bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing effects of morphine on methamphetamine‐induced reinforcing behavior and its association with dopamine release and metabolism in mice
Authors: Lan Kuo‐Cheng , Chang Alice Chien , Liu Shing‐Hwa , Ho Ing Kang , Lin‐Shiau Shoei‐Yn 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPolydrug abuse has become a significant problem worldwide, and the combined use of methamphetamine (MA) and morphine (M) is now highly prevalent among addicts. In the present study, we investigated the neurobehavioral effects of repeated treatment regimens of these drugs (i.p. administration of 0.75 mg/kg/day MA, 5 mg/kg/day M, and their combination for five consecutive days followed by once weekly for five consecutive weeks) in mice. In addition, we used anin vivomicrodialysis technique to study the changes in extracellular concentrations of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites in the mouse striatum after challenge administration of these drugs. The results showed that systemic M increased MA‐induced conditioned place preference (CPP), as revealed by higher CPP values which were also maintained for a longer duration compared with those induced by an identical dose of MA or M alone. Subsequent to challenge with combined MA and M, mice exhibited an increase in stereotyped behavior, which appeared to be associated with an elevation of extracellular concentration of DA in the striatum. Our findings suggest that M not only produces synergistic effects on MA‐induced CPP, but also interacts with MA to induce stereotyped behavioral sensitization which is mediated by an increase in DA outflow in the striatum. These findings provide insight into the behavioral and neurochemical basis responsible for the combined abuse liability of MA and M.
The purine nucleosides adenosine and guanosine delay axonal degeneration in vitro
Authors: Press Craig , Milbrandt Jeffrey 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAxonal degeneration is a key component of many neurodegenerative diseases. Injured axons undergo a program of self‐destruction termed Wallerian degeneration that is an active, well‐regulated process. The pathways leading to axon fragmentation are uncharacterized, but experiments with wlds mutant mice led to the discovery that over‐expression of NMN adenylyltransferase 1 or treatment with NAD+ can inhibit axonal degeneration. In this study, we show that the purine nucleosides adenosine and guanosine, but not inosine, inhibit injury‐induced axonal degeneration in cultured dorsal root ganglia neurons. Axons can be preserved by adding adenosine within 6 h of the axonal injury. The presence of adenosine was required continuously after the injury to maintain axonal protection. Together these results suggest that adenosine does not alter the neuronal response to injury, but instead inhibits a local axonal pathway necessary for the commitment and/or execution of the axon destructive program.
Habitat suitability modelling of an invasive plant with advanced remote sensing data
Authors: Andrew Margaret E. , Ustin Susan L. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAim  Lepidium latifolium (Brassicaceae; perennial pepperweed) is a noxious Eurasian weed invading riparian and wetland areas of the western USA. Understanding which sites are most susceptible to invasion by L. latifolium will allow more efficient management of this weed. We assessed the ability of advanced remote sensing techniques to develop habitat suitability models for L. latifolium.Location  San Francisco Bay/Sacramento‐San Joaquin River Delta, California, USA.Methods  Lepidium latifolium distribution was mapped with hyperspectral image data of Rush Ranch Open Space Preserve, providing presence/absence data to train and validate habitat models. A high‐resolution light detection and ranging digital elevation model was used to derive predictor environmental variables (distance to channel, distance to upland, elevation, slope, aspect and convexity). Aggregate decision tree models were used to predict the potential distribution of this species.Results  Lepidium latifolium infested two zones: near the marshland–upland margin and along channels within the marsh. Topographical data, which are typically strongly correlated with wetland species distributions, were relatively unimportant to L. latifolium occurrence, although relevant microtopography information, particularly relative elevation, was subsumed in the distance to channel variable. The map of potential L. latifolium distribution reveals that Rush Ranch contains considerable habitat that it is susceptible to continued invasion.Main conclusions  Lepidium latifolium invades relatively less stressful sites along the inundation and salinity gradients. Advanced remote sensing datasets were shown to be sufficient for species distribution modelling. Remote sensing offers powerful tools that deserve wider use in ecological research and management.
