bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chloroplast genome sequences from total DNA for plant identification
Authors: Nock Catherine J. , Waters Daniel L.E. , Edwards Mark A. , Bowen Stirling G. , Rice Nicole , Cordeiro Giovanni M. , Henry Robert J 
Published: August 2010

SummaryChloroplast DNA sequence data are a versatile tool for plant identification or barcoding and establishing genetic relationships among plant species. Different chloroplast loci have been utilized for use at close and distant evolutionary distances in plants, and no single locus has been identified that can distinguish between all plant species. Advances in DNA sequencing technology are providing new cost‐effective options for genome comparisons on a much larger scale. Universal PCR amplification of chloroplast sequences or isolation of pure chloroplast fractions, however, are non‐trivial. We now propose the analysis of chloroplast genome sequences from massively parallel sequencing (MPS) of total DNA as a simple and cost‐effective option for plant barcoding, and analysis of plant relationships to guide gene discovery for biotechnology. We present chloroplast genome sequences of five grass species derived from MPS of total DNA. These data accurately established the phylogenetic relationships between the species, correcting an apparent error in the published rice sequence. The chloroplast genome may be the elusive single‐locus DNA barcode for plants.
A review of web‐based weight loss interventions in adults
Authors: Arem H. , Irwin M. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryUnprecedented obesity rates are changing the burden of disease worldwide and obesity‐related health complications are increasing healthcare costs. In response, researchers, clinicians and public health practitioners are seeking new and effective tools such as the Internet to effect weight loss. This review highlights peer‐reviewed literature on randomized controlled trials that examine Internet‐delivered weight loss and maintenance programmes. The scope of this review is broader than previous reviews, including more males and non‐Caucasian participants. The reviewed studies show intervention results ranging from no weight loss to an average loss of 7.6 kg. It is difficult to draw a definitive conclusion on the potential impact of Internet‐based weight loss as study methods are highly variable between papers, low adherence was recorded and not all studies include a control group. As the demand for low‐cost, efficacious interventions that yield statistically significant and/or clinically relevant results grows, more rigorous, population‐specific research is needed to determine if Internet‐delivered interventions may slow or reverse with weight gain and obesity and the associated health consequences.
Do nutrient–gut–microbiota interactions play a role in human obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Diamant M. , Blaak E. E. , de Vos W. M. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThe current obesity and type 2 diabetes pandemics have causes beyond changes in eating and exercise habits against a susceptible genetic background. Gut bacteria seem to additionally contribute to the differences in body weight, fat distribution, insulin sensitivity and glucose‐ and lipid‐metabolism. Data, mostly derived from preclinical studies, suggest that gut microbiota play an important role in conditions such as obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. Regulation of energy uptake from the gut, by digesting otherwise indigestible common polysaccharides in our diet, production or activation of signalling molecules involved in host metabolism, modification of gut permeability, the release of gut hormones and inflammation, are among the mechanisms by which gut microbiota may influence the host cardiometabolic phenotype. Recent evidence suggests that quantitative and qualitative differences in gut microbiota exist between lean and obese, and between diabetic and non‐diabetic individuals. Modification of the gut microbiota composition and/or its biochemical capacity by specific dietary or pharmacological interventions may favourably affect host metabolism. Large‐scale intervention trials, investigating the potential benefit of prebiotics and probiotics in improving cardiometabolic health in high‐risk populations, are eagerly awaited.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension in the USA: the role of obesity in establishing prevalence and healthcare costs
Authors: Friesner D. , Rosenman R. , Lobb B. M. , Tanne E. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThis study documents for the first time the extraordinary costs to take care of patients with a chronic, non‐fatal, relatively rare disorder who have been incorrectly thought to have an insignificant and self‐limiting illness. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) occurs worldwide and in all racial groups and is found predominantly in obese women (∼90%) of childbearing age. Although the incidence of IIH is increasing as a result of the rapid increase in obesity, the disorder in general receives little recognition, and no recognition of the extensive burden of healthcare costs placed on patients, their families and society. We established for the first time both the prevalence of IIH in the USA and the direct and indirect costs of IIH using a prevalence‐based model. IIH patients had an exceptionally high hospital admission rate of 38% (in 2007), a partial reflection of unsatisfactory treatment options. The total hospital costs per IIH admission in 2007 were four times greater than for a population‐based per person admission. Total economic costs of IIH patients exceeded $444 million. Programmes designed to reduce obesity prior to and after diagnosis and better therapeutics will have a tremendous economic impact.
