bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dietary deficiency increases presenilin expression, gamma‐secretase activity, and Abeta levels: potentiation by ApoE genotype and alleviation by S‐adenosyl methionine
Authors: Chan Amy , Tchantchou Flaubert , Rogers Eugene J. , Shea Thomas B. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractApolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Whether this risk arises from a deficient function of E4 or the lack of protection provided by E2 ir E3 is unclear. Previous studies demonstrate that deprivation of folate and vitamin E, coupled with dietary iron as a pro‐oxidant, for 1 month displayed increased presenilin 1 (PS‐1) expression, gamma‐secretase, and Abeta generation in mice lacking ApoE (ApoE−/− mice). While ApoE−/− mice are a model for ApoE deficiency, they may not reflect the entire range of consequences of E4 expression. We therefore compared herein the impact of the above deficient diet on mice expressing human E2, E3, or E4. As folate deficiency is accompanied by a decrease in the major methyl donor, S‐adenosyl methionine (SAM), additional mice received the deficient diet plus SAM. E2 was more protective than murine ApoE or E3 and E4. Surprisingly, PS‐1 and gamma‐secretase were over‐expressed in E3 to the same extent as in E4 even under a complete diet, and were not alleviated by SAM supplementation. Abeta increased only in E4 mice maintained under the complete diet, and was alleviated by SAM supplementation. These findings suggest dietary compromise can potentiate latent risk factors for AD.
Isomerization of the proline in the M2–M3 linker is not required for activation of the human 5‐HT3A receptor
Authors: Paulsen Isabelle M. , Martin Ian L. , Dunn Susan M. J. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractEach subunit of the cation‐selective members of the Cys‐loop family of ligand‐gated ion channels contains a conserved proline residue in the extracellular loop between the second and third transmembrane domains. In the mouse homomeric 5‐hydroxytryptamine type 3A (5‐HT3A) receptor, the effects of substitution of this proline by unnatural amino acids led to the suggestion that trans‐cis isomerization of the protein backbone at this position is integral to agonist‐induced channel opening [Nature (2005) vol. 438, pp. 248–252]. We explored the generality of this conclusion using natural amino acid mutagenesis of the homologous human 5‐HT3A receptor. The conserved proline (P303) was substituted by either a histidine or tryprophan and the mutant receptors were expressed in Xenopus oocytes. These mutations did not significantly affect the magnitude of agonist‐mediated currents, compromise channel gating by 5‐HT or inhibition of 5‐HT‐induced currents by either picrotoxin or d‐tubocurarine. The mutations did, however, result in altered dependence on extracellular Ca2+ concentration and a 10‐fold increase in the rate of receptor desensitization. These results demonstrate an important role for P303 in 5‐HT3A receptor function but indicate that trans‐cis isomerization at this proline is unlikely to be a general mechanism underlying the gating process.
Use of the internet for health purposes: trends in Norway 2000–2010
Authors: Wangberg Silje , Andreassen Hege , Kummervold Per , Wynn Rolf , Sørensen Tove 
Published: May 2009

Aim:  The aim of this work is to study the 10 year trends in the use and projected use of internet for health purposes in Norway. This includes more detailed analyses of changes in latter years, current uses, valuation as source of health information, reported effects and projected developments.Method:  Surveys on the use of the internet for health purposes have been conducted in Norway in the years 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2007. Representative samples were drawn from the population, and interviews were conducted by poll agencies using telephone (CATI).Results:  Internet use for health purposes in the Norwegian population has increased dramatically over the last 7 years from 19% in 2000 to 67% in 2007. If this trend continues, we estimate that 84% of the Norwegian population will be using internet for health purposes by the year 2010. Reading about health or illness is the most common activity, and the rated importance of the internet as a source of health information is increasing. The internet is also used more for ordering medicines and other health‐related products. Forty‐four per cent of those having used the internet for health purposes reported having searched for lifestyle‐related information, and 40% reported having felt inspired to change health behaviour.Conclusions:  The internet is an important source of health information, which is likely to increase in importance in the years to come. This study further underlines the potential of internet use for health promoting purposes, as well as the potential for exacerbating social disparities in health.
