bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accurate quantification of 5 German cockroach (GCr) allergens in complex extracts using multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (MRM MS)
Authors: Mindaye S. T. , Spiric J. , David N. A. , Rabin R. L. , Slater J. E. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryBackgroundGerman cockroach (GCr) allergen extracts are complex and heterogeneous products, and methods to better assess their potency and composition are needed for adequate studies of their safety and efficacy.Objective and MethodsThe objective of this study was to develop an assay based on liquid chromatography and multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (LC‐MRM MS) for rapid, accurate, and reproducible quantification of 5 allergens (Bla g 1, Bla g 2, Bla g 3, Bla g 4, and Bla g 5) in crude GCr allergen extracts.ResultsWe first established a comprehensive peptide library of allergens from various commercial extracts as well as recombinant allergens. Peptide mapping was performed using high‐resolution MS, and the peptide library was then used to identify prototypic and quantotypic peptides to proceed with MRM method development. Assay development included a systematic optimization of digestion conditions (buffer, digestion time, and trypsin concentration), chromatographic separation, and MS parameters. Robustness and suitability were assessed following ICH (Q2 [R1]) guidelines. The method is precise (RSD < 10%), linear over a wide range (r > 0.99, 0.01‐1384 fmol/μL), and sensitive (LLOD and LLOQ <1 fmol/μL). Having established the parameters for LC‐MRM MS, we quantified allergens from various commercial GCr extracts and showed considerable variability that may impact clinical efficacy.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceOur data demonstrate that the LC‐MRM MS method is valuable for absolute quantification of allergens in GCr extracts and likely has broader applicability to other complex allergen extracts. Definitive quantification provides a new standard for labelling of allergen extracts, which will inform patient care, enable personalized therapy, and enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy for environmental and food allergies.
Factors influencing the quality of Myrmecia pilosula (Jack Jumper) ant venom for use in in vitro and in vivo diagnoses of allergen sensitization and in allergen immunotherapy
Authors: Wanandy T. , Dwyer H. E. , McLean L. , Davies N. W. , Nichols D. , Gueven N. , Brown S. G. A. , Wiese M. D. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryBackgroundAllergen immunotherapy uses pharmaceutical preparations derived from naturally occurring source materials, which contain water‐soluble allergenic components responsible for allergic reactions. The success of in vivo and in vitro diagnoses in allergen sensitization and allergen immunotherapy largely depends on the quality, composition and uniformity of allergenic materials used to produce the active ingredients, and the formulation employed to prepare finished products.ObjectivesWe aimed to examine the factors influencing batch‐to‐batch consistency of Jack Jumper (Myrmecia pilosula) ant venom (JJAV) in the form of active pharmaceutical ingredient (AI) and informed whether factors such as temperature, artificial light and container materials influence the quality of JJAV AIs. We also aimed to establish handling and storage requirements of JJAV AIs to ensure preservation of allergenic activities during usage in the diagnosis of allergen sensitization and in allergen immunotherapy.MethodsThe quality and consistency of JJAV AIs were analysed using a combination of bicinchoninic acid assay for total protein quantification, HPLC‐UV for JJAV allergen peptides quantification, ELISA inhibition for total allergenic potency, SDS‐PAGE, AU‐PAGE and immunoblot for qualitative assessment of JJAV components, and Limulus Amebocyte Lysate assay for the quantification of endotoxin concentration. API‐ZYM and Zymogram assays were used to probe the presence of enzymatic activities in JJAV.ResultsPharmaceutical‐grade JJAV for allergen immunotherapy has good batch‐to‐batch consistency. Temporary storage at 4°C and light exposure do not affect the quality of JJAV. Exposure to temperature above 40°C degrades high MW allergens in JJAV. Vials containing JJAV must be stored frozen and in upright position during long‐term storage.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceWe have identified factors, which can influence the quality and consistency of JJAV AIs, and provided a framework for appropriate handling, transporting and storage of JJAV to be used for the diagnosis of allergen sensitization and in AIT.
