bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvements in nocturnal symptoms with ropinirole prolonged release in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Ray Chaudhuri K. , Martinez‐Martin P. , Rolfe K. A. , Cooper J. , Rockett C. B. , Giorgi L. , Ondo W. G. 
Published: June 2011

Background:  The 24‐week, double‐blind Efficacy and Safety Evaluation in PD–Adjunct (EASE‐PD Adjunct) study randomized patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) suboptimally controlled with levodopa to once‐daily placebo or adjunctive ropinirole prolonged release (2–24 mg/day). We investigated the effect of ropinirole prolonged release on nocturnal symptoms in these patients.Methods:  Total and grouped item PD Sleep Scale (PDSS) scores were analyzed post hoc in patients with baseline PDSS total scores ≤ 100 (troublesome nocturnal symptoms) and >100.Results:  Baseline PDSS total score was ≤ 100 in 93 of 198 (47%) and 89 of 189 (47%) patients receiving ropinirole prolonged release and placebo, respectively; this subgroup displayed evidence at baseline of greater daily awake ‘off’ time, reduced night‐time sleep and worse quality of life, than the PDSS >100 subgroup. Significant improvements with ropinirole prolonged release versus placebo in PDSS score from baseline to Week 24 last observation carried forward were observed for those with baseline PDSS ≤ 100 [adjusted mean treatment difference 9.0 (95% CI: 2.76, 15.33; P = 0.0051)], but not >100. The PDSS ≤ 100 subgroup demonstrated treatment benefits for PDSS groupings of motor symptoms on waking and global quality of sleep. Changes in daytime sleepiness were similar between treatment groups. The PDSS >100 subgroup demonstrated significant treatment benefit for global quality of sleep. The unadjusted odds ratio for a positive response with ropinirole prolonged release relative to placebo, for the PDSS ≤ 100 subgroup, was 2.90 (95% CI: 1.42, 5.95, P = 0.004).Conclusions:  Once‐daily ropinirole prolonged release improves nocturnal symptoms in patients with advanced PD not optimally controlled with levodopa who suffer troublesome nocturnal disturbance.
Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf – wie wirksam sind deutsche ,,Care Policies“?
Authors: Spieß C. Katharina 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe objective of making it easier for parents to successfully balance career and family has recently taken on heightened importance for German family policy. In the last few years, reforms have been implemented in German care policies. In this contribution, we systematically review and evaluate German care policies before and after the implementation of these reforms. We start by discussing international research and then explore German evaluation studies on parental leave benefits, on publicly financed childcare before and after school entry, and on elderly care policies. Finally, we examine the extent to which some measures implemented conflict with another objective of family policy: that of providing an environment for a successful development of children. The paper concludes with an outlook on future research, discussing points that should be kept in mind in further German evaluation studies.
Der Einfluss von Steuern und Subventionen auf die Rendite fremd- und selbst genutzter Wohnimmobilien in Deutschland
Authors: Kiesewetter Dirk , Schönemann Kristin 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe profitability of real estate investments in Germany has been highly influenced by taxation and subsidies. We calculate realized returns on investment and subsidy quotas to resident individuals from an investment in average apartments in 50 major cities, rented out and self-occupied. The investment periods (1991-2001, 1996- 2006, and 2004-2014) picture major changes in the taxation of rental income and in home buyer subsidies. Unsystematic tax shelters have favored the purchase of apartments to rent out by high income individuals. Home buyer subsidies have only partly brought similar returns to average earners. Dodgy clientele effects persist until today.
The cyclooxygenase‐2 pathway via the PGE2 EP2 receptor contributes to oligodendrocytes apoptosis in cuprizone‐induced demyelination
Authors: Palumbo Sara , Toscano Christopher D. , Parente Laura , Weigert Roberto , Bosetti Francesca 
Published: June 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 418–427.AbstractCyclooxygenases (COX)‐1 and ‐2 are key enzymes required for the conversion of arachidonic acid to eicosanoids, potent mediators of inflammation. In patients with multiple sclerosis, COX‐2 derived prostaglandins (PGs) are elevated in the CSF and COX‐2 is up‐regulated in demyelinating plaques. However, it is not known whether COX‐2 activity contributes to oligodendrocyte death. In cuprizone‐induced demyelination, oligodendrocyte apoptosis and a concomitant increase in the gene expression of COX‐2 and PGE2‐EP2 receptor precede histological demyelination. COX‐2 and EP2 receptor were expressed by oligodendrocytes, suggesting a causative role for the COX‐2/EP2 pathway in the initiation of oligodendrocyte death and demyelination. COX‐2 gene deletion, chronic treatment with the COX‐2 selective inhibitor celecoxib, or with the EP2 receptor antagonist AH6809 reduced cuprizone‐induced oligodendrocyte apoptosis, the degree of demyelination and motor dysfunction. These data indicate that the PGE2 EP2 receptor contributes to oligodendrocyte apoptosis and open possible new therapeutic approaches for multiple sclerosis.
