bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A pilot study of clinical efficacy of imiquimod and cryotherapy for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma with incomplete response to imiquimod
Authors: Messeguer F. , Serra‐Guillen C. , Echeverria B. , Requena C. , Sanmartin O. , Llombart B. , Guillen C. , Nagore E. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackground  Cryotherapy is a physical procedure whose immunogenic capability enables it to destroy tumour cells, at least partially. Consequently, it can boost the effect of imiquimod.Objective  The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of combining cryotherapy and imiquimod in patients who did not achieve a complete response after treatment of basal cell carcinoma with imiquimod. The study sample comprised 22 patients with 23 basal cell carcinomas. The tumours were treated with liquid nitrogen (one cycle, 20–30 s) before application of imiquimod (five times weekly for 6 weeks).Results  A maintained complete clinical response was observed in 19 of the 23 tumours (83%), a partial response in three and no response in one. One tumour presented signs of persistence/recurrence during follow‐up.Conclusions  Cryotherapy applied to treat imiquimod‐refractory basal cell carcinoma seems to sensitize the tumour to the effect of the drug, thus reducing the percentage of patients who need surgery after an incomplete response to imiquimod. Further studies are necessary to confirm these findings.
Spreading messages about invasives
Authors: Rodewald Amanda D. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAlthough control of invasive species remains a common part of ecological restoration efforts, there is a growing dialogue within scientific and conservation communities regarding positive influences of invaders and potential negative consequences of their removal. As one example, a recent Diversity & Distributions article cautions that removal of exotic and invasive honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) may negatively affect populations of frugivorous birds and, therefore, may have undesirable ecological outcomes. In response, I share several insights from research in my lab on bird‐honeysuckle interactions that show how honeysuckle disproportionately impacts birds of conservation concern and acts as an ecological trap even for generalist species. Although there is a real need to fully consider both positive and negative consequences of invasive species, if such research is not placed within the proper ecological context, we risk sending distorted or mixed messages to managers.
Subjective visual acuity with simulated defocus
Authors: Dehnert Anne , Bach Michael , Heinrich Sven P 
Published: July 2011

Citation information: Dehnert A, Bach M & Heinrich SP. Subjective visual acuity with simulated defocus. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2011, 31, 625–631. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00857.xAbstractBackground:  Artificial degradation of vision by inducing dioptric blur is frequently used for evaluating diagnostic equipment. However, the use of lenses is prone to errors as it is adversely affected by eyelid squinting, pupil size, and imprecise lens position. The alternative is a degradation of the stimuli themselves based on a Fourier‐optical mathematical model. With this, however, perceptual effects such as ‘simultaneous blur’ induced by the surround may affect acuity. We tested whether both methods, lens induced defocus and mathematical stimulus degradation, yield concordant results.Methods:  We compared both methods in normal subjects, measuring Landolt C acuity at five different levels of defocus from 0 to 8 dioptres. The pupil size was determined individually, chromatic aberrations were avoided by using a monochromatic approach, and a correction for spectacle magnification was included. Otherwise, the experimental design was kept deliberately simple to remain comparable to typical applications.Results:  With the major sources of error associated with the use of lenses being accounted for, both methods yield similar mean results with differences in acuity ranging from <0.001 to 0.054 logMAR (0.2–13%).Conclusion:  Using mathematically simulated defocus is a viable option if both reasonable accuracy and ease of use are required. The fact that the application of the mathematical model only blurs the stimulus itself, but not the surrounding environment, does not appear to be detrimental to the method.
