bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methionine down‐regulates TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB signalling in osteoclast precursors to reduce bone loss during osteoporosis
Authors: Vijayan V , Khandelwal M , Manglani K , Gupta S , Surolia A 
Published: October 2013

Background and PurposeStudies have demonstrated that a moderate intake of amino acids is associated with development of bone health. Methionine, a sulphur‐containing essential amino acid, has been largely implicated for improving cartilage formation, however its physiological significance on bone integrity and functionality have not been elucidated. We investigated whether methionine can prevent osteoporotic bone loss.Experimental ApproachThe anti‐resorptive effect of methionine, (250 mg kg−1 body wt administered in drinking water for 10 weeks), was evaluated in ovariectomized (OVX) rats by monitoring changes in bone turnover, formation of osteoclasts from blood‐derived mononuclear cells and changes in the synthesis of pro‐osteoclastogenic cytokines.Key resultsMethionine improved bone density and significantly decreased the degree of osteoclast development from blood mononuclear cells in OVX rats, as indicated by decreased production of osteoclast markers tartarate resistant acid phosphatase b (TRAP5b) and MIP‐1α. siRNA‐mediated knockdown of myeloid differentiation primary response 88 [MyD88], a signalling molecule in the toll‐like receptor (TLR) signalling cascade, abolished the synthesis of both TRAP5b and MIP‐1α in developing osteoclasts. Methionine supplementation disrupted osteoclast development by inhibiting TLR‐4/MyD88/NF‐κB pathway.Conclusions and ImplicationsTLR‐4/MyD88/NF‐κB signalling pathway is integral for osteoclast development and this is down‐regulated in osteoporotic system on methionine treatment. Methionine treatment could be beneficial for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Cannabidiol inhibits paclitaxel‐induced neuropathic pain through 5‐HT1A receptors without diminishing nervous system function or chemotherapy efficacy
Authors: Ward Sara Jane , McAllister Sean D , Kawamura Rumi , Murase Ryuchi , Neelakantan Harshini , Walker Ellen A 
Published: October 2013

Background and PurposePaclitaxel (PAC) is associated with chemotherapy‐induced neuropathic pain (CIPN) that can lead to the cessation of treatment in cancer patients even in the absence of alternate therapies. We previously reported that chronic administration of the non‐psychoactive cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) prevents PAC‐induced mechanical and thermal sensitivity in mice. Hence, we sought to determine receptor mechanisms by which CBD inhibits CIPN and whether CBD negatively effects nervous system function or chemotherapy efficacy.Experimental ApproachThe ability of acute CBD pretreatment to prevent PAC‐induced mechanical sensitivity was assessed, as was the effect of CBD on place conditioning and on an operant‐conditioned learning and memory task. The potential interaction of CBD and PAC on breast cancer cell viability was determined using the MTT assay.Key ResultsPAC‐induced mechanical sensitivity was prevented by administration of CBD (2.5 – 10 mg·kg−1) in female C57Bl/6 mice. This effect was reversed by co‐administration of the 5‐HT1A antagonist WAY 100635, but not the CB1 antagonist SR141716 or the CB2 antagonist SR144528. CBD produced no conditioned rewarding effects and did not affect conditioned learning and memory. Also, CBD + PAC combinations produce additive to synergistic inhibition of breast cancer cell viability.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur data suggest that CBD is protective against PAC‐induced neurotoxicity mediated in part by the 5‐HT1A receptor system. Furthermore, CBD treatment was devoid of conditioned rewarding effects or cognitive impairment and did not attenuate PAC‐induced inhibition of breast cancer cell viability. Hence, adjunct treatment with CBD during PAC chemotherapy may be safe and effective in the prevention or attenuation of CIPN.
