bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of hepatitis C virus in mothers and their children in Malawi
Authors: Fox James M. , Newton Robert , Bedaj Marija , Keding Ada , Molyneux Elizabeth , Carpenter Lucy M. , Martin Fabiola , Mutalima Nora 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectivesHepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence is poorly mapped in the East African region; with the advent of novel HCV therapies, better epidemiological data are required to target the infection. We sought to estimate HCV prevalence in healthy Malawian mothers and assess mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT); context is provided by reviewing previously published HCV prevalence data from the region.MethodsUsing ELISA screening and confirmatory blot, serological testing of 418 healthy Malawian mothers for HCV was performed. To examine MTCT, the children of any positive women were also tested for HCV; all children had malignant disease unrelated to hepatocellular carcinoma. We compared our results to published literature on HCV prevalence in Malawi and its neighbouring countries.ResultsThree of 418 women were HCV reactive by ELISA; two were confirmed positive by immunoblot (0.5%). One child of an HCV‐infected mother was HCV seropositive. The literature review revealed HCV prevalence ranging from 0 to 7.2% in the region, being highest in Tanzania and specifically for cohorts of inpatients and HIV‐co‐infected people. The overall estimated prevalence of HCV in Malawi was 1.0% (95%CI 0.7–1.4) when all studies were included (including this one), but lower in healthy cohorts alone at 0.3% (95%CI 0.1–1.2).ConclusionsThis is the first study using confirmatory tests to examine HCV prevalence in healthy Malawian mothers; the prevalence was low. Future studies need to address the source of infection in healthy women.
Laboratory blood analysis in Strigiformes—Part II: plasma biochemistry reference intervals and agreement between the Abaxis Vetscan V2 and the Roche Cobas c501
Authors: Ammersbach Mélanie , Beaufrère Hugues , Gionet Rollick Annick , Tully Thomas 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundLimited plasma biochemical information is available in Strigiformes. Only one study investigated the agreement between a point‐of‐care with a reference laboratory analyzer for biochemistry variables in birds.ObjectivesThe objective was to report reference intervals (RI) for plasma biochemistry variables in Strigiformes, and to assess agreement between the Abaxis Vetscan V2 and Roche Cobas c501.MethodsA prospective study was designed to assess plasma biochemistry RI for concentration of calcium, phosphorus, total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, bilirubin, uric acid, bile acids, sodium, potassium, and chloride, and activities of AST, GGT, CK, amylase, lipase, LDH, and GLDH. In addition, the agreement between the Vetscan and the Cobas in owl species was assessed.ResultsA total of 190 individuals were sampled belonging to 12 Strigiformes species including Barn Owls, Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls, Eurasian Eagle Owls, Spectacled Owls, Eastern Screech Owls, Long‐Eared Owls, Short‐Eared Owls, Great Gray Owls, Snowy Owls, Northern Saw‐Whet Owls, and Northern Hawk‐Owls. Order‐, species‐, and method‐specific RI were determined on both analyzers. Although Vetscan data were not equivalent to the Cobas, 4 analytes (glucose, AST, CK, and total protein, with correction for bias) were within acceptable agreement, 3 analytes (uric acid, calcium, and phosphorus) were within close agreement, and the remaining analytes were in strong disagreement. Species‐specific differences were observed notably for the concentration of glucose in Barn Owls and electrolytes in Northern Saw‐Whet Owls.ConclusionsOverall, this study suggests that the Vetscan has acceptable clinical performance in Strigiformes for some analytes and highlights discrepancies for several analytes.
Periodization and Physical Performance in Elite Female Soccer Players
Authors: Mara Jocelyn K. , Thompson Kevin G. , Pumpa Kate L. , Ball Nick B. 
Published: January 2015

