bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of recombinant P23 protein as a vaccine for passive immunization of newborn calves against Cryptosporidium parvum
Authors: Askari N. , Shayan P. , Mokhber‐Dezfouli M.R. , Ebrahimzadeh E. , Lotfollahzadeh S. , Rostami A. , Amininia N. , Ragh M.J. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryCryptosporidiosis is a zoonotic protozoan disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract of animals and humans. Diarrhoea as the most important indication of the infection leads to high economic losses in livestock industries and is a life threatening infection in immunocompromised individuals. In the absence of the effective drugs, vaccine has an effective role in the prevention of infection. For this purpose we developed a vaccine utilizing recombinant P23 protein and immunized pregnant cows four times from 70 days to parturition every 2 weeks. After parturition, each calf received his dam colostrum and challenged with 1 × 107 Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts at 12 h of age. Results showed that in contrast with the control group, the antibody titre in the sera and first milking colostra of the immunized cows significantly increased and calves fed hyperimmune colostrum did not show cryptosporidiosis signs. Moreover, enriched colostrum not only reduced significantly the amount of oocyst excretion but also delayed its onset. Our study showed that recombinant P23 protein could be used for passive immunization of newborn calves against Cryptosporidium parvum.
PyMIF enhances the inflammatory response in a rodent model by stimulating CD11b+Ly6C+ cells accumulation in spleen
Authors: Liu J. , Shao D. , Lin Y. , Luo M. , Wang Z. , Yao M. , Hao X. , Wei C. , Gao Y. , Deng W. , Wang H. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryMacrophage migration inhibitory factor (PMIF) expressed by Plasmodium parasites has been proved to be similar to the mammalian MIF in both structure and biological activity and is a critical upstream regulator in antimalaria innate immunity. In this work, using a genetically modified (MIF‐KO) strain of highly lethal rodent Plasmodium yoelii 17XL (Py17XL), we found that PyMIF could increase the secretion of pro‐inflammatory factors by eliciting the CD11b+Ly6C+ cells accumulated in the spleen of infected mouse. In addition, the chemotactic effect of PyMIF was demonstrated to associate with cell receptors CXCR2, CXCR4 and the cell surface markers ICAM‐1, LFA‐4.
Infection site is predictive of outcome in acute lung injury associated with severe sepsis and septic shock
Authors: Fujishima Seitaro , Gando Satoshi , Daizoh Saitoh , Kushimoto Shigeki , Ogura Hiroshi , Mayumi Toshihiko , Takuma Kiyotsugu , Kotani Joji , Yamashita Norio , Tsuruta Ryosuke , Takeyama Naoshi , Shiraishi Shin‐ichiro , Araki Tsunetoshi , Suzuki Koichiro , Ikeda Hiroto , Miki Yasuo , Suzuki Yasushi , Yamaguchi Yoshihiro , Aikawa Naoki ,   Japanese Association for Acute Medicine Sepsis Registry (JAAM SR) Study Group
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackground and objectiveSepsis is a leading cause of acute lung injury (ALI); however, the characteristics and outcome of sepsis‐associated ALI are poorly understood. We aimed to elucidate factors that predict patient outcome in sepsis‐associated ALI.MethodsSecondary analysis of a multicenter, prospective, observational study was performed.ResultsAmong 624 patients with severe sepsis and septic shock, 251 (40.2%) fulfilled the definition of American–European Consensus Conference definition of ALI. All‐cause 28‐day and in‐hospital mortalities were 30.7% and 38.6%, respectively. More than 40% of ALI patients had neurological, cardiovascular and haematological dysfunctions or disseminated intravascular coagulation, all of which were associated with higher mortality. We report a significant correlation between infection site and mortality in patients with ALI, but not in those without ALI. The proportion of ALI was significantly higher in pulmonary sepsis; further, a complication of ALI was associated with higher mortality in sepsis from pulmonary and other sources, but not in abdominal sepsis. Among the other sepsis sites, urinary tract, central nervous system, catheter‐related and undetermined foci of infection had worse outcomes when associated with ALI. None of the individual severe sepsis bundles, including fluid resuscitation and early antibiotic administration, correlated with mortality. Compliance with a set of sepsis management bundles was associated with better outcomes.ConclusionIn severe sepsis and septic shock, the proportion and effect on outcome was not uniform among infection sites. The infection site was predictive of outcome in patients with ALI but not in those without ALI.
