bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐range effects of GABAergic inhibition in gerbil primary auditory cortex
Authors: Moeller Christoph K. , Kurt Simone , Happel Max F. K. , Schulze Holger 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThroughout the literature, the effects of iontophoretically applied neurotransmitter agonists or antagonists on the local activity of neurons are typically studied at the site of drug application. Recently, we have demonstrated long‐range inhibitory interactions within the primary auditory cortex (AI) that are effective in complex acoustic situations. To further characterize this long‐range functional connectivity, we here report the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the GABAA antagonist gabazine (SR 95531) on neuronal activity as a function of distance from the application site reaching beyond the diffusion radius of the applied drug. Neuronal responses to pure tone stimulation were simultaneously recorded at the application site and four additional sites, at distances between 300 and 1350 μm from the application site. We found that whereas application of GABA during best frequency (BF) stimulation in general led to a decrease, and gabazine to an increase, in neuronal activity at the application site, a considerable number of units at remote recording sites showed effects opposite to these local, drug‐induced effects. These effects were seen both in spiking activity and in amplitudes of local field potentials. At all locations, the effects varied as a function of pure tone stimulation frequency, pointing to a Mexican‐hat‐like input function resulting from thalamic inputs to the BF region of the cortical neurons and intracortical interconnections projecting to off‐BF regions of the neurons. These data demonstrate the existence of long‐range, inhibitory interactions within the gerbil AI, realized either by long‐range inhibitory projections or by long‐range excitatory projections to local inhibitory interneurons.
Ability and Trait Complex Predictors of Academic and Job Performance: A Person–Situation Approach
Authors: Kanfer Ruth , Wolf Mark B. , Kantrowitz Tracy M. , Ackerman Phillip L. 
Published: December 2009

A battery of cognitive ability, knowledge, and non‐ability measures were administered to 105 college students enrolled in a cooperative school‐work program and used to predict academic and job performance. Composite scores for each domain were derived from factor analyses of 11 measures of verbal, numerical, and spatial abilities, four measures of domain knowledge, and 27 measures of personality and motivational traits, vocational interests, and self‐assessments. Both ability and non‐ability trait composites were significant predictors of academic performance, but only the non‐ability trait composites predicted job performance. Implications for the integrative assessment of individual differences and their predictive validities for performance in different active work contexts, as well as the importance of trait composites across contexts, are discussed.Un ensemble de mesures relatives aux connaissances, aux aptitudes et autres dimensions furent obtenues auprès de 105 étudiants de 1° cycle impliqués dans un programme de travail scolaire coopératif, avec pour objectif de prédire les résultats universitaires et la performance au travail. Des scores composites pour chacun de ces deux domaines ont été constitués à partir d'analyses factorielles des onze mesures des aptitudes verbale, numérique et spatiale, des quatre mesures portant sur les connaissances et des 27 mesures relevant de traits de personnalité, de la motivation, des intérêts professionnels et de l'auto‐évaluation. Les scores des aptitudes et des traits de personnalité furent des prédicteurs significatifs du succès universitaire, mais seuls ces derniers ont prédit la performance au travail. On réfléchit aux conséquences sur l'évaluation synthétique des différences individuelles et leur validité prédictive de la performance dans différents contextes de travail productif, ainsi que sur l'importance des scores composites selon les situations.
Temporal features of magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy in non‐ketotic hyperglycemic chorea‐ballism patients
Authors: Chang K. ‐H. , Tsou J. ‐C. , Chen S. ‐T. , Ro L. ‐S. , Lyu R. ‐K. , Chang H. ‐S. , Hsu W. ‐C. , Chen C. ‐M. , Wu Y. ‐R. , Chen C. ‐J. 
