bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological study of the lingual papillae of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) by scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Pastor J. F. , Barbosa M. , De Paz F. J. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractDue to the scarcity of giant pandas, there are few descriptions of their morphology and even fewer of their microscopic anatomy and the ultrastructure of their organs. In this study of the complete tongue of an adult male giant panda, we describe the morphology of its lingual surface, the different types of papillae, their characteristics and topographic distribution. It was seen that there are four main types of lingual papillae: filiform, conical, fungiform and vallate. There was no sign of foliate papillae, tuberculum intermolare or sublingua. Papilla distribution was not limited to the dorsum of the tongue, but was also seen on the anterior and ventral surfaces of the tongue. In the anterior third of the midline there is a smooth area with no papillae at all. Morphology of the microgrooves and pores is similar to that observed in other mammals. The papillae share characteristics encountered in Carnivora and herbivorous species of mammals. A narrow bamboo‐based diet and specialized manner of eating have together resulted in modification of the tongue of a carnivoran, giving it some characteristics typical of an herbivore.
Rating Pakistani medical journals using the principles of citation analysis
Authors: Ullah Midrar , Farooq Butt Idrees 
Published: January 2008

AbstractObjective:   To quantify the impact of Pakistani Medical Journals using the principles of citation analysis.Methods:   References of articles published in 2006 in three selected Pakistani medical journals were collected and examined. The number of citations for each Pakistani medical journal was totalled. The first ranking of journals was based on the total number of citations; second ranking was based on impact factor 2006 and third ranking was based on the 5‐year impact factor. Self‐citations were excluded in all the three ratings.Results:   A total of 9079 citations in 567 articles were examined. Forty‐nine separate Pakistani medical journals were cited. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association remains on the top in all three rankings, while Journal of College of Physicians and Surgeons—Pakistan attains second position in the ranking based on the total number of citations. The Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences moves to second position in the ranking based on the impact factor 2006. The Journal of Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad moves to second position in the ranking based on the 5‐year impact factor.Conclusion:   This study examined the citation pattern of Pakistani medical journals. The impact factor, despite its limitations, is a valid indicator of quality for journals.
Effectiveness of sources of HIV/AIDS awareness in a rural community in Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Nwagwu Williams E. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractAims and objectives:   The effectiveness of each of the 14 sources of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) awareness available to women and adolescent girls dwelling in a rural community in Imo State, Nigeria was measured in order to understand the relative contribution of the sources to the general knowledge about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS possessed by the women and the girls.Methods:   The details of the research methods adopted in this study, which involved 734 in‐school and out‐of‐school adolescents and 434 women, have been described previously [Nwagwu, W. Di Nwanna and the reproductive health of the girl child in Imo State, Nigeria. Final Report (04 83064 000 GSS) submitted to MacArthur Fund for Leadership and Development, Abuja, 2006].Results:   Friends and relatives emerged as the most effective source of AIDS awareness for women (29%), followed by community meetings (26%) and then television (20%), whereas the most effective sources for the girls were television (28%), followed by friends and relatives, and radio (17% and 14.4%, respectively).Conclusions:   Each of the information sources listed made some contribution to the general knowledge about HIV/AIDS possessed by the respondents, although the level of awareness would have been low among women in the absence of friends and relatives, and among the girls in the absence of television. Information awareness programmes should be selected according to the needs of social groups and the most effective information sources concentrated upon.
Co‐expression of mu and delta opioid receptors as receptor‐G protein fusions enhances both mu and delta signalling via distinct mechanisms
Authors: Snook L. A. , Milligan G. , Kieffer B. L. , Massotte D. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractMu and delta opioid receptors (MORs and DORs) were co‐expressed as fusion proteins between a receptor and a pertussis insensitive mutant Gαi/oprotein in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Signalling efficiency was then monitored following inactivation of endogenous Gαi/oproteins by pertussis toxin. Co‐expression resulted in increased delta opioid signalling which was insensitive to the mu specific antagonistd‐Phe‐Cys‐Tyr‐d‐Trp‐Arg‐Thr‐Pen‐Thr‐NH2. Under these conditions, mu opioid signalling was also increased and insensitive to the delta specific antagonist Tic‐deltorphin. In this latter case, however, no G protein activation was observed in the presence of the delta specific inverse agonistN,N(CH3)2‐Dmt‐Tic‐NH2. When a MOR fused to a non‐functional Gα subunit was co‐expressed with the DOR‐Gα protein fusion, delta opioid signalling was not affected whereas mu opioid signalling was restored. Altogether our results suggest that increased delta opioid signalling is due to enhanced DOR coupling to its tethered Gα subunit. On the other hand, our data indicate that increased mu opioid signalling requires an active conformation of the DOR and also results in activation of the Gα subunit fused the DOR.
