bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of contextual cues with morphine reward increases neural and synaptic plasticity in the ventral hippocampus of rats
Authors: Alvandi Mina Sadighi , Bourmpoula Maria , Homberg Judith R. , Fathollahi Yaghoub 
Published: September 2017

AbstractDrug addiction is associated with aberrant memory and permanent functional changes in neural circuits. It is known that exposure to drugs like morphine is associated with positive emotional states and reward‐related memory. However, the underlying mechanisms in terms of neural plasticity in the ventral hippocampus, a region involved in associative memory and emotional behaviors, are not fully understood. Therefore, we measured adult neurogenesis, dendritic spine density and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and TrkB mRNA expression as parameters for synaptic plasticity in the ventral hippocampus. Male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to the CPP (conditioned place preference) paradigm and received 10 mg/kg morphine. Half of the rats were used to evaluate neurogenesis by immunohistochemical markers Ki67 and doublecortin (DCX). The other half was used for Golgi staining to measure spine density and real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction to assess BDNF/TrkB expression levels. We found that morphine‐treated rats exhibited more place conditioning as compared with saline‐treated rats and animals that were exposed to the CPP without any injections. Locomotor activity did not change significantly. Morphine‐induced CPP significantly increased the number of Ki67 and DCX‐labeled cells in the ventral dentate gyrus. Additionally, we found increased dendritic spine density in both CA1 and dentate gyrus and an enhancement of BDNF/TrkB mRNA levels in the whole ventral hippocampus. Ki67, DCX and spine density were significantly correlated with CPP scores. In conclusion, we show that morphine‐induced reward‐related memory is associated with neural and synaptic plasticity changes in the ventral hippocampus. Such neural changes could underlie context‐induced drug relapse.
Amino acid modulation of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens mediates sex differences in nicotine withdrawal
Authors: Carcoba Luis M. , Flores Rodolfo J. , Natividad Luis A. , O'Dell Laura E. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe aversive effect of nicotine withdrawal is greater in female versus male rats, and we postulate that this sex difference is mediated in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Nicotine withdrawal induces decreases in NAc dopamine and increases in acetylcholine (ACh) levels in male rats. To our knowledge, these neurochemical markers of nicotine withdrawal have not been compared in female versus male rats. Given the role of amino acids in modulating NAc dopaminergic and cholinergic transmission, concomitant measures of gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate levels were also compared across sex. Rats received continuous nicotine exposure for 14 days, and then NAc dialysate was collected during baseline and following administration of the nicotinic receptor antagonist mecamylamine to precipitate withdrawal. Chronic nicotine exposure was associated with larger increases in baseline dopamine, GABA and glutamate levels in the NAc of female versus male rats, whereas baseline ACh was only increased in male rats. During withdrawal, both sexes displayed equivalent increases in NAc ACh levels. As expected, male rats displayed decreases in dopamine, coupled with increases in GABA and decreases in glutamate levels, suggesting the possibility of increased inhibitory tone in the NAc during withdrawal. Relative to males, female rats displayed larger decreases in NAc dopamine and related increases in GABAergic transmission. As female rats also showed elevated glutamate levels that persist during withdrawal, it is suggested that sex differences may arise from increased glutamatergic drive of inhibitory tone in the NAc. The findings provide a potential mechanism whereby the aversive effects of nicotine withdrawal are enhanced in female rats.
Single‐center experience of N‐linked Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation with a Summary of Molecularly Characterized Cases in Arabs
Authors: Bastaki Fatma , Bizzari Sami , Hamici Sana , Nair Pratibha , Mohamed Madiha , Saif Fatima , Malik Ethar Mustafa , Al‐Ali Mahmoud Taleb , Hamzeh Abdul Rezzak 
Published: September 2017

AbstractCongenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) represent an expanding group of conditions that result from defects in protein and lipid glycosylation. Different subgroups of CDG display considerable clinical and genetic heterogeneity due to the highly complex nature of cellular glycosylation. This is further complicated by ethno‐geographic differences in the mutational landscape of each of these subgroups. Ten Arab CDG patients from Latifa Hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, were assessed using biochemical (glycosylation status of transferrin) and molecular approaches (next‐generation sequencing [NGS] and Sanger sequencing). In silico tools including CADD and PolyPhen‐2 were used to predict the functional consequences of uncovered mutations. In our sample of patients, five novel mutations were uncovered in the genes: MPDU1, PMM2, MAN1B1, and RFT1. In total, 9 mutations were harbored by the 10 patients in 7 genes. These are missense and nonsense mutations with deleterious functional consequences. This article integrates a single‐center experience within a list of reported CDG mutations in the Arab world, accompanied by full molecular and clinical details pertaining to the studied cases. It also sheds light on potential ethnic differences that were not noted before in regards to CDG in the Arab world.
