bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of human β‐defensins in allergic diseases
Authors: Niyonsaba F. , Kiatsurayanon C. , Ogawa H. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryAntimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also referred to as host defence peptides (HDPs), comprise a large family of small molecules broadly distributed throughout the animal and plant kingdom, historically serving as natural antibiotics. In mammals, there are two major families of AMPs/HDPs, the defensins and the cathelicidins. These peptides have evolved to protect against a wide range of infections from bacteria, viruses, fungi and some parasites. However, in addition to their broad‐spectrum killing activities, AMPs/HDPs also possess various biological functions. They activate a variety of cell types, such as keratinocytes, airway epithelial cells and mast cells, among others, and regulate cytokine/chemokine production, cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, the wound healing process and maintenance of the skin barrier function. Recently, it has become clear that alterations in the level of AMPs/HDPs are associated with the initiation and development of various inflammatory and allergic diseases. In this review, we will discuss the regulation and functions of human β‐defensins and outline the current evidence supporting the role of these peptides in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis. Understanding the functions and mechanisms of human β‐defensins may aid in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for allergic diseases.
Molecular phylogenetic analysis of “pirate spiders” (Araneae, Mimetidae) with the description of a new African genus and the first report of maternal care in the family
Authors: Benavides Ligia R. , Giribet Gonzalo , Hormiga Gustavo 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWe investigate the phylogeny of “pirate spiders” (Mimetidae), a family of araneophagic spiders known for their use of aggressive mimicry as a foraging strategy, but poorly understood phylogenetically. Relationships are inferred by including molecular data from six loci for 92 mimetid terminals spanning four genera, and 119 outgroups representing 12 families. Phylogenetic analyses based on parsimony, maximum‐likelihood and Bayesian approaches, as well as static and dynamic homology, robustly support monophyly of Mimetidae and a sister‐group relationship to a clade comprising Tetragnathidae + Arkyidae. Relationships among the mimetid genera are largely congruent across methods, as follows: (Gelanor (Ero (Anansi n. gen. (Australomimetus, Mimetus)))). Diversification of Mimetidae is estimated to be around 114 Ma, in the Early Cretaceous. In light of the results of our phylogenetic analyses, we erect Anansi n. gen. to include a clade of mimetids from West Africa that contains at least four species, including the newly described A. luki n. sp. We present the first report of maternal care in Mimetidae based on novel field observations.
Transoral laser microsurgery versus radiotherapy for T2 glottic squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review of local control outcomes
Authors: Warner L. , Lee K. , Homer J.J. 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundSystematic reviews comparing treatment of early glottic cancer with transoral surgery or radiotherapy demonstrate similar oncological outcomes. Most studies of ‘early‐stage’ laryngeal cancer include Tis, T1a, T1b and T2 cases. The data are dominated by patients with T1 and Tis tumours, although extrapolating these results and applying them for T2 cases may be inappropriate. No previous systematic reviews have focused on T2 cancers as a separate group.Objective of reviewThis review compares local control outcomes for T2 glottic squamous cell carcinoma, treated with transoral microsurgery or external beam radiotherapy.Type of reviewThis is a systematic review of case series and comparison studies, focusing on oncological outcomes.Search strategyIndependent searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Database were conducted by two authors, using the search terms: laryngeal/glottic/vocal cord combined with carcinoma/cancer/tumour and laser/microsurgery or radiotherapy. Studies of adult patients treated for primary T2N0 glottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with laser surgery or curative radiotherapy were included.Evaluation methodFull text of studies satisfying the inclusion criteria were reviewed with extraction of local control and survival data and laryngeal preservation rates. The primary endpoint is local control at 5 years.ResultsInitial searches identified 3252 studies. Following full‐text review of 183 papers, 59 studies met the inclusion criteria, all level IV evidence. A total of 48 studies specified 5‐year local control for 1156 patients treated with transoral laser surgery and 3191 patients treated with radiotherapy. Weighted averages of local control at 5 years demonstrated similar results: 75.81% for radiotherapy versus 77.26% for transoral laser surgery.ConclusionsThe results of this review indicate no difference in 5‐year local control between radiotherapy and transoral surgery for T2 glottic SCC. The data demonstrated higher rates of local failure for T2b compared with T2a cases, although outcomes were similar between laser excision and radiotherapy for each substage. Further research focusing upon functional outcomes for T2 glottic tumours is imperative to guide decision‐making, ideally with subgroup analysis of T2a and T2b cases.
