bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glycogen synthase kinase‐3 inhibition reduces ischemic cerebral damage, restores impaired mitochondrial biogenesis and prevents ROS production
Authors: Valerio Alessandra , Bertolotti Paola , Delbarba Andrea , Perego Carlo , Dossena Marta , Ragni Maurizio , Spano PierFranco , Carruba Michele O. , De Simoni Maria Grazia , Nisoli Enzo 
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 1148–1159.AbstractThis study was designed to test the hypothesis that improved mitochondrial biogenesis could help reducing ischemic cerebral injury. We found that levels of proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator 1α and nuclear respiratory factor‐1, mitochondrial DNA content and other markers of mitochondrial biogenesis and function were reduced in primary mouse cortical neurons under oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD). The glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3) inhibitor SB216763 activated an efficient mitochondrial biogenesis program in control cortical neurons and counteracted the OGD‐mediated mitochondrial biogenesis impairment. This was accompanied by the activation of an antioxidant response that reduced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation and ischemic neuronal damage. The in vitro effects of SB216763 were mimicked by two other structurally unrelated GSK‐3 inhibitors. The protective effects of SB216763 on OGD‐mediated neuronal damage were abolished in the presence of diverse mitochondrial inhibitors. Finally, when systemically administered in vivo, SB216763 reduced the infarct size and recovered the loss of mitochondrial DNA in mice subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. We conclude that GSK‐3 inhibition by SB216763 might pave the way of novel promising therapies aimed at stimulating the renewal of functional mitochondria and reducing reactive oxygen species‐mediated damage in ischemic stroke.
Racial Gaps in Child Health Insurance Coverage in Four South American Countries: The Role of Wealth, Human Capital, and Other Household Characteristics
Authors: Wehby George L. , Murray Jeffrey C. , McCarthy Ann Marie , Castilla Eduardo E. 
Published: January 2011

Objective. To evaluate the extent of racial gaps in child health insurance coverage in South America and study the contribution of wealth, human capital, and other household characteristics to accounting for racial disparities in insurance coverage.
Data Sources/Study Setting. Primary data collected between 2005 and 2006 in 30 pediatric practices in Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, and Chile.
Design. Country‐specific regression models are used to assess differences in insurance coverage by race. A decomposition model is used to quantify the extent to which wealth, human capital, and other household characteristics account for racial disparities in insurance coverage.
Data Collection/Extraction Methods. In‐person interviews were conducted with the mothers of 2,365 children.
Principal Findings. The majority of children have no insurance coverage except in Chile. Large racial disparities in insurance coverage are observed. Household wealth is the single most important household‐level factor accounting for racial disparities in coverage and is significantly and positively associated with coverage, followed by maternal education and employment/occupational status. Geographic differences account for the largest part of racial disparities in insurance coverage in Argentina and Ecuador.
Conclusions. Increasing the coverage of children in less affluent families is important for reducing racial gaps in health insurance coverage in the study countries.
Mediated Knowledge: Reexamining Six Classic Community Studies from a Woman's Point of View
Authors: Zimmerman Julie N. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractSix studies published in the 1940s have become classics in the analysis of rural community and change: the community stability/instability studies. One of their less recognized features is that their analyses included women. This article revisits these six studies, but from a different vantage point. As a socially constructed enterprise, the community studies can be seen as a product of human agency. Examining how these researchers saw and included women, this analysis examines the historically embedded mediating impact of the research producers' positionality on the knowledge they produced. In particular, this analysis examines how women came to be included in the studies, how these researchers interpreted women's roles, and how gendered assumptions affected the conclusions they reached regarding the communities' stability or instability.
Capillary Remodeling and Collateral Growth Without Angiogenesis After Unilateral Common Carotid Artery Occlusion in Mice
Authors: GUO HUAILIAN , ITOH YOSHIAKI , TORIUMI HARUKI , YAMADA SATOSHI , TOMITA YUTAKA , HOSHINO HARUHIKO , SUZUKI NORIHIRO 
Published: January 2011

