bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endothelial dysfunction assessment by noninvasive peripheral arterial tonometry in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease compared with healthy subjects
Authors: Malerba Mario , Radaeli Alessandro , Nardin Matteo , Clini Enrico , Carpagnano Giovanna Elisiana , Sciatti Edoardo , Salghetti Francesca , Bonadei Ivano , Platto Fabio , Vizzardi Enrico 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntroductionPatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The endothelial dysfunction likely plays a central role in increasing cardiovascular risk.ObjectivesThis cross‐sectional, study investigated the prevalence and extent of endothelial dysfunction in patients with stable COPD.MethodsPeripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) was measured by post‐ischemic reactive hyperemia index (RHI) in 16 COPD patients, 16 healthy controls and 16 subjects with treated systemic arterial hypertension (AH) and analysed with covariates condition (dyslipidemia, and medications).ResultsThe prevalence of endothelial dysfunction was significantly higher in COPD group than in the other groups. Mean RHI was significantly lower in COPD patients compared with the other groups. At linear regression FEV1 and RHI were directly correlated (Spearman index = 0.553; P = .026). COPD patients in groups C and D according to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stages showed lower RHI compared with patients classified as A and B (P < .01). At multiple regression analysis the presence of dyslipidemia, COPD and AH were associated with the presence of endothelial dysfunction.ConclusionsEndothelial dysfunction in stable COPD patients is probably implicated in the high cardiovascular comorbidity. This study suggests the potential utility of endothelial dysfunction evaluation in patients with COPD to a timely assessment and treatment for cardiac complications.
Pharmacology and drug development in rare diseases: the attractiveness and expertise of the French medical pharmacology
Authors: Micallef Joëlle , Boutouyrie Pierre , Blin Olivier 
Published: August 2017

AbstractDeveloping drugs for rare disease can be challenging due to specific rare disease characteristics. The French Medical Pharmacology is structured and positioned to play a major role in orphan drug research and development due to the required expertise concentrated into pharmacology departments, exclusively implemented within the French university hospitals, public hospitals that are linked to a medical school (and often a pharmacy school) with numerous INSERM or CNRS labelled research units.In addition, these structures allow a close collaboration between researchers, academic institutions and biotech start‐up (most of them being spin‐off of the academic structures). Also, within university hospitals are located the clinical investigation centres, linking to the F‐CRIN network and also to Inserm and hospitals, that enable care staff and researchers to be associated and clinical research protocols to be carried out on site, in full respect with ethic and regulatory aspects.As a consequence, this intra and multidisciplinary expertise offers all resource to elaborate a tailored approach for orphan drug development, in new entities as well as in repositioning. For preclinical development: drug screening, candidate selection (taking into account PK, metabolism, variability and potential toxicity) and preclinical models (iPS, animal models) that could allow a better translation to human research. For clinical development, we will mention here dose determination, safety evaluation and Orphan Drug Designation and Protocol Assistance preparation and submission. For post marketing evaluation and surveys, the pharmacovigilance, addictovigilance and pharmacoepidemiology expertise, combined with access to large databases allow a better approach to orphan drug use and safety.As outlined through two success stories (Charcot Marie Tooth, vascular Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome), the added value of French Medical Pharmacology structures and expertise has been evidenced in the know‐how, multidimensional and multidisciplinary approaches, allowing the development of numerous drugs that have been granted with Orphan Drug Designation and later Market Approval. Even if specific and possibly even more, the field of orphan drugs requires the respect of highest standards of safety and quality. French Medical Pharmacology intends to continue on this way and constantly improve his involvement in this field, committed to a single objective: answer the unmet medical need of patients with rare diseases.
