bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eotaxin‐1 is involved in parasite clearance during chronic filarial infection
Authors: Gentil K. , Lentz C. S. , Rai R. , Muhsin M. , Kamath A. D. , Mutluer Ö. , Specht S. , Hübner M. P. , Hoerauf A. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryEosinophil migration as key feature of helminth infection is increased during infection with filarial nematodes. In a mouse model of filariasis, we investigated the role of the eosinophil‐attracting chemokine Eotaxin‐1 on disease outcome. BALB/c and Eotaxin‐1−/− mice were infected with the rodent filaria Litomosoides sigmodontis, and parasitic parameters, cellular migration to the site of infection, and cellular responsiveness were investigated. We found increased parasite survival but unaffected eosinophil migration to the site of infection in Eotaxin‐1−/− mice. Expression of CD80 and CD86 was reduced on eosinophils from Eotaxin‐1−/− mice after in vitro TLR2 stimulation and exposure to filarial antigen, respectively, suggesting a potential reduced activation state of eosinophils in Eotaxin‐1 deficient mice. We further demonstrated that macrophages from Eotaxin‐1−/− mice produce decreased amounts of IL‐6 in vitro, a cytokine found to be associated with parasite containment, suggesting possible mechanisms by which Eotaxin‐1 regulates activation of inflammatory cells and thus parasite survival.
The Contribution of Preterm Birth and Intrauterine Growth Restriction to Infant Mortality in Tanzania
Authors: Sania Ayesha , Spiegelman Donna , Rich‐Edwards Janet , Okuma James , Kisenge Rodrick , Msamanga Gernard , Urassa Willy , Fawzi Wafaie W. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundOur objectives were to examine the associations of neonatal and infant mortality with preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and to estimate the partial population attributable risk per cent (pPAR%) of neonatal and infant mortality due to preterm birth and IUGR.MethodsParticipants were HIV‐negative pregnant women and their infants enrolled in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Gestational age calculated from date of last menstrual period was used to define preterm, and small for gestational age (SGA) was used as proxy for IUGR. Survival of infants was ascertained at monthly follow‐up visits. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the associations of preterm and SGA with neonatal and infant mortality.ResultsStudy included 7225 singletons, of whom 15% were preterm and 21% were SGA; majority of preterm or SGA babies had birthweight ≥2500 g. Compared to term and appropriately sized babies (AGA), relative risks (RR) of neonatal mortality among preterm‐AGA was 2.6 [95% CI 1.8, 3.9], RR among term‐SGA was 2.3 [95% CI 1.6, 3.3], and the highest risk was among the preterm‐SGA babies (RR 15.1 [95% CI 8.2, 27.7]). Risk associated with preterm was elevated throughout the infancy, and risk associated with SGA was elevated during the neonatal period only. The pPAR% of neonatal mortality for preterm was 22% [95% CI 17%, 26%] and for SGA it was 26% [95% CI 16%, 36%].ConclusionsPreterm and SGA birth substantially increased the risk of mortality. Interventions for prevention and management of these conditions are likely to reduce of infant mortality in Tanzania.
Location‐Specific Metrics for Rapidly Estimating the Abundance and Condition of the Threatened Coral Acropora cervicornis
Authors: Huntington Brittany E. , Miller Margaret W. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWe developed a method for quantifying the abundance of the threatened staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis) and evaluated the accuracy of commonly used methods to assess colony condition. For small‐ to medium‐sized colonies, we show that colony ellipsoid volume estimated from simple colony dimensions serves as a reliable and efficient proxy for the more time‐consuming, conventional measure of colony total linear extension, and that this predictive relationship varies significantly among extant populations in the Caribbean. We also determined that visual estimates of colony partial mortality closely approximate to true values for colonies with <25% mortality, with in situ estimates outperforming estimates from digital images. These results provide coral reef managers and restoration practitioners with guidance for assessing partial mortality and location‐specific regression models to estimate “amount” of staghorn coral in both extant and restored staghorn populations in Belize, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida, U.S.A. As staghorn coral monitoring and restoration efforts continue to expand in the Caribbean, these methods for quickly determining staghorn abundance and condition will directly aid resource managers tasked with monitoring wild populations and tracking restoration success over time.
