Tanja C Fischer

New quality and quantity indices in science (NewQIS): the study protocol of an international project

Benchmarking systems are important features for the implementation of efficacy in basic and applied sciences. These systems are urgently needed for many fields of science since there is an imbalance present between funding policies and research evaluation. Here, a new approach is presented with an international study project that uses visualisation techniques for benchmarking processes. The project is entitled New Quality and Quantity Indices in Science (NewQIS). The juxtaposition of classical scientometric tools and novel visualisation techniques can be used to assess quality and quantity in science. In specific, the tools can be used to assess quality and quantity of research activity for distinct areas of science, for single institutions, for countries, for single time periods, or for single scientists. Also, NewQIS may be used to compare different fields, institutions, countries, or scientists for their scientific output. Thus, decision making for funding allocation can be made more transparent. Since governmental bodies that supervise funding policies and allocation processes are often not equipped with an in depth expertise in this area, special attention is given to data visualisation techniques that allow to visualize mapping of research activity and quality.

Neuronal plasticity of the "brain-skin connection": stress-triggered up-regulation of neuropeptides in dorsal root ganglia and skin via nerve growth factor-dependent pathways.

Emerging research indicates that central-nervous stress perception is translated to peripheral tissues such as the skin not only via classical stress hormones but also via neurotrophins and neuropeptides. This can result in neurogenic inflammation, which is likely to contribute to the triggering and/aggravation of immunodermatoses. Although the existence of such a “brain–skin connection” is supported by steadily increasing experimental evidence, it remains unclear to which extent perceived stress affects the sensory “hardwiring” between skin and its afferent neurons in the corresponding dorsal root ganglia (DRG). In this paper, we provide experimental evidence in a murine model of stress (exposure of C57BL/6 mice to sound stress) that stress exposure, or intracutaneous injection of recombinant nerve growth factor (NGF) to mimic the skin’s response to stress, up-regulate the percentage of substance P (SP)+ or calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)+ sensory neurons in skin-innervating DRG. Further, we show that the number of SP+ or CGRP+ sensory nerve fibers in the dermis of stressed C57BL/6 mice is significantly increased. Finally, we document that neutralization of NGF activity abrogates stress-induced effects on the percentage of SP+ and CGRP+ sensory neurons in skin-innervating DRG as well as on dermal sensory nerve fibers. These data suggest that high stress perception results in an intense cross talk between the skin and skin-innervating DRG, which increases the likelihood of NGF-dependent neurogenic skin inflammation by enhancing sensory skin innervation.

Models of asthma: density-equalizing mapping and output benchmarking

Despite the large amount of experimental studies already conducted on bronchial asthma, further insights into the molecular basics of the disease are required to establish new therapeutic approaches. As a basis for this research different animal models of asthma have been developed in the past years. However, precise bibliometric data on the use of different models do not exist so far. Therefore the present study was conducted to establish a data base of the existing experimental approaches. Density-equalizing algorithms were used and data was retrieved from a Thomson Institute for Scientific Information database. During the period from 1900 to 2006 a number of 3489 filed items were connected to animal models of asthma, the first being published in the year 1968. The studies were published by 52 countries with the US, Japan and the UK being the most productive suppliers, participating in 55.8% of all published items. Analyzing the average citation per item as an indicator for research quality Switzerland ranked first (30.54/item) and New Zealand ranked second for countries with more than 10 published studies. The 10 most productive journals included 4 with a main focus allergy and immunology and 4 with a main focus on the respiratory system. Two journals focussed on pharmacology or pharmacy. In all assigned subject categories examined for a relation to animal models of asthma, immunology ranked first. Assessing numbers of published items in relation to animal species it was found that mice were the preferred species followed by guinea pigs. In summary it can be concluded from density-equalizing calculations that the use of animal models of asthma is restricted to a relatively small number of countries. There are also differences in the use of species. These differences are based on variations in the research focus as assessed by subject category analysis.

Tobacco Control: Visualisation of Research Activity Using Density-Equalizing Mapping and Scientometric Benchmarking Procedures

Background: Tobacco smoking continues to be a major preventable cause of death and disease and therefore tobacco control research is extremely important. However, research in this area is often hampered by a lack in funding and there is a need for scientometric techniques to display research efforts. Methods: The present study combines classical bibliometric tools with novel scientometric and visualizing techniques in order to analyse and categorise research in the field of tobacco control. Results: All studies related to tobacco control and listed in the ISI database since 1900 were identified by the use of defined search terms. Using bibliometric approaches, a continuous increase in qualitative markers such as collaboration numbers or citations were found for tobacco control research. The combination with density equalizing mapping revealed a distinct global pattern of research productivity and citation activity. Radar chart techniques were used to visualize bi- and multilateral research cooperation and institutional cooperation. Conclusions: The present study supplies a first scientometric approach that visualises research activity in the field of tobacco control. It provides data that can be used for funding policy and the identification of research clusters.