Ex Vivo Biomechanical Comparison of 4 Suture Materials for Laparoscopic Bladder Closure in the Horse
Authors: Ruzickova Pavlina , Burns Patrick , Piat Perrine , Frasch Martin G. , Beauchamp Guy , Elce Yvonne A. 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveTo compare a knotless, barbed suture to standard suture using laparoscopic suturing methods in an ex vivo model of equine bladder repair.Study DesignCadaveric study.Sample Population: Equine cadaver bladders (n=42).MethodsA 5‐cm incision was created and repaired in a laparoscopic training box with 4 different suture materials. Groups 1 and 2 used 2‐0 poliglecaprone and 2‐0 glycomer knotless, barbed suture, respectively, placed using laparoscopic instruments. Groups 3 and 4 used 0 and 2‐0 polyglyconate knotless, barbed suture, respectively, placed using an automated laparoscopic suturing device. All groups used a double‐layer inverting pattern. Time for suture placement was recorded. Bladders were inflated with water and bursting strength pressures recorded, including a control group of intact bladders. Statistical analysis using a linear model and taking into account the unequal variances was followed by a post‐hoc Tukey's test. Significance was set atP<.05.ResultsBursting strength did not vary significantly between treatment groups, but was significantly decreased compared to the control group (P<.001). Time to place the sutures with the 2 automated suture device groups (groups 3 and 4) was significantly faster than those in which the suture was placed using laparoscopic needle holders and forceps (groups 1 and 2;P=.001).ConclusionKnotless, barbed suture may be a viable alternative to standard suture material for laparoscopic closure of the urinary bladder in horses. Further cyclic and in vivo testing should be performed before use in clinical cases.
Current concepts related to hypertrophic scarring in burn injuries
Authors: Chiang Ryan S. , Borovikova Anna A. , King Kassandra , Banyard Derek A. , Lalezari Shadi , Toranto Jason D. , Paydar Keyianoosh Z. , Wirth Garrett A. , Evans Gregory R. D. , Widgerow Alan D. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTScarring following burn injury and its accompanying aesthetic and functional sequelae still pose major challenges. Hypertrophic scarring (HTS) can greatly impact patients' quality of life related to appearance, pain, pruritus and even loss of function of the injured body region. The identification of molecular events occurring in the evolution of the burn scar has increased our knowledge; however, this information has not yet translated into effective treatment modalities. Although many of the pathophysiologic pathways that bring about exaggerated scarring have been identified, certain nuances in burn scar formation are starting to be recognized. These include the effects of neurogenic inflammation, mechanotransduction, and the unique interactions of burn wound fluid with fat tissue in the deeper dermal layers, all of which may influence scarring outcome. Tension on the healing scar, pruritus, and pain all induce signaling pathways that ultimately result in increased collagen formation and myofibroblast phenotypic changes. Exposure of the fat domes in the deep dermis is associated with increased HTS, possibly on the basis of altered interaction of adipose‐derived stem cells and the deep burn exudate. These pathophysiologic patterns related to stem cell‐cytokine interactions, mechanotransduction, and neurogenic inflammation can provide new avenues of exploration for possible therapeutic interventions.
Insulin resistance: a new consequence of altered carotid body chemoreflex?
