bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlations between serum levels of beta amyloid, cerebrospinal levels of tau and phospho tau, and delayed response tasks in young and aged cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Darusman H.S. , Sajuthi D. , Kalliokoski O. , Jacobsen K.R. , Call J. , Schapiro S.J. , Gjedde A. , Abelson K.S.P. , Hau J. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn an attempt to explore cynomolgus monkeys as an animal model for Alzheimer's disease, the present study focused on the Alzheimer's biomarkers beta amyloid 1–42 (Aβ42) in serum, and total tau (t‐tau) and phosphorylated tau (p‐tau) levels in cerebrospinal fluid.MethodsWe measured biomarker levels in Young and Aged cynomolgus monkeys and correlated these with performance on three delayed response tasks.ResultsThe Aβ42 concentration of the Aged monkeys was significantly lower than in the Young subjects, while the t‐tau and p‐tau did not significantly differ between the groups. The Young subjects performed significantly better than the Aged individuals on the memory tests. Only Aβ42 levels were significantly correlated with performance in the three delayed response tasks.ConclusionsCirculating Aβ42 levels were lower in Aged monkeys and were correlated with inferior performance on delayed response tasks in Aged animals; therefore, both measures may be useful in establishing cynomolgus monkeys as models for studies of AD.
Development of a Proactive Care Program (U‐CARE) to Preserve Physical Functioning of Frail Older People in Primary Care
Authors: Bleijenberg Nienke , ten Dam Valerie H. , Drubbel Irene , Numans Mattijs E. , de Wit Niek J. , Schuurmans Marieke J. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPurposeCare for older patients in primary care is currently reactive, fragmented, and time consuming. An innovative structured and proactive primary care program (U‐CARE) has been developed to preserve physical functioning and enhance quality of life of frail older people. This study describes in detail the development process of the U‐CARE program to allow its replication.MethodsThe framework of the Medical Research Council (MRC) for the development and evaluation of complex interventions was used as a theoretical guide for the design of the U‐CARE program. An extended stepwise multimethod procedure was used to develop U‐CARE. A team of researchers, general practitioners, registered practice nurses, experts, and an independent panel of older persons was involved in the development process to increase its feasibility in clinical practice. A systematic review of the literature and of relevant guidelines, combined with clinical practice experience and expert opinion, was used for the development of the intervention.FindingsBased on predefined potentially effective guiding components, the U‐CARE program comprises three steps: a frailty assessment, a comprehensive geriatric assessment at home followed by a tailor‐made care plan, and multiple follow‐up visits. Evidence‐based care plans were developed for 11 geriatric conditions. The feasibility in clinical practice was tested and approved by experienced registered practice nurses.ConclusionsUsing the MRC Framework, a detailed description of the development process of the innovative U‐CARE program is provided, which is often missing in reports of complex intervention trials. Based on our feasibility‐pilot study, the general practitioners and the registered practice nurses indicated that the U‐CARE intervention is feasible in clinical practice.Clinical RelevancesThe U‐CARE program consists of promising components and has the potential to improve the care of older patients.
OLIGOPOLY EXPERIMENTS IN THE CURRENT MILLENNIUM
Authors: Potters Jan , Suetens Sigrid 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe present a general overview of papers that employ laboratory experiments to study oligopoly markets. We focus on papers that have been published since 2000. We categorize studies into three broad classes: (1) oligopoly competition from a static perspective, (2) dynamics, convergence, and learning, and (3) collusion and policy.
MODELLING HYDROCARBON GENERATION IN THE PALAEOZOIC AND MESOZOIC SUCCESSIONS IN SE POLAND AND WEST UKRAINE
Authors: Kosakowski P. , Wróbel M. , Krzywiec P. 
Published: March 2013

