bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
False belief attribution in children with Williams syndrome: the answer is in the emotion
Authors: Campos R. , Martínez‐Castilla P. , Sotillo M. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundIndividuals with Williams syndrome (WS) show difficulties in attributing false beliefs, whereas they are better at attributing emotions. This study examines whether being asked about the emotion linked to a false belief, instead of explicitly about the belief, facilitates performance on theory of mind (ToM) tasks.MethodThirty children with WS and 90 typically developing children, who were individually matched on mental age (50–112 months), were administered six explicit (i.e. questions on belief) and six implicit (i.e. questions on emotion) trials of false belief tasks.ResultsTheory of mind competences were related to cognitive development. Children with WS performed comparably to typically developing children on the emotion questions.ConclusionCorrect answers to questions on emotion reveal an implicit understanding of false belief. The Representational redescription process could be impaired in the domain of ToM in this population. This finding has relevant implications for the design of supports aiming to optimise the development of ToM competences in individuals with WS.
First case report of non‐human primates (Alouatta clamitans) with the hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype K1 strain ST 23: A possible emerging wildlife pathogen
Authors: Anzai Eleine Kuroki , de Souza Júnior Júlio César , Peruchi Amanda Rezende , Fonseca Juliana Mello , Gumpl Elke Kreuscher , Pignatari Antônio Carlos Campos , Hirano Zelinda Maria Braga , Silveira Alessandro Conrado de Oliveira 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundHypervirulent strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae genotype K1 isolates have recently emerged, causing severe pyogenic liver abscess complicated by devastating metastatic infections in humans.MethodsWe describe a short outbreak of the non‐human primate (NHP) research center, associated with a hypervirulent K. pneumoniae. The genetic similarity of the strains was evaluated by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) techniques, and virulence encoding genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).ResultsThe isolates were phenotypically like strains causing community‐acquired invasive liver abscess syndrome in humans. All strains exhibited identical PFGE patterns and were found to belong to ST23 and presented a hypermucovisity phenotype and possessed magA and rmpA gene.ConclusionThis is the first case report of NHPs caused by K. pneumoniae displaying a hypermucoviscosity phenotype and belonging to capsular serotypes K1 and ST23.
Pulmonary delivery of tea tree oil-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes for the treatment of fungal and bacterial pneumonia
Authors: Li Miao , Zhu Lifei , Zhang Tongtong , Liu Boming , Du Lina , Jin Yiguang 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Objectives
Bacterial pneumonia is a common cause of death worldwide. Tea tree oil (TTO) is a potent antimicrobial natural product, which is formulated in dry powder inhalers (DPIs) for the treatment of fungal and bacterial pneumonia.

Methods
Tea tree oil-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes (TTO-β-CD) were prepared and characterized. Aerodynamic properties of TTO-β-CD powders were measured. The rat models of fungal (Candida albicans) and bacterial (Acinetobacter baumannii) pneumonia were prepared. Saline, TTO, TTO-β-CD and the positive drug (fluconazole or penicillin) were directly delivered to the rat lungs. Pathological and biological assays were conducted.

Key findings
Tea tree oil-β-CD powders had an appropriate aerodynamic diameter of 5.59 μm and the fine particle fraction of 51.22%, suitable for pulmonary delivery. TTO-β-CD showed higher and similar antipneumonic effects on the rat models than fluconazole and penicillin, respectively. The effects of TTO-β-CD were higher than TTO alone. The antipneumonic mechanisms involved blocking the recruitment of leucocytes and neutrophils, eliminating the microbes, downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (including tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and interleukin-6), suppressing cyclooxygenase 2 expression, and further reducing lung injury.

Conclusions
Inhaled TTO-β-CD powders have the advantages of portability, high stability, self-administration, high lung deposition and good antipneumonic effect. It is a promising DPI for the treatment of fungal and bacterial pneumonia.
Pharmacokinetic and ocular microdialysis study of oral ginkgo biloba extract in rabbits by UPLC-MS/MS determination
Authors: Wang Shuya , Li Ding , Pi Jiaxin , Li Wen , Zhang Bing , Qi Dongli , Li Nan , Guo Pan , Liu Zhidong 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Objectives
The purpose of this work was to determine and investigate the absorption of ginkgo terpenoids (GT) in plasma and aqueous humour after oral administration of ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) by UPLC-MS/MS method.

