bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition by propofol of [3H]‐batrachotoxinin‐A 20‐α‐benzoate binding to voltage‐dependent sodium channels in rat cortical synaptosomes
Authors: Ratnakumari L. , Hemmings H.C. 
Published: July 2012

Propofol (2,6 di‐isopropylphenol), an intravenous general anaesthetic, blocks voltage‐dependent Na+ channels (Na+ channels). In this study the interaction between propofol and Na+ channels was analysed by examining its effects on neurotoxin binding to various receptor sites of the Na+ channel in rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes.
Propofol (10–200 μm) exhibited concentration‐dependent inhibition of equilibrium binding of [3H]‐batrachotoxinin‐A 20‐α‐benzoate ([3H]‐BTX‐B) to receptor site 2 of the Na+ channel (mean IC50 = 26 μm; 6.5 μm free). Scatchard analysis revealed that propofol significantly increased the KD without affecting the Bmax for [3H]‐BTX‐B binding.
Kinetic studies of [3H]‐BTX‐B binding in the presence of various concentrations (25–200 μm) of propofol showed no significant changes in the association rate of [3H]‐BTX‐B. However, propofol at 200 μm significantly increased the rate of dissociation of [3H]‐BTX‐B, consistent with an indirect allosteric competitive mechanism of inhibition.
[3H]‐saxitoxin binding to receptor site 1 and [3H]‐brevetoxin‐3 binding to receptor site 5 of the Na+ channel were not inhibited by propofol (10–200 μm).
Propofol (10–100 μm) exhibited concentration‐dependent inhibition of veratridine‐evoked Na+ influx either in the absence or presence of scorpion toxin with IC50 values of 46 μm (8.8 μm free) and 44 μm (8.5 μm free), respectively.
These results suggest that propofol inhibits voltage‐dependent Na+ channels due to a preferential interaction with the inactivated state of the channel. Blockade of Na+ channels by propofol, which is known to inhibit glutamate release from synaptosomes, may contribute to its anaesthetic, anticonvulsant and neuroprotective properties.
A functional polymorphism in PER3 gene is associated with prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Binyu , Lu Jianguo , Yin Jikai , Liu Hanqiang , Guo Xu , Yang Yefa , Ge Naijian , Zhu Yong , Zhang Hongxin , Xing Jinliang 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have revealed that circadian genes play important roles in cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle control, DNA damage response and treatment response of chemotherapy agents in cancers.AimsWe hypothesized that the polymorphisms in circadian genes may be associated with prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE).MethodsTwelve functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in circadian negative feedback regulation genes (including
CRY1, CRY2, PER1, PER2 and
PER3) were genotyped using Sequenom iPLEX genotyping method in 337 HCC patients treated with TACE and analysed for associations with overall survival.ResultsOur data showed that one SNP rs2640908 in
PER3 gene was significantly associated with overall survival of HCC patients (P = 0.027). Patients carrying at least one variant allele of rs2640908 (WV + VV) had a significantly decreased risk of death (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.53–0.90), when compared with those carrying homozygous wild‐type alleles (WW). Kaplan–Meier analyses showed a significantly longer median survival time in patients with WV + VV genotypes of SNP rs2640908 than those with WW genotype (11.6 months vs. 8.1 months; log rank P = 0.030). In addition, we also observed a significant difference on the genotype distribution of SNP rs2640908 in patients with and without portal vein thrombus (P = 0.041).ConclusionsOur study provides the first evidence that a single functional polymorphism of
PER3 gene is significantly associated with overall survival in HCC patients treated with TACE.
Indwelling Cephalic or Saphenous Vein Catheter Use for Regional Limb Perfusion in 44 Horses with Synovial Injury Involving the Distal Aspect of the Limb
Authors: Kelmer Gal , Tatz Amos , Bdolah‐Abram Tali 
Published: July 2012

