bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
H2S‐induced pancreatic acinar cell apoptosis is mediated via JNK and p38 MAP kinase
Authors: Adhikari Sharmila , Bhatia Madhav 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTreatment of pancreatic acinar cells by hydrogen sulphide has been shown to induce apoptosis. However, a potential role of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in this apoptotic pathway remains unknown. The present study examined the role of MAPKs in H2S‐induced apoptosis in mouse pancreatic acinar cells. Pancreatic acinar cells were treated with 10 μM NaHS (a donor of H2S) for 3 hrs. For the evaluation of the role of MAPKs, PD98059, SP600125 and SB203580 were used as MAPKs inhibitors for ERK1/2, JNK1/2 and p38 MAPK, respectively. We observed activation of ERK1/2, JNK1/2 and p38 when pancreatic acini were exposed to H2S. Moreover, H2S‐induced ERK1/2, JNK1/2 and p38 activation were blocked by pre‐treatment with their corresponding inhibitor in a dose‐dependent manner. H2S‐induced apoptosis led to an increase in caspase 3 activity and this activity was attenuated when caspase 3 inhibitor were used. Also, the cleavage of caspase 3 correlated with that of poly‐(ADP‐ribose)‐polymerase (PARP) cleavage. H2S treatment induced the release of cytochrome c, smac from mitochondria into the cytoplasm, translocation of Bax into mitochondria and decreased the protein level of Bcl‐2. Inhibition of ERK1/2 using PD98059 caused further enhancement of apoptosis as evidenced by annexin V staining, while SP600125 and SB203580 abrogated H2S‐induced apoptosis. Taken together, the data suggest that activation of ERKs promotes cell survival, whereas activation of JNKs and p38 MAP kinase leads to H2S‐induced apoptosis.
C‐terminal 37 residues of LRP promote the amyloidogenic processing of APP independent of FE65
Authors: Lakshmana Madepalli K. , Chen Eunice , Yoon Il‐Sang , Kang David E. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe major defining pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the accumulation of amyloid β protein (Aβ), a small peptide derived from β‐ and γ‐secretase cleavages of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Recent studies have shown that the Low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein (LRP) plays a pivotal role in the trafficking of APP and generation of Aβ. In particular, we recently showed that the soluble cytoplasmic tail of LRP (LRP‐ST) without a membrane tether was sufficient to promote Aβ generation. In this study, we demonstrate that the last 37 residues of LRP cytoplasmic tail (LRP‐C37) lacking the NPxY motifs and FE65 binding mediate the core pro‐amyloidogenic activity of LRP‐ST. Moreover, we show that the conserved dileucine motif within the LRP‐C37 region is a key determinant of its Aβ promoting activity. Finally, results from a yeast two‐hybrid screen using LRP‐C37 region as bait reveal four new LRP‐binding proteins implicated in intracellular signalling and membrane protein trafficking. Our findings indicate that the LRP‐C37 sequence represents a new protein‐binding domain that may be useful as a therapeutic target and tool to lower Aβ generation in AD.
Deregulation of keratinocyte differentiation and activation: a hallmark of venous ulcers
Authors: Stojadinovic Olivera , Pastar Irena , Vukelic Sasa , Mahoney Mỹ G. , Brennan Donna , Krzyzanowska Agata , Golinko Michael , Brem Harold , Tomic‐Canic Marjana 
Published: March 2008

AbstractEpidermal morphology of chronic wounds differs from that of normal epidermis. Biopsies of non‐healing edges obtained from patients with venous ulcers show thick and hyperproliferative epidermis with mitosis present in suprabasal layers. This epidermis is also hyper‐keratotic and parakeratotic. This suggests incomplete activation and differentiation of keratinocytes. To identify molecular changes that lead to pathogenic alterations in keratinocyte activation and differentiation pathways we isolated mRNA from non‐healing edges deriving from venous ulcers patients and determined transcriptional profiles using Affymetrix chips. Obtained transcriptional profiles were compared to those from healthy, unwounded skin. As previously indicated by histology, we found deregulation of differentiation and activation markers. We also found differential regulation of signalling molecules that regulate these two processes. Early differentiation markers, keratins K1/K10 and a subset of small proline‐rich proteins, along with the late differentiation marker filaggrin were suppressed, whereas late differentiation markers involucrin, transgultaminase 1 and another subset of small proline‐rich proteins were induced in ulcers when compared to healthy skin. Surprisingly, desomosomal and tight junction components were also deregulated. Keratinocyte activation markers keratins K6/K16/K17 were induced. We conclude that keratinocytes at the non‐healing edges of venous ulcers do not execute either activation or differentiation pathway, resulting in thick callus‐like formation at the edge of a venous ulcers.
