bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term antinociception by electroacupuncture is mediated via peripheral opioid receptors in free‐moving rats with inflammatory hyperalgesia
Authors: Wang Y. , Hackel D. , Peng F. , Rittner H. L. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundElectroacupuncture (EA) has been widely accepted and applied as an important acupuncture‐related technique for acupuncture analgesia (AA) research. The involvement of opioid peptides and receptors in acute AA has been shown via pre‐EA application of opioid receptor/peptide antagonists. In this study, we intended to reproducibly institute acupoint position and needling excluding influences from anaesthesia or restrainers on rats with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) hind paw inflammatory pain, as well as to explore opioid‐dependency and anti‐inflammatory effects in sustained acupuncture analgesia.MethodsAccurate position and needling approach on acupoint GB30 was modelled by computer‐based three‐dimensional (3D) images and followed by an optimal EA treatment protocol (100 Hz, 2–3 mA, 20 min) at 0 and 24 h post‐CFA in conscious free‐moving rats. Opioid receptor antagonists, naloxone (NLX) and naltrindole (NTI) were applied intraplantarly post‐EA at late phase (96 h) of CFA. Nociceptive thresholds were assessed by paw pressure threshold (Randall‐Sellito) or paw withdrawal latency (Hargreaves), and anti‐inflammatory effects were evaluated by measurement of plantar temperature and paw volume.ResultsEA elicited significant sustained mechanical and thermal antinociception up to 144 h. Mechanical antinociception of EA was suppressed by peripheral intraplantar application of NLX and NTI. EA also reduced paw temperature and volume during the same time frame indicating anti‐inflammatory effects.ConclusionsBy employing a reproducible EA treatment model on GB30 in free‐moving rats, we demonstrated the involvement of peripheral opioid receptors mediated EA‐induced long‐term antinociception. Future studies should examine the specific neuroimmunological connection of EA‐induced sustained antinociception in inflammation.
Thrombospondin‐4 contributes to spinal cord injury‐induced changes in nociception
Authors: Zeng J. , Kim D. , Li K.‐W. , Sharp K. , Steward O. , Zaucke F. , Luo Z.D. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundOur previous data have indicated that nerve injury‐induced up‐regulation of thrombospondin‐4 (TSP4) proteins in dorsal spinal cord plays a causal role in neuropathic pain state development in a spinal nerve ligation model. To investigate whether TSP4 proteins also contribute to the development of centrally mediated changes in nociception after spinal cord injury (SCI), we investigated whether SCI induced TSP4 dysregulation, and if so, whether this change correlated with changes in nociception in a T9 spinal cord contusion injury model.MethodsBehavioural sensitivity to mechanical, thermal stimuli and locomotor function recovery were tested blindly in SCI or sham rats post‐injury. Intrathecal antisense or mismatch control oligodeoxynucleotides were used to treat SCI rats with nociceptive hyperreflexia, and Western blots were used to measure TSP4 protein levels in dorsal spinal cord samples.ResultsSCI induced below‐level hindpaw hypersensitivity to stimuli. TSP4 protein levels are up‐regulated in dorsal spinal cord of SCI rats with nociceptive hyperreflexia, but not in SCI rats without nociceptive hyperreflexia. There was no significant difference in motor function recovery post‐injury between SCI rats with or without nociceptive hyperreflexia. Intrathecal treatment with TSP4 antisense, but not mismatch control, oligodeoxynucleotides led to reversal of injury‐induced TSP4 up‐regulation and nociceptive hyperreflexia in SCI rats.ConclusionsSCI leads to TSP4 up‐regulation in lumbar spinal cord that may play a critical role in mediating centrally mediated behavioural hypersensitivity. Blocking this pathway may be helpful in management of SCI‐induced changes in nociception.