Methods
The UPLC-MS/MS determination of GT employed the multiple reaction monitoring mode using an electrospray negative ionization. The rabbits were orally administered the suspension of GBE at a dose of 500 mg/kg. Serial plasma and dialysate samples were collected at the corresponding time and then analysed by UPLC-MS/MS.

Key findings
In plasma, the mean AUC from 0 to 48 h was 14.12, 12.59, 23.75, 1.51 h μg/ml for GLJ and 5.34 h μg/ml for GLA, GLB, GLC, GLJ and BLL, respectively. In aqueous humour, the five ginkgo terpenoids have been detected. Compared with the other four GT, BLL has better absorption in the eyes.

Conclusions
A selective and reproducible UPLC-MS/MS method was developed and validated to determine and investigate the absorption of ginkgo terpenoids in plasma and aqueous humour of rabbits after oral administration of GBE. The main five ginkgo terpenoids could be absorbed into eyes.
In-silico profiling of the biological activities of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids
Authors: Shawky Eman 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Objectives
The large number of publications about Amaryllidaceae alkaloids reflects the abundance and variety in biological activity of these alkaloids. An in-silico approach was implemented in this work to rationalize the individual alkaloids to molecular biological activity.

Methods
A database was generated containing 313 Amaryllidaceae alkaloids which were then subjected to in-silico-validated structure-based virtual screening using extra precision (XP) approach of Glide docking program. Further pharmacophore detection of the high scorers resulted in a hybrid model considering the structural and spatial characteristics of the molecules. The focus was laid on representative targets against viral infections, acetylcholinesterase and cancer. BEDROC studies were used for validation of the accuracy of docking methods.

Key findings
As expected, galanthamine-type alkaloids were the most active against hACHE; yet, lycorenine- and tazettine-type alkaloids contributed significantly, while lycorine-type alkaloids dominated the hit list against HIV-1 PR target protein and were significantly active against HIV-1 RT and influenza NA. Surprisingly, belladine-type alkaloids showed the highest number of hits against HDAC2, while lycorine- and narciclasine-type alkaloids dominated the hit lists against Aurora kinase A and VEGFR2.

Conclusions
This report provides useful information on Amaryllidaceae alkaloids and serves as a starting point to access their undiscovered biological activity.
Improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic attributes of artemether–lumefantrine-loaded solid SMEDDS for oral administration
Authors: Bhandari Sameer , Bhandari Vikram , Sood Jatin , Jaswal Sunil , Rana Vikas , Bedi Neena , Sehgal Rakesh , Tiwary Ashok K 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Objectives
To evaluate the in-vivo efficacy of solid SMEDDS containing combination of artemether and lumefantrine.

Methods
Formulation development of solid SMEDDS containing combination of artemether and lumefantrine was carried out using spray drying technique. These S-SMEDDS were evaluated for reduction in parasitemia and mortality as well as subacute toxicity in mice. Haematology, biochemical parameters and histopathology were performed for evaluating safety of formulation. Pharmacokinetic characterization of both drugs was performed after oral administration in rats.

Key findings
Optimized solid SMEDDS containing low, medium and high dose were more effective in reducing parasitemia and mortality of mice as compared to marketed tablets containing high dose of these drugs. Single oral administration of solid SMEDDS containing high-dose combination could maintain plasma concentration of lumefantrine above the minimum effective concentration for ≈4 days.

