bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The capacity of social security and health care institutions to adapt to an ageing world
Authors: Harper Sarah 
Published: September 2010

AbstractPopulation ageing has been occurring in many countries within Europe, North America and elsewhere for a number of decades. However, recently the pace, size and global reach of such ageing has begun to be recognised, and the wider implications assessed. Population ageing poses a key policy challenge for social security and health care systems across the globe. Different governments will come to these considerations carrying with them contrasting demographic profiles, welfare regimes and institutional structures, and cultural systems. The future success of societies in their efforts to accommodate such demographic change will, to a large extent, rest with the capacity of social security and health care institutions to adapt to an ageing world.
Involvement of the 3′‐untranslated region of the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor gene in activity‐dependent mRNA stabilization
Authors: Fukuchi Mamoru , Tsuda Masaaki 
Published: September 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 1222–1233.AbstractAlthough gene transcription is controlled by neuronal activity, little is known about post‐transcriptional regulation in neurons. Using cultured neurons, we found that the half‐life of immediate‐early gene transcripts is prolonged or shortened by membrane depolarization. Focusing on the activity‐dependent stabilization of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA, we constructed a series of plasmids, in which the short 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of the BDNF gene was fused to the firefly luciferase gene, and found that the 3′‐UTR prevented destabilization of luciferase mRNA through Ca2+ signals evoked via depolarization. No such prevention was observed with the simian virus 40 late poly(A) site. The pre‐mRNA covering the entire short 3′‐UTR, where multiple poly(A) sites including novel ones are located, was stabilized. Deletion analyses of 3′‐UTR revealed a core region (about 130 bases long) and a complementary region to be responsible for the prevention, well consistent with the formation of an extended stem‐loop RNA structure and the production of poly(A) mRNAs. Thus, the mRNA stability is activity‐dependently controlled in neurons and distinct regions of the 3′‐UTR of BDNF mRNA are involved in stabilizing mRNA in response to Ca2+ signals, suggesting a primary role of the RNA secondary structure affecting the availability of poly(A) sites in activity‐dependent mRNA stabilization.
Conformational changes in extracellular loop 2 associated with signal transduction in the glycine receptor
Authors: Cederholm Jennie M. E. , Absalom Nathan L. , Sugiharto Silas , Griffith Renate , Schofield Peter R. , Lewis Trevor M. 
Published: September 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 1245–1255.AbstractLigand‐gated ion channels efficiently couple neurotransmitter binding to the opening of an intrinsic ion channel to generate the post‐synaptic potentials that are characteristic of fast synaptic transmission. In the Cys‐loop family of ligand‐gated ion channels, the ligand‐binding site is approximately 60 Å above the channel gate. Structural modelling of related proteins and mutagenesis studies led to the hypothesis that loops 2 and 7 of the extracellular domain may couple ligand binding to receptor activation. Mutating loop 2 residues of the glycine receptor to cysteine reveals an alternating pattern of effect upon receptor function. Mutations A52C, T54C and M56C produced a threefold right‐shift in EC50. In contrast, a 30‐fold right‐shift was seen for mutations E53C, T55C and D57C. Loop 2 conformational changes associated with ligand binding were assessed by measuring the rate of covalent modification of substituted cysteines by charged methane thiosulfonate reagents. We show for the first time state‐dependent differences in the rate of reaction. A52C and T54C are more accessible in the resting state and M56C is more accessible in the activated state. These results demonstrate that loop 2 does undergo a conformational change as part of the mechanism that couples ligand binding to channel opening.
Biochemical dissection of Anosmin‐1 interaction with FGFR1 and components of the extracellular matrix
Authors: Murcia‐Belmonte Verónica , Esteban Pedro F. , García‐González Diego , De Castro Fernando 
Published: September 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 1256–1265.AbstractAnosmin‐1, defective in Kallmann’s syndrome, participates in the adhesion, migration and differentiation of different cell types in the CNS. Although not fully understood, the mechanisms of action of Anosmin‐1 involve the interaction with different proteins, being the interaction with fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) and the modulation of its signalling the best studied to date. Using glutathione‐S‐transferase pull‐down assays we demonstrate that the FnIII.3 (Fibronectin‐like type III) domain and the combination whey acidic protein‐FnIII.1, but not each of them individually, interact with FGFR1. The interaction of the whey acidic protein‐FnIII.1 domains is substantially reduced when the cysteine‐rich region is present, suggesting a likely regulatory role for this domain. The introduction in FnIII.3 of any of the two missense mutations found in Kallmann’s syndrome patients, E514K and F517L, abolished the interaction with FGFR1, what suggests an important role for these residues in the interaction. Interestingly, the chemoattraction of Anosmin‐1 on rat neuronal precursors (NPs) via FGFR1 is retained by the N‐terminal region of Anosmin‐1 but not by FnIII.3 alone, and is lost in proteins carrying either one of the missense mutations, probably because of a highly reduced binding capacity to FGFR1. We also describe homophilic interaction Anosmin‐1/Anosmin‐1 via the FnIII repeats 1 and 4, and the interaction of FnIII.1 and FnIII.3 with Fibronectin and of FnIII.3 with Laminin.
Population persistence of the parasitoid fly Zaira cinerea (Fallén) (Diptera: Tachinidae) utilizing multiple host carabid beetles with different seasonality and quality
Authors: OHWAKI Atsushi , NAKAMURA Koji 
Published: September 2010

