bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synbiotic in the management of infantile colic: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kianifar Hamidreza , Ahanchian Hamid , Grover Zubin , Jafari Seyedali , Noorbakhsh Zeinab , Khakshour Ali , Sedaghat Majid , Kiani Mohammadali 
Published: June 2014

AimInfant colic is a frequent problem affecting up to 10–30% of infants in first 3 months of life. Results from previous trials have shown that manipulation of gut microbiota can lead to symptomatic improvements. In a randomised clinical trial, we aimed to determine efficacy of synbiotic in reducing average infant crying time at day 7 and day 30 after starting intervention.MethodsFifty breastfed infants aged 15–120 days with infantile colic randomly assigned to receive either the synbiotic sachet containing 1 billion CFU of: Lactobacillus casei, L. rhamnosus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium breve, L. acidophilus, B. infantis, L. bulgaricus and fructooligosacharide (Protexin Healthcare, Somerset, UK), or placebo daily for 30 days. Parents were asked to record details of crying times in a symptoms diary. The primary outcome measure was the treatment success (reduction in the daily crying time >50%) and the secondary outcome measure was symptom resolution (reduction in the daily crying time >90%).ResultsThe treatment success was significantly higher in synbiotic group (82.6%) compared with placebo (35.7%) at day 7 (P < 0.005). At day30, treatment success was 87% and 46% in synbiotic and placebo group, respectively (P < 0.01). Symptom resolution was also higher in synbiotic group (39%) compared with placebo (7%) at day 7 (P < 0.03) but not at day 30 (56% vs.36%, P = 0.24). We encountered no complication related to synbiotic use.ConclusionThis synbiotic (a mixture of seven probiotic strains plus FOS) significantly improved colic symptoms in comparison with placebo.
Histological Evidence for Different Spread of Fusarium crown rot in Barley Genotypes with Different Heights
Authors: Bai Zhiying , Liu Chunji 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBased on visual assessment of disease severity, previous studies reported that tall genotypes tend to be more severely affected by Fusarium crown rot (FCR) in wheat and barley. To clarify whether tall and dwarf genotypes have different susceptibility to FCR or whether it takes longer for Fusarium pathogens to infect dwarf genotypes, histological analyses were conducted with two pairs of near isogenic lines (NILs) for a semi‐dwarfing gene in barley. This analysis showed that F. pseudograminearum hyphae were detected earlier and proliferated more rapidly during the time‐course of FCR development in the tall isolines. Histological analysis showed that cell densities of the dwarf isolines were significantly higher than those of the tall isolines due to reduced lengths and widths of cells, and FCR severity was strongly correlated with cell density. An analysis with real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction detected a higher amount of F. pseudograminearum in the tall isolines at each of the time points assessed during FCR development. These results support the hypothesis that the increased cell density associated with dwarf genes could act as a physical barrier to the spread of FCR in cereals.
Quantitative determination of unbound levofloxacin by simultaneous microdialysis in rat pancreas after intravenous and oral doses
Authors: Liu Deding , Xu Shuogui , Xiao Heping , Wang Zhuo , Mao Ningfang , Zhou Jia , Liu Rui , Huang Yi 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Objective
We compared the pharmacokinetic profile of unbound levofloxacin in rat pancreas after an oral dose with that after an intravenous dose to determine if oral administration of levofloxacin could potentially be used.

Method
Levofloxacin was administered either intravenously or orally into male Sprague-Dawley rats at the concentration of 42 mg/kg per day, mimicking the human dose of 400 mg/day. The concentrations of levofloxacin in extracellular fluid (ECF) of rat pancreatic tissues were determined using microdialysis coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Levofloxacin was equally distributed into ECF of rat pancreatic tissues with either intravenous route (AUCpancreas/AUCblood, 0.97 ± 0.02) or oral route (AUCpancreas/AUCblood, 0.96 ± 0.03).

Key findings
The penetration rates (PR) of pancreas-to-blood on the same target site between the two routes were the same. The intravenous antibiotic AUC/MIC ratios of common Gram-positive pancreatic bacteria ranged from 83.43 to 667.44; meanwhile, the ratio of common Gram-negative pancreatic bacteria ranged from 41.71 to 2669.74. The oral antibiotic AUC/MIC ratios for common gram-positive and Gram-negative pancreatic bacteria were from 78.54 to 628.31, and 39.27 to 2513.22, respectively (P &gt; 0.05).

