bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proliferation signal inhibitors and post‐transplant malignancies in heart transplantation: practical clinical management questions
Authors: Epailly E. , Albanell J. , Andreassen A. , Bara C. , Campistol J.M. , Delgado J.F. , Eisen H. , Fiane A.E. , Mohacsi P. , Schubert S. , Sebbag L. , Turazza F.M. , Valantine H. , Zuckermann A. , Potena L. 
Published: May 2011

Epailly E, Albanell J, Andreassen A, Bara C, Campistol JM, Delgado JF, Eisen H, Fiane AE, Mohacsi P, Schubert S, Sebbag L, Turazza FM, Valantine H, Zuckermann A, Potena L. Proliferation signal inhibitors and post‐transplant malignancies in heart transplantation: practical clinical management questions. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E475–E486. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Although malignancy is a major threat to long‐term survival of heart transplant (HT) recipients, clear strategies to manage immunosuppression in these patients are lacking. Several lines of evidences support the hypothesis of an anticancer effect of proliferation signal inhibitors (PSIs: mammalian target of rapamycin [mTOR] inhibitors) in HT recipients. This property may arise from PSI’s ability to replace immunosuppressive therapies that promote cancer progression, such as calcineurin inhibitors or azathioprine, and/or through their direct biological actions in preventing tumor development and progression. Given the lack of randomized studies specifically exploring these issues in the transplant setting, a collaborative group reviewed current literature and personal clinical experience to reach a consensus aimed to provide practical guidance for the clinical conduct in HT recipients with malignancy, or at high risk of malignancy, with a special focus on advice relevant to potential role of PSIs.
A novel Bweak hybrid allele lacks three enhancer repeats but generates normal ABO transcript levels
Authors: Thuresson B. , Hosseini‐Maaf B. , Hult A. K. , Hustinx H. , Alan Chester M. , Olsson M. L. 
Published: May 2011

Background and Objectives  Weak expression of A/B histo‐blood group antigens is often explained by single nucleotide substitutions at the ABO locus. However, hybrid alleles containing segments from different ABO alleles can result in unexpected phenotypes and may complicate genotype analysis. We investigated the basis of weak B phenotype in a referred sample.Materials and Methods  A healthy young woman was serologically phenotyped as ABweak and RBCs were characterized by flow cytometry. All seven ABO exons, five introns plus the 5′‐region including the CCAAT‐binding factor/Nuclear Factor Y (CBF/NF‐Y) binding enhancer were sequenced. ABO transcript levels were measured in fresh peripheral blood samples. Expression of B antigen was semiquantified following transfection of HeLa cells.Results  A new Bweak allele with 53G>T resulted in a characteristic pattern of moderately weakened B antigen expression on RBCs. Its sequence revealed a novel hybrid between O2 [O03] and B [B101] alleles with a crossingover region in intron 4 as defined by allele‐specific polymorphisms. B transcript levels were similar to normal controls despite the O2‐related single CBF/NF‐Y‐binding 43‐bp motif in the enhancer region. Expression of the glycosyltransferase including the O2‐specific Arg18Leu substitution resulted in a slight decrease in B‐antigen‐positive cells.Conclusion  We describe here the first hybrid between an O2 and a B allele and characterized the associated decrease in B antigen expression. Although it lacks three enhancer repeat units compared to common B alleles, the resulting transcript level was unaltered. This study challenges previous suggestions that the number of 43‐bp motifs in the ABO enhancer determines transcription rates in erythroid cells.
