bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preferred choice of work setting among nurses in Thailand: A discrete choice experiment
Authors: Kunaviktikul Wipada , Chitpakdee Bunpitcha , Srisuphan Wichit , Bossert Thomas 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe shortage of health personnel and nurses is an important issue in many developed and developing countries. Understanding preferred choice of work setting is an important strategy for retaining nurses in their work. The purpose of this study was to determine choices made by nurses in Thailand relative to their preferences for a work setting. A discrete choice experiment was conducted to elicit attributes and levels of job characteristics expected to contribute to work‐place preferences. The sample included 921 nurses and was selected using stratified random sampling. A random effects probit model was used to identify factors contributing to work‐setting preferences. The results showed that nurses' first work‐place preference was a high level of work setting. The second preference was to work in a hospital in the same province as their families. The results provide information for hospital and nurse administrators and policymakers seeking to address the nursing shortage.
Natural assemblages of Hindeodus conodonts from a Permian–Triassic boundary sequence, Japan
Authors: Agematsu Sachiko , Sano Hiroyoshi , Sashida Katsuo 
Published: May 2014

AbstractHindeodus parvus and Hindeodus typicalis occur in a deep‐water chert and claystone section in the Mino Terrane, Japan, which has been identified as a Jurassic accretionary complex. Conodont fossils are preserved as natural assemblages of impression fossils on bedding planes in claystone. In this study, 13 assemblages of Hindeodus species were recognized, comprising at most 13 elements which generally maintain the original composition and structure of an apparatus. We discriminated pairs of carminiscaphate P1, angulate P2 and makellate M elements, as well as a single alate S0 element and two digyrate and four bipennate elements constituting the S array. Although the digyrate and bipennate elements are preserved in the S2 and S3–4 positions, respectively, a pair of S1 elements was not found due to incompleteness in the natural assemblages. The conodont biostratigraphy indicates that the lithological boundary between chert and claystone units in the study section corresponds exactly to the Permian–Triassic boundary.
Romantic relationship status biases the processing of an attractive alternative's behavior
Authors: VISSERMAN MARIKO L. , KARREMANS JOHAN C. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe present research examines whether romantically involved individuals process behavioral information of attractive alternatives in a biased manner. When presented with behavioral information of an attractive mate, in Study 1 involved (vs. uninvolved) participants tended to recall fewer positive behaviors of an attractive alternative. Study 2 demonstrated that involved participants recalled more negative behaviors, and also evaluated these behaviors more negatively, compared to uninvolved participants. Study 3 demonstrated that romantically involved participants recalled more negative (but also neutral) behaviors when it concerned behaviors displayed by an attractive alternative as compared to a same‐sex other. These findings provide initial evidence for biased processing of behavioral information of an alternative mate, which may serve an important relationship protection function.
From Fame to Glory. The Case of Prince Friedrich of Homburg
Authors: Balazs Zoltan 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe paper examines the value of glory and offers a conception of it, which is developed by criticising other accounts and by arguing that the Homeric and the Biblical traditions have a remarkably similar, converging view on glory. A more detailed analysis of Heinrich von Kleist's The Prince Friedrich of Homburg serves to deepen this view and outline an account of glory that rests on the following claims: it is different from, although not entirely opposite to, fame; it is related to victory, to abundant, everlasting life, and to a certain type of passivity and dialogical contemplation.
Photosynthetic and antioxidant responses of Mexican lime (Citrus aurantifolia) plants to Citrus tristeza virus infection
Authors: Pérez‐Clemente R. M. , Montoliu A. , Vives V. , López‐Climent M. F. , Gómez‐Cadenas A. 
Published: May 2014

The effect of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) infection on photosynthetic activity and antioxidant metabolism was analysed in plants of the highly susceptible citrus genotype Mexican lime (Citrus aurantifolia). Two virus isolates differing in their virulence (the severe T318 and the mild T385) were used in the experiments. CTV infection caused a reduction in photosynthetic capacity in infected plants. This limitation was mainly due to a reduction in the carboxylative efficiency whereas the limitation of CO2 diffusion through the stoma had lower impact. The virus did not damage the antennae and did not reduce the efficiency of light harvesting complexes. Oxidative damage occurred in infected plants, as evidenced by the increase in malondialdehyde levels. Indeed, CTV infection caused an increase in ascorbate peroxidase activity in new shoots developed in infected plants during the 2 years of the experiment. Data suggest that the H2O2 removal machinery was not damaged as a result of stress but the defence mechanism was overwhelmed with time due to the continuing pressure of biotic stress.
