bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Type‐specific persistence and clearance rates of HPV genotypes in the oral and oropharyngeal mucosa in an HIV/AIDS cohort
Authors: Castillejos‐García Itzel , Ramírez‐Amador Velia A. , Carrillo‐García Adela , García‐Carrancá Alejandro , Lizano Marcela , Anaya‐Saavedra Gabriela 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundOral high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) infections are frequent and persistent among the HIV‐positive population and are associated with an increased risk for head and neck cancer (HNC). In this study, we sought to determine the incidence, persistence and clearance of HPV infections in oral and oropharyngeal samples from HIV/AIDS subjects.MethodsA longitudinal, observational and analytical study was performed with an ongoing cohort of HIV/AIDS subjects in Mexico City (September 2013‐February 2015). The study was approved by institutional committees, and demographic and clinical data were registered. At the baseline and three‐month visits, oral examinations and cytobrush samples were obtained. DNA was purified, quantified and used to detect an HPV‐L1 gene fragment by nested PCR, using MY09/MY11 and GP5 + /GP6 + primers. HPV DNA products were purified, sequenced and typed according to HPV databases. Risk factors were assessed, and a multivariate modelling approach was used to determine independent effects.ResultsThis study included 97 HIV/AIDS individuals (91% men [86.4% of which are men who have sex with men], median age: 36 years, 72.2% under HAART). From the baseline visit, HPV was observed in 55.7% (HR‐HPV: 26.8%; HPV‐18: 24.1%), with a higher HPV‐positive samples for smokers (61.1 vs 32.6%, P = .005). The three‐month overall HPV incidence was 33.9%; type‐specific HPV persistence was 33.3% (HR‐HPV: 13.3%); and 13 of the 33 (39.4%) baseline HPV‐positive individuals cleared the infection (HR‐HPV: 53.8%).ConclusionsAlthough HR‐HPV persistence was low, and clearance of the infection was observed in most cases, a close follow‐up is necessary, given the increase in HNC among HIV‐subjects, particularly HPV‐related cancer.
Longitudinal Assessment of Denture Maintenance Needs in an Overdenture Population
Authors: Ettinger Ronald L. , Qian Fang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the longitudinal denture maintenance needs of a tooth‐supported overdenture population.Materials and MethodsThis prospective cohort study was composed of patients who had received tooth‐supported overdentures from 1974 to 1994 in the Department of Prosthodontics, University of Iowa. There were 272 persons with 662 abutments who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. To simplify analysis and reduce the number of confounding variables, only those participants wearing complete maxillary dentures and opposing complete mandibular overdentures supported by teeth #22 and #27 were included in this analysis. The denture maintenance needs of these participants were identified and related to age, gender, length of time wearing overdentures, number of medications, and denture‐wearing habits. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used for the statistical analysis (α = 0.05).ResultsOf the 91 participants (mean age = 59.5 ± 10.1 years; 63.7% male) who fulfilled the inclusion criteria at baseline, 48.4% took 1 to 3 medications daily, and 84.6% wore their dentures day and night. The percentages of participants who needed one or more of the following denture treatments were: 91.2% denture base adjustments, 76.9% laboratory processed relines, 61.5% denture remakes, 33% laboratory remount and occlusal adjustment, 22% repaired bases, and 19.8% needed denture teeth replaced. Bivariate analyses indicated that participants who were 65 years and older needed more denture adjustments than patients younger than 65 years (p = 0.0343). Participants who had worn overdentures for more than 5 years were more likely to require denture remakes (p = 0.0304). Participants who wore their dentures only during the day were less likely to require repairs (p = 0.0403). Participants who did not take any medications were significantly less likely to require denture base repairs (p = 0.0258). For the 35 participants who returned for recalls at all 4 time points, males were more likely to need denture teeth repaired or replaced (p = 0.0335) and those aged 50 to 64 were more likely to need 2 or more adjustments (p = 0.0311). No overdenture abutments were lost by the participants in this study.ConclusionsAccording to the results of this study, age, medication usage, denture‐wearing habits, and age of the overdentures were significant factors associated with denture maintenance needs. Persons wearing overdentures need regular recalls, because they have continuing maintenance needs.
Role of l-arginine/SNAP/NO/cGMP/KATP channel signalling pathway in antinociceptive effect of α-terpineol in mice
Authors: Safaripour Sara , Nemati Yasaman , Parvardeh Siavash , Ghafghazi Shiva , Fouladzadeh Anahita , Moghimi Mahsa 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Objectives
The main purpose of this study was to assess the role of l-arginine/SNAP/NO/cGMP/KATP channel pathway in analgesic effects of α-terpineol in mice.

