bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Eurasian water shrew: an unsuitable candidate species for a vertebrate bio‐indicator of aquatic pollution
Authors: Scott D. M. , Southgate F. , Overall A. J. , Waite S. , Tolhurst B. A. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe Eurasian water shrew Neomys fodiens is a semi‐aquatic predator of freshwater invertebrates. As water quality affects the diversity and abundance of aquatic invertebrates, water shrews could potentially be used as a vertebrate bio‐indicator of water quality. To date, no detailed studies have empirically examined the impacts of water quality on Eurasian water shrew occurrence. Bait‐tube surveys were undertaken in winter and summer over 3 years at 26 different wetland locations across Sussex, UK, which varied in water quality. Bait tubes were used to confirm water shrew presence at specific sites and derive an index of activity using frequency of occurrence of faeces within tubes. Water quality was measured using six direct physical and chemical indicators (dissolved oxygen, pH, water temperature, ammonia, nitrate and phosphate) and two derived indices of biological indicators based on aquatic invertebrate composition. We found no linear relationship between any physical, chemical or biological water quality indicators and water shrew occurrence. Generalized linear models indicate that water shrew presence and frequency of occurrence are more affected by site and season than water quality. Thus, water shrews may be more tolerant of poor water quality than previously envisaged. Overall, our study indicates that water shrews are not suitable vertebrate bio‐indicators of water quality.
Use of forest strata by bats in temperate forests
Authors: Plank M. , Fiedler K. , Reiter G. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractConcurrent recordings of bat calls at the ground and canopy levels were compared to analyse the vertical stratification of habitat use in a broad‐leaved deciduous forest in central Europe. The recording effort was 48 nights, by sampling 16 sites three times in 2010. Overall, 2170 call sequences were recorded; 40% of them at the canopy level. Sixteen bat species were identified, 13 of which occurred at ground level and 14 in the canopy. By fitting generalized linear mixed models for seven species and all calls sequences combined, the effects of stratum, time period, ambient temperature and forest structure on bat‐calling activity were assessed. Four species preferred the ground level (Barbastella barbastellus, Eptesicus serotinus, Myotis daubentonii, Pipistrellus pygmaeus). M. bechsteinii was the only species which had a significant preference for the canopy level in the pregnancy, lactation and post‐lactation period, whereas two further species (M. alcathoe, P. pipistrellus) showed a significant canopy preference in at least one period. Therefore, canopy sampling should be undertaken when aiming at monitoring such species for conservation purposes. Populations of certain target species will be underestimated by ground recordings alone.
The influence of the magnitude, probability, and valence of potential wins and losses on the amplitude of the feedback negativity
Authors: KreuSSel Luisa , Hewig Johannes , Kretschmer Nora , Hecht Holger , Coles Michael G.H. , Miltner Wolfgang H.R. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractWe assessed the influence of the variables outcome potential, feedback valence, magnitude, and probability on the amplitude of the feedback negativity (FN). Outcome potential was defined as the a priori valence of an upcoming feedback, that is, is there a potential win or potential loss? All these variables have been studied previously, although never together, but the findings have been contradictory. We analyzed the event‐related potential (ERP) after feedback presentation in a reinforcement‐learning task to examine the effects of all the variables on feedback negativity. Our results show that outcome potential, feedback valence, probability, and magnitude all influence feedback related ERPs. Taken together, the findings suggest that ERPs in the time range of the feedback negativity are primarily driven by positive outcomes (reinforcement) rather than negative outcomes (punishment).
Physiological roles of microglia during development
Authors: Pont‐Lezica Lorena , Béchade Catherine , Belarif‐Cantaut Yasmine , Pascual Olivier , Bessis Alain 
Published: September 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 901–908.AbstractIn all the species examined thus far, the behavior of microglia during development appears to be highly stereotyped. This reproducibility supports the notion that these cells have a physiological role in development. Microglia are macrophages that migrate from the yolk sac and colonize the central nervous system early during development. The first invading yolk‐sac macrophages are highly proliferative and their role has not yet been addressed. At later developmental stages, microglia can be found throughout the brain and tend to preferentially reside at specific locations that are often associated with known developmental processes. Thus, it appears that microglia concentrate in areas of cell death, in proximity of developing blood vessels, in the marginal layer, which contains developing axon fascicles, and in close association with radial glial cells. This review describes the main features of brain colonization by microglia and discusses the possible physiological roles of these cells during development.
