bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Grain Yield and Quality Traits of Bread Wheat Genotypes Cultivated in Northwest Turkey
Authors: Bilgin Oğuz , Guzmán Carlos , Başer İsmet , Crossa José , Korkut Kayıhan Zahit 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTA study was performed to evaluate the effects of environment (E) and genotype (G) × E interactions (GGE) for quality traits and grain yield in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). ANOVA and GGE biplots were used to assess quality performance and stability in 36 genotypes of bread wheat through a three‐location trial over two cropping seasons in the Thrace Region of Turkey. The 36 wheat genotypes used were classified into eight different groups, including landraces, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, and advanced lines. The data showed a wide range of variation for milling quality parameters with regard to gluten quantity and quality, as well as for grain yield. Genotypes, location, and year, in this order, contributed to this diversity. Remarkably, all the traits except grain protein content showed a larger genotype effect than location (L) effect; the interaction G × L was usually more important than the G × Y. Genotypic and location components markedly exceeded G × L and Y × L for all variables, with the exception of grain yield, in which the G × Y effect was greater than locations according to ANOVA analysis. Noticeable continuous progress (53%) was observed in genetic grain yield during the last 60 yr without limiting wheat quality. GGE biplot analysis found that, on average, the biplots accounted for 80 to 85% of G and G × E variation present. Krasunia and Sagittario were the best genotypes (best performance and higher stability) of the study based on the traits evaluated.
Intraarterial administration of norcantharidin attenuates ischemic stroke damage in rodents when given at the time of reperfusion: novel uses of endovascular capabilities
Authors: Khan Imad S. , Odom Mitchell , Ehtesham Moneeb , Colvin Daniel , Quarles C. Chad , McLaughlin BethAnn , Singer Robert J. 
Published: November 2015

OBJECT
Matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) plays a critical role in infarct progression, blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, and vasogenic edema. While systemic administration of MMP-9 inhibitors has shown neuroprotective promise in ischemic stroke, there has been little effort to incorporate these drugs into endovascular modalities. By modifying the rodent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model to allow local intraarterial delivery of drugs, one has the ability to mimic endovascular delivery of therapeutics. Using this model, the authors sought to maximize the protective potential of MMP-9 inhibition by intraarterial administration of an MMP-9 inhibitor, norcantharidin (NCTD).

METHODS
Spontaneously hypertensive rats were subjected to 90-minute MCAO followed immediately by local intraarterial administration of NCTD. The rats’ neurobehavioral performances were scored according to the ladder rung walking test results and the Garcia neurological test for as long as 7 days after stroke. MRI was also conducted 24 hours after the stroke to assess infarct volume and BBB disruption. At the end of the experimental protocol, rat brains were used for active MMP-9 immunohistochemical analysis to assess the degree of MMP-9 inhibition.

RESULTS
NCTD-treated rats showed significantly better neurobehavioral scores for all days tested. MR images also depicted significantly decreased infarct volumes and BBB disruption 24 hours after stroke. Inhibition of MMP-9 expression in the ischemic region was depicted on immunohistochemical analysis, wherein treated rats showed decreased active MMP-9 staining compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS
Intraarterial NCTD significantly improved outcome when administered at the time of reperfusion in a spontaneously hypertensive rat stroke model. This study suggests that supplementing endovascular revascularization with local neuroprotective drug therapy may be a viable therapeutic strategy.
The effect of endothelialization on the epidermal differentiation in human three-dimensional skin constructs – A morphological study
Authors: Khiao In M. , Wallmeyer L. , Hedtrich S. , Richardson K.C. , Plendl J. , Kaessmeyer S. 
