bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐10 and interferon‐γ modulate surface expression of fractalkine‐receptor (CX3CR1) via PI3K in monocytes
Authors: Ramos María V. , Fernández Gabriela C. , Brando Romina J. Fernández , Panek Cecilia A. , Bentancor Leticia V. , Landoni Verónica I. , Isturiz Martín A. , Palermo Marina S. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryThe membrane‐anchored form of the chemokine fractalkine (CX3CL1) has been identified as a novel adhesion molecule that interacts with its specific receptor (CX3CR1) expressed in monocytes, T cells and natural killer cells to induce adhesion. In addition, CX3CL1 can be cleaved from the cell membrane to induce chemotaxis of CX3CR1‐expressing leucocytes. Recently, marked variations in CX3CR1 monocyte expression have been observed during several pathological conditions. Regulation of CX3CR1 in monocytes during basal or inflammatory/anti‐inflammatory conditions is poorly understood. The aim of this study was therefore to examine CX3CR1 expression during monocyte maturation and the effect of soluble mediators on this process. We found that basal expression of CX3CR1 in fresh monocytes was reduced during culture, and that lipopolysacchairde accelerated this effect. In contrast, interleukin‐10 and interferon‐γ treatment abrogated CX3CR1 down‐modulation, through a phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase‐dependent pathway. Most importantly, CX3CR1 membrane expression correlated with monocyte CX3CL1‐dependent function. Taken together, our data demonstrate that CX3CR1 expression in monocytes can be modulated, and suggest that alterations in their environment are able to influence CX3CL1‐dependent functions, such as chemotaxis and adhesion, leading to changes in the kinetics, composition and/or functional status of the leucocyte infiltrate.
Men’s and carers’ experiences of care for prostate cancer: a narrative literature review
Authors: Sinfield Paul , Baker Richard , Camosso‐Stefinovic Janette , Colman Andrew M. , Tarrant Carolyn , Mellon John K. , Steward William , Kockelbergh Roger , Agarwal Shona 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjective  To review studies of patients’ and carers’ experience of prostate cancer care.Design  Narrative literature review.Methods  Search strategies were developed for the following databases: MEDLINE (1966–2006), EMBASE (1980–2006), CINAHL (1982–2006) and PsycINFO (1987–2006). A search of SIGLE (System for Information on Grey Literature in Europe) was also undertaken. Experience was defined as patients’ and carers’ reports of how care was organized and delivered to meet their needs. A narrative summary of the included papers was undertaken.Results  A total of 90 relevant studies were identified. Most studies reported on experiences of screening, diagnosis, the treatment decision, treatment and post‐initial treatment. Few studies reported on experiences of the stages of referral, testing, and further treatment and palliative care, and no studies reported on monitoring or terminal care.Conclusions  Although some phases of care have not been investigated in detail, there is evidence that: (i) many patients have a low level of knowledge of prostate cancer; (ii) patients with prostate cancer and their carers need information throughout the care pathway to enable them to understand the diagnosis, treatment options, self‐care and support available; and (iii) increasing patient knowledge and understanding of prostate cancer (e.g. through interventions) are often associated with a more active role in decision making (e.g. screening, treatment decision).
Desloratadine relieves nasal congestion and improves quality‐of‐life in persistent allergic rhinitis
Authors: Holmberg K. , Tonnel A.‐B. , Dreyfus I. , Olsson P. , Cougnard J. , Mesbah K. , Devillier P. 
Published: September 2009

Background:  Symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR), particularly nasal congestion, can impair quality‐of‐life (QoL). However, only a modest correlation exists between these symptoms and Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) scores, suggesting that both be evaluated for a complete assessment of health.Methods:  Subjects with a ≥2‐year history of moderate‐to‐severe AR to dust mite or cat dander were randomized to desloratadine 5 mg/day (n = 293) or placebo/day (n = 291) for 28 days. Primary endpoint was change from baseline in a.m./p.m. nasal congestion score. Secondary outcomes included change from baseline in total nasal symptom score, individual symptom scores and RQLQ scores (completed on days 1, 7, and 28).Results:  The Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma criteria for persistent allergic rhinitis (PER) were fulfilled by 99% of subjects in the placebo arm. Between‐treatment difference in a.m./p.m. nasal congestion score, observed from day 8 onward, significantly favored desloratadine (P = 0.0003). Desloratadine significantly improved a.m./p.m. nasal congestion and RQLQ scores after 1 week and at treatment end (P < 0.05). Improvements in 5 of 7 RQLQ domain scores exceeded the minimal important difference. On days 7 and 28, desloratadine was also significantly superior to placebo in mean change from baseline in a.m./p.m. total nasal symptom score and rhinorrhea score (both P ≤ 0.01). Symptomatic benefit was primarily driven by improvement in nasal congestion and rhinorrhea.Conclusions:  Desloratadine 5 mg/day significantly improved symptoms associated with PER, including nasal congestion, and provided significant improvement in QoL after 1 week of treatment.