Factors affecting older persons' adherence to prescription drugs in Israel
Authors: Ben‐Natan Merav , Noselozich Ilya 
Published: May 2011

AbstractDespite the significance of patients' adherence to prescription drug treatments, it is estimated that > 30% of the drugs that are prescribed to older persons are not self‐administered in accordance with the instructions. This research examines which factors affect the adherence to prescription drugs of older Israelis and tests whether the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) can explain their adherence. In this cross‐sectional survey design, a reliable and valid structured questionnaire, based on the TPB, was administered to a convenience sample of 207 independent older persons who were taking prescription drugs. One‐fifth of the sample reported that they did not adhere to their medication regime. The older persons' self‐reported adherence to treatment was related to the quantity of drugs that they were required to take and to whether or not they received the support of a primary caregiver. The more confidence that the older persons had in their physician's level of professionalism, the greater their self‐reported adherence to the prescription drugs. Behavioral beliefs, behavioral attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms were related to the older persons' intention to self‐administer medication. We conclude that nurses have an important responsibility in assessing the medication‐taking behaviors of older adults.
Tadalafil versus solifenacin for persistent storage symptoms after prostate surgery in patients with erectile dysfunction: A prospective randomized study
Authors: Maselli Guevar , Bergamasco Luca , Silvestri Vanuska , Gualà Luana , Pace Gianna , Vicentini Carlo 
Published: May 2011

Objectives:  The occurrence of residual storage symptoms after surgical relief of bladder outlet obstruction as a result of benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) underlines the intricate mechanism involved in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The aim of the present study was to compare tadalafil with solifenacin in modifying symptoms and uroflowmetric parameters in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) and residual storage symptoms after prostate surgery.Methods:  From May 2007 to April 2009, we evaluated 68 patients who had undergone prostate surgery at least 6 months earlier, and presented with ED and persistence of storage symptoms. A total of 56 patients were randomized to receive tadalafil 5 mg (group 1) or solifenacin 5 mg (group 2), both given daily for 12 weeks. International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), IPSS Quality of Life, International Index of Erectile Function‐5 (IIEF‐5) and uroflowmetry parameters were collected at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment.Results:  A total of 26 patients in group 1 and 25 patients in group 2 completed the study. Each group showed a significant and comparable improvement of urinary symptoms with a decrease of IPSS value. Only in group 1 did the treatment with tadalafil result in a significant increase of IIEF‐5. No statistically significant variations were noted in uroflowmetric parameters in both groups.Conclusions:  In patients suffering from ED and storage symptoms after surgical treatment for LUTS‐BPE, tadalafil 5 mg given once daily for 12 weeks provided a comparable improvement in IPSS to solifenacin 5 mg given for the same period of time.
Medical expulsive therapy using alfuzosin for patient presenting with ureteral stone less than 10 mm: A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chau Lysander Hin , Tai Dominic Chi Kin , Fung Berry Tat Chow , Li James Cheuk Man , Fan Chi Wai , Li Michael Ka Wah 
Published: May 2011

Objectives:  To assess the spontaneous passage rate for patients being treated with alfuzosin 10 mg daily after presenting with an acute ureteral stone compared with a control group, and to assess the respective pain control status.Methods:  This was a prospective randomized controlled trial. Patients presenting with an acute ureteral stone (size 5–10 mm) were enrolled and randomized into a medical expulsive therapy (MET) group or control group. The MET group received alfuzosin slow release (SR) 10 mg daily for 4 weeks and dologesic (paracetamol + dextropropoxyphene, four tablets daily on demand) for 2 weeks. The control group received the same analgesics for 2 weeks only. Diclofenac sodium SR 100 mg daily for 2 weeks was added in case of suboptimal pain control. All the patients were assessed through phone interview at week 2 and with kidney–ureter–bladder X‐ray at week 5 to check for any evidence of stone passage.Results:  A total of 67 patients were included in the analysis. The overall spontaneous passage rate was increased by 31.8% with MET (P = 0.006). For an upper ureteral stone, the rate was increased by 51.3% (P = 0.01). The MET group used significantly less dicolofenac sodium (1.5 tablets vs 6.7 tablets, P = 0.031).Conclusions:  MET using alfuzosin SR 10 mg daily is effective to enhance the ureteral stone spontaneous passage rate, particularly for upper ureteral stones. Fewer analgesic drugs are consumed and more patients can avoid ureteroscopic lithotripsy and/or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery: the evidence for the repairs
Authors: Gomelsky Alex , Penson David F. , Dmochowski Roger R. 
