bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered CB1receptor‐signaling in prefrontal cortex from an animal model of depression is reversed by chronic fluoxetine
Authors: Rodríguez‐Gaztelumendi Antonio , Rojo Mª Luisa , Pazos Angel , Díaz Alvaro 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBilateral olfactory bulbectomy in the rat (OBX) induces behavioral, neurochemical, and structural abnormalities similar to those observed in human depression that are normalized after chronic, but not acute, treatment with antidepressants. In our study, OBX animals exhibited significant increases in both CB1receptor density ([3H]CP55490 binding) and functionality (stimulation of [35S]GTPγS binding by the cannabinoid (CB) agonist WIN 55212‐2) at the prefrontal cortex (PFC). After chronic treatment with fluoxetine (10 mg/kg/day, 14 days, s.c.), OBX‐induced hyperactivity in the open‐field test was fully abolished. Interestingly, chronic fluoxetine fully reversed the enhanced CB1‐receptor signaling in PFC observed following OBX. The CB agonist Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (5 mg/kg, i.p., 1 day) did not produce any behavioral effect in sham‐operated animals but returned locomotor activity to control values in OBX rats. As both acute administration of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol and chronic fluoxetine elicited a similar behavioral effect in the OBX rat, it is not unlikely that the regionally selective enhancement of CB1receptor‐signaling in the PFC could be related with the altered OBX behavior. Our findings reinforce the utility of this animal model to further investigating the implication of the endocannabinoid system in the modulation of emotional processes and its potential role in the adaptive responses to chronic antidepressants.
Curcumin, quercetin, and tBHQ modulate glutathione levels in astrocytes and neurons: importance of the glutamate cysteine ligase modifier subunit
Authors: Lavoie Suzie , Chen Ying , Dalton Timothy P. , Gysin René , Cuénod Michel , Steullet Pascal , Do Kim Q. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractA decrease in GSH levels, the main redox regulator, can be observed in neurodegenerative diseases as well as in schizophrenia. In search for substances able to increase GSH, we evaluated the ability of curcumin (polyphenol), quercetin (flavonoid), and tert‐butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) to up‐regulate GSH‐synthesizing enzymes. The gene expression, activity, and product levels of these enzymes were measured in cultured neurons and astrocytes. In astrocytes, all substances increased GSH levels and the activity of the rate‐limiting synthesizing enzyme, glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL). In neurons, curcumin and to a lesser extent tBHQ increased GCL activity and GSH levels, while quercetin decreased GSH and led to cell death. In the two cell types, the gene that showed the greatest increase in its expression was the one coding for the modifier subunit of GCL (GCLM). The increase in mRNA levels of GCLM was 3 to 7‐fold higher than that of the catalytic subunit. In astrocytes from GCLM‐knock‐out mice showing low GSH (−80%) and low GCL activity (−50%), none of the substances succeeded in increasing GSH synthesis. Our results indicate that GCLM is essential for the up‐regulation of GCL activity induced by curcumin, quercetin and tBHQ.
Angiotensin‐(1–7) through AT2receptors mediates tyrosine hydroxylase degradation via the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway
Authors: Lopez Verrilli María A. , Pirola Carlos J. , Pascual Mariano M. , Dominici Fernando P. , Turyn Daniel , Gironacci Mariela M. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractHypothalamic norepinephrine (NE) release regulates arterial pressure by altering sympathetic nervous system activity. Because angiotensin (Ang) (1–7) decreases hypothalamic NE release and this effect may be correlated with a diminished NE synthesis, we hypothesize that Ang‐(1–7) down‐regulates tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate‐limiting enzyme in catecholamines biosynthesis. We investigated the effect of Ang‐(1–7) on centrally TH activity and expression. TH activity was evaluated by the release of tritiated water from3H‐l‐tyrosine. TH expression and phosphorylation were determined by western blot. Hypothalami from normotensive or spontaneously hypertensive rats pre‐incubated with Ang‐(1–7) showed a significant decrease in TH specific activity. Ang‐(1–7) caused a decrease in TH phosphorylation at Ser19 and Ser40 residues. The heptapeptide induced a decrease in TH expression that was blocked by an AT2receptor antagonist and not by an AT1or Mas receptor antagonist, suggesting the involvement of AT2receptors. The proteasome inhibitor MG132 blocked the Ang‐(1–7)‐mediated TH reduction. In addition, Ang‐(1–7) increased the amount of TH–ubiquitin complexes, indicating that the Ang‐(1–7)‐mediated TH degradation involves ubiquitin conjugation prior to proteasome degradation. We conclude that Ang‐(1–7) down‐regulates TH activity and expression centrally leading to a decrease in the central NE system activity.
