bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differences in baseline factors and survival between normocapnia, compensated respiratory acidosis and decompensated respiratory acidosis in COPD exacerbation: A pilot study
Authors: Lun Chung‐Tat , Tsui Miranda S.N. , Cheng Suet‐Lai , Chan Veronica L. , Leung Wah‐Shing , Cheung Alice P.S. , Chu Chung‐Ming 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground and objectivePatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experiencing acute exacerbation (AE‐COPD) with decompensated respiratory acidosis are known to have poor outcomes in terms of recurrent respiratory failure and death. However, the outcomes of AE‐COPD patients with compensated respiratory acidosis are not known.MethodsWe performed a 1‐year prospective, single‐centre, cohort study in patients surviving the index admission for AE‐COPD to compare baseline factors between groups with normocapnia, compensated respiratory acidosis and decompensated respiratory acidosis. Survival analysis was done to examine time to readmissions, life‐threatening events and death.ResultsA total of 250 patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited and 245 patients were analysed. Compared with normocapnia, both compensated and decompensated respiratory acidosis are associated with lower FEV1 % (P < 0.001), higher GOLD stage (P = 0.003, <0.001) and higher BODE index (P = 0.038, 0.001) and a shorter time to life‐threatening events (P < 0.001). Comparing compensated and decompensated respiratory acidosis, there was no difference in FEV1 (% predicted) (P = 0.15), GOLD stage (P = 0.091), BODE index (P = 0.158) or time to life‐threatening events (P = 0.301). High PaCO2 level (P = 0.002) and previous use of non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) in acute setting (P < 0.001) are predictive factors of future life‐threatening events by multivariate analysis.ConclusionsCompared with normocapnia, both compensated and decompensated respiratory acidosis are associated with poorer lung function and higher risk of future life‐threatening events. High PaCO2 level and past history of NIV use in acute settings were predictive factors for future life‐threatening events. Compensated respiratory acidosis warrants special attention and optimization of medical therapy as it poses risk of life‐threatening events.
The Effect of Low‐Level Laser Therapy on the Healing of Open Wounds in Dogs
Authors: Kurach Lindsey M. , Stanley Bryden J. , Gazzola Krista M. , Fritz Michele C. , Steficek Barbara A. , Hauptman Joe G. , Seymour Kristen J. 
Published: October 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) on acute, full‐thickness wound healing in dogs.Study DesignRandomized block (dog); historical control.AnimalsAdult male Beagles (n = 10).MethodsTwo 2 × 2 cm2 wounds were surgically created bilaterally on the trunk of each dog. Each side was randomized to receive LLLT (laser, LAS) or standard‐of‐care management (control, CON), 3 times weekly for 32 days. The LLLT consisted of a dual diode laser (7.5 mW/diode) at 635 nm and total energy density of 1.125 J/cm2. Wound planimetry was performed on the caudal wounds, from which percent contraction and percent epithelialization were calculated. Histologic features were evaluated at 7 time points from cranial wound biopsies. Experimental data were also compared to wounds from a historical female control cohort (historical control, HCON).ResultsThere was no difference between LAS and CON wounds for all parameters, including histology. The HCON wounds had significantly greater contraction and epithelialization compared to LAS and CON wounds. The LAS and CON wounds had significantly less inflammation than HCON wounds early in wound healing, but inflammation was significantly greater in LAS and CON wounds by day 21. Fibroblast infiltration and collagen deposition were significantly less in LAS and CON wounds than HCON wounds.ConclusionThere are no apparent beneficial effects of LLLT on the healing of acute wounds in healthy dogs using this LLLT protocol. Gender may influence wound healing in intact dogs.
Microwave ablation at 915 MHz vs 2.45 GHz: A theoretical and experimental investigation
Authors: Curto Sergio , Taj‐Eldin Mohammed , Fairchild Dillon , Prakash Punit 
Published: October 2015

