bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HIV and drug abuse mediate astrocyte senescence in a β‐catenin‐dependent manner leading to neuronal toxicity
Authors: Yu Chunjiang , Narasipura Srinivas D. , Richards Maureen H. , Hu Xiu‐Ti , Yamamoto Bryan , Al‐Harthi Lena 
Published: June 2017

SummaryEmerging evidence suggests that cell senescence plays an important role in aging‐associated diseases including neurodegenerative diseases. HIV leads to a spectrum of neurologic diseases collectively termed HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Drug abuse, particularly methamphetamine (meth), is a frequently abused psychostimulant among HIV+ individuals and its abuse exacerbates HAND. The mechanism by which HIV and meth lead to brain cell dysregulation is not entirely clear. In this study, we evaluated the impact of HIV and meth on astrocyte senescence using in vitro and several animal models. Astrocytes constitute up to 50% of brain cells and play a pivotal role in marinating brain homeostasis. We show here that HIV and meth induce significant senescence of primary human fetal astrocytes, as evaluated by induction of senescence markers (β‐galactosidase and p16INK4A), senescence‐associated morphologic changes, and cell cycle arrest. HIV‐ and meth‐mediated astrocyte senescence was also demonstrated in three small animal models (humanized mouse model of HIV/NSG‐huPBMCs, HIV‐transgenic rats, and in a meth administration rat model). Senescent astrocytes in turn mediated neuronal toxicity. Further, we show that β‐catenin, a pro‐survival/proliferation transcriptional co‐activator, is downregulated by HIV and meth in human astrocytes and this downregulation promotes astrocyte senescence while induction of β‐catenin blocks HIV‐ and meth‐mediated astrocyte senescence. These studies, for the first time, demonstrate that HIV and meth induce astrocyte senescence and implicate the β‐catenin pathway as potential therapeutic target to overcome astrocyte senescence.
A Quantitative Analysis of Latino Acculturation and Alcohol Use: Myth Versus Reality
Authors: Alvarez Miriam J. , Frietze Gabriel , Ramos Corin , Field Craig , Zárate Michael A. 
Published: June 2017

Research on health among Latinos often focuses on acculturation processes and the associated stressors that influence drinking behavior. Given the common use of acculturation measures and the state of the knowledge on alcohol‐related health among Latino populations, the current analyses tested the efficacy of acculturation measures to predict various indicators of alcohol consumption. Specifically, this quantitative review assessed the predictive utility of acculturation on alcohol consumption behaviors (frequency, volume, and quantity). Two main analyses were conducted—a p‐curve analysis and a meta‐analysis of the observed associations between acculturation and drinking behavior. Results demonstrated that current measures of acculturation are a statistically significant predictor of alcohol use (Z = −20.75, p < 0.0001). The meta‐analysis included a cumulative sample size of 29,589 Latino participants across 31 studies. A random‐effects model yielded a weighted average correlation of 0.16 (95% confidence interval = 0.12, 0.19). Additional subgroup analyses examined the effects of gender and using different scales to measure acculturation. Altogether, results demonstrated that acculturation is a useful predictor of alcohol use. In addition, the meta‐analysis revealed that a small positive correlation exists between acculturation and alcohol use in Latinos with a between‐study variance of only 1.5% (τ2 = 0.015). Our analyses reveal that the association between current measures of acculturation and alcohol use is relatively small.
