bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isoflurane Postconditioning Protects against Reperfusion Injury by Preventing Mitochondrial Permeability Transition by an Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase–dependent Mechanism
Authors: Ge Zhi-Dong , Pravdic Danijel , Bienengraeber Martin , Pratt Phillip F. , Auchampach John A. , Gross Garrett J. , Kersten Judy R. , Warltier David C. 
Published: December 2009

Background
The role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in isoflurane postconditioning (IsoPC)-elicited cardioprotection is poorly understood. The authors addressed this issue using eNOS mice.

Methods
In vivo or Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts underwent 30 min of ischemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion in the presence and absence of postconditioning produced with isoflurane 5 min before and 3 min after reperfusion. Ca+-induced mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore opening was assessed in isolated mitochondria. Echocardiography was used to evaluate ventricular function.

Results
Postconditioning with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 minimum alveolar concentrations of isoflurane decreased infarct size from 56 +/- 10% (n = 10) in control to 48 +/- 10%, 41 +/- 8% (n = 8, P < 0.05), and 38 +/- 10% (n = 8, P < 0.05), respectively, and improved cardiac function in wild-type mice. Improvement in cardiac function by IsoPC was blocked by N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (a nonselective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) administered either before ischemia or at the onset of reperfusion. Mitochondria isolated from postconditioned hearts required significantly higher in vitro Ca+ loading than did controls (78 +/- 29 microm vs. 40 +/- 25 microm CaCl2 per milligram of protein, n = 10, P < 0.05) to open the MPT pore. Hearts from eNOS mice displayed no marked differences in infarct size, cardiac function, and sensitivity of MPT pore to Ca+, compared with wild-type hearts. However, IsoPC failed to alter infarct size, cardiac function, or the amount of Ca+ necessary to open the MPT pore in mitochondria isolated from the eNOS hearts compared with control hearts.

Conclusions
IsoPC protects mouse hearts from reperfusion injury by preventing MPT pore opening in an eNOS-dependent manner. Nitric oxide functions as both a trigger and a mediator of cardioprotection produced by IsoPC.
Sex-specific Mediation of Opioid-induced Hyperalgesia by the Melanocortin-1 Receptor
Authors: Juni Aaron , Cai Minying , Stankova Magda , Waxman Amanda R. , Arout Caroline , Klein Gad , Dahan Albert , Hruby Victor J. , Mogil Jeffrey S. , Kest Benjamin 
Published: December 2009

Background
N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists reverse hyperalgesia during morphine infusion in male mice only. Because the melanocortin-1 receptor can act as a female-specific counterpart to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in kappa-opioid analgesic mechanisms, the authors assessed the contribution of melanocortin-1 receptors to the sex-specific mechanisms underlying morphine hyperalgesia.

Methods
The tail-withdrawal test was used to compare the nociceptive responses of male and female C57BL/6J (B6) mice with those of C57BL/6J-Mc(1r(e/e)) mice, spontaneous mutants of the B6 background lacking functional melanocortin-1 receptors, during continuous morphine infusion (1.6 and 40.0 mgkg(-1) . 24 h(-1)). Separate groups of hyperalgesic B6 and outbred CD-1 mice were injected with MK-801 or MSG606, selective N-methyl-D-aspartate and melanocortin-1 receptor antagonists, respectively.

Results
Morphine infusion (40.0 mg . kg(-1) . 24 h(-1)) reduced baseline withdrawal latencies by 45-55% in B6 mice of both sexes, indicating hyperalgesia; this increased nociception was manifest in male e/e mice only. Although MK-801 reversed hyperalgesia in male mice only, increasing latencies by 72%, MSG606 increased latencies by approximately 60% exclusively in females. A lower morphine infusion dose (1.6 mg . kg(-1) . 24 h(-1)) reduced baseline withdrawal latencies by 45-52% in B6 and e/e mice of both sexes, which was reversed by MK-801, but not MSG606, in both male and female B6 mice.

