bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estradiol does not affect spasms in the betamethasone‐NMDA rat model of infantile spasms
Authors: Chachua Tamar , Di Grazia Paola , Chern Chian‐Ru , Johnkutty Meenu , Hellman Benjamin , Lau Ho An , Shakil Faariah , Daniel Margaret , Goletiani Cezar , Velíšková Jana , Velíšek Libor 
Published: June 2016

SummaryObjectiveThis study attempted to validate the effects of neonatal estradiol in ameliorating the spasms in the prenatally betamethasone‐primed N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) model of infantile spasms in rats as shown previously in a mouse Arx gene knock‐in expansion model of infantile spasms.MethodsNeonatal rats prenatally exposed to betamethasone (on day 15 of pregnancy) were treated with subcutaneous 40 ng/g estradiol benzoate (EB) between postnatal days (P)3–P10 or P0–P5. A synthetic estrogen analogue, diethylstilbestrol, was used between P0 and P5 (2 μg per rat, s.c.). On P12, P13, and P15, the rats were subjected to NMDA‐triggered spasms, and latency to onset and number of spasms were evaluated. Rats with EB on P3–P10 were tested after spasms in the open field, novel object recognition, and elevated plus maze to determine effects of treatment on behavior. Additional rats with P3–P10 or P0–P5 EB were investigated for γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons (glutamate decarboxylase [GAD]67 expression) in the neocortex. As a positive control, a group of rats received either subcutaneous adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (2 × 0.3 mg/kg on P12 and 3 × 0.3 mg/kg on P13 and P14) or vehicle after the first episode of spasms on P12.ResultsNeither EB treatment nor diethylstilbestrol consistently affected expression of spasms in this model, although we found a significant increase in GAD67‐immunopositive cells in the neocortex after P3–P10 and P0–P5 EB treatment, consistent with a study in mice. Behavioral tests showed increase in lateralization in male rats treated with P3–P10 EB, a behavioral trait usually associated with female sex. Diethylstilbestrol treatment in male rats resulted in arrested pubertal descent of testes. ACTH had robust effects in suppressing spasms.SignificanceTreatment of infantile spasms (IS) using neonatal EB may be justified in those cases of IS that present with detectable deficits in GABAergic neurons. In other types of IS, the efficacy of neonatal EB and its analogues is not supported.
Frequency distribution of carpal osteochondral fragmentation in a population of flat racing Thoroughbreds in the UK
Authors: Whyard J. M. , Daglish J. , Wright I. M. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryLameness associated with osteochondral fragmentation of the carpus is a common injury in racing horses. Frequency distributions of sites of fragmentation have previously been published in racehorses in the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Japan but not in racing Thoroughbreds in the UK. The objectives of the study were to document sites of osteochondral fragmentation in the carpus of a population of Thoroughbred flat racehorses in the UK and compare these with other Thoroughbred populations globally and other flat racing breeds. This study was a single centre retrospective observational study; case records of flat racing Thoroughbreds with sites of carpal bone fragmentation that underwent arthroscopic surgery at Newmarket Equine Hospital between 2008 and 2013 were reviewed. A total of 291 sites of fragmentation were identified arthroscopically within the carpal joints of 174 horses. This involved 135 (75%) middle carpal (MCj) and 44 (25%) antebrachiocarpal joints (ABCj), which differs from other populations reported. The most common sites of fragmentation were dorsodistal radial carpal bone (DDiCr) (49%), dorsoproximal third carpal bone (DPrC3) (22%), dorsodistal radius (DDiR) (15%), dorsoproximal radial carpal bone (DPrCr) (5%) and dorsoproximal intermediate carpal bone (DPrCi) (4%). The dorsodistal radial carpal bone is also the most common site in American (US) Quarter Horses (QHs) and Thoroughbreds (TBs) and Australian (AUS) TBs, while DPrC3 has a greater prevalence in US Standardbreds (SBs). Thereafter the frequency distribution differs between the reported study groups. Although all horses underwent bilateral radiographic examination, 45% of the total population had unilateral arthroscopic evaluation. This may therefore underestimate the total number of sites of fragmentation reported. In summary the frequency distribution of carpal fragmentation in flat racing Thoroughbreds in the UK appears to differ from other populations of racehorses.
