bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Addiction‐related interactions of pregabalin with morphine in mice and humans: reinforcing and inhibiting effects
Authors: Vashchinkina Elena , Piippo Ossi , Vekovischeva Olga , Krupitsky Evgeny , Ilyuk Ruslan , Neznanov Nikholay , Kazankov Kirill , Zaplatkin Igor , Korpi Esa R. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe gabapentinoid pregabalin is a rapid‐acting anxiolytic and analgesic, possibly suitable in supervised opioid detoxification. However, clinicians have been cautious in using it because of its unknown addictive risk and rising number of mortalities after pregabalin self‐medication in opioid abusers. Here, we studied interactions of pregabalin and morphine on reward functions of the dopamine system in mice and the efficacy of pregabalin on withdrawal in opioid addicts. After the treatment of mice with pregabalin and morphine, we used electrophysiology to study neuroplasticity in midbrain slices, self‐administration and conditioned place preference tests to investigate the rewarding potential of pregabalin and naloxone‐precipitated morphine withdrawal to evaluate opioid withdrawal symptoms. Further, we ran a pilot single‐blind, randomized, controlled trial (34 heroin addicts) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pregabalin in the treatment of opioid withdrawal syndrome. Pregabalin alone did not induce glutamate receptor neuroplasticity of dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area, but pre‐treatment with pregabalin suppressed morphine‐induced neuroplasticity, hyperlocomotion and morphine self‐administration. Pregabalin administration after chronic morphine exposure failed to induce any rewarding effects. Instead, pregabalin suppressed withdrawal symptoms in both morphine‐treated mice and opioid addicts and was well tolerated. Intriguingly, pregabalin administration after a low dose of morphine strongly facilitated ventral tegmental area neuroplasticity and led to increased conditioned place preference. Pregabalin appears to have the efficacy to counteract both reinforcing and withdrawal effects of opioids, but it also has a potentiating effect when given to mice with existing opioid levels.
House dust mites as potential carriers for IgE sensitization to bacterial antigens
Authors: Dzoro S. , Mittermann I. , Resch‐Marat Y. , Vrtala S. , Nehr M. , Hirschl A. M. , Wikberg G. , Lundeberg L. , Johansson C. , Scheynius A. , Valenta R. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundIgE reactivity to antigens from Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria is common in patients suffering from respiratory and skin manifestations of allergy, but the routes and mechanisms of sensitization are not fully understood. The analysis of the genome, transcriptome and microbiome of house dust mites (HDM) has shown that Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) species are abundant bacteria within the HDM microbiome. Therefore, our aim was to investigate whether HDM are carriers of bacterial antigens leading to IgE sensitization in patients suffering from atopic dermatitis.MethodsPlasma samples from patients with AD (n = 179) were analysed for IgE reactivity to a comprehensive panel of microarrayed HDM allergen molecules and to S. aureus and E. coli by IgE immunoblotting. Antibodies specific for S. aureus and E. coli antigens were tested for reactivity to nitrocellulose‐blotted extract from purified HDM bodies, and the IgE‐reactive antigens were detected by IgE immunoblot inhibition experiments. IgE antibodies directed to bacterial antigens in HDM were quantified by IgE ImmunoCAP™ inhibition experiments.ResultsIgE reactivity to bacterial antigens was significantly more frequent in patients with AD sensitized to HDM than in AD patients without HDM sensitization. S. aureus and E. coli antigens were detected in immune‐blotted HDM extract, and the presence of IgE‐reactive antigens in HDM was demonstrated by qualitative and quantitative IgE inhibition experiments.ConclusionHouse dust mites (HDM) may serve as carriers of bacteria responsible for the induction of IgE sensitization to microbial antigens.
