bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glutamate receptor δ1 induces preferentially inhibitory presynaptic differentiation of cortical neurons by interacting with neurexins through cerebellin precursor protein subtypes
Authors: Yasumura Misato , Yoshida Tomoyuki , Lee Sung‐Jin , Uemura Takeshi , Joo Jae‐Yeol , Mishina Masayoshi 
Published: December 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 705–716.AbstractGlutamate receptor (GluR) δ1 is widely expressed in the developing forebrain, whereas GluRδ2 is selectively expressed in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Recently, we found that trans‐synaptic interaction of postsynaptic GluRδ2 and pre‐synaptic neurexins (NRXNs) through cerebellin precursor protein (Cbln) 1 mediates excitatory synapse formation in the cerebellum. Thus, a question arises whether GluRδ1 regulates synapse formation in the forebrain. In this study, we showed that the N‐terminal domain of GluRδ1 induced inhibitory presynaptic differentiation of some populations of cultured cortical neurons. When Cbln1 or Cbln2 was added to cultures, GluRδ1 expressed in HEK293T cells induced preferentially inhibitory presynaptic differentiation of cultured cortical neurons. The synaptogenic activity of GluRδ1 was suppressed by the addition of the extracellular domain of NRXN1α or NRXN1β containing splice segment 4. Cbln subtypes directly bound to the N‐terminal domain of GluRδ1. The synaptogenic activity of GluRδ1 in the presence of Cbln subtypes correlated well with their binding affinities. When transfected to cortical neurons, GluRδ1 stimulated inhibitory synapse formation in the presence of Cbln1 or Cbln2. These results together with differential interactions of Cbln subtypes with NRXN variants suggest that GluRδ1 induces preferentially inhibitory presynaptic differentiation of cortical neurons by interacting with NRXNs containing splice segment 4 through Cbln subtypes.
Functional diversity across space and time: trends in wader communities on British estuaries
Authors: Mendez Veronica , Gill Jennifer A. , Burton Niall H. K. , Austin Graham E. , Petchey Owen L. , Davies Richard G. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAim British estuarine ecosystems support large populations of protected migratory waders. Understanding how wader communities vary spatially and how they may be changing temporally can greatly improve the understanding of these dynamic ecosystems. Here, we explore the variation in functional diversity (using a range of morphological and ecological traits) in order to identify the processes shaping wader communities on British estuaries and how these processes may be changing.Location England, Wales and Scotland.Methods We use national survey data (Wetland Bird Survey) from 1980/1981 to 2006/2007 winter to calculate functional diversity (FD) – an index that measures trait dispersion – in wader communities on 100 estuaries. We test for evidence of non‐random patterns of diversity and explore the relative importance of two key processes, environmental filtering and competition, in shaping these communities.Results The observed FD was significantly and positively associated with species richness and to a lesser extent estuary area, followed by longitude. An increase in observed FD was observed since 1980, supported by a small but significant slope. In the majority of cases, changes in FD were mirrored by changes in species richness. Observed FD was on average lower than expected by chance, as indicated by a negative value of observed minus expected FD. However, this difference became less negative over time, with observed minus expected FD values increasing slightly, but significantly, over the study period.Main conclusions Wader FD varies across British estuaries, and the relative influence of the processes by which communities are structured appears to be changing through time. We discuss the potential drivers underlying these patterns and the importance of identifying such drivers for the protection of wader communities.
Clinical Characteristics of Defecation and Micturition Syncope Compared with Common Vasovagal Syncope
Authors: BAE MYUNG H. , KANG JUNG K. , KIM NA Y. , CHOI WON S. , KIM KYUN H. , PARK SUN H. , LEE JANG H. , YANG DONG H. , PARK HUN S. , CHO YONGKEUN , CHAE SHUNG C. , JUN JAE‐EUN 
Published: December 2011

Background:

Little is known about the clinical characteristics of patients with situational syncope such as defecation syncope (DS) or micturition syncope (MS) compared with those with common vasovagal syncope (VVS).
Methods:

Among 680 consecutive patients, who underwent a head‐up tilt test between January 2006 and November 2010, 282 patients (40.4±16.7 years; 48.6% men) diagnosed as DS (n = 38), MS (n = 38), or common VVS (n = 208) were included.
Results:

Ages at diagnosis (38.7±17.3 vs 48.3±14.1 vs 42.0±13.8, P = 0.004) and the first syncope (33.7±18.4 vs 44.5±15.3 vs 37.5±14.6, P = 0.002) were significantly less in patients with common VVS than those with DS or MS, respectively. The patients with MS were more likely to be men (73.7%, P = 0.036), whereas patients with DS were more commonly women (73.7%). No sexual preference was observed in patients with common VVS. Body mass index was significantly lower (P = 0.047) and syncopal episodes were more recurrent (P = 0.049) in patients with common VVS than those with DS or MS. The frequency of drinking alcoholbefore syncope was significantly higher in patients with MS (39.5%, P < 0.001).
Conclusions:

DS tended to occur in older women, whereas MS tended to occur in middle‐aged men and drinking alcohol was an important precipitating factor for MS. However, common VVS was observed more in a thin and young population, which was more recurrent compared with those situational syncopes.(PACE 2011;1–7)
Influence of VicRK and CovR on the interactions of Streptococcus mutans with phagocytes
Authors: Negrini TC , Duque C , Vizoto NL , Stipp RN , Mariano FS , Höfling JF , Graner E , Mattos‐Graner RO 
Published: December 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 485–493Objective:  Streptococcus mutans are members of the oral microbiota that are implicated in dental caries and infective endocarditis. To adapt to environmental stresses encountered during host colonization, these bacteria employ two‐component regulatory systems, which modulate global changes in gene expression. These include the systems VicRK and CovR. In this study, we investigate the influence of VicRK and CovR in S. mutans interactions with mononuclear and polymorphonuclear (PMN) phagocytes.Methods:  Patterns of S. mutans uptake by murine macrophages were determined in strains, which differ in the production of proteins regulated by VicRK and CovR. Bacterial uptake by murine macrophages and by PMN in human blood was analyzed in vicK and covR knockout mutants obtained in strains UA159 and LT11.Results:  Inactivation of covR did not affect uptake by macrophages, while vicK inactivation transiently reduced uptake only in LT11 (P < 0.05). In the two strains, inactivation of vicK and covR impaired uptake by PMN for a period of 1 h or more (P < 0.01–0.05). Mutant complementation with vicK or covR restored the PMN uptake phenotypes.Conclusion:  This study indicates that VicRK and CovR regulate functions that influence bacterial susceptibility to phagocytosis, suggesting a novel role for these systems in the virulence of S. mutans.
Oral health of psychiatric patients: the nurse’s perspective
Authors: Azodo CC , Ezeja EB , Omoaregba JO , James BO 
Published: December 2011

To cite this article:   Int J Dent Hygiene10, 2012; 245–249  DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2011.00537.xAzodo CC, Ezeja EB, Omoaregba JO, James BO. Oral health of psychiatric patients: the nurse’s perspective.Abstract:  Objective: To assess nurses’ perspectives on character, prevalence and cause of oral diseases among psychiatric patients and also their approach and suggestions in relation to the care of oral problems. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire‐based cross‐sectional survey of all cadres of nurses (n = 136) at the Federal Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria, was conducted between December 2010 and January 2011. Results: Two‐thirds (67.6%) of the respondents reported that psychiatric in‐patients in comparison with the general population have a higher occurrence of oral and dental problems. Commonly cited reasons for the poor oral health of patients included as follows: sedation for long periods, lack of care by family, psychopathological symptoms, poor access to dentists and lack of oral hygiene advice. The common oral health complaints received by the respondents included toothache, pain from the gums and inability to open the mouth. Majority (91.4%) of respondents claimed to be presently involved with oral care of psychiatric in‐patients but oral care delivery is however bedevilled with lot of barriers like uncooperativeness of patients and lack of oral care materials. Conclusion: Oral complaints received are frequent and numerate with limited palliative action rendered. Attaching dentists to psychiatric hospitals and regular training of psychiatric nurses on oral care delivery are recommended to comprehensively cater for the oral health problems of psychiatric in‐patients.
Men’s Health: Sexual Dysfunction, Physical, and Psychological Health—Is There a Link?
Authors: Tan Hui Meng , Tong Seng Fah , Ho Christopher C.K. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sexual dysfunction in men, such as erectile dysfunction, hypogonadism, and premature ejaculation, generates considerable attention. Its association with physical and psychological health is an issue which should be addressed seriously.