G protein‐gated inwardly rectifying potassium (KIR3) channels play a primary role in the antinociceptive effect of oxycodone, but not morphine, at supraspinal sites
Authors: Nakamura Atsushi , Fujita Masahide , Ono Hiroko , Hongo Yoshie , Kanbara Tomoe , Ogawa Koichi , Morioka Yasuhide , Nishiyori Atsushi , Shibasaki Masahiro , Mori Tomohisa , Suzuki Tsutomu , Sakaguchi Gaku , Kato Akira , Hasegawa Minoru 
Published: October 2013

Background and PurposeOxycodone and morphine are μ‐opioid receptor agonists prescribed to control moderate‐to‐severe pain. Previous studies suggested that these opioids exhibit different analgesic profiles. We hypothesized that distinct mechanisms mediate the differential effects of these two opioids and investigated the role of G protein‐gated inwardly rectifying potassium (KIR3 also known as GIRK) channels in their antinociceptive effects.Experimental ApproachOpioid‐induced antinociceptive effects were assessed in mice, using the tail‐flick test, by i.c.v. and intrathecal (i.t.) administration of morphine and oxycodone, alone and following inhibition of KIR3.1 channels with tertiapin‐Q (30 pmol per mouse, i.c.v. and i.t.) and KIR3.1‐specific siRNA. The antinociceptive effects of oxycodone and morphine were also examined after tertiapin‐Q administration in the mouse femur bone cancer and neuropathic pain models.Key ResultsThe antinociceptive effects of oxycodone, after both i.c.v. and i.t. administrations, were markedly attenuated by KIR3.1 channel inhibition. In contrast, the antinociceptive effects of i.c.v. morphine were unaffected, whereas those induced by i.t. morphine were attenuated, by KIR3.1 channel inhibition. In the two chronic pain models, the antinociceptive effects of s.c. oxycodone, but not morphine, were inhibited by supraspinal administration of tertiapin‐Q.Conclusion and ImplicationsThese results demonstrate that KIR3.1 channels play a primary role in the antinociceptive effects of oxycodone, but not those of morphine, at supraspinal sites and suggest that supraspinal KIR3.1 channels are responsible for the unique analgesic profile of oxycodone.
Confronting inconsistencies in the amphibian‐chytridiomycosis system: implications for disease management
Authors: Venesky Matthew D. , Raffel Thomas R. , McMahon Taegan A. , Rohr Jason R. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTChytridiomycosis, caused by the pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is one of the largest threats to wildlife and is putatively linked to the extirpation of numerous amphibians. Despite over a decade of research on Bd, conflicting results from a number of studies make it difficult to forecast where future epizootics will occur and how to manage this pathogen effectively. Here, we emphasize how resolving these conflicts will advance Bd management and amphibian conservation efforts. We synthesize current knowledge on whether Bd is novel or endemic, whether amphibians exhibit acquired resistance to Bd, the importance of host resistance versus tolerance to Bd, and how biotic (e.g. species richness) and abiotic factors (e.g. climate change) affect Bd abundance. Advances in our knowledge of amphibian–chytrid interactions might inform the management of fungal pathogens in general, which are becoming more common and problematic globally.
Using Habitat Characteristics to Predict Faunal Diversity in Tropical Production Forests
Authors: Lam Tzeng Yih , Fletcher Christine , Ramage Benjamin S. , Doll Hannah M. , Joann C. Luruthusamy , Nur‐Zati A. Mustafa , Butod Elizabeth , Kassim Abdul R. , Harrison Rhett D. , Potts Matthew D. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBiodiversity conservation in managed tropical forests is becoming increasingly important as forest area continues to decline. Accordingly, there is growing interest in developing conservation‐driven silvicultural prescriptions and identifying indicator habitat metrics (similar to indicator taxa) that could be easily assessed via routine vegetation sampling. Successfully achieving these goals, however, requires an understanding of how habitat characteristics affect biodiversity. The purpose of this study was to determine the associations between the species diversity of three taxa (ants, insectivorous bats, and dung beetles) and the habitat characteristics of hill dipterocarp production forests. We sampled both within (three samples) and adjacent to (six samples) six Virgin Jungle Reserves distributed throughout Peninsular Malaysia, and related habitat predictors to univariate diversity metrics (species richness and Shannon diversity) as well as multivariate compositional metrics. We found that influential predictors and directional effects differed across taxa. Ant diversity was most affected by stand density and canopy cover, and positively associated with both. Bat diversity was most strongly linked to primary forest area, with smaller reserves harboring greater bat diversity. Dung beetles were most affected by canopy cover and elevation, with greater diversity at lower elevation and with less canopy cover. Our multivariate analyses did not reveal any strong relationships between species composition and habitat variables. Overall, our results provide evidence that tropical forest structure is associated with biodiversity, but also suggest that it will be difficult to identify a single silvicultural prescription or landscape management strategy to maximize the diversity of all three taxa simultaneously.
