bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protein restriction cycles reduce IGF‐1 and phosphorylated Tau, and improve behavioral performance in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model
Authors: Parrella Edoardo , Maxim Tom , Maialetti Francesca , Zhang Lu , Wan Junxiang , Wei Min , Cohen Pinchas , Fontana Luigi , Longo Valter D. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryIn laboratory animals, calorie restriction (CR) protects against aging, oxidative stress, and neurodegenerative pathologies. Reduced levels of growth hormone and IGF‐1, which mediate some of the protective effects of CR, can also extend longevity and/or protect against age‐related diseases in rodents and humans. However, severely restricted diets are difficult to maintain and are associated with chronically low weight and other major side effects. Here we show that 4 months of periodic protein restriction cycles (PRCs) with supplementation of nonessential amino acids in mice already displaying significant cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD)‐like pathology reduced circulating IGF‐1 levels by 30–70% and caused an 8‐fold increase in IGFBP‐1. Whereas PRCs did not affect the levels of β amyloid (Aβ), they decreased tau phosphorylation in the hippocampus and alleviated the age‐dependent impairment in cognitive performance. These results indicate that periodic protein restriction cycles without CR can promote changes in circulating growth factors and tau phosphorylation associated with protection against age‐related neuropathologies.
Impact of different fluoride concentrations and pH of dentifrices on tooth erosion/abrasion in vitro
Authors: Moron BM , Miyazaki SSH , Ito N , Wiegand A , Vilhena F , Buzalaf MAR , Magalhães AC 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundThis in vitro study analysed the effect of different fluoride concentrations in acidic or neutral liquid dentifrices in protecting enamel and dentine from erosive and abrasive wear.MethodsBovine enamel and dentine specimens (n = 132) were randomly allocated to 11 groups (each n = 12): experimental liquid dentifrices with 550 ppm F, 1100 ppm F, 5000 ppm F or 0 ppm F/placebo (each at pH 4.5 and pH 7.0); and commercial dentifrices with 550 ppm F (Colgate Baby, pH 7.0), 1100 ppm F (Crest, pH 7.0) and 5000 ppm F (Duraphat, pH 7.0). The specimens were subjected to erosion for 90 seconds, 4 times/day, over 7 days. Immediately after the first and last erosion, the specimens were brushed for 15 seconds using one of the dentifrices. Tooth wear was measured profilometrically (μm) and analysed by ANOVA (p < 0.05).ResultsAll fluoridated liquid dentifrices significantly reduced enamel wear compared to the placebo and commercial dentifrices. Only liquid dentifrices with 1100 and 5000 ppm F significantly reduced dentine wear compared to placebo dentifrice. The pH had no effect, but the consistency had a significant impact on the effect of dentifrices.ConclusionsLiquid dentifrices with high F concentration appear to be a good option to prevent tooth wear.
Local drug delivery of 0.5% azithromycin in the treatment of chronic periodontitis among smokers
Authors: Pradeep AR , Bajaj P , Agarwal E , Rao NS , Naik SB , Kalra N , Priyanaka N 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundAlong with conventional periodontal surgical therapy, local delivery of antibiotics may provide more effective treatment in smokers by targeting tissue‐invasive bacteria. The aim of this randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐masked clinical trial was to evaluate the adjunctive effects of subgingivally delivered 0.5% azithromycin (AZM) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis in smokers.MethodsFifty‐four patients were randomized and categorized into two treatment groups: Group 1 – 26 subjects who received (SRP) plus placebo gel and Group 2 – 28 subjects who received (SRP) plus 0.5% azithromycin. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, 3, 6 and 9 months. They included Plaque Index (PI), modified Sulcus Bleeding Index (mSBI), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL).ResultsAzithromycin resulted in significant improvements. A single application of AZM resulted in attachment gain at 9 months of 2.44 ± 0.64 mm as compared to 0.18 ± 0.68 mm for the placebo. Similarly, pocket depth and PI were significantly reduced but no change in the mSBI was noted.ConclusionsWhen compared to the placebo, the adjunctive use of 0.5% AZM resulted in significant improvement in clinical outcome in the treatment of chronic periodontitis among smokers.
