Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SHORT COMMUNICATION Inhibition of GABAergic neurotransmission in the ventral tegmental area by cannabinoids

It was shown recently that Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol, like several other drugs eliciting euphoria, stimulates dopaminergic neurons projecting from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens. The aim of the present work was to clarify the mechanism of this stimulatory effect. Our hypothesis was that cannabinoids depress the GABAergic inhibition of dopaminergic neurons in the VTA. Electrophysiological properties of VTA neurons in rat coronal midbrain slices were studied with the patch‐clamp technique. GABAA receptor‐mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) were evoked by electrical stimulation in the vicinity of the recorded neurons. The amplitude of IPSCs was depressed by the synthetic mixed CB1/CB2 cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55212‐2 (10−6 and 10−5 m). The CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR141716A (10−6 m) prevented the inhibition produced by WIN55212‐2 (10−5 m). Two observations showed that IPSCs were depressed with a presynaptic mechanism. WIN55212‐2 (10−5 m) did not change the amplitude of miniature IPSCs recorded in the presence of tetrodotoxin. Currents evoked by pressure ejection of muscimol from a pipette were also not changed by WIN55212‐2 (10−5 m). The results indicate that activation of CB1 cannabinoid receptors inhibits GABAergic neurotransmission in the VTA with a presynaptic mechanism. Depression of the GABAergic inhibitory input of dopaminergic neurons would increase their firing rate in vivo. Accordingly, dopamine release in the projection region of VTA neurons, the nucleus accumbens, would also increase.
Measurement of the Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Rate in Human Grey and White Matter in Vivo by 1H-[13C] Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy at 4.1T

13C isotopic labeling data were obtained by 1H-observed/13C-edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the human brain in vivo and analyzed using a mathematical model to determine metabolic rates in human grey matter and white matter. 22,5-cc and 56-cc voxels were examined for grey matter and white matter, respectively. When partial volume effects were ignored, the measured tricarboxylic acid cycle rate was 0.72 ± 0.22 (mean ± SD) and 0.29 ± 0.09 μmol min–1 g–1(mean ± SD) in voxels of ∼70% grey and ∼70% white matter, respectively. After correction for partial volume effects using a model with two tissue compartments, the tricarboxylic acid cycle rate in pure grey matter was higher (0.80 ± 0.10 mol min–1 g–1; mean ± SD) and in white matter was significantly lower (0.17 ± 0.01 μmol min–1 g–1; mean ± SD). In 1H-observed/13C-edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy labeling studies, the larger concentrations of labeled metabolites and faster metabolic rates in grey matter biased the measurements heavily toward grey matter, with labeling time courses in 70% grey matter appearing nearly identical to labeling in pure grey matter.
The effect of the stakeholder orientation on social performances

The modality in which stakeholder orientation can be successfully leveraged in a scope on corporate social performance has become an important research issue. Based on the legitimacy management model, the study aims to answer two research question (1) what about the efficient scope of the effect of stakeholder orientation on corporate social performance? and(2) whether the stakeholder orientation and institutional condition are complementary? Through combined legitimacy view on corporate social performance, stakeholder and institutional theory, we investigate above two question based on the data of top 100 of advanced corporate social performance in China since 2009 to 2011. Empirical research has found that stakeholder orientation will likely in a higher level in much stronger institutional condition. Stakeholder orientation has an efficient effect scope on corporate social performance by the significantly reversed U-shape relationship between stakeholder orientation effect on social performance. Stakeholder orientation and institutional condition synergy leverage on corporate social performance. Institutional condition is complementary stakeholder orientation effect on corporate social performance.
Polyethylenimine‐mediated gene delivery: a mechanistic study

Ethylenimine polymers (PEIs) belong to one of the most efficient family of cationic compounds for delivery of plasmid DNA into mammalian cells. The high transfection efficiencies are obtained even in the absence of endosomolytic agents such as fusogenic peptides or chloroquine, which is in contrast to most of the other cationic polymers. It has been hypothesized that the efficiency of PEI is due to its capacity to buffer the endosomes.
The Decrease in Alcohol Consumption in Italy: Sociological Interpretations

