bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Threat‐Sensitive Behavioral Responses to Concentrations of Water‐Borne Cues from Predation
Authors: Kesavaraju Banugopan , Damal Kavitha , Juliano Steven A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAquatic organisms often detect predators via water‐borne chemical cues, and respond by showing reduced activity. Prey responses may be correlated with the concentration of predation cues, which would result in graded antipredator behavioral responses that adjust potentially costly behavioral changes to levels that are commensurate with the risk of predation. Larvae of the predatory mosquitoToxorhynchites rutilusprey upon other container‐dwelling insects, including larvae of the mosquitoOchlerotatus triseriatus. Previous work has established thatO. triseriatusreduce movement, foraging, and time below the surface, and increase the frequency of resting at the surface, in the presence of water‐borne cues from predation byT. rutilus. We tested whether these responses byO. triseriatusare threat sensitive by recording behavior of fourth instar larvae in two runs of an experiment in which we created a series of concentrations (100, 10, 1, 0.1, and 0.01% and 100, 70, 40, 20, and 10%) of water that had held eitherO. triseriatuslarvae alone (control) or aT. rutiluslarva feeding onO. triseriatus(predation). We also tested whether associated effects on time spent feeding are threat sensitive by determining whether frequencies of filtering or browsing are also related to concentration of cues. The frequencies of resting and surface declined, whereas frequency of filtering (but not browsing) increased more rapidly with a decrease in concentration of predation cues compared with control cues. Thus,O. triseriatusshows a threat sensitive behavioral response to water‐borne cues from this predator, adjusting its degree of behavioral response to the apparent risk of predation.
Cryopreservation of European Mouflon (Ovis Gmelini Musimon) Semen During the non‐Breeding Season is Enhanced by the Use of Trehalose
Authors: Berlinguer F , Leoni GG , Succu S , Mossa F , Galioto M , Madeddu M , Naitana S 
Published: February 2007

ContentsThe influence of trehalose on European mouflon spermatozoa cryopreservation during the non‐breeding season was tested. Semen was frozen in two different extenders: (a) recommended Tris‐based ram extender (CTR); (b) CTR extender supplemented with trehalose 0.147 mm (TRH). Sperm viability and acrosome integrity were assessed using propidium iodide and fluorescein isothiocynate labelled Pisum Sativum agglutinin. Trehalose significantly enhanced sperm viability after thawing compared with CTR extender (62.7% vs 51.8%; p < 0.05), whereas no differences were observed on acrosome integrity (42.9% vs 42.1%). Trehalose influence was also evidenced in the in vitro fertility test performed with sheep oocytes matured in vitro. Both fertilization rates (60.9% TRH vs 43.6% CTR; p < 0.05) and cleavage rates (58% TRH vs 39.8% CTR; p < 0.001) were higher for trehalose frozen semen compared with control extender frozen semen. A higher percentage of zygotes resulting from fertilization with trehalose cryopreserved semen presented the first cleavage earlier if compared with the group fertilized with control semen (48.7% vs 31.5%, respectively; p < 0.01). This result was confirmed by embryo kinetic development. Fertilization with trehalose cryopreserved semen leaded to an higher percentage of blastocysts (40.2% vs 27.8% CTR; p < 0.05), and enhanced in particular the number of blastocysts that developed on the day 6th of culture (28.6% vs 17% CTR; p < 0.05). Our data demonstrated that, during mouflon non‐breeding season, trehalose extender enhances spermatozoa viability and its in vitro fertilizing capacity, allowing the production of an higher number of blastocysts.