Self‐assessment of nursing competencies – validation of the Finnish NCS instrument with Italian nurses
Authors: Dellai Marisa , Mortari Luigina , Meretoja Riitta 
Published: May 2009

Aim:  Research focusing on competence assessment of practicing nurses has recently increased. However, few generic instruments are available for this purpose. This study reports cultural validation of the Italian version of the Nurse Competence Scale (NCS, English version) by exploring nurses’ perceptions of the use of the NCS instrument.Methods:  Content validity of the Italian version of the NCS was assessed during the translation and back‐translation process. Thereafter, cultural validity was further explored by conducting self‐assessments and semi‐structured interviews with 10 nurses, who practise medicine, cardiology and intensive care wards. First, the Italian version of the 73‐item NCS was used to assess nurses’ competence levels and the frequency of using competencies in practice settings. Second, semi‐structured interviews were conducted to evaluate nurses’ perceptions of the use of the instrument.Results:  The advanced beginners obtained a high overall competence level and the experienced nurses a very high overall competence level. These results are similar with the earlier findings of nurse competence levels with the NCS. The overall frequency of using NCS competencies in clinical practice indicated good cultural validity of the instrument. The instrument was considered easy to understand and to complete, and the Italian version was considered to express the domain of nursing. However, a need to make semantic specifications for some items for the Italian version was pointed out.Conclusions:  This explorative pilot study reports a first phase cultural validation process. Carefully performed translation alone does not ensure validity of translated instrument. Interview method is recommended to deepen the understanding of concept in question and the content validity of the instrument. The results support previous research findings of the use of the NCS instrument and show that it could be very useful in competence assessment for Italian nurses.
Use of a point‐of‐care urine drug test in a dog to assist in diagnosing barbiturate toxicosis secondary to ingestion of a euthanized carcass
Authors: Campbell Vicki L. , Butler Amy L. , Lunn Katharine F. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjective –To describe a case of barbiturate toxicosis in a dog secondary to ingestion of a previously buried euthanized goat carcass and to discuss the utility of urine drug testing in diagnosing barbiturate toxicosis.Case Summary –A 6‐year‐old neutered male Border Collie was presented to a university veterinary teaching hospital for evaluation of ataxia and acute collapse. Past pertinent history included Addison's disease that had been managed for 1 year. A companion dog was seen 12 hours earlier chewing on the partially decomposed head of a goat that had been euthanized 47 days previously and buried on the owner's property. The dog was laterally recumbent, unresponsive to stimuli, and hypothermic on physical examination. Initial blood work revealed hyponatremia and hyperkalemia, with a Na/K ratio of 18.5. The dog was volume resuscitated and received an injection of dexamethasone sodium phosphate due to a suspected Addisonian crisis. Despite this treatment, the dog remained laterally recumbent and unresponsive to stimuli. A urine drug screen was performed and was positive for barbiturates. A diagnosis of barbiturate toxicosis secondary to ingestion of a euthanized goat carcass was made. The dog was treated supportively over 12 hours with IV fluids and activated charcoal. The dog was able to walk 11 hours after presentation and was subsequently discharged from the hospital.New or Unique Information Provided –Urine drug testing is a fast, easy, and point‐of‐care test that may be useful in dogs to assist in the diagnosis of barbiturate intoxication. Proper disposal of euthanized animals is necessary to prevent toxicosis and possible death of companion animals and wildlife.
Right ventricular rupture after lateral thoracotomy for removal of rib‐associated telangiectatic osteosarcoma in a dog
Authors: Barmettler Reto , Spreng David E. , Gorgas Daniela , Scharf Gernot , Posthaus Horst , Sigrist Nadja E. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjective –To describe a case of a focal right ventricular rupture following removal of a rib‐associated telangiectatic osteosarcoma (TOS) in a dog.Case Summary –A 2‐year‐old spayed female mixed‐breed dog, weighing 20 kg, was presented in compensated hypovolemic shock due to active bleeding into the thoracic cavity. The dog was stabilized with appropriate fluid administration. Subsequent computed tomographic examination revealed a large mineralized mass originating from the body of a rib and displacing the heart. Two days after surgical removal of this mass, focal right ventricular rupture occurred and the dog died. The mass was later identified as a TOS.New or Unique Information Provided –Although hemothorax secondary to TOS has been described previously, this report describes for the first time, spontaneous focal right ventricular rupture as a rare complication of thoracotomy and rib resection for the removal of a rib‐associated, intrathoracic TOS.
