bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alcohol‐seeking behavior is associated with increased glutamate transmission in basolateral amygdala and nucleus accumbens as measured by glutamate‐oxidase‐coated biosensors
Authors: Gass Justin T. , Sinclair Courtney M. , Cleva Richard M. , Widholm John J. , Olive M. Foster 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTRelapse is one of the most problematic aspects in the treatment of alcoholism and is often triggered by alcohol‐associated environmental cues. Evidence indicates that glutamate neurotransmission plays a critical role in cue‐induced relapse‐like behavior, as inhibition of glutamate neurotransmission can prevent reinstatement of alcohol‐seeking behavior. However, few studies have examined specific changes in extracellular glutamate levels in discrete brain regions produced by exposure to alcohol‐associated cues. The purpose of this study was to use glutamate oxidase (GluOx)‐coated biosensors to monitor changes in extracellular glutamate in specific brain regions during cue‐induced reinstatement of alcohol‐seeking behavior. Male Wistar rats were implanted with indwelling jugular vein catheters and intracerebral guide cannula aimed at the basolateral amygdala (BLA) or nucleus accumbens (NAc) core, and then trained to self‐administer alcohol intravenously. A separate group of animals were trained to self‐administer food pellets. Each reinforcer was accompanied by the presentation of a light/tone stimulus. Following stabilization of responding for alcohol or food reinforcement, and subsequent extinction training, animals were implanted with pre‐calibrated biosensors and then underwent a 1‐hour cue‐induced reinstatement testing period. As determined by GluOx‐coated biosensors, extracellular levels of glutamate were increased in the BLA and NAc core during cue‐induced reinstatement of alcohol‐seeking behavior. The cumulative change in extracellular glutamate in both regions was significantly greater for cue‐induced reinstatement of alcohol‐seeking behavior versus that of food‐seeking behavior. These results indicate that increases in glutamate transmission in the BLA and NAc core may be a neurochemical substrate of cue‐evoked alcohol‐seeking behavior.
Sophocarpine alleviates non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in rats
Authors: Song Chun‐Yan , Zeng Xin , Chen Si‐Wen , Hu Ping‐Fang , Zheng Zhi‐Wu , Ning Bei‐Fang , Shi Jian , Xie Wei‐Fen , Chen Yue‐Xiang 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is one entity in the spectrum of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to explore the prevention and therapeutic effect of sophocarpine on experimental rat NASH.Methods:  Sophocarpine with the dosage of 20 mg/kg/day was injected into NASH rats. At the end of 12 weeks, all rats were killed to detect the degree of fatty degeneration, inflammation and fibrosis.Results:  Sophocarpine intervention (in the pro‐treated and treated groups) resulted in a significant decrease of liver weight, liver index, serum transaminase and serum lipids. Messenger RNA expressions of leptin, interleukin (IL)‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, procollagen‐I and α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA) and deposition of IL‐6, TNF‐α and TGF‐β1 in liver decreased, whereas the messenger RNA expression of adiponectin increased significantly compared with that in the model group. Moreover, histological improvement was also observed in the sophocarpine intervention group. In addition, there was no significant difference in any detected indicator between the pro‐treated and treated group.Conclusions:  Sophocarpine could decrease the level of serum transaminase, improve lipid metabolism, reduce synthesis of inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, TGF‐β1 and IL‐6, activate protective adipocytokine adiponectin, and might be selected as a promising agent for the clinical prevention and therapy of NASH.
Lateral lumbar X‐ray assessment of abdominal aortic calcification in Australian haemodialysis patients
Authors: TOUSSAINT NIGEL D , PEDAGOGOS EUGENIE , LAU KENNETH K , HEINZE STEFAN , BECKER GAVIN J , BEAVIS JENNIFER , POLKINGHORNE KEVAN R , DAMASIEWICZ MATTHEW J , KERR PETER G 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTAim:  Vascular calcification is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease. Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) can be detected by X‐ray, although AAC is less well documented in anatomical distribution and severity compared with coronary calcification. Using simple radiological imaging we aimed to assess AAC and determine associations in prevalent Australian haemodialysis (HD) patients.Methods:  Lateral lumbar X‐ray of the abdominal aorta was used to determine AAC, which is related to the severity of calcific deposits at lumbar vertebral segments L1 to L4. Two radiologists determined AAC scores, by semi‐quantitative measurement using a validated 24‐point scale, on HD patients from seven satellite dialysis centres. Regression analysis was used to determine associations between AAC and patient characteristics.Results:  Lateral lumbar X‐ray was obtained in 132 patients. Median age of patients was 69 years (range 29–90), 60% were male, 36% diabetic, median duration of HD 38 months (range 6–230). Calcification (AAC score ≥ 1) was present in 94.4% with mean AAC score 11.0 ± 6.4 (median 12). Independent predictors for the presence and severity of calcification were age (P = 0.03), duration of dialysis (P = 0.04) and a history of cardiovascular disease (P = 0.009). There was no significant association between AAC and the presence of diabetes or time‐averaged serum markers of mineral metabolism, lipid status and C‐reactive protein.Conclusions:  AAC detected by lateral lumbar X‐ray is highly prevalent in our cohort of Australian HD patients and is associated with cardiovascular disease, increasing age and duration of HD. This semi‐quantitative method of determining vascular calcification is widely available and inexpensive and may assist cardiovascular risk stratification.
