bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A method for quantifying rotational symmetry
Authors: Frey Frank M. , Robertson Aaron , Bukoski Michael 
Published: July 2007

Summary• Here, a new approach for quantifying rotational symmetry based on vector analysis was described and compared with information obtained from a geometric morphometric analysis and a technique based on distance alone.• A new method was developed that generates a polygon from the length and angle data of a structure and then quantifies the minimum change necessary to convert that polygon into a regular polygon. This technique yielded an asymmetry score (s) that can range from 0 (perfect symmetry) to 1 (complete asymmetry). Using digital images of Geranium robertianum flowers, this new method was compared with a technique based on lengths alone and with established geometric morphometric methods used to quantify shape variation.• Asymmetry scores (s) more clearly described variation in symmetry and were more consistent with a visual assessment of the images than either comparative technique.• This procedure is the first to quantify the asymmetry of radial structures accurately, uses easily obtainable measures to calculate the asymmetry score and allows comparisons among individuals and species, even when the comparisons involve structures with different patterns of symmetry. This technique enables the rigorous analysis of polysymmetric structures and provides a foundation for a better understanding of symmetry in nature.
The peptide NAP promotes neuronal growth and differentiation through extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase and Akt pathways, and protects neurons co‐cultured with astrocytes damaged by ethanol
Authors: Pascual Maria , Guerri Consuelo 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe have previously shown that glial cells are a target of ethanol toxicity during brain ontogeny, since ethanol affects glial development and impairs the release of neurotrophic factors which are important for neuronal outgrowth and synaptic plasticity. Activity‐dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) is a glial factor with anti‐apoptotic and neuroprotective actions. We proposed that some ethanol effects on brain development and synaptic formation are, in part, mediated by the ethanol‐induced impairment of the synthesis and release of ADNP by astroglial cells. We show a reduction in the ADNP mRNA levels in the cerebral cortex and astrocytes from prenatal ethanol exposed (PEE) foetuses. Furthermore, co‐cultures of PEE astrocytes with control neurons cause a marked decrease in neuronal growth, differentiation and synaptic connections relative to the co‐cultures with control astrocytes, effects that were reverted by the addition of NAP, the active peptide of ADNP. We further show that one mechanism by which NAP could exert its actions is the activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase, the phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI‐3K)/Akt pathways and the transcription factor cAMP response element‐binding protein. These results indicate that the protective actions of NAP are mediated by triggering signalling pathways which are important in neuronal growth and differentiation contributing to the restoration of PEE‐associated neuronal plasticity.
Neuropathology, biochemistry, and biophysics of α‐synuclein aggregation
Authors: Uversky Vladimir N. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAggregation of α‐synuclein, an abundant and conserved pre‐synaptic brain protein, is implicated as a critical factor in several neurodegenerative diseases. These diseases, known as synucleinopathies, include Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies (LBs), diffuse LB disease, the LB variant of Alzheimer’s disease, multiple system atrophy, and neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation type I. Although the precise nature ofin vivoα‐synuclein function remains elusive, considerable knowledge has been accumulated about its structural properties and conformational behavior. α‐Synuclein is a typical natively unfolded protein. It is characterized by the lack of rigid, well‐defined, 3‐D structure and possesses remarkable conformational plasticity. The structure of this protein depends dramatically on its environment and it accommodates a number of unrelated conformations. This paper provides an overview of the biochemistry, biophysics, and neuropathology of α‐synuclein aggregation.
