bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain antioxidant status in a high pressure–induced rat model of glaucoma
Authors: Ferreira Sandra M. , Lerner Fabian , Reides Claudia G. , Brunzini Ricardo , Llesuy Susana F. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract.Purpose:  The goal of the present study is to establish the antioxidant status in the brain of a high pressure–induced rat model.Methods:  Ocular hypertension was induced in rats (n = 12) cauterizing two episcleral veins under a surgical microscope. A sham procedure (n = 12) was performed in the control group. The markers evaluated in the brain 7 days after surgery were as follows: spontaneous chemiluminescence, protein carbonylation, nitrite concentration, total reactive antioxidant potential (TRAP), ascorbic acid, glutathione, vitamin E and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase.Results:  Chemiluminescence in glaucoma was 55% higher than in controls (393 ± 20 cpm/mg protein, p < 0.001). Protein carbonylation in glaucoma was 93% higher than in controls (1.15 ± 0.18 nmol/mg protein, p < 0.001). Nitrite concentration was 5.30 ± 0.25 μM for glaucoma (controls 4.41 ± 0.24 μM, p < 0.05). Total reactive antioxidant potential decreased by 42% in glaucoma (controls 153 ± 14 μM Trolox, p < 0.001). Ascorbic acid was 67 ± 26 μM for glaucoma (controls 275 ± 22 μM, p < 0.001). Vitamin E was 0.58 ± 0.05 μmol/g organ for glaucoma (controls 1.10 ± 0.06 μmol/g organ, p < 0.01). Glutathione was 1.98 ± 0.13 μmol/g organ for glaucoma (controls 8.19 ± 0.71 μmol/g organ, p < 0.001). Superoxide dismutase and GPx were increased in glaucoma by 42 and 59%, respectively (p < 0.05).Conclusions:  Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species were increased in glaucoma, the increase in chemiluminescence, protein carbonylation and nitrite levels could be evidenced by this situation. The decrease in nonenzymatic antioxidants and a compensatory increase in SOD and GPx activity may have been a consequence of an increase in oxidative processes.
Using corrected serum chloride and predicted bicarbonate concentrations to interpret acid‐base status in dogs
Authors: Meltesen Holly S. , Bohn Andrea A. 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundChanges in water balance and the presence of unmeasured anions perturb the inverse relationship between serum chloride (Cl) and bicarbonate (HCO3) concentrations in people, affecting accurate interpretation of acid‐base status.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to demonstrate that corrected serum Cl and predictedHCO3concentrations, based on serum sodium (Na) concentration and anion gap (AG), would be inversely correlated and could be used to better characterize causes of acid‐base disorders in dogs.MethodsIn this retrospective study, electrolyte data from dogs with at least one abnormality in serum Na, Cl, orHCO3concentrations were analyzed. Profiles were classified before and after calculations using 2 methods, a modified Feldman and an institutional method, to correct Cl concentration and predictHCO3concentrations based on Na concentration andAG. Dogs were classified as low (L), normal (N), or high (H) based on Cl (first letter) andHCO3(second letter) concentrations, as follows:LL,LN,LH,NL,NN,NH,HL,HN, orHH.ResultsFor profiles from 261 dogs, reclassifying corrected Cl and predictedHCO3concentrations resulted in a shift from the initial classification into a different one in 73% of dogs; in most cases, the shift was toLH,NN, orHLcategories. Albumin concentration was a significant factor in acid‐base balance.ConclusionsWhen interpreting acid‐base status based on results of a standard biochemical panel, erroneous conclusions can be drawn if concentrations of Na, unmeasured anions, and albumin are not taken into account. The inverse relationship between serum Cl andHCO3concentrations may be used to identify frequent acid‐base disorders as well as to unmask abnormalities obscured by irregularities in water balance orAG.
Proteomic evidence of a paedomorphic evolutionary process within a marine snail species: a strategy for adapting to extreme ecological conditions?
