bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In silico analysis and experimental validation of azelastine hydrochloride (N4) targeting sodium taurocholate co‐transporting polypeptide (NTCP) in HBV therapy
Authors: Fu L.‐L. , Liu J. , Chen Y , Wang F.‐T. , Wen X. , Liu H.‐Q. , Wang M.‐Y. , Ouyang L. , Huang J. , Bao J.‐K. , Wei Y.‐Q. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to explore sodium taurocholate co‐transporting polypeptide (NTCP) exerting its function with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and its targeted candidate compounds, in HBV therapy.Materials and methodsIdentification of NTCP as a novel HBV target for screening candidate small molecules, was used by phylogenetic analysis, network construction, molecular modelling, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. In vitro virological examination, q‐PCR, western blotting and cytotoxicity studies were used for validating efficacy of the candidate compound.ResultsWe used the phylogenetic analysis of NTCP and constructed its protein–protein network. Also, we screened compounds from Drugbank and ZINC, among which five were validated for their authentication in HepG 2.2.15 cells. Then, we selected compound N4 (azelastine hydrochloride) as the most potent of them. This showed good inhibitory activity against HBsAg (IC50 = 7.5 μm) and HBeAg (IC50 = 3.7 μm), as well as high SI value (SI = 4.68). Further MD simulation results supported good interaction between compound N4 and NTCP.ConclusionsIn silico analysis and experimental validation together demonstrated that compound N4 can target NTCP in HepG2.2.15 cells, which may shed light on exploring it as a potential anti‐HBV drug.
Differential impact of belatacept and cyclosporine A on central aortic blood pressure and arterial stiffness after renal transplantation
Authors: Seibert Felix S. , Steltzer Julia , Melilli Eduardo , Grannas Gerrit , Pagonas Nikolaos , Bauer Frederic , Zidek Walter , Grinyó Josep , Westhoff Timm H. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractCalcineurin inhibitors (CNI) are potent vasoconstrictors and induce an acceleration of arteriosclerosis, thus contributing to the cardiovascular risk after renal transplantation. The study compares the impact of belatacept and cyclosporine A (CsA) on arterial stiffness and central aortic blood pressure. We performed a case–control study in 46 patients (23 on belatacept and 23 on CsA) matched for age, body mass index, time after transplantation, and time on dialysis prior to transplantation. Pulse wave analysis (SphygmoCor, AtCor®) was used to assess central aortic blood pressure, aortic augmentation pressure, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) as a marker of arterial stiffness. Assessment of vascular function was performed after a minimum of 20 months and a median follow‐up of 81 months post‐transplant. Peripheral systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not significantly differ in the two groups (p > 0.05 each). The central aortic augmentation pressure was higher in the CsA group (12.7 mmHg vs. 7.3 mmHg, p = 0.048). PWV as a measure of arterial stiffness did not differ in the two groups. Thus, belatacept is not associated with a significant difference in arterial stiffness compared to CsA after a median of 81 months post‐transplant. It is associated, however, with a lower aortic augmentation pressure, a strong independent cardiovascular risk factor.
