bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insulin dynamics and biochemical markers for predicting impaired glucose tolerance in obese Thai youth
Authors: Tirabanchasak Sirapassorn , Siripunthana Sukumarn , Supornsilchai Vichit , Wacharasindhu Suttipong , Sahakitrungruang Taninee 
Published: May 2015

AbstractSubjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) are at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease. The predictors of IGT in obese youth are not well described.We studied 115 obese Thai children who underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Plasma glucose and insulin levels were calculated for assessment of β-cell function. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), lipid profile, and clinical parameters were also used to determine predictors of IGT.We found that three patients had T2DM and 30 subjects had IGT. IGT patients had significantly higher fasting glucose (FG), 1-h postload glucose, 2-h postload insulin, and lower whole-body insulin sensitivity indices than in normal glucose tolerance subjects whereas other indices were comparable. By ROC curve analyses, 1-h postload glucose was the best predictor of IGT, but FG or HbA1c represented a poor diagnostic tool for prediabetes screening. Subjects with 1-h OGTT glucose >155 mg/dL had significantly lower high-density lipoprotein levels, lower insulin sensitivity, and more insulin resistance than those with 1-h postload glucose of ≤155 mg/dL.Abnormal glucose tolerance is highly prevalent in obese Thai youth. Several fasting indices and HbA1c fail to predict IGT. An 1-h OGTT glucose of >155 mg/dL appears to be more associated with adverse insulin dynamics and metabolic profile than 2-h postload glucose.
Tamoxifen-associated hirsutism: an unusual side effect in a 5-year-old girl with McCune-Albright syndrome
Authors: Kırmızıbekmez Heves , Yesiltepe Mutlu Rahime Gül , Dursun Fatma , İşgüven Şükriye Pınar 
Published: May 2015

AbstractTamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, has been used in the treatment of peripheral precoccious puberty. A 5-year and 3-month-old girl, diagnosed with McCune-Albright syndrome, came in with abnormal hair growth approximately 2 months after the initiation of tamoxifen. The pattern of terminal hair on the skin following the administration of the drug and the exclusion of other causes suggested tamoxifen-induced hirsutism.
In psychiatrically healthy individuals, overweight women but not men have lower tryptophan levels
Authors: Raheja Uttam K. , Fuchs Dietmar , Giegling Ina , Brenner Lisa A. , Rovner Sergio F. , Mohyuddin Iqra , Weghuber Daniel , Mangge Harald , Rujescu Dan , Postolache Teodor T. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractGender differences in tryptophan (TRP) breakdown in obese individuals have been previously reported. This could be both contributory to, as well as a consequence of, gender differences in mood changes among obese people. To exclude the potential effect of depression on TRP breakdown and its levels in obesity, we replicated analyses in psychiatrically healthy individuals. In 1000 participants, plasma kynurenine (KYN), TRP, and the KYN/TRP ratio were compared between overweight/obese and normal-weight individuals using analysis of covariance, with adjustment for age and gender. Bivariate post hoc tests were also conducted. There were no significant relationships between KYN, TRP, or the KYN/TRP ratio and overall overweight/obese status. However, a significant gender by weight category interaction was identified for TRP only, with overweight/obese women having lower TRP than overweight/obese men (p=0.02). No gender differences in TRP were found in non-obese participants. Our study in psychiatrically healthy individuals suggested that lower TRP levels in obese women were not secondary to depression, strengthening the possibility that TRP levels could mediate depression in vulnerable women. Thus experimental manipulations of TRP levels could be used to advance theoretical knowledge, prevention, and clinical control of depression in obese women.
The effects of Juglans regia L. (walnut) extract on certain biochemical paramaters and in the prevention of tissue damage in brain, kidney, and liver in CCl4 applied Wistar rats
Authors: Aydın Sevinç , Gökçe Zehra , Yılmaz Ökkeş 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study is to demonstrate protective effects of walnut samples on CCl4- induced tissue damage in vivo.
Methods: Walnut fruits were extracted and then subjected to vitamin and flavonoid analyses. The extracts obtained were injected intraperitoneally every other day to Wistar male rats given carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and the animals were decapitated at the end of the study period. The brain, kidney, and liver tissues were removed and lipid peroxidation (LPO) measurements were done in the lipid fraction generated. The fatty acids in the lipid extract were analyzed by gas chromatography after converting them into methyl esters. In addition, the amounts of glutathione, protein, and vitamins were analyzed.
