirements, which included 50% mineral–vitamin mixture) and two treatment (Arg and NCG) groups (n = 8; fed 50% NRC requirements supplemented with 20 g/day RP‐Arg or 5 g/day NCG, which included 50% mineral–vitamin mixture). The umbilical venous plasma samples of foetus were tested by 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance. Thirty‐two differential metabolites were identified, indicating altered metabolic pathways of amino acid, carbohydrate and energy, lipids and oxidative stress metabolism among the four groups. Our results demonstrate that the beneficial effect of dietary RP‐Arg and NCG supplementation on mammalian reproduction is associated with complex metabolic networks.
Identification of sperm morphometric subpopulations in cooled‐stored canine sperm and its relation with sperm DNA integrity
Authors: Urbano M , Ortiz I , Dorado J , Hidalgo M 
Published: February 2017

ContentsThe aims of this study were to (i) identify different morphometric subpopulations in cooled‐stored canine sperm and their patterns of distribution during cool‐storage for up to 240 hr and (ii) determine whether or not morphometric sperm subpopulations (sP) are related to sperm DNA integrity. For that purpose, morphometric parameters were analysed by computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and sperm DNA fragmentation (sDFi) using the sperm Halomax test. Four morphometric sperm heads subpopulations were identified: sP1 (large and rounded), sP2 (large and elongated), sP3 (small and rounded) and sP4 (small and elongated). sP1 was the most predominant subpopulation for up to 72 hr and thereafter sP3 increased progressively. sDFi increased after 48 hr of cool‐storage. Although sP3 showed a positive correlation with sDFi, and both increased over time, it could not be ensured that only the sperm with fragmented DNA are accumulated in sP3. In conclusion, sP3 and DNA fragmentation increased progressively during cool‐storage, becoming possible indicators of sperm damage. However, it cannot be concluded that sP3 only contains sperm with fragmented DNA.
High‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T predicts mortality after hospitalization for community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Vestjens Stefan M.T. , Spoorenberg Simone M.C. , Rijkers Ger T. , Grutters Jan C. , Ten Berg Jurriën M. , Noordzij Peter G. , Van de Garde Ewoudt M.W. , Bos Willem Jan W. ,   the Ovidius Study Group
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT
Background and objectiveMortality after hospitalization with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) is high, compared with age‐matched controls. Available evidence suggests a strong link with cardiovascular disease. Our aim was to explore the prognostic value of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (cTnT) for mortality in patients hospitalized with CAP.Methods
CTnT level on admission was measured (assay conducted in 2015) in 295 patients hospitalized with CAP who participated in a randomized placebo‐controlled double‐blind trial on adjunctive dexamethasone treatment. Outcome measures were short‐ (30‐day) and long‐term (4.1‐year) mortalities.Results
CTnT levels were elevated (≥14 ng/L) in 132 patients (45%). Pneumonia severity index (PSI) class was 4–5 in 137 patients (46%). Short‐ and long‐term mortality were significantly higher in patients with elevated cTnT levels. cTnT level on admission combined with PSI classification was significantly better in predicting short‐term mortality (area under the operating curve (AUC) = 0.903; 95% CI = 0.847–0.960), compared with PSI classification alone (AUC = 0.818; 95% CI = 0.717–0.919). An optimal cTnT cut‐off level of 28 ng/L was independently associated with both short‐ and long‐term mortality (OR = 21.9; 95% CI = 4.7–101.4 and 10.7; 95% CI = 5.0–22.8, respectively).ConclusionElevated cTnT level on admission is a strong predictor of short‐ and long‐term mortalities in patients hospitalized with CAP.
