bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular determinants of β‐carboline inhibition of the glycine receptor
Authors: Chen Xuebin , Cromer Brett A. , Lynch Joseph W. 
Published: July 2009

Abstractβ‐Carbolines are potent modulators of GABA type A receptors and they have recently been shown to inhibit glycine receptors in a subunit‐specific manner. The present study screened four structurally similar β‐carbolines, 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydronorharmane, norharmane, harmane and 6‐methoxyharmalan, at recombinantly expressed α1, α1β, α2 and α3 glycine receptors with the aims of identifying structural elements of both the receptor and the compounds that are important for binding and subunit specificity. The four compounds exhibited only weak subunit specificity, rendering them unsuitable as pharmacological probes. Because they displayed competitive antagonist activity, we investigated the roles of known glycine binding residues in coordinating the four compounds. The structural similarity of the compounds, coupled with the differential effects of C‐loop mutations (T204A, F207Y) on compound potency, implied direct interactions between variable β‐carboline groups and mutated residues. Mutant cycle analysis employing harmane and norharmane revealed a strong pairwise interaction between the harmane methyl group and the C‐loop in the region T204 and F207. These results which define the orientation of the bound β‐carbolines were supported by molecular docking simulations. The information may also be relevant to understanding the mechanism β‐carboline of binding to GABA type A receptors where they are potent pharmacological probes.
Factors Conveying Resilience in the Context of Urban Poverty: The Case of Orphans and Vulnerable Children in the Informal Settlements of Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Fotso Jean Christophe , Holding Penny A. , Ezeh Alex C. 
Published: July 2009

Background:  This paper aims to extend the knowledge of the psychosocial impact of orphanhood through a detailed description of child welfare outcomes; explore the relationship between child‐, household‐ and neighbourhood‐level characteristics and child welfare outcomes; and suggest potential points of intervention to support orphans and vulnerable children.Methods:  Two indices of psychosocial welfare were developed: emotional well‐being and perceived care. Multilevel regression models were applied to identify the sources of variability in these outcomes.Results:  Vulnerability was associated more with poverty and neighbourhood characteristics, than with orphanhood.Conclusion:  Targeted support for orphans should take into account the loss incurred, the age and gender of the child, and the characteristics of the community in which the child lives.
Does Size Matter in Australia?*
Authors: KORTT MICHAEL , LEIGH ANDREW 
Published: July 2009

We estimate the relationship between hourly wages and two aspects of body size: height and body mass index (BMI). We observe a height premium, with an additional 10 cm of height being associated with a 3 per cent increase in hourly wages for men. However, workers with higher BMI scores do not seem to earn lower wages. These results are largely unaffected by controlling for physical health, or (in the case of BMI) instrumenting with the BMI of biological family members. A survey of previous instrumental variables studies shows little indication of systematic biases, suggesting that OLS may provide a reasonable estimate of the causal impact of BMI on wages.
Social and Economic Costs of Food Allergies in Europe: Development of a Questionnaire to Measure Costs and Health Utility
Authors: Fox Margaret , Voordouw Jantine , Mugford Miranda , Cornelisse Judith , Antonides Gerrit , Frewer Lynn 
Published: July 2009

Objectives. To develop a questionnaire to measure the additional social costs of food allergies (FAs).Data Source and Study Setting. People with FAs and sampled members of the general population (with and without FAs) in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom in 2006.Study Design. (1) Literature review. (2) Focus group to identify key costs of FAs and seek views on the questionnaires. (3) Pilot survey to test the questionnaires in cases and controls.Data Collection. Twenty‐eight participants in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands with clinically or self‐diagnosed FAs took part in one of five focus groups. A case–control postal survey was conducted in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands (with 125 FA cases and 62 controls).Principal Findings. Methods exist to measure social costs in chronic illness, but not FAs. Focus groups found features of FAs likely to impact costs of living. Pilot results suggest higher costs of living and health care costs, and well‐being in FAs.Conclusion. The questionnaire is proposed for use in wider European and other comparative studies of FAs.
Compounds from Sichuan and Melegueta peppers activate, covalently and non‐covalently, TRPA1 and TRPV1 channels
Authors: Riera CE , Menozzi‐Smarrito C , Affolter M , Michlig S , Munari C , Robert F , Vogel H , Simon SA , Le Coutre J 
Published: July 2009

