bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Salivary gland hypofunction in KK‐Ay type 2 diabetic mice
Authors: Munemasa Takashi , Mukaibo Taro , Kondo Yusuke , Masaki Chihiro , Kusuda Yuichiro , Miyagi Yuta , Tsuka Shintaro , Hosokawa Ryuji , Nakamoto Tetsuji 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundHypofunction of different organs in the body is associated with diabetes, including in the oral cavity. Diabetes is often associated with xerostomia, but the underlying mechanism is not well characterized. Thus, the mechanisms underlying diabetes‐induced xerostomia were investigated in this study in KK‐A
y mice as an experimental model of type 2 diabetes.MethodsThe mechanisms involved in diabetes‐induced xerostomia were investigated using the ex vivo glandular perfusion technique, histological analysis, and immunohistochemical and intracellular signaling analyses.ResultsEx vivo submandibular gland secretions from KK‐Ay mice decreased by 30% following stimulation with 0.3 μmol/L carbachol (CCh), a cholinergic agonist. Acinar cell weight was comparable between KK‐Ay and control mice, whereas duct cell weight was significantly greater in KK‐Ay mice. Concentrations of Na+ and Cl− in the secreted saliva decreased significantly in KK‐Ay mice, supporting the finding of increased ductal tissue in KK‐Ay mice. Immunohistochemistry revealed no significant differences between KK‐Ay and control mice in terms of the expression of Cl− and water channels, Na+–K+–2Cl− cotransporters, and membrane proteins critical for fluid secretion. Cellular signaling analysis revealed that the increase in [Ca2+]i in response to 0.3 μmol/L CCh was reduced by 30% in KK‐Ay mice, although there was no significant difference in the thapsigargin (1.0 μmol/L)‐induced increase in store‐depleted calcium between KK‐Ay and control mice.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that submandibular fluid secretion is diminished in KK‐Ay mice because of a diminished increase in [Ca2+]i. Duct cell weight increased in KK‐Ay mice, possibly leading to increased ion reabsorption and thus decreased Na+ and Cl− concentrations in the secreted saliva.
Mating behaviour and reproductive output in insecticide‐resistant and ‐susceptible strains of the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais)
Authors: Guedes N.M.P , Guedes R.N.C. , Campbell J.F. , Throne J.E. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractInsecticide resistance is a broadly recognised and well‐studied management problem resulting from intensive insecticide use, which also provides useful evolutionary models of newly adapted phenotypes to changing environments. Two common assumptions in such models are the existence of fitness costs associated with insecticide resistance, which will place the resistant individuals at a disadvantage in insecticide‐free environments, and the prevalence of random mating among insecticide‐resistant and ‐susceptible individuals. However, cases of insecticide resistance lacking apparent fitness disadvantages do exist impacting the evolution and management of insecticide resistance. Assortative mating, although rarely considered, may also favour the evolution and spread of insecticide resistance. Thus, the possible existence of both conditions in the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais), a key pest of stored cereals, led to the assessment of the mating behaviour and reproductive fitness of insecticide‐resistant and ‐susceptible weevil strains and their reciprocal crosses. The patterns of female and male mating choice also were assessed. Although mating behaviour within and between weevil strains was similar without mate choice, mating within the resistant strain led to higher reproductive output than within the susceptible strain; inter‐strain matings led to even higher fertility. Thus, no apparent fitness cost associated with resistance seems to exist in these weevils, favouring the evolution of this phenotype that is further aided by the higher fertility of inter‐strain matings. Mate choice reduced latency to mate and no inter‐strain preference was detected, but female weevils were consistent in their mate selection between 1st and 2nd matings indicating existence of female mating preference among maize weevils. Therefore, if female mate selection comes to favour trait(s) associated with insecticide resistance, higher reproductive fitness will be the outcome of such matings favouring the evolution and spread of insecticide resistance among maize weevil populations reverting into a management concern.