A novel approach to identify responder subgroups and predictors of response to low‐ and high‐dose capsaicin patches in postherpetic neuralgia
Authors: Martini C.H. , Yassen A. , Krebs‐Brown A. , Passier P. , Stoker M. , Olofsen E. , Dahan A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundTreatment of chronic pain conditions is commonly assessed at specific endpoints at preset times during or after treatment by analysis of the total study population. An alternative approach is the identification of specific patient subgroups characterized by differential response patterns in their analgesic response and to determine the presence of significant predictors of effect.MethodsData from four double‐blind, randomized controlled trials on the efficacy of topical capsaicin 8% (Qutenza) versus an active control (capsaicin 0.04%) in patients with postherpetic neuropathic pain were combined. Longitudinal pharmacodynamic, mixture and covariate analyses were performed on the pooled dataset.ResultsData from 1248 patients treated with Qutenza (n = 722) or topical low‐dose capsaicin 0.04% (n = 526) were successfully analysed. Five distinct response subgroups were detected with different treatment efficacies, including a group of non‐responders, a group showing partial analgesic effect and a group showing full analgesic effect. Active control and Qutenza had similar response profiles, but the proportional distribution of patients among the five response groups was in favour of Qutenza, with 40% less non‐responders and 25% more patients showing a full analgesic response. For Qutenza, important predictors of efficacy were efficacy of lidocaine pretreatment and greater pretreatment pain score variability.ConclusionsThe analyses indicate the existence of different response groups to treatment with Qutenza and an active control patch that may possibly be related to different pain mechanisms among these groups, despite a presumed common underlying disease process, and that require different treatment approaches among subgroups.
Application of a rotating bioreactor consisting of low‐cost and ready‐to‐use medical disposables for in vitro evaluation of the endothelialization efficiency of small‐caliber vascular prostheses
Authors: Avci‐Adali Meltem , Kobba Joseph , Neumann Bernd , Lescan Mario , Perle Nadja , Wilhelm Nadja , Wiedmaier Hartmut , Schlensak Christian , Wendel Hans Peter 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe incomplete endothelialization of especially small‐caliber vascular prostheses after implantation in patients is a major disadvantage in cardiovascular interventions. The lack of an endothelium leads to the occurrence of thrombosis at the luminal surface of artificial vascular prostheses. Thus, the development of new graft materials and coatings for induction of complete endothelialization on the implant surfaces is a promising approach to improve hemocompatibility and maintain long‐term graft patency. In this study, we designed a rotation model to evaluate the early endothelial cell (EC) seeding efficiency of different small‐caliber vascular devices, such as stents and vascular grafts. The suitability of the designed rotation model for endothelialization studies was investigated by seeding and cultivation of prostheses with ECs followed by scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the viability of attached ECs was determined by calcein acetoxymethyl ester (AM) staining. The rotation model consisting of low‐cost medical disposables enabled sterile incubation and cultivation of ECs with vascular devices. Simultaneously, the rotation of the bioreactor ensured a uniform distribution and adhesion of cells to the devices. Calcein AM staining of adherent cells on prostheses revealed excellent cell viability. Moreover, using the designed rotation model, an influence of different coatings and materials on the adhesion and spreading of ECs was demonstrated. The rotating bioreactor described and used in this study not only saves time and money but is also eminently useful for the accelerated preclinical evaluation of the endothelialization efficiency of different materials and surface coatings of small‐caliber vascular devices. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Decadal prediction of the dominant West African monsoon rainfall modes
Authors: García‐Serrano J. , Doblas‐Reyes F. J. , Haarsma R. J. , Polo I. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe present study offers for the first time the validation of decadal prediction systems upon the West African monsoon (WAM) variability. The ENSEMBLES multimodel and perturbed parameter decadal reforecasts are used to assess multiyear prediction skill for the dominant WAM precipitation regimes. Thus, the focus of the assessment is on time scales longer than seasonal to interannual. To retain lower‐frequency predictability (interannual to decadal), a 4 year average is applied, which indeed has been shown to remove most of the interannual variability that is unpredictable beyond 1 year in dynamical forecasting (e.g., El Niño–Southern Oscillation). First, the decadal hindcasts are analyzed to assess forecast skill of Guinean and Sahelian area‐averaged rainfall indices. Findings suggest that there is no significant skill in predicting these rainfall indices, probably due to the distinctive representations of deep tropical convection in each forecast system. This is further addressed by computing and comparing the leading modes of WAM variability in the ENSEMBLES decadal reforecasts against observations. Results show that while in the observations, global warming has an important role, in the forecast systems, the Atlantic Ocean is the main player. The Atlantic Niño represents the leading forcing for the simulated Guinean precipitation. Sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies associated with the simulated Sahelian precipitation project onto the Atlantic multidecadal variability (AMV), in which the subtropical branch shows consistency across the forecast systems. No significant skill has been found, however, to predict these WAM precipitation modes, although the Sahelian pattern presents systematic positive correlation scores and lower root mean square errors along the whole forecast range. This is reflected in a tendency for reproducing the Sahel dry period around the 1980s. Likewise, the good performance across the models in simulating the relationship between the leading rainfall modes and the surrounding SST forcings points out encouraging prospects for decadal forecasting. Previous studies show multiyear prediction skill of the AMV in the ENSEMBLES decadal reforecasts. Here the skill of the Atlantic‐3 SST index is discussed.
