bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Astrocytic function and its alteration in the epileptic brain
Authors: Jabs Ronald , Seifert Gerald , Steinhäuser Christian 
Published: July 2010

Summary Currently available anticonvulsant drugs and complementary therapies are insufficient to control seizures in about a third of epileptic patients. Thus, there is an urgent need for new treatments that prevent the development of epilepsy and control it better in patients already afflicted with the disease. A prerequisite to reach this goal is a deeper understanding of the cellular basis of hyperexcitability and synchronization in the affected tissue. Epilepsy is often accompanied by massive reactive gliosis. Although the significance of this alteration is poorly understood, recent findings suggest that modified astroglial function may have a role in the generation and spread of seizure activity. Here we summarize properties of astrocytes as well as their changes that can be associated with epileptic tissue. The goal is to provide an understanding of the current knowledge of these cells with the long‐term view of providing a foundation for the development of novel hypotheses about the role of glia in epilepsy.
Heterogeneity in Serum 25‐Hydroxy‐Vitamin D Response to Cholecalciferol in Elderly Women with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism and Vitamin D Deficiency
Authors: Giusti Andrea , Barone Antonella , Pioli Giulio , Girasole Giuseppe , Razzano Monica , Pizzonia Monica , Pedrazzoni Mario , Palummeri Ernesto , Bianchi Gerolamo 
Published: July 2010

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects on parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D (25(OH)D) of two dosing regimens of cholecalciferol in women with secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPTH) and hypovitaminosis D and to investigate variables affecting 25(OH)D response to cholecalciferol.DESIGN: Randomized‐controlled trial with 6‐month follow‐up.SETTING: Two osteoporosis centers in northern Italy.PARTICIPANTS: Sixty community‐dwelling women aged 65 and older with sHPTH and hypovitaminosis D, creatinine clearance greater than 65 mL/min and without diseases or drugs known to influence bone and vitamin D metabolism.INTERVENTION: Cholecalciferol 300,000 IU every 3 months, once at baseline and once at 3 months (intermittent D3 group) or cholecalciferol 1,000 IU/day (daily D3 group).MEASUREMENTS: Serum PTH, 25(OH)D, calcium, bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase, β‐C‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, phosphate, 24‐hour urinary calcium excretion.RESULTS: The two groups had similar baseline characteristics. All participants had vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D<20 ng/mL)], and 36 subjects (60%) had severe deficiency (<10 ng/mL), with no difference between the groups (severe deficiency: intermittent D3 group, n=18; daily D3 group, n=18). After 3 and 6 months, both groups had a significant increase in 25(OH)D and a reduction in PTH. Mean absolute increase±standard deviation of 25(OH)D at 6 months was higher in the intermittent D3 group (22.7±11.8 ng/mL) than in the daily D3 group (13.7±6.7 ng/mL, P<.001), with a higher proportion of participants in the intermittent D3 group reaching desirable serum concentration of 25(OH)D ≥ 30 ng/mL (55% in the intermittent D3 group vs 20% in the daily D3 group, P<.001). Mean percentage decrease of PTH in the two groups was comparable, and at 6 months, a similar proportion of participants reached normal PTH values. 25(OH)D response to cholecalciferol showed a wide variability. In a logistic regression analysis, body mass index and type of treatment appeared to be significantly associated with normalization of 25(OH)D values.CONCLUSION: Cholecalciferol 300,000 IU every 3 months was more effective than 1,000 IU daily in correcting vitamin D deficiency, although the two groups achieved similar effects on PTH at 6 months. Only 55% of the higher‐dose intermittent group reached desirable concentrations of 25(OH)D, suggesting that yet‐higher doses will be required for adequate vitamin D repletion.
