bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impaired Endothelin Calcium Signaling Coupled to Endothelin Type B Receptors in Penile Arteries from Insulin-Resistant Obese Zucker Rats
Authors: Contreras Cristina , Sánchez Ana , Martínez Pilar , Climent Belén , Benedito Sara , García-Sacristán Albino , Hernández Medardo , Prieto Dolores 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction is considered as an early sign of subclinical vascular disease and endothelial dysfunction and a highly prevalent condition in diabetic patients.

Aim
The current study assessed whether impaired vascular effects of endothelin (ET)-1 may contribute to the vascular dysfunction of penile arteries from a rat model of insulin resistance.

Methods
The effect of ETA and ETB receptor antagonists was assessed on the intracellular Ca2+ [Ca2+]i and contractile responses to ET-1 in penile arteries from obese Zucker rats (OZR) and lean Zucker rats (LZR), and ET receptor expression in the arterial wall was assessed by immunohistochemistry.

Main Outcome Measure
Changes in ET-1 [Ca2+]i and vasoconstriction and ET receptor expression were evaluated in penile arteries from insulin-resistant rats.

Results
ET-1-induced vasoconstriction was associated with a higher increase in smooth muscle [Ca2+]i in penile arteries from OZR compared with LZR. Removal of the endothelium inhibited and enhanced contractions to the lowest and highest doses of ET-1, respectively, mainly in OZR. The selective ETA receptor antagonist BQ-123 inhibited ET-1 vasoconstriction and [Ca2+]i response in both LZR and OZR. The ETB receptor antagonist BQ-788 had little effect in healthy arteries but markedly inhibited ET-1-induced increases in [Ca2+]i and vasoconstriction in arteries from OZR. ETA receptors were located on the smooth muscle and endothelium of penile arteries, whereas ETB receptors were found on the arterial endothelium in LZR and OZR, and also on the smooth muscle in OZR, immunostaining for both receptors being higher in OZR.

Conclusion
Penile arteries from OZR exhibit an impaired ET-1 Ca2+ signaling along with changes in the ET receptor profile. Thus, whereas ET-1 contraction and the associated [Ca2+]i increase are mediated by smooth muscle ETA receptors in healthy arteries, ETB receptors contribute to contraction and are coupled to the augmented ET-1 [Ca2+]i response under conditions of insulin resistance.
Prevalence of Effusion in the Tympanic Cavity in Dogs with Dysfunction of the Trigeminal Nerve: 18 Cases (2004–2013)
Authors: Kent M. , Glass E.N. , de Lahunta A. , Platt S.R. , Haley A. 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundAnimals with disorders involving the trigeminal nerve or its nuclei in the brainstem can have effusion in the tympanic cavity ipsilateral to the side of the neurological deficits. The tensor veli palatini muscle (TVP), innervated by the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve, opens the pharyngeal orifice of the auditory tube. With denervation of the TVP, dysfunction of the auditory tube may occur, which could lead to effusion.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of effusion in the tympanic cavity in dogs with disorders involving the trigeminal nerve.AnimalsEighteen client‐owned dogs were evaluated retrospectively.MethodsRetrospective study.ResultsDiagnostic imaging databases were searched for dogs having undergone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation for signs referable to dysfunction of the trigeminal nerve. Signalment and neurological examination findings were recorded. The MRI study was evaluated for the presence or absence of effusion. MRI characteristics of the affected trigeminal nerve and the muscles of mastication were recorded. Based on the location of the trigeminal nerve lesion, dogs were divided into three categories: brainstem, trigeminal canal, or extracranial. Eighteen dogs met the inclusion criteria. Six of 18 dogs (33%) had effusion in the tympanic cavity ipsilateral to the affected trigeminal nerve.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceA substantial proportion of dogs with a lesion affecting the trigeminal nerve had effusion in the tympanic cavity. This finding likely represents denervation of the TVP muscle, which may have led to dysfunction of the auditory tube.
Pharmacokinetics and Relative Bioavailability ofd‐Penicillamine in Fasted and Nonfasted Dogs
Authors: Langlois D.K. , Lehner A.F. , Buchweitz J.P. , Ross D.E. , Johnson M.B. , Kruger J.M. , Bailie M.B. , Hauptman J.G , Schall W.D 
Published: July 2013

