Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distribution characteristics of clarithromycin and azithromycin, macrolide antimicrobial agents used for treatment of respiratory infections, in lung epithelial lining fluid and alveolar macrophages

The distribution characteristics of clarithromycin (CAM) and azithromycin (AZM), macrolide antimicrobial agents, in lung epithelial lining fluid (ELF) and alveolar macrophages (AMs) were evaluated. In the in vivo animal experiments, the time‐courses of the concentrations of CAM and AZM in ELF and AMs following oral administration (50 mg/kg) to rats were markedly higher than those in plasma, and the area under the drug concentration–time curve (AUC) ratios of ELF/plasma of CAM and AZM were 12 and 2.2, and the AUC ratios of AMs/ELF were 37 and 291, respectively. In the in vitro transport experiments, the basolateral‐to‐apical transport of CAM and AZM through model lung epithelial cell (Calu‐3) monolayers were greater than the apical‐to‐basolateral transport. MDR1 substrates reduced the basolateral‐to‐apical transport of CAM and AZM. In the in vitro uptake experiments, the intracellular concentrations of CAM and AZM in cultured AMs (NR8383) were greater than the extracellular concentrations. The uptake of CAM and AZM by NR8383 was inhibited by ATP depletors. These data suggest that the high distribution of CAM and AZM to AMs is due to the sustained distribution to ELF via MDR1 as well as the high uptake by the AMs themselves via active transport mechanisms. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatio‐temporal expression of activating transcription factor 5 in the skeletal development of mouse limb

There are no data about the expression pattern of activating transcription factor 5 (Atf5) during limb development. The aim of the present study was to describe the expression of Atf5 throughout mouse limb development. Some specimens were examined for the expression of type II collagen α1 (Col2a1), sex‐determining region Y‐related high‐mobility‐group‐box 9 (Sox9), and activating transcription factor 2 (Atf2) by in situ hybridization. ATDC5 cells, mouse limb buds, and epiphyseal cartilage were examined for the expression of Atf5α and Atf5β by quantitative real‐time PCR. Atf5 transcripts were detected in condensed mesenchymal cells, cartilage primordia, proliferative, prehypertrophic, and articular chondrocytes, but not in hypertrophic chondrocytes. Atf5 was predominantly expressed by osteoblasts in the primary spongiosa. At the postnatal stage, Atf5 was expressed in epiphyseal chondrocytes and osteoblasts lining the bone trabeculae. Spatial distribution of Col2a1, Sox9, and Atf2 transcripts closely corresponded to that of Atf5 within developing limbs, except for bony tissues. In cartilage, Atf5α is the dominant form in the embryonic stage as well as in the postnatal stage.
THE RELATION OF VASCULAR DISEASE TO THE HYPERTENSIVE STATE: BASED ON A STUDY OF RENAL BIOPSIES FROM ONE HUNDRED HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

The gross and microscopic appearance of the kidneys of hypertensive patients dying of renal failure or any other complication such as coronary disease, heart failure or cerebral hemorrhage has been fairly well established from postmortem studies. The almost constant finding of renal arteriolar disease in these cases has led many people to believe that increased peripheral resistance to blood flow offered by generalized arteriolar disease, especially of the kidneys, is the cause of hypertension. Moritz and Oldt's1 comparative study of the arterioles of 100 hypertensive and 100 nonhypertensive persons showing that 97 per cent of the hypertensive and 12 per cent of the nonhypertensive persons had renal vascular disease seemed confirmatory evidence of this premise. The other school of thought is that the arteriolar disease is secondary to the hypertension, the cause of which is still unknown. The presence of severe arteriolar damage at the end stage of the disease,
Update on the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep in New Zealand

