bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probable transfusion‐transmitted Zika virus in Brazil
Authors: Barjas‐Castro Maria L. , Angerami Rodrigo N. , Cunha Mariana S. , Suzuki Akemi , Nogueira Juliana S. , Rocco Iray M. , Maeda Adriana Y. , Vasami Fernanda G.S. , Katz Gizelda , Boin Ilka F.S.F. , Stucchi Raquel S.B. , Resende Mariângela R. , Esposito Danillo L.A. , de Souza Renato P. , da Fonseca Benedito A. , Addas‐Carvalho Marcelo 
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUNDZika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging arthropod‐borne flavivirus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Recent commentaries regarding ZIKV routes of transmission describe a potential transmission by transfusion. Herein, we report a probable case of transfusion‐transmitted ZIKV infection through a platelet transfusion that was detected from postdonation information.CASE REPORTA blood donor made a voluntary telephone report to the blood donor facility 3 days after donation and informed the facility of a febrile illness (fever, malaise, and headaches). Due to the ongoing dengue epidemic, the initial clinical investigation included dengue among other possible diagnoses. The serology and molecular laboratory results excluded dengue infection. However, stored samples from the donation were positive for ZIKV on reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis. A retrospective investigation demonstrated that the platelet concentrate, which was part of a pool, had been transfused after a liver transplantation. A physician had evaluated the patient 4 days after surgery. Laboratory investigation showed enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay results that were negative for dengue immunoglobulin M antibodies; however, the results were positive for hemagglutination inhibition antibodies against flavivirus. ZIKV RT‐PCR and virus isolation analyses in cell cultures from recipient serum were both positive. The sequencing confirmed ZIKV in the donor and patient samples. Ten partial nucleotide sequences from the ZIKV strain that were detected in the donor were aligned and compared with the ZIKV genome detected in the recipient, revealing a 99.8% homology between the two strains.CONCLUSIONSThis is a case of probable transmission of ZIKV through blood transfusion. The patient had been transfused with the blood product from an infected donor, most likely in the incubation period after ZIKV infection but prior to clinical disease onset. This report emphasizes the importance of postdonation information and recipient investigations during outbreaks of potentially blood‐borne infections.
Two solvent/detergent‐treated plasma products with a different biochemical profile
Authors: Neisser‐Svae A. , Heger A. 
Published: June 2016

Background and ObjectivesThe distribution of US‐produced solvent/detergent (S/D)‐treated plasma (Plas+SD) was discontinued in 2003 due to bleeding and thrombotic events. In this work, we were searching for explanations that might explain these severe side‐effects.Materials and MethodsThe activities of coagulation factors and inhibitors and von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers were tested in three Plas+SD batches and compared with an S/D‐treated plasma named OctaplasLG. In addition, the Plas+SD process was investigated in downscale studies.ResultsWhen compared to OctaplasLG, coagulation factors (F)V and FXI were significantly increased in the Plas+SD product, whereas FIX, protein C (PC), protein S (PS) and plasmin inhibitor (PI) were significantly decreased, leading to a haemostatic imbalance in this product. In addition, loss of high molecular weight VWF multimers was observed in the Plas+SD product compared to both OctaplasLG and normal plasma. Downscale studies of the Plas+SD manufacturing steps revealed significant losses of all parameters tested during the S/D‐treatment and removal steps. Except for PS and PI, which remained decreased by 47% and 65%, respectively, these losses were nearly compensated for the other parameters by the subsequent ultrafiltration step performed.ConclusionAlthough both S/D plasma manufacturing processes have the same basic set‐up, differences in single process steps are responsible for the different biochemical profiles. The study performed may contribute to a better understanding of the side‐effects that occurred with the Plas+SD product.
4D‐CT scans reveal reduced magnitude of respiratory liver motion achieved by different abdominal compression plate positions in patients with intrahepatic tumors undergoing helical tomotherapy
Authors: Hu Yong , Zhou Yong‐Kang , Chen Yi‐Xing , Shi Shi‐Ming , Zeng Zhao‐Chong 
Published: June 2016

