bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prostaglandin E2 and the EP receptors in malignancy: possible therapeutic targets?
Authors: O'Callaghan G , Houston A 
Published: September 2015

AbstractElevated expression of COX‐2 and increased levels of PGE2 are found in numerous cancers and are associated with tumour development and progression. Although epidemiological, clinical and preclinical studies have shown that the inhibition of PGE2 synthesis through the use of either non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or specific COX‐2 inhibitors (COXibs) has the potential to prevent and treat malignant disease, toxicities due to inhibition of COX‐2 have limited their use. Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of strategies whereby COX‐2 activity may be reduced without inducing any side effects. The biological effects of PGE2 are mediated by signalling through four distinct E‐type prostanoid (EP) receptors – EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4. In recent years, extensive effort has gone into elucidating the function of PGE2 and the EP receptors in health and disease, with the goal of creating selective inhibitors as a means of therapy. In this review, we focus on PGE2, and in particular on the role of the individual EP receptors and their signalling pathways in neoplastic disease. As knowledge concerning the role of the EP receptors in cancer grows, so does the potential for exploiting the EP receptors as therapeutic targets for the treatment of cancer and metastatic disease.
Contractile function assessment by intraventricular balloon alters the ability of regional ischaemia to evoke ventricular fibrillation
Authors: Wilder Catherine D E , Masoud Radwa , Yazar Duygu , O'Brien Brett A , Eykyn Thomas R , Curtis Michael J 
Published: September 2015

Background and purposeIn drug research using the rat Langendorff heart preparation, it is possible to study left ventricular (LV)contractilityusing an intraventricular balloon (IVB), andarrhythmogenesisduring coronary ligation‐induced regional ischaemia. Assessingboth concurrentlywould halve animal requirements. We aimed to test the validity of this approach.Experimental approachThe electrocardiogram (ECG) and LV function (IVB) were recorded during regional ischaemia of different extents in a randomized and blinded study.Key resultsIVB‐induced proarrhythmia was anticipated, but in hearts with an ischaemic zone (IZ) made deliberately small, an inflated IVB reduced ischaemia‐induced ventricular fibrillation (VF) incidence as a trend. Repeating studies in hearts with large IZs revealed the effect to be significant. There were no changes in QT interval or other variables that might explain the effect. Insertion of an IVB that was minimally inflated had no effect on any variable compared with ‘no IVB’ controls. The antiarrhythmic effect of verapamil (a positive control drug) was unaffected by IVB inflation. Removal of an inflated (but not a non‐inflated) IVB caused a release of lactate commensurate with reperfusion of an endocardial/subendocardial layer of IVB‐induced ischaemia. This was confirmed by intracellular31phosphorus (31P) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.Conclusions and implicationsIVB inflation does not inhibit VF suppression by a standard drug, but it has profound antiarrhythmic effects of its own, likely to be due to inflation‐induced localized ischaemia. This means rhythm and contractility cannot be assessed concurrently by this approach, with implications for drug discovery and safety assessment.
Parallelism in thermal growth response in otoliths and scales of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) from alpine lakes independent of genetic background
Authors: Thaulow Jens , Haugen Thrond O. , Borgstrøm Reidar 
Published: September 2015

