bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rotenone partially reverses decreased BKCa currents in cerebral artery smooth muscle cells from streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice
Authors: Dong Ling , Xie Man‐Jiang , Zhang Peng , Ji Le‐Le , Liu Wen‐Chong , Dong Ming‐Qing , Gao Feng 
Published: June 2009

Summary

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause vascular complications and impair vasodilation in diabetes mellitus. Large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated potassium channels (BKCa) modulate vascular tone and play an important negative feedback role in vasoconstriction. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that ROS regulate the function of BKCa in diabetic cerebral artery smooth muscle cells.
Diabetes was induced in male BALB/c mice by injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 180 mg/kg, i.p., dissolved in sterile saline). Control and diabetic mice were treated with 12.7 µmol/L rotenone, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial electron transport chain complex I, or placebo every other day for 5 weeks. The whole‐cell patch clamp‐technique and functional vasomotor methods were used to record BKCa currents and myogenic tone of cerebral artery smooth muscle cells.
In the diabetic group, there was a significant decrease in spontaneous transient outward currents in cerebral artery smooth muscle cells compared with control. Although the currents were only moderately increased in rotenone‐treated diabetic mice, they remained significantly lower than in the control group. Furthermore, the macroscopic BKCa currents that were decreased in diabetic mice were partially recovered in rotenone‐treated diabetic mice (P < 0.05 vs untreated diabetic group).
The posterior cerebral artery from diabetic mice had a significantly higher myogenic tone than the control group, but this impaired contraction was partially reversed in the rotenone‐treated diabetic group (P < 0.05 vs untreated diabetic group).
The H2O2 concentration was significantly increased in cerebral arteries from diabetic mice compared with control. This increase in H2O2 was significantly blunted by rotenone treatment.
In conclusion, rotenone partially reverses the decreased macroscopic BKCa currents in STZ‐induced Type 1 diabetic mice and this reversal of BKCa currents may be related to the inhibitory effects of rotenone on H2O2 production. Reactive oxygen species, particularly H2O2, are important regulators of BKCa channels and myogenic tone in diabetic cerebral artery.
Advanced pregnancy loss in the rudimentary horn of an undiagnosed unicornuate uterus
Authors: Perez‐Medina Tirso , García‐Andrade Carmen , Bajo‐Arenas José 
Published: June 2009

AbstractA case of advanced pregnancy loss in the rudimentary horn of a unicornuate uterus is presented herein. The unknown uterine malformation and advanced pregnancy resulted in the condition being incorrectly diagnosed on ultrasound. After a failed attempt at dilatation and curettage, a correct diagnosis was made and proper treatment was given during salvage laparotomy performed for arising complications (coagulopathy).
Primary adenocarcinoma of the vagina successfully treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of paclitaxel and carboplatin
Authors: Takemoto Shuji , Ushijima Kimio , Nakaso Kazumi , Fujiyoshi Naoki , Kamura Toshiharu 
Published: June 2009

AbstractPrimary vaginal adenocarcinoma unassociated with antenatal diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure is extremely rare. The strategy for treating this disease has not yet been established due to its rarity and, therefore, the prognosis remains poor. A 69‐year‐old woman presented with vaginal bleeding but no history of antenatal DES exposure. She had a solid tumor in the recto‐vaginal space, diagnosed as FIGO stage III vaginal adenocarcinoma. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of paclitaxel and carboplatin, the tumor became undetectable. Thereafter, radiotherapy was applied to the pelvis and vagina in order to reinforce the state of remission. The patient remains free from recurrence 1 year after discharge. The present case was successfully treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, suggesting that chemotherapy may be an option for the treatment of this type of tumor.
Third S. S. Ratnam Memorial Lecture 2007. Ovarian cancer: Is there hope for women?