Published: November 2015

INTRODUCTION: Inducing vascularization in three-dimensional skin constructs continues to be difficult. In this study, two variations of human full-thickness skin constructs were examined. Type KCFB consists of keratinocytes (epidermal equivalent) and fibroblasts that were embedded in a collagen matrix (dermal equivalent). Type KCFB-EC consists of keratinocytes as well as fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells. The epidermal equivalent of KCFB-EC constructs underwent cellular alterations in their differentiation possibly induced by the presence of endothelial cells. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of endothelial cells, i.e., endothelialization of the dermal equivalent on the differentiation of keratinocytes by comparing the morphology and ultrastructure of the two types of skin constructs, as well as to excised normal human skin. Hypothesis: The differentiation of keratinocytes is influenced by the presence of endothelial cells. METHODS, PATIENTS, MATERIAL: KCFB constructs (keratinocytes, fibroblasts) and KCFB-EC skin constructs(kera-tinocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells) were prepared according to Küchler et al. [25]. After two weeks, the skin constructs were processed for analysis by light microscopy (LM) and electron microscopy (TEM), followed by quantitative, semi-quantitative as well as qualitative assessment. For comparison, analysis by LM and TEM of excised normal human skin was also performed. RESULTS: Both KCFB and KCFB-EC skin constructs and the human skin had all strata of stratified soft-cornified epidermis present. The comparison of the respective layers of the skin constructs brought the following characteristics to light: The KCFB-EC constructs had significantly more mitotic cells in the stratum spinosum, more cell layers in the stratum granulosum and more keratohyalin granules compared to KCFB skin constructs. Additionally, the epidermal architecture was unorganized in the endothelialized constructs and features of excessive epidermal differentiation appeared in KCFB-EC skin constructs. CONCLUSION: The endothelialization of the dermal equivalent caused changes in the differentiation of the epidermis of KCFB-EC skin constructs that may be interpreted as an unbalanced, i.e., uncontrolled or enhanced maturation process.
Chronic liver disease: Correlation of CEUS-based microperfusion and indocyanine green clearance
Authors: Haimerl M. , Jung E.-M. , Beyer L.P. , Pregler B. , Dollinger M. , Sieroń D. , Niessen C. , Stroszczynski C. , Wiggermann P. 
Published: November 2015

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether changes of dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)-based liver microcirculation during chronic liver disease are correlated with the extent of impaired liver function, expressed by the indocyanine green (ICG) clearance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 19 patients underwent CEUS examinations with previous or consecutive ICG clearance test. The ICG plasma disappearance rate (ICG-PDR) was determined using the noninvasive pulse-densitometric LiMON system. Quantification of peak enhancement (PE), rise time (RT) and the wash-in rate (WiR) was performed in the liver parenchyma (ROIliver) as well as in the portal vein (ROIportal vein) using a novel quantification software (VueBoxTM). To compare quantification parameters, patients were classified in patients representing a healthy population (ICG-PDR >16, n = 8) and those representing patients with liver disease (ICG-PDR ≤16, n = 11). RESULTS: ROIportal vein showed significant differences comparing healthy patients and patients with liver disease for all perfusion parameters: PE and WiR were significantly higher in patients without liver disease ( p = 0.048; p = 0.039). RT was significantly lower in healthy population ( p = 0.039). Comparing perfusion parameters for ROIliver, PE was significantly higher in patients without liver disease ( p = 0.039). There was no significant difference for RT ( p = 0.804) and WiR ( p = 0.058), respectively. CONCLUSION: Within the framework of this study CEUS derived estimation of microcirculation did not prove to be a reliable estimator of liver function. RT, PE and WiR measured in the portal vein were significant perfusion factors in predicting liver function.
Morphology of primary human venous endothelial cell cultures before and after culture medium exchange
Authors: Krüger-Genge A. , Fuhrmann R. , Jung F. , Franke R.P. 
