bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developmental vulnerability of synapses and circuits associated with neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Penzes Peter , Buonanno Andres , Passafaro Maria , Sala Carlo , Sweet Robert A. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractPsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), schizophrenia (SZ), and Alzheimer's disease, pose an immense burden to society. Symptoms of these disorders become manifest at different stages of life: early childhood, adolescence, and late adulthood, respectively. Progress has been made in recent years toward understanding the genetic substrates, cellular mechanisms, brain circuits, and endophenotypes of these disorders. Multiple lines of evidence implicate excitatory and inhibitory synaptic circuits in the cortex and hippocampus as key cellular substrates of pathogenesis in these disorders. Excitatory/inhibitory balance – modulated largely by dopamine – critically regulates cortical network function, neural network activity (i.e. gamma oscillations) and behaviors associated with psychiatric disorders. Understanding the molecular underpinnings of synaptic pathology and neuronal network activity may thus provide essential insight into the pathogenesis of these disorders and can reveal novel drug targets to treat them. Here, we discuss recent genetic, neuropathological, and molecular studies that implicate alterations in excitatory and inhibitory synaptic circuits in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders across the lifespan.
Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its individual components in brazilian college students
Authors: F de Freitas Jr Roberto Wagner , M de Araújo Márcio Flávio , P Marinho Niciane Bandeira , A de Vasconcelos Hérica Cristina , S Lima Adman Câmara , R Pereira Dayse Christina , Almeida Paulo César , Zanetti Maria Lúcia , C Damasceno Marta Maria 
Published: April 2013

Aims and objectivesTo identify the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its individual components in a population of college students at a public higher education institution in Fortaleza, Brazil.BackgroundScientific evidence has demonstrated the ascent of the metabolic syndrome in the young population.DesignCross‐sectional study of 702 Brazilian college students between January–July 2011.MethodsSocio‐demographic indicators, life habits and the components of the metabolic syndrome were assessed. anova statistical tests were used to associate gender with the metabolic syndrome components, and the chi‐square test to associate the number of metabolic syndrome components with gender and body mass index.ResultsHigh fasting venous glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL‐C levels were found in 12·3, 23·0, 9·7 and 5·9% of the sample, respectively. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome amounted to 1·7%. Nevertheless, 30·4% of students manifested at least one and 12·4% at least two individual components. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was higher in men (58·3%) and in people who were overweight (33·3%) and obese (41·7%). It is important to implement public health policies to reduce college students' vulnerability to the metabolic syndrome.ConclusionsMost college students who displayed ≥3 metabolic syndrome components were men and already indicated being overweight and/or obesity.Relevance to clinical practiceIt is important that nurses assess the frequency of metabolic syndrome in college students as a predictor of cardiovascular health.
Self‐relaxation training can improve sleep quality and cognitive functions in the older: a one‐year randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sun Jingxian , Kang Jiaxun , Wang Ping , Zeng Hui 
Published: April 2013

Aims and objectiveTo evaluate the effects of self‐relaxation training on sleep quality and cognitive functions in the older.BackgroundAgeing causes declines in sleep quality and cognitive functions in older adults, and decreased sleep quality also accelerates declines in cognitive functions. Therefore, it is necessary to find cost‐effective interventions to enhance sleep quality in the older, thereby improving their cognitive functions or delaying cognitive decline.DesignRandomised controlled study.MethodsThe study was conducted between July 2010 and June 2011 at Wangyuehu Community in Changsha, China. Eighty older adults with reduced sleep quality were selected and randomly assigned to experimental (n = 40) or control (n = 40) group. Subjects in the experimental group received self‐relaxation training including progressive muscle relaxation and meditation based on sleep hygiene education, while the control group received sleep hygiene education only. Sleep quality and cognitive functions of the two groups were measured prior to training and at the end of the 3rd, 6th and 12th months using four reliable and valid questionnaires.ResultsRepeated measures anova revealed that the self‐relaxation training had significant main effect as well as interaction effect with time on sleep quality and cognitive functions. Except for scores of Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Mini‐Mental State Examination and number memory, time had significant main effect on scores of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, picture memory, associative memory and understanding memory.ConclusionSelf‐relaxation training can improve sleep quality and cognitive functions in the older.Relevance to clinical practiceSelf‐relaxation training is a non‐invasive, simple and inexpensive therapeutic method of improving sleep quality and cognitive functions in community‐dwelling older people.
