bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stabilization of Gas Bubbles Released from Water‐Soluble Carbohydrates Using Amphiphilic Compounds: Preparation of Formulations and Acoustic Monitoring of Bubble Lifetime
Authors: Hoff Lars , Foss Per A. , Dyrstad Knut , Klaveness Jo , Rongved Pål 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe ultrasound contrast agents Echovist® and Levovist® (Bayer AG, Schering AG, Germany) are based on the release of gas bubbles from milled α‐d‐galactose. In diagnostic ultrasound, for this class of contrast agents, there is a need for prolonged contrast duration. To investigate if new carbohydrate compositions could prolong the lifetime of the gas bubbles, α‐d‐galactose was mixed with other carbohydrates or amphiphiles with varying log P. Acoustic attenuation vs. time (390 s) area under the curve (A390) and bubble half‐time (t½) were used as measures of prolonged lifetime of gas bubbles. The products, to which 0.1% of a lipophilic carboxylic acid (5β‐cholanic acid, behenic acid, and melissic acid) has been added, showed more than 5, 7 and 11 times enhancement of A390, respectively, compared with the reference compound 2 (RC2) corresponding to the commercial product Levovist®. The half‐time t ½ of the same compounds was prolonged more than 6 times compared with RC2. A partial least square (PLS) statistical analysis confirmed that, for additives, high log P carboxylic acids lead to the highest A390. The present results bear a promise of products with a more persistent in vivo ultrasound contrast effect than the commercially available agents.
Mild Testicular Hyperthermia Transiently Increases Lipid Droplet Accumulation and Modifies Sphingolipid and Glycerophospholipid Acyl Chains in the Rat Testis
Authors: Furland Natalia E. , Luquez Jessica M. , Oresti Gerardo M. , Aveldaño Marta I. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractSpermatogenesis is known to be vulnerable to temperature. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects on testicular lipids of the transient germ cell loss that is induced by mild testicular hyperthermia. Adult rat testes were exposed once a day to 43 °C for 15 min for 5 days and the effects were followed for several weeks. Two week after the last heat exposure, spermatocytes and early spermatids had virtually disappeared and the seminiferous tubules were populated mostly by mature spermatids and spermatozoa. One week later, the latter were also absent and mostly Sertoli cells populated the tubules. During these 3 weeks, glycerophospholipids (Gpl) and triacylglycerols with long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (e.g., 22:5n‐6) and species of sphingomyelin and ceramide with nonhydroxy and 2‐hydroxy very long‐chain (VLC) PUFA (e.g., 28:4n‐6, 2‐OH 30:5n‐6) decreased alongside the germ cells. Concomitantly, the amounts of cholesteryl esters and ether‐linked triglycerides increased, both lipids accumulating long‐chain and very‐long‐chain polyenes. This concurred with a considerable buildup of lipid droplets in Sertoli cells, evidently containing these neutral lipids, apparently formed during germ cell‐derived membrane lipid catabolism. Between week 4 and week 6, new cohorts of spermatocytes appeared, and by week 12 most cell changes were reversed. Accordingly, as germ cell differentiation proceeded, 22:5n‐6‐rich Gpl augmented and spermatocyte‐associated sphingolipids with nonhydroxy VLCPUFA appeared before their 2‐hydroxy counterparts. The unique fatty acids of rat testicular lipids after mild hyperthermia reveal lipid catabolic and biosynthetic reactions that occur in normal spermatogenesis.
