bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selective activation of dorsal raphe nucleus‐projecting neurons in the ventral medial prefrontal cortex by controllable stress
Authors: Baratta Michael V. , Zarza Christina M. , Gomez Devan M. , Campeau Serge , Watkins Linda R. , Maier Steven F. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractExposure to uncontrollable stressors produces a variety of behavioral consequences (e.g. exaggerated fear, reduced social exploration) that do not occur if the stressor is controllable. In addition, an initial experience with a controllable stressor can block the behavioral and neural responses to a later uncontrollable stressor. The serotonergic (5‐HT) dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) has come to be viewed as a critical structure in mediating the behavioral effects of uncontrollable stress. Recent work suggests that the buffering effects of behavioral control on the DRN‐dependent behavioral outcomes of uncontrollable stress require ventral medial prefrontal cortex (mPFCv) activation at the time of behavioral control. The present studies were conducted to directly determine whether or not controllable stress selectively activates DRN‐projecting neurons within the mPFCv. To examine this possibility in the rat, we combined retrograde tracing (fluorogold iontophoresed into the DRN) with Fos immunohistochemistry, a marker for neural activation. Exposure to controllable, relative to uncontrollable, stress increased Fos expression in fluorogold‐labeled neurons in the prelimbic region (PL) of the mPFCv. Furthermore, in a separate experiment, a prior experience with controllable stress led to potentiation of Fos expression in retrogradely labeled PL neurons in response to an uncontrollable stressor 1 week later. These results suggest that the PL selectively responds to behavioral control and utilizes such information to regulate the brainstem response to ongoing and subsequent stressors.
A novel two‐dimensional dynamic anal ultrasonography technique to assess anismus comparing with three‐dimensional echodefecography
Authors: Murad‐Regadas S. M. , Regadas F. S. P. , Barreto R. G. L. , Rodrigues L. V. , De Souza M. H. L. P. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjective  The aim of this prospective study was to test two‐dimensional dynamic anorectal ultrasonography (2D‐DAUS) in the assessment of anismus and compare it with echodefecography (ECD).Method  Fifty consecutive female patients with outlet delay were submitted to 2D and 3D‐DAUS, measuring the relaxing or contracting puborectalis muscle angle during straining. The patients were assigned to one of two groups based on ECD findings. Group I consisted of 29 patients without anismus and group II included 21 patients diagnosed with anismus. Subsequently 2D‐DAUS images were checked for anismus and compared with ECD findings.Results  Upon straining, the angle produced by the movement of the puborectalis muscle decreased in 26 out of the 29 (89.6%) patients of group I and increased 19 out of the 21 (90.4%) patients of group II. The mean angle during straining differed significantly between group I and group II. The index of agreement between the two scanning modes was 89.6% (26/29) for group I (Kappa: 0.796; CI: 95%; range: 0.51–1.0) and 90.4% (19/21) for group II (Kappa: 0.796; CI: 95%; range: 0.51–1.0).Conclusion  Two‐dimensional dynamic anal ultrasonography can be used as an alternative method to assess patients with anismus, although the 3‐D modality is more precise to evaluate the PR angle as the sphincters integrity as the whole muscle length is clearly visualized.
