bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective effect of 17β‐estradiol against N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate‐induced retinal neurotoxicity via p‐ERK induction
Authors: Hayashi Yasuhiro , Kitaoka Yasushi , Munemasa Yasunari , Ohtani‐Kaneko Ritsuko , Kikusui Takefumi , Uematsu Akira , Takeda Hiroyuki , Hirata Kazuaki , Mori Yuji , Ueno Satoki 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe investigated whether the neuroprotective effect of estrogen is mediated by the estrogen receptor (ER) and whether extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) is involved in the protective effect of estrogen against N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA)‐induced retinal neurotoxicity. Retrograde labeling of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) showed that pretreatment with 17β‐estradiol (E2) using a silastic implant significantly attenuated the loss of RGCs induced by intravitreal injection of NMDA. Simultaneous administration of U0126, an ERK inhibitor, with NMDA completely abolished the protective effect of E2. Moreover, ICI182,780, an ER antagonist, also significantly diminished the protective effect of E2. Pretreatment with E2 significantly reduced the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL)‐positive cells in the retinal ganglion cell layer (RGCL) and the inner nuclear layer (INL) 12 hr after NMDA injection. Moreover, ICI182,780 inhibited the ameliorative effect of E2 on TUNEL‐positive cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Immunostaining of anti‐ERα monoclonal antibody was observed mainly in the RGCL and the INL. Western blot analysis showed a significant increase in the level of phosphorylated ERK (p‐ERK) 6 hr after NMDA injection. However, NMDA did not increase the level of p‐ERK protein 7 days after injection. Pretreatment of E2 induced further increases of p‐ERK expression 6 hr and 7 days after NMDA injection, and U0126 and ICI182,780 significantly inhibited E2‐induced p‐ERK expression after 6 hr. These results suggest that E2 has an ER‐mediated neuroprotective effect against NMDA‐induced retinal neurotoxicity and that this effect may be associated with induction of p‐ERK in the retina. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oxidative stress in the aging murine olfactory bulb: Redox proteomics and cellular localization
Authors: Vaishnav Radhika A. , Getchell Marilyn L. , Poon H. Fai , Barnett Kara R. , Hunter Samuel A. , Pierce William M. , Klein Jon B. , Butterfield D. Allan , Getchell Thomas V. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA recent proteomics analysis from our laboratory demonstrated that several oxidative stress response proteins showed significant changes in steady‐state levels in olfactory bulbs (OBs) of 20‐ vs. 1.5‐month‐old mice. Oxidative stress may result in protein oxidation. In this study, we investigated two forms of protein oxidative modification in murine OBs: carbonylation and nitration. Redox proteomics with two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, protein digestion, and mass spectrometry was used to quantify total and specific protein carbonylation and to identify differentially carbonylated proteins and determine the carbonylation status of previously identified proteins in OBs of 1.5‐ and 20‐month‐old mice. Immunohistochemistry was used to demonstrate the relative intensity and localization of protein nitration in OBs of 1.5‐, 6‐, and 20‐month‐old mice. Total protein carbonylation was significantly greater in OBs of 20‐ vs. 1.5‐month‐old mice. Aldolase 1 (ALDO1) showed significantly more carbonylation in OBs from 20‐ vs. 1.5‐month‐old mice; heat shock protein 9A and dihydropyrimidinase‐like 2 showed significantly less. Several previously investigated proteins were also carbonylated, including ferritin heavy chain (FTH). Nitration, identified by 3‐nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity, was least abundant at 1.5 months, intermediate at 6 months, and greatest at 20 months and was localized primarily in blood vessels. Proteins that were specific targets of oxidation were also localized: ALDO1 in astrocytes of the granule cell layer and FTH in mitral/tufted cells. These results indicate that specific carbonylated proteins, including those in astrocytes and mitral/tufted neurons, and nitrated proteins in the vasculature are molecular substrates of age‐related olfactory dysfunction. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes of amino acid concentrations in the rat vestibular nuclei after inferior cerebellar peduncle transection