Backgroundd‐Penicillamine is the most commonly used copper‐chelating agent in the treatment of copper‐associated hepatitis in dogs. Response to therapy can be variable, and there is a lack of pharmacokinetic information available for dogs. Coadministering the drug with food to alleviate vomiting has been recommended for dogs, which contradicts recommendations for drug administration to humans.HypothesisCoadministration ofd‐penicillamine with food decreases relative bioavailability and maximum plasma drug concentrations (Cmax) in dogs.AnimalsNine purpose‐bred dogs with a median body weight of 17.0 kg.MethodsDogs receivedd‐penicillamine (12.5 mg/kg PO) fasted and with food in a randomized, crossover design. Blood samples were collected before and 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours after dosing. Totald‐penicillamine concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated for each dog.ResultsTwo fasted dogs (22%) vomited after receivingd‐penicillamine. MeanCmax ± standard deviation (SD) was 8.7 ± 3.1 μg/mL (fasted) and 1.9 ± 1.6 μg/mL (fed). Mean area under the plasma concentration curve ± SDwas 16.9 ± 5.9 μg/mL·h (fasted) and 4.9 ± 3.4 μg/mL·h (fed). There were significant reductions in relative bioavailability andCmaxin fed dogs (P < .001).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceCoadministration ofd‐penicillamine with food significantly decreases plasma drug concentrations in dogs. Decreased drug exposure could result in decreased copper chelation efficacy, prolonged therapy, additional cost, and greater disease morbidity. Administration ofd‐penicillamine with food cannot be categorically recommended without additional studies.
Disposition of methylprednisolone acetate in plasma, urine, and synovial fluid following intra‐articular administration to exercised thoroughbred horses
Authors: Knych H. K. , Harrison L. M. , Casbeer H. C. , McKemie D. S. 
Published: July 2013

Methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) is commonly administered to performance horses, and therefore, establishing appropriate withdrawal times prior to performance is critical. The objectives of this study were to describe the plasma pharmacokinetics ofMPAand time‐related urine and synovial fluid concentrations following intra‐articular administration to sixteen racing fit adultThoroughbred horses. Horses received a single intra‐articular administration ofMPA(100 mg). Blood, urine, and synovial fluid samples were collected prior to and at various times up to 77 days postdrug administration and analyzed using tandem liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Maximum measured plasmaMPAconcentrations were 6.06 ± 1.57 at 0.271 days (6.5 h; range: 5.0–7.92 h) and 6.27 ± 1.29 ng/mLat 0.276 days (6.6 h; range: 4.03–12.0 h) for horses that had synovial fluid collected (group 1) and those that did not (group 2), respectively. The plasma terminal half‐life was 1.33 ± 0.80 and 0.843 ± 0.414 days for groups 1 and 2, respectively. MPA was undetectable by day 6.25 ± 2.12 (group 1) and 4.81 ± 2.56 (group 2) in plasma and day 17 (group 1) and 14 (group 2) in urine. MPA concentrations in synovial fluid remained above the limit of detection (LOD) for up to 77 days following intra‐articular administration, suggesting that plasma and urine concentrations are not a good indicator of synovial fluid concentrations.
Borrelia burgdorferi oxidative stress regulator BosR directly represses lipoproteins primarily expressed in the tick during mammalian infection
Authors: Wang Peng , Dadhwal Poonam , Cheng Zhihui , Zianni Michael R. , Rikihisa Yasuko , Liang Fang Ting , Li Xin 
Published: July 2013

