bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proteome changes induced by laser in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Quin Godfrey J , Lyons Brian , Len Alice CL , Madigan Michele C , Gillies Mark C 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundDiabetic macular oedema (DMO) is the commonest cause of vision loss in people with diabetes. Laser photocoagulation can be effective in the treatment ofDMO; however, its mechanism of action is still poorly understood. A better understanding of these mechanisms may allow the development of therapeutic approaches that could avoid the deleterious adverse events associated with photocoagulation.MethodsWe have used proteomic techniques to identify the protein changes induced by threshold intensity retinal laser treatment in a rodent model of diabetic retinopathy. Retinae were obtained from diabeticDarkAgouti rats 8 weeks following laser treatment. Extracted proteins from lasered and non‐lasered diabetic retinae were separated and compared using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis.ResultsImage analysis revealed 24 protein spots with decreased expression after laser treatment and 9 spots with increased expression. On lasered retinal gels, four spots were uniquely expressed, with eight unique spots on non‐lasered gels. Twenty‐two protein spots of interest were identified using matrix‐assisted desorption ionization‐mass spectrometry with database matching. Following laser,Wnt‐5 beta,LEK‐1,GADPH, claudin‐12 and calretinin were significantly down‐regulated in expression.ConclusionsThe present study provides a proteomic insight into the underlying biological basis for the therapeutic effects of laser forDMO. We provide further evidence of the involvement ofWnt pathway signalling in the neural retina inDMO, and for up to 2 months following laser treatment. Changes inLEK‐1 and claudin‐12 may have effector roles, and changes in glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase and calretinin may reflect the altered retinal microenvironment resulting from laser treatment.
Quantum biology of the retina
Authors: Sia Paul Ikgan , Luiten André N , Stace Thomas M , Wood John PM , Casson Robert J 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe emerging field of quantum biology has led to a greater understanding of biological processes at the microscopic level. There is recent evidence to suggest that non‐trivial quantum features such as entanglement, tunnelling and coherence have evolved in living systems. These quantum features are particularly evident in supersensitive light‐harvesting systems such as in photosynthesis and photoreceptors. A biomimetic strategy utilizing biological quantum phenomena might allow new advances in the field of quantum engineering, particularly in quantum information systems. In addition, a better understanding of quantum biological features may lead to novel medical diagnostic and therapeutic developments. In the present review, we discuss the role of quantum physics in biological systems with an emphasis on the retina.
‘Weekend on the town’: Discrete sessions of drug use for a sample of young psychostimulant users
Authors: Jenkinson Rebecca , Jolley Damien , Dietze Paul 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIntroduction and AimsFew epidemiological studies have examined the behaviours and experiences of young adults during discrete drug‐use events. This study was designed to capture a rich, detailed description of discrete occasions or ‘sessions’ of psychostimulant use.Design and MethodsParticipants were 220 young psychostimulant users living in Melbourne, Australia, recruited through targeted advertising in entertainment street press, on websites, at events/dance parties and through peer referral between September 2007 and March 2008. The research identified the timing, sequence, frequencies, quantities and modes of alcohol and other drug administration during the participants' most recent session of psychostimulant use and explored the contexts and settings in which drug use took place.ResultsParticipants were well‐educated young people who used a variety of different drugs. Their most recent session of psychostimulant use was reported as highly enjoyable and typical of their other sessions of psychostimulant use. The session lasted a median of 20 h, and in most cases, simultaneous drug use was the norm, and large quantities of alcohol, psychostimulants and other drugs were consumed. Acquisition of illicit drugs commonly occurred through social networks during the course of the session and significant sums of money were reportedly spent.Discussion and ConclusionsFindings point to a range of priorities for future research and public health interventions aimed at young psychostimulant users, focused primarily on reducing the prevalence and consequences of simultaneous and heavy/binge drug use. [Jenkinson R, Jolley D, Dietze P. ‘Weekend on the town’: Discrete sessions of drug use for a sample of young psychostimulant users. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014; 33:428‐435]
