bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Smilax zeylanica roots and rhizomes in paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity
Authors: Murali Anita , Ashok Purnima , Madhavan V. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Context: Smilax zeylanica L.(Smilacaceae) is a climbing shrub with woody prickly stems. Objective: This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effect of S. zeylanica against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Materials and methods: The protective effects of the methanol extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) of root and rhizome of S. zeylanica were studied on paracetamol induced (1 g/kg) hepatic damage in Wistar rats by estimating the serum levels of AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total proteins, total bilirubin and albumin. Sections of liver were observed for histopathological changes in liver architecture. Results: Rats were protected from the hepatotoxic action of paracetamol as evidenced by the significant reduction in the elevated serum levels of ALT (P<0.001), AST (P< 0.01, P< 0.001), ALP (P<0.05, P< 0.001), total bilirubin (P< 0.05) and an increased level of total protein (P< 0.05) and albumin (P< 0.05, P<0.01) with a significant reduction in liver weight (P<0.001), when compared with the paracetamol control. Silymarin (100 mg/kg) was used as the standard. Discussion and conclusion: The biochemical observations were supplemented by the histopathological studies on the liver sections of different groups. The methanol extract of S. zeylanica was found to alter the damage caused to hepatocytes by paracetamol and prevent the leakage of vital serum markers, which confirmed the hepatoprotective effect of this plant.
The Effects of a Motivational General-Mastery Imagery Intervention on the Imagery Ability and Sport Confidence of Inter-Collegiate Golfers
Authors: Hammond Thomas , Gregg Melanie , Hrycaiko Dennis , Mactavish Jennifer , Leslie-Toogood Adrienne 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Motivational general-mastery imagery is described as imaging overcoming challenges in sport with confidence and control. Using a single-subject multiple baseline design three male inter-collegiate golfers completed the Motivational Imagery Ability Measure for Sport during baseline and post-intervention phases and completed the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2R prior to each competitive round. Golf scores were recorded at the conclusion of each competition. Participants engaged in six sessions of guided motivational general-mastery imagery training over a three-week period. The sport confidence of one participant significantly increased from baseline to intervention. Golf performance (measured by stroke average) of two participants improved. All participants showed improvement in their ability to use imagery and indicated the imagery training program was effective.
Mental Practice is Modifiable: Changes in Perspective Maintenance and Vividness Post-Stroke
Authors: Nobbe, MA Joanna A. , Nilsen, Ed.D., OTL Dawn , Gillen, Ed.D., OTR Glen 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
This exploratory study investigated effects of a mental practice (MP) intervention on imagery vividness and perspective maintenance in post-stroke subjects. Additionally, the relationship between internal and external imagery vividness and kinesthetic imagery was examined. Data were drawn from 17 persons participating in a RCT investigating the effects of perspective use during MP on post-stroke recovery. The Vividness of Movement Imagery Questionnaire-2 (VMIQ-2) and a self-report perspective rating scale were used to examine changes in vividness and perspective maintenance, respectively. Findings indicate improvements in vividness were most evident in those with the weakest initial ability. Perspective maintenance improved significantly from the first score to the last for all groups. Visual imagery vividness was strongly related to kinesthetic imagery regardless of imagery perspective. Preliminary findings suggest certain aspects of imagery ability can be improved with practice post-stroke.
Imagery and Endurance: Does Imagery Impair Performance by Depleting Self-Control Strength?
