bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of systemic therapy on the serum levels of IL‐6 and IL‐8 in pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Mortazavi H. , Babaeijandaghi F. , Akbarzadeh M. , Rezaei N. , Amirzargar A.A. , Daneshpazhooh M. , Jalali A. , Hallaji Z. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground  The place of cell‐mediated immunity and cytokines in the immunopathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) has not been fully established.Objective  To assess the serum levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, Interleukine‐6 (IL‐6) and Interleukine‐8 (IL‐8), in PV patients before and after therapy, to evaluate the influence of therapy on the serum cytokine levels.Methods  Sixty‐six newly diagnosed PV patients enrolled into the study. The serum levels of IL‐8 and IL‐6 were measured in 66 and 64 patients, respectively. According to the extent of skin and mucosal involvement, the patients were divided into two groups namely mild and severe. The serum levels of cytokines were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method before and after 4 weeks of prednisolone plus azathioprine therapy.Results  In 64 patients studied for the serum level of IL‐6, the median IL‐6 level was significantly decreased from 1.6 to 0.9 pg/mL by therapy (P‐value = 0.001). Segregating the patients according to the severity of the disease, the serum level of IL‐6 did not differ significantly by therapy in patients with a mild disease. However, in patients with a severe disease the median serum level of IL‐6 decreased significantly from 1.8 to 0.9 pg/mL after therapy (P‐value = 0.001). No significant changes were found in the IL‐8 level by treatment.Conclusion  The significant decrease in the IL‐6 level after therapy suggests that blocking of IL‐6 could have therapeutic benefits for the treatment of PV, particularly in severe forms.
The cellular language ofmyo‐inositol signaling
Authors: Gillaspy Glenda E. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryThe simple polyol,myo‐inositol, is used as a building block of a cellular language that plays various roles in signal transduction. This review describes the terminology used to denotemyo‐inositol‐containing molecules, with an emphasis on how phosphate and fatty acids are added to create second messengers used in signaling. Work in model systems has delineated the genes and enzymes required for synthesis and metabolism of manymyo‐inositol‐containing molecules, with genetic mutants and measurement of second messengers playing key roles in developing our understanding. There is increasing evidence that molecules such asmyo‐inositol(1,4,5)trisphosphate and phosphatidylinositol(4,5)bisphosphate are synthesized in response to various signals plants encounter. In particular, the controversial role ofmyo‐inositol(1,4,5)trisphosphate is addressed, accompanied by a discussion of the multiple enzymes that act to regulate this molecule. We are also beginning to understand new connections ofmyo‐inositol signaling in plants. These recent discoveries include the novel roles of inositol phosphates in binding to plant hormone receptors and that of phosphatidylinositol(3)phosphate binding to pathogen effectors.ContentsSummary823I.Introduction824II.Structural and terminology considerations: adding phosphates and fatty acids tomyo‐inositol creates a chemical and cellular language for signaling824III.Hydrolysis of membrane PtdInsPs results in second messenger production825IV.What signals are linked to inositol signaling?826V.The controversial roles of DAG and Ins(1,4,5)P3in the plant cell826VI.A Multiplicity of enzymes that synthesize and metabolize Ins(1,4,5)P3829VII.New connections of inositol signaling in plants831VIII.Concluding remarks834Acknowledgements834References834
Prevention of paraquat‐induced apoptosis in human neuronal SH‐SY5Y cells by lipocalin‐type prostaglandin D synthase
Authors: Fujimori Ko , Fukuhara Ayano , Inui Takashi , Allhorn Maria 
Published: November 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 279–291.AbstractParaquat is a widely used herbicide that is structurally similar to the known dopaminergic neurotoxicant 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐pyridine and acts as a potential etiologic factor for the development of Parkinson’s disease. In this study, we investigated the protective roles of lipocalin‐type prostaglandin (PG) D synthase (L‐PGDS) against paraquat‐mediated apoptosis of human neuronal SH‐SY5Y cells. The treatment of SH‐SY5Y cells with paraquat decreased the intracellular GSH level, and enhanced the cell death with elevation of the caspase activities. L‐PGDS was expressed in SH‐SY5Y cells, and its expression was enhanced with the peak at 2 h after the initiation of the treatment with paraquat. Inhibition of PGD2 synthesis and exogenously added PGs showed no effects regarding the paraquat‐mediated apoptosis. SiRNA‐mediated suppression of L‐PGDS expression in the paraquat‐treated cells increased the cell death and caspase activities. Moreover, over‐expression of L‐PGDS suppressed the cell death and caspase activities in the paraquat‐treated cells. The results of a promoter‐luciferase assay demonstrated that paraquat‐mediated elevation of L‐PGDS gene expression occurred through the NF‐κB element in the proximal promoter region of the L‐PGDS gene in SH‐SY5Y cells. These results indicate that L‐PGDS protected against the apoptosis in the paraquat‐treated SH‐SY5Y cells through the up‐regulation of L‐PGDS expression via the NF‐κB element. Thus, L‐PGDS might potentially serve as an agent for prevention of human neurodegenerative diseases caused by oxidative stress and apoptosis.
