bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of substrate curvature method to differentiate drying stresses in topical coatings and human stratum corneum
Authors: Levi K. , Dauskardt R. H. 
Published: April 2010

SynopsisDespite the extensive use of topical coatings in cosmetics, their effect on the mechanical properties of human skin and the perception of skin tightness in the form of drying stresses is not well understood. We describe the application of a recently developed substrate curvature technique to characterize stresses in drying and non‐drying occlusive topical coatings. We then extend the technique to measure the combined effects of the coating applied to human stratum corneum (SC) where the overall drying stresses may have contributions from the coating, the SC and the interaction of the coating with the SC. We show how these separate contributions in the coating and SC layers can be differentiated.
Thiazolidinedione treatment and constitutive‐PPARγ activation induces ectopic adipogenesis and promotes age‐related thymic involution
Authors: Youm Yun‐Hee , Yang Hyunwon , Amin Raj , Smith Steven R. , Leff Todd , Dixit Vishwa D. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryAge‐related thymic involution is characterized by reduction in T cell production together with ectopic adipocyte development within the hematopoietic and thymic niches. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is required for adipocyte development, glucose homeostasis and is a target for several insulin‐sensitizing drugs. Our prior studies showed that age‐related elevation of PPARγ expression in thymic stromal cells is associated with thymic involution. Here, using clinically relevant pharmacological and genetic manipulations in mouse models, we provide evidence that activation of PPARγ leads to reduction in thymopoiesis. Treatment of aged mice with antihyperglycemic PPARγ‐ligand class of thiazolidinedione drug, rosiglitazone caused robust thymic expression of classical pro‐adipogenic transcripts. Rosiglitazone reduced thymic cellularity, lowered the naïve T cell number and T cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) indicative of compromised thymopoiesis. To directly investigate whether PPARγ activation induces thymic involution, we created transgenic mice with constitutive‐active PPARγ (CA‐PPARg) fusion protein in cells of adipogenic lineage. Importantly, CA‐PPARγ transgene was expressed in thymus and in fibroblast‐specific protein‐1/S100A4 (FSP1+) cells, a marker of secondary mesenchymal cells. The CAPPARγ fusion protein mimicked the liganded PPARγ receptor and the transgenic mice displayed increased ectopic thymic adipogenesis and reduced thymopoiesis. Furthermore, the reduction in thymopoiesis in CA‐PPARγ mice was associated with higher bone marrow adiposity and lower hematopoietic stem cell progenitor pool. Consistent with lower thymic output, CAPPARγ transgenic mice had restricted T cell receptor repertoire diversity. Collectively, our data suggest that activation of PPARγ accelerates thymic aging and thymus‐specific PPARγ antagonist may forestall age‐related decline in T cell diversity.
The effects of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol alone and in combination on damage, inflammation andin vitromotility disturbances in rat colitis
Authors: Jamontt JM , Molleman A , Pertwee RG , Parsons ME 
Published: April 2010

Background and purpose: Cannabis is taken as self‐medication by patients with inflammatory bowel disease for symptomatic relief. Cannabinoid receptor agonists decrease inflammation in animal models of colitis, but their effects on the disturbed motility is not known. (‐)‐Cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to interact with Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in behavioural studies, but it remains to be established if these cannabinoids interactin vivoin inflammatory disorders.Therefore the effects of CBD and THC alone and in combination were investigated in a model of colitis.Experimental approach: The 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) model of acute colitis in rats was used to assess damage, inflammation (myeloperoxidase activity) andin vitrocolonic motility. Sulphasalazine was used as an active control drug.Key results: Sulphasalazine, THC and CBD proved beneficial in this model of colitis with the dose–response relationship for the phytocannabinoids showing a bell‐shaped pattern on the majority of parameters (optimal THC and CBD dose, 10 mg·kg−1). THC was the most effective drug. The effects of these phytocannabinoids were additive, and CBD increased some effects of an ineffective THC dose to the level of an effective one. THC alone and in combination with CBD protected cholinergic nerves whereas sulphasalazine did not.Conclusions and implications: In this model of colitis, THC and CBD not only reduced inflammation but also lowered the occurrence of functional disturbances. Moreover the combination of CBD and THC could be beneficial therapeutically, via additive or potentiating effects.This article is part of a themed issue on Cannabinoids. To view the editorial for this themed issue visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00831.x
Trace amines depress D2‐autoreceptor‐mediated responses on midbrain dopaminergic cells
Authors: Ledonne Ada , Federici Mauro , Giustizieri Michela , Pessia Mauro , Imbrici Paola , Millan Mark J , Bernardi Giorgio , Mercuri Nicola B 
Published: April 2010

