bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrially targeted nitro‐linoleate: a new tool for the study of cardioprotection
Authors: Nadtochiy Sergiy M , Madukwe Jerry , Hagen Fred , Brookes Paul S 
Published: October 2013

Background and PurposeCardiac ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) injury remains a significant clinical problem with limited treatment options available. We previously showed that cardioprotection against IR injury by nitro‐fatty acids, such as nitro‐linoleate (LNO2), involves covalent modification of mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocase 1 (ANT1). Thus, it was hypothesized that conjugation of LNO2 to the mitochondriotropic triphenylphosphonium (TPP+) moiety would enhance its protective properties.Experimental ApproachTPP+‐LNO2 was synthesized from aminopropyl‐TPP+ and LNO2, and characterized by direct infusion MS/MS. Its effects were assayed in primary cultures of cardiomyocytes from adult C57BL/6 mice and in mitochondria from these cells, exposed to simulated IR (SIR) conditions (oxygen and metabolite deprivation for 1h followed by normal conditions for 1h) by measuring viability by LDH release and exclusion of Trypan blue. Nitro‐alkylated mitochondrial proteins were also measured by Western blots, using antibodies to TPP+.Key ResultsTPP+‐LNO2 protected cardiomyocytes from SIR injury more potently than the parent compound LNO2. In addition, TPP+‐LNO2 modified mitochondrial proteins, including ANT1, in a manner sensitive to the mitochondrial uncoupler carbonylcyanide‐p‐trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP) and the ANT1 inhibitor carboxyatractyloside. Similar protein nitro‐alkylation was obtained in cells and in isolated mitochondria, indicating the cell membrane was not a significant barrier to TPP+‐LNO2.Conclusions and ImplicationsTogether, these results emphasize the importance of ANT1 as a target for the protective effects of LNO2, and suggest that TPP+‐conjugated electrophilic lipid compounds may yield novel tools for the investigation of cardioprotection.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed issue on Mitochondrial Pharmacology: Energy, Injury & Beyond. To view the other articles in this issue visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐8
Turn up the power – pharmacological activation of mitochondrial biogenesis in mouse models
Authors: Komen J C , Thorburn D R 
Published: October 2013

The oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system in mitochondria is responsible for the generation of the majority of cellular energy in the form of ATP. Patients with genetic OXPHOS disorders form the largest group of inborn errors of metabolism. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of efficient therapies for these disorders other than management of symptoms. Developing therapies has been complicated because, although the total group of OXPHOS patients is relatively large, there is enormous clinical and genetic heterogeneity within this patient population. Thus there has been a lot of interest in generating relevant mouse models for the different kinds of OXPHOS disorders. The most common treatment strategies tested in these mouse models have aimed to up‐regulate mitochondrial biogenesis, in order to increase the residual OXPHOS activity present in affected animals and thereby to ameliorate the energy deficiency. Drugs such as bezafibrate, resveratrol and AICAR target the master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis PGC‐1α either directly or indirectly to manipulate mitochondrial metabolism. This review will summarize the outcome of preclinical treatment trials with these drugs in mouse models of OXPHOS disorders and discuss similar treatments in a number of mouse models of common diseases in which pathology is closely linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. In the majority of these studies the pharmacological activation of the PGC‐1α axis shows true potential as therapy; however, other effects besides mitochondrial biogenesis may be contributing to this as well.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed issue on Mitochondrial Pharmacology: Energy, Injury & Beyond. To view the other articles in this issue visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐8
Exhumation of the Huangling anticline in the Three Gorges region: Cenozoic sedimentary record from the western Jianghan Basin, China
Authors: Wang P. , Zheng H. , Chen L. , Chen J. , Xu Y. , Wei X. , Yao X. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWithin the interior of the Yangtze Craton, the dome‐like Huangling anticline exposes ca. 1000 km2 of Archaean basement and Neoproterozoic granitoid rocks in the Three Gorges region, providing a natural laboratory for studying the mechanism of intracontinental exhumation. Cretaceous shortening of the Qinling Orogen and Cenozoic reorganization of the Yangtze River have been considered by previous thermochronology studies to account for the two‐phase exhumation of the Huangling anticline. However, little is known about when and how the batholithic rocks were exposed to the surface. To fully reveal the exhumation history of the Huangling anticline, we focus on the Cenozoic sedimentary record in the western Jianghan Basin, downstream of the Three Gorges, and examined spatio‐temporal changes in sedimentation dynamic and provenance on the basis of sedimentary facies, palaeocurrents and clast compositions, as well as zircon U‐Pb geochronology. Our results indicate continuous unroofing of the Huangling anticline since the Eocene and provide a solid evidence for first exposure of the Huangling batholith during the Neogene. Cenozoic exhumation of the Huangling anticline is synchronous with incision of the Three Gorges, indicating a mechanism of intracontinental exhumation due to Yangtze River reorganization through which the Middle Yangtze River was progressively captured by the Lower Yangtze River with locally increased erosion rates in the Three Gorges.
