bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chrysin abrogates cisplatin-induced oxidative stress, p53 expression, goblet cell disintegration and apoptotic responses in the jejunum of Wistar rats
Authors: Khan Rehan , Khan Abdul Quaiyoom , Qamar Wajhul , Lateef Abdul , Ali Farrah , Rehman Muneeb U. , Tahir Mir , Sharma Swati , Sultana Sarwat 
Published: February 2012

Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (CDDP)) is a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of numerous forms of cancer, but it has pronounced adverse effects, namely nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, diarrhoea and nausea. CDDP-induced emesis and diarrhoea are also marked toxicities that may be due to intestinal injury. Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone), a natural flavone commonly found in many plants, possesses multiple biological activities, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of chrysin against CDDP-induced jejunal toxicity. The plausible mechanism of CDDP-induced jejunal toxicity includes oxidative stress, p53 and apoptosis via up-regulating the expression of caspase-6 and -3. Chrysin was administered to Wistar rats orally in maize oil. A single intraperitoneal injection of CDDP was given and the animals were killed after 24 h of CDDP injection. Chrysin ameliorated CDDP-induced lipid peroxidation, increase in xanthine oxidase activity, glutathione depletion, decrease in antioxidant (catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) and phase-II detoxifying (glutathione-S-transferase and quinone reductase) enzyme activities. Chrysin attenuated CDDP-induced goblet cell disintegration, enhanced expression of p53 and apoptotic tissue damage. Histological findings further substantiated the protective effects of chrysin against CDDP-induced damage in the jejunum. The results of the present study demonstrate that oxidative stress and apoptosis are closely associated with CDDP-induced toxicity and chrysin shows the protective efficacy against CDDP-induced jejunum toxicity possibly via attenuating the oxidative stress and apoptotic tissue damage.
A comparison of the FMRFamide-like peptide proteolytic activities of preparations from two plant-parasitic nematodes (Heterodera glycines and Meloidogyne incognita): possible targets for novel control
Authors: Masler E.P. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractProteolytic activities in extracts from the plant-parasitic nematodes Heterodera glycines and Meloidogyneincognita were examined for their abilities to digest three FRET-modified peptide substrates representing members of the large FMRFamide-like peptide (FLP) family in nematodes. Included were sequences distributed across all nematode species (KSAYMRFa and KHEYLRFa) and a sequence confined to a narrow range of plant-parasitic nematodes (KHEFVRFa). Species variations were observed among substrate affinities, reaction rates and effect of protease inhibitors. Km values for KHEYLRFa (1.48 ± 0.34 μm) and KSAYMRFa (2.13 ± 0.24 μm) in H. glycines were each lower (P< 0.05) than those for the same substrates in M. incognita (5.26 ± 1.30 μm and 3.90 ± 0.61 μm, respectively). The Km of KHEFVRFa was lower (P< 0.05) in M. incognita (5.83 ± 0.36 μm) than in H. glycines (11.01 ± 1.26 μm). Reaction rates (Vmax/min/μg) for KHEYLRFa were the same for both species, but KSAYMRFa and KHEFVRFa digestion rates were each nearly twofold higher (P< 0.05) in M. incognita than in H. glycines. Digestion of KSAYMRFa was strongly inhibited in both species by 4-(2-aminoethyl)-benzenesulfonyl-fluoride-HCl (AEBSF) and EDTA, but M. incognita was more sensitive (P< 0.05) to inhibition. AEBSF and EDTA (both at 1 mm) inhibited M. incognita activity 62.3% and 36.6% more, respectively, than H. glycines activity. Serine protease inhibition differed significantly (P< 0.05) between the two species. Maximum inhibition of M. incognita (76%) occurred at 1.85 mm AEBSF while maximum inhibition of H. glycines was 40% at 1.19 mm AEBSF.
