bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Progesterone inhibits L‐type calcium currents in gallbladder smooth muscle cells
Authors: Wu Zhixuan , Shen Wei 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The incidence of gallbladder stones is higher in women during pregnancy than in men. Progesterone can inhibit gallbladder motility and facilitate gallstone formation. However, the ionic mechanisms have not been fully illuminated. This study sought to investigate the effects of progesterone on L‐type calcium currents and voltage‐dependent potassium currents in gallbladder smooth muscle cells.Methods:  Gallbladder smooth muscle cells were isolated by enzymatic digestion from adult guinea pigs. Ionic currents were recorded by the whole‐cell patch clamp method.Results:  Progesterone inhibited L‐type calcium currents in a concentration‐dependent manner. The characteristic of current‐voltage curve was not significantly altered. The amplitude of calcium currents was gradually suppressed, reached a steady‐state level within 4–6 min, and restored partly after washout. In the presence of protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, Rp‐cAMP, the inhibitory effect induced by progesterone was apparently attenuated, whereas forskolin, a direct activator of adenylate cyclase, could suppress L‐type calcium channel. However, progesterone did not significantly affect voltage‐dependent potassium currents.Conclusions:  Progesterone inhibits L‐type calcium channel by cAMP/PKA pathway in gallbladder smooth muscle cells. This may be an important mechanism for the gallbladder hypomotility induced by progesterone.
New diagnostic criteria for nutcracker esophagus using conventional water‐perfused manometry: A comparison between nutcracker esophagus with and without gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Jung Kee Wook , Jung Hwoon‐Yong , Yoon In Ja , Kim Do Hoon , Chung Jun‐Won , Oh Hyung‐Chul , Choi Kwi‐Sook , Choi Kee Don , Song Ho June , Lee Gin Hyug , Kim Jin‐Ho 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Controversy continues as to whether nutcracker esophagus (NE) is a ‘real’ manometric disease due to its poor correlation with clinical symptoms such as chest pain or dysphagia. While new NE criteria were proposed in a recent study, that study included NE patients both with and without gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We aimed to analyze both general NE (with or without GERD) and pure NE (without GERD) patients in terms of distal esophageal amplitude (DEA) and its correlation with symptoms.Methods:  Using previously known normal DEA values (mean and SD), patients were stratified into three different groups: group A (DEA 180 to 220 mmHg, 2 to 3 SD), B (DEA 220 to 260 mmHg, 3 to 4 SD), and C (DEA > 260 mmHg, > 4 SD).Results:  A total of 72 patients who simultaneously underwent esophageal manometry and 24‐h pH monitoring were diagnosed with NE. They were separated into groups A (n = 43), B (n = 18), and C (n = 11). Although the proportion of general NE patients with symptoms appeared to be greater in group A (65.6%) than in group C (90.9%), statistical analysis showed that this was not a significant correlation (P = 0.07). Pure NE patients were defined as those returning negative findings after 24‐h pH monitoring. These patients were separated into three groups based on the same DEA criteria as above: group A‐1 (n = 33), B‐1 (n = 11), C‐1 (n = 8). The proportion of patients with symptoms increased from 54.5% in group A‐1 to 87.5% in group C‐1, and this correlation was found to be significant (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  There exists in the general NE population a subset with pure NE. DEA values correlated with symptoms in this subset.
Low alpha‐fetoprotein hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Carr Brian I , Pancoska Petr , Branch Robert A 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  A large proportion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients do not secrete elevated levels of the tumor marker alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP). There is little published guide to prognostic features of this patient subset.Methods:  We interrogated a large HCC database in which all patients had been followed until death, to examine which features might be prognostically useful.Results:  We found 413 biopsy‐proven unresectable HCC patients with low serum AFP values. Serum gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) levels were one of the most significant factors for survival. This dichotomization into low and high GGTP levels separated the patients into distinctive survival ranges. Patients with GGTP levels < 110 U/100 mL and small tumors had longest survival > 795 days. Patients with GGTP ≥ 110 U/mL and large tumors with the presence of portal vein thrombosis had the shortest survival range of 300–560 days.Conclusions:  Serum levels of the onco‐fetal protein GGTP represent a useful prognostic parameter in HCC patients with low AFP levels.
