bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strain differences influence timing and magnitude of both acute and late inflammatory reactions after intratracheal instillation of an alkylating agent in rats
Authors: Gustafsson Åsa , Svensson‐Elfsmark Linda , Lorentzen Johnny C. , Bucht Anders 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe acute pulmonary responses after exposure to sulfur and nitrogen mustards are well documented whereas the late pulmonary effects are not. With a novel focus on the immune system this paper investigate whether late phase pulmonary effects developed in rats exposed to the nitrogen mustard melphalan are linked to the acute responses and whether the reactions are genetically regulated. The DA rat strain was used to establish a lung exposure model. Five other inbred rat strains (PVG, PVG.1AV1, LEW, WF and F344) were compared within the model at selected time points. All rat strains displayed a biphasic pattern of leukocyte infiltration in the lungs, dominated by neutrophils 2 days after exposure and a second peak dominated by macrophages 29 days after exposure. The number of macrophages was higher in the DA rat compared with the other strains. The infiltration of lymphocytes in the lungs varied in both time of appearance and magnitude between strains. The quantity of collagen deposition in the lungs varied between strains at day 90; LEW and WF displayed high collagen content which coincided with an increased level of cytotoxic T cells. LEW further displayed an increased number of T helper cells and natural killer (NK) T cells in the lungs. The results in this study suggest there is a link between the development of lung fibrosis and high cytotoxic cell responses and that there is a genetic influence, as there are variations in acute and late adverse reactions between rat strains in both timing and magnitude. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Andrographolide Protects against Cigarette Smoke‐Induced Lung Inflammation through Activation of Heme Oxygenase‐1
Authors: Yang Dongbin , Zhang Weihong , Song Laijun , Guo Fuyou 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTThis study was conducted to check whether andrographolide, a bioactive molecule isolated from Andrographis paniculata, could protect against cigarette smoke (CS)‐induced lung injury through activation of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1). Pretreatment with andrographolide (1 mg/kg body weight) markedly attenuated lung inflammation in CS‐exposed mice, coupled with reduced numbers of total cells, neutrophils, and macrophages in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and decreased production of cytokine/chemokine into BALF. Furthermore, andrographolide pretreatment increased the expression and activation of HO‐1 in the lung of CS‐exposed animals. Notably, these histological and biochemical changes induced by andrographolide were blocked by prior administration of zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP; 20 mg/kg body weight), a potent heme oxygenase inhibitor. Moreover, andrographolide‐induced phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was attenuated by ZnPP treatment in CS‐exposed animals. Our data collectively demonstrate that andrographolide confers protection against CS‐induced lung inflammation, partially through activation of HO‐1 and STAT3. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:259‐265, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21483
Purification, Characterization, and Chemical Modification of Neurotoxic Peptide from Daboia russelii Snake Venom of India
Authors: Venkatesh Madhukumar , Prasad Nijaguna , Sing Tej , Gowda Veerabasappa 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTComprehensive knowledge of venom composition is very important for effective management of snake envenomation and antivenom preparation. Daboia russelii venom from the eastern region of India is the most neurotoxic among the four venom samples investigated. From the eastern D. russelii venom sample, neurotoxic peptide has been purified by combined method of ion exchange gel permeation chromatography and reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. Molecular weight of Daboia neurotoxin III (DNTx‐III) found to be 6,849 Da (as measured on matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation‐time of flight mass spectrometer), and N‐terminal amino acid sequences is I K C F I T P D U T S Q A. Approximate LD50 dosage was 0.24 mg/kg body weight. It produced concentration‐ and time‐dependent inhibition of indirectly stimulated twitches of Rana hexadactyla sciatic nerve gastrocnemius muscle preparations. Chemical modification of DNTx‐III tryptophan residue(s) reduced the twitch height inhibition property of toxin, signifying the importance of tryptophan residues for the neurotoxic function. This type of neurotoxic peptide is unique to east Indian regional D. russelii venom. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:295‐304, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21486
Separation of acetone–tetrahydrofuran azeotropic mixture by continuous extractive distillation
