bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Baicalin attenuates air embolism‐induced acute lung injury in rat isolated lungs
Authors: Li Min‐Hui , Huang Kun‐Lun , Wu Shu‐Yu , Chen Chien‐Wen , Yan Horng‐Chin , Hsu Kang , Hsu Ching‐Wang , Tsai Shih‐Hung , Chu Shi‐Jye 
Published: March 2009

Background and purpose:  Baicalin has been reported to have anti‐inflammatory effects and protect against various tissue injuries. However, the effect of baicalin on air embolism‐induced acute lung injury has not been tested yet.Experimental approach:  Acute lung injury was induced by infusion of air at a rate of 0.25 mL·min−1 for 1 min into the pulmonary artery of rat isolated lungs. At the end of the experiment, samples were collected for assessment of lung injury, biochemical analysis and histology. Different doses of baicalin (1, 2 and 4 mg·kg−1) were given into the perfusate before air infusion.Key results:  Air embolism elicited a significant increase in microvascular permeability (Kf), lung weight gain, wet/dry weight ratio, pulmonary artery pressure and protein concentration in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Levels of the cytokines, tumour necrosis factor α and cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant‐1 in perfusate, and malondialdehyde levels and myeloperoxidase activities in lung tissue were also significantly increased. In addition, histological examination showed increased neutrophil infiltration in lung tissues. Furthermore, nuclear factor‐κB activity and degradation of IκB‐α were significantly increased in lungs. Pretreatment of the lungs with baicalin (4 mg·kg−1) showed a statistically significant difference in all of the assessed parameters, except for alteration in the pulmonary artery pressure.Conclusions and implications:  Our study suggests that baicalin attenuated air embolism‐induced acute lung injury and may be considered a useful adjunct drug therapy in this clinical condition.
Involvement of PKCα and G‐protein‐coupled receptor kinase 2 in agonist‐selective desensitization of µ‐opioid receptors in mature brain neurons
Authors: Bailey CP , Oldfield S , Llorente J , Caunt CJ , Teschemacher AG , Roberts L , McArdle CA , Smith FL , Dewey WL , Kelly E , Henderson G 
Published: March 2009

Background and purpose:  The ability of an agonist to induce desensitization of the µ‐opioid receptor (MOR) depends upon the agonist used. Furthermore, previous data suggest that the intracellular mechanisms underlying desensitization may be agonist‐specific. We investigated the mechanisms underlying MOR desensitization, in adult mammalian neurons, caused by morphine (a partial agonist in this system) and DAMGO (a high‐efficacy agonist).Experimental approach:  MOR function was measured in locus coeruleus neurons, by using whole‐cell patch‐clamp electrophysiology, in rat and mouse brain slices (both wild‐type and protein kinase C (PKC)α knockout mice). Specific isoforms of PKC were inhibited by using inhibitors of the receptors for activated C‐kinase (RACK), and in vivo viral‐mediated gene‐transfer was used to transfect neurons with dominant negative mutants (DNMs) of specific G‐protein‐coupled receptor kinases (GRKs).Key results:  Morphine‐induced desensitization was attenuated by using RACK inhibitors that inhibit PKCα, but not by other isoform‐specific inhibitors. Further, the PKC component of morphine‐induced desensitization was absent in locus coeruleus neurons from PKCα knockout mice. The PKC‐enhanced morphine‐induced desensitization was not affected by over‐expression of a GRK2 dominant negative mutant (GRK2 DNM). In contrast, DAMGO‐induced MOR desensitization was independent of PKC activity but was reduced by over‐expression of the GRK2 DNM but not by that of a GRK6 DNM.Conclusions and implications:  In mature mammalian neurons, different MOR agonists can induce MOR desensitization by different mechanisms, morphine by a PKCα‐mediated, heterologous mechanism and DAMGO by a GRK‐mediated, homologous mechanism. These data represent functional selectivity at the level of receptor desensitization.
