bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Salivary scintigraphy for Sjögren's syndrome in patients with xerostomia: A retrospective study
Authors: Nadal M , Levy M , Bakhsh A , Joly A , Maruani A , Vaillant L , Erra B , Samimi M 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesThe value of salivary gland scintigraphy in the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome remains controversial. The primary aim of this study was to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of salivary gland scintigraphy in the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome among 237 patients with xerostomia.MethodsWe retrospectively compared eight scintigraphy parameters between 106 Sjögren patients and 131 non‐Sjögren patients.ResultsSeven of the eight parameters were significantly decreased in patients with Sjögren; however, their diagnostic accuracy was low, with areas under the curves (AUCs) ranging from 0.58 (95% CI 0.50‐0.65) to 0.63 (95% CI: 0.55‐0.70). The prestimulatory oral activity index allowed discrimination between primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome (AUC 0.73, 95% CI: 0.62‐0.84), and the secretion velocity for parotid glands allowed discrimination between patients with Sjögren and burning mouth syndrome (AUC 0.71, 95% CI 0.59‐0.82).ConclusionThe accuracy of scintigraphy parameters for the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome among patients with xerostomia was low; however, some functional indices appeared to assist discrimination between primary and secondary SS patients and between subgroups of patients with different causes of xerostomia.
Biological and molecular characterization of citrus tatter leaf virus in Taiwan
Authors: Lin C.‐Y. , Chang L. , Lin Y.‐H. , Cheng H.‐J. , Wu M.‐L. , Hung T.‐H. 
Published: November 2017

Citrus tatter leaf virus (CTLV) causes chlorotic leaves with bud union incompatibility in citrus scion and its current incidence in Taiwan is 65%. However, the burden of infection has long been underestimated due to its common latency, and the serious threat of tatter leaf disease should be investigated and addressed without delay. Here, the biological characteristics and genome sequences of Taiwanese isolates are evaluated. Full‐length sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of three local isolates revealed similarities with isolates from neighbouring countries, indicating their possible origins. Two mild isolates obtained from Liuchen sweet orange (LCd‐NA‐1) and kumquat (Kq‐6‐2‐46) were inoculated on indicator plants and exhibited differences in foliar symptom expression and temperature tolerance compared with foreign isolates causing severe disease. Improved quantitative PCR‐based detection methods using redesigned primer pairs indicated high sensitivity and specificity for both local and foreign isolates. Similar but delayed systemic symptoms were observed when wildtype virus in vitro transcripts generated from a full‐length infectious clone of the Ponkan mandarin isolate (pCTLV‐Pk‐8) were inoculated on Chenopodium quinoa. These symptoms were unevenly distributed and highly concentrated on the inoculated sides of leaves and top leaves. A single codon mutation (U5642C) in the coat protein transcription start site in the pCTLV‐Pk‐8 sequence resulted in defective systemic infection, indicating a role for the coat protein in viral movement. The combination of biological assays, improved detection and infectious clone construction provides comprehensive information and a foundation for citrus virus management and further research.
An Investigation of Factors Affecting the Employees' Quality of Work Life and Assessment of the Status of These Factors
Authors: Mohammadi Hamed , Tavakoli Mahsa , Yazdanian Sahar , Babaei Mohammad 
Published: November 2017

The present study investigated the factors affecting the quality of work life of employees and assessed the status of these components in Mazandaran Gas Company. The population of this study included the employees of this company, and statistical sample involved 329 employees. Walton model was used to study the quality of work life components. To analyze data, test research hypotheses, and assess the status of components, the Chi-square test, Wilcoxon, Friedman, and confirmatory factor analysis were used. The results revealed that fair and appropriate compensation, providing opportunities for continued growth and safety, social relevance of work life, and development of human capacities were at a good status, and healthy and safe environment as well as social cohesion and integration were at an average status, and total space of life and constitutionalism were at an adverse status.
The suprachiasmatic nucleus drives day–night variations in postprandial triglyceride uptake into skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue
Authors: Moran‐Ramos Sofía , Guerrero‐Vargas Natali N. , Mendez‐Hernandez Rebeca , Basualdo Maria del Carmen , Escobar Carolina , Buijs Ruud M. 
Published: November 2017

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
What are the factors influencing day–night variations in postprandial triglycerides?