Glucokinase Regulatory Protein (GCKR) Gene rs4425043 Polymorphism is Associated with Overweight and Obesity in Chinese Women
Authors: Cao Feifei , Wang Xiaofeng , Lu Ming , Yang Yajun , An Yu , Zhang Juan , Chen Xingdong , Li Lei , Li Shuyuan , Jiang Jie , Ye Weimin , Jin Li 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of GCKR polymorphism on the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Chinese female subjects using a gene‐wide tagging‐ single nucleotide polymorphism (tSNP) strategy. We conducted a genetic association study in the Taizhou Retiree Women Cohort, a sub‐cohort of the Taizhou longitudinal study. We genotyped four tSNPs (rs4425043, rs780094, rs814295, and rs8179206) of the GCKR gene using the Taqman assay in 2,851 female subjects and investigated their associations with overweight and obesity. Odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived from ordered logistic regression model. We observed significant association between rs4425043 and body‐mass‐index‐defined overweight and obesity. The frequencies of A allele of the rs4425043 exhibited a significant increasing trend from normal weight (13.20%), overweight (15.08%), to obese subjects (17.10%) (P = 0.006). Individuals with the GA or AA genotypes showed a 31% excessive risk to develop overweight or obesity (95% CI: 1.12–1.52, P = 0.001). In addition, we observed significantly increased levels of fasting plasma glucose associated with variations of both rs780094 and rs814295 (5.03, 5.09, and 5.15 mmol/L for rs780094 AA, GA and GG genotypes, respectively, and 5.03, 5.11, and 5.20 mmol/L for rs814295 AA, GA and GG genotypes, respectively). In conclusion, a novel polymorphism (rs4425043) in the GCKR gene increases the risk of overweight and obesity in Chinese women. Previous report that other polymorphisms in the GCKR gene are associated with glucose levels have also been confirmed.
Reprogramming of adult human testicular cells by four transcription factors (OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and C‐MYC)
Authors: Kobayashi Hideyuki , Nakajima Koichi , Oka Yusuke , Tai Toshihiro , Nagao Koichi , Ishii Nobuhisa 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPurposeInduced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have been generated from mouse and human fibroblasts by several groups; however, transplanted mouse iPS cells can cause teratomas, depending on their tissue of origin. Therefore, human iPS cells are preferable, and various tissues are being evaluated for their potential to generate human iPS cells.MethodsWe examined whether adult human testicular tissue had undergone reprogramming by introducing four transcription factors, OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and C‐MYC, using lentiviral vectors.ResultsWe obtained embryonic stem (ES)‐like cells derived from human testicular tissue by introducing four cDNAs, encoding the transcription factors OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and C‐MYC, using lentiviral vectors. We showed that DAZL and VASA were expressed in testicular cells but down‐regulated in ES‐like cells, indicating that the cells had undergone reprogramming. ES‐like cells could develop tumors, which is a hallmark of pluripotency, when SCID mice were injected with these cells.ConclusionsWe induced iPS cells from adult human testicular tissue by introducing four transcription factors, OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and C‐MYC, using lentiviral vectors. Future studies on these cells may elucidate the causes of male infertility, and eventually lead to treatments with autologous testicular tissue‐derived iPS cells.
Representation of dynamic mechanical allodynia in the ventral medial prefrontal cortex of trigeminal neuropathic rats
Authors: Devoizel Laurent , Alvarezl Pédro , Monconduitl Lénaïc , Dallell Radhouane 
Published: February 2011

AbstractTrigeminal neuropathic pain is due to lesion or dysfunction of the nervous system. Dynamic mechanical allodynia is a widespread symptom of neuropathic pain for which mechanisms are still poorly understood. Recent studies demonstrate that forebrain neurons, including neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) are important for the perception of acute and chronic pain. Using the phosphorylation of the extracellular‐signal regulated kinase (pERK‐1/2) as an anatomical marker of neuronal activation, the present study investigated how dynamic mechanical allodynia is processed in the rat ventral mPFC (prelimbic and infralimbic cortex) after chronic constriction injury to the infraorbital nerve (IoN‐CCI). Two weeks after unilateral IoN‐CCI, rats showed a dramatic bilateral trigeminal dynamic mechanical allodynia. Light, moving stroking of the infraorbital skin resulted in strong, bilateral upregulation of pERK‐1/2 in the ventral mPFC of IoN‐CCI animals. pERK‐1/2 was located in neuronal cells only. Stimulus‐evoked pERK‐1/2 immunopositive cell bodies displayed a rostrocaudal gradient and layer‐selective distribution in the ventral mPFC, being predominant in the rostral ventral mPFC and in layers II—III and V—VI of the ventral mPFC. In layers II—III, intense pERK‐1/2 also extended into distal dendrites, up to layer I. These results demonstrate that trigeminal nerve injury induces a significant alteration in the ventral mPFC processing of tactile stimuli and suggest that ERK phosphorylation contributes to the mechanisms underlying abnormal pain perception under this condition.
