MedWorm: Carisoprodol

Neuroprotective effects of testosterone on motoneuron and muscle morphology following spinal cord injury

The Journal of Comparative Neurology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractTreatment with testosterone is neuroprotective/neurotherapeutic after a variety of motoneuron injuries. Here we assessed if testosterone might have similar beneficial effects after spinal cord injury (SCI). Young adult female rats received either sham or T9 spinal cord contusion injuries and were implanted with blank or testosterone‐filled Silastic capsules. Four weeks later, motoneurons innervating the vastus lateralis muscle of the quadriceps were labeled with cholera toxin‐conjugated HRP, and dendritic arbors were reconstructed in 3 dimensions. Soma volume, motoneuron number, lesion volume, and tissue sparing were also assessed, as were muscle weight, fiber cross‐sectional area, and motor endplate size and density. Contusion injury resulted in large lesions, with no signif...

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Spatially distinct actions of metabotropic glutamate receptor activation in dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus

Journal of Neurophysiology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report that the activation of mGluR5, which are located on presynaptic dendrites of local interneurons, increases GABA output that in turn produces an increased inhibitory activity on proximal but not distal dendrites of dLGN thalamocortical neurons. In contrast, mGluR1 activation produces strong membrane depolarization in thalamocortical neurons regardless of distal or proximal dendritic locations. These findings provide physiological evidence that mGluR1 appear to be distributed along the thalamocortical neuron dendrites, whereas mGluR5-dependent action occurs on the proximal dendrites/soma of thalamocortical neurons. The differential distribution and activation of mGluR subtypes on interneurons and thalamocortical neurons may serve to shape excitatory synaptic integration and thereby...

Functional localization of neurotransmitter receptors and synaptic inputs to mature neurons of the medial superior olive

Journal of Neurophysiology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Neurons of the medial superior olive (MSO) code for the azimuthal location of low-frequency sound sources via a binaural coincidence detection system operating on microsecond time scales. These neurons are morphologically simple and stereotyped, and anatomical studies have indicated a functional segregation of excitatory and inhibitory inputs between cellular compartments. It is thought that this morphological arrangement holds important implications for the computational task of these cells. To date, however, there has been no functional investigation into synaptic input sites or functional receptor distributions on mature neurons of the MSO. Here, functional neurotransmitter receptor maps for amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA), N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), glycine (G...

Preparing for the unpredictable: adaptive feedback enhances the response to unexpected communication signals

Journal of Neurophysiology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

To interact with the environment efficiently, the nervous system must generate expectations about redundant sensory signals and detect unexpected ones. Neural circuits can, for example, compare a prediction of the sensory signal that was generated by the nervous system with the incoming sensory input, to generate a response selective to novel stimuli. In the first-order electrosensory neurons of a gymnotiform electric fish, a negative image of low-frequency redundant communication signals is subtracted from the neural response via feedback, allowing unpredictable signals to be extracted. Here we show that the cancelling feedback not only suppresses the predictable signal but also actively enhances the response to the unpredictable communication signal. A transient mismatch between the pred...

Expression of TRPV4 in the zebrafish retina during development

Microscopy Research and Technique — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are involved in sensing mechanical/physical stimuli such as temperature, light, pressure, as well as chemical stimuli. Some TRP channels are present in the vertebrate retina, and the occurrence of the multifunctional channel TRP vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) has been reported in adult zebrafish. Here, we investigate the expression and distribution of TRPV4 in the retina of zebrafish during development using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry from 3 days post fertilization (dpf) until 100 dpf. TRPV4 was detected at the mRNA and protein levels in the eye of zebrafish at all ages sampled. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of TRPV4 in a population of the retinal cells identified as amacrine cells on the...

Expression of TRPV4 in the zebrafish retina during development.

Cell Research — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sánchez-Ramos C, Guerrera MC, Bonnin-Arias C, Calavia MG, Laurà R, Germanà A, Vega JA Abstract The transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are involved in sensing mechanical/physical stimuli such as temperature, light, pressure, as well as chemical stimuli. Some TRP channels are present in the vertebrate retina, and the occurrence of the multifunctional channel TRP vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) has been reported in adult zebrafish. Here, we investigate the expression and distribution of TRPV4 in the retina of zebrafish during development using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry from 3 days post fertilization (dpf) until 100 dpf. TRPV4 was detected at the mRNA and protein levels in the eye of zebrafish at all ages sampled. Immunohistochemis...

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Depression is associated with some patient‐perceived cosmetic changes, but not with radiotherapy‐induced late toxicity, in long‐term breast cancer survivors

Psycho-Oncology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsIn LTBCS, depression seems to be more strongly associated with changes in some patients' perceived breast cosmetic outcome than late treatment toxicity or initial cancer‐related variables. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Psycho-Oncology)

Elevated anti‐lysosomal‐associated membrane protein‐2 antibody levels in patients with adult Henoch‐Schönlein purpura

British Journal of Dermatology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Discussions: We suggested that anti‐LAMP‐2 antibody could play some role in the pathogenesis of adult HSP, with the exception of MPO‐ANCA and PR3‐ANCA. We proposed that measuring serum anti‐LAMP‐2 antibody could be a feasible method of differential diagnosis between HSP and MPA. (Source: British Journal of Dermatology)

Levetiracetam has an activity‐dependent effect on inhibitory transmission

Epilepsia — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryPurpose: Previous work has shown that levetiracetam (LEV) binds the vesicular protein SV2A and reduces excitatory neurotransmitter release during trains of high‐frequency activity, most likely by accessing its binding site through vesicular endocytosis into excitatory synaptic terminals. Because there are differences in excitatory and inhibitory transmitter release mechanisms, and there are suggestions that neurons differ in their SV2A expression, we were curious whether LEV also reduces inhibitory transmission.Methods: We used patch‐clamp recording from CA1 neurons in rat brain slices to quantify the effects of LEV on inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs). We were able to elicit pure IPSCs by stimulating inhibitory terminals close to neuronal soma and blocking excitato...

Mitochondrial dysfunction and Purkinje cell loss in autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) [Medical Sciences]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is a childhood-onset neurological disease resulting from mutations in the SACS gene encoding sacsin, a 4,579-aa protein of unknown function. Originally identified as a founder disease in Québec, ARSACS is now recognized worldwide. Prominent features include pyramidal spasticity and cerebellar ataxia, but the underlying pathology and pathophysiological mechanisms are unknown. We have generated an animal model for ARSACS, sacsin knockout mice, that display age-dependent neurodegeneration of cerebellar Purkinje cells. To explore the pathophysiological basis for this observation, we examined the cell biological properties of sacsin. We show that sacsin localizes to mitochondria in non-neuronal cells and primary neurons and tha...

Excitability of Abeta sensory neurons is altered in an animal model of peripheral neuropathy

BMC Neuroscience - Latest articles — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The present study has demonstrated changes in functionally classified Abeta low threshold and high threshold DRG neurons in a nerve intact animal model of peripheral neuropathy that demonstrates nociceptive responses to normally innocuous cutaneous stimuli, much the same as is observed in humans with neuropathic pain. We demonstrate further that the peripheral receptive fields of these neurons are more excitable, as are the somata. However, the dorsal roots exhibit a decrease in excitability. Thus, if these neurons participate in neuropathic pain this differential change in excitability may have implications in the peripheral drive that induces central sensitization, at least in animal models of peripheral neuropathic pain, and Abeta sensory neurons may thus contribute to allo...

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GABA-mediated Spatial and Temporal Asymmetries That Contribute to the Directionally Selective Light Responses of Starburst Amacrine Cells in Retina.

The Journal of Physiology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Dmitriev AV, Gavrikov KE, Mangel SC Abstract Starburst amacrine cells (SACs) are an essential component of the mechanism that generates direction selectivity in the retina. SACs exhibit opposite polarity, directionally selective (DS) light responses, depolarizing to stimuli that move centrifugally away from the cell through the receptive field surround, but hyperpolarizing to stimuli that move centripetally towards the cell through the surround. Recent findings suggest that 1) the intracellular chloride concentration ([Cl-]i) is high in SAC proximal, but low in SAC distal dendritic compartments, so that GABA depolarizes and hyperpolarizes the proximal and distal compartments, respectively, and 2) this [Cl-]i gradient plays an essential role in generating SAC DS light respo...

The profile of nursing management graduates from the nursing programs in southern Brazil

Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da USP — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 03:57:48 +0100

The objective was to describe the profile of graduates from the Nursing Graduate Programs from Southern Brazil, from 2006 to 2009, which titles revealed they were in the lines of research regarding nursing management. The data was collected using The CAPES Indicator Books and searches on the graduates' Curriculum Lattes/CNPq. The Nursing Graduate Programs in Southern Brazil totaled 409 students, 129 (31.5%) of which worked in the lines of research associated with nursing management/administration: 116 (89.9%) Masters and 13 (10.1%) Doctorates. Most graduates currently work as faculty. Of those with a master degree, two (1.7%) have already obtained a doctorate degree, and 39 (33.6%) are currently in the doctorate program. The intellectual production after obtaining the degree adds up to 501...

Muscle relaxants for pain management in rheumatoid arthritis.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:18:08 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Based upon the currently available evidence in patients with RA, benzodiazepines (diazepam and triazolam) do not appear to be beneficial in improving pain over 24 hours or one week. The non-benzodiazepine agent zopiclone also did not significantly reduce pain over two weeks. However, even short term muscle relaxant use (24 hours to 2 weeks) is associated with significant adverse events, predominantly drowsiness and dizziness. PMID: 22258993 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)

Neuronal Autophagy and Neurodegenerative Diseases.

exp Mol Med — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Son JH, Shim JH, Kim KH, Ha JY, Han JY Abstract Autophagy is a dynamic cellular pathway involved in the turnover of proteins, protein complexes, and organelles through lysosomal degradation. The integrity of postmitotic neurons is heavily dependent on high basal autophagy compared to non-neuronal cells as misfolded proteins and damaged organelles cannot be diluted through cell division. Moreover, neurons contain the specialized structures for intercellular communication, such as axons, dendrites and synapses, which require the reciprocal transport of proteins, organelles and autophagosomes over significant distances from the soma. Defects in autophagy affect the intercellular communication and subsequently, contributing to neurodegeneration. The presence of abnormal autoph...

Population Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Piperaquine in Children With Uncomplicated Falciparum Malaria.

Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tarning J, Zongo I, Somé FA, Rouamba N, Parikh S, Rosenthal PJ, Hanpithakpong W, Jongrak N, Day NP, White NJ, Nosten F, Ouedraogo JB, Lindegardh N Abstract Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine is being increasingly used as a first-line artemisinin combination treatment for malaria. The aim of this study was to describe the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of piperaquine in 236 children with uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Burkina Faso. They received a standard body weight-based oral 3-day fixed-dose dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine regimen. Capillary plasma concentration-time profiles were characterized using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. The population pharmacokinetics of piperaquine were described accurately by a two-transit-compartment absorption model an...

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Axon degeneration in Parkinson's disease.

Experimental Neurology — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, we propose that a new focus on the neurobiology of axons, their molecular pathways of degeneration and growth, will offer novel opportunities for neuroprotection and restoration in the treatment of PD and other neurodegenerative diseases. PMID: 22285449 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Experimental Neurology)

Intrinsic axonal degeneration pathways are critical for glaucomatous damage.

Experimental Neurology — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Howell GR, Soto I, Libby RT, John SW Abstract Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease affecting 70million people worldwide. For some time, analysis of human glaucoma and animal models suggested that RGC axonal injury in the optic nerve head (where RGC axons exit the eye) is an important early event in glaucomatous neurodegeneration. During the last decade advances in molecular biology and genome manipulation have allowed this hypothesis to be tested more critically, at least in animal models. Data indicate that RGC axon degeneration precedes soma death. Preventing soma death using mouse models that are mutant for BAX, a proapoptotic gene, is not sufficient to prevent the degeneration of RGC axons. This indicates that different degeneration processes occur in different comp...

mGluR6 deletion renders the TRPM1 channel in retina inactive

Journal of Neurophysiology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In darkness, glutamate released from photoreceptors activates the metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 (mGluR6) on retinal ON bipolar cells. This activates the G protein Go, which then closes transient receptor potential melastatin 1 (TRPM1) channels, leading to cells' hyperpolarization. It has been generally assumed that deleting mGluR6 would render the cascade inactive and the ON bipolar cells constitutively depolarized. Here we show that the rod bipolar cells in mGluR6-null mice were hyperpolarized. The slope conductance of the current-voltage curves and the current noise were smaller than in wild type. Furthermore, while in wild-type rod bipolar cells, TRPM1 could be activated by local application of capsaicin; in null cells, it did not. These results suggest that the TRPM1 channel in mGl...

