bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of curcumin on crevicular levels of IL‐1β and CCL28 in experimental gingivitis
Authors: Pulikkotil SJ , Nath S 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundCurcumin has anti‐inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to compare interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 28 (CCL28) levels following a topical application of curcumin (CRM), chlorhexidine (CHX) and chlorhexidine‐metronidazole (CHX‐MTZ) in an experimental gingivitis human model.MethodsSixty systemically healthy selected subjects were randomly assigned to one of three topical antigingivitis gels. Each gel was applied twice daily for 10 minutes as the sole method of oral hygiene for 29 days on the test quadrant only. Modified gingival index (MGI), plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP) and probing depth (PD) were assessed at baseline, 29 days and 60 days. Estimation of IL‐1β and CCL28 levels in gingival crevicular fluid was done at baseline and at 29 days.ResultsThe increase of IL‐1β in the CRM (14.52 ± 16.6 pg/ml) and CHX‐MTZ (31.63 ± 15.96) groups was significantly less than that of the CHX group (70.55 ± 38.81). Similar results were also observed for CCL28 (CRM: 8.12 ± 8.78 pg/ml; CHX‐MTZ: 12.81 ± 18.68; CHX: 41.15 ± 22.82). All groups had a significant increase in MGI, PI and BOP at 29 days.ConclusionsThe anti‐inflammatory potential of topical curcumin was similar to CHX‐MTZ but superior to CHX in affecting IL‐1β and CCL28 levels.
Factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth risk assessed by transvaginal ultrasound following cervical cerclage
Authors: Sim Shirlene , Da Silva Costa Fabricio , Araujo Júnior Edward , Sheehan Penelope M. 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveTo determine the predictive value of various cervical length measurements postcerclage for the outcome of preterm birth following both elective and rescue cerclage.Materials and MethodsOver a five‐year period, we identified 59 women who had a transvaginal cerclage inserted followed by serial cervical length measurement. Of these, 18 were elective cerclages placed at 14 weeks of gestation on the basis of a history of cervical insufficiency and 41 were rescue cerclages performed at gestations ranging from 17 to 23 weeks following a diagnosis of shortened cervix on ultrasound. The women were asymptomatic throughout.ResultsThere was a strong correlation between cervical length postcerclage and gestation at delivery. For both groups, preterm birth could be predicted by the total cervical length. In the rescue cerclage group, the change in cervical length was predictive, with positive changes associated with later gestation at delivery. The presence of funnelling was predictive of preterm birth in the elective cerclage group only.ConclusionTransvaginal cervical length measurement is useful in the prediction of preterm birth postcerclage placement. Serial cervical length measurement postcerclage may assist with timely addition of interventions such, progesterone and antenatal cortico steroids for fetal lung maturation.
Epitope specificity determines cross‐protection of a SIT‐induced IgG4 antibody
Authors: Gadermaier E. , James L. K. , Shamji M. H. , Blatt K. , Fauland K. , Zieglmayer P. , Garmatiuk T. , Focke‐Tejkl M. , Villalba M. , Beavil R. , Keller W. , Valent P. , Durham S. R. , Gould H. J. , Flicker S. , Valenta R. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe calcium‐binding 2EF‐hand protein Phl p 7 from timothy grass pollen is a highly cross‐reactive pollen pan‐allergen that can induce severe clinical symptoms in allergic patients. Recently, a human monoclonal Phl p 7‐specific IgG4 antibody (mAb102.1F10) was isolated from a patient who had received grass pollen‐specific immunotherapy (SIT).MethodsWe studied epitope specificity, cross‐reactivity, affinity and cross‐protection of mAb102.1F10 towards homologous calcium‐binding pollen allergens. Sequence comparisons and molecular modelling studies were performed with ClustalW and SPADE, respectively. Surface plasmon resonance measurements were made with purified recombinant allergens. Binding and cross‐reactivity of patients' IgE and mAb102.1F10 to calcium‐binding allergens and peptides thereof were studied with quantitative RAST‐based methods, in ELISA, basophil activation and IgE‐facilitated allergen presentation experiments.ResultsAllergens from timothy grass (Phl p 7), alder (Aln g 4), birch (Bet v 4), turnip rape (Bra r 1), lamb's quarter (Che a 3) and olive (Ole e 3, Ole e 8) showed high sequence similarity and cross‐reacted with allergic patients' IgE. mAb102.1F10 bound the C‐terminal portion of Phl p 7 in a calcium‐dependent manner. It cross‐reacted with high affinity with Ole e 3, whereas binding and affinity to the other allergens were low. mAb102.1F10 showed limited cross‐inhibition of patients' IgE binding and basophil activation. Sequence comparison and surface exposure calculations identified three amino acids likely to be responsible for limited cross‐reactivity.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that a small number of amino acid differences among cross‐reactive allergens can reduce the affinity of binding by a SIT‐induced IgG and thus limit cross‐protection.
