bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective Effects of Icariin on Brain Metabolism, Mitochondrial Functions, and Cognition in Triple‐Transgenic Alzheimer's Disease Mice
Authors: Chen Yi‐Jing , Zheng Hai‐Yang , Huang Xiu‐Xian , Han Shuang‐Xue , Zhang Dong‐Sheng , Ni Jia‐Zuan , He Xiao‐Yang 
Published: November 2015

SummaryAimsThis study investigated the neuroprotective properties of icariin (an effective component of traditional Chinese herbal medicine Epimedium) on neuronal function and brain energy metabolism maintenance in a triple‐transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (3 × Tg‐AD).Methods3 × Tg‐AD mice as well as primary neurons were subjected to icariin treatment. Morris water maze assay, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), Western blotting, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry analysis were used to evaluate the effects of icariin administration.ResultsIcariin significantly improved spatial learning and memory retention in 3 × Tg‐AD mice, promoted neuronal cell activity as identified by the enhancement of brain metabolite N‐acetylaspartate level and ATP production in AD mice, preserved the expressions of mitochondrial key enzymes COX IV, PDHE1α, and synaptic protein PSD95, reduced Aβ plaque deposition in the cortex and hippocampus of AD mice, and inhibited β‐site APP cleavage enzyme 1 (BACE1) expression. Icariin treatment also decreased the levels of extracellular and intracellular Aβ1‐42 in 3 × Tg‐AD primary neurons, modulated the distribution of Aβ along the neurites, and protected against mitochondrial fragmentation in 3 × Tg‐AD neurons.ConclusionsIcariin shows neuroprotective effects in 3 × Tg‐AD mice and may be a promising multitarget drug in the prevention/protection against AD.
Long‐Term Effects of Repeated Cycles of Intrathecal Triamcinolone Acetonide on Spasticity in MS Patients
Authors: Rommer Paulus Stefan , Kamin Frank , Abu‐Mugheisib Mazen , Koehler Wolfgang , Hoffmann Frank , Winkelmann Alexander , Benecke Reiner , Zettl Uwe Klaus 
Published: November 2015

SummaryMain problemSpasticity is a common feature in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Although options have broadened over the last years, there are still patients with no response to common therapeutic agents. Intrathecal administered triamcinolone acetonide (TCA) has been tested for spasticity in patients with MS. However, the long run effects are not known so far. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of repeated cycles of intrathecal TCA instillations on clinical parameters.MethodsA total of 54 patients with clinically definite MS and no response to commonly utilized antispastic drugs were enrolled. TCA was administered every 3 months for a period of 9 months. Clinical assessments including spasticity, disability (EDSS), mobility (walking distance, and timed 25‐foot walk), bladder function, and quality of life were carried out prior to and at the end of each treatment cycle.ResultsRepeated TCA treatment led to repeated effects on spasticity (P < 0.01). Bladder function improved in every 10th patient. Quality of life improved during each cycle but did not reach significance at the end of study (P = 0.09). However, long‐lasting improvement on spasticity or EDSS was not shown at end of the study. Effects diminished over 3 months.ConclusionRepeated TCA instillations led to replicable effects on spasticity; subgroup analyses suggest that higher spasticity, more frequent treatments, and higher EDSS may lead to pronounced effects on spasticity and EDSS. Intrathecal TCA treatment was safe and no severe side effects occurred. We hypothesize a significant time dependence of re‐administration of TCA and that an interval of 3 months between the treatments might be too long.
Precision and accuracy in quantifying herbivory
Authors: JOHNSON MARC T. J. , BERTRAND JEFFERY A. , TURCOTTE MARTIN M. 