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of the interaction of human, venous endothelial cells (HUVEC) with body foreign materials on the cellular level cannot be performed in vivo, but is investigated in vitro under standard culture conditions. To maintain the vitality, proliferation and morphology of HUVEC seeded on body foreign substrates over days, the cell culture medium is usually exchanged every second day. It is well known, that alterations in the microenvironment of cells bear the risk of influencing cell morphology and function. In the current study the influence of cell culture medium exchange on HUVEC cytoskeletal microfilament structure and function was investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: HUVEC in the third passage were seeded on extracellular matrix (ECM) - which was secreted from bovine corneal endothelial cells on glass- until functional confluence was reached. The experiment started 11 days after HUVEC seeding with an exchange of the cell culture medium followed by a staining of the actin microfilaments with phalloidin-rhodamin 1.5 and 5 minutes after medium exchange. The microfilaments were documented by use of an Olympus microscope (IMT-2) equipped with a UV lamp and online connected to a TV chain (Sony XC 50 ST/monochrome) implying an OPTIMAS – Image analysis system. Prostacyclin was analysed in the cell culture supernatant. RESULTS: 1.5 min after culture medium exchange in the functionally confluent cultures a slight disturbance of the actin microfilament structure with a broadening of the marginal filament band, a partial disconnection of cell-cell contacts and the appearance of intercellular fenestrations were observed. 5 minutes after medium exchange a redevelopment of the slightly disturbed microfilament structure with a condensation and narrowing of the marginal filament band was seen. 12 h later a further consolidation of the microfilament structure occurred. In addition, a perturbation of the cultured HUVEC occurred after cell culture medium exchange. The prostacyclin concentration in the supernatant increased significantly after 1.5 min to 466 ± 543 pg·mL–1 ( p <  0.001) and after 5 min to 408 ± 458 pg·mL–1 ( p <  0.001), while in control cells the prostacyclin concentration did not change remaining in the range of 50 ± 48.9 pg·mL–1. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the exchange of the cell culture medium led to a rapid disturbance of the HUVEC with stress fiber formation, disconnection of cell-cell contacts and an altered prostacyclin secretion, which had regressed nearly completely after 12 hours. Therefore, the evaluation of HUVEC on body foreign materials should be performed not earlier than 12 hours after cell culture medium exchange to avoid a misinterpretation of the endothelial cell morphological state. This procedure minimizes the risk of a misinterpretation of the endothelial cell morphology – caused by the culture medium exchange and not by the interaction between biomaterials and HUVEC.
Cannabinoid 2 receptor activation reduces leukocyte adhesion and improves capillary perfusion in the iridial microvasculature during systemic inflammation
Authors: Toguri J.T. , Moxsom R. , Szczesniak A.M. , Zhou J. , Kelly M.E.M. , Lehmann C. 
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND: Leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium and decreased microvascular blood flow causing microcirculatory dysfunction are hallmarks of systemic inflammation. We studied the impact of cannabinoid receptor activation on the iridial microcirculation, which is accessible non-invasively in vivo, in systemic inflammation induced by endotoxin challenge. METHODS: 40 Lewis rats were used in the experiments. Endotoxemia was induced by 2 mg/kg i.v. lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) were stimulated by i.v. administration of WIN 55212-2 (WIN; 1 mg/kg). CB1R antagonist (AM281; 2.5 mg/kg i.v.) or CB2R antagonist (AM630; 2.5 mg/kg i.v.) treatment prior to WIN was applied to identify the anti-inflammatory effects underlying each CBR subtype. Leukocyte-endothelial interactions were examined in rat iridial microvas culature by intravital microscopy at baseline and 1 and 2 h post-LPS. Additionally, systemic (mean arterial pressure, heart rate) and local (laser Doppler flow) hemodynamic variables were measured prior to and during cannabinoid treatments. RESULTS: Endotoxemia resulted in severe inflammation as shown by significantly increased numbers of adherent leukocytes at 1 and 2 h observation time post-LPS challenge and decreased microcirculatory blood flow at 2 h within the iridial microcirculation. WIN treatment significantly reduced leukocyte adhesion in iridial microvessels with a diameter greater and less than 25 μm during endotoxemia ( p <  0.05). Pre-treatment of animals by CB1R antagonist, AM281, did not affect WIN effects on LPS-induced leukocyte adhesion. When pre-treated with the CB2R antagonist, AM630, a reversal of the WIN-induced reduction in leukocyte adhesion was noticed in vessels with a diameter of less than 25 μm ( p <  0.05). Cannabinoid treatment significantly increased the local iridial microcirculatory blood flow 2 hours after systemic LPS administration ( p <  0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Systemic administration of the CBR agonist, WIN, decreased leukocyte-adhesion and improved iridial microvascular blood flow. This effect is most likely mediated by CB2R activation. Our findings indicate that the iris microvasculature can serve as a model to study the microcirculation during systemic inflammation and help to identify potential therapies to treat microcirculatory dysfunction in diseases such as sepsis.
