bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Changes in Plasma Adrenocorticotropic Hormone and α‐Melanocyte‐Stimulating Hormone in Response to Thyrotropin‐Releasing Hormone in Normal, Aged Horses
Authors: Funk R.A. , Stewart A.J. , Wooldridge A.A. , Kwessi E. , Kemppainen R.J. , Behrend E.N. , Zhong Q. , Johnson A.K. 
Published: April 2011

Background:Results of diagnostic tests for equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), including endogenous ACTH concentration and the overnight dexamethasone suppression test (DST), are affected by season. New and potentially more sensitive diagnostic tests for equine PPID, such as thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH)‐stimulated ACTH response, have been developed, but have had limited evaluation of seasonality.Objective:Our purpose was to evaluate seasonal changes in plasma ACTH and alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) responses to TRH administration.Animals:Nine, healthy, aged horses with normal DST results.Methods:Synthetic TRH (1 mg) was administered IV. Plasma ACTH and α‐MSH concentrations were measured at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, 60, and 180 minutes. Testing was performed in February, July, August, September, October, and November. Mean TRH‐stimulated ACTH and α‐MSH concentrations were compared across months and time by repeated measures analysis of variance. Significance was set at theP< .05 level.Results:Concentrations of ACTH and α‐MSH significantly increased after TRH administration. Endogenous and TRH‐stimulated ACTH and α‐MSH concentrations were significantly different across months with higher concentrations in the summer and fall compared with February.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Plasma ACTH and α‐MSH responses to TRH administration experience seasonal variation, with TRH‐stimulated ACTH and α‐MSH concentrations increasing from summer through fall. These results support previous evidence of a seasonal influence on the equine pituitary‐adrenal axis. More research is warranted with a larger number of horses to determine if seasonal reference ranges for TRH stimulation testing need to be defined.
Pharmaceutical applications of cyclodextrins: effects on drug permeation through biological membranes
Authors: Loftsson Thorsteinn , Brewster Marcus E 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Objectives
Cyclodextrins are useful solubilizing excipients that have gained currency in the formulator's armamentarium based on their ability to temporarily camouflage undesirable physicochemical properties. In this context cyclodextrins can increase oral bioavailability, stabilize compounds to chemical and enzymatic degradation and can affect permeability through biological membranes under certain circumstances. This latter property is examined herein as a function of the published literature as well as work completed in our laboratories.

Key findings
Cyclodextrins can increase the uptake of drugs through biological barriers if the limiting barrier component is the unstirred water layer (UWL) that exists between the membrane and bulk water. This means that cyclodextrins are most useful when they interact with lipophiles in systems where such an UWL is present and contributes significantly to the barrier properties of the membrane. Furthermore, these principles are used to direct the optimal formulation of drugs in cyclodextrins. A second related critical success factor in the formulation of cyclodextrin-based drug product is an understanding of the kinetics and thermodynamics of complexation and the need to optimize the cyclodextrin amount and drug-to-cyclodextrin ratios. Drug formulations, especially those targeting compartments associated with limited dissolution (i.e. the eye, subcutaneous space, etc.), should be carefully designed such that the thermodynamic activity of the drug in the formulation is optimal meaning that there is sufficient cyclodextrin to solubilize the drug but not more than that. Increasing the cyclodextrin concentration decreases the formulation ‘push’ and may reduce the bioavailability of the system.

