bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biological false‐positive venereal disease research laboratory test in cerebrospinal fluid in the diagnosis of neurosyphilis – a case‐control study
Authors: Zheng S. , Lin R.J. , Chan Y.H. , Ngan C.C.L. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundThere is no clear consensus on the diagnosis of neurosyphilis. The Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has traditionally been considered the gold standard for diagnosing neurosyphilis but is widely known to be insensitive.ObjectiveIn this study, we compared the clinical and laboratory characteristics of true‐positive VDRL‐CSF cases with biological false‐positive VDRL‐CSF cases.MethodsWe retrospectively identified cases of true and false‐positive VDRL‐CSF across a 3‐year period received by the Immunology and Serology Laboratory, Singapore General Hospital. A biological false‐positive VDRL‐CSF is defined as a reactive VDRL‐CSF with a non‐reactive Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA)‐CSF and/or negative Line Immuno Assay (LIA)‐CSF IgG. A true‐positive VDRL‐CSF is a reactive VDRL‐CSF with a concordant reactive TPPA‐CSF and/or positive LIA‐CSF IgG.ResultsDuring the study period, a total of 1254 specimens underwent VDRL‐CSF examination. Amongst these, 60 specimens from 53 patients tested positive for VDRL‐CSF. Of the 53 patients, 42 (79.2%) were true‐positive cases and 11 (20.8%) were false‐positive cases. In our setting, a positive non‐treponemal serology has 97.6% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value and 91.7% negative predictive value for a true‐positive VDRL‐CSF based on our laboratory definition. HIV seropositivity was an independent predictor of a true‐positive VDRL‐CSF.ConclusionBiological false‐positive VDRL‐CSF is common in a setting where patients are tested without first establishing a serological diagnosis of syphilis. Serological testing should be performed prior to CSF evaluation for neurosyphilis.
Testing hypotheses for maternal effects inDaphnia magna
Authors: Coakley C. M. , Nestoros E. , Little T. J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMaternal effects are widely observed, but their adaptive nature remains difficult to describe and interpret. We investigated adaptive maternal effects in a clone of the crustaceanDaphnia magna,experimentally varying both maternal age and maternal food and subsequently varying food available to offspring. We had two main predictions: that offspring in a food environment matched to their mothers should fare better than offspring in unmatched environments, and that offspring of older mothers would fare better in low food environments. We detected numerous maternal effects, for example offspring of poorly fed mothers were large, whereas offspring of older mothers were both large and showed an earlier age at first reproduction. However, these maternal effects did not clearly translate into the predicted differences in reproduction. Thus, our predictions about adaptive maternal effects in response to food variation were not met in this genotype of Daphnia magna.
Probing the effect of polymer molecular weight on penetration into the wood cell wall using polyethylenimine (PEI) as a model compound
Authors: DORVEL BRIAN , BOOPALACHANDRAN PRAVEENKUMAR , CHEN IDA , BOWLING ANDREW , WILLIAMS KERRY , KING STEVE 
Published: November 2017

