bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Case series on a diversity of illicit weight‐reducing agents: from the well known to the unexpected
Authors: Tang Magdalene H. Y. , Chen Sammy P. L. , Ng Sau W. , Chan Albert Y. W. , Mak Tony W. L. 
Published: October 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT Adulteration of over‐the‐counter proprietary medications has been reported previously. However, to date a detailed study specifically on illicit slimming products has been lacking. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS This study showed the presence of a wide variety of illicit weight‐reducing agents in over‐the‐counter slimming products, including registered or banned drugs and pharmaceutical analogues. These products may result in significant toxicities and even mortality.AIMS To provide an overview of illicit weight‐reducing agents found in over‐the‐counter slimming products ingested by poisoned patients.METHODS The clinical details and analytical findings of slimming products involved in poisoning cases between 2004 and 2009 were reviewed.RESULTS Sixty‐six (including one fatal) poisoning cases were encountered. Eighty‐one products were analysed and found to contain undeclared prescription weight‐loss drugs, drug analogues, banned drugs, drugs used for an inappropriate indication or animal thyroid tissue, with up to six illicit agents within the same product. Many products were readily available from shops or the Internet.CONCLUSIONS A rich diversity of illicit, potentially harmful weight‐reducing agents was found in over‐the‐counter slimming products.
Lack of efficacy of low‐dose spironolactone as adjunct treatment to conventional congestive heart failure treatment in dogs
Authors: SCHULLER S. , VAN ISRAËL N. , VANBELLE S. , CLERCX C. , McENTEE K. 
Published: October 2010

Schuller, S., Van Israël, N., Vanbelle, S., Clercx, C., McEntee, K. Lack of efficacy of low‐dose spironolactone as adjunct treatment to conventional congestive heart failure treatment in dogs.J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap.34,322–331.Aldosterone plays an important role in the pathophysiology of heart failure. Aldosterone receptor blockade has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality in human patients with advanced congestive left ventricular heart failure. This study was designed to assess the efficacy and tolerance of long‐term low‐dose spironolactone when added to conventional heart failure treatment in dogs with advanced heart failure. Eighteen client‐owned dogs with advanced congestive heart failure due to either degenerative valve disease (n = 11) or dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 7) were included in this prospective, placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded, randomized clinical study. After initial stabilization including furosemide, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, pimobendan and digoxin, spironolactone at a median dose of 0.52 mg/kg (range 0.49–0.8 mg/kg) once daily (n = 9) or placebo (n = 9) was added to the treatment, and the dogs were reassessed 3 and 6 months later. Clinical scoring, echocardiography, electrocardiogram, systolic blood pressure measurement, thoracic radiography, sodium, potassium, urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aldosterone and aminoterminal atrial natriuretic propeptide were assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Survival times were not significantly different between the two treatment groups. Spironolactone was well tolerated when combined with conventional heart failure treatment.
Review: Molecular pathogenesis of blood–brain barrier breakdown in acute brain injury
Authors: Nag S. , Kapadia A. , Stewart D. J. 
Published: October 2010

