bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of Blood Flow of the Preovulatory Follicle to its Diameter and Endocrine Profile in Dairy Buffalo
Authors: Varughese EE , Brar PS , Honparkhe M , Ghuman SPS 
Published: November 2013

ContentsBlood flow of the preovulatory follicle (POF) wall can be used as a predictor of the quality of POF. Our aim was to determine the correlation of blood flow of POF with the POF diameter, and intra‐follicular and plasma concentrations of Insulin‐like Growth Factor‐I (IGF‐1) and oestradiol in dairy buffalo. Nine Murrah buffalo subjected to an ovulation synchronization protocol (Ovsynch) were assessed on day 10 of the protocol for diameter and blood flow of POF, followed by the aspiration of follicle fluid. Prior to follicular aspiration, blood samples were obtained from jugular vein for estimation of IGF‐1 and oestradiol. The vascularity of POF was determined (Range: 250–967 pixel2) along with intra‐follicular and plasma concentration of IGF‐1 (Range: 9.3–31.8 ng/ml and 14.7–29.7 ng/ml respectively) and oestradiol (Range: 124.2–447.9 ng/ml and 0.25–1.05 ng/ml respectively). Diameter of the POF was weakly correlated (r = 0.21, p < 0.01) with blood flow to it. As compared to POF diameter, the blood flow of POF had greater positive correlation with intra‐follicular and plasma concentrations of hormones (IGF‐1 and oestradiol). A strong positive correlation was recorded between intra‐follicular IGF‐1 and oestradiol. Also, plasma concentrations of oestradiol and progesterone were negatively correlated In brief, assessment of the blood flow of the POF is a non‐invasive and reliable indicator of its functional competence as compared to the POF diameter.
Effects of nebulized high‐dose budesonide on moderate‐to‐severe acute exacerbation of asthma in children: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Chen Ai‐huan , Zeng Guang‐qiao , Chen Rong‐chang , Zhan Jie‐yi , Sun Li‐hong , Huang Shun‐kai , Yang Cui‐zhen , Zhong Nanshan 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground and objectiveThe efficacy of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in asthma exacerbation are yet to be clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of nebulized ICS in children with moderate‐to‐severe acute exacerbation of asthma in an emergency room setting in order to elucidate the potential use of ICS as the first‐line therapy in the management of acute exacerbation of asthma.MethodsThis was a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study. Paediatric patients with moderate‐to‐severe acute exacerbation of asthma in emergency room were randomized to receive nebulized salbutamol and ipratropium bromide, with the addition of nebulized high‐dose budesonide (BUD group, n = 60) or normal saline (control group, n = 58), three doses in the first hour.ResultsThe improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 s was similar in both groups at 0 h after three doses of nebulization, but there was significantly further improvement at 1 and 2 h in the BUD group (0.095 ± 0.062 L and 0.100 ± 0.120 L, respectively) compared with the control group (0.059 ± 0.082 L and 0.021 ± 0.128 L, respectively), P = 0.013 and 0.001, respectively. Complete remission rate was significantly higher (84.7% vs 46.3%, P = 0.004) and need for oral corticosteroids was significantly lower (16.9% vs 46.3%, P = 0.011) in BUD group than in control group.ConclusionOn the basis of nebulized short‐acting bronchodilators, addition of nebulized high‐dose budesonide resulted in clinical improvement in children with moderate‐to‐severe acute exacerbation of asthma, suggesting that nebulized high‐dose ICS can be used as first‐line therapy for non‐life‐threatening acute exacerbation of asthma in children.