Valuing Public Value: Recognising and Applying Knowledge About the Governmental Process*
Authors: Colebatch H.K. 
Published: February 2010

Rhodes and Wanna (2007)
have criticised Moore's argument for ‘public value’ as an organising construct for public managers, claiming that it is confused, ill‐informed, ignores the central dynamic of political life, and demands that public managers become ‘Platonic guardians’, making it totally inappropriate for use in Australia. This article examines Moore's analysis and Rhodes and Wanna's critique, and explores the relevance for the argument of the complex nature of authority in Australian government, recent developments in the social science understanding of governing, and the experiential knowledge of practitioners. It cites the governing of the Murray‐Darling Basin as an example, and discusses the different discourses that academics and practitioners use in making sense of complexity in governing.
ADOLESCENT AND PARENTAL PERCEPTIONS OF MEDICAL DECISION‐MAKING IN HONG KONG
Authors: HUI EDWIN 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTObjectives: To investigate whether Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong share similar perceptions with their Western counterparts regarding their capacity for autonomous decision‐making, and secondarily whether Chinese parents underestimate their adolescent children's desire and capacity for autonomous decision‐making.Method:‘Healthy Adolescents’ and their parents were recruited from four local secondary schools, and ‘Sick Adolescents’ and their parents from the pediatric wards and outpatient clinics. Their perceptions of adolescents' understanding of illnesses and treatments, maturity in judgment, risk‐taking, openness to divergent opinions, pressure from parents and doctors, submission to parental authority and preference for autonomy in medical decision‐making are surveyed by a 50‐item questionnaire on a five‐point Likert scale.Results: Findings indicate that Chinese adolescents aged 14–16 perceive themselves to possess the necessary cognitive abilities and maturity in judgment to be autonomous decision‐makers like their Western counterparts. Paradoxically, although they hesitate to assert their autonomy, they are also unwilling to surrender that autonomy to their parents even under coercion or intimidation. Parents tend to underestimate their adolescents' preferences for making autonomous decisions and overestimate the importance of parental authority in decision‐making.Conclusion:‘14‐and‐above’ Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong perceive themselves as capable of autonomous decision‐making in medically‐related matters, but hesitate to assert their autonomy, probably because of the Confucian values of parental authority and filial piety that are deeply embedded in the local culture.
ON THE NEED FOR IMPROVED PROTECTIONS OF INCAPACITATED AND NON‐BENEFITING RESEARCH SUBJECTS
Authors: ERIKSSON STEFAN 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTIn this article, it is claimed that the protective provisions for adults with impaired decision‐making capacity are misguided, insofar as they do not conclusively state whether research on this group should be permitted only as an exception, and as they arbitrarily allow for some groups to benefit from such research while others will not. Moreover, the presumed or former will of the subject is given insufficient weight, and the minimal risk standard does not make sense in this context. Because of these problems, the present guidelines allow for the possibility of vulnerable people being exploited, something that is hidden behind a guise of solidarity. Instead we need to address the real issues at stake by rewriting the present statutes. It is suggested that new guidelines should be in some continuity with earlier efforts. However, in order to protect these subjects there is additional need for appointed representatives who monitor research and for legal obligations to compensate for any injuries suffered. Without these or similar measures we won't have an adequate system in place for the protection of non‐benefiting persons who are unable to consent to research.
Role of Synchrotron infra red microspectroscopy in studying epidermotropism of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: El Bedewi A , El Anany G , El Mofty M 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackground  The molecular mechanisms of epidermotropism in mycosis fungoides (MF) are not well understood to date.Objectives  The aim of this study was to differentiate between epidermal and dermal lymphocytes within the skin of MF patients.Methods  This study was done on 10 MF patients with a mean age of 50 years diagnosed clinically in the Department of Dermatology, Cairo University, Egypt. A 6 mm biopsy was taken from each patient in order to confirm the diagnosis. Skin biopsies were cut, put on low e‐slides and then stained with H&E. Further examination with Synchrotron infrared (IR) microspectroscopy was done in National Synchrotron Light Source – Brookhaven National Laboratory, New York, USA. Immunophenotyping using antibodies CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20 and CD30 was also done. Statistical analysis was done by Student's t‐test and cluster analysis.Results  Both epidermal and dermal lymphocytes were clustered separately. Also, Amide I and RNA and DNA within the lymphocytes were significantly different between the epidermis and the dermis.Conclusions  The biochemical analysis of protein, RNA and DNA with Synchrotron IR microspectroscopy is a promising tool for studying epidermotropism in cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma.