ObjectiveTo describe indwelling cephalic or saphenous vein catheter use for intravenous regional limb perfusion (ID‐IV‐RLP) to treat horses with synovial injury (contamination/infection) of the distal aspect of the limb.Study DesignRetrospective case series.AnimalsHorses (n = 44; 45 limbs) treated with proximal ID‐IV‐RLP.MethodsHorses had ID‐IV‐RLP using a cephalic (21 limbs) or saphenous (24 limbs) vein. Amikacin was the most frequently used antibiotic. Number of perfusions ranged from 3 to 21 (median 7). A cast was applied to 14 injured limbs (1 tube cast, 1 full‐limb cast, 2 foot casts, and 10 half‐limb casts).ResultsSynovial sepsis of the distal portion of 87% of limbs (39) resolved, and 61% of horses returned to soundness. Catheter‐related complications occurred in 27% of the limbs but were not significantly associated with outcome. Presence of osteomyelitis was significantly associated with a poor outcome.ConclusionsID‐IV‐RLP using the cephalic or saphenous vein is an alternative to traditional RLP. An indwelling catheter provided prolonged venous access and facilitated successive perfusions.
Stability of Monosulfate in the Presence of Iron
Authors: Dilnesa Belay Zeleke , Lothenbach Barbara , Renaudin Guillaume , Wichser Adrian , Wieland Erich 
Published: July 2012

Monosulfate (3CaO·(AlxFe1x)2O3·CaSO4·12H2O) is an AFm phase that can be formed during the hydration of cement. Fe‐containing monosulfate and (Al,Fe) mixed monosulfate were synthesized and characterized. Fe‐monosulfate is composed of a positively charged main layer [Ca2Fe(OH)6]+ and a negatively charged interlayer [1/2SO4·3H2O]−, crystallizes in the trigonal symmetry, and is isotypic with Al‐monosulfate. The solubility product at 25°C was determined to be −31.57. The formation of solid solution due to Al‐Fe substitution in the main layer structure of monosulfate was observed. Based on the evolution of the unit cell parameters and the thermodynamic investigations, a presence of solid solution from 0.0 to 0.45 Al/(Al + Fe) ratio and a miscibility gap in the range 0.45 < Al/(Al + Fe) ratio <0.95 is suggested.
How do obese people afford to be obese? Consumption strategies of Russian households
Authors: Staudigel Matthias 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis article investigates the extent to which Russian households that differ in their members’ weight status adjust their food consumption differently when their economic resources change. Using household‐panel data from the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS) from 1995 to 2005, we estimate total expenditure elasticities of food expenditures, food quantities, and food quality for normal‐weight, overweight, and obese households, respectively. The expenditure elasticities of quality derived for obese households for meat, bread, fruits, and dairy were found to be 15–20% higher than those of normal households. Hence, a change in economic resources causes obese households to adjust the quality of purchased foods significantly more flexibly than normal‐weight households. Only few differences were found for quantity and expenditure reactions. Our results emphasize that policies aiming to reduce obesity should consider deviations in consumption behavior of normal and obese consumers in terms of quality.
Shock absorption ability of laminate mouth guards in two different malocclusions using fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor
Authors: Bhalla Ashish , Grewal Navneet , Tiwari Umesh , Mishra Vandana , Mehla Nahar Singh , Raviprakash Suryanarain , Kapur Pawan 
Published: July 2012

