bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Older parents of people who have a learning disability: perceptions of future accommodation needs
Authors: Davys Deborah , Haigh Carol 
Published: May 2007

Accessible summary

This study looked at where parents think people who have a learning disability may live when parents are not able to give support at home.
The study showed that parents were not satisfied with services and that they worry about the future and getting older.
Parents feel that supporting a son or daughter who has a learning disability is a difficult job but they want to give support for as long as possible.
Parents are worried about what the brothers and sisters of people with a learning disability may have to do in the future.

This study is important to people who have a learning disability because parents will not always be here to help.SummaryThe aim of this qualitative study was to provide an insight into the perceptions of older parents of learning disabled people on the future accommodation needs of their adult children. Semi‐structured interviews were used to seek parental awareness of residential options available, concerns in relation to future accommodation and the preferred accommodation options for their offspring. Four couples who shared the family home with an adult who has a learning disability took part in the study and data were analysed using a step‐by‐step form of content analysis as described by Burnard [Nurse Educ Today11 (1991) 461]. Emergent themes from transcripts were then organized into main categories. The results of this study suggest that older parents are dissatisfied with both statutory and private services, that they have concerns for their nondisabled children and their own ageing. Being a parent to a person who has a learning disability is seen to be a difficult task and yet parents may want to provide support at home for as long a possible. Of the parents who participated in this study, three couples wanted to maintain their adult child at home for as long as possible and the parents who were actively seeking accommodation outside the family home expected to be involved in all aspects of their daughter's care for the long‐term future.
Continuity of functional‐somatic symptoms from late childhood to young adulthood in a community sample
Authors: Steinhausen Hans‐Christoph , Winkler Metzke Christa 
Published: May 2007

Background:  The goal of this study was to assess the course of functional‐somatic symptoms from late childhood to young adulthood and the associations of these symptoms with young adult psychopathology.Methods:  Data were collected in a large community sample at three different points in time (1994, 1997, and 2001). Functional‐somatic symptoms were represented by nine self‐reported items of the Youth Self Report (YSR) or the Young Adult Self Report (YASR). Only definite expressions of these symptoms were counted.Results:  Definite functional‐somatic symptoms across time ranged between 1.0 and 2.6% for dizziness, 3.0 and 6.7% for overtiredness, 1.0 and 2.9% for aches and pains, 5.6 and 8.3% for headaches, 1.2 and 1.9% for nausea, 2.5 and 3.0% for stomach‐ache, and .2 and .8% for vomiting. In general, symptoms were more common in females at various times. In high‐scoring subjects there was a significantly higher chance of functional‐somatic symptoms persisting across time.Conclusions:  Functional‐somatic symptoms in childhood and adolescents can be easily identified in the community. In high‐scoring subjects they tend to persist from childhood to adulthood.
Activation of the extrinsic caspase pathway in cultured cortical neurons requires p53‐mediated down‐regulation of the X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein to induce apoptosis
Authors: Tun Christina , Guo Weiqun , Nguyen Huy , Yun Bomy , Libby Randell T. , Morrison Richard S. , Garden Gwenn A. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractCultured cortical neurons exposed to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus gp120 coat protein undergo apoptosis involving activation of both caspase‐8 and caspase‐9. Additionally, gp120‐mediated neuronal apoptosis requires the pro‐apoptotic transcription factor p53. As caspase‐8‐induced apoptosis does not typically require p53, we examined the possibility of a novel role for p53 in caspase‐8 activation initiated by gp120. We observed that gp120 treatment of cultured cortical neurons induced caspase‐8 activity and Bid cleavage independently of p53, but induction of caspase‐3 enzymatic activity required p53 expression. These findings suggested the possibility that p53 down‐regulates a caspase‐3 inhibitor. We observed high‐level expression of the caspase‐3/9 inhibitor X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) in cultured cortical neurons. Adenoviral expression of p53 or induction of endogenous p53 by camptothecin treatment reduced XIAP protein in neurons. Infection with a p53 expressing adenovirus increased expression of the mRNA for Omi/HtrA2, a protease that cleaves and inactivates XIAP. These findings suggest that p53 regulates neuronal apoptosis, in part, by suppressing the anti‐apoptotic protein XIAP via transcriptional activation of Omi/HtrA2.
