bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrospective analysis evaluating the effect of a keratolytic and physical pretreatment with salicylic acid, urea and curettage on the efficacy and safety of photodynamic therapy of actinic keratoses with methylaminolaevulinate
Authors: Gholam P. , Fink C. , Bosselmann I. , Enk A.H. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) is a highly effective treatment option for actinic keratosis (AK). Hyperkeratosis of the AK impairs penetration of the photosensitizer and light and leads to a reduced efficacy of PDT. Therefore, it is commonly recommended to perform curettage of the AK prior to treatment.ObjectiveThis observational, monocentric, retrospective study sets out to compare the effects of curettage (CUR), chemical keratolytic pretreatment with salicylic acid 10% (SA), and urea cream 40% (UR) on the efficacy and tolerability of PDT.MethodA total of 44 subjects aged 73.2 ± 7.7 years (mean ± SD) with multiple AKs (mean 11.1 per patient) in face and scalp were analysed. In 15 patients, CUR was performed prior to PDT while 15 and 14 patients underwent keratolytic pretreatment with SA and UR, respectively, 1 day prior to PDT. All patients underwent one session of methylaminolaevulinate (MAL) PDT using a 630‐nm LED lamp at 37 J/cm2, pain was measured using a visual analogue scale. The response rate was calculated using the documented number of AKs prior and 4 weeks after PDT.ResultsMean lesion response rates were 68.5%, 61.4% and 60.8% for CUR, SA and UR respectively. Differences were not significant. Patients with SA or UR experienced significantly more pain (SA: 6.3 ± 2.7, P = 0.02; UR: 6.1 ± 1.8, P = 0.04) than patients with curettage (4.4 ± 2.1). The cosmetic result and the patients' satisfaction 4 weeks after PDT were good to excellent in all three groups without a significant difference. However, pretreatment with SA or UR led to pronounced local reactions compared to CUR.ConclusionKeratolytic therapy with SA or UR is an effective pretreatment for PDT. However, it leads to an increase in pain during PDT and pronounced local reactions.
Assessment of post‐operative pain management among acutely and electively admitted patients – a Swedish ward perspective
Authors: Magidy Mahnaz , Warrén‐Stomberg Margareta , Bjerså Kristofer 
Published: October 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesSwedish health care is regulated to involve the patient in every intervention process. In the area of post‐operative pain, it is therefore important to evaluate patient experience of the quality of pain management. Previous research has focused on mapping this area but not on comparing experiences between acutely and electively admitted patients. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of post‐operative pain management quality among acutely and electively admitted patients at a Swedish surgical department performing soft‐tissue surgery.MethodsA survey study design was used as a method based on a multidimensional instrument to assess post‐operative pain management: Strategic and Clinical Quality Indicators in Postoperative Pain Management (SCQIPP). Consecutive patients at all wards of a university hospital's surgical department were included. Data collection was performed at hospital discharge.ResultsIn total, 160 patients participated, of whom 40 patients were acutely admitted. A significant difference between acutely and electively admitted patients was observed in the SCQIPP area of environment, whereas acute patients rated the post‐operative pain management quality lower compared with those who were electively admitted.ConclusionsThere may be a need for improvement in the areas of post‐operative pain management in Sweden, both specifically and generally. There may also be a difference in the experience of post‐operative pain quality between acutely and electively admitted patients in this study, specifically in the area of environment. In addition, low levels of the perceived quality of post‐operative pain management among the patients were consistent, but satisfaction with analgesic treatment was rated as good.
Use of Symbiosis Products from Integrated Pulp and Paper and Carbon Steel Mills: Legal Status and Environmental Burdens
Authors: Husgafvel R. , Nordlund H. , Heino J. , Mäkelä M. , Watkins G. , Dahl O. , Paavola I.‐L. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThis study assesses the policy/legal status of both multistream residues and potential secondary products (“symbiosis products”) and whether there could be environmental benefits associated with the utilization of residues from integrated pulp and paper and carbon steel mills as raw materials for such secondary products. Waste‐related European Union (EU) and Finnish policy and legal instruments were reviewed to identify potential constraints for, and suggested next steps in, the development of potential process industry residue‐based symbiosis products. The products were soil amendment pellets, low‐grade concrete, and mine filler. A global warming potential (GWP) assessment and an exergy analysis were applied to these potential symbiosis products. Some indicative GWP calculations of greenhouse gas emissions associating similar and/or analogous products based on virgin primary raw materials, more energy‐intensive processes, and the alternative treatment of these residues as wastes are also presented. This study addresses GWP, exergy, and legal aspects in a holistic manner to determine the potential environmental benefits of secondary products within the EU legal framework. The GWP assessment and exergy analysis indicate that the utilization of multistream residues causes very low environmental burdens in terms of GWP. The utilization option can have potential environmental benefits in terms of GWP through process replacement and avoided landfilling and waste treatment impacts, as well as potentially through emission reductions from product replacement if suitable and safe applications can be identified. Waste regulation does not define the legal requirements under which utilizing residues in such novel concepts as introduced in this study would be possible, nor how waste status could be removed and product‐based legislation be applied to the potential products instead.
