bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visual Receptive Field Heterogeneity and Functional Connectivity of Adjacent Neurons in Primate Frontoparietal Association Cortices
Authors: Viswanathan Pooja , Nieder Andreas 
Published: August 2017

The basic organization principles of the primary visual cortex (V1) are commonly assumed to also hold in the association cortex such that neurons within a cortical column share functional connectivity patterns and represent the same region of the visual field. We mapped the visual receptive fields (RFs) of neurons recorded at the same electrode in the ventral intraparietal area (VIP) and the lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) of rhesus monkeys. We report that the spatial characteristics of visual RFs between adjacent neurons differed considerably, with increasing heterogeneity from VIP to PFC. In addition to RF incongruences, we found differential functional connectivity between putative inhibitory interneurons and pyramidal cells in PFC and VIP. These findings suggest that local RF topography vanishes with hierarchical distance from visual cortical input and argue for increasingly modified functional microcircuits in noncanonical association cortices that contrast V1.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOur visual field is thought to be represented faithfully by the early visual brain areas; all the information from a certain region of the visual field is conveyed to neurons situated close together within a functionally defined cortical column. We examined this principle in the association areas, PFC, and ventral intraparietal area of rhesus monkeys and found that adjacent neurons represent markedly different areas of the visual field. This is the first demonstration of such noncanonical organization of these brain areas.
Contribution of Astroglial Cx43 Hemichannels to the Modulation of Glutamatergic Currents by D-Serine in the Mouse Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Meunier Claire , Wang Nan , Yi Chenju , Dallerac Glenn , Ezan Pascal , Koulakoff Annette , Leybaert Luc , Giaume Christian 
Published: August 2017

Astrocytes interact dynamically with neurons by modifying synaptic activity and plasticity. This interplay occurs through a process named gliotransmission, meaning that neuroactive molecules are released by astrocytes. Acting as a gliotransmitter, D-serine, a co-agonist of the NMDA receptor at the glycine-binding site, can be released by astrocytes in a calcium [Ca2+]i-dependent manner. A typical feature of astrocytes is their high expression level of connexin43 (Cx43), a protein forming gap junction channels and hemichannels associated with dynamic neuroglial interactions. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of Cx43 hemichannel activity reduced the amplitude of NMDA EPSCs in mouse layer 5 prefrontal cortex pyramidal neurons without affecting AMPA EPSC currents. This reduction of NMDA EPSCs was rescued by addition of D-serine in the extracellular medium. LTP of NMDA and AMPA EPSCs after high-frequency stimulation was reduced by prior inhibition of Cx43 hemichannel activity. Inactivation of D-serine synthesis within the astroglial network resulted in the reduction of NMDA EPSCs, which was rescued by adding extracellular D-serine. We showed that the activity of Cx43 hemichannels recorded in cultured astrocytes was [Ca2+]Idependent. Accordingly, in acute cortical slices, clamping [Ca2+]iat a low level in astroglial network resulted in an inhibition of NMDA EPSC potentiation that was rescued by adding extracellular D-serine. This work demonstrates that astroglial Cx43 hemichannel activity is associated with D-serine release. This process, occurring by direct permeation of D-serine through hemichannels or indirectly by Ca2+entry and activation of other [Ca2+]i-dependent mechanisms results in the modulation of synaptic activity and plasticity.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe recorded neuronal glutamatergic (NMDA and AMPA) responses in prefrontal cortex (PFC) neurons and used pharmacological and genetic interventions to block connexin-mediated hemichannel activity specifically in a glial cell population. For the first time in astrocytes, we demonstrated that hemichannel activity depends on the intracellular calcium concentration and is associated with D-serine release. Blocking hemichannel activity reduced the LTP of these excitatory synaptic currents triggered by high-frequency stimulation. These observations may be particularly relevant in the PFC, where D-serine and its converting enzyme are highly expressed.
Opposite Synaptic Alterations at the Neuromuscular Junction in an ALS Mouse Model: When Motor Units Matter
Authors: Tremblay Elsa , Martineau Éric , Robitaille Richard 
Published: August 2017