Musical intervention for patients with dementia: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Vasionytė Ieva , Madison Guy 
Published: April 2013

Aims and objectivesTo provide a meta‐analysis of the effects of music interventions on patients with dementia, separating, for the first time, between different types of interventions and different outcome measures, namely affective, behavioural, cognitive and physiological.BackgroundMusic therapy is an attractive form of intervention for the growing number of demented patients, for whom pharmacological interventions are not always effective and may lead to undesired side effects. While music is more frequently applied in clinical settings for each year, no meta‐analysis has considered effects of music interventions on affective, behavioural, cognitive and physiological outcomes separately.DesignA standard meta‐analysis approach was applied.MethodsWe include all original studies found for the key words music and dementia. Mean effect sizes and confidence intervals are computed from study effect sizes according to standard methods, and these are considered for various common types of music interventions separately.ResultsNineteen studies with a total of 478 dementia patients exhibit effect sizes ranging from 0·04–4·56 (M = 1·04). Many of these indicate large positive effects on behavioural, cognitive and physiological outcome measures, and medium effects on affective measures.ConclusionsMusic interventions seem to be effective and have the potential of increasing the quality of life for patients with dementia. Many studies in this area suffer from poor methodological quality, which limits the reach of meta‐analysis and the strength and generalisability of these conclusions.Relevance to clinical practiceBeing inexpensive and largely without adverse side effects, current knowledge seems to indicate that music interventions can be recommended for patients in all stages of dementia.
Effect of Diamond‐Like Carbon Thin Film Coated Acrylic Resin on Candida albicans Biofilm Formation
Authors: Queiroz José Renato Cavalcanti , Fissmer Sara Fernanda , Koga‐Ito Cristiane Yumi , Salvia Ana C. R. D. , Massi Marcos , Sobrinho Argermiro Soares da Silva , Júnior Lafayette Nogueira 
Published: April 2013

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of diamond‐like carbon thin films doped and undoped with silver nanoparticles coating poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) on Candida albicans biofilm formation. The control of biofilm formation is important to prevent oral diseases in denture users.Materials and MethodsForty‐five PMMA disks were obtained, finished, cleaned in an ultrasonic bath, and divided into three groups: Gc, no surface coating (control group); Gdlc, coated with diamond‐like carbon film; and Gag, coated with diamond‐like carbon film doped with silver nanoparticles. The films were deposited using a reactive magnetron sputtering system (physical vapor deposition process). The specimens were characterized by optical profilometry, atomic force microscopy, and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy analyses that determined differences in chemical composition and morphological structure. Following sterilization of the specimens by γ‐ray irradiation, C. albicans (ATCC 18804) biofilms were formed by immersion in 2 ml of Sabouraud dextrose broth inoculated with a standardized fungal suspension. After 24 hours, the number of colony forming units (cfu) per specimen was counted. Data concerning biofilm formation were analyzed using ANOVA and the Tukey test (p < 0.05).ResultsC. albicans biofilm formation was significantly influenced by the films (p < 0.00001), reducing the number of cfu, while not affecting the roughness parameters (p > 0.05). The Tukey test showed no significant difference between Gdlc and Gag. Films deposited were extremely thin (∼50 nm). The silver particles presented a diameter between 60 and 120 nm and regular distribution throughout the film surface (to Gag).ConclusionDiamond‐like carbon films, doped or undoped with silver nanoparticles, coating the base of PMMA‐based dentures could be an alternative procedure for preventing candidosis in denture users.
