bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RNA-sequencing study of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in sporadic Ménière's disease patients: possible contribution of immunologic dysfunction to the development of this disorder
Authors: Sun Y , Zhang D , Sun G , Lv Y , Li Y , Li X , Song Y , Li J , Fan Z , Wang H 
Published: November 2017

Summary
To date, the pathogenesis of Ménière's disease (MD) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the possible relationship between potential immune system-related genes and sporadic MD. The whole RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) technology was used to analyse the transcriptome of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of three MD patients and three control individuals. Of 366 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 154 genes were up-regulated and 212 genes were down-regulated (|log2 fold change| &gt; 1 and P &lt; 0·05). Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis illustrated that immune relevant factors played a key role in the pathogenesis of MD. Of 366 DEGs, we focused upon analysing the possible immune-related genes, among which the significantly up-regulated genes [glutathione S-transferase mu 1 (GSTM1), transmembrane protein 176 (TMEM176)B, TMEM176A] and down-regulated genes [solute carrier family 4 member (SLC4A)10 and SLC4A1] especially drew our attention. The mRNA expression levels of GSTM1, TMEM176B, TMEM176A, SLC4A1 and SLC4A10 were analysed by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR). The serum concentration of GSTM1, TMEM176B and SLC4A10 proteins were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Considering the results of qRT–PCR and ELISA, it was noteworthy that GSTM1 exhibited the highest fold change between two groups, which was consistent with the deep sequencing results by RNA-seq. In conclusion, our study first offers a new perspective in MD development on the basis of RNA expression patterns, suggesting that immune factors might be involved in the MD pathogenesis. Remarkably, GSTM1 might be a possible candidate gene for the diagnostic biomarker of MD and provides the basis for further biological and functional investigations.
Treatment of severe drug reactions by hemodialysis
Authors: el‐Azhary Rokea A. , Wang Michael Z. , Wentworth Ashley B. , Hickson LaTonya J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundExtracorporeal treatments such as hemodialysis and plasma exchange are lifesaving measures in the treatment of drug poisoning. This treatment method generally is not used for severe cutaneous and systemic drug reactions.MethodsHere, we describe three cases wherein hemodialysis therapy was instrumental in reversing the adverse drug reaction.ResultsIn the cases of severe cutaneous drug reactions reviewed, patients presented with linear immunoglobulin A bullous dermatosis, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Salvage treatment with hemodialysis therapy drastically influenced the course of disease, resulting in remission.ConclusionsThis novel and highly effective treatment option is not considered in current algorithms for adverse drug reactions. Hence, in addition to the rarity of these reactions, the main limitation of the study is the small number of patients. Hemodialysis can substantially alter the prognosis and, in some cases, be a lifesaving treatment for patients with severe adverse cutaneous drug reaction associated with systemic toxicity.
Regulation of T helper cell responses during antigen presentation by norepinephrine‐exposed endothelial cells
Authors: Xu Linghui , Ding Wanhong , Stohl Lori L. , Zhou Xi K. , Azizi Shayan , Chuang Ethan , Lam Jimmy , Wagner John A. , Granstein Richard D. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryDermal blood vessels and regional lymph nodes are innervated by sympathetic nerves and, under stress, sympathetic nerves release norepinephrine (NE). Exposure of primary murine dermal microvascular endothelial cells (pDMECs) to NE followed by co‐culture with Langerhans cells (LCs), responsive CD4+ T‐cells and antigen resulted in modulation of CD4+ T‐cell responses. NE‐treatment of pDMECs induced increased production of interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐17A while down‐regulating interferon (IFN)‐γ and IL‐22 release. This effect did not require contact between pDMECs and LCs or T‐cells and depended upon pDMEC production of IL‐6. The presence of NE‐treated pDMECs increased the proportion of CD4+ T‐cells expressing intracellular IL‐17A and increased IL‐17A mRNA while decreasing the proportion of IFN‐γ‐ or IL‐22‐expressing CD4+ T‐cells and mRNA levels for those cytokines. Retinoic acid receptor‐related orphan receptor gamma (ROR‐γt) mRNA was significantly increased in CD4+ T‐cells while T‐box transcription factor (T‐bet) mRNA was decreased. Intradermal administration of NE prior to hapten immunization at the injection site produced a similar bias in draining lymph node CD4+ T‐cells towards IL‐17A and away from IFN‐γ and IL‐22 production. Under stress, release of NE may have significant regulatory effects on the outcome of antigen presentation through actions on ECs with enhancement of inflammatory skin disorders involving IL‐17/T helper type 17 (Th17) cells.
Shared pathological pathways of Alzheimer's disease with specific comorbidities: current perspectives and interventions
Authors: Nday Christiane M. , Eleftheriadou Despoina , Jackson Graham 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) belongs to one of the most multifactorial, complex and heterogeneous morbidity‐leading disorders. Despite the extensive research in the field, AD pathogenesis is still at some extend obscure. Mechanisms linking AD with certain comorbidities, namely diabetes mellitus, obesity and dyslipidemia, are increasingly gaining importance, mainly because of their potential role in promoting AD development and exacerbation. Their exact cognitive impairment trajectories, however, remain to be fully elucidated. The current review aims to offer a clear and comprehensive description of the state‐of‐the‐art approaches focused on generating in‐depth knowledge regarding the overlapping pathology of AD and its concomitant ailments. Thorough understanding of associated alterations on a number of molecular, metabolic and hormonal pathways, will contribute to the further development of novel and integrated theranostics, as well as targeted interventions that may be beneficial for individuals with age‐related cognitive decline.
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Comparative study of buffered 50% glycolic acid (pH 3.0) + 0.5% salicylic acid solution vs Jessner's solution in patients with acne vulgaris
Authors: In Jae Jeong , Dong Ju Hyun , Dong Hyun Kim , Yoon Moon Soo , Lee Hee Jung 
Published: November 2017

