bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dexmedetomidine Administration before, but Not after, Ischemia Attenuates Intestinal Injury Induced by Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion in Rats
Authors: Zhang Xu-Yu , Liu Zi-Meng , Wen Shi-Hong , Li Yun-Sheng , Li Yi , Yao Xi , Huang Wen-Qi , Liu Ke-Xuan 
Published: March 2012

Background
Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a devastating complication in the perioperative period. Dexmedetomidine is commonly applied in the perioperative period. The authors aimed to determine the effects of different doses of dexmedetomidine (given before or after intestinal ischemia) on intestinal I/R injury and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods
Intestinal I/R injury was produced in rat by clamping the superior mesenteric artery for 1 h followed by 2 h reperfusion. Intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine was performed at 2.5, 5, and 10 μg · kg(-1) · h(-1) for 1 h before or after ischemic insult. In addition, yohimbine hydrochloride was administered intravenously to investigate the role of α2 adrenoreceptor in the intestinal protection conferred by dexmedetomidine.

Results
Intestinal I/R increased mortality of rats and caused notable intestinal injury, as evidenced by statistically significant increases in Chiu's scores; serum diamine oxidase and tumor necrosis factor-α concentration, accompanied by increases in the intestinal mucosal malondialdehyde concentration; myeloperoxidase activity; and epithelial cell apoptosis (all P < 0.05 vs. Sham). Except malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase, all changes were improved by the administration of 5 μg · kg(-1) · h(-1) dexmedetomidine before ischemia (all P < 0.05 vs. Injury) but not after ischemia. Infusion of 2.5 μg · kg(-1) · h(-1) dexmedetomidine before or after ischemia produced no beneficial effects, and infusion of 10 μg · kg(-1) · h(-1) dexmedetomidine led to severe hemodynamic suppression. Yohimbine abolished the intestinal protective effect of the 5 μg · kg(-1) · h(-1) dexmedetomidine infusion before ischemia and was accompanied by the disappearance of its antiapoptotic and antiinflammatory effect.

Conclusion
Dexmedetomidine administration before, but not after, ischemia dose-dependently protects against I/R-induced intestinal injury, partly by inhibiting inflammatory response and intestinal mucosal epithelial apoptosis via α2 adrenoreceptor activation.
Supermicrosurgical Reconstruction of Large Defects on Ischemic Extremities Using Supercharging Techniques on Latissimus Dorsi Perforator Flaps
Authors: Kim Chang Yeon , Kim Youn Hwan 
Published: March 2012

Background:
In patients with underlying vasculopathies, the unavailability of main vessels for conventional microsurgery may preclude limb salvage. However, with the evolution of supermicrosurgical techniques, anastomosis at the perforator level that is almost always spared by the underlying disease has become possible. To overcome insufficient flow in large flap issues following the procedure, a supercharging technique was used in reconstructions using a latissimus dorsi perforator free flap.

Methods:
From January of 2008 to June of 2010, a total of 21 patients underwent reconstructive procedures for large defects of the lower extremities using supermicrosurgery with arterial and/or venous supercharging techniques, including a latissimus dorsi perforator, an intercostal perforator, and the lateral thoracic vein.

Results:
All flaps survived completely without arterial or venous problems. There were three minor complications of infection, venous congestion, and donor-site hematoma. Except for a hematoma evacuation procedure, complications were managed conservatively.

Conclusions:
The latissimus dorsi perforator flap can be harvested with numerous latissimus dorsi perforators, intercostal perforators, and the lateral thoracic vein to perform the supercharging technique on reconstruction of large foot defects in patients with severe vasculopathy. This technique can be applied in various difficult situations, including traumatic injury of the main limb vessels, and can increase survival rates for limb salvage, particularly in ischemic limb reconstruction.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Therapeutic, IV.
Diagnosing eclipse-induced wind changes
Authors: Gray S. L. , Harrison R. G. 
Published: March 2012

