bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Efficacy of a Self-Paced VO2max Test During Motorized Treadmill Exercise
Authors: Faulkner James , Mauger Alexis R. , Woolley Brandon , Lambrick Danielle 
Published: June 2014

Purpose:To assess the utility of a self-paced maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) test (SPV) in eliciting an accurate measure of VO2max in comparison with a traditional graded exercise test (GXT) during motorized treadmill exercise.Design:This was a cross-sectional experimental study whereby recreationally trained men (n = 13, 25.5 ± 4.6 y) completed 2 maximal exercise tests (SPV, GXT) separated by a 72-h recovery period.Methods:The GXT was continuous and incremental, with prescribed 1-km/h increases every 2 min until the attainment of VO2max. The SPV consisted of 5 × 2-min stages of incremental exercise, which were self-selected and adjusted according to 5 prescribed RPE levels (RPE 11, 13, 15, 17, and 20).Results:Although no significant differences in VO2max were observed between the SPV and GXT (63.9 ± 3.3 cf 60.9 ± 4.6 mL · kg−1 · min−1, respectively, P > .05), the apparent 4.7% mean difference may be practically important. The 95% limits-of-agreement analysis was 3.03 ± 11.49 mL · kg−1 · min−1. Therefore, in the worst-case scenario, the GXT may underestimate measured VO2max as ascertained by the SPV by up to 19%. Conversely, the SPV could underestimate the GXT by 14%.Conclusions:The current study has shown that the SPV is an accurate measure of VO2max during exercise on a motorized treadmill and may provide a slightly higher VO2max value than that obtained from a traditional GXT. The higher VO2max during the SPV may be important when prescribing training or monitoring athlete progression.
Physical Activity for Campus Employees: A University Worksite Wellness Program
Authors: Butler Carling E. , Clark B. Ruth , Burlis Tamara L. , Castillo Jacqueline C. , Racette Susan B. 
Published: June 2014

Background:Workplaces provide ideal environments for wellness programming. The purpose of this study was to explore exercise self-efficacy among university employees and the effects of a worksite wellness program on physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.Methods:Participants included 121 university employees (85% female). The worksite wellness program included cardiovascular health assessments, personal health reports, 8 weeks of pedometer-based walking and tracking activities, and weekly wellness sessions. Daily step count was assessed at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8. Exercise self-efficacy and CVD risk factors were evaluated at baseline and follow-up.Results:Daily step count increased from 6566 ± 258 (LSM ± SE) at baseline to 8605 ± 356 at Week 4 and 9107 ± 388 at Week 8 (P < .0001). Steps increased among normal weight, overweight, and obese subgroups. Exercise self-efficacy correlated with baseline steps (P < .05). Small improvements were observed in cardiorespiratory fitness, body mass index, blood pressure, blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides (all P < .01).Conclusions:A worksite wellness program was effective for improving physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and CVD risk factors among university employees. Exercise barriers and outcome expectations were identified and have implications for future worksite wellness programming.
Sensitivity of Real-Time PCR Performed on Dried Sera Spotted on Filter Paper for Diagnosis of Leptospirosis
Authors: Nhan T. X. , Teissier A. , Roche C. , Musso D. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

In remote countries, leptospirosis confirmation is difficult because it requires the shipment of frozen samples to reference laboratories. The sensitivity of leptospirosis real-time PCR performed on filter paper-dried serum samples stored at ambient temperature was evaluated at 2 × 10
2
equivalent leptospires/ml (eqLeptospires/ml). This easy alternative procedure can be used to enhance the surveillance of leptospirosis.
