bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The food dye FD&C Blue No. 1 is a selective inhibitor of the ATP release channel Panx1
Authors: Wang Junjie , Jackson David George , Dahl Gerhard 
Published: April 2013

The food dye FD&C Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF [BB FCF]) is structurally similar to the purinergic receptor antagonist Brilliant Blue G (BBG), which is a well-known inhibitor of the ionotropic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R). The P2X7R functionally interacts with the membrane channel protein pannexin 1 (Panx1) in inflammasome signaling. Intriguingly, ligands to the P2X7R, regardless of whether they are acting as agonists or antagonists at the receptor, inhibit Panx1 channels. Thus, because both P2X7R and Panx1 are inhibited by BBG, the diagnostic value of the drug is limited. Here, we show that the food dye BB FCF is a selective inhibitor of Panx1 channels, with an IC50 of 0.27 µM. No significant effect was observed with concentrations as high as 100 µM of BB FCF on P2X7R. Differing by just one hydroxyl group from BB FCF, the food dye FD&C Green No. 3 exhibited similar selective inhibition of Panx1 channels. A reverse selectivity was observed for the P2X7R antagonist, oxidized ATP, which in contrast to other P2X7R antagonists had no significant inhibitory effect on Panx1 channels.Based on its selective action, BB FCF can be added to the repertoire of drugs to study the physiology of Panx1 channels. Furthermore, because Panx1 channels appear to be involved directly or indirectly through P2X7Rs in several disorders, BB FCF and derivatives of this “safe” food dye should be given serious consideration for pharmacological intervention of conditions such as acute Crohn’s disease, stroke, and injuries to the central nervous system.
Discarded fish in European waters: general patterns and contrasts
Authors: Uhlmann Sebastian S. , van Helmond Aloysius T. M. , Kemp Stefánsdóttir Elísabet , Sigurðardóttir Sigríður , Haralabous John , Bellido Jose Maria , Carbonell A. , Catchpole Tom , Damalas Dimitrios , Fauconnet Laurence , Feekings Jordan , Garcia Teresa , Madsen Niels , Mallold Sandra , Margeirsson Sveinn , Palialexis Andreas , Readdy Lisa , Valeiras Julio , Vassilopoulou Vassiliki , Rochet Marie-Joëlle 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
To reduce the practice of discarding commercially fished organisms, several measures such as a discard ban and extra allowances on top of landings quotas (“catch quota”) have been proposed by the European Commission. However, for their development and successful implementation, an understanding of discard patterns on a European scale is needed. In this study, we present an inter-national synthesis of discard data collected on board commercial, towed-gear equipped vessels operating under six different national flags spanning from the Baltic to the Mediterranean Seas mainly between 2003 and 2008. We considered discarded species of commercial value such as Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), European hake (Merluccius merluccius), and European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa). Comparisons of discard per unit effort rates expressed as numbers per hour of fishing revealed that in the Mediterranean Sea minimum size-regulated species such as hake are generally discarded in much lower numbers than elsewhere. For most species examined, variability in discard rates across regions was greater than across fisheries, suggesting that a region-by-region approach to discard reduction would be more relevant. The high uncertainty in discard rate estimates suggests that current sampling regimes should be either expanded or complemented by other data sources, if they are to be used for setting catch quotas.
ENHANCED DEPTH IMAGING SPECTRAL DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY IN SYPHILITIC CHORIORETINITIS
Authors: Say Emil Anthony T. , Ulrich J. Niklas 
Published: April 2013

Purpose:
To describe the enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography features in syphilitic chorioretinitis.

Methods:
This is a case report.

Results:
A 69-year-old man was diagnosed with syphilitic chorioretinitis after presenting with a 3-week history of blurred vision in his right eye. Fundus examination revealed vitritis and retinal whitening along the inferotemporal arcade. Enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography showed choroidal thickening and increased reflectivity of the overlying retina. Intravenous penicillin G was started and clinical improvement followed with corresponding reduction in choroidal thickness and decreased reflectivity of the overlying retina.