Recent trends in cerebral palsy survival. Part I: period and cohort effects
Authors: Brooks Jordan C , Strauss David J , Shavelle Robert M , Tran Linh M , Rosenbloom Lewis , Wu Yvonne W 
Published: June 2014

AimTo determine whether the trend of improved survival among individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) inCalifornia during the 1980s and 1990s has continued during the most recent decade.MethodIn an observational cohort study we evaluated individuals withCP, aged 4 years and older, who were clients of theCaliforniaDepartment ofDevelopmentalServices. Medical diagnoses, functional disabilities, and special health care requirements were assessed withClientDevelopmentEvaluationReports made between 1983 and 2010. Trends in birth cohort survival were analyzed withKaplan‒Meier curves andCox regression. Calendar year period effects were analyzed withPoisson regression.ResultsA total of 51 923 persons withCP(28 789 males [55%], 23 134 females [45%]; mean age 14y 11mo,SD14y 1mo, range 4y 0mo to 96y 10mo) collectively contributed 662 268 years of follow‐up. There were 7690 deaths for an overall mortality rate of 11.6 per 1000 persons per year. No significant birth cohort effects on survival were observed in 4‐year‐olds who had no severe disabilities. By contrast, children who did not lift their heads in prone position who were born in more recent years had significantly lower mortality rates (Cox hazard ratio 0.971,p<0.001) than those with comparable disabilities born earlier. With regard to calendar year period effects, we found that age‐, sex‐, and disability‐specific mortality rates declined by 1.5% (95%CI0.9‒2.1) year‐over‐year from 1983 to 2010. The estimate increased to 2.5% (95%CI1.9‒3.1) per year when we additionally controlled for tube‐feeding status. Mortality rates in tube fed adolescents and adults, ages 15 to 59 years, declined by 0.9% (95%CI, 0.4‒1.4) per year. No improvement was observed for adolescents or adults who fed orally or for those over age 60. In fact, the ratio of age‐specific mortality rates for these latter groups to those in the general population, increased by 1.7% (95%CI1.3–2.0) per year during the study period.InterpretationThe trend toward improved survival has continued throughout the most recent decade. Declines inCPchildhood mortality are comparable to the improvements observed in the United States general population (i.e. the mortality ratio in childhood has remained roughly constant over the last three decades). In contrast, the mortality ratio for most adolescents and adults withCP, relative to the general population, has increased.
Mass marking of stocked European glass eels (Anguilla anguilla) with alizarin red S
Authors: Caraguel Jean‐Marie , Charrier Fabien , Mazel Virgile , Feunteun Eric 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis study describes a mass marking method suitable for European glass eel Anguilla anguilla, avoiding osmotic shock and reducing fish stress. During a single day, 360,000 glass eels intended for a stocking operation were bathed into an alizarin red S (ARS) solution, at a density of 346 ind.·l−1 before being released into a freshwater marsh along with unmarked glass eels. After 15 days, examination of marked and unmarked eels kept in enclosures in the marsh showed 100% of otoliths had been successfully marked and that no excess deaths related to marking process had occurred. Seven months after stocking, results from biometric measurements and otolith analysis, carried out on a sample of 53 elvers caught by electrofishing and belonging to the size class of the 0+ cohort, suggest that: (i) the proportions of marked and unmarked remained unchanged, hence suggesting that the marking process had not caused excess mortality, (ii) there was no difference in length, body mass or condition factor between marked and unmarked individuals, demonstrating that marking had caused no harmful effect after 7 months, and (iii) ARS marks in otoliths remained clearly visible. The benefits of this ARS mass marking technique are discussed through a stocking operation.
Astrocyte‐like glial cells physiologically regulate olfactory processing through the modification of ORN‐PN synaptic strength in Drosophila
Authors: Liu He , Zhou Bangyu , Yan Wenjun , Lei Zhengchang , Zhao Xiaoliang , Zhang Ke , Guo Aike 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAstrocyte‐like glial cells are abundant in the central nervous system of adult Drosophila and exhibit morphology similar to astrocytes of mammals. Previous evidence has shown that astrocyte‐like glial cells are strongly associated with synapses in the antennal lobe (AL), the first relay of the olfactory system, where olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) transmit information into projection neurons (PNs). However, the function of astrocyte‐like glia in the AL remains obscure. In this study, using in vivo calcium imaging, we found that astrocyte‐like glial cells exhibited spontaneous microdomain calcium elevations. Using simultaneous manipulation of glial activity and monitoring of neuronal function, we found that the astrocyte‐like glial activation, but not ensheathing glial activation, could inhibit odor‐evoked responses of PNs. Ensheathing glial cells are another subtype of glia, and are of functional importance in the AL. Electrophysiological experiments indicated that astrocyte‐like glial activation decreased the amplitude and slope of excitatory postsynaptic potentials evoked through electrical stimulation of the antennal nerve. These results suggest that astrocyte‐like glial cells may regulate olfactory processing through negative regulation of ORN–PN synaptic strength. Beyond the antennal lobe we observed astrocyte‐like glial spontaneous calcium activities in the ventromedial protocerebrum, indicating that astrocyte‐like glial spontaneous calcium elevations might be general in the adult fly brain. Overall, our study demonstrates a new function for astrocyte‐like glial cells in the physiological modulation of olfactory information transmission, possibly through regulating ORN–PN synapse strength.