Value or waste: Perfusion imaging following radiofrequency ablation – early experience
Authors: Thieme Stefan F. , Vahldiek Janis L. , Tummler Katja , Poch Franz , Gemeinhardt Ole , Hiebl Bernhard , Lehmann Kai S. , Hamm B. , Niehues Stefan M. 
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an evolving technique in treatment of hepatic malignant tumors. By heating local tissue it leads to coagulative necrotic areas around the ablation probe. Temperature falls with increasing distance to the probe, risking incomplete necrosis at the margins of the RFA-induced lesion. Therefore, immediate non-invasive and precise detection of incomplete ablation is necessary for early enlargement of the ablation if needed. OBJECTIVES: This in vivo pig study compares early experiences of immediate post-interventional computed tomography (CT) perfusion volume analysis to macroscopic and CT image evaluation in healthy pig liver. MATERIAL AND METHODS: RFA was performed in vivo in healthy pig livers. Different CT perfusion algorithms (Maximum slope analysis and Patlak plot) were used to quantify three different perfusion parameters. Data points were acquired from rectangular grids. These grids were semiautomatically overlayed to macroscopic images documented after liver explantation. Each data point was visually assigned to zones defined as “inner” and “outer necrotic zone”, “margin” or “vital tissue”. RESULTS: Significant differences between necrotic zones and vital tissue are shown for equivalent blood volume ( p <  0.0001), arterial flow ( p <  0.01) and flow extraction product ( p <  0.001). Looking at equivalent blood volume and flow extraction product, there were also significant differences (EquivBV: p <  0.0001, FE: p <  0.001) between margins, necrotic and vital areas. CONCLUSIONS: In a porcine model these early results could show that all of the used CT perfusion parameters allowed discrimination of necrosis from vital tissue after RFA at high levels of significance. In addition, the parameters EquivBV and FE that give an estimate of the tissue blood volume and the permeability, were able to precisely discern different zones also seen macroscopically. From this data CT perfusion analysis could be precise tool for measurement and visualization of ablated liver lesions and for immediate detection of incomplete ablation areas.
Polymeric inserts differing in their chemical composition as substrates for dendritic cell cultivation
Authors: Roch Toralf , Kratz Karl , Ma Nan , Lendlein Andreas 
Published: November 2015

Dendritic cells (DC) contribute to immunity by presenting antigens to T cells and shape the immune response by the secretion of cytokines. Due to their immune stimulatory potential DC-based therapies are promising approaches to overcome tolerance e.g. against tumors. In order to enforce the immunogenicity of DCs, they have to be matured and activated in vitro, which requires an appropriate cell culture substrate, supporting their survival expansion and activation. Since most cell culture devices are not optimized for DC growth, it is hypothesized that polymers with certain physicochemical properties can positively influence the DC cultures. With the aim to evaluate the effects that polymers with different chemical compositions have on the survival, the activation status, and the cytokine/chemokine secretion profile of DC, their interaction with polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), poly(ether imide) (PEI), and poly(styrene- co-acrylonitrile) (PSAN)-based cell culture inserts was investigated. By using this insert system, which fits exactly into 24 well cell culture plates, effects induced from the culture dish material can be excluded. The viability of untreated DC after incubation with the different inserts was not influenced by the different inserts, whereas LPS-activated DC showed an increased survival after cultivation on PC, PS, and PSAN compared to tissue culture polystyrene (TCP). The activation status of DC estimated by the expression of CD40, CD80, CD83, CD86 and HLA-DR expression was not altered by the different inserts in untreated DC but slightly reduced when LPS-activated DC were cultivated on PC, PS, PSAN, and PEI compared to TCP. For each polymeric cell culture insert a distinct cytokine profile could be observed. Since inserts with different chemical compositions of the inserts did not substantially alter the behavior of DC all insert systems could be considered as alternative substrate. The observed increased survival on some polymers, which showed in contrast to TCP a hydrophobic surface, could be beneficial for certain applications such as T cell expansion and activation.