Conclusions
The data indicate the sex-specific mediation of high-dose morphine-induced hyperalgesia by N-methyl-d-aspartate and melanocortin-1 receptors in male and female mice, respectively, suggesting a broader relevance of this known sexual dimorphism. The data further indicate that the neural substrates contributing to hyperalgesia are morphine dose-dependent.
Antagonism of Low Degrees of Atracurium-induced Neuromuscular Blockade: Dose-Effect Relationship for Neostigmine
Authors: Fuchs-Buder Thomas , Meistelman Claude , Alla François , Grandjean Arnaud , Wuthrich Yann , Donati François 
Published: December 2009

Background
Low degrees of residual paralysis (i.e., a train-of-four [TOF] ratio > 0.4) are relatively frequent, difficult to detect, and still potentially harmful. Unfortunately, the appropriate dose of anticholinesterase for this situation has not been determined. This may be of clinical interest because a high dose of neostigmine given at a shallow level of neuromuscular block may produce neuromuscular weakness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the dose-effect relationship of neostigmine to antagonize residual paralysis corresponding to a TOF ratio of 0.4 and 0.6.

Methods
Recovery after 10, 20, 30 microg/kg neostigmine or placebo given at either 0.4 or 0.6 TOF ratio was assessed by acceleromyography in 120 patients undergoing intravenous anesthesia. Time to a 0.9 and 1.0 TOF ratio was measured, and the probability of successful reversal within 10 min after the respective neostigmine doses was calculated. In addition, the dose of neostigmine needed to achieve the recovery targets in 5 or 10 min was also determined.

Results
When given at a TOF ratio of either 0.4 or 0.6, time to 0.9 and 1.0 TOF ratio was significantly shorter with any dose of neostigmine than without. The probability of successful reversal after 20 microg/kg neostigmine was 100% when a TOF ratio of 0.9 was the target; for a TOF ratio of 1.0, the probability was 93% and 67%, dependent on whether the dose of neostigmine was given at TOF ratio of 0.6 or 0.4, respectively. With a dose of 30 microg/kg, a TOF ratio of 1.0 is expected to be reached within approximately 5 min. Low doses of neostigmine are required to reach a TOF ratio of 0.9 or to accept an interval of 10 min.

Conclusion
Reduced doses (10-30 microg/kg) of neostigmine are effective in antagonizing shallow atracurium block. For successful reversal within 10 min, as little as 20 microg/kg neostigmine may be sufficient. These dose recommendations are specific for atracurium and an intravenous anesthetic background.
Improving Efficiency and Patient Satisfaction in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital Preoperative Clinic
Authors: Harnett Miriam J. P. , Correll Darin J. , Hurwitz Shelley , Bader Angela M. , Hepner David L. 
Published: December 2009

Background
Clinical and organizational aspects of the preoperative visit can have a significant impact on patient satisfaction. The authors' previous work demonstrated that communication of information from the clinician to the patient was found to be the most positively rated component, whereas organizational issues, particularly waiting time, were the most negative. This study compares two yearly cycles of patient satisfaction surveys to assess the process and impact of implementation of changes.

Methods
The authors distributed a one-page questionnaire, consisting of elements evaluating satisfaction with clinical providers and with organizational aspects of the visit, to patients in their preoperative clinic during two different time periods. Fourteen different questions had five Likert scale options ranging from excellent to poor. Changes implemented included clerical, scheduling, and clinical changes.

Results
The overall collection rate of completed questionnaires was 79%. The scores for each question in Cycle 2 were higher for all questions, with 3 of 14 reaching statistical significance (P < 0.01). These questions related to the explanation of the Preoperative Assessment Clinic by the surgeon's office, courtesy and efficiency of the clinic staff, and satisfaction with waiting time. Average waiting time was reduced from 92 to 41 min (P < or = 0.0001).

Conclusion
Analysis of patient flow and clinic operations led to alterations in clinic processes. Alterations included education of clinic and surgical office staff to improve customer service, and implementation of changes in provider roles. These modifications resulted in an improvement in patient satisfaction and a reduction in waiting time with minimal economic impact.
Surgery as a Teachable Moment for Smoking Cessation
Authors: Shi Yu , Warner David O. 
Published: December 2009

Background
A "teachable moment" is an event that motivates spontaneous behavior change. Some evidence suggests that major surgery for a smoking-related illness can serve as a teachable moment for smoking cessation. This study tested the hypotheses that surgery increases the likelihood of smoking cessation and that cessation is more likely after major surgical procedures compared with outpatient surgery.