Density-equalizing mapping and scientometric benchmarking of European allergy research

Due to the great socioeconomic burden of allergic diseases, research in this field which is important for environmental medicine is currently increasing. Therefore the European Union has initiated the Global Allergy and Asthma European network (GA2LEN). However, despite increasing research in the past years detailed scientometric analyses have not been conducted so far. This study is the first scientometric analysis in a field of growing interest. It analyses scientific contributions in European allergy research between 2001 and 2007. Three different meetings of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology were analysed for contributions and an increase in both the amount of research and networks was found.

Pan‐neurotrophin receptor p75NTR expression is strongly induced in lesional atopic mast cells

Background Neurotrophins such as nerve growth factor or brain‐derived neurotrophic factor influence neuronal proliferation and differentiation via the low‐affinity pan‐neurotrophin receptor p75NTR that may play a pivotal role in linking the immune with the nervous system. Because the precise regulation of p75NTR gene transcription in mast cells under states of allergic inflammation has not been investigated in detail so far, the present studies assessed the gene regulation and expression of this receptor.

A European evaluation of cosmetic treatment of facial volume loss with Juvéderm™ Voluma™ in patients previously treated with Restylane Sub-Q™

Background  Juvéderm™ VOLUMA™ (Voluma) is a new injectable, long‐lasting, resorbable hyaluronic acid filler. It restores facial volume, resulting in a more youthful appearance.

Cell type‐specific regulation of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in states of allergic inflammation

Background Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a molecule influencing neuronal proliferation and differentiation. In states of allergy, it may orchestrate inflammatory changes by linking the immune system with the nervous system. Because the precise regulation of gene transcription in mast cells MCs is not clear, the present studies assessed the gene regulation of BDNF in this inflammatory cell type.

Expression, localisation and functional implications of the transporter protein PEPT2 in the upper respiratory tract.

Infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract are widespread and may initiate exacerbations of chronic respiratory diseases such as bronchial asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Nebulisation of antibiotics as a topic treatment may lead to high local drug concentrations. To provide data on drug transport, the present study analysed a specific drug transport system on the molecular and functional level. Messenger RNA of the proton-coupled transporter PEPT2 that mediates physiological transport of oligopeptides as well as peptidomimetics like β-lactams and aminolevulinic acid was discovered in rat nasal mucosa by RT-PCR. Real-time PCR studies indicated a lower expression level than control kidney samples. PEPT2 immunoreactivity was identified in nasal mucosa tissue. The protein was expressed in epithelial cells, but goblet cells did not exhibit PEPT2 expression. Functional studies with rat preparations led to uptake of a fluorophore-conjugated substrate into epithelial cells of nasal mucosa. Goblet cells did not exhibit uptake activity. The uptake was competitively inhibited by dipeptides demonstrating similar substrate specificity as reported for PEPT2. Together, these data suggest that PEPT2 is likely to play an important role in mucosal peptide metabolism and may represent a novel target for therapeutic efforts in upper airway diseases.

High abundances of neurotrophin 3 in atopic dermatitis mast cell

BackgroundNeurotrophin 3 (NT-3) is a member of the neurotrophin family, a group of related proteins that are known to regulate neuro-immune interactions in allergic diseases. Their cellular sources and role in the recruitment of mast cell precursors in atopic dermatitis have not been characterized in detail so far.ObjectiveCharacterize NT-3 on a transcriptional and translational level in individuals with atopic dermatitis with special focus on mast cells.MethodsTo meet this objective NT-3 levels in the serum of AD patients were measured, the effect of NT-3 on keratinocytes was evaluated and the gene expression and regulation assessed using ELISA, immunohistochemistry and RNA quantification.ResultsSystemic levels of NT-3 were found to be higher in individuals with AD as compared to healthy controls. A distinct genetic expression was found in the various cells of the skin. In lesional mast cells of individuals with atopic dermatitis an increased amount of NT-3 was apparent. Functional in vitro experiments demonstrated that NT-3 stimulation led to a suppression of IL-8 secretion by HaCat cells.ConclusionThese findings could imply a role for NT-3 in the pathogenesis of allergic skin diseases.