bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bi‐directional regulation of postsynaptic cortactin distribution by BDNF and NMDA receptor activity
Authors: Iki Junko , Inoue Akihiro , Bito Haruhiko , Okabe Shigeo 
Published: December 2005

AbstractCortactin is an F‐actin‐associated protein which interacts with the postsynaptic scaffolding protein Shank at the SH3 domain and is localized within the dendritic spine in the mouse neuron. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐based time‐lapse imaging revealed cortactin redistribution from dendritic cytoplasm to postsynaptic sites by application of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This response was mediated by mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase activation and was dependent on the C‐terminal SH3 domain. In contrast, activation of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors induced loss of cortactin from postsynaptic sites. This NMDA‐dependent redistribution was blocked by an Src family kinase inhibitor. Conversely, increasing Src family kinase activity induced cortactin phosphorylation and loss of cortactin from the postsynaptic sites. Finally, blocking of endogenous BDNF reduced the amount of cortactin at the postsynaptic sites and an NMDA receptor antagonist prevented this reduction. These results indicate the importance of counterbalance between BDNF and NMDA receptor‐mediated signalling in the reorganization of the postsynaptic actin cytoskeleton during neuronal development.
Dopamine regulates melanopsin mRNA expression in intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Sakamoto Katsuhiko , Liu Cuimei , Kasamatsu Manami , Pozdeyev Nikita V. , Iuvone P. Michael , Tosini Gianluca 
Published: December 2005

AbstractIn mammals a subpopulation of retinal ganglion cells are intrinsically photosensitive (ipRGCs), express the photopigment melanopsin, and play an important role in the regulation of the nonimage‐forming visual system. We have recently reported that melanopsin mRNA and protein levels in the rat retina are under photic and circadian control. The aim of the present work was to investigate the mechanisms that control melanopsin expression in the rat retina. We discovered that dopamine (DA) is involved in the regulation of melanopsin mRNA, possibly via dopamine D2 receptors that are located on these ipRGCs. Interestingly, we also discovered that pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating peptide (PACAP) mRNA levels are affected by DA. Dopamine synthesis and release in the retina are regulated by the rod and the cone photoreceptors via retinal circuitry; our new data indicate that DA controls melanopsin expression, indicating that classical photoreceptors may modulate the transcription of this new photopigment. Our study also suggests that DA may have an important role in mediating the light signals that are used for circadian entrainment and for other responses that are mediated by the nonimage‐forming visual system.
Influence of photoperiodic history on clock genes and the circadian pacemaker in the rat retina
Authors: Rohleder Nils , Langer Christina , Maus Christian , Spiwoks‐Becker Isabella , Emser Angela , Engel Lydia , Spessert Rainer 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe influence of seasonal lighting conditions on expression of clock genes and the circadian pacemaker was investigated in the rat retina. For this purpose, the 24‐h profiles of nine clock genes (bmal1, clock, per1, per2, per3, dec1, dec2, cry1 and cry 2) and the arylalkylamine N‐acetyltransferase gene as an indicator of the circadian pacemaker output were compared between light–dark periods of 8 : 16 and 16 : 8 h. The photoperiod influenced the daily patterns of the amount of transcript for per1, per3, dec2 and arylalkylamine N‐acetyltransferase. This indicates that photoperiodic information modulates clock gene expression in addition to the circadian pacemaker of the retina. Under constant darkness, photoperiod‐dependent changes in the daily profile of the level of transcript persisted for the arylalkylamine N‐acetyltransferase gene but not for any of the clock genes. Hence, quantitative expression of each clock gene is influenced by the photoperiod only under the acute light–dark cycle, whereas the pacemaker is capable of storing photoperiodic information from past cycles.
