bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stereological assessment of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex in schizophrenia: absence of changes in neuronal and glial densities
Authors: Höistad M. , Heinsen H. , Wicinski B. , Schmitz C. , Hof P. R. 
Published: August 2012

M. Höistad, H. Heinsen, B. Wicinski, C. Schmitz and P. R. Hof (2013) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology39, 348–361Stereological assessment of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex in schizophrenia: absence of changes in neuronal and glial densitiesAims: The prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices are implicated in schizophrenia, and many studies have assessed volume, cortical thickness, and neuronal densities or numbers in these regions. Available data, however, are rather conflicting and no clear cortical alteration pattern has been established. Changes in oligodendrocytes and white matter have been observed in schizophrenia, introducing a hypothesis about a myelin deficit as a key event in disease development. Methods: We investigated the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) in 13 men with schizophrenia and 13 age‐ and gender‐matched controls. We assessed stereologically the dACC volume, neuronal and glial densities, total neurone and glial numbers, and glia/neurone index (GNI) in both layers II–III and V–VI. Results: We observed no differences in neuronal or glial densities. No changes were observed in dACC cortical volume, total neurone numbers, and total glial numbers in schizophrenia. This contrasts with previous findings and suggests that the dACC may not undergo as severe changes in schizophrenia as is generally believed. However, we observed higher glial densities in layers V–VI than in layers II–III in both controls and patients with schizophrenia, pointing to possible layer‐specific effects on oligodendrocyte distribution during development. Conclusions: Using rigorous stereological methods, we demonstrate a seemingly normal cortical organization in an important neocortical area for schizophrenia, emphasizing the importance of such morphometric approaches in quantitative neuropathology. We discuss the significance of subregion‐ and layer‐specific alterations in the development of schizophrenia, and the discrepancies between post mortem histopathological studies and in vivo brain imaging findings in patients.
Genetic structure of populations of Rhizoctonia solani AG‐4 from five provinces in Iran
Authors: Haratian M. , Safaie N. , Sharifnabi B. , Mahmudi S. B. , Ariana A. 
Published: August 2012

Rhizoctonia solani anastomosis group 4 (AG‐4) is a serious pathogen causing damping off and root rot in many important crop plants. A total of 190 isolates of R. solani AG‐4 HG‐I were collected from host fields in five provinces of Iran. The genetic structure of this pathogen was evaluated using seven microsatellite loci, focusing particularly on geographic differentiation. Most of the multilocus genotypes (MLGTs) were unique, with few MLGTs shared among populations. High to moderate levels of gene flow among populations was indicated by low to moderate differentiation between pairs of populations based on the fixation index (FST). Gametic equilibrium of most pairs of microsatellite loci and moderate genotypic diversity were found for two out of five populations, indicating that these populations were sexually recombining in structure. High genotypic diversity, moderate clonal fractions and site‐specific genotypes were consistent with mixed reproductive systems for the remaining populations. The findings of departures from Hardy–Weinberg (HW) equilibrium, gametic disequilibrium and a significant excess of homozygotes in half or more than half of the loci were probably caused by the presence of null alleles and the Wahlund effect. This is the first study to consider the population genetics of the root and crown rot pathogen R. solani AG‐4.
The Palaeocene “top chron C27n” transient greenhouse episode: evidence from marine pelagic Atlantic and peri‐Tethyan sections
Authors: Dinarès‐Turell Jaume , Pujalte Victoriano , Stoykova Kristalina , Baceta Juan I. , Ivanov Marin 
Published: August 2012

Terra Nova, 24, 477–486, 2012AbstractThe early Cenozoic, which is punctuated by several negative carbon isotope excursions (CIEs), was a time of climatic and oceanographic transition from ‘Greenhouse’ to ‘Icehouse’ conditions. The occurrence of a ∼0.5‰ CIE starting at the top of Chron C27n (TC27N) is reconfirmed with stable isotope data from Zumaia (Spain) and Bjala (Bulgaria) localities. Spectral analysis on respective carbonate/magnetic susceptibility proxy records substantiates the orbital cyclostratigraphy allowing correlation to a high‐resolution benthic foraminifera isotope record from ODP Pacific Site 1209, that indicates a coeval 2 °C transient warming. The hyperthermal event lasts ∼200 ka, contrasting with other short‐lived events from the Eocene, and displays a relatively rapid onset and a longer tailing back to pre‐event values similar to the Palaeocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), though lower in amplitude. That a causal trigger for the TC27N event may be the onset of volcanism in the North Atlantic Igneous Province (NAIP) can be inferred from a ∼200‐m‐thick lava pile erupted during C27n/C26r polarity transition in the E Greenland margin.
