bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heterologous regulation of agonist‐independent μ‐opioid receptor phosphorylation by protein kinase C
Authors: Illing Susann , Mann Anika , Schulz Stefan 
Published: December 2013

Background and PurposeHomologous agonist‐induced phosphorylation of the μ‐opioid receptor (MOR) is initiated at the carboxyl‐terminal S375, followed by phosphorylation of T370, T376 and T379. In HEK293 cells, this sequential and hierarchical multi‐site phosphorylation is specifically mediated by G‐protein coupled receptor kinases 2 and 3. In the present study, we provide evidence for a selective and dose‐dependent phosphorylation of T370 after activation of PKC by phorbol esters.Experimental ApproachWe used a combination of phospho site‐specific antibodies, kinase inhibitors and siRNA knockdown screening to identify kinases that mediate agonist‐independent phosphorylation of the MOR in HEK293 cells. In addition, we show with phospho site‐specific antibodies were also used to study constitutive phosphorylation at S363 of MORs in mouse brain in vivo.Key ResultsActivation of PKC by phorbol esters or heterologous activation of substance P receptors co‐expressed with MORs in the same cell induced a selective and dose‐dependent phosphorylation of T370 that specifically requires the PKCα isoform. Inhibition of PKC activity did not compromise homologous agonist‐driven T370 phosphorylation. In addition, S363 was constitutively phosphorylated in both HEK293 cells and mouse brain in vivo. Constitutive S363 phosphorylation required ongoing PKC activity. When basal PKC activity was decreased, S363 was also a substrate for homologous agonist‐stimulated phosphorylation.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur results have disclosed novel mechanisms of heterologous regulation of MOR phosphorylation by PKC. These findings represent a useful starting point for definitive experiments elucidating the exact contribution of PKC‐driven MOR phosphorylation to diminished MOR responsiveness in morphine tolerance and pathological pain.
The effects of beta‐alanine supplementation on physical working capacity at heart rate threshold
Authors: Smith‐Ryan Abbie E. , Woessner Mary N. , Melvin Malia N. , Wingfield Hailee L. , Hackney Anthony C. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryBeta‐alanine (BA) supplementation has been shown to delay neuromuscular fatigue as a result of increased muscle carnosine concentrations. Carnosine has also been found in brain and cardiac tissue. The physical working capacity test at heart rate threshold (PWCHRT) is a global estimate of the onset of fatigue during exercise, influenced by central and peripheral factors. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 28 days of BA supplementation on the PWCHRT. Thirty subjects (mean ± SD; age: 21·0 ± 2·1 years; body mass: 72·7 ± 14·5 kg; height: 170·1 ± 7·9 cm) were randomly assigned to BA (n = 15) or placebo (PL, n = 15) groups. Testing included eight to nine total visits: an enrolment day, physical screening, peak oxygen consumption (V·O2peak) and two PWCHRT assessments over 4 days. Significant differences existed between BA and PL for PWCHRT (P = 0·001; mean∆: BA∆ = +24·2 watts, PL∆ = +11·2 watts), but not for V·O2peak (P = 0·222), time to exhaustion (TTE; P = 0·562) or ventilatory threshold (VT; P = 0·134). Results suggest that BA may increase heart rate training threshold. These results, in combination with one previous study reporting a potential effect of BA on HR, suggest that future studies should evaluate both central and peripheral aspects of fatigue with BA intake.