AbstractLow density in natural populations of salmonids has predominantly been managed by stocking of non‐native conspecifics. Due partly to domestication, introduced non‐native fish may be maladapted under natural conditions. Interbreeding between introduced and wild individuals may therefore impair local adaptation and potentially population viability. Brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) from three headwaters (with stocked fish) and three interconnected lakes (with native fish) on the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, southern Norway, were tested for differences in thermal effects on scale and otolith growth. Otolith and scale annuli widths from immature brown trout showed positive correlation with mean annual summer temperature for all six sampled populations. In mature individuals, a similar positive thermal correlation was evident for the otoliths only. Interannuli width measurements from scales indicate a halt in somatic growth for brown trout in this alpine environment when reaching ages between 7 and 9 winters, coinciding with age at maturity. Our study indicates that otolith growth follows summer temperature even when individuals do not respond with somatic growth in these populations and that introduced brown trout and introgressed populations have similar thermal growth responses. Due to the continued otolith growth after stagnation in somatic growth and the impact of fluctuations in summer temperature, the utilisation of otolith annuli widths for back calculation of length at age should be treated with caution.
Evaluation of the bristle end‐rounding patterns of children's toothbrushes using scanning electron microscopy and stereomicroscopy
Authors: Lee H‐S , Jung H‐I , Kang S‐M , Kim H‐E , Kim B‐I 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the proportions of end‐rounded bristles via observations of the end patterns of various children's toothbrushes with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and stereomicroscopy.MethodsTen different brands of children's toothbrushes were chosen, and tufts from each toothbrush were used. The prepared bristle specimens were observed on SEM and stereomicroscopic images and classified as acceptable (A1–A3) and non‐acceptable (N1–N5) according to the modified classification. Then, the proportions of end‐rounded bristles were calculated.ResultsAnalyses of the 10 toothbrushes revealed that the proportions of acceptable end‐rounded bristles ranged from 1.4% to 20.2% on SEM and from 0.0% to 18.0% on stereomicroscopic examinations. Additionally, some toothbrushes had labels that indicated bristle end‐rounding, but the proportions of end‐rounded bristles were low.ConclusionsThe types and percentages of bristle ends of children's toothbrushes marketed in Korea were various, but the amount of acceptable end‐rounded bristles was low. The result, that even toothbrushes labelled as end‐rounded had potential to harm oral tissue, demonstrates that quality control for rounding bristle ends as well as the labelling for end‐rounded bristles is needed.
Safety and Feasibility of Open Chest Epicardial Mapping and Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia During the Period of Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation
Authors: PATEL MEHUL , ROJAS FRANCIA , SHABARI FARSHAD RAISSI , SIMPSON LEO , COHN WILLIAM , FRAZIER O.H. , MALLIDI HARI , CHENG JIE , MATHURIA NILESH 
Published: September 2015

Epicardial VT Ablation During LVAD ImplantationIntroductionPatients undergoing catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia (VT) may require epicardial mapping. In patients with end‐stage heart failure, hybrid surgical epicardial mapping and ablation during the period of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation may be considered in select patients to reduce post‐LVAD ventricular tachycardia.Methods and ResultsFrom March 2009 to October 2012, 5 patients (4 men and 1 woman, age range 52–73 years) underwent open chest electrophysiology study and epicardial mapping for recurrent ventricular tachycardia while the heart was exposed during the period of LVAD implantation. Epicardial mapping was considered if patients had recurrent VT despite failed prior endocardial ablation and/or electrocardiogram (EKG) features of an epicardial exit. Activation and/or a substrate mapping approach were employed during all procedures. Three of 5 patients (60%) had acute procedural success. In all patients, VT was either eliminated or significantly reduced with epicardial ablation. One patient had mediastinal bleeding delaying sternal closure. During a follow‐up period of 363 ± 368 days, 4 patients died due to nonarrhythmic causes.ConclusionsOpen‐chest hybrid epicardial mapping and ablation for recurrent VT is feasible and can be considered in select patients during the period of LVAD implantation.
Why and how immunohistochemistry should now be used to screen for the BRAFV600E status in metastatic melanoma? The experience of a single institution (LCEP, Nice, France)
Authors: Long E. , Ilie M. , Lassalle S. , Butori C. , Poissonnet G. , Washetine K. , Mouroux J. , Lespinet V. , Lacour J.P. , Taly V. , Laurent‐Puig P. , Bahadoran P. , Hofman V. , Hofman P. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundKnowledge of the BRAFV600E status is mandatory in metastatic melanoma patients (MMP). Molecular biology is currently the gold standard method for status assessment.ObjectivesWe assessed and compared the specificity, sensibility, cost‐effectiveness and turnaround time (TAT) of immunohistochemistry (IHC) and molecular biology for detection of the BRAFV600E mutation in 188 MMP.MethodsIHC, with the VE1 antibody, and pyrosequencing analysis were performed with formalin fixed paraffin embedded tumour samples.ResultsThe BRAFV600E mutation was detected by pyrosequencing in 91/188 (48%) patients. IHC was strongly positive (3+) in all of these 91 cases. IHC was strongly positive in 9/188 (5%) cases in which the molecular testing failed due to non‐amplifiable DNA. Weak or moderate staining was noted in 10/188 (5%) cases in which the molecular biology identified BRAF wild‐type tumours. The ratio of the global cost for IHC/molecular biology testing was 1 : 2.2. The average TAT was 48 h vs. 96 h, for IHC vs. molecular biology testing, respectively.ConclusionsThis study showed that VE1 IHC should be a substitute for molecular biology in the initial assessment of the BRAFV600E status in MPP. This methodology needs to be set up in pathology laboratories in accordance with quality control/quality assurance accreditation procedures. Under these strict conditions the question is to know if BRAFV600E‐IHC can serve not only as a prescreening tool, but also as a stand‐alone test (at least in cases displaying an unequivocally staining pattern) as well as an alternative predictive test for samples for which the molecular biology failed.
Licarin A is a candidate compound for the treatment of immediate hypersensitivity via inhibition of rat mast cell line RBL-2H3 cells
Authors: Matsui Takuya , Ito Chihiro , Masubuchi Satoru , Itoigawa Masataka 
Published: September 2015