Nitric oxide from neuronal nitric oxide synthase sensitises neurons to hypoxia‐induced death via competitive inhibition of cytochrome oxidase
Authors: Jekabsone Aiste , Neher Jonas J. , Borutaite Vilmante , Brown Guy C. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractHypoxia/ischaemia is known to trigger neuronal death, but the role of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in this process is controversial. Nitric oxide (NO) inhibits cytochrome oxidase in competition with oxygen. We tested whether NO derived from nNOS synergises with hypoxia to induce neuronal death by inhibiting mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase. Sixteen hours of hypoxia (2% oxygen) plus deoxyglucose (an inhibitor of glycolysis) caused extensive, excitotoxic death of neurons in rat cerebellar granule cell cultures. Three different nNOS inhibitors (including the selective inhibitor N‐4S‐4‐amino‐5‐2‐aminoethyl‐aminopentyl‐N′‐nitroguanidine) decreased this neuronal death by half, indicating a contribution of nNOS to hypoxic death. The selective nNOS inhibitor did not, however, block neuronal death induced either by added glutamate or by added azide (an uncompetitive inhibitor of cytochrome oxidase), indicating that nNOS does not act downstream of glutamate or cytochrome oxidase. Hypoxia plus deoxyglucose‐induced glutamate release and neuronal depolarisation, and the nNOS inhibitor decreased this. Hypoxia inhibited cytochrome oxidase activity in the cultures, but a selective nNOS inhibitor prevented this inhibition, indicating NO from nNOS was inhibiting cytochrome oxidase in competition with oxygen. These data indicate that hypoxia synergises with NO from nNOS to induce neuronal death via cytochrome oxidase inhibition causing neuronal depolarisation. This mechanism might contribute to ischaemia/stroke‐induced neuronal death in vivo.
Effect of aeration in reducing phytotoxicity in anaerobic digestion liquor of swine manure
Authors: HANAJIMA Dai , KURODA Kazutaka , FUKUMOTO Yasuyuki , YASUDA Tomoko , SUZUKI Kazuyoshi , HAGA Kiyonori 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTNumerous reports have accumulated concerning the quality of solid compost. In contrast, there are few for the residue of anaerobic digestion. In this study, the fertilizer value of anaerobic digestion liquor (ADL) was evaluated, and the effect of aeration on the reduction of the phytotoxicity was examined by a germination assay. Low or high aeration (100 or 400 mL/min) was added to 3 L of ADL obtained from a mixture of pig manure and garbage by using 5‐L jar fermenters under a controlled temperature of 30°C. During the 14‐day aeration period, a high aeration rate improved the germination index (GI) score from 5.7% to nearly 80%, while a low aeration rate did not. Although organic matter decomposition, determined as chemical oxygen demand, did not differ with aeration intensity, remarkable differences were observed in the time course of changes in pH, electric conductivity and ammonium‐nitrogen (NH4‐N) and total nitrogen (T‐N) content. Among these parameters, the NH4‐N concentration correlated highly with the GI score (r = 0.986). The primary phytotoxic element in ADL was considered to be NH4‐N, and the stripping of ammonia (NH3) by high aeration resulted in the improvement of the GI score. Although the ratio of major nutrients N : P2O5 : K2O (1:0.41:0.94) in ADL was at nearly same level as conventional liquid fertilizer, special attention should be paid to the high concentration of NH3 when drawing up a fertilization plan.
Effects of Paracetamol Combined with Dextromethorphan in Human Experimental Muscle and Skin Pain
Authors: Olesen Anne Estrup , Staahl Camilla , Ali Zahid , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars 
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  By combining drugs with different mechanisms of action, synergistic effects may be achieved. The aim of the present experimental pain study was to combine paracetamol with dextromethorphan for synergistic effects. Furthermore, the reproducibility of the pain assessment methods was evaluated. Eighteen volunteers completed all periods in a three‐way cross‐over study. Pain stimuli were assessed at baseline and 1, 2 and 3 hr after dosing. The aim was to compare the pain‐alleviating effect of 1 g paracetamol, 1 g paracetamol plus 30 mg dextromethorphan and placebo in response to a number of different stimuli in a human experimental volunteer model of skin and muscle pain. Repeated electrical stimulation of skin and muscle (temporal summation) modelled central integration and intramuscular hypertonic saline mimicked musculoskeletal pain. The method provided statistically stable pain recordings between repetitions on the same day and between days (all P > 0.05). Between repetitions on the same day, all tests were reproducible within the participants (intra‐class correlation > 0.60). Between days all tests, except muscular pain pressure threshold, were reproducible within the participants (intra‐class correlation > 0.60). There were no statistical differences (all P > 0.05) between paracetamol compared to placebo, and between the effect of paracetamol and dextromethorphan compared to placebo. The acute pain models were not sufficiently sensitive to detect an analgesic effect of paracetamol or the combination with dextromethorphan. The selected dose of dextromethorphan was low as the aim was to use commonly used doses, and a higher dose of dextromethorphan is most likely needed to attenuate the selected pain measures.
