bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prophylactic effects of methyl-3-O-methyl gallate against sodium fluoride-induced oxidative stress in erythrocytes in vivo
Authors: Nabavi Seyed Mohammad , Habtemariam Solomon , Nabavi Seyed Fazel , Moghaddam Akbar Hajizadeh , Latifi Ali Mohammad 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Objectives
The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effect of methyl-3-O-methyl gallate (M3OMG), a rare polyphenolic natural product with a potent in-vitro antioxidant effect, against sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced oxidative stress in rat erythrocytes in vivo.

Methods
Male Wistar rats were treated daily with either M3OMG (10 and 20 mg/kg) obtained through synthesis, vitamin C (10 mg/kg) or vehicle intraperitoneally for 7 days. Oxidative stress was then induced by exposing animals to NaF (600 ppm) through drinking water for 7 days. At the end of intoxication period, rats were killed and erythrocytes isolated. The activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) and levels of reduced glutathione and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were measured in erythrocyte haemolysates.

Results
NaF intoxication resulted in a 1.9-fold increase in erythrocyte lipid peroxidation associated with significant (P &lt; 0.001) depletion of reduced glutathione level. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activity was suppressed by NaF treatment by 3.069 and 2.3 fold when compared with untreated control groups. Pretreatment of rats with M3OMG or vitamin C afforded protection against NaF-induced oxidative stress as assessed through the measured oxidant/antioxidant markers.

Conclusion
This finding provided in-vivo evidence for the therapeutic potential of M3OMG in combating fluoride-induced oxidative damage in cellular systems.
Chloropyrula uraliensis gen. et sp. nov. (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta), a new green coccoid alga with a unique ultrastructure, isolated from soil in South Urals
Authors: GAYSINA Lira , NĚMCOVÁ Yvonne , ŠKALOUD Pavel , ŠEVČÍKOVÁ Tereza , ELIÁŠ Marek 
Published: March 2013

AbstractSoil hosts diverse communities of photosynthetic eukaryotes (algae) that have not yet been fully explored. Here we describe an interesting coccoid green alga isolated from a soil sample from a forest‐steppe in South Urals (Bashkortostan, Russia) that, based on a phylogenetic analysis of 18S rRNA gene sequence, appears to represent a new phylogenetic lineage related to the genus Leptosira within the class Trebouxiophyceae. This new alga is characterized by uninucleate cells with a shape ranging from spherical to ellipsoid or egg‐like, occurring solitary or more often grouped in irregular masses or colonies. Remarkably, cells with a characteristic pyriform shape are encountered in cultures grown on a solid medium. The cells harbour a single pyrenoid‐lacking parietal chloroplast with the margin undulated or forming finger‐like projections; in mature cells the chloroplast becomes divided by deep incisions into more or less separate lobes. Transmission electron microscopy of vegetative cells revealed an unprecedented structure in the form of a cluster of microfibrils located in the cytoplasm near the plasma membrane, often appressed to the chloroplast. Reproduction takes place via autospores or biflagellated zoospores. The unique suite of characters of our isolate distinguishes it from previously described coccoid green algae and suggests that it should be classified as a new species in a new genus; we propose it be named Chloropyrula uraliensis.
The Breakdown of the Hegemonic Representation of Madness in Africa
Authors: Coudin Geneviève 
Published: March 2013

AbstractSocial science has recently examined the dramatic increase of witchcraft and magic in everyday contemporary African. A study, which took place in the 1970's, on the representation of madness in postcolonial Congo, contributes to the elucidation of such an outgrowth. In line with the first version of La Psychoanalyse, it aimed at identifying variations in the images, beliefs, and attitudes associated with groups whose social positioning differed in relation to modernity. Sixty old men were interviewed. The respondents provided a representation in the making that neither reflected Western knowledge nor faithfully echoed local patterns. The Western elements were anchored in a strongly objectified local belief system. For “traditional” informants the meaning attributed to madness testifies to the transformation of a hegemonic representation into a polemical one since it addressed the question of their identity shaken by modernity. An emancipated representation emerged within the most educated group. A secondary analysis of the data contributes to current theoretical debates within social representations theory in focusing on tolerance/intolerance to alternative representations through semantic barriers. It brings more evidence to the fragmentation of the hegemonic system of belief and confirms how social—identity content and relations mediate knowledge construction.
