bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behavioural and neural responses to aversive visceral stimuli in women with primary dysmenorrhoea
Authors: Böttcher Bettina , Gizewski Elke R. , Siedentopf Christian , Steiger Ruth , Verius Michael , Riedl David , Ischebeck Anja , Schmid Julia , Wildt Ludwig , Elsenbruch Sigrid 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundChronic pelvic pain, in particular dysmenorrhoea, is a significant yet unresolved healthcare problem in gynaecology. As interoceptive sensitivity and underlying neural mechanisms remain incompletely understood, this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study assessed behavioural and neural responses to visceral stimuli in primary dysmenorrhoea (PMD).MethodsWomen with PMD (N = 19) without psychological comorbidity and healthy women (N = 20) were compared with respect to visceral sensory and pain thresholds, and to neural responses to individually calibrated mildly painful and painful rectal distensions implemented during scanning. Trial‐by‐trial ratings of perceived intensity were accomplished with visual analogue scales (VAS).ResultsAlthough women with dysmenorrhoea reported significantly higher chronic pain intensity and pain interference with daily life activities (p < 0.01, assessed with the West Haven‐Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory), there were no differences between groups in visceral sensitivity and mean trial‐by‐trial VAS ratings were virtually identical. Analysis of neural responses revealed activation in brain regions previously shown to be involved in the processing of visceral stimuli with differences between painful and mildly painful stimulation, but no group differences were found even when using a liberal statistical threshold.ConclusionsDysmenorrhoea patients show unaltered perceptual and neural responses to experimental interoceptive stimuli. Despite limited sample size, these negative results argue against a generalized sensitization towards interoceptive stimuli in patients without psychological comorbidities. Future studies should clarify the role of psychosocial factors in central sensitization using more pain region‐specific models in larger and clinically more heterogeneous samples.SignificanceDespite higher chronic pain and pain interference with daily life activities, women with primary dysmenorrhoea do not differ from healthy women with respect to visceral sensitivity or neural processing of aversive interoceptive stimuli induced by rectal distensions. Generalized sensitization may be present only in subgroups with pronounced psychosocial or psychiatric disturbances.
Inflammatory and neuropathic pain conditions do not primarily evoke anxiety‐like behaviours in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Pitzer Claudia , La Porta Carmen , Treede Rolf‐Detlef , Tappe‐Theodor Anke 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundChronic pain is often accompanied by comorbidities like anxiety and depression. The temporal correlations, as well as the underlying mechanisms of these reciprocal correlations, are unclear. Moreover, preclinical studies examining emotional behaviour are very controversial, and a chronological analysis of anxiety‐like behaviour in mouse pain models considering both genders has not been performed so far.MethodsWe used several behavioural tests to assess and validate anxiety‐like behaviour in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and spared nerve injury (SNI) pain models in C57BL/6 mice. Among these were the elevated plus maze test, open field test, hole‐board test and light‐dark test. Additionally, we included a late stage analysis of depression‐like behaviour using the forced swim test. All tests were applied once for each cohort of mice. Importantly, we used C57BL/6N mice of both genders; we investigated the effect of social isolation, the impact of pain induction to either the right or left hind limb and also investigated C57BL/6J mice.ResultsThe validity of test conditions was confirmed using the anxiogenic drugs Yohimbine and Pentylenetetrazol. Anxiety‐like behaviour was analysed throughout the time period when mice exhibited hypersensitivity to mechanical stimuli. We did not observe any consistent alteration in anxiety‐like behaviour at any of the investigated time points between 1 and 14 days following CFA‐induced inflammation or 3 and 84 days following SNI surgery using different behavioural tests.ConclusionsInflammatory and neuropathic pain conditions do not primarily evoke anxiety‐ and depression‐like behavioural alterations within the herein investigated time period.SignificanceAnxiety‐like behaviour is not primarily altered following CFA and SNI in C57BL6 mice, irrespective of the gender, mouse sub‐strain, housing conditions or affected body side within the herein investigated time period.