Authors: Yuan Shenfeng , Yang Wendong , Yin Hong , Chen Zhirong 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundAcetone and tetrahydrofuran are commonly used as solvents in the chemical industry. The separation of acetone–tetrahydrofuran mixtures is often faced in the pharmaceutical and special chemical industries. As acetone and tetrahydrofuran can form a minimum azeotrope, they cannot be separated by conventional distillation. But acetone and tetrahydrofuran are important organic raw materials and solvents, so the mixture should be separated for reuse.ResultsThe process of continuous extractive distillation was used to separate the mixture of acetone (62% mass fraction) and tetrahydrofuran (38% mass fraction) using butyl ether as solvent. The characteristics of the continuous extractive distillation were simulated via ASPEN and experiments also showed the feasibility of separating the acetone–tetrahydrofuran mixture. Effects of the reflux mass ratio (R), mixture feed stage (FS), the solvent feed stage (SFS) on the extractive distillation column and the volume ratio of solvent to mixture (S/F) on the distillate mass fraction of acetone and bottom product mass fraction of acetone were investigated. The results of the extractive distillation simulation were verified by experiment data. With the following operation conditions for the extractive distillation column: number of theoretical plates 53; mixture feed at 24th plate; solvent feed at 7th plate, solvent to mixture ratio 3 and reflux mass ratio 3, the mass fraction of acetone in the distillate can reach 99%.ConclusionsThe process of continuous extractive distillation using butyl ether as solvent can separate the acetone–tetrahydrofuran mixture. The solvent to mixture ratio and reflux mass ratio are important factors that affect the mass fraction of the product. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Curcumin Acts as a Pro‐Oxidant Inducing Apoptosis Via JNKs in the Isolated Perfused Rana ridibunda Heart
Authors: Aggeli Ioanna‐Katerina , Koustas Evaggelos , Gaitanaki Catherine , Beis Isidoros 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAmphibians are known to better tolerate and endure adverse environmental conditions such as redox imbalances conferred by reactive oxygen species (ROS), compared to mammals. Interestingly, the exact adaptation strategies and signaling mechanisms mediating these effects have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, in the present study, we probed into the molecular response of the isolated perfused Rana ridibunda heart to curcumin, in the context of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) phosphorylation patterns and apoptotic markers occurrence. In particular, this polyphenol was found to exert a pro‐oxidant effect in our model and to significantly upregulate p38‐MAPK and JNKs phosphorylation (thus activation). The early apoptosis observed, substantiated by poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, was established to be JNKs‐ and ROS‐mediated, while no involvement of p38‐MAPK was detected. Subsequently, the pro‐oxidative activity of curcumin was confirmed to mimic H2O2. Furthermore, NADPH oxidase as well as Na+/K+‐ATPase were found to mediate JNKs phosphorylation as well as PARP proteolytic cleavage. Curcumin exerts pleiotropic actions, both beneficial and detrimental and is currently the subject of intense scientific research. Being a low‐molecular‐weight antioxidant, it is intriguing to investigate curcumin's role in redox homeostasis in the amphibian heart, under conditions that apparently favor its pro‐oxidative properties. Comparative studies of its multifaceted role in different species may contribute to the clarification of the signaling mechanisms it triggers and the terminal physiological response it confers. Collectively, this is to our knowledge, the first time that the signal transduction pathways stimulated by curcumin have been assessed in a non‐mammalian species. J. Exp. Zool. 319A:328–339, 2013. © 2013 © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Global dust storm signal in the meteorological excitation of Mars' rotation
Authors: Zhou Y. H. , Salstein D. A. , Xu X. Q. , Liao X. H. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe meteorological excitation of Mars' rotation refers to the change of Mars' orientation parameters caused by meteorological processes, e.g., that portion due to variations of atmospheric circulation and surface pressure, and a cryospheric part due to the variable Martian polar ice caps associated with the CO2 sublimation/condensation effects. Global dust storms (GDSs) are unique meteorological events on Mars that cause changes in surface pressure, polar caps extent, and circulation patterns on a global scale, which in turn alter Mars' rotation under the conservation of Mars' total angular momentum. In this paper, the GDS signal in the meteorological excitation of Mars' rotation is investigated on seasonal, diurnal, and semidiurnal time scales, based on the Martian Climate Database. On seasonal scales, the cryospheric excitation plays a less important role in general, due to its location at high latitudes, than its atmospheric counterpart. The GDS brings (−3%, +15%) changes in the amplitude of annual polar motion and length‐of‐day (LOD) variation and (+22%, −34%) changes in the amplitude of semiannual polar motion and LOD variation. On diurnal and semidiurnal scales, the cryospheric excitation can be fully neglected in comparison to its atmospheric counterpart. A significant GDS signal is found with respect to the diurnal polar motion and semidiurnal LOD excitation variation, because of strong atmospheric tides arising from GDS effects. The amplitude increases in diurnal polar motion and semidiurnal LOD variation during some periods of the Martian year may reach 3–5 times as large as those during the same stage in a typical Martian year.