Measurement of Ovine Pregnancy‐Associated Glycoprotein (PAG) During Early Pregnancy in Lacaune Sheep
Authors: El Amiri B , Karen A , Sulon J , Melo de Sousa N , Alvarez‐Oxiley AV , Cognié Y , Szenci O , Beckers JF 
Published: February 2007

ContentsThis study describes ovine pregnancy‐associated glycoprotein (ovPAG) concentrations in 20 Lacaune sheep during early pregnancy. Measurements were performed by using semi‐purified ovPAG as standard, tracer and immunogens for antibody production in rabbits. Antisera R780 (against ovPAG57+59kDa) and R805 (against ovPAG558+61kDa) were used respectively in RIA‐780 and RIA‐805. Blood samples were collected at days 0, 18, 20, 22 and 25 after artificial insemination. From day 18 after breeding onward, the mean ovPAG concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in plasma samples from pregnant ewes (n = 17) than in non‐pregnant ones (n = 3). The specific activity of the tracer was 11 760 Ci/mmol in RIA‐780 and 14 900 Ci/mmol in RIA‐805. The minimal detection limits for RIA‐780 and RIA‐805 were 0.2 ng/ml and 0.3 ng/ml, respectively. The intra‐assay CV of samples with low (1.0 ng/ml), medium (2.5 ng/ml) and high (4.0 ng/ml) PAG concentrations were 3%, 6% and 9% for RIA‐780 and 8%, 9% and 5% for RIA‐805. The inter‐assay CV in the same samples were 13%, 12% and 7% for RIA‐780 and 13%, 11% and 5% for RIA‐805. The recovery was higher than 95% in both assays. No cross‐reaction was observed with members of aspartic proteinase family as well as with other tested proteins. In both RIA‐780 and RIA‐805, inhibition of the binding of the tracer by antisera was parallel between standard curve and serial dilutions of pregnant ewe samples. In conclusion, the two homologous RIA systems are suitable for early quantification of ovPAG concentrations in ewe plasma samples from day 18 after breeding.
Does bronchopulmonary dysplasia change the postoperative outcome of herniorrhaphy in premature babies?
Authors: MELO‐FILHO ANTONIO ALDO , ASSUNÇÃO BRAGA ANGÉLICA DE FÁTIMA , REIS CALDERONI DAVI , VOLK SIDNEY , MARBA SERGIO , SBRAGIA LOURENÇO 
Published: February 2007

SummaryBackground:  Inguinal hernia is a common surgical condition in premature neonates. Because of physiological immaturity, they can present with lung‐related diseases, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), which may influence the time for operation and the postoperative outcome after hernia repair. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of BPD in the outcome of premature infants who underwent herniorrhaphy.Methods:  Fifty‐two premature infants who underwent hernia repair from 1996 to 2004 at CAISM‐UNICAMP were included in this study. Seventeen babies had BPD and 35 did not. The features reviewed included: (i) associated preoperative morbidity; (ii) birth data and the hernia; and (iii) hernia diagnosis, surgery and postoperative outcome data. Three sets of analysis were undertaken. The first compared features with and without BPD. The second was an univariate analysis to detect associations between those features and postoperative complications. Finally, a multivariate analysis to determine the effect of BPD when adjusted for other factors.Results:  Some features were different between the studied groups, such as birth weight, age at herniorrhaphy and time of preoperative mechanical ventilation. There was no statistical difference in weight at surgery, duration of postoperative ventilation and weight at discharge between those with BPD and those without. Univariate and multivariate analysis found no association between different studied variables, including BPD, and incidence of postoperative respiratory complications.Conclusion:  These data suggest that all premature infants, with or without BPD, should be treated with equal concern regarding the possibility of postoperative pulmonary complications.
Deep sedation with intravenous infusion of combined propofol and ketamine during dressing changes and whirlpool bath in patients with severe epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: WU JUNZHENG 
Published: February 2007

SummaryContinuous i.v. infusion of propofol, or propofol plus ketamine for deep sedation and analgesia was carried out in two patients with severe epidermolysis bullosa (EB) during extensive dressing changes and deep whirlpool baths. Intermittent small doses of narcotics were given as supplement for pain relief as needed. Both patients had typical features of severe EB, including extremity contractures, severe digit deformity, difficult airways, extensive blisters and broken skin with denuded areas and severe wound infections. SpO2 was roughly estimated by holding the probe around the earlobe periodically and no other monitors could be applied because of the skin conditions and the settings of the procedures. Retrospective anesthesia record review showed that the combined propofol and ketamine infusions provided satisfactory sedation with significantly reduced narcotic requirements compared with propofol alone. There were no noticeable side effects when ketamine was added. Ketamine appears to be a good addition to propofol and narcotics to provide sedation and analgesia when there are great concerns for respiration depression, apnea, difficult pain management and potential unstable hemodynamics during dressing changes and whirlpool baths in severe EB patients.
