bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dissociated flexor digitorum brevis myofiber culture system—A more mature muscle culture system
Authors: Ravenscroft Gianina , Nowak Kristen J. , Jackaman Connie , Clément Sophie , Lyons Malcolm A. , Gallagher Samantha , Bakker Anthony J. , Laing Nigel G. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractConsiderable knowledge regarding skeletal muscle physiology and disease has been gleaned from cultured myoblastic cell lines or isolated primary myoblasts. Such muscle cultures can be induced to differentiate into multinucleated myotubes that become striated. However they in general do not fully mature and therefore do not model mature muscle. Contrastingly, fresh and cultured dissociated adult mouse flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) myofibers have been studied for many years. We aimed to investigate the possibility of using the FDB myofiber culture system for drug screening and thus long‐term cultures of enzymatically dissociated FDB myofibers were established in 96‐well plates. Ca2+ handling experiments were used to investigate the functional state of the myofibers. Imaging of intracellular Ca2+ during electric field stimulation revealed that calcium handling was maintained throughout the culture period of at least 8 days. Western blot and immunostaining analysis showed that the FDB cultures maintained expression of mature proteins throughout the culture period, including α‐sarcoglycan, dystrophin, fast myosin heavy chain and skeletal muscle α‐actin. The high levels of the fetal proteins cardiac α‐actin and utrophin, seen in cultured C2C12 myotubes, were absent in the FDB cultures. The expression of developmentally mature proteins and the absence of fetal proteins, in addition to the maintenance of normal calcium handling, highlights the FDB culture system as a more mature and perhaps more relevant culture system for the study of adult skeletal muscle function. Moreover, it may be a useful system for screening therapeutic agents for the treatment of skeletal muscle disorders. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Axonemal localization of Chlamydomonas PACRG, a homologue of the human Parkin‐coregulated gene product
Authors: Ikeda Kazuho , Ikeda Takashi , Morikawa Keiko , Kamiya Ritsu 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA homologue of mammalian PACRG was identified in Sarkosyl‐extracted Chlamydomonas axonemes as a protein that may interact with Rib72 (a component of the protofilament ribbon within the outer doublet microtubules). PACRG is a protein whose expression is co‐regulated with the Parkin gene implicated in Parkinson's disease. Although subsequent analyses did not confirm a Rib72‐PACRG interaction, both proteins display similar localization in the axoneme. Immuno‐localization of PACRG required pretreatment of the axoneme with Sarkosyl, suggesting that the antigen is buried in the wall of the microtubule. Indirect immunofluorescence localized PACRG to the entire length of the axoneme and the basal body, and immuno‐electron microscopy showed that the PACRG antigen is densely distributed along the outer doublets in frayed axonemes. In thin‐section images, the PACRG signals were frequently found between the A‐ and B‐tubules of adjacent outer doublets. From these and other results, we propose that PACRG is a structural component of the doublet and triplet microtubules possibly involved in inter‐tubule linkage. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of Antrodia camphorata on viability, apoptosis, [Ca2+]i, and MAPKs phosphorylation in MG63 human osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Lu Yih‐Chau , Huang Chorng‐Chih , Huang Chun‐Jen , Chu Sau‐Tung , Chi Chao‐Chuan , Su Hsing‐Hao , Hsu Shu‐Shong , Wang Jue‐Long , Chen I‐Shu , Liu Shiuh‐Inn , Huang Jong‐Khing , Ho Chin‐Man , Kuo San‐Jung , Jan Chung‐Ren 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe present study explored the effect of Antrodia camphorata (AC) on viability, apoptosis, mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) phosphorylation, and Ca2+ regulation in MG63 human osteosarcoma cells. AC (25–50 µg/ml) did not affect cell viability, but at 100–200 µg/ml decreased viability and induced apoptosis in a concentration‐dependent manner. AC at concentrations of 25–200 µg/ml did not alter basal [Ca2+]i, but at 25 µg/ml decreased [Ca2+]i increases induced by ATP, bradykinin, histamine, and thapsigargin. ATP, bradykinin, and histamine increased cell viability while thapsigargin decreased it. AC (25 µg/ml) pretreatment failed to alter bradykinin‐ and thapsigargin‐induced effects on viability, but potentiated ATP‐ and histamine‐induced increases in viability. Immunoblotting showed that MG63 cells did not have background phospho‐JNK and phospho‐p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs); and AC did not induce the phosphorylation of these two MAPKs. Conversely, the cells had significant background phospho‐ERK MAPK that was inhibited by 200 µg/ml AC. The ERK‐specific inhibitor PD98059 also induced cell death. Collectively, in MG63 cells, AC exerted multiple effects on viability and [Ca2+]i, caused apoptosis probably via inhibition of ERK MAPK phosphorylation. Drug Dev Res 68:71–78, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hippocampal slice cultures integrated with multi‐electrode arrays: a model for study of long‐term drug effects on synaptic activity
