bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prorenin stimulates a pro‐angiogenic and pro‐inflammatory response in retinal endothelial cells and an M1 phenotype in retinal microglia
Authors: Zhu Tong , Miller Antonia G , Deliyanti Devy , Berka David R , Agrotis Alex , Campbell Duncan J , Wilkinson‐Berka Jennifer L 
Published: February 2015

SummaryAngiogenesis and inflammation are causative factors in the development of neovascular retinopathies. These processes involve the retinal endothelium and the retinal immune cells, microglia. The renin‐angiotensin system contributes to retinal injury via the actions of the type 1 angiotensin receptor (AT1R). However, it has been suggested that prorenin, the initiator of the renin‐angiotensin system cascade, influences retinal injury independently from the AT1R. We evaluated whether prorenin induced a pro‐angiogenic and pro‐inflammatory response in retinal endothelial cells and a pro‐inflammatory phenotype in retinal microglia. Primary cultures of retinal endothelial cells and microglia were studied. Rat recombinant prorenin (2 nmol/L) stimulated the proliferation and tubulogenesis of retinal endothelial cells; it increased the levels of pro‐angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin‐1, and tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin and epidermal growth factor homology domains, and pro‐inflammatory factors, intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, relative to the controls. The messenger RNA levels of the (pro)renin receptor were also increased. These effects occurred in the presence of the AT1R blocker candesartan (10 μmol/L) and the renin inhibitor aliskiren (10 μmol/L). Microglia, which express the (pro)renin receptor, elicited an activated phenotype when exposed to prorenin, which was characterized by increased levels of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6, and interleukin‐1β and by decreased levels of interleukin‐10 and arginase‐1 relative to controls. Candesartan did not influence the effects of prorenin on retinal microglia. In conclusion, prorenin has distinct pro‐angiogenic and pro‐inflammatory effects on retinal cells that are independent of the AT1R, indicating the potential importance of prorenin in retinopathy.
Oxytocin in the regulation of social behaviours in medial amygdala‐lesioned mice via the inhibition of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signalling pathway
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhao Shanshan , Wu Zhe , Feng Yu , Zhao Chuansheng , Zhang Chaodong 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThe neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of behavioural deficits among patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its role in ASD remain unclear. In the present study, a murine model with ASD‐like phenotypes was induced by intra‐medial amygdala injection of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate, and it was used to investigate the role of OXT in behaviour regulation. Behavioural tests were performed to verify the ASD‐like phenotypes of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate‐treated mice, and the results showed that mice with bilateral medial amygdala lesions presented significant behavioural deficits, including impaired learning and memory and increased anxiety and depression. We also observed a notably decreased level of OXT in both the plasma and the hypothalamus of medial amygdala‐lesioned mice, and the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) was activated. Further studies demonstrated that the administration of OXT alleviated ASD‐like symptoms and significantly inhibited phosphorylation of ERK; the inhibitory effect was similar to that of U0126, an ERK signalling inhibitor. In addition, OXT administration modulated the expression of downstream proteins of the ERK signalling pathway, such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding and c‐fos. Taken together, our data indicate that OXT plays an important role in ameliorating behavioural deficits in an ASD‐like mouse model, which was mediated by inhibiting the ERK signalling pathway and its downstream proteins.
Effects of active and passive smoking on the development of cardiovascular disease as assessed by a carotid intima‐media thickness examination in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Jiang Fei , Wang Jie , Zhang Rong , Chen Miao , Peng Danfeng , Sun Xue , Yan Jing , Luo Yi , Tang Shanshan , Hu Cheng , Jia Weiping 
Published: February 2015

SummaryCarotid intima‐media thickness has been widely used as a surrogate end‐point for cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke. This study aimed to assess the effects of active and passive smoking exposure on the development of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Seven hundred twenty‐two patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited for the study. A standardized questionnaire on smoking status, pack‐years of smoking, and the number of years of smoking cessation was provided to the patients, and their responses were collected for analysis. The carotid intima‐media thickness, carotid plaque, and the internal diameter of the common carotid artery were determined by high‐resolution B‐mode ultrasonography. Compared to non‐smokers, passive female smokers had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (odds ratio = 3.50, 95% confidence interval: 1.29–9.49, P = 0.009); they also had a significantly larger common carotid artery (P = 0.041) and risk of carotid plaque (odds ratio = 2.20, 95% confidence interval: 1.1980–4.0505, P = 0.01). Both active and passive male smokers had a significantly greater carotid intima‐media thickness than non‐smokers (P = 0.003 and P = 0.005, respectively). Male active smokers had a significantly higher risk of carotid plaque (odds ratio = 2.88, 95% confidence interval: 1.4788–5.6094, P = 0.001). In conclusion, cumulative active and passive smoking exposures are significant risk factors for carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our results highlight the importance of endorsing a smoke‐free environment for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Evaluation of Four Fingerprint Development Methods for Touch Chemistry Using Matrix‐Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization/Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry,
Authors: Kaplan‐Sandquist Kimberly A. , LeBeau Marc A. , Miller Mark L. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractFour preparation techniques for MALDI/TOF mass spectrometry were compared to determine the ability to gather intelligence for investigations through the chemical analysis of latent fingerprints, defined as “touch chemistry.” Compatible fingerprint development processes used for identification along with new techniques are necessary to evaluate touch chemistry. Ten volunteers deposited fingerprints from solvent residues containing drugs and explosives onto microscope slides. The developers included (A) fingerprint powder, (B) MALDI matrix, (C) fingerprint powder and lifting, and (D) cyanoacrylate fuming with fingerprint powder. Qualitative identification was based on ion images and spectra. The highest average detection rates (88%) were found using methods A and B. Methods C (52%) or D (18%) had limited success. Results demonstrate the importance of imaging coupled to extracted mass spectral data in detecting analytes in deposited fingerprints. Overall, the results suggest continued development of touch chemistry applications could prove useful for gathering intelligence and forensically relevant information.
