bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of histamine receptors and effects of histamine on murine and simian colonic excitability
Authors: Kim H. , Dwyer L. , Song J. H. , Martin‐Cano F. E. , Bahney J. , Peri L. , Britton F. C. , Sanders K. M. , Koh S. D. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackground  Inflammatory responses can include recruitment of cells of hematopoietic origin to the tunica muscularis. These cells can secrete a variety of factors which can reset the gain of smooth muscle cells (SMC) and influence motor patterns. Histamine (H), a major mediator in inflammation, is released by mast cells and exerts diverse effects in SMC by binding to H receptors. The profiles of H receptor expression in animal models used to study inflammatory diseases are unknown.Methods  Histamine receptor expression and electro‐mechanical responses to H were tested in simian and murine colonic smooth muscle using qualitative and quantitative PCR, isometric force measurements, microelectrode recordings and patch clamp techniques.Key Results  H1, H2, and H4 receptor transcripts were expressed at similar levels in simian colonic tissue whereas only the H2 receptor transcript was detected in murine colonic tissue. Stimulation of simian colonic muscles with H caused depolarization and contraction in the presence of tetrodotoxin. Histamine activated non‐selective cation channels in simian SMC. In contrast, H caused hyperpolarization and inhibited contractions of murine colon. The hyperpolarization was inhibited by the KATP channel blocker, glibenclamide. Histamine‐activated K+ currents were inhibited by glibenclamide in murine colonic SMC.Conclusions & Inferences  Histamine receptor expression in simian SMC was similar to that reported in humans. However, H receptor profile and responses to H were considerably different in mice. Thus, monkey colon may be a more suitable model to study how inflammatory mediators affect the gain of smooth muscle excitability.
Prediction of childhood obesity by infancy weight gain: an individual‐level meta‐analysis
Authors: Druet Céline , Stettler Nicolas , Sharp Stephen , Simmons Rebecca K. , Cooper Cyrus , Davey Smith George , Ekelund Ulf , Lévy‐Marchal Claire , Jarvelin Marjo‐Ritta , Kuh Diana , Ong Ken K. 
Published: August 2011

SummaryDruet C, Stettler N, Sharp S, Simmons RK, Cooper C, Davey Smith G, Ekelund U, Lévy‐Marchal C, Jarvelin M‐R, Kuh D, Ong KK. Prediction of childhood obesity by infancy weight gain: an individual‐level meta‐analysis. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2012; 26: 19–26.To assess the predictive ability of infant weight gain on subsequent obesity we performed a meta‐analysis of individual‐level data on 47 661 participants from 10 cohort studies from the UK, France, Finland, Sweden, the US and Seychelles. For each individual, weight SD scores at birth and age 1 year were calculated using the same external reference (British 1990). Childhood obesity was defined by International Obesity Task Force criteria. Each +1 unit increase in weight SD scores between 0 and 1 year conferred a twofold higher risk of childhood obesity (odds ratio = 1.97 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.83, 2.12]), and a 23% higher risk of adult obesity (odds ratio = 1.23 [1.16, 1.30]), adjusted for sex, age and birthweight. There was little heterogeneity between studies. A risk score for childhood obesity comprising weight gain 0–1 year, mother's body mass index, birthweight and sex was generated in a random 50% selection of individuals from general population cohorts with available information (n = 8236); this score showed moderate predictive ability in the remaining 50% sample (area under receiving operating curve = 77% [95% CI 74, 80%]). A separate risk score for childhood overweight showed similar predictive ability (area under receiving operating curve = 76% [73, 79%]). In conclusion, infant weight gain showed a consistent positive association with subsequent obesity. A risk score combining birthweight and infant weight gain (or simply infant weight), together with mother's body mass index and sex may allow early stratification of infants at risk of childhood obesity.
Host–Parasite interactions in Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar: what have we learned from their genomes?
Authors: WILSON I. W. , WEEDALL G. D. , HALL N. 