Temporally specific miRNA expression patterns in the dorsal and ventral striatum of addiction‐prone rats
Authors: Quinn Rikki K. , James Morgan H. , Hawkins Guy E. , Brown Amanda L. , Heathcote Andrew , Smith Doug W. , Cairns Murray J. , Dayas Christopher V. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) within the ventral and dorsal striatum have been shown to regulate addiction‐relevant behaviours. However, it is unclear how cocaine experience alone can alter the expression of addiction‐relevant miRNAs within striatal subregions. Further, it is not known whether differential expression of miRNAs in the striatum contributes to individual differences in addiction vulnerability. We first examined the effect of cocaine self‐administration on the expression of miR‐101b, miR‐137, miR‐212 and miR‐132 in nucleus accumbens core and nucleus accumbens shell (NAcSh), as well as dorsomedial striatum and dorsolateral striatum (DLS). We then examined the expression of these same miRNAs in striatal subregions of animals identified as being ‘addiction‐prone’, either immediately following self‐administration training or following extinction and relapse testing. Cocaine self‐administration was associated with changes in miRNA expression in a regionally discrete manner within the striatum, with the most marked changes occurring in the nucleus accumbens core. When we examined the miRNA profile of addiction‐prone rats following self‐administration, we observed increased levels of miR‐212 in the dorsomedial striatum. After extinction and relapse testing, addiction‐prone rats showed significant increases in the expression of miR‐101b, miR‐137, miR‐212 and miR‐132 in NAcSh, and miR‐137 in the DLS. This study identifies temporally specific changes in miRNA expression consistent with the engagement of distinct striatal subregions across the course of the addiction cycle. Increased dysregulation of miRNA expression in NAcSh and DLS at late stages of the addiction cycle may underlie habitual drug seeking, and may therefore aid in the identification of targets designed to treat addiction.
Changes in undergraduates’ marijuana, heavy alcohol and cigarette use following legalization of recreational marijuana use in Oregon
Authors: Kerr David C. R. , Bae Harold , Phibbs Sandi , Kern Adam C. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackground and AimsRecreational marijuana legalization (RML) went into effect in Oregon in July 2015. RML is expected to influence marijuana use by adolescents and young adults in particular, and by those with a propensity for substance use. We sought to quantify changes in rates of marijuana use among college students in Oregon from pre‐ to post‐RML relative to college students in other states across the same time period.DesignRepeated cross‐sectional survey data from the 2012–16 administrations of the Healthy Minds Study.SettingSeven 4‐year universities in the United States.ParticipantsThere were 10 924 undergraduate participants. One large public Oregon university participated in 2014 and 2016 (n = 588 and 1115, respectively); six universities in US states where recreational marijuana use was illegal participated both in 2016 and at least once between 2012 and 2015.MeasurementsSelf‐reported marijuana use in the past 30 days (yes/no) was regressed on time (pre/post 2015), exposure to RML (i.e. Oregon students in 2016) and covariates using mixed‐effects logistic regression. Moderation of RML effects by recent heavy alcohol use was examined.FindingsRates of marijuana use increased from pre‐ to post‐2015 at six of the seven universities, a trend that was significant overall. Increases in rates of marijuana use were significantly greater in Oregon than in comparison institutions, but only among students reporting recent heavy alcohol use.ConclusionsRates of Oregon college students’ marijuana use increased (relative to that of students in other states) following recreational marijuana legislation in 2015, but only for those who reported recent heavy use of alcohol. Such alcohol misuse may be a proxy for vulnerabilities to substance use or lack of prohibitions (e.g. cultural) against it.
Spermatozoa with numerical chromosomal abnormalities are more prone to be retained by Annexin V‐MACS columns
Authors: Esbert M. , Godo A. , Soares S. R. , Florensa M. , Amorós D. , Ballesteros A. , Vidal F. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryColloidal super‐paramagnetic microbeads conjugated with annexin V are effective for separating apoptotic spermatozoa by MACS as a result of the high affinity of annexin V for externalized PS molecules. The effectiveness of the procedure in reducing the percentage of sperm with fragmented DNA and abnormal morphology has also been reported. However, it is still unknown if it could decrease the percentage of aneuploid spermatozoa. The objective of our prospective study, performed on 16 males with abnormal FISH on spermatozoa, was to assess if MACS columns were useful tools to retain spermatozoa carrying chromosomal abnormalities in semen samples processed after density gradient centrifugation (DGC). The pellet obtained after DGC was subjected to MACS, and sperm FISH analyses were performed both in the eluded fraction and in the fraction retained in the column. The observed frequencies of disomy and nullisomy 13, 18, and 21, X and Y, as well as the diploidy rates in the MACS eluded fraction and the fraction retained in the MACS column were recorded. We observed that the frequencies of aneuploidies in the eluded fraction were lower than in the fraction retained in the MACS column (0.59% vs. 0.75%; p = 0.010). DGC determined a significant reduction in sperm concentration (z‐ratio = 2.83; p = 0.005) and a significant increase in sperm progressive motility (z‐ratio = −3.5; p < 0.001). MACS also led to a significant reduction in sperm concentration (z‐ratio = 3.14; p = 0.002) and a significant increase in progressive motility (z‐ratio = −2.59; p = 0.01) when compared with the post‐DGC sample. Sperm concentration was similar in the two fractions generated by MACS (z‐ratio = 0.63; p = 0.52), while progressive motility was significantly higher in the MACS eluded fraction (z‐ratio = 2.42; p = 0.02). According to our results, MACS columns are able to selectively retain spermatozoa carrying chromosomal abnormalities. Furthermore, the performance of DGC and MACS on semen samples leads to an enrichment of progressive motility.
