bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Allocation of endogenous and dietary protein in the reconstitution of the gastrointestinal tract in migratory blackcaps at stopover sites
Authors: Muñoz-Garcia Agustí , Aamidor Sarah E. , McCue Marshall D. , McWilliams Scott R. , Pinshow Berry 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYDuring migratory flight, the mass of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and its associated organs in small birds decreases in size by as much as 40%, compared with the preflight condition because of the catabolism of protein. At stopover sites, birds need 2–3 days to rebuild their GIT so that they can restore body mass and fat reserves to continue migration. The source of protein used to rebuild the GIT may be exogenous (from food ingested) or endogenous (reallocated from other organs) or both. Because the relative contribution of these sources to rebuild the GIT of migratory birds is not yet known, we mimicked in-flight fasting and then re-feeding in two groups of blackcaps (Sylvia atricapilla), a Palearctic migratory passerine. The birds were fed a diet containing either 3% or 20% protein to simulate different refueling scenarios. During re-feeding, birds received known doses of 15N-l-leucine before we measured the isotope concentrations in GIT and associated digestive organs and in locomotory muscles. We then quantified the extent to which blackcaps rebuilt their GIT with endogenous and/or dietary protein while refeeding after a fast. Our results indicate that blackcaps fed the low-protein diet incorporated less exogenous nitrogen into their tissues than birds fed the 20% protein diet. They also allocated relatively more exogenous protein to the GIT than to pectoral muscle than those birds re-fed with the high-protein diet. However, this compensation was not sufficient for birds eating the low-protein diet to rebuild their intestine at the same rate as the birds re-fed the high-protein diet. We concluded that blackcaps must choose stopover sites at which they can maximize protein intake to minimize the time it takes to rebuild their GIT and, thus, resume migration as soon as possible.
Active uptake of artificial particles in the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kiyama Yuya , Miyahara Kohji , Ohshima Yasumi 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYFeeding and food choice are crucial to the survival of an animal. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans feeds on various microorganisms in nature, and is usually fed Escherichia coli in the laboratory. To elucidate the mechanisms of food/non-food discrimination in C. elegans, we examined the accumulation of various fluorescent polystyrene microspheres in the absence and presence of bacterial food. In the absence of food and on agar plates, C. elegans worms actively accumulated 0.5 and 1 μm diameter microspheres, whereas those microspheres &lt;0.5 μm or &gt;3 μm were rarely accumulated. Carboxylate microspheres were accumulated more than sulfate or amine microspheres. These results of accumulation in the absence of food probably well simulate uptake of or feeding on the microspheres. Presence of food bacteria even at bacteria:nematode ratios of 1:100 or 1:10 significantly reduced accumulation of 0.5 μm microspheres, and accumulation was reduced to approximately one-fourth of that observed in the absence of bacteria at a ratio of 1:1. When accumulation of microspheres was examined with the chemical sense mutants che-2, tax-2, odr-1 and odr-2, or the feeding mutant eat-1, all the mutants showed less accumulation than the wild type in the absence of food. In the presence of food, the che-2 mutant showed more accumulation than the wild type. It is possible that C. elegans discriminates food both physically, based on size, and chemically, based on taste and olfaction.
Comparative characterization of Na+ transport in Cyprinodon variegatus variegatus and Cyprinodon variegatus hubbsi: a model species complex for studying teleost invasion of freshwater
Authors: Brix Kevin V. , Grosell Martin 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARY
The euryhaline fish Cyprinodon variegatus variegatus is capable of tolerating ambient salinities ranging from 0.3 to 160 PSU, but is incapable of long-term survival in freshwater (&lt;2 mmol l–1 Na+). A population isolated in several freshwater (0.4–1 mmol l–1 Na+) lakes in central Florida is now designated as a subspecies (Cyprinodon variegatus hubbsi). We conducted a comparative study of Na+ transport kinetics in these two populations when acclimated to different ambient Na+ concentrations. Results reveal that the two subspecies have qualitatively similar low affinity Na+ uptake kinetics (Km=7000–38,000 μmol l–1) when acclimated to 2 or 7 mmol l–1 Na+, but C. v. hubbsi switches to a high affinity system (Km=100–140 μmol l–1) in low-Na+ freshwater (≤1 mmol l–1 Na+). Inhibitor experiments indicate that Na+ uptake in both subspecies is EIPA-sensitive, but sensitivity decreases with increasing external Na+. EIPA induced a 95% inhibition of Na+ influx in C. v. hubbsi acclimated to 0.1 mmol l–1 Na+, suggesting that this subspecies is utilizing a Na+/H+ exchanger to take up Na+ in low-Na+ environments despite theoretical thermodynamic constraints. Na+ uptake in C. v. hubbsi acclimated to 0.1 mmol l–1 Na+ is phenamil-sensitive but not bafilomycin-sensitive, leading to uncertainty about whether this subspecies also utilizes Na+ channels for Na+ uptake. Experiments with both subspecies acclimated to 7 mmol l–1 Na+ also indicate that a Cl–-dependent Na+ uptake pathway is present. This pathway is not metolazone-sensitive (NCC inhibitor) in either species but is bumetanide-sensitive in C. v. variegatus but not C. v. hubbsi. This suggests that an apical NKCC is increasingly involved with Na+ uptake for this subspecies as external Na+ increases. Finally, characterization of mitochondria-rich cell (MRC) size and density in fish acclimated to different ambient Na+ concentrations revealed significant increases in the number and size of emergent MRCs with decreasing ambient Na+. A linear relationship between the fractional area of emergent MRCs and Na+ uptake rate was observed for both subspecies. However, C. v. variegatus have lower Na+ uptake rates at a given MRC fractional area compared with C. v. hubbsi, indicating that the enhanced Na+ uptake by C. v. hubbsi at low ambient Na+ concentrations is not strictly a result of increased MRC fractional area, and other variables, such as differential expression of proteins involved in Na+ uptake, must provide C. v. hubbsi with the ability to osmoregulate in dilute freshwater.
The male blue crab,Callinectes sapidus, uses both chromatic and achromatic cues during mate choice
Authors: Baldwin Jamie , Johnsen Sönke 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYIn the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, claw color varies by sex, sexual maturity and individual. Males rely in part on color cues to select appropriate mates, and these chromatic cues may be perceived through an opponent interaction between two photoreceptors with maximum wavelength sensitivities at 440 and 508 nm. The range of color discrimination of this dichromatic visual system may be limited, however, and it is unclear whether male blue crabs are capable of discriminating the natural variations in claw color that may be important in mate choice. By testing males’ innate color preferences in binary choice tests between photographs of red-clawed females and six variations of orange-clawed females, we examined both the chromatic (opponent interaction) and achromatic (relative luminance) cues used in male mate choice. Males significantly preferred red-clawed females to orange-clawed females, except when the test colors were similar in both opponency and relative luminance. Our results are unusual in that they indicate that male mate choice in the blue crab is not guided solely by achromatic or chromatic mechanisms, suggesting that both color and intensity are used to evaluate female claw color.
General practice registrars as teachers: a questionnaire-based evaluation
Authors: Williams Bronwen , Amiel Cressida 
Published: March 2012

