bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radioimmunoassay of Prostaglandins Fα, E1 and E2 in Human Plasma
Authors: Dray F. , Charbonnel B. , Maclouf J. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract. Antibodies against prostaglandins (PG)F2α, E1 and E2 were obtained in rabbits immunized with respectively PG F2α, PG E1 and PG E2 conjugated to bovine serum albumin by carbodiimide. A radioimmunoassay capable of measuring 7 pg of PG Fα, 2 pg of PG E2 and 14 pg of PG E1 in human peripheral plasma is described. Plasma samples (pH 3, citric acid) are extracted with cyclohexane: ethyl acetate, 1:1 and then chromatographed on silicic acid columns to separate the prostaglandins into three fractions: fraction I, PG A, PG B and some unknown immunoreactive compounds; fraction II, PG E and fraction III, PG Fα. The recovery is 80 % ± 6.2. Mean plasma levels in adults of PG Fα and PG E, expressed in pg/ml: ‐PG Fα 12 ± 2.8 (n = 25 men), 8 ± 2.3 (n = 18 women, follicular phase), 7 ± 1.4 (n= 18 women, luteal phase). ‐PG El 40.5 ± 7.6 (n = 13 men), 38 ± 17.1 (n = 10 women). ‐PG E2 4.5 ± 1 (n = 12 adult subjects).The major characteristics of the method described herein are the following: ‐ a large volume of plasma has to be processed (10 ml or more for PG Fa and PG E1, 5 ml or more for PG E2). ‐ a chromatographic step is necessary to separate the different prostaglandins which makes it possible to circumvent problems of immunological cross reactivity and interference with unknown immunoreactive compounds. ‐ great care has been taken in collection of blood samples, especially to insure complete removal of blood cells namely platelets.
Inheritable abnormal lipoprotein metabolism in Werner's syndrome similar to familial hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: MORI S. , YOKOTE K. , MORISAKI N. , SAITO Y. , YOSHIDA S. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractStudies were made on the abnormality of lipoprotein metabolism and its cause in 10 patients with Werner's syndrome. Seven of the 10 patients had hypercholesterolaemia (above 250 mg dl−1). Six of the seven patients with hypercholesterolaemia had thickened Achilles' tendons (> 9 mm). A significant positive correlation (P < 0·01) was found between the serum total cholesterol levels and the thickness of Achilles' tendons in these 10 patients, suggesting that the substance precipitated in the thickened tendons is derived from serum cholesterol. Some first‐degree relatives of three patients with both hypercholesterolaemia and xanthoma‐like thickening of Achilles' tendons also suffered from hypercholesterolaemia. Moreover, the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor activities in peripheral lymphocytes of five patients with both hypercholesterolaemia and xanthoma‐like tendons were significantly (P < 0·001) lower than those of controls, whereas the LDL receptor activities of two patients without hypercholesterolaemia were almost the same as those of controls. These findings suggest that, at least these five patients with lower lymphocyte LDL receptor activities, and probably another patient with both hypercholesterolaemia and xanthoma‐like thickening of Achilles' tendons suffered from familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH). If this is the case, this high frequency of association of Werner's syndrome with FH (in six of 10 patients) suggests some relationship between these two diseases.
Evidence for abnormal platelet glycoprotein expression in diabetes mellitus
Authors: TSCHOEPE D. , ROESEN P. , KAUFMANN L. , SCHAUSEIL S. , KEHREL B. , OSTERMANN H. , GRIES F. A. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIn 41 diabetics (27 type I, 14 type II) and in 23 healthy controls the number of glycoprotein (GP) GPIB and GPIIB/IIIA molecules were determined on resting, peripheral platelets by means of flowcytometry after immunostaining with monoclonal antibodies which bind independently from the state of activation. The average number of both glycoproteins per platelet was significantly elevated (GPIB: 54100 times 1·27±1 vs. 39100 times 1·3±1 GPIIB/IIIA: 77500 times 1·3±1 vs. 62700 times 1·3±1, in diabetic patients. Platelet volume was significantly correlated with the number of GPIB molecules on normal and diabetic platelets (r (normal) = 0·52 ± 0·07; r (diabetic) = 0·46 ± 0·1). Additionally, von Willebrand factor‐related antigen (vWF: AG) was increased to 129% × 1·3 ± 1 in diabetics vs. 111% × 1·4 in controls. The increase of vWF: AG was significantly correlated with HbA1 (r = 0·38*) and seemed to depend on chronic hyperglycaemia. Since platelet glycoprotein receptor status is regulated by the bone‐marrow megakaryocyto‐ thrombopoiesis, our observations support the hypothesis that platelet hyperactivity in the diabetic state may be due to primarily altered production of platelets with an increased number of functional glycoproteins. This may be paralleled by increased plasma levels of cytoadhesive proteins like vWF: AG, which interact with the studied glycoproteins and thereby potentiate the risk of disturbed microhaemorrheology.