Assessing farmers’ risk preferences and their determinants in a marginal upland area of Vietnam: a comparison of multiple elicitation techniques
Authors: Nielsen Thea , Keil Alwin , Zeller Manfred 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWe examine the consistency of risk preference measures based on eight hypothetical elicitation methods and a lottery game applied to smallholder farmers in a marginal upland environment in Vietnam. Using these measures, we identify influencing factors of risk aversion via regression analysis, whereby unlike previous studies, we include several proxies of social capital such as social networks and norms. Data were collected from household heads and spouses separately in a random sample of 300 households. Although correlations between most of the various risk preference measures are all statistically highly significant, most are weak. On average, respondents have a high degree of risk aversion and specific characteristics—gender, age, idiosyncratic shocks, education, social norms, network‐reliance with extended family, and connections to local authorities—are significant determinants of risk preferences across most elicitation methods, whereas others—the household's dependency ratio, wealth, and covariate shocks—are significant in a few methods only. The explanatory power of the models is limited, indicating that other factors are likely to be of greater importance in determining risk preferences. The results can help target safety nets, encourage investments, and lead to the development of more applicable methods for assessing risk preferences of smallholders in developing countries.
The impact of agricultural policy on farm income concentration: the case of regional implementation of the CAP direct payments in Italy
Authors: Severini Simone , Tantari Antonella 
Published: January 2013

AbstractOne of the objectives of agricultural policy worldwide concerns the support of farm income. Common Agricultural Policy direct payments (DPs) are the main instruments to support farm income in the European Union. This article addresses their role in the concentration of farm income. This is done by calculating the Gini coefficient and its disaggregation in a large sample of Italian farms in the period between 2006 and 2007. Although this approach has been used to develop ex‐post analysis in previous studies, this article is innovative given that it is used here in an ex ante analysis aimed at evaluating the likely impact of a recent reform proposal. This latter requests changing the current model to a regional model of DPs application to make payment rates (i.e., payment per hectare) homogeneous among farms in the same region.The analysis shows that DPs and farm incomes are both very concentrated but that DPs allow for an income concentration reduction in Italian farms. The shift to a regional implementation reduces DPs concentration and, to a limited extent, farm income concentration. Of the considered regionalization scenarios, those that redistribute DPs among regions are the most effective in reducing concentration. The extension of the Gini considered approach to an ex ante setting seems effective because it provides insights that could feed the policy debate regarding the forthcoming reform.
The admission CTG: is there any evidence for still using the test?
Authors: Blix Ellen 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAdmission cardiotocography (CTG) was introduced as a screening test for fetal distress in labor in the late 1980s. No systematic assessments of the test were performed before it was taken into widespread use. A screening test is meant to identify individuals with an increased risk for a disease or condition before symptoms occur, to prevent and reduce morbidity or mortality. A screening test should be evaluated according to its effectiveness, prognostic values and reliability. A careful review of the research literature states that routine use of the admission CTG in low‐risk women increases the incidence of minor obstetric interventions, may increase the incidence of cesarean sections, but has no impact on other important outcomes. The prognostic values are poor, and the reliability varies from good to poor. There is no evidence showing that the admission CTG is beneficial, and the test should not be offered to low‐risk women.
The Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor PCI‐32765 synergistically increases proteasome inhibitor activity in diffuse large‐B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) cells sensitive or resistant to bortezomib
Authors: Dasmahapatra Girija , Patel Hiral , Dent Paul , Fisher Richard I. , Friedberg Jonathan , Grant Steven 
Published: January 2013

SummaryInteractions between the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor PCI‐32765 and the proteasome inhibitor (bortezomib) were examined in diffuse large‐B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) cells, including those highly resistant to bortezomib. Co‐administration of PCI‐32765/bortezomib synergistically increased mitochondrial injury and apoptosis in germinal centre‐ or activated B‐cell‐like‐DLBCL cells and in MCL cells. These events were accompanied by marked AKT and nuclear factor (NF)‐κB (NFKB1) inactivation, down‐regulation of Mcl‐1 (MCL1), Bcl‐xL (BCL2L1), and XIAP, and enhanced DNA damage (e.g., γH2A.X formation) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Similar interactions were observed in highly bortezomib‐resistant DLBCL and MCL cells, and in primary DLBCL cells. In contrast, PCI‐32765/bortezomib regimens displayed minimal toxicity toward normal CD34+ bone marrow cells. Transfection of DLBCL cells with a constitutively active AKT construct attenuated AKT inactivation and significantly diminished cell death, whereas expression of an NF‐κB “super‐repressor” (IκBαser34/36) increased both PCI‐32765 and bortezomib lethality. Moreover, cells in which the ER stress response was disabled by a dominant‐negative eIF2α construct were resistant to this regimen. Finally, combined exposure to PCI‐32765 and bortezomib resulted in more pronounced and sustained reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and ROS scavengers significantly diminished lethality. Given promising early clinical results for PCI‐32765 in DLBCL and MCL, a strategy combining BTK/proteasome inhibitor warrants attention in these malignancies.
