bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation, in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation of spray-dried ternary solid dispersion of biopharmaceutics classification system class II model drug
Authors: Paidi Sharan K , Jena Sunil K , Ahuja Bhupesh K , Devasari Naresh , Suresh Sarasija 
Published: January 2015

Abstract

Objectives
The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of a novel spray-dried ternary solid dispersion (TSD) on the dissolution rate and bioavailability of a biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS) class II model drug, atorvastatin calcium trihydrate (ATC), and evaluate its in-vitro and in-vivo performance.

Methods
TSD of ATC was prepared by spray-drying method employing ethanol/water solvent systems. The TSD formulations, composed of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC E5) and nicotinamide, were optimized by rotatable central composite design. Physicochemical characterization along with dissolution, stability and pharmacokinetic study of optimized TSD was evaluated.

Key findings
The optimized TSD was found to be amorphous with spherical shape morphology. It exhibited a fourfold increase in dissolution rate in comparison to ATC, with a considerable enhancement in oral bioavailability (relative bioavailability of 134.11%). Physicochemical characterization and dissolution study of optimized TSD at the end of stability studies clearly indicated that the stability of optimized TSD was due to hydrogen bonding between drug and HPMC E5 and nicotinamide. This bonding remained unaffected even under stressful conditions of high temperature and humidity.

Conclusion
The TSD exhibits a significant increase in dissolution rate, and for this reason should be useful as an efficacious tool to enhance the bioavailability of BCS class II drug molecule, ATC.
Pterostilbene mediates neuroprotection against oxidative toxicity via oestrogen receptor α signalling pathways
Authors: Song Zhen , Han Shuai , Pan Xiaohua , Gong Yaoqin , Wang Molin 
Published: January 2015

Abstract

Objectives
Accumulating evidence indicated protective role of phytoestrogens against neuronal damage induced by various insults, such as amyloid beta, oxygen deprivation and mitochondrial toxins. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) influences the mitochondrial membrane potential, which eventually results in cell apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the effects and possible mechanisms of a phytoestrogen, pterostilbene (PTER), in cell apoptosis induced by H2O2 in human neuronal SH-SY5Y cells. We also analysed the involvement of oestrogen receptors, oestrogen receptor-α and -β (ER-α and ER-β) in the protective role of PTER.

Methods
The effects of PTER on H2O2-stimulated cell were examined using MTT and FACS analysis. The signal pathways and estrogen receptors involved in PTER's effects were investigated using MTT and Western blot analysis.

Key findings
The results showed that H2O2 treatment significantly reduced cell viability in SY5Y cells, which was protected by PTER treatment. We also found that H2O2 inhibited the PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK signalling pathways, whereas PTER treatment restored these signalling pathways. We also found that the PTER effect could be largely blocked by an ER-α antagonist, 3-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-5-[4-(2-piperidinylethoxy)phenol]-1H-pyrazole dihydrochloride (MPP), but not by an ER-β antagonist, 4-[2-Phenyl-5,7-bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a] pyrimidin-3-yl]phenol (PHTPP), suggesting that ER-α is a major player in the neuroprotective activity of PTER.

Conclusion
Our study thus demonstrates that PTER is an effective neuroprotective agent presumably through ER-α-mediated signalling pathways.
Key Word Signing Usage in Residential and Day Care Programs for Adults With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Meuris Kristien , Maes Bea , Zink Inge 
Published: January 2015

AbstractKey word signing (KWS) is a means of augmentative and alternative communication frequently used with adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). Their acquisition ofKWShas been described in the literature; however, little is known about the everydayKWSuse among adults withIDand their support staff. This study aimed to give an account of the prevalence ofKWSand the sign knowledge of adults withIDand their support staff inFlemish residential programs (RPs) and day care programs (DCPs). Communication specialists in allRPs andDCPs for adults withIDinFlanders, theDutch‐speaking part ofBelgium, were contacted by phone and were asked whether they usedKWS, and if so, whether they were willing to fill out a questionnaire about theKWSuse of support staff and clients. Findings show that of 347RPs andDCPs inFlanders, 85% met the inclusion criteria. Half (51.2%) of these programs usedKWS. Of these 152 programs, 93 (61.2%) completed our questionnaire. A quarter (26.6%) of their adult clients withIDusedKWS. Most of them knew 10–50 signs, whereas most support staff knew fewer than 10 signs. The presence of a speech and language therapist as well as sign knowledge and attitude of support staff were significantly related to the sign knowledge of their clients. Motivational problems for staff to useKWSwere quite common.KWSsupport should be more widespread and more easily accessible.
Using Cognitive Mapping and Qualitative System Dynamics to Support Decision Making in Intellectual Disability Care
Authors: Duryan Meri , Nikolik Dragan , van Merode Godefridus , Curfs Leopold M. G. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractProvider organizations specializing in supporting people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are under pressure because of public policy reforms, changes in society, and increased customer expectations. The combination of all these factors makes long‐term decision making a challenge for the managers of such organizations. The majority of research examining decision making in ID service organizations has commonly studied the issue from the perspective of healthcare providers. The authors contend that the degree of success of ID support providers depends on their ability to appreciate the views and interests of service receivers and frontline workers, the most important components in the system. Having a comprehensive picture of key stakeholders' overall perspectives on problem situations can enhance managers' understanding of the behavior of a complex system they manage. The authors suggest that the combination of qualitative system dynamics modeling and cognitive mapping techniques can facilitate collaborative representation of the stakeholders' views in a way that can support decision making in complex healthcare systems. The authors illustrate the application of this combined method through a case study in one ID supports provider in the Netherlands and demonstrated the possibilities of using structured stakeholders' perspectives related to flexible pool schedule shifts, one of the key resource allocation dilemmas in the organization, for organizational decision making.
Prevalence of Consistent Condom Use with Various Types of Sex Partners and Associated Factors among Money Boys in Changsha, China
Authors: Wang Lian-Hong , Yan Jin , Yang Guo-Li , Long Shuo , Yu Yong , Wu Xi-Lin 
Published: January 2015