Does family drawing assess attachment representations of late‐adopted children? A preliminary report
Authors: Pace Cecilia Serena , Zavattini Giulio Cesare , Tambelli Renata 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundAttachment representations of late‐adopted children have usually been measured by attachment narratives or observational procedures. Recently an attachment‐based coding system for family drawings was developed by attachment researchers and it was used both with clinical and nonclinical samples, but it has never been used with adoptees.MethodThis study examined the differences between attachment representations of 29 late‐adopted children aged 5–7 years (M = 6.35, 51.7% girls) and 12 non‐adopted peers as assessed by family drawings, controlling for demographic variables and children's cognitive status. The attachment‐based coding system of family drawings included three levels: (1) 24 individual markers, (2) eight global rating scales (1–7 points), and (3) four attachment categories (secure, avoidant, resistant, and disorganized).ResultsLate‐adopted children assessed with the family drawings were more insecure on the attachment categories and achieved lower scores on positive global ratings such as the Vitality/Creativity and Family Pride/Happiness scales, higher scores on the Role Reversal scale, and a tendency toward higher scores on the Bizarreness/Dissociation scale. No difference emerged between the two groups regarding the individual markers.ConclusionsFamily drawing seemed to be a useful tool for classifying attachment representations, and able to capture underlying mental states that it was hard for late‐adopted children to express in words.
Heregulin induces resistance to lapatinib‐mediated growth inhibition of HER2‐amplified cancer cells
Authors: Sato Yuji , Yashiro Masakazu , Takakura Nobuyuki 
Published: October 2013

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) amplification occurs in approximately 20% of gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancers in the United States and European Union. Lapatinib, a dual HER2 and epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has demonstrated clinical efficacy in HER2‐amplified cancer cells. However, several studies have shown that some cytokines can mediate resistance to lapatinib using their receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathways. One of these, Heregulin1 (HRG1), can confer resistance to lapatinib‐mediated growth inhibition in HER2‐amplified breast cancer cells, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we investigated whether and how HRG1 causes resistance to lapatinib in gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancers in vitro. HER2‐amplified gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer cell lines were highly sensitive to lapatinib. Exposure to HRG1 together with lapatinib rescued cells from lapatinib‐induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Downregulation of HER3 with siRNA in the presence of HRG1 re‐sensitized HER2‐amplified cancer cells to lapatinib. Immunoblotting analysis indicated that HRG1 re‐activated HER3 and AKT in the presence of lapatinib, which persisted for at least 72 h. Activation of HER3 and downstream AKT was mediated by residual activity of HER2. HRG1‐mediated resistance could be reduced by PI3K/mTOR inhibitors or by complete inhibition of HER2. Thus, we conclude that HRG1 mediates resistance to lapatinib through HER3 and AKT activation, and that this depends on residual HER2 activity. Lapatinib in combination with anti‐PI3K therapies or more potent HER2 inhibitors would improve the efficacy and avoid the emergence of resistant cells.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Heterocyclic Carboxylic Acyl Shikonin Derivatives
