bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What interventions do rural doctors think will increase recruitment in rural areas: a survey of 2778 health workers in Beijing
Authors: Wang Jinwen , Su Jianglian , Zuo Huijuan , Jia Mingyan , Zeng Zhechun
Published: August 2013

Background

A shortage of health professionals in rural areas is a major problem facing China, as more than 60% of the population lives in such areas. Strategies have been developed by the government to improve the recruitment of rural doctors. However, the inequitable distribution of doctors working in China has not improved significantly. The objective of this study was to explore the reasons for the poor recruitment and to propose possible strategies to improve the situation.

Methods

Between September 2009 and November 2009 data were collected from 2778 rural doctors in Beijing, China. A quantitative survey was used to explore health workers’ perceptions as to what factors would have the greatest impact on recruitment and whether access to training had been effective in increasing their confidence, enhancing their interest in practicing medicine and increasing their commitment to recruitment.

Results

Rural doctors were generally older than average in China. Of the 2778 participants, only 7.23% had obtained a license as a qualified doctor. For 53% of the rural doctors, the job was part-time work. The survey showed that rural doctors considered the training strategy to be inadequate. In general, the initiatives identified by rural doctors as being of most value in the recruitment of doctors were those targeting retirement pension and income.

Conclusions

From the perspective of rural doctors, specific initiatives that promised a secure retirement pension and an increased income were considered most likely to assist in the recruitment of rural doctors in Beijing.
Targeting therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma with doxorubicin prodrug PDOX increases anti-metastatic effect and reduces toxicity: a preclinical study
Authors: Wang Qun , Zhong Yan-Jun , Yuan Jing-Ping , Shao Li-Hua , Zhang Jue , Tang Li , Liu Shao-Ping , Hong Ya-Ping , Firestone Raymond A , Li Yan
Published: August 2013

Background

This study was to investigate the effects and safety of cathepsin B-cleavable doxorubicin (DOX)-prodrug (PDOX) for targeting therapy of metastatic human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using DOX as a positive control drug.

Methods

The orthotopic nude mice model of highly metastatic HCC was established and the animals were randomized and treated with PDOX, DOX and saline, respectively. Hematology, biochemistry and tumor markers were studied. At autopsy, liver tumor weight and size, ascites, abdominal lymph nodes metastases, experimental peritoneal carcinomatosis index (ePCI), and tumor-host body weight ratio were investigated. Immunohistochemical studies and western blotting were done to investigate key molecules involved in the mechanism of action.

Results

Compared with Control, both PDOX and DOX could similarly and significantly reduce liver tumor weight and tumor volume by over 40%, ePCI values, retroperitoneal lymph node metastases and lung metastases and serum AFP levels (P < 0.05). The PDOX group had significantly higher WBC than the DOX group (P < 0.05), and higher PLT than Control (P < 0.05). Serum BUN and Cr levels were lower in the PDOX group than DOX and Control groups (P < 0.05). Compared with Control, DOX increased CK and CK-MB; while PDOX decreased CK compared with DOX (P < 0.05). Multiple spotty degenerative changes of the myocardium were observed in DOX-treated mice, but not in the Control and PDOX groups. PDOX could significantly reduce the Ki-67 positive rate of tumor cells, compared with DOX and Control groups. PDOX produced the effects at least via the ERK pathway.

Conclusion

Compared with DOX, PDOX may have better anti-metastatic efficacy and reduced side effects especially cardio-toxicities in this HCC model.
S1 is Associated with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Functional and Structural MRI Study
Authors: Kong Jian , Spaeth B , Wey Hsiao-Ying , Cheetham Alexandra , Cook Amanda H , Jensen Karin , Tan Ying , Liu Hesheng , Wang Danhong , Loggia Marco L , Napadow Vitaly , Smoller Jordan W , Wasan Ajay D , Gollub Randy L
Published: August 2013

A fundamental characteristic of neural circuits is the capacity for plasticity in response to experience. Neural plasticity is associated with the development of chronic pain disorders. In this study, we investigated 1) brain resting state functional connectivity (FC) differences between patients with chronic low back pain (cLBP) and matched healthy controls (HC); 2) FC differences within the cLBP patients as they experienced different levels of endogenous low back pain evoked by exercise maneuvers, and 3) morphometric differences between cLBP patients and matched HC We found the dynamic character of FC in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) in cLBP patients, i.e., S1 FC decreased when the patients experienced low intensity LBP as compared with matched healthy controls, and FC at S1 increased when cLBP patients experienced high intensity LBP as compared with the low intensity condition. In addition, we also found increased cortical thickness in the bilateral S1 somatotopically associated with the lower back in cLBP patients as compared to healthy controls. Our results provide evidence of structural plasticity co-localized with areas exhibiting FC changes in S1 in cLBP patients.
Phenology and pollinating wasp dynamics of Ficus microcarpa L.f.: adaptation to seasonality
Authors: Yang Hui-Wen , Tzeng Hsy-Yu , Chou Lien-Siang
Published: August 2013

Background

In the obligate plant/pollinator mutualism, pollinator abundance is conditioned by the host resource. In order to investigate the population fluctuation of pollinating wasps and the phenological processes involved, this study examined the dual dynamics of the pollinator and the syconium phenology of a seasonal fruited fig tree population,Ficus microparpa,in Taipei, Taiwan.

