bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of endothelin receptors in the human umbilical artery and vein
Authors: Bogoni G. , Rizzi A. , Calo G. , Campobasso C. , D'Orleans‐Juste P. , Regoli D. 
Published: July 2012

The aim of the present study was to characterize pharmacologically endothelin receptors that are present in human umbilical vessels.
Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) and endothelin‐2 (ET‐2) are potent stimulants of both the human umbilical artery (pEC50 7.9 and 7.5) and vein (pEC50 8.1 and 8.0). Endothelin‐3 (ET‐3) is inactive on the artery but contracts the vein (pEC50 7.6). IRL1620 is inactive in both vessels. The order of potency of agonists is suggestive of a typical ETA receptor in the artery (ET‐1 =ET‐2 > > ET‐3) and a mixture of ETA and ETB receptors in the vein (ET‐1 = ET‐2 ≥ ET‐3).
The selective ETA receptor antagonist, BQ123, competitively inhibits the effect of ET‐1 in the human umbilical artery (pA2 6.9), while in the vein, only a mixture of BQ123 and BQ788 (a selective ETB antagonist) weakly displaces to the right the cumulative concentration‐response curve to ET‐1. Contractions induced by ET‐3 in the vein are inhibited by BQ788 (pA2 7.6), but not by BQ123.
Inhibition of Ca2+ channels by nifedipine (0.1 μm) is accompanied by a significant decrease of the maximal response to ET‐1 by 40% in the artery and by 30% in the vein. The response of the vein to ET‐3 is almost abolished by nifedipine.
The results indicate that: (i) endothelins contract the human isolated umbilical artery via stimulation of an ETA receptor type; (ii) the contraction induced by ET‐1 in the vein is mediated by both ETA and ETB receptors, while ET‐3 stimulates the ETB receptor; (iii) the contribution of Ca2+ channels to the contraction mediated by the ETB receptor appears to be more important than to that mediated by the ETA receptor.
The involvement of sensory neuropeptides in toluene diisocyanate‐induced tracheal hyperreactivity in the mouse airways
Authors: Scheerens Heleen , Buckley Theresa L. , Muis Thea , Van Loveren Henk , Nijkamp Frans P. 
Published: July 2012

Recently, we developed a murine model to investigate toluene diisocyanate (TDI)‐induced occupational asthma. After skin‐sensitization and intranasal challenge with TDI (1%) mice exhibited tracheal hyperreactivity 24 h after the challenge.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible role for sensory neuropeptides in the development of this tracheal hyperreactivity.
First, we demonstrated that direct application of TDI in vitro induced the release of tachykinins from the sensory nerves in the mouse isolated trachea. Second, capsaicin pretreatment, resulting in the depletion of sensory neuropeptides, completely abolished the TDI‐induced tracheal hyperreactivity 24 h after the challenge. Third, the selective neurokinin1 (NK1)‐receptor antagonist RP 67580 (0.2 μmol kg−1) also inhibited tracheal hyperreactivity when it was administered before the challenge. However, administration of RP 67580 during the sensitization phase did not result in a suppression of the TDI‐induced tracheal hyperreactivity 24 after the challenge.
When TDI‐sensitized mice were topically challenged with TDI a marked ear swelling response was observed. The cutaneous response after TDI application was not affected by capsaicin pretreatment or RP 67580 administration.
These results clearly show that sensory neuropeptides, particularly tachykinins, are essential for the development of TDI‐induced tracheal hyperreactivity during the effector phase. The differences between the airways and skin with respect to the sensory neuropeptides is intriguing and could suggest a local action for the tachykinins in the airways.
Levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and glucocorticoids in chronic wound patients and their potential interactions with impaired wound endothelial progenitor cell migration
Authors: Grieb Gerrit , Simons David , Eckert Lena , Hemmrich Melanie , Steffens Guy , Bernhagen Jürgen , Pallua Norbert 
Published: July 2012

AbstractMacrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a structurally and functionally unique pleiotropic mediator in inflammation and immune processes, was identified decades ago. There is now strong evidence that MIF promotes revascularization and is involved in wound healing processes. However, its exact role in wound healing is still a matter of debate. A cohort of 33 patients was recruited, including 14 patients with acute and 19 patients with chronic wounds. Both serum and wound fluid samples were collected from each patient, and MIF and cortisol concentrations were determined. To functionally underscore MIF's potential role in wound revascularization, a chemotaxis assay was adapted to test whether and to what extent serum samples and wound fluids of each group promote the chemotactic migration of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). MIF serum levels were significantly higher in chronic wound patients than in acute wound patients. Wound exudates of chronic wounds, however, contained a significantly lower concentration of MIF. In chronic wound patients, EPC migration might be delayed, as suggested by in vitro chemotaxis experiments. Despite the overall descriptive nature of this study, we conclude that MIF is correlated with occurrence of chronic wound. The increased MIF levels in the serum of chronic wound patients might be due to MIF's systemic effect of its proinflammatory activities, while its locally decreased levels in chronic wound exudates might be responsible for impaired recruitment of EPCs. Additional prospective data and detailed in vivo models are needed for a more comprehensive understanding of the role of MIF in chronic wound healing.
Investigation of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α in hippocampal sclerosis: A postmortem study
Authors: Feast Alexandra , Martinian Lillian , Liu Joan , Catarino Claudia B. , Thom Maria , Sisodiya Sanjay M. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryPurpose:  Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) is involved in critical aspects of cell survival in response to hypoxia and regulates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Previous experimental and human studies in epilepsy show up‐regulation of VEGF following seizures, although expression of HIF‐1α as its potential regulator has not been explored. We used a postmortem (PM) series from patients with epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis (HS) to investigate patterns of expression of HIF‐1α and VEGF and their potential contribution to neuroprotection.Method:  In 33 PMs (17 cases with unilateral HS, 3 with bilateral HS, 3 with No‐HS, and 10 controls), we quantified neuronal immunolabeling for HIF‐1α and VEGF in hippocampal subfields.Key Findings:  HIF‐1α‐ and VEGF‐immunopositive hippocampal neurones were observed in HS, No‐HS, and also in control cases; there was no significant difference in overall labeling between epilepsy cases and controls. In positive cases, HIF‐1α and VEGF neuronal labeling localized primarily in CA1, CA4, and CA3 subfields in all groups; significantly more positive neurons were seen in the entorhinal cortex in epilepsy cases (p < 0.05). Labeling lateralized to the side of sclerosis in unilateral HS cases, with significant differences between hemispheres (p < 0.05). There was a trend for high HIF‐1α labeling scores in patients with Dravet syndrome without HS and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) cases, and lower scores with long seizure‐free periods prior to death. Hippocampal HIF‐1α and VEGF labeling showed a significant correlation. There was neuronal colocalization of HIF‐1α and VEGF.Significance:  Regional expression patterns are in keeping with seizure‐related activation of HIF‐1α and VEGF. The prominent expression in non‐HS cases could support an overall neuroprotective effect. Correlation between HIF‐1α and VEGF neuronal immunolabeling supports HIF‐1α–mediated induction of VEGF in epilepsy.
Cortical excitability decreases in Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome
Authors: Badawy Radwa A. B. , Macdonell Richard A. L. , Vogrin Simon J. , Lai Alan , Cook Mark J. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryPurpose: We used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to investigate cortical excitability changes in Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome (LGS), anticipating we would find a marked increase in excitability compared to other patients with refractory epilepsies.Methods: Eighteen patients with LGS were studied. Motor threshold (MT), short intracortical inhibition (paired pulse TMS at 2 and 5 msec interstimulus intervals [ISIs]), intracortical facilitation (10 and 15 msec ISIs), and long intracortical inhibition (100–300 msec ISIs) were measured. Results were compared to those of 20 patients with chronic refractory idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE), 20 patients with chronic refractory focal epilepsy, and 20 healthy nonepilepsy controls.Key Findings: A significant decrease in cortical excitability was observed in LGS compared to the other two groups with refractory epilepsy as evidenced by increased MT and intracortical inhibition at both short (2, 5 msec ISIs), and long (100–300 msec ISIs) as well as decreased intracortical facilitation (10, 15 msec ISIs), (p < 0.01; effect sizes ranging from 0.3 to 1.8). Cortical excitability was also lower in LGS compared to nonepilepsy controls (increased MT and decreased intracortical facilitation; p < 0.05; effect sizes ranging from 0.5 to 0.9).Significance: Interictal cortical excitability is decreased in LGS; a feature that distinguishes it from other refractory epilepsy syndromes. This decrease may be an important mechanism for the neurobehavioral comorbidities associated with LGS.
Presidential Address: The Corporation in Finance
Authors: RAJAN RAGHURAM G. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTTo produce significant net present value, an entrepreneur has to differentiate her enterprise from the ordinary. To take collaborators with her, she needs to have substantial ownership, and thus financing. But it is hard to raise finance against differentiated assets. So an entrepreneur has to commit to undertake a second transformation, standardization, that will make the human capital in the firm, including her own, replaceable, so that outside financiers obtain control rights that will allow them to be repaid. A vibrant stock market helps the entrepreneur commit to these two transformations. The nature of firms and financing are intimately linked.
Randomized Trial of Intracardiac Echocardiography During Cavotricuspid Isthmus Ablation
Authors: BENCSIK GÁBOR , PAP RÓBERT , MAKAI ATTILA , KLAUSZ GERGELY , CHADAIDE SZÁMI , TRAYKOV VASSIL , FORSTER TAMÁS , SÁGHY LÁSZLÓ 
Published: July 2012