Conclusions
Intravenous administration had similar penetration efficacy to oral administration at an equivalent dose. Furthermore, levofloxacin had a good penetration through the blood–pancreas barrier.
Pollination biology of Rhododendron cyanocarpum (Ericaceae): An alpine species endemic to NW Yunnan, China
Authors: MA Yong‐Peng , WU Zhi‐Kun , DONG Kun , SUN Wei‐Bang , MARCZEWSKI Tobias 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe pollination biology of Rhododendron cyanocarpum (Franch.) W. W. Smith, an alpine species endemic to NW Yunnan, China, was investigated between 2007 and 2008. Floral traits including flowering time, floral morphology, petal color, and floral scents were assessed, and the associated pollinator assemblage and their foraging behavior were recorded. The flowering period of R. cyanocarpum ranges from late March to middle May and a single flower can last 8–10 days in its natural habitat. Flowers generally show marked herkogamy and the protruding style encourages pollinator foraging behavior that counteracts self‐pollination. Floral scents comprise mostly aliphatics (64.37%) and terpenoids (29.88%), which make the flowers attractive for several insect groups, but a peak at 430 nm in the reflectance spectrum of petals suggest selection for the attraction of bumblebees. The two Bombus species, B. festivus and B. richardsiellus, representing 90% of total recorded visits, were the only insect species that can be considered to effectively pollinate R. cyanocarpum. Pollination treatments indicated the general self‐compatibility of R. cyanocarpum; however, outcrossing seemed to be the dominant strategy, with low rates of self‐fertilization providing a certain level of reproductive assurance in its alpine habitat.
The Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT): Linguistic Validity of the Chinese Version
Authors: Huang Yan-Ping , Chen Bin , Ping Ping , Wang Hong-Xiang , Hu Kai , Zhang Tao , Yang Hao , Jin Yan , Yang Qi , Huang Yi-Ran 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Introduction
The premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) was developed to standardize the diagnosis of PE and has been applied in many countries. However, a linguistic validation of the Chinese version of PEDT does not exist.

Aims
This study aims to undertake the Chinese validation of the PEDT and to evaluate its association with self-estimated intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) and clinical expert diagnosis of PE.

Methods
A Chinese version of PEDT was confirmed by andrologist and bilingual linguist. Participants were recruited among seven different communities of Shanghai from 2011 to 2012, and their information regarding self-reported PE, self-estimated IELT, expert diagnosis of PE, and PEDT scores were collected.

Main Outcome Measures
Validity of the PEDT and its association with clinical expert diagnosis of PE and self-estimated IELT were analyzed.

Results
A total of 143 patients without PE (mean age 55.11 ± 7.65 years) and 100 men with PE (mean age 53.07 ± 8.08 years) were enrolled for validation. Of the patients in PE group, the number of men reporting self-estimated IELTs of ≤1, 1–2, and &gt;2 minutes were 34 (34.0%), 22 (22.0%), and 44 (44.0%), respectively. The Cronbach's alpha score (α = 0.77) showed adequate internal consistency, and the test–retest correlation coefficients of each item (r ≥ 0.70, P &lt; 0.001) indicated excellent stability over time. The frequency of agreement showed that there was excellent concordance between PEDT diagnosis and clinician diagnosis when the PEDT scores ≥11. An adequate correlation was found between total PEDT score and self-estimated IELT (ρ = −0.396, P &lt; 0.001), and sensitivity and specificity analyses suggested a score of ≤8 indicated no time-defined PE (self-estimated IELT ≤1 minute).

