bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chicken and Duck Myotubes Are Highly Susceptible and Permissive to Influenza Virus Infection
Authors: Baquero-Perez Belinda , Kuchipudi Suresh V. , Ho Jemima , Sebastian Sujith , Puranik Anita , Howard Wendy , Brookes Sharon M. , Brown Ian H. , Chang Kin-Chow 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACT
Skeletal muscle, at 30 to 40% of body mass, is the most abundant soft tissue in the body. Besides its primary function in movement and posture, skeletal muscle is a significant innate immune organ with the capacity to produce cytokines and chemokines and respond to proinflammatory cytokines. Little is known about the role of skeletal muscle during systemic influenza A virus infection in any host and particularly avian species. Here we used primary chicken and duck multinucleated myotubes to examine their susceptibility and innate immune response to influenza virus infections. Both chicken and duck myotubes expressed avian and human sialic acid receptors and were readily susceptible to low-pathogenicity (H2N3 A/mallard duck/England/7277/06) and high-pathogenicity (H5N1 A/turkey/England/50-92/91 and H5N1 A/turkey/Turkey/1/05) avian and human H1N1 (A/USSR/77) influenza viruses. Both avian host species produced comparable levels of progeny H5N1 A/turkey/Turkey/1/05 virus. Notably, the rapid accumulation of viral nucleoprotein and matrix (M) gene RNA in chicken and duck myotubes was accompanied by extensive cytopathic damage with marked myotube apoptosis (widespread microscopic blebs, caspase 3/7 activation, and annexin V binding at the plasma membrane). Infected chicken myotubes produced significantly higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines than did the corresponding duck cells. Additionally, in chicken myotubes infected with H5N1 viruses, the induction of interferon beta (IFN-β) and IFN-inducible genes, including the melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA-5) gene, was relatively weak compared to infection with the corresponding H2N3 virus. Our findings highlight that avian skeletal muscle fibers are capable of productive influenza virus replication and are a potential tissue source of infection.

IMPORTANCE
Infection with high-pathogenicity H5N1 viruses in ducks is often asymptomatic, and skeletal muscle from such birds could be a source of infection of humans and animals. Little is known about the ability of influenza A viruses to replicate in avian skeletal muscle fibers. We show here that cultured chicken and duck myotubes were highly susceptible to infection with both low- and high-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses. Infected myotubes of both avian species displayed rapid virus accumulation, apoptosis, and extensive cellular damage. Our results indicate that avian skeletal muscle fibers of chicken and duck could be significant contributors to progeny production of highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses.
Human Coagulation Factor X-Adenovirus Type 5 Complexes Poorly Stimulate an Innate Immune Response in Human Mononuclear Phagocytes
Authors: Eichholz Karsten , Mennechet Franck J. D. , Kremer Eric J. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACT

One of the first lines of host defense against many viruses in vertebrates is the innate immune system, which detects pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) using pathogen recognition receptors (PRR). The dynamic interactions between pathogens and hosts create, in some cases, species-specific relationships. Recently, it was shown that murine factor X (mFX)-armored human adenovirus (HAd) stimulated a mFX-Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-associated response in mouse macrophages
in vitro
and
in vivo
. Given the importance of studies using animals to better understand host-pathogen interactions, we asked if human FX (hFX)-armored HAd type 5 (HAd5) was capable of activating innate immune sensors in primary human mononuclear phagocytes. To this end, we assayed human mononuclear phagocytes for their ability to be stimulated by hFX-armored HAd5 via a TLR/NF-κB pathway, in particular, a TLR4 pathway. In our hands, we found no significant interaction, activation, or maturation of human mononuclear phagocytes caused by the presence of hFX-armored HAd5.

