bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intramuscular allopregnanolone and ganaxolone in a mouse model of treatment‐resistant status epilepticus
Authors: Zolkowska Dorota , Wu Chun‐Yi , Rogawski Michael A. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryAllopregnanolone (5α‐pregnan‐3α‐ol‐20‐one) and its synthetic 3β‐methyl analog, ganaxolone, are positive allosteric modulators of synaptic and extrasynaptic γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptors that exhibit antiseizure activity in diverse animal seizure models, including models of status epilepticus (SE). The 2 neuroactive steroids are being investigated as treatments for SE, including as a treatment for SE induced by chemical threat agents. Intramuscular injection is the preferred route of administration in the prehospital treatment of SE. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of intramuscular allopregnanolone and ganaxolone in the treatment of SE induced by the chemical threat agent tetramethylenedisulfotetramine (TETS). The test agents were administered 40 minutes after the onset of SE when mice are refractory to treatment. Allopregnanolone and ganaxolone (each at 3 mg/kg) terminated SE in, respectively, 92% and 75% of animals, and prevented mortality in 85% and 50% of animals; the mean times to termination of behavioral seizures were, respectively, 172 ± 16 and 447 ± 52 seconds. In a separate series of experiments, mice were dosed with the neuroactive steroids by intramuscular injection, and plasma and brain levels were sampled at various time points following injection to estimate pharmacokinetic parameters. Plasma Cmax (maximum concentration) values for allopregnanolone and ganaxolone were 645 and 550 ng/mL, respectively. Brain exposure of both steroids was approximately 3‐fold the plasma exposure. Two‐compartment pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that the central compartment Vd (volume of distribution), CL (clearance), t½ (terminal half‐life), and F (intramuscular bioavailability) values for allopregnanolone and ganaxolone were, respectively, 4.95 L/kg 12.88 L/kg/h,16 minutes, 97%, and 5.07 L/kg, 8.35 L/kg/h, 25 minutes, 95%. Allopregnanolone and ganaxolone are effective in the treatment of TETS‐induced SE when administered by the intramuscular route. Allopregnanolone is more rapidly acting and modestly more effective, possibly because it has greater potency on GABAA receptors.
Organisation of lymphocytic infiltrates in ANCA‐associated glomerulonephritis
Authors: Brix Silke R , Noriega Mercedes , Herden Elisabeth M , Goldmann Birgit , Langbehn Ulrike , Busch Martin , Jabs Wolfram J , Steinmetz Oliver M , Panzer Ulf , Huber Tobias B , Stahl Rolf A K , Wiech Thorsten 
Published: February 2018

AimsRenal involvement in anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis contributes to significant morbidity and mortality in patients. In chronic inflammation, B cells are recruited to the inflamed tissue and organised lymphoid structures have been described in several autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to correlate the lymphoid organisation in renal biopsies with renal outcome in ANCA‐associated glomerulonephritis (GN).Methods and resultsWe investigated 112 renal biopsies from patients with newly diagnosed ANCA‐associated necrotising GN. We identified four different levels of the intrarenal organisation of lymphocytes: T cells without B cells, scattered B and T cells, clustered lymphocytic infiltrates and nodular compartmentally arranged B and T cell aggregates. Almost half the patients showed clusters of B and T lymphocytes in their biopsies. In 15 of these biopsies, a higher degree of organisation with lymphocytic compartments was detected. Inflammatory cell organisation was associated with renal failure, but not with tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis. Patients with organised lymphocytic infiltrates in their biopsy had worse renal function during follow‐up and were more likely to develop end stage renal disease.ConclusionsIn the present study, we show that the renal lymphocytic organisation is associated with renal outcome in ANCA‐associated GN. The organisation of the lymphocytic infiltrate may be a morphological correlate of a perpetual and exaggerated inflammation in renal ANCA disease. Classifying the lymphocytic infiltrate could help to predict renal outcome, and might therefore be used for individualised adjustments in the intensity and duration of immunosuppressive therapy.
