bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic blockade of CB1 receptors reverses startle gating deficits and associated neurochemical alterations in rats reared in isolation
Authors: Zamberletti E , Piscitelli F , Cadeddu F , Rubino T , Fratta W , Fadda P , Di Marzo V , Parolaro D 
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Pharmacological interventions aimed at restoring the endocannabinoid system functionality have been proposed as potential tools in the treatment of schizophrenia. Based on our previous results suggesting a potential antipsychotic‐like profile of the CB1 receptor inverse agonist/antagonist, AM251, here we further investigated the effect of chronic AM251 administration on the alteration of the sensorimotor gating functions and endocannabinoid levels induced by isolation rearing in rats.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using the post‐weaning social isolation rearing model, we studied its influence on sensorimotor gating functions through the PPI paradigm. The presence of alterations in the endocannabinoid levels as well as in dopamine and glutamate receptor densities was explored in specific brain regions following isolation rearing. The effect of chronic AM251 administration on PPI response and the associated biochemical alterations was assessed.KEY RESULTS The disrupted PPI response in isolation‐reared rats was paralleled by significant alterations in 2‐AG content and dopamine and glutamate receptor densities in specific brain regions. Chronic AM251 completely restored normal PPI response in isolated rats. This behavioural recovery was paralleled by the normalization of 2‐AG levels in all the brain areas analysed. Furthermore, AM251 partially antagonized isolation‐induced changes in dopamine and glutamate receptors.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results demonstrate the efficacy of chronic AM251 treatment in the recovery of isolation‐induced disruption of PPI. Moreover, AM251 counteracted the imbalances in the endocannabinoid content, specifically 2‐AG levels, and partially reversed the alterations in dopamine and glutamate systems associated with the disrupted behaviour. Together, these findings support the potential antipsychotic‐like activity of CB1 receptor blockade.LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.167.issue‐8
When to estimate sex ratio in natural populations of insects? A study on sex ratio variations of gall midges within a generation
Authors: Tabadkani Seyed Mohammad , Ashouri Ahmad , Rahimi‐Alangi Vahid , Fathi‐Moghaddam Mehdi 
Published: July 2012

AbstractPrecise estimation of arthropods' sex ratio is an important issue in a wide range of ecological studies and biological control programs. Although, in many cases changes in arthropods' sex ratio may be under the control of parents or some symbiotic microorganisms, biased sex ratios in some other species are caused by some extrinsic factors, neglect of which may lead to under/overestimation of true sex ratio. In this paper, we pursued those factors that cause false estimation of sex ratio in insects' species. We studied the predatory gall midge, Aphidoletes aphidimyza Rondani (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), an important biological control agent of aphids, that shows protandry (i.e. early male emergence), differential lifespan of sexes, and differential distribution of sexes across habitat. Ten populations of A. aphidimyza were released separately in transparent cages and their sex ratio variations were recorded every 12 hours. The primary sex ratio in this species seems to be slightly male‐biased (52.41% males), however early emergence of males biases the sex ratio up to 72% males in a few hours after emergence. Shortly after the emergence of females, the sex ratio reaches its primary situation, but as a result of male‐biased mortality after mating, the proportion of females increases gradually to 97% by the fourth and fifth days after emergence. These results explicitly suggest that direct estimation of sex ratio in natural populations may be affected by some secondary factors such as differential mortality of sexes, protandry, and differential distribution of males and females over time and/or across habitat.