Purpose:To investigate the variation in training demands, physical performance, and player well-being across a women’s soccer season.Methods:Seventeen elite female players wore GPS tracking devices during every training session (N = 90) throughout 1 national-league season. Intermittent high-speed-running capacity and 5-, 15-, and 25-m-sprint testing were conducted at the beginning of preseason, end of preseason, midseason, and end of season. In addition, subjective well-being measures were selfreported daily by players over the course of the season.Results:Time over 5 m was lowest at the end of preseason (mean 1.148 s, SE 0.017 s) but then progressively deteriorated to the end of the season (P < .001). Sprint performance over 15 m improved by 2.8% (P = .013) after preseason training, while 25-m-sprint performance peaked at midseason, with a 3.1% (P = .05) improvement from the start of preseason, before declining at the end of season (P = .023). Training demands varied between phases, with total distance and high-speed distance greatest during preseason before decreasing (P < .001) during the early- and late-season phases. Endurance capacity and well-being measures did not change across training phases.Conclusions:Monitoring training demands and subsequent physical performance in elite female soccer players allow coaches to ensure that training periodization goals are being met and related positive training adaptations are being elicited.
Gross Efficiency During Flat and Uphill Cycling in Field Conditions
Authors: Nimmerichter Alfred , Prinz Bernhard , Haselsberger Kevin , Novak Nina , Simon Dieter , Hopker James G. 
Published: January 2015

Purpose:
While a number of studies have investigated gross efficiency (GE) in laboratory conditions, few studies have analyzed it in field conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effect of gradient and cadence on GE in field conditions.

Methods:
Thirteen trained cyclists (mean ± SD age 23.3 ± 4.1 y, stature 177.0 ± 5.5 cm, body mass 69.0 ± 7.2 kg, maximal oxygen uptake [V̇O2max] 68.4 ± 5.1 mL ∙ min–1 ∙ kg–1) completed an incremental graded exercise test to determine ventilatory threshold (VT) and 4 field trials of 6 min duration at 90% of VT on flat (1.1%) and uphill terrain (5.1%) with 2 different cadences (60 and 90 rpm). V̇O2 was measured with a portable gas analyzer and power output was controlled with a mobile power crank that was mounted on a 26-in mountain bike.

Results:
GE was significantly affected by cadence (20.6% ± 1.7% vs 18.1% ± 1.3% at 60 and 90 rpm, respectively; P < .001) and terrain (20.0% ± 1.5% vs 18.7% ± 1.7% at flat and uphill cycling, respectively; P = .029). The end-exercise V̇O2 was 2536 ± 352 and 2594 ± 329 mL/min for flat and uphill cycling, respectively (P = .489). There was a significant difference in end-exercise V̇O2 between 60 (2352 ± 193 mL/min) and 90 rpm (2778 ± 431 mL/min) (P < .001).

Conclusions:
These findings support previous laboratory-based studies demonstrating reductions in GE with increasing cadence and gradient that might be attributed to changes in muscle-activity pattern.
Postoperative Rehabilitation After Hip Resurfacing: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cheatham Scott , Mokha Monique , Lee Matt 
Published: January 2015

