bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The distribution of fibrillin‐2 and LTBP‐2, and their co‐localisation with fibrillin‐1 in adult bovine tail disc
Authors: Li Bing , Urban Jill P. G. , Yu Jing 
Published: November 2011

AbstractWe investigated the distribution of fibrillin‐2 and LTBP‐2 (latent TGF‐β binding protein‐2) in the intervertebral disc of the adult bovine tail. The association of fibrillin‐2 and of LTBP‐2 with fibrillin‐1 was examined by dual immunofluorescence staining. Both fibrillin‐2 and LTBP‐2 were found extensively distributed in all regions of the disc with the organisation of the network varying significantly region to region. In the outer annulus fibrosus (OAF) both fibrillin‐2 and LTBP‐2 co‐localised with fibrillin‐1 forming fibres running parallel to the collagen fibres of the lamellae with the microfibrillar network staining densely in between the adjacent lamellae and also at the boundaries of the collagen bundle compartments. In the inner annulus fibrosus (IAF) and nucleus pulposus (NP), co‐localised fibrillin‐1,2 and LTBP‐2 formed a chondron‐like structure around the cell. By contrast, the inter‐territorial matrix of the IAF and NP contained a dense network of fibrillin‐2 but only sparse/filamentous fibres of fibrillin‐1 and LTBP‐2. Dual immunostaining revealed that in this region, fibrillin‐2 was highly colocalised with elastin. The LTBP‐2 network co‐localised well with that of fibrillin‐1 in all regions and indeed is reported to bind strongly to fibrillin‐1. However, interestingly LTBP‐2 but not fibrillin‐1 or fibrillin‐2 was removed by hyaluronidase but not collagenase pre‐digestion. Our results suggest that fibrillin‐2 and LTBP‐2 could play an important role in disc function.
Sustained high levels of neuregulin‐1 in the longest‐lived rodents; a key determinant of rodent longevity
Authors: Edrey Yael H. , Casper Diana , Huchon Dorothee , Mele James , Gelfond Jonathan A. , Kristan Deborah M. , Nevo Eviatar , Buffenstein Rochelle 
Published: November 2011

SummaryNaked mole‐rats (Heterocephalus glaber), the longest‐lived rodents, live 7–10 times longer than similarly sized mice and exhibit normal activities for approximately 75% of their lives. Little is known about the mechanisms that allow them to delay the aging process and live so long. Neuregulin‐1 (NRG‐1) signaling is critical for normal brain function during both development and adulthood. We hypothesized that long‐lived species will maintain higher levels of NRG‐1 and that this contributes to their sustained brain function and concomitant maintenance of normal activity. We monitored the levels of NRG‐1 and its receptor ErbB4 in H. glaber at different ages ranging from 1 day to 26 years and found that levels of NRG‐1 and ErbB4 were sustained throughout development and adulthood. In addition, we compared seven rodent species with widely divergent (4–32 year) maximum lifespan potential (MLSP) and found that at a physiologically equivalent age, the longer‐lived rodents had higher levels of NRG‐1 and ErbB4. Moreover, phylogenetic independent contrast analyses revealed that this significant strong correlation between MLSP and NRG‐1 levels was independent of phylogeny. These results suggest that NRG‐1 is an important factor contributing to divergent species MLSP through its role in maintaining neuronal integrity.
Persistent degenerative changes in thymic organ function revealed by an inducible model of organ regrowth
Authors: Griffith Ann V. , Fallahi Mohammad , Venables Thomas , Petrie Howard T. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryThe thymus is the most rapidly aging tissue in the body, with progressive atrophy beginning as early as birth and not later than adolescence. Latent regenerative potential exists in the atrophic thymus, because certain stimuli can induce quantitative regrowth, but qualitative function of T lymphocytes produced by the regenerated organ has not been fully assessed. Using a genome‐wide computational approach, we show that accelerated thymic aging is primarily a function of stromal cells, and that while overall cellularity of the thymus can be restored, many other aspects of thymic function cannot. Medullary islet complexity and tissue‐restricted antigen expression decrease with age, representing potential mechanisms for age‐related increases in autoimmune disease, but neither of these is restored by induced regrowth, suggesting that new T cells produced by the regrown thymus will probably include more autoreactive cells. Global analysis of stromal gene expression profiles implicates widespread changes in Wnt signaling as the most significant hallmark of degeneration, changes that once again persist even at peak regrowth. Consistent with the permanent nature of age‐related molecular changes in stromal cells, induced thymic regrowth is not durable, with the regrown organ returning to an atrophic state within 2 weeks of reaching peak size. Our findings indicate that while quantitative regrowth of the thymus is achievable, the changes associated with aging persist, including potential negative implications for autoimmunity.