Describing the growth and rapid weight gain of urban Australian Aboriginal infants
Authors: Webster Vana , Denney‐Wilson Elizabeth , Knight Jennifer , Comino Elizabeth ,   Gudaga Research Team
Published: April 2013

AimThe aims of this paper are to describe the growth of urban Australian Aboriginal infants from birth to 24 months of age and to identify the proportion of these infants experiencing rapid weight gain (RWG) and overweight/obesity.MethodsThe Gudaga Study is a longitudinal birth cohort of 159 Australian Aboriginal children born on the urban fringe of Sydney. Birthweight and length were extracted from hospital data. Children with a birthweight >1500 grams were included in the analysis (n = 157). Weight, length and head circumference were measured at 2–3 weeks and then six‐monthly until 24 months of age. Age‐ and gender‐specific Z‐scores were determined from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 2000 growth charts for weight, length, head circumference and body mass index (BMI). The proportion of children experiencing RWG (an increase in weight‐for‐age Z‐scores ≥0.67 between birth and 12 months) was calculated. The association between RWG and ≥85th CDC percentile for BMI at 24 months was tested using Pearson's χ2.ResultsThe mean weight of Gudaga infants was less than the CDC mean length‐for‐age at birth and 2–3 weeks of age but greater than CDC mean length‐for‐age and weight‐for‐age at 18 and 24 months of age. Overall, 42 infants (34.4%) experienced RWG, and 45 infants (36.9%) were overweight/obese at 24 months of age. A greater proportion of those who experienced RWG (61.9%) were overweight/obese at 24 months than those who did not experience RWG (23.8%).ConclusionOur study suggests a concerning proportion of urban Indigenous infants experience RWG and overweight/obesity in early childhood.
The evolution of co‐orbiting material in the orbit of 2201 Oljato from 1980 to 2012 as deduced from Pioneer Venus Orbiter and Venus Express magnetic records
Authors: Lai Hairong , Russell Christopher T. , Wei Hanying , Zhang Tielong 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAsteroid 2201 Oljato passed through perihelion inside the orbit of Venus near the time of its conjunction with Venus in 1980, 1983, and 1986. During those three years, many interplanetary field enhancements (IFEs) were observed by the Pioneer Venus Orbiter (PVO) in the longitude sector where the orbit of Oljato lies inside Venus' orbit. We attribute IFEs to clouds of fine‐scale, possibly highly charged dust picked up by the solar wind after an interplanetary collision between objects in the diameter range of 10–1000 m. We interpret the increase rate in IFEs at PVO in these years as due to material in Oljato's orbit colliding with material in, or near to, Venus' orbital plane and producing a dust‐anchored structure in the interplanetary magnetic field. In March 2012, almost 30 yr later, with Venus Express (VEX) now in orbit, the Oljato‐Venus geometry is similar to the one in 1980. Here, we compare IFEs detected by VEX and PVO using the same IFE identification criteria. We find an evolution with time of the IFE rate. In contrast to the results in the 1980s, the recent VEX observations reveal that at solar longitudes in which the Oljato orbit is inside that of Venus, the IFE rate is reduced to the level even below the rate seen at solar longitudes where Oljato's orbit is outside that of Venus. This observation implies that Oljato not only lost its co‐orbiting material but also disrupted the “target material,” with which the co‐orbiting material was colliding, near Venus.
Novel receptor‐like kinases in cacao contain PR‐1 extracellular domains
Authors: Teixeira Paulo José Pereira Lima , Costa Gustavo Gilson Lacerda , Fiorin Gabriel Lorencini , Pereira Gonçalo Amarante Guimarães , Mondego Jorge Maurício Costa 
Published: April 2013

SummaryMembers of the pathogenesis‐related protein 1 (PR‐1) family are well‐known markers of plant defence responses, forming part of the arsenal of the secreted proteins produced on pathogen recognition. Here, we report the identification of two cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) PR‐1s that are fused to transmembrane regions and serine/threonine kinase domains, in a manner characteristic of receptor‐like kinases (RLKs). These proteins (TcPR‐1f and TcPR‐1g) were named PR‐1 receptor kinases (PR‐1RKs). Phylogenetic analysis of RLKs and PR‐1 proteins from cacao indicated that PR‐1RKs originated from a fusion between sequences encoding PR‐1 and the kinase domain of a LecRLK (Lectin Receptor‐Like Kinase). Retrotransposition marks surround TcPR‐1f, suggesting that retrotransposition was involved in the origin of PR‐1RKs. Genes with a similar domain architecture to cacao PR‐1RKs were found in rice (Oryza sativa), barrel medic (Medicago truncatula) and a nonphototrophic bacterium (Herpetosiphon aurantiacus). However, their kinase domains differed from those found in LecRLKs, indicating the occurrence of convergent evolution. TcPR‐1g expression was up‐regulated in the biotrophic stage of witches' broom disease, suggesting a role for PR‐1RKs during cacao defence responses. We hypothesize that PR‐1RKs transduce a defence signal by interacting with a PR‐1 ligand.
