bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple Mechanisms Underlying the Long Duration of Action of Thienorphine, A Novel Partial Opioid Agonist for the Treatment of Addiction
Authors: Yu Gang , Li Shu‐Hui , Cui Meng‐Xun , Yan Ling‐Di , Yong Zheng , Zhou Pei‐Lan , Su Rui‐Bin , Gong Ze‐Hui 
Published: December 2013

SummaryAimsIt is considered that a long‐acting therapy would be advantageous in the treatment of addiction. In a search for novel buprenorphine analogues, thienorphine was demonstrated to be an extremely long‐acting orally active partial opioid agonist. This study explored the mechanisms underlying the long‐lasting effects of thienorphine.MethodsThe binding kinetics of [3H]thienorphine were measured in membrane preparations expressing cloned rat opioid receptors. Flow cytometric analysis was used to determine the effect of thienorphine on the surface opioid receptor number. The long‐lasting effects of thienorphine were also confirmed at the tissue level and in vivo.ResultsAt 37°C, [3H]thienorphine showed rapid association with μ‐ and κ‐opioid receptors, while its dissociation was sluggish and biphasic (K−1 = 0.21 min−1, K−2 = 0.0078 min−1 for the μ‐receptor; K−1 = 0.17 min−1, K−2 = 0.0042 min−1 for the κ‐receptor). Treatment with thienorphine for 24, 48, and 72 h downregulated surface μ‐receptor in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of thienorphine on guinea pig ileum persisted for more than 120 min after prolonged washing. In vivo, thienorphine exhibited significant antagonism of morphine‐induced antinociception for more than 7 days.ConclusionsThese results indicate that multiple factors, including persistent receptor occupation and enhanced receptor downregulation, may contribute to the long‐lasting effects of thienorphine that would be beneficial for its application in addiction treatment.
Epidermal dynamics and patterns of intraepidermal melanoma
Authors: Vollmer Robin T. 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundDermatopathologists know that the epidermis represents a dynamic compartment and that its cells mature from the basal layer to the skin surface in approximately 45 days. What may seem intuitive – but not obvious – is that the dynamics of the epidermis can affect the patterns of melanoma cells within the epidermis. Here this conjecture is explored with an abstract, theoretical model.MethodsTo control the independent effects of epidermal replacement velocity and thickness as well as rate of melanoma cell penetration of the epidermis, an abstraction of the epidermis was created and simulated via computer.ResultsSimulated plots of the epidermis show that the number and pattern of melanoma cells in the epidermis is affected by the probability of melanoma cells entering the epidermis, by the velocity of epidermal replacement and by epidermal thickness.ConclusionThis analysis suggests that the dynamics of the epidermis are sufficient to affect the patterns of melanoma cells within the epidermis.
Diversity, distribution and conservation status of island conifers: a global review
Authors: Rumeu Beatriz , Afonso Virginia , Fernández‐Palacios José María , Nogales Manuel 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimConifers comprise an ancient and diverse group of plants showing a wide distribution range. To better understand the general patterns of species successfully established on islands, this review compiles information about the distribution, diversity, dispersal potential and conservation status of insular conifers, with special emphasis on those inhabiting remote oceanic islands.LocationGlobal.MethodsAn exhaustive survey was made of world‐wide databases and literature. We registered information on island distribution (including ocean region, extension and geological origin of the island), endemism and threat status for each insular conifer.Results285 of the 547 conifer species considered in this review show an insular distribution (i.e. their distribution encompass insular territories). The family Podocarpaceae is best represented, with 40% of the insular species. The importance of endozoochory for long‐distance dispersal is clear, because it was the most frequent dispersal syndrome among oceanic conifers. A high proportion of the total threatened conifers occur on islands (52%), and many of them are insular endemics (72%). Among conifer families, Araucariaceae is the most threatened in insular territories.Main conclusionsOur results highlight the wide diversity of insular conifers, as well as the key role of oceanic islands in catalysing speciation mechanisms. Pacific islands in particular harbour the greatest diversity levels, constituting a major centre of diversification. The wide distribution of conifers reflects their great potential for dispersal and colonization, endozoochory being the most favourable dispersal syndrome for reaching remote islands. The general threat status of insular conifers highlights the fragility of island biota and the urgent need for policies focused on their preservation.