Effect of Gelsemium 5CH and 15CH on anticipatory anxiety: a phase III, single‐centre, randomized, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Paris Adeline , Schmidlin Sophie , Mouret Sandrine , Hodaj Enkelejda , Marijnen Philippe , Boujedaini Naoual , Polosan Mircea , Cracowski Jean‐Luc 
Published: September 2011

AbstractTherapeutics to treat or prevent anxiety are numerous but many people choose to try non‐conventional medicine such as homeopathy. This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of Gelsemium 5CH and 15CH on provoked anxiety in healthy volunteers, in comparison with placebo. This was a double‐blind, single‐centre, randomized, placebo‐controlled study. Eligible healthy men or women aged from 18 to 40 years without a history of psychiatric disorders were randomly allocated to receive Gelsemium 5 or 15CH or placebo. Anxiety was proved by performance of the Stroop colour word test (SCWT). The primary end‐point was anxiety assessed by the State measure of the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI‐S) as the absolute value and difference with baseline, according to the treatment received. We included 180 healthy volunteers. The distribution into each treatment group was homogenous. There was no statistical difference between groups for the values of STAI‐S at baseline, just before the SCWT and the difference between these times (1.8 [0.20 to 3.4], 1.0 [−0.6 to 2.6] and 1.4 [−0.3 to 3.0] for Gelsemium 15CH, 5CH and placebo respectively). Likewise, no statistical difference was observed between groups in anxiety as measured by a Visual Analogue Scale and the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate significantly increased (P < 0.001) but no interaction between time prior to provoked anxiety and treatment was shown (P = 0.59 and P = 0.46, respectively). Gelsemium 5CH and 15CH do not prevent anticipatory anxiety in the conditions used in this study.
d‐Amino acid oxidase‐mediated increase in spinal hydrogen peroxide is mainly responsible for formalin‐induced tonic pain
Authors: Lu Jin‐Miao , Gong Nian , Wang Yan‐Chao , Wang Yong‐Xiang 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Spinal reactive oxygen species (ROS) are critically involved in chronic pain. d‐Amino acid oxidase (DAAO) oxidizes d‐amino acids such as d‐serine to form the byproduct hydrogen peroxide without producing other ROS. DAAO inhibitors are specifically analgesic in tonic pain, neuropathic pain and cancer pain. This study examined the role of spinal hydrogen peroxide in pain and the mechanism of the analgesic effects of DAAO inhibitors.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Formalin‐induced pain behaviours and spinal hydrogen peroxide levels were measured in rodents.KEY RESULTS Formalin injected into the paw increased spinal hydrogen peroxide synchronously with enhanced tonic pain; both were effectively prevented by i.t. fluorocitrate, a selective astrocyte metabolic inhibitor. Given systemically, the potent DAAO inhibitor CBIO (5‐chloro‐benzo[d]isoxazol‐3‐ol) blocked spinal DAAO enzymatic activity and specifically prevented formalin‐induced tonic pain in a dose‐dependent manner. Although CBIO maximally inhibited tonic pain by 62%, it completely prevented the increase in spinal hydrogen peroxide. I.t. catalase, an enzyme specific for decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, completely depleted spinal hydrogen peroxide and prevented formalin‐induced tonic pain by 65%. Given systemically, the ROS scavenger PBN (phenyl‐N‐tert‐butylnitrone) also inhibited formalin‐induced tonic pain and increase in spinal hydrogen peroxide. Formalin‐induced tonic pain was potentiated by i.t. exogenous hydrogen peroxide. CBIO did not increase spinal d‐serine level, and i.t. d‐serine did not alter either formalin‐induced tonic pain or CBIO's analgesic effect.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Spinal hydrogen peroxide is specifically and largely responsible for formalin‐induced pain, and DAAO inhibitors produce analgesia by blocking spinal hydrogen peroxide production rather than interacting with spinal d‐serine.