Conclusions
A mechanism-based understanding of cyclodextrin complexation is essential for the appropriate formulation of contemporary drug candidates.
Concordance between Two Phenotypic Assays and Ultradeep Pyrosequencing for Determining HIV-1 Tropism
Authors: Saliou Adrien , Delobel Pierre , Dubois Martine , Nicot Florence , Raymond Stéphanie , Calvez Vincent , Masquelier Bernard , Izopet Jacques ,   the ANRS AC11 Resistance Study Group
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThere have been few studies on the concordance between phenotypic assays for predicting human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) coreceptor usage. The sensitivity of ultradeep pyrosequencing combined with genotyping tools is similar to that of phenotypic assays for detecting minor CXCR4-using variants. We evaluated the agreement between two phenotypic assays, the Toulouse tropism test (TTT) and the Trofile assay, and ultradeep pyrosequencing for determining the tropism of HIV-1 quasispecies. The concordance between the TTT and Trofile assays was assessed for 181 samples successfully phenotyped by both assays. The TTT was 86% concordant with the standard Trofile assay and 91.7% with its enhanced-sensitivity version. The concordance between phenotypic characterization of HIV-1 tropism and ultradeep pyrosequencing genotypic prediction was further studied in selected samples. The HIV-1 tropism inferred from ultradeep pyrosequencing of 11 samples phenotyped as X4 and dualtropic and 12 phenotyped as R5-tropic agreed closely with the results of phenotyping. However, ultradeep pyrosequencing detected minor CXCR4-using variants in 3 of 12 samples phenotyped as R5-tropic. Ultradeep pyrosequencing also detected minor CXCR4-using variants that had been missed by direct sequencing in 6 of 9 samples phenotyped as X4-tropic but genotyped as R5-tropic by direct sequencing. Ultradeep pyrosequencing was 87% concordant with the Trofile and TTT phenotypic assays and was in the same range of sensitivity (0.4%) than these two phenotypic assays (0.3 to 0.5%) for detecting minor CXCR4-using variants. Ultradeep pyrosequencing provides a new way to improve the performance of genotypic prediction of HIV-1 tropism to match that of the phenotypic assays.
A satellite DNA evolutionary analysis in the North American endemic dioecious plantRumex hastatulus(Polygonaceae)
Authors: Quesada del Bosque M.E. , Navajas-Pérez R. , Panero J.L. , Fernández-González A. , Garrido-Ramos M.A. 
Published: April 2011

We studied the evolution of RAE180 satellite DNA family in the North American endemic dioecious plant Rumex hastatulus . In this species, the Texas race is characterized by a single XX/XY sex chromosome system, whereas the North Carolina race has evolved a derived complex XX/XY1Y2sex chromosome system. RAE180 repeats were autosomic and poorly represented (2 × 10–4% of the genome) with no differences between individuals of different genders or different races of R. hastatulus. In fact, the sex chromosomes of the North Carolina race are still euchromatic, and they have not accumulated satellite DNA sequences, which contrasts with that occurring in the rest of dioecious XX/XY1Y2Rumex species. In R. hastatulus, we detected the existence of three RAE180 subfamilies. Notwithstanding, while in the Texas race the TX1/NC1 subfamily is the most frequent, the TX2/NC2 subfamily is the most abundant in the North Carolina race. Additionally, the third, less represented subfamily (TX3/NC3) appears currently as relict sequences in both genomes. A common feature of RAE180 satellite is the sudden replacement of one sequence variant by another in different species (or populations as in R. hastatulus races). Thus, the phylogenetic analysis of RAE180 repeats from six dioecious Rumex species supports the “library” hypothesis. According to this hypothesis, we assume that a set of divergent RAE180 variants were present in the ancestral genome of dioecious Rumex species, from which novel tandem arrays originated by the amplification of different variants in different lineages. Differential levels of RAE180 satellite DNA amplification in each lineage, at different evolutionary times, and in different chromosomal positions gave rise to differential patterns of sequence evolution.
Carboniferous Scaphopoda (Mollusca) and non-scaphopods from Scotland
Authors: Yochelson E. L. 
Published: April 2011

Synopsis
This study of the Palaeozoic Scaphopoda collection of National Museums Scotland (NMS) is concerned exclusively with material of Carboniferous age. A type specimen, described in 1825, is reconfirmed as a member of ‘Vermes’ rather than Mollusca. Most of the collection is in several informal groups ranging from probable worm tubes though possible worm tubes to Cephalopoda. One new species of a valid member of the Scaphopoda is identified in the collection.
Fracture size, frequency, and strain in the Cambrian Eriboll Formation sandstones, NW Scotland
Authors: Hooker J. N. , Laubach S. E. , Gomez L. , Marrett R. , Eichhubl P. , Diaz-Tushman K. , Pinzon E. 
Published: April 2011