The Effect of Buttonhole Cannulation vs. Rope‐ladder Technique on Hemodialysis Access Patency
Authors: Chan Micah R. , Shobande Olatokunbo , Vats Hemender , Wakeen Maureen , Meyer Xinliu , Bellingham Janet , Astor Brad C. , Yevzlin Alexander S. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe rope‐ladder (RL) technique is the most common technique used for cannulation of arteriovenous fistulae (AVF). Buttonhole cannulation (BHC), or constant‐site technique, is recommended by the National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative (NKF/KDOQI) vascular access guidelines. We compared outcomes of primary patency, episodes of bacteremia, access blood flow (Qa), and quality of life (QoL) scores between RL and BHC patients. Using a prospectively collected, vascular access database, a total of 45 prevalent dialysis patients using BHC were compared with 38 patients using the RL technique over a median of 12 months (inter‐quartile range: 4–27 months). The two groups did not differ significantly in demographics except that diabetes was more common in those using BHC as compared to rope‐ladder (69% vs. 34%; p = 0.002). Risk factors associated with lack of primary patency were age (hazards ratio [HR] = 1.02 per decade; 95% CI: 1.00–1.03; p = 0.04) and female gender (HR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.08–3.40; p = 0.03). Use of the buttonhole technique was not associated with improved primary patency (HR = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.65–2.28; p = 0.53). Episodes of bacteremia and mean scores from KDQOL‐36 did not differ significantly between the groups. This study demonstrates for the first time that BHC use is not associated with improved access patency.
Powerful Parametric Tests Based on Sum‐Functions of Spacings
Authors: Ekström Magnus 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTAssume that we have a sequence ofnindependent and identically distributed random variables with a continuous distribution functionF, which is specified up to a few unknown parameters. In this paper, tests based on sum‐functions of sample spacings are proposed, and large sample theory of the tests are presented under simple null hypotheses as well as under close alternatives. Tests, which are optimal within this class, are constructed, and it is noted that these tests have properties that closely parallel those of the likelihood ratio test in regular parametric models. Some examples are given, which show that the proposed tests work also in situations where the likelihood ratio test breaks down. Extensions to more general hypotheses are discussed.
Quantification of allergic and irritant patch test reactions using ImageJ
Authors: Ohshima H. , Kinoshita S. , Futagawa M. , Takiwaki H. , Washizaki K. , Ishiko A. , Kanto H. 
Published: October 2013

Background/aimsIt is often difficult to differentiate between allergic and irritant patch test reactions by visual inspection. The purpose of this study was to test an image analysis‐based method that differentiates between the two reactions by quantifying the degree of erythema at the patch test site.MethodsA total of 172 Japanese patients were patch‐tested with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and nickel sulfate, followed by digital photography and visual evaluation of the patch test areas by dermatologists at 48 and 72 h. The digital images were converted to erythema index (EI) images by image processing, and changes in ΔEI (the difference in the EI between the patch test site and the adjacent normal skin) values were analyzed.ResultsThe ΔEI was significantly increased at 72 h relative to that at 48 h for positive nickel sulfate reactions (P < 0.0001), while no significant difference in the ΔEI was found for SLS reactions.ConclusionUsing image analysis, allergic patch test reactions may be distinguished from irritant reactions by evaluating the change in the degree of erythema at 48 and 72 h.