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Ming , Lin Hong‐Yan , Kong Wen‐Yao , Guo Jing , Shi Jing , Huang Shou‐Cheng , Qi Jin‐Liang , Yang Rong‐Wu , Gu Hong‐Wei , Yang Yong‐Hua 
Published: October 2013

A series of shikonin derivatives (1–13) that were acylated selectively by various thiophene or indol carboxylic acids at the side chain of shikonin were synthesized, and their biological activities were also evaluated as potential tubulin inhibitors. Among them, compound 3 ((R)‐1‐(5,8‐dihydroxy‐1,4‐dioxo‐1,4‐dihydronaphthalen‐2‐yl)‐4‐methylpent‐3‐enyl 3‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)propanoate) and compound 8 ((R)‐1‐(5,8‐dihydroxy‐1,4‐dioxo‐1,4‐dihydronaphthalen‐2‐yl)‐4‐methylpent‐3‐enyl 2‐(thiophen‐3‐yl)acetate) exhibited good antiproliferative activity of A875 (IC50 = 0.005 ± 0.001 μm, 0.009 ± 0.002 μm) and HeLa (IC50 = 11.84 ± 0.64 μm, 4.62 ± 0.31 μm) cancer cell lines in vitro, respectively. Shikonin (IC50 = 0.46 ± 0.002 μm, 4.80 ± 0.48 μm) and colchicine (IC50 = 0.75 ± 0.05 μm, 17.79 ± 0.76 μm) were used as references. Meanwhile, they also showed the most potent growth inhibitory activity against tubulin (IC50 of 3.96 ± 0.13 μm and 3.05 ± 0.30 μm, respectively), which were compared with shikonin (IC50 = 15.20 ± 0.25 μm) and colchicine (IC50 = 3.50 ± 0.35 μm). Furthermore, from the results of flow cytometer, we found compound 3 can really inhibit HeLa cell proliferation and has low cell toxicity. Based on the preliminary results, compound 3 with potent inhibitory activity in tumor growth may be a potential anticancer agent.
Skype Me! Socially Contingent Interactions Help Toddlers Learn Language
Authors: Roseberry Sarah , Hirsh‐Pasek Kathy , Golinkoff Roberta M. 
Published: October 2013

Language learning takes place in the context of social interactions, yet the mechanisms that render social interactions useful for learning language remain unclear. This study focuses on whether social contingency might support word learning. Toddlers aged 24–30 months (N = 36) were exposed to novel verbs in one of three conditions: live interaction training, socially contingent video training over video chat, and noncontingent video training (yoked video). Results suggest that children only learned novel verbs in socially contingent interactions (live interactions and video chat). This study highlights the importance of social contingency in interactions for language learning and informs the literature on learning through screen media as the first study to examine word learning through video chat technology.
How European American and Taiwanese Mothers Talk to Their Children About Learning
Authors: Li Jin , Fung Heidi , Bakeman Roger , Rae Katharine , Wei Wanchun 
Published: October 2013

Little cross‐cultural research exists on parental socialization of children's learning beliefs. The current study compared 218 conversations between European American and Taiwanese mothers and children (6–10 years) about good and poor learning. The findings support well‐documented cultural differences in learning beliefs. European Americans mentioned mental activities and positive affect more, whereas Taiwanese mentioned learning virtues and negative affect more. Mothers, especially European American, reciprocated their children's talk about mental activities, learning virtues, and negative affect. Children, especially Taiwanese, reciprocated their mother's talk about positive affect. Mothers invoked more mental activities and positive affect when discussing good learning, but more learning virtues and negative affect when discussing poor learning. These findings reveal a source of cultural differences in beliefs and potential enculturation.
