bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of milk coagulating properties from the extract of Withania coagulans
Authors: NAZ SHEHLA , MASUD TARIQ , NAWAZ MALIK ADIL 
Published: June 2009

Plant aspartic proteinases (APs) from Withania coagulans were extracted by using NaCl (0.85%) and were characterized by pH, temperature stability, rennet strength and CaCl2 supplementation. Additionally, the milk‐clotting enzyme was partially purified by fractional precipitation with ammonium sulphate and acetone followed by column chromatography of the most active fraction, giving specific activity of 12 307.6 U/mg. The maximum enzyme activity was observed at 4.25 pH and 37°C, which suggested its use in making cheese requiring moderate temperatures (Mozerella, Cheddar). The enzymatic activity increases as the concentration of CaCl2 increases and decreases with the increase of temperature. SDS analysis showed the presence of a single unique band having a molecular weight of 66 KDa.
Long‐term treatment with fluoxetine induces desensitization of 5‐HT4receptor‐dependent signalling and functionality in rat brain
Authors: Vidal Rebeca , Valdizán Elsa M. , Mostany Ricardo , Pazos Angel , Castro Elena 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe mode of action of antidepressant drugs may be related to mechanisms of monoamines receptor adaptation, including serotonin 5‐HT4receptor subtypes. Here we investigated the effects of repeated treatment with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine for 21 days (5 and 10 mg/kg, p.o., once daily) on the sensitivity of 5‐HT4receptors by using receptor autoradiography, adenylate cyclase assays and extracellular recording techniques in rat brain. Fluoxetine treatment decreased the density of 5‐HT4receptor binding in the CA1 field of hippocampus as well as in several areas of the striatum over the doses of 5–10 mg/kg. In a similar way, we found a significant lower response to zacopride‐stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in the fluoxetine 10 mg/kg/day treated group. Furthermore, post‐synaptic 5‐HT4receptor activity in hippocampus‐measured as the excitatory action of zacopride in the pyramidal cells of CA1 evoked by Schaffer collateral stimulation was attenuated in rats treated with both doses of fluoxetine. Taken together, these results support the concept that a net decrease in the signalization pathway of 5‐HT4receptors occurs after chronic selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment: this effect may underlie the therapeutic efficacy of these drugs.
Low‐dose simultaneous delivery of adenovirus encoding hepatocyte growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in dogs enhances liver proliferation without systemic growth factor elevation
Authors: Atta Hussein M. , Al‐Hendy Ayman , Salama Salama A. , Shaker Olfat G. , Hammam Olfat A. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground: Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene transfer proved to enhance liver regeneration. However, elevation of their plasma levels may induce potentially serious distant effects such as tumorigenesis or proliferative retinopathy.Aims: This study was performed to examine whether simultaneous administration of low‐dose adenovirus encoding HGF and VEGF genes in dogs will stimulate liver proliferation but without inducing liver toxicity or systemic elevation of HGF and VEGF levels.Methods: Adult dogs received an intravenous injection of low‐dose adenoviral vectors encoding human HGF and VEGF (HGF/VEGF), β‐galactosidase (lacZ) or phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS). Liver proliferation was measured using the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunostaining labelling index. HGF and VEGF plasma concentrations and transaminases were repeatedly measured. Transgene expression was evaluated using reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction.Results: Human HGF and VEGF expressions were detected only in the liver of HGF/VEGF dogs at day 2 after injection but declined at sacrifice (day 7). No expression was detected in the liver of the lacZ or PBS groups. Plasma levels of HGF and VEGF were not statistically different from those in the lacZ group (P=0.81, P=0.22 respectively). The PCNA labelling index was five‐fold higher in the HGF/VEGF group compared with the lacZ group (P<0.01). No immunostaining was detected in the PBS group. Transaminases were only elevated (P<0.01) in the lacZ group compared with the other groups.Conclusions: We showed that simultaneous administration of low‐dose adenoviral vectors encoding human HGF and VEGF genes can induce transgene expression and liver proliferation without liver toxicity or systemic growth factor elevation.
Polymorphism of OAS‐1 determines liver fibrosis progression in hepatitis C by reduced ability to inhibit viral replication
Authors: Li Chang‐Zheng , Kato Naoya , Chang Jin‐Hai , Muroyama Ryosuke , Shao Run‐Xuan , Dharel Narayan , Sermsathanasawadi Radsamee , Kawabe Takao , Omata Masao 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground: Progression of disease after hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection differs among individuals, indicating a possibility of participation of host genetic factors. 2′‐5′‐oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS‐1), an important component of the innate immune system, has an antiviral function, and may therefore have a certain relationship with progression of disease.Aim: To evaluate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of OAS‐1 and its relationship with the disease status of HCV infection.Methods: Six SNPs of OAS‐1 were selected and examined in 409 Japanese patients with chronic HCV infection using the TaqMan PCR genotyping method. The relationship of SNP genotypes and clinical manifestations of patients was analysed. Then, a pair of OAS‐1‐expression plasmids mimicking the clinical‐related SNPs were created and transfected into liver cells carrying the HCV subgenomic replicon or the full‐length genome, JFH1, and HCV replication after transfection was compared.Results: Patients with genotypes A/A, A/G and G/G of an SNP of OAS‐1 at the exon 3 of its coding sequence were at gradient increased risks of suffering from higher serum alanine aminotransferase (P<0.001) and aspartate aminotransferase (P=0.001), higher degree of liver fibrosis (P=0.010) and higher presence of liver cirrhosis (P=0.001). By multivariate logistic regression analysis, genotype G/G was an independent factor associated with cirrhosis (P=0.013, odds ratio 3.11, 95% confidence interval 1.27–7.63). In liver cells, OAS‐1 with the G allele showed lower ability to inhibit virus replication than OAS‐1 with the A allele (P=0.004).Conclusions: The SNP of OAS‐1 at the exon 3 of its coding sequence was associated with progression of disease in Japanese patients with HCV infection.
Development and Validation of a Risk Scoring Model to Predict Net Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients Pretreated with 600 mg Clopidogrel: Rationale and Design of the RISK‐PCI Study
Authors: MRDOVIC IGOR , SAVIC LIDIJA , PERUNICIC JOVAN , ASANIN MILIKA , LASICA RATKO , MARINKOVIC JELENA , VASILJEVIC ZORANA , OSTOJIC MIODRAG 
Published: June 2009