Pheasant capitalism: Auditing South Dakota's state bird
Authors: ERRINGTON FREDERICK , GEWERTZ DEBORAH 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTThe Chinese ring‐necked pheasant was named South Dakota's state bird in 1943. Today this “immigrant that made good” remains important to South Dakotans who believe that having their state's symbol to hunt is both part of the good life and indicative that “culture” and “nature” remain in balance. Given ever‐more‐intensive monocropping, however, the pheasant is in trouble. With its habitat disappearing and its numbers significantly declining, many worry about a pending “ecological rift.” In an effort to recover pheasant numbers without offending agricultural interests, the state's governor held a “summit” that produced various “win‐win” proposals, among them, ways to make the propagation of nature in the form of pheasant habitat profitable. In this social history of the pheasant in South Dakota, we use historical‐materialist and phenomenological perspectives to explore efforts to harmonize culture and nature through pheasant capitalism. [South Dakota, ecological rift, farming, hunting, pheasants, capitalism, alterities]
Randomized controlled study in pregnancy on treatment of marked hyperglycemia that is short of overt diabetes
Authors: Fadl Helena E. , Gärdefors Susanne , Hjertberg Ragnhild , Nord Eva , Persson Bengt , Schwarcz Erik , Åman Jan , Östlund Ingrid K. , Hanson Ulf S.B. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIntroductionA randomized multicenter study was conducted in the Stockholm‐Örebro areas in Sweden to evaluate how treatment aiming at normoglycemia affects fetal growth, pregnancy and neonatal outcome in pregnant women with severe hyperglycemia.Material and methodsPregnant women with hyperglycemia defined as fasting capillary plasma glucose <7.0 mmol/L and a two‐hour plasma glucose value ≥10.0 and <12.2 mmol/L following a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) diagnosed before 34 weeks of gestation were randomized to treatment (n = 33) or controls (n = 36). Women assigned to the control group were blinded for the OGTT results and received routine care. The therapeutic goal was fasting plasma glucose 4–5 mmol/L, and <6.5 mmol/L after a meal. Primary outcomes were size at birth and number of large‐for‐gestational age (>90th percentile) neonates. Secondary outcomes were pregnancy complications, neonatal morbidity and glycemic control.ResultsThe planned number of participating women was not reached. There was a significantly reduced rate of large‐for‐gestational age neonates, 21 vs. 47%, P < 0.05. Group differences in pregnancy complications and neonatal morbidity were not detected because of limited statistical power. In total, 66.7% of the women in the intervention group received insulin. Of all measured plasma glucose values, 64.1% were in the target range, 7.2% in the hypoglycemic range and 28.7% above target values. There were no cases of severe hypoglycemia.ConclusionsAiming for normalized glycemia in a pregnancy complicated by severe hyperglycemia reduces fetal growth but is associated with an increased rate of mild hypoglycemia.
Analysis of iron acquisition and storage‐related genes in clinical and non‐clinical strains of Yersinia enterocolitica biovar 1A
Authors: Kanaujia Pawan Kumar , Bajaj Priyanka , Virdi Jugsharan Singh 
Published: July 2015

Possession of mechanisms for iron acquisition and its storage enhances the ability of the bacteria to survive in the iron‐limiting environment of the host. In this study, 81 strains of Yersinia enterocolitica biovar 1A isolated from various clinical (n = 51) and non‐clinical (n = 30) sources were investigated for the presence of the genes related to iron acquisition and storage. Important genes which were present in more than 85% of the strains included hasA, foxA, bfr, bfd, ftnA, and hmsT as well as the fhuCDB, fepBDGCfesfepA, feoAB, yfuABCD, hemPRSTUV, and hmsHFRS gene clusters. Majority of these genes is being reported for the first time in biovar 1A strains and showed significant homology with genes present in the known pathogenic biovars of Y. enterocolitica. However, no significant difference was observed in the distribution of iron acquisition and storage‐related genes among clinical and non‐clinical biovar 1A strains. Thus, it may be suggested that the presence of iron acquisition and storage‐related genes per se might not be responsible for the supposedly better ability of clinical biovar 1A strains to cause infections in humans. However, in the backdrop of this data, the need to undertake functional studies are highly recommended.
