bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Calcineurin Inhibitor Tacrolimus as a New Therapy in Severe Cherubism
Authors: Kadlub Natacha , Vazquez Marie-Paule , Galmiche Louise , L'Herminé Aurore Coulomb , Dainese Linda , Ulinski Tim , Fauroux Brigitte , Pavlov Ioana , Badoual Cécile , Marlin Sandrine , Deckert Marcel , Leboulanger Nicolas , Berdal Ariane , Descroix Vianney , Picard Arnaud , Coudert Amélie E 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACT

Cherubism is a rare genetic disorder characterized by extensive growth of a bilateral granuloma of the jaws, resulting in facial disfigurement. Cherubism is caused by gain-of-function mutations in the SH3BP2 gene, leading to overactivation of nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1)-dependent osteoclastogenesis. Recent findings in human and mouse cherubism have suggested that calcineurin inhibitors might be drug candidates in cherubism medical treatment. A 4-year-old boy with aggressive cherubism was treated with the calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus for 1 year, and clinical, radiological, and molecular data were obtained. Immunohistologic analysis was performed to compare preoperative and postoperative NFATc1 staining and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity. Real-time PCR was performed to analyze the relative expression levels of OPG and RANKL. After tacrolimus therapy, the patient showed significant clinical improvement, including stabilization of jaw size and intraosseous osteogenesis. Immunohistologic analyses on granuloma showed that tacrolimus caused a significant reduction in the number of TRAP-positive osteoclasts and NFATc1 nuclear staining in multinucleated giant cells. Molecular analysis showed that tacrolimus treatment also resulted in increased OPG expression. We present the first case of effective medical therapy in cherubism. Tacrolimus enhanced bone formation by stimulating osteogenesis and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Isolation and Characterization of Biologically Active Venom Protein from Sea Snake Enhydrina schistosa
Authors: Damotharan Palani , Veeruraj Anguchamy , Arumugam Muthuvel , Balasubramanian Thangavel 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTThe present study is designed to investigate the isolation and characterization of biological and biochemical active venom protein from sea snake, Enhydrina schistosa. The highest purification peaks in ion‐exchange chromatography on DEAE‐cellulose column were obtained for fraction numbers 39–49 when eluted with 0.35–0.45 M NaCl. Eighty per cent purity was obtained in the final stage of purification, and a single protein band of about 44 kDa was visualized in SDS‐polyacrylamide gel under reducing condition. Purified venom protein expressed as haemolytic, cytotoxicity and proteolytic activities with lethal concentration (LC50) at 2.0 μg/mL. Venom protein exhibits enzymatic activity and hydrolyzed casein and gelatin. Gelatinolytic activity was optimal at pH 5–9. In conclusion, the present results suggested that the sea snake venom might be feasible sources for biologically active substances. Thus, this low molecular weight component of the venom protein could be used in potentially serve biological and pharmaceutical aspects.
Effect of uptake transporters OAT3 and OATP1B1 and efflux transporter MRP2 on the pharmacokinetics of eluxadoline
Authors: Davenport J. Michael , Covington Paul , Bonifacio Laura , McIntyre Gail , Venitz Jürgen 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe effects of OATP1B1, OAT3, and MRP2 on the pharmacokinetics of eluxadoline, an oral, locally active, opioid receptor agonist/antagonist being developed for treatment of IBS‐d were assessed in vivo. Coadministration of a single 200 mg dose of eluxadoline with cyclosporine, and probenecid increased eluxadoline systemic exposure [AUC(0–inf)] by 4.4‐ and 1.4‐fold, respectively, whereas peak exposure (Cmax) increased 6.2‐fold and 1.3‐fold, respectively. Cyclosporine had little effect on renal clearance (CLren) of eluxadoline whereas probenecid reduced CLren by nearly 50%. These study results suggested that sinusoidal OATP1B1‐mediated hepatic uptake of eluxadoline (during first‐pass and systemic extraction) plays a major role in its absorption and disposition, whereas OAT3‐mediated basolateral uptake in the proximal renal tubules and MRP2‐mediated canalicular and renal tubular apical efflux play only minor roles in its overall disposition. All treatments were safe and well tolerated.