Please cite this paper as: Guo, Itoh, Toriumi, Yamada, Tomita, Hoshino and Suzuki (2011). Capillary Remodeling and Collateral Growth Without Angiogenesis After Unilateral Common Carotid Artery Occlusion in Mice. Microcirculation 18(3), 221–227.AbstractObjective:  To clarify the mechanisms of blood flow restoration after major artery occlusion, we presented first dynamic changes in cortical vessel morphology observed through a cranial window in mice after unilateral common carotid artery (CCA) occlusion.Methods:  The density and diameter of capillaries, as well as diameters of pial arteries, were measured by confocal laser‐scanning microscopy and fluorescent microscopy, respectively. Possible angiogenesis was evaluated by detecting any outgrowth of endothelial cells from pre‐existing vessels or intussusception in Tie2‐GFP mice.Results:  Immediately after unilateral CCA occlusion, cerebral blood flow (CBF) index, the reciprocal of mean transit time, reduced significantly and returned to the previous level after 14 days. Repeated observation of the cortical vessels did not reveal any angiogenesis, whereas the cortical capillary diameter increased by 74% after 14 days. The anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and collateral vessels connecting ACA and middle cerebral artery also dilated significantly. The capillary dilatation to the size of arteriole in the settings of collateral growth and CBF restoration suggested capillary remodeling.Conclusions:  Our results indicate that capillary remodeling, pial artery dilatation and collateral growth without angiogenesis are sufficient mechanisms to restore normal cerebral blood flow after unilateral CCA occlusion.
Tryptophan and depression: can diet alone be the answer?
Authors: Soh Nerissa L. , Walter Garry 
Published: January 2011

Objective: To compare the scientific content of recent general media articles on tryptophan, diet and depression, with recent empirical research into dietary manipulation of tryptophan published in the scientific literature.Method: A review of the recent empirical research into the role of tryptophan in depression, focusing on dietary methods to influence tryptophan levels. In parallel, a review of recent articles in the general English language media regarding tryptophan and mood.Results: Empirical evidence for improving mood through dietary manipulation of tryptophan is lacking, and it is difficult to change plasma tryptophan levels through diet alone. Tryptophan supplementation and depletion studies suggest that altering tryptophan levels may only benefit certain groups of patients who have a personal or family history of depression. Scientific studies also focus on elucidating mechanisms in depression, rather than treating depression by changing tryptophan levels. However, general media articles often recommend diets and foods to increase blood tryptophan levels and raise brain serotonin levels. Such recommendations are not supported by scientific studies.Conclusion: It is very difficult to alter blood tryptophan levels through dietary methods alone, outside of a laboratory or research setting. Only a small number of lay articles provide sound advice, with general media reports on tryptophan often being hyperbolic and misleading. A clinician should be aware of the type of (mis)information a patient may have accessed and have the scientific knowledge to explain the impracticalities of influencing tryptophan levels through diet alone.
Multifocal visual-evoked potentials in patients with schizophrenia during treatment
Authors: Yamada Mariko , Yukawa Eiichi , Taketani Futoshi , Matsuura Toyoaki , Hara Yoshiaki 
Published: January 2011

Aim: Investigation of responses of multifocal visual-evoked potentials (mfVEPs) in schizophrenic patients under treatment in whom no abnormality was detected on the conventional perimetry.Methods: Recordings of mfVEPs were performed in 31 schizophrenic patients and 30 normal subjects using a VERIS Junior Science recording apparatus (Mayo, Aichi, Japan). Responses from eight sites in each subject were divided into four quadrants (superior and inferior temporal quadrants, and superior and inferior nasal quadrants). In each quadrant, two response waves were grouped and averaged, and the latency and amplitude of main waveforms that appeared near 100 ms were evaluated.Results: The peak latency was about 7–9 ms prolonged and the amplitude was reduced by about 2–5 nV/deg2 in the schizophrenic patient group compared to those in the normal subject group, and significant differences were noted in both parameters in all quadrants.Conclusion: In schizophrenic patients under treatment with psychotropic agents, prolongation of the latency and amplitude reduction were noted in mfVEPs even though no abnormality was detected on the conventional perimetry.
Multifactorial Influences on and Deviations from Medication Administration Safety and Quality in the Acute Medical/Surgical Context
Authors: Popescu Andrea , Currey Judy , Botti Mari 
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and Aims:Although numerous factors influence medication administration, our understanding of the interplay of these factors on medication quality and safety is limited. The aim of this study was to explore the multifactorial influences on medication quality and safety in the context of a single checking policy for medication administration in acute care.Approach:An exploratory/descriptive study using non‐participant observation and follow‐up interview was used to identify factors influencing medication quality and safety in medication administration episodes (n= 30). Observations focused on nurses’ interactions with patients during medication administration, and the characteristics of the environment in which these took place. Confirmation of observed data occurred on completion of the observation period during short semi‐structured interviews with participant nurses.Findings:Findings showed nurses developed therapeutic relationships with patients in terms of assessing patients before administering medications and educating patients about drugs during medication administration. Nurses experienced more frequent distractions when medications were stored and prepared in a communal drug room according to ward design. Nurses deviated from best‐practice guidelines during medication administration.Implications:Nurses’ abilities and readiness to develop therapeutic relationships with patients increased medication quality and safety, thereby protecting patients from potential adverse events. Deviations from best‐practice medication administration had the potential to decrease medication safety. System factors such as ward design determining medication storage areas can be readily addressed to minimise potential error.Conclusions:Nurses displayed behaviours that increased medication administration quality and safety; however, violations of practice standards were observed. These findings will inform future intervention studies to improve medication quality and safety.
Female Sexual Dysfunction and Hormonal Status in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Lombardi Giuseppe , Celso Maria , Bartelli Mario , Cilotti Antonio , Del Popolo Giulio 
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Literature holds no information on a correlation between blood hormonal levels, in particular sex hormones and the sexual response of women with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Aim
To investigate a possible correlation between hormonal status and the sexual response of females with MS.

Main Outcome Measures
The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was used to determine sexual dysfunctions (SDs). Methods for measuring blood hormones were chemiluminescence immunoassay, electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, enzyme immunoassay, and radioimmunoassay.

Methods
During the screening phase, 55 women of reproductive age were recruited and completed the FSFI. In the first phase of the study females underwent a hematic hormonal evaluation on the third day of their menstrual cycle. Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S), androstenedione, 17[alpha]-hydroxyprogesterone, total and free testosterone, 17 beta estradiol, inhibin and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and thyroid hormones (fT3 and fT4) were checked. On the day 20–21 into their menstrual cycle the progesterone hematic value was noted. Patients with amenorrhea had all hormones tested once with a random blood drawing. After a 3-month period patients began phase 2, completing the FSFI again. The same blood hormones were investigated.

Results
Fifty-four females completed the study. Thirty-one continued to manifest at least one SD: desire (57.4%) was the most common. Overall, 36.4% showed abnormal hormonal alterations. The most frequent was 40% for 17 beta-estradiol. None of the FSFI domains, including the total score, revealed any statistically significant correlation to the hormones investigated. No statistically significant clinical predictive factors for blood hormone abnormalities were detected; comparing females with and without SD, P = 0.250 using chi-squared test was reached.

