bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A role for nitroxyl (HNO) as an endothelium‐derived relaxing and hyperpolarizing factor in resistance arteries
Authors: Andrews Karen L , Irvine Jennifer C , Tare Marianne , Apostolopoulos Jacqueline , Favaloro Joanne L , Triggle Chris R , Kemp‐Harper Barbara K 
Published: March 2009

Background and purpose: Nitroxyl (HNO) is emerging as an important regulator of vascular tone as it is potentially produced endogenously and dilates conduit and resistance arteries. This study investigates the contribution of endogenous HNO to endothelium‐dependent relaxation and hyperpolarization in resistance arteries.Experimental approach: Rat and mouse mesenteric arteries were mounted in small vessel myographs for isometric force and smooth muscle membrane potential recording.Key results: Vasorelaxation to the HNO donor, Angeli's salt, was attenuated in both species by the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor (ODQ, 1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxaline‐1‐one), the voltage‐dependent K+channel inhibitor, 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP) and the HNO scavenger,l‐cysteine. In mouse mesenteric arteries, nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibition (withl‐NAME, Nω‐Nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester) markedly attenuated acetylcholine (ACh)‐mediated relaxation. Scavenging the uncharged form of NO (NO•) with hydroxocobalamin (HXC) or HNO withl‐cysteine, or 4‐AP decreased the sensitivity to ACh, and a combination of HXC andl‐cysteine reduced ACh‐mediated relaxation, as didl‐NAME alone. ACh‐induced hyperpolarizations were significantly attenuated by 4‐AP alone and in combination withl‐NAME. In rat mesenteric arteries, blocking the effects of endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) (charybdotoxin and apamin) decreased ACh‐mediated relaxation 10‐fold and unmasked a NO‐dependent component, mediated equally by HNO and NO•, as HXC andl‐cysteine in combination now abolished vasorelaxation to ACh. Furthermore, ACh‐evoked hyperpolarizations, resistant to EDHF inhibition, were virtually abolished by 4‐AP.Conclusions and implications: The factors contributing to vasorelaxation in mouse and rat mesenteric arteries are NO• = HNO > EDHF and EDHF > HNO = NO•respectively. This study identified HNO as an endothelium‐derived relaxing and hyperpolarizing factor in resistance vessels.British Journal of Pharmacology(2009)157,540–550; doi:10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2009.00150.x; published online 26 March 2009This article is commented on by Martin, pp. 537–539 of this issue and is part of a themed section on Endothelium in Pharmacology. For a list of all articles in this section see the end of this paper, or visit:http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121548564/issueyear?year=2009
Sorafenib targets dysregulated Rho kinase expression and portal hypertension in rats with secondary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Hennenberg M , Trebicka J , Stark C , Kohistani AZ , Heller J , Sauerbruch T 
Published: March 2009

Background and purpose:  Extrahepatic vasodilation and increased intrahepatic vascular resistance represent attractive targets for the medical treatment of portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis. In both dysfunctions, dysregulation of the contraction‐mediating Rho kinase plays an important role as it contributes to altered vasoconstrictor responsiveness. However, the mechanisms of vascular Rho kinase dysregulation in cirrhosis are insufficiently understood. They possibly involve mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)‐dependent mechanisms in extrahepatic vessels. As the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib inhibits ERK, we tested the effect of sorafenib on haemodynamics and dysregulated vascular Rho kinase in rats with secondary biliary cirrhosis.Experimental approach:  Secondary biliary cirrhosis was induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). Sorafenib was given orally for 1 week (60 mg·kg−1·d−1). Messenger RNA levels were determined by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, protein expressions and protein phosphorylation by Western blot analysis. Aortic contractility was studied by myographic measurements, and intrahepatic vasoregulation by using livers perfused in situ. In vivo, haemodynamic parameters were assessed invasively in combination with coloured microspheres.Key results:  In BDL rats, treatment with sorafenib decreased portal pressure, paralleled by decreases in hepatic Rho kinase expression and Rho kinase‐mediated intrahepatic vascular resistance. In aortas from BDL rats, sorafenib caused up‐regulation of Rho kinase and an improvement of aortic contractility. By contrast, mesenteric Rho kinase remained unaffected by sorafenib.Conclusions and implications:  Intrahepatic dysregulation of vascular Rho kinase expression is controlled by sorafenib‐sensitive mechanisms in rats with secondary biliary cirrhosis. Thus, sorafenib reduced portal pressure without affecting systemic blood pressure.
Delayed apoptosis of human monocytes exposed to immune complexes is reversed by oxaprozin: role of the Akt/IκB kinase/nuclear factor κB pathway
Authors: Ottonello Luciano , Bertolotto Maria , Montecucco Fabrizio , Bianchi Giordano , Dallegri Franco 
Published: March 2009

