bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of MRI as a prognostic tool in ischemic stroke
Authors: Arsava Ethem Murat 
Published: October 2012

AbstractMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an invaluable tool used in the diagnosis of ischemic stroke. Ongoing technological advances in MRI technology and advent of new imaging sequences has now made it possible to use MRI as a prognostic tool both in the acute and chronic stages of cerebral ischemia. This review summarizes the role of MRI in estimating final tissue outcome, specifically by providing information on severity and location of ischemic insult, cerebral blood flow dynamics, vascular status, and cerebral reserve. All of these predictions can then be used to make projections regarding clinical outcome, and can be refined by other prognostic models to estimate recovery and risk of further ischemic events. These algorithms, in the end, can ultimately help the clinician in tailoring therapies on an individual basis and optimize the risk–benefit ratio of therapeutic approaches used in the acute and chronic stages of ischemic stroke. The implementation of such prognostic algorithms to clinical imaging workstations and calculation of all the possible projections within minutes after completion of imaging are likely to become an integral part of clinical practice in the near future.
Vascular neuroprotection via TrkB‐ and Akt‐dependent cell survival signaling
Authors: Guo Shuzhen , Som Angel T. , Waeber Christian , Lo Eng H. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe cerebral endothelium can be a vital source of signaling factors such as brain‐derived neurotrophic factor that defends the neuronal parenchyma against stress and injury. But the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully defined. Here, we use cell models to ask how vascular neuroprotection is sustained. Human brain endothelial cells were grown in culture, and conditioned media were transferred to primary rat cortical neurons. Brain endothelial cell‐conditioned media activated neuronal Akt signaling and protected neurons against hypoxia and oxygen‐glucose deprivation. Blockade of Akt phosphorylation with the PI3‐kinase inhibitor LY294002 negated this vascular neuroprotective effect. Upstream of Akt signaling, the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor receptor TrkB (neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor, type 2) was involved because depletion with TrkB/Fc eliminated the ability of endothelial‐conditioned media to protect neurons against hypoxia. Downstream of Akt signaling, activation of GSK‐3β (glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta), caspase 9, caspase 3 and Bad pathways were detected. Taken together, these findings suggest that the molecular basis for vascular neuroprotection involves TrkB‐Akt signaling that ameliorates neuronal apoptosis. Further investigation of these mechanisms may reveal new approaches for augmenting endogenous vascular neuroprotection in stroke, brain injury, and neurodegeneration.
Poly‐ICLC preconditioning protects the blood–brain barrier against ischemic injury in vitro through type I interferon signaling
Authors: Gesuete Raffaella , Packard Amy E. B. , Vartanian Keri B. , Conrad Valerie K. , Stevens Susan L. , Bahjat Frances R. , Yang Tao , Stenzel‐Poore Mary P. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPreconditioning with a low dose of harmful stimulus prior to injury induces tolerance to a subsequent ischemic challenge resulting in neuroprotection against stroke. Experimental models of preconditioning primarily focus on neurons as the cellular target of cerebral protection, while less attention has been paid to the cerebrovascular compartment, whose role in the pathogenesis of ischemic brain injury is crucial. We have shown that preconditioning with polyinosinic polycytidylic acid (poly‐ICLC) protects against cerebral ischemic damage. To delineate the mechanism of poly‐ICLC protection, we investigated whether poly‐ICLC preconditioning preserves the function of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in response to ischemic injury. Using an in vitro BBB model, we found that poly‐ICLC treatment prior to exposure to oxygen‐glucose deprivation maintained the paracellular and transcellular transport across the endothelium and attenuated the drop in transendothelial electric resistance. We found that poly‐ICLC treatment induced interferon (IFN) β mRNA expression in astrocytes and microglia and that type I IFN signaling in brain microvascular endothelial cells was required for protection. Importantly, this implicates a potential mechanism underlying neuroprotection in our in vivo experimental stroke model, where type I IFN signaling is required for poly‐ICLC‐induced neuroprotection against ischemic injury. In conclusion, we are the first to show that preconditioning with poly‐ICLC attenuates ischemia‐induced BBB dysfunction. This mechanism is likely an important feature of poly‐ICLC‐mediated neuroprotection and highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting BBB signaling pathways to protect the brain against stroke.
Suppression of the inflammatory response by diphenyleneiodonium after transient focal cerebral ischemia
Authors: Nagel Simon , Hadley Gina , Pfleger Karin , Grond‐Ginsbach Caesar , Buchan Alastair Mitchell , Wagner Simone , Papadakis Michalis 
Published: October 2012