Authors: Diz A. P. , Páez de la Cadena M. , Rolán‐Alvarez E. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe exposed and sheltered ecotypes of the marine snail Littorina saxatilis from European rocky shores are considered a key model system to study adaptation and ecological speciation. Previous studies showed that two ecotypes (RB and SU) of this species in NW Spain have adapted differently to different shore levels and microhabitats. In order to understand how this divergent adaptive process has been accomplished, we followed a quantitative proteomic approach to investigate the proteome variation in a number of different biological factors, that is, ecotype, ontogeny and their interactions. This approach allowed testing the hypothesis that one of the ecotypes has evolved by paedomorphosis, and also whether or not the molecular mechanisms related to ecotype differentiation are set up in early developmental stages. Additionally, the identification of some candidate proteins using mass spectrometry provides some functional insights into these evolutionary processes. Results from this study provided evidence of higher ontogenetic differentiation at proteome level in the RB (metamorphic) than in SU (paedomorphic) ecotype that point to the possibility of juvenile stage retention in this latter ecotype. The level of protein expression (proteome) differences between ecotypes maintained nearly constant from late embryonic stages to adulthood, although some proteins involved in these changes considerably differed in embryonic compared to other ontogenetic stages. Paedomorphosis may be the evolutionary response of the SU ecotype of solving the trade‐off during sexually immaturity that is caused by the evolution of small size arising from adaptation to the wave‐exposed habitat. Some potential candidate genes of adaptation related to energetic metabolism have been identified, providing a promising baseline for future functional analyses.
Effects of different dietary protein levels and DL‐methionine supplementation on hair growth and pelt quality in mink (Neovision vision)
Authors: Zhang H. H. , Jiang Q. K. , Sun W. L. , Xu C. , Cong B. , Yang F. H. , Li G. Y. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryThe effect of different dietary protein levels and DL‐methionine (Met) supplementation on hair growth and the resulting pelt quality in mink was studied. Four groups of male mink were fed with four isocaloric diets containing 32% (P32), 24% (P24), 16% (P16) or P24+Met (0.8%) crude protein of dry matter (DM) from September to December. Skin biopsies were taken at the pelting. Histological techniques and computer‐assisted light microscopy were used to determine the ratio of activity (ROA) of under hairs and guard hairs respectively. The results showed that when the dietary protein level reduced from 32% to 16%, body length, number and diameter of under hairs and guard hairs of minks declined, and pelt length and pelt weight of minks decreased significantly (p < 0.05). These parameters were similar between P32 and P24 with Met supplementation (p > 0.05). The hair follicle density of the winter coat was not influenced by the dietary protein levels and Met supplementation (p > 0.05). Low‐protein diets content led to a reduction of hair follicle developing to next phase. It was documented that 24% crude protein of DM with Met supplementation during growing‐furring period was sufficient for minks to express their genetic capacity to develop hair follicles and achieve the prime fur characteristics. Overall this study demonstrated that hair growth and hair properties in pelts are very dependent on the dietary protein and Met supply in the growing‐furring period of minks.
Identification of specific regions in hepatitis C virus core, NS2 and NS5A that genetically interact with p7 and co‐ordinate infectious virus production
Authors: Gouklani H. , Beyer C. , Drummer H. , Gowans E. J. , Netter H. J. , Haqshenas G. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryThe p7 protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a small, integral membrane protein that plays a critical role in virus replication. Recently, we reported two intergenotypic JFH1 chimeric viruses encoding the partial or full‐length p7 protein of the HCV‐A strain of genotype 1b (GT1b; Virology; 2007; 360:134). In this study, we determined the consensus sequences of the entire polyprotein coding regions of the wild‐type JFH1 and the revertant chimeric viruses and identified predominant amino acid substitutions in core (K74M), NS2 (T23N, H99P) and NS5A (D251G). Forward genetic analysis demonstrated that all single mutations restored the infectivity of the defective chimeric genomes suggesting that the infectious virus production involves the association of p7 with specific regions in core, NS2 and NS5A. In addition, it was demonstrated that the NS2 T23N facilitated the generation of infectious intergenotypic chimeric virus encoding p7 from GT6 of HCV.
The val66met polymorphism of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor is associated with human esophageal hypersensitivity
Authors: Vasant D. H. , Payton A. , Mistry S. , Thompson D. G. , Hamdy S. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground  Recent evidence implicates brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in visceral hypersensitivity and pain in functional gastrointestinal disorders. We hypothesized that presence of the val66met polymorphism in the BDNF gene would be linked to increased esophageal sensitivity to electrical stimulation.Methods  A total of 39 healthy volunteers (20 males, mean age 30) compliant with inclusion criteria after screening procedures were genotyped for BDNF polymorphisms and completed an Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire. Sensory (ST) and pain (PT) thresholds in the proximal (PE) and distal (DE) esophagus were determined using electrical stimuli to a swallowed intraluminal catheter with bipolar electrodes by an investigator blinded to the subjects’ genotype. For comparison, somatic ST and PT (hand and foot) were also tested. HADS scores together with esophageal and somatic thresholds were then correlated with BDNF polymorphism status.Key Results  Eleven of 39 (28%) volunteers had at least one Met allele (Met carriers). When compared with Val/Val, Met carriers had lower esophageal PT (Median PT [mA]: Val/Val vs Met carriers, PE; 49.4 vs 44.3, P = 0.033, DE: 63.8 vs 55.4, P = 0.045) with higher proportion of Val/Val subjects in the upper quartile for PT in both PE (P = 0.021) and DE (P = 0.033), yet similar somatic PT (Median PT [mA] Hand; 33.6 vs 38.0, P = 0.22, Foot; 44.7 vs 44.0, P = 0.48). Sensitivity results were independent of anxiety (P = 0.66) and depression (P = 0.33) scores.Conclusions & Inferences  val66met BDNF polymorphisms are associated with increased esophageal sensitivity to experimental electrical stimulation. Thus, BDNF genotype may be a useful biomarker for electrical sensitivity in the healthy human esophagus.
The in vitro study of ursolic acid and oleanolic acid inhibiting cariogenic microorganisms as well as biofilm
Authors: Zhou L , Ding Y , Chen W , Zhang P , Chen Y , Lv X 
Published: October 2012

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the effect of ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA), triterpenoid compounds that are isolated from many edible and medicinal plants, on cariogenic microorganisms and biofilms.MethodsA microtitre plate dilution assay was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of UA and OA against two Actinomyces spp. and four Streptococcus spp. The antibacterial activity of UA and OA was assessed by crystal violet staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).ResultsUA and OA displayed differential antibacterial activities against the six tested bacteria, with UA showing greater antibacterial activity than OA. Furthermore, the two drugs had greater antibacterial activity against Actinomyces spp. than Streptococcus spp. UA and OA at 1/4 MIC can reduce bacterial biofilm formation, whereas higher UA concentrations displayed antibacterial activity against Actinomyces viscosus and Streptococcus mutans in mature biofilms. For instance, 2.0 mg ml−1 UA was sufficient to kill an A. viscosus biofilm.ConclusionsUA and OA inhibit the growth of cariogenic microorganisms, which suggests that UA and OA have considerable potential as antibacterial agents for dental caries prevention.
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) γ polymorphism, vitamin D, bone mineral density and periodontitis in postmenopausal women
Authors: Wang Y , Sugita N , Yoshihara A , Iwasaki M , Miyazaki H , Nakamura K , Yoshie H 
Published: October 2012

ObjectivesPPARg regulates bone metabolism and inflammation. Our previous study suggested PPARg Pro12Ala polymorphism to represent a susceptibility factor for periodontitis in pregnant Japanese women. Several recent papers have drawn attention to a possible link between low bone mineral density (BMD) and periodontitis in postmenopausal women. Since the pathogenesis for both involve bone remodeling, they might share common risk factors such as gene polymorphisms and vitamin D level. The present study investigated possible associations between the PPARgPro12Ala polymorphism, periodontitis, BMD and serum 25(OH)D in postmenopausal Japanese women.Materials and MethodsPPARgPro12Ala genotypes of 359 women were determined by PCR‐RFLP. BMD and periodontal parameters of each woman were measured. Serum 25(OH)D levels were determined by radioimmunoassay.ResultsPPARgPro12Ala polymorphism was not associated with periodontitis or BMD as an independent factor. Serum 25(OH)D was significantly higher in Ala allele carriers compared to non‐carriers. Only in the Ala allele carriers, positive correlations were found between mean clinical attachment level and BMD, between BMD and 25(OH)D, and between percentage of sites with probing depth ≥4 mm and 25(OH)D.ConclusionsPPARgPro12Ala polymorphism was not independently associated with periodontitis or BMD. However, the polymorphism might be a modulator of the relationship between the two conditions in postmenopausal Japanese women.
A chloroplast‐derived Toxoplasma gondii GRA4 antigen used as an oral vaccine protects against toxoplasmosis in mice
Authors: del L. Yácono María , Farran Inmaculada , Becher Melina L. , Sander Valeria , Sánchez Vanesa R. , Martín Valentina , Veramendi Jon , Clemente Marina 
Published: October 2012

SummaryThe parasitic protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, the causal agent of toxoplasmosis, can infect most mammals and birds. In human medicine, T. gondii can cause complications in pregnant women and immunodeficient individuals, while in veterinary medicine, T. gondii infection has economic importance due to abortion and neonatal loss in livestock. Thus, the development of an effective anti‐Toxoplasma vaccine would be of great value. In this study, we analysed the expression of T. gondii GRA4 antigen by chloroplast transformation (chlGRA4) in tobacco plants and evaluated the humoral and cellular responses and the grade of protection after oral administration of chlGRA4 in a murine model. The Western blot analysis revealed a specific 34‐kDa band mainly present in the insoluble fractions. The chlGRA4 accumulation levels were approximately 6 μg/g of fresh weight (equivalent to 0.2% of total protein). Oral immunization with chlGRA4 resulted in a decrease of 59% in the brain cyst load of mice compared to control mice. ChlGRA4 immunization elicited both a mucosal immune response characterized by the production of specific IgA, and IFN‐γ, IL‐4 and IL‐10 secretion by mesenteric lymph node cells, and a systemic response in terms of GRA4‐specific serum antibodies and secretion of IFN‐γ, IL‐4 and IL‐10 by splenocytes. Our results indicate that oral administration of chlGRA4 promotes the elicitation of both mucosal and systemic balanced Th1/Th2 responses that control Toxoplasma infection, reducing parasite loads.
Influence of nitrate supplementation on VO2 kinetics and endurance of elite cyclists
Authors: Christensen P. M. , Nyberg M. , Bangsbo J. 
Published: October 2012

The present study examined if an elevated nitrate intake would improve VO2 kinetics, endurance, and repeated sprint capacity in elite endurance athletes.Ten highly trained cyclists (72 ± 4 mL O2/kg/min, mean ± standard deviation) underwent testing for VO2 kinetics (3 × 6 min at 298 ± 28 W), endurance (120 min preload followed by a 400‐kcal time trial), and repeated sprint capacity (6 × 20 s sprints, recovery 100 s) during two 6‐day periods in randomized order with a daily ingestion of either 0.5 L beetroot (BR) juice to increase nitrate levels or a 0.5 L placebo (PLA) drink with blackcurrant juice. Plasma NOx (nitrate + nitrite) levels were higher (P < 0.01) in BR (147 ± 102 and 159 ± 103 μM after 4 and 6 days of beverage intake, respectively) compared with PLA (41 ± 10 and 40 ± 7 μM). VO2 kinetics and exercise economy were the same in BR and PLA. Time‐trial performance was similar with an average completion time of 18:20 and 18:37 min:s in BR and PLA, respectively, with average power outputs of 290 ± 43 W in BR and 285 ± 44 W in PLA. Peak and mean power during repeated sprinting were similar in BR and PLA.In contrast to observations in moderately trained subjects intake of BR juice had no effect on VO2 kinetics and performance in elite cyclists.
Are the infrared thermography findings skin temperature‐dependent? a study on neck pain patients
Authors: Zaproudina Nina , Airaksinen Olavi , Närhi Matti 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundSkin temperature (Tsk) disorders have been proposed as sign of impaired innervation in several conditions, but the influence of different factors on the infrared thermography (IRT) findings remains unclear.MethodsThe relations between the Tsk and δT (side‐to‐side temperature difference) values, and influence of age, gender, anthropometric characteristics and pain intensity on those values were analysed in non‐specific neck pain (NP) patients (n = 91) using mixed model analysis. IRT findings were also compared in subgroups of NP patients: with cold (CHNPP, n = 21) or warm hands (WHNPP, n = 56) and healthy controls, with cold (CHC, n = 11) or warm hands (WHC, n = 19). Also, the stability of δT values in CHNPP was examined.ResultsOnly the area of measurement and the actual Tsk influenced the δT values. CHNPP demonstrated higher δT values in distal parts, compared with WHNPP and controls, but those values vanished when their hands turned warm. δT values in CHNPP were related to the pain intensity. The findings of WHNPP and WHC did not differ.ConclusionOur results suggest that the δT values as signs of impaired Tsk regulation are dynamic and better detectable in cold skin. The results underline the need of caution in interpretation of IRT findings.
Does Final Market Demand Elasticity Influence the Location of Export Processing? Evidence from Multinational Decisions in China
Authors: Liu Xuepeng , Lovely Mary E. , Ondrich Jan 
Published: October 2012

AbstractGiven the importance many developing countries attach to attracting foreign investors engaged in export‐processing activities, surprisingly little is known about the sensitivity of these investors to local wage differences and the role played by final product market conditions. Using data on 2,884 foreign‐invested manufacturing projects in China, we estimate the importance of host province wages to firm’s location choice and investigate how this sensitivity varies with demand conditions facing the industry in China’s largest export market, the United States. We use the profit function to show theoretically that firms’ ability to pass wage costs through to final markets matters for location choice and we test the implications of the theory using a control‐function technique for conditional logit developed byPetrin and Train. As predicted, we find that investors facing more elastic demand in the US market are more sensitive to wages across export‐processing locations. Taking both the factor intensity of the activity and final market demand elasticity into account, we find that investors producing homogenous goods, such as metals, chemicals, and food processing, are more likely to be attracted by relatively low wages than those producing differentiated goods. We also find that while OECD investors are more responsive to wage differences than are investors from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau, they are less likely to choose a location that has received a large share of prior foreign investment.
α1‐Adrenergic receptor control of the cerebral vasculature in humans at rest and during exercise
Authors: Purkayastha Sushmita , Saxena Ashwini , Eubank Wendy L. , Hoxha Besim , Raven Peter B. 
Published: October 2012

New findings
What is the central question of this study?Despite the abundance of sympathetic nerve fibres emanating from the cervical and stellate ganglia that innervate the cerebral arteries, the role of the sympathetic nervous system in regulation of cerebral vasculature in humans remains equivocal.
What is the main finding and its importance?The findings from this study support the role of the sympathetic nervous system, mediated by activation of α1‐adrenoreceptors, in dynamic cerebral autoregulation and cerebral vascular tone at rest and during moderate dynamic exercise. Blockade of the α1‐adrenoreceptors impaired dynamic cerebral autoregulation and attenuated any increases in cerebral vascular tone during moderate dynamic exercise in healthy humans.
We tested the hypothesis that pharmacological blockade of α1‐adrenoreceptors (by prazosin), at rest and during steady‐state dynamic exercise, would impair cerebral autoregulation and result in cerebral vasodilatation in healthy humans. In 10 subjects, beat‐to‐beat mean arterial pressure and mean middle cerebral artery blood velocity were determined at rest and during low (Ex90) and moderate workload (Ex130) on an upright bicycle ergometer without and with prazosin. Plasma noradrenaline concentrations increased significantly from rest to Ex130 during control conditions (from 1.8 ± 0.2 to 3.2 ± 0.3 pmol (ml plasma)−1). In the control conditions, the transfer function gain between mean arterial pressure and mean middle cerebral artery blood velocity in the low‐frequency range was decreased at Ex90 (P= 0.035) and Ex130 (P= 0.027) from rest. A significant increase in critical closing pressure (CCP) was also observed in the control conditions from rest to Ex90 to Ex130 (from 18 ± 3 to 24 ± 4 to 31 ± 4 mmHg). An average of 74 ± 2% blockade of blood pressure response was achieved with oral prazosin. Following blockade, plasma noradrenaline concentrations further increased at rest and during Ex130 from the control value (from 2.6 ± 0.3 to 4.4 ± 0.5 pmol (ml plasma)−1). Prazosin also resulted in an increase in low‐frequency gain (P < 0.003) compared with the control conditions. Prazosin blockade abolished the increases in CCP during Ex130 and increased the cerebrovascular conductance index (P= 0.018). These data indicate that in the control conditions a strengthening of cerebral autoregulation occurred with moderate dynamic exercise that is associated with an increase in CCP as a result of the exercise‐mediated augmentation of sympathetic activity. Given that α1‐adrenergic receptor blockade attenuated the increase in dynamic cerebral autoregulation and CCP, we conclude that increases in sympathetic activity have a role in establishing cerebral vascular tone in humans.