bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
17β‐estradiol and enriched environment accelerate cognitive recovery after focal brain ischemia
Authors: Söderström Ingegerd , Strand Magnus , Ingridsson Anna‐Cajsa , Nasic Salmir , Olsson Tommy 
Published: March 2009

AbstractCognitive impairments, including spatial memory and learning deficiencies, are common after ischemic stroke. Estrogen substitution improves cognitive functions in post‐menopausal women and ovariectomized rodents, partially through induction of neuroplasticity in the hippocampal formation. Post‐ischemic housing of male rats in an enriched environment (EE) improves functional outcome, without changing infarct volume. We hypothesized that 17β‐estradiol combined with an EE would accelerate cognitive recovery after focal brain ischemia in ovariectomized rats and that recovery would be related to altered expression of nerve growth factor‐induced gene (NGFI)‐A in the hippocampus. 17β‐estradiol or placebo pellets were implanted 6 h after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Two days later, rats were placed in an EE or a deprived environment (DE) for 6 weeks. At 5 weeks after middle cerebral artery occlusion, 17β‐estradiol‐treated rats housed in an EE showed improvements in cognitive function (i.e. shorter latency and path in the Morris water maze task) compared with placebo‐treated animals housed in an EE. Furthermore, beneficial effects on latency and path were observed when comparing EE‐housed vs. DE‐housed 17β‐estradiol‐treated rats. When comparing 17β‐estradiol‐treated EE‐housed rats vs. placebo‐treated DE‐housed rats, pronounced effects on latency and path were observed. Infarct volumes did not differ between groups. 17β‐estradiol‐treated EE‐housed rats had significantly higher NGFI‐A mRNA expression bilaterally in the cornu ammonis 1 region and in the ipsilateral dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, compared with placebo‐treated EE‐housed rats. In conclusion, 17β‐estradiol treatment combined with an EE improved recovery of cognitive function after experimental brain ischemia, putatively through the upregulation of NGFI‐A in hippocampal subregions.
Rapid plasticity at inhibitory and excitatory synapses in the hippocampus induced by ictal epileptiform discharges
Authors: Lopantsev Valeri , Both Martin , Draguhn Andreas 
Published: March 2009

AbstractEpileptic seizures can induce pathological processes of plasticity in the brain that tend to promote the generation of further seizures. However, the immediate impact of epileptic seizures on cellular excitability remains poorly understood. In order to unravel such early mechanisms of epilepsy‐induced plasticity, we studied synaptic transmission before and shortly after three ictal discharges induced by transient elevation of extracellular K+ in mouse hippocampal slices. Discharges were initiated in the CA3 region and propagated via the Schaffer collaterals into CA1 where they were associated with sustained membrane depolarization and bursts of action potentials in CA1 pyramidal cells. Subsequently, discharges were followed by long‐term potentiation (LTP) of Schaffer collateral‐evoked field excitatory post‐synaptic potentials (EPSPs) in the CA1. The ability to generate epileptiform activity in response to repetitive stimulation was enhanced during LTP. Changes in both inhibitory and excitatory synaptic transmission contributed to LTP in CA1 pyramidal cells. Discharges reduced γ‐aminobutyric acid‐A receptor‐mediated hyperpolarizing inhibitory post‐synaptic potentials by shifting their reversal potentials in a positive direction. At the same time, the amplitudes of Schaffer collateral‐evoked RS‐α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor‐mediated EPSPs and action potential‐independent miniature EPSPs were enhanced. However, N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor‐mediated EPSPs remained unchanged. Paired‐pulse stimulation revealed a reduced probability of glutamate release. Together, these changes in synaptic transmission produce a sustained increase in hippocampal excitability. We conclude that a few seizure‐like ictal episodes are sufficient to cause fast and lasting changes in the excitation/inhibition balance in hippocampal networks, and therefore may contribute to early phases of progressive epileptogenesis.
