bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High platelet content can increase storage lesion rates following Intercept pathogen inactivation primarily in platelet concentrates prepared by apheresis
Authors: Feys H. B. , Devloo R. , Sabot B. , De Pourcq K. , Coene J. , Compernolle V. 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundPathogen inactivation methods for platelet concentrates are increasingly being used in blood banks worldwide. In vitro studies have demonstrated its effects on storage lesion, but little routine quality control data on blood banking outcomes have been reported.Materials and MethodsSwirling of distributed products was monitored before and after implementation of Intercept pathogen inactivation. Metabolic parameters pH, glucose and lactic acid were determined in a random cohort of expired pathogen‐inactivated products. Storage lesion indicators in apheresis concentrates with premature low swirling were compared to concentrates with normal swirling.ResultsDuring validation for implementing Intercept pathogen inactivation, pH and glucose levels decreased faster in apheresis platelet concentrates with high platelet content than with low platelet content or than in pathogen‐inactivated pooled buffy coat‐derived products. In routine products, glucose exhaustion was more often found in apheresis compared to buffy coat‐derived platelet concentrates despite 3–7% more plasma carryover in the former. Annual incidence of premature low swirling increased significantly by 50% following implementation of pathogen inactivation implementation for apheresis but not for pooled buffy coat platelet concentrates. In addition, apheresis concentrates with premature low swirling had a significantly higher median platelet count (5·0 × 1011) than unaffected products (3·5 × 1011).ConclusionThe risk of increased storage lesion rates following Intercept pathogen inactivation is higher for apheresis than for buffy coat‐derived platelet concentrates, especially when platelet contents are higher than 5·0 × 1011.
Value of retaining HBsAg donor screening where HBV NAT and anti‐HBc donor screening apply
Authors: Seed C. R. 
Published: September 2017

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a transfusion‐transmissible human DNA virus with a global distribution. Since the early 1970s, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) detection has been the mainstay to identify donors infected with HBV. The implementation of donor HBsAg screening substantially reduced but did not eliminate the risk of transfusion‐transmitted HBV (TT‐HBV). In the late 1970s, it was recognized that TT‐HBV occurred more commonly from HBsAg‐negative donations containing detectable antibodies to the viral core (anti‐HBc) leading to some countries subsequently implementing universal anti‐HBc screening in addition to HBsAg.Since the late 1990s, HBV nucleic acid tests (NATs) have been applied to donation screening to ‘close’ the acute window period, thereby reducing the residual risk of TT‐HBV. Their implementation also identified HBsAg‐negative/anti‐HBc‐positive individuals with detectable HBV DNA, a novel pattern of infection termed occult hepatitis B infection. A number of countries now combine HBsAg, anti‐HBc and HBV NAT donation testing, which provides the opportunity to determine the proportional HBV risk reduction contribution of each test. The cumulative published data indicate HBV‐infected donors with HBsAg as the only marker are exceedingly rare, occurring at a rate of about 1 in 4 million in the largest published study. There are no recorded cases of TT‐HBV involving ‘HBsAg‐only’ positive donors.Ultimately, HBsAg testing retains value for characterizing the HBV infection stage, but the accumulating data strongly suggest that HBsAg testing now adds little, if any, TT‐HBV risk reduction value where sensitive HBV NAT and anti‐HBc screening also apply.
How do blood donors interpret the Swedish donor history questionnaire?
Authors: Öhrner C. , Kvist M. 
Published: September 2017

Background and ObjectivesThe blood donor history questionnaire, together with blood samples, aims to ensure that blood donation is safe for both donor and recipient. Donors’ interpretation of the questions is of the utmost importance. The objective of this study was to examine how blood donors in Sweden interpret the donor history questionnaire and to assess the need for rewording any questions.Materials and MethodsTwelve cognitive interviews were conducted with blood donors. A survey was distributed at blood centres in two regions in Sweden. Altogether, 671 donors returned the survey.ResultsAlthough a majority claimed to understand the donor history questions, not all donors reported on their medications or healthcare episodes. There was a significant correlation between donors who did not report on medications and the third of donors who did not read the donor information. The concept of being in full health varied for different donors and many were uncertain about the definition of new sexual partner.ConclusionOverall, the blood donors were satisfied with the readability of the questions. However, some questions turned out to be more difficult to interpret, and may need to be reworded. The study demonstrates the need for easy access to blood safety information.
