bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic Effects of Ethanol on Pharmacokinetics and Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Rats
Authors: Liu Jinyao , Yano Masafumi , Shimamoto Akiko , Noma Toshiyuki , Matsuzaki Masunori , Fujimiya Tatsuya 
Published: February 2007

Background: Observational clinical studies have demonstrated that there is a U‐shaped relationship between ethanol consumption and all‐cause mortality or risk of ischemic stroke. Although the exact cause of the U‐shaped relationship is unclear, the pharmacokinetics of ethanol during the time course of chronic intake of ethanol may be involved, in relation to its cardiotoxic effects. The present study has assessed the cause of the U‐shaped relationship between the ethanol consumption and left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in a pharmacokinetic way.Methods: Male Wistar rats were paired, and either ethanol or control liquid diet was chronically administered for 7 weeks. Then, these rats were subdivided into 3 groups: control liquid‐diet‐fed rats [EtOH (−)], 3 g/dL ethanol liquid‐diet‐fed rats (3%EtOH), and 5 g/dL ethanol liquid‐diet‐fed rats (5%EtOH). Ethanol's cardiotoxicity on LV systolic function was investigated by echocardiography. Ethanol concentration in blood, ethanol pharmacokinetics, and hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity were evaluated simultaneously.Results: The 5%EtOH group revealed LV systolic dysfunction, associated with a higher ethanol concentration in blood, and lower hepatic ADH activity than the EtOH (−) group; however, the 3%EtOH group did not show LV systolic dysfunction. During the acute ethanol stress, LV systolic dysfunction appeared in both EtOH (−) and 5%EtOH groups, with a higher ethanol concentration in blood and lower hepatic ADH activity than the 3%EtOH group. The 3%EtOH group showed a higher ethanol washout rate, less time‐integral of ethanol concentration, and shorter mean residence time of ethanol in blood than the EtOH (−) or 5%EtOH group.Conclusions: The U‐shaped relationship between chronic ethanol consumption and LV systolic dysfunction may be closely related to the pharmacokinetic characteristics of ethanol in blood, which depends on the quantity of chronically drinking alcohol.
Effects of Phosphatidylethanol on Mouse Adipocyte Differentiation and Expression of Stearoyl‐CoA Desaturase 1
Authors: Huusko Tuija J. , Liisanantti Marja K. , Nissinen Antti E. , Kakko Sakari , Savolainen Eeva‐Riitta , Vuoristo Jussi T. , Savolainen Markku J. 
Published: February 2007

Background: Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is an aberrant phospholipid formed in vivo only in the presence of ethanol. In circulation PEth is associated with lipoproteins and is transferred from one lipoprotein to another. Lipoprotein‐associated PEth affects endothelial and smooth muscle cells of blood vessels, but its effects on other cell types have not been explored. Adipocytes have a central role in metabolic syndrome and obesity. In this study we tested whether lipoprotein‐associated PEth affects stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) which plays a major role in lipid‐mediated signaling in the differentiation of adipocytes.Methods: Mouse 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes were differentiated to adipocytes in the presence of high‐density lipoproteins (HDL) isolated from the plasma of healthy volunteers or PEth‐containing HDL modified in vitro. After incubation, fat accumulation, SCD1 mRNA expression, SCD1 protein content, and fatty acid composition of adipocytes were determined.Results: Phosphatidylethanol‐containing HDL particles inhibited adipocyte differentiation and decreased the 18:1/18:0 ratio of cellular fatty acids by 28% compared with native HDL particles. Moreover, PEth‐containing HDL reduced the SCD1 protein content by 39%.Conclusions: Lipoprotein‐associated PEth may mediate the effects of ethanol on SCD1 and differentiation of preadipocytes to adipocytes.
Is there genetic structure in populations of Helicoverpa armigera from Australia?