Responses in surface winds to solar eclipses have an almost mystical status but are difficult to detect in observations because of their transient nature. High spatial resolution (approx. 1.5 km grid) meteorological models now provide a new technique for their investigation. Measurements from the southern UK meteorological network during the 11 August 1999 total solar eclipse are compared with a high-resolution model ignorant of the lunar shadow's influence. Differences between the model output and measurements at the eclipse time show transient eclipse zone temperature decreases of up to 3
°
C, which also depressed the day's maximum temperature compared with the model prediction. Coherent responses in temperature, and wind speed and direction measurements are detected in the inland cloud-free region (from 51
°
to 52
°
N and −2
°
to 0
°
E). A mean regional wind speed decrease of 0.7 m s
−1
during the maximum eclipse hour is apparent with a mean anticlockwise wind direction change of 17
°
; no such changes occurred in the model output. Such regional circulation changes are consistent with Clayton's 1901 cold-cored eclipse cyclone hypothesis, which may be related to the anecdotal ‘eclipse wind’.
Why don't northern American solutions to drinking and driving work in southern America?
Authors: Pechansky Flavio , Chandran Aruna 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTWhile individual studies from several South American countries have shown driving while intoxicated to be a problem, there are no objective systematically collected alcohol‐associated driving data obtained in most South American countries. This limits their ability to implement and enforce targeted prevention strategies, evaluate whether proven prevention efforts from North America (particularly the United States and Canada) can be transferred to the South, and to sustain momentum for the improvement of road safety by demonstrating that previously implemented legal and policy changes are effective. The aim of this paper is to discuss the abysmal differences that exist between northern and southern American countries regarding the current status of driving while intoxicated prevention strategies—their implementation, impacts and effects—using Brazil as a case example. We propose a three‐pronged approach to close this northern–southern American gap in driving while intoxicated prevention and intervention: (a) systematic collection on road traffic crash/injury/death as well as risk factor data, (b) passage of laws without loopholes requiring compliance with blood alcohol concentration testing and (c) provision of appropriate training and equipment to the police in concomitance with vigilant enforcement. Resources and energies must be put towards data collection, implementation of prevention strategies and enforcement in order to decrease the unacceptably high rates of these preventable driving while intoxicated deaths.
An analysis of ethical issues in using wastewater analysis to monitor illicit drug use
Authors: Hall Wayne , Prichard Jeremy , Kirkbride Paul , Bruno Raimondo , Thai Phong K. , Gartner Coral , Lai Foon Yin , Ort Christoph , Mueller Jochen F. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTAims To discuss ethical issues that may arise in using WWA to monitor illicit drug use in the general population and in entertainment precincts, prisons, schools and work‐places.Method Review current applications of WWA and identify ethical and social issues that may be raised with current and projected future uses of this method.Results Wastewater analysis (WWA) of drug residues is a promising method of monitoring illicit drug use that may overcome some limitations of other monitoring methods. When used for monitoring purposes in large populations, WWA does not raise major ethical concerns because individuals are not identified and the prospects of harming residents of catchment areas are remote. When WWA is used in smaller catchment areas (entertainment venues, prisons, schools or work‐places) their results could, possibly, indirectly affect the occupants adversely. Researchers will need to take care in reporting their results to reduce media misreporting. Fears about possible use of WWA for mass individual surveillance by drug law enforcement officials are unlikely to be realized, but will need to be addressed because they may affect public support adversely for this type of research.Conclusions Using wastewater analysis to monitor illicit drug use in large populations does not raise major ethical concerns, but researchers need to minimize possible adverse consequences in studying smaller populations, such as workers, prisoners and students.
The role of high‐mobility group box‐1 (HMGB1) in the pathogenesis of asthma
Authors: Shim E.‐J. , Chun E. , Lee H.‐S. , Bang B.‐R. , Kim T.‐W. , Cho S.‐H. , Min K.‐U. , Park H.‐W. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryBackgroundHigh‐mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) belonging to endogenous danger signals prolongs eosinophil survival and acts as a chemoattractant.ObjectiveThe authors evaluated the role of HMGB1 in the pathogenesis of asthma characterized by eosinophilic airway inflammation.MethodsFirstly, HMGB1 expressions in induced sputum obtained from human asthmatics were determined. This was followed by an evaluation of the role of HMGB1 in a murine model of asthma using anti‐HMGB1 antibodies. Then the effect of HMGB1 on the receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) expressions on CD11b‐CD11c+ cells isolated from a murine model of asthma were measured to elucidate the mechanisms involved.ResultsSputum HMGB1 expressions were markedly higher in asthmatics than in normal controls, and were positively correlated with sputum eosinophilia and sputum TNF‐α, IL‐5 and IL‐13 expressions. In a murine model of asthma, HMGB1 expressions in lung tissue and HMGB1 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were significantly elevated and eosinophilic airway inflammation, non‐specific airway hyperresponsiveness, and pathological changes were attenuated by blocking HMGB1 activity. Furthermore, we found that enhanced RAGE expressions on CD11b‐CD11c+ also significantly decreased when HMGB1 activity was blocked.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceOur findings suggest that HMGB1 plays a key role in the pathogenesis of clinical and experimental asthma characterized by eosinophilic airway inflammation.
Progressive decline of residual follicle pool after clinical diagnosis of autoimmune ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Falorni Alberto , Brozzetti Annalisa , Aglietti Maria Chiara , Esposito Raffaella , Minarelli Viviana , Morelli Silvia , Sbroma Tomaro Emilia , Marzotti Stefania 
Published: March 2012

