bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Attenuation of circulatory shock and cerebral ischemia injury in heat stroke by combination treatment with dexamethasone and hydroxyethyl starch
Authors: Yang Tsai-Hsiu , Shih Mei-Fen , Wen Yi-Szu , Ho Wen-Yueh , Leu Kuen-Lin , Wang Mei-Ying , Liu Chia-Chyuan 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Background
Increased systemic cytokines and elevated brain levels of monoamines, and hydroxyl radical productions are thought to aggravate the conditions of cerebral ischemia and neuronal damage during heat stroke. Dexamethasone (DXM) is a known immunosuppressive drug used in controlling inflammation, and hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is used as a volume-expanding drug in cerebral ischemia and/or cerebral injury. Acute treatment with a combined therapeutic approach has been repeatedly advocated in cerebral ischemia experiments. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the combined agent (HES and DXM) has beneficial efficacy to improve the survival time (ST) and heat stroke-induced cerebral ischemia and neuronal damage in experimental heat stroke.

Methods
Urethane-anesthetized rats underwent instrumentation for the measurement of colonic temperature, mean arterial pressure (MAP), local striatal cerebral blood flow (CBF), heart rate, and neuronal damage score. The rats were exposed to an ambient temperature (43 degrees centigrade) to induce heat stroke. Concentrations of the ischemic and damage markers, dopamine, serotonin, and hydroxyl radical productions in corpus striatum, and the serum levels of interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed during heat stroke.

Results
After heat stroke, the rats displayed circulatory shock (arterial hypotension), decreased CBF, increased the serum levels of cytokines and MDA, increased cerebral striatal monoamines and hydroxyl radical productions release, and severe cerebral ischemia and neuronal damage compared with those of normothermic control rats. However, immediate treatment with the combined agent at the onset of heat stroke confers significant protection against heat stroke-induced circulatory shock, systemic inflammation; cerebral ischemia, cerebral monoamines and hydroxyl radical production overload, and improves neuronal damage and the ST in rats.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that the combination of a colloid substance with a volume-expanding effect and an anti-inflammatory agent may provide a better resuscitation solution for victims with heat stroke.
A caveat for T cell transfer studies: generation of cytotoxic anti-Thy1.2 antibodies in Thy1.1 congenic mice given Thy1.2+ tumors or T cells
Authors: McKenna Kyle C , Miguel Rodolfo D Vicetti , Beatty Kelly M , Bilonick Richard A 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACTThy1.1 congenic B6.PL mice were used to simultaneously monitor Thy1.2+ E.G7-OVA tumors transplanted in the a.c. of the eye and i.v.-transferred tumor-specific Thy1.2+ CTLs to determine mechanisms that inhibit the tumoricidal activity of CTL responses in mice with established ocular tumors. Transferred CTLs were systemically deleted in mice with established ocular tumors. However, this deletion was not a unique mechanism of immune evasion by ocular tumors. Rather, development of Thy1.2+ tumors in the eye or skin of B6.PL mice generated cytotoxic anti-Thy1.2 antibodies that eliminated a subsequent Thy1.2+ T cell transfer. Anti-Thy1.2 immune responses in B6.PL mice were influenced by the route of antigen administration, as the serum concentration of cytotoxic anti-Thy1.2 antibodies was 92-fold greater in mice with eye tumors in comparison with mice with skin tumors. In addition, anti-Thy1.2 immune responses were detected in B6.PL mice given naïve Thy1.2+ T cells i.p. but not i.v. Anti-Thy1.2 responses were augmented in B6.PL mice with ocular Thy1.2+ EL-4 tumors that did not express OVA, suggesting immunodominance of OVA antigen over Thy1.2. Thy1.1+ T cells given i.p. was not immunogenic in Thy1.2 congenic mice. These data reaffirm that the introduction of antigens in the a.c. induces robust antibody responses. Experimentation using allotypic differences in Thy1 between donor cells and recipient mice must consider cytotoxic anti-Thy1 antibody generation in the interpretation of results.
Adenosine deaminase potentiates the generation of effector, memory, and regulatory CD4+ T cells
Authors: Martinez-Navio José M , Casanova Víctor , Pacheco Rodrigo , Naval-Macabuhay Isaac , Climent Núria , Garcia Felipe , Gatell José M , Mallol Josefa , Gallart Teresa , Lluis Carme , Franco Rafael 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACTBy interacting with CD26 on the CD4+ T cell surface and with the AdoR A2B on the DC surface, ADA triggers a costimulatory signal for human T cells. The aim of this study was to know whether ADA-mediated costimulation plays a role in the differentiation of T cells. The results show that irrespective of its enzymatic activity and dependent on TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-6 action, ADA enhanced the differentiation of CD4+CD45RA+CD45RO– naïve T cells toward CD4+CD25+CD45RO+ Teffs and CD4+CD45RA–CD45RO+ memory T cells. Furthermore, ADA potentiated generation of CD4+CD25highFoxp3+ Tregs by a mechanism that seems to be mainly dependent on the enzymatic activity of ADA. Interestingly, an ADA-mediated increase on Teff, memory T cell, and Treg generation occurred, not only in cocultures from healthy individuals but also from HIV-infected patients. These data suggest that ADA is a relevant modulator of CD4+ T cell differentiation, even in cells from immunologically compromised individuals.
Drug information resources at community pharmacies in Amman, Jordan
Authors: Wazaify Mayyada , Maani Mais , Ball Douglas 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to investigate the drug information resources available in community pharmacies in Amman, Jordan.