The larval head structures of Podagricomela shirahatai (Chûjô) (Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini) and morphological effects of leaf mining
Authors: Hua Yi , Beutel Rolf G. , Ge Si‐Qin , Yang Xing‐Ke 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTHead structures of the leaf mining larva of the chrysomelid species Podagricomela shirahatai are described and illustrated. Internal and external structures were reconstructed three dimensionally based on image stacks obtained with microcomputed tomography. The larval head is characterized by prognathism, a dorsoventrally compressed shape, a flattened maxillolabial complex, a completely reduced coronal suture, and the presence of a deep, V‐shaped posterior emargination of the head capsule. Internal structures are not distinctly affected by leaf mining. The cephalic features are compared with conditions found in surface feeding and root feeding alticine larvae and also with characters of chrysomeline larvae of Chrysomela populi Linnaeus. Possible correlations between modifications of the larval head and different feeding behaviors are discussed. Characters are also discussed with respect to possible phylogenetic implications. Some derived features are apparently due to phylogenetic constraints. Apomorphies characterizing alticine larvae with distinctly different life habits are the loss of M. frontoepharyngalis (M. 9), the origin of M. tentoriostipitalis (M. 18) from the head capsule, two insertions of M. tentoriopraementalis inferior (M. 29) and the reduction of stemmata. The study underlines that the anatomical study of chrysomeloid larvae is not only highly desirable in a phylogenetic context, but also crucial for understanding the evolution of different life strategies in this extremely successful group of Coleoptera. J. Morphol. 276:446–457, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Animal models of scoliosis
Authors: Bobyn Justin D. , Little David G. , Gray Randolph , Schindeler Aaron 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTMultiple techniques designed to induce scoliotic deformity have been applied across many animal species. We have undertaken a review of the literature regarding experimental models of scoliosis in animals to discuss their utility in comprehending disease aetiology and treatment. Models of scoliosis in animals can be broadly divided into quadrupedal and bipedal experiments. Quadrupedal models, in the absence of axial gravitation force, depend upon development of a mechanical asymmetry along the spine to initiate a scoliotic deformity. Bipedal models more accurately mimic human posture and consequently are subject to similar forces due to gravity, which have been long appreciated to be a contributing factor to the development of scoliosis. Many effective models of scoliosis in smaller animals have not been successfully translated to primates and humans. Though these models may not clarify the aetiology of human scoliosis, by providing a reliable and reproducible deformity in the spine they are a useful means with which to test interventions designed to correct and prevent deformity. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:458–467, 2015.
Hip range of motion during daily activities in patients with posterior pelvic tilt from supine to standing position
Authors: Tamura Satoru , Miki Hidenobu , Tsuda Kosuke , Takao Masaki , Hattori Asaki , Suzuki Naoki , Yonenobu Kazuo , Sugano Nobuhiko 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTIn most patients with hip disorders, the anterior pelvic plane (APP) sagittal tilt does not change from supine to standing position. However, in some patients, APP sagittal tilt changes more than 10° posteriorly from supine to standing position. The purpose of this study was to both examine APP sagittal tilt and investigate the hip flexion and extension range of motion (ROM) required during daily activities in these atypical patients. Patient‐specific 4‐dimensional (4D) motion analysis was performed for 50 hips from 44 patients who had undergone total hip arthroplasty. All patients divided into two categories, such as atypical patients for whom the pelvis tilted more than 10° posteriorly from supine to standing position preoperatively (19 hips from 18 patients) and the remaining typical patients (31 hips from 26 patients). The required hip flexion and extension angles did not differ significantly between atypical patients and typical patients. In conclusion, the hip flexion ROM during deep bending activities and hip extension ROM during extension activities required in those atypical patients with pelvic tilt more than 10° backward from supine to standing position did not shift in the direction of extension. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:542–547, 2015.