Examination of intravenous and intra‐CSF protein delivery for treatment of neurological disease
Authors: Hemsley Kim M. , Luck Amanda J. , Crawley Allison C. , Hassiotis Sofia , Beard Helen , King Barbara , Rozek Tomas , Rozaklis Tina , Fuller Maria , Hopwood John J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractMucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA is a neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder characterized by progressive loss of learned skills, sleep disturbance and behavioural problems. Absent or greatly reduced activity of sulphamidase, a lysosomal protein, results in intracellular accumulation of heparan sulphate. Subsequent neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration typify this and many other lysosomal storage disorders. We propose that intra‐cerebrospinal fluid protein delivery represents a potential therapeutic avenue for treatment of this and other neurodegenerative conditions; however, technical restraints restrict examination of its use prior to adulthood in mice. We have used a naturally‐occurring Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA mouse model to determine the effectiveness of combining intravenous protein replacement (1 mg/kg) from birth to 6 weeks of age with intra‐cerebrospinal fluid sulphamidase delivery (100 μg, fortnightly from 6 weeks) on behaviour, the level of heparan sulphate‐oligosaccharide storage and other neuropathology. Mice receiving combination treatment exhibited similar clinical improvement and reduction in heparan sulphate storage to those only receiving intra‐cerebrospinal fluid enzyme. Reductions in micro‐ and astrogliosis and delayed development of ubiquitin‐positive lesions were seen in both groups. A third group of intravenous‐only treated mice did not exhibit clinical or neuropathological improvements. Intra‐cerebrospinal fluid injection of sulphamidase effectively, but dose‐dependently, treats neurological pathology in Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA, even when treatment begins in mice with established disease.
Oculomotor control in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders assessed using a mobile eye‐tracking laboratory
Authors: Green C. R. , Mihic A. M. , Brien D. C. , Armstrong I. T. , Nikkel S. M. , Stade B. C. , Rasmussen C. , Munoz D. P. , Reynolds J. N. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractPrenatal exposure to alcohol can result in a spectrum of adverse developmental outcomes, collectively termed fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). This study evaluated deficits in sensory, motor and cognitive processing in children with FASD that can be identified using eye movement testing. Our study group was composed of 89 children aged 8–15 years with a diagnosis within the FASD spectrum [i.e. fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), partial fetal alcohol syndrome (pFAS), and alcohol‐related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND)], and 92 controls. Subjects looked either towards (prosaccade) or away from (antisaccade) a peripheral target that appeared on a computer monitor, and eye movements were recorded with a mobile, video‐based eye tracker. We hypothesized that: (i) differences in the magnitude of deficits in eye movement control exist across the three diagnostic subgroups; and (ii) children with FASD display a developmental delay in oculomotor control. Children with FASD had increased saccadic reaction times (SRTs), increased intra‐subject variability in SRTs, and increased direction errors in both the prosaccade and antisaccade tasks. Although development was associated with improvements across tasks, children with FASD failed to achieve age‐matched control levels of performance at any of the ages tested. Moreover, children with ARND had faster SRTs and made fewer direction errors in the antisaccade task than children with pFAS or FAS, although all subgroups were different from controls. Our results demonstrate that eye tracking can be used as an objective measure of brain injury in FASD, revealing behavioral deficits in all three diagnostic subgroups independent of facial dysmorphology.