Conclusion:
Enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography can be used in conjunction with clinical examination to localize tissue involvement in syphilitic chorioretinitis and monitor treatment response.
ADVERSE REACTIONS TO PLAIN GUT, POLYGLYCOLIC ACID, AND POLYGLACTIN 910 SUTURES FOR SCLEROTOMY CLOSURE AT PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY
Authors: Croskrey Jason A. , Han Dennis P. 
Published: April 2013

Purpose:
To evaluate the rates of adverse reactions to suture materials and compare the rates for plain gut, polyglycolic acid, and polyglactin 910.

Methods:
Postoperative adverse suture reaction rates were compared using Fisher exact test. One hundred and forty-six patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy were included in this study.

Results:
Adverse suture reaction rates were 2% (1/48) for plain gut, 30% (6/20) for polyglycolic acid, and 12% (11/78) for polyglactin 910.

Conclusion:
Plain gut suture was associated with fewer adverse suture reactions when compared with polyglycolic acid and polyglactin 910 and seems to be suitable for sclerotomy closure.
High Prevalence of Nausea in Children With Pain‐Associated Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Authors: Kovacic Katja , Williams Sara , Li B U.K. , Chelimsky Gisela , Miranda Adrian 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTObjectives:The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of nausea in pediatric patients with pain‐associated functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), examine the effect on social and school functioning, and examine the applicability of pediatric Rome III criteria.Methods:A total of 221 pediatric patients (6–18 years of age) with chronic abdominal pain prospectively completed a demographic, history, and gastrointestinal symptom questionnaire adapted from the Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms (QPGS). The 6‐item, revised Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment Score tool was used to assess the effect of symptoms on school, home, and social disability. Rome III criteria were applied to all subjects.Results:A total of 183 patients with pain and nausea for a minimum of 2 months were identified. Ninety‐six patients were studied after excluding those with vomiting and/or organic disease. Among these, 53% had nausea at least 2 times per week and 28% experienced daily nausea. Frequency of nausea was significantly correlated with poor school and social functioning, and uniquely predicted social disability beyond pain. Although 87% met adult Rome criteria for functional dyspepsia, only 29% met corresponding pediatric Rome criteria. Additionally, 22% met the criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)‐diarrhea, 13% for IBS‐constipation, 13% for abdominal migraine, and 31% were classified as having functional abdominal pain. Pediatric IBS‐diarrhea and IBS‐constipation overlapped in 5% of patients.Conclusions:Nausea is a prevalent symptom in patients with pain‐associated FGIDs and correlates with poor school and social functioning. There is substantial overlap among FGIDs in children with nausea.
Chronic intrauterine exposure to endotoxin does not alter fetal nephron number or glomerular size
Authors: Ryan Danica , Atik Anzari , De Matteo Robert , Harding Richard , Black Mary J 
Published: April 2013

Summary

A reduced nephron endowment early in life adversely impacts on long‐term functional reserve in the kidney. A recent study has shown that acute exposure to chorioamnionitis during late gestation can adversely impact on nephrogenesis. The present study aimed to examine the effects of chronic, low‐dose endotoxin exposure in utero, during the period of nephrogenesis, on nephron number and glomerular size in preterm lambs.

Ewes were administered either endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide; 1 mg/day) or saline at 110–133 days of gestation (term approximately 147 days) via surgically implanted osmotic minipumps within the amniotic cavity. The ewes were induced to deliver preterm at 133 days gestation and the kidneys of the lambs were analysed at 8 weeks after term‐equivalent age. Nephron number per kidney was determined using a combined optical disector and fractionator stereological approach; renal corpuscle size was also measured stereologically.

At 8 weeks after term‐equivalent age there was no significant effect of in utero exposure to endotoxin on bodyweight or kidney weight and there were no significant differences in nephron number, nephron density or renal corpuscle volume between groups.

We conclude that chronic intrauterine inflammation during the period of nephrogenesis may not adversely impact on the number of nephrons formed within the kidney or on the volume of the renal corpuscle.
Chronic restraint stress induces intestinal inflammation and alters the expression of hexose and lipid transporters
Authors: Lee Chooi Yeng 
Published: April 2013

Summary

Psychosocial stress is reported to be one of the main causes of obesity. Based on observations in studies that relate stress and gut inflammation to obesity, the present study hypothesized that chronic stress, via inflammation, alters the expression of nutrient transporters and contributes to the development of metabolic syndrome.

