bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pregabalin enhances the antinociceptive effect of oxycodone and morphine in thermal models of nociception in the rat without any pharmacokinetic interactions
Authors: Jokinen V. , Lilius T.O. , Laitila J. , Niemi M. , Rauhala P.V. , Kalso E.A. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundOxycodone is increasingly being used in combination with pregabalin. Pregabalin use is prevalent in opioid‐dependent individuals. A high number of deaths caused by the co‐use of gabapentinoids and opioids occur. It is not known whether pregabalin affects concentrations of oxycodone or morphine in the central nervous system.MethodsEffects of pregabalin on acute oxycodone or morphine‐induced antinociception, tolerance and sedation were studied using tail‐flick, hot plate and rotarod tests in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Concentrations of pregabalin, opioids and their major metabolites in the brain were quantified by mass spectrometry.ResultsIn the hot plate test, morphine (2.5 mg/kg, s.c.) caused antinociception of 28% maximum possible effect (MPE), whereas pregabalin (50 mg/kg, i.p.) produced 8–10% MPE. Co‐administration of pregabalin and morphine resulted in antinociception of 63% MPE. Oxycodone (0.6 mg/kg s.c.) produced antinociception of 18% MPE, which increased to 39% MPE after co‐administration with pregabalin. When pregabalin 10 mg/kg was administered before oxycodone (0.6 mg/kg, s.c.) or morphine (2.5 mg/kg), only the effect of oxycodone was potentiated in the tail‐flick and the hot plate tests. Brain concentrations of the opioids, their major metabolites and pregabalin were unchanged. Pregabalin co‐administration (50 mg/kg, i.p., once daily) did not prevent the development of morphine tolerance.ConclusionsPregabalin potentiated antinociceptive and sedative effects of oxycodone and morphine in acute nociception. Co‐administration of pregabalin with the opioids did not affect the brain concentrations of oxycodone or morphine. Pregabalin did not prevent morphine tolerance.
Severe pain during local infiltration for spinal anaesthesia predicts post‐caesarean pain
Authors: Orbach‐Zinger S. , Aviram A. , Fireman S. , Kadechenko T. , Klein Z. , Mazarib N. , Artiuch A. , Reuveni A. , Ioscovich A. , Eidelman L.A. , Landau R. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundQuantitative sensory testing (QST) measures response to painful stimuli and has been used to predict post‐caesarean pain. Pain reported upon intravenous cannulation was shown to predict epidural analgesic use and pain intensity during labour. We hypothesized that pain intensity reported by women upon local anaesthesia injection (ILA) for spinal anaesthesia may predict acute pain after caesarean delivery (CD).MethodsIn a prospective observational trial, 229 women undergoing elective CD under spinal anaesthesia were enrolled. Using standardized script before ILA, women received ILA (lidocaine 1% 2.5 mL via 25 G needle), and provided an ILA score after the injection [verbal numeric pain scale (VNPS); 0–100]. Demographic data, average, peak pain (at rest, with movement and uterine cramping) and analgesic requests were recorded for the first 24 h.ResultsFourteen percent of women experienced severe pain (VNPS ≥70) upon ILA. Good correlation was noted between ILA and pain scores at rest and upon mobilization during the 24 h following surgery (average resting pain r = 0.529, p < 0.001, average pain at mobilization r = 0.483, p < 0.0001). Severe acute postoperative pain (VNPS ≥70) was predicted by severe ILA pain with a sensitivity of 91.6% and specificity of 93.3%.ConclusionThis is the first study evaluating a clinical measure to predict post‐caesarean pain. Our main findings were that 14% of women experience severe pain upon ILA, which was associated with increased pain during the first 24 h.
Grolar bears, social class, and policy relevance: Extraordinary agendas for the emerging 21st century
Authors: Fiske Susan T. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis Agenda article first considers whether social psychology is in the best or worst of times and suggests that we are instead in extraordinary times, given exciting agendas and potential policy relevance, if we are careful. The article illustrates with two current research agendas—the hybrid vigor of multiple categories and the psychology of social class—that could inform policy. The essay then reflects on how we know when our work is indeed ready for the public arena. Regarding hybrids: world immigration, social media, and global businesses are increasing. How will this complicate people's stereotypes of each other? One agenda could build on the existing social and behavioral science of people as social hybrids, emerging with a framework to synthesize existing work and guide future research that better reflects our changing world. Policy implications already emerge from our current knowledge of hybrids. Regarding the social psychology of social class: We do not know enough yet to give advice, except to suggest questioning some common stereotypes, for example, about the economic behavior of lower‐income people. Before the budding social psychology of class can be ready for policy export, the research results need replication, validation, and generality. Overall, principles of exportable policy insights include peer‐reviewed standards, honest brokering, nonpartisan advice, and respectful, trustworthy communication. Social psychology can take advantage of its extraordinary times to be innovative and useful.
Microbial reporter gene assay as a diagnostic and early warning tool for the detection and characterization of toxic pollution in surface waters
Authors: Hug Christine , Zhang Xiaowei , Guan Miao , Krauss Martin , Bloch Robert , Schulze Tobias , Reinecke Tim , Hollert Henner , Brack Werner 
Published: May 2015