Published: November 2015

1. Tissue removal by herbivores (i.e. herbivory) is a dominant interaction in most communities which has important impacts on natural and managed ecosystems. Despite the importance of herbivory, we lack a quantitative comparison of the efficacy of the most commonly used methods used to quantify herbivore damage.2. We examined the factors that affect the precision and accuracy of visual and digital methods commonly used to quantify damage to leaves.3. We created 224 digital leaves from four plant species. In a fully factorial design we manipulated leaf morphology and species, the location of damage (marginal or internal), estimation method (exact percentage or 25% bins), observer experience and expectancy bias (i.e., bias due to an expected result). Using 583 adult observers, we estimated the precision and accuracy of individuals' ability to visually estimate known levels of damage. In a third smaller experiment, we performed similar analyses using a digital scanner.4. Across the first two experiments, individuals estimated damage with high precision (R2 = 0.75 and 0.80) and accuracy (slopeactual vs estimated = 0.88 and 0.86). However, the precision and accuracy of estimates were influenced by plant species, the location of damage, and estimation method. Inexperienced individuals also overestimated low levels of damage, and this bias decreased with experience. Digital methods were precise (R2 = 0.98) whereas accuracy was statistically indistinguishable from visual methods (slope = 0.91).5. Visual estimates of damage provide the fastest and most cost‐effective method for quantifying herbivory, and our results show they can be precise and accurate. We use our results to provide specific recommendations for future research.
Effects of maternal diet on offspring fitness in the bird cherry‐oat aphid
Authors: HU XIANG‐SHUN , LIU XIAO‐FENG , RIDSDILL‐SMITH THOMAS JAMES , THIEME THOMAS , ZHAO HUI‐YAN , LIU TONG‐XIAN 
Published: November 2015

1. Maternal and offspring diet effects on life‐history traits of the bird cherry‐oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi were tested on three wheat varieties. Using nine reciprocal combinations of wheat varieties, the effects of previous experience (maternal diet effect) on the aphid's response to resistant and susceptible varieties (offspring diet effect) were tested. Batis was susceptible, and Xiaoyan22 and Ww2730 were both resistant, but with different mechanisms.2. Aphids produced the most alatae in the treatments with the most resistant maternal diet variety Xiaoyan22. The fecundity (F) and intrinsic rate of increase (rm) of these alatae were at their greatest in the most resistant offspring diet variety, but these traits were not influenced in the apterae.3. There were significant interactions in the alatae production and apterae life‐history traits, such as rm, development time, weight gain, and mean relative growth rate, between the maternal and offspring diet varieties. The interactions in apterae responses between varieties, some of which were reciprocal, indicated phenotypic plasticity in these parthenogenetic aphids.4. Rhopalosiphum padi produced more alatae on the most resistant variety; the alatae would disperse and were more fecund. The growth responses of the apterae showed phenotypic plasticity to the different combinations of maternal and offspring diet varieties. The phenotypic plasticity would allow R. padi to better utilise the variable environments represented by the small wheat plots of different varieties in China.
Nutritional considerations for equine rhabdomyolysis syndrome
Authors: Harris P. A. , Rivero J. L. L. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryExertional rhabdomyolysis represents a syndrome of typically recurrent exercise‐associated muscle damage in horses that arises from a variety of aetiologies. Major advances have been made in recent years in our understanding of the pathophysiology of equine rhabdomyolysis syndrome (ERS), and a few specific causative genetic defects have been identified. Despite the fact that there is no single procedure or set of procedures (including diet and management) that can guarantee against further episodes of ERS, appropriate management of susceptible individuals, including nutrition, may help to reduce the likelihood, severity or frequency of future episodes. Whilst the dietary advice can be more specific and targeted for those with a known intrinsic muscle problem, for all affected individuals, regardless of the underlying cause, a balanced diet (which is suitable for the individual), together with a well‐designed exercise programme, should be the initial management target. This paper will briefly review the condition and give general nutrition and management advice.
Review of gastric rupture in the horse
Authors: Dechant J. E. , Winfield L. S. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryGastrointestinal rupture is an important cause and complication of equine colic. The stomach is the most commonly affected segment in the gastrointestinal tract involved in gastrointestinal rupture. Gastric rupture can be primary or secondary; however, unless prodromal clinical signs are identified, localised and corrected, the resulting peritoneal contamination with feed, intestinal secretions and bacteria is invariably fatal. Causes for gastric rupture may be known or idiopathic; however, factors that predispose a horse to gastric rupture are poorly understood. Further research is needed to identify underlying causes and pathophysiology of gastric rupture to prevent it from occurring.