Authors: Endersby N. M. , Hoffmann A. A. , McKechnie S. W. , Weeks A. R. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractRecent studies suggest that populations of the pest moth Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) may be genetically differentiated over short distances and time periods within Queensland, Australia. To test for genetic structure in another region of Australia, we characterized population differentiation in Victorian samples of H. armigera using eight microsatellite loci. We found no evidence of genetic structure among samples from different locations or among samples collected at different times. Moreover, Victorian samples were not differentiated from other samples of H. armigera from Queensland and New Zealand. All samples showed substantial deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, suggesting a high frequency of null alleles typically found in microsatellites of Lepidoptera. These results indicate that populations of H. armigera are not strongly structured among regions in south‐eastern Australia.
Telomere length and correlation with histopathogenesis in B‐cell leukemias/lymphomas
Authors: Walsh Sarah H. , Grabowski Pawel , Berglund Mattias , Thunberg Ulf , Thorsélius Mia , Tobin Gerard , Åleskog Anna , Karlsson Karin , Sundström Christer , Laurell Anna , Enblad Gunilla , Rosenquist Richard , Roos Göran 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTelomere length was recently reported to correlate with cellular origin of B‐cell malignancies in relation to the germinal center (GC). In this report, we measured telomere length by quantitative‐PCR in 223 B‐cell lymphomas/leukemias and correlated results with immunoglobulin (Ig) mutation status and immunostainings for GC/non‐GC subtypes of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Shortest telomeres were found in Ig‐unmutated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) [median telomere to single copy gene value (T/S) 0.33], differing significantly to Ig‐mutated CLL (0.63). Contrary to this, mantle cell lymphomas (MCLs) exhibited similar telomere lengths regardless of Ig mutation status (0.47). Telomere length differed significantly between GC‐like (0.73) and non‐GC‐like DLBCLs (0.43), and follicular lymphomas (FLs) had shorter telomeres (0.53) than GC‐DLBCL. Hairy cell leukemias, which display Ig gene intraclonal heterogeneity, had longer telomeres (0.62) than FLs and non‐GC‐DLBCL, but shorter than GC‐DLBCL. We conclude that although DLBCL and CLL subsets can be clearly distinguished, telomere length reflects many parameters and may not simply correlate with GC‐related origin.
Thalidomide–dexamethasone plus pegylated liposomal doxorubicin vs. thalidomide–dexamethasone: a case‐matched study in advanced multiple myeloma
Authors: Offidani Massimo , Bringhen Sara , Corvatta Laura , Falco Patrizia , Marconi Monica , Avonto Ilaria , Piersantelli Maria‐Novella , Polloni Claudia , Boccadoro Mario , Leoni Pietro , Palumbo Antonio 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectives:  Nearly all patients with multiple myeloma (MM) relapse or become refractory to front‐line therapy. Several salvage therapies have been explored, but the optimal combination regimen has not been defined. We performed a case‐matched study comparing patients with relapsed/refractory MM receiving thalidomide–dexamethasone alone or the combination thalidomide–dexamethasone–liposomal pegylated doxorubicin.Methods:  Forty‐seven patients received thalidomide (100 mg/d), dexamethasone (40 mg p.o. on days 1–4 and 9–12), and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (40 mg/m2 on day 1 every 28 d) (ThaDD). Their clinical outcome was compared with that of 47 pair mates selected from patients treated at relapse with thalidomide (100 mg/d) and dexamethasone (40 mg p.o. on days 1–4) (Thal–Dex) and matched for age, β2‐microglobulin and previous therapy.Results and conclusions:  Overall response rate was significantly higher in ThaDD group (92% vs. 63.5%; P < 0.0001) as partial response rate (≥PR) (75.5% vs. 59.5%; P = 0.077), very good partial response rate (≥VGPR) (36% vs. 15%; P = 0.018) and near complete remission rate (≥nCR) (30% vs. 10.5%; P = 0.002). Non‐hematologic toxicity was similar in the two groups of patients whereas hematologic toxicity and infections were significantly higher in ThaDD patients. Median progression‐free survival, event‐free survival, and overall survival were significantly longer in patients receiving ThaDD than in those treated with Thal–Dex.ThaDD regimen significantly improved response rate and overall survival in comparison with Thal–Dex. Although the frequency of hematologic toxicity and infections resulted higher in ThaDD group compared with control group, they were not particularly frequent after adequate prophylaxis was added and were easily managed when occurred.