Denervation of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) precedes the loss of motor neurons (MNs) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is characterized by a motor unit (MU)-dependent vulnerability where MNs with fast-fatigable (FF) characteristics are lost first, followed by fast fatigue-resistant (FR) and slow (S) MNs. However, changes in NMJ properties as a function of MU types remain debated. We hypothesized that NMJ synaptic functions would be altered precociously in an MU-specific manner, before structural alterations of the NMJ. Synaptic transmission and morphological changes of NMJs have been explored in two nerve–muscle preparations of maleSOD1G37Rmice and their wild-type (WT) littermates: the soleus (S and FR MU); and the extensor digitorum longus (FF MU). S, FR, and FF NMJs of WT mice showed distinct synaptic properties from which we build an MU synaptic profile (MUSP) that reports MU-dependent NMJ synaptic properties. At postnatal day 180 (P180), FF and S NMJs of SOD1 already showed, respectively, lower and higher quantal content compared with WT mice, before signs of MN death and before NMJ morphological alterations. Changes persisted in both muscles until preonset (P380), while denervation was frequent in the mutant mouse. MN death was evident at this stage. Additional changes occurred at clinical disease onset (P450) for S and FR MU. As a whole, our results reveal a reversed MUSP in SOD1 mutants and highlight MU-specific synaptic changes occurring in a precise temporal sequence. Importantly, changes in synaptic properties appear to be good predictors of vulnerability to neurodegeneration.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe inadequate excitability of motor neurons and their output, the neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), has been considered a key factor in the detrimental outcome of the motor function in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. However, a conundrum persists at the NMJ whereby persistent but incoherent opposite neurotransmission changes have been reported to take place. This article untangles this conundrum by systematically analyzing the changes in synaptic properties over the course of the disease progression as a function of the motor unit type. This temporal analysis reveals that early synaptic alterations evolve with disease progression but precede NMJ neurodegeneration. These data provide a novel framework of analysis and comparison of synaptic transmission alterations in neurodegenerative disorders.
STIM1 Regulates Somatic Ca2+Signals and Intrinsic Firing Properties of Cerebellar Purkinje Neurons
Authors: Ryu Changhyeon , Jang Dong Cheol , Jung Dayoon , Kim Yong Gyu , Shim Hyun Geun , Ryu Hyun-Hee , Lee Yong-Seok , Linden David J. , Worley Paul F. , Kim Sang Jeong 
Published: August 2017

