bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Triplet‐State Aromaticity of 4nπ‐Electron Monocycles: Analysis of Bifurcation in the π Contribution to the Electron Localization Function
Authors: Villaume Sebastien , Fogarty Heather A. , Ottosson Henrik 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe π contribution to the electron localization function (ELF) is used to compare 4nπ‐ and (4n+2)π‐electron annulenes, with particular focus on the aromaticity of 4nπ‐electron annulenes in their lowest triplet state. The analysis is performed on the electron density obtained at the level of OLYP density functional theory, as well as at the CCSD and CASSCF ab initio levels. Two criteria for aromaticity of all‐carbon annulenes are set up: the span in the bifurcation values ΔBV(ELFπ) should be small, ideally zero, and the bifurcation value for ring closure of the π basin RCBV(ELFπ) should be high (≥ 0.7). On the basis of these criteria, nearly all 4nπ‐electron annulenes are aromatic in their lowest triplet states, similar to (4n+2)π‐electron annulenes in their singlet ground states. For singlet biradical cyclobutadiene and cyclooctatetraene constrained to D4h and D8h symmetry, respectively, the RCBV(ELFπ) at the CASSCF level is lower (0.531 and 0.745) than for benzene (0.853), even though they have equal proportions of α‐ and β‐electrons.
Role of botulinum toxin in migraine therapy
Authors: Schulte‐Mattler Wilhelm J. , Leinisch Elke 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBotulinum toxin effectively blocks the release of acetylcholine from motor nerve terminals. Thus, botulinum toxin injections are well established in the treatment of disorders in which patients are impaired by involuntary muscle contractions. A remarkable pain reduction was frequently observed in these patients, and in vitro studies showed that botulinum toxin reduces not only the release of acetylcholine, but also the release of neuropeptides involved in pain perception. It was therefore hypothesized that botulinum toxin may help patients with pain not caused by muscular contractions, such as migraine or chronic daily headache, which includes chronic migraine. So far, the results of randomized, double‐blind, placebo controlled trials on botulinum toxin in a total of 2,612 patients with migraine or with chronic daily headache were published. A superiority of botulinum toxin compared with placebo injections could not clearly be confirmed in any of the studies. One hypothesis derived from these results was that subgroups of patients with migraine can be defined in whom botulinum toxin may be efficacious. This hypothesis awaits confirmation. Interestingly, the efficacy of both botulinum toxin and placebo injections was found to be significant and similar to the efficacy of established oral migraine treatment. This finding may help explain the enthusiasm that followed the first open‐label use of botulinum in patients with migraine. Drug Dev Res 68:397–402, 2007. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quality of life in migraine
Authors: Anand K.S. , Sharma Sangeeta 
Published: January 2008

AbstractMigraine headaches vary in severity from moderate pain with no activity limitations to severe pain and prolonged incapacitation undermining severely the quality of life. The physical, emotional, social, and economic burdens of headache are poorly acknowledged in general practice. Both moderate and severe disabling migraines have a profound impact on HRQoL. In addition to disease‐specific measures, enhancing daily functioning and well‐being are increasingly advocated goals. The evolution of the measurement of QoL in migraine has followed a progression from being discriminative, to evaluative, to predictive. HRQoL measures have not only added another dimension to migraine clinical trials endpoints but have also led to research predicting response to therapy. To measure the effect of headache and the effectiveness of therapy, instruments (generic and disease specific) have been developed that assess headache patients' perceptions of personal functioning and well‐being during or between attacks. Disease specific instruments are more sensitive in evaluating variations in patient perceptions of HRQoL during the course of disease. Most HRQoL research in migraine has been conducted in subspecialty clinics or patients participating in clinical trials which are more likely to be refractory to treatment than subjects with migraine in the community, thus not representative of patients with migraine in the community. Population‐based studies have the strength of identifying and inclusion of cases that otherwise do not come to the attention of the health care system. Migraine and depression exert a significant and independent influence on HRQoL. The qualitative studies further help to gain insight into the management of migraine from the patients' perspective, as the patients' perceptions of migraine and expectations from treatment are sometimes conflicting and thus influencing the patients' behavior. The incorporation of HRQoL measures in the treatment of patients with migraine is an increasing and valued practice by its specialists. The research on newer pharmaceuticals should focus on impact of headache on QoL, and outcomes. Such data is needed to compare prophylactic with abortive therapies or to compare outcomes among different therapeutic agents. Drug Dev Res 68:403–411, 2007. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevention of visual stress and migraine with precision spectral filters