Aggravating factors for melasma: a prospective study in 197 Tunisian patients
Authors: Guinot C , Cheffai S , Latreille J , Dhaoui MA , Youssef S , Jaber K , Nageotte O , Doss N 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackground  Melasma is a frequent cause of consultations at dermatology departments by dark‐skinned patients in Tunisia.Objective  To investigate factors that influence melasma severity in a large Tunisian population.Methods  A total of 197 patients (188 women and 9 men), who attended Tunis Military Hospital for a consultation were included prospectively from August 2005 to August 2006. Disease severity was estimated using the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI). Aggravating factors were investigated using multiple logistic regressions.Results  Of the women included, 14% presented phototype III, 45% phototype IV and 41% phototype V; 76% presented a centrofacial melasma phenotype, 23% a malar and 1% a mandibular phenotype. About 60% developed melasma before thirty. Sun exposure was reported as a triggering factor by 51% of women and as an aggravating factor by 84%. Pregnancy was reported as an aggravating factor by 51% of women who had been pregnant, and oral contraceptive use reported by 38% of women exposed to oral contraceptives. The risk of severe melasma was about three times higher for women with age at onset under 30, phototype V and major lifetime sun exposure and about 8 times higher for women exposed to oral contraceptives.Conclusion  This study identifies a number of factors associated with the severity of melasma. Further epidemiological studies in this type of population, in particular, to investigate triggering factors, are justified by the aesthetic damage caused by melasma in dark‐skinned patients, lack of efficacy of existing treatments, non‐compliance with photoprotection recommendations and the challenge of treatment.
Prevalence and prognostic value of cutaneous manifestations in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Farah C , Bulai Livideanu C , Jegu J , Paul C , Viraben R , Lamant L , Delavigne K , Adoue D , Laurent G , Beyne Rauzy O 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackground  Skin manifestations associated with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) may reveal bone marrow transformation into acute myeloid leukaemia.Objective  The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of skin manifestations associated with MDS. In addition, we evaluated the risk of acute myeloid leukaemia transformation associated with skin manifestations.Methods  We studied a cohort of 157 patients with primary MDS followed up prospectively for a median of 44 months. Skin lesions were prospectively assessed as part of medical examination every 6 months by a board certified dermatologist. Survival analyses were performed to assess the association between the presence of skin lesions and the risk of acute myeloid leukaemia.Results  Fifteen patients (9.55%) experienced skin lesions previously reported as associated with MDS. These were neutrophilic dermatosis (7, 4.46%), specific lesions (5, 3.18%), cutaneous vasculitis (2, 1.27%) and Behçet disease (1, 0.63%). Survival analysis showed that the risk of transformation into acute myeloid leukaemia was slightly but not significantly increased in patients with skin lesions as compared with patients without skin lesions with a relative risk of 2.08 (95% CI 0.92–4.67).Conclusion  The prevalence of skin lesions, mostly neutrophilic dermatosis and specific lesions, is relatively high in patients with MDS. There is a trend for a higher risk of transformation into acute myeloid leukaemia in patients with skin lesions.
Hemopressins and other hemoglobin‐derived peptides in mouse brain: comparison between brain, blood, and heart peptidome and regulation in Cpefat/fat mice
Authors: Gelman Julia S. , Sironi Juan , Castro Leandro M. , Ferro Emer S. , Fricker Lloyd D. 