Results

Our results revealed three seasons in the annual phenology: spring crop, summer-fall crop and winter trough seasons. The syconium quantity was correlated most significantly with temperature based on the generalized linear model with the meteorological data transformed by a principal component analysis. The pollinator population showed an increasing trend in spring, reached the maximum abundance in summer, and then declined drastically in winter, consistent with the syconium production fluctuation. With the small amount of local pollinators from the winter syconia and potential immigrating foundresses from other populations, the pollinator population size can increase very quickly from almost zero to over 40,000 wasps for this 29-tree local population within a season.

Conclusion

This syconium phenological scheme, coupled with the fast-recovery rate of pollinators, may explain the worldwide adaptation and invasion ofFicus microcarpa.
Ectopic expression of OsMADS45 activates the upstream genes Hd3a and RFT1 at an early development stage causing early flowering in rice
Authors: Wang Jiun-Da , Lo Shuen-Fang , Li Yan-Suan , Chen Po-Ju , Lin Shih-Yun , Ho Teh-Yuan , Lin Jenq-Horng , Chen Liang-Jwu
Published: August 2013

Background

The rice gene, OsMADS45, which belongs to the MADS-box E class gene, participates in the regulation of floral development. Previous studies have revealed that ectopic expression of OsMADS45 induces early flowering and influences reduced plant height under short-day (SD) conditions. However, the regulation mechanism of OsMADS45 overexpression remains unknown. We introduce an OsMADS45 overexpression construct Ubi:OsMADS45 into TNG67 plants (an Hd1 (Heading date 1) and Ehd1 (Early heading date 1) defective rice cultivar grown in Taiwan), and we analyzed the expression patterns of various floral regulators to understand the regulation pathways affected by OsMADS45 expression.

Results

The transgenic rice exhibit a heading date approximately 40 days earlier than that observed in TNG67 plants, and transgenic rice display small plant size and low grain yield. OsMADS45 overexpression did not alter the oscillating rhythm of the examined floral regulatory genes but advanced (by approximately 20 days) the up-regulate of two florigens, Hd3a (Heading Date 3a) and RFT1 (RICE FLOWERING LOCUS T1) and suppressed the expression of Hd1 at the juvenile stage. The expression levels of OsMADS14 and OsMADS18, which are two well-known reproductive phase transition markers, were also increased at early developmental stages and are believed to be the major regulators responsible for early flowering in OsMADS45-overexpressing transgenic rice. OsMADS45 overexpression did not influence other floral regulator genes upstream of Hd1 and Ehd1, such as OsGI (OsGIGANTEA), Ehd2/Osld1/RID1 and OsMADS50.

Conclusion

These results indicate that in transgenic rice, OsMADS45 overexpressing ectopically activates the upstream genes Hd3a and RFT1 at early development stage and up-regulates the expression of OsMADS14 and OsMADS18, which induces early flowering.
24-epibrassinolide restores nitrogen metabolism of pigeon pea under saline stress
Authors: Dalio Ronaldo José Durigan , Pinheiro Hildete Prisco , Sodek Ladaslav , Haddad Claudia Regina Baptista
Published: August 2013

Background

Several studies have shown that brassinosteroids attenuate the effects of salt stress. However, nothing is known about their effects on amino acid transport, nor the effects of these hormones on nitrate uptake under saline conditions. This study set out to determine the effects of 24-epibrassinolide, at concentrations of 10-7 M and 0.5 × 10-9 M, and clotrimazole (inhibitor of brassinosteroid synthesis), at 10-4 M, on nitrate uptake and metabolism in plants of C. cajan (L.) Millsp, cultivar C11, growing under salinity. The following aspects were analyzed: levels of proteins, amino acids, nitrate, nitrate reductase of roots and the composition of xylem sap amino acids.

Results

Salinity reduced the proportion of N-transport amino acids ASN (the major component), GLU, ASP and GLN. The effect of the hormone in reducing the adverse effects of salt was related to the reestablishment (totally or partially) of the proportions of GLU, ASN and GLN, transported in the xylem and to the small but significant increase in uptake of nitrate. Increased nitrate uptake, induced by 24- epibrassinolide, was associated with a higher activity of nitrate reductase together with greater levels of free amino acids and soluble proteins in roots of plants cultivated under saline conditions.

Conclusion

The decline in several components of nitrogen metabolism, induced by salt, was attenuated by 24-epibrassinolide application and accentuated by clotrimazole, indicating the importance of brassinosteroid synthesis for plants growing under salinity.
Small molecule inhibitors of WNT/β-catenin signaling block IL-1β- and TNFα-induced cartilage degradation
Authors: Landman Ellie BM , Miclea Razvan L , van Blitterswijk Clemens A , Karperien Marcel
Published: August 2013

Introduction

In this study, we tested the ability of small molecule inhibitors of WNT/β-catenin signaling to block interleukin 1β (IL-1β)- and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-induced cartilage degradation. Proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNFα are potent inducers of cartilage degradation by upregulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and activity. Because WNT/β-catenin signaling was found to be involved in IL-1β- and TNFα-induced upregulation of MMP activity, we hypothesized that inhibition of WNT/β-catenin signaling might block IL-1β- and TNFα-induced cartilage degradation. We tested the effect of small molecules that block the interaction between β-catenin and TCF/Lef transcription factors on IL-1β- and TNFα-induced cartilage degradation in mouse fetal metatarsals.