Background and purpose: Although trace amines (TAs) are historically considered ‘false neurotransmitters’ on the basis of their ability to induce catecholamine release, there is evidence that they directly affect neuronal activity via TA receptors, ligand‐gated receptor channels and/or σ receptors. Here, we have investigated the effects of two TAs, tyramine (TYR) and β‐phenylethylamine (β‐PEA), on electrophysiological responses of substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) dopaminergic cells to the D2receptor agonist, quinpirole.Experimental approach: Electrophysiological recordings of D2receptor‐activated G‐protein‐gated inward rectifier K+channel (GIRK) currents were performed on dopaminergic cells from midbrain slices of mice and on Xenopus oocytes expressing D2receptors and GIRK channels.Key results: TYR and β‐PEA reversibly reduced D2receptor‐activated GIRK currents in a concentration‐dependent manner on SNpc neurones. The inhibitory effect of TAs was still present in transgenic mice with genetically deleted TA1receptors and they could not be reproduced by the selective TA1agonist, o‐phenyl‐3‐iodotyramine (O‐PIT). Pretreatment with antagonists of σ1 and σ2 receptors did not block TA‐induced effects. In GTPγS‐loaded neurones, the irreversibly‐activated GIRK‐current was still reversibly reduced by β‐PEA. Moreover, β‐PEA did not affect basal or dopamine‐evoked GIRK‐currents in Xenopus oocytes.Conclusions and implications: TAs reduced dopamine‐induced responses on SNpc neurones by acting at sites different from TA1, σ‐receptors, D2receptors or GIRK channels. Although their precise mechanism of action remains to be identified, TAs, by antagonizing the inhibitory effects of dopamine, may render dopaminergic neurones less sensitive to autoreceptor feedback inhibition and hence enhance their sensitivity to stimulation.
Chemo‐nociceptive signalling from the colon is enhanced by mild colitis and blocked by inhibition of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 channels
Authors: Mitrovic Martina , Shahbazian Anaid , Bock Elisabeth , Pabst Maria A. , Holzer Peter 
Published: April 2010

Background and purpose:  Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channels are expressed by primary afferent neurones and activated by irritant chemicals including allyl isothiocyanate (AITC). Here we investigated whether intracolonic AITC causes afferent input to the spinal cord and whether this response is modified by mild colitis, morphine or a TRPA1 channel blocker.Experimental approach:  One hour after intracolonic administration of AITC to female mice, afferent signalling was visualized by expression of c‐Fos in laminae I–IIo of the spinal dorsal horn at sacral segment S1. Mild colitis was induced by dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) added to drinking water for 1 week.Key results:  Relative to vehicle, AITC (2%) increased expression of c‐Fos in the spinal cord. Following induction of mild colitis by DSS (2%), spinal c‐Fos responses to AITC, but not vehicle, were augmented by 41%. Colonic inflammation was present (increased myeloperoxidase content and disease activity score), whereas colonic histology, locomotion, feeding and drinking remained unchanged. Morphine (10 mg·kg–1) or the TRPA1 channel blocker HC‐030031 (300 mg·kg–1) inhibited the spinal c‐Fos response to AITC, in control and DSS‐pretreated animals, whereas the response to intracolonic capsaicin (5%) was blocked by morphine but not HC‐030031.Conclusions and implications:  Activation of colonic TRPA1 channels is signalled to the spinal cord. Mild colitis enhanced this afferent input that, as it is sensitive to morphine, is most likely of a chemonociceptive nature. As several irritant chemicals can be present in chyme, TRPA1 channels may mediate several gastrointestinal pain conditions.
The PI‐PLC inhibitor U‐73122 is a potent inhibitor of the SERCA pump in smooth muscle
Authors: Hollywood MA , Sergeant GP , Thornbury KD , McHale NG 
Published: April 2010

