bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prenatal maternal stress and atopic diseases in the child: a systematic review of observational human studies
Authors: Andersson N. W. , Hansen M. V. , Larsen A. D. , Hougaard K. S. , Kolstad H. A. , Schlünssen V. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundA growing number of studies suggest that maternal stress during pregnancy promotes atopic disorders in the offspring. This is the first systematic review to address prenatal maternal stress (PNMS) and the subsequent risk of atopy‐related outcomes in the child.MethodsThe review was performed in accordance to the PRISMA criteria. We searched and selected studies in PubMed, Scopus, Embase and PsychINFO until November 2014.ResultsSixteen (with 25 analyses) of 426 identified articles met the review criteria. Five main PNMS exposures (negative life events, anxiety/depression, bereavement, distress and job strain) and five main atopic outcomes (asthma, wheeze, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and IgE) were assessed across the studies. Overall, 21 of the 25 analyses suggested a positive association between PNMS and atopic outcomes. Of the 11 exposure–response analyses reported, six found statistically significant trends.ConclusionThis systematic review suggests a relationship between maternal stress during pregnancy and atopic disorders in the child. However, the existing studies are of diverse quality. The wide definitions of often self‐reported stress exposures imply a substantial risk for information bias and false‐positive results. Research comparing objective and subjective measures of PNMS exposure as well as objective measures for atopic outcome is needed.
The TLR4‐associated phospholipase D1 activation is crucial for Der f 2‐induced IL‐13 production
Authors: Choi H.‐J. , Park S.‐Y. , Cho J. H. , Park J.‐W. , Sohn J.‐H. , Kim Y.‐J. , Oh J.‐W. , Han J.‐S. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundHouse dust mites (HDMs) are the most important source of indoor aeroallergens that contribute to the rising incidence of allergic diseases such as allergic asthma. The major HDM, Der f 2, induces inflammatory cytokine expression. Little is known about the signaling pathway involved.ObjectiveWe wanted to define the Der f 2 signaling pathway from its receptor to the transcription factor responsible for IL‐13 expression and production.MethodsHuman bronchial epithelial cells were stimulated with Der f 2. The release and gene expression of IL‐13 were measured by means of ELISA and RT‐PCR, respectively. In the airway inflammation mouse model, airway responses were assessed using ELISA, histology, BAL fluid, and methacholine responsiveness.ResultsHere, we show that Der f 2 binds to TLR4 and induces IL‐13 expression and production. In the airway inflammation mouse model, Der f 2‐induced IL‐13 production significantly decreased with treatment of TAK‐242, a novel TLR4 inhibitor. Activation of TLR4 by Der f 2 requires the recruitment and activation of Syk, which leads to phosphorylation of PLCγ and membrane translocation of PKCα. p38 MAPK is then activated by PKCα and stimulates PLD1 activity by phosphorylating the Thr147 residue of PLD1. PLD1 activation enhanced binding of ROCK1 to ATF‐2 and leads to increased expression of IL‐13.ConclusionOur data extend the knowledge for a variety of possible roles of PLD1 in allergic disorders including asthma pathogenesis and suggest possible candidacy of PLD1 as a molecular target for novel therapeutic approaches.
Learning curve for cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis
Authors: Huang Yeqian , Alzahrani Nayef A. , Liauw Winston , Morris David L. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundCombined cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (PIC) has been considered as a standard approach for peritoneal surface malignancy. This study aims to assess the learning curve of this combined approach.MethodsProspectively collected data of our first 800 consecutive patients treated by CRS and PIC between January 1996 and July 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Eight hundred patients were divided into two groups and eight groups for comparison. A significant difference was defined as P < 0.05.ResultsA significant increase in the rate of the completeness of cytoreduction (CC) score‐0 from 74.0% to 83.0% was seen with a reduction in rates of other CC scores. Also, there was a decreasing trend in mean blood transfusion units. The rate of viscus perforation, fistula formation and small bowel obstruction was significantly lower in the recent 400 patients. However, there was a significant increase in the incidence of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. There was an improvement in the 5‐year survival rate for patients with colorectal cancer, pseudomyxoma peritonei and mesothelioma.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate a learning curve associated with the combined approach of CRS and PIC. With adequate experience, CRS and PIC can be safely performed with acceptable mortality and morbidity.
