bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behavioural evidence of agonist-like effect of isoteoline at 5-HT1B serotonergic receptors in mice
Authors: Zhelyazkova-Savova Maria D , Zhelyazkov Delcho K 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIsoteoline is a compound of aporphine structure derived from the alkaloid glaucine. Previous studies with isoteoline have shown antagonistic activity at 5-HT2C serotonergic receptors. We have investigated whether isoteoline interacts with 5-HT1B receptors. An isolation-induced social behavioural deficit test in mice was used as a model of stimulation of these receptors. The deficit in the behaviour of isolated mice in this experimental procedure was reported to be sensitive to 5-HT1B-receptor stimulation, since agonists at these receptors are capable of reversing it. In our study, we used N-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl) piperazine (TFMPP) (2 mg kg−1) as a reference agonist at these receptor sites. TFMPP completely restored the normal behaviour of the isolated mice. Its effect was prevented by propranolol (4 mg kg−1), a β-adrenergic receptor antagonist with a high affinity for 5-HT1B receptors, which was inactive by itself. When isoteoline was given before TFMPP, it did not prevent the effect of the latter. Given alone at doses of 0.25, 1, 4 or 8 mg kg−1, isoteoline showed an effect of its own to normalize the behaviour of isolated mice. The effect of isoteoline (1 mg kg−1, i.p.) was antagonized by pretreatment with propranolol, indicating that it was mediated through stimulation of 5-HT1B receptors. Repeated treatment with isoteoline (1 mg kg−1, 2 × 3 days, i.p.) produced tolerance to its effect and significantly attenuated the effect of TFMPP, when animals were tested 16 h after the last injection. In conclusion, the results provided functional evidence of agonist-like activity of isoteoline at the 5-HT1B receptors.
Preformulation stability of Spantide II, a promising topical anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of psoriasis and contact dermatitis
Authors: Kikwai Loice , Babu R J , Kanikkannan Narayanasamy , Singh Mandip 
Published: February 2010

AbstractSubstance P is readily expressed in skin inflammatory disorders such as psoriasis and contact dermatitis. Spantide II is a peptide (MW 1668.76) that specifically binds to neurokinin-1 receptor (NKR-1) and blocks inflammation associated with substance P. The anti-inflammatory property of Spantide II makes it a suitable candidate to be studied as a topical formulation for the treatment of dermal inflammatory disorders. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of pH, temperature, salt concentration and concentration on the aqueous stability of Spantide II. The stability of Spantide II was also assessed by circular dichroic (CD) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS). The influence of various dermatological vehicles (ethanol, Transcutol, propylene glycol, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), ethyl oleate, isopropyl myristate and laurogylcol FCC (LFCC)) on the stability of Spantide II was investigated. A precise high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay was developed for analysis of Spantide II. At higher temperature (40°C) the stability of Spantide II decreased with increase in pH (P &lt; 0.05). Change in salt concentration did not appreciably affect the stability of Spantide II (P &gt; 0.05). The concentration of Spantide II in the solution had no significant influence on its stability (P &gt; 0.05). CD spectroscopy studies showed that Spantide II has a relatively stable α-helix structure in the liquid state. The stability of Spantide II was affected by the type of vehicle used in the study (P &lt; 0.01) at different temperatures (P &lt; 0.05). Spantide II at high temperature undergoes lysine–proline diketopiperazine degradation as evident in MS data. Spantide II was relatively more stable in ethyl oleate–ethanol, ethanol–water, ethanol and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. The results of this study indicate that ethyl oleate–ethanol (1:1) and ethanol–water (1:1) could be used as potential vehicles in the development of topical formulations of Spantide II.
