bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glycogen synthase kinase 3β in the basolateral amygdala is critical for the reconsolidation of cocaine reward memory
Authors: Wu Ping , Xue Yan‐xue , Ding Zeng‐bo , Xue Li‐fen , Xu Chun‐mei , Lu Lin 
Published: April 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 10.1111/j.1471‐4159.2011.07277.xAbstractExposure to cocaine‐associated conditioned stimuli elicits craving and increases the probability of cocaine relapse in cocaine users even after extended periods of abstinence. Recent evidence indicates that cocaine seeking can be inhibited by disrupting the reconsolidation of the cocaine cue memories and that basolateral amygdala (BLA) neuronal activity plays a role in this effect. Previous studies demonstrated that glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK‐3β) plays a role in the reconsolidation of fear memory. Here, we used a conditioned place preference procedure to examine the role of GSK‐3β in the BLA in the reconsolidation of cocaine cue memories. GSK‐3β activity in the BLA, but not central amygdala (CeA), in rats that acquired cocaine (10 mg/kg)‐induced conditioned place preference increased after re‐exposure to a previously cocaine‐paired chamber (i.e., a memory reactivation procedure). Systemic injections of the GSK‐3β inhibitor lithium chloride after memory reactivation impaired the reconsolidation of cocaine cue memories and inhibited subsequent cue‐induced GSK‐3β activity in the BLA. Basolateral amygdala, but not central amygdala, injections of SB216763, a selective inhibitor of GSK‐3β, immediately after the reactivation of cocaine cue memories also disrupted cocaine cue memory reconsolidation and prevented cue‐induced increases in GSK‐3β activity in the BLA. The effect of SB216763 on the reconsolidation of cocaine cue memories lasted at least 2 weeks and was not recovered by a cocaine priming injection. These results indicate that GSK‐3β activity in the BLA mediates the reconsolidation of cocaine cue memories.
Decreased N2O reduction by low soil pH causes high N2O emissions in a riparian ecosystem
Authors: VAN DEN HEUVEL R. N. , BAKKER S. E. , JETTEN M. S. M. , HEFTING M. M. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractQuantification of harmful nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from soils is essential for mitigation measures. An important N2O producing and reducing process in soils is denitrification, which shows deceased rates at low pH. No clear relationship between N2O emissions and soil pH has yet been established because also the relative contribution of N2O as the denitrification end product decreases with pH. Our aim was to show the net effect of soil pH on N2O production and emission. Therefore, experiments were designed to investigate the effects of pH on NO3− reduction, N2O production and reduction and N2 production in incubations with pH values set between 4 and 7. Furthermore, field measurements of soil pH and N2O emissions were carried out. In incubations, NO3− reduction and N2 production rates increased with pH and net N2O production rate was highest at pH 5. N2O reduction to N2 was halted until NO3− was depleted at low pH values, resulting in a built up of N2O. As a consequence, N2O:N2 production ratio decreased exponentially with pH. N2O reduction appeared therefore more important than N2O production in explaining net N2O production rates. In the field, a negative exponential relationship for soil pH against N2O emissions was observed. Soil pH could therefore be used as a predictive tool for average N2O emissions in the studied ecosystem. The occurrence of low pH spots may explain N2O emission hotspot occurrence. Future studies should focus on the mechanism behind small scale soil pH variability and the effect of manipulating the pH of soils.
Iron isotope fractionation during microbial dissimilatory iron oxide reduction in simulated Archaean seawater
Authors: PERCAK‐DENNETT E. M. , BEARD B. L. , XU H. , KONISHI H. , JOHNSON C. M. , RODEN E. E. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe largest Fe isotope excursion yet measured in marine sedimentary rocks occurs in shales, carbonates, and banded iron formations of Neoarchaean and Paleoproterozoic age. The results of field and laboratory studies suggest a potential role for microbial dissimilatory iron reduction (DIR) in producing this excursion. However, most experimental studies of Fe isotope fractionation during DIR have been conducted in simple geochemical systems, using pure Fe(III) oxide substrates that are not direct analogues to phases likely to have been present in Precambrian marine environments. In this study, Fe isotope fractionation was investigated during microbial reduction of an amorphous Fe(III) oxide–silica coprecipitate in anoxic, high‐silica, low‐sulphate artificial Archaean seawater at 30 °C to determine if such conditions alter the extent of reduction or isotopic fractionations relative to those observed in simple systems. The Fe(III)–Si coprecipitate was highly reducible (c. 80% reduction) in the presence of excess acetate. The coprecipitate did not undergo phase conversion (e.g. to green rust, magnetite or siderite) during reduction. Iron isotope fractionations suggest that rapid and near‐complete isotope exchange took place among all Fe(II) and Fe(III) components, in contrast to previous work on goethite and hematite, where exchange was limited to the outer few atom layers of the substrate. Large quantities of low‐δ56Fe Fe(II) (aqueous and solid phase) were produced during reduction of the Fe(III)–Si coprecipitate. These findings shed new light on DIR as a mechanism for producing Fe isotope variations observed in Neoarchaean and Paleoproterozoic marine sedimentary rocks.