Characterization and modeling of monocyte‐derived macrophages after spinal cord injury
Authors: Longbrake Erin E. , Lai Wenmin , Ankeny Daniel P. , Popovich Phillip G. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractSpinal cord injury (SCI) elicits a neuroinflammatory reaction dominated by microglia and monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDM). Because MDM do not infiltrate the spinal cord until days after injury, it may be possible to control whether they differentiate into neuroprotective or neurotoxic effector cells. However, doing so will require better understanding of the factors controlling MDM differentiation and activation. Our goal was to develop anin vitromodel of MDM that is relevant in the context of SCI. This tool would allow future studies to define mechanisms and intracellular signaling pathways that are associated with MDM‐mediated neuroprotection or neurotoxicity. We first characterized SCI‐induced cytokine expression in MDM using laser capture microdissection and real‐time PCR. Based on this data, we assessed which easily procurable primary macrophage subset would mimic this phenotypein vitro. We established the baseline and inductive potential of resident peritoneal, thioglycollate‐elicited peritoneal and bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDM) at the molecular, cellular and functional level. Of these cells, only BMDM retained the phenotypic, molecular and functional characteristics of MDM that infiltrate the injured spinal cord. Thus, peripheral macrophages should not be used interchangeablyin vitroto model the functional consequences of the MDM response elicited by SCI.
Understanding the Popular Appeal of Fascism, National Socialism and Soviet Communism: The Revival of Totalitarianism Theory and Political Religion
Authors: Ehret Ulrike 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis article surveys the historical literature on totalitarianism and ‘political religion’ since 1990 that has little in common with the Cold War interpretation of the personalised and total rule of Hitler and Stalin. Inspired by cultural history, researchers have instead revived ‘political religion’ theory as an analytical tool to explain the popular appeal and the success of totalitarian movements. Against the background of some general considerations and controversies about the applicability of ‘political religion’ theory to such diverse phenomena as Fascist Italy, anti‐clerical National Socialism and anti‐religious Soviet Communism, this survey evaluates recent scholarship on the sacralisation of the language and rites of totalitarian movements and the effects this had on their success as well as their willingness to use excessive violence against their political opponents. The author argues that the revived ‘political religion’ theory can offer a useful multi‐dimensional access to the workings of totalitarian movements as long as it does not abandon a historical and political context. The article closes with a glance at Islamic fundamentalism and the ‘war on terror’ of the United States and their allies, a conflict that is increasingly associated with a new totalitarianism and politicised religion.
Helicobacter pylori Stimulates a Mixed Adaptive Immune Response with a Strong T‐Regulatory Component in Human Gastric Mucosa
Authors: Goll Rasmus , Gruber Franz , Olsen Trine , Cui Guanglin , Raschpichler Gabriele , Buset Magne , Asfeldt Anne M. , Husebekk Anne , Florholmen Jon 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground:  Host factors play an important role in the pathophysiology of Helicobacter pylori infection and development of gastritis and related disease. The established opinion is that the T‐cell‐mediated immune response to H. pylori infection is of Th1 type. Our earlier immune cell phenotype studies indicate a mixed Th1–Th2 profile of the effector cells. Therefore, an extensive adaptive and regulatory cytokine gene expression profile was conducted by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).Materials and Methods:  Biopsies from gastric mucosa of 91 patients diagnosed as H. pylori negative, H. pylori positive with gastritis, or H. pylori positive with peptic ulcer were obtained by endoscopy. Gene expressions of nine cytokines and CagA status were measured by qPCR.Results:  All cytokine genes showed higher expression levels in the presence of H. pylori when compared to H. pylori‐negative samples (fold increase: IL8: × 11.2; IL12A: × 2.4; TNF‐α: × 5.2; IFN‐γ: × 4.3; IL4: × 3.6; IL6: × 14.7; and IL10: × 6.7). Patients infected with CagA‐positive strains had higher expression of IL1‐β and IL18 compared to patients infected with CagA‐negative strains (× 1.6 for IL1‐β and × 2.0 for IL18). Patients with duodenal ulcer had a lower antral Th1/Th2 ratio than other H. pylori‐positive patients.Conclusions:  The cytokine profile of H. pylori‐infected gastric mucosa shows a mixed Th1–Th2 profile. Furthermore, a high IL10 expression may indicate that also regulatory T cells play a role in the chronic phase of H. pylori infection.