N‐cadherin enhances APP dimerization at the extracellular domain and modulates Aβ production
Authors: Asada‐Utsugi Megumi , Uemura Kengo , Noda Yasuha , Kuzuya Akira , Maesako Masato , Ando Koichi , Kubota Masakazu , Watanabe Kiwamu , Takahashi Makio , Kihara Takeshi , Shimohama Shun , Takahashi Ryosuke , Berezovska Oksana , Kinoshita Ayae 
Published: June 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 354–363.AbstractSequential processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β‐ and γ‐secretase leads to the generation of amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptides, which plays a central role in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis. APP is capable of forming a homodimer through its extracellular domain as well as transmembrane GXXXG motifs. A number of reports have shown that dimerization of APP modulates Aβ production. On the other hand, we have previously reported that N‐cadherin‐based synaptic contact is tightly linked to Aβ production. In the present report, we investigated the effect of N‐cadherin expression on APP dimerization and metabolism. Here, we demonstrate that N‐cadherin expression facilitates cis‐dimerization of APP. Moreover, N‐cadherin expression led to increased production of Aβ as well as soluble APPβ, indicating that β‐secretase‐mediated cleavage of APP is enhanced. Interestingly, N‐cadherin expression affected neither dimerization of C99 nor Aβ production from C99, suggesting that the effect of N‐cadherin on APP metabolism is mediated through APP extracellular domain. We confirmed that N‐cadherin enhances APP dimerization by a novel luciferase‐complementation assay, which could be a platform for drug screening on a high‐throughput basis. Taken together, our results suggest that modulation of APP dimerization state could be one of mechanisms, which links synaptic contact and Aβ production.
Regulation of GPCR activity, trafficking and localization by GPCR‐interacting proteins
Authors: Magalhaes Ana C , Dunn Henry , Ferguson Stephen SG 
Published: June 2011

GPCRs represent the largest family of integral membrane proteins and were first identified as receptor proteins that couple via heterotrimeric G‐proteins to regulate a vast variety of effector proteins to modulate cellular function. It is now recognized that GPCRs interact with a myriad of proteins that not only function to attenuate their signalling but also function to couple these receptors to heterotrimeric G‐protein‐independent signalling pathways. In addition, intracellular and transmembrane proteins associate with GPCRs and regulate their processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, trafficking to the cell surface, compartmentalization to plasma membrane microdomains, endocytosis and trafficking between intracellular membrane compartments. The present review will overview the functional consequence of β‐arrestin, receptor activity‐modifying proteins (RAMPS), regulators of G‐protein signalling (RGS), GPCR‐associated sorting proteins (GASPs), Homer, small GTPases, PSD95/Disc Large/Zona Occludens (PDZ), spinophilin, protein phosphatases, calmodulin, optineurin and Src homology 3 (SH3) containing protein interactions with GPCRs.LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on the Molecular Pharmacology of G Protein‐Coupled Receptors (GPCRs). To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue‐6. To view the 2010 themed section on the same topic visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.2010.159.issue‐5/issuetoc
PNPLA3 polymorphism influences liver fibrosis in unselected patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Petit Jean M. , Guiu Boris , Masson David , Duvillard Laurence , Jooste Valerie , Buffier Perrine , Bouillet Benjamin , Brindisi Marie‐Claude , Robin Isabelle , Gambert Philippe , Verges Bruno , Cercueil Jean‐Pierre , Hillon Patrick 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Context: Recently, it has been shown that an allele in the adiponutrin (PNPLA3) gene was strongly associated with increased liver fat content (LFC) and liver fibrosis independent of visceral adiposity and insulin resistance.
