bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aromatase and glycosyl transferase inhibiting acridone alkaloids from fruits of Cameroonian Zanthoxylumspecies
Authors: Wouatsa Vyry NA , Misra Laxminarain , Kumar Shiv , Prakash Om , Khan Feroz , Tchoumbougnang Francois , Venkatesh R Kumar 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundZanthoxylum zanthoxyloidesandZ. leprieuriifruits are commonly used in traditional system of medicine for diarrhea, pain, wound healing, etc. in Cameroon, Africa.Z. leprieuriifruits have been chemically studied for its bioactive compounds whereas the investigation onZ. zanthoxyloidesfruits is lacking.ResultsAfter a detailed chemical analysis of the fruits ofZ. leprieuriiandZ. zanthoxyloides, a series of new acridone alkaloids, namely, 3-hydroxy-1,5,6-trimethoxy-9-acridone (1), 1,6-dihydroxy-3-methoxy-9-acridone (2), 3,4,5,7-tetrahydroxy-1-methoxy-10-methyl-9-acridone (3), 4-methoxyzanthacridone (8), 4-hydroxyzanthacridone (9), 4-hydroxyzanthacridone oxide (2,4’) (10) have been isolated. The known acridones which have been characterized are, helebelicine A (4), 1-hydroxy-3-methoxy-10-methyl-9-acridone (5),1,3-dihydroxy-4-methoxy-10-methyl-9-acridone (6) and tegerrardin A (7). The in vitroantibacterial and cytotoxic screening of these acridones reveal that compound3has a moderate antibacterial activity (MIC 125 μg/mL) againstMicrococcus luteusandPseudomonas aeruginosawhile compound1shows a moderate cytotoxic effect (IC50of 86 μM) against WRL-68 (liver cancer cell line). Furthermore, the molecular modeling of these acridones predicted the structural basis for their mode of action and binding affinity for aromatase, quinone reductase and WAAG, a glycosyltransferase involved in bacterial lipopolysaccharide synthesis. Computational approaches, quantitative SAR and modeling studies predicted that acridones1, 2, 3, 4, 9and10were the inhibitors of glycosyltransferase while1,8, 9and10,the inhibitors of aromatase.ConclusionsA total of 10 acridones have been isolated out of which 6 are new (1,2,3,8,9and10). Alkaloids8,9and10, having novel tetracyclic acridone structure with new carbon skeleton, have now been named as zanthacridone. The quantitative SAR and molecular modeling studies suggested that the compounds1,9and10are inhibitors of both aromatase and glycosyltransferase.
The influence of cerebrospinal fluid on epidermal neural crest stem cells may pave the path for cell-based therapy
Authors: Pandamooz Sareh , Naji Mohammad , Alinezhad Farid , Zarghami Amin , Pourghasem Mohsen 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Epidermal neural crest stem cells (EPI-NCSCs) in the bulge of hair follicles are a promising source for cell-replacement therapies in neurodegenerative diseases. A prominent factor in cell-based therapy is the practicalities of different routes of administration. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), owing to its adaptive library of secreted growth factors, can provide a trophic environment for transplanted cells. Thus, the effect of CSF on the behavior of EPI-NCSC was studied here.

Methods
In this study, the highly pure population of EPI-NCSCs was obtained from the bulge of mouse hair follicle. Migrated cells were characterized with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunocytochemistry. Subsequently isolated stem cells were cultured in CSF, which was collected from the cisterna magna of the adult rat. The expression of pertinent markers was assessed at the gene and protein levels with RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry, respectively. Colorimetric immunoassay was used to quantify the rate of proliferation of EPI-NCSCs after cultivation in CSF.

Results
Isolated EPI-NCSCs could survive in the CSF, and they maintained the expression of nestin, β–tubulin ІІІ (early neuronal marker), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, glia marker) in this environment. In addition, CSF decreased the proliferation rate of EPI-NCSCs significantly in comparison to primary and expansion culture medium.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that CSF as a cocktail of growth factors helps EPI-NCSCs to acquire some desirable traits, and because of its circulatory system that is in close contact with different parts of the central nervous system (CNS), can be a practical route of administration for delivery of injected stem cells.
Vitamin D Status Is Associated With Functional Limitations and Functional Decline in Older Individuals
Authors: Sohl E. , van Schoor N. M. , de Jongh R. T. , Visser M. , Deeg D. J. H. , Lips P. 
Published: July 2013

Context:
Vitamin D is known to influence muscle health. A reduction in muscle mass increases the risk of functional limitations among older individuals.