Building the Coleoptera tree‐of‐life for >8000 species: composition of public DNA data and fit with Linnaean classification
Authors: BOCAK LADISLAV , BARTON CHRISTOPHER , CRAMPTON‐PLATT ALEX , CHESTERS DOUGLAS , AHRENS DIRK , VOGLER ALFRIED P. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe species representation of public databases is growing rapidly and permits increasingly detailed phylogenetic inferences. We present a supermatrix based on all gene sequences of Coleoptera available in Genbank for two nuclear (18S and 28S rRNA) and two mitochondrial (rrnL and cox1) genes. After filtering for unique species names and the addition of ˜2000 unpublished sequences for cox1 and 18S rRNA, the resulting data matrix included 8441 species‐level terminals and 6600 aligned nucleotide positions. The concatenated matrix represents the equivalent of 2.17% of the 390 000 described species of Coleoptera and includes 152 beetle families. The remaining 29 families constitute small lineages with ˜250 known species in total. Taxonomic coverage remains low for several major lineages, including Buprestidae (0.16% of described species), Staphylinidae (1.03%), Tenebrionidae (0.90%) and Cerambycidae (0.58%). The current taxon sampling was strongly biased towards the Northern Hemisphere. Phylogenetic trees obtained from the supermatrix were in very good agreement with the Linnaean classification, in particular at the family level, but lower for the subfamily and lowest for the genus level. The topology supports the basal split of Derodontidae and Scirtoidea from the remaining Polyphaga, and the broad paraphyly of Cucujoidea. The data extraction pipeline and detailed tree provide a framework for placement of any new sequences, including environmental samples, into a DNA‐based classification system of Coleoptera.
Prediction of hemoglobin levels in whole blood donors: how to model donation history
Authors: Baart A. Mireille , Vergouwe Yvonne , Atsma Femke , Moons Karel G.M. , de Kort Wim L.A.M. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundRecently, prediction models for hemoglobin (Hb) deferral risk have been developed. These models consider the previous Hb level plus change in Hb. Here, we investigated if the performance of models could be improved by considering more information on Hb level history.Study Design and MethodsData of 166,497 Dutch whole blood donors with sequential Hb measurements during 2 years (760,444 in total) were used to develop and internally validate three different regression models: two simple linear models with Hb level history included as 1) Hb at the previous visit plus change in Hb or 2) mean of all previous Hb levels and one mixed‐effect model including measurements of all previous Hb levels.ResultsThirteen percent of men and 21% of women were deferred because of a low Hb level at least once in 2 years. The simple linear models and the mixed‐effect model performed similar, if an estimate of the random intercept of the mixed‐effect model was used for individual donors to calculate the predicted Hb level. In men, the concordance (c)‐statistic ranged from 0.87 to 0.89 and the R2 ranged from 0.42 to 0.45. In women, the c‐statistic ranged from 0.81 to 0.84. Values of R2 in women were higher for the simple linear models than for the mixed‐effect model, 0.37 and 0.40 versus 0.30, respectively.ConclusionPrevious Hb levels could be summarized with one predictor as the mean value of all previous Hb levels. This predictor can be used in an easy‐to‐use simple linear regression model.
Effect of transient warming of red blood cells for up to 24 h: in vitro characteristics in CPD/saline‐adenine‐glucose‐mannitol environment
Authors: Gulliksson H. , Nordahl‐Källman A.‐S. 
Published: October 2013

Background and ObjectivesThere are few studies on transient warming of red blood cells (RBCs). Occasional storage outside restricted temperature range often results in destroying of the RBC unit, even after a short period of time due to national guidelines. This study evaluates the in vitro effects associated with such accidental warming on RBCs stored in saline‐adenine‐glucose‐mannitol (SAGM) and prepared within 8 h after blood collection.Study Design and MethodsThis study includes both repeated short‐term exposure of RBCs to room temperature for 6 h as wells as warming for either 6, 12, 18 or 24 h after 1 week or after 3 weeks of storage in two separate studies. RBCs were stored for 42 days. We weekly measured pH, K+, glucose, lactate, haemolysis, red cell ATP and 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate.ResultsThe lowest individual ATP value observed in any of the groups of warmed units was 2·6 μmol/g haemoglobin. Increased haemolysis in warmed units was noted in two of the studies. None of the individual units exceeded the European maximum limit of 0·8% haemolysis.ConclusionOur results suggest that quality of RBCs after transient warming will be maintained at acceptable levels specified in standards and in previous studies. However, increased haemolysis was observed when transient warming occurred during the second part of the storage period of 6 weeks suggesting that RBCs are more vulnerable to warming by the end of storage.