Tolerance to non‐opioid analgesics in PAG involves unresponsiveness of medullary pain‐modulating neurons in male rats
Authors: Tortorici Victor , Aponte Yexica , Acevedo Humberto , Nogueira Lourdes , Vanegas Horacio 
Published: March 2009

AbstractOpiate analgesia can be hampered by a reduction in pharmacological effectiveness (tolerance), and this crucially depends on the periaqueductal gray matter (PAG). Non‐opioids like metamizol (dipyrone) or aspirin also induce PAG‐dependent analgesia and tolerance, but the neuronal bases of this tolerance are unknown. Metamizol is a pyrazolon derivative and cyclooxygenase inhibitor with widespread use as an analgesic in Europe and Latin America. Metamizol was microinjected into the PAG of awake male rats, and antinociception was assessed by the tail flick (TF) and hot plate (HP) tests. Microinjection twice daily for 2.5 days caused tolerance to metamizol. The rats were then anesthetized and recordings from pain‐facilitating on‐cells and pain‐inhibiting off‐cells of the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) were performed. PAG microinjection of morphine or metamizol depresses on‐cells, activates off‐cells and thus inhibits nociception, including TF and HP. In metamizol‐tolerant rats, however, PAG microinjection of metamizol failed to affect on‐ or off‐cells, and this is interpreted as the reason for tolerance. In metamizol‐tolerant rats morphine microinjection into PAG also failed to affect RVM neurons or nociception (cross‐tolerance). In naïve, non‐tolerant rats the antinociceptive effect of PAG‐microinjected metamizol or morphine was blocked when CTOP, a μ‐opioid antagonist, was previously microinjected into the same PAG site. These results emphasize a close relationship between opioid and non‐opioid analgesic mechanisms in the PAG and show that, like morphine, tolerance to metamizol involves a failure of on‐ and off‐cells to, respectively, disfacilitate and inhibit nociception. Cross‐tolerance between non‐opioid and opioid analgesics should be important in the clinical setting.
Light stimulation evokes two different calcium responses in Müller glial cells of the guinea pig retina
Authors: Rillich Katja , Gentsch Janina , Reichenbach Andreas , Bringmann Andreas , Weick Michael 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIntracellular calcium responses are a characteristic of glial activation upon neuronal activity. In acutely isolated preparations of the guinea pig retina, Müller glial cells displayed cytosolic calcium rises in response to repetitive light stimulation. The calcium rises consisted of two components, a slowly developing immediate response that occurred simultaneously over the whole length of all Müller cell fibers and a delayed fast response that originated in the ganglion cell layer and spread as a wave through the bodies of some Müller cells toward the outer processes in the photoreceptor layer. The slow calcium response was evoked by photoreceptor‐to‐glia signaling, resulting in a glutamate transporter‐ and zinc‐mediated alteration in the membrane potential and an influx of calcium from the extracellular space. The fast calcium response was evoked by a release of calcium from intracellular stores, probably after activation of purinergic receptors. The data suggest that light stimulation of the retina causes glial activation by alterations in both the membrane potential and receptor‐mediated mechanisms. The former may be implicated in glial support of the neuronal signal transfer from photoreceptors to ganglion cells (glial forward signaling), whereas the latter may constitute a glial feedback signaling from ganglion cells to photoreceptors.
Increased vascular endothelial growth factor expression in patients with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis: its association with pain severity and glomerulations
Authors: Kiuchi Hiroshi , Tsujimura Akira , Takao Tetsuya , Yamamoto Keisuke , Nakayama Jiro , Miyagawa Yasushi , Nonomura Norio , Takeyama Masami , Okuyama Akihiko 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVETo determine the angiogenic profiles in the bladder of patients with bladder pain syndrome (BPS)/interstitial cystitis (IC), and to evaluate the relationship between these profiles and associated clinical features including pelvic pain and glomerulations.PATIENTS AND METHODSAngiogenesis and angiogenic components are important in chronic inflammatory disease. High levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been shown to induce immature angiogenesis, where microvessels have insufficient coverage of pericytes, resulting in haemorrhagic vessels. Biopsy specimens from 30 patients with BPS/IC and glomerulations, and 10 control patients, were examined immunohistochemically for VEGF expression, microvessel density (MVD) and immature microvessels. Pericyte coverage of microvessels in the specimens was used as an indicator of mature microvessels, and pericytes were identified by double‐immunohistochemistry for CD34 and α‐smooth muscle actin. The microvessel pericyte coverage index (MPI) was calculated as the ratio of mature vessels to total vessels. We also assessed the relationship between these angiogenic profiles and associated clinical features including pain and glomerulations.RESULTSVEGF expression in the lamina propria was significantly higher in BPS/IC than in control samples (50% vs 10%, P < 0.05). Among patients with BPS/IC, VEGF expression was significantly higher in those with severe pain than in those with mild pain (78% vs 38%, P < 0.05). The MPI was significantly lower in BPS/IC than in control samples (23% vs 35%, P < 0.05), whereas MVD did not differ significantly between BPS/IC and control samples.CONCLUSIONSThere is increased VEGF and immature vascularization in patients with BPS/IC, and VEGF expression is associated with the degree of pain described by patients. Taken together, VEGF might contribute to pain and promote the formation of immature vessels in BPS/IC, and the increased immature vascularization might have a role in glomerulations in patients with BPS/IC.