β‐Carboxysomal proteins assemble into highly organized structures in Nicotiana chloroplasts
Authors: Lin Myat T. , Occhialini Alessandro , Andralojc P. John , Devonshire Jean , Hines Kevin M. , Parry Martin A. J. , Hanson Maureen R. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryThe photosynthetic efficiency of C3 plants suffers from the reaction of ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) with O2 instead of CO2, leading to the costly process of photorespiration. Increasing the concentration of CO2 around Rubisco is a strategy used by photosynthetic prokaryotes such as cyanobacteria for more efficient incorporation of inorganic carbon. Engineering the cyanobacterial CO2‐concentrating mechanism, the carboxysome, into chloroplasts is an approach to enhance photosynthesis or to compartmentalize other biochemical reactions to confer new capabilities on transgenic plants. We have chosen to explore the possibility of producing β‐carboxysomes from Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942, a model freshwater cyanobacterium. Using the agroinfiltration technique, we have transiently expressed multiple β‐carboxysomal proteins (CcmK2, CcmM, CcmL, CcmO and CcmN) in Nicotiana benthamiana with fusions that target these proteins into chloroplasts, and that provide fluorescent labels for visualizing the resultant structures. By confocal and electron microscopic analysis, we have observed that the shell proteins of the β‐carboxysome are able to assemble in plant chloroplasts into highly organized assemblies resembling empty microcompartments. We demonstrate that a foreign protein can be targeted with a 17‐amino‐acid CcmN peptide to the shell proteins inside chloroplasts. Our experiments establish the feasibility of introducing carboxysomes into chloroplasts for the potential compartmentalization of Rubisco or other proteins.
Immune globulins and same‐day thrombotic events as recorded in a large health care database during 2008 to 2012
Authors: Sridhar Gayathri , Ekezue Bola F. , Izurieta Hector S. , Selvam Nandini , Ovanesov Mikhail V. , Divan Hozefa A. , Liang Yideng , Golding Basil , Forshee Richard A. , Anderson Steven A. , Menis Mikhail 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundThrombotic events (TEs) are rare and serious adverse events after administration of immune globulin (IG) products. Our study evaluated the occurrence of same‐day TEs for different IG products and ascertained potential risk factors.Study Design and MethodsThis retrospective cohort study utilized HealthCore's Integrated Research Database (HIRD) to assess individuals exposed to IGs during 2008 to 2012. IG products were identified using recorded procedure codes and TEs were ascertained using ICD‐9‐CM diagnosis codes. The unadjusted same‐day TE rates (per 1000 persons exposed) were estimated overall and by IG products, age, and sex. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for same‐day TEs by IG products.ResultsOf 14,944 individuals exposed to IG products, 233 (15.6 per 1000 persons) had TE diagnosis code(s) recorded on the same‐day as the IG exposure. Compared to Gammagard Liquid, Gammaplex (OR, 20.96; 95% CI, 2.45‐179.33) and Vivaglobin (OR, 2.74; 95% CI, 1.19‐6.32) users had a significantly increased same‐day TE risk. Elevated, but nonsignificant TE risks were identified for Octagam, Gamunex, Privigen, and Lyophilized IG(s). An increased TE risk was also found with older age (≥45 years), prior TEs, and other health conditions.ConclusionOur claims‐based cohort study suggests a potentially elevated TE risk with different IG products and shows importance of recipient factors such as older age, previous TE, hypercoagulable state(s), and other health conditions. The results of this study suggest the need for continuous evaluation of procoagulant activity and manufacturing processes for IG products to further assure their safety.
