bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal nutrition during pregnancy and risk of asthma, wheeze, and atopic diseases during childhood: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Beckhaus A. A. , Garcia‐Marcos L. , Forno E. , Pacheco‐Gonzalez R. M. , Celedón J. C. , Castro‐Rodriguez J. A. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundEpidemiologic studies suggest a relationship between maternal nutrition during pregnancy and the occurrence of asthma and atopic conditions during childhood. However, individual study results are conflicting. The objective of this meta‐analysis was to critically examine the current evidence for an association between nutrition (dietary patterns, food groups, vitamins, or oligo‐elements) ingestion during pregnancy and asthma, wheeze, or atopic conditions in childhood.MethodsThe inclusion criteria were as follows: (i) systematic recording of diet during the gestational period and (ii) documentation of asthma, wheezing, eczema, or other atopic disease in the offspring. The primary outcomes were prevalence of asthma or wheeze among the offspring during childhood; and secondary outcomes were prevalence of eczema, allergic rhinitis, or other atopic conditions.ResultsWe found 120 titles, abstracts, and citations, and 32 studies (29 cohorts) were included in this analysis. Data on vitamins, oligo‐elements, food groups, and dietary patterns during pregnancy were collected. A meta‐analysis revealed that higher maternal intake of vitamin D [odds ratio (OR) = 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.38–0.88], vitamin E (OR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.46–0.78), and zinc (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.40–0.97) was associated with lower odds of wheeze during childhood. However, none of these or other nutrients was consistently associated with asthma per se or other atopic conditions.ConclusionsCurrent evidence suggests a protective effect of maternal intake of each of three vitamins or nutrients (vitamin D, vitamin E, and zinc) against childhood wheeze but is inconclusive for an effect on asthma or other atopic conditions.
ADAM10 mediates the house dust mite‐induced release of chemokine ligand CCL20 by airway epithelium
Authors: Post S. , Rozeveld D. , Jonker M. R , Bischoff R. , van Oosterhout A. J. , Heijink I. H. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundHouse dust mite (HDM) acts on the airway epithelium to induce airway inflammation in asthma. We previously showed that the ability of HDM to induce allergic sensitization in mice is related to airway epithelial CCL20 secretion.ObjectiveAs a disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM)s have been implicated in chemokine shedding, we sought to determine their involvement in HDM‐induced release of chemokines, including CCL20, by airway epithelial cells.MethodsWe studied the effects of pharmacological ADAM inhibitors as well as ADAM10 and ADAM17 siRNA downregulation on chemokine release using (multiplex) ELISA in supernatants from HDM‐exposed human bronchial epithelial 16HBE cells and primary normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE) at 4–24 h.ResultsHouse dust) mite markedly increased CCL20 levels in both 16HBE and NHBE cells (16–24 h). In 16HBE cells, the HDM‐induced increase was observed as early as 4 h upon exposure and the use of specific inhibitors indicated the involvement of ADAM10/17‐mediated shedding. siRNA knockdown of ADAM10, but not of ADAM17, significantly reduced the HDM‐induced release of CCL20 in both 16HBE and NHBE cells. A similar effect was observed for HDM‐induced CCL2, CCL5, and CXCL8 release in NHBE cells. The HDM‐induced increase in CCL20 levels was not affected by protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide nor protein transport inhibitor monensin, indicating that HDM induces surface shedding of chemokines.ConclusionOur data show for the first time that ADAM10 activity contributes to HDM‐induced shedding of chemokines, including CCL20. The ADAM10/CCL20 axis may be a target for novel therapeutic strategies in asthma.
Antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects of the dipeptide isoleucine–tryptophan and whey protein hydrolysate
Authors: Martin M. , Kopaliani I. , Jannasch A. , Mund C. , Todorov V. , Henle T. , Deussen A. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimsAngiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors are treatment of choice in hypertensive patients. Clinically used inhibitors exhibit a structural similarity to naturally occurring peptides. This study evaluated antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects of ACE‐inhibiting peptides derived from food proteins in spontaneously hypertensive rats.Methods and ResultsIsoleucine–tryptophan (in vitro IC50 for ACE = 0.7 μm), a whey protein hydrolysate containing an augmented fraction of isoleucine–tryptophan, or captopril was given to spontaneously hypertensive rats (n = 60) over 14 weeks. Two further groups, receiving either no supplement (Placebo) or intact whey protein, served as controls. Systolic blood pressure age‐dependently increased in the Placebo group, whereas the blood pressure rise was effectively blunted by isoleucine–tryptophan, whey protein hydrolysate and captopril (−42 ± 3, −38 ± 5, −55 ± 4 mm Hg vs. Placebo). At study end, myocardial mass was lower in isoleucine–tryptophan and captopril groups but only partially in the hydrolysate group. Coronary flow reserve (1 μm adenosine) was improved in isoleucine–tryptophan and captopril groups. Plasma ACE activity was significantly decreased in isoleucine–tryptophan, hydrolysate and captopril groups, but in aortic tissue only after isoleucine–tryptophan or captopril treatment. This was associated with lowered expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase‐2. Following isoleucine–tryptophan and captopril treatments, gene expression of renin was significantly increased indicating an active feedback within renin–angiotensin system.ConclusionWhey protein hydrolysate and isoleucine–tryptophan powerfully inhibit plasma ACE resulting in antihypertensive effects. Moreover, isoleucine–tryptophan blunts tissue ACE activity, reduces matrix metalloproteinase‐2 activity and improves coronary flow reserve. Thus, whey protein hydrolysate and particularly isoleucine–tryptophan may serve as innovative food additives with the goal of attenuating hypertension.
Alkali replacement raises urinary citrate excretion in patients with topiramate‐induced hypocitraturia
Authors: Allan Jhagroo R. , Wertheim Margaret L. , Penniston Kristina L. 
Published: August 2015

AimsThe aims of this study were to assess (1) the magnitude and temporality of decreased urinary citrate excretion in patients just starting topiramate and (2) the effect of alkali replacement on topiramate‐induced hypocitraturia.MethodsStudy 1 was a prospective, non‐intervention study in which patients starting topiramate for headache remediation provided pre‐ and post‐topiramate 24 h urine collections for measurement of urine citrate. Study 2 was a clinical comparative effectiveness study in which patients reporting to our stone clinic for kidney stones and who were treated with topiramate were prescribed alkali therapy. Pre‐ and post‐alkali 24 h urinary citrate excretion was compared.ResultsData for 12 and 22 patients (studies 1 and 2 respectively) were evaluated. After starting topiramate, urinary citrate excretion dropped significantly by 30 days (P = 0.016) and 62% of patients had hypocitraturia (citrate <320 mg day–1). At 60 days, urine citrate was even lower than at baseline (P = 0.0032) and 86% of patients had developed hypocitraturia. After starting alkali, urine citrate increased in stone‐forming patients on topiramate (198 ± 120 to 408 ± 274 mg day–1; P = 0.042 for difference). 85% of patients were hypocitraturic on topiramate alone vs. 40% after adding alkali. The increase in urinary citrate was greater in patients provided ≥90 mEq potassium citrate.ConclusionsOur study is the first to provide clinical evidence that alkali therapy can raise urinary citrate excretion in patients who form kidney stones while being treated with topiramate. Clinicians should consider alkali therapy for reducing the kidney stone risk of patients benefitting from topiramate treatment for migraine headaches or other conditions.
Detection of Patients at High Risk of Medication Errors: Development and Validation of an Algorithm
Authors: Saedder Eva Aggerholm , Lisby Marianne , Nielsen Lars Peter , Rungby Jørgen , Andersen Ljubica Vukelic , Bonnerup Dorthe Krogsgaard , Brock Birgitte 
Published: August 2015

AbstractMedication errors (MEs) are preventable and can result in patient harm and increased expenses in the healthcare system in terms of hospitalization, prolonged hospitalizations and even death. We aimed to develop a screening tool to detect acutely admitted patients at low or high risk of MEs comprised by items found by literature search and the use of theoretical weighting. Predictive variables used for the development of the risk score were found by the literature search. Three retrospective patient populations and one prospective pilot population were used for modelling. The final risk score was evaluated for precision by the use of sensitivity, specificity and area under the ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curves. The variables used in the final risk score were reduced renal function, the total number of drugs and the risk of individual drugs to cause harm and drug–drug interactions. We found a risk score in the prospective population with an area under the ROC curve of 0.76. The final risk score was found to be quite robust as it showed an area under the ROC curve of 0.87 in a recent patient population, 0.74 in a population of internal medicine and 0.66 in an orthopaedic population. We developed a simple and robust score, MERIS, with the ability to detect patients and divide them according to low and high risk of MEs in a general population admitted at acute admissions unit. The accuracy of the risk score was at least as good as other models reported using multiple regression analysis.