Genome-wide mapping for fatty acid composition and melting point of fat in a purebred Duroc pig population.

Animal Genetics — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 02:35:43 +0100

This study determined QTL affecting fatty acid composition and melting point of different fat tissues in purebred Duroc pigs. PMID: 22221022 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Animal Genetics)

Early Graft Failure After Lower Extremity Arterial Bypass: Results from More Than 200 Hospitals

Journal of Surgical Research — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:29:46 +0100

Introduction: Early graft failure (EGF) is a serious complication after lower extremity arterial bypass. EGF has not been examined using national data since the widespread adoption of percutaneous treatments for LE arterial occlusive disease. To address this gap, we utilized data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP), which includes more than 200 academic and community hospitals. Methods: Patients who underwent lower extremity arterial bypass from 2005 to 2009 were selected from the ACS NSQIP database. The frequency of 30-day EGF NSQIP variable “OTHGRAFL” was determined. Univariate and multivariate methods were utilized to identify risk factors for EGF. Results: Of 13,751 patients who underwent open lower extremity arterial bypa...

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TRPV1s in Action

Neuromics — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:21:00 +0100

Our TRPV1s continue to be widely used and published. This recent publication features use out TRPV1-C guinea pig polyclonal for immunohistochemistry and TRPV1-mouse specific for Western Blotting: Sarah E. Canetta, Edlira Luca, Elyse Pertot, Lorna W. Role, David A. Talmage. Type III Nrg1 Back Signaling Enhances Functional TRPV1 along Sensory Axons Contributing to Basal and Inflammatory Thermal Pain Sensation. PLoS ONE 6(9): e25108. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0025108...IHC: TRPV1 (guinea pig, 1:1000, GP14100 Neuromics); WB: TRPV1 (rabbit, 1:1000, RA14113 Neuromics).Figure. Sensory axons, but not soma, from Type III Nrg1+/− mice show reduced capsaicin responsiveness compared to axons from WT mice. (A) Representative traces of intracellular calcium along sensory axons in response to 1 µM caps...

An analytical solution describing the propagation of positive injury signals in an axon: effect of dynein velocity distribution.

Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kuznetsov AV Abstract A model describing the propagation of positive injury signals from the lesion site in an axon towards the neuron soma is described. It is assumed that these signals are driven by dynein molecular motors. An analytical solution that accounts for the probability density function (pdf) of a dynein velocity distribution is obtained. Two examples of pdf of dynein velocity distributions that follow from the results published in Ross et al. (2006, Processive bidirectional motion of dynein-dynactin complexes in vitro. Nat Cell Biol. 8:562-570) and Deinhardt et al. (2006, Rab5 and Rab7 control endocytic sorting along the axonal retrograde transport pathway. Neuron 52:293-305) are considered. The effect of dynein velocity distribution on the rate of spreading o...

Nuclear localization of Klotho in brain: an anti-aging protein.

Neurobiology of Aging — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: German DC, Khobahy I, Pastor J, Kuro-O M, Liu X Abstract Klotho is a putative age-suppressing gene whose overexpression in mice results in extension of life span. The Klotho gene encodes a single-pass transmembrane protein whose extracellular domain is shed and released into blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid, potentially functioning as a humoral factor. The extracellular domain of Klotho has an activity that increases the expression of antioxidant enzymes and confers resistance to oxidative stress in cultured cells and in whole animals. The transmembrane form of the Klotho protein directly binds to multiple fibroblast growth factor receptors and modifies their ligand affinity and specificity. The purpose of the present study was to determine the precise cellular locali...

Pharmacokinetic profile and pharmacodynamic effects of romifidine hydrochloride in the horse

Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, a highly sensitive analytical technique for the detection of romifidine in equine plasma allowed detailed description of its PK profile. The drug produces long‐lasting sedation in horses that corresponds with the long terminal elimination half‐life of the drug. (Source: Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics)

Lack of early pattern stimulation prevents normal development of the alpha (Y) retinal ganglion cell population in cat

The Journal of Comparative Neurology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, we show the anatomical organization typical of premature Y‐type retinal ganglion cells persists into adulthood even if normal visual experience follows for years upon an initial six month‐period of BD. Binocular pattern deprivation possibly induces a life‐long OFF functional domination, normally only apparent during development, putting early high quality vision forward as a premise for proper ON‐OFF pathway segregation. These new observations for pattern‐deprived animals provide an anatomical basis for the well‐described motion perception deficits in congenital cataract patients. J. Comp. Neurol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. (Source: The Journal of Comparative Neurology)

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Sequence and phylogenetic analyses of nonstructural protein 2 genes of species B porcine rotaviruses detected in Japan during 2001-2009.

Virus Research — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Suzuki T, Soma J, Kuga K, Miyazaki A, Tsunemitsu H Abstract Porcine rotavirus B (RVB) has been often detected in diarrhea of suckling and weaned pigs. Because it is difficult to serially cultivate RVBs in cell culture, the number of available sequence data for RNA segments other than VP7 and NSP1 in especially porcine RVBs is still limited. We performed genetic analysis focusing on nonstructural protein 2 (NSP2) using several porcine RVB strains, which were detected in diarrheic feces collected around Japan during 2001-2009. Comparison of NSP2 nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences from porcine RVB strains exhibited low identities (64.0-99.9% in nt and 66.7-100.0% in aa) to those of other RVB strains. Phylogenetic analysis of RVB NSP2 revealed the presence of four clu...

Differential expression of Brn3 transcription factors in intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells in mouse

The Journal of Comparative Neurology — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:59:15 +0100

AbstractSeveral subtypes of melanopsin‐expressing, intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) have been reported. The M1 type of ipRGCs exhibit distinct properties compared with the remaining (non‐M1) cells. They differ not only in their soma size and dendritic arbor, but also in their physiological properties, projection patterns, and functions. However, it is not known how these differences arise. We tested the hypothesis that M1 and non‐M1 cells express Brn3 transcription factors differentially. The Brn3 family of class IV POU‐domain transcription factors (Brn3a, Brn3b, and Brn3c) is involved in the regulation of differentiation, dendritic stratification, and axonal projection of retinal ganglion cells during development. By using double immunofluorescence for ...

Smartphone App Diagnoses Malaria From Drop Of Blood

Forbes.com Healthcare News — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:17:44 +0100

One of the primary reasons Dante's Soma exists is to address how technology impacts our lives. That impact is different for just about every demographic, culture or geography -- it's not one size fits all. We use Smartphone apps today for a host of entertainment - hurling birds through the air to hit pigs, capturing music we hear floating out of a radio, photographic enhancement, you name it. There is an app for just about everything these days. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)

Effect of prolonged administration of clenbuterol on airway reactivity and sweating in horses with inflammatory airway disease.

American Journal of Veterinary Research — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Clenbuterol initially reduced airway sensitivity to inhaled histamine, but tachyphylaxis that resulted in increased airway reactivity was evident by day 21. Although no effects on sweating were detected, the technique may not have been sensitive enough to identify subtle changes. Prolonged administration of clenbuterol likely results in a clinically important reduction in its bronchodilatory effects. PMID: 22204300 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Veterinary Research)

κ I light chain AL amyloidosis presenting with rapidly progressive renal and hepatic failure with unusual renal amyloid distribution.

Clinical Nephrology — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 07:57:27 +0100

Authors: Oe Y, Nakaya I, Yahata M, Murata O, Yaegashi H, Sakuma T, Sato H, Liepnieks JJ, Benson MD, Soma J Abstract A 65-year-old man suffering from generalized edema and jaundice was admitted to our hospital. Laboratory findings revealed marked renal dysfunction with heavy proteinuria as well as liver dysfunction with severe obstructive jaundice. On renal biopsy, the diagnosis of AL amyloidosis associated with κ I light chain was made. Interestingly, amyloid deposits were restricted to the glomeruli. Although hemodialysis was initiated, the patient died due to further deterioration of hepatic function. On autopsy, severe intrahepatic cholestasis was observed, and there was marked deposition of AL amyloid in the liver. Literature reviews showed that rapidly progressive renal failu...

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Exceptional longevity is associated with decreased reproduction.

Aging — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tabatabaie V, Atzmon G, Rajpathak SN, Freeman R, Barzilai N, Crandall J Abstract A number of leading theories of aging, namely The Antagonistic Pleiotropy Theory (Williams, 1957), The Disposable Soma Theory (Kirkwood, 1977) and most recently The Reproductive-Cell Cycle Theory (Bowen and Atwood, 2004, 2010) suggest a tradeoff between longevity and reproduction. While there has been an abundance of data linking longevity with reduced fertility in lower life forms, human data have been conflicting. We assessed this tradeoff in a cohort of genetically and socially homogenous Ashkenazi Jewish centenarians (average age ~100 years). As compared with an Ashkenazi cohort without exceptional longevity, our centenarians had fewer children (2.01 vs 2.53, p<0.0001), were older at fi...

Subjective and psychomotor effects of carisoprodol in combination with oxycodone in healthy volunteers

Drug and Alcohol Dependence — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 06:11:54 +0100

Conclusions: This is the first study that we are aware of that has shown that carisoprodol and oxycodone, two drugs that are sometimes co-prescribed for relief of pain, produce effects when administered “together” (i.e., separated by 60min) that are of greater magnitude than when they are administered alone. Some of the effects were not benign, and are of concern from both abuse liability and public safety standpoints. (Source: Drug and Alcohol Dependence)

Hierarchical control of motor units in voluntary contractions

Journal of Neurophysiology — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

For the past five decades there has been wide acceptance of a relationship between the firing rate of motor units and the afterhyperpolarization of motoneurons. It has been promulgated that the higher-threshold, larger-soma, motoneurons fire faster than the lower-threshold, smaller-soma, motor units. This relationship was based on studies on anesthetized cats with electrically stimulated motoneurons. We questioned its applicability to motor unit control during voluntary contractions in humans. We found that during linearly force-increasing contractions, firing rates increased as exponential functions. At any time and force level, including at recruitment, the firing rate values were inversely related to the recruitment threshold of the motor unit. The time constants of the exponential func...

Cholinergic modulation of response gain in the primary visual cortex of the macaque

Journal of Neurophysiology — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ACh modulates neuronal activity throughout the cerebral cortex, including the primary visual cortex (V1). However, a number of issues regarding this modulation remain unknown, such as the effect and its function and the receptor subtypes involved. To address these issues, we combined extracellular single-unit recordings and microiontophoretic administration of ACh and measured V1 neuronal responses to drifting sinusoidal grating stimuli in anesthetized macaque monkeys. ACh was found to have mostly facilitatory effects on the visual responses, although some cases of suppressive effects were also seen. To assess the functional role of ACh, we further examined how ACh modulates the stimulus contrast-response function, finding that the response gain increased with the facilitatory effect. The ...

Comment on “Ruling Out Any Electrophilicity Equalization Principle”

Journal of Physical Chemistry A — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:14:29 +0100

The Journal of Physical Chemistry ADOI: 10.1021/jp208541x (Source: Journal of Physical Chemistry A)

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Osteopontin is an alpha motor neuron marker in the mouse spinal cord

Journal of Neuroscience Research — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractMotor neurons (MNs) are designated as alpha/gamma and fast/slow based on their target sites and the types of muscle fibers innervated; however, few molecular markers that distinguish between these subtypes are available. Here we report that osteopontin (OPN) is a selective marker of alpha MNs in the mouse spinal cord. OPN was detected in approximately 70% of postnatal choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)‐positive MNs with relatively large somas, but not in those with smaller somas. OPN+/ChAT+ MNs were also positive for NeuN, an alpha MN marker, but were negative for Err3, a gamma MN marker. The size distribution of OPN+/ChAT+ cells was nearly identical to that of NeuN+/ChAT+ alpha MNs. Group Ia proprioceptive terminals immunoreactive for vesicular glutamate transporter‐1 were selec...