SummaryContextIn approximately 5–8% patients with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), the disease is caused by an autoimmune process made evident by the appearance of autoantibodies against steroidogenic enzymes (SCA‐POI). Anti‐müllerian hormone (AMH) is the best marker of the residual follicular pool.ObjectiveTo evaluate the rate of loss of the residual follicle pool in women with SCA‐POI after clinical diagnosis.Design and methodsOne hundred and thirty‐two women with POI were tested for 21‐hydroxylase autoantibodies, 17α‐hydroxylase autoantibodies and P450scc autoantibodies, and 35 patients with SCA‐POI were identified. AMH was analysed at the time of the first visit in all women with POI, and in follow‐up, serum samples were taken 1–3 years after in 11 women with SCA‐POI and detectable AMH.Results12/35 (35%) women with SCA‐POI had AMH levels within the normal range at the time of first sampling, as compared to 6/97 (6%) with idiopathic POI (P < 0·001). 11/17 (65%) women with SCA‐POI with <6 years disease duration had normal serum AMH concentration. A progressive decline in AMH concentration was observed at longitudinal follow‐up in all 11 AMH‐positive women with SCA‐POI, at an estimated average rate of 1·6 μg/l AMH/year (corresponding to an average 57% of preserved follicle pool/previous year) (R2 = 0·219, P = 0·028). After 6 years of disease duration, only 1/18 (6%) women with SCA‐POI had detectable levels of AMH, similar to women with idiopathic POI (5/78, 6%).ConclusionMost women with SCA‐POI present at clinical diagnosis with a preserved follicle pool that is progressively lost within a few years.
Antibacterial activity of dentine and pulp extracellular matrix extracts
Authors: Smith J. G. , Smith A. J. , Shelton R. M. , Cooper P. R. 
Published: March 2012

Smith JG, Smith AJ, Shelton RM, Cooper PR. Antibacterial activity of dentine and pulp extracellular matrix extracts. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 749–755, 2012.AbstractAim  To determine whether extracellular matrix (ECM) preparations from pulp (pECM) and dentine (dECM) possess antimicrobial activity.Methodology  Dentine and pulp ECM preparations were isolated with 10% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), pH 7.2 and sequential use of 0.5 mol L−1 NaCl, pH 11.7 and 0.1 mol L−1 tartaric acid, pH 2.0, respectively, with protease inhibitor inclusion throughout. Antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus oralis and Enterococcus faecalis was assessed using turbidity as a measure of bacteria growth. The cytotoxicity of the extracts on primary pulp cells was also determined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Statistical analysis of data was performed using paired student’s t‐tests.Results  Extracellular matrix extracts from the pulp and dentine showed antibacterial activity against three types of anaerobic bacteria associated with dental disease (P < 0.05). The ECM extracts demonstrated no significant cytotoxic effect on pulpal cells at the concentrations used for antibacterial activity.Conclusions  The bacteriostatic antibacterial activity of pECM and dECM indicates that the release of these matrix molecules from pulp and dentine may contribute to defence responses during dental disease, treatment and repair.
A feasibility study for the analysis of reparative dentinogenesis in pOBCol3.6GFPtpz transgenic mice
Authors: Frozoni M. , Balic A. , Sagomonyants K. , Zaia A. A. , Line S. R. P. , Mina M. 
Published: March 2012