Gene expression in the rat brain during prostaglandin D2 and adenosinergically‐induced sleep
Authors: Terao Akira , Huang Zhi‐Li , Wisor Jonathan P. , Mochizuki Takatoshi , Gerashchenko Dmitry , Urade Yoshihiro , Kilduff T. S. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractPrevious studies have supported the hypothesis that macromolecular synthesis occurs in the brain during sleep as a response to prior waking activities and that prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) is an endogenous sleep substance whose effects are dependent on adenosine A2a receptor‐mediated signaling. We compared gene expression in the cerebral cortex, basal forebrain, and hypothalamus during PGD2‐induced and adenosinergically‐induced sleep to results from our previously published study of recovery sleep (RS) after sleep deprivation (SD). Immediate early gene expression in the cortex during sleep induced by PGD2‐ or by the selective adenosine A2a agonist CGS21680 showed limited similarity to that observed during RS while, in the basal forebrain and hypothalamus, widespread activation of immediate early genes not seen during RS occurred. In all three brain regions, PGD2 and CGS21680 reduced the expression of arc, a transcript whose expression is elevated during SD. Using GeneChips®, the majority of genes induced by either PGD2 or CGS21680 were induced by both, suggesting activation of the same pathways. However, gene expression induced in the brain after PGD2 or CGS21680 treatment was distinct from that described during RS after SD and apparently involves glial cell gene activation and signaling pathways in neural‐immune interactions.
Expression of the neurosecretory process in pc12 cells is governed by rest
Authors: D’Alessandro Rosalba , Klajn Andrijana , Stucchi Laura , Podini Paola , Malosio Maria Luisa , Meldolesi Jacopo 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe neurosecretory process is acquired during differentiation and can be lost en block by differentiated cells. To investigate the role of REST/NRSF, a transcription repressor, in the maintenance of the process we studied two PC12 clones, one wt and one defective, expressing low and high levels of endogenous RE‐1 silencing transcription (factor) (REST), respectively. Stable transfection of constructs demonstrated that REST represses 10 genes coding for proteins of neurosecretory vesicles and their exocytosis, eight including and two lacking the REST‐binding sequence, RE‐1. Of these genes, those of chromogranins were strongly repressed by fewfold increases of REST, those of VAMP2 and syntaxin1a required much higher levels. Moreover, in wt cells transfected with an active construct the dense‐core vesicles, still competent for regulated exocytosis, were much smaller, with lighter cores; in defective cells, the dominant‐negative construct induced the rescue of many vesicle/exocytosis genes but not of those of chromogranins. Small dense‐core vesicles, exocytized upon stimulation, were rescued when the construct‐transfected defective cells were transfected also with chromograninA or treated with trichostatinA, a blocker of histone deacetylases. Our results identify REST, working by direct and indirect mechanisms, as the factor governing the maintenance of the neurosecretory process and the properties of dense‐core vesicles in PC12 cells.
Anti‐aging properties of resveratrol: review and report of a potent new antioxidant skin care formulation
Authors: Baxter Richard A 
Published: January 2008

SummaryResveratrol, an antioxidant polyphenol from red wine, has been the subject of intense interest in recent years due to a range of unique anti‐aging properties. These include cardiovascular benefits via increased nitric oxide production, down‐regulation of vasoactive peptides, lowered levels of oxidized low‐density lipoprotein, and cyclooxygenase inhibition; possible benefits on Alzheimer's disease by breakdown of beta‐amyloid and direct effects on neural tissues; phytohormonal actions; anticancer properties via modulation of signal transduction, which translates into anti‐initiation, antipromotion, and antiprogression effects; antimicrobial effects; and sirtuin activation, which is believed to be involved in the caloric restriction‐longevity effect. Here we report a resveratrol‐based skin care formulation, with 17 times greater antioxidant activity than idebenone. The role of resveratrol in prevention of photoaging is reviewed and compared with other antioxidants used in skin care products.
