bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cord blood‐circulating endothelial progenitors for treatment of vascular diseases
Authors: Lavergne M. , Vanneaux V. , Delmau C. , Gluckman E. , Rodde‐Astier I. , Larghero J. , Uzan G. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAdult peripheral blood (PB) endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) are produced in the bone marrow and are able to integrate vascular structures in sites of neoangiogenesis. EPCs thus represent a potential therapeutic tool for ischaemic diseases. However, use of autologous EPCs in cell therapy is limited by their rarity in adult PB. Cord blood (CB) contains more EPCs than PB, and they are functional after expansion. They form primary colonies that give rise to secondary colonies, each yielding more than 107 cells after few passages. The number of endothelial cells obtained from one unit of CB is compatible with potential clinical application. EPC colonies can be securely produced, expanded and cryopreserved in close culture devices and endothelial cells produced in these conditions are functional as shown in different in vitro and in vivo assays. As CB EPC‐derived endothelial cells would be allogeneic to patients, it would be of interest to prepare them from ready‐existing CB banks. We show that not all frozen CB units from a CB bank are able to generate EPC colonies in culture, and when they do so, number of colonies is lower than that obtained with fresh CB units. However, endothelial cells derived from frozen CB have the same phenotypical and functional properties than those derived from fresh CB. This indicates that CB cryopreservation should be improved to preserve integrity of stem cells other than haematopoietic ones. Feasibility of using CB for clinical applications will be validated in porcine models of ischaemia.
Vitis CBF1 and Vitis CBF4 differ in their effect on Arabidopsis abiotic stress tolerance, development and gene expression
Authors: SIDDIQUA MAHBUBA , NASSUTH ANNETTE 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTPlants growing in temperate regions encode several C‐repeat binding factor/dehydration responsive element binding factors (CBF/DREB1) and the question is whether these transcription factors have different functions. In this study, Arabidopsis transformed with grape CBF1 (VrCBF1) or grape CBF4 (VrCBF4) were characterized. Electrolyte leakage assays showed that the freezing tolerance of transgenic lines was correlated with the level of VrCBF expression irrespective of the type of CBF, while drought tolerance was most increased by VrCBF1. VrCBF overexpression coincided with an increase in the expression of the cold‐regulated genes AtCOR15a, AtRD29A, AtCOR6.6 and AtCOR47. In addition, the development of grape CBF overexpressing plants was seen to be altered and resulted in dwarf plants which flowered later and had thicker rosette leaves with a higher stomatal density. Analysis of gene expression showed that these morphological changes may be because of an increase in the expression of AtRGL3 in VrCBF4 lines or AtGA2ox7 in VrCBF1 lines, and AtFLC in both. In addition, the results show for the first time that CBFs can positively affect the expression of AtICE1/SCREAM1, the gene that is known to induce AtCBF3 expression. The difference in gene induction by VrCBF1 compared with VrCBF4 suggests that these CBFs have different regulons.
Phytoextraction of toxic metals: a central role for glutathione
Authors: SETH C. S. , REMANS T. , KEUNEN E. , JOZEFCZAK M. , GIELEN H. , OPDENAKKER K. , WEYENS N. , VANGRONSVELD J. , CUYPERS A. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTPhytoextraction has a promising potential as an environmentally friendly clean‐up method for soils contaminated with toxic metals. To improve the development of efficient phytoextraction strategies, better knowledge regarding metal uptake, translocation and detoxification in planta is a prerequisite. This review highlights our current understanding on these mechanisms, and their impact on plant growth and health. Special attention is paid to the central role of glutathione (GSH) in this process. Because of the high affinity of metals to thiols and as a precursor for phytochelatins (PCs), GSH is an essential metal chelator. Being an important antioxidant, a direct link between metal detoxification and the oxidative challenge in plants growing on contaminated soils is observed, where GSH could be a key player. In addition, as redox couple, oxidized and reduced GSH transmits specific information, in this way tuning cellular signalling pathways under environmental stress conditions. Possible improvements of phytoextraction could be achieved by using transgenic plants or plant‐associated microorganisms. Joined efforts should be made to cope with the challenges faced with phytoextraction in order to successfully implement this technique in the field.