Published: December 2009

Background:  Non‐ketotic hyperglycemic chorea‐ballism (NKHCB) had special reversible hyperintense on T1‐weighted imaging (T1WI) lesion in comparsion to gray matter. However, the mechanism accounts for these lesions is still unclear.Methods:  Patients diagnosed with NKHCB were recruited from 2002 to 2004. The demographic, clinical, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and spectroscopy (MRS) features were recorded at acute and remission phase.Results:  In 18 patients with NKHCB, the blood sugar level at onset was significantly higher than that after being free from chorea‐ballism (419.50 ± 257.33 vs. 198.22 ± 53.97 mg/dl, P = 0.001). The serum osmolality dropped from 318.33 ± 15.21 mOsm/kg at onset to 292.50 ± 7.85 mOsm/kg after recovery (P < 0.001). All patients displayed T1 hyperintense lesions at contralateral basal ganglia at acute phase. Eight patients receiving follow‐up MRI at remission phase, all T1 hyperintense lesions at the basal ganglia regressed. The ratios between choline‐containing compounds and creatine at acute and remission phases were significant higher in lesion than in normal side, respectively (acute phase: 1.12 ± 0.23 vs. 0.72 ± 0.28, P = 0.038; remission phase: 1.23 ± 0.47 vs. 0.68 ± 0.15, P = 0.013). The lactate peaks present at 1.3 ppm on the lesion side either in acute or in remission phase of most case.Conclusions:  The clinical, MRI, and MRS findings suggest that the mechanisms responsible for NKHCB may be a reversible ischaemia insult potentiated by hyperglycemia.
Acquired erythroderma in adults: a clinical and prognostic study
Authors: Khaled A , Sellami A , Fazaa B , Kharfi M , Zeglaoui F , Kamoun MR 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground  Erythroderma is a severe syndrome and prognostic studies are rare in the literature.Objectives  Through a retrospective study of erythroderma in adults, we have analysed epidemiological and clinical data and precised the relevant aetiologies and survival in our patients.Methods  This study was performed at the Department of Dermatology of Charles Nicolle Hospital of Tunis (1995–2007) including 82 cases of acquired erythroderma (>16 years). We have recorded epidemio‐clinical, biological and histological data, treatment and outcome. Clinical–histological correlation was analysed [kappa coefficient (κ)]. Follow‐up time and disease‐free survival time were calculated as were Kaplan–Meier estimates of overall survival and relapse‐free survival for some aetiologies.Results  Erythroderma represented 0.44‰ of all dermatoses with an age of 55.13 ± 18.16 and no sex predilection. Psoriasis was the predominant aetiology (32.9%) with a median duration of 6.75 years and previous one or more episodes of erythroderma. Psoriasis was significantly associated with pruritus (P = 0.0001), pachyonychia (P = 0.00001), palmoplantar keratoderma (P = 0.0001) and hypereosinophilia (P = 0.008). The latter is then not specific for drug induced erythroderma (P = 0.004). Carbamazepine (27.8%) and penicillin (22.2%) were the most implicated drugs. Positive Clinical–histological correlation was found in 77% of cases (κ = 0.753). Relapse was seen in all aetiologies, but drug reactions and had occurred in the first 3 years in 90% of them. Mortality rate was 11.3 per 1000 patients‐years.Conclusions  Our study illustrates the severity of erythroderma. It alters heavily the quality of life of patients which is initially altered by the pre‐existent dermatosis. It may be life threatening as mortality rate is high.
Tattoo removal by non‐professionals – medical and forensic considerations
Authors: Karsai S , Krieger G , Raulin C 
Published: December 2009

AbstractTattoos are common phenomena in the western world and the demand for their removal has become widespread in the recent years. The introduction of quality‐switched lasers has provided an effective removal method that is increasingly being exploited by tattoo studios themselves. Dermatologists, however, are frequently confronted with complications and side effects of tattoo removals that were performed by non‐professionals. The objective of this study is to assess potential risks and pitfalls of laser tattoo removal when performed by medical laymen. The methods followed are systematic and evidence‐based review of the literature. Four major problem areas were identified: rare but potentially severe allergic or toxic effects of decomposition products of the tattoo pigments; bodily harm caused by out‐of‐specification usage of the laser devices; malignant disease that is obscured within the area of a tattoo and requires meticulous dermatological diagnosis; and insufficient pre‐operative consultation of patients about the risks, side effects and realistic expectations on the therapeutic outcome. We came to a conclusion that tattoo laser removal by medical laymen is unacceptable from the point of view of patient safety and the laws need to ban this practice swiftly.