Background and purpose:  Oily extracts of Sichuan and Melegueta peppers evoke pungent sensations mediated by different alkylamides [mainly hydroxy‐α‐sanshool (α‐SOH)] and hydroxyarylalkanones (6‐shogaol and 6‐paradol). We assessed how transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and TRP vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), two chemosensory ion channels, participate in these pungent sensations.Experimental approach:  The structure–activity relationships of these molecules on TRPA1 and TRPV1 was measured by testing natural and synthetic analogues using calcium and voltage imaging on dissociated dorsal root ganglia neurons and human embryonic kidney 293 cells expressing the wild‐type channels or specific cysteine mutants using glutathione trapping as a model to probe TRPA1 activation. In addition, using Trpv1 knockout mice, the compounds' aversive responses were measured in a taste brief‐access test.Key results:  For TRPA1 activation, the cis C6 double bond in the polyenic chain of α‐SOH was critical, whereas no structural specificity was required for activation of TRPV1. Both 6‐shogaol and 6‐paradol were found to activate TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels, whereas linalool, an abundant terpene in Sichuan pepper, activated TRPA1 but not TRPV1 channels. Alkylamides and 6‐shogaol act on TRPA1 by covalent bonding whereas none of these compounds activated TRPV1 through such interactions. Finally, TRPV1 mutant mice retained sensitivity to 6‐shogaol but were not responsive to α‐SOH.Conclusions and implications:  The pungent nature of components of Sichuan and Melegueta peppers was mediated via interactions with TRPA1 and TRPV1 channels and may explain the aversive properties of these compounds.
The Relationship Between Homocysteine and Genes of Folate‐Related Enzymes in Migraine Patients
Authors: Oterino Agustin , Toriello Maria , Valle Natalia , Castillo Jesus , Alonso‐Arranz Ana , Bravo Yolanda , Ruiz‐Alegria Carlos , Quintela Estrella , Pascual Julio 
Published: July 2009

(Headache 2010;50:99‐168)Background.— It has been suggested that homocysteine (Hcy) and the 5′‐10′‐methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T variant are implicated in the pathogenesis of migraine. Homocysteine has the potential to damage endothelium and accelerate atherosclerosis. Genetic factors such as the MTHFR C677T polymorphism, and other polymorphisms in folate‐related genes associated with high homocysteine levels, may contribute to increasing this vascular risk.Results.— We recruited 427 migraine patients (199 without aura [MO]; 228 with aura [MA]), and 310 controls in a neurologic clinic. Hcy levels and 6 polymorphisms corresponding to 6 folate‐related genes, including the MTHFR C677T variant, were determined in all migraine participants and in a subset of 155 controls. We found higher sex‐adjusted Hcy levels in MA (mean: 11.02 µM) than MO patients (9.86 µM; P = .005 for the difference). Hcy levels higher than 12.0 µM doubled the risk for MA (OR = 2.145; 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.3‐3.4; P = .001), and those higher than 15.0 µM incurred a 6‐fold increase (OR = 5.95; 95% CI = 2.1‐20.0, P < .001). The number of MTHFR 677T alleles was the best genetic predictor of Hcy levels (r2 = 0.06; P = 6.2e‐6; corrected for genetic variants analyzed) and this effect remained significant after correction for other confounding factors. Using multi‐dimensionality reduction approaches, we observed significant epigenetic interaction among some of the folate‐related genetic variants to predict higher Hcy levels, and also among higher Hcy levels and folate‐related genetic variants to predict the end‐diagnosis of MA only among migraineurs. In controls, Hcy levels and the number of MTHFR 677T alleles were found to be intermediate between those observed in MA and MO patients.Conclusion.— Our results suggest that MA patients have higher Hcy levels. We also observed complex epigenetic interaction among folate‐related enzymes, sex, and Hcy levels predicting MA phenotype. Nevertheless, genetic factors explained only a minor proportion of the variance for both Hcy plasma levels and for predicting MA phenotype. Determination of MTHFR C677T polymorphisms and Hcy levels may be useful to identify patients with a high risk of suffering from MA.
1. Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Van Kleef Maarten , Van Genderen Wilco E. , Narouze Sem , Nurmikko Turo J. , Van Zundert Jan , Geurts José W. , Mekhail Nagy 
Published: July 2009

