bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fish venom: pharmacological features and biological significance
Authors: Sivan Gisha 
Published: February 2009

AbstractNearly 1200 species of marine fish are venomous and they account for two‐third of the population of venomous vertebrates. Fish venoms are focused as a potential source of pharmacological agents and physiological tools that have evolved to target vital processes in the human body that appear to have more electivity than many drugs. Fish venoms possess cardiovascular, neuromuscular, oedematic and cytolytic activity. Lethal toxins have been isolated and purified, with some having LD50 values comparable to that of snake venoms. Cardiovascular activity seems to be the dominant effect of fish venoms in experimental models. Piscine venom acts both pre‐ and post‐junctionally to produce depolarization of cell membranes. Studies on cytolytic activity of fish venom found that it produces lysis by forming hydrophilic pores in cell membranes which then result in cell lysis. Almost all fish venoms with neuromuscular activity also possesses cytolytic activity, and it is very likely that the two activities are related. Fish venom is known to induce intense and sustained edematogenic response. As piscine venoms have evolved for the same purpose, they show a number of similarities pharmacologically and it seems likely that most of the biological activities of any given toxin can be traced back to its cytolytic activity. A variety of toxins have been isolated from piscine venom. Although there is a complex balance between the components present in the venom of different fish, all of them seem to share similar activity – functionally and pharmacologically as well as structurally.
Family, Neighborhood, and Peer Characteristics as Predictors of Child Adjustment: A Longitudinal Analysis of Additive and Mediation Models
Authors: Criss Michael M. , Shaw Daniel S. , Moilanen Kristin L. , Hitchings Julia E. , Ingoldsby Erin M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to test direct, additive, and mediation models involving family, neighborhood, and peer factors in relation to emerging antisocial behavior and social skills. Neighborhood danger, maternal depressive symptoms, and supportive parenting were assessed in early childhood. Peer group acceptance was measured in middle childhood, and data on antisocial behavior and social skills were collected when boys were 11 and 12 years old. Results were consistent with an additive effects model of child antisocial behavior. In contrast, peer relationships were stronger predictors of social skills than were family factors. Support for mediation was found in models involving neighborhood danger and supportive parenting. However, only peer group acceptance predicted change in antisocial and prosocial behavior. Implications for family and peer relations as socialization contexts are discussed.
Hunters, ritual, and freedom:dozosacrifice as a technology of the self in theBenkadimovement of Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Hellweg Joseph 
Published: February 2009

This article argues thatdozohunters in Côte d'Ivoire used sacrifice to become unofficial police in the 1990s as part of a security movement they calledBenkadi. Scholars have noted similar transformations of West African hunters into soldiers, park guards, and development agents in the context of political, economic, and ecological changes. Although such changes created the conditions in whichdozos assumed national security roles, these conditions alone fail to explain whydozos became police. I exploredozosacrifice as a ‘technology of the self’ in Foucault's terms to argue thatdozos freely assumed security roles as ethical responsibilities analogous to those implicit in their hunting and occult pursuits. I draw on Frankl and Laidlaw to explain the emotional and practical aspects of such self‐fashioning. The cultural analysis ofdozorituals clarifies the waysdozoagency shaped the impact of political economy and ecology ondozopractice.RésuméL'article affirme que dans les années 1990, les chasseursdozode Côte‐d'Ivoire ont utilisé le sacrifice pour se constituer en police officieuse au sein d'un groupement de sécurité qu'ils ont appeléBenkadi. Les chercheurs ont noté une évolution similaire par laquelle d'autres chasseurs d'Afrique de l'Ouest devenaient soldats, garde‐chasse ou agents de développement, dans le contexte des changements politiques, économiques et écologiques. Bien que ces changements aient créé les conditions dans lesquelles lesdozos se sont chargés de fonctions de sûreté nationale, ces conditions ne suffisent pas à expliquer comment ils en sont venus à constituer une force de l'ordre. L'auteur explore le sacrifice desdozoscomme une «technologie de soi», selon les termes de Foucault, pour avancer qu'ils ont librement endossé des rôles de sûreté impliquant des responsabilités éthiques proches de celles implicitement contenues dans leurs chasses et leurs pratiques occultes. Il invoque Frankl et Laidlaw pour expliquer les aspects émotionnels et pratiques de cet auto‐façonnage. L'analyse culturelle des rituels desdozoséclaircit la manière dont ils ont agi pour donner forme aux effets de l'économie et de l'écologie politiques sur leurs pratiques.