Activation of iGluR5 kainate receptors inhibits neurogenic dural vasodilatation in an animal model of trigeminovascular activation
Authors: Andreou AP , Holland PR , Goadsby PJ 
Published: March 2009

Background and purpose: Migraine is a disabling neurological disorder involving activation, or the perception of activation, of trigeminovascular afferents containing calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP). Released CGRP from peripheral trigeminal afferents causes dilatation of dural blood vessel, and this is used to measure trigeminal nerve activation. Kainate receptors with the GluR5 subunit (iGluR5, ionotropic glutamate receptor) are present in the trigeminal ganglion and may be involved in nociception. We investigated the possible involvement of prejunctional iGluR5 kainate receptors on CGRP release from trigeminal afferents.Experimental approach: We used neurogenic dural vasodilatation, which involves reproducible vasodilatation in response to CGRP release after electrical stimulation of the dura mater surrounding the middle meningeal artery. The effects of the specific iGluR5 receptor antagonist UBP 302 and agonist (S)‐(‐)‐5‐iodowillardiine were investigated on neurogenic and CGRP‐induced dural vasodilatation in rats, by using intravital microscopy.Key results: Administration of 10 and 20 mg·kg−1of iodowillardiine inhibited electrically induced dural vessel dilatation, an effect blocked by pretreatment with 50 mg·kg−1UBP 302. Administration of the iGluR5 receptor antagonist UBP 302 alone had no significant effect. CGRP (1 mg·kg−1)‐induced dural vasodilatation was not inhibited by the iGluR5 receptor agonist iodowillardiine.Conclusions and implications: This study demonstrates that activation of the iGluR5 kainate receptors with the selective agonist iodowillardiine is able to inhibit neurogenic dural vasodilatation probably by inhibition of prejunctional release of CGRP from trigeminal afferents. Taken together with recent clinical studies the data reinforce CGRP mechanisms in primary headaches and demonstrate a novel role for kainate receptor modulation of trigeminovascular activation.
The Importance of Conceptual and Concrete Modelling in Architectural Design Education
Authors: Akalin Aysu , Sezal Ihsan 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe design studio is the heart of architectural education. It is where future architects are moulded and the main forum for creative exploration, interaction and assimilation. This article argues for a ‘studio‐based learning’ approach in terms of the impact of design tools, especially sketching and concrete modelling, on the creativity or problem‐solving capabilities of a student. The implementation of a ‘vertical design studio’ model at Gazi University Department of Architecture is reported with examples of students’ works.
Boys' Lack of Interest in Fine Arts in a Coeducational Setting: A Review of Sex‐Related Cognitive Traits Studies
Authors: Savoie Alain 
Published: March 2009

AbstractFine arts teachers' concerns about male underachievement in a Quebec coeducational high school, and a related survey showing boys' negative perceptions of fine arts motivated this interdisciplinary literature review. Referring to biology and cognitive science, the article explores concepts of sex‐related cognitive traits to help in designing sex‐adapted approaches to individual learning in art education. The nature‐nurture controversy still surrounds sex‐based cognitive differences studies, though science agrees that natural and socio‐cultural factors are somehow closely interwoven in the complex gender identity construction process. Sex‐related biological predispositions influencing cognition are proposed notably in ‘instrumentality‐expressiveness' and ‘empathising‐systemising (E‐S)’ theories. The article suggests that in the context of art education, these sex‐related cognitive models deserve study, because they could initiate sex‐adapted teaching strategies with the necessary flexibility and wider scope to overcome gender‐stereotyped biases and stimulate boys' interest in the arts. This suggested approach should not be confused with stereotype‐based pedagogy, which merely strengthens learned gender characteristics, producing or maintaining academic underachievement.
ARTEMIS: Reinvigorating History and Theory in Art and Design Education
Authors: Janet Jeff , Miles Melissa 
Published: March 2009

AbstractARTEMIS (Art Educational Multiplayer Interactive Space) is an online multi‐user virtual environment that is designed around the objects, artefacts, philosophies, personalities and critical discourses of the histories and theories of art and design. Conceived as a means of reinvigorating art history and theory education in the digital age, ARTEMIS addresses the specific teaching and learning needs of a new generation of art and design students in higher education. This article is a case study that addresses the second phase of the testing and design development of ARTEMIS. It builds on the findings of the initial phase, which involved the development of the ‘proof of concept’ for an online virtual world and game designed for undergraduate students in the Faculty of Art and Design at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. Drawing on a test trial and student response survey, this article assesses whether virtual environments like ARTEMIS can generate new life in art and design history, augment the teaching and learning mix in art and design higher education, and foster new modes of active engagement amongst students.
