bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compartmentation of cAMP signalling in cardiomyocytes in health and disease
Authors: Perera R. K. , Nikolaev V. O. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract3′,5′‐cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a ubiquitous second messenger critically involved in the regulation of heart function. It has been shown to act in discrete subcellular signalling compartments formed by differentially localized receptors, phosphodiesterases and protein kinases. Cardiac diseases such as hypertrophy or heart failure are associated with structural and functional remodelling of these microdomains which leads to changes in cAMP compartmentation. In this review, we will discuss recent key findings which provided new insights into cAMP compartmentation in cardiomyocytes with a particular focus on its alterations in heart disease.
Association between novel MRI‐estimated pancreatic fat and liver histology‐determined steatosis and fibrosis in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Patel N. S. , Peterson M. R. , Brenner D. A. , Heba E. , Sirlin C. , Loomba R. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryBackgroundEctopic fat deposition in the pancreas and its association with hepatic steatosis have not previously been examined in patients with biopsy‐proven non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).AimTo quantify pancreatic fat using a novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique and determine whether it is associated with hepatic steatosis and/or fibrosis in patients with NAFLD.MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional study including 43 adult patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD who underwent clinical evaluation, biochemical testing and MRI. The liver biopsy assessment was performed using the NASH‐CRN histological scoring system, and liver and pancreas fat quantification was performed using a novel, validated MRI biomarker; the proton density fat fraction.ResultsThe average MRI‐determined pancreatic fat in patients with NAFLD was 8.5% and did not vary significantly between head, body, and tail of the pancreas. MRI‐determined pancreatic fat content increased significantly with increasing histology‐determined hepatic steatosis grade; 4.6% in grade 1; 7.7% in grade 2; 13.0% in grade 3 (P = 0.004) respectively. Pancreatic fat content was lower in patients with histology‐determined liver fibrosis than in those without fibrosis (11.2% in stage 0 fibrosis vs. 5.8% in stage 1–2 fibrosis, and 6.9% in stage 3‐4 fibrosis, P = 0.013). Pancreatic fat did not correlate with age, body mass index or diabetes status.ConclusionsIn patients with NAFLD, increased pancreatic fat is associated with hepatic steatosis. However, liver fibrosis is inversely associated with pancreatic fat content. Further studies are needed to determine underlying mechanisms to understand if pancreatic steatosis affects progression of NAFLD.
Potent in vitro and in vivo activity of sorafenib in multiple myeloma: induction of cell death, CD138‐downregulation and inhibition of migration through actin depolymerization
Authors: Udi Josefina , Schüler Julia , Wider Dagmar , Ihorst Gabriele , Catusse Julie , Waldschmidt Johannes , Schnerch Dominik , Follo Marie , Wäsch Ralph , Engelhardt Monika 
Published: February 2013

SummaryDespite considerable advances, multiple myeloma (MM) remains incurable and the development of novel therapies targeting the interplay between plasma cells (PCs) and their bone marrow (BM) microenvironment remains essential. We investigated the effect of various agents in vitro on the proliferation, phenotype, morphology, actin polymerization and migration of MM cells and, in vivo, the tumour growth of L363‐bearing non‐obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient mice with a deficient interleukin‐2 receptor gamma chain (NSG). In vitro, we observed a dose‐dependent cytotoxicity with bortezomib and sorafenib. Using RPMI8226 cells co‐expressing histone 2B‐mCherry and cytochrome c‐GFP, bortezomib‐ and sorafenib‐induced apoptosis was confirmed, and both agents combined showed synergism. Sorafenib induced CD138‐downregulation and abolished CXCL12‐induced actin polymerization. L363 cells expressed CCR4 and CCR5 and migrated to their common ligand CCL5. Chemotaxis to BM stroma cells was notable and significantly reduced by sorafenib. Downregulation of phospho‐ERK appeared relevant for the inhibition of actin polymerization and chemotaxis. Sorafenib alone, and combined with bortezomib, showed substantial antitumour activity in L363‐bearing NSG. Correspondingly, sorafenib induced clinical responses in MM‐/AL‐amyloidosis patients. We conclude that, in addition to the cytotoxic and anti‐angiogenic effects of sorafenib, blocking of MM cell migration and homing represent promising mechanisms to interrupt the interplay between PCs and their supportive microenvironment.
