bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic inflammatory airway diseases: the central role of the epithelium revisited
Authors: Gohy S. T. , Hupin C. , Pilette C. , Ladjemi M. Z. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryThe respiratory epithelium plays a critical role for the maintenance of airway integrity and defense against inhaled particles. Physical barrier provided by apical junctions and mucociliary clearance clears inhaled pathogens, allergens or toxics, to prevent continuous stimulation of adaptive immune responses. The “chemical barrier”, consisting of several anti‐microbial factors such as lysozyme and lactoferrin, constitutes another protective mechanism of the mucosae against external aggressions before adaptive immune response starts. The reconstruction of damaged respiratory epithelium is crucial to restore this barrier. This review examines the role of the airway epithelium through recent advances in health and chronic inflammatory diseases in the lower conducting airways (in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Better understanding of normal and altered epithelial functions continuously provides new insights into the physiopathology of chronic airway diseases and should help to identify new epithelial‐targeted therapies.
Isolated hypoplasia of abdominal wall muscles associated with fetal ascites
Authors: Travan Laura , Naviglio Samuele , Cont Gabriele , Brovedani Pierpaolo , Davanzo Riccardo , Demarini Sergio 
Published: January 2016

AbstractWe report the case of an infant born after parvovirus B19‐induced fetal hydrops, who presented at birth with bilateral abdominal wall laxity, which was more evident on the flanks. Imaging exams revealed congenital hypoplasia of oblique abdominal muscles not associated with other anatomical abnormalities except for small liver calcifications. We review the medical literature and identify similar cases associated with fetal ascites. We propose that isolated hypoplasia of abdominal wall muscles can be associated with fetal ascites from various causes, and represents a separate condition from prune belly syndrome.
Temporal sequence of recovery‐related events following maximal exercise assessed by heart rate variability and blood lactate concentration
Authors: Hoshi Rosangela Akemi , Vanderlei Luiz Carlos Marques , de Godoy Moacir Fernandes , Bastos Fábio do Nascimento , Netto Jayme , Pastre Carlos Marcelo 
Published: January 2016

SummaryPurposeTo analyse the temporal sequence of recovery events related to autonomic nervous system and metabolic processes following maximal exercise, applying linear and nonlinear indices of heart rate variability (HRV) and blood lactate concentration.MethodsOn the following day of the maximum oxygen consumption test, 20 participants firstly lay down for 20 min for resting data collection and then underwent the constant velocity exhaustive test, which consisted in running at 100% of maximal velocity reached on the previous day until exhaustion. Immediately after the end of exercise, the participants kept a supine position for 120 min recovering passively. Prior to exercise and at every 10 min during the recovery time, blood samples were collected to determine lactate concentration, and heart rate variability analysis (time and frequency domain indices and recurrence plot variables) was performed. Friedman's test, complemented with Dunn's multiple comparison test, was used to compare recovery moments and baseline values.ResultsFrom 70 min, no significant differences were detected between lactate concentration and baseline. HRV indices were considered recovered at different timings: at 60 min for SD2; at 70 min for SDNN and LF; at 80 min for RMSSD, HF and SD1 and at 90 min for recurrence plot variables.ConclusionsDuring passive recovery after maximal exercise, restoration processes seem to comply an order, considering analysed HRV indices and lactate removal: at first, lactate concentration reaches normal values, allowing sympathovagal reorganization, and then, parasympathetic function is able to complete its reestablishment followed by system complexity recovering.
41 years into the bronchial tree: a very obstructive cap
Authors: Pellissier Aude , Kebdani Samira , Lacheheb Mohamed , Lainez Ségolène , Froudarakis Marios E. , Vergnon Jean‐Michel 
Published: January 2016

AbstractInhaled foreign body, which remains unknown from the childhood until the mid‐age is extremely rare. We report the case of a 58‐year‐old man who was addressed to our department to remove a pen cap, inhaled forty‐one years earlier. It was discovered during a routine pre‐op check‐up for bronchiectasis, caused by the long period of retention into the bronchial tree. The successful removal of the cap changed completely the therapeutic strategy, as there was no indication for surgical resection any more.
