bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Praziquantel efficacy in mice infected with PZQ non‐susceptible S. mansoni isolate treated with artemether: parasitological, biochemical and immunohistochemical assessment
Authors: Botros Sanaa S. , Hammam Olfat , Mahmoud Madiha , Bergquist Robert 
Published: June 2010

Botros SS, Hammam O, Mahmoud M, Bergquist R. Praziquantel efficacy in mice infected with PZQ non‐susceptible S. mansoni isolate treated with artemether: parasitological, biochemical and immunohistochemical assessment. APMIS 2010; 118: 692–702.Based on the fact that artemether (ART) affects immature schistosomes and that the effect of praziquantel (PZQ) mainly targets mature schistosomes, this work investigates the possible enhanced efficacy of PZQ in combination with ART in mice harboring a PZQ non‐susceptible Schistosoma mansoni isolate. Associated schistosomal, inflammatory, hepatic histopathological changes have been investigated by examining the tissue markers expressing apoptosis using FAS (CD95), anti‐apoptosis (Bcl2) and angiogenesis [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)]. A batch of Swiss albino mice infected with a PZQ non‐susceptible (EE10) S. mansoni isolate was divided into 12 groups. Animals of the first group were left without treatment as infected controls, while groups 2–6 received PZQ in increasing doses. The animals of group 7 received ART in double doses. Those comprising groups 8–12 received combined therapy of PZQ and ART in the same doses and at the same timings postinfection (PI) as those belonging to groups 2–6. Parasitological parameters, liver function, and histopathological and immunohistochemical studies of FAS, Bcl2 and VEGF antibodies were assessed. Combined administration of ART and PZQ reduced the ED50 (the dose at which the worm burden was decreased by 50%) of PZQ. Typical granulomas were not seen in animals treated with ART alone and combined with PZQ, with least expression of FAS and VEGF and increased expression of Bcl2. The minimal histopathological changes recorded in mice treated with both ART and PZQ could be related to a synergistic/additive effect of ART, markedly reducing the intensity of infection. Improved liver function tests support the less severe histopathological changes under the influence of this treatment protocol. This study encourages human trials especially in areas where malaria is not endemic, and differing combination doses should be investigated in view of the antagonistic effect noticed with some dose regimens.
Cell‐specific elevation of NRF2 and sulfiredoxin‐1 as markers of oxidative stress in the lungs of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and non‐specific interstitial pneumonia
Authors: MAZUR WITOLD , LINDHOLM PAMELA , VUORINEN KIRSI , MYLLÄRNIEMI MARJUKKA , SALMENKIVI KAISA , KINNULA VUOKKO L. 
Published: June 2010

Mazur W, Lindholm P, Vuorinen K, Myllärniemi M, Salmenkivi K, Kinnula VL. Cell‐specific elevation of NRF2 and sulfiredoxin‐1 as markers of oxidative stress in the lungs of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and non‐specific interstitial pneumonia. APMIS 2010; 118: 703–12.Human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and non‐specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) have been proposed to be attributable to oxidative stress. The nuclear factor, erythroid derived 2, like protein (NRF2)–sulfiredoxin‐1 (SRX1) pathway was hypothesized to be associated with the pathogenesis of human pulmonary fibrosis. Several methods including digital morphometry were used in the assessment of the cell‐specific localization and expression of NRF2 and SRX1 and selected proteins linked to their activation/stability in human IPF/usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) and NSIP lung. The proteins of the NRF2 pathway were localized in the hyperplastic alveolar epithelium and inflammatory cells in IPF and NSIP, but were absent in the fibroblastic foci characteristic of IPF. Morphometric evaluation revealed NRF2 and KEAP1 to be significantly elevated in the hyperplastic alveolar epithelium compared with the normal alveolar epithelium, and NRF2 was remarkably expressed in the nuclear compartment of the hyperplastic cells. SRX1 was expressed mainly in alveolar macrophages, and the number of SRX1‐positive macrophages/surface area was elevated in NSIP, a disease which contains more marked inflammatory reaction compared with the IPF/UIP lung. The expression of the NRF2 pathway in human IPF and NSIP is further evidence that the pathogenesis of human fibrotic lung diseases is oxidant‐mediated and originates from the alveolar epithelium.
Changing delayed‐type sensitizations to the baseline series allergens over a decade at the Zurich University Hospital
Authors: Janach Manon , Kühne Andreas , Seifert Burkhardt , French Lars E. , Ballmer‐Weber Barbara , Hofbauer Günther F. L. 
Published: June 2010

