bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Daily Dysfunction of Autonomic Regulation Based on Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Patients with Neurally Mediated Reflex Syncope
Authors: ONISHI YOSHIMI , MINOURA YOSHINO , CHIBA YUTA , ONUKI TATSUYA , ITO HIROYUKI , ADACHI TARO , ASANO TAKU , KOBAYASHI YOUICHI 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundThe onset of neurally mediated reflex syncope (NMRS) is associated with dysfunction of the autonomic regulatory system. Yet relatively little is known about the daily conditions of the autonomic regulation system in patients with NMRS. This study elucidated characteristics of daily autonomic function using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and evaluated the utility of ABPM for NMRS diagnosis.MethodsPatients with syncope underwent the head‐up tilt test (HUT) (80°, 30 minutes). If no syncope occurred, the HUT was repeated with drug loading. ABPM was performed on a different day.ResultsThe enrolled subjects were 152 consecutive patients with syncope and 12 controls. Sixty‐four patients with other diseases related to autonomic dysfunction were excluded. HUT with/without drug loading was positive in 40 patients (Group P) and negative in 48 patients (Group N). The average systolic blood pressure (SBP) in daytime was lower in Groups P and N than in the control group (Group C) (P < 0.05). The average diastolic blood pressure in daytime was also lower in Group P than in Group C (P < 0.05). The average standard deviation‐SBP at nighttime was higher in Groups P and N than in Group C (P < 0.05). In heart rate variability analysis, Group P had higher high frequency normalized unit in daytime than Groups C and N (P < 0.05, P < 0.1). Low frequency/high frequency was lower in Group P than in Group N in both daytime and nighttime (P < 0.1, P < 0.05).ConclusionThis study suggests that patients with NMRS present with daily vagal hyperactivity and sympathetic dysfunction. ABPM may support the diagnosis of NMRS.
One Year Incidence of Atrial Septal Defect after PV Isolation: A Comparison Between Conventional Radiofrequency and Cryoballoon Ablation
Authors: MUGNAI GIACOMO , SIEIRA JUAN , CICONTE GIUSEPPE , HERVAS MARTA SORIANO , IRFAN GHAZALA , SAITOH YUKIO , HÜNÜK BURAK , Ströker ERWIN , VELAGIC VEDRAN , WAUTERS KRISTEL , TONDO CLAUDIO , MOLON GIULIO , ASMUNDIS CARLO DE , BRUGADA PEDRO , CHIERCHIA GIAN‐BATTISTA 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundTransseptal (TS) catheterization is needed to access the left heart during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) procedures. In the radiofrequency (RF) ablation procedure, left atrial access is commonly achieved with a double TS puncture; cryoballoon (CB) ablation usually requires only a single TS puncture. Our aim was to compare the incidence of iatrogenic septal defect (IASD) between double transseptal conventional RF and CB ablation.Methods and ResultsIndividuals having undergone PVI as index procedure by RF or CB ablation and a subsequent transesophageal echocardiography examination during postablation follow‐up in our center were consecutively included. A total of 127 patients formed the study group (92 males; mean age 60 ± 11 years). IASD was present in 17 patients (13.4%) after a mean follow‐up time of 11.6 months. The incidence of IASD at 1‐year follow‐up following PVI was significantly higher in the CB ablation group compared with the RF ablation group (22.2% vs 8.5%; P = 0.03). Mean IASD diameter was larger in the CB group (0.60 cm × 0.50 cm vs 0.44 cm × 0.35 cm) without statistical significance. Only left to right atrial shunt was observed. No adverse events were recorded in these patients during the follow‐up.Conclusionsthe incidence of IASD at 1‐year follow‐up following CB ablation procedure for PVI is significantly higher with respect to RF procedures. Although no adverse clinical events were recorded in patients with persistence of IASD, more detailed echocardiographic examinations might be advised in all individuals exhibiting this finding.