Aim
A review of the literature pertaining to the correlation between sexual dysfunction and physical and psychological health.

Methods
PubMed search for relevant publications on the association between sexual dysfunction in men and physical and psychological health.

Main Outcome Measure
Clinical and epidemiological evidence that demonstrates the association between sexual dysfunction in men and physical and psychological health.

Results
Sexual dysfunction, i.e., erectile dysfunction, hypogonadism, and premature ejaculation, has been shown to be associated with physical and psychological health. There is a strong correlation between sexual dysfunction and cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, quality of life, and depression.

Conclusion
The association between men’s sexual dysfunction and physical and psychological health is real and proven. Therefore, it should not be taken lightly but instead treated as a life-threatening medical problem.
Sexual Behavior and Oral Contraception: A Pilot Study
Authors: Battaglia Cesare , Battaglia Bruno , Mancini Fulvia , Busacchi Paolo , Paganotto Maria Chiara , Morotti Elena , Venturoli Stefano 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Oral contraceptives (OCs) induce mood and libido changes.

Aim
The aim of this study was to evaluate in young, eumenorrheic, healthy women the sexual behavior and the genital vascular effects of an OC containing 30 µg ethinylestradiol (EE) and 3 mg drospirenone (DRSP).

Main Outcome Measures
The main outcome measures are McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire (MFSQ), the labia minora thickness and vaginal introitus area, the pulsatility index (PI) of clitoral and labia minora arteries, and hormonal and biochemical assays.

Methods
Twenty-two adult, eumenorrheic, healthy women were administered the two-factor Italian MFSQ. The labia minora thickness was studied by two-dimensional ultrasonographic, and the clitoral and labia minora arteries were evaluated by color Doppler; three-dimensional static volumes of the vulvar area were calculated. Hormonal (estradiol, androstenedione, and testosterone) and biohumoral (sex hormone binding globulin) parameters were assayed. Subjects were studied in baseline conditions and after 3 months of therapy with an OC (Yasmin®, Bayer-Schering Italia, Milan, Italy; −30 µg EE + 3 mg DRSP).

Results
After 3-month treatment, the labia minora thickness and the vaginal introitus area significantly decreased in comparison with the baseline values, whereas the PI of the dorsal clitoral artery and the posterior labial artery significantly increased. The OC use induced a significant decrease of the two-factor Italian MFSQ score, a reduction of the number of intercourse/week, and a reduction of the frequency of orgasm during intercourse. The item 18 (pain during intercourse) worsened after OC.

Conclusions
The treatment with Yasmin® (Bayer-Schering Italia) is associated with increased pain during intercourse, with decreased libido and spontaneous arousability, and with diminished frequency of sexual intercourse and orgasm.
Some supplementary methods for the analysis of WAIS‐IV index scores in neuropsychological assessment
Authors: Crawford John R. , Garthwaite Paul H. , Longman R. Stewart , Batty Abigail M. 
Published: December 2011