Management of Female Sexual Dysfunction in Postmenopausal Women by Testosterone Administration: Safety Issues and Controversies
Authors: Braunstein Glenn D. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
A Food and Drug Administration advisory group has questioned the long-term safety of testosterone administration to postmenopausal women. Although only short-term data exist on safety from the double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, testosterone has been used for more than 50 years. Therefore, some data concerning the long-term safety issues must exist in the literature.

Aim
To review the published data concerning the safety of administration of testosterone to women.

Methods
Review of published articles identified by a search of the Ovid databases and bibliographies from articles identified as dealing with the topics of testosterone or androgen treatment of women.

Results
The major adverse reactions to exogenous androgens are the expected androgenic side effects of hirsutism and acne. High-density lipoprotein levels may be decreased with oral androgens. There are insufficient long-term safety data regarding breast, endometrium, or heart safety to draw strong conclusions, although the data available to date are reassuring.

Conclusions
Testosterone administration to postmenopausal women that result in physiological to slightly supraphysiological serum-free testosterone levels is safe for at least 2 years.
Role of 5-HT Receptor Antagonists in Mediating Intracavernous Pressure Response Induced by Fluvoxamine in Conscious Rats
Authors: Aizawa Naoki , Ishizuka Osamu , Ogawa Teruyuki , Mizusawa Hiroya , Igawa Yasuhiko , Nishizawa Osamu 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTIntroductionIt has been reported that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) may cause sexual dysfunction.AimTo determine the relationship between serotonin and sexual function, we investigated the role of serotonergic receptors on changes in intracavernous pressure (ICP) and systemic blood pressure (BP) in conscious and free-moving rats.MethodsICP and BP were measured in male Sprague-Dawley rats after catheters were inserted into the crus corpus cavernosum and carotid artery, respectively. Pressures were recorded 2 hours after catheterization. In other rats, this procedure was performed 2 weeks after spinal cord transection (spinal cord injury [SCI]) between the eighth and ninth thoracic vertebrae. To investigate the role of serotonergic receptors, fluvoxamine (an SSRI), WAY100635 (a 5-HT1A-receptor antagonist), and SB242084 (a 5-HT2C-receptor antagonist) were administered by intravenous (i.v.) or intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) routes.Main Outcome MeasuresBP and parameters of ICP were measured in conscious and free-moving rats.ResultsAdministration of fluvoxamine (1- to 30-μmol/kg i.v. and 1- to 30-nmol i.c.v.) induced a transient increase in the ICP. The ICP parameters responded in a dose-dependent manner, especially the time to first response (TFR), which was significantly shortened. BP also increased in response to fluvoxamine. In contrast, ICP in SCI rats did not change after fluvoxamine administration. WAY100635 (10 or 30-nmol i.c.v.) induced an increase in the ICP. In combination with fluvoxamine, it significantly shortened the TFR in comparison with WAY100635 or fluvoxamine alone. However, SB242084 (10 or 30-nmol i.c.v.) actually had an inhibitory effect on fluvoxamine-induced ICP responses.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrated that ICP is regulated at the supraspinal level when endogenous serotonin is increased by fluvoxamine. Furthermore, ICP is facilitated by 5-HT2C-receptors and inhibited by 5-HT1A-receptors in the rat brain.
Occurrence of Tetracycline Resistance Genes among
Escherichia coli
Isolates from the Phase 3 Clinical Trials for Tigecycline
Authors: Tuckman Margareta , Petersen Peter J. , Howe Anita Y. M. , Orlowski Mark , Mullen Stanley , Chan Karen , Bradford Patricia A. , Jones C. Hal 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Tigecycline, a member of the glycylcycline class of antibiotics, was designed to maintain the antibacterial spectrum of the tetracyclines while overcoming the classic mechanisms of tetracycline resistance. The current study was designed to monitor the prevalence of the
tet
(A),
tet
(B),
tet
(C),
tet
(D),
tet
(E), and
tet
(M) resistance determinants in
Escherichia coli
isolates collected during the worldwide tigecycline phase 3 clinical trials. A subset of strains were also screened for the
tet
(G),
tet
(K),
tet
(L), and
tet
(Y) genes. Of the 1,680
E. coli
clinical isolates screened for resistance to classical tetracyclines, 405 (24%) were minocycline resistant (MIC ≥ 8 μg/ml) and 248 (15%) were tetracycline resistant (MIC ≥ 8 μg/ml) but susceptible to minocycline (MIC ≤ 4 μg/ml). A total of 452 tetracycline-resistant, nonduplicate isolates were positive by PCR for at least one of the six tetracycline resistance determinants examined. Over half of the isolates encoding a single determinant were positive for
tet
(A) (26%) or
tet
(B) (32%) with
tet
(C),
tet
(D),
tet
(E), and
tet
(M), collectively, found in 4% of isolates. Approximately 33% of the isolates were positive for more than one resistance determinant, with the
tet
(B) plus
tet
(E) combination the most highly represented, found in 11% of isolates. The susceptibilities of the tetracycline-resistant strains to tigecycline (MIC
90
, 0.5 μg/ml), regardless of the encoded
tet
determinant(s), were comparable to the tigecycline susceptibility of tetracycline-susceptible strains (MIC
90
, 0.5 μg/ml). The results provide a current (2002 to 2006) picture of the distribution of common tetracycline resistance determinants encoded in a globally sourced collection of clinical
E. coli
strains.
