bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of ketamine hydrochloride administered as a basilar sesamoid nerve block in alleviating foot pain in horses caused by natural disease
Authors: Schumacher J. , DeGraves F. , Cesar F. , Duran S. 
Published: September 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyA local anaesthetic agent capable of temporarily resolving lameness after being administered perineurally would be helpful because rapid return of lameness would allow for other analgesic techniques to be performed within a short period of time.ObjectivesTo determine if a 3% solution of ketamine hydrochloride (HCl), administered around the palmar nerves at the level of the base of the proximal sesamoid bones, can improve naturally occurring lameness that can be improved or abolished with a basilar sesamoid nerve block performed using lidocaine HCl and to compare the change in gait produced using lidocaine to the change in gait produced using ketamine by using objective lameness assessment.Study designExperimental trial using research horses with naturally occurring lameness.MethodsSeven horses, chronically lame on a thoracic limb, were chosen for the study. A wireless, inertial, sensor‐based, motion analysis system was used to evaluate lameness before and after administration of 2% lidocaine and later, before and after administration of 3% ketamine over the palmar digital nerves at the base of the proximal sesamoid bones (a basilar sesamoid nerve block) at 5 min intervals for 30 min. Lameness scores obtained before and after administration of lidocaine and ketamine HCl were compared using repeated measures analysis.ResultsGait significantly improved after basilar sesamoid nerve blocks using 2% lidocaine, but gait did not significantly improve after performing the same nerve block using 3% ketamine HCl.ConclusionsKetamine (3%) administered perineurally for regional anaesthesia of the digit does not desensitise the digit to the same extent as does lidocaine and thus 3% ketamine appears to have no value as a local anaesthetic agent for diagnostic regional anaesthesia.
Heterologous expression and purification of an active human TRPV3 ion channel
Authors: Kol Stefan , Braun Christian , Thiel Gerhard , Doyle Declan A. , Sundström Michael , Gourdon Pontus , Nissen Poul 
Published: September 2013

The transient receptor potential vanilloid 3 (TRPV3) cation channel is widely expressed in human tissues and has been shown to be activated by mild temperatures or chemical ligands. In spite of great progress in the TRP‐channel characterization, very little is known about their structure and interactions with other proteins at the atomic level. This is mainly caused by difficulties in obtaining functionally active samples of high homogeneity. Here, we report on the high‐level Escherichia coli expression of the human TRPV3 channel, for which no structural information has been reported to date. We selected a suitable detergent and buffer system using analytical size‐exclusion chromatography and a thermal stability assay. We demonstrate that the recombinant purified protein contains high α‐helical content and migrates as dimers and tetramers on native PAGE. Furthermore, the purified channel also retains its current inducing activity, as shown by electrophysiology experiments. The ability to produce the TRPV3 channel heterologously will aid future functional and structural studies.Structured digital abstract

TRPV3 and TRPV3 bind by molecular sieving (1, 2)

TRPV3 and TRPV3 bind by blue native page (1, 2, 3)
Crystal structure of endo‐xylogalacturonan hydrolase from Aspergillus tubingensis
Authors: Rozeboom Henriëtte J. , Beldman Gerrit , Schols Henk A. , Dijkstra Bauke W. 
Published: September 2013

Endo‐xylogalacturonan hydrolase is a member of glycoside hydrolase family 28 (GH28) that hydrolyzes the glycosidic bond between two β‐xylose‐substituted galacturonic acid residues in pectin. Presented here is the X‐ray crystal structure of the endo‐xylogalacturonan hydrolase from Aspergillus tubingensis (XghA) at 1.75 Å resolution. The high degree of structural conservation in the active site and catalytic apparatus compared with polygalacturonases indicates that cleavage of the substrate proceeds in essentially the same way as found for the other GH28 enzymes. Molecular modeling of a xylosylated tri‐galacturonate in the active site identified the amino acid residues involved in substrate binding. They border a substrate‐binding cleft that is much wider than in other polygalacturonases, and can accommodate xylosylated substrates. The most extensive interactions appear to occur at subsite +2, in agreement with the enzyme kinetics results, which showed enhanced activity on substrates with a xylose attached to the galacturonic acid bound at subsite +2.DatabaseStructural data are available in the Protein Data Bank database under accession number 4C2L.
Mechanisms of competition between tadpoles of Australian frogs (Litoria spp.) and invasive cane toads (Rhinella marina)
Authors: Cabrera‐Guzmán Elisa , Crossland Michael R. , Shine Richard 
Published: September 2013

Summary

Cane toads (Rhinella marina) have wrought considerable ecological damage during their invasion of tropical Australia, spurring the search for novel ways to reduce toad numbers.

Previous laboratory and field studies have shown that the tadpoles of native frogs, which often co‐occur with toad tadpoles in temporary waterbodies, compete with the invaders and can suppress their survival, growth and development.