Gene expression and functional analyses in brassinosteroid‐mediated stress tolerance
Authors: Divi Uday K. , Rahman Tawhidur , Krishna Priti 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThe plant hormone brassinosteroid (BR) plays essential roles in plant growth and development, while also controlling plant stress responses. This dual ability of BR is intriguing from a mechanistic point of view and as a viable solution for stabilizing crop yields under the changing climatic conditions. Here we report a time course analysis of BR responses under both stress and no‐stress conditions, the results of which establish that BR incorporates many stress‐related features even under no‐stress conditions, which are then accompanied by a dynamic stress response under unfavourable conditions. Found within the BR transcriptome were distinct molecular signatures of two stress hormones, abscisic acid and jasmonic acid, which were correlated with enhanced endogenous levels of the two hormones in BR‐treated seedlings. The marked presence of genes related to protein metabolism and modification, defence responses and calcium signalling highlights the significance of their associated mechanisms and roles in BR processes. Functional analysis of loss‐of‐function mutants of a subset of genes selected from the BR transcriptome identified abiotic stress‐related roles for ACID PHOSPHATASE5 (ACP5), WRKY33, JACALIN‐RELATED LECTIN1‐3 (JAC‐LEC1‐3) and a BR‐RESPONSIVE‐RECEPTOR‐LIKE KINASE (BRRLK). Overall, the results of this study provide a clear link between the molecular changes impacted by BR and its ability to confer broad‐range stress tolerance, emphasize the importance of post‐translational modification and protein turnover as BR regulatory mechanisms and demonstrate the BR transcriptome as a repertoire of new stress‐related regulatory and structural genes.
Achromobacter xylosoxidans Bacteremia and Cellulitis: A Report of a Case
Authors: Dai Julia , Huen Auris O. , Kestenbaum Lori A. , Sarezky Margaret D. , Coughlin Carrie C. , Yan Albert C. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAchromobacter xylosoxidans is a rare, opportunistic infection most commonly encountered in immunocompromised patients during hospitalization. Primary uncomplicated bacteremia, catheter‐associated infections, and pneumonia have been reported as the most common clinical presentations; skin and soft tissue infections from A. xylosoxidans are rare. We describe a case of A. xylosoxidans presenting as cellulitis and bacteremia in an immunocompromised patient.
Phototherapeutic Effect of Low‐Level Laser on Thyroid Gland of Gamma‐Irradiated Rats
Authors: Morcos Nadia , Omran Manar , Ghanem Hala , Elahdal Mahmoud , Kamel Nashwa , Attia Elbatoul 
Published: May 2015

AbstractOne inescapable feature of life on the earth is exposure to ionizing radiation. The thyroid gland is one of the most sensitive organs to gamma‐radiation and endocrine disrupters. Low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used to stimulate tissue repair, and reduce inflammation. The aim of this study was to gauge the value of using Helium–Neon laser to repair the damaged tissues of thyroid gland after gamma‐irradiation. Albino rats were used in this study (144 rats), divided into control, gamma, laser, and gamma plus laser‐irradiated groups, each group was divided into six subgroups according to time of treatment (total six sessions). Rats were irradiated once with gamma radiation (6 Gy), and an external dose of laser (Wavelength 632.8 nm, 12 mW, CW, Illuminated area 5.73 cm2, 2.1 mW cm−2, 120 s, 1.4 J, 0.252 J cm−2) twice weekly localized on thyroid region of the neck, for a total of six sessions. Animals were sacrificed after each session. Analysis included thyroid function, oxidative stress markers, liver function and blood picture. Results revealed improvement in thyroid function, liver function and antioxidant levels, and the blood cells count after LLLT.
Rotation of Boar Semen Doses During Storage Affects Sperm Quality
Authors: Schulze M , Rüdiger K , Waberski D 
Published: May 2015

ContentsIt is common practice to rotate boar semen doses during storage for prevention of sperm sedimentation. In this study, the effect of rotation of boar semen doses during storage on sperm quality was investigated. Manual turning twice daily and automatic rotation five times per hour resulted in the following effects: alkalinization of the BTS‐extender, loss of membrane integrity at day 3, and loss of motility and changes in sperm kinematics during a thermoresistance test at day 5. Using a pH‐stabilized variant of BTS extender, sperm motility and velocity decreased in continuously rotated samples, whereas membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity remain unaffected. It is concluded that rotation of semen samples adversely affects sperm quality and, therefore, should no longer be recommended for AI practice.