Authors: Wilkins Arnold , Huang Jie , Cao Yue 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIndividuals who suffer migraine, particularly migraine with visual aura (MwA), are susceptible to physiologically strong visual stimuli and find them aversive. Strong stimuli including bright light and certain visual patterns produce discomfort and perceptual illusions and can trigger migraine attacks. Perceptual illusions and visual discomfort are reported by most migraine sufferers and those with frequent headaches. These phenomena suggest that visual stimulation and consequent visual cortical activity contribute to the triggering of some migraine attacks. Perceptual illusions in MwA patients were found to be associated with hyper‐activation in visual cortex. This excessive cortical activity is called visual stress. The cortex is generally hypothesized to be hyperexcitable in migraine, and this hyperexcitability could be the underlying mechanism of visual stress. It is hypothesized that visual stress results from too great a neural (hyperneural) activity in response to strong physiological sensory stimulation, particularly, but not exclusively, visual. A strong physiological visual input may cause a spread of excitation through hyperexcitable cortex, leading to neurons firing inappropriately and thereby resulting in perceptual illusions and distortions, and possibly promoting a migraine attack. Over the last 10 years, the use of colored filters to treat perceptual distortion of text has become common in many schools in Britain. The efficacy of precision spectral filters (PSF) in preventing migraine headache has been reported in several studies. One preliminary study revealed the suppressing effect of the PSF on visual cortical activity in a MwA patient, suggesting that it might be this reduction in cortical activation that is responsible for the reduction of the frequency of migraine attacks in those who benefited from the PSF. PSF offer a possible new prophylactic therapy for migraine. They are safe, free of side effects, and inexpensive. Drug Dev Res 68:469–475, 2007. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lymphocyte/macrophage interactions: Biomaterial surface‐dependent cytokine, chemokine, and matrix protein production
Authors: Chang David T. , Jones Jacqueline A. , Meyerson Howard , Colton Erica , Kwon Il Keun , Matsuda Takehisa , Anderson James M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe role of lymphocytes in the biological response to synthetic polymers is poorly understood despite the transient appearance of lymphocytes at the biomaterial implant site. To investigate cytokines, chemokines, and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins produced by lymphocytes and macrophages in response to biomaterial surfaces, human peripheral blood monocytes and lymphocytes were co‐cultured on polyethylene terephthalate (PET)‐based material surfaces displaying distinct hydrophobic, hydrophilic/neutral, hydrophilic/anionic, and hydrophilic/cationic chemistries. Antibody array screening showed the majority of detected proteins are inflammatory mediators that guide the early inflammatory phases of wound healing. Proteomic ELISA quantification and adherent cell analysis were performed after 3, 7, and 10 days of culture. IL‐2 and IFN‐γ were not detected in any co‐cultures suggesting lack of lymphocyte activation. The hydrophilic/neutral surfaces increased IL‐8 relative to the hydrophobic PET surface (p < 0.05). The hydrophilic/anionic surfaces promoted increased TNF‐α over hydrophobic and cationic surfaces and increased MIP‐1β compared to hydrophobic surfaces (p < 0.05). Since enhanced macrophage fusion was observed on hydrophilic/anionic surfaces, the production of these cytokines likely plays an important role in the fusion process. The hydrophilic/cationic surface promoted IL‐10 production and increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9/tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP) relative to hydrophilic/neutral and anionic surfaces (p < 0.05). These results suggest hydrophilic/neutral and anionic surfaces promote pro‐inflammatory responses and reduced degradation of the ECM, whereas the hydrophilic/cationic surfaces induce an anti‐inflammatory response and greater MMP‐9/TIMP with an enhanced potential for ECM breakdown. The study also underscores the usefulness of protein arrays in assessing the role of soluble mediators in the inflammatory response to biomaterials. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Synthetic peptide‐coated bone mineral for enhanced osteoblastic activation in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Lee Jue‐Yeon , Choo Jung‐Eun , Park Hyun‐Jung , Park Jun‐Bum , Lee Sang‐Chul , Lee Seung‐Jin , Park Yoon‐Jeong , Chung Chong‐Pyoung 
