bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glial Attenuation With Ibudilast in the Treatment of Medication Overuse Headache: A Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Pilot Trial of Efficacy and Safety
Authors: Johnson Jacinta L. , Kwok Yuen H. , Sumracki Nicole M. , Swift James E. , Hutchinson Mark R. , Johnson Kirk , Williams Desmond B. , Tuke Jonathon , Rolan Paul E. 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundMedication overuse headache (MOH) is a condition bordering between a chronic pain condition and a substance dependence disorder. Activation of immunocompetent glial cells in the central nervous system has been linked to both pathological pain and drug addiction/reward. Preclinically, ibudilast attenuates glial activation and is able to reduce neuropathic pain and markers of substance dependence. We therefore hypothesized ibudilast would reduce headache burden and opioid analgesic requirements in patients with opioid overuse headache.ObjectiveTo determine if treatment with ibudilast provides a greater reduction in headache index than placebo in MOH patients consuming opioids.MethodsParticipants with MOH who were using opioids were randomized via computer‐generated code to ibudilast 40 mg or placebo twice daily for 8 weeks in a double‐blind, parallel groups study. Before randomization participants completed a 4‐week baseline headache diary. During treatment, headache diary data collection continued and participants attended 4 study visits during which quantitative sensory testing was performed. Blood samples for immune biomarker analyses were collected before and after treatment in a subgroup of participants.ResultsThirty‐four participants were randomized, 13 of 15 randomized to ibudilast and 17 of 19 randomized to placebo completed treatment. Ibudilast was generally well‐tolerated with mild, transient nausea reported as the most common adverse event (66.7% vs 10.5% in placebo group). Results are shown as mean (SD). At the end of treatment no differences in the primary outcome average daily headache index (placebo 62 [44] vs ibudilast 77 [72] groups, difference −15, CI −65 to 35h× numerical rating scale), or secondary outcomes headache frequency (placebo 23 [8.1] vs ibudilast 24.5 [6.2], difference −1.5, CI −7.7 to 4.8 days/month) and opioid intake (placebo 20.6 [43] vs ibudilast 19 [24.3], difference 1.6, CI −31.5 to 34.8 mg morphine equivalent) were observed between placebo and ibudilast groups.ConclusionsUsing the current dosing regimen, ibudilast does not improve headache or reduce opioid use in patients with MOH without mandated opioid withdrawal. However, it would be of interest to determine in future trials if ibudilast is able to improve ease of withdrawal during a forced opioid down‐titration when incorporated into an MOH detoxification program.
Investigating the validity and usability of an interactive computer programme for assessing competence in telephone‐based mental health triage
Authors: Sands Natisha , Elsom Stephen , Keppich‐Arnold Sandra , Henderson Kathryn , King Peter , Bourke‐Finn Karen , Brunning Debra 
Published: September 2015

AbstractTelephone‐based mental health triage services are frontline health‐care providers that operate 24/7 to facilitate access to psychiatric assessment and intervention for people requiring assistance with a mental health problem. The mental health triage clinical role is complex, and the populations triage serves are typically high risk; yet to date, no evidence‐based methods have been available to assess clinician competence to practice telephone‐based mental health triage. The present study reports the findings of a study that investigated the validity and usability of the Mental Health Triage Competency Assessment Tool, an evidence‐based, interactive computer programme designed to assist clinicians in developing and assessing competence to practice telephone‐based mental health triage.