BAY 41‐2272, a soluble guanylate cyclase agonist, activates human mononuclear phagocytes
Authors: Soeiro‐Pereira PV , Falcai A , Kubo CA , Oliveira‐Júnior EB , Marques OC , Antunes E , Condino‐Neto A 
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEPhagocyte function is critical for host defense against infections. Defects in phagocytic function lead to several primary immunodeficiencies characterized by early onset of recurrent and severe infections. In this work, we further investigated the effects of BAY 41‐2272, a soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) agonist, on the activation of human peripheral blood monocytes (PBM) and THP‐1 cells.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHTHP‐1 cells and PBM viability was evaluated by methylthiazoletetrazolium assay; reactive oxygen species production by lucigenin chemiluminescence; gene and protein expression of NAPDH oxidase components by qRT‐PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively; phagocytosis and microbicidal activity by co‐incubation, respectively, with zymosan and Escherichia coli; and cytokine release by elisa.KEY RESULTSBAY 41‐2272, compared with the untreated group, increased spreading of monocytes by at least 35%, superoxide production by at least 50%, and gp91PHOX and p67PHOX gene expression 20 to 40 times, in both PBM and THP‐1 cells. BAY 41‐2272 also augmented phagocytosis of zymosan particles threefold compared with control, doubled microbicidal activity against E. coli and enhanced the release of TNF‐α and IL‐12p70 by both PBM and THP‐1 cells. Finally, by inhibiting sGC with ODQ, we showed that BAY 41‐2272‐induced superoxide production and phagocytosis is not dependent exclusively on sGC activation.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSIn addition to its ability to induce vasorelaxation and its potential application for therapy of vascular diseases, BAY 41‐2272 was shown to activate human mononuclear phagocytes. Hence, it is a novel pro‐inflammatory drug that may be useful for controlling infections in the immunocompromised host.
Retrospective audit of postictal generalized EEG suppression in telemetry
Authors: Semmelroch Mira , Elwes Robert D. C. , Lozsadi Dora A. , Nashef Lina 
Published: November 2011

SummarySudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) has on rare occasions occurred during electroencephalography (EEG) telemetry, and in such cases postictal EEG suppression (PI EEG‐SUP) was frequently observed. More recently a retrospective case–control study reported this pattern as a risk factor for SUDEP. We retrospectively audited frequency and electroclinical features of this pattern as well as immediate management following tonic–clonic seizures during telemetry. Forty‐eight patients with tonic–clonic seizures were identified from 470 consecutive EEG‐videotelemetry reports. Thirteen patients (27%) with PI EEG‐SUP (mean duration 38.1 s, range 6–69 s, median 38 s) were compared to 12 randomly selected controls. One seizure was analyzed per individual. Those with PI EEG‐SUP were significantly more likely to be motionless after the seizure and have simple nursing interventions performed (suction, oxygen administration, placed in recovery position, vital signs checked). This pattern is relatively common and requires further study as a potential marker for increased mortality in epilepsy.
Subtypes of medial temporal lobe epilepsy: Influence on temporal lobectomy outcomes?
