bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arterial and microvascular supply of cerebral hemispheres in the nude mouse revealed using corrosion casting and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Sangiorgi Simone , Benedictis Alessandro De , Reguzzoni Marcella , Trezza Andrea , Cossu Silvia , Marras Carlo Efisio , Bellocchi Silvio , Manelli Alessandro , Protasoni Marina 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMorphological analyses of cerebral vascularization are not only important for the characterization of the anatomical and physiological relationships between vascular and nervous tissue, but also required to understand structural modifications that occur in many pathological conditions affecting the brain. The aim of this study was to generate a three‐dimensional vascular map of the cerebral hemispheres in the nude mouse brain, a widely used animal model for studying tumour biology. We used the corrosion casting (CC) technique to isolate blood vessels from 30 nude mouse brains. All casts were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which generated quantitative data regarding vessel length and diameter as well as inter‐vascular and inter‐branching distances. We identified three different topographical regions: (i) the cortical region, characterized by a superficial wide sheet of vessels giving rise to terminal perforant vessels that penetrate the grey matter; (ii) the inner part of the grey matter, in which dense capillary nets form many flake‐like structures extending towards the grey–white matter boundary, where perforant vessels finally change direction and form a well‐defined vascular sheet; and (iii) the white matter layer, characterized by a more disorganized vascular architecture. In this study, we demonstrate the accuracy of the CC‐SEM method in revealing the 3D‐topographical organization of the vascular network of the normal nude mouse brain. These baseline data will serve as a reference for future anatomical investigations of pathological alterations, such as tumour infiltrations, using the nude mouse model.
Role of solid lipid nanoparticles as photoprotective agents in cosmetics
Authors: Jose Jobin , Netto Gladyston 
Published: February 2018

SummaryBackgroundNovel drug delivery systems have gained popularity since last two decades because of its advantages over conventional dosage forms. Effect of UV radiation on skin can cause either acute or chronic damage to our skin. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were developed as novel carrier over the conventional carrier systems like liposomes and emulsions. The SLNs were selected as a carrier for the formulation because of its ability to protect the labile drug particles, the ability to make the drug release in a controlled manner, and occlusive property of the SLNs.ObjectiveThe current review is an attempt to focus on the characteristics of solid lipid nanoparticles, methods for the preparations, and their cosmetic applications along with some future perspectives of the nanodrug delivery systems.MethodsA review of the current literature of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) as novel carrier showed better photoprotection in sunscreens.Results and conclusionsThe disadvantages of conventional sunscreens can be overcome by incorporation of solid lipid nanoparticles. On comparing the lipid nanobased systems with traditional cosmetic products, the occlusion can be achieved without the use of paraffin and other greasy oils. The film formed by lipid nanoparticles will be smooth as compared to the inflexible films formed by the paraffin. Newer approaches may lead to even better results. They also possess excellent UV‐blocking activity and showed better photoprotection.
Effect of hyaluronic acid–enriched transfer medium on frozen–thawed embryo transfer outcomes
Authors: Fu Wei , Yu Min , Zhang Xiao‐Jin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimTo determine if hyaluronic acid–enriched transfer medium (HETM) affects the implantation rate (IR) and clinical pregnancy rate (PR) in women undergoing frozen–thawed embryo transfer (FET).MethodsThe records of women who underwent FET from May 2014 to October 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Outcome measures were IR and PR.ResultsIn all 1721 cycles of 1632 patients were included in this study. HETM was used for 347 cycles of 342 patients, and standard medium for 1374 cycles of 1290 patients. Overall, FET outcomes were similar between the groups. For patients undergoing their first FET attempt, the IR (24.3% vs 31.6%, P = 0.042) and clinical PR (34.3% vs 50.1%, P = 0.004) were lower in the HETM group. For patients undergoing their second FET attempt, pregnancy outcomes were similar between the groups. For patients undergoing their third or more FET attempt, HETM was associated with a higher IR (33.3% vs 16.4%, P < 0.001) and higher PR (52.2% vs 27.4%, P < 0.001).ConclusionsHETM can improve the embryo IR and clinical PR in patients with repeated implantation failure in the third or more FET attempt. However, the use of HETM for first and second FET should be done with caution.