Context:Hip-resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) has become a popular procedure in the treatment of hip-joint arthritis in individuals under the age of 65 y. Although the body of literature examining operative procedures has grown, there is a lack of consistent reporting of the effectiveness of an HRA postoperative rehabilitation program. To date, no systematic reviews have evaluated the available evidence on postoperative rehabilitation programs.Objective:To evaluate the available evidence on postoperative rehabilitation programs after HRA.Evidence Acquisition:A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. A search of PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar was conducted in April 2014 using the following keywords alone and in combination: postoperative, postsurgical, rehabilitation, physical therapy, programs, hip resurfacing, arthroplasty, and metal-on-metal. The grading of studies was conducted using the PEDro and Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine scales.Evidence Synthesis:The authors identified 648 citations, 4 of which met the inclusion criteria. The qualifying studies yielded 1 randomized control trial, 2 case reports, and 1 case series, for a total of 90 patients. Patients were mostly male (n = 86), had a mean age of 48 ± 5.47 y, and had been physically active before HRA. Postoperative rehabilitation programs varied in length (range 8–24 wk) and consisted of at least 3 phases. The methodology to assess program effects varied, but all 4 studies did measure a combination of function, pain, and quality of life using written questionnaires, with follow-up ranging from 9 mo to 1 y. The most common questionnaire was the Harris Hip Score.Conclusion:This review found postoperative rehabilitation programs after HRA to be underinvestigated. Limited results indicate that postoperative rehabilitation programs may be effective in improving gait (stride length, velocity, and cadence), hip range of motion, and pain and function, as measured by questionnaires, but not hip strength.
Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus Infection in Twin Infants
Authors: Hede Sannya Vidyadhar , Olarte Liset , Chandramohan Lakshmi , Kaplan Sheldon L. , Hulten Kristina G. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus gallolyticus
subsp.
pasteurianus
, previously known as
Streptococcus bovis
biotype II.2, is an uncommon pathogen in neonates. Nevertheless, it can cause severe neonatal sepsis and meningitis often clinically indistinguishable from those caused by group B streptococci and has been associated with considerable morbidity. We report the first known cases of
S. gallolyticus
subsp.
pasteurianus
infection in twin infants.
Detection and Discrimination of Classical and Atypical L-Type Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy by Real-Time Quaking-Induced Conversion
Authors: Orrú Christina D. , Favole Alessandra , Corona Cristiano , Mazza Maria , Manca Matteo , Groveman Bradley R. , Hughson Andrew G. , Acutis Pier Luigi , Caramelli Maria , Zanusso Gianluigi , Casalone Cristina , Caughey Byron 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTStatutory surveillance of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) indicates that cattle are susceptible to both classical BSE (C-BSE) and atypical forms of BSE. Atypical forms of BSE appear to be sporadic and thus may never be eradicated. A major challenge for prion surveillance is the lack of sufficiently practical and sensitive tests for routine BSE detection and strain discrimination. The real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) test, which is based on prion-seeded fibrillization of recombinant prion protein (rPrPSen), is known to be highly specific and sensitive for the detection of multiple human and animal prion diseases but not BSE. Here, we tested brain tissue from cattle affected by C-BSE and atypical L-type bovine spongiform encephalopathy (L-type BSE or L-BSE) with the RT-QuIC assay and found that both BSE forms can be detected and distinguished using particular rPrPSensubstrates. Specifically, L-BSE was detected using multiple rPrPSensubstrates, while C-BSE was much more selective. This substrate-based approach suggests a diagnostic strategy for specific, sensitive, and rapid detection and discrimination of at least some BSE forms.
Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by EasyNAT Diagnostic Kit in Sputum Samples from Tanzania
Authors: Mhimbira Francis A. , Bholla Maira , Sasamalo Mohamed , Mukurasi William , Hella Jerry J. , Jugheli Levan , Reither Klaus 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
The EasyNAT assay was evaluated for the detection of tuberculosis in sputum smears from presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients in an African high-TB and high-HIV setting. The sensitivity of the EasyNAT assay was 66.7%, and the specificity and positive predictive value were 100% for the culture-positive patients. The sensitivity was only 10% in the smear-negative and culture-positive patients.
Foot Infection by Clostridium sordellii: Case Report and Review of 15 Cases in France
Authors: Bouvet Philippe , Sautereau Jean , Le Coustumier Alain , Mory Francine , Bouchier Christiane , Popoff Michel-R. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

