bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Versus Pharmacological Assessment of the Role of Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptors in Alcohol Reward‐Related Behaviors
Authors: Powers Matthew S. , Breit Kristen R. , Chester Julia A. 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundEmerging evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in modulating the rewarding effects of abused drugs. Recently, the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) was shown to be expressed in brain reward circuitry and is implicated in modulating the rewarding effects of alcohol.MethodsCB2 ligands and CB2R knockout (KO) mice were used to assess CB2R involvement in alcohol reward‐related behavior in 2 well‐established behavioral models: limited‐access 2‐bottle choice drinking and conditioned place preference (CPP). For the pharmacological studies, mice received pretreatments of either vehicle, the CB2R agonist JWH‐133 (10 and 20 mg/kg) or the CB2R antagonist AM630 (10 and 20 mg/kg) 30 minutes before behavioral testing. For the genetic studies, CB2R KO mice were compared to wild‐type (WT) littermate controls.ResultsCB2R KO mice displayed increased magnitude of alcohol‐induced CPP compared to WT mice. Neither agonism nor antagonism of CB2R affected alcohol intake or the expression of CPP, and antagonism of CB2R during CPP acquisition trials also did not affect CPP.ConclusionsThe CB2R KO CPP data provide partial support for the hypothesis that CB2Rs are involved in the modulation of alcohol reward‐related behaviors. However, pharmacological manipulation of CB2Rs did not alter alcohol's rewarding effects in the alcohol‐seeking models used here. These results highlight the importance of pharmacological validation of effects seen with lifetime KO models. Given the ongoing efforts toward medications development, future studies should continue to explore the role of the CB2R as a potential neurobiological target for the treatment of alcohol use disorders.
Individual Differences in Approach and Avoidance Inclinations Moderate the Effect of Self‐Control Depletion on Ad‐Lib Drinking
Authors: Schlauch Robert C. , Christensen Rita L. , Derrick Jaye L. , Crane Cory A. , Collins R. Lorraine 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundThis study sought to examine how exerting self‐control to inhibit stereotype use affects alcohol consumption. In addition, we sought to expand previous findings via examination of how individual differences in motivations to approach or avoid alcohol consumption interact with self‐control depletion to determine the regulation of ad‐lib drinking behavior.MethodsSixty‐one social drinkers (31 female) were recruited to participate in a socially relevant self‐control depletion task in which they were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 creative writing conditions: (i) the self‐control depletion condition with explicit instructions to refrain from using stereotypes, or (ii) the nondepletion condition in which no instructions were given regarding the use of stereotypes. Participants then completed an ad‐lib drinking task and self‐report questionnaires pertaining to their motivation to consume alcohol.ResultsAs predicted, results indicated a significant 3‐way interaction between depletion condition, approach inclinations, and avoidance inclinations. Specifically, self‐control depletion predicted greater drinking disinhibition (i.e., mean sip size, total alcohol consumption) only among participants high in both approach and avoidance.ConclusionsTaken together, results from this study highlight the importance of both approach and avoidance inclinations in the failure to regulate alcohol consumption following a routine, socially relevant form of self‐control depletion. Our results also suggest that the high approach/high avoidance motivational profile may predict the greatest risk among those actively trying to regulate their drinking.
Natesto™, a novel testosterone nasal gel, normalizes androgen levels in hypogonadal men
Authors: Rogol A. D. , Tkachenko N. , Bryson N. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryAdvantages of testosterone nasal gel include ease of administration, low dose, and no risk of secondary transference. The efficacy and safety of testosterone nasal gel was evaluated in hypogonadal males. The ninety‐day, randomized, open‐label, dose‐ranging study, included potential dose titration and sequential safety extensions to 1 year. At 39 US outpatient sites, 306 men (mean age 54.4 years) with two fasting morning total serum testosterone levels <300 ng/dL were randomized (n = 228, b.i.d. dosing; n = 78, t.i.d. dosing). Natesto™ Testosterone Nasal Gel was self‐administered, using a multiple‐dose dispenser, as two or three daily doses (5.5 mg per nostril, 11.0 mg single dose). Total daily doses were 22 mg or 33 mg. The primary endpoint was the Percentage of patients with Day‐90 serum total testosterone average concentration (Cavg) value within the eugonadal range (≥300 ng/dL, ≤1050 ng/dL). At Day 90, 200/273 subjects (73%; 95% CI 68, 79) in the intent‐to‐treat (ITT) population and 180/237 subjects (76%; 71, 81) in the per‐protocol (PP) population were in the normal range. Also, in the normal range were 68% (61, 74) of ITT subjects and 70% (63, 77) of PP subjects in the titration arm, as well as, 90% (83, 97) of ITT subjects and 91% (84, 98) of PP subjects in the fixed‐dose arm. Natesto™ 11 mg b.i.d. or 11 mg t.i.d. restores normal serum total testosterone levels in most hypogonadal men. Erectile function, mood, body composition, and bone mineral density improved from baseline. Treatment was well tolerated; adverse event rates were low. Adverse event discontinuation rates were 2.1% (b.i.d.) and 3.7% (t.i.d.). This study lacked a placebo or an active comparator control which limited the ability to adequately assess some measures.
Reduction of hyperbilirubinemia with hypericum extract (St. John's Wort) in a patient with Crigler‐Najjar syndrome type II
Authors: Kummer Oliver , Hammann Felix , Haschke Manuel , Krähenbühl Stephan 
Published: December 2015