Results: Given the results achieved, it was found that the levels of fatty acids increased in the brain and kidney tissues after CCl4 administration (p<0.001). In the groups given walnut extract against CCl4, it was found that the glutathione (GSH) level increased and malondialdehyde (MDA) level reduced in all tissues (p<0.05, p<0.01). Given lipophilic vitamin levels, it was found that α-tocopherol level increased in the brain and liver tissues in the group receiving additional walnut in comparison with the controls (p<0.05), and cholesterol level increased in the tissues, except kidney, in all groups in comparison with the control group (p<0.05, p<0.001).
Conclusion: Our data indicates that walnut extract has protective effects against LPO formation in the brain, kidney and liver tissues.
Potential Anticancer Agents, XI. X-Ray Structure Determination of Acantholide [1]
Authors: Lotter H. , Wagner H. , Saleh A. A. , Cordell G. A. , Famsworth N. R. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The X-ray structure of acantholide, a melampolide sesquiterpene lactone from Acanthosper­mum glabratum (D C .) Willd. was determined by the aid of direct methods. The compound was cy­totoxic but displayed no antitumor activity. Evaluation of the X-ray and NMR data indicated that the same conformation exists in the solid state as in solution.
Isoflavonoid Phytoalexins of Yam Bean (Pachyrrhizus erosus)
Authors: Ingham John L. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The furanopterocarpan, neodunol, has been isolated as a major phytoalexin from the fungus-inoculated stems of Pachyrrhizus erosus. Neodunol is accompanied by small quantities of demethylmedicarpin and a third compound provisionally identified as the prenylated pterocarpan, homoedudiol; traces of a neodunol isomer were also isolated from P. erosus although its precise structure could not be determined. The apparently close chemical relationship between Pachyrrhizus and Neorautanenia is discussed in the light of a recent study which allocates these genera to differ­ent sections of the legume tribe Phaseoleae.
Screening of Aromatic Secondary Lichen Substances by High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Straek Dieter , Feige Guido Benno , Kroll Reinhard 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
A simple HPLC method is described which allows screening and accurate quantification of aromatic secondary lichen substances. Using a linear water-methanol gradient on a reversed-phase column packing (LiChrosorb RP-8) 13 aromatic lichen products were resolved within 55 min. With 8 arbitrarily selected lichens the application of the described method is demonstrated.
Proliferation and Metabolie Activities of Ehrlich Ascites Tumor Cells in Chemically Defined Albumin Media
Authors: Teschner Regina , Postius Stefan , Löffler Monika , Schneider Friedhelm 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Cell proliferation, viability, DNA-, RNA-, protein synthesis, amino acid transport, respiration and lactate/glucose quotient of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells grown in suspension culture in serum free medium supplemented with albumin charges of different origin were studied. Optimal cell growth was obtained in nutrient medium supplemented with 1% bovine serum albumin (Cohnfraction V, Serva). Cell proliferation under these culture conditions was delayed to 50% as compared to controls in normal medium; the rate of synthesis of macromolecules was reduced; energy metabolism was not significantly impaired. The trend of the cells in albumin medium to attach to glass was independent from the pH of the cultures between 7.2 and 8.0; it was enhanced by fatty acid deprivation of the albumin.
A Possible Mechanism for a Light-Driven Regulation of the Fatty Acid Composition in Galactolipids of Chloroplasts
Authors: Sauer A. , Heise K .-P. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The occurrence of acylgalactosylglycerol (AGG) in spinach chloroplasts is proposed. In lipid se­parations of whole spinach leaves this fraction is hidden by variable amounts of extraplastidary steryl glucoside (SG) which depended on the physiological state of the leaf material. Beside the phospholipid fraction, this lipid mixture with unique chromatographic behavior, recently termed GL, exhibited the highest specific activity in the lipid extract of infiltrated leaf sections of spinach after short periods of illumination (2 min) under 14C-fixing conditions. The main source of label was found in the fatty acid residues of the lipids described. The decrease of specific activity in GL after a cold chase was accompanied by an increasing 14C-incorporation into the fatty acid moieties of the MGDG-as well as the phospholipid fraction. This effect was significantly reduced if the 14C-pulse was followed by a dark period. This incorporation behavior suggests, that AGG functions as an intermediary acyl acceptor in the light driven fatty acid transfer between the lipids decribed. SG-synthesis, on the contrary, is independent of additional illumination and seems to be localized outside the chloroplast. The last notion was derived from experiments involving the in­ corporation of [UDP-14C] glucose into SG by spinach leaf homogenates. With regard to the increasing level of trienoic fatty acids in AGG and MGDG during the regeneration of dark pretreated spinach leaves in the light, the data are interpreted in terms of a light regulated acylation of AGG with specific unsaturated fatty acids.