Authors: Ahuja Tarun K. , Mielke John G. , Comas Tanya , Chakravarthy Balu , Mealing Geoffrey A.R. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractTechnological limitations have restricted the ability to determine chronic drug effects on synaptic function from in vitro preparations. In earlier studies, the extracellular recording duration was limited to less than 10 h and only a distinct population of neurons was examined. To address these limitations, we used organotypic hippocampal slice cultures integrated with planar multi‐electrode arrays (MEA‐OHSC), which permitted within‐slice comparisons and examination of long‐term changes across multiple populations of neurons. Long‐term potentiation (LTP) is a widely accepted measure of synaptic plasticity, and is believed to be a cellular mechanism underlying learning and memory. Amyloid‐β protein (Aβ) is a 40–42 amino acid peptide that is the primary element of senile plaques, a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In contrast to earlier studies, MEA‐OHSCs allowed for long‐term administration of Aβ1–42 to more closely model the chronic nature of AD pathogenesis. Prior to Aβ1–42 exposure, the CA1 region displayed robust potentiation, but afterwards the ability to induce LTP was nearly absent. Spatial analysis illustrated, for the first time, the substantial area of LTP induction, and clearly showed the global loss of this plasticity after long‐term Aβ exposure. The MEA‐OHSC model characterized here presents an ideal platform for examining the effects chronic exposure of a bioactive compound can have on a cellular correlate of memory. This model could also be used to screen potential therapeutics that may influence synaptic activity. Drug Dev Res 68:84–93, 2007. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.; Canadian Crown Copyright
The teleost dermomyotome
Authors: Stellabotte Frank , Devoto Stephen H. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractRecent work in teleosts has renewed interest in the dermomyotome, which was initially characterized in the late 19th century. We review the evidence for the teleost dermomyotome, comparing it to the more well‐characterized amniote dermomyotome. We discuss primary myotome morphogenesis, the relationship between the primary myotome and the dermomyotome, the differentiation of axial muscle, appendicular muscle, and dermis from the dermomyotome, and the signaling molecules that regulate myotome growth from myogenic precursors within the dermomyotome. The recognition of a dermomyotome in teleosts provides a new perspective on teleost muscle growth, as well as a fruitful approach to understanding the vertebrate dermomyotome. Developmental Dynamics 236:2432–2443, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and Characterization of New Organosilyl Derivatives of Polyoxometalates (nBu4N)2[NbW5O19SiRR′2] (R = R′ = Et, iPr, OtBu, Ph;R = tBu and R′ = Me) – X‐ray Crystal Structure of (nBu4N)2[NbW5O19SiPh3]
Authors: Bannani Fatma , Thouvenot René , Debbabi Mongi 
Published: July 2007

AbstractReactions of (nBu4N)4[(NbW5O18)2O] with trialkyl/arylsilanols in dichloromethane and/or acetonitrile forms respectively (nBu4N)2[NbW5O19SiRR′2] [R = R′ = Et (1), iPr (3), OtBu (4), Ph (5); R = tBu and R′ = Me (2)] in ca. 90–64 % isolated yields. The compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, Raman, multinuclear NMR in solution (1H, 13C, 29Si, 183W) and in the solid‐state by 29Si CP‐MAS NMR spectroscopy. Multinuclear NMR and IR spectroscopic data suggest that the SiRR′2+ electrophilic fragment binds selectively to the terminal NbO oxygen atom which appears the most reactive site in (nBu4N)3[NbW5O19]. This is supported by X‐ray crystallographic analysis of (nBu4N)2[NbW5O19SiPh3] (5) which crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space groupP21/a with lattice parameters a = 19.884(5), b = 16.801(2), c = 20.644(3) Å, β = 112.050(12)°, V = 6392(2) Å3, and Z = 4. Hydrolysis of the alkyl/arylsilyloxide derivatives leads to the back formation of the (NbW5O18)2O4– dimer by the cleavage of the Si–O bond. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Aqueous Reduction of [Cp*2W2O5]: Characterization of the Triangular Clusters [Cp*3W3O4(OH)2]2+ and [Cp*3W3O6]+ – Comparison with Molybdenum
Authors: Dinoi Chiara , Sözen Pelin , Taban Gülnur , Demir Deniz , Demirhan Funda , Prikhodchenko Petr , Gun Jenny , Lev Ovadia , Daran Jean‐Claude , Poli Rinaldo 