Purpose:The relationship between microwave ablation system operating frequency and ablation performance is not currently well understood. The objective of this study was to comparatively assess the differences in microwave ablation at 915 MHz and 2.45 GHz.Methods:Analytical expressions for electromagnetic radiation from point sources were used to compare power deposition at the two frequencies of interest. A 3D electromagnetic‐thermal bioheat transfer solver was implemented with the finite element method to characterize power deposition and thermal ablation with asymmetrical insulated dipole antennas (single‐antenna and dual‐antenna synchronous arrays). Simulation results were validated against experiments in ex vivo tissue.Results:Theoretical, computational, and experimental results indicated greater power deposition and larger diameter ablation zones when using a single insulated microwave antenna at 2.45 GHz; experimentally, 32 ± 4.1 mm and 36.3 ± 1.0 mm for 5 and 10 min, respectively, at 2.45 GHz, compared to 24 ± 1.7 mm and 29.5 ± 0.6 mm at 915 MHz, with 30 W forward power at the antenna input port. In experiments, faster heating was observed at locations 5 mm (0.91 vs 0.49 °C/s) and 10 mm (0.28 vs 0.15 °C/s) from the antenna operating at 2.45 GHz. Larger ablation zones were observed with dual‐antenna arrays at 2.45 GHz; however, the differences were less pronounced than for single antennas.Conclusions:Single‐ and dual‐antenna arrays systems operating at 2.45 GHz yield larger ablation zone due to greater power deposition in proximity to the antenna, as well as greater role of thermal conduction.
Measuring neutron spectra in radiotherapy using the nested neutron spectrometer
Authors: Maglieri Robert , Licea Angel , Evans Michael , Seuntjens Jan , Kildea John 
Published: October 2015

Purpose:Out‐of‐field neutron doses resulting from photonuclear interactions in the head of a linear accelerator pose an iatrogenic risk to patients and an occupational risk to personnel during radiotherapy. To quantify neutron production, in‐room measurements have traditionally been carried out using Bonner sphere systems (BSS) with activation foils and TLDs. In this work, a recently developed active detector, the nested neutron spectrometer (NNS), was tested in radiotherapy bunkers.Methods:The NNS is designed for easy handling and is more practical than the traditional BSS. Operated in current‐mode, the problem of pulse pileup due to high dose‐rates is overcome by measuring current, similar to an ionization chamber. In a bunker housing a Varian Clinac 21EX, the performance of the NNS was evaluated in terms of reproducibility, linearity, and dose‐rate effects. Using a custom maximum‐likelihood expectation–maximization algorithm, measured neutron spectra at various locations inside the bunker were then compared to Monte Carlo simulations of an identical setup. In terms of dose, neutron ambient dose equivalents were calculated from the measured spectra and compared to bubble detector neutron dose equivalent measurements.Results:The NNS‐measured spectra for neutrons at various locations in a treatment room were found to be consistent with expectations for both relative shape and absolute magnitude. Neutron fluence‐rate decreased with distance from the source and the shape of the spectrum changed from a dominant fast neutron peak near the Linac head to a dominant thermal neutron peak in the moderating conditions of the maze. Monte Carlo data and NNS‐measured spectra agreed within 30% at all locations except in the maze where the deviation was a maximum of 40%. Neutron ambient dose equivalents calculated from the authors’ measured spectra were consistent (one standard deviation) with bubble detector measurements in the treatment room.Conclusions:The NNS may be used to reliably measure the neutron spectrum of a radiotherapy beam in less than 1 h, including setup and data unfolding. This work thus represents a new, fast, and practical method for neutron spectral measurements in radiotherapy.
Determination of lead ion removal from a flowing electrolyte in the presence of a magnetic field using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Rodríguez Rogelio , Rangel Domingo , Vargas Susana , González Maykel , Malagon Karla , Quintanilla Francisco 
Published: October 2015