Authors: Sun Yizhe , Godfrey Donald A. , Godfrey Timothy G. , Rubin Allan M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAlthough there is a close relationship between the vestibular nuclear complex (VNC) and the cerebellum, little is known about the contribution of cerebellar inputs to amino acid neurotransmission in the VNC. Microdissection of freeze‐dried brain sections and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were combined to measure changes of amino acid concentrations within the VNC of rats following transection of the cerebellovestibular connections in the inferior cerebellar peduncle. Distributions of 12 amino acids within the VNC at 2, 4, 7, and 30 days after surgery were compared with those for control and sham‐lesioned rats. Concentrations of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) decreased by 2 days after unilateral peduncle transection in nearly all VNC regions on the lesioned side and to lesser extents on the unlesioned side and showed partial recovery up to 30 days postsurgery. Asymmetries between the two sides of the VNC were maintained through 30 days. Glutamate concentrations were reduced bilaterally in virtually all regions of the VNC by 2 days and showed complete recovery in most VNC regions by 30 days. Glutamine concentrations increased, starting 2 days after surgery, especially on the lesioned side, so that there was asymmetry generally opposite that of glutamate. Concentrations of taurine, aspartate, and glycine also underwent partially reversible changes after peduncle transection. The results suggest that GABA and glutamate are prominent neurotransmitters in bilateral projections from the cerebellum to the VNC and that amino acid metabolism in the VNC is strongly influenced by its cerebellar connections. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhanced autophagic cell death in expanded polyhistidine variants of HOXA1 reduces PBX1‐coupled transcriptional activity and inhibits neuronal differentiation
Authors: Paraguison Rubigilda C. , Higaki Katsumi , Yamamoto Kenji , Matsumoto Hideo , Sasaki Tsukasa , Kato Nobumasa , Nanba Eiji 
Published: November 2006

AbstractHOXA1 is a member of the homeobox gene family and is involved in early brain development. In our previous study, we identified novel variants of polyhistidine repeat tract in HOXA1 gene and showed that ectopic expression of expanded variants led to enhanced intranuclear aggregation and accelerated cell death in a time‐dependent manner. Here, we further investigate the implications of polyhistidine variants on HOXA1 function. Aside from intranuclear aggregation, we observed cytosolic aggregates during the early stages of expression. Rapamycin, an autophagy inducer, resulted in decreased protein aggregation and cell death. Here, we also show an interaction between variants of HOXA1 and one of the HOX protein known cofactors, PBX1. Expanded HOXA1 variants exhibited reduced PBX1‐coupled transcriptional activity through a regulatory enhancer of HOXB1. Moreover, we demonstrate that both deleted and expanded variants inhibited neurite outgrowth in retinoic acid‐induced neuronal differentiation in neuroblastoma cells. These results provide further evidence that expanded polyhistidine repeats in HOXA1 enhance aggregation and cell death, resulting in impaired neuronal differentiation and cooperative binding with PBX1. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Compensation by reduced L‐α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor responses in a mouse model with reduced γ‐aminobutyric acid type A receptor‐mediated synaptic inhibition
Authors: Möykkynen Tommi P. , Sinkkonen Saku T. , Korpi Esa R. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractL‐α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonists increase the threshold for electroshock‐induced convulsions. Here, we show that a transgenic mouse line overexpressing cerebellum‐restricted γ‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor α6 subunit in the hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells (Thy1α6 mouse line) exhibits about a 20% increase in the electroshock current intensity inducing tonic hindlimb extension convulsion in 50% of the mice compared with that of their wild‐type controls. AMPA receptor‐mediated miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) in patch clamp recordings of CA1 pyramidal neurons in hippocampal slices had decreased amplitudes (8.4 ± 2.2 pA) in the transgenics compared with the wild types (10.3 ± 2.5 pA) but showed no change in current decay or frequency. Our results suggest that decreased AMPA‐mediated neurotransmission might explain the increased threshold for electroconvulsions and warrant further studies on the regulation between various components of inhibition and excitation in neurons. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Current approaches to medullary thyroid carcinoma, sporadic and familial