Optimal Resistive Forces for Maximizing the Reliability of Leg Muscles’ Capacities Tested on a Cycle Ergometer
Authors: García-Ramos Amador , Torrejón Alejandro , Morales-Artacho Antonio J. , Pérez-Castilla Alejandro , Jaric Slobodan 
Published: September 2017

This study determined the optimal resistive forces for testing muscle capacities through the standard cycle ergometer test (1 resistive force applied) and a recently developed 2-point method (2 resistive forces used for force-velocity modelling). Twenty-six men were tested twice on maximal sprints performed on a leg cycle ergometer against 5 flywheel resistive forces (R1–R5). The reliability of the cadence and maximum power measured against the 5 individual resistive forces, as well as the reliability of the force-velocity relationship parameters obtained from the selected 2-point methods (R1–R2, R1–R3, R1–R4, and R1–R5), were compared. The reliability of outcomes obtained from individual resistive forces was high except for R5. As a consequence, the combination of R1 (≈175 rpm) and R4 (≈110 rpm) provided the most reliable 2-point method (CV: 1.46%–4.04%; ICC: 0.89–0.96). Although the reliability of power capacity was similar for the R1–R4 2-point method (CV: 3.18%; ICC: 0.96) and the standard test (CV: 3.31%; ICC: 0.95), the 2-point method should be recommended because it also reveals maximum force and velocity capacities. Finally, we conclude that the 2-point method in cycling should be based on 2 distant resistive forces, but avoiding cadences below 110 rpm.
Multilaboratory Evaluation of a Novel Lateral Flow Immunochromatographic Assay for Confirming Isolation of Mycobacterium bovis from Veterinary Diagnostic Specimens
Authors: Stewart Linda D. , McCallan Lyanne , McNair James , McGoldrick Adrian , Morris Rowan , Moyen Jean-Louis , De Juan Ferré Lucía , Romero Beatriz , Alonso Elena , Parsons Sven D. C. , Van Helden Paul , Araújo Flábio R. , Grant Irene R. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

A novel lateral flow immunochromatographic device (LFD) was evaluated in several veterinary diagnostic laboratories. It was confirmed to be specific for
Mycobacterium bovis
and
M.
caprae
cells. The performance of the novel LFD was assessed relative to the confirmatory tests routinely applied after culture (spoligotyping or quantitative PCR [qPCR]) in each laboratory; liquid (MGIT or BacT/Alert) and/or solid (Stonebrink, Coletsos, or Lowenstein-Jensen) cultures were tested. In comparison to spoligotyping of acid-fast-positive MGIT cultures, percent agreement between positive LFD and spoligotyping results was excellent in two United Kingdom laboratories (97.7 to 100%) but lower in the Spanish context (76%), where spoligotyping was applied to MGIT cultures previously confirmed to be positive for
M. tuberculosis
complex (MTBC) by qPCR. Certain spoligotypes of
M. bovis
and
M. caprae
were not detected by the LFD in Spanish MGIT cultures. Compared to qPCR confirmation, the agreement between positive LFD and qPCR results was 42.3% and 50% for BacT/Alert and MGIT liquid cultures, respectively, and for solid cultures, it ranged from 11.1 to 89.2%, depending on the solid medium employed (Coletsos, 11.1%; Lowenstein-Jensen, 55.6%; Stonebrinks, 89.2%). Correlation between the novel LFD and BD MGIT TBc Identification test results was excellent when 190 MGIT cultures were tested (
r
= 0.9791;
P
< 0.0001), with the added benefit that
M. bovis
was differentiated from another MTBC species in one MGIT culture by the novel LFD. This multilaboratory evaluation demonstrated the novel LFD's potential utility as a rapid test to confirm isolation of
M. bovis
and
M. caprae
from veterinary specimens following culture.