A Curcumin‐Based 1‐Week Triple Therapy for Eradication of Helicobacter pylori Infection: Something to Learn From Failure?
Authors: Di Mario Francesco , Cavallaro Lucas G. , Nouvenne Antonio , Stefani Nicoletta , Cavestro Giulia M. , Iori Veronica , Maino Marta , Comparato Giuseppe , Fanigliulo Libera , Morana Ester , Pilotto Alberto , Martelli Laura , Martelli Mario , Leandro Gioacchino , Franzè Angelo 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground:  Curcumin is the principal element of turmeric powder extracted from the root of Curcuma longa. Studies on curcumin have demonstrated some anti‐Helicobacter pylori activity as well as immunomodulating properties. N‐acetylcysteine and lactoferrin with their respective mucolytic and antibacterial activities might also be effective in H. pylori eradication therapy.Aim:  To determine if a 7‐day non‐antibiotic therapy comprised of curcumin, lactoferrin, N‐acetylcysteine, and pantoprazole was effective for eradication of H. pylori infection and reduction of gastric inflammation, assessed by serum pepsinogens and relief of symptoms.Subjects and Methods:  Twenty‐five consecutive H. pylori‐positive patients (12 males, mean age 50 ± 12 years, range 31–76) with functional dyspepsia were enrolled. Patients were administered for 7 days curcumin 30 mg b.i.d., bovine lactoferrin 100 mg b.i.d., N‐acetylcysteine 600 mg b.i.d., and pantoprazole 20 mg b.i.d. H. pylori status and upper gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed by 13C‐urea breath test and a scale of upper gastrointestinal symptoms intensity (absent, mild, moderate, and severe), as well as a blood test for serum pepsinogens (sPGI, sPGII), gastrin‐17 (G‐17), and anti‐H. pylori IgG (IgG‐Hp) at baseline (T0) and after 2 months (T1).Results:  Three of 25 patients (12%) were cured of H. pylori infection. A significant decrease in the overall severity of symptoms (T0: 6, interquartile range [IQR]: 4.5–8; T1: 2, IQR: 2–3; p ≤ .001), and sPGII (T0: 16 µg/L, IQR: 13–22; T1: 10 µg/L, IQR: 8–16; p ≤ .001) and sPGI (T0: 82 µg/L, IQR: 67–97; T1: 74 µg/L, IQR: 62–94; p = .02) levels were observed after 2 months of the treatment. IgG and G‐17 values did not significantly decrease after 2 months.Conclusions:  This novel therapy was not effective for H. pylori eradication. However, despite the bacterium persistence, significant improvement of dyspeptic symptoms and reduction of serologic signs of gastric inflammation were observed after 2 months at the end of the 7‐day treatment schedule.
HorB (HP0127) is a Gastric Epithelial Cell Adhesin
Authors: Snelling William J. , Moran Anthony P. , Ryan Kieran A. , Scully Paul , McGourty Kieran , Cooney Jakki C. , Annuk Heidi , O'Toole Paul W. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground:  The Helicobacter pylori protein HorB (encoded by HP0127) is a member of a paralogous family that includes the adhesins BabA, AlpA, AlpB, and HopZ, which contribute to adhesion to gastric epithelial cells. Of the verified H. pylori porins, the HorB sequence is most similar to that of HopE, but the function of HorB is unknown. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of HorB in H. pylori gastric epithelial cell adhesion.Materials and methods:  We disrupted the horB gene in H. pylori and measured the adhesion to gastric epithelial cells (AGS cells). We then assessed the effect that HorB disruption had on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O‐chain production and Lewis x and Lewis y antigen expression. A HorB mutant in the mouse‐adapted strain H. pylori SS1 was created by marker exchange and mouse stomach colonization was quantified. Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, human gastric biopsy material from H. pylori‐infected patients was then examined for expression of the horB gene.Results:  Disruption of the horB gene reduced H. pylori adhesion by more than twofold. Adhesion in the horB knockout strain was restored to wild‐type levels by re‐introduction of HorB into the chromosome. Disruption of HorB reduced production of LPS O‐chains and lowered the level of expression of Lewis x and Lewis y antigens. Insertional mutagenesis of the horB gene in H. pylori SS1 reduced mouse stomach colonization threefold. Finally, expression of the horB gene was detected in human gastric biopsy material from H. pylori‐infected patients.Conclusions:  From these data we conclude that HorB has a role in H. pylori adhesion during infection.