Transabdominal and transrectal ultrasonography of fetuses in Württemberg ewes: Correlation with gestational age
Authors: Petrujkić Branko T. , Cojkić Aleksandar , Petrujkić Katarina , Jeremić Ivan , Mašulović Dragan , Dimitrijević Vladimir , Savić Mila , Pešić Miodrag , Beier Ross C. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIt is useful to determine the gestational age in sheep to provide essential information for effective flock management practices. The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and practical aspects for using two ultrasound techniques, transabdominal and transrectal, in determining the gestational age in Württemberg ewes. Monitoring of embryo and fetus developmental stages during the ewes’ gestation was carried out with real time ultrasound using a transabdominal convex probe, frequency 3.5 MHz, and a transrectal linear probe, frequency 7.5 MHz. The size of the embryonic vesicle during the period from the 23rd to the 38th day of gestation can be used as a confirmational indicator of gestational age when the transrectal probe is used. The occipital nasal diameter correlated with the gestational age with both transabdominal (P < 0.05) and transrectal probes (P < 0.01) from the 46th to the 63rd day of gestation. The biparietal diameter of the fetal head measured by transabdominal probe during the period from the 46th to the 63rd day of gestation correlates with gestation age (P < 0.05). The diameter of the fetal eye orbit monitored by transrectal probe from the 46th to the 63rd day of gestation also correlated well with gestational age (P < 0.05).
Effects of three methane mitigation agents on parameters of kinetics of total and hydrogen gas production, ruminal fermentation and hydrogen balance using in vitro technique
Authors: Wang Min , Wang Rong , Yang Shan , Deng Jin Ping , Tang Shao Xun , Tan Zhi Liang 
Published: July 2015

AbstractMethane (CH4) can be mitigated through directly inhibiting methanogen activity and starving methanogens by hydrogen (H2) sink. Three types of mechanism (i.e. bromoethanesulphonate (BES), nitrate and emodin) and doses of CH4 mitigation agents were employed to investigate their pathways of CH4 inhibition. Results indicated that both BES and emodin inhibited CH4 production and altered H2 balance, which could be accompanied by decreased dry matter disappearance (DMD), fractional rate of gH2 formation, volatile fatty acid (VFA) production, ability to produce and use reducing equivalences and molecular H2, and increased final asymptotic gH2 production, time to the peak of gH2, discrete lag time of gH2 production and fermentation efficiency. However, emodin decreased gas volume produced by rapidly fermentable components of substrate and the rate of fermentation at early stage of incubation, while BES supplementation inhibited gas volume produced by both rapidly and slowly fermentable components of substrate and the rate of fermentation at middle or late stage of incubation. The nitrate supplementation inhibited CH4 production without affecting VFA profile, because of its dual role as H2 sink and being toxic to methanogens. Nitrate supplementation had more complicated pattern of fermentation, VFA production and profile and H2 balance in comparison to BES and emodin supplementation.
Axonal Spheroid Accumulation In the Brainstem and Spinal Cord of A Young Angus Cow with Ataxia
Authors: Hanshaw DM , Finnie JW , Manavis J , Kessell AE 
Published: July 2015

Case reportAn 18‐month‐old Angus cow presented with rapidly developing ataxia and subsequently died. The finding of large numbers of axonal spheroids in brainstem nuclei and spinal cord grey matter, bilaterally symmetrical in distribution, was consistent with a histopathological diagnosis of neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD). Most of the axonal swellings were immunopositive to amyloid precursor protein, suggesting that interruption to axonal flow was important in their genesis.ConclusionsThe topographical distribution of axonal spheroids in the brain and spinal cord in this bovine case closely resembled that found in the ovine neurodegenerative disorder termed NAD, in which axonal swellings are the major pathological feature. This appears to be the first reported case of this type of NAD in cattle. The aetiology of the spheroidal aggregations in this case was not determined. There was no evidence from the case history or neuropathology to indicate whether the axonal spheroids in this case involved an acquired or heritable aetiology.