Published: January 2008

AbstractA 15‐mer synthetic peptide, designated P1, was derived from the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor I and BMP receptor II binding domains of BMP‐2 for the purpose of enhancing bone regeneration capacity of inorganic bovine bone mineral. A second peptide, denoted P2, was designed by adding seven glutamic acid residues to the N‐terminal of P1 to increase the surface coating efficiency onto bone mineral. The coating efficiency of P1 increased with the concentration of peptide. P2 peptide, in contrast, had a higher coating efficiency at lower peptide concentrations. The peptides properly transduced intracellular signals properly via the Smad and ERK pathways, thereby increasing mineralization in vitro, implying that the peptides alone can induce osteoblastic differentiation. Adhesion of cells to bone mineral was greater when peptides were present than in bone mineral alone. P1‐ and P2‐coated bone mineral increased osteoblastic differentiation, as demonstrated by ALPase activity. P1‐coated bone mineral stimulated more new bone regeneration in bone defect sites after 2 weeks than the peptide‐free control. These peptides, in combination with bone grafts or implants, have the potential to enhance osteoblastic differentiation and bone regeneration. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Preparation and characterization of sol–gel hydroxyapatite and its electrochemical evaluation for biomedical applications
Authors: Vijayalakshmi U. , Prabakaran K. , Rajeswari S. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractMetallic materials having good mechanical properties, high corrosion resistance, and good compatibility with biological materials are used as orthopedic devices. Type 316L stainless steel is the most widely used material for implant fabrication in India for orthopedic applications owing to their good corrosion resistance, hot and cold workability, excellent mechanical properties, and availability at low cost. However, it faces corrosion‐related problems in physiological environment and thus releases toxic metal ions into the tissues surrounding the implants. Hence, hydroxyapatite (HAP) coatings over the metal implant have been developed as an alternative method to improve the surface conditions of the base metal. In the present investigation, the development of a sol–gel‐derived hydroxyapatite coating on 316L SS is being explored. The corrosion resistance behavior of the coating was assessed through electrochemical studies involving cyclic polarization experiments and impedance analysis in Ringer's solution. The results have indicated that the sol–gel‐derived HAP coatings exhibited excellent resistance to localized attack on pristine 316L SS. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Noninvasive 3D vital imaging and characterization of notochordal cells of the intervertebral disc by femtosecond near‐infrared two‐photon laser scanning microscopy and spatial‐volume rendering
Authors: Guehring Thorsten , Urban Jill P. , Cui Zhanfeng , Tirlapur Uday K. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe central region of the intervertebral disc (IVD) in infant humans is made and maintained by notochordal cells (NCs). These cells disappear during maturation to be replaced by mature chondrocyte‐like cells. NCs are completely different morphologically from the mature chondrocyte‐like IVD cells and have complex and essential functions but little is known about them. Recently, two‐photon laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM) using near‐infrared (NIR) femtosecond pulsed lasers has emerged as a promising noninvasive optical technique for observing unfixed living 3D biological specimens in situ and in vitro. Several lines of evidence suggest that compared with conventional laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), femtosecond NIR laser‐based TPLSM has any number of advantages including 3D resolution without a spatial filter (confocal pinhole), minimal photobleaching, and photodamage above and below the focal plane, and importantly, greater depth penetration. We have thus taken advantage of these unique features of femtosecond laser‐based TPLSM for vital 3D imaging in conjunction with advanced spatial‐volume rendering modalities to compare morphologies of NCs/clusters from pig caudal discs with chondrocyte‐like IVD cells from bovine caudal discs, both in ex vivo tissue