bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ISCHAEMIC POST‐CONDITIONING PROTECTS BOTH ADULT AND AGED SPRAGUE‐DAWLEY RAT HEART FROM ISCHAEMIA–REPERFUSION INJURY THROUGH THE PHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOL 3‐KINASE–AKT AND GLYCOGEN SYNTHASE KINASE‐3β PATHWAYS
Authors: Yin Zhong , Gao Haokao , Wang Haichang , Li Lansun , Di Chunxia , Luan Ronghua , Tao Ling 
Published: January 2009

SUMMARY

Numerous studies have demonstrated that ischaemic post‐conditioning (IPoC) protects adult rats from myocardial ischaemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury. Recent evidence suggests compromised cardioprotection by IPoC in aged mice. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that IPoC protects against I/R injury in aged hearts, potentially through a phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3‐K)–Akt‐ and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)‐3β‐dependent mechanism.
Hearts from adult (3–4 months) or aged (16–18 months) Sprague‐Dawley rats were subjected in vivo to 30 min ischaemia followed by 3 h reperfusion. Ischaemic post‐conditioning (four cycles of 10 s reperfusion–10 s ischaemia) was applied at the beginning of reperfusion, either alone or in combination with the PI3‐K inhibitor LY294002 (0.3 mg/kg). Infarct size and the phosphorylation of Akt and GSK‐3β were determined.
Ischaemic post‐conditioning reduced infarct size in both adult and aged rat hearts. This protection was accompanied by a significant increase in phosphorylation of Akt and GSK‐3β. LY294002 abolished the IPoC‐induced phosphorylation of Akt and GSK‐3β, as well as the infarct‐limiting effect of IPoC in adult and aged rats. In addition, IPoC significantly attenuated plasma concentrations of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase after reperfusion in both adult and aged rats.
In conclusion, IPoC, at the onset of reperfusion, reduces myocardial infarct size in both adult and aged rat hearts, potentially through a PI3‐K‐, Akt‐ and GSK‐3β‐dependent mechanism.
Intervention of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and tetrandrine on cellular calcium overload of pancreatic acinar cells induced by serum and ascitic fluid from rats with acute pancreatitis
Authors: Li Yong‐Yu , Lu Xin‐Yuan , Li Xue‐Jin , Li Yan‐Na , Li Kun , Chen Chang‐Jie 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim: To investigate the effects of serum and ascitic fluid from rats with acute pancreatitis (AP) on cellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) of isolated rat pancreatic acinar cells, and the intervention of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) and tetrandrine (Tet) to cellular calcium overload in AP.Methods: AP was induced in Sprague–Dawley rats with a retrograde pancreatic duct injection of 3% sodium deoxycholate, and confirmed by histopathological examination and amylase activity assay. The rat serum and ascitic fluid were collected at 1, 5 and 10 h after AP induction, and used as irritants on isolated rat pancreatic acinar cells. The effects on intracellular [Ca2+]i, and cell viability were examined. Then, the antagonistic effects of different concentrations of PDTC and Tet were assessed.Results: The irritation with AP serum and ascitic fluid reduced the survival rate of the isolated rat pancreatic acinar cells and increased the cellular [Ca2+]i significantly (P < 0.05). As AP induction course prolonged, the stimulation effect of the AP serum and ascitic fluid intensified. In the pretreated acinar cells with PDTC or Tet, the decreased cell vitality reverted. The elevation of [Ca2+]i in the acinar cells significantly ameliorated (significant,P < 0.05; very significant,P < 0.01).Conclusion: The serum and ascitic fluid from AP rats drastically elevate the [Ca2+]i in isolated pancreatic acinar cells and decrease cell vitality, while the pretreatment of cells with PDTC and Tet offsets the calcium overload irritated by the AP serum and ascitic fluid and protects these isolated acinar cells.