Phenological growth stages of bael (Aegle marmelos) according to the extended Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie scale
Authors: Kishore K. , Mahanti K.K. , Samant D. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTBael (Aegle marmelos) is an important rutaceous fruit widely cultivated in India. This crop is revered for its high economic and therapeutic value. However, its phenology has not yet been described systematically. Detailed description of phenological growth stages of bael using the extended Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie (BBCH) scale has been worked out and reported in this paper. Eight principal growth stages and 37 secondary growth stages for bud, leaf development, shoot growth, inflorescence emergence, flowering, fruit development, fruit maturation and senescence have been distinctively defined. The sequential progression of principal growth stages has been described according to the phenological growth pattern and climatic requirements of different phenophases. The extended BBCH scale is broadly applicable for bael cultivation as it describes all the phenophases pertaining to vegetative and reproductive stages. Because of the relative importance of phenophases in crop management and crop improvement, the BBCH scale will facilitate adoption of better crop management practices, crop improvement and characterisation of bael germplasm. Moreover, the extended BBCH scale will be a useful tool in assessing impact of climate change on crop yield and fruit quality.
Sorption–desorption test for functional assessment of skin treated with a lipid system that mimics epidermal lamellar bodies
Authors: Moner Verónica , Fernández Estibalitz , del Pozo Alfonso , Rodríguez Gelen , Cócera Mercedes , de la Maza Alfonso , López Olga 
Published: March 2017

SummaryBackgroundMany skin diseases are associated with either increases or decreases in lamellar body secretion, or dysfunctional lamellar bodies. Consequently, diseased skin is characterized by reduced barrier function and altered lipid composition and organization. Human skin is commonly evaluated in vivo with non‐invasive biophysical techniques. The dynamic functions of the skin are evaluated with repeat measurements such as the sorption–desorption test (SDT).ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo skin hydration–dehydration kinetics after treatment with a lipid system that mimics the morphology, structure and composition of lamellar bodies in both healthy and irritated human skin.MethodsA patch with an aqueous solution of 2% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) was used to irritate the skin of the volunteers. The SDT was performed with the CM 820 corneometer.ResultsAfter treatment with this system, both healthy and SLS‐irritated skin increased their ability to retain water and to release water slowly during the desorption phase.ConclusionsTreatment with this system seems to reinforce the barrier function in both healthy and SLS‐irritated human skin. Therefore, the present study provides evidence that this system could be of interest for developing future treatments for protecting and repairing the skin.
Accuracy of adrenal imaging and adrenal venous sampling in diagnosing unilateral primary aldosteronism
Authors: Ladurner Roland , Sommerey Sandra , Buechner Stefan , Dietz Anna , Degenhart Christoph , Hallfeldt Klaus , Gallwas Julia 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe correct differentiation between unilateral and bilateral adrenal involvement in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) is of utmost importance to justify surgical treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of adrenal imaging compared to adrenal venous sampling (AVS), histopathology and postoperative outcome.MethodsThe data of all patients with unequivocal AVS who underwent unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy for primary aldosteronism between May 2004 and April 2015 were entered in this retrospective study. We compared computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results with corresponding AVS data, histopathology findings and postoperative outcome.ResultsA total of 175 patients underwent unilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy for primary aldosteronism. AVS was successful in 152 patients and postoperative outcome available in 148 patients. Despite unilateral disease according to AVS results, bilateral normal glands were seen in 15 MRI (17·2%) and 7 CT scans (8·5%), respectively. Unilateral enlargement of the nonhypersecreting adrenal gland was found in three MRI (3·5%) and 10 CT scans (12·2%) of patients who showed aldosterone hypersecretion deriving from the contralateral gland. Fifteen MRI (17·2%) and 18 CT scans (22·0%) revealed bilateral adrenal pathology despite unilateral aldosterone hypersecretion.ConclusionThe accuracy of CT and magnetic resonance imaging in predicting unilateral disease is poor. AVS appears to be an essential diagnostic step to identify those patients who may benefit from unilateral adrenalectomy.
