bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Caffeine prevents antihyperalgesic effect of gabapentin in an animal model of CRPS‐I: evidence for the involvement of spinal adenosine A1 receptor
Authors: Martins Daniel F. , Prado Marcos R. B. , Daruge‐Neto Eduardo , Batisti Ana P. , Emer Aline A. , Mazzardo‐Martins Leidiane , Santos Adair R. S. , Piovezan Anna P. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis study was designed to determine whether 3 weeks of gabapentin treatment is effective in alleviating neuropathic pain‐like behavior in animal models of complex regional pain syndrome type‐I and partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL). We investigated the contribution of adenosine subtypes to the antihyperalgesic effect of gabapentin by examining the effect of caffeine, a non‐selective adenosine A1 and A2 receptor antagonist or 1,3‐dipropyl‐8‐cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX), a selective adenosine A1 subtype receptor antagonist on this effect. Neuropathic pain was produced by unilateral prolonged hind paw ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) or PSNL procedures which resulted in stimulus‐evoked mechanical hyperalgesia. After procedures, animals received gabapentin (10, 30, or 100 mg/kg intraperitoneal, respectively), caffeine (10 mg/kg intraperitoneal or 150 nmol intrathecally) or DPCPX (3 µg intrathecally) alone or in combination. Mice were tested for tactile mechanical hyperalgesia at 1, 2, and 3 weeks following procedures. Gabapentin produced dose‐related inhibition of mechanical hyperalgesia over a 3‐week period, and this effect was blocked by concomitant caffeine or DPCPX administration 1 week after injuries. The results of this study demonstrated that the mechanism through which gabapentin produces its effect may involve the activation of adenosine A1 subtype receptor.
Diagnostic value of plasma lysophosphatidic acid levels in ovarian cancer patients: A case–control study and updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Cao Liyan , Zhang Yunjie , Fu Zhanzhao , Dong Lixin , Yang Sen , Meng Wei , Li Yiyang , Zhang Wenchao , Zhang Jialing , Zheng Changjun , Zhu He , Fan Limei 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimWe investigated whether plasma levels of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) could serve as a diagnostic indicator for assessing disease progression in ovarian cancer (OC) patients.Material and MethodsIn this study, we enrolled 98 patients with OC, 70 patients with benign ovarian tumors and 75 healthy controls. Plasma levels of LPA and cancer antigen 125 (CA‐125) were measured in all study subjects. The diagnostic values of LPA and CA‐125 plasma levels were evaluated and an updated meta‐analysis was performed to examine the association between LPA plasma levels and OC progression. Statistical analyses were performed with spss 18.0 and R 3.1.0 software.ResultsIn our case–control study, OC patients showed significantly higher plasma LPA levels compared to patients with benign tumors and healthy controls (all P < 0.05). Plasma LPA levels exhibited higher diagnostic sensitivity (P = 0.008) and specificity (P = 0.042) in detecting OC, compared to an established marker, CA‐125. Notably, the sensitivity for early stage OC was significantly higher for plasma LPA levels in comparison to CA‐125 (P < 0.05). Consistent with this, the area under the receiver–operator curve was greater for LPA (0.899) in comparison to that for CA‐125 (0.751). Further, meta‐analysis showed that plasma LPA levels were significantly higher in OC patients compared to patients with benign tumors or healthy controls (all P < 0.05).ConclusionPlasma LPA levels are elevated in OC patients and correlate with disease progression. Further, LPA shows higher sensitivity and specificity in OC diagnosis, compared to CA‐125, especially in early stage OC.
Percutaneous absorption of chemicals: developing an understanding for the treatment of disease in frogs
Authors: Llewelyn V. K. , Berger L. , Glass B. D. 
Published: October 2015

The permeable nature of frog skin presents an alternative route for the delivery of therapeutic chemicals to treat disease in frogs. However, although therapeutic chemicals are often topically applied to the skin of frogs, their pharmacokinetics have rarely been reported. To provide evidence to guide both candidate drug and formulation selection, we highlight factors expected to influence percutaneous absorption through frog skin, including the anatomy and physiology of the skin and the physicochemical properties of applied therapeutic chemicals. Importantly, we also highlight the effects of the formulation on percutaneous absorption, especially the inclusion of potential penetration enhancers as excipients. Finally, we collate empirical data on the topical application of various therapeutic chemicals in postmetamorphic frogs and show that, in contrast to mammalian species, even large chemicals (i.e. >500 Da) and those with a wide range of logPvalues (−4 through +6) are likely to be absorbed percutaneously. Topical application in frogs thus promises a convenient and effective method for delivering systemic treatments of a diverse range of chemicals; however, further experimental quantification is required to ensure optimal outcomes.