Methods
Male NMRI mice were pretreated intraperitoneally with NO precursor (l-arginine, 100 mg/kg), NO synthase inhibitor (l-NAME, 30 mg/kg), NO donor (SNAP, 1 mg/kg), guanylyl cyclase inhibitor (methylene blue, 20 mg/kg), PDE inhibitor (sildenafil, 0.5 mg/kg), KATP channel blocker (glibenclamide, 10 mg/kg) and naloxone (2 mg/kg) 20 min before the administration of α-terpineol. The formalin test was performed 20 min after the administration of α-terpineol, and nociceptive responses of mice were recorded during 30 min.

Key findings
A significant and dose-dependent antinociception was produced by α-terpineol (40 and 80 mg/kg) in both the phases of formalin test. The antinociceptive effect of α-terpineol was significantly potentiated by l-arginine in the second phase while significantly antagonized by l-NAME in both phases of formalin test. Also, SNAP and sildenafil non-significantly enhanced—while methylene blue significantly diminished—the antinociceptive effect of α-terpineol in both phases of formalin test. Glibenclamide significantly reversed the α-terpineol-induced antinociception, indicating the involvement of KATP channels in antinociceptive effect of α-terpineol.

Conclusions
These results indicate that the antinociceptive effect of α-terpineol is mediated through l-arginine/SNAP/NO/cGMP/KATP channel pathway.
Effects of S-1-propenylcysteine, a sulfur compound in aged garlic extract, on blood pressure and peripheral circulation in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Ushijima Mitsuyasu , Takashima Miyuki , Kunimura Kayo , Kodera Yukihiro , Morihara Naoaki , Tamura Koichi 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Objectives
This study was designed to investigate the antihypertensive effect of S-1-propenylcysteine, a characteristic sulfur compound in aged garlic extract, using a hypertensive rat model.

Methods
The blood pressure and tail blood flow of both spontaneously hypertensive rats and control Wistar Kyoto rats were measured by the tail-cuff method and the noncontact laser Doppler method, respectively, at various times after single oral administration of a test compound for 24 h.

Key findings
Treatment with S-1-propenylcysteine (6.5 mg/kg BW) significantly decreased the systolic blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rat approximately 10% at 3 h after administration, and thereafter, the systolic blood pressure gradually returned to the baseline level in 24 h. The effect of S-1-propenylcysteine was dose-dependent and was maximal at the dose of 6.5 mg/kg BW at 3 h. However, the other compounds such as S-allylcysteine and S-allylmercaptocysteine in aged garlic extract were ineffective. In addition, S-1-propenylcysteine had no effect on systolic blood pressure of control Wistar Kyoto rats. Furthermore, S-1-propenylcysteine significantly increased the blood flow at 3 h after administration at the dose of 6.5 mg/kg BW.

Conclusions
S-1-propenylcysteine is a key constituent of aged garlic extract responsible for its antihypertensive effect, and the effect of S-1-propenylcysteine involves the improvement in peripheral circulation.
High-throughput oxidation screen of antibody–drug conjugates by analytical protein A chromatography following IdeS digest
Authors: Buecheler Jakob W , Winzer Matthias , Weber Christian , Gieseler Henning 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Objectives
Oxidation of protein therapeutics is a major chemical degradation pathway which may impact bioactivity, serum half-life and stability. Therefore, oxidation is a relevant parameter which has to be monitored throughout formulation development. Methods such as HIC, RPLC and LC/MS achieve a separation of oxidized and non-oxidized species by differences in hydrophobicity. Antibody–drug conjugates (ADC) although are highly more complex due to the heterogeneity in linker, drug, drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) and conjugation site. The analytical protein A chromatography can provide a simple and fast alternative to these common methods.

Methods
A miniature analytical protein A chromatography method in combination with an IdeS digest was developed to analyse ADCs. The IdeS digest efficiency of an IgG1 was monitored using SEC-HPLC and non-reducing SDS-PAGE. An antibody-fluorescent dye conjugate was conjugated at different dye-to-antibody ratios as model construct to mimic an ADC.

Key findings
With IdeS, an almost complete digest of a model IgG1 can be achieved (digested protein amount &gt;98%). This enables subsequent analytical protein A chromatography, which consequently eliminates any interference of payload with the stationary phase.

Conclusion
A novel high-throughput method for an interchain cysteine-linked ADC oxidation screens during formulation development was developed.
Development, current applications and future roles of biorelevant two-stage in vitro testing in drug development
Authors: Fiolka Tom , Dressman Jennifer 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Objectives
Various types of two stage in vitro testing have been used in a number of experimental settings. In addition to its application in quality control and for regulatory purposes, two-stage in vitro testing has also been shown to be a valuable technique to evaluate the supersaturation and precipitation behavior of poorly soluble drugs during drug development.

Key findings
The so-called ‘transfer model’, which is an example of two-stage testing, has provided valuable information about the in vivo performance of poorly soluble, weakly basic drugs by simulating the gastrointestinal drug transit from the stomach into the small intestine with a peristaltic pump. The evolution of the transfer model has resulted in various modifications of the experimental model set-up. Concomitantly, various research groups have developed simplified approaches to two-stage testing to investigate the supersaturation and precipitation behavior of weakly basic drugs without the necessity of using a transfer pump.

Summary
Given the diversity among the various two-stage test methods available today, a more harmonized approach needs to be taken to optimize the use of two stage testing at different stages of drug development.
Rapid evolution of a bacterial iron acquisition system
Authors: Chatterjee Anushila , O'Brian Mark R. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryUnder iron limitation, bacteria scavenge ferric (Fe3+) iron bound to siderophores or other chelates from the environment to fulfill their nutritional requirement. In gram‐negative bacteria, the siderophore uptake system prototype consists of an outer membrane transporter, a periplasmic binding protein and a cytoplasmic membrane transporter, each specific for a single ferric siderophore or siderophore family. Here, we show that spontaneous single gain‐of‐function missense mutations in outer membrane transporter genes of Bradyrhizobium japonicum were sufficient to confer on cells the ability to use synthetic or natural iron siderophores, suggesting that selectivity is limited primarily to the outer membrane and can be readily modified. Moreover, growth on natural or synthetic chelators required the cytoplasmic membrane ferrous (Fe2+) iron transporter FeoB, suggesting that iron is both dissociated from the chelate and reduced to the ferrous form within the periplasm prior to cytoplasmic entry. The data suggest rapid adaptation to environmental iron by facile mutation of selective outer membrane transporter genes and by non‐selective uptake components that do not require mutation to accommodate new iron sources.
Warming reduces the cover, richness and evenness of lichen‐dominated biocrusts but promotes moss growth: insights from an 8 yr experiment
Authors: Ladrón de Guevara Mónica , Gozalo Beatriz , Raggio José , Lafuente Angela , Prieto María , Maestre Fernando T. 
Published: January 2018

Summary

Despite the important role that biocrust communities play in maintaining ecosystem structure and functioning in drylands world‐wide, few studies have evaluated how climate change will affect them.

Using data from an 8‐yr‐old manipulative field experiment located in central Spain, we evaluated how warming, rainfall exclusion and their combination affected the dynamics of biocrust communities in areas that initially had low (< 20%, LIBC plots) and high (> 50%, HIBC plots) biocrust cover.

Warming reduced the richness (35 ± 6%), diversity (25 ± 8%) and cover (82 ± 5%) of biocrusts in HIBC plots. The presence and abundance of mosses increased with warming through time in these plots, although their growth rate was much lower than the rate of lichen death, resulting in a net loss of biocrust cover. On average, warming caused a decrease in the abundance (64 ± 7%) and presence (38 ± 24%) of species in the HIBC plots. Over time, lichens and mosses colonized the LIBC plots, but this process was hampered by warming in the case of lichens.

The observed reductions in the cover and diversity of lichen‐dominated biocrusts with warming will lessen the capacity of drylands such as that studied here to sequester atmospheric CO2 and to provide other key ecosystem services associated to these communities.
Russulaceae: a new genomic dataset to study ecosystem function and evolutionary diversification of ectomycorrhizal fungi with their tree associates
Authors: Looney Brian P. , Meidl Peter , Piatek Marek J. , Miettinen Otto , Martin Francis M. , Matheny P. Brandon , Labbé Jessy L. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe family Russulaceae is considered an iconic lineage of mostly mushroom‐forming basidiomycetes due to their importance as edible mushrooms in many parts of the world, and their ubiquity as ectomycorrhizal symbionts in both temperate and tropical forested biomes. Although much research has been focused on this group, a comprehensive or cohesive synthesis by which to understand the functional diversity of the group has yet to develop. Interest in ectomycorrhizal fungi, of which Russulaceae is a key lineage, is prodigious due to the important roles they play as plant root mutualists in ecosystem functioning, global carbon sequestration, and a potential role in technology development toward environmental sustainability. As one of the most species‐diverse ectomycorrhizal lineages, the Russulaceae has recently been the focus of a dense sampling and genome sequencing initiative with the Joint Genome Institute aimed at untangling their functional roles and testing whether functional niche specialization exists for independent lineages of ectomycorrhizal fungi. Here we present a review of important studies on this group to contextualize what we know about its members' evolutionary history and ecosystem functions, as well as to generate hypotheses establishing the Russulaceae as a valuable experimental system.
Therapeutic strategies for congenital myasthenic syndromes
Authors: Lee Manon , Beeson David , Palace Jacqueline 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTo date, more than 25 genes have been implicated in the etiology of the congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS), and an ever‐growing phenotypic landscape is now encountered in the CMS clinic. Unlike the autoimmune form of myasthenia, there is no role for immunomodulatory agents in the treatment of CMS. The present‐day drug repertoire comprises acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (mainly pyridostigmine), 3,4‐diaminopyridine (3,4‐DAP), ephedrine, salbutamol/albuterol, open‐channel blockers (fluoxetine, quinidine), or a combination of these. These are prescribed by the specialist in an off‐label manner, as there is no drug currently licensed for the treatment of these rare diseases. The effective pharmacological agent varies according to the genetic form of CMS, and it is important to realize that an agent that provides benefit in one CMS subtype can be harmful in another. In addition, the time to treatment response is variable and tends to be commensurate with the drug used. Here, we summarize for the clinician the therapeutic strategies employed in this ever‐evolving disease spectrum. We also address the barriers to treatment and discuss the treatment of CMS in pregnancy.
Analysing the impact of myopia on the Stiles‐Crawford effect of the first kind using a digital micromirror device
Authors: Carmichael Martins Alessandra , Vohnsen Brian 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPurposePhotoreceptor light acceptance is closely tied to the Stiles‐Crawford effect of the first kind (SCE‐I). Whether the SCE‐I plays a role in myopic development remains unclear although a reduction in directionality has been predicted for high myopia. The purpose of this study is to analyse the relationship between foveal SCE‐I directionality, axial eye length, and defocus for emmetropic subjects wearing ophthalmic trial lenses during psychophysical measurements and for myopic subjects with their natural correction.MethodA novel uniaxial flicker system has been implemented making use of a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) to flicker between a 2.3 visual degrees circular reference and a set of circular test patterns in a monocular Maxwellian view at 0.5 Hz. The brightness of the test is adjusted by the duty cycle of the projected light to an upper limit of 22 727 Hz. The wavelength and bandwidth are set by a tuneable liquid‐crystal filter centred at 550 nm. A total of four measurement series for 11 pupil entrance points have been realized for the right eye of 6 emmetropic and 10 myopic subjects whose pupils were dilated with