bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Manufacture of the Skullcap (Cervelliera) in the Florentine Countryside During the Age of Dante and the Problem of Identifying Michael Scot as Its Inventor
Authors: Muendel John 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe activities of the rural blacksmiths of Cascia, operating beyond the environs of Dante's Florence, and their employers, an urban company of mercers, indicate that the relationship between the city and the countryside was not separated by any differences in cultural outlook. The ties were close rather than antagonistic not only because of an inherent sense of mobility shared by both parties, but also on account of the standard of craftsmanship demonstrated by the Cascian ironworkers. The skullcaps, or cervelliere, manufactured by these provincial artisans were of the highest quality and were prominent articles in the trade of the expanding European markets of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. Worn primarily by infantrymen, they were essentially the product of increased populations, capitalizing on the new opportunities created by urban growth. Whether or not Michael Scot, the close associate of the German emperor Frederick II, invented the cervelliera in 1233 poses a distinct quandary. If the Aristotelian astrologer, alchemist, and physician was a mediator between philosopher and artisan, much more qualified information would be needed to substantiate the connection. Only the possibility, not the certainty, that Michael was integrally involved in the metallurgy of iron can be introduced within a thirteenth-century milieu where philosophical emphasis was on the close observation of everyday experience.
Leprosy: Medical Views of Leviticus Rabba
Authors: Ostrer Boris S. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThis article discusses chapters 15 and 16 of the ancient midrash (allegorical commentary) Leviticus Rabba (IV-V AD) and its view of leprosy. The phenomenon of Biblical leprosy is here not investigated from a paleopathological point of view. The focus lies on its physiological, actiological, pathological and therapeutic aspects as represented in Leviticus Rabba. It is argued that the medical views of Leviticus Rabba show a certain resemblance to some of the view of the Hippocratic School, notably with respect to humoral theory, the belief in the correspondence between the macrocosm and the individual microcosm, and the notion of paideia as a way of healing. Finally, it is shown that the ancient myth of the two floods (of water and of fire) is connected to the understanding of leprosy in Leviticus Rabba.
The Certitude of Astrology: the Scientific Methodology of Al-Qabīsī and Abu MaShar1
Authors: Burnett Charles 
Published: December 2007

AbstractAbū Ma'shar (787-886) and al-Qābīsī (mid-10th century) were active astrologers and defenders of the scientific character of their discipline. They wrote works on criticisms brought forward against the discipline and challenged practitioners whom they considered as detrimental for the esteem and future fate of their science. Nevertheless, both writers can be seen as heirs to a single tradition of thought, which took its origins in Ptolemy's Tetrabiblios and developed largely independently of the religious or philosophical beliefs of a specific community. The arguments developed for proving the scientific value of astrology are interesting in their own right, and merit further study not only by historians of science but also by historians of philosophy.
How do I sound to me? Perceived changes in communication in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Miller Nick , Noble Emma , Jones Diana , Allcock Liesl , Burn David J. 
Published: December 2007

Objective: To examine self and carer perceived changes in communication associated with Parkinson's disease and relate these to speech intelligibility, gender, age and other disease measures. Design: Cross-sectional survey of a hospital- and community-based sample of 176 people with Parkinson's disease and their carers using a questionnaire based on semantic differential techniques. Participants: One hundred and four people with Parkinson's disease with no history of communication difficulties prior to onset of their Parkinson's disease and 45 primary carers who returned completed questionnaires. Main outcome measures: Differences in ratings for `before' the onset of Parkinson's disease versus present status. Results: There was a strong perception of negative impact on communication between `before' and `now', irrespective of age and gender and largely independent of disease severity and duration, intelligibility and cognitive status. Activities of daily living (assessed by Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) II) and depression rating scale scores had the strongest association with change (adjusted R 2 0.27). There was a significant correlation between the rank order of perceived change in features examined in people with Parkinson's disease versus their carers, though in general carers rated change as having less impact. Conclusions: Parkinson's disease exercises a strong influence on communication even before apparent alterations to intelligibility or motor status (UPDRS).
Identifying the attributes of threshold and higher level nursing practice for children's cancer and palliative care nurses: the views of children, their parents and other stakeholders
Authors: Hale Claire , Long Tony , Sanderson Linda , Carr Kristina 
Published: December 2007