Molecular basis of therapeutic approaches to gastric cancer
Authors: Wu Kaichun , Nie Yongzhan , Guo Changcun , Chen Yu , Ding Jie , Fan Daiming 
Published: January 2009

AbstractGastric cancer is the top lethal cancer in Asia. As the majority of cases present with advanced disease, conventional therapies (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy) have limited efficacy to reduce mortality. Emerging modalities provide promise to combat this malignancy. Target‐protein‐based cancer therapy has become available in clinical practice. Numerous molecules have been shown potential to target specific pathways for tumor cell growth. Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) is overexpressed in and correlated with gastric cancer, and knockdown of COX‐2 or administration of COX‐2 inhibitors suppresses tumor formation in models of gastric cancer. Induction of apoptosis, reduction of angiogenesis, and blocking of potassium ion channels may present new mechanisms of COX‐2 inhibition. Runt‐related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) is a candidate tumor suppressor gene whose deficiency is causally related to gastric cancer. RUNX3 is downregulated in metastatic gastric cancer. RUNX3 activation inhibits angiogenesis in xenograft tumors in nude mice. Tumor microenvironment modulation also provides a powerful tool to inhibit cancer development and progress; details of the potential roles of angiopoietins are discussed in this review. Osteopontin is a secreted protein involved in stress response, inflammation, wound healing, and immune response. Inhibition of osteopontin by RNA interfering technique suppressed tumorigenesis as well as angiogenesis in gastric cancer. Immunotherapy remains another important choice of adjuvant therapy for cancer. A tumor‐specific antigen MG7‐Ag has been identified with great potential for inducing immune response in gastric cancer. Using HLA‐A‐matched allogeneic gastric cancer cells to induce tumor‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes appeared to be an alternative option of immunotherapy for gastric cancer.
Prevalence of Orbscan II corneal abnormalities in relatives of patients with keratoconus
Authors: Steele Timothy M , Fabinyi David C , Couper Terry A , Loughnan Michael S 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackground:  To determine the prevalence of Orbscan II‐derived keratoconus traits in relations of individuals with keratoconus and a control group and to apply these to a pedigree analysis.Methods:  In a controlled, prospective, observational case series, four Orbscan II‐derived corneal parameters were examined in relations of individuals with keratoconus and a control group of low myopes (<2.5 D). The four parameters and thresholds for abnormality (derived from a literature review) were as follows: average keratometry (≥47.2 D), I‐S value (≥1.2 D), posterior float apex (≥42 µm) and thinnest pachymetry (≤463 µm).Results:  Forty‐four unrelated controls (88 eyes) and eight families with 90 members without known (178 eyes) and 11 members with keratoconus (19 eyes) were analysed. One of 88 (1.14%) control eyes had a single keratoconus trait, and none had more than one trait. Of 178 eyes from relatives of patients with keratoconus, 45 (25.3%) had one or more keratoconus traits. Relatives of patients with keratoconus had an elevated risk of possessing a keratoconus trait (relative risk 14.67, CI 2.07–104.07, P < 0.001) compared with controls. Approximately 53.3% of relatives with a keratoconus trait were evident on either pachymetric or posterior elevation indices alone. Six of eight families suggested dominant inheritance.Conclusions:  Keratoconus traits are common in relatives of patients with keratoconus. There prevalence may have been previously underestimated by using placido image‐based topography alone where corneal pachymetry and posterior elevation are not assessed. This study suggests an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance with variable expressivity in some families.
Pharmacological attempts to reduce posterior capsule opacification after cataract surgery – a review
Authors: Walker Thomas D 
Published: January 2009

AbstractReduction of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after cataract surgery has been achieved since the general acceptance of posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation 30 years ago. Attention to surgical technique on the one hand and changes in lens design and materials on the other have synergistically reduced the incidence of PCO to less than 5% at 5 years. But lens epithelial cells still proliferate and pharmacological prevention has been largely unsuccessful so far. Any agent must be toxic to these lens epithelial cells without being toxic to the corneal endothelium. This review looks at many substances that have been tried and a few that have been partly successful without yet entering clinical practice. Possibilities for future clinical research are canvassed.
