bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SOX11 target genes: implications for neurogenesis and neuropsychiatric illness
Authors: Sha Li , Kitchen Rob , Porteous David , Blackwood Douglas , Muir Walter , Pickard Benjamin 
Published: July 2011

Objective:Deficits in adult and embryonic neurogenesis have been linked with neurological and psychiatric disorders, so it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying this process. SOX11 is a transcription factor known to play a critical role in the regulation of the neuronal and glial differentiation stage of neurogenesis, so we hypothesised that the identification of its target genes would reveal underlying biological processes relevant to disease.Methods:SOX11 protein was over-expressed in HEK293 cells and transcriptional changes assessed by microarray analysis. Selected candidate genes were further tested for SOX11 activation in quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR studies of HEK293 cells and Western analysis of SH-SY5Y cells.Results:Regulated genes included a previously established SOX11 target, known markers of neurogenesis, as well as several genes implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders. Immunofluorescence localised several of the genes within the proliferative subgranular zone of the hippocampus. We observed multiple histone and zinc finger genes regulated by SOX11, many of which were located in two clusters on chromosomes 6 and 19. The chromosome 6 cluster lies within a region of the genome showing the strongest genetic association with schizophrenia.Conclusion:SOX11 appears to regulate a complex programme of chromatin remodelling and downstream gene expression changes to achieve a mature neuronal phenotype. SOX11 target genes are shown to be involved in neurodevelopmental processes important in health and, potentially, disease.
Increased susceptibility of mitochondria isolated from frontal cortex and hippocampus of vitamin A-treated rats to non-aggregated amyloid-β peptides 1–40 and 1–42
Authors: de Oliveira Marcos R. , da Rocha Ricardo F. , Moreira José C. F. 
Published: July 2011

Objective: Vitamin A is a redox-active molecule and its inadvertent utilisation as a preventive therapy against ageing or neurodegeneration has become a harmful habit among humans at different ages. Mitochondrial dysfunction and redox impairment may be induced by vitamin A supplementation experimentally. Nonetheless, it is still not clear by which mechanisms vitamin A elicits such effects. Then, we performed this investigation to analyse whether mitochondria isolated from frontal cortex and hippocampus of vitamin A-treated rats are more sensitive to a challenge with amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides 1–40 or 1–42.Methods: Adult Wistar rats received vitamin A at 1000–9000 IU/kg/day orally for 28 days. Then, mitochondria were isolated and the challenge with Aβ peptides 1–40 or 1–42 (at 0.2 or 0.1 μM, respectively) for 10 min was carried out before mitochondrial electron transfer chain enzyme activity, superoxide anion radical (O2−•) production and 3-nitrotyrosine content quantification.Results: Mitochondria obtained from vitamin A-treated rats are more sensitive to Aβ peptides 1–40 or 1–42 than mitochondria isolated from the control group, as decreased mitochondrial complex enzyme activity and increased O2−• production and 3-nitrotyrosine content were observed in incubated mitochondria isolated from vitamin A-treated rats.Conclusion: These data suggest that oral intake of vitamin A at clinical doses increases the susceptibility of mitochondria to a neurotoxic agent even at low concentrations.
Acculturative type is associated with breastfeeding duration among low‐income Latinas
Authors: Chapman Donna J. , Pérez‐Escamilla Rafael 
Published: July 2011

AbstractWe sought to assess the relationship between acculturative type and breastfeeding outcomes among low‐income Latinas, utilising a multidimensional assessment of acculturation. We analysed data derived from a breastfeeding peer counselling randomised trial. Acculturation was assessed during pregnancy using a modified Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans scale. Analyses were restricted to Latinas who completed the acculturation scale and had post‐partum breastfeeding data (n = 114). Cox survival analyses were conducted to evaluate differences in breastfeeding continuation and exclusivity by acculturative type. Participants were classified as integrated‐high (23.7%, n = 27), traditional Hispanic (36.8%, n = 42), integrated‐low (12.3%, n = 14) and assimilated (27.2%, n = 31). The integrated‐low group was significantly more likely to continue breastfeeding than the traditional Hispanic, assimilated, and integrated‐high groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, and P < 0.01, respectively). The traditional Hispanic group was marginally more likely to continue breastfeeding than the integrated‐high group (P = 0.06). Breastfeeding continuation rates vary significantly between acculturative types in this multinational, low‐income Latina sample. Multidimensional assessments of acculturation may prove useful in better tailoring future breastfeeding promotion interventions.