Mortality is influenced by locality in a major HIV/AIDS epidemic
Authors: Druyts EF , Rachlis BS , Lima VD , Harvard SS , Zhang W , Brandson EK , Strathdee SA , Montaner JSG , Hogg RS 
Published: February 2009

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to compare the risks of death among HIV‐infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in two proximate, yet distinct neighbourhoods: a neighbourhood with a high concentration of gay men, and a neighbourhood with a high concentration of injecting drug users.MethodsWe compared the clinical and socioeconomic characteristics of HIV‐infected patients from the two neighbourhoods entering the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS Drug Treatment Program from 1 September 1997 to 30 November 2005, using contingency table statistics. Cox survival models and Kaplan–Meier methods were used to estimate the cumulative mortality rates.Results
We found significant differences between patients from the two neighbourhoods for all socioeconomic variables. Patients in the neighbourhood with a high concentration of injecting drug users were more likely to be female, have a history of injecting drug use, have a less HIV‐experienced physician and be less adherent. Patients in the neighbourhood with a high concentration of gay men were more likely to have AIDS. Mortality was significantly higher for patients in the neighbourhood with a high concentration of injecting drug users [hazard ratio (HR) 3.01; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.73, 5.24].ConclusionsA threefold increase was observed in the risk of death among HIV‐infected individuals on HAART in the neighbourhood with a high concentration of injecting drug users relative to the neighbourhood with a high concentration of gay men. The implications of this study should be assessed in similar HIV/AIDS epicentres.
Effects of ritonavir‐boosted darunavir vs. ritonavir‐boosted atazanavir on lipid and glucose parameters in HIV‐negative, healthy volunteers
Authors: Tomaka F , Lefebvre E , Sekar V , Van Baelen B , Vangeneugden T , Vandevoorde A , Diego Miralles G 
Published: February 2009

BackgroundDarunavir (TMC114) is a new HIV protease inhibitor (PI).DesignThis Phase I, randomized, open‐label trial compared the effects of darunavir plus low‐dose ritonavir (RTV) (darunavir/RTV) with those of atazanavir/RTV on lipid and glucose parameters.MethodsForty‐nine HIV‐negative, healthy male volunteers received RTV 100 mg once a day (qd) for 7 days, followed by either darunavir/RTV 800/100 mg qd (n=25) or atazanavir/RTV 300/100 mg qd (n=24) for 21 days. Mean changes in fasting lipid and glucose parameters at day 28 were calculated using post‐RTV alone (day 7) and baseline (day −1) values as references. Short‐term safety, tolerability and RTV pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated.ResultsAfter 7 days of RTV treatment, the mean triglyceride concentration increased by approximately 30 mg/dL in both groups, changes in other lipid and glucose parameters were relatively small. Mean concentrations of lipids and glucose over the treatment period were mostly similar between the treatment groups. Mean changes from day 7 to day 28 for the darunavir/RTV and atazanavir/RTV groups, respectively, were −3.6 and −0.5 mg/dL for high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol; 5.0 and 5.3 mg/dL for low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol; 4.9 and 1.2 mg/dL for total cholesterol; 6.4 and 14.0 mg/dL for triglycerides; −1.7 and −2.4 mg/dL for glucose; and −1.4 and 0.3 mg/dL for insulin. No grade 3 or 4 lipid or glucose laboratory abnormalities were reported. Treatment‐emergent hyperbilirubinaemia was reported for all volunteers (including five grade 4 cases) during atazanavir/RTV treatment.ConclusionsCo‐administration of darunavir or atazanavir with low‐dose RTV resulted in minor and similar changes in lipid and glucose parameters in HIV‐negative healthy volunteers.