DNA methylation of Th2 lineage determination genes at birth is associated with allergic outcomes in childhood
Authors: Barton S. J. , Ngo S. , Costello P. , Garratt E. , El‐Heis S. , Antoun E. , Clarke‐Harris R. , Murray R. , Bhatt T. , Burdge G. , Cooper C. , Inskip H. , van der Beek E. M. , Sheppard A. , Godfrey K. M. , Lillycrop K. A. ,   the EpiGen Consortium
Published: July 2017

SummaryBackgroundThere is now increasing evidence that asthma and atopy originate in part in utero, with disease risk being associated with the altered epigenetic regulation of genes.Objective and MethodsTo determine the relationship between variations in DNA methylation at birth and the development of allergic disease, we examined the methylation status of CpG loci within the promoter regions of Th1/2 lineage commitment genes (GATA3, IL‐4, IL‐4R, STAT4 and TBET) in umbilical cord DNA at birth in a cohort of infants from the Southampton Women's Survey (n = 696) who were later assessed for asthma, atopic eczema and atopy.ResultsWe found that higher methylation of GATA3 CpGs −2211/−2209 at birth was associated with a reduced risk of asthma at ages 3 (median ratio [median methylation in asthma group/median methylation in non‐asthma group] = 0.74, P = .006) and 6‐7 (median ratio 0.90, P = .048) years. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the GATA3 CpG loci associated with later risk of asthma lie within a NF‐κB binding site and that methylation here blocks transcription factor binding to the GATA3 promoter in the human Jurkat T‐cell line. Associations between umbilical cord methylation of CpG loci within IL‐4R with atopic eczema at 12 months (median ratio 1.02, P = .028), and TBET with atopy (median ratio 0.98, P = .017) at 6‐7 years of age were also observed.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceOur findings provide further evidence of a developmental contribution to the risk of later allergic disorders and suggest that involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in childhood asthma is already demonstrable at birth.
A distinct serum metabolic signature of distant metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Shen Chen‐Tian , Zhang Yinan , Liu Yu‐Min , Yin Shan , Zhang Xin‐Yun , Wei Wei‐Jun , Sun Zhen‐Kui , Song Hong‐Jun , Qiu Zhong‐Ling , Wang Cong‐Rong , Luo Quan‐Yong 
Published: July 2017

SummaryBackgroundAlthough the incidence rate for thyroid cancer seems to have begun stabilizing in recent years, an increased rate of advanced stage of this disease has been reported. Additionally, distant metastasis is one of the most important prognostic factors of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Unfortunately, the underlying mechanisms of distant metastasis, as well as cell status like metabolism changes in distant metastatic tumours have not been clearly elucidated.ObjectiveTo identify serum metabolic signature of distant metastatic PTC.Design, patients and measurementsIn this study, gas chromatography‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (GC‐TOF‐MS) was used to analyse the serum from 77 patients diagnosed with PTC (37 in distant metastasis group and 40 in ablation group). Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least‐squares‐discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) scores plots were used to analyse the data.ResultsPrincipal component analysis and OPLS‐DA analyses demonstrated an evident trend of separation between 40 serum samples from the ablation group and 37 samples from distant metastasis group. A total of 31 metabolites were identified, which are related to amino acid, lipid, glucose, vitamin metabolism and diet/gut microbiota interaction. Pathway analysis showed “alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism” and “inositol phosphate metabolism” were the most relevant pathways.ConclusionSerum metabolomics profiling could significantly discriminate papillary thyroid cancer patients according to distant metastasis. Potential metabolic aberration in distant metastatic PTC could be involved in different biological behaviours of tumour cells including proliferation, invasion/migration and immune escape. Diet/gut microbiota‐produced metabolites could play an important role in these effects. This work may provide new clues to find the underlying mechanisms regarding the distant metastasis of PTC as well as potential adjuvant therapy targets.