Protection from sickle cell retinopathy is associated with elevated HbF levels and hydroxycarbamide use in children
Authors: Estepp Jeremie H. , Smeltzer Matthew P. , Wang Winfred C. , Hoehn Mary E. , Hankins Jane S. , Aygun Banu 
Published: February 2013

SummaryElevated foetal haemoglobin (HbF) levels are protective against some manifestations of sickle cell anaemia but the impact on retinopathy is unknown. We report on 123 children with HbSS, 10·6% of whom developed retinopathy. Independent of hydroxycarbamide, children with a HbF <15% had 7·1‐fold (95% confidence interval, 1·5–33·6) higher odds of developing retinopathy. In children treated with hydroxycarbamide, those with retinopathy had lower HbF levels compared to children without retinopathy (9% vs. 16%; P = 0·005). We report a protective benefit of elevated HbF regarding retinopathy, and our data suggests induction of HbF with hydroxycarbamide may prevent retinopathy in children.
Quantitative Vascular Pathology and Phenotyping Familial and Sporadic Cerebral Small Vessel Diseases
Authors: Craggs Lucinda J. L. , Hagel Christian , Kuhlenbaeumer Gregor , Borjesson‐Hanson Anne , Andersen Oluf , Viitanen Matti , Kalimo Hannu , McLean Catriona A. , Slade Janet Y. , Hall Roslyn A. , Oakley Arthur E. , Yamamoto Yumi , Deramecourt Vincent , Kalaria Rajesh N. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractWe quantified vascular changes in the frontal lobe and basal ganglia of four inherited small vessel diseases (SVDs) including cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), pontine autosomal dominant microangiopathy and leukoencephalopathy (PADMAL), hereditary multi‐infarct dementia ofSwedish type (Swedish hMID), and hereditary endotheliopathy with retinopathy, nephropathy, and stroke (HERNS). Vascular pathology was most severe inCADASIL, and varied with marginally greater severity in the basal ganglia compared to the frontal lobe. The overall sclerotic index values in frontal lobe were in the orderCADASIL ≥ HERNS > PADMAL > Swedish hMID > sporadicSVD, and in basal gangliaCADASIL > HERNS > Swedish hMID > PADMAL> sporadicSVD. The subcortical white matter was almost always more affected than any gray matter. We observed glucose transporter‐1 (GLUT‐1) protein immunoreactivities were most affected in the white matter indicating capillary degeneration whereas collagenIV(COL4) immunostaining was increased inPADMALcases in all regions and tissue types. Overall,GLUT‐1 : COL4 ratios were higher in the basal ganglia indicating modifications in capillary density compared to the frontal lobe. Our study shows that the extent of microvascular degeneration varies in these genetic disorders exhibiting common end‐stage pathologies but is the most aggressive inCADASIL.
Sequence stratigraphy of a Paleogene coal bearing rim syncline: interplay of salt dynamics and sea‐level changes, Schöningen, Germany
Authors: Osman Ariana , Pollok Lukas , Brandes Christian , Winsemann Jutta 
Published: February 2013

AbstractSalt rim synclines contain important hydrocarbon and coal resources in central Europe. The Schöningen salt rim syncline is filled with >300 m of Early to Middle Eocene unconsolidated clastics with interbedded lignitic coal seams that are mined at the surface. In this study, 357 lithologic logs are integrated with measured outcrop sections and paleo‐botanical data to interpret the depositional environments and sequence stratigraphic framework of the rim syncline fill. As salt withdrew, it generated an elongate mini‐basin that mimicked an incised valley. The sustained accommodation and slow broadening of the syncline affected the stratigraphic architecture and contributed to the preservation of coal units. The clastic units in the syncline filled in seven depositional stages: (1) tidally influenced fluvial estuarine channels; (2) mixed tide‐ and wave‐ dominated estuaries; (3) prograding wave dominate deltas; (4) transgressive shoreline deposits; (5) braided fluvial channels; (6) estuaries; and (7) prograding tide‐dominated channels. The succession defines four 3rd order sequences and several higher order sequences that are possibly related to Milankovitch cycles. The higher order sequences are dominantly characterized by stacked transgressive cycles of thick, lowstand coals overlain by estuarine sands. The nearly continuous warm and wet Eocene climate was conducive to continuous peat production with a climatic overprint recorded in the mire type: ombrotrophic mires developed in wetter times and rheotrophic mires developed in relatively drier conditions pointing to the presence of orbitally controlled seasonality. Both mire types were impacted by the interplay of subsidence and base‐level. The continuous dropping of the mires below base‐level via subsidence protected the mires against erosion and may account for the absence of coals outside of the rim synclines in the region.
