bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Short‐Term Restricted Food Intake on Canine Pseudopregnancy
Authors: Hermo G , Gerez PG , Dragonetti AM , Gobello C 
Published: July 2008

ContentsA non‐pharmaceutical, dietary option may be useful to manage clinical pseudopregnancy (PSP). To describe the effect of short‐term food restriction on canine PSP, 16 privately owned, overtly pseudopregnant bitches were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: Limit‐fed (increasing amounts of a restricted maintenance: 50%, 40%, 30% restriction for 2, 3 and 2 days respectively) during 7 days (n = 8) or Maintenance‐fed of the same food and period (n = 8). The bitches were physically examined and blood samples were taken for prolactin and progesterone determinations on days 2, 5 and 8. By day 8, none of the bitches had completely regressed the condition although all (8/8) the animals of the Limit‐fed and two (25%) of the Maintenance‐fed group improved in condition decreasing mammary size and secretion (p < 0.05). No day or group effects were observed for serum prolactin and progesterone concentrations (>0.05). It is concluded that although an 8‐day food restriction did not cure PSP, it seemed to hasten PSP signs involution in these bitches. No endocrine change was related to these clinical findings.
HISTAMINE‐INDUCED PROGRESSION FROM HETEROLOGOUS TO HOMOLOGOUS DESENSITIZATION OF CONTRACTION IN SMOOTH MUSCLE OF GUINEA‐PIG TAENIA CAECI
Authors: Hishinuma Shigeru , Saito Masaki 
Published: July 2008

SUMMARYWe have reported previously that, in the smooth muscle of guinea‐pig taenia caeci, the development of carbachol‐induced desensitization to carbachol and histamine has a similar time‐course whereas desensitization to high K+is interrupted by sustained resensitization.In the present study, we evaluated the development of histamine‐induced desensitization to histamine, carbachol and high K+with respect to their regulation by resensitization, and compared it with carbachol‐induced desensitization.Desensitization to histamine developed following pretreatment with 10−5 mol/L histamine for 30 min with a tendency of transient interruption by resensitization at 1 min. In contrast, histamine‐induced desensitization to carbachol and high K+was transient, peaking at around 15 s and 2 min, respectively, followed by sustained resensitization up to complete restoration within 2 and 10 min, respectively.Thus, in contrast with carbachol, histamine initially induces heterologous desensitization, followed by sustained resensitization to carbachol and high K+, resulting in selective and sustained homologous desensitization to histamine.Thus, differences in the development of histamine‐ and carbachol‐induced heterologous desensitization/resensitization contribute to the selective regulation of receptor‐mediated signal transduction pathways.
SPINAL µ‐OPIOID RECEPTOR EXPRESSION AND HYPERALGESIA WITH DEXAMETHASONE IN CHRONIC ADJUVANT‐INDUCED ARTHRITIS IN RATS
Authors: Zaringhalam Jalal , Manaheji Homa , Mghsoodi Nader , Farokhi Babak , Mirzaiee Vahideh 
Published: July 2008

SUMMARYIt is known that inflammation influences peripheral and central µ‐opioid receptor expression. Previous studies have indicated that glucocorticoids may influence the density of µ‐opioid receptors. In the present study, we investigated the fluctuations of spinal µ‐opioid receptor expression and hyperalgesia induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) under long‐term administration of dexamethasone.Adjuvant arthritis (AA) was induced by subcutaneous injection of CFA in the right hindpaw of male Wistar rats. Spinal µ‐opioid receptor expression was detected by semiquantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction on Days 6 and 21 following AA induction. Dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally for 21 days. Variations in thermal hyperalgesia were checked by radiant heat on the same days as µ‐opioid receptor expression was determined.The results indicated a significant increase in spinal µ‐opioid receptor expression on Days 6 and 21 after AA induction compared with the control group. Spinal µ‐opioid receptor expression decreased significantly only on Day 21 in the AA + dexamethasone group compared with the AA alone group. Thermal hyperalgesia on Day 6 after AA induction showed a significant increase compared with the control group. Hyperalgesia decreased significantly on Day 21 after AA compared with Day 6. The AA + dexamethasone group showed a significant decrease in hyperalgesia on Day 6 compared with the AA group, but hyperalgesia increased significantly on Day 21 in the AA + dexamethasone group compared with the AA group.The effects of long‐term dexamethasone on both spinal µ‐opioid receptor expression and hyperalgesia during persistent AA inflammation are time dependent. In addition, the effect of long‐term dexamethasone administration on hyperalgesia during persistent arthritis inflammation needs to be investigated further.
LARGE‐SCALE SIMULATION OF THE HUMAN ARTERIAL TREE
Authors: Grinberg L , Anor T , Madsen JR , Yakhot A , Karniadakis GE 
Published: July 2008

