bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compound K, a metabolite of ginsenosides, facilitates spontaneous GABA release onto CA3 pyramidal neurons
Authors: Bae Man‐Yeol , Cho Jin‐Hwa , Choi In‐Sun , Park Hye‐Mi , Lee Maan‐Gee , Kim Dong‐Hyun , Jang Il‐Sung 
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)114, 1085–1096.AbstractGinsenoside Rb1, a major ingredient of ginseng saponins, can affect various brain functions, including learning and memory. When ingested orally, ginsenoside Rb1 is not found in plasma as well as urine, but its metabolite compound K (ComK) reaches the systemic circulation in animals and human. Nevertheless, the pharmacological actions of ComK are still poorly known. In the present study, we investigated the effect of ComK on GABAergic spontaneous miniature inhibitory post‐synaptic currents (mIPSCs) in acutely isolated rat hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons using a conventional whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique. While ComK significantly increased mIPSC frequency in a concentration‐dependent manner, it had no effect on the current amplitude, suggesting that ComK acts pre‐synaptically to increase the probability of spontaneous GABA release. ComK still increased mIPSC frequency even in a Ca2+‐free external solution, suggesting that the ComK‐induced increase spontaneous GABA release is not related to Ca2+influx from the extracellular space. However, the ComK‐induced increase mIPSC frequency was significantly decreased after the blockade of either sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase or Ca2+release channels. These results strongly suggest that ComK enhances spontaneous GABA release by increasing intraterminal Ca2+concentration via Ca2+release from pre‐synaptic Ca2+stores. The ComK‐induced modulation of inhibitory transmission onto CA3 pyramidal neurons could have a broad impact on the excitability of CA3 pyramidal neurons and affect the physiological functions mediated by the hippocampus.
Caught between conduct and free choice ‐ a field study of an empowering programme in lifestyle change for obese patients
Authors: Knutsen Ingrid Ruud , Foss Christina 
Published: May 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 126–133

Caught between conduct and free choice ‐ a field study of an empowering programme in lifestyle change for obese patients The aim of this study was to investigate understandings and strategies of empowerment in Learning and Mastery Centres, in a course in lifestyle change for morbidly obese patients. A field study was conducted with nonparticipant observation, and data analysis was inspired by Foucauldian discourse analysis. The analysis revealed powerful discourses underlying the course, and the analysis showed how different discourses were set at play within the teaching strategies in the course. The course leaders balanced powerful aspects that involved directing the participants towards strategies promoting their autonomy. The analysis revealed how strategies to reduce the impression of direction and conduct are powerful actions. From a Foucauldian perspective of power, this analysis demonstrates how power is everywhere as a productive force. When creating programmes to empower patients to help them deal with their health, it seems vital that health professionals examine power. By accepting the presence of power, professionals can examine the truth motivation underlying an empowerment programme.
Tissue‐specific dysregulation of DNA methylation in aging
Authors: Thompson Reid F. , Atzmon Gil , Gheorghe Ciprian , Liang Hong Qian , Lowes Christina , Greally John M. , Barzilai Nir 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe normal aging process is a complex phenomenon associated with physiological alterations in the function of cells and organs over time. Although an attractive candidate for mediating transcriptional dysregulation, the contribution of epigenetic dysregulation to these progressive changes in cellular physiology remains unclear. In this study, we employed the genome‐wide HpaII tiny fragment enrichment by ligation‐mediated PCR assay to define patterns of cytosine methylation throughout the rat genome and the luminometric methylation analysis assay to measure global levels of DNA methylation in the same samples. We studied both liver and visceral adipose tissues and demonstrated significant differences in DNA methylation with age at > 5% of sites analyzed. Furthermore, we showed that epigenetic dysregulation with age is a highly tissue‐dependent phenomenon. The most distinctive loci were located at intergenic sequences and conserved noncoding elements, and not at promoters nor at CG‐dinucleotide‐dense loci. Despite this, we found that there was a subset of genes at which cytosine methylation and gene expression changes were concordant. Finally, we demonstrated that changes in methylation occur consistently near genes that are involved in metabolism and metabolic regulation, implicating their potential role in the pathogenesis of age‐related diseases. We conclude that different patterns of epigenetic dysregulation occur in each tissue over time and may cause some of the physiological changes associated with normal aging.
