bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydroxyapatite/polyurethane scaffold incorporated with drug‐loaded ethyl cellulose microspheres for bone regeneration
Authors: Liu Haohuai , Zhang Li , Shi Pujiang , Zou Qin , Zuo Yi , Li Yubao 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to explore and develop biodegradable scaffold for bone regeneration or tissue engineering with the capacity of controlled drug delivery. Ceftazidime as a model drug was encapsulated in ethyl cellulose (EC) microspheres, which were subsequently incorporated in a hydroxyapatite/polyurethane (HA/PU) composite scaffold to generate an antibiotic drug delivery system. HA/PU scaffolds had an interconnected pore network with an average porosity of about 83%. The presence of microspheres in the composite scaffolds was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The drug‐loaded EC microspheres were uniformly distributed in the HA/PU scaffold matrix and showed no significant effect on the pore structure of the scaffold. Incorporation of microspheres into scaffolds significantly reduced the initial burst release, and the system exhibited a sustained release of the model drug for up to 60 days. Moreover, the scaffold with drug‐loaded microspheres was proved to be an effective drug delivery system with good cytocompatibility and antibacterial properties. The novel drug‐loaded microsphere/scaffold composites developed in this study are promising to serve as vehicles for controlled drug delivery in bone regeneration or bone tissue engineering. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010.
Hepatic expression profiling shows involvement of PKC epsilon, DGK eta, Tnfaip, and Rho kinase in type 2 diabetic nephropathy rats
Authors: Gupta Jeena , Gaikwad Anil Bhanudas , Tikoo Kulbhushan 
Published: July 2010

AbstractType 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk for developing fatty liver disease, which results in an increased incidence of diabetic nephropathy. Hence, the present study was conceived to identify transcriptional changes in the liver that can provide molecular mediators for increased risk of developing nephropathy associated with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes was rendered in male SD rats using both high‐fat diet and low dose of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg, intraperitonially, i.p.). Hepatic gene expression profiling was performed in animals after development of diabetic nephropathy. The gene expression data were validated by RT‐PCR, protein expression, and immunohistochemistry. Gene expression profiling data revealed dramatic increase in expression of PKC epsilon, TNF‐alpha‐induced protein (four‐ to seven‐folds), and decrease in the expression of DGK eta in the liver of diabetic nephropathic rats. Furthermore, there was an increase in expression of genes regulating Rho signaling pathway, which was further confirmed by increase in Rho kinase activity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report which shows the involvement of PKC epsilon, DGK eta, Tnfaip, and Rho kinase in the liver of type 2 diabetic rats and its association with diabetic nephropathy. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 944–954, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phase‐Field Simulation of Long‐Wavelength Line Edge Roughness in Diblock Copolymer Resists
Authors: Bosse August W. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWe examine stochastic computer simulations of the Leibler‐Ohta‐Kawasaki (LOK) phase‐field model1, 2 and demonstrate that long‐wavelength line edge roughness (LER) and line width roughness (LWR) in a lamellar diblock copolymer resist depend monotonically on quench depth and noise strength, and that the LER and LWR spectra both exhibit a peak at k0–the characteristic wavenumber of mesophase separation in diblock copolymers. For k ⪅ k0, we find that the LER spectrum approximately scales like k−1.6. These observations are consistent with previous theoretical, computational, and experimental examinations LER and LWR in diblock copolymer melts, and thus the LOK phase‐field model should be considered a capable and appropriate framework for future examination of long‐wavelength LER and LWR in block copolymer resist systems.magnified image
