bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of Lacistema pubescens and dexamethasone on topical treatment of skin inflammation in a chronic disease model and side effects
Authors: da Silva Josiane M , Conegundes Jéssica L M , Pinto Nícolas C C , Mendes Renata F , Castañon Maria Christina M N , Scio Elita 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate the chronic topical anti-inflammatory activity of the pharmaceutical formulation ProHLP containing the hexane fraction of Lacistema pubescens (HLP). It was also investigated the possible cutaneous and systemic adverse effects of HLP and ProHLP in mice when compared to dexamethasone.

Methods
The chronic topical anti-inflammatory activity was determined by croton oil multiple application-induced mouse ear oedema model. Histopathological analyses of ear tissue samples sensitized with croton oil were performed. Cutaneous atrophy induced by HLP and topical glucocorticoid treatments and excision skin wounds model to evidenced possible adverse reactions were also determined.

Key findings
ProHLP significantly reduced the mice ear oedema and considerably accelerated the wound-healing process. Also, HLP did not lead cutaneous atrophy and preserved the clinical aspect of the thymus, adrenal and spleen, unlike dexamethasone.

Conclusions
The results suggested that ProHLP is an efficient and safer pharmaceutical formulation to treat chronic inflammatory diseases.
Genetic polymorphisms of HTR2C, LEP and LEPR on metabolic syndromes in patients treated with atypical antipsychotic drugs
Authors: Puangpetch Apichaya , Unaharassamee Weerapon , Jiratjintana Napa , Koomdee Napatrupron , Sukasem Chonlaphat 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Objective
Single nucleotide polymorphisms in serotonin 2C receptor (HTR2C), leptin (LEP), and leptin receptor (LEPR) genes are reportedly associated with the presence of metabolic syndrome (MS). We investigated whether HTR2C:rs518147 (-697G/C), rs12836771 (A/G), LEP: rs7799039 (-2548G/A) and LEPR:rs1137101 (668A/G) are related to MS in psychotic disorder patients treated with atypical antipsychotics.

Methods
A cross-sectional study including 200 patients was conducted; genetic polymorphisms in HTR2C (rs518147 and rs12836771), LEP (rs7799039) and LEPR (rs1137101) were genotyped. The presence of MS was evaluated according to the 2005 International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Asia criteria. The associations of genetic factors with the presence of MS are analysed.

Key findings
Two SNPs in the HTR2C gene but not LEP and LEPR were associated with the presence of MS after adjustment for the combination of atypical antipsychotics. With respect to the effect of gender after treatment with risperidone and clozapine was statistically significant. Moreover, genotype combinations had no effect on MS.