The Lower Palaeozoic succession in SE Poland and West Ukraine has source rock potential, particularly the Ordovician and Silurian which contain oil‐prone Type II kerogen. The thermal maturity of these units ranges from early to late‐phase oil window (locally up to gas window). Within the Mesozoic succession, source rock potential is highest in the Middle Jurassic which has TOC of up to 26 wt% and a genetic potential of up to 39 mg/g of rock, with organic matter dominated by gas‐prone Type III kerogen. In SE Poland, the organic matter in this unit is generally immature, whereas maturities in West Ukraine are sufficient for hydrocarbon generation to occur.Modelling of hydrocarbon generation suggested that petroleum in Lower Palaeozoic source rocks began to be generated in the Early Carboniferous. Peak generation took place from the late Visean to the early Namurian, and terminated either as a result of source rock depletion or Variscian inversion. Expelled hydrocarbons migrated during post‐Carboniferous and Mesozoic uplift. Middle Jurassic source rocks in SE Poland have only reached the early oil window. Higher thermal maturities in the Ukraine resulted in hydrocarbon generation and expulsion. This took place after Miocene burial and maturation.A number of small hydrocarbon accumulations occur in Mesozoic reservoirs in SE Poland / West Ukraine, and hydrocarbons have migrated from Cambrian and Ordovician source rocks. However, the prospectivity of the study area is reduced as a result of phases of uplift and intense erosion which allowed hydrocarbons to escape from structural traps.
Antimicrobial activity of newly synthesized methylsulfanyl-triazoloquinazoline derivatives
Authors: Al-Salahi Rashad , Marzouk Mohamed , Awad Ghada , Al-Omar Mohamed , Ezzeldin Essam 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this research was to study and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of a novel 2-methylsulfanyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]quinazoline and its derivatives. Antibacterial activity of the target compounds was tested against a variety of species of Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Bacillus subtilis ATCC6633, and Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27953 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. In addition some yeast and fungi, Candida albicans NRRL Y-477 and Aspergillus niger, respectively, were screened.

Methods
Antimicrobial tests were carried out by the agar well diffusion method, using 100 μl of suspension containing 1 × 108 CFU/ml of pathological tested bacteria, 1 × 106 CFU/ml of yeast, and 1 × 104 spore/ml of fungi spread on nutrient agar (NA), Sabourand dextrose agar (SDA), and potato dextrose agar (PDA), respectively.

Key findings
The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the tested compounds was determined using the broth double dilution method (serially diluted technique) in proper nutrient. For comparison, ciprofloxacin and ketoconazole were used as antibacterial and antifungal reference drugs, respectively. Compounds 6, 9, 13, 14, and 11 were found to have the highest broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against S. aureus ATCC 29213, B. subtilis ATCC6633 and Gram-negative bacteria such as P. aeruginosa ATCC27953 and E. coli ATCC 25922 with MIC values of 6.25 and 12.50 μg/ml.

Conclusions
It was clear that many of the synthesized compounds exhibited good antimicrobial activity. This study has revealed that compounds 6, 9, 13, 14, and 11 have been disclosed as moderate antimicrobial agents. These compounds could be useful as templates for further development through modification or derivatization to design more potent antimicrobial agents.
Determination of intestinal permeability of rigosertib (ON 01910.Na, Estybon): correlation with systemic exposure
Authors: White Michael P , Babayeva Mariana , Taft David R , Maniar Manoj 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Objectives
Rigosertib (ON 01910.Na, Estybon) is a novel, anticancer agent undergoing phase 3 clinical trials for a lead indication against myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). In this research, the permeability of rigosertib was evaluated using the in-situ perfused rat intestine (IPRI) model to support development of an oral formulation for rigosertib for treating cancer patients.

Methods
Experiments (n = 6 per group) were conducted using male Sprague-Dawley rats. Studies evaluated permeability across various intestinal segments and assessed the dose-linearity of absorption over the entire intestinal length. Drug concentrations in the portal and jugular vein were collected to correlate permeability parameters with presystemic and systemic exposure.

Key findings
Rigosertib permeability was highest in the jejunum, although parameter estimates indicated that rigosertib was a medium permeability compound. The compound displayed nonlinear absorption in the IPRI model, suggesting a saturable transport process. Transport inhibition studies using Caco-2 cells demonstrated that rigosertib was a P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate. Absolute bioavailability of rigosertib (10 and 20 mg/kg, 1-h infusion) in rats was estimated to be 10–15%. However, the fraction absorbed in humans predicted from IPRI data (52%) was consistent with published clinical data for rigosertib (35% oral bioavailability).

