bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical performance of the new glucometer in the nursery and neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Nuntnarumit Pracha , Chittamma Anchalee , Pongmee Pharuhad , Tangnoo Archara , Goonthon Somying 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackground:  Performance of point‐of‐care (POC) glucometers in newborns have been unsatisfactory in low glucose concentration range and the effects of different hematocrit levels on glucose measurements have also demonstrated in currently used POC glucometers.Methods:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the new glucometer (Nova‐Statstrip®; Nova Biomedical, Waltham, MA, USA) compared to the reference method. Venous blood specimens of neonates were collected and tested by the two glucometers. Standard reference was performed using the hexokinase method within 10 min of blood collection. Hematocrit and total serum bilirubin measurements were performed simultaneously.Results:  One hundred and fifty‐one blood specimens were collected and measured by the reference method with plasma glucose concentrations ranging from 12 to 371 mg/dL. Twenty‐one specimens had plasma glucose concentrations <45 mg/dL. At plasma glucose concentrations less than 75 mg/dL, the Statstrip® achieved 93% in the tests for discrepancy < 15 mg/dL. At a glucose concentration more than 75 mg/dL, 97% of the Statstrip® readings were within 20% of the reference values. The mean difference (±2SD) of the Statstrip® was 2.8 (−14.1, 19.7) mg/dL. At a hypoglycemic level (<45 mg/dL), it showed a sensitivity of 95.2%. No significant interference of hematocrit or total serum bilirubin was found on the mean bias of the Statstrip®.Conclusion:  The new glucometer (Nova‐Statstrip®) could be used for point‐of‐care blood glucose measurement in neonates as it showed a narrow margin of error and had no hematocrit or bilirubin interference.
Functional identification of an outwardly rectifying pH‐ and anesthetic‐sensitive leak K+ conductance in hippocampal astrocytes
Authors: Chu Kuo‐Chang , Chiu Cheng‐Di , Hsu Tsan‐Ting , Hsieh Yu‐Ming , Huang Yu‐Yin , Lien Cheng‐Chang 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAstrocytes function as spatial K+ buffers by expressing a rich repertoire of K+ channels. Earlier studies suggest that acid‐sensitive tandem‐pore K+ channels, mainly TWIK‐related acid‐sensitive K+ (TASK) channels, mediate part of the passive astroglial membrane conductance. Here, using a combination of electrophysiology and pharmacology, we investigated the presence of TASK‐like conductance in hippocampal astrocytes of rat brain slices. Extracellular pH shifts to below 7.4 (or above 7.4) induced a prominent inward (or outward) current in astrocytes in the presence of tetrodotoxin, a Na+ channel blocker, and 4,4′‐diisothiocyanatostilbene‐2,2’‐disulfonate, a co‐transporter blocker. The pH‐sensitive current was insensitive to quinine, a potent blocker of tandem‐pore K+ channels including TWIK‐1 and TREK‐1 channels. Voltage‐clamp analysis revealed that the pH‐sensitive current exhibited weak outward rectification with a reversal potential of −112 mV, close to the Nernst equilibrium potential for K+. Furthermore, the current–voltage relationship was well fitted with the Goldman–Hodgkin–Katz current equation for the classical open‐rectifier ‘leak’ K+ channel. The pH‐sensitive K+ current was potentiated by TASK channel modulators such as the volatile anesthetic isoflurane but depressed by the local anesthetic bupivacaine. However, unlike TASK channels, the pH‐sensitive current was insensitive to Ba2+ and quinine. Thus, the molecular identity of the pH‐sensitive leak K+ channel is unlikely to be attributable to TASK channels. Taken together, our results suggest a novel yet unknown leak K+ channel underlying the pH‐ and anesthetic‐sensitive background conductance in hippocampal astrocytes.