Objectives. To develop supplementary methods for the analysis of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale‐Fourth Edition (WAIS‐IV) in neuropsychological assessment.Design and Methods. Psychometric.Results. The following methods are made available: (a) provision of traditional confidence intervals (CIs) on index scores, (b) expression of the endpoints of CIs as percentile ranks; (c) quantification of the number of abnormally low index scores exhibited by a case and accompanying estimate of the percentage of the normative population expected to exhibit at least this number of low scores; (d) quantification of the reliability and abnormality of index score deviations from an individual's index score mean (thereby offering an alternative to the pairwise approach to index score comparisons available in the WAIS‐IV manual); (e) provision of CIs on an individual's deviation scores or pairwise difference scores, (f) estimation of the percentage of the normative population expected to exhibit at least as many abnormal deviations or abnormal pairwise differences as a case; and (g) calculation of a case's Mahalanobis distance index (MDI), thereby providing a multivariate estimate of the overall abnormality of an index score profile. With the exception of the MDI, all the methods can be applied using tables provided in this paper. However, for ease and speed of application, and to reduce the possibility of clerical error, all the methods have also been implemented in a computer program.Conclusions. The methods are useful for neuropsychological interpretation of the WAIS‐IV.
Efficacy of a heterologous vaccine and adjuvant in ferrets challenged with influenza virus H5N1
Authors: Vela Eric M. , Buccellato Mathew A. , Tordoff Kevin , Stark Greg , Bigger John E. 
Published: December 2011

Please cite this paper as: Vela et al. (2012) Efficacy of a heterologous vaccine and adjuvant in ferrets challenged with influenza virus H5N1. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(5), 328–340.Background  In 1997, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses caused outbreaks of disease in domestic poultry markets in Hong Kong. The virus has also been detected in infected poultry in Europe and Africa.Objective  The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a heterologous vaccine administered with and without the aluminum hydroxide adjuvant in ferrets challenged with HPAI (A/Vietnam/1203/04).Methods  Animals in four of the five groups were vaccinated twice 21 days apart, with two doses of a heterologous monovalent subvirion vaccine with or without an aluminum hydroxide adjuvant and challenged with a lethal target dose of A/Vietnam/1203/04.Results  All animals vaccinated with the heterologous vaccine in combination with the aluminum hydroxide adjuvant survived a lethal challenge of A/Vietnam/1203/04. Four of the eight animals vaccinated with 30 μg of the vaccine without the adjuvant survived, while two of the eight animals vaccinated with 15 μg of the vaccine without the adjuvant survived. None of the unvaccinated control animals survived challenge. Additionally, changes in virus recovered from nasal washes and post‐mortem tissues and serology suggest vaccine efficacy.Conclusions  Altogether, the data suggest that the heterologous vaccine in combination with the aluminum hydroxide adjuvant offers maximum protection against challenge with A/Vietnam/1203/04 when compared to the unvaccinated control animals or animals vaccinated without any adjuvant.
Effect of Curcumin on Liposome: Curcumin as a Molecular Probe for Monitoring Interaction of Ionic Liquids with 1,2‐Dipalmitoyl‐sn‐Glycero‐3‐Phosphocholine Liposome
Authors: Patra Digambara , El Khoury Elsy , Ahmadieh Diana , Darwish Shaza , Tafech Rana M. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractRecent increase and wider use of ionic liquids (ILs) for various applications has drawn attention to their toxicological consequence on human health. The present study explores effects of three different kinds of widely used ILs, such as 1‐methyl‐3‐octylimidazolium chloride, 1‐buytl‐3‐methyl imadazolium tetrafluoroborate and 1‐benzyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate, on liposome properties of 1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DPPC) by applying curcumin as molecular probe. Fluorescence intensity of curcumin is reported as a novel rotor which is sensitive to viscosity and thus the fluidity of the solvent. It follows a linear relationship of log fluorescence vs viscosity as proposed by Förster–Hoffmann equation. Curcumin binds strongly to liposome. At low concentration, the lipophilic drug curcumin does not appreciably influence the phase transition temperature of DPPC but as concentration reaches high levels significantly depresses the phase transition temperature. ILs diminish membrane fluidity. 1‐methyl‐3‐octylimidazolium chloride disorders membrane properties by lowering the phase transition as is observed for higher concentration of curcumin, but 1‐buytl‐3‐methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate and 1‐benzyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate do not modify phase transition temperature perceptibly; rather they broaden the phase transition at low molar concentration ratio. The three different kinds of ILs under study behave similarly at a high IL:DPPC ratio (1:2), while they behave differently at lower ratios (1:10–1:5).
Genotype × genotype interactions between the toxic cyanobacterium Microcystis and its grazer, the waterflea Daphnia
Authors: Lemaire Veerle , Brusciotti Silvia , van Gremberghe Ineke , Vyverman Wim , Vanoverbeke Joost , De Meester Luc 
Published: December 2011