Novel and recurrent mutations in the EXT1 and EXT2 genes in Chinese kindreds with multiple osteochondromas
Authors: Wu Yuhong , Xing Xuesha , Xu Shaonian , Ma Hongwei , Cao Lihua , Wang Shusen , Luo Yang 
Published: April 2013

AbstractMultiple osteochondromas (MO) is an autosomal dominant hereditary disorder caused by heterozygous germline mutations in the exostonsin‐1 (EXT1) or exostosin‐2 (EXT2) genes. In this study, we screened mutations in the EXT1/EXT2 genes in four Chinese MO kindreds by direct sequencing. Three point mutations were detected, including a nonsense mutation in the EXT2 gene (c.544C > T) and two splice site mutations in the EXT1 and EXT2 genes, respectively (EXT1: c.1883 + 1G > A and EXT2: c.1173 + 1G > T). Although splice site mutations constitute at least 10% of all mutations that cause MO, there has been limited research on their pathogenic effect on RNA processing due to poor availability of patient RNA samples. In this study, ex vivo and in vivo splicing assays were used to investigate the effect of EXT1 and EXT2 mutations on aberrant splicing at the mRNA level. Our results indicate that identified splice site mutations can cause either cryptic splice site usage or exon skipping. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1492–1499, 2013
The role and utilization of electronic medical records in ambulatory otolaryngology
Authors: Mahboubi Hossein , Salibian Ara A. , Wu Edward C. , Patel Madhukar S. , Armstrong William B. 
Published: April 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo estimate the usage of electronic medical records (EMRs) in ambulatory otolaryngology and to compare the usage trends between otolaryngologists and physicians in other specialties.Study DesignCross‐sectional analysis of data taken from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS).MethodsThe 2005 to 2010 NAMCS datasets were analyzed for whether storage of patient records in otolaryngology practices were completely electronic, partly electronic, or paper based. The trend of EMR utilization in the studied period was compared between otolaryngology and other specialties. Furthermore, the usage of different EMR functions (e.g., ordering tests) was also evaluated.ResultsThe proportion of otolaryngology practices with complete or partial EMR usage increased from 27.0% in 2005 to 2006, to 48.5% in 2009 to 2010 (P < .001), and was projected to increase to 80.3% in 2015 to 2016. Otolaryngologists had variable usage of different functions of EMRs. Neither the overall use of EMRs nor their different functions were statistically different between otolaryngologists and other specialists. Further exploration of data revealed that 34.0% of otolaryngologists intended to install new EMR systems within the following years. Finally, 39.9% of otolaryngologists had plans to apply for Medicare or Medicaid incentive payments, of which 92.3% expected to start meaningful use in 2011.ConclusionsThe increasing utilization of EMRs in ambulatory otolaryngology is an important marker of progress in compliance with health care reform. Despite this upward trend, however, <50% of ambulatory offices had adopted EMRs in 2009 to 2010, and it remains to be seen how the field will adapt to the evolving challenge of EMR adoption and implementation. Laryngoscope, 123:2418–2422, 2013
Looking back into the future: 30 years of metabolomics at TNO
Authors: van der Greef Jan , van Wietmarschen Herman , van Ommen Ben , Verheij Elwin 
Published: April 2013

AbstractMetabolites have played an essential role in our understanding of life, health, and disease for thousands of years. This domain became much more important after the concept of metabolism was discovered. In the 1950s, mass spectrometry was coupled to chromatography and made the technique more application‐oriented and allowed the development of new profiling technologies. Since 1980, TNO has performed system‐based metabolic profiling of body fluids, and combined with pattern recognition has led to many discoveries and contributed to the field known as metabolomics and systems biology. This review describes the development of related concepts and applications at TNO in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, nutritional, and microbiological fields, and provides an outlook for the future. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom. 32: 399–415, 2013.