SummaryDifferential gene expression is a key strategy adopted by the Lyme disease spirochaete, Borrelia burgdorferi, for adaptation and survival in the mammalian host and the tick vector. Many B. burgdorferi surface lipoproteins fall into two distinct groups according to their expression patterns: one group primarily expressed in the tick and the other group primarily expressed in the mammal. Here, we show that the Fur homologue in this bacterium, also known as Borrelia oxidative stress regulator (BosR), is required for repression of outer surface protein A (OspA) and OspD in the mammal. Furthermore, BosR binds directly to sequences upstream of the ospAB operon and the ospD gene through recognition of palindromic motifs similar to those recognized by other Fur homologues but with a 1 bp variation in the spacer length. Putative BosR binding sites have been identified upstream of 156 B. burgdorferi genes. Some of these genes share the same expression pattern as ospA and ospD. Most notably, 12 (67%) of the 18 genes previously identified in a genome‐wide microarray study to be most significantly repressed in the mammal are among the putative BosR regulon. These data indicate that BosR may directly repress transcription of many genes that are downregulated in the mammal.
Overview of lupus nephritis management guidelines and perspective from Asia
Authors: Mok Chi Chiu , Yap Desmond YH , Navarra Sandra V , Liu Zhi‐hong , Zhao Ming‐hui , Lu Liangjing , Takeuchi Tsutomu , Avihingsanon Yingyos , Yu Xue‐qing , Lapid Elizabeth A , Lugue‐Lizardo Lenrore R , Sumethkul Vasant , Shen Nan , Chen Shun‐le , Chan Tak Mao ,   Asian Lupus Nephritis Network (ALNN)
Published: July 2013

AbstractLupus nephritis (LN) is a common and important manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Evidence suggests higher rates of lupus renal involvement in Asian populations, and maybe more severe nephritis, compared with other racial or ethnic groups. The management of LN has evolved considerably over the past three decades, based on observations from clinical studies that investigated different immunosuppressive agents including corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, mycophenolic acid, calcineurin inhibitors and novel biologic therapies. This is accompanied by improvements in both the short‐term treatment response rate and long‐term renal function preservation. Treatment guidelines for LN have recently been issued by rheumatology and nephrology communities in U.S.A. and Europe. In view of the racial difference in disease manifestation and response to therapy, and the substantial disease burden in Asia, a panel of 15 nephrologists and rheumatologists from different Asian regions with extensive experience in lupus nephritis – the Steering Group for the Asian Lupus Nephritis Network (ALNN) – met and discussed the management of lupus nephritis in Asian patients. The group has also reviewed and deliberated on the recently published recommendations from other parts of the world. This manuscript summarizes the discussions by the group and presents consensus views on the clinical management and treatment of adult Asian patients with LN, taking into account both the available evidence and expert opinion in areas where evidence remains to be sought.
Neither ‘Good’ in Terms of ‘Better’ nor ‘Better’ in Terms of ‘Good’
Authors: Gustafsson Johan E. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIn this paper, I argue against defining either of ‘good’ and ‘better’ in terms of the other. According to definitions of ‘good’ in terms of ‘better’, something is good if and only if it is better than some indifference point. Against this approach, I argue that the indifference point cannot be defined in terms of ‘better’ without ruling out some reasonable axiologies. Against defining ‘better’ in terms of ‘good’, I argue that this approach either cannot allow for the incorruptibility of intrinsic goodness or it breaks down in cases where both of the relata of ‘better’ are bad.
Fire, hurricane and carbon dioxide: effects on net primary production of a subtropical woodland
Authors: Hungate Bruce A. , Day Frank P. , Dijkstra Paul , Duval Benjamin D. , Hinkle C. Ross , Langley J. Adam , Megonigal J. Patrick , Stiling Peter , Johnson Dale W. , Drake Bert G. 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Disturbance affects most terrestrial ecosystems and has the potential to shape their responses to chronic environmental change.

Scrub‐oak vegetation regenerating from fire disturbance in subtropical Florida was exposed to experimentally elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration (+350 μl l−1) using open‐top chambers for 11 yr, punctuated by hurricane disturbance in year 8. Here, we report the effects of elevated CO2 on aboveground and belowground net primary productivity (NPP) and nitrogen (N) cycling during this experiment.

The stimulation of NPP and N uptake by elevated CO2 peaked within 2 yr after disturbance by fire and hurricane, when soil nutrient availability was high. The stimulation subsequently declined and disappeared, coincident with low soil nutrient availability and with a CO2‐induced reduction in the N concentration of oak stems.

