bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of gasotransmitters NO, H2S and CO in myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury and cardioprotection by preconditioning, postconditioning and remote conditioning
Authors: Andreadou Ioanna , Iliodromitis Efstathios K , Rassaf Tienush , Schulz Rainer , Papapetropoulos Andreas , Ferdinandy Péter 
Published: June 2014

Ischaemic heart disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The development of cardioprotective therapeutic agents remains a partly unmet need and a challenge for both medicine and industry, with significant financial and social implications. Protection of the myocardium can be achieved by mechanical vascular occlusions such as preconditioning (PC), when brief episodes of ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) are experienced prior to ischaemia; postconditioning (PostC), when the brief episodes are experienced at the immediate onset of reperfusion; and remote conditioning (RC), when the brief episodes are experienced in another vascular territory. The elucidation of the signalling pathways, which underlie the protective effects of PC, PostC and RC, would be expected to reveal novel molecular targets for cardioprotection that could be modulated by pharmacological agents to prevent reperfusion injury. Gasotransmitters including NO, hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and carbon monoxide (CO) are a growing family of regulatory molecules that affect physiological and pathological functions. NO, H2S and CO share several common properties; they are beneficial at low concentrations but hazardous in higher amounts; they relax smooth muscle cells, inhibit apoptosis and exert anti‐inflammatory effects. In the cardiovascular system, NO, H2S and CO induce vasorelaxation and promote cardioprotection. In this review article, we summarize current knowledge on the role of the gasotransmitters NO, H2S and CO in myocardial I/R injury and cardioprotection provided by conditioning strategies and highlight future perspectives in cardioprotection by NO, H2S, CO, as well as their donor molecules.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Pharmacology of the Gasotransmitters. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-6
Lipoxin A4 suppresses the development of endometriosis in an ALX receptor‐dependent manner via the p38 MAPK pathway
Authors: Wu Rongfeng , Zhou Weidong , Chen Shuo , Shi Yan , Su Lin , Zhu Maobi , Chen Qionghua , Chen Qingxi 
Published: June 2014

Background and PurposeLipoxins can function as endogenous ‘breaking signals’ in inflammation and play important roles in the progression of endometriosis. In this study, we further investigated the molecular mechanism by which lipoxin A4 (LXA4) suppresses the development of endometriosis.Experimental ApproachPrimary endometriotic stromal cells (ESCs) were treated with IL‐1β, or pre‐incubated with LXA4 before incubation with IL‐1β. The LXA4 receptor (ALX receptor) antagonist Boc‐2 and gene‐silencing approaches were used to study the involvement of the ALX receptor in anti‐inflammatory signalling responses in ESCs. An animal model of endometriosis was induced in BALB/c mice by i.p. injection of an endometrium‐rich fragment.Key ResultsDecreased levels of LXA4 and 15‐LOX‐2 expression but increased expression of AXL receptors were observed in endometriotic tissues. LXA4 inhibited the release of inflammatory factors and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in IL‐1β‐induced ESCs, an effect mediated by ALX receptors. LXA4 inhibited the proliferation of ESCs, as indicated by reduced DNA replication, caused G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest and down‐regulated the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in ESCs. LXA4 also attenuated the invasive activity of ESCs mainly by suppressing the expression and activity of MMP‐9. In vivo, we further confirmed that LXA4 could inhibit the progression of endometriosis by acting as an anti‐inflammatory.Conclusions and ImplicationsLXA4 exerted anti‐inflammatory, anti‐proliferative and anti‐invasive effects on endometriosis through a mechanism that involved down‐regulating the activities of p38 MAPK, which was mediated by ALX receptors.
