bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Claustral afferents of superior parietal areas PEc and PE in the macaque
Authors: Gamberini Michela , Passarelli Lauretta , Bakola Sophia , Impieri Daniele , Fattori Patrizia , Rosa Marcello G. P. , Galletti Claudio 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTThe exposed surface of the primate superior parietal cortex includes two cytoarchitectonically defined areas, the PEc and PE. In the present study we describe the distribution of neurons projecting from the claustrum to these areas. Retrograde neuronal tracers were injected by direct visualization of regions of interest, and the location of injection sites was reconstructed relative to cytoarchitectural borders. For comparison, the patterns of claustral label that resulted from injections involving neighboring cytoarchitectonic areas were analyzed. We found that the claustral territories sending projections to areas PE and PEc partially overlapped zones previously shown to form projections to the posterior parietal, somatosensory, visual, and motor cortex. The projection zones to the PE and PEc overlapped extensively, and consisted of multiple patches separated by label‐free zones. Most of the labeled neurons were located in the posterior–ventral part of the claustrum. Area PE received additional inputs from a posterior–dorsal part of the claustrum, which has been previously reported to project to the somatosensory cortex, while the PEc receives additional input from an anterior–ventral region of the claustrum, which has been reported to project to the visual association cortex. These observations reflect the known functional properties of the PE and PEc, with the former containing neurons that are predominantly involved in somatosensory processing, and the latter including both somatosensory and visual neurons. The present results suggest that the claustrum projections may help coordinate the activity of an extensive neural circuit involved in sensory and motor processing for movement execution. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:1475–1488, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dmrt1 polymorphism covaries with sex‐determination patterns in Rana temporaria
Authors: Ma Wen‐Juan , Rodrigues Nicolas , Sermier Roberto , Brelsford Alan , Perrin Nicolas 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPatterns of sex‐chromosome differentiation and gonadal development have been shown to vary among populations of Rana temporaria along a latitudinal transect in Sweden. Frogs from the northern‐boreal population of Ammarnäs displayed well‐differentiated X and Y haplotypes, early gonadal differentiation, and a perfect match between phenotypic and genotypic sex. In contrast, no differentiated Y haplotypes could be detected in the southern population of Tvedöra, where juveniles furthermore showed delayed gonadal differentiation. Here, we show that Dmrt1, a gene that plays a key role in sex determination and sexual development across all metazoans, displays significant sex differentiation in Tvedöra, with a Y‐specific haplotype distinct from Ammarnäs. The differential segment is not only much shorter in Tvedöra than in Ammarnäs, it is also less differentiated and associates with both delayed gonadal differentiation and imperfect match between phenotypic and genotypic sex. Whereas Tvedöra juveniles with a local Y haplotype tend to ultimately develop as males, those without it may nevertheless become functional XX males, but with strongly female‐biased progeny. Our findings suggest that the variance in patterns of sex determination documented in common frogs might result from a genetic polymorphism within a small genomic region that contains Dmrt1. They also substantiate the view that recurrent convergences of sex determination toward a limited set of chromosome pairs may result from the co‐option of small genomic regions that harbor key genes from the sex‐determination pathway.