Objective:
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between vitamin D status and functional limitations.

Design, Setting, and Participants:
Two independent cohorts of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam were used. Participants were aged 65 to 88 years (older cohort, n = 1237; baseline 1995) and 55 to 65 years (younger cohort, n = 725; baseline 2002).

Main Outcome Measures:
Questions on the ability and degree of difficulty to perform 6 functions of daily life were asked.

Results:
Of the participants, 56% in the older cohort and 30% in the younger cohort had ≥1 limitation. Vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D level of &lt;20 ng/mL) compared with the value in the reference group (&gt;30 ng/mL) was related to the presence of functional limitations at baseline (odds ratio [OR] = 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–2.5 and OR = 2.2; 95% CI 1.3–3.7 for the older and younger cohorts, respectively). In the older cohort, vitamin D deficiency was associated with an increase in limitations at 3 years (OR = 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1–3.5), whereas vitamin D deficiency in the younger cohort was associated with an increase in limitations at 6 years (OR = 3.3; 95% CI, 1.1–10.1). Analyses were adjusted for confounders.

Conclusion:
Vitamin D status is associated with functional limitations cross-sectionally and longitudinally in individuals aged 55 to 65 years and those 65 years and older. The possible association of vitamin D with functional limitations is present after a shorter follow-up time in the oldest age group compared with the younger age group.
Performing Abolitionism, Enacting Citizenship: The Social Construction of Political Rights in 1880s Recife, Brazil
Authors: Castilho Celso Thomas 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
This article highlights the centrality of theatrical and carnival performances to the making of the Brazilian abolitionist movement. Based on the case study of Recife, it argues that these cultural manifestations were integral to broadly politicizing the problem of emancipation and to constructing abolitionist public opinion. Important not only for consolidating popular support, abolitionist performances also created new codes for political expression and recast the terms of political belonging, or citizenship. In the wake of the wide disenfranchisement stemming from the 1881 electoral law, the performances portrayed abolition as a national issue and thus legitimized the possibility for collective intervention. The consolidation of an abolitionist movement transformed the workings of the local politics of slavery, forcing the provincial and municipal governments to confront the matter through the adoption of emancipation funds. As abolitionist performances extended the parameters of political participation, however, they also produced narratives of progress that both stigmatized Africanness and elided the place of freed slaves within the newly envisioned body politic. Abolitionist performances, then, challenged the institution of slavery but left unscathed cultural assumptions about racial difference and hierarchies. Abolitionist performances, dynamic and complex, became a crucial vehicle for spurring popular political mobilization in the 1880s, a practice that reverberated nationally.
Vapor-phase Dehydration of Glycerol into Hydroxyacetone over Silver Catalyst
Authors: Sato Satoshi , Sakai Daisuke , Sato Fumiya , Yamada Yasuhiro 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Silica-supported silver exhibited high catalytic activity in the dehydration of glycerol: glycerol was dehydrated into hydroxyacetone with the selectivity higher than 86% at 91% conversion over Ag/SiO2 in H2 flow at 240 °C. Silver metal provides an active site and showed stable catalytic activity for the glycerol dehydration in H2 atmosphere, while the dehydration activity decreased in N2 atmosphere. The hydrogenation of hydroxyacetone into 1,2-propanediol and the decomposition to ethylene glycol did not proceed over silver.
α-Hydroxylation of 1,3-Dicarbonyl Compounds Catalyzed by Polymer-incarcerated Gold Nanoclusters with Molecular Oxygen
Authors: Miyamura Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Shū 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
α-Hydroxylation of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds was successfully catalyzed by carbon-stabilized polymer-incarcerated gold nanoclusters (PI/CB-Au). The reaction proceeded under mild conditions using molecular oxygen as oxidant with wide substrate scopes and the catalyst could be recovered and reused by a simple operation. The control experiments and the reaction monitoring revealed that α-peroxide compounds were reaction intermediates, and PI/CB-Au also catalyzed isomerization.
Two Synthetic Approaches from 2,5-Di(2-thienyl)pyridine to a BF3-modified Polymer Film
Authors: Hayashi Shotaro , Koizumi Toshio 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
A BF3-modified poly[2,5-di(2-thienyl)pyridine] film was prepared through two synthetic approaches: electropolymerization of 2,5-di(2-thienyl)pyridine (1) followed by film-state post-functionalization using a trifluoroborate diethyl ether complex (BFEE) vapor (method 1), and BFEE electropolymerization of 1 (method 2).
Visible-light-driven Oxidation of 1,3-Dicarbonyl Compounds via Catalytic Disproportionation of TEMPO by Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Koike Takashi , Yasu Yusuke , Akita Munetaka 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Visible light irradiation of a mixture of 1,3-dicarbonyls and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (TEMPO) in the presence of photoredox catalysts, [Ru(bpy)3]2+ and [Ir(ppy)2(dtbbpy)]+ (bpy: 2,2′-bipyridine, ppy: 2-phenylpyridine, dtbbpy: 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine), afforded two types of oxidized products, i.e., α-oxyaminated products from acyclic 1,3-dicarbonyls and oxidatively dimerized products from cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyls. The Ir catalyst turned out to be more active than the Ru catalyst. This is a new photocatalytic oxidation of 1,3-dicarbonyls based on a single-electron-transfer process mediated by excited photoredox catalysts.
Spatial Distribution of Acromyrmex balzani (Emery) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Attini) Nests Using Two Sampling Methods
Authors: Sousa-Souto Leandro , Viana Junior Arleu Barbosa , Nascimento Eduardo Silva 
Published: July 2013