SUMMARYFull‐scale simulations of the virtual physiological human (VPH) will require significant advances in modelling, multiscale mathematics, scientific computing and further advances in medical imaging. Herein, we review some of the main issues that need to be resolved in order to make three‐dimensional (3D) simulations of blood flow in the human arterial tree feasible in the near future.A straightforward approach is computationally prohibitive even on the emerging petaflop supercomputers, so a three‐level hierarchical approach based on vessel size is required, consisting of: (i) a macrovascular network (MaN); (ii) a mesovascular network (MeN); and (iii) a microvascular network (MiN). We present recent simulations of MaN obtained by solving the 3D Navier–Stokes equations on arterial networks with tens of arteries and bifurcations and accounting for the neglected dynamics through proper boundary conditions.A multiscale simulation coupling MaN–MeN–MiN and running on hundreds of thousands of processors on petaflop computers will require no more than a few CPU hours per cardiac cycle within the next 5 years. The rapidly growing capacity of supercomputing centres opens up the possibility of simulation studies of cardiovascular diseases, drug delivery, perfusion in the brain and other pathologies.
ANTINOCICEPTION VERSUS SERUM CONCENTRATION RELATIONSHIPS FOLLOWING ACUTE ADMINISTRATION OF INTRAVENOUS MORPHINE IN MALE AND FEMALE SPRAGUE‐DAWLEY RATS: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TAIL FLICK AND HOT PLATE NOCICEPTIVE TESTS
Authors: South Samantha M , Edwards Stephen R , Smith Maree T 
Published: July 2008

SUMMARYAntinociception versus serum morphine concentration relationships were defined in male and female Sprague‐Dawley rats administered single intravenous (i.v.) bolus doses of morphine, using the hot plate (2.1–14 mg/kg) and tail flick tests (1–8 mg/kg).Serum concentrations of morphine and morphine‐3‐glucuronide (M3G), its major metabolite in the rat, were assayed using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection.Significantly higher (P < 0.05) values of peak antinociception (approximately 1.7‐fold), as well as the extent and duration of antinociception (approximately fourfold), were observed in male compared with female rats administered 10 mg/kg morphine in the hot plate test. Although there were no significant sex‐related differences in the area under the serum morphine concentration versus time curve (AUC) at this dose, systemic exposure to M3G (M3G AUC) was significantly higher (approximately twofold;P < 0.05) in female than male rats.In contrast with most previous studies investigating sex differences in morphine antinociception in rats, the antinociceptive effects of single i.v. doses of morphine (1–8 mg/kg) in the tail flick test did not differ significantly between male and female rats.Morphine ED50and EC50values (95% confidence intervals) for antinociception in the hot plate test were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in male rats (ED508.4 mg/kg (7.6–9.2); EC501.8 nmol/L (1.5–2.1)) compared with female rats (ED5010.6 mg/kg (9.1–12.0); EC503.7 nmol/L (3.4–4.1)). However, in the tail flick test, there was no significant difference between male and female rats in ED50(1.8 (0.4–3.3) and 1.4 mg/kg (0.4–2.5), respectively) or EC50(0.5 (0.3–0.6) and 0.4 nmol/L (0.2–0.5), respectively) values.Supraspinal attenuation of morphine antinociception by M3G may account for these differences.
Single dose 1 g ceftriaxone for urogenital and pharyngeal infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Muratani Tetsuro , Inatomi Hisato , Ando Yukiko , Kawai Shuichi , Akasaka Soichiro , Matsumoto Tetsuro 
Published: July 2008