Novel adaptor protein Shf interacts with ALK receptor and negatively regulates its downstream signals in neuroblastoma
Authors: Takagi Daisuke , Tatsumi Yasutoshi , Yokochi Tomoki , Takatori Atsushi , Ohira Miki , Kamijo Takehiko , Kondo Satoshi , Fujii Yoshitaka , Nakagawara Akira 
Published: January 2013

Our neuroblastoma cDNA project previously identified Src homology 2 domain containing F (Shf) as one of the genes expressed at high levels in favorable neuroblastoma. Shf is an adaptor protein containing four putative tyrosine phosphorylation sites and an SH2 domain. In this study, we found that Shf interacted with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), an oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase in neuroblastoma. Real‐time PCR analysis showed that Shf mRNA is highly expressed in non‐metastatic neuroblastomas compared to metastatic tumor samples (P < 0.030, n = 106). Interestingly, patients showing high ALK and low Shf mRNA expressions showed poor prognosis, whereas low ALK and high Shf expressions were related to better prognosis (P < 0.023, n = 38). Overexpression of ALK and siRNA‐mediated knockdown of Shf yielded similar results, such as an increase in cellular growth and phosphorylation of ALK, in addition to Erk1/2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) that are downstream signals of the ALK‐initiated phospho‐transduction pathway. Knockdown of Shf also increased the cellular mobility and invasive capability of neuroblastoma cells. These results suggest that Shf interacts with ALK and negatively regulates the ALK‐initiated signal transduction pathway in neuroblastoma. We thus propose that Shf inhibits phospho‐transduction signals mediated by ALK, which is one of the major key players on neuroblastoma development, resulting in better prognosis of the tumor.
High hospital burden in overlap syndrome of asthma and COPD
Authors: Andersén Heidi , Lampela Pekka , Nevanlinna Antti , Säynäjäkangas Olli , Keistinen Timo 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundOverlap syndrome of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common condition, which is not well understood. This study describes the characteristics and hospital impact of patients suffering from this condition.MethodsThe data are comprised of the hospital discharge registry data maintained by National Institute for Health and Welfare [Terveyden ja hyvinvoinnin laitos (THL)] between 1972 and 2009 covering the entire Finnish population (5.35 million inhabitants in 2009). In THL, treatment periods for patients with the primary or secondary diagnosis of asthma or COPD were selected. From that data, patients over 34 years and their treatment periods starting and ending 2000–2009 with a principal or secondary diagnosis of asthma [International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10: J45‐J46] or COPD (ICD 10: J41‐J44) were picked up. There were 105 122 such patients who had 343 420 treatment periods altogether.ResultsPatients with asthma were younger than patients with COPD and overlap syndrome, while COPD and overlap syndrome patients’ age distribution was very similar. Patients with both asthma and COPD had 30.4% of all treatment periods, even though the percentage of all patients in this group was only 16.1%. These patients had an increased number of hospitalisation episodes across all age groups. Average number of treatment periods during 2000–2009 was 2.1 in asthma, 3.4 in COPD and 6.0 in overlap syndrome. Hospital impact of the same period in asthma was 939 900 days in COPD 1 517 308 and 1 000 724 days in overlap syndrome.ConclusionOverlap syndrome of asthma and COPD is a common condition with high hospital impact for patients with this condition.