Assessing bone development in preterm infants using quantitative ultrasonography showed a decline in the early postnatal period
Authors: Krikke Marieke , Yumani Dana , Rustenburg Christine , Cranendonk Anneke , Twisk Jos , Lafeber Harrie , van Weissenbruch Mirjam 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimPreterm infants have an insufficient bone mineral store at birth and this study explored their bone development during the early postnatal period.MethodsThe metacarpal speed of sound (mcSOS) and metacarpal bone transmission time (mcBTT) were used to assess bone development in 277 preterm infants, admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands from 2007–2012.ResultsDuring the first nine postnatal weeks, the mcSOS declined from 10 to 38 m per second per week and the mcBTT declined from 20 to 71 nanoseconds per week. The pattern of change in both of these measurements showed a significant difference between infants born before 32 weeks of gestation (p = 0.048) and those born between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation (p = 0.008). There was a borderline significant difference in the pattern of change of the mcBTT in infants with a protein intake below 2 g/kg per day versus a higher intake (p = 0.050).ConclusionThe mcSOS and mcBTT of preterm infants showed a small to moderate decline during the early postnatal period. Future studies should explore the clinical relevance of this decline and develop interventions to halt it.
Different protein kinase C isoenzymes mediate inhibition of cardiac rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ current by different G‐protein coupled receptors
Authors: Liu Xueli , Wang Yuhong , Zhang Hua , Shen Li , Xu Yanfang 
Published: September 2017

Background and PurposeElevated angiotensin II (Ang II) and sympathetic activity contributes to a high risk of ventricular arrhythmias in heart disease. The rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ current (IKr) carried by the hERG channels plays a critical role in cardiac repolarization, and decreased IKr is involved in increased cardiac arrhythmogenicity. Stimulation of α1A‐adrenoreceptors or angiotensin II AT1 receptors is known to inhibit IKr via PKC. Here, we have identified the PKC isoenzymes mediating the inhibition of IKr by activation of these two different GPCRs.Experimental ApproachThe whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique was used to record IKr in guinea pig cardiomyocytes and HEK293 cells co‐transfected with hERG and α1A‐adrenoreceptor or AT1 receptor genes.Key ResultsA broad spectrum PKC inhibitor Gö6983 (not inhibiting PKCε), a selective cPKC inhibitor Gö6976 and a PKCα‐specific inhibitor peptide, blocked the inhibition of IKr by the α1A‐adrenoreceptor agonist A61603. However, these inhibitors did not affect the reduction of IKr by activation of AT1 receptors, whereas the PKCε‐selective inhibitor peptide did block the effect. The effects of angiotensin II and the PKCε activator peptide were inhibited in mutant hERG channels in which 17 of the 18 PKC phosphorylation sites were deleted, whereas a deletion of the N‐terminus of the hERG channels selectively prevented the inhibition elicited by A61603 and the cPKC activator peptide.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur results indicated that inhibition of IKr by activation of α1A‐adrenoreceptors or AT1 receptors were mediated by PKCα and PKCε isoforms respectively, through different molecular mechanisms.
Cost minimization analysis of a long‐term randomized clinical trial of patients treated with immediately loaded implant‐supported fixed prosthesis
Authors: Alfadda Sara A. , Furzer Jill E. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPurposeTo document the long‐term costs from a randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) on edentulous patients treated with mandibular 4‐implant‐supported fixed prosthesis and two loading protocols.MethodsTaking the perspective of the individual patient, costs associated with treatment, complications, and patients’ time from 18 patients who received an immediate‐loading protocol and 21 patients treated with a conventional loading protocol were compared over 10 years of observation. All costs are in Canadian dollars and discounted to the RCT base year of 2006 at a rate of 1.5%.ResultsThe complication rate in both arms was similar and relatively low. No statistically significant difference was observed in the total cost and discounted total cost, along with its five comprising parameters between the two arms.ConclusionsOver the 10‐year time frame, the immediate loading of dental implants with mandibular fixed prosthesis proved to cost similar to the conventional loading protocol, underscoring the feasibility and reliability of this protocol from the patient's perspective. (REB protocol reference # 33395).
