bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics of methylprednisolone acetate after intra-articular administration and subsequent suppression of endogenous hydrocortisone secretion in exercising horses
Authors: Menéndez Maria I. , Phelps Mitch A. , Hothem Elijah A. , Bertone Alicia L. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Objective—To determine the pharmacokinetics of methylprednisolone (MP) and the relationship between MP and hydrocortisone (HYD) concentrations in plasma and urine after intra-articular (IA) administration of 100 or 200 mg of MP acetate (MPA) to horses.
Animals—Five 3-year-old Thoroughbred mares.
Procedures—Horses exercised on a treadmill 3 times/wk during the study. Horses received 100 mg of MPA IA, then 8 weeks later received 200 mg of MPA IA. Plasma and urine samples were obtained at various times for 8 weeks after horses received each dose of MPA; concentrations of MP and HYD were determined. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic estimates for noncompartmental and compartmental parameters were determined.
Results—Maximum concentration of MP in plasma was similar for each MPA dose; concentrations remained greater than the lower limit of quantitation for 18 and 7 days after IA administration of 200 and 100 mg of MPA, respectively. Maximum concentration and area under the observed concentration-time curve for MP in urine were significantly higher (approximately 10-and 17-fold, respectively) after administration of 200 versus 100 mg of MPA. Hydrocortisone concentration was below quantifiable limits for ≥ 48 hours in plasma and urine of all horses after administration of each MPA dose.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Pharmacokinetics of MP may differ among IA MPA dosing protocols, and MP may be detected in plasma and urine for a longer time than previously reported. This information may aid veterinarians treating sport horses. Further research is warranted to determine whether plasma HYD concentration can aid identification of horses that received exogenous glucocorticoids.
Effects of the addition of endotoxin during perfusion of isolated forelimbs of equine cadavers
Authors: Patan-Zugaj Bianca , Gauff Felicia C. , Licka Theresia F. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Objective—To examine the effect of endotoxins on metabolism and histopathologic changes of isolated perfused equine forelimbs.
Sample—Forelimbs (comprising the metacarpus and digit) were collected from cadavers of 12 healthy adult horses after slaughter at an abattoir (14 limbs; 1 forelimb of 10 horses and both forelimbs of 2 horses).
Procedures—Forelimbs were perfused for 10 hours with autologous blood, with and without the addition of endotoxin (80 ng of lipopolysaccharide [LPS]/L). Two limbs of the endotoxin exposure group and 2 nonperfused limbs were loaded to failure of the suspensory apparatus of the pedal bone to evaluate the effect of body weight. Metabolic and histologic variables were evaluated.
Results—Blood pressure increased during the first hour and did not differ between groups. Lactate dehydrogenase activity was similar in both groups and increased significantly during the 10-hour period; glucose consumption at 5 hours and lactate concentration at 8 hours were significantly higher in limbs exposed to endotoxin. The width of secondary epidermal lamellae was greater in LPS limbs. In the primary dermal lamellae of LPS limbs, there were significantly more vessels with an open lumen and aggregates of intravascular neutrophils.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In the blood-perfused isolated forelimbs of equine cadavers, exposure to LPS led to significant changes in the laminar tissue as well as to metabolic changes. Therefore, endotoxin should be considered as a causative factor for laminitis and not merely as a risk factor.
Hemostatic response to surgical neutering via ovariectomy and ovariohysterectomy in dogs
Authors: Moldal Elena R. , Kristensen Annemarie T. , Peeters Marijke E. , Nødtvedt Ane , Kirpensteijn Jolle 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Objective—To investigate the hemostatic response to surgery and compare the response for ovariohysterectomy with that for ovariectomy and to evaluate the usefulness of thromboelastography on plasma samples.
Animals—42 female dogs.
Procedures—Dogs were assigned to undergo ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy. Blood samples were collected immediately before and 1, 6, and 24 hours after surgery and stored at −80°C for subsequent analysis. Plasma samples were subjected to thromboelastography after thawing. In addition, coagulation variables were measured, including concentrations of von Willebrand factor antigen, fibrinogen, antithrombin, and protein C; activity of factor VIII; activated partial thromboplastin time; prothrombin time; and thrombin time. The fibrinolytic response was assessed via concentrations of D-dimer, plasminogen, and α-2-antiplasmin (plasmin inhibitor).
Results—Substantial hemostatic and fibrinolytic activation was evident after surgery in both groups, as characterized by significantly increased global clot strength and an overall hypercoagulable state at 4 hours after surgery in addition to decreases in von Willebrand factor antigen and factor VIII concentrations and shortened prothrombin and thrombin times. The dogs also typically had activation of the fibrinolytic system, as evidenced by increased postoperative concentrations of D-dimer, plasminogen, and plasmin inhibitor. Differences between the 2 groups could not be detected for any variables.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Elective surgery with limited tissue trauma induced hemostatic activation in dogs, which led to hypercoagulability after surgery. A difference between the ovariohysterectomy and ovariectomy groups was not detected. Thromboelastography can be used on plasma samples and may be useful for evaluating patterns over time.
Ammonia: The neglected risk factor
Authors: Amodio Piero , Montagnese Sara , Schiff Sami 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe letter deals with the article published in Translational Neuroscience 2011, 2 (4), 360–362. It emphasizes the importance of the authors’ findings in relation to the role of ammonaemia in diagnosing hepatic encephalopathy.
Osteopontin: A key link between immunity, inflammation and the central nervous system
Authors: Brown Amanda 
Published: August 2012