Authors: Graham Jeffrey D. , Bray Steven R. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Although mental imagery has been shown to have beneficial effects on performance, imagery has been shown to negatively affect physical performances under some conditions. The limited strength model of self-regulation posits that self-control strength is depleted when people regulate their thoughts, impulses, emotions, and behaviours. Research shows depletion of self-control strength in one task domain (e.g., controlling thoughts or images) leads to poorer self-control within similar and dissimilar domains (e.g., controlling physical endurance). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the aftereffects of performing mental imagery on two self-control tasks, physical endurance and response inhibition. Sedentary undergraduates (N = 37) were randomly assigned to either an imagery condition (n = 15), attention-placebo condition (n = 13), or a quiet rest control (n = 9). Participants performed two isometric endurance tasks (30% of maximum handgrip squeeze) separated by their respective study manipulation, and followed by the Wisconsin Card Sort Test (WCST). It was expected that participants in the mental imagery condition would show greater decrements in performance on the second endurance trial (when compared to baseline) and more perseverative errors on the WCST compared to the control conditions. All of the participants’ endurance performances declined over time (p < .05), however, no between group differences were found on endurance performances (p > .05) or on WCST scores (p > .05). Performing a basic 6 minute imagery session involving moderately-intense aerobic exercise does not appear to deplete self-control resources when compared to the attention-placebo and quiet rest control groups. However, the unanticipated decline in the endurance performances observed within the control conditions suggests that future research is needed to better understand the relationship between mental imagery and self-control depletion effects.
Therapeutic Equivalence and the Generic Competition Paradox
Authors: Nabin Munirul Haque , Mohan Vijay , Nicholas Aaron , Sgro Pasquale M. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Following the passage of the Waxman-Hatch Act (1984), FDA approval for a generic drug requires the establishment of bio-equivalence between the generic drug and an FDA approved branded drug. However, a large body of evidence in the medical community suggests that bio-equivalence does not guarantee therapeutic equivalence; in some instances the lack of therapeutic equivalence can lead to fatal consequences for patients switching to generic products. In this paper, we construct a simple model to analyze the implications of therapeutic non-equivalence between branded and generic drugs. We show, theoretically and empirically, that this distinction can provide a plausible explanation of the generic competition paradox.
Estimating Trends in Incidence, Time-to-Diagnosis and Undiagnosed Prevalence using a CD4-based Bayesian Back-calculation
Authors: Birrell Paul J. , Chadborn Tim R. , Gill O. Noel , Delpech Valerie C. , De Angelis Daniela 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
There has been much recent speculation regarding the potential for HIV test-and-treat strategies to provide control of the HIV endemic. In the UK, despite advanced HIV surveillance and the implementation of a number of testing initiatives and attempts to widen access to antiretroviral drugs, the number of new diagnoses persists at a high level having risen considerably over the course of the last ten years. The extent to which this high level of diagnosis is attributable to levels of HIV transmission or improved rates of testing and diagnosis is unclear. To disentangle these competing factors, we use a Bayesian back-calculation based on HIV and AIDS diagnosis data augmented by observed CD4 count levels at diagnosis. The CD4 count acts as a prognostic marker indicative of the time-since-infection for any new diagnosis. In addition to estimating time-dependent rates of infection and diagnosis, we exploit the model structure to estimate posterior distributions for a number of key epidemiological quantities such as trends in the time-to-diagnosis and the time-since infection distributions as well as the prevalence of undiagnosed infection. These quantities are stratified by CD4 count where possible. The proposed methodology is applied to HIV/AIDS surveillance data from England & Wales uncovering a decreasing trend in the time to diagnosis and stable levels of incidence in recent years.
Contributions of CCLM to advances in quality control
Authors: Kazmierczak Steven C. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe discipline of laboratory medicine is relatively young when considered in the context of the history of medicine itself. The history of quality control, within the context of laboratory medicine, also enjoys a relatively brief, but rich history. Laboratory quality control continues to evolve along with advances in automation, measurement techniques and information technology.Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine(CCLM) has played a key role in helping disseminate information about the proper use and utility of quality control. Publication of important advances in quality control techniques and dissemination of guidelines concerned with laboratory quality control has undoubtedly helped readers of this journal keep up to date on the most recent developments in this field.