Effect of polyvinyl acetal sponge nasal packing on post-operative care of nasal polyposis patients: a randomised, controlled, partly blinded study
Authors: Saedi B , Sadeghi M , Farschi S 
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjective:To compare the effects of routine nasal packing with polyvinyl acetal sponge (Merocel) versus no packing, after endoscopic sinus surgery for nasal polyposis.Subjects and methods:This clinical, randomised, controlled trial was performed in an academic tertiary referral centre between 2008 and 2011. Sixty patients with resistant nasal polyposis underwent endoscopic sinus surgery, and were then randomly divided into two groups: packed and non-packed. The amount of bleeding and pain in each group during pack removal was documented.Results:There was no significant difference between the two groups in the outcome of surgery and complications. One patient in each group needed extra packing. In the packed group, the mean ± standard deviation pain score on pack removal was 61 ± 3 (using a visual analogue scale in which 0 = no pain and 100 = worst pain imaginable).Conclusion:This study found no significant difference between polyvinyl acetal packed and non-packed groups, following endoscopic sinus surgery for nasal polyposis. This confirms the findings of similar studies, and supports the reconsideration of routine post-operative packing in selected cases.
In vitroactivity of the F-6 fraction of oregano againstGiardia intestinalis
Authors: RUFINO-GONZÁLEZ YADIRA , PONCE-MACOTELA MARTHA , GONZÁLEZ-MACIEL ANGÉLICA , REYNOSO-ROBLES RAFAEL , JIMÉNEZ-ESTRADA MANUEL , SÁNCHEZ-CONTRERAS ÁNGELES , MARTÍNEZ-GORDILLO MARIO N. 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYGiardiosis is a neglected parasitic disease that produces diarrhoea and different degrees of malabsorption in humans and animals. Its treatment is based on derivatives of 5-nitroimidazoles, benzimidazoles, nitrofuranes, acridine and nitrotiazoles. These drugs produce undesirable secondary effects, ranging from a metallic taste in the mouth to genetic damage and the selection of resistant strains; therefore, it is necessary to develop new therapeutic alternatives. We demonstrated that a 2-h treatment with 2·87μg ml−1of fraction 6 ofLippia graveolens(F-6) was sufficient to kill half of an experimentalGiardia intestinalis(Syn.G. duodenalis, G. lamblia) population, based on the reduction of MTT-tetrazolium salt levels. F-6 breaks the nuclear envelope and injures the ventral suckling disc. The major compounds of F-6 were characterized as naringenin, thymol, pinocembrin and traces of compounds not yet identified. The results suggest thatLippiais a potential source to obtain compounds with anti-Giardiaactivity. This knowledge is an important starting point to develop new anti-giardial drugs. Future studies will be required to establish the efficacy of F-6in vivousing an animal model.
Modelling the transmission dynamics of Theileria annulata: model structure and validation for the Turkish context
Authors: SUTTON A. J. , KARAGENC T. , BAKIRCI S. , SARALI H. , PEKEL G. , MEDLEY G. F. 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYA mathematical model that describes the transmission dynamics of Theileria annulata is proposed that consists of 2 host components: the Hyalomma tick population and a compartmental model of T. annulata infection in the cattle population. The model was parameterized using data describing tick infestation and the infection status of cattle in Turkey from 2006 to 2008. The tick attachment rates are highly seasonal and because of the temporal separation of infectious and susceptible ticks virtually all ticks are infected by carrier cattle, so that annual peaks of disease in cattle do not impact on infection in the Hyalomma tick population. The impact of intervention measures that target the tick population both on the host and in the environment and their impact on the transmission of T. annulata were investigated. Interventions that have a limited ‘one-off’ impact and interventions that have a more permanent impact were both considered. The results from the model show the importance of targeting ticks during the period when they have left their first host as nymphs but have yet to feed on their second host.