Long time enzyme replacement therapy stabilizes obstructive lung disease and alters peripheral immune cell subsets in Fabry patients
Authors: Odler Balázs , Cseh Áron , Constantin Tamás , Fekete György , Losonczy György , Tamási Lilla , Benke Kálmán , Szilveszter Bálint , Müller Veronika 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundFabry disease is an X‐linked lysosomal storage disorder, causing accumulation of globotriaosylceramid in different organs. Glycolipids are activators of different immune cell subsets the resulting inflammation is responsible for organ damage. Pulmonary involvement leads to airway inflammation; however, data on severity, as well as the effect of enzyme replacement therapy on lung function parameters and changes in peripheral immune cell subsets on lung involvement are sparse.MethodsSeven Fabry patients and four carriers underwent detailed clinical examinations screening for pulmonary manifestations. Repetitive measurements were performed on five patients on ERT (average follow‐up 5 years). Patients with Fabry disease and control volunteers were included into peripheral blood cell measurements.ResultsLung involvement was present in all patients. Symptoms suggestive for lung disease were mild, however, obstructive ventilatory disorder, dominantly affecting small airways accompanied by hyperinflation was demonstrated in all affected patients. ERT resulted in small improvement of FEV1 in most treated patients. Decreased ratio of myeloid DC, Th17 cells while increase in T helper (Th)1 cells, and no change in Th2 and regulatory T (Treg) cells were detected in Fabry patients.ConclusionsFabry disease results mainly in mild symptoms related to lung involvement, characterized by moderate non‐reversible obstructive ventilatory disorder. Stabilization of airway obstruction during follow‐up was observed using ERT in most patients, emphasizing the importance of this treatment in respect of pulmonary manifestations. Changes of immune cell subsets in the peripheral blood might play a role in inflammatory process, including small airways in Fabry patient's lung.
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma progression is associated with decreased GATA‐3 immunohistochemical staining
Authors: Solus Jason F. , Hassan Khaled , Lee Sena J. , Hsi Andy C. , Rosman Ilana S. , Dehmeri Shadmehr , Schaffer András 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundThe GATA family of transcription factors is an essential regulator of cellular proliferation and differentiation. In the skin, GATA‐3 is critical for epidermal stratification and maintenance of barrier function. A role for GATA‐3 in the development of human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is not known. Here, we investigated GATA‐3 immunohistochemical staining in premalignant and invasive cutaneous SCC from sun‐exposed and sun‐protected skin.MethodsGATA‐3 immunohistochemistry was performed on actinic keratoses (AK) (n = 19), in situ squamous cell carcinomas with actinic [SCCIS (A)] (n = 9) or bowenoid features [SCCIS (B)] (n = 17), well‐, moderately and poorly differentiated SCC (n = 36), Bowenoid papulosis of the perineum (n = 15) and penile SCC (pSCC) (n = 10).ResultsWe found that GATA‐3 immunohistochemical staining is progressively lost in sun‐exposed skin as neoplasia progresses from pre‐cancerous AK to SCCIS (A), and ultimately, to SCC, which shows near absent GATA‐3 staining. This reduction in GATA‐3 staining is independent of histological grade in SCC. Only slight down‐regulation of GATA‐3 was seen in all cases of SCCIS (B) and Bowenoid papulosis, while near absent GATA‐3 expression was seen in pSCC.ConclusionWe propose that decreased GATA‐3 immunohistochemical staining is associated with cutaneous SCC progression on both sun‐exposed and sun‐protected sites.