Ischaemic preconditioning reduces myocardial calcium overload in coronary‐occluded pig hearts shown by continuous in vivo assessment using microdialysis
Authors: Waldenström Anders , Ronquist Gunnar , Åberg Anna‐Maja , Ahlström Katarina , Hauck Philip , Abrahamsson Pernilla , Johansson Göran , Biber Björn , Haney Michael F. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryDuring ischaemia, ATP depletion leads to insufficient fuelling for Na+/K+ ATPase, decreased electrochemical potential and increased influx of calcium ions. This study demonstrated a means to assess the effects of ischaemic preconditioning (IP) on the free intracellular Ca2+ pool during prolonged ischaemia. In a porcine myocardial ischaemia model, microdialysis (MD) was used for sampling of metabolic and injury markers in IP and non‐IP (control) groups. 45Ca2+ was delivered in microperfusate locally to ischaemic myocardium, with distribution and uptake assessed by 45Ca2+ recovery in microdialysate. Cardiomyocytes in vitro were exposed to a Ca2+ ionophore and tested for 45Ca2+ uptake. An accentuated myocardial calcium ion influx (observed as an increased microdialysate 45Ca2+ recovery in the extracellular milieu) was noted in control pigs compared with IP pigs during ischaemia. Suspended cardiomyocytes preincubated with a Ca2+ ionophore to increase the intracellular calcium ion pool and subsequently incubated with 45Ca2+, displayed lower 45Ca2+ uptake in cells compared with control cells not exposed to the ionophore, corroborating the idea of a strong relationship between degree of intracellular calcium overload and microdialysate 45Ca2+ recovery. The ischaemic insult was differentially verified by metabolic and injury markers. We introduce an in vivo method for serial assessment of myocardial calcium overload during ischaemia, using a MD technique and 45Ca2+ inclusion. IP leads to relatively less calcium overload as assessed by this new method, and we interpret this to mean that reduction in calcium overload is an important part of the IP protective effect.
Anthropogenic effects on the physical and chemical properties of subtropical coastal urban soils
Authors: Hagan D. , Dobbs C. , Timilsina N. , Escobedo F. , Toor G. S. , Andreu M. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractWe investigated the effects of various anthropogenic factors on urban soil properties in subtropical, coastal Tampa, FL, USA. Specifically, we explored the influence of (i) urbanization as measured by land use, land cover, population density and years since urban development and (ii) socioeconomic conditions as reflected in household income and property values on bulk density (BD) and several key soil chemical properties. Results indicate that Tampa’s urban soils were affected to varying degrees by these factors with chemical properties being more variable than BD. Across land uses significant differences were found for Mehlich‐1 (M1) extractable P, Ca and Na. A similar trend was observed for land‐cover classes, although significant differences were also found for pH and M1‐Cu. Soil properties had no statistically significant relationship with population density. However, time since urbanization did with M1‐P and Na varying significantly across age categories. For our socioeconomic analyses, M1‐K and Mg levels differed significantly by household income while pH, P, Ca and Na values differed significantly by property value. Overall, our findings indicate that despite their inherent heterogeneity, there are identifiable patterns among subtropical coastal urban soil properties. We suggest that a more thorough understanding of these patterns and their drivers is an essential first step towards developing soil management strategies aimed at maintaining environmental quality and ecosystem services in subtropical cities.