External Factors Influencing Light-Induced Hydrogen Evolution by the Blue-Green Alga, Nostoc muscorum
Authors: Ernst Anneliese , Kerfin Wolfgang , Spiller Hartmut , Böger Peter 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
This study was conducted to determine some physiological conditions which influence light-in­duced hydrogen evolution by intact cells of the blue-green alga Nostoc muscorum.
This activity was found to be dependent on the age of the culture, cultivation temperature, ageing of the cells, and on gassing the cultures with nitrogen or air. Nitrogenase is particularly active after cultivation at 22 °C but not at 32 °C although growth is about the same. The molar ratio of acetylene reduction to hydrogen evolution -both gas exchanges obviously catalyzed by nitrogenase - is also dependent on age and temperature of the culture. A hydrogen-consuming (“up­ take”) hydrogenase activity is present and affected by prolonged microaerobic, but not by aerobic growth conditions, and stimulated by light.
External factors during growth apparently influence differently the activities of nitrogenase and uptake hydrogenase. Consequently -besides the electron donor supply -net light-induced hydro­ gen evolution by intact cells is dependent on these two variable activities.
Cation Effects on System II Reactions in Thylakoids: Measurements on Oxygen Evolution, the Electrochromic Change at 515 Nanometers, the Primary Acceptor and the Primary Donor
Authors: Govindjee  , Mathis Paul , Vemotte Claudie , Wong Daniel , Saphon Satham , Wydrzynsk Thomas , Briantais Jean-Marie 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Divalent cations are known to decrease the "spillover" of excitation energy from photosystem II (PS II) to PS I. At low light intensities, this does lead to an increased quantum yield of photo­reactions in PS II. Contrary to some suggestions that PS II is activated at high light intensities, or in strong flashes of light by the addition of Mg2+, we suggest here that Mg2+ ions may not activate reaction center II, P 680. After brief light flashes, we do not find any significant enhancement in (a) O2 yield/flash, (b) proton yield/flash, (c) the amplitude of charge separation in PS II, as monitored by 515 nm absorbance change, and (d) the amplitude of the reduced primary acceptor, as monitored by 320 nm absorbance change. Data on absorbance change at 820 nm suggest that the absence of Mg2+ does not lead to inactivation of electron donation to P 680+.
Fine Structure and Organization of the Sarcoplasmic Reticulum in the Sino-Auricular Fibres of Frog Heart
Authors: Duvert Michel , Barets André L. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The ultrastructure of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of the sino-auricular fibres of frog heart has been investigated especially in order to evaluate its possible relationship with several cellular organelles.
The SR appears as a complex unit which can be divided into three regions:
- peripheral SR, localized beneath the sarcolemma. It is com posed of junctional SR, which forms specialized complexes (couplings) with the sarcolemma, and peripheral SR s. str. which frequently extends its anastomotic tubules around the caveolae.
- juxtafibrillar SR, in relation with myofibrils, at the level of Z lines and I bands.
- intermediary SR which is the most abundant. It contains dense granules, able to bind strontium (and calcium) and, from place to place, is formed into flattened saccules bearing fenestrations where microfilaments frequently pass through. It allows peripheral SR and juxtafibrillar SR to communicate, giving unity to the reticular system and, on the other hand, shows close topographical relations with mitochondria.
The great extension of the SR, its heterogeneity and its relationships with several cellular organelles, especially mitochondria, are interpreted from the functional point of view.
