bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of cortical cannabinoid CB1 receptor in conditioned taste aversion memory
Authors: Kobilo Tali , Hazvi Shoshi , Dudai Yadin 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe brain endocannabinoid system has been shown to play a role in memory, though the extent to which this role generalizes over different types and processes of memory is not yet determined. Here we show that the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) plays differential roles in acquisition, extinction and reconsolidation of conditioned taste aversion (CTA) memory in the rat insular cortex, which contains the taste cortex. Activation of the CB1 receptor in the insular cortex inhibits acquisition and reconsolidation but not extinction, whereas blockade of the CB1 receptor promotes memory and blocks extinction of CTA, while having no apparent effect on reconsolidation. The CB1 ligands used in this study were incapable of substituting the unconditioned stimulus in CTA training. All in all, the data raise the possibility that the state of activity of the CB1 receptor in the insular cortex contributes to the encoding of hedonic valence that enters into association with taste items.
Expression and localization of P2 nucleotide receptor subtypes during development of the lateral ventricular choroid plexus of the rat
Authors: Johansson P. A. , Burnstock G. , Dziegielewska K. M. , Guida E. , McIntyre P. , Saunders N. R. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe choroid plexuses secrete cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and regulate the brain's internal environment via the blood–CSF barrier. The permeability properties of the blood–CSF interface have been studied previously in adult and immature brains, however, little is known about the development of CSF secretion and its modulation. ATP influences secretion in other epithelia via ionotropic P2X or metabotropic P2Y receptors. P2 receptors have frequently been found to be down‐regulated in the postnatal period, suggesting a developmental role for purinergic and pyrimidine signalling. The present study investigated the expression of P2 receptors in lateral ventricular choroid plexus in relation to recent studies of aquaporin‐1 expression and rapid expansion of the lateral ventricles in rat embryos. In the present study mRNAs for all known mammalian nucleotide receptor subtypes, except P2X7, were identified from as early as E15. P2X7 mRNA was detected from E18. Indications of differential expression patterns were observed for the different subtypes during development: an apparent increase in expression for P2Y2 and P2X7, a decline in P2X1‐2,4, no detectable difference in expression levels for P2X6 and P2Y12‐13 and transient expression peaks for P2X3,5 and P2Y1,4,6,14. P2X4,5,7 and P2Y1,4 receptor proteins were detected immunohistochemically in the choroidal epithelium from early in development (E15 or E18). Their differing developmental profiles suggest specific roles in the development of CSF secretion that may have particular relevance for the rapid expansion of the ventricles that occurs in the embryo. P2X5 and P2Y6 were also detected in the developing neuropendyma from P0 and P9, respectively.
Layer and frequency dependencies of phase response properties of pyramidal neurons in rat motor cortex
Authors: Tsubo Yasuhiro , Takada Masahiko , Reyes Alex D. , Fukai Tomoki 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIt is postulated that synchronous firing of cortical neurons plays an active role in cognitive functions of the brain. An important issue is whether pyramidal neurons in different cortical layers exhibit similar tendencies to synchronise. To address this issue, we performed intracellular and whole‐cell recordings of regular‐spiking pyramidal neurons in slice preparations of the rat motor cortex (18–45 days old) and analysed the phase response curves of these pyramidal neurons in layers 2/3 and 5. The phase response curve represents how an external stimulus affects the timing of spikes immediately after the stimulus in repetitively firing neurons. The phase response curve can be classified into two categories, type 1 (the spike is always advanced) and type 2 (the spike is advanced or delayed depending on the stimulus phase), and are important determinants of whether or not rhythmic synchronization of neuron pairs occurs. We found that pyramidal neurons in layer 2/3 tend to display type‐2 phase response curves whereas those in layer 5 tend to exhibit type‐1 phase response curves. The differences were prominent particularly in the gamma‐frequency range (20–45 Hz). Our results imply that the layer‐2/3 pyramidal neurons, when coupled mutually through fast excitatory synapses, may exhibit a much stronger tendency for rhythmic synchronization than layer‐5 neurons in the gamma‐frequency range.