Published: August 2011

SummaryInvasive amoebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica is a major global health problem. Virulence is a rare outcome of infection, occurring in fewer than 1 in 10 infections. Not all strains of the parasite are equally virulent, and understanding the mechanisms and causes of virulence is an important goal of Entamoeba research. The sequencing of the genome of E. histolytica and the related avirulent species Entamoeba dispar has allowed whole‐genome‐scale analyses of genetic divergence and differential gene expression to be undertaken. These studies have helped elucidate mechanisms of virulence and identified genes differentially expressed in virulent and avirulent parasites. Here, we review the current status of the E. histolytica and E. dispar genomes and the findings of a number of genome‐scale studies comparing parasites of different virulence.
Integrated tuberculosis and HIV care in a resource‐limited setting: experience from the Martin Preuss centre, Malawi
Authors: Phiri S. , Khan P. Y. , Grant A. D. , Gareta D. , Tweya H. , Kalulu M. , Chaweza T. , Mbetewa L. , Kanyerere H. , Weigel R. , Feldacker C. 
Published: August 2011

SummaryObjectives  To describe the development and operation of integrated tuberculosis (TB) and HIV care at the Martin Preuss Centre, a multipartner organization bringing together governmental and non‐governmental providers of HIV and TB services in Lilongwe, Malawi.Methods  We used a case study approach to describe the integrated TB/HIV service and to illustrate successes and challenges faced by service providers. We quantified effective TB and HIV integration using indicators defined by the World Health Organization.Results  The custom‐designed building facilitates patient flow and infection control, and other important elements include coordinated leadership; joint staff training and meetings; and data systems prompting coordinated care. Some integrated services have worked well from the outset, such as promoting HIV testing among patients with TB (96% of patients with TB had documented HIV status in 2009). Other aspects of integrated care have been more challenging, for example achieving high uptake of antiretroviral therapy among HIV‐positive TB patients and combining data from paper and electronic systems. Good TB treatment outcomes (>85% cure or completion) have been achieved among both HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative individuals.Conclusions  High‐quality integrated services for TB and HIV care can be provided in a resource‐limited setting. Lessons learned may be valuable for service providers in other settings of high HIV and TB prevalence.
Safety and frequency of whole blood donations from elderly donors
Authors: Müller‐Steinhardt M. , Müller‐Kuller T. , Weiß C. , Menzel D. , Wiesneth M. , Seifried E. , Klüter H. 
Published: August 2011

Background  Within the coming decades, a steadily growing demand for blood products will face a shrinking blood donor population in many countries. After increasing the donor age of repeat donors for whole blood donation (WB) from 68 to 70 years in 2009 in our Blood Service, we investigated whether this is sufficient as a safe and effective strategy to sustain future blood supply.Materials and Methods  Between 1 March 2009 and 28 February 2011, WB donations from donors aged between 69 and 70 and their proportion of total donations in 2010 were determined. We analysed adverse reaction rates in donors with respect to sex and age and calculated mean annual donation frequencies.Results  Of all invited donors, 32·5% responded and contributed 0·98% (men) and 0·56% (women) to all WB units collected in 2010. The overall and systemic adverse reaction rate per 1·000 WB donations declined by age [men: 1·10 (95%CI: 0·84–1·35) vs. 0 (0–0·8), P < 0·0001; 0·99 (0·75–1·23) vs. 0 (0–0·8), P < 0·0001 and women: 1·80 (1·46–2·14) vs. 1·12 (0·1–2·66), P < 0·0001; 1·47 (1·17–1·78) vs. 1·12 (−0·43–2·66), P = 0·0004]. Mean donation frequencies were strongly correlated with increasing age (men: r = 0·953, P < 0·0001; women: r = 0·913, P < 0·0001) with peak values for 70‐year‐old male: 2·53 ± 1·37 vs. 1·79 ± 1·05, P < 0·0001 and female donors: 2·15 ± 1·06 vs. 1·52 ± 0·78, P < 0·0001.Conclusions  Elderly donors have very low adverse reaction frequencies and are highly committed to donate blood. Thus, we consider donations from repeat donors aged 69–70 safe and suggest it a powerful short‐ to midterm strategy to, at least partially, overcome the challenges of the demographic change.
