bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of prucalopride on esophageal secondary peristalsis in reflux patients with ineffective motility
Authors: Lei Wei‐Yi , Hung Jui‐Sheng , Liu Tso‐Tsai , Yi Chih‐Hsun , Chen Chien‐Lin 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackground and AimIneffective esophageal motility (IEM) is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Secondary peristalsis contributes to esophageal clearance. Prucalopride promotes secondary peristalsis by stimulating 5‐hydroxytrypatamine 4 receptors in the esophagus. We aimed to determine whether prucalopride would augment secondary peristalsis in gastroesophageal reflux disease patients with IEM.MethodsAfter a baseline recording of primary peristalsis, secondary peristalsis was stimulated by slow and rapid mid‐esophageal injections of air in 15 patients with IEM. Two separate sessions with 4‐mg oral prucalopride or placebo were randomly performed.ResultsPrucalopride significantly increased primary peristaltic wave amplitude (68.1 ± 10.0 vs 55.5 ± 8.8 mmHg, P = 0.02). The threshold volume for triggering secondary peristalsis was significantly decreased by prucalopride during slow (9.3 ± 0.8 vs 12.0 ± 0.8 mL; P = 0.04) and rapid air injection (4.9 ± 0.3 vs 7.1 ± 0.1 mL; P = 0.01). Secondary peristalsis was triggered more frequently after application of prucalopride (55% [43–70%]) than placebo (45% [33–50%]) (P = 0.008). Prucalopride did not change pressure wave amplitudes during slow air injection (84.6 ± 8.1 vs 57.4 ± 13.8 mmHg; P = 0.19) or pressure wave amplitudes during rapid air injection (84.2 ± 8.6 vs 69.5 ± 12.9 mmHg; P = 0.09).ConclusionsPrucalopride enhances primary peristalsis and mechanosensitivity of secondary peristalsis with limited impact on secondary peristaltic activities in IEM patients. Our study suggests that prucalopride appears to be useful in augmenting secondary peristalsis in patients with IEM only via sensory modulation of esophageal secondary peristalsis.
Characterization of hyperbranched core‐multishell nanocarriers as an innovative drug delivery system for the application at the oral mucosa
Authors: Jager J. , Obst K. , Lohan S. B. , Viktorov J. , Staufenbiel S. , Renz H. , Unbehauen M. , Haag R. , Hedtrich S. , Teutloff C. , Meinke M. C. , Danker K. , Dommisch H. 
Published: September 2017

Background and ObjectivesIn the oral cavity, the mucosal tissues may develop a number of different pathological conditions, such as inflammatory diseases (gingivitis, periodontitis) and autoimmune disorders (eg, oral lichen planus) that require therapy. The application of topical drugs is one common therapeutic approach. However, their efficacy is limited. Dilution effects due to saliva hinder the adherence and the penetration of drug formulations. Therefore, the bioavailability of oral topical drugs is insufficient, and patients may suffer from disease over years, if not life‐long.Material and MethodsIn the present study, we characterized core‐multishell (CMS) nanocarriers for their potential use as drug delivery systems at oral mucosal tissues. For this purpose, we prepared porcine masticatory as well as buccal mucosa and performed Franz cell diffusion experiments. Penetration of fluorescently labeled CMS nanocarriers into the mucosal tissue was analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Upon exposure to CMS nanocarriers, the metabolic and proliferative activity of gingival epithelial cells was determined by MTT and sulforhodamine B assays, respectively.ResultsHere, we could show that the carriers penetrate into both mucosal tissues, while particles penetrate deeper into the masticatory mucosa. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed that the 3‐carboxy‐2,2,5,5‐tetramethyl‐1‐pyrrolidinyloxy‐labeled glucocorticoid dexamethasone loaded on to the CMS nanocarriers was released from the carriers in both mucosal tissues but with a higher efficiency in the buccal mucosa. The release from the nanocarriers is in both cases superior compared to the release from a conventional cream, which is normally used for the treatment of inflammatory conditions in the oral cavity. The CMS nanocarriers exhibited neither cytotoxic nor proliferative effects in vitro.ConclusionThese findings suggested that CMS nanocarriers might be an innovative approach for topical drug delivery in the treatment of oral inflammatory diseases.
Root traits are more than analogues of leaf traits: the case for diaspore mass
Authors: Bergmann Joana , Ryo Masahiro , Prati Daniel , Hempel Stefan , Rillig Matthias C. 
Published: September 2017