Prognostic factors in posterior open globe injuries (zone‐III injuries)
Authors: Knyazer Boris , Levy Jaime , Rosen Shirley , Belfair Nadav , Klemperer Itamar , Lifshitz Tova 
Published: January 2009

AbstractPurpose:  The aim of this study is to describe and identify clinical characteristics, prognostic factors and visual outcome in a group of patients with posterior open globe injuries (zone III injury).Methods:  A retrospective review was made of all cases of open globe injuries that were examined at the Ophthalmology Department of Soroka Medical Center, Beer‐Sheva, Israel, from 1995 to 2005. One hundred and eight consecutive patients diagnosed with open globe injuries were reviewed. Of these, 21 eyes from 21 patients with zone III injuries were analysed and are the subject of this study. We assessed the relationship of presenting visual acuity, cause and extent of injury, as well as the number of surgical procedures, postoperative complications with the final outcome.Results:  The study group comprised 95% male subjects with a mean age of 35.8 years (range 20–60 years). The median follow up was 21.2 months (range 6–66 months). In 72.7% of the cases metal was the causative factor. Clinical signs associated with an adverse outcome included poor‐presenting acuity, eyelid injury, cornea lamellar lacerations or abrasions, iris deformity, lens damage, ocular hypotony, coexisting injuries and a low ocular trauma score. No cases presented with post‐traumatic endophthalmitis.Conclusions:  From this study we determined the most important prognostic factor in zone III open globe injuries is the presenting acuity. Other prognostic factors associated with a poor final outcome are eyelid injury, iris deformity, lens damage, ocular hypotonia, coexisting injuries and low ocular trauma score (≤2). Posterior open eye injuries were most commonly owing to metal entering the eyes of young men.
Progesterone reverses 17β‐estradiol‐mediated neuroprotection and BDNF induction in cultured hippocampal slices
Authors: Aguirre Claudia C. , Baudry Michel 
Published: January 2009

AbstractDue to the many similarities in mechanisms of action, targets and effects, progesterone (P4), estrogen and neurotrophins have been implicated in synaptic plasticity as well as in neuroprotection and neurodegeneration. In this study, we examined the interactions between 17β‐estradiol (E2) and P4 and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on both plasticity and excitotoxicity in rat cultured hippocampal slices. First, we evaluated the neuroprotective effects of E2 and P4 against N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) toxicity in cultured rat hippocampal slices. As previously reported, pretreatment with 10 nm E2 (24 h) was neuroprotective against NMDA toxicity. However, P4 (10 nm) added 20 h after E2 treatment for 4 h reversed its protective effect. In addition, the same E2 treatment resulted in an increase in BDNF protein levels as well as in activation of its receptor, TrkB, while addition of P4 attenuated E2‐mediated increase in BDNF and TrkB levels. Furthermore, E2‐mediated neuroprotection was eliminated by a BDNF scavenger, TrkB‐Fc. Our results indicate that E2 neuroprotective effects are mediated through the BDNF pathway and that, under certain conditions, P4 antagonizes the protective effect of estrogen.
Effects of stimulation of the centromedian nucleus of the thalamus on the activity of striatal cells in awake rhesus monkeys
Authors: Nanda Bijli , Galvan Adriana , Smith Yoland , Wichmann Thomas 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAlthough the existence of a massive projection from the caudal intralaminar nuclei of the thalamus [i.e. the centromedian (CM) and parafascicular nuclei] to the striatum is well documented, the effects of CM activation upon striatal cells remain poorly understood. Therefore, we studied the effects of electrical stimulation of CM on the electrophysiological activity of striatal neurons, and on striatal levels of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and acetylcholine in rhesus monkeys. Striatal cells did not respond to single‐pulse stimulation (bipolar biphasic stimulation, 175–500 μA), but the large majority of recorded neurons responded to burst stimulation (100 Hz, 1 s, 150–175 μA) of CM, often with a delay of tens of milliseconds. Striatal phasically active neurons, which likely correspond to projection neurons, responded mainly with increases in firing (13/28 cells), while tonically active neurons (likely cholinergic interneurons) often showed combinations of increases and decreases in firing (24/46 cells). In microdialysis studies, CM stimulation led to a reduction of striatal acetylcholine levels. This effect was prevented by addition of the GABA‐A receptor antagonist gabazine to the microdialysis fluid. We conclude that CM stimulation frequently results in striatal response patterns with excitatory and inhibitory components. Under the conditions chosen here, the specific patterns of striatal responses to CM stimulation are likely the result of striatal processing of thalamic inputs. Through these indirect effects, local CM stimulation may engage large portions of the striatum. These effects may be relevant in the interpretation of the therapeutic effects of CM stimulation for the treatment of neurological disorders.