Typing ofStaphylococcus aureusisolated from bovine mastitis cases in Australia and India
Authors: Gogoi‐Tiwari J , Babra Waryah C , Sunagar R , Veeresh HB , Nuthanalakshmi V , Preethirani PL , Sharada R , Isloor S , Bhat A , Al‐Salami H , Hegde NR , Mukkur TK 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of the different capsular polysaccharide (CP) and major surface‐associated non‐CP antigen 336 (SP‐336) types amongStaphylococcus aureusisolated from bovine mastitis cases in Australia and India.MethodsA total of 414 strains (154 from Australia, 260 from India) isolated from clinical bovine mastitis were included in the study. Mouse antisera raised against CP types (CP1, CP2, CP5, and CP8) or SP‐336 were used in slide agglutination tests and compared with detection ofcap1,cap5 andcap8 gene fragments by PCR.ResultsSerological studies revealed the presence of CP2, CP5, CP8 and SP‐336 in 9.1%, 23.4%, 31.8%, and 5.8% of the Australian versus 0.8%, 46.9%, 13.1% and 0% of the Indian isolates, respectively. By PCR, CP1, CP5 and CP8 accounted for 0%, 26.6% and 32.4% of the Australian versus 3.9%, 85% and 8.1% of the Indian isolates, respectively.ConclusionsBoth PCR and the serological method demonstrated that CP5 and CP8 are the predominant capsular types in Australia, whereas CP5 is the predominant capsular type in India. The study also demonstrated a strong correlation between both methods of typing for CP1, CP5, CP8 and non‐typeableS. aureusstrains. High‐percentage prevalence of non‐typeable isolates in both the countries highlights the importance of continued investigations of the identification of unique surface‐associated polysaccharide antigens prevalent amongS. aureusisolates for the formulation of CP‐ and SP‐based vaccines for bovine mastitis.
Rediscovery of Good–Turing Estimators via Bayesian Nonparametrics
Authors: Favaro Stefano , Nipoti Bernardo , Teh Yee Whye 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThe problem of estimating discovery probabilities originated in the context of statistical ecology, and in recent years it has become popular due to its frequent appearance in challenging applications arising in genetics, bioinformatics, linguistics, designs of experiments, machine learning, etc. A full range of statistical approaches, parametric and nonparametric as well as frequentist and Bayesian, has been proposed for estimating discovery probabilities. In this article, we investigate the relationships between the celebrated Good–Turing approach, which is a frequentist nonparametric approach developed in the 1940s, and a Bayesian nonparametric approach recently introduced in the literature. Specifically, under the assumption of a two parameter Poisson-Dirichlet prior, we show that Bayesian nonparametric estimators of discovery probabilities are asymptotically equivalent, for a large sample size, to suitably smoothed Good–Turing estimators. As a by-product of this result, we introduce and investigate a methodology for deriving exact and asymptotic credible intervals to be associated with the Bayesian nonparametric estimators of discovery probabilities. The proposed methodology is illustrated through a comprehensive simulation study and the analysis of Expressed Sequence Tags data generated by sequencing a benchmark complementary DNA library.
Pharmacophore‐based discovery of inhibitors of a novel drug/proton antiporter in human brain endothelial hCMEC/D3 cell line
Authors: Chapy Hélène , Goracci Laura , Vayer Philippe , Parmentier Yannick , Carrupt Pierre‐Alain , Declèves Xavier , Scherrmann Jean‐Michel , Cisternino Salvatore , Cruciani Gabriele 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackground and PurposeAn influx drug/proton antiporter of unknown structure has been functionally demonstrated at the blood–brain barrier. This transporter, which handles some psychoactive drugs like diphenhydramine, clonidine, oxycodone, nicotine and cocaine, could represent a new pharmacological target in drug addiction therapy. However, at present there are no known drugs/inhibitors that effectively inhibit/modulate this transporter in vivo.Experimental ApproachThe FLAPpharm approach was used to establish a pharmacophore model for inhibitors of this transporter. The inhibitory potency of 44 selected compounds was determined against the specific substrate, [3H]‐clonidine, in the human cerebral endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3 and ranked as good, medium, weak or non‐inhibitor.Key ResultsThe pharmacophore model obtained was used as a template to screen xenobiotic and endogenous compounds from databases [Specs, Recon2, Human Metabolome Database (HMDB), human intestinal transporter database], and hypothetical candidates were tested in vitro to determine their inhibitory capacity with [3H]‐clonidine. According to the transporter database, 80% of the proton antiporter inhibitor candidates could inhibit P‐glycoprotein/MDR1/ABCB1 and specificity is improved by reducing inhibitor size/shape and increasing water solubility. Virtual screening results using HMDB and Recon2 for endogenous compounds appropriately scored tryptamine as an inhibitor.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe pharmacophore model for the proton‐antiporter inhibitors was a good predictor of known inhibitors and allowed us to identify new good inhibitors. This model marks a new step towards the discovery of this drug/proton antiporter and will be of great use for the discovery and design of potent inhibitors that could potentially help to assess and validate its pharmacological role in drug addiction in vivo.
