bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of cannabinoid receptor ligands in tissues natively expressing cannabinoid CB2 receptors
Authors: Marini Pietro , Cascio Maria‐Grazia , King Angela , Pertwee Roger G , Ross Ruth A 
Published: March 2013

Background and PurposeAlthough cannabinoid CB2 receptor ligands have been widely characterized in recombinant systems in vitro, little pharmacological characterization has been performed in tissues natively expressing CB2 receptors. The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacology of CB2 receptor ligands in tissue natively expressing CB2 receptors (human, rat and mouse spleen) and hCB2‐transfected CHO cells.Experimental ApproachWe tested the ability of well‐known cannabinoid CB2 receptor ligands to stimulate or inhibit [35S]GTPγS binding to mouse, rat and human spleen membranes and to hCB2‐transfected CHO cell membranes. cAMP assays were also performed in hCB2‐CHO cells.Key ResultsThe data presented demonstrate that: (i) CP 55,940, WIN 55,212‐2 and JWH 133 behave as CB2 receptor full agonists both in spleen and hCB2‐CHO cells, in both [35S]GTPγS and cAMP assays; (ii) JWH 015 behaves as a low‐efficacy agonist in spleen as well as in hCB2‐CHO cells when tested in the [35S]GTPγS assay, while it displays full agonism when tested in the cAMP assay using hCB2‐CHO cells; (iii) (R)‐AM 1241 and GW 405833 behave as agonists in the [35S]GTPγS assay using spleen, instead it behaves as a low‐efficacy inverse agonist in hCB2‐CHO cells; and (iv) SR 144528, AM 630 and JTE 907 behave as CB2 receptor inverse agonists in all the tissues.Conclusion and ImplicationsOur results demonstrate that CB2 receptor ligands can display differential pharmacology when assays are conducted in tissues that natively express CB2 receptors and imply that conclusions from recombinant CB2 receptors should be treated with caution.
The association between diabetes and an episode of depressive symptoms in the 2002 World Health Survey: an analysis of 231 797 individuals from 47 countries
Authors: Mommersteeg P. M. C. , Herr R. , Pouwer F. , Holt R. I. G. , Loerbroks A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimsDepression is common in people with diabetes and increases the risk of poor health outcomes, including premature mortality. We explored the association between diabetes and an episode of depressive symptoms in a cross‐sectional multinational study, which included a large number of low‐ and middle‐income non‐Western countries.MethodsData from 47 countries of the 2002 World Health Organization World Health Survey were used, including 231 797 adults (mean age 41 years, 53% female). Diabetes was assessed by self‐report of diagnosis or treatment. The presence of an episode of depressive symptoms was assessed by self‐report using an algorithm based on DSM‐IV criteria. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to quantify associations between diabetes and episodes of depressive symptoms in the entire sample and for countries aggregated into four continents: Africa, South America, Asia and Europe. Odds ratios were adjusted for age, sex, education, BMI, smoking and physical activity level.ResultsThe prevalence of diabetes (mean 3.6%, range 0.2–13%) and episodes of depressive symptoms (mean 7.9%, range 0.4–38%) differed widely across countries. Globally, individuals with diabetes had increased odds of an episode of depressive symptoms compared with those without diabetes (adjusted odds ratio 2.36, 95% confidence interval 1.91–2.92). Similar associations were found in South America, Asia and Europe (odds ratio > 1.97), but not in Africa (odds ratio 0.86, 95% confidence interval 0.54–1.37).ConclusionsGlobally, diabetes is associated with a twofold increased prevalence of an episode of depressive symptoms, except in Africa. Given the worldwide rise in diabetes in the coming decades, and the increased risk of poor diabetes outcomes associated with co‐morbid depression, studies examining mechanisms and interventions are necessary.
Preventing Type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes: women's experiences and implications for diabetes prevention interventions
Authors: Lie M. L. S. , Hayes L. , Lewis‐Barned N. J. , May C. , White M. , Bell R. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimsTo explore factors influencing post‐natal health behaviours following the experience of gestational diabetes, and to elicit women's views about the feasibility of lifestyle intervention to prevent diabetes during the first 2 years after childbirth.MethodsQualitative study using semi‐structured interviews with women who had gestational diabetes. In phase 1 (31 women), interviews explored the experience of gestational diabetes, ideas about future risk of diabetes and factors influencing post‐natal health‐related behaviours. Statements were developed summarizing women's views of lifestyle change to prevent diabetes. In phase 2 (14 women), interviews explored how the passage of time had contributed to changes in health behaviour, and the statements were used to develop views about diabetes interventions.ResultsWomen were aware of their risk of developing diabetes, but did not always act on such knowledge. Pregnancy motivated behaviour changes to benefit the unborn child, but after delivery these changes were often not maintained. Tiredness, maternal attachment and childcare demands were prominent barriers in the early post‐natal months. Later, work, family and child development became more significant barriers. Many women became more receptive to healthy eating messages around the time of weaning. Women were positive about long‐term support for self‐management to reduce their diabetes risk.ConclusionsThere is potential to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes post‐natally among women with gestational diabetes. Interventions need to be developed that take into account contextual factors and competing demands, are flexible and respond to women's individual circumstances. Randomized trials of such interventions are warranted.
