bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spinal neuronal correlates of tapentadol analgesia in cancer pain: A back‐translational approach
Authors: Falk S. , Patel R. , Heegaard A. , Mercadante S. , Dickenson A.H. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundPain is a common and highly debilitating complication for cancer patients significantly compromising their quality of life. Cancer‐induced bone pain involves a complex interplay of multiple mechanisms including both inflammatory and neuropathic processes and also some unique changes. Strong opioids are a mainstay of treatments but side effects are problematic and can compromise optimal pain control. Tapentadol is a novel dual‐action drug, both stimulating inhibitory μ‐opioid receptors (MOR) and mediating noradrenaline reuptake inhibition (NRI) leading to activation of the inhibitory α‐2 adrenoceptor. It has been demonstrated to treat effectively both acute and chronic pain. We here demonstrate the efficacy in a model of cancer‐induced bone pain.MethodsMRMT‐1 mammary carcinoma cells were inoculated into the tibia of 6‐week‐old rats and 2 weeks after, the neuronal responses to a wide range of peripheral stimulation were evaluated. The recordings were made from wide‐dynamic range neurons in lamina V of the dorsal horn before and after administration of tapentadol as well as antagonists of the two mechanisms, naloxone or atipamezole.ResultsWe found marked inhibitions of the neuronal activity with efficacy against mechanical, thermal and electrically evoked activity following tapentadol administration. In addition, the effects of the drug were fully reversible by naloxone and partly by atipamezole, supporting the idea of MOR‐NRI dual actions.ConclusionsThese findings add to the mechanistic understanding of cancer‐induced bone pain and support the sparse clinical data indicating a possible use of the drug as a therapeutic alternative for cancer patients with metastatic pain complication.
Modulation of the startle reflex by heat pain: Does threat play a role?
Authors: Horn‐Hofmann C. , Lautenbacher S. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have indicated that the startle reflex is potentiated by phasic, but not by tonic, heat pain, although the latter is seen as more strongly associated with emotional responses and more similar to clinical pain. The threat value of pain might be a decisive variable, which is not influenced alone by stimulus duration.ObjectiveThis study aimed at comparing startle responses to tonic heat pain stimulation with varying degrees of threat. We hypothesized that the expectation of unpredictable temperature increases would evoke higher threat and thereby potentiate startle compared with the expectation of constant stimulation.MethodsHealthy, pain‐free subjects (n = 40) underwent painful stimulation in two conditions (low/high threat) in balanced order. The only difference between the two conditions was that in the high‐threat condition 50% of the trials were announced to include a short further noxious temperature increase at the end. Startle tones were presented prior to this temperature increase still in the phase of anticipation.ResultsWe observed startle potentiation in the high‐threat compared with the low‐threat condition, but only in those participants who took part first in the high‐threat condition. Habituation could not account for these findings, as we detected no significant decline of startle responses in the course of both conditions.ConclusionsOur results suggest that subjective threat might indeed be decisive for the action of pain on startle; the threat level appears not only influenced by actual expectations but also by previous experiences with pain as threatening or not.
Composite Material Based on Macroporous Polyaniline and Osmium Redox Complex for Biosensor Development
Authors: Antiochia Riccarda , Mazzei Franco , Gorton Lo , Leech Dónal , Favero Gabriele 
Published: June 2014

AbstractHere the feasibility of layers based on the conducting polymer polyaniline (PANI) as component of glucose biosensors using glucose oxidase (GOx) as enzyme and [Os(bpy)2(4‐aminomethylpyridine)Cl]PF6 (OsCmplx) as electrochemical mediator, is evaluated. Particularly, PANI was employed to obtain a nanostructured macroporous material (m‐PANI) around polystyrene nanoparticles taken as template and the mediator was co‐immobilized during the polymerizing procedure. The GOx biosensor based on OsCmplx modified m‐PANI provides a linear response to glucose concentration in the range 5 up to 65 mM with a sensitivity of 3.54 µA/mM/cm2 (on a projected geometric area=0.07 cm2), an LOD of 0.8 mM and a good precision (%RSD≤7, n=5); the biosensor is stable showing a decrease of 10% to the value of the sensitivity after 15 days of use and of about 50% after 40 days.