Validation of the Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Review (CAMPHOR) for the Australian and New Zealand population
Authors: GANDERTON LOUISE , JENKINS SUE , MCKENNA STEPHEN P. , GAIN KEVIN , FOWLER ROBIN , TWISS JAMES , GABBAY ELI 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Individuals with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) experience severely impaired quality of life. A disease‐specific patient reported outcome measure for PAH (the Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Review—CAMPHOR) has recently been developed and validated in the UK, USA and Canada. It has demonstrated reliability and validity in PAH populations in these countries. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the CAMPHOR in an Australian and New Zealand (NZ) PAH population.Methods:  Semistructured interviews were conducted with a cohort of 15 PAH patients (aged 68.9 ± 10.0 years; 11 women) to determine the relevance of the CAMPHOR and ensure the terminology and language used was understandable and appropriate for our PAH population. The test–retest reliability, internal consistency and construct validity of the CAMPHOR were then examined in an Australian and NZ PAH population (n = 61, aged 56.9 ± 14.5 years; 48 women).Results:  Data from the patient interviews confirmed that the CAMPHOR is appropriate for use in our PAH population. The three CAMPHOR scales (symptoms, activity limitations and quality of life) had excellent test–retest reliability (correlation coefficients (rs) = 0.86–0.94, P < 0.01) and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficients = 0.89–0.92). The CAMPHOR also demonstrated the ability to distinguish between individuals with PAH who differed according to World Health Organisation functional class.Conclusions:  We have shown the CAMPHOR to be valid and reliable in an Australian and NZ PAH population and recommend its use in clinical practice.
Multiplex polymerase chain reaction for six herpesviruses after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Sawada Akihisa , Koyama‐Sato Maho , Yasui Masahiro , Kondo Osamu , Ishihara Takashi , Takeshita Yasufumi , Okamura Takayuki , Nishikawa Masanori , Inoue Masami , Kawa Keisei 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackground:  Herpesviruses cause life‐threatening diseases after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). It is necessary that viral diseases are identified early and safely diagnosed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for qualitative detection of the six herpesviruses simultaneously: herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2, varicella‐zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and human herpesvirus 6B.Methods:  Multiplex PCR was applied to patients with various clinical manifestations including central nervous system, cutaneous and mucosal complications after allogeneic HSCT, and the data were retrospectively analyzed.Results:  Patients positive for cytomegalovirus in peripheral blood by multiplex PCR might need pre‐emptive treatment, but a positive result for EBV had no specific correlation with EBV‐associated post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease, and positive result for human herpesvirus 6B failed to show any clinical significance. The multiplex PCR was safe and helpful to diagnose viral diseases of local regions, for example, the central nervous system, skin and mucosa.Conclusions:  It may be worthwhile to survey the six herpesviruses with multiplex PCR after HSCT.
Evaluation of the vancomycin dosage regimen based on serum creatinine used in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Irikura Mitsuru , Fujiyama Ayako , Saita Fumi , Fukushima Shiori , Kitaoka Hiroki , Fukuda Terumi , Kawase Akihiko , Kondo Yuichi , Ishitsuka Yoichi , Kondo Genzo , Maeda Toshihide , Yukawa Eiji , Irie Tetsumi 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackground:  Vancomycin is frequently used for the treatment of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections; however, determining the optimal dosage for neonates is difficult because of their immature renal function.Methods:  Serum creatinine‐based dosing was introduced in Kumamoto City Hospital Neonatal Medical Center. Serum trough concentration and therapeutic efficacy of vancomycin were evaluated before and after the introduction of the creatinine‐based dosing.Results:  When the therapeutic range of serum trough concentration of vancomycin at steady state was set to 5–15 µg/mL, 20 trough concentrations (48.8%) were within the therapeutic range and 21 trough concentrations were outside the therapeutic range before the introduction of the serum creatinine‐based dosing. After the introduction of serum creatinine‐based dosing, 18 trough concentrations (81.8%) were within the therapeutic range and 4 trough concentrations were not, and there was an increase in the number of patients with trough concentrations in the therapeutic range (P= 0.01; Fisher's exact test).Conclusions:  The serum creatinine‐based dosing of vancomycin is useful in maintaining the appropriate serum level of vancomycin in neonates.