The effects of repetitive haemarthrosis on postural balance in children with haemophilia
Authors: Souza F. M. B. , McLaughlin P. , Pereira R. P. , Minuque N. P. , Mello M. H. M. , Siqueira C. , Villaça P. , Tanaka C. 
Published: March 2013

SummarySensory information from visual, vestibular and proprioceptive systems is necessary to control posture and balance. Impairment in proprioception due to repetitive joints bleeding may lead to a deficit in postural balance which, in turn, leads to high joint stress and risk of bleeding recurrence. Despite the increase in attention in this field during the past few years, the data concerning to how bleeds can affect postural control in children with haemophilia (CWH) remain scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the postural balance in CWH. Twenty CWH Haemophilia Group (HG) and 20 age‐matched children Control Group (CG) were recruited to this study. A force plate was used to record centre of pressure (COP) displacement under four different postural conditions during quiet standing: eyes open on firm surface, eyes open on foam surface, eyes closed on firm surface and eyes closed on a foam surface. Variables of COP as sway area and mean velocity and in anterior–posterior (y) medio‐lateral (x) direction were processed and for each variable sensory, quotients were calculated and compared between groups. No differences were found in visual and vestibular quotients variables between groups. A higher value was found in sway area variable on proprioception quotient in the HG when compared with CG (P = 0.042). CWH with repetitive joint bleed on lower limbs showed differences in postural balance when compared with non‐haemophiliac children. The identification of early balance impairments in CWH can help us understand better the effects of bleeds inside joints on postural control and plan a more effective preventive and rehabilitative treatment.
Cervi cornus Colla (deer antler glue) induce epidermal differentiation in the reconstruction of skin equivalents
Authors: Choi H.‐R. , Nam K.‐M. , Kim D.‐S. , Huh C.‐H. , Na J.‐I. , Park K.‐C. 
Published: March 2013

SynopsisIn the reconstruction of skin equivalents (SEs), keratinocyte differentiation is important because epidermal differentiation is closely related with barrier function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Cervi cornus Colla (CCC) on the stem cell activity and epidermal differentiation in the reconstruction of skin equivalent. Four different models were constructed according to different composition of dermal substitute. Results showed similar morphologic findings when hyaluronic acid (HA) and/or CCC was added. But, immunohistochemical staining showed that p63 was significantly increased by addition of HA and/or CCC. Increased staining of integrin α6 and β1 was variably observed when HA and/or CCC was added to make dermal substitute. These finding showed that addition of HA and/or CCC may affect the stem cell activity in the reconstruction of skin. Furthermore, filaggrin expression was much increased when CCC was added. It showed that epidermal differentiation was significantly improved by addition of CCC. In conclusion, simultaneous presence of HA and CCC contributed to the stem cell activity and epidermal differentiation in the reconstruction of SE. Legislation in the EU prohibits marketing cosmetics and personal care products that contain constituents that have been examined through animal experiments. To avoid these limitations, SEs can be used for testing the safety or the efficacy of cosmetic ingredients. Therefore, our results showed that combined use of HA and CCC can be helpful for the reconstruction of SE with good stem cell activity and epidermal differentiation.
The Challenges of Nanotechnology Policy Making PART 2. Discussing Voluntary Frameworks and Options
Authors: Auplat Claire A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn the context of the development of nanotechnologies, policy making faces specific challenges, because of the nature of the technologies themselves, and because of the evolution of international governance. Policymakers need to integrate these parameters, but their task is made difficult by the number of different coexisting frameworks and by the way stakeholders use them. This survey outlines these frameworks and draws from new institutional theory as well as from the policy and innovation literatures, to discuss the challenges of nano policy making. In a first part, the survey introduces nano policy making and the reasons for its complexity, and offeres a panorama of mandatory tools used to regulate nanotechnologies. In this second part, the focus is on the additional governance devices that some stakeholders decide to adopt on a voluntary basis. This outline is followed by a discussion of the use of all tools – mandatory and voluntary – by the different stakeholders. The paper concludes by debating two major directions which nano policy making may follow.