Abstract

Objectives
We previously demonstrated that some phenylpropanoids are capable of inhibiting activated mast cells. This study evaluated the anti-allergic effects of licarin A, a neolignan isolated from various plants, on antigen-stimulated rat mast cell line.

Methods
The inhibitory effects of licarin A on histamine release, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) production, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in dinitrophenyl-human serum albumin (DNP-HSA) rat basophilic leukemia cells (DNP-HSA-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells), were investigated by spectrofluorometry, ELISA and immunoblotting.

Key findings
Licarin A significantly and dose-dependently reduced TNF-α production (IC50 12.6 ± 0.3 μm) in DNP-HSA-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. Furthermore, the levels of PGD2 secretion in DNP-HSA-stimulated cells pretreated with licarin A were lower than those stimulated with DNP-HSA alone (positive control). Treatment with licarin A at 20 μm produced slight suppression of DNP-HSA-induced increases in COX-2 mRNA and protein levels. We identified several signalling pathways that mediated these pharmacological effects. Licarin A treatment tended to reduce phosphorylated protein kinase C alpha/beta II (PKCα/βII) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) protein levels.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that licarin A reduces TNF-α and PGD2 secretion via the inhibition of PKCα/βII and p38 MAPK pathways; this compound may be useful for attenuating immediate hypersensitivity.
The role of strigolactones and ethylene in disease caused by Pythium irregulare
Authors: Blake Sara N. , Barry Karen M. , Gill Warwick M. , Reid James B. , Foo Eloise 
Published: September 2015