Authors: Conde Silvia V. , Ribeiro Maria J. , Melo Bernardete F. , Guarino Maria P. , Sacramento Joana F. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMetabolic diseases affect millions of individuals across the world and represent a group of chronic diseases of very high prevalence and relatively low therapeutic success, making them suitable candidates for pathophysiological studies. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) contributes to the regulation of energy balance and energy expenditure both in physiological and pathological states. For instance, drugs that stimulate sympathetic activity decrease food intake, increase resting metabolic rate and increase the thermogenic response to food, while pharmacological blockade of the SNS has opposite effects. Likewise, dysmetabolic features such as insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia and obesity are characterized by a basal overactivation of the SNS. Recently, a new line of research linking the SNS to metabolic diseases has emerged with the report that the carotid bodies (CBs) are involved in the development of insulin resistance. The CBs are arterial chemoreceptors that classically sense changes in arterial blood O2, CO2and pH levels and whose activity is known to be increased in rodent models of insulin resistance. We have shown that selective bilateral resection of the nerve of the CB, the carotid sinus nerve (CSN), totally prevents diet‐induced insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and sympathoadrenal overactivity. These results imply that the beneficial effects of CSN resection on insulin action and glucoregulation are modulated by target‐related efferent sympathetic nerves through a reflex that is initiated in the CBs. It also highlights modulation of CB activity as a putative future therapeutic intervention for metabolic diseases.image
Simulation of pseudo‐CT images based on deformable image registration of ultrasound images: A proof of concept for transabdominal ultrasound imaging of the prostate during radiotherapy
Authors: van der Meer Skadi , Camps Saskia M. , van Elmpt Wouter J. C. , Podesta Mark , Sanches Pedro Gomes , Vanneste Ben G. L. , Fontanarosa Davide , Verhaegen Frank 
Published: March 2016

Purpose:Imaging of patient anatomy during treatment is a necessity for position verification and for adaptive radiotherapy based on daily dose recalculation. Ultrasound (US) image guided radiotherapy systems are currently available to collect US images at the simulation stage (USsim), coregistered with the simulation computed tomography (CT), and during all treatment fractions. The authors hypothesize that a deformation field derived from US‐based deformable image registration can be used to create a daily pseudo‐CT (CTps) image that is more representative of the patients’ geometry during treatment than the CT acquired at simulation stage (CTsim).Methods:The three prostate patients, considered to evaluate this hypothesis, had coregistered CT and US scans on various days. In particular, two patients had two US–CT datasets each and the third one had five US–CT datasets. Deformation fields were computed between pairs of US images of the same patient and then applied to the corresponding USsim scan to yield a new deformed CTps scan. The original treatment plans were used to recalculate dose distributions in the simulation, deformed and ground truth CT (CTgt) images to compare dice similarity coefficients, maximum absolute distance, and mean absolute distance on CT delineations and gamma index (γ) evaluations on both the Hounsfield units (HUs) and the dose.Results:In the majority, deformation did improve the results for all three evaluation methods. The change in gamma failure for dose (γDose, 3%, 3 mm) ranged from an improvement of 11.2% in the prostate volume to a deterioration of 1.3% in the prostate and bladder. The change in gamma failure for the CT images (γCT, 50 HU, 3 mm) ranged from an improvement of 20.5% in the anus and rectum to a deterioration of 3.2% in the prostate.Conclusions:This new technique may generate CTps images that are more representative of the actual patient anatomy than the CTsim scan.
Technical Note: Cortical thickness and density estimation from clinical CT using a prior thickness‐density relationship
Authors: Humbert Ludovic , Hazrati Marangalou Javad , del Río Barquero Luis Miguel , van Lenthe G. Harry , van Rietbergen Bert 
Published: March 2016

Purpose:Cortical thickness and density are critical components in determining the strength of bony structures. Computed tomography (CT) is one possible modality for analyzing the cortex in 3D. In this paper, a model‐based approach for measuring the cortical bone thickness and density from clinical CT images is proposed.Methods:Density variations across the cortex were modeled as a function of the cortical thickness and density, location of the cortex, density of surrounding tissues, and imaging blur. High resolution micro‐CT data of cadaver proximal femurs were analyzed to determine a relationship between cortical thickness and density. This thickness‐density relationship was used as prior information to be incorporated in the model to obtain accurate measurements of cortical thickness and density from clinical CT volumes. The