bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High glucose‐induced apoptosis in bovine retinal pericytes is associated with transforming growth factor β and βIG‐H3: βIG‐H3 induces apoptosis in retinal pericytes by releasing Arg‐Gly‐Asp peptides
Authors: Han Jeung H , Ha Sung W , Lee In K , Kim Bo W , Kim Jung G 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground:  Transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) plays an important role in diabetic retinopathy. βIG‐H3 is a downstream target molecule of TGF‐β that may participate in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy and in particular in the loss of pericytes during early pathological changes.Methods:  We observed bovine retinal pericytes apoptosis and the increased expression of TGF‐β and βIG‐H3 induced by high concentrations of glucose in the cell culture media. An anti‐TGF‐β antibody was used to block glucose‐induced retinal pericytes apoptosis. Retinal pericytes were also transfected with cDNA encodings either wild‐type or mutant βIG‐H3 lacking Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD) sequences in order to validate the effects of βIG‐H3 and RGD signalling on retinal pericytes apoptosis.Results:  A cell death‐detecting enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay revealed that 25 mM glucose significantly increased cell death compared with 5.5 mM glucose after 5 or 7 days of exposure (P < 0.01). High glucose significantly increased the TGF‐β levels as compared with 5.5 mM glucose after 5 days, and βIG‐H3 levels after 3, 5 and 7 days of exposure (P < 0.01). TGF‐β increased cell death and βIG‐H3 levels in a dose‐dependent manner, with a maximal effect observed at 1 ng/mL. An anti‐TGF‐β antibody nearly completely blocked high glucose‐induced cell death. Wild‐type βIG‐H3‐transfected cells showed a significant increase in cell death as compared with mutant βIG‐H3‐transfected (Mycb‐c) cells, untransfected or mock‐transfected cells.Conclusion:  These results suggest that hyperglycaemia‐induced expression of TGF‐β and βIG‐H3 contributes to accelerated retinal pericytes apoptosis. βIG‐H3 induces pericytes apoptosis through its RGD motif, which may constitute an important pathogenic mechanism leading to pericytes loss in diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy and the major causes of vision loss in Aboriginals from remote Western Australia
Authors: Clark Antony , Morgan William H , Kain Sam , Farah Hussein , Armstrong Kiele , Preen David , Semmens James B , Yu Dao‐Yi 
Published: March 2010

AbstractPurpose:  To report on diabetic retinopathy (DR) and the major causes of vision loss and blindness in Aboriginals in the Eastern Goldfields region of Western Australia between 1995 and 2007.Methods:  Aboriginals (>16 years old) diagnosed with diabetes or eye problems from 11 communities in the Eastern Goldfields region of Western Australia were examined annually from 1995 to 2007. Data collected from prospective clinical examination included; visual acuity (VA), causes of vision loss, and whether DR was present. Severity of DR was graded according to the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study modified Airlie House grading system.Results:  A total of 920 Aboriginals underwent 1331 examinations over the study period. There were 246 eyes with vision loss (best‐corrected VA < 6/12) in 159 Aboriginals, of whom five were bilaterally blind. The four major known causes of vision loss were cataract (n = 53, 30.1%), DR (n = 44, 25.0%), uncorrected refractive error (n = 31, 17.6%) and trauma (n = 19, 10.8%). Aboriginals who had diabetes were far more likely to have vision loss (odds ratio = 8.5, 95% confidence interval 5.7–12.6, P < 0.0001). Of the 329 Aboriginals with diabetes, 82 (24.9%) had DR, and 32 (9.7%) had vision‐threatening retinopathy. Of those with diabetes, 94 (42.5%) returned for follow‐up examination on an average of 3.2 visits with a median time between visits of 2 years.Conclusion:  The four major causes of vision loss in Aboriginals from the Eastern Goldfields are largely preventable and/or readily treated. DR and other diabetes‐related eye conditions are a major cause of vision loss in Aboriginals, representing a significant health challenge for health services and clinicians into the future.
