bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VEGFR‐2‐mediated increased proliferation and survival in response to oxygen and glucose deprivation in PlGF knockout astrocytes
Authors: Freitas‐Andrade Moises , Carmeliet Peter , Stanimirovic Danica B. , Moreno Maria 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn hypoxic/ischemic conditions, astrocytes are involved in neuroprotection and angiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induces angiogenesis and exhibits neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties. However, the role of placental growth factor (PlGF), a VEGF homolog, in these processes is unclear. Therefore, proliferation and survival studies were performed on PlGF knockout (PlGF−/−) and wild‐type (PlGF+/+) mouse astrocytes. A significant increase in cell proliferation and survival to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) was observed in PlGF−/− compared to PlGF+/+ astrocytes. Interestingly, no PlGF protein expression was detected in PlGF+/+ astrocytes and no changes in VEGF protein levels were observed between the two genotypes. Real‐time PCR and immunocytochemistry showed over‐expression of VEGF receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2) in PlGF−/− compared with PlGF+/+ astrocytes. Confocal microscopy revealed nuclear, membrane, and cytoplasmic localization of VEGFR‐2. In vivo over‐expression of VEGFR‐2 mRNA was also detected in PlGF−/− compared with PlGF+/+ astrocytes. Stimulation with VEGF165 resulted in increased proliferation in PlGF−/− compared with PlGF+/+ astrocytes. This effect was blocked by the VEGFR‐2 antagonist, VEGF165b. The enhanced proliferation of PlGF−/− astrocytes correlated with increased phospho‐extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase‐1/2 levels, while the resistance to OGD was independent of the phosphatidylinositol 3′‐kinase/Akt pathway. These results suggest that VEGFR‐2 mediates the enhanced proliferative/OGD resistant phenotype observed in PlGF−/− astrocytes.
The complement cascade: Yin–Yang in neuroinflammation – neuro‐protection and ‐degeneration
Authors: Alexander Jessy John , Anderson Aileen Judith , Barnum Scott Robert , Stevens Beth , Tenner Andrea Joan 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe complement cascade has long been recognized to play a key role in inflammatory and degenerative diseases. It is a ‘double edged’ sword as it is necessary to maintain health, yet can have adverse effects when unregulated, often exacerbating disease. The contrasting effects of complement, depending on whether in a setting of health or disease, is the price paid to achieve flexibility in scope and degree of a protective response for the host from infection and injury. Loss or even decreased efficiency of critical regulatory control mechanisms can result in aggravated inflammation and destruction of self‐tissue. The role of the complement cascade is poorly understood in the nervous system and neurological disorders. Novel studies have demonstrated that the expression of complement proteins in brain varies in different cell types and the effects of complement activation in various disease settings appear to differ. Understanding the functioning of this cascade is essential, as it has therapeutic implications. In this review, we will attempt to provide insight into how this complex cascade functions and to identify potential strategic targets for therapeutic intervention in chronic diseases as well as acute injury in the CNS.
Competitive binding of heparin with hyaluronan to a specific motif in SPACR
Authors: Zhao Jinsong , Yoneda Masahiko , Takeyama Masayuki , Inoue Yoko , Kataoka Takuya , Ohno‐Jinno Akiko , Isogai Zenzo , Iwaki Masayoshi , Zako Masahiro 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe critical hyaluronan binding motif (HABM) in sialoprotein associated with cones and rods (SPACR) has already been determined. As sialoproteoglycan associated with cones and rods, another interphotoreceptor matrix molecule, binds to chondroitin sulfate and heparin with or without the employment of HABMs, respectively, we evaluated and compared the binding of these glycosaminoglycans to SPACR. A western blotting study in combination with inhibition assays showed that heparin bound specifically to SPACR. A series of GST fusion proteins covering the whole SPACR molecule narrowed down the region responsible for the binding. Finally, a site‐directed mutagenesis assay demonstrated that the critical HABM also acts as a specific binding site for heparin. These results were supported with mutual inhibitions by hyaluronan and heparin in analyses using GST fusion proteins and native SPACR derived from retina. Thus, these glycosaminoglycans bind to SPACR in a different manner than to sialoproteoglycan associated with cones and rods. The competitive binding between hyaluronan and heparin to SPACR, mediated through the identical HABM, may dominate the functions of SPACR, in turn involving physiological and pathological processes involved in retinal development, aging and other related disorders.