Semi-automated, quantitative analysis of retinal ganglion cell morphology in mice selectively expressing yellow fluorescent protein.

Experimental Eye Research — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Oglesby E, Quigley HA, Zack DJ, Cone FE, Steinhart MR, Tian J, Pease ME, Kalesnykas G Abstract The development of transgenic mouse lines that selectively label a subset of neurons provides unique opportunities to study detailed neuronal morphology and morphological changes under experimental conditions. In the present study, a mouse line in which a small number of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) express yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) under control of the Thy-1 promoter was used (Feng et al., 2000). We characterized the number, distribution by retinal region and eccentricity of YFP-labeled RGCs using fluorescence microscopy and Stereo Investigator software (MicroBrightField, VT, USA). Then, we captured images of 4-6 YFP-expressing RGCs from each of 8 retinal regions by co...

Postnatal development of the amygdala: A stereological study in macaque monkeys

The Journal of Comparative Neurology — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:42:42 +0100

AbstractAbnormal development of the amygdala has been linked to several neurodevelopmental disorders, including schizophrenia and autism. However, the postnatal development of the amygdala is not easily explored at the cellular level in humans. Here, we performed a stereological analysis of the macaque monkey amygdala in order to characterize the cellular changes underlying its normal structural development in primates. The lateral, basal and accessory basal nuclei exhibited the same developmental pattern, with a large increase in volume between birth and three months of age, followed by slower growth continuing beyond one year of age. In contrast, the medial nucleus was near adult size at birth. At birth, the volume of the central nucleus was half of the adult value; this nucleus exhibite...

Neuronal clustering and fasciculation phenotype in dscam‐ and bax‐deficient mouse retinas

The Journal of Comparative Neurology — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractIndividual types of retinal neurons are distributed to minimize proximity to neighboring cells. Many of these same cell types extend dendrites to provide coverage of the retinal surface. These two cardinal features of retinal mosaics are disrupted, for certain cell types, in mice deficient for the Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule, Dscam, exhibiting an aberrant clustering of somata and fasciculation of dendrites. The Dscam‐mutant mouse retina also exhibits excess numbers of these same cell types. The present study compared these two features in Dscam‐mutant retinas with the Bax‐knockout retina, in which excess numbers of two of these cell types, the melanopsin‐positive retinal ganglion cells (MRGCs) and the dopaminergic amacrine cells (DACs), are also present. Whole reti...

Sperm Status Regulates Sexual Attraction in Caenorhabditis elegans [Developmental and Behavioral Genetics]

Genetics — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Mating behavior of animals is regulated by the sensory stimuli provided by the other sex. Sexually receptive females emit mating signals that can be inhibited by male ejaculate. The genetic mechanisms controlling the release of mating signals and encoding behavioral responses remain enigmatic. Here we present evidence of a Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodite-derived cue that stimulates male mating-response behavior and is dynamically regulated by her reproductive status. Wild-type males preferentially mated with older hermaphrodites. Increased sex appeal of older hermaphrodites was potent enough to stimulate robust response from mating-deficient pkd-2 and lov-1 polycystin mutant males. This enhanced response of pkd-2 males toward older hermaphrodites was independent of short-chain ascaros...

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Vaginal progesterone in women with an asymptomatic sonographic short cervix in the midtrimester decreases preterm delivery and neonatal morbidity: a systematic review and metaanalysis of individual patient data

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Objective: To determine whether the use of vaginal progesterone in asymptomatic women with a sonographic short cervix (≤25 mm) in the midtrimester reduces the risk of preterm birth and improves neonatal morbidity and mortality. Study Design: Individual patient data metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials. Results: Five trials of high quality were included with a total of 775 women and 827 infants. Treatment with vaginal progesterone was associated with a significant reduction in the rate of preterm birth (Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Regulation of Dopamine Level in the Nigrostriatal Projection [Molecular Bases of Disease]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The tyrosine hydroxylase (TH; EC 1.14.16.2) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the dopamine synthesis and important for the central dopaminergic system, which controls voluntary movements and reward-dependent behaviors. Here, to further explore the regulatory mechanism of dopamine levels by TH in adult mouse brains, we employed a genetic method to inactivate the Th gene in the nigrostriatal projection using the Cre-loxP system. Stereotaxic injection of adeno-associated virus expressing Cre recombinase (AAV-Cre) into the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), where dopaminergic cell bodies locate, specifically inactivated the Th gene. Whereas the number of TH-expressing cells decreased to less than 40% in the SNc 2 weeks after the AAV-Cre injection, the striatal TH protein level decreased to 75%, ...

Selective degeneration of synapses in the dorsal cochlear nucleus of chinchilla following acoustic trauma and effects of antioxidant treatment.

Hearing Research — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Du X, Chen K, Choi CH, Li W, Cheng W, Stewart C, Hu N, Floyd RA, Kopke RD Abstract The purpose of this study was to reveal synaptic plasticity within the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) as a result of noise trauma and to determine whether effective antioxidant protection to the cochlea can also impact plasticity changes in the DCN. Expression of synapse activity markers (synaptophysin and precerebellin) and ultrastructure of synapses were examined in the DCN of chinchilla 10 days after a 105 dB SPL octave-band noise (centered at 4 kHz, 6 h) exposure. One group of chinchilla was treated with a combination of antioxidants (4-hydroxy phenyl N-tert-butylnitrone, N-acetyl-l-cysteine and acetyl-l-carnitine) beginning 4 h after noise exposure. Down-regulated synaptophysin and p...

Presynaptic dopamine D3 receptor mediates cocaine‐induced structural plasticity in mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons via ERK and Akt pathways

Journal of Neurochemistry — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractExposure to psychostimulants results in neuroadaptive changes of the mesencephalic dopaminergic system including morphological reorganization of dopaminergic neurons. Increased dendrite arborization and soma area were previously observed in primary cultures of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons after 3‐day exposure to dopamine agonists via activation of D3 autoreceptors (D3R). In this work we showed that cocaine significantly increased dendritic arborization and soma area of dopaminergic neurons from E12.5 mouse embryos by activating phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and thymoma viral proto‐oncogene (Akt). These effects were dependent on functional D3R expression since cocaine did not produce morphological changes or ERK/Akt phosphorylation neithe...

A Persistent Stress Response to Impeded Axonal Transport Leads to Accumulation of Amyloid-β in the Endoplasmic Reticulum, and Is a Probable Cause of Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease.

Neuro-Degenerative Diseases — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These results support a model where the APP:Fe65 complex is a sensor at the ER for detecting the increased level of kinesin-1 caused by halted transport, which signals to the nucleus, while concomitantly generating an oligomerization-prone pool of Aβ in the ER. Our hypothesis could thus explain a pathogenic mechanism in AD. PMID: 22156573 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Neuro-Degenerative Diseases)

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Pre‐synaptic dopamine D3 receptor mediates cocaine‐induced structural plasticity in mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons via ERK and Akt pathways

Journal of Neurochemistry — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

J. Neurochem. (2012) 10.1111/j.1471‐4159.2011.07618.xAbstractExposure to psychostimulants results in neuroadaptive changes of the mesencephalic dopaminergic system including morphological reorganization of dopaminergic neurons. Increased dendrite arborization and soma area were previously observed in primary cultures of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons after 3‐day exposure to dopamine agonists via activation of D3 autoreceptors (D3R). In this work, we showed that cocaine significantly increased dendritic arborization and soma area of dopaminergic neurons from E12.5 mouse embryos by activating phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and thymoma viral proto‐oncogene (Akt). These effects were dependent on functional D3R expression because cocaine did not produ...

Somatostatin Inhibition of GnRH Neuronal Activity and the Morphological Relationship between GnRH and Somatostatin Neurons in Rats.

Endocrinology — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we assessed the morphological relationship between GnRH and somatostatin neurons. Confocal microscopy on the sections from the medial septum through medial preoptic area revealed about 35 close contacts per rat between the GnRH and somatostatin neuronal fibers in the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis region. No contact of somatostatin fibers on the GnRH neuronal somata was observed. Multicell RT-PCR for somatostatin receptor mRNA in rat GnRH neurons was also performed, which revealed moderate expression of somatostatin receptor subtypes 1-5. In addition, patch clamp experiments were carried out in acute slice preparations. Somatostatin suppressed neuronal firing in cells recorded in a cell-attached configuration and also induced whole-cell outward currents in GnRH ...

Reorganization of Synaptic Inputs to the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus During Chronic Psychogenic Stress in Rats

Biological Psychiatry — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Significant remodeling of synaptic contacts was found on CRH neurons in response to chronic stress. This morphologic plasticity might be related to the hyperactivity of the HPA axis and to development of stress-related psychopathologies such as depression. (Source: Biological Psychiatry)

Modeling the spontaneous Ca(2+) oscillations in astrocytes: Inconsistencies and usefulness.

Journal of Integrative Neuroscience — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we discuss the most remarkable models used to describe Ca(2+) signaling in astrocytes. At the same time, we aim to revise the particulars of applying these models to interpret epifluorescent time series obtained from large regions of interest. Specially, we developed a detailed model for global Ca(2+) signaling in the somata of astrocytes. In order to estimate some of the parameters in our model, we propose a deductive reasoning strategy, i.e., a statistical inference method that results from combining a filtering technique and a maximum likelihood principle. By means of computer simulations, we evaluate the accuracy of this estimation's strategy. Finally, we use the new model, in combination with a recent experimental findings by our group, to estimate the degree of cluster...

Investigation on Evolutionary Computation Techniques of a Nonlinear System

EURASIP Journal on Bioinformatics and Systems Biology — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:59:43 +0100

The main aim of this work is to show that such a powerful optimizing tool like evolutionary algorithms (EAs) can be in reality used for the simulation and optimization of a nonlinear system. A nonlinear mathematical model is required to describe the dynamic behaviour of batch process; this justifies the use of evolutionary method of the EAs to deal with this process. Four algorithms from the field of artificial intelligent—differential evolution (DE), self-organizing migrating algorithm (SOMA), genetic algorithm (GA), and simulated annealing (SA)—are used in this investigation. The results show that EAs are used successfully in the process optimization. (Source: EURASIP Journal on Bioinformatics and Systems Biology)

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CARISOPRODOL (Carisoprodol) Tablet [Unit Dose Services]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Nov 29, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Motoneurons, DUM cells, and sensory neurons in an insect thoracic ganglion: A tracing study in the stick insect Carausius morosus

The Journal of Comparative Neurology — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:52:21 +0100

AbstractAnatomical features of leg motoneurons, dorsal unpaired median (DUM) cells, and sensory neurons in stick insect mesothoracic ganglia were examined using fluorescent dye backfills of lateral nerves. Structures were analyzed in whole‐mounts of ganglia and transverse sections. Numbers of motoneurons and details of their structure by far exceed previously published data. The general neuroanatomical layout of motoneurons matches the general orthopteran pattern. Cell bodies of excitatory motoneurons form clusters in the lateral cortex, dendrites branch mainly in the dorsal neuropil. We identified nine DUM cells, six of which have axons in nerve nl5. Most sensory fibers terminate in the ventral association center (VAC). Twenty‐three small cell bodies located close to the soma of the f...

Failure of lower motor neuron radial outgrowth precedes retrograde degeneration in a feline model of SMA

The Journal of Comparative Neurology — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractFeline SMA is a fully penetrant, autosomal recessive lower motor neuron disease in domestic cats that clinically resembles human SMA Type III. A whole genome linkage scan identified a ∼140 kilobase deletion that abrogates expression of LIX1, a novel SMA candidate gene of unknown function. To characterize the progression of feline SMA, we assessed pathological changes in muscle and spinal cord from 3 days of age to beyond onset of clinical signs. EMG analysis indicating denervation occurred between 10 and 12 weeks, with the first neurological signs occurring at the same time. CMAP amplitudes were significantly reduced in the soleus and extensor carpi radialis muscles at 8 to 11 weeks. Quadriceps femoris muscle fibers from affected cats appeared smaller at 10 weeks; by 12 weeks atr...