Combined treatment with Denbinobin and Fas ligand has a synergistic cytotoxic effect in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma BxPC‐3 cells
Authors: Yang CR , Guh JH , Teng CM , Chen CC , Chen PH 
Published: May 2009

Background and purpose:  Human pancreatic carcinoma is a highly malignant cancer. Previous studies have shown that the decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) for Fas ligand (FasL) plays significant roles in tumour progression and immune suppression. In the present study, we evaluated the anti‐cancer activity of a natural compound, denbinobin (5‐hydroxy‐3,7‐dimethoxy‐1,4‐phenanthraquinone), through decreasing DcR3 levels in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines.Experimental approach:  We used immunoprecipitation and ELISA assays to examine DcR3 levels, and used FACS to determine the percentage of cells with a sub‐G1 DNA content.Key results:  AsPC‐1 and BxPC‐3 human pancreatic cancer cells express high levels of DcR3. Denbinobin concentration‐dependently decreased DcR3 levels in BxPC‐3 cells. MTT and flow cytometry assays indicated that BxPC‐3 was FasL‐resistant because high concentrations (100 ng·mL−1) of soluble FasL did not inhibit cell growth. However, combinations of denbinobin (3 µmol·L−1) with lower concentrations of soluble FasL (10, 30 and 50 ng·mL−1) or membrane‐bound FasL, were synergistic on cell growth inhibition and apoptosis. Exogenous excess DcR3 reversed this synergistic effect. We observed no significant increase in the levels of surface Fas, cleaved forms of caspase‐8, ‐3, ‐9, Bax, Bid, Bcl‐xL, cytochrome c or mitochondrial membrane potentials following denbinobin treatment. However, denbinobin treatment increased the levels of apoptosis‐inducing factor.Conclusions and implications:  Denbinobin and FasL trigger a synergistic cytotoxic effect in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. Denbinobin mediated a decrease in levels of DcR3, which played a major role in this synergistic effect, and also increased caspase‐independent apoptosis, via apoptosis‐inducing factor.
Protective mechanisms of activated protein C in severe inflammatory disorders
Authors: Neyrinck Arne P , Liu Kathleen D , Howard James P , Matthay Michael A 
Published: May 2009

The protein C system is an important natural anticoagulant mechanism mediated by activated protein C (APC) that regulates the activity of factors VIIIa and Va. Besides well‐defined anticoagulant properties, APC also demonstrates anti‐inflammatory, anti‐apoptotic and endothelial barrier‐stabilizing effects that are collectively referred to as the cytoprotective effects of APC. Many of these beneficial effects are mediated through its co‐receptor endothelial protein C receptor, and the protease‐activated receptor 1, although exact mechanisms remain unclear and are likely pleiotropic in nature. Increased insight into the structure–function relationships of APC facilitated design of APC variants that conserve cytoprotective effects and reduce anticoagulant features, thereby attenuating the risk of severe bleeding with APC therapy. Impairment of the protein C system plays an important role in acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome and severe sepsis. The pathophysiology of both diseases states involves uncontrolled inflammation, enhanced coagulation and compromised fibrinolysis. This leads to microvascular thrombosis and organ injury. Administration of recombinant human APC to correct the dysregulated protein C system reduced mortality in severe sepsis patients (PROWESS trial), which stimulated further research into its mechanisms of action. Several other clinical trials evaluating recombinant human APC have been completed, including studies in children and less severely ill adults with sepsis as well as a study in acute lung injury. On the whole, these studies have not supported the use of APC in these populations and challenge the field of APC research to search for additional answers.This article is part of a themed issue on Mediators and Receptors in the Resolution of Inflammation. To view this issue visit http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121548564/issueyear?year=2009
Experience of mandatory nucleic acid test (NAT) screening across all blood organizations in Germany: NAT yield versus breakthrough transmissions
Authors: Nübling C. Micha , Heiden Margarethe , Chudy Michael , Kress Julia , Seitz Rainer , Keller‐Stanislawski Brigitte , Funk Markus B. 
