bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic concentrations of raloxifene augment nitric oxide‐dependent coronary artery dilatation in vitro
Authors: Leung F P , Yung L M , Leung H S , Au C L , Yao X , Vanhoutte P M , Laher I , Huang Y 
Published: July 2007

Background and purpose:Raloxifene improves cardiovascular function. This study examines the hypothesis that therapeutic concentrations of raloxifene augment endothelium‐dependent relaxation via up‐regulation of eNOS expression and activity in porcine coronary arteries.Experimental approach:Isometric tension was measured in rings from isolated arteries. Intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in arterial endothelial cells were detected by Ca2+ fluorescence imaging. Phosphorylation of eNOS at Ser‐1177 was assayed by Western blot analysis.Key results:In arterial rings pre‐contracted with 9,11‐dideoxy‐11α,9α‐epoxy‐methano‐prostaglandin F2α (U46619), treatment with raloxifene (1‐3 nM) augmented bradykinin‐ or substance P‐induced relaxation and this effect was antagonized by ICI 182,780, an estrogen receptor antagonist. The enhanced relaxation was abolished in rings treated with inhibitors of nitric oxide/cyclic GMP‐dependent dilation, NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) plus 1H‐[1,2,4]oxadizolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ). In contrast, effects of raloxifene were unaffected after inhibition of endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factors by charybdotoxin plus apamin. Raloxifene (3 nM) did not influence endothelium‐independent relaxation to sodium nitroprusside. 17ß‐Estradiol (3‐10 nM) also enhanced bradykinin‐induced relaxation, which was inhibited by ICI 182,780. Treatment with raloxifene (3 nM) did not affect bradykinin‐stimulated rise in endothelial cell [Ca2+]i. Raloxifene, 17ß‐estradiol, and bradykinin increased eNOS phosphorylation at Ser‐1177 and ICI 182,780 prevented effects of raloxifene or 17ß‐estradiol but not that of bradykinin. Raloxifene had neither additive nor antagonistic effects on 17ß‐estradiol‐induced eNOS phosphorylation.Conclusions and implications:Raloxifene in therapeutically relevant concentrations augmented endothelial function in porcine coronary arteries in vitro through ICI 182,780‐sensitive mechanisms that were associated with increased phosphorylation of eNOS but independent of changes in endothelial cell [Ca2+]i.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 152, 223–229; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707387
The kinin B1receptor antagonist SSR240612 reverses tactile and cold allodynia in an experimental rat model of insulin resistance
Authors: Dias J P , Ismael M A , Pilon M , de Champlain J , Ferrari B , Carayon P , Couture R 
Published: July 2007

Background and purpose:Diabetes causes sensory polyneuropathy with associated pain in the form of tactile allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia which are often intractable and resistant to current therapy. This study tested the beneficial effects of the non‐peptide and orally active kinin B1receptor antagonist SSR240612 against tactile and cold allodynia in a rat model of insulin resistance.Experimental approach:Rats were fed with 10% D‐glucose for 12 weeks and effects of orally administered SSR240612 (0.3–30 mg kg−1) were determined on the development of tactile and cold allodynia. Possible interference of SSR240612 with vascular oxidative stress and pancreatic function was also addressed.Key results:Glucose‐fed rats exhibited tactile and cold allodynia, increases in systolic blood pressure and higher plasma levels of insulin and glucose, at 12 weeks. SSR240612 blocked tactile and cold allodynia at 3 h (ID50=5.5 and 7.1 mg kg−1, respectively) in glucose‐fed rats but had no effect in control rats. The antagonist (10 mg kg−1) had no effect on plasma glucose and insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA index) and aortic superoxide anion production in glucose‐fed rats.Conclusions and implications:We provide the first evidence that the B1receptors are involved in allodynia in an experimental rat model of insulin resistance. Allodynia was alleviated by SSR240612 most likely through a direct inhibition of B1receptors affecting spinal cord and/or sensory nerve excitation. Thus, orally active non‐peptide B1receptor antagonists should have clinical therapeutic potential in the treatment of sensory polyneuropathy.British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)152, 280–287; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707388
PEGylated cholecystokinin prolongs satiation in rats: dose dependency and receptor involvement
Authors: Verbaeys I , León‐Tamariz F , Buyse J , De Cuyper M , Pottel H , Van Boven M , Cokelaere M 
Published: July 2007