Cyclo(His‐Pro) promotes cytoprotection by activating Nrf2‐mediated up‐regulation of antioxidant defence
Authors: Minelli Alba , Conte Carmela , Grottelli Silvia , Bellezza Maria , Cacciatore Ivana , Bolaños Juan P. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractHystidyl‐proline [cyclo(His‐Pro)] is an endogenous cyclic dipeptide produced by the cleavage of thyrotropin releasing hormone. Previous studies have shown that cyclo(His‐Pro) protects against oxidative stress, although the underlying mechanism has remained elusive. Here, we addressed this issue and found that cyclo(His‐Pro) triggered nuclear accumulation of NF‐E2‐related factor‐2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor that up‐regulates antioxidant‐/electrophile‐responsive element (ARE‐EpRE)‐related genes, in PC12 cells. Cyclo(His‐Pro) attenuated reactive oxygen species production, and prevented glutathione depletion caused by glutamate, rotenone, paraquat and β‐amyloid treatment. Moreover, real‐time PCR analyses revealed that cyclo(His‐Pro) induced the expression of a number of ARE‐related genes and protected cells against hydrogen peroxide‐mediated apoptotic death. Furthermore, these effects were abolished by RNA interference‐mediated Nrf2 knockdown. Finally, pharmacological inhibition of p‐38 MAPK partially prevented both cyclo(His‐Pro)‐mediated Nrf2 activation and cellular protection. These results suggest that the signalling mechanism responsible for the cytoprotective actions of cyclo(His‐Pro) would involve p‐38 MAPK activation leading to Nrf2‐mediated up‐regulation of antioxidant cellular defence.
Injection lipolysis for reduction of saddlebag trochanteric bulges ‐ half‐side controlled pilot study
Authors: Kopera Daisy , Horejsi Renate , Werner Stefan , Moeller Reinhard 
Published: March 2008

Summary Background: Phosphatidylcholine, a lecithin extracted from soybeans can reduce serum cholesterol to some extent. Intravenous use may prevent fat embolism in polytrauma patients. When injected intralesionally in a formulation containing also deoxycholate and ethanol it is supposed to act as “fat burner” to reduce undesired fat deposits; there is little evidence‐based scientific support for this indictaion. Objective: To evaluate the capability of phosphatidylcholin + deoxycholate + ethanol (PPC/DC/E) to reduce body fat with a half‐side pilot study for the reduction of saddlebag trochanteric bulges. Methods: PPC/DC/E was injected into the right posterior trochanteric areas three times at weeks 0, 3 and 6. Treatment areas and the same regions of the contralateral side as a control were evaluated by sonography. Tape measurements were taken and the thickness of the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) was measured with an optical device (Lipometer®) at baseline and at week 8 and week 20 (2 and 14 weeks after completign therapy). Results: In this half‐side trial, no significant reduction of subcutaneous fat was achieved after three treatments with PPC/DC/E when compared to the untreated side.Transient inflammatory reactions occurred in all patients. Limitations: Only the commercially available formulation containing the three components was tested. Conclusion: The off‐label use of PPC/DC/E as a “fat burner” did not produce measurable reduction of undesired trochanteric fat deposits.