Opioidergic regulation of astroglial/neuronal proliferation: where are we now?
Authors: Sargeant Tim J. , Miller John H. , Day Darren J. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractOpiate drugs, such as codeine, morphine, and heroin, are powerful analgesics, but also are used as drugs of abuse because of their psychogenic properties. Many studies have shown that opiates impact on cellular proliferation in the adult and developing brain, although anatomical pathologies are lacking inin uteroexposed infants and opioid knockout mice. Recent research has defined a context‐dependent role for the opioid system in neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus with exercise. Opioids have been shown to interact with proliferating cells of the postnatal subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles. The subventricular zone is also a region of adult neurogenesis, a fact that was not well established at the time this earlier research was conducted. Although a relationship between opioids and fetal neurogenesis has yet to be firmly established, many studies have implicated the opioid system in this process. One common factor that links neurogenesis in adult, postnatal, and fetal structures is the involvement of neuronal progenitor cells of the astrocytic lineage. It is therefore of interest that opioids have been consistently shown to impact upon astrocytic proliferation. It is the intention of this paper to review the literature that has established a role for the opioid system in neurogenesisin vivoin fetal, postnatal, and adult animals and to examine the links of opioids to modulation of astrocytic proliferation.
Chronic nicotine modifies the effects of morphine on extracellular striatal dopamine and ventral tegmental GABA
Authors: Vihavainen Tanja , Relander Toni R. A. , Leiviskä Riikka , Airavaara Mikko , Tuominen Raimo K. , Ahtee Liisa , Piepponen Timo Petteri 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPreviously, we have shown that 7‐week oral nicotine treatment enhances morphine‐induced behaviors and dopaminergic activity in the mouse brain. In this study, we further characterized the nicotine‐morphine interaction in the mesolimbic and nigrostriatal dopaminergic systems, as well as in the GABAergic control of these systems. In nicotine‐pretreated mice, morphine‐induced dopamine release in the caudate putamen and nucleus accumbens was significantly augmented, as measured by microdialysis. Chronic nicotine treatment did not change basal extracellular concentrations of dopamine and its metabolites in the caudate putamen and nucleus accumbens, nor did it affect the rate of dopamine synthesis, as assessed by 3‐hydroxybenzylhydrazine dihydrochloride‐induced DOPA accumulation. GABAergic control of dopaminergic activity was studied by measuring extracellular GABA in the presence of nipecotic acid, an inhibitor of GABA uptake. Acute (0.3 mg/kg or 0.5 mg/kg i.p.) and chronic nicotine, as well as morphine (15 mg/kg s.c.) in control mice decreased nipecotic acid–induced increase in extracellular GABA in the ventral tegmental area/substantia nigra (VTA/SN). In contrast, in nicotine‐treated mice, morphine increased GABA levels in the presence of nipecotic acid. We did not find any alterations in GABAB‐receptor function after chronic nicotine treatment. Thus, our data show that chronic nicotine treatment sensitizes dopaminergic systems to morphine and affects GABAergic systems in the VTA/SN.
Developing Technical Expertise in Emergency Medicine—The Role of Simulation in Procedural Skill Acquisition
Authors: Wang Ernest E. , Quinones Joshua , Fitch Michael T. , Dooley‐Hash Suzanne , Griswold‐Theodorson Sharon , Medzon Ron , Korley Frederick , Laack Torrey , Robinett Adam , Clay Lamont 
Published: September 2008

AbstractDeveloping technical expertise in medical procedures is an integral component of emergency medicine (EM) practice and training. This article is the work of an expert panel composed of members from the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) Interest Group, the SAEM Technology in Medical Education Committee, and opinions derived from the May 2008 Academic Emergency Medicine Consensus Conference, “The Science of Simulation in Healthcare.” The writing group reviewed the simulation literature on procedures germane to EM training, virtual reality training, and instructional learning theory as it pertains to skill acquisition and procedural skills decay. The authors discuss the role of simulation in teaching technical expertise, identify training conditions that lead to effective learning, and provide recommendations for future foci of research.