Composition and physiological function of the chloroplast NADH dehydrogenase‐like complex in Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Ueda Minoru , Kuniyoshi Tetsuki , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Sugimoto Kazuhiko , Ishizaki Kimitsune , Kohchi Takayuki , Nishimura Yoshiki , Shikanai Toshiharu 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe chloroplast NADH dehydrogenase‐like (NDH) complex mediates cyclic electron transport and chloro‐respiration and consists of five sub‐omplexes, which in angiosperms further associate with photosystem I (PSI) to form a super‐complex. In Marchantia polymorpha, 11 plastid‐encoded subunits and all the nuclear‐encoded subunits of the A, B, membrane and ferredoxin‐binding sub‐complexes are conserved. However, it is unlikely that the genome of this liverwort encodes Lhca5 and Lhca6, both of which mediate NDH–PSI super‐complex formation. It is also unlikely that the subunits of the lumen sub‐complex, PnsL1–L4, are encoded by the genome. Consistent with this in silico prediction, the results of blue‐native gel electrophoresis showed that NDH subunits were detected in a protein complex with lower molecular mass in Marchantia than the NDH–PSI super‐complex in Arabidopsis. Using the plastid transformation technique, we knocked out the ndhB gene in Marchantia. Although the wild‐type genome copies were completely segregated out, the ΔndhB lines grew like the wild‐type photoautotrophically. A post‐illumination transient increase in chlorophyll fluorescence, which reflects NDH activity in vivo in angiosperms, was absent in the thalli of the ΔndhB lines. In ruptured chloroplasts, antimycin A‐insensitive, and ferredoxin‐dependent plastoquinone reduction was impaired, suggesting that chloroplast NDH mediates similar electron transport in Marchantia and Arabidopsis, despite its possible difference in structure. As in angiosperms, linear electron transport was not strongly affected in the ΔndhB lines. However, the plastoquinone pool was slightly more reduced at low light intensity, suggesting that chloroplast NDH functions in redox balancing of the inter system, especially under low light conditions.
Rhizobacteria Bacillus subtilis restricts foliar pathogen entry through stomata
Authors: Kumar Amutha Sampath , Lakshmanan Venkatachalam , Caplan Jeffrey L. , Powell Deborah , Czymmek Kirk J. , Levia Delphis F. , Bais Harsh P. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryPlants exist in a complex multitrophic environment, where they interact with and compete for resources with other plants, microbes and animals. Plants have a complex array of defense mechanisms, such as the cell wall being covered with a waxy cuticle serving as a potent physical barrier. Although some pathogenic fungi infect plants by penetrating through the cell wall, many bacterial pathogens invade plants primarily through stomata on the leaf surface. Entry of the foliar pathogen, Pseudomonas syringae pathovar tomato DC3000 (hereafter PstDC3000), into the plant corpus occurs through stomatal openings, and consequently a key plant innate immune response is the transient closure of stomata, which delays disease progression. Here, we present evidence that the root colonization of the rhizobacteria Bacillus subtilis FB17 (hereafter FB17) restricts the stomata‐mediated pathogen entry of PstDC3000 in Arabidopsis thaliana. Root binding of FB17 invokes abscisic acid (ABA) and salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathways to close light‐adapted stomata. These results emphasize the importance of rhizospheric processes and environmental conditions as an integral part of the plant innate immune system against foliar bacterial infections.