Thirty‐six novel HLA alleles: 7 HLA‐A, 11 HLA‐B, 15 HLA‐C and 3 HLA‐DRB1
Authors: Anholts J. D. H. , Aneq M. , Dirks H. L. J. M. , Tas A. , Verduyn W. , Oudshoorn M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThirty‐six novel human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles are described in this article: A*9225N, A*9234, A*030106, A*0337, A*2317, A*2480, A*3023; B*070206, B*0759, B*0761, B*0765, B*150106, B*1827, B*352002, B*3585, B*3943, B*4082, B*5151; Cw*0342, Cw*0343, Cw*0344, Cw*0428, Cw*0430, Cw*0433, Cw*050104, Cw*0519, Cw*060203, Cw*070109, Cw*070202, Cw*0750, Cw*0815, Cw*120306, Cw*1409; DRB1*0336, DRB1*0473 and DRB1*1382.
Association of nutrient intake and wheeze or asthma in a Greek pre‐school population
Authors: Emmanouil Evdokia , Manios Yannis , Grammatikaki Evangelia , Kondaki Katerina , Oikonomou Evdokia , Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Vassilopoulou Emilia 
Published: September 2009

Emmanouil E, Manios Y, Grammatikaki E, Kondaki K, Oikonomou E, Papadopoulos N, Vassilopoulou E. Association of nutrient intake and wheeze or asthma in a Greek pre‐school population. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: 90–95. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/SThe rise of asthma prevalence in children observed the last years might be related to several dietary factors/components as suggested by several researchers. We aimed to evaluate the potential relationship between certain nutrients intake and asthma occurrence in a population of pre‐school children. In the framework of the cross‐sectional study ‘Growth, Exercise and Nutrition Epidemiological Study In pre‐schoolers’, data were collected from 1964 children, aged 24–72 months, living in five different counties in Greece. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire was used to assess asthma related outcomes. Dietary intake was assessed with 3 days diet records. The prevalence of ever wheeze, current wheeze and diagnosed asthma was 37.7%, 27.5% and 10.5% respectively. Dietary intake of magnesium had a 0.5% and 0.6% increase in the reported risk of current wheeze and diagnosed asthma respectively. On the contrary a decrease in the prevalence of ever (OR: 0.997, 95% CI: 0.995–1.000) and current wheeze (OR: 0.996, 95% CI: 0.993–0.999) was associated with vitamin C intake. Calcium intake slightly decreased the risk of current wheeze (OR: 0.999, 95% CI: 0.998–0.999). An increase of 2% of the risk of reporting ever or current wheeze was associated with mono‐unsaturated fatty acid intake. Magnesium intake was the only independent predictor for doctor’s diagnosed asthma. We conclude that dietary intake of vitamin C and calcium seem to have a protective effect on the incidence of wheeze in pre‐school children, whereas magnesium and mono‐unsaturated fatty acid may have a harmful role.
Interaction of beta‐blockers with the renal uptake transporter OCT2
Authors: Bachmakov I. , Glaeser H. , Endress B. , Mörl F. , König J. , Fromm M. F. 
Published: September 2009

Aim: The uptake of drugs from the blood into the renal tubular cells is a key determinant for renal secretion and may influence their systemic plasma concentrations and extrarenal effects. Metformin, used for treatment of type 2 diabetes, is taken up into renal tubular cells by the organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2). Because many patients with type 2 diabetes receiving metformin are concomitantly treated with beta‐blockers, we tested whether beta‐blockers can inhibit OCT2‐mediated drug transport.Method: Using Madin–Darby canine kidney II cells stably expressing the uptake transporter OCT2, we analysed whether the beta‐blockers bisoprolol, carvedilol, metoprolol and propranolol inhibit the transport of OCT2 substrates 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium (MPP+) and metformin.Results: Neither bisoprolol nor metoprolol significantly inhibited the uptake of MPP+, whereas a significant inhibition was observed for carvedilol und propranolol (half maximal inhibitory concentration IC50: 26.3 and 67.5 μM) respectively. Moreover, all beta‐blockers significantly inhibited OCT2‐mediated metformin uptake (IC50 for bisoprolol: 2.4 μM, IC50 for carvedilol: 2.3 μM, IC50 for metoprolol: 50.2 μM and IC50 for propranolol: 8.3 μM).Conclusion: These in vitro results demonstrate that alterations of uptake transporter function by beta‐blockers have to be considered as potential mechanisms underlying drug–drug interactions in the kidney.