Background: Patch testing detects delayed‐type sensitizations and may show changes in prevalence over time. Objectives: To compare sensitization prevalence to our baseline series allergens during the years 2000–2004 to results from 1990 to 1994. Methods: We analysed baseline patch test series allergens from 2000 through 2004. Results: 4094 individuals were patch tested to the baseline series (mean age 45.4 years, males 41.7%). The highest sensitization rates were found for nickel sulfate (19.3%), fragrance mix (10.4%) and Myroxylon pereirae (7.8%). Compared to 1990–1994, methylchloroisothiazolinone (and) methylisothiazoline (MCI/MI) and neomycin sulfate sensitization decreased and lanolin alcohol, thiuram mix and ammoniated mercury sensitization increased. Conclusions: Current sensitization rates are similar to those across Europe. Reduced sensitizations to MCI/MI and neomycin sulfate and increased sensitizations to thiuram mix and ammoniated mercury chloride may well be because of changes in exposure. The current group comprises a higher proportion affected by leg dermatitis and may thus explain the higher sensitization to lanolin alcohol. Comparing patch results over time shows important changes in sensitization prevalence.
Susceptibility and reactivity in polysensitized individuals following controlled induction
Authors: Bangsgaard Nannie , Carlsen Berit C. , Johansen Jeanne Duus , Menné Torkil , Skov Lone 
Published: June 2010

Background: It is uncertain whether polysensitized patients acquire multiple allergies only because of a high degree of exposure to environmental allergens, or because of being highly susceptible to developing contact allergy. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare susceptibility and reactivity in polysensitized and monosensitized individuals, and in healthy controls. Patients/methods: We sensitized 66 adult individuals (21 polysensitized, 22 monosensitized, and 23 healthy controls) with diphenylcyclopropenone and assessed challenge responses with visual scoring and ultrasound. We compared sensitization rates using a chi‐square test and logistic regression analyses, and calculated linear regression lines of the elicitation responses for each individual. The mean values of the slopes and the intercepts for each group were used to measure the strength of the elicitation response, and were compared using the Mann–Whitney test. Results: Sensitization ratio was equal in the three groups: 57% for the polysensitized, 59% for the monosensitized, and 65% for the healthy control group. There was a lowered elicitation threshold in the polysensitized group compared with that in the monosensitized and healthy control groups and, although not statistically significant, a stronger elicitation response was observed in the polysensitized group. Conclusion: Increased reactivity was found in the polysensitized group, demonstrated by a lowered elicitation threshold, compared with that in the monosensitized and healthy control groups.
Identification of IgE‐reactive proteins in patients with wheat protein contact dermatitis
Authors: Matsuo Hiroaki , Uemura Masako , Yorozuya Miyuki , Adachi Atsuko , Morita Eishin 
Published: June 2010