Summary Objectives To determine how many General Practice (GP) Registrars in the London Deanery taught medical students during their final year of training. For those who did teach, to evaluate their experiences and for those who did not, to identify perceived barriers to teaching. Design Cross sectional survey of GP Registrars in the London Deanery completing their training in August 2010. Setting Online survey of GP Registrars sent after completion of training via the London Deanery GP Vocational Training Scheme (VTS) programme administrators. Participants GP Registrars in the London Deanery completing their training in August 2010. Main outcome measure The proportion of London Deanery GP registrars completing training in August 2010 who taught medical students during their registrar year. Results Over half of respondents were involved in some form of medical student teaching during their registrar year. Most of those who taught felt it enhanced their training, and the majority of those who did not teach would have liked to. Commonly cited barriers to teaching were: students not attached to the practice; not being given the opportunity to teach; and not having time to teach. Conclusions This evaluation demonstrated that GP registrars are either already involved with undergraduate teaching or want to get involved and the majority who teach feel that it enhances their training. A UK-wide study investigating the experiences and views of both GP registrars and GP trainers is warranted and qualitative work using focus groups or semistructured interviews would be valuable to develop the questionnaire for wider dissemination.
Pregabalin for the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Wensel Terri M , Powe Krystal W , Cates Marshall E 
Published: March 2012