Ex vivo analysis of resident hepatic pro‐inflammatory CD1d‐reactive T cells and hepatocyte surface CD1d expression in hepatitis C
Authors: Yanagisawa K. , Yue S. , van der Vliet H. J. , Wang R. , Alatrakchi N. , Golden‐Mason L. , Schuppan D. , Koziel M. J. , Rosen H. R. , Exley M. A. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryHepatic CD1d‐restricted and natural killer T‐cell populations are heterogeneous. Classical ‘type 1′ α‐galactosylceramide‐reactive CD1d‐restricted T cells express ‘invariant’ TCRα (‘iNKT’). iNKT dominating rodent liver are implicated in inflammation, including in hepatitis models. Low levels of iNKT are detected in human liver, decreased in subjects with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). However, high levels of human hepatic CD161±CD56± noninvariant pro‐inflammatory CD1d‐restricted ‘type 2′ T cells have been identified in vitro. Unlike rodents, healthy human hepatocytes only express trace and intracellular CD1d. Total hepatic CD1d appears to be increased in CHC and primary biliary cirrhosis. Direct ex vivo analysis of human intrahepatic lymphocytes (IHL), including matched ex vivo versus in vitro expanded IHL, demonstrated detectable noninvariant CD1d reactivity in substantial proportions of HCV‐positive livers and significant fractions of HCV‐negative livers. However, α‐galactosylceramide‐reactive iNKT were detected only relatively rarely. Liver CD1d‐restricted IHL produced IFNγ, variable levels of IL‐10 and modest levels of Th2 cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐13 ex vivo. In a novel FACS assay, a major fraction (10–20%) of hepatic T cells rapidly produced IFNγ and up‐regulated activation marker CD69 in response to CD1d. As previously only shown with murine iNKT, noninvariant human CD1d‐specific responses were also augmented by IL‐12. Interestingly, CD1d was found selectively expressed on the surface of hepatocytes in CHC, but not those CHC subjects with history of alcohol usage or resolved CHC. In contrast to hepatic iNKT, noninvariant IFNγ‐producing type 2 CD1d‐reactive NKT cells are commonly detected in CHC, together with cognate ligand CD1d, implicating them in CHC liver damage.
Protein phosphatase 2A impairs IFNα‐induced antiviral activity against the hepatitis C virus through the inhibition of STAT1 tyrosine phosphorylation
Authors: Shanker V. , Trincucci G. , Heim H. M. , Duong H. T. F. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryMammalian cells have developed several mechanisms to sense viruses and initiate adequate responses such as production of interferons. Interferons activate the antiviral response through the Jak‐STAT signalling pathway. To establish a chronic infection, viruses need to counteract this barrier of defence. The hepatitis C and hepatitis B viruses are known to up‐regulate the expression of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). In this study, we show that PP2Ac associates with Jak1/Tyk2/STAT1 and reduces Jak1/Tyk2/STAT1 phosphorylation resulting in an impairment of the IFNα‐induced HCV antiviral response. Using the fully infectious HCV cell culture system (HCVcc), we demonstrate that the PP2A catalytic activity is not required to block the antiviral effect of IFNα, although it is needed to support HCVcc replication. Our data suggest an important contribution of virus‐induced PP2Ac up‐regulation in the establishment of a chronic infection.
