bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tenascin-R Promotes Neuronal Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells and Recruitment of Host-Derived Neural Precursor Cells After Excitotoxic Lesion of the Mouse Striatum
Authors: Hargus Gunnar , Cui Yifang , Schmid Janinne-Sylvie , Xu Jinchong , Glatzel Markus , Schachner Melitta , Bernreuther Christian 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Loss of GABAergic projection neurons under excitotoxic conditions in the striatum is associated with a disturbance of motor and cognitive functions as seen, for instance, in Huntington's disease. Since current treatments cannot replace degenerated neurons, research on alternative therapeutic approaches needs to be pursued. In this context, the transplantation of genetically modified stem cells into lesioned brain areas of patients is a possible alternative. In this study, green fluorescent protein-labeled murine embryonic stem cells (ESCs) were stably transfected to overexpress the extracellular matrix molecule tenascin-R (TNR), which is expressed by striatal GABAergic neurons. TNR-overexpressing ESCs were analyzed in comparison with their parental cells regarding neural differentiation and migration in vitro, and after transplantation into the striatum of quinolinic acid-treated mice, which serve as a model for Huntington's disease. In comparison with sham-transfected control cells, TNR-overexpressing ESCs showed enhanced differentiation into neurons in vitro, reduced migration in vitro and in vivo, and increased generation of GABAergic neurons and decreased numbers of astrocytes 1 month and 2 months after transplantation, but without significant effects on locomotor functions. Interestingly, TNR-overexpressing ESCs transplanted into the striatum attracted host-derived neuroblasts from the rostral migratory stream and promoted stem cell-mediated recruitment of host-derived newborn neurons within the grafted area. Thus, we show for the first time that overexpression of an extracellular matrix molecule by in vitro predifferentiated ESCs exerts beneficial effects on tissue regeneration in a mouse model of neurodegenerative disease.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Adult Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells Differentiate Toward Functionally Active Neurons Under Appropriate Environmental Cues
Authors: Arthur Agnes , Rychkov Grigori , Shi Songtao , Koblar Simon Andrea , Gronthos Stan 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Human adult dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) reside within the perivascular niche of dental pulp and are thought to originate from migrating cranial neural crest (CNC) cells. During embryonic development, CNC cells differentiate into a wide variety of cell types, including neurons of the peripheral nervous system. Previously, we have demonstrated that DPSCs derived from adult human third molar teeth differentiate into cell types reminiscent of CNC embryonic ontology. We hypothesized that DPSCs exposed to the appropriate environmental cues would differentiate into functionally active neurons. The data demonstrated that ex vivo-expanded human adult DPSCs responded to neuronal inductive conditions both in vitro and in vivo. Human adult DPSCs, but not human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs), acquired a neuronal morphology, and expressed neuronal-specific markers at both the gene and protein levels. Culture-expanded DPSCs also exhibited the capacity to produce a sodium current consistent with functional neuronal cells when exposed to neuronal inductive media. Furthermore, the response of human DPSCs and HFFs to endogenous neuronal environmental cues was determined in vivo using an avian xenotransplantation assay. DPSCs expressed neuronal markers and acquired a neuronal morphology following transplantation into the mesencephalon of embryonic day-2 chicken embryo, whereas HFFs maintained a thin spindle fibroblastic morphology. We propose that adult human DPSCs provide a readily accessible source of exogenous stem/precursor cells that have the potential for use in cell-therapeutic paradigms to treat neurological disease.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Improving the Psychosomatic Competence of Medical Doctors in China, Vietnam and Laos—The Asia-Link Program
Authors: Fritzsche Kurt , Scheib Peter , Wirsching Michael , Schübler Gerhard , Wu Wenyuan , Cat Nguyen Huu , Vongphrachanh Sisouk , Linh Ngo Tich ,   Asia-Link Workgroup
Published: May 2008

Objective: The European Union is supporting a 3-year cooperation project coordinated by the Freiburg University Clinic for the development and promotion of psychosomatic medicine in China, Vietnam, and Laos. The main objective is the development and performance of post-graduate training for medical doctors to improve doctor-patient communication and to acquire psychosomatic knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Method: The project is based on contacts which have existed for several years with the Tongji University and the affiliated Tongji Hospital in Shanghai. Medical doctors in all disciplines are to learn to promptly recognize emotional disorders which frequently present in the primary care setting, to offer limited treatment themselves, and to cooperate with mental health specialists. Results: In the first year of the project, 50 medical doctors from different medical fields were trained as future teachers. In the second year, we are starting a pilot curriculum which will include 60 hours of theory and psychosocial interventions, divided into three blocks. Conclusions: Future developments will involve setting up a psychosomatic network in Southeast Asia to establish advanced training in psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy and to promote psychiatric and psychosomatic consultation and liaison services in the general hospitals.
