bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical and functional studies on calcium‐sensing receptors in rat uterine smooth muscle
Authors: Pistilli Marc J , Petrik James J , Holloway Alison C , Crankshaw Denis J 
Published: October 2011

Summary1. Activation of calcium‐sensing receptors (CaS) leads to relaxation of vascular smooth muscle. However, the role of CaS in uterine smooth muscle is unknown. Therefore the aim of the present study was to investigate the expression and function of CaS in the uterus.2. The expression of CaS in the oestrogen‐dominated rat uterus was investigated using immunohistochemistry. The effects of putative CaS ligands on oxytocin‐induced contractions of longitudinally orientated uterine strips from oestrogen‐dominated rats were determined at reduced extracellular Ca2+concentrations using conventional organ bath techniques.3. Immunohistochemical evidence showed the presence of CaS in the endometrium and smooth muscle layers of the rat uterus. Oxytocin‐induced contractions were inhibited by cations (Gd3+ > Ca2+ = Mg2+), polyamines (spermine > spermidine) and the positive allosteric modulators cinacalcet and calindol. However (R)‐ and (S)‐cinacalcet were equipotent, indicating a lack of stereoselectivity, and the negative allosteric modulator calhex‐231 also caused dose‐dependent relaxation. In addition, although intermediate‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels and cytochrome P450‐dependent signal transduction have been implicated in CaS‐induced relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, neither Tram‐34 nor miconazole (1 μmol/L), which block these pathways, respectively, had any effect on the ability of cinacalcet to inhibit oxytocin‐induced contractions.4. Calcium‐sensing receptors are expressed in smooth muscle layers of the rat uterus and their ligands produce potent relaxation of longitudinally orientated uterine strips. However, the pharmacological profile of inhibition of contractility by CaS ligands is not consistent with a role for CaS in the regulation of uterine contractility in the rat.
Cardiorenal syndrome: Pathophysiology, preclinical models, management and potential role of uraemic toxins
Authors: Liu Shan , Lekawanvijit Suree , Kompa Andrew R , Wang Bing H , Kelly Darren J , Krum Henry 
Published: October 2011

Summary1. Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) describes the primary dysfunction in either the kidney or heart that initiates the combined impairment of both organs. The heart and kidney exert reciprocal control of the respective function to maintain constant blood volume and organ perfusion under continuously changing conditions.2. The pathophysiology of CRS is not fully understood, but appears to be caused by a complex combination of haemodynamic, neurohormonal, immunological and biochemical feedback pathways. Of these pathways, the contributory role of uraemic toxins that accumulate in CRS has been underexplored. One such toxin, namely indoxyl sulphate, has been found to have direct adverse effects on relevant cardiac cells.3. Early diagnosis by assessing cardiac and renal injury biomarkers may be critical for timely therapeutic intervention. Such therapies are directed at attenuation of neurohormonal activation, control of elevated blood pressure, correction of anaemia and relief of hypervolaemia. Reduction of non‐dialysable uraemic toxins is a further potentially beneficial therapeutic strategy.
Age‐related changes in two‐pore domain acid‐sensitive K+ channel expression in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons
Authors: Kim Gyu‐Tae , Cho Young‐Woo , Tak Hyun‐Min , Lee Jeong‐Soon , Kim Eun‐Jin , Han Jaehee , Kang Dawon 
Published: October 2011

Summary1. Two‐pore domain K+ (K2P) channel expression influences brain development. The K2P channels, including two‐pore domain acid‐sensitive K+ (TASK) channels, contribute to the setting of the resting membrane potential of neurons. In addition to neurons in the brain, dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons also express K2P channels. The aim of the present study was to identify postnatal changes in the expression of TASK channels in DRG neurons.2. Expression of TASK channels (TASK‐1, TASK‐2 and TASK‐3) was compared between neonatal (postnatal Day (P) 1 or P2) and adult (P120) rat DRG using semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis, immunostaining and the patch‐clamp technique.3. In adult (P120) rat DRG, expression of TASK‐2 mRNA and protein was downregulated, whereas TASK‐3 mRNA and protein expression was upregulated. There were no consistent changes in TASK‐1 mRNA and protein expression. Single‐channel recordings showed very low TASK‐2‐ and TASK‐3‐like channel expression in P1–P2 DRG neurons (∼10% in TASK‐2 and ∼3% in TASK‐3). In P120 DRG, there was a reduction in the detection of TASK‐2‐like channels, whereas the detection of TASK‐3‐like channels increased.4. These results show that TASK‐2 and TASK‐3 mRNA and protein expression undergoes age‐related changes in DRG neurons, indicating that TASK‐2 and TASK‐3 channels are likely to contribute to the setting of the resting membrane potential of DRG neurons in neonates and adults, separately or together, during DRG development.
