bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A cost‐efficient and simple protocol to enrich prey DNA from extractions of predatory arthropods for large‐scale gut content analysis by Illumina sequencing
Authors: Krehenwinkel Henrik , Kennedy Susan , Pekár Stano , Gillespie Rosemary G. 
Published: August 2016

Summary

Molecular analysis of predator gut content is a popular tool to uncover food web structure and has greatly profited from the emergence of next‐generation sequencing technology. However, the molecular recovery of prey spectra comes with many challenges, particularly the overabundance of predator DNA in extractions. When predator and prey are distantly related, predator‐specific blocking primers can be used to preferentially amplify prey DNA. But this is difficult in the case of arthropods, where prey and predator are often closely related.

Here, we present a simple and cost‐efficient protocol for high‐throughput analysis of the gut content of predatory arthropods without the need for blocking primers. We test several factors for their potential to enrich prey DNA from extractions of predators, including size selection of DNA, selection of different body parts for extraction, and variation in extraction lysis time and PCR fragment length.

Using a locally abundant spider species (Hololena adnexa, Agelenidae), we show that prey DNA can be significantly enriched from predator extracts by selectively removing high molecular weight DNA and by extracting from the midgut and hindgut only. A comparison of our results with observational data from other agelenid spider species indicates a high efficiency of our approach.

Our enrichment protocol allows for the parallel analysis of several hundred predators in a single MiSeq run, reducing the cost per specimen to only a few dollars and requiring a simple and minimal work flow. This will enable large‐scale and ecosystem‐wide analyses of niche differentiation and food web structure.
Dissemination and Implementation of Shared Decision Making Into Clinical Practice: A Research Agenda
Authors: Kanzaria Hemal K. , Booker‐Vaughns Juanita , Itakura Kaoru , Yadav Kabir , Kane Bryan G. , Gayer Christopher , Lin Grace , LeBlanc Annie , Gibson Robert , Chen Esther H. , Williams Pluscedia , Carpenter Christopher R. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractShared decision making (SDM) is essential to advancing patient‐centered care in emergency medicine. Despite many documented benefits of SDM, prior research has demonstrated persistently low levels of patient engagement by clinicians across many disciplines, including emergency medicine. An effective dissemination and implementation (D&I) framework could be used to alter the process of delivering care and to facilitate SDM in routine clinical emergency medicine practice. Here we outline a research and policy agenda to support the D&I strategy needed to integrate SDM into emergency care.
Changes in qualitative and quantitative ultrasound assessment of the gastric antrum before and after elective caesarean section in term pregnant women: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Rouget C. , Chassard D. , Bonnard C. , Pop M. , Desgranges F. P. , Bouvet L. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryUltrasound measurement of the antral cross‐sectional area allows a quantitative estimate of gastric contents in non‐pregnant adults, but this relationship may be affected by compression of the stomach exerted by the gravid uterus during pregnancy. This study aimed to assess differences in quantitative (Perlas score) and qualitative (antral cross‐sectional area) ultrasound assessments of the gastric antrum performed immediately before and after caesarean section. Forty‐three women having elective caesarean section performed under spinal anaesthesia were studied in the semirecumbent and semirecumbent‐right lateral positions. Thirty‐nine women showed no change in stomach contents using the Perlas score between the two measurement periods; four women showed a change, but by one grade only. The median (IQR [range]) antral cross‐sectional area was 323 (243–495 [103–908]) mm2 before, and 237 (165–377 [112–762]) mm2 after, caesarean section in the semirecumbent position (p = 0.001); the comparable values in the semirecumbent‐right lateral position were 418 (310–640 [161–1238]) mm2 and 362 (280–491 [137–1231]) mm2 (p = 0.09). The distance between the skin and the antrum, and the aorta and the antrum, decreased significantly in both positions after surgery. We suggest that our results indicate that stomach contents remain largely unchanged in women having elective caesarean section, but antral cross‐sectional area decreases, especially in the semirecumbent position, related to a change in the position of the stomach within the abdomen. This implies that the relationship of antral cross‐sectional area to volume of stomach contents, which has been determined for non‐pregnant subjects, may not apply in term pregnant women.