Clinical characteristics and outcome of current standard management of central retinal artery occlusion
Authors: Rudkin Adam K , Lee Andrew W , Aldrich Eric , Miller Neil R , Chen Celia S 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground:  To investigate the visual outcomes in acute central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) with current standard therapy at two university teaching hospitals.Methods:  Retrospective analysis of two cohorts of CRAO patients from John Hopkins Hospital (JHH; USA), and Flinders Medical Centre (FMC; Australia), treated with current standard therapy. The outcome measures were visual acuity, and subsequent ocular and systemic ischaemic events.Results:  The mean follow‐up period was 11.2 ± 13.1 months in the JHH cohort and 35.4 ± 34.9 months in the FMC cohort. The frequency distribution of vascular risk factors and the incidence of subsequent ischaemic events were similar for the patients from both institutions. All patients from JHH were treated as inpatients, whereas 79% of patients from FMC were treated as outpatients. More patients in the JHH cohort underwent paracentesis, ocular massage or were treated with intraocular hypotensive agents (76%) than in the FMC cohort (26%); however, there was no significant difference in visual outcome between the two cohorts (P = 0.114).Conclusion:  Despite differences in management of CRAO between two institutions in different countries, visual outcomes were similar. This suggests a lack of efficacy of current standard treatment in acute CRAO.
Calciphylaxis of the temporal artery masquerading as temporal arteritis
Authors: Awwad Shady T , Ghosn Samer , Hogan R Nick 
Published: March 2010

AbstractWe describe a case of a 75‐year‐old man with diabetes type II and end‐stage renal disease, presenting with a one‐month history of blurring of vision in the left eye. Fundus exam showed pale and swollen optic nerve in the left eye, and temporal artery biopsy showed diffuse and extensive calcification at the internal elastic lamina and media. Biopsy of dusky erythematous lesions over the calves revealed the diagnosis of calciphylaxis. The temporal artery calcific lesions should hence be differentiated from the less extensive atherosclerotic changes, which mainly affect the media of the artery, as it is crucial to suspect this life‐threatening diagnosis in patients at risk.
Autohydrolysis of plant xylans by apoplastic expression of thermophilic bacterial endo‐xylanases
Authors: Borkhardt Bernhard , Harholt Jesper , Ulvskov Peter , Ahring Birgitte K. , Jørgensen Bodil , Brinch‐Pedersen Henrik 
Published: March 2010

SummaryThe genes encoding the two endo‐xylanases XynA and XynB from the thermophilic bacterium Dictyoglomus thermophilum were codon optimized for expression in plants. Both xylanases were designed to be constitutively expressed under the control of the CaMV 35S promoter and targeted to the apoplast. Transient expression in tobacco and stable expression in transgenic Arabidopsis showed that both enzymes were expressed in an active form with temperature optima at 85 °C. Transgenic Arabidopsis accumulating heterologous endo‐xylanases appeared phenotypically normal and were fully fertile. The highest xylanase activity in Arabidopsis was found in dry stems indicating that the enzymes were not degraded during stem senescence. High levels of enzyme activity were maintained in cell‐free extracts from dry transgenic stems during incubation at 85 °C for 24 h. Analysis of cell wall polysaccharides after heat treatment of wildtype and transgenic extracts from dry stems showed a decrease in the molecular weight of xylans from transgenic stems.
Agency Conflicts, Controlling Owner Proximity, and Firm Value: An Analysis of Dual‐Class Firms in the United States
Authors: Hoi Chun‐Keung , Robin Ashok 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTManuscript Type: EmpiricalResearch Question/Issue: The study seeks to understand whether the proximity of the largest shareholder (controller) to the locus of management – whether the controller is a top executive, a board member, or an outsider – determines the value of US dual‐class firms.Research Findings/Insights: Using a sample of 209 US dual class firms from the year 2000 and a corresponding control sample of single‐class firms, we run cross‐sectional regressions to determine the effect of the controller on firm value. We present robust evidence that dual‐class firm value is negatively related to controller proximity. Dual‐class structure overall is unrelated to firm value, because despite its negative effects with high proximity controllers there appear to be benefits when controller proximity is low (when the largest shareholder is an outsider).Theoretical/Academic Implications: Ownership structure is a widely studied subject but most studies focus on insider ownership. More nuanced aspects of ownership such as controller proximity are needed in empirical studies and theoretical models. These nuances could help us better understand the interplay between the incentive of various parties (e.g., managers, large shareholders) and the opportunity available for extraction of private benefits.Practitioner/Policy Implications: A practitioner implication is that shareholder of high‐proximity dual‐class firms must seek additional control mechanisms to curb agency costs. A policy implication is that investor protection (laws and institutional structure protecting shareholders) works only to a limited extent – it curbs overt acts of expropriation, but cannot eliminate acts engineered by insiders.