Herbage production, nutritive value and animal productivity within hardwood silvopasture, open and mixed pasture systems in Appalachia, United States
Authors: Neel J. P. S. , Belesky D. P. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractDemand for livestock food products is projected to increase dramatically through to 2050. Increased livestock production capacity on marginal lands will be critical to meeting this demand. A 5‐year research effort was undertaken to evaluate lamb and sward productivity within open and hardwood silvopasture (SP) systems in Appalachia, USA. Grazing began in mid to late April each year, with the grazing season averaging 141 d. Grazing system treatments during 2002 and 2003 grazing seasons were as follows: 100% open pasture (OP), 67% OP and 33% SP, and 67% OP and 33% SP with delayed SP grazing initiation (OSD). In 2004, a 100% SP (SP) system was added. Animals were rotationally stocked through either 6 (2002–2004) or 7 (2005–2006) paddocks. Open pasture produced greater (P < 0·001) grazing season herbage yield, while all systems generated similar animal performance. Based on summer solstice, herbage production in spring was greater (P < 0·001) than summer, except in 2003. Total non‐structural carbohydrate (TNC) content was greater (P < 0·05) in spring than in summer, except in 2004. Animal performance was superior in spring versus summer (P < 0·001). Animal plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) was lower (P < 0·05) for OP in 2003. When PUN was correlated with nutritive value indicators, the ratio of TNC to crude protein (CP) had the strongest correlation. The strong correlation indicates the need for synchronized ruminal energy and CP availability. Development of silvopasture from existing woodlots has potential to improve whole farm productivity on marginal lands.
Effects of converted grassland on Hemiptera assemblages in surrounding rice fields
Authors: Yasuda Mika , Yasuda Tetsuya 
Published: November 2015

AbstractEstablishment of pastures for cattle grazing adjacent to rice crops may increase the abundance of rice pests, because some cultivated grass species are host plants to these insects. In this study, we investigated assemblages of Hemiptera potentially causing pecky rice in paddy fields in Japan, and the effects of converted grasslands on surrounding rice fields. We systematically sampled Hemiptera in five land‐use types, comprising riverside vegetation, rice fields, forage rice paddies, fallow fields and pasture in a fine‐scale agricultural mosaic. We also examined the abundance of the two main rice bug species, in relation to the proportion of pecky rice and distance to pasture. Converted pastures that contained cultivated bahia grass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), had the greatest abundance of three rice bug species; Stenotus rubrovittatus (Matsumura), Trigonotylus caelestialium (Kirkaldy) and Cletus punctiger (Dallas). The percentage of damaged pecky grains was significantly greater in rice fields near pasture (within 200 m) than in those farther away. Our study provides evidence that the main source of rice bugs in agricultural croplands was pasture; and suggests that managing food sources for these insect pests in pastures close to rice paddies could help reduce their detrimental impact on rice crops.