The curious case of Mercury's internal structure
Authors: Hauck Steven A. , Margot Jean‐Luc , Solomon Sean C. , Phillips Roger J. , Johnson Catherine L. , Lemoine Frank G. , Mazarico Erwan , McCoy Timothy J. , Padovan Sebastiano , Peale Stanton J. , Perry Mark E. , Smith David E. , Zuber Maria T. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe recent determination of the gravity field of Mercury and new Earth‐based radar observations of the planet's spin state afford the opportunity to explore Mercury's internal structure. These observations provide estimates of two measures of the radial mass distribution of Mercury: the normalized polar moment of inertia and the fractional polar moment of inertia of the solid portion of the planet overlying the liquid core. Employing Monte Carlo techniques, we calculate several million models of the radial density structure of Mercury consistent with its radius and bulk density and constrained by these moment of inertia parameters. We estimate that the top of the liquid core is at a radius of 2020 ± 30 km, the mean density above this boundary is 3380 ± 200 kg m−3, and the density below the boundary is 6980 ± 280 kg m−3. We find that these internal structure parameters are robust across a broad range of compositional models for the core and planet as a whole. Geochemical observations of Mercury's surface by MESSENGER indicate a chemically reducing environment that would favor the partitioning of silicon or both silicon and sulfur into the metallic core during core‐mantle differentiation. For a core composed of Fe–S–Si materials, the thermodynamic properties at elevated pressures and temperatures suggest that an FeS‐rich layer could form at the top of the core and that a portion of it may be presently solid.
Effect of whey protein hydrolysates with different molecular weight on fatigue induced by swimming exercise in mice
Authors: Liu Jing , Wang Xinxia , Zhao Zheng 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn order to improve the antioxidant and anti‐fatigue capacities of whey protein for wider utilization, it was hydrolyzed by chymotrypsin (EC 3.4.21.1) to produce whey protein hydrolysate (WPH). Fractions of WPH with different molecular weight (MW) were separated by ultrafiltration. Kunming mice in various treatment groups were orally administered (1.5 g kg−1 body weight) whey protein isolate (WPI), WPH or WPHs with different MW (<5, 5–10, 10–30 or >30 kDa) for 6 weeks to explore whether different MW fractions of WPH affected mice fatigue.RESULTSCompared with the control group (orally administered 9 g kg−1 saline) or the WPI group, low‐MW (<10 kDa) WPH groups showed prolonged swimming time (P < 0.05) and had higher concentrations (P < 0.05) of glucose, non‐esterfied fatty acid, liver glycogen, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and lower concentration of lactate. Low‐MW (<10 kDa) WPHs had higher hydroxyl‐ and α,α‐diphenyl‐β‐picrylhydrazyl‐scavenging abilities and ferrous‐chelating capacity than WPI.CONCLUSIONThe results proved that low‐MW (<10 kDa) WPHs with higher anti‐fatigue capacity showed higher free radical‐scavenging and ferrous‐chelating activities. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Microbiological quality and characteristics of probiotic products in China
Authors: Chen Tingtao , Wu Qinglong , Li Shengjie , Xiong Shunqiang , Jiang Shuying , Tan Qianglai , Zhang Zhichao , Zhu Daochen , Wei Hua 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDProbiotics are widely used in the food industry and medicine fields in China, but few studies have been conducted to evaluate the actual microbial amounts and species in probiotic products, which may conflict with the labels and mislead consumers to choose inappropriate foods or medicines.RESULTSTwenty commercial dairy products and eight commercial ‘healthcare’ samples were collected from markets in China and tested using culture‐dependent and culture‐independent methods. The results suggested that the total bacterial counts of most commercial products met the minimum quantitative requirement of the Chinese national standard (6.00 log colony‐forming units g−1). However, the bacterial counts of specific species were inconsistent with the labelling. In parallel, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis indicated that some probiotic‐containing products were wrongly labelled; no Bifidobacterium species were detected in the products claiming to contain bifidobacteria, and the probiotic characteristics (antimicrobial activity, acid resistance and bile resistance) of some isolates had degraded. Moreover, some contaminating bacteria, e.g. Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella sp. and Serratia sp., were also detected in these products.CONCLUSIONThe combination of culture‐dependent and culture‐independent methods was proven to quickly and conveniently detect the microbial diversity in probiotic products, and more effort is required to regulate the probiotic market in China. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrasound Sonication Effects on Silk Fibroin Protein
