bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calpain inhibitor attenuated optic nerve damage in acute optic neuritis in rats
Authors: Das Arabinda , Guyton M. Kelly , Smith Amena , Wallace Gerald , McDowell Misty L. , Matzelle Denise D. , Ray Swapan K. , Banik Naren L. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractOptic neuritis (ON), which is an acute inflammatory autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), often occurs in multiple sclerosis (MS). ON is an early diagnostic sign in most MS patients caused by damage to the optic nerve leading to visual dysfunction. Various features of both MS and ON can be studied following induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS, in Lewis rats. Inflammation and cell death in the optic nerve, with subsequent damage to the retinal ganglion cells in the retina, are thought to correlate with visual dysfunction. Thus, characterizing the pathophysiological changes that lead to visual dysfunction in EAE animals may help develop novel targets for therapeutic intervention. We treated EAE animals with and without the calpain inhibitor calpeptin (CP). Our studies demonstrated that the Ca2+‐activated neutral protease calpain was upregulated in the optic nerve following induction of EAE at the onset of clinical signs (OCS) of the disease, and these changes were attenuated following treatment with CP. These reductions correlated with decreases in inflammation (cytokines, iNOS, COX‐2, and NF‐κB), and microgliosis (i.e. activated microglia). We observed that calpain inhibition reduced astrogliosis (reactive astroglia) and expression of aquaporin 4 (AQP4). The balance of Th1/Th2 cytokine production and also expression of the Th1‐related CCR5 and CXCR3 chemokine receptors influence many pathological processes and play both causative and protective roles in neuron damage. Our data indicated that CP suppressed cytokine imbalances. Also, Bax:Bcl‐2 ratio, production of tBid, PARP‐1, expression and activities of calpain and caspases, and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation were attenuated after treatment with CP. Our results demonstrated that CP decreased demyelination [loss of myelin basic protein (MBP)] and axonal damage [increase in dephosphorylated neurofilament protein (de‐NFP)], and also promoted intracellular neuroprotective pathways in optic nerve in EAE rats. Thus, these data suggest that calpain is involved in inflammatory as well as in neurodegenerative aspects of the disease and may be a promising target for treating ON in EAE and MS.
Nesfatin‐1, corticotropin‐releasing hormone, thyrotropin‐releasing hormone, and neuronal histamine interact in the hypothalamus to regulate feeding behavior
Authors: Gotoh Koro , Masaki Takayuki , Chiba Seiichi , Ando Hisae , Shimasaki Takanobu , Mitsutomi Kimihiko , Fujiwara Kansuke , Katsuragi Isao , Kakuma Tetsuya , Sakata Toshiie , Yoshimatsu Hironobu 
Published: October 2012

AbstractNesfatin‐1, corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH), thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH), and hypothalamic neuronal histamine act as anorexigenics in the hypothalamus. We examined interactions among nesfatin‐1, CRH, TRH, and histamine in the regulation of feeding behavior in rodents. We investigated whether the anorectic effect of nesfatin‐1, α‐fluoromethyl histidine (FMH; a specific suicide inhibitor of histidine decarboxylase that depletes hypothalamic neuronal histamine), a CRH antagonist, or anti‐TRH antibody affects the anorectic effect of nesfatin‐1, whether nesfatin‐1 increases CRH and TRH contents and histamine turnover in the hypothalamus, and whether histamine increases nesfatin‐1 content in the hypothalamus. We also investigated whether nesfatin‐1 decreases food intake in mice with targeted disruption of the histamine H1 receptor (H1KO mice) and if the H1 receptor (H1‐R) co‐localizes in nesfatin‐1 neurons. Nesfatin‐1‐suppressed feeding was partially attenuated in rats administered with FMH, a CRH antagonist, or anti‐TRH antibody, and in H1KO mice. Nesfatin‐1 increased CRH and TRH levels and histamine turnover, whereas histamine increased nesfatin‐1 in the hypothalamus. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed H1‐R expression on nesfatin‐1 neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. These results indicate that CRH, TRH, and hypothalamic neuronal histamine mediate the suppressive effects of nesfatin‐1 on feeding behavior.