The hazards associated with the use of intrauterine glass balls to suppress oestrus in mares
Authors: Morris L. H‐A. , Fraser B. S. L. , Cantley C. , Wilsher S. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryPlacing a sterile glass ball or marble into the uterine lumen is a popular method to suppress unwanted oestrous behaviour in mares. This is in spite of the original report of Nie et al. (2003), which detailed the lack of efficacy of the technique. Recent reports in the literature have described a number of untoward problems associated with the technique. This paper describes two further cases, one involving fragmentation of marbles in the uterine lumen and a second describing the laparoscopic removal of a marble after it had tracked through the endometrium and became pedunculated between the myometrium and serosa. The inefficiency of suppressing oestrus with glass balls, combined with the potential problems their placement may cause, argue strongly that this practice should be considered unethical.
The multiple stress responsive transcriptional regulator Rv3334 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an autorepressor and a positive regulator of kstR
Authors: Gomez Roshna Lawrence , Jose Leny , Ramachandran Ranjit , Raghunandanan Sajith , Muralikrishnan Balaji , Johnson John Bernet , Sivakumar Krishnankutty Chandrika , Mundayoor Sathish , Kumar Ramakrishnan Ajay 
Published: June 2016

Rv3334 protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis belongs to the MerR family of transcriptional regulators and is upregulated during hypoxia and other stress conditions. Employing GFP reporter constructs, mobility shift assays and ChIP assays, we demonstrate that Rv3334 binds to its own promoter and acts as an autorepressor. We were able to locate a 22 bp palindrome in its promoter that we show to be the cognate binding sequence of Rv3334. Using chase experiments, we could conclusively prove the requirement of this palindrome for Rv3334 binding. Recombinant Rv3334 readily formed homodimers in vitro, which could be necessary for its transcriptional regulatory role in vivo. Although the DNA‐binding activity of the protein was abrogated by the presence of certain divalent metal cations, the homodimer formation remained unaffected. In silico predictions and subsequent assays using GFP reporter constructs and mobility shift assays revealed that the expression of ketosteroid regulator gene (kstR), involved in lipid catabolism, is positively regulated by Rv3334. ChIP assays with aerobically grown M. tuberculosis as well as dormant bacteria unambiguously prove that Rv3334 specifically upregulates expression of kstR during dormancy. Our study throws light on the possible role of Rv3334 as a master regulator of lipid catabolism during hypoxia‐induced dormancy.
Effects of lead contamination in soils on dry biomass, concentration and amounts of lead accumulated in three tropical pasture grasses
Authors: Htwe Win Mi , Kyawt Yin Yin , Thaikua Sarayut , Imai Yuriko , Mizumachi Susumu , Kawamoto Yasuhiro 
Published: June 2016

AbstractA greenhouse pot‐experiment was conducted to evaluate the phytoremediation abilities of three tropical pasture grasses (signalgrass, napiergrass and atratum) in response to two types of soils (Kunigami‐maji and Shimajiri‐maji) contaminated with three levels of lead (0, 150 and 300 mg kg–1). The results demonstrated that the dry biomass, lead concentration and the accumulated amounts were different among the plant species and between the soil types. The amounts of dry matter in three tropical pasture grasses grown on Kunigami‐maji soil were higher than that on Shimajiri‐maji soil. On both soils, lead concentration of roots was higher than that of shoots, and it was suggested that transportation of lead from roots to shoots was restricted in these plants. The lead accumulated amounts per plant grown on Kunigami‐maji soil were higher than that on Shimajiri‐maji soil. And, on Kunigami‐maji soil, accumulation of lead was relatively high in both shoots and roots of signalgrass and atratum, while, in napiergrass, the high level of lead was found only in roots. Amounts of lead extracted from the shoots of signalgrass, napiergrass and atratum grown on Kunigami‐maji soil contaminated with the highest lead level of 300 mg kg–1 were 1.64, 0.17 and 0.92 mg plant–1, respectively. As Kunigami‐maji had lower soil pH than Shimajiri‐maji, it can be suggested that lower soil pH may enhance lead bioavailability and uptake by the tropical pasture grasses. In conclusion, signalgrass and atratum could be useful for phytoremediation of lead contaminated soil, especially on Kunigami‐maji soil.