Dissociable effects of social context on song and doublecortin immunoreactivity in male canaries
Authors: Alward Beau A. , Mayes Wade D. , Peng Katherine , Stevenson Tyler J. , Balthazart Jacques , Ball Gregory F. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractVariation in environmental factors such as day length and social context greatly affects reproductive behavior and the brain areas that regulate these behaviors. One such behavior is song in songbirds, which males use to attract a mate during the breeding season. In these species the absence of a potential mate leads to an increase in the number of songs produced, while the presence of a mate greatly diminishes singing. Interestingly, although long days promote song behavior, producing song itself can promote the incorporation of new neurons in brain regions controlling song output. Social context can also affect such neuroplasticity in these song control nuclei. The goal of the present study was to investigate in canaries (Serinus canaria), a songbird species, how photoperiod and social context affect song and the incorporation of new neurons, as measured by the microtubule‐associated protein doublecortin (DCX) inHVC, a key vocal production brain region of the song control system. We show that long days increasedHVCsize and singing activity. In addition, male canaries paired with a female for 2 weeks showed enhancedDCX‐immunoreactivity inHVCrelative to birds housed alone. Strikingly, however, paired males sang fewer songs that exhibited a reduction in acoustic features such as song complexity and energy, compared with birds housed alone, which sang prolifically. These results show that social presence plays a significant role in the regulation of neural and behavioral plasticity in songbirds and can exert these effects in opposition to what might be expected based on activity‐induced neurogenesis.
Phenacoccus madeirensis(Hemiptera:Pseudococcidae): a new species of mealybug inTunisia
Authors: Halima‐Kamel M. B. , Germain J. F. , Mdellel L. , Abdelaoui K. 
Published: June 2014

In August 2013,Phenacoccus madeirensisGreen,(Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) was identified for the first time in Tunisia, in the region of Akouda (Sousse, coastal area of Tunisia) onCestrum nocturnum(Solanaceae) during a survey. The infestation was observed on leaves, shoots and also on the collar. This is the first record ofP. madeirensisin Tunisia and the first record of this pest in North Africa. Two other mealybugsPeliococcus cycligerandPlanococcus citriwere also recorded during this survey. They have previously been reported in Tunisia.
First report of brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Greece
Authors: Milonas P. G. , Partsinevelos G. K. 
Published: June 2014

In autumn 2011, stink bugs were found causing a nuisance in houses in the centre of Athens, Greece. Specimens were identified by D.A. Rider at North Dakota State University as Halyomorpha halys Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). The species is native to Asia; it was detected in the USA in 1996 and has recently been introduced into Europe (2008). This paper provides the first report of the presence of H. halys (brown marmorated stink bug) in Greece. Some data on its phenology and economic impact are also provided.
Gross, computed tomographic and histological findings in mandibular cheek teeth extracted from horses with clinical signs of pulpitis due to apical infection
Authors: Casey M. B. , Pearson G. R. , Perkins J. D. , Tremaine W. H. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyThe most prevalent type of equine dental pulpitis due to apical infection is not associated with coronal fractures or periodontal disease. The pathogenesis of this type of pulpitis is not fully understood. Computed tomography (CT) is increasingly used to investigate equine dental disorders. However, gross, tomographic and histopathological changes in equine dental pulpitis have not been compared previously.ObjectivesTo compare gross,CTand histological appearances of sectioned mandibular cheek teeth extracted from horses with clinical signs of pulpitis without coronal fractures or periodontal disease. To contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of equine dental pulpitis.Study designDescriptive study using diseased and healthy teeth.MethodsMandibular cheek teeth extracted from horses with clinical signs of pulpitis (cases), and from cadavers with no history of dental disease (controls), were compared usingCTin the transverse plane at 1 mm intervals. Teeth were then sectioned transversely, photographed and processed for histopathological examination. Tomographs were compared with corresponding gross and histological sections.ResultsCement, dentine and bone had similar ranges of attenuation (550–2000HounsfieldUnits,HU) in tomographs but could be differentiated from pulp (‐400 to 500HU) and enamel (> 2500HU). Twelve discrete dental lesions were identified grossly, 10 of which were characterised histologically. Reactive and reparative dentinogenesis and extensive pulpar mineralisation, previously undescribed, were identified. Pulpar oedema, neutrophilic inflammation, cement and enamel defects, and reactive cemental deposition were also observed. TheCTand pathological findings corresponded well where there was mineralised tissue deposited, defects in mineralised tissue, or food material in the pulpar area. Pulpar and dentinal necrosis and cement destruction, evident grossly and histologically, did not correspond toCTchanges.ConclusionsComputed tomography is useful for identifying deposition and defects of mineralised material but less useful for identifying inflammation and tissue destruction. The equine dentine‐pulp complex responds to insult with reactive and reparative changes.