Hologram Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship, Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Studies of Inhibitors for CXCR4
Authors: Zhang Chongqian , Du Chunmiao , Feng Zhiwei , Zhu Jingyu , Li Youyong 
Published: June 2014

CXCR4 plays a crucial role as a co‐receptor with CCR5 for HIV‐1 anchoring to mammalian cell membrane and is implicated in cancer metastasis and inflammation. In the current work, we study the relationship of structure and activity of AMD11070 derivatives and other inhibitors of CXCR4 using HQSAR, docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We obtain an HQSAR model (q2 = 0.779), and the HQSAR result illustrates that AMD11070 shows a high antiretroviral activity. As HQSAR only provides 2D information, we perform docking and MD to study the interaction of It1t, AMD3100, and AMD3465 with CXCR4. Our results illustrate that the binding are affected by two crucial residues Asp97 and Glu288. The butyl amine moiety of AMD11070 contributes to its high antiretroviral activity. Without a butyl amine moiety, (2,7a‐Dihydro‐1H‐benzoimidazol‐2‐ylmethyl)‐methyl‐(5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐quinolin‐8‐yl)‐amine (compound 5a) shows low antiretroviral activity. Our results provide structural details about the interactions between the inhibitors and CXCR4, which are useful for rational drug design of CXCR4.
Predictors of quality of life in 102 patients with treated Cushing's disease
Authors: Carluccio Alessia , Sundaram Nina K. , Chablani Sumedha , Amrock Levana G. , Lambert Jessica K. , Post Kalmon D. , Geer Eliza B. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryObjectiveTo identify predictors for quality of life (QoL) in treated Cushing's disease (CD) and quantify patients' assessment of their disease status.ContextSignificant reductions in QoL exist in CD patients despite treatment. Identifying predictors of QoL is paramount to the long‐term management of these patents.DesignA cross‐sectional study was conducted of patients with treated CD. Patients completed a medical history questionnaire and three validated quality of life assessments: Cushing's QoL Questionnaire (CushingQoL), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP).Patients102 patients (75·7% female, mean time since surgery 7·4 years) with treated CD were included.MeasurementsPatients were categorized by biochemical and self‐identified disease status. Mean CushingQoL, anxiety and depression scores were compared by unpaired t‐tests. Multiple linear regressions were performed on the whole cohort to assess for predictors of impaired QoL.ResultsNinety‐two per cent of the cohort met criteria for biochemical remission, but only 80·4% felt they had achieved remission. Among those with biochemical remission, those who also self‐identified as being in remission had higher CushingQoL scores than those who self‐identified as having persistent disease (P = 0·042). Anxiety (P = 0·032) and depression (P = 0·018) scores were lower, and CushingQoL scores were higher (P = 0·05) in patients who self‐identified as being in remission compared to persistence. Recovery time, BMI, gender and age were also predictors for QoL.ConclusionOur study identifies the discordance that can exist between biochemical and self‐assessed disease status and demonstrates its impact on QoL in patients with CD. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating patients' disease perceptions in their management.
Specific behaviour, mood and personality traits may contribute to obesity in patients with craniopharyngioma
Authors: Roemmler‐Zehrer J. , Geigenberger V. , Störmann S. , Ising M. , Pfister H. , Sievers C. , Stalla G.K. , Schopohl J. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryIntroductionPatients with craniopharyngioma (CP) often suffer from obesity, but the underlying causes are still not fully understood. We compared CP to patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) and to a control group (CG) using standardized questionnaires to investigate whether behavioural, mood or personality traits contribute to obesity.MethodsWe compared 31 patients with CP (42% male, 53 ± 15·1 years) to 26 patients with NFPA (71% male, 63·2 ± 10·3 years) and to age‐ and gender‐matched local CG (ratio 2:1). Normative data from the literature are included for reference. Patients were asked to complete eleven standardized questionnaires. Two questionnaires were used to evaluate eating disorders (FEV, EDE‐Q), one depression (BDI), one anxiety (STAI), three health‐related quality of life (SF‐36, EuroQoL, QoL‐AGHDA), one sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale), two personality (EPQ‐RK, TPQ) and one body image (FKB‐20).ResultsPatients with CP scored significantly higher in conscious hunger perception (FEV, CP 5·8 ± 3·2 scores, NFPA 3·6 ± 3·3 scores, CG 3·0 ± 2·5, P < 0·001). They had similar scores for BDI compared with NFPA, but higher scores to CG (P < 0·001, CP 10·6 ± 8·3, NFPA 7·5 ± 5·7, CG 4·96 ± 4·2). CP and NFPA scored higher than CG for anxiety and personality traits such as harm avoidance, fatigability and asthenia and slightly higher for neuroticism. No differences were seen for EDE‐Q, quality of life, daytime sleepiness and body image between CP and NFPA. However, differences could be observed to normative data from the literature.ConclusionObesity in patients with CP might be influenced by eating disorders, negative mood alterations and increased anxiety‐related personality traits.