Conclusions
The Chinese version of PEDT is valid in screening the presence of PE among Chinese men. The PEDT showed an adequate negative correlation with self-estimated IELT and an excellent concordance with clinician diagnosis of PE.
Our 2014 approach to breakthrough invasive fungal infections
Authors: Maschmeyer Georg , Patterson Thomas F. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryEvidence‐based clinical pathways to direct antifungal treatment options in patients with breakthrough fungal infections during current systemic antifungal therapy are not available. Nonetheless, for defined settings of such breakthrough infections approaches to management can be recommended based on clinical, epidemiological, pharmacological and in vitro susceptibility data.
Cut‐off values of serum IgE (total and A. fumigatus ‐specific) and eosinophil count in differentiating allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis from asthma
Authors: Agarwal Ritesh , Aggarwal Ashutosh N. , Garg Mandeep , Saikia Biman , Chakrabarti Arunaloke 
Published: June 2014

SummaryThe cut‐off values of immunological tests employed in diagnosis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) have never been validated. Herein, we compare the immunological findings in patients with ABPA and asthma using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Consecutive asthmatic subjects underwent all the following investigations: Aspergillus skin test, IgE levels (total and A. fumigatus‐specific), Aspergillus precipitins, eosinophil count, chest radiograph and CT chest. There were 372 subjects (179 men, mean age 35.9 years) with a mean asthma duration of 8 years. ABPA was diagnosed in 76 patients (64 bronchiectasis, 12 without bronchiectasis). ABPA was separated from asthma using the best cut‐off values of total IgE, A. fumigatus IgE and total eosinophil count of 2347 IU ml−1, 1.91 kUA l−1 and 507 cells per μl respectively. The sensitivity/specificity of these parameters were 87/81%; 99/87%; and, 79/76% respectively. The corresponding AUC values were 0.95, 0.90 and 0.82 respectively. The combination of these three tests at the aforementioned cut‐offs provided 100% specificity. Our study provides evidence‐based cut‐off values of IgE (total and A. fumigatus‐specific) and eosinophil counts in differentiating ABPA from asthma. As this is a single centre retrospective study, further studies from different centres are required, as these values could vary by ethnicity and environmental exposure.
First case of disseminated cryptococcosis in aGorilla gorilla
Authors: Mischnik Alexander , Stockklausner Julia , Hohneder Nicole , Jensen Henrik E. , Zimmermann Stefan , Reuss David E. , Rickerts Volker , Tintelnot Kathrin , Stockklausner Clemens 
Published: June 2014

SummaryIn humans,Cryptococcusmainly infects individuals withHIVinfection or other types of immunosuppression. Here, we report the first case of disseminated cryptococcosis in a simian immunodeficiency virus‐negative 27‐year‐old femaleGorilla gorillapresenting with lethargy, progressive weight loss and productive cough. The diagnosis was confirmed by positive lung biopsy culture, serum cryptococcal antigen, and cerebral histopathology demonstrating encapsulated yeasts. Molecular characterisation of lung culture isolate yieldedCryptococcus neoformansvar.grubii. An immune‐deficiency could not be demonstrated.
The influence of HLA‐DRB1*15 on motor cortical pathology in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Yates Richard L. , Esiri Margaret M. , Palace Jacqueline , Mittal Arunesh , DeLuca Gabriele C. 
Published: June 2014

AimMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a common and heterogeneous CNS inflammatory demyelinating disease. The HLA‐DRB1 locus may influence clinical outcome. MS cortical pathology is frequent and correlates with measures of clinical disability, including motoric dysfunction that is a predominant feature of disease progression. The influence of HLA‐DRB1*15 on motor cortical pathology is unknown.MethodsA pathologically confirmed age‐ and sex‐matched HLA‐DRB1*15+ (n = 21) and HLA‐DRB1*15− (n = 26) MS post‐mortem cohort was used for detailed pathologic analyses. For each case, adjacent sections of motor cortex were stained for myelin and inflammation, to evaluate the extent and distribution of motor cortical pathology. A subset of MS cases (n = 42) had spinal cord (SC) pathologic outcome data available for comparison.ResultsMotor cortical demyelination was more pronounced in younger cases (r = −0.337, P < 0.05), with MS cases carrying the HLA‐DRB1*15 allele driving this effect (r = −0.612, P < 0.01). HLA‐DRB1*15+ MS cases had more severe motor cortical parenchymal (P < 0.05), perivascular (P < 0.05) and meningeal (P < 0.05) T‐cell inflammation compared to HLA‐DRB1*15− cases. HLA‐DRB1*15 status significantly influenced the extent of motor cortical microglial burden in both NAGM (P < 0.0001) and lesions (P < 0.01) in MS cases. Relationships between the extent of motor cortical and SC pathology were limited, but when present were primarily driven by HLA‐DRB1*15+ cases.ConclusionHLA‐DRB1*15 status has a significant association with the extent of inflammation in the MS motor cortex, the extent of demyelination in younger MS cases, and influences relationships between motor cortical and SC pathology.
Methodology for creating alloplasmic soybean lines by using Glycine tomentella as a maternal parent
Authors: Singh R. J. , Nelson R. L. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractSoybean breeders have not exploited the diversity of the 26 wild perennial species of the subgenus Glycine Willd. that are distantly related to soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and harbour useful genes. The objective of this study was to develop a methodology for introgressing cytoplasmic and genetic diversity from Glycine tomentella PI 441001 (2n = 78) into cultivated soybean using ‘Dwight’ (2n = 40) as the male parent. Immature seeds (19–21 days post‐pollination) were cultured in vitro to produce F1 plants (2n = 59). Amphidiploid (2n = 118) plants, induced by colchicine treatment, were vigorous and produced mature pods and seeds after backcrossing with ‘Dwight’. The BC1 plants (2n = 79) produced mature seeds in crosses with ‘Dwight’. Chromosome numbers in BC2F1 plants ranged from 2n = 41–50. From BC2F2 to BC3F1, the number of plants in parentheses with 2n = 40 (275), 2n = 41 (208), 2n = 42 (80), 2n = 43 (27), 2n = 44 (12) and 2n = 45 (3) were identified. Fertile lines were grown in the field during 2012 and 2013. This is the first report of the successful development of new alloplasmic soybean lines with cytoplasm from G. tomentella.
Therapeutic Effect of Irradiation of Magnetic Infrared Laser on Osteoarthritis Rat Model
Authors: Moon Chul‐Hwan , Kwon Ogon , Woo Chang‐Hoon , Ahn Hee‐Duk , Kwon Young‐Sam , Park Soo‐Jin , Song Chang‐Hyun , Ku Sae‐Kwang 
Published: June 2014