Background: No comprehensive primary PCI (pPCI) risk model to predict net adverse cardiovascular events (NACE) has been reported with the use of clopidogrel 600 mg, which is now considered the standard loading dose. The primary hypothesis of the RISK‐PCI trial is that an accurate risk prediction may be achieved by using clinical, angiographic, and procedural variables available at the time of intervention.
Methods: The present single‐center, longitudinal, cohort study will include 1,750 consecutive patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), undergoing pPCI after pretreatment with 300 mg aspirin and 600 mg clopidogrel. The primary end‐points of the trial (NACE) include major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and major bleeding. A logistic regression model will be developed to predict 30‐day and 1‐year NACE after pPCI. A risk score derived from study set data will be validated using validation set data.
Results: Until June 1, 2008, 1,166 patients have been enrolled. Thirty‐day follow‐up is available in 1,007 patients.
Conclusions: The RISK‐PCI study is designed to develop an accurate risk scoring system, using variables available at the time of intervention, to predict long‐term adverse outcomes after pPCI.
Trial Registration: Current Controlled Trials Register—ISRCTN83474650—http://www.controlled‐trials.com/ISRCTN83474650).
Culprit‐Only or Multivessel Percutaneous Coronary Stenting in Patients with Non‐ST‐Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes: One‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: ZAPATA GERARDO O. , LASAVE LEANDRO I. , KOZAK FERNANDO , DAMONTE ANIBAL , MEIRIÑO ALEJANDRO , ROSSI MAXIMILIANO , CARBÓ SABRINA , POLLICE ANALIA , PAOLASSO ERNESTO , PICABEA EDUARDO 
Published: June 2009

