bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protease-activated receptors and their biological role—focused on skin inflammation
Authors: Guenther Florian , Melzig Matthias F. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

Objectives
For several years, protease-activated receptors (PARs) are targets of science regarding to various diseases and platelet aggregation. In the past, a number of publications related to PARs have been published, which refer to a variety of aspects. An important point of view is the inflammation of the skin, which has not been reported in detail yet. This review will provide an overview of the current knowledge on PARs, and in particular, on the involvement of PARs in terms of skin inflammation.

Key Findings
Wound healing is an important step after skin injury and is connected with involvement of PARs and inflammation. An important point in skin inflammation is the coagulation-dependent skin inflammation.

Summary
PARs are a special kind of receptors, being activated by proteolytic cleavage or chemical agonists. They may play an important role in various physiological processes. It is shown that the proteases are involved in many diseases for example Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. The fact, that proteases regulate the coagulation, and are involved in interleukin and cytokine release leads to the conclusion that they are involved in inflammation processes.
The studies of N-Octyl-N-Arginine-Chitosan coated liposome as an oral delivery system of Cyclosporine A
Authors: Deng Jin , Zhang Zhenhai , Liu Chunyan , Yin Lifang , Zhou Jianping , Lv Huixia 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

Objectives
An amphiphilic polymer N-Octyl-N-Arginine-Chitosan (OACS) was synthesized to coat the Cyclosporine A (CsA) liposomes (CL) to decrease the destruction of liposomes in gastrointestinal tract (GI) tract and improve its oral absorption.

Methods
CL and OACS-CsA liposomes (OACS-CL) were prepared by rotary-film evaporation method, and characterized by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscope and releasing properties. In-situ single pass perfusion experiment and in-vivo studies in rats were carried out to verify its absorption enhancement.

Key findings
The characterization results showed that its particle size, zeta potential and morphology changed before and after polymer coating. Release experiment indicated that OACS could slow down drug release and protect its degradation in the stomach. In-situ single pass perfusion proved that the absorption of OACS-CL at the jejunum was enhanced about 3 and 22 times compared with commercial preparation of microemulsions (Tianke) and CsA suspensions, respectively. In vivo, AUC0→∞ of three different OACS-CL groups (93.48 ± 2.54, 100.98 ± 13.08 and 99.01 ± 19.02 h·μg/ml, respectively) were higher than those of Tianke (69.34 ± 7.93 h·μg/ml), CL group (54.31 ± 6.70 h·μg/ml) and suspensions (31.14 ± 1.30 h·μg/ml).

Conclusions
Therefore, OACS coated liposomes can be an effective strategy to promote drug's absorption and further reduce the anaphylactic reaction of abundant surfactants in commercial preparations.
Modulation of oxidative and inflammatory cardiac response by nonselective 1- and 2-cyclooxygenase inhibitor and benznidazole in mice
Authors: Santos Eliziária C , Novaes Rômulo D , Bastos Daniel S S , Oliveira Jerusa M , Penitente Arlete R , Gonçalves Wagner G , Cardoso Silvia A , Talvani André , Oliveira Leandro L 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

Objectives
This study investigated the combined effects of benznidazole (BZ) and ibuprofen (IB) on the oxidative and inflammatory status of the cardiac tissue in vivo.

Methods
Swiss mice were randomized in groups receiving BZ (100 mg/kg) and IB (400 mg/kg) alone or combined (BZ + IB 200 or 400 mg/kg). Control animals were concurrently treated with 1% carboxymethyl cellulose. All treatments were administered orally for 7 days.

Key findings
BZ treatment increased cardiac production of nitrogen/oxygen-reactive species, malondialdeyde, carbonyl proteins, prostaglandins as well as the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. These parameters were attenuated by IB, with the best results at higher dose. Individually, BZ and IB significantly reduced the tissue levels of chemokine ligand 2, tumour necrosis factor-α and IL-10, but no reduction was observed when the treatments were combined.

