bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interaction between cannabinoid CB1receptors and endogenous ATP in the control of spontaneous mechanical activity in mouse ileum
Authors: Baldassano S , Zizzo MG , Serio R , Mulè F 
Published: May 2009

Background and purpose: Although it is well accepted that cannabinoids modulate intestinal motility by reducing cholinergic neurotransmission mediated by CB1receptors, it is not known whether the endocannabinoids are involved in more complex circuits and if they interact with other systems. The aim of the present study was to examine possible interactions between cannabinoid CB1receptors and purines in the control of spontaneous contractility of longitudinal muscle in mouse ileum.Experimental approach: The mechanical activity of longitudinally oriented ileal segments from mice was recorded as isometric contractions.Key results: The selective CB1receptor agonist, N‐(2‐chloroethyl)5,8,11,14‐eicosaetraenamide (ACEA) reduced, concentration dependently, spontaneous contractions in mouse ileum. This effect was almost abolished by tetrodotoxin (TTX) or atropine. Inhibition by ACEA was not affected by theophylline (P1 receptor antagonist) or by P2Y receptor desensitization with adenosine 5′[β‐thio]diphosphate trilithium salt, but was significantly reversed by pyridoxal phosphate‐6‐azo(benzene‐2,4‐disulphonic acid) (P2 receptor antagonist), by P2X receptor desensitization with α,β‐methyleneadenosine 5′‐triphosphate lithium salt (α,β‐MeATP) or by 8,8′‐[carbonylbis(imino‐4,1‐phenylenecarbonylimino‐4,1‐phenylenecarbonylimino) bis(1,3,5‐naphthalenetrisulphonic acid)] (P2X receptor antagonist). Contractile responses to α,β‐MeATP (P2X receptor agonist) were virtually abolished by TTX or atropine, suggesting that they were mediated by acetylcholine released from neurones, and significantly reduced by ACEA.Conclusion and implications: In mouse ileum, activation of CB1receptors, apart from reducing acetylcholine release from cholinergic nerves, was able to modulate negatively, endogenous purinergic effects, mediated by P2X receptors, on cholinergic neurons. Our study provides evidence for a role of cannabinoids in the modulation of interneuronal purinergic transmission.
Regeneration of functional sweat gland‐like structures by transplanted differentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Sheng Zhiyong , Fu Xiaobing , Cai Sa , Lei Yonghong , Sun Tongzhu , Bai Xiaodong , Chen Minliang 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTRegeneration of sweat glands after deep burns has been an unsolved problem. Owing to lack of perspiration, survivors of an extensive deep burn injury are leading a miserable life in sultry months. It was our contemplation to solve this problem by inducing bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to acquire the phenotype of sweat gland cells in vitro. Then these cells were transplanted into fresh skin wounds resulting from excision of anhydrotic scars after healing of deep burn injury in five patients. Two to 12 months after the procedure, it was proved that there was recovery of perspiration function in all the MSCs' transplanted areas, as evidenced by positive iodine–starch perspiration test. Histological and biochemical observation confirmed the involvement of MSCs transformed sweat gland cells in the recovery of functional sweat glands, and the components of sweat collected from these areas were similar to that collected from normal skin. This is the first report of successful transplantation of MSCs in regenerating functional sweat glands, which may help solve the problem of depletion of sweat glands in patients surviving extensive deep burns in the future.
α1‐Antichymotrypsin activity correlates with and may modulate matrix metalloproteinase‐9 in human acute wounds
Authors: Reiss Matthew J. , Han Yuan‐Ping , Garner Warren L. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTMatrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) plays a central role in many physiologic processes including acute and the chronic wounds. MMP‐9 is not routinely expressed in healthy tissues but is promptly expressed as a proenzyme and converted into active enzyme after tissue injury. The mechanisms involved, including the activators and inhibitors for this enzyme in human tissue remain largely obscure. We recently identified α1‐antichymotrypsin (α1‐ACT), an acute phase factor, as a potent inhibitor controlling activation of pro‐MMP‐9 by human skin. The aim of this study is to establish the clinical relevance of the inhibitor in cutaneous wound healing. Fluids from acute burn blisters and conditioned media from skin explants of burn patients were analyzed. We observed that the presence pro‐MMP‐9 and its activation correlated with the proximity to and degree of injury. Early after trauma, massive levels of wound α1‐ACT were associated with an absence of pro‐MMP‐9 activation. Conversely, the active MMP‐9 occurs simultaneously with inactivation of α1‐ACT. Our results suggest a role for α1‐ACT as a physiologic inhibitor of MMP‐9 activation in human wound healing.
