bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of a Novel Spinal Dorsal Horn Astroglial d-Amino Acid Oxidase–Hydrogen Peroxide Pathway Involved in Morphine Antinociceptive Tolerance
Authors: Gong Nian , Li Xin-Yan , Xiao Qi , Wang Yong-Xiang 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background:

d-Amino acid oxidase (DAAO) is a flavin adenine dinucleotide-dependent peroxisomal flavoenzyme which is almost exclusively expressed within astrocytes in the spinal cord. DAAO catalyzes oxidation of d-amino acids to hydrogen peroxide, which is a stable and less active reactive oxygen species, and may represent a final form of reactive oxygen species. This study tested the hypothesis that the spinal astroglial DAAO–hydrogen peroxide pathway plays an important role in the development of morphine antinociceptive tolerance.

Methods:
Rat and mouse formalin, hot-plate, and tail-flick tests were used, and spinal DAAO expression and hydrogen peroxide level were measured. Sample size of animals was six in each study group.

Results:
Subcutaneous and intrathecal DAAO inhibitors, including 5-chloro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-ol, AS057278, and sodium benzoate, completely prevented and reversed morphine antinociceptive tolerance in the formalin, hot-plate, and tail-immersion tests, with a positive correlation to their DAAO inhibitory activities. Intrathecal gene silencers, small interfering RNA/DAAO and small hairpin RNA/DAAO, almost completely prevented morphine tolerance. Intrathecal 5-chloro-benzo[d]isoxazol-3-ol and small interfering RNA/DAAO completely prevented increased spinal hydrogen peroxide levels after chronic morphine treatment. Intrathecal nonselective hydrogen peroxide scavenger phenyl-tert-N-butyl nitrone and the specific hydrogen peroxide catalyst catalase also abolished established morphine tolerance. Spinal dorsal horn astrocytes specifically expressed DAAO was significantly up-regulated, accompanying astrocyte hypertrophy after chronic morphine treatment.

Conclusions:
For the first time, the authors’ result identify a novel spinal astroglial DAAO–hydrogen peroxide pathway that is critically involved in the initiation and maintenance of morphine antinociceptive tolerance, and suggest that this pathway is of potential utility for the management of morphine tolerance and chronic pain.
ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE3 Family of Dynamin-Like GTPases Mediates Homotypic Endoplasmic Reticulum Fusion and Is Essential for Arabidopsis Development
Authors: Zhang Miao , Wu Fuyun , Shi Juanming , Zhu Yimeng , Zhu Zhengmao , Gong Qingqiu , Hu Junjie 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
In all eukaryotic cells, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) forms a tubular network whose generation requires the fusion of ER membranes. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the membrane-bound GTPase ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE3 (RHD3) is a potential candidate to mediate ER fusion. In addition, Arabidopsis has two tissue-specific isoforms of RHD3, namely RHD3-like (RL) proteins, and their function is not clear. Here, we show that a null allele of RHD3, rhd3-8, causes growth defects and shortened root hairs. A point mutant, rhd3-1, exhibits a more severe growth phenotype than the null mutant, likely because it exerts a dominant-negative effect on the RL proteins. Genetic analysis reveals that the double deletion of RHD3 and RL1 is lethal and that the rhd3 rl2 plants produce no viable pollen, suggesting that the RL proteins are redundant to RHD3. RHD3 family proteins can replace Sey1p, the homolog of RHD3 in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), in the maintenance of ER morphology, and they are able to fuse membranes both in vivo and in vitro. Our results suggest that RHD3 proteins mediate ER fusion and are essential for plant development and that the formation of the tubular ER network is of general physiological significance.
