bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Docosahexaenoic acid prevents neuronal apoptosis induced by soluble amyloid‐β oligomers
Authors: Florent Sabrina , Malaplate‐Armand Catherine , Youssef Ihsen , Kriem Badreddine , Koziel Violette , Escanyé Marie‐Christine , Fifre Alexandre , Sponne Isabelle , Leininger‐Muller Brigitte , Olivier Jean‐Luc , Pillot Thierry , Oster Thierry 
Published: November 2005

AbstractA growing body of evidence supports the notion that soluble oligomers of amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptide interact with the neuronal plasma membrane, leading to cell injury and inducing death‐signalling pathways that could account for the increased neurodegeneration occurring in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6, n‐3) is an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid in the CNS and has been shown in several epidemiological and in vivo studies to have protective effects against AD and cognitive alterations. However, the molecular mechanisms involved remain unknown. We hypothesized that DHA enrichment of plasma membranes could protect neurones from apoptosis induced by soluble Aβ oligomers. DHA pre‐treatment was observed to significantly increase neuronal survival upon Aβ treatment by preventing cytoskeleton perturbations, caspase activation and apoptosis, as well as by promoting extracellular signal‐related kinase (ERK)‐related survival pathways. These data suggest that DHA enrichment probably induces changes in neuronal membrane properties with functional outcomes, thereby increasing protection from soluble Aβ oligomers. Such neuroprotective effects could be of major interest in the prevention of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Neural tube closure depends on nitric oxide synthase activity
Authors: Nachmany Amir , Gold Veronica , Tsur Asaf , Arad Dan , Weil Miguel 
Published: November 2005

SummaryNeural tube (NT) closure is a multifactorial process that involves yet unresolved molecular mechanisms. It had been shown previously that high levels of nitric oxide (NO) block the process of NT closure in the chick embryo by inhibiting methionine synthase (MS). The MS inhibition and its effect on NT closure could be alleviated by folic acid, suggesting the involvement of the folate–methionine pathway in the process. Here we test the hypothesis that endogenous nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity regulates the MS activity required in the process of NT closure. The experiments described here reveal that NOS activity per se, is indeed critical for NT closure in the chick embryo. Inhibition of NOS activity with either 2,4‐diamino‐6‐hydroxypyrimidine (DAHP), which blocks biosynthesis of the NOS co‐factor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), or with calmidazolium, which blocks calcium–calmodulin binding to NOS, resulted in reduced MS activity and consequently ablated NT closure. Addition of BH4 or the calcium ionophore A23187 restored NOS and MS activities, resulting in NT closure. The results described here imply that NOS and MS activities can serve as functional markers in this developmental process as they are essential in the process of NT closure.
NMDA neuroprotection against a phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase inhibitor, LY294002 by NR2B‐mediated suppression of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Habas Agata , Kharebava Giorgi , Szatmari Erzsebet , Hetman Michal 
Published: November 2005

AbstractTo identify the intracellular signaling pathways that mediate the pro‐survival activity of NMDA receptors (NMDARs), we studied effects of exogenous NMDA on cultured rat cortical and hippocampal neurons that were treated with a phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, LY294002. NMDA at 5 or 10 µm protected against LY294002‐induced apoptosis, suggesting NMDAR‐mediated activation of a survival signaling pathway that is PI3K‐independent. NR2B‐specific NMDAR blockers antagonized anti‐apoptotic effects of NMDA, indicating a critical role of NR2B NMDARs in the neuroprotection. NMDA at 10 µm suppressed LY294002‐induced activation of a pro‐apoptotic kinase, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). GSK3β activation by LY294002 was associated with decreased levels of inhibitory GSK3β phosphorylation at the Ser9 residue. However, NMDA did not prevent the LY294002‐mediated decline of phospho‐Ser9 levels. In addition, NMDA inhibited cortical neuron apoptosis induced by the overexpression of either wild type (wt) or Ser9Ala mutant form of GSK3β, suggesting that NMDA suppressed GSK3β in a Ser9‐independent manner. Finally, inhibition of NR2B NMDARs reduced the NMDA protection against overexpression of GSK3βwt. These data indicate that moderate stimulation of NR2B NMDAR protects against inhibition of PI3K by a Ser9‐independent inhibition of the pro‐apoptotic activity of GSK3β. Hence, the activation of NR2B and the Ser9‐independent inhibition of GSK3β are two newly identified elements of the signaling network that mediates the pro‐survival effects of NMDA.
Inhibitors of Rho‐kinase modulate amyloid‐β (Aβ) secretion but lack selectivity for Aβ42
Authors: Leuchtenberger Stefanie , Kummer Markus P. , Kukar Thomas , Czirr Eva , Teusch Nicole , Sagi Sarah A. , Berdeaux Rebecca , Pietrzik Claus U. , Ladd Thomas B. , Golde Todd E. , Koo Edward H. , Weggen Sascha 
Published: November 2005