In silico pharmacology for a multidisciplinary drug discovery process
Authors: Ortega Santiago Schiaffino , Cara Luisa Carlota López , Salvador María Kimatrai 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The process of bringing new and innovative drugs, from conception and synthesis through to approval on the market can take the pharmaceutical industry 8–15 years and cost approximately $1.8 billion. Two key technologies are improving the hit-to-drug timeline: high-throughput screening (HTS) and rational drug design. In the latter case, starting from some known ligand-based or target-based information, a lead structure will be rationally designed to be tested in vitro or in vivo. Computational methods are part of many drug discovery programs, including the assessment of ADME (absorption-distribution-metabolism-excretion) and toxicity (ADMET) properties of compounds at the early stages of discovery/development with impressive results. The aim of this paper is to review, in a simple way, some of the most popular strategies used by modelers and some successful applications on computational chemistry to raise awareness of its importance and potential for an actual multidisciplinary drug discovery process.
Interactions between BdkrB2 and p53 genes in the developing kidney
Authors: El-Dahr Samir S. , Saifudeen Zubaida 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Gene-environment interactions are implicated in congenital disorders. Accordingly, there is a pressing need to develop animal models of human disease, which are the product of defined gene-environment interactions. Work from our laboratory demonstrates the presence of genetic interactions between the bradykinin B2 receptor (BdkrB2) and the tumor suppressor protein p53 in the developing kidney. Our studies have shown that the Bdkrb2

-/-
embryos exposed to gestational salt stress develop renal dysgenesis. The underlying mechanism is p53 stabilization and mediated apoptosis and repression of the terminal epithelial differentiation program. We also uncovered a novel functional cross-talk between p53 and BdkrB2. Thus, while BdkrB2 is a target for p53-mediated transcriptional activation, BdkrB2 inactivation results in the upregulation of checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) levels, thus potentiating phosphorylation of p53 on Ser23 by Chk1, an essential step in the pathway leading to renal dysgenesis in salt-stressed BdkrB2

-/-
mutant mice. Future studies will now focus on defining how this G-protein-coupled receptor is coupled to the activation of p53, a tumor suppressor gene that is mutated in more than 50% of all human cancers.
High-Temperature Oxidation Behavior and Formation Mechanism of Rolling Cracks of Fe-36Ni Invar Alloy
Authors: Yu Yan-chong , Chen Wei-qing , Zheng Hong-guang 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe oxidation of Fe-36Ni invar alloy in 5%O2-15%CO2-80%N2 atmosphere at 1200 °C for 4 h and the cause of rolling cracks have been investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Gleeble thermal simulation machine. The result showed that the scales consisted of the external scale and the subscale. The external scale had stratified structures of Fe2O3/Fe3O4 + NiO/Fe3O4 + FeO + NiO from outside to inside. The subscale had a typical substructure of the intra-granular subscale and the inter-granular subscale. Oxidation particles of (Fe3O4 + FeO) were isolated in FeNi3 matrix in the intra-granular subscale zone. The grain boundary was the preferential short-circuit diffusion paths of the diffusing O and was first to be oxidized. The inter-granular subscale led to the subscale and was the origin of rolling cracks. The protective heating measure was put forward to prevent rolling cracks.
Detection of chemical pollutants in water using gold nanoparticles as sensors: a review
Authors: Wang Chao , Yu Chenxu 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Rapid and accurate evaluation of pollutant contamination in water is one of the key tasks of environmental monitoring. To make onsite assessment feasible, the analytical tools should be easy to operate, with minimal sample preparation needs. Gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based sensors have the potential to detect toxins, heavy metals, and inorganic and organic pollutants in water rapidly with high sensitivity, and they are expected to play an increasingly important role in environmental monitoring. In this article, the synthesis, fabrication and functionalization of AuNPs are discussed, and the recent advances in the development and application of AuNP-based sensors for the determination of various pollutants contamination in water are reviewed.