Relationship between Depression and Quality of Life in Persons with Hiv Infection in Nigeria
Authors: Adewuya Abiodun O. , Afolabi Mohammed O. , Ola Bola A. , Ogundele Olorunfemi A. , Ajibare Adeola O. , Oladipo Bamidele F. , Fakande Ibiyemi 
Published: May 2008

Objective: Despite the fact that two-thirds of all the people with HIV live in sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about the emotional state and quality of life (QOL) of subjects with HIV in this region. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between clinical depression and quality of life in a group of HIV sero-positive subjects in Nigeria. Methods: Subjects with HIV infection ( n=87) completed a questionnaire detailing sociodemographic and HIV related variables. The subjects were assessed for the diagnosis of depression using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and their subjective health related quality of life (QOL) was assessed using the short version of the WHO quality of life scale (WHOQOL-BREF). Results: There were 25 (28.7%) subjects with diagnosis of depression. Lower educational level correlated with poorer QOL in all the domains of WHOQOL-BREF except the “social relationship” domain. Also, poor social support correlated with poorer QOL scores on domains of “physical health” and “social relationship” and presence of medical problems was significantly associated with poorer scores on domains of “physical health” and “psychological health.” Diagnosis of depression was significantly correlated with poorer QOL in all domains except the “social relationship” domain. Conclusion: Poorer health related QOL in Nigerian subjects with HIV was associated with depression, lower educational and socioeconomic levels, and poor social support. Early identification and referral of patients with depression needs to be incorporated into intervention programs designed for HIV infected individuals in this region.
Borderline Personality Symptomatology and Sexual Impulsivity
Authors: Sansone Randy A. , Barnes Jacqueline , Muennich Elizabeth , Wiederman Michael W. 
Published: May 2008

Objective: According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, borderline personality disorder (BPD) is an Axis II phenomenon that is characterized by impulsivity, including sexual impulsivity. However, little empirical research has been undertaken to confirm and/or define the nature of sexual impulsivity in patients with BPD, which is the focus of the present study. Method: Using a cross-sectional approach and sample of convenience, we surveyed 76 women who were being seen as outpatients in an internal medicine clinic regarding: a) borderline personality symptoms using two measures (i.e., the borderline personality scale of the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4, McLean Screening Inventory for Borderline Personality Disorder); and b) their sexual histories. Results: We found two statistically significant differences—those with borderline personality symptomatology were more likely to have an earlier onset of sexual intercourse as well as to report date rape. Conclusions: Individuals with borderline personality symptomatology report earlier sexual exposure as well as date rape, but not other aspects of sexual impulsivity such a greater number of sexual partners, more frequent treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, etc.