Abstract

Introduction
Money boys with inconsistent condom use (less than 100% of the time) are at high risk of infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or sexually transmitted infection (STI), but relatively little research has examined their risk behaviors.

Aim
We investigated the prevalence of consistent condom use (100% of the time) and associated factors among money boys.

Methods
A cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire was conducted among money boys in Changsha, China, between July 2012 and January 2013.

Main Outcome Measure
Independent variables included socio-demographic data, substance abuse history, work characteristics, and self-reported HIV and STI history. Dependent variables included the consistent condom use with different types of sex partners.

Results
Among the participants, 82.4% used condoms consistently with male clients, 80.2% with male sex partners, and 77.1% with female sex partners in the past 3 months. A multiple stepwise logistic regression model identified four statistically significant factors associated with lower likelihoods of consistent condom use with male clients: age group, substance abuse, lack of an “employment” arrangement, and having no HIV test within the prior 6 months. In a similar model, only one factor associated significantly with lower likelihoods of consistent condom use with male sex partners was identified in multiple stepwise logistic regression analyses: having no HIV test within the prior six months. As for female sex partners, two significant variables were statistically significant in the multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis: having no HIV test within the prior 6 months and having STI history.

Conclusions
Interventions which are linked with more realistic and acceptable HIV prevention methods are greatly warranted and should increase risk awareness and the behavior of consistent condom use in both commercial and personal relationship.
Isotopic composition of carbon and nitrogen in ureilitic fragments of the Almahata Sitta meteorite
Authors: Downes H. , Abernethy F. A. J. , Smith C. L. , Ross A. J. , Verchovsky A. B. , Grady M. M. , Jenniskens P. , Shaddad M. H. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis study characterizes carbon and nitrogen abundances and isotopic compositions in ureilitic fragments of Almahata Sitta. Ureilites are carbon‐rich (containing up to 7 wt% C) and were formed early in solar system history, thus the origin of carbon in ureilites has significance for the origin of solar system carbon. These samples were collected soon after they fell, so they are among the freshest ureilite samples available and were analyzed using stepped combustion mass spectrometry. They contained 1.2–2.3 wt% carbon; most showed the major carbon release at temperatures of 600–700 °C with peak values of δ13C from −7.3 to +0.4‰, similar to literature values for unbrecciated (“monomict”) ureilites. They also contained a minor low temperature (≤500 °C) component (δ13C = ca −25‰). Bulk nitrogen contents (9.4–27 ppm) resemble those of unbrecciated ureilites, with major releases mostly occurring at 600–750 °C. A significant lower temperature release of nitrogen occurred in all samples. Main release δ15N values of −53 to −94‰ fall within the range reported for diamond separates and acid residues from ureilites, and identify an isotopically primordial nitrogen component. However, they differ from common polymict ureilites which are more nitrogen‐rich and isotopically heavier. Thus, although the parent asteroid 2008TC3 was undoubtedly a polymict ureilite breccia, this cannot be deduced from an isotopic study of individual ureilite fragments. The combined main release δ13C and δ15N values do not overlap the fields for carbonaceous or enstatite chondrites, suggesting that carbon in ureilites was not derived from these sources.
Molecular identification and classification of Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex strains isolated from humans and selected animal species
Authors: Ziółkowska Grażyna , Nowakiewicz Aneta , Gnat Sebastian , Trościańczyk Aleksandra , Zięba Przemysław , Majer Dziedzic Barbara 
Published: January 2015