Predicting the past distribution of species climatic niches
Authors: Nogués‐Bravo David 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTPredicting past distributions of species climatic niches, hindcasting, by using climate envelope models (CEMs) is emerging as an exciting research area. CEMs are used to examine veiled evolutionary questions about extinctions, locations of past refugia and migration pathways, or to propose hypotheses concerning the past population structure of species in phylogeographical studies. CEMs are sensitive to theoretical assumptions, to model classes and to projections in non‐analogous climates, among other issues. Studies hindcasting the climatic niches of species often make reference to these limitations. However, to obtain strong scientific inferences, we must not only be aware of these potential limitations but we must also overcome them. Here, I review the literature on hindcasting CEMs. I discuss the theoretical assumptions behind niche modelling, i.e. the stability of climatic niches through time and the equilibrium of species with climate. I also summarize a set of ‘recommended practices’ to improve hindcasting. The studies reviewed: (1) rarely test the theoretical assumptions behind niche modelling such as the stability of species climatic niches through time and the equilibrium of species with climate; (2) they only use one model class (72% of the studies) and one palaeoclimatic reconstruction (62.5%) to calibrate their models; (3) they do not check for the occurrence of non‐analogous climates (97%); and (4) they do not use independent data to validate the models (72%). Ignoring the theoretical assumptions behind niche modelling and using inadequate methods for hindcasting CEMs may well entail a cascade of errors and naïve ecological and evolutionary inferences. We should also push integrative research lines linking macroecology, physiology, population biology, palaeontology, evolutionary biology and CEMs for a better understanding of niche dynamics across space and time.
Niche shift versus niche conservatism? Climatic characteristics of the native and invasive ranges of the Mediterranean house gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus)
Authors: Rödder Dennis , Lötters Stefan 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTAim  The use of ecological niche models (ENMs) to predict potential distributions of species is steadily increasing. A necessary assumption is that climatic niches are conservative, but recent findings of niche shifts during biological invasion indicate that this assumption is not always valid. Selection of predictor variables may be one reason for the observed shifts. In this paper we assess differences in climatic niches in the native and invaded ranges of the Mediterranean house gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) in terms of commonly applied climate variables in ENMs. We analyse which variables are more conserved versus relaxed (i.e. subject to niche shift). Furthermore, we study the predictive power of different sets of climate variables.Location  The Mediterranean region and North America.Methods  We developed models using Maxent and various subsets of variables out of 19 bioclimatic layers including: (1) two subsets comprising almost all variables excluding only highly collinear ones; (2) two subsets with minimalistic variable sets of water availability and energy measures; (3) two subsets focused on temperature‐related parameters; (4) two subsets with precipitation‐related parameters; and (5) one subset comprising variables combining temperature and precipitation characteristics. Occurrence data from the native Mediterranean range were used to predict the potential introduced range in North America and vice versa. Degrees of niche similarity and conservatism were assessed using both Schoener's index and Hellinger distances. The significance of the results was tested using null models.Results  The degree of niche similarity and conservatism varied greatly among the predictors and variable sets applied. Shifts observed in some variables could be attributed to active habitat selection while others apparently reflected background effects.Main conclusions  The study was based on comprehensive occurrence data from all regions where Hemidactylus turcicus is present in Europe and North America, providing a robust foundation. Our results clearly indicate that the degree of conservatism of niches in H. turcicus largely varies among predictors and variable sets applied. Therefore, the extent of niche conservatism of variables applied should always be tested in ENMs. This has an important impact on studies of biological invasion, impacts of climate change and niche evolution.
Do species distribution models explain spatial structure within tree species ranges?
Authors: Montoya Daniel , Purves Drew W. , Urbieta Itziar R. , Zavala Miguel A. 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTAim  To evaluate the ability of species distribution models (SDMs) to predict the spatial structure of tree species within their geographical ranges (how trees are distributed within their ranges).Location  Continental Spain.Methods  We used an extensive dataset consisting of c. 90,000 plots (1 plot km−2) where presence/absence data for 23 common Mediterranean and Atlantic tree species had been surveyed. We first generated SDMs relating the presence or absence of each species to a set of 16 environmental predictors, following a stepwise modelling process based on maximum likelihood methods. Superimposing spatial correlograms generated from the predictions of the SDMs over those generated from the raw data allowed a model–observation comparison of the nature, scale and intensity (level of aggregation) of spatial structure with the species ranges.Results  SDMs predicted accurately the nature and scale of the spatial structure of trees. However, for most species, the observed intensity of spatial structure (level of aggregation of species in space) was substantially greater than that predicted by the SDMs. On average, the intensity of spatial aggregation was twice that predicted by SDMs. In addition, we also found a negative correlation between intensity of aggregation and species range size.Main conclusions  Standard SDM predictions of spatial structure patterns differ among species. SDMs are apparently able to reproduce both the scale and intensity of species spatial structure within their ranges. However, one or more missing processes not included in SDMs results in species being substantially more aggregated in space than can be captured by the SDMs. This result adds to recent calls for a new generation of more biologically realistic SDMs. In particular, future SDMs should incorporate ecological processes that are likely to increase the intensity of spatial aggregation, such as source–sink dynamics, fine‐scale environmental heterogeneity and disequilibrium.