A quality monitoring program for red blood cell components: in vitro quality indicators before and after implementation of semiautomated processing
Authors: Acker Jason P. , Hansen Adele L. , Kurach Jayme D.R. , Turner Tracey R. , Croteau Ioana , Jenkins Craig 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundCanadian Blood Services has been conducting quality monitoring of red blood cell (RBC) components since 2005, a period spanning the implementation of semiautomated component production. The aim was to compare the quality of RBC components produced before and after this production method change.Study Design and MethodsData from 572 RBC units were analyzed, categorized by production method: Method 1, RBC units produced by manual production methods; Method 2, RBC units produced by semiautomated production and the buffy coat method; and Method 3, RBC units produced by semiautomated production and the whole blood filtration method. RBC units were assessed using an extensive panel of in vitro tests, encompassing regulated quality control criteria such as hematocrit (Hct), hemolysis, and hemoglobin (Hb) levels, as well as adenosine triphosphate, 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate, extracellular K+ and Na+ levels, methemoglobin, p50, RBC indices, and morphology.ResultsThroughout the study, all RBC units met mandated Canadian Standards Association guidelines for Hb and Hct, and most (>99%) met hemolysis requirements. However, there were significant differences among RBC units produced using different methods. Hb content was significantly lower in RBC units produced by Method 2 (51.5 ± 5.6 g/unit; p < 0.001). At expiry, hemolysis was lowest in Method 2–produced RBC units (p < 0.05) and extracellular K+ levels were lowest in units produced by Method 1 (p < 0.001).ConclusionWhile overall quality was similar before and after the production method change, the observed differences, although small, indicate a lack of equivalency across RBC products manufactured by different methods.
Hepatitis B virus DNA viral load determination in hepatitis B surface antigen–negative Swiss blood donors
Authors: Stolz Martin , Tinguely Caroline , Fontana Stefano , Niederhauser Christoph 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundNucleic acid test (NAT) hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening for all blood donations with a sensitivity limit of 25 IU/mL in the individual donation is mandatory in Switzerland since 2009. The aims of the two studies were to define the percentage of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc) or anti‐HBc and antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti‐HBs)‐positive donors bearing HBV DNA and to gather HBV viral load data on HBV NAT yields during the routine screening since the introduction of the HBV NAT.Study Design and MethodsArchive samples from anti‐HBc–positive donors (Group I) were analyzed with a quantitative HBV DNA test and further with anti‐HBc and anti‐HBs assays. In addition, all the HBV NAT‐only–yield samples (Group II) from the routine donor screening performed between July 2007 and May 2013 were included in the study.ResultsFrom the 667 samples investigated (131 donors), three donors (2.3%) had donated eight samples (1.2%) with detectable HBV DNA; however, all had very low viral loads (≤10 IU/mL). From the 1,160,426 donations screened with the routine HBV NAT assay, 16 HBV NAT yields were detected: two window period (WP) and 14 occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) cases. In eight of these positive donations (two WP and six OBI), the HBV viral loads were not more than 10 IU/mL, in three cases between 10 and 25 IU/mL, and in the remaining five donations between 37 and 166 IU/mL.ConclusionThe highly sensitive HBV NAT assay with a threshold significantly below 10 IU/mL is a valuable alternative to anti‐HBc and a less sensitive HBV NAT screening in blood donor screening.
Pathogen inactivation efficacy of Mirasol PRT System and Intercept Blood System for non‐leucoreduced platelet‐rich plasma‐derived platelets suspended in plasma
Authors: Kwon S. Y. , Kim I. S. , Bae J. E. , Kang J. W. , Cho Y. J. , Cho N. S. , Lee S. W. 
Published: May 2014

Background and ObjectivesThis study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of pathogen inactivation (PI) in non‐leucoreduced platelet‐rich plasma‐derived platelets suspended in plasma using the Mirasol PRT System and the Intercept Blood System.MethodsPlatelets were pooled using the Acrodose PL system and separated into two aliquots for Mirasol and Intercept treatment. Four replicates of each viral strain were used for the evaluation. For bacteria, both low‐titre (45–152 CFU/unit) inoculation and high‐titre (7·34–10·18 log CFU/unit) inoculation with two replicates for each bacterial strain were used. Platelets with non‐detectable bacterial growth and platelets inoculated with a low titre were stored for 5 days, and culture was performed with the BacT/ALERT system.ResultsThe inactivation efficacy expressed as log reduction for Mirasol and Intercept systems for viruses was as follows: human immunodeficiency virus 1, ≥4·19 vs. ≥4·23; bovine viral diarrhoea virus, 1·83 vs. ≥6·03; pseudorabies virus, 2·73 vs. ≥5·20; hepatitis A virus, 0·62 vs. 0·76; and porcine parvovirus, 0·28 vs. 0·38. The inactivation efficacy for bacteria was as follows: Escherichia coli, 5·45 vs. ≥9·22; Staphylococcus aureus, 4·26 vs. ≥10·11; and Bacillus subtilis, 5·09 vs. ≥7·74. Postinactivation bacterial growth in platelets inoculated with a low titre of S. aureus or B. subtilis was detected only with Mirasol.ConclusionPathogen inactivation efficacy of Intercept for enveloped viruses was found to be satisfactory. Mirasol showed satisfactory inactivation efficacy for HIV‐1 only. The two selected non‐enveloped viruses were not inactivated by both systems. Inactivation efficacy of Intercept was more robust for all bacteria tested at high or low titres.