This paper presents the findings of the third stage of a research study, the overall aim of which was to evaluate the educational preparation for cancer and palliative care nursing for children and adolescents in England. The specific aim of this stage was to define the attributes of `threshold' and `higher level' practice in nursing in order to inform the outcomes of future educational programmes. The research design involved children, their parents and their nurses at two different stages in the study. The first stage was the construction of the research instruments, in this case video and audio recordings of episodes of care in which the children participated. The second stage was the review of the recordings by the children, their parents and other stakeholders involved in their care. Service users were also involved in the management of the project. The study findings suggested that although there was considerable agreement between service users and other stakeholders about the characteristics of adequate or threshold practice, for both cancer and palliative care, there was less agreement about what constituted higher level or expert practice — other than `more of the same but better'. The key areas of importance for future professional development courses were agreed as partnership working, clinical skills, multidisciplinary working and the personal attributes of the nurse.
Alternative mRNA is favored by the A3 haplotype of the EPCR gene PROCR and generates a novel soluble form of EPCR in plasma
Authors: Saposnik Beatrice , Lesteven Elodie , Lokajczyk Anna , Esmon Charles T. , Aiach Martine , Gandrille Sophie 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe endothelial cell protein C receptor also exists in soluble form in plasma (sEPCR), resulting from ADAM17 cleavage. Elevated sEPCR levels are observed in subjects carrying the A3 haplotype, which is characterized by a Ser219Gly substitution in the transmembrane domain, rendering the receptor more sensitive to cleavage. Because sEPCR production is not completely blocked by metalloprotease inhibition, we looked for another mechanism. Comparing mRNA expression patterns and levels in A3 and non-A3 cells from 32 human umbilical cord veins, we detected a truncated mRNA in addition to the full-length mRNA. This truncated mRNA was 16 times more abundant in A3 human umbilical vein endothelial cells than in non-A3 human umbilical vein endothelial cells and encoded a protein lacking the transmembrane domain. We stably expressed a recombinant form of this protein (rEPCRisoform) and a protein mimicking the plasma sEPCR (rEPCRsol). Functional studies of the purified recombinant proteins revealed that the rEPCRisoform bound to recombinant protein C with similar affinity than rEPCRsol and that it also inhibited the anticoagulant activity of APC. Trace amounts of the EPCR isoform were found in the plasma of A3 subjects. These results suggest that the sEPCRisoform could contribute to the regulatory effect of sEPCR in plasma.
PI5KI-dependent signals are critical regulators of the cytolytic secretory pathway
Authors: Micucci Federica , Capuano Cristina , Marchetti Enzo , Piccoli Mario , Frati Luigi , Santoni Angela , Galandrini Ricciarda 
Published: December 2007

AbstractAlthough membrane phospholipid phosphatidylinositol-4,5bisphosphate (PIP2) plays a key role as signaling intermediate and coordinator of actin dynamics and vesicle trafficking, it remains completely unknown its involvement in the activation of cytolytic machinery. By live confocal imaging of primary human natural killer (NK) cells expressing the chimeric protein GFP-PH, we observed, during effector-target cell interaction, the consumption of a preexisting PIP2 pool, which is critically required for the activation of cytolytic machinery. We identified type I phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate-5-kinase (PI5KI) α and γ isoforms as the enzymes responsible for PIP2 synthesis in NK cells. By hRNA-driven gene silencing, we observed that both enzymes are required for the proper activation of NK cytotoxicity and for inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) generation on receptor stimulation. In an attempt to elucidate the specific step controlled by PI5KIs, we found that lytic granule secretion but not polarization resulted in impaired PI5KIα- and PI5KIγ-silenced cells. Our findings delineate a novel mechanism implicating PI5KIα and PI5KIγ isoforms in the synthesis of PIP2 pools critically required for IP3-dependent Ca2+ response and lytic granule release.
Strongyloides stercoralis infection in a Finnish kennel
Authors: Dillard Kati J , Saari Seppo AM , Anttila Marjukka 
Published: December 2007