SummaryBackgroundSuperficial chemical peels are frequently used in acne vulgaris treatment. Although glycolic acid (GA) has been widely used in clinical practice, its pH ranges from 0.08‐2.75 and thus should be neutralized after application to avoid burns.ObjectiveTo evaluate treatment efficacy and safety of chemical peeling using buffered 50% GA (pH 3.0) + 0.5% salicylic acid (SA) solution that does not need to be neutralized in the treatment of acne vulgaris compared to the conventional peeling using Jessner's solution.MethodsWe performed a prospective, randomized, evaluator‐blind, split‐face clinical trial. Twenty patients were randomized by assigning one side of each patient's face to receive a 50% GA (pH 3.0) + 0.5% SA peel (GA side) and the other side to receive the Jessner's solution (Jessner's solution side). All patients underwent 2 sessions of treatment spaced 2 weeks apart. Lesion count, acne severity, subjective efficacy assessment, and side effects were evaluated.ResultsThe total lesion count was significantly reduced for the GA and Jessner's solution sides (P < .001). However, there was no significant difference in the total lesion count, acne severity, or subjective efficacy assessment between the 2 sides (P > .05). The GA side had fewer side effects than the Jessner's solution side.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that chemical peeling using the 50% GA (pH 3.0) + 0.5% SA solution can be as effective and convenient as the conventional peeling using Jessner's solution in the treatment of acne vulgaris and may show fewer adverse events than the conventional peeling.
Taste‐active peptides and amino acids of pork meat as components of dry‐cured meat products: An in‐silico study
Authors: Kęska Paulina , Stadnik Joanna 
Published: November 2017