Validation of the Mexican–Spanish version of the EORTC QLQ‐C15‐PAL questionnaire for the evaluation of health‐related quality of life in patients on palliative care
Authors: Suárez‐del‐Real Yolanda , Allende‐Pérez Silvia , Alférez‐Mancera Araceli , Rodríguez Rosa Bertha , Jiménez‐Toxtle Silvia , Mohar Alejandro , Oñate‐Ocaña Luis F. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackground: Health‐related quality of life (HRQL) is an important outcome in oncology, particularly in the palliative care setting. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ‐C15‐PAL questionnaire is a brief version of QLQ‐C30. Our aim is to validate the Mexican–Spanish version of the QLQ‐C15‐PAL questionnaire to measure HRQL in patients with terminal cancer.Methods: Consecutive patients with biopsy proven cancer were included in the study. All were treated in a cancer center in Mexico and were referred for palliative care because of far‐advanced, recurrent or metastatic cancer. QLQ‐C15‐PAL questionnaire was applied in the first visit to the Unit and palliative care was offered to all patients depending on their specific necessities.Results: Eighty‐three patients were enrolled in this study (mean age, 61.2 years). Compliance rates were high; all patients completed to the questionnaire in <20 min and the instrument was well‐received. Five missing values in five different items were found. QLQ‐C15 scales distinguished between other clinically distinct groups of patients. Multi‐trait scaling analysis demonstrated good convergent and discriminant validity. Cronbach's α coefficients were >0.7 in three of four multi‐item scales (0.67 in the fourth). Test–retest scores were consistent in some scales, while improve or worsen in others. Better Global health, Dyspnea, Insomnia, Fatigue and Appetite scales were associated with longer survival.Conclusion: The Mexican–Spanish version of the EORTC QLQ‐C15‐PAL questionnaire is reliable and valid for HRQL measurement in patients with terminal cancer, and is appropriate for use in clinical trials of Mexican patients. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The interaction of ammonia and xenon with the imidazole glycerol phosphate synthase from Thermotoga maritima as detected by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Liebold Christoph , List Felix , Kalbitzer Hans Robert , Sterner Reinhard , Brunner Eike 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe imidazole glycerol phosphate (ImGP) synthase from the hyperthermophilic bacterium Thermotoga maritima is a 1:1 complex of the glutaminase subunit HisH and the cyclase subunit HisF. It has been proposed that ammonia generated by HisH is transported through a channel to the active site of HisF, which generates intermediates of histidine (ImGP) and de novo biosynthesis of 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamideribotide. Solution NMR spectroscopy of ammonium chloride‐titrated samples was used to study the interaction of NH3 with amino acids inside this channel. Although numerous residues showed 15N chemical shift changes, most of these changes were caused by nonspecific ionic strength effects. However, several interactions appeared to be specific. Remarkably, the amino acid residue Thr 78—which is located in the central channel—shows a large chemical shift change upon titration with ammonium chloride. This result and the reduced catalytic activity of the Thr78Met mutant indicate a special role of this residue in ammonia channeling. To detect and further characterize internal cavities in HisF, which might for example contribute to ammonia channeling, the interaction of HisF with the noble gas xenon was analyzed by solution NMR spectroscopy using 1H‐15N HSQC experiments. The results indicate that HisF contains three distinct internal cavities, which could be identified by xenon‐induced chemical shift changes of the neighboring amino acid residues. Two of these cavities are located at the active site at opposite ends of the substrate N′‐[(5′‐phosphoribulosyl)formimino]‐5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide‐ribonucleotide (PRFAR) binding groove. The third cavity is located in the interior of the central β‐barrel of HisF and overlaps with the putative ammonia transport channel.