New predictive approaches for ITI treatment
Authors: Minno G. D. , Santagostino E. , Pratt K. , Königs C. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryImmune tolerance induction (ITI) therapy in patients with haemophilia A and inhibitors constitutes a huge burden for affected patients and families and poses a large economic burden for a chronic disease. Concerted research efforts are attempting to optimize the therapeutic approach to the prevention and eradication of inhibitors. The Italian ITI Registry has provided data on 110 patients who completed ITI therapy as at July 2013. Analysis of independent predictors of success showed that, together with previously recognized factors – namely inhibitor titre prior to ITI, historical peak titre and peak titre on ITI – the type of causative FVIII gene mutation also contributes to the identification of patients with good prognosis and may be useful to optimize candidate selection and treatment regimens. Numerous studies have demonstrated that inhibitor reactivity against different FVIII products varies and is lower against concentrates containing von Willebrand factor (VWF). An Italian study compared inhibitor titres against a panel of FVIII concentrates in vitro and correlated titres with the capacity to inhibit maximum thrombin generation as measured by the thrombin generation assay (TGA). Observations led to the design of the PredictTGA study which aims to correlate TGA results with epitope specificity, inhibitor reactivity against different FVIII concentrates and clinical data in inhibitor patients receiving FVIII in the context of ITI or as prophylactic/on demand treatment. At the immunological level, it is known that T cells drive inhibitor development and that B cells secrete FVIII‐specific antibodies. As understanding increases about the immunological response in ITI, it is becoming apparent that modulation of T‐cell‐ and B‐cell‐mediated responses offers a range of potential new and specific approaches to prevent and eliminate inhibitors as well as individualize ITI therapy.
Chaperone‐like activity of β‐casein and its effect on residual in vitro activity of horseradish peroxidase
Authors: Sulewska Anna M. , Olsen Karsten , Sørensen Jens C. , Øgendal Lars H. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryIn this study, the residual activity horseradish peroxidase was used as a novel marker of chaperone‐like activity of β‐casein under elevated temperature. It was shown that β‐casein does affect residual activity of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) depending on the concentration and molar ratio between proteins. Incubating HRP (0.1 mg mL−1) for 10 min at 72 °C resulted in residual activity of 59 ± 5%, while addition of 1 mg mL−1 β‐casein resulted in increase in residual activity up to 85 ± 1%. Increased residual activity is not merely attributed to an effect of higher total protein concentration, as similar experiment with bovine serum albumin resulted in residual activity of horseradish peroxidase that was significantly lower than without any addition. The effect of β‐casein on HRP disappears when pH is below the isoelectric point of β‐casein. It was also proven by light scattering studies that β‐casein interacts with horseradish peroxidase when the temperature was increased from 25 to 70 °C whereas interactions seem to cease when temperature was lowered back to 25 °C. This study highlights how specific proteins can influence enzyme activity, which is of potential importance for various industries such as enzyme manufacturers and food industry.