Abstract Zaira cinerea (Fallén) is a parasitoid fly (Diptera: Tachinidae) that attacks adult carabid beetles. To better understand mechanisms of population persistence in this species, we examined seasonality of host beetle abundance, the frequency of parasitism, and the timing of fly eclosion. In addition, we evaluated host quality using numbers of larvae or puparia per individual beetle as a measure of quality. The fly parasitized only large carabids (≥15 mm body length); the lengths of fly puparia reached 7.4–10.8 mm during development in beetle abdomens, and larger hosts are likely essential. Of the 18 large carabid species collected in this study, we chose two, Carabus maiyasanus Bates and Leptocarabus procerulus (Bates), because they were large and abundant (87% of total catch). The two carabids had different phonologies; C. maiyasanus was abundant from spring to summer, and its abundance dropped sharply in autumn, while L. procerulus was abundant in autumn and rare from spring to summer except July. Parasitism was observed in all the months from May to November except June, and adult flies eclosed more than once a year (in early summer, late summer, and mid‐autumn), indicating that the species is multivoltine. Host quality of L. procerulus was higher than that of C. maiyasanus. Carabus maiyasanus was mainly used as a host from spring to summer, and L. procerulus was used in autumn. Thus, adult beetles of one or both species are available over most of spring, summer, and autumn, allowing population persistence of this fly species over time.
Consequences Arising From Elevated Surface Temperatures on Human Blood
Authors: Hamilton Kathrin F. , Schmidt Verena I. , Mager Ilona , Schmitz‐Rode Thomas , Steinseifer Ulrich 
Published: September 2010

