bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systemically administered neuregulin‐1β1 rescues nigral dopaminergic neurons via the ErbB4 receptor tyrosine kinase in MPTP mouse models of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Depboylu Candan , Rösler Thomas W. , de Andrade Anderson , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Höglinger Günter U. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPreviously, we demonstrated that systemically injected extracellular domain of neuregulin‐1β1 (Nrg1β1), a nerve growth and differentiation factor, passes the blood‐brain barrier and rescues dopaminergic neurons of substantia nigra in the 6‐hydroxydopamine‐mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we studied the effects of peripherally administered Nrg1β1 in another toxin‐based mouse model of PD. For this purpose, (i) nigrostriatal pathway injury was induced by treatment of adult wild‐type mice with 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in acute and subchronic paradigms; and (ii) Nrg1β1 or saline (control) were administered 1 h before each MPTP injection. We found that Nrg1β1 significantly reduced the loss of nigral dopaminergic neurons in both intoxication paradigms (7 days post‐injection). However, Nrg1β1 did not reverse MPTP‐induced decrease in dopamine levels and dopaminergic fibers in the striatum. We also show that MPTP conversion to its toxic metabolite 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium as well as levels of dopamine transporter, mediating intracellular uptake of 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium, are unaffected by Nrg1β1. Finally, neuroprotective properties of Nrg1β1 on nigral dopaminergic neurons are specifically mediated by ErbB4 as revealed through the study of ErbB4 knockout mice. In conclusion, systemically administered Nrg1β1 protects midbrain dopaminergic neurons against this PD‐related toxic insult. Thus, Nrg1β1 may have a benefit in the treatment of PD patients.
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Previously, we demonstrated that systemically administered neuregulin‐1β1 (Nrg1β1) passes the blood‐brain barrier, phosphorylates ErbB4 receptors and elevates dopamine (DA) levels in the nigrostriatal system of healthy mice. Nrg1β1 protects nigral DAergic neurons in the 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we show that Nrg1β1 rescues nigral DAergic neurons also against 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐induced cell death. ErbB4 expression is essential for the neuroprotective effect of Nrg1β1 on midbrain DAergic neurons. Nrg1β1 might be beneficial in PD treatment.
Rhythmic control of mRNA stability modulates circadian amplitude of mouse Period3 mRNA
Authors: Kim Sung‐Hoon , Lee Kyung‐Ha , Kim Do‐Yeon , Kwak Eunyee , Kim Seunghwan , Kim Kyong‐Tai 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe daily oscillations observed in most living organisms are endogenously generated with a period of 24 h, and the underlying structure of periodic oscillation is an autoregulatory transcription‐translation feedback loop. The mechanisms of untranslated region (UTR)‐mediated post‐transcriptional regulation (e.g., mRNA degradation and internal ribosomal entry site (IRES)‐mediated translation) have been suggested to fine‐tune the expression of clock genes. Mouse Period3 (mPer3) is one of the paralogs of Period gene and its function is important in peripheral clocks and sleep physiology. mPer3 mRNA displays a circadian oscillation as well as a circadian phase‐dependent stability, while the stability regulators still remain unknown. In this study, we identify three proteins – heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) K, polypyrimidine tract‐binding protein (PTB), and hnRNP D – that bind to mPer3 mRNA 3′‐UTR. We show that hnRNP K is a stabilizer that increases the amplitude of circadian mPer3 mRNA oscillation and hnRNP D is a destabilizer that decreases it, while PTB exhibits no effect on mPer3 mRNA expression. Our experiments describe their cytoplasmic roles for the mRNA stability regulation and the circadian amplitude formation. Moreover, our mathematical model suggests a mechanism through which post‐transcriptional mRNA stability modulation provides not only the flexibility of oscillation amplitude, but also the robustness of the period and the phase for circadian mPer3 expression.
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Mouse Period3 (mPer3) is one of well‐known clock genes. We identified three 3′‐UTR‐binding proteins that modulate the mRNA stability, and they influenced to the amplitude of circadian mPer3 mRNA oscillation. Our mathematical model not only showed the relationship between mRNA stability and its oscillation profile but provided the molecular mechanism for the robustness of the period and the phase in circadian oscillation. hnK, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) K; hnD, hnRNP D; PTB, polypyrimidine tract‐binding protein.