Inner ear morphological correlates of ultrasonic hearing in frogs.

Hearing Research — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Arch VS, Simmons DD, Quiñones PM, Feng AS, Jiang J, Stuart BL, Shen JX, Blair C, Narins PM Abstract Three species of anuran amphibians (Odorrana tormota, Odorranalivida and Huia cavitympanum) have recently been found to detect ultrasounds. We employed immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy to examine several morphometrics of the inner ear of these ultrasonically sensitive species. We compared morphological data collected from the ultrasound-detecting species with data from Rana pipiens, a frog with a typical anuran upper cut-off frequency of ∼3 kHz. In addition, we examined the ears of two species of Lao torrent frogs, Odorranachloronota and Amolops daorum, that live in an acoustic environment approximating those of ultrasonically sensitive frogs. Our results sug...

Galectin-9 signaling prolongs survival in murine lung-cancer by inducing macrophages to differentiate into plasmacytoid dendritic cell-like macrophages.

Clinical Immunology — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kadowaki T, Arikawa T, Shinonaga R, Oomizu S, Inagawa H, Soma G, Niki T, Hirashima M Abstract Galectin-9 (Gal-9) expanded plasmacytoid dendritic cell-like macrophages (pDC-Mϕs) in lung cancer-bearing mice and prolonged the survival. Gal-9 increased the frequency of CD11c(high) cells in M-CSF- but not GM-CSF-induced Mϕs in vitro in a Tim-3 independent manner. CD11c(high) cells differentiated with M-CSF+Gal-9 expressed pDC-Mϕ markers, such as PDCA-1 and F4/80. These cells expressed high TLR7, TLR8 and TLR9, although they exhibited decreased IFN-α mRNA levels. LPS or LLC stimulation further elevated pDC-Mϕ markers, indicating that M-CSF+Gal-9-induced Mϕs were pDC-Mϕ precursors. Moreover, LPS stimulation resulted in the increased IRF7 and E2-2 levels, suggesting that th...

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Oligomeganephronia in an adult without end stage renal failure

Clinical and Experimental Nephrology — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 17:50:01 +0100

Abstract A 23 year-old male was investigated for hypertension, moderate renal insufficiency, persistent proteinuria and bilateral small kidneys. The renal pathological features were diagnostic with greatly enlarged glomeruli (the mean diameter was 325 μm, which was approximately two times larger than normal glomeruli), indicating oligomeganephronia (OMN). He also showed malrotated kidneys, expanded extrarenal pelvis, and hearing loss. Thus, these clinical and pathological features aided in diagnosing the renal disorder as OMN. This is a very rare case of OMN, which did not advance to end-stage renal failure as an adult. We believe that multiple anomalies might be suggestive findings of OMN in patients, such as renal insufficiency, persistent proteinuria, and bil...

Serum Levels of Interleukin-6 in Patients with Cutaneous Polyarteritis Nodosa.

Acta Derm Venereol A... — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kawakami T, Takeuchi S, Soma Y PMID: 22113827 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Derm Venereol A...)

Calcium‐dependent activator protein for secretion 2 (CAPS2) interacts with the class II ARF small GTPases and regulates dense‐core vesicle trafficking

FEBS Journal — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryThe Ca2+‐dependent activator protein for secretion (CAPS) family consists of two members (CAPS1 and CAPS2) and regulates exocytosis of catecholamine‐ or neuropeptide‐containing dense‐core vesicles (DCVs) at secretion sites such as nerve terminals. A large fraction of CAPS1 protein, however, is localized in the cell soma, and we have recently shown the possible involvement of somal CAPS1 in DCV trafficking in the trans‐Golgi network (TGN). CAPS1 and CAPS2 are differentially expressed in various regions of the mouse brain but exhibit similar expression patterns in other tissues such as the spleen. Thus, in the present study we analyzed whether CAPS2 displays similar subcellular localization and functional roles in the cell soma as CAPS1. We found that somal CAPS2 is associat...

Calcium‐dependent activator protein for secretion 2 interacts with the class II ARF small GTPases and regulates dense‐core vesicle trafficking

FEBS Journal — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The Ca2+‐dependent activator protein for secretion (CAPS) family consists of two members (CAPS1 and CAPS2) and regulates the exocytosis of catecholamine‐containing or neuropeptide‐containing dense‐core vesicles (DCVs) at secretion sites such as nerve terminals. A large fraction of CAPS1, however, is localized in the cell soma, and we have recently shown the possible involvement of somal CAPS1 in DCV trafficking in the trans‐Golgi network. CAPS1 and CAPS2 are differentially expressed in various regions of the mouse brain but exhibit similar expression patterns in other tissues, such as the spleen. Thus, in the present study we analyzed whether CAPS2 displays similar subcellular localization and functional roles in the cell soma as CAPS1. We found that somal CAPS2 is associated wit...

Transgenerational Inheritance of an Acquired Small RNA-Based Antiviral Response in C. elegans

Cell — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Oded Rechavi, Gregory Minevich, Oliver Hobert. Induced expression of the Flock House virus in the soma of C. elegans results in the RNAi-dependent production of virus-derived, small-interfering RNAs (viRNAs), which in turn silence the v.... (Source: Cell)

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The distribution of zebrin immunoreactive purkinje cell terminals in the cerebellar and vestibular nuclei of birds

The Journal of Comparative Neurology — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:37:11 +0100

AbstractZebrin II (aldolase C) is expressed in a subset Purkinje cells in the mammalian and avian cerebella such that there is a characteristic parasagittal organization of zebrin immunopositive stripes alternating with zebrin immunonegative stripes. Zebrin is not only expressed in the soma and dendrites of Purkinje cells, but also in their axonal terminals. Here, we describe the distribution of zebrin immunoreactivity in both the vestibular and cerebellar nuclei of pigeons (Columbia livia) and hummingbirds (Calypte anna, Selasphorus rufus). In the medial cerebellar nucleus, zebrin positive labelling was particularly heavy in the “shell”, whereas the “core” was zebrin negative. In the lateral cerebellar nucleus, labelling was not as heavy, but a positive shell, negative core was al...

Nanoparticle-mediated signaling endosome localization regulates growth cone motility and neurite growth [Engineering]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Understanding neurite growth regulation remains a seminal problem in neurobiology. During development and regeneration, neurite growth is modulated by neurotrophin-activated signaling endosomes that transmit regulatory signals between soma and growth cones. After injury, delivering neurotrophic therapeutics to injured neurons is limited by our understanding of how signaling endosome localization in the growth cone affects neurite growth. Nanobiotechnology is providing new tools to answer previously inaccessible questions. Here, we show superparamagnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) functionalized with TrkB agonist antibodies are endocytosed into signaling endosomes by primary neurons that activate TrkB-dependent signaling, gene expression and promote neurite growth. These MNP signaling endosomes a...

Role of Complement 3a in the Synthetic Phenotype and Angiotensin II-Production in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells From Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

American Journal of Hypertension — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsC3a induces exaggerated growth, a synthetic phenotype and Ang II-production in SHR-derived VSMCs. C3a may be primarily involved in cardiovascular remodeling in hypertension.American Journal of Hypertension (2011); doi:10.1038/ajh.2011.214. PMID: 22089112 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Hypertension)

A‐kinase anchoring protein 150 expression in a specific subset of TRPV1‐ and CaV1.2‐positive nociceptive rat dorsal root ganglion neurons

The Journal of Comparative Neurology — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 04:31:57 +0100

AbstractModulation of phosphorylation states of ion channels is a critical step in the development of hyperalgesia during inflammation. Modulatory enhancement of channel activity may increase neuronal excitability and affect downstream targets such as gene transcription. The specificity required for such regulation of ion channels quickly occurs via targeting of protein kinases and phosphatases by the scaffolding A‐kinase anchoring protein 79/150 (AKAP79/150). AKAP79/150 has been implicated in inflammatory pain by targeting protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) to the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel in peripheral sensory neurons, thus lowering threshold for activation of the channel by multiple inflammatory reagents. However, the expression pattern of...

Ultrafast Spectroscopic Study on Caffeine Mediated Dissociation of Mutagenic Ethidium from Synthetic DNA and Various Cell Nuclei

Journal of Physical Chemistry B — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:10:47 +0100

The Journal of Physical Chemistry BDOI: 10.1021/jp206300x (Source: Journal of Physical Chemistry B)

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Old friends with a new job.

Developmental Cell — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Krämer H Abstract The paper by Kobayashi et al. triggered fond memories and curious questions, as one might expect when meeting a couple of old, almost forgotten friends. As a post doc in Larry Zipursky's laboratory, I worked in a team trying to understand how Boss/Sevenless signaling directs the presence of one and only one R7 cell in each ommatidium of the fly eye. Almost 20 years later, an odd sense of ownership contributed to my first knee-jerk reaction to the title of the paper claiming a role for Boss and Sevenless in early male gonads: Those mutants are fertile! How, then, could either Boss or Sevenless be important for the niche in which male germline stem cells reside? But, thinking back, neither boss nor sevenless mutants are blind, and yet they told us a lot a...

Ca2+ transients in myenteric glial cells during the colonic migrating motor complex in the isolated murine large intestine.

The Journal of Physiology — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, Ca2+ transients in EGCs occur secondary to nerve activity; their activation is driven by intrinsic excitatory nerve pathways that generate the CMMC. PMID: 22063626 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Journal of Physiology)

Intermittent Hypobaric Hypoxia Preconditioning Induced Brain Ischemic Tolerance by Up-Regulating Glial Glutamate Transporter-1 in Rats.

Neurochemical Research — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gong SJ, Chen LY, Zhang M, Gong JX, Ma YX, Zhang JM, Wang YJ, Hu YY, Sun XC, Li WB, Zhang Y Abstract Several studies showed that the up-regulation of glial glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) participates in the acquisition of brain ischemic tolerance induced by cerebral ischemic preconditioning or ceftriaxone pretreatment in rats. To explore whether GLT-1 plays a role in the acquisition of brain ischemic tolerance induced by intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IH) preconditioning (mimicking 5,000 m high-altitude, 6 h per day, once daily for 28 days), immunohistochemistry and western blot were used to observe the changes in the expression of GLT-1 protein in hippocampal CA1 subfield during the induction of brain ischemic tolerance by IH preconditioning, and the effect of dihydr...

Metal speciation in surface sediments of the Uberabinha river in Uberlândia, MG State, Brazil

Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 07:00:31 +0100

A three-step sequential extraction procedure recommended by the European Standards, Measurements and Testing (SM&T) Program, formerly the Community Bureau of Reference (BCR), was applied to the chemical speciation of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Cr and Zn) in sediments from different populated zones of Uberlândia City (MG State, Brazil). To obtain a mass balance, a fourth step, i.e., digestion and analysis of the residue, was performed using a microwave-assisted acid digestion procedure. The highest metallic elements concentrations were observed at one of the sampling points which receive discharge from an urban area and an industrial zone. All metals, except Zn, were present at higher concentrations in the residual fractions (strongly associated with the crystalline structures of the minerals) ...

CARISOPRODOL (Carisoprodol) Tablet [Unit Dose Services]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Nov 10, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

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Proteinase-activated receptor-1 mediates dorsal root ganglion neuronal degeneration in HIV/AIDS

Brain — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Distal sensory polyneuropathy is a frequent complication of lentivirus infections of the peripheral nervous system including both human immunodeficiency virus and feline immunodeficiency virus. Proteinase-activated receptors are G protein-coupled receptors implicated in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Proteinase-activated receptor-1 is expressed on different cell types within the nervous system including neurons and glia, but little is known about its role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory peripheral nerve diseases, particularly lentivirus-related distal sensory polyneuropathy. Herein, the expression and functions of proteinase-activated receptor-1 in the peripheral nervous system during human immunodeficiency virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection...

