bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of GABAB receptor binding sites on rat whole brain synaptic membranes
Authors: Bowery N.G. , Hill D.R. , Hudson A.L. 
Published: September 2011

Saturable binding of (±)‐[3H]‐baclofen and [3H]‐γ‐aminobutyric acid ([3H]‐GABA) to rat brain crude synaptic membranes has been examined by means of a centrifugation assay.
The binding of [3H]‐baclofen could be detected in fresh or previously frozen tissue and was dependent on the presence of physiological concentrations of Ca2+ or Mg2+ although a lower affinity Na+‐dependent component could also be observed. Both components probably reflect binding to receptor recognition sites.
The saturable portion of bound [3H]‐baclofen formed 20.3 ± 6.9% of total bound ligand. This could be displaced by GABA (IC50 = 0.04 μm), (–)‐baclofen (0.04 μm) and to a much lesser extent by (+)‐baclofen (33 μm). Isoguvacine, piperidine‐4‐sulphonic acid and bicuculline methobromide were inactive (up to 100 μm) and muscimol was only weakly active (IC50 = 12.3 μm).
Saturable binding of [3H]‐GABA increased on adding CaCl2 or MgSO4 (up to 2.5 Mm and 5.0 Mm respectively) to the Tris‐HCl incubation solution. This binding (GABAB site binding) was additional to the bicuculline‐sensitive binding of GABA (GABAA site binding) and could be completely displaced by (–)‐baclofen (IC50 = 0.13 μm).
Increasing the Ca2+ concentration (0 to 2.5 Mm) increased the binding capacity of the membranes without changing their affinity for the ligand.
The binding of [3H]‐GABA to GABAB sites could be demonstrated in fresh as well as previously frozen membranes with a doubling of the affinity being produced by freezing. Further incubation with the non‐ionic detergent Triton‐X‐100 (0.05% v/v) reduced the binding capacity by 50%.
The pharmacological profile of displacers of [3H]‐GABA from GABAB sites correlated well with that for [3H]‐baclofen displacement. A correlation with data previously obtained in isolated preparations of rat atria and mouse vas deferens was also apparent.
It is concluded that [3H]‐baclofen or [3H]‐GABA are both ligands for the same bicuculline‐insensitive, divalent cation‐dependent binding sites in the rat brain.
The channel‐blocking action of methonium compounds on rat submandibular ganglion cells
Authors: Gurney A.M. , Rang H.P. 
Published: September 2011

The effects of drugs of the polymethylene bis‐trimethylammonium (methonium) series on the characteristics of the synaptic currents (e.s.cs) recorded from voltage‐clamped rat submandibular ganglion cells have been studied. The drugs studied were from C4 to C10 (decamethonium).
All of the drugs except C4 shortened the initial decay phase of the e.s.c.; C9 and C10 produced an additional slowly decaying component. These effects were interpreted in terms of an open channel block mechanism, the calculated rate constants for association with the open channel at − 80 mV being fairly similar (5.9 × 106 to 18.1 × 106M−1 s−1) for all of the compounds except C4, which had no effect on the e.s.c. decay.
All of the compounds produced use‐dependent block when tested with short trains of stimuli at 10 Hz, or with trains of ionophoretic pulses of acetylcholine, consistent with their channel blocking property. Tubocurarine had a similar effect, but not trimetaphan or mecamylamine.
Recovery from use‐dependent block with short chain methonium compounds, up to C8, was very slow in the absence of agonist, being incomplete even after several minutes. With C9 or C10 or tubocurarine, recovery from use‐dependent block was complete within a few seconds. With C6 recovery in the absence of agonist was unaffected by membrane potential, but could be accelerated by applying acetylcholine with the cell depolarized to − 40 mV. This persistent block was ascribed to the ability of the blocking molecule to become trapped by closure of the channel. With C9 and C10 it is assumed that their presence inhibits channel closure, so they can escape without the help of agonist.
When use‐dependent block is avoided by leaving the ganglion unstimulated during equilibration with the blocking drug, the first e.s.c. elicited shows no appreciable reduction of amplitude, though with C6, C7 or C8 subsequent responses elicited at 0.1 Hz become progressively more blocked.