Early onset of neonatal listeriosis
Authors: Jiao Ying , Zhang Wei , Ma Jianrong , Wen Chunling , Wang Ping , Wang Ying , Xing Jiwei , Liu Weiwei , Yang Liying , He Jiwen 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackground:  Listeria monocytogenes infection is not commonly reported in China. Increasing the awareness of neonatal listeriosis is necessary.Methods:  Six cases of neonatal listeriosis were diagnosed in the neonatal intensive care unit at Beijing Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital in 2008. We reviewed the clinical features, laboratory findings, timing of treatment, medications used, and the history of the mothers during pregnancy.Results:  All six cases were preterm infants. Blood cultures were positive for L. monocytogenes. All of the mothers developed fever in the third trimester of pregnancy, and three of them ended their pregnancy the day the fever appeared. The severity of the clinical symptoms varied in each infant, and all cases were treated with antibiotics immediately after birth. All six cases were discharged from hospital in good health.Conclusions:  Neonatal Listeria infection is generally a severe disease. Pregnant women must guard against fever and other manifestations, such as Listeria infection. Clinicians encountering such cases should be attentive to the patient's condition and should provide appropriate antibiotic treatment. Early detection and effective targeted treatment of listeriosis helps to improve the patient's survival and prognosis.
Magnetic resonance imaging volumetry and clinical analysis of epilepsy patients with unilateral hippocampal abnormality
Authors: Matsufuji Mayumi , Utsunomiya Hidetsuna , Inoue Takahito , Yasumoto Sawa , Takashima Sachio , Mitsudome Akihisa 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackground:  In order to clarify the correlation between morphological characteristics and clinical features in epilepsy patients with unilateral hippocampal abnormality, morphological and morphometric magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed.Methods:  We selected a series of childhood‐onset epilepsy patients with unilateral hippocampal abnormality. The volume of hippocampal formation and anterior temporal lobe were measured, and the hippocampal morphology was compared with their clinical features. The morphological characteristics of the hippocampal formation were classified into three groups: group I, diffuse and severe volume reduction of the hippocampal formation and anterior temporal lobe with abnormal signal; group II, focal atrophy or focal abnormal signal in the hippocampal formation; and group III, no significant volume reduction but an enlargement of the temporal horn.Results:  All of the patients in group I had a history of status epilepticus in infancy. Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) was found in three of four patients. Group II contained TLE in three and frontal lobe epilepsy in one. One patient with intractable TLE had a history of status epilepticus in infancy. Group III contained miscellaneous epilepsies, including benign partial epilepsy with centro‐temporal spikes in three of seven patients. Five patients in group III showed some characteristic features of hippocampal malrotation, which refers to incomplete hippocampal infolding.Conclusions:  Diffuse and severe volume reduction of the hippocampal formation and anterior temporal lobe with unilateral hippocampal sclerosis was strongly associated with status epilepticus in infancy. Both hippocampal sclerosis and hippocampal malrotation suggest significant roles in the pathogenesis of epilepsy.
Initiation and short crack growth in austenitic–ferritic duplex steel‐effect of positive mean stress
Authors: POLÁK J. , PETRENEC M. , MAN J. , OBRTLÍK K. 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTThe effect of the mean stress on the crack initiation and short crack growth of austenitic–ferritic duplex steel has been studied. High mean stresses and stress amplitudes result in appreciable mean strain relaxation and long‐term hardening. Mean stress produces unidirectional slip bands and slip steps that serve as nuclei for persistent slip bands and persistent slip markings. It leads to the acceleration of the crack initiation and production of a high density of cracks. Crack linkage contributes to the growth of short cracks. The concept of equivalent crack was used to describe the crack growth. The kinetics of short crack growth with positive mean stress is similar to that in symmetric loading, that is, exponential growth is observed. Positive mean stress results in earlier crack initiation and in the acceleration of the crack growth rate. Both factors contribute to the decrease of the fatigue life.