Objectives:  To evaluate the efficacy of 1 g ceftriaxone in the treatment of urethritis, cervicitis and pharyngeal infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae) including the oral cephem‐resistant strain with chimera penicillin‐binding protein 2 (PBP‐2) (cefozopran‐resistant N. gonorrhoeae, CZRNG).Methods:  From September 2004 to November 2006, 67 patients (27 male and 40 female) who had genital infection and/or pharyngeal infection caused by N. gonorrhoeae were enrolled in this study at five participating centers in Japan. To detect the chimera PBP‐2 gene, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using established primers against the altered penA of CZRNG isolates. All patients received a single 1 g dose of ceftriaxone. Efficacy was evaluated only in those who returned for examination and culture for N. gonorrhoeae between 3 and 14 days after the treatment.Results:  CZRNG isolates detected by PCR accounted for 41.7% (20/48) of urogenital infections and 60.0% (15/25) of pharyngeal infections in the treatment efficacy evaluable cases. 37 of 39 CZRNG isolates (94.9%) were multi‐drug resistant isolates that had simultaneous resistance to penicillin, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin. Nineteen patients had N. gonorrhoeae isolates in the urogenital area and pharynx simultaneously. Ceftriaxone treatment eradicated all N. gonorrhoeae isolates from 48 patients with genitourinary infection and 25 patients with pharyngeal infection.Conclusions:  We report for the first time that ceftriaxone is effective in patients with gonococcal urethritis, cervicitis, and pharyngeal infection caused by CZRNG that has chimera PBP‐2.
Does the dorsal hippocampus process navigational routes or behavioral context? A single‐unit analysis
Authors: Oler Jonathan A. , Penley Stephanie C. , Sava Simona , Markus Etan J. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIn humans the hippocampus plays a role in both episodic memory and spatial navigation. Similar findings have been shown in other animals including monkeys and rats. The relationship between the processing of episodic and spatial related inputs within the hippocampus remains a puzzle. One approach to understanding how the hippocampus processes information is to examine how hippocampal cell activity corresponds to environmental experience. Hippocampal pyramidal cells can alter their spatial tuning (re‐map) in response to changes in task demands. The degree to which this re‐mapping is related to contextual/episodic information or to changes in spatial navigation/trajectories is unclear. The current study was designed to examine cell activity under two conditions that differed in contextual information without alterations in the goal‐directed trajectories taken by the animals. Adult and aged rats were trained to do an alternation task on a fixed pathway [J. A. Oleret al.(2005)Neuroscience,131, 1–12]. The animals ran this pathway during either ‘safe’ or ‘unsafe’ (a tone indicating a shock region) trials, with hesitation during ‘unsafe’ trials providing a clear behavioral measure of discrimination between these two conditions. Relatively few place cells displayed re‐mapping between the two conditions. We propose that the principle source of re‐mapping in the dorsal hippocampus is changes in the animal’s trajectories rather than behavioral context. Possible reasons why so few cells responded to the change in context are discussed.
Oxytocin induces penile erection when injected into the ventral tegmental area of male rats: role of nitric oxide and cyclic GMP
Authors: Succu Salvatora , Sanna Fabrizio , Cocco Cristina , Melis Tiziana , Boi Antonio , Ferri Gian‐Luca , Argiolas Antonio , Melis Maria Rosaria 
Published: July 2008

