bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Axon‐oligodendrocyte interactions during developmental myelination, demyelination and repair
Authors: Piaton Gabrièle , Gould Robert M. , Lubetzki Catherine 
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 1243–1260.AbstractIn multiple sclerosis, CNS demyelination is often followed by spontaneous repair, mostly achieved by adult oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Extent of this myelin repair differs, ranging from very low, limited to the plaque border, to extensive, with remyelination throughout the ‘shadow plaques.’ In addition to restoring neuronal connectivity, new myelin is neuroprotective. It reduces axonal loss and thus disability progression. Reciprocal communication between neurons and oligodendrocytes is essential for both myelin biogenesis and myelin repair. Hence, deciphering neuron‐oligodendrocyte communication is not only important for understanding myelination per se, but also the pathophysiology that underlies demyelinating diseases and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
Over‐expression of alpha‐synuclein in the nervous system enhances axonal degeneration after peripheral nerve lesion in a transgenic mouse strain
Authors: Siebert Heike , Kahle Philipp J. , Kramer Michael L. , Isik Thomas , Schlüter Oliver M. , Schulz‐Schaeffer Walter J. , Brück Wolfgang 
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 1007–1018.AbstractWallerian degeneration in peripheral nerves occurs after a traumatic insult when the distal nerve part degenerates while peripheral macrophages enter the nerve stump and remove the accruing debris by phagozytosis. We used an experimental model to investigate the effect of either the absence or over‐expression of α‐synuclein (α‐syn) after transecting the sciatic nerves of mice. α‐Synuclein is a major component of Lewy bodies and its aggregation results in a premature destruction of nerve cells. It has also been found present in different peripheral nerves but its role in the axon remains still unclear. Following sciatic nerve transection in different mouse strains, we investigated the numbers of invading macrophages, the amounts of remaining myelin and axons 6 days after injury. All mice showed clear signs of Wallerian degeneration, but transgenic mice expressing human wild‐type α‐syn showed lower numbers of invading macrophages, less preserved myelin and significantly lower numbers of preserved axons in comparison with either knockout mice or a mouse strain with a spontaneous deletion of α‐syn. The use of protein aggregation filtration blots and paraffin‐embedded tissue blots displayed depositions of α‐syn aggregates within sciatic nerve axons of transgenic mice. Thicker myelin sheaths and higher numbers of mitochondria were detected in old α‐syn transgenic mice. In a human sural nerve, α‐syn could also be identified within axons. Thus, α‐syn and its aggregates are not only a component of Lewy bodies and synapses but also of axons and these aggregates might interfere with axonal transport. α‐Synuclein transgenic mice represent an appropriate model for investigations on axonal transport in neurodegenerative diseases.
Care Dependency Scale – psychometric testing of the Polish version
Authors: Dijkstra Ate , Muszalik Marta , Kędziora‐Kornatowska Kornelia , Kornatowski Tomasz 
Published: May 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2010; 24; 62–66

Care Dependency Scale – psychometric testing of the Polish version The importance of this study lies in the availability of psychometrically sound assessment instruments, which are of critical importance for the study of patient’s care dependency and the provision of care to these patients. The aim of this study was to identify the psychometric properties of the Care Dependency Scale (CDS) by analyzing data gathered in Poland. The Polish research instrument was a translation of the original Dutch CDS. Psychometric evaluations were carried out based on a convenience sample of 216 older patients. A high alpha coefficient of 0.98 was obtained. Subsequent inter‐rater and test–retest reliability revealed Kappa values between 0.82–0.97 and 0.64–0.86, respectively. Factor analysis (principal component analysis) confirmed the one‐factor model reported in earlier studies. The analysis of the scale showed that the instrument is promising to be used in elderly care in Poland. The Polish version of the CDS permits comparison with results from earlier studies using this instrument.