DRG‐Benchmarking: Analyse von Leistungsstrukturen und ‐unterschieden in dermatologischen Kliniken
Authors: Fürstenberg Torsten , Gierling Patrick , Irps Sebastian , Gollnick Harald , Kaufmann Roland , Stadler Rudolf , Rompel Rainer , Hensen Peter 
Published: July 2014

ZusammenfassungHintergrundIm Kontext der DRG‐basierten Krankenhausfinanzierung ist die Analyse des Leistungsspektrums der stationären Dermatologie von dauerhaft hohem Interesse. Im Rahmen eines Benchmarking‐Projekts sollten Leistungsstrukturen und ‐unterschiede anhand von Kennzahlen vergleichend untersucht werden.MethodikFür die multizentrische Querschnittsstudie wurden Routinedaten von 46 deutschen dermatologischen Kliniken und Abteilungen erhoben, bearbeitet und analysiert. Für die Auswertung standen 95 257 Datensätze aus dem Jahr 2011 zur Verfügung, die nach der Systematik des G‐DRG‐Systems Version 2013 gruppiert wurden.ErgebnisseDie durchschnittliche Verweildauer aller Fälle liegt bei 6,3 Tagen (Normallieger: 5,7 Tage) bei einem durchschnittlichen Patientenalter von 52 Jahren. Insgesamt werden 55 % aller Fälle medizinischen, 45 % operativen DRGs zugeordnet. Einundsiebzig Prozent der Einrichtungen liegen innerhalb dieses Mittelwertes (± 10 %). Es konnte für die Stichprobe kein Zusammenhang zwischen der Bettenzahl der Einrichtung und dem angebotenen Leistungsspektrum nachgewiesen werden. Große Unterschiede zwischen den Einrichtungen zeigten Kennzahlen der Kodierqualität.SchlussfolgerungenDie Ergebnisse spiegeln die heterogene Behandlungswirklichkeit der stationären Dermatologie in Deutschland wider. Die Unterschiede in der Leistungserstellung machen deutlich, dass sie neben patientenbezogenen Einflussfaktoren insbesondere auch von den infrastrukturellen Bedingungen und den verfügbaren Ressourcen an den jeweiligen Standorten geprägt sind.
Cost of diabetic foot disease to the National Health Service in England
Authors: Kerr M. , Rayman G. , Jeffcoate W. J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimTo estimate the annual cost of diabetic foot care in a universal healthcare system.MethodsNational datasets and economic modelling were used to estimate the cost of diabetic foot disease to the National Health Service in England in 2010–2011. The cost of hospital admissions specific to foot disease or amputation was estimated from Hospital Episode Statistics and national tariffs. Multivariate regression analysis was used to estimate the impact of foot disease on length of stay in admissions that were not specific to foot disease or amputation. Costs in other areas were estimated from published studies and data from individual hospitals.ResultsThe cost of diabetic foot care in 2010–2011 is estimated at £580m, almost 0.6% of National Health Service expenditure in England. We estimate that more than half this sum (£307m) was spent on care for ulceration in primary and community settings. Of hospital admissions with recorded diabetes, 8.8% included ulcer care or amputation. Regression analysis suggests that foot disease was associated with a 2.51‐fold (95% CI 2.43–2.59) increase in length of stay.The cost of inpatient ulcer care is estimated at £219 m, and that of amputation care at £55 m.ConclusionsThe cost of diabetic foot disease is substantial. Ignorance of the cost of current care may hinder commissioning of effective services for prevention and management in both community and secondary care.
Interactions between pollinator and non‐pollinator fig wasps: correlations between their numbers can be misleading
Authors: Raja Shazia , Suleman Nazia , Quinnell Rupert J. , Compton Stephen G. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractFicusand their species–specific pollinator fig wasps represent an obligate plant–insect mutualism, but figs also support a community of non‐pollinating fig wasps (NPFWs) that consist of phytophages and parasitoids or inquilines. We studied interactions betweenKradibia tentacularis, the pollinator of a dioecious fig tree speciesFicus montana, and an undescribedNPFW Sycoscaptersp. Members ofSycoscaptersp. oviposited 2–4 weeks after pollinator oviposition, when host larvae were present in the figs. No negative correlation was found between the numbers of the two wasp species emerging from figs in a semi‐natural population. However, in experiments where the numbers of pollinator foundresses entering a fig were controlled,Sycoscaptersp. significantly reduced the numbers of pollinator offspring. Consequently, it can be concluded thatSycoscaptersp. is a parasitoid ofK. tentacularis(which may also feed on plant tissue).Sycoscapterfemales concentrate their oviposition in figs that contain more potential hosts, rendering invalid conclusions based on simple correlations of host and natural enemy numbers.