Background and purpose:  Monocytes‐macrophages play a key role in the initiation and persistence of inflammatory reactions. Consequently, these cells represent an attractive therapeutic target for switching off overwhelming inflammatory responses. Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most common drugs for the symptomatic treatment of rheumatic diseases. Their effects have been explained on the basis of cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition. However, some of the actions of these drugs are not related to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis.Experimental approach:  We examined the effect of oxaprozin on apoptosis of immune complex‐activated monocytes in comparison with drugs of the same class, and the signalling pathway that leads activated monocytes exposed to oxaprozin to apoptosis. In particular, we studied the activity of caspase‐3, the involvement of IκB kinase (IKK)‐nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) system and the activity of X‐linked mammalian inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), Akt and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) in activated monocytes in the presence of oxaprozin.Key results:  Immune complexes caused the inhibition of monocyte apoptosis. Oxaprozin reversed in a dose‐dependent manner immune complex‐induced survival of monocytes, without affecting the apoptosis of resting cells. Other NSAIDs are ineffective. The activity of oxaprozin was related to inhibition of Akt activation that, in turn, prevented p38 MAPK, IKK and NF‐κB activation. Consistently, the inhibition of NF‐κB activation reduced the production of the anti‐apoptotic molecule XIAP, leading to uncontrolled activity of caspase 3.Conclusions and implications:  These results suggest that oxaprozin exerts its anti‐inflammatory activity also through COX‐independent pathways. It is likely that oxaprozin‐mediated inhibition of the Akt/IKK/NF‐κB pathway contributes to its anti‐inflammatory properties.
Use and Overuse of Antimigraine Drugs by Pharmacy Personnel in France: COTA Survey
Authors: Donnet Anne , Lantéri‐Minet Michel , Aucoin François , Allaf Bashar 
Published: March 2009

Background.— Pharmacy personnel are supposed to be well informed of recommendations for proper migraine management, but their easy access to medicines may favor self‐medication and promote medication overuse for those with frequent migraine attacks.Objective.— The main objective of the COTA survey was to investigate migraine management by pharmacy personnel who considered themselves as migraineurs.Methods.— Out of 22,000 pharmacies currently open in France, a questionnaire was proposed to a random sample of ∼4000 pharmacies with at least 1 self‐considered migraineur in the pharmacy staff who accepted to complete and return the questionnaire. The reality of migraine was assessed by the study questionnaire according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edition (ICHD‐II) criteria. In addition, the study questionnaire inquired about subjects' demographics, headache characteristics, consumption of medications for headaches, subjects' satisfaction with the usual treatment of headaches and treatment effectiveness. Medication overuse was defined in terms of treatment days per month during the previous 3 months according to the ICHD‐II criteria for medication overuse headache.Results.— Some 74% of the 3326 participating pharmacies with a self‐considered migraine subject among their staff actually returned the survey questionnaire. Using the ICHD‐II criteria, migraine was confirmed in 85% of participating subjects, of whom 38% were under medical supervision and had asked for a prescription, and 27% used recommended medications. The treatment used was truly effective for only 31% of migraineurs. Medication overuse was observed in 21% of all participating subjects, mostly migraineurs. Most migraineurs with medication overuse (81%) used nonrecommended treatments.Conclusions.— Considering their pivotal role in advising migraine patients who seek their help with self‐management, migraine education of pharmacy personnel about proper migraine management should be reinforced.
Menarche in Girls and Headache – A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Kröner‐Herwig Birgit , Vath Nuria 
Published: March 2009