Refighting Pickett's Charge: Mathematical Modeling of the Civil War Battlefield*
Authors: Armstrong Michael J. , Sodergren Steven E. 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveWe model Pickett's Charge at the Battle of Gettysburg to see whether the Confederates could have achieved victory by committing more infantry, executing a better barrage, or facing a weaker defense.MethodsOur mathematical modeling is based on Lanchester equations, calibrated using historical army strengths. We weight the Union artillery and infantry two different ways using two sources of data, and so have four versions of the model.ResultsThe models estimate that a successful Confederate charge would have required at least one to three additional brigades. An improved artillery barrage would have reduced these needs by about one brigade. A weaker Union defense could have allowed the charge to succeed as executed.ConclusionsThe Confederates plausibly had enough troops to take the Union position and alter the battle's outcome, but likely too few to further exploit such a success.
Teaching creative writing in English in the Chinese context
Authors: DAI FAN 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTThis paper attempts to illustrate a pedagogical framework for teaching creative writing in English in the Chinese context. The discussion has been informed by more than three years of teaching to sophomores of the Department of English at Sun Yat‐sen University. Creative writing courses in English are few and far between in Chinese universities at present, but the popularity of such courses may grow as teachers come to see their value in not only improving students’ written proficiency in English, but also in contributing to critical thinking and creativity conducive to students’ education in the widest sense.
Dose reconstruction for real‐time patient‐specific dose estimation in CT
Authors: De Man Bruno , Wu Mingye , FitzGerald Paul , Kalra Mannudeep , Yin Zhye 
Published: May 2015

Purpose:Many recent computed tomography (CT) dose reduction approaches belong to one of three categories: statistical reconstruction algorithms, efficient x‐ray detectors, and optimized CT acquisition schemes with precise control over the x‐ray distribution. The latter category could greatly benefit from fast and accurate methods for dose estimation, which would enable real‐time patient‐specific protocol optimization.Methods:The authors present a new method for volumetrically reconstructing absorbed dose on a per‐voxel basis, directly from the actual CT images. The authors’ specific implementation combines a distance‐driven pencil‐beam approach to model the first‐order x‐ray interactions with a set of Gaussian convolution kernels to model the higher‐order x‐ray interactions. The authors performed a number of 3D simulation experiments comparing the proposed method to a Monte Carlo based ground truth.Results:The authors’ results indicate that the proposed approach offers a good trade‐off between accuracy and computational efficiency. The images show a good qualitative correspondence to Monte Carlo estimates. Preliminary quantitative results show errors below 10%, except in bone regions, where the authors see a bigger model mismatch. The computational complexity is similar to that of a low‐resolution filtered‐backprojection algorithm.Conclusions:The authors present a method for analytic dose reconstruction in CT, similar to the techniques used in radiation therapy planning with megavoltage energies. Future work will include refinements of the proposed method to improve the accuracy as well as a more extensive validation study. The proposed method is not intended to replace methods that track individual x‐ray photons, but the authors expect that it may prove useful in applications where real‐time patient‐specific dose estimation is required.
Backs against the Wall: Novel and Existing Strategies Used during the 2014-2015 Ebola Virus Outbreak
Authors: Wong Gary , Kobinger Gary P. 
Published: May 2015

SUMMARY
The 2014-2015 outbreak of Ebola virus (EBOV), originating from Guinea, is now responsible for the infection of >20,000 people in 9 countries. Whereas past filovirus outbreaks in sub-Saharan Africa have been rapidly brought under control with comparably few cases, this outbreak has been particularly resistant to containment efforts. Both the general population and primary health care workers have been affected by this outbreak, with hundreds of doctors and nurses being infected in the line of duty. In the absence of approved therapeutics, several caregivers have turned to investigational new drugs as well as experimental therapies in an effort to save lives. This review aims to summarize the candidates currently under consideration for postexposure use in infected patients during the largest EBOV outbreak in history.