Valproic acid induces neuronal cell death through a novel calpain‐dependent necroptosis pathway
Authors: Bollino Dominique , Balan Irina , Aurelian Laure 
Published: January 2015

AbstractA growing body of evidence indicates that valproic acid (VPA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor used to treat epilepsy and mood disorders, has histone deacetylase‐related and ‐unrelated neurotoxic activity, the mechanism of which is still poorly understood. We report that VPA induces neuronal cell death through an atypical calpain‐dependent necroptosis pathway that initiates with downstream activation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) and increased expression of receptor‐interacting protein 1 (RIP‐1) and is accompanied by cleavage and mitochondrial release/nuclear translocation of apoptosis‐inducing factor, mitochondrial release of Smac/DIABLO, and inhibition of the anti‐apoptotic protein X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP). Coinciding with apoptosis‐inducing factor nuclear translocation, VPA induces phosphorylation of the necroptosis‐associated histone H2A family member H2AX, which is known to contribute to lethal DNA degradation. These signals are inhibited in neuronal cells that express constitutively activated MEK/ERK and/or PI3‐K/Akt survival pathways, allowing them to resist VPA‐induced cell death. The data indicate that VPA has neurotoxic activity and identify a novel calpain‐dependent necroptosis pathway that includes JNK1 activation and RIP‐1 expression.
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A growing body of evidence indicates that valproic acid (VPA) has neurotoxic activity, the mechanism of which is still poorly understood. We report, for the first time, that VPA activates a previously unrecognized calpain‐dependent necroptosis cascade that initiates with JNK1 activation and involves AIF cleavage/nuclear translocation and H2AX phosphorylation as well as an altered Smac/DIABLO to XIAP balance.
The clinical success of tooth‐ and implant‐supported zirconia‐based fixed dental prostheses. A systematic review
Authors: Le M. , Papia E. , Larsson C. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe aim was to make an inventory of the current literature on the clinical performance of tooth‐ or implant‐supported zirconia‐based FDPs and analyse and discuss any complications. Electronic databases, PubMed.gov, Cochrane Library and Science Direct, were searched for original studies reporting on the clinical performance of tooth‐ or implant‐supported zirconia‐based FDPs. The electronic search was complemented by manual searches of the bibliographies of all retrieved full‐text articles and reviews, as well as a hand search of the following journals: International Journal of Prosthodontics, Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants and Clinical Oral Implants Research. The search yielded 4253 titles. Sixty‐eight potentially relevant full‐text articles were retrieved. After applying pre‐established criteria, 27 studies were included. Twenty‐three studies reported on tooth‐supported and 4 on implant‐supported FDPs. Five of the studies were randomised, comparing Y‐TZP‐based restorations with metal–ceramic or other all‐ceramic restorations. Most tooth‐supported FDPs were FDPs of 3–5 units, whereas most implant‐supported FDPs were full arch. The majority of the studies reported on 3‐ to 5‐year follow‐up. Life table analysis revealed cumulative 5‐year survival rates of 93·5% for tooth‐supported and 100% for implant‐supported FDPs. For tooth‐supported FDPs, the most common reasons for failure were veneering material fractures, framework fractures and caries. Cumulative 5‐year complication rates were 27·6% and 30·5% for tooth‐ and implant‐supported FDPs, respectively. The most common complications were veneering material fractures for tooth‐ as well as implant‐supported FDPs. Loss of retention occurred more frequently in FDPs luted with zinc phosphate or glass–ionomer cement compared to those luted with resin cements. The results suggest that the 5‐year survival rate is excellent for implant‐supported zirconia‐based FDPs, despite the incidence of complications, and acceptable for tooth‐supported zirconia‐based FDPs. These results are, however, based on a relatively small number of studies, especially for the implant‐supported FDPs. The vast majority of the studies are not controlled clinical trials and have limited follow‐up. Thus, interpretation of the results should be made with caution. Well‐designed studies with large patient groups and long follow‐up times are needed before general recommendations for the use of zirconia‐based restorations can be provided.
In vivo adverse effects of alpha‐tocopherol on the semen quality of male bucks
Authors: Majid A. , Qureshi M. S. , Khan R. U. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryOxidative stress has detrimental effects on semen quality during spermatogenesis and semen processing for artificial insemination. This work was conducted to study the effect of different levels of vitamin E on the semen traits, oxidative status and trace minerals in Beetal bucks. Thirty‐six bucks of similar body weight and age (1 year) were randomly divided into four groups. One group was kept as control with no supplementation (group 1), and the others were supplemented with 200 (group 2), 400 (group 3) and 800 IU (group 4) vitamin E/animal/day for 2 months. At the end of the experiment, semen samples were collected and evaluated. Seminal plasma was separated to study the concentration of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and trace minerals (Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe). Group 3 showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) semen volume and per cent motility and lower dead sperm percentage compared to control group. Superoxide dismutase, GPx, Zn, Cu and Mn were higher in the same group. The level of AST decreased in group 3 without any change on the concentration of ALT. It is suggested that vitamin E at the rate of 400 IU/buck/day supported higher semen volume, per cent motility, per cent live spermatozoa, antioxidants (SOD, GPx) and trace mineral levels (Zn, Cu, Mn) in the seminal plasma. The increased supplementation from 0 to 400 showed a general increasing trend in improving semen quality. However, the dose of 800 IU/kg had no useful effect in further improving the semen quality.
Nutrient and mineral composition during shoot growth in seven species ofPhyllostachysandPseudosasabamboo consumed by giant panda
Authors: Christian A. L. , Knott K. K. , Vance C. K. , Falcone J. F. , Bauer L. L. , Fahey G. C. , Willard S. , Kouba A. J. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryDuring the annual period of bamboo shoot growth in spring, free‐ranging giant pandas feed almost exclusively on the shoots while ignoring the leaves and full‐ height culm. Little is known about the nutritional changes that occur during bamboo shoot growth, if nutritional changes differ among species, or how these changes might influence forage selection. Our objective was to examine the nutrient and mineral composition during three phases of shoot growth (<60, 90–150 and >180 cm) for seven species of bamboo (Phyllostachys(P.)aurea,P. aureosulcata,P. bissetii,P. glauca,P. nuda,P. rubromarginata,Pseudosasa japonica) fed to captive giant pandas at the Memphis Zoo. Total dietary fiber content of bamboo shoots increased (p < 0.0001) from an overall species average of 61% dry matter (DM) at < 60 cm to 75% DM at shoot heights > 180 cm, while crude protein, fat and ash exhibited significant declines (p < 0.05).Phyllostachys nudahad the overall greatest (p = 0.007) crude protein (21% DM) and fat (4% DM) content, and lowest overall total fibre (61% DM) content compared to the other species examined. In contrast,Pseudosasa japonicahad the overall lowest crude protein and fat, and relatively higher fibre content (9%, 3% and 74% respectively). Concentrations of Zn and Fe were highest in shoots <60 cm (10–50 μg/g DM) and decreased (p < 0.05) during growth in all species examined. Concentrations of Ca, Cu, Mn, Na and K varied among species and were largely unaffected by growth stage. Due to their higher concentrations of nutrients and lower fibre content in comparison to culm and leaf, bamboo shoots should be a major component of captive giant panda diets when available.
Efficacy and safety of telbivudine treatment: an open‐label, prospective study in pregnant women for the prevention of perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Han G.‐R. , Jiang H.‐X. , Yue X. , Ding Y. , Wang C.‐M. , Wang G.‐J. , Yang Y.‐F. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryWe evaluated the efficacy and safety of telbivudine (LdT, 600 mg/day) vs control patients (no treatment) in decreasing vertical transmission of HBV, in HBeAg‐positive mothers (HBVDNA >6log10 copies/mL). HBeAg‐positive pregnant women either in the second or third trimester were recruited in a prospective, case–control, open‐label study, at the Second Affiliated Hospital of the Southeast University, China (February 2008‐December 2010). Efficacy (month 7: HBVDNA (+), HBsAg (+) infants) in either the overall group or the treated group and control group was analysed using student's t‐test. Infants were followed for at least 1 year. 362 women received LdT (second trimester n = 257; third trimester n = 105) and 92 were untreated. Before delivery, the mean maternal HBVDNA was 2.73, 2.47, 3.34 and 7.94 log10 copies/mL in the overall, second and third trimester treated and control groups, respectively (P < 0.001). At birth, 11.8% of babies overall (43/365), 13.5% (35/259) of those treated in the second trimester, 7.5% of those treated in the third trimester (8/106) and 20.7% (19/92) of untreated infants were HBsAg positive. At month 7, none of the LdT‐treated infant had detectable HBVDNA, while eight infants from control mothers were HBsAg positive. Vertical transmission was 0% in LdT treated and 9.3% (8/86) in the control groups (P < 0.001). No difference in the vertical transmission rate was found in mothers treated in the second or third trimester. LdT treatment was safe for mothers and infants, and no congenital deformities were reported.
Conscious Action/Zombie Action
Authors: Shepherd Joshua 
Published: January 2015

AbstractI argue that the neural realizers of experiences of trying (that is, experiences of directing effort towards the satisfaction of an intention) are not distinct from the neural realizers of actual trying (that is, actual effort directed towards the satisfaction of an intention). I then ask how experiences of trying might relate to the perceptual experiences one has while acting. First, I assess recent zombie action arguments regarding conscious visual experience, and I argue that contrary to what some have claimed, conscious visual experience plays a causal role for action control in some circumstances. Second, I propose a multimodal account of the experience of acting. According to this account, the experience of acting is (at the very least) a temporally extended, co‐conscious collection of agentive and perceptual experiences, functionally integrated and structured both by multimodal perceptual processing as well as by what an agent is, at the time, trying to do.
An audit of anesthesia safety in a pediatric cochlear implantation program
Authors: Hawksworth Chris , Ravury Shyam 
Published: January 2015

SummaryBackgroundApproximately 50 children per year undergo cochlear implant surgery under the Scottish Cochlear Implant Programme at University Hospital Crosshouse, Kilmarnock. Many have significant comorbidities. Although this district general hospital has a high dependency unit, there is no pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Children deemed likely to need PICU care are operated on at the local tertiary pediatric hospital in Glasgow, 25 miles away.ObjectiveTo determine the safety of anesthesia for cochlear implant surgery in children at a district general hospital.MethodsUsing the theater management system, we identified 306 cochlear implant procedures in children aged 16 years and under. A retrospective case note review was performed to determine demographic data and seek evidence of any anesthesia‐related complications.ResultsRecords for 168 children having 258 cochlear implant procedures were obtained. Forty percent of these children had one or more comorbidities, including 11.9% who were ex‐premature babies. Twenty‐two complications or incidents were noted, the majority of which were minor. Two cases had potentially serious complications and one of these was abandoned. This gives a serious complication rate of 0.8%. Undeclared upper respiratory tract infections was most likely the greatest preventable cause of complications. Seven cases were referred to the regional pediatric center during the study period.ConclusionAnesthesia for cochlear implants in children can be safely carried out in a district general hospital setting. Appropriate safeguards should be in place to refer complex cases which may require PICU to a tertiary pediatric center.
Evaluation of Photoprotective Potential and Percutaneous Penetration by Photoacoustic Spectroscopy of the Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi Extract
Authors: Bulla Milena K. , Hernandes Luzmarina , Baesso Mauro L. , Nogueira Ana C. , Bento Antonio C. , Bortoluzzi Bruno B. , Serra Lara Z. , Cortez Diogenes A. G. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractSchinus terebinthifolius is a plant rich in phenolic compounds, which have antioxidant properties and can provide new opportunities for treatment and prevention of diseases mediated by ultraviolet radiation like photoaging and skin cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the photoprotective potential and ex vivo percutaneous penetration of the crude extract of Schinus terebinthifolius leaves. The extract was tested for antioxidant activity using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and β‐carotene bleaching test. The sun protection factor was also evaluated. The ex vivo skin permeation of the emulsion and gel formulations were assayed. Fractionation of the extract resulted in gallic acid, ethyl gallate and a mixture of flavonoids, suggesting derivatives of quercetin and myricetin. The phenolic content of the extract was 384.64 ± 2.60 mg GAE g−1 extract. The antioxidant activity was superior to butylated hydroxytoluene, in DPPH method, and ascorbic acid and rutin, in β‐carotene bleaching assay. The extract showed UV absorption with photoprotector potential in the UVB region. The photoacoustic spectroscopy measurements confirmed absorption in the UV region and topical application of the formulations caused no histological changes in the rats' skin. These results suggest that the crude extract of Schinus terebinthifolius leaves may be a promising natural sunscreen product.
Shade affects responses to drought and flooding – acclimation to multiple stresses in bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara L.)
Authors: Visser E. J. W. , Zhang Q. , De Gruyter F. , Martens S. , Huber H. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPlants exposed to environmental stress often respond by a change in their phenotypic traits. These changes in trait expression may alleviate the negative effect of such stress factors. However, if multiple stresses are present, responses are likely to be less predictable and hence do not necessarily correlate to plant performance. This study tested if this expectation was true, by subjecting Solanum dulcamara plants to various simultaneous stress factors. Plants were grown in well‐watered conditions, drought or flooding, and exposed to either full light or shade for 4 weeks. Shoot and root biomass, stem morphological parameters, such as height, number of nodes and length of stem internodes, and leaf traits like length, specific leaf area, chlorophyll content and stomatal conductance were determined. Both variation in light and in water availability typically caused slower growth, and resulted in distinct phenotypic changes in stem, leaf and root traits. However, effects of stresses on the expression of traits were not always additive. Instead, some combined stress responses (e.g. leaf size) appeared to be limited by physical or physiological constraints, whereas other responses were opposite to each other (e.g. root:shoot ratio), resulting in an intermediate phenotype in the combined stress treatment. These data suggest that in natural conditions, where combined stress factors are likely to be present, the optimal phenotype may not necessarily be expressed. Responses of plants to multiple stress factors may therefore not be associated with immediate advantages in terms of increased performance.
Respiratory impedance in healthy unsedated South African infants: Effects of maternal smoking
Authors: Gray Diane , Czövek Dorottya , Smith Emilee , Willemse Lauren , Alberts Ane , Gingl Zoltán , Hall Graham L. , Zar Heather J. , Sly Peter D. , Hantos Zoltán 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground and objectiveNon‐invasive techniques for measuring lung mechanics in infants are needed for a better understanding of lung growth and function, and to study the effects of prenatal factors on subsequent lung growth in healthy infants. The forced oscillation technique requires minimal cooperation from the individual but has rarely been used in infants. The study aims to assess the use of the forced oscillation technique to measure the influence of antenatal exposures on respiratory mechanics in unsedated infants enrolled in a birth cohort study in Cape Town, South Africa.MethodsHealthy term infants were studied at 6–10 weeks of age using the forced oscillation technique. Respiratory impedance was measured in the frequency range 8–48 Hz via a face mask during natural sleep. Respiratory system resistance, compliance and inertance were calculated from the impedance spectra.ResultsOf 177 infants tested, successful measurements were obtained in 164 (93%). Median (25–75%) values for resistance, compliance and inertance were 50.2 (39.5–60.6) cmH2O.s.L−1, 0.78 (0.61–0.99) mL.cmH2O−1 and 0.062 (0.050–0.086) cmH2O.s2.L−1, respectively. As a group, male infants had 16% higher resistance (P = 0.006) and 18% lower compliance (P = 0.02) than females. Infants whose mothers smoked during pregnancy had a 19% lower compliance than infants not exposed to tobacco smoke during pregnancy (P = 0.005). Neither maternal HIV infection nor ethnicity had a significant effect on respiratory mechanics.ConclusionsThe forced oscillation technique is sensitive enough to demonstrate the effects of tobacco smoke exposure and sex in respiratory mechanics in healthy infants. This technique will facilitate assessing perinatal influences of lung function in infancy.