INTRADAY STEALTH TRADING: WHICH TRADES MOVE PRICES DURING PERIODS OF HIGH VOLUME?
Authors: Blau Benjamin M. , Van Ness Bonnie F. , Van Ness Robert A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractResearch documents a U‐shaped intraday pattern of returns. We examine which trade sizes drive the U‐shaped pattern and find that intraday price changes from larger trades exhibit a U‐shaped pattern whereas price changes from smaller trades show a reverse U‐shaped pattern. We argue that price changes from smaller trades are higher during the middle of the day because informed investors break up their trades to disguise their information when intraday volume is low. Price changes from larger trades are likely higher at the beginning and end of the day because high volume allows informed investors to increase their trade size without revealing their information to the market.
INDUSTRY PROSPECTS AND ACQUIRER RETURNS IN DIVERSIFYING TAKEOVERS
Authors: Shahrur Husayn , Venkateswaran Anand 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe use a sample of 816 diversifying takeovers from 1978 to 2003 to examine whether takeover announcements release negative information about the future prospects of the acquirer's main industry. We find that rivals that are most similar to the acquirer (homogeneous rivals) experience significant negative cumulative abnormal returns (CAR) around takeover announcements. Takeovers that result in negative wealth effects to acquirers are associated with negative abnormal revisions in analysts' forecasts of homogeneous rivals' earnings per share. We also find a decline in the posttakeover operating performance of rival firms. The decline is especially pronounced for homogeneous rivals and for takeovers with negative wealth effects to acquirers. Our findings imply that CAR‐based estimates of acquirer wealth gains from takeovers that do not account for industrywide information releases are significantly biased downward.
The sodium pump α1 sub‐unit: a disease progression–related target for metastatic melanoma treatment
Authors: Mathieu Véronique , Pirker Christine , Martin de Lassalle Elisabeth , Vernier Mathieu , Mijatovic Tatjana , DeNeve Nancy , Gaussin Jean‐François , Dehoux Mischael , Lefranc Florence , Berger Walter , Kiss Robert 
Published: February 2009

AbstractMelanomas remain associated with dismal prognosis because they are naturally resistant to apoptosis and they markedly metastasize. Up‐regulated expression of sodium pump α sub‐units has previously been demonstrated when comparing metastatic to non‐metastatic melanomas. Our previous data revealed that impairing sodium pump α1 activity by means of selective ligands, that are cardiotonic steroids, markedly impairs cell migration and kills apoptosis‐resistant cancer cells. The objective of this study was to determine the expression levels of sodium pump α sub‐units in melanoma clinical samples and cell lines and also to characterize the role of α1 sub‐units in melanoma cell biology. Quantitative RT‐PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the expression levels of sodium pump α sub‐units. In vitro cytotoxicity of various cardenolides and of an anti‐α1 siRNA was evaluated by means of MTT assay, quantitative videomicroscopy and through apoptosis assays. The in vivo activity of a novel cardenolide UNBS1450 was evaluated in a melanoma brain metastasis model. Our data show that all investigated human melanoma cell lines expressed high levels of the α1 sub‐unit, and 33% of human melanomas displayed significant α1 sub‐unit expression in correlation with the Breslow index. Furthermore, cardenolides (notably UNBS1450; currently in Phase I clinical trials) displayed marked anti‐tumour effects against melanomas in vitro. This activity was closely paralleled by decreases in cMyc expression and by increases in apoptotic features. UNBS1450 also displayed marked anti‐tumour activity in the aggressive human metastatic brain melanoma model in vivo. The α1 sodium pump sub‐unit could represent a potential novel target for combating melanoma.