Anxiety and Unrecognized High Blood Pressure in U.S. Ambulatory Care Settings: An Analysis of the 2005 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey
Authors: Player Marty S. , Mainous Arch G. , Carnemolla Mark 
Published: May 2008

Objective: To determine for U.S. ambulatory visits for anxiety how often high blood pressure is unrecognized and the factors associated with being unrecognized. Methods: Analyzed data from the 2005 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey looking at visits for anxiety by patient complaint or provider diagnosis and determined if a hypertension diagnosis was included for visits in which measured blood pressure was in the hypertensive range. This was compared to total visits in the NAMCS and NHAMCS. Logistic regression determined predictors of high blood pressure going unrecognized for visits for anxiety. Results: Of visits for anxiety in 2005 with elevated blood pressure, 32.5% were unrecognized. This compares to 24.6% unrecognized for all visits with hypertension/elevated blood pressure. At visits in which anxiety medications were prescribed (OR 2.44 95%CI 1.01–5.89) and for Hispanic ethnicity (OR 13.9 95%CI 1.46–132.03), high blood pressure was more likely to be unrecognized. High blood pressure was less likely to be unrecognized for those 45 to 64 years old (OR 0.21 95%CI 0.07–0.62), visits not with the primary care provider (OR 0.09 95%CI 0.03–0.33), visits for a chronic problem (OR 0.26 95%CI 0.08–0.86), and visits at which anti-hypertensive medications were prescribed (OR 0.005 95%CI 0.001–0.04). Conclusions: Anxiety is a common reason for visits in U.S. ambulatory settings. Many of these visits have concomitant high blood pressure, a large proportion of which may go unrecognized. Efforts to educate physicians about these issues may help reduce the level of unrecognized high blood pressure in those with anxiety.
Ottawa Panel Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Aerobic Fitness Exercises in the Management of Fibromyalgia: Part 1
Authors: Brosseau Lucie , Wells George A , Tugwell Peter , Egan Mary , Wilson Keith G , Dubouloz Claire-Jehanne , Casimiro Lynn , Robinson Vivian A , McGowan Jessie , Busch Angela , Poitras Stéphane , Moldofsky Harvey , Harth Manfred , Finestone Hillel M , Nielson Warren , Haines-Wangda Angela , Russell-Doreleyers Marion , Lambert Kim , Marshall Alison D , Veilleux Line 
Published: May 2008

Background and PurposeThe objective of this study was to create guidelines for the use of aerobic fitness exercises in the management of adult patients (&gt;18 years of age) with fibromyalgia, as defined by the 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria.MethodsFollowing Cochrane Collaboration methods, the Ottawa Methods Group found and synthesized evidence from comparative controlled trials and formed the Ottawa Panel, with nominated experts from key stakeholder organizations. The Ottawa Panel then developed criteria for grading the recommendations based on experimental design (I for randomized controlled trials, II for nonrandomized studies) and strength of evidence (A, B, C+, C, D+, D, or D−). From the rigorous literature search, 13 randomized control trials and 3 controlled clinical trials were selected. Statistical analysis was based on Cochrane Collaboration methods. Continuous data were calculated with weighted mean differences between the intervention and control groups, and dichotomous data were analyzed with relative risks. Clinical improvement was calculated using absolute benefit and relative difference in change from baseline. Clinical significance was attained when an improvement of 15% relative to a control was found.ResultsThere were 24 positive recommendations: 10 grade A, 1 grade B, and 13 grade C+. Of these 24 positive recommendations, only 5 were of clinical benefit.Discussion and ConclusionThe Ottawa Panel recommends aerobic fitness exercises for the management of fibromyalgia as a result of the emerging evidence (grades A, B, and C+, although most trials were rated low quality) shown in the literature.