SummaryPlant hormones play key roles in defence against pathogen attack. Recent work has begun to extend this role to encompass not just the traditional disease/stress hormones, such as ethylene, but also growth‐promoting hormones. Strigolactones (SLs) are the most recently defined group of plant hormones with important roles in plant–microbe interactions, as well as aspects of plant growth and development, although the knowledge of their role in plant–pathogen interactions is extremely limited. The oomycete Pythium irregulare is a poorly controlled pathogen of many crops. Previous work has indicated an important role for ethylene in defence against this oomycete. We examined the role of ethylene and SLs in response to this pathogen in pea (Pisum sativum L.) at the molecular and whole‐plant levels using a set of well‐characterized hormone mutants, including an ethylene‐insensitive ein2 mutant and SL‐deficient and insensitive mutants. We identified a key role for ethylene signalling in specific cell types that reduces pathogen invasion, extending the work carried out in other species. However, we found no evidence that SL biosynthesis or response influences the interaction of pea with P. irregulare or that synthetic SL influences the growth or hyphal branching of the oomycete in vitro. Future work should seek to extend our understanding of the role of SLs in other plant interactions, including with other fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens, nematodes and insect pests.
Ehlers Danlos syndrome and gastrointestinal manifestations: a 20‐year experience at Mayo Clinic
Authors: Nelson A. D. , Mouchli M. A. , Valentin N. , Deyle D. , Pichurin P. , Acosta A. , Camilleri M. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundGastrointestinal (GI) manifestations are found in Ehlers Danlos syndrome (EDS) hypermobility subtype (HM). We aimed to assess associations between EDS HM and other EDS subtypes with GI manifestations.MethodsWe reviewed medical records of EDS patients evaluated at Mayo Clinic's Medical Genetics Clinic 1994–2013. We extracted information regarding EDS subtypes, GI manifestations, and treatments.Key ResultsWe identified 687 patients; 378 (56%) had associated GI manifestations (female 86.8%, diagnosis mean age 29.6 years). Of the patients identified, 58.9% (43/73) had EDS classic, 57.5% (271/471) EDS HM, 47.3% (27/57) EDS vascular subtypes. In addition, 86 patients had EDS that could not be classified in any of those three subtypes. Commonest GI symptoms were: abdominal pain (56.1%), nausea (42.3%), constipation (38.6%), heartburn (37.6%), and irritable bowel syndrome‐like symptoms (27.5%). Many GI symptoms were commoner in EDS HM than the other subtypes together. Among 37.8% of the 378 patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy, the commonest abnormalities were gastritis, hiatal hernia and reflux esophagitis. Abnormal gastric emptying was observed in 22.3% (17/76): 11.8% delayed and 10.5% accelerated. Colonic transit was abnormal in 28.3% (13/46): 19.6% delayed and 8.7% accelerated. Rectal evacuation disorder was confirmed in 18/30 patients who underwent anorectal manometry. Angiography showed aneurysms in abdominal vessels in EDS vascular type. Proton pump inhibitors (38%) and drugs for constipation (23%) were the most commonly used medications. A minority underwent colectomy (2.9%) or small bowel surgery (4%).Conclusions & InferencesEDS HM and other subtypes should be considered in patients with chronic functional GI symptoms and abdominal vascular lesions.
The carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase CCD2 catalysing the synthesis of crocetin in spring crocuses and saffron is a plastidial enzyme
Authors: Ahrazem Oussama , Rubio‐Moraga Angela , Berman Judit , Capell Teresa , Christou Paul , Zhu Changfu , Gómez‐Gómez Lourdes 
Published: September 2015

Summary

The apocarotenoid crocetin and its glycosylated derivatives, crocins, confer the red colour to saffron. Crocetin biosynthesis in saffron is catalysed by the carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase CCD2 (AIG94929). No homologues have been identified in other plant species due to the very limited presence of crocetin and its derivatives in the plant kingdom.

Spring Crocus species with yellow flowers accumulate crocins in the stigma and tepals. Four carotenoid CCDs, namely CaCCD1, CaCCD2 and CaCCD4a/b and CaCCD4c were first cloned and characterized.

CaCCD2 was localized in plastids, and a longer CCD2 version, CsCCD2L, was also localized in this compartment. The activity of CaCCD2 was assessed in Escherichia coli and in a stable rice gene function characterization system, demonstrating the production of crocetin in both systems. The expression of all isolated CCDs was evaluated in stigma and tepals at three key developmental stages in relation with apocarotenoid accumulation. CaCCD2 expression parallels crocin accumulation, but C14 apocarotenoids most likely are associated to the CaCCD1 activity in Crocus ancyrensis flowers.

The specific CCD2 localization and its membrane interaction will contribute to the development of a better understanding of the mechanism of crocetin biosynthesis and regulation in the chromoplast.
Automatic conversion of IFC datasets to geometrically and semantically correct CityGML LOD3 buildings
Authors: Donkers Sjors , Ledoux Hugo , Zhao Junqiao , Stoter Jantien 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAlthough the international standard CityGML has five levels of detail (LODs), the vast majority of available models are the coarse ones (up to LOD2, i.e. block‐shaped buildings with roofs). LOD3 and LOD4 models, which contain architectural details such as balconies, windows and rooms, rarely exist because, unlike coarser LODs, their construction requires several datasets that must be acquired with different technologies, and often extensive manual work is needed. In this article we investigate an alternative to obtaining CityGML LOD3 models: the automatic conversion from already existing architectural models (stored in the IFC format). Existing conversion algorithms mostly focus on the semantic mappings and convert all the geometries, which yields CityGML models having poor usability in practice (spatial analysis, for instance, is not possible). We present a conversion algorithm that accurately applies the correct semantics from IFC models and that constructs valid CityGML LOD3 buildings by performing a series of geometric operations in 3D. We have implemented our algorithm and we demonstrate its effectiveness with several real‐world datasets. We also propose specific improvements to both standards to foster their integration in the future.
Locking Compression Plate Fixation of Equine Tarsal Subluxations
Authors: Keller Sara A. , Fürst Anton E. , Kircher Patrick , Ringer Simone , Kuemmerle Jan M. 
Published: September 2015

