bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
2‐arachidonyl glycerol activates platelets via conversion to arachidonic acid and not by direct activation of cannabinoid receptors
Authors: Keown Oliver P. , Winterburn Timothy J. , Wainwright Cherry L. , Macrury Sandra M. , Neilson Ilene , Barrett Fiona , Leslie Stephen J. , Megson Ian L. 
Published: May 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT• There are conflicting views in the literature as to whether cannabinoids have an impact on platelet activity and to what extent cannabinoid receptors are involved. This is an important issue to resolve because platelet effects of putative therapeutic cannabinoid inhibitors and stimulators will have an impact on their potential benefits and safety.WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS• The data presented in this manuscript clearly show that the endocannabinoid 2‐arrachidonyl glycerol can activate platelet activity, but that the effects are mediated through an aspirin‐sensitive pathway that is not affected by cannabinoid receptor antagonists or FAAH inhibition, but is abolished by MAGL inhibition. The findings question the role of cannabinoid receptors in platelet function and suggest that platelet function is unlikely to be directly affected by cannabinoid receptor antagonists, at least in the acute phase.AIMSCannabinoid receptor‐1 (CB1) antagonists suppress appetite and induce weight loss. Direct antagonism of CB1receptors on platelets might be an additional benefit for CB1antagonists, but the role of CB1receptors in platelets is controversial. We tested the hypothesis that the endocannabinoid, 2‐arachidonyl glycerol (2‐AG), induces platelet aggregation by a COX‐mediated mechanism rather than through CB1receptor activation, in blood obtained from healthy volunteers and patients with coronary artery disease receiving low dose aspirin.METHODSAggregatory responses to the cannabinoids 2‐AG and Δ9‐THC were examined in blood sampled from healthy volunteers (n= 8) and patients (n= 12) with coronary artery disease receiving aspirin using whole blood aggregometry. The effects of CB1(AM251) and CB2(AM630) antagonists, as well as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacyl glycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitors and aspirin on 2‐AG‐induced aggregation were also assessed.RESULTSAM251 (100 nm–30 µm) had no effect on platelet aggregation induced by either ADP (P= 0.90) or thrombin (P= 0.86). 2‐AG, but not Δ9‐THC, induced aggregation. 2‐AG‐induced aggregation was unaffected by AM251 and AM630 but was abolished by aspirin (P< 0.001) and by the MAGL inhibitor, URB602 (P< 0.001). Moreover, the aggregatory response to 2‐AG was depressed (by >75%,P< 0.001) in blood from patients with coronary artery disease receiving aspirin compared with that from healthy volunteers.CONCLUSIONS2‐AG‐mediated activation of platelets is via metabolism to arachidonic acid by MAGL, and not through direct action on CB1or CB2receptors, at least in the acute phase.
Serum metalloproteinase leukolysin (MMP‐25/MT‐6): a potential metabolic marker for atopy‐associated inflammation
Authors: Blumenthal M. N. , Zhong W. , Miller M. , Wendt C. , Connett J. E. , Pei D. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryBackground
Leukolysin is a novel matrix metalloproteinase (MMP‐25/MT‐6) released mainly by granulocytic cells, primarily neutrophils, which are implicated in chronic airways inflammation.Objective
To determine if leukolysin might be a serum marker for atopic asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Methods
Three study populations were evaluated: (1) nuclear families with medical history of atopic asthma (N=337), (2) married‐in individuals from an independent study of asthma genetics (N=122) and (3) randomly selected males with diagnosis of COPD (N=100). Each person was screened for asthma or COPD symptoms, respiratory function by standardized spirometry and serum total IgE and leukolysin and anti‐IL1 levels by immunoassay. Study groups (1 and 2) were also screened by skin prick test using a battery of 14 common aeroallergens. Heritability estimates for leukolysin and total IgE were made by variance components analysis.Results
For those without asthma or who had asthma defined as having symptoms, a physician's diagnosis and bronchial hyper‐reactivity as demonstrated by reversibility in response to albuteral and/or bronchial reactivity as measured by a methacholine challenge, serum leukolysin levels were found to be higher for those with any positive skin test result. This paralleled trends for serum total IgE. In the nuclear families and COPD patients, serum leukolysin levels were significantly elevated for those who also had elevated total IgE levels (log[IgE]>2.0) compared with those with lower IgE (log[IgE]<2.0). Serum IL‐1 levels correlated with the leukolycin levels. In contrast to IgE, leukolysin showed no apparent inherited component.Conclusion
Among individuals with history of chronic airways inflammation (asthma and COPD) serum leukolysin may be a metabolic marker associated with chronic atopy‐associated respiratory inflammation. Common factors may stimulate increased production or release of both leukolysin from myeloid cells and IgE from lymphoid cells.