Methods
A total of 156 private community (retail) pharmacies in different parts of Amman, the capital of Jordan, were recruited by personal contact. Pharmacists at the sample pharmacies completed a self-administered questionnaire that consisted of two sections. The first section elicited the drug information resources available in their pharmacies. The second section presented five mock medicines information scenarios and asked respondents to identify the most suitable information resource to be used from a given list. Answers then were coded and entered into SPSS for Windows for statistical analysis.

Key findings
All pharmacies had at least one reference book, but most were outdated. The Monthly Index of Medical Specialties (MIMS) was the most commonly found (n =101; 64.7%), and 40.4% (n = 63) had internet access. Only 19.2% (n = 30) of the respondents reported getting medicines information directly from pharmaceutical companies, usually through pharmaceutical representatives. Most pharmacists could identify appropriate information resources for drug dosing and side effects but did not fare well for medicine identification, drug interactions and primary research evidence.

Conclusions
The quality of drug information resources in private community pharmacies in Amman is far from optimal. This will affect the quality of information provided to patients and prescribers and have an adverse effect on the role that pharmacists can play in the health system in Jordan.
Clinical governance issues arising from the Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Pharmacy Workforce Survey (England) 2006
Authors: Taylor Denise A , Sutton Jane 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Objectives
In the last 10 years changes in the Government's agenda for medicines management and improved patient safety have resulted in unprecedented calls for the provision of mental health pharmacy services. This has not been reflected in pharmacy workforce planning or budgets. We aim to ascertain pharmacy staffing levels in Mental Health Trusts and whether supply of medicines and delivery of clinical pharmacy services are at an appropriate level.

Methods
All Chief/Lead Pharmacists for Mental Health Trusts in England were sent a questionnaire. Follow-up was done twice by e-mail at 2-week intervals.

Key findings
The response rate was 48% (n = 38 usable questionnaires), and results showed that many Trusts were providing little more than a basic supply service. Pharmacy services equating with risk-management were often provided on an ad hoc basis. Staffing levels were reported as insufficient, with mainly part-time staff. A basic pharmacy ward visit was only offered by 60.8% (n = 14/23; not all participants answered all questions) of respondents, at the 100% level (i.e. a daily service). Six of 31 respondents receiving pharmaceutical services from external organisations reported no formal signed agreements with the external provider.

Conclusions
The increasing emphasis on community-based mental health teams, while still retaining on-site provision and Department of Health initiatives to improve patient safety via medicines management, has placed great strain on mental health pharmacy services. The resultant pharmaceutical input from external drivers is not reflected in appropriate pharmacy staffing levels. The results raise some serious governance issues.
Development of protocols for the provision of headache and back-pain treatments in Maltese community pharmacies
Authors: Vella Elaine , Azzopardi Lilian M , Zarb-Adami Maurice , Serracino-Inglott Anthony 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Objective
The purpose of this study was to draw up two protocols designed to help Maltese pharmacists care for consumers seeking treatment for headache and back pain and to subsequently use the protocols to assess pharmacists' management of the named conditions.

