bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Complex Role of Vitamin D in Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Szodoray P. , Nakken B. , Gaal J. , Jonsson R. , Szegedi A. , Zold E. , Szegedi G. , Brun J. G. , Gesztelyi R. , Zeher M. , Bodolay E. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractVitamin D, besides having well‐known control functions of calcium and phosphorus metabolism, bone formation and mineralization, also has a role in the maintenance of immune‐homeostasis. The immune‐regulatory role of vitamin D affects both the innate and adaptive immune system contributing to the immune‐tolerance of self‐structures. Impaired vitamin D supply/regulation, amongst other factors, leads to the development of autoimmune processes in animal models of various autoimmune diseases. The administration of vitamin D in these animals leads to improvement of immune‐mediated symptoms. Moreover, in human autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis the pathogenic role of vitamin D has been described. The review aims at describing the complex immune‐regulatory role of vitamin D from the cellular level through autoimmune animal models and depicting the known contribution of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of human autoimmune diseases.
Analysis of enzyme‐treated red blood cell surface and haemagglutination using a theory of soft particle electrophoresis
Authors: Hyono A. , Mazda T. , Okazaki H. , Tadokoro K. , Ohshima H. 
Published: May 2008

Background and Objectives  Enzymatic treatment of red blood cells is thought to reduce the cell zeta (ζ) potential, effectively decreasing the distance between cells to less than the length of an immunoglobulin G antibody binding site, and resulting in agglutination of cells. However, the ζ potential given by Smoluchowski's formula is based on theories of the electrophoresis of hard colloidal particles. A theory has recently been developed for the electrophoresis of colloidal particles covered with polyelectrolytes, which we call ‘soft particles’.Materials and Methods  The electrophoretic mobility of red blood cell treated with papain and neuraminidase was measured as the electrolyte concentration of the medium using phosphate buffer. The results were analysed via the formula for ‘soft particles’. This mobility formula involved two parameters, the fixed charge density (ZN) and parameter 1/λ characterizing the ‘softness’ of the cell surface layer.Results  The best‐fit curves of 0·1 units neuraminidase‐treated red blood cells indicated that ZN decreased by 76% and 1/λ decreased by 8% compared to intact red blood cells. In contrast, in 5 units of papain‐treated red blood cells ZN decreased by 45% and 1/λ decreased by 33% compared to intact red blood cells.Conclusion  The present study shows that the change in ZN for neuraminidase‐treated cells was very large, but the cells did not become agglutinable. Papain‐treated cells had changes in both ZN and 1/λ, and the cells became agglutinable. 1/λ is one of the important factors for agglutination.
VASODILATORY ACTIVITY OF NOVEL CARBAMATE DERIVATIVES OF ISATIN
Authors: Maroñas Patricia A , Sudo Roberto T , Corrêa Marilza B , Pinto Ângelo C , Garden Simon J , Trachez Margarete M , Zapata‐Sudo Gisele 
Published: May 2008

SUMMARY

Isatin (1H‐indole‐2,3 dione) is an endogenous compound that may act as a physiological regulator of muscle contraction by reducing cGMP production by inhibition of guanylyl cyclase (GC) activity.
Intracellular cGMP levels can regulate the contractile response of smooth muscle. Therefore, in the present study we investigated the effects of seven novel carbamate derivatives of isatin, namely C1–C7, on the contractility of aortic rings from Wistar rats.
Carbamates C1 and C6 most effectively promoted endothelium‐dependent relaxation of aortic rings pretreated with 10 µmol/L phenylephrine (PE) to induce contraction. The concentration of the C1 and C6 carbamates necessary to reduce PE‐induced aortic contraction by 50% (IC50) was 5.6 ± 1.0 and 48.4 ± 3.4 µmol/L, respectively. Carbamate derivative‐induced vasodilation required an intact endothelium, which is responsible for nitric oxide (NO) release.
Pretreatment of rings with 100 µmol/L naloxone or 10 µmol/L atropine prevented the C1‐ and C6‐mediated vascular relaxation, indicating that the vasodilatory activity was dependent on the activation of opioid or muscarinic receptors, respectively.