1,2,3,6‐tetra‐O‐galloyl‐β‐D‐allopyranose gallotannin isolated, from Euphorbia jolkini, attenuates LPS‐induced nitric oxide production in macrophages
Authors: Park Seung‐Bin , Kim Mi‐Sun , Lee Hee Sang , Lee Seung Ho , Kim Sang‐Hyun 
Published: July 2010

AbstractNitric oxide (NO) is a pleiotropic regulator, critical to numerous biological processes, including vasodilatation and macrophage‐mediated immunity. Macrophages express inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and produce NO after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Gallotannins are water‐soluble polyphenols with wide‐ranging biological activities. Various chemical structures of gallotannins occurring in medicinal and food plants that are used worldwide showed several remarkable biological and pharmacological activities. In the present study, we examined the inhibitory effects of gallotannin 1,2,3,6‐tetra‐O‐galloyl‐β‐D‐allopyranose (GT24) isolated from Euphorbia jolkini on the LPS‐induced NO production and underlying mechanisms of action. GT24 dose‐dependently decreased LPS‐induced NO production and iNOS expression in J774A.1 macrophages. In addition, GT24 inhibited LPS‐induced activation of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB as indicated by inhibition of degradation of I‐κBα, nuclear translocation of NF‐κB, and NF‐κB dependent gene reporter assay. Our results suggest that GT24 possesses an inhibitory effect on the LPS‐induced inflammatory reaction. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of E. laciniata (L) Ointment on Mild and Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Double‐blind, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Eftekharsadat Bina , Kazem Shakouri Seyed , Shimia Mohammad , Rahbar Mohammad , Ghojazadeh Morteza , Reza Rashidi Mohammad , Hadi Faraji Mohammad 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThis paper concerns the effects of methanol extract of Eremostachys laciniata on mild and moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Forty patients, including sixty hands affected by CTS, were randomly categorized in two different groups. Group A and Group B were treated with E. laciniata extract and placebo as the ointment, respectively. Tests, including the palmar prehension (pound), grip power (kg), visual analog scale (VAS) and electrodiagnostic study, were performed on all patients before and after the trial. During the trial, all patients receive Sodium Diclofenac (25 mg twice a day) orally. In addition, they utilized a night wrist splint. After four weeks of treatment, the state of mean palmer prehension in both groups improved yet, the statistics show that group A prevailed by (p = 0.01). Grip power increased in both groups as well, but this increase was not significant within‐groups (p = 0.18 and p = 0.54 in group A and B, respectively) or between‐groups (p = 0.053). Although the VSA decreased in both groups, group A prevailed again by (p < 0.001). After four weeks, no significant electrodiagnostic change was detected between the two groups. According to this study, the methanol extract of E. laciniata can be effective in treatment of mild and moderate CTS in combination with the wrist night splint, especially in alleviating the severity of the syndrome and increasing the palmer prehension power. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel method for producing amorphous rice flours by milling without adding water
Authors: Katsuno Keiji , Nishioka Akihiro , Koda Tomonori , Miyata Ken , Murasawa Go , Nakaura Yoshiko , Inouchi Naoyoshi 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe present study investigated a novel milling method for producing amorphous rice starch without adding water. A new type of milling machine was developed (termed the shear and heat milling machine (SHMM)), which is capable of applying mechanical shear and heat during the milling process. The SHMM consisted of a pair of rice mortars attached to a servomotor and a ring heater. The heater was installed on the upper mortar; the temperature of the upper mortar was monitored and controlled by a thermal controller. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) analysis was used to determine the crystallinities of starch in rice flour samples produced using the SHMM at different milling temperatures. The WAXD data for milled rice flour that had been heated exhibited no diffraction peaks. This experimental result demonstrates that the developed SHMM produces amorphous rice starch easily by milling with heating without the addition of water. The milling conditions such as the shear and heat applied can be used to control the crystallinity of starch in rice.
