bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased effect of IMiDs by addition of cytokine‐induced killer cells in multiple myeloma
Authors: Bullok Katharina F. , Sippel Christoph , Schmidt‐Wolf Ingo G.H. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractImmunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), such as thalidomide, lenalidomide and pomalidomide, represent the basic principle of multiple myeloma treatment. However, the development of resistance is a limiting factor. Over the last years, the efficient application of cytokine‐induced killer (CIK) cells has been reported as an alternative strategy to treat hematological neoplasms. In this study, we tested for a potential synergistic effect by combining the IMiDs thalidomide, lenalidomide and pomalidomide with CIK cells in different myeloma cell lines in vitro. Myeloma cells tested with CIK cells were significantly reduced. In the combination, myeloma cells were significantly reduced compared with cells only tested with IMiDs but not to the cells tested with CIK cells. Otherwise, the number of CIK cells was significantly reduced when treated with IMiDs. Because IMiDs are active in patients with myeloma, these results lead to the expectation that combination of IMiDs and CIK cells achieve better results in the treatment of multiple myeloma compared with the single use of IMiDs. Therefore, further examinations in an in vivo setting are necessary to have a closer look on the cellular interactions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
4‐Methyl‐5‐(4‐methylphenyl)‐4,5‐dihydrooxazol‐2‐amine (4,4′‐DMAR, 4,4′‐dimethylaminorex): availability, prevalence of use, desired effects and acute toxicity
Authors: Glanville James , Dargan Paul I. , Wood David M. 
Published: March 2015

Objective4‐Methyl‐5‐(4‐methylphenyl)‐4,5‐dihydrooxazol‐2‐amine (4,4′‐dimethylaminorex (4,4′‐DMAR)) is a derivative of the controlled substances aminorex and 4‐methylaminorex marketed as a potential novel psychoactive substance. This paper brings together the published scientific and ‘grey’ literature to understand 4,4′‐DMAR as a novel psychoactive substance.MethodsSearches of the published scientific and ‘grey’ literature, using the keywords ‘4‐methyl‐euphoria’, ‘4‐methyl‐U4Euh’, ‘4‐M‐4‐MAR’, ‘4,4‐dimethylaminorex’, ‘4,4′‐DMAR’, ‘para‐methyl‐4‐aminorex’ and ‘Serotoni’, were undertaken to identify information on the availability, prevalence of use and desired/unwanted effects of 4,4′‐DMAR.ResultsNo studies have reported the prevalence of use of 4,4′‐DMAR. Internet snapshot studies in April and May 2014 showed availability of 4,4′‐DMAR from one and two Internet suppliers respectively. Price decreased with increasing purchase amounts from €12/g for a 1‐g purchase to €2.20/g for a 100‐g purchase in April 2014. Internet discussion fora suggest that the desired and unwanted effects of 4,4′‐DMAR are similar to those seen with other sympathomimetic drugs such as 3,4‐methylenedioxy‐methamphetamine and mephedrone, although the duration of unwanted effects and ‘comedown’ appear to be longer. Unwanted effects were reported at doses of 5–200 mg, which overlaps with the reported doses (10–200 mg) associated with desired effects. 4,4′‐DMAR has been detected, along with other drugs, in 27 deaths in Europe; the contribution of the 4,4′‐DMAR in these deaths has not been established.ConclusionsCurrently, there appears to limited availability of 4,4′‐DMAR; therefore, use is likely to be low. Its desired and unwanted effects appear similar to other sympathomimetic recreational drugs such as methylenedioxy‐methamphetamine or mephedrone. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The safety of serotonin–noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) in pregnancy and breastfeeding: a comprehensive review
Authors: Bellantuono Cesario , Vargas Marianna , Mandarelli Gabriele , Nardi Bernardo , Martini Maria Giulia 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveThe present study provides a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the safety of serotonin–noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) in pregnancy and lactation.MethodsStudies published in English, reporting the use of SNRIs in pregnant and/or breastfeeding women, were identified by searching MEDLINE/Pubmed, PsycINFO, and EMBASE.ResultsTwenty‐nine studies were included in the review. Altogether, the initial evidence coming from the reviewed studies suggests a lack of association between SNRIs and an increased risk of major congenital malformations. Conversely, exposure to SNRIs seems to be significantly associated with an increased risk of some perinatal complications. No neonatal adverse events emerged, so far, in the few studies concerning the safety of SNRIs during breastfeeding.ConclusionsAvailable data suggest that venlafaxine is relatively safe during pregnancy, in particular as far as major malformations are concerned, whereas considering the small number of studies published, no definitive conclusions can be drawn on its safety during breastfeeding. Because of the few studies so far published, the safety of duloxetine during pregnancy and breastfeeding remains to be well established. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Inhibition Study of Bicyclic Iminosugar‐Based Alkaloids, Scaffolds, and Libraries towards Glucosidase