What information can change the attitude of teachers toward the human papillomavirus vaccine?
Authors: Kamada Masaharu , Inui Hiroaki , Kagawa Tomohiro , Mineda Ayuka , Tamura Takao , Fujioka Tomohito , Motoki Takahiro , Hirai Hiroki , Ishii Eiichi , Irahara Minoru 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimWe conducted a self‐administered survey on the perception of teachers toward human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to determine the ways to increase their willingness to encourage its use.MethodsAnswers were obtained both prior to and after having the teachers read five brief information articles: (i) cervical cancer knowledge, (ii) vaccine knowledge, (iii) result of a survey in Nagoya, (iv) news report of the World Health Organization statement and (v) articles written by Dr Muranaka, a journalist.ResultsMost of the respondents (180/247) did not know about the natural history of cervical cancer. Only 36% knew that HPV is the cause of cervical cancer, although 63% knew that HPV vaccine would prevent cervical cancer. Few respondents had knowledge regarding adverse events following immunization and the survey results from Nagoya.Among those who were initially negative for the HPV vaccine, only 43% revealed that they fully understood its safety and only 29% reversed their opinion to recommend vaccination to their daughters and/or students, even after reading our informational material. The most useful information for changing their attitudes was to increase their understanding of vaccines and informing them about Nagoya city survey results. They mostly wanted a proof of the preventive effects of the vaccine on cervical cancer in Japan.ConclusionGynecologists and pediatricians must proactively communicate accurate scientific information to the government and the media to spread awareness among people in Japan. Also, we must try to demonstrate the capabilities of this vaccine to prevent cervical cancer and/or its precancerous lesions.
Prediction and prevention of pre‐eclampsia in Asian subpopulation
Authors: Wataganara Tuangsit , Leetheeragul Jarunee , Pongprasobchai Suchittra , Sutantawibul Anuwat , Phatihattakorn Chayawat , Angsuwathana Surasak 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe benefit of the early administration of aspirin to reduce preterm pre‐eclampsia among screened positive European women from multivariate algorithmic approach (ASPRE trial) has opened an intense debate on the feasibility of universal screening. This review aims to assess the new perspectives in the combined screening of pre‐eclampsia in the first trimester of pregnancy and the chances for prevention using low‐dose aspirin with special emphasis on the particularities of the Asian population. PubMed, CENTRAL and Embase databases were searched from inception until 15 November 2017 using combinations of the search terms: preeclampsia, Asian, prenatal screening, early prediction, ultrasonography, pregnancy, biomarker, mean arterial pressure, soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1, placental growth factor, pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A and pulsatility index. This is not a systematic review or meta‐analysis, so the risk of bias of the selected published articles and heterogeneity among the studies need to be considered. The prevalence of pre‐eclampsia and serum levels of biochemical markers in Asian are different from Caucasian women; hence, Asian ethnicity needs to be corrected for in the algorithmic assessment of multiple variables to improve the screening performance. Aspirin prophylaxis may still be viable in Asian women, but resource implication needs to be considered. Asian ethnicity should be taken into account before implementing pre‐eclampsia screening strategies in the region. The variables included can be mixed and matched to achieve an optimal performance that is appropriate for economical restriction in individual countries.
Ectopic pregnancy in women with recurrent miscarriage
Authors: Ticconi Carlo , Capogna Maria V. , Martelli Federica , Borelli Barbara , Bruno Valentina , Ergasti Raffaella , Sorge Roberto , Piccione Emilio , Pietropolli Adalgisa 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between recurrent miscarriage (RM) and ectopic pregnancy (EP).MethodsIn this case–control retrospective study, the clinical cards of women followed as outpatients in the RM and low‐risk pregnancy offices of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit at the Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital were carefully reviewed for the occurrence of EP.ResultsOverall, 598 women with RM and 2043 normal women without RM (controls) were included in the study. Among these women, 4974 pregnancies were analyzed, in which 2028 miscarriages occurred. The EP rate (3.51%) was significantly higher in RM than in control women (1.51%) [odds ratio = 2.31 (95% confidence interval: 2.3–2.4)]; it was particularly high in women with primary RM (5.11%). However, when EP rates were calculated not by women but by overall pregnancies, no differences could be found between RM and control women. In control women, the absence of a miscarriage in the reproductive history was associated with a lower rate of EP.ConclusionsWomen with RM, particularly primary RM, are at increased risk of EP. This increased risk seems to be dependent on the high number of pregnancies occurring in women with RM rather than to specific characteristics of these women.
