bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carnosic acid, a catechol‐type electrophilic compound, protects neurons both in vitro and in vivo through activation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway via S‐alkylation of targeted cysteines on Keap1
Authors: Satoh Takumi , Kosaka Kunio , Itoh Ken , Kobayashi Akira , Yamamoto Masayuki , Shimojo Yosuke , Kitajima Chieko , Cui Jiankun , Kamins Joshua , Okamoto Shu‐ichi , Izumi Masanori , Shirasawa Takuji , Lipton Stuart A. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractElectrophilic compounds are a newly recognized class of redox‐active neuroprotective compounds with electron deficient, electrophilic carbon centers that react with specific cysteine residues on targeted proteins via thiol (S‐)alkylation. Although plants produce a variety of physiologically active electrophilic compounds, the detailed mechanism of action of these compounds remains unknown. Catechol ring‐containing compounds have attracted attention because they become electrophilic quinones upon oxidation, although they are not themselves electrophilic. In this study, we focused on the neuroprotective effects of one such compound, carnosic acid (CA), found in the herb rosemary obtained from Rosmarinus officinalis. We found that CA activates the Keap1/Nrf2 transcriptional pathway by binding to specific Keap1 cysteine residues, thus protecting neurons from oxidative stress and excitotoxicity. In cerebrocortical cultures, CA‐biotin accumulates in non‐neuronal cells at low concentrations and in neurons at higher concentrations. We present evidence that both the neuronal and non‐neuronal distribution of CA may contribute to its neuroprotective effect. Furthermore, CA translocates into the brain, increases the level of reduced glutathione in vivo, and protects the brain against middle cerebral artery ischemia/reperfusion, suggesting that CA may represent a new type of neuroprotective electrophilic compound.
Longitudinal changes in the prevalence of dementia in a Japanese rural area
Authors: WAKUTANI Yosuke , KUSUMI Masayoshi , WADA Kenji , KAWASHIMA Mika , ISHIZAKI Kumiko , MORI Masatada , MORI Nozomi , IJIRI Tamami , ADACHI Yoshiki , ASHIDA Yasushi , KUNO Nobutoshi , URAKAMI Katsuya , TAKESHIMA Takao , NAKASHIMA Kenji 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground:  The increasing number of patients with dementia in Japan, together with the rapid aging of society, is currently considered to have a substantial impact on Japan's medical, economic and sociological systems. Therefore, the longitudinal estimation of changes in the prevalence of dementia based on accurate diagnostic evaluation has important implications.Methods:  We undertook three separate epidemiological studies on long‐term changes, 10 years apart (1980, 1990 and 2000), in the prevalence of dementia in an elderly population using identical methods (DSM‐III and Hachinski's ischemic score) for the same rural area in Japan (Daisen‐cho).Results:  The percentage of the population that was elderly (over 65 years of age) increased steadily from 16.0% in 1980 to 21.7% in 1990 and 27.1% in 2000. The prevalence of dementia (cases/100 people aged 65 years or older, adjusted to the population structure of 1980) in 1980, 1990 and 2000 was 4.4, 4.5 and 5.9, respectively, for all types of dementia, 1.9, 2.5 and 3.6, respectively, for Alzheimer‐type dementia (DAT) and 2.0, 1.7 and 2.2, respectively, for vascular dementia (VaD).Conclusions:  These findings of an increase in the number of cases and prevalence of DAT and VaD in a Japanese rural community have important implications for interventional medicine.
Safety, penetration and efficacy of topically applied bevacizumab: evaluation of eyedrops in corneal neovascularization after chemical burn
Authors: Yoeruek Efdal , Ziemssen Focke , Henke‐Fahle Sigrid , Tatar Olcay , Tura Aysegül , Grisanti Salvatore , Bartz‐Schmidt Karl U. , Szurman Peter ,   Tübingen Bevacizumab Study Group
Published: November 2007