Salivary levels of HNP 1–3 are related to oral ulcer activity in Behçet’s disease
Authors: Mumcu Gonca , Cimilli Hale , Karacayli Ümit , Inanc Nevsun , Türe‐Özdemir Filiz , Eksioglu‐Demiralp Emel , Ergun Tülin , Direskeneli Haner 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackground  Saliva contains antimicrobial peptides derived from oral epithelium as well as neutrophils in the innate immune response. The aim of this study was to examine the association between salivary human neutrophil peptide (HNP) 1–3 levels originating from neutrophils and oral ulcers in patients with Behçet’s disease (BD).Methods  Ninety‐five patients with BD (F/M: 39/56; mean age: 38.7 ± 11.9 years) and 53 healthy controls (HC; F/M: 23/30; mean age: 35.2 ± 10.1 years) were included in the study. The disease control group (F/M: 20/33; mean age: 33.7 ± 10.7 years) was comprised of patients with oral infection regarding endodontic infection (n = 32) and pericoronitis (n = 21). Salivary HNP 1–3 levels of groups were measured in unstimulated samples by ELISA (Hycult, the Netherlands).Results  A statistically significant increase was found in salivary HNP 1–3 levels of patients with BD (2268.28 ± 1216.38 μg/ml) compared with HC (1836.49 ± 857.76 μg/ml), patients with endodontic infection (849.9 ± 376.1 μg/ml), and patients with pericoronitis (824.3 ± 284.02 μg/ml; P = 0.024, 0.000 and 0.000, respectively). The ratio of active oral ulcer (100%, n = 14) was higher in low HNP 1–3 levels (≤1000 μg/ml) than the others (66.7%, n = 54) in active patients with BD (P = 0.008). Moreover, salivary HNP 1–3 levels were significantly lower in patients with endodontic infection and patients with pericoronitis compared with those in the HC group and patients with BD (P = 0.000).Conclusion  A decrease in salivary HNP 1–3 levels might be a biological factor for predisposition to oral ulcers in patients with BD and oral infection in healthy patients.
Escalation of intake under intermittent ethanol access in diverse mouse genotypes
Authors: Rosenwasser Alan M. , Fixaris Michael C. , Crabbe John C. , Brooks Peter C. , Ascheid Sonja 
Published: August 2012

AbstractExperimental animals offered continuous 24‐hour free choice access to ethanol rarely display voluntary ethanol consumption at levels sufficient to induce intoxication or to engender dependence. One of the simplest ways to increase voluntary ethanol intake is to impose temporal limitations on ethanol availability. Escalation of ethanol intake has been observed in both rats and mice under a variety of different schedules of alternating ethanol access and deprivation. Although such effects have been observed in a variety of rat and mouse genotypes, little is known concerning possible genetic correlations between responses to intermittent ethanol access and other ethanol‐related phenotypes. In the present study, we examined the effects of intermittent ethanol access in mouse genotypes characterized by divergent responses to ethanol in other domains, including ethanol preference (C57BL/6J and C3H/HeJ mice), binge‐like ethanol drinking (High Drinking in the Dark and HS/Npt mice) and ethanol withdrawal severity (Withdrawal Seizure‐Prone and Withdrawal Seizure‐Resistant mice). Although intermittent ethanol access resulted in escalated ethanol intake in all tested genotypes, the robustness of the effect varied across genotypes. On the other hand, we saw no evidence that the effects of intermittent access are correlated with either binge‐like drinking or withdrawal severity, and only weak evidence for a genetic correlation with baseline ethanol preference. Thus, these different ethanol‐related traits appear to depend on largely unique sets of genetic mediators.
Association of GATA4 sequence variation with alcohol dependence
Authors: Karpyak Victor M. , Winham Stacey J. , Biernacka Joanna M. , Cunningham Julie M. , Lewis Kriste A. , Geske Jennifer R. , Colby Colin L. , Abulseoud Osama A. , Hall‐Flavin Daniel K. , Loukianova Larissa L. , Schneekloth Terry D. , Frye Mark A. , Heit John A. , Mrazek David A. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractTo further explore reports of association of alcohol dependence and response to acamprosate treatment with the GATA4 rs13273672 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), we genotyped this and 10 other GATA4 SNPs in 816 alcohol‐dependent cases and 1248 controls. We tested for association of alcohol dependence with the 11 SNPs individually and performed a global test for association using a principle components analysis. Our analyses demonstrate significant association between GATA4 and alcohol dependence at the gene level (P = 0.009) but no association with rs13273672. Further studies are needed to identify potential causal GATA4 variation(s) and the functional mechanism(s) contributing to this association.
Calcium and salinity as selective factors in plate morph evolution of the three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
Authors: Spence R. , Wootton R. J. , Przybylski M. , Zięba G. , Macdonald K. , Smith C. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIdentifying the causal factors underlying natural selection remains a key challenge in evolutionary biology. Although the genetic basis for the plate morph evolution of three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) is well described, the environmental variables that form the basis for different morphs are not understood. We measured the effects of dissolved calcium and salinity on the growth of sticklebacks with different plate morphs fromScotland andPoland. There was a significant interaction of calcium with plate morph for fish from both regions, withcompletemorph sticklebacks growing more slowly at low calcium concentrations andlowmorph sticklebacks showing divergent responses to calcium concentration. AScottish anadromous population showed evidence of local adaptation to high salinity, which was independent of plate morph.Polish andScottish populations diverged in their response to salinity, suggesting a difference in osmotic regulation. The results implicate a role for calcium in selecting for plate morph evolution in sticklebacks, possibly as a limiting element in skeletal growth.
