bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glial and axonal perikaryal coverage and somatic spines in the posterodorsal medial amygdala of male and cycling female rats
Authors: Zancan Mariana , Dall'Oglio Aline , Sarzenski Taís Malysz , Maher Martin Ian , Garcia‐Segura Luis Miguel , Rasia‐Filho Alberto A. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTThe posterodorsal medial amygdala (MePD) is a sex‐steroid‐sensitive area that modulates reproductive behavior in rats. The volume of the neuronal cell body, density of dendritic spines, and glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity are sexually dimorphic or affected by gonadal hormones in the MePD. Here we add new data to this panorama and describe the ultrastructure of the glial and axonal coverage of the perikaryal membrane and the somatic spines in the MePD of males and cycling females (in diestrus, early proestrus, late proestrus, and estrus). Transmission electron microscopy data (mean values from seven to 11 neurons per rat, five or six animals per group) showed that the rat MePD has most of the perikaryal membrane covered by glial processes and a relatively large amount (up to 40%) of axonal processes contacting the neuronal cell body. No statistically significant difference was found between groups for these somatic coverages (P > 0.5). However, the density of somatic spines along the length of the perikaryal membrane was higher in the late proestrus than in estrus (P < 0.05), and somatic spines in early and late proestrus showed variable shapes with stubby/wide, thin, mushroom‐like, ramified, transitional or atypical aspects. These findings add to the rapid adjustable synaptic changes in the MePD and in the integrated neural circuits that control neuroendocrine secretion and the hormonally modulated timely display of social behaviors in rats. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:2127–2137, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Airbrush Formation of Liquid Crystal/Polymer Fibers
Authors: Wang Junren , Jákli Antal , West John L. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractA homogeneous solution of a low‐molecular‐weight liquid crystal and a polymer spontaneously phase separates during airbrushing to form uniform fibers with a fluid liquid‐crystal core surrounded by a solid polymer sheath. This structure forms because it effectively minimizes the interfacial energy of the phase‐separated components while minimizing the elastic energy of the liquid‐crystal core. These fibers incorporate the sensitive stimuli response of liquid crystals while maintaining the structural integrity, flexibility, and large surface‐area‐to‐volume ratios inherent in fibers. We demonstrate the electro‐ and thermo‐optical response of the resulting fibers. They may find use as biological and chemical sensors. The resulting fibers have the potential to shape the future of flexible/wearable electronics and sensors.
Amine‐Free Reversible Hydrogen Storage in Formate Salts Catalyzed by Ruthenium Pincer Complex without pH Control or Solvent Change
Authors: Kothandaraman Jotheeswari , Czaun Miklos , Goeppert Alain , Haiges Ralf , Jones John‐Paul , May Robert B. , Prakash G. K. Surya , Olah George A. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractDue to the intermittent nature of most renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, energy storage is increasingly required. Since electricity is difficult to store, hydrogen obtained by electrochemical water splitting has been proposed as an energy carrier. However, the handling and transportation of hydrogen in large quantities is in itself a challenge. We therefore present here a method for hydrogen storage based on a CO2(HCO3−)/H2 and formate equilibrium. This amine‐free and efficient reversible system (>90 % yield in both directions) is catalyzed by well‐defined and commercially available Ru pincer complexes. The formate dehydrogenation was triggered by simple pressure swing without requiring external pH control or the change of either the solvent or the catalyst. Up to six hydrogenation–dehydrogenation cycles were performed and the catalyst performance remained steady with high selectivity (CO free H2/CO2 mixture was produced).
