bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aminopeptidase A contributes to the N‐terminal truncation of amyloid β‐peptide
Authors: Sevalle Jean , Amoyel Audrey , Robert Philippe , Fournié‐Zaluski Marie‐Claude , Roques Bernard , Checler Frédéric 
Published: February 2009

AbstractSeveral lines of data previously indicated that N‐terminally truncated forms of amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptides are likely the earliest and more abundant species immunohistochemically detectable in Alzheimer’s disease‐affected brains. It is noteworthy that the free N‐terminal residue of full‐length Aβ (fl‐Aβ) is an aspartyl residue, suggesting that Aβ could be susceptible to exopeptidasic attack by aminopeptidase A (APA)‐like proteases. In this context, we have examined whether APA could target Aβ peptides in both cell‐free and cellular models. We first show that the general aminopeptidase inhibitor amastatin as well as two distinct aminopeptidase A inhibitors EC33 and pl302 both significantly increase the recovery of genuine fl‐Aβ peptides generated by cells over‐expressing Swedish‐mutated β amyloid precursor protein (APP) while the aminopeptidase N blocker pl250 did not modify fl‐Aβ recovery. In agreement with this observation, we establish that over‐expressed APA drastically reduces, in a calcium dependent manner, fl‐Aβ but not APP IntraCellular Domain in a cell‐free model of Aβ production. In agreement with the above data, we show that recombinant APA degrades fl‐Aβ in a pl302‐sensitive manner. Interestingly, we also show that EC33 and pl302 lower staurosporine‐stimulated activation of caspase‐3 in wild‐type fibroblasts but not in βAPP/β‐amyloid precursor protein‐like protein 2 (APLP2) double knockout fibroblasts, suggesting that protecting endogenous fl‐Aβ physiological production triggers neuroprotective phenotype. By contrast, EC33 does not modify staurosporine‐induced caspase‐3 activation in wild‐type and Swedish‐mutated βAPP‐HEK293 expressing cells that display exacerbated production of Aβ. Overall, our data establish that APA contributes to the N‐terminal truncation of Aβ and suggest that this cleavage is likely abrogating a protective function associated with physiological but not supraphysiological levels of genuine fl‐Aβ peptides.
p53‐Dependent control of cell death by nicastrin: lack of requirement for presenilin‐dependent γ‐secretase complex
Authors: Pardossi‐Piquard Raphaëlle , Dunys Julie , Giaime Emilie , Guillot‐Sestier Marie‐Victoire , St. George‐Hyslop Peter , Checler Frédéric , Alves da Costa Cristine 
Published: February 2009

AbstractNicastrin (NCT) is a component of the presenilin (PS)‐dependent γ‐secretase complexes that liberate amyloid β‐peptides from the β‐Amyloid Precursor Protein. Several lines of evidence indicate that the members of these complexes could also contribute to the control of cell death. Here we show that over‐expression of NCT increases the viability of human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells and decreases staurosporine (STS)‐ and thapsigargin (TPS)‐induced caspase‐3 activation in various cell lines from human and neuronal origins by Akt‐dependent pathway. NCT lowers p53 expression, transcriptional activity and promoter transactivation and reduces p53 phosphorylation. NCT‐associated protection against STS‐stimulated cell death was completely abolished by p53 deficiency. Conversely, the depletion of NCT drastically enhances STS‐induced caspase‐3 activation and p53 pathway and favored p53 nuclear translocation. We examined whether NCT protective function depends on PS‐dependent γ‐secretase activity. First, a 29‐amino acid deletion known to reduce NCT‐dependent amyloid β‐peptide production did not affect NCT‐associated protective phenotype. Second, NCT still reduces STS‐induced caspase‐3 activation in fibroblasts lacking PS1 and PS2. Third, the γ‐secretase inhibitor DFK167 did not affect NCT‐mediated reduction of p53 activity. Altogether, our study indicates that NCT controls cell death via phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/Akt and p53‐dependent pathways and that this function remains independent of the activity and molecular integrity of the γ‐secretase complexes.
Differential effects of albumin on microglia and macrophages; implications for neurodegeneration following blood–brain barrier damage
Authors: Hooper Claudie , Pinteaux‐Jones Fleur , Fry Victoria A. H. , Sevastou Ioanna G. , Baker David , Heales Simon J. , Pocock Jennifer M. 
Published: February 2009

