bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular basis of selective antagonism of the P2X1 receptor for ATP by NF449 and suramin: contribution of basic amino acids in the cysteine‐rich loop
Authors: El‐Ajouz S , Ray D , Allsopp RC , Evans RJ 
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The cysteine‐rich head region, which is adjacent to the proposed ATP‐binding pocket in the extracellular ligand‐binding loop of P2X receptors for ATP, is absent in the antagonist‐insensitive Dictyostelium receptors. In this study we have determined the contribution of the head region to the antagonist action of NF449 and suramin at the human P2X1 receptor.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Chimeras and point mutations in the cysteine‐rich head region were made between human P2X1 and P2X2 receptors. Mutant receptors were expressed in Xenopus oocytes and P2X receptor currents characterized using two‐electrode voltage clamp.KEY RESULTS The chimera replacing the region between the third and fourth conserved cysteine residues of the P2X1 receptor with the corresponding part of P2X2 reduced NF449 sensitivity a thousand fold from an IC50 of ∼1 nM at the P2X1 receptor to that of the P2X2 receptor (IC50∼1 µM). A similar decrease in sensitivity resulted from mutation of four positively charged P2X1 receptor residues in this region that are absent from the P2X2 receptor. These chimeras and mutations were also involved in determining sensitivity to the antagonist suramin. Reciprocal chimeras and mutations in the P2X2 receptor produced modest increases in antagonist sensitivity.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These data indicate that a cluster of positively charged residues at the base of the cysteine‐rich head region can account for the highly selective antagonism of the P2X1 receptor by the suramin derivative NF449.
Br‐DIF‐1 accelerates dimethyl sulphoxide‐induced differentiation of P19CL6 embryonic carcinoma cells into cardiomyocytes
Authors: Seya K , Kanemaru K , Matsuki M , Hongo K , Kitahara H , Kikuchi H , Oshima Y , Kubohara Y , Okumura K , Motomura S , Furukawa K‐I 
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Stem cell transplantation therapy is a promising option for treatment of severe ischaemic heart disease. Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) differentiates P19CL6 embryonic carcinoma cells into cardiomyocyte‐like cells, but with low differentiation capacity. To improve the degree of this differentiation, we have assessed several derivatives of the differentiation‐inducing factor‐1 (DIF‐1), originally found in the cellular slime mould Dictyostelium discoideum, on P19CL6 cells.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH P19CL6 cells were cultured with each derivative and 1% DMSO for up to 16 days. Differentiation was assessed by measuring the number of beating and non‐beating aggregates, and the expression of genes relevant to cardiac tissue. The mechanism of action was investigated using a T‐type Ca2+ channel blocker.KEY RESULTS Of all the DIF‐1 derivatives tested only Br‐DIF‐1 showed any effects on cardiomyocyte differentiation. In the presence of 1% DMSO, Br‐DIF‐1 (0.3–3 µM) significantly and dose‐dependently increased the number of spontaneously beating aggregates compared with 1% DMSO alone, by day 16. Expression of mRNA for T‐type calcium channels was significantly increased by Br‐DIF‐1 + 1% DMSO compared with 1% DMSO alone. Mibefradil (a T‐type Ca2+ channel blocker; 100 nM) and a small interfering RNA for the T‐type Ca2+ channel both significantly decreased the beating rate of aggregates induced by Br‐DIF‐1 + 1% DMSO.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Br‐DIF‐1 accelerated the differentiation, induced by 1% DMSO, of P19CL6 cells into spontaneously beating cardiomyocyte‐like cells, partly by enhancing the expression of the T‐type Ca2+ channel gene.