Rats were exposed to restraint stress for 4 h/day for 5 days/week for eight consecutive weeks. Different segments of rat intestine were then collected and analysed for signs of pathophysiological changes and the expression of Niemann‐Pick C1‐like‐1 (NPC1L1), sodium‐dependent glucose transporter‐1 (SLC5A1, previously known as SGLT1) and facilitative glucose transporter‐2 (SLC2A2, previously known as GLUT2). In a separate experiment, the total anti‐oxidant activity (TAA)–time profile of control isolated intestinal segments was measured.

Stress decreased the expression of NPC1L1 in the ileum and upregulated SLC5A1 in both the jejunum and ileum and SLC2A2 in the duodenum. Inflammation and morphological changes were observed in the proximal region of the intestine of stressed animals. Compared with jejunal and ileal segments, the rate of increase in TAA was higher in the duodenum, indicating that the segment contained less anti‐oxidants; anti‐oxidants may function to protect the tissues.

In conclusion, stress alters the expression of hexose and lipid transporters in the gut. The site‐specific increase in the expression of SLC5A1 and SLC2A2 may be correlated with pathological changes in the intestine. The ileum may be protected, in part, by gut anti‐oxidants. Collectively, the data suggest that apart from causing inflammation, chronic stress may promote sugar uptake and contribute to hyperglycaemia.
Ticagrelor: Positive, negative and misunderstood properties as a new antiplatelet agent
Authors: Steiner Jennifer B , Wu Zhenbiao , Ren Jun 
Published: April 2013

Summary

Dual antiplatelet therapy is essential for the management of acute coronary syndrome. In particular, combination therapy using aspirin with a platelet ADP (i.e. P2Y12) receptor inhibitor, such as clopidogrel, prasugrel or, more recently, ticagrelor, has been recommended for patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Pharmacological agents that reversibly inhibit platelet aggregation without metabolic activation in the liver are believed to reduce cardiovascular mortality compared with the current drug of choice for antiplatelet therapy, namely clopidogrel. These findings are based on a multicentre, double‐blind, double‐dummy, randomized controlled trial. Numerous factors are postulated to contribute to the improved survival of patients who take ticagrelor compared with those taking clopidogrel, including the risk of myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmia and bleeding. In addition, clopidogrel may lead to a much higher incidence of infection. Although ticagrelor has recently been approved for use in the US and exhibits superiority over other antiplatelet agents, certain concerns remain regarding its use, including lung injury and dyspnoea, thus raising the issue of its true superiority over clopidogrel or prasugrel.

Recent studies into ticagrelor report conflicting data, with certain aspects of its mechanisms of action still not fully understood. Ticagrelor has beneficial effects following its clinical application, such as achieving overall higher reductions in mortality compared with the use of clopidogrel and prasugrel. Harmful effects associated with the use of ticagrelor include a higher incidence of dyspnoea and major bleeding compared with clopidogrel.
Midwifery Care at a Freestanding Birth Center: A Safe and Effective Alternative to Conventional Maternity Care
Authors: Benatar Sarah , Garrett A. Bowen , Howell Embry , Palmer Ashley 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTo estimate the effect of a midwifery model of care delivered in a freestanding birth center on maternal and infant outcomes when compared with conventional care.Data Sources/Study SettingBirth certificate data for women who gave birth in Washington D.C. and D.C. residents who gave birth in other jurisdictions.Study DesignUsing propensity score modeling and instrumental variable analysis, we compare maternal and infant outcomes among women who receive prenatal care from birth center midwives and women who receive usual care. We match on observable characteristics available on the birth certificate, and we use distance to the birth center as an instrument.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsBirth certificate data from 2005 to 2008.Principal FindingsWomen who receive birth center care are less likely to have a C‐section, more likely to carry to term, and are more likely to deliver on a weekend, suggesting less intervention overall. While less consistent, findings also suggest improved infant outcomes.ConclusionsFor women without medical complications who are able to be served in either setting, our findings suggest that midwife‐directed prenatal and labor care results in equal or improved maternal and infant outcomes.
Effects of Switch From Sevelamer Hydrochloride to Lanthanum Carbonate on Serum K and Bone Metabolic Turnover
Authors: Ota Satoshi , Hirose Masayo , Izumiya Yoshiaki , Ishida Yoichi 
Published: April 2013