Practice‐based Research Network Research Good Practices (PRGPs): Summary of Recommendations
Authors: Dolor Rowena J. , Campbell‐Voytal Kimberly , Daly Jeanette , Nagykaldi Zsolt J. , O'Beirne Maeve , Sterling Pamela , Fagnan Lyle J. , Levy Barcey , Michaels LeAnn , Louks Hannah A. , Smith Paul , Aspy Cheryl B. , Patterson V. Beth , Kano Miria , Sussman Andrew L. , Williams Robert , Neale Anne Victoria 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIntroductionPractice‐based research networks (PBRNs) conduct research in community settings, which poses quality control challenges to the integrity of research, such as study implementation and data collection. A foundation for improving research processes within PBRNs is needed to ensure research integrity.MethodsNetwork directors and coordinators from seven U.S.‐based PBRNs worked with a professional team facilitator during semiannual in‐person meetings and monthly conference calls to produce content for a compendium of recommended research practices specific to the context of PBRNs. Participants were assigned to contribute content congruent with their expertise. Feedback on the draft document was obtained from attendees at the preconference workshop at the annual PBRN meeting in 2013. A revised document was circulated to additional PBRN peers prior to finalization.ResultsThe PBRN Research Good Practices (PRGPs) document is organized into four chapters: (1) Building PBRN Infrastructure; (2) Study Development and Implementation; (3) Data Management, and (4) Dissemination Policies. Each chapter contains an introduction, detailed procedures for each section, and example resources with information links.ConclusionThe PRGPs is a PBRN‐specific resource to facilitate PBRN management and staff training, to promote adherence to study protocols, and to increase validity and generalizability of study findings.
The postcentral sulcal complex and the transverse postcentral sulcus and their relation to sensorimotor functional organization
Authors: Zlatkina Veronika , Amiez Céline , Petrides Michael 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIt has been demonstrated that the postcentral sulcus, which forms the posterior boundary of the sensorimotor region, is a complex of distinct sulcal segments. Although the general somatotopic arrangement in the human sensorimotor cortex is relatively well known, we do not know whether the different segments of the postcentral sulcus relate in a systematic way to the sensorimotor functional representations. Participants were scanned with functional magnetic resonance imaging while they made movements of different body parts and the location of functional activity was examined on a subject‐by‐subject basis with respect to the morphological features of the postcentral sulcus. The findings demonstrate that the postcentral sulcus of each subject may be divided into five segments and there is a tight relationship between sensorimotor representations of different body parts and specific segments of the postcentral sulcus. The results also addressed the issue of the transverse postcentral sulcus, a short sulcus that is present within the ventral part of the postcentral gyrus in some brains. It was shown that, when present, this sulcus is functionally related to the oral (mouth and tongue) sensorimotor representation. When this sulcus is not present, the inferior postcentral sulcus which is also related to the oral representation is longer. Thus, the sulcal morphology provides an improved framework for functional assignments in individual subjects.
mTORC1 and mTORC2 have largely distinct functions in Purkinje cells
Authors: Angliker Nico , Burri Michael , Zaichuk Mariana , Fritschy Jean‐Marc , Rüegg Markus A. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key regulator of cellular growth which associates with other proteins to form two multi‐protein complexes called mTORC1 and mTORC2. Dysregulation of mTORC1 signalling in brain is implicated in neuropathological conditions such as autism spectrum or neurodegenerative disorders. Accordingly, allosteric mTOR inhibitors are currently in clinical trials for the treatment of such disorders. Here, we ablated either mTORC1 or mTORC2 conditionally in Purkinje cells of the mouse cerebellum to dissect their role in the development, function and survival of these neurons. We find that the two mouse models largely differ from each other by phenotype and cellular responses. Inactivation of mTORC2, but not of mTORC1, led to motor coordination deficits at an early age. This phenotype correlated with developmental deficits in climbing fibre elimination and impaired dendritic self‐avoidance in mTORC2‐deficient Purkinje cells. In contrast, inactivation of mTORC1, but not of mTORC2, affected social interest of the mice and caused a progressive loss of Purkinje cells due to apoptosis. This cell loss was paralleled by age‐dependent motor deficits. Comparison of mTORC1‐deficient Purkinje cells with those deficient for the mTORC1 inhibitor TSC1 revealed a striking overlap in Purkinje cell degeneration and death, which included neurofilamentopathy and reactive gliosis. Altogether, our study reveals distinct roles of mTORC1 and mTORC2 in Purkinje cells for mouse behaviour and the survival of neurons. Our study also highlights a convergence between the phenotypes of Purkinje cells lacking mTORC1 activity and those expressing constitutively active mTORC1 due to TSC1 deficiency.
