bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and molecular characterization of allergenic non‐specific lipid‐transfer protein from durum wheat (Triticum turgidum)
Authors: Safi Hela , Wangorsch Andrea , Lidholm Jonas , Brini Faiçal , Spiric Jelena , Rihs Hans‐Peter , Vieths Stefan , Armentia Alicia , Farioli Laura , Diaz‐Perales Araceli , Pastorello Elide A. , Scheurer Stephan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundCommon wheat (Triticum aestivum) and durum wheat (T. turgidum) are both involved in Baker's asthma (BA) and food allergy (FA) including wheat‐dependent exercise‐induced asthma (WDEIA). However, allergens in durum wheat have not been described, and the over‐expression of T. turgidum non‐specific lipid‐transfer protein (nsLTPs) is considered to increase resistance to phytopathogens.ObjectiveTo identify and assess the allergenicity of nsLTP from T. turgidum.MethodsRecombinant T. turgidum nsLTP Tri tu 14 was generated and tested for structural integrity (circular dichroism‐spectroscopy) and purity (SDS‐PAGE). Thirty‐two wheat allergic patients were enrolled: 20 Spanish patients (BA) with positive bronchial challenge to wheat flour, and 12 Italian patients (wheat FA/WDEIA) with positive double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge/open food challenge (OFC) to pasta. IgE values to wheat, Tri tu 14, Tri a 14 (T. aestivum) and Pru p 3 (P. persica) were determined by ImmunoCAP testing. Allergenic potency (in vitro mediator release) and IgE cross‐reactivity were investigated.ResultsTri tu 14 was found to share 49% and 52% amino acid identity with Tri a 14 and Pru p 3, respectively. Among 25 Tri a 14 CAP positive sera, 23 (92%) were reactive to wheat extract, 22 (88%) to Tri tu 14 and 20 (80%) to Pru p 3. The correlation between Tri a 14 and Tri tu 14 specific IgE levels was r = 0.97 (BA) and r = 0.93 (FA/WDEIA), respectively. FA/WDEIA patients showed higher specific IgE values to Tri tu 14 and Pru p 3 than BA patients. Tri tu 14 displayed allergenic activity by mediator release from effector cells and IgE cross‐reactivity with Pru p 3. The degree of IgE cross‐reactivity between the two wheat nsLTPs varied between individual patients.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceSensitization to Tri tu 14 likely appears to be more important in wheat FA/WDEIA than in BA. Over‐expression of Tri tu 14 in wheat would represent a risk for patients with nsLTP‐mediated FA.
ON FORM AND FEELING: GERMAN DRAMA AND THE YOUNG WALTER SCOTT
Authors: Wood Michael 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTThis article provides a reassessment of Walter Scott's period of reading and translating German drama in the years 1796–8. This encounter tends to be credited as a pivotal moment in Scott's career, when the young Scott discovered medieval motifs and the literary depiction of the historical individual in German drama, which he then went on to incorporate into his novels. However, studying the six plays Scott translated (by Iffland, Babo, Maier, Goethe, Schiller, and Lessing) within the context in which the Scottish reading public had been introduced to German drama shows that there is much more to Scott's reception of German plays. After outlining Scott's expectations of German drama, this article analyses these six plays to show that, in them, Scott saw the results of formal innovation in casting off the rules of classical drama and portraying situations in which passionate characters could be brought to life. These insights point to the sources of many of Scott's later innovations in narrative form. While aspects of the historical novel can clearly be traced back to Goethe and Maier, Scott's narrative structure owes much to the plotting, dialogue, and primacy of situation found in German drama.