J. Neurochem. (2009) 109, 694–705.AbstractMicroglial activation by blood‐borne factors following blood–brain barrier damage may play a significant role in subsequent neuropathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. Exposure of primary cultured rat brain microglia to pure, fatty acid‐ and lipid‐deficient rat serum albumin or fraction V, (fatty acid and lipid‐containing rat serum albumin), caused inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, glutamate release, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and transforming growth factor‐beta1 release. iNOS expression was attenuated by the MAPK/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase pathway inhibitor U0126 and the phosphorylated forms of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 and 2 were detectable in microglia treated with albumin or fraction V. Glutamate release was prevented by l‐α‐aminoadipate and glutathione levels in microglia rose on exposure to albumin. Conditioned medium from microglia exposed to albumin or fraction V was neurotoxic. Peripheral macrophages were resistant to the effects of albumin but both microglia and macrophages responded to lipopolysaccharide, which induced interleukin‐1 beta and tumour necrosis factor alpha release, cyclooxygenase‐2 and iNOS expression in both cell types, indicating a discrete desensitised pathway in macrophages for albumin which was not desensitised in microglia. Thus, exposure of microglia in the brain to albumin may contribute to neuronal damage following blood–brain barrier breakdown and point to resident microglia rather than infiltrating macrophages as therapeutic targets.
Hepatic sinusoidal cells in health and disease: update from the 14th International Symposium
Authors: Smedsrød Bård , Le Couteur David , Ikejima Kenichi , Jaeschke Hartmut , Kawada Norifumi , Naito Makoto , Knolle Percy , Nagy Laura , Senoo Haruki , Vidal‐Vanaclocha Fernando , Yamaguchi Noriko 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis review aims to give an update of the field of the hepatic sinusoid, supported by references to presentations given at the 14th International Symposium on Cells of the Hepatic Sinusoid (ISCHS2008), which was held in Tromsø, Norway, August 31–September 4, 2008. The subtitle of the symposium, ‘Integrating basic and clinical hepatology’, signified the inclusion of both basal and applied clinical results of importance in the field of liver sinusoidal physiology and pathophysiology. Of nearly 50 oral presentations, nine were invited tutorial lectures. The authors of the review have avoided writing a ‘flat summary’ of the presentations given at ISCHS2008, and instead focused on important novel information. The tutorial presentations have served as a particularly important basis in the preparation of this update. In this review, we have also included references to recent literature that may not have been covered by the ISCHS2008 programme. The sections of this review reflect the scientific programme of the symposium (http://www.ub.uit.no/munin/bitstream/10037/1654/1/book.pdf): 1. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells. 2. Kupffer cells. 3. Hepatic stellate cells. 4. Immunology. 5. Tumor/metastasis. Symposium abstracts are refered to by a number preceded by the letter A.
Influence of Different Tightening Forces Before Laser Welding to the Implant/Framework Fit
Authors: Da Silveira‐Júnior Clebio Domingues , Neves Flávio Domingues , Fernandes‐Neto Alfredo Júlio , Prado Célio Jesus , Simamoto‐Júnior Paulo César 
Published: February 2009