Prostaglandin E2 induces spontaneous rhythmic activity in mouse urinary bladder independently of efferent nerves
Authors: Kobayter S , Young JS , Brain KL 
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The acute effects of PGE2 on bladder smooth muscle and nerves were examined to determine the origin of PGE2‐induced spontaneous rhythmic contractions.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Contraction studies, confocal Ca2+ imaging and electrophysiological recordings in strips of mouse urinary bladder were used to differentiate the effects of PGE2 on bladder smooth muscle and efferent nerves.KEY RESULTS PGE2 (50 µM) increased the tone and caused phasic contractions of detrusor smooth muscle strips. Confocal Ca2+ imaging showed that PGE2 increased the frequency of whole‐cell Ca2+ transients (WCTs) (72 ± 5%) and intracellular recordings showed it increased the frequency of spontaneous depolarizations, from 0.31·s−1 to 0.90·s−1. Non‐selective inhibition of EP receptors using SC‐51322 and AH‐6809 (10 µM), or the L‐type Ca2+ channel blocker nifedipine (1 µM), prevented these phasic contractions and WCTs, and reduced the tone (by 45 ± 7% and 59 ± 6%, respectively). Blocking P2X1 receptors with NF449 (10 µM) caused a small but significant reduction in the frequency of PGE2‐induced phasic contractions (24 ± 9%) and WCTs (28 ± 17%) but had no significant effect on spontaneous depolarizations or tone. Inhibiting muscarinic receptors with cyclopentolate (1 µM) had no significant effect on these measures. Spontaneous WCTs became synchronous in PGE2, implying enhanced functional coupling between neighbouring cells. However, the electrical input resistance was unchanged.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS It was concluded that depolarization alone is sufficient to explain a functional increase in intercellular coupling and the ability of PGE2 to increase detrusor spontaneous rhythmic activity does not require parasympathetic nerves.
Experimenting with Visual Storytelling in Students' Portfolios: Narratives of Visual Pedagogy for Pre‐Service Teacher Education
Authors: Rifà‐Valls Montserrat 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThis article interprets the repercussions of visual storytelling for art education and arts‐based narrative research and, particularly, it approaches visual storytelling as a critical tool for pre‐service teacher education. After reinterpreting storytelling from the perspective of visual critical pedagogy, I will narratively reconstruct the use of visual storytelling in three learning stories taking the form of students' portfolios. As a visual narrative researcher, I will examine the tactics for writing and reading that these students have developed in creating visual stories: the first narrative analyses the role of art during the reconstruction of the learning process by incorporating autobiography and reflexivity (Tanit's portfolio); the second narrative reflects on deconstruction and intertextuality in a multimedia portfolio, which mainly interrelates opera and cinema (Eulàlia's portfolio); and the third narrative introduces virtual storytelling and connects self‐awareness/meta‐awareness with multi‐literacy in narrative learning (Sonia's portfolios). This article also views improvisations, attempts, drafts and interactions in the process of writing and reading portfolios as part of visual experimentation to fabricate learning stories, in order to analyse the opportunities that visual storytelling offers for visual narrative pedagogy.
Design Education Online: Learning Delivery and Evaluation
Authors: Park Ji Yong 
Published: June 2011

AbstractOnline learning has been recognised as an effective pedagogical method and tool, and is broadly integrated into various types of teaching and learning strategies in higher education. In practice, the use of Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) in higher education has become an integral strategy for quality education. The field of design education, however, has not been researched extensively in regard to online learning, delivery and evaluation. This article discusses design education from an online learning perspective. It proposes an integrated framework with three key components for online learning via VLE including an interactive delivery structure, communication channels and learning evaluation. Additionally, the article describes and evaluates how VLE sites for two design units were built based on an integrated framework and student learning experiences. The results indicate that online design education should be integrated with various educational values and functional features in a systematic manner, and requires designing learning evaluation protocols as part of learning activities and communicative forms within online‐based learning sites.
Acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema: reflecting on the management of an intensive care unit patient
Authors: Skinner Jaime , McKinney Aidín 
Published: June 2011

Aim: The aim of this paper is to reflect upon the management interventions of non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) and diuretic therapy that were implemented for a patient admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema. Background: Acute pulmonary oedema is a serious and life‐threatening complication of acute heart failure, particularly if this results from an ischaemic event. Statistics highlight that of those patients treated for acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema, approximately only one third were alive after 1 year. Many of these patients will require intensive care management in order to restore homeostasis. It is therefore imperative that nurses understand the condition and the relevant management of it in order to maximize the already poor prognosis. Results: Using Driscoll's (2000) reflective model to guide critical thinking, this paper reflects on the management of one patient who was admitted to ICU with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema as a result of heart failure. Although there are many aspects of patient management that can be explored, specific care interventions that this patient received in relation to NIV and diuretic therapy will be considered. The evidence base for their use, together with the relevant nursing management issues, and patient implications will be critically analysed and outlined. Conclusions: This paper identifies that standard therapy for acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema is largely supportive and aimed at promoting gaseous exchange. It also highlights that nurses have a key role in ensuring that these essential treatments are as efficacious as possible. Relevance to clinical practice: By using a reflective analysis approach, this paper highlights how reflecting on practice improves knowledge and understanding of the use of NIV and diuretic therapy interventions and should facilitate nurses working in ICU to become more competent in ensuring that the treatment provided for acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema is as successful as possible.
Pain assessment in turning procedures for patients with invasive mechanical ventilation
Authors: Vázquez Mónica , Pardavila Miren‐Idoia , Lucia María , Aguado Yara , Margall MaÁngeles , Asiain Ma Carmen 
Published: June 2011

Background: The assessment of pain is particularly difficult in critical patients unable to self‐report or with cognitive impairment. In such cases, the use of scales which evaluate pain through patient behaviour is important. Aims: To compare the behavioural responses to pain, measured on the Critical‐Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) scale, and the physiological responses prior to, during and after the positioning procedure in patients with invasive mechanical ventilation. We also sought to analyse whether there are differences in the CPOT scores between medical and surgical patients, and between conscious and unconscious patients. Method: Pain scores were evaluated in 96 patients. The data gathering was carried out 1 min before, during and 10 min after the turning by means of the CPOT scale which includes four behavioural indicators, each indicator scored from 0 to 2. Likewise, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) were recorded. Results: The total mean score on the CPOT scale prior to the positioning procedure was 0·27; during turning it was 1·93 and 0·10 after the procedure (p < 0·05). Facial expression was the indicator that increased most with reference to the baseline situation, followed by body movements; compliance with the ventilator, and finally, muscle tension. There were also slight variations in these physiological variables during the turning procedure (p < 0·05). The total mean score on the CPOT scale during the turning of surgical patients was 2·02 and 1·80 for medical patients (p = 0·162). Conclusions: The observation of the patient's behaviour during the turning and the physiological changes produced allow professionals to objectify pain in critical patients with verbal communication difficulties. Moreover, our results also highlight the need to administer of additional analgesia before a painful procedure, particularly in post‐surgical patients. Relevance to clinical practice: The good measurement qualities of the CPOT scale obtained during a painful procedure recommend its use in intensive care units (ICUs) for adult patients with artificial ventilation.
Parkinsonism with multiple cysts in the bilateral striata
Authors: NORIMOTO Kazunobu , KIUCHI Kuniaki , MORIKAWA Masayuki , INOUE Yuichiro , KOSAKA Jun , INOUE Makoto , KISHIMOTO Toshifumi 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe present paper reports on a 68‐year‐old man with a 10‐year history of parkinsonism who developed hallucinations and delusions after admission to an intensive care unit for the treatment of organophosphate intoxication. His initial diagnosis was delirium. On the basis of brain computed tomography findings and clinical symptoms, we diagnosed drug‐induced psychosis in parkinsonism with multiple cysts in the bilateral striata.
Presenile dementia diagnosed as posterior cortical atrophy
Authors: TSUNODA Ayami , IRITANI Shuji , OZAKI Norio 
Published: June 2011

AbstractPosterior cortical atrophy (PCA) was originally proposed in 1988 based on five cases of dementia presenting characteristic clinical symptoms. The concept of PCA is still not generally accepted. Herein, we present a case of a presenile female with PCA. A 57‐year‐old woman was brought to the hospital by her older sister. The patient's chief complaints were that she could not drive a car safely and had caused numerous traffic accidents. Construction apraxia and unilateral spatial agnosia were detected by neuropsychological tests. The patient could not write a coherent the letter even though she was well educated. In addition, she demonstrated slight memory disturbance and she needed her sister's support in daily life. Magnetic resonance imaging and single photon emission computed tomography examinations confirmed bilateral posterior atrophy and significant hypoperfusion in the occipital regions. The neuropathological background of PCA remains unclear. Therefore, the concept of PCA should be validated by the accumulation of information from more cases.