AbstractEffects of switch from sevelamer hydrochloride (Sev) to lanthanum carbonate (La) on serum potassium (K) and bone metabolic markers in maintenance dialysis patients were examined. A switch from Sev to La was made for 14 dialysis patients (mean dialysis period and age: 65.3 months and 58.5 years old) to examine changes of biochemical and bone metabolic markers after 8 weeks. The Sev dosage immediately before the switch was 1857 ± 1325 mg/day, and the La dosage 8 weeks after the switch was 821 ± 301 mg/day. The serum calcium (Ca) level, which was 8.9 mg/dL before the switch, increased to 9.5 mg/dL after the switch (P < 0.05) whereas there was no change in the serum phosphorus level (P levels) or the calcium × phosphorus product. A decrease in the serum K level (4.6 vs. 4.4 mEq/L, P < 0.05), an increase in the total cholesterol level (131 vs. 142 mg/dL, P < 0.05), and a decrease in the serum ALP level (334.5 vs. 282 IU/L, P < 0.05) were observed, but there was no change in the intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) level. A significant negative correlation between the HCO3 level and the serum K level before dialysis was observed. These results suggest that a switch from Sev to La provided a decrease in the serum K level and normalization of bone metabolic markers, which was not mediated by PTH.
Promoting EU Research and Innovation in Agri‐food
Authors: Cioloş Dacian , Geoghegan‐Quinn Máire 
Published: April 2013

