bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification accuracy and diversity reproducibility associated with internal transcribed spacer‐based fungal taxonomic library preparation
Authors: Yamamoto Naomichi , Dannemiller Karen C. , Bibby Kyle , Peccia Jordan 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThis study investigated analytical parameters that are inherently relevant to identifying and quantifying fungal communities based on polymerase chain reaction amplicons. Specifically, we evaluated the accuracy of the BLASTn‐based identification for internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences generated from pure cultures, and quantified the reproducibility of relative abundances as well as α and β diversity measurements using duplicated environmental samples. The BLASTn‐based method produced accurate fungal identification for the pure culture sequences at the genus rank. Percentages of the sequences assigned to correct genera were 99.8%, 99.8% and 99.9% for Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporioides and Epicoccum nigrum respectively. These fractions were smaller for Aspergillus fumigatus and Penicillium chrysogenum, which have dual nomenclatures or sibling species that are indistinguishable by ITS sequences. Our duplicate environmental analyses demonstrated that α diversity and relative abundance levels were reproducible (r2 > 0.9), that variability decreases with increased sequence quantity, and that the differences in distinct environmental samples were larger than differences in replicate samples (β diversity). These results serve to better characterize the identification and quantification limits of ITS‐based fungal taxonomic studies, and demonstrate that while diversity quantification is reproducible, limitations in ITS‐based taxonomic identification and dual nomenclature conventions are current barriers to identification accuracy.
‘Why don't those lazy priests answer the book?’MatthewTindal, Censorship, Freedom of the Press and Religious Debate in Early Eighteenth‐CenturyEngland
Authors: Barber Alex 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis article engages with recent work on the consequences of the lapse of licensing (1695) that has emphasized that many people embraced the new opportunities offered by the end of pre‐publication censorship. It is argued here, instead, that many people opposed the press and lobbied enthusiastically for books and authors to be prosecuted. Far from the lapse of licensing being an important precursor to the emergence of a self‐confident and modern nation it initiated a period of political and religious turbulence. Nevertheless, the intention here is not to revise a simplistic view of censorship as a series of discrete moments devoid of ideological importance. Rather, this article contends that the consequences of the lapse of licensing can only be understood by considering the interaction between acts of censorship and theories of the freedom of the press. To this end the article considers the disputes between freethinkers and clerics to establish the answers to a series of vital questions: why and when should authors, books and publishers be prosecuted? Who had responsibility to initiate prosecutions – government, church or public? How much publicity should be given to censorship trials so that they acted as forms of deterrence? This article, then, by considering both the promotion of a free press and the subsequent clerical responses, sheds new light on the vitality of the confrontation between freethinker and cleric in the early eighteenth century.
Video‐assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy with a single utility port is feasible in the treatment of elderly patients with peripheral lung cancer
Authors: Li Chang , Xu Chun , Ma Haitao , Ni Bin , Chen Jun , Chen Tengfei , Zhang Hongtao , Zhao Jun 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundVideo‐assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy with a single utility port has emerged as a new technology in recent years. The aim of this study is to review the technology in the treatment of elderly patients with peripheral lung cancer.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 21 elderly patients with peripheral lung cancer who underwent single utility port VATS lobectomy from February 2011 to February 2013 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University (VATS group). The clinical outcomes and postoperative complications were then compared to data from 32 elderly patients who underwent lobectomy by thoracotomy (TL group).ResultsNo mortality occurred during the postoperative period in either group. There was no statistical difference in surgery duration, the quantity of lymph node dissection or intraoperative blood loss between the VATS and TL groups. However, significant differences existed in the postoperative hospital stay (6.19 ± 1.69 days vs. 8.22 ± 2.55 days), time to first activity out of bed (20.57 ± 7.72 hours vs. 26.81 ± 9.27 hours), chest drainage duration (4.24 ± 1.04 days vs. 5.22 ± 1.29 days), and total postoperative drainage volume (642.86 ± 158.18 mL vs. 787.81 ± 211.55 mL) between the VATS and TL groups (P < 0.05). The percentage of patients with no complications in the VATS group (85.71%) is significantly higher when compared with the TL group (56.25%, P < 0.05).ConclusionVATS lobectomy with a single utility port is a safe and feasible surgical procedure for selected elderly patients with peripheral lung cancer.