General practitioners’ reasoning about using mobile distance‐spanning technology in home care and in nursing home care
Authors: Wälivaara Britt‐Marie , Andersson Staffan , Axelsson Karin 
Published: May 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 117–125

General practitioners’ reasoning about using mobile distance‐spanning technology in home care and in nursing home care The trend for health care and nursing care turns from hospital to health care and nursing care at home. Studies have shown that health care professionals have no access to patient records in home and nursing home settings. Technological development creates opportunities for a host of mobile technology solutions. The aim of this study was to describe the reasoning among general practitioners (GPs) about the use of mobile distance‐spanning technology (MDST) in care at home and in nursing homes. Seventeen GPs were divided in five groups for a group interview. The interviews were tape‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. The qualitative content analysis resulted in four areas about the MDST, MDST has an impact on GPs’ work, the nurses’ profession, and the patient and the family, with nine adherent categories. The findings were interpreted and formulated in the theme: MDST should be used with caution. The results show quite a few expressions about the MDST as useful and valuable in health care at home and in nursing home settings; however, in every category, there were text that we interpreted as caution when using the MDST. The MDST cannot be used in all situations and cannot replace human meetings in health care and nursing care at home and in nursing homes. The MDST should primarily be a tool for the profession, and understanding the professions’ reasoning about technology use in health care at home and in nursing home settings must be the base for implementing MDST.
Short Assessment of Health Literacy—Spanish and English: A Comparable Test of Health Literacy for Spanish and English Speakers
Authors: Lee Shoou‐Yih Daniel , Stucky Brian D. , Lee Jessica Y. , Rozier R. Gary , Bender Deborah E. 
Published: May 2010

Objective. The intent of the study was to develop and validate a comparable health literacy test for Spanish‐speaking and English‐speaking populations.Study Design. The design of the instrument, named the Short Assessment of Health Literacy—Spanish and English (SAHL‐S&E), combined a word recognition test, as appearing in the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM), and a comprehension test using multiple‐choice questions designed by an expert panel. We used the item response theory (IRT) in developing and validating the instrument.Data Collection. Validation of SAHL‐S&E involved testing and comparing the instrument with other health literacy instruments in a sample of 201 Spanish‐speaking and 202 English‐speaking subjects recruited from the Ambulatory Care Center at the University of North Carolina Healthcare System.Principal Findings. Based on IRT analysis, 18 items were retained in the comparable test. The Spanish version of the test, SAHL‐S, was highly correlated with other Spanish health literacy instruments, Short Assessment of Health Literacy for Spanish‐Speaking Adults (r=0.88, p<.05) and the Spanish Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA) (r=0.62, p<.05). The English version, SAHL‐E, had high correlations with REALM (r=0.94, p<.05) and the English TOFHLA (r=0.68, p<.05). Significant correlations were found between SAHL‐S&E and years of schooling in both Spanish‐ and English‐speaking samples (r=0.15 and 0.39, respectively). SAHL‐S&E displayed satisfactory reliability of 0.80 and 0.89 in the Spanish‐ and English‐speaking samples, respectively. IRT analysis indicated that the SAHL‐S&E score was highly reliable for individuals with a low level of health literacy.Conclusions. The new instrument, SAHL‐S&E, has good reliability and validity. It is particularly useful for identifying individuals with low health literacy and could be used to screen for low health literacy among Spanish and English speakers.
Growing Cell‐Phone Population and Noncoverage Bias in Traditional Random Digit Dial Telephone Health Surveys
Authors: Lee Sunghee , Brick J. Michael , Brown E. Richard , Grant David 
Published: May 2010

Objective. Examine the effect of including cell‐phone numbers in a traditional landline random digit dial (RDD) telephone survey.Data Sources. The 2007 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS).Data Collection Methods. CHIS 2007 is an RDD telephone survey supplementing a landline sample in California with a sample of cell‐only (CO) adults.Study Design. We examined the degree of bias due to exclusion of CO populations and compared a series of demographic and health‐related characteristics by telephone usage.Principal Findings. When adjusted for noncoverage in the landline sample through weighting, the potential noncoverage bias due to excluding CO adults in landline telephone surveys is diminished. Both CO adults and adults who have both landline and cell phones but mostly use cell phones appear different from other telephone usage groups. Controlling for demographic differences did not attenuate the significant distinctiveness of cell‐mostly adults.Conclusions. While careful weighting can mitigate noncoverage bias in landline telephone surveys, the rapid growth of cell‐phone population and their distinctive characteristics suggest it is important to include a cell‐phone sample. Moreover, the threat of noncoverage bias in telephone health survey estimates could mislead policy makers with possibly serious consequences for their ability to address important health policy issues.