Corticospinal-specific HCN expression in mouse motor cortex: Ih-dependent synaptic integration as a candidate microcircuit mechanism involved in motor control

Journal of Neurophysiology — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Motor cortex is a key brain center involved in motor control in rodents and other mammals, but specific intracortical mechanisms at the microcircuit level are largely unknown. Neuronal expression of hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih) is cell class specific throughout the nervous system, but in neocortex, where pyramidal neurons are classified in various ways, a systematic pattern of expression has not been identified. We tested whether Ih is differentially expressed among projection classes of pyramidal neurons in mouse motor cortex. Ih expression was high in corticospinal neurons and low in corticostriatal and corticocortical neurons, a pattern mirrored by mRNA levels for HCN1 and Trip8b subunits. Optical mapping experiments showed that Ih attenuated glutamatergic responses evoked a...

Pre- and postnatal differences in membrane, action potential, and ion channel properties of rostral nucleus of the solitary tract neurons

Journal of Neurophysiology — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

There is little known about the prenatal development of the rostral nucleus of the solitary tract (rNST) neurons in rodents or the factors that influence circuit formation. With morphological and electrophysiological techniques in vitro, we investigated differences in the biophysical properties of rNST neurons in pre- and postnatal rats from embryonic day 14 (E14) through postnatal day 20. Developmental changes in passive membrane and action potential (AP) properties and the emergence and maturation of ion channels important in neuron function were characterized. Morphological maturation of rNST neurons parallels changes in passive membrane properties. Mean soma size, dendritic branch points, neurite endings, and neurite length all increase prenatally. whereas neuron resting membrane poten...

More people landing in the ER after abusing muscle relaxant

USATODAY.com Health — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 18:14:20 +0100

The number of people winding up in the emergency room because of the misuse or abuse of the prescription muscle relaxant carisoprodol has more ... (Source: USATODAY.com Health)

Genetic co-morbidity between neuroticism, anxiety/depression and somatic distress in a population sample of adolescent and young adult twins.

Psychological Medicine — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: In adolescence, genetic risk factors indexed by neuroticism contribute substantially to anxiety/depression and, to a lesser extent, perceived somatic health. Additional genetic covariation between anxiety/depressive and somatic symptoms, independent of neuroticism, had greatest influence on somatic distress, where it was equal in influence to the factor shared with neuroticism. PMID: 22051348 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Psychological Medicine)

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More People Landing in the ER After Abusing Muscle Relaxant: Report

The Doctors Lounge - Health News — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:00:00 +0100

Carisoprodol, when misused or taken with other meds, can have dangerous sedative effects (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Health News)

More People Landing in the ER After Abusing Muscle Relaxant

MedlinePlus Health News — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:00:00 +0100

Carisoprodol, when misused or taken with other meds, can have dangerous sedative effects Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Page: Prescription Drug Abuse (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Mitochondrial "hypermetabolic" neurons in paediatric epileptic foci.

The Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Histochemistry of mitochondrial oxidative enzymes reveals scattered and clustered neurons with stronger activities than others at epileptic foci. Such intensely staining neurons may be functionally "hypermetabolic" but they do not signify mitochondrial disease. Individual intensely stained neurons might be epileptogenic, but do not denote an epileptogenic field in the same manner as α-B-crystallin, which also was strongly reactive in these foci. PMID: 22030431 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences)

A Novel Deletion Mutation of Mouse ruby-eye 2 Named ru2(d)/Hps5(ru2-d) Inhibits Melanocyte Differentiation and Its Impaired Differentiation is Rescued by L-tyrosine.

Zoological Science — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hirobe T, Yoshihara C, Takeuchi S, Wakamatsu K, Ito S, Abe H, Kawa Y, Soma Y Abstract In our laboratory, a single autosomal recessive mutation in a phenotype similar to ruby-eye (ru/Hps6(ru)) or ruby-eye 2 (ru2/Hps5(ru2)) spontaneously occurred in siblings of C57BL/10JHir (+/+, black) mice in 2006. RT-PCR analysis revealed that this novel mutation, named ru2(d)/Hps5(ru2-d), exhibited frameshift by 997G deletion in the Hps5 gene. To clarify the mechanism of the hypopigmentation, the characteristics of proliferation and differentiation of ru2(d)/ru2(d) epidermal melanoblasts and melanocytes cultured in a serum-free medium were investigated. The proliferation of ru2(d)/ru2(d) melanoblasts and melanocytes did not differ from that of +/+ melanoblasts and melanocytes. However, t...

The maintenance gap: a new theoretical perspective on the evolution of aging.

Biogerontology — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wensink MJ, van Heemst D, Rozing MP, Westendorp RG Abstract One of the prevailing theories of aging, the disposable soma theory, views aging as the result of the accumulation of damage through imperfect maintenance. Aging, then, is explained from an evolutionary perspective by asserting that this lack of maintenance exists because the required resources are better invested in reproduction. However, the amount of maintenance necessary to prevent aging, 'maintenance requirement' has so far been largely neglected and has certainly not been considered from an evolutionary perspective. To our knowledge we are the first to do so, and arrive at the conclusion that all maintenance requirement needs an evolutionary explanation. Increases in maintenance requirement can only be selec...

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Usefulness of linezolid in the treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia caused by MRSA: a prospective observational study

Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:01:39 +0100

Abstract Clinical results for linezolid (LZD) treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), particularly microbiologically evaluable or severe cases, are limited in Japan. A prospective observational study was conducted in order to assess the usefulness of LZD in Japanese patients with MRSA pneumonia. The study tracked fifteen participants treated with LZD for pneumonia who met the criteria of the HAP guidelines and were confirmed to have pneumonia caused by MRSA. Of these, six were severe and 13 had received antibiotic treatment before treatment with LZD. Of the 13 participants assessed for their clinical responses, seven were rated as cures, three were rated as failures, and three were indeterminate. The overa...

Health‐related quality of life assessed by the effect of bepotastine besilate in patients with pruritus: Importance of emotions score in atopic dermatitis

The Journal of Dermatology — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe Skindex‐16 questionnaire was recently developed as a measure of dermatological health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), including symptoms, emotions and functional aspects. Bepotastine besilate is a selective histamine H1‐receptor antagonist and a second‐generation non‐sedating antihistamine to treat various dermatological disorders. We assessed changes of the HRQoL instrument (Skindex‐16) on patients with pruritus, including those with atopic dermatitis (AD) over bepotastine treatment period. The patients’ personal assessment of the intensity of pruritus was determined using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pruritus. Patients answered the Skindex‐16 at baseline and at week 4. Forty‐eight of 51 enrolled dermatological patients completed the Skindex‐16. Of th...

Perivascular localization of dermal stem cells in human scalp

Experimental Dermatology — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This study suggests that dermal perivascular sites act as a niche of mesenchymal stem cells in human scalp skin, which are easily accessible and useful in regenerative medicine. (Source: Experimental Dermatology)

Lidocaine treatment during synapse reformation periods permanently inhibits NGF-induced excitation in an identified reconstructed synapse of Lymnaea stagnalis

Journal of Anesthesia — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 05:48:09 +0100

Conclusion NGF increased amplitudes and frequencies of MEPPs and induced synaptic excitation by increasing axonal growth and exocytosis. Lidocaine exposure during synapse reformation periods permanently suppressed NGF-induced excitation by suppressing axonal growth and exocytosis of presynaptic neurons in the identified reconstructed synapse of L. stagnalis. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00540-011-1257-6Authors Shin Onizuka, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Kiyotake-Cho, Miyazaki, 889-1692 JapanSeiji Shiraishi, Innovative Pathophysiology Research Group, Division of Cancer Pathophysiology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, ...

Burst firing transitions in two-compartment pyramidal neuron induced by the perturbation of membrane capacitance

Neurological Sciences — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 05:41:47 +0100

In this study, the influence of C m on burst firing behaviors of a two-compartment pyramidal neuron (including somatic compartment and dendritic compartment) was investigated by means of computer simulation, the value of C m in each compartment was denoted as C m,s and C m,d, respectively. Two cases were considered, in the first case, we let C m,s = C m,d, and then changed them simultaneously. While in the second case, we assumed C m,s ≠ C m,d, and then changed them, respectively. From the simulation results obtained from these two cases, it was found that the variation of C m in the somatic compartment and the dendritic compartment show much difference, simulated results obtained from the variation of C m,d have much more similarities than that of C m,s...

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Adjunctive Use of the Superficial Femoral Vein for Vascular Reconstructions

Journal of Vascular Surgery — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:45:46 +0100

Objectives: While the superficial femoral vein (SFV) is an accepted treatment for aortic graft infections, this conduit also has potential uses in other areas. We evaluate our experience using the SFV for arterial and venous bypasses, and arteriovenous (AV) fistula for dialysis access. (Source: Journal of Vascular Surgery)

Suffering at work and the modern organizational collective imaginary: suicidal ideation of a brazilian bank worker

Psicologia e Sociedade — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:00:25 +0100

This study has examined the relations between the modern organizational collective imaginary that has been spread by companies and the suffering at work in the context of the productive reorganizations, by means of a case study in the banking sector. The psychic domination support of the organization over the individual has been examined, through the massified spread of company values such as social values, whose affective management has been added to the management by fear. A private bank manager, in mental disorder treatment because of imminent suicidal ideation after 30 years working at the same company, has been interviewed. The data has been analysed by means of free categorical analysis. The results have evidenced that the interviewed had strongly assimilated the company's speech dur...

CARISOPRODOL (Carisoprodol) Tablet [AvKARE, Inc.]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Oct 26, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Evaluation of the first immunoassay for the semi-quantitative measurement of meprobamate in human whole blood or plasma using biochip array technology.

International Journal of Clinical Chemistry — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The first meprobamate immunoassay has shown very good specificity, selectivity and accuracy, which allow its use in hospital clinical laboratories for rapid diagnosis of meprobamate (or carisoprodol) intoxications. PMID: 22057036 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Clinical Chemistry)

Minichromosome maintenance helicase paralog MCM9 is dispensible for DNA replication but functions in germ-line stem cells and tumor suppression [Developmental Biology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Effective DNA replication is critical to the health and reproductive success of organisms. The six MCM2–7 proteins, which form the replicative helicase, are essential for high-fidelity replication of the genome. Many eukaryotes have a divergent paralog, MCM9, that was reported to be essential for loading MCM2–7 onto replication origins in the Xenopus oocyte extract system. To address the in vivo role of mammalian MCM9, we created and analyzed the phenotypes of mice with various mutations in Mcm9 and an intronic DNA replication-related gene Asf1a. Ablation of Mcm9 was compatible with cell proliferation and mouse viability, showing that it is nonessential for MCM2–7 loading or DNA replication. Mcm9 mutants underwent p53-independent embryonic germ-cell depletion in both sexes, with male...

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Disopyramide-induced hypoglycemia in a non-diabetic hemodialysis patient: a case report and review of the literature.

Clinical Nephrology — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 19:41:07 +0100

We report a case of severe disopyramide-induced hypoglycemia in a nondiabetic 72-year-old woman on hemodialysis. Concentrations of counter-regulatory hormones, serum insulin, and C-peptide were measured. From these data, it appears that disopyramide-induced hypoglycemia results from sustained endogenous insulin secretion, with a concomitant inadequate counter-regulatory response. Although hypoglycemia occurs infrequently in patients treated with disopyramide, this adverse effect is clinically important and potentially life-threatening. Evidence suggests that disopyramide-induced hypoglycemia results from endogenous insulin secretion and can occur in patients with therapeutic blood concentrations of the drug. Patients at risk include those with renal impairment, advanced age, and malnutriti...