Retrospective chart review on exposure to psychotropic medications associated with neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Authors: Su Y.‐P. , Chang C.‐K. , Hayes R. D. , Harrison S. , Lee W. , Broadbent M. , Taylor D. , Stewart R. 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and levels of antipsychotic exposure.MethodElectronic health record data systematically screened from a large mental health service provider in southeast London provided 67 NMS cases which were individually matched with 254 controls on age, gender, and primary psychiatric diagnosis. Data on psychotropic agents, combinations, dose, and dose change of antipsychotic prescriptions over the preceding 5 (oral agents) or 15 days (depot agents) were extracted and compared between groups using conditional logistic regression models.ResultsNMS was associated with higher number of antipsychotic agents used, use of first‐generation agents or aripiprazole, use of first‐generation agents only or cross‐generation agents, and higher mean and maximum daily doses. In further analyses, associations with antipsychotics type remained significant when adjusted for dose, but those with dose were attenuated following adjustment for type. The specific use of haloperidol, aripiprazole, depot flupentixol, and benzodiazepines was independently associated with NMS. Non‐white ethnicity was also found to be associated with NMS.ConclusionNMS was primarily associated with type of antipsychotic and polypharmacy rather than overall dose. Variation in risk by ethnicity requires further research.
IL‐23 Induces IL‐22 and IL‐17 Production in Response to Chlamydia muridarum Genital Tract Infection, but the Absence of these Cytokines does not Influence Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Frazer Lauren C. , Scurlock Amy M. , Zurenski Matthew A. , Riley Melissa M. , Mintus Margaret , Pociask Derek A. , Sullivan Jeanne E. , Andrews Charles W. , Darville Toni 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveChlamydia trachomatis infections are a significant cause of reproductive tract pathology. Protective and pathological immune mediators must be differentiated to design a safe and effective vaccine.MethodsWild‐type mice and mice deficient in IL‐22 and IL‐23 were infected intravaginally with Chlamydia muridarum, and their course of infection and oviduct pathology were compared. Local genital tract and draining lymph node immune responses were also examined in IL‐23‐deficient mice.ResultsIL‐22‐ and IL‐23‐deficient mice exhibited normal susceptibility to infection and oviduct pathology. IL‐23 was required for the development of a Chlamydia‐specific Th17 response in the lymph nodes and for production of IL‐22 and IL‐17 in the genital tract. However, influx of Th1 and innate immune cells was not compromised in the absence of IL‐23.ConclusionIL‐22 and IL‐23 play either redundant or minimal roles in the pathogenesis of Chlamydia infection in the mouse model. Induction of Th17‐associated cytokines by a Chlamydia vaccine should be avoided as these responses are not central to resolution of infection and have pathologic potential.
Comparative Effects of Pulsatile and Nonpulsatile Flow on Plasma Fibrinolytic Balance in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Aĝirbaşli Mehmet A. , Song Jianxun , Lei Fengyang , Wang Shigang , Kunselman Allen R. , Clark Joseph B. , Myers John L. , Ündar Akif 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn the brain, the components of the fibrinolytic system, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and its endogenous inhibitor plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1), regulate various neurophysiological and pathological responses. Fibrinolytic balance depends on PAI‐1 and tPA concentrations. The objective of this study is to compare the effects of pulsatile and nonpulsatile perfusion on fibrinolytic balance in children undergoing pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Plasma PAI‐1 antigen and tPA antigen were measured in 40 children (n = 20 pulsatile and n = 20 nonpulsatile group). Plasma samples (1.5 mL) were collected (i) prior to incision, (ii) 1 h after CPB, and (iii) 24 h after CPB. PAI‐1 and tPA levels were measured at each time point. PAI‐1 and tPA levels were significantly increased at 1 h after CPB, followed by a decrease at 24 h. Nonpulsatile but not pulsatile CPB lowered PAI‐1 : tPA ratio significantly at 24 h (median PAI‐1 : tPA ratio 4.63 ± 0.83:1.98 ± 0.48, P = 0.03, for the nonpulsatile group and 4.50 ± 0.92:3.56 ± 1.28, P = 0.2, for the pulsatile group). These results suggest that pulsatile flow maintains endogenous fibrinolytic balance after pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass. Further studies are needed to define the clinical significance of these differences.
Paediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease who received infliximab experienced improved growth and bone health
Authors: Pichler Judith , Hanslik Andreas , Dietrich Huber Wolf , Aufricht Christoph , Bidmon‐Fliegenschnee Bettina 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimChildren with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a high prevalence of growth retardation and low bone mineral density (BMD). This retrospective study investigated whether the start of infliximab treatment (IFX) was associated with improvement of growth and bone health.MethodsAnthropometry, BMD and bone markers were measured 1 year before and after the start of IFX treatment in 33 patients (51% males), with a median age of 13.5 years at baseline. Outcomes were growth with treatment and indicators of improved bone health.ResultsTwenty‐one children (64%) experienced a positive catch‐up growth after IFX. Height standard deviation scores (SDS) were significantly higher in children in remission. Treatment with IFX was associated with a statistically significant increase in 25‐hydroxycholecalciferol (25‐OHD, p = 0.01). IFX had no influence on BMD. Children with low BMD < −2 had significantly higher inflammation scores, lower body mass index, weight, height SDS and 25‐ODH after IFX.ConclusionAfter treatment with IFX, children with IBD improved significantly in weight, with the majority achieving positive catch‐up growth. Bone mass tended to remain static with time of treatment with IFX, despite a significant increase in 25‐OHD. Improved nutritional status positively predicts improved bone mineralisation.
Long‐term follow‐up of sacral neuromodulation for lower urinary tract dysfunction
Authors: Peeters Karlien , Sahai Arun , De Ridder Dirk , Van Der Aa Frank 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveTo report our long‐term experience of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) for various lower urinary tract dysfunctions but with a focus on efficacy, safety, re‐interventions and degree of success.Patients and MethodsThis is a single tertiary referral centre study that included 217 patients (86% female) who received an implantable pulse generator (IPG) (Interstim™, Medtronic, Minneapolis, USA) between 1996 and 2010.Success was considered if the initial ≥50% improvement in any of primary voiding diary variables persisted compared with baseline, but was further stratified.ResultsThe mean duration of follow‐up was 46.88 months.Success and cure rates were ≈70% and 20% for urgency incontinence, 68% and 33% for urgency frequency syndrome and 73% and 58% for idiopathic retention.In those patients with an unsuccessful therapy outcome, the mean time to failure was 24.6 months after implantation.There were 88 (41%) patients who had at least one device or treatment related surgical re‐intervention.The re‐intervention rate was 1.7 per patient with most of them (47%) occurring ≤2 years of follow‐up.ConclusionsSNM appears effective in the long‐term with a success rate after definitive IPG implant of ≈70% and complete cure rates ranging between 20% and 58% depending on indication.Patients with idiopathic retention appear to do best.The re‐intervention rate is high with most occurring ≤2 years of implantation. It is likely that with the newer techniques used, efficacy and re‐intervention rates will improve.
MINIMUM WAGE HIKES AND THE WAGE GROWTH OF LOW‐WAGE WORKERS
Authors: Swaffield Joanna K. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTThis paper presents difference‐in‐differences estimates of the impact of the British minimum wage on the wage growth of low‐wage employees. Estimates of the probability of low‐wage employees receiving positive wage growth have been significantly increased by the minimum wage upratings or hikes. However, whether the actual wage growth of these workers has been significantly raised or not depends crucially on the magnitude of the minimum wage hike considered. Findings are consistent with employers complying with the legally binding minimum wage but holding down or offsetting the wage growth that they might have awarded in periods of relatively low minimum wage hikes.