Discovery and characterization of a conserved pigment dispersing factor‐like neuropeptide pathway inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Janssen Tom , Husson Steven J. , Meelkop Ellen , Temmerman Liesbet , Lindemans Marleen , Verstraelen Karen , Rademakers Suzanne , Mertens Inge , Nitabach Michael , Jansen Gert , Schoofs Liliane 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe neuropeptides pigment dispersing factor (PDF) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) are known as key players in the circadian clock system of insects and mammals, respectively. In this study, we report the discovery and characterization of a widely conserved PDF‐like neuropeptide precursor pathway in nematodes. Using a combinatorial approach of biochemistry and peptidomics, we have biochemically isolated, identified and characterized three PDF‐like neuropeptides in the free‐living nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans. The two PDF encoding genes, which were designatedpdf‐1andpdf‐2, display a very strong conservation within the phylum of nematodes. Many of the PDF expressing cells inC. elegansplay a role in the control of locomotion and the integration of environmental stimuli, among which light. Our real‐time PCR analysis indicates that both PDF genes are consistently expressed during the day and do not affect each other’s expression. The transcription of both PDF genes seems to be regulated byatf‐2andces‐2, which encode bZIP transcription factors homologous toDrosophila vrilleandpar domain protein 1(Pdp1ε), respectively. Together, our data suggest that the PDF neuropeptide pathway, which seems to be conserved throughout the protostomian evolutionary lineage, might be more complex than previously assumed.
Gastroprotection of (‐)‐α‐bisabolol on acute gastric mucosal lesions in mice: the possible involved pharmacological mechanisms
Authors: Moura Rocha Nayrton Flávio , Venâncio Edith Teles , Moura Brinell Arcanjo , Gomes Silva Maria Izabel , Aquino Neto Manoel Rufino , Vasconcelos Rios Emiliano Ricardo , De Sousa Damião Pergentino , Mendes Vasconcelos Silvânia Maria , De França Fonteles Marta Maria , De Sousa Francisca Cléa Florenço 
Published: August 2009

Abstract(‐)‐α‐Bisabolol is an unsaturated, optically active sesquiterpene alcohol obtained by the direct distillation essential oil from plants such as Vanillosmopsis erythropappa and Matricaria chamomilla. (‐)‐α‐Bisabolol has generated considerable economic interest, since it possesses a delicate floral odor and has been shown to have anti‐septic and anti‐inflammatory activity. The aim of this work was to evaluate the gastroprotective action of (‐)‐α‐bisabolol on ethanol and indomethacin‐induced ulcer models in mice, and further investigate the pharmacological mechanisms involved in this action. The oral administration of (‐)‐α‐bisabolol 100 and 200 mg/kg was able to protect the gastric mucosa from ethanol (0.2 mL/animal p.o.) and indomethacin‐induced ulcer (20 mg/kg p.o.). Administration of l‐NAME (10 mg/kg i.p.), glibenclamide (10 mg/kg i.p.) or indomethacin (10 mg/kg p.o.) was not able to revert the gastroprotection promoted by (‐)‐α‐bisabolol 200 mg/kg on the ethanol‐induced ulcer. Dosage of gastric reduced glutathione (GSH) levels showed that ethanol and indomethacin reduced the content of non‐protein sulfhydryl (NP‐SH) groups, while (‐)‐α‐bisabolol significantly decreased the reduction of these levels on ulcer‐induced mice, but not in mice without ulcer. In conclusion, gastroprotective effect on ethanol and indomethacin‐induced ulcer promoted by (‐)‐α‐bisabolol may be associated with an increase of gastric sulfydryl groups bioavailability leading to a reduction of gastric oxidative injury induced by ethanol and indomethacin.