AbstractBackgroundIntestinal threadwormStrongyloides stercoralisis a parasite of dog, cat and primates that occurs worldwide being most prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries. The adult parasitic worm is about 2 mm long and slender. It possesses both parasitic and free-living lifecycles. The parasitic worms are females.Strongyloides stercoralisinfects the host via percutaneous, peroral or transmammary transmission in addition to autoinfection. Clinical disease varies from inapparent to severe enteritis and pneumonia. The diagnosis is based on demonstration of larvae in fresh faeces, which is best made by Baermann technique.Case presentationStrongyloides stercoralisinfection was diagnosed in autopsy in a 10-week-old puppy born and raised in a Finnish kennel. Prior to its sudden death, the puppy had suffered from gastrointestinal disturbance for three weeks. Subsequent sampling of the dogs in the kennel revealed that three adult dogs in the kennel were also infected.ConclusionThe present case shows thatS. stercoraliscan complete its life cycle and cause disease in dogs also in Northern Europe. Infection can be maintained also in a temperate climate and may become a chronic problem in a kennel environment. Infection may be underdiagnosed as Baermann technique is not routinely performed in small animal practice.
Traumatic avulsion of kidney and spleen into the chest through a ruptured diaphragm in a young worker: a case report
Authors: Stamatiou Konstantinos , Ilias Georgios , Chlopsios Christos , Karanasiou Vasilissa , Kavouras Nikolaos , Lebrun Fred , Heretis John , Sofras Frank 
Published: December 2007

Abstract

Introduction
Rupture of the diaphragm is almost always due to major trauma. Diaphragmatic injuries are rare (5–7%), usually secondary to blunt, or more rarely to penetrating, thoracic or abdominal trauma. No single investigation provides a reliable diagnosis of diaphragmatic rupture when a patient first arrives at hospital. Almost 33% are suspected on initial chest x-ray, but the percentage is lower in patients who are immediately intubated. Mortality in patients with diaphragmatic rupture following blunt abdominal trauma is generally associated with coexistent vascular and visceral injuries that could be rapidly fatal. It's mandatory that the right diagnosis is reached as soon as possible given that mortality is influenced by the time elapsing between trauma and diagnosis.

Case presentation
A 35-year-old worker was hit by a heavy object while working in the factory. He was transferred immediately to our emergency room. Chest x-ray showed massive left hemothorax without any additional signs to suggest diaphragmatic injury. It was decided to perform immediate surgical exploration before further radiological examination. During surgery, the right kidney and liver appeared normal, but the left kidney and spleen were not found in their anatomical position. The left hemidiaphragm had a10-cm oblique posterior tear. The left kidney was found lacerated in the left side of the chest, separated completely from its vascular pedicle and ureter, along with the entire spleen which was also separated from its vascular tree.

Conclusion
The avulsion of both kidney and spleen following abdominal trauma is uncommon and survival depends on prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Repetitive posterior iliac crest autograft harvest resulting in an unstable pelvic fracture and infected non-union: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Oakley Matthew J , Smith Wade R , Morgan Steven J , Ziran Navid M , Ziran Bruce H 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Fractures of the pelvic ring have been well studied, and the biomechanical relationship between the anterior and posterior elements is an important concept to understand these complex injuries. The vast majority of these injuries are due to trauma. However, in rare circumstances, autogenous bone graft harvesting may lead to an unstable pelvic ring. In this case report, we describe a rare complication in a 70-year old female patient who developed an unstable pelvis and an infected non-union secondary to repeated posterior iliac graft harvest. The orthopaedic surgeon should be aware of this detrimental complication associated with extensive or repeated posterior iliac crest graft harvest.
Targeted deletion of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 produced enhanced inflammatory responses to influenza A/PR/8/34 in the absence and presence of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol
Authors: Buchweitz John P , Karmaus Peer W F , Williams Kurt J , Harkema Jack R , Kaminski Norbert E 
Published: December 2007

