bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ic1/ic5 Interaction in the Music of Shostakovich
Authors: BROWN STEPHEN C. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTSeveral analysts have observed in Shostakovich's later works a particular focusing of pitch resources – namely, a frequent emphasis on interval classes 1 and 5. In fact, pitch structures highlighting these interval classes occur in music from throughout his career, although no one has considered this phenomenon in depth. The present study does so by exploring the interaction of ic1 and ic5 within the context of Shostakovich's multi‐faceted tonal language, interpreting passages from the Piano Sonatas Nos. 1 and 2, the Viola Sonata, the Symphonies Nos. 14 and 15, the String Quartet No. 12, the ‘Funeral March’ from the Aphorisms and the song ‘Noch'‐Dialog’ (‘Night Dialog’) from the Suite on Verses of Michelangelo. Drawing on the methodology of dual interval space, the article demonstrates that a focus on ic1/ic5 relationships offers a compelling perspective on much of Shostakovich's music, one that engages both local detail and large‐scale organization. Not only can ic1/ic5 interaction shape a piece on its own, but it can also connect to other aspects of design, even to relationships between music and text. Moreover, an ic1/ic5 approach sheds new light on previous Shostakovich analyses, most notably those by Russian theorists on modality in Shostakovich.
In touch with psoriasis: topical treatments and current guidelines
Authors: Murphy G , Reich K 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThis article describes topical therapies and treatment guidelines for psoriasis and is based on a presentation given by the authors at a satellite symposium held during the 19th Congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 6–10 October, 2010, in Gothenburg, Sweden. The highly variable nature of psoriasis and its individual presentation in patients can make it difficult to choose the most appropriate treatment. There are many treatment options, from topical treatment with emollients for very mild psoriasis, to systemic therapy with fumaric acid esters, methotrexate or biologics for severe disease. For the treatment of mild‐to‐moderate psoriasis, topical therapy is generally the most appropriate and a variety of options, both historical and recent, are available. Newer therapies offer greater convenience and fewer side‐effects. Of the more recently available therapies, vitamin D analogues and topical corticosteroids are the two with the greatest proven efficacy in randomized clinical trials. A recent Cochrane review showed the highest efficacy overall with the fixed combination vitamin D analogue (calcipotriol) and corticosteroid (betamethasone dipropionate). Indeed, clinical trials have shown that two‐compound calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate ointment has higher efficacy than calcipotriol or betamethasone dipropionate alone. With regard to safety, two‐compound calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate was shown to be suitable for intermittent long‐term treatment of mild‐to‐moderate psoriasis. The findings of the Cochrane review are reflected in the current treatment guidelines from the USA and Germany regarding the treatment of mild‐to‐moderate psoriasis. In both these guidelines, which will be discussed in this article, the recommended treatments for this patient group are vitamin D analogues and corticosteroids, particularly when used in combination.
Folate is related to phosphorylated neurofilament‐H and P‐tau (Ser396) in rat brain
Authors: Obeid Rima , Schlundt Jennifer , Umanskaya Natalia , Herrmann Wolfgang , Herrmann Markus 
Published: April 2011

J. Neurochem.(2011)117, 1047–1054.AbstractProtein phosphatase PP2A dephosphorylates phosphorylated tau (P‐tau) and neurofilaments (pNFs). PP2A isS‐adenosylmethionine (SAM)‐dependent and might thus link methylation with neurodegeneration. Low SAM and increasedS‐adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) can enhance the risk of dementia. We studied the effect of hyperhomocysteinemia on P‐tau (Ser396), pNF‐H (heavy chain), and PP2A‐activity and level (the C subunit) in rat brain. Wistar rats (totaln = 55) were fed either on a standard, a homocystine 1.7% or a methionine 2.4%‐rich diet for 5 months. P‐tau was tested in 21 frontal cortex tissue slices using immuno‐fluorescence. Concentrations of pNF‐H and the activity and level of PP2A were measured in brain extracts. Concentrations of homocysteine, SAM and SAH strongly increased in plasma of rats on the modified diets. The diets caused lowering of plasma folate and vitamin B12 and a significant increase in P‐tau (Ser396) in brain tissues but PP2A activity and level were unchanged. Plasma folate correlated to brain tissue PP2A activity (r = 0.28), pNF‐H (r = −0.30), and P‐tau (Ser396) staining (r = −0.57) allp < 0.05. Phosphorylation of brain functional proteins was related to folate. The effect of the diet on P‐tau and pNF‐H seemed not to be explained by a lower activity or protein level of PP2A. Folate might prove protective against multiple steps in the process of neurodegeneration.
Glycogen synthase kinase 3β in the nucleus accumbens core is critical for methamphetamine‐induced behavioral sensitization
Authors: Xu Chun‐mei , Wang Jun , Wu Ping , Xue Yan‐xue , Zhu Wei‐li , Li Qian‐qian , Zhai Hai‐feng , Shi Jie , Lu Lin 
Published: April 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 10.1111/j.1471‐4159.2011.07281.xAbstractAs a ubiquitous serine/threonine protein kinase, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK‐3β) has been considered to be important in the synaptic plasticity that underlies dopamine‐related behaviors and diseases. We recently found that GSK‐3β activity in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core is critically involved in cocaine‐induced behavioral sensitization. The present study further explored the association between the changes in GSK‐3β activity in the NAc and the chronic administration of methamphetamine. We also examined whether blocking GSK‐3β activity in the NAc could alter the initiation and expression of methamphetamine (1 mg/kg, i.p.)‐induced locomotor sensitization in rats using systemic administration of lithium chloride (LiCl, 100 mg/kg, i.p) and brain region‐specific administration of the GSK‐3β inhibitor SB216763 (1 ng/side). We found that GSK‐3β activity increased in the NAc core, but not NAc shell, after chronic methamphetamine administration. The initiation and expression of methamphetamine‐induced locomotor sensitization was attenuated by systemic administration of LiCl and direct infusion of SB216763 into the NAc core, but not NAc shell. These results indicate that GSK‐3β activity in the NAc core mediates the initiation and expression of methamphetamine‐induced locomotor sensitization, suggesting that GSK‐3β may be a potential target for the treatment of psychostimulant addiction.
Chronic alcoholism in rats induces a compensatory response, preserving brain thiamine diphosphate, but the brain 2‐oxo acid dehydrogenases are inactivated despite unchanged coenzyme levels
Authors: Parkhomenko Yulia M. , Kudryavtsev Pavel A. , Pylypchuk Svetlana Yu. , Chekhivska Lilia I. , Stepanenko Svetlana P. , Sergiichuk Andrej A. , Bunik Victoria I. 
Published: April 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 117, 1055–1065.AbstractThiamine‐dependent changes in alcoholic brain were studied using a rat model. Brain thiamine and its mono‐ and diphosphates were not reduced after 20 weeks of alcohol exposure. However, alcoholism increased both synaptosomal thiamine uptake and thiamine diphosphate synthesis in brain, pointing to mechanisms preserving thiamine diphosphate in the alcoholic brain. In spite of the unchanged level of the coenzyme thiamine diphosphate, activities of the mitochondrial 2‐oxoglutarate and pyruvate dehydrogenase complexes decreased in alcoholic brain. The inactivation of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex was caused by its increased phosphorylation. The inactivation of 2‐oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (OGDHC) correlated with a decrease in free thiols resulting from an elevation of reactive oxygen species. Abstinence from alcohol following exposure to alcohol reactivated OGDHC along with restoration of the free thiol content. However, restoration of enzyme activity occurred before normalization of reactive oxygen species levels. Hence, the redox status of cellular thiols mediates the action of oxidative stress on OGDHC in alcoholic brain. As a result, upon chronic alcohol consumption, physiological mechanisms to counteract the thiamine deficiency and silence pyruvate dehydrogenase are activated in rat brain, whereas OGDHC is inactivated due to impaired antioxidant ability.
Systemic administration of neuregulin‐1β1 protects dopaminergic neurons in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Carlsson Thomas , Schindler Friederike R. , Höllerhage Matthias , Depboylu Candan , Arias‐Carrión Oscar , Schnurrbusch Stefan , Rösler Thomas W. , Wozny Wojciech , Schwall Gerhard P. , Groebe Karlfried , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Brundin Patrik , Schrattenholz André , Höglinger Günter U. 
Published: April 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 117, 1066–1074.AbstractNeuregulin‐1 (Nrg1) is genetically linked to schizophrenia, a disease caused by neurodevelopmental imbalance in dopaminergic function. The Nrg1 receptor ErbB4 is abundantly expressed on midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Nrg1 has been shown to penetrate blood‐brain barrier, and peripherally administered Nrg1 activates ErbB4 and leads to a persistent hyperdopaminergic state in neonatal mice. These data prompted us to study the effect of peripheral administration of Nrg1 in the context of Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the dopaminergic system in the adult brain. We observed that systemic injections of the extracellular domain of Nrg1β1 (Nrg1β1‐ECD) increased dopamine levels in the substantia nigra and striatum of adult mice. Nrg1β1‐ECD injections also significantly protected the mouse nigrostriatal dopaminergic system morphologically and functionally against 6‐hydroxydopamine‐induced toxicity in vivo. Moreover, Nrg1β1‐ECD also protected human dopaminergic neurons in vitro against 6‐hydroxydopamine. In conclusion, we have identified Nrg1β1‐ECD as a neurotrophic factor for adult mouse and human midbrain dopaminergic neurons with peripheral administratability, warranting further investigation as therapeutic option for Parkinson’s disease patients.
Historic speciation and recent colonization of Eurasian monkey gobies (Neogobius fluviatilis and N. pallasi) revealed by DNA sequences, microsatellites, and morphology
Authors: Neilson Matthew E. , Stepien Carol A. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAim  Hidden diversity within an invasive ‘species’ can mask both invasion pathways and confound management goals. We assessed taxonomic status and population structure of the monkey goby Neogobius fluviatilis across Eurasia, comparing genetic variation across its native and invasive ranges.Location  Native populations were analysed within the Black and Caspian Sea basins, including major river drainages (Dnieper, Dniester, Danube, Don and Volga rivers), along with introduced locations within the upper Danube and Vistula river systems.Methods  DNA sequences and 10 nuclear microsatellite loci were analysed to test genetic diversity and divergence patterns of native and introduced populations; phylogenetic analysis of mtDNA cytochrome b and nuclear RAG‐1 sequences assessed taxonomic status of Black and Caspian Sea lineages. Multivariate analysis of morphology was used to corroborate phylogenetic patterns. Population genetic structure within each basin was evaluated with mtDNA and microsatellite data using FST analogues and Bayesian assignment tests.Results  Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear sequences discerned a pronounced genetic break between monkey gobies in the Black and Caspian Seas, indicating a long‐term species‐level separation dating to c. 3 million years. This pronounced separation further was confirmed from morphological and population genetic divergence. Bayesian inference showed congruent patterns of population structure within the Black Sea basin. Introduced populations in the Danube and Vistula River basins traced to north‐west Black Sea origins, a genetic expansion pattern matching that of other introduced Ponto‐Caspian gobiids.Main conclusions  Both genetic and morphological data strongly supported two species of monkey gobies that were formerly identified as subspecies: N. fluviatilis in the Black Sea basin, Don and Volga Rivers, and the Kumo‐Manych Depression, and Neogobius pallasi in the Caspian Sea and Volga River delta. Genetic origins of introduced N. fluviatilis populations indicated a common invasion pathway shared with other introduced Ponto‐Caspian fishes and invertebrates.
Assessing invasion risk across taxa and habitats: life stage as a determinant of invasion success
Authors: Briski Elizabeta , Ghabooli Sara , Bailey Sarah A. , MacIsaac Hugh J. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAim  Many aquatic invertebrates produce dormant life‐history stages as a means to endure inhospitable environments and to facilitate natural long‐distance dispersal, yet we have little understanding of the role of dormant stages as a mechanism for human‐mediated introductions of non‐indigenous species. We explore the survival of invertebrate dormant eggs in collected ships’ ballast sediment over a 1‐year period to determine relative invasion potential across taxa (i.e. rotifers, copepods, cladocerans and bryozoans) and different habitats (freshwater, marine).Location  Canadian Atlantic and Pacific coasts and Laurentian Great Lakes.Methods  During 2007 and 2008, 19 ballast samples were collected as a part of a larger study. The degradation rate of dormant eggs was assessed by enumerating dormant eggs and by conducting viability hatching experiments.Results  Taxa examined included rotifers, copepods, anomopods, onychopods and bryozoans. Dormant eggs of rotifers degraded at the highest rate of all taxa examined, with no viable eggs remaining within 10 months. Copepods showed a less rapid degradation rate than rotifers. The degradation rate of anomopod dormant eggs was significantly slower than that of both rotifers and copepods. Onychopods and bryozoans did not visibly degrade at all over 12 months. Viability hatching experiments were successful for rotifers, copepods, and anomopods. Onychopods and bryozoans did not hatch during any of the three hatching trials.Main conclusions  Dormancy is not equally beneficial to all invertebrate taxa. Our results indicate that dormant eggs of rotifers and copepods degrade at a rapid rate and may not pose high invasion risk. In contrast, the slow degradation rate of anomopod dormant eggs and the lack of degradation of onychopod and bryozoan dormant eggs could result in high invasion risk because of their accumulation in ballast tanks. Species having resistant dormant eggs mostly belong to freshwater taxa making freshwater habitats at higher invasion risk by dormant invertebrates than marine habitats.
Population Preferences for Health Care in Liberia: Insights for Rebuilding a Health System
Authors: Kruk Margaret E. , Rockers Peter C. , Tornorlah Varpilah S. , Macauley Rose 
Published: April 2011

Objective. To quantify the influence of health system attributes, particularly quality of care, on preferences for health clinics in Liberia, a country with a high burden of disease that is rebuilding its health system after 14 years of civil war.
Data Sources/Study Setting. Informed by focus group discussions, a discrete choice experiment (DCE) was designed to assess preferences for structure and process of care at health clinics. The DCE was fielded in rural, northern Liberia as part of a 2008 population‐based survey on health care utilization.
Data Collection. The survey response rate was 98 percent with DCE data available for 1,431 respondents. Mixed logit models were used to estimate the influence of six attributes on choice of hypothetical clinics for a future illness.
Principal Findings. Participants' choice of clinic was most influenced by provision of a thorough physical exam and consistent availability of medicines. Respectful treatment and government (versus NGO) management marginally increased utility, whereas waiting time was not significant.
Conclusions. Liberians value technical quality of care over convenience, courtesy, and public management in selecting clinics for curative care. This suggests that investments in improved competence of providers and availability of medicines may increase population utilization of essential services as well as promote better clinical outcomes.
2‐(4‐(Biphenyl‐4‐ylamino)‐6‐chloropyrimidin‐2‐ylthio)octanoic acid (HZ52) – a novel type of 5‐lipoxygenase inhibitor with favourable molecular pharmacology and efficacy in vivo
Authors: Greiner C , Hörnig C , Rossi A , Pergola C , Zettl H , Schubert‐Zsilavecz M , Steinhilber D , Sautebin L , Werz O 
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 5‐Lipoxygenase (5‐LO) is the key enzyme in the biosynthesis of pro‐inflammatory leukotrienes (LTs) representing a potential target for pharmacological intervention with inflammation and allergic disorders. Although many LT synthesis inhibitors are effective in simple in vitro test systems, they frequently fail in vivo due to lack of efficacy. Here, we attempted to assess the pharmacological potential of the previously identified 5‐LO inhibitor 2‐(4‐(biphenyl‐4‐ylamino)‐6‐chloropyrimidin‐2‐ylthio)octanoic acid (HZ52).EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We evaluated the efficacy of HZ52 in vivo using carrageenan‐induced pleurisy in rats and platelet‐activating factor (PAF)‐induced lethal shock in mice. We also characterized 5‐LO inhibition by HZ52 at the cellular and molecular level in comparison with other types of 5‐LO inhibitor, that is, BWA4C, ZM230487 and hyperforin.KEY RESULTS HZ52, 1.5 mg·kg−1 i.p., prevented carrageenan‐induced pleurisy accompanied by reduced LTB4 levels and protected mice (10 mg·kg−1, i.p.) against PAF‐induced shock. Detailed analysis in cell‐based and cell‐free assays revealed that inhibition of 5‐LO by HZ52 (i) does not depend on radical scavenging properties and is reversible; (ii) is not impaired by an increased peroxide tone or by elevated substrate concentrations; and (iii) is little affected by the cell stimulus or by phospholipids, glycerides, membranes or Ca2+.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS HZ52 is a promising new type of 5‐LO inhibitor with efficacy in vivo and with a favourable pharmacological profile. It possesses a unique 5‐LO inhibitory mechanism different from classical 5‐LO inhibitors and seemingly lacks the typical disadvantages of former classes of LT synthesis blockers.
Significant systemic and mucosal immune response induced on oral delivery of diphtheria toxoid using nano‐bilosomes
Authors: Shukla Anshuman , Singh Bhupinder , Katare O P 
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Over the last decade apprehension has been growing over the effectiveness of existing parenteral vaccines for diphtheria and has created an interest in the development of a mucosally active vaccine. Oral immunization appears to be an effective alternative, but is not without the inherent disadvantages of antigen destruction and tolerance. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the incorporation of diphtheria toxoid (DTx) into bilosomes, which could provide protection as well as aid transmucosal uptake and subsequent immunization. Another objective was to determine the oral dose that will produce serum antibody titres comparable with those produced by i.m. doses of DTx.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Bilosomes containing DTx were prepared by thin film hydration and characterized in vitro for their shape, size, percent antigen entrapment and stability. In the in vivo study the anti‐DTx IgG and anti‐DTx sIgA response was estimated using elisa, in serum and in various body secretions, respectively, following oral immunization with different doses of DTx entrapped in nano‐bilosomes.KEY RESULTS High dose loaded nano‐bilosomes (DTxNB3, 2Lf) produced comparable anti‐DTx IgG levels in serum to those induced by i.m. alum‐adsorbed DTx (0.5Lf). In addition, all the nano‐bilosomal preparations elicited a measurable anti‐DTx sIgA response in mucosal secretion, whereas i.m. alum‐adsorbed DTx (0.5Lf) was unable to elicit this response.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The orally administered nano‐bilosomal DTx formulation produced comparable serum antibody titres to i.m.alum‐adsorbed DTx, at a fourfold higher dose and without the induction of tolerance. This approach will provide an effective and comprehensive immune protection against diphtheria with better patient compliance.
Small leucine‐rich proteoglycans, decorin and fibromodulin, are reduced in postburn hypertrophic scar
Authors: Honardoust Dariush , Varkey Mathew , Hori Keijiro , Ding Jie , Shankowsky Heather A. , Tredget Edward E. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTSmall leucine‐rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) are extracellular matrix molecules that regulate collagen fibrillogenesis and inhibit transforming growth factor‐β activity; thus, they may play a critical role in wound healing and scar formation. Hypertrophic scarring is a dermal form of fibroproliferative disorders, which occurs in over 70% of burn patients and leads to disfigurement and limitations in function. By understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that lead to scarring after injury, new clinical therapeutic approaches can by developed to minimize abnormal scar formation in hypertrophic scarring and other fibroproliferative disorders. To study the expression and localization of SLRPs with connective tissue cells in tissue immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, immunoblotting, and reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction were used in normal skin and hypertrophic scar (HTS). In normal skin, there was more decorin and fibromodulin accumulation in the superficial layers than in the deeper dermal layers. The levels of decorin and fibromodulin were significantly lower in HTS, whereas biglycan was increased when compared with normal skin. There was an increased expression of biglycan, fibromodulin, and lumican in the basement membrane and around basal epithelial cells. In contrast, these proteoglycans were absent or weakly expressed in HTS. The findings suggest that down‐regulation of SLRPs after wound healing in deep injuries to the skin plays an important role in the development of fibrosis and HTS.
Keratinocytes stimulate fibroblast hyaluronan synthesis through the release of stratifin: A possible role in the suppression of scar tissue formation
Authors: Edward Michael , Quinn Jean A. , Sands William 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTScar tissue formation during healing of extensive skin wounds may be related to delayed reepithelialization, while elevated levels of hyaluronan may suppress scar tissue formation. This study investigates the expression of hyaluronan by human skin fibroblasts in response to keratinocyte‐conditioned medium (KCM), and attempts to identify any active factors within the conditioned medium. Serum‐free KCM was assessed for its ability to stimulate the incorporation of 3H‐glucosamine into fibroblast glycosaminoglycans, and hyaluronan synthesis. Conditioned medium was concentrated with an ultrafiltration membrane with a 30 kDa cutoff. Stratifin was assessed for its ability to stimulate hyaluronan synthesis and its role in KCM. KCM stimulated fibroblast glycosaminoglycan synthesis up to a 3.3‐fold increase and a 6.5‐fold increase in hyaluronan synthesis compared with serum‐free controls. Preliminary characterization of the active factors showed that they are retained by a >30 kDa ultrafiltration membrane, and are protease sensitive and heat resistant. Emmprin and stratifin were shown to stimulate fibroblast hyaluronan synthesis, and the hyaluronan‐stimulating activity of KCM was removed following stratifin depletion and to a lesser extent by emmprin depletion. Keratinocytes release soluble factors, including stratifin, that stimulate fibroblast hyaluronan synthesis, and this stimulation of fibroblast hyaluronan may contribute to the suppression of scar tissue formation.