Low dose of propranolol down‐modulates bone resorption by inhibiting inflammation and osteoclast differentiation
Authors: Rodrigues WF , Madeira MFM , da Silva TA , Clemente‐Napimoga JT , Miguel CB , Dias‐da‐Silva VJ , Barbosa‐Neto O , Lopes AH , Napimoga MH 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Bones are widely innervated, suggesting an important role for the sympathetic regulation of bone metabolism, although there are controversial studies. We investigated the effects of propranolol in a model of experimental periodontal disease.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Rats were assigned as follows: animals without ligature; ligated animals receiving vehicle and ligated animals receiving 0.1, 5 or 20 mg·kg−1 propranolol. After 30 days, haemodynamic parameters were measured by cardiac catheterization. Gingival tissues were removed and assessed for IL‐1β, TNF‐α and cross‐linked carboxyterminal telopeptides of type I collagen (CTX) by elisa, or intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1), receptor activator of NF‐κ B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) by Western blot analysis. Sections from the mandibles were evaluated for bone resorption. Also, we analysed the ability of propranolol to inhibit osteoclastogenesis in vitro.RESULTS Propranolol at 0.1 and 5 mg·kg−1 reduced the bone resorption as well as ICAM‐1 and RANKL expression. However, only 0.1 mg·kg−1 reduced IL‐1β, TNF‐α and CTX levels as well as increased the expression of OPG, but did not alter any of the haemodynamic parameters. Propranolol also suppressed in vitro osteoclast differentiation and resorptive activity by inhibiting the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc)1 pathway and the expression of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), cathepsin K and MMP‐9.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Low doses of propranolol suppress bone resorption by inhibiting RANKL‐mediated osteoclastogenesis as well as inflammatory markers without affecting haemodynamic parameters.
Characteristics of concatemeric GABAA receptors containing α4/δ subunits expressed in Xenopus oocytes
Authors: Shu Hong‐Jin , Bracamontes John , Taylor Amanda , Wu Kyle , Eaton Megan M , Akk Gustav , Manion Brad , Evers Alex S , Krishnan Kathiresan , Covey Douglas F , Zorumski Charles F , Steinbach Joe Henry , Mennerick Steven 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE GABAA receptors mediate both synaptic and extrasynaptic actions of GABA. In several neuronal populations, α4 and δ subunits are key components of extrasynaptic GABAA receptors that strongly influence neuronal excitability and could mediate the effects of neuroactive agents including neurosteroids and ethanol. However, these receptors can be difficult to study in native cells and recombinant δ subunits can be difficult to express in heterologous systems.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We engineered concatemeric (fused) subunits to ensure δ and α4 subunit expression. We tested the pharmacology of the concatemeric receptors, compared with a common synaptic‐like receptor subunit combination (α1 +β2 +γ2L), and with free‐subunit α4/δ receptors, expressed in Xenopus oocytes.KEY RESULTS δ‐β2 −α4 +β2‐α4 cRNA co‐injected into Xenopus oocytes resulted in GABA‐gated currents with the expected pharmacological properties of α4/δ‐containing receptors. Criteria included sensitivity to agonists of different efficacy, sensitivity to the allosteric activator pentobarbital, and modulation of agonist responses by DS2 (4‐chloro‐N‐[2‐(2‐thienyl)imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine‐3‐yl benzamide; a δ‐selective positive modulator), furosemide, and Zn2+. We used the concatemers to examine neurosteroid sensitivity of extrasynaptic‐like, δ‐containing receptors. We found no qualitative differences between extrasynaptic‐like receptors and synaptic‐like receptors in the actions of either negative or positive neurosteroid modulators of receptor function. Quantitative differences were explained by the partial agonist effects of the natural agonist GABA and by a mildly increased sensitivity to low steroid concentrations.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The neurosteroid structure‐activity profile for α4/δ‐containing extrasynaptic receptors is unlikely to differ from that of synaptic‐like receptors such as α1/β2/γ2‐containing receptors.
Orexin A in rat rostral ventrolateral medulla is pressor, sympatho‐excitatory, increases barosensitivity and attenuates the somato‐sympathetic reflex
Authors: Shahid Israt Z , Rahman Ahmed A , Pilowsky Paul M 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) maintains sympathetic nerve activity (SNA), and integrates adaptive reflexes. Orexin A‐immunoreactive neurones in the lateral hypothalamus project to the RVLM. Microinjection of orexin A into RVLM increases blood pressure and heart rate. However, the expression of orexin receptors, and effects of orexin A in the RVLM on splanchnic SNA (sSNA), respiration and adaptive reflexes are unknown.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The effect of orexin A on baseline cardio‐respiratory variables as well as the somato‐sympathetic, baroreceptor and chemoreceptor reflexes in RVLM were investigated in urethane‐anaesthetized, vagotomized and artificially ventilated male Sprague‐Dawley rats (n= 50). orexin A and its receptors were detected with fluorescence immunohistochemistry.KEY RESULTS Tyrosine hydroxylase‐immunoreactive neurones in the RVLM were frequently co‐localized with orexin 1 (OX1) and orexin 2 (OX2) receptors and closely apposed to orexin A‐immunoreactive terminals. Orexin A injected into the RVLM was pressor and sympatho‐excitatory. Peak effects were observed at 50 pmol with increased mean arterial pressure (42 mmHg) and SNA (45%). Responses to orexin A (50 pmol) were attenuated by the OX1 receptor antagonist, SB334867, and reproduced by the OX2 receptor agonist, [Ala11, D‐Leu15]orexin B. Orexin A attenuated the somato‐sympathetic reflex but increased baroreflex sensitivity. Orexin A increased or reduced sympatho‐excitation following hypoxia or hypercapnia respectively.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Although central cardio‐respiratory control mechanisms at rest do not rely on orexin, responses to adaptive stimuli are dramatically affected by the functional state of orexin receptors.
Role of endothelin‐1 in the hyper‐responsiveness to nitrovasodilators following acute NOS inhibition
Authors: Bourque Stephane L , Whittingham Heather A , Brien Susan E , Davidge Sandra T , Adams Michael A 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Acute NOS inhibition in humans and animals is associated with hypersensitivity to NO donors. The mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have not been fully elucidated. The purpose of the present study was to assess whether hypersensitivity to NOS‐blockade is linked to endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) signalling.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Sprague Dawley rats were instrumented with indwelling arterial and venous catheters for continuous assessments of haemodynamic parameters and drug delivery, respectively. Mesenteric arteries were isolated and tested for reactivity by wire myography.KEY RESULTS NOS blockade with L‐NG‐nitroarginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) caused a pronounced increase in arterial blood pressure (BP) (∼40 mmHg). In L‐NAME‐treated animals, the dose of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) required to cause a significant reduction in arterial BP was lower than in vehicle‐treated rats (P < 0.001), and the magnitude of the reduction in BP was greater. Similar results were obtained with other NO mimetics, but not isoprenaline; moreover, decreasing the BP back to baseline levels with prazosin after L‐NAME treatment did not attenuate the hyper‐responsiveness to NO donors. The increased responsiveness to NO donors was abolished by pretreatment with the ETA/B receptor antagonist, PD145065, or the ETA receptor‐specific antagonist ABT627. Ex vivo, L‐NAME treatment potentiated the constriction induced by big endothelin‐1 (bET‐1), the precursor to active ET‐1, but had no effect on the ET‐1‐mediated constriction.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These data suggest that the increased sensitivity to NO donors is mediated, at least in part, by ET‐1 in vivo, and the mechanism may involve the conversion of bET‐1 to ET‐1.
Restoration of ion channel function in deafness‐causing KCNQ4 mutants by synthetic channel openers
Authors: Leitner Michael G , Feuer Anja , Ebers Olga , Schreiber Daniela N , Halaszovich Christian R , Oliver Dominik 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE DFNA2 is a frequent hereditary hearing disorder caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in the voltage‐gated potassium channel KCNQ4 (Kv7.4). KCNQ4 mediates the predominant K+ conductance, IK,n, of auditory outer hair cells (OHCs), and loss of KCNQ4 function leads to degeneration of OHCs resulting in progressive hearing loss. Here we explore the possible recovery of channel activity of mutant KCNQ4 induced by synthetic KCNQ channel openers.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Whole cell patch clamp recordings were performed on CHO cells transiently expressing KCNQ4 wild‐type (wt) and DFNA2‐relevant mutants, and from acutely isolated OHCs.KEY RESULTS Various known KCNQ channel openers robustly enhanced KCNQ4 currents. The strongest potentiation was observed with a combination of zinc pyrithione plus retigabine. A similar albeit less pronounced current enhancement was observed with native IK,n currents in rat OHCs. DFNA2 mutations located in the channel's pore region abolished channel function and these mutant channels were completely unresponsive to channel openers. However, the function of a DFNA2 mutation located in the proximal C‐terminus was restored by the combined application of both openers. Co‐expression of wt and KCNQ4 pore mutants suppressed currents to barely detectable levels. In this dominant‐negative situation, channel openers essentially restored currents back to wt levels, most probably through strong activation of only the small fraction of homomeric wt channels.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our data suggest that by stabilizing the KCNQ4‐mediated conductance in OHCs, chemical channel openers can protect against OHC degeneration and progression of hearing loss in DFNA2.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with metastatic tumour antigen 1 overexpression in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lee Sae Hwan , Chung Young‐Hwa , Kim Jeong A. , Lee Danbi , Jin Young‐Joo , Shim Ju Hyun , Jang Myoung‐Kuk , Cho Eun‐Young , Shin Eun‐Soon , Lee Jong‐Eun , Park Neung Hwa , Yu Eunsil , Lee Young Joo 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgrounds/AimsMetastatic tumour antigen 1 (MTA1) promotes angiogenesis by stabilizing hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α), which is closely associated with frequent postoperative recurrence and poor survival in patients with HCC. In this study, we determined single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in angiogenesis‐related genes that are associated with MTA1 overexpression in HCC tissues.MethodsA total of 376 patients with HCC who had received curative surgical resection or liver transplantation were enrolled (312/21/43; HBV/HCV/NBNC). MTA1 expression was determined via immunohistochemistry. Thirty‐three common SNPs sites (frequency ≥5%) in the angiogenic protein gene that are closely connected to one another were selected, including MTA1, VEGF, HIF‐1α, FGF‐2, and IGF‐II.ResultsExpression of MTA1 was detected in 120 HCC tissues (31%). An A allele at position IVS4‐81G/A of the MTA1 gene (P = 0.016) and the TT genotype at position +12916C of the VEGF gene (P = 0.023) were significantly associated with MTA1 overexpression. However, the TT genotype at position −13021C (P = 0.011) and the haplotypes CT‐CT (−11228C; −13021C) of the IGF‐II gene (Pcor = 0.033) were more common in patients with MTA1‐negative HCC. Using multivariate analysis, the A allele at IVS4‐81G/A in MTA1 gene (P = 0.015) and a T allele (TT+CT genotype) at −13021C in IGF‐II (P = 0.002) were independent risk factors in HCC recurrence after curative surgical resection.ConclusionsThe genetic polymorphisms IVS4‐81G/A in MTA1 and +12916C in VEGF genes were correlated with MTA1 overexpression. The SNPs in MTA1 and IGF‐II genes may be important risk factors for the recurrence of HCC.
A Hemoglobin‐Based Multifunctional Therapeutic: Polynitroxylated Pegylated Hemoglobin
Authors: Hsia Carleton Jen Chang , Ma Li 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPolynitroxylated pegylated hemoglobin (PNPH) as a multifunctional therapeutic takes advantage of the ability of hemoglobin (Hb) to transport oxygen, the antioxidative stress activities from the redox coupling of nitroxide and heme iron, and the hypercolloid properties of pegylation. The published preclinical data demonstrating that PNPH acts as a neurovascular protective multifunctional therapeutic in an animal model simulating prehospital resuscitation of traumatic brain injury (TBI) with hemorrhagic shock (HS) are reviewed. Preliminary results on the potential utility of PNPH for neurovascular protection in thrombolytic stroke therapy and for correction of vascular dysfunction through transfusion in sickle‐cell disease (SCD) are also discussed. We hypothesize that with PNPH, Hb has more than been tamed—it has become a therapeutic and not just a nontoxic extracellular oxygen carrier—and that successful PNPH development as a multifunctional therapeutic that protects the neurovasculature and reduces oxidative stress may represent a paradigm shift in transfusion and critical care medicine, which may meet a number of unmet medical needs resulting from oxidative stress and inadequate blood flow, such as HS, TBI, SCD, and stroke.
An Anti‐Suction Control for an Intra‐Aorta Pump Using Blood Assistant Index: A Numerical Simulation
Authors: Gao Bin , Gu Kaiyun , Zeng Yi , Chang Yu 
Published: September 2011

AbstractWith the extensive use of the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as a treatment of heart failure, suction detection has become a key issue that directly affects the treatment. To detect the phenomenon of suction, a blood assistant index (BAI) is defined, which reflects the unloading level of the pump. The BAI is a ratio of the external work of LVAD and the input power of cardiovascular system. Using the theory of model‐free adaptive control algorithm, an anti‐suction controller, which chooses the heart rate and BAI as control variables, is designed. As a key feature, the proposed control algorithm adjusts the pump speed according to not only the blood demand of circulatory system but also the function of the native heart. Subsequently, the performance and robustness of the controller are evaluated using a numerical simulation of the assisted circulation and an in vitro experiment. The simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the BAI detects the suction occur accurately, and the controller can maintain the heart rate and BAI tracking the reference values with a response time of less than 6 s.