AbstractTrigeminal neuralgia is a common cause of facial pain. It has a significant impact on the quality of life and the socioeconomic functioning of the patient. The aim of this review is to provide recommendations for medical management of trigeminal neuralgia based on current evidence. Based upon the analyses of the literature combined with experience in pain management, symptoms, assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment possibilities of trigeminal neuralgia are described and discussed. Recommendations for pain management are given and are displayed in a clinical practice algorithm. Treatment should be multidisciplinary. Various treatment options and their risks should be discussed with the patient. The first treatment of choice is carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine. In younger patients, the first choice of invasive treatment is probably microvascular decompression. For elderly patients, radiofrequency treatment of Gasserian ganglion is recommended and the technique is described in detail.
Convergence of Insurance and Financial Markets: Hybrid and Securitized Risk‐Transfer Solutions
Authors: Cummins J. David , Weiss Mary A. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractOne of the most significant economic developments of the past decade has been the convergence of the financial services industry, particularly the capital markets and (re)insurance sectors. Convergence has been driven by the increase in the frequency and severity of catastrophic risk, market inefficiencies created by (re)insurance underwriting cycles, advances in computing and communications technologies, the emergence of enterprise risk management, and other factors. These developments have led to the development of hybrid insurance/financial instruments that blend elements of financial contracts with traditional reinsurance as well as new financial instruments patterned on asset‐backed securities, futures, and options that provide direct access to capital markets. This article provides a survey and overview of the hybrid and pure financial markets instruments and provides new information on the pricing and returns on contracts such as industry loss warranties and Cat bonds.
Utility of Lead aVR for Identifying the Culprit Lesion in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kühl Jørgen Tobias , Berg Ronan M. G. 
Published: July 2009

Background: Lead aVR is a neglected, however, potentially useful tool in electrocardiography. Our aim was to evaluate its value in clinical practice, by reviewing existing literature regarding its utility for identifying the culprit lesion in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: Based on a systematic search strategy, 16 studies were assessed with the intent to pool data; diagnostic test rates were calculated as key results. Results: Five studies investigated if ST‐segment elevation (STE) in aVR is valuable for the diagnosis of left main stem stenosis (LMS) in non–ST‐segment AMI (NSTEMI). The studies were too heterogeneous to pool, but the individual studies all showed that STE in aVR has a high negative predictive value (NPV) for LMS. Six studies evaluated if STE in aVR is valuable for distinguishing proximal from distal lesions in the left anterior descending artery (LAD) in anterior ST‐segment elevation AMI (STEMI). Pooled data showed a sensitivity of 47%, a specificity of 96%, a positive predicative value (PPV) of 91% and a NPV of 69%. Five studies examined if ST‐segment depression (STD) in lead aVR is valuable for discerning lesions in the circumflex artery from those in the right coronary artery in inferior STEMI. Pooled data showed a sensitivity of 37%, a specificity of 86%, a PPV of 42%, and an NPV of 83%. Conclusion: The absence of aVR STE appears to exclude LMS as the underlying cause in NSTEMI; in the context of anterior STEMI, its presence indicates a culprit lesion in the proximal segment of LAD.
Electrocardiographic Evaluation in Patients with Systemic Scleroderma and without Clinically Evident Heart Disease
Authors: Biełous‐Wilk Anna , Poręba Małgorzata , Staniszewska‐Marszałek Edyta , Poręba Rafał , Podgórski Maciej , Kałka Dariusz , Jagielski Dariusz , Rusiecki Lesław , Pilecki Witold , Baran Eugeniusz , Andrzejak Ryszard , Sobieszczańska Małgorzata 
Published: July 2009