Effect of socioeconomic status on hepatocellular carcinoma incidence and stage at diagnosis, a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Anyiwe Kika , Qiao Yao , De Prithwish , Yoshida Eric M. , Earle Craig C. , Thein Hla‐Hla 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence is increasing worldwide and cirrhosis is the most important risk factor predominantly caused by chronic viral hepatitis infection. We studied the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on HCC incidence and stage at diagnosis among viral hepatitis cases.MethodsA population‐based retrospective cohort study was conducted through the Ontario Cancer Registry linked data. Incidence rates were calculated using person‐time methodology. Association between SES (income quintile) and HCC incidence was assessed using proportional‐hazards regression. The impact of SES on HCC stage was investigated using logistic regression.ResultsAmong 11 350 individuals diagnosed with viral hepatitis between 1991 and 2010, a crude HCC incidence rate of 21.4 cases per 1000 person‐years was observed. Adjusting for age, gender, urban/rural residence and year of viral hepatitis diagnosis, a significant association was found between SES and HCC incidence, with an increased risk among individuals in the lowest three income quintiles (incidence rate ratio, IRR = 1.235; 95% CI: 1.074–1.420; IRR = 1.183; 95% CI: 1.026–1.364; IRR = 1.158; 95% CI: 1.000–1.340 respectively). No significant association between SES and HCC incidence was found after additionally adjusting for risk factors associated with HCC. However, HCC risk factors such as cirrhosis and HIV are associated with SES. Furthermore, no association was found between SES and HCC stage.ConclusionsThe association between SES and HCC incidence is likely because of differences in risk factors across income quintiles. Investigating how SES affects HCC incidence facilitates an understanding of which populations are at elevated risk for HCC.
Comparative chemical screening and genetic analysis reveal tentoxin as a new virulence factor in Cochliobolus miyabeanus, the causal agent of brown spot disease on rice
Authors: De Bruyne Lieselotte , Van Poucke Christof , Di Mavungu Diana Jose , Zainudin Nur Ain Izzati Mohd , Vanhaecke Lynn , De Vleesschauwer David , Turgeon B. Gillian , De Saeger Sarah , Höfte Monica 
Published: October 2015

SummaryBrown spot disease, caused by Cochliobolus miyabeanus, is currently considered to be one of the most important yield reducers of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Despite its agricultural importance, little is known about the virulence mechanisms deployed by the fungus. Therefore, we set out to identify novel virulence factors with a role in disease development. This article reports, for the first time, the production of tentoxin by C. miyabeanus as a virulence factor during brown spot disease and the identification of the non‐ribosomal protein synthetase (NRPS) CmNps3, responsible for tentoxin biosynthesis. We compared the chemical compounds produced by C. miyabeanus strains differing in virulence ability using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled to high‐resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry (HRMS). The production of tentoxin by a highly virulent strain was revealed by principal component analysis of the detected ions and confirmed by UHPLC coupled to tandem‐quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The corresponding NRPS was identified by in silico genome analysis and confirmed by gene deletion. Infection tests with wild‐type and Cmnps3 mutants showed that tentoxin acts as a virulence factor and is correlated with chlorosis development during the second phase of infection. Although rice has previously been classified as a tentoxin‐insensitive plant species, our data demonstrate that tentoxin production by C. miyabeanus affects symptom development.