AbstractHeat in blood pumps is generated by losses of the electrical motor and bearings. In the presented study the influence of tempered surfaces on bulk blood and adhesions on these surfaces was examined. Titanium alloy housing dummies were immersed in 25 mL heparinized human blood. The dummies were constantly tempered at specific temperatures (37–45°C) over 15 min. Blood samples were withdrawn for blood parameter analysis and the determination of the plasmatic coagulation cascade. The quantities of adhesion on surfaces were determined by drained weight. Blood parameters do not alter significantly up to surface temperatures of 45°C. In comparison to the control specimen, a drop in the platelet count can be observed, but is not significantly temperature dependent. The mean mass of adhesions at 41°C increased up to 66% compared to 37°C. Thus, heat generated in electrical motors and contact bearings may influence the amount of adhesions on surfaces.
Prediction of Leakage Flow in a Shrouded Centrifugal Blood Pump
Authors: Teo Ji‐Bin , Chan Weng‐Kong , Wong Yew‐Wah 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThis article proposes a phenomenological model to predict the leakage flow in the clearance gap of shrouded centrifugal blood pumps. A good washout in the gap clearance between the rotating impeller surfaces and volute casing is essential to avoid thrombosis. However, excessive leakage flow will result in higher fluid shear stress that may lead to hemolysis. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was performed to investigate the leakage flow in a miniaturized shrouded centrifugal blood pump operating at a speed of 2000 rpm. Based on an analytical model derived earlier, a phenomenological model is proposed to predict the leakage flow. The leakage flow rate is found to be proportional to hα, where h is the gap size and the exponent α ranges from 2.955 to 3.15 for corresponding gap sizes of 0.2–0.5 mm. In addition, it is observed that α is a linear function of the gap size h. The exponent α compensates for the variation of pressure difference along the circumferential direction as well as inertia effects that are dominant for larger gap clearances. The proposed model displays good agreement with computational results. The CFD analysis also showed that for larger gap sizes, the total leakage flow rate is of the same order of magnitude as the operating flow rate, thus suggesting low volumetric efficiency.
Outline of the International Organization for Standardization Standard for Circulatory Support Devices (ISO 14708‐5)
Authors: Imachi Kou , Mussivand Tofy 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe rapid progress of artificial heart and circulatory support devices enables us to apply them to severe heart failure patients. Many types of circulatory support devices have been developed in the United States, Europe, and Japan. This situation urged the establishment of an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standard for the circulatory support devices. A new work, “Cardiac Ventricular Assist Devices,” was proposed to the ISO/TC150/SC6 (TC150: Technical Committee of Implants for Surgery, SC6: Sub‐committee of Active Implants) in 2000, and the work was finalized for publication at a 2009 meeting of the ISO/TC150 in Kyoto. In this article, the authors would like to introduce the ISO system and the outline of the ISO Standard for Circulatory Support Devices.
Evaluation of the Impeller Shroud Performance of an Axial Flow Ventricular Assist Device Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Su Boyang , Chua Leok P. , Lim Tau M. , Zhou Tongming 
Published: September 2010

AbstractGenerally, there are two types of impeller design used in the axial flow blood pumps. For the first type, which can be found in most of the axial flow blood pumps, the magnet is embedded inside the impeller hub or blades. For the second type, the magnet is embedded inside the cylindrical impeller shroud, and this design has not only increased the rotating stability of the impeller but has also avoided the flow interaction between the impeller blade tip and the pump casing. Although the axial flow blood pumps with either impeller design have been studied individually, the comparisons between these two designs have not been conducted in the literature. Therefore, in this study, two axial flow blood pumps with and without impeller shrouds were numerically simulated with computational fluid dynamics and compared with each other in terms of hydraulic and hematologic performances. For the ease of comparison, these two models have the same inner components, which include a three‐blade straightener, a two‐blade impeller, and a three‐blade diffuser. The simulation results showed that the model with impeller shroud had a lower static pressure head with a lower hydraulic efficiency than its counterpart. It was also found that the blood had a high possibility to deposit on the impeller shroud inner surface, which greatly enhanced the possibility of thrombus formation. The blood damage indices in both models were around 1%, which was much lower than the 13.1% of the axial flow blood pump of Yano et al. with the corresponding experimental hemolysis of 0.033 g/100 L.
Proteomics and syndrome of Chinese medicine
Authors: Lu Chuan‐Li , Qv Xiao‐Ying , Jiang Jian‐Guo 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Introduction
Proteomics and its adaptive multi‐disciplinary
Relationship between proteomics and syndrome of Chinese medicine
Applications of proteomics in syndrome
Problems and prospects

Syndrome of Chinese medicine is an understanding of the regularity of disease occurrence and development and its performance of symptoms. Syndrome is the key to recognize diseases and the foundation to treat them. However, because of the complexity of the concept and the limitation of present investigations, the research of syndrome is hard to go further. Proteomics has been received extensive attention in the area of medical diagnosis and drug development. In the holistic and systemic context, proteomics have a convergence with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome, which could overcome the one‐sidedness and singleness of TCM and avoid the complication and tedious processes. Chinese medicine has a wealth of experience and proteomics has a substantial research potential, the integration of the two aspects will bring a great enhancement of our knowledge of disease.
Protective effects of AMP‐activated protein kinase in the cardiovascular system
Authors: Xu Qiang , Si Liang‐Yi 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Introduction
AMPK structure and function
Role of AMPK in the heart
Role of AMPK in endothelial cells
Role of AMPK in vascular smooth muscle cells
Role of AMPK in vascular angiogenesis
Role of AMPK in cardiovascular diseases
Conclusion and perspectives

