bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protocol for a placebo-controlled, within-participants crossover trial evaluating the efficacy of intranasal oxytocin to improve pain and function among women with chronic pelvic musculoskeletal pain
Authors: Rash Joshua A , Toivonen Kirsti , Robert Magali , Nasr-Esfahani Maryam , Jarrell John F , Campbell Tavis S
Published: April 2017

Introduction

This protocol presents the rationale and design for a trial evaluating the efficacy of intranasal oxytocin in improving pain and function among women with chronic pelvic musculoskeletal pain. Oxytocin is a neuropeptide traditionally recognised for involvement in labour, delivery and lactation. Novel evidence suggests that oxytocin decreases pain sensitivity in humans. While oxytocin administration has been reported to lower pain sensitivity among patients experiencing chronic back pain, headache, constipation and colon pain, no research has evaluated the association between intranasal oxytocin and chronic pelvic musculoskeletal pain. The association between oxytocin and pain may differ in women with chronic pelvic musculoskeletal pain relative to other chronic pain conditions because of the abundance of oxytocin receptors in the uterus.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, within-participants crossover trial. 50 women with chronic pelvic musculoskeletal pain will be recruited through a local chronic pain centre and gynaecology clinics. Women will complete baseline measures and be randomised to an experimental or control condition that involve 2 weeks of self-administering twice-daily doses of 24 IU intranasal oxytocin or placebo, respectively. Women will then undergo a 2-week washout period before crossing over to receive the condition that they had not yet received. The primary outcome will be pain and function measured using the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form. Secondary outcomes include emotional function, sleep disturbance and global impression of change. This trial will provide data on the 14-day safety and side-effect profile of intranasal oxytocin self-administered as an adjuvant treatment for chronic pelvic musculoskeletal pain.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial was granted approval from Health Canada and the University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board, and is registered online at ClinicalTrials.gov (#NCT02888574). Results will be disseminated to healthcare professionals through peer-reviewed publications and to the general public through press releases.

Trial registration number

NCT02888574; Pre-results.
Multivariate modelling of faecal bacterial profiles of patients with IBS predicts responsiveness to a diet low in FODMAPs
Authors: Bennet Sean M P , Böhn Lena , Störsrud Stine , Liljebo Therese , Collin Lena , Lindfors Perjohan , Törnblom Hans , Öhman Lena , Simrén Magnus
Published: April 2017

Objective

The effects of dietary interventions on gut bacteria are ambiguous. Following a previous intervention study, we aimed to determine how differing diets impact gut bacteria and if bacterial profiles predict intervention response.

Design

Sixty-seven patients with IBS were randomised to traditional IBS (n=34) or low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) (n=33) diets for 4 weeks. Food intake was recorded for 4 days during screening and intervention. Faecal samples and IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS) reports were collected before (baseline) and after intervention. A faecal microbiota dysbiosis test (GA-map Dysbiosis Test) evaluated bacterial composition. Per protocol analysis was performed on 61 patients from whom microbiome data were available.

Results

Responders (reduced IBS-SSS by ≥50) to low FODMAP, but not traditional, dietary intervention were discriminated from non-responders before and after intervention based on faecal bacterial profiles. Bacterial abundance tended to be higher in non-responders to a low FODMAP diet compared with responders before and after intervention. A low FODMAP intervention was associated with an increase in Dysbiosis Index (DI) scores in 42% of patients; while decreased DI scores were recorded in 33% of patients following a traditional IBS diet. Non-responders to a low FODMAP diet, but not a traditional IBS diet had higher DI scores than responders at baseline. Finally, while a traditional IBS diet was not associated with significant reduction of investigated bacteria, a low FODMAP diet was associated with reducedBifidobacteriumand Actinobacteria in patients, correlating with lactose consumption.

Conclusions

A low FODMAP, but not a traditional IBS diet may have significant impact on faecal bacteria. Responsiveness to a low FODMAP diet intervention may be predicted by faecal bacterial profiles.

Trial registration number

NCT02107625.
FlashBack
Authors: Boos Kevin , Chu David , Cuervo Eduardo
Published: April 2017

Driven by recent advances in the mobile computing hardware ecosystem, wearable Virtual Reality (VR) is experiencing a boom in popularity, with many offerings becoming available. Modern VR head-mounted displays (HMDs) fall into two device classes: (i) Tethered HMDs: HMDs tethered to powerful, expensive gaming desktops, such as the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Sony PlayStation VR; (ii) Mobile-rendered HMDs: self-contained, untethered HMDs that run on mobile phones slotted into head mounts, e.g., Google Cardboard and Samsung Gear VR.
Recent Advances in Mitochondrial Disease
Authors: Craven Lyndsey , Alston Charlotte L. , Taylor Robert W. , Turnbull Doug M.
Published: April 2017

Mitochondrial disease is a challenging area of genetics because two distinct genomes can contribute to disease pathogenesis. It is also challenging clinically because of the myriad of different symptoms and, until recently, a lack of a genetic diagnosis in many patients. The last five years has brought remarkable progress in this area. We provide a brief overview of mitochondrial origin, function, and biology, which are key to understanding the genetic basis of mitochondrial disease. However, the primary purpose of this review is to describe the recent advances related to the diagnosis, genetic basis, and prevention of mitochondrial disease, highlighting the newly described disease genes and the evolving methodologies aimed at preventing mitochondrial DNA disease transmission.
Silicate Deposit Degradation of Engineered Coatings in Gas Turbines: Progress Toward Models and Materials Solutions
Authors: Poerschke David L. , Jackson R. Wesley , Levi Carlos G.
Published: April 2017

