bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dehydroepiandrosterone as a potential agent to slow down ovarian aging
Authors: Lin Li‐Te , Cheng Jiin‐Tsuey , Wang Peng‐Hui , Li Chia‐Jung , Tsui Kuan‐Hao 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimOvarian aging, which leads to diminished ovarian reserve and decreased oocyte quality, is highly associated with poor reproductive outcomes. It has been suggested that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) might be able to temporarily slow down the aging process. This study attempted to investigate the clinical benefits of DHEA in older patients and the anti‐senescence effect of DHEA on cumulus cells (CC) and human ovarian granulosa cells (HO23 cell line).MethodsThis prospective study enrolled 88 patients who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF), including 30 younger patients (aged ≤ 37 years) and 58 older patients (aged > 37 years). Older patients were assigned to receive DHEA treatment or not prior to the IVF cycle. CC were obtained from all patients after oocyte retrieval and the HO23 granulosa cell line was used for in vitro studies. Senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) was used as a biomarker of senescence.ResultsIn older patients, following DHEA supplementation, a greater number of transferred embryos and a higher fertilization rate were observed compared with those in patients without DHEA supplementation. However, the clinical pregnancy rate was not significantly increased following DHEA supplementation. Additionally, treatment with DHEA resulted in significantly reduced SA‐β‐gal staining in both CC and HO23 cells.ConclusionDHEA supplementation ameliorated IVF outcomes but without a consequence on pregnancy rate in older patients and decreased SA‐β‐gal activity in CC and HO23 cells, suggesting that DHEA might be used as a possible intervention to slow down ovarian aging.
Effects on jaw function shortly after whiplash trauma
Authors: Lampa E. , Wänman A. , Nordh E. , Häggman‐Henrikson B. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryNormal jaw function involves muscles and joints of both jaw and neck. A whiplash trauma may disturb the integrated jaw‐neck sensory‐motor function and thereby impair chewing ability; however, it is not known if such impairment is present shortly after a neck trauma or develops over time. The aim was to evaluate jaw function after a recent whiplash trauma. Eighty cases (47 women) were examined within 1 month after a whiplash trauma and compared to 80 controls (47 women) without neck trauma. Participants completed the Jaw disability checklist (JDC) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) questionnaires and performed a 5‐minute chewing test. Elicited fatigue and pain during chewing were noted, and group differences were evaluated with Fisher's exact test and Mann‐Whitney U‐test. Compared to controls, cases had higher JDC (P < .0001) and NDI scores (15% vs 2%, P < .0001), and reported more fatigue (53% vs 31%, P = .006) and pain (30% vs 10%, P = .003) during the chewing test. Cases also had a shorter onset time for fatigue and pain (both P = .001) Furthermore, cases reporting symptoms during chewing had higher JDC and NDI scores compared to cases not reporting symptoms (both P = .01). Symptoms mainly occurred in the trigeminal area for both groups, but also in spinal areas more often for cases than for controls. Taken together, the results indicate that jaw‐neck sensory‐motor function is impaired already within 1 month after a whiplash trauma. The association between neck disability and jaw impairment underlines the close functional relationship between the regions, and stresses the importance of multidisciplinary assessment.
Decreased γ‐aminobutyric acid levels in the brainstem in patients with possible sleep bruxism: A pilot study
Authors: Fan X. , Qu F. , Wang J.‐J. , Du X. , Liu W.‐C. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryBackgroundAn increasing number of studies have indicated that the central and autonomic nervous systems play roles in the genesis of sleep bruxism (SB). The role of specific neurochemicals in SB has been a subject of interest.ObjectiveIn this study, we use proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) to determine whether the levels of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu) are different in the brainstem and bilateral cortical masticatory area (CMA) between possible sleep bruxism (SB) patients and controls, and discuss whether the brainstem or cortical networks which may affect the central masticatory pathways are under the genesis of SB.MethodsTwelve possible SB patients and twelve age‐ and gender‐matched controls underwent 1H‐MRS using the “MEGA‐Point Resolved Spectroscopy Sequence” (MEGA‐PRESS) technique in the brainstem and bilateral CMA. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy data were processed using LCModel. Because the signal detected by MEGA‐PRESS includes contributions from GABA, macromolecules (primarily proteins) and homocarnosine, the GABA signal is referred to as “GABA+”. The glutamate complex (Glx) signal contains both glutamate (Glu) and glutamine (Gln), which mainly reflect glutamatergic metabolism.ResultsEdited spectra were successfully obtained from the bilateral CMA in all subjects. There were no significant differences in neurochemical levels between the left and right CMA in possible SB patients and controls. In the brainstem, significantly lower GABA+ levels were found in possible SB patients than in controls (P = .011), whereas there was no significant difference (P = .307) in Glx levels between the 2 groups.ConclusionsSB patients may possess abnormalities in the GABAergic system of brainstem networks.