Characterization of acute kidney injury in hospitalized dogs and evaluation of a veterinary acute kidney injury staging system
Authors: Thoen Meredith E. , Kerl Marie E. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo retrospectively apply standards characterizing acute kidney injury (AKI) used in human medicine to a population of critically ill hospitalized dogs in order to identify dogs with potentialAKIbased on subtle increases in plasma creatinine concentration.DesignRetrospective study.SettingUniversityVeterinaryMedicalTeachingHospital.AnimalsOne hundred and sixty‐four client‐owned dogs admitted to the intensive care unit.InterventionsNone.Measurements and Main ResultsMedical records of 164 dogs meeting the study inclusion criteria were reviewed to identify age, results of creatinine measurements, discharge status, length of stay, performance of general anesthesia, number of diagnoses, and calculated survival prediction index scores (SPI2). A veterinaryAKI(VAKI) staging system was retrospectively applied to classify dogs based on increase in creatinine concentration from baseline as follows: stage 0 (S0; <150%), stage 1 (S1; 150–199% or ≥26.5 μmol/L [≥0.3 mg/dL]), stage 2 (S2; 200–299%), or stage 3 (S3; ≥300%). Of the dogs evaluated, 140/164 wereVAKIstage S0, 19/164 were classified as S1, 3/164 as S2, and 2/164 were S3. Mortality rate was greater forS1–3 (13/24; 54.2%) compared toS0dogs (22/140; 15.7%) (P< 0.0001). Length of stay, general anesthesia, and number of diagnoses were not associated with survival. In a logistic regression model, stage and age were jointly, significantly associated with mortality (P= 0.0002 andP= 0.0330, respectively). MeanSPI2scores were not different betweenS0(0.52) andS1(0.59) dogs (P= 0.23). Only 4/19 (21%) ofS1dogs had a peak plasma creatinine concentration above the laboratory reference interval.ConclusionsDogs meetingVAKIstage 1–3 criteria were less likely to survive to discharge. Small increases in plasma creatinine concentration may be clinically relevant even when absolute values are within reference intervals.
β‐Adrenergic receptors stimulate interleukin‐6 production through Epac‐dependent activation of PKCδ/p38 MAPK signalling in neonatal mouse cardiac fibroblasts
Authors: Chen Chao , Du Jianhai , Feng Wei , Song Yao , Lu Zhizhen , Xu Ming , Li Zijian , Zhang Youyi 
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE IL‐6 plays crucial roles in cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis and heart failure. Activation of β‐adrenoceptors induced IL‐6 production in neonatal mouse cardiac fibroblasts (NMCFs) through a Gs/adenylate cyclase/cAMP/p38 MAPK pathway but independent of PKA. However, how cAMP activates p38 MAPK is still not defined. In this study, we have assessed the role of the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) and PKCδ in p38 MAPK activation and IL‐6 production by stimulated by the β‐adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline in NMCFs.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The IL‐6 concentration in cell culture supernatants was measured by ELISA. The levels of phosphorylated and total p38 MAPK and PKCδ were determined by Western blot analysis. The translocation of PKCδ was determined by immunoblotting the soluble and particulate fractions. Expression of Epac1 or PKCδ was knocked down by the corresponding, adenovirus‐mediated, small hairpin RNA (shRNA).RESULTS In NMCFs, activation of β‐adrenoceptors enhanced PKCδ phosphorylation and translocation. Furthermore, knock‐down of the PKCδ isoform using an adenovirus‐mediated shRNA markedly down‐regulated IL‐6 induction by NMCFs stimulated with isoprenaline. Moreover, knock‐down of Epac1 confirmed that Epac1 was upstream of PKCδ in IL‐6 production. Additionally, both Epac1 and PKCδ mediated the p38 MAPK activation induced by isoprenaline.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS β‐Adrenoceptor agonists activate a cAMP/Epac/PKCδ/p38 MAPK pathway to produce IL‐6 in NMCFs. This study identifies Epac as the link between cAMP and p38 MAPK signalling pathways and demonstrates that PKCδ can function as a novel downstream effector of this β‐adrenoceptor/cAMP/Epac pathway.
Potential Risk Factors for Psychiatric Disorders in Patients With Headache
Authors: Nimnuan Chaichana , Asawavichienjinda Thanin , Srikiatkhachorn Anan 
Published: November 2011

Background.— Psychiatric comorbidities are common among patients with headache. These can compromise the quality of life of patients and may affect the result of treatment. No available systematic study concerning this problem has been conducted in Thailand.Objective.— The study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of psychiatric disorders in patients with headache in tertiary care facility.Methods.— The study was conducted at the Headache Clinic, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. One hundred and thirteen patients were enrolled. Diagnosis of headache was made based on International Classification of Headache Disorders II system. Mental disorders were assessed using Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders. Other possible risk factors were extracted using significant physical symptoms count and accumulated risk for mental disorder.Results.— Of the 113 samples analyzed, the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and somatoform disorder was found to be 29.2%, 9.7%, and 27.4%, respectively. No definite relationship between headache types and mental disorders was observed. High number of significant physical complaints and health concerns significantly increased the risk for depression (OR = 4.6, 95% CI = 1.6 to 13.5) while the level of possible risk for mental disorder was associated with an increased risk for somatoform disorder (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.2 to 2.2).Conclusion.— The study confirmed high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in patients with headache. The results of this study will raise the awareness of physicians to possible underlying mental disorders in patients with headache and facilitate appropriate treatment or psychiatric referral.