The Student's Two Bodies: Civic Engagement and Political Becoming in the Post‐Socialist Space
Authors: Baća Bojan 
Published: June 2017

AbstractStudent activism in Montenegro has remained largely unaccounted for in the growing body of literature on civic engagement and popular politics in the post‐Yugoslav space. When students took their discontent to the streets of the Montenegrin capital in November 2011, the dual nature of the student body was rendered visible and audible: while the official student organizations framed their activity as an apolitical expression of discontent over studying conditions, several independent student associations positioned themselves as an extra‐parliamentary opposition to the ruling establishment and called for the creation of a wide anti‐austerity/anti‐corruption coalition. Drawing from critical theory, political sociology, and human geography, this article addresses the questions of why, how, when, and where a part of the student body became political. I argue that a social context that lacks a tradition of politically engaged student movements provides opportunities for a nuanced understanding of political becoming of a hitherto apolitical social group.
Laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection for malignant foot melanoma
Authors: Yamada Sho , Kotake Masanori , Kakiuchi Daiki , Hayashi Kengo , Hada Masahiro , Kato Yousuke , Oyama Kaeko , Hara Takuo , Taizo Haruhisa 
Published: June 2017

AbstractA 39 year‐old woman with malignant foot melanoma underwent wide excision of the primary tumor with a safety margin and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for the right inguinal lymph node. SLNB was positive and a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed right iliac lymph node swelling. Positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET–CT) scan of the lymph nodes revealed abnormal uptake of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). We performed a laparoscopic pelvic lymph node obturator, iliac lymph node) dissection. During the operation, several black lymph nodes were observed in the iliac lymph node. Pathologically, the iliac lymph node consisted of metastasized atypical melanocytes. This surgical method for pelvic lymph node dissection is not a standard procedure among institutions. There have been no reported cases of malignant melanoma with pelvic lymph node metastasis treated by laparoscopic surgery. However, due to the minimally invasive technique, this method is worth considering to be used for pelvic lymph node dissection in malignant melanoma as well as other cancers in the field of urology or gynecology.
Could Modafinil Prevent Psychostimulant Addiction? An Experimental Study in Rats
Authors: Dias Verônica Tironi , Vey Luciana Taschetto , Rosa Higor Zuquetto , D'avila Lívia Ferraz , Barcelos Raquel Cristine Silva , Burger Marilise Escobar 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAddiction is a serious health problem which leads to general social impairment. The period of adolescence plays a significant role in drug abuse liability. Psychostimulants, such as modafinil (MOD), are majorly used by teenagers seeking improvements in cognition, which contributes to its indiscriminate use. This study aimed to investigate the influence of MOD (64 mg/kg by gavage, once a day) treatment during adolescence [post‐natal day (PND) 28‐42] on amphetamine (AMPH, 4 mg/kg i.p.)‐conditioned place preference (CPP) in early adulthood (PND 60). Our findings showed that AMPH increased CPP for the drug and anxiety‐like behaviours; on the other hand, AMPH decreased the number of crossings and recognition index. In addition, AMPH decreased catalase activity and increased reactive species, malondialdehyde and carbonyl protein levels in the hippocampus. AMPH also increased pro‐brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tyrosine kinase receptor B, dopamine transporter, D1R and decreased BDNF and D2R immunoreactivity. Contrarily, animals pre‐exposed to MOD showed reduced AMPH‐CPP, no locomotor impairment, less anxiety‐like behaviours and no memory deficits. In addition, MOD showed antioxidant activity by preventing AMPH‐induced oxidative damage in the hippocampus. Moreover, molecular analysis showed that MOD was able to modulate the hippocampal dopaminergic system, thus preventing AMPH‐induced impairments. Animals that received MOD during adolescence showed reduced AMPH‐CPP in early adulthood. These unexpected behavioural effects of MOD on CPP could be due to its hippocampal dopaminergic system modulation, mainly by its action on D1R, which is closely linked to drug addiction. Nevertheless, further studies are necessary.
