bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retracted: Enhanced bone regeneration with a novel synthetic bone substitute in combination with a new natural cross‐linked collagen membrane: radiographic and histomorphometric study
Authors: Calvo‐Guirado José Luis , Ramírez‐Fernández Maria P. , Maté‐Sánchez Jose E. , Bruno Negri , Velasquez Pablo , de Aza Piedad N. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectives4Bone is a fully synthetic bioactive bone substitute composed of 60% hydroxyapatite (HA) and 40% beta‐tricalcium phosphate (ß‐TCP). This study aimed to investigate the effect of resorbable collagen membranes (RCM) on critical size defects in rabbit tibiae filled with this novel biphasic calcium phosphate at 15, 30, 45, and 60 days by radiological and histomorphometric analysis.Material and methodsThree critical size defects of 6 mm diameter were created in both tibiae of 20 New Zealand rabbits and divided into three groups according to the filling material: Group A (4Bone), Group B (4Bone plus RCM), and Group C (unfilled control group). At each of the four study periods, five rabbits were sacrificed. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were taken. Samples were processed for observation under light microscopy.ResultsAt the end of treatment, radiological analysis found that cortical defect closure was greater in Group B than Group A, and radiopacity was clearly lower and more heterogeneous in Group A cortical defects than in Group B. There was no cortical defect closure in Group C. Histomorphometric evaluation showed significant differences in newly formed bone and cortical closure in Group B compared with Groups A and C, with the presence of higher density newly formed bone in cortical and medullar zones.ConclusionsBiphasic calcium phosphate functioned well as a scaffolding material allowing bone ingrowth and mineralization. The addition of absorbable collagen membranes enhanced bone gain compared with non‐membrane‐treated sites. This rabbit study provides radiological and histological evidence confirming the suitability of this new material for guided tissue regeneration of critical defects.
Systematic Review of Clinical Trials Assessing Pharmacological Properties of Salvia Species on Memory, Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Miroddi Marco , Navarra Michele , Quattropani Maria C. , Calapai Fabrizio , Gangemi Sebastiano , Calapai Gioacchino 
Published: April 2014

SummarySalvia officinalis L. and Salvia lavandulaefolia L. have a longstanding use as traditional herbal remedies that can enhance memory and improve cognitive functions. Pharmacological actions of S. officinalis and S. lavandulaefolia on healthy subjects and on patients suffering of cognitive decline have been investigated. Aim of this review was to summarize published clinical trials assessing effectiveness and safety of S. officinalis and S. lavandulaefolia in the enhancement of cognitive performance in healthy subjects and neurodegenerative illnesses. Furthermore, to purchase a more complete view on safety of S. officinalis and S. lavandulaefolia, we collected and discussed articles regarding toxicity and adverse reactions. Eight clinical studies investigating on acute effects of S. officinalis on healthy subjects were included in the review. Six studies investigated on the effects of S. officinalis and S. lavandaeluaefolia on cognitive performance in healthy subjects. The two remaining were carried out to study the effects of sage on Azheimer's disease. Our review shows that S. officinalis and S. lavandulaefolia exert beneficial effects by enhancing cognitive performance both in healthy subjects and patients with dementia or cognitive impairment and is safe for this indication. Unfortunately, promising beneficial effects are debased by methodological issues, use of different herbal preparations (extracts, essential oil, use of raw material), lack of details on herbal products used. We believe that sage promising effects need further higher methodological standard clinical trials.
Associations between host plant concentrations of selected biochemical nutrients and Mexican rice borer, Eoreuma loftini, infestation
Authors: Showler Allan T. , Moran Patrick J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe Mexican rice borer, Eoreuma loftini (Dyar) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is an economic pest of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) and other graminaceous host crops, and it attacks grassy weeds. Oviposition preference has been known to be for plants with leaves that form folds. This study is the first to associate the nutritional quality of crop and forage plant hosts with Mexican rice borer injury. Three experiments were conducted to determine the levels of selected biochemical nutrients, including free amino acids and sugars, in four grass weeds [barnyardgrass, Echinochloa crus‐galli (L.); broadleaf signalgrass, Urochloa platyphylla (Munro ex C. Wright); johnsongrass, Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.; and Vasey's grass, Paspalum urvillei Steud.], a forage grass [sudangrass, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moensch spp. drummondi (Nees ex Steud.) de Wet & Harlan], three crop species [maize, Zea mays L.; sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench; and sugarcane, Saccharum spp.], and a sorghum‐sudangrass forage hybrid (all Poaceae). Of 16 free amino acids detected among plants in the first two experiments, only high accumulations of free histidine in sudangrass and maize were associated with increased infestations by Mexican rice borer larvae. In all three experiments, high levels of fructose were associated with heightened Mexican rice borer infestation. Ramifications of these findings on the potential dispersal of this invasive pest in the USA and possible applications of fructose in baits are discussed.