In this issue MacMillan and McCarron in 2010 demonstrated that the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U‐73122 can potently inhibit Ca2+release from isolated smooth muscle cells independent of its effect on PLC. Their data suggest that the PLC inhibitor can block the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase pump in smooth muscle and cast doubt on the reliability of U‐73122 as the main pharmacological tool to assess the role of the phosphotidyl inositol‐PLC pathway in cellular signalling.This article is a commentary on MacMillan and McCarron, pp. 1295–1301 of this issue. To view this paper visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00771.x
Globalization, Global History and Local Identity in ‘Greater China’
Authors: Edward Wang Q. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThis article offers a brief contour of the differing interests in, and engagements with, the study of globalization and global history in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. It argues that in the face of the onrush of globalization, each of these three regions, under the rubric of ‘Greater China’, has developed and adopted distinct strategies to perceive and interpret its multifaceted impact. Scholars, movie makers and journalists in mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong have appropriated different meanings of globalization and engaged with its multifarious impacts from their own localized concerns and interests. Globalization has generated more dialogues among the three entities and helped highlight their differences.
Brotherly Intentions? The Egyptian Muslim Brothers and the Politics of a Debate
Authors: Stacher Joshua 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThis article surveys the contemporary debates on the Egyptian Society of Muslim Brothers. It argues that the debate focuses on the unknowable question of the Islamists’ governing intentions or assessing their ‘democratic’ character. This article takes issue with these analytic points of departure and, instead, makes a case for contextualizing the organization’s policies against the backdrop of contemporary Egyptian society. I achieve this by reviewing the group’s philosophical development under the late period of the Mubarak presidency. As such, the Brothers’ recent party platform draft and policies on prominent issues, such as women and minority rights, reveal the Brothers as an organization that appeals to and emerges from national and domestic bases in Egypt as opposed to courting a strictly Islamic constituency.
Long‐term management of vulval lichen sclerosus in adult women
Authors: BRADFORD J. , FISCHER G. 
Published: April 2010

Background:  Adult vulval lichen sclerosus (VLS) is usually a lifelong disease with an estimated remission rate after treatment of only 16% [Arch Dermatol 2004; 140 (6): 709]. Although superpotent topical corticosteroid (TCS) is the validated gold standard treatment to induce remission, little data are available on how remission should be maintained.Aims:  We present a retrospective chart review of 129 adult patients with VLS who have been under surveillance by the authors for a minimum duration of three years.Methods:  Remission was maintained in most patients with low‐to‐moderate potency TCS. All subjects’ symptoms, signs, treatment regimes and response to treatment including compliance, symptom remission, disease progression with scarring, squamous cell carcinoma and side effects were recorded. Data were compared for the compliant and non‐compliant groups. Fischer’s exact test was used to identify significant differences.Results:  The mean age at presentation was 53.6 years and mean duration of follow‐up was 6.2 years. Compliance was excellent: 84 (65%) of patients’ self‐reporting as being fully compliant. Symptom remission was achieved in 98% of compliant and 75% of non‐compliant patients (P = 0.001) Progression of disease with scarring was not encountered in any of the compliant patients, but was seen in 35% of non‐compliant patients (P = 0.0001). One patient had squamous cell carcinoma on first presentation. Carcinoma subsequently occurred in none of the compliant patients, and in five partly compliant patients (P = 0.004). Mild, reversible corticosteroid side effects were encountered in 7% of patients.Conclusions:  Long‐term treatment of adult VLS with individualised regimes using moderate potency TCS is safe and effective. Patients require long‐term follow‐up.
Survey of current management of prolapse in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: VANSPAUWEN Ruben , SEMAN Elvis , DWYER Peter 
Published: April 2010