Shellfish allergy
Authors: Lopata A. L. , O'Hehir R. E. , Lehrer S. B. 
Published: May 2010

SummarySeafood plays an important role in human nutrition and health. The growing international trade in seafood species and products has added to the popularity and frequency of consumption of a variety of seafood products across many countries. This increased production and consumption of seafood has been accompanied by more frequent reports of adverse health problems among consumers as well as processors of seafood. Adverse reactions to seafood are often generated by contaminants but can also be mediated by the immune system and cause allergies. These reactions can result from exposure to the seafood itself or various non‐seafood components in the product. Non‐immunological reactions to seafood can be triggered by contaminants such as parasites, bacteria, viruses, marine toxins and biogenic amines. Ingredients added during processing and canning of seafood can also cause adverse reactions. Importantly all these substances are able to trigger symptoms which are similar to true allergic reactions, which are mediated by antibodies produced by the immune system against specific allergens. Allergic reactions to ‘shellfish’, which comprises the groups of crustaceans and molluscs, can generate clinical symptoms ranging from mild urticaria and oral allergy syndrome to life‐threatening anaphylactic reactions. The prevalence of crustacean allergy seems to vary largely between geographical locations, most probably as a result of the availability of seafood. The major shellfish allergen is tropomyosin, although other allergens may play an important part in allergenicity such as arginine kinase and myosin light chain. Current observations regard tropomyosin to be the major allergen responsible for molecular and clinical cross‐reactivity between crustaceans and molluscs, but also to other inhaled invertebrates such as house dust mites and insects. Future research on the molecular structure of tropomyosins with a focus on the immunological and particularly clinical cross‐reactivity will improve diagnosis and management of this potentially life‐threatening allergy and is essential for future immunotherapy.
Relationships among RNA : DNA ratio, growth and elemental stoichiometry in mangrove trees
Authors: Reef Ruth , Ball Marilyn C. , Feller Ilka C. , Lovelock Catherine E. 
Published: May 2010

Summary 1. Growth rate is a fundamental property of organisms. In trees, growth is indeterminate and varies in space and time depending on resource availability, genetic constraints, competition and stress from biotic and abiotic environmental factors. 2. The ratio between the abundance of RNA and DNA in the tissue has been used to indicate recent growth rates in many systems, but not for trees. We assessed the applicability of using RNA : DNA ratios for assessing intraspecific and interspecific differences in growth rates in two species of mangrove trees under field conditions. We manipulated growth by fertilizing mangrove trees over a period of 4 years and measured tree growth as increments in linear extension of tagged shoots. The C, N and P contents per unit biomass were measured to test the hypothesis that faster growing organisms require more P per unit biomass (the Growth Rate Hypothesis). 3. We found that interspecific differences in the RNA : DNA ratio clearly reflected the difference in shoot elongation rates between the species. Intraspecific differences in RNA : DNA were significantly correlated with growth rates only for Avicennia marina and not for Ceriops australis. C : N and C : P ratios were lower in trees with higher growth rates and exhibited a negative correlation with RNA : DNA ratios. 4. Our results indicate that RNA : DNA ratios can reliably predict interspecific differences in growth rates between the two mangrove species and that RNA : DNA ratios can be used as an indication of variation in growth rate for Avicennia marina. The interaction between C : N : P ratios, RNA : DNA ratios and growth rates supported the Growth Rate Hypothesis on an interspecific level, but not on an intraspecific level.