AbstractInformation on taste‐active components of porcine meat was provided based on an in‐silico analysis using tools available in the BIOPEP database. The role of proteins as crucial nonvolatile components of muscle tissue was defined to develop the sensory profile of meat products. Among them, myofibrillar proteins, particularly myosin‐2, proved to be a good precursor for taste‐active peptides and amino acids; bitter, umami, and sour compounds were the most numerous among them. The role of peptides in suppressing (sourness and sweetness) and enhancing (salty and umami) the taste was also highlighted, which was not observed for amino acids. Troponin T, fast skeletal muscle, was the only source of components suppressing the sour taste.Practical applicationsThe properties of dry‐cured meats may result from the presence of bioactive peptides released by protein hydrolysis during fermentation and aging. However, protein hydrolysates sometimes have a bitter taste, which is unwanted by consumers, thus it is necessary to look for a way to combine functionality with consumer acceptability of food products undergoing proteolytic changes, such as dry‐cured meat products. So far, there is insufficient knowledge regarding the protein factors directly related to porcine raw meat influencing the taste that affects consumer acceptability, commercialization, and validation of functional peptide‐rich products. This analysis is a thorough and useful data source on taste‐active protein compounds in porcine meat that can be used to show what taste can be expected if this particular material is applied to produce some specific meat‐derived product (e.g., dry‐cured meat).
An exploratory study into therapeutic alliance, defeat, entrapment and suicidality on mental health wards
Authors: Dunster‐Page C. A. , Berry K. , Wainwright L. , Haddock G. 
Published: November 2017

Accessible summaryWhat is known on the subject?

The strength of a relationship between people with mental health difficulties and professionals has been linked to patients feeling suicidal.

A relationship has been found between how defeated and trapped people with mental health difficulties feel and how suicidal they feel.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

This study explored the relationship between alliance, suicidality, defeat and entrapment in people admitted to mental health wards as previous research has focused on people in the community.

Patient‐rated defeat, entrapment and suicidality are related in this sample of people admitted to mental health wards.

A relationship was found between how well nurses said they bonded with their named patient and how trapped the patients felt by their environment.

What are the implications for practice?

Nurses should consider if patients are feeling defeated or trapped when helping people with mental health difficulties to feel less suicidal.

AbstractIntroductionSuicidality is prevalent worldwide, particularly in people who access mental health services. The quality of therapeutic alliance between people with mental health difficulties and staff has been associated with suicidality but only in community settings. Defeat and entrapment are correlated with suicidality and may mediate any relationship between alliance and suicidality. Therefore, this exploratory study explored these relationships in people admitted to mental health wards.AimTo explore defeat, entrapment, suicidality and alliance between nurses and people admitted to mental health wards.MethodFifty inpatient nurse–patient dyads completed questionnaires regarding demographics, defeat, entrapment, suicidality and alliance with their named nurse. Nurses completed questionnaires on demographics, alliance with their patient and the patients’ suicidality.ResultsDefeat, entrapment and suicidality were correlated. A correlation between nurse‐rated bond and external entrapment was found, but no other correlations between alliance, defeat, entrapment and suicidality were statistically significant.Discussion and clinical implicationsWard‐based nurses should consider the relationship between defeat, entrapment and suicidality when developing interventions to improve suicidality. Although there was no evidence of a relationship between total alliance and suicidality, developing closer bonds with patients may reduce patients’ feelings of being trapped by their environment.
Antibiotics reduce genetic diversity of core species in the honeybee gut microbiome
Authors: Raymann Kasie , Bobay Louis‐Marie , Moran Nancy A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe gut microbiome plays a key role in animal health, and perturbing it can have detrimental effects. One major source of perturbation to microbiomes, in humans and human‐associated animals, is exposure to antibiotics. Most studies of how antibiotics affect the microbiome have used amplicon sequencing of highly conserved 16S rRNA sequences, as in a recent study showing that antibiotic treatment severely alters the species‐level composition of the honeybee gut microbiome. But because the standard 16S rRNA‐based methods cannot resolve closely related strains, strain‐level changes could not be evaluated. To address this gap, we used amplicon sequencing of protein‐coding genes to assess effects of antibiotics on fine‐scale genetic diversity of the honeybee gut microbiota. We followed the population dynamics of alleles within two dominant core species of the bee gut community, Gilliamella apicola and Snodgrassella alvi, following antibiotic perturbation. Whereas we observed a large reduction in genetic diversity in G. apicola, S. alvi diversity was mostly unaffected. The reduction in G. apicola diversity accompanied an increase in the frequency of several alleles, suggesting resistance to antibiotic treatment. We find that antibiotic perturbation can cause major shifts in diversity and that the extent of these shifts can vary substantially across species. Thus, antibiotics impact not only species composition, but also allelic diversity within species, potentially affecting hosts if variants with particular functions are reduced or eliminated. Overall, we show that amplicon sequencing of protein‐coding genes, without clustering into operational taxonomic units, provides an accurate picture of the fine‐scale dynamics of microbial communities over time.
Spatial population genomics of the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) in New York City
Authors: Combs Matthew , Puckett Emily E. , Richardson Jonathan , Mims Destiny , Munshi‐South Jason 
Published: November 2017