Adjunctive lacosamide for partial‐onset seizures: Efficacy and safety results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Halász Péter , Kälviäinen Reetta , Mazurkiewicz‐Beldzińska Maria , Rosenow Felix , Doty Pamela , Hebert David , Sullivan Timothy ,   on behalf of the SP755 Study Group
Published: January 2009

SummaryPurpose:  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of lacosamide (200 and 400 mg/day) when added to one to three concomitant antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in patients with uncontrolled partial‐onset seizures.Methods:  This multicenter, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial randomized patients (age 16–70 years) with partial‐onset seizures with or without secondary generalization to placebo, lacosamide 200, or lacosamide 400 mg/day. The trial consisted of an 8‐week baseline, a 4‐week titration, and a 12‐week maintenance period.Results:  Four hundred eighty‐five patients were randomized and received trial medication. Among these, 87% were taking two or more concomitant AEDs. Median percent reduction in seizure frequency per 28 days from baseline to maintenance period (intent‐to‐treat, ITT) was 20.5% for placebo, 35.3% for lacosamide 200 mg/day (p = 0.02), and 36.4% for 400 mg/day (p = 0.03). In the per protocol population, the reductions were 35.3% for lacosamide 200 mg/day (p = 0.04) and 44.9% for 400 mg/day (p = 0.01) compared to placebo (25.4%). The 50% responder rate for lacosamide 400 mg/day (40.5%) was significant (p = 0.01) over placebo (25.8%), but was not for 200 mg/day (35.0%). In the per protocol population, the 50% responder rate for lacosamide 400 mg/day (46.3%) was significant (p < 0.01) compared with the placebo responder rate (27.5%). Dose‐related adverse events (AEs) included dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Clinically relevant changes in the mean plasma concentrations of commonly used AEDs were not observed.Discussion:  Results of this trial demonstrated the efficacy and tolerability of adjunctive lacosamide 200 and 400 mg/day and support that lacosamide may be an advantageous option for the treatment of partial‐onset seizures in patients with epilepsy.
Systemic MMP inhibition for periodontal wound repair: results of a multi‐centre randomized‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Gapski Ricardo , Hasturk Hatice , Van Dyke Thomas E. , Oringer Richard J. , Wang Shufang , Braun Thomas M. , Giannobile William V. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAim: This multi‐centre, prospective, controlled trial was designed to examine the biological response of the matrix metalloproteinase(MMP) inhibitor subantimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD) combined with access flap surgery on periodontal wound repair in patients with chronic severe periodontitis.Material and Methods: Seventy subjects were enrolled into a 12‐month, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐masked trial to evaluate disease response to 6 months therapy and “wash‐out” of either placebo+surgery or SDD (20 mg b.i.d.)+surgery. Primary outcome measure included clinical attachment levels (CAL) and secondary outcomes included probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), as well as gingival crevicular fluid bone marker assessment [collagen telopeptides (ICTP)]. These measurements were taken at baseline through 12 months post‐surgery and drug administration.Results: Patients treated with SDD and surgery demonstrated stronger reductions in PD in surgically‐treated sites of 7 mm as well as gains in CAL (p<0.004). Furthermore, SDD+surgery resulted in short‐term reductions in ICTP levels compared with placebo. Rebounds in ICTP levels and clinical parameters occurred when SDD was withdrawn.Conclusions: The results from this multi‐centre study suggests that SDD in combination with surgery improves the short‐term response of periodontal therapy by reducing PD, increasing CAL gain and inhibiting early stage bone resorption.