Discovery of large conical stromatolites in Lake Untersee, Antarctica
Authors: ANDERSEN D. T. , SUMNER D. Y. , HAWES I. , WEBSTER‐BROWN J. , MCKAY C. P. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractLake Untersee is one of the largest (11.4 km2) and deepest (>160 m) freshwater lakes in East Antarctica. Located at 71°S the lake has a perennial ice cover, a water column that, with the exception of a small anoxic basin in the southwest of the lake, is well mixed, supersaturated with dissolved oxygen, alkaline (pH 10.4) and exceedingly clear. The floor of the lake is covered with photosynthetic microbial mats to depths of at least 100 m. These mats are primarily composed of filamentous cyanophytes and form two distinct macroscopic structures, one of which – cm‐scale cuspate pinnacles dominated by Leptolyngbya spp. – is common in Antarctica, but the second – laminated, conical stromatolites that rise up to 0.5 m above the lake floor, dominated by Phormidium spp. – has not previously been reported in any modern environment. The laminae that form the conical stromatolites are 0.2–0.8 mm in thickness consisting of fine clays and organic material; carbon dating implies that laminations may occur on near decadal timescales. The uniformly steep sides (59.6 ± 2.5°) and the regular laminar structure of the cones suggest that they may provide a modern analog for growth of some of the oldest well‐described Archean stromatolites. Mechanisms underlying the formation of these stromatolites are as yet unclear, but their growth is distinct from that of the cuspate pinnacles. The sympatric occurrence of pinnacles and cones related to microbial communities with distinct cyanobacterial compositions suggest that specific microbial behaviors underpin the morphological differences in the structures.
Multi‐objective optimization using metaheuristics: non‐standard algorithms
Authors: Talbi El‐Ghazali , Basseur Matthieu , Nebro Antonio J. , Alba Enrique 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn recent years, the application of metaheuristic techniques to solve multi‐objective optimization problems has become an active research area. Solving this kind of problems involves obtaining a set of Pareto‐optimal solutions in such a way that the corresponding Pareto front fulfils the requirements of convergence to the true Pareto front and uniform diversity. Most of the studies on metaheuristics for multi‐objective optimization are focused on Evolutionary Algorithms, and some of the state‐of‐the‐art techniques belong this class of algorithms. Our goal in this paper is to study open research lines related to metaheuristics but focusing on less explored areas to provide new perspectives to those researchers interested in multi‐objective optimization. In particular, we focus on non‐evolutionary metaheuristics, hybrid multi‐objective metaheuristics, parallel multi‐objective optimization and multi‐objective optimization under uncertainty. We analyze these issues and discuss open research lines.
Ecthyma Gangrenosum and Multiple Nodules: Cutaneous Manifestations of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Sepsis in a Previously Healthy Infant
Authors: YAN WEI , LI WEI , MU CHAN , WANG LIN 
Published: April 2011

Abstract:  Pseudomonas aeruginosa septicemia is rare in healthy children. Dermatologic manifestations, such as ecthyma gangrenosum and indurated erythematous nodular lesions, as the first signs of pseudomonas infection have rarely been reported. Herein we report a previously healthy 7‐month‐old girl with ecthyma gangrenosum and multiple nodules as the manifestations of P. aeruginosa sepsis without other systemic involvement.