Strategies to optimize the use of targeted agents for tumor therapy
Authors: Becker Jürgen C. , Ugurel Selma , Schrama David 
Published: March 2008

SummaryIn recent years the traditional treatment spectrum of tumors – chemotherapy or radiotherapy – has been extended with immune‐modulating strategies.For some tumors, clinical responses have been observed but for numerous others no satisfactory approach has been established. Many new agents have been developed;the targeted or smart drugs modulate a constantly growing list of tumor‐specific signal pathways and represent an enormous hope for cancer patients.The clinical evaluation of these targeted drugs alone or in combination also presents an enormous challenge.Since the number of possible combinations of targeted drugs seems almost limitless, an accurate strategy for determination of success‐promising combination patterns for the individual cancer patient is of special importance.
Breastfeeding in northern Italy
Authors: Santini P , Calevo MG , Caviglia MR , Asprea T , Bonacci W , Serra G ,   The Breastfeeding Group
Published: March 2008

AbstractAim: To describe the duration and type, as classified by World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, of breastfeeding in Ligurian newborns up to 1 year of age, and to identify possible related factors.Methods: A prospective, observational study on a cohort of 757 women recruited in 10 hospitals in Northern Italy. Women were followed up by means of a questionnaire at discharge and by telephone interviews in the 4th, 12th, 24th and 48th weeks postpartum using the ‘recall period’ method.Results: At discharge, 97.3% of mothers had started breastfeeding; regional breastfeeding rates at the 4th, 12th, 24th and 48th weeks were respectively 84.4%, 71.2%, 54.4% and 26.3%. Socio‐demographic factors did not significantly influence these percentages. Median duration of breastfeeding was 6.5 months.No statistically significant differences were observed in duration of breastfeeding between women who started exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and those who did predominant breastfeeding (PBF), while the difference was statistically significant when comparing complementary breastfeeding (CBF) with EBF and with PBF.Conclusions: Our study is the first regional experience in the Liguria region and represents a starting point for the diffusion of the culture of breastfeeding. Our results are satisfactory with regards to the overall duration of breastfeeding until the first year of life (26.3%), while duration of EBF (9.5% at the 24th week) is still unsatisfactory according to WHO objectives that include EBF for all children up to the sixth month of life.
Adiponectin and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ expression in subcutaneous and omental adipose tissue in children
Authors: Li Xiaonan , Lindquist Susanne , Angsten Gertrud , Yi Jun , Olsson Tommy , Hernell Olle 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAim: To compare the expression levels of the adiponectin and peroxisome proliferator ‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) genes in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SC) and omental adipose tissue (OM) in children with relation to age and anthropometric variables.Methods: Paired biopsies (SC and OM) were obtained from 53 children (age 0.2–14 years, BMI 12.5–25.8 kg/m2). Adiponectin and PPARγ mRNA levels in adipose tissue were measured by real‐time PCR.Results: In overweight, but not in normal weight children, the median adiponectin mRNA level was significantly lower in OM [0.51 (0.1–2.17)] compared to SC [1.29 (0.16–5.08)], (p = 0.03). Adiponectin mRNA levels were strongly associated with PPARγ mRNA levels in both SC (r = 0.73, p < 0.001) and OM (r = 0.78, p < 0.001).Conclusions: The lower adiponectin expression in OM relative to SC in overweight children indicates that metabolic‐endocrine alterations begin already in childhood. The close association between adiponectin and PPARγ expression supports the hypothesis this transcription factor is involved in adiponectin gene regulation.