S. Nag, A. Kapadia and D. J. Stewart (2011) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology37, 3–23 Molecular pathogenesis of blood–brain barrier breakdown in acute brain injuryHistorically, the blood–brain barrier (BBB) was considered to be at the level of cerebral endothelium. Currently, the interaction of endothelium with other components of the vessel wall and with neurones and glial cells is considered to constitute a functional unit, termed the neurovascular unit that maintains cerebral homeostasis in steady states and brain injury. The emphasis of this review is on cerebral endothelium, the best‐studied component of the neurovascular unit, and its permeability mechanisms in health and acute brain injury. Major advances have been made in unravelling the molecular structure of caveolae and tight junctions, both of which are components of the structural barrier to the entry of plasma proteins into brain. Time course studies suggest that caveolar changes precede junctional changes in acute brain injury. Additional factors modulating BBB permeability in acute brain injury are matrix metalloproteinases‐2 and 9 and angiogenic factors, the most notable being vascular endothelial growth factor‐A and angiopoietins (Ang) 1 and 2. Vascular endothelial growth factor‐A and Ang2 have emerged as potent inducers of BBB breakdown while Ang1 is a potent anti‐leakage factor. These factors have the potential to modulate permeability in acute brain injury and this is an area of ongoing research. Overall, a combination of haemodynamic, structural and molecular alterations affecting brain endothelium results in BBB breakdown in acute brain injury.
Splenectomy Increases Mortality in Murine Trypanosoma cruzi Infection
Authors: Maioli T. U. , Assis F. A. , Vieira P. M. A. , Borelli P. , Santiago H. , Alves R. , Romanha A. J. , Carneiro C. M. , Faria A. M. C. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe spleen is a secondary lymphoid organ that harbours a variety of cells such as T and B lymphocytes and antigen‐presenting cells important to immune response development. In this study, we evaluated the impact of spleen removal in the immune response to experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection. C57BL/6 mice were infected with Y strain of the parasite and infection was followed daily. Mice that underwent splenectomy had fewer parasites in peripheral blood at the peak of infection; however, mortality was increased. Histological analysis of heart and liver tissues revealed an increased number of parasites and inflammatory infiltrates at these sites. Spleen removal was associated with reduction in IFN‐γ and TNF‐α production during infection as well as with a decrease in specific antibody secretion. Haematological disorders were also detected. Splenectomized mice exhibited severe anaemia and decreased bone marrow cell numbers. Our results indicate that spleen integrity is critical in T. cruzi infection for the immune response against the parasite, as well as for the control of bone marrow haematological function.
Nodulation factor receptor kinase 1α controls nodule organ number in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr)
Authors: Indrasumunar Arief , Searle Iain , Lin Meng‐Han , Kereszt Attila , Men Artem , Carroll Bernard J. , Gresshoff Peter M. 
Published: October 2010

SummaryTwo allelic non‐nodulating mutants, nod49 and rj1, were characterized using map‐based cloning and candidate gene approaches, and genetic complementation. From our results we propose two highly related lipo‐oligochitin LysM‐type receptor kinase genes (GmNFR1α and GmNFR1β) as putative Nod factor receptor components in soybean. Both mutants contained frameshift mutations in GmNFR1α that would yield protein truncations. Both mutants contained a seemingly functional GmNFR1β homeologue, characterized by a 374‐bp deletion in intron 6 and 20–100 times lower transcript levels than GmNFR1α, yet both mutants were unable to form nodules. Mutations in GmNFR1β within other genotypes had no defects in nodulation, showing that GmNFR1β was redundant. Transgenic overexpression of GmNFR1α, but not of GmNFR1β, increased nodule number per plant, plant nitrogen content and the ability to form nodules with restrictive, ultra‐low Bradyrhizobium japonicum titres in transgenic roots of both nod49 and rj1. GmNFR1α overexpressing roots also formed nodules in nodulation‐restrictive acid soil (pH 4.7). Our results show that: (i) NFR1α expression controls nodule number in soybean, and (ii) acid soil tolerance for nodulation and suppression of nodulation deficiency at low titre can be achieved by overexpression of GmNFR1α.
Acute kidney injury requiring dialysis secondary to adenovirus nephritis in renal transplant recipient
Authors: Sujeet K. , Vasudev B. , Desai P. , Bellizzi J. , Novoa‐Takara L. , He C. , El‐Meanawy A. 
Published: October 2010

K. Sujeet, B. Vasudev, P. Desai, J. Bellizzi, L. Novoa‐Takara, C. He, A. El‐Meanawy. Acute kidney injury requiring dialysis secondary to adenovirus nephritis in renal transplant recipient Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 174–177. All rights reservedAbstract: Disseminated adenoviral infection is a serious problem, especially in an immunocompromised host. The disease carries a mortality rate reaching as high as 80%. It is seen most frequently in bone marrow transplant recipients, where it causes pneumonia and disseminated disease. In solid organ transplant recipients it causes graft infection. We report the case of a renal transplant recipient with disseminated adenoviral infection and acute kidney failure requiring dialysis. Reduction of immunosuppression and 1 dose of cidofovir were associated with resolution of viremia and viruria and return of kidney function to near baseline.
Sealevel history recorded in the Pleistocene carbonate sequence in IODP Hole 310‐M0005D, off Tahiti
Authors: Iryu Yasufumi , Takahashi Yasunari , Fujita Kazuhiko , Camoin Gilbert , Cabioch Guy , Matsuda Hiroki , Sato Tokiyuki , Sugihara Kaoru , Webster Jody M. , Westphal Hildegard 
Published: October 2010

