bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Habituation in neural processing and subjective perception of respiratory sensations
Authors: Von Leupoldt Andreas , Vovk Andrea , Bradley Margaret M. , Lang Peter J. , Davenport Paul W. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractReduced perception of respiratory sensations is associated with negative treatment outcome in asthma. We examined whether habituation in the neural processing of repeatedly experienced respiratory sensations may underlie subjective reports of reduced respiratory perception. Respiratory‐related evoked potentials (RREP) elicited by inspiratory occlusions and reports of respiratory perception were compared between early and late experimental periods in healthy subjects. Reports of respiratory perception were reduced during late, compared to early, experimental periods. This was paralleled by reduced magnitudes in RREP components N1, P2, and P3 in late, compared to early, experimental periods. Habituation in the neural processing of respiratory sensations is a potential mechanism that underlies subjective reports of reduced respiratory perception and might represent a risk factor for reduced perception of respiratory sensations in asthma.
The nutritional significance of a winter‐flowering succulent for opportunistic avian nectarivores
Authors: SYMES CRAIG T. , MCKECHNIE ANDREW E. , NICOLSON SUSAN W. , WOODBORNE STEPHAN M. 
Published: October 2010

The winter‐flowering succulent Aloe marlothii provides nectar for many opportunistic avian nectarivores in southern African savannas. We assessed the importance of A. marlothii nectar sugar for opportunistic nectarivores by analysing temporal changes in stable carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) in the tissues of birds in Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, South Africa. The blood of the 11 most common non‐granivorous opportunistic nectarivores at our site was enriched in 13C by 3.4 ± 1.5‰ during the flowering period of A. marlothii, reflecting the enriched crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) isotopic signature of nectar (−12.6 ± 0.5‰). This relatively small contribution of A. marlothii nectar to assimilated carbon in whole blood contrasted with that of exhaled CO2 in African Red‐eyed Bulbuls Pycnonotus nigricans and Cape White‐eyes Zosterops capensis. In both these species, the δ13C of breath samples was significantly enriched compared with blood and feathers, and closely resembled that of the nectar, revealing combustion of ingested nectar rather than assimilation. Although our analysis was complicated by the presence of C4 grasses, whose δ13C values are similar to those of CAM photosynthesizers, when considered with previously published feeding observations our data reveal that opportunistic nectarivores feeding on A. marlothii nectar obtain a relatively small fraction of their assimilated carbon, but most of their metabolized carbon, from this seasonally available carbohydrate food resource. Because the δ13C values of insects associated with C3 plants also became enriched during the flowering season, some insect‐eating opportunistic nectarivores may have assimilated A. marlothii carbon indirectly from insects. This study highlights the importance of understanding isotopic routing when assessing the nutritional significance of specific dietary items to consumer communities.
Pharmacological characterization of six trkB antibodies reveals a novel class of functional agents for the study of the BDNF receptor
Authors: Cazorla M , Arrang JM , Prémont J 
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEBy interacting with trkB receptors, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) triggers various signalling pathways responsible for neurone survival, differentiation and modulation of synaptic transmission. Numerous reports have implicated BDNF and trkB in the pathogenesis of various central nervous system affections and in cancer, thus representing trkB as a promising therapeutic target. In this study, we used an antibody‐based approach to search for trkB‐selective functional reagents.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHSix commercially available polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies were tested on recombinant and native, human and rodent trkB receptors. Functional and pharmacological characterization was performed using a modified version of the KIRA‐elisamethod and radioligand binding studies. Western blot analyses and neurite outgrowth assays were carried out to determine the specificity and selectivity of antibody effects. The survival properties of one antibody were further assessed on cultured neurones in a serum‐deprived paradigm.KEY RESULTSThe functional trkB‐selective antibodies showed distinct pharmacological profiles, ranging from partial agonists to antagonists, acting on trkB receptors through allosteric modulations. The same diversity of effects was observed on the mitogen‐activated protein kinase signalling pathway downstream of trkB and on the subsequent neurite outgrowth. One antibody with partial agonist activity demonstrated cell survival properties by activating the Akt pathway. Finally, these antibodies were functionally validated as true trkB‐selective ligands because they failed activating trkA or trkC, and contrary to BDNF, none of them bind to p75NTR.