Authors: Bonilha Leonardo , Martz Gabriel U. , Glazier Steven S. , Edwards Jonathan C. 
Published: November 2011

SummarySurgical resection of the hippocampus is the most successful treatment for medication‐refractory medial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) due to hippocampal sclerosis. Unfortunately, at least one of four operated patients continue to have disabling seizures after surgery, and there is no existing method to predict individual surgical outcome. Prior to surgery, patients who become seizure free appear identical to those who continue to have seizures after surgery. Interestingly, newly converging presurgical data from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and intracranial electroencephalography (EEG) suggest that the entorhinal and perirhinal cortices may play an important role in seizure generation. These areas are not consistently resected with surgery and it is possible that they continue to generate seizures after surgery in some patients. Therefore, subtypes of MTLE patients can be considered according to the degree of extrahippocampal damage and epileptogenicity of the medial temporal cortex. The identification of these subtypes has the potential to drastically improve surgical results via optimized presurgical planning. In this review, we discuss the current data that suggests neural network damage in MTLE, focusing on the medial temporal cortex. We explore how this evidence may be applied to presurgical planning and suggest approaches for future investigation.
Female reproductive factors and risk of seizure or epilepsy: Data from the Nurses’ Health Study II
Authors: Dworetzky Barbara A. , Townsend Mary K. , Pennell Page B. , Kang Jae H. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryReproductive factors are associated with seizures in women with epilepsy. We prospectively examined the association between reproductive factors and the risk of adult‐onset isolated seizure, epilepsy, or any unprovoked seizure (defined as single unprovoked seizure or epilepsy) among 114,847 Nurses’ Health Study II participants followed from 1989 to 2005. Validated seizure questionnaires and medical records were used to confirm incident cases of isolated seizure (n = 95) or epilepsy (n = 151). Overall, there were no significant associations between any reproductive factor and risk of any unprovoked seizure (n = 196). However, menstrual irregularity at ages 18–22 years was specifically associated with an increased risk of epilepsy [relative risk (RR) 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12–2.51]. Menstrual irregularity during follow‐up (RR 2.21, 95% CI 1.16–4.20) and early age at menarche (<12 years vs. 12–13 years; RR 1.76, 95% CI 1.10–2.81) increased the risk of isolated seizure. Oral contraceptive use and parity were not associated with isolated seizure or epilepsy. Therefore, menstrual factors were associated with risk of seizure and epilepsy.
Artificial microvascular network: a new tool for measuring rheologic properties of stored red blood cells
Authors: Burns Jennie M. , Yang Xiaoxi , Forouzan Omid , Sosa Jose M. , Shevkoplyas Sergey S. 
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: The progressive deterioration of red blood cell (RBC) rheologic properties during refrigerated storage may reduce the clinical efficacy of transfusion of older units.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This article describes the development of a microfluidic device designed to test the rheologic properties of stored RBCs by measuring their ability to perfuse an artificial microvascular network (AMVN) comprised of capillary‐size microchannels arranged in a pattern inspired by the real microvasculature. In the AMVN device, the properties of RBCs are evaluated by passing a 40% hematocrit suspension of RBCs through the network and measuring the overall perfusion rate.RESULTS: The sensitivity of the AMVN device to the storage‐induced change in rheologic properties of RBCs was tested using five prestorage leukoreduced RBC units stored in AS‐1 for 41 days. The AMVN perfusion rate for stored RBCs was 26 ± 4% (19%‐30%) lower than for fresh RBCs. Washing these stored RBCs in saline improved their performance by 41 ± 6% (the AMVN perfusion rate for washed stored RBCs was still 15 ± 2% lower than for fresh RBCs).CONCLUSIONS: The measurements performed using the AMVN device confirm a significant decline in the rheologic properties of RBCs in units nearing expiration and demonstrate the sensitivity of the device to these storage‐induced changes. The AMVN device may be useful for testing the effect of new storage conditions, additive solutions, and rejuvenation strategies on the rheologic properties of stored RBCs in vitro.