Triterpenoid Saponins from Pulsatilla cernua (Thunb.) Bercht. et Opiz.
Authors: Xu Tun‐Hai , Xu Ya‐Juan , Han Dong , Zhao Hong‐Feng , Xie Sheng‐Xu , Xu Dong‐Ming 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTo investigate saponins from the roots of Pulsatilla cernua (Thunb.) Bercht. et Opiz., two new compounds together with five known triterpenoid saponins were isolated. The structures of the two new triterpenoid saponins, named cernuasides A and B, were elucidated as 3‐O‐[p‐β‐D‐xylopyranosyl(1→2)]‐[α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl(1→4)]‐α‐L‐arabinopyranosyl hederagenin 28‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl ester (compound 1) and 3‐O‐[α‐L‐arabinopyranosyl(1→3)]‐[α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)]‐α‐L‐arabinopyranosyl hederagenin 28‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl ester (compound 2) by 1D, 2D‐NMR techniques, ESIMS analysis, as well as chemical methods.
Comparative Analysis of Codon Usage Patterns Among Mitochondrion, Chloroplast and Nuclear Genes in Triticum aestivum L.
Authors: Zhang Wen‐Juan , Zhou Jie , Li Zuo‐Feng , Wang Li , Gu Xun , Zhong Yang 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn many organisms, the difference in codon usage patterns among genes reflects variation in local base compositional biases and the intensity of natural selection. In this study, a comparative analysis was performed to investigate the characteristics of codon bias and factors in shaping the codon usage patterns among mitochondrion, chloroplast and nuclear genes in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). GC contents in nuclear genes were higher than that in mitochondrion and chloroplast genes. The neutrality and correspondence analyses indicated that the codon usage in nuclear genes would be a result of relative strong mutational bias, while the codon usage patterns of mitochondrion and chloroplast genes were more conserved in GC content and influenced by translation level. The Parity Rule 2 (R2) plot analysis showed that pyrimidines were used more frequently than purines at the third codon position in the three genomes. In addition, using a new alterative strategy, 11, 12, and 24 triplets were defined as preferred codons in the mitochondrion, chloroplast and nuclear genes, respectively. These findings suggested that the mitochondrion, chloroplast and nuclear genes shared particularly different features of codon usage and evolutionary constraints.
An Overview of the Biology of Reaction Wood Formation
Authors: Du Sheng , Yamamoto Fukuju 
Published: February 2007

AbstractReaction wood possesses altered properties and performs the function of regulating a tree's form, but it is a serious defect in wood utility. Trees usually develop reaction wood in response to a gravistimulus. Reaction wood in gymnosperms is referred to as compression wood and develops on the lower side of leaning stems or branches. In arboreal, dicotyledonous angiosperms, however, it is called tension wood and is formed on the upper side of the leaning. Exploring the biology of reaction wood formation is of great value for the understanding of the wood differentiation mechanisms, cambial activity, gravitropism, and the systematics and evolution of plants. After giving an outline of the variety of wood and properties of reaction wood, this review lays emphasis on various stimuli for reaction wood induction and the extensive studies carried out so far on the roles of plant hormones in reaction wood formation. Inconsistent results have been reported for the effects of plant hormones. Both auxin and ethylene regulate the formation of compression wood in gymnosperms. However, the role of ethylene may be indirect as exogenous ethylene cannot induce compression wood formation. Tension wood formation is mainly regulated by auxin and gibberellin. Interactions among hormones and other substances may play important parts in the regulation of reaction wood formation.
Integrating the transtheoretical model into the management of overweight and obese adults
Authors: Seals Judy Gainey 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPurpose: To show how the nurse practitioner (NP) can incorporate stage‐specific interventions from the transtheoretical model in the management of overweight and obese adults.Data sources: Research articles, clinical articles, and government guidelines pertaining to the management of overweight and obesity in adults.Conclusions: Overweight and obesity are complex and chronic conditions that require lifelong management. The NP can help clients to safely and successfully lose weight by developing stage‐specific interventions, by using an expert multidisciplinary team, and by providing ongoing monitoring and motivation.Implications for practice: The prevalence of overweight and obesity continues to increase at an alarming rate and is a major public health concern. The NP has an important role in the assessment and management of clients with this condition.