The spatial distribution (SD) of organisms is a key parameter in studies of population ecology. Among the methods to describe the SD of sessile organisms, sampling by way of plots and transects are widely used. The measurement of the distance between individuals (“nearest neighbor”) is a simple method that has not been employed in population studies with ants. This study aimed to evaluate the SD of ant mounds of Acromyrmex balzani (Emery, 1890), using both plot sampling and nearest neighbor methods in order to evaluate which method is more appropriate for determining SD of this species. In January 2013 we established 359 plots of 10 m2 on a fragment of grassland in Sergipe, Brazil. In the same study area 25 colonies were randomly selected and the distance of the closest neighbor colony was determined. In total, 153 ant mounds were sampled (plots) and the density was estimated in 975 × colonies ha-1. Colonies were clumped in the environment either by plot sampling (χ2 = 453.93; p < 0.05) as well as by the method of nearest neighbor (Ax= 0.67, t = -1.72, p < 0.05). The aggregation of A. balzani colonies found in this study may be due to habitat heterogeneity or relate to the strategy of colony foundation. We conclude that the use of the nearest neighbor method was as accurate as the plot sampling method, providing the same results with much lower sampling effort.
Ulva ardreana: a new species replacing the invalid “Ulva bifrons”
Authors: Cormaci Mario , Furnari Giovanni , Alongi Giuseppina 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The new species Ulva ardreana is here proposed to replace Ulva bifrons, an invalid name because no holotype was designated in the protologue. The new species consists of two to three distromatic blades arising from a short stipe, and it is easily distinguished from the other blade-like Ulva species in having a remarkable diversity in both shape and size of cells in the two layers.
The development of speech-in-noise perception in Hebrew-speaking school-age children
Authors: Kedmy Michal , Topper Topaz , Cohen-Mimran Ravit , Banai Karen 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background: Several studies suggest that auditory perception in general and the perception of speech in noise in particular continue to develop until late childhood or early adolescence. It remains unclear, however, whether this prolonged development results from the maturation of the cognitive factors associated with the performance of auditory tasks or from the slow development of auditory sensory processing.

Methods: We investigated the perception of monosyllabic words embedded in white noise in Hebrew-speaking school-age children and adults.

Results: Although identification thresholds did not become adult-like until 11 years of age, we found no evidence linking this prolonged development to non-sensory factors associated with performance consistency.