Method
The setting was a sample of 10 of the 207 community pharmacies in Malta. Two flow-chart protocols for headache and back-pain management were developed from various reference sources. The protocols were first tested in a community pharmacy for practicality and applicability in a pilot study. In nine other pharmacies chosen at random the pharmacists' manner of addressing 10 headache and 10 back-pain cases in each pharmacy was compared with that recommended in the protocols. Consumers who visited the pharmacy to fill a prescription, to purchase a named product or for advice on how to deal with symptoms were included in the study.

Key findings
Of the 212 pharmacist interventions assessed, cases where pharmacists responded to symptoms were managed with the highest average compliance (57%) whereas cases in which the consumer asked for a product by name were managed with an average compliance with the protocols of 46%. Cases in which consumers presented at the pharmacy with a prescription were managed with an average compliance of 55%.

Conclusions
Protocols may be used as a means of measuring the impact of the intervention of community pharmacists in patient care. The findings suggest a lack of advice given to consumers presenting at the pharmacy to request a named product.
Community pharmacy contribution to weight management: identifying opportunities
Authors: Janet Krska , Lovelady Claire , Connolly Deborah , Parmar Shaun , Davies Michael J 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of the study was to determine the public's views on weight-management services, including pharmacies as a potential venue, and the extent of current pharmacy involvement in weight management.

Methods
Two questionnaires were developed for face-to-face interview in one Primary Care Trust area: one for the general public and one for community pharmacists.

Key findings
Interviews were conducted with 177 members of the public, 75% of whom had tried to lose weight. More had used over-the-counter weight-loss products than prescribed medicines. There was greater awareness of commercial weight-management clinics than of NHS-led initiatives. Leisure centres were the preferred locations for weight-management clinics, with dieticians as the preferred staff. Pharmacies and pharmacists were not favoured as sources of advice on weight management. The questionnaire was completed by 49 community pharmacists (75%). All except one dispensed prescriptions for weight loss and 38 supplied over-the-counter weight-loss products. For both, estimated supply frequency increased with increasing deprivation of the pharmacy's location. Eight pharmacies provided a commercial weight-loss programme and more than half had weighing scales.

Conclusions
Opportunities exist for extending NHS-led weight-management services from community pharmacies, but further research is required into the public's expectations of services to support an increase in awareness and acceptance.
‘It's showed me the skills that he has’: pharmacists' and mentors' views on pharmacist supplementary prescribing
Authors: Lloyd Fran , Parsons Carole , Hughes Carmel M 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Objectives
Supplementary prescribing has seen pharmacists assume greater responsibility for prescribing in collaboration with doctors. This study explored the context and experiences, in relation to the practice of supplementary prescribing, of pharmacists and physicians (who acted as their training mentors) at least 12 months after pharmacists had qualified as supplementary prescribers.

Methods
The setting was primary and secondary healthcare sectors in Northern Ireland. Pharmacists and mentors who had participated in a pre-training study were invited to take part. All pharmacists (n= 47) were invited to participate in focus groups, while mentors (n= 35) were asked to participate in face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The research took place between May 2005 and September 2007. All discussions and interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analysed using constant comparison.

Key findings
Nine pharmacist focus groups were convened (number per group ranging from three to six; total n= 40) and 31 semi-structured interviews with mentors were conducted. The six main themes that emerged were optimal practice setting, professional progression for prescribing pharmacists, outcomes for prescribing pharmacists, mentors and patients, relationships, barriers to implementation and the future of pharmacist prescribing. Where practised, pharmacist prescribing had been accepted, worked best for chronic disease management, was perceived to have reduced doctors' workload and improved continuity of care for patients. However, three-quarters of pharmacists qualified to practise as supplementary prescribers were not actively prescribing, largely due to logistical and organisational barriers rather than inter-professional tensions. Independent prescribing was seen as contentious by mentors, particularly because of the diagnostic element.