Royalties, entry, and spectrum allocation to the broadcasting industry
Authors: Caputo Michael Ralph , Freyens Benoit Pierre 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe characterize the socially optimal trajectory of spectrum royalty and firm entry in a deregulated over‐the‐air broadcasting industry. A social planner maximizes consumers' lifetime utility by setting royalties for the use of publicly owned spectrum. As the number of broadcasters adjusts to profits over time, the quality of service improves through greater variety but also deteriorates through intensified interferences. Contrary to observed consolidation and return to concentration in past deregulatory reforms, we find that optimal royalty control that accounts for these quality effects steers the socially optimal trajectory of royalties and firms to a more competitive steady state.
Phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase gene induction with benzothiadiazole elevates defence against Lasiodiplodia theobromae in tea in India
Authors: Das Shibu , Chakraborty Prosenjit , Mandal Parimal , Saha Dipanwita , Saha Aniruddha 
Published: September 2017

AbstractTea is widely used as an aromatic beverage cultivated in more than 35 countries from different continents. The global production of tea during the year 2015–2016 was 5,303 million kg where India stands 2nd contributing 23% of the world production. Diplodia disease is one of the most common diseases of tea in sub‐Himalayan West Bengal, India. Phenylpropanoids act as a precursor of several secondary metabolites that are synthesized at the time of biotic and abiotic stress conditions. During the induction of systemic acquired resistance, salicylic acid production is regulated by phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL) gene expression. In this communication, twelve‐month‐old tea seedlings (TV‐26) were treated with benzothiadiazole (BTH) and inoculated with Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Transcript accumulation in different treatments, that is treated‐uninoculated, untreated‐inoculated and treated‐inoculated were measured in comparison with untreated‐uninoculated control to study the effect of BTH in defence induction. From the results, it was evident that BTH‐treated and L. theobromae‐inoculated plants showed higher transcript accumulation (3.81 μg/μl) and reduced disease index (3.8 ± 0.02) in comparison with untreated control where transcript accumulation was 3.26 μg/μl and disease index reduced to 14.6 ± 0.05. After sequencing, nucleotide and deduced protein sequences were compared, and 3D structure was established where three lyase superfamily (cl26059) motifs were found. The increase in PAL activity was also observed in treated‐inoculated plants (from 2.5 to 4.4 μmol min−1 g−1) in comparison with healthy control (from 2.5 to 2.7 μmol min−1 g−1) after 4th day of treatment. Nonetheless, BTH might be one of the significant inducers of PAL which can be used to induce of disease resistance in tea plants in India.
Desoxycorticosterone Pivalate Duration of Action and Individualized Dosing Intervals in Dogs with Primary Hypoadrenocorticism
Authors: Jaffey J.A. , Nurre P. , Cannon A.B. , DeClue A.E. 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundClinicians alter dosing for desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) to mitigate costs, but this practice has not been critically evaluated in a prospective clinical trial.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe duration of action ofDOCPis longer than 30 days in dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism (PH).AnimalsA total of 53 client‐owned dogs withPH. Twenty‐four dogs with newly diagnosedPH(Group 1) and 29 dogs with treatedPH(Group 2).MethodsProspective, multicenter, clinical trial. For phase I,DOCPwas administered and plasma sodium and potassium concentrations were measured until the dog developed hyponatremia or hyperkalemia at a planned evaluation, or displayed clinical signs with plasma electrolyte concentrations outside of the reference interval independent of a planned evaluation, thus definingDOCPduration of action. Plasma electrolyte concentrations then were assessed at the end of the individualized dosing interval (IDI; i.e.,DOCPduration of action minus 7 days, phaseIIand at least 3 months after concluding phaseII, phaseIII).ResultsThe duration of action ofDOCPin dogs in phase I with naïvePH(n = 24) ranged from 32 to 94 days (median, 62 days; 95% confidence interval [CI], 57, 65) and previously treatedPH(n = 29) from 41 to 124 days (median, 67 days;CI, 56, 72). Overall, the finalDOCPdosing interval for all dogs that completed phaseII(n = 36) ranged from 38 days to 90 days (median, 58 days;CI, 53, 61). No dog that completed phaseIII(n = 15) required reduction in theIDI. TheDOCPduration of action, independent of group, was not significantly associated with several baseline variables. The median drug cost reduction usingIDIwas approximately 57.5% per year.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceThe duration of action ofDOCPin dogs withPHis >30 days, and plasma sodium and potassium concentrations can be maintained with anIDI>30 days long term.