What is the main finding and its importance?
Rats show low postprandial plasma triglyceride concentrations early in the active period that are attributable to a higher uptake by skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue. We show that these day–night variations in uptake are driven by the suprachiasmatic nucleus, probably via a Rev‐erbα‐mediated mechanism and independent of locomotor activity. These findings highlight that the suprachiasmatic nucleus has a major role in day–night variations in plasma triglycerides and that disturbances in our biological clock might be an important risk factor contributing to development of postprandial hyperlipidaemia.

Energy metabolism follows a diurnal pattern, mainly driven by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), and disruption of circadian regulation has been linked to metabolic abnormalities. Indeed, epidemiological evidence shows that night work is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and postprandial hyperlipidaemia is an important contributor. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate the factors that drive day–night variations in postprandial triglycerides (TGs). Intact and SCN‐lesioned male Wistar rats were subjected to an oral fat challenge during the beginning of the rest phase (day) or the beginning of the active phase (night). The plasma TG profile was evaluated and tissue TG uptake assayed. After the fat challenge, intact rats showed lower postprandial plasma TG concentrations early in the night when compared with the day. However, no differences were observed in the rate of intestinal TG secretion between day and night. Instead, there was a higher uptake of TG by skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue early in the active phase (night) when compared with the rest phase (day), and these variations were abolished in rats bearing bilateral SCN lesions. Rev‐erbα gene expression suggests this as a possible mediator of the mechanism linking the SCN and day–night variations in TG uptake. These findings show that the SCN has a major role in day–night variations in plasma TGs by promoting TG uptake into skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue. Consequently, disturbance of the biological clock might be an important risk factor contributing to the development of hyperlipidaemia.
Translating carotid body function into clinical medicine
Authors: Iturriaga Rodrigo 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe carotid body (CB) is considered the main O2 chemoreceptor, which contributes to cardiorespiratory homeostasis and ventilatory acclimatization. In clinical medicine, the most common pathologies associated with the CB are tumours. However, a growing body of evidence supports the novel idea that an enhanced CB chemosensory discharge contributes to the autonomic dysfunction and pathological consequences in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), hypertension, systolic heart failure (HF) and cardiometabolic diseases. Heightened CB chemosensory reactivity elicited by oxidative stress has been involved in sympathetic hyperactivity, cardiorespiratory instability, hypertension and insulin resistance. CB ablation, which reduces sympathetic hyperactivity, decreases hypertension in animal models of OSA and hypertension, eliminates breathing instability and improves animal survival in HF, and restores insulin tolerance in cardiometabolic models. Thus, data obtained from preclinical studies highlight the importance of the CB in the progression of sympathetic‐related diseases, supporting the idea that appeasing the enhanced CB chemosensory drive may be useful in improving cardiovascular, respiratory and endocrine alterations. Accordingly, CB ablation has been proposed and used as a treatment for moderating resistant hypertension and HF‐induced sympathetic hyperactivity in humans. First‐in‐human studies have shown that CB ablation reduces sympathetic overactivity, transiently reduces severe hypertension and improves quality of life in HF patients. Thus, CB ablation would be a useful therapy to reverse sympathetic overactivation in HF and severe hypertension, but caution is required before it is widely used due to the crucial physiological function played by the CB. Further studies in preclinical models are required to assess side‐effects of CB ablation.
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Total Laboratory Automation and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry Improve Turnaround Times in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory: a Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Theparee Talent , Das Sanchita , Thomson Richard B. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Technological advances have changed the practice of clinical microbiology. We implemented Bruker matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and BD Kiestra total laboratory automation (TLA) 4 and 3 years ago, respectively. To assess the impact of these new technologies, we compared turnaround times (TATs) for positive and negative urine cultures before and after implementation. In comparison I, TATs for 61,157 urine cultures were extracted for two periods corresponding to pre-TLA and post-TLA, both using MALDI-TOF MS for organism identification. In comparison II, time to organism identification (ID) and antimicrobial susceptibility (AST) reports were calculated for 5,402 positive culture reports representing four different periods: (i) manual plating and conventional biochemical identification (CONV), (ii) manual plating and MALDI-TOF MS identification (MALDI), (iii) MALDI-TOF MS identification and early phase implementation of TLA (TLA1), and (iv) MALDI-TOF MS identification and late phase implementation of TLA (TLA2). By the comparison I results, median pre- and post-TLA TATs to organism IDs (18.5 to 16.9 h), AST results (41.8 to 40.8 h), and preliminary results for negative cultures (17.7 to 13.6 h), including interquartile ranges for all comparisons, were significantly decreased post-TLA (
P
< 0.001). By the comparison II results, MALDI significantly improved TAT to organism ID compared to CONV (21.3 to 18 h). TLA further improved overall TAT to ID (18 to 16.5 h) and AST (42.3 to 40.7 h) results compared to MALDI (
P
< 0.001). In summary, TLA significantly improved TAT to organism ID, AST report, and preliminary negative results. MALDI-TOF MS significantly improved TAT for organism ID. Use of MALDI-TOF MS and TLA individually and together results in significant decreases in microbiology report TATs.
Imaging of Cellular Oxidoreductase Activity Suggests Mixotrophic Metabolisms in
Thiomargarita
spp
Authors: Bailey Jake V. , Flood Beverly E. , Ricci Elizabeth , Delherbe Nathalie 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