Increasing negative spherical aberration with soft contact lenses improves high and low contrast visual acuity in young adults
Authors: Rae Sheila M. , Allen Peter M. , Radhakrishnan Hema , Theagarayan Baskar , Price Holly C. , Sailaganathan Ananth , Calver Richard I. , O’Leary Daniel J. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractPurpose:  To evaluate the effects of a customised manipulation of spherical aberration (SA) on the high and low contrast visual acuities and contrast sensitivity of young adult myopes.Methods:  A placebo‐controlled double masked trial of customised spherical aberration controlling soft contact lenses was undertaken in myopes aged 15–23. Participants wore customised soft contact lenses with either (i) zero spherical aberration or (ii) negative spherical aberration that resulted in a net SA (eye plus lens) of −0.1 micron. High and low contrast log MAR visual acuities and Pelli Robson contrast sensitivity were assessed in 196 eyes of 98 subjects after a period of 12 months wearing the lenses.Results:  Both high and low contrast acuities were significantly better in the group wearing the contact lenses with negative spherical aberration (high contrast log MAR, p = 0.043; low contrast log MAR, p = 0.043) which was not due to differences in residual astigmatism or pupil size between the two groups. Pelli Robson contrast sensitivity was not significantly different in the two groups.Conclusions:  Manipulation of spherical aberration, taking account of the participants’ baseline level of aberration, can cause statistically significant improvements in high and low contrast distance visual acuity although these improvements are too small in magnitude to be of clinical significance.
Week‐Long High‐Maintenance Dose Clopidogrel Regimen Achieves Better Platelet Aggregation Inhibition than a Standard Loading Dose before Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Results of a Double‐Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: NGUYEN THUY ANH , LORDKIPANIDZÉ MARIE , DIODATI JEAN G. , PALISAITIS DONALD A. , SCHAMPAERT ERICK , TURGEON JACQUES , PHARAND CHANTAL 
Published: August 2009

Background: Adequate platelet inhibition before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reduces periprocedural and long‐term ischemic complications. Reduced response to clopidogrel has been associated with subsequent major adverse cardiovascular events. Strategies to optimize platelet inhibition pre‐PCI are under investigation. This study evaluated the effect on platelet aggregation of four different dosing regimens of clopidogrel given before elective PCI in a randomized, prospective, double‐blind, and placebo‐controlled design.
Methods: One hundred twenty participants were randomized to one of four groups of clopidogrel: (a) 300 mg on the day prior to angiography; (b) 600 mg on the day prior to angiography; (c) 300 mg followed by 75 mg daily started 1 week prior to angiography; and (d) 300 mg followed by 150 mg daily started 1 week prior to angiography. Platelet aggregation was assessed by light transmission aggregometry (LTA) after stimulation with adenosine diphosphate 20 μM at baseline and at the time of diagnostic coronary angiography. The absolute change in platelet aggregation between these two time points was considered the main outcome measure.
Results: At the time of diagnostic coronary angiography, the 300‐mg/150‐mg daily regimen achieved the greatest decrease in platelet aggregation (37 ± 19%), while the 300 mg regimen provided the smallest (20 ± 22%), an absolute difference between the two groups of 17.2 ± 5.1% (P = 0.005).
Conclusions: A 300‐mg loading dose of clopidogrel followed by 150 mg daily for 1 week prior to coronary angiography provides more effective platelet inhibition, as defined by LTA, compared to the standard 300‐mg loading dose regimen at the time of coronary intervention.