Methods
Secondary analyses were performed of longitudinal biennial survey data (1992-2004) from the nationally representative Health and Retirement Study of U.S. adults older than 50 yr, determining the relationship between the incidence of smoking cessation and the occurrence of surgery.

Results
Five thousand four hundred ninety-eight individuals reported current smoking at enrollment, and 2,444 of them (44.5%) quit smoking during the period of examination. The incidence of quitting in smokers undergoing major surgery was 20.6/100 person-years of follow-up and 10.2/100 person-years in those undergoing outpatient surgery. In a multivariate negative binomial regression model, the incidence rate ratio of quitting associated with major surgery was 2.02 (95% CI: 1.67-2.44) and that of those associated with outpatient surgery was 1.28 (95% CI: 1.09-1.50). Estimates derived from national surgical utilization data show that approximately 8% of all quit events in the United States annually can be attributed to the surgical procedures analyzed.

Conclusions
Undergoing surgery is associated with an increased likelihood of smoking cessation in the older U.S. population. Cessation is more likely in association with major procedures compared with outpatient surgery. These data support the concept that surgery is a teachable moment for smoking cessation.
Screening Detects a High Proportion of Celiac Disease in Young HLA‐genotyped Children
Authors: Björck Sara , Brundin Charlotte , Lörinc Ester , Lynch Kristian F , Agardh Daniel 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTBackground and Aims:Celiac disease is associated with tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies (tTGAb) and the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–risk alleles DQB1*02 and DQB1*0302. The aim was to estimate the proportion of undiagnosed celiac disease in children with HLA risk at 3 years of age.Patients and Methods:From a population‐based HLA‐DQ screening study of newborns born between June 2001 and August 2004 in the southern part of Sweden, 6206 children with HLA‐risk alleles were identified and asked to participate at a mean 3.3 ± 0.4 years of age. As controls, 7654 children with HLA‐nonrisk alleles were asked to participate. In all, 1620 (26.1%) children with HLA risk and 1815 (23.7%) controls were screened for tTGAb using radioligand‐binding assays. Celiac disease was established by intestinal biopsy in children with a confirmed positive tTGAb test.Results:Twenty‐three children reported already having clinically diagnosed celiac disease and did not participate further. In children with HLA‐risk genotypes, 73 of 1620 (4.5%, 95% CI 3.5%–5.5%) were tTGAb‐positive compared with none of 1815 from the controls (P < 0.0001). Seventy‐one children underwent biopsy (1 refused biopsy and 1 biopsy failed), of whom 56 of 1618 (3.5%, 95% CI 2.6%–4.4%) had damaged intestinal mucosa classified as celiac disease. The ratio between clinically and screening detected celiac disease in this study was 1:2.4 (23:56).Conclusions:The proportion of clinically undetected celiac disease may be particularly high among 3‐year‐old children with HLA‐DQB1*02 and DQB1*0302 in Sweden, where these 2 HLA‐risk alleles frequently occur.
Serum and Intestinal Celiac Disease–associated Antibodies in Children With Celiac Disease Younger Than 2 Years of Age
