bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gemcitabine and oxaliplatin or alkylating agents for neuroendocrine tumors: Comparison of efficacy and search for predictive factors guiding treatment choice
Authors: Dussol Anne‐Sophie , Joly Marie‐Odile , Vercherat Cecile , Forestier Julien , Hervieu Valérie , Scoazec Jean‐Yves , Lombard‐Bohas Catherine , Walter Thomas 
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUNDThe alkylating agents (ALKYs) streptozotocin, dacarbazine, and temozolomide currently are the main drugs used in systemic chemotherapy for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). The promising activity shown by gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GEMOX) in previous studies prompted this study 1) to confirm the use of GEMOX in a larger population of NET patients, 2) to compare its efficacy with that of ALKYs, and 3) to explore whether the O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) status could help in selecting the chemotherapy regimen.METHODSOne hundred four patients with metastatic NETs (37 pancreatic NETs, 33 gastrointestinal NETs, 23 bronchial NETs, and 11 NETs of other/unknown origin) were treated with GEMOX between 2004 and 2014. Among these patients, 63 also received ALKYs. MGMT promoter gene methylation was assessed via pyrosequencing in 42 patients.RESULTSPatients received a median of 6 courses of GEMOX. Twenty‐four (23%) had an objective response (OR). The median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival were 7.8 and 31.6 months, respectively. In the 63 patients treated with both ALKYs and GEMOX, the ORs (22% and 22%) and the PFSs (7.5 and 7.3 months) were similar. The response was concordant in 53% of the patients. Promoter gene methylation of MGMT was associated with better outcomes with ALKYs (P = .03 for OR and P = .04 for PFS) but not GEMOX.CONCLUSIONSGEMOX is effective against NETs; its activity is comparable to that of ALKYs, and it is not influenced by the MGMT status. Our data suggest that GEMOX might be preferred for patients with unmethylated MGMT tumors. Cancer 2015;121:3435–43. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Runx3‐regulated expression of two Ntrk3 transcript variants in dorsal root ganglion neurons
Authors: Ogihara Yuuki , Masuda Tomoyuki , Ozaki Shigeru , Yoshikawa Masaaki , Shiga Takashi 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTSomatosensation is divided into proprioception and cutaneous sensation. Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons project their fibers toward peripheral targets including muscles and skin, and centrally to the spinal cord. Proprioceptive DRG neurons transmit information from muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs to the spinal cord. We previously showed that Runt‐related transcription factor 3 (Runx3) is expressed in these neurons and their projections to the ventral spinal cord and muscle spindles are lost in Runx3‐deficient (Runx3−/−) mouse embryos. Although Runx3 is likely to contribute to the fate decision and projection of proprioceptive DRG neurons, the precise roles for Runx3 in these phenomena are unknown. To identify genes regulated by Runx3 in embryonic DRGs, we performed microarray analyses using cDNAs isolated from wild‐type and Runx3−/− DRGs of embryonic day (E) 12.5 and selected two transcript variants of the tyrosine kinase receptor C (TrkC) gene. These variants, Ntrk3 variant 1 (Ntrk3‐v1) and variant 2 (Ntrk3‐v2), encode full‐length and truncated receptors of neurotrophin‐3, respectively. Using double in situ hybridization, we found that most of Ntrk3‐v1 mRNA expression in E14.5 DRGs depended on Runx3 but that more than half of Ntrk3‐v2 mRNA one were expressed in a Runx3‐independent manner. Furthermore, our data revealed that the rate of Ntrk3‐v1 and Ntrk3‐v2 colocalization in DRGs changed from E14.5 to E18.5. Together, our data suggest that Runx3 may play a crucial role in the development of DRGs by regulating the expression of Ntrk3 variants and that DRG neurons expressing Ntrk3‐v1 but not Ntrk3‐v2 may differentiate into proprioceptive ones. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 313–322, 2016