Frozoni M, Balic A, Sagomonyants K, Zaia AA, Line SRP, Mina M. A feasibility study for the analysis of reparative dentinogenesis in pOBCol3.6GFPtpz transgenic mice. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 907–914, 2012.AbstractAim  To examine the feasibility of using the pOBCol3.6GFPtpz [3.6‐green fluorescent protein (GFP)] transgenic mice as an in vivo model for studying the biological sequence of events during pulp healing and reparative dentinogenesis.Methodology  Pulp exposures were created in the first maxillary molar of 12–16‐week‐old 3.6‐GFP transgenic mice with CD1 and C57/Bl6 genetic background. Direct pulp capping on exposed teeth was performed using mineral trioxide aggregate followed by restoration with a light‐cured adhesive system (AS) and composite resin. In control teeth, the AS was placed in direct contact with the pulp. Animals were euthanized at various time points after pulp exposure and capping. The maxillary arch was isolated, fixed and processed for histological and epifluorescence analysis to examine reparative dentinogenesis.Results  Analysis of teeth immediately after pulp exposure revealed absence of odontoblasts expressing 3.6‐GFP at the injury site. Evidence of reparative dentinogenesis was apparent at 4 weeks in 3.6‐GFP mice in CD1 background and at 8 weeks in 3.6‐GFP mice with C57/Bl6 background. The reparative dentine with both groups contained newly formed atubular‐mineralized tissue resembling a dentine bridge and/or osteodentine that was lined by cells expressing 3.6‐GFP as well as 3.6‐GFP expressing cells embedded within the atubular matrix.Conclusion  This study was conducted in a few animals and did not allow statistical analysis. The results revealed that the 3.6‐GFP transgenic animals provide a unique model for direct analysis of cellular and molecular mechanisms of pulp repair and tertiary dentinogenesis in vivo. The study also shows the effects of the capping material and the genetic background of the mice in the sequence and timing of reparative dentinogenesis.
Natural enamel caries in polarized light microscopy: differences in histopathological features derived from a qualitative versus a quantitative approach to interpret enamel birefringence
Authors: DE MEDEIROS R.C.G. , SOARES J.D. , DE SOUSA F.B. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryLesion area measurement of enamel caries using polarized light microscopy (PLM) is currently performed in a large number of studies, but measurements are based mainly on a mislead qualitative interpretation of enamel birefringence in a single immersion medium. Here, five natural enamel caries lesions are analysed by microradiography and in PLM, and the differences in their histopathological features derived from a qualitative versus a quantitative interpretation of enamel birefringence are described. Enamel birefringence in different immersion media (air, water and quinoline) is interpreted by both qualitative and quantitative approaches, the former leading to an underestimation of the depth of enamel caries mainly when the criterion of validating sound enamel as a negatively birefringent area in immersion in water is used (a current common practice in dental research). Procedures to avoid the shortcomings of a qualitative interpretation of enamel birefringence are presented and discussed.
Unraveling functional abdominal bloating and distension: the role of thoraco‐abdominal accommodation and a physical sign to aid its detection
Authors: Whorwell P. J. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBloating and distension are common complaints in patients with irritable bowel syndrome of which the cause has remained elusive, although it has been shown that the obvious explanation of excessive gas is unlikely. The recent application of technologies such as the gas challenge technique, abdominal inductance plethysmography, CT scanning, as well as electromyography of the diaphragm and anterior abdominal wall, have allowed the situation to be slowly unraveled. It is now seems probable that the pathophysiology of bloating and distension are subtly different with the former having a sensory component whereas mechanical factors, such as disordered abdominal accommodation, contribute more to the latter.
Maternal Intake of Methyl‐Donor Nutrients and Child Cognition at 3 Years of Age
Authors: Villamor Eduardo , Rifas‐Shiman Sheryl L. , Gillman Matthew W. , Oken Emily 
Published: March 2012

