bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TGF‐β upregulates tumor‐associated carbonic anhydrase IX gene expression in Hep3B cells
Authors: Yıldırım Hatice , Köçkar Feray 
Published: June 2009

AbstractCarbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) is a membrane‐associated carbonic anhydrase (CA) that is overexpressed in a variety of tumor types and associated with increased metastasis, giving a poor prognosis. Transcriptional regulation of transmembrane protein CAIX is complex. We describe further characterization of the 1.2 kb hCA9 promoter, and the effect of TGF‐β on the transcriptional activity and expression of hCAIX in Hep3B cells. Transcriptional activity of different promoter regions of hCA9 promoter showed the presence of negative regulatory region between −300 bp and −500 bp of hCAIX promoter. The −116/+38 region was enough for basal transcriptional activity in Hep3B cells. TGF‐β upregulates all promoter regions of hCA9 with the highest beig for −466/+38 that has a negatively regulated region. The transcriptional activation of hCA9 promoter by TGF‐β is consistent with hCAIX mRNA levels revealed by RT‐PCR and hCAIX protein expression levels by flow cytometry in Hep3B cells.
Co‐occurrence and associations of pain and fatigue in a community sample of Dutch adults
Authors: Creavin Samuel T. , Dunn Kate M. , Mallen Christian D. , Nijrolder Iris , van der Windt Daniëlle A.W.M. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWidespread pain and chronic fatigue are common in the general population. Previous research has demonstrated co‐occurrence of syndromes that are associated with pain and fatigue (fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome), but there is limited existing data on the co‐occurrence of these symptoms in general. This study investigates the co‐occurrence of pain and fatigue, and characterises people with these symptoms individually, and in combination. A postal questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 4741 community dwelling Dutch adults registered with five general practices. There were 2447 participants (adjusted response = 53.5%). Persistent fatigue was reported by 60% of the 451 subjects with chronic widespread pain. Chronic widespread pain was reported by 33% of the 809 responders with persistent fatigue. Anxiety and depression were more common in subjects who reported both symptoms than those who reported either one or neither. Participants who had chronic disease, high body mass index, low activity levels or did not perceive ability to influence health had higher adjusted odds of reporting both symptoms (but not one alone) than subjects not having these characteristics. Pain and fatigue occur more often than would be expected by chance and there are a number of reasons for this. Clinicians should be aware that co‐occurrence of the symptoms is common, especially in people who have high BMI or chronic disease, and that people with both symptoms are often anxious or depressed. Further work should address longitudinal associations of pain and fatigue.
An observational study on the effect of S(+)‐ketamine on chronic pain versus experimental acute pain in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type 1 patients
Authors: Sigtermans Marnix , Noppers Ingeborg , Sarton Elise , Bauer Martin , Mooren René , Olofsen Erik , Dahan Albert 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAims The aim of the study was to explore the analgesic effect of the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist ketamine in acute experimental versus chronic spontaneous pain in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type 1 (CRPS‐1) patients.Methods: Ten patients suffering from chronic CRPS‐1 and with a Visual Analogue pain Score (VAS) of >5 were recruited. Seven intravenous 5‐min low‐dose S(+)‐ketamine infusions with increasing doses at 20‐min intervals were applied. Spontaneous pain ratings and VAS responses to experimental heat stimuli were obtained during infusion and for 3‐h following infusion.Results: CRPS pain: Ketamine produced potent analgesia with a significant VAS reduction from 6.2 ± 0.2 to 0.4 ± 0.3 cm at the end of infusion. Analgesia persisted beyond the infusion period (VAS = 2.8 ± 1.0 cm at 5‐h), when measured plasma ketamine concentrations were low (<100 ng/ml). Experimental pain: Ketamine had a dose‐dependent antinociceptive effect on experimental pain that ended immediately upon the termination of infusion.Discussion: The data indicate that while ketamine's effect on acute experimental pain is driven by pharmacokinetics, its effect on CRPS pain persisted beyond the infusion period when drug concentrations were below the analgesia threshold for acute pain. This indicates a disease modulatory role for ketamine in CRPS‐1 pain, possibly via desensitization of NMDAR in the spinal cord or restoration of inhibitory sensory control in the brain.
Pattern of tau isoforms expression during development in vivo
Authors: Bullmann Torsten , Holzer Max , Mori Hiroshi , Arendt Thomas 
Published: June 2009