AimsCrigler‐Najjar syndrome (CN) type II is a congenital disease with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia due to a deficiency of uridine 5′‐diphospho‐glucuronosyltransferase 1A1. Since the currently proposed treatment with phenobarbital is associated with adverse reactions, we investigated the effect of hypericum extract.MethodsRepetitive determination of total serum bilirubin in a female with CN type II before, during and after daily treatment with 900 mg hypericum extract on two occasions for 8 weeks. Confirmation of the enzyme‐inducing effect of hypericum using the cytochrome P450 3A4 probe drug i.v. midazolam.ResultsHypericum reduced midazolam exposure by 42% and the total serum bilirubin concentration by 30 to 35%.ConclusionsHypericum extract is a potential alternative to phenobarbital in patients with CN type II.
Collateral damage: The short and turbulent life of Quebec's agency for public‐private partnerships
Authors: Facal Joseph , Demers Guillaume 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis article seeks to explain the surprisingly short lifespan of the Quebec government's central unit for promoting public‐private partnerships (PPPs), theAgence des partenariats public‐privé du Québec(APPP). I used a theoretical framework based on neo‐institutional analysis informed by empirical research including interviews with key actors, a review of all briefs submitted to the Quebec legislature and pertinent parliamentary debates, and a partial review of the media coverage. The government severely underestimated the strength of the opposition to its plan. Electoral cycles and elements of the dominant political culture in Quebec also help to explain its demise. However, the prospects for PPPs may not be as negative as the rise and fall of the APPP might suggest.
Influence of biphasic calcium phosphate surfaces coated with Enamel Matrix Derivative on vertical bone growth in an extra‐oral rabbit model
Authors: Wen Bo , Li Zhen , Nie Rongrong , Liu Chao , Zhang Peng , Miron Richard J. , Dard Michel M. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the ability of Enamel Matrix Derivative (EMD) on vertical bone regeneration around dental implants placed in an extra‐oral rabbit model.Material and methodsA total of 30 StraumannBLimplants were partially embedded in transverse orientation into the posterior mandibles of 15 rabbits. Macro‐structuring BiPhasicCaPST(BCPT1), micro‐structuring BiPhasicCaPST(BCPT2), and deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) were placed around the implant and covered with a scaffold stabilizing “umbrella.”EMDwas incorporated within the scaffold for test sites, but not control sites. Histological analysis was performed on retrieved specimens after 10 weeks of healing to assess new bone formation.ResultsAll treatment groups displayed new supracrestal bone formation as determined by histomorphometric measurements, with mean values of new bone height ranging between 0.62 and 1.13 mm. Histological analysis revealed a higher mean bone formation (%) around the test sites whereEMD(34.7, 95%CI: 27.1–39.4) was released from the scaffold, whereas the control group withoutEMDrelease (26.4, 95%CI: 16.3–31.9) (P = 0.069). The meanfBIC(%) in theBCPT2 group increased by the addition ofEMDrelative to noEMD(67.2, 95%CI: 48.6–84.1) and (54.7, 95%CI: 32.3–68.9), respectively). TheBCPT2/EMDandDBBM/EMDinterventions showed the greatest mean bone density (BA/TA), respectively, (12.8, 95%CI: 8.9–36.5) and (11.2, 6.3–16.4) inROI1. Values inROI2 were, similarly, (24.9, 95%CI: 17.2–31.7) and (27.7, 19.2–35.3).BA/TAinROI2 differences between theBCPT2 groups with and withoutEMDwas statistically significant (P = 0.026), as well as theDBBMgroups with and withoutEMD(P = 0.038).ConclusionsA layer of new bone was formed in both test and controls. The release ofEMDfromBCPT2 andDBBMadjacent to a bone‐level implant with anSLActive surface and scaffold retention umbrella consistently regenerated the greaterfBICand bone density along the length of the implant.
Unimpaired attentional disengagement in toddlers with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Fischer Jason , Smith Hayley , Martinez‐Pedraza Frances , Carter Alice S. , Kanwisher Nancy , Kaldy Zsuzsa 
Published: December 2015