Authors: Cheng Wei‐Chieh , Guo Chih‐Wei , Lin Cheng‐Kun , Jiang Yu‐Ruei 
Published: March 2015

AbstractA small library of bicyclic iminosugar‐based alkaloids and scaffolds possessing a polyhydroxylated pyrrolidine and a varied ring skeleton have been synthesized. Through rapid diversification of the scaffold via an amide coupling with random carboxylic acids, structurally diverse bicyclic iminosugar‐based libraries were prepared with substituent diversity, core diversity, and configurational diversity. This discovery process allowed us to efficiently sieve out potent and specific glycosidase inhibitors, and a bicyclic, conformationally restricted iminosugar was demonstrated to be more potent than the monocyclic ones in this study. The most potent and selective inhibitor discovered was found to have a Ki value of 71 nM against α‐glucosidase.
Recent Advances in Rechargeable Magnesium Battery Technology: A Review of the Field’s Current Status and Prospects
Authors: Park Min‐Sik , Kim Jae‐Geun , Kim Young‐Jun , Choi Nam‐Soon , Kim Jeom‐Soo 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe demand for new energy storage systems to be employed in large‐scale electrical energy storage systems (EESs) has grown recently, particularly for green energy storage and grid‐supporting applications. Rechargeable Mg batteries are promising candidates for such applications because of their good safety characteristics and raw materials’ abundance. Recent progress in the field is noticeable, but further efforts are required to support the successful implementation of rechargeable Mg batteries. We address progress in the development of rechargeable Mg batteries and problems to be resolved in future research, briefly summarize the most recent advances in the development of rechargeable Mg batteries, from a materials perspective, and cover progress on each of the major components of Mg batteries: the electrolyte, the cathode material, and the anode material. We provide a practical guideline for further development of self‐sustainable rechargeable Mg batteries as a future power source.
Claudin clusters as determinants of epithelial barrier function
Authors: Markov Alexander G. , Aschenbach Jörg R. , Amasheh Salah 
Published: March 2015

AbstractClaudins are tetraspan tight junction proteins which have been attributed to primarily determine epithelial barrier function in a wide variety of different organs and tissues. Among this protein family with currently 27 members, single claudins contribute in an organ‐ and tissue‐specific manner to defined properties such as cation‐, anion‐ or water‐selective pore functions, sealing functions or ambiguous functions. As the size of tight junction strand particles visualized by freeze‐fracture electron microscopy have a diameter of approximately 10 nm, multimeric assembly of tight junction proteins appears to be a basic principle for barrier formation. Moreover, expression patterns of different tissues showed that single claudins appear to specifically co‐localize with other claudins, which indicates a cluster formation within tight junction strand particles with a fixed stoichiometry. This review provides a critical view on the current understanding of tight junction protein co‐localization within strands. We analyze how tissue specific differences of claudin functions could be dependent on their specific partners for barrier formation. Furthermore, a model of claudin clusters as structural and functional units within tight junction strands is provided. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(1):29–35, 2015
Updated clinical practice guidelines for the management of biliary tract cancers: revision concepts and major revised points
Authors: Yoshitomi Hideyuki , Miyakawa Shuichi , Nagino Masato , Takada Tadahiro , Miyazaki Masaru 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundIn 2008, the Japanese Society of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery (JSHBPS) launched the clinical practice guideline for the management of biliary tract cancers. JSHBPS decided to revise these guidelines for distribution of updated points concerning the treatment of biliary tract cancers.MethodsTo make clearer recommendations, we introduced the concepts of Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, in which the strength of recommendations are decided considering not only quality of evidence, but also balance of benefits and harms/burdens, patients’ preferences, and cost benefits.ResultsWe emphasize the importance of the dynamic contrast enhanced multiple row detector CT (MDCT) in the diagnosis of biliary tract and gallbladder carcinomas. For biliary drainage, we suggest to perform endoscopic approaches instead of percutaneous approach to avoid complications. Regarding the surgical treatments, we included new clinical questions about the importance of combined vascular resection, intraoperative histological examination of the bile duct resection margin, and the combined extrahepatic bile duct resection for the gallbladder carcinoma. We also discussed details about premalignant lesions and non‐neoplastic lesions in pathology section.ConclusionWith this major revision, we expect that the Japanese standards of treatments of these diseases are recorded and reported in the universal language.