Putative zeatin O‐glucosyltransferase OscZOG1 regulates root and shoot development and formation of agronomic traits in rice
Authors: Shang Xiao‐Ling , Xie Rong‐Rong , Tian Hua , Wang Qing‐Long , Guo Fang‐Qing 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAs a ubiquitous reaction, glucosylation controls the bioactivity of cytokinins in plant growth and development. Here we show that genetic manipulation of zeatin‐O‐glucosylation regulates the formation of important agronomic traits in rice by manipulating the expression of OscZOG1 gene, encoding a putative zeatin O‐glucosyltransferase. We found that OscZOG1 was preferentially expressed in shoot and root meristematic tissues and nascent organs. The growth of lateral roots was stimulated in the overexpression lines, but inhibited in RNA interference lines. In shoots, knockdown of OscZOG1 expression by RNA interference significantly improved tillering, panicle branching, grain number per panicle and seed size, which are important agronomic traits for grain yield. In contrast, constitutive expression of OscZOG1 leads to negative effects on the formation of the grain‐yielding traits with a marked increase in the accumulation levels of cis‐zeatin O‐glucoside (cZOG) in the transgenic rice plants. In this study, our findings demonstrate the feasibility of improving the critical yield‐determinant agronomic traits, including tiller number, panicle branches, total grain number per panicle and grain weight by downregulating the expression level of OscZOG1. Our results suggest that modulating the levels of cytokinin glucosylation can function as a fine‐tuning switch in regulating the formation of agronomic traits in rice.
The contribution of neuroinflammation to amyloid toxicity in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Minter Myles R. , Taylor Juliet M. , Crack Peter J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia. Deposition of amyloid‐β (Aβ) remains a hallmark feature of the disease, yet the precise mechanism(s) by which this peptide induces neurotoxicity remain unknown. Neuroinflammation has long been implicated in AD pathology, yet its contribution to disease progression is still not understood. Recent evidence suggests that various Aβ complexes interact with microglial and astrocytic expressed pattern recognition receptors that initiate innate immunity. This process involves secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and generation of reactive oxygen species that, in excess, drive a dysregulated immune response that contributes to neurodegeneration. The mechanisms by which a neuroinflammatory response can influence Aβ production, aggregation and eventual clearance are now becoming key areas where future therapeutic intervention may slow progression of AD. This review will focus on evidence supporting the combined neuroinflammatory‐amyloid hypothesis for pathogenesis of AD, describing the key cell types, pathways and mediators involved.
imageAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Deposition of intracellular plaques containing amyloid‐beta (Aβ) is a hallmark proteinopathy of the disease yet the precise mechanisms by which this peptide induces neurotoxicity remains unknown. A neuroinflammatory response involving polarized microglial activity, enhanced astrocyte reactivity and elevated pro‐inflammatory cytokine and chemokine load has long been implicated in AD and proposed to facilitate neurodegeneration. In this issue we discuss key receptor systems of innate immunity that detect Aβ, drive pro‐inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production and influence Aβ aggregation and clearance. Evidence summarized in this review supports the combined neuroinflammatory‐amyloid hypothesis for pathogenesis of AD and highlights the potential of immunomodulatory agents as potential future therapies for AD patients.
Mitochondrial and lysosomal biogenesis are activated following PINK1/parkin‐mediated mitophagy
Authors: Ivankovic Davor , Chau Kai‐Yin , Schapira Anthony H. V. , Gegg Matthew E. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractImpairment of the autophagy–lysosome pathway is implicated with the changes in α‐synuclein and mitochondrial dysfunction observed in Parkinson's disease (PD). Damaged mitochondria accumulate PINK1, which then recruits parkin, resulting in ubiquitination of mitochondrial proteins. These can then be bound by the autophagic proteins p62/SQSTM1 and LC3, resulting in degradation of mitochondria by mitophagy. Mutations in PINK1 and parkin genes are a cause of familial PD. We found a significant increase in the expression of p62/SQSTM1 mRNA and protein following mitophagy induction in human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells. p62 protein not only accumulated on mitochondria, but was also greatly increased in the cytosol. Increased p62/SQSMT1 expression was prevented in PINK1 knock‐down cells, suggesting increased p62 expression was a consequence of mitophagy induction. The transcription factors Nrf2 and TFEB, which play roles in mitochondrial and lysosomal biogenesis, respectively, can regulate p62/SQSMT1. We report that both Nrf2 and TFEB translocate to the nucleus following mitophagy induction and that the increase in p62 mRNA levels was significantly impaired in cells with Nrf2 or TFEB knockdown. TFEB translocation also increased expression of itself and lysosomal proteins such as glucocerebrosidase and cathepsin D following mitophagy induction. We also report that cells with increased TFEB protein have significantly higher PGC‐1α mRNA levels, a regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, resulting in increased mitochondrial content. Our data suggests that TFEB is activated following mitophagy to maintain autophagy–lysosome pathway and mitochondrial biogenesis. Therefore, strategies to increase TFEB may improve both the clearance of α‐synuclein and mitochondrial dysfunction in PD.