Background: Wheat protein and its derivatives can cause protein contact dermatitis (PCD), which mainly occurs in bakers. Few studies have attempted to identify the allergens responsible for wheat PCD. Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify allergenic wheat proteins in patients with wheat PCD. Methods: Water‐soluble and water‐insoluble wheat flour proteins were separated by 1‐ or 2‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. IgE‐binding proteins were detected by immunoblotting with sera from 3 wheat PCD patients and identified by N‐terminal amino acid sequence analysis. The IgE‐binding proteins were recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli and tested against patients' sera. Results: IgE antibodies from the patients' sera reacted with water‐soluble proteins rather than water‐insoluble proteins, and the 2‐dimensional electrophoresis and immunoblotting produced individual IgE‐binding patterns. Analysis of the N‐terminal amino acid sequence of the IgE‐binding proteins from the 2‐dimensional gel led to the identification of three glycoproteins, wheat 27‐kDa allergen, peroxidase, and purple acid phosphatase. No specific IgE antibodies to their non‐glycosylated recombinant proteins were observed. Conclusions: We identified wheat 27‐kDa allergen, peroxidase and purple acid phosphatase as candidate allergens for wheat PCD. Our results suggest that glycan moieties in these proteins are involved in IgE binding.
New limits on the population of normal and millisecond pulsars in the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds
Authors: Ridley J. P. , Lorimer D. R. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
We model the potentially observable populations of normal and millisecond radio pulsars in the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds (LMC and SMC, respectively) where the known population currently stands at 19 normal radio pulsars. Taking into account the detection thresholds of previous surveys, and assuming optimal period and luminosity distributions based on studies of Galactic pulsars, we estimate that there are (1.79 ± 0.20) × 104 and (1.09 ± 0.16) × 104 normal pulsars in the LMC and SMC, respectively. When we attempt to correct for beaming effects, and the fraction of high-velocity pulsars which escape the clouds, we estimate birth rates in both the LMC and SMC to be comparable and in the range of 0.5–1 pulsars per century. Although higher than estimates for the rate of core-collapse supernovae in the clouds, these pulsar birth rates are consistent with historical supernova observations in the past 300 yr. A substantial population of active radio pulsars (of the order of a few hundred thousand) has escaped the LMC and SMC and populates the local intergalactic medium. For the millisecond pulsar (MSP) population, the lack of any detections from current surveys leads to respective upper limits (at the 95 per cent confidence level) of 15000 for the LMC and 23000 for the SMC. Several MSPs could be detected by a currently ongoing survey of the SMC with improved time and frequency resolution using the Parkes multibeam system. Giant-pulse emitting neutron stars could also be seen by this survey.
Meaningful or redundant complexity – mechanisms behind cyclic changes in gastroduodenal pH in the fasting state
Authors: Sjövall H. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe antroduodenal region is probably the site of the most common chronic infection of mankind, helicobacter‐induced antral gastritis. After meals, the remaining gastric contents are evacuated by an interdigestive motor programme, the so‐called migrating motor complex (MMC). The most characteristic feature of the MMC is phase III, a series of contractions at slow wave frequency (3 min−1 in the stomach, approx. 12 min−1 in the duodenum). Phase III is associated with complex changes in antroduodenal pH, the most prominent feature being a rapid alkalinization of the antral lumen immediately after the end of antral phase III. Before and during antral phase III (late phase II), gastric acid secretion increases and reflux of bile‐containing fluid from the duodenum frequently occurs. At the start of duodenal phase III, the pacemaker driving the motor waves is located proximally in the contracting segment, and the motor waves are uniformly antegrade. After passing the papilla, the pacemaker which is now in the middle of the contracting segment stops its migration and waves passing the papilla hence become retrograde. Bile is diverted into the gall bladder. Duodenal phase III activates electrogenic chloride and bicarbonate secretion and release of secretory IgA. During the second half of phase III, there is accordingly reflux of bile‐free fluid, bicarbonate and secretory IgA containing fluid from the duodenum into the stomach. Possible physiological and pathophysiological implications of this complex system, in particular the role of the gastric mucus layer in antral Helicobacter infection, will be discussed.
Photoactive Ternary Rare Earth Complex Hybrids with Sulfoxide Functionalized Silica and PMMA (or Phen)
Authors: Guo Lei , Yan Bing , Li Ying 
Published: June 2010