Modern gas turbines rely on ceramic coatings to protect structural components along the hot gas path. These coatings are susceptible to accelerated degradation caused by silicate deposits formed when ingested environmental debris (dust, sand, ash) adheres to the coatings. This article reviews the current understanding of the deposit-induced failure mechanisms for zirconia-based thermal barrier coatings and silicate environmental barrier coatings. Details of the debris melting and crystallization behavior, the nature of the chemical reactions occurring between the deposits and coatings, and the implications for the thermocyclic durability of the coatings are described. Given the challenges posed in understanding how prospective coating materials and architectures will respond to a broad range of deposit compositions, it is proposed to develop an integrated framework linking thermochemical and thermomechanical models to predict coating durability. Initial progress toward developing this framework, and the requisite research needs, are discussed.
Transparent Perovskite Barium Stannate with High Electron Mobility and Thermal Stability
Authors: Lee Woong-Jhae , Kim Hyung Joon , Kang Jeonghun , Jang Dong Hyun , Kim Tai Hoon , Lee Jeong Hyuk , Kim Kee Hoon
Published: April 2017

Transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) and transparent oxide semiconductors (TOSs) have become necessary materials for a variety of applications in the information and energy technologies, ranging from transparent electrodes to active electronics components. Perovskite barium stannate (BaSnO3), a new TCO or TOS system, is a potential platform for realizing optoelectronic devices and observing novel electronic quantum states due to its high electron mobility, excellent thermal stability, high transparency, structural versatility, and flexible doping controllability. This article reviews recent progress in the doped BaSnO3 system, discussing the wide range of physical properties, electron-scattering mechanism, and demonstration of key semiconducting devices such as pn diodes and field-effect transistors. Moreover, we discuss the pathways to achieving two-dimensional electron gases at the interface between BaSnO3 and other perovskite oxides and describe remaining challenges for observing novel quantum phenomena at the heterointerface.
Dynamic Model of Spur Gear Pair with Modulation Internal Excitation
Authors: Wang Zhong , Zhang Lei , Luo Yuan-Qing , Chen Chang-Zheng
Published: April 2017

In the actual measurements, vibration and noise spectrum of gear pair often exhibits sidebands around the gear mesh harmonic orders. In this study, a nonlinear time-varying dynamic model of spur gear pair was established to predict the modulation sidebands caused by the AM-FM modulation internal excitation. Here, backlash, modulation time-varying mesh stiffness, and modulation transmission error are considered. Then the undamped natural mode was studied. Numerical simulation was made to reveal the dynamic characteristic of a spur gear under modulation condition. The internal excitation was shown to exhibit obvious modulation sideband because of the modulation time-varying mesh stiffness and modulation transmission error. The Runge-Kutta method was used to solve the equations for analyzing the dynamic characteristics with the effect of modulation internal excitation. The result revealed that the response under modulation excitation exhibited obvious modulation sideband. The response under nonmodulation condition was also calculated for comparison. In addition, an experiment was done to verify the prediction of the modulation sidebands. The calculated result was consistent with the experimental result.
Pingmu Decoction Induces Orbital Preadipocytes Apoptosis In Vitro
Authors: Zhang Yali , Li Hong , Gao Long , Zhang Xia , Xie RuiFang
Published: April 2017

Pingmu Decoction is the Traditional Chinese Medicine which has treated Graves’ Ophthalmopathy (GO) in the inactive stage for more than ten years. This study was to explore the mechanism of Pingmu Decoction of inhibiting preadipocytes in GO patients from differentiating into mature adipocytes. Human orbital preadipocytes were isolated and cultured through tissue explant method. Orbital preadipocytes were induced into mature adipocytes. The medicinal serum was prepared from rats. The cells were treated with medicinal serum which were divided into three groups, low dose group (5%), medium dose group (10%), and high dose group (20%). The cells viabilities were observed by Oil Red O staining, MTT method, and Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) double staining. Effect of Pingmu Decoction on cell apoptosis rate of orbital matured adipocytes was measured by flow cytometry. The genes Fas and Fas L from cell groups were tested by RT‐PCR and Western blotting. The expression of master adipogenic transcription factors, including peroxisome proliferation‐activity receptor (PPAR) γ and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) α, was tested by Western blotting. Pingmu Decoction could reduce orbital preadipocytes viability and induce apoptosis of mature adipocyte via Fas/Fas L signaling pathway. Pingmu Decoction reduced lipid accumulation and downregulated the expression of PPAR γ and C/EBP α. Pingmu Decoction may play a therapeutic effect by reducing the accumulation of orbital adipocytes.
Quantitative Evaluation of Chinese Herb Medicine in the Treatment of Sialorrhea and Frequent Nighttime Urination in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Sun Chuanhe , Wang Dandan , Jiang Wenfei , Liao Weilong , Gao Penglin , Pan Weidong , Liu Te
Published: April 2017