Formation of vacuum‐formed and pressure‐formed mouthguards
Authors: Mizuhashi Fumi , Koide Kaoru 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackground/AimThe method used to form mouthguards should be carefully selected in order to obtain their full preventive benefits. The aim of this study was to examine the differences of mouthguard characteristics according to the forming methods.Materials and MethodsMouthguard sheets of 3.8‐mm ethylene vinyl acetate were vacuum‐formed and pressure‐formed on a working model. The sheets were formed when heating causing them to displace 15 mm from baseline. Mouthguard thickness was measured at the labial surface of the central incisor, the buccal surface of the first molar, and the occlusal surface of the first molar. The fit of the mouthguard was measured at the central incisor and the first molar. Differences in the thickness and fit between the vacuum‐formed and pressure‐formed mouthguards were analyzed by two‐way analysis of variance and the Bonferroni method.ResultsMouthguard thickness varied between the central incisors and first molars (P<.01). The thicknesses at the labial surface of the central incisor and the buccal surface of the first molar were greater in the vacuum‐formed mouthguards than in the pressure‐formed mouthguards (P<.01). The fit was better in the pressure‐formed mouthguards than that in the vacuum‐formed mouthguards (P<.01).ConclusionsThe vacuum‐forming method maintained the mouthguard thickness, while the pressure‐forming method obtained better fit.
Fingolimod (Gilenya®) in multiple sclerosis: bradycardia, atrioventricular blocks, and mild effect on the QTc interval. Something to do with the L‐type calcium channel?
Authors: Pilote Sylvie , Simard Chantale , Drolet Benoit 
Published: March 2017

AbstractCardiac arrhythmias and ECG abnormalities including bradycardia, prolongation of the QT interval, and atrioventricular (AV) conduction blocks have been extensively observed with fingolimod, the first marketed oral drug for treating the relapsing‐remitting form of multiple sclerosis. This study was aiming to further elucidate the effects of fingolimod on cardiac electrophysiology at three different levels: (i) in vitro, (ii) ex vivo, and (iii) in vivo. (i) Patch‐clamp experiments in whole cell configuration were performed on Cav1.2‐transfected tsA201 cells exposed to fingolimod‐phosphate 100 or 500 nmol/L (n = 27 cells, total) to measure drug effect on L‐type calcium current (ICaL). (ii) Langendorff perfusion experiments were undertaken on male Hartley guinea‐pigs isolated hearts (n = 4) exposed to fingolimod 10 and 100 nmol/L to evaluate drug‐induced effects on monophasic action potential duration measured at 90% repolarization (MAPD90). (iii) Implanted cardiac telemeters were used to record ECGs in guinea‐pigs (n = 7) treated with a single dose of fingolimod 0.0625 mg/kg suspension, administered as an oral gavage. (i) In vitro cellular experiments showed that fingolimod‐phosphate causes a concentration‐dependent reduction in ICaL. (ii) Ex vivo Langendorff experiments revealed that fingolimod had no significant effect on MAPD90. (iii) Fingolimod caused significant prolongations of the RR, PR, QT, and QTcF intervals in vivo. Reversible AV blocks were also observed in 7/7 animals. Fingolimod possesses ICaL‐blocking properties, further contributing to its AV conduction‐slowing effects. These properties are also consistent with its mitigated effect on the QT interval in humans, despite previously shown HERG‐blocking effect.