Abstract

Surface water samples constantly receive a vast mixture of micropollutants mainly originating from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). High-throughput live cell arrays provide a promising method for the characterization of the effects of chemicals and the associated molecular mechanisms. In the present study, this test system was evaluated for the first time for the characterization of a set of typical surface water extracts receiving effluent from WWTPs. The extracts containing complex mixtures of micropollutants were analyzed for the expression of 90 stress responsive genes in the Escherichia coli reporter gene assay. The most affected pathways and the genes most sensitive to surface water samples suggested prominent stress-responsive pathways for wastewater-impacted surface water, such as oxidative stress, DNA damage, and drug resistance. Samples strongly affecting particular pathways were identified by statistical analysis of gene expression. Transcription data were correlated with contamination data from chemical screening and percentages of wastewater in the samples. Samples with particular effects and outstanding chemical composition were analyzed. For these samples, hypotheses on the alteration of the transcription of genes involved in drug resistance and DNA repair attributable to the presence of pharmaceuticals were drawn. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2523–2532. © 2015 SETAC
The effects of antidepressants appear to be rapid and at environmentally relevant concentrations
Authors: Ford Alex T. , Fong Peter P. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract

The effects of antidepressants on wildlife are currently raising some concern because of an increased number of publications indicating biological effects at environmentally relevant concentrations (&lt;100 ng/L). These results have been met with some scepticism because of the higher concentrations required to detect effects in some species and the perceived slowness to therapeutic effects recorded in humans and other vertebrates. Because their mode of action is thought to be by modulation of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, aquatic invertebrates that possess transporters and receptors sensitive to activation by these pharmaceuticals are potentially affected by them. The authors highlight studies on the effects of antidepressants, particularly on crustacean and molluskan groups, showing that they are susceptible to a wide variety of neuroendocrine disruptions at environmentally relevant concentrations. Interestingly, some effects observed in these species can be observed within minutes to hours of exposure. For example, exposure of amphipod crustaceans to several selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can invoke changes in swimming behavior within hours. In mollusks, exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can induce spawning in male and female mussels and foot detachment in snails within minutes of exposure. In the light of new studies indicating effects on the human brain from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors using magnetic resonance imaging scans, the authors discuss possible reasons for the discrepancy in former results in relation to the read-across hypothesis, variation in biomarkers used, modes of uptake, phylogenetic distance, and the affinity to different targets and differential sensitivity to receptors. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:794–798. © 2015 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Gold nanoparticle–based colorimetric aptasensor for rapid detection of six organophosphorous pesticides
Authors: Bai Wenhui , Zhu Chao , Liu Jinchuan , Yan Mengmeng , Yang Shuming , Chen Ailiang 
Published: May 2015