method was validated using micro‐CT scans of 23 cadaver proximal femurs. Simulated clinical CT images with different voxel sizes were generated from the micro‐CT data. Cortical thickness and density were estimated from the simulated images using the proposed method and compared with measurements obtained using the micro‐CT images to evaluate the effect of voxel size on the accuracy of the method. Then, 19 of the 23 specimens were imaged using a clinical CT scanner. Cortical thickness and density were estimated from the clinical CT images using the proposed method and compared with the micro‐CT measurements. Finally, a case‐control study including 20 patients with osteoporosis and 20 age‐matched controls with normal bone density was performed to evaluate the proposed method in a clinical context.Results:Cortical thickness (density) estimation errors were 0.07 ± 0.19 mm (−18 ± 92 mg/cm3) using the simulated clinical CT volumes with the smallest voxel size (0.33 × 0.33 × 0.5 mm3), and 0.10 ± 0.24 mm (−10 ± 115 mg/cm3) using the volumes with the largest voxel size (1.0 × 1.0 × 3.0 mm3). A trend for the cortical thickness and density estimation errors to increase with voxel size was observed and was more pronounced for thin cortices. Using clinical CT data for 19 of the 23 samples, mean errors of 0.18 ± 0.24 mm for the cortical thickness and 15 ± 106 mg/cm3 for the density were found. The case‐control study showed that osteoporotic patients had a thinner cortex and a lower cortical density, with average differences of −0.8 mm and −58.6 mg/cm3 at the proximal femur in comparison with age‐matched controls (p‐value < 0.001).Conclusions:This method might be a promising approach for the quantification of cortical bone thickness and density using clinical routine imaging techniques. Future work will concentrate on investigating how this approach can improve the estimation of mechanical strength of bony structures, the prevention of fracture, and the management of osteoporosis.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Turicibacter
sp. Strain H121, Isolated from the Feces of a Contaminated Germ-Free Mouse
Authors: Auchtung T. A. , Holder M. E. , Gesell J. R. , Ajami N. J. , Duarte R. T. D. , Itoh K. , Caspi R. R. , Petrosino J. F. , Horai R. , Zárate-Bladés C. R. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

Turicibacter
bacteria are commonly detected in the gastrointestinal tracts and feces of humans and animals, but their phylogeny, ecological role, and pathogenic potential remain unclear. We present here the first complete genome sequence of
Turicibacter
sp. strain H121, which was isolated from the feces of a mouse line contaminated following germ-free derivation.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Leuconostoc mesenteroides
406 Isolated from the Traditional Fermented Mare Milk Airag in Tuv Aimag, Mongolia
Authors: Morita Hidetoshi , Toh Hidehiro , Oshima Kenshiro , Nakano Akiyo , Hano Chihiro , Yoshida Saki , Nguyen Tien Thi Thuy , Wulijideligen  , Tashiro Kosuke , Arakawa Kensuke , Miyamoto Taku 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

Leuconostoc mesenteroides
406 was isolated from the traditional fermented mare milk airag in Tuv Aimag, Mongolia. This strain produces an antilisterial bacteriocin. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of this organism.
Commutability of Cytomegalovirus WHO International Standard in Different Matrices
Authors: Jones Sara , Webb Erika M. , Barry Catherine P. , Choi Won S. , Abravaya Klara B. , Schneider George J. , Ho Shiaolan Y. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT
Commutability of quantitative standards allows patient results to be compared across molecular diagnostic methods and laboratories. This is critical to establishing quantitative thresholds for use in clinical decision-making. A matrix effect associated with the 1st cytomegalovirus (CMV) WHO international standard (IS) was identified using the Abbott RealTime CMV assay. A commutability study was performed to compare the CMV WHO IS and patient specimens diluted in plasma and whole blood. Patient specimens showed similar CMV DNA quantitation values regardless of the diluent or extraction procedure used. The CMV WHO IS, on the other hand, exhibited a matrix effect. The CMV concentration reported for the WHO IS diluted in plasma was within the 95% prediction interval established with patient samples. In contrast, the reported DNA concentration of the CMV WHO IS diluted in whole blood was reduced approximately 0.4 log copies/ml, and values fell outside the 95% prediction interval. Calibrating the assay by using the CMV WHO IS diluted in whole blood would introduce a bias for CMV whole-blood quantitation; samples would be reported as having higher measured concentrations, by approximately 0.4 log IU/ml. Based on the commutability study with patient samples, the RealTime CMV assay was standardized based on the CMV WHO IS diluted in plasma. A revision of the instructions for use of the CMV WHO IS should be considered to alert users of the potential impact from the diluent matrix. The identification of a matrix effect with the CMV WHO IS underscores the importance of assessing commutability of the IS in order to achieve consistent results across methods.