AbstractHuman commensal species such as rodent pests are often widely distributed across cities and threaten both infrastructure and public health. Spatially explicit population genomic methods provide insights into movements for cryptic pests that drive evolutionary connectivity across multiple spatial scales. We examined spatial patterns of neutral genomewide variation in brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) across Manhattan, New York City (NYC), using 262 samples and 61,401 SNPs to understand (i) relatedness among nearby individuals and the extent of spatial genetic structure in a discrete urban landscape; (ii) the geographic origin of NYC rats, using a large, previously published data set of global rat genotypes; and (iii) heterogeneity in gene flow across the city, particularly deviations from isolation by distance. We found that rats separated by ≤200 m exhibit strong spatial autocorrelation (r = .3, p = .001) and the effects of localized genetic drift extend to a range of 1,400 m. Across Manhattan, rats exhibited a homogeneous population origin from rats that likely invaded from Great Britain. While traditional approaches identified a single evolutionary cluster with clinal structure across Manhattan, recently developed methods (e.g., fineSTRUCTURE, sPCA, EEMS) provided evidence of reduced dispersal across the island's less residential Midtown region resulting in fine‐scale genetic structuring (FST = 0.01) and two evolutionary clusters (Uptown and Downtown Manhattan). Thus, while some urban populations of human commensals may appear to be continuously distributed, landscape heterogeneity within cities can drive differences in habitat quality and dispersal, with implications for the spatial distribution of genomic variation, population management and the study of widely distributed pests.
Speckled acral hypopigmentation in an adolescent
Authors: Rutt Veronica L. , Quinn Kelly B. , Zaenglein Andrea 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWe report a case of speckled acral hypopigmentation in a 12‐year‐old girl. She presented with asymptomatic hypopigmented macules on the hands and feet. This rare entity is a proposed variant of reticulate acropigmentation and of unknown etiology.
The Syntax of Principles: Genericity as a Logical Distinction between Rules and Principles
Authors: Lopes Pedro Moniz 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMuch has been said about the logical difference between rules and principles, yet few authors have focused on the distinct logical connectives linking the normative conditions of both norms. I intend to demonstrate that principles, unlike rules, are norms whose antecedents are linguistically formulated in a generic fashion, and thus logically described as inclusive disjunctions. This core feature incorporates the relevance criteria of normative antecedents into the world of principles and also explains their aptitude to conflict with opposing norms, namely that their consequents are fulfilled to varying extents more frequently than those of rules. I conclude that the property of genericity should be predicated to the norm antecedent of principles, more precisely to the hypothetical action. This is of paramount importance to explain, in terms of logical implication and exclusion, the expansibility of competing principles, in contrast with the exclusive character of conflicting rules.
In vitro studies of Norwegian Red bovine semen immobilized and cryopreserved in alginate solid gel network
Authors: Alm‐Kristiansen AH , Gaustad ER , Bai G , Standerholen FB , Klinkenberg G , Kommisrud E , Waterhouse KE 
Published: November 2017