SummaryDecking is one of the largest applications for the treated wood market. The most challenging property to obtain for treated wood is dimensional stability, which can be achieved, in part, by cell wall bulking, cell wall polymer crosslinking and removal of hygroscopic components in the cell wall. A commonly accepted key requirement is for the actives to infuse through the cell wall, which has a microporosity of ∼5–13 nm. Equally as challenging is being able to measure and quantify the cell wall penetration. Branched polyethylenimine (PEI) was studied as a model polymer for penetration due to its water solubility, polarity, variable molecular weight ranges, and ability to form a chelation complex with preservative metals to treat lumbers. Two different molecular weight polyethylenimines (PEI), one with a weight average molecular weight (Mw) equal to 800 Da and the other 750 000 Da, were investigated for penetration by microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. Analytical methods were developed to both create smooth interfaces and for relative quantitation and visualisation of PEI penetration into the wood. The results showed both PEI with Mw of 800 Da and PEI with Mw of 750 000 Da coated the lumens in high density. However, only the PEI with Mw of 800 appeared to penetrate the cell walls in sufficient levels. Literature has shown the hydrodynamic radii of PEI 750 000 is near 29 nm, whereas a smaller PEI at 25 K showed 4.5 nm. Most importantly the results, based on methods developed, show how molecular weight and tertiary structure of the polymer can affect its penetration, with the microporosity of the wood being the main barrier.
Nursing Gender Pay Differentials in the New Millennium
Authors: Wilson Barbara L. , Butler Matthew J. , Butler Richard J. , Johnson William G. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe gender pay gap in the United States is an ongoing issue, affecting women in nearly all occupations. Jobs traditionally associated with men tend to pay better than traditionally female‐dominated jobs, and there is evidence to suggest within‐occupation gender pay differences as well.PurposeWe compared and contrasted gender wage disparities for registered nurses (RNs), relative to gender wage disparities for another female‐dominated occupation, teachers, while controlling for sociodemographic factors.MethodsUsing data in the American Community Survey, we analyzed the largest U.S. random representative sample of self‐identified RNs and primary or secondary school teachers from 2000 to 2013 using fixed‐effects regression analysis.ResultsThere is greater disparity between nurse pay by gender than in teacher pay by gender. In addition, the net return in wages for additional education is higher for school teachers (21.7%) than for RNs (4.7%).ConclusionsFindings support preferential wages for men in nursing, more so than for men in teaching.Clinical RelevanceThe substantial gender disparities are an indirect measure of the misallocation of resources in effective patient care.
Panama disease and contract farming in the Philippines: Towards a political ecology of risk
Authors: de la Cruz Jaye , Jansen Kees 
Published: November 2017

AbstractDespite the vast research on contract farming by agrarian scholars, little is known about interactions between biological risks and the social–political effects of contracts. This study analysed contract farming arrangements in the export banana industry in the Philippines amidst an expanding epidemic of Panama disease. We developed a political ecology of risk approach to investigate how ideas about technological and biological risks are influenced by contractual arrangements, and we borrowed from Cultural Theory the insight that risk and blame are connected concepts, always political, and disadvantage marginalized groups through disproportionate risk burdens. Data collection involved the study of contracts, interviews with decision‐makers, and focus group discussions with agrarian cooperatives. The views of both large corporations as well as organized smallholders were recorded. We found that the former contractually compel the latter to bear the burden of the disease, while blaming them for its spread. Risk decisions were embedded in the dynamics of agrarian social relationships, and economic and political arrangements between actors influenced possibilities and limitations for disease control. We argue that the contractual stipulations, in concert with blaming processes, create a discursive environment that both allow inequitable relations to remain unquestioned, and constrain possibilities for control of Panama disease.
Text messaging approach improves weight loss in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized study
Authors: Axley Page , Kodali Sudha , Kuo Yong‐Fang , Ravi Sujan , Seay Toni , Parikh Nina M. , Singal Ashwani K. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as the most common liver disease. The only effective treatment is 7%‐10% weight loss. Mobile technology is increasingly used in weight management. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of text messaging intervention on weight loss in patients with NAFLD.MethodsThirty well‐defined NAFLD patients (mean age 52 years, 67% females, mean BMI 38) were randomized 1:1 to control group: counselling on healthy diet and exercise, or intervention group: text messages in addition to healthy life style counselling. NAFLD text messaging program sent weekly messages for 22 weeks on healthy life style education. Primary outcome was change in weight. Secondary outcomes were changes in liver enzymes and lipid profile.ResultsIntervention group lost an average of 6.9 lbs. (P = .03) compared to gain of 1.8 lbs. in the control group (P = .45). Intervention group also showed a decrease in ALT level (−12.5 IU/L, P = .035) and improvement in serum triglycerides (−28 mg/dL, P = .048). There were no changes in the control group on serum ALT level (−6.1 IU/L, P = .46) and on serum triglycerides (−20.3 mg/dL P = .27). Using one‐way analysis of variance, change in outcomes in intervention group compared to control group was significant for weight (P = .02) and BMI (P = .02).ConclusionsText messaging on healthy life style is associated with reduction in weight in NAFLD patients. Larger studies are suggested to examine benefits on liver histology, and assess long‐term impact of this approach in patients with NAFLD.
Living quarters of a living fossil—Uncovering the current distribution pattern of the rediscovered Hula painted frog (Latonia nigriventer) using environmental DNA
Authors: Renan Sharon , Gafny Sarig , Perl R. G. Bina , Roll Uri , Malka Yoram , Vences Miguel , Geffen Eli 
Published: November 2017