Inflammatory tinea pedis with bacterial superinfection effectively treated with isoconazole nitrate and diflucortolone valerate combination therapy
Authors: Friedrich Markus 
Published: April 2013

SummaryUndetected tinea pedis in a patient with diabetes can lead to serious bacterial infections with potentially serious consequences, such as foot amputations. Here we report on a 60‐year‐old patient with diabetes presenting with pain, severe pruritus, and malodour in the foot's interdigital area, and subsequently, diagnosed with inflammatory tinea pedis with bacterial superinfection. The patient was successfully treated with Travocort cream containing isoconazole nitrate 1% and diflucortolone valerate 0.1%; marked improvement occurred within 5 days.
Pyelonephritis: What are the present day causative organisms and antibiotic susceptibilities?
Authors: Prabhu Ajay , Taylor Peter , Konecny Pam , Brown Mark A 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimInfections of the lower urinary tract and Acute Pyelonephritis are commonly encountered in clinical practice. Widespread usage of antibiotics and changing susceptibility profiles of uropathogens requires regular review of treatment guidelines to meet these challenges. We aimed to better understand the prevalence of uropathogens and emerging antibiotic resistance in patients with pyelonephritis requiring hospital admission.MethodsIn this single centre, 12‐year retrospective observational study, we reviewed case notes and urine culture results of 249 patients admitted with Acute Pyelonephritis under the care of the Nephrology Department, along with 46 660 urine samples with positive isolates from the Emergency Department (ED) during the same period. The prevalence of uropathogens, their antibiotic susceptibilities and emerging resistance patterns to commonly used antibiotics were studied. Antibiotic susceptibilities were also reviewed in line with the currently recommended national guidelines for empiric therapy.ResultsWe found the most prevalent uropathogen to be Escherichia coli. Approximately 50% of E. coli infections were resistant to ampicillin. First and third generation cephalosporin resistance was <5%, however, the latter has increased over the last decade and is more prevalent in the elderly. Enterococcus faecalis was associated with less than 10% of cases of lower urinary tract infections and no case of pyelonephritis.ConclusionAntibiotic resistance of uropathogens to commonly used antibiotics is increasing with time and there is a need for hospitals to review their recommended guidelines for empiric therapy in line with local patterns of uropathogens and antibiotic susceptibilities.
Effects of a liquid diet on the response properties of temporomandibular joint nociceptive neurons in the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis of growing rats
Authors: Hiranuma M. , Kokai S. , Fujita K. , Ishida T. , Shibata M. , Naito S. , Yabushita T. , Ono T. 
Published: April 2013

Structured AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether low mechanical loading on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) when ingesting a liquid diet affects the response properties of neurons in the trigeminal spinal tract subnucleus caudalis (Sp5C) in growing rats.Materials and MethodsShortly after weaning, 2‐week‐old male rats were fed chow pellets (control) or a liquid diet (experimental). Firing activities of single sensory units were recorded from the Sp5C at 4, 5, 7, and 9 weeks. Neurons were functionally classified by their responsiveness to TMJ stimuli. The responses of Class II and III neurons to TMJ stimuli were investigated.ResultsIn both neuron classes, the firing threshold in the experimental group was significantly lower than in the control group at all time points, but remained static in the control group throughout the experimental period, whereas it peaked in the experimental group at 4 weeks, decreased at 5 weeks, and remained stable thereafter until 9 weeks. Similarly, the initial firing frequency was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group, but remained static in the control group throughout the experimental period, whereas in the experimental group, it was at its lowest at 4 weeks, increased at 5 weeks, and stayed stable thereafter until 9 weeks.ConclusionDifferences in TMJ loading arising from variable diet consistency during growth may affect the functional characteristics of Sp5C neurons.