Background and purpose:Acute intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of cholecystokinin (CCK) is known to induce a significant, but short‐lasting, reduction in food intake, followed by recovery within hours. Therefore, we had covalently coupled CCK to a 10 kDa polyethylene glycol and showed that this conjugate, PEG‐CCK9, produced a significantly longer anorectic effect than unmodified CCK9. The present study assessed the dose–dependency of this response and the effect of two selective CCK1 receptor antagonists, with different abilities to cross the blood‐brain barrier (BBB), on PEG‐CCK9‐induced anorexia.Experimental approach:Food intake was measured, for up to 23 h, after i.p. administration of different doses (2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 μg kg−1) of CCK9 or PEG‐CCK9 in male Wistar rats. Devazepide (100 μg kg−1), which penetrates the BBB or 2‐NAP (3 mg kg−1), which does not cross the BBB, were coadministered i.p. with PEG‐CCK9 (6 μg kg−1) and food intake was monitored.Key results:In PEG‐CCK9‐treated rats, a clear dose‐dependency was seen for both the duration and initial intensity of the anorexia whereas, for CCK9, only the initial intensity was dose‐dependent. Intraperitoneal administration of devazepide or 2‐NAP, injected immediately prior to PEG‐CCK9, completely abolished the anorectic effect of PEG‐CCK9.Conclusions and implications:The duration of the anorexia for PEG‐CCK9 was dose‐dependent, suggesting that PEGylation of CCK9 increases its circulation time. Both devazepide and 2‐NAP completely abolished the anorectic effect of i.p. PEG‐CCK9 indicating that its anorectic effect was solely due to stimulation of peripheral CCK1 receptors.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 152, 396–403; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707390; published online 9 July 2007
The State of School-Based Bilingual Assessment: Actual Practice Versus Recommended Guidelines
Authors: Caesar Lena G. , Kohler Paula D. 
Published: July 2007

Purpose
This study was designed to investigate the frequency with which school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) used recommended practices when assessing the language skills of bilingual students. The study also investigated the frequency with which SLPs used formal, standardized tests versus informal, alternative procedures with this population.

Method
A total of 596 surveys were mailed out to school-based SLPs in the state of Michigan who were members of the Michigan Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (MSHA) during the 2003–2004 academic year. Of the 409 usable surveys that were returned, 130 respondents indicated being involved in assessing bilingual children and comprised the sample used in this study.

Results
Results indicated that SLPs used formal, standardized English tests more frequently than informal assessment procedures when assessing bilingual students. Further in-depth analyses of SLPs' responses indicated that neither factors related to their years of experience or factors related to their academic preparation were significantly related to their use of recommended assessment practices. However, significant differences in use were noted based on respondents' employment settings.

Clinical Implications
This study underscores the need for academic training programs and professional organizations to intentionally disseminate information regarding the expediency of alternative testing procedures. Implications for the adequate nonbiased assessment of bilingual children are discussed.
Altered distribution of natural killer cell subsets identified by CD56, CD27 and CD70 in primary and chronic human immunodeficiency virus‐1 infection
Authors: Titanji Kehmia , Sammicheli Stefano , De Milito Angelo , Mantegani Paola , Fortis Claudio , Berg Louise , Kärre Klas , Travi Giovanna , Tassandin Chiara , Lopalco Lucia , Rethi Bence , Tambussi Giuseppe , Chiodi Francesca 
Published: July 2007

