bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of effectiveness and safety of excimer lamp vs topical calcipotriol‐clobetasol propionate combination in the treatment of palmoplantar psoriasis
Authors: Thakur Abhishek , Bishnoi Anuradha , Dogra Sunil , Narang Tarun 
Published: February 2018

SummaryBackgroundVery few studies have assessed the efficacy of excimer in the treatment of palmoplantar psoriasis (PPP), and none has compared the excimer with calcipotriol‐clobetasol propionate combination.PurposeTo compare the effectiveness and safety of excimer lamp vs topical ointment containing calcipotriol (0.005% w/w) and clobetasol propionate (0.05% w/w) combination in PPP.MethodsThis right‐left randomization trial included 36 patients with PPP, who received treatment with excimer lamp (twice weekly) on one side and calcipotriol‐clobetasol combination (once daily) on another side for 12 weeks, followed by 8 weeks of follow‐up. Recruitment and response assessment was done by 2 experienced dermatologists (SD and TN) using modified palmoplantar pustular psoriasis area and severity index score (mPPPASI, originally devised for palmoplantar pustulosis, suitably modified to assess response in PPP).Primary outcome measure was percentage improvement in mPPPASI at 12 weeks, which was classified as minimal (≤25%), mild (>25%‐50%), moderate (>50%‐75%), and marked (>75%). Secondary outcome measures were the proportion of patients achieving >75% reduction in mPPPASI and the time taken to achieve it.ResultsOf 36 recruited patients, 33 completed treatment and 21 adhered to 8‐weeks follow‐up. The mean mPPPASI on the excimer‐treated sides reduced significantly from 7.75 ± 4.62 to 4.01 ± 4.07 (P < .001) at 12th week (end of the treatment) and 2.66 ± 3.97 at 20th week (at 8 weeks follow‐up). The mean mPPPASI on the calcipotriol‐clobetasol combination treated sides reduced significantly from 7.36 ± 4.46 to 3.55 ± 3.77 (P < .001) and 2.70 ± 3.97 at 12th week and 20th week, respectively. The reduction was significant for both treatment and the difference between the two was not statistically significant.Minimal, mild, moderate, and marked improvement was seen in 5/33 (15.2%) and 1/33 (3.0%), 6/33 (18.2%) and 8/33 (24.2%), 12/33 (36.4%) and 13/33 (39.4%), and 8/33 (24.2%) and 8/33 (24.2%) sides in the excimer and calcipotriol‐clobetasol combination, respectively. A total of 8 patients in each group achieved mPPPASI 75 at 12 weeks. The mPPPASI 75 was achieved at 2, 4, and 8 weeks in 1, 2, and 8 patients, respectively, using either modalities. The adverse effects (most commonly hyperpigmentation) were noted more frequently on the excimer‐treated sides; however, they were well tolerated.ConclusionBoth excimer lamp and calcipotriol‐clobetasol propionate combination are equally effective in the treatment of PPP.
A novel Meloidogyne incognita chorismate mutase effector suppresses plant immunity by manipulating the salicylic acid pathway and functions mainly during the early stages of nematode parasitism
Authors: Wang X. , Xue B. , Dai J. , Qin X. , Liu L. , Chi Y. , Jones J. T. , Li H. 
Published: February 2018

Meloidogyne incognita is the most economically important plant‐parasitic nematode. Meloidogyne incognita manipulates plant cell development and metabolism by injecting effectors from the oesophageal glands into the plant host. Chorismate mutase (CM) is one such effector that may contribute to successful parasitism by M. incognita. This investigation identified and functionally characterized a novel CM effector, Mi‐CM‐3, which is more similar to CMs from bacteria than from other phytoparasitic nematodes. Spatial and temporal expression assays showed Mi‐cm‐3 mRNA accumulates specifically in the subventral oesophageal glands and transcription is up‐regulated during the early parasitic stages of the nematode. In planta gene silencing of Mi‐cm‐3 attenuated nematode parasitism. In addition, Mi‐cm‐3 could fully restore the full virulence phenotype of the pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae by complementation when it was introduced into a mutant strain carrying a deletion in the CM gene. Transient expression of Mi‐CM‐3 caused a reduction in levels of salicylic acid (SA) and mRNA of gene PR1 in Nicotiana benthamiana in response to oomycete pathogen Phytophthora capsici infection, while confocal observations showed that Mi‐CM‐3 was localized within the cytoplasm and the nucleus, but not the plastids, of transfected N. benthamiana leaf cells. Constitutive expression of Mi‐CM‐3 in N. benthamiana plants inhibited root growth and increased susceptibility to M. incognita infection. These results provide direct experimental evidence to show that Mi‐CM‐3 may play an important role in suppressing plant immunity by regulating the SA pathway during the early parasitic stage of M. incognita so as to promote nematode parasitism.
Cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's dementia, and vascular dementia: the role of the clock‐drawing test
Authors: Allone Cettina , Lo Buono Viviana , Corallo Francesco , Bonanno Lilla , Palmeri Rosanna , Di Lorenzo Giuseppe , Marra Angela , Bramanti Placido , Marino Silvia 
Published: February 2018

AimCognitive impairment is present in several neurodegenerative disorders. The clock‐drawing test (CDT) represents a useful screening instrument for assessing the evolution of cognitive decline. The aim of this study was to investigate the sensitivity of the CDT in monitoring and differentiating the evolution of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's dementia (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), and Parkinson's disease (PD).MethodsThis study involved 139 patients, including 39 patients with PD and mild cognitive impairment, 16 demented PD patients, 21 VaD patients with mild cognitive impairment, 17 patients with VaD, 33 patients with mild cognitive impairment due to AD, and 13 patients with probable AD. All participants completed the CDT. The Mini‐Mental State Examination was administered to establish patients’ cognitive functioning.ResultsComparisons of quantitative and qualitative CDT scores showed significant differences between the various diseases. Impairment of executive functioning seems to be more pronounced in PD and VaD than in AD. Patients with AD committed more errors related to a loss of semantic knowledge, indicating a severely reduced capacity in abstract and conceptual thinking.ConclusionResults support the usefulness and sensitivity of the CDT in the detection of different dementia subtypes. Qualitative error analysis of the CDT may be helpful in differentiating PD, VaD, and AD, even in the early stages of each disease.
Profiling of miRNAs in neonatal cloned bovines with collapsed lungs and respiratory distress
Authors: Zhang FY , Yang N , Rao YF , Du WH , Hao HS , Zhao XM , Zhu HB , Liu Y 
Published: February 2018

ContentsNeonatal respiratory distress is a major mortality factor in cloned animals; however, the pathogenesis of this disease has rarely been investigated. Previous studies have shown that miRNAs regulate critical genes related to lung development, cell differentiation, surfactant synthesis, secretion and lung disease. This study aimed to examine differentially expressed miRNAs in collapsed lungs of cloned bovine neonates and normal lungs in order to identify key pathways and functions that might be related to the pathogenesis of neonatal respiratory distress. In this study, miRNA transcriptomes of collapsed lungs of neonatal cloned bovines and normal lungs were analysed by next‐generation sequencing and the results were validated using quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). A total of 177 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in the two groups (fold change > 2, RPM ≥ 5), some of which were associated with type II cell differentiation, for example, mmu‐miR‐29a‐5p_L‐2R+1, hsa‐miR‐200c‐5p_L‐1R+1 and mmu‐miR‐18a‐3p_R+1. The differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted to 6,031 target genes. By Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopeida of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) DATA base, 133 significant GO terms (p < .05) and 13 significant KEGG pathways (p < .05) were obtained. Many of them were associated with lung development and surfactant homoeostasis, such as lipid biosynthetic processes, protein transport, endocytosis, lysosome, endosome, Golgi apparatus and membrane. Our results of miRNAs express profiles may partially explain the respiratory distress and lung collapse in neonatal bovine clones and could provide novel insights into roles of miRNAs in regulation of lung collapse and neonatal respiratory distress in cloned farm animals.