Proton pump inhibitor therapy does not increase serum endotoxin activity in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Okura Yasushi , Namisaki Tadashi , Sato Shinya , Moriya Kei , Akahane Takemi , Kitade Mitsuteru , Kawaratani Hideto , Kaji Kosuke , Takaya Hiroaki , Sawada Yasuhiko , Shimozato Naotaka , Seki Kenichiro , Saikawa Soichiro , Nakanishi Keisuke , Furukawa Masanori , Fujinaga Yukihisa , Kubo Takuya , Kaya Daisuke , Tsuji Yuki , Ozutsumi Takahiro , Kitagawa Koh , Mashitani Tsuyoshi , Ogawa Hiroyuki , Ishida Koji , Mitoro Akira , Yamao Junichi , Yoshiji Hitoshi 
Published: September 2018

AimProton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are frequently prescribed in patients with cirrhosis, but this therapy entails potential complications. We aimed to investigate the influence of PPI use on intestinal permeability in patients with cirrhosis.MethodsWe recruited 228 patients with cirrhosis and divided them into four groups. Group (Gp)1 comprised patients receiving a PPI with concurrent neomycin (NEO) (PPI‐NEO group, n = 14 [6.1%]), Gp2 and Gp3 comprised those receiving either PPI or NEO (PPI group, n = 91 [39.9%]; and NEO group, n = 11 [4.4%]), and Gp4 comprised those receiving neither of these medications (control group; n = 112 [49.1%]). We assessed the intestinal permeability by measuring endotoxin activity (EA) using a luminol chemiluminescence method.ResultsEndotoxin activity levels were significantly higher in patients with Child B cirrhosis than in those with Child A cirrhosis, but we found no significant differences in EA levels between patients with Child C cirrhosis and those with either Child A or B cirrhosis. We observed no significant differences in EA levels among groups 1–4. Patients without antibiotic exposure (n = 203), comprising 91 patients on PPI therapy (Gp2) and 112 no‐PPI‐therapy controls (Gp4), were subdivided according to Child–Pugh (CP) classification. We found no significant differences in EA levels between Gp2 and Gp4 in either CP class.ConclusionOur results suggest that PPI usage does not have a significant impact on serum levels of gut‐derived endotoxins, which are already elevated because of the increased intestinal permeability in patients with cirrhosis.
Adaptive growth changes in the liver remnant are affected by the size of hepatectomy in rats
Authors: Meier Michelle , Andersen Kasper Jarlhelt , Knudsen Anders Riegels , Nyengaard Jens Randel , Hamilton‐Dutoit Stephen , Mortensen Frank Viborg 
Published: September 2018

SummaryIn this study we investigated the dynamics of hepatocyte hyperplasia and hypertrophy in rats subjected to increasing sizes of partial hepatectomy (PH). A total of 104 rats were randomized according to the size of PH. On postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3 and 5, blood was drawn and the remnant liver removed for stereological analysis. Liver parameters and regeneration rate were significantly affected by size of PH. On POD 1, hepatocyte volumes had increased significantly in all PH groups. On POD 3, all groups showed hepatocyte volumes approximating baseline. On POD 5, hepatocyte volumes were significantly lower in PH (90) than in baseline, sham and PH (30) rats. Increasing hepatocyte proliferation was not observed following PH (30). Following PH (70), cell proliferation was significantly elevated on PODs 1 and 3, and following PH (90) on PODs 3 and 5. In conclusion, general hypertrophy of hepatocytes after different size of PH was followed by hepatocyte proliferation only in the liver remnant of PH (70) and PH (90).
Human bocavirus is detected in human placenta and aborted tissues
Authors: Hansen Max , Brockmann Michael , Schildgen Verena , Schildgen Oliver 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundTo date, four human bocaviruses (HBoV) have been described. The most closely related viruses (bovine and canine parvoviruses) are associated with miscarriage in their hosts. The objective of this retrospective study was to determine the frequency of HBoV DNA in miscarriage.Study DesignTissue samples from 172 patients, in which miscarriage occurred, were included and tested with a published qPCR protocol. Positive PCRs were mutually confirmed by sequencing.Results43 patients (25%) were positive for HBoV DNA. Of those, the majority of HBoV‐positive samples were tissues from miscarriage (placenta: 6; aborted tissue products of conception: 37 specimens). The samples were not paired; either placental or aborted tissue was available.ConclusionsThe results show that, as long as no animal model is available, the role of HBoV in the occurrence of miscarriage requires additional prospective studies in order to investigate its significance and causal involvements of this pathogen.
Outcomes for the First Year of Ontario's Birth Center Demonstration Project
Authors: Sprague Ann E. , Sidney Dana , Darling Elizabeth K. , Van Wagner Vicki , Soderstrom Bobbi , Rogers Judy , Graves Erin , Coyle Doug , Sumner Amanda , Holmberg Vivian , Khan Bushra , Walker Mark C. 