Conclusions
Supplementary prescribing has been successful where it has been implemented but a number of barriers remain which are preventing the wider acceptance of this practice innovation.
A mouse model for an erythropoietin-deficiency anemia
Authors: Zeigler Brandon M. , Vajdos Janis , Qin Wenning , Loverro Linda , Niss Knut 
Published: October 2010

SUMMARY
In mammals, the production of red blood cells is tightly regulated by the growth factor erythropoietin (EPO). Mice lacking a functional Epo gene are embryonic lethal, and studying erythropoiesis in EPO-deficient adult animals has therefore been limited. In order to obtain a preclinical model for an EPO-deficient anemia, we developed a mouse in which Epo can be silenced by Cre recombinase. After induction of Cre activity, EpoKO/flox mice experience a significant reduction of serum EPO levels and consequently develop a chronic, normocytic and normochromic anemia. Furthermore, compared with wild-type mice, Epo expression in EpoKO/flox mice is dramatically reduced in the kidney, and expression of a well-known target gene of EPO signaling, Bcl2l1, is reduced in the bone marrow. These observations are similar to the clinical display of anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease. In addition, during stress-induced erythropoiesis these mice display the same recovery rate as their heterozygous counterparts. Taken together, these results demonstrate that this model can serve as a valuable preclinical model for the anemia of EPO deficiency, as well as a tool for the study of stress-induced erythropoiesis during limiting conditions of EPO.
Transmembrane potential of GlyCl-expressing instructor cells induces a neoplastic-like conversion of melanocytes via a serotonergic pathway
Authors: Blackiston Douglas , Adams Dany S. , Lemire Joan M. , Lobikin Maria , Levin Michael 
Published: October 2010

SUMMARYUnderstanding the mechanisms that coordinate stem cell behavior within the host is a high priority for developmental biology, regenerative medicine and oncology. Endogenous ion currents and voltage gradients function alongside biochemical cues during pattern formation and tumor suppression, but it is not known whether bioelectrical signals are involved in the control of stem cell progeny in vivo. We studied Xenopus laevis neural crest, an embryonic stem cell population that gives rise to many cell types, including melanocytes, and contributes to the morphogenesis of the face, heart and other complex structures. To investigate how depolarization of transmembrane potential of cells in the neural crest’s environment influences its function in vivo, we manipulated the activity of the native glycine receptor chloride channel (GlyCl). Molecular-genetic depolarization of a sparse, widely distributed set of GlyCl-expressing cells non-cell-autonomously induces a neoplastic-like phenotype in melanocytes: they overproliferate, acquire an arborized cell shape and migrate inappropriately, colonizing numerous tissues in a metalloprotease-dependent fashion. A similar effect was observed in human melanocytes in culture. Depolarization of GlyCl-expressing cells induces these drastic changes in melanocyte behavior via a serotonin-transporter-dependent increase of extracellular serotonin (5-HT). These data reveal GlyCl as a molecular marker of a sparse and heretofore unknown cell population with the ability to specifically instruct neural crest derivatives, suggest transmembrane potential as a tractable signaling modality by which somatic cells can control stem cell behavior at considerable distance, identify a new biophysical aspect of the environment that confers a neoplastic-like phenotype upon stem cell progeny, reveal a pre-neural role for serotonin and its transporter, and suggest a novel strategy for manipulating stem cell behavior.
How moderate changes in Akt T-loop phosphorylation impact on tumorigenesis and insulin resistance
Authors: Wullschleger Stephan , Sakamoto Kei , Johnstone Lana , Duce Suzanne , Fleming Stewart , Alessi Dario R. 
Published: October 2010