Ambiguous figures and binding: EEG frequency modulations during multistable perception
Authors: Ehm Werner , Bach Michael , Kornmeier Jürgen 
Published: August 2010

AbstractAmbiguous figures induce sudden transitions between rivaling percepts. We investigated electroencephalogram frequency modulations of accompanying change‐related de‐ and rebinding processes. Presenting the stimuli discontinously, we synchronized perceptual reversals with stimulus onset, which served as a time reference for averaging. The resultant gain in temporal resolution revealed a sequence of time–frequency correlates of the reversal process. Most conspicuous was a transient right‐hemispheric gamma modulation preceding endogenous reversals by at least 200 ms. No such modulation occurred with exogenously induced reversals of unambiguous stimulus variants. Post‐onset components were delayed for ambiguous compared to unambiguous stimuli. The time course of oscillatory activity differed in several respects from predictions based on binding‐related hypotheses. The gamma modulation preceding endogenous reversals may indicate an unstable brain state, ready to switch.
A QUESTION OF JUSTICE: ASSESSING NURSE MIGRATION FROM A PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: KAELIN LUKAS 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTThe intensified nurse migration leads to severe problems for the health care systems in many developing countries. Using the Philippines as an example, this paper will address the question of global nurse migration from a philosophical perspective. John Rawls' liberal and Michael Walzer's communitarian theory of justice will be examined in view of the ethical problem of nurse migration. In line with Rawls' A Theory of Justice, nurse migration undermines the ability of the people in developing countries to make use of their basic rights and liberties. Walzer's communitarian assessment of nurse migration, on the other hand, will stress the shared ‘thin’ morality, as well as the shared history between the ‘donating’ and receiving countries. This paper argues that the commonality of a shared history and common values implies the moral obligation to ensure a fairer distribution of nurses.
Determinants of the reduction in B‐type natriuretic peptide after mitral valve replacement in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis
Authors: Leszek Przemyslaw , Klisiewicz Anna , Janas Jadwiga , Różański Jacek , Rywik Tomasz , Piotrowski Walerian , Korewicki Jerzy 
Published: August 2010

SummaryBackground:  Plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are closely related to symptoms in left ventricle (LV) systolic heart failure, although marked regarding heterogeneity levels among subjects are reported.Aims:  To assess the influence of right ventricle on plasma BNP in the patients with different grades of its overload secondary to severe mitral valve stenosis (MVS).Methods:  Plasma BNP was evaluated in MVS patients (n = 27) before valve replacement and during follow‐up (FUV) 401 ± 42 days after operation.Results:  Initial examination showed severe MVS (0.9 ± 0.2 cm2), left atrial enlargement (LAI 30 ± 4.5 mm m−2), right ventricle diastolic dilatation (RVDI 16 ± 3.6 mm m−2), normal LV size/function and elevated BNP levels (166 ± 137 pg ml−1). FUV examination revealed a significant reduction in LAI (27 ± 2.2 mm m−2), RVDI (14 ± 1.6 mm m−2) and BNP levels (80 ± 35 pg ml−1). The regression analysis of the initial parameters found RVDI to be the strongest predictor (R2 = 0.61; P<0.0001) for BNP level, whereas RVDI reduction was the strongest factor for BNP decrease (R2 = 0.65; P<0.0001) during FUV.Conclusions:  Right ventricle should be taken into account as a potential important source of plasma BNP owing to the fact that LV size and function are well preserved in MVS patients. RVDI determines BNP plasma levels whereas after MVS removal, the RVDI reduction predicts BNP level decrease.