A novel treatment option for photoaged skin
Authors: Knott Anja , Koop Urte , Mielke Heiko , Reuschlein Katja , Peters Nils , Muhr Gesa‐Meike , Lenz Holger , Wensorra Ursula , Jaspers Sören , Kolbe Ludger , Raschke Thomas , Stäb Franz , Wenck Horst , Gallinat Stefan 
Published: January 2008

SummaryBackground  DNA damage as a result of ultraviolet (UV) exposure plays an important role in the progression of cutaneous aging. Both folic acid and creatine have been linked to the process of DNA protection and repair.Aims  This study aims to investigate the effects of a commercially available folic acid– and creatine‐containing formulation to fight the clinical signs of premature skin aging.Patients/methods  Both in vitro and in vivo home‐in‐use studies using a folic acid– and creatine‐containing formulation were performed aiming to elucidate the efficacy in terms of improvement of skin regeneration, protection from UV‐induced DNA damage (Comet assay), reduction of wrinkle volume, and skin visco‐elasticity. Furthermore, clinical evaluation and photography were carried out to determine the improvement of clinically graded parameters after treatment.Results  Cultured full‐thickness epidermal skin models supplemented with folic acid and creatine after epithelial perturbation showed an accelerated skin regeneration compared to untreated control models. Similarly, application of a folic acid– and creatine‐containing formulation significantly improved epidermal turnover in vivo as evidenced by smaller corneocytes derived from the treated sites relative to the vehicle‐treated sides. In addition, topical in vivo application of this formulation significantly protected from UV‐induced DNA lesions, increased skin firmness, and reduced wrinkle volume compared to untreated control areas. Expert grading confirmed a significant decrease of fine and coarse wrinkles in the periocular region as well as overall wrinkles, tactile roughness, and laxity.Conclusions  Taken together, these results show that the combination of folic acid and creatine significantly accelerates epidermal skin regeneration in vitro and in vivo. Together with the finding of improved biomechanical skin properties, we conclude that the described topical formulation provides an effective treatment option for (photo)‐aged skin.
Are Family Physicians Good for You? Endogenous Doctor Supply and Individual Health
Authors: Gravelle Hugh , Morris Stephen , Sutton Matt 
Published: January 2008

Objective.To investigate the impact of family physician (FP) supply on individual health, adjusting for factors that affect both health and FPs' choice of location.Study Population.A total of 49,541 individuals in 351 English local authorities (LAs).Data Sources.Data on individual health and personal characteristics from three rounds (1998, 1999, and 2000) of the Health Survey for England were linked to LA data on FP supply.Study Design.Three methods for analyzing self‐reported health were used. FP supply, instrumented by house prices and by age‐weighted capitation payments for patients on FP lists, was included in individual‐level health regressions along with individual and LA covariates.Results.When no instruments are used FPs have a positive but statistically insignificant effect on health. When FP supply is instrumented by age‐related capitation it has markedly larger and statistically significant effects. A 10 percent increase in FP supply increases the probability of reporting very good health by 6 percent.Conclusion.After allowing for endogeneity, an increase in FP supply has a significant positive effect on self‐reported individual health.