Physical activity and physical fitness counseling patterns of adult nurse practitioners
Authors: Buchholz Susan W. , Purath Janet 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPurpose: This descriptive exploratory study examined factors related to physical activity counseling practices of adult nurse practitioners (ANPs) nationwide. The purposes of this study were to (a) examine physical activity assessment and counseling practices, (b) identify barriers to physical activity counseling, (c) describe knowledge and confidence in physical activity assessment and counseling, (d) identify personal physical activity practices, and (e) describe use of objective physical fitness measures in the primary care setting.Data sources: Participants were a randomly selected group of ANPs who are members of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.Conclusions: Most ANPs (95%) counsel patients on physical activity at least once a year. As for assessing physical activity, simply asking about it was the most common method (94%). The most common strategy for counseling was discussion (95%). The most common barriers to counseling were lack of time (48%) and preemption by more important concerns (47%). Of fitness measures, the most commonly used was body composition. Cardiorespiratory, strength, flexibility, and balance fitness tests were used infrequently or rarely.Implications for practice:
NPs can use specific physical fitness measures to help assess, guide, and/or motivate physical activity in their patients.
Lymphedema diagnosis and management
Authors: Gary Dayna E. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPurpose: To provide advanced practice nurses with a greater understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of lymphedema.Data sources: Comprehensive literature review of the relevant clinical journals, systematic reviews, and medical textbooks.Conclusions: Lymphedema is a poorly known and understood condition. If not properly diagnosed and promptly treated, lymphedema can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis is based on suggestive history and characteristic findings on physical exam that ideally would be confirmed by lymphoscintigraphy. The primary goal in lymphedema treatment is the removal of excess plasma proteins from the interstitial tissues. The goals of management are to decrease the extremity size, maintain the decreased size, prevent complications, and improve function and overall sense of psychological well‐being.Implications for practice: The ability to properly diagnose lymphedema is crucial to prevent the significant morbidity and mortality that is associated with this condition. It is imperative that patients with lymphedema are referred to specially trained healthcare professionals to ensure optimal treatment.
Blood Pressure Measurement Education and Evaluation Program improves measurement accuracy in community‐based nurses: A pilot study
Authors: Dickson Brandy K. , Hajjar Ihab 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPurpose: Pilot study was developed to determine if a blood pressure measurement training program would improve guideline knowledge and technique in community‐based nurses (n= 6).Methods: American Heart Association guidelines were used to develop the Blood Pressure Measurement Education and Evaluation Program (BEEP). Data on guideline knowledge, device quality, measurement technique, terminal digit bias, range of error, and attitude of change were collected prior and after BEEP.Conclusions: BEEP development was feasible and acceptable. The device score was 100%. Knowledge improved but not statistically significant (p= 0.64), as did terminal digit bias. Technique prior to BEEP was poor (T= 15) but improved significantly after BEEP (T= 26 on a scale of 32, p= 0.0006). Range of error decreased but was only significant in the diastolic pressure (p= 0.02).Implications for practice: BEEP is feasible. Baseline blood pressure measurement technique is poor in community‐based nurses. Our study suggests that this poor technique can benefit from an educational program and result in improved blood pressure measurement accuracy.
Influence of surgical approach on the efficacy of the intervertebral disk fenestration: a cadaveric study
Authors: Morelius M. , Bergadano A. , Spreng D. , Schawalder P. , Doherr M. , Forterre F. 