A Mammalian-Like DNA Damage Response of Fission Yeast to Nucleoside Analogs
Authors: Sabatinos Sarah A , Mastro Tara L , Green Marc D , Forsburg Susan L 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Nucleoside analogs are frequently used to label newly synthesized DNA. These analogs are toxic in many cells, with the exception of the budding yeast. We show that Schizosaccharomyces pombe behaves similarly to metazoans in response to analogs 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU). Incorporation causes DNA damage that activates the damage checkpoint kinase Chk1 and sensitizes cells to UV light and other DNA-damaging drugs. Replication checkpoint mutant cds1Δ shows increased DNA damage response after exposure. Finally, we demonstrate that the response to BrdU is influenced by the ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor, Spd1, suggesting that BrdU causes dNTP pool imbalance in fission yeast, as in metazoans. Consistent with this, we show that excess thymidine induces G1 arrest in wild-type fission yeast expressing thymidine kinase. Thus, fission yeast responds to nucleoside analogs similarly to mammalian cells, which has implications for their use in replication and damage research, as well as for dNTP metabolism.
Extensive Divergence Between Mating-Type Chromosomes of the Anther-Smut Fungus
Authors: Hood Michael E , Petit Elsa , Giraud Tatiana 
Published: November 2012

AbstractGenomic regions that determine mating compatibility are subject to distinct evolutionary forces that can lead to a cessation of meiotic recombination and the accumulation of structural changes between members of the homologous chromosome pair. The relatively recent discovery of dimorphic mating-type chromosomes in fungi can aid the understanding of sex chromosome evolution that is common to dioecious plants and animals. For the anther-smut fungus, Microbotryum lychnidis-dioicae (= M. violaceum isolated from Silene latifolia), the extent of recombination cessation on the dimorphic mating-type chromosomes has been conflictingly reported. Comparison of restriction digest optical maps for the two mating-type chromosomes shows that divergence extends over 90% of the chromosome lengths, flanked at either end by two pseudoautosomal regions. Evidence to support the expansion of recombination cessation in stages from the mating-type locus toward the pseudoautosomal regions was not found, but evidence of such expansion could be obscured by ongoing processes that affect genome structure. This study encourages the comparison of forces that may drive large-scale recombination suppression in fungi and other eukaryotes characterized by dimorphic chromosome pairs associated with sexual life cycles.
Genetic Variants Contribute to Gene Expression Variability in Humans
Authors: Hulse Amanda M , Cai James J 
Published: November 2012

AbstractExpression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) studies have established convincing relationships between genetic variants and gene expression. Most of these studies focused on the mean of gene expression level, but not the variance of gene expression level (i.e., gene expression variability). In the present study, we systematically explore genome-wide association between genetic variants and gene expression variability in humans. We adapt the double generalized linear model (dglm) to simultaneously fit the means and the variances of gene expression among the three possible genotypes of a biallelic SNP. The genomic loci showing significant association between the variances of gene expression and the genotypes are termed expression variability QTL (evQTL). Using a data set of gene expression in lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) derived from 210 HapMap individuals, we identify cis-acting evQTL involving 218 distinct genes, among which 8 genes, ADCY1, CTNNA2, DAAM2, FERMT2, IL6, PLOD2, SNX7, and TNFRSF11B, are cross-validated using an extra expression data set of the same LCLs. We also identify ∼300 trans-acting evQTL between &gt;13,000 common SNPs and 500 randomly selected representative genes. We employ two distinct scenarios, emphasizing single-SNP and multiple-SNP effects on expression variability, to explain the formation of evQTL. We argue that detecting evQTL may represent a novel method for effectively screening for genetic interactions, especially when the multiple-SNP influence on expression variability is implied. The implication of our results for revealing genetic mechanisms of gene expression variability is discussed.