Dynamics of glutamatergic synapses in the medial vestibular nucleus of the mouse
Authors: Broussard Dianne M. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractDuring sinusoidal rotation or translation, primary vestibular afferents modulate their discharge rates at the frequency of motion, effectively transmitting frequency‐modulated (FM) signals. This study indicates a possible role for excitatory synapses in the processing of FM signals by vestibular brainstem pathways. Inputs to medial vestibular neurons were activated with FM pulse trains, while inhibitory transmission was blocked. The relationship between the presynaptic pulse rate and the postsynaptic membrane potential was found to be linear within a range of pulse rates. Short‐term plasticity was a factor contributing to sensitivity at higher modulating frequencies. The amount of low‐pass filtering was correlated with excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) shape, which affected temporal summation during the train. Although the NMDA component of glutamatergic transmission affected EPSP shape, it made only a minor contribution to the dynamics of synaptic transmission. Most responses showed low‐pass filtering over the entire 1–16 Hz range. Overall, excitatory synapses in the medial vestibular nucleus contribute a low‐pass filter to central vestibular processing and complement the high‐pass filtering that is introduced both by peripheral vestibular dynamics and by the intrinsic dynamics of secondary vestibular neurons.
Behaviour and ecology of the western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte)
Authors: Spencer Joseph L. , Hibbard Bruce E. , Moeser Joachim , Onstad David W. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract1 The western corn rootworm (WCR) is a historic pest with a legacy of resistance and behavioural plasticity. Its behaviour and nutritional ecology are important to rootworm management. The success of the most effective and environmentally benign rootworm management method, annual crop rotation, was based on an understanding of rootworm behaviour and host–plant relationships. Enthusiastic adoption of crop rotation, provided excellent rootworm management, but also selected for behavioural resistance to this cultural control.2 Though well‐studied, significant gaps in WCR biology remain. Understanding the topics reviewed here (mating behaviour, nutritional ecology, larval and adult movement, oviposition, alternate host use, and chemical ecology) is a starting point for adapting integrated pest management and insect resistance management (IRM) to an expanding WCR threat. A presentation of significant questions and areas in need of further study follow each topic.3 The expansion of WCR populations into Europe exposes this pest to new environmental and regulatory conditions that may influence its behaviour and ecology. Reviewing the state of current knowledge provides a starting point of reference for researchers and pest management decision‐makers in North America and Europe.4 The trend toward increasing adoption of transgenic maize will place an increasing premium on understanding WCR behaviour. IRM plans designed to promote sustainable deployment of transgenic hybrids are grounded on assumptions about WCR movement, mating and ovipositional behaviour. Preserving the utility of new and old management options will continue to depend on a thorough understanding of WCR biology, even as the ecological circumstances and geography of WCR problems become more complex.
Western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) population dynamics
Authors: Meinke Lance J. , Sappington Thomas W. , Onstad David W. , Guillemaud Thomas , Miller Nicholas J. , Komáromi Judit , Levay Nora , Furlan Lorenzo , Kiss József , Toth Ferenc 
Published: January 2009

Abstract1 The western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte is a major insect pest of field maize, Zea mays L. Larvae can cause substantial injury by feeding on maize roots. Larval feeding may destroy individual roots or root nodes, and reduce plant growth, stability, and yield. Costs associated with managing corn rootworms in continuous maize are annually one of the largest expenditures for insect management in the United States Corn Belt.2 Even though D. virgifera virgifera has been studied intensively for over 50 years, there is renewed interest in the biology, ecology, and genetics of this species because of its ability to rapidly adapt to management tactics, and its aggressive invasive nature.3 This article provides a comprehensive review of D. virgifera virgifera population dynamics, specifically: diapause, larval and adult development, seasonality, spatial and temporal dynamics at local and landscape scales, invasiveness in North America and Europe, and non‐trophic interactions with other arthropods.4 Gaps in current knowledge are identified and discussed especially within the context of challenges that scientists in North America and Europe are currently facing regarding pest dynamics and the need to develop appropriate management strategies for each geographic area.