Abstract Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of abutment screw tightening force before laser welding procedures on the vertical fit of metal frameworks over four implants. Materials and Methods: To construct the frameworks, prefabricated titanium abutments and cylindrical titanium bars were joined by laser welding to compose three groups: group of manual torque (GMT), GT10 and GT20. Before welding, manual torque simulating routine laboratory procedure was applied to GTM. In GT10 and GT20, the abutment screws received 10 and 20 Ncm torque, respectively. After welding, the implant/framework interfaces were assessed by optical comparator microscope using two methods. First, the single screw test (SST) was used, in which the interfaces of the screwed and non‐screwed abutments were assessed, considering only the abutments at the framework extremities. Second, the interfaces of all the abutments were evaluated when they were screwed. Results: In the SST, intergroup analysis (Kruskal Wallis) showed no significant difference among the three conditions of tightening force; that is, the different tightening force before welding did not guarantee smaller distortions. Intragroup analysis (Wilcoxon) showed that for all groups, the interfaces of the non‐screwed abutments were statistically greater than the interfaces of the screwed abutments, evidencing distortions in all the frameworks. ANOVA was applied for the comparison of interfaces when all the abutments were screwed and showed no significant difference among the groups. Conclusions: Under the conditions of this study, pre‐welding tightness on abutment screws did not influence the vertical fit of implant‐supported metal frameworks.
The Effect of a Bleaching System on Properties Related to Different Ceramic Surface Textures
Authors: Zaki Amina A. , Fahmy Nadia Z. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract Purpose: This study examined the effect of a manufacturer's proposed bleaching protocol on surface properties of a low‐fusing ceramic. Materials and Methods: Forty ultra low‐fusing ceramic samples (Ducera LFC) were constructed for this study. Half the discs were autoglazed, and the other half were overglazed. The two main groups (autoglaze, overglaze) were further divided into subgroups of four. Group I: autoglazed (control group I), bleached autoglaze, diamond polished, diamond polished and bleached. The same division was applied to Group II: overglazed (control group II), bleached overglazed, diamond polished, diamond polished and bleached. The total number of subgroups was eight. Control groups I and II (n = 10) were both immersed in distilled water, which was changed daily for 1 week. The other six subgroups (n = 30) were subjected to the following protocol: 2‐hour bleaching using carbamide peroxide 35%, followed by six 8‐hour bleaching applications using 15% carbamide peroxide gel. Every two bleaching procedures were interrupted by a 10‐hour fluoride gel application. At the end of each bleaching step, the treated specimens were washed under running water in readiness for the next application. Results: Bleaching did not significantly affect the surface roughness of the autoglazed group; however, it significantly increased the roughness of the overglazed ceramic, especially after polishing. Regarding whiteness, the overglazed group had significantly increased values compared to the autoglazed group. It appeared that bleaching whitened the overglazed specimens significantly, whereas polishing alone showed less whiteness. There appeared to be a strong inverse relation between the roughness and the whiteness of the autoglazed specimens as affected by the bleaching. On the other hand, a weak inverse relation was found between the roughness and whiteness of the overglazed specimens, as affected by the bleaching. Conclusions: In‐office bleaching with 35% carbamide peroxide, followed by home bleaching with 15% carbamide peroxide and a fluoride gel may affect the roughness and whiteness of overglazed and polished/overglazed Duceram LFC restorations. No significant change in roughness or whiteness was detected by this bleaching system on autoglazed Ducera LFC. Ceramic restorations should be protected before any bleaching for fear of altering their roughness and whiteness. Patients should be advised that their existing porcelain restorations may not match their natural teeth after bleaching.
In Vitro Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Bleaching Agents Activated by Different Light Sources
Authors: Lima Débora Alves Nunes Leite , Aguiar Flávio Henrique Baggio , Liporoni Priscila Christiane Suzy , Munin Egberto , Ambrosano Gláucia Maria Bovi , Lovadino José Roberto 
Published: February 2009

Abstract Purpose: This study evaluated the efficacy of tooth whitening and color stability at different time periods after treatment. Materials and Methods: Blocks obtained from human molars were divided into 15 groups (n = 5) by bleaching agents: 35% hydrogen peroxide (Whiteness HP and Opalescence Xtra) and 37% carbamide peroxide (Whiteness Super); and light sources: halogen lamp and plasma arc lamp (bleach mode), LED/diode laser, argon laser, and no light source. The efficacy of bleaching was measured using a spectrophotometer. Six bleaching sessions were performed (times 1 to 6). The specimens were submitted to another reading 7, 15, and 30 days after the end of bleaching (times 7, 8, and 9). The results were submitted to ANOVA followed by Tukey test and polynomial regression (p < 0.05). Results: Carbamide peroxide significantly differed from hydrogen peroxide, presenting low reflectance values. Activated versus non‐activated bleaching did not differ significantly for any gel tested, except for Whiteness HP activated by argon laser, which presented the lowest mean reflectance values. The results obtained with hydrogen peroxide revealed a decrease in reflectance values one month after the end of treatment. For carbamide peroxide, this decrease was not observed. Conclusion: The halogen lamp presented the same or higher efficacy than non‐activated bleaching, which had a longer gel contact period. When hydrogen peroxide was used, a decrease in reflectance values was observed 30 days after the end of bleaching.
Clinical Validation and Comparison of Alternative Methods for Evaluation of Entrainment Mapping
Authors: DEREJKO PAWEŁ , SZUMOWSKI ŁUKASZ J. , SANDERS PRASHANTHAN , DIMITRI HANY , KUKLIK PAWEŁ , PRZYBYLSKI ANDRZEJ , URBANEK PIOTR , SZUFLADOWICZ EWA , BODALSKI ROBERT , SACHER FRÉDÉRIC , HAÏSSAGUERRE MICHEL , WALCZAK FRANCISZEK 
Published: February 2009