Why Do We Sleep? Human Sleep: Neurobiology and Function
Authors: Shirine Allam J. , Guilleminault Christian 
Published: November 2012

Sleep is defined as a reversible state of reduced responsiveness to environmental stimuli. It roughly occupies one third of a human life. The science of sleep has greatly evolved over the past century. From a state of passive inactivity, sleep has come to be regarded as a complex physiologic state, with characteristic brain activity.The neurobiology of sleep is complex. Transection studies have led to the description of the ascending reticular activating system as responsible for the awake state, with the main neurotransmitters involved being acetylcholine, norepinephrine, glutamate, serotonin, dopamine, histamine and orexin. Similarly, specific brain regions have been involved in the active generation of sleep. Non rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep is generated in the basal forebrain and anterior hypothalamus, containing the neurotransmitters gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) and galanin. These areas send inhibitory signaling to the excitatory regions of the brain. Rapid eye movement sleep (REM) is generated in the caudal pons and rostral mesencephalon area. It consists of several features, divided into tonic and phasic phases. Each of these is produced by a specific group of neurons. Acetylcholine is one of the major neurotransmitters in REM sleep.

Sleep has been described in the developing human fetus as early as 28 weeks of gestation. At birth, the human infant sleeps up to 16-18 hours a day and spends half of that time in REM sleep. This high fraction of sleep in the human infant has led to the hypothesis that REM is important in brain maturation.
Epidemiology of Sleep Disorders
Authors: Mihai Teodorescu,  , Rahul Kakkar  
Published: November 2012

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is estimated to affect about 24% of adult males and 9% of adult females. The prevalence rate of OSA with excessive daytime sleepiness was reported to be 5-7 % in adult males and 3-4 % in adult females. Since these publications, the incidence and prevalence of obesity, a major risk factor for OSA, has increased significantly.Central sleep apnea (CSA)m is a conglomerate of different conditions, including: primary CSA, Cheyne-Stokes breathing-CSA (CSB-CSA) pattern, high-altitude periodic breathing, CSA due to medical conditions not Cheyne- Stokes, and CSA due to drugs or substances. Another newly recognized CSA syndrome is complex sleep apnea, which is seen during treatment of OSA, generally before the obstructive events are completely abolished by positive airway pressure (PAP). Primary CSA is uncommon in adults and is seen in less than 10% of patients presenting polysomnography (PSG). The prevalence of primary CSA, high-altitude periodic breathing, and CSA due to medical conditions in the general population are unknown. The obesity-hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is also known as obesity-associated hypoventilation or Pickwickian syndrome. Criteria for OHS includes a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and chronic alveolar hypoventilation leading to daytime hypercapnia, in the absence of pulmonary or neuromuscular disease.Epidemiological data on insomnia has been confounded by multiple definitions; most of the studies account for three insomnia symptoms: difficulty falling asleep, difficulty maintaining sleep and early morning awakenings. Insomnia symptoms were reported to be present in about one-third of the general population. Non-restorative sleep, which is also part of the insomnia definition (ICSD-2), is rarely explored. When daytime consequences of insomnia are taken into account, the prevalence is estimated to be around 10%. Overall, daytime consequences may be as prevalent as 2/3 of insomnia subjects.Narcolepsy is classically defined by sleepiness and abnormal rapid eye movement (REM) sleep-related symptoms (cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations, and sleep paralysis). In one study, the prevalence of narcolepsy with or without cataplexy has been reported as 30.6 per 100,000 people (18 years or older), narcolepsy with cataplexy as 21.8/ 100,000 people and narcolepsy with HLA-DQB1 *0602 as 15.3/ 100,000 people. In 18,980 randomly selected subjects, representative of a target population of 205 million European inhabitants, excessive daytime sleepiness was reported by 15% of the sample, napping two times or more in the same day was reported by 1.6% of the sample, while cataplexy (episodes of loss of muscle function related to a strong emotion) was found in 1.6% of the sample. A narcolepsy diagnosis was reported in 47/100,000 people, severe for 26/100,000 and moderate in 21/100,000. Multiple sleep-onset REM periods and short mean sleep latencies (of less than 8 minutes) were reported in about 4% of the general population.