Diagnostic Accuracy of a Molecular Drug Susceptibility Testing Method for the Antituberculosis Drug Ethambutol: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cheng Song , Cui Zhenling , Li Yuanyuan , Hu Zhongyi 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTEthambutol (EMB) is a first-line antituberculosis drug; however, drug resistance to EMB has been increasing. Molecular drug susceptibility testing (DST), based on theembBgene, has recently been used for rapid identification of EMB resistance. The aim of this meta-analysis was to establish the accuracy of molecular assay for detecting drug resistance to EMB. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched according to a written protocol and explicit study selection criteria. Measures of diagnostic accuracy were pooled using a random effects model. A total of 34 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The respective pooled sensitivities and specificities were 0.57 and 0.93 for PCR-DNA sequencing that targeted theembB306 codon, 0.76 and 0.89 for PCR-DNA sequencing that targeted theembB306, 406, and 497 codons, 0.64 and 0.70 for detectingMycobacterium tuberculosisisolates, 0.55 and 0.78 for detectingM. tuberculosissputum specimens using the GenoType MTBDRsltest, 0.57 and 0.87 for pyrosequencing, and 0.35 and 0.98 for PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The respective pooled sensitivities and specificities were 0.55 and 0.92 when using a lower EMB concentration as the reference standard, 0.67 and 0.73 when using a higher EMB concentration as the reference standard, and 0.60 and 1.0 when using multiple reference standards. PCR-DNA sequencing using multiple sites of theembBgene as detection targets, includingembB306, 406, and 497, can be a rapid method for preliminarily screening for EMB resistance, but it does not fully replace phenotypic DST. Of the reference DST methods examined, the agreement rates were the best using MGIT 960 for molecular DST and using the proportion method on Middlebrook 7H10 media.
Cervical and Vaginal Flora Specimens Are Highly Concordant with Respect to Bacterial Vaginosis-Associated Organisms and Commensal Lactobacillus Species in Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Smith William L. , Hedges Spencer R. , Mordechai Eli , Adelson Martin E. , Trama Jason P. , Gygax Scott E. , Kaunitz Andrew M. , Hilbert David W. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

Matched vaginal and cervical specimens from 96 subjects were analyzed by quantitative PCR for the presence and concentration of bacterial vaginosis-associated microbes and commensal
Lactobacillus
spp. Detection of these microbes was 92% concordant, indicating that microbial floras at these body sites are generally similar.
Characteristics of Acute Nongonococcal Urethritis in Men Differ by Sexual Preference
Authors: Rane Vinita S. , Fairley Christopher K. , Weerakoon Ajith , Read Timothy H. , Fehler Glenda , Chen Marcus Y. , Bradshaw Catriona S. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) is a common clinical syndrome, but no etiological agent is identified in a significant proportion of cases. Whether the spectrum of pathogens differs between heterosexual men (MSW) and men who have sex with men (MSM) is largely unstudied but of considerable clinical relevance. A retrospective review was done using the electronic medical record database of Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Australia. Cases were first presentations of symptomatic acute NGU with ≥5 polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL)/high-powered field (HPF) on urethral Gram stain between January 2006 and December 2011. First-stream urine was tested for
Chlamydia trachomatis
and
Mycoplasma genitalium
by PCR. Demographic, laboratory, and behavioral characteristics of cases were examined by univariate and multivariable analyses. Of 1,295 first presentations of acute NGU, 401 (32%; 95% confidence interval [CI] of 29 to 34%) had
C. trachomatis
and 134 (11%; 95% CI of 9 to 13%) had
M. genitalium
detected. MSM with acute NGU were less likely to have
C. trachomatis
(adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.4; 95% CI of 0.3 to 0.6) or
M. genitalium
(AOR = 0.5; 95% CI of 0.3 to 0.8) and more likely to have idiopathic NGU (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI of 1.8 to 3.3), to report 100% condom use for anal/vaginal sex (AOR = 3.6; 95% CI of 2.7 to 5.0), or to have engaged in sexual activities other than anal/vaginal sex (AOR = 8.0; 95% CI of 3.6 to 17.8). Even when
C. trachomatis
or
M. genitalium
was detected, MSM were more likely than MSW to report consistent condom use (OR = 4.7; 95% CI of 2.6 to 8.3). MSM with acute NGU are less likely to have the established bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and more likely to report protected anal sex or sexual activity other than anal sex prior to symptom onset than MSW. These data suggest that the etiologic spectrum of pathogens differs between MSM and MSW in acute NGU and that relatively low-risk practices are capable of inducing acute NGU.