Introduction:
Measuring the postpacing interval (PPI) and correcting for the tachycardia cycle length (TCL) is an important entrainment response (ER). However, it may be impossible to measure PPI due to electrical noise on the mapping catheter. To overcome this problem, 2 alternative methods for the assessment of ER have been proposed: N+1 difference (N+1 DIFF) and PPIR method. PPI‐TCL difference (PPI − TCL) correlates very well with ER assessed by new methods, but the agreement with PPI − TCL was established only in relation to PPIR method. Moreover, it is not known which of these methods is superior in the assessment of ER.
Methods:
We analyzed 155 episodes of ER in 21 patients with heterogeneous reentrant arrhythmias. ER was estimated by PPI − TCL and by both alternative methods. Agreement between methods was assessed by means of the Bland‐Altman test, kappa coefficient (κ), and correlation coefficient (r). Finally, a mathematical comparison of the alternative methods was performed.
Results:
The agreement between PPI − TCL and alternative methods was very good. For N+1 DIFF the mean difference was −1.86 ± 7.31 ms; kappa = 0.9; r = 0.98; for PPIR method the mean difference was −1.46 ± 7.65 ms; kapa = 0.92; r = 0.99. Agreement between both alternative methods was also very high: the mean difference of 0.5 ± 6.6 ms; kappa = 0.89; r = 0.99. The analysis of the equations used for calculation of ER by these methods revealed that essentially they were mathematically equivalent.
Conclusion:
Each of the alternative methods may be used for evaluation of ER when PPI − TCL cannot be assessed directly. Results obtained by both alternative methods are comparable.
Esophageal Damage During Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Impact of Energy Settings, Lesion Sets, and Esophageal Visualization
Authors: MARTINEK M. , BENCSIK G. , AICHINGER J. , HASSANEIN S. , SCHOEFL R. , KUCHINKA P. , NESSER H.J. , PURERFELLNER H. 
Published: February 2009

Introduction: Atrioesophageal fistula is an uncommon but often lethal complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. The purpose of our study was to prospectively investigate the incidence of esophageal ulcerations (ESUL) as well as the impact of energy settings, radiofrequency lesion sets, and direct visualization of the esophagus on esophageal wall injury. Methods and Results: One hundred seventy‐five patients, 57.1% paroxysmal AF, 78.5% male, underwent AF ablation and esophagoscopy 24 hours thereafter. We performed a 2:1:1‐randomization as follows:Control group: Ablation without visualization of the esophagus using 25 Watt (W) power limit on the posterior wall, n = 70.Visualization and 15 W maximum: Ablation guided by barium visualization of the esophageal course using a limit of 15 W, n = 35.Visualization and 25 W “short burns”: Ablation guided by barium visualization using 25 W and “short burns” (max. 5 sec), n = 35.Patients performed under general anesthesia (n = 35) were separated as a nasogastric tube for visualization of the esophagus was used.In total, we found 2.9% of patients (5/175) presenting ESUL. Parameters discriminating the development of ESUL in a specific patient were type of AF, maximum energy delivered, usage of a nasogastric tube, and additional left atrial lines. Visualization of the esophageal course by barium contrast was not able to prevent ESUL. Conclusion: ESUL is a rare finding when using a reasonable energy maximum of 25 W with open‐irrigated tip catheters at the posterior wall. Lower energy settings may increase safety without losing efficacy. Additional linear radiofrequency lesions increase the risk of ESUL development.
Trichoblastomas with Merkel cell proliferation in nevi sebacei in Schimmelpenning‐Feuerstein‐Mims syndrome – Histological differentiation between trichoblastomas and basal cell carcinomas
Authors: Wiedemeyer Katharina , Hartschuh Wolfgang 
Published: February 2009