SummaryVillamor E, Rifas‐Shiman SL, Gillman MW, Oken E. Maternal intake of methyl‐donor nutrients and child cognition at 3 years of age. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2012; ••:••–••.Methyl‐donor nutrients are substrates for methylation reactions involved in neurodevelopment processes. The role of maternal intake of these nutrients on cognitive performance of the offspring is poorly understood. We examined the associations of maternal intake of folate, vitamin B12, choline, betaine and methionine during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, with tests of cognitive performance in the offspring at 3 years of age using data from 1210 participants in Project Viva, a prospective pre‐birth cohort study in Massachusetts. We assessed nutrient intake with the use of food frequency questionnaires. Children's cognition at age 3 years was evaluated with the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test III (PPVT‐III) and visual‐motor skills with the Wide Range Assessment of Visual Motor Abilities test. In multivariable models adjusting for potential sociobehavioural and nutritional confounders, for each 600 µg/day increment in total folate intake during the first trimester, PPVT‐III score at age 3 years was 1.6 points [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.1, 3.1; P = 0.04] higher. There was a weak inverse association between vitamin B12 intake during the second trimester and PPVT‐III scores [−0.4 points per 2.6 µg/day; 95% CI −0.8, −0.1; P = 0.01]. We did not find associations between choline, betaine or methionine and cognitive outcomes at this age. Results of this study suggest that higher intake of folate in early pregnancy is associated with higher scores on the PPVT‐III, a test of receptive language that predicts overall intelligence, at age 3 years.
Characterization of Leishmania infantum thiol‐dependent reductase 1 and evaluation of its potential to induce immune protection
Authors: SILVA A. M. , TAVARES J. , SILVESTRE R. , OUAISSI A. , COOMBS G. H. , CORDEIRO‐da‐SILVA A. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryThe need to develop an effective vaccine against leishmaniasis to prevent the 2 million new cases each year led to the search for antigens able to elicit protection against infection with Leishmania. In this study, we have characterized a parasite‐specific protein of Leishmania infantum named thiol‐dependent reductase 1 (TDR1). The protein is present in both life cycle stages of L. infantum with a notable higher expression in the amastigote forms, suggesting a role in the interaction between the parasite and the mammalian host. Thiol‐dependent reductase 1 is localized in the cytosol, although we were able to detect the protein in the culture medium of both promastigotes and axenic amastigotes, and consequently, TDR1 is considered an excreted/secreted molecule of the parasite. Therefore, we have evaluated the potential of TDR1 recombinant protein to protect against experimental challenge with L. infantum parasites using a murine model. Despite a reduction in spleen parasite load in the chronic phase of disease, TDR1 administration was not effective in the protection of Balb/c mice against visceral leishmaniasis and thus TDR1 do not have a crucial role in the modulation of mammalian host immune response, as observed with its protein counterpart Tc52 of Trypanosoma cruzi.
Gastrointestinal health and function in weaned pigs: a review of feeding strategies to control post‐weaning diarrhoea without using in‐feed antimicrobial compounds
Authors: Heo J. M. , Opapeju F. O. , Pluske J. R. , Kim J. C. , Hampson D. J. , Nyachoti C. M. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryFor the last several decades, antimicrobial compounds have been used to promote piglet growth at weaning through the prevention of subclinical and clinical disease. There are, however, increasing concerns in relation to the development of antibiotic‐resistant bacterial strains and the potential of these and associated resistance genes to impact on human health. As a consequence, European Union (EU) banned the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in swine and livestock production on 1 January 2006. Furthermore, minerals such as zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are not feasible alternatives/replacements to antibiotics because their excretion is a possible threat to the environment. Consequently, there is a need to develop feeding programs to serve as a means for controlling problems associated with the weaning transition without using antimicrobial compounds. This review, therefore, is focused on some of nutritional strategies that are known to improve structure and function of gastrointestinal tract and (or) promote post‐weaning growth with special emphasis on probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids, trace minerals and dietary protein source and level.
Capacitation and Capacitation‐like Sperm Surface Changes Induced by Handling Boar Semen
Authors: Leahy T , Gadella BM 
Published: March 2012

ContentsSince it has been well recognized that reproductive technologies, such as cryopreservation and sex‐sorting, have a detrimental impact on sperm quality. These procedures cause sperm membrane destabilization which resembles that of capacitation. The pathways of this complex biochemical event are slowly unravelling, including the vital role of coating and decoating factors on the sperm surface. Characterization of these factors is leading to the development of novel surface manipulation techniques to stabilize the sperm membrane during handling. The possible application of these for assisted pig reproduction is discussed.