Conclusions
BZ triggers an oxidative and nitrosative route, which is associated with increased prostaglandin synthesis and marked damages to the lipids and proteins of the cardiac tissue. IB treatment attenuated reactive stresses triggered by BZ, which was an independent effects of this drug on the endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Individually, but not together, BZ and IB reduced the cardiac inflammatory status, indicating a beneficial and complex drug interaction.
Characterization of progenitor cells and stem cells from the periodontal ligament tissue derived from a single person
Authors: Prateeptongkum E. , Klingelhöffer C. , Müller S. , Ettl T. , Morsczeck C. 
Published: June 2015

BackgroundPeriodontal ligament progenitor cells (PDLPs) and PDL stem cells (PDLSCs) are progenitor and stem cells that were isolated from PDL tissues using the outgrowth and single cell isolation methods respectively. The differences between PDLPs and PDLSCs characteristics could be observed from previous studies. However, these cells were obtained from different patients. This study was the first report to compare the characterization of PDLPs and PDLSCs from the same person.Material and MethodsThe characterization of PDLPs and PDLSCs includes flow cytometry analysis, cell proliferation assay and the assessment of the colony‐forming unit fibroblast. The osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase activity, biomineralization (alizarin red staining) and gene expression of osteogenic markers. The adipogenic differentiation was examined by Oil Red O staining and adipocyte‐related gene expression.ResultsMesenchymal stem cell marker expression and colony‐forming unit fibroblast analysis of PDLPs and PDLSCs were similar. However, PDLSCs grew faster than PDLPs on days 3 and 5 of the cell proliferation assay. Both PDLPs and PDLSCs could differentiate into osteoblast and adipocyte‐like cells. However, the mineralization of PDLSCs was stronger than that of PDLPs.ConclusionsThe characteristics of undifferentiated PDL cells in our study were not significantly impacted by the isolation method. We assumed that both PDLPs and PDLSCs are valuable cell sources for periodontal regeneration. However, PDLSCs have a possible advantage for the regeneration of alveolar bone.
Erectile Dysfunction is Associated with Subsequent Cardiovascular and Respiratory Mortality in Cohort of 1,436 Chinese Elderly Men
Authors: Chung Roger Y. , Chan Dicken , Woo Jean , Kwok Timothy , Leung Jason C.S. , Lai Francisco T.T. , Wong Samuel Y.S. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is commonly shown to be associated with subsequent cardiovascular mortality, but not respiratory mortality, despite respiratory disease being highly prevalent among ED patients.

Aim
We aim to examine associations of ED with all-cause and cause-specific (i.e., cardiovascular and respiratory) mortality in a prospective cohort of 1,436 Chinese men, followed up from 2001 for a median of 11.5 years.

Methods
ED measurement was based on a single question of four categories at the 4-year follow up.

Main Outcome Measures
Outcome measures include all-cause and cause-specific mortality (i.e., cardiovascular and respiratory mortality, classified according to the International Classification of Disease-version 10 [ICD-10]). Multivariable regression models estimated associations between ED and all-cause and cause-specific mortality, adjusting for the presence of chronic conditions, and socio-demographics and lifestyle factors. For each category of disease-specific mortality, subjects with the corresponding diseases and death cases from other causes were excluded. Cancer mortality was included for comparison.

Results
Participants who were completely impotent had significantly increased risk of all-cause (HR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.20–2.23), cardiovascular (HR = 3.94, 95% CI = 1.77–8.76) and respiratory mortality (HR = 3.16, 95% CI = 1.46–6.81) compared with non-impotent participants, adjusting for chronic conditions, and socio-demographics and lifestyle factors.