Branchiobdellidan infestation on endangered white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) in the UK
Authors: ROSEWARNE P. J. , MORTIMER R. J. G. , DUNN A. M. 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYBranchiobdellidans or crayfish worms are clitellate annelids and ectosymbionts of freshwater crayfish. An investigation of branchiobdellidan infestation was undertaken in a population of endangered white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) in the river Aire, UK. Thirty two percent of animals were infested either by the adult parasite or their cocoons (n=107). Parasite burden increased with host size, but did not differ with sex. Observations of crayfish gill tissue revealed a strong positive relationship between melanization of filaments and parasite prevalence and burden. Taxonomic identification revealed that 1 species of branchiobdellidan was present,Branchiobdella astaci. The first sequences were generated for this species and phylogenetically analysed alongside published sequences for 5 other branchiobdellidan species in Europe. The position ofB. astaciwithin the genusBranchiobdellawas confirmed, and it was found to cluster as a sister group toB. parasita.
Patterns of trunk spine growth in two congeneric species of acanthocephalan: investment in attachment may differ between sexes and species
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ-ORTS JESÚS S. , TIMI JUAN T. , RAGA JUAN A. , GARCÍA-VARELA M. , CRESPO ENRIQUE A. , AZNAR FRANCISCO J. 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYAcanthocephalans have evolved a hooked proboscis and some taxa have trunk spines to attach to their definitive hosts. These structures are generated before being used, thus a key question is how investment in attachment could optimally be allocated through the ontogeny. The number and arrangement of hooks and spines are never modified in the definitive host, but it is unclear whether these structures grow during adult development. A comparison of the size of trunk spines between cystacanths and adults of Corynosoma cetaceum and C. australe indicated that spines grow in both species, but only in females, which also had significantly larger spines than males. This sexual dimorphism did not result from pure allometry because the body of females was smaller, and did not grow more than that of males. However, having a longer lifespan, females would need to withstand the extreme flow conditions prevailing in marine mammals for longer, inducing different investment and development schedules for spines. Patterns of spine growth also differed between species: fore-trunk spines grew in both species, but hind-trunk spines did only in C. cetaceum. In conclusion, investment strategies on attachment may differ, not only between congeneric species of acanthocephalan, but also between sexes of the same species.
Breeding biology and population increase of the Endangered Bermuda Petrel Pterodroma cahow
Authors: MADEIROS JEREMY , CARLILE NICHOLAS , PRIDDEL DAVID 
Published: February 2012

SummaryThe Bermuda Petrel Pterodroma cahow was thought to have become extinct early in the 17th century due to a combination of hunting by human colonists and predation by introduced rats, cats, dogs and pigs. However, single individuals were found on four occasions during the first half of the 20th century, and in 1951 a small population was discovered breeding on several rocky islets in north-east Bermuda. Recovery actions began in 1962 when the population numbered just 18 pairs, dispersed among five small islets. Although rats extirpated one of these five colonies in 1967, the population has grown steadily to 56 breeding pairs in 2000. We investigated the breeding phenology, productivity and population size of the Bermuda Petrel between 2000/2001 and 2007/2008. Each year, the birds began arriving in Bermuda around mid-October. They departed on a pre-breeding exodus between 19 November and 14 December, returning after 32–56 days to lay a single egg between 31 December and 31 January. Eggs hatched from 16 February to 26 March after a mean (± SD) incubation period of 53 ± 2 days, and young fledged from 15 May to 25 June after a mean fledging period of 91 ± 5 days. Between 2000/2001 and 2007/2008, reproductive output ranged from 29 to 40 fledglings per annum. Mean annual breeding success (62%) was reasonably high relative to other Procellariiformes, largely due to the provision of artificial (concrete) nesting burrows. In 2008, the population numbered 85 breeding pairs. Monitoring since 1961 indicates the population has been increasing exponentially, doubling approximately every 22 years. This rate of increase, together with the increased incidence of storm damage, is making it progressively more impracticable to construct sufficient concrete burrows on the current nesting islets to accommodate all breeding pairs. The vulnerability of these sites to accelerating storm damage and erosion as a result of anthropomorphic climate change is now the greatest threat to the Bermuda Petrel.