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: Mandatory nucleic acid test (NAT) blood screening was introduced in Germany in 1999 for hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA and in 2004 for human immunodeficiency virus Type 1 (HIV‐1) RNA. Minimal sensitivity limits of 5000 IU HCV RNA/mL and 10,000 IU HIV‐1 RNA/mL were defined for the individual donation facilitating testing of minipools (MPs). The NAT yield obtained from all blood organizations is summarized. Transfusion‐associated virus transmissions despite NAT screening (“breakthrough transmissions”) are analyzed.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In Germany, a variety of NAT assays is applied for NAT screening pool sizes of up to 96 donations. Subsets of NAT yield cases were characterized with regard to viral loads by quantitative NAT and with regard to viral genotypes. Confirmed breakthrough transmissions were analyzed using different molecular and serologic assays.RESULTS: Ninety‐two HCV NAT yield cases among 40.8 million and 11 HIV‐1 NAT yield cases among 17.1 million donations were identified. During this period, one transmission case was confirmed for HCV and one for HIV‐1. The two incidents escaped NAT detection because of low‐level viremia and/or suboptimal amplification efficiency. Evidence was obtained for a case of HIV‐1 nontransmission by a low‐level HIV‐1 contaminated red blood cell unit.CONCLUSION: NAT screening of MPs identified the vast majority of window‐phase donations. A significant number of transmission cases was interdicted; breakthrough transmissions may still occur as rare events, even with individual‐donation NAT in place. Sensitivity limits might be adapted to the current “state of the art” taking account of viral dynamics during early infection, incidence rates, and costs.
Insecticidal and synergistic effects of Majorana hortensis essential oil and some of its major constituents
Authors: Abbassy Mostafa A. , Abdelgaleil Samir A. M. , Rabie Rasha Y. A. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe essential oil from leaves of Majorana hortensis Moench (Lamiaceae) was isolated by hydrodistillation with a yield of 1.6% (wt/wt). The insecticidal activity of the oil was evaluated against fourth instars of Spodoptera littoralis Boisduval (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and adults of Aphis fabae L. (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The oil showed a remarkable toxic effect against S. littoralis in a topical application assay (LD50 = 2.48 μg per larva) and in a residual film assay (LC50 = 3.14 g/l). The oil of M. hortensis also exhibited a pronounced toxic effect against A. fabae adults with LC50 values of 1.86 and 2.27 g/l in rapid dipping and residual film assays, respectively. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analyses of M. hortensis essential oils revealed the presence of 31 compounds and the main components were terpinen‐4‐ol (30.0%), γ‐terpinene (11.3%), and trans‐sabinene hydrate (10.8%). Repeated column chromatography of M. hortensis oil on silica gel led to the isolation of two major constituents, which were characterized based on 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometric data, as terpinen‐4‐ol and γ‐terpinene. These two components were examined for their insecticidal and synergistic activities towards S. littoralis and A. fabae. Terpinen‐4‐ol and γ‐terpinene exhibited a significant insecticidal activity against both insects, but γ‐terpinene was more toxic than terpinen‐4‐ol. When tested in a binary mixture with the synthetic insecticides profenofos and methomyl, it was found that both compounds enhanced the insecticidal activity of these insecticides by two‐ to threefold. These results show that terpinen‐4‐ol and γ‐terpinene have a synergistic effect on the insecticidal activities of synthetic insecticides profenofos and methomyl.