AbstractMaterial cored during the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 310 ‘Tahiti Sea Level’ revealed that the fossil reef systems around Tahiti are composed of two major stratigraphic sequences: (i) a last deglacial sequence; and (ii) an older Pleistocene sequence. The older Pleistocene carbonate sequence is composed of reef deposits associated with volcaniclastic sediments and was preserved in Hole 310‐M0005D drilled off Maraa. Within an approximately 70‐m‐thick older Pleistocene sequence (33.22–101.93 m below seafloor; 92.85–161.56 m below present sealevel) in this hole, 11 depositional units are defined by lithological changes, sedimentological features, and paleontological characteristics and are numbered sequentially from the top of the hole downward (Subunits P1–P11). Paleowater depths inferred from nongeniculate coralline algae, combined with those determined by using corals and larger foraminifers, suggest two major sealevel rises during the deposition of the older Pleistocene sequence. Of these, the second sealevel rise is associated with an intervening sealevel drop. It is likely that the second sealevel rise corresponds to that during Termination II (TII, the penultimate deglaciation, from Marine Isotope Stages 6 to 5e). Therefore, the intervening sealevel drop can be correlated with that known as the ‘sealevel reversal’ during TII. Because there are limited data on the Pleistocene reef systems in the tropical South Pacific Ocean, this study provides important information about Pleistocene sealevel history, the evolution of coral reef ecosystems, and the responses of coral reefs to Quaternary climate changes.
Amphibolitization within the lower crust in the termination area of the Godzilla Megamullion, an oceanic core complex in the Parece Vela Basin
Authors: Harigane Yumiko , Michibayashi Katsuyoshi , Ohara Yasuhiko 
Published: October 2010

AbstractGabbroic rocks and amphibolites were collected from the KR03‐01‐D10 dredge site located on the West Arm Rise of the Godzilla Megamullion, close to the Parece Vela Rift which appears to correspond to the termination area of a detachment fault, the Philippine Sea. The gabbroic rocks and amphibolites reveal the occurrence of a high hydrothermal activity in the lower crust close to a paleo‐ridge. In the gabbroic rocks, plagioclase compositions of both porphyroclasts and matrix were transformed into sodium‐rich compositions close to albite. Amphiboles are of secondary rather than igneous origin based on their microstructural occurrences. In the amphibolites, anorthite contents of porphyroclasts and matrix plagioclase are relatively lower than those of the gabbroic rocks, whereas the chemical compositions of amphibole within the amphibolites are similar to those of amphibole within the gabbroic rocks. Amphibolites represent the product of retrograde metamorphism associated with hydrothermal alteration of the gabbroic body by the reaction: clinopyroxene + calcic plagioclase + fluid → amphibole + sodic plagioclase. The estimated temperatures of the amphibolites derived from the amphibole thermobarometer and the gabbroic rocks derived from the hornblende–plagioclase geothermometer show ∼700–950°C and 650–840°C, respectively. The hydrothermal alteration recorded in the gabbroic rocks possibly occurred under high‐T conditions; the rocks were then metamorphosed to the amphibolites during a retrogressive stage. Our study indicates that amphibolitization took place with various degrees of deformation. It may imply that the hydrothermal activity increased as the Godzilla Megamullion developed as an oceanic core complex in the paleo‐ridge.
Comparison of Fcγ receptor expression on neutrophils with procalcitonin for the diagnosis of sepsis in critically ill patients
Authors: HSU Kuo‐Hsuan , CHAN Ming‐Chen , WANG Jiunn‐Min , LIN Liang‐Yi , WU Chieh‐Liang 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  The expression of Fc receptors for IgG (FcγRs) on neutrophils, including CD16, CD32 and CD64, may be modulated in response to sepsis. We investigated the expression of FcγRs on neutrophils and procalcitonin (PCT) as biomarkers of sepsis among critically ill patients.Methods:  This prospective study was conducted in a 24‐bed respiratory intensive care unit between July 2007 and June 2008. Critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation were enrolled and categorized into three groups: those with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), those with severe sepsis and those with septic shock. Expression of FcγRs on neutrophils was quantitatively measured by flow cytometry immediately after enrolment of the patient. Serum PCT levels were also measured. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the performance of FcγR expression and PCT as biomarkers of sepsis.Results:  Sixty‐six patients were enrolled, including 11 with SIRS, 31 with severe sepsis and 24 with septic shock. Nineteen healthy volunteers served as normal controls. CD64 was upregulated, CD16 was downregulated and CD32 remained unchanged during sepsis. CD64 expression and the ratio of CD64/CD16 increased significantly with the severity of sepsis. However, serum PCT levels were not significantly different between SIRS and severe sepsis patients. CD64, CD64/CD16 and PCT all significantly predicted sepsis, septic shock and bacteraemia. As assessed using ROC curves, CD64 was better than PCT for differentiating SIRS from severe sepsis and septic shock. CD64 and CD64/CD16 were associated with mortality.Conclusions:  CD64 and CD16 were differentially modulated by sepsis. CD64, CD64/CD16 and PCT may be biomarkers of sepsis. CD64 was better than PCT for identifying patients who required treatment with antibiotics.
The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) equation is less accurate in patients with Type 2 diabetes when compared with healthy individuals
Authors: Camargo E. G. , Soares A. A. , Detanico A. B. , Weinert L. S. , Veronese F. V. , Gomes E. C. , Silveiro S. P. 
Published: October 2010