[Case Report] A purple rash

LANCET — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In July, 2010, a 60-year-old white woman with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus presented with pain and swelling of the hands, wrists, and feet, and a purpuric rash on both heels. She had a 10-year history of diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia. Before admission, her baseline creatinine concentration was 126 μmol/L (normal <88 μmol/L for women), GFR was 40 mL/min, 2+ urine protein (1·0 g/L), and haemoglobin A11c (HbA1c) was 68 mmol/mol. Her medications included: atorvastatin, metoprolol, benazepril, furosemide, glargine, and glipizide. (Source: LANCET)

Ultrastructural Localization and Expression of TRPM1 in the Human Retina [Visual Neurophysiology]

Investigative Ophthalmology — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. In the human retina TRPM1 is expressed on ON-bipolar cell dendrites that invaginate photoreceptor terminals. TRPM1 is also expressed on the synaptic ribbons of a subclass of rods, suggesting a dual function for TRPM1 in the ON-pathway. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)

Evidence for structural and functional changes of subplate neurons in developing rat barrel cortex.

Brain Structure and Function — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Liao CC, Lee LJ Abstract In the developing sensory cortex, the subplate could serve as a transient relay station between the thalamus and cortical plate and assists the formation of thalamocortical projection. While the thalamus-layer IV connection is formed, the thalamic activation of subplate is diminished. In the present study, we aimed to explore the mechanism which may attribute to the decline of subplate activity. To resolve this issue, the developmental changes of subplate neurons (SPns) in rat somatosensory cortex were examined during the first two postnatal weeks which covers the stages prior and subsequent to the establishment of thalamocortical connection. During development, more SPns exhibited regular-spiking firing pattern and the membrane properties of SPns ...

Locomotor-related activity of GABAergic interneurons localized in the ventrolateral region in the isolated spinal cord of neonatal mice

Journal of Neurophysiology — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In this study, we performed whole cell recording in visually identified ventrolaterally located GABAergic neurons (VL-GNs) in the rostral (L2 segment) and caudal (L5 segment) lumbar cord using isolated spinal cord preparations taken from glutamate decarboxylase 67-green fluorescent protein (GAD67-GFP) knock-in mouse neonates. These neurons did not respond to electrical stimulation of the ventral root, indicating that they were not Renshaw cells. Ninety-five percent of VL-GNs in the L2 segment and fifty percent of those in the L5 segment showed significant rhythmic firing during locomotor-like rhythmic activity induced by bath application of 5-HT and NMDA. Seventy percent of these neurons fired mainly during the extensor phase, and twenty-five percent fired mainly during the flexor phase. V...

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Angioplasty versus stenting for subclavian artery stenosis.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 01:20:04 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: There is currently insufficient evidence to determine whether stenting is more effective than angioplasty alone for stenosis of the subclavian artery. PMID: 21975782 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)

[The so-called body-mind problem].

Zeitschrift fur Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 13:30:02 +0100

Authors: Tress W Abstract THE PROBLEM: Even psychosomatic researchers seem to want to avoid the so-called body-mind problem, which is actually a mind-brain problem. In line with Beckermann (2008), the first the four possible positions on the mind-brain problem are presented. The debate over the past 100 years has revolved around the question of whether mental events are ontologically independent of brain physiology or whether they are in fact entirely determined by it. Such a physicalism approach based on properties (i.e., mental characteristics or phenomena are physical or can be completely reduced to physical characteristics), however, is diametrically opposed to some of our strongest intuitions, e.g., that computers will never be able to develop qualities of human experience (qu...

Expression of amnionless in mouse testes and Leydig cells

Andrologia — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

SummaryVitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency results in atrophy of seminiferous tubules and aplasia of spermatozoa and spermatid. The transmembrane protein amnionless (AMN) directs endocytosis of cubilin with its ligand, contributing to intrinsic factor‐vitamin B12 absorption. To understand vitamin B12 transport in testis, we analysed AMN expression in developing mouse testes and in Leydig cells and speculated the possible role of AMN in testis. In testes, Amn mRNA levels were low until 14 days post partum (pp) and markedly increased from puberty onwards. In the interstitium, Amn mRNA levels were low at 14 days pp and increased at puberty (28 days pp) together with 3‐beta‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 6 mRNA. Strong AMN immunoreactivity was observed in early spermatocytes from...

Dependence of the histofluorescently reactive zinc pool on zinc transporter-3 in the normal brain.

Brain Research — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 03:37:23 +0100

In this study, we demonstrate the close correlations between histofluorescently reactive zinc and ZnT3. We examined the overlapping distribution of the zinc-specific fluorescent dye, N-(6-methoxy-8-quinolyl)-p-toluenesulfonamide (TSQ)-, and ZnT3-immunoreactive fluorescence throughout the normal brain. TSQ and ZnT3-antibody intensely stained the hippocampus, cortex and amygdala, highlighting the characteristic laminar organization of these regions by variably staining the different layers. TSQ fluorescence and ZnT3 immunoreactivity were roughly co-localized with synaptophysin along the neuropil, but were absent in the neuronal soma. However, albeit relatively faint, TSQ fluorescence was also found throughout the brains of ZnT3-knockout mice. Although these results may indicate the presence ...

Lamins, guardians of the soma and the genome.

Cell Cycle — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Freije JM, Pendás AM Abstract Comment on: Redwood AB, et al. Cell Cycle 2011; 10:2549-60. PMID: 21946518 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Cell Cycle)

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Heterogeneity in dendritic morphology of moth antennal lobe projection neurons

The Journal of Comparative Neurology — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:09:32 +0100

We examined the anatomy of this neuronal population in the brain of the silkmoth Bombyx mori. Using intracellular dye injection, we labeled a total of 246 PNs and systematically analyzed their morphological features, including the soma position, antennocerebral tract, and number of innervating glomeruli. For example, we analyzed PNs that had somata in the different cell clusters, innervated overlapping but different groups of glomeruli, and ran through different pathways. We also identified glomeruli innervated by PNs using a previously established procedure that first classifies glomeruli into regional groups and then identifies individual glomeruli. We analyzed uniglomerular PNs (75.6% of the total) and found heterogeneity in the dendritic morphology of the PNs that was dependent on the ...

A Multi-Compartment Model for Interneurons in the Dorsal Lateral Geniculate Nucleus

PLoS Computational Biology — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

by Geir Halnes, Sigita Augustinaite, Paul Heggelund, Gaute T. Einevoll, Michele Migliore GABAergic interneurons (INs) in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) shape the information flow from retina to cortex, presumably by controlling the number of visually evoked spikes in geniculate thalamocortical (TC) neurons, and refining their receptive field. The INs exhibit a rich variety of firing patterns: Depolarizing current injections to the soma may induce tonic firing, periodic bursting or an initial burst followed by tonic spiking, sometimes with prominent spike-time adaptation. When released from hyperpolarization, some INs elicit rebound bursts, while others return more passively to the resting potential. A full mechanistic understanding that explains the function of the dLGN ...

Characterization of the axon initial segment (AIS) of motor neurons and identification of a para-AIS and a juxtapara-AIS, organized by protein 4.1B

BMC Biology - Latest articles — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Alpha motor neurons have heterogeneous AISs, which underlie different spiking properties. Yet, they all have a para- and a JXP-AIS contiguous to their AIS, where the myelin sheath begins, which might limit some AIS plasticity. Protein 4.1B plays a key role in ensuring the proper molecular compartmentalization of this hemi-node-type region. (Source: BMC Biology - Latest articles)

Autoimmune regulator (AIRE) contributes to Dectin-1–induced TNF-α production and complexes with caspase recruitment domain–containing protein 9 (CARD9), spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), and Dectin-1

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: AIRE can participate in the Dectin-1 signaling pathway, indicating a novel extrathymic role for AIRE and a defect that likely contributes to fungal susceptibility in patients with APECED syndrome. (Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology)

Unusual augmentation of germline genome size in Cyclops kolensis (Crustacea, Copepoda): further evidence in support of a revised model of chromatin diminution.

Chromosome Research — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wyngaard GA, Rasch EM, Connelly BA Abstract Embryonic chromatin diminution, the selective excision of large amounts of heterochromatic DNA from presomatic cell lineages, provides an example of an unusually large augmentation of the germline genome and raises questions regarding the source of the increased amount of DNA and its relevance to the biology of the organism. DNA levels in adult germ cell nuclei of the copepod Cyclops kolensis were determined by DNA-Feulgen cytophotometry and compared with those of somatic nuclei of adults and both pre- and postdiminuted embryos from the same mothers. Almost 75 pg DNA/nucleus is excised by diminution, resulting in the return of each generation to the approximately 1 pg DNA/nucleus level found for adult soma. To account for the i...

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Differential expression of Brn3 transcription factors in intrinsically‐photosensitive retinal ganglion cells in mouse

The Journal of Comparative Neurology — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

AbstractSeveral subtypes of melanopsin‐expressing, intrinsically‐photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) have been reported. The M1 type of ipRGCs exhibit distinct properties compared with the remaining (non‐M1) cells. They differ not only in their soma size and dendritic arbor, but also in their physiological properties, projection patterns and functions. However, it is not known how these differences arise. We tested the hypothesis that M1 and non‐M1 cells express Brn3 transcription factors differentially. Brn3 family of class IV POU‐domain transcription factors, Brn3a, Brn3b and Brn3c are involved in differentiation, dendritic stratification and axonal projection of retinal ganglion cells during development. Using double immunofluorescence for Brn3 transcription factors...

Developmental Programming: Reproductive Endocrinopathies in the Adult Female Sheep After Prenatal Testosterone Treatment Are Reflected in Altered Ontogeny of GnRH Afferents.

Endocrinology — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Jansen HT, Hershey J, Mytinger A, Foster DL, Padmanabhan V Abstract The GnRH system represents a useful model of long-term neural plasticity. An unexplored facet of this plasticity relates to the ontogeny of GnRH neural afferents during critical periods when the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is highly susceptible to perturbation by sex steroids. Sheep treated with testosterone (T) in utero exhibit profound reproductive neuroendocrine dysfunctions during their lifespan. The current study tested the hypothesis that these changes are associated with alterations in the normal ontogeny of GnRH afferents and glial associations. Adult pregnant sheep (n = 50) were treated with vehicle [control (CONT)] or T daily from gestational day (GD)30 to GD90. CONT and T fetuses (n = 4-...

Extra-vesicular intra-neuronal migration of internalised botulinum neurotoxins without detectable inhibition of distal neurotransmission

BJ Cell — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Intracellular protein transport routes can be studied using toxins that exploit these to enter cells. Botulinum neurotoxin type A (/A) is a protease that binds to peripheral nerve terminals, gets endocytosed and causes prolonged blockade of transmitter release by cleaving synaptosomal-associated protein of Mr = 25k (SNAP-25). Retrograde transport of the toxin has been suggested, but not of the transient muscle relaxant, type E. Herein, dispersal of these proteases in compartmented cultures of rat sympathetic neurons was examined after focal application of /A or /E to neurites. A majority of cleaved SNAP-25 was seen locally, but some appeared along neurites and accumulated in the soma over several weeks. /E yielded less cleaved SNAP-25 at distal sites due to shorter-lived enzymic activity. ...

Near‐to‐perfect homeostasis: examples of universal aging rule which germline evades

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

AbstractAging is considered to be a progressive decline in an organism's functioning over time and is almost universal throughout the living world. Currently, many different aging mechanisms have been reported at all levels of biological organization, with a variety of biochemical, metabolic and genetic pathways involved. Some of these mechanisms are common across species, and others work different, but each of them is constitutive. This review describes the common characteristics of the aging processes, which are consistent changes over time that involve either the accumulation or depletion of particular system components. These accumulations and depletions may result from imperfect homeostasis, which is the incomplete compensation of a particular biological process with another process e...

Anti-VEGF therapy in pituitary carcinoma

Pituitary — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:49:19 +0100

We report the case of a 44-year-old male patient with an aggressive silent corticotroph cell pituitary adenoma, subtype 2. In that it progressed to carcinoma despite temozolomide administration, anti-VEGF therapy was begun. MRI, PET scan and pathologic analysis were undertaken. After 10 months of anti-VEGF (bevacizumab) treatment no progression of the lesion was noted. The tumor was biopsied and morphological analysis showed severe cell injury, vascular abnormalities and fibrosis. Bevacizumab treatment has continued for additional 16 months to present with stabilization of disease as documented on serial MRI and PET scans. This is the first case of a bevacizumab-treated pituitary carcinoma with long-term, now 26 months, control of disease. The present findings are prom...