Deficient cytokine expression and neutrophil oxidative burst contribute to impaired cutaneous wound healing in diabetic, biofilm‐containing chronic wounds
Authors: Nguyen Khang T. , Seth Akhil K. , Hong Seok J. , Geringer Matthew R. , Xie Ping , Leung Kai P. , Mustoe Thomas A. , Galiano Robert D. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractDiabetic patients exhibit dysregulated inflammatory and immune responses that predispose them to chronic wound infections and the threat of limb loss. The molecular underpinnings responsible for this have not been well elucidated, particularly in the setting of wound biofilms. This study evaluates host responses in biofilm‐impaired wounds using the TallyHo mouse, a clinically relevant polygenic model of type 2 diabetes. No differences in cytokine or Toll‐like receptor (TLR) expression were noted in unwounded skin or noninoculated wounds of diabetic and wild‐type mice. However, diabetic biofilm‐containing wounds had significantly less TLR 2, TLR 4, interleukin‐1β, and tumor necrosis factor‐α expression than wild‐type wounds with biofilm (all p < 0.001). Both groups had similar bacterial burden and neutrophil infiltration after development of biofilms at 3 days postwounding, but diabetic wounds had significantly less neutrophil oxidative burst activity. This translated into a log‐fold greater bacterial burden and significant delay of wound epithelization for biofilm‐impaired diabetic wounds at 10 days postwounding. These results suggest that impaired recognition of bacterial infection via the TLR pathway leading to inadequate cytokine stimulation of antimicrobial host responses may represent a potential mechanism underlying diabetic susceptibility to wound infection and ulceration.
A vanishing theorem and symbolic powers of planar point ideals
Authors: Dumnicki M. , Szemberg T. , Tutaj-Gasińska H. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is twofold. We present first a vanishing theorem for families of linear series with base ideal being a fat points ideal. We then apply this result in order to give a partial proof of a conjecture raised by Bocci, Harbourne and Huneke concerning containment relations between ordinary and symbolic powers of planar point ideals.
Ancient DNA Reveals Key Stages in the Formation of Central European Mitochondrial Genetic Diversity
Authors: Brandt Guido , Haak Wolfgang , Adler Christina J. , Roth Christina , Szécsényi-Nagy Anna , Karimnia Sarah , Möller-Rieker Sabine , Meller Harald , Ganslmeier Robert , Friederich Susanne , Dresely Veit , Nicklisch Nicole , Pickrell Joseph K. , Sirocko Frank , Reich David , Cooper Alan , Alt Kurt W. ,   The Genographic Consortium
Published: October 2013

The Origins of EuropeansTo investigate the genetic origins of modern Europeans,Brandtet al.(p.257) examined ancient mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and were able to identify genetic differences in 364 Central Europeans spanning the early Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age. Observed changes in mitochondrial haplotypes corresponded with hypothesized human migration across Eurasia and revealed the complexity of the demographic changes and evidence of a Late Neolithic origin for the European mtDNA gene pool. This transect through time reveals four key population events associated with well-known archaeological cultures, which involved genetic influx into Central Europe from various directions at various times.
Genetic Diversity of Newcastle Disease Virus in Wild Birds and Pigeons in West Africa
Authors: Snoeck Chantal J. , Adeyanju Adeniyi T. , Owoade Ademola A. , Couacy-Hymann Emmanuel , Alkali Bello R. , Ottosson Ulf , Muller Claude P. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT
In West and Central Africa, virulent Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strains of the recently identified genotypes XIV, XVII, and XVIII are enzootic in poultry, representing a considerable threat to the sector. The increasing number of reports of virulent strains in wild birds at least in other parts of the world raised the question of a potential role of wild birds in the spread of virulent NDV in sub-Saharan Africa as well. We investigated 1,723 asymptomatic birds sampled at live-bird markets and sites important for wild-bird conservation in Nigeria and 19 sick or dead wild birds in Côte d'Ivoire for NDV class I and II. Typical avirulent wild-type genotype I strains were found in wild waterfowl in wetlands in northeastern Nigeria. They were unrelated to vaccine strains, and the involvement of inter- or intracontinental migratory birds in their circulation in the region is suggested. Phylogenetic analyses also revealed that genotype VI strains found in pigeons, including some putative new subgenotype VIh and VIi strains, were introduced on multiple separate occasions in Nigeria. A single virulent genotype XVIII strain was found in a dead wild bird in Côte d'Ivoire, probably as a result of spillover from sick poultry. In conclusion, screening of wild birds and pigeons for NDV revealed the presence a variety of virulent and avirulent strains in West Africa but did not provide strong evidence that wild birds play an important role in the spread of virulent strains in the region.