Shoreline Armoring in an Inland Sea: Science‐Based Recommendations for Policy Implementation
Authors: Dethier Megan N. , Toft Jason D. , Shipman Hugh 
Published: November 2016

AbstractShoreline armoring can impact a variety of ecosystem functions, goods and services provided by beaches. Shoreline managers struggle to balance genuine need for armoring to protect infrastructure versus unacceptable losses of ecosystem functions––whether these be in beaches, sand dunes, or marshes. We use our recent research effort in the Salish Sea, Washington, as a case study to illustrate how highlighting the negative consequences of shoreline armoring to publicly important ecosystem functions may help to strengthen implementation of policy and prioritize restoration actions. We focus on two distinct mechanisms of armoring impact that link strongly to key beach functions, and recommend: (1) where armoring is clearly necessary, place or move it as high on the beach as possible. Armoring emplaced relatively low on the shore is more likely to affect a variety of ecosystem functions from forage fish spawning to beach recreation; (2) prioritize protection or restoration (armor removal) of feeder bluffs that are critical for sediment supply to the beach; this sediment is essential to the maintenance of beach functions. In addition, we recommend that nature‐based alternatives to armoring be given preferential regulatory consideration and that outreach efforts clarify the advantages of these engineering methods.
Serial measurement of presepsin, procalcitonin, and C‐reactive protein in the early postoperative period and the response to antithymocyte globulin administration after heart transplantation
Authors: Franeková Janka , Sečník Peter , Lavríková Petra , Kubíček Zdenek , Hošková Lenka , Kieslichová Eva , Jabor Antonín 
Published: November 2016

AbstractDifferentiation between systemic inflammatory response syndrome and sepsis in surgical patients is of crucial significance. Procalcitonin (PCT) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) are widely used biomarkers, but PCT becomes compromised after antithymocyte globulin (ATG) administration, and CRP exhibits limited specificity. Presepsin has been suggested as an alternative biomarker of sepsis. This study aimed to demonstrate the role of presepsin in patients after heart transplantation (HTx). Plasma presepsin, PCT, and CRP were measured in 107 patients serially for up to 10 days following HTx. Time responses of biomarkers were evaluated for both noninfected (n=91) and infected (n=16) patients. Areas under the concentration curve differed in the two groups of patients for presepsin (P<.001), PCT (P<.005), and CRP (P<.001). The effect of time and infection was significant for all three biomarkers (P<.05 all). In contrast to PCT, presepsin was not influenced by ATG administration. More than 25% of noninfected patients had PCT above 42 μg/L on the first day, and the peak concentration of CRP in infected patients was reached on the third post‐transplant day (median 135 mg/L). Presepsin seems to be as valuable a biomarker as PCT or CRP in the evaluation of infectious complications in patients after HTx.
Everolimus with early withdrawal or reduced‐dose calcineurin inhibitors improves renal function in liver transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lin Michael , Mittal Sahil , Sahebjam Farhad , Rana Abbas , Sood Gagan K. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractCalcineurin inhibitors (CNI) are the mainstay of immunosuppression after liver transplantation (LT), but CNIs are associated with significant nephrotoxicity. Recently, mTOR inhibitors such as sirolimus and everolimus (EVR) have been used with or without CNIs in LT recipients for their renal‐sparing effect. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) that examined the effect of EVR with CNI minimization or withdrawal on renal function in LT recipients. RCT of primary adult LT recipients with baseline GFR >30 mL/min who received EVR with CNI minimization or withdrawal were included. Four RCTs (EVR n=465, control n=428) were included. In three RCTs, EVR was initiated 4 weeks following LT; these studies were used to assess the primary outcome. All four studies were used to assess the secondary outcomes. Based on this study, EVR use with CNI minimization in LT recipients is associated with improved renal function at 12 months by GFR of 10.2 mL/min (95% CI: 2.75‐17.8). EVR use was not associated with an increased risk of biopsy‐proven acute rejection (RR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.31‐1.46), graft loss (RR 1.60, 95% CI: 0.51‐5.00), or mortality (RR 1.34, 95% CI 0.62‐2.90). However, it was associated with an increased risk of overall infections (RR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.10‐1.91).