AbstractA series of ternary rare earth complexes were covalent grafted to the inorganic Si–O networks through the novel bifunctional silylated monomer BBMSSi (BBMS = Bis [benzoylmethyl] sulfoxide). FT–IR, NMR, XRD, TGA, SEM, DRS and photoluminescence properties were used to characterize the obtained hybrid materials. Scanning electron micrograph results revealed hybrids exhibiting homogeneous morphology with large particle size of 100–200 μm and no phase separation. Photoluminescence measurements indicated hybrids with characteristic red and green luminescence. In addition, the existence of the polymeric chain PMMA and 1,10‐phenanthroline in different hybrid systems present different microstructure and luminescence behavior.
Phototaxis of Haloarcula marismortui Revealed Through a Novel Microbial Motion Analysis Algorithm
Authors: Lin Yu‐Cheng , Fu Hsu‐Yuan , Yang Chii‐Shen 
Published: June 2010

Abstract Haloarcula marismortui has been described to be nonmotile prior to the recent identification of flagellar filaments, suggesting the motile nature of H. marismortui. Here we observed the locomotion of freshly cultured H. marismortui cells and tracked the swimming trajectories via ImageJ. Trajectories of H. marismortui are intrinsically noisy, posing difficulties in motion analysis with previously established algorithms. By introducing the concept of “window vector,” a Microsoft Excel‐VBA‐implemented microbial motion analysis algorithm reported here was able to (1) discriminate nonswimming objects from swimming cells without empirical customization by applying a power‐law relationship and (2) reduce the noise caused by Brownian motion, thus enhancing the accuracy of swim reversal identification. Based on this motion analysis algorithm, two recently identified sensory rhodopsins, HmSRI and HmSRII, were shown to mediate photoattractant and photorepellent responses, respectively, revealing the phototactic activity of H. marismortui, the only archaeon showing such phenomenon other than Halobacterium salinarum.
Dyslipidemia in Chronic Kidney Disease: Are Statins Still Indicated in Reduction Cardiovascular Risk in Patients on Dialysis Treatment?
Authors: Scarpioni Roberto , Ricardi Marco , Melfa Luigi , Cristinelli Luciano 
Published: June 2010

SUMMARY Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasingly health disease all around the world with a high burden of mortality and cardiovascular (CV) morbidity rate. Even when renal replacement therapy is reached, more than half patients die, mainly for CV causes due either to uremia‐related cardiovascular risk factors (such as anemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, mineral bone disease–CKD with hyperparathyroidism, oxidative stress, hypoalbuminemia, chronic inflammation, prothrombotic factors) or to traditional ones (age, male gender, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, smoking, insulin levels, family history, dyslipidemia). Among the latter causes dyslipidemia represents one of the major, potentially correctable risk factor. Methods and Results: Statins have demonstrated to effectively and safely reduce cholesterol levels in CKD patients. Here we will examine the effects of statins on CV risk factors in CKD patients and particularly in patients on dialysis treatment, in the light of the unfavorable results of the large trials 4D and AURORA, recently published, underlining the role of malnutrition/inflammation as confounding factor. Probably it will be that only with a real prevention, starting statins even in the early stages of CKD, as indicated by post hoc analysis of large trials, that we will reach results in reducing the mortality rate in CKD patients. In the meanwhile, all the other remediable CV risk factors have to be at the same time corrected.
Effects of Exogenous Agents on Brain Development: Stress, Abuse and Therapeutic Compounds
Authors: Archer Trevor 
Published: June 2010

SUMMARYThe range of exogenous agents likely to affect, generally detrimentally, the normal development of the brain and central nervous system defies estimation although the amount of accumulated evidence is enormous. The present review is limited to certain types of chemotherapeutic and “use‐and‐abuse” compounds and environmental agents, exemplified by anesthetic, antiepileptic, sleep‐inducing and anxiolytic compounds, nicotine and alcohol, and stress as well as agents of infection; each of these agents have been investigated quite extensively and have been shown to contribute to the etiopathogenesis of serious neuropsychiatric disorders. To greater or lesser extent, all of the exogenous agents discussed in the present treatise have been investigated for their influence upon neurodevelopmental processes during the period of the brain growth spurt and during other phases uptill adulthood, thereby maintaining the notion of critical phases for the outcome of treatment whether prenatal, postnatal, or adolescent. Several of these agents have contributed to the developmental disruptions underlying structural and functional brain abnormalities that are observed in the symptom and biomarker profiles of the schizophrenia spectrum disorders and the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. In each case, the effects of the exogenous agents upon the status of the affected brain, within defined parameters and conditions, is generally permanent and irreversible.
The Role of Tau in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders
Authors: Medeiros Rodrigo , Baglietto‐Vargas David , LaFerla Frank M. 
Published: June 2010