Genetic relationships among American donkey populations: insights into the process of colonization
Authors: Jordana J. , Ferrando A. , Miró J. , Goyache F. , Loarca A. , Martínez López O.R. , Canelón J.L. , Stemmer A. , Aguirre L. , Lara M.A.C. , Álvarez L.A. , Llambí S. , Gómez N. , Gama L.T. , Nóvoa M.F. , Martínez R.D. , Pérez E. , Sierra A. , Contreras M.A. , Guastella A.M. , Marletta D. , Arsenos G. , Curik I. , Landi V. , Martínez A. , Delgado J.V. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryThis study presents the first insights into the genetic diversity and structure of the American donkey metapopulation. The primary objectives were to detect the main structural features underlying variability among American donkey populations, identify boundaries between differentiated gene pools, and draw the main colonization pathways since the introduction of donkeys into America in the 15th century. A panel of 14 microsatellite markers was applied for genotyping 350 American donkeys from 13 countries. The genetic structure of this metapopulation was analysed using descriptive statistics and Bayesian model‐based methods. These populations were then compared to a database containing information on 476 individuals from 11 European breeds to identify the most likely ancestral donor populations. Results showed the presence of two distinct genetic pools, with confluence of the two in Colombia. The southern pool showed a unique genetic signature subsequent to an older founder event, but lacked any significant influence of modern gene flow from Europe. The northern pool, conversely, may have retained more ancestral polymorphisms and/or have experienced modern gene flow from Spanish breeds. The Andalusian and, to a lesser extent, the Catalan breeds have left a more pronounced footprint in some of the American donkey populations analysed.
Distinguishing cubic and hexagonal phases within InGaN/GaN microstructures using electron energy loss spectroscopy
Authors: GRIFFITHS IJ , CHERNS D , ALBERT S. , BENGOECHEA‐ENCABO A. , ANGEL SANCHEZ M. , CALLEJA E. , SCHIMPKE T. , STRASSBURG M. 
Published: September 2015

Summary3D InGaN/GaN microstructures grown by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) have been extensively studied using a range of electron microscopy techniques. The growth of material by MBE has led to the growth of cubic GaN material. The changes in these crystal phases has been investigated by Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy, where the variations in the fine structure of the N K‐edge shows a clear difference allowing the mapping of the phases to take place. GaN layers grown for light emitting devices sometimes have cubic inclusions in the normally hexagonal wurtzite structures, which can influence the device electronic properties. Differences in the fine structure of the N K‐edge between cubic and hexagonal material in electron energy loss spectra are used to map cubic and hexagonal regions in a GaN/InGaN microcolumnar device. The method of mapping is explained, and the factors limiting spatial resolution are discussed.
Prior regular exercise improves clinical outcome and reduces demyelination and axonal injury in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Bernardes Danielle , Brambilla Roberta , Bracchi‐Ricard Valerie , Karmally Shaffiat , Dellarole Anna , Carvalho‐Tavares Juliana , Bethea John R 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAlthough previous studies have shown that forced exercise modulates inflammation and is therapeutic acutely for experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the long‐term benefits have not been evaluated. In this study, we investigated the effects of preconditioning exercise on the clinical and pathological progression ofEAE. Female C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to either an exercised (Ex) or unexercised (UEx) group and all of them were induced forEAE. Mice in the Ex group had an attenuated clinical score relative toUEx mice throughout the study. At 42 dpi, flow cytometry analysis showed a significant reduction in B cells,CD4+T cells, andCD8+T cells infiltrating into the spinal cord in the Ex group compared toUEx. Ex mice also had a significant reduction in myelin damage with a corresponding increase in proteolipid protein expression. Finally, Ex mice had a significant reduction in axonal damage. Collectively, our study demonstrates for the first time that a prolonged and forced preconditioning protocol of exercise improves clinical outcome and attenuates pathological hallmarks ofEAEat chronic disease.imageIn this study, we show that a program of 6 weeks of preconditioning exercise promoted a significant reduction of cells infiltrating into the spinal cord, a significant reduction in myelin damage and a significant reduction in axonal damage in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice at 42 dpi. Collectively, our study demonstrates for the first time that a preconditioning protocol of exercise improves clinical outcome and attenuates pathological hallmarks of EAE at chronic disease.