Differential regulation of β2‐adrenoceptor‐mediated inotropic and lusitropic response by PDE3 and PDE4 in failing and non‐failing rat cardiac ventricle
Authors: Afzal Faraz , Aronsen Jan Magnus , Moltzau Lise Román , Sjaastad Ivar , Levy Finn Olav , Skomedal Tor , Osnes Jan‐Bjørn , Qvigstad Eirik 
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEβ‐Adrenoceptors play a major role in regulating myocardial function through cAMP‐dependent pathways. Different phosphodiesterases (PDEs) regulate intracellular cAMP‐pools and thereby contribute to the compartmentalization of cAMP‐dependent effects. We explored the involvement of PDEs in limiting the β2adrenoceptor‐mediated positive inotropic (PIR) and lusitropic (LR) responses in sham‐operated (Sham) and failing rat hearts.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHExtensive myocardial infarctions were induced by coronary artery ligation in Wistar rats. Rats developing heart failure were studied 6 weeks after surgery. Contractility was measured in left ventricular strips from failing and Sham hearts. cAMP was quantified by RIA.KEY RESULTSIn ventricular strips, stimulation of β2‐adrenoceptors with (‐)‐adrenaline (300 nM CGP20712A present) exerted a small PIR and LR. In Sham hearts, β2‐adrenoceptor‐mediated as well as β1‐adrenoceptor‐mediated PIR and LR were increased by selective inhibition of either PDE3 (1 µM cilostamide) or PDE4 (10 µM rolipram). In failing rat hearts, PDE3 inhibition enhanced PIR and LR to both β1‐ and β2‐adrenoceptor stimulation while PDE4 inhibition had no effect on these responses despite a significant increase in cAMP levels. Combined PDE3/4 inhibition further enhanced the PIR and LR of β2‐ and β1‐adrenoceptor activation both in Sham and failing hearts, compared with PDE3 inhibition alone. PDE4 enzyme activity was reduced in failing hearts.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSBoth PDE3 and PDE4 attenuated β2‐ and β1‐adrenoceptor‐mediated contractile responses in Sham hearts. In failing hearts, these responses are attenuated solely by PDE3 and thus even selective PDE3 inhibitors may provide a profound enhancement of β‐adrenoceptor‐mediated responses in heart failure.
Cis‐isomerism and other chemical requirements of steroidal agonists and partial agonists acting at TRPM3 channels
Authors: Majeed Y , Agarwal AK , Naylor J , Seymour VAL , Jiang S , Muraki K , Fishwick CWG , Beech DJ 
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe transient receptor potential melastatin‐3 (TRPM3) channel forms calcium‐permeable, non‐selective, cationic channels that are stimulated by pregnenolone sulphate (PregS). Here, we aimed to define chemical requirements of this acute steroid action and potentially reveal novel stimulators with physiological relevance.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHWe used TRPM3 channels over‐expressed in HEK 293 cells, with intracellular calcium measurement and whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording techniques.KEY RESULTSThe stimulation of TRPM3 channels was confined to PregS and closely related steroids and not mimicked by other major classes of steroids, including progesterone. Relatively potent stimulation of TRPM3‐dependent calcium entry was observed. A sulphate group positioned at ring A was important for strong stimulation but more striking was the requirement for acis(β) configuration of the side group, revealing previously unrecognized stereo‐selectivity and supporting existence of a specific binding site. Acis‐oriented side group on ring A was not the only feature necessary for high activity because loss of the double bond in ring B reduced potency and loss of the acetyl group at ring D reduced efficacy and potency. Weak steroid stimulators of TRPM3 channels inhibited effects of PregS, suggesting partial agonism. In silico screening of chemical libraries for non‐steroid modulators of TRPM3 channels revealed the importance of the steroid backbone for stimulatory effects.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSOur data defined some of the chemical requirements for acute stimulation of TRPM3 channels by steroids, supporting the existence of a specific and unique steroid binding site. Epipregnanolone sulphate was identified as a novel TRPM3 channel stimulator.