Even at 1 Mm, C6 does not prevent acetylcholine from opening ionic channels.
It is concluded that all of the effects on e.s.c. amplitude can be interpreted in terms of channel block, there being no evidence of any receptor blocking action.
Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio: a new marker for predicting steatohepatitis and fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Alkhouri Naim , Morris‐Stiff Gareth , Campbell Carla , Lopez Rocio , Tamimi Tarek Abu‐Rajab , Yerian Lisa , Zein Nizar N. , Feldstein Ariel E. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundNonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the most severe form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is associated with inflammation and increased oxidative stress. The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (N/L) integrates information on the inflammatory milieu and physiological stress.AimsThe aim of this study was to determine the utility of N/L ratio to predict the presence of NASH in patients with NAFLD.MethodsOur cohort consisted of 101 consecutive patients undergoing liver biopsy for clinical suspicion of NAFLD. Patients were divided into two groups: NASH group (n = 50) and not NASH group (n = 51). The stage of fibrosis was measured using a 4‐point scale. The total white cell count, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were recorded, and the N/L ratio was calculated.ResultsThe mean age was 49.5 (±10.8) years and the mean BMI was 31.4 (±4.9) kg/m2. Patients with NASH had a higher N/L ratio compared with patients with not NASH [2.5 (1.9–3.3) and 1.6 (1.2–2.0), respectively, P < 0.001]. The N/L ratio correlated with the NAFLD activity score and its individual components (steatosis, inflammation and ballooning P < 0.001). Patients with advanced fibrosis (F3‐4) had an elevated N/L ratio [2.9 (2.0–3.9)] compared with patients with fibrosis stage 1–2 [1.8 (1.2–2.2)], P < 0.001. For each one‐unit increase in N/L ratio, the likelihood of having NASH increased by 70% and the likelihood of having fibrosis increased by 50%.ConclusionThe N/L ratio is higher in patients with NASH and advanced fibrosis. This ratio can be used as a novel noninvasive marker to predict advanced disease.
Comparison of the Accuracy of Radiography and Ultrasonography for Detection of Articular Lesions in Horses
Authors: Hinz Antje , Fischer Andrew T. 
Published: September 2011

ObjectiveTo compare the accuracy of ultrasonographic and radiographic examination for evaluation of articular lesions in horses.Study DesignCross‐sectional study.AnimalsHorses (n = 137) with articular lesions.MethodsRadiographic and ultrasonographic examinations of the affected joint(s) were performed before diagnostic or therapeutic arthroscopic surgery. Findings were recorded and compared to lesions identified during arthroscopy.ResultsIn 254 joints, 432 lesions were identified by arthroscopy. The overall accuracy was 82.9% for ultrasonography and 62.2% for radiography (P < .0001) with a sensitivity of 91.4% for ultrasonography and 66.7% for radiography (P < .0001). The difference in specificity was not statistically significant (P = .2628). The negative predictive value for ultrasonography was 31.5% and 13.2% for radiography (P = .0022), the difference for the positive predictive value was not statistically significant (P = .3898). The accuracy for ultrasonography and radiography for left versus right joints was equal and corresponded with the overall results.ConclusionsUltrasonographic evaluation of articular lesions was more accurate than radiographic evaluation.