Hospital Nurse Practice Environments and Outcomes for Surgical Oncology Patients
Authors: Friese Christopher R. , Lake Eileen T. , Aiken Linda H. , Silber Jeffrey H. , Sochalski Julie 
Published: January 2008

Objective. To examine the effect of nursing practice environments on outcomes of hospitalized cancer patients undergoing surgery.Data Sources. Secondary analysis of cancer registry, inpatient claims, administrative and nurse survey data collected in Pennsylvania for 1998–1999.Study Design. Nurse staffing (patient to nurse ratio), educational preparation (proportion of nurses holding at least a bachelor's degree), and the practice environment (Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index) were calculated from a survey of nurses and aggregated to the hospital level. Logistic regression models predicted the odds of 30‐day mortality, complications, and failure to rescue (death following a complication).Principal Findings. Unadjusted death, complication, and failure to rescue rates were 3.4, 35.7, and 9.3 percent, respectively. Nurse staffing and educational preparation of registered nurses were significantly associated with patient outcomes. After adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics, patients in hospitals with poor nurse practice environments had significantly increased odds of death (odds ratio, 1.37; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.07–1.76) and of failure to rescue (odds ratio, 1.48; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.07–2.03). Receipt of care in National Cancer Institute‐designated cancer centers significantly decreased the odds of death, which can be explained partly by better nurse practice environments.Conclusions. This study is one of the first to examine the predictive validity of the National Quality Forum's endorsed measure of the nurse practice environment. Improvements in the quality of nurse practice environments could reduce adverse outcomes for hospitalized surgical oncology patients.
Masque scenery and the tradition of immobilization in The First Part of The Countess of Montgomery's Urania
Authors: Campbell Julie D. 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACTThis study addresses two of the pivotal magical interventions in The First Part of The Countess of Montgomery's Urania, specifically those in which Wroth makes use of the masque tradition of immobilization: the Three Towers of the House of Love and the Marble Theatre on an island in the Gulf of Venice. In these enchantments, which include architecturally fantastic structures, music, and the symbolically posed, stilled characters, Wroth creates masque‐like ‘idealized fictions’ that emblematize the romantic relationships she depicts. They are meant to elevate the sometimes sordid realities of real relationships to a higher allegorical plane on which the virtue of constancy and the vice of inconstancy may contend. Within the narrative as a whole, Wroth uses these aspects of masque tradition to gesture toward and to complicate what Christopher Booker has called ‘the cosmic happy ending.’
The Role of Medical Directors in Dialysis Facilities Series Editor: Robert A. Gutman: How Dialysis Is Paid For: What the Dialysis Medical Director Should Know, and Why
Authors: DeOreo Peter B. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractWhile Medicare funds neither 100% of the patients, nor 100% of the costs incurred by dialysis patients, Medicare’s policies dominate reimbursement. The medical director is well advised to understand these mechanisms and the processes leading to change. Medicare pays for dialysis according to laws and rules enacted by Congress. Congress is re‐evaluating the funding of the end‐stage renal disease program. The rules are changing. They are changing in a way designed to encourage better outcomes, and increased provider accountability. The new terms of art are “budget neutrality,”“quality incentive payments,” and “bundled composite rate.” Providers will need to make choices that may impact the quality of care and the experience of the patient. It is up to the medical director to ensure that these choices result in benefit to their patients.
A pilot trial of levetiracetam in eyelid myoclonia with absences (Jeavons syndrome)
Authors: Striano Pasquale , Sofia Vito , Capovilla Giuseppe , Rubboli Guido , Di Bonaventura Carlo , Coppola Antonietta , Vitale Giuseppina , Fontanillas Luis , Giallonardo Anna Teresa , Biondi Roberto , Romeo Antonino , Viri Maurizio , Zara Federico , Striano Salvatore 
Published: January 2008

SummaryObjective:Eyelid myoclonia with absences (EMA) or Jeavons syndrome characterized by eyelid myoclonia (EM) (with or without absences), eye closure‐induced EEG paroxysms, and photosensitivity. We conducted an open‐label trial of levetiracetam in EMA.Patients and Methods: Patients were recruited in different Italian Epilepsy Centres. Levetiracetam was administrated at starting dose of 10 mg/kg/day up to 50–60 mg/kg/day in two doses. Treatment period included a 5–6 week up‐titration phase and a 12‐week evaluation phase. The number of days with EM (i.e., days with seizures, DwS) and number of generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCS) were evaluated. Analysis of intent‐to‐treat population was performed using Fisher's and Wilcoxon tests.Results: Thirty‐five patients (23 F) with a mean age of 19 ± 6 years were recruited. Twenty‐seven had previously undergone one to five adequate trials of antiepileptic drugs. The median number of DwS/month was 12 ± 8.2. Twenty‐one patients experienced GTCS (median number/month: 1 ± 0.2). Thirty‐four subjects completed the trial. Levetiracetam was well tolerated (mean dose: 1985 mg/day). Responders were 28/35 (80%) patients, nine taking levetiracetam as monotherapy. Six patients were seizure‐free, 15 had ≥75% and seven >50% seizure reduction. GTCS remitted in 14 out of 21 (66.6%) patients. The number/month of DwS (median: 12 vs 5; p = 0.0001) and of GTCS (median: 1 vs 0; p = 0.0001) decreased compared to baseline period. Disappearance or clear reduction in paroxysmal abnormalities at eye closure occurred in 20 of the responders and photoparoxysmal response in 19. Mean follow‐up was 23.9 ± 18.5 months.Conclusion: Levetiracetam is effective and well tolerated in EMA. Placebo‐controlled studies should confirm these findings.