Inclusion of wet hulless‐barley distillers’ grains in mixed silage enhances fermentation and in vitro degradability in Tibet
Authors: Yuan Xianjun , Dong Zhihao , Desta Seare T. , Jia Haoran , Shao Tao 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIn two experiments conducted over a 2‐year period, oat straw was ensiled with different levels of perennial ryegrass and wet hulless‐barley distillers’ grains (WHDG) to improve utilization efficiency of oat straw as ruminants feed. Firstly, oat straw was ensiled with varying proportions of perennial ryegrass (0, 20, 40 or 60% of fresh weight [FW]). The lactic acid (LA) and lactic/acetic acid (LA/AA) were increased (L, Q, P < 0.01) whereas pH value, propionic acid, butyric acid and volatile fatty acids were decreased (L, Q, P < 0.01) with increasing perennial ryegrass levels. From the perspective of maximum use oat straw, it was suggested that 40% perennial ryegrass inclusions was proper for further study. Then, mixtures of oat straw and perennial ryegrass (60/40) were ensiled with WHDG at 0, 100, 200 or 300 g kg–1 FW (defined as WHDG0, WHDG100, WHDG200 and WHDG300, respectively), the fermentation characteristics and in vitro rumen degradability were analyzed. The dry matter (DM) and pH value declined (L, Q, P < 0.01), while the LA increased (L, Q, P < 0.01) with the increase of WHDG ratios. The inclusion of WHDG significantly decreased ammonia nitrogen concentrations (L, Q, P < 0.01). The crude protein content linearly increased (P < 0.01), whereas the acid detergent fiber (ADF) content linearly decreased (P < 0.01) with increasing levels of WHDG. The WHDG inclusion significantly increased in vitro neutral detergent fiber degradability (L, Q, P < 0.01) with the highest value in WHDG200. The in vitroDM and ADF degradability had a Q effect (P < 0.01) in response to increasing WHDG levels. Overall inclusion of WHDG can improve the fermentation and in vitro degradability of mixed silages of oat straw and perennial ryegrass.
Efficacy and safety of long‐acting recombinant fusion protein linking factor IX with albumin in haemophilia B patients undergoing surgery
Authors: Négrier C. , Abdul Karim F. , Lepatan L. M. , Lienhart A. , López‐Fernández M. F. , Mahlangu J. , Pabinger I. , Li Y. , Wolko D. , Voigt C. , Jacobs I. , Santagostino E. 
Published: June 2016

IntroductionRecombinant factor IX fusion protein (rIX‐FP) has been developed to improve the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of factor IX (FIX), allowing maintenance of desired FIX activity between injections at extended intervals, ultimately optimizing haemophilia B treatment.AimTo determine the efficacy and safety of rIX‐FP in the perioperative setting.MethodsSubjects were adult and paediatric patients with severe to moderately severe haemophilia B (FIX ≤ 2%) participating in three Phase III clinical trials and undergoing a surgical procedure. PK profiles were established prior to surgery for each patient. Haemostatic efficacy was assessed by the investigator for up to 72 h after surgery. Safety measurements during the study included adverse events and inhibitors to FIX. FIX activity was monitored during and after surgery to determine if repeat dosing was required.ResultsTwenty‐one, both major and minor, surgeries were performed in 19 patients. Haemostatic efficacy was rated as excellent (n = 17) or good (n = 4) in all surgeries. A single preoperative dose maintained intraoperative haemostasis in 20 of 21 surgeries. Nine major orthopaedic surgeries were conducted in eight patients with a mean of 7 (range: 6–12) rIX‐FP injections during surgery and the 14‐day postoperative period. Median rIX‐FP consumption for orthopaedic surgeries was 87 IU kg−1 preoperatively and 375 IU kg−1 overall. No subject developed inhibitors to FIX or antibodies to rIX‐FP.ConclusionRecombinant factor IX fusion protein was well tolerated and effectively maintained haemostasis during and after surgery. Stable FIX activity was achieved with a prolonged dosing interval and reduced consumption compared to conventional or currently available long‐acting recombinant FIX.