Proof of an Association betweenHelicobacter pyloriand Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Latin America
Authors: Campuzano‐Maya Germán 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground: Association betweenHelicobacter pyloriand idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) has been found in Japan and in some European countries. It has also been shown that eradication ofH. pylorican increase platelet counts in patients with ITP. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence ofH. pyloriinfection in patients with ITP in Colombia, and the effect of bacterial eradication on their platelet counts.Materials and methods: Between December 1998 and April 2006, a total of 32 patients diagnosed with ITP were included in the study. Controls were age and sex matched.Results: H. pyloriinfection in patients with ITP was significantly higher (p = .00006) than in control individuals (90.6% and 43.8%, respectively), as determined by13C‐urea breath test. A significant association betweenH. pyloriinfection and ITP was found (p < .0003), with an odds ratio (OR) of 13.15 (95%CI: 3.24–53.29). Multivariate analysis for the association betweenH. pyloriand ITP showed an OR of 20.44 (95%CI: 3.88–107.49) for women and 19.28 (95%CI: 2.03–183.42) for individuals over 50 years. All 29H. pylori‐positive patients with ITP received eradication treatment. After a median follow up of 12.2 months, 80.8% had a recovery in platelet counts.Conclusions: According to these results and others from different countries whereH. pyloriinfection rates are high, patients with ITP should be initially tested forH. pyloristatus, and if present, infection should be eradicated before initiating a drastic conventional ITP treatment. An algorithm for the study and management of patients with ITP in the post‐Helicobacterera is presented.
Eclogite and carpholite‐bearing metasedimentary rocks in the North Qilian suture zone, NW China: implications for Early Palaeozoic cold oceanic subduction and water transport into mantle
Authors: SONG S. G. , ZHANG L. F. , NIU Y. , WEI C. J. , LIOU J. G. , SHU G. M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractLow‐temperature eclogite and eclogite facies metapelite together with serpentinite and marble occur as blocks within foliated blueschist that was originated from greywacke matrix; they formed a high‐pressure low‐temperature (HPLT) subduction complex (mélange) in the North Qilian oceanic‐type suture zone, NW China. Phengite–eclogite (type I) and epidote–eclogite (type II) were recognized on the basis of mineral assemblage. Relic lawsonite and lawsonite pseudomorphs occur as inclusions in garnet from both types of eclogite. Garnet–omphacite–phengite geothermobarometry yields metamorphic conditions of 460–510 °C and 2.20–2.60 GPa for weakly deformed eclogite, and 475–500 °C and 1.75–1.95 GPa for strongly foliated eclogite. Eclogite facies metasediments include garnet–omphacite–phengite–glaucophane schist and various chloritoid‐bearing schists. Mg‐carpholite was identified in some high‐Mg chloritoid schists.P–Testimates yield 2.60–2.15 GPa and 495–540 °C for Grt–Omp–Phn–Gln schist, and 2.45–2.50 GPa and 525–530 °C for the Mg‐carpholite schist. Mineral assemblages andP–Testimates, together with isotopic ages, suggest that the oceanic lithosphere as well as pelagic to semi‐pelagic sediments have been subducted to the mantle depths (≥75 km) before 460 Ma. Blueschist facies retrogression occurred atc.454–446 Ma and led to eclogite deformation and dehydration of lawsonite during exhumation. The peakP–Tconditions for eclogite and metapelite in the North Qilian suture zone demonstrate the existence of cold subduction‐zone gradients (6–7 °C km−1), and this cold subduction brought a large amount of H2O to the deep mantle in the Early Palaeozoic times.