Tonic current through GABAA receptors and hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated channels modulate resonance properties of rat subicular pyramidal neurons
Authors: Sah Nirnath , Sikdar Sujit K. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe subiculum, considered to be the output structure of the hippocampus, modulates information flow from the hippocampus to various cortical and sub‐cortical areas such as the nucleus accumbens, lateral septal region, thalamus, nucleus gelatinosus, medial nucleus and mammillary nuclei. Tonic inhibitory current plays an important role in neuronal physiology and pathophysiology by modulating the electrophysiological properties of neurons. While the alterations of various electrical properties due to tonic inhibition have been studied in neurons from different regions, its influence on intrinsic subthreshold resonance in pyramidal excitatory neurons expressing hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated (HCN) channels is not known. Using pharmacological agents, we show the involvement of α5βγ GABAA receptors in the picrotoxin‐sensitive tonic current in subicular pyramidal neurons. We further investigated the contribution of tonic conductance in regulating subthreshold electrophysiological properties using current clamp and dynamic clamp experiments. We demonstrate that tonic GABAergic inhibition can actively modulate subthreshold properties, including resonance due to HCN channels, which can potentially alter the response dynamics of subicular pyramidal neurons in an oscillating neuronal network.
The crystal structure of a crustacean prophenoloxidase provides a clue to understanding the functionality of the type 3 copper proteins
Authors: Masuda Taro , Momoji Kyosuke , Hirata Takashi , Mikami Bunzo 
Published: April 2014

Phenoloxidase (PO), which is classified as a type 3 copper protein, catalyzes the hydroxylation of monophenol to o‐diphenol and subsequent oxidation to the corresponding o‐quinone. The geometry and coordination environment of the active site of the arthropod PO are very similar to those of the arthropod hemocyanin (Hc). However, unlike the POs, Hc is an oxygen carrier in crustaceans, and does not possess PO activity in general. Recently, we identified a new type of proPO from a crustacean and designated it proPOβ. This enzyme has many characteristics that are rather similar to those of Hc, such as its maturation, localization, and oligomeric state. Here, we determined the crystal structure of proPOβ prepared from the hemolymph of kuruma prawns (Marsupenaeus japonicus) at 1.8‐Å resolution. M. japonicus proPOβ forms a homohexamer rather similar to that of arthropod Hc. The geometry of the active copper site in proPOβ is nearly identical to that of arthropod Hc. Furthermore, the well‐characterized ‘place‐holder’ phenylalanine is present (Phe72). However, the accessibility to the active site differs in several ways. First, another phenylalanine, which shields the active site by interacting with a copper‐coordinated histidine in crustacean Hc, is replaced by valine in the proPOβ structure. Second, two tyrosines, Tyr208 and Tyr209, both of which are absent in Hc, show the alternative conformations and form a pathway providing access to the reaction center. Thus, the present crystal structure clarifies the similarities and differences in the activity of two closely related proteins, PO and Hc.DatabaseStructural data are available in the RSCB protein data bank under the accession number 3WKY.Structured digital abstract

proPObeta and proPObeta bind by x-ray crystallography (View interaction)
20‐hydroxyecdysone mediates non‐canonical regulation of mosquito vitellogenins through alternative splicing
Authors: Provost‐Javier K. N. , Rasgon J. L. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractVitellogenesis is one of the most well‐studied physiological processes in mosquitoes. Expression of mosquito vitellogenin genes is classically described as being restricted to female adult reproduction. We report premature vitellogenin transcript expression in three vector mosquitoes: Culex tarsalis, Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae. Vitellogenins expressed during non‐reproductive stages are alternatively spliced to retain their first intron and encode premature termination codons. We show that intron retention results in transcript degradation by translation‐dependent nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay. This is probably an example of regulated unproductive splicing and translation (RUST), a mechanism known to regulate gene expression in numerous organisms but which has never been described in mosquitoes. We demonstrate that the hormone 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) is responsible for regulating post‐transcriptional splicing of vitellogenin. After exposure of previtellogenic fat bodies to 20E, vitellogenin expression switches from a non‐productive intron‐retaining transcript to a spliced protein‐coding transcript. This effect is independent of factors classically known to influence transcription, such as juvenile hormone‐mediated competence and amino acid signalling through the target of rapamycin pathway. Non‐canonical regulation of vitellogenesis through RUST is a novel role for the multifunctional hormone 20E, and may have important implications for general patterns of gene regulation in mosquitoes.