Comparison of two multiplex PCR assays for the detection of respiratory viral infections
Authors: Kim Hanah , Hur Mina , Moon Hee‐Won , Yun Yeo‐Min , Cho Hyun Chan 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIntroductionRespiratory viruses are the main causes of upper and lower respiratory tract diseases. Rapid and accurate detection of respiratory viruses is crucial for appropriate patient treatment and prevention of endemic spread.ObjectivesWe compared two multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for the detection of respiratory viral pathogens.MethodsA total of 245 respiratory specimens (229 sputum samples, 14 bronchoalveolar lavage samples, 6 nasal swabs, 3 throat swabs, 7 unknown) were analyzed using two multiplex assays: One‐step RV real‐time PCR (BioSewoom, Seoul, Korea) and Seeplex RV 12 Detection kit (Seegene, Seoul, Korea). The results were further confirmed using sequencing as a reference.ResultsAmong 245 samples (265 identifications including co‐infections), the identification of respiratory viruses was 44.9% (119/265), 44.2% (117/265) and 45.3% (120/265) by One‐step RV assay, Seeplex RV assay and sequencing, respectively. The concordance rate between One‐step RV assay and sequencing was 95.5% (253/265), and that between Seeplex RV assay and sequencing was 89.8% (238/265) (P = 0.0189). The sensitivities of One‐step RV and Seeplex RV assays were 94.1% [95% confidential interval (CI), 88.3%–97.6%] and 83.3% (95% CI, 75.4%–89.5%), respectively (P = 0.0002). The specificities of One‐step RV and Seeplex RV assays were 96.6% (95% CI, 92.2%–98.9%) and 95.2% (95% CI, 90.3%–98.0%), respectively.ConclusionAlthough the performances of One‐step RV and Seeplex RV assays were overall comparable, One‐step RV assay showed better sensitivity and concordance with sequencing. One‐step RV assay can be a useful option for respiratory virus testing in clinical laboratories.
Clinical features of three avian influenza H7N9 virus‐infected patients in Shanghai
Authors: Wang Xiao Fei , Shi Guo Chao , Wan Huan Ying , Hang Shao Guang , Chen Hong , Chen Wei , Qu Hong Ping , Han Bao Hui , Zhou Min 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIntroductionSince February 2013, a novel reassortant H7N9 virus associated with human deaths, but no apparent outbreaks in poultry and wild birds has emerged in eastern China.ObjectivesThe potential reemergence of H7N9 during next year's influenza season demand a further understanding of this important disease.MethodsBetween March 1 and April 30, 2013, we obtained and analyzed clinical, epidemiologic and radiologic features, and virologic data from three laboratory‐confirmed patients of A H7N9 infection admitted in Shanghai Ruijin Hospital.ResultsAll patients were middle to old aged (mean age 62 years) and overweight (mean body mass index 31) patients. Two patients were exposed to poultry directly or indirectly in food market. They presented with fever and rapidly progressive pneumonia that did not respond to antibiotics. Time between onset of symptoms and onset of respiratory failure (days) were 7–11 days. Two patients presented secondary invasive bacterial infections. All patients died on day 7 to day 86 after the onset of symptoms.ConclusionsCross species poultry‐to‐person transmission of this new reassortant avian influenza H7N9 virus can result in severe and fatal respiratory disease like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in humans. Reduplicate chest imaging examination is suggested for risky patients with fever and dyspnea. Secondary invasive bacterial infections and pneumothorax can cause severe and fatal consequence. Old age, obesity and presence of comorbidity may be associated with increased mortality. Pulmonary fibrosis can be seen at late stage of the disease.
Primary ciliary dyskinesia complicated with diffuse panbronchiolitis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Chen Wei , Shao Changzhou , Song Yuanlin , Bai Chunxue 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundFifty percent of patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) have situs inversus. Diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) might be one of the characteristic features of the lung in PCD.MethodsWe reported a case of PCD without situs inversus, yet complicated with DPB, and did literature review.ResultsA 34‐year‐old nonsmoking Chinese woman with 6‐year primary infertility suffered from recurrent episodes of respiratory tract infections since childhood. Lung auscultation revealed end‐inspiratory coarse crackles. Pulmonary function tests demonstrated mild obstructive ventilation functional impairment. Lung biopsy showed respiratory bronchiolitis. Nasal mucosa cilia showed the absence of both outer and inner dynein arms of the microtubules. Saccharin test was positive. Chest images showed bronchiectasis and bronchiolitis but no situs inversus. Paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) showed maxillary sinusitis and ethmoid sinusitis. A culture of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Her conditions improved in clinical symptoms and CT images after 2 months of treatment with azithromycin. Literature review revealed that very rare patients were diagnosed as PCD complicated with diffuse DPB, and all of them had situs inversus.ConclusionsThe association of DPB might be one of the characteristic features of the lung in PCD. Further studies on the concurrence of these two diseases are suggested so as to elucidate the mechanism of both.