Toward a definition of “fresh” whole blood: an in vitro characterization of coagulation properties in refrigerated whole blood for transfusion
Authors: Jobes David , Wolfe Yanika , O'Neill Daniel , Calder Jennifer , Jones Lisa , Sesok‐Pizzini Deborah , Zheng X. Long 
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND: The hemostatic property of “fresh” whole blood (WB) has been observed in military application and cardiac surgery and is associated with reduced blood loss, transfusion requirements, and donor exposures. The time from donation to transfusion defining “fresh” has not been systematically studied. We undertook an in vitro study of coagulation properties of refrigerated WB stored for 31 days.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty‐one WB units were obtained from healthy volunteer donors and stored under standard AABB refrigerated conditions. Samples were obtained on the day after donation and again on Days 2, 4, 7, 11, 14, 17, 21, 24, and 31. Tests included complete blood count, pH, pO2, pCO2, glucose, lactate, thromboelastography (TEG), and platelet function by light transmission aggregometry (LTA).RESULTS: There was progressive decline in pH, pO2, glucose, and sodium, but progressive increase in potassium, pCO2, and lactate. TEG variables in all units were normal through Day 11; abnormal values in some variables in some units began on Day 14. Final aggregation levels exhibited no change from Day 1 to Day 21 with adenosine diphosphate and epinephrine, but a decline with collagen (Day 7) and ristocetin (Day 17).CONCLUSION: This in vitro study of coagulation properties demonstrates preservation of normal integrated coagulation function to a minimum of 11 days under standard conditions of refrigerated storage of WB for transfusion. These observations strongly suggest that the hemostatic quality of WB may extend beyond current transfusion practices. If confirmed clinically, this would increase availability and extend benefits of reduced donor exposure and transfusion requirements.
Postoperative anemia after joint replacement surgery is not related to quality of life during the first two weeks postoperatively
Authors: So‐Osman Cynthia , Nelissen Rob , Brand Ronald , Brand Anneke , Stiggelbout Anne M. 
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND: Lower limb joint replacement surgery provides a considerable improvement in quality of life (QoL), but is associated with peroperative blood loss and with anemia in the direct postoperative period. General acceptance of low transfusion thresholds and shorter postoperative hospital stays will result in patients leaving hospital with low hemoglobin (Hb) levels. To evaluate the role of QoL scores as a possible alternative for Hb values to serve as a further indicator for red blood cell transfusion, we performed a secondary analysis of a previously conducted randomized clinical trial to compare QoL and fatigue scores with simultaneously measured pre‐ and postoperative Hb levels, in total hip and knee arthroplasty patients.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: QoL measurement was measured preoperatively and twice up to 14 days postoperatively using the Functional Status Index (FSI), the Visual Analogue Score (VAS)‐Fatigue score, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Anemia (FACT‐Anemia) subscale. Pearson correlation coefficients between (change in) FSI, VAS‐Fatigue, and FACT‐Anemia subscale scores and (change in) Hb levels were calculated. Additionally, partial correlations were calculated and linear regression analysis was performed, correcting for possible confounding variables.RESULTS: A total of 603 patients were evaluated. All patients scored worse postoperatively, but none of the scores correlated with Hb values, neither after correcting for confounding factors. Even more, the changes between preoperative and postoperative Hb levels were not correlated with changes in fatigue scores.CONCLUSION: In hip and knee prosthesis surgery no correlation existed between postoperative Hb levels or acute postoperative decline in Hb values and QoL scores (FSI, VAS‐Fatigue, or FACT‐Anemia).
Hybrid E‐Learning Acceptance Model: Learner Perceptions
Authors: Ahmed Hassan M. Selim 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTE‐learning tools and technologies have been used to supplement conventional courses in higher education institutions creating a “hybrid” e‐learning module that aims to enhance the learning experiences of students. Few studies have addressed the acceptance of hybrid e‐learning by learners and the factors affecting the learners’ satisfaction with these tools. This study assesses hybrid e‐learning acceptance by learners using three critical success factors: instructor characteristics, information technology infrastructure, and organizational and technical support. Structural equation modeling was applied to examine and validate the hypothesized relationships among the three factors and their effects on learners’ acceptance of hybrid e‐learning. A total of 538 usable responses from university students were used to validate the proposed research model. The influence of the three factors on learners’ decision to accept hybrid e‐learning was empirically examined. The results show that all three factors significantly and directly impacted the learners’ acceptance of hybrid e‐learning courses. Information technology infrastructure and organizational support were proven to be key determinants of the instructor characteristics as a critical success factor of hybrid e‐learning acceptance by learners. Implications of this work for higher education institutions, researchers, and instructors are described.