Quantitative relationship between recovery and benefit‐finding among persons with chronic mental illness in Japan
Authors: Chiba Rie , Kawakami Norito , Miyamoto Yuki 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThis study quantitatively examined the association between recovery and benefit‐finding among persons with a chronic mental illness in Japan. A cross‐sectional questionnaire survey was conducted, with responses from 237 (74%) of 319 individuals (≥ 20 years old) with a chronic mental illness in community and inpatient ward settings. The data of 120 questionnaires were analyzed (men, 64%; average age, 41 years). The questionnaire included the Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS) and Self‐identified Stage of Recovery Parts A and B (SISR‐A and SISR‐B) for assessing recovery and the Perceived Positive Change Scale (PPCS) for assessing benefit‐finding. The total RAS and SISR‐B scores strongly and positively correlated with the PPCS score. The PPCS score significantly differed among the recovery stages, as classified by the SISR‐A, with higher scores at higher stages; the association was almost linear. The study confirmed the theoretically expected relationship between recovery and benefit‐finding among these individuals. Benefit‐finding might be associated not only with a higher stage of recovery but also with each step from one stage to another.
Benign cystic mesothelioma: A case series with one case complicated by pregnancy
Authors: Akbayir Ozgur , Gedikbasi Ali , Akyol Alpaslan , Numanoglu Ceyhun , Koroglu Nadiye , Gulkilik Ahmet 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBenign cystic mesothelioma (BCM) is a rare tumor of unknown origin, most frequently encountered in women of reproductive age and with unknown etiology. Most patients have a history of previous pelvic operation, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult. We report the cases of three patients, with one case complicated by pregnancy, and discuss the diagnostic evaluation and treatment of this rare disease. Complete surgical resection is recommended if feasible. However, recurrent disease is not uncommon. Clinical positive effects of different adjuvant medical treatments are also discussed.
Clinical analysis of 828 cases of iatrogenic preterm births
Authors: Yang Xiao , Zeng Weiyue 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAim:  To investigate the incidence, causes and delivery methods of iatrogenic preterm births.Material & Methods:  A retrospective study was conducted to review a cohort of preterm birth records to learn the incidence, causes and delivery methods of 828 iatrogenic preterm births from January 2004 to June 2007. The chi‐squared and two tailed Student's t‐test were used for statistical analysis.Results:  During the 3.5‐year study period, the total incidence of iatrogenic preterm birth was 6.4%, accounting for 49.8% of the total recorded preterm births. Specifically, the proportion of iatrogenic preterm births to the total recorded preterm births in 2005 was 51.9%, the highest during the study. The top three etiologies of iatrogenic preterm birth were intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, hemorrhage and hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy. Among the preterm births studied, 62 pregnancies delivered prior to term were for no recorded indications. Seven hundred and twenty‐nine iatrogenic preterm births underwent cesarean section.Conclusions:  Iatrogenic preterm birth has become the main reason for preterm births and no recorded indications have become one cause of it. Cesarean delivery was the main delivery method among iatrogenic preterm births. Obstetricians should choose the delivery method strictly.
Adult congenital heart disease
Authors: Seal Robert 
Published: April 2011

SummaryFor a decade now, it has been recognized that optimal management of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) requires a skilled multidisciplinary team. The size and complexity of the population of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) are increasing. This article reviews the general considerations for giving an anesthetic to an adult with CHD for cardiac or noncardiac surgery and provides further elaboration for a variety of complex patient types. Lastly, the advantages of an organized multidisciplinary approach to patients with ACHD are discussed.
Associations between variants in the cyclooxygenase 2 enzyme gene (PTGS2) and development of benign prostate enlargement
Authors: St. Sauver Jennifer L. , Lieber Michael M. , Slager Susan L. , Jacobson Debra J. , McGree Michaela E. , Jacobsen Steven J. 