AbstractCertain non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) preferentially inhibit production of the amyloidogenic Aβ42 peptide, presumably by direct modulation of γ‐secretase activity. A recent report indicated that NSAIDs could reduce Aβ42 by inhibition of the small GTPase Rho, and a single inhibitor of Rho kinase (ROCK) mimicked the effects of Aβ42‐lowering NSAIDs. To investigate whether Aβ42 reduction is a common property of ROCK inhibitors, we tested commercially available compounds in cell lines that were previously used to demonstrate the Aβ42‐lowering activity of NSAIDs. Surprisingly, we found that two ROCK inhibitors reduced total Aβ secretion in a dose‐dependent manner but showed no selectivity for Aβ42. In addition, ROCK inhibitors did not increase Aβ38 secretion in cell‐based assays or reduce Aβ production in γ‐secretasein vitroassays, which are critical characteristics of Aβ42‐lowering NSAIDs. The reduction in total Aβ levels by ROCK inhibitors was not accompanied by overall‐changes in amyloid precursor protein processing. Targeting ROCK by expression of dominant‐negative or constitutively active ROCK mutants failed to modulate Aβ secretion, indicating that ROCK inhibition may either be redundant or insufficient for Aβ reduction by ROCK inhibitors. Taken together, these results seem to exclude a mechanistic involvement of ROCK in the Aβ42‐lowering activity of NSAIDs.
Neurochemical characterization of the release and uptake of dopamine in ventral tegmental area and serotonin in substantia nigra of the mouse
Authors: John Carrie E. , Budygin Evgeny A. , Mateo Yolanda , Jones Sara R. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractIn the present report, fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry was used to identify the monoamines that were released by electrical stimulation in mouse brain slices containing ventral tegmental area (VTA), substantia nigra (SN) ‐pars compacta (SNc) and ‐pars reticulata (SNr). We showed that voltammograms obtained in mouse VTA were consistent with detection of a catecholamine, while those in both subregions of the SN were consistent with detection of an indolamine, based on the reduction peak potentials. We used pharmacological blockade and genetic deletion of monoamine transporters to further confirm the identity of released monoamines in mouse midbrain and to assess the control of monoamines by their transporters in each brain region. Inhibition of dopamine and norepinephrine transporters by nomifensine (1 and 10 μm) decreased uptake rates in the VTA, but did not change uptake rates in either subregion of the SN. Serotonin transporter inhibition by fluoxetine (10 μm) decreased uptake rates in the SNc and SNr, but was without effect in the VTA. Selective inhibition of the norepinephrine transporter by desipramine (10 μm) had no effect in any brain region. Using dopamine transporter‐ and serotonin transporter‐knockout mice, we found decreased uptake rates in VTA and SN subregions, respectively. Peak signals recorded in each midbrain region were pulse number dependent and exhibited limited frequency dependence. Thus, dopamine is predominately detected by voltammetry in mouse VTA, while serotonin is predominately detected in mouse SNc and SNr. Furthermore, active uptake occurs in these areas and can be altered only by specific uptake inhibitors, suggesting a lack of heterologous uptake. In addition, somatodendritic dopamine release in VTA was not mediated by monoamine transporters. This work offers an initial characterization of voltammetric signals in the midbrain of the mouse and provides insight into the regulation of monoamine neurotransmission in these areas.
F‐spondin promotes nerve precursor differentiation
Authors: Schubert David , Klar Avihu , Park Minkyu , Dargusch Richard , Fischer Wolfgang H. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractCells in the developing nervous system secrete a large number of proteins that regulate the migration and differentiation of their neighbors. It is shown here that a clonal central nervous system cell line secretes a protein that causes both a rat hippocampal progenitor cell line and primary cortical neural cells to differentiate into cells with the morphological and biochemical features of neurons. This protein was identified as F‐spondin. Analysis of F‐spondin isoforms secreted from transfected cells shows that the core protein without the thrombospondin type 1 repeats is sufficient to promote neuronal differentiation when adsorbed to a surface. F‐spondin can also inhibit neurite outgrowth while allowing the expression of nerve‐specific proteins when present in a soluble form at high concentrations. Therefore, F‐spondin can alter cell differentiation in multiple ways, depending upon its concentration and distribution between substrate‐attached and soluble forms.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An Evaluation of a Community Based Management Programme for Adolescents and their Families
Authors: Ashby Bernadette , Wright Barry , Jordan Jo 
Published: November 2005