A Meta‐analysis on Resting State High‐frequency Heart Rate Variability in Bulimia Nervosa
Authors: Peschel Stephanie K. V. , Feeling Nicole R. , Vögele Claus , Kaess Michael , Thayer Julian F. , Koenig Julian 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveAutonomic nervous system function is altered in eating disorders. We aimed to quantify differences in resting state vagal activity, indexed by high‐frequency heart rate variability comparing patients with bulimia nervosa (BN) and healthy controls.MethodsA systematic search of the literature to identify studies eligible for inclusion and meta‐analytical methods were applied. Meta‐regression was used to identify potential covariates.ResultsEight studies reporting measures of resting high‐frequency heart rate variability in individuals with BN (n = 137) and controls (n = 190) were included. Random‐effects meta‐analysis revealed a sizeable main effect (Z = 2.22, p = .03; Hedge's g = 0.52, 95% CI [0.06;0.98]) indicating higher resting state vagal activity in individuals with BN. Meta‐regression showed that body mass index and medication intake are significant covariates.DiscussionFindings suggest higher vagal activity in BN at rest, particularly in unmedicated samples with lower body mass index. Potential mechanisms underlying these findings and implications for routine clinical care are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Anti‐fatigue activity of essential oil from thyme (linalool chemotype) in the polyriboinosinic:polyribocytidylic acid‐induced brain fatigue mouse
Authors: Hayakawa M. , Satou T. , Koike K. , Masuo Y. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWhile various mechanisms are suggested to be involved in overall fatigue, recent studies have begun to specifically focus on brain fatigue. It has been speculated that brain fatigue might be due to an inflammation in the brain that subsequently influences the entire body. In the current study, we attempted to scientifically elucidate the anti‐fatigue activity responsible for the empirically noted changes associated with aromatherapy. The study used the essential oil from the thyme linalool chemotype (EOT). A brain fatigue mouse model was created by an intraperitoneal injection of polyriboinosinic:polyribocytidylic acid (20 mg/kg). Our results demonstrated that after the administration of EOT, there was a significant decrease in the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‐6 in the hippocampus. We also investigated the mRNA expression level of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. These results suggest that EOT i.h. causes the anti‐fatigue activity via both anti‐inflammatory and nerve activating activities. This anti‐fatigue activity appears to be due to the combined influence of both (+)‐terpinen‐4‐ol and other compounds. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of the incidence of osteoradionecrosis with conventional radiotherapy and intensity‐modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Maesschalck Thibault De , Dulguerov Nicolas , Caparrotti Francesca , Scolozzi Paolo , Picardi Cristina , Mach Nicolas , Koutsouvelis Nikolaos , Dulguerov Pavel 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundModern techniques of radiotherapy are supposed to decrease the incidence of osteoradionecrosis of the mandible (ORNM). The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of ORNM after intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in comparison to conventional 3D conformal radiotherapy techniques (conventional RT).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of consecutive unselected patients treated in a single institution between 2002 and 2012. To minimize confounding effects, only patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma without surgery of the primary site were included.ResultsThe cohorts included 145 patients in the conventional RT group and 89 patients in the IMRT group. Total incidence rate of ORNM was similar for both groups with rates of 11% versus 10% (n = 16 for conventional RT and n = 9 for IMRT; p = 1.0). Subanalysis revealed more ORNM in T4 classified lesions with IMRT (p = .007). Analysis of different risk factors showed no statistically significant difference between ORNM and no‐ORNM patients.ConclusionWe found no reduction in ORNM with IMRT. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1708–1716, 2016
Ecosystem services, environmental stressors, and decision making: How far have we got?
Authors: Maltby Lorraine , Duke Clifford , Van Wensem Joke 
Published: May 2016

Key Points
A joint workshop by the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry and the Ecological Society of America addressed the challenges of mainstreaming ecosystem service approaches into environmental decision making relating to stressor risk assessment and natural resource management. Ecosystem services approaches are compatible with existing environmental policies, regulatory processes and assessment frameworks, and provide a mechanism for integrating across stressor-specific and environmental media-specific policies. The lack of postdecision monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of decision making and to enable adaptive management was highlighted as a particular concern, and the need for a robust test of the hypothesis that applying ecosystem services approaches improves decision making, was identified. Although many of the tools required to enable the application of an ecosystem services framework to risk assessment and natural resource management are available, the limited availability of robust ecological production functions is severely impeding progress and should be addressed.