Mapping the Specific Amino Acid Residues That Make Hamster DPP4 Functional as a Receptor for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
Authors: van Doremalen Neeltje , Miazgowicz Kerri L. , Munster Vincent J. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT
The novel emerging coronavirus Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) binds to its receptor, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), via 14 interacting amino acids. We previously showed that if the five interacting amino acids which differ between hamster and human DPP4 are changed to the residues found in human DPP4, hamster DPP4 does act as a receptor. Here, we show that the functionality of hamster DPP4 as a receptor is severely decreased if less than 4 out of 5 amino acids are changed.

IMPORTANCE
The novel emerging coronavirus MERS-CoV has infected >1,600 people worldwide, and the case fatality rate is ∼36%. In this study, we show that by changing 4 amino acids in hamster DPP4, this protein functions as a receptor for MERS-CoV. This work is vital in the development of new small-animal models, which will broaden our understanding of MERS-CoV and be instrumental in the development of countermeasures.
A qualitative study of sleep quality in children and their resident parents when in hospital
Authors: Stickland Alice , Clayton Esther , Sankey Ruth , Hill Catherine M 
Published: March 2016

ObjectivePoor sleep quality impairs immune responses and pain tolerance, both key to recovery from acute illness. Hospitalised children and their co-sleeping parents also risk emotional lability and impaired coping skills when sleep-deprived. We aimed to study the experiences of children and parents during hospital admissions.DesignSemi-structured interviews were conducted with parents within a week of their child's discharge. Questions explored parent and child sleep quality, factors contributing to this, perceived impact on day-time functioning and suggested improvements to ward sleep environment.SettingSouthampton Children's Hospital, UK.Patients17 co-sleeping parents of 16 children aged 3–12 years completed interviews. Children admitted for surgical procedures and those with established sleep disorders or nocturnal seizures were excluded.Main outcome measuresConstant comparative methods identified themes within the data using a grounded theory approach.ResultsParents reported that they, and to a lesser extent their children, experienced reduced sleep quality. Noise and light as well as ward schedules were identified as key factors disrupting sleep. Parents reported that lack of sleep caused difficulties with their own emotional regulation and that of their child, affecting daytime parent–child relationships. Furthermore, they reported a negative impact of sleep deprivation on decision-making about their child's medical care.ConclusionsParents identified poor sleep in hospital as a significant additional burden to their child's hospital admission. Importantly, they identified potential improvements to the ward sleep environment. Intervention studies that target modifiable, child-centred alterations to night-time ward culture are recommended, focusing on measurable child and parental outcomes.
Implementation of the trigger review method in Scottish general practices: patient safety outcomes and potential for quality improvement
Authors: de Wet Carl , Black Chris , Luty Sarah , McKay John , O'Donnell Catherine A , Bowie Paul 
Published: March 2016

ObjectivesTo report the implementation of a trigger review method (TRM) in primary care, with a particular focus on its impact on patient safety-related findings.DesignCross-sectional structured review of random samples (n=25) of electronic records of ‘high-risk’ patient groups conducted twice per year (each for a retrospective review period of 3 months).Setting274 general practices in two regions of Scotland.InterventionContractual incentivisation of TRM implementation.Main outcome measuresPractice participation rate; characteristics of patient safety incidents (PSIs), for example, their prevalence, type, perceived severity and preventability; and actions or intended actions undertaken during and after trigger reviews.Results274 of 318 eligible practices (86.2%) returned 536 TRM Summary Reports, which outlined findings from reviews of 13 351 electronic patient records. 1887 (14.1%) PSIs were recorded, with a mean of 3.5 (536/1887) per Summary Report (SD±1.6). Of these, 830 (44.0%) were judged to have caused mild to moderate harm, with 262 (13.9%) cases resulting in more severe harm. A total of 852 PSIs (46.2%) were rated as preventable or potentially preventable. In 459 Summary Reports (85.6%), reviewers indicated implementing one or more improvement actionsduringthe actual TRM process; and 2177 actionsaftercompletion of the TRM process (mean 4.1 (SD±3.3) actions per review).ConclusionsThe great majority of clinician reviewers ‘successfully’ applied the TRM, uncovering important but previously undetected PSIs, which prompted care teams to take action during and after the trigger reviews. The method and data generated have the potential to drive improvements in related care processes at the practice, regional and national health system level. TRM arguably increased ‘ownership’ of the safety challenge and clinician engagement in implementing their solutions to specific problems identified. Our results suggest that the TRM has potential as a feasible, pragmatic approach to improving primary care safety and quality.