Open radical retropubic prostatectomy gives favourable surgical and functional outcomes after transurethral resection of the prostate
Authors: Palisaar Jüri R. , Wenske Sven , Sommerer Florian , Hinkel Andreas , Noldus Joachim 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVESTo assess the peri‐ and postoperative outcome of patients treated with open radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) for prostate cancer and who had previously undergone transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).PATIENTS AND METHODSProspectively collected data from a consecutive series of 1760 patients who had RRP between July 2003 and June 2007 at our institution were used to retrospectively match 62 cases (with previous TURP) with the same number of controls (without previous TURP). Matching variables were patient age, body mass index, prostate volume, preoperative total prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level, Gleason score, pathological stage, and intraoperative nerve‐sparing procedure. Complete 1‐year follow‐up data were available for all patients. All collected data on surgery and perioperative complications were analysed. Functional outcome data at the 1‐year follow‐up were evaluated by applying an institutional questionnaire. Sexual function was assessed using the abbreviated International Index of Erectile Function‐5 questionnaire, and urinary control was evaluated by defining complete urinary control as no pad usage.RESULTSThe rate of complete urinary control rate in cases and controls was similar (81% vs 82%). When nerves were spared, 60% (15/25) of patients in either group were capable of sexual intercourse. The overall positive surgical margin rate was insignificantly higher in cases (19% vs 13, P > 0.05). After 1 year of follow‐up the biochemical recurrence rate (PSA >0.04 ng/mL) did not differ significantly in patients who had RRP after TURP vs RRP alone (six of 62, 10%, vs five of 62, 8%; P = 0.77).CONCLUSIONSRRP for prostate cancer in patients who have had previous TURP does not result in a higher perioperative complication rate, or a worse functional outcome.
Adiponectin: from obesity to cardiovascular disease
Authors: Antoniades C. , Antonopoulos A. S. , Tousoulis D. , Stefanadis C. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryAdiponectin is an adipokine whose biosynthesis is deranged in obesity and diabetes mellitus, predisposing to atherosclerosis. Evidence suggests that adiponectin has anti‐atherogenic properties by improving endothelial function and having anti‐inflammatory effects in the vascular wall. In addition, adiponectin modifies vascular intracellular redox signalling and exerts indirect antioxidant effects on human myocardium. However, its clinical role in cardiovascular disease is obscure. Adiponectin's positive prognostic value in coronary artery disease had been widely supported over the last years, but this view has been questioned recently. High adiponectin levels are paradoxically associated with poorer prognosis in heart failure syndrome. These controversial findings seem surprising as adiponectin has been viewed overall as an anti‐atherogenic molecule. Therefore, any certain conclusion about adiponectin's role in cardiovascular disease seems premature. Despite the rapidly accumulating literature on this adipokine, it is still unclear whether adiponectin is a key mediator or a bystander in cardiovascular disease. It is still uncertain whether adiponectin levels have any clinical significance for risk stratification in cardiovascular disease or they just reflect the activation of complex and opposing underlying mechanisms. Circulating adiponectin levels should be interpreted with caution, as they may have completely different prognostic value, depending on the underlying disease state.
