bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The multiple relations between vision and touch: Neonatal behavioral evidence and adult neuroimaging data
Authors: Streri Arlette , Sann Coralie 
Published: August 2007

AbstractNeonatal behavioral data support the argument that multiple relations exist between vision and touch. Looking at an object triggers the motion of a neonate's arm and hand towards it. A textured surface that is seen can be recognized tactilely, but not a volumetric shaped object in cross-modal transfer tasks. These data are supported by adult neuroimaging data.
Body image and body schema: The shared representation of body image and the role of dynamic body schema in perspective and imitation
Authors: Tessari Alessia , Borghi Anna M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractOur commentary addresses two issues that are not developed enough in the target article. First, the model does not clearly address the distinction among external objects, external body parts, and internal bodies. Second, the authors could have discussed further the role of body schema with regard to its dynamic character, and its role in perspective and in imitation.
A hemispheric asymmetry in somatosensory processing
Authors: Vallar Giuseppe 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe model presented in the target article includes feature processing and higher representations. I argue, based on neuropsychological evidence, that spatial representations are also involved in perceptual awareness of somatosensory events. Second, there is an asymmetry, with a right-hemisphere–based bilateral representation of the body. Third, the specific aspect of bodily awareness concerning motor function monitoring involves a network that includes the premotor cortex.
Somatosensory processing subserving perception and action: Dissociations, interactions, and integration
Authors: Dijkerman H. Chris , de Haan Edward H. F. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe commentaries have raised important points regarding different aspects of our model. Some have queried the nature of the proposed dissociations, whereas others have requested and provided further details regarding aspects we had glossed over. Here we suggest that our approach to identify major processing streams based on the processing goal does not preclude interactions between them. We further specify details regarding body representations, haptic object recognition, and crossmodal processing, but are also aware that several features of the model require further filling in.
Characterization of the vasorelaxant mechanisms of the endocannabinoid anandamide in rat aorta
Authors: Herradón E , Martín M I , López‐Miranda V 
Published: August 2007

Background and purpose:Studies in isolated preparations of vascular tissue (mainly resistance vessels) provide evidence that anandamide exerts vasorelaxation. The aim of the present work was to further characterize the mechanisms involved in the vascular response induced by anandamide in a conduit vessel, rat aorta.Experimental approach:Isometric tension changes in response to a cumulative concentration–response curve of anandamide (1 nM–100 μM) were recorded in aortic rings from male Wistar rats. The involvement of a number of factors in this relaxation was investigated including endothelium‐derived vasorelaxant products, cannabinoid and vanilloid receptors (transient potential vanilloid receptor‐1 (TRPV1)), release of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), anandamide metabolism and the membrane transporter for anandamide.Key results:Anandamide caused a significant concentration‐dependent vasorelaxation in rat aorta. This vasorelaxation was significantly inhibited byPertussistoxin, by a non‐CB1/non‐CB2cannabinoid receptor antagonist, by endothelial denudation, by inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis or inhibition of prostanoid synthesis via cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), by blockade of prostaglandin receptors EP4and by a fatty acid amino hydrolase inhibitor. Antagonists for CB1, CB2, TRPV1 or CGRP receptors, an inhibitor of the release of endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor, and an inhibitor of anandamide transport did not modify the vascular response to anandamide.Conclusions and implications:Our results demonstrate, for the first time, the involvement of the non‐CB1/non‐CB2 cannabinoid receptor and an anandamide‐arachidonic acid‐COX‐2 derived metabolite (which acts on EP4receptors) in the endothelial vasorelaxation caused by anandamide in rat aorta.British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)152, 699–708; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707404; published online 20 August 2007
New insights into human prostacyclin receptor structure and function through natural and synthetic mutations of transmembrane charged residues
Authors: Stitham J , Arehart E , Gleim S R , Li N , Douville K , Hwa J 
Published: August 2007