Trying to understand gestational diabetes
Authors: Catalano P. M. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWomen with normal glucose tolerance pre‐gravid and developing gestational diabetes in late gestation have subclinical metabolic dysfunction prior to conception compared with women with normal glucose tolerance. Because of the 60% decrease in insulin sensitivity with normal pregnancy, these women develop clinical hyperglycaemia/gestational diabetes in late gestation. The metabolic dysfunction includes impaired insulin response, decreased hepatic suppression of glucose production during insulin infusion and decreased insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, i.e. peripheral insulin resistance. The insulin resistance in normal glucose tolerance pregnancy is related to a decrease in the post‐receptor insulin signalling cascade, specifically decreased insulin receptor substrate 1 tyrosine phosphorylation. In women with normal glucose tolerance this is reversed post‐partum. In contrast, in gestational diabetes, in addition to the decrease in insulin receptor substrate 1 tyrosine phosphorylation, there is an additional decrease in tyrosine phosphorylation of the intracellular portion of the insulin receptor that is not related to the insulin receptor protein content. Post‐partum women with gestational diabetes, who had retention of gestational weight gain, had no significant improvement in insulin sensitivity and increased inflammation expressed as increased plasma and skeletal muscle tumour necrosis factor alpha. The increased inflammation or meta‐inflammation is a hallmark of obesity and during pregnancy develops in both white adipose tissue and placenta. Last gene array studies of placenta were associated with alterations in gene expression relating primarily to lipid in contrast to glucose metabolic pathways in gestational diabetes compared with Type 1 diabetes. Future studies are directed at decreasing inflammation prior to and during pregnancy using various lifestyle and nutritional interventions.
New estimates of the burden of acute community‐acquired infections among older people with diabetes mellitus: a retrospective cohort study using linked electronic health records
Authors: McDonald H. I. , Nitsch D. , Millett E. R. C. , Sinclair A. , Thomas S. L. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimTo describe the incidence of acute community‐acquired infections (lower respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections and sepsis) among the UK population aged ≥65 years with diabetes mellitus, and all‐cause 28‐day hospital admission rates and mortality.MethodsWe used electronic primary care records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, linked to death certificates and Hospital Episode Statistics admission data, to conduct a retrospective cohort study from 1997 to 2011.ResultsAmong the 218 805 older people with diabetes there was a high burden of community‐acquired infection, lower respiratory tract infections having the highest incidence (crude rate: 152.7/1000 person‐years) followed by urinary tract infections (crude rates 51.4 and 147.9/1000 person‐years for men and women, respectively). The incidence of all infections increased over time, which appeared to be driven by the population's changing age structure. Most patients diagnosed with pneumonia and sepsis were hospitalized on the same day (77.8 and 75.1%, respectively). For lower respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections, a large proportion of 28‐day hospitalizations were after the day of diagnosis (39.1 and 44.3%, respectively), and a notable proportion of patients (7.1 and 5.1%, respectively) were admitted for a cardiovascular condition. In the 4 weeks after onset, all‐cause mortality was 32.1% for pneumonia (3115/9697), 31.7% for sepsis (780/2461), 4.1% for lower respiratory tract infections (5685/139 301) and 1.6% for urinary tract infections (1472/91 574).ConclusionsThe present large cohort study provides up‐to‐date detailed infection incidence estimates among older people with diabetes in the community, with variation by age, sex and region and over time. This should be of use for patient communication of risk and future healthcare planning.