The response to short‐term intensive insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Retnakaran R. , Yakubovich N. , Qi Y. , Opsteen C. , Zinman B. 
Published: September 2009

Aim: Although a short course of intensive insulin therapy (IIT) can improve beta‐cell function and glycaemic control in most patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2DM), the impact of this intervention in diabetes of longer duration has not been carefully studied. Thus, we sought to evaluate the effect of short‐term IIT in patients with established T2DM. Methods: Thirty‐four patients, with diabetes of mean 5.9 ± 6.6 years duration, underwent 4–8 weeks of IIT, with 4‐h meal test administered at baseline and at 1 day post‐IIT. A positive clinical response was defined as fasting glucose < 7.0 mmol/l off any antidiabetic therapy at the latter test. Results: A positive response was achieved in 68% (n = 23) of the subjects. At baseline meal test, the responders had lower glucose levels than the non‐responders from 120 to 240 min (all timepoints p ≤ 0.0008) and higher late incremental area‐under‐the‐C‐peptide‐curve (AUCCpep), particularly from 60 to 150 min (all p < 0.005). Beta‐cell function (ratio of AUCCpep to AUCgluc divided by HOMA‐IR) was similar between the groups at baseline (median 54.1 vs. 51.3, p = 0.62) but after IIT was significantly higher in the responders (109.3 vs. 57.4, p = 0.009). At baseline, the strongest predictors of the change in beta‐cell function were glucose levels between 180 and 240 min (all r = −0.5, p = 0.005) and incremental AUCCpep from 120 to 180 min (all r ≥ 0.66, p ≤ 0.0001), both reflecting late‐phase insulin secretion. Conclusions: The clinical response to short‐term IIT is variable, consistent with the heterogeneity of T2DM. However, preserved late‐phase insulin secretion may identify those patients who can benefit from this intervention with improved beta‐cell function.
Evaluation of the Perkins®handheld applanation tonometer in the measurement of intraocular pressure in dogs and cats
Authors: Andrade Silvia Franco , Cremonezi Tatiana , Zachi Cristiane Aparecida Miranda , Lonchiati Caroline Ferreira , Amatuzzi Juliana Dalarrosa , Sakamoto Keila Priscilla , De Arruda Mello Paulo Augusto 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjective To evaluate and to validate the accuracy of the Perkins®handheld applanation tonometer in the measurement of IOP in dogs and cats.Animals Twenty eyes from 10 dogs and 10 cats immediately after sacrifice were used for the postmortem study and 20 eyes from 10 clinically normal and anesthetized dogs and cats were used for thein vivostudy. Both eyes of 20 conscious dogs and cats were also evaluated.Procedure Readings of IOP postmortem andin vivowere taken using manometry (measured with a mercury column manometer) and tonometry (measured with a Perkins®handheld applanation tonometer). The IOP measurement with Perkins®tonometer in anesthetized and conscious dogs and cats was accomplished by instillation of proxymetacaine 0.5% and of 1% fluorescein eye drops.Results The correlation coefficient (r2) between the manometry and the Perkins®tonometer were 0.982 (dogs) and 0.988 (cats), and the corresponding linear regression equation werey = 0.0893x + 0.1105 (dogs) andy = 0.0899x + 0.1145 (cats) in the postmortem study. The mean IOP readings with the Perkins®tonometer after calibration curve correction were 14.9 ± 1.6 mmHg (range 12.2–17.2 mmHg) in conscious dogs, and were 15.1 ± 1.7 mmHg (range 12.1–18.7 mmHg) in conscious cats.Conclusion There was an excellent correlation between the IOP values obtained from direct ocular manometry and the Perkins®tonometer in dogs and cats. The Perkins®handheld tonometer could be in the future a new alternative for the diagnosis of glaucoma in veterinary ophthalmology.