A serum amyloid P‐binding hydrogel speeds healing of partial thickness wounds in pigs
Authors: Gomer Richard H. , Pilling Darrell , Kauvar Lawrence M. , Ellsworth Stote , Ronkainen Sanna D. , Roife David , Davis Stephen C. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTDuring wound healing, some circulating monocytes enter the wound, differentiate into fibroblast‐like cells called fibrocytes, and appear to then further differentiate into myofibroblasts, cells that play a key role in collagen deposition, cytokine release, and wound contraction. The differentiation of monocytes into fibrocytes is inhibited by the serum protein serum amyloid P (SAP). Depleting SAP at a wound site thus might speed wound healing. SAP binds to some types of agarose in the presence of Ca2+. We found that human SAP binds to an agarose with a KD of 7 × 10−8 M and a Bmax of 2.1 μg SAP/mg wet weight agarose. Mixing this agarose 1 : 5 w/v with 30 μg/mL human SAP (the average SAP concentration in normal serum) in a buffer containing 2 mM Ca2+ reduced the free SAP concentration to ∼0.02 μg/mL, well below the concentration that inhibits fibrocyte differentiation. Compared with a hydrogel dressing and a foam dressing, dressings containing this agarose and Ca2+ significantly increased the speed of wound healing in partial thickness wounds in pigs. This suggests that agarose/Ca2+ dressings may be beneficial for wound healing in humans.
Staphylococcal biofilms impair wound healing by delaying reepithelialization in a murine cutaneous wound model
Authors: Schierle Clark F. , De la Garza Mauricio , Mustoe Thomas A. , Galiano Robert D. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTBacterial biofilms have gained increasing visibility in recent years as a ubiquitous form of survival for microorganisms in myriad environments. A number of in vivo models exist for the study of biofilms in the setting of medically relevant implanted foreign bodies. Growing evidence has demonstrated the presence of bacterial biofilms in the setting of a number of chronic wound states including pressure sores, diabetic foot ulcers, and venous stasis ulcers. Here we present a novel murine cutaneous wound system that directly demonstrates delayed reepithelialization caused by the presence of a bacterial biofilm. We established biofilms using either Staphylococcus aureus or Staphylococcus epidermidis in splinted cutaneous punch wounds created on the backs of normal C57Bl6/J mice. Wound reepithelialization was significantly delayed by bacterial biofilms. This effect was specifically dependent on the ability of the bacteria to form biofilms as demonstrated by exogenous administration of biofilm inhibiting peptides and the use of mutant Staphylococcus spp. deficient in biofilm formation. This represents the first direct evidence for the effect of bacterial biofilms on cutaneous wound healing.
MICROFISSURATA GEN. NOV. (BACILLARIOPHYTA), A NEW DIATOM GENUS FROM DYSTROPHIC AND INTERMITTENTLY WET TERRESTRIAL HABITATS1
Authors: Cantonati Marco , Van de Vijver Bart , Lange‐Bertalot And Horst 
Published: May 2009

A new freshwater benthic diatom genus, Microfissurata gen. nov., was identified from light and scanning electron micrographs. The most characteristic morphological feature (referred to also by the name of the new genus) is the structure of the striae/alveoli, which are simple, mostly uninterrupted, transapical slits. The combination of characteristics of the new genus is unique. It includes two new species: Microfissurata paludosa Cantonati et Lange‐Bert. sp. nov. and M. australis Van de Vijver et Lange‐Bert. sp. nov., distributed in Europe and on an austral island, respectively. The new genus occurs in freshwater dystrophic lakes, pools, seepage springs, mires, and in intermittently wet terrestrial habitats. It is not abundant but widespread wherever these habitat types are well developed, in Nordic‐alpine and sub‐Antarctic areas. Overall, the new genus appears to be mostly epiphytic (bryophilous) and capable of tolerating a wide range of moisture conditions (xerotolerant). The finding of the type species (M. paludosa) in a well‐investigated area like central Europe highlights the diatom species richness of dystrophic habitats and their importance for diatom biodiversity conservation.