Development of the Larval Amphibian Growth and Development Assay: Effects of benzophenone‐2 exposure in Xenopus laevis from embryo to juvenile
Authors: Haselman Jonathan T. , Sakurai Maki , Watanabe Naoko , Goto Yasushi , Onishi Yuta , Ito Yuki , Onoda Yu , Kosian Patricia A. , Korte Joseph J. , Johnson Rodney D. , Iguchi Taisen , Degitz Sigmund J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe Larval Amphibian Growth and Development Assay (LAGDA) is a globally harmonized chemical testing guideline developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in collaboration with Japan's Ministry of Environment to support risk assessment. The assay is employed as a higher tiered approach to evaluate effects of chronic chemical exposure throughout multiple life stages in a model amphibian species, Xenopus laevis. To evaluate the utility of the initial LAGDA design, the assay was performed using a mixed mode of action endocrine disrupting chemical, benzophenone‐2 (BP‐2). X. laevis embryos were exposed in flow‐through conditions to 0, 1.5, 3.0 or 6.0 mg l–1 BP‐2 until 2 months post‐metamorphosis. Overt toxicity was evident throughout the exposure period in the 6.0 mg l–1 treatment due to elevated mortality rates and observed liver and kidney pathologies. Concentration‐dependent increases in severity of thyroid follicular cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia occurred in larval tadpoles indicating BP‐2‐induced impacts on the thyroid axis. Additionally, gonads were impacted in all treatments with some genetic males showing both testis and ovary tissues (1.5 mg l–1) and 100% of the genetic males in the 3.0 and 6.0 mg l−1 treatments experiencing complete male‐to‐female sex reversal. Concentration‐dependent vitellogenin induction occurred in both genders with associated accumulations of protein in the livers, kidneys and gonads, which was likely vitellogenin and other estrogen‐responsive yolk proteins. This is the first study that demonstrates the endocrine effects of this mixed mode of action chemical in an amphibian species and demonstrates the utility of the LAGDA design for supporting chemical risk assessment. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein, enzyme and carbohydrate quantification using smartphone through colorimetric digitization technique
Authors: Dutta Sibasish , Saikia Gunjan Prasad , Sarma Dhruva Jyoti , Gupta Kuldeep , Das Priyanka , Nath Pabitra 
Published: May 2016

In this paper the utilization of smartphone as a detection platform for colorimetric quantification of biological macromolecules has been demonstrated. Using V‐channel of HSV color space, the quantification of BSA protein, catalase enzyme and carbohydrate (using D‐glucose) have been successfully investigated. A custom designed android application has been developed for estimating the total concentration of biological macromolecules. The results have been compared with that of a standard spectrophotometer which is generally used for colorimetric quantification in laboratory settings by measuring its absorbance at a specific wavelength. The results obtained with the designed sensor is found to be similar when compared with the spectrophotometer data. The designed sensor is low cost, robust and we envision that it could promote diverse fields of bio‐analytical investigations.
Schematic illustration of the smartphone sensing mechanism for colorimetric analysis of biomolecular samples.magnified imageSchematic illustration of the smartphone sensing mechanism for colorimetric analysis of biomolecular samples.
Novel fluoroimmunoassays for detecting ochratoxin A using CdTe quantum dots
Authors: Yao Jingjing , Xing Guangxu , Han Junling , Sun Yaning , Wang Fangyu , Deng Ruiguang , Hu Xiaofei , Zhang Gaiping 
Published: May 2016

Novel direct and indirect competitive fluorescence‐linked immunosorbent assays (cFLISA and icFLISA) for detection of ochratoxin A (OTA) were described using CdTe quantum dots (QDs) as fluorescent label. CdTe QDs were successfully synthesized, which had an emission wavelength of 615 nm. The high purity monoclonal antibody against OTA was prepared through cell thawing and the octylic acid‐ammonium sulfate method. The OTA MAbs were successfully coupled with CdTe QDs, and which also retained the original biological activity. The 50% inhibition values (IC50) of the cFLISA and icFLISA were 0.630 ng/mL, 0.234 ng/mL, the limits of detection (LOD) were 7.06 × 10–3 and 4.15 × 10–3 ng/mL, and detection ranges were 7.06 × 10–3 − 18.34 ng/mL and 4.15 × 10–3 − 4.88 ng/mL, in‐order. The recoveries were 96.0–104.7% along with coefficients of variation (CVs) below 10%. The FLISA provided novel method for determination of OTA and the potential of MAb–CdTe QDs for the establishment of fluorescent immunochromatographic test strip.