Living in aged care: Using spiritual reminiscence to enhance meaning in life for those with dementia
Authors: MacKinlay Elizabeth , Trevitt Corinne 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTSpiritual reminiscence is a way of telling a life story with emphasis on meaning. Spiritual reminiscence can identify meaning associated with joy, sadness, anger, guilt, or regret. Exploring these issues in older age can help people to reframe some of these events and come to new understanding of the meaning and purpose of their lives. A total of 113 older adults with dementia, living in aged‐care facilities, participated in this study. They were allocated to small groups for spiritual reminiscence, to meet weekly over 6 weeks or 6 months. Quantitative data were gathered using a behavioural scale before and after each spiritual reminiscence session. Qualitative data included taped and transcribed reminiscence sessions, individual interviews, and observer journals. A facilitator led the small‐group discussion based on spiritual reminiscence. New relationships were developed among group members that improved life for these people in aged care. This paper examines aspects of the qualitative data around the themes of ‘meaning in life’ and ‘vulnerability and transcendence’. Spiritual reminiscence offers nursing staff a way of knowing those with dementia in a deeper and more meaningful way.
Perspectives on the experience of being physically restrained: An integrative review of the qualitative literature
Authors: Strout Tania D. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTPublications providing information on the safe use of physical restraints, guidelines for restraint use, and journal articles on the care of mental health patients are frequently devoid of information regarding patients' perspectives on physical restraint. As physical restraint is a common procedure in many settings, the purpose of this review is to examine and summarize the qualitative literature on patients' perspectives on being physically restrained, from 1966 through to 2009. A formal integrative review of existing qualitative literature on patients' perspectives of physical restraint was conducted. Studies were critiqued, evaluated for their strength, and analysed for key themes and meanings. Twelve studies were ultimately identified and included in the review. Four themes emerged from the review, including negative psychological impact, retraumatization, perceptions of unethical practices, and the broken spirit. While little qualitative research on patients' perceptions of physical restraint exists, findings within the current literature reveal serious implications for patients and nurses alike. Additional research into physical restraint implications for the patient–nurse dyad is needed, and nurses should approach the use of physical restraint with caution and awareness of their potential psychological impact.
Reconciling mental health recovery with screening and early intervention in dementia care
Authors: Irving Kate , Lakeman Richard 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTIf early intervention in dementia care is to be enhanced, it is important to have a critical debate over how this should be realized. In this paper, we offer a synthesis of two approaches to care: mental health recovery and person‐centred care, and apply them to early‐stage dementia care. ‘Person‐centred care’ has become a catchphrase for good dementia care. However, many people have not experienced improvements in care, and other lynch pin concepts, such as ‘mental health recovery’, might have utility in driving reform. The similarities and differences between the two approaches are drawn out, and the difficulties of using the word ‘recovery’ when discussing a degenerative disease are highlighted. The implications of this discussion for early intervention are discussed. It could be seen that the two bodies of knowledge have much to offer each other, despite initial dissonance with the label of recovery in dementia care.
Linking psychosocial stressors and childhood obesity
Authors: Gundersen C. , Mahatmya D. , Garasky S. , Lohman B. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryResearch has established a wide array of genetic and environmental factors that are associated with childhood obesity. The focus of this review is on recent work that has established the relationship between one set of environmental factors, stressors and childhood obesity. These stressors are particularly prevalent for low‐income children, a demographic group that has high rates of obesity in the USA and other developed countries. In this review, we begin by summarizing the psychosocial stressors faced by children followed by health outcomes associated with exposure to these stressors documented in the literature. We then summarize 11 articles which examined the connection between psychosocial stressors in the household and obesity and eight articles which examined the connection between individual psychosocial stressors and obesity. Policy recommendations emerging from this research include recognizing reductions in childhood obesity as a potential added benefit of social safety net programmes that reduce financial stress among families. In addition, policies and programmes geared towards childhood obesity prevention should focus on helping children build resources and capacities to teach them how to cope effectively with stressor exposure. We conclude with suggestions for future research.