Treatment of a Clinically Relevant Plant-Pathogenic Fungus with an Agricultural Azole Causes Cross-Resistance to Medical Azoles and Potentiates Caspofungin Efficacy
Authors: Serfling Albrecht , Wohlrab Johannes , Deising Holger B. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Azoles are extensively applied in agriculture and medicine, and a relationship between the development of azole resistance in agriculture and the development of azole resistance in clinical practice may exist. The maize pathogen
Colletotrichum graminicola
, causing cutaneous mycosis and keratitis, has been used to investigate the acquisition of resistance to an agricultural azole and the resulting cross-resistance to various medical antifungal agents. Azole-adapted strains were less sensitive to all azoles tested but showed increased sensitivity to caspofungin, amphotericin B, and nystatin. Viability staining and infection assays with excised human skin confirmed these data.
A Second
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
Autotransporter Adhesin Exhibits Specificity for Buccal Epithelial Cells in Humans and Old World Primates
Authors: Yue Gang , Kaplan Jeffrey B. , Furgang David , Mansfield Keith G. , Fine Daniel H. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Previous work showed that the
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
adhesin Aae demonstrated species specificity and tissue tropism to buccal epithelial cells (BECs) derived from humans and Old World primates, but a second, lower-affinity adhesin was noted. This study was designed to determine if Omp100 (also known as ApiA), a surface-expressed
A. actinomycetemcomitans
adhesin, is that second adhesin and if so to investigate its tissue tropism and species specificity. A targeted mutagenesis protocol was used to construct an isogenic
apiA
mutant and an
aae apiA
double mutant with wild-type
A. actinomycetemcomitans
. In addition,
Escherichia coli
strain DH5α was used to express
apiA
to further assess binding parameters. Results indicated that the
apiA
mutant strain showed significantly less binding to BECs than its parent strain (
P
≤ 0.05). Further, binding mediated by ApiA was specific to BECs from humans and Old World primates, as seen in both wild-type
A. actinomycetemcomitans
and
E. coli
expressing ApiA (
P
≤ 0.05). Pretreatment of wild-type
A. actinomycetemcomitans
cells with anti-ApiA antiserum reduced binding in a dose-dependent manner. The
aae apiA
double mutant completely abrogated
A. actinomycetemcomitans
binding to both human and Old World primate BECs. Taken together, these studies indicate that ApiA and Aae, in concert, modulate binding of
A. actinomycetemcomitans
to human BECs. Since the BEC is a prominent reservoir for
A. actinomycetemcomitans
, identification of this second adhesin could lead to important therapeutic strategies.
Effect of unilateral resistance training on arterial compliance in elderly men
Authors: Poelkens Fleur , Rakobowchuk Mark , Burgomaster Kirsten A. , Hopman Maria T.E. , Phillips Stuart M. , MacDonald Maureen J. 