Published: February 2007

Objectives: To investigate the influence of different approach angles on the amount of nucleus pulposus removed during intervertebral disc fenestration in dogs. Methods: Twenty cadavers of beagle dogs were randomly divided into four groups: a control group and three treatment groups in which intervertebral fenestration was performed using either a dorsal, dorsolateral or lateral approach between the 12th thoracic and second lumbar spaces. The volume of nucleus pulposus, the weight of the residual nucleus pulposus and the angle of the working sector were measured. The ratio of the residual nucleus pulposus weight to the nucleus pulposus volume was used to evaluate the efficacy of the performed fenestration. Data were analysed with Kruskal‐Wallis analysis of variance between groups on ranks with correction for ties and Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Correlation between ratio and working angle was calculated using a Spearman’s rank test (P<0·05). Results: The calculated ratio of nuclear weight to volume was significantly less in the lateral approach group than that in the other groups. The working sector was widest in the dorsolateral approach group, but this did not correlate with efficient fenestration. Clinical Significance: Using the lateral approach for intervertebral disc fenestration may increase the efficiency of the fenestration procedure.
China's Rapid Accumulation of Foreign Exchange Reserves and Its Policy Implications
Authors: Zheng Yongnian , Yi Jingtao 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn late February 2006, China surpassed Japan to become the world's largest holder of foreign exchange reserves. Beijing is now faced with the growing challenge of how to handle these vast reserves effectively. Although China's soaring foreign exchange reserves indicate that its overall strength has grown, they have created internal and external pressures on the balance of the economy, and introduced risks to the financial system. It is estimated in the present study that foreign exchange reserves of approximately US$ 400bn in 2005 would have been appropriate under circumstances of a managed floating exchange rate regime and capital control. China's actual reserves have far exceeded its normal demand. The objective of China is to maintain an optimal level that maximizes net benefits as a whole. Four main policy options are available for China to achieve its target: spending and investing foreign exchange reserves, gradual liberalization of the capital account, diversification of foreign exchange reserves and a switch in holders of foreign exchange reserves. Spending and investing in foreign exchange reserves can be undertaken in combination with liberalization in the capital account, given careful consideration of the risks involved. Liberalization should be extensive but gradual so that companies and individuals can adjust to changes in financial markets and manage portfolios while avoiding unnecessary risks.(Edited by Xiaoming Feng)
Regional Differences in China's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Potentials
Authors: Dan Shi 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis paper investigates the maximum energy efficiency level and the energy saving potentials in each region in China that can be practically attained at current economic and technological development levels. Most of the nation's energy efficient provinces are found along the coast of southeast China, while most of its least energy efficient provinces are in the hinterland that is rich in coal resources, and which depends heavily on coal consumption. China's low efficiency in energy resource allocation stems from its secondary industry, which is handicapped by the lowest energy efficiency and the most striking regional differentials. A comparison of the factors affecting the energy efficiency shows that the provinces being compared in this study differ tremendously in energy consumption structure, technological level of the secondary industry, and abundance of energy resources, and that the other factors are only adequate, rather than necessary, conditions. It is imperative to rectify the behaviors of provinces in balancing local energy allocation, to channel energy resources to energy efficient provinces, and to improve the national energy efficiency as a whole. When taking energy‐saving steps, provinces must take into full consideration both the national and local factors that affect energy efficiency. Furthermore, it is unrealistic for China to set a unified energy saving goal for different provinces.(Edited by Xinyu Fan)
Financing Alternatives for Chinese Small and Medium Enterprises: The Case for a Small and Medium Enterprise Stock Market
Authors: Fung Hung‐gay , Liu Qingfeng , Yau Jot 
Published: February 2007

AbstractFinancing alternatives for small and medium enterprises in China are discussed in the present study. In particular, we analyze the significant changes and developments in China s “second board” stock market. China s extensive network of regional assets and equity exchanges, which were set up to facilitate private equity transfer, and non‐performing loan transactions seem to partially fill the void for small and medium enterprises, which cannot easily obtain approval for listing on the stock exchanges. Foreign investors can identify investment opportunities in non‐listed domestic state‐owned and private businesses through these regional assets and equity exchanges. At the same time, foreign stock markets are now attracting the young Chinese enterprises to list their stocks on their exchanges.(Edited by Zhinan Zhang)