Retracted: Addition of a single methyl group to a small molecule sodium channel inhibitor introduces a new mode of gating modulation
Authors: Wang Lingxin , Zellmer Shannon G. , Printzenhoff David M. , Castle Neil A. 
Published: July 2015

Background and PurposeAryl sulfonamide Nav1.3 or Nav1.7 voltage‐gated sodium (Nav) channel inhibitors interact with the Domain 4 voltage sensor domain (D4 VSD). During studies to better understand the structure‐activity relationship of this interaction, an additional mode of channel modulation, specifically slowing of inactivation, was revealed by addition of a single methyl moiety. The objective of the current study was to determine if these different modulatory effects are mediated by the same or distinct interactions with the channel.Experimental ApproachElectrophysiology and site‐directed mutation were used to compare the effects of PF‐06526290 and its desmethyl analogue PF‐05661014 on Nav channel function.Key ResultsPF‐05661014 selectively inhibits Nav1.3 versus Nav1.7 currents by stabilizing inactivated channels via interaction with D4 VSD. In contrast, PF‐06526290, which differs from PF‐05661014 by a single methyl group, exhibits a dual effect. It greatly slows inactivation of Nav channels in a subtype‐independent manner. However, upon prolonged depolarization to induce inactivation, PF‐06526290 becomes a Nav subtype selective inhibitor similar to PF‐05661014. Mutation of the D4 VSD modulates inhibition of Nav1.3 or Nav1.7 by both PF‐05661014 and PF‐06526290, but has no effect on the inactivation slowing produced by PF‐06526290. This finding, along with the absence of functional inhibition of PF‐06526290‐induced inactivation slowing by PF‐05661014, suggests that distinct interactions underlie the two modes of Nav channel modulation.Conclusions and ImplicationsAddition of a methyl group to a Nav channel inhibitor introduces an additional mode of gating modulation, implying that a single compound can affect sodium channel function in multiple ways.
α7 nicotinic ACh receptor‐deficient mice exhibit sustained attention impairments that are reversed by β2 nicotinic ACh receptor activation
Authors: Kolisnyk Benjamin , Al‐Onaizi Mohammed A. , Prado Vania F. , Prado Marco A. M. 
Published: July 2015

Background and PurposeDisruptions of executive function, including attentional deficits, are a hallmark of a number of diseases. ACh in the prefrontal cortex regulates attentive behaviour; however, the role of α7 nicotinic ACh receptor (α7nAChR) in attention is contentious.Experimental ApproachIn order to probe attention, we trained both wild‐type and α7nAChR knockout mice on a touch screen‐based five‐choice serial reaction time task (5‐CSRT). Following training procedures, we then tested sustained attention using a probe trial experiment. To further differentiate the role of specific nicotinic receptors in attention, we then tested the effects of both α7nAChR and β2nAChR agonists on the performance of both wild‐type and knockout mice on the 5‐CSRT task.Key ResultsAt low doses, α7nAChR agonists improved attentional performance of wild‐type mice, while high doses had deleterious effects on attention. α7nAChR knockout mice displayed deficits in sustained attention that were not ameliorated by α7nAChR agonists. However, these deficits were completely reversed by the administration of a β2nAChR agonist. Furthermore, administration of a β2nAChR agonist in α7nAChR knockout mice elicited similar biochemical response in the prefrontal cortex as the administration of α7nAChR agonists in wild‐type mice.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur experiments reveal an intricate relationship between distinct nicotinic receptors to regulate attentional performance and provide the basis for targeting β2nAChRs pharmacologically to decrease attentional deficits due to a dysfunction in α7nAChRs.