AbstractNeuronal morphology and axonal growth during development are correlated to specific expression of various microtubule‐associated protein tau isoforms. Using RT‐PCR and Western blotting we found the unexpected result that the shift from fetal towards adult isoforms does not differ between rat cerebral cortex and cerebellum, two temporally differently developing areas. By immunohistochemistry we observed a cell type specific isoform expression during development and adulthood. The developmental expression of tau isoforms was compared to the appearance of stable microtubules assessed by the immunohistochemical detection of tubulin modifications. The tau isoform shift shows an apparent disconnect to neurogenesis, migration and volume growth, but coincides with the formation of synapses and the appearance of stable microtubules.
Women living with HIV and AIDS: Right to prevention, treatment, and health care
Authors: Titus Mokete Joseph , Moodley Jack 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWomen living with HIV/AIDS not only bear the burden of this pandemic in under‐resourced countries, but are faced with the human rights issues concerning the management of their condition, not only for their own health, but also for prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of the virus and infertility investigation. This article tackles the issues of reproductive health rights pertaining to prevention of HIV, and rights regarding HIV testing including the ethical dilemmas associated with “opt in,” “opt out,” and mandatory testing. Accountability, rights to treatment and travel, and employment issues are also discussed.
To have or not to have: The critical importance of reproductive rights to the paradox of population policies in the 21st century
Authors: Greer Gill 
Published: June 2009

AbstractReproductive rights continue to be under threat, even some 15 years after the landmark International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo declared the importance of a satisfying and safe sex life, the capability to have children, and the right to decide on the timing, number, and spacing. The right to choose whether and when to have children is at risk both from some who seek to increase birth rates through pronatalist policies and from some who seek a return to “population control” as a response to global climate change, environmental degradation, endemic poverty, global recession, and food shortages. This paper argues the success of the rights‐based approach to family planning, reproductive health and health education, and outlines issues and policy responses related to low fertility. This is contrasted with the unmet need for family planning in the poorest countries. It calls for health providers to advocate for reproductive rights, affirming that the freedom of women to control their fertility is the basis for other essential freedoms.
Sexual rights and gender roles in a religious context
Authors: Zaidi Shahida , Ramarajan Arulmozhi , Qiu Renzong , Raucher Michal , Chadwick Ruth , Nossier Amna 
Published: June 2009

AbstractA common feature of the five faiths discussed in this article is change over time. This allowed diversity within the religions, and generally led to a degree of liberalization, but in some faiths or their sects, resulted in a narrow or rigid interpretation. For example, the golden Vedic Period of Hinduism in India when “women were worshipped” gradually faded, ushering in the social evils of female feticide, child marriage, and “sati.” The advent of Islam in the seventh century banned female infanticide, but has been unable to abolish many tribal pre‐Islamic customs such as female genital mutilation in Africa and “honor killings” in parts of Asia. On the other hand, in China, the inferior status of women accorded by Confucianism has been rectified to a large extent by legislation; this has, however, been offset by a restrictive population policy allowing only one child or two children per couple in some areas of the country (with no limit in Tibet), which has led millions of women to resort to prenatal sex diagnosis and abortion if the fetus is female. In the West, the debate over the use of biomedical technology continues, with various rabbinic rulings permitting the use of assisted reproductive technologies by Jews to fulfill the obligation to procreate, and the Vatican reinforcing its opposition to these and to genetic testing on embryos and embryonic stem cell research.
Right to protection from unsafe abortion and postabortion care
Authors: Faúndes Anibal , Rao Kamini , Briozzo Leonel 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe International Congress on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action urged governments and intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations to reduce women's recourse to abortion through improved family planning services; reliable information and counseling should be readily accessible to women who have unwanted pregnancies; where abortion is legal, it should be safe; and in all cases, quality services for management of abortion complications should be accessible. Review of the extent to which these recommendations have been implemented over the last 15 years shows that, with few exceptions, little attention has been given to this serious problem. Because of its political and religious implications, abortion is mostly ignored. Those with the power to promote change have an obligation to raise the issue of abortion from the darkness in which it is currently hidden, and bring it into the public light as a human drama and a health problem that is not difficult to solve if the ICPD recommendations are taken seriously.
Right to assisted reproductive technology: Overcoming infertility in low‐resource countries
Authors: Inhorn Marcia C. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis article examines the high prevalence of primary and secondary infertility in low‐resource countries. Provision of assisted reproductive technology (ART) to overcome both female and male infertility is in line with the reproductive rights agenda developed at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo 15 years ago. In addition to the right to control fertility, reproductive rights must encompass the right to facilitate fertility when fertility is threatened. Facilitation of fertility may require resort to ART, among both men and women. Egypt is highlighted as a positive example of progress in this regard.
DISTANCE GEOMETRY IN QUASIHYPERMETRIC SPACES. I
Authors: NICKOLAS PETER , WOLF REINHARD 
Published: June 2009