A Comparison of Adaptive Choice‐Based Conjoint and Choice‐Based Conjoint to Determine Key Choice Attributes of Sour Cream with Limited Sample Size
Authors: Jervis S.M. , Ennis J.M. , Drake M.A. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAdaptive choice‐based conjoint (ACBC) analysis is a technique that uses choice data and incorporates it into an adaptive interviewing experience. ACBC analysis has been suggested to provide more accurate information at the individual level, which can lead to better predictions even when using smaller sample sizes. A comparison of a traditional choice‐based conjoint (CBC) survey and an ACBC survey was undertaken to compare the overall utility scores and importance values of attributes determined by both techniques using sour cream as the subject. A CBC and an ACBC survey were conducted. More respondents participated in the CBC (n = 777) survey than in the ACBC version (n = 250). Respondents to the ACBC version were from the same pool of respondents to the CBC version. A random sample of 250 respondents from the CBC survey was also analyzed. Results were analyzed by overall utility scores, importance values, landscape segmentation analysis and cluster analysis via latent class. The ACBC and CBC results were similar in overall utility scores for all attributes with similar respondent clusters. Both techniques revealed fat content as the most important attribute, followed by price and followed by brand. The CBC result for 250 respondents overestimated the importance of brand. The ACBC utility scores were not as distinct as CBC results in all categories; however, the direction of the mean utility scores was the same in all categories. Overall, ACBC and CBC revealed similar outcomes for different sour cream product types when price was excluded; however, the CBC results differentiated products to a greater extent than ACBC with the same sample size considered.Practical ApplicationsConjoint analysis is a research technique widely utilized across multiple industries as a way of determining the utility of a product or a product feature. Adaptive choice‐based conjoint (ACBC) is a new form of conjoint analysis. Because of the format of ACBC studies, respondents may be more engaged in the survey‐taking experience and provide answers that are more in‐line with their actual choice behavior. Because of this, ACBC studies may reveal more accurate responses for specific attributes such as brand and/or price. ACBC studies may also require fewer respondents, which is advantageous when the audience is highly selective, or if money and/or time is a concern.
Ronidazole pharmacokinetics in cats following delivery of a delayed‐release guar gum formulation
Authors: Papich M. G. , LeVine D. N. , Gookin J. L. , Davidson G. S. , Stagner W. C. , Hayes R. B. 
Published: October 2012

Ronidazole (RDZ) is the only known effective treatment for feline diarrhea caused byTritrichomonas foetus. This study aimed to develop guar gum‐coated colon‐targeted tablets ofRDZand to determine the pharmacokinetics of this delayed‐release formulation in cats. Guar gum‐coated tablets were administered orally once to five healthy cats (mean dose 32.3 mg/kg). The tablets were then administered once daily for 5 days to four cats (mean dose 34.5 mg/kg), and absorption studies repeated on day 5. Plasma was collected and analyzed forRDZconcentration, and pharmacokinetic noncompartmental and deconvolution analysis were performed on the data. There was negligibleRDZrelease until after 6 h, and a delayed peak plasma concentration (meanCmax28.9 μg/mL) at approximately 14.5 h, which coincides with colonic arrival in cats. Maximum input rate (mg/kg per hour) occurred between 6 and 16 h. This delayed release of ronidazole from guar gum‐coated tablets indicates that release ofRDZmay be delayed to deliver the medication to a targeted area of the intestine. Repeated dosing with guar gum tablets to steady‐state did not inhibit drug bioavailability or alter the pharmacokinetics. Such targetedRDZdrug delivery may provide improved efficacy and reduce adverse effects in cats.