IMPORTANCE
Animals, and mice in particular, are often used as informative and powerful surrogates for how pathogens interact with natural host systems. When possible, extended and targeted studies in the natural host can then be performed. Our data will help us understand the differences in preclinical testing in mice and clinical use in humans in order to improve treatment for HAd diseases and Ad vector effectiveness.
Effects of racing games on risky driving behaviour, and the significance of personality and physiological data
Authors: Deng Mingming , Chan Alan H S , Wu Feng , Wang Jun 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundRacing games have emerged as top-selling products in the video and computer game industry. The effect of playing racing games on the inclination of gamers to take risks has been investigated.MethodTwo experiments were conducted. In experiment 1, the impact of personality traits on the effects of playing racing games on risk-taking inclination was examined. The Vienna Test System, which includes the Eysenck Personality Profile Test and the Vienna Risk-Taking Test, was used to measure risk-taking inclination and risk-taking while driving. Experiment 2 was designed and conducted to analyse the effects of different intensity levels of car racing games on risk-taking inclination, and to study the relationship between physiological data and risk-taking inclination. Physiological data on skin conductance, heart rate and blood pressure were measured with the NeuroDyne System.ResultsParticipants playing a racing game were more inclined to take risks in critical road traffic situations than those playing a neutral game. The adventurousness dimension of the Eysenck Personality Profile Test correlated significantly positively with risk-taking inclination. More importantly, the effect of the intensity level of a racing game on risk-taking inclination was significant. The higher the intensity level of the racing game, the higher the risk-taking inclination while driving. The effect of intensity level of the racing game on skin conductance was significantly positive. Skin conductance correlated significantly positively with risk-taking inclination.ConclusionsThe effect of playing racing games on risk-taking inclination is linked to personality and physiological data. Some recommendations are proposed as a result of this study for racing game management.
Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) for the identification of mycobacteria from MBBacT ALERT 3D liquid cultures and Lowenstein–Jensen (LJ) solid cultures
Authors: Quinlan Patricia , Phelan Elaine , Doyle Maeve 
Published: December 2014

AimsConventional methods for the identification of mycobacteria can be demanding and prolonged. Molecular methodologies, although rapid, are expensive and often exclusive to reference laboratories. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) presents a possible alternative method for the identification and differentiation of mycobacteria. This study describes the design and validation of a mycobacteria inactivation protocol and subsequent evaluation of MALDI-TOF MS for the identification of mycobacteria in a clinical microbiology laboratory setting.MethodsA total of 65 non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) isolates and 86Mycobacteriumtuberculosiscomplex (MTC) isolates were tested on the Bruker MALDI Biotyper Microflex, V.3.1. NTM solid-culture (Lowenstein–Jensen, LJ slopes) isolates (n=21) and liquid-culture (MBBacT ALERT 3D bottles) isolates (n=44) were tested. MTC solid-culture isolates (n=30) and liquid-culture isolates (n=56) were also tested. Isolates were subjected to the validated inactivation protocol and analysed on the MALDI-TOF MS instrument.ResultsThe inactivation protocol designed was successfully validated and applied to all test isolates. MALDI-TOF MS correctly identified 82.8% of all isolates analysed; 96.7% and 96.4% of MTC isolates and 76.2% and 52.3% of NTM isolates were successfully identified from solid and liquid culture, respectively. MALDI-TOF MS failed to identify 35.4% (n=23) of NTM isolates and 3.5% (n=3) of MTC isolates.ConclusionsMALDI-TOF MS has potential for identifying mycobacteria in the clinical laboratory setting, by reducing identification turnaround time and laboratory costs in isolate referral. Isolates that failed to be identified are explained by limitations of the method.
Improved detection of hereditary haemochromatosis
Authors: Ogilvie Catherine , Gaffney Dairena , Murray Heather , Kerry Andrew , Haig Caroline , Spooner Richard , Fitzsimons Edward J 
Published: December 2014

AimsThere is high prevalence of hereditary haemochromatosis (HH) in North European populations, yet the diagnosis is often delayed or missed in primary care. Primary care physicians frequently request serum ferritin (SF) estimation but appear uncertain as how to investigate patients with raised SF values. Our aim was to develop a laboratory algorithm with high predictive value for the diagnosis of HH in patients from primary care with raised SF values.MethodsTransferrin saturation (Tsat) was measured on SF samples sent from primary care; 1657 male and 2077 female patients age ≥30 years with SF ≥200 μg/L.HFEgenotyping was performed on all 878 male and 867 female patients with Tsat >30%.ResultsThis study identified 402 (206 men; 196 women) C282Y carriers and 132 (58 men; 74 women) C282Y homozygotes. Optimal limits for combined SF and Tsat values for HH recognition were established. The detection rate for homozygous C282Y HH for male patients with both SF ≥300 μg/L and Tsat >50% was 18.8% (52/272) and 16.3% (68/415) for female patients with both SF ≥200 μg/L and Tsat >40%.ConclusionsThe large number of SF requests received from primary care should be used as a resource to improve the diagnosis of HH in areas of high prevalence.
Diagnostic accuracy of electrically elicited multiplet discharges in patients with motor neuron disease
Authors: Sleutjes Boudewijn T H M , Montfoort Inger , van Doorn Pieter A , Visser Gerhard H , Blok Joleen H 
Published: December 2014