Analgesic Effectiveness of Dipyrone (Metamizol) for Postoperative Pain after Herniorrhaphy: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Dose–Response Study
Authors: Chaparro Luis E. , Lezcano Wilson , Alvarez Hernan D. , Joaqui William 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackground:  The efficacy of non‐narcotic analgesics is mostly supported by randomized, placebo‐controlled trials with no comparison with ordinary practice. Additionally, systematic reviews of these placebo‐controlled trials have failed to determine clinically meaningful dose–response effect.Methods:  In this double‐blind, randomized trial, patients undergoing elective inguinal, umbilical or epigastric herniorrhaphy under general anesthesia were assigned to receive 15 mg/kg (D15 group) vs. 40 mg/kg (D40 group) of dipyrone intravenously during surgery. The primary outcome was the incidence of moderate to severe pain with movement during the recovery room phase. The secondary outcomes were morphine consumption, incidence of vomiting, and Ramsay score (sedation scale).Results:  One hundred sixty‐two patients were enrolled and analyzed for the primary and secondary outcomes. Relative to the D15 group, the D40 group showed a lower incidence of moderate to severe pain in the first 30 minutes (61% and 40%; P value < 0.05); lower cumulative morphine consumption during the recovery period (3.85 vs. 2.55 mg, P value < 0.006) as well as a lower incidence of vomiting (15.8% vs. 2.5%, P value < 0.005). In addition, more cases of sedation were recorded in the D15 group than in the D40 group (17 vs. 10 cases). There were no serious adverse effects attributed to dipyrone in either group.Conclusion:  This trial shows a dose–response effect of 40 mg/kg over 15 mg/kg of intravenous dipyrone based on better movement‐induced pain control, lower morphine consumption and fewer opioid‐related side effects.
Higher Incidence of Common Diagnoses in Patients with Low Back Pain in Primary Care
Authors: Bartholomeeusen Stefaan , Van Zundert Jan , Truyers Carla , Buntinx Frank , Paulus Dominique 
Published: April 2011

Abstract:Most studies on comorbidity in low back pain (LBP) have been conducted in specialized settings with the use of self‐reports. This study has an original design using data from family practices: the incidence of the most frequent diseases was compared in patients with and without LBP in 2004. The database includes data from 67 family physicians in 52 family practices in Flanders, Belgium. It contains data from 160,000 different patients with 1,500,000 diagnoses during the period 1994 to 2004. The incidence of the most frequent diagnoses is presented in patients with and without LBP in 2004. The diagnoses were coded according to the ICPC‐2‐classification.In 2004, the incidence of LBP was 51.4‰ (95% CI: 49.8 to 53.1) in patients aged 18 or older. The incidence was slightly higher in women than in men: 53.0‰ (95% CI: 50.7 to 55.4) vs. 49.9‰ (95% CI: 47.7 to 52.3). The highest incidence was recorded in the age group of 50 to 54 years. The most frequent “other” diagnoses in patients with and without LBP are comparable, but some were more frequent in patients with LBP. Respiratory infections and diseases of the locomotor apparatus (neck syndrome, bursitis) are more frequent in patients with LBP.Low back pain is one of the most frequent diagnoses in general practice. Striking is the relatively higher frequency of common self‐limiting diseases in patients with a diagnosis of LBP during the same year. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that medical demands for non‐LBP reasons in family practice have been reported in patients with LBP.
Sensitivity comparison of two Food and Drug Administration–licensed, triplex nucleic acid test automated assays for hepatitis B virus DNA detection and associated projections of United States yield
Authors: Stramer Susan L. , Krysztof David E. , Brodsky Jaye P. , Fickett Tracy A. , Reynolds Benjamin , Phikulsod Soisaange , Oota Sineeart , Lin Matthew , Saldanha John , Kleinman Steven H. 