Background and purpose:The human prostacyclin receptor (hIP), a G‐protein coupled receptor (GPCR) expressed mainly on platelets and vascular smooth muscle cells, plays important protective roles in the cardiovascular system. We hypothesized that significant insights could be gained into the structure and function of the hIP through mutagenesis of its energetically unfavourably located transmembrane charged residues.Experimental approach:Within its putative transmembrane helices fourteen hydrophilic residues, both unique and conserved across GPCRs, were systematically mutated to assess for effects on receptor structure and function.Key results:Mutations of ten of the fourteen charged residues to alanine exhibited defective binding and/or activation. Key potential interactions were identified between 6 core residues; E1163.49‐R1173.50(salt bridge TMIII), D2747.35‐R2797.40(salt bridge TMVII), and D602.50‐D2887.49(H‐bond network TMII‐TMVII). Further detailed investigation of E1163.49(TMIII) with mutation to a glutamine showed a 2.6‐fold increase in agonist‐independent basal activity. This increase in activity accounts for a proportion (∼13%) of full agonist induced activation. We further characterized two novel naturally occurring human mutations, R772.33C and R2797.40C recently identified in a 1455 human genomic DNA sample screen. The R772.33C variant appeared to exclusively affect expression, while the R2797.40C variant, exhibited considerable deficiencies in both agonist binding and activation.Conclusions and implications:Transmembrane charged residues play important roles in maintaining the hIP binding pocket and ensuring normal activation. The critical nature of these charged residues and the presence of naturally occurring mutations have important implications in the rational design of prostacyclin agonists for treating cardiovascular disease.British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)152, 513–522; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707413; published online 20 August 2007
The novel endocannabinoid receptor GPR55 is activated by atypical cannabinoids but does not mediate their vasodilator effects
Authors: Johns D G , Behm D J , Walker D J , Ao Z , Shapland E M , Daniels D A , Riddick M , Dowell S , Staton P C , Green P , Shabon U , Bao W , Aiyar N , Yue T‐L , Brown A J , Morrison A D , Douglas S A 
Published: August 2007

Background and purpose:Atypical cannabinoids are thought to cause vasodilatation through an as‐yet unidentified ‘CBx’ receptor. Recent reports suggest GPR55 is an atypical cannabinoid receptor, making it a candidate for the vasodilator ‘CBx’ receptor. The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that human recombinant GPR55 is activated by atypical cannabinoids and mediates vasodilator responses to these agents.Experimental approach:Human recombinant GPR55 was expressed in HEK293T cells and specific GTPγS activity was monitored as an index of receptor activation. In GPR55‐deficient and wild‐type littermate control mice, in vivo blood pressure measurement and isolated resistance artery myography were used to determine GPR55 dependence of atypical cannabinoid‐induced haemodynamic and vasodilator responses.Key results:Atypical cannabinoids O‐1602 and abnormal cannabidiol both stimulated GPR55‐dependent GTPγS activity (EC50 approximately 2 nM), whereas the CB1 and CB2‐selective agonist WIN 55,212‐2 showed no effect in GPR55‐expressing HEK293T cell membranes. Baseline mean arterial pressure and heart rate were not different between WT and GPR55 KO mice. The blood pressure‐lowering response to abnormal cannabidiol was not different between WT and KO mice (WT 20±2%, KO 26±5% change from baseline), nor was the vasodilator response to abnormal cannabidiol in isolated mesenteric arteries (IC50 approximately 3 μ
M for WT and KO). The abnormal cannabidiol vasodilator response was antagonized equivalently by O‐1918 in both strains.Conclusions:These results demonstrate that while GPR55 is activated by atypical cannabinoids, it does not appear to mediate the vasodilator effects of these agents.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 152, 825–831; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707419; published online 20 August 2007
GPR55 and the vascular receptors for cannabinoids
Authors: Hiley C R , Kaup S S 
Published: August 2007