Information about first‐trimester screening and self‐reported distress among pregnant women and partners – comparing two methods of information giving in Sweden
Authors: Lindgren Peter , Stadin Magdalena , Blomberg Inger , Nordin Karin , Sahlgren Hanna , Ingvoldstad Malmgren Charlotta 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIntroductionBalanced information before prenatal diagnosis (PND) aims to help expectant parents to make an informed choice. However, it is important that the information does not increase the expectant parents’ psychological distress. The aim was to examine psychological distress among expectant parents, before and after receiving information about PND, to evaluate the possible differences between two different procedures of information giving, and to evaluate the association between satisfaction with the information and psychological distress.Material and methodsA longitudinal design, based on questionnaire data from 380 expectant parents from four counties in Sweden. The measurement points; T1, before the information about PND was given and T2, 2 weeks after the prenatal screening or 15 weeks of gestation. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Swedish version of the Cambridge Worrying Scale (CWS) measured psychological distress. The Satisfaction with Genetic Counseling Scale (SCS) measured satisfaction with information about PND.ResultsThe rate of psychological distress was stable among the pregnant women, but decreased among their partners, after the information was received. General anxiety and the social–medical dimension of pregnancy‐related worry decreased among the participants who received information, using the more distinct two‐stage process (group A), but was unchanged in group B (less distinct two‐stage process). Health‐related worry decreased in both groups, whereas relational worry and level of depressive symptoms were unchanged in both groups.ConclusionInformation about PND does not increase the psychological distress among expectant parents. A more distinct two‐stage process of information giving might even decrease their anxiety.
In Vitro Evaluation of an Immediate Response Starling‐Like Controller for Dual Rotary Blood Pumps
Authors: Stephens Andrew F. , Stevens Michael C. , Gregory Shaun D. , Kleinheyer Matthias , Salamonsen Robert F. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractRotary ventricular assist devices (VADs) are used to provide mechanical circulatory support. However, their lack of preload sensitivity in constant speed control mode (CSC) may result in ventricular suction or venous congestion. This is particularly true of biventricular support, where the native flow‐balancing Starling response of both ventricles is diminished. It is possible to model the Starling response of the ventricles using cardiac output and venous return curves. With this model, we can create a Starling‐like physiological controller (SLC) for VADs which can automatically balance cardiac output in the presence of perturbations to the circulation. The comparison between CSC and SLC of dual HeartWare HVADs using a mock circulation loop to simulate biventricular heart failure has been reported. Four changes in cardiovascular state were simulated to test the controller, including a 700
reduction in circulating fluid volume, a total loss of left and right ventricular contractility, reduction in systemic vascular resistance (
) from 1300 to 600
, and an elevation in pulmonary vascular resistance (
) from 100 to 300
. SLC maintained the left and right ventricular volumes between 69–214
and 29–182
respectively, for all tests, preventing ventricular suction (ventricular volume = 0
) and venous congestion (atrial pressures > 20
). Cardiac output was maintained at sufficient levels by the SLC, with systemic and pulmonary flow rates maintained above 3.14
for all tests. With the CSC, left ventricular suction occurred during reductions in SVR, elevations in PVR, and reduction in circulating fluid simulations. These results demonstrate a need for a physiological control system and provide adequate in vitro validation of the immediate response of a SLC for biventricular support.
Comparing social group identifications and socioeconomic deprivation as predictors of psychological distress: Evidence from a Scottish primary care sample
Authors: Cientanni Fabia , Power Kevin , Sani Fabio , Wright Christopher , Baty Frances , Hustings Kerry , Morgan David , Tanner Gary 
Published: July 2017

Social group identification and socioeconomic deprivation have both been linked to self‐reported depressive symptoms in general population samples; however, no study to date has explored the strength of the joint predictive value of these factors within a mental health population. The current study explored the impact of social group identifications and socioeconomic deprivation, together with important clinical and demographic variables, on psychological distress in a Scottish mental health sample. Participants (N = 976) were recruited from referrals to a computerized cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) programme in Scotland, ‘Beating the Blues’ (BtB) over a 25‐month period. Participants completed the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation Outcome Measure (CORE‐OM) as a measure of psychological distress and three versions of the group identifications scale (GIS), one for each of three groups: family, community, and a social group of choice. Demographic information and clinical information were collected on commencing BtB. Higher numbers of group identifications were significantly associated with lower psychological distress. Additionally, increased socioeconomic deprivation was significantly associated with more severe psychological distress; however, interestingly, the association was not as strong as that of group identifications. Identifying with fewer social groups predicts more severe psychological symptom presentations, even more so than living in a greater state of socioeconomic deprivation.