Methods

We used mouse fetal metatarsals treated with IL-1β and TNFα as an ex vivo model for cytokine-induced cartilage degradation. Metatarsals were treated with IL-1β and TNFα in combination with the small molecules PKF115-584, PKF118-310 and CGP049090 at different concentrations and then harvested them for histological and gene expression analysis.

Results

We found that IL-1β- and TNFα-induced cartilage degradation in mouse fetal metatarsals was blocked by inhibiting WNT/β-catenin signaling using small molecule PKF115-584 and partially using CGP049090 dose-dependently. In addition, we found that PKF115-584 blocked IL-1β- and TNFα-induced MMP mRNA expression, but did not reverse the inhibitory effect of IL-1β on the expression of cartilage anabolic genes.

Conclusion

In this study, we show that inhibition of WNT/β-catenin signaling by small molecules can effectively prevent IL-1β- and TNFα-induced cartilage degradation by blocking MMP expression and activity. Furthermore, we elucidate the involvement of WNT/β-catenin signaling in IL-1β- and TNFα-induced cartilage degradation.
Intramolecular Oxidative O-Demethylation in a Per-O-methylated β-Cyclodextrin–Iron Porphyrin Inclusion Complex in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Ueda Takunori , Kumeda Saki , Kitagishi Hiroaki , Kano Koji
Published: August 2013

The reaction of a supramolecular heme enzyme model (met-hemoCD2), a 1:1 inclusion complex of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphinatoiron(III) (FeIIITPPS) and a per-O-methylated β-cyclodextrin dimer having a OCH2PyCH2O (Py: pyridin-3,5-diyl) linker (Py2CD), with peroxy acid (m-chloroperbenzoic acid or peracetic acid) caused intramolecular mono- and di-O-demethylations of the OCH3 group(s) of Py2CD. The O-demethylation seemed to proceed through the hydroxylation of a C–H bond of OCH3 by an oxoiron(IV) porphyrin π-cation radical (O=FeIVP•+).
Polyoxomolybdate–Surfactant Layered Crystals Derived from Long-tailed Alkylamine and Ionic Liquid
Authors: Ito Takeru , Ide Ryuta , Kosaka Kurato , Hasegawa Shinsuke , Mikurube Keisuke , Taira Minako , Naruke Haruo , Koguchi Shinichi
Published: August 2013

Polyoxomolybdate inorganic–organic hybrid crystals were synthesized by using long-tailed primary amine and ionic-liquid surfactants. Dodecylamine and 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide were employed for the syntheses. Both hybrid crystals contained a β-type octamolybdate (Mo8) anion and showed alternate stacking of Mo8 monolayers and interdigitated surfactant bilayers. The arrangement of Mo8 layers in the inorganic monolayers was different between the hybrid crystals because of the difference in the structures of the surfactant hydrophilic head.
Norman Barrett (1903-79): unorthodox pioneer of thoracic and oesophageal surgery
Authors: Edison E , Agha Ra , Camm Cf
Published: August 2013

It is an interesting quirk of medical history that the legacy of Norman Barrett most ostensibly lies in the name of a disease the he was quite emphatically wrong about, at least when he first described it. Indeed, there are those who argue to remove the eponym in favour of the title ‘Columnar Lined Epithelium’, in part because of what little Barrett actually had to do with the correct initial characterization of this disease. Yet the sum of Norman Barrett's contributions to modern medicine is much more than a mistaken characterization of a pathological process. Barrett was truly a pioneer of chest surgery in the UK - a specialty in its embryonic stages when he first qualified. He was also renowned as a teacher and academic of the highest calibre. In tracing the story of his life we can see how his natural attributes, life experiences and keen appreciation of the arts (especially history) facilitated personal success and such sharp insight into the vagaries of modern academic medicine.
To what extent did the 1858 Medical Act bring unity to the British medical profession?
Authors: Beard John A S
Published: August 2013

The Medical Act of 1858 was the culmination of medical, political and social wrangling for several decades before its passage. This essay looks to place the Act in its correct historical context and will specifically consider whether it brought about unity to what was a disparate and factional profession. That it was an important piece of legislation in the history of British healthcare is unquestioned, but the extent to which it directly brought about change is more uncertain. In order to understand the background, content and repercussions of the Act, one must recognize the structure of the medical system at that time. One reason for doing this, as argued by some, is that the Medical Act, like the Apothecaries Act of 1815, was the result of changes to the profession and not the cause of them. Reformists hoped that the Medical Act would unify the profession, yet significant historical, hierarchical and political barriers stood in the way of reform.
Risk assessment of non-native fishes in the Balkans Region using FISK, the invasiveness screening tool for non-native freshwater fishes
Authors: SIMONOVIC P. , TOŠIĆ A. , VASSILEV M. , APOSTOLOU A. , MRDAK D. , RISTOVSKA M. , KOSTOV V. , NIKOLIĆ V. , ŠKRABA D. , VILIZZI L. , COPP G.H.
Published: August 2013