Synapse‐dependent and independent mechanisms of thalamocortical axon branching are regulated by neuronal activity
Authors: Matsumoto Naoyuki , Hoshiko Maki , Sugo Noriyuki , Fukazawa Yugo , Yamamoto Nobuhiko 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTAxon branching and synapse formation are critical processes for establishing precise circuit connectivity. These processes are tightly regulated by neural activity, but the relationship between them remains largely unclear. We use organotypic coculture preparations to examine the role of synapse formation in the activity‐dependent axon branching of thalamocortical (TC) projections. To visualize TC axons and their presynaptic sites, two plasmids encoding DsRed and EGFP‐tagged synaptophysin (SYP‐EGFP) were cotransfected into a small number of thalamic neurons. Time‐lapse imaging of individual TC axons showed that most branches emerged from SYP‐EGFP puncta, indicating that synapse formation precedes emergences of axonal branches. We also investigated the effects of neuronal activity on axon branching and synapse formation by manipulating spontaneous firing activity of thalamic cells. An inward rectifying potassium channel, Kir2.1, and a bacterial voltage‐gated sodium channel, NaChBac, were used to suppress and promote firing activity, respectively. We found suppressing neural activity reduced both axon branching and synapse formation. In contrast, increasing neural activity promoted only axonal branch formation. Time‐lapse imaging of NaChBac‐expressing cells further revealed that new branches frequently appeared from the locations other than SYP‐EGFP puncta, indicating that enhancing activity promotes axonal branch formation due to an increase of branch emergence at nonsynaptic sites. These results suggest that presynaptic locations are hotspots for branch emergence, and that frequent firing activity can shift branch emergence to a synapse‐independent process. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 323–336, 2016
Fe2+‐Responsive Bimodal MRI and Fluorescent Imaging Probe Based on a Gadolinium(III) Complex
Authors: Luo Jian , Zhu Xiao‐Feng , Chen Zhong‐Ning 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAn Fe2+‐responsive bimodal MRI and fluorescent imaging probe, Gd‐DTTA‐BPP (DTTA = diethylenetriamine‐N,N,N″,N″‐tetraacetate, BPP = 2‐{4‐[(2,2′‐bipyridin)‐5‐ylethynyl]phenoxy}‐N‐ethylacetamide), has been synthesized and characterized and its relaxivity and fluorescence properties examined. Gd‐DTTA‐BPP displays a high relaxation efficiency (10.3 mM–1 s–1 at 23 MHz and 25 °C) as a result of its rigid ligand and two inner‐sphere water molecules (q = 2). In the presence of 1.0 equiv. Fe2+, the relaxation efficiency increased from 10.3 to 13.6 mM–1 s–1 (23 MHz and 25 °C) due to the complexation of Gd‐DTTA‐BPP with Fe2+. The fluorescence emission of the Gd‐DTTA‐BPP complex is quenched by Fe2+ ions. The confocal fluorescence imaging experiments on living cells showed that the imaging probe is permeable to living cells and localizes in the cytoplasm.
Eringiacetal A, 5,6‐seco‐(5S,6R,7R,9S)‐5,6:5,7:6,9‐Triepoxyergosta‐8(14),22‐diene‐3β,7β‐diol, an Unusual Ergostane Sterol from the Fruiting Bodies of Pleurotus eryngii
Authors: Kikuchi Takashi , Masumoto Yuki , In Yasuko , Tomoo Koji , Yamada Takeshi , Tanaka Reiko 
Published: June 2015

AbstractA new rearranged ergostane‐type steroid, named eringiacetal A (1), together with known compound 2, were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Pleurotus eryngii (Pleurotaceae). Its structure was fully elucidated by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography. Eringiacetal A (1) features an unprecedented 5,6‐seco‐(5S,6R,7R,9S)‐5,6:5,7:6,9‐triepoxyergosta‐8(14),22‐diene‐3β,7β‐diol. This is the first report of a 5,6‐seco‐ergostane‐type steroid. A plausible biogenetic pathway of 1 from 2 is also described. Furthermore, isolated compounds were evaluated for inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production induced by lipopolysaccharide in macrophages. Compound 1 exhibited inhibitory activity on NO production (IC50 = 19.9 μM) accompanied by modest cytotoxicity (IC50 = 25.6 μM). Compound 2 did not have inhibitory effects on NO production or cytotoxicity (IC50 > 100 μM each).