Effectiveness of life skills education and psychoeducation on emotional and behavioral problems among adolescents in institutional care in Kenya: a longitudinal study
Authors: Mutiso Victoria , Tele Albert , Musyimi Christine , Gitonga Isaiah , Musau Abednego , Ndetei David 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundThis study aimed to test the effectiveness of life skills education (LSE) and psychoeducation in the reduction of Youth Self Report (YSR) scores on institutionalized children using structured activities supported by trained facilitators. LSE involved participation of children in life skills activities to support development of key psychosocial competencies and interpersonal skills.MethodsThe study included 630 children from three institutions. Of these, 171 were in the Intervention Group 1 (life skills education and psychoeducation), 162 were in the Intervention Group 2 (psychoeducation only), and 297 children were in the control group. A researcher‐developed socio‐demographic questionnaire and the YSR were used. Baseline assessments were conducted before the interventions and again at 3, 6, and 9 months. Differences between the two intervention groups and the control group were investigated using least squares linear regression.ResultsThere was a statistically significant reduction in scores in internalizing, externalizing, and total problem scores in both intervention arms (p < .05) compared with the control arm at 3 months. At 6 months, no significant differences were found between the intervention Group 1 and control group for internalizing score (p = .594); however, there were significant differences in both intervention groups for both externalizing and total problem scores (p < .05). At 9 months, significant differences were observed between control and both intervention groups for externalizing scores; total problems for Intervention Group 1.ConclusionsA combination of Life Skills Education and psychoeducation is effective in reducing emotional and behavioral problems in institutionalized children.
Screening of curcumin‐derived isoxazole, pyrazoles, and pyrimidines for their anti‐inflammatory, antinociceptive, and cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibition
Authors: Ahmed Mahmood , Qadir Muhammad Abdul , Hameed Abdul , Imran Muhammad , Muddassar Muhammad 
Published: July 2017

Curcumin has shown pharmacological properties against different phenotypes of various disease models. Different synthetic routes have been employed to develop its numerous derivatives for diverse and improved therapeutic roles. In this study, we have synthesized curcumin derivatives containing isoxazole, pyrazoles, and pyrimidines and then the synthesized molecules were evaluated for their anti‐inflammatory and antinociceptive activities in experimental animal models. Acute toxicity of synthesized molecules was evaluated in albino mice by oral administration. Any behavioral and neurological changes were observed at dose of 10 mg/kg body weight. Additionally, cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) enzyme inhibition studies were performed through in vitro assays. In vivo anti‐inflammatory studies showed that curcumin with pyrimidines was the most potent anti‐inflammatory agent which inhibited induced edema from 74.7% to 75.9%. Compounds 7, 9, and 12 exhibited relatively higher prevention of writhing episodes than any other compound with antinociceptive activity of 73.2%, 74.9%, and 71.8%, respectively. This was better than diclofenac sodium (reference drug, 67.1% inhibition). Similarly, COX‐2 in vitro inhibition assays results revealed that compound 12 (75.3% inhibition) was the most potent compound. Molecular docking studies of 10, 11, and 12 compounds in human COX‐2 binding site revealed the similar binding modes as that of other COX‐2‐selective inhibitors.
Intellectual property protection and development: The case of sustainable sea transport in Pacific Island countries
Authors: Forsyth Miranda 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis paper is concerned with the impact of intellectual property laws on development in small island developing states. Much of the literature on intellectual property and development proceeds on the basis that there is only one model of each, namely the global model of intellectual property underpinned by the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights and a neoliberal development framework. This paper argues, conversely, that there are multiple models of both. Exposing this plurality should enable a far more creative approach to intellectual property policy, particularly in countries whose levels of technological development and social structures are very different to those in the global North. This argument is explored through focusing on the example of sea transport.