AbstractOxytocin (80 ng) injected into the caudal mesencephalic ventral tegmental area (VTA) of male rats induces penile erection. Such an effect occurs together with an increase in nitric oxide (NO) production, as measured by the augmented concentration of NO2−and NO3−found in the dialysate obtained from this brain area by means of intracerebral microdialysis. Both effects are abolished by d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)2‐Orn8‐vasotocin (1 μg), an oxytocin receptor antagonist, by S‐methyl‐l‐thiocitrulline acetate (20 μg), a neuronal NO synthase inhibitor, or by ω‐conotoxin GVIA (50 ng), a N‐type Ca2+channel blocker, all injected into the VTA 15 min before oxytocin. In contrast, 1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazole[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one (40 μg), a guanylate cyclase inhibitor, given into the VTA 15 min before oxytocin, abolishes penile erection, but not the increase in NO production, while haemoglobin (40 μg), a NO scavenger, injected immediately before oxytocin reduces the increase in NO production, but not penile erection. 8‐Bromo‐cyclic guanosine monophosphate (0.5–10 μg) microinjected into the VTA induces penile erection with an inverted U‐shaped dose–response curve; the maximal effective dose being 3 μg. Immunohistochemistry reveals that in the caudal VTA oxytocin‐containing axons/fibres (originating from the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus) contact cell bodies of mesolimbic dopaminergic (tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive) neurons containing both NO synthase and guanylate cyclase. These results suggest that oxytocin injected into the VTA induces penile erection by activating NO synthase in the cell bodies of mesolimbic dopaminergic neurons. NO in turn activates guanylate cyclase present in these neurons, thereby increasing cyclic GMP concentration.
Recognition of iconicity doesn't come for free
Authors: Namy Laura L. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract Iconicity – resemblance between a symbol and its referent – has long been presumed to facilitate symbolic insight and symbol use in infancy. These two experiments test children's ability to recognize iconic gestures at ages 14 through 26 months. The results indicate a clear ability to recognize how a gesture resembles its referent by 26 months, but little evidence of recognition of iconicity at the onset of symbolic development. These findings imply that iconicity is not available as an aid at the onset of symbolic development but rather that the ability to apprehend the relation between a symbol and its referent develops over the course of the second year.
AN OBTRUSIVE REMARK ON CAPITAL AND COMPARATIVE STATICS
Authors: Bloise Gaetano , Reichlin Pietro 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTWe present a simple comparative statics analysis of steady‐state equilibria in overlapping generations economies with capital accumulation. We regard comparative statics as paradoxical whenever an exogenous increase in saving propensity induces a decrease (an increase) in consumption at the steady state when interest rate is positive (negative). It is shown that there is an exact relation between paradoxical comparative statics and a perverse intersection of properly identified curves of demand for and supply of capital in value. The demand curve for capital in value coincides with that of neo‐Ricardian analysis. We relate our conclusions to some old and recent issues in capital theory.
Neurturin, a member of the glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor family, affects the development of acetylcholinesterase‐positive cells in a three‐dimensional model system of retinogenesis
Authors: Wolf Christina , Rothermel Andrée , Robitzki Andrea A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family consists of the four ligands GDNF, neurturin (NRTN), artemin and persephin, which bind to the four co‐receptors GDNF family receptor alpha1–4 and control through the activation of the receptor tyrosin kinase Ret several developmental processes. The purpose of this study was to analyse the expression and the influence of NRTN in the developing retina. We used retinospheres, a three‐dimensional model system of the developing chicken retina. The expression of NRTN and the GDNF family receptor alpha 2 increased during development. Furthermore, expression was comparable in retinae and retinospheres. Analysis of signalling pathways influenced by NRTN in retinospheres showed activation of phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK). Activation of MAPK could be localised in cells of the innermost rows of the inner nuclear layer which were predominantly acetylcholinesterase‐positive cells. Exogenous application of NRTN increased the amount of acetylcholinesterase‐positive cells within the retinospheres at late culture stages. Additionally, we could show that Müller glia cells did not express the GFRalpha2 receptor and were probably not involved in NRTN signalling. Therefore, we conclude that NRTN directly participates in regulatory processes concerning the differentiation of acetylcholinesterase‐positive cells in the chicken retina.
Some highlights of research on aging with invertebrates, 2008
Authors: Partridge Linda 
Published: July 2008

SummaryThis annual review focuses on invertebrate model organisms, which shed light on new mechanisms in aging and provide excellent systems for in‐depth analysis. This year, the first quantitative estimate of evolutionary conservation of genetic effects on lifespan has pointed to the key importance of genes involved in protein synthesis, a finding confirmed and extended by experimental work. Work in Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila has highlighted the importance of phase 2 detoxification in extension of lifespan by reduced insulin/Igf‐like signalling. Thorough characterization of systems for dietary restriction in C. elegans is starting to show differences in the mechanisms by which these interventions extend lifespan and has revealed a requirement for autophagy. The response to heat shock in C. elegans turns out to be systemic, and mediated by sensory neurons, with potentially interesting implications for the response of lifespan to temperature. Work in Escherichia coli and yeast has revealed a role for retention of aggregated proteins in the parent in the rejuvenation of offspring while, as in C. elegans, removal of the germ line in Drosophila turns out to extend lifespan. Aging research has suffered the loss of a great scientific leader, Seymour Benzer, and his trail‐blazing work on aging and neurodegeneration is highlighted.
Assessing Treatment Effects of Inhaled Corticosteroids on Medical Expenses and Exacerbations among COPD Patients: Longitudinal Analysis of Managed Care Claims
Authors: Akazawa Manabu , Stearns Sally C. , Biddle Andrea K. 
Published: July 2008