Characterization of deposits in patients with calcific tendinopathy of the supraspinatus. Role of phytate and osteopontin
Authors: Grases Felix , Muntaner‐Gimbernat Lorenzo , Vilchez‐Mira Mar , Costa‐Bauzá Antonia , Tur Fernando , Prieto Rafel Maria , Torrens‐Mas Margalida , Vega Fabiana Gisela 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTCalcific tendinopathy of the tendons of the rotator cuff is common in adults. These calcifications tend to be reabsorbed after a period of acute pain. This study evaluated the morphologic characteristics of calcific deposits and the participation of phytate and osteopontin (OPN) in their development. Calcific deposits were removed from 21 patients with calcific tendinopathy by ultrasound‐guided needle puncture under local anesthesia. The removed deposits were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The amounts of calcium and phosphorus in the deposits were semi‐quantitatively determined by energy dispersive X‐ray analysis. Phytate was determined in 2 h urine samples, and OPN was extracted from a pool of deposits. The calcific deposits consisted of amorphous and poorly crystalline carbonated hydroxyapatite containing molecular water and organic matter. OPN was associated with the hydroxyapatite deposits. Phytate concentrations were significantly lower in the urine of patients with calcific tendinopathy than in healthy controls. The deficit in crystallization inhibitors such as phytate, and the presence of regulators such as OPN, may play important roles in the development of calcific tendinopathy. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:475–482, 2015.
Caseinate–gelatin and caseinate‐hydrolyzed gelatin composites formed via transglutaminase: chemical and functional properties
Authors: Luo Zhen‐Ling , Zhao Xin‐Huai 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDTreatment of food proteins by enzymatic crosslinking and other reactions can confer modified properties on the treated proteins. Bovine gelatin and hydrolyzed bovine gelatin were used to generate two caseinate‐based composites via transglutaminase, and potential useful properties to food processing were investigated for both composites.RESULTSCaseinate–gelatin and caseinate‐hydrolyzed gelatin composites contained 33.4 and 10.3 g kg−1 protein of 4‐hydroxyproline, respectively. Caseinate conjugation with gelatin and hydrolyzed gelatin resulted in two composites with stronger absorption at five wavenumbers during Fourier transform–infrared analysis, demonstrating that they were rich in hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. Both composites exhibited higher viscosity values in aqueous dispersions, lower thermal stability (i.e. higher mass loss) during thermogravimetric analysis and worse emulsifying properties than original caseinate, owing to conjugation and crosslinking via transglutaminase. However, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis revealed that both composites actually had better emulsion stability after 2 weeks of storage.CONCLUSIONThe composites generated were different in chemical characteristics and better in viscosity and emulsion stability than original caseinate. They might have potential as protein thickeners and emulsifiers. CLSM is a better technique to assess emulsion stability of food proteins than the classic turbidity method. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Physiochemical Characterization of Iodine(V) Oxide, Part 1: Hydration Rates
Authors: Little Brian K. , Emery Samuel B. , Nittinger Joshua C. , Fantasia Ryan C. , Lindsay C. Michael 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn the first of a series of papers on the iodine(V) oxide system, the chemical and physical properties associated with iodine(V) oxide in its anhydride (I2O5) and hydrated states (HI3O8 and HIO3) are examined. The three forms of the oxide have been investigated utilizing differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD). Furthermore, the hydration rates governing the conversion of the anhydride (I2O5) to the initial hydrate (HI3O8) and later to the final hydrated state (HIO3) are reported and discussed. Results from this study suggest that the hydration mechanism for I2O5→HI3O8 begins with an accelerating period described as a nucleation and growth phase followed by a decelerating period that is diffusion limited. The initial rate of hydration was observed to be governed by a nucleation and growth mechanism, which was inhibited by covering the surface of the particle with an inert metal. Based on this investigation the initial rate of hydration appears to be strongly dependent on the anhydride’s available surface area which facilitates nucleation and growth of HI3O8. The final step, HI3O8→HIO3, proceeds through an initial induction period followed by a continuous acceleratory period unlike the first hydration step.