The effect of periodontal therapy on the survival rate and incidence of complications of multirooted teeth with furcation involvement after an observation period of at least 5 years: a systematic review
Authors: Huynh‐Ba Guy , Kuonen Patrick , Hofer Dominik , Schmid Jürg , Lang Niklaus P. , Salvi Giovanni E. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjective: To systematically review the survival rate and incidence of complications of furcation‐involved multirooted teeth following periodontal therapy after at least 5 years.Material and methods: Electronic and manual searches were performed up to and including January 2008. Publication selection, data extraction and validity assessment were performed independently by three reviewers.Results: Twenty‐two publications met the inclusion criteria. Because of the heterogeneity of the data, a meta‐analysis could not be performed. The survival rate of molars treated non‐surgically was >90% after 5–9 years. The corresponding values for the different surgical procedures were:Surgical therapy: 43.1% to 96%, observation period: 5–53 years.Tunnelling procedures: 42.9% to 92.9%, observation period: 5–8 years.Surgical resective procedures including amputation(s) and hemisections: 62% to 100%, observation period: 5–13 years.Guided tissue regeneration (GTR): 83.3% to 100%, observation period: 5–12 years.The most frequent complications included caries in the furcation area after tunnelling procedures and root fractures after root‐resective procedures.Conclusions: Good long‐term survival rates (up to 100%) of multirooted teeth with furcation involvement were obtained following various therapeutic approaches. Initial furcation involvement (Degree I) could be successfully managed by non‐surgical mechanical debridement. Vertical root fractures and endodontic failures were the most frequent complications observed following resective procedures.
CLTA‐4 blockade in vivo promotes the generation of short‐lived effector CD8+ T cells and a more persistent central memory CD4+ T cell response
Authors: Hokey David A. , Yan Jian , Hirao Lauren A. , Dai Anlan , Boyer Jean D. , Jure‐Kunkel Maria N. , Weiner David B. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackground  Previously, we examined the effects of in vivo CTLA‐4 blockade using a fully human monoclonal antibody as a part of a DNA vaccination regimen in cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis). We observed that while the antibody had little effect on the IFN‐γ ELISpot response, CTLA‐4 blockade enhanced antigen‐specific cellular proliferation in both CD4+ and CD8+T‐cell compartments.Methods  We examine the specific effects of CTLA‐4 blockade on memory T‐cell compartments following the third immunization and 10 months following a fourth immunization, during the memory phase of the immune response.Results  CLTA‐4 blockade enhanced CD4+ and CD8+ central memory (CD28hi, CD95hi) T‐cell responses as well as a short‐lived CD8+ effector (CD28lo, CD95hi) T‐cell response.Conclusions  These data suggest differing effects of CTLA‐4 blockade on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells with implications on the clinical use of anti‐CTLA‐4 antibodies for enhancement of vaccine strategies or treatment of human disease.
Association between decreased CXCL12 and CCL25 expression and increased apoptosis in lymphoid tissues of cynomolgus macaques during SIV infection
Authors: Qin Shulin , Sui Yongjun , Murphey‐Corb Michael A. , Reinhart Todd A. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackground  Chemokines likely play multiple roles in HIV‐1 and SIV pathogenesis. To examine potential associations between chemokine expression levels and apoptosis of cells in lymphoid tissues during SIV infection, we measured chemokine and cytokine mRNA levels in multiple lymphoid tissues compartments from uninfected and SIV‐infected cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis).Methods  Real‐time RT‐PCR was used to measure host mRNA levels in macaque lymphoid tissues. Proliferating or apoptotic cells were identified in lymphoid tissues by immunohistochemistry.Results  We found that CXCL12 and CCL25 mRNAs in SIV‐infected lymphoid tissues were decreased and their levels were negatively correlated with the numbers of proliferating and apoptotic cells. In vitro analyses revealed that CXCL12 and CCL25 were capable of reducing apoptosis induced by SIV infection.Conclusions  These findings suggest that increased apoptosis in lymphoid tissues due to reduced levels of anti‐apoptotic chemokines might be a mechanism that contributes to loss of immune function following pathogenic SIV infection.