Objective: To investigate the major cardiac events at 1‐year follow‐up of multivessel versus culprit‐vessel stenting in patients presenting with non‐ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE‐ACS) and multivessel disease (MVD).
Introduction: Percutaneous coronary intervention is a standard revascularization strategy for patients with NSTE‐ACS. However, when these patients have MVD it is not clear whether multivessel (MVR) is superior to culprit‐vessel revascularization (CVR).
Methods: We screened 1,100 consecutive patients with NSTE‐ACS from an institutional database. Comparisons of 1‐year outcomes between multivessel and culprit‐vessel revascularized patients were made. The primary outcome was the composite (MACE) of death, myocardial infarction (MI), or any revascularization. Secondary end‐points were the components of the composite end‐point. Regression analysis was performed to detect predictors of MACE.
Results: A total of 609 patients were considered for this analysis: 204 (33.5%) and 405 (66.5%) had MVR and CVR treatment, respectively. The strategy adopted was based on a clinical decision. The incidence of MACE was lower in MVR (9.45% vs. 16.34%, P = 0.02) with lower revascularization rate (7.46% vs. 13.86%, P = 0.04) than in CVR. There was no difference in death (1.99% vs. 1.98%, P = 0.8) nor death/MI (2.49% vs. 3.22%, P = 0.8) between MVR and CVR, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed CVR as the only independent predictor of improved MACE (OR 0.66, CI95% 1.12–3.47, P = 0.01).
Conclusion: Multivessel stenting in patients with NSTE‐ACS and multivessel disease using a clinical decision of treatment is associated with lower rate of MACE driven by lower repeat revascularization, compared with culprit‐vessel stenting, without difference in rates of death or MI.
Embolic Implications of Combined Risk Factors in Patients with Patent Foramen Ovale (the CARPE Criteria): Consideration for Primary Prevention Closure?
Authors: RIGATELLI GIANLUCA , DELL'AVVOCATA FABIO , GIORDAN MASSIMO , BRAGGION GABRIELE , AGGIO SILVIO , CHINAGLIA MAURO , RONCON LORIS , CARDAIOLI PAOLO , CHEN JACK P. 
Published: June 2009

