bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma (PPARγ) during liver regeneration in rats
Authors: Yamamoto Yoshio , Ono Takashi , Dhar Dipok Kumar , Yamanoi Akira , Tachibana Mitsuo , Tanaka Tsuneo , Nagasue Naofumi 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma (PPARγ), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is widely expressed in adipocytes and other tissues, including the liver. Several reports have shown that PPARγ activation induced cell‐cycle arrest and apoptosis in tumor cells. We investigated the role of the PPARγ/ligand system and the effect of the PPARγ agonist during liver regeneration.Methods:  Expression of PPARγ and serum levels of 15‐deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2 (15d‐PGJ2) by enzyme immunoassay were evaluated in rats following partial hepatectomy (PH group). Further, the effect of the PPARγ agonist, pioglitazone, on liver regeneration (PH + PGZ group) was evaluated by proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index, relative liver weight, and expression of cell‐cycle regulators.Results:  The number of PPARγ‐stained hepatocytes decreased at 24 h (PH, 15.8 ± 2.2%; sham, 35.5 ± 2.4%; P < 0.001) and increased in the late phase of liver regeneration compared to the sham‐operated group (P < 0.001 at 48–120 h). The peaks of serum 15d‐PGJ2 (627.0 ± 91.1 pg/ml) and PPARγ expression (90.6 ± 3.1%) coincided in the late phase of liver regeneration. Also, oral administration of pioglitazone inhibited hepatocyte proliferation, in terms of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) labeling index and p27 expression during the late phase of liver regeneration, and caused a transient reduction in liver mass when compared to the PH group.Conclusions:  These results indicate that the PPARγ/ligand system may be one of the key negative regulators of hepatocyte proliferation and may be responsible for the inhibition of liver growth in the late phase of liver regeneration.
Mutation of Drosophila focal adhesion kinase induces bang‐sensitive behavior and disrupts glial function, axonal conduction and synaptic transmission
Authors: Ueda Atsushi , Grabbe Caroline , Lee Jihye , Lee Jisue , Palmer Ruth H. , Wu Chun‐Fang 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe role of the conserved focal adhesion kinase (FAK) family of protein tyrosine kinases in the development and physiological functions of the CNS has long been an area of interest among neuroscientists. In this report, we observe that Drosophila mutants lacking Fak56 exhibit a decreased lifespan, accompanied by a bang‐sensitive phenotype, which is characterized by sensitivity to mechanical and high‐frequency electrical stimulation. Fak56 mutant animals display lower thresholds and higher rates of seizures in response to electroconvulsive stimuli. Direct measurements of action potential conduction in larval segmental nerves demonstrate a slowed propagation speed and failure during high‐frequency nerve stimulation. In addition, neuromuscular junctions in Fak56 mutant animals display transmission blockade during high‐frequency activity as a result of action potential failure. Endogenous Fak56 protein is abundant in glial cells ensheathing the axon bundles, and structural alterations of segmental nerve bundles can be observed in mutants. Manipulation of Fak56 function specifically in glial cells also disrupts action potential conduction and neurotransmission, suggesting a glial component in the Fak56 bang‐sensitive phenotype. Furthermore, we show that increased intracellular calcium levels result in the dephosphorylation of endogenous Fak56 protein in Drosophila cell lines, in parallel with our observations of highly variable synaptic potentials at a higher Ca2+ level in Fak56 mutant larvae. Together these findings suggest that modulation of Fak56 function is important for action potential propagation and Ca2+‐regulated neuromuscular transmission in vivo.