Agrichemicals in surface water and birth defects in the United States
Authors: Winchester Paul D , Huskins Jordan , Ying Jun 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjectives: To investigate if live births conceived in months when surface water agrichemicals are highest are at greater risk for birth defects.Methods: Monthly concentrations during 1996–2002 of nitrates, atrazine and other pesticides were calculated using United States Geological Survey's National Water Quality Assessment data. Monthly United States birth defect rates were calculated for live births from 1996 to 2002 using United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention natality data sets. Birth defect rates by month of last menstrual period (LMP) were then compared to pesticide/nitrate means using logistical regression models.Results: Mean concentrations of agrichemicals were highest in April–July. Total birth defects, and eleven of 22 birth defect subcategories, were more likely to occur in live births with LMPs between April and July. A significant association was found between the season of elevated agrichemicals and birth defects.Conclusion: Elevated concentrations of agrichemicals in surface water in April–July coincided with higher risk of birth defects in live births with LMPs April–July. While a causal link between agrichemicals and birth defects cannot be proven from this study an association might provide clues to common factors shared by both variables.
Omega‐3 fatty acids, vitamin C and Zn supplementation in asthmatic children: a randomized self‐controlled study
Authors: Biltagi Mohammed Al , Baset Ahmed Abdul , Bassiouny Mohammed , Kasrawi Mohammed Al , Attia Mohammed 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjectives: Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory airways disease. Nutritional intervention is an important tool to decrease the severity of many chronic inflammatory diseases including asthma. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of omega‐3 fatty acids, vitamin C and Zn in children with moderately persistent asthma.Patients and Methods: Randomly assigned, placebo‐self‐controlled 60 children with moderate persistent asthma completed the study, were subjected to alternating phases of supplementation with omega‐3 fatty acids, vitamin C and Zn either singly or in combination separated with washout phases. Childhood asthma control test (C‐ACT), pulmonary function tests and sputum inflammatory markers were evaluated at the beginning of the study and at the end of each therapeutic phase.Results: There was a significant improvement of C‐ACT, pulmonary function tests and sputum inflammatory markers with diet supplementation with omega‐3 fatty acids, vitamin C and Zn (p < 0.001*). There was also significant improvement with the combined use of the three supplementations than single use of any one of them (p < 0.001*).Conclusion: Diet supplementation with omega‐3 fatty acids, Zn and vitamin C significantly improved asthma control test, pulmonary function tests and pulmonary inflammatory markers in children with moderately persistent bronchial asthma either singly or in combination.
Historical Review of Penile Prosthesis Design and Surgical Techniques: Part 1 of a Three-Part Review Series on Penile Prosthetic Surgery
Authors: Henry Gerard D. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTIntroductionThroughout history, many attempts to cure complete impotence have been recorded. Early attempts at a surgical approach involved the placement of rigid devices to support the natural process of erection formation. However, these early attempts placed the devices outside of the corpora cavernosa, with high rates of erosion and infection. Today, most urologists in the United States now place an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) with an antibiotic coating inside the tunica albuginea.AimThe article describes the key historical landmarks in penile prosthesis design and surgical techniques.MethodsThe article reviews and evaluates the published literature for important contributions to penile prosthesis design and surgical techniques.Main Outcome MeasuresThe article reviews and evaluates the historical landmarks in penile prosthesis design and surgical techniques that appear to improve outcomes and advance the field of prosthetic urology for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.ResultsThe current review demonstrates the stepwise progression starting with the use of stenting for achieving rigidity in the impotent patient. Modern advances were first used in war-injured patients which led to early implantation with foreign material. The design and techniques of penile prostheses placement have advanced such that now, more complications are linked to medical issues than failure of the implant.ConclusionsToday’s IPPs have high patient satisfaction rates with low mechanical failure rates.
Differential expression of HLA‐DQ alleles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells: alleles associated with susceptibility to and protection from autoimmune type 1 diabetes
Authors: Britten A. C. , Mijovic C. H. , Barnett A. H. , Kelly M. A. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryDifferential expression of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class II genes has been postulated to influence the risk of developing autoimmune disease. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the level of mRNA expression of DQA1 and DQB1 alleles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the influence of the alleles on susceptibility to type 1 diabetes (T1D). Transcripts from pairs of DQA1 and DQB1 alleles were quantified in 59 DQ‐heterozygous individuals (29 patients with T1D and 30 healthy control subjects). Luciferase reporter gene assays were used to investigate the relative promoter activities of the alleles associated with high and low risk of disease. DQA1*0301 and the DQB1*06 group of alleles (*0601, *0602, *0603 and *0604) were generally overexpressed in comparison to other alleles. In contrast, mRNA for DQB1*0201/*0202 was generally less abundant than other DQB1 transcripts. These data correlated well with the relative promoter activities observed for the diabetes‐associated alleles; the strongest promoters were those derived from DQA1*0301 and DQB1*0602, while a 700‐bp fragment derived from the DQB1*0201 promoter showed the lowest activity of the DQB1 constructs. There was no simple correlation between the level of expression of specific DQ alleles and their influence on the risk of diabetes. The functional relevance of our findings and their implications for the pathogenesis of autoimmunity remain to be determined.