M‐tropic HIV envelope protein gp120 exhibits a different neuropathological profile than T‐tropic gp120 in rat striatum
Authors: Bachis Alessia , Cruz Maria I. , Mocchetti Italo 
Published: July 2010

AbstractMost early human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) strains are macrophage (M)‐tropic HIV variants and use the chemokine receptor CCR5 for infection. Neuronal loss and dementia are less severe among individuals infected with M‐tropic strains. However, after several years, the T‐cell (T)‐tropic HIV strain, which uses the CXCR4 variant, can emerge in conjunction with brain abnormalities, suggesting strain‐specific differences in neuropathogenicity. The molecular and cellular mechanisms of such diversity remain under investigation. We have previously demonstrated that HIV envelope protein gp120IIIB, which binds to CXCR4, causes neuronal apoptosis in rodents. Thus, we have used a similar experimental model to examine the neurotoxic effects of M‐tropic gp120BaL. gp120BaL was microinjected in the rat striatum and neuronal apoptosis was examined in the striatum, as well as in anatomically connected areas, such as the somatosensory cortex and the substantia nigra. gp120BaL promoted neuronal apoptosis and tissue loss that were confined to the striatum. Apoptosis was associated with microglial activation and increased levels of interleukin‐1β. Intriguingly, gp120BaL increased brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in the striatum. Overall, our data show that gp120BaL demonstrates a different neuropathological profile than gp120IIIB. A better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms mediating HIV neurotoxicity is vital for developing effective neuroprotective therapies against AIDS‐associated dementia complex.
Signaling through erbB receptors is a critical functional regulator in the mature cochlea
Authors: Watanabe Futoshi , Kirkegaard Mette , Matsumoto Suguru , Gont Cecilia , Mannström Paula , Ulfendahl Mats , Fridberger Anders 
Published: July 2010

AbstractNoise, ototoxic substances and various genetic factors are common causes of profound hearing loss. Cochlear implants can often restore hearing in these cases, but only if a sufficient number of responsive auditory nerve fibers remain. Over time, these nerve fibers degenerate in the damaged ear, and it is therefore important to establish factors that control neuronal survival and maintain neural excitability. Recent studies show that neuregulins and their receptors are important for survival and proper targeting of neurons in the developing inner ear. A role for neuregulins as maintainers of the neuronal population in the mature inner ear was therefore hypothesized. Here, this hypothesis was directly tested by chronic local application of substances that block neuregulin receptors. Using auditory brainstem response measurements, we demonstrate that such receptor block leads to a progressive hearing impairment that develops over the course of weeks. This impairment occurs despite a normal number of auditory neurons and preserved outer hair cell function. Real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction shows alterations in neurotrophin‐3 expression, suggesting that this growth factor participates in regulating cochlear sensitivity. The present work demonstrates the critical importance of neuregulin/erbB signaling in long‐term functional regulation in the mature guinea pig hearing organ.
Pediatric anesthesia in developing countries: experience in the two main university hospitals of Benin in West Africa
Authors: ZOUMENOU EUGÈNE , GBENOU SÉRAPHIN , ASSOUTO PAMPHILE , OURO BANG’NA MAMAN ABOUDOUL‐FATAOU , LOKOSSOU THOMAS , HOUNNOU GERVAIS , AGUEMON ABDOU RHAMAN , CHOBLI MARTIN 
Published: July 2010

SummaryAims:  To describe the practice of pediatric anesthesia in the main University Hospitals in Benin.Patients and Methods:  We conduct a retrospective study involving 512 children at the ‘Centre National Hospitalier et Universitaire’ and the ‘Hôpital de la Mère et de l’Enfant Lagune’ in Cotonou. All children less than 15 years of age undergoing surgery from January to December 2007 were included. Patient demographics, anesthetic technique, perioperative monitoring and complications were analyzed.Results:  General anesthesia was used in 94% of children. Regional anesthesia was used in 1.7% of children at CNHU and 17% of children at Hôpital de la Mère et de l’Enfant Lagune. Inhalational induction was the commonest technique used. Halothane was the only inhalational agent available for induction. Seventy‐two percent of children having general anesthesia were intubated. Muscle relaxation was used in 48% of cases, only with pancuronium. The available perioperative monitoring equipment was not used regularly. All children having general anesthesia breathed spontaneously with manual assistance. There were eight cardiac arrests recorded, giving an incidence of 156 cardiac arrests per 10 000 anesthetics. Hypoxia was the commonest cause of cardiac arrest. The mortality associated with cardiac arrest was very high (62%). There were three prognostic factors that predicted a poor outcome: age <1 year, emergency surgery and an ASA score of three or more.Conclusion:  Pediatric anesthesia in the two University Hospitals is far from satisfactory. Morbidity and mortality are unacceptably high. Suggestions are made to improve the safety of children undergoing anesthesia.
