bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time course of intestinal barrier function injury in a sodium taurocholate‐induced severe acute pancreatitis in rat model
Authors: Liang Hong Yin , Chen Tao , Wang Tao , Huang Zhu , Yan Hong Tao , Tang Li Jun 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to clarify the kinetics of intestinal barrier function impairment in sodium taurocholate‐induced severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) models and to explore an appropriate concentration of sodium taurocholate and a suitable time point for further study.MethodsIn total, 104 rats were randomly divided into four groups: the normal control group (n = 8) receiving no treatment, the sham‐operation group (n = 32), the 2.5% and 5% sodium taurocholate‐treated SAP groups (n = 32 for each group) which were induced via a retrograde injection of 2.5% or 5% sodium taurocholate into the pancreatic duct. Histological examination, serum D‐lactate and endotoxin levels and the incidence of bacteria translocation were recorded to assess the intestinal mucosal injury.ResultsPancreatitis models were successfully established in both the 2.5% and 5% sodium taurocholate‐treated groups. The dosage of sodium taurocholate used to induce pancreatitis was positively correlated with the degree of intestinal mucosal injury. The most severe damage to intestinal barrier was observed 24 h after surgery in the 2.5% sodium taurocholate‐treated group and 48 h after surgery in the 5% sodium taurocholate‐treated group, respectively.ConclusionBased on the success rate of the model, the mortality and the impairment of intestinal barrier function, we conclude that 24 h after a retrograde injection of 2.5% sodium taurocholate may be the most appropriate time point to study intestinal barrier injury in SAP rats.
Loss of B‐cell translocation gene 2 expression in estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer predicts tamoxifen resistance
Authors: Takahashi Maiko , Hayashida Tetsu , Okazaki Hiroshi , Miyao Kazuhiro , Jinno Hiromitsu , Kitagawa Yuko 
Published: April 2014

B‐cell translocation gene 2 (BTG2), a gene suppressed in a subset of aggressive breast cancer, is repressed by estrogen. BTG2 inhibits the expression of HER ligands and promotes AKT activation, which plays an essential role in the tamoxifen resistance of estrogen receptor (ER)‐positive breast cancer. To determine if BTG2 expression modifies tamoxifen efficacy, a cohort of 60 patients treated with adjuvant tamoxifen monotherapy was analyzed. We found that increased BTG2 expression showed better clinical survival and was the only independent prognostic factor for disease‐free survival (hazard ratio, 0.691; 95% confidence interval, 0.495–0.963; P = 0.029). Tamoxifen suppressed the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐Akt signaling in BTG2 expressing ER‐positive breast cancer cells with a correlated increase in sensitivity, whereas BTG2 knockdown abrogated this sensitivity. Consistent with this observation, tamoxifen significantly suppressed the growth ratio, tumor weight and Ki‐67 expression in BTG2 expressing breast cancer xenografts in mice. These studies demonstrate that BTG2 is a significant factor in tamoxifen response, acting through modification of AKT activation in ER‐positive/HER2‐negative breast cancer.
Influence of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on osseointegration of dental implants in rabbit calvaria
Authors: Cai Wei Xin , Ma Li , Zheng Li Wu , Kruse‐Gujer Astrid , Stübinger Stefan , Lang Niklaus P. , Zwahlen Roger A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimUntil recently, adverse effects of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on osseointegration of dental implants were unknown. Hence, this study investigated the short‐ and long‐term effects of a 7‐day regimen of parecoxib and diclofenac sodium on osseointegration of dental implants in calvarial bone.Material and methodsEighteen New Zealand White rabbits were randomly allocated into three groups (each n = 6): Control group with no postoperative pain killers (Group A), diclofenac group (Group B) and parecoxib group (Group C). In each animal, one dental implant was placed into the calvarial bone (total n = 18). Three rabbits from each group were sacrificed in Week 4. The other three rabbits from each group were sacrificed in Week 12 postoperatively. The implant together with the calvarial bone and dura mater was harvested and subjected to micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) and histomorphometric analysis.ResultsQuantitative analysis of micro‐CT data and histomorphometric data neither revealed any statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences between the three different groups related to osseointegration nor between different time points of observation.ConclusionIn rabbits, a 7‐day regimen of appropriate doses of diclofenac sodium and parecoxib did not adversely affect osseointegration of dental implants and bone healing in calvaria, neither short nor long term (12 weeks).
Dual regulatory switch confers tighter control on HtrA2 proteolytic activity
Authors: Singh Nitu , D'Souza Areetha , Cholleti Anuradha , Sastry G. Madhavi , Bose Kakoli 
Published: April 2014