Poisons, toxungens, and venoms: redefining and classifying toxic biological secretions and the organisms that employ them
Authors: Nelsen David R. , Nisani Zia , Cooper Allen M. , Fox Gerad A. , Gren Eric C. K. , Corbit Aaron G. , Hayes William K. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTDespite extensive study of poisonous and venomous organisms and the toxins they produce, a review of the literature reveals inconsistency and ambiguity in the definitions of ‘poison’ and ‘venom’. These two terms are frequently conflated with one another, and with the more general term, ‘toxin.’ We therefore clarify distinctions among three major classes of toxins (biological, environmental, and anthropogenic or man‐made), evaluate prior definitions of venom which differentiate it from poison, and propose more rigorous definitions for poison and venom based on differences in mechanism of delivery. We also introduce a new term, ‘toxungen’, thereby partitioning toxic biological secretions into three categories: poisons lacking a delivery mechanism, i.e. ingested, inhaled, or absorbed across the body surface; toxungens delivered to the body surface without an accompanying wound; and venoms, delivered to internal tissues via creation of a wound. We further propose a system to classify toxic organisms with respect to delivery mechanism (absent versus present), source (autogenous versus heterogenous), and storage of toxins (aglandular versus glandular). As examples, a frog that acquires toxins from its diet, stores the secretion within cutaneous glands, and transfers the secretion upon contact or ingestion would be heteroglandular–poisonous; an ant that produces its own toxins, stores the secretion in a gland, and sprays it for defence would be autoglandular–toxungenous; and an anemone that produces its own toxins within specialized cells that deliver the secretion via a penetrating wound would be autoaglandular–venomous. Adoption of our scheme should benefit our understanding of both proximate and ultimate causes in the evolution of these toxins.
Elephant both Increase and Decrease Availability of Browse Resources for Black Rhinoceros
Authors: Landman Marietjie , Kerley Graham I. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractDespite the apparent dual role of elephant Loxodonta africana in shaping the food niches of large herbivores, empirical studies focus on their role in facilitating foraging opportunities, while declining resource opportunities (a necessary requirement for competition) are rarely quantified. Our study investigates the relative importance of elephant in these processes by quantifying potential browsing opportunities (using total and preferred biomass, between‐bite distances and bite mass) for black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis along a gradient of elephant utilization in the succulent thickets of the Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa. We show that browse biomass and potential between‐bite harvest rates initially increase with the intensity of elephant utilization through the formation and spread of elephant pathways in otherwise impenetrable thicket. At the maximum, modeled estimates of total and preferred biomass are on average 223 percent and 254 percent higher, respectively, than that recorded in the absence of elephant (Exclosures); potential between‐bite harvest rates are 75 percent higher. With continued elephant utilization, however, browse biomass declines and between‐bite distances increase as the pathways expand and coalesce and canopy height declines. Our model of the change in potential browsing opportunities for rhinoceros reflects the accumulated effects of elephant over time, i.e., the effects accumulate until the relationship switches from increased to reduced availability. With this we demonstrate the key role of elephant for rhinoceros foraging, linked to a potential loss of this role at higher levels of utilization.
Biochemical diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma using plasma‐free normetanephrine, metanephrine and methoxytyramine: importance of supine sampling under fasting conditions
Authors: Därr Roland , Pamporaki Christina , Peitzsch Mirko , Miehle Konstanze , Prejbisz Aleksander , Peczkowska Mariola , Weismann Dirk , Beuschlein Felix , Sinnott Richard , Bornstein Stefan R. , Neumann Hartmut P. , Januszewicz Andrzej , Lenders Jacques , Eisenhofer Graeme 
Published: October 2013

SummaryObjectiveTo document the influences of blood sampling under supine fasting versus seated nonfasting conditions on diagnosis of phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGL) using plasma concentrations of normetanephrine, metanephrine and methoxytyramine.Design and methodsBiochemical testing for PPGL was performed on 762 patients at six centres, two of which complied with requirements for supine sampling after an overnight fast and four of which did not. Phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas were found in 129 patients (67 noncompliant, 62 compliant) and not in 633 patients (195 noncompliant, 438 compliant).ResultsPlasma concentrations of normetanephrine and methoxytyramine did not differ between compliant and noncompliant sampling conditions in patients with PPGL but were 49‐51% higher in patients without PPGL sampled under noncompliant compared with compliant conditions. The 97·5 percentiles of distributions were also higher under noncompliant compared with compliant conditions for normetanephrine (1·29 vs 0·79 nmol/l), metanephrine (0·49 vs 0·41 nmol/l) and methoxytyramine (0·42 vs 0·18 nmol/l). Use of upper cut‐offs established from seated nonfasting sampling conditions resulted in substantially decreased diagnostic sensitivity (98% vs 85%). In contrast, use of upper cut‐offs established from supine fasting conditions resulted in decreased diagnostic specificity for testing under noncompliant compared with compliant conditions (71% vs 95%).ConclusionsHigh diagnostic sensitivity of plasma normetanephrine, metanephrine and methoxytyramine for the detection of PPGL can only be guaranteed using upper cut‐offs of reference intervals established with blood sampling under supine fasting conditions. With such cut‐offs, sampling under seated nonfasting conditions can lead to a 5·7‐fold increase in false‐positive results necessitating repeat sampling under supine fasting conditions.