These findings show that strong growth responses to elevated CO2 can be transient, are consistent with a progressively limited response to elevated CO2 interrupted by disturbance, and illustrate the importance of biogeochemical responses to extreme events in modulating ecosystem responses to global environmental change.
Quantitative plant resistance in cultivar mixtures: wheat yellow rust as a modeling case study
Authors: Sapoukhina Natalia , Paillard Sophie , Dedryver Françoise , de Vallavieille‐Pope Claude 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Unlike qualitative plant resistance, which confers immunity to disease, quantitative resistance confers only a reduction in disease severity and this can be nonspecific. Consequently, the outcome of its deployment in cultivar mixtures is not easy to predict, as on the one hand it may reduce the heterogeneity of the mixture, but on the other it may induce competition between nonspecialized strains of the pathogen.

To clarify the principles for the successful use of quantitative plant resistance in disease management, we built a parsimonious model describing the dynamics of competing pathogen strains spreading through a mixture of cultivars carrying nonspecific quantitative resistance.

Using the parameterized model for a wheat–yellow rust system, we demonstrate that a more effective use of quantitative resistance in mixtures involves reinforcing the effect of the highly resistant cultivars rather than replacing them. We highlight the fact that the judicious deployment of the quantitative resistance in two‐ or three‐component mixtures makes it possible to reduce disease severity using only small proportions of the highly resistant cultivar.

Our results provide insights into the effects on pathogen dynamics of deploying quantitative plant resistance, and can provide guidance for choosing appropriate associations of cultivars and optimizing diversification strategies.
Alteration of functional loads after tongue volume reduction
Authors: Ye W. , Duan Y. Z. , Liu Z. J. 
Published: July 2013

Structured AbstractObjectivesAn earlier study revealed that the patterns of biomechanical loads on bones around the tongue altered significantly right after tongue volume reduction surgery. The current study was to examine whether these alterations persist or vanish over time post‐surgery.DesignFive sibling pairs of 12‐week‐old Yucatan minipigs were used. For each pair, one had surgery reducing tongue volume by about 15% (reduction) while the other had same incisions without tissue removal (sham). All animals were raised for 4 weeks after surgery. Three rosette strain gauges were placed on the bone surfaces of pre‐maxilla (PM), mandibular incisor (MI), and mandibular molar (MM); two single‐element gauges were placed across the pre‐maxilla‐maxillar suture (PMS) and mandibular symphysis (MSP), and two pressure transducers were placed on the bone surfaces of hard palate (PAL) and mandibular body (MAN). These bone strains and pressures were recorded during natural mastication.ResultsOverall amount of all loads increased significantly as compared to those in previous study in all animals. Instead of decreased loads in reduction animals as seen in that study, shear strains at PM, MI, and MM, tensile strains at PMS, and pressure at MAN were significantly higher in reduction than sham animals. Compared to the sham, strain dominance shifted at PM, MI, and MM and orientation of tensile strain altered at MI in reduction animals.ConclusionA healed volume‐reduced tongue may change loading regime significantly by elevating loading and altering strain‐dominant pattern and orientation on its surrounding structures, and these changes are more remarkable in mandibular than maxillary sites.
Ovariectomy induces osteoporosis in the maxillary alveolar bone: an in vivo micro‐CT and histomorphometric analysis in rats
Authors: Dai Q‐G , Zhang P , Wu Y‐Q , Ma X‐H , Pang J , Jiang L‐Y , Fang B 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate whether porotic changes occur in maxillary alveolar bone in ovariectomized rats.MethodsThirty‐two 6‐week‐old female Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into an ovariectomy group (OVX) and a sham‐ovariectomy group (sham). Twelve weeks after surgery, maxillae of 16 rats (eight OVX and eight sham) were analyzed by micro‐CT. Inter‐radicular alveolar bone of the maxillary first molar was reconstructed and analyzed. The remaining 16 maxillae were used for histochemistry, including hematoxylin‐eosin staining and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase enzyme staining.ResultsThree‐dimensional reconstructed images of the irregular alveolar bone showed an intuitive view of porotic changes in the OVX group. The alveolar bone in OVX rats had a porous microarchitecture including lower bone mass and a looser structure of more widely separated trabeculae. Bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th.) were significantly lower in the OVX group than those in the sham group (P < 0.05). Trabecular separation (Tb.Sp.) increased significantly in the OVX rats compared to the sham rats (P < 0.05). Histomorphometric analysis of alveolar bone also revealed porotic changes in the OVX rats. Bone area ratio significantly decreased in the OVX group compared with the sham group (P < 0.01). There were also more osteoclasts present in the alveolar bone of OVX rats compared to sham rats (P < 0.05).ConclusionOvariectomy induces osteoporosis in maxillary alveolar bone in rats, which may be related to the increased number of osteoclasts.
Socioeconomic disparities of periodontitis in Koreans based on the KNHANES IV
Authors: Kim D‐W , Park J‐C , Rim TH‐T , Jung U‐W , Kim C‐S , Donos N , Cha I‐H , Choi S‐H 
Published: July 2013