Published: May 2011

What is known on the subject? and What does the study add? Substantial experience of the outcomes has been gathered regarding the acute and sub‐acute experience with various types of corrective procedures for POP. These include long‐term POP correction as well as more recent recognition of improvement in functional disorders associated with POP such as UI, colorectal dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction. Long‐term follow‐up is available for some of the older types of interventions and current multicentre trials are being accrued with longer term follow‐up for new interventions including mesh‐type repairs.The study adds a condensed and summarized version of the current literature regarding the various interventions for POP and also provides an overview of the current controversies and areas where knowledge is incomplete and in need of further elaboration for definitive answers regarding optimization of surgical care for POP.• Our aim is to summarise the available data on the transvaginal placement of synthetic mesh for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair, with a focus on the outcomes and complications of commercial POP‐repair kits.• As the stability and durability of autologous tissues may be questionable, nonabsorbable, synthetic materials are an attractive alternative for providing additional support during POP surgery. These materials are not novel, and most have been used for many years in surgical applications, e.g. hernia repairs.• While theoretically appealing, the implantation of synthetic mesh in the pelvis may be associated with inherent adverse consequences, such as erosion, extrusion, and infection. Additionally, the routine use of these materials may carry potential long‐term complications, such as dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, and vaginal distortion.• The success and failure of mesh‐augmented POP repair is related not only to the synthetic material itself, but also to patient‐ and surgeon‐related factors.• Recent warnings by the USA Food and Drug Administration and other groups regarding adverse events further complicate the decision to use synthetic mesh.
Actions taken by schools when tobacco policies are violated: Associations with adolescent smoking prevalence
Authors: WIIUM NORA , WOLD BENTE 
Published: May 2011

Wiium, N. & Wold, B. (2011). Actions taken by schools when tobacco policies are violated: Associations with adolescent smoking prevalence. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 52, 494–501.This study examined the association of adolescent smoking prevalence with actions taken by schools (i.e., informing parents or disciplining pupils at school) for violating the school tobacco policy. Interaction terms between actions taken by schools and role models’ smoking behavior or support for adolescents were also examined. Data were collected using self‐completed questionnaires from a nationally representative Norwegian sample of 15‐year‐olds (1,404 pupils, 51% males) and 73 staff members. Informing parents when the school tobacco policy was violated by contrast with other actions taken by schools was not associated with lower levels of adolescent smoking. Disciplining pupils was associated with lower levels of adolescent smoking but the association was no longer significant when examined together with parents’ and teachers’ smoking behavior or support. Exposure to parents’ and teachers’ smoking, and teachers’ support were associated with adolescent smoking prevalence, irrespective of actions taken by schools. Identifying the mechanism under which these different home and school factors relate to adolescent smoking may be worthwhile to inform intervention initiatives.
FOCUS INTRODUCTION: TOWARD SHARING VALUES ACROSS CULTURES AND RELIGIONS
Authors: Soni Jayandra , Raymaker John 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTThe contributors to this focus issue participated in a unique gathering of over sixty scholars in Lukenya, Kenya in January 2009, organized by Globethics.net. The three contributions here by Sumner B. Twiss, Shanta Premawardhana, and Ariane Hentsch Cisneros are not the outcome of the deliberations and discussions there; however, they led to the idea of this focus issue. Each essay incorporates major aspects of the general themes discussed in different groups at the Lukenya meeting: (1) defining global ethics; (2) ensuring a successful interreligious dialogue on ethics; (3) integrating means and methods of sharing values in a human to human approach; (4) balancing power relations, inducing a real transformation; and (5) sharing values in the Kenyan and East‐African contexts.