Abstract Extract Recently, a comparison was made between the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance, determined using faecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT), on randomly selected sheep farms in a systematic national survey (Waghorn et al. 2006) and that derived from similar case material submitted to a veterinary pathology laboratory on a more ad-hoc basis (McKenna 2008). The results of that comparison showed that while there were some differences between them, there were considerable similarities in the prevalence figures obtained from either source. Those similarities, which were particularly evident in terms of the overall pattern of involvement of the various worm genera and the types of anthelmintic concerned, led to the conclusion that FECRT case submissions to veterinary laboratories may offer a useful source of information regarding changes in the prevalence of anthelminticresistant sheep nematodes in New Zealand (McKenna 2008). Accordingly, the present study was undertaken to make further use of this material, to try to ascertain what, if any, such changes may have taken place over the last few years.
Investigation of localisation of Leptospira spp. in uterine and fetal tissues of non-pregnant and pregnant farmed deer

Abstract AIM: To find evidence for localisation in the uterus, and fetal infection, of Leptospira spp. in farmed deer in the lower North Island of New Zealand during and shortly after the breeding season. METHODS: Between February and July 2008, 116 blood samples, 120 kidneys, 120 uteri and 27 fetuses were collected from 120 mixed-age hinds from lines from nine farms, at a deer slaughter premises. Serum samples were tested for antibodies against Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo-bovis and Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona, using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). For both serovars, a titre of >1:48 was considered positive. Samples from kidneys, uteri and fetal tissue were subjected to bacterial culture, using Ellinghausen-McCullough-Johnson-Harris (EMJH) medium, and real-time PCR, using DNA gyrase subunit B gene primers. RESULTS: Thirty-four of 116 (29.3%) serum samples were positive for serovar Hardjo-bovis, and 13 (11.2%) for serovar Pomona. Seven of 120 kidneys were positive for serovar Hardjo-bovis by culture, and five of these, but no others, were positive by real-time PCR. Of 120 uteri, none was culture- or PCR-positive. None of 27 fetal samples was culture-positive but one was positive by real-time PCR. The dam of the PCR-positive fetus was culture-negative from the kidney, but had an MAT titre of 1:192 for Hardjo-bovis. CONCLUSIONS: Attempts to isolate Leptospira spp. from the genital tracts and early fetuses of farmed deer were unsuccessful. However, molecular evidence suggested fetal infection in one case. This finding justifies further study of the role of leptospires in the genital tract and fetus and its association with reproductive loss in farmed deer.
Economic aspects of mastitis: New developments

Abstract Good udder health is not only important for the dairy farmer but, because of increasing interest of consumers in the way dairy products are produced, also for the dairy production chain as a whole. An important role of veterinarians is in advising on production diseases such as mastitis. A large part of this advice is given around the planning of management to maintain or improve the udder health status of a farm. Mastitis is a costly disease, due to losses (a reduction of output due to mastitis) and expenditure (additional inputs to reduce the level of mastitis). Worldwide, published estimates of the economic losses of clinical mastitis range from €61 to €97 per cow on a farm, with large differences between farms, e.g. in The Netherlands, losses due to clinical and subclinical mastitis varied between €17 and €198 per cow per year. Moreover, farmers tended to underestimate these costs. This indicates that for a large proportion of farms there are many avoidable losses. In order to provide good support to farmers' decision-making, it is important to describe the mastitis setting not only in terms of disease, e.g. incidence of clinical mastitis, but also in monetary terms; and to make good decisions, it is necessary to provide the dairy farmer with information on the additional expenditure and reduced losses associated with alternative decisions. Six out of 18 preventive measures were shown to have a positive nett benefit, viz blanket use of dry-cow therapy, keeping cows standing after milking, back-flushing of the milk cluster after milking a cow with clinical mastitis, application of a treatment protocol, washing dirty udders, and the use of milkers' gloves. For those measures that included a large amount of routine labour or investment, the reduced losses did not outweigh the additional expenditure. The advisor cannot expect that measures that are cost-effective are always implemented. Reasons for this are the objectives of the dairy farmer can be other than maximisation of profit, resources to improve the mastitis situation compete with other fields of management, risk involved with the decision, economic behaviour of the dairy farmer, and valuation of the cost factors by the dairy farmer. For all decision-makers this means that, although financial incentives do have an effect on the management of mastitis, it is not always sufficient to show the economic benefits of improved management to induce an improvement of management of mastitis.
Dermatosparaxis in two White Dorper lambs

Abstract CASE HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS: Two White Dorper lambs from the North Island of New Zealand, 2 and 4 weeks of age, were presented with large skin flaps hanging from the flanks, separation of skin from the subcutis over mobile joints, and de-gloving injuries of the limbs and tail. The lambs were subject to euthanasia on humane grounds. PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: Large skin tears with associated haemorrhage, periarticular S/C oedema and generalised skin fragility were observed in both lambs at post-mortem examination. Histology of the affected skin revealed diffuse hyalinisation of dermal collagen compared with control lambs, protein-filled peri-adnexal clefts and areas of deep dermal and S/C granulation tissue consistent with previous separation of skin from the subcutis. Analysis of hair follicles, collected from one of the lambs, using a commercially available genetic test in Australia was consistent with the lamb being homozygous for the mutation responsible for ovine dermatosparaxis. DIAGNOSIS: Likely dermatosparaxis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings strongly suggest that the mutation responsible for dermatosparaxis in White Dorper sheep is present in New Zealand. Dermatosparaxis should be considered when investigating skin fragility in lambs with White Dorper genetics. Confirmation of the disorder is possible through genetic analysis of hair follicles.
Altered Electroencephalography Spectral Profiles in Rats with Different Patterns of Experimental Brain Dysplasia.

BACKGROUND Malformations of cortical development, such as focal cortical dysplasia, are commonly associated with intractable epilepsy. Multiple animal models were created in attempts to recapitulate features of human malformations of cortical development. These manipulations give rise to various focal or diffuse anatomical abnormalities, accompanied by altered susceptibility to epileptic seizures. Both in humans and in models of dysplasia, the question of timing of the initiating insult is important. METHODS Here, we used a rat model of cerebral dysplasia elicited by prenatal irradiation at gestational days (E) 13, 15, 17, or 19. Previous results suggest these animals are characterized by different patterns of dysplasia as well as different reactivity to seizurogenic stimuli in several seizure models. Rats were implanted with telemetric electroencephalography (EEG) transmitters. We compared EEG data from freely moving animals with anatomical observations obtained with MRI, as well as Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS We performed spectral analyses of EEG signal, revealing differential regulation of specific bands (including delta, theta, alpha-beta, gamma) in animals with different patterns of dysplasia. Relative contribution of low-frequency activity in delta band is the lowest in E15 and the highest in E19. Conversely, higher frequency bands, corresponding to alpha/beta and gamma components, are reduced in E15 versus E19. This is accompanied by altered expression of glial markers in the E19 group. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this constitutes the first quantitative description of power spectral properties in this experimental model, providing insight into mechanisms underlying the anatomical and electrophysiological abnormalities associated with brain dysplasia of different types. Birth Defects Research, 110:303-316, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Population-based birth defects data in the United States, 2010-2014: A focus on gastrointestinal defects.

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal defects are a phenotypically and etiologically diverse group of malformations. Despite their combined prevalence and clinical impact, little is known about the epidemiology of these birth defects. Therefore, the objective of the 2017 National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) data brief was to better describe the occurrence of gastrointestinal defects. METHODS As part of the 2017 NBDPN annual report, 28 state programs provided additional data on gastrointestinal defects for the period 2010-2014. Counts and prevalence estimates (per 10,000 live births) were calculated overall and by demographic characteristics for (1) biliary atresia; (2) esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula; (3) rectal and large intestinal atresia/stenosis; and (4) small intestinal atresia/stenosis. Additionally, we explored the frequency of these malformations co-occurring with other structural birth defects. RESULTS Pooling data from all participating registries, the prevalence estimates were: 0.7 per 10,000 live births for biliary atresia (713 cases); 2.3 per 10,000 live births for esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (2,472 cases); 4.2 per 10,000 live births for rectal and large intestinal atresia/stenosis (4,334 cases); and 3.4 per 10,000 live births for small intestinal atresia/stenosis (3,388 cases). Findings related to co-occurring birth defects were especially notable for esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula, rectal and large intestinal atresia/stenosis, and small intestinal atresia/stenosis, where the median percentage of non-isolated cases was 53.9%, 45.5%, and 50.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS These population-based prevalence estimates confirm some previous studies, and provide a foundation for future epidemiologic studies of gastrointestinal defects. Exploring the genetic and environmental determinants of these malformations may yield new clues into their etiologies.
The effects of levamisole on oxidative stress induced by copper intoxication in broilers