Evidence of Genetic Predisposition to Alcoholic Cirrhosis and Psychosis: Twin Concordances for Alcoholism and Its Biological End Points by Zygosity among Male Veterans
Authors: Hrubec Zdenek , Omenn Gilbert S. 
Published: February 2008

Medical histories of the 15,924 male twin pairs in the National Academy of Sciences‐National Research Council Twin Registry were examined to determine, within pairs, concordances for alcoholism and its medical end points. Prevalences per 1,000 among individual twin subjects were 29.6 for alcoholism, 4.1 for alcoholic psychosis, 14.2 for liver cirrhosis, and 2.1 for pancreatitis. Prevalences were similar for monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins. Prevalences in percent among co‐twins of diagnosed subjects, that is case‐wise twin concordance rates, were, respectively, by diagnosis: alcoholism: 26.3 (MZ), 11.9 (DZ); alcoholic psychosis: 21.1 (MZ), 6.0 (DZ); and liver cirrhosis: 14.6 (MZ), 5.4 (DZ). No twin pairs concordant for pancreatitis were found.The greater concordance for alcoholic psychosis and for liver cirrhosis among MZ than DZ twins could not be explained by the difference in alcoholism concordance between them. The difference in concordance between MZ and DZ twins persisted when, in addition, it was assumed that only half of the actually occurring cases of alcoholism and of each of the end points have been ascertained. These results provide evidence in favor of genetic predisposition to organ‐specific complications of alcoholism and should serve to stimulate searches for the underlying biochemical mechanisms.
Hepatic Safety of Once‐Monthly Injectable Extended‐Release Naltrexone Administered to Actively Drinking Alcoholics
Authors: Lucey Michael R. , Silverman Bernard L. , Illeperuma Ari , O’Brien Charles P. 
Published: January 2008

Background:  Hepatoxicity has been reported with oral naltrexone. Hepatic safety data were examined from a 6‐month study evaluating the efficacy and safety of a now available extended‐release formulation of naltrexone (XR‐NTX) in patients with alcohol dependence.Methods:  In all, 624 patients (68% male; median age of 44 years) were randomly assigned to XR‐NTX 380 mg (n = 205), XR‐NTX 190 mg (n = 210), or placebo (n = 209).Results:  There were no significant differences in alanine aminotrasferase, aspartate aminotransferase, or bilirubin levels between the study groups at study initiation or at subsequent assessments. Gamma‐glutamyltransferase in the XR‐NTX 380 mg group was lower compared with placebo at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 20. Both high (>3 times the upper limit of normal) liver chemistry tests (LCTs) and hepatic‐related adverse events were infrequent in all study groups. In patients who were drinking heavily throughout the study, obese subjects, or those taking nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, there was no increase in frequency of high LCTs or hepatic‐related adverse events in patients receiving XR‐NTX (either dose) compared with placebo.Conclusion:  Extended‐release formulation of naltrexone does not appear to be hepatotoxic when taken at the recommended clinical doses in actively drinking alcohol‐dependent patients.