A modeling methodology to evaluate the efficacy of predator exclosures versus predator control
Authors: Stringham O. C. , Robinson O. J. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPredation is seen as the most important source of mortality for many endangered species, including the piping plover. However, predation can be managed through lethal methods, birth control or by excluding predators from nests. Nevertheless, managing a predator population in order to protect a threatened prey population has uncertain outcomes making the monetary expenditures required to manage predators less appealing. We developed a methodology that utilizes a stochastic coupled predator–prey population viability analysis to determine the efficacy of using predator exclosures to protect piping plover nests versus using lethal or birth control measures for one of its principal predators, the red fox. We found that implementing predator exclosures led to slightly higher final abundances of plovers compared with the lethal or birth control of foxes. Moreover, the joint effort of predator control and predator exclosures resulted in considerably higher final plover abundance compared with either option alone. Additionally, there may be situations where certain demographic data about a predator population, such as the population size and age distribution, is not known to the manager. We evaluated the effect these demographics had on the predator control management option chosen. We found that the efficacy of different management options change depending on the starting demographics of the fox population. We emphasize the implementation of this type of model when managing a predator for the sake of prey in order to make informed management decisions that could save money while ensuring better protection of endangered species.
Do natural areas in urban landscapes support successful reproduction by a group of conservation priority birds?
Authors: Buxton V. L. , Benson T. J. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIf conservation priority birds are to persist in an increasingly anthropogenically altered world, suitable habitat must be created or preserved in potentially unsuitable landscapes. While natural areas in urban environments may provide habitat for declining groups of birds, little is known about effects of urbanization on the reproductive success of birds, such as grassland birds, that are typically thought to be associated with more rural landscapes. While typical conservation efforts have focused on conserving large patches of grassland in landscapes containing minimal amounts of woody vegetation and development, the assumption that habitat located in developed landscapes is of poor quality has not been tested and may wrongly devalue grasslands located in an urban matrix. To examine the influence of development on habitat quality for grassland birds, we studied grassland bird nest predation and brood parasitism in patches of varying size along an urbanization gradient in northeastern Illinois. Because nest predation is the primary cause of reproductive failure and a potentially limiting factor for grassland bird populations, we used miniature video cameras to identify predators at a subset of nests. From 2012 to 2013, we monitored 432 nests of 16 grassland bird species. Nest predation rates decreased with urbanization in the landscape as did probability of brood parasitism. We filmed 44 nests and documented 19 predation events. We found that coyotes Canis latrans, white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus and thirteen‐lined ground squirrels Ictidomys tridecemlineatus were important nest predators in our study system. Contrary to prior assumptions, our results suggest that grasslands located in urban landscapes may provide habitat of equal or greater quality than many rural grasslands.