Evaluation of two, commercial, multi‐dye, nucleic acid amplification technology tests, for HBV/HCV/HIV‐1/HIV‐2 and B19V/HAV, for screening blood and plasma for further manufacture
Authors: Müller M. M. , Fraile M. I. G. , Hourfar M. K. , Peris L. B. , Sireis W. , Rubin M. G. , López E. M. , Rodriguez G. T. , Seifried E. , Saldanha J. , Schmidt M. 
Published: August 2012

Background  The cobas® TaqScreen MPX Test, version 2.0, a multiplex, multi‐dye nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT) test from Roche was evaluated by two European Blood Banks, the German Red Cross Blood Donor Service, Frankfurt, Germany and Centro de Hemoterapia y Hemodonación de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain. In addition, the cobas® TaqScreen DPX Test was evaluated for the simultaneous detection and quantitation of parvovirus B19 and the detection of hepatitis A virus (HAV).Study Design and Methods  The performances of the two tests were evaluated regarding the analytical sensitivity, the reproducibility of the tests using samples containing low concentrations of each virus and cross‐contamination using samples containing high titres of virus.Results  The analytical sensitivity of the MPX Test, version 2.0, obtained by the German Red Cross Blood Donor Service was 1·1, 3·9 and 43·3 IU/ml for HBV, HCV and HIV‐1, respectively. The comparable analytical sensitivity at Centro de Hemoterapia y Hemodonación de Castilla y León was 3·5, 17·6 and 50·6 IU/ml for HBV, HCV and HIV‐1, respectively. The analytical sensitivity of the DPX test determined by the German Red Cross Blood Donor Service was 0·6 and 3·8 IU/ml for HAV and B19.Conclusion  These multiplex and multi‐dye blood screening assays represent a flexible NAT screening system for mini‐pools between 6 and 96 samples per pool and fulfil all requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia for HCV and B19V testing of plasma for fractionation. The inclusion of a new multi‐dye technology means discriminatory assays are no longer required for either test thus improving workflow, turn‐around time and minimize the risk of obtaining a reactive result for which the virus cannot be identified.
Probiotics in neonatology
Authors: Hickey Leah , Jacobs Susan E , Garland Suzanne M ,   on behalf of the ProPrems Study Group
Published: August 2012

AbstractProbiotics are micro‐organisms that confer health benefits on the host. Postulated mechanisms include: increasing resistance of the mucosal barrier to migration of bacteria and their toxins by strengthening intestinal cell junctions, modification of host response to microbial products, augmentation of immunoglobulin A mucosal responses, enhancement of enteral nutrition to inhibit the growth of pathogens; production of antimicrobial proteins; and competitive exclusion of potential pathogens. Published meta‐analyses and systematic reviews report the effects of probiotics on important clinical outcomes in neonates. This paper will review the evidence for probiotic supplementation in neonatology, with a focus on preterm infants.
First cytogenetic study of a member of the harvestman family Pettalidae (Opiliones: Cyphophthalmi)
Authors: Šťáhlavský František , Boyer Sarah L , Harvey Mark S , Giribet Gonzalo 
Published: August 2012

AbstractWe present the karyotype of the Australian harvestman Austropurcellia arcticosa (Cantrell, 1980) (Arachnida: Opiliones: Cyphophthalmi: Pettalidae), which represents the first cytogenetic analysis of Opiliones from the Australasian ecozone. The diploid complement comprised 30 chromosomes, as reported earlier for two other species of Cyphophthalmi in the family Sironidae, but with a predominance of biarmed chromosomes in A. arcticosa. Morphologically differentiated sex chromosomes were not observed. The course of meiosis is described in the suborder Cyphophthalmi for the first time.