Abstract AIM: To determine the effects of Cu and levamisole on concentrations of Cu and Fe in plasma and liver, and the effects of levamisole on lipid peroxidation induced by Cu intoxication in broiler chickens. METHODS: In a 2×4 factorial study, 80 one-day-old Ross PM3 broiler chicks were fed diets for 21 days containing either 8 mg/kg Cu (Low Cu) or 250 mg/kg Cu (High Cu) and were treated with 0 (L0), 4 (L4), 8 (L8) or 16 (L16) mg/kg bodyweight levamisole per day from Day 7 of the study, on three consecutive days in their drinking water. This treatment was repeated three times, at 3-day intervals. On Day 21, blood samples were collected from each bird for analysis of concentrations of Cu, Fe and malondialdehyde, and activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). The birds were killed and liver samples collected for analysis of Cu and Fe. RESULTS: Mean concentrations of Cu and Fe in plasma, and Cu in liver, were increased overall in the High Cu groups compared with the Low Cu groups (p<0.001). Compared with the L0 treatment group on the High Cu diet, treatments L4, L8 and L16 decreased concentrations of Cu in plasma, and L8 and L16 increased concentration of Cu in liver (p<0.05). Mean activities of AST and ALT were increased in untreated birds (L0) fed the High compared with Low Cu diets (p<0.01). In birds receiving the High Cu diet, treatments L4 and L8 decreased activities of AST, and L4 and L16 decreased activity of ALT, compared with L0 (p<0.05). The High Cu diet induced an oxidative stress characterised by increased mean concentrations of malondialdehyde and decreased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and GSH-Px (p<0.001). Concentration of malondialdehyde, and activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were not changed following levamisole treatment in birds on the High Cu diet, and activity of GSH-Px was decreased by the L4 and L8 treatments compared with the L0 group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of the study suggest that treatment with levamisole might alleviate the harmful effects of Cu on the liver, as demonstrated by decreased activities of AST and ALT induced by a diet containing 250 mg/kg Cu.
Comparison of 3% Hypertonic Saline and 20% Mannitol for Reducing Intracranial Pressure in Patients Undergoing Supratentorial Brain Tumor Surgery: A Randomized, Double-blind Clinical Trial

Background: In the present study, we hypothesized that 3% hypertonic saline (HS) is more effective than 20% mannitol to reduce intracranial pressure (ICP) and to modify brain bulk in patients undergoing an elective supratentorial craniotomy. Materials and Methods: After institutional review board approval, patients scheduled to undergo supratentorial craniotomy were enrolled into this prospective, randomized, double-blind study. The patients were monitored for routine hemodynamic parameters, depth of anesthesia, and ICP. They received 5 mL/kg 20% mannitol (n=20) or 3% HS (n=19) as infusion for 15 minutes. The patients’ ICP values were monitored during hypertonic fluid infusion and throughout 30 minutes after infusion as a primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were hemodynamic variables, serum sodium value, blood gases, and surgeon brain relaxation assessment score (1=relaxed, 2=satisfactory, 3=firm, 4=bulging). In addition, the length of intensive care unit and hospital stay were recorded. Results: Demographic and tumor characteristics were similar between groups. The basal (before hypertonic infusion, ICPT0) and last (30 min after hypertonic infusion finished, ICPT45) ICP values were 13.7±3.0 and 9.5±1.9 mm Hg, respectively, for the M group, which were comparable with the corresponding levels of 14.2±2.8 and 8.7±1.1 mm Hg in the HS group (P>0.05). The median amount of ICP reduction between T0 and T45 timepoints were 4 (1 to 7) and 5 (1 to 9) mm Hg for group M and group HS, respectively (P=0.035). Baseline central venous pressure, pulse pressure variation, and serum sodium and lactate values were similar between groups, but the last measured pulse pressure variation and lactate value were lower, and sodium value was higher in group HS than in group M (P<0.05). Duration of hospital and intensive care unit stay were similar between groups. Conclusions: Our results suggest that 3% HS provided more effective ICP reduction than 20% mannitol during supratentorial brain tumor surgery.
Uneven distribution pattern and increasing numbers of mesenchyme cells during development in the starfish, Asterina pectinifera