Pre‐existing diabetes significantly increases the risk of graft failure and mortality following renal transplantation
Authors: Taber David J. , Meadows Holly B. , Pilch Nicole A. , Chavin Kenneth D. , Baliga Prabhakar K. , Egede Leonard E. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the impact of pre‐existing diabetes mellitus (DM) on acute rejection, graft loss, and mortality following kidney transplant and whether glycemic control or cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk control with medications influenced outcomes. This was a cohort study of 1002 renal transplants conducted between 2000 and 2008. Patients were included if they received a kidney transplant within the allotted time and were at least 18 yr of age. Cox regression was used to assess acute rejection, graft failure, or death controlling for relevant sociodemographic, clinical, and post‐transplant variables. Five‐yr patient survival (83% vs. 93%, p < 0.001) and graft survival (74% vs. 79%, p = 0.005) were significantly lower in patients with pre‐existing DM. Sequential Cox regression models demonstrated that pre‐existing DM was consistently associated with a higher risk of death (HR 2.3–3.0, p < 0.01) and graft failure (HR 1.5–1.8, p < 0.04) in all models except after adjusting for CVD medication use (HR 1.9, p = 0.174 and HR 1.5, p = 0.210, respectively). These data suggest pre‐existing DM is a significant risk factor for graft failure and death following renal transplantation and aggressive CVD risk reduction with medications may be an important strategy to reduce mortality and graft failure.
Long‐term outcomes of antithymocyte globulin in patients with hematological malignancies undergoing myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Du Kaili , Hu Yongxian , Wu Kangni , Huang He 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAntithymocyte globulin (ATG) has shown efficacy in preventing acute GVHD (aGVHD) in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT), but its efficacy in chronic GVHD (cGVHD) and long‐term outcomes remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate potential benefit and risk of prophylactic ATG use in myeloablative HCT. We searched Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane databases, and included 10 trials (two RCTs and eight retrospective) comparing ATG use vs. control with a total of 1859 patients. The median follow‐ups were over two yr. Outcomes assessed included overall cGVHD, extensive cGVHD, overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival, relapse, and causes of death. Our results showed ATG significantly decreased overall cGVHD (RR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.53–0.66, p < 0.00001), extensive cGVHD (RR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.25–0.47, p < 0.00001). Pooled results also showed ATG use was associated with a marginal increased risk of relapse (RR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.01–1.63, p = 0.04), and a non‐inferior OS (HR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.74–1.01, p = 0.06). We conclude prophylactic use of ATG exerts a favorable effect in reducing cGVHD without survival impairment in a long term, although a higher relapse rate is a major threat.