A high level of freshwater fish endemism in the Balkans Region emphasizes the need for non-native species risk assessments to inform management and control measures, with pre-screening tools, such as the Fish Invasiveness Screening Kit (FISK) providing a useful first step. Applied to 43 non-native and translocated freshwater fishes in four Balkan countries, FISK reliably discriminated between invasive and non-invasive species, with a calibration threshold value of 9.5 distinguishing between species of medium and high risk sensu lato of becoming invasive. Twelve of the 43 species were assessed by scientists from two or more Balkan countries, and the remaining 31 species by a single assessor. Using the 9.5 threshold, three species were classed as low risk, 10 as medium risk, and 30 as high risk, with the latter category comprised of 26 moderately high risk, three high risk, and one very high risk species. Confidence levels in the assessments were relatively constant for all species, indicating concordance amongst assessors.
Seasonal and diel changes in the structure of a crustacean decapod assemblage associated to a shallow Cymodocea nodosa meadow in northern Tunisia (Mediterranean Sea). An overview of the Mediterranean decapod taxocoenoses.
Authors: DAOULATI A. , ANTIT M. , AZZOUNA A. , GARCIA RASO J. E.
Published: August 2013

A study on the decapod assemblage inhabiting a shallow meadow of Cymodocea nodosa from the bay of La Goulette (Tunisia) was carried from February 2009 to February 2010. Monthly samples (with replicates) were taken in the morning and at night, with a small Agassiz trawl. In total 11699 specimens belonging to 41 species were caught. Significant day-night and seasonal changes are mainly related to movements (feeding) and recruitments. Higher abundance and richness were reported at night. Analyses rendered no significant relationships between the plant phenology and abundances and richness; neither between the total abundance and temperature, but significant correlations with a time lag of 3 - 4 months between these factors exist, which could be related with hatching and larval development period. The nocturnal and diurnal values in the diversity and equitability indexes are quite similar along the year (peaks in spring - early summer, minimum in autumn - early winter). This pattern is mainly due to the strong dominance of a few species, with maximum abundances during their recruitment events, whose seasonal and day-night changes have been determined. Besides, an overview of the decapods assemblage associated to this seagrass for the Mediterranean Sea has been carried out. The species can be divided into two groups (linked to the leaves and to the sediment). The differences in species composition between areas must be related to different sampling methodologies, feeding and reproductive strategies, but also to the layout and influence of the surrounding habitats.
Biogeographical homogeneity in the eastern Mediterranean Sea - I: the opisthobranchs (Mollusca: Gastropoda) from Lebanon
Authors: CROCETTA F. , ZIBROWIUS H. , BITAR G. , TEMPLADO J. , OLIVERIO M.
Published: August 2013

A reviewed knowledge of the opisthobranch species from Lebanon (eastern Mediterranean Sea), based on literature records (scattered throughout various papers published over a period of more than 150 years) and recently collected material (1999-2002 within the CEDRE framework and other samples), is presented, yielding a total number of 35 taxa recorded from the Lebanese shores identified to species level. Special emphasis has mainly been given to the alien species, for which scattered notes are also given. The known opisthobranch biota is composed of 22 native (~ 63%), 12 alien (~ 34%) and one cryptogenic (~ 3%) taxa. Eleven of these (Berthella aurantiaca, B. ocellata, Aplysia fasciata, Felimare picta, Felimida britoi, F. luteorosea, F. purpurea, Phyllidia flava, Dendrodoris grandiflora, D. limbata and Aeolidiella alderi) constitute new records for the Lebanese fauna, whilst the examined material of a further seven species (Elysia grandifolia, Pleurobranchus forskalii, Aplysia dactylomela, Bursatella leachii, Syphonota geographica, Goniobranchus annulatus, Flabellina rubrolineata) anecdotally cited from Lebanon on the basis of the samples here studied, is here first explained. One additional taxon belonging to the genus Haminoea has been identified to genus level only. Despite the searching effort poning the basis of the material analyzed here, data reported clearly suggest that strong investments are still needed for a better understanding of the eastern Mediterranean opisthobranch fauna.
Habitat use of an endangered cyprinodontid fish in a saline wetland of the Iberian Peninsula (SW Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: VERDIELL-CUBEDO D. , RUIZ-NAVARRO A. , TORRALVA M. , MORENO-VALCÁRCEL R. , OLIVA-PATERNA F.J.
Published: August 2013

Aphanius iberus is an endemic fish restricted to a few populations along the Spanish Mediterranean coastline and included in international red lists. Information on its ecological requirements is needed to implement effective recovery and conservation measures. This two-year study aimed to analyse the effect of habitat changes, mainly in water salinity and refuge availability, on the life-history traits and microhabitat use of an A. iberus population inhabiting a littoral wetland managed for salt exploitation. The species was more abundant at the intake pond, which was characterised by lower water conductivity values and higher cover of the submerged macrophyte Ruppia cirrhosa. The pond with the highest values of water conductivity showed no presence of newborn individuals (< 10 mm), which probably indicates the reproduction failure of A. iberus or high mortality rates for younger individuals. Overall, the species’ selection of microhabitats was related to refuge presence (submerged vegetation and pond dykes). Juvenile individuals showed a strong dependence on sheltered microhabitats through the studied ponds, with R. cirrhosa meadows as important refuge areas for this age group. Results highlighted the importance of developing traditional maintenance and management measures for the conservation of such endangered fish species.
Distribution and depletion of sulfadiazine after a multiple per os dosing in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) fed two different diets
Authors: RIGOS G. , ZONARAS V. , NIKOLOUDAKI X. , COTOU E. , HENRY M. , VARO I. , ALEXIS M.
Published: August 2013