Oesophagectomy is a safe option for early adenocarcinoma arising from Barrett's oesophagus
Authors: Lam Yick Ho , Bright Tim , Leong Matthew , Thompson Sarah K. , Mayne George , Watson David I 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundOver the last decade, there has been a shift towards endoscopic treatment of high‐grade dysplasia (HGD) and T1 stage adenocarcinoma arising in Barrett's oesophagus. Although short‐term outcomes are promising, longer‐term outcomes remain uncertain and the role of these therapies versus surgery is debated, with surgical mortality rates assumed. However, few studies have specifically determined the outcome for oesophagectomy in the subgroup with HGD or T1 adenocarcinoma. To determine this, we evaluated experience with oesophagectomy for HGD and T1 adenocarcinoma in Barrett's oesophagus.MethodsData were analysed from a prospective audit database for oesophagectomy performed at two public and four associated private hospitals in Adelaide, South Australia. Patients with HGD, T1a and T1b adenocarcinoma who underwent oesophagectomy from 20 February 1998 to 17 February 2012 were identified, and their perioperative, post‐operative and survival outcomes were determined.ResultsFrom 452 oesophagectomy procedures, 63 (13.9%) individuals who underwent surgery for HGD or T1 adenocarcinoma were identified; HGD – 19 (30.1%), T1a – 18 (28.5 %), T1b – 26 (41.3%). Major complications occurred in eight (12.7%) patients including one (1.6%) death following surgery. Five‐year survival for HGD and T1a cancers using Kaplan–Meier analysis was not significantly different from a matched general population without cancer.ConclusionOesophagectomy for HGD and T1 stage adenocarcinoma in Barrett's oesophagus is associated with favourable outcomes. Outcomes following endoscopic treatments should be benchmarked against these outcomes, not those following oesophagectomy for advanced cancer.
Placental pathology in relation to stillbirth and neonatal outcome in an extremely preterm population: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Vinnars Marie‐Therese , Papadogiannakis Nikos , Nasiell Josefine , Holmström Gerd , Westgren Magnus 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo study associations between placental histopathology and stillbirth as well as neonatal outcome in a population born extremely preterm.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingStockholm, Sweden.Population167 infants born <27 gestational weeks during 2004–2007.MethodsOne senior perinatal pathologist, blinded to outcome data, evaluated all placental slides.Main outcome measuresIntrauterine fetal death, small‐for‐gestational age, major neonatal morbidity (intraventricular hemorrhage ≥grade 3, retinopathy of prematurity ≥grade 3, necrotizing enterocolitis, cystic periventricular leukomalacia or severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia) and neonatal mortality. Additional outcome variables were Apgar score at 5 min, sepsis, and treated patent ductus arteriosus.ResultsAccelerated villous maturation was associated with a decreased risk for Apgar score <7 at 5 min (p = 0.041). Fetal thrombosis and low placental weight were associated with an increased risk for both intrauterine fetal death (p < 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively) and small‐for‐gestational age (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionPlacental histology may have prognostic value as it appears to be associated with intrauterine fetal death, as well as with being small‐for‐gestational age and assignment of a low Apgar score at birth.
No association between prenatal exposure to psychotropics and intelligence at age five
Authors: Eriksen Hanne‐Lise Falgreen , Kesmodel Ulrik Schiøler , Pedersen Lars Henning , Mortensen Erik Lykke 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo examine associations between prenatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)/anxiolytics and intelligence assessed with a standard clinical intelligence test at age 5 years.DesignLongitudinal follow‐up study.SettingDenmark, 2003–2008.Population/sampleA total of 1780 women and their children sampled from the Danish National Birth Cohort.MethodsSelf‐reported information on use of SSRI and anxiolytics was obtained from the Danish National Birth Cohort at the time of consent and from two prenatal interviews. Intelligence was assessed at age 5 years, and parental education, maternal intelligence quotient (IQ), maternal smoking and alcohol consumption in pregnancy, the child's age at testing, sex, and tester were included in the full model. The IQ of 13 medication‐exposed children was compared with the IQ of 19 children whose mothers had untreated depression and 1748 control children.Main outcome measureWechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Revised.ResultsIn unadjusted analyses, children of mothers who used antidepressants or anxiolytics during pregnancy had higher verbal IQ; this association, however, was insignificant after adjustment for potentially confounding maternal and child factors.ConclusionNo consistent associations between IQ and fetal exposure to antidepressants and anxiolytics were observed, but the study had low statistical power, and there is an obvious need to conduct long‐term follow‐up studies with comprehensive cognitive assessment and sufficiently large samples of adolescent or adult offspring.
Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide, retinal microglia and retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in the optic nerve crush model
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Chen Shida , Zhang Xiulan , Huang Wenbin , Jonas Jost B. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the effect of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (TA) on the activation of retinal microglia cells (RMGCs) and survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in an optic nerve crush (ONC) model.MethodsAdult female Sprague–Dawley rats underwent a standardized ONC and either received an intravitreal injection of TA (TA group) or of phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS, PBS group) in the right eyes. At 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after the ONC, the animals were killed. The retinas were examined by immunohistochemistry, light microscopy, Western blot or retrograde labelling of RGCs by fluorogold injected into the superior colliculi.ResultsThe TA group as compared to the PBS control group showed a significantly (p < 0.0001) lower density of activated RMGCs, at 14 days [4.2 ± 1.6 versus 9.3 ± 2.2 cells/high‐power microscopic field (HPF)] and at 28 days (2.3 ± 1.1 versus 4.4 ± 1.5 cells/HPF), and with a significantly lower expression of inflammatory factors. Central density of RGCs as stained by haematoxylin–eosin or by fluorogold was significantly (all p < 0.05) more reduced in the PBS group than in the TA group at days 14 and 28 after baseline. The survival rate (cell density in the study eye as compared to cell density in the contralateral unaffected eye) was significantly higher in the TA group than in the PBS group on days 14 (58% versus 45%; p = 0.003) and 28 (52% versus 41%; p = 0.022).ConclusionsIntravitreal TA as compared to intravitreal PBS was associated with a lower density of activated RMGCs and a higher density of surviving RGCs in an ONC model.