The Effects of Hyperglycemia and Endotoxemia on Coagulation Parameters in Healthy Adult Horses
Authors: McGovern K.F. , Lascola K.M. , Smith S.A. , Clark‐Price S.C. , Wilkins P.A. , Schaeffer D.J. , Foreman J.H. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundHyperglycemia and endotoxemia have been associated with coagulation abnormalities in horses. Studies in humans suggest greater disturbances in coagulation with hyperglycemia and concurrent endotoxemia.ObjectivesTo compare coagulation parameters in horses administered with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with and without concurrent hyperglycemia.AnimalsTwelve healthy adult horses.MethodsHyperglycemia (180–240 mg/dL) was maintained for 6 hours in 6 horses (GLU‐LPS) using 140 mg/kg IV bolus of dextrose followed by a 20% dextrose constant rate infusion. A similar volume of saline was administered to an additional 6 horses (SAL‐LPS). LPS (20 ng/kg) was administered to each horse. Fibrogen concentration, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), thrombin antithrombin concentration (TAT), and thromboelastometry were measured at baseline and after 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 6, and 22 hours. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to examine temporal changes.ResultsIncreases in PT (P = .001) and TAT (P = .027) were observed in the GLU‐LPS group. Changes in thromboelastometry parameters including increased clot formation time (In‐TEM, P = .006; Ex‐TEM, P = .002) and decreased alpha angle (Ex‐TEM, P = .04) and maximal clot firmness (Ex‐TEM, P = .014) were observed in the SAL‐LPS group. Differences between SAL‐LPS and GLU‐LPS groups were limited to increased maximal clot firmness (Ex‐TEM) at 3, 6, and 22 hours (P < .001) in the SAL‐LPS group.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceMinor alterations in coagulation parameters identified for each group are most likely not clinically relevant. Observed differences between groups do not suggest that concurrent hyperglycemia and endotoxemia are associated with greater coagulation abnormalities in horses.
Prognosis for Racing with Conservative Management of Cervical Vertebral Malformation in Thoroughbreds: 103 Cases (2002–2010)
Authors: Hoffman C.J. , Clark C.K. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundCervical vertebral malformation (CVM) is seen in young, rapidly growing horses, and is commonly associated with a poor prognosis for racing.Hypothesis/ObjectiveTo examine the records of a population of Thoroughbreds with a presumptive diagnosis ofCVMand to determine which radiographic findings and neurologic exam findings have an effect on these horses achieving athletic function when managed conservatively.AnimalsOne hundred and three thoroughbreds presumptively diagnosed withCVMand treated conservatively between 2002 and 2010.MethodsRacing records were reviewed in this retrospective study to determine which horses raced after treatment. Horses were separated into groups based on whether or not they raced. Medical records were reviewed, and results of neurologic examination, radiographic and laboratory findings, treatments, and outcome were assessed and compared between groups.ResultsSixteen horses were excluded because of insufficient information. Of the remaining horses, thirty‐three were euthanized after diagnosis, while the remaining seventy were discharged for treatment. Twenty‐one of 70 horses treated medically (30%) went on to race. Horses that went on to race had a significantly lower neurologic grade (P = .0002), with a median of 1.0 in the thoracic limbs and 2.0 in the pelvic limbs. Euthanized horses and nonstarters were more likely to have kyphosis (P = .041) or cranial stenosis (P = .041) on standing lateral cervical radiographs.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceSome horses can race after the diagnosis ofCVM. Neurologic examination and radiographic findings can be helpful in predicting racing prognosis.
Comparison of Intravenous versus Intramuscular Administration of Corticotropin‐Releasing Hormone in Healthy Cats
Authors: Eiler K.C. , Bruyette D.S. , Behrend E.N. , Kemppainen R.J. , Kass P.H. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundBecause of the lack of a current validated assay for feline endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in response to administration of currently available ovine corticotropin‐releasing hormone (oCRH) preparations, a complete evaluation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis in cats has not been possible.ObjectiveThis study was undertaken to (1) determine the pituitary (ACTH) and adrenal (cortisol) response to both IV and IM administration of a currently availableoCRHproduct in healthy cats, and (2) validate an endogenousACTHassay for use in cats.AnimalsSeventeen healthy cats receivingoCRH(n = 11) or placebo (n = 6).MethodsProspective, randomized, placebo‐controlled study.oCRHat 1 μg/kg or placebo was given either IM or IV. Endogenous cortisol andACTHconcentrations were evaluated after the injection. A comparison of IM versus IV and placebo versus treatment was made.ResultsThe DiaSorin immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) assay forACTHperformed well, showing both parallelism and acceptable intra‐ and interassay coefficients of variation. There was a significant difference between groups (P = .025) and a significant difference between times (P = .025) when endogenousACTHconcentrations were compared afteroCRHIV or IM. No significant differences were observed in cortisol concentrations comparing IV to IMoCRH.ConclusionsIM administration ofoCRHresults in significantly greaterACTHconcentrations but not cortisol concentrations when compared with IV administration. Samples should be drawn before and at 60 minutes after the injection. The DiasorinIRMAis valid for feline endogenousACTHmeasurements.