Cerebral palsy and perinatal mortality after pregnancy‐induced hypertension across the gestational age spectrum: observations of a reconstructed total population cohort
Authors: Blair Eve , Watson Linda ,   the Australian Cerebral Palsy Register Group
Published: January 2016

AimPregnancy‐induced hypertension/pre‐eclampsia (PIH/PE) is associated with cerebral palsy (CP) in term births but if sufficiently severe to necessitate preterm delivery predicts a lower risk of CP than observed in gestational peers. We investigated whether this apparent ‘protection’ was attributable to inappropriately chosen comparison groups and/or an increased risk of perinatal death.MethodPerinatal information was collected from medical records of children with CP, individually matched neonatal survivors without CP, and representative samples of perinatal deaths of Western Australian birth cohorts from 1980 to 1995. Compared with these data, the sensitivity of statutorily collected PIH/PE data was assessed for each outcome group. Using these sensitivities, the estimated risks of death and CP in births to all women with and without PIH/PE were compared.ResultsSensitivity of statutory PIH/PE data decreased with increasingly poor outcome. Reconstructed cohorts showed that PIH/PE increased the risks both of CP and of perinatal death in births at lower gestations except in births <27 weeks, where the risk of perinatal death only increased greatly.InterpretationPIH/PE does not protect against poor outcome at any gestational age. Previously reported protective effects originate from inappropriate control for gestational age and not from higher gestation‐specific perinatal mortality.
Functional transformation series and the evolutionary origin of novel forms: evidence from a remarkable termite defensive organ
Authors: Kaji Tomonari , Keiler Jonas , Bourguignon Thomas , Miura Toru 
Published: January 2016

SUMMARYThe origins of evolutionary novelties are often deeply puzzling. They are generally associated with new functions that were absent in ancestors. The new functional configuration should arise via intermediate stages without any loss of function or impediment to the whole organism during the transitions. Therefore, understanding of the functional configurations of transitional states can shed light on how novel forms arise. Here we infer the evolutionary origin of a highly specialized termite defensive organ “nasus” where different functions overlap in different structural configurations at intermediate evolutionary stages to ensure that each phase is functional. Soldiers of a nasutitermitine termite use reconfigured mandibular muscles to squirt a viscous secretion from a nozzle‐like head projection (the nasus). This contrasts sharply with the primitive defensive strategy where mandibles are used to bite. MicroCT observations of soldiers of Nasutitermes takasagoensis and of species with the ancestral state (Hodotermopsis sjostedti, Embiratermes neotenicus) revealed three different yet fully functional configurations in the transition from ancestral to novel state: (i) elevated hydrostatic pressure induced by contraction of mandibular muscles when biting gently oozes secretion from a gland; (ii) direct pressure on an enlarged gland arises from expansion of the mandibular muscles when biting; (iii) squirting in a piston‐like manner by an inflated gland enveloped by highly modified mandibular muscles. Even a structure as exotic as the nasus therefore appears to have evolved with no loss of function at any stage. Such a functional approach, holds much promise for understanding the evolutionary origin of seemingly preposterous novel forms.
Methanogens rapidly transition from methane production to iron reduction
Authors: Sivan O. , Shusta S. S. , Valentine D. L. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractMethanogenesis, the microbial methane (CH4) production, is traditionally thought to anchor the mineralization of organic matter as the ultimate respiratory process in deep sediments, despite the presence of oxidized mineral phases, such as iron oxides. This process is carried out by archaea that have also been shown to be capable of reducing iron in high levels of electron donors such as hydrogen. The current pure culture study demonstrates that methanogenic archaea (Methanosarcina barkeri) rapidly switch from methanogenesis to iron‐oxide reduction close to natural conditions, with nitrogen atmosphere, even when faced with substrate limitations. Intensive, biotic iron reduction was observed following the addition of poorly crystalline ferrihydrite and complex organic matter and was accompanied by inhibition of methane production. The reaction rate of this process was of the first order and was dependent only on the initial iron concentrations. Ferrous iron production did not accelerate significantly with the addition of 9,10‐anthraquinone‐2,6‐disulfonate (AQDS) but increased by 11–28% with the addition of phenazine‐1‐carboxylate (PCA), suggesting the possible role of methanophenazines in the electron transport. The coupling between ferrous iron and methane production has important global implications. The rapid transition from methanogenesis to reduction of iron–oxides close to the natural conditions in sediments may help to explain the globally‐distributed phenomena of increasing ferrous concentrations below the traditional iron reduction zone in the deep ‘methanogenic’ sediment horizon, with implications for metabolic networking in these subsurface ecosystems and in past geological settings.