Transcranial direct current stimulation treatment protocols: should stimulus intensity be constant or incremental over multiple sessions?
Authors: Gálvez Verònica , Alonzo Angelo , Martin Donel , Loo Colleen K. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Interest in transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a new tool in neuropsychiatry has led to the need to establish optimal treatment protocols. In an intra-individual randomized cross-over design, 11 healthy volunteers received five tDCS sessions to the left primary motor cortex on consecutive weekdays at a constant or gradually increasing current intensity, in two separate weeks of testing. Cortical excitability was assessed before and after tDCS at each session through peripheral electromyographic recordings of motor-evoked potentials. Both conditions led to significant cumulative increases in cortical excitability across the week but there were no significant differences between the two groups. Motor thresholds decreased significantly from Monday to Friday in both conditions. This study demonstrated that, in the motor cortex, administration of tDCS five times per week whether at a constant intensity or at a gradually increasing intensity was equally effective in increasing cortical excitability.
Tsunami waveform inversion incorporating permanent seafloor deformation and its application to tsunami forecasting
Authors: Tsushima Hiroaki , Hino Ryota , Tanioka Yuichiro , Imamura Fumihiko , Fujimoto Hiromi 
Published: February 2012

We propose a method of tsunami waveform inversion to accurately estimate a tsunami source by incorporating the effect of permanent seafloor deformation recorded by ocean‐bottom pressure gauges (OBPGs) within the source region. We developed a general expression of water‐depth fluctuation recorded at an OBPG following seafloor deformation of arbitrary spatiotemporal distribution. By assuming that coseismic rupture propagates with infinite velocity, the general expression can be reduced to an equation relating observed OBPG waveforms to initial sea‐surface displacement at the source by using a Green's function consisting of two terms: the Green's function used in regular tsunami inversion and a correction term to account for water‐depth change in response to permanent seafloor deformation. By using the two‐term Green's functions, the effect of seafloor deformation can be taken into account in tsunami source estimation. We applied the revised inversion method to observations of coseismic seafloor deformation and tsunami during the 2003 Tokachi‐oki earthquake (Mw 8.3) at two OBPG stations near the Kuril Trench. The tsunami source model we estimated is consistent with models previously derived using various other geophysical data sets. Furthermore, the coastal tsunami waveforms we modeled match the observed tsunami well. Forecasts of tsunami arrival times and first peak amplitudes by our method can be obtained 20 min after an earthquake, and can be provided to the coastal communities nearest to the source with a lead time of ∼10 min.
Beyond fecundity control: which weeds are most containable?
Authors: Panetta F. Dane , Cacho Oscar J. 
Published: February 2012

Summary1. Eradication is often the preferred strategy in the management of new weed invasions, but recent research has shown that the circumstances under which eradication can be achieved are highly constrained. Containment is a component of an eradication strategy and also a management objective in its own right. Just as for eradication, containment of a weed invasion should be attempted only if it is considered feasible. However, very little guidance exists for the assessment of containment feasibility for weeds.2. Numerous factors have been proposed as influencing feasibility of containment, but those that relate to the potential for management of dispersal pathways and timely detection of new foci of infestation appear to be critical. Theory suggests that the rate of spread is largely driven by long‐distance dispersal (LDD). However, LDD is generally unpredictable and often occurs for species that do not appear to be adapted for it. Furthermore, many (if not most) LDD events fail to give rise to new infestations.3. As the probability of colonisation is related to the numbers of propagules immigrating (‘propagule pressure’) at a point in the landscape, dispersal pathways that move relatively large numbers of propagules simultaneously and/or repeatedly should most enhance weed spread. It is these pathways whose potential for management has the greatest bearing upon containment feasibility. A key impediment to containment is undetected spread; this need not occur through LDD and is more likely to occur through dispersal to lesser distances.4. Synthesis and applications. Feasibility of containment should be viewed in terms of the effort required to reduce weed spread rate, as well as the effectiveness of relevant management actions. Where dispersal vectors are not readily manageable and the probability of detection via structured and/or unstructured surveillance is low, a much greater reliance upon fecundity control will be needed to contain a weed. A combination of empirical and theoretical approaches should be used to develop and refine estimates of containment feasibility. Such estimates will aid decision‐making with regard to whether to attempt to reduce weed spread and assist in prioritisation of different weeds for containment.
