bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Methoxy‐substituted Chalcones and in vitro Evaluation of their Anticancer Potential
Authors: Ethiraj Kannatt Radhakrishnan , Aranjani Jesil Mathew , Khan Fazlur‐Rahman Nawaz 
Published: July 2013

Methoxy‐substituted chalcones, 3 were obtained using simple, efficient method from 2‐naphtylethanone, 1 and aromatic aldehydes, 2. The in vitro cytotoxicity activities of the chalcones against a panel of three human cancer cell lines were explored. The tested compounds were found to possess significant cytotoxic activity. The DNA strand break and damage was quantified through alkaline comet assay, flow cytometric analysis, and chromatin condensation studies, which revealed the apoptotic nature of the compounds. Compound 3c, (3‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl)‐1‐(2‐naphthyl) prop‐2‐en‐1‐one) showed highest cytotoxicity of 0.019 μm against HeLa, 0.020 μm against HCT15 and 0.022 μm against A549. Compound 3e, (3‐(3,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐1‐(2‐naphthyl) prop‐2‐en‐1‐one) showed better IC50 values against all the three cell lines employed for the study.
Different causes of Reduced Sensitivity to Thyroid Hormone: Diagnosis and Clinical management
Authors: Visser W. Edward , van Mullem Alies A. A. , Visser Theo J. , Peeters Robin P. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryNormal thyroid hormone (TH) metabolism and action require adequate cellular TH signalling. This entails proper function of TH transporters in the plasma membrane, intracellular deiodination of TH and action of the bioactive hormone T3 at its nuclear receptors (TRs). The present review summarizes the discoveries of different syndromes with reduced sensitivity at the cellular level. Mutations in the TH transporter MCT8 cause psychomotor retardation and abnormal thyroid parameters. Mutations in the SBP2 protein, which is required for normal deiodination, give rise to a multisystem disorder including abnormal thyroid function tests. Mutations in TRβ1 are a well‐known cause of resistance to TH with mostly a mild phenotype, while only recently, patients with mutations in TRα1 were identified. The latter patients have slightly abnormal TH levels, growth retardation and cognitive defects. This review will describe the mechanisms of disease, clinical phenotype, diagnostic testing and suggestions for treatment strategies for each of these syndromes.
Does working memory training lead to generalized improvements in children with low working memory? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dunning Darren L. , Holmes Joni , Gathercole Susan E. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractChildren with low working memory typically make poor educational progress, and it has been speculated that difficulties in meeting the heavy working memory demands of the classroom may be a contributory factor. Intensive working memory training has been shown to boost performance on untrained memory tasks in a variety of populations. This first randomized controlled trial with low working memory children investigated whether the benefits of training extend beyond standard working memory tasks to other more complex activities typical of the classroom in which working memory plays a role, as well as to other cognitive skills and developing academic abilities. Children aged 7–9 years received either adaptive working memory training, non‐adaptive working memory training with low memory loads, or no training. Adaptive training was associated with selective improvements in multiple untrained tests of working memory, with no evidence of changes in classroom analogues of activities that tax working memory, or any other cognitive assessments. Gains in verbal working memory were sustained one year after training. Thus the benefits of working memory training delivered in this way may not extend beyond structured working memory tasks.
Supporting cells regulate the remodelling of aminoglycoside‐injured organ of Corti, through the release of high mobility group box 1
Authors: Ladrech Sabine , Mathieu Marc , Puel Jean‐Luc , Lenoir Marc 
Published: July 2013

AbstractTo examine whether an inflammatory process occurs in the amikacin‐poisoned cochlea, we investigated the presence of the cytokines tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐10. No TNF‐α, IL‐1β or IL‐10 was detected in the cochlear perilymph after the loss of most auditory hair cells, indicating the absence of severe inflammation. In contrast, we observed a significant and temporary increase in the level of extracellular high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a late mediator of inflammation that also functions as a signal of tissue damage. This increase coincided with epithelial remodelling of the injured organ of Corti, and occurred concomitantly with robust and transient cytoplasmic expression of acetylated HMGB1 within the non‐sensory supporting cells, Deiters cells. Here, HMGB1 was found to be enclosed within vesicles, a number of which carried the secretory vesicle‐associated membrane‐bound protein Rab 27A. In addition, transient upregulation of receptor for advanced glycation end‐products (RAGE), an HMGB1 membrane receptor, was found in most epithelial cells of the scarring organ of Corti when extracellular levels of HMGB1 were at their highest. Altogether, these results strongly suggest that, in stressful conditions, Deiters cells liberate HMGB1 to regulate the epithelial reorganization of the injured organ of Corti through engagement of RAGE in neighbouring epithelial cells.