Small, dense HDL 3 particles attenuate apoptosis in endothelial cells: pivotal role of apolipoprotein A‐I
Authors: De Souza Juliana A. , Vindis Cecile , Nègre‐Salvayre Anne , Rye Kerry‐Anne , Couturier Martine , Therond Patrice , Chantepie Sandrine , Salvayre Robert , Chapman M. John , Kontush Anatol 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPlasma high‐density lipoproteins (HDLs) protect endothelial cells against apoptosis induced by oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL). The specific component(s) of HDLs implicated in such cytoprotection remain(s) to be identified. Human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC‐1) were incubated with mildly oxLDL in the presence or absence of each of five physicochemically distinct HDL subpopulations fractionated from normolipidemic human plasma (n= 7) by isopycnic density gradient ultracentrifugation. All HDL subfractions protected HMEC‐1 against oxLDL‐induced primary apoptosis as revealed by nucleic acid staining, annexin V binding, quantitative DNA fragmentation, inhibition of caspase‐3 activity and reduction of cytoplasmic release of cytochrome c and apoptosis‐inducing factor. Small, dense HDL 3c displayed twofold superior intrinsic cytoprotective activity (as determined by mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity) relative to large, light HDL 2b on a per particle basis (P < 0.05). Equally, all HDL subfractions attenuated intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS); such anti‐oxidative activity diminished from HDL 3c to HDL 2b. The HDL protein moiety, in which apolipoprotein A‐I (apoA‐I) predominated, accounted for ∼70% of HDL anti‐apoptotic activity. Furthermore, HDL reconstituted with apoA‐I, cholesterol and phospholipid potently protected HMEC‐1 from apoptosis. By contrast, modification of the content of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate in HDL did not significantly alter cytoprotection. We conclude that small, dense, lipid‐poor HDL 3 potently protects endothelial cells from primary apoptosis and intracellular ROS generation induced by mildly oxLDL, and that apoA‐I is pivotal to such protection.
Calcineurin inhibition enhances motor neuron survival following injury
Authors: Hui Kelvin K.W. , Liadis Nicole , Robertson Jennifer , Kanungo Anish , Henderson Jeffrey T. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe immunosuppressive agents cyclosporin A (CsA) and FK‐506 have previously been shown to exhibit neurotrophic and neuroprotective propertiesin vivo. Given that significant clinical expertise exists for both drugs, they represent an attractive starting point for treatment of acute neural injuries. One putative mechanism for neuroprotection by these drugs relates to inhibition of calcineurin activity. However each drug–immunophilin complex can potentially influence additional signal transduction pathways. Furthermore, several non‐immunosuppressive immunophilin ligands have been described as possessing neuroprotective properties, suggesting that neuroprotection may be separable from calcineurin inhibition. In the present study, we examined the mechanism of this neuroprotection in facial motor neurons following axotomy‐induced injury. Similar to previous studies in rats, CsA and FK‐506 enhanced motor neuron survival in mice following acute injury. To examine the mechanism responsible for neuroprotection by these agents, pharmacologic inhibitors of several potential alternate signalling pathways (17‐(allylamino)‐17‐demethoxygeldanamycin, rapamycin, cypermethrin) were evaluated with respect to neuroprotection. Of these, only cypermethrin, a direct calcineurin inhibitor not previously associated with neuronal survival properties, was observed to significantly enhance motor neuron survival following injury. The results demonstrate for the first time that direct inhibition of calcineurin is neuroprotectivein vivo. These data support a model in which calcineurin inhibition promotes neuronal survival, distinct from effects upon neurite outgrowth.
Hematology and serum chemistry parameters in juvenile cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) of Mauritius origin: comparison between purpose‐bred and captured animals
Authors: Bonfanti Ugo , Lamparelli Domenica , Colombo Paolo , Bernardi Claudio 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground  The vast majority of non‐human primates used for experimental activities are purpose‐bred. However, in case of particular procedures or specific projects, it may still be necessary to use animals captured in the wild.Methods  Sixty cynomolgus monkeys were randomly selected on the basis of breeding origin, and assigned to two groups, each of fifteen males and fifteen females. Analyses included the most frequently investigated parameters for hematology, coagulation, and biochemistry.Results  Differences were observed in some parameters, particularly in eosinophils, basophils and monocytes, and in fibrinogen, total protein, globulins, alanine amino‐transferase, creatinine, aspartate amino‐transferase, alkaline phosphatase, γ‐glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, α‐hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, iron, potassium, and phosphorus.Conclusions  Some values in the cynomolgus monkey may show significant differences according to the breeding background of the animals. Only data obtained from animals of similar origin have to be compared, to avoid misinterpretation during the evaluation of the experimental results.