CB1 and CB2 receptors mediate most responses to cannabinoids but not some of the cardiovascular actions of endocannabinoids such as anandamide and virodhamine, or those of some synthetic agents, like abnormal cannabidiol (abn‐cbd). These agents induce vasorelaxation which is antagonised by rimonabant but only at high concentrations relative to those required to block CB1 receptors. Vasorelaxation to anandamide is sensitive to Pertussis toxin (though that to abn‐cbd is not), and so is thought to be mediated by a G protein‐coupled receptor through Gi/o. An orphan receptor, GPR55, apparently a cannabinoid receptor, is activated by abn‐cbd, but is not the receptor mediating vasorelaxation to this agent, as the response persists in vessels from GPR55 knockout mice. However, the activity of anandamide in GPR55 knockout mice is not yet reported and so the role of GPR55 as a cannabinoid receptor mediating vascular responses has yet to be finalised.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 152, 559–561; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707421; published online 20 August 2007
Cannabinoids go nuclear: evidence for activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors
Authors: O'Sullivan S E 
Published: August 2007

Cannabinoids act at two classical cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), a 7TM orphan receptor and the transmitter‐gated channel transient receptor potential vanilloid type‐1 receptor. Recent evidence also points to cannabinoids acting at members of the nuclear receptor family, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs, with three subtypes α, β (δ) and γ), which regulate cell differentiation and lipid metabolism. Much evidence now suggests that endocannabinoids are natural activators of PPARα. Oleoylethanolamide regulates feeding and body weight, stimulates fat utilization and has neuroprotective effects mediated through activation of PPARα. Similarly, palmitoylethanolamide regulates feeding and lipid metabolism and has anti‐inflammatory properties mediated by PPARα. Other endocannabinoids that activate PPARα include anandamide, virodhamine and noladin. Some (but not all) endocannabinoids also activate PPARγ; anandamide and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol have anti‐inflammatory properties mediated by PPARγ. Similarly, ajulemic acid, a structural analogue of a metabolite of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), causes anti‐inflammatory effects in vivo through PPARγ. THC also activates PPARγ, leading to a time‐dependent vasorelaxation in isolated arteries. Other cannabinoids which activate PPARγ include N‐arachidonoyl‐dopamine, HU210, WIN55212‐2 and CP55940. In contrast, little research has been carried out on the effects of cannabinoids at PPARδ. In this newly emerging area, a number of research questions remain unanswered; for example, why do cannabinoids activate some isoforms and not others? How much of the chronic effects of cannabinoids are through activation of nuclear receptors? And importantly, do cannabinoids confer the same neuro‐ and cardioprotective benefits as other PPARα and PPARγ agonists? This review will summarize the published literature implicating cannabinoid‐mediated PPAR effects and discuss the implications thereof.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 152, 576–582; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707423; published online 20 August 2007
Endocannabinoid metabolism and uptake: novel targets for neuropathic and inflammatory pain
Authors: Jhaveri M D , Richardson D , Chapman V 
Published: August 2007