Long‐term ammonium nutrition of Arabidopsis increases the extrachloroplastic NAD(P)H/NAD(P)+ ratio and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species level in leaves but does not impair photosynthetic capacity
Authors: PODGÓRSKA ANNA , GIECZEWSKA KATARZYNA , ŁUKAWSKA‐KUŹMA KATARZYNA , RASMUSSON ALLAN G. , GARDESTRÖM PER , SZAL BOŻENA 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAmmonium nutrition has been suggested to be associated with alterations in the oxidation‐reduction state of leaf cells. Herein, we show that ammonium nutrition in Arabidopsis thaliana increases leaf NAD(P)H/NAD(P)+ ratio, reactive oxygen species content and accumulation of biomolecules oxidized by free radicals. We used the method of rapid fractionation of protoplasts to analyse which cellular compartments were over‐reduced under ammonium supply and revealed that observed changes in NAD(P)H/NAD(P)+ ratio involved only the extrachloroplastic fraction. We also showed that ammonium nutrition changes mitochondrial electron transport chain activity, increasing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production. Our results indicate that the functional impairment associated with ammonium nutrition is mainly associated with redox reactions outside the chloroplast.
Functional characterisation of wheat Pgip genes reveals their involvement in the local response to wounding
Authors: Janni M. , Bozzini T. , Moscetti I. , Volpi C. , D'Ovidio R. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractPolygalacturonase‐inhibiting proteins (PGIPs) are cell wall leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) proteins involved in plant defence. The hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum, genome AABBDD) genome contains one Pgip gene per genome. Tapgip1 (B genome) and Tapgip2 (D genome) are expressed in all tissues, whereas Tapgip3 (A genome) is inactive because of a long terminal repeat, Copia retrotransposon insertion within the coding region. To verify whether Tapgip1 and Tapgip2 encode active PGIPs and are involved in the wheat defence response, we expressed them transiently and analysed their expression under stress conditions. Neither TaPGIP1 nor TaPGIP2 showed inhibition activity in vitro against fungal polygalacturonases. Moreover, a wheat genotype (T. turgidum ssp. dicoccoides) lacking active homologues of Tapgip1 or Tapgip2 possesses PGIP activity. At transcript level, Tapgip1 and Tapgip2 were both up‐regulated after fungal infection and strongly induced following wounding. This latter result has been confirmed in transgenic wheat plants expressing the β‐glucuronidase (GUS) gene under control of the 5′‐flanking region of Tdpgip1, a homologue of Tapgip1 with an identical sequence. Strong and transient GUS staining was mainly restricted to the damaged tissues and was not observed in adjacent tissues. Taken together, these results suggest that Tapgips and their homologues are involved in the wheat defence response by acting at the site of the lesion caused by pathogen infection.
Reactive oxygen species are involved in regulation of pollen wall cytomechanics
Authors: Smirnova A. V. , Matveyeva N. P. , Yermakov I. P. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractProduction and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in somatic plant cells is developmentally regulated and plays an important role in the modification of cell wall mechanical properties. Here we show that H2O2 and the hydroxyl radical (•OH) can regulate germination of tobacco pollen by modifying the mechanical properties of the pollen intine (inner layer of the pollen wall). Pollen germination was affected by addition of exogenous H2O2, •OH, and by antioxidants scavenging endogenous ROS: superoxide dismutase, superoxide dismutase/catalase mimic Mn‐5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(1‐methyl‐4‐pyridyl)21H, 23H‐porphin, or a spin‐trap α‐(4‐pyridyl‐1‐oxide)‐N‐tert‐butylnitrone, which eliminates •OH. The inhibiting concentrations of exogenous H2O2 and •OH did not decrease pollen viability, but influenced the mechanical properties of the wall. The latter were estimated by studying the resistance of pollen to hypo‐osmotic shock. •OH caused excess loosening of the intine all over the surface of the pollen grain, disrupting polar growth induction. In contrast, H2O2, as well as partial removal of endogenous •OH, over‐tightened the wall, impeding pollen tube emergence. Feruloyl esterase (FAE) was used as a tool to examine whether H2O2‐inducible inter‐polymer cross‐linking is involved in the intine tightening. FAE treatment caused loosening of the intine and stimulated pollen germination and pollen tube growth, revealing ferulate cross‐links in the intine. Taken together, the data suggest that pollen intine properties can be regulated differentially by ROS. •OH is involved in local loosening of the intine in the germination pore region, while H2O2 is necessary for intine strengthening in the rest of the wall through oxidative coupling of feruloyl polysaccharides.