Abstract.Purpose:  That vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a major role in inflammatory angiogenesis has been well established. This pilot study was designed to evaluate experimental treatment with bevacizumab eyedrops in corneal neovascularization induced by alkali burn. The feasibility of topical administration, corneal cell viability and corneal penetration were investigated in an animal model.Methods:  Eighteen chinchilla bastard rabbit corneas injured with 1 m NaOH were divided into three groups: untreated, early and late treatment groups. Eyedrops of bevacizumab solution (25 mg/ml) were administered five times daily. Clinical examination under stereoscopic microscope was performed to evaluate corneal opacity, neovascularization, vessel size and oedema. Histopathology was analysed for vessel density and apoptotic reaction. Additionally, intracameral bevacizumab concentration was measured with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after repeated topical applications.Results:  A fast increase in aqueous bevacizumab concentration was achieved when the solution was instilled every minute onto a healthy eye surface. As well as clear anti‐angiogenic effects, anti‐fibrotic effects were also seen after corneal burn, maintaining corneal transparency. Early treatment of actively growing vessels showed a significantly better outcome, although apoptosis of pre‐existing vessels could also be induced by the late treatment. No specific toxicity was seen regarding epithelium, keratocytes or endothelium.Conclusions:  The data from this pilot study suggest that bevacizumab eyedrops can sufficiently penetrate the corneal stroma and anterior chamber. When administered soon after alkali burn, bevacizumab seems to significantly reduce corneal damage. Combinations of established treatment regimens with topical bevacizumab might be considered in severe injuries with otherwise devastating prognoses.
Interleukin‐1 Stimulates Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Secretion in Ectopic Endometrial Cells of Women with Endometriosis
Authors: Lavoie Catherine Herrmann , Fraser Daibhid , Therriault Marie‐Josée , Akoum Ali 
Published: November 2007

Problem  Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a potent immuno‐modulatory, angiogenic and tissue remodeling factor, is markedly expressed in ectopic endometrial implants and may play key role in the capability of this tissue to grow and develop into the host tissue. The objective of this study was to determine whether macrophage‐derived cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)‐1, which is overproduced by endometriosis women's peritoneal macrophages and found in elevated concentration in their peritoneal fluid, may play a role in MIF synthesis and secretion by ectopic endometrial cells.Methods of study  Primary cultures of endometriotic cells exposed to IL‐1β and evaluation of MIF protein by immunocytofluorescence and ELISA, and mRNA by quantitative real‐time PCR and nuclear transcription assays (run‐on).Results  Interleukin‐1β acts rapidly on endometriotic cells and stimulated MIF secretion and mRNA steady‐state levels in a dose and time‐dependent manner. IL‐1β treatment had no significant effect on MIF mRNA half‐life and stability, but acted predominantly by up‐regulating MIF gene transcription as assessed by run‐on.Conclusion  These data clearly indicate that IL‐1 can be involved in the up‐regulation of MIF expression by ectopic endometrial implants. Such an interaction between IL‐1 and MIF may have an important impact on endometriotic cell growth and endometriosis pathophysiology.
Kinetics of Regulatory T Cells During Murine Pregnancy
Authors: Thuere Catharina , Zenclussen Maria Laura , Schumacher Anne , Langwisch Stefanie , Schulte‐Wrede Ursula , Teles Ana , Paeschke Steffen , Volk Hans‐Dieter , Zenclussen Ana Claudia 
Published: November 2007

Problem  The semi‐allogeneic fetus is usually tolerated by the maternal immune system. This was proposed to be modulated by CD4+CD25+foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg). We aimed to determine the kinetics of Treg during murine gestation and investigate whether changes in Treg levels respond to hormonal variations during pregnancy or generated changes in the local indolamine dioxygenase (IDO) expression.Method of study  We included in our studies the well‐known CBA/J × DBA/2J abortion‐prone combination using CBA/J × BALB/c as controls. CBA/J × C57/BL6 and BALB/c × C57/BL6 were included as further controls. Animals were killed on days 0, 2, 5, 8, 10, and 12 of pregnancy to measure the levels of Treg, pregnancy‐related hormones and IDO expression.Results  A Treg augmentation in normal pregnancy combinations could be observed on day 2 in several organs contrary to the observations made in abortion‐prone mice. No differences in hormonal levels could be seen among all groups. IDO was expressed exclusively in placenta starting from day eight, showing no variations among the groups.Conclusion  Differences in Treg levels and pregnancy outcome do not correlate with changes in hormonal levels. In addition, as Treg augmentation takes place early and it is observed mainly in the decidual component of the fetal–maternal interface, IDO does not seem to be the pathway underlying Treg protective activity as proposed for humans.
LPS‐Induced Occult Loss in Mice Requires FGL2
Authors: Foerster Katharina , He Wei , Manuel Justin , Bartczak Angela , Liu MingFeng , Markert Udo R. , Levy Gary A. , Clark David A. 
Published: November 2007