Optimization of rotamers prior to template minimization improves stability predictions made by computational protein design
Authors: Davey James A. , Chica Roberto A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractComputational protein design (CPD) predictions are highly dependent on the structure of the input template used. However, it is unclear how small differences in template geometry translate to large differences in stability prediction accuracy. Herein, we explored how structural changes to the input template affect the outcome of stability predictions by CPD. To do this, we prepared alternate templates by Rotamer Optimization followed by energy Minimization (ROM) and used them to recapitulate the stability of 84 protein G domain β1 mutant sequences. In the ROM process, side‐chain rotamers for wild‐type (WT) or mutant sequences are optimized on crystal or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) structures prior to template minimization, resulting in alternate structures termed ROM templates. We show that use of ROM templates prepared from sequences known to be stable results predominantly in improved prediction accuracy compared to using the minimized crystal or NMR structures. Conversely, ROM templates prepared from sequences that are less stable than the WT reduce prediction accuracy by increasing the number of false positives. These observed changes in prediction outcomes are attributed to differences in side‐chain contacts made by rotamers in ROM templates. Finally, we show that ROM templates prepared from sequences that are unfolded or that adopt a nonnative fold result in the selective enrichment of sequences that are also unfolded or that adopt a nonnative fold, respectively. Our results demonstrate the existence of a rotamer bias caused by the input template that can be harnessed to skew predictions toward sequences displaying desired characteristics.
Geographical distribution and frequencies of organophosphate‐resistant Ace alleles and morphometric variations in olive fruit fly populations
Authors: Doğaç Ersin , Kandemir İrfan , Taşkın Vatan 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn the Mediterranean basin, organophosphate (OP) insecticides have been used intensively to control olive fly populations. Acetylcholinesterase (Ace) is the molecular target of OP insecticides, and three resistance‐associated mutations that confer different levels of OP insensitivity have been identified. In this study, genotypes of olive fly Ace were determined in field‐collected populations from broad geographical areas in Turkey. In addition, the levels of asymmetry of wing and leg characters were compared in these populations.RESULTSOur study revealed the existence of a genetically smooth stratification pattern in OP resistance allele distribution in the olive fly populations of Turkey. In contrast to earlier findings, the frequency of Δ3Q was found to be lower in the Aegean region, where the populations have been subjected to high selection pressure. Results based on the morphological differences among the samples revealed a similar pattern for both sides and did not demonstrate a clear separation.CONCLUSIONThe frequencies and geographic range of resistance alleles indicate that they were selected in the Aegean coast of Turkey and then spread westward towards Europe. One possible explanation for the absence of morphological asymmetry in olive fly samples might be the presence of modifier allele(s) that compensate for the increase in asymmetry. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Crystal orientations of β‐Ga2O3 thin films formed on m‐plane and r‐plane sapphire substrates
Authors: Nakagomi Shinji , Kaneko Satoru , Kokubun Yoshihiro 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe have used X‐ray pole figure analyses to study crystal orientations of β‐Ga2O3 thin films formed on (100) m‐plane or (102) r‐plane sapphire substrates prepared by gallium evaporation in oxygen plasma. The (−201) plane of β‐Ga2O3 on the (100) m‐plane was inclined to be along two (110) a‐planes. Crystals of (−201)‐oriented β‐Ga2O3 exhibit six‐fold symmetry in which a β‐Ga2O3 crystal is rotated every 60° from [001] for each a‐plane. In all, twelve kinds of β‐Ga2O3 crystals formed on m‐plane sapphire substrate. Similarly, the (−201) plane of β‐Ga2O3 on the (102) r‐plane was inclined to be along to two (113) n‐plane. Crystals of (−201)‐oriented β‐Ga2O3 exhibit three‐fold symmetry with a β‐Ga2O3 crystal rotated every 120° from the opposite direction of projection of the c‐axis of each n‐plane. In all, six kinds of β‐Ga2O3 crystals formed on the r‐plane sapphire substrate. These observations can be explained by comparing oxygen atomic arrangements on the β‐Ga2O3 (−201) plane with those on the sapphire (110) a‐plane and (113) n‐plane.