SUMMARY
The Akt signalling pathway plays vital roles in controlling cellular responses to insulin as well as in proliferation and survival. Inhibition of Akt signalling leads to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, whereas hyperactivation of Akt promotes tumorigenesis. In this study, we investigate how modest changes in the activity of the Akt signalling pathway, to an extent that might be achieved by drug treatment, would impact on insulin resistance and tumorigenesis. Using insulin-resistant PDK1K465E/K465E PH domain knock-in mice, we found that introducing the PTEN+/− mutation to slightly stimulate Akt restored normal insulin sensitivity. Introducing the PDK1K465E/K465E PH domain knock-in mutation into cancer-prone PTEN+/− mice, lowered Akt activity only by about 50%, but led to a delay in tumour onset of ∼4 months in a broad range of tumours. This was also accompanied by slower growth of B cell follicular lymphomas, as monitored by magnetic resonance imaging. Our findings imply that signal transduction inhibitors that lead to a modest reduction in Akt activity would not only delay onset of tumours possessing elevated phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway activity but would also reduce the growth rate of developed tumours.
Synthesis and Solution Properties of a Novel Thermosensitive Poly(benzyl ether) Dendron with Oligoethyleneoxy Chains at the Periphery
Authors: Xu Li , Shao Lidong , Chen Lin , Hu Minqi , Bi Yunmei 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
A novel thermosensitive second-generation poly(benzyl ether) dendron with oligoethyleneoxy chains at the periphery was synthesized. Its cloud point (CP) decreased with an increasing concentration over a range of concentrations from 9 to 60 wt %. Fluorescent spectroscopy and AFM studies revealed that the dendron self-assembled into the spherical micelles, about 50 nm in diameter, at concentration over its CMC in an aqueous solution. This dendron has a potential as smart thermosensitive materials.
Removal of Perchlorate and Tetrafluoroborate Anions from Aqueous Solutions by a Self-assembled Cu(II) Molecular Capsule System Using Water-insoluble Cu(II) Source
Authors: Yamaguchi Maiko , Hirakawa Takeshi , Nishina Naoko , Kondo Mitsuru , Aoki Hiromi , Okuda Emi , Zhang Liang 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
A self-assembled Cu–bitb molecular capsule system using basic copper(II) carbonate as a Cu2+ source removed perchlorate and tetrafluoroborate anions from aqueous solutions without contamination by Cu(II) ion.
Polystyrene-anchored Palladium(II) Complex as an Efficient and Reusable Catalyst for Suzuki Cross-coupling Reaction in Water Medium
Authors: Islam Manirul , Mondal Paramita , Tuhina Kazi , Hossain Dildar , Roy Anupam Singha 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
A new polystyrene-anchored palladium(II) catalyst has been prepared and characterized by conventional spectroscopic methods and elemental analyses. The catalyst was found to be highly effective for the Suzuki cross-coupling reactions of aryl halides with arylboronic acid in water medium under phosphine-free reaction conditions. The optimal reaction conditions of the coupling were determined. The present heterogeneous Pd(II) catalyst was reusable as well as air-stable to allow easy use.
Does Water Liquid Phase Intrude into Hydrophobic Nanospaces of Alkyl-grafted Mesoporous Silica Immersed in Water? Detection by 13C CP-MAS NMR
Authors: Inumaru Kei , Kakii Shintaro , Yoshida Hiroto , Yamanaka Shoji 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
In situ 13C CP-MAS NMR measurements enabled for the first time detection of the presence and absence of water liquid phase in nanospaces of alkyl-grafted mesoporous silicas through the signals of alkyl chains, when the materials were immersed in water. It was revealed that n-octyl-grafted mesoporous silica excluded liquid water from the hydrophobic nanospaces at least in an hour time scale while liquid water penetrated into n-pentyl-grafted material much faster. This is important for understanding the adsorbents in the working states in water.
Near-infrared Fluorescence Enhancement by Regularly Arranged Gold Nanoblocks
Authors: Ito Fuyuki , Ohta Ryuichi , Yokota Yukie , Ueno Kosei , Misawa Hiroaki , Nagamura Toshihiko 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Fluorescence intensity of near infrared dyes immobilized in hydrophobic DNA thin film spin-coated on glass substrates with regularly arranged gold (Au) nanoblocks was about 2.5 times larger than that without Au nanoblocks, strongly suggesting the fluorescence intensity was enhanced by increased electric field intensity of excitation light due to local plasmon resonance of Au nanoblocks.