Problem  FGL2 prothrombinase is required for spontaneous abortion (resorptions) in the CBA × DBA/2 model, and for abortions in C57Bl/6 (B6) mice triggered by Salmonella enteritidis lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Unlike abortions, occult losses in B6 mice, which begin before gestation day 9.5 in mice, do not require the tumor necrosis factor‐α receptor type 1, and may be triggered by either Salmonella enteritidis or Escherichia coli LPS. Heterozygous matings of fgl2+/− × fgl2+/− B6 mice also have a high spontaneous occult loss of fgl2−/− and to a lesser extent, fgl2+/− embryos caused by hemorrhage between trophoblast and Reichert’s membrane. However, the frequency of such losses appears to vary among breeding periods and between laboratories.Method of study  We tested the hypothesis that FGL2‐deficient embryos were uniquely susceptible to LPS by treating B6 fgl2+/− × fgl2+/− heterozygous matings with 2 μg E. coli LPS intraperitoneally on day 6.5 of pregnancy. Progesterone 2 mg in 100 μL sesame oil was administered subcutaneously at the same time to ensure that the effects of the LPS were not because of suppression of ovarian hormone production. PCR DNA genotyping was performed on embryos at day 13.5 of pregnancy, or after parturition.Results  Surprisingly, we found that LPS caused occult loss of fgl2+/+, and to a lesser extent fgl2+/− embryos, both at term and by PCR typing of embryos at gestation day 13.5, and these losses obscured the effect of fgl2 knockout.Conclusion  Spontaneous loss of fgl2−/− embryos may relate to adhesion effects, whereas fgl2+/+ embryos are susceptible to LPS‐induced loss; fgl2+/− embryos may be affected by both mechanisms. Antagonizing FGL2 could prevent occult pregnancy loss in some human and animal situations.
Skin infections in organ transplant recipients
Authors: Ulrich Claas , Hackethal Monika , Meyer Thomas , Geusau Alexandra , Nindl Ingo , Ulrich Martina , Forschner Tobias , Sterry Wolfram , Stockfleth Eggert 
Published: November 2007

SummaryIn contrast to the well‐described high risk of skin cancer in organ transplant recipients, skin infections in these patients are not as well explored.Skin infections caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi represent a growing diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in the dermatological aftercare of organ transplant recipients. Differing immunosuppressive drugs and their variable dosage in chronologic sequence after transplantation probably influence the type and appearance of skin infections.The typical chronology of skin infections are wound infections, pyoderma or the reactivation of herpes viruses in the first month post‐transplant;the main problems in months 2–5 are opportunistic infections and reactivation of varicella‐zoster virus.After 6 months as immunosuppression is reduced, the spectrum of causative organisms approaches that of the general population; mycoses and human papilloma virus (HPV) infections dominate.A causal connection exists between infection with oncogenic viruses such as HPV, Epstein‐Barr virus and human herpesvirus 8 and specific skin cancers (squamous cell carcinoma, Kaposi sarcoma and post‐transplant lymphoprolif‐erative disorders).Dermatological care of organ transplant recipients using appropriate diagnostic methods adapted to the modified clinical pattern may lead to early adequate treatment.
Development and validation of a new instrument for the assessment of patient‐defined benefit in the treatment of acne
Authors: Augustin Matthias , Reich Christine , Schaefer Ines , Zschocke Ina , Rustenbach Stephan Jeff 
Published: November 2007