Ventricular fibrillation in an ex‐premature neonate following reperfusion of ischemic gut incarcerated within an inguinal hernia
Authors: ALLFORD MARK , BEW STEPHANIE 
Published: July 2010

SummaryWe describe the case of a neonate who underwent surgery for bowel obstruction. The child was born at 25 weeks postconception, and at the time of surgery, he had a postconceptual age of 44 weeks. He had undergone two previous laparotomy procedures for necrotizing enterocolitis. At laparotomy, there was unexpected extensive compromise to gut perfusion. The child developed ventricular fibrillation following the reperfusion of a segment of ischemic gut found incarcerated in an inguinal hernial orifice. We discuss the pathophysiology of intestinal ischemia–reperfusion (I‐R) injury. We have reviewed the interventions that may be employed to minimize the systemic impact of I‐R.
A systematic review of primary healthcare provider education and training using the Chronic Care Model for Childhood Obesity
Authors: Jacobson D. , Gance‐Cleveland B. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryThe purpose of this systematic review was to examine 15 studies which evaluated interventions aimed at improving primary care providers' identification, assessment, prevention and/or management of obesity in children and adolescents. Interventions were evaluated in terms of length, components addressing nutrition, physical activity and behavioural counselling consistent with expert recommendations, and inclusion of components of the Chronic Care Model. Overall, training interventions were delivered face to face or in a combination of lecture, assigned readings, preceptorship with experienced providers, and critiqued evaluations of interactions of the provider with the patient and family. Many studies incorporated training of providers as an initial step prior to delivering an obesity intervention for children and adolescents measuring weight loss and behaviour change as outcomes. Each study was evaluated for components of the Chronic Care Model. The interventions most frequently utilized the elements of self‐management support (69%), decision support (100%), delivery system support (77%) and clinical information systems (23%). Although science in this area is emerging, results suggest that intervention programmes that included more components of the Chronic Care Model were more effective.
Prevalence of obesity in Switzerland 1992–2007: the impact of education, income and occupational class
Authors: Faeh D. , Braun J. , Bopp M. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryPrevalence of excess weight varies substantially by socioeconomic position (SEP). SEP can be defined with different indicators. The strength of the association of SEP with excess weight differs by SEP indicator, between populations and over time. We examined the prevalence of overweight and obesity (body mass index 25–29.9 and ≥30 kg m−2) in Switzerland by educational level, household income tertile and occupational class (three categories for each indicator). Self‐reported data stem from four cross‐sectional population surveys including 53 588 persons aged between 25 and 74 years. The overall prevalence of overweight increased between 1992 and 2007 from 37.4% to 41.4% in men and from 18.8% to 21.9% in women. Obesity prevalence increased from 7.2% to 9.7% in men and from 5.4% to 8.6% in women. Inequalities were calculated with multivariable logistic regression. Inequalities were larger in women than in men and for obesity than for overweight. However, overweight and obesity inequalities did not significantly change over time, despite overall increasing prevalence. Although all SEP indicators were independently associated with excess weight, the association was strongest with education, particularly in women. Programmes and policies aimed at preventing excess weight should target individuals with low education early in life.
Research Note: Fieldwork, supervision and trust
Authors: Michaud Jean 
Published: July 2010

AbstractIn this research note I reflect upon my different experiences as a researcher with ethnic minorities in Southeast Asia, from my years as a postgraduate student to my current work as a professor. From being a graduate student, to supervising them, I have learned many lessons about graduate fieldwork. Nowadays, I pass these on to supervisees as best I can. I consider it my professional and personal duty to actively warn, inform and prepare young anthropologists about to leave for their masters' and doctoral field research in China, Vietnam and Laos about the field locations to which they are travelling, the political negotiations that they will need to undertake, and the cultural, economic and political differences they will encounter. I also stress that the anthropology that is played out in the field in socialist settings is not necessarily that which we read about in textbooks.