One hertz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation over dorsal premotor cortex enhances offline motor memory consolidation for sequence‐specific implicit learning
Authors: Meehan S. K. , Zabukovec J. R. , Dao E. , Cheung K. L. , Linsdell M. A. , Boyd L. A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractConsolidation of motor memories associated with skilled practice can occur both online, concurrent with practice, and offline, after practice has ended. The current study investigated the role of dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) in early offline motor memory consolidation of implicit sequence‐specific learning. Thirty‐three participants were assigned to one of three groups of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over left PMd (5 Hz, 1 Hz or control) immediately following practice of a novel continuous tracking task. There was no additional practice following rTMS. This procedure was repeated for 4 days. The continuous tracking task contained a repeated sequence that could be learned implicitly and random sequences that could not. On a separate fifth day, a retention test was performed to assess implicit sequence‐specific motor learning of the task. Tracking error was decreased for the group who received 1 Hz rTMS over the PMd during the early consolidation period immediately following practice compared with control or 5 Hz rTMS. Enhanced sequence‐specific learning with 1 Hz rTMS following practice was due to greater offline consolidation, not differences in online learning between the groups within practice days. A follow‐up experiment revealed that stimulation of PMd following practice did not differentially change motor cortical excitability, suggesting that changes in offline consolidation can be largely attributed to stimulation‐induced changes in PMd. These findings support a differential role for the PMd in support of online and offline sequence‐specific learning of a visuomotor task and offer converging evidence for competing memory systems.
Behavioural and neurophysiological markers reveal differential sensitivity to homeostatic interactions between centrally and peripherally applied passive stimulation
Authors: Gatica Tossi M. A. , Stude P. , Schwenkreis P. , Tegenthoff M. , Dinse H. R. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an effective tool for inducing functional plastic changes in the brain. rTMS can also potentiate the effects of other interventions such as tactile coactivation, a form of repetitive stimulation, when both are applied simultaneously. In this study, we investigated the interaction of these techniques in affecting tactile acuity and cortical excitability, measured with somatosensory evoked potentials after paired median nerve stimulation. We first applied a session of 5‐Hz rTMS, followed by a session of tactile repetitive stimulation, consisting of intermittent high‐frequency tactile stimulation (iHFS) to a group of 15 healthy volunteers (“rTMS + iHFS” group). In a second group (“rTMS w/o iHFS”), rTMS was applied without iHFS, with a third assessment performed after a similar wait period. In the rTMS w/o iHFS group, the 5‐Hz rTMS induced an increase in cortical excitability that continued to build for at least 25 min after stimulation, with the effect on excitability after the wait period being inversely correlated to the baseline state. In the rTMS + iHFS group, the second intervention prevented the continued increase in excitability after rTMS. In contrast to the effect on cortical excitability, rTMS produced an improvement in tactile acuity that remained stable until the last assessment, independent of the presence or absence of iHFS. Our results show that these methods can interact homeostatically when used consecutively, and suggest that different measures of cortical plasticity are differentially susceptible to homeostatic interactions.
Volumetric changes of the nose and nasal airway 2 years after tooth‐borne and bone‐borne surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion
Authors: Nada Rania M. , van Loon Bram , Schols Jan G. J. H. , Maal Thomas J. J. , de Koning Martien J. , Mostafa Yehya A. , Kuijpers‐Jagtman Anne M. 
