bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphology and connectivity of parabrachial and cortical inputs to gustatory thalamus in rats
Authors: Holtz Stephen L. , Fu Anqi , Loflin Wyatt , Corson James A. , Erisir Alev 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTThe ventroposterior medialis parvocellularis (VPMpc) nucleus of the thalamus, the thalamic relay nucleus for gustatory sensation, receives primary input from the parabrachial nucleus, and projects to the insular cortex. To reveal the unique properties of the gustatory thalamus in comparison with archetypical sensory relay nuclei, this study examines the morphology of synaptic circuitry in the VPMpc, focusing on parabrachiothalamic driver input and corticothalamic feedback. Anterogradely visualized parabrachiothalamic fibers in the VPMpc bear large swellings. At electron microscope resolution, parabrachiothalamic axons are myelinated and make large boutons, forming multiple asymmetric, adherent, and perforated synapses onto large‐caliber dendrites and dendrite initial segments. Labeled boutons contain dense‐core vesicles, and they resemble a population of terminals within the VPMpc containing calcitonin gene‐related peptide. As is typical of primary inputs to other thalamic nuclei, parabrachiothalamic terminals are over five times larger than other inputs, while constituting only 2% of all synapses. Glomeruli and triadic arrangements, characteristic features of other sensory thalamic nuclei, are not encountered. As revealed by anterograde tracer injections into the insular cortex, corticothalamic projections in the VPMpc form a dense network of fine fibers bearing small boutons. Corticothalamic terminals within the VPMpc were also observed to synapse on cells that were retrogradely filled from the same injections. The results constitute an initial survey describing unique anatomical properties of the rodent gustatory thalamus. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:139–161, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcriptomic Studies on Liver Toxicity of Acetaminophen
Authors: Toska Endrit , Zagorsky Robert , Figler Bryan , Cheng Feng 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Preclinical Research

Acetaminophen is widely used as a pain reliever and to reduce fever. At high doses, it can cause severe hepatotoxicity. Acetaminophen overdose has become the leading cause of acute liver failure in the US. The mechanisms for acetaminophen‐induced liver injury are unclear. Transcriptomic studies can identify the changes in expression of thousands of genes when exposed to supratherapeutic doses of acetaminophen. These studies elucidated the mechanism of acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity and also provide insight into future development of diagnosis and treatment options for acetaminophen‐induced acute liver failure. The following is a brief overview of some recent transcriptomic studies and gene‐expression‐based prediction models on liver toxicity induced by acetaminophen.
Short‐term intensive insulin therapy at diagnosis in type 2 diabetes: plan for filling the gaps
Authors: Weng Jianping , Retnakaran Ravi , Ariachery C Ammini , Ji Linong , Meneghini Luigi , Yang Wenying , Woo Jeong‐Taek 
Published: September 2014

SummaryShort‐term intensive insulin therapy is unique amongst therapies for type 2 diabetes because it offers the potential to preserve and improve beta‐cell function without additional pharmacological treatment. On the basis of clinical experience and the promising results of a series of studies in newly diagnosed patients, mostly in Asian populations, an expert workshop was convened to assess the available evidence and the potential application of short‐term intensive insulin therapy should it be advocated for inclusion in clinical practice. Participants included primary care physicians and endocrinologists. We endorse the concept of short‐term intensive insulin therapy as an option for some patients with type 2 diabetes at the time of diagnosis and have identified the following six areas where additional knowledge could help clarify optimal use in clinical practice: (1) generalizability to primary care, (2) target population and biomarkers, (3) follow‐up treatment, (4) education of patients and providers, (5) relevance of ethnicity, and (6) health economics. © 2014 The Authors. Diabetes Metabolism Research and Reviews published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Species‐specific differences in relative eye size are related to patterns of edge avoidance in an Amazonian rainforest bird community
Authors: Martínez‐Ortega Cristina , Santos Eduardo S.A. , Gil Diego 
Published: September 2014