Survival of Community‐Dwelling Older People: The Effect of Cognitive Impairment and Social Engagement
Authors: Sampson Elizabeth L. , Bulpitt Christopher J. , Fletcher Astrid E. 
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVES:To examine the association and interaction between cognitive impairment and social support and mortality.DESIGN:Prospective cohort study.SETTING:Fifty‐three family practices in the United Kingdom.PARTICIPANTS:Community‐dwelling people (aged ≥75) participating in the Medical Research Council Trial of the Assessment and Management of Older People in the Community (10,720 individual subjects analyzed).MEASUREMENTS:Cognition was measured using the Mini‐Mental State Examination. Social engagement was assessed using categorical data on marital status, living situation, availability of assistance, availability of a confidant, and frequency of social contact. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality.RESULTS:The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 13.0% (mild) and 2.0% (moderate to severe). In Cox survival models (fully adjusted for physical health, lifestyle, daily function, and depression), there was a consistent association between greater cognitive impairment and mortality risk (mild cognitive impairment, hazard ratio (HR)=1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.21–1.40; moderate to severe cognitive impairment, HR=1.64, 95% CI=1.41–1.93. Mortality risk was greater in the medium (HR=1.09, 95% CI=1.02–1.16) and low social engagement groups (HR=1.17, 95% CI=1.05–1.29) than in those with the highest level of social engagement. Lower social engagement did not increase mortality risk in those who were more cognitively impaired.CONCLUSION:Cognitive impairment and social support are independent risk factors for mortality. Interventions that promote early identification and management of cognitive impairment and enhance social support for older people may decrease mortality and produce public health benefits.
The Effects of Weight Changes After Middle Age on the Rate of Disability in an Elderly Population Sample
Authors: Busetto Luca , Romanato Giovanna , Zambon Sabina , Calò Elisa , Zanoni Silvia , Corti Maria Chiara , Baggio Giovannella , Enzi Giuliano , Crepaldi Gaetano , Manzato Enzo 
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the association between weight loss and weight gain after middle age and the prevalence of late disability.DESIGN: Secondary analysis of baseline data from a longitudinal population study.SETTING: Progetto Veneto Anziani Study.PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand nine hundred ten (1,187 male, 1,723 female) Italians aged 65 and older.MEASUREMENTS: Disability status (impairment in at least one activity of daily living) was analyzed according to current body mass index (BMI), BMI at age 50, and intercurrent weight changes (weight gain >10%, weight gain 5–10%, weight stable, weight loss 5–10%, weight loss >10%).RESULTS: In subjects with normal weight at aged 50, weight gain of more than 10%, weight gain of 5% to 10%, and weight loss of more than 10% were significantly associated with disability (reference stable weight). Adjustment for major chronic diseases did not affect the relationship between weight gain and disability but attenuated the association between weight loss and disability. In participants with obesity at aged 50, weight gain of more than 10% and weight gain of 5% to 10% were associated with the presence of disability; adjustment for chronic diseases did not affect these associations. In these participants, no associations were found between weight loss and disability status.CONCLUSION: Weight gain after middle age was associated with late disability, particularly in participants who were already obese. Weight loss after middle age was associated with disability only in normal‐weight participants, and this association was attenuated after adjustment for chronic diseases.
