bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ascending excitatory neural pathways modulate slow phasic myogenic contractions in the isolated human colon
Authors: Carbone S. E. , Dinning P. G. , Costa M. , Spencer N. J. , Brookes S. J. H. , Wattchow D. A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn animal models, enteric reflex pathways have potent effects on motor activity; their roles have been much less extensively studied in human gut. The aim of this study was to determine if ascending excitatory interneuronal pathways can modulate spontaneous phasic contractions in isolated preparations of human colonic circular muscle.MethodsHuman colonic preparations were cut into T shapes, with vertical bar of the ‘T’ pharmacologically isolated. Electrical stimulation and the nicotinic agonist, 1,1‐dimethyl‐4‐phenylpiperazinium iodide (DMPP), were applied to the isolated region and circular muscle contractile activity was measured from the cross‐bar of the T, more than 10 mm orally from the region of stimulation.Key ResultsThe predominant form of spontaneous muscle activity consisted of tetrodotoxin‐resistant, large amplitude, slow phasic contractions (SPCs), occurring at average intervals of 124 ± 68 s. Addition of a high concentration of hexamethonium (1 mmol L−1) to the superfusing solution significantly increased the interval between SPCs to 278.1 ± 138.3 s (P < 0.005). Focal electrical stimulation more than 10 mm aboral to the muscle recording site advanced the onset of the next SPC, and this effect persisted in hexamethonium. However, the effect of electrical stimulation was blocked by tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 μmol L−1). Application of the nicotinic agonist DMPP (1 mmol L−1) to the aboral chamber often stimulated a premature SPC (n = 4).Conclusions & InferencesThe major form of spontaneous contractility in preparations of human colonic circular muscle is SPCs, which are myogenic in origin. Activation of ascending excitatory neural pathways, which involve nicotinic receptors, can modulate the timing of SPCs and thus influence human colonic motility.
Choices choices: regulation of precursor differentiation during enteric nervous system development
Authors: Harrison C. , Shepherd I. T. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackground The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the largest subdivision of the peripheral nervous system and forms a complex circuit of neurons and glia that controls the function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Within this circuit, there are multiple subtypes of neurons and glia. Appropriate differentiation of these various cell subtypes is vital for normal ENS and GI function. Studies of the pediatric disorder Hirschprung's Disease (HSCR) have provided a number of important insights into the mechanisms and molecules involved in ENS development; however, there are numerous other GI disorders that potentially may result from defects in development/differentiation of only a subset of ENS neurons or glia. Purpose Our understanding of the mechanisms and molecules involved in enteric nervous system differentiation is far from complete. Critically, it remains unclear at what point the fates of enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs) become committed to a specific subtype cell fate and how these cell fate choices are made. We will review our current understanding of ENS differentiation and highlight key questions that need to be addressed to gain a more complete understanding of this biological process.
Changes in the innervation of the mouse internal anal sphincter during aging
Authors: Wang C. , Houghton M. J. , Gamage P. P. K. M. , Collins H. E. , Patel B. A. , Yeoman M. S. , Ranson R. N. , Saffrey M. J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe innervation of the mouse internal anal sphincter (IAS) has been little studied, and how it changes during aging has not previously been investigated. The aim of this study was therefore to characterize the distribution and density of subtypes of nerve fibers in the IAS and underlying mucosa in 3‐, 12‐ to 13‐, 18‐ and 24‐ to 25‐month‐old male C57BL/6 mice.MethodsNerve fibers were immunolabeled with antibodies against protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P (SP), calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), and calretinin (CR). Immunoreactivity in nerve fibers in the circular muscle and mucosa was quantified using Image J software.Key ResultsIn young adult (3 month) mice, nNOS‐immunoreactive (IR) nerve fibers were densely distributed in the circular muscle, but relatively few in the mucosa; VIP‐IR nerve fibers were abundant in the circular muscle and common in the mucosa; SP‐IR nerve fibers were common in circular muscle and mucosa; CGRP‐ and CR‐IR nerve fibers were dense in mucosa and sparse in circular muscle. The density of PGP9.5 immunoreactivity (IRY) was not significantly reduced with age, but a significant reduction in nNOS‐IRY and SP‐IRY with age was found in the IAS circular muscle. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase‐, VIP‐, and SP‐IRY in the anal mucosa were significantly reduced with age. CGRP‐IRY in both circular muscle and mucosa was increased in 18‐month‐old animals.Conclusions & InferencesThe density of immunoreactivity of markers for some types of IAS nerve fibers decreases during aging, which may contribute to age‐related ano‐rectal dysfunction.