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Biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoates/bacterial cellulose composites: Preparation, characterization, and in vitro evaluation
Authors: Chiulan Ioana , Mihaela Panaitescu Denis , Nicoleta Frone Adriana , Teodorescu Mircea , Andi Nicolae Cristian , Căşărică Angela , Tofan Vlad , Sălăgeanu Aurora 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBiocompatible composites play a critical role as scaffolds in tissue engineering. Novel biocomposites made from poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and bacterial cellulose (BC) in different concentrations were prepared by solution casting and their thermal and mechanical behavior as well as biocompatibility was characterized. BC addition increased the thermal stability of the polymer matrix as evidenced by thermogravimetric analysis. The crystallinity of PHB and the crystallization temperature decreased with the addition of BC and PHA, thus increasing the processing window. BC in small concentration determined an increase in the mechanical properties due to a concerted action of PHA and filler. Good cells attachment and proliferation were observed for all the biocomposites. By the addition of PHA (more hydrophobic than the matrix) and various amounts of BC (highly hydrophilic), surface properties and cell attachment can be controlled. Cytocompatibility studies using L929 cell line revealed that this material is suitable for biomedical applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2576–2584, 2016.
Automated Analysis of Cell Cycle Phase‐Specific DNA Damage Reveals Phase‐Specific Differences in Cell Sensitivity to Etoposide
Authors: Luzhin Artem V. , Velichko Artem K. , Razin Sergey V. , Kantidze Omar L. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTThe comet assay is one of the most widely used approaches for detecting DNA damage; generally, it provides information on the cell population‐averaged level of DNA damage. Here, we present an automatic technique for easy measurement of standard comet characteristics and an annotation of the cell cycle phase of each comet. The approach includes the modified neutral comet assay and a pipeline for CellProfiler software designed to analyze DNA damage‐related characteristics and annotate the cell cycle phase of each comet. Using this technique we have performed cell cycle phase‐specific analysis of DNA damage induced by the topoisomerase II poison etoposide and have shown that the sensitivity of cells to this drug dramatically differed according to their cell cycle phase. It became evident from our results that the proposed protocol provides important additional information that often remains hidden in a standard comet analysis of an asynchronous cell population. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2209–2214, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of a vestibular schwannoma xenograft zebrafish model for in vivo antitumor drug screening
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Jin , Yang Yeon Ju , Jeong Sewon , Lee Jong Dae , Choi Seok‐Yong , Jung Da‐Woon , Moon In Seok 
Published: May 2016

Objectives/HypothesisThe development of a simple, reliable, and cost‐effective animal model greatly facilitates disease treatment. We aimed to establish a rapid, simple, and reproducible live zebrafish vestibular schwannoma xenograft model for antitumor drug screening.MethodsWe optimized each of the following conditions for tumor cell xenografts in zebrafish larvae: larval stage, incubation temperature, and injected cell number. We used NF2‐/‐mouse Schwann (SC4) cells and generated mCherry fluorescent protein‐expressing cells prior to injection into zebrafish larvae. SC4 cells were counted using a fluorescence microscope, suspended in 10% fetal bovine serum, and injected into the center of the yolk sac using a microinjection system. The injected embryos were transferred to E3 medium (for zebrafish embryos), and subsequent tumor formation was observed by fluorescence microscopy over a 5‐day period. To validate our model, xenografted embryos were transferred into 6‐well plates (5 embryos per well) and treated with everolimus, a known antitumor drug.ResultsmCherry fluorescent protein‐expressing SC4 cells were successfully grafted into the yolk sacs of zebrafish embryos without any immunosuppressant treatment. At 2 days postinjection, the xenografted cells had grown into tumor masses. The optimal speed of tumor formation depended on the larval stage (30 hpf), incubation temperature (31°C), and injected cell number (200 cells). In preliminary tests, everolimus treatment yielded a > 20% reduction in the number of SC4 cells in the yolk.ConclusionOur in vivo model has the potential to greatly facilitate vestibular schwannoma treatment because of its speed, simplicity, reproducibility, and amenability to live imaging.Level of EvidenceNALaryngoscope, 126:E409–E415, 2016
Use of metabolomics and lipidomics to evaluate the hypocholestreolemic effect of Proanthocyanidins from grape seed in a pig model
Authors: Quifer‐Rada Paola , Choy Ying Yng , Calvert Christopher C. , Waterhouse Andrew L. , Lamuela‐Raventos Rosa M. 