Preparation courses for a medical admissions test: effectiveness contrasts with opinion
Authors: Wilkinson Tom M , Wilkinson Tim J 
Published: March 2013

Objectives  The Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admissions Test (UMAT) is used to rank applicants for admission to many medical schools. This study aimed to determine the effects of preparation courses on UMAT performance and on students’ perceptions of their performance.Methods  We asked students who sat the UMAT twice across two consecutive years to complete an online survey. The survey was administered in 2010 and 2011 to gather information on preparation activities, costs of preparation activities and students’ opinions regarding their expected performance. Survey responses were compared with student scores on the second taking of the UMAT, adjusted for prior UMAT scores and university performance.Results  The study (cohort: n = 263) was sufficiently powered to investigate two forms of preparation: courses offered by MedEntry (a UMAT preparation provider), and tutoring offered by the students’ halls of residence. Neither was found to significantly affect UMAT score (p = 0.09 for MedEntry courses; p = 0.50 for halls of residence tutoring). There was no relationship between total time or money spent preparing and UMAT performance. However, students taking MedEntry courses and students spending more money on UMAT preparation were more likely to predict an improved score (p < 0.001 for both). A total of 85% of students improved their score on the second sitting, irrespective of preparation.Conclusions  The use of either of two common forms of UMAT preparation does not translate to an improvement in UMAT score. However, in accordance with confirmation bias theory, the association between money spent on preparatory courses and self‐assessed predicted score suggests that students’ belief in the effectiveness of such courses may be confounded by their financial outlay.
Forging a nation: the Ethiopian millennium celebration and the multiethnic state
Authors: Orlowska Izabela 
Published: March 2013

AbstractDue to a different calendric system, Ethiopia celebrated the turn of the millennium in September 2007. This paper investigates how Ethiopia's coalition government, associated by many Ethiopians with minority rule, set up and mobilised a year‐long millennium project to propose new idioms of nationhood redefining Ethiopia's identity to deal with the challenges of ethnic federalism and to accommodate its multiethnic society. I argue that the millennium celebration sought to find a solution to the divisive effects of the politics of ‘difference’ derived from a policy of ethnic federalism, and to the existing outdated metaphors of nationhood rooted in Semitic culture and Orthodox Christianity. It proposed more suitable idioms of common identity based on the idea of ‘unity in diversity’. This paper contributes to our better understanding of the role of symbolism, commemorative events and appropriation of the ‘sites of memory’ in the complex process of the transition of multiethnic societies into nation states.
Using participatory action research to foster nurse leadership in Australian rural hospitals
Authors: Bish Melanie , Kenny Amanda , Nay Rhonda 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis paper outlines the processes and results of a participatory action research study undertaken to identify issues that may impact on strategies to foster nurse leadership in rural hospitals. Five Directors of Nursing from rural regions of Victoria, Australia participated. The group activities involved discussion and analysis of previous research, a review of current literature and critical reflection of the leadership performance of their organization. The analysis identified five key themes; dispel the myths, adopt big‐picture thinking, connect with colleagues, reflect on your own conduct, and create organizational buy‐in. It is essential to have an awareness of contextual challenges, an understanding of the importance of your own conduct as a visible leader, and the need for effective communication to inform the development of strategies that may be used to foster nurse leadership in rural hospitals. The platform to discuss and critically analyze leadership saw a group consensus that affirmed the need for any approach to nursing leadership to be tailored to the individual healthcare organization.