Conclusions
Solid SMEDDS containing low-, medium- and high-dose combination of artemether and lumefantrine are more effective than marketed tablets.
Intranasal administration of brain-targeted HP-β-CD/chitosan nanoparticles for delivery of scutellarin, a compound with protective effect in cerebral ischaemia
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Ho Paul C 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Objectives
Scutellarin (SCU) is a traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of ischaemic cerebrovascular disease, but its clinic applications have been limited due to its poor water solubility, poor bioavailability and short half-life. In comparison with the conventional oral and intravenous administration, nasal administration may help targeting the drug more directly to brain. Thus, we proposed to employ a novel SCU-loaded HP-β-CD/chitosan nanoparticles (CD/CS-SCU-NPs) to deliver SCU to brain through the nasal route.

Methods
CD/CS-SCU-NPs were prepared by an ionic cross-linking method. The NPs formulation was tested in vivo in C57BL mice. The concentrations of SCU in brain and plasma after intranasal and oral administration of the CD/CS-SCU-NPs and after intranasal administration of SCU solution (SCU-SL) were determined and brain targeting parameters were calculated.

Key findings
Compared to the intranasal administration of SCU-SL, intranasal and oral administration of the CD/CS-SCU-NPs increased accumulation of SCU in brain, indicating that CD/CS-SCU-NPs have obvious brain targeting advantage, although the advantage is more evident after intranasal administration.

Conclusions
Findings from in-vivo study indicated that much higher SCU brain exposure was observed after intranasal administration of the CD/CS-SCU-NPs. Administration of CD/CS-SCU-NPs through the nasal route would have potential to treat ischemic cerebrovascular disease.
Circannual variation of mitotane and its metabolites plasma levels in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma
Authors: Cusato Jessica , De Francia Silvia , Allegra Sarah , Carrella Simona , Pirro Elisa , Piccione Francesca Maria , De Martino Francesca , Ferrero Anna , Daffara Fulvia Claudia , Terzolo Massimo , Berruti Alfredo , Di Carlo Francesco , Tampellini Marco , D'Avolio Antonio 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Objectives
Mitotane is the reference drug for the adrenocortical carcinoma treatment; its pharmacological activity seems to depend on drug transformation in two active metabolites: o,p'-DDE (dichlorodiphenylethene) and o,p'-DDA (dichlorodiphenylacetate). Mitotane and metabolites are lipophilic agents; thus, they tend to accumulate into adipose tissues (white and brown), which change their prevalence seasonally. Aim of the work was to evaluate mitotane and metabolites plasma levels variation over the year, in adrenocortical cancer patients treated with Lysodren® for at least 6 months.

Methods
We enrolled a group of 86 adrenocortical carcinoma diagnosed patients, who underwent radical surgery and started mitotane as adjuvant treatment. For drug and metabolites plasma level (from samples collected ~12 h after the dose administration of mitotane, just before the subsequent administration) determination, a validated chromatographic method was used.

Key findings
Results showed an evidence of a seasonal trend for the three substance (o,p'-DDD, o,p'-DDE and o,p'-DDA) plasma levels, in terms of acrophases and lower values. Furthermore, it came out that male patients need a higher significant mitotane drug dose than female patients to reach mitotane therapeutic window.

Conclusions
In conclusion, this is the first study assessing a mitotane plasma level variation over the year, but further studies in larger cohorts are required.
The conditional stimulation of rat organic cation transporter 2, but not its human ortholog, by mesoridazine: the possibility of the involvement of the high-affinity binding site of the transporter in the stimulation
Authors: Hyung Sungwoo , Pyeon Wonji , Park Ji Eun , Song Yoo-Kyung , Chung Suk-Jae 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Objectives
To study the functional consequences of the human and rat forms of OCT2 in the presence of phenothiazines.

Methods
MDCK cells expressing human or rat OCT2 were established, and MPP+ transport was determined by uptake assays. Concentration dependency was studied for the stimulatory/inhibitory effects of phenothiazines on MPP+ transport.