Summary

Root traits are often thought to be analogues of leaf traits along the plant economics spectrum. But evolutionary pressures have most likely shaped above‐ and belowground patterns differentially. Here, we aimed to identify the most important aboveground traits for explaining root traits without an a priori focus on known concepts.

We measured morphological root traits in a glasshouse experiment on 141 common Central European grassland species. Using random forest algorithms, we built predictive models of six root traits from 97 aboveground morphological, ecological and life history traits.

Root tissue density was best predicted by leaf dry matter content, whereas traits related to root fineness were best predicted by diaspore mass: the heavier the diaspore, the coarser the root system. Specific leaf area (SLA) was not an important predictor for any of the root traits.

This study confirms the hypothesis that root traits are more than analogues of leaf traits within a plant economics spectrum. The results reveal a novel ecological pattern and highlight the power of root data to close important knowledge gaps in trait‐based ecology.
Characterization of an antimicrobial and phytotoxic ribonuclease secreted by the fungal wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici
Authors: Kettles Graeme J. , Bayon Carlos , Sparks Caroline A. , Canning Gail , Kanyuka Kostya , Rudd Jason J. 
Published: September 2017

Summary

The fungus Zymoseptoria tritici is the causal agent of Septoria Tritici Blotch (STB) disease of wheat leaves. Zymoseptoria tritici secretes many functionally uncharacterized effector proteins during infection. Here, we characterized a secreted ribonuclease (Zt6) with an unusual biphasic expression pattern.

Transient expression systems were used to characterize Zt6, and mutants thereof, in both host and non‐host plants. Cell‐free protein expression systems monitored the impact of Zt6 protein on functional ribosomes, and in vitro assays of cells treated with recombinant Zt6 determined toxicity against bacteria, yeasts and filamentous fungi.

We demonstrated that Zt6 is a functional ribonuclease and that phytotoxicity is dependent on both the presence of a 22‐amino‐acid N‐terminal ‘loop’ region and its catalytic activity. Zt6 selectively cleaves both plant and animal rRNA species, and is toxic to wheat, tobacco, bacterial and yeast cells, but not to Z. tritici itself.

Zt6 is the first Z. tritici effector demonstrated to have a likely dual functionality. The expression pattern of Zt6 and potent toxicity towards microorganisms suggest that, although it may contribute to the execution of wheat cell death, it is also likely to have an important secondary function in antimicrobial competition and niche protection.
Characterisation of a sucrose‐independent in vitro biofilm model of supragingival plaque
Authors: Tsutsumi K , Maruyama M , Uchiyama A , Shibasaki K 
Published: September 2017

ObjectivesSugar consumption has been decreasing in Japan, suggesting higher rates of sucrose‐independent supragingival plaque formation. For developing an in vitro biofilm model of sucrose‐independent supragingival plaque, this study aimed to investigate the compositions and functions on contributing to cariogenicity in comparison with sucrose‐dependent biofilm.Materials and MethodsAn in vitro multispecies biofilm containing Actinomyces naeslundii, Streptococcus gordonii, S. mutans, Veillonella parvula and Fusobacterium nucleatum was formed on 24‐well plates in the absence or presence of 1% sucrose. Compositions were assessed by plate culture, scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy after fluorescent in situ hybridisation or labelling of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Functions were assessed by acidogenicity, adherence strength and sensitivities to anticaries agents.ResultsAlthough both biofilms exhibited a Streptococcus predominant bacterial composition, there were differences in bacterial and EPS compositions; in particular, little glucan EPS was observed in sucrose‐independent biofilm. Compared with sucrose‐dependent biofilm, acidogenicity, adherence strength and antimicrobial resistance of sucrose‐independent biofilm were only slightly lower. However, dextranase degradation was substantially lower in sucrose‐independent biofilm.ConclusionOur findings suggest that sucrose‐independent biofilm may have cariogenicity as with sucrose‐dependent biofilm. These in vitro models can help further elucidate plaque‐induced caries aetiology and develop new anticaries agents.
A Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis of Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy Compared with Circumferential Lumbar Fusion
Authors: Stamuli Eugena , Kesornsak Withawin , Grevitt Michael P. , Posnett John , Claxton Karl 
Published: September 2017