Increased mRNA levels of tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter in the VTA of male rats after chronic food restriction
Authors: Lindblom Jonas , Johansson Andreas , Holmgren Andreas , Grandin Elisabeth , Nedergård Carina , Fredriksson Robert , Schiöth Helgi B. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractDieting as a strategy to reduce body weight often fails as it causes food cravings leading to bingeing and weight regain. Evidence from several lines of research suggests the presence of shared elements for neural regulation of food and drug craving. We quantified the expression of eight genes involved in dopamine signalling in brain regions related to the mesolimbic and nigrostriatal dopamine system in male rats subjected to chronic food restriction using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Food restriction strongly increased mRNA levels of tyrosine hydroxylase and the dopamine transporter in the ventral tegmental area. Quantitative autoradiography indicated that the dopamine transporter was also upregulated at the protein level in the shell of the nucleus accumbens. However, these effects were not observed after acute food deprivation. We suggest that the results reflect a sensitization of the mesolimbic dopamine pathway characterized by increased clearance of extracellular dopamine in the nucleus accumbens shell. Such sensitization of the mesolimbic dopamine system may be one of the underlying causes for the food cravings that interfere with dietary compliance.
Deep biosphere‐related bacteria within the subsurface of tidal flat sediments
Authors: Wilms Reinhard , Köpke Beate , Sass Henrik , Chang Tae Soo , Cypionka Heribert , Engelen Bert 
Published: December 2005

SummaryBiogeochemical and microbiological processes in the upper sediment layers of tidal flats were analysed in many investigations, while deeper zones remained largely unexplored. Therefore, denaturant gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of 16S rRNA gene fragments along the depth profile of up to 5.5 m‐long sediment cores was performed in comparison with lithological and geochemical parameters. The investigation revealed that different compartments of the sediment columns were characterized by specific microbial communities. These compartments were analysed by sequencing of 113 DGGE bands. The upper layers down to 160–200 cm were dominated by gamma‐ and delta‐Proteobacteria representing more than 60% of the total number of phylotypes. Underneath, a striking shift in community composition was observed, as the Proteobacteria were replaced by Chloroflexi with more than 60% of all sequences. As sulfate was still available as an electron acceptor in these layers, the abundance of Chloroflexi might be promoted by the electron donor or the quality of the carbon source. The dominance of this group, previously known as green non‐sulfur bacteria, indicates the presence of a typical deep‐biosphere microbial community in relatively young subsurface sediments. Thus, tidal flats might offer a convenient possibility to study and understand certain aspects of the deep biosphere in general.
Denaturing gradient electrophoresis (DGE) and single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) molecular fingerprintings revisited by simulation and used as a tool to measure microbial diversity
Authors: Loisel Patrice , Harmand Jérôme , Zemb Olivier , Latrille Eric , Lobry Claude , Delgenès Jean‐Philippe , Godon Jean‐Jacques 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThe exact extent of microbial diversity remains unknowable. Nevertheless, fingerprinting patterns [denaturing gradient electrophoresis (DGE), single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP)] provide an image of a microbial ecosystem and contain diversity data. We generated numerical simulation fingerprinting patterns based on three types of distribution (uniform, geometric and lognormal) with a range of units from 10 to 500 000. First, simulated patterns containing a diversity of around 1000 units or more gave patterns similar to those obtained in experiments. Second, the number of bands or peaks saturated quickly to about 35 and were unrelated to the degree of diversity. Finally, assuming lognormal distribution, we used an estimator of diversity on in silico and experimental fingerprinting patterns. Results on in silico patterns corresponded to the simulation inputs. Diversity results in experimental patterns were in the same range as those obtained from the same DNA sample in molecular inventories. Thus, fingerprinting patterns contain extractable data about diversity although not on the basis of a number of bands or peaks, as is generally assumed to be the case.
Minocycline exerts inhibitory effects on multiple mitogen‐activated protein kinases and IκBα degradation in a stimulus‐specific manner in microglia
Authors: Nikodemova Maria , Duncan Ian D. , Watters Jyoti J. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractCNS inflammation mediated by microglial activation can result in neuronal and glial cell death in a variety of neurodegenerative and demyelinating diseases. Minocycline, a second‐generation tetracycline, has profound anti‐inflammatory properties in the CNS mediated, in part, by inhibition of microglia. MAPK and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation are hallmarks of activated microglia and they are critical for the expression of many inflammatory mediators. In the present study, we investigated minocycline effects on activation of p38, c‐Jun‐N‐terminal activated protein kinase (JNK) 1/2 and extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 MAPKs and inhibitor α of NF‐κB (IκBα) degradation in BV‐2 and primary microglial cells. Our results demonstrate that minocycline has the ability to inhibit all MAPKs but these effects strongly depend on the stimulus used for MAPK activation. Minocycline significantly decreased activation of all lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated MAPKs but it was without effect on MAPKs activated by H2O2. Minocycline inhibited JNK1/2 and ERK1/2 but not p38 when stimulated by 2′,3′‐O‐(4‐benzoylbenzoyl)‐adenosine 5′‐triphosphate, indicating that minocycline affects only certain upstream signaling target(s) that are stimulus‐specific. Our data also suggest that protein kinase C (PKC) inhibition may be partially involved in the minocycline mechanism of MAPK inhibition. In addition, minocycline attenuated lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated degradation of IκBα implying a possible inhibitory role on NF‐κB transcriptional activity.