Background: In patients with systemic scleroderma (SSc), clinically evident cardiac involvement is recognized to be a poor prognostic factor. The aim of the study was to evaluate electrocardiographic changes, parameters of heart rate variability (HRV), and heart rate turbulence (HRT) in patients with SSc without evident symptoms of heart disease. Methods: A group of 27 patients with SSc were subjected to standard electrocardiography (ECG) examination and 24‐hour Holter monitoring. Analysis of HRV in time and frequency domains, HRT, and echocardiography were also performed. Results: Holter monitoring revealed a larger number of premature supraventricular contractions (PSVCs), as well as premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) in the patients with systemic scleroderma, as compared with the control group. Moreover, the SSc patients showed decreased parameters of time and frequency domains, as referred to the controls, especially during night hours. In four patients, abnormal HRT values were present. On echocardiography, only slight changes were found, however in five patients left ventricle diastolic dysfunction was diagnosed. Conclusions: The noninvasive electrocardiographic methods seems to be useful for detecting early heart involvement in course of SSc and could be recommended for routine used in clinical practice. Significance of HRT analysis in patients with SSc needs further elucidation.
The hidden lion: Tswapong girls’ puberty rituals and the problem of history
Authors: WERBNER PNINA 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTIn this article, I propose, against earlier missionary and anthropological narratives that construct Tswana girls’ initiation as abjectifying, subjectifying, and violent, that the Tswapong girls’ puberty ritual, the mothei, endows novices with seriti, a quality that implies an active sense of autonomy, dignity, respect, and self‐respect. I argue that the mothei rites enact a conjunctural, embodied dialectics of fertilization, respect, and empowerment as the novice is moved in and out of the hut–womb in a series of transformative phases, from passivity to agency and from darkness to protective shadow. In addition, the secret singing, dancing, and performance in the hut—the cult's esoteric lore—create moments of transgressive sexuality, creativity, fun, and conviviality as well as posing challenging physical ordeals. Despite the mothei's creation of a viable and vibrant society of village women, a growing tendency has been to abandon the ritual in the name of “progress,” arising from teachers’ and girls’ understanding of themselves as “modern” subjects. I reflect on this trend, spelling out some of the dilemmas and implications for an anthropological ethics of salvage anthropology and critical nostalgia. [puberty rituals, initiation, Tswana–Botswana, Tswapong, missionaries, women and agency, cultural authenticity, critical nostalgia]
Traditional, transnational, and cosmopolitan: The Colombian Yanacona look to the past and to the future
Authors: JACKSON JEAN E. , RAMÍREZ MARÍA CLEMENCIA 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTIn this article, we analyze a crisis that resulted when a vehicular road was illegally cut through a corner of southern Colombia's San Agustín Archaeological Park, a UNESCO‐designated World Heritage site, by a nearby reindigenizing Yanacona community and its neighboring campesino allies. In numerous meetings addressing the crisis, Yanacona leaders, performing on a transnational and cosmopolitan stage, have asserted and justified their position by creatively combining local and “authentic” discourses with significantly scaled‐up heritage, developmentalist, and environmentalist ones. Yanacona articulate and adapt their ethnicity to an evolving global reification of diversity as well as fashion a symbolics of citizenship that critiques modernity but cannot be called “traditional.”[reindigenization, heritage, performativity, state–indigenous relations, politics of culture, cultural tourism, Colombia]
Incompatible insect technique: incompatible males from aCeratitis capitatagenetic sexing strain
Authors: Zabalou S. , Apostolaki A. , Livadaras I. , Franz G. , Robinson A. S. , Savakis C. , Bourtzis K. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractWolbachiaare obligatory intracellular and maternally inherited bacteria that infect and spread through natural arthropod populations by inducing male‐killing, feminization, parthenogenesis, and, most commonly, unidirectional and bidirectional cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). Cytoplasmic incompatibility can be used to control natural populations of insect pests, in a way analogous to the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), namely through the Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT). For the successful application of the IIT (based on a unidirectional CI approach) against a target species, it is essential that only males are released, as the release of females would lead to fertile matings between the released males and the released females and the establishment of aWolbachia‐carrying field population. In the present study, we describe aWolbachia‐infected line of the VIENNA 8 genetic sexing strain of the Mediterranean fruit fly,Ceratitis capitata(Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), that carries the selectable markertemperature sensitive lethal(tsl). We show that (1) transferredWolbachiainduce high levels of CI even after the temperature treatment required for the male‐only production, and (2) theWolbachia‐infected genetic sexingC. capitataline can be used in cage population suppression experiments analogous to the SIT. We also discuss our results in a comparison between IIT and SIT, investigating whether irradiation and cytoplasmic factors can be combined toward the development of novel strategies for insect pest control.
WT1 marker is not sufficient for distinguishing between melanoma and melanocytic nevi
Authors: Rosner Karli , Mehregan Darius R. , Moussai Darius , Abrams Judith , Tromp Gerard , Mehregan David A. 
Published: July 2009