Aims. To evaluate the efficacy of Lian‐Se formula (LSF), one Chinese herb formulation for treating sialorrhea and frequent overnight urination in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods. 96 PD patients suffering from sialorrhea and/or frequent nighttime urination were divided into two groups: an LSF group (n = 48) treated with LSF for 6 weeks and a placebo group (n = 48) treated with a placebo formula whose appearance and taste were the same as LSF for 6 weeks. All patients were treated by standard antiparkinsonism medicine according to the PD guideline of China. The changes of the quantity of saliva (QS) (mL), frequency of nighttime urination (FNU) and early sleep activity (ESA), and nocturnal activity (NA) by analyzing actigraphic records as the primary results and the total score of unified Parkinson’s disease rating scale (UPDRS) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) as the secondary results were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy in both groups. Results. There were no significant differences in the baseline values of QS, FNU, NA, ESA, UPDRS total score, and ESS between the two groups. At the end of week 6, the QS, FNU, NA, and ESA in the LSF group showed superior results to those of the placebo group with no differences in the total UPDRS score between the two groups during the investigation. The ESS was significantly improved at the end of week 6 compared with the baseline and the placebo group. Laboratory test results indicated there were no side effects in either group. Conclusion. The findings of LSF treatment have clear clinical effects in patients with sialorrhea and frequent overnight urination. LSF thus appears to be a potential choice as an additional drug that can improve the sialorrhea and frequent overnight urination symptoms of PD patients.
A Pore-Scale Simulation on Thermal-Hydromechanical Coupling Mechanism of Rock
Authors: Song Rui , Cui Mengmeng , Liu Jianjun , Ranjith P. G. , Lei Yun
Published: April 2017

Thermal-hydromechanical (THM) coupling process is a key issue in geotechnical engineering emphasized by many scholars. Most existing studies are conducted at macroscale or mesoscale. This paper presents a pore-scale THM coupling study of the immiscible two-phase flow in the perfect-plastic rock. Assembled rock matrix and pore space models are reconstructed using micro-CT image. The rock deformation and fluid flow are simulated using ANSYS and CFX software, respectively, in which process the coupled physical parameters will be exchanged by ANSYS multiphysics platform at the end of each iteration. Effects of stress and temperature on the rock porosity, permeability, microstructure, and the displacing mechanism of water flooding process are analyzed and revealed.
Intraluminal Administration of Resiniferatoxin Protects againstClostridium difficileToxin A-Induced Colitis
Authors: Vigna Steven R.
Published: April 2017

Clostridium difficiletoxin A is a colonic inflammatory agent that acts partially by activation of TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1). Resiniferatoxin (RTX) is an excitotoxin that activates TRPV1 at low concentrations and defunctionalizes TRPV1 at high concentrations. RTX at various doses was injected intraluminally into isolated ileal segments in anesthetized rats. After 3 hours, the treated segments were removed and inflammation was assessed. This acute treatment with RTX resulted in biphasic responses: (1) an increase in inflammation similar to that caused by toxin A and capsaicin at low doses of up to 100 ng RTX and (2) no inflammatory effect of RTX at higher doses (1–100 μg), consistent with a defunctionalizing or neurotoxic effect of RTX at high doses. Separately, anesthetized rats were treated with RTX enemas and one or four weeks later were challenged with toxin A. Toxin A-induced colitis was significantly inhibited one week after an RTX enema, and this effect was RTX dose dependent. When tested four weeks after administration of the RTX enema, protection against toxin A colitis was lost. In conclusion, an RTX enema protects against toxin A-induced colitis in rats for at least one week but less than four weeks.
Itô’s Formula, the Stochastic Exponential, and Change of Measure on General Time Scales
Authors: Hu Wenqing
Published: April 2017

We provide an Itô formula for stochastic dynamical equation on general time scales. Based on this Itô’s formula we give a closed-form expression for stochastic exponential on general time scales. We then demonstrate Girsanov’s change of measure formula in the case of general time scales. Our result is being applied to a Brownian motion on the quantum time scale (q-time scale).
Oncogenic Characterization and Pharmacologic Sensitivity of Activating Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR) Genetic Alterations to the Selective FGFR Inhibitor Erdafitinib
Authors: Karkera Jayaprakash D. , Cardona Gabriela Martinez , Bell Katherine , Gaffney Dana , Portale Joseph C. , Santiago-Walker Ademi , Moy Christopher H. , King Peter , Sharp Michael , Bahleda Rastislav , Luo Feng R. , Alvarez John D. , Lorenzi Matthew V. , Platero Suso J.
Published: April 2017

Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) genetic alterations are frequently observed in cancer, suggesting that FGFR inhibition may be a promising therapy in patients harboring these lesions. Identification of predictive and pharmacodynamic biomarkers to select and monitor patients most likely to respond to FGFR inhibition will be the key to clinical development of this class of agents. Sensitivity to FGFR inhibition and correlation with FGFR pathway activation status were determined in molecularly annotated panels of cancer cell lines and xenograft models. Pathway inhibition in response to FGFR inhibitor treatment was assessed in cell lines (both in vitro and in vivo) and in samples from patients treated with the FGFR inhibitor JNJ-42756493 (erdafitinib). Frequency of FGFR aberrations was assessed in a panel of NSCLC, breast, prostate, ovarian, colorectal, and melanoma human tumor tissue samples. FGFR translocations and gene amplifications present in clinical specimens were shown to display potent transforming activity associated with constitutive pathway activation. Tumor cells expressing these FGFR activating mutants displayed sensitivity to the selective FGFR inhibitor erdafitinib and resulted in suppression of FGFR phosphorylation and downstream signal transduction. Clinically, patients receiving erdafitinib showed decreased Erk phosphorylation in tumor biopsies and elevation of serum phosphate. In a phase I study, a heavily pretreated bladder cancer patient with an FGFR3–TACC3 translocation experienced a partial response when treated with erdafitinib. This preclinical study confirmed pharmacodynamics and identified new predictive biomarkers to FGFR inhibition with erdafitinib and supports further clinical evaluation of this compound in patients with FGFR genetic alterations. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(8); 1717–26. ©2017 AACR.
PsoReg – The Swedish Registry for Systemic Psoriasis Treatment
Authors: Schmitt-Egenolf Marcus
Published: April 2017

With the introduction of new systemic drugs for the management of psoriasis, we felt an obligation in Sweden to establish a trusted tool to monitor their use. We formed PsoReg to create a solid, long-term database in order to analyze safety and effectiveness of different systemic psoriasis treatment regimens. PsoReg will provide information to help clinicians individualize therapy on a rational basis through evaluation of effectiveness and adverse effects in specific patient subgroups. Designed and managed by specialized health care professionals, PsoReg will enroll all psoriasis patients on systemic treatment to allow a fair comparison of old versus new-generation psoriasis treatments. PsoReg will even create benchmark data for quality assurance of the medical service. A web-based design allows real-time pharmacovigilance and enables the registry to assist clinicians in their day-to-day management of psoriasis patients. In this way PsoReg can become an integrated part of tomorrow’s dermatology.
Three Retinoid X Receptor Gene Polymorphisms in Plaque Psoriasis and Psoriasis Guttata
Authors: Vašků Vladimír , Bienertová Vašků Julie , Pávková Goldbergová Monika , Vašků Anna
Published: April 2017

Aim: Polymorphisms in retinoid X receptors (RXRs) are very interesting from the point of view of a possible association of their variability with psoriasis. Methods: A total of 293 patients with plaque psoriasis, 82 patients with psoriasis guttata and 202 control subjects were enrolled in this study focused on 3 polymorphisms in RXRA and RXRB gene associations. Results: A marginally significant increase in AA allelic frequency of the RXRA A39526AA polymorphism in plaque psoriatic men compared to healthy men was proved. In women with psoriasis guttata, the higher risk for genotypes AA and TT in the RXRB 3′+140A/T polymorphism compared to healthy women was identified (pcorr = 0.01). The genotypes A/A and AA/AA are more frequent in plaque psoriasis patients with a positive family history of psoriasis compared to the patients with a negative family history of psoriasis (pcorr = 0.02). The A/A genotype is more frequent in patients with plaque psoriasis and repeated tonsillitis/tonsillectomy (p = 0.02). In the RXRB polymorphism, no genotype TT is observed in patients with psoriasis guttata with a positive personal history of repeated tonsillitis (pcorr = 0.001). Conclusion: Individual gene characteristics of patients with psoriasis improve the possibilities of pharmacotherapy using pharmacogenomic approaches which could be further stratified in future according to the subtypes of psoriasis.
Inverse Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome: Review of Cases Showing Deficient Growth
Authors: Danarti Retno , König Arne , Bittar Mario , Happle Rudolf
Published: April 2017

Background: Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is defined by a coexistence of nevus flammeus and overgrowth of one or more limbs. Remarkably, however, deficient growth of an affected limb may likewise be noted. Observations: We collected from the literature a number of cases of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome associated with deficient growth such as shortening or hypoplastic muscle mass of the affected extremity. Discussion: The cause of the unusual deficient growth is unknown. Some patients may be compound heterozygotes carrying a ‘plus’ and a ‘minus’ allele at the responsible gene locus, and postzygotic recombination would give rise to two different cell clones homozygous for either allele. Conclusion: In order to give a name to such paradoxical cases, we propose the term ‘inverse Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome’.
Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and the Safety and Effectiveness of Monthly Ergocalciferol in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Saab Georges , Young Daniel O. , Gincherman Yekaterina , Giles Karla , Norwood Kathryn , Coyne Daniel W.
Published: April 2017