Temporal assessment of pancreatic blood flow and perfusion following secretin stimulation using noninvasive MRI
Authors: Cox Eleanor F. , Smith Janette K. , Chowdhury Abeed H. , Lobo Dileep N. , Francis Susan T. , Simpson John 
Published: March 2015

PurposeTo dynamically quantify pancreatic perfusion and flow within the arteries supplying the pancreas in response to secretin stimulation.Materials and MethodsTwelve healthy male subjects were scanned at 1.5T with arterial spin labeling to measure tissue perfusion and phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure vessel flow. Superior mesenteric (SMA), gastroduodenal (GDA), common hepatic (HA), and splenic (SA) arterial flow and pancreatic perfusion were serially measured for 50 minutes following 1 IU/kg intravenous secretin. The significance of differences between timepoints was tested using a repeated measures one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsBaseline blood flow (mean ± SEM or median [IQR]) for SMA, HA, SA, and GDA was 7.6 ± 1.3, 4.0 ± 0.5, 8.2 ± 0.8, and 0.9 (0.8–1.4) ml/s, respectively. Baseline pancreatic perfusion was 200 ± 25 ml/100g/min. Blood flow increased in the SMA (234%, P < 0.0001) and GDA (155%, P = 0.015) immediately after secretin injection. Reduced HA blood flow was observed after 10 minutes (P = 0.066) with no change in SA flow (P = 0.533). Increased pancreatic perfusion was maintained for 40 minutes after injection with a maximal increase at 5 minutes (16.8%, P = 0.025).ConclusionIntravenous secretin resulted in significant temporal changes in pancreatic perfusion and arterial blood flow. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1233–1240.
A quarter‐century demographic analysis of the Caribbean coral, Orbicella annularis, and projections of population size over the next century
Authors: Edmunds P. J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn this study, size‐based matrix models for the reef‐building coral Orbicella annularis at 14‐m depth on the Tektite reef in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, were used to: (1) explore the demography of changing coral cover over 25 yr, (2) test for spatial homogeneity in demographic properties through a contrast with a previous study (at Yawzi Point, Edmunds and Elahi 2007), and (3) evaluate the potential for future population stability. During three, five year intervals from 1988 to 2002, St. John was affected by hurricanes and bleaching, yet coral cover at Tektite increased from 33% to 49%; from 2002 to 2007, it declined to 27%; and from 2010 to 2013, it stabilized at ∼ 28%. Over a quarter‐century, colonies > 50 cm2 became rare, the abundance of colonies ≤ 50 cm2 increased from 58% (1988) to 92% (2013), and population density doubled to 67 colonies m‐2 by 2013. Population growth (λ) was greater at Tektite (1.152 ≥ λ ≥ 1.018) than Yawzi Point (0.679 ≥ λ ≥ 0.586), and while population size at Tektite declined due to bleaching and disease in 2005 (λ = 0.753 over 2003–2008), it recovered between 2008 and 2013 (λ = 0.966); the population at Yawzi Point declined from 1988 to 2003 without signs of recovery. Projections suggest a continuation of recent conditions could allow O. annularis at Tektite to retain ∼ 9% cover after 100 yr, but with a return to the rates of growth and survival of 1993–1998, it could attain coverage similar to that of 1988 (33%) in ∼ 15 yr.