Conclusions
Notable percentages of blood hormonal alterations and SD were documented, but no significant statistical correlations were detected between hormonal status and sexual function.
Can the Controversy About the Putative Role of the Human Female Orgasm in Sperm Transport be Settled with Our Current Physiological Knowledge of Coitus?
Authors: Levin Roy J. 
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACTIntroductionSpermatozoal uptake, facilitated by uterine contractions induced by oxytocin at orgasm during coitus, has been a long term concept. Studies attempting its support, however, have been poorly examined especially in the context of the changes in the female genital tract activated by sexual arousal.AimTo examine experimental support for the concept.MethodsUsing a variety of search engines, mainly peer reviewed articles and un-reviewed books were examined relating to sperm transport and function in the human female genital tract in the absence and presence of arousal to orgasm.Main Outcome MeasuresIdentifying evidence-based data to support authority-based opinion.ResultsAll the experimental observations of sperm or model substitute's transport have been undertaken in women who were not sexually aroused. They fail to take into account that arousal creates vaginal tenting lifting the cervico-uterine complex into the false pelvis away from the ejaculated semen. This delays sperm uptake and transport making conclusions from these observations invalid in relation to transport during coitus. Studies injecting oxytocin have not used women in their sexually aroused state and used supraphysiological doses unlikely to be comparable with coitus and orgasm. The proposal that the transport of extra sperm by oxytocin-induced uterine contractions at orgasm is needed to facilitate fertility ignores possible harm from increased sperm numbers creating polyspermy and sperm enzyme release causing ovum degeneration, leading to decreased fertility. The role of sperm motility in their uptake from the vagina into the cervix as opposed to en bloc transfer through uterine archimyometrial-mediated transport in the absence of orgasm is at present unresolvable because of conflicting studies.ConclusionThe bulk of the reported evidence favors the conclusion that the female orgasm, with its concomitant central release of oxytocin, has little or no effective role in the transport of spermatozoa in natural human coitus.
Intimacy-Enhancing Psychological Intervention for Men Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and Their Partners: A Pilot Study
Authors: Manne Sharon L. , Kissane David W. , Nelson Christian J. , Mulhall John P. , Winkel Gary , Zaider Talia 
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Few couple-focused interventions have been developed to improve distress and relationship outcomes among men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer and their partners.

Aims
We examined the effects of a five-session Intimacy-Enhancing Therapy (IET) vs. Usual Care (UC) on the psychological and relationship functioning of men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer and their partners. Pre-intervention levels of psychological and relationship functioning were evaluated as moderators of intervention effects.

Methods
Seventy-one survivors and their partners completed a baseline survey and were subsequently randomly assigned to receive five sessions of IET or UC (no treatment). Eight weeks after the baseline assessment, a follow-up survey was administered to survivor and partner.

Main Outcome Measures
Distress, well-being, relationship satisfaction, relationship intimacy, and communication were investigated as the main outcomes.

Results
IET effects were largely moderated by pre-intervention psychosocial and relationship factors. Those survivors who had higher levels of cancer concerns at pretreatment had significantly reduced concerns following IET. Similar moderating effects for pre-intervention levels were reported for the effects of IET on self-disclosure, perceived partner disclosure, and perceived partner responsiveness. Among partners beginning the intervention with higher cancer-specific distress, lower marital satisfaction, lower intimacy, and poorer communication, IET improved these outcomes.

Conclusions
IET had a marginally significant main effect upon survivor well-being but was effective among couples with fewer personal and relationship resources. Subsequent research is needed to replicate these findings with a larger sample and a longer follow-up.
The Surgical Management of Lichen Sclerosus of the Glans Penis: Our Experience and Review of the Literature
Authors: Garaffa Giulio , Shabbir Majid , Christopher Nim , Minhas Suks , Ralph David J. 
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Lichen sclerosus (LS) of the glans penis is a chronic, progressive, scleroatrophic inflammatory process of unknown etiology affecting the glans penis, prepuce, and urethra and may lead to severe impairment of sexual and urinary function.

Aims
To report our experience of surgical management of LS of the glans penis.

Main Outcome Measures
Complications, patients’ satisfaction, cosmesis, resolution of pain and puritus, and postoperative sexual function and were recorded retrospectively.