The mechanisms underlying the anti-aging activity of the Chinese prescription Kangen-karyu in hydrogen peroxide-induced human fibroblasts
Authors: Satoh Akiko , Yokozawa Takako , Kim Young Ae , Cho Eun Ju , Okamoto Takuya , Sei Yasuo 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Our previous study showed that Kangen-karyu extract protected against cellular senescence by reducing oxidative damage through the inhibition of reactive oxygen species generation and regulation of the antioxidative status. Although these findings suggest that Kangen-karyu could delay the aging process, the mechanisms responsible for protection against aging have rarely been elucidated. Therefore, this study was focussed on the mechanisms responsible for the anti-aging activity of Kangen-karyu extract using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced human diploid fibroblasts, a well-established experimental model of cellular aging. Kangen-karyu extract exerted a protective effect against the morphological changes induced by H2O2 treatment and inhibited senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity. In addition, the beneficial effects of Kangen-karyu extract on cell viability and lifespan indicated that Kangen-karyu extract could delay the cellular aging process. The observation that Kangen-karyu extract prevented nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) translocation in response to oxidative stress suggested that Kangen-karyu exerted its anti-aging effect through NF-κB modulation and prevention of H2O2-induced overexpression of haem oxygenase-1 protein. Moreover, pretreatment with Kangen-karyu extract reduced overexpression of bax protein and prevented the mitochondrial membrane potential decline, suggesting that Kangen-karyu extract may protect mitochondria from mitochondrial oxidative stress and dysfunction. These findings indicate that Kangen-karyu is a promising potential anti-aging agent that may delay, or normalize, the aging process by virtue of its protective activity against oxidative stress-related conditions.
Novel selective cytotoxicity of wild sarsaparilla rhizome extract
Authors: Huang Y G , Li Q Z , Ivanochko G , Wang R 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Among six fractions, including total extract and fractions of hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol, water and boiling water extracted and separated from wild sarsaparilla rhizome, the hexane fraction (HRW) was the most effective in eliminating four different human cancer cell lines with cellular viability less than 6.8%. HRW exhibited the highest potency against human leukaemia cells with an IC50 (concentration that inhibited the growth rate of cells by 50%) of 3.3 ± 0.3 μg mL−1, which was 17.6-fold smaller than that against normal human umbilical vein endothelial cells (IC50, 58.0 ± 1.5 μg mL−1). For its rich natural resources, simple extraction procedure and high yield (3.2%), HRW has the potential to be developed as a selective anti-cancer nutraceutical or pharmaceutical natural health product with low side effects and high economical return.
The inhibition of paw oedema formation caused by the oil of Copaifera multijuga Hayne and its fractions
Authors: Veiga Valdir F , Zunino Luciano , Patitucci Maria Lúcia , Pinto Angelo C , Calixto João B 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Two oils exuded from a Copaifera multijuga Hayne tree (Leguminosae-Caesalpinoideae), collected from the same plant, but in different periods of the year, and the hexanic, dichloromethanic and methanolic fractions of one of these oils were analysed by high-resolution gas chromatography (HRGC) and HRGC coupled with mass spectrometry (HRGC-MS). In addition, the in-vivo preliminary anti-oedematogenic actions of the oil and some fractions of it were assessed against carrageenan- and bradykinin-induced oedema formation in the rat paw. Twenty-seven sesquiterpenes and six diterpenes were identified, β-caryophyllene, α-copaene and copalic acid being the main components. The dichloromethanic and methanolic fractions obtained from C. multijuga oil given by the intraperitoneal route caused a significant inhibition of paw oedema caused by carrageenan with inhibition of 49 ± 13% and 64 ± 9 %, respectively. Likewise, dexamethasone (the positive control drug) also greatly inhibited carrageenan-induced paw oedema formation (60 ± 4% at 2 h). The hexanic fraction also significantly inhibited (50 ± 6%) the paw oedema formation caused by bradykinin. These results suggest the presence of still non-identified active terpene compounds in the oil of C. multijuga that exhibit anti-oedematogenic properties. Of note, the yield of these compounds and the pharmacological actions of the oil, exhibited great seasonal variations, a relevant aspect that should be carefully observed for the correct medicinal use of this plant by the population.