AbstractWe have previously reported that Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC)-treated mice challenged with influenza virus A/PR/8/34 (PR8) developed increased viral hemagglutinin 1 (H1) mRNA levels and decreased monocyte and lymphocyte recruitment to the pulmonary airways when compared with mice challenged with PR8 alone. The objective of the present study was to examine the role of cannabinoid (CB1/CB2) receptors in mediating the effects of Δ9-THC on immune and epithelial cell responses to PR8. In the current study, Δ9-THC-treated CB1/CB2 receptor null (CB1−/−/CB2−/−) and wild-type mice infected with PR8 had marked increases in viral H1 mRNA when compared with CB1−/−/CB2−/− and wild-type mice challenged with PR8 alone. However, the magnitude of the H1 mRNA levels was greatly reduced in CB1−/−/CB2−/− mice as compared with wild-type mice. In addition, Δ9-THC-treated CB1−/−/CB2−/− mice infected with PR8 had increased CD4+ T cells and IFN-γ in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid with greater pulmonary inflammation when compared with Δ9-THC-treated wild-type mice infected with PR8. Δ9-THC treatment of CB1−/−/CB2−/− mice in the presence or absence of PR8 challenge also developed greater amounts of mucous cell metaplasia in the affected bronchiolar epithelium. Collectively, the immune and airway epithelial cell responses to PR8 challenge in Δ9-THC-treated CB1−/−/CB2−/− and wild-type mice indicated the involvement of CB1/CB2 receptor-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
Chronic Hypertension Aggravates Heat Stress–Induced Cognitive Dysfunction and Brain Pathology
Authors: MURESANU DAFIN F. , SHARMA HARI S. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractHyperthermia following heat stress results in profound brain edema formation and damage to the central nervous system (CNS). However, whether acute or chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, endocrine, or metabolic ailments further influence the vulnerability of human populations to heat‐related deaths is still unclear. In this investigation, we examined the effect of hyperthermia on chronic hypertensive rats. The influence of growth hormone (GH) as a therapy to attenuate brain dysfunction was also evaluated. Subjecting rats to 4 h of heat stress at 38°C in a biological oxygen demand (BOD) incubator resulted in profound impairment of motor and cognitive functions, breakdown of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), reduction in regional cerebral blood flow (CBF), edema formation, and brain damage. These effects were further aggravated when chronic hypertensive rats (two‐kidney, one‐clip model for 4 weeks) were subjected to similar hyperthermic conditions (38°C for 4 h). Interestingly, the behavioral alterations and impairment of motor and cognitive functions in hypertensive rats were much worse than those in the normotensive animals subjected to heat stress. Pretreatment with GH (50 μg/kg/min i.v. for 60 min, before heat stress) significantly attenuated behavioral and cognitive deficits in normotensive rats and reduced the BBB dysfunction and brain pathology. On the other hand, similar treatment with GH in hypertensive animals only mildly reduced brain damage or cognitive dysfunction after heat stress. These novel observations indicate that patients suffering from various chronic diseases respond differently to various health hazards such as hyperthermia and to other neuroprotective agents.
Genetic and Hormonal Regulation of Tryptophan–Kynurenine Metabolism
Authors: OXENKRUG GREGORY F. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractImpairment of cognition that is caused by (or associated with) vascular factors has been termed vascular cognitiveimpairment (VCI). The hallmark of VCI is an impairment of brain executive, or planning, functions caused by inflammatory changes of brain microvessels. VCI is characterized by impairment of the executive function and is distinct from Alzheimer's‐type and multi‐infarct dementias, although VCI might overlap with Alzheimer's disease. This review focuses on the possible contribution of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan (Try) catabolism to the inflammatory changes in brain microvessels. One mechanism of brain microvessel inflammation is activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by the proinflammatory cytokine interferon gamma (IFN‐γ). The effect of IFN‐γ on iNOS might be mediated by kynurenine derivatives of tryptophan because (1) IFN‐γ stimulates the rate‐determining enzyme of the Try–kynurenine pathway, indoleamine‐2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) and (2) some kynurenines (e.g., quinolinic and picolinic acids) can stimulate iNOS. IFN‐γ production is controlled by (IFN‐γ) + 874(T/A) genotypes, suggesting the association of a high promoter T allele with the high rate of IFN‐γ production and, consequently, with activated IDO and enhanced production of kynurenines. Although IDO is strictly an IFN‐γ–induced gene product, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) can synergistically increase the transcriptional activation of the IDO gene in response to IFN‐γ. The combination of high promoter T of (IFN‐γ) + 874(T/A) with high promoter A of (TNF‐α) – 308(G/A) might “superinduce” IDO and cause (or contribute to) inflammation of brain microvessels detected as white matter hyperintensities and leading to VCI development. Hormonal induction of tryptophan dioxygenase and the ability of hormones to potentiate IFN‐γ–induced activation of IDO might contribute to the development of inflammatory changes in major depressive disorder and in aging. The IFN‐γ–IDO–iNOS hypothesis of VCI suggests new ways of preventing (identifying population at risk by analysis of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α genetic polymorphism) and treating VCI (using IDO inhibitors and melatonin and bupropion [Wellbutrin] as agents suppressing IFN‐γ and TNF‐α production).
Metabolic Syndrome in Drug Abuse
Authors: VIRMANI ASHRAF , BINIENDA ZBIGNIEW K. , ALI SYED F. , GAETANI FRANCO 
Published: December 2007