Ecology of Galaxias platei in a depauperate lake
Authors: Belk Mark C. , Habit Evelyn , Ortiz‐Sandoval Juan J. , Sobenes Catterina , Combs Elias A. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractGalaxias platei is widespread and common in southern South America, but its ecology is poorly documented relative to other native species, especially those of commercial importance. Galaxias platei occurs across a large range of environmental conditions, including hydrologically isolated, high‐elevation lakes. Consequently, there were several lakes in the Patagonian region where it was the only native fish species. Introduction of salmonids into almost all lakes in Patagonia where G. platei occurs has potentially resulted in changes in its ecology and behaviour. Thompson Lake is a small, high‐elevation lake located in the Aysen River basin (Chile) where G. platei still occurs essentially in isolation. We collected G. platei from this lake to characterise the ecology of the species in the absence of other native and introduced fishes. We documented age and growth patterns from otolith analysis and characterised size‐ and age‐specific habitat use, diet and trophic niche. In Thompson Lake, G. platei is long‐lived and grows to comparatively large size (max. age = 18 years; max. TL = 348 mm). As it grows, it exhibits an ontogenetic niche shift in habitat use, diet and trophic niche. Large adults are piscivorous, and they occupy deep benthic habitats. Preservation of the last few remaining lakes where G. platei is found in isolation is an important priority for maintaining the full expression of ontogenetic niche variation in this species.
Acute effect of carbamazepine on corticothalamic 5–9‐Hz and thalamocortical spindle (10–16‐Hz) oscillations in the rat
Authors: Zheng Thomas W. , O'Brien Terence J. , Kulikova Sofya P. , Reid Christopher A. , Morris Margaret J. , Pinault Didier 
Published: December 2013

AbstractA major side effect of carbamazepine (CBZ), a drug used to treat neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, is drowsiness, a state characterized by increased slow‐wave oscillations with the emergence of sleep spindles in the electroencephalogram (EEG). We conducted cortical EEG and thalamic cellular recordings in freely moving or lightly anesthetized rats to explore the impact of CBZ within the intact corticothalamic (CT)–thalamocortical (TC) network, more specifically on CT 5–9‐Hz and TC spindle (10–16‐Hz) oscillations. Two to three successive 5–9‐Hz waves were followed by a spindle in the cortical EEG. A single systemic injection of CBZ (20 mg/kg) induced a significant increase in the power of EEG 5–9‐Hz oscillations and spindles. Intracellular recordings of glutamatergic TC neurons revealed 5–9‐Hz depolarizing wave–hyperpolarizing wave sequences prolonged by robust, rhythmic spindle‐frequency hyperpolarizing waves. This hybrid sequence occurred during a slow hyperpolarizing trough, and was at least 10 times more frequent under the CBZ condition than under the control condition. The hyperpolarizing waves reversed at approximately −70 mV, and became depolarizing when recorded with KCl‐filled intracellular micropipettes, indicating that they were GABAA receptor‐mediated potentials. In neurons of the GABAergic thalamic reticular nucleus, the principal source of TC GABAergic inputs, CBZ augmented both the number and the duration of sequences of rhythmic spindle‐frequency bursts of action potentials. This indicates that these GABAergic neurons are responsible for the generation of at least the spindle‐frequency hyperpolarizing waves in TC neurons. In conclusion, CBZ potentiates GABAA receptor‐mediated TC spindle oscillations. Furthermore, we propose that CT 5–9‐Hz waves can trigger TC spindles.
Quantifying Inner Experience?—Kant's Mathematical Principles in the Context of Empirical Psychology
Authors: Kraus Katharina Teresa 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis paper shows why Kant's critique of empirical psychology should not be read as a scathing criticism of quantitative scientific psychology, but has valuable lessons to teach in support of it. By analysing Kant's alleged objections in the light of his critical theory of cognition, it provides a fresh look at the problem of quantifying first‐person experiences, such as emotions and sense‐perceptions. An in‐depth discussion of applying the mathematical principles, which are defined in the Critique of Pure Reason as the constitutive conditions for mathematical‐numerical experience in general, to inner sense will demonstrate why it is in principle possible to justify a quantitative structure of psychological judgments on the grounds of Kant's critical thinking. In conclusion, it will propose how Kant's critique could be used in a constructive way to develop first steps towards a transcendental foundation of psychological knowledge.