Objective:  To compare current practice in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse between Australian/New Zealand and United Kingdom (UK) gynaecologists.Methods:  A postal questionnaire containing questions on four case scenarios, which examined contentious areas of contemporary prolapse management, was sent to 1471 Australian and New Zealand gynaecologists in mid‐2007. The results were compared with those of an identical survey conducted in the UK in 2006.Results:  The response rate was 13% as only 196 complete responses were received. For primary anterior vaginal prolapse, anterior colporrhaphy was the procedure of choice in 54% followed by vaginal repair with graft in 20%. For recurrence, 75% used a graft. Procedure of choice for uterovaginal prolapse was a vaginal hysterectomy with anterior colporrhaphy (79%) and for vault support, 54% performed uterosacral colpopexy. In women wishing to retain their fertility, 23% would operate and a laparoscopic uterosacral hysteropexy (39%) was preferred. For posterior vaginal prolapse, the procedure of choice was midline plication in 56% and site‐specific repair in 24%. A graft was used in 13% for primary repair and 61% for recurrence, most preferring permanent mesh. Procedure of choice for apical prolapse was sacrospinous fixation with anterior and posterior colporrhaphy (37%), followed by vaginal mesh repair (33%) and abdominal sacrocolpopexy (11%). Few respondents objectively measured prolapse (20%) or followed up patients over one year (12%).Conclusions:  Australian/New Zealand gynaecologists used fewer traditional transvaginal procedures and more vaginal grafts than their UK colleagues in all compartments. Most respondents favoured permanent mesh (eg mesh kits) and many are missing an opportunity to gather valuable prospective data on these new procedures.
Infection and fetal loss in the mid‐second trimester of pregnancy
Authors: ALLANSON Ben , JENNINGS Belinda , JACQUES Angela , CHARLES Adrian K. , KEIL Anthony D. , DICKINSON Jan E. 
Published: April 2010

Introduction:  Chorioamnionitis is a common cause of second trimester pregnancy loss, usually due to ascending infection. This study investigates the prevalence and bacteriology of chorioamnionitis in cases of spontaneous pregnancy loss in previable gestations (16–22 weeks).Methods:  Fetal losses between 16‐ and 22‐week gestation were identified from the institutional database over a three‐year period. Cases with an autopsy were identified, pathology reports reviewed, and maternal features noted (clinical symptoms, blood count and vaginal culture results). Second trimester medical termination for fetal abnormality during the same time period served as controls for the confounding influence of labour.Results:  A total of 101 cases of spontaneous non‐anomalous non‐macerated fetal losses and 103 control cases of induced loss for fetal anomaly were identified. Median gestation of cases was 19 weeks (interquartile range (IQR) 17, 21) and of controls was 20 weeks (IQR 19, 21). Maternal white cell count was higher in cases (median 13.6 IQR 10.8, 16.6) than in controls (9.9 IQR 7.6, 11.5) (P < 0.01). Seventy‐eight (77.2%) of 101 cases and no controls had histological chorioamnionitis. A fetal reaction was identified in 48.7% of cases with chorioamnionitis, and the frequency of fetal reaction increased as gestation advanced (5.3% at 16‐week gestation vs 33.3% at 22‐week gestation). In cases with chorioamnionitis 36/76 (47.4%) were culture positive, whereas 4/25 (16%) without chorioamnionitis were culture positive.Conclusion:  In otherwise normal fetuses, chorioamnionitis is a common finding in mid‐trimester pregnancy loss. Routine culture methods have a low sensitivity for isolation of the causative micro‐organisms. This inflammatory process seems to predate the onset of labour and appears a primary mechanism in the aetiology of such losses.
Design for Recycling
Authors: Gaustad Gabrielle , Olivetti Elsa , Kirchain Randolph 
Published: April 2010