THE INTEGRATED APPROACH IN NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL: MORE THAN JUST A PHILOSOPHY?
Authors: AALBERS MANUEL B. , VAN BECKHOVEN ELLEN 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTAcross Europe, area‐based policies have been developed as a mode of urban governance to deal with the unfavourable situation in many urban neighbourhoods, particularly large post‐Second World War developments. The philosophy behind these area‐based policies is that integrated initiatives to deal with the physical, economic and social aspects of these urban neighbourhoods, will lead to the most effective solution. This paper focuses on the ‘integrated’ aspect of area‐based policies in the Netherlands. We find that there is an unbalanced relationship between policies that focus on physical interventions and those that focus on social interventions. Also, findings show that some area‐based initiatives claiming to be using an integrated approach are not. ‘Integration’ is often a term used by policy‐makers but not implemented. This lack of integration is partly due to the limited flexibility in decision‐making at the local level in dividing funds between and within the different policy fields.
Bickerstaff’s encephalitis and Miller Fisher syndrome associated with voltage‐gated potassium channel and novel anti‐neuronal antibodies
Authors: Tüzün E. , Kürtüncü M. , Lang B. , İçöz S. , Akman‐Demir G. , Eraksoy M. , Vincent A. 
Published: March 2010

Background:  GQ1b antibody (GQ1b‐Ab) is detected in approximately two‐thirds of sera of patients with Bickerstaff’s encephalitis (BE). Whilst some of the remaining patients have antibodies to other gangliosides, many patients with BE are reported to be seronegative.Methods and Results:  Voltage‐gated potassium channel antibody (VGKC‐Ab) at high titer was detected during the diagnostic work‐up of one patient with BE. Sera of an additional patient with BE and nine patients with Miller Fisher syndrome (MF) (all GQ1b‐Ab positive) were investigated for VGKC‐Ab and other anti‐neuronal antibodies by radioimmunoprecipitation using 125I‐dendrotoxin‐VGKC and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Two patients with MF exhibited moderate titer VGKC‐Abs. Regardless of positivity for VGKC or GQ1b antibodies, serum IgG of all patients with BE and MF reacted with the molecular layer and Purkinje cells of the cerebellum in a distinctive pattern.Conclusion:  Voltage‐gated potassium channel antibodies might be involved in some cases of BE or MF. The common staining pattern despite different antibody results suggests that there might be other, as yet unidentified, antibodies associated with BE and MF.
What is Theological Interpretation? The Example of Robert W. Jenson
Authors: SARISKY DARREN 
Published: March 2010

AbstractTheological interpretation is an approach to reading generated by a theological understanding of the biblical text, of the community that reads it theologically, and of the practice of reading. This essay argues this point on the basis of the work of one representative theological interpreter, Robert W. Jenson. In addition, it entertains John Barton's objection that theological interpretation amounts to eisegesis. The article concludes that theological exegesis does not necessarily involve reading one's views into the text, but rather that it results in putting the text to a different end.
Predicting potential distributions of invasive species: where to go from here?
Authors: Gallien Laure , Münkemüller Tamara , Albert Cécile H. , Boulangeat Isabelle , Thuiller Wilfried 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAim  There has been considerable recent interest in modelling the potential distributions of invasive species. However, research has developed in two opposite directions: the first, focusing on screening, utilizes phenomenological models; the second, focusing on predictions of invasion dynamics, utilizes mechanistic models. Here, we present hybrid modelling as an approach to bridge the gap and to integrate the advantages of both research directions.Location  Global.Methods  First, we briefly summarize the characteristics and limitations of both approaches (screening vs. understanding). Then, we review the recent developments of hybrid models, discuss their current problems and offer suggestions to improve them.Results  Generally, hybrid models are able to combine the advantages of currently used phenomenological and mechanistic approaches. Main challenges in building hybrid models are the choices of the appropriate degree of detail and efficiency and the decision on how to connect the different sub‐models. Given these challenges, we discuss the links between the phenomenological and the mechanistic model parameters, the underlying concepts of fundamental and realized niches and the problem of feedback loops between population dynamics and environmental factors.Main conclusions  Once the above challenges have been addressed and the necessary framework has been developed, hybrid models will provide outstanding tools for overcoming past limitations and will provide the means to make reliable and robust predictions of the potential distribution of invasive species, their population dynamics and the potential outcomes of the overall invasion process.