AbstractA prominent hypothesis holds that ‘sticky’ attention early in life in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) limits their ability to explore and learn about the world. Under this hypothesis, the core clinical symptoms of ASD – restricted interests, repetitive behaviors and impaired social/communication abilities – could all result from impaired attentional disengagement during development. However, the existence of disengagement deficits in children with ASD is controversial, and a recent study found no deficit in 5‐ to 12‐year‐olds with ASD. Nonetheless, the possibility remains that disengagement is impaired earlier in development in children with ASD, altering their developmental trajectory even if the attentional deficit itself is remediated or compensated for by the time children with ASD reach school age. Here, we tested this possibility by characterizing attentional disengagement in a group of toddlers just diagnosed with ASD (age 21 to 37 months). We found strikingly similar performance between the ASD and age‐matched typically developing (TD) toddlers, and no evidence of impaired attentional disengagement. These results show that even at a young age when the clinical symptoms of ASD are first emerging, disengagement abilities are intact. Sticky attention is not a fundamental characteristic of ASD, and probably does not play a causal role in its etiology.
Active aggregation among sexes in bean flower thrips (Megalurothrips sjostedti) on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)
Authors: Niassy Saliou , Ekesi Sunday , Maniania Nguya K. , Orindi Benedict , Moritz Gerald B. , de Kogel Willem J. , Subramanian Sevgan 
Published: December 2015

AbstractMale sexual aggregations are a common territorial, mating‐related or resource‐based, behaviour observed in diverse organisms, including insects such as thrips. The influence of factors such as plant substrate, time of day, and geographic location on aggregation of thrips is uncertain, therefore we monitored the dispersion of male and female bean flower thrips (BFT), Megalurothrips sjostedti (Trybom) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), on cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (Fabaceae), over three cowpea growth stages and across three cowpea‐growing areas of Kenya. Our results indicated that for all the crop growth stages, the density of BFTs varied over the time of day, with higher densities at 10:00, 13:00, and 16:00 hours than at 07:00 hours. Thrips densities did not differ among blocks at the budding stage, but they did at peak flowering and podding stages. Dispersion indices suggested that both male and female BFTs were aggregated. Active male aggregation occurred only on green plant parts and it varied across blocks, crop stages, and locations. Similarly, active female aggregation was observed in peak flowering and podding stages. Such active aggregation indicates a semiochemical or behaviour‐mediated aggregation. Identification of such a semiochemical may offer new opportunities for refining monitoring and management strategies for BFT on cowpea, the most important grain legume in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Low multifunctional redundancy of soil fungal diversity at multiple scales
Authors: Mori Akira S. , Isbell Forest , Fujii Saori , Makoto Kobayashi , Matsuoka Shunsuke , Osono Takashi 
Published: December 2015