The role of interleukin‐1b and its antagonist (diacerein) in estradiol benzoate‐induced endometrial hyperplasia and atypia in female rats
Authors: Refaie Marwa M.M. , El‐Hussieny Maram 
Published: March 2017

AbstractEndometrial hyperplasia (EH) is a common gynecological condition and may progress to carcinoma. We investigated the effect of diacerein (DIA) on estradiol benzoate (EB)‐induced EH and atypia. DIA (50 mg/kg/day) was administered orally to rats for 4 weeks, in the presence or absence of EH induced by intramuscular injection of EB (60 μg/100 g) three times per week for 4 weeks. We measured levels of serum total cholesterol, uterine tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), total nitrites (NOx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, caspase‐3, interleukin‐1b (IL‐1b) immunoexpressions, and histopathology. Results showed that EB‐induced EH and atypia manifested by significant increase in serum total cholesterol with increase in MDA and NOxlevels. EB showed the typical histopathological changes of EH and atypia. In addition, there was reduction in SOD activity and decrease in caspase‐3 immunoexpressions but increase in IL‐1b immunoexpressions. DIA was able to reduce EB‐induced pathological changes.
Psychoeducation for bipolar disorder: A discourse analysis
Authors: Wilson Lynere , Crowe Marie , Scott Anne , Lacey Cameron 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPsychoeducation has become a common intervention within mental health settings. It aims to increase people's ability to manage a life with a long‐term illness. For people with bipolar disorder, psychoeducation is one of a range of psychosocial interventions now considered part of contemporary mental health practice. It has taken on a ‘common sense’ status that results in little critique of psychoeducation practices. Using a published manual on psychoeducation and bipolar disorder as its data, Foucauldian discourse analysis was used in the present study for a critical perspective on psychoeducation in order to explore the taken‐for‐granted assumptions on which it is based. It identifies that the text produces three key subject positions for people with bipolar disorder. To practice self‐management, a person must: (i) accept and recognize the authority of psychiatry to know them; (ii) come to see that they can moderate themselves; and (iii) see themselves as able to undertake a reflexive process of self‐examination and change. These findings highlight the circular and discursive quality to the construct of insight that is central to how psychoeducation is practiced. Using Foucault's construct of pastoral power, it also draws attention to the asymmetrical nature of power relations between the clinician and the person with bipolar disorder. An effect of the use of medical discourse in psychoeducation is to limit its ability to work with ambivalence and contradiction. A critical approach to psychotherapy and education offers an alternate paradigm on which to basis psychoeducation practices.
Pre‐conditions for eliminating mitochondrial dysfunction and maintaining liver function after hepatic ischaemia reperfusion
Authors: Hu Chenxia , Li Lanjuan 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe liver, the largest organ with multiple synthesis and secretion functions in mammals, consists of hepatocytes and Kupffer, stem, endothelial, stellate and other parenchymal cells. Because of early and extensive contact with the external environment, hepatic ischaemia reperfusion (IR) may result in mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy and apoptosis of cells and tissues under various pathological conditions. Because the liver requires a high oxygen supply to maintain normal detoxification and synthesis functions, it is extremely susceptible to ischaemia and subsequent reperfusion with blood. Consequently, hepatic IR leads to acute or chronic liver failure and significantly increases the total rate of morbidity and mortality through multiple regulatory mechanisms. An increasing number of studies indicate that mitochondrial structure and function are impaired after hepatic IR, but that the health of liver tissues or liver grafts can be effectively rescued by attenuation of mitochondrial dysfunction. In this review, we mainly focus on the subsequent therapeutic interventions related to the conservation of mitochondrial function involved in mitigating hepatic IR injury and the potential mechanisms of protection. Because mitochondria are abundant in liver tissue, clarification of the regulatory mechanisms between mitochondrial dysfunction and hepatic IR should shed light on clinical therapies for alleviating hepatic IR‐induced injury.