Disparity Implications of Medicare Eligibility Criteria for Medication Therapy Management Services
Authors: Wang Junling , Mullins C. Daniel , Brown Lawrence M. , Shih Ya‐Chen Tina , Dagogo‐Jack Samuel , Hong Song Hee , Cushman William C. 
Published: May 2010

Objective. To determine whether there would be racial and ethnic disparities in meeting eligibility criteria for medication therapy management (MTM) services implemented in 2006 for Medicare beneficiaries.Data Sources/Study Setting. Secondary data analyses of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2004–2005).Study Design. Logistic regression and recycled predictions were used to test the disparities in meeting eligibility criteria across racial and ethnic groups. The eligibility thresholds used by health plans in 2006 and new thresholds recommended for 2010 were examined. Racial and ethnic disparities were examined by comparing non‐Hispanic blacks (blacks) with non‐Hispanic whites (whites) and comparing Hispanics with whites, respectively. Disparities were also examined among individuals with severe health problems.Principal Findings. According to 2006 thresholds, the adjusted odds ratios for meeting eligibility criteria for blacks and Hispanics to whites were 0.36–0.60 (p<.05) and 0.13–0.46 (p<.05), respectively. Blacks and Hispanics would be 21–34 and 32–38 percent, respectively, less likely to be eligible than whites according to recycled predictions. Similar patterns were found using the 2010 eligibility thresholds and among individuals with severe health problems.Conclusions. There would be racial and ethnic disparities in meeting MTM eligibility criteria. Future research is warranted to confirm the findings using data after MTM implementation.
Angioscopic Detection of Pulmonary Thromboemboli: with Special Reference to Comparison with Angiography, Intravascular Ultrasonography, and Computed Tomography Angiography
Authors: UCHIDA YASUMI , UCHIDA YASUTO , SHIRAI SEIICHIRO , OSHIMA TOMOMITSU , SHIMIZU KAZUHIRO , TOMARU TAKANOBU , SAKURAI TAKESHI , KANAI MASAHITO 
Published: May 2010

Introduction:
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is often fatal and its incidence is increasing worldwide. Detection of thromboemboli (TEi) is essential for a definitive diagnosis of PE. The detection of TEi using most imaging methods is low in patients clinically suspected of having PE. This study was carried out to detect TEi in the pulmonary arterial trees by angioscopy (AS); to classify TEi; and to compare the sensitivity of detection for TEi among AS, angiography (AG), intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS), and computed tomography angiography (CTA) in patients with clinically suspected PE.
Methods:
After CTA, AG, and IVUS, the pulmonary arterial trees were surveyed by AS in 49 patients clinically suspected of having PE.
Results:
TEi were found by AS, AG, IVUS, and CTA in 81.6%, 24.4%, 34.8%, and 22.5% of 49 patients, respectively. The 48 TEi classified by AS were globular (35%), mural (10%), cap‐like (8%), web‐like (4%), patchy (33%), and micro (18%). Cap‐like, patchy, and micro‐TEi were not detectable by AG, IVUS, and CTA in any subjects. TEi color was classified as red, white, yellow, and red‐and‐yellow in a mosaic pattern in 10%, 31%, 38%, and 18%, respectively. Red and white globular TEi were observed in acute, and red‐and‐yellow TEi in both acute and chronic PE patients. TEi other than globular were observed in both patient groups.
Conclusion:
Although invasive, AS is superior to AG, IVUS, and CTA for the detection of TEi, and therefore is a helpful imaging method for the definitive diagnosis of PE. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:470–478)
Aortic Balloon Valvuloplasty: Is There Still a Role in High‐risk Patients in the Era of Percutaneous Aortic Valve Replacement?
Authors: HAMID TAHIR , EICHHÖFER JONAS , CLARKE BERNARD , MAHADEVAN VAIKOM S. 
Published: May 2010

Objectives:
To assess procedural and clinical outcomes in adults with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing percutaneous aortic balloon valvuloplasty (PABV), who are considered unsuitable on initial assessment for surgical aortic valve replacement or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).
Background:
Surgical valve replacement provides better outcomes than conservative treatment for patients with severe symptomatic AS; however, patients with multiple comorbidities or hemodynamic instability carry a high operative risk. While TAVI offers an alternative to surgery, not all patients are suitable. This study looks at medium‐term outcomes in a series of high‐risk patients undergoing PABV.