Design Theory and Design Practice within Sloyd Education
Authors: Sjöberg Barbro 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThis article is part of a formal research project concerning design as an integrated part of sloyd education. The concept of ‘sloyd education’ is used in the Nordic countries as an umbrella term for different educational crafts whose scientific basis is to be found in the university subjects Sloyd Education and Crafts Science. The aim of the whole project is to develop methods for teaching design theory and design practice within sloyd teacher education. By analysing the design processes of five design students during an MA course in Fashion and Textiles, an account of the kind of design knowledge the students are working on during the process, and how iterativeness and multi‐layered procedures, which are characteristic for the design process of a single student, is built up. The results of the analysis show that during the design process the students concentrate on technological and aesthetical knowledge and that the design process can be very varied and have its starting points both in images and in concrete materials.
Endogenous α‐calcitonin gene‐related peptide mitigates liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis induced by repeated administration of concanavalin A
Authors: Kamiyoshi Akiko , Sakurai Takayuki , Ichikawa‐Shindo Yuka , Iinuma Nobuyoshi , Kawate Hisaka , Yoshizawa Takahiro , Koyama Teruhide , Muto Shin‐ichi , Shindo Takayuki 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground: α‐Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (αCGRP) is a 37‐amino acid pleiotropic peptide that we previously showed to exert a hepatoprotective effect during concanavalin A (Con A)‐induced acute hepatitis. In the present study, we used αCGRP−/− mice to further investigate the antifibrogenic and hepatoprotective effects of endogenous αCGRP in Con A‐induced chronic hepatitis.Methods: Chronic hepatitis was induced in αCGRP−/− and wild‐type mice by repeated administration of Con A. Serum transaminases were measured to assess hepatic injury. The severity of fibrosis and the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were analysed by Masson trichrome staining and immunohistochemical staining of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) respectively. Altered expression of fibrosis‐ and inflammation‐related genes was evaluated using a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Activation and proliferation of HSCs were analysed using both primary cultured HSCs from the mice and the LI90 HSC cell line.Results: αCGRP−/− mice showed more severe liver fibrosis than wild‐type mice in a Con A‐induced chronic hepatitis model. In histological and gene expression analyses, αCGRP−/− mice showed greater inflammatory and fibrotic changes, greater HSC activation and a higher incidence of apoptosis among nonparenchymal cells than wild‐type mice.Conclusions: Endogenous αCGRP mitigates liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis induced by repeated administration of Con A. αCGRP could be a useful therapeutic target for the treatment of chronic hepatitis.
Study of liver‐targeted regulatory T cells in hepatitis B and C virus in chronically infected patients
Authors: Miyaaki Hisamitsu , Zhou Huijuan , Ichikawa Tatsuki , Nakao Kazuhiko , Shibata Hidetaka , Takeshita Shigeyuki , Akiyama Motohisa , Ozawa Eisuke , Miuma Satoshi , Eguchi Katsumi 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIntroduction: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a critical role in chronic viral infections. The role of Tregs in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is unknown. This study examined the distribution and frequency of forkhead box p3+ (Foxp3+) Tregs in the liver tissue and compared the clinicopathological characteristics of CHB and CHC patients.Methods: Liver needle biopsies were obtained from 26 patients who were hepatitis B surface antigen positive and 27 patients who were hepatitis C virus antibody positive.Results: The ratio of Foxp3+ Tregs in CD3+ T cells was similar in HBV and in HCV cases. In HBV cases, the variables that were positively associated with the ratio of Foxp3+ Tregs in CD3+ T cells included the serum alanine aminotransferase level (R=0.402, P=0.025) and the ratio of CD8+ T cell plus CD56+ NK cell against CD4+ T cell (R=0.53, P=0.005). The ratio of Foxp3+ Tregs in CD3+ T cells increased more in the severe activity group than in the mild activity group (P=0.04). In HCV cases, the ratio of Foxp3+ Tregs in CD3+ T cells increased significantly in terms of the genotype2 (P=0.0002) and male gender (P=0.04). In addition, the ratio of Foxp3+ Tregs in CD3+ T cells showed a negative correlation with the ratio of CD8+ T cell plus CD56+ NK cell against CD4+ T cell (R=−0.508, P=0.005) and HCV viral load (R=−0.482, P=0.001).Conclusions: Liver‐targeted regulatory T cells present similarly in CHB and CHC, but their relationship with the effector cell population, the inflammation grade or the viral load is different between CHB and CHC.