Influence of the vitreomacular interface on the efficacy of intravitreal therapy for uveitis‐associated cystoid macular oedema
Authors: Munk Marion R. , Ram Radha , Rademaker Alfred , Liu Dachao , Setlur Vikram , Chau Felix , Schmidt‐Erfurth Ursula , Goldstein Debra A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the effect of the vitreomacular interface (VMI) on treatment efficacy of intravitreal therapy in uveitic cystoid macular oedema (CME).MethodsRetrospective analysis of CME resolution, CME recurrence rate and monthly course of central retinal thickness (CRT), retinal volume (RV) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after intravitreal injection with respect to the VMI configuration on spectral‐domain OCT using chi‐squared test and repeated measures anova adjusted for confounding covariates epiretinal membrane, administered drug and subretinal fluid.ResultsFifty‐nine eyes of 53 patients (mean age: 47.4 ± 16.9 years) were included. VMI status had no effect on complete CME resolution rate (p = 0.16, corrected p‐value: 0.32), time until resolution (p = 0.09, corrected p‐value: 0.27) or CME relapse rate (p = 0.29, corrected p‐value: 0.29). Change over time did not differ among the VMI configuration groups for BVCA (p = 0.82) and RV (p = 0.18), but CRT decrease was greater and faster in the posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) group compared to the posterior vitreous attachment (PVA) and vitreous macular adhesion (VMA) groups (p = 0.04). Also, the percentage of patients experiencing a ≥ 20% CRT thickness decrease after intravitreal injection was greater in the PVD group (83%) compared to the VMA (64%) and the PVA (16%) group (p = 0.027), however, not after correction for multiple testing (corrected p‐value: 0.11).ConclusionThe VMI configuration seems to be a factor contributing to treatment efficacy in uveitic CME in terms of CRT decrease, although BCVA outcome did not differ according to VMI status.
An investigation into exposure of pigs to lead from contaminated zinc oxide in 2007–2008
Authors: MacLachlan DJ , Dixon F , Klim E , Lutze J , Matisons M , Moir D , Smith G 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundHigh levels of lead, up to 3.3 mg/kg fresh weight, were detected in pig liver in Western Australia at the beginning of 2008. This followed the detection of lead at above the maximum level (ML) in a pig liver through the National Residue Survey (NRS). The contamination source was traced back to a zinc oxide feed additive used early post‐weaning that contained in excess of 8% lead.Methods and ResultsConfirmation of the source of lead contamination was obtained by comparing lead isotope ratios for the zinc oxide and the pig livers. The investigation demonstrated the importance of verifying the safety of feed and feed ingredients prior to incorporation in feed. Retrospective analysis of NRS data indicated that the level of lead needed to trigger an investigation for intensively housed pigs should be considerably lower than the ML. As a result, investigations in Australia will now be conducted when levels of lead in pig liver exceed 0.1 mg/kg fresh weight.ConclusionsDespite the potential for small amounts of non‐compliant kidney and liver to enter the human food chain, there was no significant increase in the risk to consumers.
Tooth wear, body mass index and management options for edentulous black flying‐foxes (Pteropus alecto Gould) in the Townsville district, north Queensland, Australia
Authors: Luly J , Buettner P , Parsons J , Thiriet D , Gyuris E 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveWe investigated the relationship between a body mass index and tooth wear in the black flying‐fox (Pteropus alecto Gould) to provide guidance on management of edentulous individuals by wildlife carers and veterinarians.MethodsFlying‐foxes brought into care because of injury were weighed, their forearms measured and the state of their teeth evaluated. Measurements were analysed by Chi‐square, ANOVA, t‐tests and regression to identify any relationship between the body mass index and the condition of canine and molar teeth, as well as in relation to sex and season.ResultsThere was no statistically significant relationship between a bat's dentition state and the body mass index being used.ConclusionsIn Townsville, the black flying‐fox appears to experience a rapid decline in dental condition over time. Despite this, there is little indication that loss of teeth results in a decline in body condition. We attribute this to the dominance of floral foods in the bats' diet in Townsville and a lesser importance of hard fruit that requires intact dentition for consumption. Edentulousness on its own is not sufficient reason to euthanase black flying‐foxes in either Townsville or similar relatively dry localities where blossom dominates the flying‐fox diet.