New approach to the study of intraosseous vasculature
Authors: Papakonstantinou Maritsa K. , Pan Wei‐Ren , le Roux Cara Michelle , Richardson Martin D. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe study of intraosseous vasculature has always been challenging due to the hard, calcified structure of bone. Techniques used to study intraosseous vasculature usually involve diaphanization with a Spalteholz technique, followed by X‐ray imaging to display the radio contrast‐injected blood vessels. These techniques produce results with fine detail when successfully executed. However, high failure rates and the extensive length of time required to perform these techniques are drawbacks. This paper describes a faster, alternative method for the study of intraosseous vasculature.MethodFive embalmed and two fresh shoulder girdles were harvested from six cadavers. Cannulas were inserted into the origins of the anterior (ACHA) and posterior (PCHA) circumflex humeral arteries and injected with ink diluted in water or 6% hydrogen peroxide. The arteries and their branches were dissected until they entered their respective bony foraminae. A hammer, chisel, bone nibbler and mounted needles were used to follow the intraosseous course of these arteries and their branches.ResultsThe intraosseous vasculature was seen in all specimens. The branches of the main nutrient artery to the proximal humerus were followed until they reached articular cartilage or crossed cortical bone again to enter the rotator cuff tendons.DiscussionAn innovative, new approach to the study of intraosseous vasculature with direct visualization of the intraosseous arteries of the proximal humerus is described.
Anti‐dyskinetic mechanisms of amantadine and dextromethorphan in the 6‐OHDA rat model of Parkinson’s disease: role of NMDA vs. 5‐HT1A receptors
Authors: Paquette Melanie A. , Martinez Alex A. , Macheda Teresa , Meshul Charles K. , Johnson Steven W. , Berger S. Paul , Giuffrida Andrea 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAmantadine and dextromethorphan suppress levodopa (L‐DOPA)‐induced dyskinesia (LID) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) in the unilateral 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) rat model. These effects have been attributed to N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) antagonism. However, amantadine and dextromethorphan are also thought to block serotonin (5‐HT) uptake and cause 5‐HT overflow, leading to stimulation of 5‐HT1A receptors, which has been shown to reduce LID. We undertook a study in 6‐OHDA rats to determine whether the anti‐dyskinetic effects of these two compounds are mediated by NMDA antagonism and/or 5‐HT1A agonism. In addition, we assessed the sensorimotor effects of these drugs using the Vibrissae‐Stimulated Forelimb Placement and Cylinder tests. Our data show that the AIM‐suppressing effect of amantadine was not affected by the 5‐HT1A antagonist WAY‐100635, but was partially reversed by the NMDA agonist d‐cycloserine. Conversely, the AIM‐suppressing effect of dextromethorphan was prevented by WAY‐100635 but not by d‐cycloserine. Neither amantadine nor dextromethorphan affected the therapeutic effects of L‐DOPA in sensorimotor tests. We conclude that the anti‐dyskinetic effect of amantadine is partially dependent on NMDA antagonism, while dextromethorphan suppresses AIMs via indirect 5‐HT1A agonism. Combined with previous work from our group, our results support the investigation of 5‐HT1A agonists as pharmacotherapies for LID in PD patients.
Ultrasound‐guided supraclavicular cannulation of the brachiocephalic vein in infants: a retrospective analysis of a case series
Authors: Breschan Christian , Platzer Manuela , Jost Robert , Stettner Haro , Feigl Georg , Likar Rudolf 
Published: August 2012

SummaryBackground: In this study, we analyze the impact of the choice of either the left or right brachiocephalic vein (BCV) on the cannulation success when using the ultrasound‐guided supraclavicular in‐plane technique approach to the longitudinally viewed BCV in infants.Methods: The central vascular protocols of 183 infants were reviewed retrospectively.Results: The weight ranged from 0.7 to 10 kg. Central venous catheter placement was eventually successful in 98.9%. In 141 patients (82.9%), the left BCV was successfully punctured on the first attempt, in 23 patients (13.5%) after 2 and in 6 patients (3.5%) after 3 attempts. The right BCV was successfully punctured on the first attempt in five patients (38.4%), in three patients (15.3%) after two and in five patients (38.4%) after three attempts, respectively. Significantly more puncture attempts were required for the right BCV (chi‐square analysis:P < 0.01). There was also a significant improvement of the success rate over the time course of the case series (Jonckheere‐test:P < 0.01).Conclusion: It seems to be easier to cannulate the left BCV than the right BCV when using this ultrasound‐guided supraclavicular strict in‐plane technique. Gaining experience with this method seems to improve the cannulation success.