bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil superoxide release and plasma C‐reactive protein levels pre‐ and post‐periodontal therapy
Authors: Ling Martin R. , Chapple Iain L. C. , Matthews John B. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimTo determine peripheral blood neutrophil superoxide release and C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentration in chronic periodontitis patients, before and after non‐surgical periodontal treatment.Materials and MethodsNeutrophils were isolated from patient and control volunteers (n = 20) and superoxide measured by lucigenin‐enhanced chemiluminescence with and without stimulation with unopsonized Porphyromonas gingivalis, unopsonized Fusobacterium nucleatum and phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) before and 2‐months following non‐surgical therapy. Corresponding high‐sensitivity plasma CRP concentrations were also determined.ResultsAt pre‐treatment baseline, patient neutrophils released more superoxide in the absence (p ≤ 0.032) and presence of periodontal bacteria (p ≤ 0.013) and after PMA stimulation (p = 0.041) compared to control cells. Post‐therapy, patient neutrophil superoxide release was reduced to control cell levels. Median patient plasma CRP concentrations were non‐significantly higher than control values and were reduced after therapy (1.80–1.36 mg/l). Patient pre‐treatment baseline, unstimulated neutrophil superoxide release showed a significant, positive correlation with plasma CRP concentration (p = 0.01).ConclusionsChronic periodontitis is characterized by peripheral neutrophils exhibiting superoxide hyperactivity and hyper‐reactivity to periodontal pathogens that is not a constitutive feature of periodontitis patients. The positive, pre‐therapy relationship between unstimulated neutrophil superoxide release and plasma CRP is consistent with a protective role for CRP in reducing oxidative stress and systemic inflammation in vivo.
Videodermoscopy compared to reflectance confocal microscopy for the diagnosis of scabies
Authors: Cinotti E. , Labeille B. , Cambazard F. , Biron A.C. , Chol C. , Leclerq A. , Jaffelin C. , Perrot J.L. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIntroductionReflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and dermoscopy have recently been suggested for non‐invasive diagnosis of scabies. However, there are large studies on diagnostic accuracy for scabies only with dermoscopy at low (10×) and high (100–1000×) magnification.ObjectiveOur study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy, for the diagnosis of scabies, of RCM and videodermoscopy at intermediate (20× and 70×) magnification, which is usually found in commercially available videodermoscopes.MethodsPatients with a presumptive diagnosis of scabies were prospectively enrolled during 20 months and examined by RCM and videodermoscopy at intermediate magnification. The specificity of RCM was considered 100% because RCM can identify the anatomical details of the parasites.ResultsA total of 148 patients were enrolled. Videodermoscopy showed a higher sensitivity for scabies than RCM (95% vs. 92%) and a specificity of 97%.ConclusionsVideodermoscopy at intermediate magnification, and RCM are both highly accurate for the diagnosis of scabies. If the two devices are available, it would be better to perform videodermoscopy first, that is more sensitive, and then RCM to confirm the diagnosis.
The prevalence of unsuspected onychomycosis and its causative organisms in a multicentre Canadian sample of 30 000 patients visiting physicians' offices
Authors: Gupta A.K. , Gupta G. , Jain H.C. , Lynde C.W. , Foley K.A. , Daigle D. , Cooper E.A. , Summerbell R.C. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundOnychomycosis is difficult to treat and a concern for many patients. Prevalence estimates of onychomycosis in North American clinic samples have been higher than what has been reported for general populations.ObjectiveA large, multicentre study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of toenail onychomycosis in the Canadian population.MethodsPatients were recruited from the offices of three dermatologists and one family physician in Ontario, Canada. Nail samples for mycological testing were obtained from normal and abnormal‐looking nails. This sample of 32 193 patients includes our previous published study of 15 000 patients.ResultsAbnormal nails were observed in 4350 patients. Of these, the prevalence of culture‐confirmed toenail onychomycosis was estimated to be 6.7% (95% CI, 6.41–6.96%). Following sex and age adjustments for the general population, the estimated prevalence of toenail onychomycosis in Canada was 6.4% (95% CI, 6.12%–6.65%). The distribution of fungal organisms in culture‐confirmed onychomycosis was 71.9% dermatophytes, 20.4% non‐dermatophyte moulds and 7.6% yeasts. Toenail onychomycosis was four times more prevalent in those over the age of 60 years than below the age of 60 years.ConclusionThe present data highlights that onychomycosis may be a growing medical concern among ageing patients.