Authors: Sivanesaratnam Vallipuram 
Published: June 2009

AbstractOvarian cancer is today the most lethal female cancer with an overall survival of only 49.9%. The currently available screening modalities are disappointing in detecting highly curable early stage ovarian cancer. Natural history of ovarian cancer is unknown; it appears it can develop quickly from normal looking ovaries. Timely referral of women with non‐specific symptoms (such as abdominal bloating, pelvic pain) for an ultrasound scan or blood CA125 assessments may help in the early diagnosis. Patients with Stage IA or IB disease with grade 1 tumors have a cure rate of >90%; this is likely to be compromised by laparoscopic surgery. In selected patients fertility preservation with good obstetric outcome is possible. However, the relapse rate in ‘high risk’ early stage ovarian cancers is 40–45%; adjuvant chemotherapy is needed. Only 20–25% of those with stage III and IV disease are cured. Despite a high primary response (70%) majority (70–75%) will relapse and all are likely to succumb. Optimal debulking surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy are needed for stages III and IV disease; the outcome is superior if managed by gynecologic oncologists. Where cost of drugs is an important consideration, an alternative is carboplatin (an affordable and equally effective drug). The role of vaccines needs further study. When relapses occur palliation will be the aim in most instances. Oral contraceptives, breast feeding, tubal sterilization and hysterectomy also have a protective effect. Risk‐reducing salpingo‐oopherectomy has been suggested in women with BRCA mutations.
Automatic auditory off‐response in humans: an MEG study
Authors: Yamashiro Koya , Inui Koji , Otsuru Naofumi , Kida Tetsuo , Kakigi Ryusuke 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe recorded cortical activities in response to the onset and offset of a pure tone of long duration (LONG) and a train of brief pulses of a pure tone with an interstimulus interval of 50 ms (ISI–50 ms) or 100 ms (ISI–100 ms) by use of magnetoencephalograms in 11 healthy volunteers to clarify temporal and spatial profiles of the auditory on‐ and off‐cortical response. Results showed that a region around the superior temporal gyrus (STG) of both hemispheres responded to both the onset and offset of the stimulus. The location of the source responsible for the main activity (N1m) was not significantly different between the on‐ and off‐responses for any of the three tones. The peak latency of on‐N1m was similar under the three conditions, while the peak latency of off‐N1m was precisely determined by the ISI, which suggested that off‐N1m is based on short‐term memory of the stimulus frequency. In addition, there was a positive correlation of the N1m amplitude of N1m between the on‐ and off‐responses among the subjects. The present results suggested that auditory on‐N1m and off‐N1m have similar physiological significance involved in responding to abrupt changes.
A review of resistance breeding options targeting western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte)
Authors: Ivezić Marija , Raspudić Emilija , Brmež Mirjana , Majić Ivana , Brkić Ivan , Tollefson Jon J. , Bohn Martin , Hibbard Bruce E. , Šimić Domagoj 
Published: June 2009

Abstract1 This review presents the latest research regarding maize resistance breeding against western corn rootworm (WCR) in the U.S.A. and Europe.2 Investigations in Europe on the development of maize cultivars possessing resistant mechanisms against WCR are just beginning. In 2003, the European Commission implemented measures aimed at slowing down the spread of the WCR in Europe. Nevertheless, this pest has already been found in 20 countries of the European region. To establish a sustainable production system, the evaluation of native (nontransgenic) resistance in maize cultivars is essential.3 This review emphasizes the future challenges involved in the research of native resistance breeding in maize against the insect.
Association of lower urinary tract symptoms with sexual dysfunction: a cross‐cultural study between Japanese and American men with localized prostate cancer
Authors: Namiki Shunichi , Litwin Mark S. , Kwan Lorna , Kagawa‐Singer Marjorie , Ishidoya Shigeto , Saito Seiichi , Arai Yoichi 
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVETo assess the association of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with sexual function, and estimate the correlates of LUTS among Japanese and American men with localized prostate cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 343 Japanese men and 307 American men with prostate cancer were enrolled in the study. Sexual function and sexual bother were measured separately with the University of California‐Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index and obstructive/irritative voiding symptoms were measured with the American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUA SI).RESULTSJapanese men had worse sexual function scores than the American men before treatment, whereas no differences were reported between Japanese and American men in sexual bother scores. Japanese and American men also did not differ meaningfully in AUA SI. However, those with moderate to severe LUTS reported significantly worse sexual bother scores than those with mild symptoms in both Japanese and American men (P = 0.004 and <0.001, respectively). The Japanese men were more likely to have LUTS than were American men (odds ratio 1.60, P = 0.029). Age and sexual function were highly associated with LUTS (odds ratio 1.35, P = 0.027; and 0.652, P = 0.001, respectively). The comorbidity count was independently associated with worse urinary symptoms (odds ratio 1.23, P = 0.015).CONCLUSIONSWe posit that cultural differences in the meaning or salience of sexual functioning, and the interpretation of the questionnaire in quality‐of‐life surveys, might explain the different profiles in the association of LUTS with sexual activity in Japanese and American men with localized prostate cancer.