Understanding the mechanisms responsible for that competitive suppression might suggest new ways to control toads: for example, a chemical produced by native tadpoles that disrupts toad development.

Our laboratory experiments confirm that toad tadpoles are negatively affected by the presence of tadpoles of three native hylid frogs (Litoria caerulea, Litoria longipes and Litoria splendida) and identify direct exploitative competition for food as the primary mechanism. Manipulations of chemical cues and visual cues in the water had no significant effects on the viability of toads, whereas manipulations of direct physical contact and food supply relative to tadpole density had strong effects.

The lack of chemically mediated interference competition may reflect the very short timescale of sympatry between the invader and native taxa, restricting opportunities for the evolution of such mechanisms.

Re‐introducing native anurans to anthropogenically degraded sites (especially those where local frogs previously occurred, but have been lost) may provide a simple and effective way to reduce the recruitment rate of invasive cane toads.
Fine‐scale genetics of subterranean syncarids
Authors: Asmyhr Maria G. , Hose Grant , Graham Peter , Stow Adam J. 
Published: September 2013

Summary

Members of the stygofauna are highly specialised invertebrates living within groundwater systems. The hydrographical isolation of groundwater habitats combined with low dispersal abilities of stygofauna has resulted in narrow distributions and high levels of regional endemism. Consequently, stygofauna are particularly vulnerable to disturbance and habitat destruction. Aquifers are under enormous pressure from excessive water extraction, pollution and mining, and the efficient conservation of groundwater ecosystems requires detailed knowledge of dispersal and colonisation capabilities of stygofauna.

We investigated fine‐scale genetic structure and gene flow in the ancient crustacean Parabathynellidae (Bathynellacea, Syncarida) across a section of the Macquarie River alluvium, New South Wales, Australia. We sampled 175 parabathynellids from eight groundwater monitoring bores at pairwise distances up to 300 m and genotyped each individual at eight microsatellite markers.

We found significant intraspecific genetic structuring over short geographical distances (<50 m), supporting the view of limited dispersal in stygofauna.

Our study is the first extensive microsatellite study of a stygobiont family, and we have gained an insight into the dispersal patterns of these elusive organisms. Genetic data imply that they rarely colonise new habitats, a trait that renders them susceptible to anthropogenic impacts.
Surface properties of walnut protein from AOT reverse micelles
Authors: Liu Fenglan , Wang Xianchang , Zhao Xiaoyan , Hu Haifang , Chen Fengliang , Sun Yali 
Published: September 2013

SummaryThe surface chemical composition and microstructure of walnut protein obtained through aqueous buffer and bis(2‐ethylhexyl) sodium sulfosuccinate (AOT) reverse micelles were determined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surfaces were characterised by XPS to monitor surface composition. The different components of C 1s, N 1s and O 1s peaks were provided precisely. By comparison with walnut protein surface from aqueous buffer, XPS analysis revealed that the O atomic percentage of walnut protein powder surface from AOT reverse micelles was higher, but the C and N atomic percentages were lower. The N/C ratio of the walnut protein powders using two extraction methods was similar, while significant difference was obtained in the O/N. The obtained results indicated that the reverse micelles could affect the C, O and N components on the surface of walnut protein powder. Protein microstructure after reverse micelle treatment showed many crystals.
Late failure of a split‐thickness skin graft in the setting of homozygous factor V Leiden mutation: a case report and correlative animal model from the Wound Etiology and Healing (WE‐HEAL) study
Authors: Shanmugam Victoria K , McNish Sean , Duncan Joanna , Root Brandy , Tassi Elena , Wellstein Anton , Kallakury Bhaskar , Attinger Christopher E 
Published: September 2013

