bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oral anti‐CD3 immunotherapy for HCV‐nonresponders is safe, promotes regulatory T cells and decreases viral load and liver enzyme levels: results of a phase‐2a placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Halota W. , Ferenci P. , Kozielewicz D. , Dybowska D. , Lisovoder N. , Samira S. , Shalit I. , Ellis R. , Ilan Y. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryOrally administered anti‐CD3 antibodies are biologically active in the gut through induction of regulatory T cells, exert an immune‐modulatory effect, and alleviate insulin resistance and liver damage in patients with NASH. Aims: To determine the safety of oral anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibody (MAb) immunotherapy in chronic HCV patients with associated immune dysfunction. Methods: Four groups (n = 9) of chronic HCV patients who were nonresponders to interferon plus ribavirin therapy received oral placebo (group A) or anti‐CD3 MAb at one of three dosage levels for 30 days. Patients were followed for safety parameters and serum levels of liver enzymes, virus, cytokines and regulatory T cells. Results: Oral anti‐CD3 immunotherapy was safe and well tolerated; no treatment‐related adverse events were noted. The following improvements were noted relative to pretreatment levels: HCV viral load and AST and ALT levels decreased in the low‐ and high‐dose groups following 30 days of therapy. In two of the treated groups, an increase in regulatory T cells (CD4+ CD25+) was noted. The positive effects were somewhat more apparent in subjects with initially elevated liver enzyme levels. Conclusions: Oral anti‐CD3 MAb immunotherapy for nonresponder HCV patients was safe and well tolerated. Trends and statistically significant improvements were observed as reductions in viral load and liver enzyme levels, along with an increase in regulatory T‐cell levels. These data support a role for the immune system in the pathogenesis of HCV infection and suggest that this immunotherapy is worthy of evaluation in combination with HCV antiviral drugs.
Inter‐ and Intravein Differences in Cardiac Output with Cardiac Resynchronization Pacing using a Multipolar LV Pacing Lead
Authors: JONES MICHAEL A. , KHIANI RAJ , FOLEY PAUL , WEBSTER DAVID , QURESHI NORMAN , WONG KELVIN C.K. , RAJAPPAN KIM , BASHIR YAVER , BETTS TIMOTHY R. 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundQuadripolar left ventricular pacing leads permit a variety of pacing configurations from different sites within a coronary vein. There may be advantages to selecting a specific pacing vector. This study examines whether the range of cardiac outputs obtained at cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantation is greater between different poles within a vein, or greater between two different veins.Methods and ResultsThe cardiac index (CI, L/min/m2) was measured during CRT implantation using a noninvasive cardiac output monitor (NICOM™, Cheetah Medical Inc., Newton Center, MA, USA) and a quadripolar left ventricle (LV) lead, in 22 patients with sinus rhythm. CI was recorded during right atrial‐biventricular pacing at 70/min with fixed atrioventricular and ventriculo‐ventricular delay, from each LV electrode in one vein, and then from an alternate vein. Phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS) occurred in nine of 15 posterior and three of 21 anterior veins (P = 0.005). At least one electrode in each vein had no PNS. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) difference between best and worst CI within any one vein was 13.1% (±9%). The mean (SD) difference between the best CI in one vein compared to the other was 9.8% (±8%; P = 0.043). In 16 of 22 patients, the range of CI was greater between poles within one vein, rather than between two veins (best of one vein compared to best from the other). In four of 22 patients, the range was greater between veins (P = 0.0003).ConclusionA greater range of CI is found within a single vein than between two different veins. This finding has implications both for the approach to implant technique and postimplant programming and optimization.
