bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
INVOLVEMENT OF PROLYLCARBOXYPEPTIDASE IN THE EFFECT OF RUTAECARPINE ON THE REGRESSION OF MESENTERIC ARTERY HYPERTROPHY IN RENOVASCULAR HYPERTENSIVE RATS
Authors: Qin Xu‐Ping , Zeng Si‐Yu , Tian Hai‐Hong , Deng Shui‐Xiu , Ren Jun‐Fang , Zheng Yuan‐Bin , Li Dai , Li Yuan‐Jian , Liao Duan‐Fang , Chen Shi‐You 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARYPrevious studies indicate that rutaecarpine blocks increases in blood pressure and inhibits vascular hypertrophy in experimentally hypertensive rats. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the effects of rutaecarpine are related to activation of prolylcarboxypeptidase (PRCP).Renovascular hypertensive rats (Goldblatt two‐kidney, one‐clip (2K1C)) were developed using male Sprague‐Dawley rats. Chronic treatment with rutaecarpine (10 or 40 mg/kg per day) or losartan (20 mg/kg per day) for 4 weeks to the hypertensive rats caused a sustained dose‐dependent attenuation of increases in blood pressure, increased lumen diameter and decreased media thickness, which was accompanied by a similar reduction in the media cross‐sectional area : lumen area ratio in mesenteric arteries compared with untreated hypertensive rats.Angiotensin (Ang) II expression was significantly increased in mesenteric arteries of hypertensive rats compared with sham‐operated rats. No significant differences in plasma AngII levels were observed between untreated hypertensive and sham‐operated rats. Hypertensive rats treated with high‐dose rutaecarpine had significantly decreased Ang II levels in both the plasma and mesenteric arteries.Expression of PRCP protein or kallikrein mRNA was significantly inhibited in the right kidneys and mesenteric arteries of hypertensive rats. However, expression of PRCP protein and kallikrein mRNA was significantly increased after treatment with rutaecarpine or losartan (20 mg/kg per day).The data suggest that the repression of increases in systolic blood pressure and reversal of mesenteric artery remodelling by rutaecarpine may be related to increased expression of PRCP in the circulation and small arteries in 2K1C hypertensive rats.
ANTINOCICEPTIVE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN ANANDAMIDE AND ENDOMORPHIN‐1 AT THE SPINAL LEVEL
Authors: Tuboly Gabor , Mecs Laszlo , Benedek György , Horvath Gyöngyi 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARYAlthough it is well known that the combined administration of synthetic or plant‐originated opioids with cannabinoids (CB) results in synergistic antinociception, the effects of combined administration of endogenous ligands acting at µ‐opioid and CB receptors are not known. The aim of the present study was to determine the interaction between anandamide (AEA; a CB1receptor agonist) and endomorphin‐1 (EM‐1; a µ‐opioid receptor agonist) after intrathecal administration.Nociception was assessed by the paw‐withdrawal test after carrageenan‐induced inflammation in male Wistar rats.Endomorphin‐1 (16.4 pmol to 16.4 nmol) and AEA (4.3–288 nmol) alone dose‐dependently decreased carrageenan‐induced thermal hyperalgesia, although the highest dose of AEA also exhibited pain‐inducing potential. The potency of AEA was approximately 59‐fold lower than that of EM‐1 (35% effective dose (ED35) 194.4vs3.3 nmol, respectively). Coadministration of these ligands revealed that combinations of 16.4 pmol EM‐1 plus 28.8 or 86.5 nmol AEA were more effective than either drug alone, but other combinations were no more effective than the administration of EM‐1 itself. Therefore, coadministration of AEA did not significantly shift the dose–response curve to EM‐1.The results of the present study indicate that the coadministration of AEA and EM‐1 results in potentiated antihyperalgesia only for a combination of specific doses. Because AEA activates other receptor types (e.g. TRPV1) in addition to CB1receptors, the results of the present suggest that, after the coadministration of EM‐1 and AEA, complex interactions ensue that may lead to different outcomes compared with those seen following the injection of exogenous ligands.