Activation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase in ovalbumin and ozone‐induced mouse model of asthma
Authors: Liang Li , Li Feng , Bao Aihua , Zhang Min , Chung Kian Fan , Zhou Xin 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground and objectiveOzone exposure worsens the development of allergen‐induced asthma. The p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway plays an important role in the development of the inflammatory response, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and airway remodelling. In this study, the role of the p38 MAPK pathway on the effects of chronic ozone exposure in ovalbumin (OVA)‐sensitized and ‐challenged mice was investigated.MethodsMice were sensitized and challenged with OVA followed by ozone exposure. Dexamethasone (Dex) and SB239063, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, were used as preventive treatment.ResultsCompared with OVA‐challenged mice, ozone exposure of OVA‐challenged mice led to enhanced recruitment of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, increases in inflammation scores, collagen accumulation, bronchial wall thickness and messenger RNA levels of inflammatory cytokines, along with activation of p38 MAPK/HSP27 and downregulation of MAPK phosphatase‐1 (MKP‐1) in the lung tissue. Dex treatment partially attenuated lung inflammation, while the cotreatment of Dex and SB239063 effectively reduced lung inflammation, inhibited airway remodelling, inactivated p38 MAPK/HSP27 and upregulated MKP‐1 in the lung tissue.ConclusionsOzone exposure aggravated airway inflammation, airway remodelling, activation of p38 MAPK and downregulation of MKP‐1 in OVA‐sensitized and ‐challenged mice, which was ineffectively controlled by corticosteroids. p38 MAPK activation is a likely pathway involved in corticosteroid insensitivity.
Assessment of salivary total antioxidant levels and oral health status in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Subramaniam Priya , Girish Babu KL , Mohan Das Lakshmi 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTDown syndrome (DS) is an autosomal chromosomal disorder caused by trisomy of all or a critical part of chromosome 21. Individuals with DS have high levels of oxidative stress throughout their lifespan. It has been suggested that levels of antioxidants could be altered in response to an infection or disease. Aim: To assess the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), and sialic acid (SA) of saliva in children with DS and its relation to their oral health status. Materials and methods: Thirty‐four noninstitutionalized children in the age group of 7–12 years having DS formed the study group. The control group consisted of 34 normal, healthy children. The W.H.O. criteria were used for diagnosis and recording of dental caries. Oral hygiene status was assessed using the simplified oral hygiene index. Estimation of TAC, NO, and SA levels in saliva was done. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: In comparison to normal children, DS children showed significantly lower TAC of saliva and significantly higher salivary SA levels. In both groups of children, dental caries was higher in primary dentition when compared to their permanent dentition.
Availability of informal caregivers in surviving stroke patients in Belgium
Authors: Francois Silke , Borgermans Liesbeth , Van Casteren Viviane , Vanthomme Katrien , Devroey Dirk 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveTo quantify the availability of informal caregivers in surviving stroke patients residing at home in Belgium.MethodsNational estimates on the availability of informal caregivers were made using data from a nationwide observational registration of family physicians working in sentinel practices and a nationwide administrative database for reimbursement of hospitals in Belgium.ResultsA total of 189 Belgian family physicians (FPs) from 141 practices participated in the study and recorded 326 patients (144 men and 182 women) with stroke. These FPs reach 1.5% of the Belgian population. After 1 month, 71% of the male and 75% of the female stroke survivors received support from family caregivers (p = 0.547). After 6 months, the percentage of male patients who received support from family caregivers decreased to 60% compared with 75% in female (p = 0.038). Of all patients with stroke admitted to Belgian hospitals during the reference year 2009 (n = 16.437), 8.997 returned home. Based on the findings from the sentinel practices, it is estimated that a mean of 73% (n = 6.568) and 67.5% (n = 6.073) of surviving patients with stroke can rely on informal caregivers in their home setting after one and 6 months, respectively.ConclusionsA vast majority of surviving stroke patients in Belgium can rely on informal caregivers in their home setting, but their availability rapidly decreases 6 months after the event. These findings underline the importance of proactive health policy making in stroke care taking into account the potentially decreasing number of available informal caregivers in the decades to come.
Late Neogene sequence stratigraphic evolution of the Foz do Amazonas Basin, Brazil
Authors: Gorini Christian , Haq Bilal U. , dos Reis Antonio Tadeu , Silva Cleverson Guizan , Cruz Alberto , Soares Emilson , Grangeon Didier 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe margin of the Foz do Amazonas Basin saw a shift from predominantly carbonate to siliciclastic sedimentation in the early late Miocene. By this time, the Amazon shelf had also been incised by a canyon that allowed direct influx of sediment to the basin floor, thus confirming that the palaeo‐Amazon fan had already initiated by that time (9.5–8.3 Ma). Above this interval, during a prolonged lowstand, Messinian third‐order sequences are preserved only in the incised‐valley fills of the canyon with no equivalent strata on the shelf. Third‐ and fourth‐order sequences younger than Messinian are preserved on the shelf after sea‐level rise above the shelf by the early Pliocene. Sequences younger than 3.8 Ma often show fourth‐order cyclicity with an average duration of 400 ka (larger scale eccentricity cycles) often preserved in high‐sedimentation‐rate areas of river deltas. Mass wasting and transportation of slope sediments to the basin began to play an important role in sediment dispersal at least as far back as the mid‐Pliocene, after rapid progradation had produced steeper slopes more prone to failure.