Published: April 2011

Study Type – Aetiology (cohort)Level of Evidence 2bWhat’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Inflammatory processes may be associated with benign prostatic enlargement.Variants in the PTGS2 gene may increase the risk of prostate enlargement through increases in inflammatory processes. However, this increased risk may be minimized by use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).OBJECTIVE• To determine if polymorphisms in the cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) enzyme gene (prostaglandin synthase 2; PTGS2) were associated with development of benign prostate enlargement (BPE), and whether associations were modified by use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).MATERIALS AND METHODS• Participants were men residing in Olmsted County, MN, who were between 40 and 79 years of age in 1990 (N= 356).• Prostate volume was measured by transrectal ultrasound and men reported all the medications that they were taking at the time of the examination. Men were followed biennially for 16 years.• Ten tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the PTGS2 gene were typed using the Illumina GoldenGateTM Assay.• Associations between SNPs and development of BPE (volume >30 mL) were assessed by Cox proportional hazards models. Models were also stratified by NSAID use.RESULTS• We observed significant associations between four polymorphisms in the PTGS2 gene and development of BPE (all P < 0.05).• These associations were not observed among men who used NSAIDs.CONCLUSION• Variants in the PTGS2 gene may increase the risk of prostate enlargement, but the increased risk may be minimized by use of NSAIDs.
Consumer Heterogeneity, Free Trade, and the Welfare Impact of Income Redistribution
Authors: Ju Jiandong 
Published: April 2011

AbstractDemographic differences, like young and elderly, and healthy and disabled, are summarized as consumers' heterogeneity in expenditure shares, and introduced into an otherwise standard Heckscher–Ohlin model, together with income distribution in this paper. We prove that free trade may hurt consumers who spend more on the exporting good if the volume of trade is small, while redistributing more income to consumers who spend more on the exporting good may make everyone in the country better off. By contrast, redistributing more income to consumers who spend more on the importing good may make everyone in the country worse off.
The primacy of the good midwife in midwifery services: an evolving theory of professionalism in midwifery
Authors: Halldorsdottir Sigridur , Karlsdottir Sigfridur Inga 
Published: April 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 806–817

The primacy of the good midwife in midwifery services: an evolving theory of professionalism in midwiferyTheory is the acknowledged foundation to practise methodology, professional identity and growth of formalized knowledge. It has been noted that practice must not only be evidence‐based but also theory‐based. Hence, midwifery must be theory based because theories serve as a broad framework for practice and may also articulate the goals of a profession and core values. In this paper, an evolving theory on the empowerment of childbearing women is introduced, where the midwife’s professionalism is central. The theory is synthesized from nine datasets and scholarly work, and then more than three hundred studies were reviewed for clarification and confirmation. According to the theory, the midwife’s professionalism is constructed from five main aspects: The professional midwife cares for the childbearing woman and her family. This caring within the professional domain is seen as the core of midwifery. The professional midwife is professionally competent. This professional competence must always have primacy for the sake of safety of woman and child. The professional midwife has professional wisdom and knows how to apply it. Professional wisdom is a new concept used to denote the interplay of knowledge and experience. The professional midwife has interpersonal competence, is capable of empowering communication and positive partnership with the woman and her family. The professional midwife develops herself both personally and professionally, which is the prerequisite for true professionalism. This evolving theory must be regularly reconstructed in the light of current knowledge within midwifery. It is an attempt to identify and articulate the processes and components of the art and science of midwifery practice in an endeavour of continuing the discipline’s development by assisting in the understanding and practice of creating further theoretical discourse, processes and products for midwifery practice. The theory has implications for midwifery education and practice.