Published: July 2007

AbstractZinc reduction of Cp*2W2O5 in an acidified water–methanol medium affords the green 3‐electron trinuclear cluster [Cp*3W3O4(OH)2]2+, isolated and crystallographically characterized as the triflate salt, 1. Upon exposure to air, this complex is oxidized to a related 2‐electron cluster, [Cp*3W3O6]+, which was crystallized and characterized in three different salts, 2–4. The 3‐electron cluster exhibits a near‐tetragonal frozen‐glass EPR spectrum, and it shows evidence of coupling of the unpaired electron to only one of the three W atoms. The two‐electron cluster is diamagnetic. An electrospray ionization MSn study revealed a stepwise expulsion of neutral [Cp*WO2] units as the main fragmentation process. DFT calculations unveiled the intimate details of the electronic structures of these complexes and fully rationalized the structural and spectroscopic properties.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Investigating Direct Access to 2‐Oxospiro[4.5]decanones via 6π‐Electrocyclisation
Authors: Pouwer Rebecca H. , Schill Heiko , Williams Craig M. , Bernhardt Paul V. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe 2‐oxospiro[4.5]decan‐1‐one (or spiro‐γ‐lactone) structural motif is contained within a number of natural products, for example, the clerodane family of diterpenes. Methods to construct this structural motif are somewhat limited and usually involve multiple functional group interconversions. A novel synthetic approach to this system utilising 6π‐electrocyclisation has been identified and associated density functional calculations performed. Details of the scope, limitations, and ramifications of this methodology are discussed.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
New Zealand = bicultural? Implicit and explicit associations between ethnicity and nationhood in the New Zealand context
Authors: Sibley Chris G. , Liu James H. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractFour studies examined explicit and implicit perceptions of ethnicity and nationhood in New Zealand (NZ). NZ Europeans/Pakeha (the majority group) endorsed a bicultural perspective and explicitly rated both their own ingroup and Maori (the indigenous peoples of NZ) as contributing equally to NZ national identity and culture (Study 1). Contrary to the divergence between explicit and implicit ethnic‐national associations observed in the USA, implicit associations in NZ were generally consistent with explicitly stated values. Pakeha and Maori, but not Asian New Zealanders, were both strongly implicitly associated with the national category ‘NZ’ (Studies 1–3), although this general tendency was qualified by weak levels of ingroup favoritism from all three ethnic groups (Study 2). Finally, the small tendency for Pakeha to implicitly associate their ingroup more strongly with NZ was erased by using moderately well‐known Pakeha and Maori rugby players as targets (Study 4). These findings contrast with the American = White implicit associations described by Devos and Banaji (2005), and provide insight into the ways in which socio‐cultural realities foster convergence or divergence between explicit and implicit beliefs about equality and the function of ethnicity in nationhood. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface degradation of styrene acrylonitrile exposed to corona discharge
Authors: Handala Mohand Amokrane , Lamrous Omar 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAn experimental investigation of the degradation of styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) exposed to corona discharge under ambient conditions was presented. SAN specimens were subjected to a corona stress generated by two plane parallel electrodes. The surface physicochemical changes were studied using scanning electron microscope, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and surface resistance measurements.The results showed significant damage on the specimen' surface caused by the corona discharge. Surface erosion was seen in the micrographs and colour change was observed on the aged surface.The surface resistance dropped rapidly during the first hours of exposure to the corona discharge, then approached a saturation value asymptotically. It was established that hydrophilic hydroxyl (OH) and carbonyl (CO) groups have formed on the surface of the aged sample. Moisture adsorbed by the hydrophilic OH groups plays an important role in the decrease of the surface resistance, as, under dry conditions after removal from the corona discharge, the surface resistance increased and tended to recover its original value. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A second‐order cell‐centered Lagrangian scheme for two‐dimensional compressible flow problems