Anatomical approach for surgery of the male posterior urethra
Authors: Dalpiaz Orietta , Mitterberger Michael , Kerschbaumer Andrea , Pinggera Germar M. , Bartsch Georg , Strasser Hannes 
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVETo investigate, in a morphological study, the anatomy of the male rhabdosphincter and the relation between the membranous urethra, the rhabdosphincter and the neurovascular bundles (NVBs) to provide the anatomical basis for surgical approach of the posterior urethra as successful outcomes in urethral reconstructive surgery still remain a challenging issue.MATERIALS AND METHODSIn all, 11 complete pelves and four tissue blocks of prostate, rectum, membranous urethra and the rhabdosphincter were studied. Besides anatomical preparations, the posterior urethra and their relationship were studied by means of serial histological sections.RESULTSIn the histological cross‐sections, the rhabdosphincter forms an omega‐shaped loop around the anterior and lateral aspects of the membranous urethra. Ventrally and laterally, it is separated from the membranous urethra by a delicate sheath of connective tissue. Through a midline approach displacing the nerves and vessels laterally, injuries to the NVBs can be avoided. With meticulous dissection of the delicate ventral connective tissue sheath between the ventral wall of the membranous urethra and the rhabdosphincter, the two structures can be separated without damage to either of them. This anatomical approach can be used for dissection of the anterior urethral wall in urethral surgery.CONCLUSIONSBased on precise anatomical knowledge, the ventral wall of the posterior urethra can be dissected and exposed without injuring the rhabdosphincter and the NVBs. This approach provides the basis for sparing of the rhabdosphincter and for successful outcomes in urethral surgery for the treatment of bulbo‐membranous urethral strictures.
Surgical management of large adrenal tumours: the University of Miami experience using liver transplantation techniques
Authors: Delis Spiros G. , Bakogiannis Andreas , Ciancio Gaetano , Soloway Mark 
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVETo report our experience in the surgical management of patients with large adrenal masses and describe the key steps in performing radical resections, which are especially demanding where thrombi extend into the inferior vena cava (IVC).PATIENTS AND METHODSFrom 2003 to 2007, 14 patients presented with large adrenal mass, and underwent surgical extirpation. In five patients thrombi extended into the IVC, causing Budd–Chiari syndrome in one.RESULTSThe median (range) patient age was 48  (40–58) years. The excision was radical with negative tumour margins in all cases. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was required in one case with adherent intra‐atrial thrombus. The mean blood loss was 500 (250–1500) mL except in the patient who required CPB. Morbidity included pleural effusion (three patients) and postoperative pneumonia (two), which responded to conservative management. All patients were alive and free of disease at a median follow‐up of 12 (5–42) months.CONCLUSIONSSurgical extirpation of large adrenal masses requires technical experience to optimize outcome. Total tumour excision is the only therapeutic option in such cases and provides acceptable results in survival and quality of life.
A REFUTATION OF THE COMMODITY EXPLOITATION THEOREM
Authors: Fujimoto Takao , Fujita Yukihiko 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTThis note is to show that the generalized commodity exploitation theorem put forward by Bowles and Gintis and Roemer is nothing but an alternative form of the Hawkins–Simon condition for given technical data, and that it has nothing to do with exploitation. That is, the Hawkins–Simon condition means a mere possibility of an economic system to produce a surplus in each commodity, and as such does not guarantee the existence of positive profits. To consider exploitation or the existence of positive profits, we need to introduce prices at which unequal exchanges may be carried out.
StabiEL: Stabilization of skin condition with Elidel – a patients’ satisfaction observational study addressing the treatment, with pimecrolimus cream, of atopic dermatitis pretreated with topical corticosteroid
Authors: Gollnick Harald , Luger Thomas , Freytag Siegfried , Bräutigam Matthias ,   for the STABIEL study group
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackground  The objective of this 4‐month multicentre observational study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of intermittent long‐term treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) with pimecrolimus cream 1% in the daily practice and to compare it with the preceding topical corticosteroid‐based therapy in retrospective.Patients and methods  Overall severity of AD and individual symptoms were assessed in 3200 patients by the physician, whereas acceptance of treatment and satisfaction of patients was investigated using a patient questionnaire.Results  The percentage of patients clear or almost clear of symptoms increased from 12% to 82%. Seventy‐four per cent of physician rated the treatment better than the preceding therapy, and 21% noted no difference. Seventy‐seven per cent of the patients asserted that long‐term intermittent treatment with pimecrolimus reduces the frequency of flares as opposed to less than 27% for topical corticosteroids. Patients also felt that pimecrolimus results in a higher improvement in quality of life; 84% stated that pimecrolimus stabilized the skin compared with 27% for topical steroids.Conclusion  Intermittent treatment of AD patients with pimecrolimus cream 1% is effective and well tolerated, and results in higher patient satisfaction compared with topical corticosteroids in retrospective.