AbstractLet (X,d) be a compact metric space and let ℳ(X) denote the space of all finite signed Borel measures on X. Define I:ℳ(X)→ℝ by and set M(X)=sup I(μ), where μ ranges over the collection of signed measures in ℳ(X) of total mass 1. The metric space (X,d) is quasihypermetric if for all n∈ℕ, all α1,…,αn∈ℝ satisfying ∑ i=1nαi=0 and all x1,…,xn∈X, the inequality ∑ i,j=1nαiαjd(xi,xj)≤0 holds. Without the quasihypermetric property M(X) is infinite, while with the property a natural semi-inner product structure becomes available on ℳ0(X), the subspace of ℳ(X) of all measures of total mass 0. This paper explores: operators and functionals which provide natural links between the metric structure of (X,d), the semi-inner product space structure of ℳ0(X) and the Banach space C(X) of continuous real-valued functions on X; conditions equivalent to the quasihypermetric property; the topological properties of ℳ0(X) with the topology induced by the semi-inner product, and especially the relation of this topology to the weak-* topology and the measure-norm topology on ℳ0(X); and the functional-analytic properties of ℳ0(X) as a semi-inner product space, including the question of its completeness. A later paper [P. Nickolas and R. Wolf, Distance geometry in quasihypermetric spaces. II, Math. Nachr., accepted] will apply the work of this paper to a detailed analysis of the constant M(X).
SOLVABILITY FOR A NONLINEAR FRACTIONAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION
Authors: GUO YINGXIN 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIn this paper, we consider the existence of nontrivial solutions for the nonlinear fractional differential equation boundary-value problem (BVP)where 1<α≤2,η∈(0,1),β∈ℝ=(−∞,+∞),βηα−1≠1,Dαis the Riemann–Liouville differential operator of orderα, andf:[0,1]×ℝ→ℝ is continuous,q(t):[0,1]→[0,+∞) is Lebesgue integrable. We give some sufficient conditions for the existence of nontrivial solutions to the above boundary-value problems. Our approach is based on the Leray–Schauder nonlinear alternative. Particularly, we do not use the nonnegative assumption and monotonicity onfwhich was essential for the technique used in almost all existed literature.
NONEXPANSIVE MAPPINGS ON THE UNIT SPHERES OF SOME BANACH SPACES
Authors: TAN DONG-NI 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe characterize surjective nonexpansive mappings between unit spheres of ℒ∞(Γ)-type spaces. We show that such mappings turn out to be isometries and can be extended to linear isometries on the whole space ℒ∞(Γ).
n-JORDAN HOMOMORPHISMS
Authors: GORDJI M. ESHAGHI 
Published: June 2009

AbstractLetn∈ℕ and letAandBbe rings. An additive maph:A→Bis called ann-Jordan homomorphism ifh(an)=(h(a))nfor alla∈A. Every Jordan homomorphism is ann-Jordan homomorphism, for alln≥2, but the converse is false in general. In this paper we investigate then-Jordan homomorphisms on Banach algebras. Some results related to continuity are given as well.
Acute effects of calcium carbonate, calcium citrate and potassium citrate on markers of calcium and bone metabolism in young women
Authors: Karp Heini J. , Ketola Maarit E. , Lamberg-Allardt Christel J. E. 
Published: June 2009