Enhanced oxidative stress and platelet activation in patients with Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Karamouzis Ioannis , Berardelli Rita , D'Angelo Valentina , Fussotto Beatrice , Zichi Clizia , Giordano Roberta , Settanni Fabio , Maccario Mauro , Ghigo Ezio , Arvat Emanuela 
Published: June 2014

SummaryObjectiveCushing Syndrome (CS) is implicated by increased cardiovascular risk (CVR) leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Oxidative stress (OS) and platelet activation (PA) are associated with increased CVR. However, scarce data of OS in CS exist. Our objective was to determine the oxidant–antioxidant balance in CS.DesignFourteen patients with CS at diagnosis and fourteen healthy subjects (NS) were evaluated OS by measuring plasma 15‐F2t‐Isoprostane (15‐F2t‐IsoP), PA by thromboxaneB2 levels (TXB2), and antioxidant reserve measuring total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and serum vitamin E.Results15‐F2t‐IsoP and TXB2 levels were significantly higher (P < 0·01) in CS, while vitamin E levels were higher in NS (P < 0·03). 15‐F2t‐IsoP levels were significantly higher (P < 0·01) in complicated vs not‐complicated CS and NS and significantly higher (P < 0·03) in CS not‐complicated vs NS. TXB2 levels were significantly reduced (P < 0·03) in NS vs complicated and not‐complicated CS. A negative correlation between Vitamin E and UFC was observed in CS (P < 0·05 r = −0·497). TXB2 correlated with glucose, HbA1c and T‐score (P < 0·05 r = 0·512, P < 0·03 r = 0·527 and P < 0·01 r = 0·783, respectively) and HDL (P < 0·01 r = −0·651). 15‐F2t‐IsoP correlated with triglicerides, HbA1c and diastolic pressure (P < 0·01 r = 0·650, P < 0·03 r = 0·571 and P < 0·05 r = 0·498, respectively) and HDL (P < 0·03 r = −0·594).ConclusionsThis study emphasizes the major role of OS in CS. As our findings demonstrated that enhanced OS and PA take place in this rare metabolic disorder which is associated with increased CVR, it could be suggested that these biochemical alterations can further contribute in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, increased CVR and mortality in CS.
The use of botulinum toxin in Otorhinolaryngology: an updated review
Authors: Mandavia R. , Dessouky O. , Dhar V. , D'Souza A. 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundThe use of botulinum toxin in Otorhinolaryngology has rapidly expanded over the last decade. Current observation is that the use of botulinum toxin in Otorhinolaryngology is relatively poorly acknowledged by Otorhinolaryngologists.Objective of reviewTo summarise the non‐cosmetic uses of botulinum toxin in Otorhinolaryngology.Type of reviewNarrative.SearchStrategy and evaluation methodA literature search was performed using theMedline andEmbase databases. Combinations of ‘botulinum toxin’ with each indication were searched. A citation was included if it evaluated a non‐cosmetic use of botulinum toxin in Otorhinolaryngology. Eligibility of studies was assessed by two reviewers. A total of 1187 abstracts were reviewed and 97 articles identified.ConclusionsBotulinum toxin provides an effective and minimally invasive treatment option in a wide range of non‐cosmetic indications. Side‐effects are few and transient with an excellent safety profile. Ongoing research is required to fully critically appraise its uses.
Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin associated with irreversibility of pre‐liver transplant kidney dysfunction
Authors: Åberg Fredrik , Lempinen Marko , Hollmén Maria , Nordin Arno , Mäkisalo Heikki , Isoniemi Helena 
Published: June 2014

AbstractKidney outcomes in early post‐liver transplantation (LT) are crucial for long‐term prognosis, but difficult to predict. Among 203 adult LT patients, we studied the value of plasma neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) measured pre‐LT for predicting acute kidney injury (AKI), kidney‐replacement therapy within three months, and kidney dysfunction at three months post‐LT. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated by creatinine‐based and cystatin C‐based equations. Highest NGAL levels were among patients on pre‐LT kidney‐replacement therapy, whereas NGAL exceeded 200 μg/L in only three (2%) patients with pre‐LT GFR >60 mL/min. Pre‐LT NGAL >260 μg/L predicted GFR <60 mL/min at three months post‐LT (OR 17.8, 95% CI 2.1–153) independently of 19 other variables reflecting recipient characteristics, liver and kidney function, perioperative hemodynamic stress, and immunosuppression. Of 81 patients with pre‐LT GFR <60 mL/min, 48% had GFR <60 mL/min at three months, and an NGAL level >260 μg/L predicted this outcome with 90% specificity and 46% sensitivity. NGAL failed to predict post‐LT AKI or need for temporary kidney‐replacement therapy. In conclusion, NGAL independently predicted irreversibility of pre‐LT kidney dysfunction and could thus help in optimizing patient care and in the decision to perform combined liver–kidney transplantation. Pre‐LT NGAL was not useful in patients with preserved pre‐LT kidney function or in predicting post‐LT AKI.
Variation of heart transplant rates in the United States during holidays
Authors: Grodin Justin L. , Ayers Colby R. , Thibodeau Jennifer T. , Mishkin Joseph D. , Mammen Pradeep P. A. , Markham David W. , Drazner Mark H. , Patel Parag C. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundSome cardiac transplant programs may upgrade listed patients to United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) 1A‐status during the holidays. Whether more transplants actually occur during holidays is unknown.MethodsWe assessed rates of single‐organ heart transplantation from 2001 to 2010 for recipients age ≥18 yr using the UNOS database. Patients were stratified by transplantation during holiday (±3 d, n = 2375) and non‐holiday periods (n = 16 112). Holidays included Easter/Spring break, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas/New Years (winter holidays). Secondary analysis assessing transplant rates across seasons was also completed.ResultsDonor and recipient characteristics were similar between groups. Compared with non‐holidays, July 4th had higher transplant rates (5.69 vs. 5.09 transplants/d, p = 0.03) while the winter holiday had lower transplant rates (4.50 vs. 5.09 transplants/d, p < 0.01). There was a trend toward lower transplant rates for all holidays compared with non‐holidays (p = 0.06). Transplant rates were significantly different across seasons with greater rates in spring and summer (p < 0.01).ConclusionHeart transplant rates were higher during the July 4th and lower during the winter holidays. Although there was a higher likelihood of transplantation during the spring and summer seasons, upgrading patients to 1A status during most holidays may not improve their chances for transplantation.
Beneficial cardiovascular remodeling following arterio‐venous fistula ligation post‐renal transplantation: a longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Dundon Benjamin K. , Torpey David K. , Nelson Adam J. , Wong Dennis T. L. , Duncan Rae F. , Meredith Ian T. , Faull Randall J. , Worthley Stephen G. , Worthley Matthew I. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractDespite improvements in survival following renal transplantation, high rates of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality remain. Persistence of arterio‐venous fistulae (AVF) may contribute to maladaptive cardiovascular remodeling and poor health outcomes in this cohort. Utilizing recent advances in cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), we prospectively evaluated alterations in cardiac and vascular structure and function six months after elective ligation of AVF, following stable, successful renal transplantation. Eighteen subjects underwent CMR evaluation of cardiac structure and function, aortic distensibility and endothelial function prior to AVF ligation and at six months. At follow‐up, while left ventricular ejection fraction was unchanged, mean cardiac output decreased by 15.6% (9.6 ± 2.9 L/min vs. 8.1 ± 2.3 L/min, p = 0.004) and left ventricular mass had regressed by 10% (166 ± 56 g vs. 149 ± 51 g, p = 0.0001). Significant improvements were also noted in right ventricular and biatrial structure and function. Aortic distensibility was unchanged at follow‐up, but endothelial dependent vasodilatation had improved (2.5 ± 6.5% vs. 8.0 ± 5.9%, p = 0.04). Elective AVF ligation following successful renal transplantation is associated with improvements in left ventricular mass, right ventricular, and biatrial structure and function. Further randomized studies are warranted to determine the potential clinical improvement following AVF ligation in this cohort.