The menacing phantom: What pulls the trigger?
Authors: Giummarral Melita J. , Georgiou‐Karistianisl Nellie , Nichollsl Michael E.R. , Gibsonl Stephen J. , Choul Michael , Bradshawl John L. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPhantom phenomena are frequent following amputation, but how this often painful experience is modified or triggered by spontaneous events or sensations often puzzles amputees and clinicians alike. We explored triggers of phantom phenomena in a heterogeneous sample of 264 upper and lower limb adult amputees with phantom sensations. Participants completed a structured questionnaire to determine the prevalence and nature of the triggers of phantom phenomena. The four categories of triggers identified include: (a) a quarter of participants experiencing psychological, emotional or autonomic triggers; (b) half experiencing behavioral triggers, “forgetting” the limb's absence and attempting to use the phantom; (c) one‐fifth experiencing weather‐induced triggers; and (d) one‐third experiencing sensations referred from parts of the body. Upper limb amputees; and were more likely to experience weather‐induced phantom phenomena than lower limb amputees; and upper and lower limb amputees were equally likely to experience referred sensations from the genitals, contradicting the homuncular remapping hypothesis. Traumatic amputees were more likely to report emotional triggers. Further, while those with emotional triggers exhibited poorer acceptance of the limitations of amputation, they were more likely to employ adaptive coping mechanisms. Finally, habitual “forgetting” behaviors were most common soon after amputation, whereas other more adaptive schemata (e.g., self‐defense) were equally likely to be performed at any time following amputation. Various likely inter‐related mechanisms are discussed in relation to phantom triggers. Ultimately, optimizing stump and neuroma management, as well as restoring function of central networks for pain, limb movement, and amputation‐related memories, should help manage spontaneously triggered phantom phenomena.
Circadian clock gene Per3 variants influence the postpartum onset of bipolar disorder
Authors: Dallaspezia S. , Lorenzi C. , Pirovano A. , Colombo C. , Smeraldi E. , Benedetti F. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPostpartum depression can mark the onset of bipolar disorder. The coding region of Per3 gene contains a variable-number tandem-repeat polymorphism, which has been shown to influence bipolar disorder onset and to affect breast cancer risk. We showed a relationship between Per3 polymorphism and postpartum depressive onset in bipolar disorder.
Use of the Hypomania Checklist-32 and the Mood Disorder Questionnaire for detecting bipolarity in 1,051 patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Rybakowski J.K. , Dudek D. , Pawlowski T. , Lojko D. , Siwek M. , Kiejna A. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPurposeTo use the Hypomania Checklist (HCL-32) and the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), for detecting bipolarity in depressed patients.PatientsOne thousand and fifty-one patients fulfilling ICD-10 criteria for unipolar major depressive episode, single or recurrent, were studied. Patients were assessed using a structured demographic and clinical data interview, and by the Polish versions of the HCL-32 and MDQ questionnaires.ResultsHypomanic symptoms exceeding cut-off criteria for bipolarity by HCL-32 were found in 37.5% of patients and, by MDQ, in 20% of patients. Patients with HCL-32 (+) or MDQ (+) differed significantly from patients with HCl-32 (−) and MDQ (−) respectively, by being less frequently married, having more family history of depression, bipolar disorder, alcoholism and suicide, earlier onset of illness, and more depressive episodes and psychiatric hospitalizations. The percentage of patients resistant to treatment with antidepressant drugs was significantly higher in HCL-32 (+) vs HCL-32 (−) and in MDQ (+) vs MDQ (−): 43.9% vs 30.0%, and 26.4% vs 12.4%, respectively.ConclusionsThe results confirm a substantial percentage of bipolarity in major depressive disorder. Such patients have a number of clinical characteristics pointing on a more severe form of the illness and their depression is more resistant to treatment with antidepressants.