Background:  Young people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), families and clinicians may differ in their attributions about CFS and consequently in their approach to treatment. Research that clarifies the best treatment approaches is clearly needed. We have sought to develop a model that engages young people and their families in a collaborative way. The approach adopts an optimistic and holistic stance using an active rehabilitation model paying attention to the integrated nature of the physiological and psychological aspects of the illness.Method:  This small study set out to evaluate this approach from a service user perspective. Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with young people and their parents separately in order to elicit their views on key treatment elements and their perceived degree of recovery.Results:  Improvements are indicated in all key areas addressed and qualitative information suggests that families value this approach.Conclusion:  Further research is needed to address treatment issues for families who choose not to opt into the service model.
Serum cytokine and soluble cytokine receptor levels in patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Abiru Seigo , Migita Kiyoshi , Maeda Yumi , Daikoku Manabu , Ito Masahiro , Ohata Kazuyuki , Nagaoka Shinya , Matsumoto Takehiro , Takii Yasushi , Kusumoto Koichiro , Nakamura Minoru , Komori Atsumasa , Yano Koji , Yatsuhashi Hiroshi , Eguchi Katsumi , Ishibashi Hiromi 
Published: November 2005

Abstract: Background: Although the pathogenesis of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remains poorly understood, proinflammatory cytokines seem to play an important role in the process of NASH. We have undertaken this study in order to elucidate the role of proinflammatory cytokines and their soluble receptors in NASH patients.Methods: Serum cytokines and soluble cytokine receptors levels were determined using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit in 23 patients with NASH, 21 patients with simple steatosis, and 18 healthy volunteers.Results: Patients with NASH had significantly higher serum tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels than did the simple steatosis patients. Similarly, when compared with simple steatosis, NASH was associated with higher soluble TNF receptor 1 (sTNFR1) and soluble IL‐6 receptor (sIL‐6R) levels, and a significant positive correlation was seen between the levels of sTNFR1 and aminotranferases in NASH patients.Conclusions: This study shows that circulating TNF‐α/sTNFR1 and IL‐6/sIL‐6R levels are significantly increased in NASH patients as compared with simple steatosis patients and healthy volunteers, and that these increased levels may be implicated in the pathogenesis of NASH.
Effect of celecoxib on experimental liver fibrosis in rat
Authors: Hui Alex Yui , Leung Wai Keung , Yuen Chan Henry Lik , Chan Francis Ka Leung , Yin Go Minnie Yin , Chan Ka Kui , Tang Bao Dong , Hong Chu Eagle Siu , Yiu Sung Joseph Jao 
Published: November 2005