Control of Ca2+flux between the cytosol and intracellular Ca2+stores is essential for maintaining normal cellular function. It has been well established in both neuronal and non-neuronal cells that stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) initiates and regulates refilling Ca2+into the ER. Here, we describe a novel, additional role for STIM1, the regulation of free cytosolic Ca2+, and the consequent control of spike firing in neurons. Among central neurons, cerebellar Purkinje neurons express the highest level of STIM1, and they fire continuously in the absence of stimulation, making somatic Ca2+homeostasis of particular importance. By using Purkinje neuron-specific STIM1 knock-out (STIM1PKO) male mice, we found that the deletion of STIM1 delayed clearance of cytosolic Ca2+in the soma during ongoing neuronal firing. Deletion of STIM1 also reduced the Purkinje neuronal excitability and impaired intrinsic plasticity without affecting long-term synaptic plasticity. In vestibulo-ocular reflex learning, STIM1PKOmale mice showed severe deficits in memory consolidation, whereas they were normal in memory acquisition. Our results suggest that STIM1 is critically involved in the regulation of the neuronal excitability and the intrinsic plasticity of the Purkinje neurons as well as cerebellar memory consolidation.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTStromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), which regulates the refilling of ER Ca2+, has been investigated in several systems including the CNS. In addition to a previous study showing that STIM1 regulates dendritic ER Ca2+refilling and mGluR1-mediated synaptic transmission, we provide compelling evidence describing a novel role of STIM1 in spike firing Purkinje neurons. We found that STIM1 regulates cytosolic Ca2+clearance of the soma during spike firing, and the interruption of this cytosolic Ca2+clearing disrupts neuronal excitability and cerebellar memory consolidation. Our results provide new insights into neuronal functions of STIM1 from single neuronal Ca2+dynamics to behavior level.
Intricate and Cell Type-Specific Populations of Endogenous Circular DNA (eccDNA) in Caenorhabditis elegans and Homo sapiens
Authors: Shoura Massa J , Gabdank Idan , Hansen Loren , Merker Jason , Gotlib Jason , Levene Stephen D , Fire Andrew Z 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
Investigations aimed at defining the 3D configuration of eukaryotic chromosomes have consistently encountered an endogenous population of chromosome-derived circular genomic DNA, referred to as extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA). While the production, distribution, and activities of eccDNAs remain understudied, eccDNA formation from specific regions of the linear genome has profound consequences on the regulatory and coding capabilities for these regions. Here, we define eccDNA distributions in Caenorhabditis elegans and in three human cell types, utilizing a set of DNA topology-dependent approaches for enrichment and characterization. The use of parallel biophysical, enzymatic, and informatic approaches provides a comprehensive profiling of eccDNA robust to isolation and analysis methodology. Results in human and nematode systems provide quantitative analysis of the eccDNA loci at both unique and repetitive regions. Our studies converge on and support a consistent picture, in which endogenous genomic DNA circles are present in normal physiological states, and in which the circles come from both coding and noncoding genomic regions. Prominent among the coding regions generating DNA circles are several genes known to produce a diversity of protein isoforms, with mucin proteins and titin as specific examples.
Rhythmic Behavior Is Controlled by the SRm160 Splicing Factor inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Beckwith Esteban J , Hernando Carlos E , Polcowñuk Sofía , Bertolin Agustina P , Mancini Estefania , Ceriani M Fernanda , Yanovsky Marcelo J 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAnimals have evolved neural circuits that allow them to generate adaptive behaviors to their natural environment. Specific neuronal clusters depend on.....Circadian clocks organize the metabolism, physiology, and behavior of organisms throughout the day–night cycle by controlling daily rhythms in gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. While many transcription factors underlying circadian oscillations are known, the splicing factors that modulate these rhythms remain largely unexplored. A genome-wide assessment of the alterations of gene expression in a null mutant of the alternative splicing regulator SR-related matrix protein of 160 kDa (SRm160) revealed the extent to which alternative splicing impacts on behavior-related genes. We show that SRm160 affects gene expression in pacemaker neurons of the Drosophila brain to ensure proper oscillations of the molecular clock. A reduced level of SRm160 in adult pacemaker neurons impairs circadian rhythms in locomotor behavior, and this phenotype is caused, at least in part, by a marked reduction in period (per) levels. Moreover, rhythmic accumulation of the neuropeptide PIGMENT DISPERSING FACTOR in the dorsal projections of these neurons is abolished after SRm160 depletion. The lack of rhythmicity in SRm160-downregulated flies is reversed by a fully spliced per construct, but not by an extra copy of the endogenous locus, showing that SRm160 positively regulates per levels in a splicing-dependent manner. Our findings highlight the significant effect of alternative splicing on the nervous system and particularly on brain function in an in vivo model.
„Market Sounding“ nach der Marktmissbrauchsverordnung
Authors: Singhof Bernd 
Published: August 2017

Zusammenfassung
Mit Inkrafttreten der EU-Marktmissbrauchsverordnung und ihrer Durchführungsverordnungen wurden im vergangenen Jahr erstmals Rahmenbedingungen für die rechtliche Zulässigkeit sog. Marktsondierungen geschaffen. Die Ansprache von ausgewählten Investoren unmittelbar vor einer geplanten Kapitalmarkttransaktion zur Auslotung ihres Teilnahmeinteresses ist gleichwohl schon lange etablierter Bestandteil (prospektfreier) Wertpapieremissionen. Bislang behalfen sich die begleitenden Banken mit – weitgehend identischen – internen Compliance-Vorgaben, um die Vereinbarkeit der potenziellen Mitteilung von Insiderinformationen mit dem insiderrechtlichen Weitergabeverbot sicherzustellen. Vieles davon ist in das ausführliche Regelwerk eingeflossen. Dennoch bereitet seine Anwendung und dogmatische Einordnung nicht unerhebliche Schwierigkeiten. Der folgende Beitrag soll einen praxisorientierten Überblick über das neue kapitalmarktrechtliche Regime für Marktsondierungen geben und versucht, Lösungen für bestehende Unstimmigkeiten aufzuzeigen.
Der Markt für Mittelstandsanleihen – eine Diagnose
Authors: Schüler Andreas , Aschauer Florian 
Published: August 2017