Methods
The surgical outcome of the 31 patients who have undergone resurfacing of the glans penis with the use of skin grafting for the management of genital LS in our institute is reported.

Results
After a median follow-up of 12.8 months, 26 patients (84%) were fully satisfied with cosmetic and functional results, and 71% of them have resumed sexual activity.

Conclusions
Resurfacing of the glans penis represents a simple and reproducible technique for the management of LS and yields excellent functional and cosmetic results.
Validation of Immunodetection (ELISA) of Ricin Using a Biological Activity Assay
Authors: Lumor Stephen E. , Hutt Aaron , Ronningen Ian , Diez‐Gonzalez Francisco , Labuza Theodore P. 
Published: January 2011

Abstract:  The suitability of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for residual ricin toxicity determination was investigated in this study. Ricin was thermally treated at 80 to 90 °C for up to 9 min, and its residual concentration was determined by means of a commercial ELISA kit, and its bioactivity (amount of adenine released from DNA) was determined by means of a biological activity assay (BAA). Results showed that inactivation of ricin followed 1st‐order kinetics. The half‐life values for loss of bioactivity at 80, 85, and 90 °C were 1.93, 0.65, and 0.41 min, respectively. Similarly, the half‐life values for reduction in ricin concentration determined by ELISA were 3.06, 0.79, and 0.43 min, respectively. The half‐lives determined by both assays were only significantly different at 80 °C. The Z, Q10, and Arrhenius activation energy values determined by both assays were dissimilar: 11.74 ˚C, 7.12 and 50.1 kcal/mol, respectively, by ELISA; and 14.87 °C, 4.71 and 39.5 kcal/mol, respectively, by BAA. Nevertheless, our findings indicate that the 2 assays were highly correlated (R2= 1), and it can be concluded that ELISA would be a reliable method for detecting residual toxicity of heat‐treated ricin based on fraction lost.Practical Application:  The results of this study indicate that immunodetection, even though not a direct measurement of the biological activity of ricin, is suitable for determining the residual bioactivity of ricin since immunodetection and the biological activity assay used in this investigation were highly correlated. Therefore, ELISA can be used for routine assessment of residual activity or toxicity of ricin in thermally treated foods.
Volatile Composition of Pomegranates from 9 Spanish Cultivars Using Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction
Authors: Melgarejo Pablo , Calín‐Sánchez Ángel , Vázquez‐Araújo Laura , Hernández Francisca , Martínez Juan José , Legua Pilar , Carbonell‐Barrachina Ángel A. 
Published: January 2011

Abstract:  Fruits of 9 Spanish pomegranate cultivars were analyzed for quality parameters, volatile composition, and sensory profile. Volatile compounds were extracted using headspace solid phase micro‐extraction (HS‐SPME) and analyzed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and flame ionization detector (GC‐FID). Twenty‐one compounds were found in the headspace of fresh pomegranate juices, including aldehydes, monoterpenes, and alcohols. The most abundant compounds were hexanal, limonene, trans‐2‐hexenal, and cis‐3‐hexenol. Fruits from the cultivars Mollar Elche(ME) ME14, ME1, and ME2 presented the highest values of overall liking by the consumer panel; however, their total volatiles concentration were low compared to the other pomegranate cultivars and their color intensity was intermediate. Overall consumer liking of pomegranate juices was mainly associated with the presence of monoterpenes (α‐terpineol); however, high aldehydes (trans‐2‐hexenal) concentrations were correlated with poor overall consumer liking. Fruits from sour‐sweet cultivars (PTO7 and ADO4) could improve the quality of ME pomegranate juices due to their intense color, high monoterpenes concentrations, and their moderate sourness.Practical Application:  The information provided in this study proves that sour‐sweet pomegranate fruits can be used in the manufacturing of pomegranate juices and will improve the sensory quality and the volatile composition of this product.