Learning objects and engagement of students in Australian and New Zealand schools
Authors: Lowe Kate , Lee Libby , Schibeci Renato , Cummings Rick , Phillips Rob , Lake David 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis paper reports on a completed field study that examined the usability and effectiveness of learning objects designed for Australian and New Zealand primary and secondary schools. It focuses on student engagement by observing the ways students interacted with learning objects and by listening to what they said about them. Questions that guided the field study included the following: Could the students use the learning objects easily? Did they enjoy the experience? Did they engage with the intended learning? These questions are examined with reference to students at different levels of schooling, and examples drawn from the fieldwork illustrate that, while some learning objects achieved their potential as engaging multimedia educational resources, others fell short. The paper provides a detailed examination of two learning objects to reveal what worked and what created barriers or subverted the intended learning. In particular, it explores interest, challenge and importance as elements that contributed to engagement and socially constructed learning.
Antimicrobial susceptibility and biochemical patterns of Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains in Vejle area, Denmark
Authors: Lis‐Tønder J , Cybulski Z 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground  Strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae resistant to penicillin and ciprofloxacin have been isolated worldwide. Increasing number of N. gonorrhoeae that lack the enzyme proline aminopeptidase (proA‐negative N. gonorrhoeae) have been detected in many countries all over the world.Objectives  This study aims to assess the resistance profiles of N. gonorrhoeae isolates sent to the Department of Clinical Microbiology in Vejle, Denmark, between 2003 and 2007, and to analyse their biochemical patterns.Methods  Sixty‐two strains of N. gonorrhoeae were retrospectively analysed for their susceptibility to penicillin, ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone. The identification of isolated strains was confirmed using both biochemical and immunological tests.Results  Twenty‐one (33.9%) N. gonorrhoeae isolates were resistant to penicillin and 30 (48.4%) were resistant to ciprofloxacin. All strains were susceptible to ceftriaxone. Fifty‐six (90.3%) N. gonorrhoeae strains showed API NH biochemical code 10 010 (produced acid from glucose and proline aminopeptidase). Six strains showed code 10 000 that lack the enzyme proline aminopeptidase (proA‐negative N. gonorrhoeae).Conclusions  Ceftriaxone should be used as the first‐line treatment of gonorrhoea in Vejle community area, Denmark, both for infections with proA‐producing and proA‐negative N. gonorrhoeae isolates, which circulate in the region.
A survey of vitiligo management among dermatologists in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlGhamdi KM 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground  There are concerns that there is no uniform approach towards the management of vitiligo.Objectives  To explore attitudes and strategies for the management of vitiligo among dermatologists.Methods  A self‐administered questionnaire containing 22 questions was distributed to 160 dermatologists attending a national dermatology conference in 2007.Results  One hundred and twelve dermatologists responded to the questionnaire (70% response rate). We had 105 completed questionnaires (seven were excluded due to incompleteness). Active treatment of vitiligo was recommended by 96% in more than half of patients, while 79% recommended treatment at non‐visible sites. Repigmentation was regarded as main treatment goal by 54%. Mid‐potent topical steroids were widely prescribed for focal vitiligo (72% in children and 65% in adults). Use of tacrolimus and pimecrolimus was limited. The most common used phototherapy was ‘narrowband ultraviolet B’ (NBUVB; 36% and 40% for generaliased vitiligo in children and adults, respectively). The use of oral psoralen plus UVA (PUVA) was limited (8% for generalized vitiligo in adults). Few respondents (1–8% for different types of vitiligo) prescribed outdoor topical PUVA. Vitiligo surgery was advised mainly for segmental type (18% in adults and 5% in children). Depigmentation was the first option for universal vitiligo by 50% and 30% in adults and children, respectively.Conclusions  Most dermatologists are enthusiastic about active treatment of vitiligo even in hidden sites. Overall, the most two common treatment modalities were topical steroids and NBUVB. Vitiligo surgery is underutilized. Development of national practice guidelines is needed.