Effects of age and sex ratios on offspring recruitment rates in translocated black rhinoceros
Authors: Gedir Jay V. , Law Peter R. , du Preez Pierre , Linklater Wayne L. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSuccess of animal translocations depends on improving postrelease demographic rates toward establishment and subsequent growth of released populations. Short‐term metrics for evaluating translocation success and its drivers, like postrelease survival and fecundity, are unlikely to represent longer‐term outcomes. We used information theory to investigate 25 years of data on black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) translocations. We used the offspring recruitment rate (ORR) of translocated females—a metric integrating survival, fecundity, and offspring recruitment at sexual maturity—to detect determinants of success. Our unambiguously best model (AICω = 0.986) predicted that ORR increases with female age at release as a function of lower postrelease adult rhinoceros sex ratio (males:females). Delay of first postrelease reproduction and failure of some females to recruit any calves to sexual maturity most influenced the pattern of ORRs, and the leading causes of recruitment failure were postrelease female death (23% of all females) and failure to calve (24% of surviving females). We recommend translocating older females (≥6 years old) because they do not exhibit the reproductive delay and low ORRs of juveniles (<4 years old) or the higher rates of recruitment failure of juveniles and young adults (4–5.9 years old). Where translocation of juveniles is necessary, they should be released into female‐biased populations, where they have higher ORRs. Our study offers the unique advantage of a long‐term analysis across a large number of replicate populations—a science‐by‐management experiment as a proxy for a manipulative experiment, and a rare opportunity, particularly for a large, critically endangered taxon such as the black rhinoceros. Our findings differ from previous recommendations, reinforce the importance of long‐term data sets and comprehensive metrics of translocation success, and suggest attention be shifted from ecological to social constraints on population growth and species recovery, particularly when translocating species with polygynous breeding systems.
When should the diagnosis ‘contact urticaria’ be used?
Authors: Aalto‐Korte Kristiina 
Published: September 2017

SummaryIn the dermatological literature, the term ‘contact urticaria syndrome’ is often used with patients presenting no symptoms of contact urticaria, but symptoms of adjacent mucous membranes evolving to a systemic allergic reaction. Contact urticaria refers to a wheal and flare reaction following external contact with a causative substance. Its use should be restricted to skin: a skin reaction after direct skin contact.
All the Right Noises: Background Variability Helps Early Word Learning
Authors: Twomey Katherine E. , Ma Lizhi , Westermann Gert 
Published: September 2017

AbstractVariability is prevalent in early language acquisition, but, whether it supports or hinders learning is unclear; while target variability has been shown to facilitate word learning, variability in competitor items has been shown to make the task harder. Here, we tested whether background variability could boost learning in a referent selection task. Two groups of 2‐year‐old children saw arrays of one novel and two known objects on a screen, and they heard a novel or known label. Stimuli were identical across conditions, with the exception that in theconstant colorcondition objects appeared on a uniform white background, and in thevariable colorcondition backgrounds were different, uniform colors. At test, only children in the variable condition showed evidence of retaining label‐object associations. These data support findings from the adult memory literature, which suggest that variability supports learning by decontextualizing representations. We argue that these data are consistent with dynamic systems accounts of learning in which low‐level entropy adds sufficient noise to the developmental system to precipitate a change in behavior.
Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound activates ERK1/2 and PI3K‐Akt signalling pathways and promotes the proliferation of human amnion‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Ling Li , Wei Tianqin , He Lianli , Wang Yaping , Wang Yan , Feng Xiushan , Zhang Wenqian , Xiong Zhengai 
Published: September 2017

AbstractObjectivesThis study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on the proliferation of human amnion‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAD‐MSCs).MethodsHuman amnion‐derived mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from the amnion of term placentas and identified by flow cytometry and differentiation culture. Proliferation of hAD‐MSCs was investigated by Cell Counting Kit‐8, cell cycle and EdU assays. Western blotting was used to determine the protein expression levels.ResultsHuman amnion‐derived mesenchymal stem cells were successfully isolated from the amnion and identified as multipotent mesenchymal stem cells. Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound promoted the proliferation of hAD‐MSCs. Cell cycle analysis showed that LIPUS promoted cells to enter S and G2/M phases from G0/G1 phase. Western blot results showed that LIPUS promoted the phosphorylation and activation of ERK1/2 and Akt and significantly upregulated expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E1, cyclin A2 and cyclin B1. ERK1/2 inhibitor (U0126) and PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) significantly reduced LIPUS‐induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt, respectively, which in turn reduced the LIPUS‐induced proliferation of hAD‐MSCs.ConclusionsLow‐intensity pulsed ultrasound can promote the proliferation of hAD‐MSCs, and ERK1/2 and PI3K‐Akt signalling pathways may play important roles in this process.