SummaryBackground:Benefit assessment of drugs and medical products has become a legally established feature of medical research. A standardized assessment of benefits using scientifically sound and valid methods is essential.Objective:Development, validation and practical evaluation of an instrument to record patient benefit in treatment of acne.Patients and Methods:In open interviews with n = 50 patients, possible benefits of the therapy from the patients' point of view were recorded. The item pool thus generated was reviewed by a panel of dermatologists, psychologists and patients and transferred to a 23‐item questionnaire. This is used prior to therapy to assess patients' desired benefits and after therapy to record the perceived benefits. The therapy goals and the resulting benefits are then used to generate a weighted ‘Patient Benefit Index’ (PBI). The procedure has been tested for its validity and feasibility in n = 923 patients with acne.Results:Patients accepted the instrument and deemed it to be easily understandable. Additionally, the method proved itself to be internally consistent, constructively valid and sensitive to changes.Conclusions:The Patient Benefit Index (PBI) is a valid and highly accepted practical instrument for recording patient benefit. The PBI permits an individualized, patient‐weighted assessment of the benefits of acne therapy.
Split‐face‐study using two different light sources for topical PDT of actinic keratoses:non‐inferiority of the LED system
Authors: Babilas Philipp , Travnik Richard , Werner Annegret , Landthaler Michael , Szeimies Rolf‐Markus 
Published: November 2007

Summary Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with 5‐amino‐4‐oxo‐pentanoate (methylaminolevulinate, MAL) is an effective and safe treatment option for actinic keratoses. Light‐emitting diodes (LED) are suitable light sources for topical PDT. To evaluate the efficacy, painfulness, patient satisfaction and cosmesis of LED‐based PDT a prospective, randomized and controlled split‐face study was performed. Methods: Topical ALA‐PDT was administered to 17 patients whose actinic ker‐atoses (n = 131) were symmetrically distributed and suitable for a two‐side comparison. After incubation with MAL (16%), irradiation was performed with the incoherent lamp (160 mW cm−2; 100 J cm−2, PDT 1200L, Waldmann Medizintechnik, Villingen‐Schwenningen, Germany) on one side and the LED system (120 mW cm−2; 40 J cm−2, LEDA, WaveLight AG, Erlangen, Germany) on the other side. The patients were followed by re‐evaluation up to 6 months. Results: Six months following treatment there was no significant difference between the infiltration and keratosis scores in both treatment regimes (p = 0.812). The remission rate was 78.5% (LED system) vs.80.3% (incoherent lamp). There was no significant difference between both light sources regarding the pain during therapy (p = 0.988). There was no significant difference between both treatment regimes regarding patient satisfaction (p = 1). Conclusions: LEDA‐based MAL‐PDT is an effective alternative for the treatment of atinic keratoses. The remission rates and cosmetic results are not inferior to PDT using incoherent light systems. Both treatment regimes are similarly painful.
Treatment of molluscum contagiosum with a pulsed dye laser: Pilot study with 19 children
Authors: Binder Barbara , Weger Wolfgang , Komericki Peter , Kopera Daisy 
Published: November 2007

Summary Background: Molluscum contagiosum is a common, self‐limiting viral disease of childhood caused by a poxvirus. Often the children themselves and their parents desire treatment for cosmetic reasons or because of pruritus. Laser therapy offers another option to the traditional methods of treatment. Methods: 19 children aged between 2 and 13 years (median:6) with molluscum contagiosum were treated in a prospective, non‐randomized pilot study with the flashlamp pumped pulsed dye laser (wave length:585 nm, pulse duration 0,45 ms, spot size 7 mm, energy density 6–7 J/cm2). Results: All patients tolerated the laser treatment well. In 84.3% one laser treatment led to total remission. In 10.5% a further laser session was necessary and one patient was treated three times to achieve total remission. Conclusions: Treatment of molluscum contagiosum with the flashlamp pulsed dye laser is a safe and efficient treatment modality.
Resistance to the rice leaf bug (Trigonotylus caelestialium) is conferred by Neotyphodium endophyte infection of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)
Authors: Shiba Takuya , Sasaki Tohru , Kasai Eri 
Published: November 2007

AbstractMany grasses in the subfamily Pooideae form symbioses with Neotyphodium fungal endophytes. This relationship provides a competitive advantage for the host plant in many ways. The endophyte of meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis), Neotyphodium uncinatum, is considered to produce no mammalian toxins, but produces metabolites giving insect resistance and other ecological benefits. To determine the potential of N. uncinatum strains to reduce the development of rice leaf bug (Trigonotylus caelestialium), we investigated the effect of artificial inoculation of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) with N. uncinatum on the feeding of T. caelestialium. T. caelestialium larvae significantly preferred endophyte‐free to endophyte‐infected plants. Survival of insects was very high on endophyte‐free plants, but it rapidly declined on infected plants. These results indicate that N. uncinatum‐infected Italian ryegrass has enough resistance to T. caelestialium and it means the control of T. caelestialium may be possible using this endophyte.
Soil organic carbon storage in grazing pasture converted from forest on Andosol soil
Authors: Takahashi Shigeo , Nakagami Koji , Sakanoue Seiichi , Itano Shiro , Kirita Hiromitsu 
Published: November 2007