The distribution and depletion profile of sulfadiazine (SDZ) were investigated in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) fed on fish oil (FO) or plant oil-based (PO) diets. Fish averaging 230 g were given medicated feed containing 25 mg SDZ kg-1 fish for 5 days at 24-26oC. Blood and muscle plus skin were sampled on days 1, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 9.  Differences in plasma and fillet SDZ levels between the two groups were statistically insignificant. The maximum drug concentrations in plasma were 3.2 ± 1.9 μg mL-1 and 2.9 ± 1.2 μg mL-1 in the PO and FO groups, respectively. In post-medicated samples depletion rapidly reached concentrations close to the level of quantification at 72 h post medication. Withdrawal times to reach consumer safety levels were calculated to be 103 and 118 h for the FO and the PO groups, respectively. N4-acetylation was found to be the major metabolic pathway of SDZ in gilthead sea bream fillet accounting for 23 and 19% of the parent compound in the FO and the PO groups, respectively. Overall, alteration of the dietary lipid profile induced insignificant effects on the kinetics of SDZ. The high tissue SDZ levels during medication and the fast removal of the parent compound and its metabolites from edible tissues of gilthead sea bream reflect a promising antibacterial profile.
Temporal distribution of size and weight of fattened Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus l.) from Tunisian farms: (2005-2010)
Authors: HATTOUR A. , KOCHED W.
Published: August 2013

The present study analysis size and weight-frequency composition of Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus thynnus) fattened in Tunisian farms for the period 2005-2010 and compare these morphometric parameters with those from wild bluefin tuna landed on 2001 at Sfax port (Tunisia). A total of 6,757 wild and fattened bluefin tuna were measured as straight-line fork length and 49,962 were weighted. Average value of K for wild BFT was 1.59 and respectively 2.43, 2.32, 2.15, 1.61, 1.79 and 1.90 for Fattened BFT after 5-6 months from 2005 to 2010. Length frequency of fattened bluefin showed clearly a substantial increase in juvenile rate. The percentage which was 21.4% in 2005 reached 31.3% in 2009. For weight distribution, 73.3% of the fish caught in 2001 are below the annual mean (75.7 kg), while means 71 to 72% of fattened fish were under annual mean weight. Year 2009 is exceptional because only 57% of fattened fish were under the mean weight. This demonstrates that the fish caught are becoming increasingly small. Mean weight for fattening period (77 to 124 kg) are obviously higher than those of the wild fish (75,7kg).This study showed an increment in the amount of specimen under first sexual maturity which will not have the chance to spawn.
TNF-alpha neutralizing antibody blocks thermal sensitivity induced by compound 48/80-provoked mast cell degranulation
Authors: Chatterjea Devavani , Paredes Luisa , Martinov Tijana , Balsells Evelyn , Allen Juliann , Sykes Akilah , Ashbaugh Alyssa
Published: August 2013

Background:  Neuro-inflammatory circuits in the tissue regulate the complex pathophysiology of pain.  Protective nociceptive pain serves as an early warning system against noxious environmental stimuli.  Tissue-resident mast cells orchestrate the increased thermal sensitivity following injection of basic secretagogue compound 48/80 in the hind paw tissues of ND4 mice.  Here we investigated the effects of pre-treatment with TNF-α neutralizing antibody on compound 48/80-provoked thermal hyperalgesia. 

Methods:  We treated ND4 Swiss male mice with intravenous anti-TNF-α antibody or vehicle 30 minutes prior to bilateral, intra-plantar compound 48/80 administration and measured changes in the timing of hind paw withdrawal observed subsequent to mice being placed on a 51oC hotplate.  We also assessed changes in tissue swelling, TNF-α gene expression and protein abundance, mast cell degranulation, and neutrophil influx in the hind paw tissue. 

Findings:  We found that TNF-α neutralization significantly blocked thermal hyperalgesia, and reduced early tissue swelling. TNF-α neutralization had no significant effect on mast cell degranulation or neutrophil influx into the tissue, however.  Moreover, no changes in TNF-α protein or mRNA levels were detected within 3 hours of administration of compound 48/80. 

Interpretation:  The neutralizing antibodies likely target pre-formed TNF-α including that stored in the granules of tissue-resident mast cells. Pre-formed TNF-α, released upon degranulation, has immediate effects on nociceptive signaling prior to the induction of neutrophil influx.  These direct effects on nociceptors are abrogated by TNF-α blockade resulting in compromised nociceptive withdrawal responses to acute, harmful environmental stimuli.
Diferencias léxicas entre el polaco y el español: los falsos amigos
Authors: Arias Gala
Published: August 2013

LEXICAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN POLISH AND SPANISH, THE FALSE FRIENDS

From the point of view of translation, false friends were more frequently studied between languages belonging to the same linguistic family or between languages where mutual translation is much more common than between Polish and Spanish. With this in mind we want to underline that the false friends issue affects all pairs of languages involved in translations. We consider it useful to let translators (and specifically future translators) know that is possible to find partial or total false friends when translating Polish into Spanish. We also want to provide a typology and a preliminary list that could be completed by translators.
¿Los usuarios de lenguas diferentes entienden y dividen el tiempo cronológico del mismo modo? – el caso del español, francés y polaco
Authors: Brzozowska-Zburzyńska Beata
Published: August 2013

DO USERS OF DIFFERENT LANGUAGES UNDERSTAND AND DIVIDE CHRONOLOGICAL TIME IN THE SAME WAY? – A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SPANISH, FRENCH AND POLISH