Climate warming and reproduction in Chinese alligators
Authors: Zhang F. , Li Y. , Guo Z. , Murray B. R. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe Chinese alligatorAlligator sinensisis a critically endangered species endemic to China, and one of the most endangered crocodilian species in the world. Like many other reptiles, important aspects of alligator biology such as foraging, timing of hibernation, breeding and the sex ratio of offspring are all affected by temperature variation. We examined the effects of long‐term temperature change on oviposition dates and clutch sizes of the Chinese alligator in a semi‐natural facility in southern China. Our study focused on two captive generations including an old breeding generation captured from the wild and a generation composed of their F1 offspring. Median oviposition date shifted to earlier in the year and mean clutch size was larger for both generations as the monthly mean air temperature in April increased over the 19 years of data collection. We observed a mean advance in oviposition date of 10 days for the old breeding generation from 1987 to 2005 and 8 days for both generations from 1991 to 2005. Correspondingly, clutch sizes for the two generations also increased during this period. There were no differences in median oviposition dates and clutch sizes between the two generations from 1991 to 2005. Our results suggest that Chinese alligators have responded to increasing global temperatures. Our findings also suggest that recent increasing global temperatures have the potential to have a substantial effect on Chinese alligator populations in the wild, thus prompting an urgent need for field monitoring of the effects of global warming on this endangered alligator species.
Adenosine A2A receptors enhance GABA transport into nerve terminals by restraining PKC inhibition of GAT‐1
Authors: Cristóvão‐Ferreira Sofia , Vaz Sandra H. , Ribeiro Joaquim A. , Sebastião Ana M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractNeurotransmitter transporters are regulated by phosphorylation but little is known about endogenous substances and receptors that regulate this process. Adenosine is an ubiquitous neuromodulator operating G‐protein coupled receptors, which affect the activity of several kinases. We therefore evaluated the influence of adenosine upon the GABA transporter 1 (GAT‐1) mediated GABA uptake into hippocampal synaptosomes. Removal of endogenous adenosine (adenosine deaminase, 1 U/mL) decreased GABA uptake, an effect mimicked by blockade of A2A receptors (2‐(2‐furanyl)‐7‐(2‐phenylethyl)‐7H‐pyrazolo[4,3‐e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐c]pyrimidin‐5‐amine, 50 nM) but not A1 or A2B receptors. A2A receptor activation (4‐[2‐[[6‐amino‐9‐(N‐ethyl‐β‐d‐ribofuranuronamidosyl)‐9H‐purin‐yl]amino]ethyl]benzenepropanoic acid hydrochloride, 3–100 nM) enhanced GABA uptake by increasing the transporter Vmax without change of KM. This was mimicked by adenylate cyclase activation (forskolin, 10 μM) and prevented by protein kinase A (PKA) inhibition (N‐[2‐(p‐bromocinnamylamino) ethyl]‐5‐isoquinolinesulfonamide dihydrochloride, 1 μM), whichper sedid not influence GABA transport. Blockade of protein kinase C (PKC) (2‐[1‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)indol‐3‐yl]‐3‐(indol‐3‐yl) maleimide, 1 μM) facilitated GABA transport whereas PKC activation (4‐β‐phorbol‐didecanoate, 250 nM) inhibited it. PKA blockade did not affect the facilitatory action of the PKC inhibitor or the inhibitory action of the PKC activator. However, when adenylate cyclase was activated neither activation nor inhibition of PKC affected GABA uptake. It is concluded that A2A receptors, through activation of the adenylate cyclase/cAMP/PKA transducing pathway facilitate GAT‐1 mediated GABA transport into nerve endings by restraining tonic PKC‐mediated inhibition.
Opposite effects of anandamide andn‐arachidonoyl dopamine in the regulation of prostaglandin E2and 8‐iso‐PGF2αformation in primary glial cells
Authors: Navarrete Carmen M. , Fiebich Bernd L. , De Vinuesa Amaya García , Hess Sandra , De Oliveira Antonio C. P. , Candelario‐Jalil Eduardo , Caballero Francisco J. , Calzado Marco A. , Muñoz Eduardo 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIt is widely accepted that neuroinflammation is a key player in various pathological events associated with brain injury. More specifically, glial activation and the subsequent release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and prostaglandins play a role of paramount importance in cerebral damage. In this study, we examined the role of two endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) andN‐arachidonoyldopamine (NADA) in the regulation of prostaglandin E2(PGE2) synthesis in primary glial cells. We show that NADA is a potent inhibitor of PGE2synthesis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated cells, without modifying the expression or enzymatic activity of COX‐2 and the production of prostaglandin D2. We also show that NADA has the ability to prevent the free radical formation in primary microglial cells. The key findings of this investigation are our observation that AEA and NADA have opposite effects on glial cells and, most importantly, the first description of NADA as a potential antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory agent acting through a mechanism that involves reduction in the synthesis of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase in LPS‐activated microglia. These findings provide new mechanistic insights into the anti‐inflammatory activities of NADA in the CNS and its potential to design novel therapeutic strategies to manage neuroinflammatory diseases.