Seismic characterization of switching platform geometries and dominant carbonate producers (Miocene, Las Negras, Spain)
Authors: Kleipool Lucas M. , de Jong Koos , de Vaal Eveline L. , Reijmer John J. G. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe primary goals of seismic interpretation and quantification are to understand and define reservoir architecture and the distribution of petrophysical properties. Since seismic interpretation is associated with major uncertainties, outcrop analogues are used to support and improve the resulting conceptual models. In this study, the Miocene carbonates of Cerro de la Molata (Las Negras, south‐east Spain) have been selected as an outcrop analogue. The heterogeneous carbonate rocks of the Cerro de la Molata Platform were formed by a variety of carbonate‐producing factories, resulting in various platform morphologies and a wide range of physical properties. Based on textural (thin sections) and petrophysical (porosity, density, carbonate content and acoustic properties) analyses of the sediments, eleven individual facies types were determined. The data were used to produce synthetic seismic profiles of the outcrop. The profiles demonstrate that the spatial distribution of the facies and the linked petrophysical properties are of key importance in the appearance of the synthetic seismic sections. They reveal that carbonate factory and facies‐specific reflection patterns are determined by porosity contrasts, diagenetic modifications and the input of non‐carbonate sediment. The reflectors of the seismograms created with high‐frequency wavelets are coherent with the spatial distribution of the predefined facies within the depositional sequences. The synthetic seismograms resulting from convolution with lower frequency wavelets do not show these details – the major reflectors coincide with: (i) the boundary between the volcanic basement and the overlying carbonates; (ii) the platform geometries related to changes in carbonate factories, thus sequence boundaries; and (iii) diagenetic zones. Changes in seismic response related to diagenesis, switching carbonate producers and linked platform geometries are important findings that need to be considered when interpreting seismic data sets.
CD137 is a Useful Marker for IdentifyingCD4+T Cell Responses toMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Yan Z.‐h. , Zheng X.‐f. , Yi L. , Wang J. , Wang X.‐j. , Wei P.‐j. , Jia H.‐y. , Zhou L.‐j. , Zhao Y.‐l. , Zhang H.‐t. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractUpregulation ofCD137 on recently activatedCD8+T cells has been used to identify rare viral and tumour antigen‐specific T cells from the peripheral blood. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy ofCD137 for identifyingMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb)‐reactiveCD4+T cells in the peripheral blood of infected individuals by flow cytometry and to investigate the characteristics of theseCD137+CD4+T cells. We initially enrolled 31 active tuberculosis (TB) patients, 31 individuals with latentTBinfection (LTBI) and 25 healthy donors. The intracellularCD137 and interferon‐γ(IFN‐γ) production byCD4+T cells was simultaneously detected under unstimulated andCFP10‐stimulated (culture filtrate protein 10, a Mtb‐specific antigen) conditions. In unstimulatedCD4+T cells, we found that theCD137 expression in theTBgroup was significantly higher than that in theLTBIgroup. Stimulation withCFP10 largely increased theCD4+T cellCD137 expression in both theTBandLTBIgroups. AfterCFP10 stimulation, the frequency ofCD137+CD4+T cells was higher than that ofIFN‐γ+CD4+T cells in both theTBandLTBIgroups. Most of theCFP10‐activatedIFN‐γ‐secreting cells wereCD137‐positive, but only a small fraction of theCD137‐positive cells expressedIFN‐γ. An additional 20 patients withTBwere enrolled to characterize theCD45RO+CCR7+,CD45RO+CCR7−andCD45RO−subsets in theCD137+CD4+T cell populations. The Mtb‐specificCD137+CD4+T cells were mainly identified as having an effector memory phenotype. In conclusion,CD137 is a useful marker that can be used for identifying Mtb‐reactiveCD4+T cells by flow cytometry.
A prospective study of adolescent mothers’ social competence, children's effortful control and compliance and children's subsequent developmental outcomes
Authors: Seay Danielle M. , Umaña‐Taylor Adriana J. , Jahromi Laudan B. , Updegraff Kimberly A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPrevious work has established that caregiver and child temperamental characteristics are associated with child compliance. Given the critical role that parents play in this process, and that children of teen mothers are at risk for poorer developmental outcomes, it is important to understand the development of compliance in the context of at‐risk parenting such as adolescent motherhood. The current study examined child compliance (Wave 5; W5) as a mediator of the association between adolescent mothers’ social competence (Wave 4; W4) and children's behavioral and academic outcomes (Wave 6; W6), and whether this mediation varied depending on children's effortful control (W4) in a sample of 204 Mexican‐origin adolescent mothers (Mage at W4 = 19.94, SD = .99) and their children (Mage at W4 = 36.21 months, SD = .45). Adolescent mothers reported on their own social competence and their children's effortful control and externalizing problems; compliance was assessed using observational methods; and academic readiness was assessed using standardized developmental assessments. Findings based on structural equation modeling revealed that adolescent mothers’ social competence was positively related to children's compliance among children with high effortful control, but not among those with low effortful control. Moreover, child compliance mediated the longitudinal association between adolescent mothers’ social competence and child externalizing problems and academic readiness. Discussion focuses on the importance of considering the role of child temperament in understanding how adolescent mothers’ social competence is subsequently associated with children's social and academic adjustment.
