bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DNA methylation profiles of immune response‐related genes in apical periodontitis
Authors: Wichnieski C. , Maheshwari K. , Souza L. C. , Nieves F. , Tartari T. , Garlet G. P. , Carneiro E. , Letra A. , Silva R. M. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimTo investigate the DNA methylation profiles of immune response‐related genes in apical periodontitis (AP) lesions.MethodologyThe methylation profiles on the cytosine‐phosphate‐guanine (CpG) regions of 22 gene promoters involved in inflammation and autoimmunity were assessed in 60 human AP lesions and 24 healthy periodontal ligaments (controls) using a pathway‐specific real‐time polymerase chain reaction array (EpiTect® Methyl Signature PCR Array Human Inflammatory Response). Differentially methylated genes were subsequently assessed for their mRNA expression. Data analyses (One‐way anova, Tukey's multiple comparisons tests and Mann–Whitney tests) were performed using GraphPad Prism 6 software. P values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsSignificant DNA hypermethylation was observed for CXCL3 and FADD gene promoters in AP lesions when compared to control tissues (P < 0.001) and among other genes (P < 0.05). In contrast, IL12B and IL4R were associated with significant hypomethylation in comparison to other genes (P < 0.05). IL12B, IL4R, CXCL3 and FADD had differential mRNA expression in AP lesions and controls (P < 0.001).ConclusionsDifferential methylation profiles of immune response‐related genes, such as FADD, CXCL3, IL12B and IL4R, may have an influence on individual AP susceptibility and patient treatment outcomes, through their potential contributions to altered expression of disease‐relevant genes. Methylation and/or genetic variations in additional genes may also contribute to the dynamics of AP development and should be considered in future studies.
Safety and efficacy of topical cantharidin for the treatment of pediatric molluscum contagiosum: a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled pilot trial
Authors: Guzman Anthony K. , Schairer David O. , Garelik Jessica L. , Cohen Steven R. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractTopical cantharidin is a commonly used treatment for molluscum contagiosum (MC). However, studies validating its safety and efficacy are limited. We conducted a 6‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial with subsequent open‐label extension to assess the safety and effectiveness of cantharidin in treating pediatric MC. Ninety‐four participants with MC were randomized to receive cantharidin or placebo, with or without occlusion. The primary outcome was complete lesion clearance. Secondary outcomes included post‐treatment lesion count, adverse events, and side effects. No significant differences between the study arms, including baseline lesion count, were observed. The overall mean (SD) baseline lesion count was 22.2 (12.9). The number of participants achieving total clearance is as follows: 7/23 (30.4%) in the cantharidin only arm, 10/24 (41.7%) in the cantharidin with occlusion arm, 2/25 (8.0%) in the placebo with occlusion arm, and 3/22 (13.6%) in the placebo only arm. Post hoc analysis demonstrated that 17/47 (36.2%) participants in the combined cantharidin arms achieved clearance compared to 5/47 (10.6%) in the placebo arms (P = 0.0065). The mean (SD) lesion count change from baseline was −5.1 (12.2) in the placebo only arm; the mean change (SD) was −17.4 (12.8) in the cantharidin only arm (P = 0.0033) and −15.9 (11.6) in the cantharidin with occlusion arm (P = 0.0101). No serious adverse events or side effects were observed. Topical cantharidin was well‐tolerated and associated with the resolution of MC.
EOCENE AND OLIGO‐MIOCENE SOURCE ROCKS IN THE RIONI AND KURA BASINS OF GEORGIA: DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENT AND PETROLEUM POTENTIAL
Authors: Pupp M. , Bechtel A. , Ćorić S. , Gratzer R. , Rustamov J. , Sachsenhofer R. F. 
Published: June 2018