Competency Assessment of Microbiology Medical Laboratory Technologists in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Desjardins Marc , Fleming Christine Ann 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT
Accreditation in Ontario, Canada, requires that licensed clinical laboratories participate in external quality assessment (also known as proficiency testing) and perform competency evaluation of their staff. To assess the extent of ongoing competency assessment practices, the Quality Management Program—Laboratory Services (QMP-LS) Microbiology Committee surveyed all 112 licensed Ontario microbiology laboratories. The questionnaire consisted of a total of 21 questions that included yes/no, multiple-choice, and short-answer formats. Participants were asked to provide information about existing programs, the frequency of testing, what areas are evaluated, and how results are communicated to the staff. Of the 111 responding laboratories, 6 indicated they did not have a formal evaluation program since they perform only limited bacteriology testing. Of the remaining 105 respondents, 87% perform evaluations at least annually or every 2 years, and 61% include any test or task performed, whereas 16% and 10% focus only on problem areas and high-volume complex tasks, respectively. The most common methods of evaluation were review of external quality assessment (EQA) challenges, direct observation, and worksheet review. With the exception of one participant, all communicate results to staff, and most take remedial action to correct the deficiencies. Although most accredited laboratories have a program to assess the ongoing competency of their staff, the methods used are not standardized or consistently applied, indicating that there is room for improvement. The survey successfully highlighted potential areas for improvement and allowed the QMP-LS Microbiology Committee to provide guidance to Ontario laboratories for establishing or improving existing microbiology-specific competency assessment programs.
Development of a Rapid Microarray-Based DNA Subtyping Assay for the Alleles of Shiga Toxins 1 and 2 of Escherichia coli
Authors: Geue Lutz , Stieber Bettina , Monecke Stefan , Engelmann Ines , Gunzer Florian , Slickers Peter , Braun Sascha D. , Ehricht Ralf 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

In this study, we developed a new rapid, economic, and automated microarray-based genotyping test for the standardized subtyping of Shiga toxins 1 and 2 of
Escherichia coli
. The microarrays from Alere Technologies can be used in two different formats, the ArrayTube and the ArrayStrip (which enables high-throughput testing in a 96-well format). One microarray chip harbors all the gene sequences necessary to distinguish between all Stx subtypes, facilitating the identification of single and multiple subtypes within a single isolate in one experiment. Specific software was developed to automatically analyze all data obtained from the microarray. The assay was validated with 21 Shiga toxin-producing
E. coli
(STEC) reference strains that were previously tested by the complete set of conventional subtyping PCRs. The microarray results showed 100% concordance with the PCR results. Essentially identical results were detected when the standard DNA extraction method was replaced by a time-saving heat lysis protocol. For further validation of the microarray, we identified the Stx subtypes or combinations of the subtypes in 446 STEC field isolates of human and animal origin. In summary, this oligonucleotide array represents an excellent diagnostic tool that provides some advantages over standard PCR-based subtyping. The number of the spotted probes on the microarrays can be increased by additional probes, such as for novel alleles, species markers, or resistance genes, should the need arise.
Probiotic-Associated Aspiration Pneumonia Due to Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Authors: Doern Christopher D. , Nguyen Sean T. , Afolabi Folashade , Burnham Carey-Ann D. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTLactobacilli are low-virulence, commensal organisms of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts and are commonly used as “probiotic supplements.” Herein, we describe an episode of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis with bacterial superinfection secondary to administration ofLactobacillus rhamnosusin an 11-month-old female with trisomy 21.
Prevalence of Recovirus-Neutralizing Antibodies in Human Serum Samples
Authors: Farkas Tibor , Wong Ping Lun Cindy 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT
To investigate recovirus infections and their association with zoonosis, the prevalence of the virus-neutralizing antibody against three recovirus serotypes was tested in the general population and in zookeepers. Neutralizing antibodies were detected in a significantly higher number of zookeepers than in the general population but with significantly lower titers than in macaques.
