bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Restoring cerebral dopamine homeostasis by electrical forepaw stimulation: An FMRI study
Authors: Chen Y. Iris , Ren Jia‐Qian , Kaptchuk Ted J. , Kwong Kenneth K. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractDeviation of dopamine homeostasis is known to be associated with disorders like drug addiction and Parkinson's disease. As dopamine function is tightly regulated within the basal ganglia circuitry, cortical perturbation would lead to modulation of dopaminergic activity in the striatum. We proposed and tested if somatosensory activity such as forepaw stimulation could modulate dopaminergic function. Specifically, we tested in rats if electrical forepaw stimulation (EFS) could attenuate dopamine release in the brain if dopamine is excessive, and boost dopamine release if dopamine is deficient. We had previously demonstrated that EFS effectively attenuated excessive DA concentration in the striatum. We now show in this manuscript with fMRI that EFS boosted DA release on two DA deficient conditions: (1) with quinpirole challenge, and (2) partial Parkinsonism model (PD). Quinpirole alone decreased dopamine release and thus the cerebral blood volume (CBV) that was restored by EFS. EFS also succeeded in increasing CBV in the basal‐ganglia circuitry of the PD rats, but not in the controls. Context‐dependent connectivity analysis showed increased connectivity during the basal state in the PD rats, compared with the controls. This “enhanced” yet abnormal connectivity of PD rats was reduced post‐EFS. Our results suggest that EFS resets the deficient DA system by partially increasing DA release, in the meanwhile lessening the need for recruiting extra functional network in the basal ganglia circuitry. This study shows not only the capacity of peripheral stimulation to perturb neurotransmitter function, but also the potential of peripheral stimulation to restore neurotransmitter homeostasis. Synapse, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dendritic morphology of neurons in prefrontal cortex and ventral hippocampus of rats with neonatal amygdala lesion
Authors: Vázquez‐Roque Rubén Antonio , Solis Oscar , Camacho‐Abrego Israel , Rodríguez‐Moreno Antonio , De La Cruz Fidel , Zamudio Sergio , Flores Gonzalo 
Published: December 2011

AbstractNeonatal basolateral amygdala (nBLA) lesions in rats have been widely used as a neurodevelopmental model that mimics schizophrenia‐like behaviors. Recently, we reported that nBLA lesions result in significant decreases in the dendritic spine number of layer 3 prefrontal cortex (PFC) pyramidal cells and medium spiny neurons of the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), which all changes after puberty. At present, we aimed to evaluate the effect of this lesion in pyramidal neurons of CA1 of the ventral hippocampus (VH) and layer 5 of the PFC. In order to assess the effects of nBLA lesions on the dendritic morphology of the PFC and VH neurons, we carried out nBLA lesions in rats on postnatal day (PD) 7, and then we studied the dendritic morphology of these two limbic subregions at prepubertal (PD35) and postpubertal (PD60) ages. Dendritic characteristics were measured by Golgi‐Cox procedure followed by Sholl analysis. We also evaluated the effects of nBLA lesions on the prepulse inhibition (PPI) and acoustic startle responses. The nBLA lesion induced a significant increase in dendritic length of layer 5 pyramidal neurons of the PFC at both ages, with a decrease in the dendritic spines density after puberty. The spine density of CA1 VH pyramidal neurons showed significant decreases at both ages. PPI was decreased in adulthood in the animals with an nBLA lesion. These results show that an nBLA lesion alters the dendritic morphology at the level of the PFC and VH in distinct ways before puberty, suggesting a disconnection between these limbic structures at an early age, and increasing our understanding of the implications of the VH in early amygdala dysfunction in schizophrenia. Synapse, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Positron emission tomography experience with 2‐[18F]fluoro‐3‐(2(s)‐azetidinylmethoxy)pyridine (2‐[18F]fa) in the living human brain of smokers with paranoid schizophrenia