Newly paired zebra finches have higher dopamine levels and immediate early gene Fos expression in dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Banerjee Sunayana B. , Dias Brian G. , Crews David , Adkins‐Regan Elizabeth 
Published: December 2013

AbstractMost birds are socially monogamous, yet little is known about the neural pathways underlying avian monogamy. Recent studies have implicated dopamine as playing a role in courtship and affiliation in a socially monogamous songbird, the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). In the present study, we sought to understand the specific contribution to pair formation in zebra finches of the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway that projects from the midbrain ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens. We observed that paired birds had higher levels of dopamine and its metabolite 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid in the ventral medial striatum, where the nucleus accumbens is situated, than unpaired birds. Additionally, we found that the percentage of dopaminergic neurons expressing immediate early gene Fos, a marker of neuronal activity, was higher in the ventral tegmental area of paired birds than in that of unpaired birds. These data are consistent with a role for the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway in pair formation in zebra finches, suggesting the possibility of a conserved neural mechanism of monogamy in birds and mammals.
Clinical presentation of pediatric multiple sclerosis before puberty
Authors: Huppke B. , Ellenberger D. , Rosewich H. , Friede T. , Gärtner J. , Huppke P. 
Published: December 2013

Background and purposeMultiple sclerosis (MS) onset before puberty is extremely rare and establishment of diagnosis is often difficult due to atypical presentation. The study aims to identify the typical presentation of MS in this age group.MethodsPediatric MS patients were identified from the database of the Center for Multiple Sclerosis in Childhood and Adolescence at the University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany. Inclusion criteria were a relapsing−remitting initial disease course and minimum disease duration of 4 years.ResultsForty‐seven pre‐pubertal (<11 years) and 41 post‐pubertal (14–16 years) MS patients were compared. Before puberty an even gender ratio was found. The pre‐pubertal patients were more likely to have a polysymptomatic severe first attack with motor and brainstem involvement, sphincter dysfunction, cognitive disturbances and milder residual neurological sequelae after the first episode whilst the post‐pubertal patients predominantly presented with optic neuritis and sensory symptoms. The initial symptom pattern prevailed over the first 2 years of disease. Presentation of pre‐pubertal boys and girls did not differ significantly.ConclusionsTo facilitate early diagnosis it is important to recognize that pre‐pubertal MS presents with a specific pattern of symptoms that is maintained over the first two disease years.
Managing inequality or managing stocks? An ethnographic perspective on the governance of small‐scale fisheries
Authors: Fabinyi Michael , Foale Simon , Macintyre Martha 
Published: December 2013

AbstractA growing volume of recent research on small‐scale fisheries governance has a focus on local perspectives and priorities of small‐scale fisherfolk. This paper develops from this local perspective a novel focus on what is a fundamental priority of many small‐scale fishers: concerns about inequality. The paper begins with a critical review of the literature on small‐scale fisheries governance and suggests how a focus on inequality can make a useful contribution. The paper uses case‐studies of small‐scale fisheries in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Philippines to highlight local priorities about inequality and the implications for small‐scale fisheries governance.PNGand the Philippines have very different social, political and environmental contexts, yet in both cases, local inequalities were a key pre‐occupation of fisherfolk and posed major challenges for fisheries governance. While in both of the case‐studies, fishers were aware of and keen to act on resource sustainability, this concern was overridden by concerns over: who obtained benefits from the fishery; who was responsible for resource degradation; and who should bear the costs of regulation. We conclude by discussing how our emphasis on the importance of inequality at a local level can potentially be integrated within many influential approaches to small‐scale fisheries governance.