AbstractOsteopontin (OPN) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that can be secreted from many cells including activated macrophages and T-lymphocytes. Elevated levels of osteopontin in the plasma, cerebrospinal fluid or brain of individuals with neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease and more recently in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder has been reported. However, except for the case of MS, little is known regarding the molecular mechanisms by which OPN may exacerbate disease. Alternatively, OPN through its ability to promote cell survival may in some contexts function in the brain in a protective capacity. OPN has several protein motifs that allow it to engage with several different signaling pathways involved in immunity and inflammation. A better understanding of the cellular pathways that are regulated by OPN in cells of the central nervous system is required to uncover its putative role in neuronal homeostasis.
Pattern classification predicts individuals’ responses to affective stimuli
Authors: Yuen Kenneth , Johnston Stephen , Martino Federico , Sorger Bettina , Formisano Elia , Linden David , Goebel Rainer 
Published: August 2012

AbstractSince the successful demonstration of “brain reading” of fMRI BOLD signals using multivoxel pattern classification (MVPA) techniques, the neuroimaging community has made vigorous attempts to exploit the technique in order to identify the signature patterns of brain activities associated with different cognitive processes or mental states. In the current study, we tested whether the valence and arousal dimensions of the affective information could be used to successfully predict individual’s active affective states. Using a whole-brain MVPA approach, together with feature elimination procedures, we are able to discriminate between brain activation patterns associated with the processing of positive or negative valence and cross validate the discriminant function with an independent data set. Arousal information, on the other hand, failed to provide such discriminating power. With an independent sample, we test further whether the MVPA identified brain network could be used for inter-individual classification. Although the inter-subject classification success was only marginal, we found correlations with individual differences in affective processing. We discuss the implications of our findings for future attempts to classify patients based on their responses to affective stimuli.
Roles of σ1 receptors in the mechanisms of action of CNS drugs
Authors: Toyohara Jun , Sakata Muneyuki , Ishiwata Kiichi 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAccumulating evidence suggests that σ1 receptors play a role in the mechanisms of action of some therapeutic drugs, such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), donepezil, and ifenprodil. Among the SSRIs, fluvoxamine, a potent σ1 receptor agonist, has the highest affinity for σ1 receptors, while donepezil and ifenprodil also show high affinity for σ1 receptors. These drugs affect neuronal plasticity indicated by potentiation of nerve-growth factor (NGF)-induced neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells. Furthermore, phencyclidine (PCP)-induced cognitive impairment, associated with animal models of schizophrenia, is significantly improved by sub-chronic administration of fluvoxamine and donepezil. These pharmacological actions are antagonised by treatment with the selective σ1 receptor antagonist NE-100. Positron emission tomography (PET) with the σ1 specific ligand carbon-11-labelled 1-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine ([11C]SA4503) indicated that fluvoxamine and donepezil can bind to σ1 receptors in the healthy human brain in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that σ1 receptors may be involved in the mechanisms of action of some therapeutic drugs.
Translational strategies to schizophrenia from a proteomic perspective
Authors: Martins-de-Souza Daniel 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThere is an urgent necessity of designing translational strategies to schizophrenia, a mental disorder that affects 30 million people worldwide. Proteomic studies have been providing data enough to pave the way for that, but these need to be connected in a concise manner in order to translate laboratorial findings to real improvements in the lives of the patients.
Expression analysis of pluripotency-associated genes in human fetal cortical and striatal neural stem cells during differentiation