The Effect of A Container's Weight on the Perception of Mineral Water
Authors: Maggioni Emanuela , Risso Paola , Olivero Nadia , Gallace Alberto 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIn the last few years, psychologists and neuroscientists have increasingly investigated the presence of multisensory interactions in people's perceptions of food and beverage. For example, the results of a recent questionnaire‐based study showed that wine is believed to be more expensive and of better quality when contained in a heavier bottle. However, it remains unclear whether various foods or liquids share similar multisensory associations in the mind of the consumer. In a laboratory study, we investigated the multisensory interactions between the taste of mineral water and the weight of the plastic cup in which it is served. The participants evaluated the freshness, pleasantness, level of carbonation, and lightness of two types of mineral water (i.e., still and carbonated) using visual analogue scales. The water was served in three identical plastic cups, varying only in terms of their weight (i.e., light, medium, and heavy). The results showed that when a heavier cup was used, the participants perceived the mineral water as less pleasant. By contrast, they rated the water served in heavier cups as more carbonated than water served in lighter cups. These data demonstrate that crossmodal associations in taste perception depend on the category of the product being evaluated and the specific quality that is rated. Such findings are extremely important for understanding the role of sensory interaction in food evaluation as well as encouraging healthier eating and drinking behaviors.Practical ApplicationsRecently, an increasing number of studies has shown that consumer's taste perception can be affected by certain features of the container in which food or beverage is served and/or experienced. The present study has important implications not only for understanding the multisensory interactions affecting beverage perception, but also for marketing and packaging design purposes. In particular, marketing strategies would certainly benefit from understanding the perception of package or container attributes that can drive consumer's perception and choice of certain beverages. Furthermore, understanding one or more aspects of a container that facilitates the perception of water as more appealing may help improve the drinking experience for people who are at risk of dehydration, with possible positive consequences for their water intake.
Diagnostic Value of Selected Echocardiographic Variables to Identify Pulmonary Hypertension in Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Tidholm A. , Höglund K. , Häggström J. , Ljungvall I. 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundPulmonary hypertension (PH) is commonly associated with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Because dogs with PH present without measureable tricuspid regurgitation (TR), it would be useful to investigate echocardiographic variables that can identify PH.AimTo investigate associations between estimated systolic TR pressure gradient (TRPG) and dog characteristics and selected echocardiographic variables.Animals156 privately owned dogs.Materials and MethodsProspective observational study comparing the estimations of TRPG with dog characteristics and selected echocardiographic variables in dogs with MMVD and measureable TR.ResultsTricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient was significantly (P < .05) associated with body weight corrected right (RVIDDn) and left (LVIDDn) ventricular end‐diastolic and systolic (LVIDSn) internal diameters, pulmonary arterial (PA) acceleration to deceleration time ratio (AT/DT), heart rate, left atrial to aortic root ratio (LA/Ao), and the presence of congestive heart failure. Four variables remained significant in the multiple regression analysis with TRPG as a dependent variable: modeled as linear variables LA/Ao (P < .0001) and RVIDDn (P = .041), modeled as second order polynomial variables: AT/DT (P = .0039) and LVIDDn (P < .0001) The adjusted R2‐value for the final model was 0.45 and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggested the model's performance to predict PH, defined as 36, 45, and 55 mmHg as fair (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.80), good (AUC = 0.86), and excellent (AUC = 0.92), respectively.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceIn dogs with MMVD, the presence of PH might be suspected with the combination of decreased PA AT/DT, increased RVIDDn and LA/Ao, and a small or great LVIDDn.
Determinants of suboptimal complementary feeding practices among children aged 6–23 months in four anglophone West African countries
Authors: Issaka Abukari I. , Agho Kingsley E. , Page Andrew N. , Burns Penelope L. , Stevens Garry J. , Dibley Michael J. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractSuboptimal complementary feeding practices have a detrimental impact on a child's growth, health and development in the first two years of life. They lead to child malnutrition, which contributes to the high prevalence of stunting (38%) and underweight (28%) reported for children <5 years of age in Sub‐Saharan Africa. This study analysed complementary feeding practices in four anglophone West African countries (Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone) using the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys. The study covered 12 623 children aged 6–23 months from four anglophone West African countries (Ghana: 822 children: Liberia: 1458 children, Nigeria: 8786 children and Sierra Leone: 1557 children). Four complementary feeding indicators were examined against a set of individual‐, household‐ and community‐level factors, using multiple regression analysis. Multivariate analyses found that lack of post‐natal contacts with health workers, maternal illiteracy and geographical region were common determinants of delayed introduction of solid, semi‐solid or soft foods across all four countries. Predictors for minimum dietary diversity, minimum meal frequency and minimum acceptable diet included children aged 6–11 months, administrative/geographical region, poorer household income and limited access to media. The authors recommend that the four anglophone West African countries studied should prioritise efforts to improve complementary feeding practices in order to reduce child morbidity and mortality. Interventional studies on complementary feeding should target those from poor and illiterate households.