Expression of p53 and p16 in actinic keratosis, bowenoid actinic keratosis and Bowen's disease
Authors: Bagazgoitia L , Cuevas J , Juarranz Á 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIntroduction  Bowen's disease (BD) and bowenoid actinic keratosis (bAK) have traditionally been differentiated according to the presence or absence of dysplasia in the follicular epithelium. p16 has been suggested to be a useful tool to make the differential diagnosis between BD and AK and as a marker of bad prognosis.Materials  Five biopsies of BD, five of AK and five of bAK where stained for p53 and p16.Results  All lesions showed positive immunostaining of p53, affecting to the lower two thirdss of the epidermis in BD and bAK, and only the basal layer in non‐bAK. All the BD and bAK cases were positive for p16, showing a similar immunostaining pattern, whereas no staining was observed in non‐bAK.Discussion and conclusion  These findings suggest a common pathogenic mechanism for BD and bAK. bAK might have worse prognosis than AK. p16 might not be useful as a tool for differential diagnosis between AK and BD because bAK and BD show an extremely similar immunohistochemical pattern.
Remittances and inequality in Cape Verde: the impact of changing family organization
Authors: ÅKESSON LISA 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThere is a risk that remittances exacerbate socio‐economic inequality among the recipients. In this case study of a Cape Verdean community I explore how variations in family organization interact with the distribution of remittances and their effects on local social stratification. Formerly, the typical migrant was male and directed the main part of his remittances to a nuclear household he had left behind. Households that included a male migrant were able to raise their standard of living over that of households without a migrant member. Today, relationships between women and men have become increasingly unstable and long‐lasting transnational family ties are now rarely based on a conjugal relationship. Both women and men migrate and they often start up a new family abroad. Consequently, when migrants send remittances to Cape Verde they do not invest in their own future lives as they did in the past. Instead, they try to support ageing parents and young children left behind. This means that migrants often have economic obligations to several households and that they are therefore only able to send limited amounts of money to each. This implies, first, that many households are recipients of remittances and, second, that they normally only receive small sums. In conclusion, it may be said that these changes in family organization have reduced the risk that remittances will exacerbate inequality.
The D3dopamine receptor inhibits dopamine release in PC‐12/hD3 cells by autoreceptor signaling via PP‐2B, CK1, and Cdk‐5
Authors: Chen Pei‐Chun , Lao Chu‐Lan , Chen Jin‐Chung 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe function of the D3dopamine (DA) receptor remains ambiguous largely because of the lack of selective D3receptor ligands. To investigate the function and intracellular signaling of D3receptors, we established a PC‐12/hD3 clone, which expresses the human D3DA receptor in a DA producing cell line. In this model, we find that the D3receptor functions as an autoreceptor controlling neurotransmitter secretion. Pre‐treatment with 3,6a,11, 14‐tetrahydro‐9‐methoxy‐2 methyl‐(12H)‐isoquino[1,2‐b] pyrrolo[3,2‐f][1,3] benzoxanzine‐1‐carboxylic acid, a D3receptor preferring agonist, dose‐dependently suppressed K+‐evoked [3H]DA release in PC‐12/hD3 cells but not in the control cell line. This effect was prevented by D3receptor preferring antagonists GR103691 and SB277011‐A. Furthermore, activation of D3receptors significantly inhibits forskolin‐induced cAMP accumulation and leads to transient increases in phosphorylation of cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5), dopamine and cAMP‐regulated phosphoprotein of Mr32 000 and Akt. Because we observed differences in Cdk5 phosphorylation as well as Akt phosphorylation after DA stimulation, we probed the ability of Cdk5 and phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase (PI3K) to influence DA release. Cdk5 inhibitors, roscovitine, or olomoucine, but not the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin, blocked the D3receptor inhibition of DA release. In a complimentary experiment, over‐expression of Cdk5 potentiated D3receptor suppression of DA release. Pertussis toxin, 3‐[(2,4,6‐trimethoxyphenyl)methylidenyl]‐indolin‐2‐one and cyclosporine A also attenuated D3receptor‐mediated inhibition of DA release indicating that this phenomenon acts through Gi/oα and casein kinase 1, and phosphatase protein phosphatase 2B (calcineurin), respectively. In support of previous data that D3DA receptors reduce transmitter release from nerve terminals, the current results demonstrate that D3DA receptors function as autoreceptors to inhibit DA release and that a signaling pathway involving Cdk5 is essential to this regulation.