Objective.To assess costs, effectiveness, and cost‐effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) augmenting bronchodilator treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Data Sources.Claims between 1997 and 2005 from a large managed care database.Study Design.Individual‐level, fixed‐effects regression models estimated the effects of initiating ICS on medical expenses and likelihood of severe exacerbation. Bootstrapping provided estimates of the incremental cost per severe exacerbation avoided.Data Extraction Methods.COPD patients aged 40 or older with ≥15 months of continuous eligibility were identified. Monthly observations for 1 year before and up to 2 years following initiation of bronchodilators were constructed.Principal Findings.ICS treatment reduced monthly risk of severe exacerbation by 25 percent. Total costs with ICS increased for 16 months, but declined thereafter. ICS use was cost saving 46 percent of the time, with an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of $2,973 per exacerbation avoided; for patients ≥50 years old, ICS was cost saving 57 percent of time.Conclusions.ICS treatment reduces exacerbations, with an increase in total costs initially for the full sample. Compared with younger patients with COPD, patients aged 50 or older have reduced costs and improved outcomes. The estimated cost per severe exacerbation avoided, however, may be high for either group because of uncertainty as reflected by the large standard errors of the parameter estimates.
MORPHOLOGY AND MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY OF AUREOPHYCUS ALEUTICUS GEN. ET SP. NOV. (LAMINARIALES, PHAEOPHYCEAE) FROM THE ALEUTIAN ISLANDS1
Authors: Kawai Hiroshi , Hanyuda Takeaki , Lindeberg Mandy , Lindstrom Sandra C. 
Published: July 2008

A previously unknown species of kelp was collected on Kagamil Island, Aleutian Islands. The species can be easily distinguished from any known laminarialean alga: the erect sporophytic thallus is composed of a thin lanceolate blade attaining ∼2 m in height and ∼0.50 m in width, without midrib, and the edge of the blade at the transition zone is thickened to form a V‐shape; the stipe is solid and flattened, slightly translucent, attaining ∼1 m in length; the holdfast is semidiscoidal and up to 0.15 m in diameter. Anatomically, the blade has the typical trumpet‐shaped hyphae characteristic of the Chordaceae and derived foliose laminarialean species (i.e., Alariaceae/Laminariaceae/Lessoniaceae). No hair pits or mucilaginous structures were observed on the blade or stipe. No fertile sporophytes were collected, but abundant juvenile sporophytes were observed in the field. In the molecular phylogenetic analyses using chloroplast rbcL gene, nuclear ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2 rDNA, and mitochondria nad6 DNA sequences, the new species (Aureophycus aleuticus gen. et sp. nov.) showed a closer relationship with Alariaceae of conventional taxonomy, or the “Group 1” clade of Lane et al. (2006) including Alaria and related taxa than with other groups, although the species was not clearly included in the group. Aureophycus may be a key species in elucidating the evolution of the Alariaceae within the Laminariales. Because of the lack of information on reproductive organs and insufficient resolution of the molecular analyses, we refrain from assigning the new species to a family, but we place the new species in a new genus in the Laminariales.
Clinical Use of Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenic Protein‐2 in a Whooping Crane (Grus americana)
Authors: SAMPLE SUSANNAH , COLE GRETCHEN , PAUL‐MURPHY JOANNE , HARTUP BARRY K. , CLYDE VICTORIA , SEEHERMAN HOWARD J. , SCHAEFER SUSAN 
Published: July 2008

Objective— To report use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) as adjunctive therapy for treatment of a comminuted, open, proximal humeral fracture in an avian species.Study Design— Clinical report.Animals— A 3.5‐month‐old male whooping crane (Grus americana).Methods— An open, severely comminuted humeral facture was stabilized with an intramuscular (IM) pin/type IA external skeletal fixator with tie‐in configuration. rhBMP‐2 was applied in a calcium phosphate matrix (CPM) paste directly to the fracture site as a bone graft substitute. Radiographic evidence of bone healing was monitored for 14 weeks.Results— Substantial bony callus was evident at 4 weeks and at 8 weeks there was bridging callus with obvious bony remodeling. The fixation was destabilized at 9 weeks by IM pin removal, bone healing progressed and the fixator was removed at 11 weeks. By 14 weeks both cortices had been re‐established with continued callus remodeling evident.Conclusion— rhBMP‐2, applied in a CPM paste, was used as a bone graft substitute in the treatment of a comminuted, open humeral fracture in a whooping crane.Clinical Relevance— Use of rhBMP‐2/CPM should be considered in treatment of avian fractures.