Methods:
Pre‐ and postprocedure aortic valve gradients were measured by catheterization and echocardiography. Patients were assessed for symptomatic benefit and clinical outcomes.
Results:
Over 4 years, 42 patients underwent PABV. Mean clinical follow‐up was 8 ± 5.8 months and survival was 63%. Mean echocardiographic aortic valve gradient fell from 84.6 ± 27 mmHg to 51.3 ± 16 mmHg (p < 0.05). In 29% (12/42) patients, PABV was performed as a bridge to definitive AVR. Four had surgical AVR and six had TAVI. Two had successful noncardiac surgery. Four patients died in the periprocedural period and all were in cardiogenic shock. Patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV decreased from 60% to 5% postprocedure (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
PABV is useful as a palliation or bridge to definitive therapy for treatment of patients with severe AS unsuitable for surgery. It is associated with good medium‐term cardiac outcomes and enables some patients to receive definitive therapy. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:358–361)
Histological and histomorphometrical analyses of biopsies harvested 11 years after maxillary sinus floor augmentation with deproteinized bovine and autogenous bone
Authors: Mordenfeld Arne , Hallman Mats , Johansson Carina B. , Albrektsson Tomas 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjective: The purpose of the present study was to histologically and histomorphometrically evaluate the long‐term tissue response to deproteinized bovine bone (DPBB) particles used in association with autogenous bone and to compare particle size after 6 months and 11 years, in the same patients, in order to determine possible resorption.Material and methods: Twenty consecutive patients (14 women and six men) with a mean age of 62 years (range 48–69 years) with severe atrophy of the posterior maxilla were included in this study. Thirty maxillary sinuses with <5 mm subantral alveolar bone were augmented with a mixture of 80% DPBB and 20% autogenous bone. Eleven years (mean 11.5 years) after augmentation, biopsies were taken from the grafted areas of the 11 patients who volunteered to participate in this new surgical intervention. The following histomorphometrical measurements were performed in these specimens: total bone area in percentage, total area of the DPBB, total area of marrow space, the degree of DPBB–bone contact (percentage of the total surface length for each particle), the length of all DPBB particles and the area of all DPBB particles. The length and the area of the particles were compared with samples harvested from the same patients at 6 months (nine samples) and pristine particles from the manufacturer.Results: The biopsies consisted of 44.7±16.9% lamellar bone, 38±16.9% marrow space and 17.3±13.2% DPBB. The degree of DPBB to bone contact was 61.5±34%. There were no statistically significant differences between the length and area of the particles after 11 years compared with those measured after 6 months in the same patients or to pristine particles from the manufacturer.Conclusion: DPBB particles were found to be well integrated in lamellar bone, after sinus floor augmentation in humans, showing no significant changes in particle size after 11 years. To cite this article:
Mordenfeld A, Hallman M, Johansson CB, Albrektsson T. Histological and histomorphometrical analyses of biopsies harvested 11 years after maxillary sinus floor augmentation with deproteinized bovine and autogenous bone. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 961–970. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.01939.x
Increased regulatory T‐cell frequencies in patients with advanced melanoma correlate with a generally impaired T‐cell responsiveness and are restored after dendritic cell‐based vaccination
Authors: Correll Anita , Tuettenberg Andrea , Becker Christian , Jonuleit Helmut 
Published: May 2010

Please cite this paper as: Increased regulatory T‐cell frequencies in patients with advanced melanoma correlate with a generally impaired T‐cell responsiveness and are restored after dendritic cell‐based vaccination. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: e213–e221.Abstract:  Naturally occurring CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T‐cell (Treg) activity is assumed to facilitate tumor development and progression. To elucidate the possible role of Tregs in the course of melanoma progression, we analysed the frequency of Tregs in the peripheral blood of patients at melanoma stages I–IV and in patients at melanoma stage IV that underwent dendritic cell (DC)‐based immunotherapy. Using CD25, Foxp3, CD127 and HLA‐DR as Treg associated markers, we observed increased Treg frequencies in patients at the late melanoma stage (stage IV) when compared to healthy donors. Accumulation of Tregs in patients with progressed melanoma correlated with a general reduction of T‐cell responsiveness to the recall antigens tetanus toxoid and tuberculin‐GT. However, DC‐based immunotherapy not only restored antigen‐specific immunity, but also decreased the frequency of Tregs in peripheral blood of patients with melanoma. These findings indicate that tumor progression in patients with melanoma result in general immunosuppression that is associated with Treg expansion in the periphery and can be overcome by DC‐based vaccination.