SummaryHuman natural killer (NK) (CD3− CD56+) cells can be divided into two functionally distinct subsets, CD3− CD56dim and CD3− CD56bright. We analysed the distribution of NK cell subsets in primary and chronic human immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV‐1) infection, to determine if HIV infection stage may influence the subset distribution. In primary infection, contrary to chronic infection, the CD3− CD56dim subset was expanded compared to healthy controls. We also studied the effect of antiretroviral therapy administered early in infection and found that NK cell subset distribution was partially restored after 6 months of antiretroviral therapy in primary infection, but not normalized. Recently, NK cells have been divided into CD27− and CD27+ subsets with different migratory and functional capacity and CD27‐mediated NK cell activation has been described in mice. We therefore investigated whether CD27 and/or CD70 (CD27 ligand) expression on NK cells, and thus the distribution of these novel NK subsets, was altered in HIV‐1‐infected patients. We found up‐regulated expression of both CD27 and CD70 on NK cells of patients, resulting in higher proportions of CD27high and CD70high NK cells, and this phenomenon was more pronounced in chronic infection. Experiments conducted in vitro suggest that the high interleukin‐7 levels found during HIV‐1 infection may participate in up‐regulation of CD70 on NK cell subsets. Imbalance of NK cell subsets and up‐regulated expression of CD27 and CD70 initiated early in HIV‐1 infection may indicate NK cell activation and intrinsic defects initiated by HIV‐1 to disarm the innate immune response to the virus.
Hearing aids: expectations and satisfaction of people with an intellectual disability, a descriptive pilot study
Authors: Meuwese‐Jongejeugd A. , Verschuure H. , Evenhuis H. M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground  In spite of an increased risk of hearing impairment in persons with an intellectual disability (ID), rehabilitation with hearing aids often fails. We performed a descriptive pilot study with the following study questions: 1 Do comparable elements as in the general population contribute to expectations of and satisfaction with hearing aids in adults with mild or moderate IDs? 2 To what extent do adults with an ID depend on carers in use and maintenance of hearing aids?Method  Study population: 16 adults with a mild or moderate ID and a recent diagnosis of hearing impairment. Method: information by means of specially designed booklets; semi‐structured interviews prior to hearing aid fitting and 6 months afterwards. Analysis: descriptive.Results  In total, 14/16 participants were able to give reliable answers. Most were aware of their hearing loss and familiar with reasons for hearing aids. A minority expressed positive expectations. Some expressed explicit wishes on the looks of hearing aids. All satisfaction domains as described for the general population could be recognized. Most participants were partially or totally dependent on carers in use and maintenance of hearing aids.Conclusions  Adults with ID may have explicit ideas and wishes about hearing aids and, if specifically asked, are capable of expressing these. Given information should be checked and repeated. In satisfaction with hearing aids, comparable elements may play a role as in the general population: benefit, cosmetics, sound quality/acoustics, comfort/ease of use, and service delivery. These findings, however, are from a small‐scale study. Additional research is necessary to find out whether they are applicable more generally.
Beyond the borders of reality: Attachment orientations and sexual fantasies
Authors: BIRNBAUM GURIT E. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractTwo studies examined the associations between attachment orientations and sexual fantasies. In Study 1, 176 participants completed a sexual fantasy checklist. The findings indicated that attachment anxiety was associated with frequent sexual fantasizing (e.g., submission themes). More anxiously attached women were particularly likely to report extrapair fantasies, whereas more anxiously attached men were especially likely to report romantic fantasies. Attachment avoidance was negatively associated with romantic themes, primarily among men. In Study 2, 115 participants described a sexual fantasy in narrative form. Findings paralleled those of Study 1, with the exception that the avoidant effects were more pronounced in women’s sexual fantasies than in men’s. Implications for understanding the interplay of the attachment and sexual behavior systems are discussed.
Topical vaginal oestrogen cream used for treatment of burn injury of vaginal mucosa after misapplication of 100% acetic acid in a perimenopausal woman: A case report