Muscle moment arms and function of the siamang forelimb during brachiation
Authors: Michilsens Fana , Vereecke Evie E. , D’Août Kristiaan , Aerts Peter 
Published: July 2010

AbstractMoment arms have an important modulating impact on muscle function, as they represent the capacity of the muscle to convert muscle action into limb movements. In the current paper, we provide muscle moment arm data of the forelimb of four siamangs, collected by detailed dissections on unfixed cadavers. The aim of this study is to assess the role of different forelimb muscles during brachiation. Moment arm data are compared with similar published data of non‐brachiating primates such as macaques, chimpanzees and humans. Our data show that shoulder adductors and endorotators and the elbow flexors are built for force generation, whereas the shoulder abductors, flexors and exorotators are best suited to gain speed and to change direction. Compared to non‐brachiating species, both elbow and wrist flexors are particularly noticeable in terms of moment of force‐generating capacity. However, the moment of force‐generating capacity of the elbow extensor is not negligible, which indicates that the triceps also plays an active role, especially at the end of the support phase. Except for the elbow flexors, all muscles reach their maximum moment of force‐generating capacity during the support phase of brachiation. When brachiating on a more complex setup, the siamang will flex the elbows to angles that induce maximum moment arms as well.
EFFECTS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM AND UNDERNUTRITION ON DNA CONTENT AND THYMIDINE KINASE ACTIVITY DURING CEREBELLAR DEVELOPMENT IN THE RAT1,2
Authors: Weichsel M. E. , Dawson L. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract—The effects of hypothyroidism and several degrees of undernutrition on the development of cerebellar weight, DNA, and thymidine kinase activity were studied in young rats ranging in age from 2 to 22 days. Early propylthiouracil treatment caused a delayed cerebellar cell multiplication. The activity of cerebellar thymidine kinase was suppressed at ages 2 and 5 days and was in excess of control values on days 15 and 22, thus resulting in a delay in the developmental spectrum for thymidine kinase, and extending the time span of activity beyond that of controls. Undernutrition led to varying degrees of reduced cell proliferation at experimental ages 5, 12, and 19 days. Cerebella from the most undernourished animals showed significant differences from controls in thymidine kinase activity at ages 5 and 12 days. Comparisons between sub‐groups from within the oversized litters at 5 and 12 days suggested that changes in thymidine kinase activity relate to the degree of undernutrition to which the sub‐group is subjected and that during development there may be a critical degree of undernutrition at which a particular essential enzyme becomes affected.This study emphasizes the biochemical similarities and differences between neonatal hypothyroidism and undernutrition, while pointing out the difficulties which exist in biochemical separation of components of the two conditions. Further evidence is presented that thymidine kinase is responsive to hormonal stimuli during cerebellar development and may play an important role in the regulation of DNA biosynthesis in brain as well as other organs.
A NEW CHEMICAL METHOD FOR QUANTIFYING MELANIN1
Authors: Das K. C. , Abramson M. B. , Katzman R. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract—A direct chemical method for the estimation of absolute amounts of synthetic melanin is established by the use of sodium borohydride, a mild reducing agent for the ketonic or aldehyde carbonyl group. Sodium borohydride not only solubilized the melanins obtained from various precursors, but it also restored aromatic characteristics in the absorption spectra. The solubilized melanin has also been used with a radio‐assay method for quantification of synthetic melanin. With this method of solubilization, the presence of lipids or proteins does not alter the linearity of the assay. The limiting amount of melanin detected by this method is 4‐5 μg/ml of the final solution.
EFFECT OF DELTA‐9‐TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL ON GANGLIOSIDES AND SIALOGLYCOPROTEINS IN SUBCELLULAR FRACTIONS OF RAT BRAIN
Authors: Sarkar C. , Ghosh J. J. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract—The present paper reports the result of studies undertaken to determine the effects of the in vivo administration of Δ9‐THC on the ganglioside and sialoglycoprotein contents of rat brain subcellular fractions. Results indicate that the administration of the drug under both acute and chronic conditions brings about characteristic changes in the sialoglycoproteins and ganglioside content in all the subcellular fractions. Both sialoglycoproteins and ganglioside contents were markedly increased in microsomal and synaptosomal fractions and decreased in the mitochondrial fractions although the increase in the synaptosomal fractions has been found to be most striking.After chronic treatment, both ganglioside and sialoglycoprotein content did not change substantially in all the fractions except for a small increase in case of synaptosomal fractions.