PARASITIC SPECIES OF THE GENUS BLASTODINIUM (BLASTODINIPHYCEAE) ARE PERIDINIOID DINOFLAGELLATES1
Authors: Skovgaard Alf , Massana Ramon , Saiz Enric 
Published: May 2007

The taxonomic position of Blastodinium navicula Chatton and B. contortum Chatton, parasites of marine copepods, was investigated on the basis of morphological observations and molecular data. The life cycle of Blastodinium includes a parasitic stage, a trophont, and free‐swimming dinospores. The individual cells in the trophont, as well as the dinospores that they produced, were thecate. Dinospores of B. contortum and B. navicula had peridinioid plate tabulation formula, demonstrating an affiliation to the order Peridiniales Heackel (subdivision Dinokaryota Fensome et al.). This systematic position is in contrast to current classifications, in which the order Blastodiniales Chatton is thought to represent an early evolutionary branch of the dinokaryote lineage. Small‐subunit rRNA gene sequences were generated from six Blastodinium individuals isolated from three different host species. In phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rRNA genes, Blastodinium spp. branched with the typical dinoflagellates. Even though overall statistical support was low, the analyses suggested that Blastodinium spp. are late‐branching, dinokaryote dinoflagellates. Species currently included in Blastodiniales are all parasites, but they are morphologically and functionally diverse. Emerging molecular data also reveal high genetic diversity, and therefore, the taxonomy of the group requires reevaluation.
Up‐Regulation of Myocardial L‐Type Ca2+ Channel in Chronic Alcoholic Subjects Without Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Fatjó Francesc , Sancho‐Bru Pau , Fernández‐Solà Joaquim , Sacanella Emilio , Estruch Ramón , Bataller Ramón , Nicolás Josep‐María 
Published: May 2007

Background: Excessive ethanol intake is one of the most frequent causes of acquired dilated cardiomyopathy in developed countries. L‐type Ca2+ channels, involved in excitation–contraction coupling, are disturbed in animal models of persistent ethanol consumption. This study was designed to evaluate the density and function of myocardial L‐type Ca2+ channel receptors in organ donors with chronic alcoholism and controls.Methods: The protein expression of L‐type Ca2+ channels was determined with 3H‐(+)‐PN 200‐110‐binding experiments using a specific antibody against the α1‐subunit in homogenate samples of left‐ventricle apex from organ donors: healthy controls (n=11), chronic alcoholic without cardiomyopathy (n=12), and alcoholics with cardiomyopathy (n=11). Morphometric measurements of cardiomyocytes were performed.Results: Binding experiments proved an up‐regulation of L‐type Ca2+ channels expression in alcoholic patients compared with controls (Bmax 2.61 ± 1.10 vs 1.33 ± 0.49 fmol/mg, respectively; p<0.001). This up‐regulation was present in the group of alcoholic subjects without cardiomyopathy, and was not seen in those with cardiomyopathy (3.39 ± 2.20 vs 1.77 ± 0.53 fmol/mg, respectively; p=0.02). The cross‐sectional area and perimeter of the cells were greater in alcoholic patients with cardiomyopathy compared with controls and alcoholic patients without cardiomyopathy (500 ± 87 vs 307 ± 74 and 255 ± 25 μm2, respectively; p<0.001 both) as was the perimeter (78.7 ± 7.7 vs 61.5 ± 7.2 and 56.5 ± 2.8 μm, respectively; p<0.001 both). Binding results did not change after adjusting receptor measurements for cross‐sectional area and cell perimeter.Conclusions: Chronic alcoholism causes an up‐regulation of myocardial L‐type Ca2+ channel receptors, which decreases when cardiomyopathy is present.
Effects of Ethanol on Midbrain Neurons: Role of Opioid Receptors
Authors: Xiao Cheng , Zhang Jingli , Krnjević Krešimir , Ye Jiang Hong 
Published: May 2007

Background:Although ethanol addiction is believed to be mediated by the mesolimbic dopamine system, originating from the ventral tegmental area (VTA), how acute ethanol increases the activity of VTA dopaminergic (DA) neurons remains unclear.Method:Patch‐clamp recordings of spontaneous firings of DA and GABAergic neurons in the VTA in acute midbrain slices from rats.Results:Ethanol (20–80 mM) excites DA neurons, and more potently depresses firing of local GABAergic neurons. The ethanol‐induced excitation of DA neurons is considerably attenuated by DAMGO (Tyr‐d‐Ala‐Gly‐N‐Me‐Phe‐Gly‐ol enkephalin), aμ‐opioid agonist that suppresses firing of GABAergic neurons, or by naloxone, a general opioid antagonist. The ongoing opioid‐induced facilitation of DA cell firing (revealed by naloxone) is enhanced by ethanol, probably by an increase in opioid release or action.Conclusion:Ethanol excites VTA DA neurons at least partly by increasing ongoing opioid‐mediated suppression of local GABAergic inhibition. This indirect mechanism may contribute significantly to the positively reinforcing properties of ethanol.