Computer vision syndrome: a review of ocular causes and potential treatments
Authors: Rosenfield Mark 
Published: April 2011

Citation information: Rosenfield M. Computer vision syndrome: a review of ocular causes and potential treatments. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2011, 31, 502–515. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00834.xAbstractComputer vision syndrome (CVS) is the combination of eye and vision problems associated with the use of computers. In modern western society the use of computers for both vocational and avocational activities is almost universal. However, CVS may have a significant impact not only on visual comfort but also occupational productivity since between 64% and 90% of computer users experience visual symptoms which may include eyestrain, headaches, ocular discomfort, dry eye, diplopia and blurred vision either at near or when looking into the distance after prolonged computer use. This paper reviews the principal ocular causes for this condition, namely oculomotor anomalies and dry eye. Accommodation and vergence responses to electronic screens appear to be similar to those found when viewing printed materials, whereas the prevalence of dry eye symptoms is greater during computer operation. The latter is probably due to a decrease in blink rate and blink amplitude, as well as increased corneal exposure resulting from the monitor frequently being positioned in primary gaze. However, the efficacy of proposed treatments to reduce symptoms of CVS is unproven. A better understanding of the physiology underlying CVS is critical to allow more accurate diagnosis and treatment. This will enable practitioners to optimize visual comfort and efficiency during computer operation.
Bile pigment pharmacokinetics and absorption in the rat: therapeutic potential for enteral administration
Authors: Bulmer AC , Coombes JS , Blanchfield JT , Toth I , Fassett RG , Taylor SM 
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Bilirubin and biliverdin possess antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties and their exogenous administration protects against the effects of inflammation and trauma in experimental models. Despite the therapeutic potential of bile pigments, little is known about their in vivo parenteral or enteral absorption after exogenous administration. This study investigated the absorption and pharmacokinetics of bile pigments after i.v., i.p. and intraduodenal (i.d.) administration in addition to their metabolism and routes of excretion.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Anaesthetized Wistar rats had their bile duct, jugular and portal veins cannulated. Bile pigments were infused and their circulating concentrations/biliary excretion were measured over 180 min.KEY RESULTS After i.v. administration of unconjugated bilirubin, biliverdin and bilirubin ditaurate, their plasma concentrations decreased exponentially over time. Subsequently, native and metabolized compounds appeared in the bile. When administered i.p., their absolute bioavailabilities equalled 14.0, 16.1 and 33.1%, respectively, and correspondingly 38, 28 and 34% of the same bile pigment doses were excreted in the bile. Administration of unconjugated bilirubin and bilirubin ditaurate i.d. increased their portal and systemic concentrations and their systemic bioavailability equalled 1.0 and 2.0%, respectively. Correspondingly, 2.7 and 4.6%, of the doses were excreted in the bile. Biliverdin was rapidly metabolized and these products were absorbed and excreted via the urine and bile.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Bile pigment absorption from the peritoneal and duodenal cavities demonstrate new routes of administration for the treatment of inflammatory and traumatic pathology. Oral biliverdin administration may lead to the production of active metabolite that protect from inflammation/complement activation.
On the mode of action of emodepside: slow effects on membrane potential and voltage‐activated currents in Ascaris suum
Authors: Buxton SK , Neveu C , Charvet CL , Robertson AP , Martin RJ 
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Anthelmintics are required for treatment and prophylaxis of nematode parasites of humans and domestic animals. Emodepside, a cyclooctadepsipeptide, is a modern anthelmintic that has a novel mode of action involving a Ca‐activated K channel (SLO‐1) in Caenorhabditis elegans, sometimes mediated by a latrophilin (LAT) receptor. We examined mechanisms of action of emodepside in a parasitic nematode, Ascaris suum.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH RT‐PCR was used to investigate expression of slo‐1 and lat‐1 in A. suum muscle flaps, and two‐micropipette current‐clamp and voltage‐clamp techniques were used to record electrophysiological effects of emodepside.KEY RESULTS Expression of slo‐1 and lat‐1 were detected. Emodepside produced a slow time‐dependent (20 min), 4‐aminopyridine sensitive, concentration‐dependent hyperpolarization and increase in voltage‐activated K currents. Sodium nitroprusside increased the hyperpolarizations and K currents. N‐nitro‐L‐arginine inhibited the hyperpolarizations and K currents. Phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13 acetate increased the K currents, while staurosporine inhibited the hyperpolarizations and K currents. Iberiotoxin reduced these emodepside K currents. The effect of emodepside was reduced in Ca‐free solutions. Emodepside had no effect on voltage‐activated Ca currents.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Asu‐slo‐1 and Asu‐lat‐1 are expressed in adult A. suum muscle flaps and emodepside produces slow activation of voltage‐activated Ca‐dependent SLO‐1‐like K channels. The effect of emodepside was enhanced by stimulation of protein kinase C and NO pathways. The data are consistent with a model in which NO, PKC and emodepside signalling pathways are separate and converge on the K channels, or in which emodepside activates NO and PKC signalling pathways to increase opening of the K channels.