The role of complement‐fixing donor‐specific antibodies identified by a C1q assay after heart transplantation
Authors: Farrero Torres M. , Pando M.J. , Luo C. , Luikart H. , Valantine H. , Khush K. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe development of donor‐specific antibodies (DSA) to human leukocyte antigens (HLA) has been associated with acute rejection and allograft failure after heart transplantation. Not all DSA, however, can fix complement.MethodsTo determine the association between complement‐fixing DSA and heart transplant outcomes, we retrospectively analyzed results obtained using the C1q solid‐phase assay that specifically detects complement‐fixing DSA in parallel with the standard IgG assay in 121 adult heart transplant recipients.ResultsThe 52 recipients who developed post‐transplant DSA had a higher incidence of acute cellular rejection (58% vs 19%, P < .001) and antibody‐mediated rejection (29% vs 7%, P < .001) than the 69 recipients without DSA. The 24 recipients with C1q+ DSA had more antibody‐mediated rejection than the 28 recipients with C1q− DSA (46% vs 14%, P = .012), but there was no difference in the incidence of acute cellular rejection between these two groups. Patients with post‐transplant DSA had higher mortality than patients with no DSA (29% vs 13%, P = .031), mainly due to increased incidence of acute rejection. No differences in survival were found between recipients with C1q+ DSA and C1q− DSA.ConclusionsRoutine monitoring of DSA post‐transplant, and their characterization using the C1q assay, may provide prognostic information for acute rejection after heart transplantation.
Cytokeratin 20 immunocytochemistry on urine sediments: A potential low‐cost adjunct to cytology in the diagnosis of low‐grade urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Wadhwa N. , Diwaker P. , Lotha N. , Arora V. K. , Singh N. 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundUrine cytology is the corner‐stone for the diagnosis of urothelial neoplasia; however, a substantial proportion of low‐grade carcinomas are reported as inconclusive owing to scant cellularity and subtle cytological features. Biomarkers applied on urine sediment smears of such patients are likely to be clinically relevant. Access to Food and Drug Administration approved urinary biomarkers in resource limited setting is poor. Detection of cytokeratin 20 (CK20) in urine sediments, although still a research tool, is a promising marker as immunocytochemistry is performed regularly in several Indian laboratories.ObjectiveWe tested the clinical utility of CK20 immunocytochemistry as a potential low‐cost adjunct to urine cytology in diagnosis of low‐grade urothelial carcinoma. One hundred and fifty fresh, voided urine specimens from 42 cases of biopsy proven urothelial neoplasia (14 high grade, 28 combined low‐grade [n=26]) and low malignant potential [n=2]), and 20 non‐neoplastic lesions were included in the study sample.ResultsConfident diagnosis of malignancy was possible in five (17.8%) low‐grade malignancies. Thirteen of 16 (81.3%) low‐grade malignancies with inconclusive cytology showed positive CK20 expression. This reduced the proportion of low‐grade cases with inconclusive cytology from 57.1% to 10.7% (P=.021). In addition, we could correctly classify one case of bladder lithiasis with false positive urine cytology. Discrepant CK20 staining (positive) was seen in one patient with acute cystitis.ConclusionsCK20 expression in non‐umbrella cells is a robust marker of urinary bladder carcinoma. It has potential clinical utility for identification of low‐grade urothelial malignancy with inconclusive cytological diagnosis.
Development of a battery of tests to measure attitudes and intended behaviours of dental students towards people with disability or those in marginalised groups
Authors: Faulks D. , Dougall A. , Ting G. , Ari T. , Nunn J. , Friedman C. , John J. , Daly B. , Roger‐Leroi V. , Newton J. T. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIntroductionRecommended curricula in Special Care Dentistry (SCD) outline learning objectives that include the domain of attitudes and behaviours, but these are notoriously difficult to measure. The aims of this study were (i) to develop a test battery comprising adapted and new scales to evaluate values, attitudes and intentions of dental students towards people with disability and people in marginalised groups and (ii) to determine reliability (interitem consistency) and validity of the scales within the test battery.Materials and MethodsA literature search identified pre‐existing measures and models for the assessment of attitudes in healthcare students. Adaptation of three pre‐existing scales was undertaken, and a new scale was developed based upon the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) using an elicitation survey. These scales underwent a process of content validation. The three adapted scales and the TPB scale were piloted by 130 students at 5 different professional stages, from 4 different countries.ResultsThe scales were adjusted to ensure good internal reliability, variance, distribution, and face and content validity. In addition, the different scales showed good divergent validity.DiscussionThese results are positive, and the scales now need to be validated in the field.ConclusionsIt is hoped that these tools will be useful to educators in SCD to evaluate the impact of teaching and clinical exposure on their students.
Vestibulovaginal leiomyosarcoma in a mare
Authors: Husby K. A. , Huber M. J. , Phillips I. , Heidel J. R. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryA 14‐year‐old Quarter Horse mare presented for a mass within the vestibule and vagina resulting in external compression and incomplete occlusion at the external urethral opening with subsequent difficulty urinating. Examination revealed an approximately 15 × 10 cm lobulated mass within the vestibule and caudal vagina attached via a broad base dorsally. Histopathology of the mass identified a low‐grade leiomyosarcoma. Complete resection was not possible, and surgical debulking of the mass was performed during standing sedation using a vessel‐sealing and dividing device. The mare was discharged 3 days post‐operatively without any complications. Recheck examinations performed at 1 month and 8 months’ post‐surgery revealed excellent healing of the surgical site and no apparent tumour regrowth.