SummaryAs design for recycling becomes more broadly applied in material and product design, analytical tools to quantify the environmental implications of design choices will become a necessity. Currently, few systematic methods exist to measure and direct the metallurgical alloy design process to create alloys that are most able to be produced from scrap. This is due, in part, to the difficulty in evaluating such a context‐dependent property as recyclability of an alloy, which will depend on the types of scraps available to producers, the compositional characteristics of those scraps, their yield, and the alloy specification itself. This article explores the use of a chance‐constrained based optimization model, similar to models used in operational planning in secondary production today, to (1) characterize the challenge of developing recycling‐friendly alloys due to the contextual sensitivity of recycling, (2) demonstrate how such models can be used to evaluate the potential scrap usage of alloys, and (3) explore the value of sensitivity analysis information to proactively identify effective alloy modifications that can drive increased potential scrap use. These objectives are demonstrated through two cases that involve the production of a broad range of alloys utilizing representative scraps from three classes of industrial end uses.
Long‐Term Retention of Older Adults in the Cardiovascular Health Study: Implications for Studies of the Oldest Old
Authors: Strotmeyer Elsa S. , Arnold Alice M. , Boudreau Robert M. , Ives Diane G. , Cushman Mary , Robbins John A. , Harris Tamara B. , Newman Anne B. 
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVES: To describe retention according to age and visit type (clinic, home, telephone) and to determine characteristics associated with visit types for a longitudinal epidemiological study in older adults.DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study.SETTING: Four U.S. clinical sites.PARTICIPANTS: Five thousand eight hundred eighty‐eight Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) participants aged 65 to 100 at 1989/90 or 1992/93 enrollment (58.6% female; 15.7% black). CHS participants were contacted every 6 months, with annual assessments through 1999 and in 2005/06 for the All Stars Study visit of the CHS cohort (aged 77–102; 66.5% female; 16.6% black).MEASUREMENTS: All annual contacts through 1999 (n=43,772) and for the 2005/06 visit (n=1,942).RESULTS: CHS had 43,772 total participant contacts from 1989 to 1999: 34,582 clinic visits (79.0%), 2,238 refusals (5.1%), 4,401 telephone visits (10.1%), 1,811 home visits (4.1%), and 740 other types (1.7%). In 2005/06, the All Stars participants of the CHS cohort had 36.6% clinic, 22.3% home, and 41.1% telephone visits. Compared with participants aged 65 to 69, odds ratios of not attending a CHS clinic visit were 1.82 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.54–2.13), 2.94 (95% CI=2.45–3.57), 4.55 (95% CI=3.70–5.56), and 9.09 (95% CI=7.69–11.11) for those aged 70 to 74, 75 to 79, 80 to 84, and 85 and older, respectively, in sex‐adjusted regression. In multivariable regression, participants with a 2005/06 clinic visit were younger, more likely to be male and in good health, and had had better cognitive and physical function 7 years earlier than participants with other visit types. Participants with home, telephone, and missing visits were similar on characteristics measured 7 years earlier.CONCLUSION: Offering home, telephone, and proxy visits are essential to optimizing follow‐up of aging cohorts. Home visits increased in‐person retention from 36.5% to 58.8% and diversified the cohort with respect to age, health, and physical functioning.
Unmet Physical Activity Need in Old Age
Authors: Rantakokko Merja , Iwarsson Susanne , Hirvensalo Mirja , Leinonen Raija , Heikkinen Eino , Rantanen Taina 
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVES: To examine which individual and environmental factors correlate with unmet physical activity need in old age and predict development of unmet physical activity need (the feeling that one's level of physical activity is inadequate and thus distinct from the recommended amount of physical activity) over a 2‐year follow‐up.DESIGN: Observational prospective cohort study and cross‐sectional analyses.SETTING: Community and research center.PARTICIPANTS: A total of 643 community‐living ambulatory people aged 75 to 81 took part in face‐to‐face interviews and examinations at baseline and 314 at the 2‐year follow‐up.MEASUREMENTS: Unmet physical activity need and its potential individual and environmental correlates were assessed at baseline. Development of unmet physical activity need was assessed over the 2‐year follow‐up period.RESULTS: At baseline, all participants were able to walk at least 500 m outdoors, but 14% perceived unmet physical activity need. Unmet physical activity need was more prevalent in those with musculoskeletal diseases, depressive symptoms, and mobility limitations. Hills in the nearby environment, lack of resting places, and dangerous crossroads correlated with unmet physical activity need at baseline; the association was especially strong in those with walking difficulties. Significant baseline predictors for incident unmet physical activity need (15%) included fear of moving outdoors, hills in the nearby environment, and noisy traffic.CONCLUSION: Unmet physical activity need is common in ambulatory community‐living older people who have health and mobility problems and report negative environmental features in their neighborhood. Solutions to overcome barriers to physical activity need to be developed to promote equal opportunities for physical activity participation.