Prone sleeping position increases the risk of SIDS in the day more than at night
Authors: Mitchell EA , Bajanowski T , Brinkmann B , Jorch G , Stewart AW , Vennemann MMT 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground: SIDS mortality is higher during the night than in the day.Aim: (1) To examine risk factors for SIDS by time of day and (2) to see if the proportion of deaths at night has changed from prior to the ‘Back to Sleep’ campaign, which recommended infants sleep supine.Methods: A large population‐based SIDS matched case‐control (GeSID) study conducted from 1998 to 2001 (when the prevalence of infants placed prone to sleep was 4.1%). The reference sleep of the controls was matched for the estimated time of death for the case. Risk factors for SIDS were examined for night‐time and day‐time deaths. The estimated time of death was compared with that from an earlier study in Germany (1990–1994 when prevalence of prone sleeping was 32.2%).Results: There were 333 SIDS cases and 998 matched controls. The increased risk with placed prone to sleep was significantly different during the day [adjusted OR = 18.15 (95% CI = 5.91–55.69)] compared with during the night [adjusted OR = 3.49 (95% CI = 1.46–8.39; p‐value for interaction = 0.011)]. There was no significant difference in the other risk factors examined by time of day in the multivariate analysis. The mean time found dead was 09:07. In the earlier study the mean time found dead was 08:54 and the difference was not significant (p = 0.57).Conclusions: This study confirms previous observations that prone sleeping position carries a greater risk during the day than at night. However, the reduction in infants sleeping prone has not been associated with a reduced number of deaths in the day in Germany.
Australasian emergency physicians: A learning and educational needs analysis. Part Three: Participation by FACEM in available CPD: What do they do and do they like it?
Authors: Weiland Tracey J , Dent Andrew W , Paltridge Debbie 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjective:  To determine the participation of Emergency Physicians (EP) in currently available continuing professional development opportunities (CPD), their perception of the usefulness of available CPD and their preferred format or method of CPD desired in the future.Method:  A mailed survey of Fellows of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine with 17 Likert type options on educational methods and qualitative analysis grouping volunteered free text responses.Results:  The most frequent learning methods reported by EP are on the job contact with other clinicians, formal ED based teaching and reading journals, which were also perceived as useful or very useful learning methods by more than 90% of EP. Less than 15% often or always participate on hospital grand rounds, high fidelity simulation, computer programmes or commercially sponsored events. Increased exposure was desired to high‐fidelity simulation center skills training by 58% of respondents with nearly 49% of fellows also wanting more participation in international conferences with around 44% of fellows also wanting more participation in international conferences with around 44% desiring more formal teaching in the ED, more formal feedback on performance, and more meetings with other hospital departments. Over 50% of EP want less or no exposure to commercially sponsored dinners or events.Conclusion:  Whilst emergency physicians currently participate in a wide variety of learning methods, the results of this survey suggest EP most appreciate ED based teaching, would like more contact with other departments, along with increased opportunities for simulation based learning and attendance at international conferences.
Self‐rated preparedness of Australian prevocational hospital doctors for emergencies
Authors: Duns Glenn , Weiland Tracey , Crotty Brendan , Jolly Brian , Cuddihy Helen , Dent Andrew 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjective:  To determine perceived preparedness of Australian hospital‐based prevocational doctors for resuscitation skills and management of emergencies, and to identify differences between doctors who perceive themselves well prepared and those who perceive themselves poorly prepared for emergencies, in demographics and exposure to desired learning methods.Methods:  Questionnaire consisting of a mix of graded Likert scales and free‐text answers distributed to 36 Australian hospitals for secondary distribution to hospital medical officers.Results:  From 2607 questionnaires posted, 470 (18.1%) were returned. Thirty‐one per cent (95% confidence interval [CI] 26–35%) felt well prepared for resuscitation and management of emergencies, 41% (CI 37–45%) felt adequately prepared and 28% (CI 24–32%) felt they were not well prepared. Those who felt well prepared reported that they had experienced more exposure to a range of educational methods, including consultant contact, supervisor feedback, clinical skills, high fidelity simulator sessions and unit meetings. Well‐prepared and poorly prepared doctors had similar opinions of the usefulness of various learning methods, but the poorly prepared group more frequently expressed a desire for increased exposure to contact with registrars and consultants, clinical skills sessions and hospital and unit meetings. There were no differences in gender, age or country of origin (Australia vs international medical graduates) between those who felt well or poorly prepared.Conclusions:  Many prevocational hospital doctors feel inadequately prepared for the management of emergencies. Perceived preparedness is associated with more exposure to particular educational activities. Increasing exposure to learning of emergencies in undergraduate and prevocational years could reduce the number of junior doctors who feel poorly prepared for emergencies.