Authors: Samal Sangram K. , Kaplan David L. , Chiellini Emo 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe utilization of silk fibroin protein (SFP) in the field of biomaterials and tissue engineering plays an important role due to its promising mechanical, biological, and processing properties. In the present study, SFP solutions were exposed to ultrasound sonication to assess impact on molecular weight (Mw), sol–gel transition behavior, and physico‐chemical properties. The Mw of SFP was significantly reduced with sonication, determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels (SDS–PAGE) gel electrophoresis. Sol–gel transitions were observed as SFP assembled to form a reversible SFP gel network at different concentrations and sonication time with the formation of a β‐sheet‐rich conformation in the gel state. The conformational changes and morphological properties were correlated over a range of SFP concentrations by circular dichroism (CD), UV spectroscopy, swelling and attenuated total reflectance fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR).magnified image
A miniature condensed‐phase membrane introduction mass spectrometry (CP‐MIMS) probe for direct and on‐line measurements of pharmaceuticals and contaminants in small, complex samples
Authors: Duncan Kyle D. , Willis Megan D. , Krogh Erik T. , Gill Christopher G. 
Published: May 2013

RATIONALEHigh‐throughput, automated analytical measurements are desirable in many analytical scenarios, as are rapid sample pre‐screening techniques to identify 'positive' samples for subsequent measurements using more time‐consuming conventional methodologies (e.g., liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS)). A miniature condensed‐phase membrane introduction mass spectrometry (CP‐MIMS) probe for the direct and continuous, on‐line measurement of pharmaceuticals and environmental contaminants in small, complex samples is presented.METHODSA miniature polydimethylsiloxane hollow fibre membrane (PDMS‐HFM) probe is coupled with an electrospray ionization (ESI) triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Analytes are transported from the probe to the ESI source by a methanol acceptor phase. The probe can be autosampler mounted and directly inserted in small samples (≥400 μL) allowing continuous and simultaneous pptr–ppb level detection of target analytes (chlorophenols, triclosan, gemfibrozil, nonylphenol) in complex samples (artificial urine, beer, natural water, waste water, plant tissue).RESULTSThe probe has been characterized and optimized for acceptor phase flow rate, sample mixing and probe washing. Signal response times, detection limits and calibration data are given for selected ion monitoring (SIM) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) measurements of target analytes at trace levels. Comparisons with flow cell type CP‐MIMS systems are given. Analyte depletion effects are evaluated for small samples (≥400 μL). On‐line measurements in small volumes of complex samples, temporally resolved reaction monitoring and in situ/in vivo demonstrations are presented.CONCLUSIONSThe miniature CP‐MIMS probe developed was successfully used for the direct, on‐line detection of target analytes in small volumes (40 mL to 400 μL) of complex samples at pptr to low ppb levels. The probe can be readily automated as well as deployed for in situ/in vivo monitoring, including reaction monitoring, small sample measurements and direct insertion in living plant tissue. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applicability of non‐linear versus linear fractional abundance calibration plots for the quantitative determination of triacylglycerol regioisomers by tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Ramaley Louis , Herrera Lisandra Cubero , Melanson Jeremy E. 