An Envelope-Modified Tetravalent Dengue Virus-Like-Particle Vaccine Has Implications for Flavivirus Vaccine Design
Authors: Urakami Akane , Ngwe Tun Mya Myat , Moi Meng Ling , Sakurai Atsuko , Ishikawa Momoko , Kuno Sachiko , Ueno Ryuji , Morita Kouichi , Akahata Wataru 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT
Dengue viruses (DENV) infect 50 to 100 million people each year. The spread of DENV-associated infections is one of the most serious public health problems worldwide, as there is no widely available vaccine or specific therapeutic for DENV infections. To address this, we developed a novel tetravalent dengue vaccine by utilizing virus-like particles (VLPs). We created recombinant DENV1 to -4 (DENV1-4) VLPs by coexpressing precursor membrane (prM) and envelope (E) proteins, with an F108A mutation in the fusion loop structure of E to increase the production of VLPs in mammalian cells. Immunization with DENV1-4 VLPs as individual, monovalent vaccines elicited strong neutralization activity against each DENV serotype in mice. For use as a tetravalent vaccine, DENV1-4 VLPs elicited high levels of neutralization activity against all four serotypes simultaneously. The neutralization antibody responses induced by the VLPs were significantly higher than those with DNA or recombinant E protein immunization. Moreover, antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) was not observed against any serotype at a 1:10 serum dilution. We also demonstrated that the Zika virus (ZIKV) VLP production level was enhanced by introducing the same F108A mutation into the ZIKV envelope protein. Taken together, these results suggest that our strategy for DENV VLP production is applicable to other flavivirus VLP vaccine development, due to the similarity in viral structures, and they describe the promising development of an effective tetravalent vaccine against the prevalent flavivirus.

IMPORTANCE
Dengue virus poses one of the most serious public health problems worldwide, and the incidence of diseases caused by the virus has increased dramatically. Despite decades of effort, there is no effective treatment against dengue. A safe and potent vaccine against dengue is still needed. We developed a novel tetravalent dengue vaccine by using virus-like particles (VLPs), which are noninfectious because they lack the viral genome. Previous attempts of other groups to use dengue VLPs resulted in generally poor yields. We found that a critical amino acid mutation in the envelope protein enhances the production of VLPs. Our tetravalent vaccine elicited potent neutralizing antibody responses against all four DENV serotypes. Our findings can also be applied to vaccine development against other flaviviruses, such as Zika virus or West Nile virus.
Genesis and Spread of Newly Emerged Highly Pathogenic H7N9 Avian Viruses in Mainland China
Authors: Yang Lei , Zhu Wenfei , Li Xiyan , Chen Minmei , Wu Jie , Yu Pengbo , Qi Shunxiang , Huang Yiwei , Shi Weixian , Dong Jie , Zhao Xiang , Huang Weijuan , Li Zi , Zeng Xiaoxu , Bo Hong , Chen Tao , Chen Wenbing , Liu Jia , Zhang Ye , Liang Zhenli , Shi Wei , Shu Yuelong , Wang Dayan 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT
The novel low-pathogenic avian influenza A H7N9 viruses (LPAI H7N9 viruses) have been a threat to public health since their emergence in 2013 because of the high rates of mortality and morbidity that they cause. Recently, highly pathogenic variants of these avian influenza A H7N9 viruses (HPAI H7N9 viruses) have emerged and caused human infections and outbreaks among poultry in mainland China. However, it is still unclear how the HPAI H7N9 virus was generated and how it evolved and spread in China. Here, we show that the ancestor virus of the HPAI H7N9 viruses originated in the Yangtze River Delta region and spread southward to the Pearl River Delta region, possibly through live poultry trade. After introduction into the Pearl River Delta region, the origin LPAI H7N9 virus acquired four amino acid insertions in the hemagglutinin (HA) protein cleavage site and mutated into the HPAI H7N9 virus in late May 2016. Afterward, the HPAI H7N9 viruses further reassorted with LPAI H7N9 or H9N2 viruses locally and generated multiple different genotypes. As of 14 July 2017, the HPAI H7N9 viruses had spread from Guangdong Province to at least 12 other provinces. The rapid geographical expansion and genetic evolution of the HPAI H7N9 viruses pose a great challenge not only to public health but also to poultry production. Effective control measures, including enhanced surveillance, are therefore urgently needed.