Key findings
Among the 11 phenothiazines examined, the majority were found to have comparable effects on transporter function between the orthologous forms, while three phenothiazines, particularly mesoridazine, had complex impacts on transporter function. For rOCT2, mesoridazine stimulated transport at 0.1 and 1 μmMPP+ with the mesoridazine concentration–uptake curve becoming bell-shaped. This conditional effect became less pronounced at 30 μmMPP+, resulting in an inhibition curve with a typical profile. For hOCT2, mesoridazine behaved as a typical inhibitor of transporter function at all MPP+ concentrations, although the kinetics of inhibition were still affected by the substrate concentration.

Conclusions
The conditional stimulation by mesoridazine in rOCT2, and the lack thereof in hOCT2, may be a manifestation of the interaction of phenothiazine with substrate binding at the high-affinity site of the OCT2. As OCT2 was previously indicated in some drug–drug interactions, the conditional stimulation of OCT2 and its potential species-differences may be of practical relevance.
The contribution of food composition resources to nutrition science methodology
Authors: Finglas P. , Roe M. , Pinchen H. , Astley S. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAdvances in nutrition science methods and tools have underpinned better understanding of the complex interactions between diet, nutrition and health. One example is the development of food composition tables, which provide detailed information about the energy and nutrient content of foods. They are important in many fields, including clinical practice and research, and are used in a variety of ways; for example, to assess national population‐level programmes and surveys, formulate emergency food supplies and develop therapeutic diets. In recent years, food composition tables have widened in scope and accessibility but most do not include bioactive compounds, the consumption of which is associated with reduced risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.Established in 2009, European Food Information Resource (EuroFIR) Association Internationale Sans But Lucratif (AISBL) is a non‐profit member‐based association in Belgium and a leading advocate for food information in Europe. It promotes the use of food composition data across the wider food, nutrition and health research and policy landscapes, raises awareness and understanding of the value of these data, especially for consumers in making healthier dietary choices, and works with other organisations [e.g. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations] to facilitate improved data quality, storage and access to encourage wider exploitation of food composition data for both research and commercial purposes.EuroFIR has produced a range of tools to help data compilers and helped develop a European standard for food composition data to support the exchange and comparison of data. It is essential that investment to improve these tools and develop new methods continues, especially in regions without food composition databases. Such activities also need to be cost‐effective and scientifically robust, and engage effectively with stakeholders.
75 years of Family Food, 50 years of the British Nutrition Foundation
Authors: Lee D. , Worth I. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe Family Food survey recently published its 75th consecutive year of estimates. It has been monitoring household expenditure, purchases and derived nutritional intake since 1940. The story of its inception involves some significant names in the history of nutrition, some of whom were also important figures in the early years of the British Nutrition Foundation. This paper recounts the history of the survey from 1940 to the present day and comments on some selected long‐term nutritional trends the data reveal.
The contribution of epidemiology to nutrition science
Authors: Wiseman M. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractEpidemiology is the study of the distribution of the occurrence and causes of disease. The non‐random distribution of the incidence of diseases, and factors associated with them, gives clues both to their causation and to possibilities of prevention. While an understanding of the biological processes that underpin associations can be useful in ascribing causality, it is not essential, nor necessary for developing preventive options. Epidemiology is essentially an observational discipline and therefore does not have the advantages of randomised experimental studies of avoiding confounding and other problems relating to measurement, in particular relating to diet and nutrition status. However, epidemiologic studies do have advantages of observing hard outcomes in typical populations over decades, which is valuable when exploring aetiology of chronic non‐communicable diseases. Nutritional epidemiology has been the main basis for understanding the causes and potential prevention of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. When better integrated with in vitro and in vivo experimental data from humans and animals, nutritional epidemiology will remain a critical tool in the armoury for understanding the causes of disease, and offer targets for prevention.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Shows that both 14-Day Hybrid and Bismuth Quadruple Therapies Cure Most Patients with Helicobacter pylori Infection in Populations with Moderate Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Tsay Feng-Woei , Wu Deng-Chyang , Yu Hsien-Chung , Kao Sung-Shuo , Lin Kung-Hung , Cheng Jin-Shiung , Wang Huay-Min , Chen Wen-Chi , Sun Wei-Chih , Tsai Kuo-Wang , Hsu Ping-I 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