Stability of crestal bone level at platform‐switched non‐submerged titanium implants: a histomorphometrical study in dogs
Authors: Becker Jürgen , Ferrari Daniel , Mihatovic Ilja , Sahm Narja , Schaer Alex , Schwarz Frank 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjectives: To investigate the influence of platform switching on crestal bone level changes at non‐submerged titanium implants over a period of 6 months.Material and Methods: Titanium implants (n=72) were placed at 0.4 mm above the alveolar crest in the lower jaws of 12 dogs and randomly assigned to either matching or non‐matching (circumferential horizontal mismatch of 0.3 mm) healing abutments. At 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks, dissected blocks were processed for histomorphometrical analysis. Measurements were made between the implant shoulder (IS) and the apical extension of the long junctional epithelium (aJE), the most coronal level of bone in contact with the implant (CLB), and the level of the alveolar bone crest (BC).Results: At 24 weeks, differences in the mean IS–aJE, IS–CLB, and IS–BC values were 0.2 ± 1.2, 0.3 ± 0.7, and 0.3 ± 0.8 mm at the buccal aspect, and 0.2 ± 0.9, 0.3 ± 0.5, and 0.3 ± 0.8 mm at the lingual aspect, respectively. Comparisons between groups revealed no significant differences at either the buccal or the lingual aspects.Conclusions: It was concluded that (i) bone remodelling was minimal in both groups and (ii) platform switching may not be of crucial importance for maintenance of the crestal bone level.
Supportive periodontal therapy of furcation sites: non‐surgical instrumentation with or without topical doxycycline
Authors: Dannewitz Bettina , Lippert Katherine , Lang Niklaus P. , Tonetti Maurizio S. , Eickholz Peter 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjectives: Evaluation of the clinical effect of topical subgingival application of doxycycline gel adjunctively to scaling and root planing (SRP) at furcation sites during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT).Material and Methods: In 39 SPT patients exhibiting at least four pockets 5 mm with bleeding on probing, SRP was rendered in all pockets 4 mm. Additionally, 14% doxycycline gel was applied subgingivally in 20 patients after random assignment (SRP&DOXY). Clinical parameters were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months after therapy. Additional benefit of topical doxycycline was evaluated as a short‐term (3 months) improvement of furcation involvement and influence on the frequency of re‐instrumentation up to 12 months.Results: A total of 323 furcation sites (class 0: 160; class I: 101; class II: 18; and class III: 44) were treated (SRP: 165, SRP&DOXY: 158). SRP&DOXY resulted in better improvement of furcation involvement than SRP alone 3 months after treatment (p=0.041). However, SRP&DOXY failed to show a significant difference between both groups in the number of re‐instrumentations.Conclusion: Single subgingival application of doxycycline in addition to SRP had a short‐term effect on furcation involvement. However, it failed to reduce the frequency of re‐instrumentation up to 12 months at furcation sites.
Nucleolin protein expression in cutaneous melanocytic lesions
Authors: Mourmouras Vasileios , Cevenini Gabriele , Cosci Elena , Epistolato Maria C. , Biagioli Maurizio , Barbagli Letizia , Luzi Pietro , Mannucci Susanna , Miracco Clelia 
Published: May 2009

Background: Nucleolin is a major nucleolar argyrophilic protein involved in carcinogenesis. There are only few studies on its tissue expression in human cancer and none in melanoma. We aimed at exploring this protein and its prognostic impact in cutaneous melanocytic lesions.Methods: We studied 193 cases including benign, dysplastic and malignant melanocytic lesions. Nuclear positivity was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and quantified by automated image analysis.Results: Most dysplastic and malignant lesions showed high percentages of cells with abnormal patterns of nuclear positivity (Abn+N) consisting in multiple, irregular, positive dots (ID+) and a coarse, irregularly positive nucleoplasm (CNpl+) or both (ID+CNpl+). The patterns CNpl+ and/or ID+CNpl+ were never observed in benign lesions, in which ID+ were also virtually absent. Abn+N% was significantly lower in dysplastic nevi than in primary melanomas and metastases and in primary melanomas than in metastases (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Abn+N was the second powerful prognostic discriminator, after melanoma thickness, and a significantly lower survival was observed in vertical growth phase melanoma patients showing Abn+N in more than 50% of melanoma cells.Conclusion: An altered nuclear nucleolin expression seems to accompany melanoma progression. Further investigation on nucleolin functionality and subcellular trafficking could add information on its altered role in melanoma.