Background: Large patent foramen ovale (PFO), spontaneous right‐to‐left shunt, large atrial septal aneurysm (ASA), coagulation abnormalities, and prominent eustachian valve (EV) have all been independently suggested as risk factors for recurrent stroke. We sought to retrospectively evaluate risk of stroke and impact of transcatheter PFO closure in patients with concurrent large PFO, spontaneous right‐to‐left shunt, large ASA, coagulation abnormalities, and prominent EV.
Methods: Between March 2006 and October 2008, 36 (mean age 44 ± 10.9 years, 28 females) out of 120 consecutive patients referred to our center for transcatheter PFO closure had concomitant diagnosis of (a) large PFO on transcranial Doppler (TCD) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), (b) spontaneous right‐to‐left shunt on TCD, (c) large ASA, (d) prominent EV, and (e) coagulation abnormalities. All patients fulfilled the standard current indications for transcatheter closure and underwent preoperative TEE and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with subsequent intracardiac echocardiographic‐guided transcatheter PFO closure.
Results: Compared to the remaining PFO population in the same period, patients with all five concomitant features had more ischemic brain lesions on MRI, previous history of recurrent stroke, more frequently a history of venous thromboembolism, and more severe migraine with aura. The concomitance of all the features confers the highest risk of recurrent stroke (OR 9.9, 3.0–18 [95% CI], P < 0.001).
Conclusions: Despite its small sample size and nonrandomized retrospective nature, this is the first study to suggest that patients with concurrence of all the investigated characteristics have potentially a higher risk of stroke compared to controls. We thus propose the CARP criteria as a basis for further larger, longitudinal studies to assess the potential benefits of transcatheter closure in this patient subset in the absence of clinical recurrent stroke.
A simple method to create buttonhole cannulation tracks in a busy hemodialysis unit
Authors: MARTICORENA Rosa M. , HUNTER Joyce , COOK Ramona , KASHANI Mina , DELACRUZ Julia , PETERSHOFER Elizabeth , MACLEOD Steve , DACOURIS Niki , McFARLANE Philip A. , DONNELLY Sandra M. , GOLDSTEIN Marc B. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe preference for fistulae as the hemodialysis access of choice has led to a significant number of accesses that are less than ideal for cannulation. Buttonhole cannulation is ideal for such accesses, but the technique for creation provides major challenges. In 12 patients, buttonhole tunnel tracks were created by leaving the polyurethane catheter of a Clampcath® hemodialysis needle indwelling for 10 days after the initial cannulation. After each dialysis the catheter was flushed, and dressed with an antibacterial ointment and gauze. Dialysis was carried out via the catheter during that time. After day 10, the catheter was removed, the tunnel track covered with an antibacterial dressing and the tunnel track was cannulated with a dull buttonhole needle at the next dialysis. Successful buttonhole accesses were created in 11 patients after 10 days, the 12th patient required a single sharp needle cannulation before using dull needles. During the first 2 weeks of dull needle cannulation both pain experienced on cannulation and the difficulty cannulating the access were significantly less than in the classical buttonhole technique (P<0.01). Complications during the follow‐up period (6 months–1.5 years) included difficulty cannulating with a dull needle (22) and antibacterial agent induced contact dermatitis (4). There was no episode of sepsis or tunnel track infection. Initial cannulation of the fistula using a Clampcath® hemodialysis needle, leaving the polyurethane catheter indwelling for 10 days, is a simple, safe, and effective technique for the creation of buttonhole tunnel tracks.
Dating Aggression and Risk Behaviors Among Teenage Girls Seeking Gynecologic Care
Authors: Whiteside Lauren K. , Walton Maureen A. , Stanley Rachel , Resko Stella M. , Chermack Steve T. , Zimmerman Marc A. , Cunningham Rebecca M. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractObjectives:  The objective was to describe rates of dating aggression and related high‐risk behavior among teens presenting to the emergency department (ED) seeking gynecologic care, compared to those seeking care for other reasons.Methods:  Female patients ages 14–18 years presenting to the ED during the afternoon/evening shift of a large urban teaching hospital over a 19‐month period were approached to participate and completed a self‐administered computerized survey regarding sexual risk behaviors, past‐year alcohol use, dating aggression, and peer aggression. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the evaluation of gynecologic complaint as noted by completion of a pelvic exam.Results:  A total of 949 teens were enrolled (87% response rate), with 148 receiving gynecologic evaluation. Among girls undergoing a gynecologic evaluation, 49% reported past‐year dating aggression, compared to 34% of those who did not undergo gynecologic evaluation (odds ratio [OR] = 1.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.30 to 2.62). Logistic regression analysis predicting gynecologic evaluation found statistically significant variables to be older age (OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.24 to 3.06), African American race (OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.04 to 2.40), parental public assistance (OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.10 to 2.45), alcohol use (OR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.57 to 3.38), and dating aggression (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.03 to 2.21).Conclusions:  Of the teens undergoing gynecologic evaluation in this urban ED, 49% reported dating aggression. These teens also reported higher rates of other sexual risk behaviors compared to their peers. Care providers in urban EDs treating all female teens and particularly those seeking gynecologic care should be aware of this high rate of dating aggression and screen for aggression in dating relationships in this high‐risk group.
Shakespeare in Spain: Current Research Trends
Authors: Calvo Clara 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis essays aims to offer an overview of recent critical work on the reception of Shakespeare and his works in Spain. It does not offer a history of how Shakespeare fared in Spain across the centuries or a survey of work on Shakespeare by Spanish scholars published in Spain; instead, it takes stock to determine what research trends have prevailed in the last decade and how they have aimed to promote the study of the Shakespeare industry in Spain. It also suggests how current research increasingly regards Shakespeare's reception in Spain as part of a larger picture and a bigger research area, i.e. Shakespeare in Europe. While doing so, it argues that the study of Shakespeare in Spain is still a site displaying a ‘work in progress’ sign – although much has been done recently, the field is slightly behind its counterparts in some European countries. The only possible conclusion, given the state of research in the field, is that there is still ample room for imaginative work in Shakespeare's Spanish afterlives.
Revisiting Post-Ejaculation Refractory Time—What We Know and What We Do Not Know in Males and in Females
Authors: Levin Roy J. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The post-ejaculation refractory time (PERT), the period after a single ejaculation when further erections and ejaculations are inhibited, has been studied and well-documented in male rats. Since its first attribution in men by Masters and Johnson and its inaccurate delineation in their graphic sexual response model in 1966 it has been infrequently studied whereas scant attention has been paid to any such possible activity in women after female ejaculation.