Knowledge of emergency contraception amongst tertiary students in far North Queensland
Authors: MOHORIC‐STARE Dominika , DE COSTA Caroline 
Published: March 2009

Background: Emergency contraception (EC) has been available in Australia without prescription since 2003. However, there has been little research into the extent of knowledge of the actions, effectiveness and availability of EC among the general population.Aims: To determine the extent of knowledge of EC among tertiary students in Far North Queensland, and their ability to access EC in the region.Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to tertiary students in Cairns asking about their knowledge of EC, its effectiveness and its availability over‐the‐counter in pharmacies, as well as their willingness to access EC themselves if indicated, in settings in which they may be known, and in those where they would be unknown.Results: Of 500 questionnaires 460 were returned; 29% of participants had used EC in the past. Only 20% understood the correct timeframe in which EC can be used; 40% were not aware of its availability over‐the‐counter in pharmacies, and more than 20% felt unable to purchase EC in a pharmacy where they could be recognised. Only 44% of participants were aware of the cost of EC.Conclusion: A significant lack of information regarding the availability, methods of action and limitations of EC was noted in this well‐educated population. There was also a high proportion of participants who felt unable to access EC in a pharmacy where they might be known, a factor limiting accessibility of the method in small town and community settings.
Alloanti‐c (RH4) revealing that the (C)ces haplotype encodes a partial c antigen
Authors: Pham Bach‐Nga , Peyrard Thierry , Juszczak Genevieve , Auxerre Carine , Godin Sandrine , Bonin Philippe , Rouger Philippe , Le Pennec Pierre‐Yves 
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: In the Rh blood group system, published observations showed that the c antigen has the fewest variant forms of the principal antigens in this system. The partial nature of the c antigen was only reported in c+ Rh:−26 persons and to be associated with the ces(340) allele. This study reports the first case of alloanti‐c related to a (C)ces haplotype.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Serologic and genetic studies were performed on blood samples of a multitransfused 40‐year‐old African patient with sickle cell disease displaying a DCcee phenotype.RESULTS: Red blood cells (RBCs) of the patient displayed normal expression of C, c, e, ce antigens either with routine reagents or with monoclonal antibodies. Analyses of DNA and Rh transcripts showed that the patient carried a (C)ces/DCe genotype. The patient's serum contained anti‐D, anti‐c, anti‐E, anti‐e, anti‐V, anti‐Jsa, and anti‐S. Anti‐c was isolated from the mixture of antibodies by using absorption and adsorption‐elution techniques. Anti‐c provided consistent reactions with c+ RBCs. Reactions were stronger with c+ ce+ RBCs than with c+ ce− RBCs. No agglutination of RBCs from individuals carrying a homozygous (C)ces genotype was observed.CONCLUSION: These data provide the evidence that anti‐c in our patient was an alloanti‐c and, consequently, that (C)ces haplotype encodes a partial c antigen. The clinical significance of anti‐c related to this haplotype should be evaluated in the future.
Clinical application of a flow cytometric direct antiglobulin test
Authors: Lin Jeong‐Shi , Hao Tsung‐Chi , Lyou Jau‐Yi , Chen Ying‐Ju , Liu Hsueng‐Mei , Tzeng Cheng‐Hwai , Chiou Tzeon‐Jye 
Published: March 2009

BACKGROUND: The clinical application of flow cytometric direct antiglobulin test (FC‐DAT) has rarely been evaluated for patients with various diseases including immune and nonimmune hemolytic anemia.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Blood samples from 380 patients with a variety of diseases were studied using the tube direct DAT and FC‐DAT. The results of tube DAT and FC‐DAT were compared. The predictive values of DAT for hemolysis were evaluated.RESULTS: Of 57 patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), 6 of the 17 with a negative tube DAT (immunoglobulin G [IgG]) had a positive FC‐DAT (IgG) and 23 of the 36 patients with a negative tube DAT (complement 3d [C3d]) had a positive FC‐DAT (C3d). In 57 patients with AIHA, the incidence of positive results of FC‐DAT (IgG) and tube DAT (IgG) were similar (42 positive vs. 40 positive); but in 323 patients without AIHA, the incidence of positive FC‐DATs (IgG) was higher than that of tube DAT (IgG; 47 positive vs. 9 positive). The higher incidence of positive FC‐DAT (C3d) than that of tube DAT (C3d) was seen in patients with AIHA (42 positive vs. 21 positive) as well as in patients without AIHA (61 positive vs. 5 positive). Both DAT (IgG) and DAT (C3d) positive has highest positive predictive value for hemolysis, followed by DAT (IgG) alone positive and DAT (C3d) alone positive.CONCLUSIONS: FC‐DAT is a complementary test for diagnosing AIHA. There is a synergistic effect of the red blood cell–bound IgG and complement in predicting hemolysis.