image
Damaged mitochondria are degraded by the autophagy–lysosome pathway and is termed mitophagy. Following mitophagy induction, the transcription factors Nrf2 and TFEB translocate to the nucleus, inducing the transcription of genes encoding for autophagic proteins such as p62, as well as lysosomal and mitochondrial proteins. We propose that these events maintain autophagic flux, replenish lysosomes and replace mitochondria.
Patients’ experiences of living with varicose veins and management of the disease in daily life
Authors: Franz Anna , Wann‐Hansson Christine 
Published: October 2015

Aims and objectivesThe aim was to describe the experience of living with varicose veins classified according CEAP (clinical class, aetiology, anatomy, pathophysiology) as C4 (eczema or thrombophlebitis) and management of the disease in daily life.BackgroundPrimary chronic venous insufficiencies with varicose veins are a relatively common condition among both men and women. Several studies have shown that quality of life improved after treatment of varicose veins compared to before treatment. This suggests that patients with a milder form of varicose veins such as C4 experience a negative influence on their quality of life before treatment.DesignThis is an explorative qualitative study with a phenomenological approach.MethodA purposive sample was used, and 12 in‐depth interviews were conducted with persons having superficial venous insufficiency classified C4. A descriptive phenomenological analysis was performed.ResultsThe essence of the phenomenon of living with varicose veins classified C4 and management of the disease in daily life meant adapting to a life with varicose veins and relieve discomfort from legs with an unfavourable appearance. Coping with discomfort involved dealing with the disease emotionally and finding strategies that helped to relieve symptoms; however, living with ‘repulsive’ legs was seen as embarrassing, and many found the need to hide their condition.ConclusionPatients with varicose veins classified C4 had notable symptoms of the disease that affected daily living. This in turn required the use of different coping strategies to manage symptoms, and significant adjustments related to activities and social life were made.Relevance to clinical practiceIt seems desirable that patients with varicose veins receive treatment at an earlier stage of the disease and are familiar with the tools and solutions available to alleviate symptoms and avoid a negative impact on daily life.
Lithium Disilicate Restorations Fatigue Testing Parameters: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nawafleh Noor , Hatamleh Muhanad , Elshiyab Shareen , Mack Florian 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPurposeTo review laboratory studies that investigated fatigue resistance of lithium disilicate (LD) crowns and fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) to elucidate study designs and testing parameters.MethodsAn electronic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Ovid to identify in vitro studies that investigated fatigue resistance of LD crowns and FDPs. The search included all studies published in English in peer‐reviewed journals in the period from 1998 to June 2014. The search followed a specific strategy that included combination of the following keywords: lithium disilicate, e.max, empress, all‐ceramic, all ceramic, glass ceramic, fatigue, cyclic loading, dynamic loading, chewing simulator, fracture resistance, thermocycling, laboratory simulation, aging, crown, FDPs, FPDs, fixed partial denture, fixed dental prosthesis, and bridge. Studies were selected if mechanical and thermal loading parameters were clearly identified. Search results with abstracts were transferred into Endnote reference system, and duplicates were deleted. The remaining studies were then reviewed at three levels (title, abstract, full text) to further refine the articles.ResultsThe initial search retrieved 1044 eligible studies. After deduplication, 864 records were examined by titles and then abstracts; 826 were excluded, and 38 were assessed by full‐text reading. In total, 19 articles met inclusion criteria and were included in this study.ConclusionThe studies reviewed showed a level of heterogeneity, as testing parameters were considered through different setups. The current study demonstrated that various setting of the testing parameters and having a lack of testing standardization has likely led to inconsistency in the reported results. The obvious heterogeneity in the setting of testing variables—especially the magnitude of load and number of cycles applied—made it impractical to run direct comparisons between the reviewed studies. Therefore, specific international standardization of fatigue testing of dental restorations is urgently needed to ensure the delivery of consistent, indicative, and comparable data.