β2-Adrenergic Receptor Redistribution in Heart Failure Changes cAMP Compartmentation
Authors: Nikolaev Viacheslav O. , Moshkov Alexey , Lyon Alexander R. , Miragoli Michele , Novak Pavel , Paur Helen , Lohse Martin J. , Korchev Yuri E. , Harding Sian E. , Gorelik Julia 
Published: February 2010

Heart Cell Signaling in 3DA healthy heart relies on the proper transduction of cellular signals through the β1- and β2-adrenergic receptors (βARs), which are located on the surface of the heart's muscle cells (cardiomyocytes). The surface of these cells resembles a highly organized series of hills and valleys and it has been unclear whether this topography plays a role in the βAR signaling events that are critical to cell function.Nikolaevet al.(p.1653, published online 25 February; see Perspective byDorn) monitored the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signals generated by the βARs in living cardiomyocytes. In cells from healthy rats and from rats with heart failure, the β1ARs were localized across the entire cell surface. In contrast, the spatial localization of the β2ARs differed in healthy and failing cells. In healthy cardiomyocytes, the β2ARs resided exclusively within surface invaginations called transverse tubules, thereby producing spatially confined cAMP signals, whereas in failing cardiomyocytes, the β2ARs redistributed to other cell surface areas, thereby producing diffuse cAMP signals. Thus, changes in the spatial localization of β2AR-induced cAMP signaling may contribute to heart failure.
A Novel Mitochondrial KATPChannel Assay
Authors: Wojtovich Andrew P. , Williams David M. , Karcz Marcin K. , Lopes Coeli M.B. , Gray Daniel A. , Nehrke Keith W. , Brookes Paul S. 
Published: February 2010

Rationale:The mitochondrial ATP sensitive potassium channel (mKATP) is implicated in cardioprotection by ischemic preconditioning (IPC), but the molecular identity of the channel remains controversial. The validity of current methods to assay mKATPactivity is disputed.Objective:We sought to develop novel methods to assay mKATPactivity and its regulation.Methods and Results:Using a thallium (Tl+)-sensitive fluorophore, we developed a novel Tl+flux based assay for mKATPactivity, and used this assay probe several aspects of mKATPfunction. The following key observations were made. (1) Time-dependent run down of mKATPactivity was reversed by phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). (2) Dose responses of mKATPto nucleotides revealed a UDP EC50of ≈20 μmol/L and an ATP IC50of ≈5 μmol/L. (3) The antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac) inhibited mKATP(IC50=2.4 μmol/L). Fluoxetine also blocked cardioprotection triggered by IPC, but did not block protection triggered by a mKATP-independent stimulus. The related antidepressant zimelidine was without effect on either mKATPor IPC.Conclusions:The Tl+flux mKATPassay was validated by correlation with a classical mKATPchannel osmotic swelling assay (R2=0.855). The pharmacological profile of mKATP(response to ATP, UDP, PIP2, and fluoxetine) is consistent with that of an inward rectifying K+channel (KIR) and is somewhat closer to that of the KIR6.2 than the KIR6.1 isoform. The effect of fluoxetine on mKATP-dependent cardioprotection has implications for the growing use of antidepressants in patients who may benefit from preconditioning.
On the Dependence of Winter Precipitation Types on Temperature, Precipitation Rate, and Associated Features
Authors: Thériault Julie M. , Stewart Ronald E. , Henson William 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
The phase of precipitation formed within the atmosphere is highly dependent on the vertical temperature profile through which it falls. In particular, several precipitation types can form in an environment with a melting layer aloft and a refreezing layer below. These precipitation types include freezing rain, ice pellets, wet snow, and slush. To examine the formation of such precipitation, a bulk microphysics scheme was used to compare the characteristics of the hydrometeors produced by the model and observed by a research aircraft flight during the 1998 ice storm near Montreal, Canada. The model reproduced several of the observed key precipitation characteristics. Sensitivity tests on the precipitation types formed during the ice storm were also performed. These tests utilized temperature profiles produced by the North American Regional Reanalysis. The results show that small variations (±0.5°C) in the temperature profiles as well as in the precipitation rate can have major impacts on the types of precipitation formed at the surface. These results impose strong requirements on the accuracy needed by prediction models.