AbstractToxic algal blooms are an important problem worldwide. The literature on toxic cyanobacteria blooms in inland waters reports widely divergent results on whether zooplankton can control cyanobacteria blooms or cyanobacteria suppress zooplankton by their toxins. Here we test whether this may be due to genotype × genotype interactions, in which interactions between the large‐bodied and efficient grazer Daphnia and the widespread cyanobacterium Microcystis are not only dependent on Microcystis strain or Daphnia genotype but are specific to genotype × genotype combinations. We show that genotype × genotype interactions are important in explaining mortality in short‐time exposures of Daphnia to Microcystis. These genotype × genotype interactions may result in local coadaptation and a geographic mosaic of coevolution. Genotype × genotype interactions can explain why the literature on zooplankton–cyanobacteria interactions is seemingly inconsistent, and provide hope that zooplankton can contribute to the suppression of cyanobacteria blooms in restoration projects.
The Red Queen and the seed bank: pathogen resistance of ex situ and in situ conserved barley
Authors: Jensen Helen R. , Dreiseitl Antonín , Sadiki Mohammed , Schoen Daniel J. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPlant geneticists have proposed that the dynamic conservation of crop plants in farm environments (in situ conservation) is complementary to static conservation in seed banks (ex situ conservation) because it may help to ensure adaptation to changing conditions. Here, we test whether collections of a traditional variety of Moroccan barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. vulgare) conserved ex situ showed differences in qualitative and quantitative resistance to the endemic fungal pathogen, Blumeria graminis f.sp. hordei, compared to collections that were continuously cultivated in situ. In detached‐leaf assays for qualitative resistance, there were some significant differences between in situ and ex situ conserved collections from the same localities. Some ex situ conserved collections showed lower resistance levels, while others showed higher resistance levels than their in situ conserved counterparts. In field trials for quantitative resistance, similar results were observed, with the highest resistance observed in situ. Overall, this study identifies some cases where the Red Queen appears to drive the evolution of increased resistance in situ. However, in situ conservation does not always result in improved adaptation to pathogen virulence, suggesting a more complex evolutionary scenario, consistent with several published examples of plant–pathogen co‐evolution in wild systems.
Spatiotemporal land use modelling to assess land availability for energy crops – illustrated for Mozambique
Authors: van der Hilst Floor , Verstegen Judith A. , Karssenberg Derek , Faaij André P. C. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractA method and tool have been developed to assess future developments in land availability for bioenergy crops in a spatially explicit way, while taking into account both the developments in other land use functions, such as land for food, livestock and material production, and the uncertainties in the key determinant factors of land use change (LUC). This spatiotemporal LUC model is demonstrated with a case study on the developments in the land availability for bioenergy crops in Mozambique in the timeframe 2005–2030. The developments in the main drivers for agricultural land use, demand for food, animal products and materials were assessed, based on the projected developments in population, diet, GDP and self‐sufficiency ratio. Two scenarios were developed: a business‐as‐usual (BAU) scenario and a progressive scenario. Land allocation was based on land use class‐specific sets of suitability factors. The LUC dynamics were mapped on a 1 km2 grid level for each individual year up to 2030. In the BAU scenario, 7.7 Mha and in the progressive scenario 16.4 Mha could become available for bioenergy crop production in 2030. Based on the Monte Carlo analysis, a 95% confidence interval of the amount of land available and the spatially explicit probability of available land was found. The bottom‐up approach, the number of dynamic land uses, the diverse portfolio of LUC drivers and suitability factors, and the possibility to model uncertainty mean that this model is a step forward in modelling land availability for bioenergy potentials.