Severe extinction and rapid recovery of mammals across the Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary, and the effects of rarity on patterns of extinction and recovery
Authors: Longrich N. R. , Scriberas J. , Wills M. A. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe end‐Cretaceous mass extinction ranks among the most severe extinctions of all time; however, patterns of extinction and recovery remain incompletely understood. In particular, it is unclear how severe the extinction was, how rapid the recovery was and how sampling biases might affect our understanding of these processes. To better understand terrestrial extinction and recovery and how sampling influences these patterns, we collected data on the occurrence and abundance of fossil mammals to examine mammalian diversity across the K‐Pg boundary in North America. Our data show that the extinction was more severe and the recovery more rapid than previously thought. Extinction rates are markedly higher than previously estimated: of 59 species, four survived (93% species extinction, 86% of genera). Survival is correlated with geographic range size and abundance, with widespread, common species tending to survive. This creates a sampling artefact in which rare species are both more vulnerable to extinction and less likely to be recovered, such that the fossil record is inherently biased towards the survivors. The recovery was remarkably rapid. Within 300 000 years, local diversity recovered and regional diversity rose to twice Cretaceous levels, driven by increased endemicity; morphological disparity increased above levels observed in the Cretaceous. The speed of the recovery tends to be obscured by sampling effects; faunas show increased endemicity, such that a rapid, regional increase in diversity and disparity is not seen in geographically restricted studies. Sampling biases that operate against rare taxa appear to obscure the severity of extinction and the pace of recovery across the K‐Pg boundary, and similar biases may operate during other extinction events.
Host selection by Ibalia leucospoides based on temporal variations of volatiles from the hosts’ fungal symbiont
Authors: Jofré N. , Pildain M. B. , Cirigliano A. M. , Cabrera G. M. , Corley J. C. , Martínez A. S. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractInsect parasitoids locate hosts via reliable and predictable cues such as volatile emissions from hosts and/or host plants. For insects that depend on mutualistic organisms, such as many wood‐boring insects, symbiont‐derived semiochemicals may represent a source of such cues to be exploited by natural enemies. Ultimately, exploitation of these signals may increase fitness by optimizing foraging efficiency. Female parasitoids of Ibalia leucospoides use volatiles from the fungal symbiont Amylostereum areolatum of their host Sirex noctlio to find concealed host eggs and young larvae within the xylem. We hypothesize that the temporal pattern of fungal emissions may indicate not only the presence of host larvae but also be used as a cue that indicates host suitability and age. Such information would allow female parasitoids to discern more efficiently between hosts within ovipositor reach from those already buried too deep into the xylem and out of reach. In this context, we assessed the behaviour of I. leucospoides females to volatiles of A. areolatum in a ‘Y’‐tube olfactometer at regular intervals over 30 days. We concurrently examined the fungal volatiles by headspace sampling through solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) followed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). We observed that females were attracted to volatiles produced by two‐week‐old fungal cultures, a period that matches when older larvae are still within ovipositor reach. Four chemical compounds were detected: ethanol, acetone, acetaldehyde and the sesquiterpene 2,2,8‐trimethyltricyclo[6.2.2.01,6]dodec‐5‐ene, with each compounds’ relative abundance changing over time. Results are discussed in the context of parasitoids fitness. Future studies involving electrophysiology, different collection techniques and further behavioural assays will help in identifying the compounds that convey temporal information to female parasitoids and have the potential for being used in integrated pest management programmes.