Vasodilator signals from perivascular adipose tissue
Authors: Gollasch Maik 
Published: April 2011

Visceral fat has been linked to metabolic disturbances and increased risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Recent studies propose a paracrine role for periadventitial adipose tissue in the control of arterial vascular tone. This regulation depends on the anatomical integrity of the vessels and involves a transferable mediator(s) (adipokine) released from either periadventitial adipocytes or perivascular adipose tissue. Although a number of adipokines with vasoactive properties have been identified, a still unidentified adipocyte‐derived relaxing factor (ADRF) plays a major role in the periadventitial vasoregulation of visceral arteries, such as the aorta and mesenteric arteries. ADRF is released by visceral periadventitial adipocytes and primarily produces endothelium‐independent vasorelaxation by opening voltage‐dependent (Kv) K+ channels in the plasma membrane of smooth muscle cells. At least in part, KCNQ (Kv7) channels could represent the subtype of Kv channels involved. Glibenclamide‐sensitive KATP channels are not involved or play a minor role. The ‘third gas’, namely H2S, could represent ADRF. Alterations in the paracrine control of arterial tone by visceral periadventitial adipose tissue have been found in animal models of hypertension and metabolic disease. ADRF, or perhaps its putative targets, might represent exciting new targets for the development of drugs for treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Fat and Vascular Responsiveness. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue‐3
The acute effects of dimebolin, a potential Alzheimer's disease treatment, on working memory in rhesus monkeys
Authors: Webster Scott J , Wilson Christina A , Lee Chih‐Hung , Mohler Eric G , Terry Jr Alvin V , Buccafusco Jerry J 
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUNDDimebolin (latrepirdine), a compound with multiple potential drug targets, is being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and preliminary results suggest it can slow the disease process. There is also evidence that dimebolin directly improves aspects of cognition. Here we examined the acute effect of dimebolin on components of working memory in non‐human primates, young adult (11–17 years old) and aged (20–31 years old) rhesus macaques.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHThe effects of dimebolin (3.9–118 µg kg−1) on working memory, as measured by performance on delayed matching‐to‐sample (DMTS), were examined in the normal young adult monkeys and aged adult monkeys. All the monkeys studied were proficient in the performance of a computer‐assisted DMTS task. In a subsequent experiment in the same subjects, dimebolin was administered 15 min before a cognitively‐impairing dose (20 µg kg−1) of scopolamine.KEY RESULTSIn both the young adult and aged monkeys, dimebolin significantly increased the DMTS task accuracies. In young adults, the task improvement was associated with long (retention/retrieval) delay trials, and a protracted enhancement was observed for sessions run 24 h post administration of a single dose. Dimebolin did not significantly attenuate the scopolamine‐induced impairment. In the aged monkeys, dimebolin significantly improved the reduced task accuracies associated with long delay intervals.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSHere we demonstrated that dimebolin is able to improve components of working memory in monkeys and to induce a protracted response for at least 24 h after administration of a single dose.