We report a case of foot infection by
Clostridium sordellii
and review 15 human infections registered at a Reference Center in France during the period 1998 to 2011. All strains were found nontoxigenic, lacking the lethal toxin gene coding for TcsL. Like
Clostridium septicum
, several
C. sordellii
infections were associated with intestinal neoplasms.
Influenza Viruses with Receptor-Binding N1 Neuraminidases Occur Sporadically in Several Lineages and Show No Attenuation in Cell Culture or Mice
Authors: Hooper Kathryn A. , Crowe James E. , Bloom Jesse D. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
In nearly all characterized influenza viruses, hemagglutinin (HA) is the receptor-binding protein while neuraminidase (NA) is a receptor-cleaving protein that aids in viral release. However, in recent years, several groups have described point mutations that confer receptor-binding activity on NA, albeit in laboratory rather than natural settings. One of these mutations, D151G, appears to arise in the NA of recent human H3N2 viruses upon passage in tissue culture. We inadvertently isolated the second of these mutations, G147R, in the NA of the lab-adapted A/WSN/33 (H1N1) strain while we were passaging a heavily engineered virus in the lab. G147R also occurs at low frequencies in the reported sequences of viruses from three different lineages: human 2009 pandemic H1N1 (pdmH1N1), human seasonal H1N1, and chicken H5N1. Here we reconstructed a representative G147R NA from each of these lineages and found that all of the proteins have acquired the ability to bind an unknown cellular receptor while retaining substantial sialidase activity. We then reconstructed a virus with the HA and NA of a reported G147R pdmH1N1 variant and found no attenuation of viral replication in cell culture or change in pathogenesis in mice. Furthermore, the G147R virus had modestly enhanced resistance to neutralization by the Fab of an antibody against the receptor-binding pocket of HA, although it remained completely sensitive to the full-length IgG. Overall, our results suggest that circulating N1 viruses occasionally may acquire the G147R NA receptor-binding mutation without impairment of replicative capacity.

IMPORTANCE
Influenza viruses have two main proteins on their surface: one (hemagglutinin) binds incoming viruses to cells, while the other (neuraminidase) helps release newly formed viruses from these same cells. Here we characterize unusual mutant neuraminidases that have acquired the ability to bind to cells. We show that the mutation that allows neuraminidase to bind cells has no apparent adverse effect on viral replication but does make the virus modestly more resistant to a fragment of an antibody that blocks the normal hemagglutinin-mediated mode of viral attachment. Our results suggest that viruses with receptor-binding neuraminidases may occur at low levels in circulating influenza virus lineages.
Structure of the Extracellular Domain of Matrix Protein 2 of Influenza A Virus in Complex with a Protective Monoclonal Antibody
Authors: Cho Ki Joon , Schepens Bert , Seok Jong Hyeon , Kim Sella , Roose Kenny , Lee Ji-Hye , Gallardo Rodrigo , Van Hamme Evelien , Schymkowitz Joost , Rousseau Frederic , Fiers Walter , Saelens Xavier , Kim Kyung Hyun 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
The extracellular domain of influenza A virus matrix protein 2 (M2e) is conserved and is being evaluated as a quasiuniversal influenza A vaccine candidate. We describe the crystal structure at 1.6 Å resolution of M2e in complex with the Fab fragment of an M2e-specific monoclonal antibody that protects against influenza A virus challenge. This antibody binds M2 expressed on the surfaces of cells infected with influenza A virus. Five out of six complementary determining regions interact with M2e, and three highly conserved M2e residues are critical for this interaction. In this complex, M2e adopts a compact U-shaped conformation stabilized in the center by the highly conserved tryptophan residue in M2e. This is the first description of the three-dimensional structure of M2e.