Involved, inputting or informing: “Shared” decision making in adult mental health care
Authors: Bradley Eleanor , Green Debra 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundA diagnosis of serious mental illness can impact on the whole family. Families informally provide significant amounts of care but are disproportionately at risk of carer burden when compared to those supporting people with other long‐term conditions. Shared decision making (SDM) is an ethical model of health communication associated with positive health outcomes; however, there has been little research to evaluate how routinely family is invited to participate in SDM, or what this looks like in practice.ObjectiveThis UK study aimed to better understand how the family caregivers of those diagnosed with SMI are currently involved in decision making, particularly decisions about treatment options including prescribed medication. Objectives were to

Explore the extent to which family members wish to be involved in decisions about prescribed medication
Determine how and when professionals engage family in these decisions
Identify barriers and facilitators associated with the engagement of family in decisions about treatment.
ParticipantsOpen‐ended questions were sent to professionals and family members to elicit written responses. Qualitative responses were analysed thematically.ResultsThemes included the definition of involvement and “rules of engagement.” Staff members are gatekeepers for family involvement, and the process is not democratic. Family and staff ascribe practical, rather than recovery‐oriented roles to family, with pre‐occupation around notions of adherence.ConclusionsStaff members need support, training and education to apply SDM. Time to exchange information is vital but practically difficult. Negotiated teams, comprising of staff, service users, family, peers as applicable, with ascribed roles and responsibilities could support SDM.
Conserving threatened riparian ecosystems in the American West: Precipitation gradients and river networks drive genetic connectivity and diversity in a foundation riparian tree (Populus angustifolia)
Authors: Bothwell Helen M. , Cushman Samuel A. , Woolbright Scott A. , Hersch‐Green Erika I. , Evans Luke M. , Whitham Thomas G. , Allan Gerard J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractGene flow is an evolutionary process that supports genetic connectivity and contributes to the capacity of species to adapt to environmental change. Yet, for most species, little is known about the specific environmental factors that influence genetic connectivity, or their effects on genetic diversity and differentiation. We used a landscape genetic approach to understand how geography and climate influence genetic connectivity in a foundation riparian tree (Populus angustifolia), and their relationships with specieswide patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation. Using multivariate restricted optimization in a reciprocal causal modelling framework, we quantified the relative contributions of riparian network connectivity, terrestrial upland resistance and climate gradients on genetic connectivity. We found that (i) all riparian corridors, regardless of river order, equally facilitated connectivity, while terrestrial uplands provided 2.5× more resistance to gene flow than riparian corridors. (ii) Cumulative differences in precipitation seasonality and precipitation of the warmest quarter were the primary climatic factors driving genetic differentiation; furthermore, maximum climate resistance was 45× greater than riparian resistance. (iii) Genetic diversity was positively correlated with connectivity (R2 = 0.3744,p = .0019), illustrating the utility of resistance models for identifying landscape conditions that can support a species' ability to adapt to environmental change. From these results, we present a map highlighting key genetic connectivity corridors acrossP. angustifolia'srange that if disrupted could have long‐term ecological and evolutionary consequences. Our findings provide recommendations for conservation and restoration management of threatened riparian ecosystems throughout the westernUSAand the high biodiversity they support.
Dynamic localization of HmpF regulates type IV pilus activity and directional motility in the filamentous cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme
Authors: Cho Ye Won , Gonzales Alfonso , Harwood Thomas V. , Huynh Jessica , Hwang Yeji , Park Jun Sang , Trieu Anthony Q. , Italia Parth , Pallipuram Vivek K. , Risser Douglas D. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryMany cyanobacteria exhibit surface motility powered by type 4 pili (T4P). In the model filamentous cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme, the T4P systems are arrayed in static, bipolar rings in each cell. The chemotaxis‐like Hmp system is essential for motility and the coordinated polar accumulation of PilA on cells in motile filaments, while the Ptx system controls positive phototaxis. Using transposon mutagenesis, a gene, designated hmpF, was identified as involved in motility. Synteny among filamentous cyanobacteria and the similar expression patterns for hmpF and hmpD imply that HmpF is part of the Hmp system. Deletion of hmpF produced a phenotype distinct from other hmp genes, but indistinguishable from pilB or pilQ. Both an HmpF‐GFPuv fusion protein, and PilA, as assessed by in situ immunofluorescence, displayed coordinated, unipolar localization at the leading pole of each cell. Reversals were modulated by changes in light intensity and preceded by the migration of HmpF‐GFPuv to the lagging cell poles. These results are consistent with a model where direct interaction between HmpF and the T4P system activates pilus extension, the Hmp system facilitates coordinated polarity of HmpF to establish motility, and the Ptx system modulates HmpF localization to initiate reversals in response to changes in light intensity.