Bonbon toffee sign: a new dermatoscopic feature for sebaceous hyperplasia
Authors: Oztas P , Polat M , Oztas M , Alli N , Ustun H 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIntroduction  Sebaceous hyperplasia is a benign proliferation of the sebaceous gland. In this study, we tried to define the dermatoscopic features of sebaceous hyperplasia, which will help to minimize misdiagnoses.Material and method  Seventeen patients with 30 sebaceous hyperplasia lesions were included in the study. All the lesions were evaluated dermatoscopically.Results  Cumulus sign, crown vessels, and milia‐like cysts were detected in 100%, 86.6%, 53.3% of the lesions, respectively. In 80% of the lesions, the bonbon toffee sign was detected.Conclusion  During this study, we observed a feature with central umbilication surrounded by cumulus sign in 80% of our cases, and we named this entity as the ‘Bonbon toffee sign’, which resembled us ‘bonbon toffee’. We think the ‘bonbon toffee sign’ is a simple and easily recognizable phrase, and it can be used as a new terminology in dermatoscopic diagnosis of sebaceous hyperplasia.
The Usefulness of Direct Ethanol Metabolites in Assessing Alcohol Intake in Nonintoxicated Male Patients in an Emergency Room Setting
Authors: Kip Miriam Julia , Spies Claudia Doris , Neumann Tim , Nachbar Yvonne , Alling Christer , Aradottir Steina , Weinmann Wolfgang , Wurst Friedrich Martin 
Published: June 2008

Background:  A major part of medical pathology in internal medicine is associated with chronic alcoholism. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether screening for Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) can be improved through determination of direct ethanol metabolites compared to traditional biological state markers, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and additional self‐reports beyond the detection time period of a positive blood alcohol concentration (BAC).Methods:  A total of 74 blood alcohol negative male patients who presented at the emergency room with either thoracic or gastrointestinal complaints were included. Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) was determined in whole blood, and ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in serum and urine samples. Traditional biological state markers [carbohydrate deficient transferrin (%CDT), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV)] were determined. The AUDIT was obtained and furthermore, all patients completed an additional self‐report of alcohol consumption. Patients were divided into two (2) groups: AUDIT scores < 8 and AUDIT scores ≥ 8.Results:  After assessment of the AUDIT, patients were allocated to one of the following groups: patients with AUDIT scores < 8 (n = 52) and with AUDIT scores ≥ 8 (n = 22). Twenty‐five percent of the patients with AUDIT scores below the cut‐off (n = 13/52) were tested positive for both PEth and UEtG. Of the patients who declared to be sober during the past 12 months, 38.5% were tested positive for PEth and UEtG. PEth discriminated similarly as %CDT for AUDIT scores ≥ 8 (AUC: 0.672; 95%CI 0.524 to 0.821). Self‐reports of alcohol consumption were unreliable.Conclusion:  Determination of direct ethanol metabolites such as PEth and UEtG provides additional evidence in screening for AUD in an ER setting. Determination of PEth might be considered complementary with or alternatively to %CDT.
Effects of Alcohol on Simulated Driving and Perceived Driving Impairment in Binge Drinkers
Authors: Marczinski Cecile A. , Harrison Emily L.R. , Fillmore Mark T. 
Published: June 2008

Background:  Binge drinking (heavy episodic alcohol use) is associated with high rates of impaired driving and myriad alcohol‐related accidents. However, the underlying reasons for the heightened accident risk in this demographic group are not known. This research examined acute alcohol effects on simulated driving performance and subjective ratings of intoxication and driving ability in binge and nonbinge drinkers.Methods:  Young social drinking college students (24 binge drinkers and 16 nonbinge drinkers) participated in this study. Participants attended a session during which they received a moderate dose of alcohol (0.65 g/kg) and a session during which they received a placebo. A simulated driving task measured participants’ driving performance in response to each dose. Subjective responses to each dose were also assessed, including ratings of sedation, stimulation, and driving ability.Results:  The acute dose of alcohol impaired multiple aspects of driving performance in both binge and nonbinge drinkers. Under alcohol, all participants had greater difficulty in maintaining their lane position, maintaining the appropriate speed and made multiple driving errors compared to placebo performance. By contrast, compared with nonbinge drinkers, binge drinkers reported feeling less sedated by the alcohol and reported having a greater ability to drive following the acute dose of alcohol.Conclusions:  Reduced subjective intoxication and perceived driving impairment in binge drinkers may account for the greater accident risk in this demographic group. Binge drinkers may lack the internal sedation cue that helps them accurately assess that they are not able to effectively drive a vehicle after drinking.