Is patient education helpful in providing care for patients with rheumatoid arthritis? A qualitative study involving French nurses
Authors: Fall Estelle , Chakroun Nadia , Dalle Nathalie , Izaute Marie 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis French study explored nurses' involvement in patient education for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study design was qualitative. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 16 hospital nurses. Data analysis was performed according to Giorgi's descriptive phenomenological method, and supported by specific qualitative analysis software (Sphinx). The results showed the important role of hospital nurses in rheumatoid arthritis care. Patient education is a core part of nurses' work, allowing them to give patients information and emotional support. The interviewees displayed skills in helping patients learn to care for themselves. However, patient education mostly concerned patients who are already committed to their health care. Non‐adherent patients warrant special attention; their acceptance of their disease, perceptions about disease and treatment, motivation, and autonomy should be specifically addressed. French nurses could benefit from more training, and could be aided by psychologists. Ambulatory services could also be developed for patient education in France, based on examples from other countries.
Circumferential and functional re‐entry of in vivo slow‐wave activity in the porcine small intestine
Authors: Angeli T. R. , O'Grady G. , Du P. , Paskaranandavadivel N. , Pullan A. J. , Bissett I. P. , Cheng L. K. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundSlow‐waves modulate the pattern of small intestine contractions. However, the large‐scale spatial organization of intestinal slow‐wave pacesetting remains uncertain because most previous studies have had limited resolution. This study applied high‐resolution (HR) mapping to evaluate intestinal pacesetting mechanisms and propagation patterns in vivo.MethodsHR serosal mapping was performed in anesthetized pigs using flexible arrays (256 electrodes; 32 × 8; 4 mm spacing), applied along the jejunum. Slow‐wave propagation patterns, frequencies, and velocities were calculated. Slow‐wave initiation sources were identified and analyzed by animation and isochronal activation mapping.Key ResultsAnalysis comprised 32 recordings from nine pigs (mean duration 5.1 ± 3.9 min). Slow‐wave propagation was analyzed, and a total of 26 sources of slow‐wave initiation were observed and classified as focal pacemakers (31%), sites of functional re‐entry (23%) and circumferential re‐entry (35%), or indeterminate sources (11%). The mean frequencies of circumferential and functional re‐entry were similar (17.0 ± 0.3 vs 17.2 ± 0.4 cycle min−1; P = 0.5), and greater than that of focal pacemakers (12.7 ± 0.8 cycle min−1; P < 0.001). Velocity was anisotropic (12.9 ± 0.7 mm s−1 circumferential vs 9.0 ± 0.7 mm s−1 longitudinal; P < 0.05), contributing to the onset and maintenance of re‐entry.Conclusions & InferencesThis study has shown multiple patterns of slow‐wave initiation in the jejunum of anesthetized pigs. These results constitute the first description and analysis of circumferential re‐entry in the gastrointestinal tract and functional re‐entry in the in vivo small intestine. Re‐entry can control the direction, pattern, and frequency of slow‐wave propagation, and its occurrence and functional significance merit further investigation.
Post‐stroke dysphagia: progress at last
Authors: Rofes L. , Vilardell N. , Clavé P. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractOropharyngeal Dysphagia (OD) is both underestimated and underdiagnosed as a cause of malnutrition and respiratory complications following stroke. OD occurs in more than 50% of stroke patients. Aspiration pneumonia (AP) occurs in up to 20% of acute stroke patients and is a major cause of mortality after discharge. Systematic screening for OD should be performed on every patient with stroke before starting oral feeding, followed, if appropriate by clinical and instrumental (videofluroscopy and/or fiberoptic endoscopy) assessment. Bolus modification with adaptation of texture and viscosity of solids and fluids and postural adjustments should be part of the minimal treatment protocol, but they do not change the impaired swallow physiology nor promote recovery of damaged neural swallow networks in stroke patients. To this purpose, two new neurostimulation approaches are being developed to stimulate cortical neuroplasticity to recover swallowing function: (i) those aimed at stimulating the peripheral oropharyngeal sensory system by chemical, physical or electrical stimulus; and (ii) those aimed at directly stimulating the pharyngeal motor cortex, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). The study of Park et al. in this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility evaluated the effect of rTMS in dysphagic stroke patients and showed a marked improvement in swallow physiology. Other studies also using rTMS showed plastic changes in pharyngeal motor cortical areas relevant to swallowing function. If further randomized controlled trials confirm these initial results, the neurorehabilitation strategies will be introduced to clinical practice sooner rather than later, improving the recovery of dysphagic stroke patients. Progress at last.