Authors: Maire Pierre‐Henri , Breil Jérôme 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper is devoted to the simulation of two‐dimensional compressible fluid flows. We present a new second‐order cell‐centered scheme that solves the gas dynamics equations written in the Lagrangian formalism. The scheme is developed on general unstructured meshes consisting of arbitrary polygons. The robustness and accuracy of this new scheme are demonstrated through several test cases. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Symptoms of mental health and psychotropic drug use among old people in geriatric care, changes between 1982 and 2000
Authors: Lövheim Hugo , Sandman Per‐Olof , Kallin Kristina , Karlsson Stig , Gustafson Yngve 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackgroundSome major changes have occurred in the care of older people in institutions providing geriatric care from a few decades ago to today. How these changes regarding organization, diagnosis and pharmacological treatment, have affected the mental health of the population in general remains unclear.MethodThe prevalence of symptoms of mental health in two comparable cross‐sectional surveys from 1982 and 2000 were studied. The study population consisted of all the people aged 65 years or older living in geriatric care units in the county of Västerbotten, in northern Sweden. Multivariate regression was used to correct for the effect of change in demographic structure.ResultsSix out of 14 symptoms showed a significant decrease, correcting for demographical changes. These were, expressed as descriptions of behaviours, Sad (OR 0.72), Crying (OR 0.67), Fearful (OR 0.73), Disturbed and restless (OR 0.84), Lacking initiative (OR 0.67) and Does not cooperate (OR 0.67).Two symptoms showed a significant increase, Overactive/manic (OR 1.44) and Hallucinates visually (OR 1.27). The use of antidepressants had increased from 6.3% 1982 to 39.9% 2000. The use of minor tranquillizers had increased from 13.2% to 39.2% and the prevalence of antipsychotic use had decreased from 25.1% to 20.5%.ConclusionThis article clearly shows that the prevalence of several important symptoms and behaviours in a geriatric care population have decreased over the course of eighteen years, correcting for demographical changes. This might at least partly be accounted for by today's more widespread use of antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consumer channeling by health insurers: natural experiments with preferred providers in the Dutch pharmacy market
Authors: Boonen Lieke H. H. M. , Schut Frederik T. , Koolman Xander 
Published: July 2007

AbstractConsumer channeling is an important element in the insurer–provider bargaining process. Health insurers can influence provider choice by offering insurance contracts with restricted provider networks. Alternatively, they can offer contracts with unrestricted access and use incentives to motivate consumers to visit preferred providers. Little is known, however, about the effectiveness of this alternative strategy of consumer channeling. Using data from two natural experiments in the Dutch pharmacy market, we examine how consumers respond to incentives used by health insurers to influence their choice of provider. We find that consumers are sensitive to rather small incentives and that temporary incentives may sort a long‐term effect on provider choice. In addition, we find that both consumer and provider characteristics determine whether consumers are willing to switch to preferred pharmacies. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why we should routinely screen Asian American adults for hepatitis B
Authors: Lin Steven Y. , Chang Ellen T. , So Samuel K. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious liver disease that, if left undiagnosed or without appropriate medical management, is associated with a 25% chance of death from cirrhosis or liver cancer. To study the demographics and prevalence of chronic HBV infection and HBV vaccination in the Asian American population, we provided free HBV serological screening and administered a survey to 3163 Asian American adult volunteers in the San Francisco Bay Area between 2001 and 2006. Of those screened, 8.9% were chronically infected with HBV. Notably, one-half to two-thirds (65.4%) of the chronically infected adults were unaware that they were infected. Of those who were not chronically infected, 44.8% lacked protective antibodies against HBV and were likely susceptible to future infection. Men were twice as likely as women to be chronically infected (12.1% versus 6.4%). Asian Americans born in East Asia, Southeast Asia, or the Pacific Islands were 19.4 times more likely to be chronically infected than those born in the United States. Self-reporting of prior vaccination was unreliable to assess protection against HBV. Among the 12% who reported having been vaccinated, 5.2% were chronically infected, and 20.3% lacked protective antibodies.