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Effect of Early Glutamate Exposure on EAAT-3 and GAT-1 Protein Expression in Cells of the Dentate Gyrus and CA1 Region of the Adult Rat Hippocampus

Archives of Medical Research — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The findings suggest that the selective long-term increase in EAAT-3 expression in granular cells following neonatal MSG treatment reflects an important compensatory or protective response to the excitotoxic and seizure-promoting effects of early glutamate exposure in adult animals. (Source: Archives of Medical Research)

Analytical modelling of retrograde transport of nerve growth factors in an axon: a transient problem.

Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kuznetsov AV Abstract The purpose of this paper was to develop an analytical solution describing retrograde transport of nerve growth factors (NGFs) from a target tissue to the neuron soma. The obtained solution is applied to describe two situations: (1) when all dynein motors are moving at a constant velocity and (2) when the dynein velocity distribution is described by a probability density function. The dynamics of NGF concentrations and fluxes is investigated. It is established that the magnitude of the diffusion flux forms a wave localised in space and propagating towards the neuron soma; the magnitude of this wave decreases as the wave propagates downstream. The dynein-driven flux of NGFs is demonstrated to be the main component in the NGF flux, which is shown to be ...

CA-125 and heart failure: Reiteration and reappraisal

International Journal of Cardiology — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We have read the letter by Ege et al. with great interest . After reading their letter our first impression was that the reply will just be reiteration of the facts in our previous manuscript . However, this gives us an opportunity to emphasize important facts about the probable use of CA-125 for congestive heart failure (CHF). Why did Ege et al. feel obligation to mention that our specialty was different? But being from a different specialty of medicine may confer us a chance to look at the issue from a different perspective compared to the authors. Moreover, being from a different specialty of medicine may have brought us more experience about the use of CA-125. CA-125 was first described by Bast et al. in 1981 and 2years later high concentrations were demonstrated in ovarian cancer pati...

Bladder Rupture After Intentional Medication Overdose. - Huston B, Mills K, Froloff V, McGee M.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 01:00:09 +0100

We report the case of a 51-year-old woman who had a medical history of diabetes, depression with past suicide attempts, and suicidal ideation. She was found unresponsive in a motel with multiple bottles of medicines (melatonin, carisoprodol, ativan, and cl... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Open fitting: evaluating user satisfaction in a high complexity center

Revista CEFAC — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 02:20:45 +0100

CONCLUSION: with this study we can demonstrate the high satisfaction degree in using HA OTE submitted by the majority of the sample collected in all analyzed domains. (Source: Revista CEFAC)

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Treadmill training induces plasticity in spinal motoneurons and sciatic nerve after sensorimotor restriction during early postnatal period: New insights into the clinical approach for children with cerebral palsy.

International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Stigger F, do Nascimento PS, Dutra MF, Couto GK, Ilha J, Achaval M, Marcuzzo S Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate whether locomotor stimulation training could have beneficial effects on the morphometric alterations of spinal cord and sciatic nerve consequent to sensorimotor restriction (SR). Male Wistar rats were exposed to SR from postnatal day 2 (P2) to P28. Control and experimental rats underwent locomotor stimulation training in a treadmill for three weeks (from P31 to P52). The cross-sectional area (CSA) of spinal motoneurons innervating hind limb muscles was determined. Both fiber and axonal CSA of myelinated fibers were also assessed. The growth-related increase in CSA of motoneurons in the SR group was less than controls. After SR, the mean mo...

Effects of modafinil on cognitive functions in first episode psychosis

Psychopharmacology — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 16:45:35 +0100

Conclusions Modafinil selectively enhances working memory in first episode psychosis patients, which could have downstream effects on patients’ social and occupational functioning. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original InvestigationPages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s00213-011-2472-4Authors Linda Scoriels, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Herchel Smith Building for Brain and Mind Sciences, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0SZ UKJennifer H. Barnett, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Herchel Smith Building for Brain and Mind Sciences, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0SZ UKPraveen K. Soma, North Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Essex, UKBarbara J. Sahakian, Department of Psychiatry, MRC/Wellcome Trust Behavio...

Colocalization of FM1-43, Bassoon, and GnRH-1: GnRH-1 Release from Cell Bodies and Their Neuroprocesses.

Endocrinology — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In this study, we examined the neurosecretory process of GnRH-1 neurons using time-lapse image acquisition followed by immunocytochemistry with confocal microscopy. To monitor exocytotic processes, cultured GnRH-1 neurons derived from monkey embryos were labeled with the lipophilic dye, FM1-43, or its fixable form FM1-43Fx, in the presence or absence of depolarization signals, and changes in vesicles labeled with FM1-43 were analyzed. The results show FM1-43 was taken up into the cell and labeled puncta in the soma and neuroprocesses in the absence of depolarization signals, indicating that GnRH-1 neurons were spontaneously active. Depolarization of GnRH-1 neurons with high K(+) or veratridine challenge increased the intensity and size of puncta in both soma and neuroprocesses, and the ver...

SerratioPeptidase is a potent anti-inflammatory enzyme

NaturalNews.com — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) Proteolytic enzymes are specific enzymes that metabolize protein. These enzymes are naturally produced by the human body and other living organisms and help carry out essential functions. Supplementing with these enzymes has shown to have a favorable anti-inflammatory effect on the tissues of the body. A unique enzyme named serratiopeptidase is now emerging as one of the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements.Serratiopeptidase is an enzyme isolated from a non-pathogenic bacteria called enterobacteria Serratia E15. This enzyme makes its inhabitants in the intestine of the silkworm. Silkworms go through a transformational process within a cocoon that turns them into moths. It is this specific enzyme that is used by the silkworm to dissolve the cocoon and reemerge as a moth.S...

Extracellular matrix and perineuronal nets in CNS repair

Journal of Neurobiology — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractA perineuronal net (PNN) is a layer of lattice‐like matrix which enwraps the surface of the soma and dendrites, and in some cases the axon initial segments, in sub‐populations of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). First reported by Camillo Golgi more than a century ago, the molecular structure and the potential role of this matrix have only been unravelled in the last few decades. PNNs are mainly composed of hyaluronan, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), link proteins and tenascin R. The interactions between these molecules allow the formation of a stable pericellular complex surrounding synapses on the neuronal surface. PNNs appear late in development co‐incident with the closure of critical periods for plasticity. They play a direct role in the control of ...

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Pharmacokinetics of intra-articular, intravenous, and intramuscular administration of triamcinolone acetonide and its effect on endogenous plasma hydrocortisone and cortisone concentrations in horses.

American Journal of Veterinary Research — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Pharmacokinetics of TA and related changes in hydrocortisone were described following IV, IA, and IM administration. A single administration of TA has profound effects on secretion of endogenous hydrocortisone. PMID: 21879982 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Veterinary Research)

Un‐thought out metaphysics in analytical psychology: a critique of Jung's epistemological basis for psychic reality

Journal of Analytical Psychology — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 21:46:03 +0100

Abstract: The author investigates the relation of Kant, Schopenhauer and Heidegger to Jung's attempts to formulate theory regarding the epistemological conundrum of what can and what cannot be known and what must remain uncertain. Jung's ambivalent use and misuse of Kant's division of the world into phenomenal and noumenal realms is highlighted in discussion of concepts such as the psychoid archetype which he called ‘esse in anima’ and his use of Schopenhauer's concept of ‘will’ to justify a transcendence of the psyche/soma divide in a postulation of a ‘psychoid’ realm. Finally, the author describes Jung's reaction to Heidegger's theories via his assertion that Heidegger's ‘pre‐given world design’ was an alternate formulation of his concept of the archetypes. An underl...

Cellular correlate of assembly formation in oscillating hippocampal networks in vitro [Neuroscience]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Neurons form transiently stable assemblies that may underlie cognitive functions, including memory formation. In most brain regions, coherent activity is organized by network oscillations that involve sparse firing within a well-defined minority of cells. Despite extensive work on the underlying cellular mechanisms, a fundamental question remains unsolved: how are participating neurons distinguished from the majority of nonparticipators? We used physiological and modeling techniques to analyze neuronal activity in mouse hippocampal slices during spontaneously occurring high-frequency network oscillations. Network-entrained action potentials were exclusively observed in a defined subset of pyramidal cells, yielding a strict distinction between participating and nonparticipating neurons. The...

A portal for mHealth practitioners

ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:09:42 +0100

Source: Soma Ghoshal, Health Market Innovations Content: “mHealth is a rapidly developing field, with new technologies, programs, organizations, and ideas emerging around the world every day. Challenges of reaching scale, interoperability and achieving efficient resource pooling have affected many in the field. Without an efficient platform for exchanging ideas and forging collaborations, mHealth initiatives around [...] (Source: ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics)

X chromosome inactivation: A silence that needs to be broken

genesis — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractEach mammalian female cell transcriptionally inactivates one X chromosome to balance X‐linked gene dosage between males and females. This phenomenon, called X chromosome inactivation, is a perfect epigenetic event, in which two chromosomes with identical DNA sequences are solely distinguished by epigenetic modifications. In this case, epigenetic marks, such as histone modifications, histone variants, DNA methylation, and ncRNAs, are all enriched on one chromosome, the inactive X chromosome (Xi), to establish its chromosome‐wide gene silencing. At face value, it seems that the gene silencing mechanism of Xi is well understood. However, the “silence” of Xi in somatic cells is so tightly maintained that it remains largely intact even after almost all known epigenetic modificat...

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Undiagnosed depression and its correlates in a predominantly immigrant Hispanic neurology clinic

Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The presence of moderate to severe depression significantly correlated with socioeconomic status, use of emergency room, and presence of headache/pain. Neurology clinics with predominantly underserved immigrant patients have a disproportionate amount of depression, which may be related to socioeconomic factors resulting in overutilization of scarce healthcare resources. (Source: Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery)

Subjective and psychomotor effects of carisoprodol in combination with oxycodone in healthy volunteers. - Zacny JP, Paice JA, Coalson DW.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 23:28:41 +0100

BACKGROUND: Some chronic pain patients on long-term opioid therapy also take centrally active skeletal muscle relaxants. One of those muscle relaxants is carisoprodol, a drug that is abused and capable of producing impairment. It would be of relevance to c... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Incidence of extramedullary relapse after haploidentical SCT for advanced AML/myelodysplastic syndrome

Bone Marrow Transplantation — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Incidence of extramedullary relapse after haploidentical SCT for advanced AML/myelodysplastic syndrome Bone Marrow Transplantation advance online publication, August 22, 2011. doi:10.1038/bmt.2011.163 Authors: S Yoshihara, K Ikegame, K Kaida, K Taniguchi, R Kato, T Inoue, T Fujioka, H Tamaki, M Okada, T Soma & H Ogawa (Source: Bone Marrow Transplantation)

Heterogeneity in dendritic morphology of moth antennal lobe projection neurons

The Journal of Comparative Neurology — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We examined the anatomy of this neuronal population in the brain of silkmoth Bombyx mori. Using intracellular dye injection, we labeled a total of 246 PNs, and systematically analyzed their morphological features, including the soma position, antennocerebral tract, and number of innervating glomeruli. For example, we analyzed PNs that had somata in the different cell clusters innervated overlapping but different groups of glomeruli, and ran through different pathways. We also identified glomeruli innervated by PNs using a previously established procedure that first classifies glomeruli into regional groups, and then identifies individual glomeruli. We analyzed uniglomerular PNs (75.6% of the total) and found heterogeneity in the dendritic morphology of the PNs that were dependent on the re...