Pharmacokinetic analysis of pralidoxime after its intramuscular injection alone or in combination with atropine‐avizafone in healthy volunteers
Authors: Abbara C , Rousseau JM , Lelièvre B , Turcant A , Lallement G , Ferec S , Bardot I , Diquet B 
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Treatment of organophosphate poisoning with pralidoxime needs to be improved. Here we have studied the pharmacokinetics of pralidoxime after its intramuscular injection alone or in combination with avizafone and atropine using an auto‐injector device.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The study was conducted in an open, randomized, single‐dose, two‐way, cross‐over design. At each period, each subject received either intramuscular injections of pralidoxime (700 mg), or two injections of the combination: pralidoxime (350 mg), atropine (2 mg), avizafone (20 mg). Pralidoxime concentrations were quantified using a validated LC/MS‐MS method. Two approaches were used to analyse these data: (i) a non‐compartmental approach; and (ii) a compartmental modelling approach.KEY RESULTS The injection of pralidoxime combination with atropine and avizafone provided a higher pralidoxime maximal concentration than that obtained after the injection of pralidoxime alone (out of bioequivalence range), while pralidoxime AUC values were equivalent. Pralidoxime concentrations reached their maximal value earlier after the injection of the combination. According to Akaike and to goodness of fit criteria, the best model describing the pharmacokinetics of pralidoxime was a two‐compartment with a zero‐order absorption model. When avizafone and atropine were injected with pralidoxime, the best model describing pralidoxime pharmacokinetics becomes a two‐compartment with a first‐order absorption model.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The two approaches, non‐compartmental and compartmental, showed that the administration of avizafone and atropine with pralidoxime results in a faster absorption into the general circulation and higher maximal concentrations, compared with the administration of pralidoxime alone.
Blockade of tachykinin NK3receptor reverses hypertension through a dopaminergic mechanism in the ventral tegmental area of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: De Brito Gariepy Helaine , Couture Réjean 
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEIntracerebroventricularly injected tachykinin NK3receptor (R) antagonists normalize mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). This study was pursued to define the role played by NK3R located on dopamine neurones of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in the regulation of MAP in SHR.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHSHR (16 weeks) were implanted permanently with i.c.v. and/or VTA guide cannulae. Experiments were conducted 24 h after catheterization of the abdominal aorta to measure MAP and heart rate (HR) in freely behaving rats. Cardiovascular responses to i.c.v. or VTA‐injected NK3R agonist (senktide) and antagonists (SB222200 and R‐820) were measured before and after systemic administration of selective antagonists for D1R (SCH23390), D2R (raclopride) or non‐selective D2R (haloperidol), and after destruction of the VTA with ibotenic acid.KEY RESULTSI.c.v. or VTA‐injected SB222200 and R‐820 (500 pmol) evoked anti‐hypertension, which was blocked by raclopride. Senktide (10, 25, 65 and 100 pmol) elicited greater increases of MAP and HR when injected in the VTA, and the cardiovascular response was blocked by R‐820, SCH23390 and haloperidol. VTA‐injected SB222200 prevented the pressor response to i.c.v. senktide, and vice versa, i.c.v. senktide prevented the anti‐hypertension to VTA SB222200. Destruction of the VTA prevented the pressor response to i.c.v. senktide and the anti‐hypertension to i.c.v. R‐820.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSThe NK3R in the VTA is implicated in the maintenance of hypertension by increasing midbrain dopaminergic transmission in SHR. Hence, this receptor may represent a therapeutic target in the treatment of hypertension.
cAMP inhibits modulation of airway smooth muscle phenotype via the exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac) and protein kinase A
Authors: Roscioni Sara S , Dekkers Bart GJ , Prins Alwin G , Menzen Mark H , Meurs Herman , Schmidt Martina , Maarsingh Harm 
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Changes in airway smooth muscle (ASM) phenotype may contribute to the pathogenesis of airway disease. Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) switches ASM from a contractile to a proliferative, hypo‐contractile phenotype, a process requiring activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and p70S6 Kinase (p70S6K). The effects of cAMP‐elevating agents on these processes is unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of cAMP elevation by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and the activation of the cAMP effectors, protein kinase A (PKA) and exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac) on PDGF‐induced phenotype switching in bovine tracheal smooth muscle (BTSM).EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Effects of long‐term treatment with the PGE2 analogue 16,16‐dimethyl‐PGE2, the selective Epac activator, 8‐pCPT‐2′‐O‐Me‐cAMP and the selective PKA activator, 6‐Bnz‐cAMP were assessed on the induction of a hypo‐contractile, proliferative BTSM phenotype and on activation of ERK and p70S6K, both induced by PDGF.KEY RESULTS Treatment with 16,16‐dimethyl‐PGE2 inhibited PDGF‐induced proliferation of BTSM cells and maintained BTSM strip contractility and contractile protein expression in the presence of PDGF. Activation of both Epac and PKA similarly prevented PDGF‐induced phenotype switching and PDGF‐induced activation of ERK. Interestingly, only PKA activation resulted in inhibition of PDGF‐induced phosphorylation of p70S6K.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our data indicate for the first time that both Epac and PKA regulated switching of ASM phenotype via differential inhibition of ERK and p70S6K pathways. These findings suggest that cAMP elevation may be beneficial in the treatment of long‐term changes in airway disease.