Direct oral anticoagulant considerations in solid organ transplantation: A review
Authors: Salerno David M. , Tsapepas Demetra , Papachristos Apostolos , Chang Jae‐Hyung , Martin Spencer , Hardy Mark A. , McKeen Jaclyn 
Published: November 2016

AbstractFor more than 60 years, warfarin was the only oral anticoagulation agent available for use in the United States. In many recent clinical trials, several direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) demonstrated similar efficacy with an equal or superior safety profile, with some other notable benefits. The DOACs have lower inter‐ and intrapatient variability, much shorter half‐lives, and less known drug‐drug and drug‐food interactions as compared to warfarin. Despite these demonstrated benefits, the use of DOACs has not gained uniform acceptance because of lack of supportive data in special patient populations, including recipients of solid organ transplants maintained on immunosuppression. This review describes the properties of several novel DOACs including their pharmacology and mechanisms of action as they relate to use among solid organ transplant recipients. We have particularly focused on (i) dosing in patients with impaired renal and hepatic function; (ii) considerations for drug‐drug interactions with immunosuppressive medications; and (iii) management of the anticoagulated patients at the time of unplanned surgery. The risks and benefits of the use of DOACs in solid organ transplant recipients should be carefully evaluated prior to the introduction of these agents in this highly distinct patient population.
China's Bilateral Currency Swap Lines
Authors: Lin Zhitao , Zhan Wenjie , Cheung Yin‐Wong 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWe study the determinants of China's bilateral local currency swap lines that were established following the recent global finance crisis. It is found that economic factors, political considerations and institutional characteristics, including trade intensity, economic size, strategic partnership, free trade agreements, corruption and stability, affect the decision to sign a swap line agreement. Once a swap line agreement decision is made, the size of the swap line is then mainly affected by trade intensity, economic size and the presence of a free trade agreement. The results are quite robust with respect to the choices of the Heckman two‐stage framework or the proportional hazard model. The gravity effect captured by distances between China and its counterparts, if present, is mainly observed during the early part of the sample period under consideration.
Cytological features of solid variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma: a fine needle aspiration cytology study of 18 cases
Authors: Higuchi M. , Hirokawa M. , Suzuki A. , Takada N. , Yamao N. , Kuma S. , Miyauchi A. 
Published: November 2016

ObjectiveSolid variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma (SV‐PTC) are rare, and there have been few reports describing the cytological findings of such variants.MethodsThe cytological features of cellular specimens aspirated from 18 histologically confirmed SV‐PTC cases were evaluated, retrospectively.ResultsSolid and small papillary clusters were observed in 14 (77.8%) and 13 (72.2%) cases, respectively. The incidences of large papillary clusters (11.1%) and sheet‐like arrangements (11.1%) were low. Nuclear features were consistent with conventional PTC. The background was clean, and there were no colloid materials, foamy histiocytes, multinucleated giant cells, psammoma bodies, or necrotic materials.ConclusionsSolid clusters and small papillary clusters in conjunction with a clean background are diagnostic clues that indicate SV‐PTC cytologically. It is thought that small papillary clusters reflect the micropapillary growth pattern seen within the lumen of middle‐sized follicular structures. The presence of nuclear findings typical of conventional PTC and the absence of mitotic figures and necrotic materials are important for distinguishing SV‐PTC from poorly differentiated carcinoma.
Cardiovascular events and all‐cause mortality associated with sulphonylureas compared with other antihyperglycaemic drugs: A Bayesian meta‐analysis of survival data
Authors: Bain Steve , Druyts Eric , Balijepalli Chakrapani , Baxter Carl A. , Currie Craig J. , Das Romita , Donnelly Richard , Khunti Kamlesh , Langerman Haya , Leigh Paul , Siliman Gaye , Thorlund Kristian , Toor Kabirraaj , Vora Jiten , Mills Edward J. 