Simple Real-Time PCR and Amplicon Sequencing Method for Identification of Plasmodium Species in Human Whole Blood
Authors: Lefterova Martina I. , Budvytiene Indre , Sandlund Johanna , Färnert Anna , Banaei Niaz 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Malaria is the leading identifiable cause of fever in returning travelers. Accurate
Plasmodium
species identification has therapy implications for
P. vivax
and
P. ovale
, which have dormant liver stages requiring primaquine. Compared to microscopy, nucleic acid tests have improved specificity for species identification and higher sensitivity for mixed infections. Here, we describe a SYBR green-based real-time PCR assay for
Plasmodium
species identification from whole blood, which uses a panel of reactions to detect species-specific non-18S rRNA gene targets. A pan-
Plasmodium
18S rRNA target is also amplified to allow species identification or confirmation by sequencing if necessary. An evaluation of assay accuracy, performed on 76 clinical samples (56 positives using thin smear microscopy as the reference method and 20 negatives), demonstrated clinical sensitivities of 95.2% for
P. falciparum
(20/21 positives detected) and 100% for the
Plasmodium
genus (52/52),
P. vivax
(20/20),
P. ovale
(9/9), and
P. malariae
(6/6). The sensitivity of the
P. knowlesi
-specific PCR was evaluated using spiked whole blood samples (100% [10/10 detected]). The specificities of the real-time PCR primers were 94.2% for
P. vivax
(49/52) and 100% for
P. falciparum
(51/51),
P. ovale
(62/62),
P. malariae
(69/69), and
P. knowlesi
(52/52). Thirty-three specimens were used to test species identification by sequencing the pan-
Plasmodium
18S rRNA PCR product, with correct identification in all cases. The real-time PCR assay also identified two samples with mixed
P. falciparum
and
P. ovale
infection, which was confirmed by sequencing. The assay described here can be integrated into a malaria testing algorithm in low-prevalence areas, allowing definitive
Plasmodium
species identification shortly after malaria diagnosis by microscopy.
Comparison of Sample Preparation Methods, Instrumentation Platforms, and Contemporary Commercial Databases for Identification of Clinically Relevant Mycobacteria by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wilen Craig B. , McMullen Allison R. , Burnham Carey-Ann D. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

When mycobacteria are recovered in clinical specimens, timely species-level identification is required to establish the clinical significance of the isolate and facilitate optimization of antimicrobial therapy. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has recently been reported to be a reliable and expedited method for identification of mycobacteria, although various specimen preparation techniques and databases for analysis are reported across studies. Here we compared two MALDI-TOF MS instrumentation platforms and three databases: Bruker Biotyper Real Time Classification 3.1 (Biotyper), Vitek MS Plus Saramis Premium (Saramis), and Vitek MS v3.0. We evaluated two sample preparation techniques and demonstrate that extraction methods are not interchangeable across different platforms or databases. Once testing parameters were established, a panel of 157 mycobacterial isolates (including 16
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
isolates) was evaluated, demonstrating that with the appropriate specimen preparation, all three methods provide reliable identification for most species. Using a score cutoff value of ≥1.8, the Biotyper correctly identified 133 (84.7%) isolates with no misidentifications. Using a confidence value of ≥90%, Saramis correctly identified 134 (85.4%) isolates with one misidentification and Vitek MS v3.0 correctly identified 140 (89.2%) isolates with one misidentification. The levels of accuracy were not significantly different across the three platforms (
P
= 0.14). In addition, we show that Vitek MS v3.0 requires modestly fewer repeat analyses than the Biotyper and Saramis methods (
P
= 0.04), which may have implications for laboratory workflow.