Current concepts in research related to oncogenes implicated in salivary gland tumourigenesis: a review of the literature
Authors: Elledge R 
Published: March 2009

Background:  Salivary gland tumours are relatively uncommon and there exists considerable difficulty in decisions regarding prognosis and management, as well as diagnostic uncertainty that has implications for treatment.Method:  Literature pertaining to individual oncogenes has been reviewed and commented upon, specifically looking at the role of these as diagnostic and prognostic markers and as potential targets for treatments.Results:  kit, PLAG1, Mect1‐Maml2, HMGIC, HER2/neu, ras, c‐fos and Sox‐4 all have seminal small‐scale studies in the literature with potential for further research and eventual clinical applications.Conclusion:  A wide variety of oncogenes are implicated in salivary gland tumourigenesis, with evidence being confined to small murine or in vitro studies more often than not. There are possible roles for different oncogenes in therapeutics, prognosis and management of specific salivary gland tumours.
USE OF PURCHASE PREFERENCE OPTIONS TO INCREASE “NO PREFERENCE” FREQUENCIES IN PLACEBO PREFERENCE TESTS
Authors: ANGULO OFELIA , OKAYAMA KIYOAKI , NAKAMURA TSUKASA , YUEN RANDALL , O'MAHONY MICHAEL 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT Besides responses to the different stimuli being tested in a paired preference test, responses to identical “placebo” stimuli can be used as a screening tool to identify biased consumers. Those consumers who give preference responses to identical stimuli can be assumed to be biased. Accordingly, only the data from unbiased consumers need to be considered for the different stimuli. The problem with this procedure is that the sample size is reduced. The goal of the present research was to see whether using options associated with purchase intent, elicited a greater number of “No Preference” responses to identical “placebo” stimuli. It was found that they did. The increase was large when the preference options implied exclusivity. In conditions where the preference strength options were not so strong, the frequency of “No Preference” responses dropped accordingly. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSA problem with paired preference testing is the tendency of consumers to give false preferences, which produces the seriously misleading overestimation of the proportion of consumers who have preferences for one or other of the products being assessed. The “placebo” condition is an important control for alleviating this problem. The statistical analysis can be improved by finding a protocol that maximizes the proportion of “No Preference” responses in the placebo condition. The key finding here is that using purchase intent questions rather than preference questions may possibly provide a way of achieving this aim.
SENSORY EVALUATION OF INDIAN‐STYLE MARINATED CHICKEN BY MALAYSIAN AND EUROPEAN NAÏVE ASSESSORS
Authors: YUSOP S.M. , O'SULLIVAN M.G. , KERRY J.F. , KERRY J.P. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to determine the sensory acceptability of chicken breast fillets marinated with 13 different commercially available Indian‐style marinades. Thirty‐four naïve assessors (untrained panelists), 20 Malaysian and 14 European, were selected to assess the following sensory attributes: color, color uniformity, Tikka‐Masala aroma, Tikka‐Masala flavor, herblike flavor, hotness, authenticity, juiciness and overall acceptability. The color of the cooked samples and the pH, moisture and fat content of the marinades were analyzed instrumentally. Marinades were applied to the chicken fillets, which were then dry cooked at 170C for 15 min to an internal temperature of 73C. Sensory evaluation showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in color uniformity, hotness and juiciness of the cooked marinated chicken perceived between groups. Samples marinated with marinades L and I received the highest score from the Malaysian panelists in terms of overall acceptability, whereas marinades A and F were chosen by the European group.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe findings from this research will benefit manufacturers of marinade and marinated chicken products in developing or optimizing their products for the local and international markets. The optimal characteristics of an ideal marinade were identified for each assessor group. These results are also of interest to individuals undertaking cross‐cultural consumer studies, even though the results presented here used naïve assessors.