The results of our studies provide insights into the role of novel carbamates in the regulation of vascular tone. Carbamates could stimulate NO synthesis, which induces vasodilation primarily by stimulation of GC and cGMP production. Taken together, our findings suggest that carbamate derivative‐induced vasodilation may be considered an alternative treatment for primary and/or secondary hypertension.
Use of Hartmann’s procedure in England
Authors: David G. G. , Al‐Sarira A. A. , Willmott S. , Cade D. , Corless D. J. , Slavin J. P. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIntroduction  Hartmann’s procedure is widely used in the management of complicated diverticular disease and for colorectal cancer. Very little national data are available about the reasons for performing this procedure and the reversal rate.Method  Hospital episode statistics data were obtained from The Department of Health and exported to an Access database for analysis. A cohort of patients who underwent a Hartmann’s procedure between April 2001 and March 2002 were identified and followed until April 2006 to identify patients undergoing reversal of Hartmann’s.Results  Approximately 3950 Hartmann’s procedures were performed between April 2001 and March 2002, 2853 as an emergency and 1097 as an elective procedure. Most emergency Hartmann’s were performed for benign disease (2067, 72.5%) whereas a majority of the elective Hartmann’s were performed for cancer (756, 68.9%). Seven hundred and thirty six (23.3%) of these patients underwent reversal during the study period. The median time interval between a Hartmann’s procedure and reversal was 284.5 days (interquartile range 181–468.25).Conclusion  This study represents the single largest cohort in whom outcome after Hartmann’s procedure has been studied. A majority of Hartmann’s are performed as an emergency for benign diseases and most of them are not reversed.
Intradermal injection of methylene blue for the treatment of refractory pruritus ani
Authors: Sutherland A. D. , Faragher I. G. , Frizelle F. A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective  Idiopathic pruritus ani is a common perianal condition that can be refractory to diligent perineal care. We wished to evaluate the efficacy and side effects of intradermal methylene blue for the treatment of refractory pruritus ani.Method  A prospective series of 49 patients with idiopathic pruritus ani, who had failed to improve with perineal care, were treated by a single surgeon. All patients received intradermal injections of methylene blue. Endpoints were patient symptom score, and complications (pain, dysaesthesia, skin necrosis, incontinence and anaphylaxis).Results  Symptoms improved in 96% and resolved in 57% of patients after one treatment. All four patients who had a second treatment became symptom‐free. Seven patients noticed changes in continence, all resolved between 10 days and 6 weeks. Two patients were distressed by their decrease in their perianal sensation. There was no skin necrosis or anaphylaxis.Conclusion  Treatment of refractory pruritus ani by intradermal injection of methylene blue is effective and generally well tolerated.
Laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy with and without previous subtotal colectomy
Authors: McAllister I. , Sagar P. M. , Brayshaw I. , Gonsalves S. , Williams G. L. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIntroduction  Laparoscopic techniques have been applied to the procedure of restorative proctocolectomy (RPC). The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of patients after laparoscopic ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis (IPAA) with restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) and without previous colectomy [restorative proctectomy (RP)] and to highlight some technical tips.Method  Data were collected prospectively from all patients who underwent laparoscopic IPAA from July 2006 to December 2007.Results  Thirty‐six patients underwent IPAA either with total proctocolectomy (n = 25) or after previous emergency colectomy (n = 11). Postoperative morbidity occurred in 22% of patients. The overall median operative time was 210 (range 120–325), 240 (170–325) and 180 (120–240) min for RPC and RP respectively (P < 0.05). The median length of stay for all patients was 6 (3–26), 6 (4–26) and 4 (3–13) days for RPC and RP respectively (P < 0.05). There was no correlation between BMI, age, use of immunosuppressive agents and length of stay. The operative procedure was facilitated by the use of specific devices at particular stages of the operation.Conclusion  Laparoscopic IPAA is not only safe and feasible for the virgin abdomen but also for patients with a previous emergency colectomy through a midline laparotomy incision.