AbstractPurposeThe majority of orofacial injuries affect the upper jaw, with the maxillary incisors being most prone to injury, often accounting for as many as 80% of all cases. Children with malocclusion in the anterior segment of the maxilla are more prone to traumatic injuries than those exhibiting normal occlusion, because most often the damaging force impacts directly against the maxillary anterior teeth. Hence, because of the difference of dissipation of the impact force because of the presence or absence of malocclusion, the mouthguard's shock absorption capacity would be influenced by certain factors. In the present study, a unique in vitro experiment utilizing fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) as distributed strain sensors was carried out to evaluate the shock absorption ability of laminate customized mouthguards in two different malocclusions compared with normal occlusion.Material and methodsThe impact was produced using a customized pendulum device with three interchangeable impact objects on typhodont models with two different malocclusions and normal occlusion from different heights. Response of gratings was monitored using an optical spectrum analyzer. Strain induced because each impact was determined from the Bragg's wavelength shifts for each grating. For every model, 12 impact strikes were measured using three different impact objects on the two specified sites by releasing the object from two different heights.Results and conclusionsThe laminated mouthguards showed significant variation in shock absorption ability when different malocclusions were compared. Hence, modifications in the original design of the laminated mouthguards should be considered for athletic competitors with malocclusion to provide adequate protection against impact. FBG sensor has shown the unique advantage of high sensitivity to strain measurement and can be used in further studies. The height of the impact is an important variable in determining the shock absorption ability of mouthguards.
The dental trauma internet calculator
Authors: Gerds Thomas Alexander , Lauridsen Eva , Ahrensburg Søren Steno , Andreasen Jens Ove 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground/AimPrediction tools are increasingly used to inform patients about the future dental health outcome. Advanced statistical methods are required to arrive at unbiased predictions based on follow‐up studies.Materials and methodsThe Internet risk calculator at the Dental Trauma Guide provides prognoses for teeth with traumatic injuries based on the Copenhagen trauma database: http://www.dentaltraumaguide.org The database includes 2191 traumatized permanent teeth from 1282 patients that were treated at the dental trauma unit at the University Hospital in Copenhagen (Denmark) in the period between 1972 and 1991. Subgroup analyses and estimates of event probabilities were based on the Kaplan–Meier and the Aalen–Johansen method.ResultsThe Internet risk calculator shows individualized prognoses for the short‐ and long‐term healing outcome of traumatized teeth with the following injuries: concussion, subluxation, extrusion, lateral luxation, intrusion, avulsion, crown fractures without luxation, root fractures and alveolar fractures. The prognoses for pulp necrosis, pulp canal obliteration, infection‐related root resorption, ankylosis, surface resorption, marginal bone loss, and tooth loss were based on the tooth's root development stage and other risk factors at the time of the injury.ConclusionsThis article explains the database, the functionality and the statistical approach of the Internet risk calculator.
Usefulness of cone‐beam CT in the evaluation of a spontaneously healed root fracture case
Authors: Oenning Anne Caroline Costa , de Azevedo Vaz Sergio Lins , Melo Saulo Leonardo Sousa , Haiter‐Neto Francisco 
Published: July 2012

AbstractHorizontal root fractures (HRF) usually affect anterior teeth of male patients as a result of trauma. The consequences can be complex because of combined damage to different tissues, but it has been reported that root fractures undergo healing in majority cases. Diagnosis of HRF must be based on clinical findings, sensibility tests, and radiographic examination. The cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) has already been proven to be superior among other radiographic modalities for diagnostic imaging of root fractures. However, CBCT in these cases needs to be used in a careful manner, and only when the radiation exposure should be justified by the potential diagnostic benefits and improvement of the treatment results. This case report describes a case of spontaneously healed horizontal root fracture with displacement of the fragments and discusses the usefulness of CBCT in the follow‐up of root fractures cases.
Advanced glycation end‐products induce calpain‐mediated degradation of ezrin
Authors: McRobert Elizabeth Anne , Young Andrea N. , Bach Leon A. 
Published: July 2012

Advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) are important mediators of diabetic complications via incompletely understood pathways. AGEs bind to intracellular ERM proteins (ezrin, radixin and moesin) that modulate cell shape, motility, adhesion and signal transduction. AGEs bind to the N‐terminal domain of ezrin but not full‐length ezrin. The AGE binding site may be made accessible either by proteolysis releasing an N‐terminal fragment or ezrin activation by phosphorylation. Increased intracellular calcium is a primary event in cell activation by high glucose or AGEs. Calpain activity is increased concomitantly, and ezrin is a calpain substrate. The present study assessed whether glycated proteins affect ezrin cleavage and activation in renal tubule epithelial cells. After 7 days, AGE‐BSA decreased ezrin levels in MDCK renal tubular cells to 66 ± 4% of control. AGE‐RNAse, ribosylated fetal bovine serum and methylglyoxal‐BSA all had similar effects. The AGE‐BSA‐induced decrease in ezrin was abolished by calpastatin peptide, a specific calpain inhibitor, and 1,2‐bis‐aminophenoxyethane‐tetraacetic acid acetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA‐AM), a calcium chelator. Ezrin breakdown products were increased in AGE‐BSA‐treated cells, with a main fragment of ∼ 43 kDa. In vitro, calpain 1 cleaved recombinant human ezrin, generating breakdown fragments including an N‐terminal fragment of ∼ 43 kDa. Studies with ezrin mutants showed that non‐phosphorylated ezrin was more susceptible to calpain cleavage. AGE‐BSA decreased phosphorylated ERM levels to 31 ± 12% in MDCK cells. Thus, AGE‐BSA promotes calpain‐mediated proteolysis of ezrin in MDCK cells by both increasing calpain activity and reducing phosphorylation. Therapies targeting both glycated proteins and calpain may provide protection against diabetic complications.Structured digital abstract
Calpain‐1 cleaves Ezrin by protease assay (View Interaction: 1, 2)
Crystal structure of the glycosyltransferase SnogD from the biosynthetic pathway of nogalamycin in Streptomyces nogalater
Authors: Claesson Magnus , Siitonen Vilja , Dobritzsch Doreen , Metsä‐Ketelä Mikko , Schneider Gunter 
Published: July 2012