The Adjective Rating Scale for Withdrawal: Validation of its ability to assess severity of prescription opioid misuse
Authors: Coloma‐Carmona Ainhoa , Carballo José Luis , Rodríguez‐Marín Jesús , van‐der Hofstadt Carlos Javier 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundWithdrawal symptoms have been widely shown to be a useful indicator of the severity of opioid dependence. One of the most used instruments to assess them is the Adjective Rating Scale for Withdrawal (ARSW). However, there is a lack of adaptations and validations for its use with prescription opioids, even less for chronic pain patients under treatment with these analgesics. Thus, the aims of this study were to analyse the psychometric properties and invariance across gender of the ARSW in a sample of chronic noncancer pain patients.MethodsData were collected from 208 consumers of opioid medication, chronic noncancer pain patients. Participants completed sociodemographic, ARSW, prescription opioid dependence (DSM‐IV‐TR) and prescription opioid‐use disorder (DSM‐5) measurements. Gender invariance was assessed through multigroup confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).ResultsThe ARSW showed a unidimensional factor structure and high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.85). Multigroup CFA showed configural, metric, scalar and strict invariances of ARSW across gender. Predictive validity analyses indicated that ARSW has good capacity for identifying the severity of prescription opioid‐use disorder, using both DSM‐IV‐TR and DSM‐5 criteria.ConclusionsThese findings show that the ARSW is a valid and reliable tool for use in the assessment of the withdrawal of prescription opioids in chronic pain patients under treatment with these analgesics, regardless of their gender.SignificanceFindings supported the reliability and validity of the ARSW to assess withdrawal of prescription opioids in individuals with chronic noncancer pain. The instrument can be applied indistinctly in men and women. An increase in the ARSW scores could be used as an indicator of potential risk of prescription opioid‐use disorder during long‐term treatments.
Prevalence of self‐reported chronic pain among adolescents: Evidence from 42 countries and regions
Authors: Gobina Inese , Villberg Jari , Välimaa Raili , Tynjälä Jorma , Whitehead Ross , Cosma Alina , Brooks Fiona , Cavallo Franco , Ng Kwok , de Matos Margarida Gaspar , Villerusa Anita 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundReports of the overall chronic pain prevalence and its associated demographic characteristics among adolescents vary greatly across existing studies. Using internationally comparable data, this study investigates age, sex and country‐level effects in the prevalence of chronic single‐site and multi‐site pain among adolescents during the last six months preceding the survey.MethodsData (n = 214,283) from the 2013/2014 Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children (HBSC) study were used including nationally representative samples of 11‐, 13‐ and 15‐year‐olds from general schools in 42 participating countries. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were used.ResultsThe overall proportion of adolescents reporting chronic weekly pain during the last six months was high (44.2%). On average, in comparison with different specific localized types of single‐site pain, the prevalence of multi‐site pain was more common varying from 13.2% in Armenia to 33.8% in Israel. Adolescent age and sex were strong predictors for reporting pain, but significantly different demographic patterns were found in the cross‐country analyses. The most consistent findings indicate that multi‐site pain was more prevalent among girls across all countries and that the prevalence increased with age.ConclusionsInternationally comparable data suggest that self‐reported chronic pain among adolescents is highly prevalent, but different age and sex patterns across countries exist. Adolescents with chronic pain are not a homogenous group. Chronic pain co‐occurrence and differences in chronic pain characteristics should be addressed in both clinical and public health practice for effective adolescent chronic pain management and prevention.SignificanceChronic pain co‐occurrence is common during adolescence across countries, the prevalence being among girls and in older age groups. Significant cross‐country variations in the chronic pain prevalence and chronic pain patterns among adolescents exist. Significant country differences emerge for specific chronic pain patterns in association with adolescent demographics.
