bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypercapnic Acidosis Attenuates Lung Injury Induced by Established Bacterial Pneumonia
Authors: Chonghaile Martina Ni , Higgins Brendan D. , Costello Joseph , Laffey John G. 
Published: October 2008

Background
Hypercapnic acidosis protects against lung injury after ischemia-reperfusion, endotoxin-induced and ventilation-induced lung injury. The effects of hypercapnic acidosis in the setting of established pulmonary sepsis are not known. The authors investigated whether hypercapnic acidosis -- induced by adding carbon dioxide to inspired gas -- would be beneficial or deleterious in established Escherichia coli pneumonia in an in vivo model, in the presence and absence of antibiotic therapy.

Methods
Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized and ventilated. In the first set of experiments, rats were anesthetized, E. coli (5-6.4 x 10(9)/ml colony-forming units) was instilled intratracheally, and the animals were allowed to recover. After 6 h, during which time a severe pneumonia developed, they were reanesthetized and randomly assigned to normocapnia (fraction of inspired carbon dioxide [Fico(2)] = 0.00, n = 10) or hypercapnic acidosis (Fico(2) = 0.05, n = 10). The second set of experiments was performed in a manner identical to that of series 1, but all rats (n = 10 per group) were given intravenous ceftriaxone (30 mg/kg) at randomization. All animals received normocapnia or hypercapnic acidosis for 6 h, and the severity of lung injury was assessed.

Results
In the absence of antibiotic therapy, hypercapnic acidosis reduced the pneumonia-induced increase in peak airway pressure and the decrease in static lung compliance compared with control conditions. In the presence of antibiotic therapy, which substantially reduced lung bacterial counts, hypercapnic acidosis significantly attenuated the extent of pneumonia-induced histologic injury.

Conclusions
Hypercapnic acidosis reduced the magnitude of the lung injury induced by established E. coli pneumonia.
Bilateral Inhibition of γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptor Function within the Basolateral Amygdala Blocked Propofol-induced Amnesia and Activity-regulated Cytoskeletal Protein Expression Inhibition in the Hippocampus
Authors: Ren Yu , Zhang Fu-Jun , Xue Qing-Sheng , Zhao Xin , Yu Bu-Wei 
Published: October 2008

Background
It has been reported that bilateral lesions of the basolateral amygdala complex (BLA) blocked propofol-induced amnesia of inhibitory avoidance (IA) training. Based on these results, the authors hypothesized that the amnesia effect of propofol was partly due to its impairment of memory formation in the hippocampus through activating the BLA gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor function. The authors determined the changes in activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc) expression to be an indicator of IA memory formation.

Methods
Male Sprague-Dawley rats received bilateral injection of bicuculline methiodide (10, 50, or 100 pmol/0.5 microl) or saline (0.5 microl) into the BLA. Fifteen minutes later, the rats were intraperitoneally injected with either propofol (25 mg/kg) or saline. After 5 min, the one-trial IA training was conducted. Rats intraperitoneally infused with saline served as controls and only received saline injections into the BLA. Twenty-four hours later, the IA retention latency was tested. Separate groups of rats treated the same way were killed either 30 min after IA training for hippocampal Arc mRNA measurement or after 45 min for protein level quantification.

Results
The largest dose of bicuculline methiodide (100 pmol) not only blocked the propofol-induced amnesia but also reversed the inhibition effect of propofol on Arc protein expression in the hippocampus (P < 0.05). However, the mRNA level of Arc showed no significant changes after propofol and bicuculline methiodide administration.

Conclusions
The amnesic effect of propofol seems to involve the modulation of Arc protein expression in the hippocampus, occurring through a network interaction with the BLA.
Efficacy of Addition of Fentanyl to Epidural Bupivacaine on Postoperative Analgesia after Thoracotomy for Lung Resection in Infants
Authors: Ganesh Arjunan , Adzick N Scott , Foster Travis , Cucchiaro Giovanni 
Published: October 2008

Background
The authors evaluated the efficacy of adding fentanyl to epidural bupivacaine in infants up to 6 months of age after a thoracotomy in a prospective, randomized, double-blind study. The primary outcome was the total amount of rescue doses of intravenous nalbuphine in the first 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included (1) time to first rescue dose of nalbuphine, (2) pain scores, and (3) behavior scores.