Authors: OU Kae‐Yng , CHEN Yu‐Chieh , HSU Shih‐Cheng , TSAI Eing‐Mei 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground:  Three to five per cent acetic acid is commonly used in the field of gynaecology for colposcopic examinations of the cervix. It gives an ‘acetowhite’ effect that may assist clinicians in identifying neoplastic areas.Case:  A perimenopausal woman was treated with acetic acid for abnormal Pap smear report (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1). During application, the patient complained of burning sensation of vagina and vulva. The vagina was saline‐irrigated after realising that the acetic acid had not been diluted. Following this incident, the patient was seen weekly and treated with conjugated vaginal oestrogen cream. The patient recovered and the vagina mucosa healed within two weeks.Conclusion:  Acetic acid is corrosive and may cause vagina bleeding. Oestrogen cream can be used in an attempt to minimise the adverse reaction and speed the healing process.
Voting with a Hand on the Bible and Not on the Wallet: The 1996 Video Poker Referendum in Louisiana
Authors: Scott John L. , Nelson Paul S. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract.  The 1996 gambling referendum in Louisiana provided a unique opportunity to study voters' preferences. At the time of the referendum, video poker machines legally operated in all of Louisiana's 64 parishes (counties). Video poker was voted down in 31 parishes and retained in 33 parishes. Voters also allowed the New Orleans land‐based casino and 15 riverboat casinos to continue their operations. The extant horse racing and pari‐mutuel betting were not voted on.We examine the economic, demographic, and religious factors that influenced how people voted on the issue of legalized video poker. This study is of interest because in recent years, legalized gambling has been expanding around the world. We know of no other referendum on gambling that covered an area as large as an entire U.S. state—all of Louisiana—and offered voters control over gambling in their locality.Months before the 1996 referendum, the news media suggested several factors that might determine the outcome of the vote. The media concluded that concern over jobs would be the major influence on the outcome. Other important factors included a campaign against gambling by Southern Baptist churches and the simultaneous national presidential election. We investigate whether these factors, along with demographic factors such as age and education, influenced the results of the gambling referendum.Surprisingly, we found no clear evidence that the economic health of a parish or the preexisting size of its gambling industry determined the vote. The presence of Southern Baptists in a parish increased the likelihood that gambling would be voted down. Democratic voters tended to vote for gambling, as did black voters. Age and education levels of voters did not appear to influence their votes on gambling. Voters in parishes that bordered other states were more likely to retain gambling. Overall, it appeared that personal values were more important in determining voter behavior than financial considerations. People were voting with their hearts, not their pocketbooks.
Symptom development and distribution of Tomato spotted wilt virus in flue‐cured tobacco
Authors: Mandal B. , Wells M.L. , Martinez‐Ochoa N. , Csinos A.S. , Pappu H.R. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is an economically important viral pathogen of flue‐cured tobacco, Nicotiana tabacum. Disease development and in planta distribution of TSWV were studied following mechanical inoculation of cv. K326 at various stages of growth. The effect of plant age on the disease development, distribution of symptoms and TSWV were studied by inoculating plants in five age groups, 40, 60, 75, 95 and 100 days after sowing (DAS). The plant age at the time of infection had no significant influence on the incidence of localised infection; however, it had a significant effect on the development of systemic symptoms and distribution of TSWV in the plant. In a higher proportion of plants (89.2%), no systemic symptoms developed when plants were inoculated at 60–100 DAS. However, 90% of plants became systemically infected when plants were inoculated at 40 DAS. The systemic symptom expression was severe and distributed in all the leaves in 40‐DAS plants, whereas in 60‐ to 100‐DAS plants, it was erratic and restricted only to a few upper leaves. Results show that plant age is an important factor for TSWV infection of tobacco and mature tobacco plants significantly reduced the systemic development of the disease.
Neural Network and Fuzzy Logic Diagnostics of 1x Faults in Rotating Machinery
Authors: El-Shafei A. , Hassan T. A. F. , Soliman A. K. , Zeyada Y. , Rieger N. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn this paper, the application of neural networks and fuzzy logic to the diagnosis of faults in rotating machinery is investigated. The learning-vector-quantization (LVQ) neural network is applied in series and in parallel to a fuzzy inference engine, to diagnose 1x faults. The faults investigated are unbalance, misalignment, and structural looseness. The method is applied to a test rig (Hassan et al., 2003, ASME Paper No. GT 2003-38450), and the effectiveness of the integrated Neural Network and Fuzzy Logic method is illustrated.
The SAFE (SGRQ score, air-flow limitation and exercise tolerance) Index: a new composite score for the stratification of severity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Azarisman Mohd Shah , Fauzi Mohd Anshar , Faizal Mohd Perdaus Ahmad , Azami Zaharim , Roslina Abdul Manap , Roslan Harun 
Published: July 2007