Purpose:While abdominal compression (AC) can be used to reduce respiratory liver motion in patients receiving helical tomotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma, the nature and extent of this effect is not well described. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in magnitude of three‐dimensional liver motion with abdominal compression using four‐dimensional (4D) computed tomography (CT) images of several plate positions.Methods:From January 2012 to October 2015, 72 patients with intrahepatic carcinoma and divided into four groups underwent 4D‐CT scans to assess respiratory liver motion. Of the 72 patients, 19 underwent abdominal compression of the cephalic area between the subxiphoid and umbilicus (group A), 16 underwent abdominal compression of the caudal region between the subxiphoid area and the umbilicus (group B), 11 patients underwent abdominal compression of the caudal umbilicus (group C), and 26 patients remained free breathing (group D). 4D‐CT images were sorted into ten‐image series, according to the respiratory phase from the end inspiration to the end expiration, and then transferred to treatment planning software. All liver contours were drawn by a single physician and confirmed by a second physician. Liver relative coordinates were automatically generated to calculate the liver respiratory motion in different axial directions to compile the 10 ten contours into a single composite image. Differences in respiratory liver motion were assessed with a one‐way analysis of variance test of significance.Results:The average respiratory liver motion in the Y axial direction was 4.53 ± 1.16, 7.56 ± 1.30, 9.95 ± 2.32, and 9.53 ± 2.62 mm in groups A, B, C, and D, respectively, with a significant change among the four groups (p < 0.001). Abdominal compression was most effective in group A (compression plate on the subxiphoid area), with liver displacement being 2.53 ± 0.93, 4.53 ± 1.16, and 2.14 ± 0.92 mm on the X‐, Y‐, and Z‐axes, respectively. There was no significant difference in respiratory liver motion between group C (displacement: 3.23 ± 1.47, 9.95 ± 2.32, and 2.92 ± 1.10 mm on the X‐, Y‐, and Z‐axes, respectively) and group D (displacement: 3.35 ± 1.55, 9.53 ± 2.62, and 3.35 ± 1.73 mm on the X‐, Y‐, and Z‐axes, respectively). Abdominal compression was least effective in group C (compression on caudal umbilicus), with liver motion in this group similar to that of free‐breathing patients (group D).Conclusions:4D‐CT scans revealed significant liver motion control via abdominal compression of the subxiphoid area; however, this control of liver motion was not observed with compression of the caudal umbilicus. The authors, therefore, recommend compression of the subxiphoid area in patients undergoing external radiotherapy for intrahepatic carcinoma.
Prospective treatment plan‐specific action limits for real‐time intrafractional monitoring in surface image guided radiosurgery
Authors: Yock Adam D. , Pawlicki Todd , Kim Gwe‐Ya 
Published: June 2016