Authors: Fialkowski Elizabeth A. , Moley Jeffrey F. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractMedullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare malignancy of the thyroid C cells. It occurs in hereditary (25% of cases) and sporadic forms, and aggressiveness is related to the clinical presentation (hereditary vs. sporadic) and the type of RET mutation present. In hereditary cases, early diagnosis makes preventative surgery possible. In established cases, thorough surgical extirpation of the primary tumor and nodal metastases has been the mainstay of treatment. Radioactive iodine, external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), and conventional chemotherapy have not been effective. Newer systemic treatments, with agents that target abnormal RET proteins, hold promise and are being tested in clinical trials for patients with metastatic disease. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;94:737–747. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PDMS‐Modified Polyurethane Films with Low Water Contact Angle Hysteresis
Authors: Dou Qizheng , Wang Changchun , Cheng Cheng , Han Wei , Thüne Peter C. , Ming Weihua 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSummary: Polyurethane (PU) films with low water contact angle hysteresis (CAH) were prepared by employing less than 0.2 wt.‐% of mono‐ or bihydroxyl‐functionalized polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) of 60–70 DMS repeat units. A Si content of as low as 0.03 wt.‐% was sufficient to lead to a CAH of 20°. The curing temperature demonstrated strong effects on the wetting behavior of the PDMS‐modified PU films: a relatively low curing temperature (40 °C) resulted in stronger surface segregation of PDMS than higher curing temperatures, giving rise to high water receding CAs and thus low CAH. It was found from angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis that the surface silicon content was greater when cured at a lower temperature. The surface of PDMS‐modified PU films was very smooth from AFM observations, but the Si content had strong effects on the surface phase contrast. The chain length of 60–70 DMS repeating units for both mono‐ and bifunctional PDMS appeared to be long enough to prevent the surface reorganization during the CA measurements.Schematic, simplified illustration of PDMS chains at the surface of PU films modified by PDMS60OH and PDMS70(OH)2.magnified imageSchematic, simplified illustration of PDMS chains at the surface of PU films modified by PDMS60OH and PDMS70(OH)2.
Structure and Properties of Poly(ε‐caprolactone) Networks with Modulated Water Uptake
Authors: Escobar Ivirico Jorge L. , Salmerón Sánchez Manuel , Sabater i Serra Roser , Meseguer Dueñas José María , Gómez Ribelles José Luis , Monleón Pradas Manuel 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSummary: A PCL macromonomer was obtained by the reaction of PCL diol with methacrylic anhydride. The effective incorporation of the polymerizable end groups was assessed by FT‐IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. PCL networks were then prepared by photopolymerization of the PCL macromonomer. Furthermore, the macromonomer was copolymerized with HEA, with the aim of tailoring the hydrophilicity of the system. A set of hydrophilic semicrystalline copolymer networks were obtained. The phase microstructure of the new system and the network architecture was investigated by DSC, IR, DMS, TG, dielectric spectroscopy and water sorption studies. The presence of the hydrophilic units in the system prevented PCL crystallization on cooling; yet there was no effect on the glass transition process. The copolymer networks showed microphase separation and the α relaxation of the HEA units moved to lower temperatures as the amount of PCL in the system increased.Ideal structure, compatible with the experimental results, for the hydrophilized poly(ε‐caprolactone) networks with modulated water uptake.magnified imageIdeal structure, compatible with the experimental results, for the hydrophilized poly(ε‐caprolactone) networks with modulated water uptake.