We propose a comparative study on some Spanish, French and Polish, temporary expressions calling different time intervals, to check if the speakers of the three languages make the same divisions and if they perceive time in the same way. The initial hypothesis that we hold is that time is generally perceived in the three languages in a similar way, but if we compare the concrete expressions we can find differences in their function arising from cultural and sociolinguistic otherness between speakers of the three languages.
Sobre algunos nexos subordinantes en español y en polaco: tipos de estructuras que enlazan y diferenciaciones entre el registro escrito y el hablado
Authors: Kucała Danuta
Published: August 2013

ABOUT A FEW CONNECTORS WHICH INTRODUCE SUBORDINATE CLAUSES IN SPANISH AND POLISH: TYPES OF THESE CLAUSES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE WRITTEN AND THE SPOKEN LANGUAGE

The aim of this paper is to compare a few selected connectors which introduce different types of subordinate clauses in Spanish (conjunction – que, pronoun – que and adverb – donde) and their equivalents in Polish. We also looked at a few examples of the compound sentences in Polish and tried to indicate the Spanish equivalents of the conjunctions which were used in these sentences (such as że, który, gdzie). We tried to observe the differences in the number of the exponents of these relations of subordination and their functions in two languages in question and the influence of the verb (its modal and temporal characteristics) on the use of these conjunctions. In the final part we mentioned some tendencies in creating subordinate clauses with these conjunctions, pronouns and adverbs in the spoken language.
Acerca de las relaciones entre el aspecto y el modo accional desde una perspectiva tipológico-comparada
Authors: Nowikow Wiaczesław
Published: August 2013

ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ASPECT AND AKTIONSART FROM THE TYPOLOGICAL-COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE

The article analyses the status of the Aspect and Aktionsart categories, as well as the relationship between them. The analysis was based on a comparison between the Romance and North Slavonic languages, with particular emphasis on Polish and Spanish. From the typological point of view the first one can be classified as an aspect + cases type and the second one belongs to the article + tense languages. Therefore it analyses some differences between Spanish tenses pretérito and copretérito, as well as perfective and imperfective Aspect in Polish.
Gerundio español e imiesłów polaco: aproximación a un estudio morfosintáctico contrastivo
Authors: Pawłowska Marta
Published: August 2013

GERUNDIO IN SPANISH AND IMIESŁÓW IN POLISH: A COMPARATIVE MORPHOSYNYACTIC STUDY The goal of this paper is to compare Spanish gerundio and Polish adverbial imiesłów. We examine the morphological characteristics, origin and development of these word classes. Then we focus on it’s syntactic behaviour and we present some examples of discrepancies between the two languages.
estereotipos arraigados en la lengua: el concepto de derecho e izquierdo en español y polaco
Authors: Tatoj Cecylia
Published: August 2013

STEREOTYPES FOUND IN A LANGUAGE: THE CONCEPT OF RIGHT AND LEFT IN SPANISH AND POLISH

This article focuses on the comparative analysis of the concepts of right and left in Spanish and Polish. The author begins the article by providing a precise definition of a language stereotype based on the research by Bartmiński, explaining its features that differ from the meaning of the prototype presented in cognitive research and prooving that both concepts can complement each other. By connecting them, we can create a full picture of semantic concepts, especially those of strong cultural connotations. The next step is to compare the symbolism connected with the above mentioned concepts and the comparative analysis of their cultural connotations, showing the similarities and differences between those concepts in the selected languages.
Propiedades sintáctico-semánticas de algunos adjetivos de relación temporal: antiguo y actual
Authors: Trybisz Mirosław
Published: August 2013

THE SYNTACTIC-SEMANTIC COMBINATORIAL OF SOME TEMPORAL ADJECTIVES: ANTIGUO AND ACTUAL The aim of the paper is to present the syntactic-semantic combinatorial of two adjectives that introduce, in their main uses, a temporal relation: anteriority (antiguo) and simultaneity (actual), as well as their equivalents in French and Polish. In order to determine exactly all possible uses of these adjectives we describe the classes of objects that appear in the position of the argument subject.
Encoding and Representation of Intranasal CO2in the Mouse Olfactory Cortex
Authors: Carlson Kaitlin S. , Xia Christina Z. , Wesson Daniel W.
Published: August 2013

Intranasal trigeminal sensory input, often perceived as a burning, tingling, or stinging sensation, is well known to affect odor perception. While both anatomical and functional imaging data suggest that the influence of trigeminal stimuli on odor information processing may occur within the olfactory cortex, direct electrophysiological evidence for the encoding of trigeminal information at this level of processing is unavailable. Here, in agreement with human functional imaging studies, we found that 26% of neurons in the mouse piriform cortex (PCX) display modulation in firing to carbon dioxide (CO2), an odorless stimulant with known trigeminal capacity. Interestingly, CO2was represented within the PCX by distinct temporal dynamics, differing from those evoked by odor. Experiments with ascending concentrations of isopentyl acetate, an odorant known to elicit both olfactory and trigeminal sensations, resulted in morphing of the temporal dynamics of stimulus-evoked responses. Whereas low concentrations of odorant evoked responses upon stimulus onset, high concentrations of odorant and/or CO2often evoked responses structured to stimulus offset. These physiological experiments in mice suggest that PCX neurons possess the capacity to encode for stimulus modality (olfactory vs trigeminal) by differential patterns of firing. These data provide mechanistic insights into the influences of trigeminal information on odor processing and place constraints on models of olfactory-trigeminal sensory integration.
Dopaminergic Control of Long-Term Depression/Long-Term Potentiation Threshold in Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Sheynikhovich Denis , Otani Satoru , Arleo Angelo
Published: August 2013