A re‐assessment of sucrose signaling involved in cluster‐root formation and function in phosphate‐deficient white lupin (Lupinus albus)
Authors: Wang Zhengrui , Shen Jianbo , Ludewig Uwe , Neumann Günter 
Published: November 2014

Apart from substrate functions, a signaling role of sucrose in root growth regulation is well established. This raised the question whether sucrose signals might also be involved in formation of cluster‐roots (CRs) under phosphate (Pi) limitation, mediating exudation of phosphorus (P)‐mobilizing root exudates, e.g. in Lupinus albus and members of the Proteaceae. Earlier studies demonstrated that CR formation in L. albus was mimicked to some extent by external application of high sucrose concentrations (25 mM) in the presence of extremely high P supply (1–10 mM), usually suppressing CR formation. In this study, we re‐addressed this question using an axenic hydroponic culture system with normal P supply (0.1 mM) and a range of sucrose applications (0.25–25 mM). The 2.5 mM sucrose concentration was comparable with internal sucrose levels in the zone of CR initiation in first‐order laterals of P‐deficient plants (3.4 mM) and induced the same CR morphology. Similar to earlier studies, high sucrose concentrations (25 mM) resulted in root thickening and inhibition of root elongation, associated with a 10‐fold increase of the internal sucrose level. The sucrose analog palatinose and a combination of glucose/fructose failed to stimulate CR formation under P‐sufficient conditions, demonstrating a signal function of sucrose and excluding osmotic or carbon source effects. In contrast to earlier findings, sucrose was able to induce CR formation but had no effect on CR functioning with respect to citrate exudation, in vitro activity and expression of genes encoding phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, secretory acid phosphatase and MATE transporters, mediating P‐mobilizing functions of CRs.
Characterization of Gambierdiscus and Coolia (Dinophyceae) isolates from Thailand based on morphology and phylogeny
Authors: Tawong Wittaya , Nishimura Tomohiro , Sakanari Hiroshi , Sato Shinya , Yamaguchi Haruo , Adachi Masao 
Published: November 2014

SummaryThe benthic dinoflagellates in the genus Gambierdiscus produce toxins that bioaccumulate in tropical and sub‐tropical fish causing ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP). Other co‐occurring genera such as Coolia have also been implicated in causing CFP. Little is known about the diversity of the two genera Gambierdiscus and Coolia along the Thai coasts. The results of morphological analyses based on observation under light microscopy and scanning electron microcopy showed that strains of Gambierdiscus from Thailand displayed the typical Gambierdiscus plate formula: Po, 4′, 0a, 6″, 6c,?s, 5′′′, 0p and 2′′′′. Morphological examination of Thai Gambierdiscus enabled it to be identified as Gambierdiscus caribaeus: round and anterior‐posteriorly compressed cell shape, broad 2′′′′ plate, rectangular 2′ plate, and symmetrical 3″ plate. The phylogenetic analyses based on the large subunit (LSU) rDNA D8/D10 sequences of Gambierdiscus from Thailand confirmed the morphological identification. The thecal plate formula for all of the Coolia isolates from Thailand was Po, 4′, 0a, 6″,?c,?s, 5′′′, 0p and 2′′′′. Most, but not all, of these isolates could be identified morphologically as Coolia malayensis. An LSU rDNA D1/D2 phylogenetic analysis confirmed identity of C. malayensis isolates identified morphologically. The remaining unidentified isolates fell in the C. tropicalis clade.
Adjusted Supremum Score‐Type Statistics for Evaluating Non‐Standard Hypotheses
Authors: Hsu Wei‐Wen , Todem David , Kim Kyungmann 
Published: November 2014

AbstractSupremum score test statistics are often used to evaluate hypotheses with unidentifiable nuisance parameters under the null hypothesis. Although these statistics provide an attractive framework to address non‐identifiability under the null hypothesis, little attention has been paid to their distributional properties in small to moderate sample size settings. In situations where there are identifiable nuisance parameters under the null hypothesis, these statistics may behave erratically in realistic samples as a result of a non‐negligible bias induced by substituting these nuisance parameters by their estimates under the null hypothesis. In this paper, we propose an adjustment to the supremum score statistics by subtracting the expected bias from the score processes and show that this adjustment does not alter the limiting null distribution of the supremum score statistics. Using a simple example from the class of zero‐inflated regression models for count data, we show empirically and theoretically that the adjusted tests are superior in terms of size and power. The practical utility of this methodology is illustrated using count data in HIV research.