Effect of maternal position and uterine activity on periodic maternal heart rate changes before elective cesarean section at term
Authors: Ibrahim Selma , Jarefors Erika , Nel Daniel G. , Vollmer Linda , Groenewald Coenraad A. , Odendaal Hein J. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIntroductionBecause little is known about the effects of maternal position on periodic changes in the maternal heart rate (MHR) in late pregnancy, a prospective observational study was done at Tygerberg Academic Hospital in Cape Town. Pregnant women admitted for elective cesarean section were studied to determine the effect of changes in position on the maternal and fetal heart rates (FHR) and maternal blood pressure.Material and methodsContinuous transabdominal non‐invasive recording of MHR, FHR patterns and uterine activity was done for 1 h in 119 women, using the AN24 device from Monica Health Care. Maternal position was changed every 15 min from lateral to supine, then to the other lateral position and finally supine again. Blood pressure was measured in the left arm and left lower leg three times during each 15‐min period.ResultsMHRs were four beats per minute slower in the left lateral position than in the right lateral position. Periodic MHR changes were seen in 13 (10.9%) women. Most of these (84.6%) were associated with uterine activity and not with maternal position. No changes in FHR patterns were observed after position changes.ConclusionsIn a subgroup of pregnant women at term, uterine activity was associated with periodic decelerations of the MHR. In low risk pregnancies there seems to be no effect on the FHR pattern. Implications for the compromised fetus have not yet been investigated.
Low Vitamin D Levels and Genetic Polymorphism in the Vitamin D Receptor are Associated with Increased Risk of Statin‐Induced Myopathy
Authors: Ovesjö Marie‐Louise , Skilving Ilona , Bergman Peter , Rane Anders , Ekström Lena , Björkhem‐Bergman Linda 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe main aim of this study was to test the hypothesis whether 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels <50 nmol/L at baseline could predict statin‐induced myopathy during the course of treatment. In addition, we analysed the association between a genetic polymorphism in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and the risk of statin‐induced myopathy. We used serum samples from a prospective, observational study in statin‐treated patients in Sweden who were thoroughly followed with interviews and questionnaires regarding muscular symptoms (n = 127). In this cohort, 16 developed muscular symptoms and 111 had no muscular symptoms associated with statin treatment during the first year of follow‐up. Patients with 25OHD levels <50 nmol/L before starting on statin treatment had four times higher risk of developing muscular symptoms compared with individuals having 25OHD levels >50 nmol/L (RR 4.2; 95% CI 1.7–10.2; p < 0.01). The mean levels of 25OHD at baseline were 50 ± 4 nmol/L among patients developing myopathy and 60 ± 2 nmol/L among patients without myopathy (p < 0.01). Individuals homozygous for the C allele in the VDR polymorphism TaqI (rs731236) had a four times higher risk of developing muscular symptoms; (RR 4.37, 95% CI 1.9–10.1, p < 0.01). In conclusion, 25OHD levels <50 nmol/L might be a useful marker to predict muscular adverse events during statin treatment. In addition, the finding that the VDR polymorphism TaqI was associated with myopathy may indicate a causal relationship between vitamin D function and myopathy, but larger studies are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Gastrointestinal involvement in Fabry disease. So important, yet often neglected
Authors: Politei J. , Thurberg B.L. , Wallace E. , Warnock D. , Serebrinsky G. , Durand C. , Schenone A.B. 
Published: September 2015

Fabry disease is an X‐linked metabolic storage disorder due to the deficiency of lysosomal alpha‐galactosidase A which causes accumulation of glycosphingolipids, primarily globotriaosylceramide, throughout the body. Gastrointestinal signs and symptoms – abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea and diverticular disease – are some of the most frequently reported complaints in patients with Fabry disease but are often neglected. Gastrointestinal symptoms are due to intestinal dysmotility as well as impaired autonomic function, vasculopathy and myopathy. Since 2001, enzyme replacement therapy has been a mainstay in treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms of Fabry disease (FD), resulting in reduced gastrointestinal symptoms. Here, we report on four patients with Fabry disease (FD) who manifested early gastrointestinal involvement.