AbstractWe present the case of a 53‐year‐old Caucasian male smoker with remote history of left lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and a strong family history of thrombosis, who presented to the Center for Wound Healing at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital with spontaneous left leg ulceration. Prothrombotic evaluation showed homozygosity for the factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation. Therapeutic anticoagulation was commenced with warfarin (Coumadin®) and the patient underwent successful debridement and Apligraf® followed by split‐thickness skin graft (STSG) of two wounds. He had an uneventful postoperative course and on the 27th postoperative day the grafts were 95% intact. However, by postoperative day 41 there was 10% graft loss, and over the subsequent 2 weeks both grafts necrosed. On further questioning, it transpired that the patient had discontinued his warfarin on postoperative day 37 because he thought that it was no longer necessary. The patient is enrolled in the Wound Etiology and Healing (WE‐HEAL) study, and at the time of the original graft, residual skin fragments from the STSG were transplanted onto a nude mouse for development of an animal model of wound healing. The mouse graft was successful and was harvested at postoperative day 87 for pathological examination. We review the mechanisms by which prothrombotic states, particularly FVL mutation, can contribute to skin graft failure and delayed wound healing. This case highlights the importance of considering prothrombotic conditions in patients with spontaneous leg ulcerations and the impact of therapeutic anticoagulation on healing. It further allows us to demonstrate the efficacy of the animal model in which residual fragments of STSG tissue are utilised for transplant onto nude mice for manipulation in the laboratory.
Ex vivo biomechanical comparison of a 3.5 mm locking compression plate applied cranially and a 2.7 mm locking compression plate applied medially in a gap model of the distal aspect of the canine radius
Authors: Uhl Justin M. , Kapatkin Amy S. , Garcia Tanya C. , Stover Susan M. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo compare a medially applied 2.7 mm locking compression plate (LCP) to a cranially applied 3.5 mm LCP in a cadaveric distal radial fracture gap model.Study DesignIn vitro mechanical testing of paired cadaveric limbsSample PopulationPaired radii (n = 8) stabilized with either a 2.7 mm LCP medially or a 3.5 mm LCP cranially.MethodsSimulated distal radial comminuted fractures were created and stabilized with an LCP plate on the cranial surface in 1 limb, and on the medial surface in the contralateral limb. Gap stiffness, gap strain, and failure properties were compared between cranial and medial plate positions. Limb constructs were axially loaded, cyclically through 4 conditions that allowed mediolateral or craniocaudal bending at walk and trot loads, before monotonic failure loading. The effects of plate position on mechanical variables were assessed using paired t‐tests.ResultsGap stiffness was greater for cranial plate constructs than medial plate constructs for axial loading with mediolateral bending, but lower with craniocaudal bending. However, in loading that facilitated craniocaudal bending the medial plate construct also had bending apparent in the mediolateral direction. Gap strains for the different conditions followed similar trends as stiffness. Cranial plate constructs had significantly higher monotonic stiffness, yield, and failure loads.ConclusionThe larger, cranially applied LCP was biomechanically superior to the smaller, medially applied LCP in our distal radial fracture gap model, however the medial plate was superior to the cranial plate in cyclic loading allowing craniocaudal bending.
Contact with Primary Care: The Experience of People with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Perry Jonathan , Felce David , Kerr Mike , Bartley Stuart , Tomlinson Judith , Felce Janet 
Published: September 2013

BackgroundPeople with intellectual disabilities experi‐ence disparities in their health and health care. Annual health checks are intended to counter such disparity by improving access to primary health care. However, little is known about their experience of having a health check or other types of contact with primary care services.Materials and MethodsThe findings of two studies which used focus groups were combined. 102 people with intellectual disabilities participated in the focus groups.ResultsParticipants' experiences of primary care services generally, and health checks in particular, were positive. However, unanimity was rare on any of the topics discussed and a number of areas of dissatisfaction emerged.ConclusionsFurther studies with larger and more representative samples are necessary as feedback from people with intellectual disabilities about their experience of contact with primary care staff might help to enhance GP knowledge about their health requirements.
Ex vivo dermatoscopy of scalp specimens and slides
Authors: Miteva M. , Lanuti E. , Tosti A. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundCorrect evaluation of horizontal scalp biopsies requires accurate gross sectioning and embedding of the tissue. The most common issue during processing includes incorrect specimen bisection.ObjectivesTo verify if (i) ex vivo assessment of scalp biopsies by contact dermatoscopy can identify the correct plane of transverse bisection as well as (ii) if using contact dermatoscopy on the glass slides can be useful to control the tissue processing and expedite sign‐out.Materials and methodsFor the first aim, dermatoscopic pictures of 43 scalp biopsies were printed and shown to 10 dermatology residents not involved in the study, who were asked to identify and highlight the dermo‐epidermal junction. For the second aim, dermatoscopic captions of 40 horizontal sections were evaluated in a blinded way for the size of the specimen as well as the level and plane of bisection. The agreement was investigated using Cohen's κ statistics.ResultsTen independent observers were able to correctly identify the dermo‐epidermal junction as a brownish wavy line in 95.3% cases. The Cohen's κ statistics showed almost perfect agreement. Two independent pathologists agreed on the specimen size in all cases, on the specimen plane in 39 cases and on the specimen level on 35 cases. The Cohen's κ statistics showed almost complete agreement for the size and plane of bisection and substantial agreement for the level of section.ConclusionEx vivo dermatoscopy of scalp biopsies may be a new way to decrease laboratory costs and improve turnaround time in hair pathology as this technique optimally guides the correct bisection at 1–1.5 mm below the junction. Ex vivo dermatoscopy on the slides may expedite sign out after the initial bisection.
Adaptive characterization of recrystallization kinetics in IF steel by electron backscatter diffraction
Authors: KIM DONG‐KYU , PARK WON‐WOONG , LEE HO WON , KANG SEONG‐HOON , IM YONG‐TAEK 
Published: September 2013