Matches and mismatches between conservation investments and biodiversity values in the European Union
Authors: Sánchez‐Fernández David , Abellán Pedro , Aragón Pedro , Varela Sara , Cabeza Mar 
Published: July 2017

AbstractRecently, the European Commission adopted a new strategy to halt the loss of biodiversity. Member states are expected to favor a more effective collection and redistribution of European Union (EU) funds under the current Multiannual Financial Framework for 2014–2020. Because of the large spatial variation in the distribution of biodiversity and conservation needs at the continental scale, EU instruments should ensure that countries with higher biodiversity values get more funds and resources for the conservation than other countries. Using linear regressions, we assessed the association between conservation investments and biodiversity values across member states, accounting for a variety of conservation investment indicators, taxonomic groups (including groups of plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates), and indicators of biodiversity value. In general, we found clear overall associations between conservation investments and biodiversity variables. However, some countries received more or less investment than would be expected based on biodiversity values in those countries. We also found that the extensive use of birds as unique indicators of conservation effectiveness may lead to biased decisions. Our results can inform future decisions regarding funding allocation and thus improve distribution of EU conservation funds.
Smoking is a risk factor for pulmonary metastasis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Yahagi M. , Tsuruta M. , Hasegawa H. , Okabayashi K. , Toyoda N. , Iwama N. , Morita S. , Kitagawa Y. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimThe hepatic microenvironment, which may include chronic inflammation and fibrosis, is considered to contribute to the pathogenesis of liver metastases of colorectal cancer. A similar mechanism is anticipated for pulmonary metastases, although no reports are available. Smoking causes pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis. Thus, we hypothesized that smokers would be especially affected by pulmonary metastases of colorectal cancer. In this study, we attempted to clarify the impact of smoking on pulmonary metastasis of colorectal cancer.MethodBetween September 2005 and December 2010 we reviewed 567 patients with pathological Stage I, II or III colorectal cancer, whose clinicopathological background included a preoperative smoking history, pack‐year history from medical records. Univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazard model were performed to determine the independent prognostic factors for pulmonary metastasis‐free survival.ResultsPulmonary metastases occurred in 39 (6.9%) patients. The smoking histories revealed 355 never smokers, 119 former smokers and 93 current smokers among the subjects. Multivariate analysis revealed that being a current smoker (hazard ratio = 2.72, 95% CI 1.18–6.25; P = 0.02) was an independent risk factor for pulmonary metastases.ConclusionSmoking may be a risk factor for pulmonary metastasis of colorectal cancer. Cessation of smoking should be recommended to prevent pulmonary metastasis, although further basic and clinical studies are required.
Medicaid expansion and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among low‐income adults in the United States
Authors: Tumin Dmitry , Jackson Edwin J. , Hayes Don 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIntroductionChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is common but often underdiagnosed in the United States (US). Public health insurance coverage expansion may increase the prevalence of diagnosed COPD due to improved access to care and diagnosis.ObjectiveWe sought to determine the effects of Medicaid expansion on the prevalence of diagnosed COPD among low‐income US adults.MethodsThe 2011‐2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey data were used to identify adults with annual household income <$50 000. The outcome was self‐report of being diagnosed with COPD by a health‐care provider. Difference‐in‐difference logistic regression contrasted the influence of period (pre‐expansion, 2011‐2013, vs post‐expansion, 2014‐2015) between states participating and opting out of Medicaid expansion.ResultsData on 521 622 respondents were analysed. The prevalence of diagnosed COPD was 7% in Medicaid expansion states and 8% in non‐participating states. In participating states, lack of health insurance among low‐income adults decreased from 32% to 21% after Medicaid expansion (P < .001), but the prevalence of diagnosed COPD was unchanged. Multivariable logistic regression confirmed that residents of participating states surveyed after Medicaid expansion were no more likely to report diagnosed COPD than residents of these states surveyed before Medicaid expansion (OR = 1.03; 95% CI: 0.97, 1.10; P = .276).ConclusionsNotwithstanding increased health insurance coverage among low‐income adults after Medicaid expansion, this policy did not increase the prevalence of diagnosed COPD. Access to primary care among new Medicaid enrollees and practices of diagnosing COPD in this setting should be evaluated to reduce the extent of undiagnosed COPD in socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.