AbstractStudy DesignCost‐effectiveness analysis.ObjectiveTo evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET) relative to circumferential lumbar fusion with femoral ring allograft (FRA) in the United Kingdom.Summary of Background DataCircumferential lumbar fusion is an established treatment for discogenic low back pain. However, IDET could be a cost‐effective treatment alternative as it can be carried out as a day case.MethodsPatient‐level data were available for patients with discogenic low back pain treated with FRA (n = 37) in a randomized trial of FRA vs. titanium cage, and for patients recruited to a separate study evaluating the use of IDET (n = 85). Both studies were carried out at a single institution in the United Kingdom. Patients were followed‐up for 24 months, with data collected on low back disability (Oswestry Disability Index), back and leg pain (visual analog scale), quality of life (Short Form 36), radiographic evaluations, and U.K. National Health Service (NHS) resource use. Cost‐effectiveness was measured by the incremental cost per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) gained.ResultsBoth treatments produced statistically significant improvements in outcome at 24‐month follow‐up. NHS costs were significantly lower with IDET due to a shorter mean procedure time (377.4 minutes vs. 49.9 minutes) and length of stay (7 days vs. 1.2 days). At a threshold of £20,000 per QALY, the probability that IDET is cost effective is high.ConclusionsBoth treatments led to significant improvements in patient outcomes that were sustained for at least 24 months. Costs were lower with IDET, and for appropriate patients IDET is an effective and cost‐effective treatment alternative.
Cold sensing in grapevine—Which signals are upstream of the microtubular “thermometer”
Authors: Wang Lixin , Nick Peter 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPlants can acquire freezing tolerance in response to cold but non‐freezing temperatures. To efficiently activate this cold acclimation, low temperature has to be sensed and processed swiftly, a process that is linked with a transient elimination of microtubules. Here, we address cold‐induced microtubules elimination in a grapevine cell line stably expressing a green fluorescent protein fusion of Arabidopsis TuB6, which allows to follow their response in vivo and to quantify this response by quantitative image analysis. We use time‐course studies with several specific pharmacological inhibitors and activators to dissect the signalling events acting upstream of microtubules elimination. We find that microtubules disappear within 30 min after the onset of cold stress. We provide evidence for roles of calcium influx, membrane rigidification, and activation of NAD(P)H oxidase as factors in signal susception and amplification. We further conclude that a G‐protein in concert with a phospholipase D convey the signal towards microtubules, whereas calmodulin seems to be not involved. Moreover, activation of jasmonate pathway in response to cold is required for an efficient microtubule response. We summarize our findings in a working model on a complex signalling hub at the membrane‐cytoskeleton interphase that assembles the susception, perception and early transduction of cold signals.
Soil CO2 venting as one of the mechanisms for tolerance of Zn deficiency by rice in flooded soils
Authors: Affholder Marie‐Cecile , Weiss Dominik J. , Wissuwa Matthias , Johnson‐Beebout Sarah E. , Kirk Guy J.D. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe sought to explain rice (Oryza sativa) genotype differences in tolerance of zinc (Zn) deficiency in flooded paddy soils and the counter‐intuitive observation, made in earlier field experiments, that Zn uptake per plant increases with increasing planting density. We grew tolerant and intolerant genotypes in a Zn‐deficient flooded soil at high and low planting densities and found (a) plant Zn concentrations and growth increased with planting density and more so in the tolerant genotype, whereas the concentrations of other nutrients decreased, indicating a specific effect on Zn uptake; (b) the effects of planting density and genotype on Zn uptake could only be explained if the plants induced changes in the soil to make Zn more soluble; and (c) the genotype and planting density effects were both associated with decreases in dissolved CO2 in the rhizosphere soil solution and resulting increases in pH. We suggest that the increases in pH caused solubilization of soil Zn by dissolution of alkali‐soluble, Zn‐complexing organic ligands from soil organic matter. We conclude that differences in venting of soil CO2 through root aerenchyma were responsible for the genotype and planting density effects.
The use of case management for community‐dwelling older people: the effects on loneliness, symptoms of depression and life satisfaction in a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Taube Elin , Kristensson Jimmie , Midlöv Patrik , Jakobsson Ulf 
Published: September 2017