and when isolated and grown in vitro within 3D alginate scaffolds. Our results provide evidence that (a) ex vivo notochordal tissue consists of areas with NC clusters, and those dominated by tubular structures of low cell density (b) within 3D in vitro scaffolds the morphology of NC is heterogeneous and the cells contain distinct cytoplasmic vacuole‐like structures occasionally including acidic subinclusions (c) a quantitative determination based on 3D spatial and volumetric‐rendering reveals an average NC diameter of 22.05 μm (range 11.96–46.63 μm) and NC volume of 9701 μm3 (2041–36427 μm3) whereas chondrocyte‐like cells have a mean volume of 3279 μm3 and diameter of 12.20 μm. Taken together, this study demonstrates that femtosecond TPLSM has unique advantages over other conventional histological and in particular LSCM for high resolution noninvasive vital characterization of notochordal and chondrocyte‐like cells of IVD over extended depths beyond 300–500 μm. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Retinal removal up‐regulates cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the chick optic tectum
Authors: Chaves Gabriela P. , Nogueira Tatiane C.A. , Britto Luiz R.G. , Bordin Silvana , Torrão Andréa S. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe endocannabinoid system has been implicated in several neurobiological processes, including neurodegeneration and neuroprotection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of unilateral retinal ablation on the expression of the cannabinoid receptor subtype 1 (CB1) at both protein and mRNA levels in the optic tectum of the adult chick brain. After different survival times postlesion (2–30 days), the chick brains were subjected to immunohistochemical, immunoblotting, and real‐time PCR procedures to evaluate CB1 expression. TUNEL and Fluoro‐Jade B were used to verify the possible occurrence of cell death, and immunostaining for the microtubule‐associated protein MAP‐2 was performed to verify possible dendritic remodeling after lesions. No cell death could be observed in the deafferented tectum, at least up to 30 days postlesion, although Fluoro‐Jade B could reveal degenerating axons and terminals. Retinal ablation seems to generate an increase of CB1 protein in the optic tectum and other retinorecipient visual areas, which paralleled an increase in MAP‐2 staining. On the other hand, CB1 mRNA levels were not changed after retinal ablation. Our results reveal that CB1 expression in visual structures of the adult chick brain may be negatively regulated by the retinal innervation. The increase of CB1 receptor expression observed after retinal removal indicates that these receptors are not presynaptic in retinal axons projecting to the tectum and suggests a role of the cannabinoid system in plasticity processes ensuing after lesions. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Redox properties of the adenoside triphosphate‐sensitive K+ channel in brain mitochondria
Authors: Fornazari Maynara , de Paula Juliana G. , Castilho Roger F. , Kowaltowski Alicia J. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBrain mitochondrial ATP‐sensitive K+ channel (mitoKATP) opening by diazoxide protects against ischemic damage and excitotoxic cell death. Here we studied the redox properties of brain mitoKATP . MitoKATP activation during excitotoxicity in cultured cerebellar granule neurons prevented the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell death. Furthermore, mitoKATP activation in isolated brain mitochondria significantly prevented H2O2 release by these organelles but did not change Ca2+ accumulation capacity. Interestingly, the activity of mitoKATP was highly dependent on redox state. The thiol reductant mercaptopropionylglycine prevented mitoKATP activity, whereas exogenous ROS activated the channel. In addition, the use of mitochondrial substrates that led to higher levels of endogenous mitochondrial ROS release closely correlated with enhanced K+ transport activity through mitoKATP . Altogether, our results indicate that brain mitoKATP is a redox‐sensitive channel that controls mitochondrial ROS release. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
QSPR Studies for Solubility Parameter by Means of Genetic Algorithm‐Based Multivariate Linear Regression and Generalized Regression Neural Network
Authors: Gharagheizi Farhad 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe solubility parameters of 1228 solvents, from all the chemical groups, were predicted using Genetic Algorithm‐Based Multivariate Linear Regression (GA‐MLR) and Generalized Function Approximation Neural Network (GRNN). GA‐MLR was used to select the molecular descriptors, as inputs for GRNN. The obtained multivariate linear seven descriptors model by GA‐MLR had a correlation coefficient of $\rm{ R^2 = 0.821}$. The generated GRNN in this work has a correlation coefficient of $\rm{ R^2 = 0.98}$.