ObjectiveTo determine and compare the diagnostic accuracy of electrically elicited multiplet discharges (MDs) and fasciculation potentials (FPs) in motor neuron disease (MND).MethodsPatients were eligible when they had MND in their differential diagnosis and were referred for electromyogram (EMG). Stimulated high-density surface EMG of the thenar muscles was performed on the same day as standard EMG examination. High-density recordings were analysed for presence of MDs and needle EMG of any muscle investigated in the cervical region for presence of FPs.ResultsOf the 61 patients enrolled in this diagnostic study, 24 patients were clinically diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and 11 patients with progressive muscular atrophy (PMA). Another diagnosis was made in 26 patients. Sixteen patients in whom MDs were detected were diagnosed with either ALS (n=11) or PMA (n=5; sensitivity=47.1%, PPV=94.1%). MDs were detected in only one patient initially diagnosed with PMA, but in whom later on, multifocal motor neuropathy could not be excluded (specificity=96.2%). Electrically elicited MDs had a higher specificity than FPs (96.2% vs 53.9%, p<0.001, n=26) and lower sensitivity (47.1% vs 85.3%, p=0.002, n=34). When considering presence of MDs in MND as neurogenic EMG abnormality, lower motor neuron involvement of ≥1 EMG region increased from 50% to 73.5% (p=0.008, n=34).ConclusionsElectrically evoked MDs are highly specific for ALS and PMA and are an early sign of lower motor neuron dysfunction.
Seasonal variation in Guillain-Barré syndrome: a systematic review, meta-analysis and Oxfordshire cohort study
Authors: Webb Alastair J S , Brain Susannah A E , Wood Ruth , Rinaldi Simon , Turner Martin R 
Published: December 2014

IntroductionEvidence for seasonal variation in incidence and subtype of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is contradictory, but has implications for provision of neurological services and understanding pathogenesis.MethodsWe searched PubMed and EMBASE between inception and January 2014, including all studies reporting seasonal incidence of GBS. We included a retrospective cohort study of patients with GBS at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford 2001–2012 and determined the seasonal variation in GBS incidence and length of stay. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) for winter versus summer was pooled across studies by fixed and random effects meta-analysis weighted by inverse variance, stratified by geographical region, infectious prodrome and GBS subtype.ResultsAcross 9836 patients from 42 studies there was a 14% increased risk of GBS in winter versus summer (IRR=1.14, 1.02–1.27, p=0.020), with significant heterogeneity between studies (I2=77%, p<0.0001), including significant seasonal variation in Oxford (n=140; p=0.037) for winter versus summer (IRR=1.92, 1.18–3.11, p=0.004) but a non-significantly reduced length of stay for winter versus other seasons (15 vs 21 days, p=0.08). Across all studies, there was greater seasonal variation with respiratory prodrome (IRR=3.06, 1.84–5.11, p<0.0001) than diarrhoeal prodrome (IRR=1.10, 0.60–2.00, p=0.76) and a greater incidence in winter in Western countries (IRR=1.28), the Far East (IRR=1.20) and Middle East (IRR=1.12), with a lower incidence in the Indian subcontinent (IRR=0.86) and Latin America (IRR=0.75).DiscussionIncidence of GBS was greater in winter than summer, but this was not evident in all geographical regions. This is likely to be related to regional variation in prodromal illnesses.
Risk of distal embolization with stent retriever thrombectomy and ADAPT
Authors: Chueh Ju-Yu , Puri Ajit S , Wakhloo Ajay K , Gounis Matthew J 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundThere is a discrepancy in clinical outcomes and the achieved recanalization rates with stent retrievers in the endovascular treatment of ischemic stroke. It is our hypothesis that procedural release of embolic particulate may be one contributor to poor outcomes and is a modifiable risk. The goal of this study is to assess various treatment strategies that reduce the risk of distal emboli.MethodsMechanical thrombectomy was simulated in a vascular phantom with collateral circulation. Hard fragment-prone clots (HFC) and soft elastic clots (SECs) were used to generate middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusions that were retrieved by the Solitaire FR devices through (1) an 8 Fr balloon guide catheter (BGC), (2) a 5 Fr distal access catheter at the proximal aspect of the clot in the MCA (Solumbra), or (3) a 6 Fr guide catheter with the tip at the cervical internal carotid artery (guide catheter, GC). Results from mechanical thrombectomy were compared with those from direct aspiration using the Penumbra 5MAX catheter. The primary endpoint was the size distribution of emboli to the distribution of the middle and anterior cerebral arteries.ResultsSolumbra was the most efficient method for reducing HFC fragments (p<0.05) while BGC was the best method for preventing SEC fragmentation (p<0.05). The risk of forming HFC distal emboli (>1000 µm) was significantly increased using GC. A non-statistically significant benefit of direct aspiration was observed in several subgroups of emboli with size 50–1000 µm. However, compared with the stent-retriever mechanical thrombectomy techniques, direct aspiration significantly increased the risk of SEC fragmentation (<50 µm) by at least twofold.ConclusionsThe risk of distal embolization is affected by the catheterization technique and clot mechanics.
C-arm rotation as a method for reducing peak skin dose in interventional cardiology
Authors: Pasciak Alexander S , Bourgeois Austin C , Jones A Kyle 
Published: December 2014