Decoupling elongation and segmentation: Notch involvement in anostracan crustacean segmentation
Authors: Williams Terri , Blachuta Beata , Hegna Thomas A. , Nagy Lisa M. 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARYRepeated body segments are a key feature of arthropods. The formation of body segments occurs via distinct developmental pathways within different arthropod clades. Although some species form their segments simultaneously without any accompanying measurable growth, most arthropods add segments sequentially from the posterior of the growing embryo or larva. The use of Notch signaling is increasingly emerging as a common feature of sequential segmentation throughout the Bilateria, as inferred from both the expression of proteins required for Notch signaling and the genetic or pharmacological disruption of Notch signaling. In this study, we demonstrate that blocking Notch signaling by blocking γ‐secretase activity causes a specific, repeatable effect on segmentation in two different anostracan crustaceans, Artemia franciscana and Thamnocephalus platyurus. We observe that segmentation posterior to the third or fourth trunk segment is arrested. Despite this marked effect on segment addition, other aspects of segmentation are unaffected. In the segments that develop, segment size and boundaries between segments appear normal, engrailed stripes are normal in size and alignment, and overall growth is unaffected. By demonstrating Notch involvement in crustacean segmentation, our findings expand the evidence that Notch plays a crucial role in sequential segmentation in arthropods. At the same time, our observations contribute to an emerging picture that loss‐of‐function Notch phenotypes differ significantly between arthropods suggesting variability in the role of Notch in the regulation of sequential segmentation. This variability in the function of Notch in arthropod segmentation confounds inferences of homology with vertebrates and lophotrochozoans.
Aquaculture of Posidonia australis Seedlings for Seagrass Restoration Programs: Effect of Sediment Type and Organic Enrichment on Growth
Authors: Statton John , Cambridge Marion L. , Dixon Kingsley W. , Kendrick Gary A. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractSeeds of the seagrass Posidonia australis are desiccation sensitive and as there is no seed dormancy seeds cannot be stored for use in restoration projects. To realize the restoration potential of seed‐based restoration of Posidonia, this study investigated preconditioning seedlings of Posidonia in aquaculture facilities before transplanting to extend the restoration window from a few weeks (for fresh seed) to months or even years (for preconditioned seedlings). Here, we tested two levels of organic matter addition, 0 and 1.5% sediment dry weight and three sediment types; two heterogeneous sediments typical of low‐energy marine environments (1) unsorted calcareous and (2) unsorted silica, and a homogeneous sediment typical of high‐energy marine habitats (3) well‐sorted silica. We then evaluated seedling survival, biomass and development over a period of 7 months in tank culture. There was 100% survival over the 7‐month experimental period for seedlings. Seedling leaf, root, rhizome, and total biomass increased when organic matter was added to unsorted calcareous and unsorted silica sediment but not well‐sorted silica sediment, although this increase was significant only after 7 months of growth. The characteristics of the sediment also influenced seedling root length and architecture. Root length and number of lateral root branches were greatest in unsorted sediments and when organic matter was present. This study demonstrates that tank culture of P. australis enabled seedlings to be available for restoration purposes for at least 7 months, and with modification of the sediment composition, larger P. australis seedlings with more substantial root systems can be produced.
A Quantitative Assessment of the Conservation Benefits of the Wetlands Reserve Program to Amphibians
Authors: Waddle J. Hardin , Glorioso Brad M. , Faulkner Stephen P. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV) originally consisted of nearly contiguous bottomland hardwood (BLH) forest encompassing approximately 10 million hectares. Currently, only 20–25% of the historical BLH forests remain in small patches fragmented by agricultural lands. The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) was established to restore and protect the functions and values of wetlands in agricultural landscapes. To assess the potential benefit of WRP restoration to amphibians, we surveyed 30 randomly selected WRP sites and 20 nearby agricultural sites in the Mississippi Delta. We made repeat visits to each site from May to August 2008 and performed both visual encounter and vocalization surveys. We analyzed the encounter history data for 11 anuran species using a Bayesian hierarchical occupancy model that estimated detection probability and probability of occurrence simultaneously for each species. Nine of the 11 species had higher probabilities of occurrence at WRP sites compared to agriculture. Derived estimates of species richness were also higher for WRP sites. Five anuran species were significantly more likely to occur in WRP than in agriculture, four of which were among the most aquatic species. It appears that the restoration of a more permanent hydrology at the WRP sites may be the primary reason for this result. Although amphibians represent only one group of wildlife species, they are useful for evaluating restoration benefits for wildlife because of their intermediate trophic position. The methods used in this study to evaluate the benefit of restoration could be used in other locations and with other groups of indicator species.