Neural cells secrete a unique repertoire of proteins
Authors: Schubert David , Herrera Federico , Cumming Robert , Read Jessica , Low William , Maher Pamela , Fischer Wolfgang H. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractProteins that are released from cells consist of those in the extracellular matrix, as well as extracellular signaling and adhesion molecules. The majority of these extracellular proteins are, however, unknown. To determine their identity, we have used a proteomics approach to define proteins released from neurons, astrocytes and neural precursor cells. Using two‐dimensional gels and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry technology, it is shown that while astrocytes release a relatively small number of proteins, neurons and neuronal precursor cells release a larger number of proteins with more functional diversity. Although there is overlap between the different cell types, the exact composition of the extracellular protein pool is unique for each cell population. The various subsets of extracellular neural proteins include those involved in cellular Redox regulation and chaperones. In addition, many proteolytic enzymes are found outside of the cell. These data show that the extracellular space within the nervous system has a more diverse protein composition than previously thought.
Toll‐like receptor 4 is involved in neuroprotection afforded by ischemic preconditioning
Authors: Pradillo Jesús M. , Fernández‐López David , García‐Yébenes Isaac , Sobrado Mónica , Hurtado Olivia , Moro María A. , Lizasoain Ignacio 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIt has been demonstrated that a short ischemic event (ischemic preconditioning, IPC) results in a subsequent resistance to severe ischemia (ischemic tolerance, IT). We have recently demonstrated the role of innate immunity and in particular of toll‐like receptor (TLR) 4 in brain ischemia. Several evidences suggest that TLR4 might also be involved in IT. Therefore, we have now used an in vivo model of IPC to investigate whether TLR4 is involved in IT. A 6‐min temporary bilateral common carotid arteries occlusion was used for focal IPC and it was performed on TLR4‐deficient mice (C57BL/10ScNJ) and animals that express TLR4 normally (C57BL/10ScSn). To assess the ability of IPC to induce IT, permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion was performed 48 h after IPC. Stroke outcome was evaluated by determination of infarct volume and assessment of neurological scores. IPC caused neuroprotection as shown by a reduction in infarct volume and better outcome in mice expressing TLR4 normally. TLR4‐deficient mice showed less IPC‐induced neuroprotection than wild‐type animals. Western blot analysis of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) showed an up‐regulation in the expression of these proteins in both substrains of mice measured 18, 24 and 48 h after IPC, being higher in mice with TLR4. Similarly, nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) activation was observed 18, 24 and 48 h after IPC, being more intense in TLR4‐expressing mice. These data demonstrate that TLR4 signalling is involved in brain tolerance as shown by the difference in the percentage of neuroprotection produced by IPC between ScSn and ScNJ (60% vs. 18%). The higher expression of TNF‐α, iNOS and cyclooxygenase‐2 and NF‐κB activation in mice expressing TLR4 is likely to participate in this endogenous neuroprotective effect.
Primary autoimmune neutropenia in children in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Lin‐Yen , Wang Chang‐Ling , Chu Chen‐Chung , Lee Hui‐Lin , Ho Hsin‐Tsung , Liang Der‐Cherng , Liu Hsi‐Che , Lin Marie 
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune neutropenia in children is caused by granulocyte‐specific autoantibodies. These antibodies react to the patient's own neutrophils but disappear when the neutropenia spontaneously remits. This study reviewed our experience with autoimmune neutropenia in children and investigated possible associations with HLA‐DR and HLA‐DQ alleles.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: From 1993 to 2006, our laboratory received 155 blood samples from children with neutropenia. Of these samples, 55 had granulocyte‐specific autoantibodies on the indirect granulocyte immunofluorescence test. As the children had no other disorders associated with neutropenia, they were diagnosed with primary autoimmune neutropenia. HLA‐DRB1 and ‐DQB1 allele typing was performed in 31 cases, and the results were compared with those of 190 normal healthy unrelated Taiwanese controls.RESULTS: The mean ages of onset and resolution of neutropenia were 9.8 months (median, 9.0 months; range, 4‐28 months) and 22.5 months (median, 20.0 months; range, 13‐44 months), respectively. The male‐to‐female ratio was 1.2:1. The mean absolute neutrophil count was 190 per µL (standard deviation, 213/µL). Most patients (74%) had antibodies against HNA‐1a. Autoimmune neutropenia in children in Taiwan was significantly associated with HLA‐DQB1*0503 (odds ratio, 6.48; p = 0.0002; pc = 0.003) allele.CONCLUSION: In Taiwan, autoimmune neutropenia in children is associated with HLA‐DQB1*0503. The autoantibody in autoimmune neutropenia is most commonly anti‐HNA‐1a.