Pre‐differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells in combination with a microstructured nerve guide supports peripheral nerve regeneration in the rat sciatic nerve model
Authors: Boecker Arne Hendrik , van Neerven Sabien Geraldine Antonia , Scheffel Juliane , Tank Julian , Altinova Haktan , Seidensticker Katrin , Deumens Ronald , Tolba Rene , Weis Joachim , Brook Gary Anthony , Pallua Norbert , Bozkurt Ahmet 
Published: August 2015

AbstractMany bioartificial nerve guides have been investigated pre‐clinically for their nerve regeneration‐supporting function, often in comparison to autologous nerve transplantation, which is still regarded as the current clinical gold standard. Enrichment of these scaffolds with cells intended to support axonal regeneration has been explored as a strategy to boost axonal regeneration across these nerve guides Ansselin et al. (1998). In the present study, 20 mm rat sciatic nerve defects were implanted with a cell‐seeded microstructured collagen nerve guide (Perimaix) or an autologous nerve graft. Under the influence of seeded, pre‐differentiated mesenchymal stromal cells, axons regenerated well into the Perimaix nerve guide. Myelination‐related parameters, like myelin sheath thickness, benefitted from an additional seeding with pre‐differentiated mesenchymal stromal cells. Furthermore, both the number of retrogradely labelled sensory neurons and the axon density within the implant were elevated in the cell‐seeded scaffold group with pre‐differentiated mesenchymal stromal cells. However, a pre‐differentiation had no influence on functional recovery. An additional cell seeding of the Perimaix nerve guide with mesenchymal stromal cells led to an extent of functional recovery, independent of the differentiation status, similar to autologous nerve transplantation. These findings encourage further investigations on pre‐differentiated mesenchymal stromal cells as a cellular support for peripheral nerve regeneration.
Dentin tubule invasion by Enterococcus faecalis under stress conditions ex vivo
Authors: Ran Shujun , Gu Shensheng , Wang Jia , Zhu Cailian , Liang Jingping 
Published: August 2015

Enterococcus faecalis is the species most frequently isolated from failed endodontic treatments because it can survive under stress conditions imposed by root canal treatment. The objective of this study was to determine the ability of E. faecalis to invade dentine tubules under alkaline and energy‐starvation stress and to explore the potential mechanisms. Roots from single‐rooted human teeth were infected with E. faecalis under alkaline and energy‐starvation stress conditions. After 4 wk of culture, samples were processed to establish the tubule‐penetration distance. In addition, the hydrophobicity of E. faecalis cells under these conditions was analysed and the expression of genes involved in adhesion was quantified by real‐time quantitative PCR. Culture of E. faecalis under alkaline and energy‐starvation stress conditions resulted in a marked reduction of tubule‐penetration distance, a significant increase in hydrophobicity of the bacterial surface, and marked down‐regulation of most adhesin genes compared with E. faecalis cultured in tryptic soy broth. The results indicate that the dentine tubule invasion ability of E. faecalis was markedly decreased under alkaline and glucose‐starvation stress conditions, possibly because of the increase of hydrophobicity and down‐regulation of some adhesion genes.