Self‐Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System of trans‐Cinnamic acid: Formulation Development and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation in Alloxan‐induced Type 2 Diabetic Rat Model
Authors: Wang Houyong , Li Qiang , Deng Wenwen , Omari‐siaw E. , Wang Qilong , Wang Shicheng , Wang Shengli , Cao Xia , Xu Ximing , Yu Jiangnan 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT

Preclinical Research

The objective of this study was to formulate a self‐nanoemulsifying oral drug delivery system (SNEDDS) for the poorly water‐soluble trans‐Cinnamic acid (t‐CA SNEDDS) that could be evaluated for its antihyperglycemic efficacy in comparison to the parent t‐CA in an alloxan‐induced diabetic rat model. A SNEDDS formulation consisting of 60% surfactant (Kolliphor EL), 10% co‐surfactant (PEG 400) and 30% oil (isopropyl myristate) proved to be optimal. t‐CA SNEDDS (80 mg/kg, p.o.), t‐CA suspension (80 mg/kg, p.o.), and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets (230 mg/kg, p.o.) were administer qdfor 30 days to diabetic rats. After treatment the body weight of diabetic rats was increased, blood glucose levels, total cholesterol, and triglyceride in the serum tended to be normalized, while the levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were markedly decreased. The effects of t‐CA SNEDDS were superior to that of the t‐CA suspension. The present study demonstrated that t‐CA was effective in attenuating the effects of alloxan treatment and that t‐CA SNEDDS with a more favorable absorption and enhanced bioavailability is more effective than t‐CA. Drug Dev Res 76 : 8282–93, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of echium oil combined with phytosterols on biomarkers of atherosclerosis in LDLr‐knockout mice: Echium oil is a potential alternative to marine oils for use in functional foods
Authors: Botelho Patrícia Borges , Guimarães Jéssica Pereira , Mariano Karina Rocha , Afonso Milessa da Silva , Koike Márcia Kiyomi , Lottenberg Ana Maria Pita , Castro Inar Alves 
Published: March 2015

Bioactive compounds may be an alternative approach to prevent atherosclerosis. To evaluate this hypothesis, LDLr‐knockout mice were supplemented with omega‐3 fatty acids from Echium oil (10.24 mg/d of oil with 1,14 mg/d of SDA and 9.06 mg/d of ALA) equivalent to 0.7 mg/d of EPA after conversion, combined or not with phytosterols (0.76 mg/d), during the first 2 months of life. Subsequently, dyslipidaemia was induced by a high‐fat diet for the following 2 months. Echium oil, isolated or combined with phytosterols, improved lipid profile in plasma reducing triacylglycerol (90.3 ± 7.6 mg/dL) and VLDL‐c (18.0 ± 1.5 mg/dL) concentrations when compared with Control (115.8 ± 9.4 mg/dL and 23.2 ± 1.9 mg/dL, respectively). Echium oil also increased catalase (5.66 ± 0.13 U/mg protein) while Echium oil combined with phytosterol increased glutathione peroxidase activity (26.27 ± 0.10 U/mg protein) when compared with Control (5.18 ± 0.10 U/mg protein and 25.31 ± 0.16 U/mg protein, respectively). In addition, groups receiving Echium oil have reduced malondialdehyde concentration in liver (p = 0.05). However, no difference was observed in fatty streak lesions when compared with Control. Isolated phytosterols did not change cholesterol absorption and increased lesion area compared with control group. This result can be associated with the high dose applied in the first step of supplementation and with the form of supplementation (gavage).Practical applications: One factor that contributes to the number of deaths from cardiovascular disease is that pharmacological interventions usually start too late in life. For this reason, functional foods development is a very important strategy to prevent atherosclerosis, since their inclusion in diet can start much earlier. However, it represents a challenge because many physiological responses from chronic consumption of bioactive compounds are still unknown. In this study, considering the positive results on triglyceridemia and oxidative stress biomarkers, we suggest that Echium oil can be an alternative for development of functional foods. We selected Echium oil due to its higher proportion of stearidonic fatty acids (pro‐EPA) and lower sensory limitation than marine oils.Echium oil improves lipid profile and reduces oxidative stress, while phytosterol increases fatty streak.
Transition Metals for the Synthesis of Glycopolymers and Glycopolypeptides
Authors: Islam Maidul , Shaikh Ashif Y. , Hotha Srinivas 
Published: March 2015

AbstractGlycopolymers and glycopolypeptides are an important class of molecules, which can self‐assemble to various interesting biohybrid materials. It is envisaged that the glycans impart good immunological response, and the aliphatic or polypeptide backbone can give tertiary structure for the resulting glycopolymers. The major bottleneck in the synthesis of glycopolymers or glycopolypeptides is the access to suitable building blocks and polymerization methods. This review describes methods that have recently been explored for the successful synthesis of many useful glycomonomers that could be polymerized to afford glycopolymers and/or glycopolypeptides.