AbstractOne of the greatest challenges of effective conservation measures is the correct identification of sites where rare and elusive organisms reside. The recently rediscovered Hula painted frog (Latonia nigriventer) has not been seen for many decades and was therefore categorized extinct. Since its rediscovery in 2011, individuals from the critically endangered species have been found, with great effort, only in four restricted sites. We applied the environmental DNA (eDNA) approach to search for new populations of the Hula painted frog in suitable aquatic habitats. We further used the eDNA data to classify the landscape factors associated with the species distribution and to predict its suitable habitats. We sampled 52 aquatic sites in the Hula Valley during the spring of 2015 and 2016 and amplified the samples with a species‐specific qPCR assay. DNA of the Hula painted frog was detected in 22 of the sites, all of which clustered within three main areas. A boosting classification model showed that soil type, vegetation cover and the current and former habitats are all key predictors of the frog's current distribution. Intriguingly, the habitat suitability models reveal a high affinity of the species to its long‐lost habitat of the historical wetlands. Our findings encourage a series of informed searches for new populations of this threatened frog and provide guidance for future conservation management programmes. In the era of global conservation crisis of amphibians, developing the eDNA approach, a reliable detection method for many critically endangered and elusive amphibians, is of particular importance.
Expanding the paradigm for the outer membrane: Acinetobacter baumannii in the absence of endotoxin
Authors: Powers Matthew Joseph , Trent M. Stephen 
Published: November 2017

SummaryAsymmetry in the outer membrane has long defined the cell envelope of Gram‐negative bacteria. This asymmetry, with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or lipooligosaccharide (LOS) exclusively in the outer leaflet of the membrane, establishes an impermeable barrier that protects the cell from a number of stressors in the environment. Work done over the past 5 years has shown that Acinetobacter baumannii has the remarkable capability to survive with inactivated production of lipid A biosynthesis and the absence of LOS in its outer membrane. The implications of LOS‐deficient A. baumannii are far‐reaching – from impacts on cell envelope biogenesis and maintenance, bacterial physiology, antibiotic resistance and virulence. This review examines recent work that has contributed to our understanding of LOS‐deficiency and compares it to studies done on Neisseria meningitidis and Moraxella catarrhalis; the two other organisms with this capability.
Survivability of low pathogenic (H9N2) avian influenza virus in water in the presence ofAtyopsis moluccensis(Bamboo shrimp)
Authors: Pathak A. P. , Murugkar H. V. , Nagarajan S. , Sood R. , Tosh C. , Kumar M. , Athira C. K. , Praveen A. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryLow pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIV) exhibits an ecological climax with the aquatic ecosystem. The most widely prevalent subtype ofLPAIVis H9N2. Wild aquatic birds being the natural reservoirs and ducks, the “Trojan horses” for Avian Influenza Virus (AIV), can contaminate the natural water bodies inhabited by them. The virus can persist in the contaminated water from days to years depending upon the environmental conditions. Various aquatic species other than ducks can promote the persistence and transmission ofAIV; however, studies on the role of aquatic fauna in persistence and transmission of avian influenza virus are scarce. This experiment was designed to evaluate the survivability of H9N2LPAIVin water with and withoutAtyopsis moluccensis(bamboo shrimp) for a period of 12 days. The infectivity and amount of virus in water were calculated and were found to be significantly higher in water withA. moluccensisthan in water withoutA. moluccensis. The study also showed thatA. moluccensiscan accumulate the virus mechanically which can infect chicken eggs up to 11 days. The virus transmission potential ofA. moluccensisrequires further studies.
Age‐related microvascular dysfunction: novel insight from near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Rosenberry Ryan , Munson Madison , Chung Susie , Samuel T. Jake , Patik Jordan , Tucker Wesley J. , Haykowsky Mark J. , Nelson Michael D. 
Published: November 2017

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Can near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)‐derived post‐occlusion tissue oxygen saturation recovery kinetics be used to study age‐related impairments in microvascular function?