Towards Eliminating the Displacement Bias Due to Out‐Of‐Plane Motion in 2D Inverse Problems: A Case of General Rigid‐Body Motion
Authors: Siddiqui M. Z. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis article reports an important development related to the inverse characterization of material constitutive parameters using 2D optical displacement field measurements. The out‐of‐plane motion of the specimen, which has traditionally been considered detrimental to the accuracy of these experiments, is generally of two types: (a) a global out‐of‐plane rigid‐body motion of the specimen relative to the camera and (b) out‐of‐plane deformations resulting from material heterogeneity or out‐of‐plane loads. In an earlier article, we proposed to partially relax the condition of no out‐of‐plane motion by allowing for (b) in 2D inverse procedures, in the context of finite element update method, and introduced a compensation strategy by redefining the cost function on the object plane of the acquisition system. The experimental errors due to (a) were assumed negligible. Here, we propose that the global rigid‐body motion (a) may also be recovered within the inverse procedures, hence completely waiving the condition of strictly in‐plane displacements for inverse problems. The recovery is achieved by identifying and including the possible modes of global rigid‐body motion within the cost function together with careful selection of test configuration. The effects of individual rigid‐body modes on the computed displacement fields are studied in detail and utilized as a guideline for selection of test configuration. The approach is fully demonstrated and validated by simulated as well as real experiments for determining elastic constants of isotropic and orthotropic materials using different experimental setups. Effects of improving the optimization routine, for cost function minimization, and experimental noise are also presented.
Plasma CC‐chemokine ligand 28 level is correlated with hematopoietic stem cells in human cord blood
Authors: Yoon Jong Hyun , Oh Sohee , Shin Sue , Roh Eun Youn , Lee Hye Ryun , Seo Soo Hyun , Park Hyunwoong , Song Eun Young 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundCC‐chemokine ligand 28 (CCL28) was previously identified as a novel growth factor in vitro for hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from cord blood (CB). However, there is no report on the relationship between CCL28 and HSCs in a human body.Study Design and MethodsTo reveal the effect of CCL28 on hematopoietic cells in human CB at birth, we measured CCL28 in frozen CB plasma, which was preserved as a reference sample for cryopreserved CB units for HSC transplantation. We also evaluated the correlation of CCL28 level with CB components.ResultsA total of 81 cryopreserved nonconforming CB units for transplantation were selected. The level of CCL28 was 2540 ± 377 pg/mL. The CCL28 levels correlated with the number of CD34+ cells (r = 0.222, p = 0.047) and white blood cells (r = 0.254, p = 0.022) in the CB units. The CCL28 levels also correlated with hemoglobin levels (r = 0.221, p = 0.048) in fresh CB.ConclusionThis finding of positive correlation between CCL28 level and CD34+ cell numbers in vivo, together with the previous report that CCL28 influences the proliferation of hematopoietic cells in CB in vitro, may give a clue for better understanding the variability in HSC content in CB that is cryopreserved for HSC transplantation.
A safety study on intrathecal delivery of autologous mesenchymal stromal cells in rabbits directly supporting Phase I human trials
Authors: Chen Bingkun K. , Staff Nathan P. , Knight Andrew M. , Nesbitt Jarred J. , Butler Greg W. , Padley Douglas J. , Parisi Joseph E. , Dietz Allan B. , Windebank Anthony J. 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundThere are no effective treatments that slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. A major challenge of treatment in neurodegenerative diseases is appropriate delivery of pharmaceuticals into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of affected individuals. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs—either naïve or modified) are a promising therapy in neurodegenerative diseases and may be delivered directly into the CSF where they can reside for months. In this preclinical study, we evaluated the safety of intrathecal autologous MSCs in a rabbit model.Study Design and MethodsAutologous adipose‐derived MSCs (or artificial CSF) were delivered intrathecally, either with single or with repeated injections into the foramen magnum of healthy rabbits and monitored for 4 and 12 weeks, respectively.ResultsRabbits tolerated injections well and no definitive MSC‐related side effects were observed apart from three rabbits that had delayed death secondary to traumatic foramen magnum puncture. Functional assessments and body weights were equivalent between groups. Gross pathology and histology did not reveal any abnormalities or tumor growth. Complete blood count data were normal and there were no differences in CSF interleukin‐6 levels in all groups tested.ConclusionOur data suggest that intrathecal delivery of autologous MSCs is safe in a rabbit model. Data from this study have supported two successful investigational new drug applications to the Food and Drug Administration, resulting in the initiation of two clinical trials using autologous MSCs in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple system atrophy.