Both K and Ca supplementation may have beneficial effects on bone through separate mechanisms. K in the form of citrate or bicarbonate affects bone by neutralising the acid load caused by a high protein intake or a low intake of alkalising foods, i.e. fruits and vegetables. Ca is known to decrease serum parathyroid hormone (S-PTH) concentration and bone resorption. We compared the effects of calcium carbonate, calcium citrate and potassium citrate on markers of Ca and bone metabolism in young women. Twelve healthy women aged 22–30 years were randomised into four controlled 24 h study sessions, each subject serving as her own control. At the beginning of each session, subjects received a single dose of calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, potassium citrate or a placebo in randomised order. The diet during each session was identical, containing 300 mg Ca. Both the calcium carbonate and calcium citrate supplement contained 1000 mg Ca; the potassium citrate supplement contained 2250 mg K. Markers of Ca and bone metabolism were followed. Potassium citrate decreased the bone resorption marker (N-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen) and increased Ca retention relative to the control session. Both Ca supplements decreased S-PTH concentration. Ca supplements also decreased bone resorption relative to the control session, but this was significant only for calcium carbonate. No differences in bone formation marker (bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) were seen among the study sessions. The results suggest that potassium citrate has a positive effect on the resorption marker despite low Ca intake. Both Ca supplements were absorbed well and decreased S-PTH efficiently.
Changes in vitamin biomarkers during a 2-year intervention trial involving increased fruit and vegetable consumption by free-living volunteers
Authors: Macdonald Helen M. , Hardcastle Antonia C. , Duthie Garry G. , Duthie Susan J. , Aucott Lorna , Sandison Rena , Shearer Martin J. , Reid David M. 
Published: June 2009

Trials in free-living populations involving increased consumption of fruit and vegetables are difficult to monitor. We evaluated biomarkers for assessing fruit and vegetable intake and compliance in a 2-year trial. Postmenopausal women were randomised to 300 g additional fruit and vegetables per d (n 66), placebo (n 70) or potassium citrate (n 140). They completed dietary checklists (3-monthly) and food diaries or FFQ (yearly). We measured whole-blood folate, plasma vitamin C and homocysteine (yearly), serum vitamin E and carotenoids (at 12 months) and urinary vitamin K metabolites (yearly). Plasma vitamin C was associated with fruit and vegetable intake at baseline (r +0·31; P < 0·01), remaining significant only for the non-fruit and vegetable group at 12 months (r +0·43; P < 0·01). For the fruit and vegetable group, vitamin C increased by 5·9 μmol/l (P = 0·07) but was not significantly associated with fruit and vegetable intake; vitamin E, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin were higher compared with the non-fruit and vegetable group (P < 0·05); and whole-blood folate and the urinary 5C-aglycone metabolite of vitamin K were associated with vegetable intake. For all participants plasma vitamin C increased with increasing fruit and vegetable intakes, reaching a plateau of 90–95 μmol/l at intakes>500 g/d, whereas whole-blood folate, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin continued to increase. Concentrations of vitamin C, folate and β-cryptoxanthin were lower and the 7C-aglycone metabolite of vitamin K higher, in smokers compared with non-smokers. Suitable markers for monitoring fruit and vegetable compliance include β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin. Plasma vitamin C and whole-blood folate may be suitable for monitoring intakes in populations but for monitoring compliance the former may be restricted to low intakes of fruit and vegetables and the latter to vegetable intake.
The output of a laser amplifier with simultaneous amplified spontaneous emission and an injected seed
Authors: Huang H. , Tallents G.J. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe minimum irradiance needed to overcome amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) of a seed beam injected into a laser amplifier is evaluated. The treatment is particularly applicable to extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and X-ray laser schemes to inject laser harmonic radiation as a seed into (1) plasma laser amplifiers and (2) free-electron lasers. Simple expressions and calculations are given for the minimum injected irradiance required for amplification of the injected seed beam to exceed ASE from the amplifier, including the effects of gain saturation, assuming one dimensional radiative transfer.
Theory and simulation of heavy ion stopping in plasma
Authors: Zwicknagel Günter 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe theoretical description of the energy loss of heavy ions in fully ionized matter is considered, where we focus on the many–body and plasma physics aspects of the stopping of point like projectiles with a fixed charge by free electrons, disregarding the atomic physics of the projectile and the target ions. This starts by identifying different coupling regimes for a heavy ion which passes through an electron plasma, and continues with a discussion of the available and appropriate analytical and numerical treatments of the energy loss and their applicability in these various regimes. Special attention is given to a nonlinear coupling regime with significant strong coupling effects on the projectile-target energy transfer where standard perturbative approaches cease to be valid. More advanced theoretical treatments, which are required for this regime, are presented, discussed and evaluated by comparison with simulation results.
The Netherlands
Authors: Banta David , Oortwijn Wija J. 
Published: June 2009