Intertidal zone particulate organic carbon redistribution by low‐tide rainfall
Authors: Chen Si , Torres Raymond , Goñi Miguel A. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWe present field data and data from the literature to highlight the effects of low‐tide rainfall on particulate organic carbon (POC) redistribution in intertidal landscapes. The POC exchanges reported from disparate but related studies were standardized to a storm‐induced exchange rate (gPOC m−2 mmRain−1) and compared. Results show that these intertidal areas have a characteristic response to rainfall with an average flux of 0.040 ± 0.038 gPOC m−2 mmRain−1. Further, low‐tide rainfall can entrain and redistribute 7–54% of annual sedimentary POC accumulation, or 12–75% of annual POC export, based on current outwelling assessments. Finally, we provide a conceptual model describing the variability of rainfall‐driven POC exchange through the hierarchical structure of intertidal landscapes and how observations of POC flux can be expected to change across the intertidal landscape. This information should be used to guide sampling strategies for continued intertidal zone rainfall work.
Assessing carbon and nutrient inputs in a spring‐fed estuary using fluorescence spectroscopy and discriminatory classification
Authors: Arellano Ana R. , Coble Paula G. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractEnvironmental and chemical properties were investigated in water samples collected at sites in Kings Bay, Florida, within its springshed, and in the adjacent Crystal River, in an attempt to discover the cause of observed increases in nitrogen and nuisance filamentous algae over the past 40 yr. Colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) was characterized by excitation emission matrix and absorption spectroscopy. Subsequent parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) identified five recurring peaks: two terrestrial humic (C‐type), two marine humic (M‐type), and one protein‐like component. Optical and environmental parameters used for discriminant analysis included fluorescence maximum intensity (Fmax), emission maximum (Emmax), absorption coefficient [aCDOM (λ)], spectral slope (S), PARAFAC components, total nitrogen (TN), dissolved inorganic nitrogen, dissolved organic nitrogen, ratio of TN to Fmax (TN : F), total phosphate, and salinity. Canonical analysis of principal (CAP) coordinates indicated that 82% of the samples could be accurately categorized on the basis of their site of origin. Northern Kings Bay sites were characterized by a protein‐like component associated with wastewater, as well as DIN concentrations in excess of the United States Environmental Protection Agency limit of 0.35 mg NO3 L−1. Two distinct M‐type humic components were identified: partially photobleached component that was found in the brackish water and unbleached component found in meteoric groundwater. We propose that the latter can be utilized as a groundwater marker. Our results provide a model by which meteoric and subterranean estuary groundwater sources may be uncovered through the use of multiple environmental parameters combined with PARAFAC components in multivariate analyses.
Toward autonomous measurements of photosynthetic electron transport rates: An evaluation of active fluorescence‐based measurements of photochemistry
Authors: Silsbe Greg M. , Oxborough Kevin , Suggett David J. , Forster Rodney M. , Ihnken Sven , Komárek Ondřej , Lawrenz Evelyn , Prášil Ondřej , Röttgers Rüdiger , Šicner Michal , Simis Stefan G.H. , Van Dijk Mark A. , Kromkamp Jacco C. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis study presents a methods evaluation and intercalibration of active fluorescence‐based measurements of the quantum yield (
) and absorption coefficient (
) of photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry. Measurements of
,
, and irradiance (E) can be scaled to derive photosynthetic electron transport rates (
), the process that fuels phytoplankton carbon fixation and growth. Bio‐optical estimates of
and
were evaluated using 10 phytoplankton cultures across different pigment groups with varying bio‐optical absorption characteristics on six different fast‐repetition rate fluorometers that span two different manufacturers and four different models. Culture measurements of
and the effective absorption cross section of PSII photochemistry (
, a constituent of
) showed a high degree of correspondence across instruments, although some instrument‐specific biases are identified. A range of approaches have been used in the literature to estimate
and are evaluated here. With the exception of ex situ
estimates from paired
and PSII reaction center concentration (
) measurements, the accuracy and precision of in situ
methodologies are largely determined by the variance of method‐specific coefficients. The accuracy and precision of these coefficients are evaluated, compared to literature data, and discussed within a framework of autonomous
measurements. This study supports the application of an instrument‐specific calibration coefficient (
) that scales minimum fluorescence in the dark (
) to
as both the most accurate in situ measurement of