Flexible Lead‐Free Piezoelectric Composite Materials for Energy Harvesting Applications
Authors: Stuber Vincent L. , Deutz Daniella B. , Bennett James , Cannel David , de Leeuw Dago M. , van der Zwaag Sybrand , Groen Pim 
Published: August 2018

AbstractVibrational piezoelectric energy harvesters are being investigated to replace batteries in embedded sensor systems. The energy density that can be harvested depends on the figure of merit, d33g33, where d33 and g33 are the piezoelectric charge and voltage coefficient. Commonly used piezoelectric materials are based on inorganic ceramics, such as lead zirconium titanate (PZT), as they exhibit high piezoelectric coefficients. However, ceramics are brittle, leading to mechanical failure under large cyclic strains and, furthermore, PZT is classified as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC). To circumvent these drawbacks, we fabricated quasi 1–3 potassium sodium lithium niobate (KNLN) ceramic fibers in a flexible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix. The fibers were aligned by dielectrophoresis. We demonstrate for the structured composites values of d33g33 approaching 18 pm3 J−1, comparable to that of state‐of‐the‐art ceramic PZT. This relatively high value is due to the reduced inter‐particle distance in the direction of the electric field. As a confirmation, the stored electrical energy for both material systems was measured under identical mechanical loading conditions. The similar values for KNLN/PDMS and PZT demonstrate that environmentally friendly, lead‐free, mechanically compliant materials can replace state‐of‐the‐art environmentally‐less‐desirable ceramic materials in piezoelectric vibrational energy harvesters.
Metallothionein‐I/II expression associates with the astrocyte DNA damage response and not Alzheimer‐type pathology in the aging brain
Authors: Waller Rachel , Murphy Mark , Garwood Claire J , Jennings Luke , Heath Paul R , Chambers Annabelle , Matthews Fiona E , Brayne Carol , Ince Paul G , Wharton Stephen B , Simpson Julie E ,   on behalf of the Cognitive Function and Ageing Neuropathology Study Group
Published: August 2018

AbstractOxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage are early features of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD), occurring before the formation of classical AD neuropathology, and resulting from an imbalance between pro‐ and anti‐oxidants. Astrocytes play a major neuroprotective role, producing high levels of anti‐oxidants including metallothionein‐I and ‐II (MT‐I/II). In the present study we characterized the immunoreactive profile of MT‐I/II in the temporal cortex of the Cognitive Function and Ageing Study (CFAS) aging population‐representative neuropathology cohort, and examined H2O2‐modulation of MT transcription by human astrocytes. MT‐I/II is primarily expressed by astrocytes in the aging brain, but is also associated with pyramidal neurons in a small proportion of cases. Astrocyte expression of MT‐I/II does not correlate with Alzheimer‐type pathology (Aβ plaques and neurofibrillary tangles) but does relate to astrocyte oxidative DNA damage (rs = .312, p = .006) and the astrocyte response to oxidative DNA damage in vivo (rs = .238, p = .04), and MT gene expression is significantly induced in human astrocytes response to oxidative stress in vitro (p = .01). In contrast, neuronal MT‐I/II does not relate to oxidative DNA damage or the neuronal DNA damage response, but is significantly higher in cases with high levels of local tangle pathology (p = .007). As MT‐I/II is neuroprotective against oxidative stress, modulation of MT‐I/II expression is a potential therapeutic target to treat the onset and progression of cognitive impairment.
Acidic extracellular environment affects miRNA expression in tumors in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Riemann Anne , Reime Sarah , Thews Oliver 
Published: August 2018

Hypoxia can control the expression of miRNAs in tumors which play an important role for the control of the malignant behavior. The aim of the study was to analyze whether extracellular acidosis, a common feature of tumors, also has an impact on the miRNA expression in isolated cells as well as in solid tumors. MiRNA expression was analyzed in two rat tumor cell lines (AT1 prostate and Walker‐256 mammary carcinomas) by NGS and qPCR. In vivo the same cell lines were implanted subcutaneously and the tumor pH was modulated by inspiratory hypoxia and inhibition of the respiratory chain. In addition, the expression of five genes (Brip1, Ercc6l, Ikbke, Per3, Tlr5) which are potential targets of the miRNAs were analyzed on mRNA level.Screening showed that 38 (AT1) resp. 41 (Walker‐256) miRNAs were pH‐dependent. Validation by qPCR revealed that only 4 miRNAs were consistently regulated in both cell lines: miR‐183, miR‐203a, miR‐215 and miR‐7a. The expression of miR‐7a was increased by low pH whereas all others were decreased. In the tumors in vivo all 4 miRNAs were down‐regulated. The potential targets showed pH dependency in both cell lines. In conclusion, extracellular acidosis regulates the expression of miRNAs in vitro and in vivo. The expression of targets of these miRNAs were also pH‐dependent. The pH may therefore affect the biological behavior of tumors via miRNAs.