Published: September 2018

IntroductionIn 2014, Ontario opened 2 stand‐alone midwifery‐led birth centers. Using mixed methods, we evaluated the first year of operations for quality and safety, client experience, and integration into the maternity care community. This article reports on our study of safety and quality of care.MethodsThis descriptive evaluation focused on women admitted to a birth center at the beginning of labor. For context, we matched this cohort (on a 1:4 basis) with similar low‐risk midwifery clients giving birth in a hospital. Data sources included Ontario's Better Outcomes Registry and Network (BORN) Information System, the Canadian Institute for Health Information, Ontario census data, and birth center records.ResultsOf 495 women admitted to a birth center, 87.9% experienced a spontaneous vaginal birth, regardless of the eventual location of birth, and 7.7% had a cesarean birth. The transport rate to a hospital was 26.3%. When compared with midwifery clients with a planned hospital birth, rates of intervention (epidural analgesia, labor augmentation, assisted vaginal birth, and cesarean birth) were significantly lower in the planned birth center group, even when controlled for previous cesarean birth and body mass index. Markers of potential morbidity were identified in about 10% of birth center births; however, there were no short‐term health impacts up to discharge from midwifery care at 6 weeks postpartum. Care was low in intervention and safe (minimal negative outcomes and transport rates comparable to the literature).DiscussionIn the first year of operation, care was consistent with national guidelines, and morbidity and mortality rates and intervention rates were low for women with low‐risk pregnancies seeking a low‐intervention approach for labor and birth. Further evaluation to confirm these findings is required as the number of births grows.
Origin and dissemination of hepatitis B virus genotype C in East Asia revealed by phylodynamic analysis and historical correlates
Authors: Lin Serena Y. C. , Magalis Brittany Rife , Salemi Marco , Liu Hsin‐Fu 
Published: September 2018

SummaryHepatitis B virus disease progression in East Asia is most frequently associated with genotype C (HBV/C). The increasing availability of HBV/C genetic sequences and detailed annotations provides an opportunity to investigate the epidemiological factors underlying its evolutionary history. In this study, the Bayesian phylogeography framework was used to investigate the origins and patterns in spatial dissemination of HBV/C by analyzing East Asian sequences obtained from 1992 to 2010. The most recent common ancestor of HBV/C was traced back to the early 1900s in China, where it eventually diverged into two major lineages during the 1930s‐1960s that gave rise to distinct epidemic waves spreading exponentially to other East Asian countries and the USA. Demographic inference of viral effective population size over time indicated similar dynamics for both lineages, characterized by exponential growth since the early 1980s, followed by a significant bottleneck in 2003 and another increase after 2004. Although additional factors cannot be ruled out, we provide evidence to suggest this bottleneck was the result of limited human movement from/to China during the SARS outbreak in 2003. This is the first extensive evolutionary study of HBV/C in East Asia as well as the first to assess more realistic spatial ecological influences between co‐circulating infectious diseases.
Skin cancer projections and cost savings 2014‐2045 of improvements to the Danish sunbed legislation of 2014
Authors: Køster Brian , Meyer Maria K. H. , Andersson Therese M.‐L. , Engholm Gerda , Dalum Peter 
Published: September 2018

SummaryBackgroundSunbed use increases the risk of skin cancer. The Danish sunbed legislation (2014) did not include an age limit.AimTo model skin cancer incidences and saved costs from potential effects of structural interventions on prevalence of sunbed use.Materials and MethodsSurvey data from 2015 were collected for 3999 Danes, representative for the Danish population in regards to age, gender and region. Skin cancer incidences were modelled in the Prevent program, using population projections, historic cancer incidence, sunbed use exposure and relative risk of sunbed use on melanoma.ResultsIf structural interventions like an age limit of 18 years for sunbed use or complete ban had been included in the Danish sunbed legislation in 2014, it would have reduced the annual number of skin cancer cases with 455 or 4177, respectively, while for the entire period, 2014‐2045 the total reductions would be 3730 or 81 887 fewer cases, respectively. The cost savings from an age limit or ban, respectively, are 9 and 129 millions € during 2014‐2045.ConclusionLegislative restrictive measures which could reduce the sunbed use exists. Danish politicians have the opportunity, supported by the population, to reduce the skin cancer incidence and thereby to reduce the future costs of skin cancer.