Risk factors for postoperative depression: A retrospective analysis of 248 subjects operated on for drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: Barbieri Valentina , Cardinale Francesco , Gozzo Francesca , Pelliccia Veronica , Nobili Lino , Casaceli Giuseppe , Fuschillo Dalila , Castana Laura , Cossu Massimo , Lo Russo Giorgio , Tassi Laura , Gambini Orsola 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThe aim of this retrospective case series analysis was to identify the predictors of postoperative depression (PostOp‐D) in a sample of 248 subjects with focal drug‐resistant focal epilepsy. The presence or absence of PostOp‐D during a 12‐month follow‐up period was the outcome variable. Demographic, neurologic, psychiatric characteristics, and antiepileptic therapy were the explanatory variables. After preliminary bivariate analysis, a multivariate logistic regression model was fitted to identify variables associated with PostOp‐D. Sixty‐seven patients (27%) experienced PostOp‐D. At multivariate analysis, lifetime depression, age at surgery, and levetiracetam (LEV) are positive predictors of PostOp‐D; carbamazepine (CBZ) and anxiety disorders are protective factors. LEV increases the risk for PostOp‐D by about half; the relative risk (RR) is 1.48. Conversely, CBZ decreases the risk for PostOp‐D by about half (RR 0.59). Our results suggest that careful psychiatric evaluation and follow‐up should be recommended for subjects at risk. It is advisable to treat patients with depression before surgery. Antiepileptic drugs should be selected carefully when patients present with not modifiable risk factors, such as positive personal history for depression.
Exotic grasses and nitrate enrichment alter soil carbon cycling along an urban–rural tropical forest gradient
Authors: Cusack Daniela F. , Lee Joseph K. , McCleery Taylor L. , LeCroy Chase S. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractUrban areas are expanding rapidly in tropical regions, with potential to alter ecosystem dynamics. In particular, exotic grasses and atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition simultaneously affect tropical urbanized landscapes, with unknown effects on properties like soil carbon (C) storage. We hypothesized that (H1) soil nitrate (NO3−) is elevated nearer to the urban core, reflecting N deposition gradients. (H2) Exotic grasslands have elevated soil NO3− and decreased soil C relative to secondary forests, with higher N promoting decomposer activity. (H3) Exotic grasslands have greater seasonality in soil NO3− vs. secondary forests, due to higher sensitivity of grassland soil moisture to rainfall. We predicted that NO3− would be positively related to dissolved organic C (DOC) production via changes in decomposer activity. We measured six paired grassland/secondary forest sites along a tropical urban‐to‐rural gradient during the three dominant seasons (hurricane, dry, and early wet). We found that (1) soil NO3− was generally elevated nearer to the urban core, with particularly clear spatial trends for grasslands. (2) Exotic grasslands had lower soil C than secondary forests, which was related to elevated decomposer enzyme activities and soil respiration. Unexpectedly, soil NO3− was negatively related to enzyme activities, and was lower in grasslands than forests. (3) Grasslands had greater soil NO3− seasonality vs. forests, but this was not strongly linked to shifts in soil moisture or DOC. Our results suggest that exotic grasses in tropical regions are likely to drastically reduce soil C storage, but that N deposition may have an opposite effect via suppression of enzyme activities. However, soil NO3− accumulation here was higher in urban forests than grasslands, potentially related to of aboveground N interception. Net urban effects on C storage across tropical landscapes will likely vary depending on the mosaic of grass cover, rates of N deposition, and responses by local decomposer communities.
Reactivation of hepatitis B virus during interferon‐free therapy with daclatasvir and asunaprevir in patient with hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus co‐infection
Authors: Takayama Hiroki , Sato Takeshi , Ikeda Fusao , Fujiki Shigeatsu 
Published: August 2015

Direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAA) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) are not effective for hepatitis B virus (HBV), which may be suggestive of reactivation of anti‐HBe hepatitis during interferon (IFN)‐free DAA therapy in HBV/HCV co‐infected patients with inactive HBV. A 69‐year‐old male patient was diagnosed with chronic hepatitis due to HBV/HCV co‐infection with serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of 94 U/L, HCV RNA of 4.2 log IU/mL and HBV DNA of 2.5 log copies/mL. HCV was thought to be responsible for the hepatitis activity because of low level of HBV core‐related antigen (3.1 log U/mL). He was treated with combination therapy of daclatasvir and asunaprevir. Serum ALT gradually increased, and reached 237 U/L on day 43 in spite of undetectable HCV RNA. Serum HBV DNA was increasing to 7.0 log copies/mL at that time. The treatment was stopped due to suspicion of drug‐induced liver injury and/or HBV reactivation. Administration of entecavir reduced HBV DNA levels, followed by improvement in ALT levels. This report proposes that close monitoring of HBV DNA during the anti‐HCV DAA therapy and the commencement of anti‐HBV therapy with nucleoside analogs after the increase of HBV DNA should be considered in patients with HBV/HCV co‐infection.