Predictors of Pain Medication Selection Among Patients Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia
Authors: Boulanger Luke , Wu Ning , Chen Shih‐Yin , Nagar Saurabh , Fraser Kimberly , Bernauer Mark J. , Zhao Zhenxiang , Zhao Yang 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectives:  Several pharmacologic therapies have been recommended for managing fibromyalgia. However, the factors associated with each treatment initiation have not been well established. This study assessed factors that were associated with the use of duloxetine vs. other pain medications among patients with fibromyalgia.Research Design and Methods:  Administrative claims from a large, U.S. commercially insured population were analyzed using a retrospective cohort design. Patients with fibromyalgia who were 18 to 64 years old and initiated duloxetine vs. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), venlafaxine, gabapentin, pregabalin, tramadol, or nontramadol opioids between January 1, 2007 and December 12, 2008 were selected. Treatment initiation was defined as no access to the same medication over the previous 90 days, with the most recent initiation date as the index date. All patients selected had at least one fibromyalgia diagnosis (ICD‐9‐CM: 729.1) in the 12 months prior to initiation of each study medication. Multiple logistic regression models were estimated to assess the predictors of initiating duloxetine vs. each of the other medications.Results:  The study included 117,305 patients with fibromyalgia (48 years of age on average; 76% women) who initiated duloxetine (n = 5,827), SSRIs (n = 8,620), TCAs (n = 5,424), venlafaxine (n = 2,038), gabapentin (n = 5,733), pregabalin (n = 11,152), tramadol (n = 7,312), or nontramadol opioids (n = 71,199). Common fibromyalgia‐related comorbidities were low back pain (31% to 49%), osteoarthritis (14% to 21%), and sleep disturbance (10% to 15%). Controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics, patients who received pregabalin in the prior 12‐month period were more likely to initiate duloxetine. Patients from other treatment cohorts, except for those in the pregabalin and nontramadol opioid cohorts, were more likely to re‐initiate the same prior medication than to begin treatment with duloxetine. Other predictors of duloxetine initiation included history of rheumatoid and sleep disturbance.Conclusions:  The presence of select comorbidities and prior use of certain medications were associated with the duloxetine initiation among working‐age, commercially insured patients with fibromyalgia.
The role of genetic variability in the SLC6A4, BDNF and GABRA6 genes in anxiety‐related traits
Authors: Arias B. , Aguilera M. , Moya J. , Sáiz P. A. , Villa H. , Ibáñez M. I. , García‐Portillo M. P. , Bobes J. , Ortet G. , Fañanás L. 
Published: September 2011

Arias B, Aguilera M, Moya J, Sáiz PA, Villa H, Ibáñez MI, García‐Portillo MP, Bobes J, Ortet G, Fañanás L. The role of genetic variability in the SLC6A4, BDNF and GABRA6 genes in anxiety‐related traits.Objective:  The aims of this study were to test the individual association of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4), the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) and the GABAAα6 receptor subunit gene (GABRA6) with anxiety‐related traits and to explore putative gene–gene interactions in a Spanish healthy sample.Method:  A sample of 937 individuals from the general population completed the Temperament and Character Inventory questionnaire to explore Harm Avoidance (HA) dimension; a subsample of 553 individuals also filled in the Big Five Questionnaire to explore the Neuroticism dimension. The whole sample was genotyped for the 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism (SLC6A4 gene), the Val66Met polymorphism (BDNF gene) and the T1521C polymorphism (GABRA6 gene).Results:  Homozygous individuals for the T allele of the T1512C polymorphism presented slightly higher scores for HA than C allele carriers (F = 2.96, P = 0.019). In addition, there was a significant gene–gene interaction on HA between the 5‐HTTLPR and Val66Met polymorphisms (F = 3.4, P = 0.009).Conclusion:  GABRA6 emerges as a candidate gene involved in the variability of HA. The effect of a significant gene–gene interaction between the SLC6A4 and BDNF genes on HA could explain part of the genetic basis underlying anxiety‐related traits.
Soft tissue volume augmentation by the use of collagen‐based matrices in the dog mandible – a histological analysis
Authors: Thoma Daniel S. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Cochran David L. , Jones Archie A. , Görlach Christoph , Uebersax Lorenz , Mathes Stephanie , Graf‐Hausner Ursula , Jung Ronald E. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectivesThe aim was to test, whether or not soft tissue volume augmentation with a specifically designed collagen matrix (CM), leads to ridge width gain in chronic ridge defects similar to those obtained by an autogenous subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG).Material and MethodsIn six dogs, soft tissue volume augmentation was performed by randomly allocating three treatment modalities to chronic ridge defects [CM, SCTG and sham‐operated control (Control)]. Dogs were sacrificed at 28 (n = 3) and 84 days (n = 3). Descriptive histology and histomorphometric measurements were performed on non‐decalcified sections.ResultsSCTG and CM demonstrated favourable tissue integration, and subsequent re‐modelling over 84 days. The overall mean amount of newly formed soft tissue (NMT) plus bone (NB) amounted to 3.8 ± 1.2 mm (Control), 6.4 ± 0.9 mm (CM) and 7.2 ± 1.2 mm (SCTG) at 28 days. At 84 days, the mean NMT plus NB reached 2.4 ± 0.9 mm (Control), 5.6 ± 1.5 mm (CM) and 6.0 ± 2.1 mm (SCTG). Statistically significant differences were observed between CM/SCTG and Control at both time‐points (p < 0.05).ConclusionWithin the limits of this animal model, the CM performed similar to the SCTG, based on histomorphometric outcomes combining NB and NMT.