Abstract

Fast immunoassay-based screening methods are unavailable for most small-molecule pesticides because of a lack of immunogenicity and the difficulty in obtaining antibodies by animal immunization. Aptamers are single-stranded DNA molecules selected through an in vitro process, which can bind to any target including nonimmunogenic small molecules with high affinity and specificity. Although various aptamer-based sensing methods have been developed for antibiotics, microorganisms, heavy metal ions, and biotoxins, there are few reports on aptamer-based methods for quick detection of organophosphorous pesticides. The gold (Au) nanoparticle (AuNP) colorimetric assay is a widely utilized rapid detection method because of properties such as easy operation and visualized results. In the present study, organophosphorous pesticide aptamers were adsorbed on the surface of AuNPs to stabilize the AuNP solution against high concentrations of salt to prevent AuNP aggregation. After the addition of targets, the aptamers binding to the targets are detached from the AuNPs, resulting in aggregation of AuNPs and a color change from red to purple-blue. The proposed method can detect 6 organophosphorous pesticides with good recoveries from 72% to 135% in environmental river water samples. The present study provides a new way for simple, rapid, and multiplex detection of organophosphorous pesticides. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2244–2249. © 2015 SETAC
SIMS zircon U‐Pb dating from bentonites in the Penglaitan Global Stratotype Section for the Guadalupian–Lopingian boundary (GLB), South China
Authors: Qiu Zhen , Wei Hengye , Wang Qingchen , Zou Caineng , Zhang Yijie 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe Penglaitan section, as the Global Stratotype Section for the Guadalupian–Lopingian boundary (GLB), displays continuous deposition with a complete succession of pelagic conodont zones across the GLB. However, there is no reliable radiometric age from the Penglaitan section itself to constrain the GLB. Here, we report SIMS zircon U‐Pb ages from two bentonite layers (Bed 7c) in the Penglaitan Global Stratotype Section near the GLB. The sample PL‐62‐1 yields a weighted mean 238U/206Pb age of 257.1 ± 2.2 Ma, and the sample PL‐62‐2 yields a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 257.0 ± 4.2 Ma. Therefore, we consider 257.0–257.1 Ma as the age of deposition of Bed 7c (the end of the C. postbitteri postbitteri conodont Zone, ca. 86 cm above the GLB), and, considering the depositional rate of chert, we suggest 258.6 Ma as the age of the GLB. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term Care Insurance and Carers' Labor Supply – A Structural Model
Authors: Geyer Johannes , Korfhage Thorben 
Published: May 2015