Abstract: Background/Aim: Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), an inducible enzyme that catalyzes prostaglandin synthesis, has been implicated in a number of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) functions. In the current study, we assessed the in vivo effect of celecoxib, a COX‐2‐selective inhibitor, in experimental liver fibrosis in rats.Methods: Male Sprague–Dawley rats received experimental treatments for 5 weeks. Serum alanine transminase at the time of sacrifice was measured. Quantitative assessment of liver fibrosis was performed by computerized morphometry. Expression of COX‐2, α smooth muscle actin and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Real‐time quantitative PCR was used to determine the expression of genes associated with fibrogenesis and extracellular matrix degradation.Results: Liver fibrosis was significantly worse in rats that received both carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and celecoxib, compared with rats that received CCl4 and gavage of water (P=0.037). There was also more HSC activation, and upregulation of collagen α1(I), heat‐shock protein 47, αB crystallin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2, MMP‐9 and tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)‐2. The expression of TIMP‐1 and CTGF was not significantly different between the two groups. The pro‐fibrogenic effect of celecoxib in toxin‐induced liver fibrosis in rats was further confirmed in thioacetamide model of liver injury.Conclusions: Celecoxib potentiates experimental liver fibrosis; further studies are warranted to investigate the potential pro‐fibrogenic effect of celecoxib in other animal models of liver fibrosis and in patients with chronic hepatitis.
Concurrent Management of an Exotic Species and Initial Restoration Efforts in Forests
Authors: Murphy Stephen D. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractOne of the proximate results of forest fragmentation, and a cause of continued microenvironmental change and exacerbation of ecological problems, is increased invasions by weedy plant species. One such example isAlliaria petiolata(Brassicaceae), a serious pest threatening much of eastern North America.Alliaria petiolataimpedes mitigation of fragmentation and restoration efforts because it tends to outcompete and possibly extirpate much of the native understory species on localized scales. As part of a strategy to address the problems of fragmented habitats, an experiment was conducted to determine whetherSanguinaria canadensis(Papaveraceae) could outcompeteA. petiolata. Using an additive design, I transplantedS. canadensisat densities of 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 15, and 20 ramets/m2in 1997 and allowed them to interact with initialA. petiolatadensities of 128 seedlings and 31 rosettes/m2. As of 2000, multivariate analyses of variance with repeated measures and simple analyses of variance indicated that initialS. canadensisdensities of as little as 5 ramets/m2suppressedA. petiolata. InitialS. canadensisdensities of 9 and 11 ramets/m2resulted in the lowest numbers of late‐spring seedlings, numbers and sizes of year 1 and 2 rosettes, numbers and gross areas of stem leaves, numbers of flowering individuals, number of flowers, number of fruits (siliques), and height at flowering. While it remains to be tested whether this will continue and if the reestablishment ofS. canadensiswill help reassemble forest ecosystems, the experiments indicated that transplantingS. canadensiswas effective at mitigating the spread ofA. petiolata.
Establishment of a Vegetation Cover on Tundra Kimberlite Mine Tailings: 1. A Greenhouse Study
Authors: Reid Neil B. , Naeth M. Anne 
Published: November 2005

Abstract High erosion potential of dewatered kimberlite mine tailings after diamond extraction has prompted research at the Ekati Diamond Mine in the Canadian subarctic heath tundra ecosystem. Coarse texture, no organic component, lack of available macronutrients, and a serpentine chemistry are the principal limitations of these kimberlite tailings to plant colonization. Structure‐improving (peat moss, lake sediment, sewage sludge, Agri‐Boost, and composted papermill sludge) and nutrient‐providing (fertilizer, calcium carbonate, gypsum, and rock phosphate) amendments were tested in the greenhouse to ameliorate these limitations, thereby facilitating the field establishment of a permanent vegetation cover, which would stabilize the surface materials and promote natural colonization by the surrounding tundra vegetation. Seven native grass species (Arctagrostis latifolia, Calamagrostis canadensis, Poa glauca, Poa alpina, Deschampsia beringensis, Deschampsia caespitosa, and Festuca rubra) were used to measure amendment success. With the addition of structure‐improving and nutrient‐providing amendments, plant growth on kimberlite tailings was significantly enhanced. Tailings properties, including cation exchange capacity, percentage of organic carbon, and macronutrient availability, were also improved by amendment addition.
Establishment of a Vegetation Cover on Tundra Kimberlite Mine Tailings: 2. A Field Study
Authors: Reid Neil B. , Naeth M. Anne 
Published: November 2005