Interpreting Stationary Wave Nonlinearity in Barotropic Dynamics
Authors: Wang Lei , Kushner Paul J. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Stationary wave nonlinearity describes the self-interaction of stationary waves and is important in maintaining the zonally asymmetric atmospheric general circulation. However, the dynamics of stationary wave nonlinearity, which is often calculated explicitly in stationary wave models, is not well understood. Stationary wave nonlinearity is examined here in the simplified setting of the response to localized topographic forcing in quasigeostrophic barotropic dynamics in the presence and absence of transient eddies. It is shown that stationary wave nonlinearity accounts for most of the difference between the linear and full nonlinear response, particularly if the adjustment of the zonal-mean flow to the stationary waves is taken into account. The separate impact of transient eddy forcing is also quantified. Wave activity analysis shows that stationary wave nonlinearity in this setting is associated with Rossby wave critical layer reflection. A nonlinear stationary wave model, similar to those used in baroclinic stationary wave model studies, is also tested and is shown to capture the basic features of the full nonlinear stationary wave solution.
Differentiating between Clouds and Heavy Aerosols in Sun-Glint Regions
Authors: Hutchison Keith D. , Hauss Bruce , Iisager Barbara D. , Agravante Hiroshi , Mahoney Robert , Sei Alain , Jackson John M. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
An approach is presented to distinguish between clouds and heavy aerosols in sun-glint regions with automated cloud classification algorithms developed for the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) program. The approach extends the applicability of an algorithm that has already been applied successfully in areas outside the geometric and wind-induced sun-glint areas of the earth over both land and water surfaces. The successful application of this approach to include sun-glint regions requires an accurate cloud phase analysis, which can be degraded, especially in regions of sun glint, because of poorly calibrated radiances of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor. Consequently, procedures have been developed to replace bad MODIS level 1B (L1B) data, which may result from saturation, dead/noisy detectors, or data dropouts, with radiometrically reliable values to create the Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) proxy sensor data records (SDRs). Cloud phase analyses produced by the NPOESS VIIRS cloud mask (VCM) algorithm using these modified VIIRS proxy SDRs show excellent agreement with features observed in color composites of MODIS imagery. In addition, the improved logic in the VCM algorithm provides a new capability to differentiate between clouds and heavy aerosols within the sun-glint cone. This ability to differentiate between clouds and heavy aerosols in strong sun-glint regions is demonstrated using MODIS data collected during the recent fires that burned extensive areas in southern Australia. Comparisons between heavy aerosols identified by the VCM algorithm with imagery and heritage data products show the effectiveness of the new procedures using the modified VIIRS proxy SDRs. It is concluded that it is feasible to accurately detect clouds, identify cloud phase, and distinguish between clouds and heavy aerosol using a single cloud mask algorithm, even in extensive sun-glint regions.
Land–Atmosphere Interactions during a Northwestern Argentina Low Event
Authors: Saulo Celeste , Ferreira Lorena , Nogués-Paegle Julia , Seluchi Marcelo , Ruiz Juan 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
The impact of changes in soil moisture in subtropical Argentina in rainfall distribution and low-level circulation is studied with a state-of-the-art regional model in a downscaling mode, with different scenarios of soil moisture for a 10-day period. The selected case (starting 29 January 2003) was characterized by a northwestern Argentina low event associated with well-defined low-level northerly flow that extended east of the Andes over subtropical latitudes. Four tests were conducted at 40-km horizontal resolution with 31 sigma levels, decreasing and increasing the soil moisture initial condition by 50% over the entire domain, and imposing a 50% reduction over northwest Argentina and 50% increase over southeast South America. A control run with NCEP/Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS) initial conditions was used to assess the impact of the different soil moisture configurations.