Intrathecal pramoxine causes long-lasting spinal sensory and motor block in rats
Authors: Chou An-Kuo , Chiu Chong-Chi , Han Ming-Ming , Chen Yu-Wen , Wang Jhi-Joung , Hung Ching-Hsia 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Objectives
The objective of this experiment was to investigate spinal anaesthetic effects of pramoxine and its comparison with bupivacaine, a long-lasting local anaesthetic.

Methods
After intrathecal injection, three neurobehavioural assessments, which consisted of nociceptive, proprioceptive and motor block, were constructed in rats. The effects of bupivacaine and pramoxine (four doses of each drug) in a dose-related manner were conducted to obtain the ED50 (50% effective dose). Pramoxine potency and duration at provoking spinal nociceptive, proprioceptive and motor block were compared with those of bupivacaine.

Key findings
We manifested that pramoxine provoked dose-relatedly spinal blockades of nociception, proprioception and motor function. Based on the ED50, the rank potency at producing spinal nociceptive, proprioceptive and motor block was bupivacaine (0.90 (0.82–1.02), 1.00 (0.92–1.08) and 1.16 (1.02–1.34) μmol/kg) greater (P &lt; 0.01 for the differences) than pramoxine (15.47 (14.04–17.05), 16.46 (15.06–17.99), and 17.77 (16.48–19.15) μmol/kg). The spinal block duration created by bupivacaine was not predominantly different (P &gt; 0.05 for the differences) from that created by pramoxine at the equipotent doses (ED75, ED50 and ED25).

Conclusions
Our preclinical experiment indicated that pramoxine elicited a dose-related spinal block, was less potent than bupivacaine and had a similar duration of spinal block compared with bupivacaine.
Brief school‐based interventions to assist adolescents’ sleep‐onset latency: Comparing mindfulness and constructive worry versus controls
Authors: Bartel Kate , Huang Chao , Maddock Ben , Williamson Paul , Gradisar Michael 
Published: February 2018

SummaryDifficulties falling asleep are common among adolescents, especially during times of stress. Adolescents may thus benefit from brief techniques (15 min) that decrease pre‐sleep cognitive‐emotional arousal and sleep‐onset latency. The present study used a 3 (intervention: mindfulness bodyscan mp3, constructive worry, control) by 3 (time: baseline, week 1, week 2) mixed‐model design on a school‐based sample of adolescents (N = 232; Mage = 15.9 ± 0.8 years, range = 14–18 years; 19% male), and a sub‐sample of adolescents with prolonged sleep‐onset latency (i.e. ≥30 min; N = 119; Mage = 16.9 ± 0.9 years; 21% male). It was expected that the 15‐min pre‐recorded breath‐based mindfulness bodyscan, and constructive worry, would decrease sleep‐onset latency and pre‐sleep arousal similarly over time, relative to the control condition. A significant interaction was observed among adolescents with prolonged sleep‐onset latency, who completed ≥3 days for at least 1 week (p = .001), where mindfulness decreased sleep‐onset latency relative to constructive worry and the control. Neither technique changed pre‐sleep worry or cognitive‐emotional arousal, or associated daytime functioning (both the whole sample and sub‐sample). A pre‐recorded mp3 breath‐based mindfulness bodyscan technique is a promising means by which adolescents with prolonged sleep‐onset latency can decrease sleep‐onset latency. This simple tool has potential for scalable dissemination by stakeholders (e.g. teachers), unqualified to treat adolescent sleep difficulties. Future studies are needed to determine whether benefits may extend to academic performance and mental health, if performed for a longer time period with increased compliance.