For over a century, oil has been produced in Georgia from oilfields located in the foreland basins between the Greater and Lesser Caucasus foldbelts. To date, little information on the associated source rocks has been available. In this context, this paper presents a study of 380 samples of Eocene (Kuma Formation) and Oligocene to Lower Miocene (Maikop Group) source rocks from three outcrop sections in the Rioni and Kura Basins. The Kuma Formation in the Rioni Basin is composed of fully‐marine marls and is about 40 m thick. At the Martivili and Khobi sections, the formation is thermally immature and has an average TOC of 3.2 wt%. The hydrogen indices (HI) of 300–600 mg HC/g TOC indicate that the organic matter is oil‐prone Type II kerogen. The oil generation potential is between 1.0 and 2.4 t HC/m2, and the Kuma Formation is therefore interpreted as a prolific source rock.The Maikop Group in the Rioni Basin was studied at the Martvili section, where it is thermally immature. The Oligocene succession is divided by calcareous shales deposited during the Solenovian Event (at the onset of nannoplankton zone NP23) into Pshekhian and Solenovian‐to‐Kalmykian intervals. The Pshekhian interval (NP21‐22) is over 60 m thick and comprises a marly lower part and a shale‐rich upper part, and contains high quantities (average 2.7 wt% TOC) of Type II‐III kerogen (average HI: 278 mg HC/g TOC). The overlying largely carbonate‐free shale succession, 424 m thick, is less organic matter ‐rich (∼2.0 %TOC) and contains dominantly Type III kerogen (average HI: 140 mg HC/g TOC). In total, the Maikop Group has a generation potential of about 4 t HC/m2, a value which is higher than in most other sub‐basins in the Eastern Paratethys. Because the Rioni Basin continues westwards into the Black Sea, these results are relevant for future exploration in the eastern part of the Black Sea Basin.The Maikop Group in the western Kura Basin in the Tbilisi area is over 3500 m thick and includes numerous sandstone beds. Because of the great thickness of the Maikop Group and the presence of about 3 km of overburden, which was removed during Miocene to Recent unroofing, potential source rocks in the Eocene to Lower Oligocene succession have reached oil window maturities but their hydrocarbon potential is low.
ORGANIC GEOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF POTENTIAL CENOZOIC SOURCE ROCKS IN THE MOGHAN BASIN, NW IRAN: IMPLICATIONS FOR HYDROCARBON EXPLORATION
Authors: Mirshahani M. , Bahrami H. , Rashidi M. , Tarhandeh E. , Khani B. 
Published: June 2018

A detailed organic geochemical evaluation of potential source rock samples (n = 350) collected from outcrops and wells in the Cenozoic Moghan Basin, NW Iran, was undertaken using whole rock (Rock‐Eval pyrolysis, organic petrography) and extract (GC and GC‐MS) analyses. The studied intervals consist of Eocene to Miocene shale/sandstone successions interpreted to have been deposited in nearshore marine conditions. Three potential source rock intervals were investigated: the Salm Aghaji Formation (lower Middle Eocene), the lower member of the Ojagheshlagh Formation (upper Middle Eocene), and the Ziveh Formation (Oligo‐Miocene). The results were used to evaluate the samples' petroleum potential and thermal maturity.A range of maturity parameters indicate that these source rocks are in the early oil generation window in the study area, and outcrop samples are less mature than subsurface samples. Rock‐Eval Tmaxvalues for the outcrop and subsurface samples range from 410–442 °C and 438–445 °C, respectively. At a regional scale, there is an eastwards increase in thermal maturity which reaches the main oil window (ca. 3000 m) in the east of the Moghan Basin, as indicated by both VRomeasurements and maturity‐sensitive biomarkers. Fair to moderate TOC contents (averaging 0.72, 0.99 and 0.78 wt.%) were recorded respectively for the Salm Aghaji, Ojagheshlagh and Ziveh Formations. Average HI values of less than 200 mg HC/g TOC (131, 178 and 104 respectively for the three formations) indicate the dominance of Type III kerogen. This is consistent with detailed molecular parameters which show a dominance of C29steranes over C27and C28homologues. These observations are interpreted to indicate a nearshore marine depositional environment with an abundant terrigenous organic matter input. However, HI values of several samples fall into the range of 250 to 650 mg HC/g TOC showing the local presence of Type II kerogen. Thus the geochemistry and maturity results from this study suggest that shale‐rich intervals in the Salm Aghaji, Ojagheshlagh and Ziveh Formations may be potential source rocks for the oil shows which have been recorded in wells in the Moghan Basin.
Effect of vitamin E supplementation in milk replacer and Shiga toxoid vaccination on serum α‐tocopherol, performance, haematology and blood chemistry in male Holstein calves
Authors: Schmidt Nadine , Luhmann Tim , Hüther Liane , Meyer Ulrich , Barth Stefanie A. , Geue Lutz , Menge Christian , Frahm Jana , Dänicke Sven 
Published: June 2018