AbstractTheory suggests that biodiversity might help sustain multiple ecosystem functions. To evaluate possible biodiversity–multifunctionality relationships in a natural setting, we considered different spatial scales of diversity metrics for soil fungi in the northern forests of Japan. We found that multifunctionality increased with increasing local species richness, suggesting a limited degree of multifunctional redundancy. This diversity–multifunctionality relationship was independent of the compositional uniqueness of each community. However, we still found the importance of community composition, because there was a positive correlation between community dissimilarity and multifunctional dissimilarity across the landscape. This result suggests that functional redundancy can further decrease when spatial variations in identities of both species and functions are simultaneously considered at larger spatial scales. We speculate that different scales of diversity could provide multiple levels of insurance against the loss of functioning if high‐levels of local species diversity and compositional variation across locations are both maintained. Alternatively, making species assemblages depauperate may result in the loss of multifunctionality.
Blood–brain barrier leakage after status epilepticus in rapamycin‐treated rats II: Potential mechanisms
Authors: van Vliet Erwin A. , Otte Willem M. , Wadman Wytse J. , Aronica Eleonora , Kooij Gijs , de Vries Helga E. , Dijkhuizen Rick M. , Gorter Jan A. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryObjectiveBlood–brain barrier (BBB) leakage may play a pro‐epileptogenic role after status epilepticus. In the accompanying contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE‐MRI) study we showed that the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor rapamycin reduced BBB leakage and seizure activity during the chronic epileptic phase. Given rapamycin's role in growth and immune response, the potential therapeutic effects of rapamycin after status epilepticus with emphasis on brain inflammation and brain vasculature were investigated.MethodsSeven weeks after kainic acid–induced status epilepticus, rats were perfusion fixed and (immuno)histochemistry was performed using several glial and vascular markers. In addition, an in vitro model for the human BBB was used to determine the effects of rapamycin on transendothelial electrical resistance as a measure for BBB integrity.Results(Immuno)histochemistry showed that local blood vessel density, activated microglia, and astrogliosis were reduced in rapamycin‐treated rats compared to vehicle‐treated rats. In vitro studies showed that rapamycin could attenuate TNFα‐induced endothelial barrier breakdown.SignificanceThese data suggest that rapamycin improves BBB function during the chronic epileptic phase by a reduction of local brain inflammation and blood vessel density that can contribute to a milder form of epilepsy.
Recent changes in the spawning grounds of Black Sea anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus
Authors: Gucu Ali Cemal , Inanmaz Özgür Emek , Ok Meltem , Sakinan Serdar 
Published: December 2015

AbstractTowards the end of the 1980s, when the spawning grounds in the northwestern shelf (NWS) of the Black Sea were lingering with the effects of eutrophication and of an exotic invasive ctenophore, a series of basin‐wide international ichthyoplankton surveys pointed out an increase in the anchovies spawning in the southern half of the Black Sea. Later, with the help of international conservation efforts, several key littoral ecosystem components within the anchovy's historical spawning grounds showed signs of recovery. However, the fate of the spawning stock anchovy in the south remained unanswered. In order to present the current situation in the southern Black Sea after two decades, an ichthyoplankton survey adopting the same methodology as previously used was undertaken during the peak spawning season of the Black Sea anchovy (BSa). The survey showed that the density of eggs was by far greater than for any of the surveys conducted previously. A wider geographical distribution of the eggs indicated an increase in the number of vagrants which had drifted away from the known spawning grounds. In contrast, the increased reproductive activity in the south signifies existence of a growing, non‐migrating southern BS stock. This stock seems to utilize the coastal hydrographic features associated with the rim current facilitating escape (loophole) from gelatinous predators such as Mnemiopsis leidyi and Aurelia aurata.
A novel method to assess effects of chemical stressors on natural biofilm structure and function
Authors: Costello David M. , Rosi‐Marshall Emma J. , Shaw Lawton E. , Grace Michael R. , Kelly John J. 
Published: December 2015

Summary

The regulation and management of chemical contaminants rarely use community‐ and ecosystem‐level endpoints, partly due to a lack of suitable methods. To overcome this limitation, we propose contaminant exposure substrata (CES), an adaptation of the widely used nutrient‐diffusing substratum method, to assess responses of biofilm communities to chemical contaminants in situ.

We describe methods for using CES to assess effects on biofilm biomass, community structure, process rates, biofilm–consumer interactions and biofilm chemistry. We also provide equations to calculate the flux of soluble chemicals from CES and describe an approach to compare contaminant dose in CES assays to the contaminant dose encountered by biofilms in polluted surface waters.

Data from four case studies demonstrate that CES can detect impairment of biofilm structure and function.