CATHOLIC ETHICS AS SEEN FROM PADUA
Authors: Steck Christopher 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTDuring the summer of 2006, over four hundred Catholic ethicists from around the world gathered for four days in Padua, Italy. About sixty of the conference papers have become available in two edited collections, Catholic Theological Ethics in the World Church: The Plenary Papers from the First Cross‐cultural Conference on Catholic Theological Ethics, and Applied Ethics in a World Church: The Padua Conference. As the conference was marked by a distinctive and creative tension—between the diversity which characterized the nationalities and cultural identities of the participants, on the one hand, and the commonness of their religious heritage, on the other—these essays can tell us much about contemporary Catholic ethics in its response to global pluralism. The following develops four reflections. First, the conference papers pursue a style of scholarship that is at once critically creative and ecclesially rooted. Second, the conference raises new concerns about the importance that Christian formation must have in a pluralist world. Third, the participants affirm and defend the ultimate universality of moral goods while also arguing that these goods are expressed and embodied in unavoidably particular ways. Finally, the most important contribution that Catholic ethics can make to public conversations about issues of common concern is through its articulation and defense of key human values.
The Transnational Political Practices of Chilean Migrants in Switzerland
Authors: Bolzman Claudio 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThis paper examines the transnational political practices of the Chilean migrants residing in Switzerland. It is mainly interested in their political mobilization. It focuses on two particular questions: what are the main modes of transnational political mobilization of Chileans living in the Swiss Confederation? What are the conditions that promote the mobilization of these migrants and lead them to bring forth political demands? With respect to the first question, data shows that Chileans’ political mobilization combines mostly classical homeland politics (issues related to human rights), initiated during the period of exile, with emigrant politics concerning the transnational status and rights of migrants themselves. With respect to the second question, factors which explain the political mobilization of migrants are related to access to political opportunities for Chileans in Switzerland (dual citizenship, political networks, and presence of international organizations) and limitation of rights in the home country. This goes hand in hand with a strong political identity, important collective resources and the capacity to use them politically.
Carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐1c gain‐of‐function in the brain results in postnatal microencephaly
Authors: Reamy Amanda A. , Wolfgang Michael J. 
Published: May 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 388–398.AbstractCarnitine palmitoyltransferase‐1c (CPT1c) is a newly identified and poorly understood brain‐specific CPT1 homologue. Here, we have generated a new animal model that allows the conditional expression of CPT1c in a tissue specific and/or temporal manner via Cre‐lox mediated recombination. Brain‐specific, exogenous expression of CPT1c was achieved by crossing transgenic CPT1c mice to Nestin‐Cre mice. The resulting double transgenic mice (CPT1c‐TgN) displayed severe growth retardation in the postnatal period with a stunted development at 2 weeks of age. CPT1c‐TgN mice had a greater than 2.3‐fold reduction in brain weight. Even with this degree of microencephaly, CPT1c‐TgN mice were viable and fertile and exhibited normal post‐weaning growth. When fed a high fat diet CPT1c‐TgN mice were protected from weight gain and the difference in body weight between CPT1c‐TgN and control mice was further exaggerated. Conversely, low fat, high carbohydrate feeding partially reversed the body weight defects in CPT1c‐TgN mice. Analysis of total brain lipids of low fat fed mice revealed a depletion of total very long chain fatty acids in adult CPT1c‐TgN mice which was not evident in high fat fed CPT1c‐TgN mice. These data show that CPT1c can elicit profound effects on brain physiology and total fatty acid profiles, which can be modulated by the nutritional composition of the diet.
Transport systems of serine at the brain barriers and in brain parenchymal cells
Authors: Kasai Yasuyuki , Tachikawa Masanori , Hirose Shirou , Akanuma Shin‐ichi , Hosoya Ken‐ichi 
Published: May 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 304–313.Abstract d‐Serine is a co‐agonist for NMDA‐type glutamate receptors. Although d‐serine levels in CSF and interstitial fluid (ISF) affect CNS function, the regulatory system remains to be fully understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate d‐serine transport across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and blood–CSF barrier (BCSFB) and in brain parenchymal cells. d‐Serine microinjected into the cerebrum was not eliminated, suggesting a negligible contribution of d‐serine efflux transport at the BBB. In contrast, d‐serine was taken up from the circulating blood across the BBB via a carrier‐mediated process. d‐Serine elimination clearance from CSF was fourfold greater than that of d‐mannitol, which is considered to reflect CSF bulk flow. The characteristics of d‐serine uptake by isolated choroid plexus were consistent with those of Na+‐independent alanine–serine–cysteine transporter 1 (asc‐1). Uptake of D‐serine by brain slices appeared to occur predominantly via asc‐1 and Na+‐dependent alanine‐serine‐cysteine transporter 2. These findings suggest that the regulatory system of d‐serine levels in ISF and CSF involves (i) asc‐1 at the BCSFB, acting as a major pathway of d‐serine elimination from the CSF, (ii) blood‐to‐brain and blood‐to‐CSF influx transport of d‐serine across the BBB and BCSFB, and (iii) concentrative uptake of d‐serine by brain parenchymal cells.