Patient‐reported outcome measures in recurrent aphthous stomatitis: A critical assessment of quality properties
Authors: Wiriyakijja P , Fedele S , Porter S , Mercadante V , Ni Riordain R 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesTo analyse the range of existing patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) used in studies of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) and to evaluate their quality properties via the assessment of psychometric properties and interpretability.Materials and MethodsElectronic databases were searched to identify relevant publications related to PROMs used in RAS. Publications were selected based on predefined criteria. All identified PROMs were then classified by measuring concepts and assessed for instrument characteristics and evidence for quality properties for RAS patients.ResultsTwenty‐eight PROMs were used in studies of RAS patients. Instruments focused upon oral symptoms (n = 4), psychosocial status (n = 15) and quality of life (n = 9). Five PROMs (Oral Health‐related Quality of Life‐UK, Chronic Oral Mucosal Disease Questionnaire, Oral Health Impact Profile‐14, Medical Outcome Study Short Form‐36 and Mumcu's composite index) were found to have some evidence of psychometric performance. No PROMs showed evidence for interpretability of their scores in RAS patients.ConclusionThere was a wide range of PROMs used in clinical studies of RAS. The majority of these PROMs lack evidence of measurement properties and interpretability for RAS patients. Further studies are required to confirm whether these instruments are suitable and useful for this patient group.
Vaccination and allergy: EAACI position paper, practical aspects
Authors: Nilsson Lennart , Brockow Knut , Alm Johan , Cardona Victoria , Caubet Jean‐Christoph , Gomes Eva , Jenmalm Maria C. , Lau Susanne , Netterlid Eva , Schwarze Jürgen , Sheikh Aziz , Storsaeter Jann , Skevaki Chrysanthi , Terreehorst Ingrid , Zanoni Giovanna 
Published: August 2017

AbstractImmunization is highly effective in preventing infectious diseases and therefore an indispensable public health measure. Allergic patients deserve access to the same publicly recommended immunizations as non‐allergic patients unless risks associated with vaccination outweigh the gains. Whereas the number of reported possible allergic reactions to vaccines is high, confirmed vaccine‐triggered allergic reactions are rare. Anaphylaxis following vaccination is rare, affecting <1/100 000, but can occur in any patient. Some patient groups, notably those with a previous allergic reaction to a vaccine or its components, are at heightened risk of allergic reaction and require special precautions. Allergic reactions, however, may occur in patients without known risk factors and cannot be predicted by currently available tools. Unwarranted fear and uncertainty can result in incomplete vaccination coverage for children and adults with or without allergy. In addition to concerns about an allergic reaction to the vaccine itself, there is fear that routine childhood immunization may promote the development of allergic sensitization and disease. Thus, although there is no evidence that routine childhood immunization increases the risk of allergy development, such risks need to be discussed.
Cucurbit extrafascicular phloem has strong negative impacts on aphids and is not a preferred feeding site
Authors: Kanvil Sadia , Pham Jasmine , Lopez‐Cobollo Rosa , Selby Martin , Bennett Mark , Beckingham Christopher , Powell Glen , Turnbull Colin 
Published: August 2017

AbstractCucurbits have long been known to possess two types of phloem: fascicular (FP) within vascular bundles and extrafascicular phloem (EFP) surrounding vascular bundles and scattered through the cortex. Recently, their divergent composition was revealed, with FP having high sugar content consistent with conventional phloem, but EFP having much lower sugar levels and a very different proteome. However, the evolutionary advantages of possessing both FP and EFP have remained unclear. Here, we present four lines of quantitative evidence that together support the hypothesis that FP represents a typical phloem and is an attractive diet for aphids, whereas aphids avoid feeding on EFP. First, aphid stylet track endings were more abundant near the abaxial FP element of minor veins, suggesting a feeding preference for FP over EFP. Second, sugar profiles from stylet exudates were wholly consistent with FP origins, further supporting preference for FP and avoidance of EFP. Third, supplementation of EFP exudate into artificial diets confirmed an aversion to EFP in choice experiments. Finally, EFP exudate had negative effects on aphid performance. On the basis of aphids' inability to thrive on EFP, we conclude that EFP is atypical and perhaps should not be classed as a phloem system.