Morphological demonstration of a vagal inhibitory pathway to the lower esophageal sphincter via nitrergic neurons in the rat esophagus
Authors: Kuramoto H. , Kadowaki M. , Yoshida N. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe involvement of vagal parasympathetic efferents in esophageal myenteric neurons in vagal inhibitory pathways to the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is not clear. Thus, this study was performed to demonstrate morphologically the presence of vagal inhibitory pathways to the LES via esophageal neurons.MethodsFast Blue (FB) was injected into the LES of Wistar rats, and 3 days after injection, the animals were subjected to electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve. The esophagus was processed for immunohistochemistry for Fos that was an immediate‐early gene as a marker of neuronal activity, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). The immunoreactivities were then compared with the FB labeling in esophageal neurons.Key ResultsFast Blue‐labeled neurons were observed within an esophageal area of 30 mm oral to the LES, with the highest frequency in the esophagus just above the LES. Most of the FB‐labeled neurons were positive for NOS and VIP, but a few for ChAT. Following vagal‐electrical stimulation, one fourth of the FB‐labeled neurons presented nuclei expressing Fos and most of these Fos/FB neurons were NOS‐positive.Conclusions & InferencesA majority of the FB‐labeled esophageal neurons appeared to be descending motor neurons innervating the LES. Moreover, the colocalization of VIP and NOS in most of the LES‐projecting neurons suggests that VIP and NO released from these neurons induce LES relaxation, and the innervation of the vagal efferents to the LES‐projecting esophageal neurons in the distal esophagus implies a vagal inhibitory pathway responsible for LES relaxation.
The bile acid receptor, TGR5, regulates basal and cholinergic‐induced secretory responses in rat colon
Authors: Ward J. B. J. , Mroz M. S. , Keely S. J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBile acids (BA) are becoming increasingly appreciated as enteric hormones that regulate many aspects of intestinal physiology. The BA receptor, TGR5, has been recently shown to be expressed on enteric nerves and enterochromaffin cells (ECs), where its activation regulates small intestinal and colonic motility. Here, we show that TGR5 is also expressed on colonic epithelial cells and that its activation decreases basal secretory tone and inhibits cholinergic‐induced secretory responses. Our data demonstrate a new role for TGR5 in regulating colonic fluid and electrolyte transport and suggest that the receptor represents a good therapeutic target for intestinal transport disorders.
MtQRRS1, an R‐locus required for Medicago truncatula quantitative resistance to Ralstonia solanacearum
Authors: Ben Cécile , Debellé Frédéric , Berges Hélène , Bellec Arnaud , Jardinaud Marie‐Françoise , Anson Philippe , Huguet Thierry , Gentzbittel Laurent , Vailleau Fabienne 
Published: May 2013

Summary

Ralstonia solanacearum is a major soilborne pathogen that attacks > 200 plant species, including major crops. To characterize MtQRRS1, a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) for resistance towards this bacterium in the model legume Medicago truncatula, genetic and functional approaches were combined.

QTL analyses together with disease scoring of heterogeneous inbred families were used to define the locus. The candidate region was studied by physical mapping using a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library of the resistant line, and sequencing. In planta bacterial growth measurements, grafting experiments and gene expression analysis were performed to investigate the mechanisms by which this locus confers resistance to R. solanacearum.

The MtQRRS1 locus was localized to the same position in two recombinant inbred line populations and was narrowed down to a 64 kb region. Comparison of parental line sequences revealed 15 candidate genes with sequence polymorphisms, but no evidence of differential gene expression upon infection. A role for the hypocotyl in resistance establishment was shown.

These data indicate that the quantitative resistance to bacterial wilt conferred by MtQRRS1, which contains a cluster of seven R genes, is shared by different accessions and may act through intralocus interactions to promote resistance.