Relationship between anaemia management at haemodialysis initiation and patient prognosis
Authors: Kataoka Hiroshi , Tsuchiya Ken , Naganuma Toshiaki , Okazaki Masayuki , Komatsu Mizuki , Kimura Tomonori , Shiohira Shunji , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Nitta Kosaku 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimIt has been suggested that anaemia management during a transition period to haemodialysis could influence prognosis. In this paper, we have conducted a retrospective investigation on how Hb levels at haemodialysis initiation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) influence the risk of cerebral infarction and cardiovascular events.MethodsSeventy‐two patients who underwent initial haemodialysis between May 2012 and April 2014 were designated as subjects of the study and the patients were divided into a cohort with Hb levels ≥8 g/dL and a cohort with <8 g/dL at haemodialysis initiation. The occurrence of cardiovascular events was analyzed using the Kaplan−Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsThe cohort with <8 g/dL Hb levels at haemodialysis initiation demonstrated a tendency toward low dosage of ESA or iron preparation in the pre‐haemodialysis (maintenance) phase. Significant incidence of cardiovascular (log rank, P = 0.002) and cerebrovascular (log rank, P = 0.02) events was observed. The results of multivariate analysis of the Cox proportional hazards model indicated that anaemia with <8 g/dL Hb levels at haemodialysis initiation was a significant risk factor for coronary artery (hazard ratio = 12.85, P = 0.003) and cerebrovascular (hazard ratio = 5.11, P = 0.04) diseases post‐haemodialysis.ConclusionThe results of this investigation indicate the possible involvement of low Hb levels at haemodialysis initiation as a factor in cardio‐ and cerebrovascular events. There, our results suggested that the administration of adequate dosage of iron preparations and ESA in the pre‐haemodialysis period could help prevent cardio‐ and cerebrovascular events.
OPINION: Primary prevention of allergy – Will it soon become a reality?
Authors: Van Bever Hugo P. , Nagarajan Sowmya , Shek Lynette P. , Lee Bee‐Wah 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIt is generally accepted that allergic diseases are not curable and not preventable, but mainly controllable using pharmacotherapy (i.e. symptomatic medication). Recent research, however, demonstrated that a number of specific interventions can lead to (partial) primary prevention of allergy, especially of atopic dermatitis (AD) and food allergy (FA). Three types of primary prevention strategies have been successfully studied: early administration of bacterial products (most studies are on probiotics), early moisturizing in infants at risk for AD and early exposure to allergenic foods (peanut and egg). Results of these studies indicate that the stage might have been set. Surely, much more research needs to be carried out before advice can be given in clinical practice. This opinion article discusses the three types of beneficial interventions and gives ideas for future research, which might show the way for better strategies in primary prevention of allergic diseases.
Evaluation of lung function on impulse oscillometry in preschool children born late preterm
Authors: Er Ilkay , Gunlemez Ayla , Uyan Zeynep Seda , Aydogan Metin , Oruc Meral , Isik Olcay , Arisoy Ayse Engin , Turker Gulcan , Baydemir Canan , Gokalp Ayse Sevim 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundThere is a paucity of data on lung physiology in late‐preterm children, who may be exposed to a risk of decline in lung function during childhood. In this study, we evaluated lung function in preschool children born late preterm using impulse oscillometry (IOS), and compared the results with those obtained in healthy term‐born children.MethodsChildren between 3 and 7 years of age who were born late preterm and who were being followed up at the outpatient clinic were included as the late‐preterm group. Age‐matched healthy term‐born children served as controls. A total of 90 late‐preterm and 75 healthy children were included in the study. At 5–20 Hz, resistance (R5–R20), reactance (X5–X20), impedans (Z5) and resonant frequency were measured on IOS.ResultsMean IOS R5 and R10 were significantly higher in the late‐preterm group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Mean R5, R10 and Z5 were statistically higher in late‐preterm children who had been hospitalized for pulmonary infection compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Mean R5, R10, R15, R20 and Z5 were significantly higher, and mean X10 and X15 significantly lower in late‐preterm children with passive smoking compared with late‐preterm children without passive smoking and controls (P < 0.05).ConclusionChildren born late preterm had signs of peripheral airway obstruction on IOS‐based comparison with healthy term‐born controls. Besides the inherent disadvantages of premature birth, hospitalization for pulmonary infection and passive smoking also seemed to adversely affect lung function in children born late preterm.