Functional proteomic analysis of crossbred (Holstein Friesian × Sahiwal) bull spermatozoa
Authors: Singh R , Sengar GS , Singh U , Deb R , Junghare V , Hazra S , Kumar S , Tyagi S , Das AK , Raja TV , Kumar A 
Published: February 2018

ContentsMale infertility is one of the prime concerns of dairy cattle production. The study was designed to find out differentially expressed proteins in categorized crossbred (Holstein Friesian × Sahiwal) bull semen to serve as potential biomarkers for male infertility. Frozen crossbred bull semen with satisfactory phenotypic records were defined as “good” and “poor” based on their fertility rates. A total of 1,547 proteins were detected in bull spermatozoa using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometer (LC‐MS/MS) analysis. Results revealed that 558 (36.1%) and 653 (42.2%) proteins were expressed to good and poor quality bull spermatozoa, respectively. A total of 336 proteins (21.7%) were reported to be unique for both good and poor quality bull semen, and among the common proteins, 224 (66.7%) and 112 (33.3%) were up‐ and downregulated in good and poor quality categorized bull semen, respectively. Gene Ontology analysis of global proteomes identified different signalling pathways, and most of them were related to cellular motility, immune systems as well as cellular metabolisms. The distinctive presence of some of the proteins may provide an insight into the molecular mechanistic role played by these proteins in crossbred bull infertility.
Social innovation, social enterprise, and local public services: Undertaking transformation?
Authors: Sinclair Stephen , Mazzei Micaela , Baglioni Simone , Roy Michael J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis article discusses some of the challenges encountered in embedding effective and sustainable social enterprise and social innovation within established political institutional systems to deliver local welfare services. It draws upon evidence analyzing social innovation and social enterprise in Scotland to contribute to the debate over whether social innovations and social enterprises are able to meet expectations in addressing the significant challenges faced by welfare systems. The article clarifies the meaning of both these contested concepts and explains how social innovation and social enterprise relate to similar ideas in social and public policy. The evidence suggests that actually operating social enterprises and social innovations do not embrace the image of them promoted by enthusiasts as either “entrepreneurial” or “innovative”. Furthermore, they bring distinctive challenges in delivering local welfare services, including potential tensions or rivalry with existing public agencies. The article suggests that social enterprises and social innovations are not themselves instigators nor catalysts for systemic change, but that their impact is constrained by structural conditions and institutional factors beyond their control.
Allopolyploidization in Cucumis contributes to delayed leaf maturation with repression of redundant homoeologous genes
Authors: Yu Xiaqing , Wang Xixi , Hyldgaard Benita , Zhu Zaobing , Zhou Rong , Kjær Katrine Heinsvig , Ouzounis Theoharis , Lou Qunfeng , Li Ji , Cai Qingsheng , Rosenqvist Eva , Ottosen Carl‐Otto , Chen Jinfeng 
Published: February 2018

SummaryThe important role of polyploidy in plant evolution is widely recognized. However, many questions remain to be explored to address how polyploidy affects the phenotype of the plant. To shed light on the phenotypic and molecular impacts of allopolyploidy, we investigated the leaf development of a synthesized allotetraploid (Cucumis × hytivus), with an emphasis on chlorophyll development. Delayed leaf maturation was identified in C. × hytivus, based on delayed leaf expansion, initial chlorophyll deficiency in the leaves and disordered sink‐source transition. Anatomical observations also revealed disturbed chloroplast development in C. ×hytivus. The determination of chlorophyll biosynthesis intermediates suggested that the chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway of C. × hytivus is blocked at the site at which uroporphyrinogen III is catalysed to coproporphyrinogen III. Three chlorophyll biosynthesis‐related genes, HEMA1, HEME2 and POR, were significantly repressed in C. × hytivus. Sequence alignment showed both synonymous and non‐synonymous substitutions in the HEMA1, HEME2 and POR genes of the parents. Cloning of the chlorophyll biosynthetic genes suggested the retention of homoeologs. In addition, a chimeric clone of the HEMA1 gene that consisted of homologous genes from the parents was identified in C. × hytivus. Overall, our results showed that allopolyploidization in Cucumis has resulted in disturbed chloroplast development and reduced chlorophyll biosynthesis caused by the repressed expression of duplicated homologous genes, which further led to delayed leaf maturation in the allotetraploid, C. × hytivus. The preferential retention/loss of certain types of genes and non‐reciprocal homoeologous recombination were also supported in the present study, which provides new insights into the impact of allopolyploidy.