At last, a truly selective EP2 receptor antagonist
Authors: Birrell Mark A , Nials Anthony T 
Published: May 2011

Ever since the discovery of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), this lipid mediator has been the focus of intense research. The diverse biological effects of PGE2 are due, at least in part, to the existence of four distinct receptors (EP1–4). This can complicate the analysis of the biological effects produced by PGE2. While there are currently selective pharmacological tools to explore the roles of the EP1,3,4 receptors in cellular and tissue responses, analysis of EP2 receptor‐induced responses has been hampered by the lack of a selective EP2 receptor antagonist. The recent publication in this journal by af Forselles et al. suggests that such a tool compound is now available. In their manuscript, the authors describe a series of experiments that show PF‐04418948 to be a potent and selective EP2 receptor antagonist. The discovery of this tool compound will interest many scientists and through collaborations with Pfizer they may have access to PF‐04418948 to facilitate further investigation of the biology of this fascinating lipid mediator.LINKED ARTICLE This article is a commentary on af Forselles et al., pp. 1847–1856 of this issue. To view this paper visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01495.x
Δ9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol and N‐arachidonyl glycine are full agonists at GPR18 receptors and induce migration in human endometrial HEC‐1B cells
Authors: McHugh Douglas , Page Jeremy , Dunn Emily , Bradshaw Heather B 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Endometriosis is a disorder in which the endometrium forms growths outside the uterus and is associated with chronic pain. Recent evidence suggests that endometrial motility plays a role in the aetiology of endometriosis. The endocannabinoid system regulates cellular migration. Given the growing involvement of the endocannabinoids in reproduction, we investigated the role of the endocannabinoid system in migration of endometrial cells.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Migration of the human endometrial HEC‐1B cells was assayed. Standard PCR techniques were used to determine the presence of the GPCR, GPR18, in HEC‐1B cells, and p44/42 MAPK was assayed in stably transfected HEK293‐GPR18 cells to determine receptor specificity for known cannabinoid agonists and antagonists. N‐arachidonoyl ethanolamine (AEA) metabolism was measured, using HPLC/MS/MS for lipid analysis.KEY RESULTS AEA, Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC) and N‐arachidonoyl glycine (NAGly) induce migration of HEC‐1B cells through cannabinoid CB1 receptor‐independent mechanisms. MAPK activation in HEK293‐GPR18 cells revealed novel pharmacology for known CB1 and CB2 receptor ligands at GPR18 receptors, including Δ9‐THC, which activates MAPK at nanomolar concentrations, whereas WIN 55212‐2, CP55940, JWH‐133 and JWH‐015, and arachidonyl‐1‐hydroxy‐2‐propylamide (R1‐methanandamide) had no effect. Moreover, HEC‐1B migration and MAPK activation by NAGly and Δ9‐THC were antagonized by Pertussis toxin, AM251 and cannabidiol.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS An understanding of the function and regulation of GPR18 and its molecular interactions with endogenous ligands, and how phytocannabinoids play a role with GPR18 signalling is vital if we are to comprehensively assess the function of the cannabinoid signalling system in human health and disease.LINKED ARTICLES This article is commented on by Alexander, pp. 2411–2413 of this issue and is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine. To view Alexander visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2011.01731.x. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue‐8. To view Part I of Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue‐7