The Differential Reaction of Rice Hybrids to Tungro Virus by Phenotyping and PCR Analysis
Authors: Singh Arun K. , Ponnuswamy Revathi , Donempudi Krishnaveni , Mangrauthia Satendra K. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractTwenty popular rice hybrids were used to screen for rice tungro virus (RTV) disease reaction. Virulent green leafhoppers (GLH) were used as vector to introduce RTV to the rice hybrids. Virus symptoms scores were recorded at 14, 21, 34, 41 and 59 days postinoculation (DPI), which suggested that virus symptoms are greatly influenced by growth stage of plants. To confirm the presence of virus, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based detection of Rice tungro bacilliform virus (RTBV) was carried out at 7, 14, 21 and 59 DPI using virus genome‐specific primers. Virus presence was observed in all the rice hybrids and check varieties, particularly at later stages of infection. This study shows that phenotyping for tungro virus resistance in rice hybrids at 21 DPI gives most reliable results based on both virus symptoms and presence of virus. Further, to assess the relative difference in population of RTBV, quantitative PCR was performed in all the genotypes at 21 DPI. Yield data were also recorded from control and virus‐infected plants to estimate yield loss percentage due to tungro disease. This study is important to understand the response of rice hybrids to tungro virus disease. Results obtained in this study emphasize that molecular detection of virus is very important to screen the rice plants accurately for tungro disease reaction.
Ultrastructural Impact of Tobacco Rattle Virus on Tobacco and Pepper Ovary and Anther Tissues
Authors: Otulak Katarzyna , Kozieł Edmund , Garbaczewska Grażyna 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe one‐third of plant viruses are seed transmitted, and this has significant economic consequences. Tobacco rattle virus (TRV), belonging to the genus Tobravirus and family Virgaviridae, has one of the widest host range of any known plant viruses. TRV infects vegetative organ and effects seed and pollen development that results in a decrease in crop yield. The mechanisms by which Tobravirus is transmissible to seeds are still poorly understood. The presence of the virus in pollen grains and inside ovaries is linked with seed transmission and can have effects on virus particles' transport during the pollination and fertilization process. This paper focuses on the significant impact of TRV on pepper and tobacco anthers and ultrastructure changes in ovaries. The presence of two types of TRV particles in ovary wall parenchyma and vascular tissues as well as in placenta cells was demonstrated via ultrastructural analysis. For the first time, the regular inclusion of virus particles was reported in both ovule integuments and nucellus parenchyma cells. Immunolocalization of TRV capsid proteins indicated the deposition of TRV CP epitope in ovary vascular bundles and in placenta cells. Moreover, the presence of virus particles was demonstrated inside pepper seeds in endothelium and integument parenchyma layers as well as on the embryo cell wall. Virus particles were found not only on the surface of pollen grains but also inside pepper pollen protoplasts in mature anthers. Also, this is the first time where TRV particles are reported in both differentiated endothecium cells and the remaining tapetum cells. Moreover, the detection of TRV capsid protein epitope in tobacco and pepper vascular anther tissues as well as in tapetum and endothecium cells was correlated with TRV distribution in infected anthers. Demonstrated analyses indicated that pollen grains and ovaries with ovules as well as could be a natural source of TRV transmission.
Cortisol Response in Healthy and Diseased Dogs after Stimulation with a Depot Formulation of Synthetic ACTH
Authors: Sieber‐Ruckstuhl N.S. , Burkhardt W.A. , Hofer‐Inteeworn N. , Riond B. , Rast I.T. , Hofmann‐Lehmann R. , Reusch C.E. , Boretti F.S. 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundThe ACTH stimulation test is used to evaluate the adrenocortical reserve. Recently, the availability of the synthetic ACTH formulation was limited, causing major problems in clinical practice.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate poststimulation peak cortisol concentrations and the duration of the stimulatory effect of a depot ACTH preparation in dogs.AnimalsTwenty‐two healthy dogs, 10 dogs with suspected hypoadrenocorticism (HA) and 15 dogs with suspected hyperadrenocorticism (HC).MethodsProspective study. An ACTH stimulation test using a synthetic depot tetracosactide, administered intramuscularly (5 μg/kg or at least 0.1 mL) was performed. Blood samples for determination of cortisol were taken immediately before and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 24 hours after stimulation.ResultsPeak cortisol concentrations were reached after 2–4 hours in all dogs. Cortisol concentrations 1 hour after stimulation were >9 μg/dL in all healthy dogs and >5 μg/dL in all dogs in which HA was excluded. None of the dogs with HA showed a cortisol‐increase above the detection‐limit of the assay. After 6 hours, cortisol concentrations had decreased in the healthy and HC group and were back to baseline after 24 hours.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe depot formulation can be used in place of the short‐acting ACTH to evaluate the adrenocortical reserve. Blood for peak cortisol concentrations should be drawn 3 hours after stimulation in cases in which HC is suspected; in HA‐suspected cases, blood sampling can take place after 1 hour. As the stimulatory effect is gone after 24 hours, interference with other hormonal tests is unlikely after that time.