It was found that land surface interactions are stronger when soil moisture is decreased, with a coherent reduction of precipitation over southern South America. Enhanced northerly winds result from an increase in the zonal gradient of pressure at low levels. In contrast, when soil moisture is increased, smaller circulation changes are found, although there appears to be a local feedback effect between the land and precipitation. The combined effects of changes in the circulation and in local stratification induced by soil wetness modifications, through variations in evaporation and Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE), are in agreement with what has been found by other studies, resulting in coherent modifications of precipitation when variations of CAPE and moisture flux convergence mutually reinforce.
Effectiveness of a Psychoeducative Intervention in a Summer Camp for Children With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: García-Pérez Lidia , Perestelo-Pérez Lilisbeth , Serrano-Aguilar Pedro , Trujillo-Martín Maria del Mar 
Published: February 2010

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a psychoeducative intervention implemented in a summer camp for children with type 1 diabetes. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted comparing 2 groups of children with type 1 diabetes. The intervention group (n = 34) received interventions that addressed knowledge, behaviors, skills, and psychological factors during a summer camp. The control group (n = 23) received the usual education and care. Evaluated measurements were glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C), diabetes knowledge, anxiety, psychological adaptation, and use of health care services. Results No significant changes in A1C annual average, body mass index (BMI), diabetes knowledge, anxiety, medical visits, or hospital admissions were observed after the intervention in comparison with before intervention. Only the adaptation to the school environment improved significantly. The control group significantly increased BMI and A1C. Conclusions No relevant variations in diabetes knowledge, anxiety, psychological adaptation, or use of health care services were found after the psychoeducative intervention implemented in the summer camp. Future studies with random allocation of subjects are necessary to confirm the intervention’s effectiveness.
Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation in Cartilage Lesions of the Knee
Authors: Vasiliadis Haris S. , Danielson Barbro , Ljungberg Maria , McKeon Brian , Lindahl Anders , Peterson Lars 
Published: February 2010

Background Various treatment options are available for articular cartilage lesions, but controversy exists regarding the quality of the repair tissue and the durability of the results posttreatment. Noninvasive techniques are needed for the assessment of the repair tissue. Hypothesis Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC) can give valuable information regarding the quality and quantity of the repaired cartilage lesion. Study Design Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods Thirty-six knees in 31 patients were assessed 9 to 18 years after treatment with autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). All patients had isolated lesions. The knees were clinically evaluated with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and the dGEMRIC technique. The T1 value was measured for 2 regions of interest (ROIs), 1 in the repair tissue area (ROI 1) and 1 in the surrounding cartilage (ROI 2), giving information of the content of proteoglycans. Results The average T1 value in ROI 1 was 467.5 milliseconds and in ROI 2, 495.3 milliseconds, which yielded no significant difference, thus suggesting comparable levels of proteoglycans in the repair tissue and surrounding cartilage. Intralesional osteophytes were in 64% of the lesions, mainly in younger patients with osteochondritis dissecans lesions or a history of subchondral bone surgeries. Medium or large bone marrow edema was found in 14% of the knees and subchondral cysts, in 39%. There was no correlation between the KOOS and any MRI findings. Conclusion Magnetic resonance imaging with dGEMRIC gives valuable information for the macroscopic appearance and micro-molecular quality of the repair tissue after ACI. Nine to 18 years posttreatment, the quality of the repair tissue is similar to the surrounding normal cartilage, although intralesional osteophytes, subchondral cysts, and bone marrow edema were common. The defect area is restored in most patients. However, there was no correlation between the dGEMRIC values and the KOOS outcomes.