Conclusions
The results of this research indicated that rigosertib is a promising candidate for oral delivery. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential impact of P-gp and other intestinal transporters on the oral absorption of this promising anticancer agent.
Effect of nifedipine on the expression of keratinocyte growth factor and its receptor in cocultured/monocultured fibroblasts and keratinocytes
Authors: Di C‐P. , Sun Y. , Zhao L. , Li L. , Ding C. , Xu Y. , Fan Y. 
Published: March 2013

Background and ObjectiveKeratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and its receptor (KGFR) are involved in hyperplastic diseases. This study explored the effect of intercellular communication on KGF and KGFR in cocultured/monocultured gingival fibroblasts and keratinocytes following treatment with nifedipine.Material and MethodsHuman gingival fibroblasts and keratinocytes were monocultured and cocultured, respectively. MTT was used to investigate the effects of nifedipine on the proliferation of gingival fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Monoculture and coculture systems were treated with different concentrations (0, 0.2 or 20 μg/mL) of nifedipine, and the expression of KGF and KGFR mRNAs was examined by RT‐PCR, whilst the secretion of KGF and the expression of KGFR on the membrane were analyzed using ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively.ResultsNifedipine (0, 0.2 and 20 μg/mL) had no influence on cell proliferation within 3 d. KGF and KGFR mRNAs were up‐regulated, but only in the cocultures. In coculture, the secretion of KGF was significantly increased by nifedipine, while it was only significantly up‐regulated by 20 μg/mL of nifedipine in monoculture. Moreover, the level of KGFR protein in the membrane was significantly increased by 20 μg/mL of nifedipine in monocultures, while it was significantly down‐regulated by 20 μg/mL of nifedipine in cocultures.ConclusionThe expression of KGF and KGFR are influenced by the interplay of gingival keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Epithelial keratinocytes and mesenchymal fibroblasts may interplay to dynamically regulate gene expression, which may have an effect on the gingival condition following treatment with nifedipine.
Factors Predicting Publication of Sexual Medicine Abstracts Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association
Authors: Berookhim Boback M. , Kaya Yekta , Deveci Serkan , Nelson Christian J. , Mulhall John P. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
At sexual medicine meetings throughout the world, hundreds of scientific abstracts are presented each year. To our knowledge, no previous studies have looked at the rate of publication of these studies in a peer-reviewed journal.

Aim
To define the fate of abstracts presented at sexual medicine sessions at the annual meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA) and to describe the factors predicting ultimate publication in scientific journals.

Methods
All abstracts presented at the 2006 and 2007 AUA annual meeting were surveyed to find sexual medicine abstracts. Publication status as of October 2009 was assessed using the Medline database. Abstract parameters were recorded including number of authors, country of origin, clinical or basic research, and area of sexual research. Predictors of publication were analyzed using a multivariable model.

Main Outcome Measure
Publication status of all sexual medicine abstracts presented at the 2006 and 2007 AUA annual meetings.

Results
A total of 208 sexual medicine abstracts were presented in 2006 and 2007. Fifty-one percent of these were published by October 2009. On univariate analysis, the predictors of publication in a peer-reviewed journal included the number of authors (r = 0.22, P &lt; 0.01), studies pertaining to erectile dysfunction (RR 1.3, CI 1–1.8, P = 0.05), and studies originating from academic centers (RR 2.7, CI 1.7–4.3, P &lt; 0.01). On multivariate analysis, the predictors of publication included the number of authors (OR 1.3, CI 1–1.4, P &lt; 0.01) and having a study originate from an academic center (OR 5.9, CI 2.8–12.7, P &lt; 0.01).

Conclusions
Fifty-one percent of the sexual medicine abstracts presented at the 2006 and 2007 annual AUA meetings have been published within 2 to 3 years of the date of presentation. Studies originating from academic centers were six times more likely to be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Assessment of Female Sexual Function in Patients with Psoriasis
Authors: Abul Maaty Al Shaymaa H. , Gomaa Amal H.A. , Mohammed Ghada F.A. , Youssef Ismail M. , Eyada Moustafa M.K. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Psoriasis has a major impact on sexual health due to the disfiguring skin lesions affecting self-image and self-esteem. However, this topic has not been fully explored.