summaryPromoting EU Research and Innovation in Agri‐foodSolving the future challenge of producing more with less and in a more sustainable manner requires a fundamental shift towards a different growth path. There is a need to invest in research and innovation, ensure investments translates into concrete results and get added value by better coordination at EU level. This is what the European Commission seeks to stimulate with the EU’s Research and Innovation programme for 2014 to 2020 –Horizon 2020. But agricultural innovation is more than the result of one‐way transfers of scientific results to practice. Innovation prospers when the gap between the worlds of research and farming is closed by permanent interaction – sharing knowledge, ideas and thinking together. This is the objective of the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP). Together the EIP and Horizon 2020 can promote a participatory approach which facilitates the mainstreaming of new solutions since it strengthens focus, speeds up the acceptance and dissemination of new ideas, and which can help target the research agenda. It is worrying to think that the research budget for Horizon 2020 might become the major victim of the cuts in the EU budget which EU governments want. Researchers, innovative businesses and the science community at large must stand up and make the case against cuts in research budgets.
Growth kinetics and energetics of a deep‐sea hyperthermophilic methanogen under varying environmental conditions
Authors: Ver Eecke Helene C. , Akerman Nancy H. , Huber Julie A. , Butterfield David A. , Holden James F. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryA hyperthermophilic deep‐sea methanogen, Methanocaldococcus strain JH146, was isolated from 26°C hydrothermal fluid at Axial Volcano to model high temperature methanogenesis in the subseafloor. Emphasis was placed on defining growth kinetics, cell yields and growth energy demand (GE) across a range of conditions. The organism uses H2 and CO2 as its sole carbon and energy sources. At various temperatures, pHs, and chlorinities, its growth rates and cell yields co‐varied while GE remained uniform at 1.69 × 10−11 J cell−1 s−1 ± 0.68 × 10−11 J cell−1 s−1 (s.d., n = 23). An exception was at superoptimal growth temperatures where GE increased to 7.25 × 10−11 J cell−1 s−1 presumably due to heat shock. GE also increased from 5.1 × 10−12 J cell−1 s−1 to 7.61 × 10−11 J cell−1 s−1 as NH4+ concentrations decreased from 9.4 mM to 0.14 mM. JH146 did not fix N2 or assimilate NO3−, lacked the N2‐fixing (cluster II) nifH gene, and became nitrogen limited below 0.14 mM NH4Cl. Nitrogen availability may impact growth in situ since ammonia concentrations at Axial Volcano are < 18 μM. Our approach contributes to refining bioenergetic and carbon flux models for methanogens and other organisms in hydrothermal vents and other environments.
The Effects of Rat Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Injury Progression In a Rat Model
Authors: Singer Daniel D. , Singer Adam J. , Gordon Chris , Brink Peter 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectivesBurns are common injuries that can result in significant scarring, leading to poor function and disfigurement. Unlike mechanical injuries, burns often progress both in depth and in size over the first few days after injury, possibly due to inflammation and oxidative stress. A major gap in the field of burns is the lack of an effective therapy that reduces burn injury progression. Because stem cells have been shown to improve healing in several injury models, the authors hypothesized that species‐specific mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) would reduce injury progression in a rat comb‐burn model.MethodsUsing a brass comb preheated to 100°C, the authors created four rectangular burns, separated by three unburned interspaces on both sides of the backs of male Sprague‐Dawley rats. The interspaces represented the ischemic zones surrounding the central necrotic core. In an attempt to reduce burn injury progression, 20 rats were randomized to tail vein injections of 1 mL of rat‐specific MSCs, 106 cells/mL (n = 10), or normal saline (n = 10), 60 minutes after injury.ResultsWhile the authors were unable to identify any quantum dot (Q‐dot)‐labeled MSCs in the injured skin, at 7 days the mean percentage of the unburned interspaces that became necrotic in the MSC group was significantly less than in the control group (80% vs. 100%, p < 0.0001).ConclusionsIntravenous injection of rat MSCs reduced burn injury progression in a rat comb‐burn model.
Psychological management of unipolar depression
Authors: Lampe L. , Coulston C. M. , Berk L. 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTo be used in conjunction with ‘Pharmacological management of unipolar depression’ [Malhi et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;127(Suppl. 443):6–23] and ‘Lifestyle management of unipolar depression’ [Berk et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;127(Suppl. 443):38–54]. To provide clinically relevant recommendations for the use of psychological treatments in depression derived from a literature review.MethodMedical databases including MEDLINE and PubMed were searched for pertinent literature, with an emphasis on recent publications.ResultsStructured psychological treatments such as cognitive behaviour therapy and interpersonal therapy (IPT) have a robust evidence base for efficacy in treating depression, even in severe cases of depression. However, they may not offer benefit as quickly as antidepressants, and maximal efficacy requires well‐trained and experienced therapists. These therapies are effective across the lifespan and may be preferred where it is desired to avoid pharmacotherapy. In some instances, combination with pharmacotherapy may enhance outcome. Psychological therapy may have more enduring protective effects than medication and be effective in relapse prevention. Newer structured psychological therapies such as mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy lack an extensive outcome literature, but the few published studies yielding positive outcomes suggest they should be considered options for treatment.ConclusionCognitive behaviour therapy and IPT can be effective in alleviating acute depression for all levels of severity and in maintaining improvement. Psychological treatments for depression have demonstrated efficacy across the lifespan and may present a preferred treatment option in some groups, for example, children and adolescents and women who are pregnant or postnatal.
Lifestyle management of unipolar depression
Authors: Berk M. , Sarris J. , Coulson C. E. , Jacka F. N. 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTo be used in conjunction with ‘Pharmacological management of unipolar depression’ [Malhi et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;127(Suppl. 443):6–23] and ‘Psychological management of unipolar depression’ [Lampe et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;127(Suppl. 443):24–37]. To provide clinically relevant recommendations for lifestyle modifications in depression, derived from a literature review.MethodA search of pertinent literature was conducted up to August 2012 in the area of lifestyle factors and depression. A narrative review was then conducted.ResultsThere is evidence that level of physical activity plays a role in the risk of depression, and there is a large and validated evidence base for exercise as a therapeutic modality. Smoking and alcohol and substance misuse appear to be independent risk factors for depression, while the new epidemiological evidence supports the contention that diet is a risk factor for depression; good quality diets appear protective and poor diets increase risk.ConclusionLifestyle modification, with a focus on exercise, diet, smoking and alcohol, may be of substantial value in reducing the burden of depression in individuals and the community.