Biopsy‐confirmed de novo renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in renal grafts: a single‐centre management experience in a 2396 recipient cohort
Authors: Ploussard Guillaume , Chambade Damien , Meria Paul , Gaudez François , Tariel Edouard , Verine Jérôme , De Bazelaire Cédric , Peraldi Marie‐Noëlle , Glotz Denis , Desgrandchamps François , Mongiat‐Artus Pierre 
Published: August 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)Level of Evidence 4What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?The renal cell carcinoma incidence among renal transplant recipients is approximately 0.5%; however, a significant increase in the number of RCC in renal grafts can be expected in the forthcoming years due to the increase in donor age and in renal graft survival.Our findings support evidence that radiological screening of kidney recipients allows the detection of small tumors for which a conservative management by nephron sparing surgery or nonsurgically destructive techniques can be proposed with mid‐term oncological safety. Systematic tumor biopsy may also help in the management and treatment decision.OBJECTIVE• To study the natural history of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) development in renal grafts and their management.PATIENTS AND METHODS• We report a single‐centre series of de novo RCC in allografts from a cohort of 2396 consecutive renal transplant recipients.RESULTS• In all, 17 RCCs were detected in 12 patients, representing 0.5% of kidney recipients.• The mean patient age was 55 years and the time to RCC diagnosis since transplantation was 13 years. The mean diameter of the RCC was 23 mm.• Biopsies were taken in all cases. Concordance between biopsy and surgical specimens was 100% for nuclear grade and pathological type.• Four graft removals were performed and six patients underwent nephron‐sparing surgery (NSS). Two cryoablations were performed.• Overall, nine papillary RCC, five clear cell carcinomas, and one chromophobe cell carcinoma were removed surgically. The mean follow‐up was 43 months. One local recurrence was reported in a patient treated by NSS.CONCLUSIONS• Our findings support evidence that radiological screening of kidney recipients allows the detection of small tumours for which a conservative management by NSS or non‐surgically destructive techniques can be proposed with mid‐term oncological safety.• Systematic tumour biopsy may help in the management and treatment decision.• Several questions remain unanswered such as the importance of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors in the chemoprevention of the recurrence and the genetic cell origin of RCC in renal grafts.
The African Union: Founding Principles, Frameworks and Prospects
Authors: Yihdego Zeray 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThis paper explores some of the founding principles of the African Union (AU) and the frameworks devised to implement them. It looks at various doctrinal and practical issues pertaining to either the continent's progress towards an effective and strong continental integration or a repeat of the failings of its predecessor Organisation, the Organization of African Unity. The interlinked principles relating to democracy and the rule of law and human rights and sustainable development have been the main issues of inquiry rather than economic (and monetary), collective security or the African human rights considerations. The inquiry will offer an interdisciplinary and theoretical insight onto the normative and practical dimensions of the integration debate in Africa. By highlighting the tension between liberal and constructivist theories of institutions and various integration strategies as applied to Africa, the paper purports to identify and to critique the achievements made so far and the serious challenges ahead of the AU. It is argued that whilst the progress made thus far is significant, it would be premature to talk of the huge success or complete failure of the decade‐old AU.
Effects of chronic nicotine on heteromeric neuronal nicotinic receptors in rat primary cultured neurons
Authors: Lomazzo Ermelinda , Hussmann Gregory P. , Wolfe Barry B. , Yasuda Robert P. , Perry David C. , Kellar Kenneth J. 
Published: August 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 153–164.AbstractNicotine increases the number of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in brain. This study investigated the effects of chronic nicotine treatment on nAChRs expressed in primary cultured neurons. In particular, we studied the chronic effects of nicotine exposure on the total density, surface expression and turnover rate of heteromeric nAChRs. The receptor density was measured by [125I]epibatidine ([125I]EB) binding. Untreated and nicotine‐treated neurons were compared from several regions of embryonic (E19) rat brain. Twelve days of treatment with 10 μM nicotine produced a twofold up‐regulation of nAChRs. Biotinylation and whole‐cell binding studies indicated that up‐regulation resulted from an increase in the number of cell surface receptors as well as intracellular receptors. nAChR subunit composition in cortical and hippocampal neurons was assessed by immunoprecipitation with subunit‐selective antibodies. These neurons contain predominantly α4, β2 and α5 subunits, but α2, α3, α6 and β4 subunits were also detected. Chronic nicotine exposure yielded a twofold increase in the β2‐containing receptors and a smaller up‐regulation in the α4‐containing nAChRs. To explore the mechanisms of up‐regulation we investigated the effects of nicotine on the receptor turnover rate. We found that the turnover rate of surface receptors was > 2 weeks and chronic nicotine exposure had no effect on this rate.