Development in the Usage and Comprehension of Greeting Calls in a Free‐Ranging Group of Japanese Macaques (Macaca fuscata)
Authors: Katsu Noriko , Yamada Kazunori , Nakamichi Masayuki 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe main objective of this study is to clarify the developmental process involved in both the usage of greeting calls and the response to greeting calls by Japanese macaques. These greeting calls facilitate affiliative interactions by communicating benign intent. Specifically, individuals frequently emit greeting calls when interacting with less‐predictable individuals. Here, we examined whether the targets at which greeting calls are directed, along with associated behavioral responses, differed among the age classes, by conducting a cross‐sectional observation of females aged 0–5 yr and their mothers. We found that infant females showed a weak tendency to emit greeting calls at no specific receivers, unlike that by older females. Adult females emitted greeting calls more frequently when approaching unrelated females than related females. In contrast, young adult or juvenile females exhibited no significant difference in the proportion of the calls with related and unrelated conspecifics. Adult and young adult females were more likely to respond affiliatively to other individuals that approached using greeting calls compared with silent approaches, whereas juveniles did not exhibit different responses to the two types of approaches. This study showed that the target‐specific usage and affiliative response to greeting calls emerge with changes in the developmental stage. Furthermore, the fact that even young adults did not use greeting calls as adults indicates that the usage of greeting calls is modified in conjunction with the expansion of social relationships.
Pulmonary pharmacokinetics of desfuroylceftiofur acetamide after nebulisation or intramuscular administration of ceftiofur sodium to weanling foals
Authors: Fultz L. , Giguère S. , Berghaus L. J. , Grover G. S. , Merritt D. A. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyAdministration of ceftiofur sodium via nebulisation has been recommended for the treatment of bronchopneumonia in horses, despite the lack of pharmacokinetic and safety data.ObjectivesTo compare concentrations of desfuroylceftiofur acetamide (DCA) in plasma and pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (PELF) of foals after nebulisation or i.m. administration of ceftiofur sodium and to determine if nebulisation of ceftiofur sodium induces airway inflammation.Study designRandomised experimental study.MethodsSix weanling foals received ceftiofur sodium (2.2 mg/kg bwt daily for 5 doses) by the i.m. route and 6 foals received the same dose by nebulisation. Concentrations ofDCAin plasma andPELFwere measured after Doses 1 and 5, and differential cell counts were performed on bronchoalveolar lavage samples obtained after Dose 5.ResultsFoals receiving ceftiofur sodium via nebulisation had significantly lower peak concentrations (0.15 ± 0.12 vs. 6.15 ± 0.75 mg/l) and area under the curve (1.26 ± 0.96 vs. 37.63 ± 4.01 mg●h/l) in plasma compared with those receiving the drug by the i.m. route. In contrast, foals receiving ceftiofur sodium via nebulisation had significantly higher peak concentrations (4.52 ± 2.91 vs. 0.73 ± 0.73 mg/l) and area under the curve (24.14 ± 14.09 vs. 5.91 ± 3.28 mg●h/l) inPELFcompared with those receiving the drug by the i.m. route. Cell concentration and differential cell count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of foals nebulised with ceftiofur sodium were not significantly different from those of foals nebulised with saline.ConclusionsAdministration of ceftiofur sodium via nebulisation is well tolerated andDCAconcentrations inPELFremain above the minimum inhibitory concentration of the drug required to inhibit the growth of 90% ofStreptococcus zooepidemicusfor approximately 24 h after administration. Nebulised ceftiofur sodium warrants further investigation for the treatment of bacterial infections of the lower respiratory tract in horses.