Successful treatment of severe acute antibody‐mediated rejection of renal allografts with bortezomib – a report of two pediatric cases
Authors: Roberti Isabel , Vyas Shefali 
Published: October 2015

AbstractaAMR in renal allografts is uncommon and remains a challenge as it is often refractory to treatment modalities. Aggressive therapy is essential to reverse the rejection as it results in renal allograft loss in approximately 27–40% of cases. There are anecdotal case reports of use of bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor in the treatment of resistant AMR cases in solid organ transplant recipients; however, the experience is limited. We herein report successful reversal of resistant aAMR in two pediatric patients with bortezomib. Patients were initially treated with IV methylprednisolone pulse therapy with IVIG and PP three times weekly for a total of 10 treatments. After the standard therapy used at our institution persistence of DSA associated with graft dysfunction prompted the use of bortezomib to further treat the rejection. We did not have any neurologic side effects, but one patient did experience significant infections after bortezomib infusions requiring prolonged antimicrobial therapy. The long‐term outcome of both children was excellent with preservation of normal renal function and persistent reduction in DSA titers.
Optimization of the measurement procedure during multiphoton tomography of human skin in vivo
Authors: Springer S. , Zieger M. , Koenig K. , Kaatz M. , Lademann J. , Darvin M. E. 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundThe in vivo multiphoton tomography has evolved into a useful tool for the non‐invasive investigation of morphological and biophysical characteristics of human skin. Until now, changes of skin have been evaluated mainly by clinical and histological techniques. The current study addresses the effects of a changed acquisition time for single scans in a Z‐stack on the directly related qualitative and quantitative interpretability of the data.MethodsA test area of the skin was used for scanning 12 Z‐stacks of 10 volunteers aged between 25 and 34 years. The stacks were taken up to a depth of 220 μm at increments of 10 μm at four different times, 1, 3, 7, 13 s, per scan. Subsequently, the second harmonic generation (SHG)‐to‐autofluorescence aging index of dermis (SAAID) was evaluated at three different measuring depths, i.e. at the maximum of SHG as well as at depths of 60 and 150 μm.ResultsThe evaluation did not reveal any significant differences in the SAAID behavior between the Z‐stacks of each test area scanned at different acquisition times. However, the acquisition time of 1 s/frame increases the measurement stability without influencing the SAAID behavior. The resolution of subcellular structures decreases significantly at scan times ≤3 s, whereas the acquisition time from 7 to 13 s warrants a high image quality.ConclusionThe study has shown that there are no significant differences between the scan speeds per scan in a Z‐stack and the resulting SAAID. Acquisition times of 7 s are suitable for the morphological evaluation whereas a further extension to 13 s does not result in any benefits. A scan time per image of 1 s is sufficient for the quantitative evaluation of SAAID thus substantially reducing the possible influence of movement artifacts.
Epidemiology and risk factors of multidrug‐resistant bacteria in respiratory samples after lung transplantation
Authors: Tebano G. , Geneve C. , Tanaka S. , Grall N. , Atchade E. , Augustin P. , Thabut G. , Castier Y. , Montravers P. , Desmard M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundMultidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacteria are a growing concern worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology and risk factors of MDR bacteria detected in respiratory invasive samples during hospitalization in the intensive care unit (ICU) after lung transplantation (LT).MethodsThis study was based on a retrospective analysis of 176 patients hospitalized in the ICU after LT in 2006–2012. Respiratory invasive samples were performed according to a routine protocol. MDR pathogens were defined according to in vitro susceptibility tests.ResultsA total of 1176 bacteria were cultured. Susceptibility testing was performed on 1046 strains and 404 (39%) MDR were detected in 90 (51%) patients. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, coagulase‐negative staphylococci, and Enterobacteriaceae (mainly Enterobacter species) were the most common MDR pathogens. On multivariate analysis, an ICU stay >14 days, presence of a tracheostomy, and previous exposure to broad‐spectrum antibiotics were associated with MDR acquisition (odds ratio [OR] 3.7; 95% confidence interval [1.69–8.12]; OR 3.28 [1.05–10.28]; and OR 2.25 [1.17–4.34], respectively). We consistently observed an increasing emergence of resistance to several antibiotics, from week 1 to week 4 of ICU hospitalization: for ticarcillin, piperacillin–tazobactam, ceftazidime, imipenem/cilastatin, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin in P. aeruginosa; and for piperacillin–tazobactam, cefepime, and amikacin in Enterobacteriaceae.ConclusionA large proportion of MDR bacteria are detected on respiratory invasive samples in LT patients, and the risk of their emergence is mainly determined by the previous exposure to broad‐spectrum antibiotics and the length of ICU stay. Adequate treatment requires broad‐spectrum empiric antibiotic therapy.