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease caused by articular cartilage loss. Many complementary and alternative medicines for OA have been reported so far, but the effectiveness is controversial. Previously, we have shown anti‐inflammatory effects of low level laser therapy with static magnetic field, magnetic infrared laser (MIL), in various animal models. Therefore, the beneficial effects were examined in OA rat model. Rats were divided by six groups; no treatment controls of sham and OA model, three MIL treatment groups of OA model at 6.65, 2.66 and 1.33 J cm−2, and Diclofenac group of OA model with 2 mg kg−1 diclofenac sodium. The OA control exhibited typical symptoms of OA, but 4‐week MIL treatment improved the functional movement of knee joint with reduced edematous changes. In addition, cartilage GAGs were detected more in all MIL treatment groups than OA control. It suggests that 4‐week MIL irradiation has dose‐dependent anti‐inflammatory and chondroprotective effects on OA. Histopathological analyses revealed that MIL treatment inhibits the cartilage degradation and enhances chondrocyte proliferation. The fact that MIL has an additional potential for the cartilage formation and no adverse effects can be regarded as great advantages for OA treatment. These suggest that MIL can be useful for OA treatment.
Diversity and characterization of polymorphic 5′ promoter haplotypes of MICA and MICB genes
Authors: Cox S. T. , Madrigal J. A. , Saudemont A. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I‐related chain A (MICA) and B (MICB) are ligands for the natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) activating receptor expressed on natural killer (NK) cells, natural killer T (NKT) cells, CD8+ T cells and γδ T cells. Natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) ligand expression is stress‐related and upregulated by infected or oncogenic cells leading to cytolysis. MICA and MICB genes display considerable polymorphism among individuals and studies have investigated allelic association with disease and relevance of MICA in transplantation, with variable success. It is now known that promoters of MICA and MICB are polymorphic with some polymorphisms associating with reduced expression. We sequenced International Histocompatibility Workshop (IHW) cell line DNA to determine promoter types and alleles encoded by exons 2–6. We found 8 of 12 known MICA promoter polymorphisms and although promoter P7 dominated, other promoters associated with the same allele. For example, MICA*002:01 had promoters P3, P4 or P7 and the common MICA*008:01/04 type had P1, P6 or P7. Similarly, we sequenced 8 of 12 known MICB promoter haplotypes. Some coding region defined MICB alleles had a single promoter, for example, MICB*002:01 and promoter P9, whereas the promiscuous MICB*005 allele had promoters P1, P2, P5, P6, P10 or P12. The results indicate potential for variation in expression of MICA and MICB ligands between individuals with the same allelic types. If differential expression by polymorphic MICA and MICB promoters is confirmed by functional studies, involvement of these genes in disease susceptibility or adverse transplantation outcomes may require knowledge of both promoter and allelic types to make meaningful conclusions.
Infection with Devriesea agamarum and Chrysosporium guarroi in an inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps)
Authors: Schmidt‐Ukaj Silvana , Loncaric Igor , Klang Andrea , Spergser Joachim , Häbich Annett‐Carolin , Knotek Zdenek 
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveDescription of clinical, microbiological and histopathological findings in a case of deep dermatitis in an inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) caused by Devriesea agamarum and Chrysosporium guarroi.Case reportA 4‐year‐old male inland bearded dragon, weighing 497 g, was presented at the clinic because the animal was suffering from dysecdysis and chronic skin lesions. Large numbers of bacilli, cocci and hyphal elements were diagnosed during the microscopic examination of the wound exudate. Microbiological analysis of a skin specimen revealed a moderate growth of Enterococcus sp. and D. agamarum. The condition of the bearded dragon improved with combined therapy consisting of ceftiofur hydrochloride, voriconazole and meloxicam. However, 3 months later recrudescence was observed. This time, Clostridium sp. and Chrysosporium sp. were isolated in large numbers. The bearded dragon was euthanized. Histopathology confirmed a severe granulomatous dermatitis with associated fungal hyphae and a severe granulomatous hepatitis with intralesional hyphae. Chrysosporium guarroi was identified by PCR and sequencing in two organs (skin and liver).Conclusions and clinical importanceThis is the first case of an infection with D. agamarum and C. guarroi in an inland bearded dragon (P. vitticeps). It emphasizes the importance of mycological cultures and specific treatment. Samples of suspected Chrysosporium sp. should be cultured at 30°C for 10–14 days. Early antifungal treatment is necessary to prevent systemic and potentially fatal infection with C. guarroi.
Morphisms between Cremona groups, and characterization of rational varieties
Authors: Cantat Serge 
Published: June 2014

AbstractWe classify all (abstract) homomorphisms from the group$\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}{\sf PGL}_{r+1}(\mathbf{C})$to the group${\sf Bir}(M)$of birational transformations of a complex projective variety$M$, provided that$r\geq \dim _\mathbf{C}(M)$. As a byproduct, we show that: (i)${\sf Bir}(\mathbb{P}^n_\mathbf{C})$is isomorphic, as an abstract group, to${\sf Bir}(\mathbb{P}^m_\mathbf{C})$if and only if$n=m$; and (ii)$M$is rational if and only if${\sf PGL}_{\dim (M)+1}(\mathbf{C})$embeds as a subgroup of${\sf Bir}(M)$.
Mutations in Transcriptional Regulators Allow Selective Engineering of Signal Integration Logic
Authors: Semsey Szabolcs 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT
Bacterial cells monitor their environment by sensing a set of signals. Typically, these environmental signals affect promoter activities by altering the activity of transcription regulatory proteins. Promoters are often regulated by more than one regulatory protein, and in these cases the relevant signals are integrated by certain logic. In this work, we study how single amino acid substitutions in a regulatory protein (GalR) affect transcriptional regulation and signal integration logic at a set of engineered promoters. Our results suggest that point mutations in regulatory genes allow independent evolution of regulatory logic at different promoters.

IMPORTANCE
Gene regulatory networks are built from simple building blocks, such as promoters, transcription regulatory proteins, and their binding sites on DNA. Many promoters are regulated by more than one regulatory input. In these cases, the inputs are integrated and allow transcription only in certain combinations of input signals. Gene regulatory networks can be easily rewired, because the function of
cis
-regulatory elements and promoters can be altered by point mutations. In this work, we tested how point mutations in transcription regulatory proteins can affect signal integration logic. We found that such mutations allow context-dependent engineering of signal integration logic at promoters, further contributing to the plasticity of gene regulatory networks.