Published: July 2013

This study aimed to assess the effects of bone‐borne and tooth‐borne surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion on the volumes of the nose and nasal airway 2 yr after maxillary expansion. This prospective cohort study included 32 patients with transverse maxillary hypoplasia. Expansion was performed with a tooth‐borne distractor (Hyrax) in 19 patients and with a bone‐borne distractor [transpalatal distractor (TPD)] in the remaining 13. Cone beam computed tomography scans and three‐dimensional (3D) photographs of the face were acquired before treatment and 22 ± 7 months later, and were used to evaluate the volumes of the nose and nasal airway. Nasal volume increased by 1.01 ± 1.6% in the Hyrax group and by 2.39 ± 2.4% in the TPD group. Nasal airway volume increased by 9.7 ± 5.6% in the Hyrax group and by 12.9 ± 12.7% in the TPD group. Changes in the nasal volume and in the nasal airway volume between the pre‐ and post‐treatment measurements were statistically significant, whereas differences between the treatment groups were not; 22 months after surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion, the increases in the nasal volume and in the nasal airway volume were comparable between tooth‐borne and bone‐borne devices.
The Homing Frog: High Homing Performance in a Territorial Dendrobatid Frog Allobates femoralis (Dendrobatidae)
Authors: Pašukonis Andrius , Ringler Max , Brandl Hanja B. , Mangione Rosanna , Ringler Eva , Hödl Walter 
Published: July 2013

AbstractDendrobatidae (dart‐poison frogs) exhibit some of the most complex spatial behaviors among amphibians, such as territoriality and tadpole transport from terrestrial clutches to widely distributed deposition sites. In species that exhibit long‐term territoriality, high homing performance after tadpole transport can be assumed, but experimental evidence is lacking, and the underlying orientation mechanisms are unknown. We conducted a field translocation experiment to test whether male Allobates femoralis, a dendrobatid frog with paternal extra‐territorial tadpole transport, are capable of homing after experimental removal, as well as to quantify homing success and speed. Translocated individuals showed a very high homing success for distances up to 200 m and successfully returned from up to 400 m. We discuss the potential orientation mechanisms involved and selective forces that could have shaped this strong homing ability.
Do signalling endosomes play a role in T cell activation?
Authors: Benzing Carola , Rossy Jérémie , Gaus Katharina 
Published: July 2013

Signalling endosomes represent a general mechanism for modulating and compartmentalizing cell signalling, which is achieved by delineating specific spatial environments and connecting the plasma membrane with intracellular events. The molecular composition of vesicles, together with their targeting mechanisms and endocytic routes, contributes to the outcome of signalling pathways that are initiated either at the plasma membrane or within endosomes themselves. In T cell signalling, it is now accepted that the spatial distribution of signalling proteins is central to T cell activation not only at the immunological synapse, but also in endosomes travelling to and from the plasma membrane. In addition, there is a global rearrangement of the endosome machinery upon T cell activation, and emerging experimental evidence suggests that vesicles in T cells contain key T cell signalling proteins. We review the various mechanisms by which endosomes contribute to signalling pathways and consider whether signalling endosomes play a role in T cell signalling.
Exploring potential drivers of European biomass burning over the Holocene: a data‐model analysis
Authors: Molinari Chiara , Lehsten Veiko , Bradshaw Richard H. W. , Power Mitchell J. , Harmand Peter , Arneth Almut , Kaplan Jed O. , Vannière Boris , Sykes Martin T. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimTo reconstruct spatial and temporal patterns of European fire activity during the Holocene and to explore their potential drivers, by relating biomass burning to simulated biotic and abiotic parameters.LocationEurope.MethodsHolocene fire activity was investigated based on 156 sedimentary charcoal records from lakes and peat bogs across Europe. Charcoal data covering the last 9000 years were statistically compared with palaeoclimate data derived from the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology/University of Wisconsin‐Madison Earth System Model, with vegetation and fire indices simulated with the dynamic vegetation model lpj‐guess and with two independent scenarios of past anthropogenic land‐cover change.ResultsThe combined sedimentary charcoal records suggest that there was little fire activity during the early and the middle Holocene compared with recent millennia. A progressive increase in fire frequency began around 3500 cal. yr bp and continues into the late Holocene. Biomass burning rose sharply from 250 cal. yr bp onwards, reaching a maximum during the early Industrial Era and then declining abruptly. When considering the whole Holocene, the long‐term control of fire is best explained by anthropogenic land‐cover change, litter availability and temperature‐related parameters.Main conclusionsWhile the general patterns found across Europe suggest the primary role of vegetation, precipitation and temperature‐related parameters in explaining fire dynamics during the early Holocene, the increase in fire activity observed in the mid–late Holocene is mainly related to anthropogenic land‐cover changes, followed by vegetation and temperature‐related parameters. The 20th‐century decline in biomass burning seems to be due to increased landscape fragmentation and active fire suppression policies. Our hypothesis that human activities played a primary role in Holocene biomass burning across Europe could be tested by improved palaeoclimate reconstructions and more refined representations of anthropogenic fires in climate and vegetation models.