Purinoreceptor‐mediated current in myocytes from renal resistance arteries
Authors: Harhun Maksym I , Povstyan Oleksandr V , Gordienko Dmitri V 
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose: Ionotropic purinoreceptors (P2X) in renal vascular smooth muscle cells (RVSMCs) are involved in mediating the sympathetic control and paracrine regulation of renal blood flow (RBF). Activation of P2X receptors elevates [Ca2+]iin RVSMCs triggering their contraction, leading to renal vasoconstriction and decrease of RBF. The goal of the present work was to characterize the P2X receptor‐mediated ionic current (IP2X) and to identify the types of P2X receptors expressed in myocytes isolated from interlobar and arcuate arteries of rat kidney.Experimental approach: The expression of P2X receptors in isolated RVSMCs was analysed by reverse transcription (RT)–PCR. IP2Xand membrane potential were recorded using the amphotericin B‐perforated patch method.Key results: RT–PCR analysis on single RVSMCs showed the presence of genes encoding P2X1 and P2X4 receptors. Under voltage clamp conditions, the selective P2X receptor agonist αβ‐methylene ATP (αβ‐meATP) evoked IP2Xsimilar to that induced by ATP. Under current clamp conditions, both ATP and αβ‐meATP evoked a spike‐like membrane depolarization followed by a sustained depolarization, linking P2X receptors in RVSMCs to sympathetic control of renal vascular tone. A selective antagonist of P2X1 receptors, NF279, reduced IP2Xamplitude by ∼65% concentration‐dependently manner within the nanomolar to sub‐micromolar range. The residual current was resistant to micromolar concentrations of NF279, but was inhibited by sub‐millimolar to millimolar concentrations of NF279.Conclusions and implications: Two types of functional P2X receptors, monomeric P2X1 and heteromeric P2X1/4 receptors, are expressed in RVSMCs. Our study has identified important targets for possible pharmacological intervention in the sympathetic control of renal circulation.British Journal of Pharmacology(2010)160,987–997; 10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00714.x
Prostaglandin signalling in cerebral ischaemia
Authors: Andreasson Katrin 
Published: March 2010

The inducible cyclooxygenase COX‐2 exerts neurotoxic effects in a wide spectrum of neurological disease models, including models of cerebral ischaemia and chronic neurodegeneration. As COX‐1 and COX‐2 catalyse the first committed step in prostaglandin synthesis, recent efforts have focused on identifying the downstream prostaglandin signalling pathways responsible for mediating the toxic effect of COX‐2. Recent studies in models of in vitro excitotoxicity or hypoxia demonstrate that certain prostaglandin receptors mediate toxic effects, but a large number appear to mediate paradoxically protective effects. In vivo studies have begun to confirm initial in vitro findings, with selected prostaglandin receptors eliciting either neurotoxic or protective effects in models of cerebral ischaemia. In the present issue, Ikeda‐Matsuo et al. examine the function of the PGE2 EP3 receptor in a model of transient focal ischaemia and explore its potential signalling through Rho kinase activation.This article is a commentary on Ikeda‐Matsuo et al., pp. 847–859 of this issue. To view this paper visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00711.x
European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society Guideline on management of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy: Report of a joint task force of the European Federation of Neurological Societies and the Peripheral Nerve Society – First Revision
Authors:   Joint Task Force of the EFNS and the PNS
Published: March 2010

Background: Consensus guidelines on the definition, investigation, and treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) have been published (J Peripher Nerv Syst 2005; 10: 220–228, Eur J Neurol 2006; 13: 326–332). Objectives: To revise these guidelines. Methods: Disease experts, including a representative of patients, considered references retrieved from MEDLINE and Cochrane Systematic Reviews published between August 2004 and July 2009 and prepared statements that were agreed in an iterative fashion.Recommendations: The Task Force agreed on Good Practice Points to define clinical and electrophysiological diagnostic criteria for CIDP with or without concomitant diseases and investigations to be considered. The principal treatment recommendations were: (i) intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) (Recommendation Level A) or corticosteroids (Recommendation Level C) should be considered in sensory and motor CIDP; (ii) IVIg should be considered as the initial treatment in pure motor CIDP (Good Practice Point); (iii) if IVIg and corticosteroids are ineffective, plasma exchange (PE) should be considered (Recommendation Level A); (iv) if the response is inadequate or the maintenance doses of the initial treatment are high, combination treatments or adding an immunosuppressant or immunomodulatory drug should be considered (Good Practice Point); (v) symptomatic treatment and multidisciplinary management should be considered (Good Practice Point).