Published: May 2013

RATIONALERegioisomeric analysis of triacylglycerols is important in understanding lipid biochemistry and the involvement of lipids in disease and nutrition. The use of calibration plots employing fractional abundances provides a simple and rapid method for such analyses. These plots are believed to be linear, but evidence exists for non‐linearity. The behavior of such plots needs to be understood to allow for proper interpretation of regioisomeric data.METHODSSolutions of five regioisomer pairs were prepared from pure standards and used to construct calibration plots using triple‐stage tandem mass spectrometry (MS3) with electrospray ionization (ESIMS3) and cationization by lithium ions. The data were taken by direct infusion with an AB SCIEX QTRAP 2000 QqLIT mass spectrometer.RESULTSNon‐linear calibration plots were observed for the four isomer pairs containing the polyunsaturated eicosapentaenoic (20:5) and docosahexaenoic (22:6) acids paired with palmitic acid (16:0) or myristic acid (14:0), while the pair including palmitic and stearic (18:0) acids provided a linear plot. A non‐linear model was developed for these plots and then verified experimentally.CONCLUSIONSThe fractional abundance calibration plots used in regioisomeric analysis of triacylglycerols are intrinsically non‐linear, but may appear linear if the scatter in data points obscures the curvature, if the curvature is slight, or if the response factors for the two isomers in the regioisomer pair are similar. Therefore, linearity should not be assumed for these types of measurements until confirmed experimentally. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concise Review: Pursuing Self-Renewal and Pluripotency with the Stem Cell Factor Nanog
Authors: Saunders Arven , Faiola Francesco , Wang Jianlong 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Pluripotent embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells hold great promise for future use in tissue replacement therapies due to their ability to self-renew indefinitely and to differentiate into all adult cell types. Harnessing this therapeutic potential efficiently requires a much deeper understanding of the molecular processes at work within the pluripotency network. The transcription factors Nanog, Oct4, and Sox2 reside at the core of this network, where they interact and regulate their own expression as well as that of numerous other pluripotency factors. Of these core factors, Nanog is critical for blocking the differentiation of pluripotent cells, and more importantly, for establishing the pluripotent ground state during somatic cell reprogramming. Both mouse and human Nanog are able to form dimers in vivo, allowing them to preferentially interact with certain factors and perform unique functions. Recent studies have identified an evolutionary functional conservation among vertebrate Nanog orthologs from chick, zebrafish, and the axolotl salamander, adding an additional layer of complexity to Nanog function. Here, we present a detailed overview of published work focusing on Nanog structure, function, dimerization, and regulation at the genetic and post-translational levels with regard to the establishment and maintenance of pluripotency. The full spectrum of Nanog function in pluripotent stem cells and in cancer is only beginning to be revealed. We therefore use this evidence to advocate for more comprehensive analysis of Nanog in the context of disease, development, and regeneration.
Hes1 Desynchronizes Differentiation of Pluripotent Cells by Modulating STAT3 Activity
Authors: Zhou Xinzhi , Smith Andrew J.H. , Waterhouse Anna , Blin Guillaume , Malaguti Mattias , Lin Chia-Yi , Osorno Rodrigo , Chambers Ian , Lowell Sally 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Robust development of the early embryo may benefit from mechanisms that ensure that not all pluripotent cells differentiate at exactly the same time: such mechanisms would build flexibility into the process of lineage allocation. This idea is supported by the observation that pluripotent stem cells differentiate at different rates in vitro. We use a clonal commitment assay to confirm that pluripotent cells commit to differentiate asynchronously even under uniform differentiation conditions. Stochastic variability in expression of the Notch target gene Hes1 has previously been reported to influence neural versus mesodermal differentiation through modulation of Notch activity. Here we report that Hes1 also has an earlier role to delay exit from the pluripotent state into all lineages. The early function of Hes1 to delay differentiation can be explained by an ability of Hes1 to amplify STAT3 responsiveness in a cell-autonomous manner. Variability in Hes1 expression therefore helps to explain why STAT3 responsiveness varies between individual ES cells, and this in turn helps to explain why pluripotent cells commit to differentiate asynchronously.