Cannabinoid CB1and CB2receptors are located at key sites involved in the relaying and processing of noxious inputs. Both CB1and CB2receptor agonists have analgesic effects in a range of models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Importantly, clinical trials of cannabis‐based medicines indicate that the pre‐clinical effects of cannabinoid agonists may translate into therapeutic potential in humans. One of the areas of concern with this pharmacological approach is that CB1receptors have a widespread distribution in the brain and that global activation of CB1receptors is associated with adverse side effects. Studies of the endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) have demonstrated that they are present in most tissues and that in some pain states, such as neuropathic pain, levels of endocannabinoids are elevated at key sites involved in pain processing. An alternative approach that can be used to harness the potential therapeutic effects of cannabinoids is to maximise the effects of the endocannabinoids, the actions of which are terminated by re‐uptake and metabolism by various enzymes, including fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) and cyclooxygenase type 2 (COX2). Preventing the metabolism, or uptake, of endocannabinoids elevates levels of these lipid compounds in tissue and produces behavioural analgesia in models of acute pain. Herein we review recent studies of the effects of inhibition of metabolism of endocannabinoids versus uptake of endocannabinoids on nociceptive processing in models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain.British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)152, 624–632; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707433; published online 20 August 2007
‘See and treat’ regime by LEEP conisation is a safe and time saving procedure among women with cytological high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
Authors: KJELLBERG LENNART , TAVELIN BJÖRN 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground. Assess the value of colposcopic evaluation preceding loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) conisation of cytological high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), and study risk factors for recurrence. Methods. Consecutive follow‐up among women undergoing LEEP conisation from January 2001 to December 2004. Results. Some 528 LEEP conisations were performed because of suspected or verified cervical dysplasia. On classified samples, cytology, punch biopsy and histopathology of the cone specimen showed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)2 or a higher degree in 48.5, 36.2 and 58.6%, respectively. Sensitivity for HSIL out of cytology and colposcopically directed punch biopsy was 74.4 and 73.3%, respectively. Likewise, among 286 women with all 3 samples, positive and negative predictive value for HSIL in Papanicolaou (Pap) smear and punch biopsy was 78.5, 73.2% and 60.3, 63.6%, respectively. Positive cone margins were found in 16.8%. Residual/recurrent disease, defined as any grade of dysplasia at cytological follow‐up, was found among 9.4%. Significant risk for recurrent/residual disease was found among those with positive marginal status. Median time from colposcopy to conisation was 2 months. Conclusions. An immediate colposcopically‐guided LEEP conisation after HSIL Pap smear may be a safe and time saving strategy. Positive cone margins are a risk factor for residual/recurrent disease.
Mid‐pregnancy maternal plasma levels of interleukin 2, 6, and 12, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, interferon‐gamma, and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor and spontaneous preterm delivery
Authors: CURRY ALLISON E. , VOGEL IDA , DREWS CAROLYN , SCHENDEL DIANA , SKOGSTRAND KRISTIN , FLANDERS W. DANA , HOUGAARD DAVID , OLSEN JØRN , THORSEN POUL 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground. Few studies have investigated the relationship between inflammation and spontaneous preterm delivery (sPTD) in women before preterm labour. The authors examine whether mid‐pregnancy plasma cytokine levels are associated with sPTD, and whether associations vary by maternal age, body mass index, prior preterm delivery, or gravidity. Methods. This case‐control study was nested within the Danish National Birth Cohort, a cohort of women with 101,042 pregnancies from 1997 to 2002. Included in this study are 61 women delivering at 24–29 weeks, 278 delivering at 30–33 weeks, 334 delivering at 34–36 weeks, and 1,125 delivering at ≥37 weeks. Maternal plasma interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interferon (IFN)‐γ, and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) at 25 weeks’ gestation were measured using multiplex flow cytometry. Results. For IL‐2, TNF‐α, and GM‐CSF, the proportion of women with levels >75th or >90th percentile did not differ by gestational age at delivery. IFN‐γ >90th percentile was associated with an increased risk of delivering at 30–33 weeks (crude odds ratio (cOR): 1.56; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–2.30), while IFN‐γ >75th percentile and IL‐6 >75th percentile were associated with an increased risk of delivering at 34–36 weeks (cOR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.01–1.73); estimates changed little after adjusting for confounders. There was no effect‐measure modification by maternal factors. Conclusion. Elevated mid‐pregnancy plasma IL‐2, TNF‐α, and GM‐CSF did not appear to be associated with an increased risk of sPTD, while elevated IFN‐γ and IL‐6 levels were weakly associated with moderate and late sPTD. The value of using mid‐pregnancy cytokines in predicting spontaneous preterm delivery appears limited.