Synopsis
We investigated fracture intensity of the Cambrian Eriboll Formation sandstone exposures west of the Palaeozoic Moine Thrust Belt (MTB) in NW Scotland, by measuring the number and size of fractures encountered per unit length along lines of observation orientated perpendicular to fracture strike. Eriboll Formation sandstones have at least five fracture sets, each of which includes penetrative arrays of opening-mode microfractures (quartz-filled micro-veins). The size distributions of the fractures can be described by power laws over more than three orders of magnitude. The observed power-law equation parameters suggest that strain is dominated by the largest fractures present in each set; however, field evidence suggests that opening-mode fractures with apertures greater than 1 cm are rare. Strain from microscopic fractures is heterogeneous compared with strain caused by fractures that are sufficiently wide (0.1 mm and above) to be measured on exposures, reflecting greater variation in fracture size apparent at microscopic scales. Although size patterns are from sets formed at different times, consistent cumulative frequency versus aperture slopes suggests that a common mechanism governs organization of fracture sizes. The penetrative sets of natural fractures within the Eriboll Formation record a strain history spanning burial, Caledonian orogenesis, and uplift.
IL‐1b, IL‐6 and IL‐8 Levels in Gyneco‐Obstetric Infections
Authors: Basso Beatriz , Giménez Francisco , López Carlos 
Published: April 2011

Objective. During pregnancy cytokines and inflammatory mediators stimulate the expression of prostaglandin, the levels of which determine the onset of labor. The aim of this work was to study interleukin IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐8 levels in the vaginal discharge, serum and urine of pregnant women with genitourinary infection before and after specific treatment. One hundred and fifty‐one patients were studied during the second or third trimester of their pregnancy.Methods. The selected patients were: healthy or control group (n = 52), those with bacterial vaginosis (n = 47), those with vaginitis (n = 37), those with asymptomatic urinary infection (n = 15) and post‐treatment. The level of cytokines was assayed by ELISA test. The Mann–Whitney U‐test was used for statistical analysis.Results. The IL‐1β levels in vaginal discharge were: control 103.5 ± 24.2 pg/ml, bacterial vaginosis 1030 ± 59.5, vaginitis
749.14 ± 66.7l (p < 0.0001), post‐treatment 101.4 ± 28.7. IL‐6 values were similar in both control and infected groups, and there were no patients with chorioamnionitis. In vaginal discharge IL‐6: control 14.2 ± 3.9 pg/ml, bacterial vaginosis 13.2 ±3.8, vaginitis 13 ±4.2. IL‐8 levels were: control 1643 ± 130.3 pg/ml, bacterial vaginosis 2612.7 ±257.7, vaginitis 3437 ± 460 (p < 0.0001), post‐treatment 1693 ±126.6. In urine the results were: control 40.2 ±17 pg/ml, asymptomatic urinary infection 1200.7 ±375 (p < 0.0001). In patients with therapeutic success both IL‐1β and IL‐8 returned to normal levels.Conclusions. Genitourinary infections induce a significant increase in IL‐1β and IL‐8 levels in vaginal secretions, and IL‐8 in urine as well. Both cytokines could be useful as evolutive markers of infection.
Complexity of Vaginal Microflora as Analyzed by PCR DenaturingGradient Gel Electrophoresis in a Patient With Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis
Authors: Devillard Estelle , Burton Jeremy P. , Reid Gregor 
Published: April 2011

Objective:Gardnerella vaginalis has long been the most common pathogen associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV). We aimed to test our hypothesis that symptoms and signs of BV do not necessarily indicate colonization by this organism, and often will not respond to standard metronidazole or clindamycin treatment.Methods: Using a relatively new molecular tool, PCR denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), the vaginal microflora of a woman with recalcitrant signs and symptoms of BV was investigated over a 6‐week timeframe.Results: The vagina was colonized by pathogenic enterobacteriaceae, staphylococci and Candida albicans. The detection of the yeast by PCR‐DGGE is particularly novel and enhances the ability of this tool to examine the true nature of the vaginal microflora. The patient had not responded to antifungal treatment, antibiotic therapy targeted at anaerobic Gram‐negative pathogens such as Gardnerella, nor daily oral probiotic intake of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. The failure to find the GG strain in the vagina indicated it did not reach the site, and the low counts of lactobacilli demonstrated that therapy with this probiotic did not appear to influence the vaginal flora.Conclusions: BV is not well understood in terms of its causative organisms, and further studies appear warranted using non‐culture, molecular methods. Only when the identities of infecting organisms are confirmed can effective therapy be
devized. Such therapy may include the use of probiotic lactobacilli, but only using strains which confer a benefit on the vagina of pre‐ and postmenopausal women.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease During the Post‐Partum Year
Authors: Mahon Barbara E. , Temkit M′hamed , Wang Jane , Rosenman Marc B. , Katz Barry P. 
Published: April 2011