Background: The heterogeneous histological features of melanoma may often overlap with melanocytic nevi. For this reason, pathologists have sought after immunohistochemistry to assist with difficult cases. Recently, Wilms' tumor 1 protein (WT1) has been suggested to differentiate between melanoma and melanocytic nevi.Objective: Our objective was to determine whether immunohistochemistry analysis of WT1 expression is a reliable tool in differentiating cutaneous melanoma from melanocytic nevi.Methods: Forty‐five melanoma and 43 melanocytic nevi were immunostained with anti‐WT1 monoclonal antibody (clone 6F‐H2).Results: Forty of the 45 cutaneous melanoma (89%) and 22 of the 43 melanocytic nevi (51%) stained (> 10% cells) for WT1. The highest sensitivity for WT1 was expressed by nodular melanoma (19/20), superficial spreading melanoma (8/10) and Spitz nevi (9/11). At the threshold of above 75% WT1‐stained cells, the specificity for melanoma was 95% but the sensitivity was only 31%. At the threshold of 10%, the sensitivity increased to 89% but the specificity decreased to only 49%. Finally, at the threshold of 25% and 50%, the sensitivity and specificity were 71%, 61% and 64%, 77%, respectively.Conclusions: Our data suggest that melanoma is associated with increased WT1 expression. However, as a single immunostaining marker, WT1 is not sufficient for distinguishing melanoma from melanocytic nevi.
Cutaneous reactive angiomatosis associated with cholesterol embolism
Authors: Yang Ya‐Wen , Chen Chi‐Long , Ho Wen‐Tsao , Wang Kuo‐Hsien 
Published: July 2009

Cholesterol embolism (CE) is characterized by emboli containing cholesterol crystal in the arterioles, most commonly found in the skin and the kidney. The skin presentations of CE include livedo reticularis, blue toe syndrome, ulceration and gangrene. Cutaneous reactive angiomatosis (CRA) is a recently proposed term to describe a group of reactive vascular proliferation in skin caused by various diseases. Its occurrence in association with CE is extremely uncommon. An 82‐year‐old man with a history of cerebral infarction and on long‐term warfarin therapy developed progressive, multiple violaceous papules and nodules on the dorsal feet, soles and toes, simulating Kaposi's sarcoma. Skin biopsy showed marked vascular endothelial cell proliferations characteristic of CRA affecting the full thickness of dermis. In addition, cholesterol crystal emboli were found in dermal arterioles. The skin lesions improved after the warfarin dose was reduced. We emphasize the possible presence of CE in a patient presented with CRA, especially in those with a pre‐existing atherosclerotic disease, on anticoagulation therapy, or having a prior history of invasive vascular procedure.Yang Y‐W, Chen C‐L, Ho W‐T, Wang K‐H. Cutaneous reactive angiomatosis associated with cholesterol embolism.