, and the methodology best suited for highly resolved autonomous
measurements.© 2014 Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography
Apathy in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: den Brok Melina G.H.E. , van Dalen Jan Willem , van Gool Willem A. , Moll van Charante Eric P. , de Bie Rob M.A. , Richard Edo 
Published: March 2015

AbstractApathy is a frequently reported neuropsychiatric symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD), but its prevalence and clinical correlates are debated. We aimed to address these issues by conducting a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Embase, Medline/PubMed, and PsychINFO databases were searched for relevant studies. Data were extracted by two independent observers, using predefined extraction forms tailored specifically to the research question. From 1,702 titles and abstracts, 23 studies were selected. Meta‐analysis showed a prevalence of apathy in PD of 39.8% (n = 5,388, 905% CI 34.6‐45.0%). Apathy was associated with higher age (3.3 years, 95% CI = 1.7‐4.9), lower mean Mini‐Mental State Evaluation (MMSE) score (−1.4 points, 95% CI = −2.1 to −0.8), an increased risk of co‐morbid depression (relative risk [RR] = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.9‐2.8), higher Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score (6.5 points, 95% CI = 2.6‐10.3), and more severe disability (Hedges‐G = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.3‐0.6). Half of the patients with apathy had concomitant depression (57.2%, 95% CI = 49.4‐64.9%), and this estimate was similar after exclusion of patients with cognitive impairment (52.5%, 95% CI = 42.2%‐62.8%). In conclusion, we found that apathy affects almost 40% of patients with PD. Several factors influence reported prevalence rates, contributing to the considerable heterogeneity in study results. Half of patients with apathy do not suffer from concomitant depression or cognitive impairment, confirming its status as a separate clinical syndrome in PD. The pervasiveness of apathy in PD warrants research into its treatment, although different underlying pathophysiological mechanisms may require different treatment strategies. Treatment of apathy could improve patient quality of life, reduce caregiver burden, alleviate disability by increasing motivation for self‐care, and reduce cognitive impairment by improving executive functioning. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Reachable workspace reflects dynamometer‐measured upper extremity strength in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Authors: Han Jay J. , De Bie Evan , Nicorici Alina , Abresch Richard T. , Bajcsy Ruzena , Kurillo Gregorij 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTIntroduction: It is not known whether a reduction in reachable workspace closely reflects loss of upper extremity strength in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). In this study we aimed to determine the relationship between reachable workspace and quantitative upper extremity strength measures. Methods: Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) testing of bilateral elbow flexion and shoulder abduction by hand‐held dynamometry was performed on 26 FSHD and 27 control subjects. In addition, Kinect sensor‐based 3D reachable workspace relative surface areas (RSAs) were obtained. Loading (500‐g weight) effects on reachable workspace were also evaluated. Results: Quantitative upper extremity strength (MVIC of elbow flexion and shoulder abduction) correlated with Kinect‐acquired reachable workspace RSA (R = 0.477 for FSHD, P = 0.0003; R = 0.675 for the combined study cohort, P < 0.0001). Progressive reduction in RSA reflected worsening MVIC measures. Loading impacted the moderately weak individuals the most with additional reductions in RSA. Conclusions: Reachable workspace outcome measure is reflective of upper extremity strength impairment in FSHD. Muscle Nerve 52: 948–955, 2015
Motion control of the rabbit ankle joint with a flat interface nerve electrode
Authors: Park Hyun‐Joo , Durand Dominique M. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTIntroduction: A flat interface nerve electrode (FINE) has been shown to improve fascicular and subfascicular selectivity. A recently developed novel control algorithm for FINE was applied to motion control of the rabbit ankle. Methods: A 14‐contact FINE was placed on the rabbit sciatic nerve (n = 8), and ankle joint motion was controlled for sinusoidal trajectories and filtered random trajectories. To this end, a real‐time controller was implemented with a multiple‐channel current stimulus isolator. Results: The performance test results showed good tracking performance of rabbit ankle joint motion for filtered random trajectories and sinusoidal trajectories (0.5 Hz and 1.0 Hz) with <10% average root‐mean‐square (RMS) tracking error, whereas the average range of ankle joint motion was between −20.0 ± 9.3° and 18.1 ± 8.8°. Conclusions: The proposed control algorithm enables the use of a multiple‐contact nerve electrode for motion trajectory tracking control of musculoskeletal systems. Muscle Nerve 52: 1088–1095, 2015