The largest known bacteria,
Thiomargarita
spp., have yet to be isolated in pure culture, but their large size allows for individual cells to be monitored in time course experiments or to be individually sorted for omics-based investigations. Here we investigated the metabolism of individual cells of
Thiomargarita
spp. by using a novel application of a tetrazolium-based dye that measures oxidoreductase activity. When coupled with microscopy, staining of the cells with a tetrazolium-formazan dye allows metabolic responses in
Thiomargarita
spp. to be to be tracked in the absence of observable cell division. Additionally, the metabolic activity of
Thiomargarita
sp. cells can be differentiated from the metabolism of other microbes in specimens that contain adherent bacteria. The results of our redox dye-based assay suggest that
Thiomargarita
is the most metabolically versatile under anoxic conditions, where it appears to express cellular oxidoreductase activity in response to the electron donors succinate, acetate, citrate, formate, thiosulfate, H
2
, and H
2
S. Under hypoxic conditions, formazan staining results suggest the metabolism of succinate and likely acetate, citrate, and H
2
S. Cells incubated under oxic conditions showed the weakest formazan staining response, and then only to H
2
S, citrate, and perhaps succinate. These results provide experimental validation of recent genomic studies of
Candidatus
Thiomargarita nelsonii that suggest metabolic plasticity and mixotrophic metabolism. The cellular oxidoreductase response of bacteria attached to the exterior of
Thiomargarita
also supports the possibility of trophic interactions between these largest of known bacteria and attached epibionts.