Published: November 2016

AimTo conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine the risk of cardiovascular events and all‐cause mortality associated with sulphonylureas (SUs) vs other glucose lowering drugs in patients with T2DM (T2DM).Materials and methodsA systematic review of Medline, Embase, Cochrane and clinicaltrials.gov was conducted for studies comparing SUs with placebo or other antihyperglycaemic drugs in patients with T2DM. A cloglog model was used in the Bayesian framework to obtain comparative hazard ratios (HRs) for the different interventions. For the analysis of observational data, conventional fixed‐effect pairwise meta‐analyses were used.ResultsThe systematic review identified 82 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 26 observational studies. Meta‐analyses of RCT data showed an increased risk of all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular‐related mortality for SUs compared with all other treatments combined (HR 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10‐1.44 and HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.21‐1.77, respectively). The risk of myocardial infarction was significantly higher for SUs compared with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors and sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (HR 2.54, 95% CI 1.14‐6.57 and HR 41.80, 95% CI 1.64‐360.4, respectively). The risk of stroke was significantly higher for SUs than for DPP‐4 inhibitors, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 agonists, thiazolidinediones and insulin.ConclusionsThe present meta‐analysis showed an association between SU therapy and a higher risk of major cardiovascular disease‐related events compared with other glucose lowering drugs. Results of ongoing RCTs, which should be available in 2018, will provide definitive results on the risk of cardiovascular events and all‐cause mortality associated with SUs vs other antihyperglycaemic drugs.
Transesophageal echocardiographic diagnosis of a WATCHMAN left atrial appendage closure device thrombus 10 years following implantation
Authors: Shamim Shariq , Magalski Anthony , Chhatriwalla Adnan K. , Allen Keith B. , Huber Kenneth C. , Main Michael L. 
Published: November 2016

Left atrial appendage closure with the WATCHMAN device is an alternative to chronic oral anticoagulation for thromboembolic prophylaxis in atrial fibrillation patients. Left atrial device‐related thrombus (DRT) has been described in the first year after implant with an incidence of ~6%. A 79‐year‐old man underwent WATCHMAN device placement in 2006. Routine protocol specified follow‐up transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE) at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year following implant showed no evidence for DRT or peri‐device flow. A decade after device implant, the patient presented with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis and underwent repeat TEE, which revealed a 21 mm × 18 mm DRT on the LA aspect of the WATCHMAN device. He was prescribed apixaban 5 mg po BID. A TEE performed 111 days later demonstrated marked diminution in the DRT (9 mm in diameter). This case demonstrates that WATCHMAN DRT may occur late following implantation.
IL‐1B rs16944 polymorphism is related to septic shock and death
Authors: Jiménez‐Sousa María Ángeles , Medrano Luz M. , Liu Pilar , Almansa Raquel , Fernández‐Rodríguez Amanda , Gómez‐Sánchez Esther , Rico Lucía , Heredia‐Rodríguez María , Gómez‐Pesquera Estefanía , Tamayo Eduardo , Resino Salvador 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundIL‐1β is a primary mediator of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and it may lead to shock septic. Our aim was to analyse whether IL‐1B rs16944 polymorphism is associated with the onset of septic shock and death after major surgery.Materials and methodsWe performed a case–control study on 467 patients who underwent major cardiac or abdominal surgery. Of them, 205 patients developed septic shock (cases, SS group) and 262 patients developed SIRS (controls, SIRS group). The primary outcome variables were the development of septic shock and death within 90 days after diagnosis of septic shock. The IL‐1B rs16944 polymorphism was genotyped by Sequenom's MassARRAY platform. The association analysis was performed under a recessive genetic model (AA vs. GG/GC).ResultsThe frequency of septic shock was higher in patients with IL‐1B rs16944 AA genotype than in patients with IL‐1B rs16944 GG/AG genotype when all patients were taken into account (63·6% vs. 41·8%; P = 0·006), cardiac surgery (52·2% vs. 33·3%; P = 0·072) and abdominal surgery (76·2% vs. 50·2%; P = 0·023). However, the IL‐1B rs16944 AA genotype was only associated with higher likelihood of septic shock in the analysis of all population [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2·26 (95%CI = 1·03; 4·97; P = 0·042], but not when it was stratified by cardiac surgery (P = 0·175) or abdominal surgery (P = 0·467). Similarly, IL‐1B rs16944 AA genotype was also associated with higher likelihood of septic shock‐related death in all population [aOR = 2·67 (95%CI = 1·07; 4·97); P = 0·035].ConclusionsIL‐1B rs16944 AA genotype seems to be related to the onset of septic shock and death in patients who underwent major surgery.