Attenuated relationship between cardiac output and oxygen uptake during high‐intensity exercise
Authors: Trinity J. D. , Lee J. F. , Pahnke M. D. , Beck K. C. , Coyle E. F. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Aim:  Recent findings have challenged the belief that the cardiac output (CO) and oxygen consumption (VO2) relationship is linear from rest to maximal exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine the CO and stroke volume (SV) response to a range of exercise intensities, 40–100% of VO2max, during cycling.
Methods:  Ten well‐trained cyclists performed a series of discontinuous exercise bouts to determine the CO and SV vs. VO2 responses.
Results:  The rate of increase in CO, relative to VO2, during exercise from 40 to 70% of VO2max was 4.4 ± 1.4 L L−1. During exercise at 70–100% of VO2max, the rate of increase in CO was reduced to 2.1 ± 0.9 L L−1 (P = 0.01). Stroke volume during exercise at 80–100% of VO2max was reduced by 7% when compared to exercise at 50–70% of VO2max (134 ± 5 vs. 143 ± 5 mL per beat, P = 0.02). Whole body arterial‐venous O2 difference increased significantly as intensity increased.
Conclusion:  The observation that the rate of increase in CO is reduced as exercise intensity increases suggests that cardiovascular performance displays signs of compromised function before maximal VO2 is reached.
A Hand‐held Fiber‐optic Implement for the Site‐specific Delivery of Photosensitizer and Singlet Oxygen
Authors: Mahendran Adaickapillai , Kopkalli Yasemin , Ghosh Goutam , Ghogare Ashwini , Minnis Mihaela , Kruft Bonnie I. , Zamadar Matibur , Aebisher David , Davenport Lesley , Greer Alexander 
Published: July 2011

AbstractWe have constructed a fiber optic device that internally flows triplet oxygen and externally produces singlet oxygen, causing a reaction at the (Z)‐1,2‐dialkoxyethene spacer group, freeing a pheophorbide sensitizer upon the fragmentation of a reactive dioxetane intermediate. The device can be operated and sensitizer photorelease observed using absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. We demonstrate the preference of sensitizer photorelease when the probe tip is in contact with octanol or lipophilic media. A first‐order photocleavage rate constant of 1.13 h−1 was measured in octanol where dye desorption was not accompanied by readsorption. When the probe tip contacts aqueous solution, the photorelease was inefficient because most of the dye adsorbed on the probe tip, even after the covalent ethene spacer bonds have been broken. The observed stability of the free sensitizer in lipophilic media is reasonable even though it is a pyropheophorbide‐a derivative that carries a p‐formylbenzylic alcohol substituent at the carboxylic acid group. In octanol or lipid systems, we found that the dye was not susceptible to hydrolysis to pyropheophorbide‐a, otherwise a pH effect was observed in a binary methanol‐water system (9:1) at pH below 2 or above 8.