Repeated cocaine exposure decreases dopamine D2‐like receptor modulation of Ca2+homeostasis in rat nucleus accumbens neurons
Authors: Perez Mariela F. , Ford Kerstin A. , Goussakov Ivan , Stutzmann Grace E. , Hu Xiu‐Ti 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a limbic structure in the forebrain that plays a critical role in cognitive function and addiction. Dopamine modulates activity of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the NAc. Both dopamine D1‐like and D2‐like receptors (including D1R or D1,5R and D2R or D2,3,4R, respectively) are thought to play critical roles in cocaine addiction. Our previous studies demonstrated that repeated cocaine exposure (which alters dopamine transmission) decreases excitability of NAc MSNs in cocaine‐sensitized, withdrawn rats. This decrease is characterized by a reduction in voltage‐sensitive Na+currents and high voltage‐activated Ca2+currents, along with increased voltage‐gated K+currents. These changes are associated with enhanced activity in the D1R/cAMP/PKA/protein phosphatase 1 pathway and diminished calcineurin function. Although D1R‐mediated signaling is enhanced by repeated cocaine exposure, little is known whether and how the D2R is implicated in the cocaine‐induced NAc dysfunction. Here, we performed a combined electrophysiological, biochemical, and neuroimaging study that reveals the cocaine‐induced dysregulation of Ca2+homeostasis with involvement of D2R. Our novel findings reveal that D2R stimulation reduced Ca2+influx preferentially via the L‐type Ca2+channels and evoked intracellular Ca2+release, likely via inhibiting the cAMP/PKA cascade, in the NAc MSNs of drug‐free rats. However, repeated cocaine exposure abolished the D2R effects on modulating Ca2+homeostasis with enhanced PKA activity and led to a decrease in whole‐cell Ca2+influx. These adaptations, which persisted for 21 days during cocaine abstinence, may contribute to the mechanism of cocaine withdrawal. Synapse, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiparametric assessment of acute and subacute ischemic neuronal damage: A small animal positron emission tomography study with rat photochemically induced thrombosis model
Authors: Fukumoto Dai , Hosoya Teruyo , Nishiyama Shingo , Harada Norihiro , Iwata Hiroshi , Yamamoto Shigeyuki , Tsukada Hideo 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWe evaluated sequential changes in rat brain function up to 14 days after focal ischemic insult with a small animal positron emission tomography (PET). Unilateral focal ischemic cerebral damage was induced by left middle cerebral artery occlusion with a photochemically induced thrombosis (PIT) method. PET scans were conducted with [11C](R)‐PK11195 ([11C](R)‐PK) for peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR), [11C]flumazenil ([11C]FMZ) for central benzodiazepine receptor (CBR), and [18F]fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose ([18F]FDG) for glucose metabolism at before (as “Normal”) and after PIT. At 1 and 3 days after PIT, [18F]FDG indicated lower uptake in the infarct area. Interestingly, unexpectedly high‐[18F]FDG uptake was observed in the peri‐infarct area surrounding the infarct area at day 7. The high‐[18F]FDG uptake region completely overlapped with the high‐[11C](R)‐PK uptake region at day 7, which resulted in the underestimation of neuronal damage. Immunohistochemical data also suggested that the high‐[18F]FDG uptake peak at day 7 was caused by inflammation including microglial cell activation. In contrast, imaging with [11C]FMZ indicated cortical neuronal damage on days 7 and 14 without any disturbance by microglial formation. These results indicated that [18F]FDG might not be a suitable ligand for ischemic neuronal damage detection from acute to subacute phases. Synapse, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dendritic morphology of neurons in medial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and nucleus accumbens in adult SH rats
Authors: Sánchez Fremioth , Gómez‐Villalobos María de Jesús , Juarez Ismael , Quevedo Lucía , Flores Gonzalo 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWe have studied, in spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats at different ages (2, 4, and 8 months old), the dendritic morphological changes of the pyramidal neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus and medium spiny neurons of the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) induced by the chronic effect of high‐blood pressure. As control animals, we used Wistar‐Kioto (WK) rats. Blood pressure was measured every 2 months to confirm the increase in arterial blood pressure. Spontaneous locomotor activity was assessed, and then brains were removed to study the dendritic morphology by the Golgi‐Cox stain method followed by Sholl analysis. SH animals at 4 and 8 months of age showed decreased spine density in pyramidal neurons from the mPFC and in medium spiny cells from the NAcc. At 8 months of age as well the pyramidal neurons from the hippocampus exhibited a reduction in the number of dendritic spines. An increase in locomotion in a novel environment at all ages in the SH rats was observed. Our results indicate that high‐blood pressure alters the neuronal dendrite morphology of the mPFC, hippocampus, and NAcc. The increased locomotion behavior supports the idea that dopaminergic transmission is altered in the SH rats. This could enhance our understanding of the consequences of chronic high‐blood pressure on brain structure, which may implicate cognitive impairment in hypertensive patients. Synapse, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nuclear quality control of RNA polymerase II transcripts