Randomized Trial of ICE During CTI Ablation. Introduction: Despite a high success rate, radio‐frequency ablation (RFA) of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) can be unusually challenging in some cases. We postulated that visualization of the CTI with intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) could maximize the succes rate, decrease the procedure and ablation time, and minimize the radiation exposure.
Methods and Results:
In our prospective, randomized study, we included 102 patients scheduled for CTI ablation. We randomized patients in 2 groups: guided only by fluoroscopy (n = 52) or ICE‐guided (n = 50) group. Procedure time, fluoroscopy time, and the time spent for RFA were significantly shorter, radiation exposure (dose‐area product‐DAP) and the sum of delivered radio frequency energy were significantly lower in the ICE‐group (68.06 ± 15.09 minutes vs 105.94 ± 36.51 minutes, P < 0.001, 5.54 ± 3.77 minutes vs 18.63 ± 10.60 minutes, P < 0.001, 482.80 ± 534.12 seconds vs 779.76 ± 620.82 seconds, P = 0.001 and 397.62 ± 380.81 cGycm2 vs 1,312.92 ± 1,129.28 cGycm2, P < 0.001, 10,866.84 ± 6,930.84 Ws vs 16,393.56 ± 13,995.78 Ws, P = 0.048, respectively). Seven patients (13%) from the fluoroscopy‐only group crossed over to ICE‐guidance because of prolonged unsuccessful RFA and were all treated successfully. Four vascular complications and 2 recurrences were equally distributed between the 2 groups.
Conclusions:
ICE‐guided ablation of the CTI significantly shortens the procedure and fluoroscopy time, markedly decreases radiation exposure, and time spent for ablation in comparison with fluoroscopy‐only procedures. At the same time, visualization with ICE allowed successful ablation in challenging cases. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 996‐1000, September 2012)
Specialization, diversification, and productivity: a panel data analysis of rice farms in Korea
Authors: Kim Kwansoo , Chavas Jean‐Paul , Barham Bradford , Foltz Jeremy 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis article examines the microeconomics of productivity associated with specialization/diversification in production activities, with an application to Korean rice farms. Korean rice farms tend to be very small and highly specialized. Our analysis examines the productivity effects associated with both farm size and farm specialization/diversification in Korean agriculture. Relying on farm‐level panel data, the analysis studies farm productivity in a multi‐input multi‐output context, accounting not only for changes in inputs and technical change in rice production, but also for the role of diversification in the production of other crops in current and previous periods. We find positive but small productivity gains from farm diversification. These gains come mostly from complementarity effects across farm outputs, with minimal effect of scale economies. The positive complementarity effects work against nonconvexity effects, which provide strong productivity incentives for rice farms to specialize.
Predominant immunoreactivity of Porphyromonas gingivalis heat shock protein in autoimmune diseases
Authors: Jeong E. , Lee J‐Y. , Kim S‐J. , Choi J. 
Published: July 2012