Irreversible transfer of brood care duties and insights into the burden of caregiving in incipient subterranean termite colonies
Authors: CHOUVENC THOMAS , SU NAN‐YAO 
Published: July 2017

1. In incipient termite colonies, biparental brood care rapidly shifts towards alloparental brood care. This transition was suggested to recapitulate the evolutionary trajectory from subsocial wood roach ancestors to eusociality in termites.2. Incipient colonies of the subterranean termite Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) were investigated to determine if this transition was irreversible and if the burden of brood care on the first alloparents could be measured. To do so, the initial size of the work force necessary for an incipient colony to survive once the brood care became alloparental was determined.3. The results of the study show that within 5 months after foundation, brood care duties were fully transferred to workers and the primary reproductives became irreversibly dependent on these workers for survival, reproduction, and colony growth.4. Once the brood care became strictly alloparental, the presence of a single worker was enough to maintain the survival of the king and queen, confirming that ‘reversed parental care’ was also achieved. However, major brood loss and suppressed egg‐laying activity from the queen was observed, suggesting that the burden of brood care was too high for a single worker to absorb. Therefore, once brood care has shifted to alloparents, a critical number of workers is necessary to prevent brood loss and initiate colony growth.5. As the initial cost of brood care is rapidly absorbed with colony growth in termites, the performance in brood care of the first few alloparents in a subsocial wood roach ancestor may have contributed to the emergence of eusociality in this clade.
Abnormal fronto‐parietal white matter organisation in the superior longitudinal fasciculus branches in autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Fitzgerald Jacqueline , Leemans Alexander , Kehoe Elizabeth , O'Hanlon Erik , Gallagher Louise , McGrath Jane 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCore features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be underpinned by disrupted functional and structural neural connectivity. Abnormal fronto‐parietal functional connectivity has been widely reported in the literature; this may be underpinned by disrupted microstructural organisation of white matter. The superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) is a major fronto‐parietal white matter tract, the structure of which has been little studied in ASD. The fronto‐parietal projections of this tract (SLF I, II and III) are thought to play an important role in a number of cognitive functions including attention and visuospatial processing. To date, the isolation of the fronto‐parietal branches of the SLF has been hampered by limitations of traditional tractography approaches. Constrained spherical deconvolution (CSD)‐based tractography is an advanced approach that allows valid isolation of the fronto‐parietal branches of the SLF. Diffusion MRI data were acquired from 45 participants with ASD and 45 age‐ and IQ‐matched controls. The SLF I, II and III branches were isolated using CSD‐based tractography in ExploreDTI. Significantly greater fractional anisotropy (FA) was observed in the right SLF II relative to controls. The ASD group also showed greater linear diffusion coefficient in the left SLF I and the right SLF II. In the SLF II, the ASD group had significantly greater right lateralisation of FA in comparison with the control group. The clinical and functional implications of increased FA in white matter are poorly understood; however, it is possible that this increased white matter organisation in the SLF in ASD may contribute to relative processing advantages in the condition.
Bilateral lesions of the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus disrupt nursing behavior in rabbits
Authors: Domínguez Miguel , Aguilar‐Roblero Raúl , González‐Mariscal Gabriela 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDoe rabbits nurse the litter only once a day, for around 3 min, with circa 24‐h periodicity. To explore the participation of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in regulating this behavior, we lesioned it bilaterally with kainic acid on lactation day 7. Bilateral lesions, comprising less than 50% of the total PVN volume, abolished nursing behavior (4/8 does) or severely disrupted its normal periodicity (4/8 does). In the latter case, duration of nursing bouts was normal. Body weight, food and water intake were not significantly affected by bilateral PVN lesions. Unilateral lesions of the PVN or lesions located outside this nucleus did not significantly alter nursing periodicity or any other behavioral parameter. Results indicate an important role of the PVN for (i) maintaining maternal behavior, and (ii) the periodic display of nursing across lactation in rabbits.