Published: February 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 113, 871–880.AbstractMany hemoglobin‐derived peptides are present in mouse brain, and several of these have bioactive properties including the hemopressins, a related series of peptides that bind to cannabinoid CB1 receptors. Although hemoglobin is a major component of red blood cells, it is also present in neurons and glia. To examine whether the hemoglobin‐derived peptides in brain are similar to those present in blood and heart, we used a peptidomics approach involving mass spectrometry. Many hemoglobin‐derived peptides are found only in brain and not in blood, whereas all hemoglobin‐derived peptides found in heart were also seen in blood. Thus, it is likely that the majority of the hemoglobin‐derived peptides detected in brain are produced from brain hemoglobin and not erythrocytes. We also examined if the hemopressins and other major hemoglobin‐derived peptides were regulated in the Cpefat/fat mouse; previously these mice were reported to have elevated levels of several hemoglobin‐derived peptides. Many, but not all of the hemoglobin‐derived peptides were elevated in several brain regions of the Cpefat/fat mouse. Taken together, these findings suggest that the post‐translational processing of alpha and beta hemoglobin into the hemopressins, as well as other peptides, is up‐regulated in some but not all Cpefat/fat mouse brain regions.
Nicotine self‐administration differentially modulates glutamate and GABA transmission in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus to enhance the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal response to stress
Authors: Yu Guoliang , Chen Hao , Wu Xingjun , Matta Shannon G. , Sharp Burt M. 
Published: February 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)113, 919–929.AbstractThe mechanisms by which chronic nicotine self‐administration augments hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) responses to stress are only partially understood. Nicotine self‐administration alters neuropeptide expression in corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) neurons within paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and increases PVN responsiveness to norepinephrine during mild footshock stress. Glutamate and GABA also modulate CRF neurons, but their roles in enhanced HPA responsiveness to footshock during chronic self‐administration are unknown. We show that nicotine self‐administration augmented footshock‐induced PVN glutamate release, but further decreased GABA release. In these rats, intra‐PVN kynurenic acid, a glutamate receptor antagonist, blocked enhanced adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone responses to footshock. In contrast, peri‐PVN kynurenic acid, which decreases activity of GABA afferents to PVN, enhanced footshock‐induced corticosterone secretion only in control rats self‐administering saline. Additionally, in rats self‐administering nicotine, footshock‐induced elevation of corticosterone was significantly less than in controls after intra‐PVN saclofen (GABA‐B receptor antagonist). Therefore, the exaggerated reduction in GABA release by footshock during nicotine self‐administration disinhibits CRF neurons. This disinhibition combined with enhanced glutamate input provides a new mechanism for HPA sensitization to stress by chronic nicotine self‐administration. This mechanism, which does not preserve homeostatic plasticity, supports the concept that smoking functions as a chronic stressor that sensitizes the HPA to stress.
YOU CAN USE MY NAME; YOU DON'T HAVE TO STEAL MY STORY – A CRITIQUE OF ANONYMITY IN INDIGENOUS STUDIES
Authors: SVALASTOG ANNA‐LYDIA , ERIKSSON STEFAN 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTOur claim in this paper is that not being identified as the data source might cause harm to a person or group. Therefore, in some cases the default of anonymisation should be replaced by a careful deliberation, together with research subjects, of how to handle the issues of identification and confidentiality. Our prime example in this article is community participatory research and similar endeavours on indigenous groups. The theme, content and aim of the research, and the question of how to handle property rights and ownership of research results, as well as who should be in charge of the research process, including the process of creating anonymity, should all be answered, before anonymity is accepted.
Deoxyuridine analog nucleotides in deoxycytidine analog treatment: secondary active metabolites?
Authors: Jansen Robert S , Rosing Hilde , Schellens Jan HM , Beijnen Jos H 
Published: February 2010

AbstractDeoxycytidine analogs (dCa’s) are nucleosides widely used in anticancer and anti (retro) viral therapies. Intracellularly phosphorylated dCa anabolites are considered to be their main active metabolites. This article reviews the literature on the formation and pharmacological activity of deaminated dCa nucleotides. Most dCa’s are rapidly deaminated into deoxyuridine analogs (dUa’s) which are only slowly phosphorylated and therefore relatively inactive. dUa nucleotides are, however, also formed via deamination of dCa monophosphates by deoxycytidine monophosphate deaminase (dCMPD). dUa‐monophosphates can interact with thymidylate synthase (TS), whereas dUa‐triphosphates are incorporated into nucleic acids and interfere with polymerases. Administration of dCa’s as monophosphate prodrugs or co‐administration of the cytidine deaminase inhibitor tetrahydrouridine (THU) does not prevent dUa nucleotide formation which is, on the other hand, influenced by the dose and dCMPD activity. Taken together, these observations show that the formation of dUa nucleotides is a common phenomenon in treatment with dCa’s and these compounds may play a role in treatment outcome. We conclude that more attention should be given to these relatively unknown, but potentially important metabolites.