The Economic and Employment Impacts of Forest and Watershed Restoration
Authors: Nielsen‐Pincus Max , Moseley Cassandra 
Published: July 2012

AbstractGlobally, ecological restoration activities are increasing in response to environmental, economic, and cultural trends that value ecological capital for the services provided by healthy functioning ecosystems. To ensure continued investment in ecological restoration, practitioners and researchers need to identify links to the benefits accrued to society from ecological restoration practice and policy. Nonetheless, a recent review of published literature on ecological restoration concludes that the policy and socioeconomic contributions of ecological restoration are often ignored. To help fill this gap, we describe the policy context of a sustained program of forest and watershed restoration in Oregon, U.S.A. and report on three related studies on the market structure and resulting economic impacts of this program of work in Oregon. The first study examines the experiences of watershed councils (n= 52) in mobilizing human resources for ecological restoration. The second focuses on the businesses and firms (n= 190) that participate in Oregon's restoration economy. The third analyzes the employment and economic impacts from a sample of Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board restoration grants (n= 99). We found that the sustained program of restoration work in Oregon has conferred significant benefits to Oregon's economy. These impacts largely accrue to rural areas in need of economic development opportunities due to declines in traditional resource management activities. In addition to approximately 16 jobs supported per million dollars invested in ecological restoration, a sustained investment in restoration has created both new local organizational capacity in watershed councils and other community‐based partners and business opportunities especially in rural Oregon.
Empleo y estabilidad macroeconómica real. El rol regresivo de los flujos financieros en América Latina
Authors: FFRENCH‐DAVIS Ricardo 
Published: July 2012

Resumen.El autor estudia las reformas económicas realizadas en América Latina desde los años noventa. Se ha logrado estabilizar el nivel de precios, pero el crecimiento ha sido insuficiente y la inestabilidad económica ha perjudicado la inversión productiva y el empleo. Las frecuentes crisis han sido muy recesivas y han desalentado la formación de capital y la creación de empleo decente. Los flujos financieros han sido determinantes de esta situación general. La positiva recuperación de 2010 retoma la senda de progreso de 2004–2008, pero aún con un alto nivel de precariedad laboral y con falencias graves en las políticas macroeconómicas.
Empleo a tiempo parcial y género: el trabajador o el puesto de trabajo como factor clave
Authors: KJELDSTAD Randi , NYMOEN Erik H. 
Published: July 2012

Resumen.Se explora la relación entre diversas modalidades de empleo a tiempo parcial y género, considerando las características del trabajador y del puesto de trabajo. El trabajo a tiempo parcial voluntario con alto porcentaje de horas es la modalidad más extendida y más utilizada por las mujeres, indicio de que los empleadores se ajustan a las preferencias de estas. El tiempo parcial voluntario con bajo porcentaje de horas suele ser una modalidad transitoria asociada a determinadas edades y empleos. El tiempo parcial involuntario se asocia al mercado laboral secundario (contratos temporales, nacionalidad no occidental) y afecta más a mujeres que a hombres.