Time to Positivity and Detection of Growth in Anaerobic Blood Culture Vials Predict the Presence of Candida glabrata in Candidemia: a Two-Center European Cohort Study
Authors: Cobos-Trigueros Nazaret , Kaasch Achim J. , Soriano Alex , Torres Jorge-Luis , Vergara Andrea , Morata Laura , Zboromyrska Yuliya , De La Calle Cristina , Alejo Izaskun , Hernández Cristina , Cardozo Celia , Marco Franscesc , Del Río Ana , Almela Manel , Mensa Josep , Martínez José Antonio 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

This study shows the accuracy of exclusive or earlier growth in anaerobic vials to predict
Candida glabrata
in a large series of candidemic patients from two European hospitals using the Bactec 9240 system. Alternatively,
C. glabrata
can be predicted by a time to positivity cutoff value, which should be determined for each setting.
An Alphavirus-Based Adjuvant Enhances Serum and Mucosal Antibodies, T Cells, and Protective Immunity to Influenza Virus in Neonatal Mice
Authors: Khalil Syed Muaz , Tonkin Daniel R. , Snead Andrew T. , Parks Griffith D. , Johnston Robert E. , White Laura J. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTNeonatal immune responses to infection and vaccination are biased toward TH2 at the cost of proinflammatory TH1 responses needed to combat intracellular pathogens. However, upon appropriate stimulation, the neonatal immune system can induce adult-like TH1 responses. Here we report that a new class of vaccine adjuvant is especially well suited to enhance early life immunity. The GVI3000 adjuvant is a safe, nonpropagating, truncated derivative of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus that targets dendritic cells (DCs) in the draining lymph node (DLN) and produces intracellular viral RNA without propagating to other cells. RNA synthesis strongly activates the innate immune response so that in adult animals, codelivery of soluble protein antigens induces robust humoral, cellular, and mucosal responses. The adjuvant properties of GVI3000 were tested in a neonatal BALB/c mouse model using inactivated influenza virus (iFlu). After a single immunization, mice immunized with iFlu with the GVI3000 adjuvant (GVI3000-adjuvanted iFlu) had significantly higher and sustained influenza virus-specific IgG antibodies, mainly IgG2a (TH1), compared to the mice immunized with antigen only. GVI3000 significantly increased antigen-specific CD4+and CD8+T cells, primed mucosal immune responses, and enhanced protection from lethal challenge. As seen in adult mice, the GVI3000 adjuvant increased the DC population in the DLNs, caused activation and maturation of DCs, and induced proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the DLNs soon after immunization, including gamma interferon (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), and interleukin 6 (IL-6). In summary, the GVI3000 adjuvant induced an adult-like adjuvant effect with an influenza vaccine and has the potential to improve the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of new and existing neonatal vaccines.IMPORTANCEThe suboptimal immune responses in early life constitute a significant challenge for vaccine design. Here we report that a new class of adjuvant is safe and effective for early life immunization and demonstrate its ability to significantly improve the protective efficacy of an inactivated influenza virus vaccine in a neonatal mouse model. The GVI3000 adjuvant delivers a truncated, self-replicating viral RNA into dendritic cells in the draining lymph node. Intracellular RNA replication activates a strong innate immune response that significantly enhances adaptive antibody and cellular immune responses to codelivered antigens. A significant increase in protection results from a single immunization. Importantly, this adjuvant also primed a mucosal IgA response, which is likely to be critical for protection during many early life infections.