Marathon of eponyms: 21 Urbach‐Wiethe disease (Lipoid proteinosis)
Authors: Scully C , Langdon J , Evans J 
Published: September 2011

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 729–730The use of eponyms has long been contentious, but many remain in common use, as discussed elsewhere (Editorial: Oral Diseases. 2009: 15; 185). The use of eponyms in diseases of the head and neck is found mainly in specialties dealing with medically compromised individuals (paediatric dentistry, special care dentistry, oral and maxillofacial medicine, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology and oral and maxillofacial surgery) and particularly by hospital‐centred practitioners. This series has selected some of the more recognized relevant eponymous conditions and presents them alphabetically. The information is based largely on data available from MEDLINE and a number of internet websites as noted below: the authors would welcome any corrections. This document summarizes data about Urbach‐Wiethe disease.
Determination of H5N1 vaccine potency using reference antisera from heterologous strains of influenza
Authors: Vodeiko Galina M. , Weir Jerry P. 
Published: September 2011

Please cite this paper as: Vodeiko and Weir (2011). Determination of H5N1 vaccine potency using reference antisera from heterologous strains of influenza. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(3), 176–187.Background  Standardization of inactivated influenza vaccines by hemagglutinin (HA) content is performed by the single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) method. Regulatory agencies prepare, calibrate, and distribute SRID reagent standards necessary for testing of seasonal influenza vaccines, and a similar process is used to produce potency reagents for candidate pandemic influenza vaccines that are manufactured for emergency stockpiles.Objectives  Because of the concerns in generating a timely strain‐specific potency antiserum for an emerging pandemic virus, we evaluated the feasibility of using heterologous potency reference antiserum as a replacement for a strain‐specific (homologous) antiserum in the SRID potency assay for stockpiled H5N1 vaccines.Results  The results indicate that a heterologous H5N1 antiserum can be used to determine the accurate potency of inactivated H5N1 influenza vaccines. Additionally, when H5N1 vaccine was subjected to an accelerated stability protocol, both homologous and heterologous antisera provided similar measurements of vaccine potency decline. Limitations to the heterologous antiserum approach to potency determination were shown by the inability of antiserum to recent seasonal H1N1 viruses to work in an SRID assay with the 2009 pandemic H1N1 A/California/07/2009 antigen.Conclusions  The data demonstrate the feasibility of using heterologous antiserum for potency determination of at least some candidate vaccines in case of a shortage or delay of homologous antiserum. Further, the results suggest the prudence of stockpiling a broad library of potency reagents including many strains of influenza viruses with pandemic potential to provide an added measure of assurance that reagent production would not be a bottleneck to vaccine production during a pandemic.
Are BOLD searches scientific? A response to Federhen (2011)
Authors: MILLAR CRAIG D. , WAUGH JOHN , LAMBERT DAVID M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIn 2011 Waugh et al. presented the results of a DNA barcoding study that identified avian species involved in birdstrikes. Federhen (2011) criticised this study by suggesting that some of the sequences on which identifications were based were not publicly available because access to them in the Barcode of Life database was restricted. Hence, according to Federhen (2011) the study is not repeatable. We disagree and discuss the role of databases in DNA barcoding generally.