Authors: Brašić James Robert , Cascella Nicola , Kumar Anil , Zhou Yun , Hilton John , Raymont Vanessa , Crabb Andrew , Guevara Maria Rita , Horti Andrew G. , Wong Dean Foster 
Published: December 2011

AbstractUtilizing postmortem data (Breese et al. [2000] Neuropsychopharmacology 23:351–364), we hypothesized that the densities of high‐affinity neuronal α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain exist in a continuum from highest to lowest as follows: smokers without schizophrenia > smokers with schizophrenia > nonsmokers without schizophrenia > nonsmokers with schizophrenia. Application of the Kruskal‐Wallis Test (Statacorp, 2003) to the postmortem data (Breese et al. [2000] Neuropsychopharmacology 23:351‐364) confirmed the hypothesized order in the cortex and the hippocampus and attained significance in the caudate and the thalamus. Positron emission tomography (PET) was performed for 60 min at 6 h after the intravenous administration of 444 megabequerels [MBq] (12 mCi) 2‐[18F]fluoro‐3‐(2(S)‐azetidinylmethoxy)pyridine (2‐[18F]FA), a radiotracer for high‐affinity neuronal α4β2 nAChRs, as a bolus plus continuous infusion to 10 adults (seven men and three women) (six smokers including five with paranoid schizophrenia and four nonsmokers) ranging in age from 22 to 56 years (mean 40.1, standard deviation 13.6). The thalamic nondisplaceable binding potential (BPND) was 1.32 ± 0.19 (mean ± standard deviation) for healthy control nonsmokers; 0.50 ± 0.19 for smokers with paranoid schizophrenia; and 0.51 for the single smoker without paranoid schizophrenia. The thalamic BPNDs of nonsmokers were significantly higher than those of smokers who smoked cigarettes a few hours before the scans (P = 0.0105) (StataCorp, 2003), which was likely due to occupancy of nAChRs by inhaled nicotine in smokers. Further research is needed to rule out the effects of confounding variables. Synapse 2012. © 2011Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chest X‐ray after Tracheostomy Is Not Necessary Unless Clinically Indicated
Authors: Tobler William D. , Mella Juan R. , Ng Joanna , Selvam Anand , Burke Peter A. , Agarwal Suresh 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundChest radiography is routinely used post‐tracheostomy to evaluate for complications. Often, the chest X‐ray findings do not change clinical management. The present study was conducted to evaluate the utility of post‐tracheostomy X‐rays.MethodThis retrospective review of 255 patients was performed at a single‐center, university, level I trauma center. All patients underwent tracheostomy and were evaluated for postprocedure complications.ResultsOf the 255 patients, 95.7% had no change in postprocedure chest X‐ray findings. New significant chest X‐ray findings were found in 4.3% of patients, including subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax, and new significant consolidation. Only three of these patients required change in clinical management, and all changes were based on clinical presentation alone.ConclusionsRoutine chest X‐ray following tracheostomy fails to provide additional information beyond clinical examination. Therefore radiographic examination should be performed only after technically difficult procedures or if the patient experiences clinical deterioration. Significant cost savings and minimization of radiation exposure can be achieved when chest radiography after tracheostomy is performed exclusively for clinical indications.
Epiploic Appendagitis: Is There Need for Surgery to Confirm Diagnosis in Spite of Clinical and Radiological Findings?