Extracellular DNA facilitates the formation of functional amyloids in Staphylococcus aureus biofilms
Authors: Schwartz Kelly , Ganesan Mahesh , Payne David E. , Solomon Michael J. , Boles Blaise R. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryPersistent staphylococcal infections often involve surface‐associated communities called biofilms. Staphylococcus aureus biofilm development is mediated by the co‐ordinated production of the biofilm matrix, which can be composed of polysaccharides, extracellular DNA (eDNA) and proteins including amyloid fibers. The nature of the interactions between matrix components, and how these interactions contribute to the formation of matrix, remain unclear. Here we show that the presence of eDNA in S. aureus biofilms promotes the formation of amyloid fibers. Conditions or mutants that do not generate eDNA result in lack of amyloids during biofilm growth despite the amyloidogeneic subunits, phenol soluble modulin peptides, being produced. In vitro studies revealed that the presence of DNA promotes amyloid formation by PSM peptides. Thus, this work exposes a previously unacknowledged interaction between biofilm matrix components that furthers our understanding of functional amyloid formation and S. aureus biofilm biology.
Poor Folate Intake in a North Italian Pregnant Population: an Epidemiological Survey
Authors: Dante Giulia , Morani Letizia , Bronzetti Daisy , Garutti Paola , Neri Isabella , Calapai Gioacchino , Facchinetti Fabio 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe association between folic acid (FA) insufficiency and congenital malformations has been demonstrated in over the past two decades. The aim of the present study was to investigate the use and timing of folate intake among a large sample of pregnant women in a north Italian region.MethodsA multicentre prospective cohort study was conducted over a 14‐month period in the maternity wards of five general hospitals (2301 women). Data were collected via a face‐to‐face interview.ResultsSeven hundred sixty women (33%) took at least one product containing FA. Seven hundred thirty‐three (31.8%) women consumed multivitamins containing 413 (17.9%) consumed products containing FA only and 17 (0.7%) 15 mg of levofolinic acid. Only 0.9% of all women took FA before pregnancy 72.5% of women who consumed FA started during the first trimester. The most common dosage was 0.4 mg (19.4%).ConclusionsVery few women in the population are taking FA before pregnancy. Moreover, while most women consuming FA started in the first trimester, it is likely that they did so after closure of the neural tube. An important action is the recommendation that periconceptional supplementation programmes be promoted.
Stimulation‐induced Ca2+ influx at nodes of Ranvier in mouse peripheral motor axons
Authors: Zhang Zhongsheng , David Gavriel 
Published: September 2015

Key points
In peripheral myelinated axons of mammalian spinal motor neurons, Ca2+ influx was thought to occur only in pathological conditions such as ischaemia.
Using Ca2+ imaging in mouse large motor axons, we find that physiological stimulation with trains of action potentials transiently elevates axoplasmic [Ca2+] around nodes of Ranvier.
These stimulation‐induced [Ca2+] elevations require Ca2+ influx, and are partially reduced by blocking T‐type Ca2+ channels (e.g. mibefradil) and by blocking the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), suggesting an important contribution of Ca2+ influx via reverse‐mode NCX activity.
Acute disruption of paranodal myelin dramatically increases stimulation‐induced [Ca2+] elevations around nodes by allowing activation of sub‐myelin L‐type (nimodipine‐sensitive) Ca2+ channels.
The Ca2+ that enters myelinated motor axons during normal activity is likely to contribute to several signalling pathways; the larger Ca2+ influx that occurs following demyelination may contribute to the axonal degeneration that occurs in peripheral demyelinating diseases.