Intrahepatic mRNA levels of SOCS1 and SOCS3 are associated with cirrhosis but do not predict virological response to therapy in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Pascarella Stéphanie , Clément Sophie , Dill Michael T. , Conzelmann Stéphanie , Lagging Martin , Missale Gabriele , Neumann Avidan U. , Pawlotsky Jean‐Michel , Zeuzem Stefan , Rubbia‐Brandt Laura , Bochud Pierre‐Yves , Negro Francesco 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundAntiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis C is not invariably successful, costly and associated with serious side‐effects, and therefore should be indicated only when the chances of benefitting patients exceed the potential risks. The suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) family members have been suggested to affect the rate of virological response to therapy, but the published evidence is conflicting.MethodsWe measured the intrahepatic SOCS1, SOCS3 and SOCS7 mRNA levels in 107 chronic hepatitis C patients and assessed their clinical and histological correlates with the virological response to therapy and with some factors known for affecting treatment outcome.ResultsBy multivariate analysis, SOCS1, SOCS3 and SOCS7 mRNA levels were not associated with rapid or sustained virological response. Similarly, no association was found between the levels of any intrahepatic SOCS mRNA and those of the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Conversely, SOCS1 (OR 2.185, 95% CI 1.223–3.906, P=0.0083) and SOCS3 (OR 40.601, 95% CI 2.357–699.25, P=0.0108) mRNA level (but not SOCS7), together with age (OR 1.156, 95% CI 1.049–1.275, P=0.0036), were independently associated with cirrhosis.ConclusionsIntrahepatic SOCS1, SOCS3 and SOCS7 mRNA levels do not predict virological response to therapy in chronic hepatitis C. The association between SOCS1, SOCS3 and cirrhosis warrants further study.
Special features ofRADSequencing data: implications for genotyping
Authors: Davey John W. , Cezard Timothée , Fuentes‐Utrilla Pablo , Eland Cathlene , Gharbi Karim , Blaxter Mark L. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractRestriction site‐associated DNA Sequencing (RAD‐Seq) is an economical and efficient method forSNPdiscovery and genotyping. As with other sequencing‐by‐synthesis methods,RAD‐Seq produces stochastic count data and requires sensitive analysis to develop or genotype markers accurately. We show that there are several sources of bias specific toRAD‐Seq that are not explicitly addressed by current genotyping tools, namely restriction fragment bias, restriction site heterozygosity andPCR GCcontent bias. We explore the performance of existing analysis tools given these biases and discuss approaches to limiting or handling biases inRAD‐Seq data. While these biases need to be taken seriously, we believeRADloci affected by them can be excluded or processed with relative ease in most cases and that mostRADloci will be accurately genotyped by existing tools.
Landscape genetics of a top neotropical predator
Authors: Pérez‐Espona S. , McLeod J. E. , Franks N. R. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractHabitat loss and fragmentation as a consequence of human activities is a worldwide phenomenon and one of the major threats to global biodiversity. Habitat loss and fragmentation is particularly a concern in the biodiverse tropics, where deforestation is occurring at unprecedented rates. Although insects are one of the most diverse and functionally important groups in tropical ecosystems, the quantitative effect of landscape features on their gene flow remains unknown. Here, we used a robust landscape genetics approach to quantify the effect of ten landscape features (deforestation, mature forests, other forest types, the River Chagres, streams, stream banks, roads, sea, lakes and swamps) and interactions between them, on the gene flow of a neotropical forest keystone species, the army ant Eciton burchellii. The influence of landscape on E. burchellii's gene flow reflected the different dispersal capability of its sexes; aerial for males and pedestrian for females, and the different depths of population history inferred from microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA. In contrast to the gene flow‐facilitating effect of mature forests, deforested areas were found to be strong barriers for E. burchellii's gene flow. Other forest types were found to be gene flow facilitators but only when interacting with mature secondary forests, therefore indicating the importance of mature forests for the survival of E. burchelii and its associate species. The River Chagres was identified as a major historical gene flow barrier for E. burchellii, suggesting that an important loss of connectivity may occur because of large artificial waterways such as the Panama Canal.