Permafrost thaw and intense thermokarst activity decreases abundance of stream benthic macroinvertebrates
Authors: Chin Krista S. , Lento Jennifer , Culp Joseph M. , Lacelle Denis , Kokelj Steven V. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIntensification of permafrost thaw has increased the frequency and magnitude of large permafrost slope disturbances (mega slumps) in glaciated terrain of northwestern Canada. Individual thermokarst disturbances up to 40 ha in area have made large volumes of previously frozen sediments available for leaching and transport to adjacent streams, significantly increasing sediment and solute loads in these systems. To test the effects of this climate‐sensitive disturbance regime on the ecology of Arctic streams, we explored the relationship between physical and chemical variables and benthic macroinvertebrate communities in disturbed and undisturbed stream reaches in the Peel Plateau, Northwest Territories, Canada. Highly disturbed and undisturbed stream reaches differed with respect to taxonomic composition and invertebrate abundance. Minimally disturbed reaches were not differentiated by these variables but rather were distributed along a disturbance gradient between highly disturbed and undisturbed sites. In particular, there was evidence of a strong negative relationship between macroinvertebrate abundance and total suspended solids, and a positive relationship between abundance and the distance from the disturbance. Increases in both sediments and nutrients appear to be the proximate cause of community differences in highly disturbed streams. Declines in macroinvertebrate abundance in response to slump activity have implications for the food webs of these systems, potentially leading to negative impacts on higher trophic levels, such as fish. Furthermore, the disturbance impacts on stream health can be expected to intensify as climate change increases the frequency and magnitude of thermokarst.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of a chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and linseed (Linum usitatissimum) saliva substitute in the relief of xerostomia in elders
Authors: Morales‐Bozo Irene , Ortega‐Pinto Ana , Rojas Alcayaga Gonzalo , Aitken Saavedra Juan P. , Salinas Flores Olga , Lefimil Puente Claudia , Lozano Moraga Carla , Manríquez Urbina José M. , Urzúa Orellana Blanca 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and linseed (Linum usitatissimum) saliva substitute in the relief of xerostomia in older participants.BackgroundIn elders, xerostomia is a permanent and progressive condition that significantly affects their quality of life. The treatment for progressive xerostomia is currently restricted to palliative measures, and saliva substitutes are indicated. A lack of evidence on the effectiveness of the saliva substitutes in the relief of symptoms of xerostomia has been reported.Materials and methodsSeventy‐four elderly participants presenting xerostomia of diverse origin were selected. Herbal saliva substitute and carboxymethyl cellulose conventional saliva substitute were tested using a double‐blind, randomised, cross‐sectional clinical trial.ResultsEvery participant of the study exhibited dry mouth sensation. A sensation of thick saliva was described in 59.5% of the participants. The need for liquid intake to swallow food, the sensation of difficulty in swallowing and the burning sensation in the tongue were observed in 54.1, 56.8 and 27.0% of the participants, respectively. The most prevalent diseases were hypertension, depressive symptoms and arthritis. Results of the clinical tests showed that the herbal saliva substitute produced a greater relief of dry mouth symptoms, thick saliva sensation and the sensation of difficulty in swallowing than the conventional substitute (Wilcoxon test p < 0.05).ConclusionsNew chamomile‐ and linseed‐based saliva substitute was effective in relieving xerostomia symptoms in older participants of this study.