Treatment of acute kidney injury associated with cyclosporine overdose in a dog using hemodialysis and charcoal hemoperfusion
Authors: Segev Gilad , Cowgill Larry D. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the management of cyclosporine overdose using hemodialysis and hemoperfusion in a dog.Case SummaryA 6‐year‐old, spayed female Australian Shepherd was presented for treatment of cyclosporine overdose and acute kidney injury. Five days prior to presentation, the dog had been diagnosed by its referring veterinarian with immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia. Treatment was initiated with prednisone, but since no response was noted, azathioprine (50 mg PO q 24 h) and cyclosporine (6 mg/kg IV q 24 h) were added. On day 4, an overdose of cyclosporine (33 mg/kg IV) was administered accidentally. Upon presentation, serum biochemistry panel revealed azotemia [creatinine, 521.6 μmol/L (5.9 mg/dL); BUN, 59.3 mmol/L (166 mg/dL)], increased activities of liver enzymes, and hyperbilirubinemia. Due to the presumed diagnosis cyclosporine overdose and acute kidney injury, a combined hemodialysis and charcoal hemoperfusion treatment was planned. Hemosorba CH‐350 charcoal hemoperfusion cartridge was placed in series upstream in the extracorporeal circuit from the hemodialyzer. A 3‐hour treatment was performed and a total of 0.74 L/kg of blood was processed. Pretreatment blood cyclosporine concentration was 960 nmol/L (1154 ng/mL) and decreased to 440 nmol/L (529 ng/mL) posttreatment (54% fractional reduction, 18% per hour). Thirty‐one hours following treatment, blood cyclosporine concentration was 220 nmol/L (265 ng/mL; 1.5% decrease per hour). Twelve days following presentation to our hospital, the dog was euthanized due to lack of response to medical management.New or Unique Information ProvidedCombined hemodialysis and charcoal hemoperfusion treatment can significantly reduce blood cyclosporine concentrations following acute intoxication or overdosage, and should be considered as an option for decontamination in such cases.
Evaluation of nafamostat mesilate as an alternative anticoagulant during intermittent hemodialysis in healthy Beagle dogs
Authors: Choi Joon‐hyuk , Byun Seok‐yeong , Nam Aryung , Han Sei‐myoung , Lee Kyu‐pil , Song Kun‐ho , Youn Hwa‐young , Seo Kyoung‐won 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate nafamostat mesilate (NM) as an alternative anticoagulant agent for intermittent hemodialysis (IHD).DesignProspective randomized study.SettingUniversity teaching hospital.AnimalsEighteen healthy Beagle dogs.InterventionsIn group 1 (n = 6), NM was administered at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg/h during IHD for 5 hours. In group 2 (n = 6), NM was administered at a low dose of 0.25 mg/kg/h during IHD. In group 3 (n = 6), which was the control group, unfractionated heparin (UFH) was administered during IHD. The evaluated parameters included: the amount of residual blood clots in the blood chamber and arterial side of the dialyzer; the levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets; and the prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and activated clotting time (ACT).Measurements and Main ResultsGroups 1 and 2 successfully completed IHD without serious coagulation in the extracorporeal circulation. The residual blood clotting in the blood chamber and arterial side of the dialyzer did not significantly differ in groups 1 and 2 compared to group 3 (group 1 vs group 3, P = 1.000; and group 2 vs group 3, P = 1.000). No significant differences were observed between pre‐ and posttreatment PTs in groups 1 (P = 0.476) and 2 (P = 0.597), between pre‐ and posttreatment aPTTs in groups 1 (P = 0.983) and 2 (P = 0.977), and between pre‐ and posttreatment ACT in groups 1 (P = 0.282) and 2 (P = 0.401). In group 3, a significant elevation of ACT was observed at the posttest (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe results of this study in healthy Beagle dogs suggest that NM at 0.25 mg/kg/h may be a valid alternative to UFH for IHD. Further studies are needed in patients at high risk of bleeding.