AbstractIn order to clarify the effect of land‐use change from forest to grazing pasture on the organic carbon storage in Andosol soil, the Rothamsted carbon turnover model for volcanic soil was applied to a pasture situated at the National Livestock Breeding Center (37°09′N, 140°03′E). The top 25‐cm soil layer was considered to be an active soil carbon pool. The carbon storage in the soils of native forest surrounding the pastures ranged 111–163 t C ha−1 with an average of 133 t C ha−1, which was adjusted according to an equivalent soil weight of pasture. The pasture soil carbon stocks ranged 88–135 t C ha−1, with variations according to site and/or pasture age. The carbon inputs to the soil through the above‐ and below‐ground dead material from pasture plants and cattle feces were estimated to be 1.1, 1.8 and 0.9 t C ha−1 year−1, respectively. As the model outputs of 14C content of the soil, which is an index of carbon dating corresponding to nuclear weapons testing, showed a relatively close agreement with the observations, the modeling was acceptable for the purpose of predicting the turnover of organic carbon in Andosol soil. The model simulation demonstrated that, in order to maintain the average forest carbon level, 3–4 t ha−1 year−1 of the organic carbon input would be needed. These inputs would be provided in a grazing pasture producing 8–9 t ha−1 year−1 of above‐ground dry matter.
On the radial distribution of white dwarfs in the globular cluster NGC 6397
Authors: Davis D. S. , Richer H. B. , King I. R. , Anderson J. , Coffey J. , Fahlman G. G. , Hurley J. , Kalirai J. S. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract
We have examined the radial distribution of white dwarfs over a single Hubble Space Telescope/Advanced Camera for Surveys field in the nearby globular cluster NGC 6397. In relaxed populations, such as in a globular cluster, stellar velocity dispersion, and hence radial distribution, is directly dependent on stellar masses. The progenitors of very young cluster white dwarfs had a mass of ∼0.8 M⊙, while the white dwarfs themselves have a mass of ∼0.5 M⊙. We thus expect young white dwarfs to have a concentrated radial distribution (like that of their progenitors) that becomes more extended over several relaxation times to mimic that of ∼0.5-M⊙ main-sequence stars. However, we observe young white dwarfs to have a significantly extended radial distribution compared both with the most massive main-sequence stars in the cluster and with old white dwarfs.
Postprandial hypotension in older Australians: Relationship to glycaemia and habitual food intake
Authors: SIVAKUMAR Pushparani , SOARES Mario 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe aim of the present study is to document the phenomenon of postprandial hypotension (PPH) in older Australians, and examine whether glycaemia and/or habitual nutrient intake could explain its occurrence. Twenty‐three subjects (8 male, 15 female) aged 69 ± 9.7 years and with body mass index of 29.7 ± 5.2 kg/m2 participated in the study. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR) and capillary blood glucose were measured at fasting and at regular intervals for two hours following a high‐carbohydrate breakfast meal. Postprandial symptoms of dizziness and nausea were recorded. Habitual food intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. Twelve of 23 subjects had clinical PPH. These subjects also had higher resting SBP (P < 0.005), a trend for a greater fall in DBP (P < 0.08), and showed no change in HR following the test meal in comparison with those without PPH. Only three subjects in each group reported symptoms of nausea. Adjusted for age, body mass index and medication use, change (Δ) in glycaemia was inversely related to ΔDBP (r = −0.53, P = 0.017) and ΔHR (r = −0.52, P = 0.019). Differences in the habitual food intake were not statistically significant, and did not predict any postprandial outcomes. In conclusion, PPH appears to be a relatively common and symptomless condition. The lack of a compensatory increase in HR may underscore the phenomenon. Glycaemia inversely influenced the changes in HR and DBP. The role of habitual dietary composition needs to be further explored.