Behavioural Consistency in Female Resistance to Male Harassment in a Water Strider Species
Authors: Pineaux Maxime , Turgeon Julie 
Published: November 2016

AbstractSexual conflict over mating rate often implies that males persist at frequently harassing females to gain matings while females resist mating attempts. In water striders, females can resist by engaging in vigorous pre‐copulatory struggles to dislodge males, but alternative means of resistance have seldom been investigated. Contrary to males, female resistance has not been investigated as a repeatable behaviour. We used Gerris buenoi to investigate the capacity to abbreviate struggles and the tendency to hide off the water as two potential female resistance traits. Specifically, we asked whether these behaviours are repeatable and whether they vary according to sexual conflict intensity and past mating experience. Also, we studied the possible connections between these behaviours and traits linked to fitness, namely endured harassment and mating activity. The capacity to abbreviate struggles was poorly repeatable and decreased with sexual conflict intensity and endured harassment. It seems to be mainly determined by the social environment and by recent events related to sexual conflict. The tendency to hide off the water was significantly repeatable across sexual conflict intensities and can be considered as a repeatable behaviour. Hiding frequently off the water allowed females to decrease the harassment endured by females and may enhance female fitness. In nature, hiding is more readily and more frequently observed than pre‐copulatory struggles. Directly associating hiding off water with female fitness would confirm that this consistent phenotype contributes to sexually antagonistic female resistance.
The other 96%: Can neglected sources of fitness variation offer new insights into adaptation to global change?
Authors: Chirgwin Evatt , Marshall Dustin J. , Sgrò Carla M. , Monro Keyne 
Published: November 2016

AbstractMounting research considers whether populations may adapt to global change based on additive genetic variance in fitness. Yet selection acts on phenotypes, not additive genetic variance alone, meaning that persistence and evolutionary potential in the near term, at least, may be influenced by other sources of fitness variation, including nonadditive genetic and maternal environmental effects. The fitness consequences of these effects, and their environmental sensitivity, are largely unknown. Here, applying a quantitative genetic breeding design to an ecologically important marine tubeworm, we examined nonadditive genetic and maternal environmental effects on fitness (larval survival) across three thermal environments. We found that these effects are nontrivial and environment dependent, explaining at least 44% of all parentally derived effects on survival at any temperature and 96% of parental effects at the most stressful temperature. Unlike maternal environmental effects, which manifested at the latter temperature only, nonadditive genetic effects were consistently significant and covaried positively across temperatures (i.e., parental combinations that enhanced survival at one temperature also enhanced survival at elevated temperatures). Thus, while nonadditive genetic and maternal environmental effects have long been neglected because their evolutionary consequences are complex, unpredictable, or seen as transient, we argue that they warrant further attention in a rapidly warming world.
Treatment and ophthalmic sequelae in a horse with facial cellulitis and orbital abscess
Authors: Racine J. , Borer‐Germann S. E. , Navas de Solis C. , Stoffel M. H. , Klopfenstein M. , Klopfenstein Bregger M. D. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryA 22‐year‐old Quarter Horse gelding with a history of dental (107) extraction 2 weeks previously was presented with facial cellulitis and an orbital abscess. The abscess was drained surgically dorsally and ventrally to the zygomatic arch and the horse was treated with parenteral antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory drugs. The affected eye was protected with a temporary tarsorrhaphy and treated via a subpalpebral catheter. Six months after presentation, the horse was in excellent general condition and returned to previous level of exercise but showed blindness on the affected side. Pallor of the optic disc and severe attenuation of the retinal vessels, suggestive of optic disc atrophy, were present.