BOLD’s role in barcode data management and analysis: a response
Authors: RATNASINGHAM S. , HEBERT P. D. N. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractDNA barcoding is a very effective tool for the identification of specimens when a carefully validated and taxonomically comprehensive library of reference DNA barcodes is available. Libraries meeting this criterion are now available for some taxonomic groups in some geographic regions, provoking their use as a tool for the identification of samples that would otherwise remain as unknowns. In this article, we emphasize the need for caution in the interpretation of identifications based on a reference library with entries that have seen limited validation. We also emphasize the need for the deposition of sequence records for ‘unknowns’ so that presumptive identifications can be tested by other researchers and updated as the barcode reference library gains increased coverage and validation.
OmpA‐like protein influences cell shape and adhesive activity of Tannerella forsythia
Authors: Abe T. , Murakami Y. , Nagano K. , Hasegawa Y. , Moriguchi K. , Ohno N. , Shimozato K. , Yoshimura F. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryTannerella forsythia, a gram‐negative fusiform rod, is implicated in several types of oral anaerobic infections. Most gram‐negative bacteria have OmpA‐like proteins that are homologous to the OmpA protein in Escherichia coli. We identified an OmpA‐like protein in T. forsythia encoded by the tf1331 gene as one of the major proteins by mass spectrometric analysis. Two‐dimensional, diagonal electrophoresis showed that the OmpA‐like protein formed a dimeric or trimeric structure via intermolecular disulfide bonds. A biotin labeling experiment revealed that a portion of the protein was exposed on the cell surface, even though T. forsythia possesses an S‐layer at the outermost cell surface. Using a tf1331‐deletion mutant, we showed that the OmpA‐like protein affected cell morphology. The length of the mutant cell was reduced almost by half. Cell swelling was observed in more than 40% of the mutant cells. Moreover, the mutant exhibited decreased adhesion to fibronectin, retarded autoaggregation, and reduced cell surface hydrophobicity. These results suggest that the OmpA‐like protein in T. forsythia plays an important role in cellular integrity and adhesive function.
Current Best Practices for Respiratory Virus Testing
Authors: Ginocchio Christine C. , McAdam Alexander J. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTDiagnostic testing for respiratory viruses has been revolutionized by recent advances that have made rapid and highly accurate tests accessible to clinical laboratories, and it is important that these improved methods be utilized. Accurate detection of respiratory viruses is important in patient care, as it guides both therapy and infection control measures. On a larger scale, the CDC and its collaborating laboratories collect both data and isolates from clinical laboratories for national surveillance, and the use of high-quality tests in clinical laboratories can improve the quality of these data.
Rapid PCR-Based Molecular Pathotyping of H5 and H7 Avian Influenza Viruses
Authors: Leijon Mikael , Ullman Karin , Thyselius Susanna , Zohari Siamak , Pedersen Janice C. , Hanna Amanda , Mahmood Sahar , Banks Jill , Slomka Marek J. , Belák Sándor 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT
While the majority of avian influenza virus (AIV) subtypes are classified as low-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (LPAIV), the H5 and H7 subtypes have the ability to mutate to highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) in poultry and therefore are the etiological agents of notifiable AIV (NAIV). It is of great importance to distinguish HPAIV from LPAIV variants during H5/H7 outbreaks and surveillance. To this end, a novel and fast strategy for the molecular pathotyping of H5/H7 AIVs is presented. The differentiation of the characteristic hemagglutinin (HA) protein cleavage sites (CSs) of HPAIVs and LPAIVs is achieved by a novel PCR method where the samples are interrogated for all existing CSs with a 484-plex primer mixture directly targeting the CS region. CSs characteristic for HP or LP H5/H7 viruses are distinguished in a seminested duplex real-time PCR format using plexor fluorogenic primers. Eighty-six laboratory isolates and 60 characterized NAIV-positive clinical specimens from poultry infected with H5/H7 both experimentally and in the field were successfully pathotyped in the validation. The method has the potential to substitute CS sequencing in the HA gene for the determination of the molecular pathotype, thereby providing a rapid means to acquire additional information concerning NAIV outbreaks, which may be critical to their management. The new assay may be extended to the LP/HP differentiation of previously unknown H5/H7 isolates. It may be considered for integration into surveillance and control programs in both domestic and wild bird populations.