Extended newborn screening: An update for the general paediatrician
Authors: Coman David , Bhattacharya Kaustuv 
Published: October 2011

AbstractExtended newborn screening (ENBS) with the use of tandem mass spectrometry technology is well established in all Australian states and in New Zealand. ENBS has afforded a marked reduction in morbidity and mortality in select conditions such as medium‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. While this technology has been of great benefit to newborn screening, it comes with many inherent and unforeseen challenges. In this review, we discuss the successes and challenges associated with ENBS.
Gene therapy: Progress in childhood disease
Authors: Ginn Samantha L , Alexander Ian E 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe recent sequencing of the human genome combined with the development of massively high throughput genetic analysis technologies is driving unprecedented growth in our knowledge of the molecular basis of disease. While this has already had a major impact on our diagnostic power, the therapeutic benefits remain largely unrealised. This review examines progress in the exciting and challenging field of gene therapy. In particular we focus on the treatment of genetic disease in infants and children where the most significant successes have been observed to date, despite the majority of trial participants being adults. Notably, gene transfer to the haematopoietic compartment has provided the clearest examples of therapeutic benefit, particularly in the context of primary immunodeficiencies. The triumphs and tribulations of these successes are explored, and the key challenges confronting researchers as they seek to further advance the field are defined and discussed.
Management of familial hypercholesterolaemia in children and adolescents
Authors: Justo Robert N 
Published: October 2011

AbstractFamilial hypercholesterolaemia is a disorder of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol metabolism, which is associated with the onset of vascular changes associated with coronary heart disease in childhood. This disorder has co‐dominant transmission with a prevalence of one in 500 in the general population. Cascade screening is the most effective method of identifying children. Children in the at‐risk group should have their cholesterol levels checked between the age of 2 and 10 years. Children with LDL cholesterol levels ≥ 3.4 mmol/L are likely to suffer from this disorder, although at this level there is a significant false positive rate. Molecular genetic testing is available for the LDL receptor gene, APOB gene and the PCSK9 gene. This is the most specific test for familial hypercholesterolaemia but has a false negative rate of 20–50%. Once diagnosed, treatment should be considered in children with an LDL cholesterol level ≥ 4.9 mmol/L. If the child has two other risk factors or a positive family history, this threshold should be lowered to ≥4.1 mmol/L. Guidelines recommend that treatment should be commenced by the age of 10 years, although some advise waiting until menarche in females. Statin therapy is currently recommended as first line treatment. Randomised placebo trials have shown that statin therapy reduces LDL cholesterol levels by 25% and is not associated with increased risk of adverse events. These are short‐term studies, and longer follow‐up will be required to definitively prove efficacy and safety.