Zusammenfassung
Der Beitrag analysiert den Einfluss von Ausstattungsmerkmalen (Spread, Covenants und Sicherheiten) und Ratings bei Emission auf die Indikatoren des Erfolgs (Platzierungsquote, Rating-Entwicklung und Ausfallrate) sämtlicher bis Ende 2016 emittierter Mittelstandsanleihen differenziert nach Branche und verkündetem Emissionsmotiv. In unserer Untersuchung unterscheiden wir zwischen besicherten und unbesicherten Mittelstandsanleihen. Durch einen Vergleich der Entwicklung von nicht-ausgefallenen und ausgefallenen Anleihen versuchen wir diejenigen Ausstattungsmerkmale zu identifizieren, die Aufschluss über den Eintritt eines Ausfallereignisses geben könnten.
Extra anatomical bypass grafting for limb salvage: a case report
Authors: Muralidhar R. , Muralidhar Suraj 
Published: August 2017

Extra-anatomical bypass grafting is a recognised method of lower limb re-vascularisation in high-risk patients who cannot tolerate aortic cross clamping, or in those with a hostile abdomen1. Extra-anatomic bypasses are surgical arterial bypass procedures that circumvent the “normal” anatomical pathways. While such procedures can be performed in any vascular bed, the term most frequently is used to describe those bypasses that reroute blood to the lower extremities, avoiding intracavitary procedures3. Initially introduced as alternative revascularization methods in the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease and as techniques for bringing blood back to the lower extremities. Here, we present you a case of Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease where an Axillo-Femoral bypass was done.
Use of mitomycin c versus gentamicin and dexamethasone in endonasal endoscopic dacrocystorhinostomy
Authors: Buche Aniket R. , Garud Sachin H. , Gawarle Surendra H. , Chamania Gaurav A. 
Published: August 2017

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Dacrocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the procedure done to drain the lacrimal sac in cases of nasolacrimal duct obstruction or in chronic dacrocystitis. New advancements in nasal endoscopic surgeries have given results comparable to external DCR. This is a prospective, case control, randomized, double blinded study to compare efficacy of mitomycin c local application versus gentamicin + dexamethasone local application intraoperatively.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Fifty two patients who underwent endonasal endoscopic DCR at our Tertiary care centre between October 2015 and February 2017. All patients were operated by a single surgeon with double blind method of assigning case. In 26 patients pledgets soaked with 0.4 mg/ml mitomycin C were kept over operative site for 10 min and in other 26 patients pledgets soaked with gentamicin and dexamethasone. Post operatively patients were assessed after 1<sup>st</sup> and 2<sup>nd</sup> week and 1<sup>st</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> month after surgery; post-operative complaints of epiphora were graded. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Maximum patients belonged to the age group of 31-60 yrs (78%), females constituted the majority with n=36 (69%). At the end of the study Group A had 92% success and Group B had 85% relief in complaints.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> We have found statistically insignificant difference between the outcome of local application of Mitomycin C and Gentamicin and dexamethasone. Thus it can be used as substitute or adjuvant with mitomycin C in the intraoperative procedure.</p>
A study on evaluation of pre and postoperative polysomnography for obstructive sleep apnea patients
Authors: Mohankumar Venugopal , Rajasekar M. K. , Veerasigamani Narendrakumar , Sivaranjani M. 
Published: August 2017