RHD variants in Flanders, Belgium
Authors: Van Sandt Vicky S.T. , Gassner Christoph , Emonds Marie‐Paule , Legler Tobias J. , Mahieu Sarah , Körmöczi Günther F. 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundD antigen variants may be grouped into partial D, weak D, and DEL types. Cumulative phenotype frequencies of these D variants may approach 1% in certain European regions. Unambiguous and quick identification of D variants is of immediate clinical relevance, with implications for transfusion strategy.Study Design and MethodsA total of 628 samples with ambiguous serologic results from different immunohematology laboratories throughout the Flanders region, Belgium, were genotyped using a commercially available weak D typing approach. After exclusion of detectable weak D types, molecular RHD exon scanning was performed for the remaining samples, and RHD sequencing was performed in two particular cases.ResultsOf all samples investigated, 424 (67.5%) were positive for weak D Type 1, 2, or 3, and 22 cases (3.5%) typed weak D Type 4.0/4.1/4.3, 4.2, 5, 11, 15, or 17. Another 49 (7.8%) samples were partial D variants, with a major proportion being category DVI types (n = 27). One RHD(S103P) sample was identified as high‐grade partial D, with DIII‐like phenotype and anti‐D and anti‐C immunization. Additionally, a novel DVI Type 3 (A399T) variant was found. Of the remaining 133 samples mainly tested because of ambiguous serologic D typing results due to recent transfusion, 32 (5.1%) were negative for RHD, and 101 (16.1%) were indistinguishable from wild‐type RHD and not investigated further.ConclusionDespite the enormous diversity of RHD alleles, first‐line weak D genotyping was remarkably informative, allowing for rapid classification of most samples with conspicuous RhD phenotype in Flanders. The clinical implications are discussed.
Finished Genome Sequence of the Laboratory Strain Escherichia coli K-12 RV308 (ATCC 31608)
Authors: Krempl Peter M. , Mairhofer Juergen , Striedner Gerald , Thallinger Gerhard G. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Escherichia coli
strain K-12 substrain RV308 is an engineered descendant of the K-12 wild-type strain. Like its ancestor, it is an important organism in biotechnological research and is heavily used for the expression of single-chain variable fragments. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
E. coli
K-12 RV308 (ATCC 31608).
Draft Genome Sequence of the Halophilic and Highly Halotolerant
Gammaproteobacteria
Strain MFB021
Authors: Joseph Toms C. , Baby Anju , Reghunathan Dinesh , Varghese Aswathy Mary , Murugadas V. , Lalitha K. V. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

We report the 4.25-Mbp first draft sequence of
Gammaproteobacteria
strain MFB021, a moderate halophile isolated from petroleum-contaminated soil in Cochin, India. The genome of the strain MFB021 was sequenced to understand the mechanism of hydrocarbon degradation and the halophilicity of the bacterium.
Complete Genome Sequence of Streptococcus pyogenes M/
emm44
Strain STAB901, Isolated in a Clonal Outbreak in French Brittany
Authors: Soriano Nicolas , Vincent Pascal , Piau Caroline , Moullec Séverine , Gautier Philippe , Lagente Vincent , Faili Ahmad , Kayal Samer 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

We report the complete genome sequence of an invasive isolate of
Streptococcus pyogenes
M/
emm44
, belonging to a clonal outbreak that occurred in French Brittany. The genome is composed of 1,795,608 bp, with a GC content of 38.5%, has 1,358 identified coding sequences (CDSs), and harbors a novel Tn916-like transposon (Tn6253).
Seven Strains of Enterovirus D68 Detected in the United States during the 2014 Severe Respiratory Disease Outbreak
Authors: Brown B. A. , Nix W. A. , Sheth M. , Frace M. , Oberste M. S. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT
Clusters of severe respiratory disease in the United States were reported to the CDC beginning in August 2014. Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) was identified from 83% (30/36) of initial severe cases. Investigations in August and September found severe EV-D68 cases to be widespread across the United States. We report seven EV-D68 genomes from the outbreak.