Syndromic sebaceous nevus: current findings
Authors: El Ezzi Oumama , de Buys Roessingh Anthony S. , Bigorre Michèle , Captier Guillaume 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundSebaceous nevus is a congenital malformation of the skin that usually occurs on the scalp or face. Syndromic forms do rarely exist with associated cerebral and ocular malformations. The skin lesions are pale at birth and become irregular by puberty. In the adult patient, tumors (usually benign) develop from sebaceous nevus. Their surgical excision during childhood can give a better result in terms of the definitive scar.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to analyze our cases of syndromic sebaceous hamartoma, perform a review of the existing literature, and propose guidelines for the therapeutic plan.MethodsThis is a retrospective study reviewing the cases of syndromic sebaceous nevus treated in the Department of Orthopedic Plastic Pediatric Surgery in Montpellier, France, and the Department of Pediatric Surgery in Lausanne, Switzerland, between 1994 and 2016.ResultsThe files of six patients with syndromic sebaceous nevus were analyzed. The average age at the first consultation was 4 months. The location was craniofacial in all cases. Cerebral radiological imaging was performed on all patients; two showed abnormal findings. Four patients underwent ophthalmic examination, which all revealed abnormalities. Three patients had other associated malformations. Three patients presented with epilepsy or learning difficulties in the course of follow‐up.ConclusionAll patients presenting with extensive sebaceous nevus of the craniofacial region should benefit from cerebral imagery and ophthalmic examination since there is a very high probability of associated abnormalities. The developmental problems encountered could not be definitively associated with the skin malformations.
Cranberry seed fibre: a promising prebiotic fibre and its fermentation by the probiotic Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856
Authors: Majeed Muhammed , Nagabhushanam Kalyanam , Arumugam Sivakumar , Natarajan Sankaran , Majeed Shaheen , Pande Anurag , Beede Kirankumar , Ali Furqan 
Published: February 2018

SummaryCranberry, a versatile fruit, is known for nutritional as well as medicinal properties due to the presence of bioactive compounds. However, cranberry fruit has not been fully explored for its prebiotic potential. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate prebiotic potential of cranberry seed fibre (CSF) and also evaluate its fermentability by the probiotic strain Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856. The resistance to gastric acid and porcine pancreatic enzymatic (PPE) hydrolysis of CSF was investigated using an in vitro model. It was found that CSF was resistant to gastric acid and also nondigestible to PPE hydrolysis. CSF as sole nutrition source was evaluated for the fermentability by B. coagulans MTCC 5856. A significant amount of short‐chain fatty acids was produced by the B. coagulans MTCC 5856 while fermenting cranberry fibres anaerobically. CSF supported the growth of B. coagulans MTCC 5856 and also inhibited the growth of E. coli ATCC 25922 when cocultured in an anaerobic environment. CSF from the cranberry fruit exhibited prebiotic potential and also found to be fermentable by B. coagulans MTCC 5856. This study provided the scientific evidence of CSF as a prebiotic fibre and also its suitability with the probiotic B. coagulans MTCC 5856 for an ideal synbiotic preparation.
White tea intake interferes with the expression of angiogenic factors in the corpora lutea of superovulated rats
Authors: Garcia Santos Francislaine Anelize , Freire Samuel Aparecido , Vieira Deyvid Parreira , Papa Paula de Carvalho , de Barros Gabriela Fernandes , Castilho Caliê , Guaberto Luciana Machado , Souza Lilian Francisco Arantes de , Laposy Cecília Braga , Nogueira Rosa Maria Barilli , Santos Aline de Oliveira , Giometti Ines Cristina 
Published: February 2018

SummaryWhite tea derived from the Camellia sinensis (L.) plant has anticancer effects. Its main catechin decreases the gene expression of Vegf in tumours. However, VEGF is also the angiogenic factor of the reproductive organs. In this study, Wistar rats were divided into the following groups (n = 30): the control group (CT), which received water, and the white tea intake group (WT), for 3 months. At the end of every month, the corpora lutea (CL) of ten rats were removed to evaluate the gene expression of Vegf and its receptors (Flt‐1 and Kdr). White tea increased the relative mRNA abundance of Vegf (CT = 0.95 ± 0.06 and WT = 2.13 ± 0.19), Kdr (CT = 0.88 ± 0.06 and WT = 1.94 ± 0.32) and Flt‐1 (CT = 0.94 ± 0.06 and WT = 2.11 ± 0.22) in CL (P < 0.05). White tea increased angiogenic‐related genes in rat CL but did not alter the number of rat CL.