Anthropology in blue jeans
Authors: MILLER DANIEL 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTI begin this article with a brief history of the use of “the normative” in anthropology, starting with Kant and concluding with discussion of the concept within theories of practice. This is followed by an account of an ethnographic study of blue‐jeans wearing in North London. The importance of becoming ordinary is exemplified in that study by migrants’ experience of being comfortable in blue jeans. I argue that jeans are the first postsemiotic garment, an antithesis to identity. I end by considering the challenge represented by the concept of “the ordinary” for anthropology's foundational presumption of the normative.
Phatic labor, infrastructure, and the question of empowerment in Cairo
Authors: ELYACHAR JULIA 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTIn this article, I draw on ethnographic research in Cairo to analyze outcomes of Egyptian women's practices of sociality. In Cairo, “phatic labor” creates a social infrastructure of communicative channels that are as essential to economy as roads, bridges, or telephone lines. Projects to empower Egyptian women via finance made these communicative channels visible as an economic infrastructure for projects oriented around the pursuit of profit. A social infrastructure that had functioned as a kind of semiotic commons became visible as a resource that could be privatized or formatted as a public good.
The crisis of masculinity: Class, gender, and kindly power in post‐Mao China
Authors: YANG JIE 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTIn this article, I examine how Chinese state enterprises sustain social stability in the wake of mass unemployment caused by privatization. At the same time that China, in its attempt to sustain stability, unmakes, or remakes, state workers into entrepreneurial subjects, it attempts to remake itself as a benevolent patriarchal government exercising kindly power. State enterprises translate labor unrest into a crisis of masculinity and the sustaining of stability into governing men and masculinity. For men, mass unemployment has meant the loss of virility associated with life‐tenured employment, and this loss of livelihood and virility results in social instability, which is embodied in the unemployed male. Male workers then use the language of gender and family and translate it back into an expression of class antagonism.
THE DEEP‐ VEE HULL FORM — IMPROVES SEAKEEPING AND COMBAT SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
Authors: KEHOE JAMES W. , BROWER KENNETH S. , SERTER ERBIL H. 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTA unique deep‐Vee hull form has been developed and model tested in Europe for use in the design of corvette and frigate sized ships. The seakeeping performance of this new deep‐Vee hull form, whose proportions are suitable for ship operations in a displacement mode at conventional speed‐to‐length ratios, exceeds the performance of ships with more conventional round‐bilge hull forms. It promises to provide a 4,500‐ton frigate with the speed, course selectivity, and combat system performance equivalent to that of larger destroyers when operating in the high latitudes of the North Atlantic, especially during the winter season.The authors describe and compare the seakeeping performance of two 4,500‐ton frigates, one with a deep‐Vee and the other with a round‐bilge hull. They discuss the impact of differences in seakeeping performance on combat system availability.From the standpoint of incorporating a deep‐Vee hull form into a ship design, certain features of a deep‐Vee hull form affect ship proportions, calm water resistance, hull structure (particularly hull girder bending moments), stability, deck area, arrangements, propulsion plant configuration, light ship weights and centers of gravity, and acquisition and life cycle costs differently than a round‐bilge hull form. Based on a comparative feasibility design study of two frigates of about 4,500‐tons, one with a deep‐Vee and the other with a round‐bilge hull, the authors quantify the impact of these differences on a ship design.
Fighting Dirty! Sustaining Operations in a CBRN Environment
Authors: HARNEY ROBERT C. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) has identified problems with the way in which the Department of Defense addresses the growing threat of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons. This article describes the conclusions and recommendations of the GAO report. It further analyzes the CBRN threat, the past response of the US Navy to the threat, and how that threat may affect future naval operations. The impact of the potential threat on warship design and performance is discussed. An ad hoc set of design guidelines that can minimize the impact of future threat developments on warship performance is presented.