What is the main finding and its importance?
Using a previously established 5 min cuff occlusion protocol, we found that NIRS‐derived indices of microvascular function were markedly reduced in elderly compared with young participants. However, when we controlled for the absolute level of vasodilatory stimulus and matched the tissue desaturation level between groups, we found similar responses in young and elderly participants. Overall, these data highlight the important role NIRS can serve in clinical vascular biology, but also establish the need for assessing tissue ischaemia during cuff occlusion protocols.

Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has emerged as a promising tool to evaluate vascular reactivity in vivo. Whether this approach can be used to assess age‐related impairments in microvascular function has not been tested. Tissue oxygen saturation () post‐occlusion recovery kinetics were measured in two distinct age groups (<35 and >65 years of age) using NIRS placed over the flexor digitorum profundus. Key end‐points included the following: (i) the desaturation rate during cuff occlusion; (ii) the lowest value obtained during ischaemia (); (iii) reperfusion rate; (iv) the highest value reached after cuff release (); and (v) the reactive hyperaemia area under the curve (AUC). At first, using a conventional 5 min cuff occlusion protocol, the elderly participants achieved a much slower rate of oxygen recovery (1.5 ± 0.2 versus 2.5 ± 0.2% s−1), lower (85.2 ± 2.9 versus 92.3 ± 1.5%) and lower reactive hyperaemia AUC (2651.8 ± 307.0 versus 4940.0 ± 375.8% s−1). However, owing to a lower skeletal muscle resting metabolic rate, was also significantly attenuated in the elderly participants compared with the young control subjects (55.7 ± 3.5 versus 41.0 ± 3.4%), resulting in a much lower ischaemic stimulus. To account for this important difference between groups, we then matched the level of tissue ischaemia in a subset of young healthy participants by reducing the cuff occlusion protocol to 3 min. Remarkably, when we controlled for tissue ischaemia, we observed no differences in any of the hyperaemic end‐points between the young and elderly participants. These data highlight the important role NIRS can serve in vascular biology, but also establish the need for assessing tissue ischaemia during cuff occlusion protocols.
lytA
Quantitative PCR on Sputum and Nasopharyngeal Swab Samples for Detection of Pneumococcal Pneumonia among the Elderly
Authors: Saukkoriipi Annika , Palmu Arto A. , Pascal Thierry , Verlant Vincent , Hausdorff William P. , Jokinen Jukka 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay of sputum or nasopharyngeal specimens has shown promising results in the detection of pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia (PncCAP). We applied qPCR for the autolysin gene (
lytA
) and compared sputum and nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) pneumococcal loads in elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), and specifically in patients with PncCAP, to those in patient groups with other respiratory diseases. We studied patients aged ≥65 years with radiologically confirmed CAP, clinical CAP not retrospectively radiologically confirmed, other acute respiratory infections, or stable chronic lung disease. Pneumococcal etiology of CAP was ascertained by using a combination of multiple diagnostic methods. We analyzed sputum and NPS specimens by
lytA
qPCR with 10
4
pneumococcal genome equivalents (GE)/ml as a cutoff for positivity. Among PncCAP patients,
lytA
qPCR detected pneumococci in 94% of the sputum samples and in large quantities (mean, 6.82 ± 1.02 log
10
GE/ml) but less frequently in NPS (44%) and in smaller quantities (5.55 ± 0.92 log
10
GE/ml). In all other patient groups, ≤10% of the sputum samples and <5% of the NPS samples were
lytA
qPCR positive; but when they were positive, the sputum pneumococcal loads were similar to those in the PncCAP patients, suggesting a pneumococcal etiology in these patients. This was supported by other pneumococcal assay results. Overall, sputum
lytA
qPCR positivity was more common in PncCAP patients than in the other patient groups, but the quantitative results were mainly similar. NPS
lytA
qPCR was less sensitive than sputum
lytA
qPCR in detecting PncCAP.
HIV-1 R5 Macrophage-Tropic Envelope Glycoprotein Trimers Bind CD4 with High Affinity, while the CD4 Binding Site on Non-macrophage-tropic, T-Tropic R5 Envelopes Is Occluded
Authors: Quitadamo Briana , Peters Paul J. , Repik Alexander , O'Connell Olivia , Mou Zhongming , Koch Matthew , Somasundaran Mohan , Brody Robin , Luzuriaga Katherine , Wallace Aaron , Wang Shixia , Lu Shan , McCauley Sean , Luban Jeremy , Duenas-Decamp Maria , Gonzalez-Perez Maria Paz , Clapham Paul R. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT
HIV-1 R5 variants exploit CCR5 as a coreceptor to infect both T cells and macrophages. R5 viruses that are transmitted or derived from immune tissue and peripheral blood are mainly inefficient at mediating infection of macrophages. In contrast, highly macrophage-tropic (mac-tropic) R5 viruses predominate in brain tissue and can be detected in cerebrospinal fluid but are infrequent in immune tissue or blood even in late disease. These mac-tropic R5 variants carry envelope glycoproteins (Envs) adapted to exploit low levels of CD4 on macrophages to induce infection. However, it is unclear whether this adaptation is conferred by an increased affinity of the Env trimer for CD4 or is mediated by postbinding structural rearrangements in the trimer that enhance the exposure of the coreceptor binding site and facilitate events leading to fusion and virus entry. In this study, we investigated CD4 binding to mac-tropic and non-mac-tropic Env trimers and showed that CD4-IgG binds efficiently to mac-tropic R5 Env trimers, while binding to non-mac-tropic trimers was undetectable. Our data indicated that the CD4 binding site (CD4bs) is highly occluded on Env trimers of non-mac-tropic R5 viruses. Such viruses may therefore infect T cells via viral synapses where Env and CD4 become highly concentrated. This environment will enable high-avidity interactions that overcome extremely low Env-CD4 affinities.