Paeoniflorin ameliorates collagen‐induced arthritis via suppressing nuclear factor‐κB signalling pathway in osteoclast differentiation
Authors: Xu Haiyan , Cai Li , Zhang Lili , Wang Guojue , Xie Rongli , Jiang Yongshuai , Yuan Yuanyang , Nie Hong 
Published: February 2018

SummaryPaeoniflorin (PF), extracted from the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall, exhibits anti‐inflammatory properties in several autoimmune diseases. Osteoclast, the only somatic cell with bone resorbing capacity, was the direct cause of bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its mouse model, collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA). The objective of this study was to estimate the effect of PF on CIA mice, and explore the mechanism of PF in bone destruction. We demonstrated that PF treatment significantly ameliorated CIA through inflammatory response inhibition and bone destruction suppression. Furthermore, PF treatment markedly decreased osteoclast number through the altered RANKL/RANK/OPG ratio and inflammatory cytokines profile. Consistently, we found that osteoclast differentiation was significantly inhibited by PF through down‐regulation of nuclear factor‐κB activation in vitro. Moreover, we found that PF suppressed nuclear factor‐κB activation by decreasing its translocation to the nucleus in osteoclast precursor cells. Taken together, our new findings provide insights into a novel function of PF in osteoclastogenesis and demonstrate that PF would be a new therapeutic modality as a natural agent for RA treatment and other autoimmune conditions with bone erosion.
Using a hospital admission survey to estimate the burden of influenza‐associated severe acute respiratory infection in one province of Cambodia—methods used and lessons learned
Authors: Stewart Rebekah J. , Ly Sovann , Sar Borann , Ieng Vanra , Heng Seng , Sim Kheng , Machingaidze Chiedza , Roguski Katherine , Dueger Erica , Moen Ann , Tsuyuoka Reiko , Iuliano A. Danielle 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundUnderstanding the burden of influenza‐associated severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) is important for setting national influenza surveillance and vaccine priorities. Estimating influenza‐associated SARI rates requires hospital‐based surveillance data and a population‐based denominator, which can be challenging to determine.ObjectivesWe present an application of the World Health Organization's recently developed manual (WHO Manual) including hospital admission survey (HAS) methods for estimating the burden of influenza‐associated SARI, with lessons learned to help others calculate similar estimates.MethodsUsing an existing SARI surveillance platform in Cambodia, we counted influenza‐associated SARI cases during 2015 at one sentinel surveillance site in Svay Rieng Province. We applied WHO Manual‐derived methods to count respiratory hospitalizations at all hospitals within the catchment area, where 95% of the sentinel site case‐patients resided. We used HAS methods to adjust the district‐level population denominator for the sentinel site and calculated the incidence rate of influenza‐associated SARI by dividing the number of influenza‐positive SARI infections by the adjusted population denominator and multiplying by 100 000. We extrapolated the rate to the provincial population to derive a case count for 2015. We evaluated data sources, detailed steps of implementation, and identified lessons learned.ResultsWe estimated an adjusted influenza‐associated 2015 SARI rate of 13.5/100 000 persons for the catchment area of Svay Rieng Hospital and 77 influenza‐associated SARI cases in Svay Rieng Province after extrapolation.ConclusionsMethods detailed in the WHO Manual and operationalized successfully in Cambodia can be used in other settings to estimate rates of influenza‐associated SARI.