Alarin stimulates food intake and gonadotrophin release in male rats
Authors: Boughton CK , Patterson M , Bewick GA , Tadross JA , Gardiner JV , Beale KEL , Chaudery F , Hunter G , Busbridge M , Leavy EM , Ghatei MA , Bloom SR , Murphy KG 
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Alarin is a recently discovered member of the galanin peptide family encoded by a splice variant of galanin‐like peptide (GALP) mRNA. Galanin and GALP regulate energy homeostasis and reproduction. We therefore investigated the effects of alarin on food intake and gonadotrophin release.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Alarin was administered into the third cerebral ventricle (i.c.v.) of rats, and food intake or circulating hormone levels were measured. The effect of alarin on the hypothalamo–pituitary–gonadal axis was investigated in vitro using hypothalamic and anterior pituitary explants, and immortalized cell lines. Receptor binding assays were used to determine whether alarin binds to galanin receptors.KEY RESULTS The i.c.v. administration of alarin (30 nmol) to ad libitum fed male rats significantly increased acute food intake to 500%, and plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) levels to 170% of responses to saline. In vitro, 100 nM alarin stimulated neuropeptide Y (NPY) and gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) release from hypothalamic explants from male rats, and 1000 nM alarin increased GnRH release from GT1‐7 cells. In vivo, pretreatment with the GnRH receptor antagonist cetrorelix prevented the increase in plasma LH levels observed following i.c.v. alarin administration. Receptor binding studies confirmed alarin did not bind to any known galanin receptor, or compete with radiolabelled galanin for hypothalamic binding sites.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results suggest alarin is a novel orexigenic peptide, and that it increases circulating LH levels via hypothalamic GnRH. Further work is required to identify the receptor(s) mediating the biological effects of alarin.
Effects of nominally selective inhibitors of the kinases PI3K, SGK1 and PKB on the insulin‐dependent control of epithelial Na+ absorption
Authors: Mansley Morag K , Wilson Stuart M 
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Insulin‐induced Na+ retention in the distal nephron may contribute to the development of oedema/hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetes. This response to insulin is usually attributed to phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K)/serum and glucocorticoid‐inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) but a role for protein kinase B (PKB) has been proposed. The present study therefore aimed to clarify the way in which insulin can evoke Na+ retention.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We examined the effects of nominally selective inhibitors of PI3K (wortmannin, PI103, GDC‐0941), SGK1 (GSK650394A) and PKB (Akti‐1/2) on Na+ transport in hormone‐deprived and insulin‐stimulated cortical collecting duct (mpkCCD) cells, while PI3K, SGK1 and PKB activities were assayed by monitoring the phosphorylation of endogenous proteins.KEY RESULTS Wortmannin substantially inhibited basal Na+ transport whereas PI103 and GDC‐0941 had only very small effects. However, these PI3K inhibitors all abolished insulin‐induced Na+ absorption and inactivated PI3K, SGK1 and PKB fully. GSK650394A and Akti‐1/2 also inhibited insulin‐evoked Na+ absorption and while GSK650394A inhibited SGK1 without affecting PKB, Akti‐1/2 inactivated both kinases.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS While studies undertaken using PI103 and GDC‐0941 show that hormone‐deprived cells can absorb Na+ independently of PI3K, PI3K seems to be essential for insulin induced Na+ transport. Akti‐1/2 does not act as a selective inhibitor of PKB and data obtained using this compound must therefore be treated with caution. GSK650394A, on the other hand, selectively inhibits SGK1 and the finding that GSK650394A suppressed insulin‐induced Na+ absorption suggests that this response is dependent upon signalling via PI3K/SGK1.