Effective Stimuli for Constructing Reliable Neuron Models

PLoS Computational Biology — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

by Shaul Druckmann, Thomas K. Berger, Felix Schürmann, Sean Hill, Henry Markram, Idan Segev The rich dynamical nature of neurons poses major conceptual and technical challenges for unraveling their nonlinear membrane properties. Traditionally, various current waveforms have been injected at the soma to probe neuron dynamics, but the rationale for selecting specific stimuli has never been rigorously justified. The present experimental and theoretical study proposes a novel framework, inspired by learning theory, for objectively selecting the stimuli that best unravel the neuron's dynamics. The efficacy of stimuli is assessed in terms of their ability to constrain the parameter space of biophysically detailed conductance-based models that faithfully replicate the neuron's dynamics as a...

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Intrauterine growth restriction affects the maturation of myelin.

Experimental Neurology — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tolcos M, Bateman E, O'Dowd R, Markwick R, Vrijsen K, Rehn A, Rees S Abstract Intrauterine growth-restriction (IUGR) can lead to adverse neurodevelopmental sequelae in postnatal life. Our objective was to determine whether IUGR, induced by chronic placental insufficiency (CPI) in the guinea pig results in long-term deficits in brain myelination and could therefore contribute to altered neural function. CPI was induced by unilateral ligation of the uterine artery at mid-gestation (term~67days of gestation; dg), producing growth-restricted (GR) foetuses (60dg), neonates (1week) and young adults (8week); controls were from the unligated horn or sham-operated animals. In GR foetuses (n=8) and neonates (n=7), white matter (WM) volume was reduced (p<0.05); this reduction did ...

The Presence of IgM Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Patients With Henoch-Schonlein Purpura and Recurrent Palpable Purpura [Research Letters]

Archives of Dermatology — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Archives of Dermatology)

Changes in retinal neuronal connectivity in a mouse model of dominant optic atrophy

Acta Ophthalmologica — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 09:24:02 +0100

Conclusion In conclusion; we show discrete changes in RGC connectivity localised to sublamina b. These results highlight the importance of normal mitochondrial fusion balance as influenced by the OPA1 protein in maintaining neural cell connectivity. Changes in connectivity precede the onset of clinical visual loss and structural changes in optic nerve in the absence of significant apoptosis or microglial upregulation. (Source: Acta Ophthalmologica)

Acceleration of pulmonary interstitial fibrosis in a patient with myeloperoxidase-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive erythema elevatum diutinum

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:59:49 +0100

To the Editor: The presence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) has recently been reported to be a useful clinical marker for erythema elevatum diutinum (EED). Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is a systemic inflammatory disease associated with ANCAs and characterized by necrotizing vasculitis. Recent reports have indicated that pulmonary interstitial fibrosis may be more commonly associated with MPA than generally thought. (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)

Efficient Use of Retention Time for the Analysis of 302 Drugs in Equine Plasma by Liquid Chromatography-MS/MS with Scheduled Multiple Reaction Monitoring and Instant Library Searching for Doping Control

Analytical Chemistry — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 13:46:05 +0100

Analytical ChemistryDOI: 10.1021/ac2016163 (Source: Analytical Chemistry)

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PRAZOLAMINE (Carisoprodol, Gaba) Kit [Physician Therapeutics LLC]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Aug 12, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Developmental differences in peripheral glabrous skin mechanosensory nerve receptive field and intracellular electrophysiologic properties: phenotypic characterization in infant and juvenile rats.

International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Boada MD, Gutierrez S, Houle T, Eisenach JC, Ririe DG Abstract Developmental differences in peripheral neuron characteristics and functionality exist. Direct measurement of active and passive electrophysiologic and receptive field characteristics of single mechanosensitive neurons in glabrous skin was performed and phenotypic characterization of fiber subtypes was applied to analyze developmental differences in peripheral mechanosensitive afferents. After Institutional approval, male Sprague-Dawley infant (P7: postnatal day 7) and juvenile (P28) rats were anesthetized and single cell intracellular electrophysiology was performed in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) soma of mechanosensitive cells with receptive field (RF) in the glabrous skin of the hindpaw. Passive and active...

Rule-based modelling of iron homeostasis in tuberculosis

RSC - Mol. BioSyst. latest articles — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 17:17:25 +0100

Mol. BioSyst., 2011, Advance ArticleDOI: 10.1039/C1MB05093A, PaperSoma Ghosh, K. V. S. Prasad, Saraswathi Vishveshwara, Nagasuma ChandraThe role of iron in mediating mycobacterial virulence in the host system has been studied using a rule based model. Simulations, together with network analysis, help identify bottlenecks in the system, perturbing which may combat bacterial growth. The simulations lead to several new hypotheses that form the basis for designing experiments in the laboratory.To cite this article before page numbers are assigned, use the DOI form of citation above.The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry (Source: RSC - Mol. BioSyst. latest articles)

Effect of storage temperature as a preanalytical variable on the lens crystallins protein quality for proteomic studies

Proteomics. Clinical Applications — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions and clinical relevance: For proteomic studies, quality of the starting material must be ensured to avoid erroneous and misleading interpretation of results. Under field conditions where deep freezing or immediate preparations of samples are not the options, eye lens can be transported under ice‐storage for about six days without deterioration in protein quality. (Source: Proteomics. Clinical Applications)

Metallothionein promotes regenerative axonal sprouting of dorsal root ganglion neurons after physical axotomy.

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

This study provides a clear indication that MT promotes axonal regeneration of DRG neurons, via a megalin- and MAPK-dependent mechanism. PMID: 21833580 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS)

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Distinct maturation profiles of perisomatic and dendritic targeting GABAergic interneurons in the mouse primary visual cortex during the critical period of ocular dominance plasticity

Journal of Neurophysiology — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

In the rodent primary visual cortex, maturation of GABA inhibitory circuitry is regulated by visual input and contributes to the onset and progression of ocular dominance (OD) plasticity. Cortical inhibitory circuitry consists of diverse groups of GABAergic interneurons, which display distinct physiological properties and connectivity patterns. Whether different classes of interneurons mature with similar or distinct trajectories and how their maturation profiles relate to experience dependent development are not well understood. We used green fluorescent protein reporter lines to study the maturation of two broad classes of cortical interneurons: parvalbumin-expressing (PV) cells, which are fast spiking and innervate the soma and proximal dendrites, and somatostatin-expressing (SOM) cells...

Clinical outcome of protocol based image (MRI) guided adaptive brachytherapy combined with 3D conformal radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer

Radiotherapy and Oncology — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Background: To analyse the overall clinical outcome and benefits by applying protocol based image guided adaptive brachytherapy combined with 3D conformal external beam radiotherapy (EBRT)±chemotherapy (ChT).Methods: Treatment schedule was EBRT with 45–50.4Gy±concomitant cisplatin chemotherapy plus 4×7Gy High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy. Patients were treated in the “protocol period” (2001–2008) with the prospective application of the High Risk CTV concept (D90) and dose volume constraints for organs at risk including biological modelling. Dose volume adaptation was performed with the aim of dose escalation in large tumours (prescribed D90>85Gy), often with inserting additional interstitial needles. Dose volume constraints (D2cc) were 70–75Gy for rectum and sigmoid...

Short day lengths alter stress and depressive-like responses, and hippocampal morphology in Siberian hamsters.

Hormones and Behavior — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

This study is the first to investigate hippocampal changes in the context of short-day induced immobility and may be relevant for understanding psychological disorders with a seasonal component. PMID: 21851822 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Hormones and Behavior)

Clinical outcome of protocol based image (MRI) guided adaptive brachytherapy combined with 3D conformal radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Pötter R, Georg P, Dimopoulos JC, Grimm M, Berger D, Nesvacil N, Georg D, Schmid MP, Reinthaller A, Sturdza A, Kirisits C BACKGROUND: To analyse the overall clinical outcome and benefits by applying protocol based image guided adaptive brachytherapy combined with 3D conformal external beam radiotherapy (EBRT)±chemotherapy (ChT). METHODS: Treatment schedule was EBRT with 45-50.4Gy±concomitant cisplatin chemotherapy plus 4×7Gy High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy. Patients were treated in the "protocol period" (2001-2008) with the prospective application of the High Risk CTV concept (D90) and dose volume constraints for organs at risk including biological modelling. Dose volume adaptation was performed with the aim of dose escalation in large tumours (prescribed D90>85Gy), ...

TRIC-A Channels in Vascular Smooth Muscle Contribute to Blood Pressure Maintenance.

Cell Metabolism — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Yamazaki D, Tabara Y, Kita S, Hanada H, Komazaki S, Naitou D, Mishima A, Nishi M, Yamamura H, Yamamoto S, Kakizawa S, Miyachi H, Yamamoto S, Miyata T, Kawano Y, Kamide K, Ogihara T, Hata A, Umemura S, Soma M, Takahashi N, Imaizumi Y, Miki T, Iwamoto T, Takeshima H TRIC channel subtypes, namely TRIC-A and TRIC-B, are intracellular monovalent cation channels postulated to mediate counter-ion movements facilitating physiological Ca(2+) release from internal stores. Tric-a-knockout mice developed hypertension during the daytime due to enhanced myogenic tone in resistance arteries. There are two Ca(2+) release mechanisms in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs); incidental opening of ryanodine receptors (RyRs) generates local Ca(2+) sparks to induce hyperpolarization, while agonist-...

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The Proximal Promoter Region of the Zebrafish gsdf Gene Is Sufficient to Mimic the Spatio-Temporal Expression Pattern of the Endogenous Gene in Sertoli and Granulosa Cells.

Biology of Reproduction — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gautier A, Sohm F, Joly JS, Le Gac F, Lareyre JJ The gonadal soma-derived factor (GSDF) is a new member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) superfamily that regulates the proliferation of the primordial germ cells (PGC) in developing embryos and spermatogonia in juvenile male trout. The gsdf transcripts are expressed in the somatic cells supporting germ cell development. In zebrafish, we show that Gsdf is encoded by a single copy gene that generates polymorphic transcripts and proteins. We determined that gsdf gene expression occurs before gonadal differentiation and is restricted to the gonads. Gene expression is maintained in adult granulosa cells and Sertoli cells, but decreases in the cells that are in contact with meiotic and postmeiotic germ cells. Using zeb...

Functional cGMP‐gated channels in cerebellar granule cells

Journal of Cellular Physiology — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractCyclic nucleotide‐gated channels (CNGCs) are important transducers of external signals in sensory processes. These channels are ubiquitously expressed in a variety of neurons, and are necessary to transduce signals for growth cone guidance and plasticity. Here we demonstrate that the CNGC subunits (CNGA1 and CNGB1, presumably the 1b isoform) are expressed in rat cerebellar granule cells and that they combine to form functional channels. The expression of the mRNAs that encode these proteins is maximal after seven days in cell culture, when the channels are expressed at synapses and co‐localize with the synaptic marker synapsin I. These ligand‐gated channels are functional and can be blocked by Mg2+ or L‐cis‐diltiazem. Moreover, channel opening in response to increases in ...

Neurodegeneration and functional impairments associated with glycogen synthase accumulation in a mouse model of Lafora disease

EMBO Molecular Medicine — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

AbstractLafora disease (LD) is caused by mutations in either the laforin or malin gene. The hallmark of the disease is the accumulation of polyglucosan inclusions called Lafora Bodies (LBs). Malin knockout (KO) mice present polyglucosan accumulations in several brain areas, as do patients of LD. These structures are abundant in the cerebellum and hippocampus. Here, we report a large increase in glycogen synthase (GS) in these mice, in which the enzyme accumulates in LBs. Our study focused on the hippocampus where, under physiological conditions, astrocytes and parvalbumin‐positive (PV+) interneurons expressed GS and malin. Although LBs have been described only in neurons, we found this polyglucosan accumulation in the astrocytes of the KO mice. They also had LBs in the soma and some proc...

Aromaticity in all-metal annular systems: the counter-ion effect

RSC - Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. latest articles — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 00:14:32 +0100

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2011, Advance ArticleDOI: 10.1039/C1CP21430F, PerspectiveArindam Chakraborty, Santanab Giri, Soma Duley, Anakuthil Anoop, Patrick Bultinck, Pratim K. ChattarajTrigonal dianion all-metal aromatic systems are of the fleeting type and they need counter-cations to be stabilized.To cite this article before page numbers are assigned, use the DOI form of citation above.The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry (Source: RSC - Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. latest articles)