Background.— Puberty is assumed to influence the occurrence of headache, increasing the risk for recurrent episodes, especially in girls. The increase of headache, in particular recurrent headache, in girls from around the age of 12 on, is often ascribed to the occurrence of menarche as the most stringent indicator of completed puberty.Objectives.— We examined the hypothesis that the occurrence of menarche in girls is predictive of recurrent headache in reference to no or rare headache in the past 6 months. Furthermore, the assumption was tested that headache episodes increase after onset of menarche but remain unchanged in girls not having experienced their first menstruation. We also expected a higher probability of migraine type of headache after menarche. In a further analysis girls with and without menarche were compared with boys, and a difference between gender only for girls with menarche was predicted.Methods.— In an epidemiological study recruiting 8800 families with children 7‐14 years in Southern Lower Saxony (Germany), we conducted 3 yearly panels based on postal questionnaires. Headache data are based on self‐report of children from 9 years on. Parents were asked for information regarding the onset of menarche. Approximately 1100 girls and about the same number of boys constitute the sample for our analyses.Results.— The results of a logistic regression analysis demonstrate that in 11‐ to 16‐year‐old girls having experienced menarche in either the year of the assessment of headache or 2 years before that, the risk for recurrent headache is increased when compared with girls without menarche. Intraindividual longitudinal analyses, however, do not support our hypotheses that after the onset of menarche headaches become more frequent. The expected differences in headache between girls with menarche and boys were found. The risk for migraine‐like headaches is not significantly higher after onset of menarche than before.Conclusions.— Thus, results do not consistently support the hypothesis that puberty is a moderator of headache frequency. Even in cases where the outcome of regression analyses is supportive of our expectations, explained variance is diminutive (maximum 2.2%). Thus, the influence of menarche on headache seems to be only marginal.
DISINTEGRATION OF THE CELLS OF SIPHONOUS GREEN ALGA CODIUM EDULE (BRYOPSIDALES, CHLOROPHYTA) UNDER MILD HEAT STRESS1
Authors: Lee Tzan‐Chain , Hsu Ban‐Dar 
Published: March 2009

The siphonous green alga Codium edule P. C. Silva (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta) has the highest covering ratio among the macroalgae on the coral reef of Nanwan Bay in southern Taiwan, but its population in the subtidal region drastically decreases from July to September each year. The objective of this study was to determine whether the high temperature of summer could be the basis for this population decrease. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements revealed that when the algae were incubated at 35°C (a temperature that can be reached in southern Taiwan during the summer), their photosynthetic activities were almost completely inhibited after about 8 h. The circadian rhythm of photosynthesis was disrupted at a temperature as low as 32°C. TEM studies showed that 4 h incubation at 35°C induced a decrease in turgidity accompanied by vacuole shrinkage and plasmolysis. The marked disintegrative changes, including damage to organelles, such as chloroplasts and nuclei, occurred after about 8 h, at which time central vacuoles collapsed and the cell interior was then filled with numerous small vesicles. Our results suggested that the rise in seawater temperature during the summer could be one of the major causes of the massive death of C. edule in the field.
Confocal Examination of Subsurface Cracking in Ceramic Materials
Authors: Etman Maged K. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract Purpose: The original ceramic surface finish and its microstructure may have an effect on crack propagation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between crack propagation and ceramic microstructure following cyclic fatigue loading, and to qualitatively evaluate and quantitatively measure the surface and subsurface crack depths of three types of ceramic restorations with different microstructures using a Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Materials and Methods: Twenty (8 × 4 × 2 mm3) blocks of AllCeram (AC), experimental ceramic (EC, IPS e.max Press), and Sensation SL (SSL) were prepared, ten glazed and ten polished of each material. Sixty antagonist enamel specimens were made from the labial surfaces of permanent incisors. The ceramic abraders were attached to a wear machine, so that each enamel specimen presented at 45 degrees to the vertical movement of the abraders, and immersed in artificial saliva. Wear was induced for 80K cycles at 60 cycles/min with a load of 40 N and 2‐mm horizontal deflection. The specimens were examined for cracks at baseline, 5K, 10K, 20K, 40K, and 80K cycles. Results: Twenty‐ to 30‐μm deep subsurface cracking appeared in SSL, with 8 to 10 μm in AC, and 7 μm close to the margin of the wear facets in glazed EC after 5K cycles. The EC showed no cracks with increasing wear cycles. Seventy‐μm deep subsurface cracks were detected in SSL and 45 μm in AC after 80K cycles. Statistically, there was significant difference among the three materials (p < 0.05). Bonferroni multiple comparison of means test confirmed the ANOVA test and showed that there was no statistical difference (p > 0.05) in crack depth within the same ceramic material with different surface finishes. Conclusions: The ceramic materials with different microstructures showed different patterns of subsurface cracking.
Effect of Artificial Saliva Storage on Microhardness and Fracture Toughness of a Hydrothermal Glass‐Ceramic
Authors: Fahmy Nadia Z. , Guindy Jylan El , Zamzam Mohamed 
Published: March 2009