Elastase, α1‐proteinase inhibitor, and interleukin‐8 in pre‐dialyzed and hemodialyzed patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Polańska Bożena , Augustyniak Daria , Makulska Irena , Niemczuk Maria , Zwolińska Danuta , Jankowski Adam 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackground:  Neutrophil elastase in complex with α1‐proteinase inhibitor (NE‐α1PI) and interleukin (IL)‐8 may serve as indicators of neutrophil activation and inflammatory stage. The aim of the study was to evaluate NE‐α1PI, α1‐PI, and IL‐8 levels in the blood of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD) or conservatively treated (CT). The influence of a single HD session on the investigated parameters was also assessed.Methods:  Blood samples were obtained from two groups of hemodialyzed patients (children/young adults [group HD1, n= 8] and adults [group HD2, n= 13]), as well as 13 CT patients and a group of healthy subjects. The proteins were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay or radial immunodiffusion.Results:  There were no significant differences in NE‐α1PI, α1‐PI, and IL‐8 concentrations between the HD1 and HD2 patients. The levels of NE‐α1PI were considerably higher than normal in both groups of HD patients (before and after the HD session) and in the CT patients. Higher titers of NE‐α1PI (P < 0.05) and α1‐PI (P < 0.01) were obtained in the adults during the course of HD. Increased NE‐α1PI was positively correlated with α1‐PI. The serum concentration of IL‐8 was significantly higher in the HD2 patients before and after dialysis than in the controls.Conclusions:  The data indicate that in CKD patients, neutrophils are highly activated both in the pre‐dialyzed period and on regular HD. Contact with the dialysis membrane during HD causes a significant increase in blood NE‐α1PI and α1‐PI in adults, but not in children/young adults. NE‐α1PI seems to be a much better indicator of an inflammatory state in CKD patients than free α1‐PI or IL‐8.
Implantation of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer for faecal incontinence management
Authors: Stephens Jacqueline H. , Rieger Nicholas A. , Farmer K. Chip , Bell Stephen W. , Hooper Judy E. , Hewett Peter J. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractPurpose:  The primary objectives of this trial were to evaluate the safety and feasibility of treatment and to gain a preliminary indication of the effectiveness of ethylene vinyl alcohol injections into the anal sphincters of faecally incontinent patients.Methods:  Between April 2004 and February 2006, we conducted a prospective, single‐arm, procedure optimization study of ethylene vinyl alcohol injections in 21 subjects with well‐characterized faecal incontinence and an intact external anal sphincter at two Australian hospitals.Results:  There was a significant decrease in the Cleveland Clinic Florida Faecal Incontinence Score (CCFFIS) (P= 0.0005) and the Faecal Incontinence Severity Index score (P= 0.005) after treatment. At 12 months post‐treatment, the mean CCFFIS had decreased by 37% (P= 0.0021), and 47% of subjects had a ≥50% improvement in CCFFIS. There were significant improvements in embarrassment (P= 0.0455) and coping/behaviour (P= 0.0056) domains of the Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life. At 12 months, the mean anal canal length had increased by 29% (P= 0.066), with 40% of patients demonstrating increases of 50% or more. There were no further improvements following retreatment.Conclusions:  Ethylene vinyl alcohol injection into the anal intersphincteric plane is feasible and well tolerated. Improvement in faecal incontinence compared with baseline was seen. Retreating initial non‐responders was not successful.
Plugs unplugged. Anal fistula plug: the Concord experience
Authors: Owen Gareth , Keshava Anil , Stewart Peter , Patterson James , Chapuis Pierre , Bokey Elie , Rickard Matthew 
Published: May 2010

AbstractPurpose:  The purpose of this study was to analyse preliminary experience and outcomes with the Cook Surgisis AFP™ anal fistula plug (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA) with respect to the treatment of complex anal fistulae in a specialist colorectal unit.Methods:  Data on all patients who were treated with the Surgisis AFP™ between October 2006 and January 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. The plug was placed in accordance with the Cook guidelines. Successful closure of the anal fistula was defined as absence of drainage at final follow‐up with no subsequent abscess formation or further intervention required.Results:  Thirty‐two patients underwent a total of 35 anal fistula plug insertion procedures. No patients were lost to follow‐up. The median follow‐up was 15 months (2–29 months). The overall success rate was 13 out of 35 (37%). For those in the subgroups of Crohn's disease and cryptoglandular disease, the success rate was 1 out of 3 (33%) and 11 out of 31 (35%), respectively.Conclusion:  This series demonstrates a success rate for the Cook Surgisis AFP™ of 37%. These results in patients managed in a specialist unit confirm that the Surgisis AFP™ is a useful option in the management of complex fistulae.