Schirmer tear test I in dogs: results comparing placement in the ventral vs. dorsal conjunctival fornix
Authors: Visser Hannah E. , Tofflemire Kyle L. , Love‐Myers Kim R. , Allbaugh Rachel A. , Ellinwood N. Matthew , Dees D. Dustin , Ben‐Shlomo Gil , Whitley R. David 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo compare Schirmer tear test I (STT I) values obtained from placement of tear strips in the ventral and dorsal conjunctival fornices in dogs.ProcedureSchirmer tear test I was performed on each eye of 16 clinically normal dogs (32 eyes) in a crossover study. Initial tear strip placement site was randomized for each eye. Alternative placement site measurements were obtained after 1 week.ResultsThe mean (± standard deviation, SD) STT I for dorsal and ventral conjunctival fornices was 20.44 (±4.46) mm/min and 23.56 (±3.98) mm/min, respectively. STT I values obtained from the ventral conjunctival fornix were significantly greater than those obtained from the dorsal conjunctival fornix (P = 0.004).ConclusionsSchirmer tear test I values were significantly greater with tear strips placed in the ventral conjunctival fornix.
The ‘Donor of the Future Project’ — first results and further research domains
Authors: Sundermann L. M. , de Kort W. L. , Boenigk S. 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundThe Alliance of Blood Operators initiated a project labelled ‘Donor of the Future’. This study gives an overview of the project results, in particular with regard to country differences.Study Design and MethodsA large survey (N = 7663) among blood donors in six countries was conducted to analyse the effects of five global areas of change: (1) demographic change; (2) technological developments; (3) health innovations; (4) public, behavioural and attitudinal aspects; and (5) political, economic and environmental issues.ResultsThe main results exhibited similarities and differences between blood donors of the participating countries. Greater differences were found, for example, regarding technological developments. Whereas only blood donors from the UK and Australia would like to be informed via SMS, blood donors from all countries would like to be informed via email.ConclusionDifferent priorities of donors have been uncovered. These differences give suggestions to improve the country‐specific donor management. Furthermore, the key findings provide a comprehensive overview of major future research domains.
Three‐year follow‐up of implementation of evidence‐based transfusion practice in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Norgaard A. , Stensballe J. , de Lichtenberg T. H. , White J. O. , Perner A. , Wanscher M. , Hillingsø J. , Holm M. L. , Mau‐Sørensen M. , Sillesen H. , Kjeldsen L. , Bäck C. , Nielsen J. , Seeberg J. , Hansen M. B. , Johansson P. I. 
Published: February 2017

Background and ObjectivesTraditionally, Denmark has had a high rate of allogeneic red blood cell transfusion caused by a liberal transfusion practice despite the existence of restrictive guidelines. We established a Patient Blood Management programme in a tertiary hospital and report the results of the implementation of evidence‐based transfusion practice.Materials and MethodsRed blood cell transfusion quality indicators were compared with the evidence‐based guideline at hospital and department level. Based on this evaluation, wards were selected for interventions targeting doctors and nurses. The implementation process was monitored by transfusion quality and utilization data over a 3‐year period with totally 166 341 admissions in 98 960 mixed, adult medical and surgical patients.ResultsAt the hospital level, transfusion above the upper guideline limit decreased from 23 to 10% (P < 0·001), and transfusion at or below the restrictive haemoglobin trigger of 7·3 g/dl increased from 7 to 19% (P < 0·001). The percentage of single‐unit transfusions increased from 72 to 78% (P < 0·001), and the majority of transfusion rates and volumes decreased significantly. Red cell use decreased with 41% in surgical procedures and 28% in admissions (P < 0·001).ConclusionThe intervention was associated with a significant and sustained overall increase in compliance with national guidelines for red blood cell transfusion for non‐bleeding patients, and led to significantly fewer patients being exposed to transfusion.
