bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activated complement factor 3 is associated with liver fat and liver enzymes: the CODAM study
Authors: Wlazlo Nick , van Greevenbroek Marleen M. J. , Ferreira Isabel , Jansen Eugene H. J. M. , Feskens Edith J. M. , van der Kallen Carla J. H. , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Bravenboer Bert , Stehouwer Coen D. A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe complement system may be involved in the pathogenesis of alcoholic and nonalcoholic liver disease, although studies in humans are scarce. For this reason, we investigated whether circulating levels of activated complement factor 3 (C3a) were associated with hepatic steatosis and hepatocellular damage.Materials and methodsPlasma C3a, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) were determined in 523 individuals (61% men, age 59 ± 7 years). Liver enzymes (LEs) were standardized and compiled into a LE score. Liver fat content was estimated using a predictive equation that has recently been validated with magnetic resonance spectrometry. Cross‐sectional associations between C3a and liver fat or LE s were investigated with multiple linear regression analyses, stratified in no‐to‐moderate vs. heavy alcohol consumers (men: > 30 g/day; women: > 20 g/day).ResultsC3a was associated with liver fat percentage both in the no‐to‐moderate (β = 0·223; 95%CI 0·036; 0·409) and in the heavy alcohol consumers (β = 0·632; 95%CI 0·259–1·004; P‐interaction = 0·047). C3a was also associated with the LE score in heavy alcohol consumers (β = 0·917; 95%CI 0·443–1·392), but not in no‐to‐moderate alcohol consumers (β = 0·042; 95%CI −0·198 to 0·281; P‐interaction = 0·001).ConclusionsC3a levels, as a marker of complement activation, were associated with liver fat content and hepatocellular injury, at least in subjects who consume considerable amounts of alcohol daily.
Differences in ecomorphology and microhabitat use of four saproxylic larvae (Diptera, Syrphidae) inScots pine stump rot holes
Authors: ROTHERAY ELLEN L. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Co‐existence and microhabitat partitioning was explored in larvae of four species of hoverfly which occupy rot holes in Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris L. in Scotland, U.K. including the endangered pine hoverfly Blera fallax (Linnaeus), and three more common species, Callicera rufa (Schummel), Myathropa florea (Linnaeus), and Sphegina clunipes (Fallén) (Diptera, Syrphidae). The primary aim of the study was to investigate competitive exclusion risks to B. fallax, a species that now remains at just one site in the U.K.
Morphological differences were examined between species and these were compared with microhabitat use in an artificial rot hole. In addition, larval growth was measured for three of the species in different volumes of pinewood substrate to investigate differences in development in response to varying substrate levels.
Field surveys confirmed that B. fallax, C. rufa, and M. florea frequently co‐occur in pine rot holes. Species differed in their growth rates and responses to variation in substrate level. Blera fallax developed quickly before winter, and decreasing substrate volume significantly inhibited growth, whereas C. rufa and M. florea took 6 months longer to achieve a critical size for eclosion.
Each species inhabited a distinct depth in the rot hole and exhibited correspondingly different behaviours associated with respiration and the length of their posterior breathing tubes.
The microhabitat partitioning observed in this study may facilitate the coexistence of these four species, and suggests that competitive exclusion will not hamper conservation management efforts for B. fallax.
Biodiversity of stream insects in the Malaysian Peninsula: spatial patterns and environmental constraints
Authors: ABDO AL‐SHAMI SALMAN , MD RAWI CHE SALMAH , AHMAD ABU HASSAN , ROSMAHANIE MADRUS MADZIATUL 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The spatial variation in Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) taxonomic composition in headwater forested streams of peninsular Malaysia was studied. Several environmental parameters were assessed for their importance in regulating the composition of assemblages across the spatial extent of the Malaysian bioregion. The spatial variables were expressed as vectors based on principal coordinates of neighbour matrices (PCNM). The forward selection based on two stopping criteria was used to identify the key environmental and spatial variables controlling the EPT taxonomic composition.
Eigenvector‐based spatial filtering was employed to investigate spatial patterns in EPT composition, and the variation partitioning technique was used to determine the relative importance of environmental and spatial factors in application on EPT composition. The forward selection retained five parameters [altitude, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), water velocity, ammonia, and dissolved oxygen (DO)] which explained 13.2% of the total variance in EPT composition. The three selected spatial variables (PCNM vectors) accounted for 8.4% of the composition variation. However, the spatially‐structured environmental variables explained 7.5% of the total variance in EPT composition. The variation in altitude correlated with broad‐scale spatial extent and was the most important factor regulating the EPT composition in peninsular Malaysia.
Our study revealed spatially‐structured patterns in the EPT composition, showing a richness decrease from the south to the north of peninsular Malaysia.
Stable bottom‐up processing during dynamic top‐down modulations in monkey auditory cortex
Authors: Massoudi Roohollah , Van Wanrooij Marc M. , Van Wetter Sigrid M. C. I. , Versnel Huib , Van Opstal A. John 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIt is unclear whether top‐down processing in the auditory cortex (AC) interferes with its bottom‐up analysis of sound. Recent studies indicated non‐acoustic modulations of AC responses, and that attention changes a neuron's spectrotemporal tuning. As a result, the AC would seem ill‐suited to represent a stable acoustic environment, which is deemed crucial for auditory perception. To assess whether top‐down signals influence acoustic tuning in tasks without directed attention, we compared monkey single‐unit AC responses to dynamic spectrotemporal sounds under different behavioral conditions. Recordings were mostly made from neurons located in primary fields (primary AC and area R of the AC) that were well tuned to pure tones, with short onset latencies. We demonstrated that responses in the AC were substantially modulated during an auditory detection task and that these modulations were systematically related to top‐down processes. Importantly, despite these significant modulations, the spectrotemporal receptive fields of all neurons remained remarkably stable. Our results suggest multiplexed encoding of bottom‐up acoustic and top‐down task‐related signals at single AC neurons. This mechanism preserves a stable representation of the acoustic environment despite strong non‐acoustic modulations.
Social isolation perturbs experience‐driven synaptic glutamate receptor subunit 4 delivery in the developing rat barrel cortex
Authors: Miyazaki Tomoyuki , Kunii Misako , Jitsuki Susumu , Sano Akane , Kuroiwa Yoshiyuki , Takahashi Takuya 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn neonates, the stress of social isolation can alter developing neural circuits and cause mental illness. However, the molecular and cellular bases for these effects are poorly understood. Experience‐driven synaptic AMPA receptor delivery is crucial for circuit organisation during development. In the rat, whisker experience drives the delivery of glutamate receptor subunit 4 (GluA4) but not glutamate receptor subunit 1 (GluA1) to layer 4–2/3 pyramidal synapses in the barrel cortex during postnatal day (P)8–10, whereas GluA1 but not GluA4 is delivered to these synapses during P12–14. We recently reported that early social isolation disrupts experience‐driven GluA1 delivery to layer 4–2/3 pyramidal synapses during P12–14. Here, we report that neonatal isolation affects even earlier stages of development by preventing experience‐dependent synaptic GluA4 delivery. Thus, social isolation severely affects synaptic maturation throughout early postnatal development.
Prefrontal cortical–striatal dopamine receptor mRNA expression predicts distinct forms of impulsivity
Authors: Simon Nicholas W. , Beas Blanca S. , Montgomery Karienn S. , Haberman Rebecca P. , Bizon Jennifer L. , Setlow Barry 
Published: March 2013

AbstractVariation in dopamine receptor levels has been associated with different facets of impulsivity. To further delineate the neural substrates underlying impulsive action (inability to withhold a prepotent motor response) and impulsive choice (delay aversion), we characterised rats in the Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates of Responding task and a delay discounting task. We also measured performance on an effort‐based discounting task. We then assessed D1 and D2 dopamine receptor mRNA expression in subregions of the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens using in situ hybridisation, and compared these data with behavioral performance. Expression of D1 and D2 receptor mRNA in distinct brain regions was predictive of impulsive action. A dissociation within the nucleus accumbens was observed between subregions and receptor subtypes; higher D1 mRNA expression in the shell predicted greater impulsive action, whereas lower D2 mRNA expression in the core predicted greater impulsive action. We also observed a negative correlation between impulsive action and D2 mRNA expression in the prelimbic cortex. Interestingly, a similar relationship was present between impulsive choice and prelimbic cortex D2 mRNA, despite the fact that behavioral indices of impulsive action and impulsive choice were uncorrelated. Finally, we found that both high D1 mRNA expression in the insular cortex and low D2 mRNA expression in the infralimbic cortex were associated with willingness to exert effort for rewards. Notably, dopamine receptor mRNA in these regions was not associated with either facet of impulsivity. The data presented here provide novel molecular and neuroanatomical distinctions between different forms of impulsivity, as well as effort‐based decision‐making.
The Responses of Duetting Antbirds to Stereo Duet Playback Provide Support for the Joint Territory Defence Hypothesis
Authors: Koloff Julianne , Mennill Daniel J. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn multiple animal taxa, including many birds and primates, members of mated pairs produce coordinated acoustic displays known as duets. By observing the behaviour of territorial animals as they respond to playback‐simulated duets of rivals, we can gain insight into the behavioural significance of vocal duets. Playback experiments, however, have been conducted across a very narrow range of duetting animals. Furthermore, many studies have been conducted with single‐speaker playback, whereas stereo‐speaker playback offers more spatially realistic simulation of duets. Moreover, by evaluating the reactions of animals to separate loudspeakers broadcasting male and female duet contributions, we can study the interactions of both males and females with same‐sex vs. opposite‐sex rivals. We used a paired experimental design to broadcast duet stimuli through a single‐speaker and a stereo‐speaker apparatus to 30 pairs of duetting barred antshrikes Thamnophilus doliatus in Costa Rica. Our goals were (1) to evaluate whether territorial antbirds respond more aggressively to male vs. female duet components and (2) to assess aggressive responses of antbirds towards single‐speaker vs. stereo‐speaker playback. Neither males nor females differentiated between the loudspeaker simulating the male vs. female duet contribution during stereo‐speaker playback trials. Barred antshrikes displayed significantly stronger responses to stereo‐speaker playback compared with single‐speaker playback. Males displayed stronger playback responses than females with closer, quicker and more vocal responses. These results provide evidence for a joint resource defence function of antbird duets given that pairs responded together with equivalent intensity to male and female simulated intruders. This is the first study to show that although duetting is an aggressive territorial signal, birds do not necessarily respond to sex‐specific components of duets. Our results support the idea that spatially realistic stereo presentation of duet stimuli is critical for experimental duet research.
Carnosic acid, a phenolic diterpene from rosemary, prevents UV‐induced expression of matrix metalloproteinases in human skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes
Authors: Park Miyoung , Han Jiwon , Lee Chang Seok , Heung Soo Baek , Lim Kyung‐Min , Ha Hunjoo 
Published: March 2013

AbstractExposure of the skin to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation induces photoageing through the up‐regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and subsequent breakdown of extracellular matrices. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation play central roles in UV‐induced MMP expression through initiating extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)–mediated AP‐1 signalling. We aimed to explore the effects of carnosic acid (CA), a phenolic diterpene from rosemary, on UV‐induced MMP expression in human skin cells. Molecular mechanism underlying the effects of CA was also examined in the aspect of MMP expression, ERK/AP‐1 pathway, ROS generation and EGFR activation. Human dermal fibroblast cell line (Hs68), primary normal human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and normal human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) were employed, and antiphotoageing effects of CA were assessed by Western blotting, quantitative real‐time PCR and enzyme assays. CA significantly inhibited UVA‐ and UVB‐induced expression of MMP‐1, MMP‐3 and MMP‐9 in a concentration‐dependent manner in Hs68 cells. UVB‐induced ERK activation and the formation of transcription factor, AP‐1, were significantly suppressed by CA. Among the upstream events of MMP expression, UVB‐induced ROS generation was attenuated by CA, while EGFR activation was not affected. Confirming the antiphotoageing effects of CA through the suppression of UV‐induced ROS generation, UVB‐enhanced GADD45 expression, a marker for oxidative DNA damages was significantly reduced by CA. Inhibitory effects of CA on UVB‐induced MMP expression could be also seen in HDFs and HEKs. Collectively, our study demonstrates that CA inhibits the UV‐enhanced MMPs in human skin cells through the inhibition of ROS and the suppression of ERK/AP‐1 activation.
OPPIDUM surveillance program: 20 years of information on drug abuse in France
Authors: Frauger Elisabeth , Moracchini Christophe , Le Boisselier Reynald , Braunstein David , Thirion Xavier , Micallef Joëlle 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIt is important to assess drug abuse liability in ‘real life’ using different surveillance systems. Some are based on specific population surveys, such as individuals with drug abuse or dependence, or under opiate maintenance treatment, because this population is very familiar with drugs and is more likely to divert or abuse them. In France, an original surveillance system based on this specific population and called ‘Observation of illegal drugs and misuse of psychotropic medications (OPPIDUM) survey’ was set up in 1990 as the first of its kind. The aim of this article is to describe this precursor of French drug abuse surveillance using different examples, to demonstrate its ability to effectively give health authorities and physicians interesting data on drug abuse. OPPIDUM is an annual, cross‐sectional survey that anonymously collects information on abuse and dependence observed in patients recruited in specialized care centers dedicated to drug dependence. From 1990 to 2010, a total of 50 734 patients were included with descriptions of 102 631 psychoactive substance consumptions. These data have outlined emergent behaviors such as the misuse of buprenorphine by intravenous or nasal administration. It has contributed to assess abuse liability of emergent drugs such as clonazepam or methylphenidate. This surveillance system was also able to detect the decrease of flunitrazepam abuse following implementation of regulatory measures. OPPIDUM's twenty years of experience clearly demonstrate that collection of valid and useful data on drug abuse is possible and can provide helpful information for physicians and health authorities.
Regulatable transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer disease: onset, reversibility and spreading of Tau pathology
Authors: Hochgräfe Katja , Sydow Astrid , Mandelkow Eva‐Maria 
Published: March 2013

Accumulation of amyloidogenic proteins such as Tau is a hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer disease and fronto‐temporal dementias. To link Tau pathology to cognitive impairments and defects in synaptic plasticity, we created four inducible Tau transgenic mouse models with expression of pro‐ and anti‐aggregant variants of either full‐length human Tau (hTau40/ΔK280 and hTau40/ΔK280/PP) or the truncated Tau repeat domain (TauRD/ΔK280 and TauRD/ΔK280/PP). Here we review the histopathological features caused by pro‐aggregant Tau, and correlate them with behavioral deficits and impairments in synaptic transmission. Both pro‐aggregant Tau variants cause Alzheimer‐like features, including synapse loss, mis‐localization of Tau into the somatodendritic compartment, conformational changes and hyperphosphorylation. However, there is a clear difference in the extent of Tau aggregation and neurotoxicity. While pro‐aggregant full‐length hTau40/ΔK280 leads to a ‘pre‐tangle’ pathology, the repeat domain TauRD/ΔK280 causes massive formation of neurofibrillary tangles and neuronal loss in the hippocampus. However, both Tau variants cause co‐aggregation of human and mouse Tau and similar functional impairments. Thus, earlier Tau pathological stages and not necessarily neurofibrillary tangles are critical for the development of cognitive malfunctions. Most importantly, memory and synapses recover after switching off expression of pro‐aggregant Tau. The rescue of functional impairments correlates with the rescue of most Tau pathological changes and most strikingly the recovery of synapses. This implies that tauopathies as such are reversible, provided that amyloidogenic Tau is removed. Therefore, our Tau transgenic mice may serve as model systems for in vivo validation of therapeutic strategies and drug candidates with regard to cognition and synaptic function.
Immune tolerance induction in haemophilia A patients with inhibitors by treatment with recombinant factor VIII: a retrospective non‐interventional study
Authors: Rivard G. E. , Rothschild C. , Toll T. , Achilles K. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryImmune tolerance induction (ITI) can overcome inhibitory factor VIII (FVIII) antibodies in haemophilia A patients receiving FVIII replacement therapy. The objective was to evaluate the use of sucrose‐formulated, full‐length recombinant FVIII (rFVIII‐FS) for ITI therapy. Patients (<8 years at ITI start) with severe haemophilia A and a peak inhibitor titre >5 Bethesda units (BU) who underwent ITI with any rFVIII‐FS dose for ≥9 months (or until success) were eligible for this retrospective study. Efficacy analyses included descriptions of ITI treatment regimens and outcomes; ITI success was determined solely at the discretion of the investigator. Safety analyses included assessment of adverse events. Of 51 enrolled patients, 32 [high dose (≥85 IU kg−1 day−1), n = 21; low dose, n = 11] were eligible for analysis. ITI was successful in 69% (22/32) of patients (high dose, 66.7%; low dose, 72.7%) after a median of 1.4 years (range, 0.1–3.6 years). Influencing factors for ITI success were start of ITI <1 year after inhibitor detection and an inhibitor titre <10 BU at ITI start. All patients successfully tolerized with ITI continued to receive rFVIII‐FS prophylaxis as maintenance therapy, with no inhibitor recurrence from the end of ITI until study enrolment. Use of rFVIII‐FS for ITI was effective and well tolerated; success rates were similar to those in published studies.
Protected by nature? Effects of strenuous physical exercise on FVIII activity in moderate and mild haemophilia A patients: a pilot study
Authors: Groen W. G. , den Uijl I. E. M. , van der Net J. , Grobbee D. E. , de Groot Ph. G. , Fischer K. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryIncrease of factor VIII activity (FVIII) after physical exercise has been reported in healthy subjects and small‐scale studies in patients with coagulopathies. The aim was to study whether moderate and mild haemophilia A patients are able to increase their endogenous FVIII activity levels by physical activity. We studied changes in FVIII activity levels after high‐intensity exercise in 15 haemophilia A patients, 20–39 years, eight with moderate, seven with mild haemophilia. Patients cycled until volitional exhaustion, blood samples were drawn before and 10 min after the exercise test. FVIII activity increased 2.5 times (range 1.8–7.0 times), for both severities. Absolute increases were markedly different: median 7 IU dL−1 (range 3–9 IU dL−1) in patients with moderate, compared to 15 IU dL−1 (range 6–62 IU dL−1) in mild haemophilia patients. VWF and VWFpp increased independently of severity; median 50% (range 8–123%) and median 165% (range 48–350%), respectively, reflecting acute release of VWF. These observations may be used to promote high‐intensity activities before participating in sports for moderate and mild haemophilia A patients, to reduce bleeding risk. Further studies are warranted to fully appreciate the clinical significance of exercise on different levels of intensity in patients with mild and moderate haemophilia A.
El talón de Aquiles del proyecto de producción en serie aplicado a los servicios en la administración de la seguridad social: el caso del Crédito Universal en el Reino Unido
Authors: Seddon John , O'Donovan Brendan 
Published: March 2013

ResumenEl presente artículo ofrece una visión crítica de las reformas del Gobierno del Reino Unido relativas a las prestaciones previstas en el marco del denominado Crédito Universal. Se dice que el Crédito Universal está destinado a fracasar a causa de la política que especifica el modo de prestar estos servicios (digitalizados por omisión). Los autores afirman que se ha permitido que el concepto de producción en serie se infiltre de manera discreta pero ubicua en la gestión de los medios por los que el Gobierno pretende conseguir el objetivo de la política de valorización del trabajo. Siguiendo el método Vanguard de Seddon, se analiza un ejemplo práctico de cómo unas autoridades locales concibieron un mejor servicio de los subsidios a la vivienda. Los resultados de este servicio incluyen la posibilidad de tratar un 50 por ciento más de solicitudes con menos recursos en la mitad del plazo oficial. Por último, el artículo destaca la necesidad de desarrollar una política mayormente basada en pruebas.