Benefits of the ballot box for species conservation
Authors: Kroetz Kailin , Sanchirico James N. , Armsworth Paul R. , Spencer Banzhaf H. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractRecent estimates reaffirm that conservation funds are insufficient to meet biodiversity conservation goals. Organisations focused on biodiversity conservation therefore need to capitalise on investments that societies make in environmental protection that provide ancillary benefits to biodiversity. Here, we undertake the first assessment of the potential ancillary benefits from the ballot box in the United States, where citizens vote on referenda to conserve lands for reasons that may not include biodiversity directly but that indirectly might enhance biodiversity conservation. Our results suggest that referenda occur in counties with significantly greater biodiversity than counties chosen at random. We also demonstrate that large potential gains for conservation are possible if the past and likely future outcomes of these ballot box measures are directly incorporated into national‐scale conservation planning efforts. The possible synergies between ballot box measures and other biodiversity conservation efforts offer an under‐utilised resource for supporting conservation.
Diagnostic delays in children with early onset epilepsy: Impact, reasons, and opportunities to improve care
Authors: Berg Anne T. , Loddenkemper Tobias , Baca Christine B. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryPurposeDelayed diagnosis of early onset epilepsy is a potentially important and avoidable complication in epilepsy care. We examined the frequency of diagnostic delays in young children with newly presenting epilepsy, their developmental impact, and reasons for delays.MethodsChildren who developed epilepsy before their third birthday were identified in a prospective community‐based cohort. An interval ≥1 month from second seizure to diagnosis was considered a delay. Testing of development at baseline and for up to 3 years after and of intelligence quotient (IQ) 8–9 years later was performed. Detailed parental baseline interview accounts and medical records were reviewed to identify potential reasons for delays. Factors associated with delays included the parent, child, pediatrician, neurologist, and scheduling.ResultsDiagnostic delays occurred in 70 (41%) of 172 children. Delays occurred less often if children had received medical attention for the first seizure (p < 0.0001), previously had neonatal or febrile seizures (p = 0.02), had only convulsions before diagnosis (p = 0.005), or had a college‐educated parent (p = 0.01). A ≥1 month diagnostic delay was associated with an average 7.4 point drop (p = 0.02) in the Vineland Scales of Adaptive Behavior motor score. The effect was present at diagnosis, persisted for at least 3 years, and was also apparent inIQscores 8–9 years later, which were lower in association with a diagnostic delay by 8.4 points (p = 0.06) for processing speed up to 14.5 points (p = 0.004) for full scaleIQ, after adjustment for parental education and other epilepsy‐related clinical factors. Factors associated with delayed diagnosis included parents not recognizing events as seizures (N = 47), pediatricians missing or deferring diagnosis (N = 15), neurologists deferring diagnosis (N = 7), and scheduling problems (N = 11).SignificanceDiagnostic delays occur in many young children with epilepsy. They are associated with substantial decrements in development andIQlater in childhood. Several factors influence diagnostic delays and may represent opportunities for intervention and improved care.
“Fake Happiness”: Counseling, Potentiality, and Psycho‐Politics in China
Authors: Yang Jie 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn China, an emerging psycho‐politics seeks to extract value from and to govern the potential of individual citizens. The party state attempts to preempt social unrest by encouraging the poor and the unemployed to engage in psychological self‐help to unlock their positive potential. Television counseling programs promoting the cultivation of happiness are part of these attempts. These programs showcase marginalized people who appear happy despite their limited life circumstances. Expert counselors glorify individuals who have actualized their potential through happiness to become entrepreneurs and role models. However, critics argue that these programs promote “fake happiness” and divert people's attention from structural forces that negatively affect their lives. This article advances these critiques by illustrating how happiness promotion in China taps into the resources of the victims of socioeconomic dislocation to effect economic advancement and political equilibrium. This article contributes to the growing anthropological literature on happiness by engaging happiness as a governing technology based on psychologization and as a force for both the government and underprivileged people to rally resources for their respective causes.