Objective. To investigate the occurrence of, and risk factors for, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) occurring during the
post‐partum year.Methods. Demographic and clinical data for women who delivered a term infant with 5‐minute Apgar score ≥ 8 from 1992
through 1999 at a large urban hospital were extracted from an electronic medical record system.Results. During the study period, 15 206 deliveries occurred among 12 549 women. PID was diagnosed during the postpartum
year of 148 (1.0%) deliveries. In univariate analysis, young age, black race, and both pre‐delivery history and postpartum
diagnosis of chlamydial and gonococcal infection were associated with PID. In multivariate analysis, only young age
and a positive test for gonorrhea before delivery or post‐partum were independent predictors of PID.Conclusions. Pelvic inflammatory disease was diagnosed during the post‐partum year in 1% of women studied. Young
maternal age was an important demographic risk factor. Further investigation of post‐partum STD acquisition and
progression to PID is needed to determine whether women are at increased risk following delivery.
Opportunities to Reduce Overuse of Antibiotics for Perinatal Group BStreptococcal Disease Prevention and Management of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes
Authors: Glass Nina E. , Schulkin Jay , Chamany Shadi , Riley Laura E. , Schuchat Anne , Schrag Stephanie 
Published: April 2011

Objective: To identify opportunities to reduce overuse of antibiotics for prevention of perinatal group B streptococcal (GBS) disease and management of preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM).Methods: An anonymous written questionnaire was sent to each of 1031 Fellows of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the responses were subjected to statistical analysis.Results: Among those of the 404 respondents who saw obstetric patients in 2001, most (84%) screened for GBS colonization, and 22% of these prescribed prenatal antibiotics to try to eradicate GBS colonization. Of the 382 respondents
(95%) who prescribed antibiotics for pPROM, 36% continued antibiotics for more than 7 days despite negative results from GBS cultures collected before initiation of treatment. Having more years of clinical experience (adjusted odds ratio (OR)
3.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5 to 6.2), working in a non‐academic setting (adjusted OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.0 to 6.9), and prescribing antibiotics prenatally for GBS colonization (adjusted OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.4) were associated with prescribing prolonged antibiotics for pPROM.Conclusion: Prenatal antibiotic treatment for GBS colonization and prolonged antibiotic treatment for pPROM contribute to overuse of antibiotics in obstetrics.
Physical Activity and Survival in Postmenopausal Women with Breast Cancer: Results from the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Irwin Melinda L. , McTiernan Anne , Manson JoAnn E. , Thomson Cynthia A. , Sternfeld Barbara , Stefanick Marcia L. , Wactawski-Wende Jean , Craft Lynette , Lane Dorothy , Martin Lisa W. , Chlebowski Rowan 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Although studies have shown that physically active breast cancer survivors have lower all-cause mortality, the association between change in physical activity from before to after diagnosis and mortality is not clear. We examined associations among pre- and postdiagnosis physical activity, change in pre- to postdiagnosis physical activity, and all-cause and breast cancer–specific mortality in postmenopausal women. A longitudinal study of 4,643 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer after entry into the Women's Health Initiative study of postmenopausal women. Physical activity from recreation and walking was determined at baseline (prediagnosis) and after diagnosis (assessed at the 3 or 6 years post-baseline visit). Women participating in 9 MET-h/wk or more (∼3 h/wk of fast walking) of physical activity before diagnosis had a lower all-cause mortality (HR = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.44–0.87; P = 0.01) compared with inactive women in multivariable adjusted analyses. Women participating in ≥9 or more MET-h/wk of physical activity after diagnosis had lower breast cancer mortality (HR = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.35–0.99; P = 0.049) and lower all-cause mortality (HR = 0.54; 95% CI, 0.38–0.79; P &lt; 0.01). Women who increased or maintained physical activity of 9 or more MET-h/wk after diagnosis had lower all-cause mortality (HR = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.46–0.96) even if they were inactive before diagnosis. High levels of physical activity may improve survival in postmenopausal women with breast cancer, even among those reporting low physical activity prior to diagnosis. Women diagnosed with breast cancer should be encouraged to initiate and maintain a program of physical activity. Cancer Prev Res; 4(4); 522–9. ©2011 AACR.