Augmenting effects of gestational arsenite exposure of C3H mice on the hepatic tumors of the F2 male offspring via the F1 male offspring
Authors: Nohara Keiko , Okamura Kazuyuki , Suzuki Takehiro , Murai Hikari , Ito Takaaki , Shinjo Keiko , Takumi Shota , Michikawa Takehiro , Kondo Yutaka , Hata Kenichiro 
Published: March 2015

AbstractGestational exposure can affect the F2 generation through exposure of F1 germline cells. Previous studies reported that arsenite exposure of only F0 females during their pregnancy increases hepatic tumors in the F1 males in C3H mice, whose males are predisposed spontaneously to develop hepatic tumors later in life. The present study addressed the effects of gestational arsenite exposure on tumorigenesis of the F2 males in C3H mice. Expression analysis of several genes in the normal livers at 53 and 80 weeks of age clearly showed significant changes in the F2 males obtained by crossing gestational arsenite‐exposed F1 (arsenite‐F1) males and females compared to the control F2 males. Some of the changes were shown to occur in a late‐onset manner. Then the tumor incidence was assessed at 75–82 weeks of age in the F2 males obtained by reciprocal crossing between the control and arsenite‐F1 males and females. The results demonstrated that the F2 males born to arsenite‐F1 males developed tumors at a significantly higher rate than the F2 males born to the control F1 males, irrespective of exposure of F1 females. Gene expressions of hepatocellular carcinoma markers β‐catenin (CTNNB1) and interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist in the tumors were significantly upregulated in the F2 males born to arsenite‐F1 males compared to those born to the control F1 males. These results show that arsenite exposure of only F0 pregnant mice causes late‐onset changes and augments tumors in the livers of the F2 males by affecting the F1 male offspring. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of Treatment Integrity: The Treatment Specificity Index
Authors: Grikscheit Florian , Weck Florian , Hautzinger Martin , Heidenreich Thomas , Weigel Maria , Rudari Visar , Schimming Christine , Stangier Ulrich 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveTo differentiate between treatments in a randomized controlled trial (RCT), therapies need to display not only high purity but also high specificity. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the benefits of calculating a treatment specificity index for the evaluation of treatment differentiation.MethodBased on an RCT of relapse prevention in depression, comparing a cognitive with a psychoeducational treatment, the specificity and the purity index were calculated.ResultsAs indicated by the specificity index, both conditions differed in their levels of implemented specific and common interventions. A significant relationship was found between symptom change before a therapy session and treatment specificity.ConclusionsThe specificity index is an appropriate method for enhancing the internal validity of RCTs in evaluating treatment integrity.
RV mass measurement at end‐systole: Improved accuracy, Reproducibility, and reduced segmentation time
Authors: Altmayer Stephan P.L. , Teeuwen Laurens A. , Gorman Robert C. , Han Yuchi 
Published: March 2015

PurposeTo evaluate the accuracy, reproducibility, and contouring time of RV mass in end‐systole (ES) and end‐diastole (ED). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to be accurate and reproducible for the evaluation of right ventricular (RV) volume and function. RV mass, assessed in end‐diastolic (ED) phase, is one of the least reproducible variables. The choice of end‐systolic (ES) phase could offer an alternative to improve reproducibility, since the selection of the basal slice and the visualization of the usually thin RV wall are easier in this phase.Materials and MethodsTo evaluate accuracy, 11 sheep were imaged in vivo and their RV free walls were weighed after removing epicardial fat. To evaluate reproducibility, 30 normal subjects and 30 subjects with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) were imaged and interobserver and intraobserver variabilities were assessed in the ES and the ED. Segmentation time was recorded after visual selection of ES and ED phases.ResultsES RV mass measurement has less absolute variability (5.2% ± 3.2) compared to ED (10.6% ± 6.3) using weighed RV mass in sheep as the gold standard (P < 0.001). ES segmentation yielded higher intraobserver (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC] = 0.94–0.99; coefficient of variability [CoV] = 6–7.3%) and interobserver (ICC = 0.85–0.98; CoV = 10.9–11.7%) reproducibility than ED segmentation. Segmentation time in humans was 25–28% faster in ES (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe MRI assessment of RV mass is more accurate, reproducible, and faster in the ES phase. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1291–1296.