Vaginal hysterectomy, an outpatient procedure
Authors: ENGH MARIE ELLSTRÖM , HAUSO WENCHE 
Published: July 2012

Abstract Objective. To report our experience of treating women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy in an outpatient setting and to identify risk factors for hospital admission and women dissatisfied with care. Design. Prospective observational report. Setting. department of obstetrics and gynecology, university hospital in Norway. Sample. 150 women who underwent vaginal hysterectomy at the outpatient clinic from February 2009 to April 2010. Methods. Perioperative data were collected prospectively and case notes were searched for complications. On the first postoperative day all women were contacted by telephone by a nurse. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to monitor pain and nausea during the stay at the outpatient clinic and the day after surgery. VAS was also used to specify the women's degree of satisfaction with care the day after surgery. Main outcome measure. The number of women who could be discharged from the outpatient unit and had a satisfaction score of ≥7 the day after surgery. Results. Of the 150 women, 84% could be discharged after a mean observation period of 276 min (SD ± 80 min). The mean satisfaction score was 9.0, SD ± 1.4, and 92.6% of the women reported ≥7 points in the satisfaction score. No women with serious complications were sent home. Using a multivariable logistic regression model only pain at discharge was found as significant (p= 0.009) for admittance to hospital. Conclusions. Vaginal hysterectomy is a feasible outpatient procedure and the majority of women were satisfied with the care they received.
Outcome of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in myelodysplastic syndrome patients: prognostic implication of monosomal karyotype
Authors: Wudhikarn Kitsada , Van Rheeden Richard , Leopold Christina , Rattanaumpawan Pinyo , Gingrich Roger , de Magalhaes Silverman Margarida 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjectiveMonosomal karyotype (MK) is defined as the presence of two or more autosomal monosomies or a single monosomy associated with a structural abnormality. It was first described as a high‐risk cytogenetic abnormality for acute myeloid leukemia and more recently in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). However, allotransplant outcome in MDS with MK has not been described.Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed data of 79 patients with MDS who underwent allotransplant at the University of Iowa from 1990 to 2009. We recorded patients' cytogenetic data, clinical characteristics and evaluated outcome following allogeneic stem cell transplant stratified by cytogenetic classification.ResultsOf 79 patients, 37 (47%) had unfavorable karyotypes (23 complex karyotype, 25 abnormal chromosome 7). Twenty‐four patients (30%) had MK. Twenty‐four patients (30%) relapsed and 59 (74.7%) died during study period. Patients with MK had higher 2‐yr relapse incidence (RI) (51% vs. 29%; P = 0.01), lower 2‐yr event‐free survival (EFS) (8% vs. 40%; P = 0.02), and lower 2‐yr overall survival (OS)(6% vs. 41%; P = 0.02) than patients without MK. We further analyzed the effect of MK in each unfavorable karyotype composite. Although the outcome was not statistically different, unfavorable karyotypes with patients with MK showed a trend toward higher 2‐yr RI [hazard ratio (HR), 1.7; P = 0.34], lower 2‐yr EFS (HR, 1.5; P = 0.29), and lower 2‐yr OS (HR, 1.5; P = 0.28) compared to unfavorable karyotypes without MK.ConclusionCytogenetic abnormalities remain an important prognostic factor for allotransplant outcome of MDS. Our results suggested poor allotransplant outcomes with high RI and low OS in MDS with MK.
Health‐related quality of life and disease‐specific complaints among multiple myeloma patients up to 10 yr after diagnosis: results from a population‐based study using the PROFILES registry
Authors: Mols Floortje , Oerlemans Simone , Vos Allert H. , Koster Ad , Verelst Silvia , Sonneveld Pieter , van de Poll‐Franse Lonneke V. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundThis prospective population‐based study describes health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and disease‐specific complaints of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) up to 10 yr post‐diagnosis.MethodsThe Eindhoven Cancer Registry was used to select all patients diagnosed with MM from 1999 to 2010. Patients with MM completed the EORTC QLQ‐C30 and EORTC QLQ‐MY20 questionnaires at baseline (n = 156; 74% response rate) and 1 yr later (n = 80). The EORTC QLQ‐C30 was also completed by an age‐ and sex‐matched normative population (n = 500).ResultsPatients with MM reported statistically significant and clinically relevant worse scores on all EORTC QLQ‐C30 scales (all P's at least < 0.01) compared to the norm. Also, patients with MM reported a mean decrease (e.g., worsening) between baseline and 1‐yr follow‐up scores for: quality of life (mean, 68 vs. 55, respectively, P < 0.001; 74% of patients had a deteriorated score), fatigue (33 vs. 39, P < 0.05; 50%), nausea and vomiting (6.3 vs. 13, P < 0.05; 71%), pain (33 vs. 43, P < 0.05; 59%), and dyspnea (17 vs. 33, P < 0.001; 66%). The most bothering symptoms during the past week were tingling hands/feet (32%), back pain (28%), bone aches/pain (26%), pain in arm/shoulder (19%), and feeling drowsy (18%). Also, 37% worried about their future health, 34% thought about their disease, and 21% worried about dying.ConclusionPatients with MM experience a very high symptom burden and low HRQOL. Future studies should focus on possible mechanisms that can predict low HRQOL and high symptom burden in patients with MM and should investigate optimal ways to alleviate these.