Prophylactic infusion of calcium gluconate to prevent a symptomatic fall in plasma ionized calcium during therapeutic plasma exchange: A comparison of two methods
Authors: Zhao Yong , Linden Jeanne , Welch Linda , St. Pierre Patricia , Graves Molly , Garrity Danielle , Ducharme Paula , Bailey Jeffrey A. , Greene Mindy , Vauthrin Michelle , Weinstein Robert 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe compared two methods of calcium gluconate infusion to maintain plasma ionized calcium ([Ca2+]) during therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) performed using the Spectra Optia Apheresis System. Method A, our legacy method, consisted of adding 5 mL of 10% calcium gluconate to each 500 mL bottle of 5% albumin replacement fluid. Method B used an accessory IV infusion of calcium gluconate (2 g in 50 mL of 0.9% NaCl starting at 25 mL/h). Plasma [Ca2+] was measured at 20‐minute intervals, and symptoms of hypocalcemia were recorded during TPE. Baseline [Ca2+] was the same (P = 0.616), as was total acid citrate dextrose Formula A used (P = 0.865), with either method. TPE with method A used 2.62 ± 0.52 g of calcium gluconate vs 1.13 ± 0.27 g with method B (P < 0.001). [Ca2+] remained stable with method A (P = 0.251), but fell on average by 5% with method B (P < 0.05). Hypocalcemic symptoms were reported in 0 of 23 TPE with method A and 2 of 24 TPE with method B. We conclude that both methods A and B prevent a symptomatic fall in plasma [Ca2+] during TPE. Method B requires significantly less calcium gluconate than does method A.
The regulatory role of curcumin on platelet functions
Authors: Tabeshpour Jamshid , Hashemzaei Mahmoud , Sahebkar Amirhossein 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCurcumin, the main ingredient of Curcuma longa L., has been used as a spice and as a herbal medicine with different therapeutic characteristics for centuries in Asian countries. This phytochemical has been shown to possess beneficial antiplatelet activity that has introduced it as a promising candidate for the treatment of thromboembolism, atherothrombosis, and inflammatory diseases. Platelet dysfunction under different circumstances may lead to cardiovascular disease, and curcumin has been shown to have beneficial effects on platelet dysfunction in several studies. Therefore, this narrative review is aimed to summarize available evidence on the antiplatelet activity of curcumin and related molecular mechanisms for this activity.
Solid phosphoric acid catalysts based on mesoporous silica for levoglucosenone production via cellulose fast pyrolysis
Authors: Santander José A , Alvarez Mariana , Gutierrez Victoria , Volpe María A 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDBiochemicals are interesting alternatives for biomass valorization owing to their much higher added value compared to biofuels and energy products. Several methods for the production of valuable chemicals such as levoglucosenone (LGO) via thermochemical processes over solid acid catalysts are being investigated due to their important advantages compared to conventional biomass acid impregnation techniques. The present work explores the synthesis of catalytic materials for the production of this platform molecule.RESULTSAluminum‐loaded SBA‐15 mesoporous silica and the corresponding solid phosphoric acid (SPA) catalysts were prepared, characterized by TEM, FTIR, MAS NMR, NH3‐TPD, N2 adsorption, ICP‐AES and titration of ‘free H3PO4’, and tested in cellulose fast pyrolysis. Post‐synthesis Al deposition on the silica support produced an increase of bio‐oil yield and LGO amount in pyrolysis products. The presence of Al in SPA catalysts led to the formation of aluminum phosphates, decreasing the concentration of H3PO4 species in the surface and therefore the LGO levels. The SPAs presented relatively high LGO levels in the GC–MS detectable liquid products (up to 85 peak area%) which was found to be correlated with the amount of free H3PO4 in the solid catalysts.CONCLUSIONAluminum grafting over SBA‐15 is an effective way to increase the selectivity to the target anhydrosaccharide. In SPAs, the presence of Al reduced the easily leachable H3PO4 amount, which is desirable from the point of view of catalyst stability because deactivation is mainly caused by H3PO4 leaching, but also led to lower levels of LGO in bio‐oil. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
A comparison of pneumonia care quality between general physicians and pulmonologists