Psychosocial correlates of the motivation to abstain from sexual intercourse among Indonesian adolescents
Authors: Leerlooijer Joanne N. , Ruiter Robert A. C. , Damayanti Rita , Rijsdijk Liesbeth E. , Eiling Ellen , Bos Arjan E. R. , Kok Gerjo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractObjectivesAdolescents in Indonesia have limited access to sexuality education, resulting in increased risk of sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies. This study aimed to understand psychosocial correlates of sexual abstinence intentions to inform future sexuality education.MethodsData were collected in 79 secondary schools among 2315 students, aged 14–20 years, in Jambi, Lampung, Jakarta and Bali. A self‐completed questionnaire measured attitudes, risk perception, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control and intentions towards sexual abstinence.ResultsSignificant associations with intention to abstain from sexual intercourse were found for experience with sexual intercourse, perceived behavioural control, attitude and subjective norms of peers and parents, explaining 31% of the variance in abstinence intention.ConclusionsTo promote adolescents' informed sexual decision‐making, sexuality education programmes in Indonesia may benefit from addressing past sexual behaviour and perceived behavioural control, subjective norms of peers and attitudes.
T‐cell suppression by red blood cells is dependent on intact cells and is a consequence of blood bank processing
Authors: Long Kristin , Meier Cindy , Bernard Andrew , Williams Dennis , Davenport Dan , Woodward Jerold 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundRed blood cells (RBCs) suppress T‐cell responsiveness through a mechanism requiring cell–cell contact. Questions remain as to whether this effect is an allogeneic response, related to cell death, or dependent on particular components of the RBCs.Study Design and MethodsPeripheral T cells were isolated from healthy donors and exposed to stored allogeneic RBCs or autologous RBCs after processing. RBCs were lysed by hypotonic solvent to produce cellular ghosts. Tritiated thymidine proliferation assays were utilized. Cultures were saturated with interleukin (IL)‐2 to determine whether impaired IL‐2 synthesis played a role.ResultsT‐cell proliferation was suppressed by both autologous and allogeneic RBCs. RBC membrane integrity does enhance T‐cell suppression. T‐cell death is not responsible for the suppressive changes. IL‐2 synthesis is suppressed in RBC‐exposed T cells but addition of exogenous IL‐2 does not rescue proliferative capabilities. Proliferation of T cells was inhibited with RBC exposure but mitigated with the addition of fresh RBCs.ConclusionsT‐cell suppression is enhanced by intact RBCs but this effect is unrelated solely to alloantigens. Neither apoptosis nor necrosis of T cells contributes to this phenomenon. IL‐2 synthesis is suppressed after RBC exposure as a consequence of T‐cell inhibition, but is not the primary cause of suppression. Fresh RBCs do not mediate T‐cell suppression, indicating that changes in the RBC and development of the storage lesion may occur during initial blood bank processing.