Differences in standard metabolic rate at the range edge versus the center of an expanding invasive population of Xenopus laevis in the West of France
Authors: Louppe V. , Courant J. , Videlier M. , Herrel A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractEmpirical and theoretical studies have investigated the trade‐offs between reproduction, dispersal and/or survival that may arise between individuals at the range edge of an expanding population. The differential allocation of resources to these life‐history traits may then be constrained by the metabolism of an individual. Previous studies of an invasive expanding population of the frog Xenopus laevis in the West of France showed an increase in allocation of resources to dispersal and a decrease in allocation to reproduction in individuals from the range front. The present study focuses on physiological variation through an analysis of the standard metabolic rate (SMR). SMR was analyzed through measurements of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production under resting conditions. Our results show a positive correlation between SMR and individual size and weight, but no difference in body condition is observed between individuals from the center and those from the periphery of the range. Moreover, a decrease in SMR at the periphery was observed in both sexes. Yet, a significant interaction effect between sex and site was observed. Males had a higher SMR than females at the center while females from the periphery showed a higher SMR than males. A lower SMR may allow animals from the periphery to allocate more resources to other functions, such as locomotion, and therefore dispersal. In contrast, the relatively higher SMR in females from the periphery (compared to males) is likely to be driven by the important energetic cost of reproduction in addition to the environmental and demographic constraints at the edge of an expanding population. From the perspective of conservation biology, these results attest to the importance of understanding the biological and evolutionary mechanisms underpinning the selection of traits to estimate the invasive potential of exotic species.
Linking dendroecology and association genetics in natural populations: Stress responses archived in tree rings associate with SNP genotypes in silver fir (Abies alba Mill.)
Authors: Heer K. , Behringer D. , Piermattei A. , Bässler C. , Brandl R. , Fady B. , Jehl H. , Liepelt S. , Lorch S. , Piotti A. , Vendramin G.G. , Weller M. , Ziegenhagen B. , Büntgen U. , Opgenoorth L. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractGenetic association studies in forest trees would greatly benefit from information on the response of trees to environmental stressors over time, which can be provided by dendroecological analysis. Here, we jointly analysed dendroecological and genetic data of surviving silver fir trees to explore the genetic basis of their response to the iconic stress episode of the 1970s and 1980s that led to large‐scale forest dieback in Central Europe and has been attributed to air pollution. Specifically, we derived dendrophenotypic measures from 190 trees in the Bavarian Forest that characterize the resistance, resilience and recovery during this growth depression, and in the drought year in 1976. By focusing on relative growth changes of trees and by standardizing the dendrophenotypes within stands, we accounted for variation introduced by micro‐ and macroscale environmental differences. We associated the dendrophenotypes with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes using general linear models (GLMs) and the machine learning algorithm random forest with subsequent feature selection. Most trees at our study sites experienced a severe growth decline from 1974 until the mid‐1980s with minimum values during the drought year. Fifteen genes were associated with the dendrophenotypes, including genes linked to photosynthesis and drought stress. With our study, we show that dendrophenotypes can be a powerful resource for genetic association studies that permit to account for micro‐ and macroenvironmental variation when data are derived from natural populations. We call for a wider collaboration of dendroecologists and forest geneticists to integrate individual tree‐level dendrophenotypes in genetic association studies.
Characterization of oily mature skin by biophysical and skin imaging techniques
Authors: de Melo M. O. , Maia Campos P. M. B. G. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe skin is a complex biological system and may suffer change according to the environmental factors, as higher temperatures can increase sebum excretion, presenting oiliness and acne. These alterations can persist during the aging and provoke more changes in aged skin. In this study we evaluated the mature oily skin characteristics using biophysical and skin imaging techniques.Material and methodsSixty healthy female subjects, aged between 39 and 55 years old were recruited and separated into 2 groups according to their skin type: normal/dry and oily skin. The skin was evaluated in terms of stratum corneum water content, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) sebum content, dermis thickness and echogenicity, skin microrelief, and pores content.ResultsThe mature oily skin presented no significant differences when compared to the normal/dry skin on the stratum corneum water content and TEWL parameters. The sebum content was significantly higher on the oily skin group. The microrelief analysis showed an increase of skin roughness values in the oily skin and increase of scaliness in the normal/dry skin. The oily skin showed lower dermis echogenicity mainly in the frontal region and higher dermis thickness when compared to normal/dry skin.ConclusionThe mature oily skin showed different characteristics from normal/dry skin in terms of sebum content, microrelief parameters, and dermis thickness. This way, the characterization of mature oily skin in an objective way is very important to development of dermocosmetic products for more effective treatments focused specially on this type of skin.