A Parallel SPH Implementation on Multi‐Core CPUs
Authors: Ihmsen Markus , Akinci Nadir , Becker Markus , Teschner Matthias 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThis paper presents a parallel framework for simulating fluids with the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method. For low computational costs per simulation step, efficient parallel neighbourhood queries are proposed and compared. To further minimize the computing time for entire simulation sequences, strategies for maximizing the time step and the respective consequences for parallel implementations are investigated. The presented experiments illustrate that the parallel framework can efficiently compute large numbers of time steps for large scenarios. In the context of neighbourhood queries, the paper presents optimizations for two efficient instances of uniform grids, that is, spatial hashing and index sort. For implementations on parallel architectures with shared memory, the paper discusses techniques with improved cache‐hit rate and reduced memory transfer. The performance of the parallel implementations of both optimized data structures is compared. The proposed solutions focus on systems with multiple CPUs. Benefits and challenges of potential GPU implementations are only briefly discussed.
A Comparison of Earnings Measures from Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Surveys: Evidence from the UK
Authors: Francesconi Marco , Sutherland Holly , Zantomio Francesca 
Published: November 2010

SummaryThe paper compares earnings data from the British Household Panel Survey with those collected in the Family Resources Survey, using several measures, which account for various key aspects of the two surveys, and contrasting three different points in time (1995–1996, 2003–2004 and 2007–2008). We first perform non-parametric tests of equality at the centre of the distributions and over the whole earnings distributions. We then apply multivariate regression methods to establish whether the Family Resources Survey and British Household Panel Survey earnings data yield different results in relation to three typical uses of earnings data: the probability of being at the bottom or at the top of the distribution, the estimation of earnings functions both at the mean and at various quartiles and, using earnings as an explanatory variable, the probability of belonging to an occupational pension plan. Our analysis reveals that the two surveys have fairly similar earnings data in the first comparison year, whereas sizable and stable differences emerge in the later two comparisons. These findings are robust to the use of alternative definitions of earnings. They suggest the important role that is played by non-response and attrition between the first and the second comparison time points, and that played by ‘learning-by-doing’ effects in later data collections.
Investigating Scheduling of Work: A Two-Stage Optimal Matching Analysis of Workdays and Workweeks
Authors: Lesnard Laurent , Kan Man Yee 
Published: November 2010

SummaryWe study the scheduling of work by using optimal matching analysis. We show that optimal matching can be adapted to the number of periodicities and theoretical concerns of the topic by adjusting its costs and parameters. Optimal matching is applied at two stages to define workdays and workweeks at the first and second stage respectively. There were five types of workdays and seven types of workweeks in the UK between 2000 and 2001. Standard workdays represented just over a half of workdays and standard workweeks constituted one in four workweeks. There were three types of part-time workweeks.
Depigmentation therapies for normal skin in vitiligo universalis
Authors: AlGhamdi K.M. , Kumar A. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractIf vitiligo involves most of the body, it might be easier to depigment the normal remaining skin rather than to attempt repigmentation. We reviewed the literature to date regarding available therapies for depigmenting the normal skin in vitiligo universalis. Our review revealed that the threshold regarding what percentage of body surface area qualifies as depigmentation is variable among practitioners. Monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone (MBEH) is the most widely used depigmenting agent and has few side‐effects. Tretinoin in combination with MBEH is able to speed depigmentation of the skin. Monomethylether of hydroquinone has also been used successfully for depigmentation. Eighty‐eight per cent phenol is also effective in depigmenting the skin but its application on large areas is toxic for liver and kidney. Different types of lasers are also available to destruct the melanocytes selectively, but this technique can be painful and expensive. Cryotherapy is a cheap depigmenting therapy but, because of scarring risk, it should only be used by experienced dermatologists. No trials have compared the efficacy of the above‐mentioned well‐established depigmentation agents/techniques. Certain drugs such as imatinib, imiquimod and diphencyprone, which are used to treat other diseases, caused depigmentation as a side‐effect. Some depigmentation agents used for branding cattle can also serve as topical depigmentation agents. In conclusion, comparative clinical trials are needed to compare the efficacy of various depigmentation agents/techniques. In particular, topical imatinib, imiquimod and diphencyprone may be considered as potential depigmenting agents, which require further investigation. This review revealed that MBEH is safe and effective depigmenting agent.