Allergic rhinitis is often undiagnosed and untreated: results from a general population study of Danish adults
Authors: Grønhøj Larsen Christian , Gyldenløve Mette , Linneberg Allan 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIntroductionA few earlier studies have indicated that allergic rhinitis (AR) is underdiagnosed and undertreated.ObjectiveTo assess awareness, diagnosis and treatment of AR in a general population of Danish adults.MethodsBetween October 2007 and June 2008, a total of 1277 consecutive participants in a Danish general population study of 18‐ to 69‐year olds were skin‐prick‐tested and asked about respiratory symptoms. AR was defined as a combination of self‐reported rhinitis symptoms and skin‐prick test reactivity against inhalant allergens. Participants reporting rhinitis symptoms completed an additional questionnaire on medication for rhinitis symptoms.ResultsThe prevalence of AR was 23.1%. A total of 43.6% (n = 122/280) of persons with AR had not received any treatment in the previous 12 months, and only 56.6% (n = 163/288) had been given a diagnosis of hay fever by a doctor. Both AR and lower airway symptoms indicating more severe AR were reported in 48.5% (n = 143/295). These persons were significantly more likely to having received treatment in previous 12 months and a diagnosis of hay fever.ConclusionOur results support that even in an affluent country like Denmark, AR is often undiagnosed and untreated. There appears to be a need for increased awareness of AR with regard to both diagnosis and treatment.
De facto refugia, ecological traps and the biogeography of anthropogenic cougar mortality in Utah
Authors: Stoner David C. , Wolfe Michael L. , Rieth Wendy R. , Bunnell Kevin D. , Durham Susan L. , Stoner Lisa L. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimModern extirpations within the Carnivora have generally followed the human footprint. The contagion hypothesis predicts that range contractions should occur along gradients in human activity, leaving relict populations in remote areas at range edges. We evaluated this hypothesis for cougars (Puma concolor), a widely distributed and heavily exploited North American carnivore.LocationColorado Plateau and Great Basin ecoregions within Utah, USA.MethodsWe examined the spatial distribution of anthropogenic cougar mortality (n = 4217) using indices of remoteness and habitat quality within a GIS/multiple‐regression analytical framework. To identify areas of disproportionately high or low exploitation rates, we used break‐points from the literature and local field studies. We defined de facto refugia as watersheds with mean annual harvest rates ≤ 24% of the predicted population, whereas ecological traps were those watersheds that exceeded this value.ResultsCougar harvest rates were greater in the core and lower along the periphery of their statewide geographic range. The largest refugia were overrepresented in arid ecoregions with low human population densities, whereas ecological traps were concentrated in areas of low remoteness. Ecological traps were within mean cougar dispersal distances from refugia, highlighting the potential for source‐sink dynamics. Patterns of anthropogenic cougar mortality generally followed the predictions of the contagion hypothesis, being spatially correlated with human access in high‐quality habitats.Main conclusionsLow‐quality habitats on the range margins are likely to harbour carnivore populations in the event of widespread human‐caused declines, and therefore may have greater conservation value than has previously been assumed. Resource managers may consider using the distribution of de facto refugia and ecological traps within a source‐sink context to develop conservation strategies for cougars and other wide‐ranging, low‐density carnivores with high dispersal tendencies.
Therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiography using a single‐balloon enteroscope in patients with Roux‐en‐Y anastomosis
Authors: Obana Takashi , Fujita Naotaka , Ito Kei , Noda Yutaka , Kobayashi Go , Horaguchi Jun , Koshita Shinsuke , Kanno Yoshihide , Ogawa Takahisa , Hashimoto Shinichi , Masu Kaori 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of a single‐balloon enteroscope (SBE) including a newly developed short SBE (SIF‐Y0004) for therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) in patients with Roux‐en‐Y (R‐Y) anastomosis.Patients and MethodsTherapeutic ERC using a SBE was attempted in 19 cases (41 procedures) with R‐Y anastomosis after gastrectomy. A standard SBE (working length of 200 cm, working channel of 2.8 mm) was used in 11 cases (Group L), and a short SBE (working length of 152 cm, working channel of 3.2 mm) was used in eight cases (Group S).ResultsInsertion of the scope up to the major papilla was achieved in 79% (15/19) of cases. Average insertion time was 37.0 ± 13.8 min (range, 19–62 min). Bile duct cannulation rate was 79% (11/14) after exclusion of the initial case in which scope exchange was unsuccessful. Average procedure time was78.8 ± 26.9 min (18–119 min). The scheduled therapeutic procedure was completed in 67% (10/15) of the cases (53% [10/19] on an intention‐to‐treat basis). Cardiorespiratory suppression due to sedative agents resulting in scope withdrawal developed in one procedure (2.4%; 1/41). Although there was no significant difference in therapeutic results between the two groups, the number of procedures was smaller (1.8 ± 1.3 vs 3.6 ± 3.1; P = 0.286) in Group S than in Group L.ConclusionsTherapeutic ERC using a SBE for patients with R‐Y anastomosis is considered to be safe and effective. A short SBE appears to be promising for further improvement in therapeutic results.