Conclusions: Therefore, we suggest that similar to the development of amplitude and frequency modulation detection thresholds, this protracted development is related to the maturation of auditory sensory processing.
Delayed diagnosis of Sheehan's syndrome in a developed country: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ramiandrasoa Cynthia , Castinetti Frédéric , Raingeard Isabelle , Fenichel Patrick , Chabre Olivier , Brue Thierry , Courbière Blandine 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundLittle is known about Sheehan's syndrome (SS), even though it is believed that its incidence is low. The aims of this study were to determine the clinical features and diagnostic delay of SS and to ascertain whether early signs could have allowed earlier diagnosis.Subjects and methodsAll patients with SS diagnosed in reference units in the southeast of France between 1980 and 2011 were recruited for this study. Data on obstetrical history, clinical symptoms suggestive of hypopituitarism, early signs, hormone analysis, and magnetic resonance imaging were collected.ResultsOf the 40 women found to have SS, 39 were studied. Mean delay in the diagnosis of SS was 9±9.7 years. We found that four of the 35 assessable patients were diagnosed with agalactia, 16 of the 29 assessable ones with amenorrhea, 19 of the 39 with hypothyroidism, eight with acute adrenal insufficiency, and 15 with asthenia. Among the patients for whom there was a diagnostic delay of more than 1 year (n=28), seven had headaches during the postpartum period, all assessable patients had agalactia, six of the 22 assessable ones had amenorrhea, seven of 28 had hypothyroidism, and 12 of 28 had asthenia.ConclusionMost signs of SS are aspecific and classical signs such as agalactia and amenorrhea are often difficult to detect, which can explain the long diagnostic delay. We suggest that all women failing to lactate after postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) should be evaluated by measuring prolactin levels and women with signs such as amenorrhea and asthenia, even several years after PPH, should undergo a blood test including assessment of thyroxine, TSH, 0800 h ACTH–cortisol, and IGF1 levels.
Does des-acyl ghrelin improve glycemic control in obese diabetic subjects by decreasing acylated ghrelin levels?
Authors: Özcan Behiye , Neggers Sebastian J C M M , Miller Anne Reifel , Yang Hsiu-Chiung , Lucaites Virginia , Abribat Thierry , Allas Soraya , Huisman Martin , Visser Jenny A , Themmen Axel P N , Sijbrands Eric J G , Delhanty Patric J D , van der Lely Aart Jan 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess the effects of a continuous overnight infusion of des-acyl ghrelin (DAG) on acylated ghrelin (AG) levels and glucose and insulin responses to a standard breakfast meal (SBM) in eight overweight patients with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, in the same patients and two additional subjects, the effects of DAG infusion on AG concentrations and insulin sensitivity during a hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamp (HEC) were assessed.Research design and methodsA double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study design was implemented, using overnight continuous infusions of 3 and 10 μg DAG/kg per h and placebo to study the effects on a SBM. During a HEC, we studied the insulin sensitivity.ResultsWe observed that, compared with placebo, overnight DAG administration significantly decreased postprandial glucose levels, both during continuous glucose monitoring and at peak serum glucose levels. The degree of improvement in glycemia was correlated with baseline plasma AG concentrations. Concurrently, DAG infusion significantly decreased fasting and postprandial AG levels. During the HEC, 2.5 h of DAG infusion markedly decreased AG levels, and the M-index, a measure of insulin sensitivity, was significantly improved in the six subjects in whom we were able to attain steady-state euglycemia. DAG administration was not accompanied by many side effects when compared with placebo.ConclusionsDAG administration improves glycemic control in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes through the suppression of AG levels. DAG is a good candidate for the development of compounds in the treatment of metabolic disorders or other conditions with a disturbed AG:DAG ratio, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus or Prader–Willi syndrome.
The Effect of Ionic Liquid Uptake and Self-assembled Conductive Network Composite Layers on NafionTM based Ionic Polymer Metal Composite Electromechanical Bending Actuators
Authors: Wang Dong , Montazami Reza , Heflin James R. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTIonic liquid (IL) is used as the working electrolyte in ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) electromechanical bending actuators because of its high stability and conductivity, which are crucial for the consistency and speed of the actuation. Because the bending actuation is caused by the migration and accumulation of the cations and anions of the IL, it is clear that both the overall number of ions and the effectiveness of ion transport and accumulation play important roles in the actuation behavior. In this paper, the effect of enhancing the ion accumulation by the self-assembled conductive network composite (CNC) layers is investigated by comparing the bending behavior of actuators with and without CNC layers. In addition, IPMC actuators with various IL uptakes are also tested in order to study the dependence of the bending performance on the amount of the ions available. It is found that, with the CNC layers, the maximum bending curvature of the actuator increases with increased IL, which shows the crucial role played by the IL. However, under the same conditions, the performance improvement of actuators without CNC layers saturates when the IL uptake reaches around 10% wt. This demonstrates the role of the CNC layers to provide a porous electrode with increased capacitance that thus accommodates accumulation of more ions near the electrodes, which in turn boosts the overall bending curvature of the actuator.
Social Media Adoption in Local Health Departments Nationwide
Authors: Harris Jenine K. , Mueller Nancy L. , Snider Doneisha 
Published: July 2013