Using Web‐Based Technology to Bring Hands‐On Urban Material Flow Analysis to the Classroom
Authors: Villalba Gara , Hoekman Paul 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThe main objective of this article is to introduce an open‐source, online software tool called OMAT as a teaching tool for performing economy wide‐material flow analysis (EW‐MFA) at urban or regional level in industrial ecology curricula. To that intent, we present a classroom and project activity that was developed for a masters‐level industrial ecology course offered by the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Insights are provided with regards to the outcome of the classroom exercise as well as lessons learned from both an academic and a software development point of view.The OMAT software provides users with a specialized tool to enter and process MFA data in a simple, intuitive way. The usefulness of OMAT as a teaching tool was tested by engaging students in a classroom activity that entailed using OMAT as a tool to perform an EW‐MFA applied to the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona for the years 2005‐2011. The aim of this exercise was to teach students specific skills required in performing an EW‐MFA, not through theory classes, but hands‐on through a learn‐as‐you‐go approach. The exercise not only equipped the students with knowledge about MFA, but also introduced them to solving problems as a team, meeting project deadlines, and communicating effectively with colleagues from different disciplines and backgrounds. Even though there is room for further improvements, this exercise showed that OMAT provided a useful addition to traditional methods that allowed students to get a more practical and thorough understanding of the MFA methodology.
Serum biochemical profile, enzymatic activity and lipid peroxidation in organs of laying hens fed diets containing cashew nut shell liquid
Authors: Braz N. M. , Freitas E. R. , Trevisan M. T. S. , do Nascimento G. A. J. , Salles R. P. R. , Cruz C. E. B. , Farias N. N. P. , da Silva I. N. G. , Watanabe P. H. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding laying hens diets containing cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) as a source of anacardic acid on the blood biochemical parameters as well as the enzymatic activity and lipid peroxidation of liver and tissues of the reproductive system (ovary, magnum, and uterus). A total of 216 Hisex White commercial laying hens were distributed randomly into six treatments, with six replicates of six birds. Treatments consisted of a diet without growth promoter (GP); a diet with GP; and diets without GP, with addition of increasing levels of CNSL (0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0%). Addition of CNSL to the diet did not affect the blood biochemical parameters (uric acid, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins, low‐density lipoproteins and triglycerides), the enzymatic activity (superoxide dismutase and nonprotein sulphydryl groups) in the organs (liver, ovary, magnum and uterus) or the peroxidation of lipids from the blood serum, liver, magnum and uterus (p > 0.05). However, the addition of 0.75% and 1.00% CNSL provided a lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances content in the birds' ovary (p < 0.001) compared to birds of other treatments, whereas the treatment without the GP provided a higher value. Addition of up to 1% of the CNSL as a source of anacardic acid in the laying hens' diets does not influence blood biochemical parameters or the endogenous enzymatic activity in the liver, ovary, magnum and uterus, but affects the lipid peroxidation in the ovary, although the problem is reduced from the inclusion of 0.75% CNSL.
Effects of Moringa oleifera silage on milk yield, nutrient digestibility and serum biochemical indexes of lactating dairy cows
Authors: Zeng B. , Sun J. J. , Chen T. , Sun B. L. , He Q. , Chen X. Y. , Zhang Y. L. , Xi Q. Y. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThis study investigated the effects of Moringa oleifera (MO) as a partial substitute of alfalfa hay on milk yield, nutrient apparent digestibility and serum biochemical indexes of dairy cows. MO was harvested at 120 days post‐seeding. Fresh MO was cut, mixed with chopped oat hay (425:575 on a DM basis), ensiled and stored for 60 days. Sixty healthy Holstein dairy cows were allocated to one of three groups: NM (no MO or control), LM (low MO; 25% alfalfa hay and 50% maize silage were replaced by MO silage) or HM (high MO; 50% alfalfa hay and 100% maize silage were replaced by MO silage). The feeding trial lasted 35 days. The LM and HM diets did not affect dry matter (DM) intake, milk yield or milk composition (lactose, milk fat, milk protein and somatic cell count). The apparent digestibility of DM and NDF was lower for HM group than NM group. Additionally, there were no significant differences in serum biochemical indexes between the LM and NM groups. The HM group had lower serum concentrations of total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and higher serum concentrations of urea than the NM group. The partial replacement of alfalfa hay (≤50%) and maize silage with MO silage had no negative effects on milk yield, in vivo nutrient apparent digestibility or serum biochemical indexes of lactating cows.