Aim
The study aims to assess sexual function in female patients with psoriasis.

Methods
This cross-sectional study included 52 sexually active female patients with psoriasis regardless of their age (group I) and 30 normal volunteers (who were age matched with the patients) who served as a control group (group II). Full history taking, general and systemic examination, including sexual history, together with clinical examination to evaluate the extent of skin disease using Psoriasis Assessment Severity Index (PASI) score and evaluation of sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) Questionnaire, were done for all the subjects enrolled in the study.

Main Outcome Measures
Correlation between PASI and FSFI domain scores was determined in matched groups using Pearson correlation.

Results
This study revealed a negative correlation between the PASI score and the overall sexual satisfaction in the studied group. Also, psoriatic female patients with genital psoriasis have more significantly impaired sexual function compared with either those without genital lesions or those with lesions elsewhere in the body.

Conclusions
It is imperative to do full sexual and psychological assessment of psoriatic patients to improve outcomes and increase patients' compliance with treatment.
Actigraphic assessment of periodic leg movements in patients with restless legs syndrome
Authors: Cippà Maria A. T. , Baumann Christian R. , Siccoli Massimiliano M. , Bassetti Claudio L. , Poryazova Rositsa , Werth Esther 
Published: March 2013

SummaryThe diagnosis of restless legs syndrome (RLS) relies upon diagnostic criteria which are based on history only, and dopaminergic treatment is not normally the first choice of treatment for all patients. It would be worthwhile to identify patients non‐responsive to dopaminergic treatment beforehand, because they may suffer from a restless legs‐like syndrome and may require alternative treatment. We included retrospectively 24 adult patients fulfilling the four essential criteria for restless legs and 12 age‐matched healthy controls. They were investigated by ambulatory actigraphy from both legs over three nights, and patients started treatment with dopamine agonists after this diagnostic work‐up. We examined 12 responders to dopaminergic treatment and 12 non‐responders and studied the association between response to dopaminergic treatment and the periodic limb movement index (PLMI) as assessed with actigraphy. Demographic characteristics, excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue at baseline were similar in all three groups. Baseline RLS severity was similar between responders and non‐responders [International Restless Legs Severity Scale (IRLS): 25 ± 9 and 24 ± 8]. Group comparisons of PLMI before treatment initiation showed significant differences between the three groups. Post‐hoc pairwise comparisons revealed that healthy controls had significantly lower PLMI (4.9 ± 4.5) than responders (29.3 ± 22.7) and non‐responders (13.3 ± 11.2). Similarly, the PLMI in responders was lower than in non‐responders. PLMI day‐to‐day variability did not differ between responders and non‐responders and there was no correlation between treatment effect, as assessed by the decrease of the IRLS and baseline PLMI. Our retrospective study indicates that actigraphy to assess periodic limb movements may contribute to a better diagnosis of dopamine‐responsive restless legs syndrome.
Creating opportunities for improving lake‐focused stakeholder engagement: knowledge–action systems, pro‐environment behaviour and sustainable lake management
Authors: Bell Kathleen P. , Lindenfeld Laura , Speers Ann E. , Teisl Mario F. , Leahy Jessica E. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractManagers, policymakers, non‐government organizations and community groups are increasingly relying on stakeholder participation to bolster lake management efforts. The growing portfolio of lake‐focused stakeholder engagement cases offers valuable information about the efficacy of alternative stakeholder engagement strategies. While attention has been devoted to inventorying these instances, lesser emphasis has been given to evaluating the effectiveness of different participation and engagement approaches. There is arguably no panacea for involving stakeholders in lake and basin management. Lake management challenges in distinct natural and human systems necessitate diverse approaches for interacting with stakeholders. As calls for stakeholder participation increase and management budget constraints tighten, the urgency of exploring and documenting the effectiveness of alternative approach rises. This paper examines lake‐focused stakeholder participation activities targeting individuals and households, summarizes and shares recent findings from research of knowledge–action processes and pro‐environment behaviours, and offers encouragement and guidance for lake managers to create opportunities for improving lake‐focused stakeholder engagement.