Multiple stressors facilitate the spread of a non‐indigenous bivalve in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Sarà Gianluca , Porporato Erika M.D. , Mangano Maria Cristina , Mieszkowska Nova 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimThe introduction of non‐indigenous species (NIS) via man‐made corridors connecting previously disparate oceanic regions is increasing globally. However, the environmental and anthropogenic factors facilitating invasion dynamics and their interactions are still largely unknown. This study compiles and inputs available data for the NIS bivalve Brachidontes pharaonis across the invaded biogeographic range in the Mediterranean basin into a species distribution model to predict future spread under a range of marine scenarios.LocationMediterranean Sea.MethodsA systematic review produced the largest presence database ever assembled to inform the selection of biological, chemical and physical factors linked to the spread of B. pharaonis through the Suez Canal. We carried out a sensitivity analysis to simulate current and future trophic and salinity scenarios. A species distribution model was run to determine key drivers of invasion, quantify interactive impacts arising from a range of trophic states, salinity conditions and climatic scenarios and forecast future trajectories for the spread of NIS into new regions under multiple‐parameter scenarios (based on the main factors identified from the systematic review).ResultsImpacts on invasion trajectory arising from climate change and interactions with increasing salinity from the new opening of the canal were the primary drivers of expansion across the basin, the effects of which were further enhanced by eutrophication. Predictions of the current distribution were most accurate when multiple stressors were used to drive the model. A habitat suitability index developed at a subcontinental scale from model outputs identified novel favourable conditions for future colonization at specific locations under 2030 and 2050 climatic scenarios.Main conclusionsFuture expansion of B. pharaonis will be enhanced by climate‐facilitated increased sea temperature, interacting with increasing pressures from salinity and eutrophication. The spatially explicit risk output maps of invasions represent a powerful visual product for use in communication of the spread of NIS and decision‐support tools for scientists and policymakers. The suggested approach, the observed distribution pattern and driving processes can be applied to other NIS species and regions by providing novel forecasts of species occurrences under future multiple stressor scenarios and the location of suitable recipient habitats with respect to anthropogenic and environmental parameters.
An intercontinental comparison of niche conservatism along a temperature gradient
Authors: Vetaas Ole R. , Grytnes John‐Arvid , Bhatta Kuber P. , Hawkins Bradford A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimsPhylogenetic niche conservatism (PNC) predicts that closely related species will have similar distributions along major environmental gradients, e.g. temperature. We test this theory by comparing the central tendencies of temperature for selected woody genera, and investigating whether these genera have a similar rank order (sequence) across continents and hemispheres. A strong correlation may indicate niche conservatism, as inherited temperature tolerance would best explain a positive correlation.LocationPeru (Andes) and Nepal (Himalaya).MethodsElevation and temperature ranges for all species belonging to eight disjunct genera of woody plants were compiled. Central tendencies of congeneric species along the temperature gradient were established by means of reciprocal averaging and weighted average temperature. We correlated the rank order of genera from the Himalaya and Andes, and tested if the order in the Himalaya could predict the order in the Andes, using permutation procedure.ResultsMost genera exhibit a bell‐shaped or curvilinear pattern with the maximum number of congeneric species in the centre of the temperature range, but some curvilinear responses and monotonic increases are found in Andes. The order of generic optima along the temperature gradient in each region is highly correlated (ρ > 0.81), as well as the size of the temperature range and minimum temperature limit (ρ > 0.90).ConclusionThe analyses verify the conjecture that the maximum number of congeneric species is found towards the centre of the temperature range of the genus. This may be caused by newly evolving species not dispersing very far from their ancestors and inherent temperature tolerances. Inherent temperature tolerance and covariates such as primary production and soil conditions are the main factors that may explain consistency of the rank order of disjunct genera along temperature gradients between continents and hemispheres. Hence temperature tolerances within a clade are conserved over time and space.
Cross‐cultural comparison of predictors for self‐care behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ikeda Kaori , Fujimoto Shimpei , Morling Beth , Ayano‐Takahara Shiho , Harashima Shin‐ichi , Uchida Yukiko , Inagaki Nobuya 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to evaluate how culture moderates the behavioral and psychosocial predictors of diabetes self‐care activities. Patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited in the outpatient department at two sites: Kyoto University hospital in Japan and the Christiana Care Health System in the USA. The data were collected by survey using questionnaires including questions on the frequency of self‐care activities, behavioral and psychosocial predictors, and other background information from 149 Japanese patients and 48 American patients. The cultural impact was observed by multiple regression analyses with interaction terms on the association between emotional support and self‐care activities in diet in female patients. The findings of the present study serve as an example of how cultural context can affect patients with diabetes, and lead to a better understanding of culturally sensitive behavioral intervention.