Objective:The aim of this report was to describe the history of health technology assessment (HTA) in the Netherlands.Methods:This article is a descriptive review from two people who have been very much involved in the events described and is based on review of relevant policy documents and Web sites.Results:HTA has been progressively developed in the Netherlands since (at least) the early 1980s. Beginning in 1985, there were progressive attempts to expand and institutionalized HTA in the Netherlands healthcare system. These attempts were generally successful, but did not result in a national agency for HTA. An important development in HTA in the Netherlands was a special fund (Ontwikkelingsgeneeskunde) designed to support prospective HTAs with the main purpose of affecting insurance coverage decisions. The administration of this fund moved progressively to broaden the subjects chosen for analysis to include such subjects as chronic illness and disability. A more-or-less hidden conflict developed in the question of the leadership and orientation of this fund, with the result that it was largely moved to a more research-oriented and less policy-oriented site.Conclusions:The situation today is that HTA is visible and is used by the government in policy decisions, especially in the areas of prevention and screening. In addition, HTA is influential in insurance coverage decision making, especially in the field of pharmaceuticals. The principles of HTA and evidence-based medicine are generally familiar to physicians and other clinicians, however, the influence of HTA on clinical and administrative decisions is less than in some other countries.
History of health technology assessment: Spain
Authors: Sampietro-Colom Laura , Asua Jose , Briones Eduardo , Gol Jordi ,   the AuNETS Group
Published: June 2009

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of the introduction and diffusion of health technology assessment (HTA) in Spain.Methods: A survey to summarize the evolution of HTA was sent to representatives of different HTA initiatives in Spain.Results: HTA was introduced in the late 1980s. The main factors were the trend to an increase in healthcare expenditure, concerns regarding efficiency in providing health care, as well as in the level of rationality introducing high technology. Spain has direct (i.e., regulation) and indirect (i.e., payment systems, evidence-based programs, HTA) mechanisms to control health technologies. A recent high priority regulation has established the need of HTA to decide the introduction of a new health technology in the lists of public healthcare coverage, although similar regulations existed in the past and were scarcely implemented. HTA initiatives started at the regional government level. Its introduction followed a progressive pattern among regions. In the beginning, resources were scarce and expertise limited, with work done at intramural level. With time, expertise increase, and promotion of commissioned work was implemented. HTA knowledge transfer in the healthcare system has been carried out through courses, publications, and commissioned research. Currently, there are seven HTA units/agencies, which coordinate their work.Conclusions: HTA in Spain is in its maturity. Facing the unavoidable change of health care environment over time, HTA is also evolving and, currently, there is a trend to broaden the areas of influence of HTA by devolving capacity to hospitals and applying principles to very early phases of health technology development, under the umbrella of regional HTA units/agencies. However, there are two main challenges ahead. One is to have a real impact at the highest level of healthcare policy coordination among Spanish regions, which is done at the Central Ministry of Health. The other is to avoid the influence of political waves in the level of recognition of HTA at the policy decision-making level and to have an adequate and stable funding of HTA initiatives.