Population genetic structure and gene flow patterns between populations of the Antarctic icefish Chionodraco rastrospinosus
Authors: Papetti Chiara , Pujolar Jose Martin , Mezzavilla Massimo , La Mesa Mario , Rock Jennifer , Zane Lorenzo , Patarnello Tomaso 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAim  A lack of genetic structure is predicted for Antarctic fish due to the duration of pelagic larval stages and the strength of the currents in the Southern Ocean, particularly the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. In this study we explored the population structure of the ocellated icefish, Chionodraco rastrospinosus, by means of analysing a total of 394 individuals collected at four geographical areas off the Antarctic Peninsula in the period 1996–2006.Location  Elephant Island, southern South Shetlands, Joinville Island and South Orkneys in the Southern Ocean.Methods  The spatio‐temporal genetic structure of Chionodraco rastrospinosus was explored using seven microsatellite loci. Existence and direction of gene flow across sampling locations were investigated using the isolation‐by‐migration procedure.Results  Microsatellite data showed a lack of genetic structuring in the area studied, with no differences found at both the geographical or temporal level, and an eastward unidirectional gene flow among sites. This suggested a lack of genetic barriers for this species, attributable to larval dispersal following the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, which fits well with the predicted pattern for Antarctic fish. Re‐examination of genetic data of the closely related icefish Chaenocephalus aceratus, with similar larval duration but displaying genetically structured populations, indicated a weak but significant bidirectional gene flow.Main conclusions  Our results point to a relationship that is more complex than expected between potential for dispersal and realized gene flow in the marine environment. In addition to ocean circulation and larval dispersal, other major life‐history traits might be driving connectivity, particularly larval retention.
Cortical morphometry in narcolepsy with cataplexy
Authors: SCHAER MARIE , PORYAZOVA ROSITSA , SCHWARTZ SOPHIE , BASSETTI CLAUDIO L. , BAUMANN CHRISTIAN R. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryThe sleep–wake disorder narcolepsy with cataplexy is associated with the loss of hypocretin‐(orexin‐) producing neurons in the lateral hypothalamus. Several studies have reported abnormal cerebral activation in patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy. It remains unclear, however, whether these functional changes are related to structural alterations, particularly at the cortical level. To quantify structural brain changes associated with narcolepsy with cataplexy, we used high‐resolution T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 12 patients compared with 12 healthy participants matched for age and gender. Subcortical and regional cortical volumes were measured using a method unbiased by non‐linear registration. Further whole‐brain analyses were conducted, measuring cortical characteristics, such as cortical thickness and gyrification, at thousands of points across each hemisphere using validated algorithms. Statistical analyses accounted for an effect of age and gender. We observed decreased cortical volume in the left paracentral lobule and increased cortical volume in the left caudal part of the middle frontal gyrus in narcoleptic patients compared with controls. Cortical thickness in prefrontal areas was inversely correlated with the severity of narcolepsy. Further, we observed several clusters of cortical thinning in patients with childhood or adolescent onset of narcolepsy compared with patients with adult onset of the disease. Our results suggest that specific anatomical changes may differentiate subgroups of narcolepsy patients with different clinical profiles (such as varying symptom severity or different age at onset). Future studies with larger groups of sleepy patients are required to assess whether distinct patterns of anatomical changes may distinguish narcolepsy from non‐hypocretin‐deficient hypersomnia disorders.