Relationship between driver gene mutations, their relative protein expressions and survival in non‐small cell lung carcinoma in Macao
Authors: Chan Kin Iong , Vong Hong Ting , Sin Lai Fong , Yip Yuk Ching , Zhong Xue Yun , Wen Jian Ming 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectivesWe report the status of most common gene mutations in non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) in Macao, and explore the relationship between each gene mutation and clinicopathologic features and survival.MethodsEGFR, KRAS and BRAF mutations were detected by PCR in 122 cases of NSCLC. ALK translocation and MET amplification were detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). MET and thyroid transcription factor (TTF‐1) were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Clinical data were collected for analyzing their correlation with the gene mutations.ResultsThe mutation of EGFR, KRAS and BRAF was detected in 48 (39.3%), 13 (10.7%) and 3 (2.5%) of 122 cases of NSCLC, respectively. ALK translocation and MET amplification were detected in 7 (5.7%) and 3 cases (2.5%). The rate of EGFR mutation was significantly higher in female and non‐smoker patients. In TTF‐1 positive cases EGFR mutation was more frequent. Age of the patients over 62‐year old was correlated with KRAS mutations. The concordance between ALK IHC and FISH was 58.3%. The MET protein in the cases with MET amplification was 100% positive. The survival was lower in the patients with positive MET protein than those with negative. MET protein was an independent prognostic factor for NSCLC.ConclusionsEGFR mutation occurred frequently in the female never smoke patients with NSCLC. KRAS mutation was more common in old patients. Negative MET protein expression could be used as a negative predictive marker of MET amplification. MET protein expression was an independent prognostic factor for NSCLC.
Sputum bacteriology and clinical response to antibiotics in moderate exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Ra Seung Won , Kwon Yong Soo , Yoon Sung Ho , Jung Chi Young , Kim Jusang , Choi Hye Sook , Sheen Seung Soo , Hwang Hun Gyu , Lee Ji‐Hyun , Kim Tae‐Hyung 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundPresence of purulent sputum during an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is considered sufficient indication for starting empirical antibiotics. We investigated the relationship between detection of potentially pathogenic bacteria (PPB) using sputum culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and clinical response and sought the risk factors for PPB growth.MethodsIn 342 outpatients with AECOPD, we compared detection rates of H. influenzae (HI) and S. pneumoniae (SP) using conventional sputum culture versus PCR. The utility of either technique to predict clinical cure or failure after effective antibiotics was assessed. The factors predicting positive sputum cultures were evaluated using logistic regression.ResultsUsing sputum culture, 132 PPB were detected. The predominant bacteria were HI (40.9%) and SP (19.7%). Detection of HI or SP in sputum was higher using PCR than culture growth (60.8% vs 18.6%; P < .001). Clinical response was not affected by the results of either technique. Independent risk factors for PPB isolation were Gram‐negative bacteria on sputum smear (OR 15.78, 95% CI 6.38‐39.06; P < .001), sputum purulence (OR 2.31, 95% CI, 1.05‐5.11; P = .04), body temperature (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.05‐0.54; P = .003), albumin level (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.09‐0.88; P = .03) and dyspnea grade (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.27‐0.96; P = .04).ConclusionsNeither culture growth nor PCR positivity for HI or SP in sputum predicted clinical response to antibiotics; therefore, these tests are not necessary for outpatients with AECOPD. Examining Gram‐staining and purulence on sputum smear, however, was significant to predict PPB growth in sputum.
Necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis: A distinctive form of pulmonary granulomatous disease
Authors: Karpathiou Georgia , Batistatou Anna , Boglou Panagiotis , Stefanou Dimitrios , Froudarakis Marios E. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectivesTo define the characteristics of necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis (NGS) a very rare pulmonary disease hardly recognised by pulmonologists and pathologists.Data sourcePubMed was searched for the term necrotising or necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis.Study selectionAll cases reported in the English literature were included.ResultsNGS is presented at all ages (range 8‐68 years) with a median age of 42 years old. It shows female (62%) and Caucasian (80%) predominance. The most frequent symptoms are cough, fever, dyspnoea and chest pain. Extra‐pulmonary involvement is found in one third of the cases, with ocular being the most common (12.5%). At imaging, multiple nodules (64.75%) or a solitary mass (20.49%) are found accompanied by mediastinal lymphadenopathy at one third of the cases. It can be clinically mistaken for malignancy as it is tumour‐like, increases rapidly in size and it is hyperfixating in PET‐SCAN. Histologically, NGS is defined by large areas of necrosis, well‐formed granulomas and vascularitis.ConclusionNGS is a disease often confounded clinically with malignancy or with sarcoidosis even histologically when all criteria are not strictly applied. This review provides NGS' characteristics and discusses its differential diagnosis form sarcoidosis, Wegener granulomatosis and tuberculosis.
Diagnosis and treatment of community‐acquired pneumonia in adults: 2016 clinical practice guidelines by the Chinese Thoracic Society, Chinese Medical Association
Authors: Cao Bin , Huang Yi , She Dan‐Yang , Cheng Qi‐Jian , Fan Hong , Tian Xin‐Lun , Xu Jin‐Fu , Zhang Jing , Chen Yu , Shen Ning , Wang Hui , Jiang Mei , Zhang Xiang‐Yan , Shi Yi , He Bei , He Li‐Xian , Liu You‐Ning , Qu Jie‐Ming 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCommunity‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adults is an infectious disease with high morbidity in China and the rest of the world. With the changing pattern in the etiological profile of CAP and advances in medical techniques in diagnosis and treatment over time, Chinese Thoracic Society of Chinese Medical Association updated its CAP guideline in 2016 to address the standard management of CAP in Chinese adults. Extensive and comprehensive literature search was made to collect the data and evidence for experts to review and evaluate the level of evidence. Corresponding recommendations are provided appropriately based on the level of evidence. This updated guideline covers comprehensive topics on CAP, including aetiology, antimicrobial resistance profile, diagnosis, empirical and targeted treatments, adjunctive and supportive therapies, as well as prophylaxis. The recommendations may help clinicians manage CAP patients more effectively and efficiently. CAP in pediatric patients and immunocompromised adults is beyond the scope of this guideline. This guideline is only applicable for the immunocompetent CAP patients aged 18 years and older. The recommendations on selection of antimicrobial agents and the dosing regimens are not mandatory. The clinicians are recommended to prescribe and adjust antimicrobial therapies primarily based on their local etiological profile and results of susceptibility testing, with reference to this guideline.
Can ADMA play a role in determining pulmonary hypertension related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
Authors: Telo Selda , Kırkıl Gamze , Kuluöztürk Mutlu , Balin Mehmet , Deveci Figen 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackground and aimsAsymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) decreases the levels of nitric oxide by inhibiting nitric oxide synthases. In this study, the possible role of ADMA in determining pulmonary hypertension (PH) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients was investigated.MethodsStable COPD patients who were admitted to pulmonology outpatient clinic were involved in the study. Forty healthy volunteers, with similar ages and sexes, were accepted as the control group. COPD patients were divided into two groups: 40 patients without PH (COPD group) and 40 COPD‐related PH patients (COPD‐PH group). Pulmonary function test, echocardiography and arterial blood analyses of all patients were performed.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 69.21 ± 10.62, and 15 of these patients were females. There was no significant difference between the two COPD groups in terms of age and sex (P > .05). There was no difference in PaO2, SaO2, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC values between the two COPD groups (P > .05). Serum ADMA levels were similar in the control and the COPD group (0.42 ± 0.13 vs 0.43 ± 0.15), but it was significantly higher in the COPD‐PH group compared to the control and the COPD group (0.49 ± 0.14). A negative correlation was determined between serum ADMA levels and SaO2 levels (r = –.247, P = .028). A significant positive correlation observed between ADMA and systolic pulmonary artery pressure values (r = .627, P < .001)ConclusionsIn conclusion, high levels of serum ADMA levels may be able to determine the presence of PH.