Authors: Massa Denise , Pillai Rita , Monni Emanuela , Kokaia Zaal , Diana Andrea 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn the field of developmental biology, there is compelling evidence for a network of activity of pluripotency and stem-associated genes comprising of Oct4, Nanog and nestin. During neurogenesis, the choice between enhancement versus suppression of transcriptional modulation of these identified genes determines the balance between self-renewal neural stem cells (NSC) and immature neuronal phenotypes. By using immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR techniques, our study aims to address the question whether and to what extent mRNA and protein profiles are expressed in human fetal neurospheres obtained from cortical and striatal brain regions, both in expansion (undifferentiated cells) and differentiation conditions monitored after 1 and 4 weeks in vitro culturing. Our results clearly demonstrate the sustained presence of opposite signals: strong downregulation of Oct4 and Nanog genes in cortical differentiating cells and significant up-regulation for nestin gene both in cortical and striatal differentiating cells. Notably, by immunostaining techniques, Oct4 and Nanog protein expression have indicated the presence of both nuclear and cytoplasmic content followed by their rapid turnover (immediately after 1 week). Moreover, during the differentiation process, dissociated neurospheres displayed unexpected number of nestin positive cells accompanied by a constant level of staining intensity. In conclusion, the present study provides new insights into brain region related features in terms of Oct4, Nanog and nestin expression both at cellular and molecular level.
Rodent models of early environment effects on offspring development and susceptibility to neurological diseases in adulthood
Authors: Coutellier Laurence 
Published: August 2012

AbstractEvents early in life can program brain for a pattern of neuroendocrine and behavioral responses in later life. This mechanism is named “developmental phenotypic plasticity”. Experimental evidences from rodents show that early experiences influence long-term development of behavioral, neuroendocrine and cognitive functions. While some neonatal conditions lead to positive outcomes, offspring might also display neurological dysfunctions in adulthood in case of adverse conditions during the early development. Different factors have been suggested to mediate the effects of neonatal conditions on offspring development but their exact contribution as well as their interaction still needs to be clarified. Studies based on rodents have been developed to model the long-term effects of early environmental conditions on the developing brain. These studies highlight importance of maternal behavior in mediating the effects of early environmental conditions on the offspring. However, other studies suggest that aside from the level of maternal care, other factors (gender, neonatal glucocorticoid levels) contribute to the adjustment of offspring phenotype to early environmental cues. Altogether, rodents-based evidence suggests that developmental plasticity is a very complex phenomenon mediated by multiple factors that interact one to each other. Ultimately, the goal is to understand how early life events can lead to advantageous phenotype in adult life, or, on the contrary, can predispose individuals to psychopathologies such as depression or anxiety.
α-synuclein regulation of dopamine transporter
Authors: Butler Brittany , Saha Kaustuv , Khoshbouei Habibeh 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe development of effective therapeutic interventions for neurodegeneration requires a better understanding of the early events that precede neuronal loss. Recent work in various disease models has begun to emphasize the significance of presynaptic dysfunction as an early event that occurs before manifestation of neurological disorders. Dysregulation of dopamine (DA) homeostasis is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, drug addiction, and neuropsychiatric disorders. The neuronal plasma membrane dopamine transporter (DAT) is essential for the maintenance of DA homeostasis in the brain. α-synuclein is a 140-amino acid protein that forms a stable complex with DAT and is linked to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease. In this review we will examine the prevailing hypotheses for α-synuclein-regulation of DAT biology.
Θεός, Δαίμων, Φρὴν Ἱερή: Empedocles and the Divine
Authors: Santaniello Carlo 
Published: August 2012