Constitutive overexpression of periostin delays wound healing in mouse skin
Authors: Nunomura Satoshi , Nanri Yasuhiro , Ogawa Masahiro , Arima Kazuhiko , Mitamura Yasutaka , Yoshihara Tomohito , Hasuwa Hidetoshi , Conway Simon J. , Izuhara Kenji 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPeriostin is a matricellular protein involved in development, maintenance, and regulation of tissues and organs via by binding to cell surface integrin receptors. Pathologically, periostin plays an important role in the process of wound healing: as a deficiency of the Postn gene delays wound closure and periostin is consistently up‐regulated in response to injury and skin diseases. However, the functional role of elevated periostin in the process of wound healing has not been tested. In this study, we generated Postn‐transgenic mice under the control of the CAG promoter/enhancer to investigate the effects of constitutive overexpression of full length periostin during its pathophysiological roles. Transgenic mice showed significant overexpression of periostin in skin, lung, and heart, but no morphological changes were observed. However, when these transgenic mice were injured, periostin overexpression delayed the closure of excisional wounds. Expression of IL‐1β and TNFα, pro‐inflammatory cytokines important for wound healing, was significantly decreased in the transgenic mice, prior to delayed healing. Infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages, the main sources of IL‐1β and TNFα, was also down‐regulated in the transgenic wound sites. From these data, we conclude that enforced expression of periostin delays wound closure due to reduced infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages followed by down‐regulation of IL‐1β and TNFα expression. This suggests that regulated spatiotemporal expression of periostin is important for efficient wound healing and that constitutive periostin overexpression interrupts the normal process of wound closure.
The spider mites of the genus Oligonychus Berlese (Acari: Tetranychidae) from Iran
Authors: Khanjani Masoumeh , Khanjani Mohammad , Seeman Owen 
Published: February 2018

Two new species of the genus Oligonychus Berlese, namely O. shojaeii sp. nov. and O. hamedaniensis sp. nov., are described from plane trees, Platanus orientalis L. (Platanaceae), in Hamedan, Hamedan province, Iran. Four species are re-described based on new Iranian material: O. afrasiaticus (McGregor, 1939), O. coniferarum (McGregor, 1950), O. punicae (Hirst, 1926) and O. saccharinus Baker & Pritchard, 1960. Among them O. saccharinus is the most important pest on sugarcane farms in southern Iran. All active life stages are described for all species except O. afrasiaticus, allowing us to confirm the ontogenetic patterns of leg setae in the Tetranychini. We refine the definition of the ununguis species group and discuss taxonomic problems relating to the members of this species group, and also regarding the identification of O. sacchari (McGregor, 1942) and O. saccharinus.
Children’s Compliance With Wrist-Worn Accelerometry Within a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial: Findings From the Healthy Lifestyles Programme
Authors: Price Lisa , Wyatt Katrina , Lloyd Jenny , Abraham Charles , Creanor Siobhan , Dean Sarah , Hillsdon Melvyn 
Published: February 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess children’s compliance with wrist-worn accelerometry during a randomized controlled trial and to examine whether compliance differed by allocated condition or gender. Methods: A total of 886 children within the Healthy Lifestyles Programme trial were randomly allocated to wear a GENEActiv accelerometer at baseline and 18-month follow-up. Compliance with minimum wear-time criteria (≥10 h for 3 weekdays and 1 weekend day) was obtained for both time points. Chi-square tests were used to determine associations between compliance, group allocation, and gender. Results: At baseline, 851 children had usable data, 830 (97.5%) met the minimum wear-time criteria, and 631 (74.1%) had data for 7 days at 24 hours per day. At follow-up, 789 children had usable data, 745 (94.4%) met the minimum wear-time criteria, and 528 (67%) had complete data. Compliance did not differ by gender (baseline: χ2 = 1.66, P = .2; follow-up: χ2 = 0.76, P = .4) or by group at follow-up (χ2 = 2.35, P = .13). Conclusion: The use of wrist-worn accelerometers and robust trial procedures resulted in high compliance at 2 time points regardless of group allocation, demonstrating the feasibility of using precise physical activity monitors to measure intervention effectiveness.