Jeong E, Lee J‐Y, Kim S‐J, Choi J. Predominant immunoreactivity of Porphyromonas gingivalis heat shock protein in autoimmune diseases. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 811–816. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/SBackground and Objective:  Autoimmune diseases, including atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus and rheumatoid arthritis, can be triggered and aggravated by the pathogen‐driven antigenic peptide from Porphyromonas gingivalis HSP60. P. gingivalis is the major pathogen of chronic periodontitis, which is a global epidemic prevalent in two‐thirds of the adult population. The monoclonal antibody raised against peptide 19 (Pep19: TLVVNRLRGSLKICAVKAPG) from P. gingivalis HSP60 was polyreactive to the human homolog. The aim of this study was to determine if Pep19 from P. gingivalis HSP60 manifests itself as a predominant antigen in infection‐triggered autoimmune diseases.Material and Methods:  Pep19 from P. gingivalis HSP60, Mycobacterium tuberculosis HSP60 and Chlamydia pneumoniae HSP60 was synthesized for comparative recognition by the sera from patients with atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, all with ongoing periodontal disease, and by the sera of a control group of patients with periodontal disease but with no history of atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.Results:  Of the Pep19 peptides from P. gingivalis HSP60, M. tuberculosis HSP60 and C. pneumoniae HSP60, Pep19 from P. gingivalis HSP60 was the peptide epitope predominantly and most consistently recognized by the serum samples of the four disease groups (chronic periodontitis, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes mellitus and rheumatoid arthritis).Conclusion:  Seroreactivity to Pep19 of P. gingivalis HSP60, an oral pathogen, was predominant in patients with autoimmune disease with ongoing periodontal disease.
Changes in intake of milk and dairy products among elementary schoolchildren following experiential studies of dairy farming
Authors: SEO Tetsuya , KANEKO Masayuki , KASHIWAMURA Fumiro 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTThis study intends to clarify the effects of hands‐on dairy farming experience on the consumption of milk and dairy products. A survey was conducted on 474 elementary schoolchildren and their parents at eight elementary schools that offered hands‐on dairy farming experience at four dairy farms in Hokkaido, Japan. In the survey, questionnaires were used to inquire about the children's milk and dairy product intake before and after the hands‐on experience. In addition, milk intake at school was investigated weekly for 3 months after the hands‐on experience. The parents were asked about the children's intake of milk and dairy products at home before and after the hands‐on experience. Analysis of the survey results indicated a significant increase in the amount and frequency of milk consumed and the frequency of yogurt consumed at home by the children immediately after the hands‐on experience. Accordingly, the study suggested that the hands‐on dairy farming experience had the effect of increasing children's milk and dairy product consumption at home.
Psychosexual Functioning and Body Image Following a Diagnosis of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
Authors: Bober Sharon L. , Giobbie-Hurder Anita , Emmons Karen M. , Winer Eric , Partridge Ann 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
There has been exponential growth in diagnoses of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in the past decade, yet little is known about sexual functioning and body image in women after diagnosis of DCIS. This is of particular importance because many of the parallel treatment modalities also used to treat invasive breast cancer, e.g., surgery and hormonal therapy, have been shown to have a detrimental effect on psychosexual function.

Aim
The aim was to explore changes in sexual function and body image after diagnosis and treatment of in situ cancer.