SUMMARYTau, the microtubule‐associated protein, forms insoluble filaments that accumulate as neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related tauopathies. Under physiological conditions, tau regulates the assembly and maintenance of the structural stability of microtubules. In the diseased brain, however, tau becomes abnormally hyperphosphorylated, which ultimately causes the microtubules to disassemble, and the free tau molecules aggregate into paired helical filaments. A large body of evidence suggests that tau hyperphosphorylation results from perturbation of cellular signaling, mainly through imbalance in the activities of different protein kinases and phosphatases. In AD, it appears that ß‐amyloid peptide (Aß) plays a pivotal role in triggering this imbalance. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the role of tau in AD and other tauopathies, and highlight key issues that need to be addressed to improve the success of developing novel therapies.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Morphometric evaluation for relationship of atherosclerosis developed in coronary and peripheral muscular arteries: An autopsy study
Authors: Jeong Seong Muk , Lee Jung Hee , Park Won Young , Lee Chang Hun , Park Do Youn , Kim Kwang Hoon , Jo Gam Rae , Lee Sang Yong , Huh Gi Yeong 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT Background and aims: Atherosclerosis is a systemic disorder that develops in any blood vessel of the body. Atherosclerosis can result in fatal complications such as myocardial infarction or stroke. The aim of this study was to compare the severity of atherosclerosis between the coronary arteries and other peripheral arteries. To our knowledge, no such morphometric tissue studies through autopsy samples so far are available in Korea. Methods: The left anterior descending artery, right coronary artery and bilateral carotid, renal and femoral arteries were obtained from 50 autopsies during the period from June to October 2008. Detailed gross examination of the each arteries was performed to look for the most severe site of luminal narrowing. Results: There was a significant correlation between the maximal carotid artery intima‐media thickness and the largest plaque area of the coronary artery (P < 0.05). However, some discordant cases were also noted. Seven cases had more severe coronary atherosclerosis compared to the carotid artery. Conclusions: The careful examination of peripheral arteries including the carotid artery can be helpful in clinical prediction of coronary artery disease. However, such prediction should include other risk factors such as age, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia and other relevant clinical conditions.
NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 Pro187Ser polymorphism and the risk of lung cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Cheng , Yin Zhi‐Hua , Guan Peng , Li Xue‐Lian , Zhou Bao‐Sen 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground:  NAD(P)H:quinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is a two‐electron reductase that catalyzes quinine to hydroquinone. Variant genotypes of NQO1 Pro187Ser may be related to low enzyme activity and thus are suggested as affecting the risk of lung cancer. Our purpose was to study the NQO1 Pro187Ser polymorphism and the risk of lung cancer.Methods:  We conducted a PubMed search and a China National Knowledge Infrastructure search using “NAD(P)H quinine reductase 1” ,”lung cancer”, and “ polymorphism” for articles published from January 1997 to March 2010. For each study, we calculated the crude odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for lung cancer. Summary estimates for crude as well as adjusted OR were calculated with the statistical program stata.Results:  The summary OR for carrying one variant allele and the homozygous variant genotype was 1.04 (95%CI, 0.97–1.13). In the Asian population, the summary OR for carrying one variant genotype was 1.09 (95%CI, 0.95–1.25).Conclusions:  Through our meta‐analysis, we found that the Pro/Ser and Ser/Ser genotypes involving NQO1 were non‐significantly associated with lung cancer. In the Asian population, the combined genotype was marginally associated with increased risk of lung cancer. When stratified on gender and smoking, the meta‐analysis showed that there was no statistically significant difference between men and women, smokers and non‐smokers, respectively.