The Natural Diyne-Furan Fatty Acid EV-086 Is an Inhibitor of Fungal Delta-9 Fatty Acid Desaturation with Efficacy in a Model of Skin Dermatophytosis
Authors: Knechtle Philipp , Diefenbacher Melanie , Greve Katrine B. V. , Brianza Federico , Folly Christophe , Heider Harald , Lone Museer A. , Long Lisa , Meyer Jean-Philippe , Roussel Patrick , Ghannoum Mahmoud A. , Schneiter Roger , Sorensen Alexandra S. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

Human fungal infections represent a therapeutic challenge. Although effective strategies for treatment are available, resistance is spreading, and many therapies have unacceptable side effects. A clear need for novel antifungal targets and molecules is thus emerging. Here, we present the identification and characterization of the plant-derived diyne-furan fatty acid EV-086 as a novel antifungal compound. EV-086 has potent and broad-spectrum activity
in vitro
against
Candida
,
Aspergillus
, and
Trichophyton
spp., whereas activities against bacteria and human cell lines are very low. Chemical-genetic profiling of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
deletion mutants identified lipid metabolic processes and organelle organization and biogenesis as targets of EV-086. Pathway modeling suggested that EV-086 inhibits delta-9 fatty acid desaturation, an essential process in
S. cerevisiae
, depending on the delta-9 fatty acid desaturase
OLE1
. Delta-9 unsaturated fatty acids—but not saturated fatty acids—antagonized the EV-086-mediated growth inhibition, and transcription of the
OLE1
gene was strongly upregulated in the presence of EV-086. EV-086 increased the ratio of saturated to unsaturated free fatty acids and phosphatidylethanolamine fatty acyl chains, respectively. Furthermore, EV-086 was rapidly taken up into the lipid fraction of the cell and incorporated into phospholipids. Together, these findings demonstrate that EV-086 is an inhibitor of delta-9 fatty acid desaturation and that the mechanism of inhibition might involve an EV-086–phospholipid. Finally, EV-086 showed efficacy in a guinea pig skin dermatophytosis model of topical
Trichophyton
infection, which demonstrates that delta-9 fatty acid desaturation is a valid antifungal target, at least for dermatophytoses.
Moxifloxacin Population Pharmacokinetics and Model-Based Comparison of Efficacy between Moxifloxacin and Ofloxacin in African Patients
Authors: Zvada Simbarashe P. , Denti Paolo , Sirgel Frederick A. , Chigutsa Emmanuel , Hatherill Mark , Charalambous Salome , Mungofa Stanley , Wiesner Lubbe , Simonsson Ulrika S. H. , Jindani Amina , Harrison Thomas , McIlleron Helen M. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

Pharmacokinetic exposure and the MIC of fluoroquinolones are important determinants of their efficacy against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. Population modeling was used to describe the steady-state plasma pharmacokinetics of moxifloxacin in 241 tuberculosis (TB) patients in southern Africa. Monte Carlo simulations were applied to obtain the area under the unbound concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (
f
AUC
0–24
) after daily doses of 400 mg or 800 mg moxifloxacin and 800 mg ofloxacin. The MIC distributions of ofloxacin and moxifloxacin were determined for 197 drug-resistant clinical isolates of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. For a specific MIC, the probability of target attainment (PTA) was determined for target
f
AUC
0–24
/MIC ratios of ≥53 and ≥100. The PTAs were combined with the MIC distributions to calculate the cumulative fraction of response (CFR) for multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
strains. Even with the less stringent target ratio of ≥53, moxifloxacin at 400 mg and ofloxacin at 800 mg achieved CFRs of only 84% and 58% for multidrug-resistant isolates with resistance to an injectable drug, while the 800-mg moxifloxacin dose achieved a CFR of 98%. Using a target ratio of ≥100 for multidrug-resistant strains (without resistance to injectable agents or fluoroquinolones), the CFR was 88% for moxifloxacin and only 43% for ofloxacin, and the higher dose of 800 mg moxifloxacin was needed to achieve a CFR target of >90%. Our results indicate that moxifloxacin is more efficacious than ofloxacin in the treatment of MDR-TB. Further studies should determine the optimal pharmacodynamic target for moxifloxacin in a multidrug regimen and clarify safety issues when it is administered at higher doses.