AbstractEye size shows a large degree of variation among species, even after correcting for body size. In birds, relatively larger eyes have been linked to predation risk, capture of mobile prey, and nocturnal habits. Relatively larger eyes enhance visual acuity and also allow birds to forage and communicate in low‐light situations. Complex habitats such as tropical rain forests provide a mosaic of diverse lighting conditions, including differences among forest strata and at different distances from the forest edge. We examined in an Amazonian forest bird community whether microhabitat occupancy (defined by edge avoidance and forest stratum) was a predictor of relative eye size. We found that relative eye size increased with edge avoidance, but did not differ according to forest stratum. Nevertheless, the relationship between edge avoidance and relative eye size showed a nonsignificant positive trend for species that inhabit lower forest strata. Our analysis shows that birds that avoid forest edges have larger eyes than those living in lighter parts. We expect that this adaptation may allow birds to increase their active daily period in dim areas of the forest. The pattern that we found raises the question of what factors may limit the evolution of large eyes.
Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II equally induces sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ leak in human ischaemic and dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Fischer Thomas H. , Eiringhaus Jörg , Dybkova Nataliya , Förster Anna , Herting Jonas , Kleinwächter Astrid , Ljubojevic Senka , Schmitto Jan D. , Streckfuß‐Bömeke Katrin , Renner André , Gummert Jan , Hasenfuss Gerd , Maier Lars S. , Sossalla Samuel 
Published: September 2014

AimsThe sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ leak is an important pathomechanism in heart failure (HF). It has been suggested that Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is only relevant for the induction of the SR Ca2+ leak in non‐ischaemic but not in ischaemic HF. Therefore, we investigated CaMKII and its targets as well as the functional effects of CaMKII inhibition in human ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM, n = 37) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM, n = 40).Methods and resultsWestern blots showed a significantly increased expression (by 54 ± 9%) and autophosphorylation at Thr286 (by 129 ± 29%, P < 0.05 each) of CaMKII in HF compared with healthy myocardium. However, no significant difference could be detected in ICM compared with DCM as to the expression and autophosphorylation of CaMKII nor the phosphorylation of the target sites ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2)‐S2809, RyR2‐S2815, and phospholamban‐Thr17. Isolated human cardiomyocytes (CMs) of patients with DCM and ICM showed a similar frequency of diastolic Ca2+ sparks (confocal microscopy) as well as of major arrhythmic events (Ca2+ waves, spontaneous Ca2+ transients). Despite a slightly smaller size of Ca2+ sparks in DCM (P < 0.01), the calculated SR Ca2+ leak [Ca2+ spark frequecy (CaSpF) × amplitude × width × duration] did not differ between CMs of ICM vs. DCM. Importantly, CaMKII inhibition by autocamide‐2‐related inhibitory peptide (AIP, 1 µmol/L) reduced the SR Ca2+ leak by ∼80% in both aetiologies (P < 0.05 each) and effectively decreased the ratio of arrhythmic cells (P < 0.05).ConclusionFunctional and molecular measures of the SR Ca2+ leak are comparable in human ICM and DCM. CaMKII is equally responsible for the induction of the ‘RyR2 leakiness’ in both pathologies. Thus, CaMKII inhibition as a therapeutic measure may not be restricted to patients suffering from DCM but rather may be beneficial for the majority of HF patients.
CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells suppress fatal T helper 2 cell immunity during pulmonary fungal infection
Authors: Schulze Bianca , Piehler Daniel , Eschke Maria , von Buttlar Heiner , Köhler Gabriele , Sparwasser Tim , Alber Gottfried 
Published: September 2014