Physical conditions and challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disability: a systematic review
Authors: de Winter C. F. , Jansen A. A. C. , Evenhuis H. M. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground  Challenging behaviour is a major problem among people with intellectual disabilities. Physical factors may be an important cause. The aim of the present systematic review was to determine the physical conditions associated with challenging behaviour.Methods  A literature search was conducted in PubMed and the Cochrane systematic review database for empirical studies published between 1990 and 2008. The quality of all the studies that met the inclusion criteria was assessed using the SIGN‐50 methodology checklists.Results  The search identified 45 studies, which looked at general medical conditions, motor impairment, epilepsy, sensory impairment, gastrointestinal disease, sleep disorders, dementia and others. There were four high‐quality observational studies, seven well‐conducted observational studies, 21 observational studies of low methodological quality and 13 non‐analytical studies. There were significant and independent associations between challenging behaviours and urinary incontinence, pain related to cerebral palsy and chronic sleep problems, and between self‐injurious behaviour and visual impairment. No association was found with hearing impairment, bowel incontinence, mobility impairment or epilepsy. Many other physical conditions were not addressed at all.Conclusion  Medical conditions can play a role in challenging behaviour, and this should be evaluated in the clinical setting. So far, the level of evidence is generally low, and longitudinal studies are completely lacking. We recommend a systematic approach to research examining the role of physical conditions in challenging behaviour, the ultimate aim being to establish a basis for the development of clinical guidelines.
‘The overall quality of my life as a sibling is all right, but of course, it could always be better’. Quality of life of siblings of children with intellectual disability: the siblings' perspectives
Authors: Moyson T. , Roeyers H. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground  The concept of family quality of life is becoming increasingly important in family support programmes. This concept describes the quality of life of all family members and the family system as a whole, but only the opinion of the parents has been included. The opinion of the siblings has been incorporated in the opinions of the parents, although research has shown that there is discordance between parents' and siblings' reports. The principal goal of this study is to investigate how young siblings of children with intellectual disability define their quality of life as a sibling.Method  As we were more concerned with understanding the experience of being a sibling from the siblings' own frame of reference, we opted for a qualitative research design and more specifically used in‐depth, phenomenology‐based interviews. Data were sorted by means of a process of continuously comparing the codes according to the principles of grounded theory.Results  Siblings described the following nine domains as domains of sibling quality of life: joint activities, mutual understanding, private time, acceptance, forbearance, trust in well‐being, exchanging experiences, social support and dealing with the outside world.Conclusions  This study shows not only that siblings can define their quality of life, but also that this definition of sibling quality of life differs from the family quality of life concept. Therefore, it may be not only a valuable addition to the family quality of life concept but also an appropriate concept to describe siblings' experience.
Regulation of NK92‐MI Cell Cytotoxicity by Substance P
Authors: Fu W. X. , Qin B. , Zhou A. P. , Yu Q. Y. , Huang Q. J. , Liang Z. F. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe neuropeptide substance P (SP) can regulate a number of immunological functions in vitro and in vivo and may regulate natural killer (NK) cell activity. Here, we investigated whether SP has a role in regulating NK92‐MI cell function in vitro, and how it influences NK cell activity. We found that SP dose dependently increased the cytotoxicity of NK92‐MI cells and had a maximal effect at a concentration of 10−12 and 10−10 m. Furthermore, the expression of cytotoxic‐associated molecules (perforin, granzyme) and activating receptor NKp46 [a member of natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs)] was observed to be upregulated by SP at optimal concentration, at which SP enhanced the cytotoxicity of NK92‐MI cells. Neurokinin‐1 receptor (NK‐1R), a functional receptor of SP, was found on NK92‐MI cells, and the observed effects of SP on NK92‐MI cells could be more partially blocked by an NK‐1R antagonist. Our data suggest that SP induces NK92‐MI cell cytotoxicity by directly increasing the expression of cytotoxic granules and upregulates NK92‐MI cell receptor‐mediated functions indirectly. Thus, SP may regulate NK cell function mainly through NK‐1R.
Composition of epiphytic bacterial communities differs on petals and leaves
Authors: Junker R. R. , Loewel C. , Gross R. , Dötterl S. , Keller A. , Blüthgen N. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe epiphytic bacterial communities colonising roots and leaves have been described for many plant species. In contrast, microbiologists have rarely considered flowers of naturally growing plants. We identified bacteria isolated from the surface of petals and leaves of two plant species, Saponaria officinalis (Caryophyllaceae) and Lotus corniculatus (Fabaceae). The bacterial diversity was much lower on petals than on leaves of the same plants. Moreover, the bacterial communities differed strongly in composition: while Pseudomonadaceae and Microbacteriaceae were the most abundant families on leaves, Enterobacteriaceae dominated the floral communities. We hypothesise that antibacterial floral volatiles trigger the low diversity on petals, which is supported by agar diffusion assays using substances emitted by flowers and leaves of S. officinalis. These results suggest that bacteria should be included in the interpretation of floral traits, and possible effects of bacteria on pollination are proposed and discussed.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Follicular Fluids from Normal and Cystic Follicles in Sows
Authors: Sun Y‐L , Ping Z‐G , Li C‐J , Sun Y‐F , Yi K‐L , Chen L , Li X‐Y , Wang X‐L , Zhou X 
Published: March 2011

ContentsFollicular fluid (FF) includes various biologically active proteins which can affect follicular growth and maturation. Certain proteins could reflect the physiological and pathological status of follicles. The aim of the present study was to explore the key proteins associated with pathogenesis of follicular cysts, some of which may be candidate biomarkers for the condition. We analysed the proteomes of FF from small, medium, large and cystic follicles by two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE) combined with mass spectrometry (MS). The protein components in FF were found to be significantly different among groups; about 300 proteins spots in each group were examined, and 32 differentially expressed proteins were identified from different groups. To further reveal the source of identified proteins, transcripts encoding two of these, transferrin and RBP‐4, were detected in granulosa cells (GCs) by RT‐PCR, as well as the proteins were detected in 24 h culture media of GCs by ELISA. High levels of RBP‐4 were examined in FF of cystic follicles by 2‐DE analysis, which were significantly different to those in large follicles (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the study enriches our understanding of the proteins of FF; RBP‐4 and transferrin originate from passive transfer and follicular synthesized secretion, and RBP‐4 might be a candidate biomarker for porcine follicular cysts. Combined with histological studies, these results further suggest that changes of the type and quantity of proteins in FF might be attributed to an abnormal metabolism of follicular cells and structure of follicular wall in cystic follicles. Our findings will contribute to further insight into the pathogenesis of follicular cysts.
Expression of Toll‐like receptors 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and MD‐2 in the normal equine cornea, limbus, and conjunctiva
Authors: Gornik Kara , Moore Phillip , Figueiredo Monica , Vandenplas Michel 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjective  Human corneal cells have detectable levels of TLRs 1‐10. TLRs 2 and 4 are the major corneal receptors, recognizing the PAMPs associated with fungal invasion in humans. The conjunctiva and limbus contain TLRs 2, 4, and 9. Our purpose was to determine the expression of TLRs 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and MD‐2 in the normal equine cornea, conjunctiva, and limbus.Methods  Corneal, limbal, and conjunctival tissues were collected from seven euthanized horses having no evidence of ocular disease. RNA extraction with DNase‐1 digestion was performed followed by RT‐PCR to determine expression of TLRs 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and MD‐2. Products were resolved by electrophoresis on 1.5% agarose gels and visualized using ethidium bromide staining.Results  Expression of TLRs 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and MD‐2 was present in the cornea, limbus, and conjunctiva of each horse, except one horse, where TLR3 expression was unable to be demonstrated in the dorsal and ventral conjunctiva.Conclusions  Confirming the expression of TLRs in equine ocular tissues is an initial step in identifying how they play a role in infectious keratitis, particularly fungal. The results further support the use of equine ocular tissues as a model for human fungal keratitis. Studies of the TLR expression together with their cytokine profile induced during equine fungal keratitis may help further clarify the pathogenesis of the disease and possibly lead to the development of new treatment protocols for both equines and humans.
Postoperative complications and visual outcomes of phacoemulsification in 103 dogs (179 eyes): 2006–2008
Authors: Klein Heidi E. , Krohne Sheryl G. , Moore George E. , Stiles Jean 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjective To describe the postoperative complications and visual outcome after phacoemulsification in dogs and identify risk factors for complications.Animals studied One hundred and three dogs (179 eyes) that had phacoemulsification with or without intraocular lens (IOL) placement including foldable acrylic IOLs between March 2006 and March 2008 at Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.Procedure Medical records were reviewed and occurrence and dates of postoperative complications were tabulated. Visual status at the final recheck during the study period was recorded. Additional information including signalment, diabetes mellitus status, operative complications and factors, presence of prior lens induced uveitis, preoperative retinopexy, and cataract stage was collected.Results The majority of eyes were functionally visual (148 eyes, 82.7%) at the end of the study period. Blindness was seen in 18 eyes (10.0%) with reduced vision in 13 eyes (7.3%) at the final recheck. Postoperative ocular hypertension (22.9%), corneal lipid opacity (19.0%), uveitis (16.2%), intraocular hemorrhage (12.3%), retinal detachment (8.4%), and glaucoma (6.7%) were the most common postoperative complications seen in eyes. The odds of blindness were significantly greater (OR = 290.44) in the eyes of Boston terriers compared with mixed breed dogs and with each year of increasing age (OR = 2.00).Conclusion The prognosis for vision after phacoemulsification with injectable IOL placement is good. Boston terriers were at much higher risk for certain complications.
Information Asymmetry and Financing Decisions*
Authors: BESSLER WOLFGANG , DROBETZ WOLFGANG , GRÜNINGER MATTHIAS C. 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTThis study conducts tests of the pecking order theory using an international sample with more than 6000 firms over the period from 1995 to 2005. The high correlation between net equity issuances and the financing deficit discredits the static pecking order theory. Rather than analyzing the predictions of the theory, we test its core assumption that information asymmetry is an important determinant of capital structure decisions. Our empirical results support the dynamic pecking order theory and its two testable implications. First, the probability of issuing equity increases with less pronounced firm‐level information asymmetry. Second, firms exploit windows of opportunity by making relatively larger equity issuances and build up cash reserves (slack) after declines in firm‐level information asymmetry. Firms from common law countries use parts of their proceeds from an equity issuance to redeem debt and to rebalance their capital structure. These findings are consistent with a time‐varying adverse selection explanation of firms' financing decisions.
Phenobarbital for neonatal seizures in hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy: A pharmacokinetic study during whole body hypothermia
Authors: Filippi Luca , la Marca Giancarlo , Cavallaro Giacomo , Fiorini Patrizio , Favelli Federica , Malvagia Sabrina , Donzelli Gianpaolo , Guerrini Renzo 
Published: March 2011

SummaryPurpose:  Therapeutic hypothermia has recently been introduced to treat term newborns with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy, of whom more than half have seizures. Phenobarbital is widely used to treat neonatal seizures, but it is unknown whether its pharmacokinetics is affected by hypothermia. We evaluated the influence of hypothermia on phenobarbital pharmacokinetics in asphyxiated newborns.Methods:  Nineteen term asphyxiated newborns treated with mild whole body hypothermia, started within 6 h after birth and protracted for 72 h, received phenobarbital for clinical seizures. Treatment schedule consisted of a loading dose of 20 mg/kg, titrated to response, up to a maximum dose of 40 mg/kg, followed by a maintenance dose of 2.5 or 1.5 mg/kg every 12 h. Phenobarbital concentrations were measured on 28 dried blood spots in each newborn.Key Findings:  Eighteen newborns showed plasma concentrations within the reference range after receiving a loading dose of 20 mg/kg. In the remaining newborn, who had received a loading dose of 35 mg/kg, phenobarbital concentrations exceeded the upper reference limit. Phenobarbital concentrations reached a virtual steady state in all newborns. Pharmacokinetic parameters were then calculated. Minimum and maximum concentration (24.7 ± 8.8 and 30.63 ± 10.3 mg/L), average plasma concentration (27.37 ± 9.4 mg/L), and half‐life (173.9 ± 62.5 h) were considerably higher than reported in literature for normothermic newborns. Pharmacokinetic parameters did not differ significantly between infants receiving different maintenance doses.Significance:  Phenobarbital administered to newborns under whole body hypothermia results in higher plasma concentrations and longer half‐lives than expected in normothermic newborns.
Association between metabolic syndrome and cognitive decline: a systematic review of prospective population-based studies
Authors: Hao Zilong , Wu Bo , Wang Deren , Liu Ming 
Published: March 2011

Objective: The association between metabolic syndrome (MS) and the risk of cognitive impairment or dementia remains unclear. In this article, we systematically review studies on the risk of cognitive disorders in patients with MS to determine the strength of the association between MS and cognitive decline.Methods: Electronic databases through December 2009 were searched to identify prospective population-based studies that examined the association between MS and risk of cognitive disorders. Two reviewers used a standardised form to collect data and assess eligibility. The quality of study was assessed by the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale.Results: We found nine eligible studies that involve 19 876 participants. All studies but two indicate that MS is associated with cognitive decline (from one-fold to more than two-fold increase in risk). It seems that MS may be associated with cognitive impairment (positive results in three of five) and vascular dementia (positive results in two of three), whereas three studies involving patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) did not find the association between MS and AD. When examining the association of the individual risk factors of the MS and cognition in seven eligible studies, glucose (three studies) and hypertension (three studies) showed positive results associated with cognitive decline.Conclusion: The MS may be associated with cognitive impairment and vascular dementia but not for AD, which need to be further investigated with high-quality studies.
Animal studies of the functional consequences of suboptimal polyunsaturated fatty acid status during pregnancy, lactation and early post‐natal life
Authors: Brenna J. Thomas 
Published: March 2011

AbstractScores of animal studies demonstrate that seed oils replete with linoleic acid and very low in linolenic acid fed as the exclusive source of fat through pregnancy and lactation result in visual, cognitive, and behavioural deficits in the offspring. Commodity peanut, sunflower, and safflower oils fed to mother rats, guinea pigs, rhesus monkeys, and baboons induce predictable changes in tissue polyunsaturated fatty acid composition that are abnormal in free‐living land mammals as well as changes in neurotransmitter levels, catecholamines, and signalling compounds compared with animals with a supply of ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acid. These diets consistently induce functional deficits in electroretinograms, reflex responses, reward or avoidance induced learning, maze learning, behaviour, and motor development compared with ω3 replete groups. Boosting neural tissue docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by feeding preformed DHA enhances visual and cognitive function. Though no human randomized controlled trials on minimal ω3 requirements in pregnancy and lactation have been conducted, the weight of animal evidence compellingly shows that randomizing pregnant or lactating humans to diets that include high linoleate oils as the sole source of fat would be frankly unethical because they would result in suboptimal child development. Increasing use of commodity ω3‐deficient oils in developing countries, many in the name of heart health, will limit brain development of the next generation and can be easily corrected at minimal expense by substituting high oleic acid versions of these same oils, in many cases blended with small amounts of α‐linolenic acid oils like flax or perilla oil. Inclusion of DHA in these diets is likely to further enhance visual and neural development.