PurposeProlonged interventional cardiology (IC) procedures may result in radiation-induced skin injury, a potentially preventable cause of patient morbidity. Rotating the C-arm during an IC procedure may reduce this risk, although the methods by which the technique can be practically applied remains unexplored. A previous study demonstrated that C-arm rotation often increases peak skin dose (PSD) in interventional radiology procedures. The purpose of this study was to determine whether C-arm rotation reduces the PSD in IC procedures and, if so, under what circumstances.Materials and methodsSimulations were performed using a numerical ray-tracing algorithm to analyse the effect of C-arm rotation on PSD across a range of patient sizes, C-arm configurations and procedure types. Specific data from modern fluoroscopes and patient dimensions were used as inputs to the simulations.ResultsIn many cases, modest C-arm rotation angles completely eliminated overlap between X-ray field sites on the skin. When overlap remained, PSD increases were generally small. One exception was craniocaudal rotation, which tended to increase PSD. C-arm rotation was most effective for large patients and small X-ray field sizes. Small patients may not benefit from C-arm rotation as a procedural modification. The use of a prophylactic method where the C-arm was rotated between small opposing oblique angles was effective in reducing PSD.ConclusionsWith the exception of rotation to steep craniocaudal angles, rotating the C-arm reduces PSD in IC procedures when used as either a procedural modification or a prophylactic strategy. Tight collimation increases the benefit of C-arm rotation.
Smart Home Scheduling for Cost Reduction and Its Implementation on FPGA
Authors: Liu Lin , Yang Xin , Huang Han , Hu Shiyan 
Published: December 2014

In a typical smart home scenario, various household appliances of a residential user such as washing machine and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) are connected via a home area network. Household appliances can be automatically scheduled by a central controller for satisfying the timing and energy constraints. It enables the reduction of monetary cost of electricity consumption and the peak energy load of the home system. On the other hand, the prevailing household appliances usually offer multiple discrete power levels. However, the existing smart home scheduling controllers can only handle the continuous power levels, while makes them unsuitable for prevailing household appliances. In this paper, a dynamic programming-based scheduling technique is proposed and implemented on FPGA to schedule household appliances with discrete power levels. It features a solution pruning technique, which can largely improve the time complexity. A case study which constitutes ten household appliances is performed. The experimental results demonstrate that our technique can reduce the monetary cost by 39.3% on weekday and 27.2% on weekend, respectively, comparing to the traditional scheduling. For energy consumption balancing, it shows that the peak to average ratio (PAR) of the energy consumption is reduced by 43.6% on weekday and 24.0% on weekend, respectively.
Spectroelectrochemical characterization of meso triaryl-substituted Mn(IV), Mn(III) and Mn(II) corroles. Effect of solvent and oxidation state on UV-visible spectra and redox potentials in nonaqueous media
Authors: Gao Bingbing , Ou Zhongping , Chen Xueyan , Huang Shi , Li Bihong , Fang Yuanyuan , Kadish Karl M. 
Published: December 2014