Standing Laparoscopic Peritoneal Flap Hernioplasty Technique for Preventing Recurrence of Acquired Strangulating Inguinal Herniation in Stallions
Authors: Wilderjans Hans , Meulyzer Michael , Simon Olivier 
Published: November 2011

ObjectiveTo describe a standing laparoscopic peritoneal flap hernioplasty (PFH) technique for closure of the vaginal ring, and to evaluate its effect on prevention of recurrent herniation in stallions, previously treated for acquired strangulating inguinal hernia (SIH).Study DesignCase series.AnimalsStallions (n = 30) aged 3–15 that had previous acquired SIH.MethodsBilateral standing laparoscopic PFH was performed on 30 stallions that had previous acquired SIH treated without castration. The vaginal rings were approached from 3 portals, 2 in the paralumbar fossa and a 3rd between the 17th and 18th ribs on the ipsilateral side. A large inverted U‐shaped peritoneal flap was dissected from the abdominal wall proximal and cranial to the vaginal ring, reflected caudally over the vaginal ring, and secured to the abdominal wall with laparoscopic staples. In the first 11 stallions, only the cranial and mid third of the vaginal ring was covered. For the next 19 stallions, complete closure of the vaginal ring including the entire caudal aspect of the vaginal ring was achieved.ResultsSIH recurrence occurred in 4 of 11 stallions with incomplete ring closure whereas no SIH recurrence occurred when the entire vaginal ring was closed. No major complications occurred and cosmetic outcome was excellent. All breeding stallions were successfully used for breeding.ConclusionStanding laparoscopic closure of the vaginal ring using a PFH is an effective way to prevent recurrence of SIH provided the entire vaginal ring, including the caudal aspect is covered by the flap. There seems to be no effect on subsequent fertility.
Total Hip Replacement as a Treatment Option for Capital Physeal Fractures in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Kalis Russell H. , Liska William D. , Jankovits Daniel A. 
Published: November 2011

ObjectivesTo evaluate outcome of capital physeal fractures (CPFs) treated by total hip replacement (THR) in dogs and cats.Study DesignRetrospective phase II nonrandomized efficacy study.AnimalsDogs (n= 21), cats (n= 4).MethodsMedical records (1991–2009) and radiographs of dogs and cats withCPFtreated byTHRwere reviewed. Physical examination findings, radiographs, thigh circumference (TC), force plate gait analysis, and an owner questionnaire were reviewed.ResultsSignalment and median interval betweenCPFandTHRof all 25 animals had no clinical correlation with post‐THRoutcome. Force plate gait analysis andTCwere available for 12 dogs. No significant difference inTCor force plate analyses between theTHRlimb and the normal contralateral limb was identified. Owner questionnaires (13 dogs) revealed improvement afterTHRwith minimal (n= 2) or no lameness (n= 11).ConclusionAnimals withCPFtreated byTHRdid not have statistically significant differences in any subjective (21 dogs, 4 cats) or objective (12 dogs) variable when compared with the normal contralateral limb.
Are lapsed donors willing to resume blood donation, and what determines their motivation to do so?
Authors: van Dongen Anne , Abraham Charles , Ruiter Robert A.C. , Schaalma Herman P. , de Kort Wim L.A.M. , Dijkstra J. Anneke , Veldhuizen Ingrid J.T. 
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the possibility of rerecruiting lapsed blood donors. Reasons for donation cessation, motivation to restart donation, and modifiable components of donation motivation were examined. We distinguished between lapsed donors who had passively withdrawn by merely not responding to donation invitations and donors who had contacted the blood bank to actively withdraw.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross‐sectional survey was sent to 400 actively lapsed donors and to 400 passively lapsed donors, measuring intention to restart donation and psychological correlates of restart intention. The data were analyzed using multiple regression analyses.RESULTS: The response rate among actively lapsed donors was higher than among passively lapsed donors (37% vs. 25%). Actively lapsed donors typically ceased donating because of physical reactions, while passively lapsed donors quit because of a busy lifestyle. Nonetheless, 51% of actively lapsed responders and 80% of passively lapsed responders were willing to restart donations. Multiple regression analysis showed that, for passively lapsed donors, cognitive attitude was the strongest correlate of intention to donate in the future (β = 0.605, p < 0.001), with affective attitude (β = 0.239, p < 0.05) and self‐efficacy (β = 0.266, p < 0.001) explaining useful proportions of the variance as well. For actively lapsed donors, cognitive attitude was also the strongest correlate of intention (β = 0.601, p < 0.001), with affective attitude (β = 0.345, p < 0.001) and moral norm (β = −0.118, p < 0.05) explaining smaller proportions of the variance.CONCLUSION: The majority of lapsed donors indicated a moderate to high intention to restart donations. Interventions focusing on boosting cognitive and affective attitudes and self‐efficacy could further raise such intentions.