Positron annihilation and cathodoluminescence study on inductively coupled plasma etched GaN
Authors: Kataoka Keita , Kanechika Masakazu , Narita Tetsuo , Kimoto Yasuji , Uedono Akira 
Published: December 2014

AbstractEtching damage induced by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) with a mixture of Cl and BCl gases and the effect of subsequent annealing in Nwere studied through positron annihilation and cathodoluminescence (CL) for Mg‐doped and Si‐doped GaN. The changes in the concentration of nonradiative defects and in the shape of band bending caused by ICP etching or subsequent annealing were studied by comparing the CL intensities and the diffusion lengths of implanted positrons, respectively. For Mg‐doped GaN, CL spectra revealed that etching inactivated the Mg acceptors at the near‐surface region. After annealing at 900 °C, the Mg acceptors were reactivated. For Si‐doped GaN, etching introduced neutral vacancy‐type defects, and after annealing at 900 °C, the etching‐induced defects almost disappeared. However, there were residual nonradiative defects on the top surface that were associated with a change in the surface's Fermi level position.
Systematic review of accuracy of ultrasound in the diagnosis of vasa previa
Authors: Ruiter L. , Kok N. , Limpens J. , Derks J. B. , de Graaf I. M. , Mol B. W. J. , Pajkrt E. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTObjectiveVasa previa is an obstetric complication in which the fetal blood vessels lie outside the chorionic plate in close proximity to the internal cervical os. In women with vasa previa, the risk of rupture of these vessels is increased, thus potentially causing fetal death or serious morbidity. Our objective was to assess the accuracy of ultrasound in the prenatal diagnosis of vasa previa.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and PubMed for studies on vasa previa. Two reviewers independently selected studies on the accuracy of ultrasound in the diagnosis of vasa previa. The studies were scored on methodological quality using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool (QUADAS‐2). Data on sensitivity and specificity were subsequently extracted.ResultsThe literature search revealed 583 articles, of which two prospective and six retrospective cohort studies were eligible for inclusion in the qualitative analysis. All studies documented methods suitable for the prenatal diagnosis of vasa previa. Four out of the eight studies used transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) for primary evaluation, while the remaining four studies used transabdominal ultrasound and performed a subsequent TVS when vasa previa was suspected. The QUADAS‐2 tool reflected poor methodology in six of the eight included studies, and prenatal detection rates varied from 53% (10/19) to 100% (total of 442 633 patients, including 138 cases of vasa previa). In the two prospective studies (n = 33 795, including 11 cases of vasa previa), transvaginal color Doppler performed during the second trimester detected all cases of vasa previa (sensitivity, 100%) with a specificity of 99.0–99.8%.ConclusionThe accuracy of ultrasound in the diagnosis of vasa previa is high when performed transvaginally in combination with color Doppler. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Evidence of Self-correction of Child Sex Ratios in India: A District-Level Analysis of Child Sex Ratios From 1981 to 2011
Authors: Diamond-Smith Nadia , Bishai David 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSex ratios in India have become increasingly imbalanced over the past decades. We hypothesize that when sex ratios become very uneven, the shortage of girls will increase girls’ future value, leading sex ratios to self-correct. Using data on children under 5 from the last four Indian censuses, we examine the relationship between the sex ratio at one point in time and the change in sex ratio over the next 10 years by district. Fixed-effects models show that when accounting for unobserved district-level characteristics—including total fertility rate, infant mortality rate, percentage literate, percentage rural, percentage scheduled caste, percentage scheduled tribe, and a time trend variable—sex ratios are significantly negatively correlated with the change in sex ratio in the successive 10-year period. This suggests that self-corrective forces are at work on imbalanced sex ratios in India.