Structure of the yellow sac spider Cheiracanthium punctorium genes provides clues to evolution of insecticidal two‐domain knottin toxins
Authors: Sachkova M. Y. , Slavokhotova A. A. , Grishin E. V. , Vassilevski A. A. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractYellow sac spiders (Cheiracanthium punctorium, family Miturgidae) are unique in terms of venom composition, because, as we show here, two‐domain toxins have replaced the usual one‐domain peptides as the major constituents. We report the structure of the two‐domain Che. punctorium toxins (CpTx), along with the corresponding cDNA and genomic DNA sequences. At least three groups of insecticidal CpTx were identified, each consisting of several members. Unlike many cone snail and snake toxins, accelerated evolution is not typical of cptx genes, which instead appear to be under the pressure of purifying selection. Both CpTx modules present the inhibitor cystine knot (ICK), or knottin signature; however, the sequence similarity between the domains is low. Conversely, notable similarity was found between separate domains of CpTx and one‐domain toxins from spiders of the Lycosidae family. The observed chimerism is a landmark of exon shuffling events, but in contrast to many families of multidomain protein genes no introns were found in the cptx genes. Considering the possible scenarios, we suggest that an early transcription‐mediated fusion event between two related one‐domain toxin genes led to the emergence of a primordial cptx‐like sequence. We conclude that evolution of toxin variability in spiders appears to be quite different from other venomous animals.
Implementing practice change in chronic cancer pain management: clinician response to a phase III study of ketamine
Authors: Hardy J. R. , Spruyt O. , Quinn S. J. , Devilee L. R. , Currow D. C. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundAn adequately powered, double‐blind, multisite, randomised controlled trial has shown no net clinical benefit for subcutaneous ketamine over placebo in the management of cancer pain refractory to combination opioid and co‐analgesic therapy. The results of the trial were disseminated widely both nationally and internationally.AimTo determine whether the trial had impacted on clinical practice in Australasia.MethodsMembers of the Australia and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine were sent an online ketamine utilisation survey.ResultsA total of 123/392 clinicians responded (31% response rate). The majority of respondents had practised for more than 10 years in a metropolitan hospital setting. Ketamine had been prescribed by 91% of respondents, and 92% were aware of the trial. As a result, 65% of respondents had changed practice (17% no longer prescribed ketamine, 46% used less and 2% more). Thirty‐five per cent had not changed practice. Reasons for change included belief in the results of the study, concerns over the toxicity reported or because there were alternatives for pain control. Of those who prescribed less, over 80% were more selective and would now only use the drug in certain clinical situations or pain types, or when all other medications had failed.ConclusionsAlthough two‐thirds of respondents reported practice change as a result of the randomised controlled trial, a minority remained convinced of the benefit of the drug from their own observations and would require additional evidence.
Outcomes of an Australian testing programme for epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Peters M. J. , Bowden J. J. , Carpenter P. , Lewis J. , Solomon B. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundMolecular characterisation of non‐squamous non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is required to direct optimal treatment. Treatment of NSCLC with inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase (EGFR‐TKI) should be guided by the presence of activating mutations of the EGFR gene.AimTo gain insight into the rate of testing, the range of tissues samples, test utility and outcome when cost of testing as a barrier to access is removed in the Australian setting.MethodsIn October 2010, a sponsored programme was commenced to gather data on EGFR gene mutation testing in Australia. Partnering laboratories were funded for provision of de‐identified results. For participating patients, the programme supported the test charge. Mutation testing was performed using Sanger sequencing of exons 18–21 of the EGFR.ResultsSamples 2013 were submitted from 2012 patients. Full sequencing was achieved in 1717 (85%). Failure of full sequencing was more likely in samples derived from fine needle aspiration(FNA) biopsy than tissue biopsy or pleural/pericardial fluid cell blocks OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.9–5.2). There were 359 mutations seen in 337 patients. 14.5% of cases had a classical mutation conferring sensitivity to EGFR‐TKI. In addition there was a range of less common mutations – some predicting responses and others of uncertain significance. 1.4% of cases had mutations associated with non‐responsiveness to EGFR‐TKI.ConclusionsEGFR gene mutation testing is feasible on local and interstate lung cancer samples. The rate of valid test outcomes is high, but FNA samples are associated with more frequent test failure.
Leg ulcer due to multiple arteriovenous malformations in the lower extremity of an elderly patient
Authors: Ueda Takashi , Tanabe Kenichi , Morita Miho , Nakahara Chihoko , Katsuoka Kensei 
Published: April 2014

AbstractA 66‐year‐old woman with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) presented with an irregularly shaped leg ulcer surrounded by pigmentation on the left lower limb. In addition, the circumference of her left thigh had gradually increased. The ulcer did not respond to topical treatment and enlarged, therefore, she visited our hospital. Arteriography of the left lower limb showed multiple arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), based on which we made a diagnosis of a leg ulcer due to multiple AVMs. Transcatheter arterial embolisation with a mixture of N‐butyl‐2‐cyanoacrylate and lipiodol was performed six times in the period of about a year for treating the AVMs. The ulcer was managed with bed rest, surgical debridement, continuous pressure support with elastic wrap and topical treatment. After 15 months, the ulcer healed, leaving pigmentation and scarring. It is quite rare for AVMs to progress in the elderly. We speculate that the DVT had caused occult AVMs to become symptomatic following an increase in size.