Methods
Thirty-two infants were randomly assigned to receive an epidural infusion containing 0.1% bupivacaine (group B; n = 16) or 0.1% bupivacaine and 2 microg/ml fentanyl (group BF; n = 16). Patients were evaluated up to 24 h after surgery for pain; amount of analgesic rescues and time to first rescue; pain scores; behavior scores (five-item behavior score); and complications, including respiratory depression, oxygen requirement, vomiting, and urinary retention.

Results
The two groups had similar demographics. Nalbuphine consumption (P = 0.001) and pain scores (P < 0.001) in the first 24 h were significantly decreased in group BF compared with group B. The time to first analgesic rescue was significantly longer in group BF (P = 0.005). The five-item behavior score was significantly better in group BF than in group B (P = 0.01). The incidence of side effects, the time to first successful feeding, and the time to discharge were similar in both groups.

Conclusions
Addition of 2 microg/ml epidural fentanyl to 0.1% bupivacaine results in improved postthoracotomy analgesia without any increase in side effects, compared with 0.1% bupivacaine, in infants up to 6 months of age.
Detection of colorectal cancer cells from feces using quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR for colorectal cancer diagnosis
Authors: Koga Yoshikatsu , Yasunaga Masahiro , Moriya Yoshihiro , Akasu Takayuki , Fujita Shin , Yamamoto Seiichiro , Kozu Takahiro , Baba Hideo , Matsumura Yasuhiro 
Published: October 2008

Early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) is desired for reducing its mortality rate. Recently, the feasibility of a new method for isolating colonocytes from feces was demonstrated, followed by direct sequencing analysis for detecting colorectal cancer. In the present study, gene expression analysis was conducted using quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). One hundred and sixty‐six patients with CRC and 134 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Messenger RNA expressions of CEA, MMP7, MYBL2, PTGS2 and TP53 in the colonocytes isolated from feces were analyzed by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR. Beta‐2‐microglobulin, used for internal control, could not be detected in approximately 25% each of the CRC patients (39/166) and healthy volunteers (33/134). CEA expression did not differ significantly between CRC patients and healthy volunteers (P = 0.21). MMP7, MYBL2, PTGS2 and TP53 gene expressions were significantly higher in CRC patients than in healthy volunteers (P < 0.001). The overall sensitivity and specificity using these gene expressions were 58.3% (74/127, 95% CI; 49.2–67.0) and 88.1% (89/101, 95% CI; 80.2–93.7), respectively. The sensitivity was dependent on the tumor location (P = 0.01) and tumor size (P = 0.02), but not the tumor depth (P = 0.06) or cancer stage (P = 0.37). Gene expression analysis of colonocytes isolated from feces may be a useful method for CRC screening, if the number of isolated colonocytes is sufficiently high for analysis by quantitative real‐time PCR. Therefore, improvement of the colonocyte retrieval system from feces may be necessary for the technique to be developed for clinical use. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 1977–1983)
Differentially expressed transcripts in adipose tissue between Korean native pig and Yorkshire breeds
Authors: Moon J.‐K. , Kim K.‐S. , Kim J.‐J. , Choi B.‐H. , Cho B.‐W. , Kim T.‐H. , Lee C.‐K. 
Published: October 2008