AbstractDiphenyleneiodonium (DPI), a NADPH oxidase inhibitor, reduces production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and confers neuroprotection to focal cerebral ischemia. Our objective was to investigate whether the neuroprotective action of DPI extends to averting the immune response. DPI‐induced gene changes were analyzed by microarray analysis from rat brains subjected to 90 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion, treated with NaCl (ischemia), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), or DMSO and DPI (DPI), and reperfused for 48 h. The genomic expression profile was compared between groups using ingenuity pathway analysis at the pathway and network level. DPI selectively up‐regulated 23 genes and down‐regulated 75 genes more than twofold compared with both DMSO and ischemia. It significantly suppressed inducible nitric oxide synthase signaling and increased the expression of methionine adenosyltransferasesynthetase 2A and adenosylmethionine decarboxylase 1 genes, which are involved in increasing the production of the antioxidant glutathione. The most significantly affected gene network comprised genes implicated in the inflammatory response with an expression change indicating an overall suppression. Both integrin‐ and interleukin‐17A‐signaling pathways were also significantly associated and suppressed. In conclusion, the neuroprotective effects of DPI are mediated not only by suppressing ischemia‐triggered oxidative stress but also by limiting leukocyte migration and infiltration.
Post‐ischemic vascular adhesion protein‐1 inhibition provides neuroprotection in a rat temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion model
Authors: Watcharotayangul Jittiya , Mao Lizhen , Xu Haoliang , Vetri Francesco , Baughman Verna L. , Paisansathan Chanannait , Pelligrino Dale A. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWe examined the neuroprotective efficacy associated with post‐ischemic vascular adhesion protein‐1 (VAP‐1) blockade in rats subjected to transient (1 h) middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). We compared saline‐treated control rats to rats treated with a highly selective VAP‐1 inhibitor, LJP‐1586 [Z‐3‐fluoro‐2‐(4‐methoxybenzyl) allylamine hydrochloride]. Initial intraperitoneal LJP‐1586 (or saline control) treatments were delayed until 6 h or 12 h reperfusion. At 72‐h reperfusion, LJP‐1586‐treated rats displayed 51% and 33% smaller infarct volumes, relative to their controls, in the 6‐ and 12‐h treatment groups, respectively. However, only in the 6‐h treatment group was the infarct volume reduction significant (p < 0.05). On the other hand, we observed significantly improved neurologic functions in both 6‐ and 12‐h treatment groups, versus their matched controls (p < 0.05). Also, the effect of 6‐h LJP‐1586 treatment on post‐ischemic leukocyte trafficking in pial venules overlying the ischemic cortex was evaluated using intravital microscopy. These experiments revealed that: 1) LJP‐1586 did not affect intravascular leukocyte (largely neutrophil) adhesion, at least out to 12‐h reperfusion; and 2) the onset of neutrophil extravasation, which occurred between 6–8‐h reperfusion in control rats, was prevented by LJP‐1586‐treatment. In conclusion, in rats subjected to transient MCAo, selective VAP‐1 pharmacologic blockade provided neuroprotection, with a prolonged therapeutic window of 6–12‐h reperfusion.
Impacts of the End of the Coffee Export Quota System on International‐to‐Retail Price Transmission
Authors: Lee Jun , Gómez Miguel I. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWe examine the impact of the end of the coffee export quota system (EQS) on international‐to‐retail price transmission in France, Germany and the United States. We take account of the existence of long‐run threshold effects and short‐run price transmission asymmetries (PTAs). We find evidence of threshold effects in both periods (EQS and post‐EQS) in all three countries and the presence of short‐run PTAs during the post‐EQS period in all countries, but not during the EQS period. Our results indicate that the threshold values are smaller in the post‐EQS period, suggesting that retail prices became more responsive to changes in international prices. However, the speed of adjustment towards the long‐run equilibrium decreases during the post‐EQS period in the three countries. In the short run, non‐linear impulse response analyses indicate that a shock in international prices was more persistent during the EQS period than in the post‐EQS period. Moreover, we find evidence of short‐run PTAs in the post‐EQS period, with differences across countries. We find support for the ‘rockets and feathers’ principle in the United States; in contrast, retail prices respond faster when international prices are falling in Germany and France. We explain these differences in terms of market structures.
Image Matching of Satellite Data Based on Quadrilateral Control Networks
Authors: Sedaghat Amin , Ebadi Hamid , Mokhtarzade Mehdi 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Automatic image matching of satellite data is a difficult process due to the complex characteristics of such image pairs, including significant translation, rotation, scaling and illumination differences. A new method is proposed where, initially, a pre‐registration is performed to coarsely align the input and reference images. Next, a dense set of corner points are extracted using the Harris operator. The strongest conjugate corner points are determined and the accuracy is improved by using least squares matching to construct a precise braced quadrilateral control network in the two images. Once the consistency of the established network pairs has been determined, it is used as a framework to match the remaining corner points. Comprehensive evaluations of the proposed method on a variety of image pairs from different sensors prove its efficiency with sub‐pixel positional accuracy.
Distribution Channel Strategies for a Manufacturer with Complementary Products
Authors: Xia Yusen , Xiao Tiaojun , Zhang G. Peter 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTIn this article, we consider distribution channel strategies for an incumbent manufacturer who produces two complementary products and must determine whether or not to have another company to sell its products. We identify factors that affect the manufacturer's motivation to use dual‐channel distribution. Our results show that both complementarity between complements and product substitutability between firms influence the manufacturer's channel strategy. We find that if the potential entrant does not produce the complement of the primary product, a higher complementary effect for the complement will weaken the motivation of the incumbent to add an indirect channel. We also find that the incumbent has a stronger incentive to add the indirect channel when a product's substitutability is high. Furthermore, we show that when the two channels have the same pricing power, the incumbent has a stronger incentive to sell through the indirect channel in a higher pricing power environment.
Criterion‐based Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infection: Sensitivity, Specificity, and Predictive Values of Commonly Used Questions
Authors: Murphy Patricia Aikins , Jacobson Janet , Turok David K. 
Published: October 2012