Inconsistency in the analysis of morphological deformities in chironomidae (Insecta: Diptera) larvae
Authors: Salmelin Johanna , Vuori Kari-Matti , Hämäläinen Heikki 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

The incidence of morphological deformities of chironomid larvae as an indicator of sediment toxicity has been studied for decades. However, standards for deformity analysis are lacking. The authors evaluated whether 25 experts diagnosed larval deformities in a similar manner. Based on high-quality digital images, the experts rated 211 menta of Chironomus spp. larvae as normal or deformed. The larvae were from a site with polluted sediments or from a reference site. The authors revealed this to a random half of the experts, and the rest conducted the assessment blind. The authors quantified the interrater agreement by kappa coefficient, tested whether open and blind assessments differed in deformity incidence and in differentiation between the sites, and identified those deformity types rated most consistently or inconsistently. The total deformity incidence varied greatly, from 10.9% to 66.4% among experts. Kappa coefficient across rater pairs averaged 0.52, indicating insufficient agreement. The deformity types rated most consistently were those missing teeth or with extra teeth. The open and blind assessments did not differ, but differentiation between sites was clearest for raters who counted primarily absolute deformities such as missing and extra teeth and excluded apparent mechanical aberrations or deviations in tooth size or symmetry. The highly differing criteria in deformity assignment have likely led to inconsistent results in midge larval deformity studies and indicate an urgent need for standardization of the analysis. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1891–1898. © 2015 SETAC
Intelligence‐related differences in the asymmetry of spontaneous cerebral activity
Authors: Santarnecchi Emiliano , Tatti Elisa , Rossi Simone , Serino Vinicio , Rossi Alessandro 
Published: June 2015

AbstractRecent evidence suggests the spontaneous BOLD signal synchronization of corresponding interhemispheric, homotopic regions as a stable trait of human brain physiology, with emerging differences in such organization being also related to some pathological conditions. To understand whether such brain functional symmetries play a role into higher‐order cognitive functioning, here we correlated the functional homotopy profiles of 119 healthy subjects with their intelligence level. Counterintuitively, reduced homotopic connectivity in above average‐IQ versus average‐IQ subjects was observed, with significant reductions in visual and somatosensory cortices, supplementary motor area, rolandic operculum, and middle temporal gyrus, possibly suggesting that a downgrading of interhemispheric talk at rest could be associated with higher cognitive functioning. These regions also showed an increased spontaneous synchrony with medial structures located in ipsi‐ and contralateral hemispheres, with such pattern being mostly detectable for regions placed in the left hemisphere. The interactions with age and gender have been also tested, with different patterns for subjects above and below 25 years old and less homotopic connectivity in the prefrontal cortex and posterior midline regions in female participants with higher IQ scores. These findings support prior evidence suggesting a functional role for homotopic connectivity in human cognitive expression, promoting the reduction of synchrony between primary sensory regions as a predictor of higher intelligence levels. Hum Brain Mapp 36:3586–3602, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of Maillard reaction on flavor and safety of Chinese traditional food: roast duck
Authors: Zhou Yiming , Xie Fan , Zhou Xiaoli , Wang Yuqiang , Tang Wen , Xiao Ying 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDRoast duck is one kind of representative roast food whose flavor is mainly produced by the Maillard reaction. However, some potentially toxic compounds are generated in the thermal process and are a potential health risk. The aim of this work was to analyze the effects of the Maillard reaction on flavor and safety of a Chinese traditional food: roast duck.RESULTSDucks with different roasting times (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 min) were analyzed. The 40 and 50 min roast ducks exhibited an acceptable degree of sensory attributes, but the 60 min roast duck showed the most abundant aroma compounds. Antioxidant activities were observed to increase with roasting, and the 60 min roast duck showed the highest antioxidant activities (1,1‐diphenylpicryhydrazyl, 39.3 µmol Trolox g−1 sample). The highest content of acrylamide (0.21 µg g−1) and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (0.089 µg g−1) were detected in the 50 and 60 min roast duck extract, respectively. Furthermore, water extract from 60 min roast ducks manifested a higher lactose dehydrogenase release ratio (51.9%) and greatly increased cell apoptosis.CONCLUSIONThe drastic Maillard reaction in duck induced by long roasting time could be advantageous for color, aroma and antioxidant activities in roast ducks, but might be not beneficial to health. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Cellular stage specific functional analysis of REX1: In human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Kim Yong Jun , Lee Gabsang 
Published: June 2015

As transcription and translation are dynamic and can vary among the cell types and conditions, proteomics may reveal the tissue‐specific functions of a protein, more relevant to its genuine functions on cellular mechanisms. The new proteome analysis by Son et al. [Proteomics 2015, 15, 2220–2229] identified the functions of the pluripotency marker protein, REX1 in hESCs, and unraveling its regulatory network orchestrating pluripotency. Compared to the previous transcriptome analysis that showed mechanisms irrelevant to pluripotency, Son et al. employed a proteome analysis determined convincing and meaningful mechanisms of REX. In addition to demonstrating the biological importance of REX1, this research by Son et al. is also a compelling example of the conceptual significance of connecting proteomics with stem cell biology.