Abstract Purpose: This study evaluated the effect of artificial saliva storage on the hardness, crack length, and fracture toughness of a glazed, polished, and bleached hydrothermal low‐fusing glass‐ceramic (Duceram LFC). Materials and Methods: Forty ceramic discs were constructed. The discs were assigned to four groups (n = 10) according to their surface finish: Gp1—Autoglaze, Gp2—Autoglaze/ground/diamond‐polished, Gp3—Overglaze, Gp4—Overglaze/ground/diamond‐polished. Each group was further divided into two subgroups forming eight total subgroups (n = 5). Subgroup A was unbleached; Subgroup B was bleached. Testing was performed before and after 21 days of artificial saliva storage. Data were presented as means and standard deviation (SD). ANOVA was used, along with Duncan's post hoc test for pairwise comparison between the means when ANOVA test was found significant (p≤ 0.05). Results: Surface treatments such as glazing, polishing, and bleaching, saliva storage, and the interaction between these variables had a statistically significant effect on mean values of microhardness, crack length, and fracture toughness of the specimens. There was a statistically significant increase in microhardness and fracture toughness mean values, while crack length values decreased after saliva storage. Polished specimens recorded the smallest crack lengths and fracture toughness, and highest hardness values before and after saliva storage. No difference in fracture toughness values was evident between glazed and polished specimens. Mean crack lengths decreased after saliva storage in all the tested specimens. Hardness values increased after saliva storage. The autoglazed group showed significantly higher fracture toughness, lower crack length, and microhardness than the overglazed group. Conclusions: Surface finishing procedures and artificial saliva storage had a statistically significant effect on mean values of microhardness, crack length, and fracture toughness. This in vitro study suggests that fracture toughness of ceramics may be affected by different surface treatments such as glazing, polishing, bleaching, or a combination; however, in this study Duceram LFC proved its self‐healing property after 3‐week storage in artificial saliva.
Use of a Magnetic Attachment to Retain an Obturator Prosthesis for an Osseous Defect
Authors: Kawamoto Shin‐ichiro , Hamamura Syunichi , Kawahara Hideki , Nishi Yasuhiro , Nagaoka Eiichi 
Published: March 2009

AbstractTooth loss accompanied by a massive defect of the alveolar bone can cause serious problems such as food deposit and esthetic impairment. This report describes procedures for the fabrication of an osseous defect obturator prosthesis connected to a fixed partial denture by a magnetic attachment along with the clinical outcome.
Ductal Endoscopy of the Breast: More Painful at the Luteal Phase?
Authors: Zografos George C. , Zagouri Flora , Sergentanis Theodoros N. , Oikonomou Vassiliki , Fotou Maria , Nonni Aphrodite , Patsouris Effstratios 
Published: March 2009