Design of a Coupled Bioluminescent Assay for a Recombinant Pyruvate Kinase from a Thermophilic Geobacillus
Authors: Mohammadi Soheila , Nikkhah Maryam , Nazari Mahboobeh , Hosseinkhani Saman 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTA simple and rapid method using coupled bioluminescent assay was developed to determine level of ADP. ADP is involved in many biological reactions and ADP assay can be used for assaying some reactions universally by monitoring ADP formation or depletion. ADP analysis involves incubation of ADP or extracts containing ADP with pyruvate kinase (PK) and PEP. The ATP formed by this reaction is determined by measuring the intensity of the initial light flash produced when luciferin‐luciferase preparation injected into the reaction mixture. In regard to the main role of the PK in this assay, the gene of PK from a Geobacillus species has been cloned in expression vector pET28a (+), sequenced and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. Recombinant protein was purified using Ni‐NTA column and then the purified PK was used in a coupled bioluminescent assay for ADP measurement. Kinetic properties of PK are determined according to a bioluminescent assay using firefly luciferase.
Efficacy of ultrasound in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee
Authors: Yang Peng‐fei , Li Dong , Zhang Shi‐mo , Wu Qing , Tang Jin , Huang Liang‐ku , Liu Wei , Xu Xi‐dong , Chen Shi‐rong 
Published: July 2011

Objective:  To investigate the effect of ultrasound in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.Methods:  Eighty‐seven out‐ and in‐patients with osteoarthritis of the knee (15 men and 72 women) underwent ultrasonic therapy from February to October 2010. The patients were randomly assigned to an ultrasound group (Group A) and a placebo group (Group B). Group A was offered ultrasonic therapy while Group B underwent mock treatment. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and Lequesne scores of the two groups before and after treatment were compared. The data were analyzed by normal distribution, Student's t‐test and the rank sum test. The means during and after treatment of the VAS and Lequesne efficacy index of the treatment group were calculated and plotted on a bar graph.Results:  Single sample analysis of Groups A and B showed VAS efficacy index: mean = 0.3640, P= 0.000; Lequesne efficacy index, median = 0.3080, P= 0.000, and mean = 0.1000, P= 0.000; Lequesne efficacy index, mean = 0.0364, P= 0.024, respectively. Independent samples t test and rank sum test showed significant differences between the two groups, namely P= 0.000 for both the VAS and Lequesne curative effect indexes. The means of the VAS efficacy index of the treatment group increased during and after treatment. The means of the Lequesne efficacy index of the treatment group showed no apparent decrease by 28 days after treatment.Conclusion:  Ultrasound treatment significantly alleviates joint symptoms, relieving joint swelling, increasing joint mobility and reducing inflammation, in osteoarthritis patients.
A new technique for anterior cervical pedicle screw implantation
Authors: Zhao Liu‐jun , Xu Rong‐ming , Jiang Wei‐yu , Ma Wei‐hu , Xu Nan‐jian , Hu Yong 
Published: July 2011

Objective:  To introduce and evaluate a new technique, anterior pedicle screw implantation, for anterior cervical reconstruction.Methods:  Seven patients (five men and two women) with an average age of 65 years were included in this group. After carefully preparation, anterior pedicle screws were implanted under fluoroscopy in all patients. The position of the anterior pedicle screws was evaluated three days postoperatively by X‐ray and CT imaging. The mean recovery rate as assessed by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was recorded at final follow‐up.Results:  A total of fourteen anterior pedicle screws were implanted in our group. The average follow up period was 8 months. The mean JOA score was 12.5 preoperatively and 14.8 postoperatively. The mean improvement in the JOA score was 50.5% at final follow‐up. The average local alignment improved from 4.0 of kyphosis preoperatively to 6.5 of lordosis at final follow‐up. Early bony union was observed in four cases that were followed up for more than 3 months. There were no serious complications. No “pedicle perforation” was observed in any of the fourteen anterior pedicle screws, whereas one screw exposure occurred.Conclusion:  Anterior cervical pedicle screw implantation is a feasible method for selected cases. It provides another choice for strong anterior cervical reconstruction.