Patch history and spatial scale modulate local plant extinction and extinction debt in habitat patches
Authors: Guardiola Moisès , Pino Joan , Rodà Ferran 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimMany species exhibit a time‐lag between habitat loss and its extinction, resulting in extinction debt. Although extinction debt is considered a widespread phenomenon, differences in methodological approaches can affect its detection. We aim to contribute to this methodological debate by exploring whether extinction debt is either a phenomenon common to all patches or idiosyncratic to the patch and landscape attributes of a given patch. We also aim to determine whether the scale dependency of species richness might help to explain extinction debt.LocationSouthern Catalonia (NE Iberian Peninsula).MethodsWe studied the effects of habitat loss on plant species richness (total, specialists and generalists) in stable (habitat loss < 40% since 1956) and regressive (habitat loss more than 40% since 1956) patches of Mediterranean grasslands at both quadrat and patch scales using general linear models.ResultsWe detected extinction debt at patch scale but only in regressive patches. The magnitude of extinction debt was not constant but was related to the percentage of patch area reduction. Contrastingly, regressive patches presented fewer species than stable patches at quadrat scale.Main conclusionQuadrat scale extinctions in regressive patches lead to rarefaction, but not immediate extinction, of some species at patch scale and created an extinction debt. Species loss at quadrat scale constitutes an early warning indicator of the effects of habitat loss on biodiversity, while delayed extinctions offer an opportunity for conservation initiatives.
Leg impairment magnifies reproductive costs in male Mediterranean fruit flies, Ceratitis capitata
Authors: Harwood James F. , Vargas Roger I. , Carey James R. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractInjuries frequently accumulate with age in nature. Despite the commonality of injury and the resulting impairment, there are limited experimental data for the effects of impairment on life history trade‐offs between reproduction and survival in insects. We tested the effects of artificial injury and the resulting impairment on the reproductive costs and behavior of male medflies, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Treatment flies were impaired by amputating tarsomere segments 2–5 from the right foreleg at either eclosion or age 22 days. The effect of impairment and age on the cost of reproduction was tested by varying the timing of female availability among the treatments. Courtship behavior and copulation rates were observed hourly from age 2–5 days to determine the effects of impairment on reproductive behavior. Female access combined with the impairment reduced the life expectancy of males more than the impairment alone, whereas the health effect of amputation was influenced by age. Conversely, the risk of death due to impairment was not influenced by the males' mating status prior to amputation. The males' copulation success was reduced due to impairment, whereas courtship behavior was not affected. Impairment does not reduce the males' impulse to mate, but decreases the females' receptivity to copulation, while also increasing the cost of each successful mating. Overall, minor impairment lowers the reproductive success of males and reduces longevity.
6. WHAT'S IN A CONCEPT? THE KINETIC EMPIRE OF THE COMANCHES
Authors: HÄMÄLÄINEN PEKKA 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThis essay revisits the main themes and arguments put forward in The Comanche Empire: indigenous agency; spatial reorientation in the writing of colonial histories; the composition of the Comanche empire and its impact on the history of North America. It also responds to a number of specific issues raised by the roundtable participants: differences and similarities between indigenous and Euro‐colonial power regimes; balancing of culture‐specific frameworks with broad‐gauge political economic analysis; linkages between indigenous agency and indigenous sovereignty in colonial encounters; the question of periodization in writing Native American and colonial histories. Finally, the essay points to new ways of understanding, conceptualizing, and comparing nonterritorial nomadic empires by introducing the concept of “kinetic empire,” which refers to a flexible imperial organization that revolves around a set of mobile activities and relies on selective nodal control of key resources.
Florfenicol depletion in edible tissue of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), and sea bream, Sparus aurata L.
Authors: Di Salvo A , della Rocca G , Terzetti E , Malvisi J 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAn increase in fish production has consequently brought an increase in infectious diseases in fish farms. The use of chemotherapic drugs is the most effective instrument against common bacterial agents. The number of registered drugs for use in aquaculture is limited and often veterinary practitioners resort to the off‐label use of chemotherapic agents authorized for different food‐producing animal species. Florfenicol is well known for its outstanding effect against various pathogenic bacteria affecting fish, and therefore, it may be a useful drug for off‐label use in aquaculture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the depletion of florfenicol and its major metabolite, florfenicol amine, from the edible tissue of two fish species, rainbow trout and sea bream, following treatment with medicated feed at a dosage of 10 mg kg−1 of bw day−1, for 10 consecutive days. At prefixed time points after the end of administration (0.25, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 14 and 21 days after treatment), edible tissues (muscle plus adherent skin) from 15 individuals in each group were collected and analysed by HPLC, to determine concentration of the drug in the tissue. On the basis of the obtained concentrations, withdrawal times of florfenicol in the two species were calculated. The results indicate that a drug withdrawal time of 500 °C‐day, as established by Directive 2004/28/EC, for off‐label drug use is more than satisfactory to guarantee the healthiness of fish products against the risk of drug residues.