Objectives. We examined whether characteristics of local health departments (LHD) and their geographic region were associated with using Facebook and Twitter. We also examined the number of tweets per month for Twitter accounts as an indicator of social media use by LHDs. Methods. In 2012, we searched for Facebook and Twitter accounts for 2565 LHDs nationwide, and collected adoption date and number of connections for each account. Number of tweets sent indicated LHD use of social media. LHDs were classified as innovators, early adopters, or nonadopters. Characteristics of LHDs were compared across adoption categories, and we examined geographic characteristics, connections, and use. Results. Twenty-four percent of LHDs had Facebook, 8% had Twitter, and 7% had both. LHDs serving larger populations were more likely to be innovators, tweeted more often, and had more social media connections. Frequency of tweeting was not associated with adoption category. There were differences in adoption across geographic regions, with western states more likely to be innovators. Innovation was also higher in states where the state health department adopted social media. Conclusions. Social media has the potential to aid LHDs in disseminating information across the public health system. More evidence is needed to develop best practices for this emerging tool.
A Cross-National Study on Prevalence of Mental Disorders, Service Use, and Adequacy of Treatment Among Mexican and Mexican American Populations
Authors: Orozco Ricardo , Borges Guilherme , Medina-Mora Maria Elena , Aguilar-Gaxiola Sergio , Breslau Joshua 
Published: July 2013

Objectives. We examined differences in the use of mental health services, conditional on the presence of psychiatric disorders, across groups of Mexico’s population with different US migration exposure and in successive generations of Mexican Americans in the United States. Methods. We merged surveys conducted in Mexico (Mexican National Comorbidity Survey, 2001–2002) and the United States (Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys, 2001–2003). We compared psychiatric disorders and mental health service use, assessed in both countries with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, across migration groups. Results. The 12-month prevalence of any disorder was more than twice as high among third- and higher generation Mexican Americans (21%) than among Mexicans with no migrant in their family (8%). Among people with a disorder, the odds of receiving any mental health service were higher in the latter group relative to the former (odds ratio = 3.35; 95% confidence interval = 1.82, 6.17) but the age- and gender-adjusted prevalence of untreated disorder was also higher. Conclusions. Advancing understanding of the specific enabling and dispositional factors that result in increases in mental health care may contribute to reducing service use disparities across ethnic groups in the United States.
Weight Status of Mexican Immigrant Women: A Comparison With Women in Mexico and With US-Born Mexican American Women
Authors: Guendelman Sylvia D. , Ritterman-Weintraub Miranda L. , Fernald Lia C. H. , Kaufer-Horwitz Martha 
Published: July 2013

Objectives. We assessed the association between birthplace, residence, or years in the United States and actual weight (body mass index), perceived weight accuracy, or provider screens for overweight or obesity among Mexican immigrant women. Methods. We used linked data from Health and Nutrition Examination Survey waves 2001–2006 and 2006 National Mexican Health and Nutrition Survey to compare 513 immigrants with 9527 women in Mexico and 342 US-born Mexican American women. Results. Immigrants were more likely than women in Mexico to be obese and to perceive themselves as overweight or obese after adjustment for confounders. Recent immigrants had similar weight-related outcomes as women in Mexico. Immigrants were less likely to be obese than were US-born Mexican Americans. Within the overweight or obese population, reported provider screens were higher among immigrants than among women in Mexico, but lower than among US-born Mexican Americans. US residency of at least 5 years but less than 20 years and reporting insufficient provider screens elevated obesity risk. Conclusions. Mexican-origin women in the United States and Mexico are at risk for overweight and obesity. We found no evidence of a “healthy immigrant” effect.