The effect ofRADallele dropout on the estimation of genetic variation within and between populations
Authors: Gautier Mathieu , Gharbi Karim , Cezard Timothee , Foucaud Julien , Kerdelhué Carole , Pudlo Pierre , Cornuet Jean‐Marie , Estoup Arnaud 
Published: October 2012

AbstractInexpensive short‐read sequencing technologies applied to reduced representation genomes is revolutionizing genetic research, especially population genetics analysis, by allowing the genotyping of massive numbers of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) for large numbers of individuals and populations. Restriction site–associatedDNA(RAD) sequencing is a recent technique based on the characterization of genomic regions flanking restriction sites. One of its potential drawbacks is the presence of polymorphism within the restriction site, which makes it impossible to observe the associatedSNPallele (i.e. allele dropout,ADO). To investigate the effect ofADOon genetic variation estimated fromRADmarkers, we first mathematically derived measures of the effect ofADOon allele frequencies as a function of different parameters within a single population. We then usedRADdata sets simulated using a coalescence model to investigate the magnitude of biases induced byADOon the estimation of expected heterozygosity andFSTunder a simple demographic model of divergence between two populations. We found thatADOtends to overestimate genetic variation both within and between populations. Assuming a mutation rate per nucleotide between 10−9and 10−8, this bias remained low for most studied combinations of divergence time and effective population size, except for large effective population sizes. AveragingFSTvalues over multipleSNPs, for example, by sliding window analysis, did not correctADObiases. We briefly discuss possible solutions to filter the most problematic cases ofADOusing read coverage to detect markers with a large excess of null alleles.
Multiple capacitors for natural genetic variation in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Takahashi Kazuo H. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractCryptic genetic variation (CGV) or a standing genetic variation that is not ordinarily expressed as a phenotype is released when the robustness of organisms is impaired under environmental or genetic perturbations. Evolutionary capacitors modulate the amount of genetic variation exposed to natural selection and hidden cryptically; they have a fundamental effect on the evolvability of traits on evolutionary timescales. In this study, I have demonstrated the effects of multiple genomic regions of Drosophila melanogaster on CGV in wing shape. I examined the effects of 61 genomic deficiencies on quantitative and qualitative natural genetic variation in the wing shape of D. melanogaster. I have identified 10 genomic deficiencies that do not encompass a known candidate evolutionary capacitor, Hsp90, exposing natural CGV differently depending on the location of the deficiencies in the genome. Furthermore, five genomic deficiencies uncovered qualitative CGV in wing morphology. These findings suggest that CGV in wing shape of wild‐type D. melanogaster is regulated by multiple capacitors with divergent functions. Future analysis of genes encompassed by these genomic regions would help elucidate novel capacitor genes and better understand the general features of capacitors regarding natural genetic variation.
A Case of Recalcitrant Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita Responsive to Rituximab Therapy
Authors: McKinley Sophia K. , Huang Jennifer T. , Tan Jennifer , Kroshinsky Daniela , Gellis Stephen 
Published: October 2012

AbstractEpidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is an autoimmune blistering disorder that occurs infrequently in children. Although typically associated with a good prognosis in children, there are rare cases that are refractory to treatment with conventional immunosuppressive therapy. Rituximab, an anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody, has been reported to be effective in the adult form of EBA. We report a case of a child with severe and recalcitrant EBA exhibiting a sustained response to treatment with rituximab.
Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Presenting in Childhood: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Berry Tammy , Walsh Erica , Berry Ryan , DeSantis Emily , Smidt Aimee C. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA 2‐year‐old African American, Hispanic boy presented with well‐defined, violaceous, annular dermal plaques without scale over the upper extremities, face, lower extremities, and buttocks. The clinical presentation and laboratory studies were consistent with a diagnosis of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematous (SCLE). SCLE presenting in childhood is exceedingly rare, with only eight cases previously reported. It is important to clinically differentiate SCLE from other eruptions more common to children, such as atopic dermatitis, urticarial drug eruptions, and psoriasis vulgaris, because progression to systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) may occur. SLE needs to be closely followed. We present the first case (to our knowledge) of SCLE in a child of African American or Hispanic descent and provide a table of other documented pediatric presentations of SCLE for comparison.
Varicella Precipitating Febrile Ulceronecrotic Mucha‐Habermann Disease
Authors: Hervás Juan A. , Martín‐Santiago Ana , Hervás Daniel , Gómez Cristina , Dueñas Joaquín , Reina Jordi 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWe report a 9‐year‐old boy with skin lesions clinically and histologically compatible with pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta that evolved to the severe variant febrile ulceronecrotic Mucha‐Habermann disease and finally to pityriasis lichenoides chronica. Varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) was isolated in culture medium from the skin lesions and serum serology was positive for VZV. This is the first time that a virus has been isolated in culture in this condition.