Masking Ability of Zirconia with and without Veneering Porcelain
Authors: Choi Yeon‐Jo , Razzoog Michael E. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPurpose: The present study compared changes in CIE L*a*b* color coordinates of substrates of different colors when covered with zirconium oxide discs (Procera) and with such discs if veneered with two shades of porcelain.Material and Methods: Forty background substrates were fabricated and divided into four groups depending on the color of the substrates: white, black, gray, and tooth‐colored (Vita shade A3). The initial color of the substrates was measured using a colorimeter. The color of the substrates covered with plain zirconium oxide discs and with zirconium oxide discs veneered with porcelains of two shades (Vita shade A1 and B4) was measured. The color difference between the substrates, the substrates covered with plain discs, and the substrates covered with veneered discs was calculated, and the data were statistically analyzed with one‐way ANOVA and multiple paired t‐test.Results: For each group of substrates, the resulting colors were significantly different when the substrates were covered by either plain zirconium oxide discs or zirconium oxide discs veneered with Vita shade A1 or B4 porcelain.Conclusion: While zirconium oxide coping material alone has a degree of masking ability, the resulting color of a restoration can be further modified with the veneering porcelain.
Staff Views of the Importance of Relationships for Knowledge Development: Is Training by Specialists a Waste of Money?
Authors: Bradshaw Jill , Goldbart Juliet 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundThe provision of skilled support is dependent on staff knowledge and understanding (Beadle‐Brown J., Beecham J., Mansell J., Baumker T., Leigh J., Whelton R. & Richardson L, unpublished data). Influencing staff knowledge and understanding is an important component of interventions.Materials and MethodsFourteen individual semi‐structured interviews elicited staff views and experiences of knowledge development. These were analysed using a thematic network analysis (Attride‐Stirling 2001, Qualitative Research 1, 385–405).ResultsThree global themes were identified; skills are developed from experience, service aims influence service delivery and practice is more important than theory. This article focuses on the first of these themes. Relationships between staff and service users played a central role in enabling development of knowledge. Although some skills were seen as transferrable, experience of a particular service user was described as being essential.ConclusionsSupport staff may not see the relevance of research findings, professional knowledge or training, unless these have involved direct work with the service user in question.
Effect of Chemical and Microwave Disinfection on the Surface Microhardness of Acrylic Resin Denture Teeth
Authors: Vasconcelos Ligia Regina , Consani Rafael Leonardo Xediek , Mesquita Marcelo Ferraz , Sinhoreti Mário Alexandre Coelho 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of simulated disinfections (2% glutaraldehyde, 1% sodium hypochlorite, and microwave energy) on the surface hardness of Trilux, Biocler, Biotone, New Ace, and Magister commercial artificial teeth.Materials and MethodsSpecimens (n = 10) were made with the teeth included individually in circular blocks of acrylic resin, leaving the labial surface exposed. Cycles of simulated chemical disinfection were accomplished with the specimens immersed in the solutions at room temperature for 10 minutes, followed by tap water washing for 30 seconds and storage in distilled water at room temperature for 7 days until the next disinfection. Simulated disinfection by microwave energy was carried out in a domestic oven with 1300 W at a potency of 50% for 3 minutes with the specimens individually immersed in 150 ml of distilled water. Control (no disinfection) and the experimental groups (first and third disinfection cycles) were submitted to Knoop hardness measurements with indentations at the center of the labial tooth surface. Data were submitted to repeated measure two‐way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05).ResultsBiocler, Magister, and Trilux showed lower surface microhardness when submitted to microwave. Lower microhardness for Biotone was promoted by hypochlorite, while no significant difference was shown for New Ace. The third disinfection cycle significantly decreased the tooth surface hardness only for microwave.ConclusionsDifferent disinfection methods promoted different effects on the microhardness of different types of artificial teeth. Surface microhardness of the teeth was less affected by the simulated chemical disinfections when compared to microwaved specimens.