IMPORTANCE
The LPAI H7N9 virus has caused five outbreak waves in humans and was recently reported to have mutated into highly pathogenic variants. It is unknown how the HPAI H7N9 virus originated, evolved, and disseminated in China. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the sequences of HPAI H7N9 viruses from 28 human and 21 environmental samples covering eight provinces in China that were taken from November 2016 to June 2017. The results show that the ancestor virus of the HPAI H7N9 viruses originated in the Yangtze River Delta region. However, the insertion of four amino acids into the HA protein cleavage site of an LPAI H7N9 virus occurred in late May 2016 in the Pearl River Delta region. The mutated HPAI H7N9 virus further reassorted with LPAI H7N9 or H9N2 viruses that were cocirculating in poultry. Considering the rapid geographical expansion of the HPAI H7N9 viruses, effective control measures are urgently needed.
Individual Patterns of Complexity in Cystic Fibrosis Lung Microbiota, Including Predator Bacteria, over a 1-Year Period
Authors: de Dios Caballero Juan , Vida Rafael , Cobo Marta , Máiz Luis , Suárez Lucrecia , Galeano Javier , Baquero Fernando , Cantón Rafael , del Campo Rosa 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung microbiota composition has recently been redefined by the application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) tools, identifying, among others, previously undescribed anaerobic and uncultivable bacteria. In the present study, we monitored the fluctuations of this ecosystem in 15 CF patients during a 1-year follow-up period, describing for the first time, as far as we know, the presence of predator bacteria in the CF lung microbiome. In addition, a new computational model was developed to ascertain the hypothetical ecological repercussions of a prey-predator interaction in CF lung microbial communities. Fifteen adult CF patients, stratified according to their pulmonary function into mild (
n
= 5), moderate (
n
= 9), and severe (
n
= 1) disease, were recruited at the CF unit of the Ramón y Cajal University Hospital (Madrid, Spain). Each patient contributed three or four induced sputum samples during a 1-year follow-up period. Lung microbiota composition was determined by both cultivation and NGS techniques and was compared with the patients’ clinical variables. Results revealed a particular microbiota composition for each patient that was maintained during the study period, although some fluctuations were detected without any clinical correlation. For the first time,
Bdellovibrio
and
Vampirovibrio
predator bacteria were shown in CF lung microbiota and reduced-genome bacterial parasites of the phylum
Parcubacteria
were also consistently detected. The newly designed computational model allows us to hypothesize that inoculation of predators into the pulmonary microbiome might contribute to the control of chronic colonization by CF pathogens in early colonization stages.

IMPORTANCE
The application of NGS to sequential samples of CF patients demonstrated the complexity of the organisms present in the lung (156 species) and the constancy of basic individual colonization patterns, although some differences between samples from the same patient were observed, probably related to sampling bias.
Bdellovibrio
and
Vampirovibrio
predator bacteria were found for the first time by NGS as part of the CF lung microbiota, although their ecological significance needs to be clarified. The newly designed computational model allows us to hypothesize that inoculation of predators into the lung microbiome can eradicate CF pathogens in early stages of the process. Our data strongly suggest that lower respiratory microbiome fluctuations are not necessarily related to the patient’s clinical status.
The effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in common lower limb conditions: a systematic review including quantification of patient-rated pain reduction
Authors: Korakakis Vasileios , Whiteley Rodney , Tzavara Alexander , Malliaropoulos Nikolaos 
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in treating Achilles tendinopathy (AT), greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), patellar tendinopathy (PT) and proximal hamstring tendinopathy (PHT).DesignSystematic review.Eligibility criteriaRandomised and non-randomised studies assessing ESWT in patients with AT, GTPS, MTSS, PT and PHT were included. Risk of bias and quality of studies were evaluated.ResultsModerate-level evidence suggests (1) no difference between focused ESWT and placebo ESWT at short and mid-term in PT and (2) radial ESWT is superior to conservative treatment at short, mid and long term in PHT. Low-level evidence suggests that ESWT (1) is comparable to eccentric training, but superior to wait-and-see policy at 4 months in mid-portion AT; (2) is superior to eccentric training at 4 months in insertional AT; (3) less effective than corticosteroid injection at short term, but ESWT produced superior results at mid and long term in GTPS; (4) produced comparable results to control treatment at long term in GTPS; and (5) is superior to control conservative treatment at long term in PT. Regarding the rest of the results, there was only very low or no level of evidence. 13 studies showed high risk of bias largely due to methodology, blinding and reporting.ConclusionLow level of evidence suggests that ESWT may be effective for some lower limb conditions in all phases of the rehabilitation.