Endogenous Retroviruses in Trophoblast Differentiation and Placental Development
Authors: Black Sarah G. , Arnaud Fredrick , Palmarini Massimo , Spencer Thomas E. 
Published: May 2010

Citation Black SG, Arnaud F, Palmarini M, Spencer TE. Endogenous retroviruses in trophoblast differentiation and placental development. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are present in the genome of all vertebrates and originated from infections of the germline of the host by exogenous retroviruses. ERVs have coevolved with their hosts for millions of years and are recognized to contribute to genome plasticity, protect the host against infection of related pathogenic and exogenous retroviruses, and play a vital role in development of the placenta. Consequently, some ERVs have been positively selected and maintained in the host genome throughout evolution. This review will focus on the critical role of ERVs in development of the mammalian placenta and specifically highlight the biological role of sheep JSRV‐related endogenous betaretroviruses in conceptus (embryo and associated extraembryonic membranes) development.
Effector and Regulatory Lymphocytes in Asthmatic Pregnant Women
Authors: Bohács Anikó , Cseh Áron , Stenczer Balázs , Müller Veronika , Gálffy Gabriella , Molvarec Attila , Rigó János , Losonczy György , Vásárhelyi Barna , Tamási Lilla 
Published: May 2010

Citation Bohács A, Cseh Á, Stenczer B, Müller V, Gálffy G, Molvarec A, Rigó J Jr, Losonczy G, Vásárhelyi B, Tamási L. Effector and regulatory lymphocytes in asthmatic pregnant women. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 64: 393–401Problem  Asthma influences pregnancy outcome and pregnancy affects asthma severity, but the immunologic mechanisms of these interactions are not fully elucidated.Method  The prevalence of lymphocyte subsets was identified by cell surface markers and intracellular FoxP3 staining, in healthy non‐pregnant (HNP; N = 15), healthy pregnant (HP; N = 33), asthmatic non‐pregnant (ANP; N = 62) and asthmatic pregnant (AP; N = 61) women.Results  Regulatory T cell (Treg) prevalence was higher in HP than in HNP subjects and showed a positive correlation with fetal birth weight, which was blunted in AP group. Treg prevalence was lower and invariable natural killer T cell prevalence was higher in AP patients (compared to HP). Higher naive and lower effector T cell prevalence was observed in AP than in ANP group.Conclusion  Pregnancy‐induced increase in Treg cell prevalence is absent in asthmatic pregnancy that may interfere with physiological intrauterine growth. However, pregnancy‐specific inhibition of asthmatic inflammation can be detected in uncomplicated asthmatic pregnancy.
Dendritic cells transfected with lentiviral vector‐encoding human granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor augment anti‐tumour T‐cell response in vitro
Authors: Cui J. , Lin A. L. , Liu Q. , Sun Q. , Gao Z.‐H. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryDendritic cells (DC) are professional antigen‐presenting cells that can actively taken up and present tumour‐derived proteins to induce a tumour‐specific immune response. Granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) plays a pivotal role in the generation, sensitization, maturation and survival of DC. We charged the peripheral blood monocyte cell‐derived DC with tumour lysate, and then transfected the DC with lentiviral vector‐encoding human GM‐CSF (hGM‐CSF). The antigen‐presenting capacity of the hGM‐CSF‐transfected DC was tested by means of the mixed lymphocyte reaction and cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte assay using wild‐type DC as the control. The Lenti‐hGM‐CSF‐transfected DC was able to stimulate the proliferation of naive allogeneic T lymphocytes and to generate tumour‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes more efficiently than the wild‐type DC. This data indicates that Lenti‐hGM‐CSF‐transfected DC could potentially be used as an effective clinical approach for cancer immunotherapy.