DIRECT EFFECT OF DEXMEDETOMIDINE ON RAT ISOLATED AORTA INVOLVES ENDOTHELIAL NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHESIS AND ACTIVATION OF THE LIPOXYGENASE PATHWAY
Authors: Kim Hee‐Jin , Sohn Ju‐Tae , Jeong Young‐Seok , Cho Man Seok , Kim Hye Jung , Chang Ki Churl , Shin Mi‐Kyung , Park Chang‐Shin , Chung Young‐Kyun 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARYThe aims of the presentin vitrostudy were to examine the roles of pathways associated with arachidonic acid metabolism in dexmedetomidine‐induced contraction and to determine which endothelium‐derived vasodilators are involved in the endothelium‐dependent attenuation of vasoconstriction elicited by dexmedetomidine.Dexmedetomidine (10−9–10−6 mol/L) concentration–response curves were constructed in: (i) aortic rings with no drug pretreatment; (ii) endothelium‐denuded aortic rings pretreated with either 2 × 10−5 mol/L quinacrine dihydrochloride, 10−5 mol/L nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), 3 × 10−5 mol/L indomethacin or 10−5 mol/L fluconazole; and (iii) endothelium‐intact aortic rings pretreated with either 5 × 10−5 mol/LNG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME), 10−5 mol/L fluconazole, 10−5 mol/L indomethacin, 10−5 mol/L glibenclamide, 5 × 10−3 mol/L tetraethylammonium or 5 × 10−5 mol/Ll‐NAME plus rauwolscine (10−5, 10−6 mol/L). The production of nitric oxide (NO) metabolites was determined in human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated with dexmedetomidine.Quinacrine dihydrochloride, NDGA and indomethacin attenuated the dexmedetomidine‐induced contraction of endothelium‐denuded rings. Dexmedetomidine (10−7–10−6 mol/L)‐induced contractions of endothelium‐denuded rings were enhanced compared with those of endothelium‐intact rings, as were dexmedetomidine‐induced contractions of endothelium‐intact rings pretreated withl‐NAME or tetraethylammonium. Rauwolscine attenuated dexmedetomidine‐induced contractions in endothelium‐intact rings pretreated withl‐NAME. Dexmedetomidine (10−6 mol/L) was found to activate NO production.Taken together, the results indicate that dexmedetomidine‐induced contraction of aortic rings involves activation of the lipoxygenase and cyclo‐oxygenase pathways and is attenuated by increased NO production following stimulation of endothelial α2‐adrenoceptors by dexmedetomidine.
Crown architecture and leaf traits of understory saplings of Macaranga semiglobosa in a tropical montane forest in Indonesia
Authors: TAKAHASHI KOICHI , MIKAMI YUMI 
Published: November 2008

AbstractCrown architecture and leaf traits were investigated in understory saplings (17–233 cm tall) of Macaranga semiglobosa in a tropical montane forest in Indonesia. The crown of a M. semiglobosa sapling consists of only leaves without branches. The total number of leaves per sapling increased from 4 to 19 leaves with an increase in trunk height in the examined saplings. Leaf area index (total sapling leaf area divided by crown projection area) increased with trunk height because of the increase in the total number of leaves per sapling with trunk height. Thus, it is suggested that there is limitation to avoid self‐shading. Leaf blade width was relatively constant from the top (the youngest leaf, leaf order 1) to the lowest (the oldest leaf) leaf. By contrast, petiole length increased from leaf order 1 to leaf order 6, and then remained relatively constant after leaf order 6. Vertical changes in the leaf mass per area within a crown showed a similar pattern to that of petiole length. Leaf nitrogen (a proxy of assimilation capacity) and chlorophyll (a proxy of light‐harvesting ability) contents per leaf area increased from leaf order 1 to leaf order 4, remained high until leaf order 7, and then decreased after leaf order 7. The present study suggests that petioles of M. semiglobosa elongate for longer than the leaf blades and that leaf morphological and physiological traits are coupled with the degree of petiole elongation occurring with vertical position, and this might increase light‐capture and nitrogen‐use efficiencies.