Photodynamic therapy with 5‐aminolevulinic acid in actinic cheilitis: an 18‐month clinical and histological follow‐up
Authors: Sotiriou E , Apalla Z , Chovarda E , Panagiotidou D , Ioannides D 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground  Actinic cheilitis (AC) may bear the initial and superficial changes of actinically induced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and may progress into fully developed SCCs. Early and effective treatment is important.Objective  To assess the clinical and histological long‐term outcome in AC after two ALA‐PDT sessions.Methods  Patients with histologically proven grade 1 and 2 AC received two ALA‐PDT sessions at 2 weeks interval. Subjects with complete clinical response at 3 months were evaluated further clinically and histologically at months 6, 12 and 18. Long‐term study outcome was defined as clinical and histological AC recurrence among patients with complete clinical response 3 months after treatment. Cosmetic outcome was assessed by the investigators at the final follow‐up visit at 18 months.Results  Of the 40 patients enrolled, 38 completed the study. Complete clinical response at 3 months was achieved in 26 patients. At 6 months, clinical and histological recurrence occurred in three patients and at 12 months, one more patient showed clinical and histological recurrence. At 18 months, overall clinical recurrence rate was 15.38% (4/26), while overall histological recurrence rate was 34.61% (9/26). Cosmetic outcome was rated as excellent in more than 80% of evaluated cases.Conclusion  PDT represents a moderately effective treatment modality in AC. Optimization of treatment procedure and protocols is still needed for higher response rates to be achieved. Moreover, the high treatment cost should be given consideration. Further long‐term follow‐up studies are needed for assessment of clinical and histological very late recurrences that could be expected after PDT.
D3dopamine receptor signals to activation of phospholipase D through a complex with Rho
Authors: Everett P. Benjamin , Senogles Susan E. 
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem. (2009)112, 963–971.AbstractDopamine acts through a family of G protein‐coupled receptors to exert its myriad effects. The D3Dopamine receptor is one member of the D2‐like dopamine receptors. We have previously demonstrated in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells that D3receptor stimulation of phospholipase D (PLD) activity is pertussis toxin insensitive [Everett and Senogles.Neurosci. Lett.371 (2004), 34]. We hypothesized that a low molecular weight G protein was involved in the agonist‐mediated activation of PLD. When the D3receptor was coexpressed with RhoA in HEK293 cells, agonist‐induced stimulation of PLD activity was increased. However, co‐expression of Rac or Cdc42 with the D3receptor did not change the PLD activity. As well, expression of a dominant‐negative construct of RhoA, N19 Rho completely ablated D3receptor‐mediated PLD activation, when co‐expressed with the D3receptor in HEK293 cells. In contrast, expression of dominant‐negative constructs of Rac or Cdc42 had no effect. Treatment of HEK293 cells transfected with the D3receptor and treated with a D3preferring agonistR(+)‐hydroxy(dipropylamino)tetralin hydrobromide, results in an agonist‐induced physical complex of D3receptor and either endogenous Rho or transfected hemaglutinin (HA)‐RhoA that can be detected by immunoprecipitation and western blotting. Treatment of cells transfected with D3receptor withR(+)‐hydroxy(dipropylamino)tetralin hydrobromide also results in agonist‐dependent Rho activation, as measured by a Rho effector pull‐down assay. The data suggest that D3receptor/RhoA association and activation is necessary for D3receptor‐mediated PLD activation.
Plumbagin, a novel Nrf2/ARE activator, protects against cerebral ischemia
Authors: Son Tae Gen , Camandola Simonetta , Arumugam Thiruma V. , Cutler Roy G. , Telljohann Richard S. , Mughal Mohamed R. , Moore Tyson A. , Luo Weiming , Yu Qian‐Sheng , Johnson Delinda A. , Johnson Jeffrey A. , Greig Nigel H. , Mattson Mark P. 