Probabilistic Voting and Accountability in Elections with Uncertain Policy Constraints
Authors: MEIROWITZ ADAM 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe consider accountability in repeated elections with two long‐lived parties that have distinct policy preferences and different levels of valence. In each period the government faces a privately observed feasibility constraint and selects a publicly observed policy vector. While pure strategy equilibria do not exhibit tight control on government policy making, complete control is possible in mixed strategies. In optimal equilibria voters use reelection functions which depend on policy in a manner that causes the governing party to internalize voter preferences. In these optimal equilibria the voters use different reelection functions for different parties.
Crime and Punishment and Corruption: Who Needs “Untouchables?”
Authors: SILVA EMILSON C. D. , KAHN CHARLES M. , ZHU XIE 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBecker's result that fines should be maximized is also applicable to some social environments where law enforcers are corrupt. If the regulated activity is legal, the principal may efficiently deter crime without an anti‐corruption unit. An opportunistic anti‐corruption unit, even when corrupt, becomes useful for the principal when the activity is illegal, since the principal's goal of maximizing fines motivates the unit to collect bribes from the enforcer, which subsequently induces the enforcer to be nearly completely honest, minimizing corruption. Therefore, we show that there is not necessarily an infinite regress originating with the puzzle of who polices the police.
Sexual function and satisfaction in heterosexual couples when men are administered sildenafil citrate (Viagra®) for erectile dysfunction: a multicentre, randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Heiman JR , Talley DR , Bailen JL , Oskin TA , Rosenberg SJ , Pace CR , Creanga DL , Bavendam T 
Published: February 2007

Objective  To investigate the effect of improvement in erectile dysfunction (ED) on sexual function and satisfaction measures in heterosexual couples in which the woman reports that sexual intercourse is unsatisfactory at least half of the time.Design  Multicentre, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study.Setting  Outpatient medical clinics.Population  Hundred and eighty men with ED and their female partners in whom sexual intercourse was satisfactory about half the time or less (score of ≤3 on the Female Partner of ED Subject Questionnaire question 3 [FePEDS Q3]).Methods  Men were randomised to flexible‐dose sildenafil (25, 50, and 100 mg) or placebo as needed for 12 weeks.Main outcome measures  Primary: FePEDS Q3 (‘Over the past four weeks, when you had sexual intercourse, how often was it satisfactory for you?’) scored as 0 (no sexual activity) and 1 (almost never or never) to 5 (almost always or always). Secondary, partners: Sexual Function Questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and ED Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) partner version (EDITS‐Partner). Secondary, men: International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), General Efficacy Questions, event log data, Self‐Esteem And Relationship questionnaire, and EDITS. Secondary, partners and men: Dyadic Adjustment Scale.Results  The intention‐to‐treat population included 85 sildenafil recipients (mean age 59 ± 12 years) and 91 placebo recipients (mean age 57 ± 11 years). Most partners (aged 20–79 years; mean, 54 years) were postmenopausal. Sildenafil compared with placebo couples had greater improvement in the primary outcome (FePEDS Q3 [P < 0.0001]) and in sexual function, intercourse success rates, and secondary sexual satisfaction measures (FSFI satisfaction domain [P < 0.0001] and IIEF satisfaction domains [P < 0.001]) and had higher treatment satisfaction (EDITS and EDITS‐Partner; P < 0.0001). Several predictors of improvement were identified, and improvement in one member of the couple correlated positively with improvement in the other member.Conclusions  The interdependence of sexual function and sexual satisfaction measures between members of couples consisting of men with ED and sexually healthy women reporting infrequent satisfactory sexual intercourse underscores the importance of including partners in ED treatment discussions.