The impact on blood donor screening for human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus using plasma from frozen‐thawed plasma preparation tubes
Authors: Allison Kirsty M. , Faddy Helen M. , Margaritis Angelo , Ismay Susan , Marks Denese C. 
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUNDBlood services are required to maintain repositories of frozen samples for confirmation of results and/or retrospective testing. The Australian Red Cross Blood Service archives donor samples in plasma preparation tubes (PPTs). This study aims to evaluate the effect of freeze‐thawing and extended frozen storage on the ability to detect human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) using blood donation screening assays in samples stored in PPTs.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWhole blood was spiked with HIV‐, HCV‐, or HBV‐reactive plasma at high and low viral loads and stored in PPTs or as plasma aliquots. All samples were frozen and stored at not more than −30°C. At 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 36 months, samples were tested for HIV and HCV antibodies, HBV surface antigen, and viral nucleic acid. Additional samples were thawed and refrozen either once or twice before testing to simulate up to three freeze‐thaw cycles.RESULTSAll PPT and plasma aliquots retained appropriate viral reactivity, including those with multiple freeze‐thaw cycles, on both nucleic acid testing and serology platforms.CONCLUSIONFrozen storage of biologicals in PPTs, as opposed to plasma aliquots, does not affect the ability to detect HIV, HCV, and HBV using viral nucleic acid or serology donation screening systems for up to 36 months. Freezing and thawing PPT samples did not impact the ability to detect these viruses. Our study demonstrates that PPTs appear to be an appropriate receptacle for frozen plasma sample archiving for up to 3 years.
Late gestational hypoxia and a postnatal high salt diet programs endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness in adult mouse offspring
Authors: Walton Sarah L. , Singh Reetu R. , Tan Tiffany , Paravicini Tamara M. , Moritz Karen M. 
Published: October 2015

Key points
Maternal hypoxia is a common perturbation that leads to growth restriction and may program vascular dysfunction in adult offspring.
An adverse prenatal environment may render offspring vulnerable to increased cardiovascular risk when challenged with a ‘second hit’, such as a high salt diet.
We investigated whether maternal hypoxia impaired vascular function, structure and mechanics in mouse offspring, and also whether this was exacerbated by excess dietary salt intake in postnatal life.
Maternal hypoxia predisposed adult male and female offspring to endothelial dysfunction.
The combination of prenatal hypoxia and high dietary salt intake caused significant stiffening of mesenteric arteries, and also altered structural characteristics of the aorta consistent with vascular stiffening.
The results of the present study suggest that prenatal hypoxia combined with a high salt diet in postnatal life can contribute to vascular dysfunction.
AbstractGestational hypoxia and high dietary salt intake have both been associated with impaired vascular function in adulthood. Using a mouse model of prenatal hypoxia, we examined whether a chronic high salt diet had an additive effect in promoting vascular dysfunction in offspring. Pregnant CD1 dams were placed in a hypoxic chamber (12% O2) or housed under normal conditions (21% O2) from embryonic day 14.5 until birth. Gestational hypoxia resulted in a reduced body weight for both male and female offspring at birth. This restriction in body weight persisted until weaning, after which the animals underwent catch‐up growth. At 10 weeks of age, a subset of offspring was placed on a high salt diet (5% NaCl). Pressurized myography of mesenteric resistance arteries at 12 months of age showed that both male and female offspring exposed to maternal hypoxia had significantly impaired endothelial function, as demonstrated by impaired vasodilatation to ACh but not sodium nitroprusside. Endothelial dysfunction caused by prenatal hypoxia was not exacerbated by postnatal consumption of a high salt diet. Prenatal hypoxia increased microvascular stiffness in male offspring. The combination of prenatal hypoxia and a postnatal high salt diet caused a leftward shift in the stress–strain relationship in both sexes. Histopathological analysis of aortic sections revealed a loss of elastin integrity and increased collagen, consistent with increased vascular stiffness. These results demonstrate that prenatal hypoxia programs endothelial dysfunction in both sexes. A chronic high salt diet in postnatal life had an additive deleterious effect on vascular mechanics and structural characteristics in both sexes.