bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HLA‐DRB1: genetic susceptibility and disability progression in a Spanish multiple sclerosis population
Authors: Romero‐Pinel L. , Pujal J. M. , Martínez‐Yélamos S. , Gubieras L. , Matas E. , Bau L. , Torrabadella M. , Azqueta C. , Arbizu T. 
Published: July 2010

Background and objective: The association of HLA‐DRB1*15 with susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS) has been consistently reported although its effect on the clinical phenotype is still controversial. The objectives of this study are to investigate the influence of the HLA‐DRB1 alleles on the genetic susceptibility to MS and to study their impact on disability progression in a Spanish population.Methods: HLA‐DRB1 typing was performed by PCR‐SSP in 380 patients with sporadic MS and 1088 unrelated healthy controls. Allelic frequencies were compared between groups. We studied the correlation between the different alleles and the progression of MS.Results: The HLA‐DRB1*15 allele in patients with MS had a statistically significant higher frequency when compared with controls (18.9% in patients vs. 10.1% in controls, Odds ratio (OR) = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.64–2.60,P < 0.001). In the univariate analysis, the DRB1*01 and DRB1*04 alleles were associated with a worse prognosis when considering the time to reach an EDSS of 6, whereas the DRB1*03 was correlated with a better outcome. In the multivariate analysis, the alleles*01 and *04 were demonstrated to be independent factors to have a worse prognosis.Conclusions: HLA‐DRB1*15 is associated with MS when comparing patients with unrelated healthy controls in a Spanish population. The HLA‐DRB1*01 and HLA‐DRB1*04 alleles are related to a worse prognosis when considering the time taken to reach severe disability.
Number and type of synapses on the distal dendrite of a rat striatal cholinergic interneuron: a quantitative, ultrastructural study
Authors: Sizemore Rachel J. , Reynolds John N. J. , Oorschot Dorothy E. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractKnowledge of the innervation of interneurons within the striatum is critical to determining their role in the functioning of the striatal network. To this end, the synaptic innervation of a distal dendrite of a rat striatal cholinergic interneuron was quantified for the first time. These synaptic data were compared to three other dendrites from rat striatal interneurons and to published data from dendrites in the mammalian cerebral cortex. To label the cholinergic interneurons and their distal dendrites, a male Wistar rat was perfused and the striatum was double‐immunolabelled with an antibody to choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and an antibody to m2 muscarinic receptor. After processing for transmission electron microscopy, a cholinergic interneuron was located and an m2‐labelled distal dendrite identified by tracing it through serial ultrathin sections to this double‐immunolabelled soma. Two interneuronal distal dendrites in the same tissue, and another from a second rat, were used for comparison. The widths and lengths of the four distal dendrites, the total number and type of synapses, and the number of synapses per μm for each distal dendrite were measured. Symmetric synapses were the most common type on all four dendrites. There were 0.73 synapses per μm on the distal dendrite of the identified striatal cholinergic interneuron. Two other interneuronal dendrites that were positive for the m2 muscarinic receptor antibody showed similar synaptic densities of 0.62 and 0.83 synapses per μm of distal dendrite, respectively. On a third unlabelled interneuronal distal dendrite located in the lateral striatum, there were 2.17 synapses per μm. This interneuron was thought to be a parvalbumin interneuron rather than a calretinin interneuron, which would more likely be medially located. These data suggest that the number of synapses per μm on the distal dendrite of the cholinergic interneuron, and possibly two other cholinergic interneurons, is three times lower than that of a likely parvalbumin interneuron in the rat striatum. The number of synapses per μm of distal dendrite for a striatal cholinergic interneuron is also lower than the published 1.22–3.3 synapses per μm of dendrite for neurons in the mammalian cerebral cortex. Such anatomical data are important for the construction of new generation computer models that are better able to emulate the operation of striatal cholinergic interneurons.