Objective: In this study, we set out to determine whether the PNPLA3 rs738409 polymorphism was associated with liver fibrosis in unselected patients with type 2 diabetes.
Design, setting and participants: Two hundred and thirty‐four patients with type 2 diabetes were included in this study.
Main outcome measures: LFC was evaluated using 1H‐MR spectroscopy; fibrosis was measured using the non‐invasive FibroTest®.
Results: Advanced liver fibrosis (stage F2 or above) was observed in 10.2% of the patients while 149 (63.6%) patients had steatosis. The prevalence of steatosis and fibrosis was higher in minor G allele carriers than that in C allele homozygote carriers (70.3 vs 57.1%; P=0.04 and 14.7 vs 7.5%; P=0.07 respectively). In multivariate analysis, the predictive variables for advanced liver fibrosis were age (≥60) (P=0.005), sex (female) (P=0.004) and rs 738409 PNPLA3 polymorphism (P=0.01); body mass index (BMI) and LFC were not associated with liver fibrosis.
Conclusions: This study confirms that in patients with type 2 diabetes who were not selected for liver abnormalities, liver fibrosis was related to the rs738409 polymorphism independent of BMI or LFC.
Distribution and host specificity of the thistle‐feeding tortoise beetle Cassida vibex (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in southwestern Hokkaido, northern Japan
Authors: FUJIYAMA Naoyuki , TOGASHI Kozue , KIKUTA Shogo , KATAKURA Haruo 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe thistle‐feeding tortoise beetle Cassida vibex (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is widespread in the Palearctic region. In Japan, this species has been recorded only from the largest island, Honshu. Here we report the occurrence of this species on Hokkaido, the most northern main island of Japan, along with detailed distributional records from the southwestern part of the island (southern Oshima Peninsula) and information on host plants. We also present the results of laboratory experiments on adult feeding preference and larval developmental performance to determine the specificity of C. vibex for four thistle species (Cirsium grayanum, Cir. alpicola, Cir. yezoense and Cir. aomorense; Asteraceae) common in southwestern Hokkaido. Cassida vibex was detected at only four sites among 97 sites investigated on the Oshima Peninsula, in strong contrast to the common occurrence of the congeneric thistle feeder C. rubiginosa (74 of 97 sites). Cassida vibex was found mainly on Cir. alpicola in the wild, but adult beetles showed no feeding preference for this or three other thistle species when given a choice in the laboratory. Larval performance of C. vibex was similar on Cir. alpicola, Cir. yezoense and Cir. aomorense but significantly lower on Cir. grayanum. Since Cir. alpicola often forms large clumps of individual plants, whereas Cir. yezoense and Cir. aomorense are scattered in their habitats, and C. vibex was collected only at sites where there were dense patches of Cir. alpicola, we postulate that the persistence of C. vibex is possible only where a substantial amount of suitable host plants is available.
Exaggerated Neutrophil‐Mediated Reperfusion Injury after Ischemic Stroke in a Rodent Model of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: RITTER LESLIE , DAVIDSON LISA , HENRY MELISSA , DAVIS‐GORMAN GRACE , MORRISON HELENA , FRYE JENNIFER B. , COHEN ZOE , CHANDLER SIERRA , McDONAGH PAUL , FUNK JANET L. 
Published: June 2011

Please cite this paper as: Ritter, Davidson, Henry, Davis‐Gorman, Morrison, Frye, Cohen, Chandler, McDonagh and Funk (2011). Exaggerated Neutrophil‐Mediated Reperfusion Injury after Ischemic Stroke in a Rodent Model of Type 2 Diabetes. Microcirculation 18(7), 552–561.AbstractObjective:  We tested the hypothesis that both chronic and acute inflammatory processes contribute to worse reperfusion injury and stroke outcome in an experimental model of T2DM.Materials and Methods:  Twelve‐ to thirteen‐week‐old male Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats vs. Zucker Lean Controls (ZLC) rats were tested at baseline and after middle cerebral artery occlusion (ischemia) and reperfusion (I–R). Neutrophil adhesion to the cerebral microcirculation, neutrophil expression of CD11b, infarction size, edema, neurologic function, sICAM, and cerebral expression of neutrophil–endothelial inflammatory genes were measured.Results:  At baseline, CD11b and sICAM were significantly increased in ZDF vs. ZLC animals (p < 0.05). After I–R, significantly more neutrophil adhesion and cell aggregates were observed in ZDF vs. ZLC (p < 0.05); infarction size, edema, and neurologic function were significantly worse in ZDF vs. ZLC (p < 0.05). CD11b and sICAM‐1 remained significantly increased in ZDFs (p < 0.05), and cerebral expression of IL‐1β, GRO/KC, E‐selectin, and sICAM were significantly induced in ZDF, but not ZLC groups (p < 0.05) after 2.5 hours of reperfusion.Conclusion:  Both sides of the neutrophil–endothelial interface appear to be primed prior to I–R, and remain significantly more activated during I–R in an experimental model of T2DM. Consequently, reperfusion injury appears to play a significant role in poor stroke outcome in T2DM.