El Niño‐Southern Oscillation, rainfall, temperature and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index fluctuations in the Mara‐Serengeti ecosystem
Authors: Ogutu J. O. , Piepho H.‐P. , Dublin H. T. , Bhola N. , Reid R. S. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractUnderstanding long‐term climatic variability is basic to wise management and conservation of biodiversity. We analysed temporal variations in the local rainfall, temperature, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and the hemispheric El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO), using the Southern Oscillation Index and how they co varied in the Mara‐Serengeti ecosystem of Kenya and Tanzania. Local rainfall showed a striking temporal variability and an evident 5‐year quasi‐periodicity in the ecosystem. Severe droughts were a recurrent/persistent feature of the ecosystem but extreme floods were relatively infrequent. The timings of droughts and floods coincided with strong episodes in the activities of the ENSO phenomenon. Above‐average rainfall often accompanied cold ENSO episodes and below‐average rainfall warm ENSO events, contrary to past generalizations suggesting that warm ENSO events are only associated with above‐average rainfall whereas cold ENSO events with below‐average rainfall in equatorial East Africa. Both minimum and maximum temperatures were below‐normal during cold ENSO episodes and above‐normal during warm ENSO events. Rising temperatures and declining rainfall throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, with unprecedently prolonged and strong ENSO episodes, engendered progressive habitat desiccation and reduction in vegetation production in the ecosystem. This exacerbated the debilitating effects of adverse weather on local plant and animal communities, resulting in high mortalities of ungulates.
Anaesthesia: cheap at twice the price?
Authors: Bailey C. R. , Ruggier R. , Cashman J. N. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryWe questioned 50 anaesthetic staff about the costs of consumables used in routine anaesthetic practice. By means of a questionnaire staff were asked for estimates of the cost of 28 drugs, fluids and disposables. The responses were more accurate than in previous surveys; 47% of all the estimated costs were within 50% of the actual costs and 75% were within 100%. The costs of relatively expensive items such as blood, laryngeal mask airways, enflurane and isoflurane were consistently underestimated whereas cheaper items such as disposable syringes and electrocardiograph electrodes were consistently overestimated. Using ‘state of the art’ consumables, an hour‐long anaesthetic in 1992 cost £14.02 compared with £1.24 in 1959. However, allowing for inflation, the cost today is actually equivalent to the cost in 1959. Since 1980 there has been no consistent pattern in drug prices, with some prices remaining the same, others falling and some increasing; all are, however, cheaper in real terms. It is possible to make substantial savings by using the more expensive drugs judiciously and by encouraging the use of low‐flow, closed‐circuit anaesthetic systems.
Salvaging a tooth with a deep palatogingival groove: an endo‐perio treatment – a case report
Authors: Ballal N. V. , Jothi V. , Bhat K. S. , Bhat K. M. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAim  To describe the diagnosis and management of tooth 22 with a necrotic pulp and severe periodontal destruction associated with a deep palatogingival groove extending to the root apex.Summary  Palatogingival grooves are uncommon in maxillary lateral incisors, but when present may contribute to the pathogenesis of periodontal and endodontic lesions. In the present case, the prognosis was considered poor, as the patient presented with a deep probing defect, advanced bone loss and grade III mobility of tooth 22. Root canal treatment was performed, followed by periodontal surgery, during which the groove was conditioned and sealed with conventional glass–ionomer cement and the osseous defect filled with indigenously prepared hydroxyapatite. The 18 month post‐operative follow up showed substantial resolution of the osseous defect with gain in attachment and decreased tooth mobility.Key learning points

Teeth with deep palatogingival grooves may be significantly compromised with severe periodontal and periapical bone loss.
Following thorough evaluation, the careful application of endodontic and periodontal surgical procedures may restore satisfactory function.
Fungal flora associated with Tomicus piniperda L. in an area close to a timber yard in southern Poland
Authors: Jankowiak R. , Bilański P. 
Published: August 2007

Abstract:  The association between Tomicus piniperda L. (Col., Scolytinae) and fungi was studied in a Pinus sylvestris L. forest in Mielec‐Mościska. Fungi were isolated from overwintered adult beetles taken from two stands situated in different distance from timber yard. Two media were used for isolation. The results showed great diversity of fungi associated with T. piniperda: 1895 cultures, representing 64 species, were isolated. Penicillia and Hormonema dematioides were the dominant species, found in 20.2% and 17.8% of all beetles, respectively. A frequently isolated ophiostomatoid fungi was Ophiostoma minus. Qualitative and quantitative differences in the mycobiota composition of this insect between two stands were detected. The highest richness and diversity of fungal species appeared in the samples taken from the location where the trees were heavily damaged by shoot‐feeding of T. piniperda. Differences were most clear for the pathogenic O. minus, which was a common fungal associate of the insects in this stand.