Comparison of clinical profile in elderly patients with nursing and healthcare‐associated pneumonia, and those with community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Nakagawa Nahoko , Saito Yoko , Sasaki Mari , Tsuda Yasunari , Mochizuki Hideaki , Takahashi Hideki 
Published: July 2013

AimNursing and healthcare‐associated pneumonia (NHCAP) is a modified category of healthcare‐associated pneumonia adjusted for the healthcare system of Japan. The clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality have not been well characterized in elderly patients with NHCAP.MethodsWe retrospectively investigated 960 consecutive patients aged ≥65 years admitted for pneumonia. Baseline characteristics, severity, pathogen distribution, outcomes and risk factors for mortality were compared between patients with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) and those with NHCAP. The applicability of age, dehydration, respiratory failure, orientation disturbance, and low BP (A‐DROP) score, a standard severity index for CAP in Japan, was also evaluated in NHCAP.ResultsThe study participants consisted of 373 patients (38.8%) with CAP and 587 (61.2%) with NHCAP. The patients with NHCAP were older and had poorer performance status (PS) and more comorbidities than those with CAP. The frequency of potentially drug‐resistant (PDR) pathogens and in‐hospital mortality were found in 10 (2.7%) and 17 patients (4.6%) with CAP, and 60 (10.2%) and 83 patients (14.1%) with NHCAP, respectively (P < 0.0001). The incidences of PDR pathogens and mortality were not significantly different among the criteria for NHCAP. The higher mortality was associated with PS, comorbidity with Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥3, and the coexistence of congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease and malignancy. A‐DROP score was poor at predicting mortality in most patients with NHCAP.ConclusionThe current criteria for NHCAP seem to be appropriate for differentiating patients with poor outcomes from community‐acquired pneumonia patients. It is essential to assess individual underlying conditions, such as PS and comorbidity, when caring for patients with NHCAP. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 14: 362–371.
Association between site‐specific muscle loss of lower body and one‐leg standing balance in active women: TheHIREGASAKIstudy
Authors: Abe Takashi , Ogawa Madoka , Loenneke Jeremy P , Thiebaud Robert S , Loftin Mark , Mitsukawa Naotoshi 
Published: July 2013

AimTo test the hypothesis that static balance is associated with site‐specific loss of muscle mass in older adults.MethodsA total of 57 active women aged 52–83 years had their muscle thickness (MTH) measured by ultrasound at four sites on the anterior and posterior aspects of their upper‐ and lower‐leg.MTHratios were calculated to assess the site‐specific muscle loss. One‐leg standing balance with eyes open and maximum isometric knee extension/flexion strength were measured. Daytime physical activity was also measured. The participants were separated into three groups based on achieved timed one‐leg balance test: less than 60 s (n = 19,G1), 60–120 s (n = 12,G2) and over 120 s (n = 26,G3).ResultsAge was inversely correlated to the upper‐leg (A50 : P70)MTHratios (r = −0.389,P < 0.001), but not lower‐leg ratio (r = 0.047), thus site‐specific muscle loss was observed in the upper‐leg. Total muscle mass was similar among the groups.A50 : P70MTHratio and absolute and relative knee flexion strength were lower inG1 than inG3. Step counts and durations of moderate and vigorous exercise were lower inG1 andG2 than inG3. There were significant correlations between one‐leg balance andA50 : P70MTHratio (r = 0.271,P < 0.05) and physical activity level (r = 0.357–0.481,P < 0.01). After adjusting for step count, one‐leg balance was only correlated significantly with duration of vigorous exercise (r = 0.319,P < 0.05).ConclusionHigher physical activity could have more impact on balance regulation, as the influence of site‐specific muscle loss was weak in active women.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 381–387.