Investigation of bipotent differentiation of hepatoblasts using inducible diphtheria toxin receptor‐transgenic mice
Authors: Yanagida Ayaka , Mizuno Naoak , Yamazaki Yuji , Kato‐Itoh Megumi , Umino Ayumi , Sato Hideyuki , Ito Keiichi , Yamaguchi Tomoyuki , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Kamiya Akihide 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimHepatic progenitor cells, called hepatoblasts, are highly proliferative and exhibit bipotential differentiation into hepatocytes and cholangiocytes in the fetal liver. Thus, they are the ideal source for transplantation therapy. Although several studies have been performed in vitro, the molecular mechanisms regulating hepatoblast differentiation in vivo following transplantation remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate an in vivo model to analyze hepatoblast bipotency and proliferative ability.MethodsHepatic transplantation model using Cre‐inducible diphtheria toxin receptor‐transgenic mice (iDTR), and albafpCre mice expressing Cre under the control of albumin and α‐fetoprotein (AFP) regulatory elements were established. Fresh hepatoblasts were transplanted into diphtheria toxin (DT)‐injected iDTRalbafpCre mice and we analyzed their differentiation and proliferation abilities by immunostaining and gene expression profiles.ResultsFresh hepatoblasts transplanted into DT‐injected iDTRalbafpCre mice engrafted and differentiated into both hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. Additionally, the number of engrafted hepatoblast‐derived hepatocytes increased following partial hepatectomy and serial DT injections. Expression levels of hepatic functional genes in transplanted hepatoblast‐derived hepatocytes were similar to that of normal hepatocytes.ConclusionIn our iDTRalbafpCre transplantation model, fresh hepatoblasts could differentiate into hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. In addition, these donor cells were induced to proliferate by the following liver injury stimulation. This result suggests that this model is valuable for investigating hepatoblast differentiation pathways in vivo.
Learning from experience: improving the process of internationally educated nurses' application for registration — a study protocol
Authors: Giblin Cathy , Lemermeyer Gillian , Cummings Greta , Wang Mengzhe , Kwan Jennifer Anne 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimThis study aims to improve the efficiency of the application for registration process for internationally educated nurses seeking licensure to practice.BackgroundThe licensure and employment of internationally educated nurses has been one strategy to address the global nursing shortage. However, little is known about which application characteristics relate to success in obtaining licensure.DesignThis project uses evidence from a retrospective statistical analysis of four years of internationally educated nurse application data to inform the development and implementation of changes to policies and practices at the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta. Analysis of application data will also be conducted to evaluate the impact of the changes on outcomes and timelines.MethodsThe project encompasses four phases, with funding from Health Canada's Internationally Educated Health Professionals Initiative approved in March 2011. Phase One focuses on a statistical analysis of application data to identify characteristics associated with success in the application process and quantify timelines for the phases of the process. The resulting knowledge will inform Phase Two, the development and implementation of policy and practice changes. Further analysis will be completed in Phase Three, comparing outcomes and timelines between pre‐ and postimplementation data using statistical analyses and exemplar‐based statistics. Phase Four will focus on dissemination and knowledge transfer, potentially leading to further changes.DiscussionFindings, policy and practice adaptations and implementation evaluation will provide evidence about the internationally educated nurse application for registration process to Registered Nurse regulators, educational institutions, internationally educated nurses, employers and governments.
FEA of Peri‐Implant Stresses in Fixed Partial Denture Prostheses with Cantilevers
Authors: Alencar Suyá Moura Mendes , Nogueira Lorenna Bastos Lima Verde , Leal de Moura Walter , Rubo José Henrique , Saymo de Oliveira Silva Thalisson , Martins Gregorio Antonio Soares , Moura Carmem Dolores Vilarinho Soares 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPurposeTo compare stresses in the peri‐implant bone produced by fixed partial prostheses with mesial and distal cantilevers, when cemented or screwed onto implants.Materials and MethodsThe experimental design consisted of four 3D models obtained by volumetric computerized tomography and analyzed using finite element analysis (FEA). Stresses were simulated in two stages. Stage 1 consisted of application of the preload. A 288 N load was applied to pillar screws of the cemented prosthesis, resulting in 389 MPa peak; 257 N was applied to the intermediate screw (multi‐unit) resulting in 390 MPa peak; and 111 N was applied to the prosthesis infrastructure screw in the screwed prostheses, resulting in 390 MPa peak. In stage 2, the axial and oblique loads were applied. The axial load consisted of 50 N for molar implants and 30 N for premolar implants. The oblique load (on the buccal slope of the buccal cusp of each crown) consisted of 30 N for premolar implants and 50 N for molar implants, with a buccolingual vector at a 45° angle with the occlusal plane. The response variables were the axial and oblique stresses on the peri‐implant bone, according to the following groups: group 1—models of fixed partial prostheses cemented onto implants with mesial or distal cantilevers; group 2—models of fixed partial denture screwed onto implants with mesial or distal cantilevers. Data were recorded, evaluated, and compared.ResultsOblique loads produced higher peak values than axial loads, and were located at the bone crest of the implant closest to the cantilever, regardless of the prosthesis type. In the cemented prosthesis models, oblique loads produced the highest peaks in the primary implant region when compared with the screwed prosthesis models.ConclusionThe screwed fixed prostheses caused less stress on peri‐implant bone regardless of whether the cantilever was located mesially or distally.