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Recent studies of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), a highly conserved sensor of cellular energy status, suggest that there might be therapeutic value in targeting the AMPK signaling pathway. AMPK is found in most mammalian tissues, including those of the cardiovascular system. As cardiovascular diseases are typically associated with blood flow occlusion and blood occlusion may induce rapid energy deficit, AMPK activation may occur during the early phase upon nutrient deprivation in cardiovascular organs. Therefore, investigation of AMPK in cardiovascular organs may help us to understand the pathophysiology of defence mechanisms in these organs. Recent studies have provided proof of concept for the idea that AMPK is protective in heart as well as in vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Moreover, dysfunction of the AMPK signalling pathway is involved in the genesis and development of various cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension and stroke. The roles of AMPK in the cardiovascular system, as they are currently understood, will be presented in this review. The interaction between AMPK and other cardiovascular signalling pathways such as nitric oxide signalling is also discussed.
Echocardiographic prediction of patent ductus arteriosus in need of therapeutic intervention
Authors: Harling S , Hansen‐Pupp I , Baigi A , Pesonen E 
Published: September 2010

AbstractAim:  To evaluate the efficacy of various echocardiographic markers in predicting a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in need of treatment.Methods:  Forty‐five preterm infants with a mean (SD) gestational age of 27.7 (1.9) weeks underwent echocardiography at a postnatal age of 24 ± 6 and 72 ± 6 h. Four echocardiographic markers were studied: ductus diameter, ductal flow Doppler curves, the left atrial to aortic root (LA/Ao) ratio and Doppler pixels representing ductal shunting.Results:  Twenty‐eight infants had a PDA with a detectable left‐to‐right shunt. Of these, 12 (43%) were treated for a shunt through the PDA. Ductal diameter was the most accurate echocardiographic marker when it came to predicting a significant shunt, with a sensitivity of 89%, a specificity of 70%, a positive likelihood ratio of 2.97 and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.16 at the age of 72 h. The efficacy of the method at 72 h of age was 84%. The corresponding efficacy of the pulsatile Doppler curve was 72%, percentage of green colour pixels 63% and the LA/Ao ratio 53%.Conclusion:  Ductus diameter appears to be the most important variable in determining the need for therapeutic intervention for PDA in preterm infants.
Swedish translation and validation of the Pediatric Allergic Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (PADQLQ)
Authors: Kiotseridis Hampus , Cilio Corrado M , Bjermer Leif , Aurivillius Magnus , Jacobsson Helene , Tunsäter Alf 
Published: September 2010

AbstractAim:  The aim of the study was to translate and validate the PADQLQ (Pediatric Allergic Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire), a disease‐specific quality of life questionnaire for the assessment of quality of life in children with pollen allergy.Methods:  The PADQLQ was translated into Swedish according to guidelines. Children aged 7–18 with grass pollen allergy were included. Quality of life was assessed in parallel with ordinary symptom scales (VAS) before, during and after the pollen season.Results:  A total of 98 children were included and 89 (91%) completed the study. The results for PADQLQ showed good cross‐sectional and longitudinal validity. The retrospective estimation after the season showed good consensus with the assessment during pollen season.Conclusion:  Quality of life in children assessed with the PADQLQ (Pediatric Allergic Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire) is a reliable strategy for evaluating the burden of disease in children with pollen allergy and for the evaluation of treatment.
Complex Mutation and Weak Selection together Determined the Codon Usage Bias in Bryophyte Mitochondrial Genomes
Authors: Wang Bin , Liu Jing , Jin Liang , Feng Xue‐Ying , Chen Jian‐Qun 
Published: September 2010