Oral fingolimod rescues the functional deficits of synapses in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Rossi S , Lo Giudice T , De Chiara V , Musella A , Studer V , Motta C , Bernardi G , Martino G , Furlan R , Martorana A , Centonze D 
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Alterations of glutamate‐mediated synaptic transmission occur early during neuroinflammatory insults, and lead to degenerative neuronal damage in multiple sclerosis (MS) and also in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), which is a murine model of MS. Fingolimod is an effective orally active agent for the treatment of MS, affecting lymphocyte invasion of the brain. However, it is still unclear if fingolimod can be neuroprotective in this disorder.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using neurophysiological recordings and morphological evaluation of dendritic integrity, we evaluated the effects of oral fingolimod on the clinical score of EAE mice in order to determine whether the compound was associated with preservation of synaptic transmission.KEY RESULTS Oral fingolimod prevented and reversed the pre‐ and postsynaptic alterations of glutamate transmission in EAE mice. These effects were associated with a clear amelioration of the clinical deterioration seen in EAE mice, and with a significant inhibition of neuronal dendritic pathology. Fingolimod did not alter the spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents in control animals, suggesting that only the pathological processes behind the inflammation‐induced defects in glutamate transmission were modulated by this compound.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The beneficial effects of fingolimod on the clinical, synaptic and dendritic abnormalities of murine EAE might correlate with the neuroprotective actions of this agent, as observed in MS patients.LINKED ARTICLE This article is commented on by Gillingwater, pp. 858–860 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01612.x
Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 improves endothelial function and prevents hypertension in insulin‐resistant rats
Authors: Nagareddy PR , Rajput PS , Vasudevan H , McClure B , Kumar U , MacLeod KM , McNeill JH 
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Insulin resistance is often found to be associated with high blood pressure. We propose that in insulin‐resistant hypertension, endothelial dysfunction is the consequence of increased activity of vascular MMP‐2. As MMP‐2 proteolytically cleaves a number of extracellular matrix proteins, we hypothesized that MMP‐2 impairs endothelial function by proteolytic degradation of endothelial NOS (eNOS) or its cofactor, heat shock protein 90 (HSP90).EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We tested our hypothesis in bovine coronary artery endothelial cells and fructose‐fed hypertensive rats (FHR), a model of acquired systolic hypertension and insulin resistance.KEY RESULTS Treatment of FHRs with the MMP inhibitor doxycycline, preserved endothelial function as well as prevented the development of hypertension, suggesting that MMPs impair endothelial function. Furthermore, incubating endothelial cells in vitro with a recombinant MMP‐2 decreased NO production in a dose‐dependent manner. Using substrate cleavage assays and immunofluorescence microscopy studies, we found that MMP‐2 not only cleaves and degrades HSP90, an eNOS cofactor but also co‐localizes with both eNOS and HSP90 in endothelial cells, suggesting that MMPs functionally interact with the eNOS system. Treatment of FHRs with doxycycline attenuated the decrease in eNOS and HSP90 expression but did not improve insulin sensitivity.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our data suggest that increased activity of MMP‐2 in FHRs impairs endothelial function and promotes hypertension. Inhibition of MMP‐2 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for the management of hypertension.
Oxidative species increase arginase activity in endothelial cells through the RhoA/Rho kinase pathway
Authors: Chandra S , Romero MJ , Shatanawi A , Alkilany AM , Caldwell RB , Caldwell RW 
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE NO produced by endothelial NOS is needed for normal vascular function. During diabetes, aging and hypertension, elevated levels of arginase can compete with NOS for available l‐arginine, reducing NO and increasing superoxide (O2.−) production via NOS uncoupling. Elevated O2.− combines with NO to form peroxynitrite (ONOO‐), further reducing NO. Oxidative species increase arginase activity, but the mechanism(s) involved are not known. Our study determined the mechanism involved in peroxynitrite and hydrogen peroxide‐induced enhancement in endothelial arginase activity. We hypothesized that oxidative species increase arginase activity through PKC‐activated RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) pathway.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Arginase activity/expression was analysed in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) treated with an ONOO‐ generator (SIN‐1) or H2O2. Pretreatment with inhibitors of Rho kinase (Y‐27632) or PKC (Gö6976) was used to investigate the mechanism involved in arginase activation.KEY RESULTS Exposure to SIN‐1 (25 µM, 24 h) or H2O2 (25 µM, 8 h) increased arginase I expression and arginase activity (35% and 50%, respectively), which was prevented by ROCK inhibitor, Y‐27632, PKC inhibitor, Gö6976 or siRNA to p115‐Rho GEF. There was an early activation of p115‐Rho GEF (SIN‐1, 2 h; H2O2, 1 h) and Rho A (SIN‐1, 4 h; H2O2, 1 h) that was prevented by using the PKC inhibitor. Exposure to SIN‐1 and H2O2 also reduced NOS activity, which was blocked by pretreatment with p115‐RhoGEF siRNA.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our data indicate that the oxidative species ONOO‐ and H2O2 increase arginase activity/expression through PKC‐mediated activation of RhoA/Rho kinase pathway.