IMPORTANCE
The metabolic potential of many microorganisms that cannot be grown in the laboratory is known only from genomic data. Genomes of
Thiomargarita
spp. suggest that these largest of known bacteria are mixotrophs, combining lithotrophic metabolism with organic carbon degradation. Our use of a redox-sensitive tetrazolium dye to query the metabolism of these bacteria provides an independent line of evidence that corroborates the apparent metabolic plasticity of
Thiomargarita
observed in recently produced genomes. Finding new cultivation-independent means of testing genomic results is critical to testing genome-derived hypotheses on the metabolic potentials of uncultivated microorganisms.
Mechanisms of Surface Antigenic Variation in the Human Pathogenic Fungus
Pneumocystis jirovecii
Authors: Schmid-Siegert Emanuel , Richard Sophie , Luraschi Amanda , Mühlethaler Konrad , Pagni Marco , Hauser Philippe M. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Microbial pathogens commonly escape the human immune system by varying surface proteins. We investigated the mechanisms used for that purpose by
Pneumocystis jirovecii
. This uncultivable fungus is an obligate pulmonary pathogen that in immunocompromised individuals causes pneumonia, a major life-threatening infection. Long-read PacBio sequencing was used to assemble a core of subtelomeres of a single
P. jirovecii
strain from a bronchoalveolar lavage fluid specimen from a single patient. A total of 113 genes encoding surface proteins were identified, including 28 pseudogenes. These genes formed a subtelomeric gene superfamily, which included five families encoding adhesive glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored glycoproteins and one family encoding excreted glycoproteins. Numerical analyses suggested that diversification of the glycoproteins relies on mosaic genes created by ectopic recombination and occurs only within each family. DNA motifs suggested that all genes are expressed independently, except those of the family encoding the most abundant surface glycoproteins, which are subject to mutually exclusive expression. PCR analyses showed that exchange of the expressed gene of the latter family occurs frequently, possibly favored by the location of the genes proximal to the telomere because this allows concomitant telomere exchange. Our observations suggest that (i) the
P. jirovecii
cell surface is made of a complex mixture of different surface proteins, with a majority of a single isoform of the most abundant glycoprotein, (ii) genetic mosaicism within each family ensures variation of the glycoproteins, and (iii) the strategy of the fungus consists of the continuous production of new subpopulations composed of cells that are antigenically different.

IMPORTANCE
Pneumocystis jirovecii
is a fungus causing severe pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals. It is the second most frequent life-threatening invasive fungal infection. We have studied the mechanisms of antigenic variation used by this pathogen to escape the human immune system, a strategy commonly used by pathogenic microorganisms. Using a new DNA sequencing technology generating long reads, we could characterize the highly repetitive gene families encoding the proteins that are present on the cellular surface of this pest. These gene families are localized in the regions close to the ends of all chromosomes, the subtelomeres. Such chromosomal localization was found to favor genetic recombinations between members of each gene family and to allow diversification of these proteins continuously over time. This pathogen seems to use a strategy of antigenic variation consisting of the continuous production of new subpopulations composed of cells that are antigenically different. Such a strategy is unique among human pathogens.
An
Alphavirus
E2 Membrane-Proximal Domain Promotes Envelope Protein Lateral Interactions and Virus Budding
Authors: Byrd Emily A. , Kielian Margaret 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Alphaviruses are members of a group of small enveloped RNA viruses that includes important human pathogens such as Chikungunya virus and the equine encephalitis viruses. The virus membrane is covered by a lattice composed of 80 spikes, each a trimer of heterodimers of the E2 and E1 transmembrane proteins. During virus endocytic entry, the E1 glycoprotein mediates the low-pH-dependent fusion of the virus membrane with the endosome membrane, thus initiating virus infection. While much is known about E1 structural rearrangements during membrane fusion, it is unclear how the E1/E2 dimer dissociates, a step required for the fusion reaction. A recent
Alphavirus
cryo-electron microscopy reconstruction revealed a previously unidentified D subdomain in the E2 ectodomain, close to the virus membrane. A loop within this region, here referred to as the D-loop, contains two highly conserved histidines, H348 and H352, which were hypothesized to play a role in dimer dissociation. We generated Semliki Forest virus mutants containing the single and double alanine substitutions H348A, H352A, and H348/352A. The three D-loop mutations caused a reduction in virus growth ranging from 1.6 to 2 log but did not significantly affect structural protein biosynthesis or transport, dimer stability, virus fusion, or specific infectivity. Instead, growth reduction was due to inhibition of a late stage of virus assembly at the plasma membrane. The virus particles that are produced show reduced thermostability compared to the wild type. We propose the E2 D-loop as a key region in establishing the E1-E2 contacts that drive glycoprotein lattice formation and promote
Alphavirus
budding from the plasma membrane.