Disposition, behavioural and physiological effects of escalating doses of intravenously administered fentanyl to young foals
Authors: Knych H. K. , Steffey E. P. , Casbeer H. C. , Mitchell M. M. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyFoal responses to a broader range of plasma fentanyl concentrations than currently reported are desirable to support (or not) clinical use.ObjectivesTo describe fentanyl plasma concentrations following an escalating i.v. fentanyl dosing schedule in foals aged 5–13 days and describe selected, associated dose‐ and time‐related behavioural and physiological responses to plasma fentanyl concentration.Study designExperimental.MethodsFentanyl was administered i.v. in an escalating fashion (2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 μg/kg bwt) at 10‐min intervals. Blood samples were collected before and at selected times until 24 h post administration. Blood samples were analysed for fentanyl and metabolite concentrations and correlated with behavioural and physiological observations and selected blood analytes.ResultsFoals mostly appeared to be unaffected following 2 μg/kg bwt (1.09 ± 0.41 μg/l; average maximal plasma concentration) of fentanyl, but 6 of the 8 foals appeared to be sedated following 4 μg/kg bwt (3.07 ± 1.11 μg/l). Ataxia with increased locomotor activity, muscle rigidity and head pressing posture was observed in many foals at 8 (7.24 ± 3.22 μg/l) and 16 μg/kg bwt (17.4 ± 5.67 μg/l). All foals were heavily sedated after 32 μg/kg bwt (34.5 ± 10.3 μg/l); 3 of the 8 foals became recumbent. The average (± s.d.) terminal half‐life following administration of the final dose was 44.2 ± 9.85 min.ConclusionsBehavioural and physiological responses to i.v. fentanyl in young foals are dose related. As with mature horses, the window of fentanyl plasma concentrations related to possible clinically desirable actions appears relatively narrow.
NADPH oxidase‐2 is a key regulator of human dermal fibroblasts: a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of skin fibrosis
Authors: Zhang Guo‐You , Wu Liang‐Cai , Dai Tao , Chen Shi‐Yi , Wang An‐Yuan , Lin Kang , Lin Da‐Mu , Yang Jing‐Quan , Cheng Biao , Zhang Li , Gao Wei‐Yang , Li Zhi‐Jie 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe proliferation of human skin dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) is a critical step in skin fibrosis, and transforming growth factor‐beta1 (TGF‐β1) exerts pro‐oxidant and fibrogenic effects on HDFs. In addition, the oxidative stress system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of skin disease. However, the role of NADPH oxidase as a mediator of TGF‐β1‐induced effects in HDFs remains unknown. Thus, our aim was to investigate the role of NADPH in human skin dermal fibroblasts. Primary fibroblasts were cultured and pretreated with various stimulants. Real‐time Q‐PCR and Western blotting analyses were used for mRNA and protein detection. In addition, siRNA technology was applied for gene knock‐down analysis. Hydrogen peroxide production and 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) measurement assay were performed. Here, our findings demonstrated that HDFs express key components of non‐phagocytic NADPH oxidase mRNA. TGF‐β1 induced NOX2 and reactive oxygen species formation via NADPH oxidase activity. In contrast, NOX3 was barely detectable, and other NOXs did not display significant changes. In addition, TGF‐β1 phosphorylated MAPKs and increased activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) in a redox‐sensitive manner, and NOX2 suppression inhibited baseline and TGF‐β1‐mediated stimulation of Smad2 phosphorylation. Moreover, TGF‐β1 stimulated cell proliferation, migration, collagen I and fibronectin expression, and bFGF and PAI‐1 secretion: these effects were attenuated by diphenylene iodonium (DPI), an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, and NOX2 siRNA. Importantly, NOX2 siRNA suppresses collagen production in primary keloid dermal fibroblasts. These findings provide the proof of concept for NADPH oxidase as a potential target for the treatment of skin fibrosis.