Purpose:The authors report on the development of a new, noninvasive method to efficiently remove metal ions in aqueous solution flowing in a tube and to quantify the concentrations of those ions. Such a technique could be used to remove toxic ions in the interiors of arteries and veins in patients intoxicated by the ingestion of metal ions.Methods:A magnetic field is applied to an aqueous electrolyte flowing in a specially designed rectangular cell in order to deflect the ion trajectories and concentrate them at one side of a cell. Once the ions are concentrated, they can be removed. Raman spectroscopy is used to promptly determine the concentration of the removed lead ions.Results:It is possible to increase, on one side of the cell, the ion concentration by more than 80% with respect to the average concentration; the removed ions were taken from this high concentration region. This approach is a rapid, efficient, and noninvasive method for the removal of ions in aqueous solution. Raman spectroscopy was found to be a suitable technique to determine the amount of removed ions.Conclusions:The results indicate that the ion concentration can be increased more than 80% in a region where they can be removed. The increment in the ion concentration produced by the deflection due to the magnetic field, together with the use of Raman spectroscopy, allows for a rapid analysis of the removed ions without any previous preparation. The proposed method is a potentially useful method for metal ion separation of interest in the medical physics field.
Vaccination with a Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) Modified Live Virus Vaccine Followed by Challenge with PRRS Virus and Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2) Protects against PRRS but Enhances PCV2 Replication and Pathogenesis Compared to Results for Nonvaccinated Cochallenged Controls
Authors: Niederwerder Megan C. , Bawa Bhupinder , Serão Nick V. L. , Trible Benjamin R. , Kerrigan Maureen A. , Lunney Joan K. , Dekkers Jack C. M. , Rowland Raymond R. R. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTCoinfections involving porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) contribute to a group of disease syndromes known as porcine circovirus-associated disease (PCVAD). Presumably, PRRSV infection enhances PCV2 replication as a result of modulation of host immunity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate PCV2 replication and pathogenesis in pigs vaccinated with a PRRS modified live virus (MLV) vaccine and subsequently challenged with a combination of PRRSV and PCV2. During the early postchallenge period, the number of pigs with PRRSV-associated clinical signs was decreased, and average daily gain (ADG) was increased, in the vaccinated group, demonstrating the protective effect of PRRS vaccination. However, during the later postchallenge period, more pigs in the vaccinated group showed increased PCV2 viremia, decreased ADG, increased PCVAD clinical signs, and increased mortality. In this disease model, the early benefits of PRRSV vaccination were outweighed by the later amplification of PCVAD.
Evaluation of a New Immunochromatographic Test Using Recombinant Antigen B8/1 for Diagnosis of Cystic Echinococcosis
Authors: Santivañez Saul J. , Rodriguez Mary L. , Rodriguez Silvia , Sako Yashuito , Nkouawa Agathe , Kobayashi Yukuharu , Sotomayor Alfredo L. , Peralta Julio E. , Valcarcel Maria , Gonzalez Armando E. , Garcia Hector H. , Ito Akira 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

Diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis (CE) is based on the identification of the cyst(s) by imaging, using immunodiagnostic tests mainly as complementary tools in clinical settings. Among the antigens used for immunodiagnosis, previous studies described a good performance of the recombinant antigen B8/1 (rAgB) in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) format; however, in remote parts of areas where the disease is endemic, the implementation of an ELISA is difficult, so a more simple, rapid, and reliable method such as the immunochromatographic test (ICT) is required. In this study, using a set of 50 serum samples from patients with surgically confirmed CE, we compared the performance of an ICT and that of an ELISA using the rAgB. The overall sensitivities of ICT and ELISA were not statistically different (78% versus 72%;
P
= 0.36). The overall agreement between both tests was moderate (κ = 0.41;
P
< 0.01). Concordance between ICT and ELISA was substantial or almost perfect for patients with liver involvement (κ = 0.65;
P
< 0.001) and patients with more than one hydatid cyst (κ = 0.82;
P
< 0.001), respectively. Moreover, specificity analysis using a total of 88 serum samples from healthy individuals (
n
= 20) and patients (
n
= 68) with other parasitic infections revealed that ICT had a specificity of 89.8%. ICT and ELISA had similar performance for the detection of specific antibodies to
E. granulosus
, and ICT had a high specificity, opening the possibility of using ICT as a screening tool in rural settings.
Crawling with Virus: Translational Insights from a Neonatal Mouse Model on the Pathogenesis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Infants
Authors: You Dahui , Saravia Jordy , Siefker David , Shrestha Bishwas , Cormier Stephania A. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT
The infant immune response to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains incompletely understood. Here we review the use of a neonatal mouse model of RSV infection to mimic severe infection in human infants. We describe numerous age-specific responses, organized by cell type, observed in RSV-infected neonatal mice and draw comparisons (when possible) to human infants.
Mismatches in the Influenza A Virus RNA Panhandle Prevent Retinoic Acid-Inducible Gene I (RIG-I) Sensing by Impairing RNA/RIG-I Complex Formation
Authors: Anchisi Stéphanie , Guerra Jessica , Mottet-Osman Geneviève , Garcin Dominique 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