A Non‐Enzymatic Hydrogen Peroxide Sensor Based on Gold Nanoparticles/Carbon Nanotube/Self‐Doped Polyaniline Hollow Spheres
Authors: Chen Xiaojun , Guo Buhua , Hu Pingping , Wang Yan 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIn this study, a novel non‐enzymatic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensor was fabricated based on gold nanoparticles/carbon nanotube/self‐doped polyaniline (AuNPs/CNTs/SPAN) hollow spheres modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). SPAN was in‐site polymerized on the surface of SiO2 template, then AuNPs and CNTs were decorated by electrostatic absorption via poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride). After the SiO2 cores were removed, hollow AuNPs/CNTs/SPAN spheres were obtained and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The electrochemical catalytic performance of the hollow AuNPs/CNTs/SPAN/GCE for H2O2 detection was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry. Using chronoamperometric method at a constant potential of −0.1 V (vs. SCE), the H2O2 sensor displays two linear ranges: one from 5 µM to 0.225 mM with a sensitivity of 499.82 µA mM−1 cm−2; another from 0.225 mM to 8.825 mM with a sensitivity of 152.29 µA mM−1 cm−2. The detection limit was estimated as 0.4 µM (signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3). The hollow AuNPs/CNTs/SPAN/GCE also demonstrated excellent stability and selectivity against interferences from other electroactive species. The sensor was further applied to determine H2O2 in disinfectant real samples.
Electrochemical Immunosensor for Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB) Based on Platinum Nanoparticles‐Modified Electrode Using Hydrogen Evolution Inhibition Approach
Authors: Sharma Arun , Kameswara Rao Vepa , Vrat Kamboj Dev , Jain Rajeev 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIn the present study, the electrocatalytic property of platinum for the reduction of protons to hydrogen in acidic medium is explored for the electrochemical detection of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB). For this purpose glassy‐carbon electrodes (GCEs) were modified with platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) and studies were conducted on effect of copper deposition on the catalytic efficiency of Pt NPs towards reduction of protons. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) was performed to determine a negative shift of hydrogen evolution potential at the Pt NPs modified GCEs. In addition to this, indirect sandwiched ELISA procedure was followed on disposable SPEs. Anti‐mouse immunoglobulin G‐alkaline phosphatase (ALP) conjugate was immobilized on the SPE interface leads the hydrolysis of ascorbic acid 2‐phosphatase (AAP) and produce ascorbic acid which is responsible for the deposition of copper on Pt NPs modified GCEs. The potential for hydrogen evolution is negatively shifted with increasing the concentration of SEB over a range from 1.0 ng/mL to 1.0 µg/mL and the detection limit was found to be 1.0 ng/mL. The overall study emphasizes the role of catalytic efficiency of platinum nanoparticles and optimized conditions in providing better analytical performances for biosensors in term of sensitivity, selectivity and reliability.
Electrochemical Detection of Melamine
Authors: Xue J. , Lee P. T. , Compton R. G. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractPoly(caffeic acid) polymer was immobilized onto the surface of a glassy carbon electrode via electropolymerization. Voltammetry shows a signal related to the two‐electron oxidation of the immobilized hydroquinone groups in the caffeic acid monomer units. The modified electrode in aqueous solution shows complexation of the electrogenerated o‐quinone species with melamine thus allowing in the electrochemical detection of melamine by recording the shift in potential of the oxidation signal of the polymer. Melamine detection was investigated in pure aqueous solutions and in the presence of milk powder solutions and the proposed analytical method of melamine detection in milk powder was applied successfully with an average recovery of ca. (91±7.9)%.