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to identify the socioeconomic factors associated with the prevalence of periodontitis in Koreans.MethodsCross‐sectional data from 12 763 subjects, 15 years old and above, who underwent periodontal examinations were obtained from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV (2007–209). Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were applied to estimate the association between socioeconomic indicators and prevalence of periodontitis.ResultsA significant association was found between increasing age and periodontitis. Participants with higher income were less likely to have periodontitis (aOR = 0.9 and 95% CI = 0.78–0.98, and aOR = 0.7 and 95% CI = 0.60–0.80 in the middle and highest quintiles of monthly household income, respectively). In addition, participants living in rural areas were less likely to have periodontitis (aOR = 0.9 and 95% CI = 0.81–0.99), and current smokers were more likely to have periodontitis (aOR = 1.7 and 95% CI = 1.49–1.89). The analysis of comorbidities revealed that individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) were significantly more likely to have periodontitis (aOR = 1.4 and 95% CI = 1.18–1.68).ConclusionsIn a rapidly increasing Korean population, the lower socioeconomic groups as well as individuals with DM were significantly more likely to present with periodontitis.
Impact of Low‐Dose Dipyridamole Injection on Adenosine Test after Pulmonary Vein Isolation
Authors: MIYAZAKI SHINSUKE , TANIGUCHI HIROSHI , UCHIYAMA TAKASHI , KUSA SHIGEKI , NAKAMURA HIROAKI , HACHIYA HITOSHI , HIRAO KENZO , IESAKA YOSHITO 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundDipyridamole increases the levels of extracellular adenosine. The study investigates the impact of low‐dose intravenous dipyridamole on adenosine test after pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI).Methods and ResultsThis prospective study included 12 paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) patients (61 ± 12 years; nine men) who underwent PVI at the first procedure. Transient PV reconnection was provoked by adenosine test in 4/48 PVs. In 44 PVs without reconnection, intravenous infusion of low‐dose (10 mg) dipyridamole preceded the adenosine test. Additional six patients (PVs) with transient dormant conduction were included. Among the total 10 PVs with transient reconnection, it was eliminated by radiofrequency (RF) application(s) until no dormant conduction was exposed by adenosine test(s) in five PVs. Then, dipyridamole potentiated adenosine test was undertaken to provoke dormant conduction (group 1). In the remaining five PVs, dipyridamole potentiated adenosine test was followed by RF elimination of conduction gap and repeat adenosine test to confirm complete elimination (group 2). Low‐dose dipyridamole prolonged the duration of adenosine‐induced atrioventricular block without vasodilatatory hypotension. There was no evidence of reconnection in 44 PVs without dormant conduction and in group 1 wherein transient reconnection was eliminated by 4.8 ± 3.2 RF applications in 8.8 ± 3.0 minutes and adenosine injected 3.1 ± 1.8 times. In group 2, dipyridamole plus adenosine test revealed the same dormant conduction that persisted longer than during adenosine alone. It was eliminated by single RF application in 3.4 ± 0.9 minutes, and adenosine was injected once.ConclusionsLow‐dose dipyridamole safely prolongs the electrophysiological effects of adenosine test without provoking additional PV reconnection. This allows sustained visualization and facilitates complete RF elimination of the electrical conduction gap.