Propionate increases neuronal histone acetylation, but is metabolized oxidatively by glia. Relevance for propionic acidemia
Authors: Nguyen Nga H. T. , Morland Cecilie , Gonzalez Susana Villa , Rise Frode , Storm‐Mathisen Jon , Gundersen Vidar , Hassel Bjørnar 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn propionic acidemia, propionate acts as a metabolic toxin in liver cells by accumulating in mitochondria as propionyl‐CoA and its derivative, methylcitrate, two tricarboxylic acid cycle inhibitors. Little is known about the cerebral metabolism of propionate, although clinical effects of propionic acidemia are largely neurological. We found that propionate was metabolized oxidatively by glia: [3‐14C]propionate injected into mouse striatum or cortex, gave a specific activity of glutamine that was 5–6 times that of glutamate, indicating metabolism in cells that express glutamine synthetase, i.e., glia. Further, cultured cerebellar astrocytes metabolized [3‐14C]propionate; cultured neurons did not. However, both cultured cerebellar neurons and astrocytes took up [3H]propionate, and propionate exposure increased histone acetylation in cultured neurons and astrocytes as well as in hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons of wake mice. The inability of neurons to metabolize propionate may be due to lack of mitochondrial propionyl‐CoA synthetase activity or transport of propionyl residues into mitochondria, as cultured neurons expressed propionyl‐CoA carboxylase, a mitochondrial matrix enzyme, and oxidized isoleucine, which becomes converted into propionyl‐CoA intramitochondrially. The glial metabolism of propionate suggests astrocytic vulnerability in propionic acidemia when intramitochondrial propionyl‐CoA may accumulate. Propionic acidemia may alter both neuronal and glial gene expression by affecting histone acetylation.
Aβ Oligomers – a decade of discovery
Authors: Walsh Dominic M. , Selkoe Dennis J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractConverging lines of evidence suggest that progressive accumulation of the amyloid β‐protein (Aβ) plays a central role in the genesis of Alzheimer’s disease, but it was long assumed that Aβ had to be assembled into extracellular amyloid fibrils to exert its cytotoxic effects. Over the past decade, data have emerged from the use of synthetic Aβ peptides, cell culture models, β‐amyloid precursor protein transgenic mice and human brain to suggest that pre‐fibrillar, diffusible assemblies of Aβ are also deleterious. Although the precise molecular identity of these soluble toxins remains unsettled, accumulating evidence suggests that soluble forms of Aβ are indeed the proximate effectors of synapse loss and neuronal injury. Here we review recent progress in understanding the role of soluble oligomers in Alzheimer’s disease.
Formation of glycerol from glucose in rat brain and cultured brain cells. Augmentation with kainate or ischemia
Authors: Nguyen Nga H.T. , Gonzalez Susana Villa , Hassel Bjørnar 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAn increase in the concentration of glycerol in the ischemic brain is assumed to reflect degradation of phospholipids of plasma membranes. However, glycerol could, theoretically, be formed from glucose, which after glycolytic conversion to dihydroxyacetone phosphate, could be converted to glycerol‐3‐phosphate and hence to glycerol. We show here that 13C‐labeled glycerol accumulate in incubation media of cultured cerebellar granule cells and astrocytes incubated with [13C]glucose, 3 mmol/L, demonstrating the formation of glycerol from glucose. Co‐incubation of cerebellar granule cells with kainate, 50 µmol/L, led to increased glucose metabolism and increased accumulation of [13C]glycerol. Accumulation of [13C]glycerol and its precursor, [13C]glycerol‐3‐phosphate, was evident in brain, but not in serum, of kainate‐treated rats that received [U‐13C]glucose, 5 µmol/g bodyweight, intravenously and survived for 5 min. Global ischemia induced by decapitation also caused accumulation of [13C]glycerol and [13C]glycerol‐3‐phosphate. These results show that glycerol can be formed from glucose in brain; they also demonstrate the existence of a cerebral glycerol‐3‐phosphatase activity. Ischemia‐induced increases in brain glycerol may, in part, reflect an altered metabolism of glucose, in which glycerol formation, like lactate formation, acts as a redox sink.