De novo mTOR inhibitor‐based immunosuppression in ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation
Authors: Koch Martina , Wiech Thorsten , Marget Matthias , Peine Sven , Thude Hansjörg , Achilles Eike G. , Fischer Lutz , Lehnhardt Anja , Thaiss Friedrich , Nashan Bjoern 
Published: September 2015

AbstractABO‐incompatible (ABOi) kidney transplantation (KTx) has become an accepted therapeutic option in renal replacement therapy for patients without a blood group‐compatible living donor. Using different desensitization strategies, most centers apply B‐cell depletion with rituximab and maintenance immunosuppression (IS) with tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid. This high load of total IS leads to an increased rate of surgical complications and virus infections in ABOi patients. Our aim was to establish ABOi KTx using an immunosuppressive regimen, which is effective in preventing acute rejection without increasing the risk for viral infections. Therefore, we selected a de novo immunosuppressive protocol with low‐dose calcineurin inhibitor and the mTOR inhibitor everolimus for our ABOi program. Here, we report the first 25 patients with a complete three‐yr follow‐up treated with this regimen. Three‐yr patient survival and graft survival were 96% and 83%. The rate of acute T‐cell‐mediated rejections was low (12%). Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was evident in one patient only (4%). Surgical complications were common (40%), but mild in 80% of cases. We demonstrate that ABOi KTx with a de novo mTOR inhibitor‐based regimen is feasible without severe surgical or immunological complications and a low rate of viral infections.
Latin Americans in Spain and their attitude toward living kidney donation
Authors: Ríos A. , López‐Navas A. , Martínez‐Alarcón L. , Ramírez P. , Parrilla P. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe Latin American (LA) population in Spain is ever increasing in size and is perfectly integrated into the social structure. The objectives were to analyze the attitude of citizens, born in Latin America and living in Spain, toward living kidney donation (LKD) and to determine the psychosocial variables affecting this attitude.Material and MethodsA sample of LA residents living in Spain was obtained randomly in 2010 and stratified according to the respondent's nationality (n = 1314). Attitude was evaluated using a validated questionnaire (“Proyecto Colaborativo Internacional Donante sobre Donación de Vivo Renal” Ríos). The survey was self‐administered and completed anonymously.ResultsThe questionnaire completion rate was 86% (n = 1.132). A total of 89% (n = 1003) were in favor of related living donation, and 30% if the donation were unrelated. The variables associated with attitude toward LKD were as follows: sex (p = 0.043); marital status (p = 0.013); previous experience of organ donation (p = 0.009); attitude toward deceased organ donation (p < 0.001); a respondent's belief that he or she could be a possible recipient of a future transplant (p < 0.001); knowledge of a partner's opinion (p = 0.021); family discussion about organ donation (p = 0.001); knowledge of the view of one's religion toward donation (p < 0.001); concern about “mutilation” after donation (p = 0.004); and evaluation of the risk from living donation (p = 0.036).ConclusionsThe attitude of LA citizens residing in Spain was favorable both toward related LKD and unrelated living donation.
Fighting in fig wasps: do males avoid killing brothers or do they never meet them?
Authors: COOK JAMES M. , REUTER CAROLINE , MOORE JAMIE C. , WEST STUART A. 
Published: September 2015

1. In many fig wasp species, armoured wingless males regularly engage in lethal fights for access to females inside figs, which act as discrete mating patches.2. Kin selection generally opposes killing brothers, because their reproductive success provides indirect genetic benefits (inclusive fitness). However, siblicide may be avoided if (i) brothers do not occur in the same figs, or (ii) males avoid fighting brothers in the same fig. Alternatively, (iii) siblicide may occur because intense mate competition between brothers at the local scale overcomes kin selection effects, or (iv) males do not recognise kin.3. A fig may also contain wasps from other closely related species and it is not known if males also fight with these individuals.4. Nine microsatellite loci were used in the first genetic analysis of fighting in fig wasps. We assigned species and sibling identities to males and tested alternative fighting scenarios for three Sycoscapter wasp species in figs of Ficus rubiginosa.5. Approximately 60% of figs contained males from more than one Sycoscapter species and approximately 80% of fights were between conspecifics, but a surprising 20% were between heterospecific males.6. Within species, few figs contained brothers, suggesting that females typically lay one son per fig. Overall, most males do not compete with brothers and all fights observed were between unrelated males.