ObjectiveTo report the clinical findings and outcome of locking compression plate (LCP) fixation of tarsal subluxations in horses.Study DesignRetrospective case series.AnimalsHorses (n = 3) and ponies (2).MethodsAll horses and ponies diagnosed with tarsal subluxations and treated with LCP fixation at our institution between 2011 and 2013 were included. Data were collected from the medical records, including all radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) studies and reviewed. Long‐term (>1 year) followup examination, including owner interview, and clinical and radiographic examinations were performed for all cases.ResultsSubluxations of the tarsometatarsal (n = 3) and proximal intertarsal (2) joints were diagnosed. CT examinations revealed complex joint injuries, including a combination of avulsion fragments and compression injuries at the opposite side of the joint from the subluxation. The LCP was applied to the plantarolateral or medial side of the limb. All horses survived and were discharged from the hospital. Short‐term complications included mild laminitis (n = 1) and peroneus tertius rupture (2). At long‐term followup, both ponies were sound and used as intended, whereas all horses showed mild to moderate lameness at the trot and were used for pleasure riding only. Radiographic signs of osteoarthritis developed in the joint affected by subluxation in all cases and in adjacent small tarsal joints in 2 horses and 1 pony.ConclusionLCP fixation of tarsal subluxations resulted in stable fixation and allowed adequate healing. Subluxation of the small tarsal joints represents a complex injury and osteoarthritis commonly develops in the affected and adjacent joints.
Sleep spindles and human cortical nociception: a surface and intracerebral electrophysiological study
Authors: Claude Léa , Chouchou Florian , Prados Germán , Castro Maïté , De Blay Barbara , Perchet Caroline , García‐Larrea Luis , Mazza Stéphanie , Bastuji Hélène 
Published: September 2015

Key points
Sleep spindle are usually considered to play a major role in inhibiting sensory inputs.
Using nociceptive stimuli in humans, we tested the effect of spindles on behavioural, autonomic and cortical responses in two experiments using surface and intracerebral electroencephalographic recordings.
We found that sleep spindles do not prevent arousal reactions to nociceptive stimuli and that autonomic reactivity to nociceptive inputs is not modulated by spindle activity.
Moreover, neither the surface sensory, nor the insular evoked responses were modulated by the spindle, as detected at the surface or within the thalamus.
The present study comprises the first investigation of the effect of spindles on nociceptive information processing and the results obtained challenge the classical inhibitory effect of spindles.
AbstractResponsiveness to environmental stimuli declines during sleep, and sleep spindles are often considered to play a major role in inhibiting sensory inputs. In the present study, we tested the effect of spindles on behavioural, autonomic and cortical responses to pain, in two experiments assessing surface and intracerebral responses to thermo‐nociceptive laser stimuli during the all‐night N2 sleep stage. The percentage of arousals remained unchanged as a result of the presence of spindles. Neither cortical nociceptive responses, nor autonomic cardiovascular reactivity were depressed when elicited within a spindle. These results could be replicated in human intracerebral recordings, where sleep spindle activity in the posterior thalamus failed to depress the thalamocortical nociceptive transmission, as measured by sensory responses within the posterior insula. Hence, the assumed inhibitory effect of spindles on sensory inputs may not apply to the nociceptive system, possibly as a result of the specificity of spinothalamic pathways and the crucial role of nociceptive information for homeostasis. Intriguingly, a late scalp response commonly considered to reflect high‐order stimulus processing (the ‘P3’ potential) was significantly enhanced during spindling, suggesting a possible spindle‐driven facilitation, rather than attenuation, of cortical nociception.