Periodontal complications of prescription and recreational drugs
Authors: Hughes Francis J. , Bartold P. Mark 
Published: September 2018

AbstractDrug use for both therapeutic and recreational purposes is very widespread in most societies. The range of drugs used, the variations in response to these drugs and other health and behavioral confounders mean that drug use may be an important contributor to individualized periodontal diagnoses. In this narrative review, we review the main reported effects of drugs on the periodontal tissues and periodontal disease processes. Although some of the more common adverse drug reactions on periodontal tissues are well described, in many other cases the evidence for these drug effects is quite limited and based on small case series or isolated reports. Prescription drugs are responsible for a range of effects, including drug‐induced gingival overgrowth and increased gingival bleeding, and influence periodontal inflammation and periodontal breakdown. The effects of recreational drugs on the periodontal tissues is less well researched, perhaps for the obvious reason that assembling large cohorts of recreational drug users presents particular challenges. Use of nearly all of these substances is associated with poorer periodontal and dental health, although there is almost certainly a large degree of behavioral confounding in these findings. Overall, further studies of adverse drug reactions on the periodontal tissues are required as this continues to be an important and increasing factor in periodontal health determination.
Targeting epigenetic mechanisms in periodontal diseases
Authors: Barros Silvana P. , Hefni Eman , Nepomuceno Rafael , Offenbacher Steven , North Kari 
Published: September 2018

AbstractEpigenetic factors are heritable genome modifications that potentially impact gene transcription, contributing to disease states. Epigenetic marks play an important role in chronic inflammatory conditions, as observed in periodontal diseases, by allowing microbial persistence or by permitting microbial insult to play a role in the so‐called ‘hit‐and‐run’ infectious mechanism, leading to lasting pathogen interference with the host genome. Epigenetics also affects the health sciences by providing a dynamic mechanistic framework to explain the way in which environmental and behavioral factors interact with the genome to alter disease risk. In this article we review current knowledge of epigenome regulation in light of the multifactorial nature of periodontal diseases. We discuss epigenetic tagging in identified genes, and consider the potential implications of epigenetic changes on host–microbiome dynamics in chronic inflammatory states and in response to environmental stressors. The most recent advances in genomic technologies have placed us in a position to analyze interaction effects (eg, between periodontal disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus), which can be investigated through epigenome‐wide association analysis. Finally, because of the individualized traits of epigenetic biomarkers, pharmacoepigenomic perspectives are also considered as potentially novel therapeutic approaches for improving periodontal disease status.
Behavioral models for periodontal health and disease
Authors: Newton Jonathon T. , Asimakopoulou Koula 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe oral health‐related behavior of patients with periodontal disease is a critical determinant of their health. Psychological models of behavior provide a framework for the design of interventions to enhance oral health‐related behavior. This article reviews published manuscripts on interventions to enhance oral health‐related behavior, classifying the nature of the interventions according to current psychological models of behavior. Fifteen manuscripts reporting the findings of 14 studies were identified and reviewed. The present article concludes that, based on current evidence, the key elements of effective interventions are: goal setting, planning the behavior change, and self‐monitoring.
On the Role of Normative Hierarchies in Constitutional Reasoning: A Survey of Some Paradigmatic Cases
Authors: Scarcello Orlando 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis article examines the role of normative hierarchies in constitutional argumentation. A threefold distinction between formal, material, and axiological hierarchy is employed. The correlative concepts of formal validity, material validity, and applicability are also briefly described. Within this framework, four cases are analysed: Decisions 1146/1988 and 10/2010 of the Italian Constitutional Court, and Kadi I and Opinion 2/2013 of the Court of Justice of the European Union. As a result, it is argued that axiological hierarchies are frequently used to reshape certain fundamental legal arrangements, namely, the hierarchy of sources (Decision 1146/1988 and Kadi), competence clauses (Decision 10/2010), and interpretive methodologies (Opinion 2/13).