Two series of substituted manganese triarylcorroles were synthesized and characterized as to their electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical properties in CH 2 Cl 2, CH 3 CN and pyridine. The investigated compounds are represented as ( YPh )3 CorMn III and ( YPh )3 CorMn IV Cl , where Cor is a trianion of the corrole and Y is a Cl , F , H or CH 3 para-substituent on the three phenyl rings of the macrocycle. Each neutral Mn(III) corrole exists as a four-coordinate complex in CH 2 Cl 2 and CH 3 CN and as a five-coordinate species in pyridine. ( YPh )3 CorMn III undergoes two oxidations to stepwise generate a Mn(IV) corrole and a Mn(IV) π-cation radical. It also undergoes one reduction to generate a Mn(II) corrole in CH 2 Cl 2 or CH 3 CN . In contrast, the reduction of ( YPh )3 CorMn III leads to a Mn(III) corrole π-anion radical in pyridine. One oxidation is observed for ( YPh )3 CorMn IV Cl in CH 2 Cl 2 and CH 3 CN to generate a Mn(IV) corrole π-cation radical while Mn(III) and Mn(II) corroles are stepwise formed after reduction of the same compound. The second reduction of ( YPh )3 CorMn IV Cl in pyridine gives a Mn(III) π-anion radical as opposed to a Mn(II) corrole with an unreduced π-ring system. The neutral, reduced and oxidized forms of each corrole were characterized by electrochemistry and UV-visible spectroelectrochemistry and comparisons are made between the UV-visible spectra and redox potentials of the compounds in different central metal oxidation states. An overall reduction/oxidation mechanism in the three solvents is proposed.
Fatty Acid Composition and Levels of Selected Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Four Commercial Important Freshwater Fish Species from Lake Victoria, Tanzania
Authors: Robert Agnes , Mfilinge Prosper , Limbu Samwel M. , Mwita Chacha J. 
Published: December 2014

Fatty acids (FAs) particularlyω3 andω6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play important role in human health. This study aimed to investigate the composition and levels of selectedω3 PUFAs in four commercial fish species, Nile perch (Lates niloticus), Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus),Tilapia zillii, and dagaa (Rastrineobola argentea) from Mwanza Gulf in Lake Victoria. The results indicated that 36 types of FAs with different saturation levels were detected. These FAs were dominated by docosahexaenoic (DHA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosapentaenoic (DPA), and eicosatetraenoic acids.O. niloticushad the highest composition of FAs (34) compared toL. niloticus(27),T. zillii(26), andR. argentea(21). The levels of EPA differed significantly among the four commercial fish species(F=6.19,  P=0.001). The highest EPA levels were found inR. argenteafollowed byL. niloticusandO. niloticusand the lowest inT. zillii. The DPA levels showed no significant difference among the four fish species studied(F=0.652,  P=0.583). The study concluded that all four commercial species collected from Mwanza Gulf are good for human health, butR. argenteais the best for consumption because it contains higher levels ofω3 FAs, mainly EPA.
Autonomy and confidentiality: patients’ perspectives
Authors: Abdalrahman Ihab Babiker , Osman Ahmed Mohammed Abdulrahman , Ali Baraah Mohammed Adham , Mustafa El Imam ElGhazali Seddik Mohamed , Ali Eman Esam Hassan , Muneer Mohamed Siddig Eltayeb 
Published: December 2014

Background Little is known about patients’ opinions about their rights in autonomy and confidentiality concerning their illness and this study was conducted to assess it. Methods This multi-centred, cross-sectional study was conducted in outpatient clinics in Khartoum, Sudan. It was delivered to 295 respondents. Data were managed using Microsoft Excel 2010 and SPSS. Results Eighty-five percent of the patients wanted to know about their conditions, of whom 17% wanted to choose their treatment and 29% believed they had the right to refuse treatment. Most of the respondents would not wish to hide information from their doctors. There was a wide variation at the rate of patients hiding information from their relatives, depending on their diagnosis (HIV 90%, malignancy 16.7% and tuberculosis 0%.) Conclusion Respondents want to choose their treating doctor, know about their diseases, be consulted before a procedure. They would like to leave technical issues to their treating doctors without jeopardising their own rights.