Folliculotropic mycosis fungoides in a psoriatic patient under methotrexate treatment
Authors: Di Lernia Vito , Ricci Cinzia , Grenzi Laura , Froio Elisabetta , Piana Simonetta 
Published: August 2009

SummaryFolliculotropic mycosis fungoides is a variant of mycosis fungoides with a worse prognosis than the classic form. It can be associated with follicular mucinosis. We report a case of folliculotropic mycosis fungoides developing in the months following methotrexate therapy in a psoriatic patient. This lymphoma did not regress after stopping the antipsoriatic treatment. There is a known relationship between the use of immunosuppressive therapies and the development of lymphoproliferative malignancies. However these lymphomas are mainly B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas associated with Epstein‐Barr virus. In our patient the short period of time from the beginning of the immunosuppressive treatment to the occurrence of the T‐cell lymphoma does not support a strong causal relationship between the drug intake and the development of mycosis fungoides. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of folliculotropic mycosis fungoides in a patient treated with methotrexate for psoriasis.
Diagnosis of perinatal stroke I: definitions, differential diagnosis and registration
Authors: Govaert P , Ramenghi L , Taal R , De Vries L , DeVeber G 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIntroduction: Perinatal stroke can be divided into three subtypes: ischaemic stroke, either arterial or sinovenous and haemorrhagic stroke. For the sake of universal registration and to perform intervention studies, we propose a detailed diagnostic registration system for perinatal stroke taking 10 variables into account. These variables are discussed here and in the accompanying article.Material and results: Differentiation is needed from focal brain changes as a result of disorders other than stroke, whereby accurate timing is possible only when early neonatal imaging is available. Detailed templates are presented for arterial and venous vascular classification. AIS is further subdivided into single territory and complex infarction and some stratification is proposed in the complicated stroke group. This registration system has been applied to a retrospective cohort of 134 newborns with stroke (single‐centre observation from 1999 to 2007) and the results are compared with published data. By applying this registration system, intervention studies for one homogeneous stroke type (e.g. complete middle cerebral artery stroke) may be facilitated.Conclusion: Ten variables may be sufficient to register a perinatal stroke. These include gestational age, birthweight, gender, delivery mode, time of detection, presentation, type of stroke, vessel affected or type of cavity, imaging method at detection and clinical context.
Impact Fracture Resistance of Two Titanium‐Abutment Systems Versus a Single‐Piece Ceramic Implant
Authors: Silva Nelson R.F.A. , Nourian Pedram , Coelho Paulo G. , Rekow Elizabeth D. , Thompson Van P. 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTBackground: The number of patients with oral implants has increased significantly. However, the literature addressing the effect of impact force on titanium and/or ceramic implants is inconclusive. This study sought to determine the fracture resistance to impact load of titanium and ceramic endosseous oral implants.Materials and Methods: Endosseous oral implants were vertically positioned in two different mounting media: brass and a bone‐simulation material. The implant configurations tested included an experimental one‐piece Y‐TZP implant and a commercially available titanium implant (external hex) with both titanium and zirconia abutments. The specimens were subjected to an impact load using a pendulum impact tester with tup weights varying from 0.9 to 4.5 kg delivered at a radius of 40.64 mm. Loads were delivered to the abutment at a point 4.27 mm above the implant fixture and block junction. Statistical differences (p < .05) were established using the F‐test for variances and, when different, t‐test assuming unequal variances.Results: For implants clamped in brass, the titanium implant with titanium abutment required the greatest energy to fracture the implant‐abutment system (only the abutment screw failed). The ceramic implant and ceramic abutment on titanium implant presented the lowest fracture energy (p < .01). No significant differences were observed when different systems were inserted into the foam blocks of the bone substitute (p > .25).Conclusion: This investigation showed that the fracture energy of two titanium‐abutment systems versus a single‐piece Y‐TZP implant in foam blocks simulating bone elastic modulus was not different, and that differences occurred when the embedding material elastic modulus was increased an order of magnitude.