bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anatomical Study of the Forearm and Hand Nerves of the Domestic Cat (Felis catus), Puma (Puma concolor) and Jaguar (Panthera onca)
Authors: Sánchez H. L. , Silva L. B. , Rafasquino M. E. , Mateo A. G. , Zuccolilli G. O. , Portiansky E. L. , Alonso C. R. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryThe innervation of the forearm and hand regions of cats has not been well described despite its importance for any surgery or any neurological disorder. It is probably the main area where disorders of peripheral nerves in this species are observed. In felines, the forelimbs facilitate the jump and represent the most important way for capturing prey. The main muscles and nerves involved in this activity are located in the region of the forearm and hand. The aim of the present study was to provide a detailed description of the innervation of the forearm and hand regions of the jaguar and puma, in comparison with that of the domestic cat, contributing thus with the anatomical knowledge of the area for applying it to surgery and pathology. The forearms of three pumas and two jaguars (all of them fixed in formalin) and of six domestic cats (fresh) were dissected. The nerves path and their forearm distribution patterns of all three species were described. The analysed results indicate that the observed variations between species are minimal; thus, the anatomy described for domestic cats can be widely applied to American wild felids.
Efficient selection against categorically scored hip dysplasia in dogs is possible using best linear unbiased prediction and optimum contribution selection: a simulation study
Authors: Malm S. , Sørensen A.C. , Fikse W.F. , Strandberg E. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryBreeding to reduce the prevalence of categorically scored hip dysplasia (HD), based on phenotypic assessment of radiographic hip status, has had limited success. The aim of this study was to evaluate two selection strategies for improved hip status: truncation selection based on phenotypic record versus best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP), using stochastic simulation and selection scenarios resembling those in real dog populations. In addition, optimum contribution selection (OCS) was evaluated. Two traits were considered:HD(as a categorical trait with five classes and a heritability of 0.45 on the liability scale) and a continuous trait (with a heritability of 0.25) intended to represent other characteristics in the breeding goal. A population structure mimicking that in real dog populations was modelled. The categorical nature ofHDcaused a considerably lower genetic gain compared to simulatingHDas a continuous trait. Genetic gain was larger forBLUPselection than for phenotypic selection in all scenarios. However,BLUPselection resulted in higher rates of inbreeding. By applyingOCS, the rate of inbreeding was lowered to about the same level as phenotypic selection but with increased genetic improvement. For efficient selection againstHD, use ofBLUPbreeding values should be prioritized. In small populations,BLUPshould be used together withOCSor similar strategy to maintain genetic variation.
Reticular variant of mid‐dermal elastolysis
Authors: Posada Celia , No Nuria , De La Torre Carlos , Flórez Ángeles 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTMid‐dermal elastolysis is a rare disorder characterised by focal loss of elastic tissue in the mid‐dermis. Most patients present with lesions of fine wrinkling (type I) or perifollicular papules (type II). The reticular variant (type III) has been described less often in the literature. We report a case of a young woman with type III mid‐dermal elastolysis.