Diagnosis of laterally spreading tumors (LST) in the rectum and selection of treatment: Characteristics of each of the subclassifications of LST in the rectum
Authors: Horiuchi Yusuke , Chino Akiko , Matsuo Yasumasa , Kishihara Teruhito , Uragami Naoyuki , Fujimoto Yoshiya , Ueno Masashi , Tamegai Yoshiro , Hoshino Etsuo , Igarashi Masahiro 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundIn recent years, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has often been used for the treatment of laterally spreading tumors (LST) of the rectum. The present study was carried out with the aim of clarifying the characteristics of each of the subtypes of LST in the rectum that are often treated by ESD.Patients and MethodsThis study involved 141 rectal LST that were initially treated at our hospital between March 2005 and December 2010 and whose endoscopic images and histopathological specimens could be re‐examined. The LST were divided into LST‐G‐H (homogeneous type), LST‐G‐MIX (nodular mixed type), LST‐NG‐F (flat type) and LST‐NG‐PD (pseudo‐depressed type) type lesions, and tumor diameter and depth of invasion of each of these tumor types were investigated.ResultsRegarding the depth of invasion, the proportion of submucosa‐massive (SM‐m) lesions was high in the LST‐NG‐PDtumors, even among tumors measuring <20 mm in diameter; both the rate of cancer and proportion of SM‐m lesions were significantly higher in the LST‐NG‐PD tumors than in the LST‐NG‐F tumors (P < 0.05). In both LST‐NG‐MIX and LST‐NG‐PD tumors, the proportion of SM‐m lesions was significantly higher in the lower rectum than in the upper rectum (P < 0.05).ConclusionFor LST of the rectum (particularly of the lower rectum), it is necessary to carefully select the treatment considering LST subclass and tumor diameter from the standpoint of the presence of malignancy, quality of life, and prognosis of patients.
Motor cortex electrical stimulation promotes axon outgrowth to brain stem and spinal targets that control the forelimb impaired by unilateral corticospinal injury
Authors: Carmel Jason B. , Kimura Hiroki , Berrol Lauren J. , Martin John H. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWe previously showed that electrical stimulation of motor cortex (M1) after unilateral pyramidotomy in the rat increased corticospinal tract (CST) axon length, strengthened spinal connections, and restored forelimb function. Here, we tested: (i) if M1 stimulation only increases spinal axon length or if it also promotes connections to brain stem forelimb control centers, especially magnocellular red nucleus; and (ii) if stimulation‐induced increase in axon length depends on whether pyramidotomy denervated the structure. After unilateral pyramidotomy, we electrically stimulated the forelimb area of intact M1, to activate the intact CST and other corticofugal pathways, for 10 days. We anterogradely labeled stimulated M1 and measured axon length using stereology. Stimulation increased axon length in both the spinal cord and magnocellular red nucleus, even though the spinal cord is denervated by pyramidotomy and the red nucleus is not. Stimulation also promoted outgrowth in the cuneate and parvocellular red nuclei. In the spinal cord, electrical stimulation caused increased axon length ipsilateral, but not contralateral, to stimulation. Thus, stimulation promoted outgrowth preferentially to the sparsely corticospinal‐innervated and impaired side. Outgrowth resulted in greater axon density in the ipsilateral dorsal horn and intermediate zone, resembling the contralateral termination pattern. Importantly, as in spinal cord, increase in axon length in brain stem also was preferentially directed towards areas less densely innervated by the stimulated system. Thus, M1 electrical stimulation promotes increases in corticofugal axon length to multiple M1 targets. We propose the axon length change was driven by competition into an adaptive pattern resembling lost connections.