A subcellular tug of war involving three MYB‐like proteins underlies a molecular antagonism in Antirrhinum flower asymmetry
Authors: Raimundo João , Sobral Rómulo , Bailey Paul , Azevedo Herlânder , Galego Lisete , Almeida Jorge , Coen Enrico , Costa Maria Manuela R. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThe establishment of meristematic domains with different transcriptional activity is essential for many developmental processes. The asymmetry of the Antirrhinum majus flower is established by transcription factors with an asymmetric pattern of activity. To understand how this asymmetrical pattern is established, we studied the molecular mechanism through which the dorsal MYB protein RADIALIS (RAD) restricts the activity of the MYB transcription factor DIVARICATA (DIV) to the ventral region of the flower meristem. We show that RAD competes with DIV for binding with other MYB‐like proteins, termed DRIF1 and DRIF2 (DIV‐ and‐RAD‐interacting‐factors). DRIF1 and DIV interact to form a protein complex that binds to the DIV‐DNA consensus region, suggesting that the DRIFs act as co‐regulators of DIV transcriptional activity. In the presence of RAD, the interaction between DRIF1 and DIV bound to DNA is disrupted. Moreover, the DRIFs are sequestered in the cytoplasm by RAD, thus, preventing or reducing the formation of DRIF‐DIV heterodimers in the nuclei. Our results suggest that in the dorsal region of the Antirrhinum flower meristem the dorsal protein RAD antagonises the activity of the ventral identity protein DIV in a subcellular competition for a DRIF protein promoting the establishment of the asymmetric pattern of gene activity in the Antirrhinum flower.
RHD variants in Polish blood donors routinely typed as D–
Authors: Orzińska Agnieszka , Guz Katarzyna , Polin Helene , Pelc‐Kłopotowska Monika , Bednarz Justyna , Gieleżyńska Agata , Śliwa Beata , Kowalewska Małgorzata , Pawłowska Elżbieta , Włodarczyk Bogusława , Malaga, Alicja Żmudzin Małgorzata , Krzemienowska Magdalena , Srivastava Kshitij , Michalewska Bogumiła , Gabriel Christian , Flegel Willy A. , Brojer Ewa 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundBlood donors exhibiting a weak D or DEL phenotypical expression may be mistyped D– by standard serology hence permitting incompatible transfusion to D– recipients. Molecular methods may overcome these technical limits. Our aim was to estimate the frequency of RHD alleles among the apparently D– Polish donor population and to characterize its molecular background.Study Design and MethodsPlasma pools collected from 31,200 consecutive Polish donors typed as D– were tested by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of RHD‐specific markers located in Intron 4 and Exons 7 and 10. RHD+ individuals were characterized by PCR or cDNA sequencing and serology.ResultsPlasma cross‐pool strategy revealed 63 RHD+ donors harboring RHD*01N.03 (n = 17), RHD*15 (n = 12), RHD*11 (n = 7), RHD*DEL8 (n = 3), RHD*01W.2 (n = 3), RHD‐CE(10) (n = 3), RHD*01W.3, RHD*01W.9, RHD*01N.05, RHD*01N.07, RHD*01N.23, and RHD(IVS1‐29G>C) and two novel alleles, RHD*(767C>G) (n = 3) and RHD*(1029C>A). Among 47 cases available for serology, 27 were shown to express the D antigenConclusion1) Plasma cross‐pool strategy is a reliable and cost‐effective tool for RHD screening. 2) Only 0.2% of D– Polish donors carry some fragments of the RHD gene; all of them were C or E+. 3) Almost 60% of the detected RHD alleles may be potentially immunogenic when transfused to a D– recipient.