Selecting an optimal prognostic system for liver cirrhosis: the model for end‐stage liver disease and beyond
Authors: Huo Teh‐Ia , Lee Shou‐Dong , Lin Han‐Chieh 
Published: July 2010

AbstractIn comparison with the Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) system, recent studies suggested that the model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) may more accurately predict the survival for patients with cirrhosis. In the US, the liver allocation system was changed in 2002 from a status‐based algorithm utilizing CTP scores to one using continuous MELD severity scores as a reference system in prioritizing adult patients on the waiting list. Direct evidence that demonstrates the benefits of MELD is the fact that the mortality rates of transplant candidates on the waiting list have remarkably decreased after the implementation of the MELD. The MELD score is closely associated with the degree of portal hypertension as reflected by the hepatic venous pressure gradient. Hyponatraemia occurs as a result of advanced cirrhosis, and a serum sodium (Na) level <126 mEq/L at the time of listing for transplantation is a strong independent predictor of mortality. Several MELD‐derived prognostic models that incorporate serum Na into calculation have been proposed in the hopes of further improving the MELD's prognostic accuracy. Additionally, serum parameters such as creatinine and international normalized ratio are subject to interlaboratory variations and may need unifying standardizations. Patients with refractory complications of cirrhosis may need a priority MELD score to prioritize them on the waiting list. Appropriate modifications and the fine‐tuning of the MELD based on well‐designed prospective studies are necessary in solving the current controversial issues.
Cholinergic Mediation of Alcohol‐Induced Experimental Pancreatitis
Authors: Lugea Aurelia , Gong Jun , Nguyen Janie , Nieto Jose , French Samuel W. , Pandol Stephen J. 
Published: July 2010

Objectives:  The mechanisms initiating pancreatitis in patients with chronic alcohol abuse are poorly understood. Although alcohol feeding has been previously suggested to alter cholinergic pathways, the effects of these cholinergic alterations in promoting pancreatitis have not been characterized. For this study, we determined the role of the cholinergic system in ethanol‐induced sensitizing effects on cerulein pancreatitis.Methods:  Rats were pair‐fed control and ethanol‐containing Lieber‐DeCarli diets for 6 weeks followed by parenteral administration of 4 hourly intraperitoneal injections of the cholecystokinin analog, cerulein at 0.5 μg/kg. This dose of cerulein was selected because it caused pancreatic injury in ethanol‐fed but not in control‐fed rats. Pancreatitis was preceded by treatment with the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine or by bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomy. Measurement of pancreatic pathology included serum lipase activity, pancreatic trypsin, and caspase‐3 activities, and markers of pancreatic necrosis, apoptosis, and autophagy. In addition, we measured the effects of ethanol feeding on pancreatic acetylcholinesterase activity and pancreatic levels of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors m1 and m3. Finally, we examined the synergistic effects of ethanol and carbachol on inducing acinar cell damage.Results:  We found that atropine blocked almost completely pancreatic pathology caused by cerulein administration in ethanol‐fed rats, while vagotomy was less effective. Ethanol feeding did not alter expression levels of cholinergic muscarinic receptors in the pancreas but significantly decreased pancreatic acetylcholinesterase activity, suggesting that acetylcholine levels and cholinergic input within the pancreas can be higher in ethanol‐fed rats. We further found that ethanol treatment of pancreatic acinar cells augmented pancreatic injury responses caused by the cholinergic agonist, carbachol.Conclusion:  These results demonstrate key roles for the cholinergic system in the mechanisms of alcoholic pancreatitis.