Expression of the cGMP‐specific phosphodiesterases 2 and 9 in normal and Alzheimer's disease human brains
Authors: Reyes‐Irisarri Elisabet , Markerink‐Van Ittersum Marjanne , Mengod Guadalupe , De Vente Jan 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe studied the mRNA expression of cGMP‐hydrolysing phosphodiesterases (PDEs) in selected brain areas of normal elderly people and patients with Alzheimer's disease. Using radioactive in‐situ hybridization histochemistry we found a widespread distribution of the mRNA for PDE2 and PDE9, whereas no specific hybridization signal was observed for PDE5. We observed PDE2 and PDE9 mRNA in all cortical areas studied (insular cortex, entorhinal cortex and visual cortex), although to a different extent. PDE2 mRNA was high in the claustrum, whereas PDE9 mRNA was moderate. PDE2 and PDE9 mRNAs was present in the putamen. No cGMP‐hydrolysing PDE expression was observed in the globus pallidus. PDE2 and PDE9 mRNA was observed in all subareas of the hippocampus; however, there were significant differences in the amount of expression. In the Purkinje and cerebellar granule cells only PDE9 expression was observed. PDE2 and PDE9 mRNA expression was not significantly different in Alzheimer's disease brains.
Factors influencing the relation between corticospinal output and muscle force during voluntary contractions
Authors: Gelli F. , Del Santo F. , Popa T. , Mazzocchio R. , Rossi A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe mechanisms by which voluntary forces of different strengths are produced in human muscles are not clear. We studied the relation between force and surface electromyography (sEMG) variables over a wide range of voluntary contraction strengths of biceps brachii (BIC) and abductor digiti minimi (ADM). The relation between force and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) to transcranial magnetic stimulation of motor cortex was also assessed. The root mean square of sEMG and median frequency (Mf) of the sEMG power spectrum as well as the MEP area of ADM and BIC were calculated up to the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). The root mean square of ADM and BIC increased with increasing force levels up to the MVC. The Mf of BIC increased with force levels up to 70% MVC after which it rapidly declined. The Mf of ADM peaked at 40% MVC to slowly decline thereafter. The MEP changes with force were similar to Mf changes. Thus, corticospinal output, as tested by the Mf and MEPs, does not parallel force increments across the contraction range. This decline, which is contingent on the relative contribution of motor unit recruitment and rate coding to force production in each muscle, may depend on reduced motoneurone responsiveness at high firing rates. We suggest that, under controlled conditions, the frequency content of the sEMG signal may be taken to indicate motor unit recruitment range. This information may improve the utility of the Mf to enable evaluation of voluntary activation under different conditions.
Endurance exercise facilitates relearning of forelimb motor skill after focal ischemia
Authors: Ploughman Michelle , Attwood Zachary , White Nicole , Doré Jules J. E. , Corbett Dale 
Published: June 2007

AbstractEndurance exercise (i.e. running), by up‐regulating brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and other modulators of synaptic plasticity, improves attention and learning, both critical components of stroke rehabilitation. We hypothesized that, following middle cerebral artery occlusion in male Sprague‐Dawley rats, endurance exercise would act synergistically with a challenging skilled forelimb task to facilitate motor recovery. Animals were randomly assigned to one of four rehabilitation conditions: no rehabilitation, running only, reach training only, and reach training preceded by running (run/reach training) for 5 weeks beginning 5 days after stroke. The behavioral outcome, morphological change and mRNA expression of proteins implicated in neuroplasticity (BDNF, synapsin I and microtubule‐associated protein 2) were compared. Endurance exercise on a motorized running wheel, prior to reach training, enhanced recovery of skilled reaching ability but did not transfer to gross motor skills such as postural support (forelimb asymmetry test) and gait (ladder rung walking test). Microtubule‐associated protein 2 staining density in the run/reach group was slightly enhanced in the contralateral motor cortex compared with the contralateral sensory and ipsilateral cingulate cortices, suggesting that running preceding reach training may have resulted in more dendritic branching within the motor cortex in this group. No significant differences in mRNA levels were detected among the training paradigms; however, there was a trend toward greater BDNF and synapsin I mRNA in the reaching groups. These findings suggest that exercise facilitates learning of subsequent challenging reaching tasks after stroke, which has the potential to optimize outcomes in patients with stroke.