Non‐infectious ulcerating oral mucous membrane diseases
Authors: Altenburg Andreas , Krahl Dieter , Zouboulis Christos C. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryNon‐infectious ulcerative oral mucous membrane diseases are difficult to separate at first glance: they can appear as aphthous, bullous, lichenoid, drug‐induced or toxic‐irritative reactions. The overall considerations of history, localization of lesions, clinical and histological features, as well as direct and indirect immunofluorescence examination are required for the correct diagnosis. Some disorders start preferably at the oral mucosa, like pemphigus vulgaris and Adamantiades‐Behçet disease, while others, such as cicatricial pemphigoid and habitual aphthosis generally are confined to the mucous membranes. This overview summarizes clinical and diagnostic features, differential diagnoses and current therapeutic possibilities of non‐infectious inflammatory stom‐atopathies, which possess a specific position among skin diseases in distinction to infectious or neoplastic oral ulcers. This group of diseases includes aphthous lesions, lichen planus mucosae, lupus erythematosus, disorders with intraepi‐dermal or subepidermal formation of blisters including pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, erythema multiforme and variants as well as allergic or toxic contact stomatitis.
Polyvalent type IV sensitizations to multiple fragrances and a skin protection cream in a metalworker
Authors: Tanko Zita , Shab Arna , Diepgen Thomas Ludwig , Weisshaar Elke 
Published: February 2009

SummaryFragrances are very common in everyday products. A metalworker with chronic hand eczema and previously diagnosed type IV sensitizations to epoxy resin, balsam of Peru, fragrance mix and fragrance mix II was diagnosed with additional type IV sensitizations to geraniol, hydroxycitronellal, lilial, tree moss, oak moss absolute, citral, citronellol, farnesol, Lyral®, fragrance mix II and fragrance mix (with sorbitan sesquioleate). In addition, a type IV sensitization to the skin protection cream containing geraniol and citronellol used at the workplace was detected, and deemed occupationally relevant in this case. The patient could have had contact to fragrances through private use of cosmetics and detergents. On the other hand, the fragrance‐containing skin protection cream supports occupational exposure. This case report demonstrates that fragrance contact allergy has to be searched for and clarified individually, which requires a thorough history and a detailed analysis of the work place.
Bone metabolism markers and ghrelin in boys at different stages of sexual maturity
Authors: Jürimäe Jaak , Pomerants Triin , Tillmann Vallo , Jürimäe Toivo 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAim: To examine the relationship of the markers of bone formation (procollagen type I N‐terminal propeptide [PINP]) and bone resorption (type I carboxyterminal telopeptide [ICTP]) with bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), ghrelin and testosterone in boys during puberty.Methods: Sixty boys were divided in three groups (20 boys in each) based on the pubertal stage (G1, I; G2–G3, II; G4–G5, III). Fasting PINP, ICTP, ghrelin and testosterone were measured. Total body BMD, lumbar BMD, lumbar apparent volumetric BMD (BMAD) and BMC were measured by DXA.Results: PINP and ICTP values peaked at the beginning of puberty (Group II). Ghrelin was lower in Groups II and III compared to less mature boys. PINP and ICTP correlated with each other and were associated with lumbar BMAD in total group of boys. Relationships of PINP and ICTP with total BMD, total BMC and lumbar spine BMD in Group I were observed. PINP and ICTP were also correlated with testosterone in Group II and with lumbar spine BMAD in Group III.Conclusion: These data suggest that testosterone stimulates PINP and ICTP in early puberty, while ghrelin has no direct influence on bone turnover markers in boys at different stages of puberty.