Optimal range of prey size for antlions
Authors: HUMEAU ANTOINE , ROUGÉ JUSTINE , CASAS JÉRÔME 
Published: September 2015

1. Antlions are opportunistic trap building predators that cannot control prey encounter. Their trap should ideally retain a great diversity of prey. However, building a single trap that captures many prey with varying characteristics can be challenging.2. A series of five different ant species ranging from thin to large, of sizes ranging from 2.75 to 6.5 mm, and a mean weight ranging from 0.54 to 6.00 mg were offered in a random succession to antlions. The state of satiation of the antlions was controlled, and their mass and the depth of their pit were recorded. The reaction of antlion to the prey, the probability of capture as well as the time to escape were recorded.3. The probability of an antlion reaction is an increasing function of the pit depth and a decreasing function of antlion mass. The probability of capture is highest for intermediate prey mass and is an increasing function of pit depth. The time to escape is a declining function of prey mass and an increasing function of pit depth.4. There is an upper limit to prey mass given that large prey escape out of the pit. There is a lower limit to prey mass given the difficulty to apprehend the smallest, thin species. Consequently, there is a range of prey mass, corresponding to a medium‐sized ant of 2 mg, for which the pit functions best. The physics of insect locomotion on sandy slopes was identified as the key to understanding the functioning of antlion pits.
Dispersal response to climate change: scaling down to intraspecific variation
Authors: Bestion Elvire , Clobert Jean , Cote Julien 
Published: September 2015

AbstractRange shift, a widespread response to climate change, will depend on species abilities to withstand warmer climates. However, these abilities may vary within species and such intraspecific variation can strongly impact species responses to climate change. Facing warmer climates, individuals should disperse according to their thermal optimum with consequences for species range shifts. Here, we studied individual dispersal of a reptile in response to climate warming and preferred temperature using a semi‐natural warming experiment. Individuals with low preferred temperatures dispersed more from warmer semi‐natural habitats, whereas individuals with higher preferred temperatures dispersed more from cooler habitats. These dispersal decisions partly matched phenotype‐dependent survival rates in the different thermal habitats, suggesting adaptive dispersal decisions. This process should result into a spatial segregation of thermal phenotypes along species moving ranges which should facilitate local adaptation to warming climates. We therefore call for range shift models including intraspecific variation in thermal phenotype and dispersal decision.
Restricted distribution of mrg‐1 mRNA in C. elegans primordial germ cells through germ granule‐independent regulation
Authors: Miwa Takashi , Takasaki Teruaki , Inoue Kunio , Sakamoto Hiroshi 
Published: September 2015

The chromodomain protein MRG‐1 is an essential maternal factor for proper germline development that protects germ cells from cell death in C. elegans. Unlike germ granules, which are exclusively segregated to the germline blastomeres at each cell division from the first cleavage of the embryo, MRG‐1 is abundant in all cells in early embryos and is then gradually restricted to the primordial germ cells (PGCs) by the morphogenesis stage. Here, we show that this characteristic spatiotemporal expression pattern is dictated by the mrg‐1 3'UTR and is differentially regulated at the RNA level between germline and somatic cells. Asymmetric segregation of germ granules is not necessary to localize MRG‐1 to the PGCs. We found that MES‐4, an essential chromatin regulator in germ cells, also accumulates in the PGCs in a germ granule‐independent manner. We propose that C. elegans PGCs have a novel mechanism to accumulate at least some chromatin‐associated proteins that are essential for germline immortality.