Abstract

Background
This study was proposed to develop a composite of outcome measures using forced expiratory volume percentage of predicted, exercise capacity and quality of life scores for assessment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) severity.

Materials and methods
Eighty-six patients with COPD were enrolled into a prospective, observational study at the respiratory outpatient clinic, National University Hospital Malaysia (Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia - HUKM), Kuala Lumpur.

Results
Our study found modest correlation between the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), 6 min walk distance and the SGRQ scores with mean (SD) values of 0.97 (0.56) litres/s, 322 (87) m and 43.7 (23.6)%, respectively. K-Means cluster analysis identified four distinct clusters which reached statistical significance which was refined to develop a new cumulative staging system. The SAFE Index score correlated with the number of exacerbations in 2 years (r = 0.497, p&lt;0.001).

Conclusion
We have developed the SGRQ, Air-Flow limitation and Exercise tolerance Index (SAFE Index) for the stratification of severity in COPD. This index incorporates the SGRQ score, the FEV1 % predicted and the 6 min walk distance. The SAFE Index is moderately correlated with the number of disease exacerbations.
Foreign travel for advanced cancer patients: a guide for healthcare professionals
Authors: Perdue Colin , Noble Simon 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
The opportunity for a patient with advanced cancer to travel abroad may, for some, be a life affirming event during a dark period in their life. For others, what they hoped to be a time of joy may become an unmitigated disaster if they become unwell while away from the safety net of local cancer services. The rise of low budget airlines and cheaper foreign travel has led to an increase in the number of people travelling by air. Health professionals are more likely to face requests by patients to advise them on travel plans. Although foreign travel is an unrealistic goal for some patients, appropriate forward planning and proactive management can allow some patients to make an important journey abroad. This paper looks at the practical issues facing cancer patients who intend to travel overseas and offers practical advice on considerations that need to be made.
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
Authors: Agarwal A K , Garg R , Ritch A , Sarkar P 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is an autonomic disturbance which has become better understood in recent years. It is now thought to encompass a group of disorders that have similar clinical features, such as orthostatic intolerance, but individual distinguishing parameters—for example, blood pressure and pulse rate. The clinical picture, diagnosis, and management of POTS are discussed.
Quality of life and alteration in comorbidity following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
Authors: Titi M , Jenkins J T , Modak P , Galloway D J 
Published: July 2007

Abstract

Objectives
Obesity is an increasing problem in the UK and bariatric surgery is likely to increase in volume in the future. While substantial weight loss is the primary outcome following bariatric surgery, the effect on obesity-related morbidity, mortality and quality of life (QOL) is equally important. This study reports on weight loss, QOL, and health outcomes following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in a low volume bariatric centre (&lt;20 cases/year) and presents the first assessment of factors relating to the QOL which has been produced from a UK based surgical practice.

Study design
Questionnaire based study of patients who had LAGB. Each patients' initial body mass index (BMI), QOL, and comorbidities were recorded. Change in these parameters was measured including excess weight loss, and output from both the Moorehead–Ardelt QOL questionnaire, and the Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS).

Results
Eighty-one patients (14 males, 67 females) answered the questionnaire. More than 50% excess weight loss was recorded in 52/81 patients (64%). Sixty-four patients (79%) reported improvement in their QOL including self-esteem, physical activity, social involvement, and ability to work. Seventy-one patients had initial obesity related comorbidity. In 61 of these patients (86%) their comorbidities resolved or improved. Minor port site related complications were recorded in nine patients while two patients had removal of the band because of infection.

Conclusion
LAGB is a safe method of bariatric surgery. It can achieve satisfactory weight loss with significant improvement in QOL and comorbidity.
Pneumothorax: an update
Authors: Currie Graeme P , Alluri Ratna , Christie Gordon L , Legge Joe S 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Pneumothorax is a relatively common clinical problem which can occur in individuals of any age. Irrespective of aetiology (primary, or secondary to antecedent lung disorders or injury), immediate management depends on the extent of cardiorespiratory impairment, degree of symptoms and size of pneumothorax. Guidelines have been produced which outline appropriate strategies in the care of patients with a pneumothorax, while the emergence of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery has created a more accessible and successful tool by which to prevent recurrence in selected individuals. This evidence based review highlights current practices involved in the management of patients with a pneumothorax.