Predictors of burnout in the family caregivers of Alzheimer's disease: Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Yılmaz Aysegul , Turan Engin , Gundogar Duru 
Published: February 2009

Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the factors related to burnout in the family caregivers of Alzheimer's disease.Methods:Subjects included in the study were 44 Alzheimer's disease patients and their primary caregivers. Patients were evaluated with Mini Mental State Examination, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Physical Self‐Maintenance Scale and Geriatric Depression Scale, and carers were administered Maslach Burnout Inventory, Ways of Coping Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.Results:The emotional exhaustion of caregivers revealed a significant relationship with the caregivers’ anxiety, submissive approach for coping and the patient's self‐maintenance. Depersonalisation was found to be related to the depression score of the patient.Discussion:This study may serve to increase clinicians’ awareness of burnout in relatives of dementia patients. It points to the fact that research for determining the causes and consequences of burnout in the family caregivers is warranted.
The impact of ageing‐in‐place policies on structural change in residential aged care
Authors: Richardson Bev , Bartlett Helen 
Published: February 2009

Objectives:  This paper reports findings from a study to investigate the impact of ageing‐in‐place policies on resident dependency levels and to explore the relationship between structural variables and outcome ratings. Methods:  The study involved a time series data collection of high‐ and low‐care places and accreditation ratings from both the first and the second accreditation cycles in Queensland (N = 482 and 499). Paired‐samples t‐tests were also conducted on a sample of homes providing both high‐ and low‐level care to assess changing dependency levels over the two time periods. Results:  A statistically significant increase (0.005) was found in the proportion of residents classified as high care living in low‐care homes between the first and the second accreditation cycles. Conclusions:  The findings suggest that the ageing‐in‐place regulatory intervention achieved the intended policy goal and homes have effectively implemented staffing and quality control strategies to accommodate the changes.
Self‐provision in retirement: Quantitative evidence on older Australians’ expectations and experiences
Authors: Ong Rachel 
Published: February 2009

Objectives:  To explore factors that correlate with expectations and experiences of self‐provision in retirement. Methods:  A regression modelling approach is adopted using a national survey that contains data on the retirement expectations and experiences of older Australians. Results:  Older Australians approaching retirement are more likely to expect to be self‐funded in retirement if they possess high qualification levels, stable employment and have healthy levels of wealth holdings. Divorced or separated older women are more likely to expect to be welfare‐reliant than other groups. The presence of children, disabilities and residence outside major cities do not affect prospective retirees’ expectations of being primarily self‐funded in retirement, but they do impact negatively on actual self‐provision in retirement. Forced retirement will significantly decrease the probability of self‐provision in retirement. Conclusions:  Policy reforms that focus on increasing employment opportunities for women after child‐bearing and promoting retirement choice will reduce welfare reliance among older Australians.
Grandparenting a child with a disability: An emotional rollercoaster
Authors: Woodbridge Sandra , Buys Laurie , Miller Evonne 
Published: February 2009

Objectives:  As our knowledge about the experiences of grandparents when their grandchild has a disability is extremely limited, the purpose of this research was to explore the emotional journey of Australian grandparents.Method:  This qualitative research utilised purposive sampling and semi‐structured in‐depth interviews to explore the experiences of 22 Australian grandparents, whose grandchild had been diagnosed with a disability.Results:  Three key themes characterized grandparent's emotional journey: adjusting (the transition from anger to acceptance), the ‘double grief’ (sadness about what might have been for both their child and grandchild) and pride in family (pride in family's ability to adjust to the challenges of the situation).Conclusion:  As the first Australian study to explore the experiences of grandparents when their grandchild has a disability, the research provides important new knowledge about the emotional journey for grandparents. Unlike overseas research, Australian grandparents view themselves as being there to support their own children, rather than ‘holding the family together’. The findings will provide current policy debates about the role of grandparents and highlight the importance of support services that help facilitate grandparent's role within their family.