ContentsDevelopment of new semen cryopreservation techniques improving sperm survival and ensuring availability of viable spermatozoa for a prolonged time‐period after AI is promising tools to reduce sensitivity of timing of AI and enhance overall fertility. The SpermVital® technology utilizes immobilization of bull spermatozoa in a solid network of alginate gel prior to freezing, which will provide a gradual release of spermatozoa after AI. The objective of this study was to compare post‐thaw sperm quality and in vitro sperm survival over time of Norwegian Red bull semen processed by the SpermVital® (SV) technology, the first commercialized production line of SpermVital® (C) and by conventional procedure applying Biladyl® extender (B). Post‐thaw sperm motility was not significantly different between SV, C and B semen (p > .05). However, sperm viability and acrosome intactness were higher for SV than C and B semen (p < .05). Small differences in DNA quality were observed (p < .05). Sperm viability after storage in uterus ex vivo was higher for SV than for C semen (p < .05). Furthermore, sperm survival in vitro over time at physiological temperature was significantly higher for SV semen than C semen as well as B semen during the incubation period of 48 hr (p < .05). In conclusion, the SpermVital® technology is improved and is more efficient in conserving post‐thaw sperm quality and results in higher sperm viability over time in vitro for SV than for C and B semen.
Interventions to significantly improve service uptake and retention of HIV‐positive pregnant women and HIV‐exposed infants along the prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission continuum of care: systematic review
Authors: Vrazo Alexandra C. , Firth Jacqueline , Amzel Anouk , Sedillo Rebecca , Ryan Julia , Phelps B. Ryan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectivesDespite the success of Prevention of Mother‐to‐Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programmes, low uptake of services and poor retention pose a formidable challenge to achieving the elimination of vertical HIV transmission in low‐ and middle‐income countries. This systematic review summarises interventions that demonstrate statistically significant improvements in service uptake and retention of HIV‐positive pregnant and breastfeeding women and their infants along the PMTCT cascade.MethodsDatabases were systematically searched for peer‐reviewed studies. Outcomes of interest included uptake of services, such as antiretroviral therapy (ART) such as initiation, early infant diagnostic testing, and retention of HIV‐positive pregnant and breastfeeding women and their infants. Interventions that led to statistically significant outcomes were included and mapped to the PMTCT cascade. An eight‐item assessment tool assessed study rigour. PROSPERO ID: CRD42017063816.ResultsOf 686 citations reviewed, 11 articles met inclusion criteria. Ten studies detailed maternal outcomes and seven studies detailed infant outcomes in PMTCT programmes. Interventions to increase access to antenatal care (ANC) and ART services (n = 4) and those using lay cadres (n = 3) were most common. Other interventions included quality improvement (n = 2), mHealth (n = 1), and counselling (n = 1). One study described interventions in an Option B+ programme. Limitations included lack of HIV testing and counselling and viral load monitoring outcomes, small sample size, geographical location, and non‐randomized assignment and selection of participants.ConclusionsInterventions including ANC/ART integration, family‐centred approaches, and the use of lay healthcare providers are demonstrably effective in increasing service uptake and retention of HIV‐positive mothers and their infants in PMTCT programmes. Future studies should include control groups and assess whether interventions developed in the context of earlier ‘Options’ are effective in improving outcomes in Option B+ programmes.
Use of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis in integrated vector control of Aedes sp. in Sri Lanka: a prospective controlled effectiveness study
Authors: Tissera H. A. , Samaraweera P. C. , Jayamanne B. D. W. , Janaki M. D. S. , U Chulasiri M. P. P. , Rodrigo C. , Fernando S. D. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe annual incidence of dengue has been increasing over the last few years in Sri Lanka with seasonal epidemics. Biological control of the vector has not been part of the integrated vector control implemented by the public health authorities of Sri Lanka so far. This pilot study assessed the effectiveness of using Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) spray to control the Aedes mosquito vector population density.MethodsProspective controlled effectiveness study in three administrative divisions of Colombo. Study areas were selected from urban, semiurban and rural administrative divisions within the district, and they were compared with two matching controls from the same division. Test areas received three cycles of Bti spraying 1 month apart. Control areas were not sprayed with Bti. Ovitrap and larval indices were calculated at baseline and 2 weeks after each spray cycle.ResultsThere was a significant improvement in the adult vector population (ovitrap index) in the test areas after three spray cycles, but this effect had disappeared after 8 weeks (no residual effect). There was no consistent positive impact on larval indices (premise, container and Breteau indices) after each spray cycle.ConclusionBti might have a moderate impact on adult vector populations mediated via transient reductions in larval populations. However, this effect is not sustained probably due to rapid re‐infestation. Bti spray, if implemented, can only play a supplementary role to other vector control methods.