Comparison of Rehabilitating Missing Mandibular First Molars with Implant‐ or Tooth‐Supported Prostheses Using Masticatory Efficiency and Patient Satisfaction Outcomes
Authors: Kumar Yogesh , Chand Pooran , Arora Varuni , Singh Saumyendra V. , Mishra Niraj , Alvi Habib A. , Verma Umesh P. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPurposeTo determine whether a fixed partial denture (FPD) or an implant replacement of a single missing tooth leads to better masticatory efficiency and patient satisfaction.Materials and MethodsOne‐hundred and twenty participants with missing mandibular right first molars were selected on the basis of predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. After obtaining informed consent, 60 participants were randomized to the teeth‐supported (FPD) group and 60 to the implant placement group (IMP). The study was divided into the following parts: (i) Completion of a Likert scale satisfaction questionnaire (postrehabilitation) by the participants. (ii) Evaluation of masticatory efficiency and performance 3 months after rehabilitation. Data were evaluated by applying t‐test and z‐test using statistical analysis (α ˂ 0.05).ResultsMasticatory efficiency of participants in the IMP and FPD groups was 74.95 ± 0.90% and 74.41 ± 3.35%, respectively (p = 0.607). Total satisfaction questionnaire scores for the two groups were also not significantly different; however, the mean scores of overall satisfaction and function categories in this questionnaire were significantly higher for the IMP group, while the mean score for the duration of treatment question was higher for the FPD group (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe results of this study suggested that although masticatory performance and efficiency were not statistically different for single teeth replaced with implants or FPDs, patients perceived higher satisfaction with implant restorations; they also preferred the shorter treatment times for rehabilitation in the FPD group.
Rural‐Urban Differences in Costs of End‐of‐Life Care for Elderly Cancer Patients in the United States
Authors: Wang Hongmei , Qiu Fang , Boilesen Eugene , Nayar Preethy , Lander Lina , Watkins Kate , Watanabe‐Galloway Shinobu 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPurposeThe objective of this study was to examine the rural‐urban differences in Medicare expenditures on end‐of‐life care for elderly cancer patients in the United States.MethodsWe analyzed Medicare claims data for 175,181 elderly adults with lung, colorectal, female breast, or prostate cancer diagnosis who died in 2008. The end‐of‐life costs were quantified as total Medicare expenditures for the last 12 months of care including inpatient, outpatient, physician services, hospice, home health, skilled nursing facilities (SNF), and durable medical expenditure. Linear regression models were used to estimate rural‐urban differences in log‐transformed end‐of‐life costs and logistic regressions were used to estimate probability of service use, adjusting for demographics, socioeconomic status, and comorbidities.FindingsOn average, elderly cancer patients cost Medicare $51,273, $50,274, $62,815, and $50,941 in the last year for breast, prostate, colorectal, and lung cancer, respectively. Rural patients cost Medicare about 10%, 6%, 8%, and 4% less on end‐of‐life care than their urban counterparts for breast, prostate, colorectal, and lung cancer, respectively. Rural cancer patients were less likely to use hospice and home health, more likely to use outpatient and SNF, and they cost Medicare less on inpatient and physician services and more on outpatient care conditional on service use.ConclusionsThe lower Medicare spending on end‐of‐life care for the rural cancer patients suggests disparities based on place of residence. A future study that delineates the source of the rural‐urban difference can help us understand whether it indicates inappropriate level of palliative care and find effective policies to reduce the urban‐rural disparities.