Conclusion:

Given the high prevalence of unrecognized chronic HBV infection in the Asian American population, we call for healthcare providers to routinely screen Asian adults for HBV, regardless of their vaccination status. Those who test positive should be provided with culturally appropriate information to prevent disease transmission and proper medical management to reduce their risk of liver disease. (HEPATOLOGY 2007.)
Reversal of portal hypertension and hyperdynamic splanchnic circulation by combined vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor blockade in rats
Authors: Fernandez Mercedes , Mejias Marc , Garcia-Pras Ester , Mendez Raul , Garcia-Pagan Juan Carlos , Bosch Jaime 
Published: July 2007

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) pathways are crucial to angiogenesis, a process that contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of portal hypertension. This study determined the effects of inhibition of VEGF and/or PDGF signaling on hyperdynamic splanchnic circulation and portosystemic collateralization in rats with completely established portal hypertension, thus mimicking the situation in patients. Portal vein–ligated rats were treated with rapamycin (VEGF signaling inhibitor), Gleevec (PDGF signaling inhibitor), or both simultaneously when portal hypertension was already fully developed. Hemodynamic studies were performed by transit-time flowmetry. The extent of portosystemic collaterals was measured by radioactive microspheres. The expression of angiogenesis mediators was determined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Combined inhibition of VEGF and PDGF signaling significantly reduced splanchnic neovascularization (i.e., CD31 and VEGFR-2 expression) and pericyte coverage of neovessels (that is, α-smooth muscle actin and PDGFR-β expression) and translated into hemodynamic effects as marked as a 40% decrease in portal pressure, a 30% decrease in superior mesenteric artery blood flow, and a 63% increase in superior mesenteric artery resistance, yielding a significant reversal of the hemodynamic changes provoked by portal hypertension in rats. Portosystemic collateralization was reduced as well.

Conclusions:

Our results provide new insights into how angiogenesis regulates portal hypertension by demonstrating that the maintenance of increased portal pressure, hyperkinetic circulation, splanchnic neovascularization, and portosystemic collateralization is regulated by VEGF and PDGF in portal hypertensive rats. Importantly, these findings also suggest that an extended antiangiogenic strategy (that is, targeting VEGF/endothelium and PDGF/pericytes) may be a novel approach to the treatment of portal hypertension. (HEPATOLOGY 2007.)
Effectiveness and acceptability of sertraline and citalopram in major depressive disorder: pragmatic randomized open‐label comparison
Authors: Matreja Prithpal S. , Badyal Dinesh K. , Khosla Prem , Deswal Randhir S. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectiveCitalopram and sertraline are widely prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). There is no conclusive evidence to show superiority of citalopram or sertraline in terms of efficacy or tolerability. Hence this study was designed to compare short term efficacy and safety of citalopram and sertraline in major depressive disorder (MDD) in Indian patients.MethodsIn an open, randomized study, 100 patients were divided into two groups. In Group A (n = 50) patients received citalopram (20–60 mg/day) for 6 weeks. In Group B (n = 50) patients received sertraline (50–150 mg/day) for 6 weeks. Patients were evaluated at baseline and then at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 weeks.ResultsThere was significant improvement in Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS), Montgomery and Asberg depression rating scale (MADRS) and Amritsar depressive inventory (ADI) scores (p < 0.05) with both the drugs. However, the decrease in score was more with citalopram (p < 0.05). Onset of action of citalopram was earlier as compared to sertraline (p < 0.05). The number of responders and remitters was also more with citalopram (p < 0.05). No serious adverse event was reported in either of the groups.ConclusionCitalopram had shown better efficacy, earlier onset of action and more number of responders and remitters as compared to sertraline in MDD in Indian patients. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.