Conjunctival dacryops in two golden retrievers
Authors: Lamagna Barbara , Peruccio Claudio , Guardascione Anna , Paciello Orlando , Costagliola Alessandro , Giudice Chiara , Rondena Marco , Saccone Maurizio , Uccello Valeria , Lamagna Francesco 
Published: October 2011

AbstractTwo 5‐month‐old golden retriever dogs were referred for the evaluation of a mass arising from the left ventrolateral conjunctiva of the lower eyelid. The masses were externally located, deemed to be cystic in nature, and were surgically removed, and in one case, 0.15 mL of clear fluid was collected. Cytological examination of the aspirated fluid revealed proteinaceous, basophilic amorphous material, and few epithelial cells with foamy cytoplasm and small nuclei. No micro‐organisms were detected. Histological examination of the cysts showed a wall composed of single to double cell layers. The cells were cuboidal to flattened, nonciliated, lined with mild submucosal connective tissues and slight inflammation composed of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and rare macrophages. In some areas, lobules of acinar glandular tissue were observed. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case report of conjunctival dacryops in dogs. The complete surgical removal of the cysts was curative in both cases.
Phylogenetic relationships of the Rhacophorus everetti‐group and implications for the evolution of reproductive modes in Philautus (Amphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae)
Authors: Hertwig Stefan T. , Das Indraneil , Schweizer Manuel , Brown Rafe , Haas Alexander 
Published: October 2011

Hertwig, S., Das, I., Schweizer, M., Brown, R., & Haas, A. (2011). Phylogenetic relationships of the Rhacophorus everetti‐group and implications for the evolution of reproductive modes in Philautus (Amphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae). —Zoologica Scripta, 41, 29–46.This study presents the first phylogenetic analysis of the enigmatic Rhacophorus everetti species group and the first description of its unique tadpole. A total sample of 95 12S and 16S mitochondrial rDNA sequences were compiled including new sequence data from 28 rhacophorid species. Based on 1332 and 1407 bp, respectively, and on the gap coding method applied, a new hypothesis about the phylogeny of rhacophorid tree frogs from Sundaland was obtained. While Rhacophorus was uncovered as a polyphyletic assemblage, the monophyly of the Bush Frogs of the genus Philautus, including the Rhacophorus everetti‐group, is robustly supported. We, therefore, transfer the everetti‐group to the genus Philautus. As a second step, we recognise Philautus macroscelis (comb. nov.) from Borneo and P. everetti (comb. nov.) from Palawan as distinct allopatric species. Molecular and morphological evidence clearly indicates that each is a distinct lineage with a unique ancestry and discrete evolutionary fate. Moreover, close phylogenetic relationships of several Philautus species from Borneo to taxa from outside Borneo were recovered; P. everetti and P. macroscelis being the only one example. These findings indicate a complex biogeographical history of Sundaland Bush Frogs, which can only be explained by repeated dispersal and vicariance events between the Asian mainland and the Sunda islands. Finally, a single tadpole discovered on Gunung Kinabalu was matched genetically to P. macroscelis. Features of its peculiar external morphology suggest that this larva is endotrophic and possibly nidicolous. A comparable reproductive biology was formerly unknown in rhacophorid tree frogs. The presence of a free‐swimming tadpole in Philautus challenges the notion that terrestrial direct development represents an apomorphic character unambiguously shared by all members of this genus. The implications for the evolution of reproductive modes in Bush Frogs are discussed in a phylogenetic context.
Demonstrating online teaching in the disciplines. A systematic approach to activity design for online synchronous tuition
Authors: Macdonald Janet , Campbell Anne 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe introduction of new online technologies in Higher Education brings many challenges for staff, not only in learning new functionality, but in deciding how to use tools in pedagogically effective ways. This case study describes an initiative at the Open University (UK), which set out to provide professional development in the use of an online synchronous tool. It focuses on the teaching potential in a number of different disciplines. The account describes the development of this resource, together with the perspectives of those engaged in producing it. We have illustrated a systematic approach to activity design inspired by threshold concepts and troublesome knowledge. We found that the demonstrators appreciated both the approach and the peer support available. The approach helped with identification of appropriate areas for intervention as well as in the design of activities and authentic use of tools. We suggest that the protocol adopted here is of great relevance to those adopting a blended approach, when deciding what tutor‐student interventions should take place, and when.Practitioner NotesWhat is already known about this topic
A wide range of factors influence the way a discipline is taught.