Real Options Models of the Firm, Capacity Overhang, and the Cross Section of Stock Returns
Authors: ARETZ KEVIN , POPE PETER F. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTWe use a stochastic frontier model to obtain a stock‐level estimate of the difference between a firm's installed production capacity and its optimal capacity. We show that this “capacity overhang” estimate relates significantly negatively to the cross section of stock returns, even when controlling for popular pricing factors. The negative relation persists among small and large stocks, stocks with more or less reversible investments, and in good and bad economic states. Capacity overhang helps explain momentum and profitability anomalies, but not value and investment anomalies. Our evidence supports real options models of the firm featuring valuable divestment options.
Prognostic importance of FGF2 and FGFR1 expression for patients affected by ameloblastoma
Authors: Fonseca Felipe Paiva , Monteiro Benites Bernar , Soares Ciro Dantas , de Lima Morais Thayná Melo , do Amaral‐Silva Gleyson Kleber , de Almeida Oslei Paes , Soares Fernando Augusto , Fregnani Eduardo Rodrigues 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundFibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) have been investigated in different human neoplasms and were shown to play important roles in the pathogenesis of these diseases; however, very few are known regarding their prognostic importance in the context of ameloblastoma. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the expression of FGF2 and FGFR1 is associated with ameloblastoma clinical behavior.MethodsFifty‐eight cases of ameloblastoma arranged in tissue microarray were submitted to immunohistochemistry against FGF2 and FGFR1. Clinicopathological parameters regarding sex, age, tumor size, duration and location, treatment, recurrences, radiographic features, cortical disruptions, and follow‐up data were obtained from patients' medical records and correlated with the molecules expression. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to investigate the prognostic potential of the biomarkers.ResultsForty‐four cases (75.9%) exhibited cytoplasmic positivity for FGF2 in central and peripheral epithelial cells, 46 of 58 (79.3%) showed FGFR1 cytoplasmic positivity predominantly in the columnar peripheral cells, and 43 cases (74.1%) were positive for both. Expression of FGF2 and FGF2 + FGFR1 was associated with tumor recurrences (P = .05). However, univariate and multivariate analyses did not demonstrate a significant influence of FGF2, FGFR1, or FGF2 + FGFR1 in the 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) rate (P = .27, P = .33, and P = .25, respectively).ConclusionCytoplasmic expression of FGF2 and FGF2 + FGFR1 is associated with ameloblastoma recurrence, but FGF2 and FGFR1 are not determinants of a lower DFS.
Melatonin protects against defects induced by deoxynivalenol during mouse oocyte maturation
Authors: Lan Mei , Han Jun , Pan Meng‐Hao , Wan Xiang , Pan Zhen‐Nan , Sun Shao‐Chen 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDeoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the most prevalent fusarium mycotoxins in feedstuff and food. DON causes detrimental effects on human and animal reproductive systems by inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis. However, melatonin is a multifunctional endogenous hormone that plays crucial roles in the development of animal germ cells and embryos as a robust deoxidizer. In this study, we explored the effects of melatonin on the DON exposure mouse oocytes. Our in vitro and in vivo results showed that DON adversely affected mouse oocyte maturation and early embryo cleavage, while melatonin administration ameliorated the toxic effects of DON. DON exposure disrupted the meiotic spindle formation and kinetochore‐microtubule attachment, which induced aneuploidy in oocytes. This might be through DON effects on the acetylated tubulin level. Moreover, we found that DON exposure caused the alteration of DNA and histone methylation level, which might affect early embryo cleavage. The toxic effects of DON on oocytes might be through its induction of oxidative stress‐mediated early apoptosis, while the treatment with melatonin significantly ameliorated these phenotypes in DON‐exposed mouse oocytes. Collectively, our results indicated the protection effects of melatonin against defects induced by DON during mouse oocyte meiotic maturation.