Diverse and novel RHD variants in Australian blood donors with a weak D phenotype: implication for transfusion management
Authors: McGowan E. C. , Lopez G. H. , Knauth C. M. , Liew Y.‐W. , Condon J. A. , Ramadi L. , Parsons K. , Turner E. M. , Flower R. L. , Hyland C. A. 
Published: February 2017

Background and ObjectivesVariant RHD genes associated with the weak D phenotype can result in complete or partial D‐epitope expression on the red cell. This study examines the genetic classification in Australian blood donors with a weak D phenotype and correlates RHD variants associated with the weak D phenotype against D‐epitope profile.Materials and MethodsFollowing automated and manual serology, blood samples from donors reported as ‘weak D’ (n = 100) were RHD genotyped by a commercial SNP‐typing platform and Sanger sequencing. Two commercial anti‐D antibody kits were used for extended serological testing for D‐epitope profiles.ResultsThree samples had wild‐type RHD exonic sequences, and 97 samples had RHD variants. RHD*weak D type 1, RHD*weak D type 2 or RHD*weak D type 3 was detected in 75 donors. The remaining 22 samples exhibited 17 different RHD variants. One donor exhibited a novel RHD*c.939+3A>C lacking one D‐epitope. Weak D types 1·1, 5, 15, 17 and 90 showed a partial D‐epitope profile.ConclusionThe array of RHD variants detected in this study indicated diversity in the Australian donor population that needs to be accommodated for in future genotyping strategies.
Red blood cell concentrates treated with the amustaline (S‐303) pathogen reduction system and stored for 35 days retain post‐transfusion viability: results of a two‐centre study
Authors: Cancelas J. A. , Gottschall J. L. , Rugg N. , Graminske S. , Schott M. A. , North A. , Huang N. , Mufti N. , Erickson A. , Rico S. , Corash L. 
Published: February 2017

Background and ObjectivesPathogen reduction technology using amustaline (S‐303) was developed to reduce the risk of transfusion‐transmitted infection and adverse effects of residual leucocytes. In this study, the viability of red blood cells (RBCs) prepared with a second‐generation process and stored for 35 days was evaluated in two different blood centres.Materials and MethodsIn a single‐blind, randomized, controlled, two‐period crossover study (n = 42 healthy subjects), amustaline‐treated (Test) or Control RBCs were prepared in random sequence and stored for 35 days. On day 35, an aliquot of 51Cr/99mTc radiolabeled RBCs was transfused. In a subgroup of 26 evaluable subjects, 24‐h RBC post‐transfusion recovery, mean life span, median life span (T50) and life span area under the curve (AUC) were analysed.ResultsThe mean 24‐h post‐transfusion recovery of Test and Control RBCs was comparable (83·2 ± 5·2 and 84·9 ± 5·9%, respectively; P = 0·06) and consistent with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) criteria for acceptable RBC viability. There were differences in the T50 between Test and Control RBCs (33·5 and 39·7 days, respectively; P < 0·001), however, these were within published reference ranges of 28–35 days. The AUC (per cent surviving × days) for Test and Control RBCs was similar (22·6 and 23·1 per cent surviving cells × days, respectively; P > 0·05). Following infusion of Test RBCs, there were no clinically relevant abnormal laboratory values or adverse events.ConclusionRBCs prepared using amustaline pathogen reduction meet the FDA criteria for post‐transfusion recovery and are metabolically and physiologically appropriate for transfusion following 35 days of storage.
Kyasanur forest disease virus breaking the endemic barrier: An investigation into ecological effects on disease emergence and future outlook
Authors: Ajesh K. , Nagaraja B. K. , Sreejith K. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryKyasanur Forest disease (KFD) is found in a limited range of India, but is epidemiologically understudied. The seasonal patterns of KFD are well known; however, the significant concern is on the extent to which changes in epidemiology happen especially under the influence of ecological destructions and by the eventual effects of resulting climate change. Presently, a southward and northward spread of the Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV) along the Western Ghats has been reported in the adjoining states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Maharashtra. In this review, we investigate the cascade of factors that might have facilitated the resurgence of KFDV among the endemic regions in higher frequency and its recent emergence in the area previously not reported. Utilizing published data, we additionally endeavour to exhibit a portion of the impediments of control systems and embody the powerful option strategies for developing KFDV control.