An antibody to synaptotagmin I facilitates synaptic transmission
Authors: Hua Shao‐Ying , Teylan Merilee A. , Cimenser Aylin 
Published: June 2007

AbstractProper functioning of the nervous system requires precise control of neurotransmitter release. Synaptotagmin, a synaptic vesicle protein, is crucial for the temporal control of neurotransmitter release. The mechanism of synaptotagmin function is still under debate. To investigate the mechanism by which synaptotagmin controls neurotransmitter release, we injected an antibody of rat synaptotagmin I into a crayfish motor axon. We found that the antibody enhanced synaptic transmission at crayfish neuromuscular junctions by increasing the amplitude of the evoked synaptic response. This effect was antibody‐dose dependent. The antibody also reduced the rise time of the synaptic potentials. These effects were accompanied by a reduction in the Hill coefficient for Ca2+‐dependence of synaptic transmission. Our findings support the hypothesis that synaptotagmin inhibits neurotransmitter release in the absence of Ca2+.
Comparison of a 3‐day with a 1‐day regimen of an extended‐release formulation of ciprofloxacin as antimicrobial prophylaxis for patients undergoing transrectal needle biopsy of the prostate
Authors: Schaeffer Anthony J. , Montorsi Francesco , Scattoni Vincenzo , Perroncel Renee , Song James , Haverstock Daniel C. , Pertel Peter E. 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVETo compare the clinical and bacteriological efficacy and the clinical safety of a 1‐day with a 3‐day regimen of an extended‐release formulation of ciprofloxacin (ciprofloxacin XR) given as antimicrobial prophylaxis to men undergoing transrectal needle biopsy of the prostate (TRNBP).PATIENTS AND METHODSThis was a multicentre, prospective, international, double‐blind study in patients who required TRNBP. Patients were randomized to receive oral ciprofloxacin XR 1000 mg as either a 1‐day or a 3‐day regimen. Single doses were given at 24 h before, 2–3 h before, and 24 h after TRNBP. Patients in the 1‐day regimen had placebo instead of the first and third doses of ciprofloxacin.RESULTSOf 497 patients enrolled, 247 were randomized to 1‐day ciprofloxacin XR and 250 to the 3‐day regimen. In the population valid for microbiological efficacy, the final assessment identified bacteriological success (primary efficacy endpoint) in more patients who had the 3‐day regimen (98%) than in those who received the 1‐day regimen (94.8%, 95% confidence interval, CI, − 6.1%, 0.8%), although the difference was not statistically significant. In this population, the clinical response at the final visit was 98.5% and 96.7% for patients receiving the 3‐day and the 1‐day regimens, respectively (95% CI − 5.2%, 0.8%). However, in the clinical efficacy population the clinical success rate was significantly greater for the 3‐day (99.0%) than for the 1‐day regimen (95.8%; 95% CI − 6.4%, − 0.3%). In a multivariate analysis, patients with diabetes mellitus and patients with a history of prostatitis had higher microbiological and clinical failure rates, respectively, than those without such conditions. For these patients, all failures occurred among those treated with the 1‐day regimen.CONCLUSIONAs defined by bacteriological success in the population assessed for microbiological efficacy, prophylaxis with one dose of ciprofloxacin XR was statistically no worse than a 3‐day regimen. However, in all efficacy analyses, bacteriological and clinical success rates were consistently lower for the 1‐day than for the 3‐day treatment. Thus, for selected patients undergoing TRNBP, there might be a role for 3‐day preventive therapy with ciprofloxacin XR.