Asynchronous blepharospasm, facial and cervical dystonia, and bilateral asynchronous hemifacial spasm
Authors: Katz Bradley J. , Burroughs John R. , Anderson Richard L. , Bownds Shannon , McCann John D. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe present a patient with a facial movement disorder that has characteristics of both blepharospasm and bilateral asynchronous hemifacial spasm. Because of the increased incidence of blepharospasm in patients with hemifacial spasm, our patient's clinical presentation is probably not a chance occurrence, but rather a manifestation of some predisposition for these two movement disorders. This unusual constellation of signs and symptoms challenges the current diagnostic criteria and suggests that some of these facial movement disorders may lie on a spectrum, rather than represent distinct entities. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Pyramidal tract degeneration in multiple system atrophy: The relevance of magnetization transfer imaging
Authors: da Rocha Antonio José , Maia Antonio Carlos Martins , da Silva Carlos Jorge , Braga Flávio Túlio , Ferreira Nelson Paes Diniz Fortes , Barsottini Orlando Graziani Povoas , Ferraz Henrique Ballalai 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe clinical features of multiple system atrophy (MSA) include four domains: autonomic failure/urinary dysfunction, Parkinsonism, cerebellar ataxia, and corticospinal tract dysfunction. Although the diagnosis of definite MSA requires pathological confirmation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have been shown to contribute to the diagnosis of MSA. Although pyramidal tract dysfunction is frequent in MSA patients, signs of pyramidal tract involvement are controversially demonstrated by MRI. We evaluated the pyramidal involvement in 10 patients (7 women) with clinically probable MSA, detecting the presence of spasticity, hyperreflexia, and Babinski sign, as well as demonstrating degeneration of the pyramidal tract and primary motor cortex by MRI in all of them. Our article also discusses key radiological features of this syndrome. In MSA, pyramidal tract involvement seems to be more frequent than previously thought, and the clinicoradiological correlation between pyramidal tract dysfunction and degeneration may contribute to the understanding of the clinical hallmarks of MSA. MRI may also add information regarding the differential diagnosis of this syndrome. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Lower urinary tract symptoms and bladder control in advanced Parkinson's disease: Effects of deep brain stimulation in the subthalamic nucleus
Authors: Winge Kristian , Nielsen Kurt Krøyer , Stimpel Hans , Lokkegaard Annemette , Jensen Steen Rusborg , Werdelin Lene 
Published: November 2006

AbstractDeep brain stimulation in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) leads to significant improvement in motor function in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). In this prospective study including 16 patients with PD, we investigated (1) lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) by questionnaires International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS, symptoms only) and Danish Prostate Symptom Score (DanPSS, symptoms and bother of symptoms) and (2) bladder control (assessed by urodynamics) before and after implantation of electrodes in the STN. PD symptoms (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score) improved significantly (P < 0.0001), and symptoms of overactive bladder (IPSS) decreased along with the troublesome symptoms of overactive bladder (DanPSS; P < 0.01 for both). Urodynamic parameters before and after implantation of electrodes in the STN, evaluated with and without the stimulation on, did not change significantly. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Efficacy of pramipexole in restless legs syndrome: A six‐week, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind study (effect‐RLS study)
Authors: Oertel Wolfgang H. , Stiasny‐Kolster Karin , Bergtholdt Bettina , Hallström Yngve , Albo Jaan , Leissner Lena , Schindler Thomas , Koester Juergen , Reess Juergen 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe evaluated the efficacy of pramipexole versus placebo in restless legs syndrome (RLS) for 6 weeks. Overall, 345 patients were randomly assigned in a 1:2 ratio to receive either placebo (n = 115) or pramipexole (n = 230) with a starting dose of 0.125 mg/day. The dose was individually optimized according to the Patient Global Impression (PGI) assessment, up to a maximum of 0.75 mg/day. The primary endpoint consisted of two assessments: the change from baseline in the International RLS Study Group Rating Scale (IRLS) and the proportion of patients with Clinical Global Impressions‐Improvement (CGI‐I) assessments of “much/very much improved” (CGI‐I responders) at week 6. Secondary endpoints included PGI and IRLS responder rates. Patient demographics and baseline characteristics were comparable between treatment groups. At baseline, mean IRLS scores were 24.9 (placebo) and 24.7 (pramipexole), representing severely affected patients. After 6 weeks, adjusted mean reductions (±SE) in IRLS score were 5.7 (±0.9) for placebo (median dose 0.47 mg/day) and 12.3 (±0.6) for pramipexole (median dose 0.35 mg/day; P < 0.0001). CGI‐I responder rates were 32.5% (placebo) and 62.9% (pramipexole) (P < 0.0001). For all secondary endpoints, pramipexole showed superior results. Pramipexole was well tolerated throughout the study. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Well‐posedness for the incompressible magneto‐hydrodynamic system