Die Sequenz eines dimeren Hämoglobins (Erythrocruorin), Komponente CTT-IX von Chironomus thummi thummi (Insecta Diptera) / The Sequence of a Dimeric Hemoglobin (Erythrocruorin), Component IX, from Chironomus thummi thummi (Insecta Diptera)
Authors: Steer Wolfgang , Braunitzer Gerhard 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The primary structure of the dimeric hemoglobin (erythro­cruorin) CTT-IX from the insect larva Chironomus thummi thummi (Insecta Diptera) is given. The sequence was deter­mined automatically. The primary structure is compared with human α-chains.
Larvicidal activity of the essential oil of Youngia japonica aerial parts and its constituents against Aedes albopictus
Authors: Liu Xin Chao , Liu Qiyong , Chen Xu Bo , Liu Qi Zhi , Liu Zhi Long 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the larvicidal activity of the essential oil of Youngia japonica aerial parts against the larvae of Aedes albopictus and to isolate any active compounds from the oil. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses revealed the presence of 31 compounds, with menthol (23.53%), α-asarone (21.54%), 1,8-cineole (5.36%), and caryophyllene (4.45%) as the major constituents. Bioactivity-directed chromatographic separation of the oil led to the isolation of menthol and α-asarone as active compounds. The essential oil of Y. japonica exhibited larvicidal activity against the fourth instar larvae of A. albopictus with an LC50 value of 32.45 μg/mL. α-Asarone and menthol possessed larvicidal activity against the fourth instar larvae of A. albopictus with LC50 values of 24.56 μg/mL and 77.97 μg/mL, respectively. The results indicate that the essential oil of Y. japonica aerial parts and the two constituents can be potential sources of natural larvicides.
Susceptibility of Microsporum canis arthrospores to a mixture of chemically defined essential oils: a perspective for environmental decontamination
Authors: Nardoni Simona , Tortorano Annamaria , Mugnaini Linda , Profili Greta , Pistelli Luisa , Giovanelli Silvia , Pisseri Francesca , Papini Roberto , Mancianti Francesca 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The zoophilic dermatophyte Microsporum canis has cats as natural reservoir, but it is able to infect a wide range of hosts, including humans, where different clinical features of the so-called ringworm dermatophytosis have been described. Human infections are increasingly been reported in Mediterranean countries. A reliable control program against M. canis infection in cats should include an antifungal treatment of both the infected animals and their living environment. In this article, a herbal mixture composed of chemically defined essential oils (EOs) of Litsea cubeba (1%), Illicium verum, Foeniculum vulgare, and Pelargonium graveolens (0.5% each) was formulated and its antifungal activity assessed against M. canis arthrospores which represent the infective environmental stage of M. canis. Single compounds present in higher amounts in the mixture were also separately tested in vitro. Litsea cubeba and P. graveolens EOs were most effective (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) 0.5%), followed by EOs of I. verum (MIC 2%) and F. vulgare (MIC 2.5%). Minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) values were 0.75% (L. cubeba), 1.5% (P. graveolens), 2.5% (I. verum) and 3% (F. vulgare). MIC and MFC values of the mixture were 0.25% and 0.5%, respectively. The daily spray of the mixture (200 μL) directly onto infected hairs inhibited fungal growth from the fourth day onwards. The compounds present in higher amounts exhibited variable antimycotic activity, with MIC values ranging from >10% (limonene) to 0.1% (geranial and neral). Thus, the mixture showed a good antifungal activity against arthrospores present in infected hairs. These results are promising for a further application of the mixture as an alternative tool or as an adjuvant in the environmental control of feline microsporosis.
Central analgesic activity of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Albizia lebbeck: role of the GABAergic and serotonergic pathways
Authors: Meshram Girish G. , Kumar Anil , Rizvi Waseem , Tripathi C.D. , Khan R.A. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract

Albizia lebbeck Benth. is extensively used in Indian traditional medicine for treating several painful and inflammatory disorders. The possible central analgesic activity and the underlying mechanism of action of the aqueous (AE) and ethanolic extracts (EE) of the leaves of A. lebbeck were investigated in Wistar rats using Eddy’s hot plate and the tail flick tests. In order to investigate the underlying mechanism of action, rats were pretreated with naloxone, bicuculline or methysergide and then were administered a per os (p.o.) dose of AE or EE. AE and EE caused a significant (p<0.05) elevation in the mean basal reaction time in the hot plate method and an increase in the latency time in the tail flick method. In rats pretreated with bicuculline and methysergide, a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the analgesic activity was observed in comparison to AE and EE. Thus, AE and EE exhibited significant central analgesic activity and act possibly via the GABAergic and serotonergic pathways. The flavonoids and saponins found in the leaves could be responsible for the observed effect.