Validation of hospital discharge diagnoses for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Luef Birgitte M. , Andersen Louise B. , Renäult Kristina M. , Nohr Ellen A. , Jørgensen Jan S. , Christesen Henrik T. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIntroductionA correct diagnosis of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension is important for treatment and epidemiological studies. Changes in diagnostic criteria and underreporting in certain subsets of patients may hamper validity of the diagnoses.Materials and MethodsWe validated the discharge diagnoses of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension, which are reported to the Danish National Patient Registry, in a cohort of 2163 pregnant women by retrospective evaluation of electronic hospital data.ResultsA preeclampsia discharge diagnosis was found in 113 (5.2%) of the participants. After validation, significantly more patients fulfilled criteria for diagnosis of preeclampsia (n = 163, 7.5%, p = 0.002); more had severe preeclampsia, 14 (0.6%) vs. 70 (3.2%), p < 0.001 and gestational hypertension, 62 (2.9%) vs. 46 (2.1%), p = 0.12. The diagnostic sensitivity for preeclampsia by discharge diagnosis was 55.8%; severe preeclampsia 18.6%; gestational hypertension 39.1%. Corresponding positive predictive values were 80.5, 92.9 and 29.0%. Misclassification occurred in 4.3, 2.7 and 3.3%, respectively. Misclassification was more prevalent in obese compared to lean women (10% vs. 3.6%, p < 0.0001).ConclusionsDischarge diagnoses substantially underestimated the prevalence of preeclampsia, especially severe preeclampsia. Misclassification was most common in obese preeclamptic women. These findings depict the limitations associated with the direct use of discharge diagnoses of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy for research purposes.
Preoperative evaluation in women with uterine leiomyosarcoma. A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Skorstad Mette , Kent Andrew , Lieng Marit 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe goal of this study was to assess the sensitivity of different preoperative diagnostic tools used in women with uterine leiomyosarcomas.Material and methodsRetrospective cohort study of all women with verified uterine leiomyosarcoma in Norway in the period 2000 to 2012. Data were collected from the Cancer Registry of Norway and medical records.ResultsThere were 212 women diagnosed with uterine leiomyosarcoma in the 13‐year period. Histopathological examinations by fractional curettage or endometrial biopsies verified malignancy in 55/142 (38.7%). MRI suggested malignancy in 45/55 (81%) of the examinations. CT evaluations indicated suspected malignancy in 64/107 women (59.8%). Biomarkers had low sensitivity for leiomyosarcoma, but suggested more advanced stage disease when high values were detected. Stage IV disease was present in 53.1% versus 25.5% (p = 0.01) of women with CA 125 values above 35 kU/L, compared with women with normal CA 125 values. In 115/212 (54.2%), leiomyosarcoma was only diagnosed postoperatively by histopathological examination of the removed specimen.ConclusionsPreoperative diagnostic modalities appear to have low sensitivity for differentiating leiomyosarcoma from fibroids. In Norway, approximately 54% of uterine leiomyosarcoma are unidentified before surgery. MRI evaluation was the imaging modality with the greatest sensitivity in identifying leiomyosarcoma preoperatively.
The value of patient reporting to the pharmacovigilance system: a systematic review
Authors: Inácio Pedro , Cavaco Afonso , Airaksinen Marja 
Published: August 2016

AimsCurrent trends in pharmacovigilance systems are veering towards patient involvement in spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The aim of the current systematic review was to identify what is known and what remains unknown with respect to patient reporting to pharmacovigilance systems.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Journals@Ovid and the Cochrane Library. Studies were included if they contained: (i) reviews about patient reporting; (ii) evaluation of patient reports to national or supranational pharmacovigilance authorities; (iii) a comparison between patient and healthcare professional (HCP) reports submitted to pharmacovigilance authorities; and (iv) surveys of patient experiences, opinions and awareness about reporting ADRs. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed according to principles of Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE).ResultsA total of thirty four studies were included. Five of the studies were reviews (two of which systematic reviews), fourteen retrospective observational studies, nine surveys and six applied mixed research methods. Patient reporting has the advantages of bringing novel information about ADRs. It provides a more detailed description of ADRs, and reports about different drugs and system organ classes when compared with HCP reporting. In addition, patients describe the severity and impact of ADRs on daily life, complementing information derived from HCPs. Patient reporting is relatively rare in most countries.ConclusionsPatient reporting adds new information, and perspective about ADRs in a way otherwise unavailable. This can contribute to better decision‐making processes in regulatory activities. The present review identified gaps in knowledge that should be addressed to improve our understanding of the full potential and drawbacks of patient reporting.