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND: There have been no comparisons of the relative sensitivity of the two Food and Drug Administration–licensed multiplex (MPX) nucleic acid test (NAT) systems (Procleix Ultrio [Gen‐Probe], TIGRIS platform [Novartis]; and cobas TaqScreen MPX [Roche Molecular Systems], cobas s 201 platform [Roche Instrument Center]) for detecting hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐infected donors in minipool sizes (MP) used in the United States.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Routine blood samples from Thailand were obtained from plasma units from 129 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐negative, HBV NAT–yield donations. Blinded US testing included antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc), NAT using both manufacturers' systems (undiluted‐individual donation [ID], in singlet and diluted 1:6 and 1:16 in triplicate), quantitative antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen, HBV DNA viral loads, and HBV genotyping. HBV yields in the United States were estimated using the incidence/window period (WP) model and compared to the calculated assay sensitivities.RESULTS: Eighty samples were classified as occult HBV (anti‐HBc reactive) and 49 as WP (anti‐HBc nonreactive). For US pool sizes, MPX detected significantly more samples than Ultrio (MPX MP6 vs. Ultrio MP16; p < 0.0001 for occult and WP). Ultrio MP16 results were not statistically different from Ultrio MP6 (p = 0.68 for occult; p = 0.42 for WP). There was no difference between platforms for MP sizes used in most of the world (MPX MP6 vs. Ultrio ID; p = 0.70 for occult and p = 0.34 for WP). Viral loads were higher in WP samples. Modeled yield estimates were consistent with measured assay sensitivity on the Thai donor samples.CONCLUSIONS: As used in the United States, MPX MP6 is more sensitive than Ultrio MP16, but the impact of this difference is mitigated by low numbers of HBV WP infections.
Holter Monitoring in the Evaluation of Congenital Long QT Syndrome
Authors: MAURIELLO DANIEL A. , JOHNSON JONATHAN N. , ACKERMAN MICHAEL J. 
Published: April 2011

Background: Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a potentially lethal cardiac channelopathy that affects one in 2,000 persons; causes syncope, seizures, and sudden death; and is both under‐ and overdiagnosed. LQTS diagnostic miscues have stemmed from assessment of ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring (Holter) results.
Objective: We sought to determine the prevalence of positive Holter monitor tests and its diagnostic significance in evaluating LQTS.
Methods: We performed an institutional review board‐approved review of patients evaluated in our LQTS clinic from 2000 to 2009 who had Holter testing during their evaluation. Included patients (N = 473) were diagnosed with LQTS or dismissed as otherwise normal. Holters classified as positive had an episode of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, ≥4 couplets/day, ≥10 premature ventricular contractions/hour, or >5‐second sinus pause.
Results: Among 209 patients dismissed as normal (128 females, average age 21 ± 15 years, average QTc 424 ± 39 ms), 27 (12.9%) had a positive Holter, while among 264 patients with LQTS (149 females, average age 22 ± 16 years, average QTc 472 ± 41 ms), 30 (11.3%) had a positive Holter (P = NS). Patients with LQT3 (5/23, 21%) and genotype‐negative LQTS (5/19, 26%) had a higher rate of positive Holter testing compared to LQT1 patients (7/124, 6%, P < 0.03). Among the 473 Holters, only one (0.2%) impacted clinical decision making.
Conclusion: Routine Holter monitoring appears to be of minimal clinical utility from a diagnostic and prognostic perspective in evaluating LQTS, and may not be cost effective. Whether Holter monitoring aids in therapeutic decisions such as dosing or whether ambulatory QTc measurements, provided by some newer devices, might help in the diagnostic evaluation warrants further scrutiny. (PACE 2011; 34:1100–1104)
Illness Beliefs in Patients with Recurrent Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: McCABE PAMELA J. , BARNASON SUSAN A. , HOUFEK JULIA 
Published: April 2011

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent condition associated with adverse outcomes that need to be addressed by clinicians. Functional limitations and psychological distress occur in association with AF and may be influenced by patients’ illness beliefs. Current knowledge of illness beliefs of AF patients is insufficient to guide interventions to improve clinical outcomes. Aims: To (1) describe illness beliefs in patients with recurrent symptomatic AF and (2) describe relationships among illness beliefs having implications for self‐management.
Methods: Subjects (n = 207), 56% male, 64.2 ± 12.3 years, from an arrhythmia clinic completed the Illness Perception Questionnaire‐Revised. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Pearson correlations.
Results: Subjects perceived AF as chronic and unpredictable with serious consequences. Subjects believed psychological factors, age, and heredity caused AF and reported that AF induced worry, anxiety, and depression. Stronger beliefs about AF as cyclic, unpredictable (r = 0.30), having psychological causes, (r = .36), and greater consequences (r = .58) were associated with more negative emotion. Subjects reporting a good understanding of AF, endorsed fewer negative emotions related to AF (r =−0.38) held stronger beliefs that AF was controllable with treatment, (r = 0.33), and appraised AF as less serious with fewer negative consequences, (r =−0. 21).