SummaryIn Germany, individuals in need of long‐term care receive support through benefits of the long‐term care insurance. A central goal of the insurance is to support informal care provided by family members. Care recipients can choose between benefits in kind (formal home care services) and benefits in cash. From a budgetary perspective, family care is often considered a cost‐saving alternative to formal home care and to stationary nursing care. However, the opportunity costs resulting from reduced labor supply of the carer are often overlooked. We focus on the labor supply decision of family carers and the incentives set by the long‐term care insurance. We estimate a structural model of labor supply and the choice of benefits of family carers. We find that benefits in kind have small positive effects on labor supply. Labor supply elasticities of cash benefits are larger and negative. If both types of benefits increase, negative labor supply effects are offset to a large extent. However, the average effect is significantly negative. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the hierarchical structure of titanium implant surfaces
Authors: Matteson Jesse L. , Greenspan David C. , Tighe Timothy B. , Gilfoy Nathan , Stapleton Joshua J. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe physical texture of implant surfaces are known to be one important factor in creating a stable bone‐implant interface. Simple roughness parameters (for e.g., Sa or Sz) are not entirely adequate when characterizing surfaces possessing hierarchical structure (macro, micro, and nano scales). The aim of this study was to develop an analytical approach to quantify hierarchical surface structure of implant surfaces possessing nearly identical simple roughness. Titanium alloys with macro/micro texture (MM) and macro/micro/nano texture (MMN) were chosen as model surfaces to be evaluated. There was no statistical difference (p > 0.05) in either Sa (13.56 vs. 13.43 µm) or Sz (91.74 vs. 92.39 µm) for the MM and MMN surfaces, respectively. However, when advanced filtering algorithms were applied to these datasets, a statistical difference in roughness was found between MM (Sa = 0.54 µm) and MMN (Sa = 1.06 µm; p < 0.05). Additionally, a method was developed to specifically quantify the density of surface features appearing similar in geometry to natural osteoclastic pits. This analysis revealed a significantly greater numbers of these features (i.e., valleys) on the MMN surface as compared to the MM surface. Finally, atomic force microscopy showed a rougher nano‐texture on the MMN surface compared with the MM surface (p < 0.05). The results support recent published studies that show a combination of appropriate micron and nano surface results in a more robust cellular response and increased osteoblast differentiation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1083–1090, 2016.
Implant design and its effects on osseointegration over time within cortical and trabecular bone
Authors: Beutel Bryan G. , Danna Natalie R. , Granato Rodrigo , Bonfante Estevam A. , Marin Charles , Tovar Nick , Suzuki Marcelo , Coelho Paulo G. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractHealing chambers present at the interface between implant and bone have become a target for improving osseointegration. The objective of the present study was to compare osseointegration of several implant healing chamber configurations at early time points and regions of interest within bone using an in vivo animal femur model. Six implants, each with a different healing chamber configuration, were surgically implanted into each femur of six skeletally mature beagle dogs (n = 12 implants per dog, total n = 72). The implants were harvested at 3 and 5 weeks post‐implantation, non‐decalcified processed to slides, and underwent histomorphometry with measurement of bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) and bone area fraction occupied (BAFO) within healing chambers at both cortical and trabecular bone sites. Microscopy demonstrated predominantly woven bone at 3 weeks and initial replacement of woven bone by lamellar bone by 5 weeks. BIC and BAFO were both significantly increased by 5 weeks (p < 0.001), and significantly higher in cortical than trabecular bone (p < 0.001). The trapezoidal healing chamber design demonstrated a higher BIC than other configurations. Overall, a strong temporal and region‐specific dependence of implant osseointegration in femurs was noted. Moreover, the findings suggest that a trapezoidal healing chamber configuration may facilitate the best osseointegration. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1091–1097, 2016.
Effect of immobilisation materials on viability and fermentation activity of dairy starter culture in whey‐based substrate
Authors: Krunić Tanja Ž , Bulatović Maja LJ , Obradović Nataša S , Vukašinović‐Sekulić Maja S , Rakin Marica B 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe main objectives of the paper were to study influence of immobilisation of dairy starter culture ‘Lactoferm ABY 6’ on fermentation and probiotic potential of fermented whey‐based substrate.RESULTSFermentation with free cells takes 1.5 h less than fermentation with encapsulated cells, but samples with encapsulated cells have better characteristics after 28 days of storage. Chitosan coating provides additional protection of cells in bile salt solution (95.86% of viable cells compared to the initial number) and simulated gastric juice (37.8% for pH 2.5) compared to the alginate beads (94.54% in bile salt solution and 36.18% in simulated gastric juice for pH 2.5). Free cells had a drastic reduction in the number of viable cells (83.0% in bile salt solution and no viable cells in simulated gastric juice for pH 2.5).CONCLUSIONSamples with alginate beads and chitosan‐coated alginate beads have significantly (P < 0.05) higher viable cell count than samples with free cells, during 4 h monitoring survival at pH 2.5, pH 3.0 and 0.3% bovine bile solution. These beads can be used to improve survival of probiotic cells in fermented whey‐based beverage during storage and consummation, which improves the quality of the product. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Transfer printing of fully formed thin‐film microscale GaAs lasers on silicon with a thermally conductive interface material
Authors: Sheng Xing , Robert Cedric , Wang Shuodao , Pakeltis Grace , Corbett Brian , Rogers John A. 
Published: May 2015

High performance semiconductor lasers on silicon are critical elements of next generation photonic integrated circuits. Transfer printing methods provide promising paths to achieve hybrid integration of III‐V devices on Si platforms. This paper presents materials and procedures for epitaxially releasing thin‐film microscale GaAs based lasers after their full fabrication on GaAs native substrates, and for subsequently transfer printing arrays of them onto Si wafers. An indium‐silver based alloy serves as a thermally conductive bonding interface between the lasers and the Si, for enhanced performance. Numerical calculations provide comparative insights into thermal properties for devices with metallic, organic and semiconductor interfaces. Under current injection, the first of these three interfaces provides, by far, the lowest operating temperatures. Such devices exhibit continuous‐wave lasing in the near‐infrared range under electrical pumping, with performance comparable to unreleased devices on their native substrates.
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Fractional CO2 laser assisted delivery of topical anesthetics: A randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Meesters Arne A. , Bakker Myrna M. , de Rie Menno A. , Wolkerstorfer Albert 
Published: May 2015