Seroprevalence of Tularemia in Wild Bears and Hares in Japan
Authors: Hotta A. , Tanabayashi K. , Yamamoto Y. , Fujita O. , Uda A. , Mizoguchi T. , Yamada A. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryTularemia is a zoonotic disease caused byFrancisella tularensis. The distribution of the pathogen in Japan has not been studied well. In this study, seroprevalence of tularemia among wild black bears and hares in Japan was determined. Blood samples collected from 431 Japanese black bears (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) and 293 Japanese hares (Lepus brachurus) between 1998 and 2009 were examined for antibodies againstF. tularensisby micro‐agglutination test (MA) or enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. By subsequent confirmatory tests using western blot (WB) and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), eight sera from Japanese black bears were definitely shown to be seropositive. All of these eight bears were residents of the northeastern part of main‐island of Japan, where human tularemia had been reported. On the other hand, no seropositive Japanese hares were found. These results suggest that Japanese black bears can serve as sentinel for tularemia surveillance and may help understand the distribution ofF. tularensisthroughout the country. This is the first report on detection of antibody toF. tularensisin black bears of Japan.
Plasma biochemical reference values in clinically healthy captive bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) and the effects of sex and season
Authors: Tamukai Kenichi , Takami Yoshinori , Akabane Yoshihito , Kanazawa Yuko , Une Yumi 
Published: July 2011

Background:Bearded dragons are one of the most popular pet lizard species, and biochemical reference values are useful for health management of these reptiles.Objectives:The objectives of this study were to measure plasma biochemical values in healthy captive bearded dragons, determine reference values, and evaluate the effects of sex and season on the results.Methods:Blood samples were collected from 100 captive healthy bearded dragons in Tokyo during the summer and winter. Plasma biochemical measurements were performed using a dry‐slide automated biochemical analyzer. The data were then compared based on sex and season using 2‐way ANOVA.Results:Globulin, cholesterol, and calcium concentrations of females were higher in both summer and winter compared with the values obtained for males. Both males and females had higher uric acid concentrations in winter than in summer. When compared with males, females had a higher chloride concentration in summer and a higher total protein concentration and aspartate aminotransferase activity in winter. Potassium concentration in males was lower in winter than in summer, whereas in females cholesterol concentration was lower in winter than in summer.Conclusions:Biochemical values that differed based on sex and season in bearded dragons were similar to those in other lizards. These differences reflect physiologic differences in reproductive status in females and seasonal changes in temperature and hydration status. Plasma biochemical values established for bearded dragons in this study will be useful in the diagnostic assessment of captive animals.
In vitro electrical activity of the equine pelvic flexure
Authors: FINTL C. , PEARSON G. T. , MAYHEW I. G. , HUDSON N. P. H. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryReasons for performing study: The generation and maintenance of intestinal motility patterns involve the complex interactions of several components including the gastrointestinal pacemaker cells (interstitial cells of Cajal, ICC). Central to ICC function is the generation of rhythmic pacemaker currents, namely slow waves, which represent the rate limiting step for intestinal smooth muscle contractions. Currently, intracellular slow wave activity has not been demonstrated in the equine colon.Objectives: To characterise the in vitro myoelectrical activity of the equine pelvic flexure using intracellular recording techniques.Methods: Intestinal samples were collected immediately following euthanasia from 14 normal horses. One millimetre thick tissue sections were pinned and superfused with warmed, oxygenated Krebs solution. Intracellular recordings were made from smooth muscle cells close to the submucosal border of the circular muscle layer. The L‐type Ca2+ channel blocker nifedipine was added to the superfusion fluid in 9 experiments while the Na+ channel blocker tetrodotoxin was added to the superfusion fluid in 4 experiments. The data were recorded and stored using an acquisition system and a software package used to analyse the recordings.Results: In 10 of the 14 horses, electrical events consistent with slow wave patterns were recorded from individual smooth muscle cells. Surprisingly, adding nifedipine to the superfusion fluid abolished all electrical activity. In contrast, tetrodotoxin had no apparent effect on the electrical activity.Conclusions: Assuming that the electrical events were slow waves, the blockade by nifedipine suggests significant and potentially important differences in the ionic mechanisms responsible for slow waves in the different regions of the equine intestinal tract, which deserve further evaluation.