Introduction: Practice protocols that mandate prescreening for sexually transmitted infection prior to insertion of an intrauterine device for contraception can pose obstacles for women seeking this highly effective method of birth control. Some practices screen for presumed risk factors for sexually transmitted infection in order to identify those who may be infected or those in whom laboratory testing should be obtained. The value of such criterion‐based screening is unclear.Methods: Data from a prospective observational trial of offering the copper intrauterine device for emergency contraception were used to assess the value of several screening questions in predicting the presence of sexually transmitted infection. Criteria evaluated were age under 25 years, history of a sexually transmitted infection, and having 2 or more sexual partners in the previous 3 months. The sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratio of both positive and negative test results and positive and negative predictive values were calculated for 3 separate questions as well as for combinations of these 3 questions.Results: There were 197 women who received a copper intrauterine device for emergency contraception at the same time they were tested for sexually transmitted infection. In this sample, there were 8 cases of Chlamydia trachomatis identified and no cases of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The sensitivity of individual and combined questions in identifying those who were infected ranged from 0% to 88%; specificity ranged from 37% to 97%. The positive predictive values for single or combined screening questions were in the range of 4% to 6%. Likelihood ratios for both positive and negative test results did not change posttest likelihood of disease in any appreciable way.Discussion: Standard screening questions used to identify sexually transmitted infection risk could presume infection in large numbers of uninfected women and are of little value in identifying the women who are truly infected.
Impact of Childhood Cancer on Emerging Adult Survivors’ Romantic Relationships: A Qualitative Account
Authors: Thompson Amanda L. , Long Kristin A. , Marsland Anna L. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Research focusing on the long-term sequelae of diagnosis and treatment for childhood cancer suggests that although the majority of survivors are not at increased risk for psychopathology, many experience persistent problems in other domains that greatly affect quality of life (QoL). One such domain is social functioning. To date, little is known about the impact of childhood cancer on social functioning and related QoL during emerging adulthood, the developmental period that spans the late teens and early twenties and is characterized, in part, by explorations in love and romantic relationships.