SpermDNAfragmentation and morphological degeneration in chilled elephant (Elephas maximusandLoxodonta Africana) semen collected by transrectal massage
Authors: O'Brien J. K. , Steinman K. J. , Montano G. A. , Love C. C. , Robeck T. R. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryEjaculates from nine Asian and two African elephants were analysed to gain a further understanding of mechanisms underlying variable semen quality after transrectal massage. Semen analysis was performed after collection (0 h; subjective motility parameters only) and after 24 h of chilled storage at 10 °C (24 h; all ejaculate and sperm characteristics). Ejaculates with ≤50% total motility (TM) at 24 h, which represented >90% of collection attempts, contained a sperm population with a high degree ofDNAdamage (64.2 ± 19.2% fragmentedDNA) and an elevated incidence of detached heads (43.3 ± 22.5%). In contrast, good quality ejaculates designated as those with >50%TMat 24 h displayed higher (p < 0.05) values of sperm kinetic parameters,DNAintegrity and normal morphology. Fertility potential was high for good quality ejaculates from two males (one Asian and one African bull) based on in vitro characteristics after chilled storage for up to 48 h post‐collection. Urine contamination of semen, as assessed quantitatively by creatinine concentration, was confirmed as a significant factor in reduced elephant ejaculate quality. However, the identification of considerableDNAdamage and morphological degeneration in the majority of ejaculates after only 24 h of chilled storage indicates that sperm ageing could be a primary contributor to inconsistent semen quality in the elephant.
Hope and the use of behavioural strategies related to diet and physical activity
Authors: Nothwehr F. , Clark D. O. , Perkins A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe use of specific behavioural strategies such as portion control or meal planning is important for weight management, although studies of determinants of strategy use are limited. The present study explored the concept of hope and its association with the use of behavioural strategies.MethodsData were obtained from a larger cross‐sectional survey conducted in 2009 among 178 patients of a city‐county sponsored primary care clinic in the Midwest region of the USA. Hope was measured with subscales representing ‘agency’ (determination in meeting goals) and ‘pathways’ (perception of ways to meet goals) and a total score. Diet and physical activity‐related strategies were captured with five and two scales, respectively.ResultsAnalyses showed a significant (P < 0.05) association between both the total hope score and the agency subscale and all behavioural strategy measures. The pathways subscale was significantly associated with physical activity‐related strategies, and a subset of diet‐related strategies.ConclusionsThe hope measures should be explored further in the context of a weight loss intervention to determine their predictive association with the use of specific behavioural strategies.
Dietary intake of polyphenols and major food sources in an institutionalised elderly population
Authors: González S. , Fernández M. , Cuervo A. , Lasheras C. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundPolyphenols are bioactive compounds widely found in fruit, vegetables and beverages of plant origin. Epidemiological studies have suggested an association between polyphenol intake and health; antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐carcinogenic and other bioactivities may contribute to these beneficially protective effects. To date, most epidemiological studies describing polyphenol intake have been limited by the information available in nutrient databases. The present study aimed to determine the total and individual polyphenol intake among institutionalised elderly people living in Asturias (North of Spain) and to identify the major dietary sources of polyphenol classes and subclasses.MethodsThe study sample comprised 304 subjects with a mean age of 73.2 years for men and 76.8 years for women. Dietary intake was assessed by means of a food frequency questionnaire. Phenol content was estimated from the Phenol‐Explorer database, as developed at the French National Institute for Agricultural Research. The contribution of each food to the total and subgroup intake of polyphenols was calculated as a percentage.ResultsExcept for flavonones, total polyphenol intake, groups and subgroups, was higher in men than women. The main polyphenol groups contributing to total polyphenol intake were flavonoids (62%) and phenolic acids (35.5%). We identified red wine, coffee, apples, oranges and green beans as the major food sources providing total polyphenol intake. Flavonoid and lignan intake was lower for those aged >80 years. Smoking habit, red wine consumption, physical activity and a Mediterranean diet score were associated with a greater polyphenol intake.ConclusionsThe present study provides information on polyphenol intake in an elderly Mediterranean population with a level of detail that has not been achieved previously. The identification of age and lifestyle factors associated with the intake of polyphenols may be useful in future studies regarding polyphenols.
The triple challenges associated with age‐related comorbidities in Down syndrome
Authors: Glasson E. J. , Dye D. E. , Bittles A. H. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundMajor increases in the survival of people with Down syndrome during the last two generations have resulted in extended periods of adulthood requiring specialist care, which in turn necessitates greater understanding of the nature, timing and impact of comorbidities associated with the disorder.MethodThe prevalence of five comorbidities reported as common in adults with Down syndrome, visual impairment, hearing impairment, epilepsy, thyroid disorders and dementia was assessed by decade of life.ResultsFrom early adulthood, people with Down syndrome are at enhanced risk of developing new comorbidities and they may present with multiple conditions. Three specific challenges are identified and discussed: are comorbidities detected in a timely manner, is the clinical progress of the disorder adequately understood, and who is responsible for the provision of care?ConclusionsFurther detailed investigations into the development and treatment of comorbidities across the lifespan are needed for a successful longitudinal approach to healthcare in people with Down syndrome. Implementation of this approach will better inform healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care with advancing age.