During the years from 1970 on, when the decrease in alcohol consumption occurred, a number of remarkable changes occurred in Italy as to working conditions, family structures and family roles, new lifestyles and consumption patterns. The impact of mass migration, urbanization and social mobility on one hand, and of health awareness and destructuring of meals on the other, offer explanations of the decrease.
Prevalence of Fibromyalgia Syndrome in Migraine Patients

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain syndrome of unknown aetiology characterized by diffuse pain over more than 3 months and tenderness in specific sites named tender points. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of FMS among patients suffering from episodic migraine. Ninety-two consecutive patients (20 male, 72 female) fulfilling the International Headache Society criteria for migraine with and without aura from a tertiary headache clinic were evaluated. A headache and generalized pain history was recorded, tender points were evaluated by thumb palpation. The diagnosis of FMS was made based on the 1990 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for FMS. Sixteen (22.2%) of the female patients and none of the male patients were diagnosed as suffering from FMS. Migraine severity and characteristics were similar to other female migraine patients. Patients suffering from migraine-FMS had lower quality of life scores and higher levels of mental distress. A high incidence of FMS was found among female migraine patients but not in males. The coexistence of FMS should be considered when choosing a prophylactic migraine therapy.
Are inositol pyrophosphates signalling molecules?

The inositol polyphosphate family of small, cytosolic molecules has a prominent place in the field of cell signalling, and inositol pyrophosphates are the most recent addition to this large family. First identified in 1993, they have since been found in all eukaryotic organisms studied. The defining feature of inositol pyrophosphates is the presence of the characteristic ‘high energy’ pyrophosphate group, which immediately attracted interest in them as possible signalling molecules. In addition to their unique ‘high energy’ pyrophosphate bond, their concentration in the cell is tightly regulated with an extremely rapid turnover. This, together with the history of other inositol polyphosphates, makes it likely that they have an important role in intracellular signalling involving some basic cellular processes. This hypothesis is supported by the surprisingly wide range of cellular functions where inositol pyrophosphates seem to be involved. A seminal finding was that inositol pyrophosphates are able to directly phosphorylate pre‐phosphorylated proteins, thereby identifying an entirely new post‐translational protein modification, namely serine‐pyrophosphorylation. Rapid progress has been made in characterising the metabolism of these molecules in the 15 years since their first identification. However, their detailed signalling role in specific cellular processes and in the context of relevant physiological cues has developed more slowly, particularly in mammalian system. We will discuss inositol pyrophosphates from the cell signalling perspective, analysing how their intracellular concentration is modulated, what their possible molecular mechanisms of action are, together with the physiological consequences of this novel form of signalling. J. Cell. Physiol. 220: 8–15, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Managing technological convergence: Evidence from printed intelligence industry

The field of technological convergence is relatively unexplored, even though its growing impact is widely recognized. The objective of this paper is to analyse how industry convergence and technological trajectories affect the evolution of industries. The paper identifies different convergence types and utilises the framework to analyse the evolution of printed intelligence markets and RFID markets. Research material is based on the main RFID industry players, patent data, and 12 semistructured interviews made by the research group. RFID companies were characterized into four different clusters within following headings: vertically integrated players, upstream focused players, downstream players, and PPI & printing companies. The results reveal that the emerging industry is in the early stages of the evolution were market dynamics is driven by complementary technological convergence. Patent and market data analysis also reveals that previously distinct technological trajectories of the industries have started to overlap and merge together to form new products based on integrated technologies. We found, however, that the process of technological convergence in the supply side does not mean market diversification. In parallel with convergence with printed, electronic and hybrid media industries, a restructuring of industries is taking place in near future. Paper industry will have an opportunity to take a significant role in the development through technology expansion and succeeding in the complementary innovations as well as cooperation with new entrants.
Leukaemia Inhibitory Factor Expression in Cultured Rat Anterior Pituitary is Regulated by Glucocorticoids

Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is the generally recognized nomenclature for a pleiotropic cytokine that exerts multiple biological effects in different systems. However, its role in the neuroendocrine system is relatively unexplored, with the exception of one report indicating that LIF may act to determine the unique vascular organization of the pituitary gland. In the present study the expression of LIF mRNA has been demonstrated for the first time in the pituitary gland of the rat, in all three pituitary lobes. However, LIF gene expression is restricted to tissues in explant culture where LIF transcripts are readily detectable by Northern Techniques. Similar studies using the reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) technique also failed to detect LIF transcripts in fresh tissue from adult animals. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that LIF acts to mediate the response to trauma, a response that may include the induction of neuropeptide expression in the anterior pituitary.
Acidobacteria form a coherent but highly diverse group within the bacterial domain: evidence from environmental genomics

Acidobacteria have been established as a novel phylum of Bacteria that is consistently detected in many different habitats around the globe by 16S rDNA‐based molecular surveys. The phylogenetic diversity, ubiquity and abundance of this group, particularly in soil habitats, suggest an important ecological role and extensive metabolic versatility. However, the genetic and physiological information about Acidobacteria is scarce. In order to gain insight into genome structure, evolution and diversity of these microorganisms we have initiated an environmental genomic approach by constructing large insert libraries directly from DNA of a calcerous grassland soil. Genomic fragments of Acidobacteria were identified with specific 16S rDNA probes and sequence analyses of six independently identified clones were performed, representing in total more than 210 000 bp. The 16S rRNA genes of the genomic fragments differed between 2.3% and 19.9% and were placed into two different subgroups of Acidobacteria (groups III and V). Although partial co‐linearity was found between genomic fragments, the gene content around the rRNA operons was generally not conserved. Phylogenetic reconstructions with orthologues that were encoded on two of the six genomic fragments (PurF, PurL, PurB and formamidopyrimidine‐DNA glycosylase) confirmed the coherence of the acidobacterial phylum. One genomic fragment harboured a cluster of eight genes which was syntenic and highly homologous to genomic regions in Rhodopseudomonas palustris and Bradyrhizobium japonicum, including a conserved two‐component system. Phylogenetic analysis of the putative response regulator confirmed that this similarity between Rhizobiales and Acidobacteria might be due to a horizontal gene transfer. In total, our data give first insight into the genome content and diversity of the ubiquitously distributed but poorly characterized phylum of Acidobacteria. Furthermore they support the phylogenetic inferences made from 16S rRNA gene libraries, suggesting that Acidobacteria form a broad group in the same sense and with a similar diversity as that of many well‐studied bacterial phyla.
Effect of tocotrienols on iron-induced renal dysfunction and oxidative stress in rats

Ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) is a well-established nephrotoxic agent. This study was designed to investigate the modulatory effect of the subacute administration of tocotrienol-rich fraction (T3), a product from palm oil, and α-tocopherol (T) on Fe-NTA-induced renal injury and oxidative stress. Fe-NTA administration markedly increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine level, which was coupled with a marked lipid peroxidation, reduced activity of glutathione levels, and morphological alterations in rat kidney. Pretreatment with T3 (50 mg/kg/day) and T (50 mg/kg/day) for 7 days before Fe-NTA administration significantly reduced the serum creatinine and BUN levels, reduced lipid peroxidation in a significant manner, and restored levels of reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase. T3 pretreatment also attenuated the serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels, as compared to pretreatment with T, and restored normal renal morphology. These findings suggest a strong correlation between iron-induced oxidative stress and renal dysfunction and point toward the protective effects of T3 in Fe-NTA-induced renal injury.
Environmental influences and ontogenetic differences in vertical habitat use of black marlin (Istiompax indica) in the southwestern Pacific