Couples coping with cancer: exploration of theoretical frameworks from dyadic studies
Authors: Regan Tim W. , Lambert Sylvie D. , Kelly Brian , Falconier Mariana , Kissane David , Levesque Janelle V. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectiveA diagnosis of cancer and subsequent treatment are distressing not only for the person directly affected, but also for their intimate partner. The aim of this review is to (a) identify the main theoretical frameworks underpinning research addressing dyadic coping among couples affected by cancer, (b) summarise the evidence supporting the concepts described in these theoretical frameworks, and (c) examine the similarities and differences between these theoretical perspectives.MethodsA literature search was undertaken to identify descriptive studies published between 1990 and 2013 (English and French) that examined the interdependence of patients' and partners' coping, and the impact of coping on psychosocial outcomes. Data were extracted using a standardised form and reviewed by three of the authors.ResultsTwenty‐three peer‐reviewed manuscripts were identified, from which seven theoretical perspectives were derived: Relationship‐Focused Coping, Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, Systemic‐Transactional Model (STM) of dyadic coping, Collaborative Coping, Relationship Intimacy model, Communication models, and Coping Congruence. Although these theoretical perspectives emphasised different aspects of coping, a number of conceptual commonalities were noted.ConclusionThis review identified key theoretical frameworks of dyadic coping used in cancer. Evidence indicates that responses within the couple that inhibit open communication between partner and patient are likely to have an adverse impact on psychosocial outcomes. Models that incorporate the interdependence of emotional responses and coping behaviours within couples have an emerging evidence base in psycho‐oncology and may have greatest validity and clinical utility in this setting. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brief report: The bystander effect in cyberbullying incidents
Authors: Machackova Hana , Dedkova Lenka , Mezulanikova Katerina 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTThis study examined the bystander effect in cyberbullying. Using self‐reported data from 257 Czech respondents who had witnessed a cyberbullying attack, we tested whether provided help decreased with increased number of other bystanders. We controlled for several individual and contextual factors, including empathy, social self‐efficacy, empathic response to victimization, and relationship to the victim. Results showed that participants tend to help the victims more in incidents with only one or two other bystanders. We also found that, as in the “offline” realm, bystander effect is not linear: no significant differences were found between incidents with a moderate number (3‐10) and a larger number of total bystanders. Our findings, thus, provide support for the presence of the bystander effect in cyberbullying.
Influence of fish oil supplementation and strength training on some functional aspects of immune cells in healthy elderly women
Authors: de Lourdes Nahhas Rodacki Cintia , Rodacki André Luiz Felix , Coelho Isabela , Pequito Daniele , Krause Maressa , Bonatto Sandro , Naliwaiko Katya , Fernandes Luiz Cláudio 
Published: June 2015

Immune function changes with ageing and is influenced by physical activity (strength training, ST) and diet (fish oil, FO). The present study investigated the effect of FO and ST on the immune system of elderly women. Forty-five women (64 (sd 1·4) years) were assigned to ST for 90 d (ST; n 15), ST plus 2 g/d FO for 90 d (ST90; n 15) or 2 g/d FO for 60 d followed by ST plus FO for 90 d (ST150; n 15). Training was performed three times per week, for 12 weeks. A number of innate (zymosan phagocytosis, lysosomal volume, superoxide anion, peroxide of hydrogen) and adaptive (cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4), CD8, TNF-α, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10 produced by lymphocytes) immune parameters were assessed before supplementation (base), before (pre-) and after (post-) training. ST induced no immune changes. FO supplementation caused increased phagocytosis (48 %), lysosomal volume (100 %) and the production of superoxide anion (32 %) and H2O2 (70 %) in the ST90. Additional FO supplementation (ST150) caused no additive influence on the immune system, as ST150 and ST90 did not differ, but caused greater changes when compared to the ST (P< 0·05). FO increased CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in the ST150, which remained unchanged when training was introduced. The combination of ST and FO reduced TNF-α in the ST150 from base to post-test. FO supplementation (ST150, base–pre) when combined with exercise (ST150, pre–post) increased IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10 production. The immune parameters improved in response to FO supplementation; however, ST alone did not enhance the immune system.