Multiple adverse outcomes over 30 years following adolescent substance misuse treatment
Authors: Hodgins S. , Larm P. , Molero‐Samuleson Y. , Tengström A. , Larsson A. 
Published: February 2009

Objective:  To compare outcomes over 30 years experienced by individuals who as adolescents entered substance misuse treatment and a general population sample.Method:  All 1992 individuals seen at the only clinic for substance misusing adolescents in Stockholm from 1968 to 1971 were compared to 1992 individuals randomly selected from the Swedish population, matched for sex, age and birthplace. Death, hospitalization for physical illness related to substance misuse, hospitalization for mental illness, substance misuse, criminal convictions and poverty were documented from national registers.Results:  Relative risks of death, physical illness, mental illness, substance misuse, criminal convictions and poverty were significantly elevated in the clinic compared to the general population sample. After adjustment for substance misuse in adulthood, the risks of death, physical and mental illness, criminality and poverty remained elevated.Conclusion:  Adolescents who consult for substance misuse problems are at high risk for multiple adverse outcomes over the subsequent 30 years.
Lux vs. wavelength in light treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder
Authors: Anderson J. L. , Glod C. A. , Dai J. , Cao Y. , Lockley S. W. 
Published: February 2009

Objective:  Published dosing guidelines for treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) refer to photopic lux, which is not appropriate for short‐wavelength light. Short wavelengths are most potent for many non‐visual responses to light. If SAD therapy were similarly mediated, standards utilizing lux risk overestimating necessary dose. We investigated antidepressant responses to light using two light‐emitting diode (LED) sources, each emitting substantial short‐wavelength light, but <2500 lux.Method:  A randomized, double‐blind trial investigated 3‐week 45 min/day out‐patient treatment with blue‐appearing (goLITE®) or blue‐enriched white‐appearing light in 18 moderately‐depressed adults (12F, 49.1 ± 9.5 years). Equivalent numbers of photons within the short‐wavelength range were emitted, but the white source emitted twice as many photons overall and seven‐fold more lux.Results:  Depression ratings (SIGH‐ADS; http://www.cet.org) decrease averaged 82% (SD = 17%) from baseline (P < 0.0001) in both white‐ and blue‐light groups. Both sources were well tolerated.Conclusion:  Short‐wavelength LED light sources may be effective in SAD treatment at fewer lux than traditional fluorescent sources.
Subcrestal placement of two‐part implants
Authors: Welander Maria , Abrahamsson Ingemar , Berglundh Tord 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjective: The aim of the present experiment was to study the healing around two‐part implants that were placed in a subcrestal position.Material and methods: Five mongrel dogs, about 2 years old, were included. The mandibular premolars and the first, second and third maxillary premolars were extracted. Three months later two test and two control implants (OsseoSpeed™, 3.5 mm × 8 mm) were placed in one side of the mandible. The implants were placed in such a way that the implant margin was located 2 mm apical to the bone crest. In the test implants, the surface modification extended to the implant margin and, thus, included the shoulder part of the implant. Regular abutments with a turned surface (Zebra™) were connected to the control implants, while experimental abutments with a modified surface (TiOblast™) were connected to the test implants. A plaque control program that included cleaning of implants and teeth every second day was initiated. Four months later the dogs were euthanized and biopsies were obtained and prepared for histological analysis.Results: The marginal bone level at the test implants was identified in a more coronal position than that at the control implants. In 40% of the test implants, the bone‐to‐implant contact extended coronal of the abutment/fixture (A/F) border, i.e. in contact with the abutment part of the implant. The connective tissue portion of the peri‐implant mucosa that was facing the test abutments contained a higher density of collagen and a smaller proportion of fibroblasts than that at the control sites.Conclusion: It is suggested that osseointegration may occur coronal to the A/F interface of two‐part implants. Such a result, however, appears to depend on the surface characteristics of the implant components.