Authors: Kenzaka Tsuneaki , Kumabe Ayako , Mabuchi Mai , Goda Ken , Yahata Shinsuke 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundWe compared the quality of care for nursing‐ and healthcare‐associated pneumonia (NHCAP) and aspiration pneumonia provided by general physicians and pulmonologists.MethodsQuestionnaires were mailed to 2490 medical facilities across Japan. The questionnaire assessed participants’ implementation of microbiological investigations for NHCAP or aspiration pneumonia, as well as steps taken to prevent pneumonia recurrence (eg, use or discontinuation of drugs associated with swallowing and administration of pneumococcal polysaccharides). Survey results were statistically compared between the two groups using chi‐square tests.ResultsWe received responses from 350 hospitals; of those, medical care for aspiration pneumonia was provided by pulmonologists at 190 hospitals and by general physicians at 79 hospitals. No significant differences were observed between the two groups of physicians for any of the items regarding proactive microbiological investigations or measures for preventing pneumonia recurrence. However, general physicians tended to be more proactive in conducting Gram's stains for sputum, sputum culture inspections, and blood culture tests. They also were more likely to implement measures for preventing pneumonia recurrence such as striving to increase patients’ consciousness levels, reducing medication doses, and discontinuing drugs that cause difficulty with swallowing (response rates of “is done in nearly all cases” were 73.4%, 88.6%, 36.7%, 35.4%, and 40.5%, respectively).ConclusionsThe quality of care provided by general physicians may be on par with pulmonologists in terms of proactive microbiological investigations and preventing pneumonia recurrence.
Mass spectrometric method for distinguishing isomers of dexamethasone via fragment mass ratio: An HRMS approach
Authors: Karatt Tajudheen K. , Nalakath Jahfar , Perwad Zubair , Albert Peter H. , Abdul Khader Karakka Kal , Syed Ali Padusha Mohamedkhan , Laya Saraswathy 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe major challenge in identifying dexamethasone, betamethasone, and paramethasone from a mixture of these corticosteroids is difficulty in achieving an efficient separation. In this study, we aimed to develop an efficient technique to identify these co‐eluting isomers based on the mass spectral patterns of them and their corresponding phase II metabolites after electrospray ionization. Fragmentation pathways in tandem mass spectrometry revealed acceptable specificity within the groups of conjugates. The method was validated using individual isomers and mixtures at various compositions. The effects of concentration and collision energies on fragmentation patterns were also studied extensively. Matrix‐fortified equine urine and plasma samples were also included so that matrix effects and interferences on fragmentation ratios could be elucidated. Preliminary results using biological samples demonstrated the suitability of this analytical strategy for direct measurement from their fragmentation patterns. Possible fragmentation pathways for each isomer were proposed.
Hormetic approaches to the treatment of Parkinson's disease: Perspectives and possibilities
Authors: Calabrese Vittorio , Santoro Aurelia , Trovato Salinaro Angela , Modafferi Sergio , Scuto Maria , Albouchi Ferdaous , Monti Daniela , Giordano James , Zappia Mario , Franceschi Claudio , Calabrese Edward J 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAge‐related changes in the brain reflect a dynamic interaction of genetic, epigenetic, phenotypic, and environmental factors that can be temporally restricted or more longitudinally present throughout the lifespan. Fundamental to these mechanisms is the capacity for physiological adaptation through modulation of diverse molecular and biochemical signaling occurring from the intracellular to the network‐systemic level throughout the brain. A number of agents that affect the onset and progression of Parkinson's disease (PD)‐like effects in experimental models exhibit temporal features, and mechanisms of hormetic dose responses. These findings have particular significance since the hormetic dose response describes the amplitude and range of potential therapeutic effects, thereby affecting the design and conduct of studies of interventions against PD (and other neurodegenerative diseases), and may also be important to a broader consideration of hormetic processes in resilient adaptive responses that might afford protection against the onset and/or progression of PD and related disorders.