Islet cell xenotransplantation: a serious look toward the clinic
Authors: Samy Kannan P. , Martin Benjamin M. , Turgeon Nicole A. , Kirk Allan D. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractType I diabetes remains a significant clinical problem in need of a reliable, generally applicable solution. Both whole organ pancreas and islet allotransplantation have been shown to grant patients insulin independence, but organ availability has restricted these procedures to an exceptionally small subset of the diabetic population. Porcine islet xenotransplantation has been pursued as a potential means of overcoming the limits of allotransplantation, and several preclinical studies have achieved near‐physiologic function and year‐long survival in clinically relevant pig‐to‐primate model systems. These proof‐of‐concept studies have suggested that xenogeneic islets may be poised for use in clinical trials. In this review, we examine recent progress in islet xenotransplantation, with a critical eye toward the gaps between the current state of the art and the state required for appropriate clinical investigation.
Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) Infection as a Possible Cause of Ogilvie's Syndrome in an Immunocompromised Host
Authors: Carrascosa Miguel F. , Salcines-Caviedes José R. , Román Javier Gómez , Cano-Hoz Marta , Fernández-Ayala Marta , Casuso-Sáenz Elena , Abascal-Carrera Ismael , Campo-Ruiz Ana , Martín Marta Cobo , Díaz-Pérez Ainhoa , González-Gutiérrez Pablo , Aguado José M. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
We describe an immunodeficient adult with Ogilvie's syndrome preceding a disseminated papulovesicular skin rash in whom varicella-zoster virus infection was demonstrated by PCR assay in cutaneous and colonic biopsy specimens. In view of the significant morbidity and mortality that this condition carries, early and accurate molecular diagnosis and timely treatment are strongly recommended.
Detection and Measurement of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin-Like K (SEl-K) Secretion by Staphylococcus aureus Clinical Isolates
Authors: Aguilar Jorge L. , Varshney Avanish K. , Wang Xiaobo , Stanford Lindsay , Scharff Matthew , Fries Bettina C. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcal enterotoxin-like K (SEl-K) is a potent mitogen that elicits T-cell proliferation and cytokine production at very low concentrations. However, unlike the classical enterotoxins SEB and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1), the gene for SEl-K is commonly present in more than half of all
Staphylococcus aureus
clinical isolates and is present in almost all USA300 community-acquired methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(CA-MRSA) isolates. Sequencing of the
sel-k
gene in over 20 clinical isolates and comparative analysis with all 14 published
sel-k
sequences indicate that there are at least 6 variants of the
sel-k
gene, including one that is conserved among all examined USA300 strains. Additionally, we have developed a highly sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that specifically detects and measures SEl-K protein in culture supernatants and biological fluids. Quantification of
in vitro
SEl-K secretion by various
S. aureus
isolates using this novel capture ELISA revealed detectable amounts of SEl-K secretion by all isolates, with the highest secretion levels being exhibited by MRSA strains that coexpress SEB.
In vivo
secretion was measured in a murine thigh abscess model, where similar levels of SEl-K accumulation were noted regardless of whether the infecting strain exhibited high or low secretion of SEl-K
in vitro
. We conclude that SEl-K is commonly expressed in the setting of staphylococcal infection, in significant amounts. SEl-K should be further explored as a target for passive immunotherapy against complicated
S. aureus
infection.