Thermal and dielectric properties of bismaleimide‐triazine resins containing octa(maleimidophenyl)silsesquioxane
Authors: Cao Hongwei , Xu Riwei , Yu Dingsheng 
Published: May 2008

AbstractOcta(maleimidophenyl)silsesquioxane (OMPS) was synthesized, characterized, and employed to modify the BT resin which composed of 4,4′‐bismaleimidodiphenylmethane (BMI) and 2,2′‐bis(4‐cyanatophenyl)propane (BCE). The curing reaction between OMPS and BT resin was first investigated. It was found that OMPS accelerate the curing reaction of BCE, and the onset temperature of the cyclotrimerization was reduced up to 95.5°C (by DSC). As demonstrated by DSC and FTIR, there was no evidence that indicated the coreaction between maleimide and cyanate ester. 2,2′‐diallyl bisphenol A (DBA) and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (E‐51) (Wuxi Resin Factory, Jiangsu Province, China) were also used to enhance the toughness of BT resin, and the formulated BTA (containing DBA) and BTE (containing E‐51) resins were obtained. The thermal properties of BT, BTA, and BTE resins incorporated with OMPS were then investigated. The results of DMA and TG showed that the BT, BTA, and BTE resins containing 1 wt % of OMPS exhibit enhanced thermal properties in comparison with their pristine resins respectively, while more contents of OMPS may impair the thermal properties of the polymer matrix, though the effect of OMPS was slight. Finally, the dielectric constant of these hybrid materials were detected, and their dielectric constant were distinctly reduced by the incorporation of OMPS, while overmuch contents of OMPS were disadvantageous for dielectric constant because of the aggregation of OMPS. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Crystallization of polycaprolactone–clay nanocomposites
Authors: Ludueña Leandro N. , Vazquez Analía , Alvarez Vera A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe isothermal crystallization process of polycaprolactone/clay nanocomposites was studied at several temperatures. The effects of the clay type (modified and unmodified) and clay content were analyzed. Bulk crystallization was studied with differential scanning calorimetry and modeled with Avrami's equation. The reinforcement phase lowered the time at which the first crystal nucleus appeared (i.e., the induction time) and fastened the global crystallization rate in comparison with that of neat polycaprolactone. The spherulitic growth was analyzed by optical microscopy with polarized light. The presence of the clay produced more and bigger spherulites in the same time and with the same undercooling degree. All these properties were strongly dependent on the polycaprolactone/clay compatibility and hence the dispersion degree achieved in the nanocomposites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Enhanced degradation of cellulose acetate films in the copresence of triphenylsulfonium salt and benzophenone
Authors: Hosono Kiyoshi , Kanazawa Akihiko , Mori Hideharu , Endo Takeshi 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTo investigate whether benzophenone (BP) enhances triphenylsulfonium salt (TPS) degradation of cellulose acetate (CA) during photoirradiation, CA (degree of substitution = 2.45) films containing TPS and BP were prepared, and their degradative behavior was examined under simulated solar exposure. The irradiation‐evoked generation of acetic acid from the films was greater in the copresence of TPS and BP than in the sole presence of TPS. This result indicates that the TPS was activated by BP to produce Brønsted acid, which induced the deacetylation of CA effectively. As a possible mechanism for this activation of TPS, we postulated that the TPS oxidized free‐radical species induced by the photoreaction of BP, which was followed by the generation of Brønsted acid. The activation of TPS by BP did not appear to significantly accelerate the main‐chain cleavage of CA because size exclusion chromatography data did not reveal any decrease in the molecular weight of CA. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Studies on jute–asphalt composites
Authors: Banerjee Prabir K. , Ghosh Mahuya 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe tensile properties of jute make it a suitable raw material for asphalt overlay (A/O) fabric. In this study, the thermal stability of jute under conditions of asphalt overlaying process was investigated and the compatibility of jute with asphalt was assessed through experimentation on jute–asphalt composites under mechanical and hygral loads. Fourier transform infra red (FTIR) spectroscopic study revealed probable chemical bonding between jute and asphalt. The test for ascertaining the capability of asphalt encasement for protecting jute against biodegradation under enzymatic attack was found positive. A 6‐month hygral treatment, of the jute–asphalt composite, showed significant increase in modulus of the material. The results indicate that although the strength of jute deteriorates by about 10% under asphalt overlaying condition, the overall tensile behavior of jute fabric–asphalt composite material is considerably superior to that of the pure jute fabric, even under biological and extended hygral loading conditions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Increasing recyclability of PC, ABS and PMMA: Morphology and fracture behavior of binary and ternary blends