Iron stress genes in marine Synechococcus and the development of a flow cytometric iron stress assay
Authors: Rivers Adam R. , Jakuba Rachel Wisniewski , Webb Eric A. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryMarine Synechococcus are frequently found in environments where iron (Fe) is a limiting nutrient. To understand their capacity to respond to Fe stress, we screened picoplankton genomes and the Global Ocean Survey metagenome for known Fe stress genes. Many open ocean strains of Synechococcus lack most known genes for Fe stress, while coastal and upwelling strains contain many, suggesting that maintaining multiple Fe limitation compensation strategies is not a selective advantage in the open ocean. All genomes contained iron deficiency‐induced protein A (IdiA) and its complementary Fe3+ transport proteins. The ubiquity of IdiA was exploited to develop an in situ Fe stress bioassay based on immunolabelling and flow cytometry. As a test of field applicability, we used the assay on natural Synechococcus populations from one station in the Costa Rica Upwelling Dome where total Fe ranged from <0.08 to 0.14 nM in the upper water column. The bioassay found Fe stress in 5–54% of the population. Based on our findings, we believe that when reactive strains are present this assay can reveal environmental and clade‐specific differences in the response of Synechococcus to Fe stress.
Early onset of fibrosis within the arterial media in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction
Authors: Kovanecz Istvan , Nolazco Gaby , Ferrini Monica G. , Toblli Jorge E. , Heydarkhan Sanaz , Vernet Dolores , Rajfer Jacob , Gonzalez‐Cadavid Nestor F. 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVESTo determine, in the obese Zucker fa/fa rat (OZR), whether the loss in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) as well as the increase in fibrosis that occurs within the corpora cavernosa accompanying corporal veno‐occlusive dysfunction (CVOD), also occurs within the media of the arterial tree.MATERIALS AND METHODSThe penis and aorta from both 7‐month‐old male diabetic OZR (5 months of diabetes) and aged‐matched nondiabetic lean Zucker rats (LZR) rats were harvested (eight per group). The penis and aorta were subjected to histo‐ or immnohistochemistry, followed by quantitative image analysis (QIA) to determine the contents of SMC, collagen and the pro‐fibrotic transforming growth factor (TGF)β1. The turnover of SMCs was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick‐end labelling (TUNEL) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) assays. Quantitative Western blots determined calponin (SMC marker) and PCNA, and hydroxyproline was used for collagen. In vitro relaxation of corporal strips was measured.RESULTS In vitro relaxation of corporal tissue from OZR was considerably less than in the LZR. In the media of the penile dorsal artery (PDA) of OZR, there was a considerable reduction in the SMC content and the SMC/collagen ratio, as well as an increase in apoptosis, but there were no changes in PCNA or TGFβ1 expression, or in the intima‐media/lumen ratio. In the aorta of the OZR, in contrast to the PDA, there was a reduction in PCNA as well as a more pronounced decrease in the SMC/collagen ratio, mainly from an increase in collagen, but there were no changes in TGFβ1 or the wall/lumen morphometry. In the OZR, Western blots of aortic tissue confirmed the decrease in PCNA and a reduction in the SMC marker calponin.CONCLUSIONSThese data show that 5 months after the onset of hyperglycaemia in the OZR, the rats develop both abnormal corporal SMC relaxation and a generalized fibrosis of the arterial media of both the large and small diameter vessels. It is possible that this pan‐fibrosis of the media of the arterial system might contribute to the diabetes‐related ED that occurs during this period in this rat model.
Short‐term assessment of a tension‐free vaginal tape for treating female stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Oliveira Rui , Silva André , Pinto Rui , Silva João , Silva Carlos , Guimarães Miguel , Dinis Paulo , Cruz Francisco 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the short‐term surgical complications and results of a tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) system (TVT‐SecurTM, Gynecare, Ethicon, Somerville, NJ, USA) in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI).PATIENTS AND METHODSTVT‐Secur was applied to 107 women with SUI through a vaginal incision and left abutting the urethra. Postoperative pain, complications, de novo lower urinary tract symptoms, incontinence cure rate and the King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ) score were evaluated.RESULTSThe operative duration was 12 min; the mean pain score was 2.3 and only one patient had transient voiding difficulties. After a mean follow‐up of 15 months, 71% of the patients were dry and 14% improved. The KHQ scores decreased significantly for most subscores. Urgency appeared de novo in six patients (5.6%), and vaginal erosion required one TVT‐Secur explantation.CONCLUSIONThis study shows that TVT‐Secur is a simple and safe treatment for female SUI, but before recommending this sling as a first choice for treating SUI, TVT‐Secur must pass the test of time and comparative studies with conventional slings.