EMERGENCE OF BACILLUS CEREUS AS A DOMINANT ORGANISM IN IRISH RETAILED POWDERED INFANT FORMULAE (PIF) WHEN RECONSTITUTED AND STORED UNDER ABUSE CONDITIONS
Authors: HAUGHTON PHILLIPA , GARVEY MARY , ROWAN NEIL J. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT One hundred powdered infant formulae (PIF), representative of the 10 leading brands available in Ireland, were subjected to a variety of preparation and storage conditions. All PIF analyzed immediately after reconstitution were of satisfactory bacteriological quality, exhibiting a total aerobic mesophilic count of <104 cfu/g (mean 3.8 × 102 cfu/g) and a Bacillus cereus count of <103 cfu/g powder (mean 1.9 × 102 cfu/g). Enterobacter sakazakii was not detected in PIF. While 24 of all PIF examined contained B. cereus, subsequent reconstitution and storage over a 24‐h period at≥20C resulted in this organism being detected in a further 35 PIF at levels in excess of 103 cfu/g. The bacteriological quality of PIF depended on the type and number of organisms initially present and on the product temperature and duration of storage. While PIF predominantly consisted of members of the Bacillus subtilis group, subsequent reconstitution and storage at≥20C for 14 h resulted in the emergence of B. cereus as the dominant organism. Co‐culture studies revealed that B. cereus inhibited the growth of members of the B. subtilis group and Listeria monocytogenes. Not all diarrheagenic and emetic strains of B. cereus exhibited antagonistic activity, and there was also evidence of intraspecies antagonism among B. cereus isolated from PIF.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONThe high biocidal temperatures that occur during spray drying of powdered infant formulae (PIF) combined with good manufacturing practice compliance ensure that these high‐risk foods are of satisfactory bacteriological quality. However, acceptably low numbers of recalcitrant bacterial endospores with toxigenic potential do frequently survive this process. Thus, identifying interrelated preparation and storage conditions (including abuse scenarios) that foster growth of bacterial contaminants in reconstituted PIF to potentially hazardous levels is of paramount importance, as this will inform and safeguard consumer health. This study reports on the occurrence, interaction, emergence and predominance of Bacillus cereus in reconstituted PIF under various storage regimes. The tests described in this study are practical and will benefit food technologists in the profiling of spoilage and potentially pathogenic bacteria that may contaminate these high‐risk products. Guidance is also provided to consumers on conditions for safe storage of reconstituted PIF prior to consumption.
EVALUATION OF BACTERIOCINOGENIC PEDIOCOCCUS ACIDILACTICI AS PROTECTIVE CULTURE IN THE PRESERVATION OF TSIRE, A TRADITIONAL NIGERIAN STICK MEAT
Authors: OLAOYE O.A. , DODD C.E.R. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACT In an effort to control spoilage and pathogenic organisms in tsire, a Nigerian stick meat, the potential of a bacteriocinogenic Pediococcus acidilactici NCIMB 700993 as protective culture was evaluated. Preliminary experiments showed that P. acidilactici produced pediocin in an in vitro assay, among twelve strains of Pediococcus that were tested. Confirmation by polymerase chain reaction revealed that the organism encode gene for pediocin production of approximately 710 bp; its nucleotide sequences showed 99% homology to pediocin operon of P. acidilactici, (GenBank accession number AY705375.1). The pediocin exhibited full activity at 70C for 2 h while loss in activity was observed when treated with proteolytic enzymes, suggesting it may be proteinaceous in nature. Culture of P. acidilactici was inoculated on tsire at 6 log cfu/g and stored for 7 days at 30C to represent ambient temperature in Nigeria. Microbiological analysis showed reductions in the Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms, yeast & moulds, Staphylococcus and total bacterial counts in starter inoculated samples. In a challenge test, foodborne pathogens, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium, were initially inoculated at 6 log cfu/g on tsire samples; treatment with the P. acidilactici isolate reduced counts by 2 and 4 log, respectively, during storage while increase was observed in uninoculated control samples.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONThe present study focused on the potential of biological preservatives in the control of spoilage and pathogenic organisms in a traditional stick meat product tsire in Nigeria. Our findings may prove useful in the preservation of the product, as possible transformation into practical application could constitute an important economically viable approach for improving food safety and promoting public health. However, it would be imperative that the sellers of the product be given required training, especially on the need for observing personal hygiene and good manufacturing practices in order to reduce or prevent contamination of the product.