AbstractVitamin E (vit E), an essential antioxidant for maintaining the stability of biological membranes and the function of the immune system, is considered to support adaptive immune responses and performance in cattle. The principal virulence factor of Shiga toxin (Stx)‐producingEscherichia coli(STEC), the eponymous Stx, modulates cellular immune responses in cattle, the primarySTECreservoir. Active and passive immunization of calves with Shiga toxoids (rStxMUT) was recently shown to reduce theSTECshedding. Here, we examined the influence of vit E on calves' serum α‐tocopherol, performance, haematology, blood chemistry and its interaction withrStxMUTimmunization. Data from calves having received passive (colostrum from immunized cows) and active (intramuscularly at 5th and 8th weeks of life) vaccination withrStxMUT(n = 24) were compared to unvaccinated controls (n = 24; fed with low anti‐Stx colostrum, placebo injected). For each vaccination group, data were analysed according to the level of vit E supplementation offered by milk replacer (188 IU all‐rac‐α‐tocopheryl acetate daily [VitEM] vs. 354 IU [VitEH]). An increase by 79% in daily vit E supplementation led to slightly higher serum α‐tocopherol level and earlier concentrate intake at the beginning of the experiment without significant differences in live weight gain, haematology, blood chemistry parameters and peripheralCD4+andCD8+T‐cell subpopulations.rStxMUTvaccination modulated theCD4+/CD8+ratio irrespective of vit E supplementation but decreased concentrate intake in VitEHin a time‐dependent manner. Results of our study indicate that an increase in daily vit E supplementation vastly fails to exert effects on laboratory parameters and growth performance. However, observed interactive effects of vit E supply and vaccination on the regulation of feed intake deserves further attention.
The Arabidopsis USL1 controls multiple aspects of development by affecting late endosome morphology
Authors: Yuan Rongrong , Lan Jingqiu , Fang Yuxing , Yu Hao , Zhang Jinzhe , Huang Jiaying , Qin Genji 
Published: June 2018

Summary

The polar transport of auxin controls many aspects of plant development. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying auxin tranport regulation remain to be further elucidated.

We identified a mutant named as usl1 (unflattened and small leaves) in a genetic screen in Arabidopsis thaliana. The usl1 displayed multiple aspects of developmental defects in leaves, embryogenesis, cotyledons, silique phyllotaxy and lateral roots in addition to abnormal leaves. USL1 encodes a protein orthologous to the yeast vacuolar protein sorting (Vps) 38p and human UV RADIATION RESISTANCE‐ASSOCIATED GENE (UVRAG). Cell biology, Co‐IP/MS and yeast two‐hybrid were used to identify the function of USL1.

USL1 colocalizes at the subcellular level with VPS29, a key factor of the retromer complex that controls auxin transport. The morphology of the VPS29‐associated late endosomes (LE) is altered from small dots in the wild‐type to aberrant enlarged circles in the usl1 mutants. The usl1 mutant synergistically interacts with vps29. We also found that USL1 forms a complex with AtVPS30 and AtVPS34.