Impact of CAP Subsidies on Technical Efficiency of Crop Farms in Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden
Authors: Zhu Xueqin , Lansink Alfons Oude 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThis paper analyses the impacts of CAP reforms, particularly subsidies on technical efficiency of crop farms. An output distance function is employed and estimated together with an inefficiency effects model to capture the effects of CAP subsidies and farmer characteristics on farm efficiency. The model is applied to FADN data (period 1995–2004) of crop farms in Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden. The study shows that the 10‐year average technical efficiency is 64% in Germany, 76% in the Netherlands and 71% in Sweden. The average annual changes in technical efficiency are 0.1%, 0.4% and 2.3%, respectively. The share of crop subsidies in total subsidies has a negative impact on technical efficiency in Germany but a positive impact in Sweden, although insignificant in the Netherlands. The share of total subsidies in total farm revenues has negative impacts on technical efficiency in all three countries, consistent with income and insurance effects. Positive (negative) change in technical efficiency is mainly attributable to farm size (degree of specialisation) in Germany, and degree of specialisation (degree of subsidy dependence) in the Netherlands and Sweden.
Why are the continents just so…?
Authors: SANDIFORD M. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractVariations in gravitational potential energy contribute to the intraplate stress field thereby providing the means by which lithospheric density structure is communicated at the plate scale. In this light, the near equivalence in the gravitational potential energy of typical continental lithosphere with the mid‐ocean ridges is particularly intriguing. Assuming this equivalence is not simply a chance outcome of continental growth, it then probably involves long‐term modulation of the density configuration of the continents via stress regimes that are able to induce significant strains over geological time. Following this notion, this work explores the possibility that the emergence of a chemically, thermally and mechanically structured continental lithosphere reflects a set of thermally sensitive feedback mechanisms in response to Wilson cycle oscillatory forcing about an ambient stress state set by the mid‐ocean ridge system. Such a hypothesis requires the continents are weak enough to sustain long‐term (108 years) strain rates of the order of ∼10−17 s−1 as suggested by observations that continental lithosphere is almost everywhere critically stressed, by estimates of seismogenic strain rates in stable continental interiors such as Australia and by the low‐temperature thermochronological record of the continents that requires significant relief generation on the 108 year time‐scale. Furthermore, this notion provides a mechanism that helps explain interpretations of recently published heat flow data that imply the distribution of heat‐producing elements within the continents may be tuned to produce a characteristic thermal regime at Moho depths.
A systematic assessment of the quality of reporting for platelet transfusion studies
Authors: Delaney Meghan , Meyer Erin , Cserti‐Gazdewich Christine , Haspel Richard L. , Lin Yulia , Morris Anna , Pavenski Katerina , Dzik Walter H. , Murphy Mike , Slichter Sherrill , Wang Grace , Dumont Larry J. , Heddle Nancy 
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND: As evidence‐based medicine assumes increasing importance, there is a need for high‐quality reporting of clinical studies. A recent review of clinical platelet (PLT) studies indicated variability in reporting. We undertook a critical analysis of PLT transfusion studies to determine the quality of reporting.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A systematic MEDLINE search for clinical studies of PLT transfusion was performed to identify articles. Relevant observational studies (OBS) were critiqued using the STROBE checklist and randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) using the CONSORT checklist. Studies were further evaluated with a PLT‐specific checklist developed by the authors. Observations were analyzed descriptively and using Pareto analysis.RESULTS: A total of 772 articles were identified by the search. Eighty‐six articles (23 RCTs and 63 OBS) met eligibility criteria. All RCTs, and a similar number of OBS (24), were randomly selected for analysis. Studies reported the scientific background and rationale, key results, and outcomes. OBS frequently did not consider bias and confounders. RCTs frequently did not explain bias, interim analyses, stopping rules, success of blinding, or weaknesses of multiple analyses. The PLT‐specific critique found many studies adequately reported basics of the PLT product, PLT increment, and transfusion reactions. Studies frequently failed to report specific details of PLT compatibility, details of product preparation, and use of other blood products.CONCLUSION: Recently published articles of clinical PLT transfusion share common strengths and weaknesses. The quality of reporting may be improved by providing guidelines to authors and journal editors that list the essential elements of a well‐reported clinical study of PLT transfusion.