IMPORTANCE
Alphavirus
infection causes severe and debilitating human diseases for which there are no effective antiviral therapies or vaccines. In order to develop targeted therapeutics, detailed molecular understanding of the viral entry and exit mechanisms is required. In this report, we define the role of the E2 protein juxtamembrane D-loop, which contains highly conserved histidine residues at positions 348 and 352. These histidines do not play an important role in virus fusion and infection. However, mutation of the D-loop histidines causes significant decreases in the assembly and thermostability of
Alphavirus
particles. Our results suggest that the E2 D-loop interacts with the E1 protein to promote
Alphavirus
budding.
High circulating plasma dipeptidyl peptidase- 4 levels in non-obese Asian Indians with type 2 diabetes correlate with fasting insulin and LDL-C levels, triceps skinfolds, total intra-abdominal adipose tissue volume and presence of diabetes: a case–control study
Authors: Anoop Shajith , Misra Anoop , Bhatt Surya Prakash , Gulati Seema , Pandey Ravindra Mohan , Mahajan Harsh 
Published: November 2017

AimTo evaluate circulating plasma dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) levels in non-obese Asian Indians with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to correlate these with metabolic profile and measures of anthropometry, skinfolds, abdominal adipose tissue depots, pancreatic volume, and liver span.MethodologyNon-obese (body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m2) patients with T2DM (cases,n=93), diagnosed within 1 year from recruitment, on metformin therapy and BMI-matched, and non-diabetic subjects (controls, n=40) were compared. Measurements of blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, plasma insulin levels, lipid profile, hepatic transaminases and plasma DPP4 levels, and quantification of abdominal fat depots, pancreatic volume and liver span (MRI scan), were done.ResultsSignificantly higher (p<0.001) circulating plasma DPP4 levels were observed in cases as compared to controls. Specifically, in patients with T2DM with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (n=48), the mean plasma DPP4 level (52.6±27.8 ng/mL) was significantly higher (p<0.05) as compared with those without NAFLD (n=43; 47±28.3 ng/mL). Significant positive correlation was observed for circulating plasma DPP4 levels with waist-to-hip ratio, total intra-abdominal adipose volume, and liver span. Fasting serum insulin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triceps skinfolds, total intra-abdominal adipose tissue volume and presence of T2DM were significant determinants of circulating plasma DPP4 levels.ConclusionNon-obese Asian Indian patients with T2DM and on metformin therapy have significantly higher circulating plasma DPP4 levels as compared to non-obese non-diabetic controls, and these levels correlate with fasting insulin and LDL-C levels, upper limb subcutaneous adipose tissue, intra-abdominal adiposity and presence of diabetes.
Preinjury ASA score as an independent predictor of readmission after major traumatic injury
Authors: Tran Alexandre , Mai Trinh , El-Haddad Julie , Lampron Jacinthe , Yelle Jean-Denis , Pagliarello Giuseppe , Matar Maher 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundPatients with trauma have a high predisposition for readmission after discharge. Unplanned solicitation of medical services is a validated quality of care indicator and is associated with considerable economic costs. While the existing literature emphasizes the severity of the injury, there is heterogeneity in defining preinjury health status. We evaluate the validity of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status score as an independent predictor of readmission and compare it to the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).MethodsThis is a single center, retrospective cohort study based on adult patients (>18 years of age) with trauma admitted to the Ottawa Hospital from January 1, 2004 to November 1, 2014. A multivariate logistic regression model is used to control for confounding and assess individual predictors. Outcome is readmission to hospital within 30 days, 3 months and 6 months.ResultsA total of 4732 adult patients were included in this analysis. Readmission rates were 6.5%, 9.6% and 11.8% for 30 days, 3 months and 6 months, respectively. Higher preinjury ASA scores demonstrated significantly increased risk of readmission across all levels in a dose-dependent manner for all time frames. The effect of preinjury ASA scores on readmission is most striking at 30 days, with patients demonstrating a 2.81 (1.88–4.22, P<0.0001), 3.59 (2.43–5.32, P<0.0001) and 7.52 (4.72–11.99, P<0.0001) fold odds of readmission for ASA class 2, 3 and 4, respectively, as compared with healthy ASA class 1 patients. The ASA scores outperformed the CCI at 30 days and 3 months.ConclusionsThe preinjury ASA score is a strong independent predictor of readmission after traumatic injury. In comparison to the CCI, the preinjury ASA score was a better predictor of readmission at 3 and 6 months after a major traumatic injury.Level of EvidencePrognostic and Epidemiological Study, Level III.