Bile duct basement membrane thickening in primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Colling Richard , Verrill Clare , Fryer Eve , Kartsonaki Christiana , Wang Lai M , Chapman Roger , Rajabally Naayil , Fleming Kenneth 
Published: September 2015

AimsPrimary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is characterized histologically by portal inflammation, bile duct injury and regeneration and concentric periductal fibrosis. Although seen commonly in our experience, the significance of histological thickening of the bile duct basement membrane on periodic acid Schiff (PAS)‐positive, diastase‐resistant (DPAS) staining has never been analysed formally. In this paper we provide an evidence‐based assessment of basement membrane thickening (BMT) reproducibility and diagnostic accuracy.Methods and resultsA total of 128 archived medical liver core biopsies were retrieved and blinded for review by two independent histopathologists. BMT was assessed and designated as absent or present with a grade (G) of G1–G3. The sensitivity of any BMT for PSC was good at 77%, with moderate specificity at 61%. When only G3 BMT was considered positive, the specificity was high at 95% but the sensitivity was poor at 16%. The interobserver agreement (0.69) and consistency (0.72) were good.ConclusionsBasement membrane thickening is a reproducible predictor for PSC with good sensitivity and specificity. The presence of G2 and especially G3 BMT showed high specificity and could be regarded as highly predictive of PSC. The presence of more than G1 BMT should be reported and the possibility of PSC should be raised in the differential diagnosis.
Resistance to vertical root fracture of root filled teeth using different conceptual approaches to canal preparation
Authors: Prado M. , de Lima N. R. B. , de Lima C. O. , Gusman H. , Simão R. A. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimTo evaluate the resistance to vertical root fracture of root filled teeth using different root canal preparation concepts: apical stop and continuously tapering preparation, with different foraminal enlargement. In addition, the effect of filling associated with these different concepts was assessed.MethodologyNinety single‐rooted premolars were used. The crowns were removed to standardize the root length at 11 mm. Ten roots were not instrumented and not filled (control group). The other roots were divided into four groups (n = 20): apical stop to finishing file size 25, 0.08 taper; apical stop to finishing file size 45, 0.02 taper; continuously tapering preparation to finishing file size 25, 0.08 taper; and continuously tapering preparation to finishing file size 45, 0.02 taper. Afterwards, 10 roots of each group were root filled using Gutta‐percha and AH Plus. A continuous wave of condensation was used as the filling technique. The roots were evaluated as regards resistance to vertical fracture using a universal testing machine. The data were evaluated using the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests.ResultsNo significant difference in performance was observed between continuously tapering preparation size 25, 0.08 taper and apical stop size 45, 0.02 taper groups. Lower resistance values were found in continuously tapering preparation size 45, 0.02 taper group and the highest in apical stop size 25, 0.08 taper group. After filling, a significant increase in resistance values was observed in all groups. In addition, the continuously tapering preparation size 45, 0.02 taper group had values comparable with those of the control.ConclusionThe different canal preparation techniques reduced resistance to fracture when compared with the control group; however, after root filling, there was a significant increase in resistance.
Incidence of dentinal cracks after root canal preparation with ProTaper Gold, Profile Vortex, F360, Reciproc and ProTaper Universal instruments
Authors: Karataş E. , Gündüz H. A. , Kırıcı D. Ö. , Arslan H. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimTo assess the effect of root canal preparation using ProTaper Gold, Profile Vortex, F360, Reciproc and ProTaper Universal instruments on dentinal crack formation.MethodologyNinety mandibular central incisor teeth with mature apices and straight canals (<5°) were selected and stored in distilled water. Fifteen teeth were left unprepared (control group) and the remaining 75 teeth were assigned to the five root canal shaping groups (n = 15): ProTaper Gold, ProFile Vortex, F360, Reciproc and ProTaper Universal. All the roots were sectioned perpendicular to the long axis at 3, 6 and 9 mm from the apex with a low‐speed saw under water cooling. The slices were then viewed through a stereomicroscope at 25× magnification. The presence of dentinal cracks was determined by photographing all samples using a digital camera.ResultsAll the experimental groups, except F360, produced significantly more cracks than the control group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed amongst the groups at the 6 and 9 mm levels (P > 0.05). The ProTaper Universal group produced significantly more cracks than the control, ProTaper Gold, ProFile Vortex, F360 and Reciproc groups at the apical section (3 mm) (P < 0.05).ConclusionAll the systems that were tested produced dentinal cracks. There was no significant difference between the control and F360 groups in terms of dentinal crack formation.