Conclusions
Therefore, HTR2C genetic variants may be involved in the susceptibility to MS in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics. Additionally, there was a gender effect in the presence of MS. No effect of LEP or LEPR polymorphisms or the combination of HTR2C-LEP and HTR2C-LEPR was observed for the presence of MS.
Cardiovascular safety of prokinetic agents: A focus on drug‐induced arrhythmias
Authors: Giudicessi J. R. , Ackerman M. J. , Camilleri M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundGastrointestinal sensorimotor dysfunction underlies a wide range of esophageal, gastric, and intestinal motility and functional disorders that collectively constitute nearly half of all referrals to gastroenterologists. As a result, substantial effort has been dedicated toward the development of prokinetic agents intended to augment or restore normal gastrointestinal motility. However, the use of several clinically efficacious gastroprokinetic agents, such as cisapride, domperidone, erythromycin, and tegaserod, is associated with unfavorable cardiovascular safety profiles, leading to restrictions in their use.PurposeThe purpose of this review is to detail the cellular and molecular mechanisms that lead commonly to drug‐induced cardiac arrhythmias, specifically drug‐induced long QT syndrome, torsades de pointes, and ventricular fibrillation, to examine the cardiovascular safety profiles of several classes of prokinetic agents currently in clinical use, and to explore potential strategies by which the risk of drug‐induced cardiac arrhythmia associated with prokinetic agents and other QT interval prolonging medications can be mitigated successfully.
bis‐(p‐hydroxyphenyl)‐pyridyl‐2‐methane (BHPM)—the active metabolite of the laxatives bisacodyl and sodium picosulfate—enhances contractility and secretion in human intestine in vitro
Authors: Krueger D. , Demir I. E. , Ceyhan G. O. , Zeller F. , Schemann M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundStimulant laxatives are widely used to treat constipation. We investigated in human small and large intestinal preparations the effects of bis‐(p‐hydroxyphenyl)‐pyridyl‐2‐methane (BHPM), the active metabolite of the laxatives bisacodyl and sodium picosulfate on smooth muscle tone and epithelial secretion.MethodsCircular and longitudinal muscle tone of small or large intestinal preparations were recorded with isometric force transducers. Epithelial ion flux (ISC) and tissue resistance was measured with Ussing chamber technique after apical and basolateral BHPM application to large intestinal mucosa/submucosa preparations. Studies were performed in macroscopically normal specimens from 79 patients.Key ResultsBHPM concentration‐dependently (0.5‐5 μM) increased the tone of circular and longitudinal muscle from small to large intestine. The effect was strongest in large intestinal longitudinal muscle and smallest in small intestinal circular muscle. Increase in muscle tone was prevented by the L‐type Ca++ channel blocker nifedipine but insensitive to the nerve blocker tetrodotoxin. Apical or basolateral BHPM concentration‐dependently decreased or increased ISC, respectively. The KCa1.1 (BK) channel blocker iberiotoxin reversed apical ISC decrease whereas tetrodotoxin reversed basolateral ISC increase. BHPM had no effect on tissue resistance or nerve‐mediated secretory or muscle response with one exception: at the highest concentration basolateral BHPM reduced nerve‐mediated secretion.Conclusions and InterferencesBHPM enhanced mucosal secretion and muscle contractility. Results suggested that the laxative effect of BHPM was a consequence of the increase in muscle tone as well as an increased K+ secretion when acting luminally and a nerve‐driven Cl− and HCO3− secretion once acting basolaterally after absorption.
Prenatal vitamin D status and respiratory and allergic outcomes in childhood: A meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Pacheco‐González Rosa M. , García‐Marcos Luis , Morales Eva 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundPrenatal vitamin D status may influence offspring's respiratory and allergic outcomes; however, evidence is inconclusive. A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted on the association between 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in maternal blood in pregnancy or cord blood at birth with the risk of offspring's respiratory and allergic conditions.MethodsTwo independent researchers conducted systematic searches for observational studies published until May 2017 using defined keywords on vitamin D and health outcomes, including respiratory tract infections (RTIs), wheeze, asthma, atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis, allergic sensitization, and lung function. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were conducted.ResultsA total of 34 from 547 retrieved articles were included. Increased prenatal exposure to 25(OH)D was inversely associated with risk of RTIs. Comparing the highest with the lowest category of 25(OH)D levels, the pooled odds ratio was 0.64 (95% CI 0.47, 0.87). A positive borderline association was found for lung function at school age (FEV1 z‐score coefficient 0.07, 95% CI ‐0.01, 0.15). No associations were found for wheeze, asthma, atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis, and allergic sensitization.ConclusionThe introduction of public health measures to tackle vitamin D status in pregnancy may reduce the burden of RTIs in offspring. Current evidence does not support an impact on asthma and allergy.
Visible Light Degradation of Naproxen by Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of NiO and NiS, Scavenger Study and Focus on Catalyst Support and Magnetization
Authors: Torki Firoozeh , Faghihian Hossein 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis research was aimed to prepare a magnetically photocatalyst enabling to degrade pharmaceutical wastewater and detoxification of pollutant such as naproxen, by visible light irradiation. The nano‐sized NiS and NiO photocatalysts exhibit higher reactivity than their microsized counterparts, but separation of the used photocatalyst from the degradation solution is hard and imperfect. To remove this difficulty, magnetic polypyrrole core‐shell (Fe3O4@PPY) was synthesized and employed as catalyst support. The magnetization property of the synthesized photocatalysts measured by VSM technique indicated that the photocatalysts were sufficiently magnetized to be readily separated from degradation solution by use of external magnetic field. The DRS study showed that the band gap of the photocatalysts shifted to lower energy after immobilization on the support materials leading to higher degradation efficiency. The optimal efficiency was obtained with the catalysts loaded with 50% of NiO and 50% of NiS. The augmenting effect of H2O2 and the inhibition influence of some organic and inorganic compounds on the degradation process were studied. Regeneration of the used photocatalyst was performed by heat treatment, and the catalyst treated at 400°C retained most of its initial capacity. The degradation capacity was kinetically fast, and the equilibrium was attained within 30 min.
Captive children: John Lyly, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and child impressment on the early modern stage
Authors: van Es Bart 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe story of the stolen Indian Boy who is the subject of the dispute between Oberon and Titania in A Midsummer Night's Dream has gained increasing critical scrutiny in recent years. In this article I examine this episode in the light of the practice of child impressment by all‐boy acting companies, which was common in the decade before the play was written. In particular, I explore a connection with John Lyly, whose play Galatea was an influence on A Midsummer Night's Dream. In Galatea Lyly makes a point of drawing attention to his boy actors, whose vulnerability and attractiveness are made conspicuous by means of plot lines about the capture of children. Shakespeare's story of the Indian Boy has much in common with those plot lines. Through it, I suggest, the playwright looks back at Lyly and his repertory and also at the history of child impressment, a practice that would revive before the decade was out. In the Indian Boy's narrative and in the linked episode of Titania's infatuation with Nick Bottom we see the perspective of an adult company shareholder who was threatened by but also implicated in dramatic entertainments in which children were compelled to act.
Study on the Cu–As–Sb–Ag–Bi–Pb–Te Sulfosalt Minerals from the Hydrothermal System of Southwestern Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Yuningsih Euis T. , Matsueda Hiroharu 
Published: February 2018