Dermal infiltrates of cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas with epidermotropism but not other cutaneous lymphomas are abundant with langerin+ dendritic cells
Authors: Der‐Petrossian M. , Valencak J. , Jonak C. , Klosner G. , Dani T. , Müllauer L. , Pehamberger H. , Knobler R. , Trautinger F. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBackground  The Langerhans cell (LC) hypothesis suggests that cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas (CTCL) are diseases of chronic T‐cell stimulation by LC‐mediated antigen presentation.Objective  To investigate a broad panel of CTCL and cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas (CBCL) for the spatial association of langerin+ dendritic cells (DC) with T and B cells in the skin, respectively.Methods  Fifty‐five specimens of CTCL and 10 of CBCL were double‐stained with monoclonal antibodies against langerin and CD3 or CD20, respectively, and evaluated by confocal laser scan microscopy.Results  Dermal infiltrates in mycosis fungoides (n = 38), primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium‐sized pleomorphic T‐cell lymphoma (n = 3) and primary cutaneous peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, unspecified (n = 3) were characterized by a high frequency of dermal langerin+ DCs. These cells were exclusively present in the malignant infiltrates. No direct co‐localization of CD3 and langerin could be resolved. Dermal langerin+ cells were detected only in one of six primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphomas (C‐ALCL), characterized by epidermotropism. In other C‐ALCL cases (five of six), in lymphomatoid papulosis (n = 3), subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lymphoma (n = 2), and all variants of CBCL no dermal langerin+ DCs could be found.Conclusions  Langerin+ DCs are abundant in the dermal infiltrates of T‐cell lymphomas with specific involvement of the epidermis. This might indicate that immature LC and neoplastic T cells interact and gives rise to further studies to characterize the phenotype of the langerin+ cell population described here and its role in the pathology of CTCL.
A half of schoolchildren with ‘ISAAC eczema’ are ill with allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: Czarnobilska E. , Obtulowicz K. , Dyga W. , Spiewak R. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBackground  Similarity in clinical symptoms between atopic eczema (AE) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) may lead to misdiagnoses in both clinical practice and epidemiological studies. As patch testing for contact allergy does not seem popular among paediatric allergists, the resulting bias leads mainly to under diagnosing of ACD and over diagnosing of AE in children and adolescents.Objectives  To assess the frequency of AE and ACD among children and adolescents who answered affirmatively the eczema module of ISAAC questionnaire.Methods  Of 9320 schoolchildren involved in an allergy screening programme, 143 consecutive participants were recruited for the present study. The inclusion criterion was affirmative answers to questions from the eczema module of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. The children were examined by two allergists: a paediatrician and a dermatologist, and the children underwent patch testing.Results  We diagnosed AE in 46 (55.4%) children and 18 (30.0%) adolescents, whereas 32 (38.6%) children and 31 (51.7%) adolescents were diagnosed with ACD, with a considerable overlap of both diseases. Nine of 46 (19.6%) children and 13 of 25 (52.0%) adolescents with affirmative answers to the question about flexural eczema were diagnosed with ACD, while lacking features sufficient for the diagnosis of AE according to Hanifin and Rajka. Based on the indices from the whole population tested (9320 pupils), a rough estimate of the general ACD prevalence was 5.8% for adolescents, and 8.5% for children, which is close to the figure of 7.2% observed previously in Danish schoolchildren.Conclusions  Our data demonstrate that ‘ISAAC eczema’ is an epidemiological entity that embraces comparable portions of cases of atopic eczema and allergic contact dermatitis, and possibly also other less frequent pruritic dermatoses. Each case of chronic recurrent dermatitis in children requires differential diagnosis aimed at allergic contact dermatitis and inflammatory dermatoses other than atopic eczema, even when predominantly localized in flexural areas.
Prediction of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity in women with preterm labour: analysis of multiple proteins in amniotic and cervical fluids
Authors: Holst R‐M , Hagberg H , Wennerholm U‐B , Skogstrand K , Thorsen P , Jacobsson B 
Published: November 2010

Please cite this paper as: Holst R‐M, Hagberg H, Wennerholm U‐B, Skogstrand K, Thorsen P, Jacobsson B. Prediction of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity in women with preterm labour: analysis of multiple proteins in amniotic and cervical fluids. BJOG 2011;118:240–249.Objective  Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity is a major cause of preterm delivery and the diagnosis is dependent on invasive amniocentesis. The objective was to determine whether specific proteins in amniotic and cervical fluids alone, or in combination, could identify bacterial invasion.Design  A prospective follow‐up study.Population  Women with singleton pregnancies presenting with preterm labour between 22 and 33 weeks of gestation (n = 89).Setting  Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.Methods  Amniotic and cervical fluid was analysed with polymerase chain reaction for Mycoplasmas, and was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Twenty‐seven proteins were analysed using multiplex technology. Individual levels of each protein were compared in order to find associations between different proteins and microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity. Predictive models based on multiple proteins were created using stepwise binary logistic regression.Main outcome measure  The main outcome measure was microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity.Results  Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity was present in 17% (15/89) of the women. Concentration levels of several amniotic and cervical proteins were significantly higher in women with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity. Three multivariate predictive models were found. The predictive power of the non‐invasive model (73% sensitivity, 88% specificity, 55% positive predictive value, 94% negative predictive value) was as good as the invasive models. Area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and likelihood ratio were 0.87 and 6.0, respectively.Conclusions  Prediction of intra‐amniotic infection using selected cervical proteins was equally good as prediction using the same proteins collected from amniotic fluid, or a combination of cervical and amniotic proteins.