Aim
To critically review our current knowledge about PERT in rats and humans and describe and correct shortcomings and errors in previous publications and propose corrections.

Methods
Review of published literature.

Main Outcome Measures
Identifying evidence-based data to support authority-based facts.

Results
The review exposes the extremely limited evidence-based data that our knowledge of PERT is based on. The paucity of data for most aspects of human PERT is remarkable; even the generally accepted statement that the duration of PERT increases with age has no published support data.

Conclusions
Despite numerous studies in rats the mechanisms and site(s) of the activity are poorly understood. Dopaminergic and adrenergic pathways are thought to shorten PERT whereas serotonergic pathways lengthen its duration. Raising the brain serotonin levels in men using SSRIs helps reduce early or premature ejaculation. Rats have an absolute PERT (aPERT) during which erection and ejaculation is inhibited and a relative PERT (rPERT) when a stronger or novel stimulus can, whether such phases exist in men is unexamined. Apart from possible depressed activity in the amygdala and penile dorsal nerve and rejection of prolactin as a major factor in PERT little or no significant advance in understanding human male PERT has occurred. No evidence-based data on women’s PERT after female ejaculation exists. New investigations in young and older men utilizing brain imaging and electromagnetic tomography are priority studies to accomplish.
Erectile Function Recovery Rate after Radical Prostatectomy: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tal Raanan , Alphs Hannah H. , Krebs Paul , Nelson Christian J. , Mulhall John P. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile function recovery (EFR) rates after radical prostatectomy (RP) vary greatly based on a number of factors, such as erectile dysfunction (ED) definition, data acquisition means, time-point postsurgery, and population studied.

Aim
To conduct a meta-analysis of carefully selected reports from the available literature to define the EFR rate post-RP.

Main Outcome Measures
EFR rate after RP.

Methods
An EMBASE and MEDLINE search was conducted for the time range 1985–2007. Articles were assessed blindly by strict inclusion criteria: report of EFR data post-RP, study population ≥50 patients, ≥1 year follow-up, nerve-sparing status declared, no presurgery ED, and no other prostate cancer therapy. Meta-analysis was conducted to determine the EFR rate and relative risks (RR) for dichotomous subgroups.

Results
A total of 212 relevant studies were identified; only 22 (10%) met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed (9,965 RPs, EFR data: 4,983 subjects). Mean study population size: 226.5, standard deviation = 384.1 (range: 17–1,834). Overall EFR rate was 58%. Single center series publications (k = 19) reported a higher EFR rate compared with multicenter series publications (k = 3): 60% vs. 33%, RR = 1.82, P = 0.001. Studies reporting ≥18-month follow-up (k = 10) reported higher EFR rate vs. studies with &lt;18-month follow-up (k = 12), 60% vs. 56%, RR = 1.07, P = 0.02. Open RP (k = 16) and laparoscopic RP (k = 4) had similar EFR (57% vs. 58%), while robot-assisted RP resulted in a higher EFR rate (k = 2), 73% compared with these other approaches, P = 0.001. Patients &lt;60 years old had a higher EFR rate vs. patients ≥60 years, 77% vs. 61%, RR = 1.26, P = 0.001.

Conclusions
These data indicate that most of the published literature does not meet strict criteria for reporting post-RP EFR. Single and multiple surgeon series have comparable EFR rates, but single center studies have a higher EFR. Younger men have higher EFR and no significant difference in EFR between ORP and LRP is evident.