Epidermoid Cyst with a Metabolite Pattern Mimicking a Brain Abscess. A Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Bernabeu Angela , López‐Celada Susana , Alenda Cristina , Baño Elena 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEIntracranial epidermal cysts are benign uncommon lesions. Such lesions arise from an inclusion of an ectodermal element during neural tube closure, in which dermal elements become trapped in the suture line, diploe, meninges, or scalp. Reports have extensively demonstrated the typical magnetic resonance (MR) spectra with the presence of large lactate signals with a virtual absence of healthy brain metabolites.METHODSA 20‐year‐old male patient with a parietal lobe brain lesion was studied by magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy in a 1.5‐T Philips scanner.RESULTSThe lesion presented atypical MR spectra with presence of alanine (1.46 ppm), lactate (1.31 ppm), and amino acids such as valine, isoleucine (0.97 ppm), and glicine (3.52 ppm). No evidence of normal parenchyma tissue metabolites (N‐acetylaspartate, creatine, and choline) or succinate and acetate signals was observed. This spectral pattern was unexpected being proposed the differential diagnosis of brain abscess versus epidermoid cyst. Finally, surgical total excision biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of epidermal cyst.CONCLUSIONSIn this report, we describe a case of an epidermal cyst with an unusual metabolic pattern observed by magnetic resonance spectroscopy mimicking a brain abscess.
Universal vaccines: shifting to one for many or shooting too high too soon!
Authors: HAMAD MAWIEH 
Published: June 2011

Hamad M. Universal vaccines: shifting to one for many or shooting too high too soon! APMIS 2011.Switching from conventional strain‐specific vaccines to multi‐strain or multi‐species universal vaccines is both justified and scientifically merited. Long‐term cross‐protective universal vaccines eliminate the need for repetitive short‐term vaccination campaigns and short‐notice vaccine redesign during impending epidemics. They also have the potential to be cost‐effective, convenient, and amenable to stockpiling. Ongoing advances in genomics and reverse vaccinology along with the perceived ability of vaccines, if properly formulated, to induce cross‐protective adaptive immunity and long‐term T cell memory are at the heart of this trend. Consequently, the search for universal vaccines against influenza, HIV, and many other viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens has intensified in recent years. Currently, several universal influenza vaccines are at different phases of clinical evaluation. That said, vaccine‐related differential effectiveness, escape mutants, pathogen strain replacement, limited scope of cross‐protective immunity, and diminished potential to reach optimal herd immunity thresholds present serious challenges to the concept and applicability of universal vaccines. Herein, the case for and the case against universal vaccines are investigated to realistically appreciate their prospects of success.