Sampling and pheromone trapping for comparison of abundance of Amyelois transitella in almonds and pistachios
Authors: Burks Charles S. , Higbee Bradley S. , Brandl David G. , Mackey Bruce E. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is the primary insect pest of almonds, Prunus amygdalus Batsch (Rosaceae), and pistachios, Pistacia vera L. (Anacardiaceae), in California, USA. Abundance of A. transitella was compared between these crops by examining total and infested mummy nuts collected in trees and on the ground between January and March in 2003 and 2004, and by examining the number of males captured in sticky traps baited with virgin females as a pheromone source during the subsequent growing seasons. There was an 8–9‐fold greater density of total mummies (potential hosts) in pistachios compared to almonds. The proportion of mummies infested was not significantly different between the crops in 2003, but significantly more almond than pistachio mummies were infested in 2004. In 2003, the average density of infested mummies per hectare was greater in pistachios than in almonds, but in 2004 the converse was true. Examination of meteorological data did not suggest an explanation for more live A. transitella per infested mummy in almonds in 2004. The number of males captured in pistachios was consistently greater than the number captured in almonds, particularly during the second flight in June and July. The number of males captured in sticky traps in the summer was more strongly associated with the total mummy density in the sanitation survey of the previous winter than with the density of infested mummies. We conclude that the overall density of mummy nuts serving as potential oviposition sites prior to the next year's crop has a greater impact on the abundance of A. transitella during the growing season and subsequent harvest than does the density of infested mummies. The implications for the ecology and management of this pest species are discussed.
Yield, chemical composition, and bioactivity of essential oils from 12 species ofEucalyptusonAedes aegyptilarvae
Authors: Lucia Alejandro , Licastro Susana , Zerba Eduardo , Masuh Héctor 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe insecticidal activity of essential oils from 12 species ofEucalyptus(Myrtaceae) was evaluated on larvae ofAedes aegypti(L.) (Diptera: Culicidae), the most important vector of dengue and yellow fever in the Americas. Oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and their chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry; yields ranged from 0.2 to 2.5%. Essential oils were mainly composed of 1,8‐cineole, α‐pinene, α‐phellandrene, β‐phellandrene, γ‐terpinene, 4‐terpineol, α‐terpineol,p‐cymene, and spathulenol. Larvicidal effects were tested on susceptible third or fourth stageAe. aegyptilarvae, determining median lethal concentration (LC50) and median effective concentration (EC50). Essential oils fromEucalyptus dunnii(Maiden),Eucalyptus gunnii(Hook), Eucalyptus tereticornis(Smith),Eucalyptus camaldulensis(Dehn), andEucalyptus saligna(Smith) showed the best larvicidal activities with LC50values of 25.2, 21.1, 22.1, 26.8, and 22.2, respectively. No significant differences were observed between LC50and EC50values of the same oil. Regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between total essential oil yields and 1,8‐cineole concentration. Significant relationships were also revealed between larval mortality and the concentration of 1,8‐cineole andp‐cymene. This indicated thatEucalyptusspecies with high oil yields have higher 1,8‐cineole concentrations and lowerp‐cymene concentrations and have less effect onAe. aegypti. Our results suggest the potential of controlled crossing methods to obtainEucalyptustrees with chemical profiles having enhanced activity against this mosquito.
Evaluation of 308‐nm monochromatic excimer light in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris and palmoplantar psoriasis
Authors: Han Ling , Somani Ally‐Khan , Huang Qiong , Fang Xu , Jin Yi , Xiang Lei‐Hong , Zheng Zhi‐Zhong 
Published: September 2008

Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 308‐nm monochromatic excimer light (MEL) in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris and palmoplantar psoriasis.Methods: Thirty‐five patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 15 patients with palmoplantar psoriasis were recruited for this study. Thirty patients with psoriasis vulgaris completed a total of 16 treatments with 308‐nm MEL twice a week, and 15 patients palmoplantar psoriasis completed 25 treatments administered once weekly. The clinical response to therapy and adverse effects were recorded.Results: Patients with psoriasis vulgaris (n=30) showed a 74.6% improvement in the mean psoriasis area and severity index score after a total of 16 MEL treatments (2 ×/week) with 36.7% of the patients (n=11) achieving clearance. Patients with palmoplantar psoriasis (n=15) showed a 52.5% improvement in the mean severity index score after a total of 25 MEL treatments (1 ×/week) with only one patient (6.7%) achieving clearance. The MEL therapy was well tolerated with a low incidence of side effects, which included pruritus, erythema and blister formation.Conclusion: The 308‐nm MEL can be utilized as an effective and safe treatment modality for patients with mild‐to‐moderate psoriasis vulgaris and palmoplantar psoriasis.