THE BIOSYNTHESIS OF OCTOPAMINE‐CHARACTERIZATION OF LOBSTER TYRAMINE β‐HYDROXYLASE
Authors: Wallace B. G. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract—Tyramine β‐hydroxylase catalyzes the biosynthesis of octopamine in the lobster nervous system. This enzyme has been characterized and a rapid microassay, based on the enzymic release of tritiated water from [1,2‐(side chain)3H] tyramine, has been developed. Lobster tyramine β‐hydroxylase resembled mammalian dopamine β‐hydroxylase. The most conspicuous differences were that the lobster enzyme was inhibited by anions, particularly fumarate, and had a higher affinity for substrates. Tyramine β‐hydroxylase activity was present in both particulate and soluble fractions of homogenates of the lobster nervous system. Bound activity, extracted by repeated freezing and thawing, was partially purified. The enzyme had the following properties: (1) The optimum pH for the conversion of tyramine to octopamine was 7·4. (2) The apparent Michaelis constant for tyramine was 0·15 mmand for ascorbic acid was 0·2 mmat pH 6·6. (3) The purified enzyme was inhibited by salts; the degree of inhibition was sensitive to the anion and decreased in the order chloride ⋍ fumarate > sulphate > acetate. (4) Tyramine β‐hydroxylase was inhibited by metal chelating agents and by cupric sulphate at concentrations greater than 10−4m;N‐ethylmaleimide had no significant effect on activity in concentrations up to 3 mm. (5) The purified enzyme also β‐hydroxylated dopamine to form norepinephrine, with an apparent Michaelis constant of 0·24 mm. This activity co‐purified with tyramine β‐hydroxylase, suggesting that a single enzyme catalyzed both reactions.
CYCLIC ADENOSINE 3′,5′‐MONOPHOSPHATE FORMATION IN GUINEA‐PIG BRAIN SLICES: EFFECT OF H1‐ AND H2‐HISTAMINERGIC AGONISTS
Authors: Dismukes K. , Rogers M. , Daly J. W. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract—A variety of histamine analogs elicit accumulations of radioactive cyclic AMP in guinea‐pig neocortical and hippocampal slices labelled during a prior incubation with [14C]adenine. The H1agonist, 2‐aminoethylthiazole, elicits accumulation of cyclic AMP in neocortical and hippocampal slices both in the absence or presence of adenosine. The presence of adenosine increases the maximum response to 2‐aminoethylthiazole and decreases the EC50by nearly 10‐fold. In the absence of adenosine the effects of 2‐aminoethylthiazole are antagonized in hippocampal slices by bothd‐brompheniramine and metiamide, while in the presence of adenosine onlyd‐brompheniramine is an effective antagonist. The H2‐agonist, 4‐methylhistamine, elicits a somewhat smaller accumulation of cyclic AMP than does 2‐aminoethylthiazole in both cortical and hippocampal slices. In the presence of adenosine the response to 4‐methylhistamine is enhanced, but is markedly lower than that seen with the combination of adenosine and 2‐aminoethylthiazole. The dose‐response relationship for 4‐methylhistamine in the presence of adenosine appears in hippocampal slices to consist of two components. The response to 4‐methylhistamine in the absence of adenosine is blocked by metiamide, while in the presence of adenosine the response is partially blocked by both H1and H2‐antagonists. The accumulation of cyclic AMP elicited by histamine is greatly increased by adenosine but the EC50is not significantly decreased. The results suggest that (i) both H1‐ and H2‐receptors regulate cyclic AMP‐formation in the central nervous system, (ii) the synergism between adenosine and histamine is mediated primarily by interaction with H1‐receptors and (iii) that adenosine greatly increases the affinity of the H1‐receptors for both H1and H2‐agonists without affecting its affinity for histamine.
AXONAL TRANSPORT OF SULFATED GLYCOPROTEINS AND MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDES IN THE GARFISH OLFACTORY NERVE
Authors: Elam J. S. , Peterson Nancy W. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract—Application of 35SO4 to the olfactory mucosa of the long‐nosed garfish is found to label sulfated macromolecules which are transported down the olfactory nerve. The transported molecules pass along the nerve as a discrete peak whose leading edge has a transport velocity of 206 ± 6 mm/day. A large portion of the radioactivity from the peak is deposited along the axon. At 2 days after isotope application 83% of the total nerve radioactivity is in the axons and the remaining 17% has accumulated at the terminals in the olfactory bulb. Characterization of sulfated material in the migrating peak indicates that both sulfated glycoproteins (isolated as glycopeptides) and mucopolysaccharides, including chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate, are undergoing transport.