Chronic alcohol feeding potentiates hormone‐induced calcium signalling in hepatocytes
Authors: Bartlett Paula J. , Antony Anil Noronha , Agarwal Amit , Hilly Mauricette , Prince Victoria L. , Combettes Laurent , Hoek Jan B. , Gaspers Lawrence D. 
Published: February 2017

Key points
Chronic alcohol consumption causes a spectrum of liver diseases, but the pathogenic mechanisms driving the onset and progression of disease are not clearly defined.
We show that chronic alcohol feeding sensitizes rat hepatocytes to Ca2+‐mobilizing hormones resulting in a leftward shift in the concentration–response relationship and the transition from oscillatory to more sustained and prolonged Ca2+ increases.
Our data demonstrate that alcohol‐dependent adaptation in the Ca2+ signalling pathway occurs at the level of hormone‐induced inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate (IP3) production and does not involve changes in the sensitivity of the IP3 receptor or size of internal Ca2+ stores.
We suggest that prolonged and aberrant hormone‐evoked Ca2+ increases may stimulate the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and contribute to alcohol‐induced hepatocyte injury.
Abstract‘Adaptive’ responses of the liver to chronic alcohol consumption may underlie the development of cell and tissue injury. Alcohol administration can perturb multiple signalling pathways including phosphoinositide‐dependent cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i) increases, which can adversely affect mitochondrial Ca2+ levels, reactive oxygen species production and energy metabolism. Our data indicate that chronic alcohol feeding induces a leftward shift in the dose–response for Ca2+‐mobilizing hormones resulting in more sustained and prolonged [Ca2+]i increases in both cultured hepatocytes and hepatocytes within the intact perfused liver. Ca2+ increases were initiated at lower hormone concentrations, and intercellular calcium wave propagation rates were faster in alcoholics compared to controls. Acute alcohol treatment (25 mm) completely inhibited hormone‐induced calcium increases in control livers, but not after chronic alcohol‐feeding, suggesting desensitization to the inhibitory actions of ethanol. Hormone‐induced inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate (IP3) accumulation and phospholipase C (PLC) activity were significantly potentiated in hepatocytes from alcohol‐fed rats compared to controls. Removal of extracellular calcium, or chelation of intracellular calcium did not normalize the differences in hormone‐stimulated PLC activity, indicating calcium‐dependent PLCs are not upregulated by alcohol. We propose that the liver ‘adapts’ to chronic alcohol exposure by increasing hormone‐dependent IP3 formation, leading to aberrant calcium increases, which may contribute to hepatocyte injury.
A higher sport-related reinjury risk does not mean inadequate rehabilitation: the methodological challenge of choosing the correct comparison group
Authors: Shrier Ian , Zhao Meng , Piché Alexandre , Slavchev Pavel , Steele Russell J 
Published: February 2017

Previous injury is a well-established predictor of subsequent injury in sports medicine. Some have interpreted this to mean that either our current methods of rehabilitation are inadequate or there is some permanent damage to the tissue and 100% rehabilitation is not possible. In 2011, we illustrated that these analyses and interpretations failed to account for the fact that some athletes are more prone to get injured, either physiologically, or because of their role/type of play. We suggested that the appropriate analysis would simply require using statistical methods that measured how each individual athlete’s risk changed from preinjury to postinjury.In this paper, we revisit our recommendation and illustrate that it too would be flawed if the risk of injury changed over time independent of an injury ever occurring. This might be expected if general fitness were to decline over the season, or if the style of play changed between early season games and postseason championship games. Acknowledging that risk may change regardless of whether an injury occurred or not leads to three different general definitions of 100% rehabilitation: (1) a return to the baseline state, (2) a return to the immediate preinjury state and (3) a return to the state that would have been present had the initial injury never occurred. We guide the reader on how to estimate the risks for each definition and the assumptions that must be acknowledged.