Transvaginal ultrasonography of rectosigmoid endometriosis: interobserver variation of lesion size
Authors: EGEKVIST ANNE GISSELMANN , FORMAN AXEL , SEYER‐HANSEN MIKKEL 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThis study evaluates the interobserver variation of transvaginal ultrasonographic measurements of the size of deep infiltrating endometriosis lesions in the rectosigmoid wall performed by an experienced and a less experienced sonographer. Fifteen outpatient women were seen for a gynecologic examination and 24 women were seen with rectosigmoid endometriosis. Transvaginal ultrasonography was performed independently by two observers with a focus on the presence and size of rectosigmoid endometriosis. The senior observer had several years of experience, whereas the junior observer was a medical student with no prior experience in transvaginal ultrasonography. The findings of the two observers were identical concerning the identification of rectosigmoid endometriosis. The probability of differences in size within 30% of the mean was 0.81, 0.63 and 0.61 for length, width and depth, respectively. Our data suggest that fair skills in this technique can be acquired by inexperienced examiners within a short period of time.
Attitudes towards abortion among trainees in obstetrics/gynecology and clinical genetics
Authors: Ingerslev Marie Diness , Diness Birgitte Rode , Norup Michael 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThis study aimed to provide knowledge about attitudes towards abortion among Danish physicians in training in the specialties of obstetrics/gynecology and clinical genetics. The study was a questionnaire survey among trainees in these specialties. Ninety‐six responded. Trainees in clinical genetics were more pro‐abortion than those in obstetrics/gynecology (p=0.04). Of the respondents, 30 versus 48% found working with early and late abortions unpleasant. Nearly half agreed that they had chosen their specialty despite having to counsel and treat women having abortions. Twenty‐one percent agreed that working with late abortion affected their job satisfaction negatively. Those agreeing with the above statements had a tendency towards lower pro‐abortion scores than those who were indifferent or who disagreed but the differences were not significant. A substantial fraction of physicians in training have negative feelings associated with abortion‐related work and require support in handling and coping with these challenges.
Using online periodontal case‐based discussions to synchronize theoretical and clinical undergraduate dental education
Authors: Koole S. , De Wever B. , Aper L. , Vervaeke S. , Derese A. , De Bruyn H. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground:  Clinical experience is important in undergraduate dental education, but (suitable) patients to learn from are often lacking. Online case‐based discussions were introduced to overcome patient dependency and to synchronize theoretical with clinical education.Materials and methods:  Undergraduate dental students in groups of 5–7 discussed online clinical case reports presenting either minor (2nd year) or complex periodontal pathology (3rd year). Each case consisted of a brief patient history, extra‐ and intra‐oral clinical pictures, periodontal chart, peri‐apical and/or orthopantomographic radiographs. Students had to discuss diagnosis and treatment planning. Questionnaires assessed students’ and supervisors’ general appreciation (score on 20), time investment and opinions about organisation, relation case/course content, future planning, learning effect and online environment (5‐point Likert scale). A crossover design with three tests (pre‐test, test in between and post‐test) was used to investigate whether the frequency of case introduction (one case per week vs. one case element per week) had an effect on learning. Data was analysed with descriptive statistics (questionnaires) and repeated measures ANOVA (crossover design).Results:  Students (n = 119) and supervisors (n = 9) highly appreciated the exercise. Students reported spending on average 74 min per week to read a case, prepare and post messages. Supervisors’ total time investment was 342 min per semester to create a case, provide online feedback and to prepare a live‐discussion. No significant differences in test‐scores were found between the two modalities of case introduction.Conclusion:  Online case‐based discussions, in conjunction with a theoretical course, are valuable additions to the dental curriculum, especially to reinforce the transition from theory to clinical practice.
Suicidal Thought in the Adolescent: Exploring the Relationship Between Known Risk Factors and the Presence of Suicidal Thought
Authors: Shimshock Cana M. , Williams Reg Arthur , Sullivan Barbara‐Jean B. 