SummaryIn this study, a rigorous methodology for quantifying recrystallization kinetics by electron backscatter diffraction is proposed in order to reduce errors associated with the operator's skill. An adaptive criterion to determine adjustable grain orientation spread depending on the recrystallization stage is proposed to better identify the recrystallized grains in the partially recrystallized microstructure. The proposed method was applied in characterizing the microstructure evolution during annealing of interstitial‐free steel cold rolled to low and high true strain levels of 0.7 and 1.6, respectively. The recrystallization kinetics determined by the proposed method was found to be consistent with the standard method of Vickers microhardness. The application of the proposed method to the overall recrystallization stages showed that it can be used for the rigorous characterization of progressive microstructure evolution, especially for the severely deformed material.
Molecular features of neural stem cells enable their enrichment using pharmacological inhibitors of survival‐promoting kinases
Authors: Brazel Christine Y. , Alaythan Abdulaziz A. , Felling Ryan J. , Calderon Frances , Levison Steven W. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractIsolating a pure population of neural stem cells (NSCs) has been difficult since no exclusive surface markers have been identified for panning or FACS purification. Moreover, additional refinements for maintaining NSCs in culture are required, since NSCs generate a variety of neural precursors (NPs) as they proliferate. Here, we demonstrate that post‐natal rat NPs express low levels of pro‐apoptotic molecules and resist phosphatidylinositol 3′OH kinase and extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 inhibition as compared to late oligodendrocyte progenitors. Furthermore, maintaining subventricular zone precursors in LY294002 and PD98059, inhibitors of PI3K and ERK1/2 signaling, eliminated lineage‐restricted precursors as revealed by enrichment for Nestin+/SOX‐2+ cells. The cells that survived formed neurospheres and 89% of these neurospheres were tripotential, generating neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Without this enrichment step, less than 50% of the NPs were Nestin+/SOX‐2+ and 42% of the neurospheres were tripotential. In addition, neurospheres enriched using this procedure produced 3‐times more secondary neurospheres, supporting the conclusion that this procedure enriches for NSCs. A number of genes that enhance survival were more highly expressed in neurospheres compared to late oligodendrocyte progenitors. Altogether, these studies demonstrate that primitive neural precursors can be enriched using a relatively simple and inexpensive means that will facilitate cell replacement strategies using stem cells as well as other studies whose goal is to reveal the fundamental properties of primitive neural precursors.
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Neural stem cells resist death effectors, which contributes to their longevity. We demonstrate that primitive Subventricular Zone neural precursors express low levels of pro‐apoptotic molecules and resist PI3K (PD98059) and ERK1/2 (LY‐294002) inhibition. By contrast, progenitors expressed higher levels of cell‐death signaling molecules. Using combinations of PI3K and ERK1/2 inhibitors, cultures highly enriched in tripotential neural precursors were produced.
Exploring motivation and confidence in taking prescribed medicines in coexisting diseases: a qualitative study
Authors: Williams Allison , Manias Elizabeth 
Published: September 2013

Aims and objectivesTo explore the motivation and confidence of people with coexisting diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension to take their medicines as prescribed.BackgroundThese comorbidities are major contributors to disease burden globally. Self‐management of individuals with these coexisting diseases is much more complicated than that of those with single diseases and is critical for improved health outcomes.DesignMotivational interviewing telephone calls were made with participants with coexisting diabetes, CKD and hypertension.MethodsPatients aged ≥18 years with diabetes, CKD and systolic hypertension were recruited from outpatient clinics of an Australian metropolitan hospital between 2008–2009. An average of four motivational interviewing telephone calls was made with participants (n = 39) in the intervention arm of a randomised controlled trial. Data were thematically analysed using the modified Health Belief Model as a framework.ResultsParticipants' motivation and confidence in taking prescribed medicines was thwarted by complex medicine regimens and medical conditions. Participants wanted control over their health and developed various strategies to confront threats to health. The perceived barriers of taking recommended health action outweighed the benefits of taking medicines as prescribed and were primarily related to copious amounts of medicines.ConclusionTaking multiple prescribed medicines in coexisting diabetes, CKD and hypertension is a perpetual vocation with major psychosocial effects. Participants were overwhelmed by the number of medicines that they were required to take. The quest for personal control of health, fear of the future and the role of stress and gender in chronic disease management have been highlighted. Participants require supportive emotional interventions to self‐manage their multiple medicines on a daily basis.Relevance to clinical practiceReducing the complexity of medicine regimens in coexisting diseases is paramount. Individualised psychosocial approaches that address the emotional needs of patients with regular follow‐up and feedback are necessary for optimal chronic disease self‐management.