Conclusions: Relationships between AF illness beliefs and negative emotion suggest assessment of illness beliefs may identify patients at risk for psychological distress. Although relationships between higher perceived understanding of AF, higher control, lower consequence, and negative emotion suggest that interventions to promote patients’ understanding of AF may contribute to positive outcomes, further investigation is warranted. (PACE 2011; 34:810–820)
Taiwanese Nursing Students’ Perceived Knowledge and Clinical Comfort With Genetics
Authors: Hsiao Chiu‐Yueh , Van Riper Marcia , Lee Shu‐Hsing , Chen Suh‐Jen , Lin Shu‐Chin 
Published: April 2011

Abstract Purpose: To examine perceived knowledge and clinical comfort with genetics among Taiwanese undergraduate nursing students. Information about the integration of genetics into the nursing curriculum was also assessed. Design: A descriptive, cross‐sectional study. Methods: A self‐report survey designed to assess perceived knowledge and clinical comfort with genetics was distributed to 501 Taiwanese undergraduate nursing students; 434 returned the completed survey. The survey also included questions concerning the integration of genetics in the nursing curriculum. Descriptive statistics and a one‐way analysis of variance were used for data analysis. Findings: Perceptions of genetic knowledge differed significantly among the different levels of nursing students; juniors had the highest genetic knowledge mean scores, followed by seniors, sophomores, and freshmen. Juniors also reported receiving the greatest number of hours of genetic content in lecture. Clinical comfort with genetics did not vary significantly among the different levels of nursing students. The majority of nursing students considered lectures to be the most effective method for learning genetic information. Conclusions: Findings reinforced evidence that perceived knowledge and clinical comfort with genetics among Taiwanese undergraduate nursing students are limited. It is imperative for practicing nurses and nursing students to promote the use of genetic information and technologies as a central science in the context of health care. More effort must be made to integrate genetic content into the Taiwanese nursing school curricula. Clinical Relevance: With the increasing pace of the genomic revolution, nursing students are required to integrate genetic information into the art of nursing practice with the goal of promoting the health of individuals, families, and communities.
IL‐10 production in non–small cell lung carcinoma patients is regulated by ERK, P38 and COX‐2
Authors: Patel Swati , Vetale Shamal , Teli Pradeep , Mistry Rajesh , Chiplunkar Shubhada 
Published: April 2011

AbstractImmune dysfunction is hallmark of patients with non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). The molecular mechanism involved in COX‐2– and PGE2‐mediated production of immunosuppressive cytokine IL‐10 is not well‐understood. Our study addresses the involvement of T cell downstream signalling intermediates, cytokines (IL‐10 and IFN‐γ) and their transcription factors (T‐bet and GATA‐3) in COX‐2–mediated regulation of lymphocyte functions in NSCLC patients. In comparison to healthy individual, a marked decrease in lymphocyte proliferation to anti‐CD3 MAb was observed in NSCLC patients by thymidine incorporation assay. Using flow cytometry, decrease in intracellular calcium release with increase in reactive oxygen species was observed in lymphocytes of NSCLC patients. These patients showed increased IL‐10 and PGE2 with reduced IFN‐γ production by ELISA. Results demonstrated defect in regulation of transcription factors T‐bet and GATA‐3 as analysed by Western blotting (WB), immunoprecipitation and EMSA. Overexpression of p‐p38, p‐ERK and COX‐2 were observed with diminished p‐JNK by WB. IL‐10/IFN‐γ levels were found to be differentially regulated via p38 and ERK mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in cooperation with COX‐2. Inhibition of these pathways using selective inhibitors lead to increased lymphocyte proliferative response to anti‐CD3 MAb and IFN‐γ production with decrease in IL‐10 production. Studies showed involvement of ERK, p38 and COX‐2 pathways in high IL‐10 production, driven by lung tumour derived PGE2. The selective COX‐2 inhibitor rofecoxib showed ability to alter the cytokine balance by affecting regulation of T‐bet and GATA‐3 transcription factors.