Prevalence of obesity among children aged 6–7 years in South‐East Serbia
Authors: Stojanovic D. , Belojevic G. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryA cross‐sectional study of the prevalence of obesity in urban and rural areas of South‐East Serbia was performed on 541 children (273 boys and 268 girls), aged 6–7 years. Prevalence of obesity in urban boys and girls was 6.3% and 3.8% respectively (P > 0.05). Prevalence of obesity in rural boys and girls was 1.1% and 3.3% respectively (P > 0.05). The difference in the prevalence of obesity between urban boys and rural boys was statistically significant (P < 0.05), while the difference between urban and rural girls was insignificant (P > 0.05). Urban boys consumed more sweets and fast food compared with rural boys (P < 0.05). Urban children spent more time in watching TV compared with rural children (P < 0.05).
Competition Effects of Supermarket Services
Authors: Bonanno Alessandro , Lopez Rigoberto A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis article investigates the competition effects of supermarket services using fluid milk as a case study. A simultaneous equation model for services and price competition is estimated with scanner data from fifteen supermarket chains using two alternative measures of services, namely store size and principal components of in‐store services. Empirical results show that increasing services results in economies of scope, greater supermarket chain‐level demand, lower price elasticity of demand, and enhanced market power, leading to higher milk prices and quantity sold. We conclude that, as result of service competition, supermarkets differentiate themselves from competitors and successfully attract less price‐sensitive consumers.
The Effect of Compensation Committee Quality on the Association between CEO Cash Compensation and Accounting Performance
Authors: Sun Jerry , Cahan Steven 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTManuscript Type: EmpiricalResearch Question/Issue: We examine the effect of compensation committee quality on the association between CEO cash compensation and accounting earnings and the moderating effects of growth opportunities and earnings status.Research Findings/Insights: Using a sample of 812 US firms, we find that CEO cash compensation is more positively associated with accounting earnings when firms have high compensation committee quality. We also find that the positive effect of compensation committee quality on the association between CEO cash compensation and accounting earnings is less for high growth firms or loss‐making firms.Theoretical Implications: We contribute to the agency‐based research on CEO compensation by: 1) directly examining the impact of compensation committee quality on the sensitivity of CEO cash compensation to accounting earnings; 2) examining whether the role of compensation committee quality varies across firms; and 3) developing a broader and richer measure of compensation committee quality.Practical Implications: Our findings imply that shareholders and directors should be concerned about the composition of compensation committees as we find that compensation committee quality varies depending on compensation committee size and other characteristics of the committee members. Our findings also imply that for compensation committee members, there are greater challenges in monitoring CEO compensation contracts for firms with high growth or that incur losses. Further, our findings imply that even when all compensation committees are regulated to be fully independent, there are still quality differences among these independent compensation committees.
State Control, Legal Investor Protection, and Ownership Concentration: Evidence from China
Authors: Wu Shinong , Xu Nianhang , Yuan Qingbo 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTManuscript Type: EmpiricalResearch Question/Issue: To control for the omitted‐variables and aggregation biases problem existing in previous cross‐country studies, our paper investigates the relationship of ownership concentration and legal investor protection across regions and over time in one emerging economy, China, during the period 1992 to 2003. Moreover, this paper examines whether state control affects this relationship.Research Findings/Results: For state‐controlled firms, we cannot find the typical inverse relationship between ownership concentration and legal investor protection documented by La Porta, Lopez‐de‐Silanes, Shleifer, and Vishny (1998), since state per se works as a substitute for formal legal investor protection in protecting property rights by exploiting political power. However, for non‐state‐controlled firms, the inverse relationship does hold.Theoretical Implications: Our findings suggest that the nature of the controlling shareholder should be taken into account when examining the relationship between ownership concentration and legal investor protection. Moreover, our findings give new insights, especially to the study on other emerging economies that share similar characteristics with China in terms of legal development and government control. Finally, the cross‐region study within one country provides a new perspective on the research in this area.Practitioner Implications: First, to provide a level playing field for different types of investors, the state's dual role of controlling shareholder and political power holder should be separated. Second, it is important to build up a good legal system to protect investors in order for a country to develop its capital markets, especially for the development of the non‐state sector.