Chromium levels in healthy and newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic children
Authors: Karagun Barbaros Sahin , Temiz Fatih , Ozer Guler , Yuksel Bilgin , Topaloglu Ali Kemal , Mungan Neslihan Onenli , Mazman Muhsin , Karagun Gokhan Murat 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground:  The aim of this study was to compare the chromium levels of plasma (PCL), erythrocyte (ECL) and urine (UCL) in type 1 diabetics and healthy subjects and to review the relation between metabolic parameters.Methods:  We evaluated 165 subjects who were: newly diagnosed type 1 diabetics (group 1 [n= 29]); previously diagnosed type 1 diabetics (group 2 [n= 18]); non‐diabetic control subjects who were admitted and treated for any reason in hospital (group 3 [n= 21]); and two other groups of control subjects from two schools that have different socioeconomic levels (group 4 [n= 48] and group 5 [n= 49]).Results:  PCL in group 1 and group 2 subjects (7.21 ± 4.78 and 10.94 ± 3.04 mcg/L, respectively) was significantly lower than in all control groups (21.84 ± 7.87, 16.11 ± 7.44, 17.25 ± 8.58 mcg/L, respectively) (P < 0.05). A significant difference in PCL between the group 1 and group 2 subjects was present (7.21 ± 4.78 and 10.94 ± 3.04, respectively) (P= 0.021). ECL (as tissue chromium) in group 1 and group 2 subjects (13.99 ± 11.37 and 19.64 ± 12.58, respectively) was significantly lower than in all control groups (28.20 ± 7.34.25, 49 ± 12.47, 26.37 ± 9.77 mcg/L, respectively) (P= 0.05). UCL in group 1 and group 2 subjects (11.44 ± 6.88 and 15.68 ± 6.75 mcg/L, respectively) was significantly lower than in group 3 subjects (28.83 ± 9.37mcg/L) (P < 0.05). There were significant correlations between length, bodyweight and PCL in the group 1 subjects (r = 0.42, P= 0.22 and r = 0.53, P= 0.03, respectively). There was a negative correlation between plasma glucose and UCL, which was not statistically significant in group 2 subjects (r =−0.4, P= 0.061).Conclusion:  There was a negative chromium balance in type 1 diabetics. This negative balance may affect the insulin function badly. If this negative balance should be confirmed by recent studies we suggest that chromium supplementation with insulin is necessary for type 1 diabetes.
Sudden death in the first 2 years of life following immunization in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Choe Young June , Kim Jong‐Hee , Son Hyun Jin , Bae Geun‐Ryang , Lee Duk‐hyoung 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground:  Because the peak age for incidence of sudden deaths in infancy temporally coincides with the age of infant primary immunization, some have raised the question as to whether immunization is a risk factor for sudden death in infancy. Recent occurrence of two sudden deaths in infants in Korea has renewed concerns about the causal association between immunization and sudden deaths in infants.Methods:  We carried out a retrospective review of data from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Adverse Events Following Immunization Surveillance System and Vaccine Compensation programs.Results:  From 1994 to 2011, a total of 45 cases of sudden deaths in the first 2 years of life following immunization were reported in Korea. The causes of death were classified as follows: infectious diseases (n= 13); accidental injuries (n= 7); congenital abnormalities (n= 2); and malignancy (n= 1). Of 20 sudden deaths in infancy, nine deaths met Brighton Collaboration case definition level I and II, and therefore were classified as possible sudden infant death syndrome cases. Hepatitis B vaccine (n= 13) was the most frequent vaccine with temporal association with sudden deaths in the first 2 years of life.Conclusion:  Few sudden deaths in the first 2 years of life following immunization have been reported, despite the use of universal immunization in Korea. The majority of deaths in infancy did not meet case definition for sudden infant death syndrome. Encouraging investigators to perform thorough investigation, including postmortem autopsy and death scene examination, may promote data comparability and provide guidance on decision‐making in the vaccine‐safety monitoring and response system in Korea.
Preparing for aging among older villagers in northeastern Thailand
Authors: Rattanamongkolgul Duangduan , Sritanyarat Wanapa , Manderson Lenore 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIn the present study, we examined how older people prepared themselves in older age, by drawing on data from a qualitative study conducted in an urban area in Khon Kaen province, Thailand. Data were collected using observations, natural interviews, and in‐depth interviews with 35 older people, concurrently analyzed using thematic analysis. Preparation for aging, from their perspectives, consisted of attending to their physical health, spiritual well‐being, and preparing for death. The degree and quality of aging preparation was influenced by life events, personal health status, and family economic status. People actively prepare themselves for aging, and this appears to help them as they encounter life difficulties during their old age. Lifelong preparation strategies need to be studied further, so that locally‐appropriate strategies of health care can be implemented for older people.
Antidepressants are neuroprotective against nutrient deprivation stress in rat hippocampal neurons
Authors: Yang David , Chen Michael , Russo‐Neustadt Amelia 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThere is ample evidence that depression and stress can be ameliorated through the use of physical exercise and/or antidepressant drugs. Both have been shown to promote neuroprotection against atrophy of dendrites and neuronal death through the activation of pro‐survival signaling pathways, such as that of phosphatidyl inositol 3′ kinase (PI‐3K) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK). Depriving neurons in culture of several vital nutrients provides a viable model of neuronal stress, trauma or insult that occurs in vivo. Therefore, we sought to evaluate if various antidepressants are indeed neuroprotective in this model of nutrient deprivation stress. In addition, we evaluated if three key pro‐survival pathways (PI‐3K, MAPK, protein kinase A) are necessary for such neuroprotection. We used quantitative Western blotting to evaluate the immunoreactivity levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, PI‐3K, phospho‐protein kinase B (P‐Akt), phospho‐MAPK and phospho‐cyclic AMP response element‐binding protein, and live/dead cytotoxicity assay to evaluate cell survival. We demonstrate that in the ideal conditions of nutrient supplement, norepinephrine, serotonin and three antidepressants increased all six outcome measures; however, in the absence of such nutrients, only P‐Akt levels showed signs of decreasing. In the presence of pro‐survival pathway inhibitor, however, five out of the six outcome measures decreased (not P‐Akt), relative to those of the ideal conditions of nutrient supplement. Thus, pro‐survival pathway integrity, which more directly affects gene expression, is more important than the presence of externally placed nutrients for cell survival. We discuss our results in the context of receptor and pathway cross‐talk, indicating that pharmacological rescue of neuronal atrophy/death in the face of mood disorders requires that pro‐survival pathways remain intact.
Spatio‐temporal control of neural activity in vivo using fluorescence microendoscopy
Authors: Hayashi Yuichiro , Tagawa Yoshiaki , Yawata Satoshi , Nakanishi Shigetada , Funabiki Kazuo 
Published: July 2012

AbstractControlling neural activity with high spatio‐temporal resolution is desired for studying how neural circuit dynamics control animal behavior. Conventional methods for manipulating neural activity, such as electrical microstimulation or pharmacological blockade, have poor spatial and/or temporal resolution. Algal protein channelrhodopsin‐2 (ChR2) enables millisecond‐precision control of neural activity. However, a photostimulation method for high spatial resolution mapping in vivo is yet to be established. Here, we report a novel optical/electrical probe, consisting of optical fiber bundles and metal electrodes. Optical fiber bundles were used as a brain‐insertable endoscope for image transfer and stimulating light delivery. Light‐induced activity from ChR2‐expressing neurons was detected with electrodes bundled to the endoscope, enabling verification of light‐evoked action potentials. Photostimulation through optical fiber bundles of transgenic mice expressing ChR2 in layer 5 cortical neurons resulted in single‐whisker movement, indicating spatially restricted activation of neurons in vivo. The probe system described here and a combination of various photoactive molecules will facilitate studies on the causal link between specific neural activity patterns and behavior.
GABA mediates the network activity‐dependent facilitation of axonal outgrowth from the newborn granule cells in the early postnatal rat hippocampus
Authors: Lee Hyunsu , Lee Doyun , Park Chang‐Hwan , Ho Won‐Kyung , Lee Suk‐Ho 
Published: July 2012

AbstractNeural network activity regulates the development of hippocampal newborn granule cells (GCs). Excitatory GABAergic input is known to be a key player in this regulation. Although calcium signaling is thought to be a downstream mediator of GABA, GABA‐induced calcium signaling in newborn GCs is not well understood. We investigated Ca2+ signaling and its regulatory role in axon and dendrite outgrowth in newborn GCs identified in the organotypic slice culture of early postnatal rat hippocampus. Here, we report that hippocampal network activity can induce calcium transients (CaTs) in newborn GCs during the first post‐mitotic week via GABAergic inputs. The GABA‐induced CaTs were mediated mainly by L‐type Ca2+ channels. Furthermore, we found that inhibiting any step in the signaling pathway, network activity → GABA → L‐type Ca2+ channels, selectively suppressed the axonal outgrowth and pruning of newborn GCs, but not dendritic outgrowth. The GABAA receptor blocker bicuculline significantly suppressed axonal outgrowth, despite increasing network activity, thus indicating an essential role of GABAergic inputs. Therefore, we conclude that network activity‐dependent GABAergic inputs open L‐type Ca2+ channels and promote axonal outgrowth in newborn GC during the first post‐mitotic week.
Cortical and subcortical projections to primary visual cortex in anophthalmic, enucleated and sighted mice
Authors: Charbonneau Valérie , Laramée Marie‐Eve , Boucher Virginie , Bronchti Gilles , Boire Denis 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to identify and compare the afferent projections to the primary visual cortex in intact and enucleated C57BL/6 mice and in ZRDCT/An anophthalmic mice. Early loss of sensory‐driven activity in blind subjects can lead to activations of the primary visual cortex by haptic or auditory stimuli. This intermodal activation following the onset of blindness is believed to arise through either unmasking of already present cortical connections, sprouting of novel cortical connections or enhancement of intermodal cortical connections. Studies in humans have similarly demonstrated heteromodal activation of visual cortex following relatively short periods of blindfolding. This suggests that the primary visual cortex in normal sighted subjects receives afferents, either from multisensory association cortices or from primary sensory cortices dedicated to other modalities. Here cortical afferents to the primary visual cortex were investigated to determine whether the visual cortex receives sensory input from other modalities, and whether differences exist in the quantity and/or the structure of projections found in sighted, enucleated and anophthalmic mice. This study demonstrates extensive direct connections between the primary visual cortex and auditory and somatosensory areas, as well as with motor and association cortices in all three animal groups. This suggests that information from different sensory modalities can be integrated at early cortical stages and that visual cortex activations following visual deprivations can partly be explained by already present intermodal corticocortical connections.
The relationship between age and morphine infusion rate in children
Authors: Taylor Jonathan , Liley Andrew , Anderson Brian J. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryAim:  We performed a retrospective audit of intravenous morphine infusion administered to children in an effort to characterize the relationship between dose and age.Methods:  A retrospective audit of morphine infusions was reviewed for a 24‐months period and included all children who received continuous intravenous nurse‐controlled morphine infusions and patient‐controlled analgesia; a population undergoing acute and elective surgical procedures, as well as medical and oncological treatments. The relationship between age and infusion rate was investigated using nonlinear mixed effects models.Results:  There were 886 children whose data were acceptable for review. Morphine dose increased with age from 9.97 (CV 28%) μg·kg−1 per h in neonates. The Hill equation with an exponential of 1.5 best described these changes. Morphine rate reached 90% of its mean final rate of 22.5 (CV 167%) μg·kg−1 per h, observed in teenagers, at approximately 5 years of age. There was considerable uncertainty of this age–morphine rate profile, and the maturation half‐life of this profile was 20 months of age (CV 632%). An increase in dosing variability was observed with increasing age.Conclusions:  Morphine infusions at steady‐state did not mirror clearance maturation in children nursed in our hospital. We suggest that initial infusion rates in children are started at 10 μg·kg−1 per h in neonates, 15 μg·kg−1 per h in toddlers and 25 μg·kg−1 per h in children above the age of 5 years. The large variability associated with infusion rates means that subsequent infusion rates will depend on feedback from pain scores, adjuvant medications and adverse effects.
Accelerated aging‐related transcriptome changes in the female prefrontal cortex
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Chen Yi‐Ping Phoebe , Boyd‐Kirkup Jerome , Khaitovich Philipp , Somel Mehmet 
Published: July 2012

SummaryHuman female life expectancy is higher than that of males. Intriguingly, it has been reported that women display faster rates of age‐related cognitive decline and a higher prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). To assess the molecular bases of these contradictory trends, we analyzed differences in expression changes with age between adult males and females, in four brain regions. In the superior frontal gyrus (SFG), a part of the prefrontal cortex, we observed manifest differences between the two sexes in the timing of age‐related changes, that is, sexual heterochrony. Intriguingly, age‐related expression changes predominantly occurred earlier, or at a faster pace, in females compared to men. These changes included decreased energy production and neural function and up‐regulation of the immune response, all major features of brain aging. Furthermore, we found that accelerated expression changes in the female SFG correlated with expression changes observed in AD, as well as stress effects in the frontal cortex. Accelerated aging‐related changes in the female SFG transcriptome may provide a link between a higher stress exposure or sensitivity in women and the higher prevalence of AD.
The Helicobacter Pylori Protein HspB Interferes With Nrf2/Keap1 Pathway Altering The Antioxidant Response of Ags Cells
Authors: Buommino Elisabetta , Donnarumma Giovanna , Manente Lucrezia , De Filippis Anna , Silvestri Francesco , Iaquinto Salvatore , Tufano Maria Antonietta , De Luca Antonio 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground
Helicobacter pylori infection causes chronic oxidative stress on gastric mucosa, thereby causing mucosal damage and increasing the risk of gastric adenocarcinoma. Nrf2 is an important transcription factor, regulating the antioxidant response in the cells. Nrf2 signaling is repressed by Keap1 at basal condition and induced by oxidative stress. The aim of our study was to analyze whether the H. pylori proteins interfered in the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway.Material and MethodsGene expression in AGS cells transiently and stably transfected was analyzed by real‐time PCR. Immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays were performed to investigate the ability of H. pylori proteins to interfere with the Nrf2 pathway.ResultsWe demonstrated that the H. pylori
HspB protein interferes with Nrf2/Keap1 pathway. When HspB was transiently transfected in AGS cells, a significant increase in Keap1 gene expression was induced. The same result was observed when AGS cells were HspB stably transfected. In this case, the increase in Keap1 was associated with reduced gene expression of Nrf2, and of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, hemeoxygenase‐1, and phase II detoxifying enzyme NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase‐1. Immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays confirmed the ability of HspB protein to interfere with the Nrf2 pathway. Lastly, in HspB‐transfected AGS cells, sustained activation of IL‐8, COX2, MMP3, and MMP7 was demonstrated.ConclusionThe results here reported suggest that inhibited nuclear translocation of Nrf2, associated with induced inflammation and increased production of MMPs, might represent a condition enhancing the risk of gastric adenocarcinoma.
Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Rhythm Device Removal
Authors: Asif Arif , Carrillo Roger , Garisto Juan Domingo , Monrroy Mauricio , Khan Rao Ali Hashim , Castro Hector , Merrill Donna , Ali Ayesha S. , Pai Amy Barton , Waldman Jonathan , Salman Loay 
Published: July 2012

AbstractCardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) leads can cause central venous stenosis (CVS). In addition, these devices can get infected. Both are critically important considerations in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) for at least two reasons: (i) central veins serve as the final pathway should these patients need an arteriovenous access to provide dialysis therapy; and (ii) the presence of renal failure increases the risk of CIED infection. In this analysis, we investigated the prevalence as well as the degree of chronic kidney disease in patients harboring a CIED. Patients undergoing CIED removal were evaluated from 2001 to 2011. The patients were categorized into CKD stage I–V based on National Kidney Foundation‐Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines. A total of 503 patients underwent CIED removal. Demographic characteristics revealed that 30% had hypertension, 44% were diabetics, 77% had coronary artery disease, and 84% suffered from congestive heart failure. Ninety percent (452/503) of the patients had CKD (stage I = I9 [4.2%], stage II = 189 [41.8%], stage III A = 96 [21.2%], stage III B = 59 [13.0%], stage IV = 45 [9.9%], and stage V = 44 [9.7%]). Overall, 148 (32.7%) patients (stage III B, stage IV, and stage V) of 452 had advanced renal failure. The results of this study reveal that one‐third of CIED patients undergoing device removal have advanced chronic kidney disease.
An Interesting Clinical Case: Variant of the Cephalic Vein Emptying into the Internal Jugular Vein
Authors: Lum Craig , Ladenheim Eric D. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis case report describes a 45‐year‐old patient who was referred to our center for surgical creation of long‐term vascular access. Angiographic mapping revealed the left cephalic vein draining directly into the internal jugular vein rather than the axillary vein. The patient was scheduled for an ulnar artery to cephalic vein fistula.