Regulation of phosphorylation of the GluR1 AMPA receptor by dopamine D2 receptors
Authors: Håkansson Kerstin , Galdi Stacey , Hendrick Joseph , Snyder Gretchen , Greengard Paul , Fisone Gilberto 
Published: December 2005

AbstractIn the striatum, stimulation of dopamine D2 receptors results in attenuation of glutamate responses. This effect is exerted in large part via negative regulation of AMPA glutamate receptors. Phosphorylation of the GluR1 subunit of the AMPA receptor has been proposed to play a critical role in the modulation of glutamate transmission, in striatal medium spiny neurons. Here, we have examined the effects of blockade of dopamine D2‐like receptors on the phosphorylation of GluR1 at the cAMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKA) site, Ser845, and at the protein kinase C and calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II site, Ser831. Administration of haloperidol, an antipsychotic drug with dopamine D2 receptor antagonistic properties, increases the phosphorylation of GluR1 at Ser845, without affecting phosphorylation at Ser831. The same effect is observed using eticlopride, a selective dopamine D2 receptor antagonist. In contrast, administration of the dopamine D2‐like agonist, quinpirole, decreases GluR1 phosphorylation at Ser845. The increase in Ser845 phosphorylation produced by haloperidol is abolished in dopamine‐ and cAMP‐regulated phosphoprotein of 32 kDa (DARPP‐32) knockout mice, or in mice in which the PKA phosphorylation site on DARPP‐32 (i.e. Thr34) has been mutated (Thr34 → Ala mutant mice), and requires tonic activation of adenosine A2A receptors. These results demonstrate that dopamine D2 antagonists increase GluR1 phosphorylation at Ser845 by removing the inhibitory tone exerted by dopamine D2 receptors on the PKA/DARPP‐32 cascade.
Deformation and fluid flow during orogeny at the palaeo‐Pacific active margin of Gondwana: the Early Palaeozoic Robertson Bay accretionary complex (north Victoria Land, Antarctica)
Authors: ROSSETTI F. , TECCE F. , ALDEGA L. , BRILLI M. , FACCENNA C. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractStructural investigations, integrated with X‐ray diffraction, fluid inclusion microthermometry and oxygen‐stable isotope analyses are used to reconstruct the deformation history and the palaeo‐fluid circulation during formation of the low‐grade, turbidite‐dominated Early Palaeozoic Robertson Bay accretionary complex of north Victoria Land (Antarctica). Evidence for progressive deformation is elucidated by analysing the textural fabric of chronologically distinct, thrust‐related quartz vein generations, incrementally developed during progressive shortening and thickening of the Robertson Bay accretionary complex. Our data attest that orogenic deformation was mainly controlled by dissolution–precipitation creep, modulated by stress‐ and strain‐rate‐dependent fluid pressure cycling, associated with local and regional permeability variations induced by the distribution and evolution of the fracture network during regional thrusting. Fracture‐related fluid pathways constituted efficient conduits for episodic fluid flow. The dominant migrating fluid was pre‐to‐syn‐folding and associated with the migration of warm (160–200 °C) nitrogen‐ and carbonic (CO2 and CH4)‐bearing fluids. Both fluid advection and diffusive mass transfer are recognized as operative mechanisms for fluid–rock interaction and vein formation during continuous shortening. In particular, fluid–rock interaction was the consequence of dissolution–precipitation creep assisted by tectonically driven cooling fluids moving through the rock section as a result of seismic pumping. The most likely source of the migrating fluids would be the frontal part of the growing accretionary complex, where fluids from the deep levels in the hinterland are driven trough channelization operated by the thrust‐related fracture (fault) systems.
Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination in Older Veterans: Results from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Authors: Chi Ru‐Chien , Reiber Gayle E. , Neuzil Kathleen M. 
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVES: To compare influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates of older veterans with those of nonveterans and to compare vaccination rates of veterans who receive care at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers with those of veterans who do not.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional population‐based study.SETTING: United States and territories.PARTICIPANTS: Persons aged 65 and older who participated in the 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.MEASUREMENTS: Telephone survey of sociodemographics factors, including veteran status and VA care, health and behavioral characteristics, and influenza and pneumococcal vaccine use.RESULTS: Thirty percent of adults aged 65 and older were veterans, and 21% of veterans reported receiving care at VA health facilities. Veterans, especially VA users, were older and described poorer self‐perceived health than nonveterans. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates were higher for veterans than for nonveterans (74% vs 68% and 68% vs 63%, respectively, P<.001 for both) and for VA users than non‐VA users (80% vs 72% and 81% vs 64%, respectively, P<.001 for both). For veterans, VA care was independently associated with influenza (odds ratio (OR)=1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.5–2.2) and pneumococcal (OR=2.4, 95% CI=2.0–2.9) vaccine use after adjusting for sociodemographics factors, perceived health status, diabetes mellitus, asthma, and smoking. Current smoking and black race were independent predictors of low influenza vaccine uptake.CONCLUSION: VA care was associated with improved influenza and pneumococcal vaccine coverage, although vaccination rates for all elderly veterans fell short of Healthy People 2010 goals. Increased efforts to reach undervaccinated groups, particularly blacks and smokers, are warranted.
Therapeutic Exercise and Depressive Symptoms After Stroke
Authors: Lai Sue‐Min , Studenski Stephanie , Richards Lorie , Perera Subashan , Reker Dean , Rigler Sally , Duncan Pamela W. 
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of exercise on depressive symptoms and the effect of baseline depressive symptoms on the benefits from exercise in stroke survivors who have completed acute rehabilitation.DESIGN: Planned secondary analysis of the data from a 9‐month randomized, controlled trial.SETTING: Participant homes.PARTICIPANTS: One hundred stroke survivors who had completed acute rehabilitation.INTERVENTION: A progressive, structured, 3‐month physical exercise program.MEASUREMENTS: Demographics, stroke characteristics, impairments, functional limitations, the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Stroke Impact Scale, and the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short Form.RESULTS: Baseline rates of depressive symptoms and other stroke sequelae were similar between the two arms. Ninety‐three participants were assessed immediately after the intervention (3 months after enrollment), and 80 were assessed 9 months after enrollment. Six (14%) of the exercise group and 16 (35.6%) of the usual‐care group had depressive symptoms at 3 months (P=.03). At 9 months, three (7.5%) of the exercisers had significant depressive symptoms compared with 10 (25%) who received usual care (P=.07). Participants with and without baseline depressive symptoms had equivalent treatment‐related gains in impairments and functional limitations, but only participants with depressive symptoms had improved quality of life.CONCLUSION: Exercise may help reduce poststroke depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms do not limit gains in physical function due to exercise. Exercise may contribute to improved quality of life in those with poststroke depressive symptoms.
Soft tissue myxoma: report of an unusual case located on the gingiva
Authors: Perrotti Vittoria , Rubini Corrado , Fioroni Massimiliano , Piattelli Adriano 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackground: Soft tissue myxoma of the oral cavity is rare. Only three cases of myxoma of gingiva have been reported in the literature. We present a case of soft tissue myxoma arising from the left maxillary adherent gingiva in a 42‐year‐old female patient.Methods: Histological examination showed spindle‐shaped cells in a myxoid stroma. Immunohistochemical stains with S‐100 protein were negative, while those with vimentin were positive.Results: Clinical examination revealed a soft tissue mass, with tense elastic consistency on palpation. The overlying mucosa was normal and healthy. A clinical diagnosis of fibroma was given. Histological examination showed spindle‐shaped and stellate cells, arranged in a myxoid fibrous stroma, with collagen fibres distributed uniformly. Scattered islands or strands of inactive odontogenic epithelium were present. On the basis of the histological and immunohistochemical findings, the final diagnosis was soft tissue myxoma.Conclusions: Further studies are necessary to clarify the origin and histogenesis of this lesion.