High‐temperature requirement protease A2 (HtrA2), a multitasking serine protease that is involved in critical biological functions and pathogenicity, such as apoptosis and cancer, is a potent therapeutic target. It is established that the C‐terminal post‐synaptic density protein, Drosophila disc large tumor suppressor, zonula occludens‐1 protein (PDZ) domain of HtrA2 plays pivotal role in allosteric modulation, substrate binding and activation, as commonly reported in other members of this family. Interestingly, HtrA2 exhibits an additional level of functional modulation through its unique N‐terminus, as is evident from ‘inhibitor of apoptosis proteins’ binding and cleavage. This phenomenon emphasizes multiple activation mechanisms, which so far remain elusive. Using conformational dynamics, binding kinetics and enzymology studies, we addressed this complex behavior with respect to defining its global mode of regulation and activity. Our findings distinctly demonstrate a novel N‐terminal ligand‐mediated triggering of an allosteric switch essential for transforming HtrA2 to a proteolytically competent state in a PDZ‐independent yet synergistic activation process. Dynamic analyses suggested that it occurs through a series of coordinated structural reorganizations at distal regulatory loops (L3, LD, L1), leading to a population shift towards the relaxed conformer. This precise synergistic coordination among different domains might be physiologically relevant to enable tighter control upon HtrA2 activation for fostering its diverse cellular functions. Understanding this complex rheostatic dual switch mechanism offers an opportunity for targeting various disease conditions with tailored site‐specific effector molecules.Structured digital abstract

HtrA2 cleaves beta casein by enzymatic study (1, 2, 3)

HtrA2 binds to XIAP-BIR2 by surface plasmon resonance (View interaction)

HtrA2 binds to XIAP-BIR2 pep by surface plasmon resonance (View interaction)

HtrA2 binds to XIAP-BIR3 by surface plasmon resonance (View interaction)

HtrA2 binds to XIAP-BIR3 pep by surface plasmon resonance (View interaction)

XIAP binds to HtrA2 by pull down (View interaction)

XIAP-BIR2 binds to HtrA2 by pull down (View interaction) (View interaction)

XIAP-BIR3 binds to HtrA2 by pull down (View interaction) (View interaction) (View interaction)
Glycyrrhizin inhibits the inflammatory response in mouse mammary epithelial cells and a mouse mastitis model
Authors: Fu Yunhe , Zhou Ershun , Wei Zhengkai , Liang Dejie , Wang Wei , Wang Tiancheng , Guo Mengyao , Zhang Naisheng , Yang Zhengtao 
Published: April 2014

Glycyrrhizin, a triterpene glycoside isolated from licorice root, is known to have anti‐inflammatory activities. However, the effect of glycyrrhizin on mastitis has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti‐inflammatory effect and mechanism of action of glycyrrhizin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced mastitis in mouse. An LPS‐induced mouse mastitis model was used to confirm the anti‐inflammatory activity of glycyrrhizin in vivo. Primary mouse mammary epithelial cells were used to investigate the molecular mechanism and targets of glycyrrhizin. In vivo, glycyrrhizin significantly attenuated the mammary gland histopathological changes, myeloperoxidase activity and infiltration of neutrophilic granulocytes and downregulated the expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐6 caused by LPS. In vitro, glycyrrhizin dose‐dependently inhibited the LPS‐induced expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α, IL‐6, and RANTES. Western blot analysis showed that glycyrrhizin suppressed LPS‐induced nuclear factor‐κB and interferon regulatory factor 3 activation. However, glycyrrhizin did not inhibit nuclear factor‐κB and interferon regulatory factor 3 activation induced by MyD88‐dependent (MyD88, IKKβ) or TRIF‐dependent (TRIF, TBK1) downstream signaling components. Moreover, glycyrrhizin did not act though affecting the function of CD14 or expression of Toll‐like receptor 4. Finally, we showed that glycyrrhizin decreased the levels of cholesterol of lipid rafts and inhibited the translocation of Toll‐like receptor 4 to lipid rafts. Moreover, glycyrrhizin activated ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1, which could induce cholesterol efflux from lipid rafts. In conclusion, we find that the anti‐inflammatory effects of glycyrrhizin may be attributable to its ability to activate ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1. Glycyrrhizin might be a useful therapeutic reagent for the treatment of mastitis and other inflammatory diseases.
Distinct biochemical properties of human serine hydroxymethyltransferase compared with the Plasmodium enzyme: implications for selective inhibition
Authors: Pinthong Chatchadaporn , Maenpuen Somchart , Amornwatcharapong Watcharee , Yuthavong Yongyuth , Leartsakulpanich Ubolsree , Chaiyen Pimchai 
Published: April 2014

Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) catalyzes the transfer of a hydroxymethyl group from l‐serine to tetrahydrofolate to yield glycine and 5,10‐methylenetetrahydrofolate. Our previous investigations have shown that SHMTs from Plasmodium spp. (P. falciparum, Pf; P. vivax, Pv) are different from the enzyme from rabbit liver in that Plasmodium SHMT can use d‐serine as a substrate. In this report, the biochemical and biophysical properties of the Plasmodium and the human cytosolic form (hcSHMT) enzymes including ligand binding and kinetics were investigated. The data indicate that, similar to Plasmodium enzymes, hcSHMT can use d‐serine as a substrate. However, hcSHMT displays many properties that are different from those of the Plasmodium enzymes. The molar absorption coefficient of hcSHMT‐bound pyridoxal‐5′‐phosphate (PLP) is much greater than PvSHMT‐bound or PfSHMT‐bound PLP. The binding interactions of hcSHMT and Plasmodium SHMT with d‐serine are different, as only the Plasmodium enzyme undergoes formation of a quinonoid‐like species upon binding to d‐serine. Furthermore, it has been noted that hcSHMT displays strong substrate inhibition by tetrahydrofolate (THF) (at THF > 40 μm), compared with SHMTs from Plasmodium and other species. The pH–activity profile of hcSHMT shows higher activities at lower pH values corresponding to a pKa value of 7.8 ± 0.1. Thiosemicarbazide reacts with hcSHMT following a one‐step model [k1 of 12 ± 0.6 m−1·s−1 and k−1 of (1.0 ± 0.6) × 10−3 s−1], while the same reaction with PfSHMT involves at least three steps. All data indicated that the ligand binding environment of SHMT from human and Plasmodium are different, indicating that it should be possible to develop species‐selective inhibitors in future studies.Databaseserine hydroxymethyltransferase, EC 2.1.2.1; 5,10‐methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase, EC 1.5.1.5
Pediatric Post‐Traumatic Headaches and Peripheral Nerve Blocks of the Scalp: A Case Series and Patient Satisfaction Survey
Authors: Dubrovsky Alexander Sasha , Friedman Debbie , Kocilowicz Helen 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveThis study's objective is to characterize the therapeutic effect of peripheral nerve blocks of the scalp for children and adolescents with post‐traumatic headaches.BackgroundHeadaches are the most frequently reported persistent symptoms following a pediatric mild traumatic brain injury, may be challenging to treat, and can transform into debilitating chronic headaches. The beneficial use of peripheral nerve blocks of the scalp has been reported for adults with post‐traumatic headaches.MethodsRetrospective case series on all patients <18 years of age treated between January 2012 and June 2013 in the mild traumatic brain injury clinic with a nerve block. The main outcome measure was the proportion of patients with a good therapeutic effect, defined by the duration of the block being >24 hours and/or repeat blocks requested. A data extractor blinded to main outcome measures performed the chart review. A patient satisfaction survey was also sent to all patients to assess the recalled experience with the interventions received.ResultsA total of 62 nerve blocks were performed on 28 patients for 30 injuries that led to post‐traumatic headaches. The mean (standard deviation) age was 14.6 (1.7) years. The first nerve blocks were performed a mean (standard deviation) of 70 (54.2) days post‐injury. The therapeutic effect was good in 93% of patients with 71% reporting immediate complete relief of their headaches; the mean percent headache reduction was 94%. Most (91%) would recommend a nerve block for post‐traumatic headaches.ConclusionThe ease with which peripheral nerve blocks of the scalp can be performed combined with the immediate relief experienced by patients makes them a potential addition to the armamentarium of headache management strategies for children and adolescent with post‐traumatic headaches.
Gel Casting of Free‐Shapeable Ceramic Membranes with Adjustable Pore Size for Ultra‐ and Microfiltration
Authors: Brandes Christoph , Treccani Laura , Kroll Stephen , Rezwan Kurosch 
Published: April 2014