Abstract High erosion potential of dewatered kimberlite mine tailings after diamond extraction has prompted research at the Ekati Diamond Mine in the Canadian subarctic heath tundra ecosystem. Greenhouse and field studies aimed at establishing a permanent vegetation cover on these dewatered tailings began in spring 2000. Coarse texture, no organic component, lack of available macronutrients, and a serpentine chemistry are the principal limitations of kimberlite tailings to plant colonization. Structure‐improving (peat moss, lake sediment, and sewage sludge) and nutrient‐providing (fertilizer, rock phosphate, calcium carbonate, and gypsum) amendments were tested to ameliorate these conditions, facilitating the establishment of a permanent vegetation cover, which stabilizes surface materials and promotes natural colonization by the surrounding tundra vegetation. Seven native grass species (Arctagrostis latifolia, Calamagrostis canadensis, Poa glauca, Poa alpina, Deschampsia beringensis, Deschampsia caespitosa, and Festuca rubra) were used to measure amendment success. With the addition of structure‐improving and nutrient‐providing amendments, plant growth on these kimberlite tailings under field conditions was significantly improved over unamended tailings material. Tailings properties, including cation exchange capacity, organic carbon, and macronutrient availability, were also improved with amendment addition.
Bullying the Bullies: The Selective Control of an Exotic, Invasive Annual (Rapistrum rugosum) by Oversowing with a Competitive Native Species (Gaillardia pulchella)
Authors: Simmons Mark T 
Published: November 2005

Abstract Mechanical, biological, and chemical attempts to control invasive plants can be expensive, ecologically damaging, and frequently unsuccessful. This study proposes using the intrinsic biological attributes of the threatened plant community by artificially increasing the density of competitive native species to selectively suppress the growth of the invasive. Evidence from agricultural weed control suggests that oversowing infested areas with species with biological traits similar to those of the invasive species not only reduces productivity of the invasive species but also may eliminate environmental damage associated with standard control techniques. Annual bastard cabbage (Rapistrum rugosum), a Eurasian exotic, is an invader of native plant communities in the continental United States. Control with herbicides has been problematic due to high mortality of adjacent native species and subsequent perpetuation of a disturbed state that facilitates further regeneration of R. rugosum from the seed bank. In a randomized field experiment, sowing native Indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella) over established seedling colonies of R. rugosum resulted in significant reduction of R. rugosum productivity (F= 3.43; p < 0.05). The highest sowing rate of G. pulchella resulted in a 72% reduction in aboveground productivity of R. rugosum that translated to an estimated 83% decrease in seed set, without significant suppression of adjacent native species. It is proposed that enriching threatened or infested plant communities with selected native species with matching phenologies and competitive characteristics has advantages over conventional control methods in that (1) it reduces the threat to nontarget organisms; (2) once installed, the species could self‐regenerate; and (3) it does not perpetuate a disturbed (early‐successional) state that might aggravate the problem. This may serve as an alternative technique to protect and restore native plant communities.
Establishment of the Woody Grass Arundinaria gigantea for Riparian Restoration
Authors: Dattilo Adam J. , Rhoades Charles C. 
Published: November 2005

Abstract Canebrakes are dense stands of Arundinaria gigantea (Walt.) Muhl. that covered large areas of the southeastern North America. With agricultural development, canebrakes were quickly converted to crop and pastureland and now occur only in small, isolated patches. There is growing interest in the use of A. gigantea and other temperate bamboo species in riparian and floodplain revegetation in North America, but lack of detailed information on propagation and management of woody perennial grasses hinders reestablishment activities. Our study assesses the influence of nutrient and woodchip mulch amendments on survival and growth of A. gigantea transplanted as part of a riparian restoration project in central Kentucky. After two growing seasons, culm number (aboveground stems) increased 4‐fold and extent of transplanted clumps expanded 26‐fold. The survival rate of transplanted cane clumps was 98%. Hardwood chip mulch significantly increased the emergence of new culms, culm height growth, and clump area. Composted manure, applied at a rate that contributed a similar mass of organic matter as the hardwood mulch, also significantly increased new culm number and clump area. Our findings demonstrate that addition of manure or hardwood mulch can significantly enhance aboveground production of A. gigantea transplants. However, survival and initial growth of untreated clumps were also adequate in this study. It appears that careful site selection, transplantation, and site maintenance may be sufficient to ensure A. gigantea establishment on many sites. Practitioners should assess soil drainage, water stress, and fertility along with herbaceous competition and incidence of overbank flooding before determining the necessity of organic amendments to supplement establishment of A. gigantea or other woody grasses for riparian restoration.