Résumé L’auteur analyse d’abord la relation entre Theos et Daimôn dans le Poème Physique et dans les Purifications . Dans le premier, Empédocle appelle theoi le Sphairos et les éléments. Précisément, le philosophe d’Acragas appelle le Sphairos tout simplement theos . Pourtant, il appelle les éléments theoi dolichaiônes, alors qu’ils forment quatre masses séparées et avant qu’ils ne se mêlent pour constituer les « choses mortelles » ; tandis que, lorsqu’ils se mêlent et abandonnent la condition de pureté pour créer un composé, il les appelle daimones. D’autre part, dans les Purifications, les daimones sont les dieux tombés dans le monde : redevenir un dieu, c’est la destinée de l’homme, ou au moins l’objectif qu’Empédocle propose. Enfin, l’auteur soutient que les frgs. B131-134 (dont le dernier concerne la fameuse phrèn hierè ) pourraient provenir de l’Hymne à Apollon perdu. C’est ce que semble démontrer le fait qu’Empédocle suive dans ces fragments une ligne dogmatique à propos de la connaissance des dieux qui contraste avec la prudente gnoséologie suivie dans le Poème Physique et par la difference entre la théologie exposée dans ces fragments et le mythe eschatologique présenté dans les Purifications.
Alexandru Dragomir : Portrait du philosophe en solitaire
Authors: Partenie Catalin 
Published: August 2012

Résumé Après des études de droit et de philosophie à l’Université de Bucarest (1933-1939), Alexandru Dragomir part à Fribourg-en-Brisgau comme doctorant de Martin Heidegger. Il y reste deux ans ; en 1943 il est rappelé en Roumanie et envoyé au front. Après la guerre, sous le nouveau régime, il ne peut pas poursuivre une carrière universitaire. Il meurt en 2002 à Bucarest sans avoir rien publié. Ce n’est qu’après sa mort que ses cahiers sont découverts et publiés. L’œuvre de Dragomir comprend cinq volumes, parus à Bucarest, aux Éditions Humanitas. Deux sont parus en traduction française chez Vrin : Banalités métaphysiques (2008) et Cahiers du temps (2010). Cet article présente sa personnalité et son œuvre, notamment les Cahiers du temps, qui renferment la recherche de toute sa vie. Dragomir y développe sa propre théorie sur la nature du temps, tout en faisant des commentaires des textes classiques de la philosophie qui portent sur ce sujet. Des traductions en allemand et en anglais des Cahiers du temps paraîtront bientôt.
Pans, rivers and artificial waterholes in the protected areas of the South-Western Kalahari
Authors: Parris Richard 
Published: August 2012

Current knowledge of pans, rivers and artificial waterholes in the three adjoining protected areas of the south-western Kalahari is synthesized and their ecological components are examined in relation to the overall Kalahari ecosystem. Although the pans and rivers are normally dry they have many features not found in the sandveld, and so form important subsystems in the overall ecosystem. The main differ-
ence between the pan and river ecosystems is their drainage, which is endorheic and open respectively. This difference necessitates different conservation strategies for the two systems. Self-maintenance and selfregulation in the pan ecosystem is discussed and it is shown how the combined interactions of the biotic and abiotic components are essential for these processes. Artificial waterholes are not an essential source of moisture for Kalahari fauna but may play a role in stabilizing or concentrating certain populations. When waterholes are highly mineralized they also provide an additional source of minerals for the fauna. The ecological significance of pans, rivers and artificial waterholes in the Kalahari ecosystem needs further investigation.
Features of habitat selection by larger herbivorous mammals and the Ostrich in the Southern Kalahari conservation areas
Authors: Van der Walt P. T , Retief P. F , LE Riche E. A. N , Mills M. G. L , De Graaff G 
Published: August 2012