We propose that USL1 controls multiple aspects of plant development by affecting late endosome morphology and by regulating the PIN1 polarity. Our findings provide a new layer of the understanding on the mechanisms of plant development regulation.
A novel balloon technique to induce intra‐abdominal hypertension and its effects on cardiovascular parameters in a conscious dog model
Authors: Jang Min , Son Won‐gyun , Jo Sang‐min , Kim Hyunseok , Shin Chi Won , Lee Inhyung 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate a new balloon technique to induce intra‐abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome in a conscious dog model, and to evaluate the effect of intra‐abdominal pressure (IAP) on cardiovascular, respiratory, and arterial blood gas values in conscious dogs with IAH.DesignProspective, experimental study.SettingUniversity‐based small animal research facility.AnimalsSix healthy Beagle dogs, 4 males, and 2 females.InterventionsA new balloon device designed for this study using a Foley urethral catheter and latex balloon was placed in the abdominal cavity. Consecutive measurements of IAP were made by measuring the intravesicular pressure. The abdomen was inflated with air to IAPs of 10, 15, 20, and 25 mm Hg. Heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic arterial blood pressure, and arterial blood gases were evaluated at baseline and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 120, 240, and 300 minutes after IAP increase.Measurements and Main ResultsThe air insufflated into the intra‐abdominal balloon device significantly increased the IAP and led to sustained IAH. The respiratory rate increased significantly (P< 0.05) when IAP was increased to 15, 20, and 25 mm Hg. Although heart rate, systolic arterial blood pressure, PaO2, and PaCO2did not show statistically significant differences between baseline and posttreatment values over time, the dogs with increased IAP showed a distended abdomen and apparent discomfort, and 4/6 (67%) vomited. After measurement of IAP, air was removed. There were no adverse effects noted after removal of the balloon device.ConclusionThe balloon device was successfully insufflated and led to sustained IAH in conscious dogs. This balloon technique does not require general anesthesia for instillation or removal of gas after installment. An acute IAP increase in normal conscious dogs induced discomfort, vomiting, and increased respiratory effort.
Association of LACC1, CEBPB-PTPN1, RIPK2 and ADO-EGR2 with ocular Behcet’s disease in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Wu Pengcheng , Du Liping , Hou Shengping , Su Guannan , Yang Lu , Hu Jiayue , Deng Jing , Cao Qingfeng , Yuan Gangxiang , Zhou Chunjiang , Kijlstra Aize , Yang Peizeng 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundAn Immunochip study recently identified the association of a number of new genetic loci with Behcet’s disease (BD).ObjectiveTo confirm the association between new genetic loci reported in an Immunochip study and BD in a Han Chinese population.MethodsA two-stage association study was carried out in 1238 patients with BD and 1458 healthy controls. Twenty-two candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected for genotyping by iPLEXGold genotyping or TaqMan SNP assays and a meta-analysis was performed for significantly associated markers.ResultsThe results showed that four SNPs (LACC1/rs9316059, CEBPB-PTPN1/rs913678, ADO-EGR2/rs224127 and RIPK2/rs10094579) were associated with BD in an allelic association test (rs9316059 T allele: pc=4.95×10−8, OR=0.687; rs913678 C allele: pc=3.01×10−4, OR=1.297; rs224127 A allele: pc=3.77×10−4, OR=1.274; rs10094579 A allele: pc=6.93×10−4, OR=1.302). For four SNPs tested by meta-analysis, the association with BD was strengthened and all exceeded genome-wide significance (rs9316059: p=2.96×10−16; rs913678: p=2.09×10−16; rs224127: p=5.28×10−13; rs10094579: p=9.21×10−11).ConclusionsOur findings confirmed the association of four loci (LACC1, CEBPB-PTPN1, ADO-EGR2 and RIPK2) in Chinese Han patients with BD.
Long-term use of adalimumab as monotherapy after attainment of low disease activity with adalimumab plus methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Keystone Edward C , Breedveld Ferdinand C , Kupper Hartmut , Li Yihan , Florentinus Stefan , Sainsbury Iain 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveTo evaluate long-term clinical, functional and radiographic outcomes in an open-label extension (OLE) study in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving adalimumab monotherapy or adalimumab+methotrexate following attainment of low disease activity (LDA) with adalimumab+methotrexate.MethodsMethotrexate-naive patients with early RA were randomised to adalimumab, methotrexate or adalimumab +methotrexate in a double-blind, 2-year study. Patients who completed the study and achieved LDA (28-joint Disease Activity Score using C reactive protein (DAS28(CRP)<3.2) could receive adalimumab monotherapy for up to 8 additional years in the OLE; open-label methotrexate could be added per investigator’s discretion. This post hoc analysis included data up to OLE year 3 (study year 5) from patients receiving adalimumab+methotrexate who achieved LDA at year 2 followed by adalimumab monotherapy or methotrexate reinitiation. Normal physical function was defined as Disability Index of the Health Assessment Questionnaire <0.5 and radiographic non-progression as change in modified total Sharp score ≤0.5.ResultsOf 140 patients initiating adalimumab monotherapy, 84 (60%) received adalimumab only (methotrexate non-use) and 56 (40%) reinitiated methotrexate (methotrexate use) during OLE treatment. Median (IQR) time to first methotrexate use was 5.1 (0.1–31.4) weeks. Among methotrexate users, 61% retained LDA, 48% achieved DAS28(CRP) <2.6, 45% had normal physical function and 46% had no radiographic progression at year 5; for non-users, 63%, 50%, 58% and 50%, respectively, achieved these milestones. Adverse event rates were similar between methotrexate non-use and use patients.ConclusionsAdalimumab monotherapy effectively maintained good clinical, functional and radiographic outcomes for up to 3 additional years in ≥50% of patients who attained LDA after 2 years of adalimumab+methotrexate therapy.Trial registration numberNCT00195663; Post-results.
Survey of dry cow management on UK commercial dairy farms
Authors: Fujiwara Mayumi , Haskell Marie J , Macrae Alastair I , Rutherford Kenneth M D 
Published: June 2018