Classification of microbial α‐amylases for food manufacturing using proteinase digestion
Authors: Akiyama Takumi , Yamazaki Takeshi , Tada Atsuko , Ito Yusai , Otsuki Noriko , Akiyama Hiroshi 
Published: June 2014

AbstractEnzymes produced by microorganisms and plants are used as food additives to aid the processing of foods. Identification of the origin of these enzyme products is important for their proper use. Proteinase digestion of α‐amylase products, followed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, was applied to α‐amylase from the mold Aspergillus species, the bacteria Bacillus species, and the actinomycetes Saccharomonospora species. Eighteen commercial products of α‐amylase were digested with trypsin and endoproteinase Lys‐C and HPLC analyzed. For some proteinase/sample combinations, the area of the intact α‐amylase peak decreased and new peaks were detected after digestion. The presence and retention times of the novel peaks were used to group the products. The results from this method, called the proteinase digestion–HPLC method, allowed the classification of the α‐amylase products into 10 groups, whereas the results from sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis allowed their classification into seven groups.
Processing of nociceptive input from posterior to anterior insula in humans
Authors: Frot Maud , Faillenot Isabelle , Mauguière François 
Published: June 2014

AbstractPrevious brain imaging studies have shown robust activations in the insula during nociceptive stimulation. Most activations involve the posterior insular cortex but they can cover all insular gyri in some fMRI studies. However, little is known about the timing of activations across the different insular sub‐regions. We report on the distribution of intracerebrally recorded nociceptive laser evoked potentials (LEPs) acquired from the full extent of the insula in 44 epileptic patients. Our study shows that both posterior and anterior subdivisions of the insular cortex respond to a nociceptive heat stimulus within a 200–400 ms latency range. This nociceptive cortical potential occurs firstly, and is larger, in the posterior granular insular cortex. The presence of phase reversals in LEP components in both posterior and anterior insular regions suggests activation of distinct, presumably functionally separate, sources in the posterior and anterior parts of the insula. Our results suggest that nociceptive input is first processed in the posterior insula, where it is known to be coded in terms of intensity and anatomical location, and then conveyed to the anterior insula, where the emotional reaction to pain is elaborated. Hum Brain Mapp 35:5486–5499, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Segmentation for brain magnetic resonance images using dual‐tree complex wavelet transform and spatial constrained self‐organizing tree map
Authors: Zhang Jingdan , Jiang Wuhan 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTIn brain MR images, the noise and low‐contrast significantly deteriorate the segmentation results. In this paper, we introduce a novel application of dual‐tree complex wavelet transform (DT‐CWT), and propose an automatic unsupervised segmentation method integrating DT‐CWT with self‐organizing map for brain MR images. First, a multidimensional feature vector is constructed based on the intensity, low‐frequency subband of DT‐CWT, and spatial position information. Then, a spatial constrained self‐organizing tree map (SCSOTM) is presented as the segmentation system. It adaptively captures the complicated spatial layout of the individual tissues, and overcomes the problem of overlapping gray‐scale intensities for different tissues. SCSOTM applies a dual‐thresholding method for automatic growing of the tree map, which uses the information from the high‐frequency subbands of DT‐CWT. The proposed method is validated by extensive experiments using both simulated and real T1‐weighted MR images, and compared with the state‐of‐the‐art algorithms. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 24, 208–214, 2014
Encapsulation of porcine pancreatic islets within an immunoprotective capsule comprising methacrylated glycol chitosan and alginate
Authors: Hillberg Anna Louise , Oudshoorn Matthew , Lam Janice B. B. , Kathirgamanathan Kalyani 
Published: June 2014

AbstractEncapsulation of cells in biocompatible polymer matrices represents a powerful tool for cell‐based therapies and therapeutic delivery systems. This technology has successfully been used to deliver pancreatic islets to humans for the treatment of Type 1 diabetes. However, the clinical impact of this technology may be improved by reducing the inflammatory response brought on after implantation of capsules in vivo. Within this study a biocompatible polymeric delivery system combining alginate and photo‐crosslinked methacrylated glycol chitosan (MGC) was developed. This approach involved encapsulating cells in calcium‐alginate beads, coating with MGC and photo‐polymerizing using UVA in the presence of photo‐initiator (VA‐086), resulting in the formation of capsules ∼600 µm in size. Crosslinking of the MGC outer wall allowed control over capsule swelling and improved the capsules overall properties. Capsule characterization demonstrated the stabilizing influence of polymerization and fluorescence imaging showed that the distribution of glycol chitosan is dependent on molecular weight. Good islet viability and insulin release was demonstrated in vitro over the course of a month, and in vivo transplantation of the capsules demonstrated good biocompatibility, particularly when compared with standard alginate/poly‐l‐ornithine/alginate capsules. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 503–518, 2015.