Background and ObjectivesMany dermatological procedures are performed under local anesthesia. Topical anesthesia requires prolonged occlusion and is often insufficient. Infiltration anesthesia is associated with discomfort. Pretreatment with an ablative fractional laser (AFXL) may enhance penetration of topical drugs, including lidocaine. Primary aim of this study was to assess whether AFXL pretreatment enhances the efficacy of two regularly used anesthetics: (i) articain hydrochloride 40 mg/ml + epinephrine 10 μg/ml solution (AHES); (ii) lidocaine 25 mg/g + prilocaine 25 mg/g cream (EMLA cream). Secondary aim was to assess which anesthetic is superior on AFXL pretreated skin.Materials and MethodsIn 10 healthy subjects, four 1 cm2 test regions on the back were randomized to [A] AFXL pretreatment (fractional CO2 laser, 5% density, 2.5 mJ/microbeam) + topical application of AHES, [B] AFXL pretreatment + EMLA cream, [C] sham AFXL + AHES, and [D] sham AFXL + EMLA cream. After ten minutes, an AFXL pass (35 mJ/microbeam) was given as pain stimulus at each test region. Pain was scored on a 0–10 visual analogue scale (VAS) after each stimulus.ResultsAFXL pretreatment was not considered painful. Median VAS scores for the pain stimulus were [A] 2.35, [B] 3.15, [C] 4.55, and [D] 4.35. VAS scores were significantly lower for region [A] (AFXL + AHES) versus region [B] (AFXL + EMLA; P < 0.01) and versus region [C] (sham AFXL + AHES ; P < 0.01). VAS scores were not significantly different for region [B] (AFXL + EMLA) versus region [D] (sham AFXL + EMLA, P = 0.15).ConclusionAFXL pretreatment at very low settings gives significant pain reduction already within ten minutes when AHES is used as topical anesthetic. AHES is clearly superior to EMLA cream on AFXL pretreated skin. Possibly, a liquid solution penetrates more easily into the AFXL channels than a cream. Further research should determine the clinical efficacy of laser assisted topical anesthesia and the exact role of the type of anesthetic, its vehicle and the laser settings. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:208–211, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multiband multislab 3D time‐of‐flight magnetic resonance angiography for reduced acquisition time and improved sensitivity
Authors: Schulz Jenni , Boyacioğlu Rasim , Norris David G 
Published: May 2015

PurposeTo explore the use of multiband (MB) imaging in multislab (MS) 3D time‐of‐flight‐magnetic resonance angiography (TOF‐MRA) and to improve acquisition time efficiency (TA), inflow contrast and sensitivity in vessel detection.Theory and MethodsTOF‐MRA is commonly used for imaging intracranial vessels. A MB‐MS 3D‐TOF‐MRA sequence was implemented to excite and acquire multiple slabs simultaneously. Controlled aliasing in parallel imaging results in higher acceleration was used in addition to improve the quality of image reconstruction. Compared to a standard protocol which acquired three slabs in total the MB‐MS protocol reduced the thickness by 3 while simultaneously acquiring data from 3 slabs. The total TA was also reduced by a factor 3.ResultsThis technique maintains contrast‐to‐noise ratio while reducing TA, compared to standard single‐band/MOTSA acquisitions, leading to an increase in
of 1.65 compared to the standard protocol. Furthermore, the strong inflow contrast and increased magnetization transfer contrast caused by the MB excitation pulses improves the sharpness of the vessel borders which is reflected by a 5% higher full width at half maximum of the vessel size and a 17% higher slope of the vessel borders compared to the standard single‐band acquisition.ConclusionMB‐MS 3D‐TOF‐MRA can appreciably accelerate image acquisition and combines the high spatial resolution of 3D imaging with the additional inflow contrast advantage of thinner slab acquisitions without introducing excessive noise arising from the MB reconstruction. Magn Reson Med 75:1662–1668, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.