Purpose:In surface image guided radiosurgery, action limits are created to determine at what point intrafractional motion exhibited by the patient is large enough to warrant intervention. Action limit values remain constant across patients despite the fact that patient motion affects the target coverage of brain metastases differently depending on the planning technique and other treatment plan‐specific factors. The purpose of this work was twofold. The first purpose was to characterize the sensitivity of single‐met per iso and multimet per iso treatment plans to uncorrected patient motion. The second purpose was to describe a method to prospectively determine treatment plan‐specific action limits considering this sensitivity.Methods:In their surface image guided radiosurgery technique, patient positioning is achieved with a thermoplastic mask that does not cover the patient's face. The patient's exposed face is imaged by a stereoscopic photogrammetry system. It is then compared to a reference surface and monitored throughout treatment. Seventy‐two brain metastases (representing 29 patients) were used for this study. Twenty‐five mets were treated individually (“single‐met per iso plans”), and 47 were treated in a plan simultaneously with at least one other met (“multimet per iso plans”). For each met, the proportion of the gross tumor volume that remained within the 100% prescription isodose line was estimated under the influence of combinations of translations and rotations (0.0–3.0 mm and 0.0°–3.0°, respectively). The target volume and the prescription dose–volume were considered concentric spheres that each encompassed a volume determined from the treatment plan. Plan‐specific contour plots and DVHs were created to illustrate the sensitivity of a specific lesion to uncorrected patient motion.Results:Both single‐met per iso and multimet per iso plans exhibited compromised target coverage under translations and rotations, though multimet per iso plans were considerably more sensitive to these transformations (2.3% and 39.8%, respectively). Plan‐specific contour plots and DVHs were used to illustrate how size, distance from isocenter, and planning technique affect a particular met's sensitivity to motion.Conclusions:Stereotactic radiosurgery treatment plans that treat multiple brain metastases using a common isocenter are particularly susceptible to compromised target coverage as a result of uncorrected patient motion. The use of such a planning technique along with other treatment plan‐specific factors should influence patient motion management. A graphical representation of the effect of translations and rotations on any particular plan can be generated to inform clinicians of the appropriate action limit when monitoring intrafractional motion.
Correlates of Leisure Time Physical Inactivity in a Scandinavian Population: A Basis for Interventions
Authors: Bonn Stephanie E. , Alfredsson Lars , Saevarsdottir Saedis , Schelin Maria E.C. 
Published: June 2016

Background:Effective interventions are needed to increase physical activity in the general population. To target interventions, we need knowledge of insufficiently active groups in society. This study aims to identify demographic and health-related correlates of leisure-time physical inactivity in a general Scandinavian population.Methods:Study participants comprised 5734 control subjects, age 18 to 70 years, from 2 ongoing Swedish case-control studies. Participants self-reported their leisure-time physical activity level. The odds of being physically inactive were calculated using logistic regression.Results:A total of 42% of participants were classified as physically inactive during leisure time. A lower prevalence of inactivity was associated with middle age, higher education, having previous experience of sports participation, following a low glycemic index/Mediterranean diet and having a light physical workload. A high prevalence of inactivity was associated with greater age, high body mass index, smoking, never drinking alcohol, having children, having a weak social network or lower levels of emotional support, and a low vegetable intake.Conclusions:Several factors were associated with leisure-time physical inactivity. Directing interventions to target groups defined by specific factors associated with physical inactivity could be an efficient way to increase activity and improve health in the general population.
The Attributable Proportion of Specific Leisure-Time Physical Activities to Total Leisure Activity Volume Among US Adults, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2006
Authors: Watson Kathleen Bachtel , Dai Shifan , Paul Prabasaj , Carlson Susan A. , Carroll Dianna D. , Fulton Janet 
Published: June 2016

Background:Previous studies have examined participation in specific leisure-time physical activities (PA) among US adults. The purpose of this study was to identify specific activities that contribute substantially to total volume of leisure-time PA in US adults.Methods:Proportion of total volume of leisure-time PA moderate-equivalent minutes attributable to 9 specific types of activities was estimated using self-reported data from 21,685 adult participants (≥ 18 years) in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2006.Results:Overall, walking (28%), sports (22%), and dancing (9%) contributed most to PA volume. Attributable proportion was higher among men than women for sports (30% vs. 11%) and higher among women than men for walking (36% vs. 23%), dancing (16% vs. 4%), and conditioning exercises (10% vs. 5%). The proportion was lower for walking, but higher for sports, among active adults than those insufficiently active and increased with age for walking. Compared with other racial/ethnic groups, the proportion was lower for sports among non-Hispanic white men and for dancing among non-Hispanic white women.Conclusions:Walking, sports, and dance account for the most activity time among US adults overall, yet some demographic variations exist. Strategies for PA promotion should be tailored to differences across population subgroups.
Structural Study of MPN387, an Essential Protein for Gliding Motility of a Human-Pathogenic Bacterium, Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Authors: Kawakita Yoshito , Kinoshita Miki , Furukawa Yukio , Tulum Isil , Tahara Yuhei O. , Katayama Eisaku , Namba Keiichi , Miyata Makoto 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT

Mycoplasma pneumoniae
is a human pathogen that glides on host cell surfaces with repeated catch and release of sialylated oligosaccharides. At a pole, this organism forms a protrusion called the attachment organelle, which is composed of surface structures, including P1 adhesin and the internal core structure. The core structure can be divided into three parts, the terminal button, paired plates, and bowl complex, aligned in that order from the front end of the protrusion. To elucidate the gliding mechanism, we focused on MPN387, a component protein of the bowl complex which is essential for gliding but dispensable for cytadherence. The predicted amino acid sequence showed that the protein features a coiled-coil region spanning residue 72 to residue 290 of the total of 358 amino acids in the protein. Recombinant MPN387 proteins were isolated with and without an enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) fusion tag and analyzed by gel filtration chromatography, circular dichroism spectroscopy, analytical ultracentrifugation, partial proteolysis, and rotary-shadowing electron microscopy. The results showed that MPN387 is a dumbbell-shaped homodimer that is about 42.7 nm in length and 9.1 nm in diameter and includes a 24.5-nm-long central parallel coiled-coil part. The molecular image was superimposed onto the electron micrograph based on the localizing position mapped by fluorescent protein tagging. A proposed role of this protein in the gliding mechanism is discussed.

IMPORTANCE
Human mycoplasma pneumonia is caused by a pathogenic bacterium,
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
. This tiny, 2-μm-long bacterium is suggested to infect humans by gliding on the surface of the trachea through binding to sialylated oligosaccharides. The mechanism underlying mycoplasma “gliding motility” is not related to any other well-studied motility systems, such as bacterial flagella and eukaryotic motor proteins. Here, we isolated and analyzed the structure of a key protein which is directly involved in the gliding mechanism.
EspC, an Autotransporter Protein Secreted by Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, Causes Apoptosis and Necrosis through Caspase and Calpain Activation, Including Direct Procaspase-3 Cleavage
Authors: Serapio-Palacios Antonio , Navarro-Garcia Fernando 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT

Enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) has the ability to antagonize host apoptosis during infection through promotion and inhibition of effectors injected by the type III secretion system (T3SS), but the total number of these effectors and the overall functional relationships between these effectors during infection are poorly understood. EspC produced by EPEC cleaves fodrin, paxillin, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK), which are also cleaved by caspases and calpains during apoptosis. Here we show the role of EspC in cell death induced by EPEC. EspC is involved in EPEC-mediated cell death and induces both apoptosis and necrosis in epithelial cells. EspC induces apoptosis through the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by provoking (i) a decrease in the expression levels of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2, (ii) translocation of the proapoptotic protein Bax from cytosol to mitochondria, (iii) cytochrome
c
release from mitochondria to the cytoplasm, (iv) loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, (v) caspase-9 activation, (vi) cleavage of procaspase-3 and (vii) an increase in caspase-3 activity, (viii) PARP proteolysis, and (ix) nuclear fragmentation and an increase in the sub-G
1
population. Interestingly, EspC-induced apoptosis was triggered through a dual mechanism involving both independent and dependent functions of its EspC serine protease motif, the direct cleavage of procaspase-3 being dependent on this motif. This is the first report showing a shortcut for induction of apoptosis by the catalytic activity of an EPEC protein. Furthermore, this atypical intrinsic apoptosis appeared to induce necrosis through the activation of calpain and through the increase of intracellular calcium induced by EspC. Our data indicate that EspC plays a relevant role in cell death induced by EPEC.