Influence of resistance exercise intensity and metabolic stress on anabolic signaling and expression of myogenic genes in skeletal muscle
Authors: Popov Daniil V. , Lysenko Evgeny A. , Bachinin Anton V. , Miller Tatiana F. , Kurochkina Nadezda S. , Kravchenko Irina V. , Furalyov Vladimir A. , Vinogradova OLGA L. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We investigated the effect of resistance exercise intensity and exercise‐induced metabolic stress on the activation of anabolic signaling and expression of myogenic genes in skeletal muscle. Methods: Ten strength‐trained athletes performed high‐intensity [HI, 74% of 1‐repetition maximum (RM)], middle‐intensity (MI, 54% 1RM), or middle‐intensity (54% 1RM) no‐relaxation exercise (MIR). Kinase phosphorylation level and myogenic gene expression in muscle samples were evaluated before, 45 min, 5 h, and 20 h after exercise. Results: The lactate concentration in MI was approximately 2‐fold lower than in the 2 other sessions, and was highest in MIR. The phosphorylation level of extracellular kinase 1/2Thr202/Tyr204 after exercise was related to metabolic stress. Metabolic stress induced a decrease in myostatin mRNA expression, whereas mechano‐growth factor mRNA level depended on exercise intensity. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that both intensity and exercise‐induced metabolic stress can be manipulated to affect muscle anabolic signaling. Muscle Nerve 51: 434–442, 2015
The relationship of angiogenic factors to maternal and neonatal manifestations of early‐onset and late‐onset preeclampsia
Authors: Pinheiro Cilene Carlos , Rayol Patricia , Gozzani Luiz , dos Reis Luciene Machado , Zampieri Gianfranco , Dias Cristiane Bitencourt , Woronik Viktoria 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTObjectiveAn imbalance between angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors has been implicated in the pathogenesis and severity of preeclampsia. In this study, we evaluated serum levels of an angiogenic factor and an antiangiogenic factor – placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt‐1), respectively – in pregnant women with preeclampsia, as well as evaluating the impact of those factors on maternal and fetal outcomes.MethodWe studied 44 pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia and admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). The preeclampsia was classified (by weeks of gestation at delivery) as early‐onset (<34 weeks) or late‐onset (≥34 weeks). We analyzed serum PlGF and sFlt‐1, as well as urinary PlGF at admission to the ICU.ResultsIn the early‐onset preeclampsia group, the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio was higher, as was serum sFlt‐1, whereas serum PlGF was lower. Serum sFlt‐1 and the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio correlated positively with proteinuria and length of maternal hospital stay and correlated negatively with birth weight. The sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio correlated positively with length of newborn stay in the neonatal ICU.ConclusionAngiogenic imbalance is more pronounced in patients with early‐onset preeclampsia and correlates with worse clinical outcomes, especially for the neonates. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The preparation of α‐bis and α,ω‐tetrakis aromatic oxazolyl‐ and carboxyl‐functionalized polymers using 1,1‐bis[4‐(2‐(4,4‐dimethyl‐1,3‐oxazolyl))phenyl]ethylene in atom transfer radical polymerization reactions
Authors: Summers Gabriel J , Maseko Rejoice B , Summers Carol A 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe preparation of new compounds, 1,1‐bis[4‐(2‐(4,4‐dimethyl‐1,3‐oxazolyl))phenyl]ethanol and a new symmetrically disubstituted 1,1‐diphenylethylene derivative, 1,1‐bis[4‐(2‐(4,4‐dimethyl‐1,3‐oxazolyl))phenyl]ethylene, is described. 