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep-disordered breathing. However, obstructive sleep apnea has been associated with much more insidious conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and daytime somnolence can lead to a dramatically increased risk of motor vehicle accidents.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This study was conducted in our institution in 34 OSA patients. After thorough evaluation with PSG, dynamic MRI, DISE patients were treated with various surgeries depending on the level of obstruction. Commonly UPPP, ESP, zetaplasty, tonsillectomy, tongue base reduction were done either alone or in combination. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Pre and postoperative polysomnograhpy for obstructive sleep apnea was evaluated and statistically analyzed. Significant proportion of patients improved both subjectively and objectively as determined by reduction in AHI from 41.73±13.94 to 15.77±9.13, reduction in ESS from 16.41+3.09 to 5.14±3.41 and reduction in snoring.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> OSA can be easily treated with proper preoperative investigations, appropriate surgery, prevention of complications and continued lifestyle modifications. </p>
Zero prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections in clinicopathologically proven lichen planus cases: a cross sectional study at a tertiary care centre in south India
Authors: Sajini Lekshmi , Anjaneyan Gopikrishnan , Jagadeesan Soumya , Panicker Vinitha Varghese , V. Sreedevan , . Gopakumar , Thomas Jacob 
Published: August 2017

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Lichen planus (LP) is a common chronic mucocutaneous inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology. Several editorials, chapters, studies have suggested an association between hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B virus (to a lesser extent) in LP. This association was not seen in various parts of the world including India.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Patients attending the dermatology outpatient department with lichen planus confirmed by histopathologic examination were included in the study and along with clinic-epidemiological data, all the patients were tested for hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> A total of 84 patients of clinico-pathologically proven lichen planus were included in the study out of which 31 were males and 53 were females. The most common age group of lichen planus in our study group was 40-50 years. Major histopathological findings were basal cell degeneration (92.7%), hyperkeratosis (89%), pigment incontinence (73%) and lymphohistiocytic infiltration (70%). All patients in this study group tested negative for HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Although numerous studies around the world have suggested an association between HCV and HBV infections with lichen planus- multiple subsequent studies including the present study shows contrasting results especially in this part of the world. The authors believe routine screening of lichen planus patients for presence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection is not warranted, particularly in Indian population. </p>
Qualidade de saúde bucal e pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica
Authors: Herculano Aline Bergman de Souza , Castro Diego Silva de , Gaetti-Jardim Ellen Cristina , Silva Julio Cesar Leite da 
Published: August 2017

A cavidade bucal é a incubadora ideal para o desenvolvimento de microbiota devido ao pH, presença de nutrientes e fatores de retenção que facilitam a maturação do biofilme dentário, microbiota essa que frequentemente encontra-se em harmonia e equilíbrio com o hospedeiro saudável, diferentemente de pacientes hospitalizados sob terapia intensiva. O propósito desse estudo foi avaliar a qualidade da saúde bucal de pacientes internados na unidade de terapia intensiva e comparar com a incidência de pneumonia associada a ventilação mecânica. Foram avaliados todos os prontuários de admissão no Centro de Terapia Intensiva Adulto do Hospital Universitário Maria Aparecida Pedrossian HUMAP/EBSERH, no período de 18 de Agosto a 15 de Novembro de 2016, comparando os devidos dados com os Boletins Mensais de Indicadores emitidos pelo Serviço de Controle de Infecção Hospitalar, que mostra os índices de infecções por pneumonia associada a ventilação mecânica correspondentes ao mesmo período. Foram observados que dos 41 pacientes internados no referido setor no período analisado, 37 (90%) pacientes foram avaliados pela equipe de odontologia hospitalar, dentre esses 68% eram do sexo masculino e 32% eram do sexo feminino, com faixa etária de 30 a 70 anos (62%), em suporte ventilatório com intubação orotraqueal (61%), com doenças respiratórias como principal motivo de internação (46%). A comparação realizada entre a qualidade da saúde bucal e a incidência de pneumonia associada a ventilação mecânica não apresentou dados significativos que apontem para uma possível relação entre si, provavelmente devido a atuação da equipe de odontologia hospitalar.Descritores: Saúde Bucal; Pneumonia Associada à Ventilação Mecânica; Unidade de Terapia Intensiva.