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 1316–1326.AbstractMany phytochemicals function as noxious agents that protect plants against insects and other damaging organisms. However, at subtoxic doses, the same phytochemicals may activate adaptive cellular stress response pathways that can protect cells against a variety of adverse conditions. We screened a panel of botanical pesticides using cultured human and rodent neuronal cell models, and identified plumbagin as a novel potent activator of the nuclear factor E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway. In vitro, plumbagin increases nuclear localization and transcriptional activity of Nrf2, and induces the expression of the Nrf2/ARE‐dependent genes, such as heme oxygenase 1 in human neuroblastoma cells. Plumbagin specifically activates the Nrf2/ARE pathway in primary mixed cultures from ARE‐human placental alkaline phosphatase reporter mice. Exposure of neuroblastoma cells and primary cortical neurons to plumbagin provides protection against subsequent oxidative and metabolic insults. The neuroprotective effects of plumbagin are abolished by RNA interference‐mediated knockdown of Nrf2 expression. In vivo, administration of plumbagin significantly reduces the amount of brain damage and ameliorates‐associated neurological deficits in a mouse model of focal ischemic stroke. Our findings establish precedence for the identification and characterization of neuroprotective phytochemicals based upon their ability to activate adaptive cellular stress response pathways.
Neuropeptide Y Signaling in the Central Nucleus of Amygdala Regulates Alcohol‐Drinking and Anxiety‐Like Behaviors of Alcohol‐Preferring Rats
Authors: Zhang Huaibo , Sakharkar Amul J. , Shi Guangbin , Ugale Rajesh , Prakash Anand , Pandey Subhash C. 
Published: December 2009

Background: The neuropeptide Y (NPY) system of the central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) has been shown to be involved in anxiety and alcoholism. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which NPY in the CeA regulates anxiety and alcohol drinking behaviors using alcohol‐preferring (P) rats as an animal model.Methods: Alcohol‐preferring rats were bilaterally cannulated targeting the CeA and infused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) or NPY. Alcohol drinking and anxiety‐like behaviors were assessed by the 2‐bottle free‐choice paradigm and light/dark box (LDB) exploration test, respectively. The levels of NPY and related signaling proteins were determined by the gold immunolabeling procedure. The mRNA levels of NPY were measured by in situ RT‐PCR. Double‐immunofluorescence labeling was performed to observe the colocalization of NPY and Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase IV (CaMK IV).Results: We found that NPY infusion into the CeA produced anxiolytic effects, as measured by the LDB exploration test, and also decreased alcohol intake in P rats. NPY infusion into the CeA significantly increased levels of CaMK IV and phosphorylated cAMP responsive element‐binding (pCREB) protein and increased mRNA and protein levels of NPY, but produced no changes in protein levels of CREB or the catalytic α‐subunit of protein kinase A (PKA‐Cα) in the CeA. We also observed that alcohol intake produced anxiolytic effects in P rats in the LDB test and also increased NPY expression and protein levels of pCREB and PKA‐Cα without modulating protein levels of CREB or CaMK IV, in both the CeA and medial nucleus of amygdala. In addition, we found that CaMK IV‐positive cells were co‐localized with NPY in amygdaloid structures of P rats.Conclusions: These results suggest that NPY infusion may increase the expression of endogenous NPY in the CeA, which is most likely attributable to an increase in CaMK IV‐dependent CREB phosphorylation and this molecular mechanism may be involved in regulating anxiety and alcohol drinking behaviors of P rats.