Conditioned media obtained from human outer root sheath follicular keratinocyte culture activates signalling pathways that contribute to maintenance of hair‐inducing capacity and increases trichogenicity of cultured dermal cells
Authors: Lee Mi Hye , Im Sanguk , Shin Seung Hyun , Kwack Mi Hee , Jun Sang‐Eun , Kim Moon Kyu , Kim Jung Chul , Sung Young Kwan 
Published: July 2012

AbstractFindings from recent studies have demonstrated that hair‐inducing capacity (trichogenicity) of cultured dermal cells can be maintained by addition of conditioned media obtained from culture of epidermal keratinocytes. In this study, we investigated the question of whether treatment with human follicular keratinocyte–conditioned media (FKCM) can result in activation of signalling pathways that contribute to trichogenicity and increase the trichogenicity of cultured dermal cells. Through conduct of hair reconstitution assays, we observed that treatment of cells with FKCM resulted in induction of a greater number of hair follicles, compared with control cells. Treatment of dermal cells with FKCM resulted in the activation of BMP and β‐catenin signalling pathways. In addition, higher levels of IGFBP‐7, IL‐8, OPG and uPA were observed in FKCM. Altogether, our data suggest that a patient's own FKCM would be ideal for expansion of the patient's own follicular dermal cells for cell therapy for treatment of hair loss.
Updating vegetation classifications: an example with New Zealand's woody vegetation
Authors: Wiser Susan K. , De Cáceres Miquel 
Published: July 2012

AbstractQuestionsHow can existing vegetation classifications be updated when new plot data are obtained? Can we use the properties of plots classed as outliers to identify gaps in our understanding of vegetation patterns and so direct future enquiry?LocationNew Zealand.MethodsWe updated a pre‐existing classification of New Zealand's forests and shrublands based on a nationally representative data set (1177 plots) by using 12 374 additional plot records from New Zealand's National Vegetation Survey Databank (NVS). We resampled the NVS plot records to remove uneven representation along floristic and geographic gradients. To update the classification at the alliance level, we first cast the original classification into the fuzzy classification framework of Noise Clustering and then discarded original types with low plot numbers and high compositional variation. We then used the plot records that could not be assigned to any original alliance to define new alliances, while retaining the original alliances as fixed elements. We also defined vegetation associations to create a classification at a lower level of abstraction and related it to the classification at the alliance level. Finally, we determined whether known rare types were represented among the new vegetation types and characterized plot records classed as outliers.ResultsAfter casting the 24 original alliances in the NC framework, we discarded seven. We extended the 17 remaining alliances with 12 new ones and defined 79 associations. All 12 new alliances had extents <120 986 ha, which is smaller than the original alliances, and included rare types that were known to exist but could not be defined using the objectively sampled data set underpinning the original classification. Plot records classed as outliers tended to occur at lower altitudes or in successional shrublands. Further sampling is required to adequately define vegetation types in such situations, although composition may be inherently erratic in successional shrublands.ConclusionsOur analysis illustrates the application of a fuzzy classification framework at a national scale and provides a model for others wishing to extend and update vegetation classifications. Our approach allows rare community types to be defined and identifies portions of compositional and geographic gradients that are poorly documented.