Dry period management of the dairy cow focuses on maximising milk production during the subsequent lactation but may include procedures that negatively affect dry cow health and welfare. A survey of dairy farmers in the UK was conducted to investigate dry cow management procedures. The questionnaire was completed by 148 farmers. Most farms (84 per cent) kept dry cows in dynamic social groups. The median length of the dry period was 56 days, and 83 per cent of farms stopped milking abruptly, regardless of milk production level at dry‐off. Twenty‐seven per cent of cows from respondent farms produced more than 20 kg of milk per day at dry‐off. The majority of farms (78 per cent) used antibiotic dry cow intramammary tubes at dry‐off, in combination with internal or external teat sealants. Procedures that were commonly practised and potentially stressful for dry cows included abrupt cessation of milking of high yielding cows and frequent changes in diet and social environment.
High salt intake shifts the mechanisms of flow-induced dilation in the middle cerebral arteries of Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Matic Anita , Jukic Ivana , Stupin Ana , Baric Lidija , Mihaljevic Zrinka , Unfirer Sanela , Tartaro Bujak Ivana , Mihaljevic Branka , Lombard Julian H. , Drenjancevic Ines 
Published: June 2018

The goal of the present study was to examine the effect of 1 wk of high salt (HS) intake and the role of oxidative stress in changing the mechanisms of flow-induced dilation (FID) in isolated pressurized middle cerebral arteries of male Sprague-Dawley rats ( n = 15–16 rats/group). Reduced FID in the HS group was restored by intake of the superoxide scavenger tempol (HS + tempol in vivo group). The nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin, and selective inhibitor of microsomal cytochrome P-450 epoxidase activity N-(methylsulfonyl)-2-(2-propynyloxy)-benzenehexanamide significantly reduced FID in the low salt diet-fed group, whereas FID in the HS group was mediated by NO only. Cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA (but not protein) expression was decreased in the HS and HS + tempol in vivo groups. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and VEGF protein levels were increased in the HS group but decreased in the HS + tempol in vivo group. Assessment by direct fluorescence of middle cerebral arteries under flow revealed significantly reduced vascular NO levels and increased superoxide/reactive oxygen species levels in the HS group. These results suggest that HS intake impairs FID and changes FID mechanisms to entirely NO dependent, in contrast to the low-salt diet-fed group, where FID is NO, prostanoid, and epoxyeicosatrienoic acid dependent. These changes were accompanied by increased lipid peroxidation products in the plasma of HS diet-fed rats, increased vascular superoxide/reactive oxygen species levels, and decreased NO levels, together with increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and VEGF.NEW & NOTEWORTHY High-salt (HS) diet changes the mechanisms of flow-induced dilation in rat middle cerebral arteries from a combination of nitric oxide-, prostanoid-, and epoxyeicosatrienoic acid-dependent mechanisms to, albeit reduced, a solely nitric oxide-dependent dilation. In vivo reactive oxygen species scavenging restores flow-induced dilation in HS diet-fed rats and ameliorates HS-induced increases in the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and expression of its downstream target genes.