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of pregabalin in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Data Sources: A search of PubMed (1966-December 2011) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-December 2011) was conducted using the MeSH and free-text terms pregabalin, anxiety disorders, and anxiety. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All English-language articles identified through the search were evaluated for inclusion. Only randomized controlled trials involving the use of pregabalin for the treatment of GAD were included in the review. Data Synthesis: Eight published trials were identified through the search strategy. Successful treatment of GAD with pregabalin versus placebo and active comparators has been reported in clinical trials. Pregabalin lowered total Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety scores within 1 week and was effective against both somatic and psychic subcomponents. In 1 controlled clinical trial, pregabalin was found to be effective in patients aged 65 years and older. Another trial demonstrated improved relapse rates when pregabalin, compared with placebo, was used for up to 6 months. The most commonly experienced adverse events were somnolence, dizziness, headache, and dry mouth. Conclusions: Available evidence suggests that pregabalin is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of GAD. As somnolence and dizziness are common adverse effects, caution should be used in elderly patients. Pregabalin rapidly relieves anxiety, a benefit that it may have over many other currently available therapeutic options besides benzodiazepines. While not a first-line therapy in GAD, pregabalin offers another treatment option in patients who do not respond to or who suffer intolerable adverse effects from other agents.
Pegloticase: A Novel Agent for Treatment-Refractory Gout
Authors: Shannon Jennifer A , Cole Sabrina W 
Published: March 2012

Objective: To evaluate efficacy and safety of pegloticase, approved by the Food and Drug Administration in September 2010 for treatment of patients with chronic treatment-refractory gout. Data Sources: Literature searches were conducted using PubMed (1948–January 2012), TOXLINE, international Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-January 2012), and Google Scholar using the terms pegloticase, puricase, PEG-uricase, gout, uricase, and Krystexxa. Results were limited to English-language publications. References from selected articles were reviewed to identify additional citations. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Studies evaluating the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of pegloticase for the treatment of chronic treatment-refractory gout were included. Data Synthesis: Pegloticase represents a novel intravenous treatment option for patients who have chronic gout refractory to other available treatments. Pegloticase is a recombinant uricase and achieves therapeutic effects by catalyzing oxidation of uric acid to allantoin, resulting in decreased uric acid concentrations. Results of published trials demonstrate the ability of pegloticase to maintain uric acid concentrations below 7 mg/dL in patients with chronic gout, Data supporting reduction of gout flares are limited. Pegloticase is well tolerated but associated with gout flares and infusion reactions. Other adverse events include nausea, dizziness, and back pain. During Phase 3 trials, 2 patients in the pegloticase biweekly group and 1 in the monthly group experienced heart failure exacerbation; another patient in the monthly group experienced a nonfatal myocardial infarction. Providers should exercise caution before administering pegloticase to patients with cardiovascular disease. The cost burden and safety profile may limit its use in practice, in addition to limited data available to support decreases in patient-centered outcomes (eg, gouty attacks). Conclusions: Pegloticase is an effective option for patients with symptomatic gout for whom current uric acid-lowering therapies are ineffective or contraindicated.
Brentuximab Vedotin: A New Age in the Treatment of Hodgkin Lymphoma and Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Minich Stephanie S 
Published: March 2012