Climate warming feedback from mountain birch forest expansion: reduced albedo dominates carbon uptake
Authors: de Wit Heleen A. , Bryn Anders , Hofgaard Annika , Karstensen Jonas , Kvalevåg Maria M. , Peters Glen P. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractExpanding high‐elevation and high‐latitude forest has contrasting climate feedbacks through carbon sequestration (cooling) and reduced surface reflectance (warming), which are yet poorly quantified. Here, we present an empirically based projection of mountain birch forest expansion in south‐central Norway under climate change and absence of land use. Climate effects of carbon sequestration and albedo change are compared using four emission metrics. Forest expansion was modeled for a projected 2.6 °C increase in summer temperature in 2100, with associated reduced snow cover. We find that the current (year 2000) forest line of the region is circa 100 m lower than its climatic potential due to land‐use history. In the future scenarios, forest cover increased from 12% to 27% between 2000 and 2100, resulting in a 59% increase in biomass carbon storage and an albedo change from 0.46 to 0.30. Forest expansion in 2100 was behind its climatic potential, forest migration rates being the primary limiting factor. In 2100, the warming caused by lower albedo from expanding forest was 10 to 17 times stronger than the cooling effect from carbon sequestration for all emission metrics considered. Reduced snow cover further exacerbated the net warming feedback. The warming effect is considerably stronger than previously reported for boreal forest cover, because of the typically low biomass density in mountain forests and the large changes in albedo of snow‐covered tundra areas. The positive climate feedback of high‐latitude and high‐elevation expanding forests with seasonal snow cover exceeds those of afforestation at lower elevation, and calls for further attention of both modelers and empiricists. The inclusion and upscaling of these climate feedbacks from mountain forests into global models is warranted to assess the potential global impacts.
Longitudinal data reveal ontogenetic changes in the wing morphology of a long‐distance migratory bird
Authors: de la Hera Iván , Pulido Francisco , Visser Marcel E. 
Published: December 2013

In migratory bird species, juveniles normally have shorter and more rounded wings than adults. The causes of this age‐specific difference in wing morphology, however, are largely unknown. Here, we used longitudinal data collected over 3 years from a Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca population to assess whether age‐related differences in wing morphology are a consequence of ontogenetic changes or of selection favouring birds with longer and more pointed wings. Our study provides evidence of ontogenetic changes in wing length and shape, whereby birds grow longer and more pointed wings as they grow older. Age‐dependent variation is likely to be adaptive and may partly explain age differences in spring migration phenology and breeding success.
Determination of pyrethroids in chicken egg samples: development and validation of a confirmatory analytical method by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: dell'Oro Daniela , Casamassima Francesco , Gesualdo Giuseppe , Iammarino Marco , Mambelli Paolo , Nardelli Valeria 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe aim of this study was to develop and validate an efficient analytical method based on gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) for detection and quantification of six pyrethroids residues (Phenothrin, Permethrin, Cyfluthrin, Cypermethrin, Deltamethrin and Fenvalerate) in chicken eggs. The method was based on a preliminary liquid–liquid extraction of albumen‐free yolk samples, followed by a clean‐up by solid‐phase extraction. GC/MS/MS analyses were carried out in the selected reaction monitoring mode. Validation parameters such as specificity, detection capability, decision limit, precision, recovery, stability and ruggedness were determined, resulting in compliance with Decision 2002/657/EC. No complicated apparatus are required; moreover, low volumes of organic solvents and a nonintensive manual labour are required. These low costs and simple procedure, based on rapid and safe operations, may represent a useful tool in the routine analysis of pyrethroids pesticides, in the place of the currently used conventional techniques.
Role of prostaglandin D2/CRTH2 pathway on asthma exacerbation induced by Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Liu Haixia , Zheng Mingrui , Qiao Jianou , Dang Yajie , Zhang Pengyu , Jin Xianqiao 
Published: December 2013

SummaryAspergillus fumigatus is often associated in asthmatic patients with the exacerbation of asthma symptoms. The pathomechanism of this phenomenon has not been fully understood. Here, we evaluated the immunological mechanisms and the role of the prostaglandin D2/ Chemoattractant Receptor‐Homologous Molecule Expressed on Th2 Cells (CRTH2) pathway in the development of Aspergillus‐associated asthma exacerbation. We studied the effects of A. fumigatus on airway inflammation and bronchial hyper‐responsiveness in a rat model of chronic asthma. Inhalation delivery of A. fumigatus conidia increased the airway eosinophilia and bronchial hyper‐responsiveness in ovalbumin‐sensitized, challenged rats. These changes were associated with prostaglandin D2 synthesis and CRTH2 expression in the lungs. Direct inflammation occurred in ovalbumin‐sensitized, challenged animals, whereas pre‐treatment with an antagonist against CRTH2 nearly completely eliminated the A. fumigatus‐induced worsening of airway eosinophilia and bronchial hyper‐responsiveness. Our data demonstrate that production of prostaglandin D2 followed by eosinophil recruitment into the airways via a CRTH2 receptor are the major pathogenic factors responsible for the A. fumigatus‐induced enhancement of airway inflammation and responsiveness.