Serotype replacement of Streptococcus pneumoniae due to seven‐valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Japan
Authors: Sakata Hiroshi , Sato Yoshitake , Toyonaga Yoshikiyo , Hanaki Hideaki ,   Drug‐Resistant Pathogen Surveillance Group in Pediatric Infectious Disease
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundThis study examined the trends for the serotypes of S. pneumoniae that have caused infections before (2010) and after (2012) the introduction of PCV‐7 in Japan.MethodsWe examined 458 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae obtained from 22 pediatric institutions throughout Japan from January to June 2010 (immediately after the introduction of the seven‐valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine [PCV‐7]), and 370 strains obtained from 19 institutions from January to June 2012 (after PCV‐7 became widely used). The samples were collected from children aged 0–14 years with conditions such as respiratory tract infections (upper airway inflammation, bronchitis, and pneumonia), meningitis, and sepsis.ResultsThe most frequent serotype in the 2010 strains was 19F (17.3%), followed by 6B (16.8%), and 23F (15.1%). The most frequent serotype in the 2012 strains was 6C (10.0%), followed by 19F (9.7%), 15A (8.9%) and 15B (8.9%), indicating a significant change in the distribution. The serotypes contained in PCV‐7 were detected in 280 strains (61.1%) in 2010 and in 81 strains (21.9%) in 2012 (P < 0.01). The serotypes contained in PCV‐13 were detected in 356 strains (77.7%) in 2010 and in 146 strains (39.5%) in 2012 (P < 0.01). A total of 129 subjects who had not been vaccinated with PCV‐7 and 127 subjects who had been vaccinated with PCV‐7 at least once, were compared with regard to the 2012 strains. The serotypes contained in PCV‐7 were found in 21 strains (16.5%) in those who had been vaccinated and in 37 strains (28.7%) in those who had not been vaccinated (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe increased use of PCV‐7 led to decreases in the serotypes contained in PCV‐13 and increases in the serotypes not contained in PCV‐13, suggesting serotype replacement.
Adrenal insufficiency in non‐transfusion‐dependent α‐thalassemia
Authors: Joradol Nipapan , Supornsilchai Vichit , Tongmeesee Somlak , Tanyong Benjamas , Aphikulchatkit Yodkwan , Sosothikul Darintr 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundVery few studies about adrenal insufficiency (AI) have been published with regard to non‐transfusion‐dependent (NTD) thalassemia, and none of those studies involved α‐thalassemia patients. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the prevalence of AI in patients with NTD α‐thalassemia, and to identify factors that predict the development of AI in this thalassemia subpopulation.MethodsThis cross‐sectional descriptive study was conducted in NTD α‐thalassemic children at three referral hospitals in Thailand in 2015–2016. Preliminary screening for AI was done using the 1 μg adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. Suspected AI was then confirmed on insulin tolerance test (ITT). AI was defined as peak cortisol <18 μg/dL. AI was categorized as either primary or secondary AI according to peak ACTH.ResultsThirty patients with NTD α‐thalassemia were included in this study. Ten of 25 patients (40%) had abnormal initial screening. Eight of nine (88.9%) who underwent ITT were confirmed as having AI. No patients diagnosed with AI had any clinical symptoms of AI. The percentage of primary and secondary AI (n = 8) was 25% and 75%, respectively. Mean age and mean hemoglobin level showed a trend toward being associated with AI (P = 0.98).ConclusionThe prevalence of biochemical AI in α‐thalassemia patients was similar to rates previously reported for NTD β‐thalassemia. Annual screening for AI in α‐thalassemia patients is recommended, and glucocorticoid replacement should be considered in NTD α‐thalassemia patients with AI during critical illness.