Recovered Medical Error Inventory
Authors: Dykes Patricia C. , Rothschild Jeffrey M. , Hurley Ann C. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract Purpose: To describe the development and psychometric testing of the Recovered Medical Error Inventory (RMEI). Design and Methods: Content analysis of structured interviews with expert critical care registered nurses (CCRNs) was used to empirically derive a 25‐item RMEI. The RMEI was pilot tested with 345 CCRNs. The data set was randomly divided to use the first half for reliability testing and the second half for validation. A principal components analysis with Varimax rotation was conducted. Cronbach's alpha values were examined. A t test and Pearson correlation were used to compare scores of the two samples. Findings: The RMEI consists of 25 items and two subscales. Evidence for initial reliability includes a total scale alpha of .9 and subscale alpha coefficients of .88 (mistake) and .75 (poor judgment). Conclusions: The RMEI subscales have satisfactory internal consistency reliability and evidence for construct validity. Additional testing is warranted. Clinical Relevance: A tool to measure CCRNs’ experiences with recovering medical errors allows quantification of nurse surveillance in promoting safe care and preventing unreimbursed hospital costs for treating nosocomial events.
Somatostatin receptor biology in neuroendocrine and pituitary tumours: part 1 – molecular pathways
Authors: Cakir Mehtap , Dworakowska Dorota , Grossman Ashley 
Published: July 2010

AbstractIntroductionThe somatostatin receptor as a GPCRAnti‐tumour effects of somatostatinPost‐receptor signalling pathwaysNeuroendocrine tumours (NETs) may occur at many sites in the body although the majority occur within the gastroenteropancreatic axis. Non‐gastroenteropancreatic NETs encompass phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas, medullary thyroid carcinoma, anterior pituitary tumour, broncho‐pulmonary NETs and parathyroid tumours. Like most endocrine tumours, NETs also express somatostatin (SST) receptors (subtypes 1–5) whose ligand SST is known to inhibit endocrine and exocrine secretions and have anti‐tumour effects. In the light of this knowledge, the idea of using SST analogues in the treatment of NETs has become increasingly popular and new studies have centred upon the development of new SST analogues. We attempt to review SST receptor (SSTR) biology primarily in neuroendocrine tissues, focusing on pituitary tumours. A full data search was performed through PubMed over the years 2000–2009 with keywords ‘somatostatin, molecular biology, somatostatin receptors, somatostatin signalling, NET, pituitary’ and all relevant publications have been included, together with selected publications prior to that date. SSTR signalling in non‐neuroendocrine solid tumours is beyond the scope of this review. SST is a potent anti‐proliferative and anti‐secretory agent for some NETs. The successful therapeutic use of SST analogues in the treatment of these tumours depends on a thorough understanding of the diverse effects of SSTR subtypes in different tissues and cell types. Further studies will focus on critical points of SSTR biology such as homo‐ and heterodimerization of SSTRs and the differences between post‐receptor signalling pathways of SSTR subtypes.
High fat diet‐induced liver steatosis promotes an increase in liver mitochondrial biogenesis in response to hypoxia
Authors: Carabelli Julieta , Burgueño Adriana L. , Rosselli Maria Soledad , Gianotti Tomas Fernández , Lago Nestor R. , Pirola Carlos J. , Sookoian Silvia 
Published: July 2010

AbstractMitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number plays a key role in the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome‐related phenotypes, but its role in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is not well understood. We evaluated the molecular mechanisms that may be involved in the regulation of liver mtDNA content in a high‐fat‐induced rat model of NAFLD. In particular, we tested the hypothesis that liver mtDNA copy number is associated with liver expression of HIF‐1α. Rats were given either standard chow diet (SCD, n= 10) or high‐fat diet (HFD, n= 15) for 20 weeks. Subsequently, mtDNA quantification using nuclear DNA (nDNA) as a reference was carried out using real time quantitative PCR. HFD induced a significant increase in liver mtDNA/nDNA ratio, which significantly correlated with the liver triglyceride content (R: 0.29, P < 0.05). The liver mtDNA/nDNA ratio significantly correlated with the hepatic expression of HIF‐1α mRNA (R: 0.37, P < 0.001); liver HIF‐1α mRNA was significantly higher in the HFD group. In addition, liver cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV isoform 1 (COX4I1) mRNA expression was also positively correlated with liver mtDNA content. The hepatic expression of mRNA of transcriptional factors that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis, including peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator‐1α (PGC‐1α) and PGC‐1β, nuclear respiratory factor‐1 (NRF‐1), peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor δ and Tfam, was not associated with the liver mtDNA content. Neither hepatocyte apoptosis nor oxidative stress was involved in the HIF‐1α‐mediated increase in mtDNA copy number. In conclusion, we found that HFD promotes an increase in liver mitochondrial biogenesis in response to hypoxia via HIF‐1α, probably to enhance the mitochondrial function as well as to accommodate the metabolic load.