Authors: Rybnicek Jan , Lach Ralf , Lapcikova Monika , Steidl Josef , Krulis Zdenek , Grellmann Wolfgang , Slouf Miroslav 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBinary and ternary blends of PC, ABS, and PMMA were studied. The blends were produced from original and recycled materials by melt mixing in a wide range of compositions. Instrumented Charpy impact testing, tensile testing, rheology investigations, and electron microscopy were carried out to determine the relationship between the deformation and fracture behavior, blend composition, morphology, and processing parameters. Resistance against unstable crack propagation was evaluated using the concepts ofJ‐integral and crack‐tip‐opening displacement (CTOD). The transition from ductile elastic‐plastic to brittle‐linear elastic fracture behavior was observed in the case of PC/ABS/PMMA blend at 10% of PMMA. Reprocessing had only a slight influence on the deformation and fracture behavior of the recycled blends. The blends produced from recycled materials proved to be competitive with the original pure materials. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Development and use of a turbidity analyzer for studying the solution crystallization of polyolefins
Authors: van Reenen A. J. , Rohwer E. G. , Walters P. , Lutz M. , Brand M. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractCooling a solution of a crystalline polyolefin from 140°C to room temperature causes the dissolved polymer to crystallize. If a laser beam passes through this solution, the crystallization will cause the beam to scatter, which thereby decreases the intensity of the beam. With this principle, it is possible to follow the crystallization of polyolefins under controlled cooling. An instrument capable of doing these analyses was manufactured, and several different polyolefins were analyzed. The effect of the experimental parameters are illustrated for both cooling and reheating experiments. In addition, an interesting dependence on molecular weight was also observed for a series of metallocene polypropylenes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Preparation of hyperbranched polyamidoamine polymer–ultrafine silica hybrid composite
Authors: Punyacharoennon Phairat , Srikulkit Kawee 
Published: May 2008

AbstractGrafting of hyperbranched polyamidoamine (PAMAM) polymer onto ultrafine silica was prepared. First, an initiating site was incorporated into silica surface by treating silica particle with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane producing amino functionalized silica. Then grafting of hyperbranched PAMAM was performed by repetitive reactions between Michael addition of silica amino groups to methyl acrylate (MA) and amidation of the resulting terminal methyl ester groups with ethylenediamine (EDA). Excessive amounts of MA and EDA present in each step were removed by a rotary evaporator and dialysis separation, respectively. FT‐IR analysis was employed to monitor the propagation of hyperbranched PAMAM on silica which was carried out until reaching the generation of 3.0. The yellowish liquid product was obtained. Amino group content in each generation was determined which was found significantly lower than theoretical value due to unavoidable side reactions. Laser light scattering and SEM results revealed that the particulate agglomerate was disaggregated into finer particle size as hyperbranched PAMAM generation increased. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Photoresponsive polyacrylamide based on grafted azodianiline
Authors: Tian Ruhai , Bhatambrekar Nishant , Liao Yi , Su Ming 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPhotoresponsive polyacrylamide (PAA) was synthesized by grafting 4,4′‐azodianiline on PAA via the Mannich reaction. The ratio of azo component can be conveniently adjusted through controlling the reaction temperature. Hydrogen bonding between the amino group on the grafted azo component and PAA main chain is utilized to amplify the photoresponse. Dynamic light scattering study showed that the average hydrodynamic size of PAA having ∼ 5 mol % of azo component decreased ∼ 24% after UV irradiation at 365 nm. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008
Development of a sensitive flow‐injection–chemiluminescence detection method for the determination of laevodopa
Authors: Alam Seikh Mafiz , Karim Mohammad Mainul , Lee Sang Hak , Wabaidur Saikh Mohammad , Chung Hye Young , Choi Jong Ha , Kang Meea 
Published: May 2008

AbstractA simple chemiluminometric method using flow injection has been developed for the determination of laevodopa, based on its sensitizing effect on the weak chemiluminescence (CL) reaction between Na2SO3 and acidic KMnO4. Under optimum experimental conditions, the CL intensity was linearly related to the concentration of laevodopa from 3.4 × 10–8 to 2.4 × 10–5 mol/L and the detection limit was 1.1 × 10–8 mol/L (s:n = 3). The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the proposed method calculated from 20 replicate injection of 3 × 10–7 mol/L laevodopa was 3.3%. The correlation coefficient was 0.997. The method was successfully applied to the determination of laevodopa in commercial pharmaceutical formulations and spiked urine samples. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.