GluN2C/GluN2D subunit‐selective NMDA receptor potentiator CIQ reverses MK‐801‐induced impairment in prepulse inhibition and working memory in Y‐maze test in mice
Authors: Suryavanshi P S , Ugale R R , Yilmazer‐Hanke D , Stairs D J , Dravid S M 
Published: November 2013

Background and PurposeDespite ample evidence supporting the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction hypothesis of schizophrenia, progress in the development of effective therapeutics based on this hypothesis has been limited. Facilitation of NMDA receptor function by co‐agonists (d‐serine or glycine) only partially alleviates the symptoms in schizophrenia; other means to facilitate NMDA receptors are required. NMDA receptor sub‐types differ in their subunit composition, with varied GluN2 subunits (GluN2A‐GluN2D) imparting different physiological, biochemical and pharmacological properties. CIQ is a positive allosteric modulator that is selective for GluN2C/GluN2D‐containing NMDA receptors (Mullasseril et al.).Experimental ApproachThe effect of systemic administration of CIQ was tested on impairment in prepulse inhibition (PPI), hyperlocomotion and stereotypy induced by i.p. administration of MK‐801 and methamphetamine. The effect of CIQ was also tested on MK‐801‐induced impairment in working memory in Y‐maze spontaneous alternation test.Key ResultsWe found that systemic administration of CIQ (20 mg·kg−1, i.p.) in mice reversed MK‐801 (0.15 mg·kg−1, i.p.)‐induced, but not methamphetamine (3 mg·kg−1, i.p.)‐induced, deficit in PPI. MK‐801 increased the startle amplitude to pulse alone, which was not reversed by CIQ. In contrast, methamphetamine reduced the startle amplitude to pulse alone, which was reversed by CIQ. CIQ also partially attenuated MK‐801‐ and methamphetamine‐induced hyperlocomotion and stereotyped behaviours. Additionally, CIQ reversed the MK‐801‐induced working memory deficit in spontaneous alternation in a Y‐maze.Conclusion and ImplicationsTogether, these results suggest that facilitation of GluN2C/GluN2D‐containing receptors may serve as an important therapeutic strategy for treating positive and cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia.
Sex‐dependent long‐term effects of adolescent exposure to THC and/or MDMA on neuroinflammation and serotoninergic and cannabinoid systems in rats
Authors: Lopez‐Rodriguez Ana Belen , Llorente‐Berzal Alvaro , Garcia‐Segura Luis M , Viveros Maria‐Paz 
Published: November 2013

Background and PurposeMany young people consume ecstasy as a recreational drug and often in combination with cannabis. In this study, we aimed to mimic human consumption patterns and investigated, in male and female animals, the long‐term effects of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) on diverse neuroinflammation and neurotoxic markers.Experimental ApproachMale and female Wistar rats were chronically treated with increasing doses of THC and/or MDMA during adolescence. The effects of THC and/or MDMA on glial reactivity and on serotoninergic and cannabinoid systems were assessed by immunohistochemistry in the hippocampus and parietal cortex.Key ResultsTHC increased the area staining for glial fibrilar acidic protein in both sexes. In males, both drugs, either separately or in combination, increased the proportion of reactive microglia cells [ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba‐1)]. In contrast, in females, each drug, administered alone, decreased of this proportion, whereas the combination of both drugs resulted in a ‘normalization’ to control values. In males, MDMA reduced the number of SERT positive fibres, THC induced the opposite effect and the group receiving both drugs did not significantly differ from the controls. In females, MDMA reduced the number of SERT positive fibres and the combination of both drugs counteracted this effect. THC also reduced immunostaining for CB1 receptors in females and this effect was aggravated by the combination with MDMA.Conclusions and ImplicationsAdolescent exposure of rats to THC and/or MDMA induced long‐term, sex‐dependent neurochemical and glial alterations, and revealed interactions between the two drugs.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids 2013. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐6
Adjuvant potential of low dose all-trans retinoic acid during oral typhoid vaccination in Zambian men
Authors: Lisulo M M , Kapulu M C , Banda R , Sinkala E , Kayamba V , Sianongo S , Kelly P 
Published: November 2013

Summary