A support vector machine for decision support in melanoma recognition
Authors: Gilmore Stephen , Hofmann‐Wellenhof Rainer , Soyer H. Peter 
Published: July 2010

Please cite this paper as: A support vector machine for decision support in melanoma recognition. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 830–835.Abstract:  The early diagnosis of melanoma is critical to achieving reduced mortality and increased survival. Although clinical examination is currently the method of choice for melanocytic lesion assessment, difficulties may arise in the diagnosis of atypical lesions. From both the naked eye and dermoscopic perspective, dysplastic naevi often exhibit a prominent heterogeneity of structure that renders their clinical distinction from melanoma difficult. To address these problems in diagnosis, there exists a heightened interest among researchers regarding the utility of machine learning techniques in computerised image analysis. Here we report on the utility, for dermatologists, of support vector machine (SVM) technology in melanoma diagnosis, using an archive of 199 digital dermoscopic images of excised atypical melanocytic lesions. Our best validation models achieved an average sensitivity and specificity for melanoma diagnosis of 0.86 and 0.72, respectively. Applying the best model to our test set yielded a sensitivity of 0.89, a diagnostic odds ratio of 14.09 and an area under the receiver operated characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.76. Advantages of the procedure implemented are the simplicity of feature extraction and the computationally cheap and efficient nature of SVMs. The derived model generalises well with outcomes that compare favourably with competing algorithms and expert assessment. In line with the concept of the utility of decision support systems in clinical practice, we propose that to reduce the risk of missed melanomas, both the dermatologists’ assessment and the SVM diagnosis be incorporated into the clinical decision‐making process.
Improved quantitative evaluation of atopic dermatitis by camera calibration and rectification of a stereo image
Authors: Lee Onseok , Yu Jaeseung , Lee Gunwoo , Park Gyuman , Kim Mingi , Oh Chilhwan 
Published: July 2010

Background/Purpose:The aim of this study was to establish a scientific assessment method to evaluate the severity of atopic dermatitis (AD) by calibrating part of a previously described stereo‐image optical topometer (SOT).Methods:The old SOT was created using a non‐convergence model. However, this study utilizes a convergence model. Camera calibration and rectification were performed using images obtained from stereo cameras. We attempted to verify the efficacy of AD treatment by objectively measuring the improvement in a group of subjects. Twenty AD patients with a variety of disease types were divided into a control group and a treatment group.Results:The scoring of the AD (SCORAD) index did not show any improvements in the treated patients. However, when comparing the advanced SOT and the old SOT, we observed a decreased variation for five parameters, indicating that the treated patients experienced improved outcomes compared with controls. Most notably, we found that the coefficient of variation of the advanced SOT was lower than that of the old SOT.Conclusion:We conclude that the advanced SOT may be useful for evaluating AD. The use of an advanced stereo image system may yield more reliable results than the old SOT system.