Authors: Hasbahceci Mustafa , Erol Cengiz , Seker Mehmet 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe present retrospective study was conducted to review the authors’ experience and describe clinical and radiologic features of epiploic appendagitis (EA), which is an uncommon, self‐limiting clinical entity mimicking acute appendicitis and diverticulitis. Awareness of the features of EA would allow a correct diagnosis and avoid unnecessary surgical interventions.MethodsPatients diagnosed as EA in one regional medical center between June 2006 and June 2010 were included. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging features of EA were studied, with particular attention to its unique radiologic appearances.ResultsTwenty patients (13 men and 7 women; average age 43.2 years) diagnosed with EA were included in the study. Localized abdominal pain without nausea, vomiting, and fever were the major presenting symptoms for all patients. Laboratory blood tests were normal, except in one patient with leukocytosis and two patients with increased serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels. A noncompressible hyperechoic ovoid mass with hypoechoic border and without central blood flow on Doppler ultrasound (US) was detected in five of six patients. In all patients, the computed tomography (CT) scans revealed an ovoid fatty mass with hyperattenuating rim and disproportionate adjacent fat stranding. Central dot sign, concomitant old infarct, and lobulation were present in 75%, 20%, and 10% of the patients, respectively. All of the patients were treated conservatively. No recurrences occurred during the follow‐up period (average: 24.8 months) in 18 (90%) of the patients.ConclusionsIn patients with localized abdominal pain without other symptoms, diagnosis of EA should be considered. Recognizing the US and CT features of EA may allow an accurate diagnosis and avoid unnecessary surgery.
Effects of mud fiddler crabs (Uca pugnax) on the recruitment of halophyte seedlings in salt marsh dieback areas of Cape Cod (Massachusetts, USA)
Authors: Smith Stephen M. , Tyrrell Megan C. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe effects of bioturbation by the mud fiddler crab (Uca pugnax) on salt marsh seedling recruitment were investigated experimentally in this study. Burrowing and foraging activity caused a large amount of soil disturbance, which in turn negatively impacted the establishment of seedlings. Either seeds did not germinate or seedlings were uprooted or buried. Although the majority of the published literature suggests a positive influence of Uca spp. on salt marsh plant growth, at high densities they have the potential to hinder the re‐colonization of areas made bare by previous disturbance. This study illustrates the perhaps underappreciated role that bioturbators can have on vegetation patterns in salt marshes and other ecosystems.
Multifunctional Acyltransferases from Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Biester Eva‐Maria , Hellenbrand Janine , Frentzen Margrit 
Published: December 2011

AbstractMultifunctional acyltransferases are able to catalyze the esterification of various acyl‐acceptors with activated fatty acids. Here we describe the identification of four proteins from Tetrahymena thermophila that share certain properties with mammalian acyltransferases regarding their predicted transmembrane structure, their molecular mass and the typical acyltransferase motif. Expression of the Tetrahymena sequences results in production of triacylglycerols and wax esters in recombinant yeast when appropriate substrates are provided. The in vitro characterization shows, that these enzymes are capable of esterifying different acyl‐acceptors including fatty alcohols, diols, diacylglycerols and isoprenols with acyl‐CoA thioesters. Based on these catalytic activities and the sequence similarities of the Tetrahymena proteins with acyl‐CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) family members, we conclude that we identified a new group of DGAT2‐related multifunctional acyltransferases from protozoan organisms.
Fish Oil Supplementation Improves Neutrophil Function During Cancer Chemotherapy
Authors: Bonatto Sandro J. R. , Oliveira Heloisa H. P. , Nunes Everson A. , Pequito Daniele , Iagher Fabiola , Coelho Isabela , Naliwaiko Katya , Kryczyk Marcelo , Brito Gleisson A. P. , Repka João , Sabóia Luciano V. , Fukujima George , Calder Philip C. , Fernandes Luiz C. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractCancer chemotherapy is associated with neutropenia and impaired neutrophil function. This study aimed to investigate whether supplementation with low dose fish oil (FO), providing n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy after surgical tumor (mainly gastrointestinal) removal is able to improve the function of blood neutrophils. Patients (n = 38) receiving chemotherapy (5‐fluorouracil and leucovorin) were randomized into two groups; one group (control) did not receive a supplement, while the other group (FO) received 2 g FO/day for 8 weeks; the FO provided 0.3 g eicosapentaenoic acid plus 0.4 g docosahexaenoic acid per day. Patients in the control group lost an average of 2.5 kg of weight over the 8 weeks of the study. The number of blood polymorphonuclear cells (PMNC), mainly neutrophils, and their functions (phagocytosis and hydrogen peroxide production) decreased in the control group (average decreases of approximately 30, 45 and 17%, respectively). FO prevented these decreases and actually increased body weight (average of 1.7 kg weight gain; p < 0.002 vs. control group), PMNC number (average 29% increase), phagocytosis (average 14% increase) and superoxide production (average 28% increase). FO may be useful in preventing chemotherapy‐induced decline in neutrophil number and function.
Deciphering Geothermal Resources in Deccan Trap Region using Electrical Resistivity Tomography Technique
Authors: Kumar Dewashish , Thiagarajan S. , Rai S.N. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Exploration of Geothermal resources is important from energy point of view. Western margin of volcanic Deccan traps, also known as Western Ghats, is characterized with the presence of numerous hot springs. The resistivity contrast for the geothermal reservoir rock and the surrounding host rock is significantly high in volcanic terrain which is the case of present study. In such cases the resistivity associated with geothermal reservoirs usually varies from &lt;5 to 15 Ohm-m regardless of how high resistivity is outside the reservoir zone. Direct current (DC) resitivity method is proved to be more suitable method for delineation of groundwater reservoirs. The present work describes the results of electrical resistivity tomography survey carried out at four hot spring sites located at Unhavare (Khed), Tural, Rajwadi and Aravali villages of Chiplun taluk in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra for delineation of the geothermal reservoirs and associated geological features like faults and fractures responsible for vertical movement of geothermal water with the sole purpose of harnessing geothermal energy. In addition to this, the present study is also aimed to delineate the groundwater reservoirs with normal temperature for exploration purpose to meet the local water supply demand. The interpreted results of the field data suggest the presence of two potential geothermal reservoirs at Unhavare (Khed) and one each at Tural and Aravali. Potential groundwater zones with normal temperature are also delineated for groundwater exploration at Rajwadi and Aravali sites.
High school dropouts: Interactions between social context, self‐perceptions, school engagement, and student dropout⋆
Authors: Fall Anna‐Mária , Roberts Greg 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTResearch suggests that contextual, self‐system, and school engagement variables influence dropping out from school. However, it is not clear how different types of contextual and self‐system variables interact to affect students’ engagement or contribute to decisions to dropout from high school. The self‐system model of motivational development represents a promising theory for understanding this complex phenomenon. The self‐system model acknowledges the interactive and iterative roles of social context, self‐perceptions, school engagement, and academic achievement as antecedents to the decision to dropout of school. We analyzed data from the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002–2004 in the context of the self‐system model, finding that perception of social context (teacher support and parent support) predicts students’ self‐perceptions (perception of control and identification with school), which in turn predict students’ academic and behavioral engagement, and academic achievement. Further, students’ academic and behavioral engagement and achievement in 10th grade were associated with decreased likelihood of dropping out of school in 12th grade.
Socio-Economic Disadvantage and Delusional-Like Experiences: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Saha S. , Scott J.G. , Varghese D. , McGrath J.J. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurposeDelusional-like experiences (DLE) have been associated with low income, suggesting that more broadly defined socio-economic disadvantage may be associated with these experiences. We had the opportunity to explore the association between DLE and both individual- and area-level measures of socio-economic disadvantage.MethodSubjects were drawn from the Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2007. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to identify DLE, common psychiatric disorders, and physical disorders. Individual-level and area-level socio-economic disadvantage measures were available based on variables including income, educational attainment, employment status, and housing. We examined the relationship between the variables of interest using logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounding factors.ResultsOf the 8773 subjects, 8.4% (n = 776) positively endorsed one or more DLE. DLE screen items were more likely to be endorsed by those who were (a) younger, (b) never married, or widowed, separated or divorced status, (c) migrants, or (d) living in rented houses. There were significant associations between socio-economic disadvantage and increased DLE endorsement, and this was found for both individual-level and area-level measures of socio-economic disadvantage. In general, the associations remained significant after adjusting for a range of potential confounding factors and in planned sensitivity analyses.ConclusionsDLE are associated with socio-economic disadvantage in the general population. We speculate that the link between socio-economic disadvantage and DLE may be mediated by psychosocial stress and general psychological distress.
Neurocognitive effectiveness of quetiapine, olanzapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone: A pragmatic, randomized trial
Authors: Johnsen E. , Jørgensen H.A. , Kroken R.A. , Løberg E.-M. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurposeCognitive effects of second generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are indicated in efficacy studies but the generalizability of the results may be limited by rigid designs and selected samples. The aim of this naturalistic, industry-independent study is to investigate whether differential neurocognitive effectiveness can be found among olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone in a clinically relevant sample with psychosis.Subjects and methodsAdult patients acutely admitted to an emergency ward for psychosis were randomized to risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine or ziprasidone and followed for up to 2 years. Participants were assessed repeatedly using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and a repeatable neurocognitive test battery.ResultsA total of 226 patients were included and 171 patients underwent neurocognitive assessments. The sample had a global cognitive performance score at baseline about one standard deviation below that of the general population. The ziprasidone group had the fastest increase in global functioning which was significantly superior to that of the olanzapine group for the entire follow-up period. Before 90 days, the quetiapine group had the fastest increase which was statistically superior to the olanzapine group.DiscussionZiprasidone and quetiapine demonstrated superiority to olanzapine in increasing global neurocognitive performance in this naturalistic sample.
Impaired myelination of the human hippocampal formation in Down syndrome
Authors: Ábrahám Hajnalka , Vincze András , Veszprémi Béla , Kravják András , Gömöri Éva , Kovács Gábor G. , Seress László 
Published: December 2011

AbstractMyelination is considered as one of the last steps of neuronal development and is essential to the physiologically matured function of afferent and efferent pathways. In the present study, myelin formation was examined in the human fetal, postnatal and adult hippocampal formation in Down syndrome and in age‐matched controls with immunohistochemistry detecting a protein component of the myelin sheath, the myelin basic protein synthesized by oligodendroglial cells.Myelination is mainly a postnatal event in the hippocampal formation of both healthy controls and in patients with Down syndrome. In patients with Down syndrome the sequence of myelination of the hippocampal formation followed a similar developmental pattern to that in controls. However, myelin formation was generally delayed in Down syndrome compared to age‐matched controls. In addition, in the hilus of the dentate gyrus a decreased density of myelinated axons was detected from the start of myelination until adulthood.The majority of local axons (mossy fibers) are not myelinated in the hilar region and myelinated fibers arriving in the hilus come mainly from the subcortical septal nuclei. Since intact septo‐hippocampal connections are necessary for memory formation, we hypothesize that decreased myelination in the hilus may contribute to the mental retardation of Down syndrome patients.
Drug development to overcome resistance to EGFR inhibitors in lung and colorectal cancer
Authors: Dienstmann Rodrigo , De Dosso Sara , Felip Enriqueta , Tabernero Josep 
Published: December 2011

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a validated target in different human malignancies. EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are known to contribute considerably to the extension of progression‐free survival in EGFR‐mutant non‐small cell lung cancer and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting EGFR have also improved the efficacy outcomes in KRAS wild‐type colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, a significant percentage of lung and colorectal cancer patients do not respond to anti‐EGFR agents and secondary resistance after initial benefit is a challenging reality faced by clinicians. Extensive preclinical work on the potential mechanisms of resistance to EGFR inhibitors in different disease settings has guided the development of second‐generation irreversible EGFR TKIs, more efficient anti‐EGFR mAbs, and combination strategies with agents targeting other receptors and downstream effectors. In order to elucidate the role of the multiple therapeutic strategies under investigation to overcome EGFR inhibitors‐resistance, rational drug development based on stringent preclinical data, biomarker validation and proper selection of patients in the ongoing clinical trials are of paramount importance. Preliminary results of clinical trials evaluating these approaches will be discussed in this manuscript, with emphasis on TKIs in lung cancer and mAbs in advanced colorectal cancer.