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is common in CKD and dialysis patients. Studies suggest a physiologic autocrine and/or paracrine role for 1,25(OH)D produced via 1α-hydroxylase in tissues such as vascular smooth muscle, breast, prostate, and bone marrow. Studies have not yet defined the optimal dose and duration of vitamin D necessary to replete and maintain stores in dialysis patients, or whether it is safe or beneficial. Methods: We performed a review of the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and the safety and effectiveness of ergocalciferol oral supplementation (vitamin D2, 50,000 IU monthly) given to hemodialysis patients during dialysis May to October 2005 in St. Louis (latitude 38°). Results: Among the 119-patient cohort present for the entire 6 months, 25(OH)D was (mean ± SD) 16.9 ± 8.5 ng/ml, (91% < 30 ng/ml) and increased to 53.6 ± 16.3 ng/ml (p < 0.001), (95% > 30 ng/ml, and none > 100 ng/ml). Initial versus 6 mo. serum calcium (9.1 ± 0.56 vs. 9.2 ± 0.70), phosphorus (5.25 ± 1.38 vs. 5.11 ± 1.31), Ca × P, and paricalcitol dose (10.3 ± 9.6 vs. 11.3 ± 9.2 mcg/week) were not significantly different. No hypercalcemia could be attributed to supplementation. Mean hemoglobin did not change significantly (11.96 ± 1.4 vs. 11.69 ± 1.4, p = 0.124), but most patients experienced a reduced weekly epoetin dose. Epoetin dose decreased in 64% of patients, and increased in 28%. Conclusions: We conclude that the vast majority of hemodialysis patients are vitamin D-deficient; monthly ergocalciferol 50,000 IU is safe and effective in normalizing serum 25(OH)D levels and may have an epoetin-sparing effect.
Reflections on Relevance: The Fields of Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy in 2006
Authors: Balon Richard
Published: April 2017

This article reviews several areas of new and interesting development in the fields of psychosomatics and psychotherapy published in the literature during 2006. These areas are: (1) cardiovascular illness and its interplay with depression; (2) risks and predisposing factors in the areas of mental illness and physical illness; (3) new developments in chronic fatigue syndrome, and (4) new or newly explored/modified (psycho)therapies, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy. In addition, an important area of conflict of interest in psychiatry in particular and in biomedical science in general is discussed, as this issue has reached prominence in the biomedical literature.
The Impact of General Usage of Stents on Short- and Long-Term Health Care Costs following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Odell Annika , Landelius Per , Åström-Olsson Karin , Grip Lars
Published: April 2017

Background: The general usage of stents during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reduces the need for subsequent repeated revascularizations when compared with balloon dilatation. The aim was to evaluate the impact of stenting on short- and long-term in-hospital care costs after PCI. Method and Results: Patients who underwent PCI from July 1992 to June 1993 (group A, n = 166; 4.2% stents) and from July 1996 to June 1997 (group B, n = 233; 61.4% stents) were included. The clinical outcome and all in-hospital care costs during 2.5 years following the procedures were analyzed. During the study period the number of deaths and acute myocardial infarctions was similar in the groups, but repeated revascularization occurred more often in group A than in group B (53.6 vs. 39.5%; p = 0.007). The initial procedural cost per patient was higher in group B than in group A (EUR 7,653 ± 5,071 vs. EUR 6,048 ± 3,242; p = 0.002), but after 2.5 years the costs were similar in the 2 groups (not significant). Conclusion: General usage of stents increases immediate health care cost compared with balloon dilatation, but despite reduction in subsequent revascularization, there is no reduction in long-term in-hospital costs.
Diversity of the C-Terminal Portion of the Biphenyl Dioxygenase Large Subunit
Authors: Vézina Julie , Barriault Diane , Sylvestre Michel
Published: April 2017

The biphenyl dioxygenase (BPDO) catalyses a stereospecific dioxygenation of biphenyl and analogs of it. Aside from being involved in the destruction and detoxification of toxic pollutants in soil, in the context of the green chemistry concept, this enzyme is a promising biocatalyst to design new more selective and more environmentally friendly approaches to manufacture fine chemicals. At this time, most of our knowledge about the variability of key residues determining the substrate specificity and regiospecificity of the enzyme oxygenase component (BphAE) toward biphenyl analogs and about the effect of altering these residues on catalytic properties is based on investigations made with BphAEs from cultured organisms and engineered enzymes derived from them. The purpose of this work was to examine the diversity of the amino acid sequence patterns of the α subunit (BphA) C-terminal domain deduced from PCR products amplified from DNA extracted from cultured bacteria of various phylogenetic lines and from the soil microflora of PCB-contaminated soils. Of special interest were segments of the C-terminal portion called regions I, III and IV. Altogether, the phylogenetic tree obtained from aligning the deduced amino acid sequences of BphAs C-terminal domain from cultured bacteria belonging to various ecological niches and from uncultured soil bacteria reveals that most of the BphAs were linked to the three clusters of BphAs previously reported. However, few belong to new branches that diverge from the previously known branches showing a high diversity of BphAs in natural environment. Furthermore, data show a wide distribution of BphAs with family linkages that not only crosses bacterial taxonomic frontiers but also ecological niches. Nevertheless, in spite of this divergence, the sequence patterns of regions III and IV amino acids that are known to influence substrate specificity and regiospecificity are rather conserved among BphAs and the pattern was independent of the family cluster to which they belong. In most cases, regions III and IV amino acid patterns are closer to those of Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes KF707 BphA1 than to the most versatile Burkholderia xenovorans LB400 BphA. This might suggest that the PCB-degrading potency of soil bacteria is closer to the one observed for KF707 BphAE than from LB400 BphAE. However, the fact that among less than 20 PCR products amplified from soil DNA that we have sequenced, one of them was very homologous to that of LB400 BphA and in addition, residues 335 and 336 of LB400 were replaced by residues that previous enzyme engineering had shown to extend the range of PCB substrate used by the enzyme strongly suggest that PCB-degrading bacteria are evolving in soil to optimize their PCB-degrading capacity.
Neuroendocrine-Immune Interactions in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Mechanisms of Glucocorticoid Resistance
Authors: Silverman Marni N. , Sternberg Esther M.
Published: April 2017