Aim
To document emerging adult survivors’ perceptions of their romantic relationships through a descriptive qualitative study.

Main Outcome Measures
Recurrent themes from interviews were extracted via qualitative content-based analysis.

Methods
Eighteen female survivors of childhood cancer, ages 18–25, participated in a phone interview focused on past and present romantic partnerships.

Results
Themes from coded transcripts included redefined life priorities and perspective, concerns with disclosure of cancer history and emotions, negative body image as a result of illness and treatment side effects, and worries about fertility and health of future children. Survivors related these concerns to their histories of childhood cancer and discussed the impact on the development and maintenance of romantic relationships.

Conclusions
Overall, survivors reported a number of relationship concerns that have the potential to interfere with their ability to move toward emotional and physical intimacy in relationships, a key task of emerging adulthood. These findings suggest a number of testable hypotheses for future research, have the potential to inform the construction of new measures that more accurately evaluate social functioning of childhood cancer survivors, and emphasize the importance of ongoing assessment by health care providers of developmentally salient issues like love/romance.
Altered Sexual and Reproductive Functions in Epileptic Men Taking Carbamazepine
Authors: Reis Rosana Maria , de Angelo Alexandre Gonçalves , Sakamoto Américo Ceiki , Ferriani Rui Alberto , Lara Lúcia Alves Silva 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Epileptic men may experience hormonal changes that may alter semen quality and sexual function. Alterations in male sexual and reproductive parameters may also be due to treatment with antiepileptic drugs to control seizures.

Aims
To evaluate serum hormone concentrations, semen quality, the frequency of sexual intercourse (FSI), and erectile function in men with epileptic seizures controlled by carbamazepine (CBZ).

Main Outcome Measures
The five-question form of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and semi-structured questionnaire.

Methods
One hundred and eighteen men, aged 18–45 years, were included in this controlled, cross-sectional study: 63 men taking CBZ (epileptic group) were compared to 55 healthy men (control group). Blood sample was collected to determine hormones concentrations. Erectile function and the frequency of sexual relations were assessed by using questionnaires. Sperm morphology was analyzed by examining the quality of the head, intermediate part and tail of the spermatozoa.

Results
Using the IIEF-5, we observed a significant association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and groups (P &lt; 0.01), where epileptic men had 17.33 (95% CI 3.59, 83.52) odds to have erectile dysfunction. Adjusted odds ratio to group considering luteinizing hormone, prolactin, Serum total testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione levels and free androgen index, we observed only group effect where epileptic men had 10.47 (95% CI 2.75, 39.83) odds to have FSI &lt; 3 times a week. Sperm vitality was altered in 27% of the epileptic subjects compared with 5.4% of the control group (P &lt; 0.002). Sperm motility differed significantly between groups, with A + B motility ≤50% observed in 98.4% of the epileptic group and in 85.4% of the control group (P &lt; 0.01). Sperm morphology &lt;14% was observed in 93.7% of the epileptic men, compared with 34.6% of the controls (P &lt; 0.001). CBZ users, showed less sexual intercourse then controls (P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions
Epileptic men taking CBZ present with changes in hormonal levels, altered semen quality, ED, and a reduction in coital frequency.
Antioxidant Activity of Free and Bound Compounds in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Seeds in Comparison with Durum Wheat and Emmer
Authors: Laus Maura N. , Gagliardi Anna , Soccio Mario , Flagella Zina , Pastore Donato 
Published: October 2012