The effect of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition on T helper type 17 and regulatory T cell differentiation in vitro and in vivo in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Kim Kyoung Woon , Chung Byung Ha , Kim Bo‐Mi , Cho Mi‐La , Yang Chul Woo 
Published: June 2014

SummarySirolimus (SRL) is a promising alternative to calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus (TAC), in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), but the immunological benefits of conversion from calcineurin inhibitors to SRL are not fully investigated. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of conversion from TAC to SRL on the T helper type 17/regulatory T (Th17/Treg) axis in three separate studies. First, the effect of SRL on the Th17/Treg axis was evaluated in vitro using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Second, the effect of conversion from TAC to SRL on the Th17/Treg axis was studied in KTRs. Finally, the effect of SRL on CD8+ Treg cells was evaluated. In vitro analysis of PBMCs isolated from KTRs showed that SRL suppressed Th17 cell differentiation but TAC did not. Conversion from TAC to SRL markedly decreased the number of effector memory CD8+ T cells and significantly increased the proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ Treg cells compared with TAC in KTRs. SRL treatment induced the CD8+ Treg cells, and these cells inhibited the proliferation of allogeneic CD4+ T cells and Th17 cells. In conclusion, conversion from TAC to SRL favourably regulates Th17 and Treg cell differentiation in KTRs. These findings provide a rationale for conversion from TAC to SRL in KTRs.
Samoan Philosophy of Nursing: a basis for culturally proficient care and policy
Authors: Enoka I.S. , Petrini M.A. , Turale S. 
Published: June 2014

AimTo explore nurses' perspectives about the Samoan Philosophy of Nursing, and determine its feasibility for nursing care of Samoans internationally.BackgroundThis philosophy is the conceptual cultural framework for nursing law, practice, education and research in Samoa, and was developed by Samoan nurses who recognized the need for guidance to deliver quality, culturally competent and proficient health care.DesignA mixed method study, employing a questionnaire and ethnographic methods.MethodThe Samoan Philosophy of Nursing Questionnaire sought demographic data and aspects about the philosophy from 95 registered nurse clinicians, administrators and educators throughout Samoa during 2012. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Additionally, 19 focus groups (5–6 participants each) and 19 in‐depth interviews were held to further explore these aspects, as well as participant observations. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data, and Spradley's ethnographic method was adopted for analysing the qualitative data.FindingsOf 95 questionnaires analysed, 70% of participants reported using the philosophy all the time, and 30% most of the time. They placed a high satisfaction rate, value and importance on this philosophy. From the ethnography, six major themes emerged: valuable framework of learning; conceptual framework for holistic assessment; benchmark for regulating and monitoring practice improving interaction and culturally proficient practice; potential use for Samoans overseas; and maintaining quality health and the dignity of people.ConclusionThis first‐time study evaluated the Samoan Philosophy of Nursing and adds to nursing knowledge. Findings confirmed its usefulness as a culturally based conceptual framework to facilitate, regulate and monitor education, research and practice for sustainable health outcomes in Samoa, and for Samoans living abroad.Implications for nursing policy and educationIt is important that Samoans living abroad receive culturally proficient care, but this requires the support of policymakers, nurse leaders and educators so that nurses internationally can access and competently utilize relevant aspects of this philosophy in practice.
The contribution of migrant breeds to the genetic gain of beef traits of German Vorderwald and Hinterwald cattle
Authors: Hartwig S. , Wellmann R. , Hamann H. , Bennewitz J. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryDuring the past decades, migrant contributions have accumulated in many local breeds. Cross‐breeding was carried out to mitigate the risk of inbreeding depression and to improve the performance of local breeds. However, breeding activities for local breeds were not as intensive and target oriented as for popular high‐yielding breeds. Therefore, even if performance improved, the gap between the performance of local and popular breeds increased for many traits. Furthermore, the genetic originality of local breeds declined due to the increasing contributions of migrant breeds. This study examined the importance of migrant breed influences for the realization of breeding progress of beef traits of German Vorderwald and Hinterwald cattle. The results show that there is a high amount of migrant contributions and their effects on performance are substantial for most traits. The effect of the French cattle breed Montbéliard (p‐value 0.014) on daily gain of Vorderwald bulls at test station was positive. The effects of Vorderwald ancestors (p‐value for daily gain 0.007 and p‐value for net gain 0.004) were positive for both traits under consideration in the population of Hinterwald cattle. Additionally, the effect of remaining breeds (p‐value 0.030) on net gain of Hinterwald cattle in the field was also positive. The estimated effect of Fleckvieh ancestors on net gain of Hinterwald cattle was even larger but not significant. Breeding values adjusted for the effects of the migrant breeds showed little genetic trend.