Potential roles of YCF54 and ferredoxin‐NADPH reductase for magnesium protoporphyrin monomethylester cyclase
Authors: Herbst Josephine , Girke Annabel , Hajirezaei Mohammad Reza , Hanke Guy , Grimm Bernhard 
Published: February 2018

SummaryChlorophyll is synthesized from activated glutamate in the tetrapyrrole biosynthesis pathway through at least 20 different enzymatic reactions. Among these, the MgProto monomethylester (MgProtoME) cyclase catalyzes the formation of a fifth isocyclic ring to tetrapyrroles to form protochlorophyllide. The enzyme consists of two proteins. The CHL27 protein is proposed to be the catalytic component, while LCAA/YCF54 likely acts as a scaffolding factor. In comparison to other reactions of chlorophyll biosynthesis, this enzymatic step lacks clear elucidation and it is hardly understood, how electrons are delivered for the NADPH‐dependent cyclization reaction. The present study intends to elucidate more precisely the role of LCAA/YCF54. Transgenic Arabidopsis lines with inactivated and overexpressed YCF54 reveal the mutual stability of YCF54 and CHL27. Among the YCF54‐interacting proteins, the plastidal ferredoxin‐NADPH reductase (FNR) was identified. We showed in N. tabacum and A. thaliana that a deficit of FNR1 or YCF54 caused MgProtoME accumulation, the substrate of the cyclase, and destabilization of the cyclase subunits. It is proposed that FNR serves as a potential donor for electrons required in the cyclase reaction and connects chlorophyll synthesis with photosynthetic activity.
A New Marker of Echinocandin Activity in an
In Vitro
Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Model Correlates with an Animal Model of Aspergillus fumigatus Infection
Authors: Meletiadis Joseph , Siopi Maria , Tsakris Athanassios , Mouton Johan W. , Pournaras Spyros 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

The lack of a quantifiable marker for echinocandin activity hinders
in vitro
pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studies for
Aspergillus
spp. We developed an
in vitro
PK/PD model simulating the pharmacokinetics of anidulafungin and assessing its pharmacodynamics against
Aspergillus fumigatus
with a new, easily quantifiable, sensitive, and reproducible marker. Two clinical
A. fumigatus
isolates previously used in animals (AZN8196 and V52-35) with identical anidulafungin EUCAST (0.03 μg/ml) and CLSI (0.015 μg/ml) minimal effective concentrations (MEC) and one isolate (strain AFU79728) with an MEC of >16 μg/ml were tested in a two-compartment PK/PD dialysis/diffusion closed model containing a dialysis membrane (DM) tube inoculated with 10
3
CFU/ml. During anidulafungin exposure, two types of fungal forms were observed inside the DM tube: floating conidia that were quantified by cultures and aberrant mycelia that were quantified by the vertical height of the mycelia attached on the DM tube. No aberrant mycelia were found for the resistant isolate or in the drug-free controls. An
in vitro
exposure-effect relationship was similar to that found in animals using survival as an endpoint, with a free-drug area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (
f
AUC
0–24
) associated with 50% of maximal activity of 2.21 (range, 1.81 to 2.71) mg · h/liter
in vitro
versus 2.62 (range, 1.88 to 3.65) mg · h/liter
in vivo
(
P
= 0.41). The hillslopes were also similar, with 1.96 versus 1.34 (
P
= 0.29). Analysis of each isolate separately showed increased antifungal susceptibility between AZN8196 and V52-35 (
P
< 0.001) even though they have the same CLSI and EUCAST MECs, but the strains have two 2-fold dilutions lower MICs using Etest and the XTT {2,3-bis (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino) carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide} method. Dose fractionation studies with all three echinocandins showed that their activities are best described by
f
AUC and not the maximum concentration of free drug (
fC
max
). The new marker correlated with
in vivo
outcome and can be used for
in vitro
PK/PD studies exploring the pharmacodynamics of echinocandins against
Aspergillus
spp.