An investigation of the effect of an essential oil mouthrinse on induced bacteraemia: a pilot study
Authors: Fine Daniel H. , Furgang David , McKiernan Marie , Tereski‐Bischio Debra , Ricci‐Nittel Danette , Zhang Paul , Araujo Marcelo W. B. 
Published: July 2010

Fine DH, Furgang D, McKiernan M, Tereski‐Bischio D, Ricci‐Nittel D, Zhang P, Araujo MWB. An investigation of the effect of an essential oil mouthrinse on induced bacteraemia: a pilot study. J Clin Periodontol 2010; 37: 840–847. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2010.01590.x. AbstractAim: This pilot study was designed to assess the effect of an essential oil antiseptic mouthrinse (EOM) in reducing bloodstream bacteria after chewing an apple.Material and Methods: From a panel of 200, we screened 62 individuals with mild‐to‐moderate gingivitis. Twenty‐two individuals who showed a bacteraemia after chewing an apple were enroled. Subjects were recalled, instructed to chew an apple, had blood drawn (first baseline), and were randomly assigned EOM or a control (C) treatment for 2 weeks. Subjects were recalled, given an apple, and had blood taken for bacterial counts. Following a 1‐week fluoride dentifrice wash‐out, subjects were recalled, given the apple challenge, had blood drawn (second baseline), assigned the alternate treatment, and recalled for testing. Differences between baseline and 2‐week post‐treatment (EOM versus C) in blood‐borne bacteria were assessed by analysis of covariance.Results: Mean aerobic blood‐borne bacteria decreased by 68.5% (17.7 viable counts from baseline; p<0.001), while anaerobic counts decreased by 70.7% (14.5 mean viable counts from baseline; p<0.001) for the EOM treatment. No reduction was seen for the C treatment.Conclusions: This double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized, 2‐week cross‐over study showed that rinsing with essential oils reduced the level of bloodstream bacteria in subjects with mild‐to‐moderate gingivitis.
Somatostatin regulates tight junction function and composition in human keratinocytes
Authors: Vockel Matthias , Breitenbach Ute , Kreienkamp Hans‐Jürgen , Brandner Johanna M. 
Published: July 2010

Please cite this paper as: Somatostatin regulates tight junction function and composition in human keratinocytes. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 888–894.Abstract:  Somatostatin (SST) is a regulatory peptide hormone that acts through five different G protein‐coupled receptors (SSTR1‐5). Whereas expression of all five SSTR subtypes in epidermis has been shown, the biological relevance of the SST/SSTR system in the skin is completely unknown. We show here that SST is expressed in human skin and is present in a subset of Merkel cells and dendritic cells as well as in keratinocytes. We focused further on the somatostatin receptor subtype 3 (SSTR3) and its interacting protein MUPP1, as both were found to be localized at cellular junctions in epidermal keratinocytes. MUPP1 is a component of tight junctions (TJs); these cell–cell junctions contribute to barrier function of the paracellular pathway in cultured keratinocytes. We provide evidence that SSTR3 and MUPP1 interact in primary cultured human keratinocytes at high Ca2+ conditions. Interestingly, SST, presumably via SSTR3/MUPP1, regulates TJ permeability in cultured keratinocytes. During long‐term treatment of human keratinocytes, SST also affects the expression of distinct TJ proteins such as claudin‐4. Our data are the first example of a peptide hormone regulating TJ functionality and composition in human keratinocytes, suggesting that control via peptide hormones provides the possibility to regulate the TJ barrier characteristics of the skin.