Return to Learn: A review of cognitive rest versus rehabilitation after sports concussion
Authors: Eastman Amelia , Chang Douglas G. 
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND: Cognitive rest is the recommendation for all patients with acute sports concussion. OBJECTIVE/METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted for the research question “What is the optimal cognitive load for patients with a sports concussion?” RESULTS: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. The optimal cognitive load for patients after sports concussion is yet to be determined. CONCLUSIONS: Additional controlled trials of cognitive rehabilitation are needed to establish best clinical practice. The authors suggest memory training, cognitive behavioral therapy, and environmental interventions as areas of future research for sports concussion injuries.
Is customized vestibular rehabilitation effective in patients with Parkinson’s?
Authors: Acarer Ahmet , Karapolat Hale , Celebisoy Nese , Ozgen Gulnur , Colakoglu Zafer 
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND: Patients with Parkinson’s disease complain about restrictions in their daily life activities and impairment in their mobility and balance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of vestibular rehabilitation on functioning, quality of life, balance, and postural stability in patients with Parkinson’s disease. METHODS: The patients with Parkinson’s disease divided into a rehabilitation group (Group 1, n: 29) and a control group(Group 2, n: 11). All patients were evaluated before and after eight weeks of customized vestibular rehabilitation for motor score (Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale); quality of life (Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39); balance (Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale [ABC], Timed Up and Go Test, Dynamic Gait Index [DGI], and Berg Balance Scale [BBS]); and postural stability (Modified Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction on Balance [mCTSIB]. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the pre- and post-exercise ABC, BBS, and DGI scores in Group 1 ( p <  0.05). A statistically significant impairment was observed in mCTSIB (firm and foam eyes closed [EC]) in the control group ( p <  0.05). There were no significant intergroup differences in any of the parameters evaluated ( p >  0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, vestibular rehabilitation was found to be effective for improving balance in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Multiple glacial refugia lead to genetic structuring and the potential for reproductive isolation in a herbaceous plant
Authors: Barnard‐Kubow Karen B. , Debban Catherine L. , Galloway Laura F. 
Published: November 2015

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:Glacial cycles have influenced the genetic structure of many species. In addition to facilitating genetic divergence, isolation in multiple glacial refugia may have contributed to the development of genetic incompatibility and reproductive isolation. We examined the phylogeography of Campanulastrum americanum, a monocarpic herbaceous plant that exhibits strong intraspecific reproductive isolation, to determine whether the current genetic structure reflects a history of multiple glacial refugia.METHODS:Chloroplast loci and nuclear RAD sequencing were used to characterize the range‐wide phylogeography of C. americanum, in order to determine locations of potential glacial refugia and recolonization routes. Potential locations of refugia during the Last Glacial Maximum were also identified using ecological niche modeling.KEY RESULTS:Together, the chloroplast and nuclear phylogenies found support for three geographically structured, genetically divergent lineages, among which gene flow appears to be restricted. The distribution of these lineages indicates that C. americanum survived the Last Glacial Maximum in at least three refugia located in the Appalachians and on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The ecological niche model also supported the existence of multiple refugia.CONCLUSIONS:The isolation of populations of C. americanum in multiple refugia has led to a degree of phylogeographic structure greater than that found in most previously studied plants in eastern North America, which may be attributable to its short generation time. Reproductively isolated populations of C. americanum belong to divergent lineages, which suggests that survival in multiple glacial refugia contributed to the development of reproductive isolation in this species.