Professional development needs to integrate these factors if it is to be relevant.
Teachers need to understand why they should use online tools before they are likely to adopt them.
Theories of threshold concepts and troublesome knowledge can help to identify significant or difficult areas of curriculum. This can be helpful in deciding when to intervene and facilitate learning.
What this paper adds
It highlights the teaching potential of an online synchronous tool using example activities within various disciplines.
It illustrates a systematic approach to identifying areas of student need, before planning appropriate times in the course for facilitation using online activities.
It highlights the potential for a community approach to online activity development and for sharing activities amongst tutors.
Implications for practice and/or policy
In blended learning strategies staff need to shift their thinking from presenting content in a lecture to putting content online and devoting their time to facilitation.
This paper provides a systematic approach to deciding at what stages staff may need to facilitate understanding of significant concepts or skills in the course. It also helps in identifying the aims of any learning activities.
Online activities for synchronous tools are time consuming to develop and benefit from collaborative effort in the development and sharing of resources.
Standardising antisocial personality disorder: the social shaping of a psychiatric technology
Authors: Pickersgill Martyn 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is one of the most influential and controversial terminological standards ever produced. As such, it continues to provide a valuable case study for sociologists of health and illness. In this article I take as my focus one particular DSM category: antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). The analysis charts the shifting understandings of personality disorders associated with antisocial behaviour in the DSM and in US psychiatry more broadly from 1950 to the present day. Memos, letters and minutes produced by the DSM‐III committee and held in the American Psychiatric Association (APA) archives ground the discussion. Finally, the article explores more recent constructions of antisocial personality disorder and examines the anticipatory discourse pertaining to the rewriting of this category expected in the forthcoming DSM‐5. In presenting an in‐depth socio‐historical narrative of the development – and potential future – of standards for pathological antisociality, this analysis casts new light on the ASPD construct. In particular, by considering it as a technology, I elaborate how processes of path dependency constrain innovation and how imaginaries of users and publics are implicated in the APA debates constitutive of this.
The meanings and practices of barebacking among Brazilian internet users
Authors: da Silva Luís Augusto Vasconcelos , Iriart Jorge Alberto Bernstein 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis article originates from an online ethnography on barebacking (intentional unprotected anal sex) in Brazil, between the years 2004 and 2008. More specifically, some elements or conceptual dimensions present in discussions on barebacking will be examined. Based on internet discussion forums and 23 open online interviews, using the Windows Live Messenger program, it was possible to organise the practice of barebacking into two principal modalities: more extensive and involving greater contact and partial or involving reduced risks. The individuals who practise bareback sex may experience situations that include various forms of barebacking during their lives, such as the men who contract HIV and try to develop strategies to reduce the risks in their sexual interactions by, for example, avoiding ejaculating inside their partner or trying to establish sexual relationships with men of the same serological status. Therefore, in general, the different motivations for barebacking constitute a frontier region (of tension) between the pleasure of sensory contact and the risk of infection. Beyond producing a dichotomy between pleasure and risk, the various meanings described by the potential barebackers must be taken into account.
INCOME DISPARITIES IN THE ENLARGED EU: SOCIO‐ECONOMIC, SPECIALISATION AND GEOGRAPHICAL CLUSTERS
Authors: CHAPMAN SHEILA A. , MELICIANI VALENTINA 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTThe paper contains a non‐parametric analysis of regional convergence in the enlarged EU over the period 1998–2005. It finds overall convergence but growing within country disparities, especially due to the behaviour of newcomer regions. It also finds strong (but falling) spatial correlation of per‐capita income. Starting from this evidence, the paper considers the role of socio‐economic features, specialisation patterns and geographical factors in explaining within countries disparities. Overall we find that partly specialisation but more evidently socio‐economic clusters have a good explanatory power while simple geographical factors do not explain within countries divergence. This does not mean that spatial factors are not important: rather it means that agglomeration alone cannot explain a complex and variegated pattern of growth where structural and socio‐economic factors appear to be playing an important and increasing role.