Impact of Pressure Ulcers on Quality of Life in Older Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gorecki Claudia , Brown Julia M. , Nelson E. Andrea , Briggs Michelle , Schoonhoven Lisette , Dealey Carol , Defloor Tom , Nixon Jane ,   on behalf of the European Quality of Life Pressure Ulcer Project group
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVES: To identify the impact of pressure ulcers (PUs) and PU interventions on health‐related quality of life (HRQL).DESIGN: Systematic review and metasynthesis of primary research reporting the impact of PU and PU interventions on HRQL according to direct patient reports. Quality assessment criteria were developed and applied. Data extraction identified findings in the form of direct quotes from patients or questionnaire items and domain results. Combined synthesis of qualitative and quantitative research was performed using content analysis to generate categories and themes from findings. Thirteen electronic databases were searched, and hand searching, cross‐referencing, contact with experts, and an online search was undertaken. No language restrictions were applied.SETTING: Adults with PUs in acute, community, and long‐term care settings across Europe, the United States, Asia, and Australia.PARTICIPANTS: Thirty‐one studies including 2,463 participants with PUs were included in the review. Ages ranged from 17 to 96.RESULTS: The review included 10 qualitative and 21 quantitative studies; 293 findings, 46 categories, and 11 themes emerged. The 11 HRQL themes were physical impact, social impact, psychological effect, PU symptoms, general health, and other impacts of PUs: healthcare professional–client relationships, need for versus effect of interventions, impact on others, financial impact, perceived etiology, and need for knowledge.CONCLUSION: There is evidence that PUs and PU interventions have a significant impact on HRQL and cause substantial burden to patients.
The Multiple Dimensions of the Church Towards an Explanatory Account
Authors: Dadosky John 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis paper offers a survey and proposal concerning Catholic ecclesiology in the post-Vatican II context. As a survey, it addresses the attempts by four major Catholic thinkers, de Lubac, Congar, Rahner and Balthasar to articulate dual dimensions of the Church. In the last century, the surge in biblical studies and empirical methodologies has wrought numerous ecclesial images, dimensions and models for understanding the various aspects of the Church. While many of these attempts are descriptive, or even symbolic, there is a need to move to an explanatory method for a more systematic apprehension of the various dimensions of the Church. The proposal of this paper will argue that such an explanation lies in how the Church understands itself with respect to each of the missions of the Son and the Holy Spirit as developed from the thought of Bernard Lonergan on the two dimensions of the Church. This will allow for a plethora of images, but simultaneously it will provide for some normative control of meaning over these various dimensions.
What the Problem with Russell Isn't
Authors: Oppy Graham 
Published: May 2009

AbstractMark Nelson thinks that Bertrand Russell's well-known criticisms of St. Thomas Aquinas turn on Russell's acceptance of a highly implausible epistemic principle (DAM), and that my previous objection to this claim depends upon the attribution to Russell of an even more implausible Insincerity Objection. While I agree that Russell's criticisms do not turn on the Insincerity Objection, I argue that my previous rejection of the attribution of (DAM) to Russell is well-justified: there is a plausible reading of Russell that requires neither (DAM) nor the Insincerity Objection.
Theological, Sociological and Historical Factors Influencing the Evangelical Turn in Contemporary Catholicism
Authors: Rymarz Richard M. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractTheological, historical and sociological factors help explain the evangelical turn in contemporary Catholicism. Theological factors considered here are an emphasis on evangelization as something of the Church's very nature and not just an activity that it does. This sits well with an ecclesiology that stresses the Church as a communion of disciples of Jesus. Three historical factors are raised all of which result in a more evangelical expression of Catholicism. These are a greater tension between the culture of the Church and wider culture. A renewed emphasis on conversion with a Christological focus and a greater emphasis on scripture in the life of the church. In sociological terms, a more evangelical Catholicism is evident in the movement away from a socialization model of religious affiliation to one which emphasizes choice, the religious consumer and a range of options. In this environment the Church must put more emphasis on evangelical proclamation as a way of pastoral outreach. A more evangelical Catholicism is seen as a general principle without being closed to other types of expression.
Before Analogy: Recovering Barth's Ontological Development
Authors: Stanley Timothy 
Published: May 2009

AbstractWhat is the nature of Barth's development over the 1920s? Barth himself understood this period as his “apprenticeship,” and cites his 1931 book on Anselm as a significant juncture in moving beyond this stage in his thinking. Barth's emphasis upon both change and continuity lies at the heart of the discrepancy between two prominent interpreters of his theology, Hans Urs von Balthasar and Bruce McCormack. On the surface it appears as though their disagreement centers around Barth's employment of dialectic and analogy in his theology. However, our thesis is that this focus conceals the ontological strategies Barth's multifarious uses of analogy and dialectic always implied. Although McCormack is right to suggest that Balthasar's depiction of a shift from dialectic to analogy is inadequate, in the end McCormack's account of Barth's development over the 1920s conceals as much as it reveals. The following essay attempts to demonstrate the kinds of insights which can be made of the past accounts of Barth's development which focused on the transition from dialectic to analogy. Far from relegating these accounts to the sidelines, McCormack's work helps us see all the more clearly just what was at stake in figures like Balthasar's work. By looking past McCormack and Balthasar's respective periodizations of Barth's development, a clearer focus upon Barth's theological ontology can begin to take place.