An assessment of the variation in the concentration of acetylcysteine in infusions for the treatment of paracetamol overdose
Authors: Bailey George P. , Wood David M. , Archer John R. H. , Rab Edmund , Flanagan Robert J. , Dargan Paul I. 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundIntravenous acetylcysteine is the treatment of choice for paracetamol poisoning. A previous UK study in 2001 found that 39% of measured acetylcysteine infusion concentrations differed by >20% from anticipated concentrations. In 2012, the UK Commission on Human Medicines made recommendations for the management of paracetamol overdose, including provision of weight‐based acetylcysteine dosing tables. The aim of this study was to assess variation in acetylcysteine concentrations in administered infusions following the introduction of this guidance.MethodsA 6‐month single‐centre prospective study was undertaken at a UK teaching hospital. After preparation, 5‐ml samples were taken from the first, second and third/any subsequent acetylcysteine infusions. Acetylcysteine was measured in diluted (1:50) samples by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Comparisons between measured and expected concentrations based on prescribed weight‐based dose and volume were made for each infusion.ResultsNinety samples were collected. There was a variation of ≤10% in measured compared to expected concentration for 45 (50%) infusions, of 10–20% for 27 (30%) infusions, 20.1–50% for 14 (16%) infusions and >50% for four (4%) infusions. There was a median (interquartile range) variation in measured compared to expected concentration of −3.6 mg ml−1 (−6.7 to −2.3) for the first infusion, +0.2 mg ml−1 (−0.9 to +0.4) for the second infusion and −0.3 mg ml−1 (−0.6 to +0.2) for third and fourth infusions.ConclusionThere has been a moderate improvement in the variation in acetylcysteine dose administered by infusion. Further work is required to understand the continuing variation and consideration should be given to simplification of acetylcysteine regimes to decrease the risk of administration errors.
Inhomogeneous distribution of Alzheimer pathology along the isocortical relief. Are cortical convolutions an Achilles heel of evolution?
Authors: Arendt Thomas , Morawski Markus , Gärtner Ulrich , Fröhlich Nadine , Schulze Falko , Wohmann Nils , Jäger Carsten , Eisenlöffel Christian , Gertz Hermann‐Josef , Mueller Wolf , Brauer Kurt 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is neuropathologically characterized by neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Progression of both plaques and tangles throughout the brain follows a hierarchical distribution which is defined by intrinsic cytoarchitectonic features and extrinsic connectivity patterns. What has less well been studied is how cortical convolutions influence the distribution of AD pathology. Here, the distribution of both plaques and tangles within subsulcal gyral components (fundi) to components forming their top regions at the subarachnoidal brain surface (crowns) by stereological methods in seven different cortical areas was systematically compared. Further, principle differences in cytoarchitectonic organization of cortical crowns and fundi that might provide the background for regionally selective vulnerability were attempted to identify. It was shown that both plaques and tangles were more prominent in sulcal fundi than gyri crowns. The differential distribution of pathology along convolutions corresponds to subgyral differences in the vascular network, GFAP‐positive astrocytes and intracortical and subcortical connectivity. While the precise mechanisms accounting for these differences remain open, the presence of systematic inhomogeneities in the distribution of AD pathology along cortical convolutions indicates that the phylogenetic shaping of the cortex is associated with features that render the human brain vulnerable to AD pathology.