Dynamic of migration of HSV‐1 from a medullary pronociceptive centre: antinociception by overexpression of the preproenkephalin transgene
Authors: Martins I. , Pinto M. , Wilson S. P. , Lima D. , Tavares I. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractHerpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV‐1) vectors are known to inhibit nociceptive transmission at the spinal cord after peripheral applications. Similar approaches may also be useful when applied at the supraspinal pain control system as the system includes pronociceptive (facilitatory) components. We performed a study aimed to analyse the migration of HSV‐1 along with the inhibition of pronociception from the medullary dorsal reticular nucleus (DRt), a major facilitatory component of the supraspinal pain control system. To study the migration, a HSV‐1 vector expressinglacZunder control of the human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) promoter was injected in the DRt and the expression of β‐galactosidase (β‐gal) was detected at 2, 4, 7, 10 and 14 days. Numerous β‐gal‐immunoreactive neurons were observed at the injection site until day 4, and at some of the brain areas projecting to the DRt until day 7. To block the pronociceptive effects of the DRt, a HSV‐1 vector expressing the preproenkephalin transgene, under the control of hCMV promoter, was injected into the DRt. Behavioural evaluation was performed at the time‐points referred above, using the paw withdrawal latency test to evaluate thermal nociceptive responses. Anti‐hyperalgesic effects persisted during 4 days, decreasing after that time‐point. The present study demonstrates that selective migration of HSV‐1 should be considered in gene therapy strategies based on HSV‐1 injections into the brain. The study also shows that it is possible to decrease pain facilitation from the brain using opioidergic inhibition of pronociceptive supraspinal areas.
Memantine protects rat cortical cultured neurons against β‐amyloid‐induced toxicity by attenuating tau phosphorylation
Authors: Song M. S. , Rauw G. , Baker G. B. , Kar S. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIt has been suggested that accumulation of beta‐amyloid (Aβ) peptide triggers neurodegeneration, at least in part, via glutamate‐mediated excitotoxicity in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brain. This is supported by observations that toxicity induced by Aβ peptide in cultured neurons and in adult rat brain is known to be mediated by activation of glutamatergic N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Additionally, recent clinical studies have shown that memantine, a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist, can significantly improve cognitive functions in some AD patients. However, very little is currently known about the potential role of memantine against Aβ‐induced toxicity. In the present study, we have shown that Aβ1–42‐induced toxicity in rat primary cortical cultured neurons is accompanied by increased extracellular and decreased intracellular glutamate levels. We subsequently demonstrated that Aβ toxicity is induced by increased phosphorylation of tau protein and activation of tau kinases, i.e. glycogen synthase kinase‐3β and extracellular signal‐related kinase 1/2. Additionally, Aβ treatment induced cleavage of caspase‐3 and decreased phosphorylation of cyclic AMP response element binding protein, which are critical in determining survival of neurons. Memantine treatment significantly protected cultured neurons against Aβ‐induced toxicity by attenuating tau‐phosphorylation and its associated signaling mechanisms. However, this drug did not alter either conformation or internalization of Aβ1–42 and it was unable to attenuate Aβ‐induced potentiation of extracellular glutamate levels. These results, taken together, provide new insights into the possible neuroprotective action of memantine in AD pathology.
The representation of Kanizsa illusory contours in the monkey inferior temporal cortex
Authors: Sáry Gy. , Köteles K. , Kaposvári P. , Lenti L. , Csifcsák G. , Frankó E. , Benedek G. , Tompa T. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractStimulus reduction is an effective way to study visual performance. Cues such as surface characteristics, colour and inner lines can be removed from stimuli, revealing how the change affects recognition and neural processing. An extreme reduction is the removal of the very stimulus, defining it with illusory lines. Perceived boundaries without physical differences between shape and background are called illusory (or subjective) contours. Illusory and real contours activate early stages of the macaque visual pathway in similar ways. However, data relating to the processing of illusory contours in higher visual areas are scarce. We recently reported how illusory contours based on abutting‐line gratings affect neurones in the monkey inferotemporal cortex, an area essential for object and shape vision. We now present data on how inferotemporal cortical neurones of monkeys react to another type of shapes, the Kanizsa figures. A set of line drawings, silhouettes, their illusory contour‐based counterparts, and control shapes have been presented to awake, fixating rhesus monkeys while single‐cell activity was recorded in the anterior part of the inferotemporal cortex. Most of the recorded neurones were responsive and selective to shapes presented as illusory contours. Shape selectivity was proved to be different for line drawings and illusory contours, and also for silhouettes and illusory contours. Neuronal response latencies for Kanizsa figures were significantly longer than those for line drawings and silhouettes. These results reveal differences in processing for Kanizsa figures and shapes having real contours in the monkey inferotemporal cortex.