Effect of Sodium Ascorbate and the Time Lapse before Cementation after Internal Bleaching on Bond Strength between Dentin and Ceramic
Authors: May Liliana G. , Salvia Ana C. R. , Souza Rodrigo O. A. , Michida Silvia M. A. , Valera Márcia C. , Takahashi Fernando E. , Bottino Marco Antonio 
Published: February 2010

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effects of the elapsed time (ET) after nonvital bleaching (NVB) and sodium ascorbate application (10%) (SAA) on the shear bond strength of dentin to ceramic. Materials and Methods: Bovine incisors were selected, internally bleached (35% carbamide peroxide) for 9 days and submitted to the following treatments (n = 10): G1, G2, G3—luting after 1, 7, and 14 days; G4, G5, and G6—luting after SAA, 1, 7, and 14 days, respectively. G7 and G8 were not bleached: G7—luting 24 hours after access cavity sealing; G8—luting 24 hours after access cavity sealing after SAA. After NVB, the vestibular dentin was exposed and flattened. The SAA was applied to the dentin (G4, G5, G6, G8) for 10 minutes, and it was then washed and dried. The dentin was etched (37% phosphoric acid), and an adhesive system (Single Bond 2) was applied. Feldspathic ceramic discs (VM7; 4‐mm diameter, 3‐mm thick) were luted with a dual‐resin agent (RelyX ARC, 3M ESPE Dental Products, St. Paul, MN). After 24 hours, specimens were submitted to shear test on a universal testing machine. The data (MPa) were submitted to ANOVA and Dunnet's test (5%). Results: The means (± SD) obtained were (MPa): G1 (14 ± 4.5), G2 (14.6 ± 3.1), G3 (14 ± 3.7), G4 (15.5 ± 4.6), G5 (19.87 ± 4.5), G6 (16.5 ± 3.7), G7 (22.8 ± 6.2), and G8 (18.9 ± 5.4). SAA had a significant effect on bond strength (p= 0.0054). The effect of ET was not significant (p= 0.1519). G5 and G6 presented higher values than the other bleached groups (p < 0.05) and similar to G7 and G8 (p > 0.05). Conclusions: After NVB, adhesive luting to dentin is recommended after 7 days if sodium ascorbate has been applied prior to dentin hybridization.
Five‐Year Follow‐Up Treatment of an Ectodermal Dysplasia Patient with Maxillary Anterior Composites and Mandibular Denture: A Clinical Report
Authors: Khazaie Reza , Berroeta Eva M. , Borrero Camila , Torbati Arman , Chee Winston 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThis clinical report describes the 5‐year follow‐up treatment of an 11‐year‐old boy with ectodermal dysplasia. The dentition was initially restored with a combination of maxillary anterior‐bonded composite restorations and a mandibular complete denture. This individualized approach allowed successful management of the patient.
An Unusual Case of Congenitally Unguarded Tricuspid Valve Orifice Associated with Pulmonary Valve Atresia and Intact Ventricular Septum
Authors: Takawira Farirai F. , Mitchell Belinda J. , Du Plessis Dirk J. 
Published: February 2010

We report on a premature neonate who presented with cyanosis soon after birth. She was found on echocardiography to have an unguarded tricuspid valve orifice associated with pulmonary valve atresia and an intact interventricular septum. Owing to the small‐sized pulmonary arteries, she was initially managed conservatively with prostaglandin infusion, and at one year of age underwent a successful bidirectional cavo‐pulmonary (Glenn) shunt operation. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY 2010;27:202‐204)