l‐citrulline prevents asymmetric dimethylarginine‐mediated reductions in nitric oxide and nitrosative stress in primary human airway epithelial cells
Authors: Winnica D. , Que L. G. , Baffi C. , Grasemann H. , Fiedler K. , Yang Z. , Etling E. , Wasil K. , Wenzel S. E. , Freeman B. , Holguin F. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryBackgroundAsthma is associated with reduced systemic levels of l‐arginine and increased asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). This imbalance leads to nitric oxide synthase (NOS) uncoupling with reduced nitric oxide (NO) formation and greater oxidative and nitrosative stress. Whether this imbalance also occurs in bronchial epitheliumof asthmatics is unknown.ObjectivesWe used primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) from asthmatics and healthy controls to evaluate: (i) ADMA‐mediated NOS uncoupling reduces epithelial production of NO and increases oxygen and nitrogen reactive species, and (ii) l‐citrulline can reverse this mechanism by recoupling NOS, restoring NO production and reducing oxidative and nitrosative stress.ResultsIn HBECsIL‐13 and INFγ stimulated NOS2 and increased NOx levels. The addition of ADMA reduced NOx and increased H2O2 levels (p<0.001). Treatment with l‐citrulline (800, 1600 μm) rescued NOx when the l‐arginine media concentration was 25 μm but failed to do so with higher concentrations (100 μm). Under reduced l‐arginine media conditions, HBECs treated with l‐citrulline increased the levels of argininosuccinate, an enzyme that metabolizes l‐citrulline to l‐arginine. l‐citrulline prevented the ADMA‐mediated increase in nitrotyrosine in HBECs in cells from asthmatics and controls.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceIncreasing ADMA reduces NO formation and increases oxidative and nitrosative stress in airway epithelial cells. l‐citrulline supplementation restores NO formation, while preventing nitrosative stress. These results, suggest that l‐citrulline supplementation may indeed be a powerful approach to restore airway NO production and may have a therapeutic potential in diseases in which there is a defective production of NO.
Early‐life antibiotic use and subsequent diagnosis of food allergy and allergic diseases
Authors: Hirsch A. G. , Pollak J. , Glass T. A. , Poulsen M. N. , Bailey‐Davis L. , Mowery J. , Schwartz B. S. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryBackgroundAntibiotic use in early life has been linked to disruptions in the microbiome. Such changes can disturb immune system development. Differences have been observed in the microbiota of children with and without allergies, but there have been few studies on antibiotic use and allergic disease.ObjectiveWe evaluated associations of early‐life antibiotic use with subsequent occurrence of food allergy and other allergies in childhood using electronic health record data.MethodsWe used longitudinal data on 30 060 children up to age 7 years from Geisinger Clinic's electronic health record to conduct a sex‐ and age‐matched case–control study to evaluate the association between antibiotic use and milk allergy, non‐milk food allergies, and other allergies. For each outcome, we estimated conditional logistic regression models adjusting for race/ethnicity, history of Medical Assistance, and mode of birth delivery. Models were repeated separately for penicillins, cephalosporins and macrolides.ResultsThere were 484 milk allergy cases, 598 non‐milk food allergy cases and 3652 other allergy cases. Children with three or more antibiotic orders had a greater odds of milk allergy (Odds Ratio; 95% Confidence interval) (1.78; 1.28–2.48), non‐milk food allergy (1.65; 1.27–2.14), and other allergies (3.07; 2.72–3.46) compared with children with no antibiotic orders. Associations were strongest at younger ages and differed by antibiotic class.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceWe observed associations between antibiotic orders and allergic diseases, providing evidence of a potentially modifiable clinical practice associated with paediatric allergic disease. Differences by antibiotic class should be further explored, as this knowledge could inform paediatric treatment decisions.