Bivariate flood frequency analysis. Part 2: a copula‐based approach with mixed marginal distributions
Authors: Karmakar S. , Simonovic S.P. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractKarmakar and Simonovic (2008)describe the methodology of assigning appropriate marginal distributions for three flood characteristics. It is found that the gamma distribution is best fitted for peak flow (P), and a nonparametric distribution from the orthonormal series method best fits to volume (V) and duration (D), based on the root mean square error, Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information criteria. In addition, the chi‐square test is performed to check the significance of fitness. In this paper, a methodology is developed to derive bivariate joint distributions of the flood characteristics using the concept of copulas, considering a set of parametric and nonparametric marginal distributions forP, VandDto mathematically model the correlated structure among them. In the conventional method of flood frequency analysis, the marginal distribution functions of peak flow, volume and duration are assumed to follow some specific parametric distribution function. The concept of copulas relaxes the restriction of traditional flood frequency analysis by selecting marginals from different families of probability distribution functions for flood characteristics. The present study performs a better selection of marginal distribution functions for flood characteristics by parametric and nonparametric estimation procedures, and demonstrates how the concept of copulas may be used for establishing a joint distribution function with mixed marginal distributions. The results obtained are useful for hydrologic design and planning purposes. The methodology is demonstrated with 70 years of stream flow data of Red River at Grand Forks of North Dakota, USA.
An inexpensive high‐throughput method to extract high yields of good quality DNA from fungi
Authors: KIKUCHI T. , KARIM N. , MASUYA H. , OTA Y. , KUBONO T. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractWe developed an efficient method for high‐throughput extraction of high‐quality DNA from various fungi. In this method, fungal mycelia were cultured and harvested on the surfaces of membranes on media plates. We degraded cell walls using a lytic enzyme (Yatalase). Purification was performed on 96‐well glass fibre filter plates. DNA was successfully extracted from various fungi provided (102 genus 132 species) at high yields and quality, and proved suitable for storage, polymerase chain reaction amplification and restriction enzyme digestion. The method described is rapid, inexpensive and automation friendly. This enables the simultaneous extraction of large numbers of samples, significantly improving the potential throughput in genomics, particularly in diagnostic and population studies.
Development of microsatellites from the rare ironstone endemic, Tetratheca paynterae ssp. paynterae and cross‐species amplification
Authors: BUTCHER P.A. , KRAUSS S.L. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractNineteen microsatellite markers were developed from Tetratheca paynterae ssp. paynterae, a rare and endangered, leafless, perennial shrub. Twelve loci were polymorphic in T. paynterae ssp. paynterae with two to 14 alleles per locus and mean expected heterozygosity of 0.62. Primer pairs were tested on four other Tetratheca species from ironstone ranges in southern Western Australia. Ten loci were polymorphic in T. paynterae ssp. cremnobata and T. aphylla ssp. aphylla, three in T. harperi and four in T. erubescens. The level of polymorphism was adequate for studies of genetic structure and mating systems in three of the five taxa.
Development of eight microsatellite markers in the parsley frog (Pelodytes punctatus)
Authors: JOURDAN‐PINEAU HELENE , NICOT ANTOINE , DUPUY VIRGINIE , DAVID PATRICE , CROCHET PIERRE‐ANDRE 
Published: January 2009

AbstractWe characterized eight microsatellite loci to study spatial and temporal population structure of Pelodytes punctatus, a European anuran that has a peculiar breeding pattern among amphibians. The eight loci proved to be highly polymorphic with the number of alleles per locus ranging from two to 15 within two populations. Cross‐amplification indicates that those markers may be also useful for closely related species from the same family.