Reduction of carbamylated albumin by extended hemodialysis
Authors: Perl Jeffrey , Kalim Sahir , Wald Ron , Goldstein Marc B. , Yan Andrew T. , Noori Nazanin , Kiaii Mercedeh , Wenger Julia , Chan Christopher , Thadhani Ravi I. , Karumanchi S. Ananth , Berg Anders H. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIntroduction Among conventional hemodialysis (CHD) patients, carbamylated serum albumin (C‐Alb) correlates with urea and amino acid deficiencies and is associated with mortality. We postulated that reduction of C‐Alb by intensive HD may correlate with improvements in protein metabolism and cardiac function.Methods One‐year observational study of in‐center nocturnal extended hemodialysis (EHD) patients and CHD control subjects. Thirty‐three patients receiving 4‐hour CHD who converted to 8‐hour EHD were enrolled, along with 20 controls on CHD. Serum C‐Alb, biochemistries, and cardiac MRI parameters were measured before and after 12 months of EHD.Findings EHD was associated with reduction of C‐Alb (average EHD change −3.20 mmol/mol [95% CI −4.23, −2.17] compared to +0.21 [95% CI −1.11, 1.54] change in CHD controls, P < 0.001). EHD was also associated with increases in average essential amino acids (in standardized units) compared to CHD (+0.38 [0.08, 0.68 95%CI]) vs. −0.12 [−0.50, 0.27, 95% CI], P = 0.047). Subjects who reduced C‐Alb more than 25% were found to have reduced left ventricular mass, increased urea reduction ratio, and increased serum albumin compared to nonresponders, and % change in C‐Alb significantly correlated with % change in left ventricular mass.Discussion EHD was associated with reduction of C‐Alb as compared to CHD, and reduction of C‐Alb by EHD correlates with reduction of urea. Additional studies are needed to test whether reduction of C‐Alb by EHD also correlates with improved clinical outcomes.
How children represent sustainable consumption through participatory action research and co‐design of visual narratives
Authors: Donovan Doreen 
Published: June 2016

AbstractChildren have the capacity to adopt active roles as citizens and are crucial contributors to explorations of contemporary consumption practices and a sustainable future. Yet, children are generally not explicitly encouraged to actively participate in constructing sustainable consumption discourses. This paper investigates how sixty South Australian, urban, public primary school children aged eleven to thirteen, participated in Participatory Action Research (PAR) and co‐design of visual narratives, in collaboration with a communication designer to create fifteen visual narratives expressing their views about consumption and sustainability. The aims of this research are to (1) use PAR to co‐design visual narratives examining how children understand consumption and sustainability in relation to consumption; (2) encourage children's critical engagement with issues of sustainable consumption; (3) examine how children's views on consumption can inform the design of future design interventions about sustainable consumption for young audiences. The research questions are: How do children represent consumption and sustainability through visual narratives; how can children actively contribute to sustainable consumption discourses; what can be learnt from children to inform the future design of activist artefacts about consumption for young audiences.
20‐Hydroxyecdysone stimulates nuclear accumulation of BmNep1, a nuclear ribosome biogenesis‐related protein in the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Ji M.‐M. , Liu A.‐Q. , Sima Y.‐H. , Xu S.‐Q. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe pathway of communication between endocrine hormones and ribosome biogenesis critical for physiological adaptation is largely unknown. Nucleolar essential protein 1 (Nep1) is an essential gene for ribosome biogenesis and is functionally conserved in many in vertebrate and invertebrate species. In this study, we cloned Bombyx mori Nep1 (BmNep1) due to its high expression in silk glands of silkworms on day 3 of the fifth instar. We found that BmNep1 mRNA and protein levels were upregulated in silk glands during fourth‐instar ecdysis and larval–pupal metamorphosis. By immunoprecipitation with the anti‐BmNep1 antibody and liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry analyses, it was shown that BmNep1 probably interacts with proteins related to ribosome structure formation. Immunohistochemistry, biochemical fractionation and immunocytochemistry revealed that BmNep1 is localized to the nuclei in Bombyx cells. Using BmN cells originally derived from ovaries, we demonstrated that 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) induced BmNep1 expression and stimulated nuclear accumulation of BmNep1. Under physiological conditions, BmNep1 was also upregulated in ovaries during larval–pupal metamorphosis. Overall, our results indicate that the endocrine hormone 20E facilitates nuclear accumulation of BmNep1, which is involved in nuclear ribosome biogenesis in Bombyx.