Vertical partial hemilaryngectomy with reconstruction by false cord imbrication
Authors: Luna‐Ortiz Kuauhyama , Campos‐Ramos Eunice , Villavicencio‐Valencia Verónica , Contreras‐Buendía Marlen , Pasche Philippe , Gómez Angel Herrera 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackground:  To evaluate global survival, disease‐free period, complications, evolution and function in vertical partial hemilaryngectomy (VPHL) plus reconstruction with false cord.Methods:  Descriptive and retrospective study. In aertiary care medical center in Mexico City. Eight patients with early diagnosis of early glottic cancer (T1 and T2), treated with VPHL plus reconstruction with false cord imbrication.Results:  Fifty percent of the patients were clinical stage I, 37.5% stage II and 12.5% stage III. Nasogastric tube was not placed and oral feeding was reinitiated within 3 days on average. Tracheostomy was removed after an average of 2.1 days. Average hospital stay was 3.3 days. Average of the PSS‐HNC (Performance Status for Head and Neck Cancer) and Karnofsky Performance Status evaluation was 91 to 97 and 100 at 1 year of evaluation. Voice evaluation demonstrated normal voice in 87.5% of patients. Intensity was below normal with improvement on annual evaluation. Global survival was 100% and disease‐free period was 71% at 3 years.Conclusions:  VPHL with reconstruction by false cord imbrication is an excellent therapeutic option for early glottic cancers. Multiple functional advantages are demonstrated without sacrificing oncological control as well as providing an audible and intelligible voice. In cases of recurrence, various management options are available.
Anthropogenic transformation of the biomes, 1700 to 2000
Authors: Ellis Erle C. , Klein Goldewijk Kees , Siebert Stefan , Lightman Deborah , Ramankutty Navin 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTAim  To map and characterize anthropogenic transformation of the terrestrial biosphere before and during the Industrial Revolution, from 1700 to 2000.Location  Global.Methods  Anthropogenic biomes (anthromes) were mapped for 1700, 1800, 1900 and 2000 using a rule‐based anthrome classification model applied to gridded global data for human population density and land use. Anthropogenic transformation of terrestrial biomes was then characterized by map comparisons at century intervals.Results  In 1700, nearly half of the terrestrial biosphere was wild, without human settlements or substantial land use. Most of the remainder was in a seminatural state (45%) having only minor use for agriculture and settlements. By 2000, the opposite was true, with the majority of the biosphere in agricultural and settled anthromes, less than 20% seminatural and only a quarter left wild. Anthropogenic transformation of the biosphere during the Industrial Revolution resulted about equally from land‐use expansion into wildlands and intensification of land use within seminatural anthromes. Transformation pathways differed strongly between biomes and regions, with some remaining mostly wild but with the majority almost completely transformed into rangelands, croplands and villages. In the process of transforming almost 39% of earth's total ice‐free surface into agricultural land and settlements, an additional 37% of global land without such use has become embedded within agricultural and settled anthromes.Main conclusions  Between 1700 and 2000, the terrestrial biosphere made the critical transition from mostly wild to mostly anthropogenic, passing the 50% mark early in the 20th century. At present, and ever more in the future, the form and process of terrestrial ecosystems in most biomes will be predominantly anthropogenic, the product of land use and other direct human interactions with ecosystems. Ecological research and conservation efforts in all but a few biomes would benefit from a primary focus on the novel remnant, recovering and managed ecosystems embedded within used lands.