Conclusion
ED is significantly associated with subsequent all-cause mortality, possibly via its association with cardiovascular and respiratory mortality. Primary care practitioners should pay attention to ED patients' cardiovascular and respiratory risk profiles, which may benefit their prognosis.
Can leaf area index and biomass be estimated from Braun‐Blanquet cover scores in tropical forests?
Authors: Döbert Timm F. , Webber Bruce L. , Sugau John B. , Dickinson Katharine J.M. , Didham Raphael K. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractQuestionsThe loss and degradation of tropical forests is having severe impacts on the dynamics of understorey plant communities. Understanding these impacts requires efficient ways to measure vegetation change over broad spatial and temporal scales. Leaf area index (LAI) and above‐ground biomass are preferred quantitative measures of variation in plant community structure. However, their accurate measurement requires destructive sampling, which can be impractical or inappropriate. Here we test whether semi‐quantitative assessment of Braun‐Blanquet vegetation cover scores is a reliable proxy for direct quantitative measures of LAI and above‐ground biomass of differing plant growth forms (PGF) within tropical forests.LocationSix hundred square kilometre area of tropical lowland rain forest in Sabah, Malaysia.MethodsWe sampled understorey rain forest plant communities across a disturbance gradient in 2 × 2 m plots at 301 locations. We used a modified Braun‐Blanquet scale to estimate plant cover, destructively harvested all live above‐ground biomass up to a height of 2 m, calculated the above‐ground biomass of each species from separately processed stem and leaf fractions in each plot, and then calculated LAI using reference measures of specific leaf area for each species. For each of nine PGFs, we regressed LAI and biomass against the nine‐point Braun‐Blanquet ordinal transform scale (OTS) using linear mixed effects models.ResultsWe found a simple, uniform logarithmic scaling of LAI with increasing Braun‐Blanquet cover classes that was consistent across most PGFs, and with slope estimates close to 1.0. By contrast, no simple scaling relationship was found for above‐ground biomass, with most PGFs exhibiting an asymptotic relationship in which the Braun‐Blanquet estimates across high cover scores provided almost no resolution of observed variation in empirical biomass measures.ConclusionsWe found that the Braun‐Blanquet OTS provides a remarkably simple and accurate logarithmic scaling of LAI, but care should be taken in applying scaling rules uniformly across PGFs. In contrast, the Braun‐Blanquet OTS shows a more complex relationship with plant above‐ground biomass and we caution against its unconditional use for biomass estimation. The findings of this study should be broadly applicable to other ecosystems due to the heterogeneity of plant communities included in this work.
Photodynamic Action Mechanism Mediated by Zinc(II) 2,9,16,23‐Tetrakis[4‐(N‐methylpyridyloxy)]phthalocyanine in Candida albicans Cells
Authors: Di Palma María Albana , Alvarez María Gabriela , Durantini Edgardo N. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe photoreaction type I/type II pathways mediated by zinc(II) 2,9,16,23‐tetrakis[4‐(N‐methylpyridyloxy)]phthalocyanine (ZnPPc4+) was studied in Candida albicans cells. This photosensitizer was strongly bound to C. albicans cells at short times. After 30 min irradiation, 5 μM ZnPPc4+ produced ~5 log decrease in cell viability. Different probes were used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cell suspensions (~106 CFU mL−1). Singlet molecular oxygen, O2(1Δg), was observed by the reaction with 9,10‐dimethylanthracene (DMA) and tetrasodium 2,2‐(anthracene‐9,10‐diyl)bis(methylmalonate) (ABMM), whereas the nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) method was used to sense superoxide anion radical (). Moreover, the effects produced by an anoxic atmosphere and cell suspensions in D2O, as well as the addition of sodium azide and mannitol as ROS trapping were evaluated in the PDI of C. albicans. These investigation indicates that O2(1Δg) is generated in the cells, although a minor extension other radical species can also be involved in the PDI of C. albicans mediated by ZnPPc4+.
Global nanotechnology regulatory governance from a network analysis perspective
Authors: Snir Reut , Ravid Gilad 
Published: June 2015

AbstractOver the last decade, there has been a proliferation of nanotechnology regulatory initiatives, developed to ensure the responsible development of nanotechnology applications. This article examines the emergence and diffusion of environmental, health and safety (EHS) policies dealing with nanotechnology. Drawing on a citation network analysis of global nanotechnology regulatory governance, the article analyzes the role of key organizations at multiple levels and their interplay in initiating and diffusing occupational safety and health policies. It shows that private international standard‐setting organizations become “centers of information,” which play a strategic role as intermediaries that diffuse national policies globally. Through this process, these centers help to shape supranational policies. Such an understanding of the role of international private standard‐setting organizations sheds new light on the current debate over the privatization and internationalization of EHS governance.
Parallel enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay screening for human immunodeficiency virus among blood donors in five Chinese blood centres: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Zeng P. , Liu J. , Wang J. , Dong X. , Li J. , Bi X. , Ma H. , Wen X. , He M. , Liu Y. , Ness P. , Shan H. ,   for the International Component of the NHLBI Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study‐II (REDS‐II)
Published: June 2015