There is an urgent need to identify ways of enhancing the mucosal immune response to oral vaccines. Rotavirus vaccine protection is much lower in Africa and Asia than in industrialized countries, and no oral vaccine has efficacy approaching the best systemic vaccines. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) up-regulates expression of α4β7 integrin and CCR9 on lymphocytes in laboratory animals, increasing their gut tropism. The aim of this study was to establish the feasibility of using ATRA as an oral adjuvant for oral typhoid vaccination. In order to establish that standard doses of oral ATRA can achieve serum concentrations greater than 10 nmol/l, we measured ATRA, 9-cis and 13-cis retinoic acid in serum of 14 male volunteers before and 3 h after 10 mg ATRA. We then evaluated the effect of 10 mg ATRA given 1 h before, and for 7 days following, oral typhoid vaccine in eight men, and in 24 men given various control interventions. We measured immunoglobulin (Ig)A directed against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)and protein preparations of vaccine antigens in whole gut lavage fluid (WGLF) and both IgA and IgG in serum, 1 day prior to vaccination and on day 14. Median [interquartile range (IQR)] Cmax was 26·2 (11·7–39·5) nmol/l, with no evidence of cumulation over 8 days. No adverse events were observed. Specific IgA responses to LPS (P = 0·02) and protein (P = 0·04) were enhanced in WGLF, but no effect was seen on IgA or IgG in serum. ATRA was well absorbed, well tolerated and may be a promising candidate oral adjuvant.
Clinical and endocrine correlates of circulating sclerostin levels in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Neumann Thomas , Hofbauer Lorenz C. , Rauner Martina , Lodes Sabine , Kästner Bettina , Franke Sybille , Kiehntopf Michael , Lehmann Thomas , Müller Ulrich A. , Wolf Gunter , Hamann Christine , Sämann Alexander 
Published: November 2013

SummaryAimType 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) increases fragility fractures due to low bone mass, micro‐architectural alterations and decreased bone formation. Sclerostin is expressed by osteocytes and inhibits osteoblastic bone formation. We evaluated serum sclerostin levels in T1DM and their association with bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover, glycaemic control and physical activity.Patients and MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study, 128 men and premenopausal women with long‐standing T1DM (mean age 43·4 ± 8·8 years, diabetes duration 22·4 ± 9·5 years) and 77 age‐, BMI (Body Mass Index) and gender‐matched healthy individuals were evaluated.ResultsSerum sclerostin levels were higher in T1DM compared with controls, irrespective of gender (male 0·55 ± 0·17 vs 0·49 ± 0·12 ng/ml, P = 0·046; female 0·52 ± 0·19 ng/ml vs 0·43 ± 0·12 ng/ml, P = 0·012). Partial correlation analysis adjusted for age and gender revealed a positive correlation between serum sclerostin levels and BMD at lumbar spine and femoral neck in T1DM and between BMD at lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip in controls. Bone turnover markers, parathyroid hormone, calcium and vitamin D did not correlate with serum sclerostin levels in T1DM or controls. Physical activity was not associated with serum sclerostin levels. A multivariate analysis revealed that only the interaction of T1DM and age affects serum sclerostin levels but not T1DM alone. The influence of age on serum sclerostin levels was more pronounced in T1DM compared with controls.ConclusionsSclerostin serum levels were increased in patients with T1DM, and the positive correlation of age with serum sclerostin levels was stronger in T1DM. There was no effect of serum sclerostin levels on markers of bone metabolism and they do not explain the detrimental effects of T1DM on BMD.
Roles of Sema4A in multiple sclerosis and interferon‐β therapy efficacy
Authors: Nakatsuji Yuji , Okuno Tatsusada , Koda Toru , Takata Kazushiro , Honorat Josephe A. , Mochizuki Hideki , Kumanogoh Atsushi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe early initiation of appropriate treatment is important for a better prognosis for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Although interferon (IFN‐β) has been the most prescribed therapy for MS, some patients are poor responders to this therapy. Therefore, finding biomarkers to predict treatment responsiveness is required. Some patients with MS have high serum Sema4A and concurrently have characteristics of Th17‐skewing conditions, and do not respond well to IFN‐β therapy. In the present review, we discuss Sema4A and responsiveness to IFN‐β therapy. In addition, we review biomarkers relevant to IFN‐β therapy responsiveness.