Poverty Concentration and Determinants in China's Urban Low‐income Neighbourhoods and Social Groups
Authors: HE SHENJING , WU FULONG , WEBSTER CHRIS , LIU YUTING 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBased on a large‐scale household survey conducted in 2007, this article reports on poverty concentration and determinants in China's low‐income neighbourhoods and social groups. Three types of neighbourhood are recognized: dilapidated inner‐city neighbourhoods, declining workers' villages and urban villages. Respondents are grouped into four categories: working, laid‐off/unemployed and retired urban residents, together with rural migrants. We first measure poverty concentration across different types of neighbourhood and different groups. The highest concentrations are found in dilapidated inner‐city neighbourhoods and among the laid‐off/unemployed. Mismatches are found between actual hardships, sense of deprivation and distribution of social welfare provision. Second, we examine poverty determinants. Variations in institutional protection and market remuneration are becoming equally important in predicting poverty generation, but are differently associated with it in the different neighbourhoods and groups. As China's urban economy is increasingly shaped by markets, the mechanism of market remuneration is becoming a more important determinant of poverty patterns, especially for people who are excluded from state institutions, notably laid‐off workers and rural migrants.RésuméEn s'appuyant sur une vaste enquête menée en 2007 auprès de ménages chinois, cet article décrit la concentration de la pauvreté et ses déterminants dans les groupes sociaux et les quartiers à faible revenu. Il identifie trois types de quartier: quartiers vétustes des centres‐villes, villages ouvriers en déclin et villages urbains. Les personnes interrogées sont regroupées en quatre catégories: résidents urbains actifs, chômeurs ou sans‐emplois, et retraités, ainsi que migrants ruraux. D'abord, la concentration de la pauvreté est mesurée dans différents types de quartier et différents groupes. Les niveaux les plus élevés se trouvent dans les quartiers vétustes des centres‐villes et chez les chômeurs ou sans‐emplois. Il apparaît des inadéquations entre la réalité des difficultés vécues, la perception des privations, et la répartition des prestations d'aide sociale. Ensuite, les déterminants de la pauvreté sont étudiés. Les variations dans la protection institutionnelle et les rémunérations issues du marché deviennent tout aussi importantes pour prévoir la génération de la pauvreté, mais elles s'y associent de façon différente selon les quartiers et les groupes. Comme l'économie urbaine chinoise est de plus en plus façonnée par les marchés, le mécanisme de rémunération en fonction du marché prend davantage d'importance parmi les déterminants des modèles de pauvreté, notamment pour les exclus des institutions de l'État, en particulier les ouvriers licenciés et les migrants ruraux.
Inclusion and healthcare choices: the experiences of adults with learning disabilities
Authors: Ferguson Morag , Jarrett Dominic , Terras Melody 
Published: May 2010

Accessible summary

People with learning disabilities do not get to make as many choices as other people.
This project looked at the choices people make about everyday things and about health services.
We spoke to people with learning disabilities, their carers and Physiotherapy staff.
We found that people with a learning disability were making choices about everyday things but felt that other people made choices about health services for them.
We found that carers and healthcare staff need support to understand how difficult it can be to make choices, and how they can help people with a learning disability to make choices.

SummaryPeople with learning disabilities have fewer choice opportunities than the general population. Existing research provides some insight, but the choice‐making experiences of those who do not always utilise available healthcare remains under‐explored. This research explored the choice‐making experiences of two groups of individuals with a learning disability: (Group 1 – Irregular attenders) those who had opted out of healthcare appointments for avoidable reasons; and (Group 2 – Regular attenders) those who had attended all appointments or not attended for unavoidable reasons. Interviews were carried out with people with learning disabilities (N = 4) and/or their primary carer (N = 13). In addition to these interviews, Physiotherapy staff participated in a focus group (Group 3). The interviewed individuals with learning disabilities described experiences of and opportunities for making everyday choices but generally identified ‘others’ as being responsible for making their healthcare choices. Greater understanding of the healthcare expectations and experiences of individuals with learning disabilities, carers and healthcare staff is required to support people with learning disabilities as active healthcare decision‐makers.