Infliximab ameliorates tumor necrosis factor‐alpha‐induced insulin resistance by attenuating PTP1B activation in 3T3L1 adipocytes in vitro
Authors: Méndez‐García Lucia A. , Trejo‐Millán Fernanda , Martínez‐Reyes Camilo P. , Manjarrez‐Reyna Aarón N. , Esquivel‐Velázquez Marcela , Melendez‐Mier Guillermo , Islas‐Andrade Sergio , Rojas‐Bernabé Araceli , Kzhyshkowska Julia , Escobedo Galileo 
Published: September 2018

AbstractInsulin resistance is the inability to respond to insulin and is considered a key pathophysiological factor in the development of type 2 diabetes. Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐alpha) can directly contribute to insulin resistance by disrupting the insulin signalling pathway via protein‐tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) activation, especially in adipocytes. Infliximab (Remicade®) is a TNF‐alpha‐neutralizing antibody that has not been fully studied in insulin resistance. We investigated the effect of infliximab on TNF‐alpha‐induced insulin resistance in 3T3L1 adipocytes in vitro, and examined the possible molecular mechanisms involved. Once differentiated, adipocytes were cultured with 5 mmol L−1 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose‐3H and stimulated twice with 2 μmol L−1 insulin, in the presence or absence of 5 ng/mL TNF‐alpha and/or 10 ng/mL infliximab. Glucose uptake was measured every 20 minutes for 2 hour, and phosphorylated forms of insulin receptor (IR), insulin receptor substrate‐2 (IRS‐2), protein kinase B (AKT) and PTP1B were determined by Western blotting. TNF‐alpha‐treated adipocytes showed a significant 64% decrease in insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake as compared with control cells, whereas infliximab reversed TNF‐alpha actions by significantly improving glucose incorporation. Although IR phosphorylation remained unaltered, TNF‐alpha was able to increase PTP1B activation and decrease phosphorylation of IRS‐2 and AKT. Notably, infliximab restored phosphorylation of IRS‐2 and AKT by attenuating PTP1B activation. This work demonstrates for the first time that infliximab ameliorates TNF‐alpha‐induced insulin resistance in 3T3L1 adipocytes in vitro by restoring the insulin signalling pathway via PTP1B inhibition. Further clinical research is needed to determine the potential benefit of using infliximab for treating insulin resistance in patients.
Modelling-based evaluation of the costs, benefits and cost-effectiveness of multipathogen point-of-care tests for sexually transmitted infections in symptomatic genitourinary medicine clinic attendees
Authors: Huntington Susie E , Burns Richéal M , Harding-Esch Emma , Harvey Michael J , Hill-Tout Rachel , Fuller Sebastian S , Adams Elisabeth J , Sadiq S Tariq 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesTo quantify the costs, benefits and cost-effectiveness of three multipathogen point-of-care (POC) testing strategies for detecting common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) compared with standard laboratory testing.DesignModelling study.SettingGenitourinary medicine (GUM) services in England.PopulationA hypothetical cohort of 965 988 people, representing the annual number attending GUM services symptomatic of lower genitourinary tract infection.InterventionsThe decision tree model considered costs and reimbursement to GUM services associated with diagnosing and managing STIs. Three strategies using hypothetical point-of-care tests (POCTs) were compared with standard care (SC) using laboratory-based testing. The strategies were: A) dual POCT forChlamydia trachomatis(CT) andNeisseria gonorrhoeae(NG); B) triplex POCT for CT-NG andMycoplasma genitalium(MG); C) quadruplex POCT for CT-NG-MG andTrichomonas vaginalis(TV). Data came from published literature and unpublished estimates.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrimary outcomes were total costs and benefits (quality-adjusted life years (QALYs)) for each strategy (2016 GB, £) and associated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) between each of the POC strategies and SC. Secondary outcomes were inappropriate treatment of STIs, onward STI transmission, pelvic inflammatory disease in women, time to cure and total attendances.ResultsIn the base-case analysis, POC strategy C, a quadruplex POCT, was the most cost-effective relative to the other strategies, with an ICER of £36 585 per QALY gained compared with SC when using microcosting, and cost-savings of £26 451 382 when using tariff costing. POC strategy C also generated the most benefits, with 240 467 fewer clinic attendances, 808 fewer onward STI transmissions and 235 135 averted inappropriate treatments compared with SC.ConclusionsMany benefits can be achieved by using multipathogen POCTs to improve STI diagnosis and management. Further evidence is needed on the underlying prevalence of STIs and SC delivery in the UK to reduce uncertainty in economic analyses.