Appendicitis in pregnancy: an ongoing diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Brown J. J. S. , Wilson C. , Coleman S. , Joypaul B. V. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIntroduction  Appendicitis in pregnancy (AIP) is the most common nonobstetric cause of an acute abdomen requiring surgical intervention. Diagnostic difficulties arising from gestational symptoms compound the risk of foetal loss after negative appendicectomy and exponentially increase the risk to mother and foetus with delay in genuine cases. In this article, we investigate the symptoms and signs of AIP and attempt to identify consistent clinical features and review the role of imaging in diagnosis.Method  MEDLINE and PubMed were searched for case–control studies recording preoperative symptoms/signs suggestive of AIP, as well as appendiceal pathology. Combined likelihood and odds ratios (OR) were created for clinical features across homogenous papers. Papers examining the use of laparoscopy, ultrasound (US), computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were assessed qualitatively.Results  Seven papers met the inclusion criteria for the analysis of consistent clinical features (450 patients). The only symptoms or signs significantly associated with a diagnosis of appendicitis were nausea (OR: 2.21, 95%CI: 1.34–3.66), vomiting (OR: 0.82–15.6 range) and peritonism (OR: 1.80, 95%CI: 1.06–3.04). US, CT and MRI have all been used to successfully diagnose AIP. Laparoscopic appendicectomy has been safely undertaken in pregnancy.Conclusion  Appendicitis will continue to challenge the diagnostic acumen of surgeons. Whilst useful, consensus regarding the safety of laparoscopy, CT and MRI in pregnancy is yet to be achieved.
Use of a double rhomboid transposition flap in the treatment of extensive complex pilonidal sinus disease
Authors: El‐Tawil S. , Carapeti E. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective  Rhomboid transposition flaps are safe and successful in treating recurrent, complex pilonidal disease. There are little data on treatment of very large (> 12 cm) pilonidal sinuses. We describe a new technique using two simultaneous rhomboid flaps to achieve primary closure following extensive wide‐excision.Method  With antibiotic prophylaxis, the sinus is excised en‐bloc as a parallelogram (two adjacent rhomboids). Two rhomboid fasciocutaneous flaps are transposed to close this defect over suction‐drains. Sutures are removed after 14 days.Results  Eight patients (seven males) were treated with this technique (median age 26 years; range 22–35 years). All had very extensive and recurrent disease, having had multiple previous procedures. Median drain‐duration was 2 days (range 1–5 days) and postoperative stay was 2 days (range 0–5 days). One complication arose: a wound infection with partial dehiscence which healed with conservative treatment. No recurrence or further complication arose in a 33‐month follow‐up (range 8–41 months).Conclusion  This is the first description of the use of two simultaneous rhomboid flaps for very large recurrent pilonidal disease. It is a relatively simple and safe alternative to major plastic reconstruction which is often resorted to in such large‐scale disease.
Mothers' Cognitions about Relational Aggression: Associations with Discipline Responses, Children's Normative Beliefs, and Peer Competence
Authors: Werner Nicole E. , Grant Samantha 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPrior research has shown that parental social cognitions are associated with child outcomes such as aggression. The goal of this study was to examine mothers’ cognitions about relational aggression, and to explore linkages between mothers’ attributions and normative beliefs about aggression and children's competence with peers. Participants included 103 mothers and children in grades 3 through 6. Results showed that mothers viewed relational aggression as more acceptable and normative than physical aggression, and they attributed less responsibility to children for using relational aggression. Maternal cognitions also predicted levels of sternness and disapproval in response to child relational aggression, and children's beliefs about the acceptability of relational aggression, which were associated with children's teacher‐rated peer competence. Sex differences in the patterns of associations between maternal cognitions, discipline responses, child norms and peer competence were found. Applications of these results to parent education programs that are focused on relational aggression are discussed.