AimTo investigate the effects of a case management intervention for community‐dwelling frail older people, with functional dependency and repeated contacts with the healthcare services, focusing on loneliness, depressive symptoms and life satisfaction.DesignA two‐armed, nonblinded, randomised control trial with repeated follow‐ups, of N = 153 participants at baseline allocated to an intervention (n = 80) and control (n = 73) group.MethodInclusion criteria were the following: ≥65 years of age, living in ordinary housing, in need of assistance in two or more self‐reported activities of daily living, having at least two hospital admissions or at least four visits in outpatient care 12 months prior to enrolment. Case managers (nurses and physiotherapists) provided an intervention of general case management, general information, specific information and continuity and safety. The intervention ranged over 12 months with one or more home visit(s) being conducted per month. An intention‐to‐treat analysis was applied for the primary outcomes of loneliness, depressive symptoms and life satisfaction, along with complete case and sensitivity analyses.ResultsDuring the trial period n = 12 died and n = 33 dropped out. No significant difference was found between the groups at baseline regarding sociodemographic characteristics, subjective health or primary outcomes. The intention‐to‐treat analysis did not result in any significant effects for the primary outcomes at any of the follow‐ups (6 and 12 months). The complete case analysis resulted in a significant difference in favour of the intervention regarding loneliness (RR = 0.49, p = 0.028) and life satisfaction (ES = 0.41, p = 0.028) at 6 months and for depressive symptoms (ES = 0.47, p = 0.035) at 12 months.ConclusionsThe use of case management for frail older people did not result in clear favourable effects for the primary outcomes. However, the study indicates that case management may be beneficial in terms of these outcomes. Due to the complexity of the outcomes, an elaboration of the components and assessments is suggested.
Effects of HIV-1 Tat and Methamphetamine on Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity and FunctionIn Vitro
Authors: Patel Sulay , Leibrand Crystal R. , Palasuberniam Preetha , Couraud Pierre-Olivier , Weksler Babette , Jahr Fay M. , McClay Joseph L. , Hauser Kurt F. , McRae MaryPeace 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTHuman immunodeficiency (HIV) infection results in neurocognitive deficits in about one half of infected individuals. Despite systemic effectiveness, restricted antiretroviral penetration across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a major limitation in fighting central nervous system (CNS)-localized infection. Drug abuse exacerbates HIV-induced cognitive and pathological CNS changes. This study's purpose was to investigate the effects of the HIV-1 protein Tat and methamphetamine on factors affecting drug penetration across anin vitroBBB model. Factors affecting paracellular and transcellular flux in the presence of Tat and methamphetamine were examined. Transendothelial electrical resistance, ZO-1 expression, and lucifer yellow (a paracellular tracer) flux were aspects of paracellular processes that were examined. Additionally, effects on P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP-1) mRNA (via quantitative PCR [qPCR]) and protein (via immunoblotting) expression were measured; Pgp and MRP-1 are drug efflux proteins. Transporter function was examined after exposure of Tat with or without methamphetamine using the P-gp substrate rhodamine 123 and also using the dual P-gp/MRP-1 substrate and protease inhibitor atazanavir. Tat and methamphetamine elicit complex changes affecting transcellular and paracellular transport processes. Neither Tat nor methamphetamine significantly altered P-gp expression. However, Tat plus methamphetamine exposure significantly increased rhodamine 123 accumulation within brain endothelial cells, suggesting that treatment inhibited or impaired P-gp function. Intracellular accumulation of atazanavir was not significantly altered after Tat or methamphetamine exposure. Atazanavir accumulation was, however, significantly increased by simultaneous inhibition of P-gp and MRP. Collectively, our investigations indicate that Tat and methamphetamine alter aspects of BBB integrity without affecting net flux of paracellular compounds. Tat and methamphetamine may also affect several aspects of transcellular transport.
External Evaluation of Two Fluconazole Infant Population Pharmacokinetic Models
Authors: Hwang Michael F. , Beechinor Ryan J. , Wade Kelly C. , Benjamin Daniel K. , Smith P. Brian , Hornik Christoph P. , Capparelli Edmund V. , Duara Shahnaz , Kennedy Kathleen A. , Cohen-Wolkowiez Michael , Gonzalez Daniel 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