Main Outcome Measures
Evidence-based self-report measures assessing psychosexual functioning and body image.

Methods
Women diagnosed with DCIS within the past 3 months and who reported being sexually active completed measures assessing various aspects of psychosocial and sexual functioning and body image. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline, 9-, and 18-month time points. All statistical tests were two sided.

Results
Three hundred four women completed this prospective survey. Overall, sexual function in women with DCIS appears to be very similar to women in the general population and does not seem to be significantly disrupted by a diagnosis of DCIS. Sexual function and body image were notably stable across the 18-month length of follow-up. Of those patients who underwent mastectomy, there were no differences in sexual satisfaction for patients who had reconstruction compared with patients who did not.

Conclusion
Although it has been shown that women with DCIS have a number of psychosocial challenges, results from this large-scale prospective study of women suggest that sexual function and body image may not be significantly negatively affected by this diagnosis. Of note, these results were also the case for women who underwent mastectomy and hormonal therapy. These findings are reassuring for both patients and physicians in the context of decision making about treatment options.
Reproduction, development, growth, and the length of larval life of Phascolosoma turnerae, a wood‐dwelling deep‐sea sipunculan
Authors: Rice Mary E. , Reichardt Hugh F. , Piraino Julianne , Young Craig M. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractSpecimens of the deep‐sea sipunculan Phascolosoma turnerae were retrieved over a 5‐year period from fibrous collectors placed for various time intervals at a depth of 520 m in the Tongue of the Ocean, Bahamas. Sipunculans removed from the collectors were counted, weighed, and maintained in the laboratory at 14°C, where they were monitored for gametogenic activity, spawning, development, and growth. In a 2‐year study of seasonality, worms were most abundant in collectors retrieved in the spring and summer, and least abundant in the fall. Small animals (<0.01 g) were present in all seasons and represented ≥70% of the animals in winter collections. Large specimens (>0.16 g) were found from May through August, but in markedly lower frequencies than small animals. Over the entire study, spawning was observed in the laboratory from April through August. We inferred from analyses of size frequencies, growth, and spawning seasonality that settlement of the larvae occurs primarily from November through April and that oceanic larval life could be as short as 7 months and as long as 12–14 months. Cleavage of fertilized eggs, as observed from laboratory spawnings, was spiral and holoblastic, resulting in a trochophore that transformed into a typical planktotrophic pelagosphera larva at 21 d. A few larvae survived as long as 2 months in the laboratory. This is the first study of biological processes in living sipunculans from the deep sea, and one of the first studies of living deep‐sea wood dwellers.
Globalising Economic Governance, Political Projects, and Spatial Imaginaries: Insights from Four Australasian1 Cities
Authors: WETZSTEIN STEFFEN 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis paper explores how territorial economic governance is discursively constituted in a globalising and neoliberalising world. It acknowledges both the increasingly recognised formative role of spatial imaginaries in economic interventions and the workings of co‐constitutive political projects that link particular imaginaries with political ambitions and policy strategies. Embracing recent calls for comparative ethnographic urban research at the local‐global interface, it explores currently dominant spatial imaginaries across the four Australasian cities of Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. Based on multiple qualitative methods, this study claims that a considerable number of actor's spatial associations and reference points can be related to particular city‐specific governmental projects; Auckland's Super‐City, Sydney's Global and Green City, Melbourne's Liveable City, and Perth's Vibrant City. It is demonstrated how discursive governance techniques such as ‘story‐telling’, benchmarking, and policy transfer have been pivotal in the activation, circulation, and performance of those spatial imaginaries and their transformation into temporarily dominant visions for strategic urban interventions aimed at repositioning urban actors, spaces, and activities. While spatial imaginaries can be related to differently framed global aspirations, the effects of spatial political projects on urban governance and investment trajectories differ significantly across space. Theoretically, the paper stresses the importance of particular conceptions of territorial relations and time‐ and place‐specific institutional mediation in shaping context‐dependent discursive material governance alignments.