SummaryThe hallmark of Schimmelpenning‐Feuerstein‐Mims syndrome (SFMS) is a systematized nevus sebaceous that follows Blaschko lines and usually involves the face. It represents a rare congenital nevus syndrome with alterations of skin, bones, CNS, eyes and heart. Nevi sebacei can proliferate and develop into epithelial tumors like trichoblastoma, syringocystadenoma and basal cell carcinoma. The histological differentiation between basal cell carcinoma and trichoblastoma is difficult. We present an adult woman with SFMS who was followed by multiple specialties since birth without the correct diagnosis being made. She was referred to us with the diagnosis of multiple basal cell carcinomas of head and face. Our diagnosis of systematized nevus sebaceus was crucial for the correct classification of SFMS. We identified multiple trichoblastomas in the nevi sebacei and could exclude basal cell carcinomas. The essential clue was the detection of multiple Merkel cells within the epidermal layer by cytokeratin 20 staining.
De novo tuberculosis during infliximab therapy in a patient with Behçet disease
Authors: Skvara Hans , Duschek Nikolaus , Karlhofer Franz 
Published: February 2009

SummaryA woman with oculocutaneous Behçet disease developed primary tuberculosis while being treated with infliximab. A latent tuberculosis infection had been excluded before therapy. After more than 80 weeks of treatment, the patient complained of fevers, night sweats, shivering and vigorous cough. The chest x‐ray showed miliary shadowing. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was identified. The history revealed recent contact to an individual with smear‐positive tuberculosis. This constellation speaks in favor of a de novo tuberculosis infection with a fulminant course.
OBSERVATIONS ON SOCIAL GERONTOLOGY IN FRANCE
Authors: Pitaud Philippe 
Published: February 2009

During the past three years we have focused our research activities on the retirement and social aging of women. We were thus provided with the opportunity to review the contributions made by all those connected with the field of gerontology in France who had shown an interest, albeit at varying degrees, in our topic as well as in the problems of the aged in general.In this paper, we have attempted to assess some of the most important French contributions to social gerontology, isolating the main characteristics of the works we encountered. Successively, we will review the few studies concerning old women and studies dealing more generally with the social and economic aspects of aging.
OLDER WOMEN: HOUSING ISSUES AND PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Coleman Lisa , Watson Sophie 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis article examines the housing circumstances of 70 women over sixty living independently in Sydney, Canberra and Queanbeyan. The four major housing alternatives for older women — home ownership, public rental, private rental and retirement villages —were explored from the women's point of view. Although in line with other studies private rental was revealed as the worst housing option for the aged, important issues were raised concerning problems in the other three sectors. Particular emphasis in the article is placed on the impact of women's social and economic status on their housing experiences in old age.
POLICIES FOR CARERS
Authors: Rossiter Chris 
Published: February 2009

AbstractNegotiations on the future of the Home and Community Care Program provide an ideal opportunity to implement policies aimed at assisting those caring for frail and confused elderly people.The principal source of community care is, in fact, informal care by families and this article describes the experiences of a group of caring families. It then pro‐poses a range of services, benefits and other means of alleviating some problems of home‐based care. It is emphasised that the reorganisation of community care services under HACC must recognise carers' needs.
Impact of Sea‐Level Rise on Sea Water Intrusion in Coastal Aquifers
Authors: Werner Adrian D. , Simmons Craig T. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractDespite its purported importance, previous studies of the influence of sea‐level rise on coastal aquifers have focused on specific sites, and a generalized systematic analysis of the general case of the sea water intrusion response to sea‐level rise has not been reported. In this study, a simple conceptual framework is used to provide a first‐order assessment of sea water intrusion changes in coastal unconfined aquifers in response to sea‐level rise. Two conceptual models are tested: (1) flux‐controlled systems, in which ground water discharge to the sea is persistent despite changes in sea level, and (2) head‐controlled systems, whereby ground water abstractions or surface features maintain the head condition in the aquifer despite sea‐level changes. The conceptualization assumes steady‐state conditions, a sharp interface sea water‐fresh water transition zone, homogeneous and isotropic aquifer properties, and constant recharge. In the case of constant flux conditions, the upper limit for sea water intrusion due to sea‐level rise (up to 1.5 m is tested) is no greater than 50 m for typical values of recharge, hydraulic conductivity, and aquifer depth. This is in striking contrast to the constant head cases, in which the magnitude of salt water toe migration is on the order of hundreds of meters to several kilometers for the same sea‐level rise. This study has highlighted the importance of inland boundary conditions on the sea‐level rise impact. It identifies combinations of hydrogeologic parameters that control whether large or small salt water toe migration will occur for any given change in a hydrogeologic variable.