A Randomized Double‐Blind Pilot Trial of Gabapentin Versus Placebo to Treat Alcohol Dependence and Comorbid Insomnia
Authors: Brower Kirk J. , Myra Kim Hyungjin , Strobbe Stephen , Karam‐Hage Maher A. , Consens Flavia , Zucker Robert A. 
Published: June 2008

Background:  Insomnia and other sleep disturbances are common, persistent, and associated with relapse in alcohol‐dependent patients. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare gabapentin versus placebo for the treatment of insomnia and prevention of relapse in alcohol‐dependent patients.Methods:  Twenty‐one subjects, including 10 women who met study criteria for alcohol dependence and insomnia and expressed a desire to abstain from alcohol, were recruited to the study. During a 1 to 2 week placebo lead‐in and screening phase, a complete medical history, physical exam, blood tests, urine drug test, and structured interviews were performed to determine eligibility and patterns of alcohol use and sleep. Insomnia due to intoxication or acute withdrawal, psychiatric or medical illness, medications, and other sleep disorders were ruled out. Subjects were then randomized to either placebo (n = 11) or gabapentin (n = 10) for 6 weeks and titrated over a 10‐day period to 1,500 mg or 5 pills at bedtime. After a 4‐day taper, subjects were reassessed 6 weeks after ending treatment.Results:  Gabapentin significantly delayed the onset to heavy drinking, an effect which persisted for 6 weeks after treatment ended. Insomnia improved in both treatment groups during the medication phase, but gabapentin had no differential effects on sleep as measured by either subjective report or polysomnography.Conclusion:  Because gabapentin is a short‐acting medication that was taken only at nighttime in this study, it may possibly exert a nocturnal effect that prevents relapse to heavy drinking by a physiological mechanism not measured in this pilot study.
Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN): A role for polymorphisms in the β‐adrenergic receptor (ADRB) encoding genes?
Authors: Aslan Ece , Tutdibi Erol , Martens Swantje , Han Yihua , Monz Dominik , Gortner Ludwig 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAim: Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is a common cause of early respiratory distress in the neonatal period of term infants. Delayed resorption of foetal lung fluid after birth is considered as the main pathophysiological factor. As resorption of foetal lung fluid is a catecholamine dependent process, we aimed at investigating, whether β1‐ and β2‐adrenoreceptor (ADRB1, ADRB2) polymorphisms, known to alter catecholamine activity, are operative in TTN.Methods: DNA was collected for genotyping from 73 term newborns suffering from TTN and 55 healthy controls from a Caucasian cohort.Results: TTN infants were more likely to be male (70% vs. 49%; p < 0.05), had a lower mean birthweight (3120 ± 450 vs. 3396 ± 504 g; p < 0.001) and gestational age (GA) (38.4 ± 1.2 vs. 39.4 ± 1.3 weeks; p < 0.001) and were more often delivered by caesarean section (CS) (71% vs. 26%; p < 0.001). The β1Ser49Gly polymorphism differed significantly between cases and controls. Multivariate analysis provided β1Gly49 homozygotes with higher risk for TTN (OR 18.5; 95%CI 1.5–229; p = 0.023) than β1Ser49 allele carrier. Further analysis showed significant association of T‐47C, A46G, C79G and C491T (TACC) haplotype in ADRB2 gene with TTN (p = 0.048).Conclusion: We conclude that β1Gly49 homozygosity and TACC haplotype of ADRB2 gene, both loss‐of‐function genetic variations, may predispose to TTN.