Why are there so many species in the tropics?
Authors: Brown James H. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractKnown for centuries, the geographical pattern of increasing biodiversity from the poles to the equator is one of the most pervasive features of life on Earth. A longstanding goal of biogeographers has been to understand the primary factors that generate and maintain high diversity in the tropics. Many ‘historical’ and ‘ecological’ hypotheses have been proposed and debated, but there is still little consensus. Recent discussions have centred around two main phenomena: phylogenetic niche conservatism and ecological productivity. These two factors play important roles, but accumulating theoretical and empirical studies suggest that the single most important factor is kinetics: the temperature dependence of ecological and evolutionary rates. The relatively high temperatures in the tropics generate and maintain high diversity because ‘the Red Queen runs faster when she is hot’.
The BRICS and Other Emerging Power Alliances and Multilateral Organizations in the Asia‐Pacific and the Global South: Challenges for the European Union and Its View on Multilateralism
Authors: Keukeleire Stephan , Hooijmaaijers Bas 
Published: December 2013

AbstractOver the past decade the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and other emerging power alliances (such as BASIC [Brazil, South Africa, India and China] and IBSA [India, Brazil, South Africa]), as well as multilateral organizations in the Asia‐Pacific and the global south, have become increasingly important players on the world stage. None of the variations on Asian regionalism and emerging power alliances is in itself very influential. Taken together, however, they are not inconsequential for the European Union (EU) and its position on multilateralism. Their views on multilateralism differ from the EU's vision with regard to contents and methodology. Problematic for the EU is that their views not only structure the relations between the emerging powers themselves, but that these powers also increasingly try to promote them as the basic principles for structuring international relations and regimes on a global level.
Cyclooxygenase 2 expression and apoptosis in normal and psoriatic epidermis models exposed to salt water soaks and narrowband ultraviolet B radiation
Authors: Gambichler T. , Terras S. , Skrygan M. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundCombined treatment using salt water baths and artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation (balneophototherapy, BPT) is a common therapeutic option for conditions such as psoriasis. However, it remains unknown whether pre‐treatment with salt water soaks alter inflammatory and/or carcinogenic effects of UVB phototherapy.ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the impact of BPT on COX‐2 gene expression and apoptosis in normal and psoriatic keratinocytes.MethodsNormal epidermis models (NEM) and psoriatic epidermis models (PEM) were treated using different salt water soaks (3% NaCl, 30% NaCl, 30% Dead Sea salt; DSS) and subsequent narrowband ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) for three consecutive days. RT‐PCR was performed for cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2), survivin, and caspase‐3.ResultsCompared with untreated controls COX‐2 mRNA was significantly increased in NB‐UVB irradiated NEM and PEM. NB‐UVB‐exposed and non‐exposed 30% NaCl and 30% DSS‐treated NEM and PEM (except for NB‐UVB‐exposed and non‐irradiated 30% DSS) showed significantly higher COX‐2 mRNA when compared with controls and 3% NaCl. In NB‐UVB‐exposed 30% NaCl and 30% DSS‐treated NEM and PEM survivin mRNA was significantly decreased when compared with controls and 3% NaCl. Compared with NB‐UVB‐exposed controls mRNA of caspase‐3 was significantly increased in NB‐UVB‐exposed 30% NaCl and 30% DSS‐treated PEM.ConclusionAlthough BPT using high‐concentrated salt water solutions is associated with increased epidermal COX‐2 mRNA expression, apoptosis of keratinocytes is enhanced possibly due to the down‐regulation of survivin mRNA expression. If confirmed in larger studies these observations have important implications for BPT efficacy as well as safety, particularly with regard to the risk of early carcinogenesis.