Comparison of Inoculation with the InoqulA and WASP Automated Systems with Manual Inoculation
Authors: Croxatto Antony , Dijkstra Klaas , Prod'hom Guy , Greub Gilbert 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTThe quality of sample inoculation is critical for achieving an optimal yield of discrete colonies in both monomicrobial and polymicrobial samples to perform identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Consequently, we compared the performance between the InoqulA (BD Kiestra), the WASP (Copan), and manual inoculation methods. Defined mono- and polymicrobial samples of 4 bacterial species and cloudy urine specimens were inoculated on chromogenic agar by the InoqulA, the WASP, and manual methods. Images taken with ImagA (BD Kiestra) were analyzed with the VisionLab version 3.43 image analysis software to assess the quality of growth and to prevent subjective interpretation of the data. A 3- to 10-fold higher yield of discrete colonies was observed following automated inoculation with both the InoqulA and WASP systems than that with manual inoculation. The difference in performance between automated and manual inoculation was mainly observed at concentrations of >106bacteria/ml. Inoculation with the InoqulA system allowed us to obtain significantly more discrete colonies than the WASP system at concentrations of >107bacteria/ml. However, the level of difference observed was bacterial species dependent. Discrete colonies of bacteria present in 100- to 1,000-fold lower concentrations than the most concentrated populations in defined polymicrobial samples were not reproducibly recovered, even with the automated systems. The analysis of cloudy urine specimens showed that InoqulA inoculation provided a statistically significantly higher number of discrete colonies than that with WASP and manual inoculation. Consequently, the automated InoqulA inoculation greatly decreased the requirement for bacterial subculture and thus resulted in a significant reduction in the time to results, laboratory workload, and laboratory costs.
Cooperativity of HIV-Specific Cytolytic CD4 T Cells and CD8 T Cells in Control of HIV Viremia
Authors: Johnson Susan , Eller Michael , Teigler Jeffrey E. , Maloveste Sebastien M. , Schultz Bruce T. , Soghoian Damien Z. , Lu Richard , Oster Alexander F. , Chenine Agnès-Laurence , Alter Galit , Dittmer Ulf , Marovich Mary , Robb Merlin L. , Michael Nelson L. , Bolton Diane , Streeck Hendrik 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

CD4
+
T cells play a pivotal role in the control of chronic viral infections. Recently, nontraditional CD4
+
T cell functions beyond helper effects have been described, and a role for cytolytic CD4
+
T cells in the control of HIV infection has been suggested. We define here the transcriptional, phenotypic, and functional profiles of HIV-specific cytolytic CD4
+
T cells. Fluidigm BioMark and multiparameter flow cytometric analysis of HIV-specific cytolytic CD4
+
T cells revealed a distinct transcriptional signature compared to Th1 CD4
+
cells but shared similar features with HIV-specific cytolytic CD8
+
T cells. Furthermore, HIV-specific cytolytic CD4
+
T cells showed comparable killing activity relative to HIV-specific CD8
+
T cells and worked cooperatively in the elimination of virally infected cells. Interestingly, we found that cytolytic CD4
+
T cells emerge early during acute HIV infection and tightly follow acute viral load trajectory. This emergence was associated to the early viral set point, suggesting an involvement in early control, in spite of CD4 T cell susceptibility to HIV infection. Our data suggest cytolytic CD4
+
T cells as an independent subset distinct from Th1 cells that show combined activity with CD8
+
T cells in the long-term control of HIV infection.

IMPORTANCE
The ability of the immune system to control chronic HIV infection is of critical interest to both vaccine design and therapeutic approaches. Much research has focused on the effect of the ability of CD8
+
T cells to control the virus, while CD4
+
T cells have been overlooked as effectors in HIV control due to the fact that they are preferentially infected. We show here that a subset of HIV-specific CD4
+
T cells cooperate in the cytolytic control of HIV replication. Moreover, these cells represent a distinct subset of CD4
+
T cells showing significant transcriptional and phenotypic differences compared to HIV-specific Th1 cells but with similarities to CD8
+
T cells. These findings are important for our understanding of HIV immunopathology.