Genetic mapping of Foxb1‐cell lineage shows migration from caudal diencephalon to telencephalon and lateral hypothalamus
Authors: Zhao Tianyu , Szabó Nora , Ma Jun , Luo Lingfei , Zhou Xunlei , Alvarez‐Bolado Gonzalo 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe hypothalamus is a brain region with vital functions, and alterations in its development can cause human disease. However, we still do not have a complete description of how this complex structure is put together during embryonic and early postnatal stages. Radially oriented, outside‐in migration of cells is prevalent in the developing hypothalamus. In spite of this, cell contingents from outside the hypothalamus as well as tangential hypothalamic migrations also have an important role. Here we study migrations in the hypothalamic primordium by genetically labeling the Foxb1 diencephalic lineage. Foxb1 is a transcription factor gene expressed in the neuroepithelium of the developing neural tube with a rostral expression boundary between caudal and rostral diencephalon, and therefore appropriate for marking migrations from caudal levels into the hypothalamus. We have found a large, longitudinally oriented migration stream apparently originating in the thalamic region and following an axonal bundle to end in the anterior portion of the lateral hypothalamic area. Additionally, we have mapped a specific expansion of the neuroepithelium into the rostral diencephalon. The expanded neuroepithelium generates abundant neurons for the medial hypothalamus at the tuberal level. Finally, we have uncovered novel diencephalon‐to‐telencephalon migrations into septum, piriform cortex and amygdala.
Nonoperative management of right colonic diverticulitis using radiologic evaluation
Authors: Park H.‐C. , Chang M. Y. , Lee B. H. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjective  Although a few reviews have been conducted, nonoperative management may be the mainstay of therapy for uncomplicated right colonic diverticulitis. With increasing use of radiological evaluation for diverticulitis, the status of the disease is becoming more accessible. In this study, clinical outcomes of nonoperative management for right colonic diverticulitis were assessed according to disease status using radiological evaluation.Method  From April 2000 to March 2007, 296 patients were admitted for acute right colonic diverticulitis upon first attack and were treated with nonoperative management. The status of diverticulitis was classified using ultrasonography and/or computed tomography as inflamed diverticulum or phlegmon in 276 patients or pericolic abscess in 20 patients. Uncomplicated diverticulitis was defined as inflamed diverticulum or phlegmon. Length of hospital stay, antibiotic use, failure of initial therapy and the incidence of recurrence after nonoperative management were assessed.Results  The mean length of hospital stay and antibiotic use were 6 and 4.7 days respectively. All patients were successfully treated with the initial medical therapy and their hospital stays were uneventful. Of the 276 patients with an uncomplicated diverticulitis, two patients (1%) had a recurrence during follow‐up that could be managed nonoperatively. Of the 20 patients with pericolic abscesses, four patients (20%) had a recurrence. One patient underwent laparoscopic ileocolic resection and the other patients were treated nonoperatively.Conclusion  Nonoperative management may be the treatment of choice for right colonic diverticulitis with inflamed diverticulum or phlegmon. Diverticulitis with pericolic abscess should be treated with additional care.
ERG findings in three hypothyroid adult dogs with and without levothyroxine treatment
Authors: Durieux Philippe , Rigaudière F. , LeGargasson J.‐F. , Rosolen S. G. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractPurpose To evaluate the effects of levothyroxine (LTh) on the electroretinogram (ERG) of adult dogs.Material and methods Binocular, full field photopic and scotopic ERGs were recorded from an anesthetized Maltese Bichon cross (MB), a Yorkshire Terrier (YT) and a Shetland Sheepdog (SS) affected with hypothyroidism and treated with a daily dose of LTh at 20 µg/kg. The photopic ERGs were evoked to 12 different intensities ranging from 0.81 to –2.19 log cd.s/m2and presented under photopic conditions in order to assess (from the derived luminance‐response curves)Vmax and b : a amplitude ratio parameters. Photopic flicker ERGs were obtained at 30 Hz. The scotopic ERGs (intensity: –3.09 log cd.s/m2) were recorded while the retina was dark‐adapting and after 32 min of dark adaptation. This procedure was performed on two separate sessions: following a 3‐day interruption of LTh treatment (S1) and following 30 days without interruption of LTh treatment (S2).Results The mean photopic a‐wave peak times were 9.8 ms at S1 and 5.0 ms at S2, respectively. The mean photopic b‐wave peak times were 23.3 ms at S1 and 11.5 ms at S2, respectively, and the mean scotopic b‐wave peak times (after 32 min of dark adaptation) were 45.2 ms at S1 and 26.0 ms at S2, respectively. No other significant ERG changes were observed.Conclusion Our results indicate that a dose of 20 µg/kg of LTh given to adult dogs was accompanied by a marked peak time shortening of both photopic and scotopic ERGs, without affecting other ERG parameters.