5‐Aminolaevulinic acid and photodynamic therapy reduce HSV‐1 replication in HaCat cells through an apoptosis‐independent mechanism
Authors: Ayala Fabrizio , Grimaldi Elena , Perfetto Brunella , Donnarumma Maria , De Filippis Anna , Donnarumma Giovanna , Tufano Maria Antonietta 
Published: September 2008

Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the use of a photosensitizing agent, which may require metabolic synthesis (i.e. a prodrug), followed by light activation. Numerous studies have advanced PDT as a means for treating bacteria, fungi and viruses. In this study, the photoinactivation of Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) in human keratinocytes using 5‐aminolaevulinic acid (5‐ALA) was investigated.Methods: HaCat cells were infected with HSV‐1 and treated with 5‐ALA to verify its antiviral effect during the stages of adsorption and penetration to host cells. Immunoblot analysis was used to estimate the effect of ALA–PDT on the production of viral proteins glycoprotein D (gD), infected cell proteins (ICP) 27 and virion protein (VP) 16. We also investigated whether the effect of ALA–PDT was associated with a cellular apoptotic mechanism through DNA fragmentation and the study of p53, PARP and caspase‐3 protein expression.Results: While the treatment of ALA–PDT after the viral adsorption period reduced HSV‐1 replication by about 70%, it did not act on the virus in the first phase of infection. The viral proteins' expressions were reduced by ALA–PDT treatments. There was no evidence of ALA–PDT‐induced apoptosis.Conclusion: Our data suggest that the target of photoinactivation appears to be viral replication and not a cellular response.
Non‐invasive diagnostic evaluation of phototherapeutic effects of red light phototherapy of acne vulgaris
Authors: Zane Cristina , Capezzera Rossana , Pedretti Alessandra , Facchinetti Elena , Calzavara‐Pinton Piergiacomo 
Published: September 2008

Background: During the past few years, various phototherapeutic protocols with full‐spectrum visible light or selected wavebands have been investigated in the treatment of acne vulgaris with variable results.Methods: Fifteen women suffering from moderate acne vulgaris of the face were exposed to 20 J/cm2 of broad‐band red (λ: 600–750 nm) light twice weekly for 4 weeks. In addition, with the aim to improve the present knowledge of the mechanisms of action of phototherapy, we measured skin sebum, pH, hydration and trans‐epidermal water loss (TEWL). Lesions of the trunk were not irradiated and served as controls.Results: A significant improvement of acne lesions and a significant decrease of skin sebum excretion and TEWL of the face were registered at the end of the therapy and at the 3‐month follow‐up visit. The results could be related to a reduced follicular colonization of Propionibacterium acnes, in that it was lethally damaged by photoactivated endogenous porphyrins.Conclusion: The present findings seem to indicate that red light phototherapy may represent an effective, well‐tolerated, safe, simple and inexpensive treatment option for moderate acne vulgaris.
Photoprotective behaviour and sunscreen use: impact on vitamin D levels in cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Authors: Cusack Caitriona , Danby Claire , Fallon Jason C. , Ho Wen Lyn , Murray Barbara , Brady Jennifer , O'Kelly Patrick , Ambrose Nicola , Kearns Grainne , Murphy Gillian M. 