Hybrid therapy is a novel two-step treatment achieving a high eradication rate for
Helicobacter pylori
infection. Currently, whether this new therapy achieves a higher eradication rate than bismuth quadruple therapy remains an unanswered question. The aim of this prospective, randomized comparative study was to investigate the efficacies of 14-day hybrid therapy and bismuth quadruple therapy in the treatment of
H. pylori
infection. From July 2013 to June 2015, eligible
H. pylori
-infected subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 14-day bismuth quadruple therapy (pantoprazole, bismuth subcitrate, tetracycline, and metronidazole for 14 days) or 14-day hybrid therapy (a 7-day dual therapy with pantoprazole plus amoxicillin, followed by a 7-day quadruple therapy with pantoprazole plus amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole).
H. pylori
status was examined 6 weeks after the end of treatment. Three hundred thirty
H. pylori
-infected participants were randomized to receive 14-day bismuth quadruple therapy (
n
= 164) or 14-day hybrid therapy (
n
= 166). The eradication rates by intention-to-treat analysis were similar: 93.9% versus 92.8%, respectively (95% confidence interval [CI], −4.3% to 5.4%;
P
= 0.68). Per-protocol analysis yielded similar results (96.7% versus 94.9%, respectively;
P
= 0.44). However, bismuth quadruple therapy had a higher frequency of adverse events than hybrid therapy (55.5% versus 15.7%, respectively; 95% CI, 30.4% to 49.2%;
P
< 0.001). The two treatments exhibited comparable drug adherence (93.9% versus 97%, respectively). The resistance rates of antibiotics were: clarithromycin, 16.7% of patients; amoxicillin, 1.3%; metronidazole, 25%; and tetracycline, 0%. In the bismuth quadruple therapy group, the eradication rate of metronidazole-resistant strains was lower than that of metronidazole-susceptible strains (70.0% versus 96.4%, respectively;
P
= 0.04). In the hybrid therapy group, no significant impact of clarithromycin or metronidazole resistance on eradication rates was identified. Both 14-day hybrid and bismuth quadruple therapies cure most patients with
H. pylori
infection in populations with moderate antibiotic resistance. However, the 14-day hybrid therapy has fewer adverse effects than the bismuth quadruple therapy. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT02541864.)
No Clinically Relevant Drug-Drug Interactions between Methadone or Buprenorphine-Naloxone and Antiviral Combination Glecaprevir and Pibrentasvir
Authors: Kosloski Matthew P. , Zhao Weihan , Asatryan Armen , Kort Jens , Geoffroy Pierre , Liu Wei 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

The combination of glecaprevir (formerly ABT-493), a nonstructural protein 3/4A (NS3/4A) protease inhibitor, and pibrentasvir (formerly ABT-530), an NS5A protein inhibitor, is being developed as treatment for HCV genotype 1 to 6 infection. The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and tolerability of methadone or buprenorphine-naloxone when coadministered with the glecaprevir-pibrentasvir combination in HCV-negative subjects on stable opioid maintenance therapy were investigated in a phase 1, single-center, two-arm, multiple-dose, open-label sequential study. Subjects received methadone (arm 1) or buprenorphine-naloxone (arm 2) once daily (QD) per their existing individual prescriptions alone (days 1 to 9) and then in combination with glecaprevir at 300 mg QD and pibrentasvir at 120 mg QD (days 10 to 16) each morning. Dose-normalized exposures were similar with and without glecaprevir and pibrentasvir for (
R
)- and (
S
)-methadone (≤5% difference) and for buprenorphine and naloxone (≤24% difference); the norbuprenorphine area under the curve was 30% higher with glecaprevir and pibrentasvir, consistent with maximum and trough plasma concentrations that increased by 21% to 25%. No changes in pupil response, short opiate withdrawal scale score, or desire for drugs questionnaire were observed when glecaprevir and pibrentasvir were added to methadone or buprenorphine-naloxone therapy. No dose adjustment is required when glecaprevir and pibrentasvir are coadministered with methadone or buprenorphine-naloxone.