Evidence for CGRP re‐uptake in rat dura mater encephali
Authors: Gupta Saurabh , Amrutkar Dipak Vasantrao , Mataji Aydin , Salmasi Hassan , Hay‐Schmidt Anders , Sheykhzade Majid , Messlinger Karl , Olesen Jes , Jansen‐Olesen Inger 
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) is widely distributed in the trigeminovascular system and released from sensory fibres of the cranial dura mater upon noxious stimulation. Such release may be a mechanism underlying migraine headache. Based on data from guinea pig basilar artery preparations, we have here studied CGRP release and uptake in an organ preparation of the hemisected rat skull.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH CGRP release from the cranial dura was quantified by a commercial enzyme‐linked immunoassay. CGRP was depleted using repetitive challenges of capsaicin. After incubating the tissue with CGRP for 20 min and extensive washing, another capsaicin challenge was performed. Immunohistochemistry was used to visualize CGRP immunofluorescence in dural nerve fibres.KEY RESULTS Capsaicin‐induced CGRP release was attenuated by the transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor type I antagonist capsazepine or by Ca2+‐free solutions. After the CGRP‐depleted preparation had been exposed to exogenous CGRP, capsaicin‐induced CGRP release was increased compared to the challenge just prior to incubation. CGRP uptake was not influenced by Ca2+‐free solutions. Olcegepant and CGRP8–37 (CGRP receptor antagonists) did not affect uptake of CGRP. However, a monoclonal CGRP‐binding antibody decreased CGRP uptake significantly. Release of CGRP after incubation was attenuated by Ca2+‐free solutions and by capsazepine. Immunohistochemical assays indicated a weak trend towards CGRP uptake in rat dura mater.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS We have presented evidence for CGRP uptake in nerves and its re‐release in rat dura mater. This may have implications for the pathophysiology and treatment of migraine.
Extending the applicability of the Raman carbonaceous‐material geothermometer using data from contact metamorphic rocks
Authors: AOYA M. , KOUKETSU Y. , ENDO S. , SHIMIZU H. , MIZUKAMI T. , NAKAMURA D. , WALLIS S. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe degree of graphitization of carbonaceous material (CM) has been widely used as an indicator of metamorphic grade. Previous work has demonstrated that peak metamorphic temperature (T) of regional metamorphic rocks can be estimated by an area ratio (R2) of peaks recognized in Raman spectra of CM. The applicability of this method to low‐pressure (<3 kbar) contact metamorphism was tested using Raman spectroscopic analyses of samples from two contact‐metamorphic aureoles in Japan (Daimonji and Kasuga areas). A suitable measurement procedure allows the dependence of the geothermometer on sample type (thin section, chip) and incident angle of laser beam relative to the c‐axes of CM to be tested. Two important general results are: (i) in addition to standard thin sections, chips are also suitable for spectral analysis; and (ii) the incident angle of the laser beam does not significantly affect the temperature estimation, i.e. spectral measurements for the geothermometer can be carried out irrespective of the crystallographic orientation. A laser wavelength of 532 nm was used in this study compared with 514.5 nm in an independent previous study. A comparison shows that the use of a 532‐nm laser results in a slightly, but systematically larger R2 ratio than that of a 514.5‐nm laser. Taking this effect into account, our results show that there is a slight but distinct difference between the R2–T correlations shown by contact and regional metamorphic rocks: the former are slightly better‐crystallized (have slightly lower R2 values) than the latter at the same temperature. This difference is interpreted as due to the degree of associated deformation. Despite the slight difference, the results of this study coincide within the estimated errors of ±50 °C with those of the previously proposed Raman CM geothermometer, thus demonstrating the applicability of this method to contact metamorphism. To facilitate more precise temperature estimates in regions of contact metamorphism, a new calibration for analyses using a 532‐nm laser is derived. Another important observation is that the R2 ratio of metamorphosed CM in pelitic and psammitic rocks is highly heterogeneous with respect to a single sample. To obtain a reliable temperature estimate, the average R2 value must be determined by using a substantial number of measurements (usually N > 50) that adequately reflects the range of sample heterogeneity. Using this procedure (with 532‐nm laser) and adapting our new calibration, the errors of the Raman CM geothermometer for contact metamorphic rocks decrease to ∼±30 °C.