Retinal degeneration in the Abyssinian and Somali cat (rdAc): correlation between genotype and phenotype and rdAc allele frequency in two continents
Authors: Narfström Kristina , David Victor , Jarret Oswald , Beatty Julia , Barrs Vanessa , Wilkie David , O’Brien Stephen , Menotti‐Raymond Marilyn 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjective  To characterize hereditary retinal degeneration in the Abyssinian cat (rdAc) in a recently established closed colony segregating for the rdAc mutation, and evaluate possible differences in the age of onset and progression of disease phenotype since the initial description of rdAc 25 years ago. The sample size of an earlier study was increased in order to determine the allele frequency in Abyssinian and Somali cats on a worldwide basis.Animals studied  Twenty rdAc affected cats from the closed animal facility, 87 Abyssinian and Somali cats for study of genotype–phenotype concordance, and DNA from 131 Abyssinian and Somali cats from Scandinavia, the UK and Australia for evaluation of the rdAc allele frequency.Procedures  DNA was extracted from blood and buccal swabs using commercially available kits, followed by genotyping. Ophthalmic examinations were performed in the USA and Sweden by two board‐certified veterinary ophthalmologists.Results  A greater variation in the age of onset and progression of the disease was observed compared to that previously described. An excellent correlation between genotype and phenotype was observed. A population genetic survey revealed that the rdAc allele is in moderate abundance in the Abyssinian breed in Europe and Australia. Surprisingly, homozygosity for the mutant allele was observed in a Siamese cat with ophthalmoscopic findings similar to those originally described for affected rdAc individuals.Conclusions  Alertness to the potential of rdAc is needed on the part of the veterinary ophthalmology community, not only in Abyssinian and Somali cats but possibly also in other related cat breeds.
Central nervous system infection withStaphylococcus intermediussecondary to retrobulbar abscessation in a dog
Authors: Oliver James A. C. , Llabrés‐Diaz Francisco J. , Gould David J. , Powell Roger M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn this report, we describe a case of retrobulbar abscessation in a dog that was initially diagnosed as masticatory myositis and treated with immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids. Secondary bacterial infection of the central nervous system (CNS) occurred and was definitively diagnosed by the analysis and culture of the cerebrospinal fluid. This is the first time that retrobulbar infection has been definitively shown to result in secondary bacterial infection of the CNS in the dog and highlights the importance of ruling out infectious causes of retrobulbar disease before assuming and treating for an immune‐mediated etiology.
Three hundred and three dogs with cataracts seen in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Baumworcel Natasha , Soares Ana M. B. , Helms Gustavo , Rei Paulo R. L. , Castro Maria Cristina N. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjective To describe the most common canine breeds affected with cataracts in Rio de Janeiro.Animals Three hundred and three dogs were included in this retrospective study. Animal ages ranged from 6 months to 14.8 years.Material and methods All records of dogs seen by the Ophthalmology Service of Policlínica Veterinária Botafogo between January 2005 and June 2008 were reviewed. Animals with cataracts were separated, and breed and age were evaluated.Results Most of the dogs presented with cataracts were Toy Poodles with a mean age of 8.2 years, followed by Cocker Spaniels and Bichon Frises. The percentage of Toy Poodles affected with cataracts was 13.8% while 33.3% of Bichon Frise was diagnosed with cataracts.Conclusions Toy Poodles are a popular breed in Rio de Janeiro. Without regulations on breeding, the prevalence of cataracts may increase rapidly. Furthermore, due to the relatively late onset of cataract formation in the Toy Poodle (mean 8.2 years of age), affected animals may have produced several litters of puppies. This study emphasizes the importance of screening for the presence of inherited ocular abnormalities such as cataracts prior to breeding.