During development, the embryos and larvae of the starfish Asterina pectinifera possess a single type of mesenchyme cell. The aim of this study was to determine the patterns of behavior of mesenchyme cells during the formation of various organs. To this end, we used a monoclonal antibody (mesenchyme cell marker) to identify the distribution patterns and numbers of mesenchyme cells. Our results revealed the following: (i) mesenchyme cell behavior differs in the formation of different organs, showing temporal variations and an uneven pattern of distribution; and (ii) mesenchyme cells continue to be generated throughout development, and their numbers are tightly regulated in proportion to total cell numbers.
Concordance and interaction of guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (RhoGDI) with RhoA in oogenesis and early development of the sea urchin

Rho GTPases are Ras‐related GTPases that regulate a variety of cellular processes. In the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, RhoA in the oocyte associates with the membrane of the cortical granules and directs their movement from the cytoplasm to the cell cortex during maturation to an egg. RhoA also plays an important role regulating the Na+‐H+ exchanger activity, which determines the internal pH of the cell during the first minutes of embryogenesis. We investigated how this activity may be regulated by a guanine‐nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (RhoGDI). The sequence of this RhoA regulatory protein was identified in the genome on the basis of its similarity to other RhoGDI species, especially for key segments in the formation of the isoprenyl‐binding pocket and in interactions with the Rho GTPase. We examined the expression and the subcellular localization of RhoGDI during oogenesis and in different developmental stages. We found that RhoGDI mRNA levels were high in eggs and during cleavage divisions until blastula, when it disappeared, only to reappear in gastrula stage. RhoGDI localization overlaps the presence of RhoA during oogenesis and in embryonic development, reinforcing the regulatory premise of the interaction. By use of recombinant protein interactions in vitro, we also find that these two proteins selectively interact. These results support the hypothesis of a functional relationship in vivo and now enable mechanistic insight for the cellular and organelle rearrangements that occur during oogenesis and embryonic development.
A survey of respiratory viruses in New Zealand horses

AIMS: To determine which viruses circulate among selected populations of New Zealand horses and whether or not viral infections were associated with development of respiratory disease. METHODS: Nasal swabs were collected from 33 healthy horses and 52 horses with respiratory disease and tested by virus isolation and/or PCR for the presence of equine herpesviruses (EHV) and equine rhinitis viruses. RESULTS: Herpesviruses were the only viruses detected in nasal swab samples. When both the results of nasal swab PCR and virus isolation were considered together, a total of 41/52 (79%) horses with respiratory disease and 2/32 (6%) healthy horses were positive for at least one virus. As such, rates of virus detection were significantly higher (p<0.001) in samples from horses with respiratory disease than from healthy horses. More than half of the virus-positive horses were infected with multiple viruses. Infection with EHV-5 was most common (28 horses), followed by EHV-2 (27 horses), EHV-4 (21 horses) and EHV-1 (3 horses). CONCLUSIONS: Herpesviruses were more commonly detected in nasal swabs from horses with respiratory disease than from healthy horses suggesting their aetiological involvement in the development of clinical signs among sampled horses. Further investigation to elucidate the exact relationships between these viruses and respiratory disease in horses is warranted. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Equine respiratory disease has been recognised as an important cause of wastage for the equine industry worldwide. It is likely multifactorial, involving complex interactions between different microorganisms, the environment and the host. Ability to control, or minimise, the adverse effects of equine respiratory disease is critically dependent on our understanding of microbial agents involved in these interactions. The results of the present study update our knowledge on the equine respiratory viruses currently circulating among selected populations of horses in New Zealand.