Pharmacokinetics of a single intramuscular injection of cefquinome in buffalo calves
Authors: Venkatachalam D. , Dumka V. K. , Ranjan B. 
Published: September 2017

The objective of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of cefquinome following single intramuscular (IM) administration in six healthy male buffalo calves. Cefquinome was administered intramuscularly (2 mg/kg bodyweight) and blood samples were collected prior to drug administration and up to 24 hr after injection. No adverse effects or changes were observed after the IM injection of cefquinome. Plasma concentrations of cefquinome were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The disposition of plasma cefquinome is characterized by a mono‐compartmental open model. The pharmacokinetic parameters after IM administration (mean ± SE) were Cmax 6.93 ± 0.58 μg/ml, Tmax 0.5 hr, t½kα 0.16 ± 0.05 hr, t½β 3.73 ± 0.10 hr, and AUC 28.40 ± 1.30 μg hr/ml after IM administration. A dosage regimen of 2 mg/kg bodyweight at 24‐hr interval following IM injection of cefquinome would maintain the plasma levels required to be effective against the bacterial pathogens with MIC values ≤0.39 μg/ml. The suggested dosage regimen of cefquinome has to be validated in the disease models before recommending for clinical use in buffalo calves.
Familiarity dominates relatedness in mate selection in ladybirds
Authors: Saxena S. , Mishra G. , Omkar  
Published: September 2017

AbstractCuticular and volatile hydrocarbons have been known to act as signatures of sex, species, mating partners and relatives in ladybird beetles. Our aim was to see (1) whether chemical proximity to an individual establishes familiarity and whether this modulates behaviour, and (2) whether ladybirds can detect familiarity or relatedness, and if so, which quality they respond to more favourably. The first experiment investigated whether familiarity can be established in Cheilomenes sexmaculata on the basis of perception of volatile profiles, and the second experiment investigated whether familiarity is stronger than relatedness in determining mate preference. Males and females were housed in an arena which permitted only chemical contact, for 1–10 days, to create familiarity. Females were then given a choice of familiar versus unfamiliar males and were found to preferentially mate with unfamiliar males. The preference for unfamiliar males increased with confinement duration. This preference was also evident in mating as well as in reproductive performance: females mated faster with unfamiliar males and males remained in copula for longer duration with novel females, and higher number of eggs was also laid by females that mated with unfamiliar males. In the second experiment, females were given a choice of related unfamiliar and unrelated familiar males and they preferred the latter, indicating that relatives were not preferred even when they were unfamiliar. When choosing between relatives and familiar individuals, the aversion to relatives was stronger than the affinity for unfamiliar individuals. Bias against mating with relatives is probably a function to prevent inbreeding depression.