AbstractDrug abuse is associated with significant health risk. Whether drug abusers are at a higher risk of suffering the metabolic syndrome is not widely known. The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities, including hyperinsulinemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and abdominal obesity, and is probably triggered by initial imbalances at the cellular level in various critical metabolic pathways. These initially small metabolic imbalances are believed to cascade with time and lead to larger problems. Some indications that drug abuse may increase the risk of the metabolic syndrome include the following:

Drug‐abusing patients have higher rates of diabetes complications.
Substance abuse is a significant contributing factor for treatment noncompliance in diabetes.
Nutrition education can enhance substance abuse treatment outcomes.

Each type of drug/substance abuse has a unique profile of toxicity. For example, the amphetamines generally affect the cardiovascular and neurological systems, worsening the risk factors for the metabolic syndrome. Methamphetamine (meth) abusers suffer cognitive deficits and abnormal metabolic activity, which affect nutritional status. This condition is further worsened by a drastic reduction in oral health in meth abusers, resulting in improper chewing and, therefore, digestion. Nutritional deficiency in combination with drug abuse would increase the risk of developing the metabolic syndrome by increasing cell damage, augmenting excitotoxicity, reducing energy production, and lowering the antioxidant potential of the cells. Another potential risk factor in the development of the metabolic syndrome is genetic vulnerability, especially in combination with drug abuse and nutritional deficiencies. The strategies available to treat this problem include pharmacological agents as well as dietary antioxidants. Such measures may be useful in reducing drug abuse–related toxicity that may lead to the metabolic syndrome.
A Select Combination of Neurotrophins Enhances Neuroprotection and Functional Recovery following Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: SHARMA HARI SHANKER 
Published: December 2007

AbstractPreviously, we have shown that topical application of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) given within 5 to 30 min after a focal trauma to the rat spinal cord attenuates spinal cord injury (SCI)–induced breakdown of the blood–spinal cord barrier (BSCB), edema formation, motor dysfunction, and cell injury. This investigation was undertaken to find out whether a combination of select neurotrophins (BDNF, glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor [GDNF], neurotrophin 3 [NT‐3], or nerve growth factor [NGF]) will further enhance the neuroprotective efficacy of growth factors in SCI. The neurotrophins (0.1–1 μg/10 μL in phosphate‐buffered saline) were applied 30, 60, or 90 min after injury topically over the traumatized spinal cord either alone or in combination. The SCI was performed by making a unilateral incision into the right dorsal horn of the T10–T11 segment under Equithesin anesthesia. The rats were allowed to survive 5 h after trauma. Topical application of BDNF, GDNF, or NGF 30 min after SCI in high concentration (0.5 μg and 1 μg) significantly improved the motor functions and reduced the BSCB breakdown, edema formation, and cell injury seen at 5 h. These beneficial effects of neurotropins were absent when administered separately either 60 or 90 min after SCI. However, a combination of BDNF and GDNF (but not with NT‐3 or NGF) given either 60 or 90 min after SCI significantly reduced the motor dysfunction and spinal cord pathology at 5 h. These novel observations suggest that a select group of neurotrophins in combination have potential therapeutic value for the treatment of SCI in clinical situations.