Stress Influences on Anoikis
Authors: Sood Anil K. , Lutgendorf Susan K. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
It long has been suspected that psychosocial factors affect cancer development and progression. Although the connections between stress and cancer causation are not strong, epidemiologic and clinical studies have provided strong links between cancer progression and several stress-related factors including chronic stress, depression, and social isolation. Recent molecular and biological studies have identified specific signaling pathways that influence cancer growth and metastasis. In particular, stress hormones can have a significant impact on protecting cancer cells from undergoing the anoikis form of programmed cell death, thus, providing a mechanistic advantage for metastasis. This review provides an overview of the relationship between psychosocial factors and the avoidance of anoikis by cancer cells. Cancer Prev Res; 4(4); 481–5. ©2011 AACR.
Phase IIA Trial Testing Erlotinib as an Intervention against Intraductal Pancreatic Mucinous Neoplasms
Authors: Lipkin Steven , Lee John , Imagawa David , Hewitt Stephen M. , Tucker Chris , Zell Jason A. , Wong Vanessa , Garcia Angela , Gonzalez Rachel , Zanna Gary Della , Richmond Ellen , Rodriguez L.M. , Bigg M , Schnoll-Sussmans F , Meyskens Frank 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) are a distinct type of precursor lesions that cause about 5% of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (1, 2). Four-year survival rates of 40% to 75% are reported (3–7). There is currently no chemotherapy specifically approved for treating IPMNs. The number of IPMN cases has significantly increased over the last decade (8). Cancer Prev Res; 4(4); 512–3. ©2011 AACR.
The Ninth Annual American Association for Cancer Research International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research
Authors: Xu Li , Wang Sophia S. , Healey Megan A. , Faupel-Badger Jessica M. , Wilken Jason A. , Battaglia Tracy , Szabo Eva , Mao Jenny T. , Bergan Raymond C. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
The Ninth Annual AACR Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research conference was held in Philadelphia in November 7–10, 2010. Its thematic focus was “Prevention: From Basic Science to Public Health Benefit.” Telomere plasticity, the microenvironment, inflammation, transformation to the metastatic phenotype, and pathways to obesity were highlighted as important elements of carcinogenesis amenable to intervention. The integration of information from novel technologies related to physical biology, molecular and genetic profiles, and imaging along with behavioral and clinical parameters have advanced risk stratification and early detection. Cancer prevention represents a powerful testing ground for the development of individually tailored intervention and for increasing the efficiency of drug discovery. Advances in clinical trials relate to more efficient design strategies, have shown first-in-human targeting capabilities, and have developed powerful strategies to overcome accrual barriers. Tailored intervention strategies now show high efficacy on large cohorts across several cancer types. These successes are expected to increase. Cancer Prev Res; 4(4); 616–21. ©2011 AACR.
Colorectal Cancer Survivorship: Movement Matters
Authors: Denlinger Crystal S. , Engstrom Paul F. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractColorectal cancer survivorship begins at diagnosis and continues throughout life. After diagnosis, survivors face the possibility of second cancers, long-term effects of cancer treatment, and comorbid conditions. Interventions that can provide primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention in this population are important. Physical activity has been shown to decrease colon cancer incidence and recurrence risk as well as improve quality of life and noncancer health outcomes including cardiovascular fitness in colon cancer survivors. The data are less robust for rectal cancer incidence and recurrence, although improvements in quality of life and health outcomes in rectal cancer survivors are also seen. Potential mechanisms for this benefit may occur through inflammatory or insulin-like growth factor pathways. The issues of colorectal cancer survivorship and the impact of physical activity on these issues are reviewed, with discussion of possible biologic mechanisms, barriers to physical activity intervention studies, and future research directions for physical activity in this burgeoning survivor population. Cancer Prev Res; 4(4); 502–11. ©2011 AACR.