Topical hesperidin prevents glucocorticoid‐induced abnormalities in epidermal barrier function in murine skin
Authors: Man George , Mauro Theodora M. , Kim Peggy L. , Hupe Melanie , Zhai Yongjiao , Sun Richard , Crumrine Debbie , Cheung Carolyn , Nuno‐Gonzalez Almudena , Elias Peter M. , Man Mao‐Qiang 
Published: July 2014

AbstractSystemic and topical glucocorticoids (GC) can cause significant adverse effects not only on the dermis, but also on epidermal structure and function. In epidermis, a striking GC‐induced alteration in permeability barrier function occurs that can be attributed to an inhibition of epidermal mitogenesis, differentiation and lipid production. As prior studies in normal hairless mice demonstrated that topical applications of a flavonoid ingredient found in citrus, hesperidin, improve epidermal barrier function by stimulating epidermal proliferation and differentiation, we assessed here whether its topical applications could prevent GC‐induced changes in epidermal function in murine skin and the basis for such effects. When hairless mice were co‐treated topically with GC and 2% hesperidin twice‐daily for 9 days, hesperidin co‐applications prevented the expected GC‐induced impairments of epidermal permeability barrier homoeostasis and stratum corneum (SC) acidification. These preventive effects could be attributed to a significant increase in filaggrin expression, enhanced epidermal β‐glucocerebrosidase activity and accelerated lamellar bilayer maturation, the last two likely attributable to a hesperidin‐induced reduction in stratum corneum pH. Furthermore, co‐applications of hesperidin with GC largely prevented the expected GC‐induced inhibition of epidermal proliferation. Finally, topical hesperidin increased epidermal glutathione reductase mRNA expression, which could counteract multiple functional negative effects of GC on epidermis. Together, these results show that topical hesperidin prevents GC‐induced epidermal side effects by divergent mechanisms.
Post‐translational modification and extended glycosylation pattern of a plant latex peroxidase of native source characterized by X‐ray crystallography
Authors: Palm Gottfried J. , Sharma Anurag , Kumari Moni , Panjikar Santosh , Albrecht Dirk , Jagannadham Medicherla V. , Hinrichs Winfried 
Published: July 2014

The crystal structure of banyan peroxidase purified from the latex of Ficus benghalensis has been solved at 1.67 Å resolution by single‐wavelength anomalous diffraction phasing. The refined structure includes 306 amino acid residues, a heme and two calcium ions. The protein belongs to class III peroxidases and is the first one from plant latex. Extensive glycosylation was observed with N‐linked glycans attached to seven asparagine residues. The enzyme is stable with respect to a wide pH range, temperature, chemical denaturants and organic solvents, probably as a result of its high glycosylation. An unexpected post‐translational modification of Asp290 was identified as succinimide moiety. Kinetic parameters of banyan peroxidase have been determined using various hydrogen donor substrates and hydrogen peroxide.DatabaseCoordinates and structure factors have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under accession number 4CUO.
Influence of lifestyle‐related diseases and age on the development and progression of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Shima Toshihide , Seki Kojiro , Umemura Atsushi , Ogawa Rie , Horimoto Ryuji , Oya Hirohisa , Sendo Rei , Mizuno Masayuki , Okanoue Takeshi 
Published: July 2014

AimAlthough non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, the clinical association between non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and lifestyle‐related diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT) and dyslipidemia (DL) has not been clarified. We studied the influence of lifestyle‐related diseases and age on the development and progression of NAFLD.MethodsWe enrolled 550 patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD (284 men, 266 women; average age, 52 and 62 years, respectively). The effect of lifestyle‐related diseases and age (≤49 vs ≥50 years) on the frequency of NASH and advanced fibrosis (≥stage 3) was studied.ResultsPrevalence of obesity, DM, HT and DL in male and female NASH patients was 75%/67%, 53%/54%, 66%/77% and 85/79%, respectively. DM patients had a higher frequency of NASH in the older male NAFLD group and a higher frequency of advanced fibrosis in the older female NASH group. With the increasing number of complicating lifestyle‐related diseases, the rate of NASH increased in male NAFLD patients. In both sexes, aging resulted in the development of NASH and progression of liver fibrosis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age and DM were significantly associated with the development of NASH in male NAFLD patients and progression of fibrosis in female NASH patients.ConclusionAge is strongly associated with the development and progression of NASH. Type 2 DM may play the most crucial role among lifestyle‐related diseases in the development and progression of NASH.