AbstractActivity‐dependent Ca2+ signalling is well established for somata and terminals of mammalian spinal motor neurons, but not for their axons. Imaging of an intra‐axonally injected fluorescent [Ca2+] indicator revealed that during repetitive action potential stimulation, [Ca2+] elevations localized to nodal regions occurred in mouse motor axons from ventral roots, phrenic nerve and intramuscular branches. These [Ca2+] elevations (∼0.1 μm with stimulation at 50 Hz, 10 s) were blocked by removal of Ca2+ from the extracellular solution. Effects of pharmacological blockers indicated contributions from both T‐type Ca2+ channels and reverse mode Na+/Ca2+ exchange (NCX). Acute disruption of paranodal myelin (by stretch or lysophosphatidylcholine) increased the stimulation‐induced [Ca2+] elevations, which now included a prominent contribution from L‐type Ca2+ channels. These results suggest that the peri‐nodal axolemma of motor axons includes multiple pathways for stimulation‐induced Ca2+ influx, some active in normally‐myelinated axons (T‐type channels, NCX), others active only when exposed by myelin disruption (L‐type channels). The modest axoplasmic peri‐nodal [Ca2+] elevations measured in intact motor axons might mediate local responses to axonal activation. The larger [Ca2+] elevations measured after myelin disruption might, over time, contribute to the axonal degeneration observed in peripheral demyelinating neuropathies.
Influence of R3+ ion sizes on the thermoelectric properties of RBaCo4O7+δ ceramics
Authors: Gao F. , He Q. L. , Wu F. , Yang D. L. , Hu X. , Song H. Z. 
Published: September 2015

The influence of [Formula: see text] ion sizes on the electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficients, thermal conductivity and [Formula: see text] values of [Formula: see text] prepared by the solid-state reaction method was investigated from 373 K to 973 K. The electrical resistivity decreases with decreasing [Formula: see text] ion sizes. Both the electrical resistivity and the Seebeck coefficients have a transition at about 630 K. Especially, the transition phenomenon disappears gradually with decreasing [Formula: see text] ion sizes, and is attributed to the oxygen adsorption of [Formula: see text]. The [Formula: see text] values increase with rising temperature or decreasing [Formula: see text] ion sizes. The [Formula: see text] with the smallest [Formula: see text] size has the maximum [Formula: see text] value that reaches 0.1 at 973 K.
Interaction between Common Breast Cancer Susceptibility Variants, Genetic Ancestry, and Nongenetic Risk Factors in Hispanic Women
Authors: Fejerman Laura , Stern Mariana C. , John Esther M. , Torres-Mejía Gabriela , Hines Lisa M. , Wolff Roger K. , Baumgartner Kathy B. , Giuliano Anna R. , Ziv Elad , Pérez-Stable Eliseo J. , Slattery Martha L. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackground: Most genetic variants associated with breast cancer risk have been discovered in women of European ancestry, and only a few genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been conducted in minority groups. This research disparity persists in post-GWAS gene–environment interaction analyses. We tested the interaction between hormonal and lifestyle risk factors for breast cancer, and ten GWAS-identified SNPs among 2,107 Hispanic women with breast cancer and 2,587 unaffected controls, to gain insight into a previously reported gene by ancestry interaction in this population.Methods: We estimated genetic ancestry with a set of 104 ancestry-informative markers selected to discriminate between Indigenous American and European ancestry. We used logistic regression models to evaluate main effects and interactions.Results: We found that the rs13387042–2q35(G/A) SNP was associated with breast cancer risk only among postmenopausal women who never used hormone therapy [per A allele OR: 0.94 (95% confidence intervals, 0.74–1.20), 1.20 (0.94–1.53), and 1.49 (1.28–1.75) for current, former, and never hormone therapy users, respectively, Pinteraction 0.002] and premenopausal women who breastfed &gt;12 months [OR: 1.01 (0.72–1.42), 1.19 (0.98–1.45), and 1.69 (1.26–2.26) for never, &lt;12 months, and &gt;12 months breastfeeding, respectively, Pinteraction 0.014].Conclusions: The correlation between genetic ancestry, hormone replacement therapy use, and breastfeeding behavior partially explained a previously reported interaction between a breast cancer risk variant and genetic ancestry in Hispanic women.Impact: These results highlight the importance of understanding the interplay between genetic ancestry, genetics, and nongenetic risk factors and their contribution to breast cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(11); 1731–8. ©2015 AACR.