Calcium is a key constituent for maintaining the in vitro properties of platelets suspended in the bicarbonate‐containing additive solution M‐sol with low plasma levels
Authors: Wagner Stephen J. , Skripchenko Andrey , Myrup Andrew , Thompson‐Montgomery Dedeene , Awatefe Helen , Moroff Gary 
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: Commercially available additive solutions (ASs) require 30% to 35% plasma for optimal storage of platelets (PLTs). PLTs suspended in M‐sol, a bicarbonate‐based experimental platelet additive solution (PAS), maintain in vitro PLT properties during storage with low levels of plasma (≤5%).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Four different formulations of M‐sol were prepared at the optimal pH (6.1): M‐sol, M‐sol without calcium, M‐sol without citric acid, and M‐sol without calcium and citric acid. Apheresis PLT units (100% plasma) were equally divided into five 50‐mL aliquots in PL732 containers, centrifuged, and resuspended to prepare units suspended in the four different PASs (95%) with 5% plasma and 1 unit in 100% plasma. Units (n = 10) were stored under standard conditions and assayed for in vitro properties on Days 1, 5, and 7. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance for repeated measures (n = 10, p < 0.001).RESULTS: On Day 5 of storage, PLTs suspended in the M‐sol formulation containing calcium but lacking citric acid had similar pH, extent of shape change (ESC) values, and percentage of CD62‐positive PLTs and greater hypotonic shock response (HSR) and percentage of discoid PLTs compared to those of PLTs suspended in 100% plasma. In contrast, PLTs suspended in the M‐sol formulation lacking calcium had lesser ESC values, greater percentage of CD62‐positive PLTs, and similar HSR values and percentage of discoid PLTs compared to those of PLTs suspended in 100% plasma on Day 5 (p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS: Calcium plays an important role in maintaining CD62‐negative PLTs and relatively high ESC in 5% plasma. The removal of citric acid from M‐sol may improve PLT storage properties with low plasma levels.
Therapeutic efficacy of platelet transfusion in patients with acute leukemia: an evaluation of methods
Authors: Apelseth Torunn O. , Bruserud Øystein , Wentzel‐Larsen Tore , Hervig Tor 
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: Clinical effect of platelet (PLT) transfusion is monitored by measures of PLT viability (PLT recovery and survival) and functionality. In this study we evaluate and compare transfusion effect measures in patients with chemotherapy‐induced thrombocytopenia due to treatment of acute leukemia.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Forty transfusions (28 conventional gamma‐irradiated and 12 pathogen‐inactivated photochemical‐treated PLT concentrates [PCs]) were investigated. PC quality was analyzed immediately before transfusion. Samples were collected from thrombocytopenic patients at 1 and 24 hours for PLT increments and thromboelastography (TEG) with assessments of bleeding score and intertransfusion interval (ITI). Data were analyzed by Spearman's correlation. Patient and PC variables influencing the effect of transfusion were analyzed by use of a mixed‐effects model.RESULTS: PLT dose, storage time, and pathogen inactivation correlated with PLT recovery but not with PLT survival (including ITI), TEG, or clinical bleeding. Fever was negatively correlated with PLT survival but did not affect PLT recovery. After 1 and 24 hours, strong correlations were observed within measures of PLT viability and between PLT increment and the TEG value maximal amplitude (MA). Negative correlation was observed between late MA increment and clinical bleeding status after transfusion (r = −0.494, p = 0.008). PLT count increments did not correlate to clinical bleeding status.CONCLUSIONS: PLT dose and quality of PCs are important for optimal immediate transfusion response, whereas duration of transfusion effect is influenced mainly by patient variables. The TEG value MA correlates with PLT count increments and bleeding, thus reflecting both PLT viability and functionality.
Perceived Fairness of Pay: The Importance of Task versus Maintenance Inputs in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong
Authors: Kim Tae-Yeol , Weber Todd J. , Leung Kwok , Muramoto Yukiko 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis study compares East Asians' evaluations of task and maintenance inputs in reward allocation decisions and examines the effects that inequity in various types of inputs and rewards have on fairness judgements. Based on a sample of 587 employees from various organizations in Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, we find that Hong Kong Chinese and South Korean employees are more likely to want their organizations and supervisors to emphasize maintenance inputs, while Japanese employees value task inputs in reward allocation. Results also show that there are significant country differences in fairness judgements associated with various types of inputs. For example, the positive relationship between pay level and perceived fairness of pay is significantly stronger when task contributions are high rather than low among Japanese employees but not among Hong Kong and South Korean employees. The concept of independent self-construal (similar to individualism at the societal level) seems to provide an adequate account of the country differences in choice of input preferences but not fairness judgements.