SummaryWe measured and compared the transcripts of adipose tissue from Korean native pig (KNP) and Yorkshire (YS) breeds to investigate breed‐specific transcription changes. We employed both the Affymetrix porcine genome array and quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). We found eight genes showing significant changes between the two breeds. Based on a literature review, these genes were indicative of differences in extracellular structure density and differences in the potential to metabolize xenobiotic chemicals and lipids. The differentially expressed genes indicated that KNP has a lower extracellular structure density and a lower potential to metabolize xenobiotic chemicals than YS.
Is children’s choice in health care rhetoric or reality? A scoping review
Authors: Coad Jane E. , Shaw Karen L. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractTitle.  Is children’s choice in health care rhetoric or reality? A scoping review. Aim.  This paper is a report of a scoping review examining children and young people’s health services with respect to choice in order to inform future development of choice initiatives.Background.  The importance of including children and young people in the choice agenda reflects the increasing acknowledgement that, individually and collectively, they are important consumers of health care in their own right.Data sources.  A scoping review of all major health and medical research databases was undertaken using current guidelines to identify original relevant research papers and grey literature sources from 1990 to 2006.Review methods.  Reference Manager software was used to collate, summarize, categorize, store and retrieve the search results. Papers meeting the inclusion criteria were read in full and descriptively summarized using a data extraction sheet. Each paper was repeatedly selected using a snowballing approach until saturation was reached.Results.  Children and young people want more say in the planning and development of appropriate hospital and community health services. However, little evaluative research was found about whether these choices are acted upon and lead to more responsive services.Conclusion.  Choice for children and young people is viewed as a positive development in health care and many innovative examples of their involvement in decision‐making were found. These illustrated that, given the opportunity, children and young people are willing and able to make decisions about their healthcare services. However, there is a long way to go before the rhetoric of the choice agenda is realized.
Mutants of the RNA‐processing enzyme RNase E reverse the extreme slow‐growth phenotype caused by a mutant translation factor EF‐Tu
Authors: Hammarlöf Disa L. , Hughes Diarmaid 
Published: October 2008

Summary Salmonella enterica with mutant EF‐Tu (Gln125Arg) has a low level of EF‐Tu, a reduced rate of protein synthesis and an extremely slow growth rate. Eighty independent suppressor mutations were selected that restored normal growth. In some cases (n= 7) suppression was due to mutations in tufA but, surprisingly, in most cases (n= 73) to mutations in rne, the gene coding for RNase E. These rne mutations alone had only modest effects on growth rate. Fifty different suppressor mutations were isolated in rne, all located in or close to the N‐terminal endonucleolytic half of RNase E. Steady state levels of several mRNAs were lower in the mutant tuf strain but restored to wild‐type levels in the tuf‐rne double mutant. In contrast, the half‐lives of mRNAs were unaffected by the tuf mutation. We propose a model where the tuf mutation causes the ribosome following RNA polymerase to pause, possibly in a codon‐specific manner, exposing unshielded nascent message to RNase E cleavage. Normal growth rate can be restored by increasing EF‐Tu activity or by reducing RNase E activity. Accordingly, RNase E is suggested to act at two distinct stages in the life of mRNA: early, on the nascent transcript; late, on the complete mRNA.
DOPAMINE D2 RECEPTOR STIMULATION INHIBITS ANGIOTENSIN II‐INDUCED HYPERTROPHY IN CULTURED NEONATAL RAT VENTRICULAR MYOCYTES
Authors: Li Hong , Shi Sa , Sun Yi‐Hua , Zhao Ya‐Jun , Li Quan‐Feng , Li Hong‐Zhu , Wang Rui , Xu Chang‐Qing 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARY

Myocardial hypertrophy is a common pathological change that accompanies cardiovascular disease. Dopamine D2 receptors have been demonstrated in cardiovascular tissues. However, the pathophysiological involvement of D2 receptors in myocardial hypertrophy is unclear. Therefore, the effects of the D2 receptor agonist bromocriptine and the D2 receptor antagonist haloperidol on angiotensin (Ang) II‐ or endothelin (ET)‐1‐induced hypertrophy of cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes were investigated in the present study.
Protein content and protein synthesis, determined by examining [3H]‐leucine uptake, were used as estimates of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. The expression of D2 receptor protein in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes was determined using western blotting. Changes in [Ca2+]i in cardiomyocytes were observed by laser scanning confocal microscopy.
Angiotensin II and ET‐1, both at 10 nmol/L, induced myocyte hypertrophy, as demonstrated by increased protein content and synthesis, [Ca2+]i levels, protein kinase C (PKC) activity and phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 (p38). Concomitant treatment of cells with 10 nmol/L AngII plus 10 µmol/L bromocriptine significantly inhibited cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, MAPK phosphorylation and PKC activity in the membrane, as well as [Ca2+]i signalling pathways, compared with the effects of AngII alone. In addition, 10 µmol/L bromocriptine significantly inhibited cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by 10 nmol/L ET‐1. However, pretreatment with haloperidol (10 µmol/L) had no significant effects on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by either AngII or ET‐1.
In conclusion, D2 receptor stimulation inhibits AngII‐induced hypertrophy of cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes via inhibition of MAPK, PKC and [Ca2+]i signalling pathways.
SWIMMING TRAINING ATTENUATES REMODELING, CONTRACTILE DYSFUNCTION AND CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE IN RATS WITH MODERATE AND LARGE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTIONS
Authors: Andrews Portes Leslie , Magalhães Saraiva Roberto , Alberta dos Santos Alexandra , Tucci Paulo JF 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARY

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of swimming on myocardial remodelling after myocardial infarction (MI) in female rats induced by coronary occlusion, which was not performed in sham rats.
Rats were divided in six groups, three sedentary (sham (SSh; n = 14), moderate infarct (SMI; n = 8) and large infarct (SLI; n = 10)) and three trained (sham (TSh; n = 16), moderate infarct (TMI; n = 9) and large infarct (TLI; n = 8)) groups. Training (8 weeks, 60 min/day, 5 days/week) was initiated 4 weeks after MI or sham operation. Training did not affect mortality rate, but attenuated the increases in atrial/bodyweight (SSh: 0.07 ± 0.02; TSh: 0.07 ± 0.02; SMI: 0.11 ± 0.03; TMI: 0.09 ± 0.03; SLI: 0.17 ± 0.09; TLI: 0.10 ± 0.05 mg/g) and right ventricular/bodyweight (SSh: 0.15 ± 0.02; TSh: 0.17 ± 0.02; SMI: 0.17 ± 0.07; TMI: 0.20 ± 0.03; SLI: 0.29 ± 0.13; TLI: 0.22 ± 0.08 mg/g) ratios. Myocardial infarction increased pulmonary and myocardial water content in infarcted sedentary animals, whereas no changes were observed in trained infarcted rats. Sedentary infarcted rats showed inotropic and lusitropic depression proportional to the size of the infarct (SSh > SMI > SLI), whereas no differences were noted in trained rats (TLI = TMI = TSh). Indeed, in sedentary rats there was depression of +dT/dt (SSh: 68 ± 25; TSh: 72 ± 21; SMI: 53 ± 20; TMI: 77 ± 30; SLI: 33 ± 15; TLI: 57 ± 22 g/mm2 per s) and –dT/dt (SSh: 33 ± 13; TSh: 36 ± 11; SMI: 24 ± 5; TMI: 35 ± 11; SLI: 15 ± 4; TLI: 32 ± 11 g/mm2 per s) compared with trained rats.
In conclusion, swimming clearly favoured post‐MI cardiac remodelling, attenuated myocardial hypertrophy, contractile and relaxation dysfunction and prevented pulmonary congestion.
Informed shared decision making about immunotherapy for patients with multiple sclerosis (ISDIMS): a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kasper J. , Köpke S. , Mühlhauser I. , Nübling M. , Heesen C. 
Published: October 2008

Background and purpose:  To evaluate the effects of an evidence‐based patient decision aid (DA) on multiple sclerosis (MS) immunotherapy.Methods:  Two hundred and ninety‐seven MS patients who were considering or reconsidering immunotherapy participated in a randomized community‐based controlled trial in Germany. An intervention group (IG) received the DA and a control group (CG) received standard information. Primary outcome measure was the match between the patient’s preferred and actual roles during consultation with the physician. Secondary end‐point was treatment choice. The course of the decision‐making process and patients` evaluation of the decision were also evaluated. Data were collected at baseline, after receiving the information, after consultation with the physician and 6 months after baseline.Results:  The percentage of preference matches did not differ between groups (IG 49%, CG 51%, P = 0.71). There were no differences in immunotherapy choices between groups. IG patients temporarily became more critical of immunotherapy and rated the information as significantly more helpful.Conclusions:  Although the intervention led to intensified processing of the information it affected neither the roles adopted in physician–patient encounters nor the immunotherapy choices made. Providing patients with balanced information may not be sufficient to alter the decision‐making process.
Counting the cost of complementary and alternative therapies in an Irish neurological clinic
Authors: Murphy S. M. , Rogers A. , Hutchinson M. , Tubridy N. 
Published: October 2008