Authors: Maglio Mariantonia , Tosco Antonella , Paparo Francesco , Auricchio Renata , Granata Viviana , Colicchio Barbara , Indolfi Viviana , Miele Erasmo , Troncone Riccardo 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTObjectives:In children younger than 2 years of age, a diagnosis of celiac disease (CD) is difficult to make because anti‐endomysium (anti‐EMA)/anti‐tissue transglutaminase 2 (anti‐TG2) antibodies are less sensitive than in older children. The aim of our study was to evaluate how many children younger than 2 years of age and diagnosed with CD, were negative for serum anti‐TG2 antibodies and to test the hypothesis that in these patients, TG2‐specific IgA deposits could instead be present at mucosal level.Patients and Methods:A total of 104 children younger than 2 years of age and 179 children older than 2 years, all of whom had been diagnosed with CD, were investigated for serum CD‐associated antibodies (anti‐gliadin [AGA] IgA and IgG, EMA‐IgA, anti‐TG2–IgA). The presence of intestinal anti‐TG2 extracellular IgA deposits was searched by using double immunofluorescence in 56 of the patients younger than 2 years of age and in 40 of those who were older than 2 years.Results:In children with CD who were younger than 2 years of age, high levels of AGA‐IgA were found in 93/104 (89%) and 98/104 (94%) were found of have high levels of AGA‐IgG. In children older than the age of 2 years with CD, 120/179 (67%) had high levels of AGA‐IgA and 151/179 (84%) had high levels of AGA‐IgG. Serum EMA were present in 92/104 (88%) in the younger group and in 176/179 (98%) of the older group. Ninety‐one of 104 children (87%) younger and 172/179 (96%) older than 2 years showed high serum levels of anti‐TG2. Finally, 41/56 (73%) children younger than 2 years and all of the 40 children (100%) older than 2 years of age showed mucosal anti‐TG2–IgA deposits.Conclusions:EMA and anti‐TG2–antibody measurements show higher sensitivity for the diagnosis of CD in children older than 2 years compared with younger children. The search for mucosal deposits of anti‐TG2–IgA does not improve the diagnostic performance.
A Putative Phosphatase, LSF1, Is Required for Normal Starch Turnover in Arabidopsis Leaves
Authors: Comparot-Moss Sylviane , Koݶtting Oliver , Stettler Michaela , Edner Christoph , Graf Alexander , Weise Sean E. , Streb Sebastian , Lue Wei-Ling , MacLean Daniel , Mahlow Sebastian , Ritte Gerhard , Steup Martin , Chen Jychian , Zeeman Samuel C. , Smith Alison M. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
A putative phosphatase, LSF1 (for LIKE SEX4; previously PTPKIS2), is closely related in sequence and structure to STARCH-EXCESS4 (SEX4), an enzyme necessary for the removal of phosphate groups from starch polymers during starch degradation in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) leaves at night. We show that LSF1 is also required for starch degradation: lsf1 mutants, like sex4 mutants, have substantially more starch in their leaves than wild-type plants throughout the diurnal cycle. LSF1 is chloroplastic and is located on the surface of starch granules. lsf1 and sex4 mutants show similar, extensive changes relative to wild-type plants in the expression of sugar-sensitive genes. However, although LSF1 and SEX4 are probably both involved in the early stages of starch degradation, we show that LSF1 neither catalyzes the same reaction as SEX4 nor mediates a sequential step in the pathway. Evidence includes the contents and metabolism of phosphorylated glucans in the single mutants. The sex4 mutant accumulates soluble phospho-oligosaccharides undetectable in wild-type plants and is deficient in a starch granule-dephosphorylating activity present in wild-type plants. The lsf1 mutant displays neither of these phenotypes. The phenotype of the lsf1/sex4 double mutant also differs from that of both single mutants in several respects. We discuss the possible role of the LSF1 protein in starch degradation.
An evolutionary analysis of mealtime difficulties in older adults with dementia
Authors: Aselage Melissa B , Amella Elaine J 
Published: December 2009