Measuring Quaternary time: A 50‐year perspective
Authors: LOWE JOHN , WALKER MIKE 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTOver the last 50 years, there have been significant developments in the range and sophistication of the chronological tools now available to Quaternary scientists. Notable milestones include the introduction of new methods (e.g. optically stimulated luminescence, cosmogenic radionuclide dating, ice‐layer counting, molecular ‘clocks’) and the refinement of established techniques (e.g. accelerator mass spectrometry 14C dating, 14C calibration, high‐precision uranium‐series dating, argon–argon dating, cryptotephra analysis). Developing new techniques and methodologies for measuring Quaternary time is not an end in itself, however: it is stimulated by a parallel need, which is a deeper understanding of the mode, pattern and rates of environmental processes, and how different processes inter‐connect. Here we review some of the important limitations that continue to constrain our ability to provide coherent chronologies for Quaternary environmental reconstructions at both millennial and sub‐millennial timescales. We focus our discussion on two unique stratigraphic templates: first, the marine oxygen isotope sequence that spans the full Quaternary period; and, second, the Greenland ice‐core record, which provides a basis for dating environmental changes through the last glacial cycle.
The current and future applications of ancient DNA in Quaternary science
Authors: BROWN TERENCE A. , BARNES IAN M. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTThe introduction of next‐generation sequencing methods has broadened the scope and utility of ancient DNA (aDNA) research, and is opening up exciting new applications in Quaternary science. Palaeogenomes – partial or complete genome sequences for extinct taxa – are now available for Neanderthals and Denisovans, various megafauna, and preserved microorganisms. The analysis of aDNA in sediments, including cores in which there are no visible macro‐ or microfossils, is helping to reconstruct past ecosystems, especially in Arctic regions where aDNA preservation is relatively good. In this review we follow the development of aDNA research over the last 30 years, showing how the problems caused by contamination of ancient samples with modern DNA have gradually been overcome, and highlighting those technical challenges that still exist. We then survey the current standing of palaeogenomics and sedimentary aDNA studies, and indicate how these fields might be developed further in coming years.
Sea level in time and space: revolutions and inconvenient truths
Authors: GEHRELS W. ROLAND , SHENNAN IAN 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTIn this paper we identify four ‘revolutions’ that in our view have shaped the study of sea‐level changes in recent decades. (i)The search for ‘eustasy’. One of the most hotly debated issues in the 1960s is still relevant as models of glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) require input of the amount of meltwater transferred to the world's oceans following the demise of the large Pleistocene ice sheets. (ii)Resolution of sea‐level archives. All sea‐level archives have limitations in their resolving power but are we willing to define these? From studies of salt‐marsh deposits and corals it is highly likely that climate‐driven metre‐scale sea‐level fluctuations have not occurred during the middle and late Holocene. (iii)Rapid sea‐level changes. Improved coring technology has resulted in the suggestion of meltwater pulses during the last deglaciation. Low‐frequency high‐magnitude events have been documented along seismically active shorelines and provide information on seismic hazards and storm impacts. (iv)Merging of empirical sea‐level investigations and models. Much sea‐level research in the past two decades has embraced the integration of models and field‐derived data, providing testable hypotheses and insights into processes. We conclude with some reminders about the ‘inconvenient truths’ that keep the sea‐level scientist honest.
Effect of low‐level laser therapy on chemoradiotherapy‐induced oral mucositis and salivary inflammatory mediators in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Oton‐Leite Angélica F. , Silva Geisa Badauy L. , Morais Marília O. , Silva Tarcília A. , Leles Cláudio R. , Valadares Marize Campos , Pinezi Juliana Castro D. , Batista Aline C. , Mendonça Elismauro F. 