Evaluation of a Prototype Flow Cytometry Test for Serodiagnosis of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Ker Henrique Gama , Coura-Vital Wendel , Aguiar-Soares Rodrigo Dian de Oliveira , Roatt Bruno Mendes , das Dores Moreira Nádia , Carneiro Cláudia Martins , Machado Evandro Marques de Menezes , Teixeira-Carvalho Andréa , Martins-Filho Olindo Assis , Giunchetti Rodolfo Cordeiro , Araújo Márcio Sobreira Silva , Coelho Eduardo Antonio Ferraz , da Silveira-Lemos Denise , Reis Alexandre Barbosa 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT

Diagnosing canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a critical challenge since conventional immunoserological tests still present some deficiencies. The current study evaluated a prototype flow cytometry serology test, using antigens and fluorescent antibodies that had been stored for 1 year at 4°C, on a broad range of serum samples. Noninfected control dogs and
Leishmania infantum
-infected dogs were tested, and the prototype test showed excellent performance in differentiating these groups with high sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy (100% in all analyses). When the CVL group was evaluated according to the dogs' clinical status, the prototype test showed outstanding accuracy in all groups with positive serology (asymptomatic II, oligosymptomatic, and symptomatic). However, in dogs which had positive results by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) but negative results by conventional serology (asymptomatic I), serological reactivity was not observed. Additionally, sera from 40 dogs immunized with different vaccines (Leishmune, Leish-Tec, or LBSap) did not present serological reactivity in the prototype test. Eighty-eight dogs infected with other pathogens (
Trypanosoma cruzi
,
Leishmania braziliensis
,
Ehrlichia canis
, and
Babesia canis
) were used to determine cross-reactivity and specificity, and the prototype test performed well, particularly in dogs infected with
B. canis
and
E. canis
(100% and 93.3% specificities, respectively). In conclusion, our data reinforce the potential of the prototype test for use as a commercial kit and highlight its outstanding performance even after storage for 1 year at 4°C. Moreover, the prototype test efficiently provided accurate CVL serodiagnosis with an absence of false-positive results in vaccinated dogs and minor cross-reactivity against other canine pathogens.
Consistency of Influenza A Virus Detection Test Results across Respiratory Specimen Collection Methods Using Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR
Authors: Spencer Sarah , Gaglani Manjusha , Naleway Allison , Reynolds Sue , Ball Sarah , Bozeman Sam , Henkle Emily , Meece Jennifer , Vandermause Mary , Clipper Lydia , Thompson Mark 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT
In our prospective cohort study, we compared the performance of nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and nasal swabs for the detection of influenza virus using real-time reverse transcription-PCR assay. Joint consideration of results from oropharyngeal and nasal swabs was as effective as consideration of results from nasopharyngeal swabs alone, as measured by sensitivity and noninferiority analysis.
Temporal and Spatial Compartmentalization of Drug-Resistant Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in a Child with CMV Meningoencephalitis: Implications for Sampling in Molecular Diagnosis
Authors: Frange Pierre , Boutolleau David , Leruez-Ville Marianne , Touzot Fabien , Cros Guilhem , Heritier Sebastien , Moshous Despina , Neven Benedicte , Fischer Alain , Blanche Stephane 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT
We describe a case of antiviral-resistant cytomegalovirus meningoencephalitis occurring after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Antiviral-resistant cytomegalovirus was identified in blood 16 months earlier. However, wild-type cytomegalovirus was evidenced in blood when the meningoencephalitis was diagnosed. Treatment of meningoencephalitis should be adapted to all previously identified resistance mutations in any compartment.