Aims and objectives.  To use the evolutionary method of concept analysis to identify attributes, antecedents and consequences of mealtime difficulties providing direction for assessment and management in older adults with dementia.Background.  Mealtimes encompass more than the physical act of feeding a person with dementia. Social and contextual considerations are vital considerations to improving nutritional intake. While feeding difficulties in dementia have been analysed in the literature, this paper proposes a broader scope of mealtime considerations to alleviate nutritional deficiencies often associated with dementia.Design.  Evolutionary method of concept analysis.Methods.  In 2008, literature searches using keywords (meal, history, sociology, mealtime, culture, habit, dementia, dementia) were done in CINAHL, Academic Search Premiere, MasterFILE, Americal Life and History, Communication and Mass Media Complete, EJS, Health Source Plus‐Academic, PsychARTICLES and PsychINFO, ScienceDirect, Sociological Abstracts and Google. Year limits were from 1988–2008. A total of 659 abstracts were reviewed, Google, books and textbooks with relevant content.Results.  Fourty‐eight sources were used in the final analysis of mealtime difficulties in older adults with dementia. A model of mealtime difficulties delineates attributes, antecedents and consequences.Conclusions.  Mealtime difficulties in dementia emerged as a concept with supporting evidence‐based practice guidelines in 2003. Most research has been conducted in institutional settings, but community research is growing as the shifting demographics of ageing demand attention for this setting. Interventions vary in effectiveness for alleviating sequelae of mealtime difficulties in older adults with dementia.Relevance to clinical practice.  The conceptual model of mealtime difficulties provides a broader scope of mealtime difficulties in dementia that considers environmental, social, cultural and contextual implications with nutritional intake. The model can be used to guide future research to alleviate mealtime difficulties in older adults with dementia.
Activity, inactivity and quality of life among Lebanese adolescents
Authors: Fazah Abdallah , Jacob Christophe , Moussa Elie , El‐Hage Rawad , Youssef Hala , Delamarche Paul 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the present study was to investigate recent overweight and obesity prevalence rates for Lebanese adolescents, and to examine differences in physical activity, screen time (sum of time spent in front of TV, computer, and videogames), and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) for the first time among normal, overweight, and obese adolescents.Methods:  One thousand Lebanese adolescents (14–18 years old) from nine schools participated in the study. Height, weight, physical activity, screen time, and HRQOL variables were assessed using validated self‐report questionnaires.Results:  A total of 7.8% of boys and 1.75% of girls were obese, and 22.5% of boys and 12.47% of girls were overweight. Normal‐weight boys reported higher physical activity scores at health clubs than obese boys. Normal‐weight girls reported higher leisure time and total physical activity scores than obese girls. In the normal‐weight group, boys reported higher total screen time than girls. Normal‐weight boys reported higher physical functioning scores than their obese peers. Normal‐weight girls reported higher physical functioning and average HRQOL scores than obese girls. Normal‐weight and overweight boys reported higher average HRQOL scores than girls.Conclusion:  The present study is the first to provide data on physical activity, screen time, and HRQOL among Lebanese adolescents. Despite the need for further research, all those concerned with the pediatric population are urged to develop and implement effective strategies to increase physical activity and improve HRQOL among adolescents based on the present findings.
Obesity and post‐operative complications in patients undergoing non‐bariatric surgery
Authors: Doyle S. L. , Lysaght J. , Reynolds J. V. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryAs the prevalence of obesity continues to rise in society, an increasing number of patients undergoing non‐bariatric surgery will be obese. Obesity is known to increase morbidity and mortality in the general population and thus is perceived as a risk factor for adverse post‐surgical outcomes. This association is not clear‐cut, however, and there is a lack of consensus in the literature on the risk between obesity and specific complications, in particular relating to infection, wound healing, respiratory and venous thromboembolism. The paucity of studies, as well as a lack of consistency of definition of obesity, with an over‐reliance on body mass index rather than body composition analysis, may underlie this confusion. Emerging concepts position central/visceral adipose tissue as potentially key to the pathogenesis of the comorbidities associated with obesity, thus this article reviews emerging research investigating the association between visceral obesity, the metabolic syndrome and resulting post‐operative complications. It is hypothesized that the state of chronic inflammation and dysmetabolism observed in visceral obese patients negatively influences post‐operative outcomes and represents a potential target for pharmaconutrition. The need for further research investigating the influence of visceral adiposity on immune function post surgery and its impact on post‐operative morbidity and mortality is highlighted.
HOW TO RECTIFY UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICES AND TO ESTABLISH APPROPRIATE SUPPLY CHAINS AND BETTER BUSINESS CULTURE UNDER THE GLOBAL MARKET ECONOMY
Authors: Ide Tsugio 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBanning unfair trade practices stands alongside private monopolization and the unjust restraint of trade as a key theme in competition policy. However, it poses much greater difficulties to deal with the matter than either private monopolization or unjust restraint of trade. In recent years, ongoing economic globalization, advances in information communication technology and other factors have wrought major changes in the traditional supply chain: for example, in subcontracting structure. Given the role of small and medium enterprises in underpinning economic growth, lifting the basic quality and performance level of these firms and improving business conditions for them have emerged as key policy themes. New efforts are needed to establish fair trade as a business practice and to create a new business culture in corporation with competition policy, small and medium enterprise policy and business ethics, such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices.