bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Destabilization of survival factor MEF2D mRNA by neurotoxin in models of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Wang Bao , Cai Zhibiao , Lu Fangfang , Li Chen , Zhu Xiaofei , Su Linna , Gao Guodong , Yang Qian 
Published: May 2014

AbstractProgressive loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantial nigra pars compacta (SNc) is an important pathological feature in Parkinson's disease (PD). Loss of transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor 2D (MEF2D), a key neuronal survival factor, has been shown to underlie the loss of DA neurons in SNc and the pathogenic process of PD. It is known that PD‐associated neurotoxins reduce the level of MEF2D protein to trigger neuronal death. Although neurotoxins clearly destabilize MEF2D by post‐translational mechanisms, it is not known whether regulation of MEF2D mRNA contributes to neurotoxin‐induced decrease in MEF2D protein. In this work, we showed that MPP+, the toxic metabolite of MPTP, caused a significant decrease in the half‐life and total level of MEF2D mRNA in a DA neuronal cell line, SN4741 cells. Quantitative PCR analysis of the SNc DA neurons captured by immune‐laser capture microdissection showed that exposure to MPTP led to a marked reduction in the level of MEF2D mRNA in SNc DA neurons compared to controls. Down‐regulation of MEF2D mRNA alone reduced the viability of SN4741 cells and sensitized the cells to MPP+‐induced toxicity. These results suggest that destabilization and reduction in MEF2D mRNA is in part responsible for neurotoxin‐induced decrease in MEF2D protein and neuronal viability.
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Myocyte enhancer factor 2D (MEF2D) plays an important role in neuronal survival. How MEF2D mRNA is deregulated under toxic stress is unclear. We found that PD‐associated neurotoxins destabilize MEF2D mRNA and reduce its level in vitro and in vivo. Reduction in MEF2D mRNA is sufficient to sensitize model cells to neurotoxin‐induced toxicity, suggesting that destabilization of MEF2D mRNA is part of the mechanism by which neurotoxins trigger deregulation of neuronal survival.
A vesicular sequestration to oxidative deamination shift in myocardial sympathetic nerves in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Goldstein David S. , Sullivan Patricia , Holmes Courtney , Miller Gary W. , Sharabi Yehonatan , Kopin Irwin J. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn Parkinson's disease (PD), profound putamen dopamine (DA) depletion reflects denervation and a shift from vesicular sequestration to oxidative deamination of cytoplasmic DA in residual terminals. PD also involves cardiac sympathetic denervation. Whether PD entails myocardial norepinephrine (NE) depletion and a sequestration–deamination shift have been unknown. We measured apical myocardial tissue concentrations of NE, DA, and their neuronal metabolites 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG), and 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) from 23 PD patients and 23 controls and ascertained the extent of myocardial NE depletion in PD. We devised, validated in VMAT2‐Lo mice, and applied 5 neurochemical indices of the sequestration–deamination shift—concentration ratios of DOPAC:DA, DA:NE, DHPG:NE, DOPAC:NE, and DHPG:DOPAC—and used a kinetic model to estimate the extent of the vesicular storage defect. The PD group had decreased myocardial NE content (p < 0.0001). The majority of patients (70%) had severe NE depletion (mean 2% of control), and in this subgroup all five indices of a sequestration–deamination shift were increased compared to controls (p < 0.001 for each). Vesicular storage in residual nerves was estimated to be decreased by 84–91% in this subgroup. We conclude that most PD patients have severe myocardial NE depletion, because of both sympathetic denervation and decreased vesicular storage in residual nerves.
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We found that the majority (70%) of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients have profound (98%) myocardial norepinephrine depletion, because of both cardiac sympathetic denervation and a shift from vesicular sequestration to oxidative deamination of cytoplasmic catecholamines in the residual nerves. This shift may be part of a final common pathogenetic pathway in the loss of catecholaminergic neurons that characterizes PD.
The high‐affinity D2/D3 agonist D512 protects PC12 cells from 6‐OHDA‐induced apoptotic cell death and rescues dopaminergic neurons in the MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Shah Mrudang , Rajagopalan Subramanian , Xu Liping , Voshavar Chandrashekhar , Shurubor Yevgeniya , Beal Flint , Andersen Julie K. , Dutta Aloke K. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn this study, in vitro and in vivo experiments were carried out with the high‐affinity multifunctional D2/D3 agonist D‐512 to explore its potential neuroprotective effects in models of Parkinson's disease and the potential mechanism(s) underlying such properties. Pre‐treatment with D‐512 in vitro was found to rescue rat adrenal Pheochromocytoma PC12 cells from toxicity induced by 6‐hydroxydopamine administration in a dose‐dependent manner. Neuroprotection was found to coincide with reductions in intracellular reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage. In vivo, pre‐treatment with 0.5 mg/kg D‐512 was protective against neurodegenerative phenotypes associated with systemic administration of MPTP, including losses in striatal dopamine, reductions in numbers of DAergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN), and locomotor dysfunction. These observations strongly suggest that the multifunctional drug D‐512 may constitute a novel viable therapy for Parkinson's disease.
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Neuroprotective properties of dopamine D2/D3 agonist D‐512 was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo models of Parkinson's disease (PD). D‐512 rescued PC12 cells from toxicity induced by 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA). D‐512 reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation as well as protection of DNA damage from toxicity of 6‐OHDA. D‐512 was protective against neurodegenerative phenotypes induced by MPTP in mouse. Our studies strongly suggest that D‐512 with its multifunctional property may constitute a novel viable therapy for Parkinson's disease.
Overview and quality assurance for the oral health component of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2009‐2010
Authors: Dye Bruce A. , Li Xianfen , Lewis Brenda G. , Iafolla Tim , Beltran‐Aguilar Eugenio D. , Eke Paul I. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectiveIn 2009‐2010, the oral health component for the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) focused on adult periodontal health and included a full mouth periodontal examination as well as a series of questions adminis during the home interview. During this period, intraoral assessments were conducted by dental hygienists.MethodsThis report provides oral health content information and results of dental examiner reliability for data collected during NHANES 2009‐2010 on 7,189 persons aged 3‐19 years and 30 years and older representing the US civilian, noninstitutionalized population in these age groups.ResultsFor caries and dental sealant assessments, Kappa statistics ranged from 0.71 to 1.00. Kappa scores for moderate and severe periodontitis using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American Academy of Periodontology case definition guidelines was 0.70, but were lower for other periodontal status definitions. When defining moderate or severe periodontitis based on the NHANES 2003‐2004 study, protocols using data from only three facial periodontal sites, the Kappa scores were 0.64 and 0.55. Interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for mean attachment loss were 0.80 or higher for both examiners. Site‐specific mean attachment loss ICCs were generally higher for interproximal measurements compared with mid‐facial and mid‐lingual measurements.ConclusionOverall, the data reliability analyses conducted for 2009‐2010 indicate an acceptable level of data quality and that examiner (dental hygienist) performance in this data collection cycle is similar to prior survey periods since the NHANES continuous survey began in 1999.
Lipopolysaccharide‐regulated production of bone sialoprotein and interleukin‐8 in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts: the role of toll‐like receptors 2 and 4 and the MAPK pathway
Authors: Zhang Y. , Li X. 
Published: May 2014

Background and ObjectiveLipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the cell wall of periodontal pathogens is a major mediator of the inflammatory response and can enhance alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis. Bone sialoprotein is an early marker of osteoblast differentiation. The proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), induces osteoclast differentiation, maturation and maintenance of bone resorption activity. However, the effects of LPS from periodontal pathogens on the expression of bone sialoprotein and IL‐8 in human osteoblasts and the mechanism of periodontal bone metabolism regulation are rather unclear. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS on the production of bone sialoprotein and IL‐8 in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLFs), and to investigate whether toll‐like receptor (TLR) 2, TLR4 and MAPKs pathways are involved in the regulation of production of bone sialoprotein and IL‐8 by P. gingivalis LPS.Material and MethodsThe third‐generation of hPDLFs were cultured with mineralization‐inducing culture medium. After hPDLFs were treated with P. gingivalis LPS, bone sialoprotein and IL‐8 mRNA expression were detected using Real time PCR. Then hPDLFs were transiently transfected with siTLR2 or siTLR4 (20 nm) or inhibited by MAPK signaling pathways inhibitors, and then bone sialoprotein and IL‐8 mRNA and protein expression were also detected using Real time PCR and western blotting.ResultsTreatments with 0.01 and 0.1 mg/L of P. gingivalis LPS for 8 h up‐regulated bone sialoprotein mRNA expression, whereas 10 and 100 mg/L of P. gingivalis LPS induced a significant decrease in the expression of bone sialoprotein mRNA. In contrast, IL8 mRNA levels were increased significantly by 10 mg/L of P. gingivalis LPS. Interestingly, small interfering RNA (siRNA) knock down of the TLR2 and ERK1/2 inhibitor, PD98059, abolished the effects of P. gingivalis LPS on the bone sialoprotein mRNA level, whereas siRNA knock down of the TLR2 and p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580, blocked the effect of P. gingivalis LPS on IL‐8 in hPDLFs.ConclusionThis study suggests that in hPDLFs, P. gingivalis LPS suppresses bone sialoprotein and enhances IL‐8 gene and protein expression via TLR2 and ERK1/2 or the p38 MAPK signaling pathway, respectively.
Impact of repetitive thermal anomalies on survival and development of mass reef‐building corals in theMaldives
Authors: Tkachenko Konstantin S. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe distribution of dominant coral genera and their response to the recent sea temperature anomalies in the last three decades are analyzed across reefs of the Maldivian Archipelago, which spans 860 × 120 km in the central Indian Ocean. The Maldives suffered one of the worst coral mortality rates in the Indian Ocean in the 1998 warming event and experienced two sub‐lethal thermal anomalies in 2003 and 2010. The results showed that theAcroporaproved an important driver of post‐1998 recovery and has become a major dominant genus in most Maldivian reefs at present. The average coral cover and proportion of acroporids have decreased from south to north and represent correspondently 70.6/59% for the southern atoll, 62/53% for the central atoll and 33/10.3% for the northernmost atoll.Stylophora,Seriatoporaand the hydrocoralMilleporawere not found and are considered candidates for local extirpation from the Maldives. Higher thermal variability and frequency of thermal stress might lead to the decrease in the abundance of susceptible taxa in the northernmost atoll. No phase‐shift to algae‐dominated reefs was observed in any of the three locations. Factors contributing to coral recovery and acclimatization are discussed.
Emerging coral diseases: a temperature‐driven process?
Authors: Miller Aaron W. , Richardson Laurie L. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn the last few decades there has been a surge in research focusing on coral disease. While climate change, specifically rising sea surface temperature, has been proposed as a major and growing driver of the emergence of marine diseases, to date a solid connection between disease epizootics and elevated sea surface temperature has not been established. However, a wealth of data now exists, compiled from many different perspectives, that may support such a connection. In this work we provide a comprehensive review targeting one coral disease, black band disease, that spans the infection process, pathobiology, and epizootiology, and links specific mechanisms of the disease process to increasing temperatures. This temperature‐driven pattern of infection can be expanded to include similar processes associated with other temperature‐related coral diseases. The conclusions presented here are based upon the results of many studies using a diverse suite of approaches that have been synthesized to argue that the emergence and continuing spread of black band disease is linked to warming sea surface temperatures. In summary, as global ocean temperatures increase seasonally and over decades, the environment shifts to become more favorable for the growth of potentially pathogenic microorganisms endemic to the immediate environment of the reef. The increase in the relative number of potential pathogens in the microbial community produces microenvironments conducive to the growth of other potential pathogens, leading to infection by a polymicrobial consortium. This consortium is easily perturbed by a (seasonal) temperature decrease, but remains associated with the coral host and can be reactivated with a subsequent seasonal increase in temperature, resulting in a cycle of temperature‐dependent disease emergence.
Innovation Economy, Productive Public Expenditure and Economic Growth
Authors: Afonso Oscar , Monteiro Sara , Thompson Maria 
Published: May 2014

AbstractMultidisciplinary innovation is the main engine of growth for an increasing number of economies. Innovation requires the participation of and interaction between all economic agents. It also requires public spending on education, research and infrastructures. Our main goal is to emphasize the government's role in a growing innovation economy. Developing a non‐scale, idea‐based, one‐sector growth model with complementarities and productive public expenditure, we analyse theoretically the growth effects of an increase in productive public expenditure, which we find positive in the short, medium and long run.
STRATEGY CONTENT AND PUBLIC SERVICE PROVIDER PERFORMANCE IN THE UK: AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH
Authors: HODGKINSON IAN , HUGHES PAUL 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis article presents an alternative empirical test of the relationship between strategy content and service provider performance. Strategy content, conceptualized as comprising strategic stance and strategic action, has been shown to be a means to improve public service performance. We contribute to this growing body of research by deriving an alternative typology of strategy to better reflect competitive conditions in the public sector, which existing strategy typologies cannot fully explain. By assuming that public service providers must follow strategies best suited to their internal and external conditions for improved performance, we evaluate the significance of ‘fit’ between alternative strategic stances and organizational characteristics. Compromising the delivery of a strategy invariably leads to a misfit between strategy and what the service provider is actually doing. We highlight how to optimize strategic fit, to maximize service provider performance. Conclusions are drawn for public management theory and practice.
Transthoracic echocardiographic guidance for obtaining an optimal insertion length of internal jugular venous catheters in infants
Authors: Park Yong‐Hee , Lee Ji‐Hyun , Byon Hyo‐Jin , Kim Hee‐Soo , Kim Jin‐Tae 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBackgroundThere are multiple methods of determining the optimal position of central venous catheter (CVC) tips. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and compare TTE and height‐based method for correct positioning of CVCs in infants undergoing cardiac surgery.MethodsUltrasonography‐guided central venous catheterization was performed via the right internal jugular vein. Longitudinal images of the right atrium and superior vena cava were obtained using TTE. The catheter tip was located 10 mm above the crista terminalis. If the catheter tip was not clearly visualized, the probe was rotated to obtain transverse images and the CVC tip was positioned at the level of the pulmonary artery bifurcation. The mean distance from the catheter tip to the level of the carina was compared with that calculated using a height‐based formula.ResultsAmong 106 cases, positioning of the CVC tip under TTE guidance failed in four patients; thus, the success rate was 96.2%. The mean distance from the CVC tip to the level of the carina was different for positioning using the TTE method (−3.8 ± 8.2 mm; 95% confidence interval, −5.5 to −2.2 mm) and that using the height‐based formula (6.1 ± 9.6 mm; 95% CI, 4.2 to 8.0 mm; P = 0.001). The distance was consistent regardless of the height when the insertion length was determined using TTE (r = −0.048, P > 0.05).ConclusionsTransthoracic echocardiography is a practical method for the correct placement of the CVC tip with less variability compared to the height‐based method.
Factors Related to Risky Sexual Behaviors and Effective STI/HIV and Pregnancy Intervention Programs for African American Adolescents
Authors: Lee Young Me , Cintron Adanisse , Kocher Surinder 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this integrative literature review study was to investigate factors related to risky sexual behaviors among African American adolescents, to evaluate which of the factors are common across successful and effective STI/HIV and pregnancy intervention programs, and finally, to propose suggestions for future intervention programs for African American adolescents in West Englewood, Chicago.DesignAn integrative literature review was conducted. Using CINAHL, PubMed, and ProQuest database, the following terms were searched: African American, Black, adolescents, teenagers, sexual behavior, cultural factors, pregnancy, STIs/HIV/AIDS, and intervention programs.ResultA total of 18 articles were reviewed, findings indicated there were five major contributing factors related to risky sexual behaviors: substance use, gender roles, peer influences, parental involvement, and level of knowledge and information on sex and STIs. Six successful STI/HIV and pregnancy programs that incorporated those factors to effectively reduce risky sexual behaviors were identified.ConclusionAfter analyzing six national intervention programs proven to be effective, the findings suggest that future prevention programs should be designed with more emphasis on avoidance or limited substance use, increased parental involvement, integration of cultural teaching components such as storytelling and history as suggested from the Aban Aya Youth Project. This study also concluded that future prevention programs should consider the length of programs be longer than 1 year, as it has been shown to be more effective than shorter programs.
The Impact of the Care Equity Project with Community/Public Health Nursing Students
Authors: Kamau‐Small Sylvia , Joyce Barbara , Bermingham Neysa , Roberts Jada , Robbins Curtis 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this article is to report on the evaluation process of a multi‐disciplinary interactive teaching‐learning workshop implemented in a college of nursing baccalaureate program.Design and SampleA 6‐hr workshop on cultural humility and care equity was implemented using educational theater to bring clinical situations involved in community/public health practice into the classroom. One hundred and forty‐nine students participated in the workshop. Stages of Change (Prochaska and DiClemente [2005] Handbook of psychotherapy integration. New York: Oxford University Press) and the Learning Transfer Barriers Framework (Price, Miller, Rahm, Brace, & Larson [2010] Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, 30, 237–245.) provided conceptual underpinnings for project evaluation.MeasuresNursing students completed a quiz, postworkshop online surveys at 2 and 8 weeks, and a clinical application report (CAR). Survey data provided information on barriers to the transfer of knowledge from theory class to the clinical setting. Qualitative methods were used to audit the CARs. Each CAR was independently reviewed to determine the Stage of Change reflected in the narrative.ResultsWorkshop evaluation outcomes provide evidence that cultural humility skill building has created behavior change in clinical practice for new health care community/public health nursing providers.
Occurrence of the endangered species Nitellopsis obtusa (Charales, Charophyceae) in western Japan and the genetic differences within and among Japanese populations
Authors: Kato Syou , Kawai Hiroshi , Takimoto Masayuki , Suga Hidefumi , Yohda Katsunori , Horiya Kenji , Higuchi Sumio , Sakayama Hidetoshi 
Published: May 2014

SummaryNitellopsis obtusa (Charales, Charophyceae) are widely distributed from Europe to Asia; however, this species has been recorded in only the five lakes in central Honshu in Japan. This species was thought to be extinct in Japan, but was rediscovered in limited areas of Lake Kawaguchi in central Honshu. More recently, we discovered more Japanese populations of N. obtusa in Lake Biwa in western Honshu, and it became clear that the species had a broader distribution in Japan than originally believed. In addition, although only male or female thalli have been collected at each lake, both male and female thalli were found from Lake Biwa. This is the first report of a potentially sexual population of N. obtusa in Japan. The DNA sequences of three chloroplast DNA markers, including both coding and non‐coding regions, were identical in all specimens from Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Nojiri (Central Honshu), and differed from those of Lake Biwa and German specimens. Although Japanese and German specimens were genetically similar, Japanese specimens displayed considerable genetic diversity according to locality.