The black marlin (Istiompax indica) is a highly migratory billfish that occupies waters throughout the tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific. To characterize the vertical habitat use of I. indica, we examined the temperature-depth profiles collected using 102 pop-up satellite archival tags deployed off the east coast of Australia. Modelling of environmental variables revealed location, sea-surface height deviation, mixed layer depth and dissolved oxygen to all be significant predictors of vertical habitat use. Distinct differences in diel movements were observed between the size classes, with larger size classes of marlin (greater than 50 kg) undertaking predictable bounce-diving activity during daylight hours, while diving behaviour of the smallest size class occurred randomly during both day and night. Overall, larger size classes of I. indica were found to use an increased thermal range and spend more time in waters below 150 m than fish of smaller size classes. The differences in the diving behaviour among size classes were suggested to reflect ontogenetic differences in foraging behaviour or physiology. The findings of this study demonstrate, for the first time to our knowledge, ontogenetic differences in vertical habitat in a species of billfish, and further the understanding of pelagic fish ecophysiology in the presence of global environmental change.
Cervical priming with sublingual misoprostol prior to insertion of an intrauterine device in nulliparous women: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND The copper intrauterine device (IUD) is a highly effective and safe contraceptive method, also in nulliparous women. However, insertion of an IUD through a narrow cervix may be technically difficult. Misoprostol has been shown to be effective for cervical priming in non-pregnant women prior to hysteroscopy. METHODS Eighty nulliparous women requesting an IUD were randomly allocated to receive sublingually 400 microg misoprostol and 100 mg diclofenac (misoprostol group) or 100 mg diclofenac alone (control group) 1 h prior to IUD insertion. Cervical dilatation was measured prior to insertion using Hegar pins. Ease of insertion was judged by the investigator. Pain, bleeding and side effects were recorded at insertion and until follow-up performed one month later. RESULTS Following treatment with misoprostol, insertion was significantly easier than in the control group [P = 0.039, difference 19.36%, confidence interval (CI) -0.013, 39.99]. Pain estimated on a visual analogue scale (1-10) showed no evidence of a difference between the groups. The overall distribution of side effects did not differ. However, shivering was more common in the misoprostol group (P = 0.0084, difference 23.27%, CI 6.64, 39.90). CONCLUSIONS Misoprostol facilitates insertion of an IUD, and reduces the number of difficult and failed attempts of insertions in women with a narrow cervical canal. The optimal regimen of misoprostol remains to be defined.
Apolipoprotein E Is a Ligand for Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 2 (TREM2)*

Background: TREM2 is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. Results: ApoE bound to TREM2 and increased phagocytosis of apoptotic neurons by microglia. Alzheimer disease (AD) risk-associated TREM2-R47H mutant had a reduced binding to apoE. Conclusion: ApoE is a novel ligand for TREM2. Interaction between apoE and TREM2 likely regulates phagocytosis of apoE-bound apoptotic neurons. Significance: Interaction between two AD risk-associated proteins modulates microglial function. Several heterozygous missense mutations in the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) have recently been linked to risk for a number of neurological disorders including Alzheimer disease (AD), Parkinson disease, and frontotemporal dementia. These discoveries have re-ignited interest in the role of neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. TREM2 is highly expressed in microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system. Along with its adaptor protein, DAP12, TREM2 regulates inflammatory cytokine release and phagocytosis of apoptotic neurons. Here, we report apolipoprotein E (apoE) as a novel ligand for TREM2. Using a biochemical assay, we demonstrated high-affinity binding of apoE to human TREM2. The functional significance of this binding was highlighted by increased phagocytosis of apoE-bound apoptotic N2a cells by primary microglia in a manner that depends on TREM2 expression. Moreover, when the AD-associated TREM2-R47H mutant was used in biochemical assays, apoE binding was vastly reduced. Our data demonstrate that apoE-TREM2 interaction in microglia plays critical roles in modulating phagocytosis of apoE-bound apoptotic neurons and establish a critical link between two proteins whose genes are strongly linked to the risk for AD.
The time factor in the LDI (Laser Doppler Imaging) diagnosis of burns

The not quite rare occurrence of inaccurate clinical diagnoses of burns in early post‐burn days leads to an inappropriate conservative treatment strategy, or unnecessary surgery. LDI (Laser Doppler Imaging) objectively evaluates skin blood circulation, which correlates with the depth of the burn and the length of healing. The aim of this work was to suggest cutoff values for detecting burns without healing potential within 3 weeks, which should have undergone surgery.
Frequency and distribution of endodontically treated teeth and apical periodontitis in an urban Danish population.

AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of endodontically treated teeth and apical periodontitis (AP) in a Danish population. METHODOLOGY From Aarhus County 614 individuals were radiographically examined, and the frequency of endodontic treatment and periapical status of all teeth were assessed. The year of birth of the subjects ranged from 1935 to 1975. The chi-squared test was used to determine the significance of differences between males and females and amongst age and tooth groups for the following parameters: AP, the number of endodontically treated teeth, and the number of endodontically treated teeth with AP. RESULTS A total of 15 984 teeth were examined; of these 538 (3.4%) had AP and 773 (4.8%) had been endodontically treated. Of the endodontically treated teeth, 404 (52.2%) had AP. Females had more endodontically treated teeth than males; otherwise, no effect of gender was observed. Significantly more molars (P < 0.01) had been endodontically treated (8.1%) compared to premolars (5.4%) and anterior teeth (2.5%). The prevalence of AP in connection with molars was significantly (P < 0.01) higher (7.0%) than premolars (2.8%) and anterior teeth (1.5%). The prevalence of endodontically treated teeth and of teeth with AP gradually increased with age. CONCLUSIONS The average number of teeth, the number of teeth with AP and the number of teeth with endodontic treatment in Danish adults were comparable to findings in other European countries. The frequency of endodontically treated teeth with AP was found to be high compared to that demonstrated in other epidemiological studies.
A process‐based approach to characterizing the effect of acute alprazolam challenge on visual paired associate learning and memory in healthy older adults

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that, when administered acutely, results in impairments in several aspects of cognition, including attention, learning, and memory. However, the profile (i.e., component processes) that underlie alprazolam‐related decrements in visual paired associate learning has not been fully explored.
Early Painful Diabetic Neuropathy Is Associated with Differential Changes in the Expression and Function of Vanilloid Receptor 1*

Diabetes mellitus is associated with one or more kinds of stimulus-evoked pain including hyperalgesia and allodynia. The mechanisms underlying painful diabetic neuropathy remain poorly understood. Previous studies demonstrate an important role of vanilloid receptor 1 (VR1) in inflammation and injury-induced pain. Here we investigated the function and expression of VR1 in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons isolated from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats between 4 and 8 weeks after onset of diabetes. DRG neurons from diabetic rats showed significant increases in capsaicin- and proton-activated inward currents. These evoked currents were completely blocked by the capsaicin antagonist capsazepine. Capsaicin-induced desensitization of VR1 was down-regulated, whereas VR1 re-sensitization was up-regulated in DRG neurons from diabetic rats. The protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate blunted VR1 desensitization, and this effect was reversible in the presence of the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide I. Compared with the controls, VR1 protein was decreased in DRG whole-cell homogenates from diabetic rats, but increased levels of VR1 protein were observed on plasma membranes. Of interest, the tetrameric form of VR1 increased significantly in DRGs from diabetic rats. Increased phosphorylation levels of VR1 were also observed in DRG neurons from diabetic rats. Colocalization studies demonstrated that VR1 expression was increased in large myelinated A-fiber DRG neurons, whereas it was decreased in small unmyelinated C-fiber neurons as a result of diabetes. These results suggest that painful diabetic neuropathy is associated with altered cell-specific expression of the VR1 receptor that is coupled to increased function through PKC-mediated phosphorylation, oligomerization, and targeted expression on the cell surface membrane.