Dense Phase Carbon Dioxide Combined with Mild Heating Induced Myosin Denaturation, Texture Improvement and Gel Properties of Sausage
Authors: Rao Weili , Li Xin , Wang Zhenyu , Yang Yang , Qu Yalin , Gao Yuan , Chen Li , Zhang Dequan 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the influence of dense phase carbon dioxide (DPCD) combined with mild heating on gel properties and its relationship to denaturation of sausage protein. The results showed that, compared with samples treated by heating only (50 or 60 °C, 15 min), DPCD combined with mild heating (10 MPa, 50 or 60 °C, 15 min) increased the hardness, springiness and weight loss, meanwhile decreased the redness of the sausages. The DPCD treatments decreased the protein solubility which related to color, pH, weight loss, hardness and springiness significantly. The secondary structures change of myosin was observed, which induced the denaturation of myosin after DPCD combined with mild heating treatment. Actin denaturation depended on temperature and treatment time (more than 60 °C and 45 min) of DPCD. This study revealed DPCD combined with mild heating changed the structure of protein, cause protein denaturation and then induced gel formation of sausages.Practical ApplicationsGel property is one of the most functional characteristics of sausages, meatballs and other food produced by minced meat. People have tried different methods, for example adding salts and using high pressure, to improve gel property, water‐holding capacity, fat retention and reduce weight loss. In this study, DPCD combined with mild heating induced denser gel and cooked like appearance of the sausages compared with the samples treated by mild heating only. The results showed that DPCD treatment changed the processing property of minced mutton and can be used as a potential way to produce better gel meat products under low temperature.
FABP‐1 gene ablation impacts brain endocannabinoid system in male mice
Authors: Martin Gregory G. , Chung Sarah , Landrock Danilo , Landrock Kerstin K. , Huang Huan , Dangott Lawrence J. , Peng Xiaoxue , Kaczocha Martin , Seeger Drew R. , Murphy Eric J. , Golovko Mikhail Y. , Kier Ann B. , Schroeder Friedhelm 
Published: May 2016

AbstractLiver fatty acid‐binding protein (FABP1, L‐FABP) has high affinity for and enhances uptake of arachidonic acid (ARA, C20:4, n‐6) which, when esterified to phospholipids, is the requisite precursor for synthesis of endocannabinoids (EC) such as arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG). The brain derives most of its ARA from plasma, taking up ARA and transporting it intracellularly via cytosolic fatty acid‐binding proteins (FABPs 3,5, and 7) localized within the brain. In contrast, the much more prevalent cytosolic FABP1 is not detectable in the brain but is instead highly expressed in the liver. Therefore, the possibility that FABP1 outside the central nervous system may regulate brain AEA and 2‐AG was examined in wild‐type (WT) and FABP1 null (LKO) male mice. LKO increased brain levels of AA‐containing EC (AEA, 2‐AG), correlating with increased free and total ARA in brain and serum. LKO also increased brain levels of non‐ARA that contain potentiating endocannabinoids (EC*) such as oleoyl ethanolamide (OEA), PEA, 2‐OG, and 2‐PG. Concomitantly, LKO decreased serum total ARA‐containing EC, but not non‐ARA endocannabinoids. LKO did not elicit these changes in the brain EC and EC* as a result of compensatory up‐regulation of brain protein levels of enzymes in EC synthesis (NAPEPLD, DAGLα) or cytosolic EC chaperone proteins (FABPs 3, 5, 7, SCP‐2, HSP70), or cannabinoid receptors (CB1, TRVP1). These data show for the first time that the non‐CNS fatty acid‐binding protein FABP1 markedly affected brain levels of both ARA‐containing endocannabinoids (AEA, 2‐AG) as well as their non‐ARA potentiating endocannabinoids.
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Fatty acid‐binding protein‐1 (FABP‐1) is not detectable in brain but instead is highly expressed in liver. The possibility that FABP1 outside the central nervous system may regulate brain endocannabinoids arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) was examined in wild‐type (WT) and FABP‐1 null (LKO) male mice. LKO increased brain levels of arachidonic acid‐containing endocannabinoids (AEA, 2‐AG), correlating with increased free and total arachidonic acid in brain and serum.Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 371.
Acute liver failure impairs function and expression of breast cancer‐resistant protein (BCRP) at rat blood–brain barrier partly via ammonia‐ROS‐ERK1/2 activation
Authors: Li Ying , Zhang Ji , Xu Ping , Sun Binbin , Zhong Zeyu , Liu Can , Ling Zhaoli , Chen Yang , Shu Nan , Zhao Kaijing , Liu Li , Liu Xiaodong 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe once reported that P‐glycoprotein (P‐GP) and multidrug resistance‐associated protein 2 (MRP2) were oppositely regulated at the blood–brain barrier (BBB) of thioacetamide‐induced acute liver failure (ALF) rats. This study aimed to investigate whether ALF affected function and expression of breast cancer‐resistant protein (BCRP) at the BBB of rats and the role of ammonia in the regulation. ALF rats were developed by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of thioacetamide (300 mg/kg) for 2 days. Hyperammonemic rats were developed by NH4Ac (i.p. 4.5 mmol/kg). BCRP function and expression were measured by brain distribution of specific substrates (prazosin and methotrexate) and western blot, respectively. MDCK‐BCRP cells and primarily cultured rat brain microvessel endothelial cells (rBMECs) were employed to investigate possible mechanisms through which ammonia regulated BCRP function and expression. The results showed that both ALF and hyperammonemia significantly weakened function and expression of BCRP in the brain of rats. The function and expression of BCRP in MDCK‐BCRP cells and rBMECs were strikingly decreased after exposure to NH4Cl and H2O2, accompanied by remarkable increases in the levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The altered BCRP expression and function by ammonia and H2O2 were restored by ROS scavenger N‐acetylcysteine and ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126. Markedly increased levels of ERK1/2 phosphorylation and ROS were found in the brains of ALF rats and hyperammonemic rats. All above results indicated ALF down‐regulated expression and function of BCRP at BBB of rats partly via hyperammonemia. Activation of ROS‐mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation may be one of the reasons that ammonia impaired BCRP expression and function at the BBB.
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The present study showed that the expression and function of breast cancer resistant protein (BCRP) at blood‐brain barrier (BBB) of thioacetamide‐induced ALF rats were down‐regulated which partly attribute to hyperammonemia. Activation of ROS‐mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation may be one of the reasons that ammonia suppressed BCRP expression and function. Impaired BCRP at BBB might enhanced pharmacological/toxic effects of corresponding substrates on CNS.
Psychosocial factors and ageing in older lesbian, gay and bisexual people: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: McParland James , Camic Paul M 
Published: May 2016

Aims and objectivesTo synthesise and evaluate the extant literature investigating the psychosocial influences on ageing as a lesbian, gay or bisexual person, to develop understanding about these influences and guide future research in the area.BackgroundResearch suggests there may be specific psychological and social factors relevant to ageing for individuals with a nonheterosexual identity.DesignA systematic review was conducted on empirical research involving lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals aged 60 or above.MethodsThe Cochrane Database, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched and 41 studies met inclusion criteria. The majority had not been reviewed in earlier review articles.ResultsFindings were within two domains: psychological, consisting of sub‐themes relating to identity, mental health and body image; and social, consisting of relationships, social support, discrimination, caregiving and receiving, community, accessing services and housing. The results suggest lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals mostly adjust well to ageing identities, with mediating influences including self‐acceptance and connection with peers. Challenges experienced included ageism and heteronormative health and social care services; intimate friendships, social support and respectful professionals mitigated such threats and facilitated successful ageing. Methodological issues related to sampling procedures, such as purposive sampling through the gay community and limited generalisability due to the homogeneity of participants. Additionally, there was a widespread lack of heterosexual control groups. However, most studies used appropriate measures and acknowledged inherent limitations.ConclusionPsychosocial influences included the challenge of societal stigma, but also resilience individuals demonstrate through a positive attitude. These factors must continue to be investigated for services to best meet the needs of this population.Relevance to clinical practiceClinicians are well placed to assist individuals draw on resilience when facing ageing challenges. Also, clinicians should be aware older people may have prior negative experiences of accessing services and try to involve ‘families of choice’ in care planning.
Current and future treatment of amyloid diseases
Authors: Ankarcrona M. , Winblad B. , Monteiro C. , Fearns C. , Powers E. T. , Johansson J. , Westermark G. T. , Presto J. , Ericzon B.‐G. , Kelly J. W. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThere are more than 30 human proteins whose aggregation appears to cause degenerative maladies referred to as amyloid diseases or amyloidoses. These disorders are named after the characteristic cross‐β‐sheet amyloid fibrils that accumulate systemically or are localized to specific organs. In most cases, current treatment is limited to symptomatic approaches and thus disease‐modifying therapies are needed. Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder with extracellular amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ) fibrils and intracellular tau neurofibrillary tangles as pathological hallmarks. Numerous clinical trials have been conducted with passive and active immunotherapy, and small molecules to inhibit Aβ formation and aggregation or to enhance Aβ clearance; so far such clinical trials have been unsuccessful. Novel strategies are therefore required and here we will discuss the possibility of utilizing the chaperone BRICHOS to prevent Aβ aggregation and toxicity. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is symptomatically treated with insulin. However, the underlying pathology is linked to the aggregation and progressive accumulation of islet amyloid polypeptide as fibrils and oligomers, which are cytotoxic. Several compounds have been shown to inhibit islet amyloid aggregation and cytotoxicity in vitro. Future animal studies and clinical trials have to be conducted to determine their efficacy in vivo. The transthyretin (TTR) amyloidoses are a group of systemic degenerative diseases compromising multiple organ systems, caused by TTR aggregation. Liver transplantation decreases the generation of misfolded TTR and improves the quality of life for a subgroup of this patient population. Compounds that stabilize the natively folded, nonamyloidogenic, tetrameric conformation of TTR have been developed and the drug tafamidis is available as a promising treatment.
Precision medicine in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma: current and future concepts
Authors: Björklund P. , Pacak K. , Crona J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) are rare diseases but are also amongst the most characterized tumour types. Hence, patients with PPGL have greatly benefited from precision medicine for more than two decades. According to current molecular biology and genetics‐based taxonomy, PPGL can be divided into three different clusters characterized by: Krebs cycle reprogramming with oncometabolite accumulation or depletion (group 1a); activation of the (pseudo)hypoxia signalling pathway with increased tumour cell proliferation, invasiveness and migration (group 1b); and aberrant kinase signalling causing a pro‐mitogenic and anti‐apoptotic state (group 2). Categorization into these clusters is highly dependent on mutation subtypes. At least 12 different syndromes with distinct genetic causes, phenotypes and outcomes have been described. Genetic screening tests have a documented benefit, as different PPGL syndromes require specific approaches for optimal diagnosis and localization of various syndrome‐related tumours. Genotype‐tailored treatment options, follow‐up and preventive care are being investigated. Future new developments in precision medicine for PPGL will mainly focus on further identification of driver mechanisms behind both disease initiation and malignant progression. Identification of novel druggable targets and prospective validation of treatment options are eagerly awaited. To achieve these goals, we predict that collaborative large‐scale studies will be needed: Pheochromocytoma may provide an example for developing precision medicine in orphan diseases that could ultimately aid in similar efforts for other rare conditions.