Authors: Schmid Manfred , Jensen Torben Heick 
Published: July 2010

AbstractEukaryotic RNA polymerase II produces an astounding diversity of transcripts. These may need to be 5′ capped, spliced, polyadenylated, and packaged with proteins before their export to the cytoplasm. Unscheduled accumulation of any RNA species can interfere with normal RNA metabolism and poses a serious hazard to cells. Yet, given the amount of primary transcripts and the complexity of the RNA maturation process, production of aberrant RNA species is unavoidable. Cells, therefore, employ nuclear RNA quality control mechanisms to rapidly degrade, actively retain, or transcriptionally silence unwanted RNAs. Pathways that monitor mRNA production are best understood and similar pathways are employed to destroy transcriptional noise. Finally, related mechanisms also contribute to gene regulation during normal growth. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.This article is categorized under:

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Turnover/Surveillance Mechanisms
Homelessness among older people and service responses
Authors: Crane Maureen , Warnes Anthony M 
Published: July 2010

SummaryThis paper reviews the limited evidence on the causes of homelessness in old age and on the circumstances and problems of older homeless people, and it describes the few services dedicated to the group. Health care and social care professionals rarely encounter homelessness among the many problems of older people that present to them, but in many developed countries there is evidence that the number of older homeless people has recently been growing. Some among them have been homeless intermittently or continuously for years, but many became homeless for the first time in later life. The reasons for becoming homeless and the problems and needs of the group are exceptionally diverse. Many have been estranged from their family or have no living relatives, and they have a high prevalence of health problems and functional limitations. Although services for homeless people in general have improved since the early 1990s, few have targeted the needs of older people.
Birefringence parameter available for quantitative analysis of human zona hardness
Authors: Iwayama Hiroshi , Hochi Shinichi , Yamashita Masanori 
Published: July 2010

SummaryThis study was designed to investigate whether a non-invasive birefringence parameter, determined using the Oosight™ imaging system, is useful for estimating the hardness of human zona pellucida (ZP). The value for retardance (R) × thickness (T), but not R or T alone, of ZP was positively correlated (r = 0.92, p < 0.0001) with its hardness estimated by the time required for a 0.1% protease solution to solubilize ZP at 37 °C. In a model experiment to induce ZP puncture by Fluorinert™ fluid microinjection (sham-hatching), the R × T value at the punctured site was positively correlated (r = 0.78, p < 0.01) with the hardness of the ZP as estimated by the maximum expansion rate. The R × T values of ZP in in vitro fertilization-derived embryos (21.6 ± 7.5) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection-derived embryos (20.8 ± 6.3) were significantly higher than that in unfertilized metaphase II oocytes (16.6 ± 6.1; p < 0.05). The R × T value after in vitro hatching of viable blastocysts (10.8 ± 6.2) was significantly lower than that of unexpanded morulae and early blastocysts (19.0 ± 4.0; p < 0.05), while the value of expanding blastocysts (15.3 ± 4.1) was intermediate. In conclusion, hardness of human ZP can be estimated non-invasively by birefringence-based microscopic observation.
Limited efficacy of pentoxifylline as anti-inflammatory agent in experimental pneumococcal meningitis
Authors: ZYSK G , BRÜCK W , FISCHER F R , MÄDER M , RIECKMANN P , NAU R 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARY
Dexamethasone appears to show some adverse side-effects as adjunctive anti-inflammatory agent in bacterial meningitis. For this reason, we tested the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect of pentoxifylline administered 15 min before starting antibiotic treatment with ceftriaxone (n = 10) versus antibiotic therapy alone (n = 9) in the rabbit model of pneumococcal meningitis. Pentoxifylline lowered the medians of leucocyte density, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and lactate in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), but only leucocyte migration into the subarachnoid space was significantly inhibited 8 h after initiation of therapy (P = 0.01). CSF protein, brain water content, and the entry of ceftriaxone into CSF were not influenced by pentoxifylline. The density of neuronal apoptoses in the dentate gyrus was slightly lower in animals receiving pentoxifylline than in those treated with ceftriaxone only. The median concentration of neuron-specific enolase in CSF was lower in the pentoxifylline-treated group, but the difference was not significant. In conclusion, pentoxifylline showed some anti-inflammatory activity in pneumococcal meningitis, but the substance failed significantly to reduce neuronal damage.