Salient ecological functions of a tropical freshwater wetland
Authors: Madurapperuma Buddhika D. , Amarasinghe Mala D. , Oduor Peter G. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAn ecological survey was carried out for the Iriyawetiya freshwater wetland in Sri Lanka. The goal was to characterize this unique wetland, about which little ecological information was available. The areal extent of the wetland was 87 ha, with a marshy cover of approximately 52 ha. Water samples to assess physico‐chemical parameters were collected at monthly intervals for six months from four study sites along the stream length through the wetland. A 1 m × 0.5 m quadrat was used for vegetation sampling at 5 m intervals along a 50‐m transect, aligned perpendicular to a reference shore line. Constituent plant species of each quadrat, both floating and attached, were identified and enumerated. Multivariate analysis using PC‐ORD4 software (MJM software, Gleneden Beach, Oregon, USA) was performed to identify plant associations. Four distinguishable clusters of plant associations were identified using a TWINSPAN analysis; namely (i) bank side floral community, (ii) dense marginal stand, (iii) graminoid and (iv) reed cyperous communities. The water in bank side floral association had a high biological oxygen demand (BOD). The reed plant community was confined to stream outlet and exhibited high dissolved oxygen (DO) levels. The two stream inlets displayed high nitrate concentrations, whereas the outlet and mid‐wetland sampling sites exhibited low nitrate levels. In this study, the DO concentrations increased downstream, while the phosphate, nitrate and BOD concentrations, and turbidity gradually declined towards the outlet, indicating the purifying effect of the wetland. In this preliminary analysis, it was ascertained that the proximity of this wetland to an urban area is propitious, as the wetland could be ecologically engineered to provide water that would need less treatment.
Nothing Is Not One: Revisiting the ex nihilo
Authors: Burrus Virginia 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis article seeks to encounter the late ancient doctrine of creatio ex nihilo from a new angle, gently questioning both its distinctive Christianness and its inevitable alignment with a theology of absolute sovereignty. Franz Rosenzweig's idiosyncratic elaboration of this doctrine opens up new lines of thought: multiplying the “nothing” while also emphasizing its fecundity, he articulates not only a negative theology but also a negative anthropology and cosmology; insisting on the irreducible relationality of God, human, and world, he also posits their non‐essentiality. Admittedly, early versions of creatio ex nihilo (Irenaeus, Tertullian) foreground the omnipotence of the creator and the goodness of the created world, and these concerns continue to be expressed by later proponents of the ex nihilo, Jewish as well as Christian. However, beginning in the fourth century there are hints of something new as well, something more Rosenzweigian—namely, a preoccupation with the nothing itself. What comes increasingly to the fore in these articulations of the ex nihilo is not mastery but mystery, not power but fragility, not separation but intimacy—and paradoxically so, given that the gap between creator and created has never before seemed to yawn so widely. This shift is manifest in the opening passages of Genesis Rabbah, I would suggest. It is also evident in the locus classicus of post‐Constantinian Christian ex nihilo doctrine, namely Athanasius's On the Incarnation of the Word of God.
Thomas Aquinas's Understanding of Prayer in the Light of the Doctrine of Creatio Ex Nihilo
Authors: te Velde Rudi 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis article discusses Thomas Aquinas's view on the ‘utility’ of prayer in the light of the doctrine of creation ex nihilo. ‘Creatio ex nihilo’ means, among other things, that nothing can exist that is not caused by the universal power of God. The universal causality of creation implies that God cannot receive from the world or react to any activity on our part. This claim of divine immutability throws into question the intelligibility of prayer: does it make sense to pray to God when his providence is certain and immutable? I argue that the God Thomas conceives is not the God of the ancient régime, the sovereign deity of absolute power who is in charge of everything; on the contrary, it is a God who grants the secondary causes within the world their own power and operation. The human activity of prayer belongs to this sphere of ‘second causes’, through which God realizes his providential plan. God's providence provides good things to us, one of which is the fulfillment of our prayers.