Prognostic significance of micropapillary pattern in lung adenocarcinoma and expression of apoptosis‐related markers: caspase‐3, bcl‐2, and p53
Authors: CAKIR EBRU , YILMAZ AYDIN , DEMIRAG FUNDA , OGUZTUZUN SERPIL , SAHIN SEZGI , YAZICI ULKU EREN , AYDIN MEHTAP 
Published: June 2011

Cakir E, Yilmaz A, Demirag F, Oguztuzun S, Sahin S, Yazici UE, Aydin M. Prognostic significance of micropapillary pattern in lung adenocarcinoma and expression of apoptosis related markers: caspase‐3, bcl‐2, and p53. APMIS 2011;We evaluated the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic significance of lung adenocarcinoma with micropapillary pattern (MPP) and analyzed the expression of apoptosis‐related markers: caspase‐3, bcl‐2, and p53. A series of 166 lung adenocarcinoma that had been surgically resected between 2004 and 2009 were reviewed. Histopathologic patterns, presence of tumor necrosis, mitosis, lymphovascular and perineural invasion, the status of pleura, and tumor differentiation were examined. Of the 166 patients; 71 were stage I, 35 stage II, 51 stage III, and nine stage IV. Histologically they were divided into two groups: MPP‐positive (n = 55) and MPP‐negative (n = 111). The following items were significantly more frequent in the MPP positive group: female gender (p = 0.03), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.031), and pleural invasion (p = 0.045). Age, smoking status, tumor stage, lymphatic invasion, perineural invasion, mitotic count, and survival rates had no statistically significant difference between groups (p > 0.05). In MPP positive tumors, visceral pleural invasion was identified significantly more frequent than in MPP negative tumors, at stage I. Tumors with MPP showed elevated expressions of caspase‐3 (94.5%), p53 (60%), and bcl‐2 (54.5%). In MPP positive group, the expression of these three markers had no statistically significant impact on survival. In whole population, bcl‐2 expression was correlated with a better outcome. We conclude that MPP is associated with poor prognostic factors both in early and late stages in lung adenocarcinoma. Bcl‐2 provides prognostic information independent from the MPP.
Aquinas on Human Nature and the Possibility of Bodiless Existence
Authors: Conn Christopher 
Published: June 2011

AbstractAquinas contends that we are soul/body composites, and that one's death brings about the dissolution of this union. Although he also contends that our souls will exist during the interim period between our death and the General Resurrection, it is not clear whether he thinks that we will continue exist during this period. While his considered opinion appears to be that as soul/body composites we cannot exist apart from our bodies, in his Commentary on the Apostles' Creed he implies that we will exist for a time as disembodied souls. In this paper I argue that Aquinas can consistently uphold the continued existence of the faithful departed. In particular, I argue that he can consistently affirm both (i) that Peter is not his soul, and (ii) that Peter can exist for a time as a soul.
Theology, Faith, Universities: From Specialization to Specification in Theology
Authors: Reese Philip Neri 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe issue of hyper-specialization within the various academic fields has often been raised in the context of recent discussions concerning the purpose or end of the modern university. Theology, one such field in which continual specialization seems prevalent, is further complicated by questions regarding the relationship between faith and the scientific character of theology, as well as the role of the university with regard to that relationship. Though seemingly diverse, a resolution to both of these questions may be found by giving an account of how the sciences, like theology, are specified. It is the purpose of the present article to explore the classical Thomistic position on this subject, and to apply its principles to the case of theology. It is shown that the specification of a science can be understood in terms of both the “formal object which” is known in a given science and the “formal object under which” it is known. The former can provide a correct starting point for managing the multiplicity of “sub-fields” and various specializations within the science of theology, while the latter can help to answer the question of the interrelation between faith and theology as a science in a university setting.
Henri de Lubac: Panorama and Proposal
Authors: Nichols Aidan 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThis overview of de Lubac's work considers his background in French Catholicism at the opening of the twentieth century; the intellectual currents a-swirl in his formative years; his own education in Jesuit institutions; the mosaic of his highly disparate writings, and the broad lines of his ‘career’ as priest and cardinal. This ‘panorama’ is complemented by a proposal, intended to illuminate the ‘mosaic’ referred to: the author's suggestion is that unity – in a variety of analogical senses of that word – constitutes the key to de Lubac's entire enterprise.’
Christ as Second Adam: Girardian Mimesis Redeemed
Authors: Bryce Raymond 
Published: June 2011

AbstractAnalysis of several chapters of the book of Genesis beginning with the Fall in chapter three reveals a consistent theme which is well-interpreted by René Girard's concept of mimetic rivalry. This mimetic rivalry can be considered one manifestation of original sin which has been perpetuated generationally since its inception with the First Adam. Since a number of scholars, including James D.G. Dunn, have identified Phil 2:6–11 as a key piece of Second Adam Christology, I examine this pericope for clues to a remedy for mimetic rivalry. Christ'skenosisand humiliation—his self-emptying and choice not to seek after self-glorification—become the cornerstones to a counter-program which redeems mimesis. Christ is the Second Adam who fulfills through his obedience the failed role of the First Adam. One facet of Christ's overall redemption is to establish himself as the perfect Girardian ‘model’—one whose imitation leads not to violent rivalry but ever-increasing humble charity.