Fluconazole is an antifungal agent used for the treatment of invasive candidiasis, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in premature infants. Population pharmacokinetic (PK) models of fluconazole in infants have been previously published by Wade et al. (Antimicrob Agents Chemother 52:4043–4049, 2008,
https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.00569-08
) and Momper et al. (Antimicrob Agents Chemother 60:5539–5545, 2016,
https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.00963-16
). Here we report the results of the first external evaluation of the predictive performance of both models. We used patient-level data from both studies to externally evaluate both PK models. The predictive performance of each model was evaluated using the model prediction error (PE), mean prediction error (MPE), mean absolute prediction error (MAPE), prediction-corrected visual predictive check (pcVPC), and normalized prediction distribution errors (NPDE). The values of the parameters of each model were reestimated using both the external and merged data sets. When evaluated with the external data set, the model proposed by Wade et al. showed lower median PE, MPE, and MAPE (0.429 μg/ml, 41.9%, and 57.6%, respectively) than the model proposed by Momper et al. (2.45 μg/ml, 188%, and 195%, respectively). The values of the majority of reestimated parameters were within 20% of their respective original parameter values for all model evaluations. Our analysis determined that though both models are robust, the model proposed by Wade et al. had greater accuracy and precision than the model proposed by Momper et al., likely because it was derived from a patient population with a wider age range. This study highlights the importance of the external evaluation of infant population PK models.
An educational tool for the prophylaxis of hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Garrido Maria , Turco Matteo , Formentin Chiara , Corrias Michela , De Rui Michele , Montagnese Sara , Amodio Piero 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundProviding structured information for the understanding of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) might be relevant to the prevention and management of the syndrome. The aim of our study was to design a brief, structured educational intervention and evaluate its usefulness in preventing HE-related hospitalisation over time.MethodsThirty-nine cirrhotic outpatients with a history of HE were enrolled and randomly assigned to an intervention (group A; n=20) or control group (group B; n=19). All of them underwent evaluation of HE (clinical and quantitative neuropsychiatric assessment) and completed the Questionnaire on the Awareness of Encephalopathy. A 15 min educational session was then provided to patients in group A, including basic information on the pathophysiology, hygienic and medical management of HE.ResultsNo demographic/clinical differences were observed at baseline between the two groups. Similarly, there were no significant differences in HE-related information available at baseline between the two groups; knowledge of HE was limited in both. The intervention was highly effective in increasing patients’ understanding of treatment of the condition (from 5% to 80%). The educational intervention also reduced the risk of developing an episode of HE over a period of 12 months.ConclusionThe educational intervention confirmed the poor knowledge of patients with previous HE about their condition, served as a tool to increase patients’ awareness, and minimised HE-related readmission rates over a period of 1 year.