SummarySpecies differentiation within Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex group currently poses a major diagnostic challenge, with molecular methods increasingly supplementing classical identification based on the morphological and physiological properties of the fungi. Diagnostic and epidemiological research aimed at determining the source and means of transmission of dermatophytoses in both humans and animals requires not only species differentiation of isolates but also differentiation within species. The study was conducted on 24 isolates originating in humans and various animal species with clinical symptoms of dermatophytosis. The analysis included phenotypical identification methods and molecular methods: internal transcribed spacer sequencing and ITS‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) with multi‐enzyme restriction. ITS sequence analysis identified the isolates to species – Trichophyton interdigitale, Arthroderma benhamiae and A. vanbreuseghemii, and ITS‐RFLP detected six different genotypes. Genotypes I, II and III characterised strains belonging to A. benhamiae, genotype IV characterised the A. vanbreuseghemii strain, and genotypes V and VI occurred only within the species T. interdigitale. Strains isolated from guinea pigs were dominant within genotype I, while genotype II was found mainly in strains from foxes. Multi‐enzyme restriction analysis of this region enables intraspecific differentiation, which may be useful in epidemiological research, particularly in determining the source of infections.
Between the sword and the wall:Spain's limited options forCatalan secessionism
Authors: Griffiths Ryan D. , Guillen Alvarez Pablo , Martinez i Coma Ferran 
Published: January 2015

AbstractWe propose a game theoretical model to assess the capacity ofCatalonia to become a recognised, independent country with at least ade facto EuropeanUnion (EU) membership. Support forCatalan independence has been increasing for reasons pertaining to identity and economics.Spain can avoid a vote for independence by effectively ‘buying‐out’ a proportion of theCatalan electorate with a funding agreement favourable toCatalonia. If, given the current economic circumstances, the buying‐out strategy is too expensive, a pro‐independence vote is likely to pass. Our model predicts an agreement in whichSpain and theEUaccommodateCatalan independence in exchange forCatalonia taking a share of theSpanish debt. IfSpain and theEUdo not accommodate,Spain becomes insolvent, which in turn destabilises theEU. The current economic woes ofSpain and theEUboth contribute to the desire forCatalan independence and make it possible.
Religion, secularisation and nationalism inQuebec and theBasqueCountry: a comparative approach
Authors: Santiago Jose 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis article analyses the relationship between religion, secularisation and nationalism inQuebec and theBasqueCountry using a comparative approach. I will first outline the ethnic‐religiousoriginof these nationalist movements. Second, I will examine the extent to which the ‘new’ secular and violent nationalism (Euskadi Ta AskatasunaandFront de Libération du Québec) that emerged in the 1960s was fuelled in itsoriginby a transfer of sacrality. Third, I will address an aspect that has led some theorists to view religion and nationalism asanalogous phenomena, in which nationalism is construed as a religion of blood sacrifice. Fourth, I will examine another aspect that leads to this view of religion and nationalism as analogous phenomena, as the latter also provides a framework of transcendent meaning through an imaginary of continuity between the different generations. The article concludes with a series of general considerations on the relations between nationalism, secularisation and religion.
A metacalibrated time‐tree documents the early rise of flowering plant phylogenetic diversity
Authors: Magallón Susana , Gómez‐Acevedo Sandra , Sánchez‐Reyes Luna L. , Hernández‐Hernández Tania 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe establishment of modern terrestrial life is indissociable from angiosperm evolution. While available molecular clock estimates of angiosperm age range from the Paleozoic to the Late Cretaceous, the fossil record is consistent with angiosperm diversification in the Early Cretaceous.The time‐frame of angiosperm evolution is here estimated using a sample representing 87% of families and sequences of five plastid and nuclear markers, implementing penalized likelihood and Bayesian relaxed clocks. A literature‐based review of the palaeontological record yielded calibrations for 137 phylogenetic nodes. The angiosperm crown age was bound within a confidence interval calculated with a method that considers the fossil record of the group.An Early Cretaceous crown angiosperm age was estimated with high confidence. Magnoliidae, Monocotyledoneae and Eudicotyledoneae diversified synchronously 135–130 million yr ago (Ma); Pentapetalae is 126–121 Ma; and Rosidae (123–115 Ma) preceded Asteridae (119–110 Ma). Family stem ages are continuously distributed betweenc. 140 and 20 Ma.This time‐frame documents an early phylogenetic proliferation that led to the establishment of major angiosperm lineages, and the origin of over half of extant families, in the Cretaceous. While substantial amounts of angiosperm morphological and functional diversity have deep evolutionary roots, extant species richness was probably acquired later.
CASSIA – a dynamic model for predicting intra‐annual sink demand and interannual growth variation in Scots pine
Authors: Schiestl‐Aalto Pauliina , Kulmala Liisa , Mäkinen Harri , Nikinmaa Eero , Mäkelä Annikki 
Published: January 2015

Summary

The control of tree growth vs environment by carbon sources or sinks remains unresolved although it is widely studied. This study investigates growth of tree components and carbon sink–source dynamics at different temporal scales.