Diabet. Med. 28, 90–95 (2011)AbstractAims  To analyse the performances of Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) and of Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equations to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus with GFRs >60 ml/min and in healthy volunteers.Methods  This cross‐sectional study included 111 individuals (56 patients with Type 2 diabetes and 55 healthy volunteers), aged 58 ± 9 years; 54 individuals were men (49%) and ninety‐eight (88%) were white. Glomerular filtration rate was measured by the 51Cr‐EDTA single‐injection method (51Cr‐GFR) and estimated according to the standardized MDRD and CKD‐EPI equations. Serum creatinine was measured by a traceable Jaffe method. Bland–Altman analysis was used to examine the agreement between measured and estimated GFR. Bias, accuracy and precision were evaluated.Results  In diabetic individuals, 51Cr‐GFR was 106 ± 27 ml/min/1.73 m2, CKD‐EPI‐estimated GFR 82 ± 18 ml/min/1.73 m2 and MDRD‐estimated GFR 80 ± 21 ml/min/1.73 m2 (P < 0.001). In healthy volunteers, the corresponding values were 98 ± 20, 89 ± 13 and 84 ± 14 ml/min/1.73 m2 (P < 0.001). The accuracy of CKD‐EPI (P30) was higher in healthy volunteers than in diabetic patients (90 vs. 66%, respectively, P < 0.001). The MDRD equation performed as poorly as the CKD‐EPI equation in individuals with Type 2 diabetes.Conclusions  The CKD‐EPI equation is less accurate in patients with Type 2 diabetes when compared with healthy individuals, with a 2.5‐fold greater bias.
Impact of pre‐exercise rapid‐acting insulin reductions on ketogenesis following running in Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Bracken R. M. , West D. J. , Stephens J. W. , Kilduff L. P. , Luzio S. , Bain S. C. 
Published: October 2010