AbstractPurpose:  To assess the putative predictors that may influence the pain experienced during ductal endoscopy of the breast.Methods:  The pain experienced was evaluated in 19 consecutive premenopausal women with bloody nipple discharge scheduled for ductal endoscopy. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to estimate the degree of pain. The duration of the procedure, the history of lactation, and the phase of the menstrual cycle were evaluated with respect to pain experienced. Statistical analysis followed.Results:  The average reported pain (VAS score, mean ±  standard deviation) was 5.79 ± 1.51 while the maximum pain was 8.26 ± 0.99. The average reported pain was marginally associated with the duration of the procedure in contrast to the maximum. Women who were at the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle exhibited a higher average reported pain. The history of breastfeeding was not associated with the average reported pain, but it was associated with less intense maximum pain.Conclusions:  Pain during ductal endoscopy of the breast is influenced by a host of factors: some immutable (such as history of lactation) and others variable (day of menstrual cycle). The latter (ie, avoidance of the luteal phase) may be targeted for the minimization of pain.
Skin sensitization potency and cross‐reactivity of p‐phenylenediamine and its derivatives evaluated by non‐radioactive murine local lymph node assay and guinea‐pig maximization test
Authors: Yamano Tetsuo , Shimizu Mitsuru 
Published: March 2009

Background:  p‐Phenylenediamine (PPD)‐related chemicals have been used as antioxidants in rubber products, and many cases of contact dermatitis caused by these chemicals have been reported.Objective:  The aim of this study was to investigate relative sensitizing potency and cross‐reactivity among PPD derivatives.Methods:  Five PPD derivatives, p‐aminodiphenylamine (PADPA), N,N′‐diphenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine (DPPD), N‐isopropyl‐N′‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine (IPPD), N‐(1,3‐dimethylbutyl)‐N′‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine (DMBPPD), N‐(1‐methylheptyl)‐N′‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine (MHPPD), and the core chemical PPD were evaluated for their sensitizing potency and cross‐reactivity using the non‐radioactive murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) and the guinea‐pig maximization test (GPMT).Results:  PPD and all the derivatives were identified as primary sensitizers in both tests. The order of potency in the LLNA was as follows: IPPD and PADPA > PPD > DMBPPD and MHPPD > DPPD. In the GPMT, all six groups of animals sensitized with one of these chemicals cross‐reacted to four other derivatives. Specifically, the five groups that have a common basic PADPA structure, that is PADPA, DPPD, IPPD, DMBPPD, and MHPPD, all reacted to each other at almost the same scores, while none of them reacted to PPD.Conclusions:  The cross‐reactivity profile found in the study was to some extent different from that in previous human data, where distinction between cross‐reaction and concomitant primary sensitization is not always clear.
A double‐blind, randomized assessment of the irritant potential of sunscreen chemical dilutions used in photopatch testing*
Authors: Kerr Alastair C. , Niklasson Bo , Dawe Robert S. , Escoffier Anne‐marie , Krasteva Maya , Sanderson Brian , Ferguson James 
Published: March 2009

Background:  The maximum concentration of organic sunscreen filters in current usage that does not lead to irritant reactions when performing photopatch testing is not known. Such irritant reactions can be misinterpreted as positive photoallergic contact dermatitis reactions.Objective:  To determine the frequency of irritant reactions to 19 organic sunscreen filters in current use.Patients/Methods:  Ninety‐four healthy volunteers were photopatch tested using the European consensus methodology to three different concentrations (2%, 5%, and 10%) of 19 organic sunscreen filters at the Photobiology Unit in Dundee, UK.Results:  Of the 94 subjects recruited, 80 were analysed after withdrawals and exclusions. Of the 19 organic sunscreen filters studied, only 2 compounds led to irritant reactions in ≥5% subjects. Five per cent and 10% benzophenone‐4 led to irritant reactions in four and six subjects, respectively. Five per cent methylene bis‐benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol led to irritant reactions in six subjects, but unlike benzophenone‐4, this was not in a dose‐dependent fashion.Conclusions:  When performing photopatch testing according to the European consensus methodology with these 19 organic sunscreen filters, a 10% concentration is suitable for all filters, except benzophenone‐4, which should be tested at a concentration of 2%.