Exploring strategies to alleviate caregiver burden: Effects of the National Long‐Term Care insurance scheme in Japan
Authors: ARAI Yumiko , ZARIT Steven H. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe ever‐increasing population of older people with disabilities, including dementia, has been accompanied by a corresponding growth in the number of family caregivers, who are themselves at risk of developing mental and physical health problems. As a result, the need for practical and effective approaches for alleviating caregiver burden has become a major public health concern. One approach involves the development of public policy initiatives to allow the caregiver burden to be borne partly by society as a whole, rather than falling solely on individuals. In 2000, Japan introduced a National Long‐Term Care (LTC) insurance scheme that requires adults over the age of 40 years to pay compulsory monthly premiums, with one aim of the program being to reduce caregiver burden. The present paper reviews the effects of this scheme on caregivers' and the general public's perception of caregiver burden and assesses what other measures are needed to further reduce and/or prevent burden. Drawing on recent studies, four questions are addressed: (i) have caregivers' attitudes towards caregiving changed since the implementation of the scheme; (ii) do services provided under the scheme alleviate caregiver burden; (iii) what are the general public's attitudes to and understanding of family caregiving; and (iv) what is the general public's level of understanding of dementia? Results from recent studies suggest that the LTC insurance scheme in Japan appears to be an effective measure for alleviating the burden of caregiving among current family caregivers, but larger studies are needed to determine overall effectiveness.
Correlates and Prevalence of Insufficient 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D Status in Black and White Older Adults: The Health, Aging and Body Composition Study
Authors: Shea M. Kyla , Houston Denise K. , Tooze Janet A. , Davis Cralen C. , Johnson Mary Ann , Hausman Dorothy B. , Cauley Jane A. , Bauer Douglas C. , Tylavsky Frances , Harris Tamara B. , Kritchevsky Stephen B. ,   for the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study
Published: June 2011

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and correlates of vitamin D insufficiency in black and white older adults.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.SETTING: Health, Aging and Body Composition Study.PARTICIPANTS: Nine hundred seventy‐seven black and 1,604 white adults aged 70 to 81.MEASUREMENTS: Logistic regression and classification and regression tree analysis were used to identify correlates of vitamin D insufficiency (25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) <30 ng/mL) separately in blacks and whites.RESULTS: The prevalence of 25(OH)D insufficiency was 84% in blacks and 57% in whites. Seventy‐six percent of blacks and 56% of whites did not take a multivitamin; those who did not take a multivitamin were more likely to be vitamin D insufficient (odds ratio (OR)=5.17 (95% confidence interval (CI)=3.47–7.70) for blacks; OR=2.56, 95% CI=2.05–3.19 for white). Additional risk factors for vitamin D insufficiency were vitamin D–containing supplement use, female sex, and obesity in blacks; and winter season, low dietary vitamin D intake, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and female sex in whites.CONCLUSION: Vitamin D insufficiency was more prevalent in blacks than whites. Not consuming a multivitamin increased the odds of vitamin D insufficiency in blacks and whites. Knowledge of additional risk factors such as dietary intake and comorbid conditions may help identify older adults who are likely to be vitamin D insufficient.
Percutaneous Lead and System Extraction in Patients with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) Devices and Coronary Sinus Leads
Authors: WILLIAMS STEVEN E. , ARUJUNA ARUNA , WHITAKER JOHN , SHETTY ANOOP K , BOSTOCK JULIAN , PATEL NIKHIL , MOBB MARGARET , COOKLIN MIKE , GILL JASWINDER , BLAUTH CHRISTOPHER , BUCKNALL CLIFF , HAMID SHOAIB , RINALDI C. ALDO. 