Transcriptional and Posttranscriptional Regulation of Cytokine Gene Expression in HIV-1 Antigen-Specific CD8+T Cells That Mediate Virus Inhibition
Authors: Payne Tamika L. , Blackinton Jeff , Frisbee Alyse , Pickeral Joy , Sawant Sheetal , Vandergrift Nathan A. , Freel Stephanie A. , Ferrari Guido , Keene Jack D. , Tomaras Georgia D. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTThe ability of CD8+T cells to effectively limit HIV-1 replication and block HIV-1 acquisition is determined by the capacity to rapidly respond to HIV-1 antigens. Understanding both the functional properties and regulation of an effective CD8+response would enable better evaluation of T cell-directed vaccine strategies and may inform the design of new therapies. We assessed the antigen specificity, cytokine signature, and mechanisms that regulate antiviral gene expression in CD8+T cells from a cohort of HIV-1-infected virus controllers (VCs) (<5,000 HIV-1 RNA copies/ml and CD4+lymphocyte counts of >400 cells/μl) capable of soluble inhibition of HIV-1. Gag p24 and Nef CD8+T cell-specific soluble virus inhibition was common among the VCs and correlated with substantial increases in the abundance of mRNAs encoding the antiviral cytokines macrophage inflammatory proteins MIP-1α, MIP-1αP (CCL3L1), and MIP-1β; granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF); lymphotactin (XCL1); tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 9 (TNFRSF9); and gamma interferon (IFN-γ). The induction of several of these mRNAs was driven through a coordinated response of both increased transcription and stabilization of mRNA, which together accounted for the observed increase in mRNA abundance. This coordinated response allows rapid and robust induction of mRNA messages that can enhance the CD8+T cells' ability to inhibit virus upon antigen encounter.IMPORTANCEWe show that mRNA stability, in addition to transcription, is key in regulating the direct anti-HIV-1 function of antigen-specific memory CD8+T cells. Regulation at the level of RNA helps enable rapid recall of memory CD8+T cell effector functions for HIV-1 inhibition. By uncovering and understanding the mechanisms employed by CD8+T cell subsets with antigen-specific anti-HIV-1 activity, we can identify new strategies for comprehensive identification of other important antiviral genes. This will, in turn, enhance our ability to inhibit virus replication by informing both cure strategies and HIV-1 vaccine designs that aim to reduce transmission and can aid in blocking HIV-1 acquisition.
Binding of the Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus to the Ephrin Binding Surface of the EphA2 Receptor and Its Inhibition by a Small Molecule
Authors: Hahn Alexander S. , Desrosiers Ronald C. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT
The ephrin receptor tyrosine kinase A2 (EphA2) is an entry receptor for Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) that is engaged by the virus through its gH/gL glycoprotein complex. We describe here that natural ephrin ligands inhibit the gH/gL-EphA2 interaction. The effects of point mutations within EphA2 demonstrated that KSHV gH/gL interacts with EphA2 through a restricted set of the same residues that mediate binding of A-type ephrins. Two previously described inhibitors of the EphA2 interaction with ephrin A5 also inhibited binding of KSHV gH/gL to EphA2. The more potent of the two compounds inhibited KSHV infection of blood vessel and lymphatic endothelial cells in the micromolar concentration range. Our results demonstrate that interaction of KSHV with EphA2 occurs in a fashion similar to that of the natural ephrin ligands. Our data further indicate a new avenue for drug development against KSHV.

IMPORTANCE
Our study reports two important findings. First, we show that KSHV engages its receptor, the receptor tyrosine kinase EphA2, at a site that overlaps the binding site of the natural ephrin ligands. Second, we demonstrate that KSHV infection of target cells can be blocked by a small-molecule inhibitor of the viral glycoprotein-EphA2 interaction. These findings represent a novel avenue for the development of strategies to treat KSHV-associated diseases.
Epithelial Immunization Induces Polyfunctional CD8+T Cells and Optimal Mousepox Protection
Authors: Hersperger Adam R. , Siciliano Nicholas A. , DeHaven Brian C. , Snook Adam E. , Eisenlohr Laurence C. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTWe assessed several routes of immunization with vaccinia virus (VACV) in protecting mice against ectromelia virus (ECTV). By a wide margin, skin scarification provided the greatest protection. Humoral immunity and resident-memory T cells notwithstanding, several approaches revealed that circulating, memory CD8+T cells primed via scarification were functionally superior and conferred enhanced virus control. Immunization via the epithelial route warrants further investigation, as it may also provide enhanced defense against other infectious agents.