Authors: Miao Changxing , Yuan Baoquan , Zhang Bo 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThis paper is concerned with well‐posedness of the incompressible magneto‐hydrodynamics (MHD) system. In particular, we prove the existence of a global mild solution in BMO−1 for small data which is also unique in the space C([0, ∞); BMO−1). We also establish the existence of a local mild solution in bmo−1 for small data and its uniqueness in C([0, T); bmo−1). In establishing our results an important role is played by the continuity of the bilinear form which was proved previously by Kock and Tataru. In this paper, we give a new proof of this result by using the weighted Lp‐boundedness of the maximal function. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Individual learning and building organisational capacity for development
Authors: Johnson Hazel , Thomas Alan 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBuilding capacities and capabilities for international development is an ongoing subject for debate, further fuelled by recent interest in learning and knowledge. This article focuses on how, and the extent to which, individual learners in education and training programmes for development policy and management interact with their organisations to build capacities and capabilities. It demonstrates some of the ways that individual learning and organisational capacity are linked by examining case studies from Uganda, Zimbabwe and South Africa. The article reflects on the complex nature of this interaction and on the broader challenges of linking learning to development. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factor‐α and the susceptibility to bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Strassberg Sonya S. , Cristea Ioana A. , Qian Dajun , Parton Lance A. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common chronic lung disease of infancy. A “New” BPD has been characterized in preterm infants that may begin in utero, and then progress post‐natally, resulting in arrested lung development and alveolar hypoplasia. Foundations for this “New” BPD may be derived from pro‐inflammatory genes including tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα). The hypothesis of the current study is that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the pro‐inflammatory TNFα gene place preterm infants at increased risk for BPD. Preterm infants (105 in number) with birthweights ≤1 kg, who survived to at least 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) or discharge were enrolled into this study. They were stratified for BPD according to their need for supplemental oxygen at 28 days and at 36 weeks PMA (non‐, mild‐, moderate‐, or severe‐BPD). DNA was extracted from these infants and subjected to analyses for the TNFα SNPs: −1,031, −863, −857, −308, and −238. The PHASE software (version 2.1) was used to reconstruct haplotypes and estimate their frequencies within the study population. Differences in birth weight (P < 0.001) and gestational age (P < 0.001), but not in racial distribution between the groups were found. Haplotype‐specific analysis revealed no significant association between BPD severity and any of the 5‐marker common haplotypes with 10 or more copies in this study population. Additionally, no significant association was observed in any three SNP haplotypes at −1,031, −863, and −857, and two SNP haplotypes at −308 and −238. We observed no association between BPD severity and the five TNFα SNPs investigated. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:29–36. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effectiveness of a pre‐operative home‐based physiotherapy programme for chronic anterior cruciate ligament deficiency
Authors: Keays SL , Bullock‐Saxton JE , Newcombe P , Bullock MI 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground and Purpose. Little evidence supports the prescription of pre‐operative rehabilitation in the treatment of chronic anterior cruciate ligament‐deficient (ACLD) subjects. The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of a specific six‐week pre‐operative exercise programme on ACLD knees. Method. A single, masked, controlled study was designed. This comprised two matched groups of 12 chronically ACLD patients awaiting reconstruction and a group of 12 matched uninjured control subjects. Only one ACLD group received a home‐based exercise and educational programme. Assessment before and after the exercise intervention included: knee joint stability (clinical and KT1000 evaluation); muscle strength (Cybex II); standing balance and functional performance (agility, hop and subjective tests). Results. At the time of initial assessment there were no statistically significant differences in any measures for the two ACLD groups but both ACLD groups were significantly different from the uninjured control group as regards quadriceps strength and function. Measures taken after six weeks showed no significant improvement in the untreated ACLD group or in the uninjured control group The treated ACLD group showed significant improvement in the following measures: quadriceps strength measured at 60° and 120° per second (p < 0.001); single leg standing balance with eyes closed (p < 0.001); instrumented passive stability at 20 lb (89N) force (p = 0.003); agility and subjective performance (p < 0.001). The incidence of unstable episodes had decreased in the treated ACLD group, reducing further damage to the joint. Conclusion. This study leaves little doubt that pre‐operative physiotherapy had a positive effect on motor function in ACLD subjects and should be prescribed routinely to maximize muscle stabilizing potential prior to reconstruction. Patients report improved stability and, in certain cases, may avoid surgery. The finding that exercise increased the passive stability of the joint was unexpected and requires further investigation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.