The opportunistic fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans causes lung inflammation and fatal meningitis in immunocompromised patients. Regulatory T (Treg) cells play an important role in controlling immunity and homeostasis. However, their functional role during fungal infection is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of Treg cells during experimental murine pulmonary C. neoformans infection. We show that the number of CD4+FoxP3+ Treg cells in the lung increases significantly within the first 4 weeks after intranasal infection of BALB/c wild‐type mice. To define the function of Treg cells we used DEREG mice allowing selective depletion of CD4+FoxP3+ Treg cells by application of diphtheria toxin. In Treg cell‐depleted mice, stronger pulmonary allergic inflammation with enhanced mucus production and pronounced eosinophilia, increased IgE production, and elevated fungal lung burden were found. This was accompanied by higher frequencies of GATA‐3+ T helper (Th) 2 cells with elevated capacity to produce interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13. In contrast, only a mild increase in the Th1‐associated immune response unrelated to the fungal infection was observed. In conclusion, the data demonstrate that during fungal infection pulmonary Treg cells are induced and preferentially suppress Th2 cells thereby mediating enhanced fungal control.
Modelling the Luminescence of Phosphonate Lanthanide–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Nolasco Mariela M. , Mendes Ricardo F. , Lima Patrícia P. , Almeida Paz Filipe A. , Carlos Luís D. , Rocha João 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe suitability of the computer package LUMPAC to calculate the photoluminescence properties of metal–organic frameworks was assessed by considering three systems based on the ditopic 1,4‐phenylenebis(methylene)diphosphonic acid (H4pmd) ligand and Ln3+ ions, namely, [Eu(Hpmd)(H2O)] (1), [La2(H2pmd)(pmd)(H2O)2] (2) and [La2(H2pmd)3(H2O)12] (3, previously reported) and their isotypical materials doped with Eu3+ cations, [(La0.95Eu0.05)2(H2pmd)(pmd)(H2O)2] (4) and [(La0.95Eu0.05)2(H2pmd)3(H2O)12] (5). These materials were prepared, and their structures and luminescence properties were characterized. A straightforward approximation based on the simple crystallographic structural subunits of these materials was used and resulted in an excellent agreement between the calculated and experimental properties. The intramolecular energy transfer and back‐transfer rates were predicted, and the T1 → 5D1 channel was shown to be the dominant pathway (9.03 × 104 s–1 for 1, 1.06 × 104 s–1 for 4 and 2.18 × 105 s–1 for 5).
Reactions of Bis(dibenzobarrelenyl) Dichalcogenides with a Palladium(0) Complex: Unexpected Formations of Mononuclear Chalcogenide(dichalcogenolato)palladium(II) Complexes and Dichalco­genahexacyclo Compounds
Authors: Nakata Norio , Yamaguchi Yuki , Ishii Akihiko 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThermal reactions of bis(dibenzobarrelenyl) dichalcogenides [(DbbS)2 and (DbbSe)2] with [Pd(PPh3)4] in toluene afforded novel mononuclear chalcogenide(dichalcogenolato)PdII complexes [Pd(EDbb‐12‐EDbb)(EDbb)(PPh3)] (E = S, Se) together with dichalcogenahexacyclo compounds. The reaction in the presence of PPh3 in toluene at 110 °C led to a cyclometalation to furnish the corresponding four‐membered 1,2‐chalcogenapalladacycles [Pd(EDbb)(PPh3)2] (E = S, Se) with dichalcogenahexacyclo compounds. The structures of these PdII complexes and cyclization products were fully characterized on the basis of their NMR spectroscopic data and X‐ray analyses. In the crystalline state of [Pd(SDbb‐12‐SDbb)(SDbb)(PPh3)], two thiolato sulfur atoms occupy cis positions with respect to the PPh3, and the sulfide sulfur atom from the chelating sulfido(thiolato) ligand is situated at the trans position.
Water‐Soluble Heteronuclear [NaCuII6] Metallomacrocyclic Sandwich Complexes: Synthesis, Structure, Properties and In Vitro Biological Studies
Authors: Patra Ayan , Saha Santu Kumar , Sen Tamal K. , Carrella Luca , Musie Ghezai T. , Khuda‐Bukhsh Anisur Rahman , Bera Manindranath 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe water‐soluble heteronuclear metallomacrocyclic sandwich clusters [NaCu6(hpnbpda)3(OH)3(OH2)3](NO3)·4H2O (1), [NaCu6(hpnbpda)3(OH)3(OH2)3](ClO4) (2), and [NaCu6(hpnbpda)3(OH)3(OH2)3](PF6) (3) [H3hpnbpda = N,N′‐bis(2‐pyridylmethyl)‐2‐hydroxy‐1,3‐propanediamine‐N,N′‐diacetic acid] have been synthesized in methanol at room temperature and fully characterized using several analytical techniques including single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The molecular architecture of complex 1 is built from the template assembly of three dinuclear [Cu2(hpnbpda)]+ fragments through their weak oxophillic interactions with a central sodium(I) cation. A close analysis of the single‐crystal X‐ray structure reveals that the metallic core of cluster 1 consists of six highly distorted octahedral CuII ions arranged at the corners of a trigonal prism that encapsulates the sodium(I) ion. Complex 1 displays a rare μ3:η2:η1:η1 bridging mode of six carboxylate groups of three hpnbpda3– ligands with each bridging between two copper(II) atoms and the sodium(I) center. Variable‐temperature magnetic‐susceptibility measurements (2–300 K) on a powdered microcrystalline sample reveal that the paramagnetic copper centers in complex 1 are antiferromagnetically coupled to one another. Systematic biological investigation such as cytotoxicity assessment, DNA content analysis in terms of cell‐cycle distribution by means of the fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) method, DNA binding, DNA cleavage, and the underlying mechanism of possible apoptotic cell‐death events in human cervical cancer cells (HeLa) were carried out in detail using complex 1. The in vitro assays using complex 1 in HeLa cells provided new findings that indicate its possible future therapeutic application. Theoretical calculations were carried out to find the Fukui functions at the metal sites in complex 1 to predict the possible metal centers involved in the DNA binding.
Structural and Reactivity Consequences of Reducing Steric Bulk of N,N′‐Diarylformamidinates Coordinated to Lanthanoid Ions
Authors: Deacon Glen B. , Junk Peter C. , Macreadie Lauren K. , Werner Daniel 
Published: September 2014