Postmating transcriptional changes in the female reproductive tract of the European corn borer moth
Authors: Al‐Wathiqui N. , Dopman E. B. , Lewis S. M. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractMating triggers a cascade of physiological and behavioural responses in females that persist after copulation. In insects, seminal fluid proteins contained within male ejaculates are known to initiate some responses, but our understanding of how females mediate these reactions remains limited. Few studies have examined postmating transcriptional changes within ejaculate‐receiving organs within females or how these changes might depend on the identity of the male. Furthermore, whereas males of many insects transfer packaged ejaculates, transcriptional dynamics have mainly been examined in dipterans, in which males transfer a free ejaculate. To identify genes that may be important in mediating female physiological responses in a spermatophore‐producing species, we sequenced the transcriptomes of the ejaculate‐receiving organs and examined postmating gene expression within and between pheromone strains of the European corn borer (ECB) moth, Ostrinia nubilalis. After within‐strain mating, significant differential expression of 978 transcripts occurred in the female bursa or its associated bursal gland, including peptidases, transmembrane transporters, and hormone processing genes; such genes may potentially play a role in postmating male–female interactions. We also identified 14 transcripts from the bursal gland that were differentially expressed after females mated with cross‐strain males, representing candidates for previously observed postmating reproductive isolation between ECB strains.
Nurses' roles in screening for intimate partner violence: a phenomenological study
Authors: Al‐Natour A. , Qandil A. , Gillespie G.L. 
Published: June 2016

AimTo describe Jordanian nurses' roles and practices in screening for intimate partner violence.BackgroundIntimate partner violence is a recognized global health problem with a prevalence of 37% for the Eastern Mediterranean region. Jordanian nurses screening for intimate partner violence is as low as 10.8%. Nurses have encountered institutional and personal barriers hindering their screening practice.MethodA descriptive phenomenological design was used for this study. A purposive sample of 12 male and female Jordanian nurses working at a university hospital in Jordan participated. Participants were interviewed in 2014 using a semi‐structured, face‐to‐face interview. Steps of Colaizzi's phenomenological method were used to analyse the qualitative data.FindingsFour themes were derived from the data: (1) screening practices and roles for suspected IPV cases, (2) advantages for screening and disadvantages for not screening for intimate partner violence, (3) factors hindering screening practice and (4) feelings towards screening and not screening for intimate partner violence.ConclusionIncreasing Jordanian nurses' awareness of the need for intimate partner violence screening in this sample was needed. Professional education and training may facilitate the adoption of intimate partner violence screening practices. A key barrier to intimate partner violence screening is Jordanian nurses' personal beliefs. Overcoming these personal beliefs will necessitate a multi‐faceted approach starting with schools of nursing and bridging into healthcare settings.Implication for nursing and health policyHealthcare professionals including nursing and policy makers at health institutions should enforce screening policies and protocols for all receipt of care at first contact. In addition, an emphasis on modelling culturally congruent approaches to develop the trusting nurse‐patient relationships and process for screening patients for intimate partner violence.
Temperature‐Dependent Deformation and Dislocation Density in SrTiO3 (001) Single Crystals
Authors: Patterson Eric A. , Major Márton , Donner Wolfgang , Durst Karsten , Webber Kyle G. , Rödel Jürgen 
Published: June 2016

This study evaluates the change of flow stress as related to dislocation density in SrTiO3 single crystals in order to provide guidance for later electrical studies. The key parameters varied are temperature and loading rate during the deformation. It is found that in <100>‐oriented SrTiO3 single crystals, the dislocation density is enhanced by plastic deformation, more so at higher temperature as compared to room temperature. The experimental approach of quantifying the dislocation density through a determination of ex situ X‐ray diffraction rocking curves was successfully applied over the upper temperatures region of the lower temperature ductility zone for strontium titanate, i.e., in the so‐called “A‐regime”. For 1.0% deformed samples deformed at 300°C, a fourfold increase in dislocation density to 1.4 × 1013 m−1 was found as compared to the nondeformed state (3.7 × 1012 m−1). Cross‐section techniques confirmed that the observed dislocation densities measured at the surfaces were identical to those seen in the core of the crystals. The use of rapid changes in loading rate provided an estimate for activation volume of the dislocation core for both 25°C and 300°C.