Institutional Trading and Price Momentum
Authors: JERRY YU CHIH‐HSIEN 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTThis paper aims to explore the effect of institutional trading on the two asymmetric phenomena found by Lee and Swaminathan: (1) asymmetric price momentum: price momentum is more pronounced among high‐turnover stocks; (2) asymmetric return phenomenon: low‐turnover stocks tend to outperform high‐turnover stocks. Lee and Swaminathan use a ‘momentum life cycle’ to explain the asymmetric momentum effect while attributing the asymmetric return phenomenon to the analysts' overestimating (underestimating) the future profitability of high (low)‐turnover firms. However, it essentially needs trading activity to induce both of the above asymmetric results. Because institutional investors exhibit a momentum trading pattern and the trading behavior of institutional investors may have a huge impact on the movement of stock prices, institutional trading may be one of the major driving forces leading to both of the above asymmetric patterns. The empirical results show that, first of all, after controlling for the turnover, the price momentum is still more pronounced among stocks with higher institutional ownership, while high‐turnover stocks no longer exhibit a pronounced momentum effect after controlling for the institutional ownership. Furthermore, stocks with higher institutional ownership have better return performance in any of the turnover groups. While low‐turnover stocks still outperform high‐turnover stocks after controlling for the institutional ownership level, for some winner stocks this is no longer true. The results suggest that the asymmetric momentum effect is not induced by a stock's turnover, but rather it is driven by institutional trading. Turnover is only a proxy for institutional trading. That is, turnover per se has no economic significance in such a momentum phenomenon.
Large‐scale Molecular Analysis of a 34 Mb Interval on Chromosome 6q: Major Refinement of the RP25 Interval
Authors: Abd El‐Aziz M. M. , Barragan I. , O'Driscoll C. , Borrego S. , Abu‐Safieh L. , Pieras J. I. , El‐Ashry M. F. , Prigmore E. , Carter N. , Antinolo G. , Bhattacharya S. S. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryA large scale bioinformatics and molecular analysis of a 34 Mb interval on chromosome 6q12 was undertaken as part of our ongoing study to identify the gene responsible for an autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (arRP) locus, RP25. Extensive bioinformatics analysis indicated in excess of 110 genes within the region and we also noted unfinished sequence on chromosome 6q in the Human Genome Database, between 58 and 61.2 Mb. Forty three genes within the RP25 interval were considered as good candidates for mutation screening. Direct sequence analysis of the selected genes in 7 Spanish families with arRP revealed a total of 244 sequence variants, of which 67 were novel but none were pathogenic. This, together with previous reports, excludes 60 genes within the interval (∼55%) as disease causing for RP. To investigate if copy number variation (CNV) exists within RP25, a comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analysis was performed on a consanguineous family. A clone from the tiling path array, chr6tp‐19C7, spanning ∼100‐Kb was found to be deleted in all affected members of the family, leading to a major refinement of the interval. This will eventually have a significant impact on cloning of the RP25 gene.
Intertextuality and the female voice after the Heroides
Authors: Lyne Raphael 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTRecent criticism of Ovid's Heroides has tried to attend properly to the female voices within the work. Effrosini Spentzou, in particular, has proposed a ‘lecture féminine’ that recognizes intertextuality as a male network working at the expense of women's expression. This essay explores the interaction of female speakers and intertextuality in early modern post‐Ovidian writing (by Donne, and Beaumont and Fletcher, with some reference to Shakespeare). In particular, it suggests ways in which literary women appear to find ways of making intertextuality serve their interests.
‘Perfectly Ovidian’? Dryden's Epistles, Behn's ‘Oenone’, Yarico's Island
Authors: Wiseman Susan 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTTaking as its starting point John Dryden's multi‐authored translation of Ovid's Heroides, Ovid's Epistles Translated by Several Hands (1680) this essay asks what seemed to readers to characterize the Heroides in Restoration England. The essay explores the modes of satire and pathos in the reception of Ovid in the period after the publication of Dryden's influential volume. First, it traces satirical reaction, asking about the possible invitation to satire present in Aphra Behn's ‘imitation’ of Ovid's epistle from Oenone to Paris because of Behn's lack of Latin. Second, it examines preceding translations and the characterization of the Heroides as suitable (and highly unsuitable) reading for women. Finally, it traces the use of the heroic epistle to discuss slavery in the eighteenth century. Exploring the story of Inkle and Yarico it suggests, tentatively, that the twin tendencies in the reception of the Heroides, satirical and pathetic, may both have worked to make available the form to articulate slavery.
Effects of Mirasol PRT treatment on storage lesion development in plasma‐stored apheresis‐derived platelets compared to untreated and irradiated units
Authors: Picker Susanne M. , Steisel Alexander , Gathof Birgit S. 