The 20S proteasome isolated from Alzheimer’s disease brain shows post‐translational modifications but unchanged proteolytic activity
Authors: Gillardon Frank , Kloß Alexander , Berg Matthias , Neumann Manuela , Mechtler Karl , Hengerer Bastian , Dahlmann Burkhardt 
Published: February 2007

SummaryChronic neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the accumulation of aggregated protein species, and functional impairment of the ubiquitin proteasome system has been hypothesized to contribute to neuronal cell loss. Decreased proteolytic activity of the 20S proteasome has been shown postmortem in crude brain lysates from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. In the present study, we demonstrate, however, that catalytic activity of the 20S proteasome increases during chromatographic purification from AD brains as compared with age‐matched controls. By two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis we detected pI shifts in several proteasome subunits in AD samples pointing to differential post‐translational modifications. Moreover, we identified N‐terminal acetylation and dephosphorylation of subunit α7 in AD by tandem mass spectrometry. Thus, reduced peptidase activity in AD brain extracts is not an intrinsic property of the 20S proteasome, but may be resulting from the presence of endogenous inhibitory proteins or substrates. Post‐translational modifications of non‐catalytic subunits in situ may contribute to the trend towards enhanced hydrolytic activity of the isolated 20S proteasome after removal of the endogenous inhibitors.
Glutamate‐induced activation of nitric oxide synthase is impaired in cerebral cortexin vivoin rats with chronic liver failure
Authors: Rodrigo Regina , Erceg Slaven , Rodriguez‐Diaz Jesus , Saez‐Valero Javier , Piedrafita Blanca , Suarez Isabel , Felipo Vicente 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIt has been proposed that impairment of the glutamate‐nitric oxide‐cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway in brain contributes to cognitive impairment in hepatic encephalopathy. The aims of this work were to assess whether the function of this pathway and of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) are altered in cerebral cortexin vivoin rats with chronic liver failure due to portacaval shunt (PCS) and whether these alterations are due to hyperammonemia. The glutamate‐nitric oxide‐cGMP pathway function and NOS activation by NMDA was analysed byin vivomicrodialysis in cerebral cortex of PCS and control rats and in rats with hyperammonemia without liver failure. Similar studies were done in cortical slices from these rats and in cultured cortical neurons exposed to ammonia. Basal NOS activity, nitrites and cGMP are increased in cortex of rats with hyperammonemia or liver failure. These increases seem due to increased inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. NOS activation by NMDA is impaired in cerebral cortex in both animal models and in neurons exposed to ammonia. Chronic liver failure increases basal NOS activity, nitric oxide and cGMP but reduces activation of NOS induced by NMDA receptors activation. Hyperammonemia is responsible for both effects which will lead, independently, to alterations contributing to neurological alterations in hepatic encephalopathy.
The Liverpool Adverse Events Profile: Relation to AED Use and Mood
Authors: Panelli Rosemary June , Kilpatrick Christine , Moore Susan M. , Matkovic Zelko , D'Souza Wendyl J. , O'Brien Terence J. 
Published: February 2007

Summary: Purpose:The Liverpool Adverse Events Profile (LAEP) is used as a systematic measure of adverse effects from antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). This study evaluated LAEP in newly diagnosed seizure patients, and examined the relation between LAEP, anxiety, and depression.Methods:Seizure patients seen in the two First Seizure Clinics were categorized into group A (AEDs commenced after assessment), group B (AEDs commenced before assessment), and group C (no AEDs). LAEP and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were completed at baseline (n = 164) and 3 months (n = 103). Each LAEP symptom was assessed for baseline frequency, 3‐month frequency, and frequency change over a 3‐month period. Global scores for LAEP and HADS were analysed at baseline and 3 months.Results: Symptom‐reporting patterns were similar between groups. However, increased frequency over a 3‐month period occurred for 12 symptoms in group A, 10 in group B, and one in group C. Global LAEP and HADS showed no significant group differences at baseline or changes over a 3‐month period. Multiple regression revealed that HADS scores predicted LAEP global scores better than did AED status. Multivariate analyses of variance demonstrated that increased reporting of 16 of 19 LAEP symptoms was significantly related to higher anxiety and depression rates.Conclusions:In a First Seizure Clinic, LAEP detects changes in specific symptom frequencies when used as a repeated, symptom‐by‐symptom measure. Increased symptom frequency is associated with diagnostic category/AED treatment, anxiety, and depression. Global LAEP scores do not illustrate differences in symptom reporting between patients.