Objective: To review the clinical trial data, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and adverse effects of brentuximab vedotin. Data Sources: A literature search was performed using MEDLINE and PubMed (both 1966–October 2011), as well as the American Society of Hematology abstracts (2000–January 2012), using the primary search terms brentuximab vedotin, SGN-35, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Study Selection and Data Extraction: Published and ongoing clinical studies and abstracts in the English language that detail the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, and clinical efficacy of brentuximab vedotin in the treatment of HL and ALCL were included in this review. Data Synthesis: Brentuximab vedotin is an antibody drug conjugate that combines the anti-CD30 antibody, cAC10, with the synthetic tubulin disrupting agent monomethyl auristatin E. A Phase 1 trial in patients with relapsed and refractory HL or systemic ALCL supported a dose of 1.8 mg/kg every 3 weeks, The drug was well tolerated, with the majority of adverse reactions being grade 1 or 2 in severity. Common toxicities included fatigue, pyrexia, diarrhea, nausea, neutropenia, and peripheral neuropathy. Phase 2 studies in the same patient populations illustrated objective response rates of 73–86% with an acceptable toxicity profile. Based on results of these Phase 2 trials, the Food and Drug Administration granted approval of brentuximab vedotin in August 2011 for the treatment of relapsed and refractory HL or ALCL. Conclusions: Phase 1 and 2 clinical trial data indicate that brentuximab vedotin is efficacious and safe in patients with relapsed and refractory CD30-positive lymphomas. This agent is being investigated in combination with chemotherapy to further elucidate its role in lymphoma therapy.
Circulating MicroRNA miR-323-3p as a Biomarker of Ectopic Pregnancy
Authors: Zhao Zhen , Zhao Qiuhong , Warrick Joshua , Lockwood Christina M , Woodworth Alison , Moley Kelle H , Gronowski Ann M 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The use of serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and progesterone to identify patients with ectopic pregnancy (EP) has been shown to have poor clinical utility. Pregnancy-associated circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have been proposed as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of pregnancy-associated complications. This proof-of-concept study examined the diagnostic accuracy of various miRNAs to detect EP in an emergency department (ED) setting.

METHODS
This study was a retrospective case–control analysis of 89 women who presented to the ED with vaginal bleeding and/or abdominal pain/cramping and received a diagnosis of viable intrauterine pregnancy (VIP), spontaneous abortion (SA), or EP. Serum hCG and progesterone concentrations were measured by immunoassays. The serum concentrations of miRNAs miR-323-3p, miR-517a, miR-519d, and miR-525-3p were measured with TaqMan real-time PCR. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the clinical utility of these biomarkers, both as single markers and as multimarker panels for EP.

RESULTS
Concentrations of serum hCG, progesterone, miR-517a, miR-519d, and miR-525-3p were significantly lower in EP and SA cases than in VIP cases (P &lt; 0.01). In contrast, the concentration of miR-323-3p was significantly increased in EP cases, compared with SA and VIP cases (P &lt; 0.01). As a single marker, miR-323-3p had the highest sensitivity of 37.0% (at a fixed specificity of 90%). In comparison, the combined panel of hCG, progesterone, and miR-323-3p yielded the highest sensitivity (77.8%, at a fixed specificity of 90%). A stepwise analysis that used hCG first, added progesterone, and then added miR-323-3p yielded a 96.3% sensitivity and a 72.6% specificity.