Tiller size/density compensation in temperate climate grasses grown in monoculture or in intercropping systems under intermittent grazing
Authors: Duchini P. G. , Guzatti G. C. , Ribeiro Filho H. M. N. , Sbrissia A. F. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractOat and ryegrass intercropping in pastures is widely used in regions with subtropical climates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the tiller size/density compensation mechanisms in monoculture and intercropping swards of black oats (Avena strigosa Schreb cv. IAPAR 61) and annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam. cv common) under intermittent grazing. Treatments (black oat, annual ryegrass and their mixture) were assigned according to a complete randomized block design with four replicates. Ryegrass, oat and intercropped pastures were grazed when the swards reached a height of 17, 25 and 23 cm, respectively, and with a level of defoliation of 40%. The aerial biomass was determined with a rising plate meter, and the tiller population density (TPD) was estimated by counting tillers in three 10 cm diameter PVC rings per paddock. The mass per tiller was estimated based on the aerial biomass and the TPD of each paddock. Total herbage production did not differ among treatments, with values around 7400 kg DM ha−1. TPD decreased and mass per tiller increased linearly in the monoculture treatments. Tiller size/density compensation was observed in the three plant communities (treatments) according to the self‐thinning rule. In addition, no relationships were found when each species was analysed individually in the intercrop treatment. The results suggest that species in grass mixed swards adjust their population to keep a relatively constant leaf area index (LAI) over the grazing seasons, and that would help pastures to stabilize herbage production.
Serum levels of interleukin‐22 and hepatitis B core‐related antigen are associated with treatment response to entecavir therapy in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Okuhara Sadahisa , Umemura Takeji , Joshita Satoru , Shibata Soichiro , Kimura Takefumi , Morita Susumu , Komatsu Michiharu , Matsumoto Akihiro , Yoshizawa Kaname , Katsuyama Yoshihiko , Ota Masao , Tanaka Eiji 
Published: December 2013

AimWe sought to clarify the associations between serum cytokines and chemokines, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and response to entecavir therapy in chronic hepatitis B.MethodsWe analyzed six cytokines (interleukin [IL]‐2, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12p70, IL‐21 and IL‐22) and five chemokines (CCL2, CCL3, CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11) before and at 6, 12 and 24 months during entecavir therapy in 48 chronic hepatitis B patients. Quantitative measurement of HBsAg, HBcrAg and HBV DNA was performed. A virological response (VR) was defined as serum HBV DNA of less than 2.1 log copies/mL by treatment month 24.ResultsThirty‐nine patients (81%) achieved a VR. Serum IL‐6 (P = 0.031), CXCL‐9 (P = 0.002), and CXCL‐10 (P = 0.001) were high in chronic HBV and correlated positively with transaminases and bilirubin. Before treatment, elevated IL‐22 (P = 0.031) and lower HBsAg (P = 0.001) and HBcrAg (P < 0.001), but not HBV DNA, were associated with a favorable treatment outcome. In multivariate analysis, high IL‐22 (hazard ratio = 13.67, P = 0.046) and low HBcrAg (hazard ratio = 10.88, P = 0.048) were independently associated with a VR. The levels of IL‐22 (P < 0.001), HBsAg (P < 0.001), and HBcrAg (P < 0.001) all decreased from baseline to 24 months of treatment in virological responders.ConclusionSerum IL‐22 and HBcrAg are predictive markers of a VR to entecavir therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B.
Paxillin and carbonic anhydrase IX are prognostic markers in gallbladder squamous cell/adenosquamous carcinomas and adenocarcinomas
Authors: Liu Ziru , Yang Zhulin , Jiang Song , Zou Qiong , Yuan Yuan , Li Jinghe , Li Daiqiang , Liang Lufeng , Chen Meigui , Chen Senlin 
Published: December 2013

AimsSquamous cell/adenosquamous carcinomas (SC/ASC) are rare subtypes of gallbladder cancers (GBCs). Clinical characteristics of SC/ASC have not been well documented, and no biological markers of GBC carcinogenesis, progression and prognosis are available.Methods and resultsWe measured paxillin and CAIX expression in 46 SC/ASCs and 80 adenocarcinomas (ACs) with immunohistochemistry and correlated these data with clinicopathological characteristics. Both paxillin expression and CAIX expression were associated significantly with larger tumours, a higher tumour‐node‐metastasis (TNM) stage, lymph node metastasis and invasiveness of SC/ASC and AC. Univariate Kaplan–Meier analysis confirmed that paxillin and CAIX expression were associated closely with decreased overall survival in SC/ASC (both P < 0.001) and AC (both P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that paxillin expression and CAIX expression both independently predicted poor prognosis in SC/ASC and AC patients. We also noted correlations with survival and tumour differentiation, tumour size, TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, tumour invasiveness and sample procurement methods.ConclusionsPaxillin expression and CAIX expression are both related to clinical/biological behaviour and poor prognosis of GBC.