Factors that influence young people's mental health help‐seeking behaviour: a study based on the Health Belief Model
Authors: O'Connor Peter J. , Martin Brett , Weeks Clinton S. , Ong Luzian 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimTo identify key predictors and moderators of mental health ‘help‐seeking behavior’ in adolescents.BackgroundMental illness is highly prevalent in adolescents and young adults; however, individuals in this demographic group are among the least likely to seek help for such illnesses. Very little quantitative research has examined predictors of help‐seeking behaviour in this demographic group.DesignA cross‐sectional design was used.MethodsA group of 180 volunteers between the ages of 17–25 completed a survey designed to measure hypothesized predictors and moderators of help‐seeking behaviour. Predictors included a range of health beliefs, personality traits and attitudes. Data were collected in August 2010 and were analysed using two standard and three hierarchical multiple regression analyses.FindingsThe standard multiple regression analyses revealed that extraversion, perceived benefits of seeking help, perceived barriers to seeking help and social support were direct predictors of help‐seeking behaviour. Tests of moderated relationships (using hierarchical multiple regression analyses) indicated that perceived benefits were more important than barriers in predicting help‐seeking behaviour. In addition, perceived susceptibility did not predict help‐seeking behaviour unless individuals were health conscious to begin with or they believed that they would benefit from help.ConclusionA range of personality traits, attitudes and health beliefs can predict help‐seeking behaviour for mental health problems in adolescents. The variable ‘Perceived Benefits’ is of particular importance as it is: (1) a strong and robust predictor of help‐seeking behaviour; and (2) a factor that can theoretically be modified based on health promotion programmes.
Fair Value‐related Information in Analysts’ Decision Processes: Evidence from the Financial Crisis
Authors: Bischof Jannis , Daske Holger , Sextroh Christoph 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe use a sample of conference calls and analyst research reports from international banks to examine how financial analysts request and communicate fair value‐related information in their valuation process. We find that analysts devote considerable attention to fair value‐related topics. Most of the conference call questions and references in research reports pertain to fair value reclassifications and fair value changes of liabilities resulting from banks’ own credit risk. The accounting impact of these one‐time effects during the financial crisis and a lack of corresponding firm disclosures help to explain the prevalence of these two topics. The content of the questions and references suggests that analysts have different motives for their interest in fair value‐related information. While some analysts adjust reported earnings for unrecognised fair value changes of reclassified assets, most of the observed analysts exclude banks’ own credit risk effects from reported earnings. Thus, the use of fair value‐related information varies substantially across analysts and across instruments.
Stromal–epithelial cell interactions and alteration of branching morphogenesis in macromastic mammary glands
Authors: Zhong Aimei , Wang Guohua , Yang Jie , Xu Qijun , Yuan Quan , Yang Yanqing , Xia Yun , Guo Ke , Horch Raymund E. , Sun Jiaming 
Published: April 2014

AbstractTrue macromastia is a rare but disabling condition characterized by massive breast growth. The aetiology and pathogenic mechanisms for this disorder remain largely unexplored because of the lack ofin vivoorin vitromodels. Previous studies suggested that regulation of epithelial cell growth and development by oestrogen was dependent on paracrine growth factors from the stroma. In this study, a co‐culture model containing epithelial and stromal cells was used to investigate the interactions of these cells in macromastia. Epithelial cell proliferation and branching morphogenesis were measured to assess the effect of macromastic stromal cells on epithelial cells. We analysed the cytokines secreted by stromal cells and identified molecules that were critical for effects on epithelial cells. Our results indicated a significant increase in cell proliferation and branching morphogenesis of macromastic and non‐macromastic epithelial cells when co‐cultured with macromastic stromal cells or in conditioned medium from macromastic stromal cells. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a key factor in epithelial–stromal interactions of macromastia‐derived cell cultures. Blockade ofHGFwith neutralizing antibodies dramatically attenuated epithelial cell proliferation in conditioned medium from macromastic stromal cells. The epithelial–stromal cell co‐culture model demonstrated reliability for studying interactions of mammary stromal and epithelial cells in macromastia. In this model,HGFsecreted by macromastic stromal cells was found to play an important role in modifying the behaviour of co‐cultured epithelial cells. This model allows further studies to investigate basic cellular and molecular mechanisms in tissue from patients with true breast hypertrophy.