HIV-1 Vaccine-Induced C1 and V2 Env-Specific Antibodies Synergize for Increased Antiviral Activities
Authors: Pollara Justin , Bonsignori Mattia , Moody M. Anthony , Liu Pinghuang , Alam S. Munir , Hwang Kwan-Ki , Gurley Thaddeus C. , Kozink Daniel M. , Armand Lawrence C. , Marshall Dawn J. , Whitesides John F. , Kaewkungwal Jaranit , Nitayaphan Sorachai , Pitisuttithum Punnee , Rerks-Ngarm Supachai , Robb Merlin L. , O'Connell Robert J. , Kim Jerome H. , Michael Nelson L. , Montefiori David C. , Tomaras Georgia D. , Liao Hua-Xin , Haynes Barton F. , Ferrari Guido 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
The RV144 ALVAC/AIDSVax HIV-1 vaccine clinical trial showed an estimated vaccine efficacy of 31.2%. Viral genetic analysis identified a vaccine-induced site of immune pressure in the HIV-1 envelope (Env) variable region 2 (V2) focused on residue 169, which is included in the epitope recognized by vaccinee-derived V2 monoclonal antibodies. The ALVAC/AIDSVax vaccine induced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against the Env V2 and constant 1 (C1) regions. In the presence of low IgA Env antibody levels, plasma levels of ADCC activity correlated with lower risk of infection. In this study, we demonstrate that C1 and V2 monoclonal antibodies isolated from RV144 vaccinees synergized for neutralization, infectious virus capture, and ADCC. Importantly, synergy increased the HIV-1 ADCC activity of V2 monoclonal antibody CH58 at concentrations similar to that observed in plasma of RV144 vaccinees. These findings raise the hypothesis that synergy among vaccine-induced antibodies with different epitope specificities contributes to HIV-1 antiviral antibody responses and is important to induce for reduction in the risk of HIV-1 transmission.

IMPORTANCE
The Thai RV144 ALVAC/AIDSVax prime-boost vaccine efficacy trial represents the only example of HIV-1 vaccine efficacy in humans to date. Studies aimed at identifying immune correlates involved in the modest vaccine-mediated protection identified HIV-1 envelope (Env) variable region 2-binding antibodies as inversely correlated with infection risk, and genetic analysis identified a site of immune pressure within the region recognized by these antibodies. Despite this evidence, the antiviral mechanisms by which variable region 2-specific antibodies may have contributed to lower rates of infection remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that vaccine-induced HIV-1 envelope variable region 2 and constant region 1 antibodies synergize for recognition of virus-infected cells, infectious virion capture, virus neutralization, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. This is a major step in understanding how these types of antibodies may have cooperatively contributed to reducing infection risk and should be considered in the context of prospective vaccine design.
Activation and Repression of Epstein-Barr Virus and Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Lytic Cycles by Short- and Medium-Chain Fatty Acids
Authors: Gorres Kelly L. , Daigle Derek , Mohanram Sudharshan , Miller George 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT
The lytic cycles of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) are induced in cell culture by sodium butyrate (NaB), a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. Valproic acid (VPA), another SCFA and an HDAC inhibitor, induces the lytic cycle of KSHV but blocks EBV lytic reactivation. To explore the hypothesis that structural differences between NaB and VPA account for their functional effects on the two related viruses, we investigated the capacity of 16 structurally related short- and medium-chain fatty acids to promote or prevent lytic cycle reactivation. SCFAs differentially affected EBV and KSHV reactivation. KSHV was reactivated by all SCFAs that are HDAC inhibitors, including phenylbutyrate. However, several fatty acid HDAC inhibitors, such as isobutyrate and phenylbutyrate, did not reactivate EBV. Reactivation of KSHV lytic transcripts could not be blocked completely by any fatty acid tested. In contrast, several medium-chain fatty acids inhibited lytic activation of EBV. Fatty acids that blocked EBV reactivation were more lipophilic than those that activated EBV. VPA blocked activation of the BZLF1 promoter by NaB but did not block the transcriptional function of ZEBRA. VPA also blocked activation of the DNA damage response that accompanies EBV lytic cycle activation. Properties of SCFAs in addition to their effects on chromatin are likely to explain activation or repression of EBV. We concluded that fatty acids stimulate the two related human gammaherpesviruses to enter the lytic cycle through different pathways.

IMPORTANCE
Lytic reactivation of EBV and KSHV is needed for persistence of these viruses and plays a role in carcinogenesis. Our direct comparison highlights the mechanistic differences in lytic reactivation between related human oncogenic gammaherpesviruses. Our findings have therapeutic implications, as fatty acids are found in the diet and produced by the human microbiota. Small-molecule inducers of the lytic cycle are desired for oncolytic therapy. Inhibition of viral reactivation, alternatively, may prove useful in cancer treatment. Overall, our findings contribute to the understanding of pathways that control the latent-to-lytic switch and identify naturally occurring molecules that may regulate this process.