AbstractShin‐Otoyo, Suttsu, Teine, Date, Chitose, and Koryu are sites rich in precious and base metal Miocene–Pleistocene epithermal deposits, and located in southwestern Hokkaido, Japan. The deposits are predominantly hosted by the Green Tuff Formation of Middle Miocene age. Ore petrographic study of these deposits shows the occurrence of variable quantities of Cu–As–Sb–Ag–Bi–Pb–Te sulfosalt minerals. Determination of mineralogical and chemical compositions of the sulfosalt minerals was undertaken to elucidate the time and spatial changes of the sulfide‐sulfosalt minerals. Various types of sulfosalt minerals identified from gold–silver and base metal quartz–sulfide veins represented some sulfosalt mineralization phases, such as the Cu–Fe–Sn–S phase of mawsonite and stannite; Cu–(As,Sb)–S phase of tetrahedrite–tennantite and luzonite–famatinite series minerals; (Cu,Ag)–Bi–Pb–S phase of emplectite, pavonite, friedrichite, aikinite, and lillianite–gustavite series minerals; (Ag,Cu)–(As,Sb)–S phase of proustite–pyrargyrite and pearceite–polybasite series minerals; and Bi–Te–S phase of tetradymite and kawazulite minerals. There are some trends in the paragenetic sequence of sulfosalt mineralization in southwestern Hokkaido (in complete or partial) as follows: sulfide → Cu–Fe–Sn–S → (Cu,Ag)–Bi–Pb–S → (Bi–Te–S) → Cu–(As,Sb)–S → ([Ag,Cu]–[As,Sb]–S). The formation of sulfosalt minerals is characterized by the introduction of some elements such as Sn, Bi, and Te at an earlier stage and an increase or decrease of some elements such as As and Sb, followed by the introduction of Ag at the later stage of ore mineral paragenesis sequence. Mineral composition of the Chitose and Koryu deposits are slightly different from those of Shin‐Otoyo, Suttsu, Teine, and Date due to their lack of Sn (tin) and Bi (bismuth) mineralization. The variable concentrations and relationships are not simply with redistributed trace elements from the original sulfide minerals of chalcopyrite, pyrite, galena, and sphalerite. Some heavier elements were also introduced during the replacement reaction, which is consistent with the occurrence of their associated minerals.
Can a Gender Equity and Family Planning Intervention for Men Change Their Gender Ideology? Results from the CHARM Intervention in Rural India
Authors: Fleming Paul J. , Silverman Jay , Ghule Mohan , Ritter Julie , Battala Madhusudana , Velhal Gajanan , Nair Saritha , Dasgupta Anindita , Donta Balaiah , Saggurti Niranjan , Raj Anita 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe assess the effect of CHARM, a gender equity and family planning counseling intervention for husbands in rural India, on men's gender ideology. We used a two‐armed cluster randomized control trial design and collected survey data from husbands (n=1081) at baseline, 9 months, and 18 months. We used a continuous measure of support for gender equity and a dichotomous measure of equitable attitudes toward women's role in household decision‐making. To assess differences on these outcomes, we used generalized linear mixed models. After controlling for socio‐demographic factors, men who received the CHARM intervention were significantly more likely than men in the control group to have equitable attitudes toward household decision‐making at 9‐months follow‐up; there was a non‐significant difference between the groups for the measure of support for gender equity. For household decision‐making, differences were not sustained at 18‐months follow‐up. Given the role of husbands’ gender ideology in women's contraceptive use, the CHARM intervention represents a promising approach for challenging root causes of women's unmet need for contraception.
Influencing Pathways to Quality of Life and HbA1c in Patients With Diabetes: A Longitudinal Study That Inform Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Hsu Hui‐Chun , Lee Yau‐Jiunn , Wang Ruey‐Hsia 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTBackgroundDetermining possible associated factors and the influencing pathways to hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) levels and quality of life (QoL) will facilitate the development of effective interventions to improve the physical and psychosocial health of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).ObjectivesTo test a hypothesized model that addressed the pathways among personal characteristics, social support, diabetes distress, and self‐care behaviors to HbA1C and QoL.MethodsA total of 382 adults with T2DM were recruited. Self‐reported questionnaires and medical records were used to collect data regarding personal characteristics, diabetes distress, and social support at baseline. The self‐care behaviors characters were collected 6 months later, as well as QoL and HbA1C levels 1 year later.ResultsThe 12‐month QoL directly affected 12‐month HbA1C levels. The 6‐month self‐care behaviors directly affected 12‐month QoL, and indirectly affected 12‐month HbA1C levels through 12‐month QoL. Baseline diabetes distress directly affected 12‐month QoL. Moreover, baseline diabetes distress indirectly affected 12‐month HbA1C levels through 12‐month QoL. Baseline social support directly affected baseline diabetes distress and 6‐month self‐care behaviors. In addition, baseline social support indirectly affected 12‐month QoL through baseline diabetes distress. Baseline social support also indirectly affected 12‐month QoL through 6‐month self‐care behaviors.Linking Evidence to ActionEnhancing QoL is important to improve HbA1C levels. Enhancing self‐care behaviors is essential to improve subsequent HbA1C control and QoL. Reducing diabetes distress is crucial to improve subsequent QoL. Improving social support is suggested a favorable strategy to reduce diabetes distress and enhance subsequent self‐care behaviors in patients with T2DM.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibition by 1400W limits pain hypersensitivity in a neuropathic pain rat model
Authors: Staunton C. A. , Barrett‐Jolley R. , Djouhri L. , Thippeswamy T. 
Published: February 2018

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Can modulation of inducible NO synthase reduce pain behaviour and pro‐inflammatory cytokine signalling in a rat model of neuropathic pain?

What is the main finding and its importance?
Nitric oxide synthase‐based therapies could be effective for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain.

AbstractPeripheral neuropathic pain (PNP), resulting from injury to or dysfunction of a peripheral nerve, is a major health problem that affects 7–8% of the population. It is inadequately controlled by current drugs and is characterized by pain hypersensitivity, which is believed to be attributable to sensitization of peripheral and CNS neurons by various inflammatory mediators. Here we examined, in a rat model of PNP: (i) whether reducing levels of nitric oxide (NO) with 1400W, a highly selective inhibitor of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), would prevent or attenuate pain hypersensitivity; and (ii) the effects of 1400W on plasma concentrations of several cytokines that are secreted after iNOS upregulation during chronic pain states. The L5 spinal nerve axotomy (SNA) model of PNP was used, and 1400W (20 mg kg−1) was administered i.p. at 8 h intervals for 3 days starting at 18 h post‐SNA. Changes in plasma concentrations of 12 cytokines in SNA rats treated with 1400W were examined using multiplex enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The SNA rats developed behavioural signs of mechanical and heat hypersensitivity. Compared with the vehicle/control, 1400W significantly: (i) limited development of mechanical hypersensitivity at 66 h post‐SNA and of heat hypersensitivity at 42 h and at several time points tested thereafter; and (ii) increased the plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐1α, IL‐1β and IL‐10 in the SNA rats. The findings suggest that 1400W might exert its analgesic effects by reducing iNOS and altering the balance between the pro‐inflammatory (IL‐1β and IL‐1α) and anti‐inflammatory (IL‐10) cytokines and that therapies targeting NO or its enzymes might be effective for the treatment of PNP.
The role of STIM proteins in neutrophil functions
Authors: Demaurex Nicolas , Saul Stephanie 
Published: February 2018

AbstractStromal interaction molecule (STIM) proteins regulate store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) in innate and adaptive immune cells and participate in the Ca2+ signals that control the functions of neutrophils, the first line of host defence against bacterial and fungal infections. Loss‐of‐function experiments in animal and cellular models indicate that both STIM1 and STIM2 regulate neutrophil functions, but the complexity of the SOCE machinery and the versatility of neutrophils complicate the evaluation of the results. This review aims to summarize the latest progress in the field, with special attention to the details of the experimental designs. Future study design should aim to improve the standardization of experimental procedures and to provide a more holistic understanding of the role of STIM proteins in neutrophils function.
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Complete Genome Sequencing of Acinetobacter baumannii Strain K50 Discloses the Large Conjugative Plasmid pK50a Encoding Carbapenemase OXA-23 and Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase GES-11
Authors: Wibberg Daniel , Salto Ileana P. , Eikmeyer Felix G. , Maus Irena , Winkler Anika , Nordmann Patrice , Pühler Alfred , Poirel Laurent , Schlüter Andreas 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

Multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Acinetobacter baumannii
strains appeared as serious emerging nosocomial pathogens in clinical environments and especially in intensive care units (ICUs).
A. baumannii
strain K50, recovered from a hospitalized patient in Kuwait, exhibited resistance to carbapenems and additionally to ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, sulfonamides, amikacin, and gentamicin. Genome sequencing revealed that the strain possesses two plasmids, pK50a (79.6 kb) and pK50b (9.5 kb), and a 3.75-Mb chromosome.
A. baumannii
K50 exhibits an average nucleotide identity (ANI) of 99.98% to the previously reported Iraqi clinical isolate AA-014, even though the latter strain lacked plasmid pK50a. Strain K50 belongs to sequence type 158 (ST158) (Pasteur scheme) and ST499 (Oxford scheme). Plasmid pK50a is a member of the Aci6 (replication group 6 [RG6]) group of
Acinetobacter
plasmids and carries a conjugative transfer module and two antibiotic resistance gene regions. The transposon Tn
2008
carries the carbapenemase gene
bla
OXA-23
, whereas a class 1 integron harbors the resistance genes
bla
GES-11
,
aacA4
,
dfrA7
,
qacE
Δ
1
, and
sul1
, conferring resistance to all β-lactams and reduced susceptibility to carbapenems and resistance to aminoglycosides, trimethoprim, quaternary ammonium compounds, and sulfamethoxazole, respectively. The class 1 integron is flanked by MITEs (miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements) delimiting the element at its insertion site.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Methanobrevibacter smithii
Strain KB11, Isolated from a Korean Fecal Sample
Authors: Kim Byoung-Chan , Jeong Haeyoung 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

The archaeon
Methanobrevibacter smithii
is a major colonizer of the human gut.
Methanobrevibacter smithii
strain KB11 was newly isolated from a Korean fecal sample. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of strain KB11 and a brief comparison with that of
M. smithii
type strain ATCC 35061
T
.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
NRRL B-442, a Potential Probiotic Strain
Authors: Muyyarikkandy Muhammed Shafeekh , Alqahtani Fahad H. , Mandoiu Ion , Amalaradjou Mary Anne 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

Lactic acid bacteria are known to exhibit probiotic properties through various mechanisms, including competitive exclusion, pathogen inhibition, production of antimicrobial substances, and maintenance of eubiosis. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of a novel probiotic strain,
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
strain NRRL B-442, which exhibits potent antivirulence activity against
Salmonella enterica
.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Lactobacillus paracasei
DUP 13076, Which Exhibits Potent Antipathogenic Effects against
Salmonella enterica
Serovars Enteritidis, Typhimurium, and Heidelberg
Authors: Muyyarikkandy Muhammed Shafeekh , Alqahtani Fahad H. , Mandoiu Ion , Amalaradjou Mary Anne 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

Lactobacillus paracasei
DUP 13076 demonstrates antagonistic effects against the foodborne pathogens
Salmonella enterica
serovars Enteritidis, Typhimurium, and Heidelberg in coculture and
in vitro
experiments. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Lactobacillus paracasei
DUP 13076, which has a circular chromosome of 3,048,314 bp and a G+C content of 46.3%.