CONCLUSIONS
Pregnancy-associated miRNAs, especially miR-323-3p, added substantial diagnostic accuracy to a panel including hCG and progesterone for the diagnosis of EP.
Dopant Uniformity and Concentration in Boron Doped Single Crystal Diamond Films
Authors: Demlow Shannon. N. , Berkun I. , Becker M. , Hogan T. , Grotjohn T.A. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTHigh quality single crystal boron-doped diamond films are deposited in a microwave plasma-assisted CVD reactor with feedgas mixtures including hydrogen, methane, diborane, and carbon dioxide at reactor pressures of 160 Torr. The effect of diborane levels and other growth parameters on the incorporated boron levels are investigated, and the doping efficiency is calculated over a wide range of boron concentrations. The boron level is investigated using infrared absorption, and compared to SIMS measurements, and defects are shown to affect the doping uniformity.
Quantifying Protein Adsorption to Physically Crosslinked Gelatin-Based Networks
Authors: Neffe Axel T. , Pierce Benjamin F. , Blaszkiewicz Joanna , Lendlein Andreas 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTPhysically crosslinked hydrogels based on gelatin functionalized with desaminotyrosine (DAT) (giving Gel-DAT) or desaminotyrosyl tyrosine (DATT) (resulting in Gel-DATT) have shown high potential as biomaterials. Here, protein adsorption to the functionalized gelatins in comparison to gelatin was quantified to see if the functionalization and chain organization of gelatins has an influence on the amount of proteins being adsorbed. For this purpose, gelatin, Gel-DAT, and Gel-DATT were incubated with water or aq. solutions of bovine serum albumin (BSA), fibrinogen, or fibronectin, respectively, at physiological concentrations. Protein concentrations in the supernatant were determined with the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay before and after the contact. BSA adsorption to the materials was influenced as well by the hydrophobicity of the material as the degree of swelling, with the observation that higher protein concentrations led to lower protein adsorption. The highest amount of fibronectin was adsorbed to Gel-DAT, followed by gelatin and Gel-DATT, with only small differences for different initial protein concentrations. Fibrinogen adsorption increased with increasing concentration. In the future, adsorption studies based on specific antibody-based techniques might enable quantification of the proteins also in competition assays and direct quantification of adsorbed material.
An Evaluation of Communication Apprehension in Adolescents with Velopharyngeal Inadequacy
Authors: Dzioba Agnieszka , Husein Murad , Dworschak-Stokan Anne , Doyle Philip C. 
Published: March 2012

Objective This investigation evaluated the construct of communication apprehension (CA) in adolescents with velopharyngeal inadequacy (VPI). Design Prospective comparative study. Settings The investigation was conducted in a hospital-based clinic, voice laboratory, and the homes of participants. Participants Two groups of children participated in this study. The first group was composed of 14 children between the ages of 8 and 14 years who attended the velopharyngeal inadequacy (VPI) clinic at our institution, and the second group was composed of 14 age-matched children from the community with no history of speech or voice disorders. Interventions The study involved completion of the Measure of Elementary Communication Apprehension (MECA) by all 28 participants (14 experimental and 14 control subjects). Reliability of the subjects’ responses to the MECA was also evaluated. Outcome Measures Communication apprehension scores obtained from the MECA were the main focus of the study. Results Children with VPI experienced significantly higher levels of CA than did those in the control group. Moderate-to-good reliability of the MECA was found. Conclusions Based on these data, children with VPI may be experiencing increased levels of CA. Consequently, the experience of high CA has the potential to affect the communication performance and social functioning of children with VPI.
Targeted extraction of active compounds from natural products by molecularly imprinted polymers
Authors: Pardo Antonelle , Mespouille Laetitia , Dubois Philippe , Duez Pierre , Blankert Bertrand 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
One of the most promising separation techniques that have emerged during the last decade is based on the use of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). MIPs are stable polymers that possess specific cavities designed for a template molecule, endowed with excellent selectivity compared to regular solid phase extraction techniques. Molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) has already shown a high efficiency for the sample preparation from complex matrices. Natural products received huge attention in recent years. Indeed, the application of MISPE for the screening of natural products appears extremely interesting not only for the selective extraction of a target compound but also for the concomitant discovery of new drug candidates, promising sources of therapeutic benefits. In the present review, examples of recognition and separation of active components from natural extracts are emphasized. MIPs are very promising materials to mimic the recognition characteristics exhibited by enzymes or receptors although further developments are necessary to fully exploit their wide potential.
Tungstate sulfuric acid: preparation, characterization, and application in catalytic synthesis of novel benzimidazoles
Authors: Karami Bahador , Khodabakhshi Saeed , Haghighijou Zahra 
Published: March 2012

AbstractTungstate sulfuric acid (TSA) was prepared, characterized, and applied for direct synthesis of novel and known benzimidazoles through a condensation reaction of o-phenylenediamines with orthoesters under solvent-free conditions. TSA was characterized by powdered X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and FTIR spectroscopy. This novel and eco-friendly method is very cheap and has many advantages such as excellent yields, recyclable and eco-friendly catalyst, and simple work-up procedure.