Eutrophication in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Saikku Laura , Asmala Eero 
Published: March 2010

SummaryFish consumption is increasing globally. Overfishing puts pressure on fisheries, but aquaculture provides an alternative to satisfy the growing need for seafood. However, nutrient emissions from aquaculture contribute to eutrophication, and raising fish from the top of the food chain is inefficient. Here we use the approach of industrial ecology and report ImPACT decomposition analysis of the drivers of nutrient emissions to the Baltic Sea from rainbow trout aquaculture in Finland during 1980−2007. During this period, the nitrogen load studied increased markedly and was 522 tonnes in 2007. The phosphorus load quadrupled and then returned to its original level of about 65 tonnes. The Finnish population increased slightly, while the average affluence level increased significantly. Total salmonid consumption increased substantially during the period. The increasing percentage of imported salmonids and improvements in domestic aquaculture technology ended the period of strong growth of emissions in the 1980s. Decreasing the nutrient load through reductions in salmonid consumption in the future is unlikely, due to health benefits and consumer preferences. Replacing domestic production with import of salmonids raises questions regarding outsourcing of the environmental impact, and regarding rural development in Finland. Major improvements in production technology are not in sight. New perspectives on rainbow trout aquaculture may be needed, including using feed from the Baltic Sea, thus closing the nutrient cycle or changing consumption and production to herbivorous fish species.
Long‐Term Pain Relief in Patients with Cervicogenic Headaches after Pulsed Radiofrequency Application into the Lateral Atlantoaxial (C1‐2) Joint Using an Anterolateral Approach
Authors: Halim Willy , Chua Nicholas H L , Vissers Kris C 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe lateral atlantoaxial joint has long been reported as a source of cervicogenic headache. We present a retrospective study, including 86 patients who had undergone lateral C1‐2 joint pulsed radiofrequency application, for cervicogenic headache in a single pain center from March 2007 to December 2008. The percentage of patients who had ≥50% pain relief at 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year were 50% (43/86), 50% (43/86), and 44.2% (38/86), respectively. Long‐term pain relief at 6 months and 1 year were predicted reliably by ≥50% pain relief at 2 months (P < 0.001). Apart from 1 patient that complained of increased severity of occipital headache lasting several hours, we had no other reported complications.
Oral Burning Sensation: Prevalence and Gender Differences in a Japanese Population
Authors: Suzuki Nagaaki , Mashu Shigenari , Toyoda Masamoto , Nishibori Masakazu 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground:  Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is characterized by an oral burning sensation (OBS) in the tongue or other oral mucous membrane in the absence of any clinical abnormal findings. It frequently affects middle‐aged and aged women. Although there are many oral disorders with OBS besides BMS, the prevalence of OBS is unclear.Aim:  To investigate the prevalence of OBS and analyze the gender differences in a Japanese population.Methods:  The study subjects were 2599 dental patients in two dental offices in Tokyo, Japan. The prevalence of OBS was investigated using a questionnaire.Results:  The mean ages of the subjects were 42.7 ± 13.8 (mean ± SD) years of age in male and 40.1 ± 15.4 (mean ± SD) years of age in female. The prevalence of OBS “at present” was 2.8% of 1310 male subjects and 3.2% of 1289 female subjects. There was no statistically significant difference between them for each decade. The prevalence including “at present” and “in the past” were 9.3% in male subjects and 10.8% in female subjects; this difference was not statistically significant.Conclusion:  These findings fail to demonstrate a female predilection for OBS.