Retinoic acid selectively inhibits death of basal vomeronasal neurons during late stage of neural circuit formation
Authors: Hörnberg Maria , Gussing Fredrik , Berghard Anna , Bohm Staffan 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIn mouse, sexual, aggressive, and social behaviors are influenced by G protein‐coupled vomeronasal receptor signaling in two distinct subsets of vomeronasal sensory neurons (VSNs): apical and basal VSNs. In addition, G protein‐signaling by these receptors inhibits developmental death of VSNs. We show that cells of the vomeronasal nerve express the retinoic acid (RA) synthesizing enzyme retinal dehydrogenase 2. Analyses of transgenic mice with VSNs expressing a dominant‐negative RA receptor indicate that basal VSNs differ from apical VSNs with regard to a transient wave of RA‐regulated and caspase 3‐mediated cell death during the first postnatal week. Analyses of G‐protein subunit deficient mice indicate that RA and vomeronasal receptor signaling combine to regulate postnatal expression of Kirrel‐2 (Kin of IRRE‐like), a cell adhesion molecule regulating neural activity‐dependent formation of precise axonal projections in the main olfactory system. Collectively, the results indicate a novel connection between pre‐synaptic RA receptor signaling and neural activity‐dependent events that together regulate neuronal survival and maintenance of synaptic contacts.
μ‐Opioid receptor‐stimulated synthesis of reactive oxygen species is mediated via phospholipase D2
Authors: Koch Thomas , Seifert Anja , Wu Dai‐Fei , Rankovic Marija , Kraus Jürgen , Börner Christine , Brandenburg Lars‐Ove , Schröder Helmut , Höllt Volker 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe have recently shown that the activation of the rat μ‐opioid receptor (MOPr, also termed MOR1) by the μ‐agonist [d‐Ala2, Me Phe4, Glyol5]enkephalin (DAMGO) leads to an increase in phospholipase D2 (PLD2) activity and an induction of receptor endocytosis, whereas the agonist morphine which does not induce opioid receptor endocytosis fails to activate PLD2. We report here that MOPr‐mediated activation of PLD2 stimulates production of reactive oxygen molecules via NADH/NADPH oxidase. Oxidative stress was measured with the fluorescent probe dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and the role of PLD2 was assessed by the PLD inhibitor d‐erythro‐sphingosine (sphinganine) and by PLD2‐small interfering RNA transfection. To determine whether NADH/NADPH oxidase contributes to opioid‐induced production of reactive oxygen species, μ‐agonist‐stimulated cells were pre‐treated with the flavoprotein inhibitor, diphenylene iodonium, or the specific NADPH oxidase inhibitor, apocynin. Our results demonstrate that receptor‐internalizing agonists (like DAMGO, β‐endorphin, methadone, piritramide, fentanyl, sufentanil, and etonitazene) strongly induce NADH/NADPH‐mediated ROS synthesis via PLD‐dependent signaling pathways, whereas agonists that do not induce MOPr endocytosis and PLD2 activation (like morphine, buprenorphine, hydromorphone, and oxycodone) failed to activate ROS synthesis in transfected human embryonic kidney 293 cells. These findings indicate that the agonist‐selective PLD2 activation plays a key role in the regulation of NADH/NADPH‐mediated ROS formation by opioids.
The Difficulty of Justifying European Integration as a Consequence of Depoliticization: Evidence from the 2005 French Referendum
Authors: Glencross Andrew 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis article analyses the 2005 French referendum debate on the EU Constitutional Treaty as an instance of depoliticization. Particular emphasis is placed on the argumentative strategy of President Chirac as, despite the treaty's focus on institutional reform, he eventually chose to justify the document in terms of social policy: an ultimately unconvincing strategy because voters believed it was contradicted by current EU policy priorities. On this evidence,paceGlyn Morgan, prioritizing a justification of EU finality over that of institutions and policies does not seem appropriate. Rather, the priority for integration is to overcome elites' strategies of depoliticization during referendum campaigns.