Influenza virus RNA (vRNA) promoter panhandle structures are believed to be sensed by retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I). The occurrence of mismatches in this double-stranded RNA structure raises questions about their effect on innate sensing. Our results suggest that mismatches in vRNA promoters decrease binding to RIG-I
in vivo
, affecting RNA/RIG-I complex formation and preventing RIG-I activation. These results can be inferred to apply to other viruses and suggest that mismatches may represent a general viral strategy to escape RIG-I sensing.
Cocirculation of Two
env
Molecular Variants, of Possible Recombinant Origin, in Gorilla and Chimpanzee Simian Foamy Virus Strains from Central Africa
Authors: Richard Léa , Rua Réjane , Betsem Edouard , Mouinga-Ondémé Augustin , Kazanji Mirdad , Leroy Eric , Njouom Richard , Buseyne Florence , Afonso Philippe V. , Gessain Antoine 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

Simian foamy virus (SFV) is a ubiquitous retrovirus in nonhuman primates (NHPs) that can be transmitted to humans, mostly through severe bites. In the past few years, our laboratory has identified more than 50 hunters from central Africa infected with zoonotic SFVs. Analysis of the complete sequences of five SFVs obtained from these individuals revealed that
env
was the most variable gene. Furthermore, recombinant SFV strains, some of which involve sequences in the
env
gene, were recently identified. Here, we investigated the variability of the
env
genes of zoonotic SFV strains and searched for possible recombinants. We sequenced the complete
env
gene or its surface glycoprotein region (SU) from DNA amplified from the blood of (i) a series of 40 individuals from Cameroon or Gabon infected with a gorilla or chimpanzee foamy virus (FV) strain and (ii) 1 gorilla and 3 infected chimpanzees living in the same areas as these hunters. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the existence of two
env
variants among both the gorilla and chimpanzee FV strains that were present in zoonotic and NHP strains. These variants differ greatly (>30% variability) in a 753-bp-long region located in the receptor-binding domain of SU, whereas the rest of the gene is very conserved. Although the organizations of the Env protein sequences are similar, the potential glycosylation patterns differ between variants. Analysis of recombination suggests that the variants emerged through recombination between different strains, although all parental strains could not be identified.

IMPORTANCE
SFV infection in humans is a great example of a zoonotic retroviral infection that has not spread among human populations, in contrast to human immunodeficiency viruses (HIVs) and human T-lymphotropic viruses (HTLVs). Recombination was a major mechanism leading to the emergence of HIV. Here, we show that two SFV molecular envelope gene variants circulate among ape populations in Central Africa and that both can be transmitted to humans. These variants differ greatly in the SU region that corresponds to the part of the Env protein in contact with the environment. These variants may have emerged through recombination between SFV strains infecting different NHP species.
Characterization and Demonstration of the Value of a Lethal Mouse Model of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection and Disease
Authors: Tao Xinrong , Garron Tania , Agrawal Anurodh Shankar , Algaissi Abdullah , Peng Bi-Hung , Wakamiya Maki , Chan Teh-Sheng , Lu Lu , Du Lanying , Jiang Shibo , Couch Robert B. , Tseng Chien-Te K. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

Characterized animal models are needed for studying the pathogenesis of and evaluating medical countermeasures for persisting Middle East respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infections. Here, we further characterized a lethal transgenic mouse model of MERS-CoV infection and disease that globally expresses human CD26 (hCD26)/DPP4. The 50% infectious dose (ID
50
) and lethal dose (LD
50
) of virus were estimated to be <1 and 10 TCID
50
of MERS-CoV, respectively. Neutralizing antibody developed in the surviving mice from the ID
50
/LD
50
determinations, and all were fully immune to challenge with 100 LD
50
of MERS-CoV. The tissue distribution and histopathology in mice challenged with a potential working dose of 10 LD
50
of MERS-CoV were subsequently evaluated. In contrast to the overwhelming infection seen in the mice challenged with 10
5
LD
50
of MERS-CoV, we were able to recover infectious virus from these mice only infrequently, although quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) tests indicated early and persistent lung infection and delayed occurrence of brain infection. Persistent inflammatory infiltrates were seen in the lungs and brain stems at day 2 and day 6 after infection, respectively. While focal infiltrates were also noted in the liver, definite pathology was not seen in other tissues. Finally, using a receptor binding domain protein vaccine and a MERS-CoV fusion inhibitor, we demonstrated the value of this model for evaluating vaccines and antivirals against MERS. As outcomes of MERS-CoV infection in patients differ greatly, ranging from asymptomatic to overwhelming disease and death, having available both an infection model and a lethal model makes this transgenic mouse model relevant for advancing MERS research.