Neonatal intensive care utilization and neonatal outcome of infants born to women aged 40 years and over in New Zealand
Authors: Battin M , Sadler L ,   on behalf of the Australia and New Zealand Neonatal Network
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackground:  Increased maternal age is associated with pregnancy complications and there are few data available on neonatal outcome and utilization of neonatal resources. Our first aim was to use national New Zealand data to determine if the outcomes following admission to NICU are different for infants born to women aged 40 years and over, compared with those born to women under 40 years of age. The second aim was to document trends in the requirement of neonatal intensive care in infants born to women aged 40 years and older.Method:  Eligible infants were identified from registration with the Australian and New Zealand Neonatal Network for 1995–2004 inclusive. The relationship between maternal age and neonatal outcome was tested using univariate and multivariate analysis, and trends in the number of infants in maternal age groups below 35 years, 35–39 years and over 40 years were determined.Results:  On multivariate analysis using logistic regression, maternal age over 40 years was not found to be associated with a significant increase in the odds ratio for the composite poor outcome. However, over the 10‐year period, there was an increase in the number of admissions and the percentage of admissions of infants born to women over 40 years of age.Conclusion:  Although the number of infants admitted for neonatal care following birth to women over 40 years of age has increased, these infants do not appear to have an increased risk of severe abnormal outcome.
Structures of Virtue and Vice
Authors: Daly Daniel J. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe paper argues for new concepts in theological ethics: structures of virtue and structures of vice. The Catholic tradition's development of the ‘structures of sin’ in the 1970's and 80's was a significant contribution to magisterial teaching. However, this concept should be updated in light of the trajectory and concepts of post-Vatican II theological ethics. The article proceeds in two parts. Part one recapitulates the development of the concept of structures of sin in the Catholic tradition from the Second Vatican Council to Pope Benedict XVI's recent social encyclical, Caritas in veritate. Part two reflects on the findings of part one, and proceeds to define and defend the concepts structure of virtue and structures of vice. These related concepts more accurately capture the moral nature of social structures. Social structures have the capacity to produce just or unjust outcomes, and to play a significant role in the character formation of persons. Therefore, the structures of virtue and structures of vice are offered as insightful ways of discussing the moral status of social structures.
Bede Jarrett, Sir Ernest Barker and the Political Significance of the Dominican Order
Authors: O'Brien Nick 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThis article seeks to reappraise the scholarly work of Bede Jarrett OP by drawing out his debt to Sir Ernest Barker. A shared interest in medieval political and social institutions, and in the constitution of the Dominican Order as a model of voluntary association, infused Jarrett's thinking with the tenets of English political pluralism and enabled him to produce a body of work that paid as much attention to concrete political form as to social ethics. As such his work establishes links with nineteenth and early twentieth-century Christian Socialism, as well as echoing certain current preoccupations within political theology.
Emergency physician credentialing for resuscitative thoracotomy for trauma
Authors: Fitzgerald Mark , Tan Gim , Gruen Russell , Smit De Villiers , Martin Kate , Newton‐Brown Emma , Luckhoff Carl , Maini Amit 
Published: July 2010

AbstractObjective:  A low case incidence and variable skill level prompted the development of a credentialing programme and specific surgical training in resuscitative thoracotomy for emergency physicians at The Alfred, a Level 1 Adult Victorian Major Trauma Service.Methods:  A review of the incidence of traumatic pericardial tamponade and the objectives of resuscitative thoracotomy were undertaken.Results:  A training programme involving pre‐reading of a 17 page teaching manual, a 40 min didactic lecture and a 2 h surgical skills station using anaesthetized pigs were developed. The specific indication for resuscitative thoracotomy for this programme is ultrasound demonstrated cardiac tamponade secondary to blunt or penetrating truncal trauma in a haemodynamically unstable patient with a systolic blood pressure of less than 70 mmHg despite pleural decompression and intravenous volume replacement. Cardiac electrical activity must be present. The primary aims of resuscitative thoracotomy taught are release of cardiac tamponade, control of haemorrhage and access for internal cardiac massage.Conclusion:  Emergency physicians working in high‐volume Trauma Centres are expected to diagnose cardiac tamponade and on occasion decompress the pericardium. Specific training in the procedure should be undertaken.