The comparison between implant stability quotient and bone‐implant contact revisited: an experiment in Beagle dog
Authors: Manresa Carolina , Bosch Manel , Echeverría José J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundResonance frequency analysis (RFA) is applied clinically for the assessment of implant stability, and the relevance of this application is widely accepted. However, the relationship between resonance frequency (RF) and other parameters of implant stability, such as the histomorphometrical bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) parameter, has become controversial in the last decade.ObjectiveTo analyse and clarify the controversial relationship between RF and histomorphometrical BIC measurements.Material and methodsA total of 36 dental implants (9 mm length, Ø 4.0 mm; Biohorizons® Implant Systems Inc., Birmingham, AL, USA) with a soluble blasting media (sandblasting with soluble particles) surface were implanted in six beagle dog mandibles. RFA assessments were performed with a magnetic Osstel Mentor® device at the time of implant installation, and during the monitoring period at weeks 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8, before implant retrieval. The dogs were sacrificed and the implants were removed in block after 8, 6, 4, 2, 1 and 0 weeks, respectively. One group was obtained at time 0, immediately after the implantation. The samples were embedded in methyl methacrylate polymers (Technovit®) and cut along their long axis. BIC values were assessed by a non‐subjective and systematic method based on backscattered scanning electron microscopy (BS‐SEM) images. BIC% at the different time points was compared with the corresponding implant stability quotient (ISQ) values of the RFA assessment.ResultsNo statistically significant correlation between BIC and ISQ values (Osstell Mentor®) was identified. The absence of a relationship between these two parameters is in agreement with several previous studies in humans and experimental animals.ConclusionsThe lack of correlation between BIC and ISQ values suggests that ISQ as determined by RFA is not able to identify the relationship between RF and histomorphometrical data.
Coupled exposure to ingredients of cosmetic products: I. Fragrances
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Yazar Kerem , Kratz Eva‐Maria , Mildau Gerd , Lidén Carola 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackgroundThe use of cosmetics exposes consumers to mixtures of ingredients, many of which are contact allergens. Fragrances in particular are mostly used in combination; combinations of fragrances have been shown to enhance sensitization and elicitation.ObjectiveTo examine the pattern of co‐exposure to fragrances in different categories of cosmetics, addressing the 26 fragrances that need to be identified on the label according to the Cosmetics Directive 76/768/EEC amended by 2003/15/EC.MethodsA survey of products marketed in Germany, conducted in 2006–2009 by the Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Office in Karlsruhe, identified 4991 products with information on the presence of fragrances. The products were categorized according to Annex I to the Cosmetics Directive. The occurrence and co‐occurrence of fragrances were analysed in tabular form and as social network diagrams.ResultsThe median number of fragrances in products varied greatly between categories, ranging up to nine in perfumes. Limonene and linalool were the most commonly identified fragrances, often used together, but also with other fragrances. Thirty per cent of all products were not declared to contain any fragrances.ConclusionsFor the first time, the pattern of co‐exposure to fragrance ingredients in important categories of cosmetic products has been described. The observations illustrate and quantify the ‘cocktail’ of fragrance allergens that may facilitate sensitization.
A survey of exposures related to recognized occupational contact dermatitis in Denmark in 2010
Authors: Carøe Tanja Korfitsen , Ebbehøj Niels , Agner Tove 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackgroundSkin diseases are the most commonly recognized occupational diseases in Denmark, and occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) comprises ∼95% of all cases.ObjectivesTo prevent occupational contact dermatitis, it is important to specifically identify exposures and work routines related to outbreak of the disease. The aim of this study was to give an overview of exposures for patients with occupational contact dermatitis in Denmark in 2010, and relate this to line of work and disease severity.Material and methodsThe study was a descriptive, register‐based study including patients with recognized occupational contact dermatitis in Denmark in 2010. Data were obtained from the National Board of Industrial Injuries in Denmark, and comprised information about the skin disease as well as the occupation/industry of employment and exposures.ResultsOne thousand five hundred and four patients, 1020 women and 484 men, were included in the study. Irritant contact dermatitis accounted for 70% of all cases; 68% of these were caused by wet work. Forty‐six per cent of all patients were employed either in the healthcare sector, in cleaning, or as kitchen workers. Among contact allergies, the most common were to rubber additives from gloves and epoxy in patients employed in the windmill industry.ConclusionThe data are important for planning preventive efforts in the future. The workers in the healthcare sector, kitchen workers and cleaners constitute almost half of all cases, and future preventive efforts should be directed at these occupations.