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a new riboflavin‐based pathogen reduction technology (PRT), the Mirasol PRT process (Navigant Biotechnologies) on platelet (PLT) storage lesion development.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A three‐arm in vitro study was conducted comparing cell quality of apheresis PLTs (n = 12 each) treated with Mirasol PRT (M) to untreated (C) and gamma‐irradiated units (X) collected from the same donors and stored for up to 7 days under equal conditions.RESULTS: PLT count, lactate dehydrogenase, and K+ release of M units were not significantly different from C units, indicating retention of cell integrity during storage. The immediate effect (Day 1) of PRT treatment was a significant decrease in hypotonic shock response (M, 80.6 ± 7.8% vs. 89.2 ± 8.3%) and aggregation (M, 85.7 ± 15.2%/min vs. 111.8 ± 31.5%/min) as well as a significant acceleration of mitochondrial membrane depolarization (M, 1.43 ± 0.44% vs. 0.91 ± 0.27%) and P‐selectin expression (M, 38.4 ± 13.8% vs. 15.8 ± 7.7%) resulting in lower swirl scores on Day 5 (1.5 ± 0.7 vs. 2.7 ± 0.4). Significantly higher glucose consumption (60 ± 13 nmol/1012 cells/hr vs. 31 ± 9 nmol/1012 cells/hr) and lactate production rates (82 ± 17 nmol/1012 cells/hr vs. 40 ± 8 nmol/1012 cells/hr) caused higher acidity in treated units (pH on Day 5, 6.97 ± 0.15 vs. 7.42 ± 0.10). After PRT treatment, oxidative metabolism was still active and, from calculation of oxygen consumption (1.09 ± 0.23 nmol/min/109 PLTs), appeared to be up regulated relative to controls (0.76 ± 0.27 nmol/min/109 PLTs).CONCLUSION: Although storage variables clearly showed the effects of PRT treatment, apheresis PLTs treated with Mirasol PRT retained cell quality during 5 days of storage without loss of mitochondria‐based oxidative respiration.
Do Antidepressants Work? Statistical Significance Versus Clinical Benefits
Authors: Johnson Blair T. , Kirsch Irving 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Ours has been called the Prozac generation but, earlier this year, newspaper front page headlines screamed “Antidepressants don't work”. Our authors' reanalysis of drug trials was widely reported as implying that antidepressant drugs such as Prozac are overprescribed and useless. The truth, as Blair T. Johnson and Irving Kirsch explain, is more complex, and more interesting.
The Seventh Starling
Authors: Cavagna Andrea , Giardina Irene 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
A flock of starlings wheel overhead, thousands of birds rising, falling, turning as if of one mind. Birds move in flocks; fish in schools; insects in swarms. How do they do it? Can we study them to find quantitative answers or must we simply admire them?Andrea Cavagna and Irene Giardina do both.
Six Sigma: An Opportunity for Statistics and For Statisticians
Authors: Coleman Shirley 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Six Sigma is the name given to one of the most widely used methodologies for improving efficiency and profitability in manufacturing and production processes. Its users are trained in the basics of statistics, problem solving and project management. Shirley Coleman tells us that Six Sigma is an effective vehicle for introducing the statistics that have been available for years but have not been implemented.
Sustainability of water management in Zaragoza city
Authors: Shirley‐Smith Chris , Cheeseman Chris , Butler David 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis paper reviews the significant developments in water management that have occurred in Zaragoza, Spain in recent years. Action to achieve more sustainable water management was initiated by a local nongovernmental organisation (Ecodes) persuading and assisting the municipality to improve its delivery performance. Key successes, made by all sectors of the community, include the reduction of water use in the City by 1600 ML/year since 1995 despite significant population growth. The sustainability of the campaign is assessed within a recently devised PESTER framework which systematically addresses the key political, economic, social, technical, environmental and regulatory factors. This highlighted that a workable tariff system has now been achieved which is arguably fair to all, and that a balance has been achieved between local and nationally applicable water law. The main conclusion is that in order to achieve significant progress, it is vital to harmonise the energies, finances and above all commitment of all the main stakeholders.