New insights into naevoid melanomas: a clinicopathological reassessment
Authors: Cook Martin G , Massi Daniela , Blokx Willeke A M , Van den Oord Joost , Koljenović Senada , De Giorgi Vincenzo , Kissin Eleanor , Grant Megan , Mandal Amit , Gremel Gabriela , Gaudy Caroline , Viros Amaya , Dhomen Nathalie , Khosrotehrani Kiarash , Marais Richard , Green Adele C , Mihm Martin C 
Published: July 2017

AimsBecause the term ‘naevoid melanoma’ has variable clinical and pathological interpretations, we aimed to clarify the features of melanomas referred to as naevoid.Methods and resultsA review was undertaken of 102 melanomas diagnosed histopathologically as naevoid melanomas and ascertained by European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Melanoma Group Subcommittee pathologists from their records. We found these could be classified morphologically into three groups. Thirteen melanomas were overlying genuine naevi and were therefore excluded. Of the 89 melanomas considered to be naevoid, 11 presented clinically as exophytic papillomatous nodules with little junctional component and composed of small atypical cells showing numerous mitoses and no change with depth; we termed these ‘papillomatous naevoid’ melanomas. The other 78 were flat or only slightly raised, and had a superficial spreading melanoma‐like component with maturation to a small cell, but still an atypical, dermal component; we termed these ‘maturing naevoid’ melanomas. We showed that papillomatous and maturing naevoid melanomas also have differing immunochemical profiles. Preliminary clinical follow‐up suggested different outcomes for these two naevoid melanoma types.ConclusionsMelanomas that have been classified as naevoid melanomas comprise two types with distinct clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical features that may also be prognostically significant.
Synthesis and luminescent properties of Sr4−xSi3O8Cl4: xEu3+ red phosphor by hydrothermal method
Authors: Wei Zhiren , Zheng Kun , Hou Tengxuan , Wang Ruiqi , Wen Zhe , Wang Boyu , Li Xu , Guan Li , Yang Zhiping , Teng Feng 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSr4‐xSi3O8Cl4:xEu3+ (SSOC:Eu3+) phosphors were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method. The crystallization of this phosphor was analyzed by means of X‐ray diffraction patterns. The size and morphology were recorded using SEM patterns of samples. And the PLE and PL spectra were characterized by a PL spectrophotometer. Excited by 394 nm UV light, the intense red emission is recognized in SSOC:Eu3+ phosphor and the main emission peak located at 620 nm. The influences of Eu3+ concentration, pH value of reaction solution, and charge compensator on PL spectra of SSOC:Eu3+ phosphors were investigated. The results revealed that this red phosphor had potential applications for white LEDs.
Characteristics of food‐wasting consumers in the Czech Republic
Authors: Filipová Alena , Mokrejšová Veronika , Šulc Zdeněk , Zeman Jiří 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis paper investigates food waste at the consumer stage of the food chain. The authors conducted a questionnaire survey with 259 respondents to identify the key characteristics of food‐wasting consumers and to suggest strategies to improve food‐wasting behaviour. The results of the survey confirmed that the rate at which food is wasted depends on the age, economic status and education of the person managing food in a household, on the household's income per person and on total household income. Younger people, students, economically active people and people from higher‐income households (both per household and per person) waste more, while pensioners waste much less than other groups. However, the sex of the food manager is not associated with food waste. These demographic characteristics should be considered when designing consumer education campaigns focussed on changing consumer motivation and behaviour. This paper also recommends other solutions tailored for specific demographic groups: Younger people and students may be influenced by the actions of opinion leaders within social networks, and technical devices enabling better food management could help them reduce waste. Supporting work‐life balance, broadening the network of food delivery services and implementing corporate initiatives that support food waste prevention could help economically active people reduce their food waste. Additionally, offers of ready‐to‐eat food should be expanded for people with higher incomes.