Nociceptin reduces the inflammatory immune microenvironment in a conventional murine model of airway hyperresponsiveness
Authors: Spaziano G. , Sorrentino R. , Matteis M. , Malgieri G. , Sgambato M. , Russo T. P. , Terlizzi M. , Roviezzo F. , Rossi F. , Pinto A. , Fattorusso R. , D'Agostino B. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryBackgroundNociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and its receptor (NOP) are involved in airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and inflammation. However, the role of nociceptin at modulating the inflammatory immune microenvironment in asthma is still unclear.ObjectiveTo understand the role of N/OFQ in the regulation of a Th2‐like environment, we used a conventional murine model of AHR.MethodsBalb/c and CD1 mice were sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) and treated with saline solution or N/OFQ, at days 0 and 7. A group of Balb/c mice were killed at 7 and 14 days from the first sensitization for the inflammatory profile evaluation while a group of Balb/c and CD1 mice were aerosol‐challenged from day 21 to 23 with OVA and killed 24 h later for functional evaluations.ResultsIn OVA‐sensitized mice, N/OFQ significantly reduced IL‐4+ CD4+ T cells in lymph nodes (LN) and IL‐13 in the lungs, while it induced IFN‐γ increase in the lung. The efflux of dendritic cells (DCs) to the mediastinic LN and into the lung of OVA‐sensitized mice was reduced in N/OFQ‐treated and sensitized mice. N/OFQ reduced the expression of CD80 on DCs, indicating its ability to modulate the activation of DCs. In a less prone Th2‐like environment mice strain, such as CD1 mice, N/OFQ did not modify lung resistances as observed in BALB/c mice. Finally, spectroscopic data showed the N/OFQ was able to interact onto the membrane of DCs obtained from Balb/c rather than CD1 mice, indicating its ability to modulate AHR in a Th2‐like environment with a direct activity on DCs.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceOur data confirmed the capability of N/OFQ to modulate the immune microenvironment in the lung of Th2‐biased, OVA‐sensitized Balb/c mice, suggesting N/OFQ‐NOP axis as a novel pharmacological tool to modulate the inflammatory immune microenvironment in asthma.
GPR55‐dependent stimulation of insulin secretion from isolated mouse and human islets of Langerhans
Authors: Liu Bo , Song Shuang , Ruz-Maldonado Inmaculada , Pingitore Attilio , Huang Guo C. , Baker David , Jones Peter M. , Persaud Shanta J. 
Published: August 2016

AimsThe novel cannabinoid receptor GPR55 is expressed by rodent islets and it has been implicated in β‐cell function in response to a range of ligands. This study evaluated the effects of GPR55 ligands on intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) levels and insulin secretion from islets isolated from GPR55 knockout (GPR55
−/−) mice, age‐matched wildtype (WT) mice and human pancreas.Materials and methods
GPR55 expression was determined by Western blotting and fluorescent immunohistochemistry. Changes in [Ca2+]i were measured by Fura‐2 microfluorimetry. Dynamic insulin secretion was quantified by radioimmunoassay following perifusion of isolated islets. RhoA activity was monitored using a Rho binding domain pull down assay.ResultsWestern blotting indicated that MIN6 β‐cells, mouse and human islets express GPR55 and its localization on human β‐cells was demonstrated by fluorescent immunohistochemistry. The pharmacological GPR55 agonist O‐1602 (10 μM) significantly stimulated [Ca2+]i and insulin secretion from WT mouse islets and these stimulatory effects were abolished in islets isolated from GPR55
−/− mice. In contrast, while the putative endogenous GPR55 agonist lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI, 5 µM) and the GPR55 antagonist cannabidiol (CBD, 1 µM) also elevated [Ca2+]i and insulin secretion, these effects were sustained in islets from GPR55
−/− mice. Stimulatory effects of O‐1602 on [Ca2+]i and insulin secretion were also observed in experiments using human islets, but O‐1602 did not activate RhoA in MIN6 β‐cells.ConclusionsOur results therefore suggest that GPR55 plays an important role in the regulation of mouse and human islet physiology, but LPI and CBD exert stimulatory effects on islet function by a GPR55‐independent pathway(s).
Can severity of aortic stenosis be determined despite absent contractile reserve in low‐flow low‐gradient aortic stenosis?
Authors: Vamvakidou Anastasia , Shah Benoy N. , Senior Roxy 
Published: August 2016

A 79‐year‐old man presented with increasing breathlessness and his echocardiogram revealed severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction and low‐flow low‐gradient aortic stenosis. Low‐dose dobutamine stress echocardiography revealed the absence of contractile reserve (increase of stroke volume by ≥20% did not occur). The test would have therefore been inconclusive. However, the attainment of normal flow (FR≥200 mL/s) during dobutamine stress enabled the diagnosis of true severe aortic stenosis.