The Encroachment of Value Pragmatism on Pluralism: The Practice of the Valuation of Urban Green Space Using Stated‐preference Approaches
Authors: LO ALEX Y. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractMonetary valuation of urban green space using stated‐preference approaches has gained prominence among pragmatic urban researchers, but the resultant reduced potential for value pluralism has gone unnoticed. There is confusion on value concepts. Public‐social values have been treated as private‐economic ones. The potential for reflecting the multiple values and social roles of urban nature is thus reduced. Being method‐driven, the practice fails to relate to the claimed objective of comprehensively portraying it. There is inadequate understanding of the philosophy and psychology of the values associated with urban green space, despite its multi‐faceted role being widely recognized. This results in an unreflective acceptance of economic techniques. More work is needed to clarify issues concerning the manifestation and theoretical foundation of value pluralism. Deliberative approaches may be a potential complementary or alternative valuation method.RésuméL'évaluation monétaire de l'espace vert urbain à l'aide de modèles basés sur les préférences déclarées a pris de l'importance chez les auteurs pragmatiques de la recherche urbaine, mais le fait qu'elle affaiblit le potentiel du pluralisme des valeurs est passé inaperçu. Les concepts de valeur se mélangent. Les valeurs publiques sociales ont été traitées comme des valeurs privées économiques. La capacité de refléter les multiples valeurs et rôles sociaux de la nature urbaine a donc été réduite. La pratique, mue par la méthode, ne rejoint pas l'objectif exprimé de représenter intégralement cet espace. Bien que les différentes facettes de son rôle soient généralement reconnues, il se crée une compréhension inadéquate de la philosophie et de la psychologie des valeurs associées à l'espace vert urbain. C'est ainsi que les techniques économiques sont acceptées sans discernement. Il faut envisager d'autres études pour clarifier les aspects liés à la manifestation et au fondement théorique du pluralisme des valeurs. Des approches délibératives pourraient constituer une méthode d'évaluation complémentaire ou alternative.
Lifestyle intervention on diet and exercise reduced excessive gestational weight gain in pregnant women under a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hui A , Back L , Ludwig S , Gardiner P , Sevenhuysen G , Dean H , Sellers E , McGavock J , Morris M , Bruce S , Murray R , Shen GX 
Published: October 2011

Please cite this paper as: Hui A, Back L, Ludwig S, Gardiner P, Sevenhuysen G, Dean H, Sellers E, McGavock J, Morris M, Bruce S, Murray R, Shen G. Lifestyle intervention on diet and exercise reduced excessive gestational weight gain in pregnant women under a randomised controlled trial. BJOG 2012;119:70–77.Objective  To examine the effect of an exercise and dietary intervention during pregnancy on excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG), dietary habit and physical activity in pregnant women.Design  Randomised controlled trial.Setting  Community‐based study.Population  Nondiabetic urban‐living pregnant women (<26 weeks of gestation).Methods  Participants in the intervention group were provided with community‐based group exercise sessions, instructed home exercise and dietary counselling between 20 and 36 weeks of gestation. Participants in both groups received physical activity and food intake surveys at enrolment and 2 months after the enrolment.Main outcome measures  Prevalence of EGWG and measures of physical activity and food intakes between the two groups.Results  A total of 190 pregnant women, 88 in the control group and 102 in the intervention group, completed the study. Decreased daily intakes of calorie, fat, saturated fat and cholesterol were detected in participants in the intervention group at 2 months after enrolment compared with the control group (P < 0.01). Participants in the intervention group had higher physical activity 2 months after enrolment compared with the control group (P < 0.01). The lifestyle intervention during pregnancy reduced the prevalence of EGWG in the intervention group compared with the control group (P < 0.01) according to the guidelines of the Institute of Medicine.Conclusion  The findings suggest that lifestyle intervention during pregnancy increased physical activity, improved dietary habits and reduced EGWG in urban‐living pregnant women.