Light regulates motility, attachment and virulence in the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000
Authors: Río‐Álvarez Isabel , Rodríguez‐Herva José Juan , Martínez Pedro Manuel , González‐Melendi Pablo , García‐Casado Gloria , Rodríguez‐Palenzuela Pablo , López‐Solanilla Emilia 
Published: August 2013

SummaryPseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000 (Pto) is the causal agent of the bacterial speck of tomato, which leads to significant economic losses in this crop. Pto inhabits the tomato phyllosphere, where the pathogen is highly exposed to light, among other environmental factors. Light represents a stressful condition and acts as a source of information associated with different plant defence levels. Here, we analysed the presence of both blue and red light photoreceptors in a group of Pseudomonas. In addition, we studied the effect of white, blue and red light on Pto features related to epiphytic fitness. While white and blue light inhibit motility, bacterial attachment to plant leaves is promoted. Moreover, these phenotypes are altered in a blue‐light receptor mutant. These light‐controlled changes during the epiphytic stage cause a reduction in virulence, highlighting the relevance of motility during the entry process to the plant apoplast. This study demonstrated the key role of light perception in the Pto phenotype switching and its effect on virulence.
Facilitative Leadership and the Challenge of Renewing Local Democracy inItaly
Authors: Bussu Sonia , Bartels Koen P.R. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractParticipatory arrangements have become a popular way of addressing modern challenges of urban governance but in practice face several constraints and can trigger deep tensions. Facilitative leadership can play a crucial role in enabling collaboration among local stakeholders despite plural and often conflictual interests. Surprisingly, this style of leadership has received limited attention within debates linking urban governance and participatory democracy. We summarize the main insights of the literature on facilitative leadership and empirically develop them in the context of participatory urban governance by comparing recent participatory processes in two Italian cities. Whereas in one city facilitative leadership gradually emerged and successfully transformed a deep conflict into consensual proposals, in the other city, participatory planning further exacerbated pre‐existing antagonism, and local democratic culture was only later slowly reinvigorated through bottom‐up initiative. These diverging pathways explain how facilitative leadership is: (1) important for making things happen; (2) best understood as situated practices; (3) an emergent property of the practices and interactions of a number of local actors and (4) a democratic capacity for dealing with continuous challenges. Key to this style of leadership is understanding participatory urban governance as an ongoing democratic process.
Platelet reactivity changes significantly throughout all trimesters of pregnancy compared with the nonpregnant state: a prospective study
Authors: Burke N , Flood K , Murray A , Cotter B , Dempsey M , Fay L , Dicker P , Geary MP , Kenny D , Malone FD 
Published: August 2013

ObjectivePlatelets play an important role in the pathophysiology of uteroplacental disease and platelet reactivity may be an important marker of uteroplacental disease activity. However, platelet reactivity has not been evaluated comprehensively in normal pregnancy. We sought to evaluate platelet reactivity using a number of agonists at defined time points in pregnancy using a novel platelet assay and compare these with a nonpregnant cohort.DesignProspective longitudinal study.SettingOutpatient department of a large tertiary referral centre.SampleEighty participants with 30 nonpregnant women and 50 pregnant women assessed longitudinally.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study performed longitudinally throughout uncomplicated singleton pregnancies with participants recruited before 15 weeks of gestation. They were controlled for a number of factors known to affect platelet reactivity. Blood samples were obtained in each trimester. Thirty nonpregnant healthy female volunteers also had a platelet assay performed. A modification of standard light transmission aggregometry was used to assess platelet function, with light absorbance measured following the addition of five different agonists at submaximal concentrations. Dose–response curves were plotted for each agonist for the nonpregnant cohort and in each trimester for the pregnant cohort.Main outcome measuresDose–response curves and median effective concentration.ResultsWhen compared with the nonpregnant controls a significant reduction was demonstrated in platelet reactivity to collagen during the first trimester of pregnancy (P < 0.0001). Platelet aggregation increased significantly from the first to third trimesters in response to collagen and arachidonic acid.ConclusionPlatelet reactivity varies according to pregnancy state, gestational age and agonist. The finding that platelet reactivity is reduced in the first trimester of pregnancy may be useful for the interpretation of further studies examining the role of platelet reactivity in the first trimester of pregnancies that develop uteroplacental disease.
Frequency of the congenital transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Howard EJ , Xiong X , Carlier Y , Sosa‐Estani S , Buekens P 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundChagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and is endemic in much of Latin America. With increased globalisation and immigration, it is a risk in any country, partly through congenital transmission. The frequency of congenital transmission is unclear.ObjectiveTo assess the frequency of congenital transmission of T. cruzi.Search strategyPubMed, Journals@Ovid Full Text, EMBASE, CINAHL, Fuente Academica and BIREME databases were searched using seven search terms related to Chagas disease or T. cruzi and congenital transmission.Selection criteriaThe inclusion criteria were the following: Dutch, English, French, Portuguese or Spanish language; case report, case series or observational study; original data on congenital T. cruzi infection in humans; congenital infection rate reported or it could be derived. This systematic review included 13 case reports/series and 51 observational studies.Data collection and analysisTwo investigators independently collected data on study characteristics, diagnosis and congenital infection rate. The principal summary measure – the congenital transmission rate – is defined as the number of congenitally infected infants divided by the number of infants born to infected mothers. A random effects model was used.Main resultsThe pooled congenital transmission rate was 4.7% (95% confidence interval: 3.9–5.6%). Countries where T. cruzi is endemic had a higher rate of congenital transmission compared with countries where it is not endemic (5.0% versus 2.7%).ConclusionsCongenital transmission of Chagas disease is a global problem. Overall risk of congenital infection in infants born to infected mothers is about 5%. The congenital mode of transmission requires targeted screening to prevent future cases of Chagas disease.
Maternal and neonatal morbidity in relation to the instrument used for mid‐cavity rotational operative vaginal delivery: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Bahl R , Van de Venne M , Macleod M , Strachan B , Murphy DJ 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveTo compare the maternal and neonatal morbidity associated with alternative instruments used to perform a mid‐cavity rotational delivery.DesignA prospective cohort study.SettingTwo university teaching hospitals in Scotland and England.PopulationThree hundred and eighty‐one nulliparous women who had a mid‐cavity rotational operative vaginal delivery.MethodsA data collection sheet was completed by the research team following delivery.Main outcome measuresPostpartum haemorrhage, third‐ and fourth‐degree perineal tears, low cord pH, neonatal trauma, and failed or sequential operative vaginal delivery.ResultsOne hundred and sixty‐three women (42.8%) underwent manual rotation followed by non‐rotational forceps delivery, 73 (19.1%) had a rotational vacuum delivery, and 145 (38.1%) delivered with the assistance of rotational (Kielland) forceps. The rates of postpartum haemorrhage were similar when comparing manual rotation with rotational vacuum (adjusted OR 1.42, 95% CI 0.66–3.98), and when comparing manual rotation with Kielland forceps (adjusted OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.71–2.88). The results were comparable for third‐ and fourth‐degree perineal tears (adjusted OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.13–1.89; adjusted OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.39–1.82), low cord pH (adjusted OR 1.76, 95% CI 0.44–6.91; adjusted OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.44–2.83), neonatal trauma (adjusted OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.16–1.55; adjusted OR 3.25, 95% CI 0.65–16.17), and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (adjusted OR 1.47, 95% CI 0.45–4.81; adjusted OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.49–2.19). The sequential use of instruments was less likely with manual rotation and forceps than with rotational vacuum delivery (0.6 versus 36.9%, OR 0.01, 95% CI 0.002–0.090).ConclusionsMaternal and perinatal outcomes are comparable with Kielland forceps, vacuum extraction, and manual rotation, with few serious adverse outcomes. With appropriate training mid‐cavity rotational delivery can be practiced safely, including the use of Kielland forceps.
How often are late preterm births the result of non‐evidence based practices: analysis from a retrospective cohort study at two tertiary referral centres in a nationalised healthcare system
Authors: Morais M , Mehta C , Murphy K , Shah PS , Giglia L , Smith PA , Bassil K , McDonald SD 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveTo determine the proportion, characteristics, and predictors of late preterm birth (LPTB) in relation to evidence‐based (EB) and non‐evidence based (NEB) indications.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingTwo Canadian tertiary referral centres.PopulationAll live singleton LPTBs over 1 year from 2010 to 2011, excluding major congenital anomalies.MethodsIndications for LPTB were classified a priori as EB (i.e. based on practice guidelines or on evidence from randomised controlled trials) or NEB. Data were abstracted from maternal antenatal and labour records. Univariate analyses were completed using Fischer's exact, Pearson's chi‐square, or analysis of variance (anova) F–tests. Logistic regression included gestation at birth, delivery provider, previous stillbirth, previous caesarean section, corticosteroid administration, and previous preterm birth as predictors for NEB LPTB.Main outcome measuresThe proportion, characteristics, and predictors of women with NEB versus EB LPTBs.ResultsOf 524 LPTBs, 25.2% (n = 132) were NEB. Logistic regression revealed that NEB LPTBs were less likely if patients were delivered by their own doctor or their doctor's practice partner (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.34–0.83). However, NEB LPTBs were more likely in women who had experienced a previous stillbirth (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.20–5.49).ConclusionsApproximately one‐quarter of LPTBs are NEB. Further research is needed to see if a review of the indications for LPTB, and subsequent reduction in NEB LPTBs, translates into improved neonatal outcomes and cost savings.
The management and outcomes of placenta accreta, increta, and percreta in the UK: a population‐based descriptive study
Authors: Fitzpatrick KE , Sellers S , Spark P , Kurinczuk JJ , Brocklehurst P , Knight M 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveTo describe the management and outcomes of placenta accreta, increta, and percreta in the UK.DesignA population‐based descriptive study using the UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS).SettingAll 221 UK hospitals with obstetrician‐led maternity units.PopulationAll women diagnosed with placenta accreta, increta, and percreta in the UK between May 2010 and April 2011.MethodsProspective case identification through the monthly mailing of UKOSS.Main outcome measuresMedian estimated blood loss, transfusion requirements.ResultsA cohort of 134 women were identified with placenta accreta, increta, or percreta: 50% (66/133) were suspected to have this condition antenatally. In women with a final diagnosis of placenta increta or percreta, antenatal diagnosis was associated with reduced levels of haemorrhage (median estimated blood loss 2750 versus 6100 ml, P = 0.008) and a reduced need for blood transfusion (59 versus 94%, P = 0.014), possibly because antenatally diagnosed women were more likely to have preventative therapies for haemorrhage (74 versus 52%, P = 0.007), and were less likely to have an attempt made to remove their placenta (59 versus 93%, P < 0.001). Making no attempt to remove any of the placenta, in an attempt to conserve the uterus or prior to hysterectomy, was associated with reduced levels of haemorrhage (median estimated blood loss 1750 versus 3700 ml, P = 0.001) and a reduced need for blood transfusion (57 versus 86%, P < 0.001).ConclusionsWomen with placenta accreta, increta, or percreta who have no attempt to remove any of their placenta, with the aim of conserving their uterus, or prior to hysterectomy, have reduced levels of haemorrhage and a reduced need for blood transfusion, supporting the recommendation of this practice.
Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: associations with maternal gestational diet and lifestyle factors in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study
Authors: Chortatos A , Haugen M , Iversen PO , Vikanes Å , Magnus P , Veierød MB 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate primarily the dietary intake, as well as demographics and selected lifestyle factors, of women experiencing nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, nausea only, or women who are symptom free.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingThe Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study, a population‐based pregnancy cohort.SampleAnalyses were based on 51 675 Norwegian pregnancies.MethodsDietary intake was assessed by a self‐reported food frequency questionnaire answered in the first trimester of pregnancy, as were data regarding nausea and vomiting. Chi‐squared tests, one‐way analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression were used.Main outcome measuresNausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP), gestational weight gain (GWG), and dietary intake.ResultsWe found that 17 070 (33%) women experienced NVP, 20 371 (39%) experienced only nausea, and 14 234 (28%) were symptom free. Women with NVP were younger and heavier at pregnancy onset, with the lowest GWG and highest energy intake during pregnancy, primarily from carbohydrates and added sugars, compared with the other groups (P < 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis of GWG and group adjusted for body mass index (BMI), gestational length, smoking during pregnancy, and energy intake, a significant interaction was found between BMI and group (P < 0.001). A significant effect of group (P < 0.001) was found in all BMI strata, except among underweight women (P = 0.65).ConclusionsOur study suggests that women with NVP are characterised by high intakes of carbohydrates and added sugar, primarily from sugar‐containing soft drinks. Whether higher intakes of carbohydrates are a response aimed to alleviate symptoms, or are actually provoking the condition, is not known.
Particle Size Distribution of Brown and White Rice during Gastric Digestion Measured by Image Analysis
Authors: Bornhorst Gail M. , Kostlan Kevin , Singh R. Paul 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe particle size distribution of foods during gastric digestion indicates the amount of physical breakdown that occurred due to the peristaltic movement of the stomach walls in addition to the breakdown that initially occurred during oral processing. The objective of this study was to present an image analysis technique that was rapid, simple, and could distinguish between food components (that is, rice kernel and bran layer in brown rice). The technique was used to quantify particle breakdown of brown and white rice during gastric digestion in growing pigs (used as a model for an adult human) over 480 min of digestion. The particle area distributions were fit to a Rosin–Rammler distribution function. Brown and white rice exhibited considerable breakdown as the number of particles per image decreased over time. The median particle area (x50) increased during digestion, suggesting a gastric sieving phenomenon, where small particles were emptied and larger particles were retained for additional breakdown. Brown rice breakdown was further quantified by an examination of the bran layer fragments and rice grain pieces. The percentage of total particle area composed of bran layer fragments was greater in the distal stomach than the proximal stomach in the first 120 min of digestion. The results of this study showed that image analysis may be used to quantify particle breakdown of a soft food product during gastric digestion, discriminate between different food components, and help to clarify the role of food structure and processing in food breakdown during gastric digestion.
Calpain cleavage and inactivation of the sodium calcium exchanger‐3 occur downstream of Aβ in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Atherton Joe , Kurbatskaya Ksenia , Bondulich Marie , Croft Cara L. , Garwood Claire J. , Chhabra Resham , Wray Selina , Jeromin Andreas , Hanger Diane P. , Noble Wendy 
Published: August 2013

SummaryAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by pathological deposits of β‐amyloid (Aβ) in senile plaques, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) comprising hyperphosphorylated aggregated tau, synaptic dysfunction and neuronal death. Substantial evidence indicates that disrupted neuronal calcium homeostasis is an early event in AD that could mediate synaptic dysfunction and neuronal toxicity. Sodium calcium exchangers (NCXs) play important roles in regulating intracellular calcium, and accumulating data suggests that reduced NCX function, following aberrant proteolytic cleavage of these exchangers, may contribute to neurodegeneration. Here, we show that elevated calpain, but not caspase‐3, activity is a prominent feature of AD brain. In addition, we observe increased calpain‐mediated cleavage of NCX3, but not a related family member NCX1, in AD brain relative to unaffected tissue and that from other neurodegenerative conditions. Moreover, the extent of NCX3 proteolysis correlated significantly with amounts of Aβ1–42. We also show that exposure of primary cortical neurons to oligomeric Aβ1–42 results in calpain‐dependent cleavage of NCX3, and we demonstrate that loss of NCX3 function is associated with Aβ toxicity. Our findings suggest that Aβ mediates calpain cleavage of NCX3 in AD brain and therefore that reduced NCX3 activity could contribute to the sustained increases in intraneuronal calcium concentrations that are associated with synaptic and neuronal dysfunction in AD.
Preservation of coronal tooth fragments prior to reattachment
Authors: Shirani F , Sakhaei Manesh V , Malekipour MR 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundReattachment of the tooth fragment is a well‐accepted treatment option in dealing with crown fractures. Hydration of the fragment is an important aspect in this treatment. The present study evaluated the effect of storing fragments in different storage media prior to reattachment.MethodsSixty bovine incisors were randomly divided into five groups. The teeth were fractured and the fragments were dried for 48 hours and then immersed in one of the four experimental media (distilled water, milk, egg white, or 50% dextrose solution) for 2 hours. Tooth fragments in the control group were kept dry. The apical segments of the fractured teeth were stored in physiological saline. Fragments were reattached and force was applied on the labial side of the teeth at a 1 mm/min rate until failure.ResultsOne‐way ANOVA indicated that the storage medium affects bond strength (p = 0.002). Multiple comparison tests showed that the teeth preserved in the 50% dextrose solution and the egg white exhibited significantly higher bond strengths compared to the control group (p < 0.05).ConclusionsPreservation of the fractured tooth fragment in egg white or hypertonic solutions results in a higher strength of the bond between the restoration and the tooth as compared to storage in water or dried conditions.