Regulation of OsSPX1 and OsSPX3 on Expression of OsSPX domain Genes and Pi‐starvation Signaling in Rice
Authors: Wang Zhiye , Hu Han , Huang Hongjie , Duan Ke , Wu Zhongchang , Wu Ping 
Published: May 2009

Abstract The rice (Oryza sativa L.) genome contains at least six genes exclusively with an SPX (SYG1/PHO81/XPR1) domain at the N‐terminal, designated as OsSPX1‐6. Here we report the diverse expression patterns of the OsSPX genes in different tissues and their responses to Pi‐starvation. Among them, five genes, OsSPX1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 are responsive to Pi‐starvation in shoots and/or in roots. The subcellular localization analysis indicates that OsSPX1 and OsSPX2 is exclusively located in nucleus, OsSPX3 in the cytoplasm, and OsSPX4 is a membrane localization protein. OsSPX1 regulates OsSPX2, 3 and 5 at the transcription level and is positively involved in the responses of the genes to Pi‐starvation. Overexpression of OsSPX3 downregulates OsSPX5 in shoots under Pi‐sufficiency. OsSPX3 negatively regulates the PSI (Pi‐starvation induced) gene, OsIPS1 and is involved in the responses of miR399 and OsPHO2 to Pi‐starvation. Our results suggest that OsSPX1 may be a regulator involved in the transcriptions of OsSPX2, 3 and 5. OsSPX3 plays a role in OsIPS1/miR399 mediated long distance regulation on OsPHO2. Our results also indicate that OsSPX3 is involved in plant tolerance to Pi‐starvation stress.
Mandibular first premolar with two roots and three canals
Authors: Poorni Saravanan , Karumaran Chellasamy Savarimala , Indira Rajamani 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis case report presents a relatively uncommon clinical case of a mandibular premolar with two roots and three canals. The possibility of additional root canals should be considered even in teeth with a low frequency of abnormal root canal anatomy. Sound knowledge of root canal anatomy, appropriate assessment of the pulp chamber floor, critical interpretation of radiographs and high‐magnification examinations are highly desirable to achieve the best possible outcome in complicated root canal therapy.
Fitness consequences of body melanization inDrosophila immigransfrom montane habitats
Authors: SINGH Shama , RAMNIWAS Seema , PARKASH Ravi 
Published: May 2009

AbstractWe investigated eight populations ofDrosophila immigransfrom low to high montane localities (600–2202 m) for altitudinal variations in abdominal melanization and fitness‐related traits (desiccation resistance, copulation duration, and fecundity). On the basis of common garden experiments, persistence between‐population differences at 21°C suggests that observed variations in fitness‐related traits have a genetic basis. Parent–offspring regression analyses showed higher heritability (h2= 0.77) for melanization patterns on all the abdominal tergites. All the traits showed significantly higher repeatability across generations. Under colder and drier environments in dispersed montane localities, abdominal melanization and desiccation resistance significantly increased (1.5–1.9 fold) along altitude. Thus, there are correlated effects of abdominal melanization on desiccation resistance. Genetic correlations, based on family means, were significantly high between abdominal melanization and other fitness traits. Furthermore, darker flies along increasing altitude resulted in a 35–40% increase in copulation duration as well as fecundity. There are significantly positive correlations of abdominal melanization with copulation duration as well as fecundity on the basis of within‐ as well as between‐population variations. Such observations are in agreement with the thermal budget hypothesis. Present data suggest that changes in body melanization impact fitness‐related traits in montane populations ofDrosophila immigrans.