Abstract Mutation and selection are two major forces causing codon usage biases. How these two forces influence the codon usages in green plant mitochondrial genomes has not been well investigated. In the present study, we surveyed five bryophyte mitochondrial genomes to reveal their codon usage patterns as well as the determining forces. Three interesting findings were made. First, comparing to Chara vulgaris, an algal species sister to all extant land plants, bryophytes have more G, C‐ending codon usages in their mitochondrial genes. This is consistent with the generally higher genomic GC content in bryophyte mitochondria, suggesting an increased mutational pressure toward GC. Second, as indicated by Wright's Nc‐GC3s plot, mutation, not selection, is the major force affecting codon usages of bryophyte mitochondrial genes. However, the real mutational dynamics seem very complex. Context‐dependent analysis indicated that nucleotide at the 2nd codon position would slightly affect synonymous codon choices. Finally, in bryophyte mitochondria, tRNA genes would apply a weak selection force to fine‐tune the synonymous codon frequencies, as revealed by data of Ser4‐Pro‐Thr‐Val families. In summary, complex mutation and weak selection together determined the codon usages in bryophyte mitochondrial genomes.
Freshwater Fish Gill Ion Transport: August Krogh to morpholinos and microprobes
Authors: Evans D. H. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractAugust Krogh proposed that freshwater fishes (and other freshwater animals) maintain body NaCl homoeostasis by extracting these ions from the environment via separate Na+/NH4+ and Cl−/HCO3− exchangers in the gill epithelium. Subsequent data from other laboratories suggested that Na+ uptake was more probably coupled to H+ secretion via a vesicular proton pump (V‐ATPase) electrically coupled to a Na+ channel. However, despite uncertainty about electrochemical gradients, evidence has accrued that epithelial Na+/H+ exchange indeed may be an alternative pathway for Na+ uptake. The specific pathways for Na+ uptake may be species and environment specific. An apical Cl−/HCO3− exchanger is generally accepted for most species (some species do not extract Cl− from freshwater), but the relative roles of anion exchanger‐like (SLC4A1) vs. pendrin‐like (SLC26Z4) exchangers are unknown, and also may be species specific. Most recently, data have supported the presence of an apical Na+ + Cl− cotransporter (NCC‐type), despite thermodynamic uncertainty. Ammonia extrusion may be via NH3 diffusing through the paracellular junctions or NH4+ substitution on both basolateral and apical ionic exchangers (Na+ + K+‐ATPase; Na+ + K+ + Cl− ‐ cotransporter; and Na+/H+ exchanger), but recent evidence suggests that Rhesus‐glycoproteins mediate both basolateral and apical movement of ammonia.
Intrinsic properties of lumbar motor neurones in the adult G127insTGGG superoxide dismutase‐1 mutant mouse in vivo: evidence for increased persistent inward currents
Authors: Meehan C. F. , Moldovan M. , Marklund S. L. , Graffmo K. S. , Nielsen J. B. , Hultborn H. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractAim:  Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by a preferential loss of motor neurones. Previous publications using in vitro neonatal preparations suggest an increased excitability of motor neurones in various superoxide dismutase‐1 (SOD1) mutant mice models of ALS which may contribute to excitotoxicity of the motor neurones.Methods:  Using intracellular recording, we tested this hypothesis in vivo in the adult presymptomatic G127insTGGG (G127X) SOD1 mutant mouse model of ALS.Results:  At resting membrane potentials the basic intrinsic properties of lumbar motor neurones in the adult presymptomatic G127X mutant are not significantly different from those of wild type. However, at more depolarized membrane potentials, motor neurones in the G127X SOD1 mutants can sustain higher frequency firing, showing less spike frequency adaption (SFA) and with persistent inward currents (PICs) being activated at lower firing frequencies and being more pronounced.Conclusion:  We demonstrated that, in vivo, at resting membrane potential, spinal motor neurones of the adult G127X mice do not show an increased excitability. However, when depolarized they show evidence of an increased PIC and less SFA which may contribute to excitotoxicity of these neurones as the disease progresses.