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the synovial membrane, leading to joint destruction. Many autoimmune diseases and disease states of chronic inflammation are accompanied by alterations in the complex interactions between the endocrine, nervous and immune systems. Glucocorticoids, an end product of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, are a mainstay treatment for many autoimmune diseases, including RA, because of their potent anti-inflammatory action. However, about 30% of patients with RA fail to respond to steroid therapy. There are various mechanisms that may contribute to the development of glucocorticoid resistance in inflammatory disorders, which will be the subject of this review. In addition, glucocorticoid resistance may be a contributing factor in the development of inflammatory/autoimmune diseases themselves. Therefore, further elucidation of these mechanisms will reveal new targets for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of RA.
Superficial Lymphangitis after Arthropod Bite: A Distinctive but Underrecognized Entity?
Authors: Marque Myriam , Girard Céline , Guillot Bernard , Bessis Didier
Published: April 2017

Background: Acute bacterial lymphangitis is a common occurrence after skin damage. This diagnosis is often made in case of red linear streaks after arthropod bites, leading to the prescription of oral antibiotics. In this setting, noninfectious superficial lymphangitis after arthropod bites, an eruption rarely mentioned in the medical literature, appears as a diagnostic challenge. Objective: Our purpose was to study the clinical and histopathological features of this underrecognized condition. Methods: We collected the observations of six consecutive patients seen between the years 2003 and 2006, who developed an acute linear erythematous eruption along lymphatic vessels, mimicking common bacterial lymphangitis. Standard histological examinations were completed by immunopathological staining using the monoclonal antibody D2-40, a highly selective marker of lymphatic endothelium. Extensive review of the literature about acute noninfectious superficial lymphangitis was performed. Results: The clinical presentation and histological findings excluded an infectious etiology and suggested superficial lymphangitis after an arthropod bite in all the observations. Conclusions: This article analyzes the clinical and histological features of noninfectious superficial lymphangitis after arthropod bite, a benign underrecognized condition mimicking common bacterial lymphangitis. Physicians should be aware of this benign reaction to avoid the useless prescription of antibiotics.
Influence of Infants on Female Social Relationships in Monkeys
Authors: Maestnpieri Dana
Published: April 2017

A critical evaluation of the literature and a cost/benefit analysis suggest that changes in affiliation patterns in female monkeys following the birth of infants should be mediated by female reproductive state and dominance rank and infant characteristics such as age and sex. Several predictions concerning the effects of these variables were tested on dyadic interactions between lactating pigtail macaque (Macaca nemestrina) females and other lactating or pregnant females. Dyads composed of lactating females spent more time in proximity, contact and grooming than dyads composed of lactating and pregnant females. Association with other lactating females was mainly due to lower-ranking females that may gain benefits such as increased tolerance and support from their partners. Infant handling by lactating females had a higher percentage of harassment episodes than handling by pregnant females. Among dyads composed of two lactating females, affiliative interactions were inversely correlated with rank distance. It is suggested that the presence of infants may influence female social dynamics at the group level to a greater extent than previously thought.
The Anterior Dentition of Adapids and Anthropoid Origins
Authors: Greenfield Leonard O.
Published: April 2017

A recent discussion of the anterior teeth of adapids led to the conclusion that similarities to anthropoids are convergent. It is shown here that alternative functional and phylogenetic inteφretations can be supported. These alternative inteφretations are based on a different perspective on the anterior dentitions of extant and fossil anthropoids, which cannot be characterized by a single pattern of morphology and occlusion. More importantly, when this interspecific variation is placed within a phylogenetic framework it reveals persistent evolutionary trends that can be extrapolated back to infer a modest range of probable conditions in an Eocene anthropoid ancestor. The moφhology and occlusion of adapid anterior teeth fall within this extrapolated range. This is compatible with an adapid ancestry for anthropoids.
Riverine Barriers and Gene Flow in Amazonian Saddle-Back Tamarins
Authors: Peres Carlos A. , Patton James L. , da Silvac Maria Nazareth F.
Published: April 2017

We describe patterns of genotypic and phenotypic variation in saddle-back tamarin (Saguinus fuscicollis) populations along the central and upper Rio Juruá, western Brazilian Amazonia. The genetic data are sequence haplotypes of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene; phenotypic data are pelage colour variants that define sharply demarcated subspecies of this extremely variable tamarin species. We show that gene flow occurs between adjacent subspecies, but that this phenomenon is restricted to the headwater section of the river, which is consistent with expectations from the riverine barrier hypothesis. In this model, the major first-order tributaries of the Amazon form effective barriers to dispersal, with between-bank gene flow limited to the narrowed sections of headwater streams and parallel divergence increasing along both banks from the headwaters to the mouth of a given river. In meandering rivers such as the Rio Juruá, we suggest passive transfer through river channel dynamics as the main mechanism permitting genetic contact between populations on opposite banks of the river. Finally, we argue that in the case of plant and animal species that are largely restricted to unflooded (terra firme) forests, such as tamarins, seasonally flooded (várzea) forest can operate as a critical additional barrier to between-bank gene flow.
Waser’s Gas Model Applied to Associations between Red Colobus and Diana Monkeys in the Taï National Park, Ivory Coast
Authors: Holenweg Anna-Katherina , Noë Ronald , Schabet Maria
Published: April 2017