AbstractRedox transmetallation/protolysis reactions between rare‐earth metals, Hg(C6F5)2, and N,N′‐bis(4‐methylphenyl)formamidine (p‐TolFormH) in THF initially produce a THF solvated species [Ln(p‐TolForm)3(thf)2] (Ln = La, Ce, Nd, Sm). Upon addition of non‐coordinating solvents, coordinated THF is rapidly liberated, producing unsolvated, dimeric complexes of the general formula [Ln(p‐TolForm)3]2 [Ln = La (La1), Ce (Ce2), Nd (Nd3a), Sm (Sm4a)], containing rare μ‐1κ(N,N′):2κ(N,N′) formamidinate ligands bridging between the two metal centres. Such binding is unprecedented in rare‐earth N,N′‐diarylformamidinate chemistry, and is generally uncommon in formamidinate or amidinate coordination chemistry. This tendency for THF liberation is metal size dependent since the smaller lutetium analogue [Lu(p‐TolForm)3(thf)] (Lu5) remains solvated with a seven coordinate monomeric structure. The dimeric species Sm4a is cleaved by treatment with Ph3PO, N,N′‐bis(2,6‐difluorophenyl)formamidine (DFFormH), or [K(p‐TolForm)(18‐Crown‐6)] producing [Sm(p‐TolForm)3(Ph3PO)2] (Sm4b), [Sm(DFForm)2(p‐TolForm)(thf)2] (Sm4c), and the charge separated [K(18‐Crown‐6)][Sm(p‐TolForm)4] (Sm4e) respectively, the last being the first complex with a discrete [Ln(ArForm)4]– ion.
Preparation of Cyclohexenones from Acyclic (Pentadienyl)iron(1+) Cations: Synthetic Studies Directed toward the A‐Ring of Dihydrotachysterols
Authors: Manful Charles F. , Donaldson William A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe reaction of tricarbonyl(3‐methylpentadienyl)iron(1+) cation (7) with stabilized carbon nucleophiles affords 4‐methyl‐5‐substituted cyclohexenones. Reaction of 7 with sodium bis[(+)‐2‐phenylcyclohexyl]malonate afforded a mixture of diastereomers (de = 60 %); the diastereomeric allylic alcohols resulting from Luche reduction of this mixture were separable by column chromatography. Issues in diastereoselectivity in approaches to synthons for the A‐ring of the tachysterols from these cyclohexenones are reported.
Convenient Formation of Triarylphosphines by Nickel‐Catalyzed C–P Cross‐Coupling with Aryl Chlorides
Authors: Sun Meng , Zang Yu‐Shi , Hou Le‐Kai , Chen Xiang‐Xiang , Sun Wei , Yang Shang‐Dong 
Published: September 2014

AbstractA convenient strategy has been developed for the preparation of various phosphine ligands in good to excellent yields through a nickel‐catalyzed C–P bond‐forming step. This reaction proceeded smoothly and tolerated a variety of functional groups to provide a new method for the synthesis of important phosphine ligands through the direct cleavage of a C–Cl bond.
Venerupis decussata under environmentally relevant lead concentrations: Bioconcentration, tolerance, and biochemical alterations
Authors: Freitas Rosa , Martins Roberto , Antunes Sara , Velez Cátia , Moreira Anthony , Cardoso Paulo , Pires Adília , Soares Amadeu M.V.M , Figueira Etelvina 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

The edible clam Venerupis decussata is widely distributed in European aquatic systems, some of which are under strong anthropogenic pressure, which can contribute to trophic transfer of xenobiotics to humans. Accordingly, the present study focused on the tolerance, bioconcentration, and biochemical responses of V. decussata after exposure to ecologically relevant concentrations of lead. Health risks to humans after consumption of clams was also explored. An acute toxicity assay (96 h) was conducted with wild clams, using Pb exposure concentrations ranging from 0 mg L−1 to 1.80 mg L−1. Lethality, bioconcentration factor (BCF), intracellular partitioning, and a relevant set of biomarkers were used as endpoints. Clams, interstitial water, water column, and sediment samples were collected to analyze Pb concentration. The Pb concentration in wild clams was below international consumption guidelines. Under laboratory conditions, clams revealed high sensitivity to Pb (median lethal concentration of 0.65 mg L−1), with a high bioconcentration ability (bioconcentration factor &gt; 1) during exposure. The intracellular partitioning data showed that most of the Pb had accumulated in the insoluble fraction (&gt;80%). Several significant biochemical changes were observed, namely on catalase and glutathione-S-tranferase activities and metalothionein content. Overall, it was demonstrated that the European clam has a reduced tolerance to Pb, compared with other bivalves. However, consumption of clams from the Ria de Aveiro lagoon (Portugal) does not raise public health concerns in terms of Pb. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2786–2794. © 2014 SETAC
Effect of particle and fiber size on the morphology of deposits in fibrous filters
Authors: Przekop Rafał , Gradoń Leon 
Published: September 2014