A porcine model of bladder outlet obstruction incorporating radio‐telemetered cystometry
Authors: Shaw Matthew B. , Herndon Claude D. , Cain Mark P. , Rink Richard C. , Kaefer Martin 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVETo present a novel porcine model of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) with a standardized bladder outlet resistance and real‐time ambulatory radio‐telemetered cystometry, as BOO is a common condition with many causes in both adults and children, with significant morbidity and occasional mortality, but attempts to model this condition in many animal models have the fundamental problem of standardising the degree of outlet resistance.MATERIALS AND METHODSBOO was created in nine castrated male pigs by dividing the mid‐urethra; outflow was allowed through an implanted bladder drainage catheter containing a resistance valve, allowing urine to flow across the valve only when a set pressure differential was generated across the valve. An implantable radio‐telemetered pressure sensor monitored the pressure within the bladder and abdominal cavity, and relayed this information to a remote computer. Four control pigs had an occluded bladder drainage catheter and pressure sensor placed, but were allowed to void normally through the native urethra. Intra‐vesical pressure was monitored by telemetry, while the resistance valve was increased weekly, beginning with 2 cmH2O and ultimately reaching 10 cmH2O. The pigs were assessed using conventional cystometry under anaesthesia before death, and samples conserved in formalin for haematoxylin and eosin staining.RESULTSThe pigs had radio‐telemetered cystometry for a median of 26 days. All telemetry implants functioned well for the duration of the experiment, but one pig developed a urethral fistula and was excluded from the study. With BOO the bladder mass index (bladder mass/body mass × 10 000) increased from 9.7 to 20 (P = 0.004), with a significant degree of hypertrophy of the detrusor smooth muscle bundles. Obstructed bladders were significantly less compliant than control bladders (8.3 vs 22.1 mL/cmH2O, P = 0.03). Telemetric cystometry showed that there was no statistically significance difference in mean bladder pressure between obstructed and control pigs (4.8 vs 6.7 cmH2O, P = 0.7), but that each void was longer in the pigs with BOO.CONCLUSIONThis new model of BOO provides a method of reliably and precisely defining the bladder outlet resistance; it induces the changes classically seen with BOO, including increased bladder mass, increased smooth muscle bundle size and decreased compliance.
The clinical efficacy of tolterodine extended‐release is maintained for 24 h in patients with overactive bladder
Authors: Dmochowski Roger , Kreder Karl , MacDiarmid Scott , Carlsson Martin , Guan Zhonghong 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVETo assess the 24‐h efficacy of tolterodine extended‐release (ER) in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI).PATIENTS AND METHODSWe conducted a post hoc analysis of a 12‐week, placebo‐controlled trial of tolterodine‐ER in patients with frequency (≥8 voids/24 h) and UUI (≥5 episodes/week) for ≥ 6 months. Seven‐day bladder diaries were used to record diary endpoints; 24‐h diary data were stratified by 6‐h periods beginning at midnight.RESULTSCompared with placebo (508 patients), tolterodine‐ER (507 patients) significantly and consistently increased volume voided per void and reduced UUI episodes and micturition frequency during each interval.CONCLUSIONSThese results indicate that tolterodine‐ER maintained clinical efficacy over 24 h and should be effective for OAB symptoms without regard to whether symptoms occur during the day or at night.
Does active surveillance for men with localized prostate cancer carry psychological morbidity?
Authors: Burnet Katriina L. , Parker Chris , Dearnaley David , Brewin Chris R. , Watson Maggie 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVESTo investigate, in a cross‐sectional study, the prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with localised prostate cancer managed by active surveillance, compared with those receiving immediate treatment, as active surveillance is a relatively new approach to managing this disease, designed to avoid ‘unnecessary’ treatment, but it is unclear whether the approach contributes to psychological distress, given that men are living with untreated cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSA consecutive series of 764 patients with prostate cancer were approached in outpatient clinics. Of these, 329 men with localized disease (cT1/2, N0/NX, M0/MX) meeting the study entry criteria, completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); 100 were on active surveillance, 81 were currently receiving radical treatment (radiotherapy + neoadjuvant hormone therapy) and 148 had previously received radical radiotherapy.RESULTSOverall, 16% (51/329) of patients met the HADS criteria for anxiety and 6% (20/329) for depression. Analyses indicated that higher anxiety scores were significantly associated with younger age (P < 0.01) and a longer interval since diagnosis (P < 0.01), but not with management by active surveillance (P = 0.38). Higher depression scores were significantly associated with a longer interval since diagnosis (P < 0.05), but not with management by active surveillance (P = 0.83).CONCLUSIONActive surveillance for managing localized prostate cancer was not associated with greater psychological distress than more immediate treatment for prostate cancer.