Behavioural and electrophysiological responses of Triatoma dimidiata nymphs to conspecific faecal volatiles
Authors: GALVEZ‐MARROQUIN Z. , CRUZ‐LÓPEZ L. , MALO E. A. , RAMSEY J. M. , ROJAS J. C. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe behavioural and electrophysiological (electroantennography) responses of the first two instars of Triatoma dimidiata (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Latreille to fresh and dry faecal headspace volatile extracts from fifth instar conspecific nymphs and synthetic compounds were analysed in this study. Recently emerged nymphs (3–5 days) aggregated around filter paper impregnated with dry faeces and around filter paper impregnated with extracts from both fresh and dry faeces. Older first instars (10–15 days) and second instars aggregated around filter paper impregnated with fresh and dry faeces, and their respective headspace extracts. Dry faecal volatile extracts elicited the strongest antennal responses, followed by fresh faecal extracts. Gas chromatography−mass spectrometry analysis of dried faecal headspace volatiles demonstrated the presence of 12 compounds: 2‐ethyl‐1‐hexanol, 1,2,4‐trimethylbenzene, n‐octadecane, n‐nonadecane, n‐eicosane, n‐heneicosane, n‐tricosane, n‐pentaeicosane, n‐hexaeicosane, n‐octaeicosane, nonanal, and 4‐methyl quinazoline. In fresh faecal headspace extracts, only nonanal was clearly detected, although there were other trace compounds, including several unidentified sesquiterpenes. Four of the 11 compounds tested individually elicited aggregation behaviour at concentrations of 100 ng/µL and 1 µg/µL. A blend containing these four components also mediated the aggregation of nymphs. These volatiles may be valuable for developing monitoring methods and designing sensitive strategies to detect and measure T. dimidiata infestation.
Are litter decomposition and fire linked through plant species traits?
Authors: Cornelissen Johannes H. C. , Grootemaat Saskia , Verheijen Lieneke M. , Cornwell William K. , van Bodegom Peter M. , van der Wal René , Aerts Rien 
Published: September 2017

SummaryBiological decomposition and wildfire are connected carbon release pathways for dead plant material: slower litter decomposition leads to fuel accumulation. Are decomposition and surface fires also connected through plant community composition, via the species’ traits? Our central concept involves two axes of trait variation related to decomposition and fire. The ‘plant economics spectrum’ (PES) links biochemistry traits to the litter decomposability of different fine organs. The ‘size and shape spectrum’ (SSS) includes litter particle size and shape and their consequent effect on fuel bed structure, ventilation and flammability. Our literature synthesis revealed thatPES‐driven decomposability is largely decoupled from predominantlySSS‐driven surface litter flammability across species; this finding needs empirical testing in various environmental settings. Under certain conditions, carbon release will be dominated by decomposition, while under other conditions litter fuel will accumulate and fire may dominate carbon release. Ecosystem‐level feedbacks between decomposition and fire, for example via litter amounts, litter decomposition stage, community‐level biotic interactions and altered environment, will influence the trait‐driven effects on decomposition and fire. Yet, our conceptual framework, explicitly comparing the effects of two plant trait spectra on litter decomposition vs fire, provides a promising new research direction for better understanding and predicting Earth surface carbon dynamics.ContentsSummary653I.Introduction654II.Decomposition–fire interactions via traits in the plant economics spectrum (PES)657III.Fire–decomposition interactions via traits in the size and shape spectrum (SSS)659IV.Integrating decomposition–fire interactions: decoupling of PES and SSS effects?661V.From species to communities: are litter interactions for decomposition and fire behaviour connected?662VI.Feedbacks between community (trait) composition, decomposition and fire663VII.Conclusion665Acknowledgements665References665
Biological and clinical implications of herbal medicine and natural products for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Guo Bao‐Jian , Bian Zhao‐Xiang , Qiu Hong‐Cong , Wang Yi‐Tao , Wang Ying 
Published: September 2017

AbstractInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic inflammatory disorders that includes Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Homeostasis of various regulatory factors involved with intestinal immunity is disrupted in IBD, including the intestinal epithelial barrier, macrophages, and cellular mediators such as cytokines and chemokines. No successful treatment is currently available for the management of IBD. Natural products and herbal medicines have exhibited efficacy for UC and CD in experimental models and clinical trials with the following activities: (1) maintenance of integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier, (2) regulation of macrophage activation, (3) modulation of innate and adaptive immune response, and (4) inhibition of TNF‐α activity. Here, we discuss the major factors involved in the pathogenesis of IBD and the current development of natural products and herbs for the treatment of IBD.