Published: July 2007

An increase in age coincides with a decrease in arterial compliance, which is related to a higher risk for cardiovascular accidents. Evidence regarding the effects of resistance training on arterial compliance is conflicting. Currently, little information is available about the effect of resistance training on arterial compliance in elderly men. We assessed the impact of 10 weeks of unilateral arm and leg resistance training on carotid, brachial, and femoral arterial compliance in 12 healthy elderly men (mean age ± SD, 71 ± 7 y). Arterial compliance was evaluated before, after 4 weeks, and after 10 weeks of unilateral resistance training by simultaneously measuring arterial diameter and blood pressure in each artery. There were no significant differences in arterial compliance or stiffness index in any of the arteries examined after 10 weeks of training. However, after 10 weeks of resistance training, resting heart rate decreased from 76 ± 4 beats/min to 61 ± 3 beats/min (p < 0.05), plasma glucose decreased from 6.0 ± 0.9 to 5.1 ± 0.9 mmol/L (mean ± SE) (p < 0.05), and carotid artery peak blood flow increased from 1831 mL/min to 2245 mL/min (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in resting arterial blood pressure. Unilateral resistance training for 10 weeks does not alter peripheral and central arterial compliance elderly men.
The effects of cadence and power output upon physiological and biomechanical responses to incremental arm-crank ergometry
Authors: Price Michael J. , Collins Lee , Smith Paul M. , Goss-Sampson Mark 
Published: July 2007

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of cadence and power output on physiological and biomechanical responses to incremental arm-crank ergometry (ACE). Ten male subjects (mean ± SD age, 30.4 ±5.4 y; height, 1.78 ±0.07 m; mass, 86.1 ±14.2 kg) undertook 3 incremental ACE protocols to determine peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak; mean of 3 tests: 3.07 ± 0.17 L·min–1) at randomly assigned cadences of 50, 70, or 90 r·min–1. Heart rate and expired air were continually monitored. Central (RPE-C) and local (RPE-L) ratings of perceived exertion were recorded at volitional exhaustion. Joint angles and trunk rotation were analysed during each exercise stage. During submaximal power outputs of 50, 70, and 90 W, oxygen consumption (VO2) was lowest for 50 r·min–1 and highest for 90 r·min–1 (p < 0.01). VO2 peak was lowest during 50 r·min–1 (2.79 ±0.45 L·min–1; p < 0.05) when compared with both 70 r·min–1 and 90 r·min–1 (3.16 ±0.58, 3.24 ±0.49 L·min–1, respectively; p > 0.05). The difference between RPE-L and RPE-C at volitional exhaustion was greatest during 50 r·min–1 (2.9 ± 1.6) when compared with 90 r·min–1 (0.9 ± 1.9, p < 0.05). At VO2 peak, shoulder range of motion (ROM) and trunk rotation were greater for 50 and 70 r·min–1 when compared with 90 r·min–1 (p < 0.05). During submaximal power outputs, shoulder angle and trunk rotation were greatest at 50 r·min–1 when compared with 90 r·min–1 (p < 0.05). VO2 was inversely related to both trunk rotation and shoulder ROM during submaximal power outputs. The results of this study suggest that the greater forces required at lower cadences to produce a given power output resulted in greater joint angles and range of shoulder and trunk movement. Greater isometric contractions for torso stabilization and increased cost of breathing possibly from respiratory–locomotor coupling may have contributed increased oxygen consumption at higher cadences.
Validation of the FAST skating protocol to predict aerobic power in ice hockey players
Authors: Petrella Nicholas J. , Montelpare William J. , Nystrom Murray , Plyley Michael , Faught Brent E. 
Published: July 2007

Few studies have reported a sport-specific protocol to measure the aerobic power of ice hockey players using a predictive process. The purpose of our study was to validate an ice hockey aerobic field test on players of varying ages, abilities, and levels. The Faught Aerobic Skating Test (FAST) uses an on-ice continuous skating protocol on a course measuring 160 feet (48.8 m) using a CD to pace the skater with a beep signal to cross the starting line at each end of the course. The FAST incorporates the principle of increasing workload at measured time intervals during a continuous skating exercise. Step-wise multiple regression modelling was used to determine the estimate of aerobic power. Participants completed a maximal aerobic power test using a modified Bruce incremental treadmill protocol, as well as the on-ice FAST. Normative data were collected on 406 ice hockey players (291 males, 115 females) ranging in age from 9 to 25 y. A regression to predict maximum aerobic power was developed using body mass (kg), height (m), age (y), and maximum completed lengths of the FAST as the significant predictors of skating aerobic power (adjusted R2 = 0.387, SEE = 7.25 mL·kg–1·min–1, p < 0.0001). These results support the application of the FAST in estimating aerobic power among male and female competitive ice hockey players between the ages of 9 and 25 years.