IMPORTANCE
M2e of influenza A is under investigation as a universal influenza A vaccine, but its three-dimensional structure is unknown. We describe the structure of M2e stabilized with an M2e-specific monoclonal antibody that recognizes natural M2. We found that the conserved tryptophan is positioned in the center of the U-shaped structure of M2e and stabilizes its conformation. The structure also explains why previously reported
in vivo
escape viruses, selected with a similar monoclonal antibody, carried proline residue substitutions at position 10 in M2.
Identification of PB2 Mutations Responsible for the Efficient Replication of H5N1 Influenza Viruses in Human Lung Epithelial Cells
Authors: Yamaji Reina , Yamada Shinya , Le Mai Q. , Li Chengjun , Chen Hualan , Qurnianingsih Ema , Nidom Chairul A. , Ito Mutsumi , Sakai-Tagawa Yuko , Kawaoka Yoshihiro 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses have caused outbreaks among poultry worldwide, resulting in sporadic infections in humans with approximately 60% mortality. However, efficient transmission of H5N1 viruses among humans has yet to occur, suggesting that further adaptation of H5N1 viruses to humans is required for their efficient transmission among humans. The viral determinants for efficient replication in humans are currently poorly understood. Here, we report that the polymerase PB2 protein of an H5N1 influenza virus isolated from a human in Vietnam (A/Vietnam/UT36285/2010, virus 36285) increased the growth ability of an avian H5N1 virus (A/wild bird/Anhui/82/2005, virus Wb/AH82) in human lung epithelial A549 cells (however, the reassortant virus did not replicate more efficiently than human 36285 virus). Furthermore, we demonstrate that the amino acid residues at positions 249, 309, and 339 of the PB2 protein from this human isolate were responsible for its efficient replication in A549 cells. PB2 residues 249G and 339M, which are found in the human H5N1 virus, are rare in H5N1 viruses from both human and avian sources. Interestingly, PB2-249G is found in over 30% of human seasonal H3N2 viruses, which suggests that H5N1 viruses may replicate well in human cells when they acquire this mutation. Our data are of value to H5N1 virus surveillance.

IMPORTANCE
Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses must acquire mutations to overcome the species barrier between avian species and humans. When H5N1 viruses replicate in human respiratory cells, they can acquire amino acid mutations that allow them to adapt to humans through continuous selective pressure. Several amino acid mutations have been shown to be advantageous for virus adaptation to mammalian hosts. Here, we found that amino acid changes at positions 249, 309, and 339 of PB2 contribute to efficient replication of avian H5N1 viruses in human lung cells. These findings are beneficial for evaluating the pandemic risk of circulating avian viruses and for further functional analysis of PB2.
Evolution of the Bunyamwera Virus Polymerase To Accommodate Deletions within Genomic Untranslated Region Sequences
Authors: Mazel-Sanchez Béryl , Elliott Richard M. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

The untranslated regions (UTR) present at the ends of bunyavirus genome segments are required for essential steps in the virus life cycle and provide signals for encapsidation by nucleocapsid protein and the promoters for RNA transcription and replication as well as for mRNA transcription termination. For the prototype bunyavirus, Bunyamwera virus (BUNV), only the terminal 11 nucleotides (nt) of the segments are identical. Thereafter, the UTRs are highly variable both in length and in sequence. Furthermore, apart from the conserved termini, the UTRs of different viruses are highly variable. We previously generated recombinant BUNV carrying the minimal UTRs on all three segments that were attenuated for growth in cell culture. Following serial passage of these viruses, the viruses acquired increased fitness, and amino acid changes were observed to accumulate in the viral polymerase (L protein) of most mutant viruses, with the vast majority of the amino acid changes occurring in the C-terminal region. The function of this domain within L remains unknown, but by using a minigenome assay we showed that it might be involved in UTR recognition. Moreover, we identified an amino acid mutation within the polymerase that, when introduced into an otherwise wild-type BUNV, resulted in a virus with a temperature-sensitive phenotype. Viruses carrying temperature-sensitive mutations are good candidates for the design of live attenuated vaccines. We suggest that a combination of stable deletions of the UTRs together with the introduction of temperature-sensitive mutations in both the nucleocapsid and the polymerase could be used to design live attenuated vaccines against serious pathogens within the family
Bunyaviridae
.

IMPORTANCE
Virus growth in tissue culture can be attenuated by introduction of mutations in both coding and noncoding sequences. We generated attenuated Bunyamwera viruses by deleting sequences within both the 3′ and 5′ untranslated regions (UTR) on each genome segment and showed that the viruses regained fitness following serial passage in cell culture. The fitter viruses had acquired amino acid changes predominantly in the C-terminal domain of the viral polymerase (L protein), and by using minigenome assays we showed that the mutant polymerases were better adapted to recognizing the mutant UTRs. We suggest that deletions within the UTRs should be incorporated along with other specific mutations, including deletion of the major virulence gene encoding the NSs protein and introduction of temperature-sensitive mutations, in the design of attenuated bunyaviruses that could have potential as vaccines.