Irrigation Access and Vulnerability to Climate‐Induced Hydrological Change in the EcuadorianAndes
Authors: Skarbø Kristine , VanderMolen Kristin 
Published: June 2014

AbstractClimate change is projected to substantially alter the hydrological cycles of mountainous regions, with pronounced consequences for the human settlements in these areas. Because projections of climatic changes and their environmental and societal impacts in local settings are uncertain, policies to reduce vulnerability and strengthen adaptation should be informed by ongoing processes in sites already exposed to climatic variability and change. This paper examines vulnerability to hydrological change inNorthernEcuador and shows how access to irrigation water mediates the ability of different groups of farmers to adapt. We argue that present vulnerabilities need to be understood in the context of the history of resource rights distribution in the area and that agricultural adaptation would be aided by a reform of current water rights, allowing water resources to be more equitably distributed.
Bringing Science and Technology Studies into Agricultural Anthropology: Technology Development as Cultural Encounter between Farmers and Researchers
Authors: Crane Todd A. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe “farmer‐back‐to‐farmer” model of agricultural development, pioneered by Robert Rhoades and Robert Booth, urged technologists to use farmers' knowledge and practices as both the starting point for technological innovations as well as the ultimate measure of the value of innovation. This approach was premised upon close ethnographic study of farmers' livelihoods, especially how technical agricultural practices interacted with household dynamics, community structures, and cultural values. However, the original “farmer‐back‐to‐farmer” approach left the “expert” practice of science and technology as an implicitly practical and apolitical space rather than as a subject of ethnographic study. The increasing and diverse articulation of farmers' livelihood practices with the professional practices of agricultural scientists demands theoretical tools that bring them all into the same frame of analysis. This article proposes that the integration of agricultural anthropology and science and technology studies provides a well‐balanced toolkit for analyzing participatory technology development as a space of cultural encounter.
The British Approach to Privatisation
Authors: Myddelton D. R. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThirty or so years after the 1945–51 Labour government nationalised the ‘commanding heights’ of the British economy, these enterprises were collectively losing the equivalent of £2 billion annually in today's money. In 1979 a Conservative government embarked on a programme of privatisation which handed out hefty inducements to managers, employees and investors and yielded total net proceeds of nearly £70 billion over 18 years. The introduction of competition (as well as regulation) reduced overstaffing and strike threats in state‐run industries and eliminated most of the losses.
Does Privatisation Contribute to the Performance of a Health Care System?
Authors: Zweifel Peter 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis paper considers whether privatisation can contribute to the performance of a health care system. In order to answer this question, five well‐known criteria of economic performance are proposed. The finding is that privatisation is quite likely to contribute to all of these criteria. The crucial condition, however, is that privatisation does not amount to the creation of public monopolies.
Change Your Prison, Change Your Outcomes, Change Your Community
Authors: Opperman Guy 
Published: June 2014

AbstractUK prisons have a very poor record in preventing reoffending. This paper attempts to identify a desirable kind of prison system. It discusses privatisation and payment‐by‐results programmes. Novel suggestions include the potential for charity‐, faith‐ or community‐based organisations to run prisons, and a possible voucher scheme for use by prisoners.
Handing Over the School Keys: The Impact of Privatisation on Education Quality
Authors: Sahlgren Gabriel Heller 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIn recent decades, privatisation has become a mainstream policy option considered by politicians worldwide to improve the quality of schooling. This paper discusses the theoretical reasoning underlying the links between privatisation and education quality/productivity, and evaluates the empirical research. For privatisation to function well, it is crucial that the right competitive incentives exist, which in turn requires specific system design. While the cross‐national literature consistently indicates positive long‐term effects of private provision, the within‐country literature is more mixed (although there is very little evidence of negative effects). Yet it is important to note the significant flaws in the system design of many privatisation initiatives, which have unsurprisingly ensured that the effects of these initiatives thus far have been small or moderate at best. Flawed privatisations are unlikely to yield very strong gains. The policy implication is that politicians must pay careful attention to system design when privatising their education systems.