A Global Assessment of the Economic Effects of Export Taxes
Authors: Laborde David , Estrades Carmen , Bouët Antoine 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis paper uses a new detailed global data set on export taxes at the HS6 level and the MIRAGE global Computable General Equilibrium model to assess the impact of export taxes on the world economy. We find that removing export taxes would have worldwide effects: the average export tax on global merchandise trade was 0.48 per cent in 2007, with the bulk of these taxes imposed on energy products. The removal of these taxes would increase global welfare by 0.23 per cent, a larger figure than expected gains from the Doha Round. Both developed and emerging economies, such as China and India, would gain from such policies even if they currently impose export taxes. Medium and small food‐importing countries without market power (such as the least‐developed countries) would also benefit from the elimination of export restrictions – especially during food crisis situations. Both the energy sector and the export taxes implemented by the Commonwealth of Independent States countries appear to play a critical role in the overall economic impact of such a policy change. However, the fact that some countries, such as Argentina, would experience income losses due to such a policy change is a major challenge to overall positive reform in this area.
Rapid emission angle selection for rotating‐shield brachytherapy
Authors: Liu Yunlong , Flynn Ryan T. , Yang Wenjun , Kim Yusung , Bhatia Sudershan K. , Sun Wenqing , Wu Xiaodong 
Published: May 2013

Purpose:The authors present a rapid emission angle selection (REAS) method that enables the efficient selection of the azimuthal shield angle for rotating shield brachytherapy (RSBT). The REAS method produces a Pareto curve from which a potential RSBT user can select a treatment plan that balances the tradeoff between delivery time and tumor dose conformity.Methods:Two cervical cancer patients were considered as test cases for the REAS method. The RSBT source considered was a Xoft AxxentTM electronic brachytherapy source, partially shielded with 0.5 mm of tungsten, which traveled inside a tandem intrauterine applicator. Three anchor RSBT plans were generated for each case using dose‐volume optimization, with azimuthal shield emission angles of 90°, 180°, and 270°. The REAS method converts the anchor plans to treatment plans for all possible emission angles by combining neighboring beamlets to form beamlets for larger emission angles. Treatment plans based on exhaustive dose‐volume optimization (ERVO) and exhaustive surface optimization (ERSO) were also generated for both cases. Uniform dwell‐time scaling was applied to all plans such that that high‐risk clinical target volume D90 was maximized without violating the D2cc tolerances of the rectum, bladder, and sigmoid colon.Results:By choosing three azimuthal emission angles out of 32 potential angles, the REAS method performs about 10 times faster than the ERVO method. By settingD90 to 85–100 Gy10, the delivery times used by REAS generated plans are 21.0% and 19.5% less than exhaustive surface optimized plans used by the two clinical cases. By setting the delivery time budget to 5–25 and 10–30 min/fx, respectively, for two the cases, the D90 contributions for REAS are improved by 5.8% and 5.1% compared to the ERSO plans. The ranges used in this comparison were selected in order to keep both D90 and the delivery time within acceptable limits.Conclusions:The REAS method enables efficient RSBT treatment planning and delivery and provides treatment plans with comparable quality to those generated by exhaustive replanning with dose‐volume optimization.
Increased Serum MicroRNA-155 Level Associated with Nonresponsiveness to Hepatitis B Vaccine
Authors: Xiong Yongzhen , Chen Shengli , Liu Linhua , Zhao Yi , Lin Weiyan , Ni Jindong 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTWe compared the serum levels of microRNA-155 (miR-155) between subjects with normal response to hepatitis B vaccine and nonresponders. Results showed that serum expression of miR-155 was significantly higher in nonresponders than in responders (6.40 versus 2.55;Z= 2.125,P= 0.034), suggesting that overexpression of miR-155 is correlated with nonresponsiveness to hepatitis B vaccine.
Nonfebrile Seizures after Mumps, Measles, Rubella, and Varicella-Zoster Virus Combination Vaccination with Detection of Measles Virus RNA in Serum, Throat, and Urine
Authors: Eckerle Isabella , Keller-Stanislawski Brigitte , Santibanez Sabine , Buderus Stephan , Hillmann Matthias , Drosten Christian , Eis-Hübinger Anna Maria 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTWe report the case of a child presenting with nonfebrile seizures 6 and 13 days after the first vaccination with a measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) combination vaccine. Measles virus RNA was detected in the patient's serum, throat, and urine. Genotyping revealed the Schwarz vaccine virus strain.
Distribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotypes That Cause Parapneumonic Empyema in Turkey
Authors: Ceyhan Mehmet , Ozsurekci Yasemin , Gürler Nezahat , Ozkan Sengul , Sensoy Gulnar , Belet Nursen , Hacimustafaoglu Mustafa , Celebi Solmaz , Keser Melike , Dinleyici Ener Cagri , Alhan Emre , Baki Ali , Oner Ahmet Faik , Uzun Hakan , Kurugol Zafer , Aycan Ahmet Emre , Gurbuz Venhar , Karadag Oncel Eda , Celik Melda , Ozkaya Parlakay Aslinur 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTStreptococcus pneumoniaeis the most common etiological cause of complicated pneumonia, including empyema. In this study, we investigated the serotypes ofS. pneumoniaethat cause empyema in children. One hundred fifty-six children who were diagnosed with pneumonia complicated with empyema in 13 hospitals in seven geographic regions of Turkey between 2010 and 2012 were included in this study. Pleural fluid samples were collected by thoracentesis and tested for 14 serotypes/serogroups using a Bio-Plex multiplex antigen detection assay. The serotypes ofS. pneumoniaewere specified in 33 of 156 samples. The mean age ± the standard deviation of the 33 patients was 6.17 ± 3.54 years (range, 0.6 to 15 years). All of the children were unvaccinated according to the vaccination reports. Eighteen of the children were male, and 15 were female. The serotypes of the non-7-valent pneumococcal conjugated vaccine (non-PCV-7), serotype 1, serotype 5, and serotype 3, were detected in eight (14.5%), seven (12.7%), and five (9.1%) of the samples, respectively. Serotypes 1 and 5 were codetected in two samples. The remaining non-PCV-7 serotypes were 8 (n= 3), 18 (n= 1), 19A (n= 1), and 7F/A (n= 1). PCV-7 serotypes 6B, 9V, 14, 19F, and 23F were detected in nine (16.3%) of the samples. The potential serotype coverages of PCV-7, PCV-10, and PCV-13 were 16.3%, 45.4%, and 60%, respectively. Pediatric parapneumonic empyema continues to be an important health problem despite the introduction of conjugated pneumococcal vaccines. Active surveillance studies are needed to monitor the change inS. pneumoniaeserotypes that cause empyema in order to have a better selection of pneumococcal vaccines.
Comparison of a Real-Time PCR Method with Serology and Blood Smear Analysis for Diagnosis of Human Anaplasmosis: Importance of Infection Time Course for Optimal Test Utilization
Authors: Schotthoefer A. M. , Meece J. K. , Ivacic L. C. , Bertz P. D. , Zhang K. , Weiler T. , Uphoff T. S. , Fritsche T. R. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis are emerging tick-borne diseases with clinically similar presentations caused by closely related pathogens. Currently, laboratories rely predominantly on blood smear analysis (for the detection of intracellular morulae) and on serologic tests, both of which have recognized limitations, for diagnostic purposes. We compared the performance of a published real-time PCR assay that incorporates melt curve analysis to differentiate
Anaplasma
and
Ehrlichia
species with blood smear and serologic methods in an upper Midwest population. Overall, 38.5% of the specimens selected for evaluation had one or more tests that were positive for anaplasmosis. The PCR positivity for all specimens was maximal (21.2%; 29/137) during the early acute phase of illness (0 to 4 days since illness onset) and significantly less frequent (11.5%; 20/174) during later phases (>4 days since illness onset). All positive specimens were
Anaplasma phagocytophilum
; no
Ehrlichia
species were identified. The real-time PCR detected 100% of infections that were detected by blood smear analysis (14/14) and broadened the detection window from a maximum of 14 days for smear positivity to 30 days for PCR. Additional infections were detected by real-time PCR in 12.9% (11/85) of smear-negative patients. There was poor agreement between the real-time PCR assay and serologic test results: 19.8% (19/96) and 13.7% (29/212) of seropositive and -negative patients, respectively, were PCR positive. Seropositivity increased with increasing days of illness, demonstrating that serologic detection methods are best utilized during presumed convalescence. Our results indicate that the optimal performance and utilization of laboratory tests for the diagnosis of anaplasmosis require knowledge regarding time of symptom onset or days of illness.