IMPORTANCE
HIV R5 variants bind to CD4 and CCR5 receptors on T cells and macrophages to initiate infection. Transmitted HIV variants infect T cells but not macrophages, and these viral strains persist in immune tissue even in late disease. Here we show that the binding site for CD4 present on HIV's envelope protein is occluded on viruses replicating in immune tissue. This occlusion likely prevents antibody binding to this site and neutralization of the virus, but it makes it difficult for virus-CD4 interactions to occur. Such viruses probably pass from T cell to T cell via cell contacts where CD4 is highly concentrated and allows infection via inefficient envelope-CD4 binding. Our data are highly relevant for vaccines that aim to induce antibodies targeting the CD4 binding site on the envelope protein.
N-Myc Downstream-Regulated Gene 1 Restricts Hepatitis C Virus Propagation by Regulating Lipid Droplet Biogenesis and Viral Assembly
Authors: Schweitzer Cameron J. , Zhang Fang , Boyer Audrey , Valdez Kristin , Cam Maggie , Liang T. Jake 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Host cells harbor various intrinsic mechanisms to restrict viral infections as a first line of antiviral defense. Viruses have evolved various countermeasures against these antiviral mechanisms. Here we show that N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (
NDRG1
) limits productive hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by inhibiting viral assembly. Interestingly, HCV infection downregulates NDRG1 protein and mRNA expression. The loss of NDRG1 increases the size and number of lipid droplets, which are the sites of HCV assembly. HCV suppresses NDRG1 expression by upregulating MYC, which directly inhibits the transcription of
NDRG1
. The upregulation of MYC also leads to the reduced expression of the NDRG1-specific kinase serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1), resulting in a markedly diminished phosphorylation of NDRG1. The knockdown of MYC during HCV infection rescues NDRG1 expression and phosphorylation, suggesting that MYC regulates NDRG1 at both the transcriptional and posttranslational levels. Overall, our results suggest that NDRG1 restricts HCV assembly by limiting lipid droplet formation. HCV counteracts this intrinsic antiviral mechanism by downregulating NDRG1 via a MYC-dependent mechanism.

IMPORTANCE
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an enveloped single-stranded RNA virus that targets hepatocytes in the liver. HCV is a leading cause of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, and estimates suggest a global prevalence of 2.35%. Up to 80% of acutely infected individuals will develop chronic infection, and as many as 5% eventually progress to liver cancer. An understanding of the mechanisms behind virus-host interactions and viral carcinogenesis is still lacking. The significance of our research is that it identifies a previously unknown relationship between HCV and a known tumor-associated gene. Furthermore, our data point to a new role for this gene in the liver and in lipid metabolism. Thus, HCV infection serves as a great biological model to advance our knowledge of liver functions and the development of liver cancer.