Microvascular tumour invasion in renal cell carcinoma: the most important prognostic factor
Authors: Dall’Oglio Marcos F. , Antunes Alberto A. , Sarkis Álvaro S. , Crippa Alexandre , Leite Kátia R. , Lucon Antonio Marmo , Srougi Miguel 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the role of microvascular invasion (MVI) in the primary lesion for predicting tumour behaviour in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), as reliable clinical prognostic factors would be very valuable.PATIENTS AND METHODSMVI was assessed in 230 patients with clinically localized RCC (stages T1–4NxM0) who had a radical nephrectomy and/or nephron‐sparing surgery. The median (range) follow‐up was 48 (3–130) months. The impact of MVI on disease progression and its correlation with clinical and histopathological factors was analysed, including whether patients were symptomatic or not at presentation, Fuhrman nuclear grade, tumour size, pathological stage and lymph node metastasis. Regression analyses and survival curves were used to determine if MVI was associated with the prognosis of RCC.RESULTSThere was MVI in 59 patients (26%); of these, 46% developed disease recurrence. Among the 171 patients with no MVI, only 11 (6%) had tumour recurrence. MVI was associated with tumour diameter, nuclear grade, pathological stage, lymph node metastasis and the presence of sarcomatous elements in the tumour. Multivariate analysis showed that MVI was an independent predictor of disease recurrence and the most important factor related to death.CONCLUSIONMVI is an independent predictor of prognosis in patients with RCC.
The association of time of day and serum testosterone concentration in a large screening population
Authors: Crawford E. David , Barqawi Al Baha , O’Donnell Colin , Morgentaler Abraham 
Published: June 2007

Authors from the USA reviewed semen samples for their National Prostate Cancer Awareness screening programme. They evaluated semen testosterone levels at various times during the day, depending on when the person attended for screening. In this study, they found that testosterone levels in older men remain stable throughout the morning and early afternoon, and declined only moderately after that. Further case control studies have been suggested to confirm this finding.In a study from the UK, changes to PSA screening programmes, such as lowering the threshold or incorporating reflex PSA tests, have been looked at, particularly their impact on programme performance characteristics. The authors found that such changes will increase the number of biopsies and the number of cancers detected, but the authors question whether this will improve treatment outcomes.OBJECTIVETo assess testosterone patterns during clinical hours in a large population of men participating in a national screening programme for prostate cancer, as the effect of time of day on serum testosterone concentration is unclear and largely reported in small studies.SUBJECTS AND METHODSTestosterone levels were measured in 3006 men attending the national Prostate Cancer Awareness Week screening programme. Blood samples were obtained between 06.00 and 18.00 hours, whenever men presented for screening. All men completed questionnaires on age, comorbidities, height and weight. Testosterone levels were compared based on four periods, i.e. T1, 06.00–10.00 (632 men), T2, 10.00–12.00 (812), T3, 12.00–14.00 (388), and T4, 14.00–18.00 hours (1174).RESULTSThe mean (sd, range) age of the men was 60.3 (9.9, 40–94) years and the mean (sd) testosterone level was 415.2 (190.9) ng/dL. There was no change in mean (sd) testosterone levels over T1, T2 and T3, at 444.9 (206.2), 433.5 (195.8) and 434.4 (181.2) ng/dL, respectively, but levels at T4, at 380.4 (176.4) ng/dL, were lower by ≈ 13% (P < 0.05). Advancing age, diabetes and obesity were associated with lower testosterone levels. The percentage of men with biochemical hypogonadism (<300 ng/dL) did not change across all four periods.CONCLUSIONSTestosterone levels in older men are stable throughout the morning and early afternoon, declining only modestly thereafter. Further case‐controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.