Diabet. Med. 28, 218–222 (2011)AbstractAim  This study examined the effects of reductions to pre‐exercise rapid‐acting insulin dose on changes in blood beta‐hydroxybutyrate, glucose, acid‐base balance and counter‐regulatory hormone responses to prolonged running in individuals with Type 1 diabetes.Methods  Following ethical approval, seven participants with Type 1 diabetes (34 ± 2 years, BMI 27 ± 1 kg/m2) completed this study. After preliminary testing, participants attended the laboratory four times, each time consuming a 1.12MJ meal (60 g carbohydrate, 2 g fat, 2 g protein), with randomized amounts of their rapid‐acting insulin: Full dose (mean 7.3 ± 0.2 units), 75% dose (mean 5.4 ± 0.1 units), 50% dose (mean 3.7 ± 0.1 units) or 25% dose (mean 1.8 ± 0.1 units). After 2‐h rest, participants completed 45 min running at 70 ± 1% peak rate of oxygen consumption (VO2peak). Blood metabolites and hormones were recorded over the 2‐h rest and 3‐h recovery. Data were analysed using repeated‐measures ANOVA.Results  Serum insulin peaked at 60 min in all conditions and was lowest after 25% insulin dose compared with full dose (P = 0.03). After the 25% insulin dose immediately pre‐exercise glucose concentration was higher than after the full or 50% dose (P < 0.05). Resting beta‐hydroxybutyrate gradually decreased during 2‐h rest (P < 0.05) with a similar post‐exercise peak of beta‐hydroxybutyrate at 3 h (P > 0.05). Post‐exercise blood pH increased for 5 min to a similar extent with all insulin doses , but the rise with the 25% dose was less compared with the full dose (P = 0.01). Blood lactate and plasma catecholamines increased after running similarly with all insulin reduction conditions (P < 0.05). Blood glucose area under the curve (BGauc) after the 25% insulin dose was greater than after the 75% dose (P = 0.02).Conclusion  Ketogenesis following running was not influenced by reductions in pre‐exercise rapid‐acting insulin dose. This important preparatory strategy aids preservation of blood glucose but poses no greater risk to exercise‐induced ketone body formation.
Beyond Family Remittances: Assessing the Prospects of Alternative Approaches to “Remittances for Development” in Africa
Authors: Ngomba Teke 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThis article examines the remittance patterns of Cameroonians residing in Aarhus, Denmark and discusses the findings in relation to those from earlier studies on migrants’ remittances. Based on analyses of the inclination of these Cameroonians to support development projects in Cameroon, it is argued that a strengthened partnership between local non‐state actors in Cameroon and the Cameroonian diaspora will significantly improve the role remittances can play in the country’s development. The article also highlights the framework, benefits and challenges of such potential partnership and suggests ways in which remittances from the Cameroonian diaspora in particular and African migrants in general, could be effectively channelled beyond migrants’ families to further the continent’s development drive.
Cis‐acting Allelic Variation in MUC5B mRNA Expression is Associated with Different Promoter Haplotypes
Authors: Loh Andrew X. , Johnson Lauren , Ng Wendy , Swallow Dallas M. 
Published: October 2010

SummaryMucins play a critical role in protecting and clearing the airways of noxious materials. Genetic variation that influences this environmental response is likely to affect respiratory disease susceptibility. It has been reported previously that variation in the promoter of MUC5B, the gene that encodes one of the two major gel‐forming mucins (MUC5B) of the mucus of the respiratory tract, is associated with susceptibility to diffuse panbronchiolitis, and that a genetic difference in promoter activity can be detected in vitro. The aim of this study was to determine whether this genetic difference in promoter activity can be detected in vivo. Here, we undertake RNA transcript expression studies, making use of human fetal tissue to explore constitutive differences. We compare in vivo transcript expression levels in heterozygotes and use the Bayesian method, PHASE to associate exonic simple nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with promoter SNPs to generate haplotypes. We successfully show haplotypic differences in MUC5B expression in vivo. This genetic variation should be taken into account in future studies on MUC5B in respiratory disease.
Neurochemical profile of the developing mouse cortex determined by in vivo1H NMR spectroscopy at 14.1 T and the effect of recurrent anaesthesia
Authors: Kulak Anita , Duarte João M. N. , Do Kim Q. , Gruetter Rolf 
Published: October 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 1466–1477.AbstractThe neurochemical profile of the cortex develops in a region and time specific manner, which can be distorted by psychiatric and other neurological pathologies. Pre‐clinical studies often involve experimental mouse models. In this study, we determined the neurochemical profile of C57BL/6 mice in a longitudinal study design to provide a reference frame for the normal developing mouse cortex. Using in vivo proton NMR spectroscopy at 14 T, we measured the concentrations of 18 metabolites in the anterior and posterior cortex on postnatal days (P) 10, 20, 30, 60 and 90. Cortical development was marked by alterations of highly concentrated metabolites, such as N‐acetylaspartate, glutamate, taurine and creatine. Regional specificity was represented by early variations in the concentration of glutamine, aspartate and choline. In adult animals, regional concentration differences were found for N‐acetylaspartate, creatine and myo‐inositol. In this study, animals were exposed to recurrent isoflurane anaesthesia. Additional experiments showed that the latter was devoid of major effects on behaviour or cortical neurochemical profile. In conclusion, the high sensitivity and reproducibility of the measurements achieved at 14 T allowed us to identify developmental variations of cortical areas within the mouse cortex.