We constructed a dynamic growth model ‘carbon allocation sink source interaction’ (CASSIA) that calculates tree‐level carbon balance from photosynthesis, respiration, phenology and temperature‐driven potential structural growth of tree organs and dynamics of stored nonstructural carbon (NSC) and their modifying influence on growth. With the model, we tested hypotheses that sink demand explains the intra‐annual growth dynamics of the meristems, and that the source supply is further needed to explain year‐to‐year growth variation.

The predicted intra‐annual dimensional growth of shoots and needles and the number of cells in xylogenesis phases corresponded with measurements, whereas NSC hardly limited the growth, supporting the first hypothesis. Delayed GPP influence on potential growth was necessary for simulating the yearly growth variation, indicating also at least an indirect source limitation.

CASSIA combines seasonal growth and carbon balance dynamics with long‐term source dynamics affecting growth and thus provides a first step to understanding the complex processes regulating intra‐ and interannual growth and sink–source dynamics.
A hemicellulose‐bound form of silicon with potential to improve the mechanical properties and regeneration of the cell wall of rice
Authors: He Congwu , Ma Jie , Wang Lijun 
Published: January 2015

Summary

Silicon (Si) plays a large number of diverse roles in plants, but the structural and chemical mechanisms operating at the single‐cell level remain unclear.

We isolate the cell walls from suspension‐cultured individual cells of rice (Oryza sativa) and fractionate them into three main fractions including cellulose (C), hemicellulose (HC) and pectin (P).

We find that most of the Si is in HC as determined by inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), where Si may covalently crosslink the HC polysacchrides confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The HC‐bound form of Si could improve both the mechanical property and regeneration of the cell walls investigated by a combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).

This study provides further evidence that HC could be the major ligand bound to Si, which broadens our understanding of the chemical nature of ‘anomalous’ Si in plant cell walls.
Pathways from dieting to weight regain, to obesity and to the metabolic syndrome: an overview
Authors: Dulloo A. G. , Montani J.‐P. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryEvery year, scores of millions of people – as diverse as obese and lean, teenagers and older adults, sedentary and elite athletes, commoners and celebrities – attempt to lose weight on some form of diet. They are often encouraged by their parents, friends, health professionals, training coaches, a media that promotes a slim image and a diet‐industry that in Europe and United States alone has an annual turnover in excess of $150 billion. Weight regain is generally the rule, with one‐third to two‐thirds of the weight lost being regained within 1 year and almost all is regained within 5 years. With studies of the long‐term outcomes showing that at least one‐third of dieters regain more weight than they lost, together with prospective studies indicating that dieting during childhood and adolescence predicts future weight gain and obesity, there is concern as to whether dieting may paradoxically be promoting exactly the opposite of what it is intended to achieve. Does dieting really make people fatter? How? Does dieting increase the risks for cardiometabolic diseases as many go through repeated cycles of intentional weight loss and unintentional weight regain, i.e. through yo‐yo dieting or weight cycling? What's new in adipose tissue biology pertaining to the mechanisms that drive weight regain? Why does exercise not necessarily work in concert with dieting to achieve weight loss and prevent weight regain? What ‘lessons’ are we learning from bariatric surgery about the mechanisms by which long‐term weight loss seems achievable? It is these questions, against a background of preoccupation with dieting, that recent advances and controversies relevant to the theme of ‘Pathways from dieting to weight regain, to obesity and to the metabolic syndrome’ are addressed in this overview and the eight review articles in this supplement reporting the proceedings of the 7th Fribourg Obesity Research Conference.
Dieting: proxy or cause of future weight gain?
Authors: Lowe M. R. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe relationship between dieting and body mass has a long and controversial history. This paper aims to help resolve this issue by making two key distinctions. The first is between dieting as a cause of weight gain/regain and as a proxy risk factor for identifying non‐obese individuals prone to weight gain for reasons other than dieting. The second is between the body mass that is attained following one or more weight loss/regain cycles and the body mass that might have been reached had dieting never been undertaken. Evidence is reviewed on the relation between recent diet‐induced weight loss and sustained weight loss (weight suppression), on the one hand, and weight regain, on the other hand. Furthermore, the reason that a history of dieting in non‐obese individuals reflects a susceptibility to future weight gain is explained. It is concluded that (i) diet‐induced weight loss hastens weight regain but a history of weight loss diets does not cause weight gain beyond that which would occur in the absence of dieting, and (ii) weight loss dieting in non‐obese individuals does not cause future weight gain but is simply a proxy risk factor reflecting a personal vulnerability to weight gain and living in an obesogenic environment.