Adipose tissue‐derived adiponectin expression is significantly associated with increased post operative mortality in horses undergoing emergency abdominal surgery
Authors: PACKER M. J. , GERMAN A. J. , HUNTER L. , TRAYHURN P. , PROUDMAN C. J. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryReasons for performing study: Adipose tissue is an important source of inflammatory cytokines (adipokines) and adiposity has been identified as having a significant effect on human morbidity and mortality. Obesity is also an emerging welfare problem in the UK horse population, but the role that it plays in secondary diseases is unclear.Objectives: To examine the expression of inflammation‐related adipokine genes in retroperitoneal adipose tissue of horses undergoing emergency abdominal surgery and to explore associations with adiposity and post operative survival.Methods: Retroperitoneal adipose tissue samples were obtained from 76 horses undergoing emergency abdominal surgery. Real‐time PCR was used to measure gene expression for leptin, adiponectin, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha, macrophage chemoattractant protein‐1, macrophage inhibitory factor, serum amyloid A, haptoglobin and interleukin‐1. Multivariate patterns of adipokine expression were explored with principal component analysis (PCA), whilst univariable associations with post operative survival were tested in a Cox proportional hazards model.Results: Leptin gene expression was higher in overweight and obese horses than in lean animals. Expression of mRNA encoding adiponectin mRNA in visceral adipose tissue was positively associated with increased post operative mortality (hazard ratio 1.31, 95% CI 1.05–1.65). However, PCA did not demonstrate multivariable patterns of adipokine gene expression from visceral adipose tissue associated with body mass index or with survival.Conclusions: In horses presented with acute intestinal disease, increased adiponectin gene expression from retroperitoneal adipose tissue is associated with an increased risk of mortality. Obesity assessed by BMI had no association with increased post operative mortality in horses with primary gastrointestinal disease.Potential relevance: Further study is warranted on the expression and effects of adipokines, particularly adiponectin, and correlation with postoperative outcome.
Factors associated with survival of epiploic foramen entrapment colic: A multicentre, international study
Authors: ARCHER D. C. , PINCHBECK G. L. , PROUDMAN C. J. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryReasons for performing study:Epiploic foramen entrapment (EFE) has been associated with reduced post operative survival compared to other types of colic but specific factors associated with reduced long‐term survival of these cases have not been evaluated in a large number of horses using survival analysis.Objective:To describe post operative survival of EFE cases and to identify factors associated with long‐term survival.Methods:A prospective, multicentre, international study was conducted using clinical data and long‐term follow‐up information for 126 horses diagnosed with EFE during exploratory laparotomy at 15 clinics in the UK, Ireland and USA. Descriptive data were generated and survival analysis performed to identify factors associated with reduced post operative survival.Results:For the EFE cohort that recovered following anaesthesia, survival to hospital discharge was 78.5%. Survival to 1 and 2 years post operatively was 50.6 and 34.3%, respectively. The median survival time of EFE cases undergoing surgery was 397 days. Increased packed cell volume (PCV) and increased length of small intestine (SI) resected were significantly associated with increased likelihood of mortality when multivariable analysis of pre‐ and intraoperative variables were analysed. When all pre‐, intra‐ and post operative variables were analysed separately, only horses that developed post operative ileus (POI) were shown to be at increased likelihood of mortality.Conclusions:Increased PCV, increased length of SI resected and POI are all associated with increased likelihood of mortality of EFE cases. This emphasises the importance of early diagnosis and treatment and the need for improved strategies in the management of POI in order to reduce post operative mortality in these cases.Potential relevance:The present study provides evidence‐based information to clinicians and owners of horses undergoing surgery for EFE about long‐term survival. These results are applicable to university and large private clinics over a wide geographical area.