SUMMARYAimsTo evaluate the strategy of parallel screening with different enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) among Chinese blood donors.BackgroundParallel screening with ELISA has been the main strategy to detect human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in blood donations in China for more than a decade. The performance of the strategy should be analysed.MethodsA total of 821,927 donations collected from five Chinese blood centres in 2008–2010 were tested using two third‐generation ELISAs by different manufacturers licenced and confirmed by the Western blot (WB) in this study. The confirmatory positive predictive values (PPV), false positive rates (FPR), false negative rates (FNR) and potential risks for transfusion resulting from single or sequential ELISA screening were evaluated.ResultsA total of 5318 (0·647%) of donations screened HIV reactive and were discarded. WB confirmatory results on 1668 available samples suggested that PPVs for dual ELISA, one round ELISA reactive and grey zone samples were 75·1, 0·7 and 0·5%, respectively. Eight out of 1124 one round ELISA reactive and 1 out of 195 grey zone samples were WB confirmed positive. All but one ELISA assay displayed comparable PPVs but variable FPRs and FNRs that differed by blood centre.ConclusionsIn the absence of nucleic acid testing (NAT), parallel ELISA screening prevented a substantial number of HIV infected donations from entering the Chinese blood supply. However, the loss of false positive donors should be re‐evaluated especially given the frequently reported blood supply shortage in China.
Within-Match PlayerLoad™ Patterns During a Simulated Soccer Match: Potential Implications for Unit Positioning and Fatigue Management
Authors: Barrett Steve , Midgley Adrian W. , Towlson Christopher , Garrett Andrew , Portas Matt , Lovell Ric 
Published: June 2015

Purpose:To assess the acute alterations in triaxial accelerometry (PlayerLoad [PLVM]) and its individual axial planes (anteroposterior PlayerLoad [PLAP], mediolateral PlayerLoad [PLML], and vertical PlayerLoad [PLV]) during a standardized 90-min soccer match-play simulation (SAFT90). Secondary aims of the study were to assess the test–retest reliability and anatomical location of the devices.Methods:Semiprofessional (n = 5) and university (n = 15) soccer players completed 3 trials (1 familiarization, 2 experimental) of SAFT90. PlayerLoad and its individual planes were measured continuously using micromechanical-electrical systems (MEMS) positioned at the scapulae (SCAP) and near the center of mass (COM).Results:There were no between-halves differences in PLVM; however, within-half increases were recorded at the COM, but only during the 1st half at the SCAP. Greater contributions to PLVM were provided by PLV and PLML when derived from the SCAP and COM, respectively. PLVM (COM 1451 ± 168, SCAP 1029 ± 113), PLAP (COM 503 ± 99, SCAP 345 ± 61), PLML (COM 712 ± 124, SCAP 348 ± 61), and PLV (COM 797 ± 184, SCAP 688 ± 124) were significantly greater at the COM than at the SCAP. Moderate and high test–retest reliability was observed for PlayerLoad and its individual planes at both locations (ICC .80–.99).Conclusions:PlayerLoad and its individual planes are reliable measures during SAFT90 and detected within-match changes in movement strategy when the unit was placed at the COM, which may have implications for fatigue management. Inferring alterations in lower-limb movement strategies from MEMS units positioned at the SCAP should be undertaken with caution.
The Effects of Doming of the Diaphragm in Subjects With Short-Hamstring Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Valenza Marie Carmen , Cabrera-Martos Irene , Torres-Sánchez Irene , Garcés-García Aurelio , Mateos-Toset Sara , Valenza-Demet Gerald 
Published: June 2015