Family functioning inAsian families raising children with autism spectrum disorders: the role of capabilities and positive meanings
Authors: Xue J. , Ooh J. , Magiati I. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundThere has been increasing interest in exploring the factors contributing to successful adaptation and family functioning in ethnically and culturally diverse families who raise children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), in order to inform more appropriate strength‐based family support services. This pilot study used theFamilyAdjustment andAdaptationResponse (FAAR) model as a theoretical framework to investigate the role of families' capabilities (coping strategies and resources of support) and positive meanings in raising a child withASDin family functioning in anAsian context.MethodsSixty‐fiveSingaporean parents of 3‐ to 11‐year‐old children withASDcompleted a series of questionnaires on demands, coping strategies, social support, positive meanings and family functioning.ResultsFamilies reported a number of helpful coping strategies. Coping through family integration/optimism was most helpful, followed by understanding the condition and by developing esteem and psychological stability. Reported capabilities, but not positive meanings, mediated the relationship between demands and family functioning.ConclusionThe findings are discussed in relation to existing literature, possible specific cultural issues, and the strengths and limitations of the study. Implications for supporting families of children withASDin different social and cultural contexts are also discussed.
Prospective Radial Artery Study Following Induction of Reactive Hyperemia Looking at Degree of Diameter Growth in Healthy Subjects
Authors: BILOLIKAR ABHAY N. , ABBAS AMR E. , MUNOZ MALDONADO YOLANDA , BENDICK PHILLIP J. , DIXON SIMON 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectivesThis “proof of concept” study sought to determine the magnitude of radial artery diameter change in 20 healthy subjects by induction of flow mediation dilatation (FMD) via reactive hyperemia.BackgroundTransradial access in the cardiac catheterization laboratory is becoming more commonplace due to lower bleeding complications and increase in patient comfort. However, access to the radial artery can be challenging due to small vessel size. We sought to examine whether FMD can be used to increase radial artery diameter, potentially allowing improved transradial access.MethodsWe obtained baseline radial artery diameter via a high frequency ultrasound probe on 20 healthy subjects. A standard reactive hyperemia protocol was employed in the right arm, followed by successive measurements of the subject's radial artery at pre‐specified intervals. Radial artery diameter measurements were performed offline by the sonographer and also a blinded reader to which agreement was sought.ResultsWe found a mean increase in radial artery size of 0.48 ± 0.13 mm at peak reactive hyperemic states. This correlated to a mean increase in overall radial artery diameter of 21.7 ± 6.7%. The median time to peak dilation was 30 seconds (95% CI; 15–45 seconds), and the median duration of maximal dilation was 60 seconds (95% CI; 45–75 seconds).ConclusionsAmong healthy subjects, we demonstrated a mean maximal increase in radial artery diameter of 21.7 ± 6.7% via FMD. This finding supports the notion that radial artery diameter can be increased noninvasively via a reactive hyperemia protocol. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:310–316)
Wüstite in the fusion crust of Almahata Sitta sulfide‐metal assemblage MS‐166: Evidence for oxygen in metallic melts
Authors: Horstmann Marian , Humayun Munir , Harries Dennis , Langenhorst Falko , Chabot Nancy L. , Bischoff Addi , Zolensky Michael E. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractMeteorite fusion crusts form during the passage of a meteoroid through the Earth's atmosphere and are highly oxidized intergrowths as documented by the presence of e.g., oxides. The porous and irregular fusion crust surrounding the Almahata Sitta sulfide‐metal assemblage MS‐166 was found highly enriched in wüstite (Fe1‐xO). Frictional heating of the outer portions of the assemblage caused partial melting of predominantly the Fe‐sulfide and minor amounts of the outer Ni‐rich portions of the originally zoned metal in MS‐166. Along with melting significant amounts of oxygen were incorporated into the molten fusion crust and mainly FeS was oxidized and desulfurized to form wüstite. Considerable amounts of FeS were lost due to ablation, whereas the cores of the large metal grains appear largely unmelted leaving behind metal grains and surrounding wüstite‐rich material (matte). Metal grains along with the surrounding matte typically form an often highly porous framework of globules interconnected with the matte. Although textures and chemical composition suggest that melting of Fe,Ni metal occurred only partially (Ni‐rich rims), there is a trace elemental imprint of siderophile element partitioning influenced by oxygen in the metallic melt as indicated by the behavior of W and Ga, the two elements significantly affected by oxygen in a metallic melt. It is remarkable that MS‐166 survived the atmospheric passage as troilite inclusions in iron meteorites are preferentially destroyed.