SUMMARYThe capture of aerosol particles during their production and purification of air at workplace and atmospheric environment require an efficient separation method of particulate matter from the carrier gas. Many papers have been published recently on the deposition of particles on fibrous collectors, often using the classical continuum approach to describe the process. However, the approach is not convenient for studying the influence of particle deposition on filter performance (filtration efficiency and pressure drop) when one has to introduce nonsteady‐state boundary conditions. For the purpose of this work, the lattice Boltzmann model describes fluid dynamics, while the solid particle motion is modeled by the Brownian dynamics. The aim of this study is to model the influence of single particle loading (amount and morphology – e.g., porosity and fractal dimension) on its performance. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel bioresorbable stent coating for drug release in congenital heart disease applications
Authors: Goodfriend Amy C. , Welch Tré R. , Barker Greg , Ginther Richard , Riegel Matthew S. , Reddy Surendranath Veeram , Wang Jian , Nugent Alan , Forbess Joseph 
Published: September 2014

AbstractA novel double opposed helical poly‐l‐lactic acid (PLLA) bioresorbable stent has been designed for use in pediatrics. The aim was to test the PLLA stent biocompatibility. The PLLA stent was immersed into whole pig's blood in a closed loop circuit then fibrin and platelet association was assessed via enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. D‐Dimer was valued at 0.2 ± 0.002 ng/mL and P‐selectin 0.43 ± 00.01 ng/mL indicating limited association of fibrin and platelets on the stent. To improve biocompatibility by targeting inflammatory cells, dexamethasone was incorporated on PLLA fibers with two coating methods. Both coatings were poly(l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) acid (PLGA) but one was made porous with sucrose while the other remained nonporous. There was no change in mechanical properties of the fiber with either coating of PLGA polymer. The total amount of dexamethasone released was then determined for each coating. The cumulative drug release for the porous fiber was significantly higher (∼100%) over 8 weeks than the nonporous fiber (40%). Surface examination of the fiber with scanning electron microscopy showed more surface microfracturing in coatings that contain pores. The biocompatibility of this novel stent was demonstrated. Mechanical properties of the fiber were not altered by coating with PLGA polymer. Anti‐inflammatory drug release was optimized using a porous PLGA polymer. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 1761–1770, 2015.
Influence of Nuclear Blebs and Micronuclei Status on the Growth Kinetics of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Sharma Shikha , Bhonde Ramesh 
Published: September 2014

AbstractTherapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) demands assurance of the quality, safety, and genetic stability. Nuclear blebs (NBs) and Micronuclei (MNs) are considered as biomarkers for cancer and an increase in their numbers is associated with malignancy and other pathologic disorders. However, the status of NBs and MNs in MSCs is not known. Hence we examined the frequency of NBs and MNs in MSCs from umbilical cord (UC‐MSCs) and placenta (PD‐MSCs) and found a difference in the number of NBs and MNs depending on the source of the MSCs. The number of NBs and MNs was always found to be less in UC‐MSCs as compared to PD‐MSCs obtained from the same patient. Furthermore, we observed that the number of NBs was inversely proportional to the proliferation rate of the cells. The cryopreservation of these MSCs over 6 months also led to increase in the number of NBs and MNs thus slowing down their rate of proliferation on revival. MSCs from both the sources exhibiting high NBs and MNs showed longer S phase and G2‐M arrest and increase in senescent cells without altering their CD‐marker profile and differentiation potential. This feature was consistent with the upregulation of cell cycle checkpoint genes (p53, p21, Gadd45, ATM, ATR, chek2, p27, p16, and p10). In conclusion, our data demonstrates for the first time the importance of checking the occurrence of NBs and MNs in MSCs before using them for cellular therapy as a quality control measure to check their genetic stability. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 657–666, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company