Background and purpose:  Complementary and alternative therapy (CAT) use is frequent in patients with the common neurological disorders despite little scientific evidence of its efficacy. Little is known about the cost of regular CAT use. The purposes of this study were to determine the frequency and cost of CAT use in patients attending a neurology out‐patient clinic and to determine whether neurological diagnosis affects CAT use.Methods:  All patients attending the neurology out‐patient clinic were asked to complete a structured questionnaire which included demographic information, details on the underlying neurological diagnosis, use and cost of CAT.Results:  Six hundred and seventy‐one patients completed the questionnaire. Over 60% of the patients had used CAT, and 25% used CAT on a regular basis. Only 25% of patients using CAT had informed their doctor. Rates of CAT use varied with neurological diagnosis. Of those using CAM on a regular basis, the mean annual cost was €1351.Conclusion:  Patients attending our neurology out‐patient department use CAT frequently and often do not inform their doctor. Patients spend a significant amount of personal income on CAT. Given the implications, including potential interactions with prescribed medication, these findings should prompt doctors to ask every patient about CAT use.
The effects of foster care intervention on socially deprived institutionalized children’s attention and positive affect: results from the BEIP study
Authors: Ghera Melissa M. , Marshall Peter J. , Fox Nathan A. , Zeanah Charles H. , Nelson Charles A. , Smyke Anna T. , Guthrie Donald 
Published: October 2008

Background: We examined the effects of a foster care intervention on attention and emotion expression in socially deprived children in Romanian institutions.Methods: Institutionalized children were randomized to enter foster care or to remain under institutional care. Subsequently, the institutionalized and foster care groups, along with a community‐based comparison group, were evaluated on emotion tasks at 30 and 42 months of age. Behaviors reflecting positive and negative affect and attention were coded from videotapes.Results:Data indicated that at both age points, children who received the foster care intervention showed higher levels of attention and positive affect compared to children who remained institutionalized. Compared to the community sample, children in the foster care intervention showed higher levels of attention to the emotion‐eliciting tasks at 42 months of age.Conclusions: The results of this randomized trial demonstrate the impact of a family‐based intervention on the development of attention and positive affect.
Sexual Functioning of Latino Women Seeking Outpatient Gynecologic Care
Authors: Hullfish Kathie L. , Pastore Lisa M. , Mormon Allyson J.A. , Wernecke Yvonne , Bovbjerg Viktor E. , Clayton Anita H. 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
A sample of Latino women from an ambulatory obstetrics and gynecology (Ob/Gyn) clinic were queried about their sexual functioning using the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ-14).

Aim
To assess the degree of self-reported sexual complaints in a sample of Latino women living in the United States; to assess if the prevalence of symptoms differs from one study of women living in Spain; and to determine if sexual complaints were associated with demographics, sexual/reproductive history, selected medications, or religious practices.

Main Outcome Measures
CSFQ-14 scores and demographic variables.

Methods
CSFQ-14 questionnaire in an out-patient, bilingual Ob/Gyn clinic in Central Virginia.

Results
Seventy-one native Spanish-speaking patients (59% born in Mexico) completed the U.S. Spanish version of the CSFQ-14 and a short questionnaire for potential covariates. The mean age was 28.7 years (range 17–60). Birth place was outside of the United States for 95.8% (N = 67). Eighty percent of participants had children and 96% reported being currently sexually active. Low sexual functioning, as defined by a total CSFQ score of ≤41, was found in 26 (41.3%) participants. Taking medication for depression and/or anxiety was associated with lower sexual functioning (P = 0.03). Women who had children of any age living in the household were less likely to report low sexual functioning (P = 0.05; P = 0.01 when restricted to infants) than women without children living in the household. Thirteen of 68 women (19.1%) reported a history of physical and/or sexual abuse, but this was not associated with low sexual functioning. There was no association between self-reported religious affiliation or church attendance frequency and sexual complaints. Respondents in our sample had lower (i.e., worse sexual function) overall CSFQ scores compared with a sample of college students in Spain (P &lt; 0.01), but higher (i.e., better sexual function) overall scores than workers in Spain (P &lt; 0.04). On the subscales, our Latino population reported greater pleasure and less desire/interest than women who live in Spain.

Conclusions
Self-reported rates of low sexual functioning were common in this cross section of Latino women. Medical treatment of depression and/or anxiety was associated with lower functioning. Direct inquiry about the sexual health of U.S. Latino women presenting for routine health care may assist in the identification of sexual difficulties in this population.