IMPORTANCE
EspC, an autotransporter protein with serine protease activity, has cytotoxic effects on epithelial cells during EPEC infection. EspC causes cytotoxicity by cleaving fodrin, a cytoskeletal actin-associated protein, and focal adhesion proteins (i.e., FAK); interestingly, these proteins are also cleaved during apoptosis and necrosis. Here we show that EspC is able to cause cell death, which is characterized by apoptosis: by dissecting the apoptotic pathway and considering that EspC is translocated by an injectisome, we found that EspC induces the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Remarkably, EspC activates this pathway by two distinct mechanisms—either by using or not using its serine protease motif. Thus, we show for the first time that this serine protease motif is able to cleave procaspase-3, thereby reaching the terminal stages of caspase cascade activation leading to apoptosis. Furthermore, this overlapped apoptosis appears to potentiate cell death through necrosis, where EspC induces calpain activation and increases intracellular calcium.
Defying Muller’s Ratchet: Ancient Heritable Endobacteria Escape Extinction through Retention of Recombination and Genome Plasticity
Authors: Naito Mizue , Pawlowska Teresa E. 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT

Heritable endobacteria, which are transmitted from one host generation to the next, are subjected to evolutionary forces that are different from those experienced by free-living bacteria. In particular, they suffer consequences of Muller’s ratchet, a mechanism that leads to extinction of small asexual populations due to fixation of slightly deleterious mutations combined with the random loss of the most-fit genotypes, which cannot be recreated without recombination. Mycoplasma-related endobacteria (MRE) are heritable symbionts of fungi from two ancient lineages,
Glomeromycota
(arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi) and
Mucoromycotina
. Previous studies revealed that MRE maintain unusually diverse populations inside their hosts and may have been associated with fungi already in the early Paleozoic. Here we show that MRE are vulnerable to genomic degeneration and propose that they defy Muller’s ratchet thanks to retention of recombination and genome plasticity. We suggest that other endobacteria may be capable of raising similar defenses against Muller’s ratchet.
Quantifying alcohol-related emergency admissions in a UK tertiary referral hospital: a cross-sectional study of chronic alcohol dependency and acute alcohol intoxication
Authors: Vardy J , Keliher T , Fisher J , Ritchie F , Bell C , Chekroud M , Clarey F , Blackwood L , Barry L , Paton E , Clark A , Connelly R 
Published: June 2016

ObjectivesAlcohol is responsible for a proportion of emergency admissions to hospital, with acute alcohol intoxication and chronic alcohol dependency (CAD) implicated. This study aims to quantify the proportion of hospital admissions through our emergency department (ED) which were thought by the admitting doctor to be (largely or partially) a result of alcohol consumption.SettingED of a UK tertiary referral hospital.ParticipantsAll ED admissions occurring over 14 weeks from 1 September to 8 December 2012. Data obtained for 5497 of 5746 admissions (95.67%).Primary outcome measuresProportion of emergency admissions related to alcohol as defined by the admitting ED clinician.Secondary outcome measuresProportion of emergency admissions due to alcohol diagnosed with acute alcohol intoxication or CAD according to ICD-10 criteria.Results1152 (21.0%, 95% CI 19.9% to 22.0%) of emergency admissions were thought to be due to alcohol. 74.6% of patients admitted due to alcohol had CAD, and significantly greater than the 26.4% with ‘Severe’ or ‘Very Severe’ acute alcohol intoxication (p<0.001). Admissions due to alcohol differed to admissions not due to alcohol being on average younger (45 vs 56 years, p<0.001) more often male (73.4% vs 45.1% males, p<0.001) and more likely to have a diagnosis synonymous with alcohol or related to recreational drug use, pancreatitis, deliberate self-harm, head injury, gastritis, suicidal ideation, upper gastrointestinal bleeds or seizures (p<0.001). An increase in admissions due to alcohol on Saturdays reflects a surge in admissions with acute alcohol intoxication above the weekly average (p=0.003).ConclusionsAlcohol was thought to be implicated in 21% of emergency admissions in this cohort. CAD is responsible for a significantly greater proportion of admissions due to alcohol than acute intoxication. Interventions designed to reduce alcohol-related admissions must incorporate measures to tackle CAD.