Published: March 2015

Background and ObjectiveOral mucositis (OM) is considered a painful and debilitating side effect in patients receiving head and neck cancer treatment. Low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) proved to be effective to prevent and treat chemoradiotherapy‐induced OM. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of LLLT in the severity of OM in patients with head and neck cancer and on the release of salivary inflammatory mediators. Clinical (score of OM severity) and biochemical parameters (concentration of inflammatory mediators, growth factors, and enzymes in saliva) were used.Materials and MethodsThirty patients were randomized into two groups: control and laser. LLLT was performed three times a week in the laser group, while control group received sham irradiation. OM severity was assessed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Cancer Institute (NCI) scales. Pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐1β, IL‐10, TGF‐β), growth factors (EGF, FGF, VEGF), and metalloproteinases (MMP2/TIMP2, MMP9/TIMP2) concentrations were assessed using ELISA test. Saliva samples were collected on admission, and at the 7th, 21st, and 35th sessions of radiotherapy.ResultsThe laser group showed a reduction in the severity of OM, which coursed with significantly diminished salivary concentration of EGF and VEGF in the 7th radiotherapy session and of IL‐6 and FGF in the 35th. There was a trend for reduced levels of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IL‐10, TGF‐β, MMP2/TIMP2, MMP9/TIMP2 in the laser group compared to the control, however, no statistically significant differences were found.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrated that LLLT was effective in reducing the severity of chemoradiotherapy‐induced OM and was associated with the reduction of inflammation and repair. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:296–305, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Baseline Features Influencing the Effectiveness of Retraining Therapy for Writer's Cramp
Authors: Bleton Jean‐Pierre , Touzé Emmanuel , Soulez‐la‐Rivière Laure , Baizabal‐Carvallo José Fidel , Guignier Françoise , Cambriel Claire , Sangla Sophie , Grabli David , Roze Emmanuel , Mesure Serge , Vidailhet Marie 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackground: The effectiveness of retraining therapy (RT) for writer's cramp is difficult to predict and its determinants are unknown. Methods: We examined factors potentially predicting improved legibility after RT in patients with writer's cramp (WC). We reviewed the files of 693 WC patients treated with RT from 1995 to 2009. Standardized assessments were made both at baseline and after 2 months of RT in 305 patients. The effect of RT on legibility was evaluated by using the handwriting subscore of the Burke‐Fahn‐Marsden (BFM) disability scale. Initial and final handwriting samples were blindly scored in random order. Associations between WC patterns and changes in legibility were identified by uni‐ and multivariable analyses. Results: Legibility improved by ≥1 point in the BFM handwriting subscore in 93 patients (31%). WC patients who improved were more likely to have synergic dystonic patterns involving the wrist and forearm (60% vs. 40%; P = 0.03) and less likely to have flexion of fingers F3 to F5 (19% vs. 81%; P = 0.017). Outcome was not related to gender, age, or dystonia duration. Our results confirm that retraining therapy could improve legibility in patients with writer's cramp. Conclusions: The pattern of writer's cramp can help to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from retraining therapy, regardless of age, gender, and disease duration.
Microsurgical ear replantation—is venous repair necessary?—A systematic review
Authors: Momeni Arash , Liu Xiangxia , Januszyk Michael , Wan Derrick C. , Buncke Gregory M. , Buntic Rudolf F. , Parrett Brian M. 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundA common postoperative observation after microsurgical ear replantation has been venous congestion necessitating alternate modes of decongestion, frequently in conjunction with blood transfusion. A comprehensive literature search was performed to assess the relationship between mode of vascular reconstruction and postoperative outcome as well as postoperative transfusion requirement after microsurgical ear replantation.MethodsThe search was limited to cases of microsurgical ear replantation following complete amputation. Only articles published in English and indexed in PubMed were included.ResultsThe initial search retrieved 285 articles, which was narrowed down to 40 articles reporting on 60 cases that matched the aforementioned criteria. Reconstruction of the arterial and venous limb (Group 1) was performed in 63.3% of patients and artery‐only anastomosis (Group 2) was performed in 31.7%. Among measurable outcomes, only the duration of surgery was significantly different between groups (2.6 hours longer in Group 1 than Group 2; P = 0.0042).ConclusionIn light of contemporary data demonstrating successful artery‐only ear replantation, replantation should not be abandoned when unable to establish venous outflow microsurgically. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:345–350, 2016.