Communication and child behaviour associated with unwillingness to take premedication
Authors: Proczkowska‐Björklund Marie , Runeson Ingrid , Gustafsson Per A , Svedin Carl Göran 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAim: To see how dominance in adult communication and child behaviour during premedication affects the child's unwillingness to take premedication.Method: Ninety‐five children scheduled for ENT surgery were video‐filmed during premedication. All communication was translated verbatim and the communication was grouped according to; if the parent or nurse directed their communication towards the child or not, or; if they talked about nonprocedural matters or procedural matters.Results: Unwillingness to take premedication was associated with more parent communication and less anaesthetic nurse communication compared to willingness to take premedication. There was a heighten risk that the child took their premedication unwillingly if their parent talked more directly to the child (OR = 4.9, p ≤ 0.01), the child gave hesitant eye contact with the anaesthetic nurse (OR = 4.5, p ≤ 0.05), the child had experienced an earlier traumatic medical procedure (OR = 4.1. p ≤ 0.001) or if the child placed her/himself nearby their parent (OR = 4.0, p ≤ 0.001).Conclusion: Together with behaviour that could be signs of shyness and earlier medical traumatic experience, parents that are actively communicating with their child before premedication may heighten the risk that the child will take the premedication unwillingly.
The Effectiveness of Cultural‐Competence Training for Health Professionals in Community‐Based Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review of Literature
Authors: Chipps Jennifer Anne , Simpson Barbara , Brysiewicz Petra 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTAims:To find and review studies in which investigators evaluated cultural‐competence training in community‐based rehabilitation settings; critique study methods, describe clinical outcomes, and make recommendations for future research.Background:A review of the effectiveness of cultural‐competence training for health professionals in community‐based rehabilitation settings was conducted.Data Sources:Research citations from 1991–2006 in CINAHL, Medline, Pubmed, PsycInfo, SABINET, Cochrane, Google, NEXUS, and unpublished abstracts were searched.Methods:Searching, sifting, abstracting, and assessing quality of relevant studies by three reviewers. Studies were evaluated for sample, design, intervention, threats to validity, and outcomes. A meta‐analysis was not conducted because the studies did not address the same research question.Results:Five studies and one systematic review were evaluated. Positive outcomes were reported for most training programs. Reviewed studies generally had small samples and poor design.Conclusions/Implications:The paucity of studies and lack of empirical precision in evaluating effectiveness necessitate future studies that are methodologically rigorous to allow confident recommendations for practice.
Selenium, immune function and resistance to viral infections
Authors: GILL Harsharn , WALKER Glen 
Published: June 2008

AbstractSelenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient that, through its incorporation into selenoproteins, plays a pivotal role in maintaining optimal health. Insufficient intake of Se enhances predisposition to diseases associated with oxidative stress to cells and tissues while supplementation above the recommended levels has been shown to confer health benefits such as enhanced immune competence and resistance to viral infections and in animal models and human studies. Recent studies have also shown that different sources of Se differ in their bioavailability and bioactivity and that Se‐enriched milk may be a superior source of Se. In this paper, we briefly describe the nature of selenoproteins, sources of Se in diets and the known mechanisms by which Se/selenoproteins regulate redox balance, augment immune function and mediate resistance to viral infections.
Delivering polyphenols for healthy ageing
Authors: KOSARAJU Shantha L. , LABBETT Deanne , EMIN Michelle , KONCZAK Izabela , LUNDIN Leif 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThere is a growing demand for delivery of antioxidants through functional foods with the concomitant challenge of protecting their bioactivity during food processing and subsequent passage through the gastrointestinal tract. This study focuses on the retention of antioxidant activity of polyphenolic antioxidants after encapsulation/spray‐drying. The polyphenolic compounds present in grape‐seed extract (GSE), apple polyphenol extract (APE) and olive‐leaf extract (OLE) were analysed by chromatographic methods. Catechin, epicatechin and gallic acid were identified in GSE and APE. Oleorupein is the major compound found in OLE. Total polyphenol content was found to be the highest in APE followed by GSE and OLE. These extracts were encapsulated using protein‐lipid emulsions and subsequently spray‐dried. Optical microscopy and particle size distribution analysis indicated the sphericity and uniform size distribution pattern of the dry particles. Radical scavenging activity studies demonstrated significant retention of antioxidant activity after the encapsulation and spray‐drying process.