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSThese trkB‐selective antibodies represent a novel class of pharmacological tools to explore the pathophysiological roles of trkB and its potential therapeutic relevance for the treatment of various disorders.
Nrf2‐mediated liver protection by sauchinone, an antioxidant lignan, from acetaminophen toxicity through the PKCδ‐GSK3β pathway
Authors: Kay Hee Yeon , Kim Young Woo , Ryu Da Hye , Sung Sang Hyun , Hwang Se Jin , Kim Sang Geon 
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Sauchinone, an antioxidant lignan, protects hepatocytes from iron‐induced toxicity. This study investigated the protective effects of sauchinone against acetaminophen (APAP)‐induced toxicity in the liver and the role of nuclear factor erythroid‐2‐related factor‐2 (Nrf2) in this effect.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Blood biochemistry and histopathology were assessed in mice treated with APAP or APAP + sauchinone. The levels of mRNA and protein were measured using real‐time PCR assays and immunoblottings.KEY RESULTS Sauchinone ameliorated liver injury caused by a high dose of APAP. This effect was prevented by a deficiency of Nrf2. Sauchinone treatment induced modifier subunit of glutamate‐cysteine ligase, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase‐1 (NQO1) and heat shock protein 32 in the liver, which was abolished by Nrf2 deficiency. In a hepatocyte model, sauchinone activated Nrf2, as evidenced by the increased nuclear accumulation of Nrf2, the induction of NQO1‐antioxidant response element reporter gene, and glutamate‐cysteine ligase and NQO1 protein induction, which contributed to the restoration of hepatic glutathione content. Consistently, treatment of sauchinone enhanced Nrf2 phosphorylation with a reciprocal decrease in its interaction with Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein‐1. Intriguingly, sauchinone activated protein kinase C‐δ (PKCδ), which led to Nrf2 phosphorylation. In addition, it increased the inhibitory phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK3β), derepressing Nrf2 activity, which was supported by the reversal of sauchinone's activation of Nrf2 by an activated mutant of GSK3β. Moreover, phosphorylation of GSK3β by sauchinone depended on PKCδ activation.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our results demonstrate that sauchinone protects the liver from APAP‐induced toxicity by activating Nrf2, and this effect is mediated by PKCδ activation, which induces inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK3β.
Characterization of RO4583298 as a novel potent, dual antagonist within vivoactivity at tachykinin NK1and NK3receptors
Authors: Malherbe P , Knoflach F , Hernandez MC , Hoffmann T , Schnider P , Porter RH , Wettstein JG , Ballard TM , Spooren W , Steward L 
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEClinical results of osanetant and talnetant (selective‐NK3antagonists) indicate that blocking the NK3receptor could be beneficial for the treatment of schizophrenia. The objective of this study was to characterize thein vitroandin vivoproperties of a novel dual NK1/NK3antagonist, RO4583298 (2‐phenyl‐N‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)‐N‐methylisobutyramide derivative).EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHRO4583298in vitropharmacology was investigated using radioligand binding ([3H]‐SP, [3H]‐osanetant, [3H]‐senktide), [3H]‐inositol‐phosphate accumulation Schild analysis (SP‐ or [MePhe7]‐NKB‐induced) and electrophysiological studies in guinea‐pig substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Thein vivoactivity of RO4583298 was assessed using reversal of GR73632‐induced foot tapping in gerbils (GFT; NK1) and senktide‐induced tail whips in mice (MTW; NK3).KEY RESULTSRO4583298 has a high‐affinity for NK1(human and gerbil) and NK3(human, cynomolgus monkey, gerbil and guinea‐pig) receptors and behaves as a pseudo‐irreversible antagonist. Unusually it binds with high‐affinity to mouse and rat NK3, yet with a partial non‐competitive mode of antagonism. In guinea‐pig SNpc, RO4583298 inhibited the senktide‐induced potentiation of spontaneous activity of dopaminergic neurones with an apparent non‐competitive mechanism of action. RO4583298 (p.o.) robustly blocked the GFT response, and inhibited the MTW.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSRO4583298 is a high‐affinity, non‐competitive, long‐actingin vivoNK1/NK3antagonist; hence providing a usefulin vitroandin vivopharmacological tool to investigate the roles of NK1and NK3receptors in psychiatric disorders.
Cyclic AMP‐dependent inotropic effects are differentially regulated by muscarinic Gi‐dependent constitutive inhibition of adenylyl cyclase in failing rat ventricle
Authors: Hussain RI , Afzal F , Mørk HK , Aronsen JM , Sjaastad I , Osnes J‐B , Skomedal T , Levy FO , Krobert KA 
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEβ‐Adrenoceptor (β‐AR)‐mediated inotropic effects are attenuated and Giproteins are up‐regulated in heart failure (HF). Muscarinic receptors constitutively inhibit cAMP formation in normal rat cardiomyocytes. We determined whether constitutive activity of muscarinic receptors to inhibit adenylyl cyclase (AC) increases in HF and if so, whether it modifies the reduced β‐AR‐ or emergent 5‐HT4‐mediated cAMP‐dependent inotropic effects.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHContractility and AC activity were measured and related to each other in rat ventricle with post‐infarction HF and sham‐operated (Sham) controls with or without blockade of muscarinic receptors by atropine and inactivation of Giprotein by pertussis toxin (PTX).KEY RESULTSIsoprenaline‐mediated inotropic effects were attenuated and basal, isoprenaline‐ and forskolin‐stimulated AC activity was reduced in HF compared with Sham. Atropine or PTX pretreatment increased forskolin‐stimulated AC activity in HF hearts. β‐AR‐stimulated AC and maximal inotropic response were unaffected by atropine in Sham and HF. In HF, the potency of serotonin (5‐HT) to evoke an inotropic response was increased in the presence of atropine with no change in the maximal inotropic response. Interestingly, PTX pretreatment reduced the potency of 5‐HT to evoke inotropic responses while increasing the maximal inotropic response.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSAlthough muscarinic constitutive inhibition of AC is increased in HF, it does not contribute to the reduced β‐AR‐mediated inotropic effects in rat ventricle in HF. The data support the hypothesis that there are differences in the functional compartmentation of 5‐HT4and β‐AR AC signalling in myocardium during HF.
Melanocortins protect against multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in mice
Authors: Bitto Alessandra , Polito Francesca , Altavilla Domenica , Irrera Natasha , Giuliani Daniela , Ottani Alessandra , Minutoli Letteria , Spaccapelo Luca , Galantucci Maria , Lodi Renzo , Guzzo Giuseppe , Guarini Salvatore , Squadrito Francesco 
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEMelanocortins reverse circulatory shock and improve survival by counteracting the systemic inflammatory response, and through the activation of the vagus nerve‐mediated cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway. To gain insight into the potential therapeutic value of melanocortins against multiple organ damage following systemic inflammatory response, here we investigated the effects of the melanocortin analogue [Nle4, D‐Phe7]α‐MSH (NDP‐α‐MSH) in a widely used murine model of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHMODS was induced in mice by a single intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide followed, 6 days later (= day 0), by zymosan. After MODS or sham MODS induction, animals were randomized to receive intraperitoneally NDP‐α‐MSH (340 µg·kg−1day) or saline for up to 16 days. Additional groups of MODS mice were concomitantly treated with the melanocortin MC4receptor antagonist HS024, or the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist chlorisondamine, and NDP‐α‐MSH.KEY RESULTSAt day 7, in the liver and lung NDP‐α‐MSH, significantly reduced mRNA expression of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), increased mRNA expression of interleukin‐10 and improved the histological picture, as well as reduced TNF‐α plasma levels; furthermore, NDP‐α‐MSH dose‐dependently increased survival rate, as assessed throughout the 16 day observation period. HS024 and chlorisondamine prevented all the beneficial effects of NDP‐α‐MSH in MODS mice.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSThese data indicate that NDP‐α‐MSH protects against experimental MODS by counteracting the systemic inflammatory response, probably through brain MC4receptor‐triggered activation of the cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway. These findings reveal previously undescribed effects of melanocortins and could have clinical relevance in the MODS setting.
Enhancing Electricity Audits in Residential Buildings with Nonintrusive Load Monitoring
Authors: Berges Mario E. , Goldman Ethan , Matthews H. Scott , Soibelman Lucio 
Published: October 2010

SummaryNonintrusive load monitoring (NILM) is a technique for deducing the power consumption and operational schedule of individual loads in a building from measurements of the overall voltage and current feeding it, using information and communication technologies. In this article, we review the potential of this technology to enhance residential electricity audits. First, we review the currently commercially available whole‐house and plug‐level technology for residential electricity monitoring in the context of supporting audits. We then contrast this with NILM and show the advantages and disadvantages of the approach by discussing results from a prototype system installed in an apartment unit. Recommendations for improving the technology to allow detailed, continuous appliance‐level auditing of residential buildings are provided, along with ideas for possible future work in the field.
Rebalancing the Global Economy
Authors: RAJAN RAHGURAM G. 
Published: October 2010

The United States accuses China of subsidizing its entire export economy through artificially undervaluing its currency. China accuses the United States of fiscal profligacy while flooding the world with easy credit to keep its economy afloat. This dispute reflects the reality that the world's two largest economies are built on opposite dynamics of production and savings vs. consumerism and debt. In Europe, the wages of unsustainable debt that financed the welfare state have also come due.Rebalancing the global economy in this context is not only a matter of fixing exchange or interest rates and extending the retirement age. It must also involve a recalibration of democracy in both East and West. Two Nobel economists, the Greek prime minister, a ranking Chinese economist and the former chief economist of the IMF address these issues.
Short‐termism Is Undermining America
Authors: PHELPS EDMUND S. 
Published: October 2010

The United States accuses China of subsidizing its entire export economy through artificially undervaluing its currency. China accuses the United States of fiscal profligacy while flooding the world with easy credit to keep its economy afloat. This dispute reflects the reality that the world's two largest economies are built on opposite dynamics of production and savings vs. consumerism and debt. In Europe, the wages of unsustainable debt that financed the welfare state have also come due.Rebalancing the global economy in this context is not only a matter of fixing exchange or interest rates and extending the retirement age. It must also involve a recalibration of democracy in both East and West. Two Nobel economists, the Greek prime minister, a ranking Chinese economist and the former chief economist of the IMF address these issues.
The Danger of Global Austerity
Authors: PAPANDREOU GEORGE 
Published: October 2010

The United States accuses China of subsidizing its entire export economy through artificially undervaluing its currency. China accuses the United States of fiscal profligacy while flooding the world with easy credit to keep its economy afloat. This dispute reflects the reality that the world's two largest economies are built on opposite dynamics of production and savings vs. consumerism and debt. In Europe, the wages of unsustainable debt that financed the welfare state have also come due.Rebalancing the global economy in this context is not only a matter of fixing exchange or interest rates and extending the retirement age. It must also involve a recalibration of democracy in both East and West. Two Nobel economists, the Greek prime minister, a ranking Chinese economist and the former chief economist of the IMF address these issues.
Japan's Lessons for China
Authors: GARDELS NATHAN 
Published: October 2010

The United States accuses China of subsidizing its entire export economy through artificially undervaluing its currency. China accuses the United States of fiscal profligacy while flooding the world with easy credit to keep its economy afloat. This dispute reflects the reality that the world's two largest economies are built on opposite dynamics of production and savings vs. consumerism and debt. In Europe, the wages of unsustainable debt that financed the welfare state have also come due.Rebalancing the global economy in this context is not only a matter of fixing exchange or interest rates and extending the retirement age. It must also involve a recalibration of democracy in both East and West. Two Nobel economists, the Greek prime minister, a ranking Chinese economist and the former chief economist of the IMF address these issues.
Chinese Prosperity Doesn't Bring Democracy
Authors: LI‐ZHI FANG 
Published: October 2010

The United States accuses China of subsidizing its entire export economy through artificially undervaluing its currency. China accuses the United States of fiscal profligacy while flooding the world with easy credit to keep its economy afloat. This dispute reflects the reality that the world's two largest economies are built on opposite dynamics of production and savings vs. consumerism and debt. In Europe, the wages of unsustainable debt that financed the welfare state have also come due.Rebalancing the global economy in this context is not only a matter of fixing exchange or interest rates and extending the retirement age. It must also involve a recalibration of democracy in both East and West. Two Nobel economists, the Greek prime minister, a ranking Chinese economist and the former chief economist of the IMF address these issues.
Assessing density–damage relationships between water hyacinth and its grasshopper herbivore
Authors: Bownes Angela , Hill Martin P. , Byrne Marcus J. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractPlants are variable in their responses to insect herbivory. Experimental increases in densities of phytophagous insects can reveal the type of plant response to herbivory in terms of impact and compensatory ability. The relationship between insect density and plant damage of a grasshopper, Cornops aquaticum Brüner (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Tetrataeniini), a candidate biological control agent, and an invasive aquatic plant, water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes Mart. Solms‐Laubach (Pontederiaceae), was investigated to assess potential damage to the weed. The impact of different densities of male and female grasshoppers on E. crassipes growth parameters was determined in a quarantine glasshouse experiment. Damage curves indicated that the relationship between plant biomass reduction and insect density was curvilinear whereas leaf production was linear. Female C. aquaticum were more damaging than males, causing high rates of plant mortality before the end of the trial at densities of three and four per plant. Feeding by C. aquaticum significantly reduced the total plant biomass and the number of leaves produced, and female grasshoppers caused a greater reduction in the number of leaves produced by water hyacinth plants than males. Grasshopper herbivory suppressed vegetative reproduction in E. crassipes, suggesting C. aquaticum could contribute to a reduction in the density and spread of E. crassipes infestations. The results showed that E. crassipes vigour and productivity decreases with an increase in feeding intensity by the grasshopper. Cornops aquaticum should therefore be considered for release in South Africa based on its host specificity and potential impact on E. crassipes.
Postpartum maternal pneumococcal meningitis complicated by endocarditis
Authors: KAKOGAWA JUN , ORITO SEIYA , MASUYA NORIO , SADATSUKI MIYUKI , GOMIBUCHI HIDETO , MINOURA SHIGEKI 
Published: October 2010

AbstractBacterial meningitis is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Few cases of pneumococcal meningitis during pregnancy and the postpartum period have been reported. We describe a case of postpartum pneumococcal meningitis complicated by endocarditis. A 26‐year‐old para‐2 woman who had had a normal vaginal delivery at 38 weeks at a maternity home was transported to our hospital with a 39.5°C fever 11 days postpartum. Eight hours after her arrival, her state of consciousness deteriorated rapidly. Lumbar puncture revealed Gram‐positive cocci consistent with Streptococcus pneumoniae. She was immediately treated with antibiotics and subsequently diagnosed with endocarditis. Final culture results from the blood and cerebrospinal fluid confirmed the presence of S. pneumoniae. She recovered completely with no evidence of neurological damage. Maintaining a high clinical suspicion and initiating appropriate diagnostic testing and therapeutic interventions promptly are essential to reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with bacterial meningitis.
Quality of life in health care of non‐melanoma skin cancer – results of a pilot study
Authors: Steinbauer Julia , Koller Michael , Kohl Elisabeth , Karrer Sigrid , Landthaler Michael , Szeimies Rolf‐Markus 
Published: October 2010

Summary Background: Modern patient‐oriented medicine increasingly involves psychosocial aspects of disease processes in therapy evaluations. We conducted a pilot study on the implementation of a suitable device assessing the quality of life of patients with non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in clinical routine. Patients and Methods: 52 patients with NMSC were asked to fill out the German version of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) by A.Y. Finlay. Additionally, one‐third of the patients were evaluated by the treating physicians. Results: The questionnaire was well‐accepted and completed within a few minutes. Less than 1 % values were missing with respect to individual items. 31 % of patients experienced a moderate to strong impairment of the quality of life. This impairment involved symptoms, emotions, everyday activities, and leisure activities, whereas work and school were of minor importance. The variables age, gender, and diagnosis were of little importance. Conclusions: The limited number of publications available necessitates a step‐wise introduction of this topic into the German literature. Data on quality of life could be relevant for the inclusion of NMSC onto the list of occupational diseases in occupations with high UV exposure. Sufficient data have to be generated in follow‐up studies of longitudinal design that are based on the present pilot study.