Published: November 2011

PROBLEM:  The purpose of this retrospective study was to explore the relationship between recognized risk factors for suicidal thought and the presence or absence of self‐reported suicidal thought.METHODS:  This study was conducted through the secondary analysis of data obtained from a larger, prospective, cluster‐randomized intervention study. A subset of 817 recruits between the ages of 17 and 19 was included in this study.FINDINGS:  A personal history of mental health/emotional problems and a decreased sense of belonging made unique contributions to predicting the presence of suicidal thought.CONCLUSIONS:  The development of interventions to increase sense of belonging may be a key to reducing suicidal thought during stressful events.
Muslims in Nepal: The Local and Global Dimensions of a Changing Religious Minority
Authors: Sijapati Megan Adamson 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe study of South Asian Islam has expanded in recent decades to include communities and traditions on the margins of the political, cultural and religious centers of South Asia. However, only a small body of scholarship yet exists on the topic of Islam and Muslims in Nepal. In this Hindu majority country, the Muslim population is one of diversity and growing national visibility, and it is increasingly looking toward the global umma. This essay provides an overview of the history of Islam in Nepal and Nepal’s Muslim population, followed by a brief review of recent changes in Nepal’s religious and political identity that have created unprecedented opportunities and responsibilities for its minorities, including Muslims. It then reviews the main areas of inquiry undertaken by the few studies on Muslims in Nepal, particularly Muslim identity, Hindu–Muslim conflict, and Islamic revivalism. This is followed by a discussion of contemporary Muslim organizations in Nepal. The essay concludes with thoughts on directions for future research in this rich, but underexplored, area.
A Case Study in Soviet Political Religion: Modernism, The USSR in Construction, and Stalin’s Russia
Authors: Feldman Matthew 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe following article provides a case study in political religion theory via exploration of a neglected Soviet journal, the USSR in Construction [SSSR na Stroike]. This journal, which appeared between January 1930 and June 1941, was ultimately published in five languages, and represented an important, propagandistic face to the non‐communist world. Despite the entrenchment of Socialist Realism at the time, this avant‐garde publication continued to be published monthly by Stalin’s regime – until the invasion of the Soviet Union by Nazi Germany. Contributors may be seen as propagandists, strangely enough, in an etymological sense: propagators of a faith – in this case a ‘political theology’– on behalf of a Stalinist utopia that they believed was currently ‘under construction’.
Can Thrift Bring Well‐being? A Review of the Research and a Tentative Theory
Authors: Kasser Tim 
Published: November 2011

AbstractContemporary forms of consumer capitalism encourage people to prioritize materialistic values, an orientation associated with lower personal well‐being. Such materialistic values stand in contrast to the economic attitude of thrift, which encourages saving, self‐sufficiency, reuse of goods, and avoiding debt. This article reviews the existing empirical literature on thrift and well‐being, finding it to be very contradictory, with studies showing positive, negative, and null associations between various operationalizations of well‐being and of thrift. A need‐based theory is presented to explain these inconsistent findings. The theory suggests that thrifty attitudes, behaviors, and lifestyles sometimes can work to satisfy psychological needs for safety/security, competence, relatedness, and autonomy (and thus promote well‐being) but sometimes interfere with satisfaction of these needs (and thus diminish well‐being). Empirical and anecdotal evidence is reviewed in support of this theory, and future directions for testing and refining it are proposed.
A Moral‐Existential Account of the Psychological Factors Fostering Intergroup Conflict
Authors: Kesebir Pelin , Pyszczynski Tom 
Published: November 2011

AbstractWe combine ideas from terror management and moral foundations theories to analyze the role of existential and moral concerns in the creation and escalation of intergroup conflict. We argue that moral values, as important components of cultural worldviews, serve to buffer existential anxiety. Perceived threats to one’s moral values thus are capable of inducing existential anxiety and unleashing strong moral emotions, creating the psychological impetus for intergroup conflict and violence. We review evidence that threats to the five core moral intuitions posited by moral foundations theory (harm/care, fairness/reciprocity, ingroup/loyalty, authority/respect, and purity/ sanctity) are associated with existential anxiety and that this contributes to intergroup strife and violence. Moral and existential concerns combine to create a vicious feedback loop that leads to self‐perpetuating spirals of violence, which helps explain the intractability of many real‐life conflicts.