Long-term memory in the prefrontal cortex is a necessary component of adaptive executive control and is strongly modulated by dopamine. However, the functional significance of this dopaminergic modulation remains elusive.In vitroexperimental results on dopamine-dependent shaping of prefrontal long-term plasticity often appear inconsistent and, altogether, draw a complicated picture. It is also generally difficult to relate these findings toin vivoobservations given strong differences between the two experimental conditions. This study presents a unified view of the functional role of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex by framing it within the Bienenstock–Cooper–Munro theory of cortical plasticity. We investigate dopaminergic modulation of long-term plasticity through a multicompartment Hodgkin–Huxley model of a prefrontal pyramidal neuron. Long-term synaptic plasticity in the model is governed by a calcium- and dopamine-dependent learning rule, in which dopamine exerts its action via D1and D2dopamine receptors in a concentration-dependent manner. Our results support a novel function of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex, namely that it controls the synaptic modification threshold between long-term depression and potentiation in pyramidal neurons. The proposed theoretical framework explains a wide range of experimental results and provides a link betweenin vitroandin vivostudies of dopaminergic plasticity modulation. It also suggests that dopamine may constitute a new player in metaplastic and homeostatic processes in the prefrontal cortex.
X-Linked Intellectual Disability-Associated Mutations in Synaptophysin Disrupt Synaptobrevin II Retrieval
Authors: Gordon Sarah L. , Cousin Michael A.
Published: August 2013

Synaptophysin is an integral synaptic vesicle (SV) protein that accounts for ∼10% of total SV protein cargo. Deletion of synaptophysin results in the defective retrieval of synaptobrevin II (sybII) from the plasma membrane during endocytosis, coupled with a slowing in the speed of endocytosis. Synaptophysin has been implicated in X-linked intellectual disability, with a recent study identifying four separate synaptophysin gene mutations in families affected by the disorder. To determine how these mutations may affect synaptophysin function, we expressed them in cultured neurons derived from synaptophysin knock-out mice. Two distinct truncating mutants were mislocalized throughout the axon and phenocopied the arrest of sybII retrieval in synaptophysin knock-out cultures. The remaining two mutants displayed a nerve terminal localization but did not support efficient sybII retrieval. Interestingly, one mutant fully rescued SV endocytosis kinetics, suggesting that sybII retrieval and endocytosis speed are independent from each other. These studies suggest that the efficient retrieval of sybII by synaptophysin may be key to maintaining synaptic health and perturbation of this event may contribute to the pathogenesis underlying neurodevelopmental disorders such as X-linked intellectual disability.
Parvalbumin-Expressing Inhibitory Interneurons in Auditory Cortex Are Well-Tuned for Frequency
Authors: Moore Alexandra K. , Wehr Michael
Published: August 2013

In the auditory cortex, synaptic inhibition is known to be involved in shaping receptive fields, enhancing temporal precision, and regulating gain. Cortical inhibition is provided by local GABAergic interneurons, which comprise 10–20% of the cortical population and can be separated into numerous subclasses. The morphological and physiological diversity of interneurons suggests that these different subclasses have unique roles in sound processing; however, these roles are yet unknown. Understanding the receptive field properties of distinct inhibitory cell types will be critical to elucidating their computational function in cortical circuits. Here we characterized the tuning and response properties of parvalbumin-positive (PV+) interneurons, the largest inhibitory subclass. We used channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) as an optogenetic tag to identify PV+ and PV− neuronsin vivoin transgenic mice. In contrast to PV+ neurons in mouse visual cortex, which are broadly tuned for orientation, we found that auditory cortical PV+ neurons were well tuned for frequency, although very tightly tuned PV+ cells were uncommon. This suggests that PV+ neurons play a minor role in shaping frequency tuning, and is consistent with the idea that PV+ neurons nonselectively pool input from the local network. PV+ interneurons had shallower response gain and were less intensity-tuned than PV− neurons, suggesting that PV+ neurons provide dynamic gain control and shape intensity tuning in auditory cortex. PV+ neurons also had markedly faster response latencies than PV− neurons, consistent with a computational role in enhancing the temporal precision of cortical responses.
Statistics of the Electrosensory Input in the Freely Swimming Weakly Electric FishApteronotus leptorhynchus
Authors: Fotowat Haleh , Harrison Reid R. , Krahe Rüdiger
Published: August 2013

The neural computations underlying sensory-guided behaviors can best be understood in view of the sensory stimuli to be processed under natural conditions. This input is often actively shaped by the movements of the animal and its sensory receptors. Little is known about natural sensory scene statistics taking into account the concomitant movement of sensory receptors in freely moving animals. South American weakly electric fish use a self-generated quasi-sinusoidal electric field for electrolocation and electrocommunication. Thousands of cutaneous electroreceptors detect changes in the transdermal potential (TDP) as the fish interact with conspecifics and the environment. Despite substantial knowledge about the circuitry and physiology of the electrosensory system, the statistical properties of the electrosensory input evoked by natural swimming movements have never been measured directly. Using underwater wireless telemetry, we recorded the TDP ofApteronotus leptorhynchusas they swam freely by themselves and during interaction with a conspecific. Swimming movements caused low-frequency TDP amplitude modulations (AMs). Interacting with a conspecific caused additional AMs around the difference frequency of their electric fields, with the amplitude of the AMs (envelope) varying at low frequencies due to mutual movements. Both AMs and envelopes showed a power-law relationship with frequency, indicating spectral scale invariance. Combining a computational model of the electric field with video tracking of movements, we show that specific swimming patterns cause characteristic spatiotemporal sensory input correlations that contain information that may be used by the brain to guide behavior.
Enhanced Spontaneous Oscillations in the Supplementary Motor Area Are Associated with Sleep-Dependent Offline Learning of Finger-Tapping Motor-Sequence Task
Authors: Tamaki Masako , Huang Tsung-Ren , Yotsumoto Yuko , Hämäläinen Matti , Lin Fa-Hsuan , Náñez José E. , Watanabe Takeo , Sasaki Yuka
Published: August 2013