Context:Taking into account the complex structure of the diaphragm and its important role in the postural chain, the authors were prompted to check the effects of a diaphragm technique on hamstring flexibility.Objective:To evaluate the effects of the doming-of-the-diaphragm (DD) technique on hamstrings flexibility and spine mobility.Design:Randomized placebo-controlled trial.Setting:University laboratory.Patients:Sixty young adults with short-hamstring syndrome were included in this randomized clinical trial using a between-groups design.Intervention:The sample was randomly allocated to a placebo group (n = 30) or an intervention group (n = 30). Duration, position, and therapist were the same for both treatments.Main Outcome Measures:Hamstring flexibility was assessed using the forward-flexion-distance (FFD) and popliteal-angle test (PAT). Spinal motion was evaluated using the modified Schober test and cervical range of movement.Results:Twoway ANOVA afforded pre- to postintervention statistically significant differences (P < .001) in the intervention group compared with the placebo group for hamstring flexibility measured by the FFD (mean change 4.59 ± 5.66 intervention group vs 0.71 ± 2.41 placebo group) and the PAT (mean change intervention group 6.81 ± 8.52 vs placebo group 0.57 ± 4.41). Significant differences (P < .05) were also found in the modified Schober test (mean change intervention group –1.34 ± 3.95 vs placebo group 1.02 ± 3.05) and cervical range of movement. Significant between-groups differences (P < .05) were also found in all the variables measured.Conclusions:The DD technique provides sustained improvement in hamstring flexibility and spine mobility.
Is the Acute and Short-Term Effect of Whole-Body Vibration the Same on the H-Reflex Recruitment Curve and Agility?
Authors: Ahmadi Morteza , Torkaman Giti , Kahrizi Sedigheh , Ghabaee Mojdeh , Arani Leila Dadashi 
Published: June 2015

Context:Despite the widespread use of whole-body vibration (WBV), especially in recent years, its neurophysiological mechanism is still unclear and it is yet to be determined whether acute and short-term WBV exposure produce neurogenic enhancement for agility.Objective:To compare the acute and short-term effects of WBV on the H-reflex-recruitment curve and agility.Design:Cross-over study.Setting:Clinical electrophysiology laboratory.Participants:20 nonathlete male volunteers (mean age 24.85 ± 3.03 y).Main Outcome Measures:Subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups, H-reflex and agility. In the sham protocol, subjects stood on the turned-off vibration plate while maintaining the semisquat position, and then, after a 2-wk washout, vibration-training sessions were performed in the same position with a frequency of 30 Hz and an amplitude of 3 mm. H-reflex-recruitment curve was recorded and the agility test of a shuttle run was performed before and after the first session and also 48 h after the 11th session in both sham and vibration-training protocols.Results:Acute effects of WBV training caused a significant decrease of threshold amplitude and H-max/M-max (P = .01 and P = .04, respectively). Short-term WBV training significantly decreased the threshold intensity of the soleus H-reflex-recruitment curve (P = .01) and caused a decrease and increase respectively, in the threshold intensity and the area under the recruitment curve.Conclusions:The results suggest an inhibitory effect of acute WBV training on the H-reflex response.
Long-term effectiveness and outcome predictors of therapist-guided internet-based cognitive–behavioural therapy for social anxiety disorder in routine psychiatric care
Authors: El Alaoui Samir , Hedman Erik , Ljótsson Brjánn , Lindefors Nils 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesAlthough the short-term outcome of therapist-guided internet-based cognitive–behavioural therapy (ICBT) for treating social anxiety disorder (SAD) has been well studied, little research has been undertaken on the sustainability of treatment gains, especially under clinically representative conditions. Further, there is some debate whether delivering psychological treatment via the internet may be suitable for more severely ill patients.DesignLongitudinal multilevel growth-modelling of long-term (1–4 years) follow-up cohort data.SettingAn outpatient psychiatric clinic specialised in internet interventions.Participants446 adults having been treated for SAD.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrimary outcomes were estimated improvement rate and Cohen's d effect size on the self-rated Liebowitz Social Anxiety Disorder Scale. Secondary outcome measures were change in comorbid depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life.ResultsA large treatment effect was observed on the primary outcome measure after treatment (d=0.8 (95% CI 0.7 to 0.9)), with continued long-term improvements (d=1.2 (95% CI 1.0 to 1.3)). However, the rate of change varied significantly between individuals over time. A faster rate of improvement was observed among patients with higher illness severity, whereas having a family history of social anxiety was related to worse response. Long-term improvements were also observed in comorbid depressive symptoms (d=0.7 (95% CI 0.5 to 0.8)) and health-related quality of life (d=−0.3 (95% CI −0.4 to −0.1)).ConclusionsThese findings provide evidence for the long-term effectiveness of ICBT for SAD in routine clinical practice, even for more severe cases.