Electrocardiographic signs of autonomic imbalance in medicated patients with first-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders – relations to first treatment discontinuation and five-year remission status
Authors: Bodén Robert , Lindström Leif , Rautaharju Pentti , Sundström Johan 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPurposeTo explore measures in electrocardiograms (ECG) influenced by autonomic balance in early schizophrenia spectrum disorders and to examine their relation to subsequent first antipsychotic pharmacotherapy discontinuation and five-year remission status.Subjects and methodsTwelve-lead ECGs were recorded at baseline in 58 patients with first-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders and in 47 healthy controls of similar age. Selected ECG variables included heart rate and measures of repolarization. Pharmacotherapy data were extracted from medical records. At a five-year follow-up the patients were interviewed and assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale.ResultsPatients had higher heart rate and a different ST-T pattern than the controls. High T-wave amplitudes in the leads aVF and V5 and ST-elevations in V5 were associated both with higher risk of an earlier discontinuation of first antipsychotic pharmacotherapy and with non-remission five years later.Discussion and conclusionIn this longitudinal cohort study, simple ECG measures influenced by autonomic balance in the early phase of schizophrenia spectrum disorders contained prognostic information. As this is the first report of this association and is based on a relatively small sample, the results should be interpreted with caution.
Death by request in Switzerland: Posttraumatic stress disorder and complicated grief after witnessing assisted suicide
Authors: Wagner B. , Müller J. , Maercker A. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackgroundDespite continuing political, legal and moral debate on the subject, assisted suicide is permitted in only a few countries worldwide. However, few studies have examined the impact that witnessing assisted suicide has on the mental health of family members or close friends.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of 85 family members or close friends who were present at an assisted suicide was conducted in December 2007. Full or partial Post-Traumatic Distress Disorder (PTSD; Impact of Event Scale–Revised), depression and anxiety symptoms (Brief Symptom Inventory) and complicated grief (Inventory of Complicated Grief) were assessed at 14 to 24 months post-loss.ResultsOf the 85 participants, 13% met the criteria for full PTSD (cut-off≥35), 6.5% met the criteria for subthreshold PTSD (cut-off≥25), and 4.9% met the criteria for complicated grief. The prevalence of depression was 16%; the prevalence of anxiety was 6%.ConclusionA higher prevalence of PTSD and depression was found in the present sample than has been reported for the Swiss population in general. However, the prevalence of complicated grief in the sample was comparable to that reported for the general Swiss population. Therefore, although there seemed to be no complications in the grief process, about 20% of respondents experienced full or subthreshold PTSD related to the loss of a close person through assisted suicide.
The relationship between renal functions and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count in patients with slow coronary flow
Authors: Koc Fatih , Kalay Nihat , Kilci Hakan , Ceyhan Koksal , Celik Atac , Kadi Hasan , Calapkorur Bekir , Celik Ahmet , Onalan Orhan 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWe investigated the relationship between renal function and coronary thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (TFC) in patients with slow coronary flow (SCF). The patient group was composed of 34 patients with SCF. The control group was made up of 34 well‐matched individuals who have normal SCF in their coronary arteries. The coronary flow rates of all subjects were documented by TFC. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and corrected GFR (cGFR) were calculated by creatinine clearance according to the Cockcroft‐Gault formula. There is no difference in the gender or age of the groups. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were significantly higher in the SCF group compared the control group (blood urea nitrogen: 17 ± 6 mg/dL vs. 14 ± 4 mg/dL, p = 0.04 and creatine: 0.9 ± 0.1 mg/dL vs. 0.7 ± 0.1 mg/dL, p = 0.01). GFR and cGFR were significantly different between the groups (GFR: 92 ± 28 mL/min vs. 112 ± 27 mL/min, p = 0.004 and cGFR: 77 ± 22 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs. 96 ± 24 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.007). There was a negative correlation between GFR/cGFR and TFC in all coronary arteries. This study shows that impaired renal function is associated with SCF. Patients with SCF have worse renal function compared with patients without SCF.