1,1‐Bis[4‐(2‐(4,4‐dimethyl‐1,3‐oxazolyl))phenyl]ethylene was utilized as a dioxazolyl initiator precursor for the polymerization of styrene by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) methods to produce α‐bis(oxazolyl) polystyrene. The kinetic study of the polymerization process indicated that the free radical polymerization reaction for the preparation of α‐bis(oxazolyl) polystyrene follows first‐order rate kinetics with respect to monomer consumption. α,ω‐Tetrakis(oxazolyl) polystyrene was prepared by a new, in situ, controlled/living, post‐ATRP chain‐end‐functionalization reaction which involves the direct addition of 1,1‐bis[4‐(2‐(4,4‐dimethyl‐1,3‐oxazolyl))phenyl]ethylene to the ω‐terminus of the α‐bis(oxazolyl) polystyrene derivative, without the isolation and purification of the polymeric precursor. α‐Bis(carboxyl) and α,ω‐tetrakis(carboxyl) polystyrene derivatives were obtained by the quantitative chemical transformation of the oxazoline groups of the respective aromatic oxazolyl chain‐end‐functionalized polystyrene derivatives to the aromatic carboxyl groups. The organic precursor compounds, the dioxazolyl‐functionalized 1,1‐diphenylethylene derivative and the functionalized polymers were characterized using 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, size‐exclusion and thin‐layer chromatography and non‐aqueous titration measurements. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Cognitive and affective influences on perceived risk of ovarian cancer
Authors: Peipins Lucy A. , McCarty Frances , Hawkins Nikki A. , Rodriguez Juan L. , Scholl Lawrence E. , Leadbetter Steven 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIntroductionStudies suggest that both affective and cognitive processes are involved in the perception of vulnerability to cancer and that affect has an early influence in this assessment of risk. We constructed a path model based on a conceptual framework of heuristic reasoning (affect, resemblance, and availability) coupled with cognitive processes involved in developing personal models of cancer causation.MethodsFrom an eligible cohort of 16 700 women in a managed care organization, we randomly selected 2524 women at high, elevated, and average risk of ovarian cancer and administered a questionnaire to test our model (response rate 76.3%). Path analysis delineated the relationships between personal and cognitive characteristics (number of relatives with cancer, age, ideas about cancer causation, perceived resemblance to an affected friend or relative, and ovarian cancer knowledge) and emotional constructs (closeness to an affected relative or friend, time spent processing the cancer experience, and cancer worry) on perceived risk of ovarian cancer.ResultsOur final model fit the data well (root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.028, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.99, normed fit index (NFI) = 0.98). This final model (1) demonstrated the nature and direction of relationships between cognitive characteristics and perceived risk; (2) showed that time spent processing the cancer experience was associated with cancer worry; and (3) showed that cancer worry moderately influenced perceived risk.DiscussionOur results highlight the important role that family cancer experience has on cancer worry and shows how cancer experience translates into personal risk perceptions. This understanding informs the discordance between medical or objective risk assessment and personal risk assessment. Published in 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Modeling Ignition and Thermal Wave Progression in Binary Granular Pyrotechnic Compositions
Authors: Knapp Sebastian , Weiser Volker , Kelzenberg Stefan , Eisenreich Norbert 
Published: June 2014

AbstractOxidizer and fuel particles are the ingredients of classical pyrotechnics. Particle concentration, size, melting, evaporation, and decomposition of the particles, heat and mass transfer, reaction kinetics, and heat of reaction control the burning behavior of these mixtures. A hot‐spot approach models the reaction progress in three dimensions taking into consideration the particulate nature of pyrotechnic compositions. The governing reaction is assumed to be the oxidizer decomposition described by an Avrami‐Erofeev model. Predominantly, the distribution of the oxidizer and fuel particles and their size for various concentrations influence the burning rate beneath the reaction kinetic parameters. The computational results were compared with experimental progression rates and temperatures measured for an example system composed of various Al/CuO‐thermite mixtures with aluminum contents from 8 % to 70 %. The particle sizes were fixed to micrometer‐scale. The curve of progression rate calculations depending on the aluminium particle concentration and their distribution show the same shape as the experimental results.