Amelioration of acute graft‐versus‐host disease by adoptive transfer of ex vivo expanded human cord blood CD4+CD25+ forkhead box protein 3+ regulatory T cells is associated with the polarization of Treg/Th17 balance in a mouse model
Authors: Yang Jie , Fan Huahua , Hao Jun , Ren Yana , Chen Liang , Li Guiping , Xie Rufeng , Yang Yiming , Qian Kaicheng , Liu Mingyao 
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: Human cord blood (CB) is a superior source of regulatory T cells (Tregs) compared with peripheral blood. Initial studies have shown that CB‐derived Tregs can be effectively expanded ex vivo. However, in vitro suppressor activity of expanded CB‐Tregs and their efficacy in the prevention of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) in vivo are poorly understood.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In vitro, human CB CD4+CD25+ T cells expanded with anti‐CD3/CD28 beads plus interleukin (IL)‐2 and the phenotypes, expression of cytokines, and suppression of expanded cells were analyzed after two cycles of stimulation. In vivo, the addition of human CB‐Tregs was transferred in the major histocompatibility complex–mismatched aGVHD mouse model. Survival, body weight, GVHD scoring, histopathologic specimens, serum cytokines, and Th subsets were analyzed in CB‐Treg–treated mice and untreated controls.RESULTS: After being expanded ex vivo, human CB‐derived Tregs with potent suppressor function could meet clinical demands. Up to 85% of mice with CB‐Tregs treatment survived beyond Day 63 after bone marrow transplantation; however, all aGVHD mice died within 18 days. In the serum of the CB‐Treg–treated mice, the production of transforming growth factor‐β increased continuously, as opposed to IL‐17, which decreased quickly. Consistent with the changes of cytokines, the percentage of mouse CD4+ forkhead box protein 3+ Tregs increased while that of Th17 cells decreased.CONCLUSION: Ex vivo expanded human CB‐Tregs significantly prevented allogeneic aGVHD in vivo by modulating various cytokine secretion and polarizing the Treg/Th17 balance toward Treg, which suggests the potential use of expanded CB‐Tregs as a therapeutic approach for GVHD.
Xenotropic murine leukemia virus–related virus does not pose a risk to blood recipient safety
Authors: Dodd Roger Y. , Hackett Jr John , Linnen Jeffrey M. , Dorsey Kerri , Wu Yanyun , Zou Shimian , Qiu Xiaoxing , Swanson Priscilla , Schochetman Gerald , Gao Kui , Carrick James M. , Krysztof David E. , Stramer Susan L. 
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: When xenotropic murine leukemia virus–related virus (XMRV) was first reported in association with chronic fatigue syndrome, it was suggested that it might offer a risk to blood safety. Thus, the prevalence of the virus among blood donors and, if present, its transmissibility by transfusion need to be defined.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Two populations of routine blood donor samples (1435 and 13,399) were obtained for prevalence evaluations; samples from a linked donor‐recipient repository were also evaluated. Samples were tested for the presence of antibodies to XMRV‐related recombinant antigens and/or for XMRV RNA, using validated, high‐throughput systems.RESULTS: The presence of antibodies to XMRV could not be confirmed among a total of 17,249 blood donors or recipients (0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0%‐0.017%); 1763 tested samples were nonreactive for XMRV RNA (0%; 95% CI, 0%‐0.17%). Evidence of infection was absent from 109 recipients and 830 evaluable blood samples tested after transfusion of a total of 3741 blood components.CONCLUSIONS: XMRV and related murine leukemia virus (MLV) markers are not present among a large population of blood donors and evidence of transfusion transmission could not be detected. Thus, these viruses do not currently pose a threat to blood recipient safety and further actions relating to XMRV and MLV are not justified.