Hyperphosphataemia sensitizes renally impaired rats to the profibrotic effects of gadodiamide
Authors: Fretellier N , Idée JM , Bruneval P , Guerret S , Daubiné F , Jestin G , Factor C , Poveda N , Dencausse A , Massicot F , Laprévote O , Mandet C , Bouzian N , Port M , Corot C 
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEHyperphosphataemia is common in patients with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). NSF has been linked to administration of gadolinium (Gd) chelates (GCs) and elevated serum phosphate levels accelerate the release of Gd from linear, non‐ionic GCs but not macrocyclic GCs. Hence, we determined whether hyperphosphataemia is a cofactor or risk factor for NSF by investigating the role of hyperphosphataemia in renally impaired rats.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHFirstly, the clinical, pathological and bioanalytical consequences of hyperphosphataemia were investigated in subtotal nephrectomized (SNx) Wistar rats following i.v. administration of the non‐ionic, linear GC gadodiamide (5 × 2.5 mmol·kg−1·day−1). Secondly, the effects of several GCs were compared in these high‐phosphate diet fed rats. Total Gd concentration in skin, femur and plasma was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) and free Gd3+ in plasma by liquid chromatography coupled to ICP‐MS. Relaxometry was used to measure dissociated Gd in skin and bone.KEY RESULTSFour out of seven SNx rats fed a high‐phosphate diet administered gadodiamide developed macroscopic and microscopic (fibrotic and inflammatory) skin lesions, whereas no skin lesions were observed in SNx rats treated with saline, the other GCs and free ligands or in the normal diet, gadodiamide‐treated group. Unlike the other molecules, gadodiamide gradually increased the r1 relaxivity value, consistent with its in vivo dissociation and release of soluble Gd.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSHyperphosphataemia sensitizes renally impaired rats to the profibrotic effects of gadodiamide. Unlike the other GCs investigated, gadodiamide gradually dissociates in vivo. Our data confirm that hyperphosphataemia is a risk factor for NSF.
A New Prosthetic Implant for Inguinal Hernia Repair: Its Features in a Porcine Experimental Model
Authors: Amato Giuseppe , Lo Monte Attilio I. , Cassata Giovanni , Damiano Giuseppe , Romano Giorgio , Bussani Rossana 
Published: July 2011

AbstractEven after more than 100 years of inguinal hernia repair, the rate of complications and recurrence remains unacceptably high. In the last decades, few effective advances in surgical technique and materials have been made. The authors see them as minor adjustments in the shape and materials of the prosthetic implants. Still, the underlying genesis of inguinal hernia remains undefined. Based upon this, it seems the surgical repair of inguinal protrusions cannot be based upon the pathogenesis because the etiology to date has not been addressed. Most hernia repairs are performed with some degree of point fixation (sutures/tacks) to stop the mesh from migrating and creating high recurrence rates. This should be a priority for our considerations, as fixating mesh puts it in stark contrast to the physiology and dynamics of the myotendineal structures of the groin. Following years of surgical practice, implant fixation, mesh shrinkage, and poor quality of tissue ingrowth still represent an unresolved issue in modern hernia repair. Conventional prosthetics used for inguinal hernia repair are static and passive. They do not move in harmony with the dynamic elements of the groin structure and, as a result, induce the ingrowth of thin scar plates or shrinking regressive tissue that colonizes the implants. The authors strongly believe that these characteristics may be a contributing factor for recurrences and patient discomfort. Other complications are reported in the literature to be a direct result of fixation of the implants, such as bleeding, nerve entrapment, hematoma, pain, discomfort, and testicular complications. To improve results by respecting the physiology and kinetics of the inguinal region, we felt that a new type of prosthesis should be designed that induces a more structured tissue ingrowth similar to the natural biologic components of the abdominal wall. This prosthetic device was specifically designed to be placed with no point fixation. This was achieved by using inherent radial recoil, vertical buffering, friction, and delivering the device in a constrained state. A secondary benefit of this “dynamic” design is that the implant moves in a three‐dimensional way in unison with the movements of the myotendineal structures of the groin. The results appear to show that the three‐dimensional structure not only acts as a suitable scaffold for a full thickness ingrowth of a tissue barrier but also seems to induce an ordered, supple, elastic tissue, which allows for neorevascularization and neoneural growth. The outcomes indicate a reduced impact of fibrotic shrinkage on the implant/scar tissue when compared with shrinkage of polypropylene meshes reported in the literature. This pilot study shows the features of such an implant in a porcine experimental model.
In Vitro Removal of Beta‐2‐Microglobulin From Uremic Blood With an Immunoadsorption Wall
Authors: Yang Tsung‐Hua , Lin Bo‐Jhou , Ma Yi‐Ling , Chou Kang‐Ju 
Published: July 2011

AbstractDialysis‐related amyloidosis (DRA), caused by the accumulation of beta‐2‐microglobulin (β‐2M), remains a major concern in long‐term renal replacement therapies. For years, we have developed an immunoadsorption wall (iWall) for the removal of β‐2M. In this study, we employed a new approach taking advantage of the melting of a buffer ice rod to improve the conditions associated with the manufacturing of an iWall and tested its performance with uremic serum and blood. The preliminary results reveal that the present iWalls thus prepared not only possess the superior properties of affinity and specificity but also show structural stability and acceptable hemocompatibility. We believe that this breakthrough might provide a promising path to successful treatment of DRA as well as establish a useful platform for studying removal of certain pathological toxins accumulated in the blood.
Preparation of Dense and Porous Silicon Oxycarbide Submicrometer‐Sized Spheres Using a Modified Stöber Process
Authors: Dirè Sandra , Tagliazucca Valeria , Salvadori Livio , Sorarù Gian Domenico 
Published: July 2011

Dense and highly porous silicon oxycarbide (Si–O–C) submicrometer‐sized spheres, with diameters in the range 100–400 nm are synthesized through pyrolysis of sol–gel‐derived hybrid precursors. A modified Stöber process is used for the synthesis of silsesquioxane submicrometer‐sized particles from different organotriethoxysilanes RTES, R=CH3, C5H11, and C6H5. The hybrid particles are transformed into dense inorganic Si–O–C submicrometer‐sized spheres through a pyrolysis process in controlled atmosphere and the spherical morphology is kept provided that the glass transition temperature of the silsesquioxane network is higher than the onset of the polymer‐to‐ceramic transformation. The Si–O–C spheres are stable up to 1400°C. By HF etching the silica nanodomains present in the silicon oxycarbide structure, the dense Si–O–C particles can be further engineered and transformed into highly porous Si–O–C submicrometer‐sized spheres with specific surface area up to 564 m2 g−1 and pore volume up to 0.7 cm3 g−1.