Published: May 2016

ScopeThis work aims to evaluate changes in the fecal metabolomic profile due to grape seed extract (GSE) intake by untargeted and targeted analysis using high resolution mass spectrometry in conjunction with multivariate statistics.Methods and resultsAn intervention study with six crossbred female pigs was performed. The pigs followed a standard diet for 3 days, then they were fed with a supplemented diet containing 1% (w/w) of MegaNatural® Gold grape seed extract for 6 days. Fresh pig fecal samples were collected daily. A combination of untargeted high resolution mass spectrometry, multivariate analysis (PLS‐DA), data‐dependent MS/MS scan, and accurate mass database matching was used to measure the effect of the treatment on fecal composition. The resultant PLS‐DA models showed a good discrimination among classes with great robustness and predictability. A total of 14 metabolites related to the GSE consumption were identified including biliary acid, dicarboxylic fatty acid, cholesterol metabolites, purine metabolites, and eicosanoid metabolites among others. Moreover, targeted metabolomics using GC‐MS showed that cholesterol and its metabolites fecal excretion was increased due to the proanthocyanidins from grape seed extract.ConclusionThe results show that oligomeric procyanidins from GSE modifies bile acid and steroid excretion, which could exert a hypocholesterolemic effect.
Cranberry (poly)phenol metabolites correlate with improvements in vascular function: A double‐blind, randomized, controlled, dose‐response, crossover study
Authors: Rodriguez‐Mateos Ana , Feliciano Rodrigo P , Boeres Albert , Weber Timon , dos Santos Claudia Nunes , Ventura M. Rita , Heiss Christian 
Published: May 2016

ScopeCranberries are rich in potentially bioactive (poly)phenols. The aim of this paper was to investigate whether cranberry juice intake can improve vascular function in healthy men in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, and to understand which of the circulating (poly)phenol metabolites correlate with vascular effects.Methods and resultsA double‐blind randomized controlled crossover trial was conducted in ten healthy males. Flow‐mediated dilation (FMD), blood pressure, pulse wave velocity and augmentation index were investigated at baseline, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h post‐consumption of cranberry juices containing 409, 787, 1238, 1534, and 1910 mg of total cranberry (poly)phenols (TP), and a control drink. Plasma (poly)phenol metabolites were analyzed by UPLC‐Q‐TOF MS using authentic standards. We observed dose‐dependent increases in FMD at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h with a peak at 4 h and maximal effects with juice containing 1238 mg TP. A total of 60 metabolites were quantified in plasma after cranberry consumption. Twelve (poly)phenol metabolites significantly correlated with the increases in FMD, including ferulic and caffeic acid sulfates, quercetin‐3‐O‐ß‐D‐glucuronide and a γ‐valerolactone sulfate.Conclusion(Poly)phenols in cranberry juice can improve vascular function in healthy males and this is linked to the presence of specific newly identified plasma metabolites.
Fast versus slow weight loss: development process and rationale behind the dietary interventions for the TEMPO Diet Trial
Authors: Gibson A. A. , Seimon R. V. , Franklin J. , Markovic T. P. , Byrne N. M. , Manson E. , Caterson I. D. , Sainsbury A. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryObjective and methodsFinding effective solutions to curb the obesity epidemic is a great global public health challenge. The need for long‐term follow‐up necessitates weight loss trials conducted in real‐world settings, outside the confines of tightly controlled laboratory or clinic conditions. Given the complexity of eating behaviour and the food supply, this makes the process of designing a practical dietary intervention that stands up to scientific rigor difficult. Detailed information about the dietary intervention itself, as well as the process of developing the final intervention and its underlying rationale, is rarely reported in scientific weight management publications but is valuable and essential for translating research into practice. Thus, this paper describes the design process and underlying rationale behind the dietary interventions in an exemplar weight loss trial – the TEMPO Diet Trial (Type of Energy Manipulation for Promoting optimal metabolic health and body composition in Obesity). This trial assesses the long‐term effects of fast versus slow weight loss on adiposity, fat free mass, muscle strength and bone density in women with obesity (body mass index 30–40 kg m−2) that are 45–65 years of age, postmenopausal and sedentary.Results and conclusionsThis paper is intended as a resource for researchers and/or clinicians to illustrate how theoretical values based on a hypothesis can be translated into a dietary weight loss intervention to be used in free‐living women of varying sizes.