Trends in oral health in young people in the Netherlands over the past 20 years: a study in a changing context
Authors: Schuller A.A. , van Dommelen P. , Poorterman J.H.G. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectivesFrom 1 January 2006, the distinction between the health insurance fund and private insurance was abolished and a basic insurance package was agreed for everyone in the Netherlands. Dental treatment for young people below the age of 18 is reimbursed under the terms of this basic package. Dental treatment for adults is not covered in this basic insurance package. Basic principles for nonreimbursing dental care for adults were that any health and financial risks for individual citizens in the future should be acceptable for them with the corollary that the oral health of young adults when they make the switch ‐ from collectively financed care to care to be paid for individually ‐ should be at such a level that the needed oral health care is affordable. To meet this requirement, it is important to have knowledge of the prevalence of oral diseases and trends in oral health in young people from a public health perspective. The aim of this article is to describe trends in caries experience in young people in the Netherlands from 1990 to 2009, taking into account the challenge in methodology concerning this changing social context.MethodsTo describe caries experience in young people, a repeated cross‐sectional study design was used. The study consisted of a clinical oral examination and a questionnaire survey. Data were sampled from 8, 14 and 20‐year‐olds in 1990 and 1996, and 9, 15 and 21‐year‐olds in 2003 and 2009, living in Alphen a/d Rijn, Gouda, Breda and ‘s‐Hertogenbosch. The DMF index was used for describing caries experience. The trends were studied separately in high and low socioeconomic status (SES) groups. SES was operationalized as the dichotomous variable of educational level of the mother or the adolescent. Multiple imputation was applied to predict the DMFS for missing ages for certain years, which made it possible to test the trends. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to study the trends through the years.ResultsThis study showed, according to different age‐ and SES groups, either declines or no statistically significant changes in caries experience over the last two decades.ConclusionsNo deterioration was shown. However, there is still room for further improvement in oral health in children. Dental professionals and politicians should develop a vision on to what extent caries experience is acceptable in a public health perspective in young people.
Community‐based oral health promotion practices targeted at children and adolescents in Finland – developing an assessment tool
Authors: Blomqvist Pia , Ojala Ellinoora , Kettunen Tarja , Poskiparta Marita , Kasila Kirsti 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo develop an assessment tool for evaluating oral health promotion practices and to evaluate community‐based oral health promotion practices targeted at children and adolescents with this tool.MethodsA theoretical framework about health promotion planning, implementation and evaluation was made on the basis of a literature review. Then, information about Finnish community‐based oral health promotion practices (n = 12) targeted at children and adolescents was collected using semi‐structured interviews. Also, related documents, for example action plans and reports, were collected when available. Next, an assessment tool based on the theoretical framework was developed, and the recorded and transcribed interview data and other documents were evaluated with this tool.ResultsThe assessment tool proved to be practical: it pointed out the strengths and weaknesses of the practices. The tool revealed strengths in the implementation and deficiencies in the planning and evaluation of oral health promotion practices. One‐quarter of the 12 practices assessed could be considered ‘good practices’.ConclusionsThere is a need to improve the planning and evaluation of oral health promotion practices. The assessment tool developed in this study might be useful for practitioners both in the field of oral health promotion and general health promotion.
The role of family functioning in childhood dental caries
Authors: Duijster Denise , Verrips G.H.W. , van Loveren Cor 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectivesThis study investigated the relationship between family functioning and childhood dental caries. Further objectives were (i) to explore whether oral hygiene behaviours could account for a possible association between family functioning dimensions and childhood dental caries and (ii) to explore whether family functioning could mediate the relationship between sociodemographic factors and childhood dental caries.MethodsA random sample of 630 5‐ to 6‐year‐old children was recruited from six large paediatric dental centres in the Netherlands. Children's dmft scores were extracted from personal dental records. A parental questionnaire and the Gezinsvragenlijst (translation: Family Questionnaire) were used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, oral hygiene behaviours and family functioning. Family functioning was assessed on five dimensions: responsiveness, communication, organization, partner‐relation and social network. Associations with dmft were analysed using multilevel modelling.ResultsBivariate analysis showed that children from normal functioning families on the dimensions responsiveness, communication, organization and social network had significantly lower dmft scores compared with children from dysfunctional families. Poorer family functioning on all dimensions was associated with an increased likelihood of engaging in less favourable oral hygiene behaviours. Children with lower educated mothers, immigrant children and children of higher birth order were more likely to come from poorer functioning families. In multivariate analysis, organization remained a significant predictor of dmft after adjusting for the other family functioning dimensions and the mother's education level, but it lost statistical significance after adjustment for oral hygiene behaviours.ConclusionA relationship between family functioning and childhood dental caries was found, which may have operated via oral hygiene behaviours. Family functioning modestly explained socioeconomic inequalities in child oral health. Organization appeared to be the most important dimension of family functioning that influenced children's caries experience.