Ultrasonographic and echobiometric findings in the eyes of Saanen goats of different ages
Authors: Ribeiro Alexandre P. , Silva Miguel L. , Rosa Juliana P. , Souza Samule F. , Teixeira Izabelle A. M. A. , Laus José L. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjective To determine ultrasonographic and echobiometric findings in the eyes of goats of different ages. B and A mode ultrasonography was performed in 55 healthy Saanen goats (110 eyes) of ages 45 (n = 15), 180 (n = 20), and 549 days (n = 20).Procedures Transcorneal ultrasonography was performed after instillation of a topical anesthetic and application of acoustic transmission gel on the 20‐MHz linear transducer tip. The transducer was placed in a longitudinal position until optimal B scan images, according to echoes of A mode images, were obtained. Statistical analysis was carried out to compare the echobiometric readings among subjects (P < 0.05).Results The aqueous and vitreous humors of the goats, as well as the lens cortices and nuclei, appeared anechoic. The cornea, anterior and posterior lens capsule, sclera, and iris appeared hyperechoic and generated peaks on the A mode. Ocular measurements between the right and left eyes, as well as between male and female goats were not significantly different among subjects of the same age (P = 1.00). All dimensions evaluated increased significantly with age (P < 0.01).Conclusions The ultrasonographic appearances of goat eyes were very similar to those of other animal species. The cornea, anterior chamber, lens, vitreous chamber, and axial globe length increased with age in the Saanen breed of goats. Knowledge of the normal appearance and ocular dimensions of goat eyes facilitates the use of ultrasonography in the evaluation of ocular disease in Saanen goats.
Ectopic expression of MgSM1, a Cerato‐platanin family protein fromMagnaporthe grisea, confers broad‐spectrum disease resistance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yang Yayun , Zhang Huijuan , Li Guojun , Li Wei , Wang Xiao’e , Song Fengming 
Published: September 2009

SummaryProteins belonging to the newly identified Cerato‐platanin (CP) family have been shown to have elicitor activity in inducing disease resistance responses in various plants. In this study, we characterized a gene,MgSM1, fromMagnaporthe grisea, encoding a putative small protein belonging to the CP family.MgSM1was constitutively expressed not only in different fungal growth stages but also during its infection process in rice plants. Agrobacterium‐mediated transient expression of MgSM1 in Arabidopsis resulted in hypersensitive response in the infiltrated local leaves and enhanced disease resistance againstBotrytis cinereaandPseudomonas syringaepv.tomato(Pst) DC3000 in upper leaves of plants, accompanyed by up‐regulated expression of defense genes (PR‐1,PR‐5andPDF1.2). Transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressingMgSM1under control of a dexamethasone (DEX)‐inducible promoter were generated. Expression ofMgSM1in transgenic plants was induced by exogenous application of DEX.MgSM1‐expressing plants showed normal growth with application of <10 μmDEX. After DEX induction, theMgSM1‐expressing plants showed enhanced disease resistance againstB. cinerea,Alternaria brassicicolaandPstoDC3000 as well as up‐regulated expression of some of defense genes. Moreover, accumulation of reactive oxygen species was observed inMgSM1‐expressing plants. These results collectively suggest that ectopic expression ofMgSM1in transgenic plants confers broad‐spectrum resistance against different types of pathogens. Our study also provides a novel strategy to generate environment‐friendly crops with enhanced broad‐spectrum resistance through ectopic expression of microbe‐derived disease resistance‐inducing proteins.
Engineering OsBAK1 gene as a molecular tool to improve rice architecture for high yield
Authors: Li Dan , Wang Lei , Wang Min , Xu Yun‐Yuan , Luo Wei , Liu Ya‐Ju , Xu Zhi‐Hong , Li Jia , Chong Kang 
Published: September 2009

SummaryGenerating a new variety of plant with erect‐leaf is a critical strategy to improve rice grain yield, as plants with this trait can be dense‐planted. The erect‐leaf is a significant morphological trait partially regulated by Brassinosteroids (BRs) in rice plants. So far, only a few genes can be used for molecular breeding in rice. Here, we identified OsBAK1 as a potential gene to alter rice architecture. Based on rice genome sequences, four closely related homologs of Arabidopsis BAK1 (AtBAK1) gene were amplified. Phylogenetic analysis and suppression of a weak Arabidopsis mutant bri1‐5 indicated that OsBAK1 (Os08g0174700) is the closest relative of AtBAK1. Genetic, physiological, and biochemical analyses all suggest that the function of OsBAK1 is conserved with AtBAK1. Overexpression of a truncated intracellular domain of OsBAK1, but not the extracellular domain of OsBAK1, resulted in a dwarfed phenotype, similar to the rice BR‐insensitive mutant plants. The expression of OsBAK1 changed important agricultural traits of rice such as plant height, leaf erectness, grain morphologic features, and disease resistance responses. Our results suggested that a new rice variety with erect‐leaf and normal reproduction can be generated simply by suppressing the expression level of OsBAK1. Therefore, OsBAK1 is a potential molecular breeding tool for improving rice grain yield by modifying rice architecture.