Study of the Cytotoxic and Bactericidal Effects of Sila‐substituted Thioalkyne and Mercapto‐thione Compounds based on 1,2,3‐Triazole Scaffold
Authors: Mousazadeh Hanieh , Milani Morteza , Zarghami Nosratollah , Alizadeh Effat , Safa Kazem D. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractA series of sila‐organosulphur compounds containing 1,2,3‐triazole cores were screened for their cytotoxic activity on human breast cancer cell line MCF‐7. Most of the tested compounds exhibited moderate‐to‐good activity against the cancer cells. Especially, the compound 4‐((2‐(trimethylsilyl)ethynylthio)methyl)‐1‐benzyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazole (3a) from series of sila‐substituted thioalkyne 1,2,3‐triazoles (STATs) and the compounds 3‐(1‐benzyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)‐1‐mercapto‐1,1‐bis(trimethylsilyl)propane‐2‐thione (4a) and 1‐mercapto‐1,1‐bis(trimethylsilyl)‐3‐(1‐phenethyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)propane‐2‐thione (4e) from series of sila‐substituted mercapto‐thione 1,2,3‐triazoles (SMTTs) exhibited promising cytotoxicity against MCF‐7 with IC50 values of 35.17, 32.63 and 30.3 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, the possible mechanisms for inhibition of cell growth and induction of apoptotic cell death were explored by DAPI staining, cell cycle analysis and qRT‐PCR. The synthetic compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial activities, and as a result, the most prominent effects were observed for 3e and 4e. Especially, 3e was found to be quite active against all the tested strains with the MIC values ranging from 15 to 62 μg/mL, except P. aeruginosa. The results of the time‐kill assay suggested that the compound of 3e completely inhibited the growth of both gram‐negative bacteria, A. baumannii, and gram‐positive bacteria, S. aureus. In addition, SEM analysis confirmed morphostructural damage of the bacteria. Our findings could be applicable for developing dual‐targeting anticancer/antibacterial therapeutics.
Lithium ameliorates sleep deprivation‐induced mania‐like behavior, hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis alterations, oxidative stress and elevations of cytokine concentrations in the brain and serum of mice
Authors: Valvassori Samira S. , Resende Wilson R. , Dal‐Pont Gustavo , Sangaletti‐Pereira Heron , Gava Fernanda F. , Peterle Bruna R. , Carvalho André F. , Varela Roger B. , Dal‐Pizzol Felipe , Quevedo João 
Published: June 2017

ObjectivesThe goal of the present study was to investigate the effects of lithium administration on behavior, oxidative stress parameters and cytokine levels in the periphery and brain of mice subjected to an animal model of mania induced by paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD).MethodsMale C57 mice were treated with saline or lithium for 7 days. The sleep deprivation protocol started on the 5th day during for the last 36 hours of the treatment period. Immediately after the sleep deprivation protocol, animals locomotor activity was evaluated and serum and brain samples was extracted to evaluation of corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone circulating levels, oxidative stress parameters and citokynes levels.ResultsThe results showed that PSD induced hyperactivity in mice, which is considered a mania‐like behavior. PSD increased lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage to DNA, as well as causing alterations to antioxidant enzymes in the frontal cortex, hippocampus and serum of mice. In addition, PSD increased the levels of cytokines in the brains of mice. Treatment with lithium prevented the mania‐like behavior, oxidative damage and cytokine alterations induced by PSD.ConclusionsImproving our understanding of oxidative damage in biomolecules, antioxidant mechanisms and the inflammatory system − alterations presented in the animal models of mania – is important in helping us to improve our knowledge concerning the pathophysiology of BD, and the mechanisms of action employed by mood stabilizers.