The growing demand of reliable high‐performance membrane materials for separation processes requires new simple, straightforward, environmental friendly, sustainable approaches for membrane fabrication. In this study, we present an environmentally friendly gel‐casting, one‐pot process based on ionotropic‐gelation for obtaining alumina membranes. A slurry of alumina particles and the biopolymer alginate, which acts in combination with calcium iodate like a resin, was gelled in a controllable temperature dependent manner. Alumina membranes are obtained by three different shaping routes (extrusion, free‐forming, casting). The suitability of extruded capillaries in a polymer‐ceramic hybrid state (green body) and after sintering (1150°C for 2 h) for potential application in micro‐ and ultrafiltration is evaluated by monitoring the chemical and mechanical stability, permeability and separation behavior. Varying the initial alumina particle size from 200 to 900 nm, membranes with a narrow pore size distribution, predictable and tunable average pore diameters from 70 up to 480 nm and a constant open porosity of ~40%, are obtained. The permeability behavior is tested with fluorescence labeled submicron‐ and nano‐particles. Our novel colloidal processing route represents a very versatile tool for designing and manufacturing ceramic membranes with complex shapes for micro‐ (>0.1 μm) and ultrafiltration (0.1–0.01 μm).
Temperature‐ and Frequency‐Dependent Properties of the 0.75Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3–0.25SrTiO3 Lead‐Free Incipient Piezoceramic
Authors: Acosta Matias , Jo Wook , Rödel Jürgen 
Published: April 2014