Maternal Administration of Solithromycin, a New, Potent, Broad-Spectrum Fluoroketolide Antibiotic, Achieves Fetal and Intra-Amniotic Antimicrobial Protection in a Pregnant Sheep Model
Authors: Keelan Jeffrey A. , Kemp Matthew W. , Payne Matthew S. , Johnson David , Stock Sarah J. , Saito Masatoshi , Fernandes Prabhavathi , Newnham John P. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

Solithromycin (CEM-101) is a new antibiotic that is highly potent against
Ureaplasma
and
Mycoplasma
spp. and active against many other antibiotic-resistant organisms. We have explored the maternal-amniotic-fetal pharmacokinetics of CEM-101 in a pregnant sheep model to assess its potential for treating intrauterine and antenatal infection. Chronically catheterized pregnant ewes (
n
= 6 or 7) received either a single maternal intravenous (i.v.) infusion of CEM-101 (10 mg/kg of body weight), a single intra-amniotic (i.a.) injection (1.4 mg/kg of estimated fetal weight), or a combined i.v. and i.a. dose. Maternal plasma (MP), fetal plasma (FP), and amniotic fluid (AF) samples were taken via catheter at intervals of 0 to 72 h postadministration, and concentrations of solithromycin and its bioactive polar metabolites (
N
-acetyl [NAc]–CEM-101 and CEM-214) were determined. Following maternal i.v. infusion, peak CEM-101 concentrations in MP, FP, and AF were 1,073, 353, and 214 ng/ml, respectively, representing a maternal-to-fetal plasma transfer efficiency of 34%. A single maternal dose resulted in effective concentrations (>30 ng/ml) in MP, FP, and AF sustained for >12 h. NAc–CEM-101 and CEM-214 exhibited delayed accumulation and clearance in FP and AF, resulting in an additive antimicrobial effect (>48 h). Intra-amniotic solithromycin injection resulted in elevated (∼50 μg/ml) and sustained CEM-101 concentrations in AF and significant levels in FP, although the efficiency of amniotic-to-fetal transfer was low (∼1.5%). Combined i.v. and i.a. administration resulted in primarily additive concentrations of CEM-101 in all three compartments. Our findings suggest that CEM-101 may provide, for the first time, an effective antimicrobial approach for the prevention and treatment of intrauterine infection and early prevention of preterm birth.
Novel Chimeric Lysin with High-Level Antimicrobial Activity against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus In Vitro and
In Vivo
Authors: Yang Hang , Zhang Yun , Yu Junping , Huang Yanling , Zhang Xian-En , Wei Hongping 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

The treatment of infections caused by methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is a challenge worldwide. In our search for novel antimicrobial agents against MRSA, we constructed a chimeric lysin (named as ClyH) by fusing the catalytic domain of Ply187 (Pc) with the non-SH3b-like cell wall binding domain of phiNM3 lysin. Herein, the antimicrobial activity of ClyH against MRSA strains
in vitro
and
in vivo
was studied. Our results showed that ClyH could kill all of the tested clinical isolates of MRSA with higher efficacy than lysostaphin as well as its parental enzyme. The MICs of ClyH against clinical
S. aureus
strains were found to be as low as 0.05 to 1.61 mg/liter. In a mouse model, a single intraperitoneal administration of ClyH protected mice from death caused by MRSA, without obvious harmful effects. The present data suggest that ClyH has the potential to be an alternative therapeutic agent for the treatment of infections caused by MRSA.
Role of Connexin 43 in Helicobacter pylori VacA-Induced Cell Death
Authors: Radin Jana N. , González-Rivera Christian , Frick-Cheng Arwen E. , Sheng Jinsong , Gaddy Jennifer A. , Rubin Donald H. , Algood Holly M. Scott , McClain Mark S. , Cover Timothy L. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

Helicobacter pylori
colonizes the human stomach and confers an increased risk for the development of peptic ulceration, noncardia gastric adenocarcinoma, and gastric lymphoma. A secreted
H. pylori
toxin, VacA, can cause multiple alterations in gastric epithelial cells, including cell death. In this study, we sought to identify host cell factors that are required for VacA-induced cell death. To do this, we analyzed gene trap and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) libraries in AZ-521 human gastric epithelial cells and selected for VacA-resistant clones. Among the VacA-resistant clones, we identified multiple gene trap library clones and an shRNA library clone with disrupted expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) (also known as gap junction protein alpha 1 [GJA1]). Further experiments with
Cx43
-specific shRNAs confirmed that a reduction in
Cx43
expression results in resistance to VacA-induced cell death. Immunofluorescence microscopy experiments indicated that VacA did not colocalize with Cx43. We detected production of the Cx43 protein in AZ-521 cells but not in AGS, HeLa, or RK-13 cells, and correspondingly, AZ-521 cells were the most susceptible to VacA-induced cell death. When Cx43 was expressed in HeLa cells, the cells became more susceptible to VacA. These results indicate that Cx43 is a host cell constituent that contributes to VacA-induced cell death and that variation among cell types in susceptibility to VacA-induced cell death is attributable at least in part to cell type-specific differences in Cx43 production.