Perceptions of pregnancy complications in Haiti
Authors: Anderson Frank W.J. , Naik Sujata I. , Feresu Shingairai A. , Gebrian Bette , Karki Manju , Harlow Sioban D. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the incidence of perceived pregnancy complications and associated factors.MethodsDuring a census, 450 women identified themselves as pregnant and 388 were interviewed postpartum.ResultsComplications were reported by 58.6%. Bleeding post‐delivery was the most frequent complication (42.5%), followed by great pain (33.8%), bleeding during pregnancy (20.1%), and fever post‐delivery (11.6%). Prenatal care at either a dispensary or a clinic was associated with reports of bleeding during pregnancy (odds ratio [OR] 9.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.71–48.00 and OR 7.58; 95% CI, 1.53–37.48, respectively). Women who visited a doctor were less likely to report bleeding during pregnancy (OR 0.20; 95% CI, 0.08–0.55) or fever post‐delivery (P = 0.015). Herb use was associated with reported bleeding during pregnancy (OR 2.22; 95% CI, 1.12–4.40) and great pain (OR 1.94; 95% CI, 1.05–3.58).ConclusionThe perceived pregnancy complication rate in Haiti is high and is associated with access to health care. The association between use of herbs and pregnancy complications warrants investigation.
NEGOTIATING OTTOMANISM IN TIMES OF WAR: JERUSALEM DURING WORLD WAR I THROUGH THE EYES OF A LOCAL MUSLIM RESIDENT
Authors: Jacobson Abigail 
Published: January 2008

In August 1915, in the midst of World War I, a young Muslim resident of Jerusalem wrote the following in his diary:
Will I go to protect my country [waṭanī]? I am not an Ottoman, only in name, but a citizen of the world [muwaṭani al-ʿālam] . . . Had the state [dawla] treated me as part of it, it would have been worthwhile for me to give my life to it. However, since the country does not treat me in such way, it is not worthwhile for me to give my blood to the Turkish state [al-dawla al-Turkiyya]. I will happily go [to fight in Egypt?] but not as an Ottoman soldier . . .
Assessment of humoral and cell-mediated immunity againstBordetella pertussisin adolescent, adult, and senior subjects in Italy
Authors: GABUTTI G. , BERGAMINI M. , BONANNI P. , GUIDO M. , FENOGLIO D. , GIAMMANCO A. , SINDONI L. , ZOTTI C. , BODDI V. , BAMFI F. , SEVERINI R. , BECHINI A. , BOCCALINI S. , CROVARI P. 
Published: January 2008

SUMMARYHumoral and cell-mediated immunity (CMI) againstB. pertussiswas assessed in a sample of adolescent, adult and senior subjects distributed in five different geographical areas in Italy. Most (99·1%) subjects had IgG anti-pertussis toxin (PT) antibodies exceeding the minimum detection level [⩾2 ELISA units (EU)/ml]. There were no significant differences between the genders; 6·2% samples recorded titres ⩾100 EU/ml. CMI was positive [stimulation index (SI) ⩾5] against PT in 39·0% of all samples. This study suggests thatB. pertussiscontinues to circulate in age groups that have been previously considered to be uninvolved in the circulation of this pathogen and that adolescent and adult pertussis boosters may be of value in these populations. Nevertheless, over the last 10 years, large increases in vaccination coverage rates have contributed to reduce the spread of the aetiological agent, especially in the immunized population.
Temporal and longitudinal analysis of Danish Swine Salmonellosis Control Programme data: implications for surveillance
Authors: BENSCHOP J. , STEVENSON M. A. , DAHL J. , MORRIS R. S. , FRENCH N. P. 
Published: January 2008

SUMMARYThe control programme forSalmonellainfection in Danish swine has reduced the number of human cases attributable to pork consumption and the focus is now on cost-effectiveness. We applied time-series and longitudinal analyses to data collected between January 1995 and May 2005 to identify if there were predictable periods of risk that could inform sampling strategy; to investigate the potential for forecasting for early aberration detection; and to explore temporal redundancy within the sampling strategy. There was no evidence of seasonality hence no justification to change to targeted sampling at high-risk periods. The forecast of seropositivity made using an ARIMA (0, 1, 2) model had a root-mean-squared percentage error criterion of 8·4% indicating that accurate forecasts are possible. The lorelogram identified temporal redundancy at up to 10 weeks suggesting little value in sampling more frequently than this on the ‘average’ farm. These findings have practical applications for both farm-level sampling strategy and national-level aberration detection which potentially could result in a more cost-effective surveillance strategy.