The potential lateral growth of lithalsas
Authors: Pissart Albert , Calmels Fabrice , Wastiaux Cécile 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe lithalsas in the Hudson Bay region of northern Québec, Canada, are the closest modern analogs of ancient features that collapsed to form conspicuous circular depressions (“viviers”) common in the Hautes-Fagnes, a region in Belgium. Observations made in both regions are complementary and suggest that these mounds formed by frost heaving displacing soil not only upward, as previously assumed, but also laterally. This lateral displacement is consistent with diverse observations and inferences, which include (1) the simple rounded outline, either circular or oval, typical of both active and relic lithalsas; (2) evidence of local lateral extension inferred from exposures of the relic forms; (3) the relative inefficiency of solifluction in accumulating surface material to form the peripheral ramparts of remnant lithalsas due to the very gentle slopes of the mounds; and (4) the dip of ice lenses within a lithalsa in the Hudson Bay region, perhaps indicating that the freezing front dipped outward along its periphery. The growth of segregation ice is the primary driver for the vertical growth and lateral enlargement of a lithalsa.
Estimation of total antioxidant capacity from diet and supplements in US adults
Authors: Yang Meng , Chung Sang-Jin , Chung Chin Eun , Kim Dae-Ok , Song Won O. , Koo Sung I. , Chun Ock K. 
Published: February 2011

Given the importance of dietary antioxidants in reducing the risks of chronic diseases, the present study aimed to estimate the intake of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) from diet and dietary supplements of US adults. We utilised the US Department of Agriculture flavonoid and proanthocyanidin databases, dietary supplement data and food consumption data of 4391 US adults aged 19+ years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2. In order to convert the intake data of individual antioxidant compounds to TAC values, the vitamin C equivalent (VCE) of forty-three antioxidant nutrients measured previously was also applied. Daily TAC averaged 503·3 mg VCE/d (approximately 75 % from diet and 25 % from supplements). The energy-adjusted daily TAC level from diet and supplements was higher in women (except for carotenoids), older adults, Caucasian (except for carotenoids), non-alcohol consumers (for vitamin E and proanthocyanidins), subjects with higher income (except for carotenoids) and higher exercise levels than their counterparts (P < 0·05). TAC was positively associated with daily consumption of fruits and fruit juices, vegetables and vegetable products, beverages, wines and teas (P < 0·001). Teas, dietary supplements, and fruits and fruit juices were the major sources of dietary TAC of the US population (28, 25 and 17 %, respectively), while the contribution of vegetables and vegetable products to TAC was minimal ( < 2 %). The present study indicates that antioxidant intake from various diet and supplements contributes to TAC status. TAC levels are different in sociodemographic subgroups of the US population. The relationship between TAC intake and risks of chronic disease warrants further investigation.
Insecticide use and competition shape the genetic diversity of the aphid Aphis gossypii in a cotton-growing landscape
Authors: Brévault T. , Carletto J. , Tribot J. , Vanlerberghe-Masutti F. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractField populations of the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, are structured into geographically widespread host races. In the cotton-producing regions of West and Central Africa (WCA), two genotypes have been repeatedly detected within the cotton host race, one of which (Burk1) is prevalent (>90%) and resistant to several insecticides, as opposed to the second one (Ivo). Here, we conducted whole plant and field cage experiments to test hypotheses for such low genetic diversity, including selection from insecticide treatments, interclonal competition and adaptation to host plant, or climatic conditions. To assess the genetic diversity of immigrant aphids, alatae were trapped and collected on cotton and relay host plants (okra and roselle) in the early cropping season. Individuals were genotyped at eight specific microsatellite loci and characterized by a multilocus genotype (MLG). When independently transferred from cotton (Gossypium hirustum L.) leaf discs to whole plants (G. hirsutum and G. arboreum, roselle and okra), Ivo and Burk1 performed equally well. When concurrently transferred from cotton leaf discs to the same plant species, Ivo performed better than Burk1, indicating that competition favoured Ivo. This was also the case on G. hirsutum growing outdoors. Conversely, Burk1 prevailed when cotton plants were sprayed with insecticides. In experiments where aphids were allowed to move to neighbouring plants, Burk1 was better represented than Ivo on low-populated plants, suggesting that dispersal may be a way to avoid competition on crowded plants. Most cotton aphids collected on cotton or relay host plants in the early cropping season were Burk1 (>90%), indicating high dispersal ability and, probably reflecting high frequency on host plants from which they dispersed. In the agricultural landscape of WCA, the use of broad-range insecticides on both cotton and relay host plants has led to the prevalence of one genotype of A. gossypii resistant to different classes of insecticides. Deployment of widespread and integrated pest management strategies are needed to restore cotton aphid control.