Factors predictive of the development of Levodopa‐induced dyskinesia and wearing‐off in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Warren Olanow C. , Kieburtz Karl , Rascol Olivier , Poewe Werner , Schapira Anthony H. , Emre Murat , Nissinen Helena , Leinonen Mika , Stocchi Fabrizio ,   Stalevo Reduction in Dyskinesia Evaluation in Parkinson's Disease (STRIDE‐PD) Investigators
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTThe Stalevo Reduction in Dyskinesia Evaluation in Parkinson's Disease (STRIDE‐PD) study compared the initiation of levodopa (l‐dopa) therapy with l‐dopa/carbidopa (LC) versus l‐dopa/carbidopa/entacapone (LCE) in patients with Parkinson's disease. In the current study, the STRIDE‐PD study population was investigated to determine the effect of l‐dopa dose and other risk factors on the development of dyskinesia and wearing‐off. Patients were randomized to receive LCE (n=373) or LC (n=372). Blinded assessments for dyskinesia and wearing‐off were performed at 3‐month intervals for the 134‐ to 208‐week duration of the study. The patients were divided into 4 dose groups based on nominal l‐dopa dose at the time of onset of dyskinesia (or at study conclusion if there was no dyskinesia): group 1, <400 mg/day (n=157); group 2, 400 mg/day (n=310); group 3, 401 to 600 mg/day (n=201); and group 4, >600 mg/day (n=77). Similar analyses were performed with respect to wearing‐off and any motor complication. The times to onset and frequency of dyskinesia, wearing‐off, or any motor complication were compared using the log‐rank test (overall trend test) and a Cox proportional hazards model (pairwise comparisons). A stepwise Cox proportional hazards model was used to screen predictive factors in a multivariate analysis. The risk of developing dyskinesia and wearing‐off increased in an l‐dopa dose‐dependent manner (P<0.001 for both). Analyses using l‐dopa equivalent doses produced comparable results. Factors that were predictive of dyskinesia, in rank order, were: young age at onset, higher l‐dopa dose, low body weight, North American geographic region, LCE treatment group, female gender, and more severe Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part II. Multivariate analyses identified similar predictors for wearing‐off but included baseline UPDRS Part III and excluded weight and treatment allocation. The risk of developing dyskinesia or wearing‐off was closely linked to l‐dopa dose. The current results suggest that physicians should use the lowest dose of l‐dopa that provides satisfactory clinical control to minimize the risk of both dyskinesia and wearing‐off. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Improving memory in Parkinson's disease: A healthy brain ageing cognitive training program
Authors: Naismith Sharon L. , Mowszowski Loren , Diamond Keri , Lewis Simon J.G. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a multifactorial ‘healthy brain ageing cognitive training program’ for Parkinson's disease. Using a single‐blinded waitlist control design, 50 participants with Parkinson's disease were recruited from the Brain & Mind Research Institute, Sydney, Australia. The intervention encompassed both psychoeducation and cognitive training; each component lasted 1‐hour. The 2‐hour sessions were delivered in a group format, twice‐weekly over a 7‐week period. Multifactorial psychoeducation was delivered by a range of health professionals. In addition to delivering cognitive strategies, it targeted depression, anxiety, sleep, vascular risk factors, diet, and exercise. Cognitive training was computer‐based and was conducted by clinical neuropsychologists. The primary outcome was memory. Secondary outcomes included other aspects of cognition and knowledge pertaining to the psychoeducation material. Results demonstrated that cognitive training was associated with significant improvements in learning and memory corresponding to medium to large effect sizes. Treatment was also associated with medium effect size improvements in knowledge. Although the study was limited by the lack of randomized allocation to treatment and control groups, these findings suggest that a healthy brain ageing cognitive training program may be a viable tool to improve memory and/or slow cognitive decline in people with Parkinson's disease. It also appeared successful for increasing awareness of adaptive and/or compensatory cognitive strategies, as well as modifiable risk factors to optimize brain functioning. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Effect of expectancy and personality on cortical excitability in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Lou Jau‐Shin , Dimitrova Diana M. , Hammerschlag Richard , Nutt John , Hunt Elizabeth A. , Eaton Ryan W. , Johnson Sarah C. , Davis Melanie D. , Arnold Grace C. , Andrea Sarah B. , Oken and Barry S. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTOur previous studies in Parkinson's disease have shown that both levodopa and expectancy of receiving levodopa reduce cortical excitability. We designed this study to evaluate how degree of expectancy and other individual factors modulate placebo response in Parkinson's patients. Twenty‐six Parkinson's patients were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: 0%, 50%, and 100% expectancy of receiving levodopa. All subjects received placebo regardless of expectancy group. Subjects completed the NEO‐Five Factor Inventory, General Perceived Self‐Efficacy Scale, and Perceived Stress Scale. Cortical excitability was measured by the amplitude of motor‐evoked potential (MEP) evoked by transcranial magnetic stimulation. Objective physical fatigue of extensor carpi radialis before and after placebo levodopa was also measured. Responders were defined as subjects who responded to the placebo levodopa with a decrease in MEP. Degree of expectancy had a significant effect on MEP response (P < .05). Subjects in the 50% and 100% expectancy groups responded with a decrease in MEP, whereas those in the 0% expectancy group responded with an increase in MEP (P < .05). Responders tended to be more open to experience than nonresponders. There were no significant changes in objective physical fatigue between the expectancy groups or between responders and nonresponders. Expectancy is associated with changes in cortical excitability. Further studies are needed to examine the relationship between personality and placebo effect in Parkinson's patients. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Variable flip angle balanced steady‐state free precession for lower SAR or higher contrast cardiac cine imaging
Authors: Srinivasan Subashini , Ennis Daniel B. 
Published: April 2013

PurposeCardiac cine balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) imaging uses a high flip angle (FA) to obtain high blood‐myocardium signal‐to‐noise and contrast‐to‐noise ratios (CNR). Use of high FAs, however, results in substantially increased SAR. Our objective was to develop a variable FA bSSFP cardiac cine imaging technique with: (1) low SAR and blood‐myocardium CNR similar to conventional constant FA bSSFP (CFA‐bSSFP) or (2) increased blood‐myocardium CNR compared to CFA‐bSSFP with similar SAR.MethodsVariable FA bSSFP cardiac cine imaging was achieved using an asynchronous k‐space acquisition, which is asynchronous to the cardiac cycle (aVFA‐bSSFP). Bloch simulations and phantom experiments were performed to compare the signal, resolution, and frequency response of the variable FA bSSFP and CFA‐bSSFP schemes. Ten volunteers were imaged with different aVFA‐bSSFP and asynchronous CFA‐bSSFP schemes and compared to conventional segmented CFA‐bSSFP.ResultsThe SAR of aVFA‐bSSFP is significantly decreased by 36% compared to asynchronous CFA‐bSSFP (1.9 ± 0.2 vs. 3.0 ± 0.2 W/kg, P <  10−10) for similar blood‐myocardium CNR (34 ± 6 vs. 35 ± 9, P = 0.5). Alternately, the CNR of the aVFA‐bSSFP is improved by 28% compared to asynchronous CFA‐bSSFP (49 ± 9 vs. 38 ± 8, P <  10−4) with similar SAR (3.2 ± 0.5 vs. 3.3 ± 0.5 W/kg, P = 0.6).ConclusionaVFA‐bSSFP can be used for lower SAR or higher contrast cardiac cine imaging compared to the conventional segmented CFA‐bSSFP imaging. Magn Reson Med 71:1035–1043, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.