Published: June 2011

Background:
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device and coronary sinus (CS) lead extraction is required due to the occurrence of system infection, malfunction, or upgrade. Published series of CS lead extraction are limited by small sample sizes. We present a 10‐year experience of CRT device and CS lead extraction.
Methods:
All lead extractions between 2000 and 2010 were entered into a computer database. From these, a cohort of 71 cases involving a CRT device or CS lead was analyzed for procedural method, success, and complications.
Results:
Sixty coronary sinus leads were extracted in 71 cases (median age 71 years; 90% male) by manual traction/locking stylets (n = 54) or using a laser sheath (n = 6). Procedural success was achieved in 98% of CS leads. A total of 143 non‐CS leads were extracted, with laser required in 46% of cases. The mean duration of lead implantation was 35.8 months (range 1–116 months) and 2.86 ± 1.07 leads were extracted per case. CRT extraction case load increased significantly over time. Minor complications occurred in four (5.6%) cases and major complications in one (1.4%) case. There were no intraprocedural deaths, but two deaths occurred within 30 days of extraction.
Conclusions:
Our 10‐year experience confirms that percutaneous removal of CS leads can be achieved with high procedural success. Our recorded complication rates are no higher than those of non‐CS lead extraction series, and should be taken in the context of the frail nature of CRT patients. Ongoing audit of procedure success and complications will be required to further guide best practice in CS lead extraction. (PACE 2011; 34:1209–1216)
Does Occlusion Duration Influence Procedural and Clinical Outcome of Patients Who Underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Chronic Total Occlusion?
Authors: TOMASELLO SALVATORE D. , COSTANZO LUCA , CAMPISANO MARIA B. , BARRANO GIOMBATTISTA , CAPODANNO DAVIDE , TAMBURINO CORRADO , GALASSI ALFREDO R. 
Published: June 2011

Background:
Previous studies have reported that the indeterminable aging and long‐duration occlusion are associated with procedural failure and adverse long‐term outcome. We aimed to investigate the clinical impact of occlusion duration in a consecutive series of patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions.
Methods and Results:
From October 2005 to June 2009, a total of 303 patients with 328 CTO lesions were consecutively treated achieving a success rate of 86.3%. The average of occlusion duration estimated in 62.5% of cases (known occlusion duration [KOD] patients, n = 188) was 29.8 ± 41.3 months. In the remaining 37.5% of cases, the occlusion duration was indeterminate (indetermination of occlusion duration [IOD] patients, n = 115). No influence of duration in procedural outcome was observed. Moreover, no differences of 1‐year major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were observed between KOD and IOD patients. The multivariate COX regression analysis identified diabetes mellitus and multivessel coronary disease as independent predictors of 12‐month MACE (HR 5.023; 95% CI 0.164–9.653; P = 0.025 and HR 0.801; 95% CI 0.109–0.909, P = 0.033). The analysis did not show any influence of IOD and long occlusion duration in the occurrence of MACE. Predictors of angiographic failure recognized with multivariate binary logistic were vessel diameter <2.5 mm (OR 5.3; 95% CI 1.19–8.91; P = 0.02), CTO length >20 mm (OR 6.3; 95% CI 1.22–9.54; P = 0.02), and severe calcification (OR 3.2; 95% CI 1.62–5.51; P = 0.03).
Conclusion:
IOD and long duration of CTO do not affect procedural and clinical outcome of patients who underwent CTO PCI. This marks the importance of considering PCI treatment, a reliable strategy in cases of IOD or long occlusion duration. (J Interven Cardiol 2011;24:223–231)
3 In the Beginning: The Experience of Residential Burial in Prehispanic Honduras
Authors: Joyce Rosemary A. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTThis paper treats residential subfloor burial as a practice with a history. At Puerto Escondido, Honduras, this history includes placement of jewelry and pottery vessels in buildings under construction, and the disarticulation of figurines and monumental sculpture depicting human subjects and their burial in different places. Residential burial brings together already‐existing practices of incorporation of materials into constructed spaces, disjunction or separation of parts of things and their deliberate placement in different locations, and commemoration or the creation of a place intended to evoke memory. The earlier histories of these practices motivated their coordination in residential burial.