tropicamide. Five of the emmetropic subjects wore ophthalmic trial lenses in the range of −3 to +9 dioptres to mimic hyperopic to highly myopic vision and resulting visibility plots have been fitted to a Gaussian SCE‐I function. In turn, the myopic subjects wore their natural correction during the analysis of the SCE‐I. All subjects had their axial eye length determined with an ultrasound device.ResultsA SCE‐I directionality parameter in the range of 0.03 to 0.06/mm2 was found for the emmetropic subjects with corrected vision in fair agreement to values in the literature. The results also revealed a marked reduction in directionality in the range from 16% to 30% with every 3 dioptre increase of simulated myopia, as well as a 10% increased directionality in simulated hyperopic eyes. For both emmetropic and myopic subjects, a decrease in directionality with increase in axial length was found in agreement with theoretical expectations.ConclusionThe study confirms a clear link between SCE‐I directionality, uncorrected defocus, and axial eye length. This may play a role for emmetropization and thus myopic progression as cone photoreceptors capture light from a wider pupil area in elongated eyes due to a geometrical scaling.
Foveal vision power errors induced by spectacle lenses designed to correct peripheral refractive errors
Authors: Barbero Sergio , Faria‐Ribeiro Miguel 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPurposeRadial Refractive Gradient (RRG) spectacles are lenses specifically designed to minimize peripheral hyperopic defocus typically found in conventional spectacles. Our goals were: (1) to demonstrate a method to design such lenses; and (2) to quantify the exact foveal vision power errors induced by them.MethodsThe design procedure was based on a point‐by‐point sequential surface construction algorithm that designs a front aspheric surface (back surface is spherical) to achieve a given overall tangential focal length of the lens. A peripheral refraction model was built based on average peripheral refractive errors from a set of eyes. We designed four negative lenses with optical powers: −2.5, −5.0, −7.5 and −10.0 D, so that the tangential focal length of the lens matches the retinal conjugate surface.ResultsThe lenses induce very small sagittal power errors in a wide range of off‐axis field angles (30°), solving the problem of peripheral hyperopic defocus. However, such designs introduce non‐negligible mean power errors (above 0.25 D from 7°, 6.8°, 7.1° and 7.8° for the −2.5, −5.0, −7.5 and −10.0 D lenses, respectively) for foveal vision in a rotating eye.ConclusionOur results show the unavoidable errors introduced by RRG spectacles when used for dynamic foveal vision. The described method offers valuable information towards determining the best trade‐off between controlling power errors for peripheral and foveal vision.
Phosphorus concentration coordinates a respiratory bypass, synthesis and exudation of citrate, and the expression of high‐affinity phosphorus transporters in Solanum lycopersicum
Authors: Del‐Saz Néstor Fernández , Romero‐Munar Antonia , Cawthray Gregory R. , Palma Francisco , Aroca Ricardo , Baraza Elena , Florez‐Sarasa Igor , Lambers Hans , Ribas‐Carbó Miquel 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPlants exhibit respiratory bypasses (e.g., the alternative oxidase [AOX]) and increase the synthesis of carboxylates in their organs (leaves and roots) in response to phosphorus (P) deficiency, which increases P uptake capacity. They also show differential expression of high‐affinity inorganic phosphorus (Pi) transporters, thus avoiding P toxicity at a high P availability.The association between AOX and carboxylate synthesis was tested in Solanum lycopersicum plants grown at different soil P availability, by using plants grown under P‐sufficient and P‐limiting conditions and by applying a short‐term (24 hr) P‐sufficient pulse to plants grown under P limitation. Tests were also performed with plants colonized with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which increased plant P concentration under reduced P availability. The in vivo activities of AOX and cytochrome oxidase were measured together with the concentration of carboxylates and the P concentration in plant organs. Gene transcription of Pi transporters (LePT1 and LePT2) was also studied. A coordinated response between plant P concentration with these traits was observed, indicating that a sufficient P availability in soil led to a suppression of both AOX activity and synthesis of citrate and a downregulation of the transcription of genes encoding high‐affinity Pi transporters, presumably to avoid P toxicity.