Epicardial Cardiac Rhythm Devices for Dialysis Patients: Minimizing the Risk of Infection and Preserving Central Veins
Authors: Asif Arif , Carrillo Roger , Garisto Juan‐Domingo , Lopera Gustavo , Ladino Marco , Barakat Urwa , Eid Nadia , Salman Loay 
Published: August 2010

AbstractTransvenous leads of cardiac rhythm devices (CRDs) are known to cause central stenosis and are vulnerable to contamination during hemodialysis access‐related bacteremia. In this retrospective study, nine consecutive chronic hemodialysis patients with transvenous CRD infection due to dialysis access‐related bacteremia and recurrent central stenosis are presented. Four patients with tunneled hemodialysis catheters (TDCs) and three with arteriovenous grafts experienced access‐related bacteremia that spread to the transvenous CRD. Two patients required repeated angioplasty procedures (less than 3 months apart) for central venous stenosis. Transvenous CRD was removed and replaced with an epicardial system in all. One patient with TDC switched to peritoneal dialysis and did not experience infection of the epicardial system despite two episodes of peritonitis. The remaining TDC (n = 3) and graft patients (n = 3) received a new TDC after the resolution of bacteremia. While all six experienced on average 1.5 episodes of catheter‐related bacteremia (average follow‐up = 14.5 months), none developed infection of the epicardial system. The patients with central stenosis have required only one angioplasty each for the past 8 and 6 months. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study to suggest that an epicardial approach might be a preferred method over transvenous leads for chronic hemodialysis patients.
16. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Authors: van Eijs Frank , Stanton‐Hicks Michael , Van Zundert Jan , Faber Catharina G. , Lubenow Timothy R. , Mekhail Nagy , van Kleef Maarten , Huygen Frank 
Published: August 2010

AbstractComplex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), formerly known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy is a pain syndrome with an unclear pathophysiology and unpredictable clinical course. The disease is often therapy resistant, the natural course not always favorable. The diagnosis of CRPS is based on signs and symptoms derived from medical history and physical examination. Pharmacological pain management and physical rehabilitation of limb function are the main pillars of therapy and should be started as early as possible. If, however, there is no improvement of limb function and persistent severe pain, interventional pain management techniques may be considered.Intravenous regional blocks with guanethidine did not prove superior to placebo but frequent side effects occurred.Therefore this technique receives a negative recommendation (2 A–). Sympathetic block is the interventional treatment of first choice and has a 2 B+ rating. Ganglion stellatum (stellate ganglion) block with repeated local anesthetic injections or by radiofrequency denervation after positive diagnostic block is documented in prospective and retrospective trials in patients suffering from upper limb CRPS. Lumbar sympathetic blocks can be performed with repeated local anesthetic injections. For a more prolonged lumbar sympathetic block radiofrequency treatment is preferred over phenol neurolysis because effects are comparable whereas the risk for side effects is lower (2 B+). For patients suffering from CRPS refractory to conventional treatment and sympathetic blocks, plexus brachialis block or continuous epidural infusion analgesia coupled with exercise therapy may be tried (2 C+). Spinal cord stimulation is recommended if other treatments fail to improve pain and dysfunction (2 B+). Alternatively peripheral nerve stimulation can be considered, preferentially in study conditions (2 C+).