Comparison of amateur boxing before and after the 2013 rules change and the impact on boxers’ safety
Authors: Davis Philip , Waldock Robert , Connorton Andrew , Driver Sonny , Anderson Sean 
Published: September 2017

ObjectivesThe effect of the rules change in 2013 on amateur boxing strategy, technique and safety in comparison with pre-2013 is unknown.MethodsPre-2013 and post-2013 3×3 min elite level amateur boxing was compared from video footage of 29 Olympic (pre-2013) and 50 World Championship bouts (post-2013) totalling 99 male boxers (mean±SD) age: 24.3±3.2 years, height: 177.3±11.3 cm and body mass: 70.7±16.4 kg.ResultMany techniques that were dominant pre-2013 were used less post-2013, including: total punches thrown, rear hand punches, hook rear hand, punches landed, uppercut punches, total punches to the body (all <0.05), while movement around the ring and defensive movements were higher post-2013 (both p<0.004). Post-2013 boxers have increased their foot movement by 20% to move in and then away from their opponent, combined with long-range punches and deliberate defensive movements. The percentage of rounds where standing counts were issued changed from 9% to 3% pre-2013 to post-2013. However, pre-2013, 1.7% of bouts did not last the full duration due to referee stoppage, while post-2013, this increased to 4.2% as a result of two knockouts and eight technical knockouts.Discussion and conclusionBoxers should be aware of the large changes in technical demands of boxing. An increased risk of concussive or traumatic brain injury post-2013 is equivocal. However, an increase in skin splits and technical knockouts is apparent. It is likely that boxers believe head guard removal has made them more prone to knockouts.
Which exercise prescriptions improve quality of life and physical function in patients with cancer during and following treatment? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Sweegers Maike G , Altenburg Teatske M , Chinapaw Mai J , Kalter Joeri , Verdonck-de Leeuw Irma M , Courneya Kerry S , Newton Robert U , Aaronson Neil K , Jacobsen Paul B , Brug Johannes , Buffart Laurien M 
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveCertain exercise prescriptions for patients with cancer may improve self-reported quality of life (QoL) and self-reported physical function (PF). We investigated the effects of exercise on QoL and PF in patients with cancer and studied differences in effects between different intervention-related and exercise-related characteristics.DesignWe searched four electronic databases to identify randomised controlled trials investigating exercise effects on QoL and PF in patients with cancer. Pooled effects (Hedges’ g) were calculated using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on intervention dimensions, including timing, duration and delivery mode, and exercise dimensions, including frequency, intensity, type and time (FITT factors).ResultsWe included 74 exercise arms. Patients who were randomised to exercise interventions had significantly improved QoL (g=0.15, 95% CI (0.10 to 0.20), n=67 exercise arms) and PF (g=0.21, 95% CI (0.15 to 0.27), n=59 exercise arms) compared with patients in control groups. We found a significant between-group difference for exercise delivery mode, with significant beneficial effects for supervised exercise interventions (g=0.20, 95% CI (0.14 to 0.26) for QoL and g=0.27, 95% CI (0.20 to 0.33) for PF), but not for unsupervised interventions (g=0.04, 95% CI (−0.06 to 0.13) for QoL and g=0.09, 95% CI (−0.01 to 0.19) for PF). No statistically significant differences in intervention effects were found for variations in intervention timing, duration or exercise FITT factors. Unsupervised exercise with higher weekly energy expenditure was more effective than unsupervised exercise with lower energy expenditure (z=2.34, p=0.02).ConclusionsExercise interventions, especially when supervised, have statistically significant and small clinical benefit on self-reported QoL and PF in patients with cancer. Unsupervised exercise intervention effects on PF were larger when prescribed at a higher weekly energy expenditure.