Acute complications following extracorporeal shock‐wave lithotripsy for renal and ureteric calculi
Authors: Doran Owen , Foley Bernard 
Published: March 2008

AbstractExtracorporeal shock‐wave lithotripsy remains a widely utilized treatment modality for renal and some ureteric calculi. The treatment is generally considered very safe. However, minor complications occur in a significant number of patients. Serious complications, causing ongoing morbidity or mortality, are rare, affecting less than 1% of patients. A review of the literature on the adverse effects of the treatment, with an emphasis on those which might present to ED is presented.
How do the consumption and development rates of the conifer specialist Aphidecta obliterata respond to temperature, and is it better adapted to limited prey than a generalist?
Authors: Timms J.E.L. , Leather S.R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis study aimed to address the effect of temperature on the consumption and development rates of Aphidecta obliterata and to compare the responses of Ap. obliterata (specialist) with that of Adalia bipunctata (generalist) to prey limitation. Temperature had a significant and positive effect on the time to egg hatch of Ap. obliterata. The duration of the larval instars was not affected by prey species at 15°C but was significantly shorter, 12.1 days at 20°C compared with 21.1 days at 15°C. The proportion of time spent in each instar, however, was not affected by temperature or prey species, but the duration of the pupal stage was significantly affected by temperature. The average daily consumption of prey aphids increased with instar and was significantly influenced by temperature. There was a significant difference in the length of the pupal stage between coccinellid species but not that of the larval stage. The duration of the larval period increased under conditions of prey shortage. The pupal period of Ap. obliterata was significantly affected by the food regime but not that of Ad. bipunctata. There was a significant interaction between species and food supply on the length of the pupal stage and the larval stage and the final fresh weight achieved by the newly emerged adults. Male adults weighed significantly less than the females in all regimes. Larvae of Ap. obliterata and Ad. bipunctata did not consume any of the alternative prey (Collembola or Psocoptera) provided. There was no significant difference in the consumption of prey between the two coccinellid species. The results suggest that both of these coccinellids are well adapted to low‐density‐specific prey. There were no obvious differences between the two, which would tend to favour either species in an environment of limited prey.
DETERMINATION OF THE PROTEIN CONTENT IN RICE BY THE DIGITAL CHROMATIC METHOD
Authors: SUN JIAN‐PING , HOU CAI‐YUN , FENG JING , WANG XU 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT The feasibility of using digital chroma measurements to determine the protein content in rice was investigated using red, green and blue (RGB) chroma values to reflect color change. The protein content of rice samples ranged from 5 g/100 g to 13 g/100 g. There was a significant negative linear correlation (r < −0.98) between the protein content in rice and the chroma values of relevant protein solutions treated with biuret reagent. Of all the tricolor values, the G value was the optimal parameter to reflect the chroma difference of the protein solutions. It had a higher correlation coefficient (r < −0.99) and was more sensitive to subtle differences in protein content than R or B values. With a similar structure and the same reaction conditions, rice samples with known protein content were found to be more accurate calibrating substances. The results determined by the digital chromatic method are not significantly different from that of the Kjeldahl method. With the advantages of high precision, easy operation and high efficiency, the method is suitable for applications in quality evaluation and supervising practice in the field of rice circulation.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSA new method to determine the protein content of rice was studied by combining digital image analysis technology and a traditional chemical approach. The study forms a part of the technology foundation to develop quality evaluation systems for rice.