Polyamines and hair: a couple in search of perfection
Authors: Ramot Yuval , Pietilä Marko , Giuliani Giammaria , Rinaldi Fabio , Alhonen Leena , Paus Ralf 
Published: July 2010

Please cite this paper as: Polyamines and hair: a couple in search of perfection. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 784–790.Abstract:  Polyamines (spermidine, putrescine and spermine) are multifunctional cationic amines that are indispensable for cellular proliferation; of key significance in the growth of rapidly regenerating tissues and tumors. Given that the hair follicle (HF) is one of the most highly proliferative organs in mammalian biology, it is not surprising that polyamines are crucial to HF growth. Indeed, growing (anagen) HFs show the highest activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the rate‐limiting enzyme of polyamine biosynthesis, while inhibition of ODC, using eflornithine, results in a decreased rate of excessive facial hair growth in vivo and inhibits human scalp hair growth in organ culture. In sheep, manipulation of dietary intake of polyamines also results in altered wool growth. Polyamine‐containing nutraceuticals have therefore been proposed as promoters of human hair growth. Recent progress in polyamine research, coupled with renewed interest in the role of polyamines in skin biology, encourages one to revisit their potential roles in HF biology and highlights the need for a systematic evaluation of their mechanisms of action and clinical applications in the treatment of hair disorders. The present viewpoint essay outlines the key frontiers in polyamine‐related hair research and defines the major open questions. Moreover, it argues that a renaissance in polyamine research in hair biology, well beyond the inhibition of ODC activity in hirsutism therapy, is important for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the manipulation of human hair growth. Such targets could include the manipulation of polyamine biosynthesis and the topical administration of selected polyamines, such as spermidine.
Cutaneous wound healing of chronically stressed mice is improved through catecholamines blockade
Authors: Romana‐Souza Bruna , Porto Luis Cristóvão , Monte‐Alto‐Costa Andréa 
Published: July 2010

Please cite this paper as: Cutaneous wound healing of chronically stressed mice is improved through catecholamines blockade. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 821–829.Abstract:  Stress impairs cutaneous wound healing; however, it is unclear how β‐adrenoceptors participates in alterations induced by stress on skin wound repair. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of propranolol, a non‐selective β‐blocker, administration on cutaneous wound healing of chronically stressed mice. Male mice were spun at 115 rpm for 15 min every hour from three days before wounding until euthanasia. Control animals were not submitted to stress. Stressed and control animals were treated with propranolol dissolved in water; controls received only water. Propranolol administration began one day before wounding and was continued daily until euthanasia. A full‐thickness excisional lesion was performed. Seven and fourteen days later, animals were killed, and lesions were formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded. Sections were stained with hematoxylin‐eosin and immunostained against F4/80 to quantify macrophages, α‐smooth muscle actin to quantify the myofibroblast density and proliferating cell nuclear antigen to quantify the cell proliferation. Furthermore, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐2 and MMP‐9 activity, nitrite and hydroxyproline levels and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) expression were measured in wound. Stress and control + propranolol groups presented a delay in wound contraction, re‐epithelialization, F4/80‐positive macrophages, neutrophils and mast cells infiltration, cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, myofibroblastic differentiation, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 activation and TNF‐α expression, whereas an increase in the nitrite levels. Stress + propranolol group presented results similar to control group. In conclusion, stress impairs cutaneous wound healing in mice through β1‐ adrenoceptors and β2‐adrenoceptors activation.
Primary microcephaly in Hungary: epidemiology and clinical features
Authors: Szabó Nóra , Pap Csenge , Kóbor Jenő , Svékus András , Túri Sándor , Sztriha László 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAim:  To describe the population‐based epidemiological characteristics and clinical features of primary microcephaly in Hungary.Methods:  A retrospective survey of patients born with microcephaly in a region (Dél‐Alföld – South Great Plain) in Hungary between July 1, 1992 and June 30, 2006 was performed. Patients with microcephaly and without any environmental or obstetric risk factors and/or dysmorphism (primary microcephaly) were included in the study. The birth prevalence of primary microcephaly per 10 000 live births was calculated.Results:  Ten patients (8 girls and 2 boys) were found with primary microcephaly among 185 486 live births, which corresponds to a birth prevalence of 0.54 per 10 000 live births (95% confidence interval: 0.20–0.87). Developmental delay and intellectual disability were the main clinical features. Dyskinesia was seen in one and epilepsy was diagnosed in two patients. The MRI revealed simplified gyral pattern in all patients.Conclusion:  Primary microcephaly is a very rare brain malformation, although the birth prevalence found in this survey is slightly higher than the few figures published earlier. As more and more genes and mutations responsible for primary microcephaly are discovered, the ascertainment of these rare cases is mandatory to provide the parents with genetic counselling.