Impaired Coronary Flow Reserve in Patients with Indeterminate Form of Chagas’ Disease
Authors: Rabelo Daniel R. , Rocha Manoel Otávio da Costa , de Barros Márcio V. L. , Silva José Luiz Padilha da , Tan Timothy C. , Nunes Maria C. P. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundPrevious studies suggest that microvascular abnormalities may contribute to the pathogenesis of Chagas’ heart disease. Coronary flow reserve (CFR) expressed by the maximum achievable flow relative to baseline flow in the coronary microcirculation, may be useful in identifying patients who may be developing cardiac manifestations of the disease. This study aims to assess the CFR in patients with indeterminate form of Chagas’ disease, and also to identify the determinants of CFR.MethodsSixty‐four asymptomatic patients (37% male; age 49.9 ± 11.5 years) with normal cardiovascular exams classified as in indeterminate form of Chagas’ disease underwent transthoracic dipyridamole (0.84 mg/kg in 6 min) stress echocardiography, and were compared with a control group of healthy patients. Coronary flow reserve was assessed on left anterior descending artery using pulsed Doppler as the ratio of maximal peak vasodilation (dipyridamole) to rest diastolic flow velocity. A treadmill exercise test was performed to rule out ischemia.ResultsAll patients had good functional capacity assessed by exercise testing with peak oxygen consumption (VO2) of 28 ± 11 mL/kg per minute, similar to the controls. There were no differences in the echocardiographic parameters of diastolic and systolic left ventricular function and right ventricular function between the patients and controls. Coronary flow reserve was significantly lower in Chagas’ disease patients than those in healthy individuals (1.9 ± 0.4 vs. 2.6 ± 0.5; P < 0.001). Several factors were correlated with the CFR, including age, ejection fraction, left ventricular diastolic function, heart rate recovery, and the presence of Chagas’ disease. In a multivariate analysis, age and positive serology for Chagas’ disease were independent factors associated with the CFR.ConclusionsCoronary flow reserve was impaired in Chagas’ disease patients in the indeterminate form compared with healthy individuals with similar clinical features. Among all variables tested, age and positive serology for Chagas’ disease were independent factors associated with the CFR.
Left Ventricular Rotation and Torsion in Patients with Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defect
Authors: Zhuang Yan , Yong Yong‐hong , Yao Jing , Ji Ling , Xu Di 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundAssessment of left ventricular (LV) rotation has become an important approach for quantifying LV function. In this study, we sought to analyze LV rotation and twist using speckle tracking imaging (STI) in adult patients with isolated ventricular septal defects.MethodsUsing STI, the peak rotation and time to peak rotation of 6 segments in basal and apical short‐axis were measured, respectively, in 32 patients with ventricular septal defect and 30 healthy subjects as controls. The global rotation of the 6 segments in basal and apical and LV twist versus time profile were drawn, the peak rotation and twist of LV were calculated. All the time to peak rotation/twist were expressed as a percentage of end‐systole (end‐systole = 100%). Left ventricular ejection fraction was measured by biplane Simpson method.ResultsIn patients group, the peak rotation of posterior, inferior, and postsept wall in basal was higher(P ≤ 0.05) and LV twist was also higher (P ≤ 0.05) than healthy controls. There were no significant differences between 2 groups in the peak rotation of the other 9 segments and left ventricular ejection fraction. Different from the control group, the time to peak rotation of the 6 segments in basal were delayed and the global rotation of the base was delayed (P ≤ 0.05) in ventricular septal defect group.ConclusionsLeft ventricular volume overload due to ventricular septal defect has significant effect on LV rotation and twist, and LV rotation and twist may be a new index predicting LV systolic function.
Three‐Dimensional Echocardiographic Evaluation of a Patient with Double‐Orifice Mitral Valve, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, and Coarctation of Aorta
Authors: Kocabaş Abdullah , Ekici Filiz , Çetin İlker , Aktaş Doğukan 
Published: October 2013

Mini‐AbstractA 16‐year‐old male patient was diagnosed with bicuspid aortic valve and coarctation of aorta, and had a history of a subclavian patch plasty operation at 1 year of age. In addition, we detected double‐orifice mitral valve (DOMV) at a routine evaluation and demonstrated by both two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional (3D) echocardiographic examinations. DOMV should be kept in mind in cases with left ventricular obstructive lesions and 3D echocardiography may provide a more detailed assessment of mitral valve and subvalvular apparatus.