IMPORTANCE
Fully characterized animal models are essential for studying pathogenesis and for preclinical screening of vaccines and drugs against MERS-CoV infection and disease. When given a high dose of MERS-CoV, our transgenic mice expressing hCD26/DPP4 viral receptor uniformly succumbed to death within 6 days, making it difficult to evaluate host responses to infection and disease. We further characterized this model by determining both the ID
50
and the LD
50
of MERS-CoV in order to establish both an infection model and a lethal model for MERS and followed this by investigating the antibody responses and immunity of the mice that survived MERS-CoV infection. Using the estimated LD
50
and ID
50
data, we dissected the kinetics of viral tissue distribution and pathology in mice challenged with 10 LD
50
of virus and utilized the model for preclinical evaluation of a vaccine and drug for treatment of MERS-CoV infection. This further-characterized transgenic mouse model will be useful for advancing MERS research.
Oligomerization Requirements for MX2-Mediated Suppression of HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Dicks Matthew D. J. , Goujon Caroline , Pollpeter Darja , Betancor Gilberto , Apolonia Luis , Bergeron Julien R. C. , Malim Michael H. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

Human myxovirus resistance 2 (MX2/MXB) is an interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) and was recently identified as a late postentry suppressor of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, inhibiting the nuclear accumulation of viral cDNAs. Although the HIV-1 capsid (CA) protein is believed to be the viral determinant of MX2-mediated inhibition, the precise mechanism of antiviral action remains unclear. The MX family of dynamin-like GTPases also includes MX1/MXA, a well-studied inhibitor of a range of RNA and DNA viruses, including influenza A virus (FLUAV) and hepatitis B virus but not retroviruses. MX1 and MX2 are closely related and share similar domain architectures and structures. However, MX2 possesses an extended N terminus that is essential for antiviral function and confers anti-HIV-1 activity on MX1 [MX1(N
MX2
)]. Higher-order oligomerization is required for the antiviral activity of MX1 against FLUAV, with current models proposing that MX1 forms ring structures that constrict around viral nucleoprotein complexes. Here, we performed structure-function studies to investigate the requirements for oligomerization of both MX2 and chimeric MX1(N
MX2
) for the inhibition of HIV-1 infection. The oligomerization state of mutated proteins with amino acid substitutions at multiple putative oligomerization interfaces was assessed using a combination of covalent cross-linking and coimmunoprecipitation. We show that while monomeric MX2 and MX1(N
MX2
) mutants are not antiviral, higher-order oligomerization does not appear to be required for full antiviral activity of either protein. We propose that lower-order oligomerization of MX2 is sufficient for the effective inhibition of HIV-1.

IMPORTANCE
Interferon plays an important role in the control of virus replication during acute infection
in vivo
. Recently, cultured cell experiments identified human MX2 as a key effector in the interferon-mediated postentry block to HIV-1 infection. MX2 is a member of a family of large dynamin-like GTPases that includes MX1/MXA, a closely related interferon-inducible inhibitor of several viruses, including FLUAV, but not HIV-1. MX GTPases form higher-order oligomeric structures, and the oligomerization of MX1 is required for inhibitory activity against many of its viral targets. Through structure-function studies, we report that monomeric mutants of MX2 do not inhibit HIV-1. However, in contrast to MX1, oligomerization beyond dimer assembly does not seem to be required for the antiviral activity of MX2, implying that fundamental differences exist between the antiviral mechanisms employed by these closely related proteins.