Published: September 2008

Background: Sun exposure of the skin, independent of dietary sources, may provide sufficient vitamin D in healthy individuals. A recent study of patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus concluded that over 70% of them restrict their sun exposure.Methods: We recruited 52 patients with biopsy‐proven cutaneous lupus erythematosus to establish whether they are deficient in 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. We measured their serum 25(OH)D levels during summer months, investigated the effects of several variables on 25(OH)D levels and assessed the role of vitamin D supplementation.Results: An overall mean 25(OH)D level of 63.03 (±23.3) nmol/l was obtained. Significantly low values (<25 nmol/l) were recorded in two (3.8%) patients and concentrations below 75 nmol/l were found in 34 (65.4%) patients. 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower among sun avoiders and daily sunscreen users, while significantly higher values were found among those who took cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) supplements. Low values were recorded among those with renal disease despite supplementation with vitamin D3 in some cases.Conclusions: We suggest that patients with cutaneous lupus erythematous have suboptimal 25(OH)D levels, which are significantly raised by the addition of at least 400 IU/day of cholecalciferol. We recommend supplementation with an active vitamin D analogue in collaboration with a consultant nephrologist, for the subgroup of patients with renal disease.
Bovine Blood and Neuromuscular Paralysis as a Bridge to Recovery in a Patent with Severe Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Authors: Pachinburavan Monvasi , Marik Paul E. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractHemoglobin solutions have several advantages as substitutes for erythrocyte transfusions. They have a prolonged shelf life, do not require cross‐matching, are associated with few transfusion reactions, and are effective in delivering oxygen to the tissues. Despite the potential clinical utility of these solutions, they have not achieved widespread use. HbOC‐201 (Hemopure, Biopure, Cambridge, MA, USA) is a bovine hemoglobin solution that has been FDA approved for compassionate use in Jehovah's witness patients requiring transfusions. Here we report a case of a patient with hemoglobin H disease who developed a severe life‐threatening mixed warm and cold antibody mediated autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who was successfully treated with HbOC‐201 as an adjunct to blood transfusion.
Effect of the Soluble TNF‐Antagonist Etanercept on Tumor Necrosis Factor Bioactivity and Stability
Authors: Mann Douglas L. , Bozkurt Biykem , Torre‐Amione Guillermo , Soran Ozlem Z. , Sivasubramanian Natarajan 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Background: Targeted anti‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF) strategies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis have resulted in new and/or worsening heart failure in individuals who were free of cardiovascular disease. Methods and Results: To determine the mechanism of new and/or worsening heart failure in patients who were receiving the soluble TNF‐antagonist etanercept, we analyzed frozen plasma samples from a previous clinical trial with etanercept in heart failure patients, and conducted complimentary mechanistic in vitro studies. Analysis of the clinical trial data showed that use of etanercept resulted in a significant 70‐fold increase in the level of immunoreactive TNF. Complimentary in vitro studies using an L929 bioassay showed that at low concentrations of etanercept relative to TNF there was an unexpected 1.5‐ to 1.75‐fold increase in the absolute level of TNF bioactivity. We also examined the effect of etanercept on TNF stability and the results showed that there was a two‐fold increase in the mass of bioactive homotrimeric TNF when the molar ratio of TNF to etanercept was approximately 200:1. Conclusion: Etanercept increases the immunoreactive mass of TNF in heart failure patients, as well as augments TNF cytotoxicity in certain settings, thus suggesting one potential mechanism for the worsening heart failure in some patients who were receiving this agent.
Bioinformatic Primer for Clinical and Translational Science
Authors: Faustino Randolph S. , Chiriac Anca , Terzic Andre 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe advent of high‐throughput technologies has accelerated generation and expansion of genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data. Acquisition of high‐dimensional datasets requires archival systems that permit efficiency of storage and retrieval, and so, multiple electronic repositories have been initiated and maintained to meet this demand. Bioinformatic science has evolved, from these intricate bodies of dynamically updated information and the tools to manage them, as a necessity to harness and decipher the inherent complexity of high‐volume data. Large datasets are associated with a variable degree of stochastic noise that contributes to the balance of an ordered, multistable state with the capacity to evolve in response to stimulus, thus exhibiting a hallmark feature of biological criticality. In this context, the network theory has become an invaluable tool to map relationships that integrate discrete elements that collectively direct global function within a particular –omic category, and indeed, the prioritized focus on the functional whole of the genomic, transcriptomic, or proteomic strata over single molecules is a primary tenet of systems biology analyses. This new biology perspective allows inspection and prediction of disease conditions, not limited to a monogenic challenge, but as a combination of individualized molecular permutations acting in concert to effect a phenotypic outcome. Bioinformatic integration of multidimensional data within and between biological layers thus harbors the potential to identify unique biological signatures, providing an enabling platform for advances in clinical and translational science.