First Draft Genome Sequence of a Member of the Genus
Mangrovibacter
, Isolated from an Aquaculture Farm in India
Authors: Joseph Toms C. , Varghese Aswathy Mary , Baby Anju , Reghunathan Dinesh , Murugadas V. , Lalitha K. V. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Mangrovibacter
sp. MFB070, a Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, nitrogen-fixing bacterium, was isolated from an aquaculture farm in Cochin, India. Here, we report the first draft genome sequence of a member of the genus
Mangrovibacter
, which may help us to elucidate the evolutionary status of this genus. The draft genome sequence of the
Mangrovibacter
sp. consists of 5,361,682 bp, encoding 4,971 predicted coding sequences in 57 contigs.
Health in overweight children: 2-year follow-up of Finnmark Activity School—a randomised trial
Authors: Kokkvoll Ane , Grimsgaard Sameline , Steinsbekk Silje , Flægstad Trond , Njølstad Inger 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveTo compare a comprehensive lifestyle intervention for overweight children performed in groups of families with a conventional single-family treatment. Two-year follow-up data on anthropometric and psychological outcome are presented.DesignOverweight and obese children aged 6–12 years with body mass index (BMI) corresponding to ≥27.5 kg/m2 in adults were randomised to multiple-family (n=48) or single-family intervention (n=49) in a parallel design. Multiple-family intervention comprised an inpatient programme with other families and a multidisciplinary team, follow-up visits in their hometown, weekly physical activity and a family camp. Single-family intervention included counselling by paediatric nurse, paediatric consultant and nutritionist at the hospital and follow-up by a community public health nurse. Primary outcome measures were change in BMI kg/m2 and BMI SD score after 2 years.ResultsBMI increased by 1.29 kg/m2 in the multiple-family intervention compared with 2.02 kg/m2 in the single-family intervention (p=0.075). BMI SD score decreased by 0.20 units in the multiple-family group and 0.08 units in the single-family intervention group (p=0.046). A between-group difference of 2.4 cm in waist circumference (p=0.038) was detected. Pooled data from both treatment groups showed a significant decrease in BMI SD score of 0.14 units and a significant decrease in parent-reported and self-reported Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire total score of 1.9 units.ConclusionsTwo-year outcome showed no between-group difference in BMI. A small between-group effect in BMI SD score and waist circumference favouring multiple-family intervention was detected. Pooled data showed an overall improvement in psychological outcome measures and BMI SD score.Trial registration numberNCT00872807, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov.
A core outcome set for clinical trials in acute diarrhoea
Authors: Karas Jacek , Ashkenazi Shai , Guarino Alfredo , Lo Vecchio Andrea , Shamir Raanan , Vandenplas Yvan , Szajewska Hania 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveCore outcome sets are the baseline for what should be measured in clinical research and, thus, should serve as a guide for what should be collected and reported. The Consensus Group on Outcome Measures Made in Pediatric Enteral Nutrition Clinical Trials, established in 2012, agreed that consensus on a core set of outcomes with agreed-upon definitions that should be measured and reported in clinical trials was needed. To achieve this goal, six working groups (WGs) were setup, including WG on acute diarrhoea, whose main goal was to develop a core outcome set for trials in acute diarrhoea.MethodsThe first step identified how published outcomes related to acute diarrhoea were reported. The second focused on the methodology for determining which outcomes to measure in clinical trials. The third employed a two-phase questionnaire study using the Delphi technique to define clinically important outcomes to clinicians and parents.ResultsFor therapeutic studies, the five most important outcome measures were diarrhoea duration, degree of dehydration, need for hospitalisation (or duration of hospitalisation for inpatients), the proportion of patients recovered by 48 h and adverse effects. The prophylactic core outcome set included prevention of diarrhoea, prevention of dehydration, prevention of hospitalisation and adverse effects.ConclusionsThe outcome sets for therapy and prevention can be recommended for use in future trials of patients with gastroenteritis. Their envisioned goal is to decrease study heterogeneity and to ease the comparability of studies. WG's next step is to determine how to measure the outcomes included in the core set.