Regional differences in antibiotic‐resistant pathogens in patients with pneumonia: Implications for clinicians
Authors: Shindo Yuichiro , Hasegawa Yoshinori 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTAntibiotic resistance is of great concern for both infection control and the treatment of infectious diseases. Previous studies reported that the occurrence of drug‐resistant pathogens (DRPs)—for instance, methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing Enterobacteriaceae—were associated with inappropriate antibiotic treatment that resulted in adverse outcomes. In addition, unnecessary use of broad‐spectrum antibiotics for patients with non‐DRPs increased mortality. Therefore, the assessment of risk for DRPs at diagnosis is critical to avoid patients’ adverse events. In the present review, we discuss regional differences in the prevalence of DRPs, which ranged from 6% to 45%, in patients with community‐onset pneumonia, including both community‐acquired and healthcare‐associated pneumonia. We then introduce the reported risk factors for DRPs in those patients, and present proposed prediction models for identifying patients with DRPs at diagnosis. Physicians should be aware that some of the risk factors for DRPs (e.g. prior antibiotic use and prior hospitalization) were common between regions; however, others may be different or the weighting of the risks may vary, even for the same risk factors. Therefore, a specific evaluation of risk factors for DRPs is recommended for each region and institution. Furthermore, we present a possible strategy for initial antibiotic selection in patients with community‐onset pneumonia, considering DRPs risk. We also discuss future directions for the study of DRPs in community‐onset, hospital‐acquired and ventilator‐associated pneumonia to improve the management of patients with pneumonia.
New Lager Brewery Strains Obtained by Crossing Techniques Using
Cachaça
(Brazilian Spirit) Yeasts
Authors: Figueiredo Bruna Inez Carvalho , Saraiva Margarete Alice Fontes , de Souza Pimenta Paloma Patrick , de Souza Testasicca Miriam Conceição , Sampaio Geraldo Magela Santos , da Cunha Aureliano Claret , Afonso Luis Carlos Crocco , Vieira de Queiroz Marisa , de Miranda Castro Ieso , Brandão Rogelio Lopes 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

The development of hybrids has been an effective approach to generate novel yeast strains with optimal technological profile for use in beer production. This study describes the generation of a new yeast strain for lager beer production by direct mating between two
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
strains isolated from
cachaça
distilleries: one that was strongly flocculent, and the other with higher production of acetate esters. The first step in this procedure was to analyze the sporulation ability and reproductive cycle of strains belonging to a specific collection of yeasts isolated from
cachaça
fermentation vats. Most strains showed high rates of sporulation, spore viability, and homothallic behavior. In order to obtain new yeast strains with desirable properties useful for lager beer production, we compare haploid-to-haploid and diploid-to-diploid mating procedures. Moreover, an assessment of parental phenotype traits showed that the segregant diploid C2-1d generated from a diploid-to-diploid mating experiment showed good fermentation performance at low temperature, high flocculation capacity, and desirable production of acetate esters that was significantly better than that of one type lager strain. Therefore, strain C2-1d might be an important candidate for the production of lager beer, with distinct fruit traces and originating using a non-genetically modified organism (GMO) approach.

IMPORTANCE
Recent work has suggested the utilization of hybridization techniques for the generation of novel non-genetically modified brewing yeast strains with combined properties not commonly found in a unique yeast strain. We have observed remarkable traits, especially low temperature tolerance, maltotriose utilization, flocculation ability, and production of volatile aroma compounds, among a collection of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
strains isolated from
cachaça
distilleries, which allow their utilization in the production of beer. The significance of our research is in the use of breeding/hybridization techniques to generate yeast strains that would be appropriate for producing new lager beers by exploring the capacity of
cachaça
yeast strains to flocculate and to ferment maltose at low temperature, with the concomitant production of flavoring compounds.