SDN-1/Syndecan Acts in Parallel to the Transmembrane Molecule MIG-13 to Promote Anterior Neuroblast Migration
Authors: Sundararajan Lakshmi , Norris Megan L , Lundquist Erik A 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe Q neuroblasts in Caenorhabditis elegans display left-right asymmetry in their migration, with QR and descendants on the right migrating anteriorly, and QL and descendants on the left migrating posteriorly. Initial QR and QL migration is controlled by the transmembrane receptors UNC-40/DCC, PTP-3/LAR, and the Fat-like cadherin CDH-4. After initial migration, QL responds to an EGL-20/Wnt signal that drives continued posterior migration by activating MAB-5/Hox activity in QL but not QR. QR expresses the transmembrane protein MIG-13, which is repressed by MAB-5 in QL and which drives anterior migration of QR descendants. A screen for new Q descendant AQR and PQR migration mutations identified mig-13 as well as hse-5, the gene encoding the glucuronyl C5-epimerase enzyme, which catalyzes epimerization of glucuronic acid to iduronic acid in the heparan sulfate side chains of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Of five C. elegans HSPGs, we found that only SDN-1/Syndecan affected Q migrations. sdn-1 mutants showed QR descendant AQR anterior migration defects, and weaker QL descendant PQR migration defects. hse-5 affected initial Q migration, whereas sdn-1 did not. sdn-1 and hse-5 acted redundantly in AQR and PQR migration, but not initial Q migration, suggesting the involvement of other HSPGs in Q migration. Cell-specific expression studies indicated that SDN-1 can act in QR to promote anterior migration. Genetic interactions between sdn-1, mig-13, and mab-5 suggest that MIG-13 and SDN-1 act in parallel to promote anterior AQR migration and that SDN-1 also controls posterior migration. Together, our results indicate previously unappreciated complexity in the role of multiple signaling pathways and inherent left-right asymmetry in the control of Q neuroblast descendant migration.
High Crystalline Quality Perovskite Thin Films Prepared by a Novel Hybrid Evaporation/CVD Technique
Authors: Peng Yanke , Jing Gaoshan , Cui Tianhong 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTPerformance of a perovskite based solar cell is highly determined by the crystalline qualities of the perovskite thin film sandwiched between an electron and a hole transport layer, such as grain size and uniformity of the film. Here, we demonstrated a new hybrid physical-chemical vapor deposition (HPCVD) technique to synthesis high quality perovskite films. First, a PbI2 precursor film was spin-coated on a mesoporous TiO2 (m-TiO2)/compact TiO2 (c-TiO2)/FTO substrate in ambient environment. Then, purified CH3NH3I crystal material was evaporated and the vapor reacted with the PbI2 precursor film in a vacuum pressure/temperature accurately controlled quartz tube furnace. In this technique, high vacuum (2mTorr) and low temperature (100°C) were applied to decrease perovskite film growth rate and reduce perovskite film defects. After vapor reaction, the perovskite film was annealed at 100°C for 10min in 20mTorr vacuum to recrystallize and remove CH3NH3I residue in order to further improve crystal quality of the thin film. Crystal quality of this perovskite thin film was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). SEM and AFM results illustrate perovskite thin films synthesized by this technique have larger grain sizes and more uniformity (RMS 11.6nm/Ra 9.3nm) superior to most existing methods. Strong peaks shown in the XRD chart at 14.18°, 28.52°, 31.96°, which were assigned to (110), (220), (330) miller indices of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite crystal, indicate the complete reaction between CH3NH3I vapor and PbI2 precursor layer. High power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 12.3% and stable efficiencies under four hours illumination of AM1.5 standard were achieved by these solar cells. This vacuum/vapor based technique is compatible with conventional semiconductor fabrication techniques and high quality perovskite film could be achieved through delicate process control. Eventually, perovskite based solar cells could be mass produced in low cost for large scale applications by this novel technique.