Comparison of FIB‐4 index, NAFLD fibrosis score and BARD score for prediction of advanced fibrosis in adult patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: A meta‐analysis study
Authors: Sun Wenjing , Cui Hongli , Li Ning , Wei Yanling , Lai Shujie , Yang Yang , Yin Xinru , Chen Dong‐Feng 
Published: January 2016

AimNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)‐related advanced hepatic fibrosis is associated with liver and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study aims to compare the FIB‐4 index, NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) and BARD score for prediction of advanced liver fibrosis.MethodsPooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), summary receiver–operator curves (SROC) and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used to examine the accuracy of each non‐invasive scoring system for predicting NAFLD‐related advanced fibrosis.ResultsFour studies with 1038 adult patients were included in this meta‐analysis. A total of 135 patients (13.0%) had advanced fibrosis. In the FIB‐4 index group, pooled sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence interval (CI), and the area under the ROC (AUROC) were 0.844 (0.772–0.901), 0.685 (0.654–0.716) and 0.8496 ± 0.0680, respectively, at a cut‐off of 1.30. At a threshold of 3.25, the same parameters were 0.38 (0.30–0.47), 0.96 (0.95–0.98) and 0.8445 ± 0.0981. At a cut‐off of −1.455, values were 0.77 (0.69–0.84), 0.70 (0.67–0.73) and 0.8355 ± 0.0667, respectively. At a 0.676 cut‐off, pooled sensitivity and specificity with 95% CI were 0.27 (0.19–0.35) and 0.98 (0.96–0.98), respectively; and the AUROC was 0.647 ± 0.2208. In the BARD score group, pooled sensitivity and specificity with 95% CI were 0.74 (0.66–0.81) and 0.66 (0.63–0.69), respectively; and the AUROC was 0.7625 ± 0.0285.ConclusionFIB‐4 index with a 1.30 cut‐off has better diagnostic accuracy than the FIB‐4 index with a 3.25 cut‐off, NFS and BARD score, despite showing its limited value for predicting NAFLD‐related advanced fibrosis.
The prevention of fish spoilage by high antioxidant Australian culinary plants: Shewanella putrefaciens growth inhibition
Authors: Wright Mitchell Henry , Matthews Ben , Arnold Megan Sarah Jean , Greene Anthony Carlson , Cock Ian Edwin 
Published: January 2016

SummaryShewanella putrefaciens is a marine bacterium and a major microbial cause of spoilage in low temperature stored seafood. A survey of fruits and culinary herbs was undertaken on Australian plants with high antioxidant capacities. Twenty‐eight extracts from thirteen plant species were investigated for the ability to inhibit S. putrefaciens growth. Of these, eight extracts (28.6%) substantially inhibited S. putrefaciens growth. The muntries (Kunzea pomifera), lemon aspen (Acronychia acidula) and desert lime (Citrus glauca) extracts were efficient anti‐S. putrefaciens agents, with MIC values ≤3000 μg mL−1. Of these, the muntries methanolic extract was the most potent growth inhibitor (MIC = 2240 μg mL−1). The aqueous desert lime extract was also an effective growth inhibitor (MIC of 3857 μg mL−1), whilst the methanolic bush tomato (Solanum aviculare), aqueous muntries and Davidson's plum (Davidsonia pruriens) extracts displayed moderate S. putrefaciens growth inhibition. All extracts were nontoxic in the Artemia fransiscana bioassay, with LC50 values (>1000 μg mL−1). Nontargeted HPLC‐QTOF mass spectroscopy (with screening against three compound databases) putatively identified twenty compounds that were present in both inhibitory muntries extracts. The low toxicity of these extracts and their inhibitory bioactivity against S. putrefaciens indicates their potential as natural fish and seafood preservatives.
Adverse event monitoring of the human papillomavirus vaccines in Scotland
Authors: Cameron R. L. , Ahmed S. , Pollock K. G. J. 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are currently utilised globally in national immunisation programmes. While evidence from clinical trials and epidemiological studies suggest that the HPV vaccines are both effective and safe, concerns about the safety of the vaccine and scientifically unproven associations with severe adverse events following immunisation have led to dramatic decreases in vaccine uptake in Japan and acceptance issues in other countries.AimIn Scotland, we utilised hospital admissions data to assess the impact of the HPV immunisation programme on the incidence of 60 diagnoses between 2004 and 2014 in both girls and boys; with boys acting as a comparator group.MethodsTabular and graphical outputs of the number of admissions, the incidence and the incidence ratio of 59 diagnoses were created to assess trends before and after the introduction of the HPV vaccine. Data linkage was utilised to investigate further the increase in Bell palsy diagnoses.ResultsFifty‐four diagnoses showed no change in incidence following the introduction of the national immunisation programme, and while small increases in incidence were observed for Bell palsy, coeliac disease, ovarian dysfunction, juvenile onset of type 1 diabetes, demyelinating disease and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, none was statistically significant.ConclusionsConsistent with previous evidence, we present disaggregate data that reiterate the safety of both HPV vaccines.