Assessment of the serum paraoxonase activity and oxidant/antioxidant status in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Bilgili Serap Gunes , Ozkol Halil , Takci Zennure , Ozkol Hatice Uce , Karadag Ayse Serap , Aslan Mehmet 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectivesSeveral studies have indicated that recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is associated with oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate serum paraoxonase (PON) activity and oxidant/antioxidant status in patients with RAS.Design and methodsThirty‐one patients with RAS and 31 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum PON1 and arylesterase activities, total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, and oxidative stress index were determined.ResultsSerum total antioxidant capacity levels, PON1, and arylesterase activities were significantly lower in RAS than controls (P < 0.001), while total oxidant status levels and oxidative stress index were significantly higher (P < 0.001). PON1 activity had a significant correlation with high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol only (r = 0.482, P < 0.05), while there were no correlations with other lipids (P > 0.05) in patients with RAS.ConclusionsOur results indicate that RAS is associated with decreased PON1 activity and increased oxidative stress that plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of RAS. Further studies on a larger number of patients are needed to verify these results.
Treatment of nevus of Ota using low fluence Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser
Authors: Choi Chong Won , Kim Hee Jung , Lee Heun Joo , Kim Yoon Hwan , Kim Won‐Serk 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundNevus of Ota, caused by dermal melanocytosis, is cosmetically troublesome in Asian patients. The destruction of dermal melanocytosis using Q‐switched laser systems carries a high risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation/hypopigmentation.MethodsTo determine the usefulness, safety, and adverse problems of low fluence 1064 nm Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of nevus of Ota, 19 Korean patients (five male and 14 female; Fitzpatrick skin type IV) who were clinically diagnosed as having nevus of Ota were enrolled in the present study. Low fluence laser treatments were performed with a collimated Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser at intervals of two weeks. The fluence of laser treatments was set at 2.5 J/cm2 and adjusted based on patient response to the previous treatment session and sensitivity to pain. Treatment was applied until the lesions showed mild erythema.ResultsThe mean number of total treatment sessions was 17.1 (range 6–32). Among the 19 patients, 18 reached near total improvement, while one patient failed to reach near total improvement after 11 treatment sessions. The mean fluence of treatment was 2.5 J/cm2 (range 2.0–5.0 J/cm2). Five patients complained of delayed eyelid response. Post‐therapy hyperpigmentation was observed in one patient.ConclusionLow fluence 1064 nm Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser is an effective modality for the treatment of nevus of Ota with a low incidence of side effects. It is an easy to perform treatment with low downtime.
Buffalo pox outbreak with atypical features: a word of caution and need for early intervention!
Authors: Goyal Tarang , Varshney Anupam , Bakshi Surrinder Kumar , Barua Sanjay , Bera Bidhan Chandra , Singh Raj Kumar 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundDespite repeated outbreaks of poxvirus infections unique to the Indian subcontinent region and veterinary research work in this field, much less diagnostic awareness with resultant treatment protocols have been formulated in the human medical field.AimsWith this objective in mind, a combined human medical and veterinary study was conducted on a recent outbreak of buffalopox infection in a village in northern India.MethodsA team of doctors did the clinical examination and collected swab and serum samples from both cattle and humans, and these were subjected to viral isolation, cell culture, plaque reduction neutralization test, polymerase chain reaction, and partial genome sequencing.ResultsA clustered foci of 12 human patients aged 11–60 years, 12 buffaloes, and 10 cows were found to be affected with buffalopox infection with some atypical features.ConclusionAwareness, diagnosis, education, early intervention, and formulation of disaster guidelines are needed in view of the potential epidemiologic outbreak, if this happens in the future.