Evaluation of different sampling methods and results of real‐time PCR for detection of feline herpes virus‐1,Chlamydophila felisandMycoplasma felisin cats
Authors: Sjödahl‐Essén Titti , Tidholm Anna , Thorén Peter , Persson‐Wadman Annie , Bölske Göran , Aspán Anna , Berndtsson Louise Treiberg 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjective To investigate how different sampling techniques affect detection of DNA from feline herpes virus Type 1 (FHV‐1),Chlamydophila felisandMycoplasma felisand to study the correlation between positive test results and clinical signs in cats.Animals Fifty‐one cats; 24 with ocular signs and 27 healthy control cats.Procedures Samples were collected from all cats using cotton swabs, conjunctival and corneal biopsies, and corneal scrapings. Samples were analyzed for presence of FHV‐1,C. felis, M. felis, and feline DNA, defined by 28S rDNA, by using real‐time PCR.Results In affected cats, FHV‐1 was detected in only one cat;C. felisandM. feliswere not detected in any affected cats. None of the three organisms was detected in any control cats. Feline DNA was demonstrated in all conjunctival samples, in 82% of corneal swabs, 92% of corneal scrapings, and 100% of keratectomy samples.Conclusions Because of the generally low detection rate for FHV‐1,C. felis, andM. felisDNA in this study, differences regarding sampling technique could not be determined and correlation between positive test results and degree of clinical signs could not be made. Detection of feline DNA in most samples irrespective of sampling technique, suggests a low prevalence of FHV‐1,C. felisandM. felisin this population of cats.
Use of an axial pattern flap and nictitans to reconstruct medial eyelids and canthus in a dog
Authors: Jacobi Susan , Stanley Bryden J. , Petersen‐Jones Simon , Dervisis Nikolaos , Dominguez Pedro A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA 10‐year‐old male neutered Boxer presented with recurrence of a mast cell tumor at the right medial canthal area. Following excision including 2 cm margins, the medial one‐half of the upper and lower eyelids and the medial canthus were reconstructed using an axial pattern flap based on the cutaneous branch of the superficial temporal artery. The bulbar conjunctiva of the nictitans was preserved and sutured to the medial flap edge, thus creating a conjunctival lining to the deep aspect of the flap, protecting corneal epithelium. This is a valuable surgical technique for closing a large skin defect and reconstructing the medial eyelids, thus preserving the globe.
Global‐scale patterns of nutrient resorption associated with latitude, temperature and precipitation
Authors: Yuan Z. Y. , Chen Han Y. H. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTAim  Nutrient resorption from senescing leaves is an important mechanism of nutrient conservation in plants, but the patterns of nutrient resorption at the global scale are unknown. Because soil nutrients vary along climatic gradients, we hypothesize that nutrient resorption changes with latitude, temperature and precipitation.Location  Global.Methods  We conducted a meta‐analysis on a global data set collected from published literature on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) resorption of woody plants.Results   For all data pooled, both N resorption efficiency (NRE) and P resorption efficiency (PRE) were significantly related to latitude, mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP): NRE increased with latitude but decreased with MAT and MAP. In contrast, PRE decreased with latitude but increased with MAT and MAP. When functional groups (shrub versus tree, coniferous versus broadleaf and evergreen versus deciduous) were examined individually, the patterns of NRE and PRE in relation to latitude, MAT and MAP were generally similar.Main conclusions  The relationships between N and P resorption and latitude, MAT and MAP indicate the existence of geographical patterns of plant nutrient conservation strategies in relation to temperature and precipitation at the global scale, particularly for PRE, which can be an indicator for P limitation in the tropics and selective pressure shaping the evolution of plant traits. Our results suggest that, although the magnitude of plant nutrient resorption might be regulated by local factors such as substrate, spatial patterns are also controlled by temperature or precipitation.