The glycosyltransferase SnogD from Streptomyces nogalater transfers a nogalamine moiety to the metabolic intermediate 3′,4′‐demethoxynogalose‐1‐hydroxynogalamycinone during the final steps of biosynthesis of the aromatic polyketide nogalamycin. The crystal structure of recombinant SnogD, as an apo‐enzyme and with a bound nucleotide, 2‐deoxyuridine‐5′‐diphosphate, was determined to 2.6 Å resolution. Reductive methylation of SnogD was crucial for reproducible preparation of diffraction quality crystals due to creation of an additional intermolecular salt bridge between methylated lysine residue Lys384 and Glu374* from an adjacent molecule in the crystal lattice. SnogD is a dimer both in solution and in the crystal, and the enzyme subunit displays a fold characteristic of the GT‐B family of glycosyltransferases. Binding of the nucleotide is associated with rearrangement of two active‐site loops. Site‐directed mutagenesis shows that two active‐site histidine residues, His25 and His301, are critical for the glycosyltransferase activities of SnogD both in vivo and in vitro. The crystal structures and the functional data are consistent with a role for His301 in binding of the diphosphate group of the sugar donor substrate, and a function of His25 as a catalytic base in the glycosyl transfer reaction.Database
The atomic coordinates and structure factors have been deposited with the RCSB Protein Data Bank under accession numbers 4AMB, 4AMG and 4AN4Structured digital abstract
snogD and snogD bind by x‐ray crystallography (View Interaction: 1, 2)
Leaf growth characteristics of Vitis vinifera and prediction of final lamina length for studies of powdery mildew
Authors: Lee G. , Evans K.J. , Merry A.M. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractTotal functional leaf area is a key factor in determining crop yield. A nonlinear mixed‐effects model was employed to estimate growth responses for individual leaves using repeated measures of lamina length ≥30 mm, in the absence of disease. Resulting growth curves make allowances for, and allow assessment of, leaf to leaf variability. The major source of variability in leaf growth was identified as differences in thermal time required to reach half final lamina length. Juvenile leaves of Vitis vinifera are susceptible to infection by the powdery mildew fungus (Erysiphe necator) which impairs leaf function. The model was used to predict unobserved final lamina length for a subset of leaves inoculated with E. necator immediately after observations ceased. The severity of infection by E. necator varies among infected leaves. A previous study identified which of the inoculated leaves developed symptoms of severe powdery mildew. Maximum severity of infection was found to occur when individual leaves were at 85.3–97.9% of predicted final lamina length.
The Relative Contribution of Specialists and Generalists to Mistletoe Dispersal: Insights from a Neotropical Rain Forest
Authors: Watson David M. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractMistletoes rely on birds for seed dispersal, but the presumed importance of mistletoe‐specialist frugivores has not been critically examined nor compared with generalist frugivores and opportunistic foragers. The contribution of these three groups was compared directly by quantifying bird visitation to fruiting mistletoe plants (Oryctanthus occidentalis:Loranthaceae) atBarroColoradoIsland,Panama, and by comparing these results with proportions calculated from other empirical studies of mistletoe visitation conducted elsewhere. After more than 100 h of timed watches, 23 bird species were recorded visiting eight heavily infected host trees (Luehea seemannii:Tiliaceae). Eight of these species visited mistletoe, of which five (all tyrannids) consumed mistletoe fruit. Although two mistletoe specialist frugivores (Tyrannulus elatusandZimmerius vilissimus) removed most fruit (73%), more than a quarter was consumed by one generalist frugivore (Mionectes oleagineus) and two opportunists (Myiozetetes cayanensisandMyiozetetes similis). Post consumption behaviour varied: the specialists flew from mistletoe to mistletoe, the generalist rested in the subcanopy and understory, and the opportunists spent most time hawking insects and resting high in the canopy. Integrating these data with previous work, the dietary specialization, short gut passage rate and strict habitat preferences of mistletoe specialists suggests that their services relate primarily to intensification and contagious dispersal, while species with broader diets are more likely to visit uninfected trees and establish new infections. The presumed importance of mistletoe‐specialist frugivores was not supported and mistletoes are considered to be comparable to many other bird‐dispersed plants, relying on both specialist and generalist frugivores, while opportunists may be disproportionately important in long‐distance dispersal.
Watermelon Pomace Composition and the Effect of Drying and Storage on Lycopene Content and Color
Authors: Arocho Yaymed D. , Bellmer Danielle , Maness Niels , McGlynn William , Rayas‐Duarte Patricia 
Published: July 2012