Sleep is beneficial for various types of learning and memory, including a finger-tapping motor-sequence task. However, methodological issues hinder clarification of the crucial cortical regions for sleep-dependent consolidation in motor-sequence learning. Here, to investigate the core cortical region for sleep-dependent consolidation of finger-tapping motor-sequence learning, while human subjects were asleep, we measured spontaneous cortical oscillations by magnetoencephalography together with polysomnography, and source-localized the origins of oscillations using individual anatomical brain information from MRI. First, we confirmed that performance of the task at a retest session after sleep significantly increased compared with performance at the training session before sleep. Second, spontaneous δ and fast-σ oscillations significantly increased in the supplementary motor area (SMA) during post-training compared with pretraining sleep, showing significant and high correlation with the performance increase. Third, the increased spontaneous oscillations in the SMA correlated with performance improvement were specific to slow-wave sleep. We also found that correlations of δ oscillation between the SMA and the prefrontal and between the SMA and the parietal regions tended to decrease after training. These results suggest that a core brain region for sleep-dependent consolidation of the finger-tapping motor-sequence learning resides in the SMA contralateral to the trained hand and is mediated by spontaneous δ and fast-σ oscillations, especially during slow-wave sleep. The consolidation may arise along with possible reorganization of a larger-scale cortical network that involves the SMA and cortical regions outside the motor regions, including prefrontal and parietal regions.
Signals Governing the Trafficking and Mistrafficking of a Ciliary GPCR, Rhodopsin
Authors: Lodowski Kerrie H. , Lee Richard , Ropelewski Philip , Nemet Ina , Tian Guilian , Imanishi Yoshikazu
Published: August 2013

Rhodopsin is a cilia-specific GPCR essential for vision. Rhodopsin mislocalization is associated with blinding diseases called retinal ciliopathies. The mechanism by which rhodopsin mislocalizes in rod photoreceptor neurons is not well understood. Therefore, we investigated the roles of trafficking signals in rhodopsin mislocalization. Rhodopsin and its truncation mutants were fused to a photoconvertible fluorescent protein, Dendra2, and expressed inXenopus laevisrod photoreceptors. Photoconversion of Dendra2 causes a color change from green to red, enabling visualization of the dynamic events associated with rhodopsin trafficking and renewal. We found that rhodopsin mislocalization is a facilitated process for which a signal located within 322–326 aa (CCGKN) is essential. An additional signal within 327–336 aa further facilitated the mislocalization. This collective mistrafficking signal confers toxicity to rhodopsin and causes mislocalization when the VXPX cilia-targeting motif is absent. We also determined that the VXPX motif neutralizes this mistrafficking signal, enhances ciliary targeting at least 10-fold, and accelerates trafficking of post-Golgi vesicular structures. In the absence of the VXPX motif, mislocalized rhodopsin is actively cleared through secretion of vesicles into the extracellular milieu. Therefore, this study unveiled the multiple roles of trafficking signals in rhodopsin localization and renewal.
Optogenetic Evidence That Pallidal Projections, Not Nigral Projections, from the Nucleus Accumbens Core Are Necessary for Reinstating Cocaine Seeking
Authors: Stefanik Michael T. , Kupchik Yonatan M. , Brown Robyn M. , Kalivas Peter W.
Published: August 2013

The core subcompartment of the nucleus accumbens (NAcore) contributes significantly to behavioral responses following motivationally relevant stimuli, including drug-induced, stress-induced, and cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking. Projections from NAcore that could carry information necessary to initiate reinstated cocaine seeking include outputs via the indirect pathway to the dorsolateral subcompartment of the ventral pallidum (dlVP) and through the direct pathway to the medial substantia nigra (SN). Here we used an optogenetic strategy to determine whether the dlVP or nigral projections from the NAcore are necessary for cocaine seeking initiated by a cocaine and conditioned cue combination in rats extinguished from cocaine self-administration. Rats were pretreated in the NAcore with an adeno-associated virus expressing the inhibitory opsin archaerhodopsin, and fiber-optic cannulae were implanted above the indirect pathway axon terminal field in the dlVP, or the direct pathway terminal field in the SN. Inhibiting the indirect pathway to the dlVP, but not the direct pathway to the SN, prevented cocaine-plus-cue-induced reinstatement. We also examined projections back to the NAcore from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and dlVP. Inhibiting the dlVP to NAcore projection did not alter, while inhibiting VTA afferents abolished reinstated cocaine seeking. Localization of green fluorescent protein reporter expression and whole-cell patch electrophysiology were used to verify opsin expression. These data reveal a circuit involving activation of VTA inputs to the NAcore and NAcore projections through the indirect pathway to the dlVP as critical for cocaine-plus-cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking.