bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Invariable biomass‐specific primary production of taxonomically discrete picoeukaryote groups across the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Grob Carolina , Hartmann Manuela , Zubkov Mikhail V. , Scanlan Dave J. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryOceanic photosynthetic picoeukaryotes (< 3 µm) are responsible for > 40% of total primary production at low latitudes such as the North‐Eastern tropical Atlantic. In the world ocean, warmed by climate changes, the expected gradual shift towards smaller primary producers could render the role of photosynthetic picoeukaryotes even more important than they are today. Little is still known, however, about how the taxonomic composition of this highly diverse group affects primary production at the basin scale. Here, we combined flow cytometric cell sorting, NaH14CO3 radiotracer incubations and class‐specific fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probes to determine cell‐ and biomass‐specific inorganic carbon fixation rates and taxonomic composition of two major photosynthetic picoeukaryote groups on a ∼7500‐km‐long latitudinal transect across the Atlantic Ocean (Atlantic Meridional Transect, AMT19). We show that even though larger cells have, on average, cell‐specific CO2 uptake rates ∼5 times higher than the smaller ones, the average biomass‐specific uptake is statistically similar for both groups. On the other hand, even at a high taxonomic level, i.e. class, the contributions to both groups by Prymnesiophyceae, Chrysophyceae and Pelagophyceae are significantly different (P < 0.001 in all cases). We therefore conclude that these group's carbon fixation rates are independent of the taxonomic composition of photosynthetic picoeukaryotes across the Atlantic Ocean. Because the above applies across different oceanic regions the diversity changes seem to be a secondary factor determining primary production.
Cytoreductive nephrectomy in the elderly: a population‐based cohort from the USA
Authors: Sun Maxine , Abdollah Firas , Schmitges Jan , Bianchi Marco , Tian Zhe , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Zorn Kevin , Pharand Daniel , Widmer Hugues , Graefen Markus , Montorsi Francesco , Perrotte Paul , Karakiewicz Pierre I. 
Published: September 2011

Study Type – Therapy (cohort)Level of Evidence 2bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?While cytoreductive nephrectomy is associated with a survival benefit in the context of metastatic renal cell carcinoma, the rates of morbidity and perioperative mortality remain non‐negligible. For example, perioperative mortality may be as high as 21% in elderly patients.The study shows that perioperative death amongst the elderly was substantially lower than what was previously reported from a single institutional report. Nonetheless, postoperative adverse outcomes were non‐negligible in elderly patients relative to their younger counterparts. In consequence, these rates should be discussed at informed consent and a rigorous patient selection remains essential.OBJECTIVE
To examine the rate of perioperative mortality (PM), and other adverse outcomes in ‘elderly’ patients treated with cytoreductive nephrectomy (CNT).
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Patients who underwent CNT for metastatic renal cell carcinoma were abstracted from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1998–2007). ‘Elderly’ was defined as ≥75 years, according to previous definition.
Endpoints consisted of PM, intraoperative and postoperative complications, blood transfusions and length of stay.
We adjusted for the effect of elderly status within five separate logistic regression models. Covariates consisted of comorbidity, race, gender, year of surgery and hospital region.
RESULTS
Overall, CNT was performed in 504 (15.3%) elderly patients and in 2796 (84.7%) ‘younger’ patients (<75 years).
The rate of PM was 4.8% in elderly patients vs 1.9% in the younger patients (P < 0.001). Similarly, the rates of blood transfusions (29.8 vs 21.5%), postoperative complications (27.8 vs 22.8%), and prolonged length of stay (≥8 days) were higher in the elderly (45.0 vs 32.0%; all P < 0.001).
In multivariable analyses, elderly patients were 2.2‐, 1.5‐, and 1.6fold more likely to experience PM, to receive a blood transfusion and to be hospitalized ≥8 days than the younger patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Although the rate of PM was substantially lower than 21%, elderly patients are significantly more likely to die after this type of surgery, to receive a transfusion, and to experience a prolonged length of stay.
These facts and figures should be discussed at informed consent and a rigorous patient selection is essential.
The vulnerability of habitats to plant invasion: disentangling the roles of propagule pressure, time and sampling effort
Authors: Aikio Sami , Duncan Richard P. , Hulme Philip E. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTAim  To quantify the vulnerability of habitats to invasion by alien plants having accounted for the effects of propagule pressure, time and sampling effort.Location  New Zealand.Methods  We used spatial, temporal and habitat information taken from 9297 herbarium records of 301 alien plant species to examine the vulnerability of 11 terrestrial habitats to plant invasions. A null model that randomized species records across habitats was used to account for variation in sampling effort and to derive a relative measure of invasion based either on all records for a species or only its first record. The relative level of invasion was related to the average distance of each habitat from the nearest conurbation, which was used as a proxy for propagule pressure. The habitat in which a species was first recorded was compared to the habitats encountered for all records of that species to determine whether the initial habitat could predict subsequent habitat occupancy.Results  Variation in sampling effort in space and time significantly masked the underlying vulnerability of habitats to plant invasions. Distance from the nearest conurbation had little effect on the relative level of invasion in each habitat, but the number of first records of each species significantly declined with increasing distance. While Urban, Streamside and Coastal habitats were over‐represented as sites of initial invasion, there was no evidence of major invasion hotspots from which alien plants might subsequently spread. Rather, the data suggest that certain habitats (especially Roadsides) readily accumulate alien plants from other habitats.Main conclusions  Herbarium records combined with a suitable null model provide a powerful tool for assessing the relative vulnerability of habitats to plant invasion. The first records of alien plants tend to be found near conurbations, but this pattern disappears with subsequent spread. Regardless of the habitat where a species was first recorded, ultimately most alien plants spread to Roadside and Sparse habitats. This information suggests that such habitats may be useful targets for weed surveillance and monitoring.
Early cerebral infarction as a risk factor for poor outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Juvela S. , Siironen J. 
Published: September 2011

Background and purpose:  After aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage, severity of bleeding, and occurrence of rebleeding and cerebral infarcts are the main factors predicting outcome. We investigated predictive risk factors for both early and late cerebral infarcts, and whether time of appearance of infarct is associated with outcome.Methods:  Previous diseases as well as clinical, laboratory and radiological variables including serial CT scans were recorded for 173 patients admitted within 48 h after bleeding and with ruptured aneurysm occlusion by open surgery within 60 h. Factors predicting occurrence of cerebral infarct and poor outcome at 3 months according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale were tested using multiple logistic regression.Results:  Of several potential predictors, poor outcome was independently predicted by patient age, rebleeding, intraventricular haemorrhage, intracerebral haematoma, delayed cerebral ischaemia with fixed symptoms and early new ischaemic lesion on CT scan appearing on the 1st post‐operative morning (P < 0.01 for each factor). After adjustment for confounding factors, occurrence of early infarct (odds ratio 12.5; 95% confidence interval 3.2–48.7; P < 0.01), both early and late infarct (6.6; 1.1–40.4; P < 0.05), and late infarct only (2.4; 0.6–9.1) increased risk for poor outcome. Adjusted independent significant risk factors for early infarction were duration of artery occlusion during surgery (1.4/min; 1.1–1.7, P < 0.01) and admission plasma glucose level (1.3 per mM; 1.0–1.6, P < 0.05) and for late infarction amount of subarachnoid blood (4.5; 1.3–14.9, P < 0.05).Conclusion:  Early infarction after surgical aneurysm occlusion seems to have different risk factors and worse prognosis than late infarct which is mostly associated with delayed cerebral ischaemia.
Improving homeless persons' utilisation of primary care: lessons to be learned from an outreach programme in The Netherlands
Authors: Elissen Arianne MJ , Van Raak Arno JA , Derckx Emmy WCC , Vrijhoef Hubertus JM 
Published: September 2011

Elissen AMJ, Van Raak AJA, Derckx EWCC, Vrijhoef HJM. Improving homeless persons' utilisation of primary care: lessons to be learned from an outreach programme in The NetherlandsFaced with rising homelessness, countries around the world are in need of innovative approaches to caring for those without shelter, who, more often than not, suffer from severe health problems. We conducted a case study of an innovative Dutch Primary Care for the Homeless (PCH) programme to gain insight into clients' demographic characteristics, health problems and service use, and to develop an explanation for its success in increasing the latter. Our analyses are based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative data. The results of the study suggest that the success of the PCH programme can be explained by the providers' pragmatism and will to adapt their mode of care provision to the behavioural patterns and needs of their homeless clients.
A morphine/heroin vaccine with new hapten design attenuates behavioral effects in rats
Authors: Li Qian‐Qian , Luo Yi‐Xiao , Sun Cheng‐Yu , Xue Yan‐Xue , Zhu Wei‐Li , Shi Hai‐Shui , Zhai Hai‐Feng , Shi Jie , Lu Lin 
Published: September 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 10.1111/j.1471‐4159.2011.07502.xAbstractHeroin use has seriously threatened public heath in many countries, but the existing therapies continue to have many limitations. Recently, immunotherapy has shown efficacy in some clinical studies, including vaccines against nicotine and cocaine, but no opioid vaccines have been introduced in clinical studies. The development of a novel opioid antigen designed specifically for the prevention of heroin addiction is necessary. A morphine–keyhole limpet hemocyanin conjugate was prepared and administered subcutaneously in rats. Antibody titers in plasma were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Competitive ELISA was used to assess the selectivity of the antibodies. Dopamine concentrations in the nucleus accumbens in rats after vaccine administration were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. The effects of the vaccine on the heroin‐primed restatement of self‐administration and locomotor sensitization were evaluated. A novel hapten, 6‐glutarylmorphine, was produced, and the vaccine generated a high antibody titer response. This vaccine displayed specificity for both morphine and heroin, but the anti‐morphine antibodies could not recognize dissimilar therapeutic opioid compounds, such as buprenorphine, methadone, naloxone, naltrexone, codeine, and nalorphine. The morphine antibody significantly decreased morphine‐induced locomotor activity in rats after immunization. Importantly, rats immunized with this vaccine did not exhibit heroin‐primed reinstatement of heroin seeking when antibody levels were sufficiently high. The vaccine reduced dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens after morphine administration, which is consistent with its behavioral effects. These results suggest that immunization with a novel vaccine is an effective means of inducing a morphine‐specific antibody response that is able to attenuate the behavioral and psychoactive effects of heroin.
Different in vitro and in vivo profiles of substituted 3‐aminopropylphosphinate and 3‐aminopropyl(methyl)phosphinate GABAB receptor agonists as inhibitors of transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation
Authors: Lehmann A , Antonsson M , Aurell‐Holmberg A , Blackshaw LA , Brändén L , Elebring T , Jensen J , Kärrberg L , Mattsson JP , Nilsson K , Oja SS , Saransaari P , von Unge S 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Gastro‐oesophageal reflux is predominantly caused by transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation (TLOSR) and GABAB receptor stimulation inhibits TLOSR. Lesogaberan produces fewer CNS side effects than baclofen, which has been attributed to its affinity for the GABA transporter (GAT), the action of which limits stimulation of central GABAB receptors. To understand the structure–activity relationship for analogues of lesogaberan (3‐aminopropylphosphinic acids), and corresponding 3‐aminopropyl(methyl)phosphinic acids, we have compared representatives of these classes in different in vitro and in vivo models.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The compounds were characterized in terms of GABAB agonism in vitro. Binding to GATs and cellular uptake was done using rat brain membranes and slices respectively. TLOSR was measured in dogs, and CNS side effects were evaluated as hypothermia in mice and rats.KEY RESULTS 3‐Aminopropylphosphinic acids inhibited TLOSR with a superior therapeutic index compared to 3‐aminopropyl(methyl)phosphinic acids. This difference was most likely due to differential GAT‐mediated uptake into brain cells of the former but not latter. In agreement, 3‐aminopropyl(methyl)phosphinic acids were much more potent in producing hypothermia in rats even when administered i.c.v.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS An enhanced therapeutic window for 3‐aminopropylphosphinic acids compared with 3‐aminopropyl(methyl)phosphinic acids with respect to inhibition of TLOSR was observed and is probably mechanistically linked to neural cell uptake of the former but not latter group of compounds. These findings offer a platform for discovery of new GABAB receptor agonists for the treatment of reflux disease and other conditions where selective peripheral GABAB receptor agonism may afford therapeutic effects.
Role of 5‐HT1 receptor subtypes in the modulation of pain and synaptic transmission in rat spinal superficial dorsal horn
Authors: Jeong Hyo‐Jin , Mitchell Vanessa A , Vaughan Christopher W 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 5‐HT receptor agonists have variable nociceptive effects within the spinal cord. While there is some evidence for 5‐HT1A spinally‐mediated analgesia, the role of other 5‐HT1 receptor subtypes remains unclear. In the present study, we examined the spinal actions of a range of 5‐HT1 agonists, including sumatriptan, on acute pain, plus their effect on afferent‐evoked synaptic transmission onto superficial dorsal horn neurons.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH For in vivo experiments, 5‐HT agonists were injected via chronically implanted spinal catheters to examine their effects in acute mechanical and thermal pain assays using a paw pressure analgesymeter and a Hargreave's device. For in vitro experiments, whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings of primary afferent‐evoked glutamatergic EPSC were made from lamina II neurons in rat lumbar spinal slices.KEY RESULTS Intrathecal (i.t.) delivery of the 5‐HT1A agonist R ± 8‐OH‐DPAT (30–300 nmol) produced a dose‐dependent thermal, but not mechanical, analgesia. Sumatriptan and the 5‐HT1B, 5‐HT1D, 5‐HT1F agonists CP93129, PNU109291 and LY344864 (100 nmol) had no effect on either acute pain assay. R ± 8‐OH‐DPAT (1 µM) and sumatriptan (3 µM) both reduced the amplitude of the evoked EPSC. In contrast, CP93129, PNU109291 and LY344864 (0.3–3 µM) had no effect on the evoked EPSC. The actions of both R ± 8‐OH‐DPAT and sumatriptan were abolished by the 5‐HT1A antagonist WAY100635 (3 µM).CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These findings indicate that the 5‐HT1A receptor subtype predominantly mediates the acute antinociceptive and cellular actions of 5‐HT1 ligands within the rat superficial dorsal horn.
Thiocolchicoside suppresses osteoclastogenesis induced by RANKL and cancer cells through inhibition of inflammatory pathways: a new use for an old drug
Authors: Reuter Simone , Gupta Subash C , Phromnoi Kanokkarn , Aggarwal Bharat B 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Most patients with cancer die not because of the tumour in the primary site, but because it has spread to other sites. Common tumours, such as breast, multiple myeloma, and prostate tumours, frequently metastasize to the bone. To search for an inhibitor of cancer‐induced bone loss, we investigated the effect of thiocolchicoside, a semi‐synthetic colchicoside derived from the plant Gloriosa superba and clinically used as a muscle relaxant, on osteoclastogenesis induced by receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL) and tumour cells.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We used RAW 264.7 (murine macrophage) cells, a well‐established system for osteoclastogenesis, and evaluated the effect of thiocolchicoside on RANKL‐induced NF‐κB signalling and osteoclastogenesis as well as on osteoclastogenesis induced by tumour cells.KEY RESULTS Thiocolchicoside suppressed osteoclastogenesis induced by RANKL, and by breast cancer and multiple myeloma cells. Inhibition of the NF‐κB pathway was responsible for this effect since the colchicoside inhibited RANKL‐induced NF‐κB activation, activation of IκB kinase (IKK) and suppressed inhibitor of NF‐κBα (IκBα) phosphorylation and degradation, an inhibitor of NF‐κB. Furthermore, an inhibitor of the IκBα kinase γ or NF‐κB essential modulator, the regulatory component of the IKK complex, demonstrated that the NF‐κB signalling pathway is mandatory for osteoclastogenesis induced by RANKL.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Together, these data suggest that thiocolchicoside significantly suppressed osteoclastogenesis induced by RANKL and tumour cells via the NF‐κB signalling pathway. Thus, thiocolchicoside, a drug that has been used for almost half a century to treat muscle pain, may also be considered as a new treatment for bone loss.LINKED ARTICLE This article is commented on by Micheau et al., pp. 2124–2126 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01792.x
Liposome‐Encapsulated Hemoglobin Alleviates Hearing Loss After Transient Cochlear Ischemia and Reperfusion in the Gerbil
Authors: Okada Masahiro , Kawaguchi Akira T. , Hakuba Nobuhiro , Takeda Shoichiro , Hyodo Jun , Imai Kiyohiro , Hato Naohito , Gyo Kiyofumi 
Published: September 2011

AbstractTo test liposome‐encapsulated hemoglobin (LEH) in transient cochlear ischemia/reperfusion as a model of sudden deafness, Mongolian gerbils were randomly assigned to receive 2 mL/kg of either low‐affinity LEH (l‐LEH, P50O2 = 40 mm Hg), high‐affinity LEH (h‐LEH, P50O2 = 10 mm Hg), homologous red blood cells (RBCs), or saline (each group n = 6) 30 min before 15‐min occlusion of the bilateral vertebral arteries and reperfusion. Sequential changes in hearing were assessed by auditory brain response 1, 4, and 7 days after ischemia/reperfusion, when the animals were sacrificed for pathological studies. h‐LEH was significantly more protective than l‐LEH in suppressing hearing loss, in contrast to RBC or saline treatment, at 8, 16, and 32 kHz, where hearing loss was most severe (P < 0.05 between any two groups) on the first day after cochlear ischemia/reperfusion. Thereafter, hearing loss improved gradually in all groups, with a significant difference among groups up to 7 days, when morphological studies revealed that the inner hair cells but not the outer hair cells, were significantly lost in the groups in the same order. The results suggest that pretreatment with h‐LEH is significantly more protective than l‐LEH in mitigating hearing loss and underlying pathological damage, in contrast to transfusion or saline infusion 7 days after transient cochlear ischemia/reperfusion.
Alcohol Increases the Permeability of Airway Epithelial Tight Junctions in Beas‐2B and NHBE Cells
Authors: Simet Samantha. M. , Wyatt Todd A. , DeVasure Jane , Yanov Daniel , Allen‐Gipson Diane , Sisson Joseph H. 
Published: September 2011

Background:  Tight junctions form a continuous belt‐like structure between cells and act to regulate paracellular signaling. Protein kinase C (PKC) has been shown to regulate tight junction assembly and disassembly and is activated by alcohol. Previous research has shown that alcohol increases the permeability of tight junctions in lung alveolar cells. However, little is known about alcohol’s effect on tight junctions in epithelium of the conducting airways. We hypothesized that long‐term alcohol exposure reduces zonula occluden‐1 (ZO‐1) and claudin‐1 localization at the cell membrane and increases permeability through a PKC‐dependent mechanism.
Methods:  To test this hypothesis, we exposed normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells, cells from a human bronchial epithelial transformed cell line (Beas‐2B), and Beas‐2B expressing a PKCα dominant negative (DN) to alcohol (20, 50, and 100 mM) for up to 48 hours. Immunofluorescence was used to assess changes in ZO‐1, claudin‐1, claudin‐5, and claudin‐7 localization. Electric cell–substrate impedance sensing was used to measure the permeability of tight junctions between monolayers of NHBE, Beas‐2B, and DN cells.
Results:  Alcohol increased tight junction permeability in a concentration‐dependent manner and decreased ZO‐1, claudin‐1, claudin‐5, and claudin‐7 localization at the cell membrane. To determine a possible signaling mechanism, we measured the activity of PKC isoforms (alpha, delta, epsilon, and zeta). PKCα activity significantly increased in Beas‐2B cells from 1 to 6 hours of 100 mM alcohol exposure, while PKCζ activity significantly decreased at 1 hour and increased at 3 hours. Inhibiting PKCα with Gö‐6976 prevented the alcohol‐induced protein changes in both ZO‐1 and claudin‐1 at the cell membrane. PKCα DN Beas‐2B cells were resistant to alcohol‐induced protein alterations.
Conclusions:  These results suggest that alcohol disrupts ZO‐1, claudin‐1, claudin‐5, and claudin‐7 through the activation of PKCα, leading to an alcohol‐induced “leakiness” in bronchial epithelial cells. Such alcohol‐induced airway‐leak state likely contributes to the impaired airway host defenses associated with acute and chronic alcohol ingestion.