The dielectric and electromechanical properties of 0.75Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3–0.25 SrTiO3 (25ST) as a function of temperature and frequency were studied. It is shown that the 25ST is a relaxor ferroelectric as evidenced by the temperature‐dependent dielectric relaxations with an incipient piezoelectricity featured by the presence of a reversible electric‐field‐induced phase transformation at room temperature. The transition occurs on a broad electric field strength range depending on field amplitude and frequency. It is also accompanied by a huge strain that is attributed to repetitive poling and depoling originating due to the reversibility of the phase transition. The 25ST makes an attractive lead‐free candidate for stack actuators as it presents a high normalized d33* of ~600 pm/V at a low electric field of 4 kV/mm for frequencies ranging from 0.1 up to 100 Hz.
The Hourglass: A Conceptual Framework for the Transport of Biologically Active Compounds from Agricultural Landscapes
Authors: Kolok Alan S. , Sellin Jeffries Marlo K. , Knight Lindsey , Snow Daniel D. , Bartelt‐Hunt Shannon L. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractRecent research has suggested that the fate of biologically active compounds (BACs) originating from point sources such as wastewater treatment plants is fundamentally different from that of similar compounds released from nonpoint sources through runoff from agricultural landscapes. Downstream from wastewater treatment plants, BACs will degrade via a variety of mechanisms; however, their concentration in the water adjacent to the point of discharge may not decrease over time, as the compounds are continually released. In contrast, in agricultural systems, BACs are episodically introduced to surface water during snowmelt and rainstorm events, and under these circumstances, may be found in water for only hours or days after a storm event. Recent research in our laboratories as well as others, has suggested that sediments play an important role in the persistence of herbicides and steroids in watersheds after nonpoint source loading events. Conceptually, the sediment serves as both a sink and a source, equilibrating with BACs during storm events then slowly releasing them back into the water over time, long after the initial pulse of chemicals has moved downstream.
Multi‐scale sampling boosts inferences from beta diversity patterns in coastal forests of South Africa
Authors: Olivier Pieter I. , van Aarde Rudi J. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimWe used a hierarchical fractal‐based sampling design to test how sampling grain influences (1) beta diversity of and (2) inferences from the modelled contribution of niche‐ versus dispersal‐based assembly processes in structuring tree and bird assemblages.LocationCoastal forest fragments, South Africa.MethodsWe surveyed 103 tree plots and 267 bird points within eight forest fragments and partitioned beta diversity (βsor) into its turnover (βsim) and nestedness (βnes) components. We evaluated how sampling at fine, intermediate and coarse scales influenced beta diversity components, and compared how tree and bird beta diversity responded to sampling grain variation. We then explored the relative contributions of niche‐ and dispersal‐based assembly processes in explaining spatial turnover as a function of sampling grain and/or study taxon, by using multiple regression modelling on distance matrices and variance partitioning.ResultsThe βsor of trees and birds was mainly explained by βsim at all sampling scales. For both taxonomic groups, βsor and βsim decreased as sampling scale increased. Beta diversity differed among trees and birds at fine, but not at coarse, sampling scales. Dispersal‐based assembly processes were the best predictors of community assembly at fine scales, whereas niche‐based assembly processes were the best predictors at coarse scales. However, most of the variation in tree community composition was explained at fine scales (by dispersal‐based assembly processes), while most of the variation in bird community composition was explained at coarse scales (by niche‐based assembly processes).Main conclusionsOur study shows that inferences from beta diversity are scale dependent. By matching the grain of the data with the grain at which predictor variables and associated processes are likely to operate, multi‐scale sampling approaches can help improve planning for biodiversity conservation and should be part of initiatives aimed at ecological conservation plans.
Variations in 7‐day/24‐h circadian pattern of ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate of type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Bhardwaj Shipra , Verma Narsingh , Anjum Baby , Bhardwaj Kshitij 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAims/IntroductionDiabetes has profound consequences on the cardiovascular system leading to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Blood pressure (BP) has a characteristic and reproducible circadian pattern, with high values during the day and low values at night. A 7‐day timed analysis of BP through ambulatory blood pressure monitoring has been used not only to diagnose day and night dipping patterns of blood pressure, but also to measure day‐to‐day variability and the circadian hyper‐amplitude‐tension, a condition in which excessive circadian BP amplitude precedes the chronic established hypertension. Our objective was to assess the 7‐day/24‐h circadian pattern of BP and heart rate in diabetic patients, as it could be helpful in the diagnosis and prevention of cardiovascular morbidity.Materials and MethodsA total of 50 diabetic patients with type 2 diabetes and 50 non‐diabetic participants were recruited for the study. General health records were individually maintained, and 7‐day/24‐h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring using an ambulatory blood pressure monitor was carried out.ResultsThe rhythmic parameters of systolic and diastolic BP, heart rate, double amplitude, acrophase and 3‐h fractionated hyperbaric index were found to be significantly high in diabetic patients. A total of 12 participants were diagnosed with circadian hyper‐amplitude‐tension. These data suggest that diabetic patients have certain variations in the circadian pattern of blood pressure and heart rate, which can result in disturbed vascular events, and thus are at greater risk of cardiovascular morbidity.ConclusionSeven‐day/24‐h monitoring might be useful as an early predictive tool in assessing future cardiovascular risk, guiding treatment and management of these patients.
Risk of adverse events in psoriasis patients receiving classic systemic drugs and biologics in a 5‐year observational study of clinical practice: 2008–2013 results of the Biobadaderm registry
Authors: Carretero G. , Ferrandiz C. , Dauden E. , Vanaclocha Sebastián F. , Gómez‐García F.J. , Herrera‐Ceballos E. , De la Cueva‐Dobao P. , Belinchón I. , Sánchez‐Carazo J.L. , Alsina‐Gibert M. , López‐Estebaranz J.L. , Ferrán M. , Torrado R. , Carrascosa J.M. , Carazo C. , Rivera R. , Jiménez‐Puya R. , García‐Doval I. ,   the BIOBADADERM Study Group
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundBiobadaderm is the Spanish registry of psoriasis patients receiving systemic treatment in clinical practice.ObjectiveTo compare the safety of biologics and classic systemic treatment.MethodsProspective cohort of patients receiving biologics and classic systemic therapies between 2008 and 2013 in 12 hospitals are included. We registered demographic data, diagnoses, comorbidities, treatments and adverse events (AE). We obtained raw relative risks (RR) for specific AE. Multivariate analysis consisted of Cox models adjusting for age, gender, chronic hepatic disease and previous cancer.ResultsA total of 1030 patients received biologics (2061 AE in 3681 person‐years), 926 patients classic systemic drugs (1015 AE in 1517 person‐years). Ninety‐three per cent of AE in both groups were non‐serious, 6% serious and 0.003% fatal. The age‐ and gender‐adjusted hazard ratio of AE was lower in the biologics group [hazard ratio 0.6 (95% CI: 0.5–0.7)].We found no differences in rates of serious and mortal AE. Some system organ class AE rates differed between both groups. As limitations: Prescription bias might affect the incidence of AE in both groups. Association of drug and AE was based on timing: associations might not be causal.ConclusionPatients receiving biologics had lower risk of AE. We did not find differences in the risk of serious or fatal AE.