Abstract:  Antioxidant activity (AA) of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) seeds, as well as of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum Desf.) and of emmer (T. turgidum L. ssp. dicoccum Schübler) grains, was evaluated by studying hydrophilic (H), lipophilic (L), free‐soluble (FSP) and insoluble‐bound (IBP) phenolic extracts using the new lipoxygenase/4‐nitroso‐N,N‐dimethylaniline (LOX/RNO) method, able to simultaneously detect different antioxidant mechanisms, as well as using the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) and the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) assays, which measure the scavenging activity against peroxyl and ABTS [2,2′‐azino‐bis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonate)] radicals, respectively. The species under study were compared with respect to the sum of AA values of H, L and FSP extracts (AAH+L+FSP), containing freely solvent‐soluble antioxidants, and AA values of IBP extracts (AAIBP), representing the phenolic fraction ester‐linked to insoluble cell wall polymers. The LOX/RNO and ORAC methods measured in quinoa flour a remarkable AAH+L+FSP higher than durum wheat, although lower than emmer; according to the same assays, the IBP component of quinoa resulted less active than the durum wheat and emmer ones. The TEAC protocol also revealed a high AAH+L+FSP for quinoa. Interestingly, the ratio AAH+L+FSP/AAH+L+FSP+IBP, as evaluated by the LOX/RNO and ORAC assays, resulted in quinoa higher than that of both durum wheat and emmer, and much higher than durum wheat, according to the TEAC protocol. This may suggest that antioxidants from quinoa seeds may be more readily accessible with respect to that of both the examined wheat species.Practical Applications:  Quinoa seeds may represent an excellent source of natural antioxidant compounds and, in particular, of the free‐soluble antioxidant fraction. These compounds may improve nutritive and health‐beneficial properties of quinoa‐based gluten‐free products, thus expanding interest for quinoa utilization from celiac patients to the general population.
Increasing the Applications of Crocus sativus Flowers as Natural Antioxidants
Authors: Serrano‐Díaz Jéssica , Sánchez Ana M. , Maggi Luana , Martínez‐Tomé Magdalena , García‐Diz Luis , Murcia M. Antonia , Alonso Gonzalo L. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract:  Large amounts of floral bio‐residues (92.6 g per 100 g of flowers) are generated and wasted in the production of saffron (Crocus sativus) spice. Progress in mechanization of saffron crop offer the opportunity to expand the uses of C. sativus flowers, beyond the spice (dried stigmas). The antioxidant potential of flowers of saffron, their separate parts (tepals, stamens, styles, and stigmas) and floral bio‐residues were evaluated by 4 in vitro assays: lipid peroxidation, deoxyribose assay, Rancimat test, and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity. Phenolic content and crocetin ester composition were also determined. All the samples studied showed to be potential antioxidants. The highest phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents were observed in tepals. Stamens showed lower phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents than those of whole flowers, tepals, and floral bio‐residues. Crocetin esters were not found in tepals or stamens. Stamens exhibited the most potent LOO• and OH• radicals scavenging activity, being higher than those of food antioxidant propyl gallate. Flowers of saffron, tepals, stamens, styles, and floral bio‐residues showed LOO•, OH•, and ABTS•− radicals scavenging activity, while stigmas showed LOO• and ABTS•− radicals scavenging activity. All samples studied improved the oxidative stability of sunflower oil in Rancimat test. These antioxidant properties could suggest the application of this floral material as functional ingredients with the subsequent added value.Practical Application:  Saffron spice, the most valuable spice worldwide, is the dried stigma that only represents 7.4% of Crocus sativus flowers. Other parts of the flowers different to stigmas are discarded. Flower harvest and all the postharvest steps to produce saffron spice are performed manually. Mechanization of flower collection, stigma separation, and dehydration process is a revolution in saffron spice production, which increases the productive capacity making it possible to extend the uses of C. sativus flowers, beyond the production of saffron spice. Flowers possessed high‐phenolic content and excellent antioxidant properties that could contribute to their application as functional ingredients.