Focal Preauricular Dermal Dysplasia in a Newborn
Authors: Coughlin Carrie C. , Dunbar Scott W. , Bayliss Susan J. , Berk David R. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWe report a case of focal preauricular dermal dysplasia in an 18‐day‐old healthy girl. We discuss the classification of focal preauricular dermal dysplasia within the spectrum of focal facial dermal dysplasia and aplasia cutis congenita.
Onychomycosis in Immunosuppressed Children Receiving Chemotherapy
Authors: García‐Romero Maria Teresa , Aguilar Enrique L. , Arenas Roberto 
Published: October 2012

AbstractOnychomycosis in children has a low incidence worldwide; certain conditions such as immunosuppression have been described as risk factors for it. We studied 72 children receiving chemotherapy for different neoplasms to determine the frequency of onychomycosis. Only one patient had white superficial onychomycosis from Trichophyton rubrum, a frequency of 1.3%, not different from that reported in healthy patients.
Human papillomavirus distribution in invasive cervical carcinoma in sub‐Saharan Africa: could HIV explain the differences?
Authors: Ndiaye Cathy , Alemany Laia , Ndiaye Nafissatou , Kamaté Bakarou , Diop Yankhoba , Odida Michael , Banjo Kunbi , Tous Sara , Klaustermeier Jo Ellen , Clavero Omar , Castellsagué Xavier , Xavier Bosch F. , Trottier Helen , de Sanjosé Silvia 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectives  To describe human papillomavirus (HPV) distribution in invasive cervical carcinoma (ICC) from Mali and Senegal and to compare type‐specific relative contribution among sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries.Methods  A multicentric study was conducted to collect paraffin‐embedded blocks of ICC. Polymerase chain reaction, DNA enzyme immunoassay and line probe assay were performed for HPV detection and genotyping. Data from SSA (Mozambique, Nigeria and Uganda) and 35 other countries were compared.Results  One hundred and sixty‐four ICC cases from Mali and Senegal were tested from which 138 were positive (adjusted prevalence = 86.8%; 95% CI = 79.7–91.7%). HPV16 and HPV18 accounted for 57.2% of infections and HPV45 for 16.7%. In SSA countries, HPV16 was less frequent than in the rest of the world (49.4%vs. 62.6%; P < 0.0001) but HPV18 and HPV45 were two times more frequent (19.3%vs. 9.4%; P < 0.0001 and 10.3%vs. 5.6%; P < 0.0001, respectively). There was an ecological correlation between HIV prevalence and the increase of HPV18 and the decrease of HPV45 in ICC in SSA (P = 0.037 for both).Conclusion  HPV16/18/45 accounted for two‐thirds of the HPV types found in invasive cervical cancer in Mali and Senegal. Our results suggest that HIV may play a role in the underlying HPV18 and HPV45 contribution to cervical cancer, but further studies are needed to confirm this correlation.
Development and validation of a ‘universal’ HPLC method for pyrethroid quantification in long‐lasting insecticidal mosquito nets for malaria control and prevention
Authors: Jenkins David W. , Hensens Arno , Lloyd Jacob , Payne Michael , Cizmarik Peter , Hamel Steve 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectivesTo outline the development and validation of a universal method for quantifying deltamethrin, permethrin and alpha‐cypermethrin levels in a variety of long‐lasting insecticidal mosquito nets.MethodsUsing the HPLC conditions found in the CIPAC method for deltamethrin quantification, the method is based on a simple extraction technique for sample preparation (heating in isooctane at approximately 100 °C for 15 min). The method was validated for linearity, specificity, accuracy, precision, insecticide stability to extraction conditions and required extraction time for insecticide removal.ResultsThe method was found valid for insecticide quantifications for various types of nets, namely for deltamethrin coated on polyester nets, deltamethrin incorporated into polyethylene nets, permethrin incorporated into polyethylene nets, alpha‐cypermethrin coated on polyester nets and alpha‐cypermethrin incorporated into polyethylene nets.ConclusionsThis method will provide a more simplified approach to testing a variety of nets (different types of fibre) containing deltamethrin, permethrin or alpha‐cypermethrin.