A Chi-squares contingency table was used to extensively analise animal/habitat interactions in the southern Kalahari conservation areas between 1978 and 1982. The effect of changing environmental con-
ditions on the distribution of five large mammalian species (eland Taurotragus oryx, gemsbok Oryx gazella, blue wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus, red hartebeest Alcelaphus buselaphus, springbok Antidorcas marsupialis) and the ostrich Struthio camelus is indicated by definite seasonal preferences. A general habitat-use pattern, whereby each habitat type was utilised at some stage during the year by one or more species, as well as a response by the different species to other environmental attributes was found revealing an ecological balance which will be maintained only if the present physical size of the conservation areas in question is maintained indefinitely.
The rodents and other small mammals of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park
Authors: Nel J. A. J , Rautenbach I. L , Els D. A , De Graaff G 
Published: August 2012

The state of knowledge pertaining to the biology of small mammals occurring in the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park is reviewed with reference to completed and ongoing projects. Aspects of daily activity rhythms, habitat selection, diet, population fluctuations and changes in community structure, as well as reproduction are discussed. The zoogeography of the park is alluded to, and aspects which need ad-
ditional attention are mentioned.
World view theory and the conceptualisation of space in mathematics education
Authors: Schäfer Marc 
Published: August 2012

The cornerstone of current education trends that recognise prior knowledge as fundamental to the learning process, is the notion that beliefs and experiences that learners bring to the classroom influence their learning experiences in the classroom (Cobern, Gibson and Underwood, 1999). World view research in science education has proved an important tool in unravelling learners’ beliefs and perceptions in an attempt to better understand what experiences they bring to a classroom situation. Cobern (1991, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997) has successfully spearheaded much of the world view research in that field, with particular emphasis on learners’ perceptions and understanding of nature.
Dynamic geometry: An agent for the reunification of algebra and geometry
Authors: Hockman Meira 
Published: August 2012

This paper investigates the degree of separation or unity between the algebraic and geometric modes of thought of students in tertiary education. Case studies indicate that as a student is inducted into the use of algebra the insightful and visual components of geometrical and graphical modes of thought are sidelined. Based on Vygotsky’s taxonomy of the psychogenesis of cultural forms of behaviour, I suggest that this separation occurs because the algebraic methods remain fixed at a naïve or algorithmic stage. The algebraic concepts may fail to be internalised because the stage of instrumental functioning of algebra as a ‘tool’ or ‘method’ of geometry is not successfully transitioned. I suggest that this stage of instrumental functioning may be stimulated by using dynamic geometry programs to promote the formation of images in conjunction with algebraic representations in problem solving. In this way the modes of thought in algebra and geometry in mathematics may be reunified.
Assessment standards, Van Hiele levels, and grade seven learners’ understandings of geometry
Authors: Feza Nosisi , Webb Paul 
Published: August 2012

A number of researchers in mathematical education assert that the instruction in geometry offered in South African schools is inadequate and that traditional teaching strategies do little to promote teachers understandings of their learners’ levels of mathematical thought. Van Hiele specifically states that the inability of many teachers to match instruction with their learners’ levels of geometrical understanding is a contributing factor to their failure to promote meaningful understandings in this topic. This study investigated whether a sample of grade seven learners in previously disadvantaged primary schools met both the assessment criteria for geometry as stated by the South African Revised National Curriculum Statement and the implied Van Hiele thinking levels. The data generated suggest that none of the 30 learners who participated in this study had attained these requirements and that language competency in general is a barrier to the attainment of higher levels of understanding amongst this group of second-language learners. It is suggested that not only Van Hiele Levels and Assessment Standards, but also learners’ cultural background and their specific use of words in the vernacular context, need to be taken into consideration by teachers when developing learning programmes. Possible strategies to meet these requirements are suggested.