Fluoroscopy‐induced chronic radiation dermatitis: a report of two additional cases and a brief review of the literature
Authors: Boncher Julia , Bergfeld Wilma F 
Published: July 2011

Fluoroscopy‐induced chronic radiation dermatitis (FICRD) can be a challenging diagnosis for the dermatopathologist, as often a history of radiation exposure is not provided. With the expanded use of minimally invasive procedures, there is increased fluoroscopic exposure and a high index of suspicion for FICRD is prudent. Recognition of characteristic clinical and histopathological features can be helpful in distinguishing chronic radiation dermatitis from entities in the histological differential diagnosis such as morphea and lichen sclerosus. We present a brief review of the literature as well as two additional cases of FICRD. Case 1 is a 44‐year‐old man with an atrophic lateral back patch for several years. Chart review revealed a history of cardiac radiofrequency ablation and congenital heart disease with correction. Case 2 is a 64‐year‐old woman with an ulcerated, atrophic left flank plaque, with a history of mesenteric artery angiography and stent placement. In our two cases, as well as the cases in the literature, a diagnosis of FICRD is associated with key features. In the evaluation of a sclerosing process, chronic radiation dermatitis should be suspected histologically by the findings of ulceration, prominent telangiectasias, atypical stellate fibroblasts, absence of a lymphocytic infiltrate/inflammation and/or presence of hyperkeratosis.Boncher J, Bergfeld WF. Fluoroscopy‐induced chronic radiation dermatitis: a report of two additional cases and a brief review of the literature.
Landscape, cropping and field boundary influences on bird abundance
Authors: Siriwardena Gavin M. , Cooke Ira. R. , Sutherland William J. 
Published: July 2011

Given likely dramatic land use changes in the UK, there is a need to predict their impact upon biodiversity. Such predictions require an understanding of the habitat factors that determine species’ abundances. We relate British farmland bird abundance at the 1 km square scale to three variable sets: landscape composition (for example, areas of woodland, urban and arable), field boundary characteristics and cropping. We then use multi‐model inference to summarize model fits for each variable set and compare their explanatory power to identify the relative importance of the three forms of description of the farm landscape. The important variables across species within each set show the habitat features that are most significant for the farmland bird community.Models comprising landscape variables provided the best fits for 21 of 31 bird species, while field boundary variables were most important for seven species and cropping variables for one. After controlling for landscape influences, we then found that field boundary variation was slightly more influential than cropping. These patterns remained when farmland‐specialist species were considered alone. This shows that landscapes are the most important determinant of bird abundance and that cropping patterns and field boundary characteristics are influential only within the constraints of landscape structure. However, boundaries and, especially, crops remain important from a management perspective because they are more volatile, and can still drive population change. Important single variables that affected multiple species included woodland (predominantly negative even within farmland‐dominated landscapes), hedges with trees (providing nesting habitat and song‐posts) and heterogeneity both of landscapes and of cropping (predominantly positive effects). The results indicate which habitat features offer the most scope for induced population changes via management action and potentially provide relationships for input into predictive models with respect to land‐use change.
Effects of native and exotic range‐expanding plant species on taxonomic and functional composition of nematodes in the soil food web
Authors: Morriën Elly , Duyts Henk , Van der Putten Wim H. 
Published: July 2011

Due to climate warming, many plant species shift ranges towards higher latitudes. Plants can disperse faster than most soil biota, however, little is known about how range‐expanding plants in the new range will establish interactions with the resident soil food web. In this paper we examine how the soil nematode community from the new range responds to range‐expanding plant species compared to related natives. We focused on nematodes, because they are important components in various trophic levels of the soil food web, some feeding on plant roots, others on microbes or on invertebrates. We expected that range expanding plant species have fewer root‐feeding nematodes, as predicted by enemy release hypothesis. We therefore expected that range expanders affect the taxonomic and functional composition of the nematode community, but that these effects would diminish with increasing trophic position of nematodes in the soil food web.We exposed six range expanders (including three intercontinental exotics) and nine related native plant species to soil from the invaded range and show that range expanders on average had fewer root‐feeding nematodes per unit root biomass than related natives. The range expanders showed resistance against rather than tolerance for root‐feeding nematodes from the new range. On the other hand, the overall taxonomic and functional nematode community composition was influenced by plant species rather than by plant origin. The plant identity effects declined with trophic position of nematodes in the soil food web, as plant feeders were influenced more than other feeding guilds. We conclude that range‐expanding plant species can have fewer root‐feeding nematodes per unit root biomass than related natives, but that the taxonomic and functional nematode community composition is determined more by plant identity than by plant origin. Plant species identity effects decreased with trophic position of nematodes in the soil food web.