Green intentions under the blue flag: Exploring differences in EU consumers’ willingness to pay more for environmentally‐friendly products
Authors: Gregory‐Smith Diana , Manika Danae , Demirel Pelin 
Published: June 2017

AbstractRecent research on consumer social responsibility highlights the need to examine psychological drivers of environmentally‐friendly consumption choices in a global context. This article investigates consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) more for environmentally‐friendly products across 28 European Union (EU) countries, using a sample of 21,514 consumers. A multigroup structural equation modeling analysis reveals significantly different patterns and relationships, in how (a) subjective knowledge about the product's environmental impact, (b) environmental product attitudes, and (c) the perceived importance of the products’ environmental impact influence consumers’ WTP more for environmentally‐friendly products across countries. The hypothesized model predicts WTP for 20 out of 28 countries and the findings show that a “one‐size‐fits‐all” approach is inadequate in capturing the heterogeneity of EU consumers. Hosfstede's cultural dimensions of uncertainty tolerance and individualism explain differences in WTP for environmentally‐friendly products across EU countries. Business, marketing communications, and policy making implications are discussed.
Sustainability assurance and cost of capital: Does assurance impact on credibility of corporate social responsibility information?
Authors: Martínez‐Ferrero Jennifer , García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis paper aims to examine the credibility value of sustainability assurance and the type of assurance provider on cost of capital. A large sample of international companies from the period 2007–2014 was used to develop our models of analysis. We find a greater decrease in cost of capital for companies that publish and assure their social and environmental reports. Thus, voluntary sustainability disclosures decrease the cost of capital. However, companies also have the opportunity to reinforce this decrease by providing an assurance statement, so increasing the credibility of corporate social responsibility information. In addition, the decrease in the cost of capital is significantly higher when such assurance is provided by a top‐tier accountancy firm instead of by engineering or consultancy firms; this result supports also the reputational capital of accountancy firms.
Tying oneself to the mast: One necessary cost to morally enhancing oneself biomedically
Authors: Rumbold Benedict 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn this article I seek to establish what, if anything, might be morally troubling about morally enhancing oneself through biomedical means. Building on arguments by Harris, while simultaneously acknowledging several valid counter‐arguments that have been put forth by his critics, I argue that taking BMEs necessarily incurs at least one moral cost in the restrictions they impose on our freedom. This does not necessarily entail that the use of BMEs cannot be overall justified, nor that, in certain cases, their costs may not be forestalled. It does show, however, that their use is not morally neutral. There is a cost to such technologies and, as such, the onus will always be on their defenders to show that these costs can compensated for.
‘You are inferior!’ Revisiting the expressivist argument
Authors: Hofmann Bjørn 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAccording to the expressivist argument the choice to use biotechnologies to prevent the birth of individuals with specific disabilities is an expression of disvalue for existing people with this disability. The argument has stirred a lively debate and has recently received renewed attention. This article starts with presenting the expressivist argument and its core elements. It then goes on to present and examine the counter‐arguments before it addresses some aspects that have gained surprisingly little attention. The analysis demonstrates that the expressivist argument has a wide range of underpinnings and that counter‐arguments tend to focus on only a few of these. It also reveals an important aspect that appears to have been ignored, i.e., that people do not select foetuses based on chromosomes or other biological traits, but based on characteristics of living persons with specific disabilities. This makes it more difficult to undermine the claim that negative selection of foetuses expresses a disvaluing of persons with such disabilities. It leaves the expressivist argument with a strong bite still.