AbstractWatermelon pomace has potential use as a food ingredient. Watermelons were juiced, and the remaining pomace was dried using a cabinet dryer and a drum dryer. Fresh pomace was found to have a lycopene content of 0.201 mg/g, about 4.5 times higher than what has been reported for fresh watermelon, making it a concentrated source of lycopene. Lycopene loss occurred for all drying methods with drum drying causing a significant loss. In terms of color, drying resulted in an increase in L* and b* and a decrease in a*. Cabinet drying was found to be the better method for preserving the color and lycopene content of watermelon pomace. Lycopene in dried samples was stable after 1 year of storage for vacuum‐packed samples.Practical ApplicationsWatermelon is an important crop in terms of production and consumption as well as being a rich source of the antioxidant lycopene. Because watermelons are mostly consumed fresh, it is important to create new value‐added products from this crop. To our knowledge, no studies exist using watermelon pomace, and few studies have dealt with the drying of watermelon. This study shows that watermelon pomace is a concentrated source of lycopene and that this trait is preserved even after drying, although some losses occurred. Also, lycopene content was found to be stable after 1 year of frozen storage. Dried watermelon pomace could be used in the future as a potential food ingredient in order to add or increase lycopene content or as a sugar substitute.
Protection of continence in pregnancy, labor and postpartum periods
Authors: Rathfisch Gulay , Kızılkaya Bejı Nezihe 
Published: July 2012

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common problem among women. Pregnancy and labor are the major risk factors for UI among young and middle‐aged women. In some studies, the presence of incontinence before and during pregnancy has been shown to be an independent risk factor for urinary and anal incontinence after delivery and beyond. Recently, the need and consequences of many routine interventions applied during each delivery are questioned on an evidence‐based basis. Episiotomy and interventions (forceps, fundal pressure) at the second phase of delivery result in pelvic floor injury by perineal trauma. Similar interventions during delivery pose a risk for urinary and fecal incontinence. Therefore, episiotomy should be avoided as much as possible during delivery, and spontaneous and non‐interventional labor opportunities should be created.Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is often advised as a conservative management method in UI during pregnancy. Investigations suggest that women with stress, urge or mixed UI should be advised to perform PFMT that is part of the conservative management program. There is some evidence in primiparous women that PFMT may prevent UI on the late weeks of pregnancy and the postpartum period. When postpartum pelvic floor exercises are applied along with feedback, they induce a decrease in postpartum incontinence. Furthermore, motivation and the initiative in reminding women regarding kegel exercises were not found to be effective in the postpartum prevention of UI. Postpartum pelvic floor exercises were not found to be consistent with decreased incidence of fecal incontinence. Multidisciplinary approaches are needed to inform women about the risk of postpartum UI.