The adaptability, simplicity and cost‐effectiveness of CES make them valuable tools to assess community‐ and ecosystem‐level responses to contaminants, suggesting potential for routine use and incorporation of data generated from such assays into contaminant regulation and management.
Immunohistochemical expression of cytokeratin 15, cytokeratin 19, follistatin, and Bmi‐1 in basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kim Hyun Chull , Sohng Seung Hyun , Shin Dong Hoon , Choi Jong Soo , Bae Young Kyung 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundsBasal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cutaneous neoplasm. Despite numerous previous studies, the origin of BCC is still controversial.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to evaluate whether BCC arises from the hair follicle rather than the epidermal basal cell.MethodsThe labeling index and differences of expression of the immunohistochemical (IHC) stainings of CK15, CK19, follistatin, and Bmi‐1 were evaluated in 20 cases of BCC, 13 cases of trichoblastoma, 21 cases of actinic keratosis (AK), and 19 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) which were biopsied in the department of dermatology of the Yeungnam University Medical Center.ResultsFor CK15, labeling indexes of BCC (83.0%) and trichoblastoma (84.4%) were significantly higher than those of AK (15.9%) and SCC (15.8%). For CK19, labeling indexes of BCC (8.1%), trichoblastoma (6.6%), AK (3.5%), and SCC (14.8%) revealed no difference. For follistatin, labeling indexes of BCC (51.1%) and trichoblastoma (70.1%) were significantly higher than those of AK (0.9%) and SCC (8.5%). For Bmi‐1, labeling indexes of BCC (74.4%) and trichoblastoma (84.7%) were significantly higher than those of AK (24.7%) and SCC (18.6%).ConclusionIn this study, strong positivity of CK15, follistatin, and Bmi‐1 was more frequently observed in BCC and trichoblastoma than in SCC and AK. These findings suggest that BCC and trichoblastoma share the same differentiation toward the hair follicle. Furthermore, CK15, follistatin, and Bmi‐1 can be useful as markers to differentiate BCC from SCC.
Composition and functionality of wheat bran and its application in some cereal food products
Authors: Onipe Oluwatoyin O. , Jideani Afam I. O. , Beswa Daniso 
Published: December 2015

SummaryProduction of wheat bran (WB) for human consumption is estimated to be about 90 million tonnes per year. WB is a cheap and abundant source of dietary fibre which has been linked to improved bowel health and possible prevention of some diseases such as colon cancer. It also contains minerals, vitamins and bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, arabinoxylans, alkylresorcinol and phytosterols. These compounds have been suggested as an aid in prevention of noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease. This article discusses WB extraction, its nutritional properties, potential health benefits, effects on quality and sensory properties of some cereal foods, and its application in some baked products as well as in fried cereal snacks, as an additive for oil reduction and fibre enrichment.
A tertiary hospital audit of opioids and sedatives administered in the last 24 h of life
Authors: Douglas C. , Clarke M. , Alexander S. , Khatun M. 
Published: December 2015

Background/AimTo audit the doses of opioids and sedatives administered to patients in the last 24 h of life in an Australian tertiary hospital and compare results with doses published in New Zealand (NZ) benchmarking studies and to examine the effect of caring for dying patients using a modified version of the Liverpool Care Pathway (mLCP) in respect to doses of opioids and sedatives.MethodsA retrospective chart audit of 102 patients who died in a tertiary hospital was carried out over a 3‐month period in 2011. Diagnosis, demographic patient characteristics, use of themLCP, use of subcutaneous infusions and key symptoms were identified. Chi‐squared and the non‐parametric Mann–Whitney tests were applied to compare the group differences for categorical and continuous variables as appropriate. Parenteral morphine‐equivalent daily dose (pMEDD) was calculated. At‐test assessed the variable mean doses of medication and patient characteristics.ResultsOf the audited patients, 76.5% died of non‐malignant disease. The overall mean dose of midazolam was significantly lower compared with that of theNZstudypMEDD(6.0 vs 20.7 mg). The overall mean dose of morphine benchmarked closely with theNZstudy (56.5 mg Australian study vs 47.8 mgNZstudy). A total of 83% of patients with a malignant diagnosis was supported with themLCPcompared with 51% of patients with a non‐malignant diagnosis.ConclusionThe significance of the lower midazolam doses was postulated, including the possibility of inadequate symptom control for patients with a non‐malignant diagnosis. The use of themLCPdid not lead to the provision of higher doses of medications.