Mechanical signals protect stem cell lineage selection, preserving the bone and muscle phenotypes in obesity
Authors: Frechette Danielle M. , Krishnamoorthy Divya , Pamon Tee , Chan M. Ete , Patel Vihitaben , Rubin Clinton T. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe incidence of obesity is rapidly rising, increasing morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Associated comorbidities include type 2 diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease, and cancer. The impact of excess fat on musculoskeletal health is still unclear, although it is associated with increased fracture risk and a decline in muscular function. The complexity of obesity makes understanding the etiology of bone and muscle abnormalities difficult. Exercise is an effective and commonly prescribed nonpharmacological treatment option, but it can be difficult or unsafe for the frail, elderly, and morbidly obese. Exercise alternatives, such as low‐intensity vibration (LIV), have potential for improving musculoskeletal health, particularly in conditions with excess fat. LIV has been shown to influence bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation toward higher‐order tissues (i.e., bone) and away from fat. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, recent studies utilizing LIV both at the bench and in the clinic have demonstrated some efficacy. Here, we discuss the current literature investigating the effects of obesity on bone, muscle, and bone marrow and how exercise and LIV can be used as effective treatments for combating the negative effects in the presence of excess fat.
Oral challenge without skin tests in children with non‐severe beta‐lactam hypersensitivity: Time to change the paradigm?
Authors: Moral Luis , Caubet Jean‐Christoph 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSuspected allergy to penicillins and cephalosporins is very common in childhood. After a proper evaluation, allergy will be confirmed only in a small portion of them. Intradermal tests are usually part of the allergy workup, but they are painful for children and time‐consuming, and their role has been debated. A systematic review found only two studies reporting a positive predictive value of skin tests in children of 36% and 33%, respectively, leading to a high rate of inaccurate diagnosis. Moreover, considering that skin tests are negative in more than 90%‐95% of cases, an oral provocation test (OPT) is finally needed to confirm tolerance in most of these children. Positive OPT are rare, and even where children demonstrate reproducible signs on challenge, they rarely constitute immediate or serious symptoms. Therefore, OPT to the index antibiotic without skin tests are increasingly being considered an accepted procedure for children with a suspected mild non‐immediate reaction related to a beta‐lactam antibiotic. Furthermore, a recent research has taken the same approach including children with suspected mild immediate reactions, with similar safety and positive results. In light of recent evidence highlighted, it is now the time for large and multicentric studies to confirm that OPT with the index antibiotic, without skin tests, are safe and convenient for children with a history of a mild reaction with a beta‐lactam antibiotic before it can be recommended in pediatric allergy guidelines.
Effects of treating helminths during pregnancy and early childhood on risk of allergy‐related outcomes: Follow‐up of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Namara Benigna , Nash Stephen , Lule Swaib A. , Akurut Hellen , Mpairwe Harriet , Akello Florence , Tumusiime Josephine , Kizza Moses , Kabagenyi Joyce , Nkurunungi Gyaviira , Muhangi Lawrence , Webb Emily L. , Muwanga Moses , Elliott Alison M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundHelminth infections, common in low‐income countries, may protect against allergy‐related disease. Early exposure may be a key. In the Entebbe Mother and Baby Study, treating helminths during pregnancy resulted in increased eczema rates in early childhood. We followed the cohort to determine whether this translated to increased asthma rates at school age.MethodsThis randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, conducted in Entebbe, Uganda, had three interventions. During pregnancy, women were randomized, simultaneously, to albendazole vs placebo and to praziquantel vs placebo. Their children were independently randomized to quarterly albendazole vs placebo from age 15 months to 5 years. We here report follow‐up to age 9 years. Primary outcomes at 9 years were recent reported wheeze, skin prick test positivity (SPT) to common allergens and allergen‐specific IgE positivity to dust mite or cockroach. Secondary outcomes were doctor‐diagnosed asthma and eczema rates between 5 and 9 years, recent eczema, rhinitis and urticaria at 9 years, and SPT and IgE responses to individual allergens.Results2507 pregnant women were enrolled; 1215 children were seen at age nine, of whom 1188 are included in this analysis. Reported wheeze was rare at 9 years (3.7%) while SPT positivity (25.0%) and IgE positivity (44.1%) were common. There was no evidence of a treatment effect for any of the three interventions on any of the primary outcomes.ConclusionsPrenatal and early‐life treatment of helminths, in the absence of change in other exposures, is unlikely to increase the risk of atopic diseases later in childhood in this tropical, low‐income setting.