We performed a study on the association between a group of red colobus monkeys (Colobus badius) and a group of Diana monkeys (Cercopithecus diana) in the Taï National Park, Ivory Coast. The groups spent more than 62% of observation time together. We were able to show that the association rate was higher than would be expected on the basis of chance encounters alone by comparing the observed data with a null model known as Waser’s gas model. The two study groups had almost identical home ranges and hardly ever associated with conspecific groups. The red colobus group was primarily responsible for the initiation and maintenance of associations. At another site in West Africa (Tiwai Island, Sierra Leone), these species did not associate more often than expected by chance. The predation pressure on Tiwai Island is considerably lower than in Taï. This suggests that reduction of predation risk could be the main ultimate cause for association between red colobus and Diana groups in Taï.
The Clinical Significance of Communication between Abdominal Splanchnic Arteries
Authors: Verstraete M. , Vandenbroucke J.
Published: April 2017

The normal anatomy of the splanchnic vessels and the different connecting circuits between the coeliac artery and superior mesenteric artery and between the superior and inferior mesenteric artery have been described. It was pointed out that in presence of a high resistance due to stenosis or occlusion in one of these vessels, the blood flow will be diverted even in reversed direction in one of the serpentine anastomoses. Therefore the presence of dilated anastomatic channels is good evidence of stenosis elsewhere; the former are seen more frequently in patients without clinical symptoms of intestinal ischaemia than in those in whom this is present, as was also demonstrated in 8 personal examples.
The Vasa Sanguinea Vasorum of the Fetal Aorta of Domestic Swine
Authors: Neumann F.
Published: April 2017

In 122 aortas of swine fetuses of various ages the vasa sanguinea vasorum were investigated. The repartition of the vasa sanguinea vasorum was affected by age and the thickness of the media. Only aortic segments whose media included more than 29 lamellar units were vascularized.
The Role of the Endothelial Intercellular Junctions in the Functioning of the Initial Lymphatics
Authors: Casley-Smith J.R.
Published: April 2017

The fine structure of the initial lymphatics is discussed, especially that relating to the endothelial intercellular junctions and the structures (e.g., extracellular filaments) which relate to their functioning. Material enters the initial lymphatics basically via the open junctions; it is retained in them because these junctions become too small for macromolecules to traverse them during tissue compression. Various theories about what causes material to enter the lymphatics are examined. It is suggested that, except in oedema when hydrostatic pressure is important, the osmotic pressure produced by the concentration of macromolecules inside the lymphatics causes fluid to enter the vessels and that the macromolecules are carried by the fluid. The concentration is considered to be caused by the expulsion of fluid through the junctions during tissue compression.
Comparative Study of the Sarcoplasmic Proteins of Vascular and Some Other Cow Smooth and Striated Muscles by Starch-Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Matagne D. , Hamoir G.
Published: April 2017

To extend the application of starch-gel electrophoresis to the sarcoplasmic proteins of vertebrate smooth muscle, these extracts must be fractionated by acidification at pH 5 and by ammonium sulphate at 45 % saturation in order to remove the structural proteins and some contaminants which impede the resolution. The extracts of six cow muscles – a white skeletal one, a red skeletal one, the cardiac, stomach, uterus, and carotid muscles – have been analyzed by this method. The patterns have been stained for the major glycolytic enzymes. Enolase, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) make discrimination of the smooth and the striated muscles possible. The smooth muscles contain a much lower amount of glycolytic enzymes and a large number of nonglycolytic bands. Their LDH isoenzymic distribution confirms their high aerobicity. Although many bands are common to the three smooth muscles examined, starch-gel electrophoresis is also able to detect protein differences between the smooth vertebrate muscles of the same species.
Studies on the Mechanism of the Venoconstrictor Activity of Ergotamine on Isolated Canine Saphenous Veins
Authors: Müller-Schweinitzer Else , Stürmer Egon
Published: April 2017

Ergotamine stimulates spiral strips from dog saphenous veins in concentrations about 2,000 times lower than that of noradrenaline, but its maximal effect is only 20% compared to that of noradrenaline. Phentolamine antagonizes the ergotamine effects. The pA2 value for phentolamine against ergotamine is 6.94, and for phentolamine against noradrenaline it is 6.96. Cocaine potentiates noradrenaline effects but does not change ergotamine effects. The results suggest that the venoconstrictor activity of ergotamine is mediated mainly via stimulation of α-adrenoceptors.
Diffusion through the Vessel Wall of Transmitter Released by Sympathetic Stimulation
Authors: Doležel S. , Gerová M. , Gero J. , Feit J.
Published: April 2017