Two LIPs and two Earth-system crises: the impact of the North Atlantic Igneous Province and the Siberian Traps on the Earth-surface carbon cycle
Authors: SAUNDERS ANDREW D. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe links between the Siberian Traps and the end-Permian mass extinction, and between the North Atlantic igneous province (NAIP) and the Paleocene–Eocene thermal maximum (PETM), demonstrate a critical role for large igneous provinces (LIPs) in the disruption of the Earth-surface carbon cycle (ESCC). High-precision ages for both volcanic provinces and the associated environmental crises show that, in both cases, the crisis was contemporaneous with the volcanism. The NAIP comprises two phases: the earlier Phase 1 (c. 61 Ma) and the much more voluminous Phase 2 (c. 56 Ma), linked to the opening of the NE Atlantic. The latter triggered the PETM, the largest Cenozoic hyperthermal. The Siberian Traps are significantly more voluminous than the NAIP, and triggered the end-Permian mass extinction. The masses of volcanic CO2emitted from these provinces may have been much greater than previously suggested as substantial gas may come from intrusive bodies deep within the crust. Precursory warming due to the accumulation of volcanic CO2in the atmosphere likely triggered the release of low-δ13C methane hydrate, although the masses of methane hydrate alone may have been insufficient to account for the observed temperature rises. The organic C was likely strongly supplemented by magmatically derived carbon and thermogenic carbon released during emplacement of sills and dykes into C-rich sedimentary units. More data are required on the volcanic flux rates in order to refine the cause–effect relationships between LIPs and the ESCC.
The Late Roman Field Army in Northern Britain? Mobility, Material Culture and Multi-Isotope Analysis at Scorton (N Yorks.)
Authors: Eckardt Hella , Müldner Gundula , Speed Greg 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTAt Hollow Banks Quarry, Scorton, located just north of Catterick (N Yorks.), a highly unusual group of 15 late Roman burials was excavated between 1998 and 2000. The small cemetery consists of almost exclusively male burials, dated to the fourth century. An unusually large proportion of these individuals was buried with crossbow brooches and belt fittings, suggesting that they may have been serving in the late Roman army or administration and may have come to Scorton from the Continent. Multi-isotope analyses (carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and strontium) of nine sufficiently well-preserved individuals indicate that seven males, all equipped with crossbow brooches and/or belt fittings, were not local to the Catterick area and that at least six of them probably came from the European mainland. Dietary (carbon and nitrogen isotope) analysis only of a tenth individual also suggests a non-local origin. At Scorton it appears that the presence of crossbow brooches and belts in the grave was more important for suggesting non-British origins than whether or not they were worn. This paper argues that cultural and social factors played a crucial part in the creation of funerary identities and highlights the need for both multi-proxy analyses and the careful contextual study of artefacts.
No children in later life, but more and better friends? Substitution mechanisms in the personal and support networks of parents and the childless in Germany
Authors: SCHNETTLER SEBASTIAN , WÖHLER THOMAS 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTGiven increases in childlessness, we ask if and how the permanently childless substitute for adult children in their later-life support networks. Previous research finds that they are disadvantaged on several network and support indicators. Yet, the role of different substitution mechanisms remains unclear. We examine two substitution mechanisms: substitution through adjustments of network size/composition and through higher efficiency of personal ties. Data are from the German Ageing Survey (childless: N = 1,886; parents without/with residentially proximate children: N = 4,437/8,337). Our descriptive and regression results on network size/composition and the number of potential informational and emotional supporters show that both mechanisms play a role: the childless have more friends and extended kin, and they are more likely to consider them as potential supporters, than parents. Across cohorts or age groups, the relative effect size of network size/compositionversustie efficiency changes. Parents with no children nearby constitute a mixed type that shows similarities to the childless on some indicators of social support and to parents with at least one child nearby on other indicators. Our findings provide a foundation for better predicting how current demographic trends affect future scenarios of social support in later life and for identifying the future need for formal care services. Thus, they are relevant for social scientists and policy makers alike.