A review of the effects of stannous fluoride on gingivitis
Authors: Paraskevas S. , Van Der Weijden G. A. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractAim: To review the literature on the effects of stannous fluoride on gingivitis.Material and Methods: The Medline and cochrane central register of controlled trials were searched up to August 2005 to identify appropriate studies. The primary outcome measure was gingivitis.Results: Independent screening of titles and abstracts of 542 papers resulted in 36 publications (inter‐reviewer ê score of 0.76), out of which 15 papers finally fulfilled the criteria of eligibility. For SnF2dentifrices, a statistically significant reduction in gingivitis was noted in comparison with control (weighted mean difference (WMD) of 0.15 (gingival index) and 0.21 (gingivitis severity index) (test for heterogeneity p<0.00001, I2=91.1% and p=0.03, I2=80.1%, respectively)). With regard to plaque reduction inconsistent results existed. On using the plaque index no differences were found, whereas meta‐analysis of the Turesky index provided a WMD of 0.31 (p=0.01, test for heterogeneity p<0.0001, I2=91.7%). Because of insufficient data, a meta‐analysis for SnF2mouth rinse and dentifrice/mouthrinse formulations was not performed.Conclusions: The use of SnF2 dentifrices results in gingivitis and plaque reduction when compared with a conventional dentifrice. The precise magnitude of this effect was difficult to assess because of a high level of heterogeneity in study outcomes.
The effect of wear on ultrasonic scaler tip displacement amplitude
Authors: Lea Simon C. , Landini Gabriel , Walmsley A. Damien 
Published: December 2005

AbstractAim: During clinical usage, scaler tips may become worn and reduced in length. It is unknown what effect wear has on the magnitude of scaler tip vibrations when they are utilized under typical clinical loads. The aim of this investigation was to assess the effect of simulated wear on ultrasonic scaler tip displacement amplitude, using a scanning laser vibrometer.Materials and Methods: A Cavitron SPS (Dentsply) ultrasonic generator and three scaler insert designs (FSI‐100, FSI‐1000 and FSI‐SLI‐10S) were selected for the investigation. Tip vibration displacement amplitude was assessed unloaded and then contacting against tooth surfaces with loads of 0.5 and 1.0 N. Tips were then ground down by 1 mm and then 2 mm and scans were repeated.Results: For all tips, load and length were found to be significant variables (p<0.0001). The scaler tips showed a fall in displacement amplitude with a reduction in tip length. However, all scaler tips showed variability in the amount oscillation that occurred. This was most pronounced with FSI‐SLI‐10S.Conclusions: This investigation demonstrated that tip wear could affect the performance of dental ultrasonic scaler inserts by reducing their vibration displacement amplitude. Clinicians should be aware of this variability, which may be significant enough to affect clinical procedures.
Oral malodor‐related parameters in the Chinese general population
Authors: Liu Xue Nan , Shinada Kayoko , Chen Xiao Chi , Zhang Bo Xue , Yaegaki Ken , Kawaguchi Yoko 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectives: To estimate the prevalence of halitosis in the Chinese population and to assess the relationships between halitosis and oral health, social and behavioural factors.Methods: The correlation between the incidence of oral malodor and oral health was surveyed in a sample of 2000 individuals (1000 males and 1000 females) aged 15–64 years residing in urban and rural areas. Malodor was measured with both organoleptic measurements and with a portable sulphide monitor. Assessment of oral health included decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT), periodontal status, dental plaque, and tongue coating. Behavioural and social factors related with oral health or halitosis were also investigated.Results: The prevalence of halitosis was 27.5% according to the organoleptic score. The level of volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) in mouth air was significantly lower in males and in some of the age groups after lunch. Age and location of residence (rural or urban areas) did not influence the VSCs concentration in mouth air. The amount of tongue coating played the most important role in increasing VSCs concentration in mouth air, followed by periodontal status and plaque index values. DMFT, social, and behavioural factors did not contribute to halitosis.Conclusions: Tongue coating score, modified sulcus bleeding index and calculus index were factors significantly related to oral malodor in this study.