The disposition of sympathetic transmitter within the wall of rat femoral and rabbit saphenous arteries has been studied during sympathetic stimulation. Using a histochemical fluorescence technique, sharply delineated bead-like fluorescent spots representing sympathetic nerve terminals were found at the adventitiomedial junction. In specimens excised during sympathetic nerve stimulation, the entire media was veiled by fluorescent material representing noradrenaline which had diffused into that layer after release. The localization of the nerve terminals in controls as well as diffusion of transmitter during stimulation in the rat femoral artery was corroborated by autoradiography of tritiated noradrenaline.
Responses of the Internal Carotid Artery to Different Endogenous Vasoconstrictor Substances
Authors: Mchedlishvili George , Ormotsadze Leila
Published: April 2017

In order to study the action of serotonin (5-HT), noradrenaline (NA), hypertensin (HT), prostaglandins A1, B1 and E2 (PGA1, PGB1 and PGE2) and vasopressin (VP), internal carotid arteries were isolated in situ from both cerebral and general circulation and perfused continuously with oxygenated Ringers’ bicarbonate solution. The order of potencies of the vasoactive substances when administered intra-arterially was: 5-HT > HT > PGE2- > PGB1 > NA. The relative duration of the constrictor effects was: 5-HT < PGA1- < HT and PGE2 < PGB1 and NA < VP. The relaxation index of these substances on the vascular wall was: 5-HT < PGE2 < HT < PGB1- < NA < PGA1 < VP. Some of these substances, specifically PGB1 PGE2 and VP, frequently caused a residual constriction of the smooth muscle following their dilator effect. The role of these vasoactive substances in the development of vasospasm is discussed.
Norepinephrine Sensitivity, Tension Development and Neuronal Uptake in Resistance Arteries from Spontaneously Hypertensive and Normotensive Rats
Authors: Whall, Jr. Clifford W. , Myers Michael M. , Halpern William
Published: April 2017

Intact segments of mesenteric resistance arteries (200 µm) from 5-month-old spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were tested for norepinephrine (NE) sensitivity. Dose-response curves were obtained both before and after adrenergic denervation produced by short-term, in vitro, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) treatment. NE sensitivities of innervated vessels were the same in SHR and WKY rats, however, after 6-OHDA, not only did both ED50s show significant decreases (8.7- and 3.8-fold, respectively), but the ED50 of SHR vessels was half that of WKY (NE sensitivity increased twofold). In addition there was a 33% increase in wall tension generated in response to maximum NE stimulation, and a 44% increase in neuronal NE uptake in the SHR vessels. These results show that several important alterations have occurred in resistance vessels from SHR rats in the established phase of hypertension. The relationship of the increase in neuronal uptake to the increased total peripheral resistance and increased vascular reactivity commonly seen in SHR perfused beds and whole animals is unknown. However, the increases in NE sensitivity and in maximum NE wall tension could contribute to increases in both of these characteristics.
Transmural Nerve Stimulation of Blood Vessels in vitro: a Critical Examination
Authors: Duckles Sue Piper , Silverman Robert W.
Published: April 2017

Use of the method of transmural nerve stimulation depends on the assumption that stimulation parameters can be chosen to selectively and maximally activate nerves without stimulating vascular smooth muscle directly. When commercial stimulators are used with low impedance electrodes, it may not be possible to validate this assumption, due to the limited current output in this situation. To circumvent this limitation a coupling device which provides a very low source impedance to the electrodes is described. Using this device in experiments on preparations of rabbit ear artery, we have demonstrated that it is possible to selectively activate nerves, without stimulating smooth muscle directly. Adrenergic nerve activation was blocked with guanethidine, phentolamine or tetrodotoxin, while responses to direct smooth muscle activation persist in the presence of these drugs. Appropriate parameters for supramaximal nerve stimulation vary with the type of preparation and electrode arrangement. The possibility of variation with tissue and species is also discussed.
Arterial Morphometry in Neonatal and Infant Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Karr-Dullien Vivian , Bloomquist Eunice I. , Beringer Theodore , El-Bermani Al-Walid I.
Published: April 2017

Media/lumen area ratios and density of arteries and arterioles were obtained from tail sections of newborn and 2-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) on prenatal/postnatal high salt diets or standard salt diets. Fixation was by a solution which caused minimal contraction and no differences in contractile response between SHR and WKY. Standard salt SHR of both ages demonstrated significantly greater media/lumen ratios in intermediate size arterioles but not in smaller or larger arterial categories. Prenatal high salt caused significant medial thickening in 49- to 58-µm arterioles of newborn SHR. Maintenance on high salt to 2 weeks caused significant medial thickening in SHR arterioles of 19–38 µm outside diameter. High salt significantly increased the density of terminal arterioles in 2-week SHR.
Glucose Dependence of Sequential Norepinephrine Contractions of Vascular Smooth Muscle
Authors: Adams G.R. , Dillon P.F.
Published: April 2017

The effects of successive, norepinephrine (NE)-stimulated, contractions of porcine carotid artery intima-media strips as a function of recovery medium were studied. Recovery following NE stimulation required the presence of glucose in the bathing medium for subsequent force production in response to NE stimulation. Potassium stimulation following failed NE contractions produced maximal contractions. Phosphorous nuclear magnetic resonance studies under similar conditions indicated that the energy state of the tissue was not impaired during and after recovery from NE stimulation without glucose. This study shows that the phasic phase of norepinephrine-stimulated contractions is dependent on the availability of extracellular glucose during the poststimulation recovery period for successive NE contractions.